ABC/Lou RoccoThere's good news and bad news for Mariah Carey today. First the bad news: her Los Angeles home was burglarized. The LAPD tells ABC News that the diva wasn't home at the time, but thieves apparently entered the upstairs bedroom by ladder and ransacked it, as well as other rooms in the house. Approximately $50,000 worth of items were taken. The burglary was discovered Thursday morning, and the LAPD is now investigating. Now, the good news: Mariah's released a new Christmas song. It's called "The Star," and it's the title track from the upcoming animated movie of the same name. The song is a classic inspirational Mariah ballad, and it's considerably more religious than "All I Want for Christmas Is You." "Follow that voice you heard that no one else believes/follow the dream that brought the King on Christmas Eve," she sings, before changing key and belting out the final chorus: "Follow that star above you/should the world try to break you down/There is One who waits for you, though you can't see Him now." The Star, featuring the voices of Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Tracy Morgan, Kelly Clarkson, Anthony Anderson, Patricia Heaton, Aidy Bryant and Zachary Levi, among others, tells the story of the Nativity through the eyes of a donkey named Bo and his animal friends; it arrives in theaters November 17. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Healthcare Cloud Computing Market: Up-to-Date Analysis of Market Trends and Technological Improvements https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/healthcare-cloud-computing-market.asp https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/healthcare-cloud-computing-market/toc https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3305 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com According to a new market report published by Persistence Market Research Global Market Study on Healthcare Cloud Computing: Hybrid Clouds to Witness Highest Growth by 2020 the global healthcare cloud computing market was valued at USD 4,216.5 million in 2014 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.1% from 2014 to 2020, to reach an estimated value of USD 12,653.4 million in 2020.Obtain Report Details @Healthcare cloud computing refers to a process which involves delivering hosted medical services to the clients. These services can be classified into majorly three types: infrastructure-as-a-service, platform-as-a-service, and software-as-a-service. A cloud can be public, private, hybrid or community in nature.Globally, the healthcare cloud computing market is witnessing significant growth due to increased government healthcare IT spending and advanced features of cloud computing services In addition, rising demand for better healthcare facilities, increasing in popularity of wireless and cloud technologies are driving the healthcare cloud computing market. However, factors such as high cost involved in the implementation of clinical information systems and lack of security and privacy of patients information restrain the global market for healthcare cloud computing market. In addition, interoperability issues negatively impact the growth of the healthcare cloud computing market. The global healthcare cloud computing market is estimated at USD 4,216.5 million in 2014 and expected to reach USD 12,653.4 million in 2020, growing at a CAGR of 20.1%.Download Table of Content @North America has the largest market for the global healthcare cloud computing market. This is due to technological advancements in the region. North American market for healthcare cloud computing is estimated at USD 1,857.5 million in 2014 and is expected to reach USD 5,757.7 million in 2020, growing at a CAGR of 20.7%. In terms of deployment model, hybrid clouds are the fastest growing segment. In terms of service model, software-as-a-service (Saas) is the largest segment of healthcare cloud computing market.One of the latest trends that have been observed in the global healthcare cloud computing market includes increasing use of mobile devices for delivering healthcare services.Request A Sample Of Report @Microsoft Corporation and International Business Machines Corporation are some of the leading players in the global market for healthcare cloud computing market. Some of the other major players in healthcare cloud computing market are Agfa-Gevaert N.V., CareCloud Corporation, Dell Inc, ORACLE CORPORATION, GE Healthcare and Merge Healthcare Incorporated.The healthcare cloud computing market is segmented as follows:Healthcare Cloud Computing Market, By ApplicationsNon-Clinical Information SystemsClinical Information SystemsHealthcare Cloud Computing Market, By Type of CISElectronic Medical Records (EMR)Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS)Pharmacy Information System (PIS)Radiology Information System (RIS)Laboratory Information System (LIS)Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) SystemHealthcare Cloud Computing Market, By Deployment ModelPrivate CloudPublic CloudHybrid CloudCommunity CloudHealthcare Cloud Computing Market, By ComponentsSoftwareServicesHardwareHealthcare Cloud Computing Market, By Service ModelSoftware-as-a-service (SaaS)Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS)Platform-as-a-service (PaaS)Healthcare Cloud Computing Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeGermanyFranceU.K.AsiaChinaJapanAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Research Study Offers Insights on Future of Pasta Market 2016 - 2024 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=10982 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=10982 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Originating from Italy, pasta is now considered a global cuisine. Typically made from unleavened dough of durum wheat flour blended with eggs or water, it is available in the market in various shapes. To entice consumers, small and large manufacturers are now experimenting with different ingredients ranging from chickpea flour and rice flour to tomato, spinach, carrot, or beet juices and different herbs and spices for enhanced flavor and color.The global market for pasta can be classified into spaghetti, macaroni, and noodles. It can also be bifurcated into fresh and dried pasta. While the former is prepared from a simple dough of eggs and flour, the latter is made from finely ground semolina flour and water, sans egg mostly. Fresh pasta has a comparatively shorter shelf life than dried pasta and hence it is more expensive. Dried pasta generates accounts for a dominant share vis-a-vis sales in the global market for pasta. The overall global pasta market is expected to grow moderately in the upcoming years.By dint of being an easy dish that can be prepared without much effort, pastas have become popular worldwide. This, coupled with their longer shelf life, has driven the growth of this market so far. Other factors providing a tailwind to the market are the high nutritional quotient of pastas and solid distribution channels such as supermarkets/ hypermarkets and departmental stores. To further improve margins, astute players are manufacturing pasta not just with added flavors but also with added value such as more fiber, less carbohydrate, gluten-free, and fortified. Some of the big ticket companies have also gone on to announce the use of only natural additives in their products. This recent trend to manufacture healthier varieties of pasta is expected to boost growth substantially in the coming years.However, branded pasta companies like many other staples are finding it tough to safeguard their market share from private labels, especially in consolidated markets. Private labels steal a march with more or less decent quality goods that are priced lower.Geography-wise, the global market for pasta has been segmented into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and the Rest of the World. Among them, Europe accounts for maximum percentage share in terms of consumption and North America comes next. Markets in China and India, emerging economies whose growth rate has surpassed that of all other countries in the world, have proved to be tough ones to crack. Per capita sales of pasta is low in India and China on account of lesser priced regional staples such as rice and noodles. Besides the lack of affordability and cultural preferences, the abundant availability of pasta is another factor hobbling the growth of the Asian markets. Going forward, however, tables might likely turn due to rising per capita income in emerging economies, particularly India and China. This, coupled with rising urbanization, is anticipated to push substantial growth in the near future.Visit For TOC@To study the vendor landscape of the market, the report has profiled companies such as American Italian Pasta Company, Armanino Foods of Distinction Inc., Campbell Soup Company, Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd., Fiori-Bruna Pasta Products, ConAgra Foods, Inc., Strom Products Ltd., and General Mills. Their recent developments and historical roadmap have been studied in the report in detail.Request For Report Brochure@About Us:-Transparency Market Research is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Auto Beauty Market Top 20 Countries Data Report for Global and Regional Industry Size 2017-2023 Auto Beauty market https://www.marketresearchnest.com/auto-beauty-global-market-status-and-trend-report-2013-2023-top-20-countries-data.html https://www.marketresearchnest.com/purchase.php?reportid=270248 https://www.marketresearchnest.com/requestsample.php?reportid=270248 MarketResearchNest.com adds Auto Beauty -Global Market Status & Trend Report 2017-2023 Top 20 Countries Data new report to its research database. The report spread across in a 141 pages with table and figures in it.Report SummaryAuto Beauty -Global Market Status and Trend Report 2013-2023 Top 20 Countries Data offers a comprehensive analysis on Auto Beauty industry, standing on the readers' perspective, delivering detailed market data in Global major 20 countries and penetrating insights. No matter the client is industry insider, potential entrant or investor, the report will provides useful data and information. Key questions answered by this report include:Worldwide and Top 20 Countries Market Size of Auto Beauty 2013-2017, and development forecast 2018-2023Main manufacturers/suppliers of Auto Beauty worldwide and market share by regions, with company and product introduction, position in the Auto Beauty marketMarket status and development trend of Auto Beauty by types and applicationsCost and profit status of Auto Beauty , and marketing statusMarket growth drivers and challengesBrowse full table of contents and data tables atThe report segments the global Auto Beauty market as:Global Auto Beauty Market: Regional Segment Analysis (Regional Production Volume, Consumption Volume, Revenue and Growth Rate 2013-2023):North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Spain and Benelux)Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia and Australia)Latin America (Brazil, Argentina and Colombia)Middle East and AfricaGlobal Auto Beauty Market: Type Segment Analysis (Consumption Volume, Average Price, Revenue, Market Share and Trend 2013-2023):Cleaning and Caring, Polishing and Waxing, Sealing Glaze and Coating, Interior Maintenance, Other.Order a Purchase Report Copy atGlobal Auto Beauty Market: Application Segment Analysis (Consumption Volume and Market Share 2013-2023; Downstream Customers and Market Analysis)4S Stores, Auto Beauty Shops, Personal Use, Other.Global Auto Beauty Market: Manufacturers Segment Analysis (Company and Product introduction, Auto Beauty Sales Volume, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin):3M, Turtle Wax, SONAX, SOFT99, Tetrosyl, Liqui Moly, Simoniz, Autoglym, Botny, BiaoBang, CHIEF, Rainbow, Auto Magic, Granitize, PIT, Cougar Chemical, P21S, CARTEC, Swissvax, Anfuke, Collinite, Jewelultra.In a word, the report provides detailed statistics and analysis on the state of the industry; and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Request a sample copy atAbout Us:MarketResearchNest.com is the most comprehensive collection of market research products and services on the Web. We offer reports from almost all top publishers and update our collection on daily basis to provide you with instant online access to the worlds most complete and recent database of expert insights on Global industries, organizations, products, and trends.Contact UsMr. Jeet JainSales Managersales@marketresearchnest.com+1-240-284-8070(U.S)+44-20-3290-4151(U.K)Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook Hereditary Angioedema Market to be Worth US$3.81 Billion by 2025: Initiatives to Generate Awareness by Physicians and Patient Bodies Drive Growth MRRSE http://www.mrrse.com/sample/3380 http://www.mrrse.com/hereditary-angioedema-market https://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/3380 https://www.mrrse.com/ This report on the Global Hereditary Angioedema Market analyzes the current and future prospects of the market. The report comprises an elaborate executive summary, including a market snapshot that provides overall information of various segments and sub-segments.Request for Sample Report:The research is a combination of primary and secondary research. Primary research formed the bulk of our research efforts along with information collected from telephonic interviews and interactions via e-mails. Secondary research involved study of company websites, annual reports, press releases, stock analysis presentations, and various international and national databases. The report provides market size in terms of US$ Mn for each segment and sub-segment for the period from 2017 to 2025, considering the macro and micro environmental factors. Growth rates for each segment within the global hereditary angioedema market have been determined after a thorough analysis of past trends, demographics, future trends, technological developments, and regulatory requirements.A detailed qualitative analysis of factors responsible for driving and restraining market growth and future opportunities has been provided in the market overview section. This section of the report also includes market attractiveness analysis that provides a thorough analysis of the overall competitive scenario in the global hereditary angioedema market.Market revenue in terms of US$ Mn for the period between 2015 and 2025 along with the compound annual growth rate (CAGR %) from 2017 to 2025 are provided for all the segments, considering 2016 as the base year. Market size estimations involved in-depth study of product features of different types of drug class and various pipeline products. Additionally, market related factors such as rise in preference for self-administrable drugs, expiry of market exclusivity of certain drugs, projected launch of the drugs etc. in various geographies and historical year-on-year growth have been taken into consideration while estimating the market size.Hereditary Angioedema Market: SegmentationHereditary Angioedema is a rare genetic disease that is caused by lack or abnormal functioning of the protein C1 inhibitor protein. Lack of functional C1 inhibitor protein leads to high volume of bradykinin, which triggers of blood vessels causing inflammation of body organs. HAE symptoms are often misdiagnosed for common allergies or abdominal pain. Many patients are hospitalized due to HAE attacks. HAE attack in upper airway have proven to be fatal if untreated on its emergence.Based on drug class, the global hereditary angioedema market has been segmented into C1 esterase inhibitor, Selective Bradykinin B2 Receptor Antagonist, Kallikrein Inhibitor others. The C1 esterase inhibitor is further segmented into drugs namely Cinryze, Berinert and Ruconest. The segment is anticipated to hold a significant share of the global market. The others segment is further sun segmented into conventional and pipeline products. The segment is projected to dominate the market during the forecast period due to launch of novel products.Browse Full Report with TOC:Based on route of administration, the global hereditary angioedema market is segmented into intravenous, subcutaneous injections and oral. The subcutaneous injections is anticipated to dominate the market during the forecast period due to availability of approved drugs for acute HAE attack are administered subcutaneously, development of variants of Cinryze and Berinert that can be administered subcutaneously etc.Based on the distribution channel, the global hereditary angioedema market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies and others. Ever increasing number of retail pharmacies is attributed for the significant share of the segment in the global market.Hereditary Angioedema Market: Geographical and Competitive DynamicsGeographically, the global hereditary angioedema market has been segmented into six regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World. In addition, the regions have been further segmented by major countries from each region.The report also profiles major players in the hereditary angioedema market based on various attributes such as company overview, financial overview, SWOT analysis, key business strategies, product portfolio, and recent developments. Key companies profiled in the report include Shire plc, CSL Limited, Pharming Group NV, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and iBio, Inc.Enquire about This Report:About UsMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.ContactState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:- Global Biochar Market Projected to Reach US$ 14,751.8 Thousand by 2025; Popularity of Organic Food and Waste Management Benefits Driving Demand MRRSE http://www.mrrse.com/sample/589 http://www.mrrse.com/biochar-market https://www.mrrse.com/ Biochar is a charcoal which is obtained by heating different waste products such as wood waste, agricultural waste, animal manure and forest waste. These waste products are used as feedstock for production of biochar. Biochar is produced mainly through modern pyrolysis processes in which direct thermal decomposition of biomass waste in the absence of oxygen, resulting into biochar along with bio-oil and syngas. Biochar obtained is rich in carbon content and is fine grained residue. Biochar can also be obtained using different technologies such as gasification, microwave pyrolysis, etc.Request for Sample Report:The report estimates and forecasts the Biochar Market on the global, regional, and country levels. The study provides forecast between 2017 and 2025 based on volume (Tons) and revenue (US$ Thousand) with 2016 as the base year. The report comprises an exhaustive value chain analysis for each of the product segments. It provides a comprehensive view of the market. Value chain analysis also offers detailed information about value addition at each stage. The study includes drivers and restraints for the biochar market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period. The study also provides key market indicators affecting the growth of the market. The report analyzes opportunities in the biochar market on the global and regional level. Drivers, restraints, and opportunities mentioned in the report are justified through quantitative and qualitative data. These have been verified through primary and secondary resources. Furthermore, the report analyzes substitute analysis of biochar and global average price trend analysis.Global Biochar Market: Key Research AspectsThe report includes Porters Five Forces Model to determine the degree of competition in the biochar market. It comprises qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, wherein end-users and countries have been analyzed based on attractiveness for each region. Growth rate, market size, raw material availability, profit margin, impact strength, technology, competition, and other factors (such as environmental and legal) have been evaluated in order to derive the general attractiveness of the market. The report comprises price trend analysis for biochar between 2017 and 2025.Secondary research sources that were typically referred to include, but were not limited to company websites, financial reports, annual reports, investor presentations, broker reports, and SEC filings. Other sources such as internal and external proprietary databases, statistical databases and market reports, news articles, national government documents, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market have also been referred for the report.In-depth interviews and discussions with wide range of key opinion leaders and industry participants were conducted to compile this research report. Primary research represents the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. Key players product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents were reviewed for competitive analysis and market understanding. This helped in validating and strengthening secondary research findings. Primary research further helped in developing the analysis teams expertise and market understanding.Global Biochar Market: SegmentationThe study provides comprehensive view of the biochar market by dividing it into feedstock, application and geography. The biochar market has been segmented into woody biomass, agricultural waste, animal manure, and others. Application segments electricity generation, agriculture, forestry and others have been analyzed based on historic, present, and future trends.Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for biochar in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). Additionally, the report comprises country-level analysis in terms of volume and revenue for end-user segments. Key countries such as the U.S., France, Germany, Italy, the U.K., China, India, Japan, South Africa, Mexico, and Brazil have been included in the study. Market segmentation includes demand for individual end-users in all the regions and countries.Browse Full Report with TOC:The report covers detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and profiles of key players operating in the global market. Major players profiled in the report Pacific Pyrolysis Pty Ltd, Vega Biofuels, Inc., Full Circle Biochar, Genesis Industries LLC, Diacarbonn Energy Inc., Earth Systems Bioenergy, Agri-Tech Producers, LLC , Pacific Biochar, Phoenix Energy, Biochar Supreme LLC, CharGrow, LLC, Cool Planet Energy Systems. Company profiles include attributes such as company overview, number of employees, brand overview, key competitors, business overview, business strategies, recent/key developments, acquisitions, and financial overview (wherever applicable).About UsMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.ContactState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:- Thermal Insulation Materials Market Size to Grow at a Steady Rate During Forecast Period 2016 - 2023 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=11063 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=11063 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Thermal insulation materials are used to restrict the transfer of heat energy between two ends of differing temperature. Heat energy always flows from high temperature end to low temperature end. Heat energy in form of electromagnetic waves flow between objects in a range of radiative influence. Thermal insulation materials provide the insulation in which the radiative heat is reflected or heat conduction is reduced rather than being absorbed. Thermal insulation materials can be segmented on the basis of material type and temperature range of the insulation material. Furthermore, on the basis of material type, thermal insulation materials can be segmented into stone wool, fiberglass, plastic foam, and others. Likewise, on the basis of temperature range, thermal insulation materials can be classified into ranges from -160 C to -50 C, -49 C to 0C, 1to 100C, and 101C to 650C. Thermal insulation materials find application in various fields such as buildings, spacecraft, mechanical systems, clothing, natural animal insulation, and automotive, etc. Factors affecting the quality of thermal insulation materials include insulation thickness, specific heat capacity, thermal bridging, surface emissivity, density, and thermal conductivity. Globally, thermal insulation materials are used across industries to reduce energy consumption by maintaining the required temperature in the particular area.Thermal insulation materials are employed in the construction industry to maintain temperature in the range of around 1C to 100C. Factors such as increasing investment in the construction industry, rising number of manufacturing units, and growing urbanization are expected to drive the thermal insulation materials market further during the forecast period. In order to maintain the energy standards, developed countries have formulated strict regulations to reduce their energy consumption. Additionally, developing economies such as India have adopted the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) in a bid to help reduce the energy consumption by 30%-50% with the help of green building materials. Several nations are making efforts to be in line with the zero-energy standards in order to reduce the pollution generated in the production of thermal energy. Increasing concerns about environment are expected to prove to be a key opportunity for the growth of the thermal insulation market during the forecast period. However, high capital cost of thermal insulation materials is projected to act as a hurdle in the growth of the thermal insulation market. Thermal insulation material segmented between the temperature range of 1C to 100C is projected to indicate the highest growth till 2023. Residential buildings and commercial offices constituted more than 30% of the energy consumption, out of which approximately half the amount was utilized for the cooling and heating of buildings.Increase in the use of LNG and other such substances is likely to propel the thermal insulation material market in Asia Pacific during the forecast period. In 2014, Asia Pacific accounted for the maximum share of the global thermal insulation material market. Middle East and Africa stood second in the growth of the thermal insulation materials market due to the storage of cryogenics in the petrochemicals industry. North America experienced a fair growth on account of rise in construction activities in 2014. Europe was estimated to show moderate growth due to increasing environmental norms such as Concerted Action Energy Performance (CAEP) of Buildings during the forecast period. Latin America is projected to demonstrate fair growth due to the presence of developing economies such as Brazil and Mexico during the forecast period.Visit For TOC@Some of the key players in the thermal insulation market are Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Saint Gobain S.A., Asahi Kasei Corporation, Kingspan Group PLC, BASF SE, Owens-Corning, Dow Chemical Company, Bayer AG, Rockwool International A/S, and E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.Request For Report Brochure@About Us:-Transparency Market Research is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Automotive Lighting Market Top 20 Countries Data Report for Global and Regional Industry Size 2017-2023 Automotive Lighting market https://www.marketresearchnest.com/automotive-lighting-global-market-status-and-trend-report-2013-2023-top-20-countries-data.html https://www.marketresearchnest.com/purchase.php?reportid=270250 https://www.marketresearchnest.com/requestsample.php?reportid=270250 MarketResearchNest.com adds Automotive Lighting -Global Market Status & Trend Report 2017-2023 Top 20 Countries Data new report to its research database. The report spread across in a 145 pages with table and figures in it.Report SummaryAutomotive Lighting -Global Market Status and Trend Report 2013-2023 Top 20 Countries Data offers a comprehensive analysis on Automotive Lighting industry, standing on the readers' perspective, delivering detailed market data in Global major 20 countries and penetrating insights. No matter the client is industry insider, potential entrant or investor, the report will provides useful data and information. Key questions answered by this report include:Worldwide and Top 20 Countries Market Size of Automotive Lighting 2013-2017, and development forecast 2018-2023Main manufacturers/suppliers of Automotive Lighting worldwide and market share by regions, with company and product introduction, position in the Automotive Lighting marketMarket status and development trend of Automotive Lighting by types and applicationsCost and profit status of Automotive Lighting , and marketing statusMarket growth drivers and challengesBrowse full table of contents and data tables atThe report segments the global Automotive Lighting market as:Global Automotive Lighting Market: Regional Segment Analysis (Regional Production Volume, Consumption Volume, Revenue and Growth Rate 2013-2023):North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Spain and Benelux)Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia and Australia)Latin America (Brazil, Argentina and Colombia)Middle East and AfricaGlobal Automotive Lighting Market: Type Segment Analysis (Consumption Volume, Average Price, Revenue, Market Share and Trend 2013-2023):Head Lighting, Tail Lamp, Turn Lighting, Other.Order a Purchase Report Copy atGlobal Automotive Lighting Market: Application Segment Analysis (Consumption Volume and Market Share 2013-2023; Downstream Customers and Market Analysis)Passenger Cars, Commercial Vehicles.Global Automotive Lighting Market: Manufacturers Segment Analysis (Company and Product introduction, Automotive Lighting Sales Volume, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin):Koito, Valeo, Magneti Marelli, Hella, Stanley, ZKW Group, Ichikoh, Varroc, SL Corporation, TYC, Hyundai IHL, DEPO,Imasen, Fiem, Farba, Xingyu, Tongming, Wenguang, Huanyu, LDB.In a word, the report provides detailed statistics and analysis on the state of the industry; and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Request a sample copy atAbout Us:MarketResearchNest.com is the most comprehensive collection of market research products and services on the Web. We offer reports from almost all top publishers and update our collection on daily basis to provide you with instant online access to the worlds most complete and recent database of expert insights on Global industries, organizations, products, and trends.Contact UsMr. Jeet JainSales Managersales@marketresearchnest.com+1-240-284-8070(U.S)+44-20-3290-4151(U.K)Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook Growing Industrialization will influence the Additive Manufacturing Market Growth 2016 - 2023 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=11132 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=11132 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The global additive manufacturing market is driven by new and improved technologies and ease of development of custom products. The additive manufacturing markets can be segmented on the basis of materials into homogeneous materials and heterogeneous materials. Homogeneous materials are further segmented into natural materials, metals, polymers and ceramics. Heterogeneous material is further sub segmented into multiple materials, polymeric matrix and metallic matrix. In addition, the additive manufacturing market is segmented on the basis of industry type such as business machine, motor vehicles, medical industry, consumer products, academics, government and others. Based on medical industry, additive manufacturing is used in making end-products such as prosthetics & implants, scaffolds and surgical equipment. The additive manufacturing market is growing due to the increasing incidence of surgeries. Amongst medical industry, surgical equipment account for the largest market share due to their wide applicability.Some of the major driving forces for this market include ease of development of custom products and financial support from government for additive manufacturing. In addition, rapid product development at a low cost is the key factor to improve the demand for additive manufacturing globally. Moreover, increasing global additive manufacturing market is expected to boost the demand for additive manufacturing in the global market.Participation of small companies in additive manufacturing is anticipated to provide growth opportunity to the additive manufacturing market. Moreover, positive growth due to mergers and acquisitions by many companies in developing nations such as India, Brazil and Thailand among others are expected to act as an opportunity for the additive manufacturing market globally. In addition, emerging research and development primarily in countries such as U.K., Germany and U.S. among others is the other factor acting as an opportunity for the global additive manufacturing market.Europe is the most attractive market for additive manufacturing market globally followed by North America, Asia Pacific and RoW. Rising investment by different international companies in additive manufacturing is driving the additive manufacturing market in the region. This is anticipated to boost the additive manufacturing market during the estimate period of 2015 2021. In terms of revenue, Europe is anticipated to witness high growth in the forecast period of 2015 2021 due to increasing income level and low cost of additive manufacturing. North America is the second largest market for additive manufacturing followed by Asia Pacific and Rest of the World. In Asia Pacific, China holds the leading position followed by India. Leading industries are focusing on expansion of businesses across region and setting up new plants for increasing their production capacity. In addition, adoption of new technologies in the medical field is helping additive manufacturing market to experience robust growth in developing nations among patients and physicians.Visit For TOC@The increasing demand for functional food in developing countries such as India among others is anticipated to broaden options for different manufacturing companies as new entrants in the additive manufacturing market. This is estimated to drive the market of additive manufacturing in Asia Pacific during the forecast period. In addition, leading industries are focusing on expansion of businesses across region and setting up new plants for increasing their production capacity. The increasing demand for Additive Manufacturing is attracting the global players to include additive manufacturing in their product offerings. The manufacturing companies are focusing to expand their business in the untapped markets of Latin America.The global additive manufacturing market is fragmented with the presence of large number of small. However, there is presence of some large corporations in this market. Some of the major companies operating in additive manufacturing market are Arcam AB, Stratasys Inc., Greatbarch Inc., Biomedical Modeling, Inc., Eos GmbH Electro Optical Systems, Envisiontec Gmbh, GPI Prototype and Manufacturing Services, Inc., Morries Technologies Inc.,Sirona Dental System and SLM Solutions GmbH among others.The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.Request For Report Brochure@About Us:-Transparency Market Research is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Dairy & Soy Food Sector in PORTUGAL Market 2017- Revenue, Price and Gross Margin Research Report 2021 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2400962-country-profile-dairy-soy-food-sector-in-portugal SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled Dairy & Soy Food Sector in PortugalThe Portuguese Dairy & Soy Food sector accounted for 2.5% volume share of the Western European market in 2016. It is led by the Cheese market, which accounted for the largest share in value terms, whereas Milk market led the sector in volume terms in 2016. Soymilk & Soy Drinks market is forecast to register the fastest growth during 2016-2021. Hypermarkets & Supermarkets is the leading channel for the distribution of Dairy & Soy Food products in the country. Rigid Plastics is the most commonly used package material in the sector, while the use of Flexible Packaging is forecast to register the fastest growth during 2016-2021. Lactogal Food SA, FROMAGERIES BEL SA and Groupe Danone S.A are the leading market players in the Portuguese Dairy & Soy Food sectorCountry Profile report on the Dairy & Soy Food sector in Portugal provides insights on high growth markets to target, trends in the usage of packaging materials, category level distribution channel data and market share of brands.What else is contained?- Market data: Overall market value and volume data with growth analysis for 2011-2021. The overall market value and volume included in the report is split on the basis of On-trade and Off-trade- Category coverage: Value and growth analysis for Butter & Spreadable Fats, Cheese, Cream, Dairy-Based & Soy-Based Desserts, Drinkable Yogurt, Fromage Frais & Quark, Milk, Soymilk & Soy Drinks, and Yogurt with inputs on individual category share within each market and the change in their market share forecast for 2016-2021- Leading players: Market share of brands and private labels, including private label growth analysis from 2011-2016- Distribution data: Percentage of sales within each market through distribution channels such as On-trade, Cash & Carries and warehouse Clubs, Hypermarkets & Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Food & Drinks Specialists, eRetailers and others- Packaging data: consumption breakdown for packaging materials and container types in each market, in terms of percentage share of number of units sold. Packaging material data for Glass, Flexible Packaging, Paper & Board, Rigid Plastics, and others; container data for: Carton, Film, Bag/Sachet, Tub, Wrapper, Bottle, and Tube.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Scope- Of the nine markets, Cheese is the largest in value terms, in 2016- Soymilk & Soy Drinks market is expected to record the fastest CAGR of during 2016-2021- The per capita consumption of Dairy & Soy Food is higher in Portuguese compared to the global level- Hypermarkets & Supermarkets is the leading distribution channel in the Portuguese Dairy & Soy Food sector, in 2016- Mimosa is the leading brand by volume in the Portuguese Dairy & Soy Food sector- Rigid Plastic is the most commonly used package material in the Portuguese Dairy & Soy Food Sector, in 2016Key points to buy- Identify high potential categories and explore further market opportunities based on detailed value and volume analysis- Existing and new players can analyze key distribution channels to identify and evaluate trends and opportunities- Gain an understanding of the total competitive landscape based on detailed brand share analysis to plan effective market positioning- Manufacturers can identify the opportunities to position products with H&W attributes/benefits- Access the key and most influential consumer trends driving Dairy & Soy Food products consumption, and how they influence consumer behavior in the market which will help determine the best audiences to target- Our team of analysts have placed a significant emphasis on changes expected in the market that will provide a clear picture of the opportunities that can be tapped over the next five years, resulting in revenue expansion- The packaging analysis report helps manufacturers, in identifying the most commonly used packaging materials in the sector- Analysis on key macro-economic indicators such as GDP per capita, population (overall and breakdown by age), and consumer price index. It also covers a comparative analysis of political, economic, socio-demographic, and technological indicators (PEST) across 50 countries.Table of Contents1. Report Scope2. Executive summary3. Portugal in the global and regional context4. Market size analysis - Dairy & Soy Food sector5. Market and category analysis6. Distribution analysis7. Competitive landscape8. Health & Wellness analysis9. Packaging analysis10. Macroeconomic analysis11. Consumergraphics12. Methodology13. Appendix14. Definitions15. About16. Disclaimer17. Contact Us..CONTINUEDWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Home Decor and Accessories Market 2017 By Analyzing the Performance of Various Competitors 2022 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2401144-home-decor-and-accessories-2017 SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled Home Decor and Accessories"Home Decor and Accessories 2017", offers comprehensive insight and analysis of the home decor market which includes; pictures & frames, clocks, decorative accessories, vases & bowls, candle holders & lanterns, candles & home fragrance and mirrors.It provides in-depth analysis of the following: the key issues impacting the market, strategies for success, market sizes and forecasts to 2022, retailer profiles, retailer market shares and consumer shopping habits and spending motivations.While other big-ticket home sectors will be impacted by consumers tightening their budgets due to a more uncertain economy, home decor will remain robust, with growth slowing to 0.7% in 2018 but remaining positive. Home decor is slightly more protected against the economy compared to other home sectors, as consumers cut back on big-ticket items, such as furniture, and purchase home decor items as a cheaper way to decorate their homes. Candle holders & lanterns and candles & home fragrances will be the fastest growing categories over the next five years as online influencers and scandi-trends - such as hygge and lagom - drive shopper interest in candles for a calming and relaxing home environment.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Scope- Midmarket retailers will experience further pressure from the discounters as consumers trade down due to a gloomy economic forecast in the short to medium term. They must invest in old stores and promote their superior quality and gifting collections to maintain share in the home decor market.- Online growth is restricted due to the discretionary and non-essential nature of home decor. This means that a large proportion of sales are driven by consumers who happen to see something they like instore and spontaneously purchase rather than it being a planned decision - this shopper journey is difficult to replicate online without being able to touch and feel products, therefore limiting online growth in home decor.- Fashion retailers continue to grow their presence in the home decor market, with Zara having opened more standalone home stores, H&M rolling out home concessions, and River Island poised to launch a homewares range. Department stores risk losing sales to customers choosing to purchase more competitively priced home decor items from clothing and fashion retailers.- Nearly two thirds of UK shoppers bought candles & home fragrances products in 2017. Candles have boomed in popularity as social media influencers discuss expensive candle brands such as Neom Organics, Diptyque and Jo Malone, with candles becoming a symbol of an aspirational lifestyle. This desire has also benefitted high street retailers that are able to provide cheaper alternatives to less affluent shoppers and those trading down due to squeezed budgets.- Social media is becoming increasingly important as a source of inspiration across many sectors, including homewares. These platforms, particularly Pinterest and Instagram, are very influential, so retailers must ensure they are using these platforms frequently to engage and inspire shoppers.Key points to buy- Understand how online influencers such as Zoella and Tanya Burr are increasingly impacting the home decor market and how this is driving sales of certain products within home decor. Utilise this information to understand which products to focus on and how to communicate these products to home decor customers through social media.- Utilise our trend capsule to identify current and future fashion trends in the home decor market and which retailers are best placed to take advantage of the increasing fashionability of homewares and whether you are on trend within home decor.- Identify the disruption of discounters and value retailers such as B&M and The Range as well as fashion retailers within the home decor market and how midmarket retailers can continue to gain market share in a more competitive retail environment.- Discover the key motivations behind how consumers shop home decor through our survey of 2,000 shoppers. Use this data to understand which facilities you should provide instore and the importance of store formats and where products are placed to drive sales.Table of ContentsDefinitionsOverall SummaryIssues And StrategiesTrend CapsuleThe MarketThe RetailersThe ConsumerFurther DetailsAppendixWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Global Color Cosmetics Market 2017: Key Players L'Oreal, Unilever, Avon, Lancome, P&G, Dior, LVMH, Coty https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1003216-global-color-cosmetics-sales-market-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/1003216-global-color-cosmetics-sales-market-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=1003216 SummaryWiseguyreports.Com Adds Color Cosmetics Market 2017 Global Analysis, Growth, Trends and Opportunities Research Report Forecasting to 2022Global Color Cosmetics market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Color Cosmetics sales volume, Price (USD/MT), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingL'OrealUnileverAvonLancomeP&GDiorLVMHCotyChanelEstee LauderShiseidoL'OccitaneJohnson & JohnsonHenkelMary KayBeiersdorfJane IredaleMAC CosmeticsKoseRevlon GroupBenefit CosmeticsOriflameYves RocherNaturaAlticorJALA JialaAmore PacificJahwa GroupRequest a Sample Report @Geographically, this report split global into several key Regions, with sales (K MT), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Color Cosmetics for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoNail MakeupFacial MakeupEye MakeupLip ProductsHair Color ProductsOtherOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate of Color Cosmetics for each application, includingBeautySkin CareOtherAt any Query @Table of ContentsGlobal Color Cosmetics Sales Market Report 20171 Color Cosmetics Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Color Cosmetics1.2 Classification of Color Cosmetics by Product Category1.2.1 Global Color Cosmetics Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Color Cosmetics Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Nail Makeup1.2.4 Facial Makeup1.2.5 Eye Makeup1.2.6 Lip Products1.2.7 Hair Color Products1.2.8 Other1.3 Global Color Cosmetics Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Color Cosmetics Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Beauty1.3.3 Skin Care1.3.4 Other1.4 Global Color Cosmetics Market by Region1.4.1 Global Color Cosmetics Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States Color Cosmetics Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 China Color Cosmetics Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Europe Color Cosmetics Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Color Cosmetics Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Color Cosmetics Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Color Cosmetics Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Color Cosmetics (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Color Cosmetics Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Color Cosmetics Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022).9 Global Color Cosmetics Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data9.1 L'Oreal9.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.1.2 Color Cosmetics Product Category, Application and Specification9.1.2.1 Product A9.1.2.2 Product B9.1.3 L'Oreal Color Cosmetics Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.2 Unilever9.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.2.2 Color Cosmetics Product Category, Application and Specification9.2.2.1 Product A9.2.2.2 Product B9.2.3 Unilever Color Cosmetics Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.3 Avon9.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.3.2 Color Cosmetics Product Category, Application and Specification9.3.2.1 Product A9.3.2.2 Product B9.3.3 Avon Color Cosmetics Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.4 Lancome9.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.4.2 Color Cosmetics Product Category, Application and Specification9.4.2.1 Product A9.4.2.2 Product B9.4.3 Lancome Color Cosmetics Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.5 P&G9.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.5.2 Color Cosmetics Product Category, Application and Specification9.5.2.1 Product A9.5.2.2 Product B9.5.3 P&G Color Cosmetics Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.6 Dior9.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.6.2 Color Cosmetics Product Category, Application and Specification9.6.2.1 Product A9.6.2.2 Product B9.6.3 Dior Color Cosmetics Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.7 LVMH9.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.7.2 Color Cosmetics Product Category, Application and Specification9.7.2.1 Product A9.7.2.2 Product B9.7.3 LVMH Color Cosmetics Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.8 Coty9.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.8.2 Color Cosmetics Product Category, Application and Specification9.8.2.1 Product A9.8.2.2 Product B9.8.3 Coty Color Cosmetics Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.9 Chanel9.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.9.2 Color Cosmetics Product Category, Application and Specification9.9.2.1 Product A9.9.2.2 Product B9.9.3 Chanel Color Cosmetics Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.10 Estee Lauder9.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.10.2 Color Cosmetics Product Category, Application and Specification9.10.2.1 Product A9.10.2.2 Product B9.10.3 Estee Lauder Color Cosmetics Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.10.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.11 Shiseido9.12 L'Occitane9.13 Johnson & Johnson9.14 Henkel9.15 Mary Kay9.16 Beiersdorf9.17 Jane Iredale9.18 MAC Cosmetics9.19 Kose9.20 Revlon Group9.21 Benefit Cosmetics9.22 Oriflame9.23 Yves Rocher9.24 Natura9.25 Alticor9.26 JALA Jiala9.27 Amore Pacific9.28 Jahwa GroupBuy Now @Continued....Contact Us: sales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US) ; Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)ABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.ADDRES:WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Global Ophthalmology Visco Surgical Devices Market: Market Estimation, Dynamics, Regional Share, Trends, Competitor Analysis 2012-2016 and Forecast 2017-2023 https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-ophthalmology-visco-surgical-devices-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-ophthalmology-visco-surgical-devices-market/#ulp-c654SbFYO64MsOhu https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-ophthalmology-visco-surgical-devices-market/#ulp-14mlyhjMGhVjZqa3 https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-ophthalmology-visco-surgical-devices-market/ Cataracts are treated with ophthalmology visco surgical devices (OVD) with a minimal disturbance to the eye structure. These are solutions or agents which contain chemicals like methycellulose, hydroxypropyl, sodium hyaluronate and chondroitin sulfate. Ophthalmic Visco Surgical Devices are also called as viscoelastic agents that is a vital tool for the anterior segment surgeon. To create and maintain space in anterior chamber of eye during phacoemulsification and insertion of intraocular lens these ophthalmology visco surgical devices are used. These are the transparent and gel substances with elastic and viscous properties.Rise in cataract procedures is the major factor which is bolstering ophthalmic visco surgical devices market growth. Rapid rise in the geriatric population which results in the rise of incidences and prevalence of various ocular disorders such as high myopia, diabetic retinopathy and cataract. Rise in awareness campaigns by NGOs about the seriousness of ocular disorders is expected to be one of the factor in boosting the growth of the ophthalmology visco surgical devices market. However, shortage in skilled ophthalmologists, limited availability of the screening equipment in undeveloped countries are some of the factors that may hinder the global ophthalmic visco surgical devices market growth.A sample of this report is available upon request @The global ophthalmology visco surgical devices market is classified on the basis of product type, application, end user, and regionOn the basis of product type, ophthalmology visco surgical devices market is segmented as Cohesive OVD Dispersive OVD CombinedOn the basis of application, ophthalmology visco surgical devices market is segmented as Cataract Surgery Vitreoretinal Surgery Canaloplasty Refractive Surgery Keratoplasty Other applicationsOn the basis of end-user, ophthalmology visco surgical devices market is segmented as Hospital Ambulatory Surgical Centres Eye Specialty ClinicsTo view TOC of this report is available upon request @People with diabetes are affected with the complications like blindness and diabetic retinopathy. As per the IDF estimation, the diabetes prevalence increases from 360 Mn to 550 Mn from 2011 to 2030. In Addition to this, raised high life expectancy and shifting towards old age people that lead to the increased incidence cases of cataract cases and it is anticipated to contribute the growth of ophthalmology visco surgical devices market globally. As per the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research & National Eye Institute, it is that estimated 0.2 million people are affected with AMD Age-related macular degeneration in the U.SNeed more information about this report @Geographically, the ophthalmology visco surgical devices market is segmented into five key regions. Latin America, North America, the Middle East and Africa Europe and Asia-Pacific. North America is dominating the ophthalmic visco surgical devices market owing to the rise in incidences of the cataract surgeries. Europe and Asia-Pacific regions are also expected to have significant growth in the ophthalmology visco surgical devices market due to the favourable reimbursement scenario in this region. In Asia-Pacific region, India and China are the major markets for ophthalmic visco surgical devices due to the large patient pool.Some of the market participants in the global ophthalmology visco surgical devices market are Carl Zeiss Meditec AG (Germany), Abbott Laboratories (U.S.), Novartis AG (Switzerland), Valeant (Canada), Hyaltech Ltd. (U.K.), CIMA Technology Inc. (U.S.), and Rayner (U.K.)Get access to full summary @About Precision Business InsightsPrecision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs.Contact to Precision Business Insights,Kemp House,152 160 City Road,London EC1V 2NXEmail: sales@precisionbusinessinsights.com Global Ovarian Cancer Treatment Market: Market Estimation, Dynamics, Regional Share, Trends, Competitor Analysis 2012-2016 and Forecast 2017-2023 https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-ovarian-cancer-treatment-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-ovarian-cancer-treatment-market/#ulp-c654SbFYO64MsOhu https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-ovarian-cancer-treatment-market/#ulp-14mlyhjMGhVjZqa3 https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-ovarian-cancer-treatment-market/ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer, which affects ovaries it causes rapid and abnormal increase of cell growth in ovaries. The exact cause of cancer is still unknown. An epithelial tumour, germ cell tumour and primary peritoneal carcinoma are types of ovarian cancer. Common symptoms include pressure in pelvis or lower back, changes in bowel movements, tiredness or low energy and more frequent urination. In most of the ovarian cancer cases, cancer will not be diagnosed until it has progressed to an advanced stage. Ovarian cancer is one of most common cause of cancer deaths in woman. Thereby need for development of the more effective drugs in treatment of ovarian cancer.Increase in incidence of ovarian cancer worldwide is driving the ovarian cancer treatment market. According to WHO, an estimated 238,700 woman are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012. The increase in older woman population, rising government funding and raising health care awareness able to grow ovarian cancer treatment market over the forecast period. According to ovarian cancer research fund alliance, the rate of prevalence of ovarian cancer is higher in woman between 55 to 66 years, many of the cancer foundations are funding to educate patients and healthcare professionals regarding symptoms and treatment options for ovarian cancer which may impact ovarian cancer market revenue growth positively over a forecast period. However, availability of generic drugs, lack of accurate diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and patient expiry of the key patented drugs like gemzar, taxol and paraplatin are expected to hamper the ovarian cancer treatment market.A sample of this report is available upon request @Ovarian cancer treatment market segmented on the basis of type of cancer, drug class, and stageBased on type of cancer, ovarian cancer treatment market is segmented into Epithelial Ovarian Tumor Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor Ovarian Stomatal Tumor Primary Peritoneal CarcinomaBased on drug class, ovarian cancer treatment market is segmented into Chemotherapeutic Agents Targeted Therapy Drugs Immune System Modulators HormonesBased on distribution channel, ovarian cancer treatment market is segmented into Hospital Pharmacies Retail Pharmacies OthersTo view TOC of this report is available upon request @Companies operating in ovarian cancer market investing in developing new drug therapies and finding newer molecular targets to treat ovarian cancer. For instance, Vintafolide an investigational targeted cancer therapeutic currently under development by Endocyte and Merck & Co. and faltetuzumab a monoclonal antibody being investigated for the treatment of ovarian cancer this was developed by Morphotek, Inc. The introduction of new drug therapies like gene therapy, radiation therapy and targeted drug therapy are projected to improve ovarian cancer market revenue growth over forecast period. Global ovarian cancer market currently dominated by generic drugs and development of more effective drugs is challenging for market players. Some of the new drugs like avastin, lynparza and yondelis are approved in recent years to treat cancer and these drugs are slowly capturing market share.Need more information about this report @Geographically ovarian cancer treatment market has been segmented into following regions viz. North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominates the ovarian cancer treatment market due to rising number of ageing population. According to American cancer society, in U.S. about 22,440 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer and about 14,080 women will die from ovarian cancer in 2017. Europe is largest market as the incidence rates of ovarian cancer is increased in the region.Some of the players in ovarian cancer treatment market include Eli Lilly and Company (U.S.), Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. (U.S.), Novogen Limited (Australia) , AeternaZentaris Inc. (U.S)., GlaxoSmithKline plc (UK), BoehringerIngelheim GmbH (Germany) and F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG (Switzerland) to name a few.Get access to full summary @About Precision Business InsightsPrecision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs.Precision Business Insights,Kemp House,152 160 City Road,London EC1V 2NXEmail: sales@precisionbusinessinsights.comToll Free (US): +1-866-598-1553Website @ Turkish Airlines Market Top Competitors Analysis Report 2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2400890-turkish-airlines-strong-growth-hits-a-wall-as-security-and-political SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled Turkish AirlinesTurkish Airlines has in recent years expanded its operations dramatically, emerging from a local airline to a major global player. This growth has been propelled by the strategic location of its Istanbul hub. With Turkey currently constructing a six runway new airport at Istanbul, potential for growth is strong. However political and security concerns still linger and can adversely affect the company, as happened in 2016 when a string of terrorist attacks and an attempted political coup drove the airline into contraction.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Key Highlights- Turkish Airlines is one of the success stories of the airlines industry over the past decade, with the company more than doubling the number of destinations it travels to within the span of ten years whilst also increasing its revenue significantly.- However, despite its growth and the potential for more, Turkish Airlines suffered a real shock in 2016 when its revenues fell and the number of tourists travelling to the country also declined significantly.- Potential for further growth is very real, especially as the new Istanbul airport will allow Turkish Airlines to further expand its operations. The Americas particularly is an area with low penetration at the moment. The weakening of the Lira coupled with an increase in the global tourism industry will also serve to attract tourists to Turkey again.Scope- Explains the reasons fur Turkish Airlines growing so strongly over the past decade.- Explores how the company can continue expanding in the coming years.- Analyzes why Turkish Airlines did not grow in 2016 specifically.- Examines further growth possibilities for the airline company as well as the increasing challenges it will face from competitors.Key points to buy- Why has Turkish Airlines grown so strongly in recent years?- Why did its revenues decline in 2016 specifically?- What potential for further growth exists for the company?- Which companies serve as the main competitors to Turkish Airlines?Table of ContentsOverviewCatalystSummaryTurkish Airlines has witnessed strong growth over past decadeTurkish Airlines destinations double within a decadeTurkish Airlines brand image also boosted by expansion in operationsPotential for further growth remains strong as new Istanbul airport under constructionWorlds largest airport currently under construction in IstanbulGrowth in international tourism along with popularity of medical tourism provides further opportunities for growth..CONTINUEDWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Glue-applied Labels Market to have Good Business Opportunities in the Coming Years https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=31415 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/glue-applied-labels-market.htm https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/31415 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The global Glue-Applied Labels Market is forecasted to largely benefit from the rising adoption of small-sized polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles used for toiletries, cosmetics, and carbonated soft drinks. The increasing demand for highly durable and readily available labels is predicted to support the growth of new innovations in the market. Besides shrink sleeves, complex films could be extensively used for labeling purposes in the coming years. Avery Dennison already introduced its curvy film technology to apply labels on curved and extremely complex container shapes.The global glue-applied labels market is envisioned to attract a revenue earning of US$25.3 bn by the completion of 2022 after progressing from a US$19.6 bn achieved in 2017. It is estimated that the market could rise at a 5.3% CAGR.Sample With Latest Advancements @Global Glue-applied Labels Market: Major InsightsThe international glue-applied labels market is foreseen to draw a whole lot of demand from the strengthening trend of esthetically-appealing offerings among consumers. As a result, food and consumer packaged product manufactures could be compelled to focus on visually appealing labels and ease of use packages. Moreover, manufacturers are expected to make constant innovations in labeling solutions by providing customized solutions or designing attractive labels.The international glue-applied labels market is projected to be cataloged into three categories, i.e. face stock material, type of layer, and application sector. In respect of face stock material, paper could exhibit a colossal share in the market while growing at a CAGR of 4.8%. Other segments such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and PET could also contribute toward the growth of the market under the face stock material category.Browse Our Press Releases For More Information @In terms of layer, there could be two segments, viz. laminated and non-laminated. On the basis of application, the international glue-applied labels market could be segregated into food and beverage, pharmaceutical, tracking, logistics, and transportation, home and personal care, semiconductor and electronics, retail labels, and other products.Regionally, the international glue-applied labels market is predicted to testify the ascendancy of Asia Pacific except Japan (APEJ), which could rake in a US$9.6 bn by the end of 2022. A high demand for packaging and labeling in China and India could augur well for the APEJ market. Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) are prognosticated to gather a slow pace of growth during the forecast period. However, there could be faster growing prospects available in North America and Europe, which are envisaged to be among the lucrative markets other than APEJ.Browse Our Table of Content @Global Glue-applied Labels Market: Vendor LandscapeThe report offers a complete evaluation of the competitive scenario of the worldwide glue-applied labels market in both the present and future forecast years. The analysts profile some of the leading players of the market such as Avery Dennison Corporation, Coveris Holdings S.A., CCL Label, Inc., Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH, Henkel, Lintec, Inland Labels, 3M, and WS Packaging Group, Inc. The competition in the market could intensify on the back of price wars caused due to the availability of innovative solutions at lower prices offered by local players compared to those of global companies.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Eco Friendly Bottles Market Gaining Impetus from Growing Applications https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=31181 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/eco-friendly-bottles-market.htm https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/31181 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The global Eco Friendly Bottles Market has exhibited solid growth in the last few years due to the growing government support and mass popularity of environmental conservation solutions. Eco friendly bottles represent a crucial step in making sure the modern human lifestyle doesnt harm the environment beyond repair. The rising popularity of environmental conservation is thus likely to remain the key driver for the global eco friendly bottles market in the coming years.The global eco friendly bottles market is expected to be valued at more than US$2.5 bn by the end of 2017 and is likely to rise to more than US$3.7 bn by 2022 at a CAGR of 8.1%.Sample With Latest Advancements @Here are the key insights into the global eco friendly bottles market:The key driver for the eco friendly bottles market is, as mentioned above, the growing support and governments as well as customers for environmental solutions that help conserve natural resources. Growing awareness about the extent of environmental problems of our times among the masses has made a real difference to the global eco friendly bottles market. Recognizing this, many governments have prioritized environmental conservation in their fiscal and regulatory movements, lending solid support to the eco friendly bottles market. The steady inflow of funding enabled by the solid government support is vital for the eco friendly bottles market, as the technology behind eco friendly bottles is complicated and still relatively expensive.The growing use of bottles in modern times is closely linked to the rapid growth of the food and beverage industry. The food and beverage industry has expanded at a rampant rate in developed urban regions in recent years, leading to solid growth in the demand for bottles. Mineral water production has become one of the key parts of the food and beverage sector, in addition to being a major consumer of bottles. This is likely to enable steady growth of the global eco friendly bottles market in the coming years. The demand for bottled beverages is also helped by the rapid growth in demand for health drinks and various other innovations in the food and beverage sector, which will drive the demand from the global eco friendly bottles market in the coming years.Browse Our Press Releases For More Information @The eco friendly bottles market is dominated by developed regions due to the widespread awareness regarding the importance of ecological conservation. However, developing countries in regions such as Southeast Asia could become major players in the global eco friendly bottles market due to their rising consumption of bottles for mineral water, beverages, as well as household cleaning liquids. The rising disposable income of consumers in Asia Pacific except Japan is likely to enable smooth growth of the regional market in the coming years, with the region expected to create an absolute opportunity of US$252.2 mn over the 2017-2022 forecast period. Japan is also likely to contribute significantly to the global eco friendly bottles market over the coming years, with the regional market expected to reach US$228.2 mn over the 2017-2022 forecast period at a CAGR of 6.2%.Developed regions such as North America and Europe are likely to dominate the global eco friendly bottles market in the coming years. The North America eco friendly bottles market is expected to exhibit a robust CAGR of 12.7% from 2017 to 2022, rising from a valuation of US$617.2 mn to US$1,123.4 mn, the latter representing close to 30% of the global eco friendly bottles market. However, Europe is the dominant regional contributor to the global eco friendly bottles market, with the region expected to account for more than 32% of the global market by the end of 2017.Browse Our Table of Content @Competitive DynamicsLeading players in the global eco friendly bottles market include EcoXpac A/S, One Green Bottle, Earthlust, Ecologic Brands Inc., SKS Bottle and Packaging Inc., Cascade Designs Inc., Pachamama, and Pepsi-Cola Metropolitan Bottling Company.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Retail Ready Packaging Market Set for Huge Growth in the Near Future https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=14105 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/retail-ready-packaging-market.htm https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/14105 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com DS Smith plc, LINPAC Packaging, Weedon Group, Smurfit Kappa Group plc, Mondi, Caps Cases Limited, Amcor Limited, International Paper Company, Orora Packaging Australia Pty Ltd, and Creative Corrugated Designs, Inc. are to name a few prominent players in the global Retail Ready Packaging Market.In order to steal a march over their competitors in the global retail ready packaging market, players are focusing on improving their product portfolios. To that end they are pouring money into research and development.A report by Transparency Market Research uncovers that the global retail ready packaging market will rise at a tepid pace in the next couple of year. According to the report, the market will likely clock a 4.3% CAGR during the period between 2017 and 2025 to attain a value of US$84.46 bn by 2025 from US$60.52 bn in 2017.Sample With Latest Advancements @The global retail ready packaging market can be segmented based on various parameters. Depending upon the type of material for example, it can be segmented into plastics, and paper and paperboard, among others. Of them, the segment of paper and paperboard is expected to grow at a healthy clip because of the recyclability and sustainability features of paper materials.Geography-wise, the key segments of the global retail ready packaging market are North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa. Asia Pacific, of them, is predicted to register maximum growth in the upcoming years because of the formalization in retail supply chain in developing nations of Asia Pacific, namely China and India. The market in Asia Pacific is predicted to register a CAGR of 8.5% from 2017 to 2025.Browse Our Press Releases For More Information @Market Boosted by Retailers Preference for Shelf-ready-packagingRetail ready packaging market is witnessing a worldwide growth with retailers expending money on it. This is because retailers, mostly big ones, have realized the importance of shelf-ready-packaging that be placed right on to the shelf without the need for unpacking or repacking. Packaging is responsible for valuable business with benefits such as better on shelf availability through reduced waste and better stock replacement, which is likely to drive the retail ready packaging market, explains the lead analyst of the TMR report.Lack of Industry Standardization Negatively Impacts MarketIn addition, desire for brand retention and easy recyclability of the products are also working in favor of the global retail ready packaging market. Posing a challenge to the market, on the other hand, is the absence of industry standardization and additional supply chain costs incurred by suppliers.Browse Our Table of Content @Helping to overcome the challenge is the burgeoning food and beverages sector and the fast moving consumer goods sector (FMCG). They have been consistently serving to up demand in global retail ready packaging market.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Thermal Transfer Label Market to have Good Business Opportunities in the Coming Years https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=30935 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/thermal-transfer-label-market.htm https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/30935 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com A recent commerce and business study by Transparency Market Research (TMR) suggests that the global Thermal Transfer Label Market is in good health. And although the competitive landscape is intense owing to the presence several vendors, there are vast opportunities for innovation in product application and geographical expansion. These factors will keep luring new entrants while feeding the existing ones. The study projects the demand in the global thermal transfer label market to increment at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2022. By the end of 2022, the report estimates the worth of global thermal transfer label market to be US$3,003.3 mn, substantially up from its evaluated valuation of US$2,296.6 mn in 2017.The TMR report identifies Honeywell International Inc., CCL Industries Inc., Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, 3M Company, LINTEC Corporation, Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH, Inland Label and Marketing Services LLC, Coveris Holdings S.A., WS Packaging Group, Inc., and Multi-Color Corporation as some the most prominent companies currently operating in the global thermal transfer label market. The report provides global thermal transfer label market dynamics, cost structure analysis, per capita label consumption, multisensory packaging and impact on stretch and shrink label, new opportunity pockets, strategic focus of the leading players, and market segmentations on the basis of material, printer type, application, and geography. For each of the segments, the report contains revenue comparison by region, market share, and year-to-year growth comparison.Sample With Latest Advancements @Based on material, the global thermal transfer label market gains maximum demand for paper segment, which is estimated to be worth US$1,209.3 mn by 2022 or account for 40.3% of the overall demand. The paper segment of the thermal transfer label market is expanding at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2022. Geographically, the TMR report picks out Asia Pacific except Japan (APEJ) as the most lucrative region, which is projected to increase the demand at an above-average CAGR of 6.9% during the said forecast period.Browse Our Press Releases For More Information @Ease of Product Tracking in Diverse Environments Driving UptakeThe global thermal transfer label market is driven by its extensive usage in tags, labels, receipts, and tickets. The prosperity of various application industries such as food and beverage, healthcare, industrial goods and products, tracking, logistics, and transportation, retail, and semiconductor and electronics is also reflecting positively on the global thermal transfer label market. In the packaged food and pharmaceutical industries, the importance of labeling is increasing as it complies with regulatory measures to maintain the quality of the products. Currently, manufacturing provides the maximum demand for barcode printers, using it for streamlining the processing and tracking of one shipment. On the other hand, the healthcare sector is incrementing the demand too, wherein thermal transfer labels are used to print tags for patient ID systems, which increases accessibility of information to the patients and reduces medical errors. In addition to that, the growing popularity of thermal spray coating in environments that are prone to moisture and other contamination is expected to open new opportunities for the vendors operating in the global thermal transfer label market. Rising number of retail outlets in vastly populated emerging economies such as China and India and supportive policies by various governments are two other factors reflecting positively on the global thermal transfer label market.Browse Our Table of Content @Regulatory against Usage of Bisphenol A Obstructing Markets ProsperityStrict regulations are imparted on the use of bisphenol A is strongly challenging the true potential of the thermal transfer label market in the food and beverage industry. Nevertheless, the late but eventual penetration of e-commerce in the developing countries is expected to open new opportunities for the vendors of this market.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: POP display Market to have Good Business Opportunities in the Coming Years https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=21128 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/pop-display-market.htm https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/21128 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Transparency Market Research (TMR) points out that the global POP Display Market is on the verge of consolidation as several leading players are looking at mergers and acquisitions. International players will also focus on vertical integration and building strong distribution network around the world to expand their reach. The leading players in the global market are International Paper Company, DS Smith Plc., Smurfit Kappa Group Plc, Sonoco Products Company, and Georgia Pacific LLC. In May 2016, International Paper Company acquired Weyerhaeuser's pulp business, which has allowed the company to add five different pulp mills. Such efforts and initiatives to add value to the production capacities are anticipated to be the key strategies of several players.The global POP display market was valued at US$9.87 bn in 2016. The report states that the global will register a steady CAGR of 5.6% during forecast period 2017-2025 to be worth US$16 bn by the end of 2025. Amongst the various types of products available in the global market, the floor display product segment is projected to lead the global market at a CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period. In terms of regions, Asia Pacific is poised to assume lead as the region surges at a CAGR of 6.5%.Sample With Latest Advancements @Customizations in POP Displays to be Product Differentiating Strategies of VendorsThe global POP display market has been witness a robust growth rate over the past few years as manufacturers are realizing the need for improved ways of visual merchandising. Thus, better brand visibility, effective space utilization, and better eyeing shelf space have become the key elements driving the growth of the global market. In the coming years, manufacturers are also set to invest in innovation to deliver creative product design that may offer rotating die-cut POP displays with better graphics. Such initiatives are expected to favor market growth over the forecast period. Additionally, players are also emphasizing on offer customizations to several end users to suit their branding and promoting strategies. This product differentiating strategy is anticipated to become an important driving factor for the global POP display market.Browse Our Press Releases For More Information @Changing lifestyles of the urban class is also identified as a leading cause supporting the growth of the global POP display market. Rising disposable incomes that have enabled the urban population to indulge in the luxury and convenience of packaged food and beverages significantly upped the demand for POP displays in the retail sector. Today, POP displays have become synonymous with branding and packaging of food and beverages. Various FMCG brands are focusing on improving their brand presence and visibility through POP displays at retail stores. Thus, the steady growth of the FMCG industry, the food and beverages market, and retail industry are collectively slated to make a fair contribution to the earnings of the global market.Emergence of e-Commerce likely to Take a Toll on Sales of POP DisplaysDespite the bright future of several industries creating a positive outlook for the global market, it faces some tough challenges. The emerging trend of online shopping, even for FMCG goods, has become a huge threat to the global market. As the e-commerce penetrates to every household it is likely to eat into the share of the global POP display market. Benefits of e-commerce such as convenience, good discounts, various modes of payment, and reduced shopping time have threatened the overall retail industry, thereby negatively impacting the uptake of POP display market.Browse Our Table of Content @Despite the challenges, the global market could benefit from mushrooming retailers in emerging economies such as India and China. The growing expansion of retailers in areas of consumer goods is expected to offer the global market tremendous scope to recover from the challenges it currently faces.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: France Defense and Security industry - Key Financial Metrics and Competitive Analysis 2021 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2400900-france-defense-and-security-self-reliant-industry-spending-to-increase-military SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled France - Defense and SecurityThe others category remains one of the key drivers of the French defense and security industry, accounting for 32.5% of capital expenditure in 2016; followed by the aircrafts category with 23.5%. The countrys total defense expenditure stood at US$38.0 billion in 2016 and will post a forecast-period CAGR of 1.3% to reach US$39.2 billion in 2021. The spending increase will be due to government efforts towards strengthening the combat readiness of its military forces in the wake of terror attacks in the countrys capital. It also aims to upgrade its military hardware and replace aging fleets through a series of procurement programs.Premium reports provide a comprehensive overview of each market within a countrys defense industry; benchmark key performance indicators against regional and global peers; review industry trends and drivers; evaluate the competitive landscape and innovation potential of singular markets; and conduct data-driven SWOT analysis to ascertain a structured assessment of the performance of each territory represented.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Key HighlightsFrance has a strong domestic defense industry:France has one of the strongest defense industries in the world and satisfies the majority of its military requirements on its own. It competes with the US, the UK, Russia and China in the development of advanced military hardware. The highly competent sector consists of Thales, Safran, and Dassault Aviation; companies with an international market presence. The countrys defense exports recorded a review-period CAGR of 21.16% and will continue to grow thanks to deals signed with India and Australia for fighter aircraft and submarines. Although France is self-sufficient, it does import some advanced technology platforms such as sensors, engines and transport aircraft from the US.Expenditure on homeland security to increase:Expenditure on homeland security increased at a rate of 1.8%, from US$19.6 billion in 2015 to US$20.0 billion in 2016. It will post a forecast-period CAGR of 1.12% to reach US$21.2 billion in 2021. Terrorist attacks and cybercrime have driven the government to increase its expenditure on homeland security.France consolidating its position as a major defense exporter:Exports of military equipment registered a CAGR of 21.16%, rising from US$1.0 billion in 2012 to US$2.2 billion in 2016. The majority of exports are for aircraft, ships, and missile defense systems. Demand will emanate from the Asia-Pacific region over the forecast period.Scope- Industry Snapshot and Industry View - Key defense and security industry statistics including total expenditure, revenue expenditure, and capital expenditure are analysed to reveal the key issues and trends driving market performance in the French defense and security market.- Industry SWOT Analysis - Discover the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats impacting market performance and investment in the French defense and security market.- Industry Benchmarking - Benchmark how the French defense and security market is performing compared to regional and global markets in terms of total expenditure, revenue expenditure, and capital expenditure to gauge potential for growth or market entry.- Competitive Landscape - Detailed overview and product offerings of the leading defense and security players in France.Key points to buy- How is the market performing in terms of: total expenditure, revenue expenditure, and capital expenditure?- How risky is it to invest in the French defense and security industry compared to other European countries?- What is driving the performance of key industry segments such as aircraft, C4ISR electronics & IT, naval ships, helicopters, military vehicles, and others?- Who are the leading players in the French defense and security industry and their overview and product portfolio?- What trends are being witnessed within the French defense and security industry?- What are the French defense and security industrys Strengths and Weaknesses and what Opportunities and Threats does it face?- What are the recent developments and innovations in the French defense and security industry?Table of ContentsConflict &Costs Index 3Industry Snapshot 8Industry View 25Industry SWOT Analysis 29Industry Benchmarking 35Industry Performance 54Competitive Landscape 69Innovation 77Deals 79Key Developments 84Appendix 88Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Global Facial Rejuvenation Market: Market Estimation, Dynamics, Regional Share, Trends, Competitor Analysis 2012-2016 and Forecast 2017-2023 https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-facial-rejuvenation-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-facial-rejuvenation-market/#ulp-c654SbFYO64MsOhu https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-facial-rejuvenation-market/#ulp-14mlyhjMGhVjZqa3 https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com The global Facial Rejuvenation market is expected to grow at a significant CAGR due to increase in the global population. Rise in the disposable income levels, lifestyle changes, early onset of aging, and increasing adoption of minimally invasive or non-invasive surgical rejuvenation procedures expected fuel the facial rejuvenation market. Furthermore, simple procedures for the treatments, rise in the affordability, availability of beauty products in the market, and shorter treatment duration by patients also boost the facial rejuvenation market over the forecast period. However, lack of properly trained professionals, limited documented evidence of clinical effectiveness, and the implementation of international regulatory mandates for the standardization of cosmetic procedures are the major bottle necks for the growth of facial rejuvenation market over the forecast period.A sample of this report is available upon request @Facial rejuvenation market is segmented based on the product type, and end-userBased on product type, the facial rejuvenation market is segmented into the following: Topical Rejuvenation Productso Keratolyticso Moisturizerso Retinoidso Sunscreenso Hair Removals Botulinum Products Dermal Fillerso Absorbableo Non absorbable Chemical peels Micro abrasion equipment Equipmento Laser based equipment Ultrasound based equipmentBased on the end-user, facial rejuvenation market is segmented into the following: Hospitals Dermatology clinics OthersTo view TOC of this report is available upon request @Market players are adopting various key strategies that include acquisitions and mergers, collaborations, agreements, product approvals, and launching of new products to increase share in the facial rejuvenation market. For instance, in June 2009, Anika Therapeutics, signed an exclusive U.S. distribution agreement with Palo Alto, Coapt Systems, Inc. for its aesthetic dermatology franchise. Coapt Systems suite of bioabsorbable implants for use in facial aesthetic and rejuvenation procedures is highly complementary to Anikas injectable filler that corrects lines and wrinkles on the face. In addition, in July 2008, Johnson & Johnson received U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance to market Evolence, an injectable collagen for treating facial wrinkles. Moreover, in April 2016, Merz Pharma made a strategic venture investment in CytrellisBiosystems, for developing a new class of non-surgical products to combat sagging skin associated with aging.Need more information about this report @Geographically, the facial rejuvenation market has been segmented into following regions Viz. North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominates the facial rejuvenation market. Owing to change in the lifestyle, increase in the healthcare expenditure and skilled professionals the region for minimally invasive surgeries. Europe facial rejuvenation market holds a dominant share attributed to increase in the aging population, technological developments in the facial rejuvenation procedures such as minimally invasive or non-surgical procedures might fuel the market in European region over the forecast period. Asia-Pacific accounts for the significant share due to increase in the population companies setting up manufacturing facilities in the region. In addition, rising awareness about skin problems is also supporting the growth of facial rejuvenation market in Asia-Pacific region over the forecast period.Some of the players in facial rejuvenation market are Biopolymer GmbH & Co KG (Germany), Merz GmbH & Co. KGaA (Germany), Lumenis (U.S.), Revance Therapeutics, Inc. (U.S,), Speciality European Pharma (U.K.), Mentor Worldwide LLC (U.K.), Anika Therapeutics, Inc. (U.S.), Contura International A/S (Denmark), Cynosure, Inc. (U.S.), Fibrocell Science Inc. (U.S,), and Galderma S/A (Switzerland) to name a few.About Precision Business InsightsPrecision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needsPrecision Business Insights,Kemp House,152 160 City Road,London EC1V 2NXEmail: sales@precisionbusinessinsights.comToll Free (US): +1-866-598-1553Website @ Global Spinal Implants Market: Market Estimation, Dynamics, Regional Share, Trends, Competitor Analysis 2012-2016 and Forecast 2017-2023 https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-spinal-implants-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-spinal-implants-market/#ulp-c654SbFYO64MsOhu https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-spinal-implants-market/#ulp-14mlyhjMGhVjZqa3 https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-spinal-implants-market/ With rising adoption of minimal risk spine surgeries, spinal implants market anticipated to grow at significant rate over the forecast period. Spinal implants have an advantage over the open spine surgeries like low risk of infection, pain, muscle damage, minimal blood loss and faster recovery time, all these factors are leading to increasing number of patients adopting spinal implants and driving market growth for spinal implant. In addition, rise in geriatric population and technological developments in bone grafting products are projected to drive the growth of spinal implant market over forecast period. However, stringent regulations, lack of adequate awareness about the new procedures among healthcare professional and patients, and the high cost of procedures are hindering the spinal implants market growth.A sample of this report is available upon request @Spinal implants market has been segmented based on product type, surgery type, procedure type, and end-userBy product type, spinal implants market is segmented into Spinal Fusion Cervical Fusion ThoracoLumbar Fusion Vertebral Compression Fracture Treatment Devices Balloon Kyphoplasty Devices Vertebroplasty Devices Non-Fusion Implants Dynamic Stabilization devices Artificial Discs Annulus Repair Devices Nuclear Disc ProsthesisBy surgery, spinal implants market is segmented into Open Surgery Minimally Invasive SurgeryBased on end-user, spinal implants market is segmented into Hospitals Orthopedic Clinics Spine CentersTo view TOC of this report is available upon request @Global spinal implants market is exhibiting steady growth with significant CAGR over the forecast period. Traditional spine surgery segment is dominated and accounted for the more share in spinal implants market. Rise in the preference for non-fusion procedures over the fusion procedures is one of the trends in spinal implants market. Government initiatives and technological developments in treatment and development of advanced spinal implants driving the spinal implants market revenue growth. For instance, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and North American Spine Foundation, both contribute towards the growth of spinal implants devices market through R&D funding and training programs for healthcare professionals globally.Need more information about this report @Geographically spinal implants market has been segmented into following regions viz. North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America is dominating the spinal implants market followed by Europe. Europe spine implants market is estimated to be dominated by new product launches and mergers & acquisitions. In 2014, Zimmer Hold Inc. launched virage OCT spinal fixation system. Moreover, increase in geriatric population and number of accidents boosting market revenue growth of spinal impants market in Europe region. According to census statistics number of people having age above 65 in Germany, Italy, UK, France and Spain together were 61, 806, 92. Asia Pacific is expected to be fastest growing market due to expansion row in health coverage, the rapid increase in healthcare infrastructure and increased funding of government on health care.Some of the players in spinal implants market are Zimmer Biomet (U.S.), Johnson & Johnson Services Inc (U.S.), Stryker Corporation (U.S.), Benvenue Medical, Inc. (U.S.), Becton, Dickinson and Company (CareFusion Corporation) (U.S.), Alphatec Holdings, Inc. (Alohatec Spine, Inc.) (U.S.), Medtronic Plc (U.S.), Orthofix Holdings, Inc. (U.S.), and Globus Medical Inc. (U.S.) to name some few.Get access to full summary @About Precision Business InsightsPrecision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs.Precision Business Insights,Kemp House,152 160 City Road,London EC1V 2NXEmail: sales@precisionbusinessinsights.comToll Free (US): +1-866-598-1553 Russia Defense and Security industry Market Top Competitors Analysis Report 2021 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2400910-russia-defense-and-security-modernization-measures-to-drive-expenditure-strategy-performance SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled Russia - Defense and SecurityIn terms of levels of conflicts and militarization, Russia was ranked second globally but fourth in terms of societal safety and security. Due to an increase in the number of attacks by rebels from the Chechen Republic, conflicts with Georgia, and escalating tensions with Ukraine, levels of conflict have grown. The Russian defense budget stood at US$52.0 billion in 2016, and will post a forecast-period CAGR of 7.3% to reach US$78.4 billion in 2021 due to modernization plans aimed at replacing obsolete equipment and aging fleets.Premium reports provide a comprehensive overview of each market within a countrys defense industry; benchmark key performance indicators against regional and global peers; review industry trends and drivers; evaluate the competitive landscape and innovation potential of singular markets; and conduct data-driven SWOT analysis to ascertain a structured assessment of the performance of each territory represented.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Key HighlightsGrowing homeland security expenditure:Russias expenditure on homeland security stood at US$17.0 billion in 2016, and will post a forecast-period CAGR of 4.3%, to reach US$40.0 billion in 2021 due to an emphasis on the prevention of terrorist activities, securing national borders, safeguarding cyberspace, and the protection of its natural resources.Growing demand for Russian weapons to enhance its customer base:Russian weapons and equipment are in high demand due to affordability and performance standards. Russia is one of the worlds leading arms exporters, supplying weapon systems to 51 countries. Major customers include India, China, Algeria, Vietnam, Azerbaijan, Venezuela and Syria.Strong support for R&D:Russia has enhanced its R&D budget for defense, encouraging domestic equipment manufacturers to upgrade arms and ammunitions technology in order to gain a competitive edge in the global market. Russia has also increased its defense budget allocation towards R&D as part of its strategy to enhance its technological capabilities and emerge as the leading supplier of weapons to the Middle East. It aims to offer modernization and maintenance services alongside its systems and other related equipment.Scope- Industry Snapshot and Industry View - Key defense and security industry statistics including total expenditure, revenue expenditure, and capital expenditure are analysed to reveal the key issues and trends driving market performance in the Russian defense and security market.- Industry SWOT Analysis - Discover the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats impacting market performance and investment in the Russian defense and security market.- Industry Benchmarking - Benchmark how the Russian defense and security market is performing compared to regional and global markets in terms of total expenditure, revenue expenditure, and capital expenditure to gauge potential for growth or market entry.- Competitive Landscape - Analyze and compare the performance of the leading players in the Russian defense and security market by business segment on metrics such as arms sales, along with detailed overview and product offerings of the leading defense and security players in Russia.Key points to buy- How is the market performing in terms of: total expenditure, revenue expenditure, and capital expenditure?- How risky is it to invest in the Russian defense and security industry compared to other European countries?- What is driving the performance of key industry segments such as homeland security, aircraft and others?- Who are the leading players in the Russian defense and security industry and how does their performance compare?- What trends are being witnessed within the Russian defense and security industry?- What are the Russian defense and security industrys Strengths and Weaknesses and what Opportunities and Threats does it face?- What are the recent developments, innovations, and deals in the Russian defense and security industry?Table of ContentsConflict and CostsIndexIndustry SnapshotIndustry ViewIndustry SWOT AnalysisIndustry BenchmarkingIndustry PerformanceCompetitive LandscapeInnovationDealsKey DevelopmentsAppendixWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Global Stem Cell Therapy Market: Market Estimation, Dynamics, Regional Share, Trends, Competitor Analysis 2012-2016 and Forecast 2017-2023 https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-stem-cell-therapy-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-stem-cell-therapy-market/#ulp-c654SbFYO64MsOhu https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-stem-cell-therapy-market/#ulp-14mlyhjMGhVjZqa3 https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-stem-cell-therapy-market/ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com Stem cell therapy involves use of stem cells to treat various diseases or disorders. Stem cells are fundamental for every tissue and organ in the body. Stem cells are indistinguishable biological cells that are able to differentiate into specialised cells (liver cells, cardiac cells etc.) and can renew itself (through mitosis) to produce more stem cells. Stem cells have the ability to replicate, repair, and replace other damaged tissues in the human body. In addition, stem cell based therapies are also used to treat several chronic diseases such as blood disorders, cancer and others.Growing awareness about the potency of stem cells in disease management, development of advanced gene based analysis techniques and increase in public, private investments in stem cell research are acting as growth drivers for stem cell therapy market. In addition, identification of new stem cell lines and development of infrastructure for stem cell banking & processing are propelling the growth of the global stem cell therapy market. However, ethical issues involved in stem cells research such as destruction of human embryos, religious beliefs are considered as road blocks for adaptation of stem cell therapy by patients. However, stringent regulations to conduct trials on humans, high-cost of research and storage of stem cells are some restraining factors for stem cell therapy market.A sample of this report is available upon request @Stem cell therapy market has been segmented on the basis of treatment mode, cell types, application, technology, and end-userBased on treatment, stem cell therapy market is segmented into Allogeneic AutologousBased on cell type, stem cell therapy market is segmented into Adult Stem cells Induced Pluripotent Stem cells Human Embryonic Stem Cells OthersBased on technology, stem cell therapy market is segmented into Cell Production Cell Acquisition CryopreservationBased on end-user, stem cell therapy market segmented into Hospitals Ambulatory Centers Research CentersTo view TOC of this report is available upon request @Stakeholders in stem cell therapy such as academic institutions and research firms are collaborating in development of stem cell therapy and industry collaborations also projecting enormous growth of stem cell therapy market. For instance, in November 2015, Cellular Dynamics International, Inc. (FUJIFILM) collaborated with Roche to supply iCell (CDIs induced pluripotent stem cell derived) products that enables in identification of novel drug candidates at the early stages of drug discovery. Similarly, in May 2017, Magenta Therapeutics, entered into strategic partnership with Be The Match BioTherapies, to improve and expand the use of curative stem cell transplantation.Need more information about this report @Geographically stem cell therapy market has been segmented into following regions viz. North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Among the regions, North America dominates global stem cell therapy market due to factors such as increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, growing awareness, and rising investment in research and development activities. In Asia Pacific region, due to the favourable government policies, development healthcare infrastructure, industry collaborations in research and developments expected to boost stem cell therapy market. For instance, in April 2017, Plasticell, a developer of stem cell technologies and cell-based therapies, has announced that it has signed agreements with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, to progress its therapeutic stem cell pipeline.Some of the players in stem cell therapy market are Cytori Therapeutics Inc. (U.S.), Fibrocell Science (U.S.), Cellartis AB (Cellectis) (France), BioTime, Inc. (U.S.), GE Healthcare (U.S.), Thermo Fisher Scientific (U.S.), STEMCELL Technologies Inc. (Canada), Fujifilm Holdings Corporation (Japan), Vericel Corporation (Aastrom Bioscience) (U.S.), Brainstorm cell therapeutics (U.S.), Becton, Dickinson and Company (U.S.), Stryker Corporation (U.S.), Celgene Corporation (U.S.), and Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. (U.S.) to name a few.Get access to full summary @About Precision Business InsightsPrecision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs.Precision Business Insights,Kemp House,152 160 City Road,London EC1V 2NXEmail: sales@precisionbusinessinsights.comToll Free (US): +1-866-598-1553Website @ Global Surgical Devices Market: Market Estimation, Dynamics, Regional Share, Trends, Competitor Analysis 2012-2016 and Forecast 2017-2023 https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-surgical-devices-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-surgical-devices-market/#ulp-c654SbFYO64MsOhu https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-surgical-devices-market/#ulp-14mlyhjMGhVjZqa3 https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-surgical-devices-market/ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com The global surgical devices market is expected to grow at a significant CAGR due to increase in the global population, and rise in the prevalence of various chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes etc. Rise in demand for surgical tools due to increase in surgical procedures, increase in healthcare expenditure, increase in demand for plastic and reconstructive surgery, and rise in technological development leading to product innovations are the major factors fuel the growth of surgical devices market over the forecast period. Moreover, the favourable government policies for the manufacturing of surgical devices, the presence of numerous risk factors, such as hypertension, smoking, obesity, and diabetes, has led to the high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and using of robotic systems might fuel the global surgical devices market over the forecast period. However, stringent government regulations, price competition in the industry and lack of proper reimbursement for surgical equipment may hamper the surgical devices market growth over the forecast period. Similarly, a rise in preference for advanced wound closure materials like fibrin sealants, implementation of acts like Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in U.S., and Side effects with the products that lead to product recalls might hinder the growth of global surgical devices market.A sample of this report is available upon request @Surgical devices market segmented on the basis of product type, application, and end userBased on product-type surgical devices market has been segmented into the following: Surgical Sutures and Stapleso Surgical Sutureso Surgical Staples Handheld Surgical equipmento Forceps and Spatulaso Retractorso Dilatorso Grasperso Auxiliary Instruments Clamps Cannulas Closure Deviceso Cutter Instruments Trocars Lancets Scissorso Others Electrosurgical DevicesBased on the application surgical devices market has been segmented into the following: Neurosurgery Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeries Wound Closure Obstetrics and Gynaecology Urology Microvascular Thoracic Surgery Cardiovascular Orthopaedic Surgery Laparoscopy OthersBased on end-user surgical devices market has been segmented into the following: Hospitals Clinics Ambulatory surgical centersTo view TOC of this report is available upon request @Geographically, surgical devices market is in a flourishing stage with several local, and international players operating in the surgical devices market. Increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases such as neurological disorders (according to World Federation of Neurology statistics, 12 in every 100 patients die due to neurological disorders), and rise in the number of road accidents (according to Association for Safe International Road Travel, nearly 2.35 million people are injured every year due to road accidents) has led to the increase in the demand for surgical devices. Launching of new products is the popular strategy followed by various medical devices companies in the global surgical equipment market, which has helped the manufacturers to gain substantial market share. For instance, in October 2013, Zimmer had launched three products for minimally invasive surgery, namely Viewline Retractor System, Tube Retraction System and Posterior Instrument Set which are used in microdiscectomy procedures. Similarly, innovation of modern technologies like minimally invasive surgery instruments, and robotic and power assisted equipment are the key factors fueling the growth of surgical devices market. For instance, in 2011, Intuitive Surgical, Inc., has developed the da Vinci Surgical System provided a breakthrough platform for the robotic-assisted surgeries.Need more information about this report @Geographically, the surgical devices market has been segmented into following regions Viz. North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. North America dominates the surgical devices market owing to rise in a number aging population, increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases in U.S. such as cancer, neurological disorders, and diabetes etc. The innovation of novel technologies and reimbursement scenario might boost the surgical devices market in North America. However, Europe holds a significant share in surgical devices market owing to the favourable regulatory framework, change in lifestyle, and increase in disposable income among consumers. Moreover, Asia-pacific surgical devices market is expected to substantial growth over forecasting period owing to increase in the medical tourism in Asian countries, rise in unmet healthcare needs, growing healthcare infrastructure in Asia Pacific region.Some of the players in surgical devices market are Medtronic (U.S.), Stryker Corporation (U.S.), Johnson & Johnson Services Inc., (U.S.), NuVasive, Inc. (U.S.), Conmed Corporation (U.S.), Alcon company (a division of Novartis) (Switzerland.), Smith & Nephew (U.K.) , Zimmer Inc. (U.S.), Boston Scientific Corporation (U.S.), B. Braun Melsungen AG (Germany), KLS Martin Group (U.S.), and Integra LifeSciences Corporation (U.S.) to name a few.Get access to full summary @About Precision Business InsightsPrecision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs.Precision Business Insights,Kemp House,152 160 City Road,London EC1V 2NXEmail: sales@precisionbusinessinsights.comToll Free (US): +1-866-598-1553Website @ Global Therapeutic Vaccines Market: Market Estimation, Dynamics, Regional Share, Trends, Competitor Analysis 2012-2016 and Forecast 2017-2023 https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-therapeutic-vaccines-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-therapeutic-vaccines-market/#ulp-c654SbFYO64MsOhu https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-therapeutic-vaccines-market/#ulp-14mlyhjMGhVjZqa3 https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-therapeutic-vaccines-market/ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com The global therapeutic vaccines market is expected to grow at a significant CAGR due to increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, and HIV etc. According to World Health Organisation, an escalation of the diseases such as cancer (approximately 8.8 Mn people died in 2015) and HIV expected to drive the growth of global therapeutic vaccines market over the forecasting period. The advanced and active R&D activities for therapeutic vaccines by pharmaceutical companies for various types of cancers are in pipeline which is expected to create potential opportunity in the global therapeutic vaccines market in future. Apart from this, rising number of mergers and acquisitions, and an increase in funding from government for development of therapeutic vaccines might fuel the growth of global therapeutic vaccines market over the forecasting period. However, inefficient research and development and non-existent reimbursement policies for vaccines are the primary factors which are expected to hinder the growth of global therapeutic vaccines market. Similarly, stringent regulatory implications, higher cost of vaccines, lesser accessibility to the vaccines, availability of alternative treatments for the diseases, and some adverse effects associated with the vaccines might hamper the growth of global therapeutic vaccines market over the forecast period.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global therapeutic vaccines market has been segmented on the basis of product type, application, technologies, market type, and end userBased on product type, global therapeutic vaccines market has been segmented into the following: Conjugate vaccines Live attenuated vaccines Inactivated and subunit vaccines Toxoid vaccines Recombinant vaccinesBased on application, global therapeutic vaccines market has been segmented into the following: Infectious Diseases Oncology Addiction Autoimmune diseases Neurological diseases OthersBased on technology, global therapeutic vaccines market has been segmented into the following: Autologous vaccines Allogeneic vaccinesBased on the valency, global therapeutic vaccines market has been segmented into the following: Monovalent vaccines Multivalent vaccinesBased on the end-user, global therapeutic vaccines market has been segmented into the following: Hospitals Clinic OthersTo view TOC of this report is available upon request @The global therapeutic vaccines market is in the nascent stage where many players are actively involved in the development of therapeutic vaccines. Few companies have adopted some key business strategies, such as product innovation, and new product launching to ensure their dominance in the global therapeutic vaccines market. The global therapeutic vaccines market is positively affected by the significant rise in prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, and HIV etc. Few companies have taken an active lead in research and development of therapeutic vaccines. For instance, in April 2010, Dendreon Corporation, launched FDA approved immunotherapy drug Provenge, for the treatment of prostate cancer. According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are some vaccines in the clinical trial stage, such as Lucanix (Belagenpumatucel-L), gp100 melanoma vaccine, for Non-small cell lung cancer. Similarly, Merck & Co., Inc. and GSK Plc. are expected to launch vaccines such as GSK1572932A, and GV1001 having entered phase 3 trials.Need more information about this report @Geographically, the global therapeutic vaccines market has been segmented into following regions Viz. North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America accounts for the largest share in global therapeutic vaccines market followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. In North-America, U.S. contributes the largest share in global therapeutic vaccines market (according to U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), therapeutic vaccines can suppress almost 10 infectious diseases in U.S. by up to 90%). Rising technology support for the development of new vaccines and well-developed healthcare infrastructure expected to fuel the growth of therapeutic vaccines market in North-America region. Europe, which currently stands at the second position in global therapeutic vaccines market, and is expected to show a significant growth due to the increase in the number of patients with chronic diseases. Asia-Pacific region expected to grow at a significant rate due to rising prevalence of various infectious and chronic diseases and aging population. Large investments in the field of research and development and increasing medical tourism in Asian countries might fuel the growth of therapeutic vaccine market in the Asia-pacific region. Latin America is another important regional market, which offers vast opportunities for the players entering into this market, and is expected to grow moderately due to the high cost of therapeutic vaccines.Some of the players in global therapeutic vaccines market are Merck & Co., Inc. (U.S.), GlaxoSmithKline plc (U.K.), Novartis AG (Switzerland), Sanofi-Pasteur (France), Dendreon (U.S.). Agenus Inc. (U.S.), Valeant (Canada), Bavarian Nordic (Denmark), Pfizer, Inc. (U.S.) and Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (U.S.), to name a few.Get access to full summary @About Precision Business InsightsPrecision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs.Precision Business Insights,Kemp House,152 160 City Road,London EC1V 2NXEmail: sales@precisionbusinessinsights.comToll Free (US): +1-866-598-1553Website @ Instant Dry Yeast Market Projected to Grow Steadily During (2017-2027) https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3117 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3117 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Yeast is a kind of fungus which is used to convert sugar into alcohol. Yeast is an important ingredient for bakery as well as beverage industry.Instant dry yeast is type of dry yeast which has a fine texture unlike activate dry yeast which has a big granular structure. Instant dry yeast was introduced in the market in late 1970s after active dry yeast was introduced. Instant dry yeast are processed similarly the way active dry yeast are processed but the instant yeast are milled much finer. In order to use active yeast it is first mixed with water, but that is not the case for instant dry yeast, it can be used without mixing it with water and can directly be mixed with dry ingredient. As the name suggests, instant dry yeast has a faster ac activity rate, compared to that of active dry yeast. Instant dry yeast and active dry yeast are interchangeable, but if active dry yeast is used in place of instant dry yeast then it is expected a deal of 10-15 mins for the rise time.Market Segmentation:Instant Dry Yeast marketis segment on the basis of application, end user industry, distribution channel and region. On the basis of application the instant dry yeast market is segmented into fermentation and clinical research. Among these segment fermentation is expected to grow to a great extent in the forecast period, as there is numerous amount of use of instant dry yeastin the food and beverage industry. The demand for instant dry yeast is also more as it offer shorter rising time than any other dry yeast. On the basis of end user industry the instant dry yeast market is distributed into food and bakery and brewery. On the basis of distribution channel the instant dry yeast market is segmented into supermarkets/hypermarkets, medical stores and online stores. Medical stores is anticipated to hold a relatively higher share in the instant dry yeast market, followed by conventional stores. On the basis of region the Instant Dry Yeast market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan and MEA.Request Report Sample@Market Regional Outlook:Regional segment for the market of Instant Dry Yeast is divided into seven different regions: North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan and MEA. Among these segment Europe and North America is expected to be the leader of instant dry yeast market share globally, and is expected to be dominant in the forecaster period. In Europe region the countries like Germany and France are the key market for instant dry yeast. In terms of revenue Asia Pacific is the expected to be the third leading contributor in theinstant dry yeastmarket, followed by Latin America.Market Drivers:The market of instant dry yeast is increasing due to the multiple use of instant dry yeast in the food & beverage and pharmaceutical industry. With the arrival of new market players in the global market is anticipated to boost the growth of instant dry yeastmarketglobally during the forecast period. Instant dry yeast are now used very much in the field of biotechnology in order to make biofuels from agricultural food waste. Instant dry yeast are also used to make various kinds of chemicals. The instant dry yeast market is driven mainly by the end user industries such as bakery and brewery. Yeast is a daily used item which is required at every home, which is used for fermentation process of various The cost of production of instant dry yeast is also very low as it mainly comes from molasses which is the end product of sugarcane, hence the cost of instant dry yeast is low, which will defiantly drive the market of instant dry yeast to a great extant in the forecast period.Visit For TOC@Market Key Players:Some of the key players in instant dry yeast market areLesaffre, Hagold Hefe Gmbh, Asmussen Gmbh, ACH Foods, Fleischmann's Yeast, LALLEMAND Inc, AB Mauri Food Inc., And Pakmaya, Angel Yeast Co., Ltd among others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: China Bacillus Subtilis Market by Manufacturers, States, Type And Application, Forecast To 2022 Bacillus Subtilis Market, Bacillus Subtilis Industry, Bacillus Subtilis Trends. https://www.marketresearchnest.com/china-bacillus-subtilis-market-by-manufacturers-regions-province-type-and-application-forecast-to-2022.html https://www.marketresearchnest.com/purchase.php?reportid=270621 https://www.marketresearchnest.com/requestsample.php?reportid=270621 MarketResearchNest.com adds China Bacillus Subtilis Market by Manufacturers, Regions (Province), Type and Application, Forecast To 2022new report to its research database. The report spread across in a 122 pages with table and figures in it.Bacillus subtilis, known also as the hay bacillus or grass bacillus, is a Gram-positive, catalase-positive bacterium, found in soil and the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants and humans. A member of the genus Bacillus, B. subtilis is rod-shaped, and can form a tough, protective endospore, allowing it to tolerate extreme environmental conditions. B. subtilis has historically been classified as an obligate aerobe, though evidence exists that it is a facultative aerobe. B. subtilis is considered the best studied Gram-positive bacterium and a model organism to study bacterial chromosome replication and cell differentiation. It is one of the bacterial champions in secreted enzyme production and used on an industrial scale by biotechnology companies.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Bacillus Subtilis in China market, to split the market based on manufacturers, Regions (Province), type and application.Browse full table of contents and data tables atMarket Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversBayer, Basf, Qunlin, Jocanima, Tonglu Huifeng, Kernel Bio-tech, Wuhan Nature's Favour, Agrilife, Real IPM, ECOT ChinaMarket Segment by Regions (Province), coveringSouth ChinaSouthwest ChinaEast ChinaNortheast ChinaNorth ChinaMarket Segment by Type, covers100 Billion CFU/g, 100-300 Billion CFU/g, 300 Billion CFU/gMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoFeed Additives , Pesticide , OtherOrder a Purchase Report Copy atThere are 18 Chapters to deeply display the China Bacillus Subtilis market.Chapter 1, to describe Bacillus Subtilis Introduction, product type and application, market overview, market analysis by Region (province), market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the manufacturers of Bacillus Subtilis, with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4,to show the China market by Regions (Province),covering South China,East China,Southwest China,North China,Northeast China,Northwest China and Central China,with sales, price,revenue and market share of Bacillus Subtilis,for each region,from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5 and 6, to show the market by type and application, with sales, price, revenue, market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 7,8,9,10,11,12 and 13 to analyze the key Province by Type and Application,covering South China,East China,Southwest China,North China,Northwest China,Central China and Northeast China,with sales,revenue and market share by types and applications;Chapter 14, Bacillus Subtilis market forecast, by Regions (Province), type and application, with sales, price, revenue and growth rate forecast, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 15, to analyze the manufacturing cost, key raw materials and manufacturing process etc.Chapter 16, to analyze the industrial chain, sourcing strategy and downstream end users (buyers);Chapter 17, to describe sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers etc.Chapter 18, to describe Bacillus Subtilis Appendix, methodology and data sourceRequest a sample copy atAbout Us:MarketResearchNest.com is the most comprehensive collection of market research products and services on the Web. We offer reports from almost all top publishers and update our collection on daily basis to provide you with instant online access to the worlds most complete and recent database of expert insights on China industries, organizations, products, and trends.Contact UsMr. Jeet JainSales Managersales@marketresearchnest.com+1-240-284-8070(U.S)+44-20-3290-4151(U.K)Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook Alex Stewart International Accredited To ISO Standards www.alexstewartinternational.com www.alexstewartagriculture.com www.foodtestlab.co.uk Alex Stewart International is delighted to announce to the industry that its head office and principal laboratories in Liverpool, England, United Kingdom AS International Corporation Ltd - has been accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service - UKAS - to ISO 17025 Standards.The methods which have been accredited are as follows: Determination of Silver (Ag) in Copper Concentrates by Acid digestion Determination of Cobalt (Co) in Cobalt Hydroxides and Carbonates Determination of Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn) and Nickel (Ni) in Concentrates Determination of Copper (Cu) in Concentrates Minerals and Ores by Electrolytic Deposition Determination of Copper (Cu) in Concentrates, Minerals and Ores by Potentiometric TitrationOur experienced laboratory technicians and chemists are highly trained to carry out qualitative and quantitative metal testing and analysis by traditional and modern instrumentation and by following internationally recognized methods and procedures for base metal ores and concentrates. These include copper, lead, zinc, tin, iron, ferro alloys, cobalt, nickel, manganese and also precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum group metals. This is in order to ensure that our customers contractual specifications are protected by providing fast and accurate results.Other ISO-certified Alex Stewart International laboratories include Alex Stewart Agriculture Ltd (UK), Alex Stewart International Argentina S.A., Alex Stewart Assayers del Peru, Alex Stewart International Chile, Alex Stewart Environmental Laboratory Services Norway, Alex Stewart Agriculture do Brasil, Alex Stewart Agriculture China, Alex Stewart International Dubai, Alex Stewart International Ukraine, Alex Stewart International India, Alex Stewart International Rwanda and Alex Stewart International Zambia.Alex Stewart Agriculture is a UKAS ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 accredited company providing world class FOSFA, GAFTA and UKAS-approved inspection and analysis services. It is supported by the A. Norman Tate, Huson and Hardwick and Food Test Laboratories for the facilitation of the international trading of soft commodities including animal feed, oilseeds, oils & fats, biomass, grains and cereals, fertilizers, raw and refined sugar, water, and also food products.Alex Stewart International and Alex Stewart Agriculture are fully committed to providing a world-class reliable laboratory analysis service to all of our customers.For more information about our Inspection and Analysis services, please take a look at our websites and company video listed below:Alex Stewart International and its worldwide group of Companies extends over 40 countries to provide professional inspection and laboratory analysis to business and government sectors, the latter being the area of fastest expansion during the last few years. Alex Stewart International maintains a dedicated, personalized attention to all of its customers and provides technical expertise for inspection, weighing, sampling, analysis, testing and operational auditing of all commodities and products.Alex Stewart International's global inspection and sampling services help support to deliver fast and accurate laboratory analysis and laboratory testing covering non ferrous and ferrous ores and concentrates, minor metals, precious and platinum group metals, ferro-alloys, recycled scrap metal, complex materials and plastics, fuels, agricultural and soft commodities, food products and whilst also working towards maintaining a sustainable environment.Alex Stewart International's inspection services include supervision of loading and discharge, weighing, and sampling services. Our professional and technically experienced inspectors, cargo surveyors and cargo superintendents provide high quality inspection services to meet the specific requirements of industry and commerce including mining companies, international traders, metal producers and refiners, farming and agricultural traders, banks and financial institutions, shipping and the general public in accordance with IFIA approved standard business terms and conditions.For Governments, Alex Stewart International performs the operational auditing of mining concerns and hydrocarbon producers, the certification of mineral imports/exports, the inspection and analysis of foodstuffs, the control of medicines and pharmaceutical products, customs revenue optimization services, and procurement auditing.AS International Corporation Ltd2b Sefton Business ParkAintreeLiverpool L30 1RDUnited KingdomPress Contact: Alex StewartPress Telephone: 0151 525 2132Press Email: analysis@alexstewartinternational.com Laminated Plastic Plate Market - U.S. Industry Analysis, Growth, Size, Trends, Forecast, and Share 2017 - 2025 http://www.indexbox.co.uk/store/us-laminated-plastic-plate-sheet-except-packaging-and-shape-market-analysis-and-forecast-to-2020?utm_source=opr http://www.indexbox.co.uk/store/us-laminated-plastic-plate-sheet-except-packaging-and-shape-market-analysis-and-forecast-to-2020?utm_source=opr IndexBox has just published a new report "U.S. Laminated Plastic Plate, Sheet (Except Packaging), And Shape Market. Analysis And Forecast to 2025" ().This report is best suitable for you if you: Are planning to enter a new geographical market and wish to know which one is best for your product Are planning to enter a new product market and want to have a detailed overview of the market before entering Already work in a given market and want to update your knowledge on the topic Are developing/reviewing your company strategy and wish to know the existing trends in the market Want to find the best country to import a product from Are consulting a client in the given industry and wish to get a deep understanding of the situation in the market Are planning to open new production facilities and wish to choose the best location.The report serves the above mentioned purposes by providing a deep survey of the key indicators of the laminated plastic plate market. It includes a market overview, which consolidates the key conclusions made from the analysis of the market survey, giving insights on the most valuable markets based on the comparative analysis. The report also provides a forecast of how the market is expected to change in the coming years, based on historical trends, external and internal factors, and the main drivers changing the market. Each section contains a a comprehensive analysis of the data provided. Specifically, the report displays the historical developments and current perspectives of laminated plastic plate production volumes, consumption data, as well as producer prices.The trade section provides crucial data, such as historical data on imports/exports, changes in the direction of trade, as well as import/export prices. Analysis of laminated plastic plate trade shows the opportunities that are opening before producers and suppliers in a changing market.Product coverage: Laminated plastics plates, sheet (excluding packaging), and shapes.Countries coverage: the U.S.Abstract:In 2015, the value of laminated plastic plate production in the U.S. amounted to $3.8B, picking up by +3.7% against the previous year level. Overall, the U.S. laminated plastic plate output pursued a measured growth from 2007 to 2015. The total output figures increased at an average annual rate of +1.3%. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2010, when the output figure increased by +16% from the previous year level. Over the period under review, the total value of laminated plastic plate shipments reached its maximum level in 2015, and is likely to continue its growth in the immediate term.Data coverage: Laminated plastic plate market value and size; Major trends in the laminated plastic plate market; Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term; Exports, imports and trade balance; Import and export prices; Life cycle of the laminated plastic plate industry; Number of establishments and their locations; Laminated plastic plate industry productivity. Key market players and their profiles.Methodology:Our methodology consists of obtaining information from various trusted sources (both paid and open), which include, but are not limited to: International official statistical agencies Governmental statistical agencies Official trade statistics Paid trade databases Industrial associations Company reports Industry experts.Companies mentioned:Veritas Architectural Solutions,Washington Penn Plastic Co.,Isola USA Corp.,Baw Plastics,Tpi Composites,Plastics Research Corporation,American Nickeloid Company,Loose Plastics,American Louver Company,A.L. Hyde Company,U E C Inc,McClarin Plastics,Pexco Aerospace,Northern Contours,General Plastics & Composites,American Made,Tpi Iowa,Nudo Products,Laminations,Hartson-Kennedy Cabinet Top Co,Kaman Composites - Vermont Inc.,Johnson Laminating and Coating,Pioneer Plastics Corporation,Repet Inc,Hanwha L & C Holdings USA,Blackhawk Network,Extreme Plastics Plus,Haysite Reinforced PlasticsOur research team compare the information gathered, confirm it with sources when required, and analyze the collected data, developing a full clear picture of the market and coming up with the final numbers. It is crucial to understand the trends of the market, for which we do provide study, taking into account events in the market, in adjacent and related markets, raw material markets, and markets, which are the main demand creators for the product under research. As for the forecast, it is conducted using analytical models of data on consumption, production, exports, imports, prices, as well as the industry trends, economic trends, consumption trends, possible political and technological trends.Source:IndexBox is a leading market research publisher in the world. You can find more than 25,000 research reports in our web store, which cover global industries and regional markets. All the worldwide marketing data you need is at your fingertips.Company Name: IndexBoxContact Person: Kirill BezverhiEmail: kirill.bezverhi@indexbox.co.ukPhone: +44 20 3239 3063Adress: United Kingdom, 44 Main Street, Douglas, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, ML11 0QW China Organic Photovoltaics Industry Revenue, Sales and Growth Rate 2017-2022 Organic Photovoltaics Market, Organic Photovoltaics Industry, Organic Photovoltaics Trends. https://www.marketresearchnest.com/china-organic-photovoltaics-opv-market-by-manufacturers-regions-province-type-and-application-forecast-to-2022.html https://www.marketresearchnest.com/purchase.php?reportid=270627 https://www.marketresearchnest.com/requestsample.php?reportid=270627 MarketResearchNest.com adds China Organic Photovoltaics Market by Manufacturers, Regions (Province), Type and Application, Forecast To 2022new report to its research database. The report spread across in a 118 pages with table and figures in it.Organic Photovoltaics(OPV) mainly use organic small molecules or organic polymers to directly or indirectly to solar energy into electrical devices. It has a photosensitive nature of the organic matter as a semiconductor material, the photovoltaic effect of the voltage generated by the current to achieve the effect of solar power.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Organic Photovoltaics (OPV) in China market, to split the market based on manufacturers, Regions (Province), type and application.Browse full table of contents and data tables atMarket Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversARMOR Group, AGC, Heliatek, Mitsubishi Chemical, Belectric, Henkel, Solarmer, CSEM Brasil, Sumitomo Chemical, Toshiba, Heraeus, BASF, DisaSolar, EMD Performance MaterialsMarket Segment by Regions (Province), coveringSouth ChinaSouthwest ChinaEast ChinaNortheast ChinaNorth ChinaMarket Segment by Type, coversDSSC, P-N HeterojunctionMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoMobile Phone Charger, Wearable Device, Building, Power Generation, OtherOrder a Purchase Report Copy atThere are 18 Chapters to deeply display the China Organic Photovoltaics market.Chapter 1, to describe Organic Photovoltaics Introduction, product type and application, market overview, market analysis by Region (province), market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the manufacturers of Organic Photovoltaics, with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4,to show the China market by Regions (Province),covering South China,East China,Southwest China,North China,Northeast China,Northwest China and Central China,with sales, price,revenue and market share of Organic Photovoltaics,for each region,from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5 and 6, to show the market by type and application, with sales, price, revenue, market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 7,8,9,10,11,12 and 13 to analyze the key Province by Type and Application,covering South China,East China,Southwest China,North China,Northwest China,Central China and Northeast China,with sales,revenue and market share by types and applications;Chapter 14, Organic Photovoltaics market forecast, by Regions (Province), type and application, with sales, price, revenue and growth rate forecast, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 15, to analyze the manufacturing cost, key raw materials and manufacturing process etc.Chapter 16, to analyze the industrial chain, sourcing strategy and downstream end users (buyers);Chapter 17, to describe sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers etc.Chapter 18, to describe Organic Photovoltaics Appendix, methodology and data sourceRequest a sample copy atAbout Us:MarketResearchNest.com is the most comprehensive collection of market research products and services on the Web. We offer reports from almost all top publishers and update our collection on daily basis to provide you with instant online access to the worlds most complete and recent database of expert insights on China industries, organizations, products, and trends.Contact UsMr. Jeet JainSales Managersales@marketresearchnest.com+1-240-284-8070(U.S)+44-20-3290-4151(U.K)Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook Commercial Printing Market Foreseen to Grow exponentially over 2014 - 2020 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=3236 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=3236 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Commercial printing industry refers to the services offered by printing industry for commercial applications. Commercial printing services include binding, composition, layout, graphic design, plate making and press production. Commercial printers are used to construct phone books, magazines, labels, catalogs, advertising brochures, newspaper inserts, corporate reports, direct mail marketing, for printing financial documents, business forms, promotional materials and training manuals. Besides paper printing, printing presses also print on apparels, textile products, metal, glass and plastics. Most of the commercial printing units offer multiple services such as design and prepress; printing; finishing that include binding, cutting, and folding along with fulfillment including storing, packaging and shipping. Services included in commercial printing are lithographic printing, screen printing, flexographic printing, gravure printing, book printing, quick printing, loose leaf binding, prepress and trade binding services.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Offset technology is the most widely used commercial printing technology. However, there is a shift in trend presently in commercial printing from offset technology to digital high speed inkjet technology. The transformation is due to the fact that inkjet is more effective and efficient way to print mails and other complex personalized messages than the offset technology. Reduced costs for color printing and better return on investments are some of the other advantages that has resulted in wide doption of inkjet technology. The demand for commercial printing is majorly driven by advertising needs of businesses such as advertising firms and the volume of commercial printing is highly dependent on the growth of the economy, particularly the consumer spending power.Large printing presses gain profitability by bulk buying materials such as ink and paper, thus serving a large customer base nationwide and making effective use of presses. However, small press companies compete by offering a service to specific applications. The demand for printing services is recurring and depends on economic activities in the country, owing to which major players are prepared for demand fluctuations by deploying multifunctional printing equipment that caters to the demand of various printing applications.. Currently, the commercial printing market is facing many challenges. Digital technology is a major threat to the commercial printing market. Prices for digital printing are reducing below the offset printing prices, owing to which companies that delays to shift to digital printing are expected to be at risk.Decreasing sales and the plummeting unit selling prices are also factors hampering industry profit of the commercial printing market. Companies in commercial printing market require a substantial capital investment to remain competitive, however, with a reducing sales volume, maintaining consistent market share is a challenge.However, the current trends in the commercial printing market are helping sustainability of the market in the competitive environment. Some of these trends are, advancements in offset printing leading to lowered cost per page, mass customization of printing services that helps to cater variety of customers and new printing technologies such as digital plate making has enabled acquisition of a wide customer base.A sample of this report is available upon request @Some of the major companies in the commercial printing market include Cenveo, Inc., Quad/Graphics, Inc., R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company, Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd., Toppan Printing Co. Ltd., TC Transcontinental, Inc., Vistaprint NV, Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, Lagardere SCA and Quebecor World, Inc. among others.About USTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a next-generation provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact USState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Website:Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Solar Home Lightings 2017 Global Key Players Panasonic, Tata Power Solar Systems, GE Renewable Energy, Sanyo Solar, Ascent Solar, Shenzhen Yingli New Energy Resources Market Analysis And Forecast To 2022 Solar Home Lightings Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1288771-global-solar-home-lightings-market-research-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/1288771-global-solar-home-lightings-market-research-report-2017 Solar Home Lightings Market 2017Wiseguyreports.Com Adds Solar Home Lightings-Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities, Manufacturers, Analysis of Top Key Players and Forecast to 2022 To Its Research Database.Description:In this report, the global Solar Home Lightings market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Solar Home Lightings in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Solar Home Lightings market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingPanasonicTata Power Solar SystemsGE Renewable EnergySanyo SolarAscent SolarPhillipsSharpSu-KamAUOSolarcenturyShenzhen Yingli New Energy ResourcesRequest for Sample Report@On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoOff-grid SolarGrid-tied SolarOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of Solar Home Lightings for each application, includingCityCountrysideEnquiry before Buying @If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of Contents:Global Solar Home Lightings Market Research Report 20171 Solar Home Lightings Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Solar Home Lightings1.2 Solar Home Lightings Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Solar Home Lightings Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Solar Home Lightings Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Off-grid Solar1.2.4 Grid-tied Solar1.3 Global Solar Home Lightings Segment by Application1.3.1 Solar Home Lightings Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 City1.3.3 Countryside1.4 Global Solar Home Lightings Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Solar Home Lightings Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Solar Home Lightings (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Solar Home Lightings Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Solar Home Lightings Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)2 Global Solar Home Lightings Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Solar Home Lightings Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Solar Home Lightings Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Solar Home Lightings Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Solar Home Lightings Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Solar Home Lightings Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Solar Home Lightings Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Solar Home Lightings Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Solar Home Lightings Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Solar Home Lightings Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion7 Global Solar Home Lightings Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Panasonic7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Solar Home Lightings Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Panasonic Solar Home Lightings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Tata Power Solar Systems7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Solar Home Lightings Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Tata Power Solar Systems Solar Home Lightings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 GE Renewable Energy7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Solar Home Lightings Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 GE Renewable Energy Solar Home Lightings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 Sanyo Solar7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Solar Home Lightings Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 Sanyo Solar Solar Home Lightings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Ascent Solar7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Solar Home Lightings Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Ascent Solar Solar Home Lightings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 Phillips7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Solar Home Lightings Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 Phillips Solar Home Lightings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 Sharp7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Solar Home Lightings Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 Sharp Solar Home Lightings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 Su-Kam7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 Solar Home Lightings Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 Su-Kam Solar Home Lightings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.9 AUO7.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.9.2 Solar Home Lightings Product Category, Application and Specification7.9.2.1 Product A7.9.2.2 Product B7.9.3 AUO Solar Home Lightings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.10 Solarcentury7.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.10.2 Solar Home Lightings Product Category, Application and Specification7.10.2.1 Product A7.10.2.2 Product B7.10.3 Solarcentury Solar Home Lightings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.10.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.11 Shenzhen Yingli New Energy ResourcesContinued..Contact US:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)About Us:Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Addres:: Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt Ltd: Pune 411028: Maharashtra,: Ph: +91 841 198 5042 Security Printing Market is likely to register Single Digit CAGR during 2015 - 2023 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=4013 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=4013 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Security printing includes printing of banknotes, product authentication, postage stamps, identity cards, stock certificates and passports. Companies, government organizations and institutes protect their valuable documents such as coupons, prescription pads and transcripts with by incorporating few features of the security printing in order to reduce the cost. Security printing is done to avoid tempering, counterfeiting and forgery. Security printing includes special paper, watermarks, intaglio printing, micro-printing, holograms, security threads, magnetic inks, anti-copying marks and serial numbers. Based on end-use applications, security printing market can be segmented as financial, tickets, brand protection, personal ID and others. Substrates, coatings and inks are expected to be largest product segment in the global security printing market and this trend is expected to remain same in the next few years.A sample of this report is available upon request @Imposing stringent regulations and standards across the world is expected to be a driving factor for security printing market. Security printing and law enforcement can help in preventing counterfeiters and detect forgeries which would eventually reduce frauds. Furthermore, need of brand protection is anticipated to boost the market growth. Brand names are major target for the product pirates. These product pirates copy brand name and status which would cost companies huge losses and reputation dilution. Additionally, rising counterfeiting is anticipated to boost the market growth for security printing. Counterfeiting is increasing at an alarming rate that include petty criminals, invading supply chains with altered packaging and good, illegal copy of tax stamps and producing fake documents and bank notes. This is affecting the society in all the regions globally and the issue of counterfeiting needs to address. Furthermore, increasing awareness about all the frauds in consumer groups is anticipated to drive the demand for security printing.Consumer groups demand to track and trace the products they procure in order to reduce the losses they face. Consumer behavior is changing due to fusion of end-user markets and industries which allow them to access for all the products in market with one go.However, growing digitization and convergence are expected to hamper the market growth. Thus innovations to develop new products with high security are expected to provide immense opportunities for the players in the market.Asia Pacific emerged as the largest market for security printing in terms of demand. Middle East and Latin America is expected to be fastest growing in the next few years. Due to rising disposable income and changing consumer behavior in the developing countries of Asia Pacific, the demand for security printing is expected to remain high in the next few years. North America held the small share in the global security printing market. Growth for security printing market in North America is expected to revive in the next few years due to increasing awareness among consumer groups and companies about document security. Europe comprising Eastern and Western Europe is expected to grow at a moderate rate. Western Europe is expected to exhibit significant growth in the total market share.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Global security printing market is moderately consolidated with few players accounting for major share. Some of the major players have presence across value chain and provide customized products and solutions for the customers. For instance, Giesecke & Devrient procure raw materials from its fully owned subsidiaries in order to reduce cost and maintain high quality of the product. Some of the key players in the global security printing market include 3M, Madras Security Printers Private Ltd. and Giesecke & Devrient.About USTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a next-generation provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact USState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Website:Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com East Africas agri potential: the new frontier for food and grain production Agribusiness Congress East Africa to attract regional agri professionals http://www.agri-eastafrica.com My vision for the agri sector is a national grain sector that supplies the region and is the preferred source of high quality grain. There are opportunities in agriculture with our two seasons (bimodal) and a fast growing population; highest in the world at 3% per annum. This is according to Mr Chris Kaijuka, chairman of The Grain Council of Uganda (TGCU) and featured speaker at the upcoming Agribusiness Congress East Africa in Namulonge in November.The TGCU is the official host partner of this leading regional farming event which returns to Uganda from 29-30 November as a fully-fledged conference and outdoor exhibition with its move to the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI) in Namulonge. Apart from the high-level conference with high-level expert speakers, Agribusiness Congress East Africa will this year also feature more than 45 exhibitors, free training workshops and agronomy consultations, roundtable discussions as well as live demonstrations and crop trials.According to Mr Kaijuka, the TGCU is currently pursuing affordable financing for infrastructure development and working capital for members. We look forward to the launch of the electronic trading on the Uganda National Commodity Exchange where we are shareholders.He adds: for us to truly grasp the opportunity for East Africa, and Uganda in particular, which has evolved into the new frontier for food and grain production and the continents food basket, we need to come together and take action to move the industry forward. We urge all industry players with a stake in agriculture to take advantage of this golden opportunity to meet with suppliers, buyers and technocrats and contribute to the development debate.Challenges facing East African agricultureAnother leading industry body supporting Agribusiness Congress East Africa is Farm Concern International, an Africa-wide agri-market development agency specialised in value chain analysis, profitable smallholder commercialization and market access. Tomson Okot, Senior Programme Director at Farm Concern International, is part of a panel discussion at the event on Identifying East Africas investment trends & outlooks for 2018.With regards to the main challenges facing the agri sector in East Africa, Mr Okot says: with an enormous potential of fertile soils and favourable climate, East Africa has a comparative advantage to produce several agricultural products, process and export as a food basket of the EAC-COMESA region. However, despite its potential, intra-East African Community trade is about US $5.63 billion only (representing only 10% share of intra-EAC trade to the total trade). East African exports of goods and services to the COMESA region and other countries within the East African Community (EAC) is thus still low.He continues: limited market-led incentives, low commercialization and subsistence agriculture in East Africa is a barrier to trade. Access to competitive markets remains one of the major challenges facing smallholder farmers in East Africa. Specifically, smallholder farmers are constrained by low level of commercialization, multiple layers of predatory market players that reduce gross margins and, limited access to market information.To read the full interviews with Mr Kaijuka, Mr Okot and more expert speakers and partners, go to the event website.Other leading agricultural and economic partners of Agribusiness Congress East Africa include: the Agricultural Council of Tanzania (ACT), Alliance for Commodity Trade in East and Southern Africa (ACTESA), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Eastern Africa Farmers Federation, Eastern African Grain Council, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), SA Capital Equipment Export Council (SAEEC) and VECO East Africa.Industry supportMore than a thousand agri professionals are expected to attend Agribusiness Congress East Africa from 29-30 November entrance to the expo is free.As in previous years, the technology and services industry in the sector has come out in huge support of the event and with the expo this year, they have even more opportunities to showcase their offerings. Leading farming equipment supplier John Deere and Mascor are platinum sponsors at Agribusiness Congress East Africa while Case, Engsol, Tafe and Toyota are gold sponsors.Agribusiness Congress East Africa dates and venue:Conference and expo: 29-30 November 2017Venue: National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), Gayaza Road Namulonge, Kampala, UgandaAgribusiness Congress East Africa is organised by Spintelligent, a well-known trade conference and expo organiser on the continent, with particular expertise and experience in energy, infrastructure development and agricultural events; including the long-running flagship shows such as Agritech Expo Zambia, Farm-Tech Expo Kenya, Future Energy East Africa, Future Energy Uganda, Kenya Mining Forum and African Utility Week in Cape Town.Website:Senior communications manager: Annemarie RoodbolTelephone: +27 21 700 3558Email: annemarie.roodbol@spintelligent.comPO Box 321, Steenberg, 7947, South Africa Educational Baby Toys Global Market Key Players Guangdong Alpha, Toys "R" Us, Chicco, Fisher-Price, Hasbro - Analysis and Forecast to 2022 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1194719-global-educational-baby-toys-market-research-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/1194719-global-educational-baby-toys-market-research-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=1194719 SummaryWiseGuyReports.com adds Educational Baby Toys Market 2017 Global Analysis, Growth, Trends and Opportunities Research Report Forecasting to 2022 reports to its database.Global Educational Baby Toys market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingGuangdong AlphaLego GroupToys "R" UsBeijing Smart ToyChiccoFarlinFisher-PriceGreen Forest HandicraftsHasbroIntex Toys & Plastic ElectronicKids IILeapFrog EnterprisesMattelMelissa & DougMothercareNanhan Jinxiong Plastic & Metal ProductsThe Learning ResourcesThe Walt DisneyVTech HoldingsYunhe Hunter Wooden ProductsZhejiang Mulolo Toys & CraftsRequest a Sample Report @Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Educational Baby Toys in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoBuilding SetsJigsaw PuzzlesCard GamesOthersOn the basis of the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, includingPhysical StoresOnline StoresAt any Query @Table of Contents1 Market Overview1.1 Market Segment Overview1.1.1 Product Definition1.1.2 Market by Type1.1.2.1 PPD-S1.1.2.2 PPD RT231.1.2.3 Others1.1.3 Market by Application1.1.3.1 Human Use1.1.3.2 Animal Use1.2 Global and Regional Market Size1.2.1 Global Overview1.2.2 Market by Region1.2.2.1 Asia-Pacific1.2.2.2 North America1.2.2.3 Europe1.2.2.4 South America1.2.2.5 Middle East & Africa2 Industry Chain2.1 Industry Chain Structure2.2 Upstream2.3 Market2.3.1 SWOT2.3.2 Dynamics..6 Key Manufacturers6.1 Sanofi Pasteur6.1.2 Company Information6.1.2 Product Specifications6.1.3 Business Data (Capacity, Sales Revenue, Volume, Price, Cost and Margin)6.2 Zoetis6.2.1 Company Information6.2.2 Product Specifications6.2.3 Business Data (Capacity, Sales Revenue, Volume, Price, Cost and Margin)6.3 Par Sterile6.3.1 Company Information6.3.2 Product Specifications6.3.3 Business Data (Capacity, Sales Revenue, Volume, Price, Cost and Margin)6.4 SSI6.4.1 Company Information6.4.2 Product Specifications6.4.3 Business Data (Capacity, Sales Revenue, Volume, Price, Cost and Margin)6.5 Japan BCG6.5.1 Company Information6.5.2 Product Specifications6.5.3 Business Data (Capacity, Sales Revenue, Volume, Price, Cost and Margin)6.6 Thermo Fisher6.6.1 Company Information6.6.2 Product Specifications6.6.3 Business Data (Capacity, Sales Revenue, Volume, Price, Cost and Margin)6.7 Sanroad Biological6.7.1 Company Information6.7.2 Product Specifications6.7.3 Business Data (Capacity, Sales Revenue, Volume, Price, Cost and Margin)6.8 CNBG6.8.1 Company Information6.8.2 Product Specifications6.8.3 Business Data (Capacity, Sales Revenue, Volume, Price, Cost and Margin)Buy Now @Continued....Contact Us: sales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US) ; Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)ABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.ADDRES:WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India China Turbo Expander Industry Revenue, Sales and Growth Rate 2017-2022 Turbo Expander Market, Turbo Expander Industry, Turbo Expander Trends. https://www.marketresearchnest.com/china-turbo-expander-market-by-manufacturers-regions-province-type-and-application-forecast-to-2022.html https://www.marketresearchnest.com/purchase.php?reportid=270630 https://www.marketresearchnest.com/requestsample.php?reportid=270630 MarketResearchNest.com adds China Turbo Expander Market by Manufacturers, Regions (Province), Type and Application, Forecast To 2022new report to its research database. The report spread across in a 123 pages with table and figures in it.Turbo expander is a machine, which continuously converts kinetic energy into mechanical energy. This is done by expanding the high pressure gas from upstream to a lower pressure downstream through the Expander. The high pressure gas causes the radial expander to rotate. Rotation is transmitted to the shaft, which is supported by a set of bearings. The power transmitted to the shaft can be used to drive a compressor, drive an electrical generator or can be dissipated through an oil brake or air brake. Turbo Expander is also referred to as a turbo-expander or an expansion turbine, is a centrifugal or axial flow turbine through which a high pressure gas is expanded to produce work that is often used to drive a compressor.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Turbo Expander in China market, to split the market based on manufacturers, Regions (Province), type and application.Browse full table of contents and data tables atMarket Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversCryostar, Atlas Copco, GE oil andgas, Air Products, ACD, L.A. Turbine, Turbogaz, Samsung, RMG, Hangyang Group, SASPG, HNEC, Suzhou Xida, Beifang Asp, Jianyang Ruite, HuayuMarket Segment by Regions (Province), coveringSouth ChinaSouthwest ChinaEast ChinaNortheast ChinaNorth ChinaMarket Segment by Type, coversRadial-Axial Turbo Expander, Radial Turbo Expander, Axial Turbo ExpanderMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoAir separation, Liquefied Natural Gas(LNG), Petrochemical processing, Waste heat or other power recovery, OthersOrder a Purchase Report Copy atThere are 18 Chapters to deeply display the China Turbo Expander market.Chapter 1, to describe Turbo Expander Introduction, product type and application, market overview, market analysis by Region (province), market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the manufacturers of Turbo Expander, with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4,to show the China market by Regions (Province),covering South China,East China,Southwest China,North China,Northeast China,Northwest China and Central China,with sales, price,revenue and market share of Turbo Expander,for each region,from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5 and 6, to show the market by type and application, with sales, price, revenue, market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 7,8,9,10,11,12 and 13 to analyze the key Province by Type and Application,covering South China,East China,Southwest China,North China,Northwest China,Central China and Northeast China,with sales,revenue and market share by types and applications;Chapter 14, Turbo Expander market forecast, by Regions (Province), type and application, with sales, price, revenue and growth rate forecast, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 15, to analyze the manufacturing cost, key raw materials and manufacturing process etc.Chapter 16, to analyze the industrial chain, sourcing strategy and downstream end users (buyers);Chapter 17, to describe sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers etc.Chapter 18, to describe Turbo Expander Appendix, methodology and data sourceRequest a sample copy atAbout Us:MarketResearchNest.com is the most comprehensive collection of market research products and services on the Web. We offer reports from almost all top publishers and update our collection on daily basis to provide you with instant online access to the worlds most complete and recent database of expert insights on China industries, organizations, products, and trends.Contact UsMr. Jeet JainSales Managersales@marketresearchnest.com+1-240-284-8070(U.S)+44-20-3290-4151(U.K)Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook Electric Car Chargers Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast To 2022 Electric Car Chargers Market https://www.marketresearchnest.com/global-north-america-europe-and-asia-pacific-south-america-middle-east-and-africa-electric-car-chargers-market-2017-forecast-to-2022.html https://www.marketresearchnest.com/purchase.php?reportid=270648 https://www.marketresearchnest.com/requestsample.php?reportid=270648 MarketResearchNest.com adds Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Electric Car Chargers Market 2017 Forecast To 2022 new report to its research database. The report spread across in a 118 pages with table and figures in it."The electric car charger is charging for different kinds of new energy electric vehicles, its function is similar to the gas station inside the tanker, it usually have two kinds in charging manner classification, AC and DC. Alternate current electric car charger is relative cheaper than the direct current Electric Car Chargers.It can be fixed on the ground or wall, installed in public buildings (public buildings, shopping malls, public parking, etc.) and residential area parking or charging stations, it charging for different kinds of new energy electric vehicles based on the demand. Electric Car Chargers of inputs directly connected to the AC power grid, output terminals are equipped with a charging plug for electric vehicle charging."Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Electric Car Chargers in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Browse full table of contents and data tables atMarket Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversChargepoint, ABB, Eaton, Leviton, Blink, Schneider Electric, Siemens, General Electric, AeroVironment, Panasonic, Chargemaster, Elektromotive, Clipper Creek, DBT CEV, Pod Point, BYD, NARI, Xuji Group, Potivio, Auto Electric Power Plant, Ruckus New Energy Tech, Huashang Sanyou, Wanbang, Qingdao Telaidian.Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.), Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa).Market Segment by Type, coversSlow AC, Fast AC, Fast DC.Market Segment by Applications, can be divided intoHome, Office, Commercial.Order a Purchase Report Copy atThere are 18 Chapters to deeply display the China Electric Car Chargers (CAS 56645-65-9) market.Chapter 1, to describe Electric Car Chargers (CAS 56645-65-9) Introduction, product type and application, market overview, market analysis by Region (province), market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the manufacturers of Electric Car Chargers (CAS 56645-65-9), with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4,to show the China market by Regions (Province),covering South China,East China,Southwest China,North China,Northeast China,Northwest China and Central China,with sales, price,revenue and market share of Electric Car Chargers (CAS 56645-65-9),for each region,from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5 and 6, to show the market by type and application, with sales, price, revenue, market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 7,8,9,10,11,12 and 13 to analyze the key Province by Type and Application,covering South China,East China,Southwest China,North China,Northwest China,Central China and Northeast China,with sales,revenue and market share by types and applications;Chapter 14, Electric Car Chargers (CAS 56645-65-9) market forecast, by Regions (Province), type and application, with sales, price, revenue and growth rate forecast, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 15, to analyze the manufacturing cost, key raw materials and manufacturing process etc.Chapter 16, to analyze the industrial chain, sourcing strategy and downstream end users (buyers);Chapter 17, to describe sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers etc.Chapter 18, to describe Electric Car Chargers (CAS 56645-65-9) Appendix, methodology and data sourceRequest a sample copy atAbout Us:MarketResearchNest.com is the most comprehensive collection of market research products and services on the Web. We offer reports from almost all top publishers and update our collection on daily basis to provide you with instant online access to the worlds most complete and recent database of expert insights on Electric Car Chargers industries, organizations, products, and trends.Contact UsMr. Jeet JainSales Managersales@marketresearchnest.com+1-240-284-8070(U.S)+44-20-3290-4151(U.K)Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook Wireless Charging Market Estimated to Expand at a Robust CAGR over 2016 - 2023 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=11174 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=11174 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Wireless Charging Market: Overview and SegmentationWireless charging is recharging batteries of electrical devices with no physically connected cables. Currently, charging of devices is an important aspect of business is response to power intensive applications. Mobile manufacturers such as Samsung, Nokia, LG Electronics and HTC are positioning phones with wireless charging to drive demand at the high end.A sample of this report is available upon request @The global wireless charging market is segmented by application into consumer electronics, industrial, medical, automotive and defense. Consumer electronics is expected to be the largest application segment in the wireless charging market.On the basis of geography the market is segmented as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle-east and Africa and Latin America. High volumes of electronics devices such as smartphones and laptops in Asia Pacific make it the most promising region for wireless charging market. However, United States is the largest regional market for wireless charging. Increase in adoption of wireless charging for industrial applications and growing awareness of wireless power technology among consumers propels market growth in this region.On the basis of technology wireless charging market is segmented as Inductive, RF and Resonant. Inductive technology is mature and has high demand in wireless charging market owing to its use in all the applications. On the other hand, RF and resonant technologies are gaining traction in the wireless charging market. Companies such as Qualcomm and Samsung support resonant technology which allows charging multiple devices simultaneously.Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP), Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) and Power Matters Alliance (PMA) are the three groups present in the wireless charging market. Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) uses Qi standard commonly found in smartphones whereas Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP) uses resonance technology which is still in the early stages of development. Interoperability between these groups is of prime importance for the wireless charging market. Companies such as AT&T are seeking a commitment to one standard of wireless charging from their handset vendors.Wireless Charging Market: Trends and DriversThe penetration of wireless charging is expected to increase in wearable devices over the years. Wireless charging market is expected to experience a boom in electrical vehicles too. In-car charging and wireless charging of electrical vehicles are the key trends in the automotive industry. Rise in electrical vehicles manufacturing globally will help in the wireless charging market growth. Significant investments in R&D are being made by the market participants, wherein the leading players are focusing on improving the power transmission range. This would facilitate charging of devices wirelessly over long distances, subsequently expanding the application base. However, retaining the costs low is the key challenge for the wireless charging devices market.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Wireless Charging Market: Competitive ScenarioWireless charging market is highly fragmented with start-ups and large market participants. Players are trying to distinguish themselves on the basis of quality and affordability. Few of the key players in the wireless charging market include Qualcomm Inc., Fulton Innovation LLC, Texas Instruments, Inc., WiTricity Corporation, Convenient Power HK Ltd., Integrated Device Technology, Inc., Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Duracell Powermat (Procter & Gamble Co.), Energizer Holdings, Inc, Oregon Scientific, Inc. and Anker among others.About USTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a next-generation provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact USState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Website:Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Europe Alfalfa Hay Industry Revenue, Sales and Growth Rate 2017-2022 Alfalfa Hay Market, Alfalfa Hay Industry, Alfalfa Hay Trends. https://www.marketresearchnest.com/europe-alfalfa-hay-market-by-manufacturers-countries-type-and-application-forecast-to-2022.html https://www.marketresearchnest.com/purchase.php?reportid=270632 https://www.marketresearchnest.com/requestsample.php?reportid=270632 MarketResearchNest.com adds Europe Alfalfa Hay Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast To 2022new report to its research database. The report spread across in a 116 pages with table and figures in it.Alfalfa hay is an excellent source of good quality protein and fiber. Alfalfa is a legume hay and is sometimes called "lucerne". These hays are higher in protein and minerals and are more palatable than grass hays. Alfalfa in particular is high in energy and is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. When properly cured, alfalfa is the best of the legume hays from a nutrient standpoint. It has the most feed value of all the perennial pasture forages. Alfalfa is used as for horses, dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep, chickens, turkeys and other farm animals.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Alfalfa Hay in Europe market, especially in Germany, UK, France, Russia, and Italy. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, countries, type and application.Browse full table of contents and data tables atMarket Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversAnderson Hay, ACX Global, Bailey Farms, Aldahra Fagavi, Grupo Oses, Gruppo Carli, Border Valley Trading, Barr-Ag, Alfa Tec, Standlee Hay, Sacate Pellet Mills, Oxbow Animal Health, MandC Hay, Accomazzo, Huishan Diary, Qiushi Grass Industry, Beijing HDR Trading, Beijing Lvtianyuan Ecological Farm, Modern Grassland, Inner Mongolia Dachen Agriculture, Inner Mongolia HuangYangwa Grass IndustryMarket Segment by Countries, coveringGermanyUKFranceRussiaItalyMarket Segment by Type, coversAlfalfa Hay Bales, Alfalfa Hay Pellets, Alfalfa Hay Cubes, OthersMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoDairy Cow Feed, Beef Cattle and Sheep Feed, Pig Feed, Poultry Feed, OthersOrder a Purchase Report Copy atThere are 17 Chapters to deeply display the Europe Alfalfa Hay market.Chapter 1, to describe Alfalfa Hay Introduction, product type and application, market overview, market analysis by countries, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the manufacturers of Alfalfa Hay, with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers in Europe, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the Europe market by countries, covering Germany, UK, France, Italy and Russia, with sales, price, revenue and market share of Alfalfa Hay, for each country, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5 and 6, to show the market by type and application, with sales, price, revenue, market share and growth rate by type and application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, to analyze the key countries by manufacturers, Type and Application, covering Germany, UK, France, Italy and Russia, with sales, revenue and market share by manufacturers, types and applications;Chapter 12, Alfalfa Hay market forecast, by countries, type and application, with sales, price, revenue and growth rate forecast, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, to analyze the manufacturing cost, key raw materials and manufacturing process etc.Chapter 14, to analyze the industrial chain, sourcing strategy and downstream end users (buyers);Chapter 15, to describe Alfalfa Hay sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers etc.Chapter 16 and 17, to describe Alfalfa Hay Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data sourceRequest a sample copy atAbout Us:MarketResearchNest.com is the most comprehensive collection of market research products and services on the Web. We offer reports from almost all top publishers and update our collection on daily basis to provide you with instant online access to the worlds most complete and recent database of expert insights on Europe industries, organizations, products, and trends.Contact UsMr. Jeet JainSales Managersales@marketresearchnest.com+1-240-284-8070(U.S)+44-20-3290-4151(U.K)Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook Solar Charge Controllers Market expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.02% The Biggest Trends to watch out for 2017-2023 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4280 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/solar-charge-controllers-market-4280 Market HighlightsSolar charge controllers also called as solar regulators. It is applied on 12V batteries, because this voltage is most commonly used in isolated solar systems. Over the past few years, usage of solar power utilization is increased significantly and is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. As cleanest and more sustainable energy, solar energy system is familiar with a wide variety of applications like domestic, commercial and industrial applications.Solar Charger Controllers Market for segment on the basis of type, end user and end-use in the regions of North America, Europe, APAC and Rest of the World. On the basis of type, it is segmented into MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) and PWM (Pulse Width Modulation). PWM and MPPT charge controllers are both widely used to charge batteries with solar power. The MPPT controller is the solution of choice for higher power systems. MPPT is the latest technology meant to extract maximum from the solar panel. They operate according to the panel voltage and converts extra voltage of panel into current which increases the output from the solar system. The PWM charge controller is the most common, least expensive, and easiest to deploy solar charge controller technology. It acts as a good low cost solution for small systems. On the basis of end user, it is categorized into residential and non-residential. Non-residential segment dominated the solar charge controllers market. With numerous government initiatives, implementing energy management systems (EMS) and inverters with solar PV panels on non-residential buildings acts as major driver for the growth of solar regulators.Global Solar Charge Controllers Market is forecasted at approximately 15.02%.CAGRkey players in the global solar charger controllers market areGenasun (Italy),Luminous India (India),Microtek (China),Schneider Electric (France),Su-Kam Power Systems (India),Arise India (India),Delta Electronics (India),Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd (China),Victron Energy (Netherlands)Beijing Epsolar Technology Co., Ltd (China).Request a Sample Copy @Market Research Future Analysis:Market Research Future analysis show that the global market of solar charge controllers market is estimated to grow at CAGR of 15.02 % by the end of the forecast period.Solar energy policy is developed by governments to sustain its growth including solar energy production, distribution and consumption. Solar energy policies include legislation, international treaties, and incentives to investment such as the formation incentives in the U.S. In many countries, such as India and EU countries, the policies such as feed-in-tariff (FIT), portfolio standard (RPS), tax credits, pricing laws, production incentives, quota requirements, and trading systems, have been developed and implemented to promote the use of solar energy. Many industrialized nations have integrated a considerable number of solar power installations with the electrical grids. On the other hand, developing economies are using solar energy to reduce their dependence on fossil fuel-based power generation.Asia pacific will be the largest MarketAsia-Pacific is one of the largest markets for solar charge controllers in the world. There is an increasing demand for energy because of the growing population and rising disposable income in the region. Moreover, these rapidly growing economies in this region are also the top polluters in the world. Solar energy is identified as the best replacement to other conventional fossil fuel energy sources and is used to reduce carbon emission by effectively meeting the electricity needs.Continue..For further information on this report, visit @List of TablesTable 1 Global Solar Charge Controllers Market, By TypeTable 2 Global Solar Charge Controllers Market, By End-UserTable 3 Global Solar Charge Controllers Market, By RegionsTable 4 North America Solar Charge Controllers Market, By TypeContinue..About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com Automotive Rear Cross Traffic Alert System Market to Witness Steady Expansion During 2017-2025 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=28715 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=28715 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Rear cross traffic alert systems are primarily used to identify other vehicles in the surrounding of the vehicle. When the system senses the existence of other vehicles in its surroundings, an indicator bulb situated on the side view mirror starts to blink. Moreover, while on the reverse gear, the rear cross traffic alert system delivers a text alert as well as a warning chime as soon as it senses the presence of other vehicles in its vicinity. It also point out the presence or absence of other vehicles prior to changing lanes or overtaking thus confirming the freeness of the lane. When the turn signal is activated before changing lanes, the alert system leads to a vibration in the steering wheel in order to warn the driver about his intentions. In some cases, the rear cross traffic alert system helps in thwarting a crash. On the basis of warning strategies and costs, these systems have a number of different sensor components such as camera, radar, and an ultrasonic sensor.The global automotive rear cross traffic alert system market is poised to show a steady growth curve during the forecast period. The Euro New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) has intensified its norms relating to driver assistance safety systems. This is likely to be one of the major driving factors that will boost the growth of the global automotive rear cross traffic alert system market in the coming years. Moreover, increasing regulatory norms from various bodies including The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) have made safety requirements mandatory. This has made the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to incorporate driver assistance systems into their produced vehicles. As obeying regulations and adhering to better safety quotient help the manufacturers to have a competitive edge, there is likely to be an increasing adoption of rear cross traffic alert system during the course of the forecast period.There have been massive developments in the fields of automotive sensors and microcontrollers resulting into further miniaturization of lenses and sensors that is likely to lengthen the scope of application of cameras detecting and monitoring surrounding and in-car conditions. For example, there are sensors detecting various parameters including drivers' eye and locus of the drivers head. In adverse situations, they trigger ADAS advanced driver assistance systems in order to take necessary actions. The adoption of infrared imaging sensors instead CMOS image sensors in these systems is likely to boost the overall automotive rear cross traffic alert system market during the forecast period.A sample of this report is available upon request @The global automotive rear cross traffic alert system market is segmented on the basis of end user and geography. By end user, the market is segmented into OEMs and aftermarket. The OEM segment is likely to occupy a lions share in the global automotive rear cross traffic alert system market. Increasing implementation of rear cross traffic alert system by the OEMs is likely to encourage the growth of this segment in the global market.In terms of geography, the global automotive rear cross traffic alert system market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America is likely to dominate the global market during the forecast period. The implementation of rear cross traffic alert system is has been made mandatory in this region in order to curb collisions and road accidents. This has led to the dominance of this region in the global automotive rear cross traffic alert system market.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @The leading manufacturers in the global automotive rear cross traffic alert system market are Bosch, Autoliv, Delphi, Continental, Valeo, and Infineon Technologies.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About USTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a next-generation provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact USAbhishek BudholiyaState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Website:Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Global Medical Gauze Market Report Size, Status, Analysis & Forecast 2021 bharatbook https://www.bharatbook.com/request-sample/951716 https://www.bharatbook.com/healthcare-market-research-reports-951716/global-medical-gauze.html www.bharatbook.com Bharat Book Bureau provides the Trending Market Research Report; on Global Medical Gauze Market Report and Forecast to 2021Medical Gauze Report by Material, Application, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2021 is a professional and comprehensive research report on the world's major regional market conditions, focusing on the main regions (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific) and the main countries (United States, Germany, United Kingdom,Japan, South Korea and China).In this report, the global Medical Gauze market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is projected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2021, growing at a CAGR of XX% during the period 2017 to 2021.Request a sample copy of Medical Gauze Market Report @The report firstly introduced the Medical Gauze basics: definitions, classifications, applications and market overview; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures, raw materials and so on. Then it analyzed the world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, supply, demand and market growth rate and forecast etc. In the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.The major players profiled in this report include: Likang Medical HBM Piaoan Medical Dressing Vitality medical. McKesson Moore Medical COVIDIENThe end users/applications and product categories analysis:On the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume, revenue (Million USD), product price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into- Bioelectric dressings Gas permeability Pressure dressingsTo Browse the Entire Report, Visit:On the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate of Medical Gauze for each application, including- Hospital Home care OthersAbout Bharat Book Bureau:Bharat Book Bureau is the leading market research information provider for market research reports, company profiles, industry study, country reports, business reports, newsletters and online databases Bharat Book Bureau provides over a million reports from more than 400 publishers around the globe. We cover sectors starting from Aeronautics to Zoology.Contact us at:Bharat Book BureauTel: +91 22 27810772 / 27810773Email: poonam@bharatbook.comWebsite:Follow us on: Twitter|Facebook|LinkedIn|Google Plus Fly Ash Market worth 5.97 Billion USD by 2021 fly ash market http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=76345803 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsample.asp?id=76345803 The fly ash market has been growing owing to the growth in the construction industry, increasing focus on infrastructure and road paving, problems related to dumping fly ash, promotion of fly ash by governments of various countries, and increasing focus on the use of environment-friendly products. Leading players such as Boral Limited (Australia), Headwaters Inc. (U.S.), CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V. (Mexico), Lafarge North America Inc. (U.S.), Charah Inc. (U.S.), Separation Technologies LLC (U.S.), Aggregate Industries (U.K.), FlyAshDirect (U.S.), Salt River Materials Group (U.S.), and Ashtech (India) Pvt. Ltd. (India) are focusing on entering new markets, which is expected to drive the fly ash market in the future.Download PDF BrochureBased on type, the Class F segment accounted for the largest share of the fly ash market in 2015Based on type, the Class F segment accounts for the largest share of the fly ash market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years. It is generally low-calcium fly ash with carbon content varying from 5% to 10%. The use of Class F fly ash is mostly in Portland cement where it is used in mass concrete and high strength mixes. It is also suitable for concreting in summer as it moderates heat gain during concrete curing. The growth in the consumption of cement and cementitious materials from the construction sectors in Asia-Pacific and North America regions has driven the demand for Class F fly ash.Based on application, the Portland cement & concrete segment accounted for the largest share of the fly ash market in 2015Fly ash is added to concrete to make it more durable and strong. Fly ash has low unit weight. On pound for pound basis, fly ash contributes 30% more volume of cementitious material per pound as compared to cement. Hence, it is a suitable material to partially replace cement in construction activities. There is an increase in the construction expenditure in the Asia-Pacific region due to the rising demand for residential and non-residential buildings, which in turn will increase the demand of fly ash in the Portland cement & concrete application segment.Asia-Pacific region dominated the fly ash market in 2015Asia-Pacific dominated the fly ash market in 2015 owing to the increasing demand for fly ash from developing economies, such as India and China. China is the leading consumer of fly ash in the Asia-Pacific region, followed by India. Industrialization has fueled urbanization in China and India through the migration of rural populations to urban areas and the development of towns into cities. As a result of the steady economic growth, construction activities have increased, thus leading to an increased demand for fly ash.Ask for Report SampleKey players operating in the fly ash market include Boral Limited (Australia), Headwaters Inc. (U.S.), CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V. (Mexico), Lafarge North America Inc. (U.S.), Charah Inc. (U.S.), Separation Technologies LLC (U.S.), Aggregate Industries (U.K.), FlyAshDirect (U.S.), Salt River Materials Group (U.S.), and Ashtech (India) Pvt. Ltd. (India).About MarketsandMarketsMarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies revenues. Currently servicing 5000 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions.Contact:Mr. RohanMarketsandMarkets INC.630 Dundee RoadSuite 430Northbrook, IL 60062USA : 1-888-600-6441sales@marketsandmarkets.com Europe Aramid Fiber Industry Revenue, Sales and Growth Rate 2017-2022 Aramid Fiber Market, Aramid Fiber Industry, Aramid Fiber Trends. https://www.marketresearchnest.com/europe-aramid-fiber-market-by-manufacturers-countries-type-and-application-forecast-to-2022.html https://www.marketresearchnest.com/purchase.php?reportid=270634 https://www.marketresearchnest.com/requestsample.php?reportid=270634 MarketResearchNest.com adds Europe Aramid Fiber Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast To 2022new report to its research database. The report spread across in a 124 pages with table and figures in it.This report studies the Artificial Tears market, Artificial tears are lubricant eye drops used to treat the dryness and irritation associated with deficient tear production in keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes). They are also used to moisten contact lenses and in eye examinations.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Aramid Fiber in Europe market, especially in Germany, UK, France, Russia, and Italy. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, countries, type and application.Browse full table of contents and data tables atMarket Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversAllergan, Alcon (Novartis), Bausch and Lomb, Abbott, Santen Pharmaceutical, Ursapharm, Rohto, Similasan Corporation, Johnson and Johnson, Ocusoft, Nicox, Sintong, Wuhan Yuanda, Jiangxi ZhenshimingMarket Segment by Countries, coveringGermany, UK, France, Russia, ItalyMarket Segment by Type, coversArtificial Tear Liquid, Artificial Tear OintmentMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoDry Eyes Treatment, Contact Lenses Moisten, OthersOrder a Purchase Report Copy atThere are 17 Chapters to deeply display the Europe Aramid Fiber market.Chapter 1, to describe Aramid Fiber Introduction, product type and application, market overview, market analysis by countries, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the manufacturers of Aramid Fiber, with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers in Europe, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the Europe market by countries, covering Germany, UK, France, Italy and Russia, with sales, price, revenue and market share of Aramid Fiber, for each country, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5 and 6, to show the market by type and application, with sales, price, revenue, market share and growth rate by type and application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, to analyze the key countries by manufacturers, Type and Application, covering Germany, UK, France, Italy and Russia, with sales, revenue and market share by manufacturers, types and applications;Chapter 12, Aramid Fiber market forecast, by countries, type and application, with sales, price, revenue and growth rate forecast, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, to analyze the manufacturing cost, key raw materials and manufacturing process etc.Chapter 14, to analyze the industrial chain, sourcing strategy and downstream end users (buyers);Chapter 15, to describe Aramid Fiber sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers etc.Chapter 16 and 17, to describe Aramid Fiber Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data sourceRequest a sample copy atAbout Us:MarketResearchNest.com is the most comprehensive collection of market research products and services on the Web. We offer reports from almost all top publishers and update our collection on daily basis to provide you with instant online access to the worlds most complete and recent database of expert insights on Europe industries, organizations, products, and trends.Contact UsMr. Jeet JainSales Managersales@marketresearchnest.com+1-240-284-8070(U.S)+44-20-3290-4151(U.K)Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook Automotive AC Compressor Market to Witness Comprehensive Growth by 2025 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/15286 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/15286 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Automotive AC Compressor Market: OverviewThe global automotive production has been growing in the past few years. New markets have opened up, and new trends have made their way due to continuous developments and disruptive innovations in the automotive industry. Passenger cars and commercial vehicles both the segments are expected to witness high growth rates over the forecast period due to massive demand. Air conditioning systems have become a necessary feature in passenger cars and busses these days. Component makers and automobile manufacturers have made significant advancements in technology relating to performance, efficiency, and cost of AC systems. Many automakers are trying to make these systems economical and small budget without compromising the overall performance of the vehicle. The automotive AC compressor is one the principal part of overall air conditioning system, and it plays a significant role in the efficient functioning of this system. The automotive AC compressor maintains necessary pressure and flow of refrigerant in the system to enable heat rejection from the confined space.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Automotive AC Compressor Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe rise in automotive production and sales and growing car ownerships all over the world is driving the global automotive AC compressor market. The AC systems used have become an essential part of all types of vehicles including passenger cars, heavy commercial vehicles, and light commercial vehicles. The growing requirement of consumers on vehicle comfort is creating the demand for automotive air conditioning ultimately for automotive AC compressors. In developing economies of APEJ and MEA region the trend for aftermarket installation of AC systems in a vehicle is expected to be followed for next four to five years. The increasing number of on-road cars globally and rise in demand for comfort features in economy cars is projected to drive the automotive AC compressor market over the forecast period.The maintenance issues, some technical restraints, high prices of luxury vehicles are expected to act as a minor constraint for the rapid growth of global automotive AC compressor market over the forecast period. The market players in global automotive AC compressor market hold significant opportunity for the introduction of new compact and efficient AC compressor at competitive prices. Owing to technological advancements to provide better products at low price coupled with increasing implementation of AC systems in automobiles the global automotive AC compressor market is expected to register substantial growth over the forecast period.Automotive AC Compressor Market: SegmentationOn the basis of vehicles, automotive AC compressor market is segmented into:Passenger CarsLMVHMVOn the basis of types, automotive AC compressor market is segmented into:Swash PlateRotary VaneScrollAutomotive AC Compressor Market: Region Wise OutlookThe Global automotive AC compressor Market is segmented into the seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Western Europe, and Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). The automotive AC compressor market is globally expected to register healthy CAGR during the forecast period. Regarding value and volume, North America is the largest market in the automotive AC compressors to rule this market in upcoming years. The growth in this region is attributed to rising in the usage of automotive AC compressor due to increase in the number of automobiles running on roads in U.S and Canada. APEJ is the other leading region which is showing tremendous growth in the market of automotive AC compressor due to factors such as an increase in purchasing power of individuals, establishments of the automotive industry in this region due to the availability of resources at a low price. Western Europe and Eastern Europe are also prominent markets for automotive AC compressor as both these regions are well inundated with various auto industry. Japan has a large base of automotive industries which is expected to create demand for automotive AC compressors. MEA & Latin America both these region has been witnessing a little growth in the auto industry, but this industry is expected to grow over the forecast period.A sample of this report is available upon request @Automotive AC Compressor Market: Key PlayersAutomotive AC compressor market has several global players, some of the major stakeholders among them includeSanden CorporationOMEGA Environmental TechnologiesYantai Shougang TD Automotive Compressor Co., Ltd.HELLA KGaA Hueck & CoSANTIAN A/C COMPRESSOR CO., LTDValeo S.A.Calsonic Kansei CorporationDenso CorporationDunair Smiths Manufacturing PTY Ltd.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Non-Surgical Skin Tightening Market Development Insight and Manufacturers Challenge Competitors | Forecast up to 2022 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=33119 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/non-surgical-skin-tightening-market.htm https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/33119 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The global Non-Surgical Skin Tightening Market is projected to record an impressive CAGR during the forecast period, 2017 to 2022, according to Transparency Market Researchs (TMR) newly published report. The report states that the global non-surgical skin tightening market will account for approximately US$ 500 Mn revenues by 2022-end.Demand for Non-surgical Skin Tightening Products to Gain Immense Traction in Beauty ClinicsAmong end-users of non-surgical skin tightening products, dermatology clinics are projected to hold over two-third market revenue share in 2017. However, demand for non-surgical skin tightening products in dermatology clinics will witness a significant decline by the end of forecast period. On the other hand, demand for non-surgical skin tightening products will gain immense traction in beauty clinics, with sales estimated to exhibit a high single-digit CAGR through 2022.Sample With Latest Advancements @Laser-based devices will continue to be the most lucrative product in the global non-surgical skin tightening market, owing to their suitability for all skin types and relatively lower risk of skin damaging. Laser-based devices also offer the benefit of changing the treatment procedure based on the skin tone and texture.RF Devices for Non-Surgical Skin Tightening Procedures to Exhibit Highest CAGR through 2022RF devices have emerged as the latest addition to products of non-surgical skin tightening procedures. The FDA is approving a large number of RF devices for removal of wrinkles. RF devices are expected to be effective to a wide variety of customers, particularly those with darker skin and experiencing discoloration with laser-based devices. RF devices are also known for tightening larger areas of the skin, such as the flank or abdomen. Although RF devices currently account for relatively lower revenues in the non-surgical skin tightening market globally, their sales are projected to ride on the highest CAGR in the market through 2022.Browse Our Press Releases For More Information @Ultherapy, also called high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy, is the first ever non-surgical energy-based device approved by the FDA for skin tightening procedures. In addition, the ultrasound devices have been certified with CE mark. These factors have resulted into an increased demand for ultrasound devices for skin tightening procedures, especially across developed regions such as Europe and North America, where acceptability, affordability and awareness of cosmetic therapies is quite high. In terms of revenues, ultrasound devices are expected to be the second most lucrative product for non-invasive skin tightening procedure over 2017 to 2022.APEJ to Remain Second-Fastest Expanding Market for Non-Surgical Skin TighteningAsia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) will continue to be the second fastest expanding market for non-surgical skin tightening market, to account for revenues over US$ 100 Mn by 2022-end. The awareness about sophisticated personal care systems is increasing in APEJ, along with rising number of new public health systems & healthcare institutions, and improvements in healthcare infrastructure. Local vendors in APEJ manufacture products at low costs, which in turn is gaining attraction of customers from various other regions as well.Browse Our Table of Content @North America is expected to remain the largest market for non-surgical skin tightening, followed by Europe over the forecast period. In addition, the market in North America will witness the fastest expansion through 2022. In Europe, people with their increasing disposable incomes are spending more on improving their appearance, increasingly getting aware of skin rejuvenation & resurfacing procedures. Europe will remain the second most lucrative market for non-surgical skin tightening during 2017 to 2022.Key companies profiled by TMR in its report on the global non-surgical skin tightening market include Cutera Inc., Cynosure, Inc., Solta Medical Inc., Lynton Lasers Ltd., Venus Concept Canada Corp., Fotona d.d., Lutronic Corporation, Strata Skin Sciences, Inc., Lumenis Ltd., EL.En. S.p.A., Sciton, Inc., and Alma Lasers, Ltd.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Ophthalmic Surgical Technologies Market Development Insight and Manufacturers Challenge Competitors | Forecast up to 2022 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=33122 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/ophthalmic-surgical-technologies-market.htm https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/33122 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The global Ophthalmic Surgical Technologies Market is driven mainly by the growing funding in the healthcare sector and the rising awareness about eye care, added to the rising prevalence of eye diseases. The ophthalmic surgical technologies market has enjoyed a supportive regulatory and economic structure in most regions in the recent past and is thus likely to continue on the strong growth trajectory it has exhibited in recent years. Increasing government support to advancement of the healthcare sector is likely to remain a major driver for the global ophthalmic surgical technologies market in the coming years.According to Transparency Market Research, the global ophthalmic surgical technologies market is likely to end up at a valuation of US$973.4 mn by the end of 2017 and further rise to US$1,290.5 mn by 2022, exhibiting a solid 5.8% CAGR therein.Sample With Latest Advancements @Here are the key insights into the growth prospects of the global ophthalmic surgical technologies market:The growing adoption of robotic instrumentation in the healthcare sector is a vital driver for the global ophthalmic surgical technologies market. The increased precision offered by robotic surgical technologies has made their incorporation crucial in sectors such as eye surgery, where delicate operations can be performed much better by robots than even the best trained doctors. Ophthalmic surgical technologies are thus likely to be adopted by a rising number of major players in the healthcare industry as well as being backed by a number of governments across the world in the coming years, leading the market to steady growth.The growing aging population is another key driver for the global ophthalmic surgical technologies market. The geriatric population is prone to suffer from eye problems due to the natural weakening of the eye muscles and the surrounding organs. The shorter hospital stays offered by ophthalmic surgical technologies also makes them popular among the elderly, as it allows them to reunite with their families shortly after being operated upon. The rising aging populations in developed regions such as North America and Europe are thus likely to be vital to the global ophthalmic surgical technologies market in the coming years, as these regions are likely to be the leading contributors to the global market.Browse Our Press Releases For More Information @Apart from the growing aging population, the prevalence of eye disorders across the world has also been helped by the rising pollution problems, which has exacerbated the incidence of eye problems in several countries. Rising air pollution is a major concern in developing economies in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, where the rising disposable income of consumers has resulted in a rise in sophistication in the healthcare and medical devices industry. Advanced solutions such as ophthalmic surgical technologies are thus likely to be adopted increasingly in emerging economies such as India, China, Japan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia in the coming years, enhancing the markets growth prospects.Browse Our Table of Content @Geographically, North America is likely to dominate the global ophthalmic surgical technologies market in the coming years, with the markets value in the region likely to rise from US$372.6 mn to US$501.4 mn over the 2017-2022 forecast period. Europe is also a leading contributor to the global ophthalmic surgical technologies market, with the region expected to hold a valuation of US$372.6 mn by 2022. The Asia Pacific except Japan market for ophthalmic surgical technologies market is likely to exhibit a strong 6% CAGR in the 2017-2022 forecast period to emerge with a valuation of US$193 mn.Competitive DynamicsLeading players in the global ophthalmic surgical technologies market include Hoya Corporation, Johnson and Johnson, Topcon Corporation, Essilor, Nidek, STAAR Surgical, Alcon Laboratories, Bausch & Lomb Inc., and Carl Zeiss Meditek AG.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Smart Pole Market Development Insight and Manufacturers Challenge Competitors | Forecast up to 2022 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=33149 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/smart-pole-market.htm https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/33149 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Initiatives taken by the government in various countries has led to upsurge in demand for the global Smart Poles Market. In addition, growing need for monitoring the roads and routes for traffic management is projected to impact growth of the global market of smart pole positively. According to Transparency Market Research, the global market of smart pole is projected to register a CAGR of 13.7% through 2022.Factors Fuelling Growth of the Global MarketGrowth of the global smart poles market is mainly bound to various micro-economic and macro-economic factors. Growing need to monitor the traffic and prevent accidents has led to an upsurge in demand for the smart poles. Manufacturers are increasingly installing the smart poles as they are equipped with smart cameras and enable traffic management conveniently. In addition, as the smart poles are equipped with features such as smart sensors, the end users can easily monitor the weather conditions and unprecedented accidents. Moreover, the smart poles are also equipped with announcement speakers, public charging points and internet connectivity, which is expected to rev up adoption of smart poles globally. These factors are expected to propel growth of the global market of smart pole during the forecast period.Sample With Latest Advancements @Furthermore, government in developing countries are taking initiatives to implement the smart city plan, which is projected to fuel adoption of smart poles globally. Attributed to features such as access to the internet connectivity and sensors in these poles, various disconnected regions can conveniently connect with the developed regions. Smart poles mainly run on solar batteries and is energy efficient as compared to the conventional street light poles. Bound to these factors, government in various countries continue to encourage installation of smart poles. Several market players in the commercial industry can bank on the lucrative opportunity of offering their services in the disconnected regions in the commercial industry attributed to increasing internet connectivity. These factors will continue to rev up adoption of the smart poles in the global market during the forecast period.However, smart poles need increasing maintenance requirement as they operate on solar power. The conventional street light poles require comparatively low initial investment as they mainly function on electricity. Extreme climatic conditions such as moisture, dust and snow can disrupt the functioning of these poles. Attributed to these factors, sales of the smart poles is likely to dip in the backward region of the country. As the smart poles are mainly wireless, the risk of theft continues to remain high. These factors are projected to inhibit growth of the global market of smart pole throughout the forecast period.Browse Our Press Releases For More Information @Adoption of Sensors to Remain High in the Smart PolesGrowing need for traffic management, tracking weather conditions and on-road accidents has led to an upsurge in demand for sensors in the global market. By component, the sensor segment is projected to witness a relatively high growth in terms of revenue, accounting for more than US$ 1,000 Mn by 2022-end. Moreover, the sensor segment is projected to reflect a relatively high CAGR in the global market of smart pole through 2022.In terms of revenue, the retrofit installation type segment is projected to witness robust growth, accounting for more than US$ 1,000 Mn by 2017-end. Through 2022, the new installment segment will continue to reflect the fastest growth in the global market of smart pole. On the basis of application, revenue growth of the highway & roads segment is projected to remain high. The highway & roads segment is projected to represent more than US$ 1,000 Mn in the global market by 2022-end. However, adoption of smart poles will continue to witness the fastest adoption in the public places as compared to the other applications.Browse Our Table of Content @Market PlayersMajor players in the global market of smart pole are Telensa Limited, Lumca, Inc, Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc., Philips Lighting Holding B.V, Maven Systems Pvt. Ltd, Neptun Light, Inc, Streetscape International LLC, Ericsson Inc, Sunna Design, SA and Shanghai Sansi technology Co., LTD.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Proximity Sensors Market Development Insight and Manufacturers Challenge Competitors | Forecast up to 2022 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=33125 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/proximity-sensors-market.htm https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/33125 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Growing need for protection from collision in the transportation industry has led to a surge in demand for proximity sensors in the globally. In addition, manufacturers are increasingly integrating enhanced proximity sensors that protect from extreme and unprecedented medical conditions. According to Transparency Market Research, the global Proximity Sensors Market is projected to reflect a CAGR of 6.9% over the forecast period, 2017-2022.Factors Fuelling Growth of the Global MarketGrowth of the global proximity sensors market is mainly bound to various macro-economic and micro-economic factors. As demand for detecting the surrounding objects and obstructions in the route increases, manufacturers increasingly integrate the proximity sensors in the vehicles. Bound to features such as ultrasound and electromagnetic features, the manufacturers are increasingly integrating proximity sensors in vehicles. These sensors enable indicate the presence of obstruction and helps them prevent accidents or collisions. These factors are projected to impact the global market growth of proximity sensors positively.Sample With Latest Advancements @Adoption of the proximity sensors also extend to the aviation industry. With the growing need to prevent collisions while flying has led to a surge in demand for equipping the commercial aircrafts with proximity sensors. Moreover, attributed to the electromagnetic features, the proximity sensors embedded in the aircrafts enable the end users to monitor the routes of the aircraft and ensure safety. Manufacturers mainly integrates the proximity sensors in the flight controls, thrust reverser actuation system, doors and landing gears.With the emerging medical technology, manufacturers in the healthcare industry are also integrating medical devices with sensor systems. Equipped with features such as pulse oximetry, integration of the proximity sensors enable the medical devices to perform photoplethysmography procedure in order to check the pulse rate. Manufacturers in the healthcare industry are also witnessed to embed proximity sensors in other medical devices such as ECG/KCG monitors, glucose monitors and blood pressure monitors. These factors are projected to impact the global market growth of proximity sensors positively.Browse Our Press Releases For More Information @The trend of equipping proximity sensor system is gaining importance in the electronic industry. Growing need for enhanced end user interaction experience has led the manufacturers to embed the proximity sensors in the electronic devices. Integration of these sensor systems enable the end users to conveniently operate the electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, washing machines, door locks and televisions. These factors are projected to contribute towards the global market growth of proximity sensors significantly throughout the forecast period.Industrial Manufacturers to Remain Major End UsersSurge in manufacturing of the consumer and electronic products will continue to rev up adoption of the proximity sensors among the industrial manufacturers. On the basis of end use industry, the industrial manufacturing segment is projected to generate significant revenues, recording more than US$ 200 Mn by 2022-end. This segment along with the defense & aerospace segment is projected to reflect a healthy CAGR through 2022.Browse Our Table of Content @By 2017-end, the inductive technology segment is projected to represent relatively high growth in terms of revenue, accounting for more than US$ 200 Mn. However, the infrared technology segments is projected to witness the fastest growth in the global market throughout the forecast period.Based on the product type, the fixed distance segment is projected to represent a robust growth in terms of revenue, recording more than US$ 600 Mn by 2022-end. On the other hand, the adjustable distance product type segment is projected to reflect a robust CAGR in the global market through 2022.Market playersMajor players in the global market of proximity sensors are IFM Electronic GmbH, Broadcom Limited, Panasonic Corporation, Schneider Electric SE, Rockwell Automation, Inc., Hans Turck GmbH & Co., KG, Honeywell International Inc., OMRON Corp., AMETEK, Inc. and Fargo Controls, Inc.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks Market 2017 Global Analysis By key Players GE Healthcare, Medline, Smiths Medical, Kindwell Medical, Hsiner Co., Ltd. Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2402376-global-anesthesia-resuscitators-masks-market-size-status-and-forecast-2022 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/2402376-global-anesthesia-resuscitators-masks-market-size-status-and-forecast-2022 WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On - Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks Market 2017 Global Analysis By key Players GE Healthcare, Medline, Smiths Medical, Kindwell Medical, Hsiner Co., Ltd..This report studies the global Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks market, analyzes and researches the Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeGE HealthcareMedlineBecton, Dickinson CompanySmiths MedicalKindwell MedicalHsiner Co., Ltd.Ambu CompanyBLS Systems Ltd.Intersurgical Ltd.Drgerwerk AG & Co. KGaA.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Type, Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks can be split intoReusable Anesthesia ResuscitatorsDisposable Anesthesia ResuscitatorsMarket segment by Application, Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks can be split intoHospitalsClinicsAmbulatory Surgical CentersOthersReport Details @Table Of Contents Major Key PointsGlobal Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks1.1 Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks Market Overview1.1.1 Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks Market by Type1.3.1 Reusable Anesthesia Resuscitators1.3.2 Disposable Anesthesia Resuscitators1.4 Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Hospitals1.4.2 Clinics1.4.3 Ambulatory Surgical Centers1.4.4 Others2 Global Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks Market Size (Value) by Players (2016 and 2017)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 GE Healthcare3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Medline3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Becton, Dickinson Company3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 Smiths Medical3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 Kindwell Medical3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 Hsiner Co., Ltd.3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 Ambu Company3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 BLS Systems Ltd.3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.8.5 Recent Developments3.9 Intersurgical Ltd.3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.9.5 Recent Developments3.10 Drgerwerk AG & Co. KGaA.3.10.1 Company Profile3.10.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.10.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.10.4 Anesthesia Resuscitators Masks Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.10.5 Recent DevelopmentsContinue.For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Office No.528,Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road,Hadapsar,Pune-411028. Wood Gas Generator Market Growth, Trends and Value Chain 2016 - 2026 Wood Gas Generator Market https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=2954 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=2954 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Global Wood Gas Generator Market: OverviewWith consistently rising population across the world and rapid urbanization, the demand for energy is at an all-time peak, but the natural resources are limited. As a result, the development of alternate sources of energy is receiving aggressive investments, including the wood gas generator, which is a type of generator that can convert the waste such as timber or charcoal into useful energy. The wood gas generator not only provides cleaner energy with lesser carbon emission, and hence is gaining favors from the governments. Consequently, the global wood gas generator market is projected to expand at a robust growth rate during the forecast period of 2016 to 2024.This report on the global wood generator market is a comprehensive examination of all the major factors that are expected to influence the demand in the near future, positively or negatively. The report also high points a few trends that can provide extended opportunities for the existing and newer players of the market. The report also contains a detailed section on company profiles, wherein a number of prominent companies of this market have been studied for their market share, regional presence, and recent strategic developments. The global wood gas generator market can be segmented in terms of application, fuel source, and geography. By fuel source, the market can be segmented into timber and charcoal. Geographically, the report studies the opportunities available in the regions such as Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.Visit For TOC @Global Wood Gas Generator Market: Trends and OpportunitiesBesides escalating energy needs, growing demand for wood gas, also known as syngas, for internal combustion (IC) engines is the primary driver for this market. Wood gas consists of atmospheric gases such as hydrogen, nitrogen, methane traces, and carbon monoxide, which powers the IC engines. Environmental concerns are another important factor favoring the global wood gas generator market. The latter is preferred over petroleum and coal based fuels because of fluctuating crude oil prices and lack of eco-friendliness. Increasing use of wood gas to run power plant turbines in order to ease the dependency on depleting conventional sources, growing requirement to convert waste charcoal and timber into efficient energy, simplicity of design and low fabrication costs are some of the factors that are expected to positively reflect on the market during the forecast period. Conversely, factors such as high transportation cost, slow heating speed, and high raw material to yield ratio are some of the factors that are expected to restrain the growth rate of the global wood gas generator market over the course of next few years.Request For Report Sample @Global Wood Gas Generator Market: Regional OutlookBy geography, the regions of North America and Europe currently serves most of the demand for wood gas generator, which can be attributed to escalating energy demand from the developed nations of the U.S., the U.K., Canada, France, and Germany. Governments in these countries have stringent policies against carbon footprint levels, which is further fueling the demand. Asia Pacific is also expected to expand as a regional market at a healthy CAGR during the forecast period, which is due to increasing industrial awareness towards decreasing dependency on fossil fuels for power generation. India, China, Japan, and Korea are some of the most profitable country-wide markets for wood gas generator.About USTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a next-generation provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact USState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Website:Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Linear bearings Market Progresses for Huge Profits During 2017 - 2025 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/15655 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/15655 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Global Linear bearings: Market Overview:Bearing are enabled the machines to move at high speeds or carry heavy loads with productivity which components are made with high accuracy. Plain bearings are simplest of the type included a surface with no moving components. Based on design type, the plain bearing market is of three kinds: journal, linear and thrust bearings. Bearing enables devices to roll and helps in reducing friction between the surface of the bearing, and its rolling over. Linear bearings are elements used for translation type motion and enable high precision linear motion on round shafts by utilizing recirculating ball pathways. Linear bearings help to bear heavy loads with high stiffness and less noise. A linear bearing motion along a single axis and provides a less friction. It is used for low friction movements along a smooth rod. Linear bearings are less expensive than classical round ball bearings, but it is easy to integrate into carriage design. The Linear bearing has a wide range of its application for an industrial and automotive purpose. A linear bearing is used to provide free motion in one direction. It helps a device that is used to enable linear or rotational movement and reduces friction and handles stress.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Global Linear bearings: Market Dynamics:The global linear bearing market is driven by the increase in demand of motor vehicle all over the world. The defense and aerospace sector leads to a rising in demand for a linear bearing which aids growth to the overall market. Moreover, the rising demand of construction industry in developing regions includes Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa drives the growth of a linear bearing market. Technological advancement, however making linear bearing more durable and this hinders the aftermarket sales. The growing number of counterfeit products hampers the growth of the linear bearing market. Further, the introduction of smart bearings expected to provide opportunities to the manufacturers of linear bearing in the near future.Global Linear bearings: Segmentation:The global market of the global linear bearing market is segmented on the basis of types, end-use industry, and region wise.Based on types, the global linear bearing market is segmented into:Standard Linear BearingSuperball bearingsFlanged Linear BearingsLinear Bearing carriagesCeramic linear bearingsStainless linear bearingsBased on the end-use industry global linear bearing market is segmented into:Automotive IndustryIndustrialChemicalAerospaceAgricultureFood and beverage processing machineryPulp and paperPumps and CompressorMedical devicesMachine toolsGearboxesOffice equipmentRailwaysBased on region, the global linear bearing market is segmented into:North AmericaLatin AmericaEastern EuropeWestern EuropeJapanAsia Pacific excluding JapanThe Middle East and AfricaGlobal Linear bearings: Regional OutlookThe global linear bearing market is segmented into seven regions includes Eastern Europe, Western Europe, North America, Latin America, Japan, Asia Pacific excluding Japan and the Middle East and Africa. Rising rate urbanization and rise in demand for automobiles in developing countries includes China and India leads to growth in the Asia Pacific Market. Moreover, the falling prices of the linear bearing are well in this region. The growth of automotive industry in Japan and linear bearing manufacturers are opening up in order to cater to the growing demand. The Middle East and Africa has proven to be a lucrative region for linear bearing market owing to thriving automotive and construction industries. Latin America is dominated by Brazil owing to several conductive factors contributes to the linear bearing market in the region.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global Linear bearings: Key Players:The prominent key players of the global linear bearing market include:THKNippon BearingKBSSamickMPS MicrosystemNBB-BearingSchaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGSKFNSK LtdNTN Bearing CorporationNorgren Inc.JTEKT CorporationTHK Co. Ltd.Ningbo Yinzhou Weixing Bearing Co. Ltd.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Cold Pressed Juice Market Value Share, Supply Demand, share and Value Chain 2016 - 2024 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=16238 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=16238 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Global Cold Pressed Juice Market: OverviewCold pressed juices are increasingly growing in popularity worldwide. They are made by pressing, or masticating juice from vegetables and fruits. These juices are not only safe to drink a few weeks after being packed, but they contain high amounts of nutrients too. In the extraction of cold pressed juices, a juicer that works on a hydraulic press that squeezes juice from fruits or vegetables is used. After the juice is bottled and sealed, it is placed in a large chamber wherein a high amount of pressure is applied in order to inactivate pathogens. This enables the juice to remain nutritious, flavorful and safe to drink.Request Report Brochure @The report analyzes several key factors in the global cold pressed juice market such as current market trends and dynamics, market drivers and restraints, growth opportunities, competitive landscape, the supply and demand ratio, stakeholder and value chain analysis, and complete backdrop analysis. The report reveals key information about the major market players, their business tactics, product portfolio, and shares held by each of them. Historical, current, and projected market sizes are given in addition to recommendations for companies.Global Cold Pressed Juice Market: Drivers and RestraintsA growing consumer base spending on lifestyle products, heightened sense of health awareness, maximum health benefits offered by these juices, rising disposable income of people, and an expanding population base are some of the key factors contributing toward the growth of the cold pressed juice market globally. The popularity of liquid cleanses, coupled with the obsession with looking slim and fit are fuelling demand. Cold pressed juices are high in minerals, vitamins, and anti-oxidants. The detoxifying and beauty benefits offered by these nutrients in cold pressed juices are also driving the market. Healthy, glowing skin is desired by the female population worldwide. Moreover, cold pressed juices are easily available on a local basis. The prevalence of a belief that organic fruit juices prevent the incidence of cancer, eliminate toxins, and minimize the intake of artificial food components will further boost market expansion.The market for cold pressed juices has been categorized based on type, channel of distribution, and nature. According to the distribution channel, grocery, retailers, super or hyper markets, online retailers, and departmental stores are the key market segments. Based on nature, organic and conventional juices are the two categories. Fruit juices and vegetable juices are the two segments based on type.Since these juices are organic and involve the High Pressure Processing (HPP) manufacturing procedure, they are more expensive than the usual juices. This can pose as a major challenge to the global cold pressed juice market.Global Cold Pressed Juice Market: Regional OutlookOn the basis of geography, the global market for cold pressed juice is broadly divided into five major regions, namely, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Europe, North America, and the Middle East and Africa. The major countries discussed in the report include Canada, France, Poland, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, the U.S., Germany, India, New Zealand, North Africa, GCC, Spain, Benelux, Russia, the U.K., ASEAN, China, and Australia. Europe and North America are the leading regions in the global cold pressed juice market.Visit For TOC @Companies mentioned in the research reportIn order to cater to the demands of consumers, numerous companies have launched juices manufactured through the use of pasteurized technology. Some of the key companies operating in the global cold pressed juice market are Evergreen Juices Inc., Pressed Juicery, Suja Life, PepsiCo Inc., Liquiteria, Evolution Fresh, Hain BluePrint, Inc., LLC, JustPressed, Juice Generation, Organic Avenue, and Organic Press Juices.About Us Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a next-generation provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among othersContact Us:Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street, Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: UK Travel Insurance Market 2017- Revenue, Price and Gross Margin Research Report 2021 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2401021-uk-travel-insurance-market-dynamics-opportunities-2017 SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled UK Travel Insurance"UK Travel Insurance: Market Dynamics & Opportunities 2017", provides an in-depth analysis of the UK travel insurance market. It looks at market size and profitability as well as changes in premiums, claims, travel trends, regulations, and opportunities. It provides a thorough overview of the market along with future forecasts.In 2016, the UK travel insurance market experienced a decrease in the number of policies being written, which resulted in GWP dropping to 569.5m. Profitability within the market has remained low despite a slight increase in travel insurance premiums, as the number of UK residents visiting abroad without holding travel insurance also increased. The cost of claims for travel insurers increased further in 2016, despite the total number of claims falling. Medical expenses remain the largest cost to travel insurers, with the cost of cancellations also increasing.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Scope- The travel insurance market may potentially benefit as a result of the UK leaving the EU.- Marginalized consumers require more guidance in order to access the market.- The UK travel insurance market is set to be worth 702m in 2021.Key points to buy- Benchmark yourself against the rest of the market.- Ensure you remain competitive as new innovations and insurance models begin to enter the market.- Be prepared for how travel trends and the UK travel insurance market will be impacted by socio-political and economic factors over the next few years.Table of Contents1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY2. MARKET DYNAMICS3. COMPETITOR DYNAMICS4. THE MARKET GOING FORWARD5. APPENDIX..CONTINUEDWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Talc Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast To 2022 Talc Market https://www.marketresearchnest.com/global-north-america-europe-and-asia-pacific-south-america-middle-east-and-africa-talc-market-2017-forecast-to-2022.html https://www.marketresearchnest.com/purchase.php?reportid=270652 https://www.marketresearchnest.com/requestsample.php?reportid=270652 MarketResearchNest.com adds Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Talc Market 2017 Forecast To 2022 new report to its research database. The report spread across in a 119 pages with table and figures in it.Talc, also called Talcum, is a clay mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate with the chemical formula H2Mg3(SiO3)4 or Mg3Si4O10(OH)2.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Talc in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Browse full table of contents and data tables atMarket Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversImerys(France), Mondo Minerals(Netherlands), Specialty Minerals(US), IMI FABI(Italy), American Talc Company(US),Golcha Associated(IN), Xilolite(BR), Hayashi-Kasei(JP), Jai Group(India), H.Z.M. Marmi e Pietre(Pakistan), Nippon Talc Co(Japan), Beihai Group(China), Liaoning Aihai Talc(China), Pingdu Talc Mine Industrial(China), Guangxi Longguang Talc(China), Liaoning Dongyu Chemical and Mining Industry(China), Longsheng Huamei Talc(China), Guiguang Talc(China), Haicheng Xinda Mining(China), Haicheng Jinghua Mineral(China), Qixia XiangFa Talc Mineral(China), Haicheng Chintalc Technologies New Materials(China).Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.), Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa).Market Segment by Type, coversTalc Lump, Talc Powder.Market Segment by Applications, can be divided intoPlastics and Rubber, Coatings and Painting, Paper Making, Food, Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics, Cosmetics and Others.Order a Purchase Report Copy atThere are 18 Chapters to deeply display the China Talc (CAS 56645-65-9) market.Chapter 1, to describe Talc (CAS 56645-65-9) Introduction, product type and application, market overview, market analysis by Region (province), market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the manufacturers of Talc (CAS 56645-65-9), with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4,to show the China market by Regions (Province),covering South China,East China,Southwest China,North China,Northeast China,Northwest China and Central China,with sales, price,revenue and market share of Talc (CAS 56645-65-9),for each region,from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5 and 6, to show the market by type and application, with sales, price, revenue, market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 7,8,9,10,11,12 and 13 to analyze the key Province by Type and Application,covering South China,East China,Southwest China,North China,Northwest China,Central China and Northeast China,with sales,revenue and market share by types and applications;Chapter 14, Talc (CAS 56645-65-9) market forecast, by Regions (Province), type and application, with sales, price, revenue and growth rate forecast, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 15, to analyze the manufacturing cost, key raw materials and manufacturing process etc.Chapter 16, to analyze the industrial chain, sourcing strategy and downstream end users (buyers);Chapter 17, to describe sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers etc.Chapter 18, to describe Talc (CAS 56645-65-9) Appendix, methodology and data sourceRequest a sample copy atAbout Us:MarketResearchNest.com is the most comprehensive collection of market research products and services on the Web. We offer reports from almost all top publishers and update our collection on daily basis to provide you with instant online access to the worlds most complete and recent database of expert insights on Talc industries, organizations, products, and trends.Contact UsMr. Jeet JainSales Managersales@marketresearchnest.com+1-240-284-8070(U.S)+44-20-3290-4151(U.K)Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook Biopellets Energy Market Analysis, Segments, Growth and Value Chain 2016 - 2024 Biopellets Energy Market https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=3012 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=3012 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Global Biopellets Energy Market: OverviewBiopellets are renewable sources of energy, which are widely consumed across Asia Pacific, Europe, and the U.S. They are a kind of solid fuel and have a uniform energy content, size, shape, moisture, and density. Biopellets are manufacturing using biomass types such as bark and sawdust. The widely deployed methods of manufacturing biopellets includes stages which are compressing, drying, pulverizing, and then molding biomass in pellets of cylindrical shape.The report studies in detail the various factors supporting the growth of the global biopellets energy market. It also lists down the key restraints threatening the markets trajectory and discusses them in detail. For the purpose of the study the market has been segmented based on various parameters. Using proven research methodologies, the most lucrative prospects across these segments are identified. The report also gauges the impact of Porters five forces on the overall biopellets energy market.Visit For TOC @Global Biopellets Energy Market: Trends and OpportunitiesThe global biopellets energy market has been significantly gaining from favorable government regulations aimed at curbing carbon emission by increasing reliance on renewable energy for the purpose of generating power. For instance, between 2013 and 2020 the government in Europe is committed towards reducing its emission levels by an average 20% under the Kyoto Protocol. Also countries across the region has several regulations in place to monitor carbon emission and encourage the deployment of greener technologies. These regulations have been in favor of biopellets energy thereby giving impetus to the market.The biopellets also offer advantages on various technological parameters. For instance, their price point is considerably lower than petro products such as heavy oil, natural gas, and diesel. Furthermore, the biomass production encouraged by governments worldwide is available at a lower price and also requires lesser capital investment, which is a chief driver of the global biopellets energy market.Despite witnessing positive growth, the scope of expansion for the market players is restrained due to the limited number of large scale production facilities. Additionally, fluctuation in the availability of raw materials from other industries also pose threat. Besides this, the prevalent intense competition in the biogas sector is also acting as a major restraint to the global biopellets market.Nevertheless, in the forthcoming years, the market is expected to gain from the rising demand for energy derived from biopellets, especially across manufacturing facilities around the world. Also, players mostly domiciled in the U.S. are leveraging operations across Europe to expand their footprint. This holds immense opportunities for the markets growth in the near future.Request For Report Sample @Global Biopellets Energy Market: Regional OutlookRegionally, Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World are the key market segments. Among these, the market is witnessing lucrative opportunities across Europe. With industries and the commercial sector booming, coupled with significantly high demand from the domestic sector, the biopellets market in Europe is poised to witness strong growth in the forthcoming years. In the U.S. however the manufacturing of biopelletes is more concentrated in the north central and north eastern states. Besides this, new pellet manufacturing facilities are also commissioned across the southern U.S. countries such as Kentucky, Alabama, and West Virginia. Other countries around the world exhibiting lucrative opportunities for the market are Sweden, Japan, Canada, Germany, and Austria.About USTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a next-generation provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact USState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Website:Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Botox Global Market Key Players Allergan, Ipsen, Merz Pharmaceuticals, Medytox, US World Meds, LIBP - Analysis and Forecast to 2022 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2320074-united-states-botox-market-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/2320074-united-states-botox-market-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=2320074 SummaryWiseGuyReports.com adds Botox Market 2017 Global Analysis, Growth, Trends and Opportunities Research Report Forecasting to 2022 reports to its database.United States Botox market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Botox sales volume, price, revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingAllerganIpsenMerz PharmaceuticalsMedytoxUS World MedsLIBPRequest a Sample Report @Geographically, this report splits the United States market into seven regions:The WestSouthwestThe Middle AtlanticNew EnglandThe SouthThe Midwestwith sales (volume), revenue (value), market share and growth rate of Botox in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast).On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into50U100UOthersOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate of Botox for each application, includingMedicalCosmeticAt any Query @Table of ContentsUnited States Botox Market Report 20171 Botox Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Botox1.2 Classification of Botox by Product Category1.2.1 United States Botox Market Size (Sales Volume) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 United States Botox Market Size (Sales Volume) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 50U1.2.4 100U1.2.5 Others1.3 United States Botox Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 United States Botox Market Size (Consumption) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Medical1.3.3 Cosmetic1.4 United States Botox Market by Region1.4.1 United States Botox Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 The West Botox Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Southwest Botox Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 The Middle Atlantic Botox Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 New England Botox Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 The South Botox Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 The Midwest Botox Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 United States Market Size (Value and Volume) of Botox (2012-2022)1.5.1 United States Botox Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 United States Botox Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)..6 United States Botox Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data6.1 Allergan6.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors6.1.2 Botox Product Category, Application and Specification6.1.2.1 Product A6.1.2.2 Product B6.1.3 Allergan Botox Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.2 Ipsen6.2.2 Botox Product Category, Application and Specification6.2.2.1 Product A6.2.2.2 Product B6.2.3 Ipsen Botox Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.3 Merz Pharmaceuticals6.3.2 Botox Product Category, Application and Specification6.3.2.1 Product A6.3.2.2 Product B6.3.3 Merz Pharmaceuticals Botox Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.4 Medytox6.4.2 Botox Product Category, Application and Specification6.4.2.1 Product A6.4.2.2 Product B6.4.3 Medytox Botox Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.5 US World Meds6.5.2 Botox Product Category, Application and Specification6.5.2.1 Product A6.5.2.2 Product B6.5.3 US World Meds Botox Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.6 LIBP6.6.2 Botox Product Category, Application and Specification6.6.2.1 Product A6.6.2.2 Product B6.6.3 LIBP Botox Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7 Botox Manufacturing Cost Analysis7.1 Botox Key Raw Materials Analysis7.1.1 Key Raw Materials7.1.2 Price Trend of Key Raw Materials7.1.3 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials7.1.4 Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials7.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure7.2.1 Raw Materials7.2.2 Labor Cost7.2.3 Manufacturing Expenses7.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of BotoxBuy Now @Continued....Contact Us: sales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US) ; Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)ABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.ADDRES:WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Algeria Telecom service Market 2017 By Analyzing the Performance of Various Competitors 2022 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2401138-algeria-country-intelligence-report SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled Algeria: Country Intelligence Report"Algeria: Country Intelligence Report", a new Country Intelligence Report by provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Algeria today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2022. Published annually, the report provides detailed analysis of the near-term opportunities, competitive dynamics and evolution of demand by service type and technology/platform across the fixed telephony, mobile voice, fixed broadband, and mobile data, as well as a review of key regulatory trends.Telecom service revenue growth in Algeria will be mainly driven by the mobile data and fixed broadband segments over 2017-2022. ALthough remaining the largest revenue-contributing segment over 2017-2022, mobile voice revenue will decline impacted by the rising adoption of OTT communications and increases in telecom taxes. Mobile data will record the fastest revenue CAGR, fueled by 3G/4G networks expansion, rising data adoption and usage supported by operators' data monetization strategies. The local loop unbundling regulation, approved in 2016, will help drive fixed broadband growth in the country, along with Algerie Telecom's fiber network investments. Going forward, operators will focus on data monetization, 3G network modernization, LTE network expansions and fiber deployment to boost broadband penetration in the country, which will also provide significant opportunities for vendors and investors in the coming years.The Country Intelligence Report provides in-depth analysis of the following - Regional context: telecom market size and trends in Algeria compared with other countries in the region.- Economic, demographic and political context in Algeria.- The regulatory environment and trends: a review of the regulatory setting and agenda for the next 18-24 months as well as relevant developments pertaining to 4G spectrum licensing, taxation, fiber coverage and more.- A demand profile: analysis as well as historical figures and forecasts of service revenue from the fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice, and mobile data markets.- Service evolution: a look at changes in the breakdown of overall revenue between the fixed and mobile sectors and between voice and data from 2016 to 2022.- The competitive landscape: an examination of key trends in competition and in the performance, revenue market shares and expected moves of service providers over the next 18-24 months.- In-depth sector analysis of fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice, and mobile data services: a quantitative analysis of service adoption trends by network technology and by operator, as well as of average revenue per line/subscription and service revenue through the end of the forecast period.- Main opportunities: this section details the near-term opportunities for operators, vendors and investors in the Algerian telecommunications market.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Scope- The overall telecom service revenue in Algeria will decline at a CAGR of -0.5% during 2017-2022.- Mobile revenue will account for 71.1% of the total telecom revenue in 2022, driven by increasing adoption and usage of mobile broadband services.- 3G will be the most adopted mobile technology across the 2017-2022 period. Rising demand for high-speed data service and expansion of the 4G network will drive 4G subscriber growth.- The top two mobile operators, Djezzy and Mobilis, will account for 68.8% share of overall mobile subscriptions in 2017. We expect the competition to intensify further as all operators are focusing on network enhancement, LTE expansion and leading the mobile data market.- Operators will continue to invest in LTE networks, fiber deployments and catering to the rising data demand.Key points to buy- This Country Intelligence Report offers a thorough, forward-looking analysis of Algerias telecommunications markets, service providers and key opportunities in a concise format to help executives build proactive and profitable growth strategies.- Accompanying Forecast products, the report examines the assumptions and drivers behind ongoing and upcoming trends in Algerias mobile communications, fixed telephony, broadband markets, including the evolution of service provider market shares.- With more than 20 charts and tables, the report is designed for an executive-level audience, boasting presentation quality.- The report provides an easily digestible market assessment for decision-makers built around in-depth information gathered from local market players, which enables executives to quickly get up to speed with the current and emerging trends in Algerias telecommunications markets.- The broad perspective of the report coupled with comprehensive, actionable detail will help operators, equipment vendors and other telecom industry players succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in Algeria.Table of ContentsTable of contentsMarket highlightsDemographic, macro and regulatory contextDemographic and macroeconomic contextRegulatory contextTelecom services market outlookTotal telecom service revenueMobile services marketFixed services marketCompetitive landscape and company snapshotsCompetitive landscapeDjezzyMobilis..CONTINUEDWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Nail Clippers Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast To 2022 Nail Clippers Market https://www.marketresearchnest.com/global-north-america-europe-and-asia-pacific-south-america-middle-east-and-africa-nail-clippers-market-2017-forecast-to-2022.html https://www.marketresearchnest.com/purchase.php?reportid=270651 https://www.marketresearchnest.com/requestsample.php?reportid=270651 MarketResearchNest.com adds Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Nail Clippers Market 2017 Forecast To 2022 new report to its research database. The report spread across in a 119 pages with table and figures in it.A nail clipper is a hand tool used to trim fingernails, toenails and hangnails. Sometimes, a nail nipper or scissors (the difference of them seen in Chap.1.3) is also called nail clipper, so the data of the nail clipper includes nail nipper, nail scissors in the report.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Nail Clippers in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Browse full table of contents and data tables atMarket Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversRIMEI, THREE SEVEN, KAI, Zwilling, Zhangxiaoquan, Stallen, Greenbell, Nghia Nippers, Klhip, Wuesthof, Victorinox, Suwada, Bocas, Kowell, Boyou, Kooba, ClipPro, Gebrueder Nippes, Kobos.Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.), Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa).Market Segment by Type, coversNail Clipper, Nail Nipper, Nail Scissors, Others.Market Segment by Applications, can be divided intoHuman beings, Animals.Order a Purchase Report Copy atThere are 18 Chapters to deeply display the China Nail Clippers (CAS 56645-65-9) market.Chapter 1, to describe Nail Clippers (CAS 56645-65-9) Introduction, product type and application, market overview, market analysis by Region (province), market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the manufacturers of Nail Clippers (CAS 56645-65-9), with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4,to show the China market by Regions (Province),covering South China,East China,Southwest China,North China,Northeast China,Northwest China and Central China,with sales, price,revenue and market share of Nail Clippers (CAS 56645-65-9),for each region,from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5 and 6, to show the market by type and application, with sales, price, revenue, market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 7,8,9,10,11,12 and 13 to analyze the key Province by Type and Application,covering South China,East China,Southwest China,North China,Northwest China,Central China and Northeast China,with sales,revenue and market share by types and applications;Chapter 14, Nail Clippers (CAS 56645-65-9) market forecast, by Regions (Province), type and application, with sales, price, revenue and growth rate forecast, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 15, to analyze the manufacturing cost, key raw materials and manufacturing process etc.Chapter 16, to analyze the industrial chain, sourcing strategy and downstream end users (buyers);Chapter 17, to describe sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers etc.Chapter 18, to describe Nail Clippers (CAS 56645-65-9) Appendix, methodology and data sourceRequest a sample copy atAbout Us:MarketResearchNest.com is the most comprehensive collection of market research products and services on the Web. We offer reports from almost all top publishers and update our collection on daily basis to provide you with instant online access to the worlds most complete and recent database of expert insights on Nail Clippers industries, organizations, products, and trends.Contact UsMr. Jeet JainSales Managersales@marketresearchnest.com+1-240-284-8070(U.S)+44-20-3290-4151(U.K)Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook Current and Projected Border Screening Market size in terms of volume and value 2016 - 2024 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=16676 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=16676 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Border screening is a service where people with suspected cases of quarantine of their contact and diseases are identified and are isolated in order to prevent the entry of the infected persons to a geographic region or country. Border screening also includes security screening where screening is undertaken to avoid human, economic and financial losses. The reason behind the need of border screening is to identify the suspected threats of security and the infected persons at the border. One such instance is the identification of Ebola virus that has already created epidemic in many part of the world. During the SARS epidemic, numerous countries introduce border measures, including educational information for travelers, border screening and travel warnings.Request Report Brochure @The border screening market is primarily driven by the increasing awareness among public. Growing risk of epidemic through viruses is allowing public to think about it. Awareness among public regarding the diseases is increasing rapidly and they are supporting the border screening services in order to prevent diseases from spreading. Many countries have implemented the border screening in response to the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) of 2003 and the H1N1 influenza virus pandemic of 2009. Involvement of various government regulatory bodies is also fuelling the need of border screening market globally. Rising epidemic is a major concern for the world due to which investments are made on border screening market so as to improve the screening technologies and prevent the unwanted diseases from spreading. During the Ebola virus epidemic in August 2014, the World Health Organization recommended border exit screening of travelers from affected countries. Border screening is carried out through self-identification through airline/transit agency notification to health authorities of sick passengers, health declaration cards, fever screening of travelers executed by means of infrared thermal image scanners and visual inspection of travelers. Moreover, increasing terrorism globally has also boosted the need of border security screening in the past couple of years. Use of x-ray scanner, explosive trace detector helps in identifying the suspected risk of threats at airport, borders check in and checkout points. Security screening is used to avoid and stop unethical practices and smuggling that takes place in a large extent.The major restraining factor in this market is the high cost of screening. These screening measures are very expensive and are highly interfering measure when used screening of travelers. Another restraining factor of border screening is that border screening sometimes unable to detect the suspected threats or affected persons as they are asymptomatic but are infectious. This is due to the lower sensitivity screening and might have transmitted the disease to someone else before they are detected and isolated.Advancement of technology is acting as major opportunities in the border screening market. Newer technology will reduce the waiting time for screening procedure at the time of check in and check out. Also with the help of technological advancement accurate screening is possible with reduced chances of error.Based on system type the border screening market is segmented into Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT), Arrival and Departure Information System (ADIS), Automated Targeting System (ATS), Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS):, Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS) among others. On the basis of product type the market is bifurcated into X-Ray screening systems, electromagnetic metal detector, explosive trace detector, biometric systems and others. Moreover, on the basis of application the market is bifurcated into airport, border check point, educational institutes and others. The geographic region is segmented in to North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.Visit For TOC @Some of the major players in the border screening market are Analogic Corporation, Argus Global Pty Ltd., Digital Barriers PLC., Implant Sciences Corporation, Smiths Detection, Safran SA, American Science and Engineering, Inc., Aware Incorporation., OSI Systems, Inc. among others.About Us Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a next-generation provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among othersContact Us:Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street, Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Tourism Board Market 2017- Revenue, Price and Gross Margin Research Report 2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2401142-tourism-board-marketing-index SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled Tourism Board Marketing Index"Tourism Board Marketing Index", measures the marketing efforts of 100 tourism boards around the world.The Tourism Board Marketing Index provides an insight into the individual marketing performance of different tourist boards. To compile the rankings, a host of direct and indirect indicators are taken into consideration such as the effectiveness of marketing to attract tourists, the ratio of social media followers to international arrivals and the quality of the design of tourism boards' webpages. The report includes both regional and global rankings that assist stakeholders in the industry to rate the effectiveness of different marketing strategies.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Scope- The tourist board of New Zealand is ranked first in the world in terms of marketing performance, followed by the one of the United Aarab Emirates and Mauritius.- Ten out of the top 25 ranking tourist boards in the world are European.Key points to buy- The report is an effective tool for policymakers and businesses to assess the performance of the marketing campaigns of tourist boards across the globe.- The index breaks down the marketing performance of tourist boards into different factors, providing an insight into potential areas of improvement.- Both the regional and global rankings allow for cross-country comparisons, enabling the reader to identify the best-practices in the field, and hence strengthen or alternate their marketing efforts accordingly.Table of ContentsMethodologyWorld OutlookGlobal Top 25 RankingAsia-PacificEuropeMiddle East & AfricaThe AmericasSuccessful Marketing CampaignsDisclaimer..CONTINUEDWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Global Aloe Vera Skin Gel Market 2017 Share, Trend, Segmentation and Forecast to 2022 Global Aloe Vera Skin Gel Industry https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1053519-global-aloe-vera-skin-gel-market-research-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/1053519-global-aloe-vera-skin-gel-market-research-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/1053519-global-aloe-vera-skin-gel-market-research-report-2017 https://www.linkedin.com/company/wise-guy-research-consultants-pvt-ltd-?trk=biz-companies-cym https://www.wiseguyreports.com Global Aloe Vera Skin Gel IndustryIn this report, the global Aloe Vera Skin Gel market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Global Aloe Vera Skin Gel market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingForever LivingNatural RepublicMarykayShiseidoWatsonsGNCP & GUnileverL'OrealLVMHPatanjali AyurvedPechoinBase Formula LtdTry Sample Report @Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Aloe Vera Skin Gel in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoCalming InfluenceMoisturizing GelBrighten GelWhitening GelFirming GelOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of Aloe Vera Skin Gel for each application, includingMaleFemaleFor Detailed Reading Please visit WiseGuy Reports @Some Top Major Manufacturers from Table of content:7 Global Aloe Vera Skin Gel Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Sesajal7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Aloe Vera Skin Gel Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Sesajal Aloe Vera Skin Gel Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Yasin7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Aloe Vera Skin Gel Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Yasin Aloe Vera Skin Gel Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Bella Vado7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Aloe Vera Skin Gel Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Bella Vado Aloe Vera Skin Gel Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 Chosen Foods7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Aloe Vera Skin Gel Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 Chosen Foods Aloe Vera Skin Gel Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Grupo Industrial Batellero7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Aloe Vera Skin Gel Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Grupo Industrial Batellero Aloe Vera Skin Gel Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 La Tourangelle7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Aloe Vera Skin Gel Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 La Tourangelle Aloe Vera Skin Gel Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 AvoolioIf you have any enquiry before buying a copy of this report @7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Aloe Vera Skin Gel Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 Avoolio Aloe Vera Skin Gel Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 Ahuacatlan Aloe Vera Skin Gel7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 Aloe Vera Skin Gel Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 Ahuacatlan Aloe Vera Skin Gel Aloe Vera Skin Gel Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.9 Mt. Kenya Fresh Avocados7.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.9.2 Aloe Vera Skin Gel Product Category, Application and Specification7.9.2.1 Product A7.9.2.2 Product B7.9.3 Mt. Kenya Fresh Avocados Aloe Vera Skin Gel Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.10 Kevala7.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.10.2 Aloe Vera Skin Gel Product Category, Application and Specification7.10.2.1 Product A7.10.2.2 Product B7.10.3 Kevala Aloe Vera Skin Gel Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.10.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.11 Bio Planete7.12 Hain Celestial Group7.13 Da Gama Aloe Vera Skin Gel7.14 Cate de mi Corazon7.15 Tron Hermanos7.16 Proteco Oils7.17 Westfalia7.18 Aconcagua Oil & Extract7.19 Olivado7.20 Grove Aloe Vera Skin Gel7.21 AvoPureContinued..For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comAbout UsWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available.Contact Us:Norah Trent+1 646 845 9349 / +44 208 133 9349Follow on LinkedIn:Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt LtdPune 411028Maharashtra, GlobalPh: +91 841 198 5042 Global Baby Bottles Industry 2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/859588-global-body-cream-market-research-report-2016 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/1053561-global-baby-bottles-market-research-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/1053561-global-baby-bottles-market-research-report-2017 https://www.linkedin.com/company/wise-guy-research-consultants-pvt-ltd-?trk=biz-companies-cym https://www.wiseguyreports.com Global Baby Bottles IndustryIn this report, the global Baby Bottles market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Global Baby Bottles market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingPigeonNUKDr. BrownsAVENTBABISILNubyNIPLOVIMAMBorn FreeLansinoh mOmmaRichellUS BabyBfree PlusChiccoEvenfloComotomoBouche BabyMedelaMunchkinPlaytexTommee TippeeHITOIvoryRikangBoboPigeonTry Sample Report @Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Baby Bottles in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoGlass TypePlastic TypeMetal TypeOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of Baby Bottles for each application, including0-6 Months Baby6-12 Months BabyMore than 12 Months BabyFor Detailed Reading Please visit WiseGuy Reports @Some Top Major Manufacturers from Table of content:7 Global Baby Bottles Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Pigeon7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Baby Bottles Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Pigeon Baby Bottles Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 NUK7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Baby Bottles Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 NUK Baby Bottles Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Dr. Browns7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Baby Bottles Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Dr. Browns Baby Bottles Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 AVENT7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Baby Bottles Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 AVENT Baby Bottles Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 BABISIL7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Baby Bottles Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 BABISIL Baby Bottles Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 Nuby7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Baby Bottles Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 Nuby Baby Bottles Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 NIPIf you have any enquiry before buying a copy of this report @7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Baby Bottles Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 NIP Baby Bottles Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 LOVI7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 Baby Bottles Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 LOVI Baby Bottles Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.9 MAM7.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.9.2 Baby Bottles Product Category, Application and Specification7.9.2.1 Product A7.9.2.2 Product B7.9.3 MAM Baby Bottles Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.10 Born Free7.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.10.2 Baby Bottles Product Category, Application and Specification7.10.2.1 Product A7.10.2.2 Product B7.10.3 Born Free Baby Bottles Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.10.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.11 Lansinoh mOmma7.12 Richell7.13 US Baby7.14 Bfree Plus7.15 Chicco7.16 Evenflo7.17 Comotomo7.18 Bouche Baby7.19 Medela7.20 Munchkin7.21 Playtex7.22 Tommee Tippee7.23 HITO7.24 Ivory7.25 Rikang7.26 Bobo7.27 PigeonContinued..For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comAbout UsWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available.Contact Us:Norah Trent+1 646 845 9349 / +44 208 133 9349Follow on LinkedIn:Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt LtdPune 411028Maharashtra, GlobalPh: +91 841 198 5042 Global LPG Regulators Market by Type and Application, Forecast To 2022 LPG Regulators Market https://www.marketresearchnest.com/global-north-america-europe-and-asia-pacific-south-america-middle-east-and-africa-lpg-regulators-for-cylinders-market-2017-forecast-to-2022.html https://www.marketresearchnest.com/purchase.php?reportid=270650 https://www.marketresearchnest.com/requestsample.php?reportid=270650 MarketResearchNest.com adds Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) LPG Regulators Market 2017 Forecast To 2022 new report to its research database. The report spread across in a 116 pages with table and figures in it.This report studies the LPG Regulators for Cylinders market. Regulators are used to reduce the pressure of gas in the cylinder to a lower pressure that is more suitable for the appliance and to keep the pressure fixed (within limits) at that value.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the LPG Regulators in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Browse full table of contents and data tables atMarket Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversEmerson, Cavagna Group, Rotarex, EFFBE, ?ZSOY PRES, Katsura, Mauria Udyog, Kosan, TRANS VALVES, Vanaz Engineers,ECP Industries, Kabsons Gas Equipment, Yung Shen Gas Appliances, Integrated Gas Technologies, Wision.Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.), Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa).Market Segment by Type, coversLow Pressure Regulator, High Pressure Adjustable Regulator , Middle Pressure Regulator.Market Segment by Applications, can be divided intoLPG Households, LPG Outdoor, LPG Automotive, LPG Industrial, Others.Order a Purchase Report Copy atThere are 18 Chapters to deeply display the China LPG Regulators (CAS 56645-65-9) market.Chapter 1, to describe LPG Regulators (CAS 56645-65-9) Introduction, product type and application, market overview, market analysis by Region (province), market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the manufacturers of LPG Regulators (CAS 56645-65-9), with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4,to show the China market by Regions (Province),covering South China,East China,Southwest China,North China,Northeast China,Northwest China and Central China,with sales, price,revenue and market share of LPG Regulators (CAS 56645-65-9),for each region,from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5 and 6, to show the market by type and application, with sales, price, revenue, market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 7,8,9,10,11,12 and 13 to analyze the key Province by Type and Application,covering South China,East China,Southwest China,North China,Northwest China,Central China and Northeast China,with sales,revenue and market share by types and applications;Chapter 14, LPG Regulators (CAS 56645-65-9) market forecast, by Regions (Province), type and application, with sales, price, revenue and growth rate forecast, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 15, to analyze the manufacturing cost, key raw materials and manufacturing process etc.Chapter 16, to analyze the industrial chain, sourcing strategy and downstream end users (buyers);Chapter 17, to describe sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers etc.Chapter 18, to describe LPG Regulators (CAS 56645-65-9) Appendix, methodology and data sourceRequest a sample copy atAbout Us:MarketResearchNest.com is the most comprehensive collection of market research products and services on the Web. We offer reports from almost all top publishers and update our collection on daily basis to provide you with instant online access to the worlds most complete and recent database of expert insights on LPG Regulators industries, organizations, products, and trends.Contact UsMr. Jeet JainSales Managersales@marketresearchnest.com+1-240-284-8070(U.S)+44-20-3290-4151(U.K)Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook Drill Collar Market Analysis and Value Forecast Snapshot by End-use Industry 2016 - 2024 Drill Collar Market https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=3131 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=3131 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Global Drill Collar Market: OverviewA drill collar is a tubular piece of a drill string or a thick walled tubular pipe, which is made of solid bars of steel. Generally, plain carbon steel is used to make drill collar but sometimes, alloys such as non-magnetic nickel copper alloys are also used. Drill collar is commonly used in drill string to apply force downward in order to efficiently break the rocks. With the growing dependency on existing natural resources and incremented efforts for the exploration of new resources is reflecting on global drill collar market, which is projected for a healthy growth rate during the forecast period of 2016 to 2024.This report on the global market for drill collar is a thorough analysis of the current scenario, and based on the analysis of factors that may influence the demand in the near future, estimations have been provided. The report also contains profiles of several prominent players currently active in the market, providing their market shares, geographical presence, and recent strategic developments. The global drill collar market can be segmented on the basis of raw materials into standard steel drill collar and non-magnetic allow drill collar, and on the basis of design into spiral and slick. Geographically, the report studies the lucrativeness of the regional drill collar markets in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and rest of the world.Visit For TOC @Global Drill Collar Market: Trends & OpportunitiesEscalating drilling activities across the world, be it for extraction or exploration of oil and natural gas, is the primary driver of the market. In particular, shale gas is quickly gaining popularity in order to decrease the dependency on oil and gas as well as preserve the environment. Many more wells are expected to start production during the forecast period and thereby increase the demand for drill collar, especially in Canada. Increased investments in deep and ultra-deep water reserve, which have emerged as resources with enormous potential, will further increment the demand. The report observes that offshore deep and ultra-deep water is mostly untouched as the companies were restricted to shallow water reserves until now. Government incentives for alternative energy exploration across several nations is another factor favoring the growth rate.The report observes that standard steel drill collars serve the maximum demand, owing to increased offshore drilling activities and high material and tensile strength provided by them. Design-wise, slick collar drills segment accounts for most of the demand due to widespread availability of oilfields that require easy and immediate drilling.Request For Report Sample @Global [] Market: Regional OutlookAccording to the Natural Energy Board of Canada, the country had shale gas accounting for only 4% of total natural gas production, which will rise to 80% by 2035. Over 500,000 oil and natural gas wells have been drilled in Canada so far and the number is expected to continue to surge over the next few years. This make North America the most prominent region market for drill collar, backed up by oil exploration activities in the Gulf of Mexico, which will escalate demand from the Latin American region. Mounting crude oil exploration in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE will drive the Middle East market while Asia Pacific will be feeding-off increasing demand from China.About USTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a next-generation provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact USState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Website:Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Global Skin Care Masks Market 2017 Industry Trend and Forecast 2022 Global Skin Care Masks Industry https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1051403-global-skin-care-masks-industry-market-research-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/1051403-global-skin-care-masks-industry-market-research-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/1051403-global-skin-care-masks-industry-market-research-2017 https://www.linkedin.com/company/wise-guy-research-consultants-pvt-ltd-?trk=biz-companies-cym https://www.wiseguyreports.com Global Skin Care Masks IndustryIn this report, we analyze the Skin Care Masks industry from two aspects. One part is about its production and the other part is about its consumption. In terms of its production, we analyze the production, revenue, gross margin of its main manufacturers and the unit price that they offer in different regions from 2012 to 2017. In terms of its consumption, we analyze the consumption volume, consumption value, sale price, import and export in different regions from 2012 to 2017. We also make a prediction of its production and consumption in coming 2017-2022.Try Sample Report @At the same time, we classify different Skin Care Masks based on their definitions. Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out. Wha is more, the Skin Care Masks industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered.The report can answer the following questions:1. What is the global (North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia, China, Japan) production, production value, consumption, consumption value, import and export of Skin Care Masks?2. Who are the global key manufacturers of Skin Care Masks industry? How are their operating situation (capacity, production, price, cost, gross and revenue)?3. What are the types and applications of Skin Care Masks? What is the market share of each type and application?4. What are the upstream raw materials and manufacturing equipment of Skin Care Masks? What is the manufacturing process of Skin Care Masks?5. Economic impact on Skin Care Masks industry and development trend of Skin Care Masks industry.6. What will the Skin Care Masks market size and the growth rate be in 2022?7. What are the key factors driving the global Skin Care Masks industry?8. What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the Skin Care Masks market?9. What are the Skin Care Masks market challenges to market growth?10. What are the Skin Care Masks market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global Skin Care Masks market?Objective of Studies:1. To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast of the various segments and sub-segments of the global Skin Care Masks market.2. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyze the Skin Care Masks market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porte five force analysis etc.3. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World.4. To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective.5. To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by application, product type and sub-segments.6. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market.7. To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the global Skin Care Masks market.Our Research Methodology:Time seriesSWOT analysisPEST analysisFive forces modelOther manufacturers you interested in can be added to the report by us.Data source: customs database, industry association, expert interview and network information, etc.For Detailed Reading Please visit WiseGuy Reports @Some Points from Table of content:1 Industry Overview of Skin Care Masks1.1 Brief Introduction of Skin Care Masks1.1.1 Definition of Skin Care Masks1.1.2 Development of Skin Care Masks Industry1.2 Classification of Skin Care Masks1.2.1 Type One1.2.2 Type Two1.2.3 Type Three1.3 Status of Skin Care Masks Industry1.3.1 Industry Overview of Skin Care Masks1.3.2 Global Major Regions Status of Skin Care Masks2 Industry Chain Analysis of Skin Care Masks2.1 Supply Chain Relationship Analysis of Skin Care Masks2.2 Upstream Major Raw Materials and Price Analysis of Skin Care Masks2.3 Downstream Applications of Skin Care Masks2.3.1 Application 12.3.2 Application 22.3.3 Application 3If you have any enquiry before buying a copy of this report @3 Manufacturing Technology of Skin Care Masks3.1 Development of Skin Care Masks Manufacturing Technology3.2 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Skin Care Masks3.3 Trends of Skin Care Masks Manufacturing Technology4 Major Manufacturers Analysis of Skin Care Masks4.1 Company 14.1.1 Company Profile4.1.2 Product Picture and Specifications4.1.3 Capacity, Production, Price, Cost, Gross and Revenue4.1.4 Contact InformationContinued..For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comAbout UsWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available.Contact Us:Norah Trent+1 646 845 9349 / +44 208 133 9349Follow on LinkedIn:Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt LtdPune 411028Maharashtra, GlobalPh: +91 841 198 5042 Pakistan Oil and Gas Industry Market 2017By Identifying the Key Market Segments Poised for Strong Growth in Future 2022 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2401029-pakistan-midstream-oil-and-gas-industry-outlook-to-2022-market-forecasts SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled Pakistan Midstream Oil and Gas Industry Outlook"Pakistan Midstream Oil and Gas Industry Outlook to 2022 - Market Forecasts for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Oil Storage, Pipelines and Gas Processing", is a comprehensive report on midstream oil and gas industry in Pakistan. The report provides details such as name, type, operational status and operator for all active and planned (new build) LNG terminals, oil storage terminals, major trunk pipelines and gas processing plants in Pakistan till 2022. Further, the report also offers recent developments, financial deals as well as latest contracts awarded in the countrys midstream sector.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Scope- Updated information related to all active and planned LNG terminals, oil storage terminals, major trunk pipelines and gas processing plants in the country, including operator and equity details- Key mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, private equity and initial public offerings in the countrys midstream oil and gas industry, where available- Latest developments, financial deals and awarded contracts related to midstream oil and gas industry in the countryKey points to buy- Gain a strong understanding of the countrys midstream oil and gas industry- Facilitate decision making on the basis of strong historic and forecast of capacity data- Assess your competitors major LNG terminals, oil storage terminals, major trunk pipelines and gas processing plants in the country- Analyze the latest developments, financial deals and awarded contracts related to the countrys midstream oil and gas industry- Understand the countrys financial deals landscape by analyzing how competitors are financed, and the mergers and partnerships that have shaped the marketTable of Contents1 Table of Contents2. Introduction3. Pakistan LNG Industry4. Pakistan Oil Storage Industry5. Pakistan Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry6. Pakistan Gas Processing Industry7. Recent Contracts8. Financial Deals Landscape9. Recent Developments10. Appendix..CONTINUEDWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Geothermal Power in United States Market 2017- Revenue, Price and Gross Margin Research Report 2030 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2401027-geothermal-power-in-united-states-market-outlook-to-2030-update-2017 SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled Geothermal Power in United States, Market Outlook"Geothermal Power in United States, Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2017 - Capacity, Generation, Power Plants, Regulations and Company Profiles", is the latest report from the industry analysis specialists that offer comprehensive information and understanding of the Geothermal market in United States.The report provides an in-depth analysis on global renewable power market and global Geothermal market with forecasts up to 2030. The report analyzes the power market scenario in United States (includes conventional Hydro, nuclear and renewable energy sources) and provides future outlook with forecasts up to 2030. The research details renewable power market outlook in the country (includes Wind, small hydro, Geothermal and renewable) and provides forecasts up to 2030. The report highlights installed capacity and power generation trends from 2006 to 2030 in United States Geothermal market. A detailed coverage of energy policy framework governing the market with specific policies pertaining to Geothermal market development is provided in the report. The research also provides company snapshots of some of the major market participants.The report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, secondary research and in-house analysis by team of industry experts.GET SAMPLE REPORT @ScopeThe report analyses global renewable power market, global Geothermal (Biomass and Biogas) market, United States power market, United States renewable power market and United States Geothermal market. The scope of the research includes - A brief introduction on global carbon emissions and global primary energy consumption.- An overview on global renewable power market, highlighting installed capacity trends, generation trends and installed capacity split by various renewable power sources. The information is covered for the historical period 2006-2016 (unless specified) and forecast period 2017-2030.- Renewable power sources include wind (both onshore and offshore), solar photovoltaic (PV), concentrated solar power (CSP), small hydropower (SHP), biomass, biogas and geothermal.- Detailed overview of the global Geothermal market with installed capacity and generation trends, installed capacity and generation split by major Geothermal countries in 2016.- Power market scenario in United States and provides detailed market overview, installed capacity and power generation trends by various fuel types (includes thermal conventional, nuclear, large hydro and renewable energy sources) with forecasts up to 2030.- An overview on United States renewable power market, highlighting installed capacity trends (2006-2030), generation trends(2006-2030) and installed capacity split by various renewable power sources in 2016.- Detailed overview of United States Geothermal market with installed capacity and generation trends and major active and upcoming Geothermal projects.- Deal analysis of United States Geothermal market. Deals are analyzed on the basis of mergers, acquisitions, partnership, asset finance, debt offering, equity offering, private equity (PE) and venture capitalists (VC).- Key policies and regulatory framework supporting the development of renewable power sources in general and Geothermal in particular.- Company snapshots of some of the major market participants in the country.Key points to buy- The report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner.- Identify key growth and investment opportunities in United States Geothermal market.- Facilitate decision-making based on strong historic and forecast data for wind power market.- Position yourself to gain the maximum advantage of the industrys growth potential.- Develop strategies based on the latest regulatory events.- Identify key partners and business development avenues.- Understand and respond to your competitors business structure, strategy and prospects.Table of Contents1 Table of Contents2 Executive Summary3 Introduction4 Renewable Power Market, Global, 2006 20305 Geothermal Market, Global, 2006-20306 Power Market, United States, 2006-20307 Renewable Power Market, United States, 2006-20308 Geothermal Market, United States, 2006-20309 Power Market, Regulatory Scenario, United States10 Geothermal Power Market, United States, Company Profiles11 Appendix..CONTINUEDWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) Treatment Market - Global Industry Insights, Trend https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/898 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/duchenne-muscular-dystrophy-treatment-market-898 Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. DMD is caused due to alteration in gene sequence coding for dystrophin proterin, which is present the muscle. It is a rare muscle disease which majorly affects males. The symptoms includes intellectual disability, muscle weakness and, difficulty in walking and breathing. Congestive heart failure, mental impairment, pneumonia or respiratory failure are some of the complications of this disease. The treatment is available to control or reduce the signs and symptoms as DMD is not curable. Steroid drugs are used to control the symptoms of duchenne muscular dystrophy. Stem cell therapy and gene therapy could be used for treatment of this disease in future.Growing investments in the research and development, to find out effective treatment for DMD is driving the growth of duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) treatment marketAccording to the reports of Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) 2007, 349 out of 2.37 million males in the United States were reported to be suffering from DMD. Whereas in 2019, 349 new cases of DMD were reported. Increasing incidences of DMD and requirement for its treatment is driving the growth of duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment market. Various organizations are involved in spreading awareness and investing in research and development to find the effective treatment for this disease, which is contributing to the growth of duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment market. For instance, Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), U.S. invests 75000 USD in research and development to find out the treatment for duchenne muscular dystrophy and the association funds more than 150 care centers, health care facility centers, and hospitals across U.S. and other countries. Moreover, other factors, such as constant research on stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and exon skipping drugs for the treatment of DMD is expected to propel the growth of DMD treatment market. However, major restraints hampering the growth of duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment market are, low seeking rate due to prognosis and late diagnosis of this disease.Request For Sample Copy@Rising hospitalization for DMD is the factor helping the hospital segment to hold the maximum share in duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) treatment marketThe global duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) treatment market is segmented by therapy, by product type, by end users, and by regions.On the basis of type of therapy, the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) treatment market is segmented intoMutation suppressionExon skipping approachothersOn the basis of product type, the duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) treatment market is segmented intoPain management drugsCorticosteroidsOn the basis of end-users, the duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) treatment market is segmented intoHospitalsHome care settingsclinicsGrowing patient population in North America and Europe is the factor contributing to the growth of duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) treatment market in these regionsRegional segmentation of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) treatment market by Coherent Market Insights comprises of North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. North America dominates in the duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment market, due well-established healthcare facilities in this region. Europe contributes to the growth of duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment market followed by North America, due to high rate of affected population in this region. For instance, according to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in North England, 233 out of 1.49 million male patients were reported for DMD or other muscular dystrophy cases in 2009.Key players are involved in the research and development of novel drug therapy for the treatment of duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)Key players operating duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) treatment market includes SUMMIT Therapeutics Plc., PTC Therapeutics, BioMarin Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Sarepta Therapeutics, Pfizer Incorporated, Pharmacia & Upjohn LLC, and others. Major industry players are involved in the research and development of novel drugs for treatment, and strategies such as collaboration and partnership are adopted by companies to hold the major share in the duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) treatment market. For instance, PTC Therapeutics International Limited has obtained conditional approval and orphan drug designation in 2014 for Translarna, which is a novel gene therapy for the treatment of duchenne muscular dystrophy.Get More Details On this Report:About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com Telemedicine Market - Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 20172025 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/548 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/telemedicine-market-548 Telemedicine involves the use of information technology and telecommunication for the delivery of healthcare services such as health assessments or consultations over the telecommunications infrastructure. It helps the healthcare professional to diagnose, evaluate and treat patients without the need for an in-person visit and are also very useful to save lives at time of critical care and emergency situations. Telemedicine is of great help for distant rural areas as they help in overcoming the distance barriers to avail medical services at the time of requirement. Telemedicine enables the doctors to be connected through a variety of electronic means, including video conferencing, email and electronic messaging platforms. This reduces the overall cost of medical care for patients and increase healthcare accessibility.Seeing the potential that the telemedicine provides, the World Health Organization (WHO) established global observatory for eHealth (GOe) to analyze the benefits that information and communication technologies can bring to healthcare supporting patients wellbeing. In 2009, the global observatory was assigned to determine the status of telemedicine at the national, regional and global level. The survey examined the four fields of telemedicine which includes telepathology, teledermatogy, telepsychology and teleradiology along with four mechanisms that will help in the development of telemedicine across all nations.The conventional form of telemedicine that involved the use of telephone and radio have improved by the involvement of videotelephony, advanced diagnostic methods supported by various applications and tele medical devices to support in-home care.Request For Sample Copy@Telemedicine market taxonomy:On the basis of services provided, the telemedicine market is classified into:Tele-monitoringTele-educationTele-consultationTele-trainingTele-careTele-surgeryOn the basis of application, the telemedicine market is classified into:NeurologyOrthopedicsEmergency careCardiologyDermatologyInternal medicineOthersOn the basis of end user, the telemedicine market is classified into:HospitalsClinicsOthersBurgeoning growth of the internet infrastructure and smartphone proliferation creates a conducive environment for growth of the global telemedicine market. Also, the rise in demand for personalized healthcare augments market growth. In 2013, American Telemedicine Association (ATA) stated the cost effectiveness of telemedicine through various research outcomes. For instance, a research was conducted in 2011 with implementation of Health Buddy Program which integrated a telehealth tool for chronically ill Medicare beneficiaries. It was found that patients who used this telemedicine had significant savings than patients who did not use it. A similar study was done in 2012 in New Mexico, which proved that costs in Hospital at Home were 19% lower compared to care in hospitals for similar inpatientsMore than 15 million Americans received medical care through telemedicine in 2016, according to American Telemedicine Association (ATA). This number is expected to grow further by 30% in 2017. Alongside ATA also issued several acts such as CHRONIC Care Act and CONNECT for Health Act in 2017 to support the growth of telemedicine across all nations. The Assembly Health Committee of New Jersey recently in 2017 legally defined the practice of telemedicine, user eligible for it and technology that can be used. This is expected to boost the telemedicine market in the region significantly during the forecast period. Another development in North Carolina allows professionals to video monitor and collect data on every far flung ICU patient through TeleICU. Furthermore, telemedicine developments are also observed in Latin America. The Government of Paraiba, Brazil introduced a telemedicine project for remote screening of hearth defects in children in 2015.Alongside there are various medical policies available that support the telemedicine services. For instance, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) expanded its Medicare coverage for services like consultation, individual psychotherapy and pharmacologic management on 18th May 2017.Lack of resources, infrastructure and high technological cost may hamper the market growth in emerging economies such as India, Brazil, and African countries.Strategies implemented by market players to tap the emerging markets:Key players in telemedicine market are Siemens Healthcare, McKesson, Cardio Net Inc., Cerner, IBM Corporation, Medtronic, Inc, Philips Healthcare Honeywell Life Care Solutions, GE Healthcare, AMD Telemedicine and Cisco Systems. Market players are implementing various strategies to gain share in the telemedicine market. For instance, Doc+, a Russian digital health company combined telemedicine with digital-enabled house calls through which doctors can offer consultations, sick notes, prescriptions, and a number of diagnostic tests over electronic platform in 2016.Furthermore, in 2017, ZH healthcare collaborated with Curavi Health Telemedicine Company to deliver workflow and electronic health records (EHR) solutions that will help deliver telemedicine solutions and physician care to the nursing-home bedside.Get More Details On this Report:About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com Automotive Adaptive Lighting Market Explores New Growth Opportunities By 2023 Automotive Adaptive Lighting Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/3996 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/automotive-adaptive-lighting-market-3996 Market Highlights:The global automotive adaptive lighting market has been largely benefiting from the changing paradigms in government regulations and end-users perspective towards enhanced safety in automobiles. In spite of a turbulence caused by the global economic slowdown of 2008, the automotive market gained back the pre-crisis annual growth rate after 2014. With several driving trends such as growing demand of passenger vehicles, growing urban population, expansion of global auto-manufacturers into new emerging markets, and rising disposable income of middle class population. The global automotive adaptive lighting market is poised to grow over USD 2,795.7 million by 2023 at an estimated CAGR of 8.18% through the forecast period.Request a Sample Copy @Key Players of Automotive Adaptive Lighting Market: HELLA KGaA Hueck & Co. (Germany) Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd (Japan) Magneti Marelli (Italy) Stanley Electric (Japan) North American Lighting (U.S.) Varroc Lighting Systems (U.S.) Zizala Lichtsysteme GmbH (Austria) OSRAM Licht AG, Valeo Group (France) SL Corporation (South Korea)Market Research Analysis:With the global economy undergoing an unprecedented level of shift, major emerging countries such as China, India, Thailand, and Indonesia, among others are becoming manufacturing hubs for global automotive players. As a result of increasing prosperity in the emerging economies, more and more people are able to afford their own car, particularly in emerging Asian economies such as China and India. In order to tap these rising consumer automobile preferences, leading global automotive players such as Volkswagen, BMW, Toyota, and Ford, among others are entering into new emerging markets for business expansion. As the global auto-manufacturers continue to expand into growing and emerging markets, the demand for automotive adapting lighting and other lightings will also rise.Scope of the Report:This study provides an overview of the global automotive adaptive lighting market, tracking three market segments across four geographic regions. The report studies key players, providing a five-year annual trend analysis that highlights market size, volume and share for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC) and Rest of the World (ROW). The report also provides a forecast, focusing on the market opportunities for the next 6 years for each region. The scope of the study segments the global automotive adaptive lighting market by its technology, vehicle type, end market and regions.By Technology LED Xenon HalogenBy Vehicle Type Passenger Vehicles Commercial VehiclesBy Region North America Asia Pacific Europe Rest of the WorldBrowse Full Report @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Ignition Coil Market Trends, Outlooks & Demands 2023 Ignition Coil Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/3019 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/ignition-coil-market-3019 Market Highlights:The global market of ignition coil is growing rapidly. Technological advancement and heavy investments are helping both automotive glass manufacturers and consumers. Major factors such as rising automotive production, government initiatives, and strengthening transportation infrastructure are some of the factors driving the market. The use of new and improved electronic ignition system provides lesser deposits and a much cleaner combustion than the conventional ignition system. The global automotive ignition coil market is driven by continuous growth of global automotive production. The high growth in automotive production, especially in developing countries such as China, India and Mexico, is expected to spur the global ignition coil market.Request a Sample Copy @Key Players of Ignition Coil Market: Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany) BorgWarner Ludwigsburg GmbH (Germany) Delphi Automotive PLC (UK) Denso Corporation (Japan) Federal-Mogul Corporation (US) Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan) Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc. (U.S.) Wings Automobile Products Pvt. Ltd (India)Market Research Future Analysis:Market Research Future analysis show that the global market of ignition coil is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 3.8 % by the end of year 2023. Demand for vehicles is consequently high in Asia-Pacific, with China and India projected as the most promising markets. Lower manufacturing cost with cheap labor, advantage of location of production base and short-distance supply are some of the factors, which boost the market in Asia-Pacific.Brief TOC:1 Executive Summary2 Research Methodology2.1 Scope of the Study2.1.1 Definition2.1.2 Research Objective2.1.3 Assumptions2.1.4 Limitations2.2 Research Process2.2.1 Primary Research2.2.2 Secondary Research2.3 Market size Estimation2.4 Forecast Model3 Market Dynamics3.1 Market Drivers3.2 Market Inhibitors3.3 Supply/Value Chain Analysis3.4 Porters Five Forces Analysis4 Global Ignition Coil Market, By Type4.1 Compression Ignition4.2 Spark Ignition4.3 Battery4.4 Others5 Global Ignition Coil Market, By Component5.1 Introduction5.2 Spark Plug5.3 Ignition Coil5.4 Capacitor5.5 OthersContinueAccess Report Details @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Components, Application, Technologies and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Confectionery in China Market 2017- Revenue, Price and Gross Margin Research Report 2021 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2400956-top-growth-opportunities-confectionery-in-china SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled Confectionery in China"Top Growth Opportunities: Confectionery in China", provides an overview of the Confectionery market, analyzing market data, demographic consumption patterns within the category, and the key consumer trends driving consumption. propriety Risk vs Reward Opportunity model pinpoints the best growth opportunities for Confectionery producers, suppliers and retailers by combining robust, granular data and expert insight. The report uses this framework to identify the best opportunities, analyze white spaces in the market, and outline new product development that will effectively target the most pertinent consumer need states. These are combined to offer strategic recommendations to capitalize on evolving consumer landscapes.This report provides recommended actions and detailed analysis of how to target the best growth opportunities for confectionery producers and retailers. Readers can understand what categories, channels, companies, and consumers will drive the success of Confectionery markets in China through detailed and robust data, expert insight, and case studies.lTop Growth Opportunity reports use a risk versus reward opportunity model to identify the best growth markets for confectionery producers. Through this in-depth study of market and category dynamics, readers are able to identify key opportunities, and what they need to do in order to target them.Get access to - Key consumer demographic groups driving consumption within Chinese market. Improve your consumer targeting by understand whos driving the market, what they want, and why- A study of market value and volumes over 2011-2016 for China, supplemented with category, brand and packaging analysis that shows the current state of the market, and how it will evolve over the 2016-2021 period- White space analysis, to pinpoint attractive spaces in the market and the key actions to take- Insight into the implications behind the data, and analysis of how the consumer needs will evolve in the short-to-medium term future- Examples of international and Chinese-specific product innovation targeting key consumer needsGET SAMPLE REPORT @Scope- China is one of the largest confectionery markets globally with a value of over US$15.58bn. This, combined with its strong forecast growth of 8.6% CAGR over the 2016-2021 period.- Contributing to this substantive growth is Chinas burgeoning middle class. This segment of the population are increasingly urban and are developing western-leaning tastes. For many Chinese consumers confectionery products, especially cereal, are seen as healthy potential sources of Nutrients.- Among the top ten countries, the per capita expenditure in China is the second lowest in US$ terms, higher only to Malaysia, in 2016. However, China is expected to remain the fastest growing country in terms of per capita expenditure during 2016-2021.Key points to buy- This report brings together consumer analysis and market data to provide actionable insight into the behavior of Chinese confectionery consumers.- This is based on unique consumer data, developed from extensive consumption surveys and consumer group tracking, which quantifies the influence of 20 consumption motivations in the Confectionery sector.- Category, brand, and packaging dynamics are also examined. This allows product and marketing strategies to be better aligned with the leading trends in the market.Table of Contents1. Introducing a top growth market for confectionery2. Market insight - identifying the opportunities to move into3. Retail and distribution insight - key channels and retailers driving growth4. Company and brand insight - the competitive landscape defined5. Consumer insight - who, what, when, where and why6. Product and packaging insights7. White spaces and innovation opportunities - space to move into8. Appendix and Definitions..CONTINUEDWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Automotive Roof Racks Market Trends & Global Forecast 2023 Automotive Roof Racks Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/3821 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/automotive-roof-racks-market-3821 Market Highlights:Roof Racks are combination of bars that are attached to the roof of the car for carrying luggage. They are generally used to carry luggage, bicycle, and various carriers. They allow the user of automobile to reduce the interior space by transporting the objects on top of the roof. The commonly used materials in the roof racks are aluminum alloy, composite plastic, and others. Aluminum is the major material used in the roof racks. The factor that are responsible for the growth of automotive roof racks market are increase investment in tourism sector, increase in the production of vehicles and rising disposable income.Key Players of Automotive Roof Racks Market: Thule Group (Sweden) Magna International, Inc.(Ontario) VDL Hapro bv (Netherlands) MINTH Group Limited(China) Cruzber S.A (Spain) Atera GmbH (Germany) Rhino-Rack (U.S.) BOSAL (Belgium), JAC Products (U.S.) Yakima Products Inc. (U.S.)Request a Sample Copy @Market Research Analysis:Asia-Pacific region is expected to dominate the automotive roof racks market due to the increase investment in tourism sector. The increase investment in tourism sector will led to the increase in the use of commercial and passenger car which will result in the growth of this market. North America is expected to hold the majority of share of this market due to the large number of vehicle present in this region. The consumer in this region prefer their vehicle with high end automotive system such as roof bars. This will led to the growth of automotive roof racks market globally.Scope of the Report:This study provides an overview of the global automotive roof racks market, tracking three market segments across four geographic regions. The report studies key players, providing a five-year annual trend analysis that highlights market size, volume and share for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC) and Rest of the World (ROW). The report also provides a forecast, focusing on the market opportunities for the next five years for each region. The scope of the study segments the global automotive roof racks market by its Material, by, by Type, Application, and by region.By Material Aluminium Alloy Composite Plastic OthersBy Type Roof Mount Raised Rail Gutter OthersBy Application Commercial Vehicles Passenger CarsBy Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Rest of the WorldBrowse Full Report @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Organic Soil Conditioners Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity and Forecast 2017 to 2022 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2402557-global-organic-soil-conditioners-market-research-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/2402557-global-organic-soil-conditioners-market-research-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=2402557 SummaryWiseGuyReports.com adds Organic Soil Conditioners Market 2017 Global Analysis, Growth, Trends and Opportunities Research Report Forecasting to 2022 reports to its database.Global Organic Soil Conditioners market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingBASF SE (Germany)The Dow Chemical Company (US)Akzo Nobel N.V. (Netherlands)Evonik Industries AG (Germany)Solvay S.A. (Belgium)Croda International Plc (UK)Clariant International AG (Switzerland)Lambent Corp. (US)Adeka Corporation (Japan)Eastman Chemical Company (US)Request a Sample Report @Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Organic Soil Conditioners in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoNaturalSyntheticOn the basis of the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, includingAgriculturalIndustrialAt any Query @Table of ContentsGlobal Organic Soil Conditioners Market Research Report 20171 Organic Soil Conditioners Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Organic Soil Conditioners1.2 Organic Soil Conditioners Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Organic Soil Conditioners Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Organic Soil Conditioners Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Natural1.2.4 Synthetic1.3 Global Organic Soil Conditioners Segment by Application1.3.1 Organic Soil Conditioners Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Agricultural1.3.3 Industrial1.4 Global Organic Soil Conditioners Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Organic Soil Conditioners Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Organic Soil Conditioners (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Organic Soil Conditioners Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Organic Soil Conditioners Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)..7 Global Organic Soil Conditioners Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 BASF SE (Germany)7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Organic Soil Conditioners Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 BASF SE (Germany) Organic Soil Conditioners Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 The Dow Chemical Company (US)7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Organic Soil Conditioners Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 The Dow Chemical Company (US) Organic Soil Conditioners Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Akzo Nobel N.V. (Netherlands)7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Organic Soil Conditioners Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Akzo Nobel N.V. (Netherlands) Organic Soil Conditioners Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 Evonik Industries AG (Germany)7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Organic Soil Conditioners Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 Evonik Industries AG (Germany) Organic Soil Conditioners Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Solvay S.A. (Belgium)7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Organic Soil Conditioners Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Solvay S.A. (Belgium) Organic Soil Conditioners Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 Croda International Plc (UK)7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Organic Soil Conditioners Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 Croda International Plc (UK) Organic Soil Conditioners Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 Clariant International AG (Switzerland)7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Organic Soil Conditioners Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 Clariant International AG (Switzerland) Organic Soil Conditioners Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 Lambent Corp. (US)7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 Organic Soil Conditioners Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 Lambent Corp. (US) Organic Soil Conditioners Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.9 Adeka Corporation (Japan)7.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.9.2 Organic Soil Conditioners Product Category, Application and Specification7.9.2.1 Product A7.9.2.2 Product B7.9.3 Adeka Corporation (Japan) Organic Soil Conditioners Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.10 Eastman Chemical Company (US)7.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.10.2 Organic Soil Conditioners Product Category, Application and Specification7.10.2.1 Product A7.10.2.2 Product B7.10.3 Eastman Chemical Company (US) Organic Soil Conditioners Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.10.4 Main Business/Business OverviewBuy Now @Continued....Contact Us: sales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US) ; Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)ABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.ADDRES:WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Global Industry Analysis of Document Imaging Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2025 MRRSE http://www.mrrse.com/sample/3203 http://www.mrrse.com/document-imaging-market http://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/3203 https://www.mrrse.com/ Document imaging solutions use tools such as scanners, printers, software, and camerato digitize a document. It is a key feature for any business entity as the document imaging process is used for better speed and agility in work stations. Improved and advanced efficiencies lead to a competitive improvement and better customer satisfaction.The Document Imaging Market is gaining popularity due to several benefits to organizations such as cost effectiveness, increasing efficiency, risk reduction of losing documents in transit.Request for Sample Report:The document imaging market is segmented on the bases of three categories: by service, component, and end use. In terms of service, the market for document imaging is segmented into cloud and on-premises. By component, the market is segmented into software and hardware. Hardware component segment can be further bifurcated into scanners, printers, microfilm, readers and others. In terms of end use, the document imaging market is segmented into government organizations, law firms, physician practice, and educational institutions among others.The installation of document imaging has dramatically changed due to the rising installation of cloud based document imaging solutions. Cloud deployment is becoming a critical and flexible part of an organization, for storing data and to expedite workflows. Information technology departments are expanding their cloud budgets for its numerous benefits. Quality document-management systems are available on the cloud since the last few years. Almost every business entity has started installing cloud as the most modern deployment solution to store important data. Organizations are always very careful about storing critical documents in a cloud environment, and recently increasing importance of cloud deployment is fueling growth of the document imaging market which is expected to see significant growth during the forecast period.The impact of this driver is medium in recent times and is expected to be high during the forecast period. However, Core printing companies are looking for diversification for higher profit generation. Many dealers are trying to expand their business by offering new products and services. In addition, rising competition in the MPS (managed printing service) industry is encouraging dealers to diversify or invest in other business entities. Although, cost cutting and decreasing price trends are attracting existing dealers and new entities to invest in this industry. Therefore, demand for documents imaging is expected to be high during the forecast period.The impact of this restraint is medium in the current phase and is expected to be high during the forecast period.Browse Full Report with TOC:Additionally, considering the growth in population and rapid urbanization in several emerging economies, there is an increased demand for digitalized documents. The growth of document imaging is strongly correlated to urbanization, which is compelling government organization, law firms, educational institutions and industries to emphasize on this technology.Such demand for document imaging can be expected to offer good growth opportunities for this market. In addition, there are various research initiatives undertaken by different companies worldwide to develop document imaging into more versatile products. More advanced products and awareness among target customers are expected to drive future opportunities in the document imaging market both in developed and developing nations. Hence, the customer base is expected to grow, creating a larger market for future businesses.Currently, people are more focused on print and less on digitalized paper. Paper work or printing work is more time consuming; therefore, most SMBs (small medium business) pay interest on digitalized paper scanning technology. Growing trend of document scanning or photocopying in recent times is predicted to be an opportunity for the document imaging market.The global market of document imaging report provides company market share analysis of the various key participants. Key players have also been profiled on the basis of company overview. Global key participants of the document imaging market include Fujitsu Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan), Hewlett-Packard Company (California, U.S.), Canon Inc. (Tokyo, Japan), Kodak Alaris (Hemel Hempstead, U.K.), Xerox Corporation (Connecticut, U.S.), Qorus Software (Pty) Ltd (Cape Town, South Africa), CBSL Group (Delhi, India), Epson America (California, U.S.), Aramex (Dubai, U.A.E) and Newgen Software Technologies Ltd (Delhi, India) among others.Enquire About This Report:About UsMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.ContactState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:- Global Mining Automation Market Insights by Size, Status and Forecast 2022 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/751446-global-mining-automation-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/751446-global-mining-automation-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=751446 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/751446-global-mining-automation-market HTF MI recently added a new research study in its database that highlights the in-depth market analysis with future prospects of Mining Automation market. The study covers significant data which makes the research document a handy resource for marketing managers, analysts, industry executives, consultants, sales and product managers, and other key people who are in need of ready-to-access and self analyzed study along with graphs and tables to help understand market trends, drivers and market challenges. Some of the key players mentioned in this research are Caterpillar, Komatsu, Sandvik, Atlas Copco, Hexagon, Hitachi, RPMGlobal, Trimble, Autonomous Solutions Inc., Fluidmesh Networks, MST Global, Symboticware, Volvo Group, Micromine & Remote Control Technologies.Get Access to sample pages @The research covers the current market size of the Global Mining Automation market and its growth rates based on 5 year history data. It also covers various types of segmentation such as by geography [United States, EU, Japan, China, India & Southeast Asia], by product /end user type [Equipment, Software & Communications System], by applications [Mine Development, Mining Process & Mine Maintenance] in overall market. The in-depth information by segments of Mining Automation market helps monitor performance & make critical decisions for growth and profitability. It provides information on trends and developments, focuses on markets and materials, capacities, technologies, CAPEX cycle and the changing structure of the Global Mining Automation Market.The study also contains company profiling, product picture and specifications, sales, market share and contact information of various international, regional, and local vendors of Global Mining Automation Market, some of them are Caterpillar, Komatsu, Sandvik, Atlas Copco, Hexagon, Hitachi, RPMGlobal, Trimble, Autonomous Solutions Inc., Fluidmesh Networks, MST Global, Symboticware, Volvo Group, Micromine & Remote Control Technologies. The market competition is constantly growing higher with the rise in technological innovation and M&A activities in the industry. Moreover, many local and regional vendors are offering specific application products for varied end-users. The new vendor entrants in the market are finding it hard to compete with the international vendors based on quality, reliability, and innovations in technology.Global Mining Automation (Thousands Units) and Revenue (Million USD) Market Split by Product Type such as Equipment, Software & Communications SystemMarket Segment by Type 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022Equipment xx xx xx xx xx Xx xx-Change (%) xx% xx% xx% xx% xx% xx% xx%Software xx xx xx xx xx Xx xx-Change (%) xx% xx% xx% xx% xx% xx% xx%Communications System xx xx xx xx xx Xx xx-Change (%) xx% xx% xx% xx% xx% xx% xx%The research study is segmented by Application such as Mine Development, Mining Process & Mine Maintenance with historical and projected market share and compounded annual growth rate.Global Mining Automation (Thousands Units) by Application (2016-2022)Market Segment by Application 2012 2016 2022 Market Share (%)2022 CAGR (%)(2016-2022)Mine Development xx xx xx xx% xx%Mining Process xx xx xx xx% xx%Mine Maintenance xx xx xx xx% xx%Total xx xx xx 100% xx%Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), and market share and growth rate of Mining Automation in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringMarket Segment by Regions2012 2016 2022 Share (%) CAGR (2016-2022)United States xx xx xx xx% xx%EU xx xx xx xx% xx%Japan xx xx xx xx% xx%China xx xx xx xx% xx%India xx xx xx xx% xx%Southeast Asia xx xx xx xx% xx%Total xx xx xx xx% xx%Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @The research insights solutions to the following key questions: What will be the market size and the growth rate in 2022? What are the key factors driving the Global Mining Automation market? Who are the key market players and what are their strategies in the Global Mining Automation market? What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the Global Mining Automation market? What trends, challenges and barriers are influencing its growth? What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the Global Mining Automation market? What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the Mining Automation market?Buy this research report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the Global Mining Automation market.Chapter 1, to describe Mining Automation Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Mining Automation , with sales, revenue, and price of Mining Automation , in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the Global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Mining Automation , for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in United States, EU, Japan, China, India & Southeast Asia;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application [Mine Development, Mining Process & Mine Maintenance], from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, Mining Automation market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Mining Automation sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.Get customization & check discount for report @Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact US :Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager)HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA 08837sales@htfmarketreport.com+1 (206) 317 1218 Reinsurance in Zambia Market Size, Investment Feasibility and Industry Growth Rate Forecast 2017 2021 Reinsurance in Zambia Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2390825-reinsurance-in-zambia-market-report https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/2390825-reinsurance-in-zambia-market-report WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On - Reinsurance in Zambia Market Size, Investment Feasibility and Industry Growth Rate Forecast 2017 2021.This Report covers the players data, including: shipment, price, revenue, gross profit, interview record, business distribution etc., these data help the consumer know about the competitors better.Besides, the report also covers segment data, including: type segment, industry segment, channel segment etc. cover different segment market size, both volume and value. Also cover different industries clients information, which is very important for the players.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comMajor Player MentionedPrima Reinsurance PLCZambian Reinsurance CompanyReinsurance Type SegmentationTreaty ReinsuranceFacultative ReinsuranceReport Details @Table Of Contents Major Key PointsSection 1 Reinsurance Product DefinitionSection 2 Zambia Reinsurance Market Player Share and Market Overview2.1 Zambia Player Reinsurance Shipments2.2 Zambia Player Reinsurance Business Revenue2.3 Zambia Reinsurance Market OverviewSection 3 Players Who Have Reinsurance Business in Zambia Introduction3.1 Prima Reinsurance PLC Reinsurance Business Introduction3.1.1 Prima Reinsurance PLC Reinsurance Shipments, Price, Revenue and Gross profit 2013-20163.1.2 Prima Reinsurance PLC Reinsurance Business Distribution by Region3.1.3 Prima Reinsurance PLC Interview Record3.1.4 Prima Reinsurance PLC Reinsurance Business Profile3.1.5 Prima Reinsurance PLC Reinsurance Product Specification3.2 Zambian Reinsurance Company Reinsurance Business Introduction3.2.1 Zambian Reinsurance Company Reinsurance Shipments, Price, Revenue and Gross profit 2013-20163.2.2 Zambian Reinsurance Company Reinsurance Business Distribution by Region3.2.3 Interview Record3.2.4 Zambian Reinsurance Company Reinsurance Business Overview3.2.5 Zambian Reinsurance Company Reinsurance Product Specification3.3 Player Three Reinsurance Business Introduction3.3.1 Player Three Reinsurance Shipments, Price, Revenue and Gross profit 2013-20163.3.2 Player Three Reinsurance Business Distribution by Region3.3.3 Interview Record3.3.4 Player Three Reinsurance Business Overview3.3.5 Player Three Reinsurance Product Specification3.4 Player Four Reinsurance Business Introduction3.5 Player Five Reinsurance Business Introduction3.6 Player Six Reinsurance Business IntroductionSection 4 Zambia Reinsurance Market Segmentation (Product Type Level)4.1 Zambia Reinsurance Market Segmentation (Product Type Level) Market Size 2013-20164.2 Different Reinsurance Product Type Price 2013-20164.3 Zambia Reinsurance Market Segmentation (Product Type Level) AnalysisSection 5 Zambia Reinsurance Market Segmentation (Industry Level)5.1 Zambia Reinsurance Market Segmentation (Industry Level) Market Size 2013-20165.2 Different Industry Price 2013-20165.3 Zambia Reinsurance Market Segmentation (Industry Level) AnalysisContinue.For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Office No.528,Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road,Hadapsar,Pune-411028. Turbocharger Market 2017 Global Manufacturers,Application,Technology (By Geography,Segment) Market Research Report 2021 Turbocharger Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2390767-global-turbocharger-market-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/2390767-global-turbocharger-market-report-2017 WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On - Turbocharger Market 2017 Global Manufacturers,Application,Technology (By Geography,Segment) Market Research Report 2021.The Turbocharger industry has also suffered a certain impact, but still maintained a relatively optimistic growth, the past four years, Turbocharger market size to maintain the average annual growth rate of 6.78% from 9004 million $ in 2013 to 10962 million $ in 2016, The analysts believe that in the next few years, Turbocharger market size will be further expanded, we expect that by 2021, The market size of the Turbocharger will reach 14293 million $.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comThis Report covers the manufacturers data, including: shipment, price, revenue, gross profit, interview record, business distribution etc., these data help the consumer know about the competitors better. This report also covers all the regions and countries of the world, which shows a regional development status, including market size, volume and value, as well as price data.Besides, the report also covers segment data, including: type segment, industry segment, channel segment etc. cover different segment market size, both volume and value. Also cover different industries clients information, which is very important for the manufacturers.Report Details @Sections:-Section 1: FreeDefinitionSection (2 3): 1200 USDManufacturer DetailHoneywellBorgWarnerMHIIHICumminsBosch MahleContinentalHunan TyenKangyueWeifu TianliWeifang FuyuanShenlongWeifang MovgooOkiya GroupZhejiang RongfaHunan RugidoveSection 4: 900 USDRegion SegmentationNorth America Country (United States, Canada)South AmericaAsia Country (China, Japan, India, Korea)Europe Country (Germany, UK, France, Italy)Other Country (Middle East, Africa, GCC)Continue..Table Of Contents Major Key PointsSection 1 Turbocharger Product DefinitionSection 2 Global Turbocharger Market Manufacturer Share and Market Overview2.1 Global Manufacturer Turbocharger Shipments2.2 Global Manufacturer Turbocharger Business Revenue2.3 Global Turbocharger Market OverviewSection 3 Manufacturer Turbocharger Business Introduction3.1 Honeywell Turbocharger Business Introduction3.1.1 Honeywell Turbocharger Shipments, Price, Revenue and Gross profit 2013-20163.1.2 Honeywell Turbocharger Business Distribution by Region3.1.3 Honeywell Interview Record3.1.4 Honeywell Turbocharger Business Profile3.1.5 Honeywell Turbocharger Product Specification3.2 BorgWarner Turbocharger Business Introduction3.2.1 BorgWarner Turbocharger Shipments, Price, Revenue and Gross profit 2013-20163.2.2 BorgWarner Turbocharger Business Distribution by Region3.2.3 Interview Record3.2.4 BorgWarner Turbocharger Business Overview3.2.5 BorgWarner Turbocharger Product Specification3.3 MHI Turbocharger Business Introduction3.3.1 MHI Turbocharger Shipments, Price, Revenue and Gross profit 2013-20163.3.2 MHI Turbocharger Business Distribution by Region3.3.3 Interview Record3.3.4 MHI Turbocharger Business Overview3.3.5 MHI Turbocharger Product Specification3.4 IHI Turbocharger Business Introduction3.5 Cummins Turbocharger Business Introduction3.6 Bosch Mahle Turbocharger Business IntroductionSection 4 Global Turbocharger Market Segmentation (Region Level)4.1 North America Country4.1.1 United States Turbocharger Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.1.2 Canada Turbocharger Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.2 South America Country4.2.1 South America Turbocharger Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.3 Asia Country4.3.1 China Turbocharger Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.3.2 Japan Turbocharger Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.3.3 India Turbocharger Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.3.4 Korea Turbocharger Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.4 Europe Country4.4.1 Germany Turbocharger Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.4.2 UK Turbocharger Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.4.3 France Turbocharger Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.4.4 Italy Turbocharger Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.4.5 Europe Turbocharger Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.5 Other Country and Region4.5.1 Middle East Turbocharger Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.5.2 Africa Turbocharger Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.5.3 GCC Turbocharger Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.6 Global Turbocharger Market Segmentation (Region Level) Analysis 2013-20164.7 Global Turbocharger Market Segmentation (Region Level) AnalysisSection 5 Global Turbocharger Market Segmentation (Product Type Level)5.1 Global Turbocharger Market Segmentation (Product Type Level) Market Size 2013-20165.2 Different Turbocharger Product Type Price 2013-20165.3 Global Turbocharger Market Segmentation (Product Type Level) AnalysisContinue.For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Office No.528,Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road,Hadapsar,Pune-411028. WENDELL For the first time since 2003, Wendell School District will have a new superintendent next year. After 14 years at the helm, Greg Lowe will retire at the end of this school year. He made the announcement during an August school board meeting. Because of some confusion among employees who hadnt heard the news or had questions, he sent out an email Wednesday to confirm hes retiring. Lowe plans to officially step down as superintendent June 30, 2018. He said Thursday he wanted to announce his retirement as early as possible. Its a good thing, I think, for the school district, he said. It helps prepare. It helps plan as the year goes through. Wendells school board is conducting a nationwide search, school board chairwoman Tessa Yon said Thursday afternoon. Ideally, wed like to have someone hired no later than March, Yon said. We are appreciative of all Greg has done for the Wendell community and the students in our district. Lowe isnt the only Idaho superintendent nearing retirement age. Two-thirds of the states superintendents, 72 of 105, are 50 or older, according to the Idaho State Department of Education. Here in south-central Idaho, Twin Falls Wiley Dobbs retired in September. Cassia County School District superintendent Gaylen Smyer announced in April hell retire at the end of this school year. Lowe, who has been an Idaho educator for 40 years, started his career as a teacher in the Grace School District, where he spent 15 years. I taught sixth-grade almost every one of those years, which I loved, he said. He also spent a few years as balancing both teaching and principal duties. He served as school principal for 11 years in Mini-Cassia before becoming superintendent of the Wendell School District, which has about 1,200 students. Lowe said his highlights as a superintendent include working with coworkers and the community, reviving the agriculture program at Wendell schools, and overseeing curriculum, including literacy. Plus, a new elementary school opened in 2012 that really is meeting the needs of the community and children so well, he said. There was 77 percent approval for the $9.8 million bond measure, which voters approved in 2010. When Paula Chapman was searching for her first school administrator job, she wanted to find a superintendent whod support her. She said she found that in Wendell. Now, she has been principal for five years at Wendell Elementary School. Lowe has a wealth of knowledge as an instructional leader, she said, and provides leadership thats impacted both her and the school district. He wants to see teachers grow as professionals, Chapman said. Education is his priority. Hes an educator first. He enjoys seeing students grow to their full potential, both academically and socially, Chapman said. Lowe is frequently seen out and about in Wendells schools, and he conducts five-minute observations that he follows up with providing feedback. The teachers know who he is. Hes very active in their school day, Chapman said. He wants to know whats happening in town, has an open door policy and wants to know what community members think of whats happening in the school district, she said. Chapman also described Lowe as an active listener and excellent communicator who takes suggestions open-heartedly. One example of Lowes efforts to reach the community: He worked closely with the school board to organize The Face of Wendell Schools Roadshow, slated for 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the elementary school gymnasium. The event is intended to showcase school district programs, projects and people. It demonstrates his philosophy that were not a standalone school district, Chapman said. We need our community. Electronic Goods Packaging 2017 Global Market Expected to Grow at CAGR of 5% percent and Forecast to 2023 Electronic Goods Packaging Market 2017 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/3118 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/electronic-goods-packaging-market-3118 Electronic Goods Packaging Market 2017Summary:Global Electronic Goods Packaging Market Information Report By Material (Corrugated Boxes, Foamed Plastic, Paperboard, Bubble Packaging, Others), By Product Size (Small Appliances, Large Appliances), By Technology (Authentication Packaging, Track And Trace Packaging) And By Region - Global Forecast To 2023Key PlayersThe key players of Global Electronic Goods Packaging Market report include-DS Smith Plc. (U.K.)International Paper Company (U.S.)Mondi plc. (Austria)Sealed Air Corporation (U.S.)Smurfit Kappa (Republic of Ireland)Dunapack Packaging (Austria)Georgia-Pacific LLC (U.S.)Graham Packaging (U.S.)Pregis LLC (U.S.)Sonoco Products Company (U.S.)Stora Enso (Finland)The Electronic goods packaging market is expected to grow over the CAGR of around 5% during the period 2017 to 2023.Market Scenario:The proper packaging of all electronic goods is becoming necessary with the increasing competition in the electronics industry owing to factors such as diversified product offerings and product differentiation among others.The growth of the electronic goods packaging market is majorly driven by the boom in the e-commerce retail industry. The shipment of electronic goods across huge distances is further driving the need for effective packaging solutions. The proper packaging of electronic goods will ensure that the products are protected from getting destroyed. Thus, this need for the protection of products is further driving the growth of the electronic goods packaging market. The increase in the production of various kinds of electronic devices is further contributing to the growth of the electronic goods packaging market.Study Objectives of Electronic goods packaging market:To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 5 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the global Electronic goods packaging marketTo provide insights about factors affecting the market growthTo analyse the global Electronic goods packaging market based on various tools such as Supply Chain Analysis, and Porters Five Force AnalysisTo provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to regions and their respective key countriesTo provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospectiveTo provide country level analysis of the market for segments by material, product size, technology and regionTo provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analysing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the marketTo track and analyse competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the global Electronic goods packaging market.Request For Sample Report @Regional Analysis:The Asia-Pacific region is expected to dominate the electronic goods packaging market. The growth of this region can be attributed to the growth of the developing nations such as India and China and the increase in purchasing power amongst the people in that region. the increase in the production activities for all kinds of electronic devices in the countries such as Japan is also contributing to the growth of the electronic goods packaging market in the region.Intended Audience:Distributer & Supplier companiesEnd Usersconsultants and Investment bankersGovernment as well as Independent Regulatory AuthoritiesProduct Analysis:Product matrix which gives a detailed comparison of the market for different recycled product typesAdditional Information:Regulatory LandscapePricing AnalysisMacroeconomic IndicatorsGeographic Analysis:Geographical analysis across 15 countriesCompany Information:Profiling of 10 key market playersIn-depth analysis including SWOT analysis, and strategy information of related to report titleCompetitive landscape including emerging trends adopted by major companiesThe report for Electronic goods packaging market of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.Complete Report Details @Table of Contents1 Executive Summary..8 Competitive Analysis8.1 Introduction8.2 Competitive Scenario8.2.1 Market Share Analysis8.2.2 Market Development Analysis8.2.3 Material/Service Benchmarking8.3 DS Smith Plc. (U.K.)8.3.1 Overview8.3.2 Material/Service Offering8.3.3 Strategy8.4 International Paper Company (U.S.)8.4.1 Overview8.4.2 Material/Service Offering8.4.3 Strategy8.5 Mondi Plc. (Austria)8.5.1 Overview8.5.2 Material/Service Offering8.5.3 Strategy8.6 Sealed Air Corporation (U.S.)8.6.1 Overview8.6.2 Material/Service Offering8.6.3 Strategy8.7 Smurfit Kappa (Republic Of Ireland)8.7.1 Overview8.7.2 Material/Service Offering8.7.3 Strategy8.8 Dunapack Packaging (Austria)8.8.1 Overview8.8.2 Material/Service Offering8.8.3 Strategy8.9 Georgia-Pacific LLC (U.S)8.9.1 Overview8.9.2 Material/Service Offering8.9.3 Strategy8.10 Graham Packaging (U.S.)8.10.1 Overview8.10.2 Material/Service Offering8.10.3 StrategyContinued.About Us:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR) and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have the prime objective to provide optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies depending on products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments enables our clients to know more consequently do more, which gives them answer for their each and every important question. In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industryCONTACT US:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com Tower Crane Market by Manufacturers,Types,Regions and Applications Research Report Forecast to 2021 Tower Crane Market 2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2390753-global-tower-crane-market-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/2390753-global-tower-crane-market-report-2017 WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On - Tower Crane Market by Manufacturers,Types,Regions and Applications Research Report Forecast to 2021.The Tower Crane industry has also suffered a certain impact, but still maintained a relatively optimistic growth, the past four years, Tower Crane market size to maintain the average annual growth rate of -0.43% from 9930 million $ in 2013 to 9803 million $ in 2016, The analysts believe that in the next few years, Tower Crane market size will be further expanded, we expect that by 2021, The market size of the Tower Crane will reach 10096 million $.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comThis Report covers the manufacturers data, including: shipment, price, revenue, gross profit, interview record, business distribution etc., these data help the consumer know about the competitors better. This report also covers all the regions and countries of the world, which shows a regional development status, including market size, volume and value, as well as price data.Besides, the report also covers segment data, including: type segment, industry segment, channel segment etc. cover different segment market size, both volume and value. Also cover different industries clients information, which is very important for the manufacturers.Report Details @Sections:-Section 1: FreeDefinitionSection (2 3): 1200 USDManufacturer DetailManitowocLiebherrWOLFFKRANTerexFAVCOHKTCZoomlionSCMFushun YongmaoZHEJIANG CONSTRUCTION MACHINERYXCMGHENG SHENGDAHANFANGYUAN GROUPJianglu Machinery&ElectronicsHuaxiaSYSGuangxi ConstructionWeihai GuhengChongqing Construction MachineryContinue..Table Of Contents Major Key PointsSection 1 Tower Crane Product DefinitionSection 2 Global Tower Crane Market Manufacturer Share and Market Overview2.1 Global Manufacturer Tower Crane Shipments2.2 Global Manufacturer Tower Crane Business Revenue2.3 Global Tower Crane Market OverviewSection 3 Manufacturer Tower Crane Business Introduction3.1 Manitowoc Tower Crane Business Introduction3.1.1 Manitowoc Tower Crane Shipments, Price, Revenue and Gross profit 2013-20163.1.2 Manitowoc Tower Crane Business Distribution by Region3.1.3 Manitowoc Interview Record3.1.4 Manitowoc Tower Crane Business Profile3.1.5 Manitowoc Tower Crane Product Specification3.2 Liebherr Tower Crane Business Introduction3.2.1 Liebherr Tower Crane Shipments, Price, Revenue and Gross profit 2013-20163.2.2 Liebherr Tower Crane Business Distribution by Region3.2.3 Interview Record3.2.4 Liebherr Tower Crane Business Overview3.2.5 Liebherr Tower Crane Product Specification3.3 WOLFFKRAN Tower Crane Business Introduction3.3.1 WOLFFKRAN Tower Crane Shipments, Price, Revenue and Gross profit 2013-20163.3.2 WOLFFKRAN Tower Crane Business Distribution by Region3.3.3 Interview Record3.3.4 WOLFFKRAN Tower Crane Business Overview3.3.5 WOLFFKRAN Tower Crane Product Specification3.4 Terex Tower Crane Business Introduction3.5 FAVCO Tower Crane Business Introduction3.6 HKTC Tower Crane Business IntroductionSection 4 Global Tower Crane Market Segmentation (Region Level)4.1 North America Country4.1.1 United States Tower Crane Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.1.2 Canada Tower Crane Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.2 South America Country4.2.1 South America Tower Crane Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.3 Asia Country4.3.1 China Tower Crane Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.3.2 Japan Tower Crane Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.3.3 India Tower Crane Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.3.4 Korea Tower Crane Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.4 Europe Country4.4.1 Germany Tower Crane Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.4.2 UK Tower Crane Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.4.3 France Tower Crane Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.4.4 Italy Tower Crane Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.4.5 Europe Tower Crane Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.5 Other Country and Region4.5.1 Middle East Tower Crane Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.5.2 Africa Tower Crane Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.5.3 GCC Tower Crane Market Size and Price Analysis 2013-20164.6 Global Tower Crane Market Segmentation (Region Level) Analysis 2013-20164.7 Global Tower Crane Market Segmentation (Region Level) AnalysisSection 5 Global Tower Crane Market Segmentation (Product Type Level)5.1 Global Tower Crane Market Segmentation (Product Type Level) Market Size 2013-20165.2 Different Tower Crane Product Type Price 2013-20165.3 Global Tower Crane Market Segmentation (Product Type Level) AnalysisContinue.For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Office No.528,Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road,Hadapsar,Pune-411028. White nationalist Richard Spencer brought his racist rhetoric to a Democratic stronghold, and it just went great for him. Spencer, a Neo-Nazi who is on video doing a Sieg Heil and is famous primarily for getting punched in the face, rented a facility at the University of Florida to give a speech, and it didnt turn out so hot. The university couldnt do anything to stop the speechsince the speech wasnt happening through the University and he was renting the auditorium, it was apparently out of their jurisdiction. Spencer had tried to speak on campus back in August and was rejected, but a guy named Cameron Padgett (because of course) still found a way to bring him to Gainesville, even if it wasnt through the University itself. So now Spencer was speaking near the University anyway, and a shitstorm ensued. The Mayor of Gainesville rightly called Spencer a terrorist. Florida governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency over the ordeal. Half a million dollars were spent on riot police in an attempt to control the situation. The president of the University had to make it clear where he stood on the matter: For the record, I dont stand behind racist Richard Spencer. I stand with those who reject and condemn Spencers vile and despicable message https://t.co/eHFuUUchbh W. Kent Fuchs (@PresidentFuchs) October 19, 2017 And when the day finally came, Spencer was greeted by wave upon wave of protestors. Heres USA Todays footage: There were some confrontations. A Nazi (pictured up top) got punched, which is always fun. And once Spencer actually made it to the auditorium, the vast majority of his crowd was just more protestors: Oh, fun, he did a Q&A session! An Egyptian/Puerto Rican woman asks Richard Spencer:How did it feel to get punched in the face? ????????????pic.twitter.com/Xv4PejPjDs#SpencerAtUF Holly OReilly (@AynRandPaulRyan) October 19, 2017 So it should be clear that Richard Spencer is pretty much universally reviled. Just look at how empty that auditorium isprotestors must outnumber supporters ten to one, and its still not even half full. Spencers speech was cut short by about half an hour. Guess he got tired of looking like an idiot. To close it out, heres the best question he received: In the new season of Madam Secretary, Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord (Tea Leoni) buys a handheld wet/dry vac for her college-bound daughter and assents to a meeting with a minister from Timor-Leste. She compares indistinguishable paint swatches with her husband, Henry (Tim Daly, the sexiest religious scholar since Matthew McConaughey in Contact), and decides to use a translator on a diplomatic mission to Libyaconcerned, though she speaks Arabic, that her grasp of the dialect is not strong enough. She wears sensible blazers and stylish spectacles; she attends meetings, manages aides, tangles politely with the president, Conrad Dalton (Keith Carradine), and with his quick-tempered chief of staff, Russell Jackson (Zeljko Ivanek). Thats it, to be honest. Sure, there are crises to confront, both at home and abroadextremists on the loose, Russians angling for influence; Arizona senators and cable news anchors marinating red meat for their respective constituentsbut the defining feature of Madam Secretary is its almost fantastical calm. Its a political procedural that nonetheless seems to be set on another planet, one that promises, like a billboard along the highway, If you lived here, youd be home by now. In this, the series, created by Barbara Hall (Judging Amy, Joan of Arcadia), is the ultimate form of escapism: Though its set in the same world, roughly speaking, as the press conferences and stump speeches that populate our screens the rest of the week, for one hour each Sunday, Madam Secretary transports us to a place of soluble problems. There are serial subplotsincluding, at the moment, a particularly tedious one involving a young Russian (Chris Petrovski) recruited by the CIAbut for the most part each episode introduces a conflict, complicates it, and then resolves it in time for a snack before bed. Here is what happens in your average installment of Madam Secretary: Theres an American in peril, say, or a standoff with the Chinese (this writers room simply adores Americans in peril and standoffs with the Chinese). The American turns out to have been in Syria or Burma or Venezuela under not-so-innocent circumstances, say, or the Chinese objection to a U.S. treaty or military exercise or public statement is not what it seems. One of McCords staffers (or McCord herself) bumbles. Jackson rages. McCords own chief-of-staff, the stern, secretly kindly Nadine Tolliver (Bebe Neuwirth), places a few calls. (Meanwhile, the McCords youngest might get suspended from schoolhes something of an anarchist, natchor their eldest might chafe at her parents wisdom; meanwhile, the staffers might romance each other, or struggle to write a speech, or respectfully disagree with American policy prerogatives.) McCord, in a burst of inspiration, sees a way to rescue the American or end the standoff without sacrificing her principles: The American might be released as part of an aid package thats already in the works, say, or the Chinese might be allowed to save face without disrupting the status quo. Madam Secretary returns home, tired but triumphant, and crawls into bed with her handsome, ageless husband, mumbling sweet nothings about paint swatches as she drifts off to sleep. Against the constant deluge of atrocities, offenses, mishaps and self-owns that characterizes the current State Department, helmed more or less in absentia by a Scrooge McDuck oil magnate and leeched near to death by decades of unthinking militarism and now 270-some days of desperate presidential dick-measuring, this studied diplomatic blandness reads as speculative fiction. Madam Secretary, always idealisticits cut from the same cloth as The West Wing, Commander in Chief, or even Designated Survivor, in which (literally) blowing up Congress is treated as a mere speed bump on the winding road of democracynow appears positively utopian. Its crisesbiological weapons, the suspicious death of a foreign dignitary, civil war in North Africaresemble our own, perhaps, but their swift and sensible resolution requires the suspension of disbelief: It asks us to imagine, as another series might the disappearance of two percent of the worlds population or the colonization of the Asteroid Belt, decent leaders, competent aides, careful negotiations, goodwill and good faith; it asks us to accept a fictional universe in which the secretary of state cares about an injured child and the president utters the words, The world is too dangerous to go it alone. Even at its most emphatically timely, as in its Season Four premiere, Madam Secretary betrays its fanciful nature: The hours most preposterous development is not the poisoning of a diplomat inside the United Nations, nor the subsequent rumor that McCord is the murderer, nor even the revelation that the entire affair has been orchestrated by a drug kingpin hiding out in the South Pacific, but McCords formidable public response to the plague of fake news on a program hosted by a Hannity-esque figure named Marty Hawk. If citizens cant tell the difference between fact and fiction, then the entire project of civilization turns to dust, she argues, building up a head of steam as she rakes her slimy interlocutor over the coals. Its dictatorial. Its autocratic. And its un-American You ought to know better. In Leonis hands, McCord, a former CIA operative, projects an air of unruffled competence and preternatural charmshes the sort of person who says I love Bed, Bath and Beyond in between stopping a terror attack on a G20 summit and nailing down a ceasefire on a short trip abroadand buoyed by her winsome performance, Madam Secretary illustrates the pie-in-the-sky notion so central to its soothing presence. Its a series, in the final estimation, that trusts in the power of persuasion, even when severed from carrot, or stick; it possesses an ardent faith in the cerebral approach, the practical solution, the strategic choice, in a reality that is not our own, but could be. If the term itself werent so often misapplied, Id describe Madam Secretary as a guilty pleasure, in that it whisks me away, one hour each week, to another planet, one on which I neednt call my senators to beg for healthcare or cross my fingers against the prospect of nuclear war. No heroics, the president cautions McCord as she heads to Libya in the most recent episode, and though she doesnt quite follow instructions, her heroics are of a quieter sort, in the same vein as the series itself: prudent, deliberate, occasionally cunning, and guided by a moral and ethical compass always set to true North. Compared to the bomb-throwing excitements of other topical series, Madam Secretarys comforting politics are not going to set the world on fire. In a world already on fire, thats precisely the point. Matt Brennan is the TV editor of Paste Magazine. He tweets about what hes watching @thefilmgoer. Harbor Springs frees up funding with public safety millage The Harbor Springs public safety millage will free up some of the funds impacted by the Headlee Amendment, but city officials say it isn't a long-term fix. BOISE The State Department of Education will award about $1.5 million for five-year grants to operate after-school programs across Idaho starting in the 2018-2019 school year. Local educational agencies, community-based organizations, tribal organizations and other public and private organizations are eligible to apply for the funds. Grant applications are due by Jan. 26. The 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants provide critical support for thousands of Idaho students who would otherwise be idle and unsupervised after school, Andrew Fletcher, 21st CCLC and student engagement coordinator for the State Department of Education, said in a statement. If your school community is committed to providing opportunities for youth to thrive and succeed, I encourage you to explore this program. The 21st CCLC program currently funds 102 school sites throughout Idaho, serving about 7,500 students each year. It provides academic enrichment opportunities and a broad array of additional services such as art, music, physical fitness, cultural diversity, drug and violence prevention and youth development activities to students during non-school hours. The State Department of Education will host an eligibility webinar for all those interested in applying for grant funds at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 27. To register for the webinar and upcoming Request for Application workshops, visit the State Department of Education website at www.sde.idaho.gov/student-engagement/cclc/index.html. Regional RFA workshops will be held across the state in November to help applicants understand the grant process and requirements. The free workshops last from 8 a.m. to noon: Nov. 7 Lewiston, 415 Main St., second floor Nov. 8 Coeur dAlene, 1000 W. Garden Ave. Nov. 10 Meridian, 1303 E. Central Drive Nov. 17 Twin Falls, 242 Main Ave. Nov. 18 Pocatello, 3115 Pole Line Road Participants should download the Application Guidance and Scoring Rubric before attending an RFA workshop. More information: Camille McCashland at 208-332-6960 or cmccashland@sde.idaho.gov. This was my first trip to Moab and I had no idea what to expect. What really blew me away is the variety of terrain that is found on this one trail. Going from high alpine hero dirt and cool temps to slick rock slabs above the Colorado river and temps in the high 90s was a shock for this born and raised Washingtonian. Luke Strobel Riding the Whole Enchilada is one thing but filming it from top to bottom is another thing completely. A week's worth of 4 and 5am wake-up calls made things a bit challenging towards the end, but it was worth it. Luke Strobel The red rock desert surrounding Moab, Utah is a harsh and barren landscape that only the toughest creatures thrive in. It is a place of surreal beauty, unlike anywhere else in the world. For these reasons, we return to Moab year after year to thoroughly and systematically beat the life out of our bikes. Moab is our proving ground our worst line choice, wheel smashing, tire obliterating, backyard amusement park.Known to literally disintegrate tires from the sheer force of cornering, Luke Strobel has played an integral part in testing, developing, and bombproofing the latest M Series. For the final test, its Luke against 27.5 miles and 8,000 feet of descending on the iconic Whole Enchilada. A battle of attrition for both bike and body, from the peaks of the mighty La Sal Mountains, through four ecologically diverse climates, finishing at the Colorado River.Moab is a huge scenic place, at every point of the ride, there is a vast, beautiful view.Learn More about the entire new lineup of M Series at www.Enve.com Terie Torstensen Leads Day 1a of the MPN Poker Tour Tallinn Main Event October 19, 2017 PokerNews Staff The MPN Poker Tour returns to Tallinn this week with a 150,000 guaranteed Main Event running Oct. 19-22 alongside a series of side events including Saturdays 110 Estonia Poker Cup and the popular spectator-guaranteeing Doubles team event on Sunday. The luxurious Hilton Tallinn Park Hotel will host hundreds of poker players from around Estonia and the world who enjoy the MPNPT as much for its atmosphere and camaraderie as the challenge at the tables. Day 1a brought 106 entries into the 550 Main Event, with nearly as many players turning out for the last 35 super satellite into Friday's Day 1b. The satellite carried on well into the night after 12 45-minute levels played out in the Main Event, giving a good indication of how busy the card room will be Friday at noon for the second starting flight: a total of 14 seats were awarded. At the top of the Day 1a chip counts overnight is Terje Torstensen with 357,200 chips, over 100,000 more than his nearest rivals Alexey Manuyko (231,400), Janis Zablovskis (216,300) and Ermo Kosk (201,700). They will return at 13:00 local time on Saturday for Day 2, along with whomever survives Day 1b. Among those not making it through today (but able to re-enter the Main Event right up until start of play on Day 2) were last years winner Ranno Sootla, Espen Jorstad, Anne Meri, Andy Hills and Edgaras Bucinskas, whose best result on the MPN Poker Tour thus far has been a third place finish in St Julians worth 20,000. Be sure to follow all of the MPN Poker Tour Tallinn Live Updates. Full details of the MPN Poker Tour can be found here. "Anything we can do to better our product and develop our product further is much appreciated." Nathan Denight, president, Guam Visitors Bureau The Guam Visitors Bureau participated in a roundtable discussion with the Legislature to make it very clear that Guam must continue to develop its tourist products to prevent further decline in the Japanese market. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Tourism used to be a throwaway industry in a lot of places, but now ... all destinations are focusing on tourism, and that means theyre investing a lot into their tourism product, said GVB President Nathan Denight. We compete on a global level with places that are much bigger than us, so obviously anything we can do to better our product and develop our product further is much appreciated. Denight outlined a number of reasons Japanese arrivals continue to decline on Guam. According to research from GVB, family vacationers as well as honeymooners and destination wedding couples were the bulk of the traditional Japanese visitor market. However, Japan faces an aging population crisis, meaning fewer children being born and fewer people getting married. Additionally, cheaper markets in Asian countries have cut a piece out of Guams economic pie. Japanese tourists now visit places such as Cambodia and Vietnam, and even vacation within their own countrys borders. Denight underscored the need for more flights to Guam and more public relations outreach. You cant grow arrivals with less seats, he told senators. In the past year, four direct flight routes between Japan and Guam have ceased their services. Delta Airlines and Korean Air discontinued their respective Osaka-Guam routes in October of last year. Delta also canceled its Narita-Guam route last month, and United Airlines recently discontinued services to Sapporo. Among other incentives, GVBs plan to make up for these losses as 2017 closes is to meet with more potential air carriers including Sky Mark, Air Asia and JetStar Japan, as well as begin to increase the number of online advertisements. Additionally, GVB is planning to bring hundreds of travel agents and international media to Guam for a familiarization tour in November or December. We have to keep being innovative But more public relations and flights are only part of what GVB would like to see implemented for the islands tourist industry. As part of its Tourism 2020 strategic plan, GVB seeks to rebrand Guam as a resort destination catering toward higher-paying customers. We have to keep being innovative, said GVB board chairman Milton Morinaga. We cannot just sit and just think that, OK, I have more airlines to come here that tourists will come, no. ... Everyone wants to experience a new destination, but we have to show (Japanese tourists) that every year we have something new thats coming out here. PR-Inside.com: 2017-10-20 15:00:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 391 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Bacanora Minerals Ltd.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Calgary, Alberta (FSCWire) - Bacanora Minerals Ltd. (TSX Venture:BCN). has issued a press release with the following headline:Bacanora Announces Environmental Approval for Sonora Lithium Project, Mexico and Provides UpdateTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Bacanora Minerals Ltd., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Bacanora Minerals Ltd.Source: Bacanora Minerals Ltd. (TSX Venture: BCN, AIM: BCN)Date: October 20, 2017Time: 9:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Bacanora Minerals Ltd. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.) PR-Inside.com: 2017-10-20 04:07:01 New Direct-to-Consumer 24 Karat Jewelry Brand Set to Launch Today Appointment of Board of Directors with Fashion, Luxury, Tech, and Precious Metals Industry Experience Collaboration with Karla Otto Luxury and Fashion Consultancy PARIS, Oct. 19, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mene Inc. ("Mene", "Mene", or "the Company") an online 24 karat luxury jewelry brand, today announced the following: Mene Website Launch The Company is pleased to report that its mene.com website and online shop launched today as an invitation-only service. While anyone may visit and peruse jewelry designs and pricing, only invited clients may currently open an account and complete purchases. Clients who complete a purchase will be given a unique invite link to share with friends and family, thereby providing their network with access to Mene. Mene Initial Design Collection and Catalogue To view the Company's first collection and catalogue, please visit: https://issuu.com/mene24k/docs/mene--catalogue--web-pages Additional designs will be introduced every week, and limited edition collaborations will be launched with artists and tastemakers in the future. Board of Directors Appointments The Company also announced the appointments of the following individuals to its Board of Directors: Roy Sebag - Chairman Diana W. Picasso - Director Josh D. Crumb - Director Tommaso Chiabra - Director Shireen Jiwan - Director Full biographies for the Company's Board of Directors are available on its website at: http://www.mene.com/corporate/management-and-board. "I am thrilled to welcome our new board members to these important positions of oversight and governance. We are incredibly fortunate to have a group of talented individuals with experience that spans the luxury, fashion, tech, precious metals, finance, and art industries. I am honoured and excited to embark on this journey of creating Mene-generated value for all stakeholders," said Roy Sebag, founder of Mene Inc. KARLA OTTO Engagement and Collaboration The company also announced a formal engagement with KARLA OTTO, a leading luxury and fashion public relations and strategy firm with offices around the world. Mene Official Press Introduction Mene crafts 24 karat gold and platinum investment jewelry(TM) that is transparently sold by gram weight. By combining innovative technology with timeless design, Mene restores the ancient tradition of jewelry as a store of enduring value. Across the East and West, past and present, jewelry holds a unique and sacred role in the lives of its owners. Throughout history this sacred token served an additional role, a luxury crafted and exchanged as a store of enduring value. What's profoundly missing in Western luxury markets is the forgotten role of jewelry as wearable estate. For wealthy or aspirational buyers alike, fine jewelry is an heirloom that should forever hold its monetary value, as important to family wealth and savings as property or art. Mene was founded by Roy Sebag and Diana W. Picasso to restore this ancient wisdom pertaining to jewelry. Mene empowers consumers with pure 24 karat gold and platinum jewelry that retains its savings value while preserving the token of love and friendship, to reify a sacred commitment, or to immortalize a moment in time. For the full press package please visit: http://www.mene.com/assets/presspackage.pdf About Mene Mene designs, manufactures, and markets pure 24 karat gold and platinum investment jewelry(TM) that is sold direct-to-consumer in 90 countries. Through mene.com, customers can buy, sell, and exchange Mene jewelry by gram weight at the prevailing market prices for gold and platinum plus a transparently disclosed design and manufacturing fee. Mene was founded by Roy Sebag and Diana W. Picasso with a mission to restore the ancient tradition of jewelry as a store of enduring value by combining innovative technology with timeless design. Mene Inc. is a subsidiary under Goldmoney Inc. Vice President Operations Mene Inc. jac@mene.com Jacquelyn HumphreyVice President OperationsMene Inc. Josh Crumb Chief Strategy Officer & CFO Goldmoney Inc. +1 647-499-6748 This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Goldmoney Inc. via Globenewswire PR-Inside.com: 2017-10-20 09:05:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 395 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Great Atlantic Resources Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCWire) - Great Atlantic Resources Corp. (TSX Venture:GR). has issued a press release with the following headline:Great Atlantic Resources Financing OversubscribedTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Great Atlantic Resources Corp., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Great Atlantic Resources Corp.Source: Great Atlantic Resources Corp. (TSX Venture: GR, WKN: A1JZ4T, ISIN: CA3900871045)Date: October 20, 2017Time: 3:05 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Great Atlantic Resources Corp. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.) New Direct-to-Consumer 24 Karat Jewelry Brand Set to Launch Today Appointment of Board of Directors with Fashion, Luxury, Tech, and Precious Metals Industry Experience Collaboration with Karla Otto Luxury and Fashion Consultancy PARIS, Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mene Inc. ("Mene", "Mene", or "the Company") an online 24 karat luxury jewelry brand, today announced the following: Mene Website Launch The Company is pleased to report that its mene.com website and online shop launched today as an invitation-only service. While anyone may visit and peruse jewelry designs and pricing, only invited clients may currently open an account and complete purchases. Clients who complete a purchase will be given a unique invite link to share with friends and family, thereby providing their network with access to Mene. Mene Initial Design Collection and Catalogue To view the Company's first collection and catalogue, please visit: https://issuu.com/mene24k/docs/mene--catalogue--web-pages Additional designs will be introduced every week, and limited edition collaborations will be launched with artists and tastemakers in the future. Board of Directors Appointments The Company also announced the appointments of the following individuals to its Board of Directors: Roy Sebag - Chairman Diana W. Picasso - Director Josh D. Crumb - Director Tomasso Chiabra - Director Shireen Jiwan - Director Full biographies for the Company's Board of Directors are available on its website at: http://www.mene.com/corporate/management-and-board . "I am thrilled to welcome our new board members to these important positions of oversight and governance. We are incredibly fortunate to have a group of talented individuals with experience that spans the luxury, fashion, tech, precious metals, finance, and art industries. I am honoured and excited to embark on this journey of creating Mene-generated value for all stakeholders," said Roy Sebag, founder of Mene Inc. KARLA OTTO Engagement and Collaboration The company also announced a formal engagement with KARLA OTTO, a leading luxury and fashion public relations and strategy firm with offices around the world. Mene Official Press Introduction Mene crafts 24 karat gold and platinum investment jewelry(TM) that is transparently sold by gram weight. By combining innovative technology with timeless design, Mene restores the ancient tradition of jewelry as a store of enduring value. Across the East and West, past and present, jewelry holds a unique and sacred role in the lives of its owners. Throughout history this sacred token served an additional role, a luxury crafted and exchanged as a store of enduring value. What's profoundly missing in Western luxury markets is the forgotten role of jewelry as wearable estate. For wealthy or aspirational buyers alike, fine jewelry is an heirloom that should forever hold its monetary value, as important to family wealth and savings as property or art. Mene was founded by Roy Sebag and Diana W. Picasso to restore this ancient wisdom pertaining to jewelry. Mene empowers consumers with pure 24 karat gold and platinum jewelry that retains its savings value while preserving the token of love and friendship, to reify a sacred commitment, or to immortalize a moment in time. For the full press package please visit: http://www.mene.com/assets/presspackage.pdf About Mene Mene designs, manufactures, and markets pure 24 karat gold and platinum investment jewelry(TM) that is sold direct-to-consumer in 90 countries. Through mene.com, customers can buy, sell, and exchange Mene jewelry by gram weight at the prevailing market prices for gold and platinum plus a transparently disclosed design and manufacturing fee. Mene was founded by Roy Sebag and Diana W. Picasso with a mission to restore the ancient tradition of jewelry as a store of enduring value by combining innovative technology with timeless design. Mene Inc. is a subsidiary under Goldmoney Inc. Jacquelyn Humphrey Vice President Operations Mene Inc. jac@mene.com Josh Crumb Chief Strategy Officer & CFO Goldmoney Inc. +1 647-499-6748 PR-Inside.com: 2017-10-20 11:02:02 Pramerica opens state-of-the-art campus in Letterkenny For Pramerica Systems Ireland Limited Harold Banks, 973-216-4833 harold.banks@prudential.com or Mary McCarthy, +353862568429 mmccarthy@webershandwick.com Pramerica Systems Ireland Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of U.S.-headquartered Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU), today opened a new 42 million campus in Letterkenny, continuing its long-term commitment to County Donegal. Opening with just eight employees in 2000, Pramerica has grown to become the largest employer in the northwest region with more than 1,500 people on staff. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201710200052 Pramerica state-of-the-art campus. (Photo: Business Wire) The new 130,000-square-foot campus features green technologies for electricity generation and rainfall harvesting. It has parking for more than 1,000 vehicles, landscaped and green areas for staff recreation and many other amenities. Pramerica was established in Letterkenny 17 years ago, and provides a wide range of technology and business services and solutions to Prudential. This investment underscores our commitment to the Letterkenny community and to Ireland, said Barbara Koster, senior vice president and chief information officer, who was on site for the opening. This new campus ensures that the immensely talented people who work here have every resource they need to provide excellent service to the customers they support. The exceptional community backing we enjoy here only adds to the success. Construction took a year, was one of the largest construction projects in the country and employed more than 220 local tradespeople. During her visit, Koster will be recognized as a recipient of the Tip ONeill Irish Diaspora Award for her professional achievements and support for Ireland. ONeill was Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1977 to 1987, and his maternal grandparents were from Donegal. Pramerica will donate 10,000 to the local Special Olympics to coincide with the opening, continuing a tradition that it started when the first office opened in 2000. About Prudential Financial, Inc. Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader with more than $1 trillion of assets under management as of June 30, 2017, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. The companys diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., the companys iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. Prudential Financial, Inc. of the United States is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom. For more information, please visit news.prudential.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201710200052 PR-Inside.com: 2017-10-20 04:53:01 Retail Food Group Sets Its Sights on China as Part of Global Expansion For more information, images or interviews contact: Retail Food Group Limited Annie Lyon, 0431 306 727 Corporate Communications Manager annie.lyon@rfg.com.au Global food and beverage company, Retail Food Group Limited (RFG, the Company or Group) (ASX:RFG), is making waves in international markets with expansion plans for some of the Groups most successful and well-known Brand Systems brewing strong in Greater China. RFG is Australias largest multi-brand retail food franchise owner, developer and manager, with a network of more than 2,500 outlets across 12 Brand Systems and 81 territories. As well, RFG is an emerging leader in the foodservice, dairy processing and wholesale bakery sectors. Furthermore, the Company it is a coffee specialist with an integrated approach to sourcing, roasting and distributing high-quality coffee. Combining passion with expertise, RFG creates an unforgettable experience, from crop to cup, through its premium Di Bella Coffee Co brand. RFG Chief Executive - International, Mike Gilbert, expressed that RFG plans to introduce a selection of its retail food brands - all of which are supported by market-leading concepts, food innovations and high-quality coffee - to Chinese shores. Were excited to replicate our successful Australian operations in the Chinese market and accelerate the growth of brands like Gloria Jeans Coffees, Donut King, Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar, Brumbys Bakery, Michels Patisserie, Pizza Capers Gourmet Kitchen, Cafe2U and Its A Grind in the region, he said. RFGs international expansion model is based on recruiting Master Franchise Partners who purchase a license to develop a certain Brand System in a defined territory, and provides the Company and local partners with the opportunity to forge sustainable alliances. Our franchise partners enjoy the benefits of working with Australias largest multi-food franchisor every day, dealing with our expert management teams, enjoying supply benefits from increased scale and gaining access to best-in-class initiatives, Mike said. A key strategy that is driving the Groups global growth is its hub network, which provides a platform for fast tracking coffee and Brand System expansion in international markets, whilst also more efficiently servicing the Companys existing markets. RFG recently announced a Middle East Hub which, once established in 2018, will allow the Company to grow a substantial commercial coffee enterprise throughout the MENA region, whilst enabling the Group to more efficiently service and grow Brand System franchise networks in the Gulf. We currently have hubs in Australia, New Zealand and the USA, and plans for the Middle East underway, and will be looking to replicate them in Asia and Europe, Mike said. About Retail Food Group Limited: RFG owns the Donut King, Brumbys Bakery, Michels Patisserie, bbs Cafe, Esquires, Gloria Jeans Coffees, Its A Grind, The Coffee Guy, Cafe2U, Pizza Capers Gourmet Kitchen and Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar franchise systems. Retail Food Group is a global coffee specialist with an integrated approach to sourcing, roasting and distributing high-quality coffee. Combining passion with expertise, the Company creates an unforgettable experience, from crop to cup, through its suite of coffee brands. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201710190066 PR-Inside.com: 2017-10-20 10:50:39 Press Information Published by Abhishek Budholiya +1-347-918-3531 e-mail http://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 600 Words Abhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531 Transparency Market Research, in its latest research report states, the global styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) market will grow at a CAGR of 5.7% in terms of volume from 2012 to 2018. This market was valued at 4,600 kilo tons in 2011, and is expected to reach 6,754.8 kilo tons by 2018. This growth is estimated to be at CAGR of 5.0% from 2012 to 2018. In terms of revenue, styrene butadiene market was valued at $1.3 billion in 2011, and is expected reach $18.9 billion by 2018, growing at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2012 to 2018. The report titled, Styrene Butadiene Rubber (E-SBR And S-SBR) Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth And Forecast 2012 2018, is available for sale on the companys website.Browse Complete Report @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/styrene-butadiene-rubber.html The growth experienced by styrene butadiene rubber market is fueled by many factors. Tire manufacturing industry is the biggest factor contributing to this industry. Increase in automobile sale across the globe has led to a rise in demand of tires. The tire industry alone constitutes about 75% of SBRs market share, both, in terms of demand and consumption. Styrene butadiene rubber is the most commonly used form of rubber. It accounts for 45% of global consumption. Growing footwear industry at a CAGR of 6.4% and construction industry at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2012 to 2018 are expected to give an additional impetus to the market.Request and Download Sample Report @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=810 Despite such strong market drivers, the market does face its set restraints. Volatile pricing of the raw material, especially butadiene, is a huge challenge for the styrene butadiene market to overcome. The factors further complicating the situation are limited supply of natural rubber and regional constraints on production. This however, has created a significant cross-over opportunity for SBR market. In the coming five years, the demand will shift towards E-SBR and S-SBR. Analysts also predict, S-SBR demand will outpace the supply in the coming three years. Manufacturers have already started installing and expanding S-SBR plants to gain substantial market share.Asia Pacific holds the biggest market share for styrene butadiene, followed by Europe and North America. According to statistics, Asia Pacific accounted for 45.2% of global demand in 2011, and is estimated to grow at CAGR of 6.6% from 2012 to 2018. It is also one of the market that is promising fastest growth in the coming years. As the automobile industry continues to grow in India and China the demand for tires will remain exponential, thus contributing to SBRs market share in these regions.The report further analyzes compay profiles of significant industry players such as Synthos S.A, Lanxess, CNPC, Sinopec, Versalis, and Dow Chemical Company.View and Download TOC of Styrene Butadiene Rubber Market Research Report @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/810 About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@ transparencymarketresearch.com Website: www.transparencymarketresearch.com PR-Inside.com: 2017-10-20 10:51:56 Press Information Published by Abhishek Budholiya +1-347-918-3531 e-mail http://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 571 Words Abhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531 Transparency Market Research, in its latest research report states, the global thermoplastic elastomers market will grow at a CAGR of 6.4% in terms of revenue from 2012 to 2018. This market was valued at $9.9 billion in 2011, and is expected to reach $15.3 billion by 2018. Additionally, the volumes of global thermoplastic elastomers market are expected to reach 4,879.7 kilo tons by 2018 from 3,480.4 kilo tons in 2011. This growth in terms of volume is expected to be at CAGR of 5.0% from 2012 to 2018. The report titled, Thermoplastic Elastomers Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth And Forecast 2012 - 2018, is available for sale on the companys website.Browse Complete Report @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/thermoplastic-elastomers.html The thermoplastic elastomers market (TPE) is expected to grow at a fast rate in the coming years. The primary factors driving the growth of this market are increasing demand for high performance and light weight material by the ever-expanding automobile industry. The other significant contributor to TPE market is the move by several end use industries to replace PVC with thermoplastic elastomers. Excellent processability, good UV and chemical resistance, recyclable, bondability, and good adhesion makes thermoplastic elastomers a commonly used material in many industries. Owing to such worthy properties, this material is extensively used in automobile industry, sealants, gaskets, medical and healthcare items, automotive interior parts, sporting goods, and many more places. However, strict regulatory framework and volatile nature of raw material prices are the two inhibitors negatively affecting this market.Request and Download Sample Report @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=807 In terms of consumption, styrenic block copolymers (SBCs), a type of thermoplastic elastomer, constitutes about 48% of TPE segment. SBC is largely used in footwear industry for better quality of shoes, and is used in roofing houses, and paving in buildigs. However, this segment is likely to be sluggish as its market is reaching its maturity. On the other hand, thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) segment is projected to grow at the fastest rate of CAGR of 6.6% from 2012 to 2018.Until 2011, Asia Pacific was the biggest market for TPE accounting for more than 40% of global demand. Growth in China and Indias automobile sector is expected to push this demand in the region further at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2012 to 2018. The report further provides an overview of competitive landscape with profiling of big players in the industries such as Dow Chemical Company, BASF, Sinopec, Bayer, Kraton, Huntsman Corporation, LCY Chemical, Dynasol, Nippon, Yantai Wanhua, TSRC, Dushanzi, and LG Chemicals.View and Download TOC of Thermoplastic Elastomers Market Research Report @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/807 About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@ transparencymarketresearch.com Website: www.transparencymarketresearch.com Members of House of Representatives have been left with eggs on their faces after the majority shareholder of maritime logistics company, Intels Nigeria Limited, Gabriele Volpi, apologised to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigeria government over the crisis that led to termination of the companys pilotage agreement. The House of Representatives had on Wednesday urged the government to reverse the termination of the pilotage contract, even before an investigation. The lower legislative body also set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the legality of the termination of the contract. The resolution followed a motion raised under matters of urgent public importance by Diri Duoye, Bayelsa-PDP. Mr Duoye said said the termination of the contract will lead to the loss of thousands of jobs. About 7000 Nigerians work for INTELS and terminating the contract will have negative effects on local content & will lead to unemployment. He was supported by Ekpo Attah, Akwa-Ibom-PDP, who said the motion is important and status quo should be maintained. Intels employs a lot of people. I submit that this motion is very pertinent and Intels should be returned. However, in an interview with ThisDay newspaper, Mr Volpi who co-founded Intels with former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, extended an olive branch. He explained that he was not involved in the botched negotiation between Intels and the NPA and pledged that his company would transfer all the revenue collected from the boat monitoring and supervision services to the Treasury Single Account (TSA) as the NPA had demanded. We want to apologise to the federal government and NPA over this disagreement with Intels. I was not personally involved in the negotiations with NPA, but we apologise for what has happened. We intend to comply with the directive of government and transfer all the revenue to the TSA because we are a law-abiding company, Mr. Volpi was quoted as saying. He said Intels will cooperate with the federal government and the NPA in the development of Nigerias maritime sector, including the construction of the Badagry deep seaport in Lagos State. Following the revocation of its pilotage contract, Intels had threatened to walk away from its multi-billion dollars investment at the Badagry deep seaport in Lagos. We are committed to co-operating with the government and NPA in the development of Nigerias maritime sector and this includes the Badagry deep seaport. The Badagry deep seaport is a massive undertaking which will cost billions of dollars and will be the biggest in Africa and would turn Nigeria into a regional hub for ships bringing goods to the continent. It will also help to move a lot of shipping activities at the Apapa and Tin-can Island ports and help to decongest Apapa, so we are serious about our investments in Nigeria, Mr. Volpi said. The NPA said they relied on advice from the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to terminate the contract. Intels has earlier, faulted the termination, saying it would challenge it in court. Nigerian rapper, M.I Abaga, and his record label, Chocolate City, are suing American rap legend, Nas, whose real name is Nasir Jones, for allegedly failing to deliver a verse they paid for. In the lawsuit, which was filed in the New York State Supreme Court last week, Nas was accused of duping Chocolate City after they had paid the rapper $50,000 for the verse. According to the lawsuit, in 2013, Nas and Goodman entered an agreement to contribute a verse to a track from M.I. While Nas did deliver a verse for M.I. to use, the lawsuit contends that the verse in question did not have any of the subject matter or name drops the two artists had agreed it would have: M.I, Chocolate City, Nigeria, Queens, New YorkNASs hometown, Mandela, Trayvon Martin, and the struggles of Africans and African Americans. CCL requested that Nas re-record the verse, which the label says he never did, despite a promise to do so at some point and also despite an upfront payment of $45,000 to him and $5,000 to Goodman as Nass agent. The Nigerian label requested that the Queens rapper re-record the verse, and three year later, he is alleged to have failed to live up to his own part of the agreement. M.I and his team say NAS has failed to respond despite them delivering the $50,000 payment. In the lawsuit, Chocolate City is very complimentary to Nas. They called him a highly respected lyricist in the music industry and wrote that they wanted a verse from him because of NASs exceptional talent as a lyric writer. Unfortunately, according to Chocolate City, that talent and lyricism was not evident in the verse they got. Four years have gone by and Nas has yet to deliver the verse, according to Chocolate City, leaving them no choice but to sue. The label is asking for a refund of their $50,000, along with $1 million in damages relating to lost profits from being unable to market and sell the M.I./Nas collaboration, and punitive damages and attorneys fees. PREMIUM TIMES has reached out to MI and Chocolate City for their reactions. The reactions of Nas and Mass Appeal Records Ronnie Goodman could not be immediately sought. Share this: Twitter Facebook Following the breakup of Nigerian pop group, Psquare, Peter Okoye has officially become the first member of the defunct group to release a solo song and video. The song is a mid-tempo tune titled Cool it down. The track was released under his own imprint PClassic Records while Patrick Elis shot the video. The new single comes days after Peter, now known as Mr P, urged Psquare fans to get used to the fact that Psquare is no more. Mixed reactions have trailed the release with fans urging the twin brothers to reunite and operate as Psquare. Peter also signed a partnership deal with Empire; an American distribution company and record label based in San Francisco, California, USA. Peter reportedly sent a termination letter to their lawyer, Festus Keyamo, demanding a termination of the partnership agreement between Psquare. The music duo finally split in September after years of dominating the Nigerian music scene. Watch below the video of his solo effort here. Catalan health authorities said on Friday that 991 people were treated on October 1, the day the referendum took place, and a further 75 showed up at medical centres in the three days that followed, bringing the total to 1,066. More than 80 per cent of those seeking treatment reported bruises, while 28 people reported panic attacks, two suffered from conjunctivitis, 36 fainted and 30 reported head concussions. Five people were seriously injured and hospitalised, including a man with a heart attack, a man with right eye injuries caused by a police rubber bullet and three cases of fractured bones. All have since been discharged. Authorities also said 11 Spanish police officers and one Catalan police officer received medical care. According to a Spanish Interior Ministry count from two weeks ago, the number of injured Spanish police officers was 431. Pictures of riot-geared police rough handling Catalan crowds outside polling stations have caused international outrage, but the Spanish government has said reports of violence have been greatly exaggerated by the Catalans. In the aftermath of the October 1 vote, several images circulating on social media and held up as evidence of police brutality were determined to be fake or not related to the events in Catalonia. A leading official in Spains ruling Peoples Party, Fernando Maillo, called Catalan injured statistics a complete farce, a complete lie, and Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, on Friday repeated that police acted lawfully with the full support of the government. On October 2, UN Human Rights Chief, Zedi Al Hussein said he was very disturbed. He recalled that police responses must at all times be proportionate and necessary, and urged thorough, independent and impartial investigations into all acts of violence. More than 1,000 people needed medical treatment as a result of police raids against the unauthorised independence referendum in Catalonia. (dpa/NAN) The Police on Friday confirmed that eight people accused of being vampires were killed by an angry mob in Malawi. The police spokesperson, Ramsey Mushani, told dpa on Friday that the killings, which took place in Malawis south, are based on the belief that vampires dressed in black enter the homes of sleeping residents to suck their blood. Mr. Mushani said the latest killing occurred on Thursday in the southern city of Blantyre when a group of angry residents accused an epileptic man of being a vampire and then killed him, The spokesperson said thirty-one people have been arrested on charges of murder, assault and arson due to the mob killings. The UN and the U.S. embassy in Malawi issued warnings to foreigners visiting southern Malawi. Myths and superstitions are deeply entrenched in the nation of 17 million people where almost 40 per cent of adults are illiterate, according to the UN. NAN reports that no fewer than 100 riot officers were drafted into the region in response to the killings, but terrified armed mobs continued hunting for vampires on the streets and set-up road blocks. (dpa/NAN) Seventeen people were killed when a boat capsized on the River Nile in South Sudan, officials said on Friday. The boat sank on Thursday night in north-eastern Jonglei State, on its way to the state capital Bor, Local Commissioner David Deng Manyok told dpa. The boat, which was carrying 30 passengers as well as grain, fuel and dried fish, had been overloaded, according to Mr. Manyok. Five of the 13 survivors had to be hospitalised, Mr. Manyok added. The State Minister for Transport and Fisheries, Moses Chol, promised that government will take serious measures in regulating the loading of boats. The Nile is an important transport route for people and goods in the poverty-stricken and war-torn East African nation. (dpa/NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook Kenyas police said on Friday that four people had died as result of police intervention during opposition protests in the past two weeks, amid concerns violence will break out in the October 26 repeat presidential vote. The re-run of the August 8 presidential election annulled by the Supreme Court is set for October 26. Opposition leader Raila Odinga has pulled out, alleging a failure to improve oversight of the election, casting doubt on how the vote will proceed. NAN reports that Mr. Odinga said Tuesday he was suspending a protest campaign after three people were shot dead in demonstrations against Kenyas election body. In honour of the innocent victims of the state, our protests will stay suspended. On Friday, we will mark the memory of these victims as heroes of the struggle for electoral justice, he said in a statement. The National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition had earlier said the protests would resume on Wednesday after a one-day break to honour the victims. Mr. Odinga said the party would communicate our next course of action on Friday. Mr. Odinga launched a protest campaign against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. He said the panel had failed to properly reform since the Supreme Court annulled an August 8 presidential election over irregularities in the counting process. On Friday two protesters were shot dead by police in Odingas rural home of Bondo, in the west of the country. Police commander Leonard Katana said the demonstrators were shot after attempting to attack the police station. On Monday an 18-year-old man, whose mother insisted was not taking part in the protests, was shot dead in Kisumu. The protests, concentrated in Kisumu but with smaller crowds seen in Nairobi and coastal Mombasa, have seen opposition supporters setting tyres alight, lobbing stones at police and in some cases looting stores and destroying property. Security Minister Fred Matiangi banned protests in main cities on October 12, citing lawlessness from opposition supporters. However, the countrys High Court suspended this ban. No fewer than 1,200 people were killed in violence after a disputed presidential election in Dec. 2007. (Reuters/NAN) The Nigerian government has released N3.5 billion for a vaccination programme against communicable diseases across the country, with the one targeting measles in 19 states in northern Nigeria billed to start October 26. The spokesperson of the Vice President, Laolu Akande, while briefing State House correspondents after the monthly National Economic Council, NEC meeting on Thursday, said the government released N3.5 billion for the programme from the nations Excess Crude Account which stood at $ 2.3 billion as at October 16. He also said the Stabilization Fund stood at N 58.5 billion on the same date. The Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency NPHCDA, Faisal Shuaib, who also attended the meeting reportedly briefed the council on plans for measles vaccination ahead of the 2017/2018 dry season, the period normally associated with the spread of measles. The director while briefing the council said the campaign will be conducted in 19 states of the north including the FCT. The vaccination in the North-west is set to hold between October, 26-31. That for the North-east will take place between November 30 and December, 7 while the North-central and the FCT vaccination will take place from February 1-13, 2018. He said the next phase of the exercise will take place in 17 southern states from March 8-20, 2018. He also listed 11 states: Bayelsa, Borno, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Osun, Sokoto and Zamfara states that have paid their counterpart funds while the remaining, he added, are yet to do so. Also briefing journalists, the Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, said the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar, also briefed NEC on efforts made by traditional institutions in the eradication of polio in the country. He said the presence of the Sultan underscored the support of the traditional institution and other critical partners in the countrys effort to eradicate polio, measles and yellow fever. Mr. Ikpeazu said the council applauded the support of the partners and also encouraged state governments to support the immunisation programme by taking ownership. Labour officials have faulted the plan by the federal government to implement the No work No pay rule over workers strikes in Nigeria. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, announced the plan after the meeting of the Federal Executive Council last week Wednesday, against the backdrop of a spate of strikes by industrial unions in the country. Speaking with State House correspondents, Mr. Ngige said the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation had on April 27, 2016 set up a technical committee on industrial relations matters in the federal public service, following a directive by council. He said the report the emphasised the need to implement the No work, No pay rule. The no work no pay is, in fact, not a rule, or a policy but a law captured in the Trade Disputes Act of the Federation. Section 43 to be precise says that workers have a right to disengage from an employer if there is a breakdown in discussions or negotiation. But for the period that the worker does so, the employer should not pay and those periods are to be counted as non-pensionable times in the period of work, Mr. Ngige said last week. He said the federal government had to implement the law because of the spate of industrial crises in the country in the last two months. The council looked at another recommendation in terms of people who are permanently doing union activities, they are presidents of trade unions for life and they sit tight, criticize those who are trying to do third term or fourth term while they themselves are sitting tight. Though we are not limiting any group to two years, three years, what we are insisting is that it should not be open-ended, you ought to give us in your constitution a term limit., he said. Reacting to the ministers statement, however, leaders of workers unions told PREMIUM TIMES that the law cannot be applied in Nigeria. Bobboi Kaigama, President of Trade Union Congress, said the same law says No pay No work, noting that no union goes on strike without giving opportunity for dialogue. Most of the cases where we had strike, the employer must have reneged on a collectively agreed agreement, or the employer after agitation by employee will blatantly refuse to sit down with the employee. Therefore the law should be fair. In as much as we believe that strike is the last resort, our strikes are generated from due processes of law and as such cannot be termed as illegal, Mr. Kaigama said. He said trade unions are being supervised by the Labour Ministry under the Registrar of Trade Unions and approves the constitutions of the trade unions. If any labour leader overstays his tenure, it is the duty of the Federal Ministry of Labour to penalise such union, he said. On the No work No Pay issue, Mr. Kaigama stressed: Even in religious books, a labourer is entitled to his wages and how will you expect someone that did not get paid for six months to one year to react? Also speaking, the Nigeria Labour Congress President, Ayuba Wabba, argued that law is an holistic process that cannot be implemented partially. If a worker is not paid after 30 days, how can an employer implement a no work no pay law? Strike is not illegal, he said. He said the labour law views strike as a legal instrument used by the workers to demand their right. When we are implementing any law, it should be implemented in its entirety and not picking one aspect of the law and refuse to respect others. How can Kogi State governor implement no work, no pay when he is owing its workers for over 21 months? According to Mr. Wabba, no court of law has ever pronounced no work no pay law when there is a valid collective bargaining between employer and employees and the employer violates the agreement. He said the employer in such a case cannot enforce the no work ,no pay law, as he has violated the law that respects collective bargaining agreement. Provision of Labour Act stipulates that workers should be paid their salaries after 30 days, while provision of International Labour Convention 87 and 98 says collective bargaining agreement must be respected. So if you broke all of these agreements, the worker who is not a slave has the right to use strike as a means of getting attention and for his issues to be resolved. Strike is a legal instrument recognised by Nigerian labour law and elsewhere for the workers right to be respected. And there is a difference between a worker and a slave; a worker is under contractual obligation between him and his employer and all parties must respect the tenet of collective bargaining agreement and matters of the law should be respected. The NLC president said workers have the right to withdraw their services if not paid, saying this is legal. Union is an independent body of workers and every union has a constitution and its organ, which is the decision-making process. Nobody can impose any decision on union outside what their law stipulates, he said. Speaking in the same vein, the President of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian University, Samson Ugwoke, said strike action is legitimate and the union does not bother about being paid when on strike action. To us, it is not acceptable. If government wants to implement no work, no pay, they should be ready for no pay no work, he said. Strike is legitimate and any time we go on strike we dont bother if we were paid or not during the period of strike. If it is the part of the government that necessitated the strike, they should bear the cost, they should not implement no work no pay. If we go on strike unnecessarily, we pay for it but if government enters into an agreement, it must respect it. Biodun Ogunyemi, President of Academic Staff Union of Universities, said the no work,no pay law has been tested before and is not workable in Nigeria. Its like you are beating a child and you are saying the child should not cry. There is no trade union that goes on strike without giving notice and warnings and every trade union will always try other possible options before resorting to strike, he said. According to Mr. Ogunyemi, trade unions are always forced to embark on strike action as the last resort, stressing that if the Nigerian government says no work, no pay is obtainable in industrialised and western countries, it is because these countries do not ignore their workers when they register displeasure about their conditions of service. There is no leader of trade union that will tell you I enjoy going on strike. Labour union leaders would have weighed the options carefully and exhausted all avenues available to reaching their employers. We are always under severe pressure during strike and our health conditions are usually affected. Strike action is not a tea party and if the government knows about unions without constitutions or spending more than stipulated time on seat, let them expose such, he said. Let us examine ourselves as a country on how we treat our workers. How do we expect workers who have not earned their salaries feed their families? How can you owe me and you do not want me to tell the whole world by going on strike? A divisional police officer who was kidnapped in Niger State earlier this week has been rescued, the Force Headquarters has confirmed. Aliyu Amos, a superintendent of police and DPO of Sarki Pawa Divisional Headquarters in Niger State, was rescued by police special forces at about 6:00 p.m. Thursday night, according to police spokesperson, Jimoh Moshood. In an early morning text message to PREMIUM TIMES, Mr. Moshood, a chief superintendent of police, said the special forces also helped four others regain freedom from the kidnappers, but their identities were not immediately made available. The spokesperson also said some suspected kidnappers were apprehended during the rescue operation, and theyll be arraigned upon completion of preliminary investigation. Mr. Amos rescue came a day after Inspector-General Ibrahim Idris decried incessant abduction of police officers as annoying and embarrassing, The police chief said police officers must recognise the perils in their job and adjust their security priorities accordingly. Our officers have to be concerned about their personal safety first because this issue is becoming an embarrassment, Mr. Idris said at a meeting with state commissioners in Abuja Wednesday. Commissioners would also be held liable for any policeman that is just picked up like a fowl or anything, it is very annoying. Late last month, Emmanuel Adeniyi, Zamfara State Assistant Commissioner of Police, was kidnapped alongside his orderly and family members in Kaduna State. They were said to be on their way to Kwara State when the kidnappers struck. They were rescued two days later, but the police did not disclose the terms of their release. Share this: Twitter Facebook The raging fire in Oando PLC smouldered for several months before exploding on Wednesday when the capital market regulator, the Securities & Exchange Commission, SEC, stepped in to order a forensic audit of the companys affairs. The decision followed petitions from two of the companys shareholders, Dahiru Mangal and Gabriele Volpi, through Mr. Volpis company, Ansbury Incorporated, over alleged insider dealings and manipulation of the companys shareholding structure in breach of the Investments & Securities Act 2007 and the SEC Code of Corporate Governance for Public Companies. The commission said the allegations were sufficiently weighty to deserve investigation, to preserve all shareholders interest. Consequently, a full technical suspension in trading on Oando Plc shares kicked off on Wednesday till further notice. The crisis, which loomed for several months, only erupted around June in the run-up to the companys annual general meeting in September. Although the aggrieved shareholders opposed the meeting and demanded the resignation of the Group Chief Executive Officer, Wale Tinubu, his deputy, Mofe Boyo, and the board of directors still managed to hold the meeting in Uyo, amid protests. But, it was a temporary respite. The companys financial statement by the auditing firm of Ernst & Young for the year ended December 31, 2016, presented at the meeting, was pretty damning. The statement appeared to have confirmed the fears of the concerned shareholders, as details established the material uncertainty of the company as a going concern. Apart from a comprehensive loss for the year of N33.9 billion, against N56.6 billion in 2015, the statement said the companys current asset exceeded current liabilities by about N14.6 billion (N32.8 billion net current liability in 2015). On the groups performance, the statement said Oando had a comprehensive income of N112.4 billion for the year, against net loss of N37.8 billion in 2015, with its current assets at N263.8 billion, against N260.4 billion in 2015. These conditions, along with other matters, indicate that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the company (and Groups) ability to continue as a going concern. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter, the statement signed by Yemi Odutola said on behalf of the auditing firm. The president of Renaissance Shareholders Association, Femi Timothy, noted that the uncertainty about the companys situation was fuelled by the trend of management activities in recent times, particularly the disposal of several of the companys critical assets in the name of consolidation. The House of Representatives Committee on Capital Market then asked SEC to investigate alleged mismanagement at the firm. The National Coordinator of Trusted Shareholders Association, Muhktar Muhktar, had accused the management of financial impropriety and mismanagement of shareholders investment for personal gains. The annual report is there for everybody to see, Mr. Muhktar said. For three years, the financial operations of Oando Plc have been worrisome on critical matters affecting our investment. No dividends have been paid since 2013 financial year. He said some of the concerns investors have about critical financial management of the company included the inability of Oando management to service its obligations, amid accumulated losses of over N159 billion in the groups 2016 balance sheet. Apart from the issue of gross abuse of corporate governance and financial recklessness, one of the petitioners said the companys shareholding structure was distorted in the wake of the acquisition of ConocoPhillips Nigeria. One of the petitioners, Dahiru Mangal, contended that he held about 17.9 per cent the companys equity. But, the management said only four per cent is captured in the shareholders register with First Registrars & Investor Services Limited. The company said the identities of the beneficial owners of the balance of 13.9 per cent Mr. Mangal claimed he owned were yet to be disclosed in accordance with Section 95 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Cap. C20 LFN 2004. The other petitioner, an Italian born Nigerian businessman, Mr. Volpi, said he owned 61.9 per cent equity in the company, making both of them owners of nearly 70 per cent of Oando shares, sufficient to make them majority shareholders. Mr. Volpi, said to have links with Intels West Africa Limited, the oil and gas logistics company, said he invested about $700 million in 2012 as a joint owner of Ocean and Oil Development Partners, OODP, the largest shareholder in Oando. Besides, he said he contributed equity investment through OODP as the holding company in the British Virgin Islands, to facilitate Oandos acquisition of ConocoPhillips Nigeria assets in 2014. The Italian, who said he accounted for $900 million out of the total $1.5 billion for the deal, accused Mr. Tinubu, and his deputy, Mr. Boyo, of financial mismanagement. Ocean and Oil Development Partners Limited, OODP owns 6,734,943,086 (about 55.96 per cent of the number of shares) in the company with Mr. Francessco Cuzzocrea as director of OODP, until last year. Another company, Ocean and Oil Investments Limited, OOIL, owns about 159,701,243 (1.33 per cent of total shares) in Oando. 0.97 per cent is owned by Wale Tinubu, and 0.29 per cent by Mr. Boyo. But, the two have continued to deny allegations of mismanagement against them. They argued that despite the decline in global commodities market since 2014, the companys performance in 2016 bettered the 2015 results in both the upstream and downstream sectors of the industry. Mr. Tinubu said concerns raised by shareholders at the AGM over the debt reduction, cost management and general operations of the company were already being addressed. He said the $900 million debt when the Conoco-Phillips acquisition deal took place has been reduced substantially by $600 million within three years, with current debt liability at about $300 million. Mr. Tinubu, however, said disagreements between him and the Italian stemmed from about $80 million loan he got from him to acquire a stake in OODPL, which is currently before an arbitration panel. With the technical suspension of trading on its shares on both the Nigerian Stock Exchange and lately, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the company is bound to stretch its loss in the coming days till the matter is resolved. However, most analysts say what is clear is that even when the matter has been resolved, all would not be the same with an indigenous company that showed such enormous capacity to play in the highly competitive industry dominated by multinationals. Oando Plc is an integrated energy company with strategic investments through its subsidiary companies, namely Oando Energy Resources Inc, the exploration and production arm and other E & P companies operating within the Gulf of Guinea Other subsidiaries include Oando Trading Dubai; Oando Trading Bermuda Supply and distribution of petroleum products; Alausa Power Limited, pipeline construction and distribution of natural gas to industrial customers. Recently, the company divested from Oando Marketing Limited (formerly Oando Marketing Plc) and other petroleum products marketing companies and marketing of petroleum products, manufacturing and blending of lubricants; Gaslink Nigeria Limited, Oando Gas and Power Limited, Akute Power Limited and other gas and power companies. Share this: Twitter Facebook The Nigerian Ambassador to Thailand, Nuhu Bamali, has asked Nigerians especially the youth leaving the country to do so through proper channels, saying over 1,000 Nigerians are languishing in Thai jails for different crimes. Mr. Bamali made the plea while speaking at the Africa Gems and Jewellery Exhibition and Seminar in Abuja on Wednesday. Over 1,000 Nigerians are currently in jail in Thailand. We need to encourage young Nigerians leaving the country to do so through proper channels. In 2013, a former Nigerian ambassador to Thailand, Chudi Okafor, disclosed that one out of five Nigerians living in Thailand was serving a jail term for drug-related offences. He also said the mission had been able to secure an agreement that allows Nigerians serving jail terms to be released at a point so that they could go and complete their terms in their home country. Mr. Bamali said Nigerians in the mining and gemstone industry could find worthy partnership in Thailand as the country had made advances in the sector. Present at the event was the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Kayode Fayemi, who said that the country lost more than $3 billion per annum through illegal export of gemstones. Despite the huge potential in gemstone mining, phenomenal loss of revenue and damage to the environment remain major causes of concern. This is due to the uniqueness of the occurrence of gem deposits and the quantity to value per quantity advantage of gemstones which make illegal activities and smuggling rampant, thus the inability of the sector to deliver on expected economic outcomes, Mr. Fayemi added. Nigeria is currently focusing and investing in the mining sector in an attempt to diversify its economy and rely less on revenue from oil. The police have confirmed the identity of the man who jumped into the Lagos lagoon on Friday. The man was identified as 40-year-old Adekunle Oluseyi from Ondo State, the Lagos Police spokesperson, Olarinde Famous-Cole, said. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the man jumped into the lagoon from the Lekki Ikoyi Link Bridge at about 9:58 a.m. on Friday. Report on the suicide was reported at Maroko Division at about 10:15 a.m. and police operatives quickly rushed to the scene and alerted rescue unit. During a search of the area, his mobile phone was retrieved from the scene. The man is about 40 years of age named Adekunle Oluseyi John from Ondo state. Rescue operations by the police and other bodies is ongoing, the police spokesman told the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Lagos. Officials of the Lagos State Waterways Authority, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and the Marine Police were at the scene in search of the body. It was unclear what led to the suicide plunge but NAN gathered that the man pulled off his clothes and left some belongings, including his phone and ATM card, before jumping into the lagoon. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the body was yet to be found as at Friday afternoon. Effort is ongoing to recover the body by men of the Marine Police and the Lagos State Waterways Authority combing through the waters for over three hours, LASEMA General Manager, Adesina Tiamiyu, said Friday afternoon. The President Muhammadu Buhari administration has secretly reinstated fugitive former chairman of the Presidential Task Team on Pension Reforms, Abdulrasheed Maina, into the civil service. Multiple sources confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that Mr. Maina, who is wanted by the anti-graft agency, EFCC, was secretly recalled and promoted to the position of director in charge of Human Resources in the Ministry of Interior. Before his appointment to chair the pension task force, Mr. Maina was an assistant director in the ministry. The news of the reinstatement first filtered through a congratulatory message for Mr. Maina by a group called League of Civil Society Organisations which commended the federal government for the reinstatement. Mr. Maina was in 2013 dismissed by the Federal Civil Service Commission following a recommendation by the Office of the Head of Service. A retired director in the Office of the Head of Service familiar with the matter said recalling Mr. Maina was an affront on the rule of law. He should not have been reinstated. Doesnt Mr. Maina have a case in court? The rules provide for action to be taken only after the courts have dispensed of the case fully, he said. THE PENSION FRAUD Trouble started in 2012 when Mr. Maina was accused of leading a massive pension fraud scheme amounting to more than N100 billion. Mr. Maina, was drafted by the Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2010 to sanitize a corrupt pension system. Based on the allegation of corruption, Mr. Maina was invited by the Senate Joint Committee on Public Service and Establishment and State and Local Government Administration. The Senate after completion of its investigation issued a Warrant of Arrest against Mr. Maina. Ignoring the panel, Mr. Maina went ahead to sue the Senate and the then Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, and thereafter went into hiding after being declared wanted by the police. Consequent upon this, Mr. Maina was dismissed by the Head of Service for allegedly absconding from duty and attempting to evade arrest and charged to court. He was on July 21, 2015 charged by the EFCC alongside Stephen Oronsaye and two others before a Federal High Court on a 24-count charge bordering on procurement fraud and obtaining by false pretence. While Mr. Oronsaye and the two other accused were in court and pleaded not guilty to the charge, Mr. Maina was at large. Mr. Maina is said to have spent these past years in the United Arab Emirates, from where he kept lobbying to win pleasure of the Buhari administration. MAINA RESURFACES Since absconding, nothing was heard of Mr. Maina until shortly after the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 when members of his defunct Presidential Task Team on Pension Reforms offered to work with the then incoming administration. The team, which addressed a press conference in Abuja, said its work would be easier under Mr. Buhari, known for his anti-corruption stand. A member of the team, Ngozika Ihuoma, said one of the achievements of President Jonathan was the creation of the pension task reform body in June 2010 under the leadership of Mr. Maina. Two years after, it appears the prayer of the team has been answered by the current administration. Mr. Mainas reinstatement was shrouded in secrecy and was handled at the highest level according to an informed source. The reinstatement was not announced by the presidency or any federal government agency. Earlier this year, Mr. Mainas campaign posters surfaced on the social media, touting him as gubernatorial aspirant for Borno state, without indicating political party platform. MALAMI, DAMBAZAU FINGERED A source knowledgeable about the deal that brought the controversial civil servant back, said Mr. Maina pulled the strings through the duo of the Justice and Interior ministers, who are described as Mr. Mainas acquaintances. Mr. Maina is said to have used many emissaries to the two ministers, while he was ensconced in his hiding place in Dubai. Interior minister, Abdulrahman Dambazau, did not answer repeated calls to his phone seeking to clarify the information. The spokesperson of Abubakar Malami, the Minister of Justice, Salihu Othman, however said he was unaware of his bosss role in the deal. EFCC SHOCKED, SAYS HES A FUGITIVE However, a top official of the EFCC said Mr. Maina is still wanted by the commission in relation to the pension scam for which he was arraigned in absentia. We are still looking for him. He is a wanted man. He ought to be arraigned with Oronsaye and the rest but he disappeared, said the official, who pleaded anonymity. He said the commission will immediately revisit the case as it continues search for the embattled civil servant. President Buharis spokesperson, Femi Adesina, said he was unaware of Mr. Mainas reinstatement. The Senate ad-hoc committee on National Hajj Commission, NAHCON, and Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, has threatened to instruct the police to arrest the chairman of NAHCON, Abdullah Muktar, for ignoring letters of invitations from it. The panel said this at its meeting on Thursday, when its chairman, Adamu Aliero, APC-Kebbi, explained that the NAHCON boss had refused to honour three different invitations sent to him to explain alleged extortion of pilgrims and exorbitant hajj fees. The NAHCON chairman, through his behaviour, has been a stumbling block to the committee as far as the assignment given to it by the Senate is concerned. He has not honoured any of the invitations sent to him since August 7. In July, the very month, the committee was set up by the Senate, invitation letter was sent to the NAHCON boss to furnish us with required information on the Hajj exercise as regards total money to be spent by the commission, fees being charged per pilgrim among others but (he) complained that such information could not be supplied then due to preparation for the impending exercise. Consequently with the 2017 Hajj exercise over for close to two months now and the NAHCON chairman failing to honour the invitation of the committee and forwarding to it required documents for the assigned investigation, the committee will definitely invoke a relevant section of the 1999 constitution to compel his appearance. The chairman announced that another letter of invitation would be sent to the NAHCON boss before invocation of the constitutional provisions that would enforce his appearance before the committee. Some of the documents expected from the NAHCON boss by the committee are copies of the commissions 2017 Appropriation Act and details of funding. Efforts to reach Uba Mana, the spokesperson for NAHCON via phone calls and text messages were unsuccessful as he did not reply to any of them. The former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio, says he has chosen to be silent on the closure of the multi-billion naira Ibom Specialist Hospital in Uyo. The hospital, said to have been built at the cost of N41 billion by the Akpabio administration, was shut down in September after the private managers, Cardiocare Medical Services Ltd, terminated its contract with the state government because of disagreement over funding. Mr. Akpabio inaugurated the hospital two years ago, while he was still serving as the governor. He boasted then that the facility was world class and capable of boosting medical tourism in the state and the nation. PREMIUM TIMES contacted Mr. Akpabio, who is the Senate Minority Leader, to find out how he feels about the shutting down of one of his signature projects. The senator would not want to say anything as regard the closure of the hospital, his spokesperson, Anietie Ekong, told PREMIUM TIMES Thursday. He has finished his job in the state and has moved on. So, whatever happens now is for the state government to handle. The hospital was not his personal property. We believe that government is a continuum. Senator Akpabio has finished his bid and has moved on, he said. One of Mr. Akpabios former aides has, however, called on the hospitals former managers, Cardiocare Ltd, to come out and tell Nigerians their own side of the story. The Commissioner for Health in Akwa Ibom, Dominic Ukpong, attributed the closure of the hospital to poor management on the part of Cardiocare. Cardiocare is yet to say what really went wrong. The company declined comment on the issue when PREMIUM TIMES contacted it. Theres always two sides to every story. Now, the government is coming out to tell us its side. The proper thing is for the people who were contracted to manage the hospital to also come up with their own side of the story, said Clement Ikpatt, who served as a special assistant on the Diasporas Affairs to Mr. Akpabio when the latter was the governor. I dont see how a company would suddenly decide to scuttle the contract that they signed, pack their bags and move away. Something must have happened, he told PREMIUM TIMES, Friday. Mr. Ikpatt is of the opinion that the government should have found a way to keep the hospital running, while searching for new managers and investors, even if it means running the facility at a loss. There are some businesses that may not be very wise to shut down because of the nature of the service they provide, he said. And that hospital is one of such businesses. We know that there are state-of-the-art equipment in that place. We dont want a story that after some months when it is eventually re-opened, somebody is going to come and tell us that the equipment that were bought were state-of-the-art as at that time, but now they have not been calibrated, they have not been used, and they are rotting away. If you dont use the equipment and have them calibrated and repair as necessary according to international best practices, whats the point of coming to open the hospital one or two years down the line? Mr. Ikpatt said the government could explore the possibility of getting the indigenes of the state who are in the Diasporas to manage the Ibom Specialist Hospital. He advised the government not to contemplate selling off the hospital. Share this: Twitter Facebook The National Assembly is taking note of the debate on restructuring and devolution of power with a view to reflecting the consensus on the issues in the Nigerian Constitution. The Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, stated this on Wednesday when he briefed the Nigerian Governors Forum on the efforts to amend the Nigerian constitution. Mr. Dogara was invited by the forum to brief the governors on most of the bills being considered in the constitution amendment exercise. On the governors request for expansion of the scope of the exercise, he said only the House could take a decision on the matter. Though l am the Speaker, l can tell you that l can only speak where majority of our members have agreed upon. So it is a bit early for me to conclude. But this is a democracy and in a democracy, the majority matters. He said the house was aware of the ongoing agitations in the country where some are calling for restructuring or true federalism. He said it is an issue in the manifesto of the ruling All Progressives Congress. It is our feeling as very responsive and responsible representatives of the people to ensure that this debate is done. And I agree like I said before that the position of the President that most of the matters and issues should be canvassed at the levels of the National Assembly. This is because some of the structural imbalances that we are talking about that need what they call restructuring cannot be corrected just by the stroke of the pen. Some of them are actually embedded in the provisions of the constitution. Even by pedestrian description of the function of government, the Executive cannot make laws, they cannot amend the constitution. They can only initiate the process in an Executive bill, but it ultimately revolves within the powers of the legislature. So, even the committee that is set up by the APC leadership on true federalism, by the time they conclude their work, most of the issues they come out with will require a kind of tinkering of the constitution. So, our feeling is that we should not just close the windows to the yearnings of majority of our people. He said the house, under his leadership will listen to Nigerians so as to meet the expectations and yearnings of the people We will not just amend the constitution for the sake of amending. We will want the exercise to be very impactful. The only way we can get that done is to listen and listen and listen more. The Zamfara State Governor who is the Chairman of the NGF, Abdulaziz Yari, told State House correspondents at the end of the meeting that the two chambers of the National Assembly would soon harmonise their different versions of the constitutional amendment. Mr. Yari said the issues of restructuring and devolution of power would be accommodated in the amendment. As a follow up to the briefing by Mr. Deputy Senate President, Mr. Speaker briefed us on the version of the House of Representatives on the constitutional amendment and very soon, they will harmonise the two positions. As critical stakeholders, they visited us and gave us their input on the other critical areas that are not touched, like the area of restructuring, devolution of power among others. All those are going to be looked into and considered for the betterment of our country. An Igbosere Magistrates Court in Lagos on Friday fixed November 1 for trial of four bank security guards who allegedly stole bank equipment worth N4.5 million. The accused, Michael Effiom, 37; Godwin Nwabudike, 40; Olatunbosun Abayomi, 44; and Femi Awolusi, 32; are standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing. They all pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were first arraigned on September 13 and were granted N500, 000 bail each with two sureties in like sum. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that when the case came up on Friday for mention the accused had no legal representatives. The Magistrate, O. O. Otitoju, advised the accused to ensure that they engage the services of a legal representative. She then adjourned the case until November1 for trial. The prosecutor, Samuel Mishozunnu, had told the court that the accused committed the offences between July 20 and August 26 at Access Bank Plc in Lagos. Mr. Mishozunnu said that the accused stole 80 pieces of Server machines and Network gadgets worth N4.5 million, belonging to Access Bank Plc. The accused stole the equipment kept under their custody for safe keeping, Mr. Mishozunnu alleged. He said that the offences contravened Sections 285 (7) and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. (NAN) President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Istanbul, Turkey, urged D-8 leaders to prioritize incentives and measures aimed at increasing trade and investments among member countries. Speaking at the ninth summit of the D-8, Mr. Buhari said the private sector and business communities in the economic organization must be assisted with incentives to widen economic cooperation among member-states. As the D-8, we need to intensify our activities with a view to enhancing various measures and incentives introduced to promote trade and assist the business communities from Member States to invest in our countries and widen our cooperation. We need to work hard to establish integrated manufacturing structures and markets. I will like to reiterate the importance of increasing trade and investment among our Member States, he said, Mr. Buhari also used the occasion of his speech to reiterate Nigerias commitment to international trade and development even as he affirmed the countrys readiness to host the meeting of D-8 Ministers of Industry from November 14 17 in Abuja. Highlighting the attractive business and investment opportunities in the country, the President stressed the need for prospective investors to take advantage of the Federal Governments new policies on trade facilitation. Nigeria is committed to, and is actively pursuing a policy of trade and investment facilitation for growth. The gains from trade are reflected in greater competitiveness, improved productivity, job creation, consumer welfare and prosperity. Economies that grow fastest and at more sustainable rates are those that actively promote trade and attract investment. We are committed to creating an enabling environment and making Nigeria an attractive place for business and investment, he said. The Nigerian President also urged D-8 member countries to support the efforts of the African Union (AU) to establish the first ever single market for trade in goods and services on the continent. He described the AU-backed Continental Free Trade Area for Africa as a win-win for all, including member countries of the D-8. I am pleased to inform you of positive market developments currently in Africa, that will support our efforts as Members of the D-8 to enlarge our markets, facilitate our trade and investments, and develop our economies. In Africa, we are on the threshold of finalizing negotiations to establish the first ever Single Market for Trade in Goods and Services on our Continent, in the Continental Free Trade Area for Africa. This will be a win-win for all, including member countries of the D-8. As partners, I urge that we work together to support this effort of the African Union that will have a positive effect on global economic development and integration, he said. Earlier, President Buhari had congratulated the outgoing Chairman of D-8, Pakistani government, and Seyed Mousavi, the outgoing Secretary-General, on their commitment and strong resolve to forge the organization ahead even in the face of serious challenges. He also congratulated Turkey on assuming the new leadership of the economic organization. He assured D-8 leaders that Nigeria would continue to support the Secretariat in its assignments to achieve the visions and objectives of the organization. The N500 million libel suit filed by Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, against Olisa Metuh, a former Peoples Democratic Party. PDP, spokesperson, is set to proceed to trial at the Ikeja High Court. This followed the inability of the parties to reach an amicable settlement at the mediation court. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye had on April 27, 2016 ordered Messrs. Mohammed and Metuh to settle their dispute at the mediation court. Now that pleadings have been closed, seven days from today, please head to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre for mediation of this dispute, Ipaye ruled. Confirming the development, a reliable source from the courts registry told NAN on Friday that the case will now be assigned to a court for trial. Mr. Mohammed, a former spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress, APC, had on October 12, 2015, filed a suit against Mr. Metuh, accusing him of publishing libellous materials against him. Mr. Mohammed alleged that Metuh had falsely accused him of embezzling funds meant to build a fence at an airport in one of the Southwest states under the control of APC. The publication also alleged that Mr. Mohammed had obtained funds to supply ambulances to the Southwest states, but failed to do so. The minister is demanding a compensation of N500 million on account of the alleged false publication against him. The case is coming up before Justice Ipaye on November 3 for further directive. (NAN) The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, PTAD, on Friday flagged off payments of pension to police officers who were retired for their roles in the Nigerian civil war which lasted between 1967 and 1970. PTAD in a statement on Wednesday said President Muhammadu Buhari approved the payment of pensions for retired police officers who were granted a presidential pardon in the year 2000. They were granted pardon by the then president, Olusegun Obasanjo, after serving in the defunct Biafran Police during the 30 months Nigeria Civil War. The police personnel who were granted presidential pardon by the former president have till date not received their pensions. At the flag-off in Enugu, 162 officers who have never been enrolled and 57 next of kin who also havent been paid their death benefits received their payment. In her remarks, the executive secretary of the directorate, Sharon Ikeazor, who was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2016 said the verification exercise which was conducted in late 2014 and early 2015 resulted in identifying 460 of the police officers who were caught up in the civil war but have since not been paid. Despite the presidential pardon and verification of these officers, many of them remained unpaid for years, she said. She added that the flag-off exercise marks another milestone in reintegrating the hitherto neglected police officers who have suffered untold hardship over the years. In this particular batch of payment, 162 officers who have never been on the payroll and 57 next of kin who have also not been paid their benefits will be paid today The others, 155 who are on payroll but were being short paid would be in the next batch as soon as their benefit computation is concluded. Mrs. Ikeazor said the gesture represents another decision by the federal government to bring closure to the painful legacies of the civil war. It is indeed a clear demonstration that President Muhammadu Buhari is indeed a father to all Nigerians She assured that the present administrations reforms under PTAD will ensure that Nigerians who spent the productive years of their lives serving the nation will not experience difficulties in getting their pensions. Responding on behalf of the pensioners, the president of the association of war affected police officers, Mathew Udeh, thanked President Buhari and PTAD for what he described as bounties showered on retired war affected police officers. He expressed happiness that the arrears of gratuity to all pensioners and pensionable officers will henceforth be paid monthly. We express our gratitude and appreciation to President Muhammadu for approving the recommendations presented to him by the executive secretary, authorizing her to pay full retirement benefits to war affected police officers. The association of retired war affected police officers, ARWAPO, are pensioners who took sides with the secessionist state of Biafra during the Nigerian civil war. They were dismissed from the police in 1971 after the civil war but they were later pardoned and granted amnesty by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Former President Goodluck Jonathan said on Thursday that the government of his successor, Muhammadu Buhari, is full of lies and propaganda and has achieved nothing since coming on board. Mr. Jonathan said this in Abuja when one of the national chairmanship aspirants of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, Tunde Adeniran, and members of his campaign team visited him. Mr. Adeniran, who was Minister of Education in the first term of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, visited Mr. Jonathan at his office in Abuja to seek his blessing for his chairmanship aspiration. Mr. Jonathan insisted that the PDP did well when it ran Nigeria but that the All Progressives Congress has not done anything since it assumed power. The PDP administration for 16 years did well and will continue to do well. But this administration has done nothing. They deployed propaganda and lies at a professional level, the former president said in a statement by his spokesperson. In the power sector, we did well to revive it. A state governor attacked our government, saying that any serious government should be able to fix the power challenge within six months. Today, APC has been in power for how many years now? Fortunately the then governor is in the APC government as a minister. M. Jonathan was alluding to the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, who was the governor of Lagos State when Mr. Jonathan was president. Mr. Fashola immediately reacted to Mr. Jonathans comment through a statement by his Senior Special Adviser on Communications, Hakeem Bello. He said it was unfortunate that Mr. Jonathan would accuse the current government of not doing enough in the power sector. It is unfortunate that the former President does not have his facts right. This is because there was nowhere that the current Minister of Power, Works and Housing and former Governor of Lagos State said he could fix Nigerias power challenges in six months. If he Jonathan needs clarification, we can provide that, instead of stating things that are not factual with respect to the minister and the power sector. Speaking on the issue over which Mr. Adeniran visited him, the former president stressed the need to organize the PDP and elect good materials that would lead the party to victory in 2019 He said the party needs a national chairman that will select credible and reliable candidates for various elective offices at the various levels of government from the presidency down to the councillorship. We need a national chairman who will be courageous enough to caution the president if we win the presidency and the President is going astray. He said the expectation of the PDP was a national chairman who will rule the party democratically and carry others along. He counselled party members, especially the aspirants to avoid crisis no matter the outcome of the election. We must not come out of the convention divided. There should be no acrimony. In his remarks, Mr. Adeniran said he was not in the contest for fun, but to rebuild and reposition the PDP ahead of the 2019 general elections. Nigerians are waiting. Till now, more than three-fifth of Nigerians are still sympathetic to the PDP, he said. Those who accompanied Mr. Adeniran on the campaign visit included former ministers Abba Moro (Internal Affairs), Zainab Maina (Women Affairs), Jerry Gana (Information), and a former two-time Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Friday Itulah, among other. The workers of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, are expected to call off their one day old strike on Friday after signing an agreement with the federal government. The workers commenced the strike on Thursday to protest what they described as their bad working condition under NEMAs new leadership. Thursdays industrial action was the first of its kind in the record of the relief agency. Workers said they had to down tools following the failure of the management led by Mustapha Maihaja to address their basic welfare needs. A statement signed by the spokesperson of NEMA, Sani Datti, which was issued to journalists on Friday said the federal ministry of labour had to quickly wade in to resolve the differences between the agency and its workers. He said following the brokered peace, NEMA workers would be opening their offices in all parts of country from Friday. The industrial dispute between the management and staff of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have been resolved yesterday, Thursday, 19th October, 2017. The disputes which resulted in the closure of the NEMA offices nationwide was resolved immediately following a meeting convened by the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige in Abuja with the NEMA Management led by Director General, Mustapha Maihaja and representatives of the national body of the Labour Union represented by the National President of Trade Union Congress, Secretary General of the Association of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, FCT leaders of NLC and Nigeria Civil Service Union. Among the issues discussed were matters relating to the staff welfare and other areas of misunderstanding which were fully resolved with timeline for implementation to be closely monitored by the Minister of labour and productivity. At the end of the tripartite meeting, a joint settlement agreement was signed by both parties with the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Labour as witness. With these developments, the offices of NEMA hitherto closed are expected to reopen for normal operation nationwide Friday, 20th October, 2017, Mr. Datti said. A civic technology organisation, Budgit Nigeria, has expressed its concerns over the increasing debt profile of states in the country. The organisation also said that states should desist from depending solely on external loans. BudgITs Lead Partner, Oluseun Onigbinde, who spoke during the launch of the organisations state of state report in Abuja on Thursday, said state governments need to invest more to avoid further debts and reduce the increasing rate of debt profile in states. He said, Total debt stock of Nigerian states has increased significantly from the 2012 level of N1.79 trillion to N2.12 trillion in 2014. The debts rose from N3.03 trillion in 2015 to 3.89 trillion in 2016, with Lagos State having 24.2 per cent of the total debt stock of state governments, he said. Mr. Onigbinde noted that most states resort to more debt uptake because of the increased inability to meet recurrent expenditure obligations and increased pressure. While calling on state governments to increase their Internally Generated Revenue, (IGR), he said most states lack the foresight to increase their revenues. He, therefore, urged all state governments to take advantage of value added tax revenue, manufacturing, trade, logistics and tourism to generate more funds. He added that state governments need to tremendously embrace a high level of transparency and accountability, develop workable economic plans, expand their internally generated revenue base and cut down on debt accumulation without a concrete repayment plan. In her presentation, the Executive Secretary of Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, NIPC, Yewande Sadiku, said all states are competing for investment from the federal government, forgetting that what the government gets is insufficient for Nigerias economic developement. She said our work at the federal level will not achieve anything if we dont work along with the state governments. It is certain that if states governments work more on investing in their states, the rates of debts will drop. She also urged Nigerians to invest more in their country instead of going out to invest, noting that the Nigeria economic potential will be converted to its economic wealth if more investment is done. While commending Budgit for its efforts, Ms. Sadiku said that the quality of Budgit work cannot be false, as it gives investors privilege to see investment opportunities in Nigeria. A representative of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Vishal Gujadhur, commended Budgit for its effort on the state of states report. He said such report will enlighten states on how to become sustainable and how they can make good investments in their states. Share this: Twitter Facebook Nigerian governors have refuted a presidency statement that President Muhammadu Buhari reprimanded them for not doing enough to resolve ceaseless agitations over salaries and pensions during a meeting at the State House Tuesday. Instead, the governors said their meeting with Mr. Buhari ended on a fruitful note, with the president assuring them that their demands would be looked into by relevant administration officials. We had a very fruitful meeting with Mr. President and Mr. President accepted all our requests, Abdulaziz Yari, chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, told reporters in Abuja Thursday. A State House statement issued shortly after the meeting Tuesday had stated that Mr. Buhari expressed concerns about unpaid workers salaries. President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja expressed concern on the growing complaints and agitations by workers in states over unpaid salaries and allowances, in spite of interventions by the Federal Government, Mr. Buharis spokesperson, Femi Adesina, said. How can anyone go to bed and sleep soundly when workers have not been paid their salaries for months, Mr. Buhari was quoted as saying by Mr. Adesina. I actually wonder how the workers feed their families, pay their rents and even pay school fees for their children. But the Zamfara State governor said Mr. Buhari was not scolding him and his colleagues by the remarks, contrary to the official account provided by Mr. Adesina. He said the media should have stuck to his narration of events that transpired with the president. You got the full briefing from me and then some of your people went and said they got from inside, Mr. Yari said. I dont know which inside that the president is not happy with the governors. Both Mr. Adesina and his associate, Garba Shehu, declined PREMIUM TIMES request seeking to ascertain if the presidency stands by its version of the meeting. A spokesperson for Mr. Yari, Ibrahim Dosara, maintained that his principal stands by his position on behalf of other governors. The governors have said that (what the presidency released) was not what happened, Mr. Dosara said. But its better to let this matter rest and concentrate on national development. The governors have a good relationship with the president and we should not allow unnecessary controversy jeopardise that, he added. Mr. Yari was at the State House with six other governors to demand a new round of payouts from the Paris Club refund. The governors at the meeting included: Emmanuel Udom, Akwa-Ibom State governor from the South-south; Abdulfatah Ahmed, Kwara State governor from North-central; Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo State governor from the South-west; Atiku Bagudu, Kebbi State governor from North-west; Mohammed Abubakar, Bauchi State governor from North-east and Kelechi Igwe, Ebonyi State deputy governor from the South-east. Mr. Yari said Mr. Buhari agreed to release new funds in principle, but requested for more time to allow his aides work out the details. Because Mr. Buhari is not a technical person, he said we should wait for the minister of finance to return, and the chairman of the economic council to be around, so that they can give him update and support on what he is going to say to, Mr. Yari said. Workers in several states have faced hard times since 2014 when dwindling price of crude oil began to take its toll on the countrys revenues. At least 20 of the 36 states are estimated to have defaulted on salaries and pensions ranging from four months in Oyo State to an alarming 36 months in Taraba State, according to a June 2017 survey by BudgIT, a digital transparency firm that tracks public expenditure. The crisis persisted despite governors receiving nearly two trillion in bailouts and Paris Club refund since 2015, prompting critics to accuse them of squandering the support rather than clear salaries and pensions. But the governors denied the allegations, saying their respective shares of the released funds were not sufficient to meet their wage bill and other capital projects. Nigerias image received a boost on Thursday before the international community as former Agriculture Minister Akinwumi Adesina formally received the 2017 World Food Prize (WFP) Laureate award in the U. S. Adesina was confered with the laureate in Des Moines, U. S. during which he committed the 250,000 dollars cash prize to set up a fund for financing African youths in agriculture. Adesina had been announced as winner of the global feat by the WFP for his dogged determination and practical commitment to boosting agriculture and food supply chain both as Minister of Agriculture and President of AfDB. Adesina, who is also the President of African Development Bank (AfDB), commended his staff for the shared passion to feed Africa. The former minister expressed gratitude to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo for nominating him as minister. Adesina also thanked former President GoodLuck Jonathan for giving him the opportunity of his life to serve his country, Nigeria, as a minister. He also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his strong support to achieve the feat. There wouldnt be any rest for me until Africa feeds itself and for that we need the youth. And so even though I dont have the cash in my hand, I hereby commit my 250,000 dollars as a cash prize for the WFP award to set up a fund fully dedicated to providing financing for the youth of Africa in agriculture to feed Africa. A day is coming very soon when the barns of Africa will be filled and all her children will be well fed, when millions of farmers will be able to send their kids to school. Then you will hear a new song across Africa; thank God our lives are better for us,Adesina said. The Governor of Iowa, Kim Reynolds, who officially declared Adesina as the 2017 laureate winner of the WFP, said he was a man who grew out of poverty to create wealth. Reynolds said that the laureate commitment and dedication in agriculture had impacted on lives of many, not only in Africa but around the world. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that former President of Ghana, John Mahama, attended the ceremony and other dignitaries from Nigeria and African countries. (NAN) The Kaduna state government has commenced the process of amending a section of the recently passed penal code that prohibits drinking of alcohol. The penal code specifies crime and relevant punishment in northern Nigeria. The governors from the 19 northern states set up a committee of state attorneys general in October 2015 to review the law to enable it meet with current realities across the region. The code was subsequently reviewed and the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017 was enacted into law on May 29, 2017. Kaduna State is the first to pass the new code. However, a section of the newly passed code, section 383, which appears to make drinking a crime in the state has been causing controversy. A source at Kaduna State Government House, who declined to be named because he had no permission to speak to the media on the matter, told PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday that when the Kaduna State Executive Council approved the draft penal code to be sent to the state house of assembly, Section 383 retained the penalty in previous editions of the Penal Code against Muslims drinking. He said however, that what the lawmakers passed omitted the reference to Muslims and made it appear that there is a general restriction against drinking. He said Sections 381 and 382 of the Penal Code criminalise drunkenness, not drinking. These two sections show that there is no intent to criminalise or prohibit drinking, and that therefore Section 383 is an anomaly. He also said the anomaly was brought to the attention of the state government in recent days, adding that a letter has already been sent to the assembly asking the lawmakers to correct and amend the controversial section. The official said the government was aware that some persons were trying to take advantage of the issue to cause unnecessary tension and controversy. When contacted, the spokesperson of Mr. El-Rufai, Samuel Aruwan simply said the Kaduna State Government upholds, protects and promotes constitutional and human rights of all. Nothing will detract from this commitment. A public relations officer at the Kaduna State House of Assembly, KDHA, Aisha Yusuf, however said no such correspondent was received from the executive so far. Share this: Twitter Facebook A yet-to-be identified man on Friday jumped into the Lagos Lagoon from the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, Lagos. Witnesses said the incident happened before noon on Friday. Details of what prompted the man to jump into the lagoon still remains sketchy. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that officials of the Lagos State Waterways Authority, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and the Marine Police were at the scene to search for the man. When contacted, the spokesperson of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, confirmed the incident to PREMIUM TIMES correspondent. Rescue efforts are ongoing. Details later Share this: Twitter Facebook The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health said on Friday that only one suspected case of monkeypox had been recorded in the state. The commissioner made this known while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lafia. Mr. Iya said that the blood sample of the suspect had been sent to the Central Public Laboratory in Yaba, Lagos, adding that the state government was waiting for the result. He said that the state government had stepped up efforts to educate the public on ways to prevent the disease. According to him, the ministry has partnered with traditional and religious leaders to educate people, mostly rural areas, because they are more likely to have contacts with monkeys. The commissioner urged members of the public to report any strange illness to the nearest medical facility for prompt action. We will equip the Dalhatu Araf Specialist, Lafia and the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi with drugs and other facilities to tackle any case of monkey pox, he said. Apart from Nasarawa, 10 other Nigerian states have recorded suspected cases of monkeypox. However, only three cases, from Bayelsa, have been confirmed as monkeypox. (NAN) The Kano State Government says it is spending N110 billion annually on the payment of salaries to the 151,000 civil servants in its payroll. The State Commissioner for Information, Youths and Culture, Malam Muhammad Garba, disclosed this on Friday in Kano. Garba said that the sum of N9.2 billion is being paid monthly as wages to 151,000 workforce in the state. He said the N110 billion wage bill excludes the payment of judiciary workers, the Kano State University of Science and Technology and Yusuf Maitama Sule University staff. He said in spite of the high wage bill and current dwindling revenue, the government has not relented in paying the workers as at when due. I want to inform you that in spite of the economic recession in the country, the state government does not owe workers a single Kobo as at today. It is our stance that payment of salary is an obligation to any serious government, hence our decision to ensure that workers are paid as at when due, he said. The commissioner reiterated governments determination to develop infrastructure in the state in order to improve the welfare of the people. (NAN) The Court of Appeal Kebbi Division has upturned the judgment of a Kebbi State High Court which discharged and acquitted Mohammed Arzika Dakingari, the accountant general of Kebbi State, on charges of conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence preferred against him and one other person by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He, among other things, allegedly used his office for personal enrichment to the tune of N1.6billion. Mr. Dakingari was charged alongside Musa Yusuf, managing director, Beal Construction Nigeria Limited, a company owned by Mr. Dakingari and used in awarding various contracts to himself. Mr. Dakingaris stake in Beal Construction Limited is contrary to civil service regulation which forbids serving officers from owning businesses. Findings by the EFCC at the Corporate Affairs Commission showed that Mohammed Bashir Mohammed, Anwal Sadat and Nasir Mohammed, all sons of the accountant-general, are directors of the company (Beal Construction), while two of his brothers, Abduallahi Mohammed and Habibu Mohammed are the other directors. The construction company operates two accounts at Ecobank and Unity Bank with Mr. Dakingari and Mr. Yusuf as signatories to the accounts. Mr. Dakingari operated with two signatures, one in his official capacity as accountant-general of the state and the other as owner of Beal Construction Company Limited. Analysis of the accounts revealed a total inflow of N1.3billion between May 2012 and September 2013, with most of the receipts coming from the Office of the accountant-general and the Kebbi State Ministry of Finance. Some of the contracts executed for the state for which Beal Construction Company received huge payments included the supply of furniture to 66 secondary schools in Kebbi State valued at N987million; the connection of water and drainage system at Kebbi Central Mosque valued at N110million and the building and partitioning of Mohammed Maira Secondary School valued at N247million. Upon the conclusion of investigation, the EFCC filed a 20-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence and abuse of office against Messrs Dakingari and Yusuf.. The lower court convicted and sentenced Mr. Yusuf to six months imprisonment while it discharged and acquitted Mr. Dakingari. Dissatisfied, the EFCC asked the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgment of the lower court and convict Mr. Dakingari as charged. In its judgment Friday, the appellate court allowed the appeal by the EFCC, convicted and sentenced Mr. Dakingari to seven years imprisonment each on 10 of the counts preferred against him by the anti-graft agency. The sentence is to run concurrently, a statement by the EFCCs Head of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, said. The Kano State Government said it spent over N1.8 billion on payment of scholarship allowances to its students in tertiary institutions in the first eight month of the year. The state Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Kano on Friday. Mr. Garba said the state government was heavily burdened by the scholarship liability it inherited from the immediate past administration. He added that some of the programmes being undertaken by the students abroad could be offered in higher institutions in the country. The previous administration sent many students abroad for programmes they could have done successfully in higher institutions in the country, he said. The commissioner said the need for accountability had necessitated the briefing on what the government had spent so far on scholarship programmes for its indigenes. According to him, the amount spent on scholarship was running into billions of Naira because many of their students were schooling abroad. He said the state government had paid allowances and other upkeep of the home based students. Mr. Garba pleaded for patience of beneficiaries who were yet to be paid by the government. He disclosed that the government also spent over N500 million on accreditation of courses in the state-owned higher institution. He noted that the scholarship burden was increasing daily for the state, as a result of the poor planning of previous administration. In order to maintain human face, the administration has continued to pay the fees pending the graduation of those who were sent abroad, he said. (NAN) The Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, said he has no child outside wedlock and does not even engage in extra- marital affairs. The governor stated this on Friday to dispel rumour circulating in the state that he had a set of twins with a National Youth Service Corps member and relocated her and the new-borns to the United Arab Emirate. Mr. Amosun who spoke at a town hall meeting at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, said the rumour spread so much that his mother In-law had to call him to verify what she was hearing about his second wife and twins. He said the rumour also reached the notice of his wife, Olufunke. The governor swore that he has never been involved with another woman since his marriage to his wife 26 years ago. He said keeping one wife is challenging enough today in Nigeria that he could not imagine doubling the challenge. Mr. Amosun saidd the authors of the rumour could beat late British fiction writer, James Hadley Chase, in fiction concoction in their bid to malign him. He, however, said he was trying to fish out those purveying rumours and falsehoods against him with a view to holding them to justice. Also dispelling a rumour that operatives of Economic and Financial Crime Commission raided his house and found huge sums of money in a vault, the governor said it was the latest in the series of falsehoods being circulated against him. On the expected 2018 budget, Mr. Amosun said his administration would make judicious use of funds, adding that he was working round the clock to ensure that all ongoing programmes and projects by the government were completed on or before May, 2019. He called on the federal government and the National Emergency Management Agency to provide special funds to states prone to flooding. He said although giving fund and relief materials to states ravaged by flood is commendable, some states have measures in place to avert flooding and should also be encouraged with fund by the federal government. The event at which Mr. Amosun spoke was organized by the state Ministry of Budget and Planning to collect inputs from all stakeholders for the preparation of the 2018 Executive Appropriation Bill. 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. Contact Teo Han Siang ***@corporateservicessingapore.com +65 6602 8286 Teo Han Siang+65 6602 8286 End --has announced a complete package for its business incorporation solution both for local and offshore companies. The service provides a simple yet detailed six-step-guide that helps companies to start a business in Singapore.Hans Teo, General Manager of Corporate Services Singapore said.The six-step-guide covers the basic of setting up a business and the regulatory requirements that each business must comply. The six-step-guide includes the following:Step 1: Choosing of a business name for branding efforts - The company helps business owners to choose the right name of the new business that can be adapted to its domain name.Step 2: Registration of Singapore office address - It's a step in the process where Corporate Services Singapore ensures that the new business has a registered physical address.Step 3: Setting up of right business structure - In this process, business owners learn the classification of business they plan to set up. Corporate Services Singapore is proficient in providing advice for businesses including a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership and company.Step 4: Appointment of a company secretary - New businesses must comply with theSingapore Companies Act where they must have a company secretary within six months of incorporation. This is included in our company incorporation service package.Step 5: Opening of a business banking account - The company helps new businesses to open a corporate bank account.Step 6: Compliance with annual regulatory requirements - The company teams up certified professionals with new businesses to provide prompt notifications on new businesses' annual regulatory obligations.Hans Teo said.The offshore assistance includes: Offshore company name approval Offshore company registration Incorporation documents submission Corporate bank account opening"We can have your company approved and registered within one day. However, it is important to take note that this process is possible when the incorporation documents are signed and the incorporation fees are duly paid. We will register your company to the Accounting Corporate Regulatory Authority."The company provides a checklist that new businesses must meet for successful company incorporation services in Singapore. Local or foreign business owners are eligible for company incorporation services in Singapore 100% foreign ownership (allowed) Minimum of one director (permanent Singapore resident or Singapore citizen) Minimum of one shareholder Local registered office address (required)Corporate Services Singapore also offers Accounting Services, Payroll, Audit and Assurance and Taxation services.It's accredited by reputable financial institutions including ACCA, Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), Malaysian Institute of Accountants, BizFinx and Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore. Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants, Chartered Accountant Singapore and Singapore Institute of Accredited Tax Professionals also accredit the company.To learn more about the business incorporation solutions, visit http://www.corporateservicessingapore.com to learn more about the service. Our business support center can be reached at (+65) 6602 8286Corporate Services Singapore started in 2010 catering clients' accountancy and finance needs. Today, the company provides various business support services to local and foreign companies seeking to set up businesses in Singapore. Read detailed profiles of 32 Jordanian financial institutions plus a comprehensive listing of all banks, insurance, leasing, micro-finance, brokerage and payment services companies in Jordan in the 2nd edition (2017/2018) of this publication. Who's Who in Jordan's Banking, Insurance & Financial Services 2017/2018 Contact Zeid Nasser Managing Director ***@mediascopegroup.com Zeid NasserManaging Director End -- MediaScope, a Jordan-based publishing, events and digital media company, has released the second edition (2017/2018) of the only English language directory that profiles Jordan's leading financial institutions."Who's Who in Jordan's Banking, Insurance & Financial Services 2017/2018" aims to provide informative profiles in a new and modern format, covering these vibrant and crucial economic sectors. It includes detailed profiles of thirty two participating companies including Jordan's leading banks, insurance, leasing, brokerage, microfinance and payment services companies; presented in a unique format that includes each institution's facts and figures, services, profile text, summarized financial results, group companies and partners, plus names and photos of its board of directors and key persons. This publication also includes a comprehensive, summarized listing of all the institutions operating in the Jordanian financial sector."Who's Who in Jordan's Banking, Insurance & Financial Services 2017/2018" will be widely distributed (free-of-charge)to thousands of decision makers inside and outside Jordan, in cooperation with The Association of Banks in Jordan, the Jordan Insurance Federation, the Jordanian Association of Leasing Companies and other financial industry bodies.Mr. Zeid Nasser, founder and managing director of MediaScope, commented saying that "after focusing on banks and insurance companies in the previous edition, this year's edition has grown to encompass more categories of financial services companies and we have been pleased with their response and interest to participate. This directory is now well-established in these sectors and will continue to reflect the growth and change in Jordan's financial sector, with the emergence of more specialized services including fintech.""We are proud to have already served several economic sectors in Jordan with specialized publications and industry-specific events. Our company has delivered professionally produced and widely distributed publications since the late 1990s, under the Who's Who series and others; covering sectors including Information & Communication Technology (ICT); Energy, Water & Environment (EWE), Real Estate and Advertising & Media. We also organize the Jordan Advertising Awards, the Jordan App & Web Awards and various media conferences. We are glad that the business community benefits from these publications and encourages us to continuously develop our offerings" concluded Mr. Nasser.Who's Who in Jordan's Banking & Insurance 2017/2018 is also available as a digital edition at the website http://www.JordanFinancialServices.com Filipinos in Australia are in for three times the treat as they get to hear love advice; comic quips; and good music from the Phenomenal star himself in the Australia leg of his blockbuster concert Pusuan Mo si Vice Ganda sa Sydney-poster Media Contact ABS-CBN Global Ltd. ***@abs-cbn.com 4152272 ABS-CBN Global Ltd.4152272 End -- "(In the presence of a loved one, you find fault but in his absence, you find yourself longing for his company)". This is just one of the feels oras Filipinos call it, from the Philippines'that a lot of people can relate with. If you love watching him deliver these lines onscreen, it will surely sound better live.After the first leg of his blockbuster concert tour "in Araneta Coliseum, in Cubao, Quezon City last Valentine's Day, in the U.S. in March and in July in Japan and most recently in South Korea,will spread a lot of feel-good laughter, novelty music; and deep-seated(feels) at theas he brings "", on October 29 at the Darling Harbour Theatre, in Sydney, Australia.Since The Filipino Channel (TFC) first announced that blockbuster multi-media performer will have the "Pusuan Mo Si Vice Ganda" concert series in Sydney, tickets started selling fast and is to date, sold out.It comes as no surprise for followers of Vice Ganda as he has been marking milestones one after the other, including for the "Pusuan Mo Si Vice Ganda" series - reason why TFC and thedecided to reach out to more fans as much as possible in the Philippines and overseas.Given news on the concert's sold out status, Vice Ganda is extra excited to meet his fans from Australia and give them non-stop laughter and all-out performances with his guests, and comediansandAside from his smooth dance moves, Cruz is also ready to bring out his singing skills, first heard in his debut album, "" that was launched last year.Meantime, Marquez and Calaquian, will spread good vibes with their banters and comedic stints.Get ready for a day filled of music, laughter, and love as thewith, andbring "" on October 29, at the Darling Harbour Theatre, in Sydney, Australia. Gates open at 3:30 p.m.For more updates about upcoming TFC events, visit facebook.com/TFCAustralia. Connect with fellow globalandfollowandon Twitter and Instagram. Contact Solace Duncan ***@gmail.com Solace Duncan End -- Pennsylvania's Refugee Leaders Available to Discuss Refugee IssuesWhat: Refugee leaders from Philadelphia, Allentown, Erie, Lancaster, and Pittsburgh will gather in Pittsburgh for a state-wide meeting to share ideas and strategies for ensuring that refugees are welcomed to Pennsylvania.Refugee Leaders are available for interviews on the impact of the travel ban on their communities and on refugee resettlement in Pennsylvania. They are available to share their own stories and talk about their journeys - why and how they came to the US and how they were able to become contributing members of their communities as new Pennsylvanians.Who: Refugees and former refugees from Liberia, Iraq, Bhutan, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Democratic Republic of the Congo, including:Joseph Sackor- Mr. Joseph Sackor was two months away from graduating college when war broke out in Liberia and he and his family were forced to flee to neighboring Guinea. He was resettled to the United States in 1999 and currently lives in Levittown, Pennsylvania where he works as a senior systems analyst. Mr. Sackor has organized two medical mission trips to Liberia that brought in nearly $6 million worth of medication and medical supplies to the country combined.Andy Kalala- Mr. Andy Kalala is originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After being resettled in the US, Andy helped children with issues to get back on track through ''Children's Home of Reading'' in Reading, Pennsylvania and through ''Manos Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Services'' in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Andy started his own magazine''Afrimpact'' to raise awareness of the impact of Africans in the world.Bios of other refugee leaders participating in the meeting are available upon request.When/Where: The Statewide Refugee Leadership Meeting takes place in Pittsburgh from October 20-22. Refugee Leaders will be available for: In-person interviews on Friday, Saturday or Sunday October 20- 22 at:Homestead Grays Room (Lower Level/LL)Allegheny County Department of Human ServicesOne Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222OR Phone or in-person interviews in their home cities after the meeting.Please contact Solace Duncan to request interviews.###The Refugee Congress is a national advocacy and advisory organization comprised of refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Our mission is to promote the well-being, integration, and dignity of all refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons in the U.S. and beyond. We do that by bringing our voices and experiences to inform decision makers on domestic and international issues and policies affecting our lives. www.refugeescongress.org Bindlestiff Tours has launched several tour packages that visit some of the most beautiful and adventurous parts of Alaska. By: Bindlestiff Tours Contact Bindlestiff Tours ***@focusinternetservices.com Bindlestiff Tours End -- Bindlestiff Tours, one of the leading adventure tour companies in the United States, has typically provided tours starting in Las Vegas and visiting the national parks and protected spaces of the southwest. The majority of the parks that make up the largest percentage of the tours provided by the company are to the parks that are within a roughly four hour drive from the starting point to the park. Due to the large number of parks able to be toured in the Nevada, California, Arizona and Utah area, Bindlestiff Tours has become well known for the products it provides to global explorers. Recently, Bindlestiff Tours has expanded its product line to also provide tours of several areas of Alaska. While these tours are obviously quite different from the typical offerings that Bindlestiff Tours has provided, they will none the less offer the excitement and adventure that Bindlestiff Tours is known for.The tours of Alaska that Bindlestiff Tours is offering leave from a starting point in Anchorage. The offerings that are available are Turnagain Arm And Portage Valley which is a one-day sightseeing tour, Matanuska Glacier which is a one day private tour to one of Alaska's most visited areas, Chugach State Park which is a one=day private hiking expedition, and a scenic one-day cruise along Seward Highway. All of these tours are private and must be arranged for your entire group to travel together. Contact Bindlestiff Tours at https://www.bindlestifftours.com/ alaska-tours/ for more specifics and to book your Alaskan adventure today. PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Aberdeen Chile Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") (NYSE American: CH), a closed-end equity fund, announced today its performance data and portfolio composition as of September 30, 2017. The Fund's total returns for various periods through September 30, 2017 are provided below. (All figures are based on distributions reinvested at the dividend reinvestment price and are stated net-of-fees): Cumulative as of 09/30/17 Annualized as of 09/30/17 1 Month 3 Month YTD 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years Since Inception NAV 1.4 15.9 29.3 28.6 8.5 -1.3 2.5 11.6 Market Price 2.7 18.5 40.8 33.8 6.2 -3.7 1.6 10.9 MSCI Chile Index 1.9 16.9 33.8 36.9 7.2 -2.3 2.9 n/a On September 30, 2017, the Fund's net assets amounted to US$87.1 million and the Fund's NAV per share was US$9.31. As of September 30, 2017, the portfolio was invested as follows: Portfolio Composition Percent of Net Assets Consumer Staples 22.0 Financials 18.1 Consumer Discretionary 12.8 Utilities 10.7 Industrials 7.8 Real Estate 6.9 Materials 6.5 Health Care 5.1 Energy 4.0 Information Technology 2.8 Telecommunications 2.1 Cash 1.2 The Fund's ten largest equity holdings as of September 30, 2017, representing 63.6% of net assets, were: Stock Percent of Net Assets S.A.C.I. Falabella 10.1 Banco Santander Chile 9.6 Parque Arauco 6.9 Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile 6.5 Enel Americas 5.6 Banco de Chile 5.6 Embotelladora Andina 5.5 Banmedica SA 5.1 Cencosud SA 4.7 Cia Cervecerias Unidas 4.2 Important Information Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. (the "Administrator") has prepared this report based on information sources believed to be accurate and reliable. However, the figures are unaudited and neither the Fund, the Administrator, Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited (the "Investment Adviser"), nor any other person guarantees their accuracy. Investors should seek their own professional advice and should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before acting on this information. The Investment Adviser and the Administrator are each a subsidiary of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC ("Aberdeen PLC"). The merger of Standard Life plc and Aberdeen PLC, announced on March 6, 2017 ("Merger"), closed on August 14, 2017. Aberdeen PLC became a direct subsidiary of Standard Life plc as a result of the Merger and the combined company changed its name to Standard Life Aberdeen plc. Shareholders of the Fund are not required to take any action as a result of the Merger. Following the Merger, the Fund's Investment Adviser and Administrator are each an indirect subsidiary of Standard Life Aberdeen plc, but otherwise did not change. The investment advisory and administration agreements for the Fund, the services provided under the agreements, and the fees charged for services did not change as a result of the Merger. The portfolio management team for the Fund did not change as a result of the Merger. Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market through one of the stock exchanges. The Fund's investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor's shares may be worth more or less than the original cost. Shares of closed-end funds may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) the net asset value (NAV) of the fund's portfolio. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. Total return figures with distributions reinvested at the dividend reinvestment price are stated net-of-fees and represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results, current performance may be higher or lower. Holdings are subject to change and are provided for informational purposes only and should not be deemed as a recommendation to buy or sell the securities shown. Inception date September 27, 1989. If you wish to receive this information electronically, please contact: [email protected] There is no since inception figure for the MSCI Chile Index because the inception date of the Index is January 1, 2001. The inception date of the Fund is September 27, 1989. SOURCE Aberdeen Chile Fund, Inc. Related Links http://www.aberdeench.com PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Aberdeen Indonesia Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") (NYSE American: IF), a closed-end equity fund, announced today its performance data and portfolio composition as of September 30, 2017. The Fund's total returns for various periods through September 30, 2017 are provided below. (All figures are based on distributions reinvested at the dividend reinvestment price and are stated net-of-fees): Cumulative as of 09/30/17 Annualized as of 09/30/17 1 Month 3 Month YTD 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years Since Inception NAV 0.0 1.0 13.3 9.9 -4.4 -2.9 4.0 1.3 Market Price 1.4 2.2 22.3 17.5 -3.4 -2.2 2.6 1.0 MSCI Indonesia -0.8 -1.0 15.2 6.4 3.3 1.6 6.7 n/a On September 30, 2017, the Fund's net assets amounted to US$77.9 million and the Fund's NAV per share was US$8.41. As of September 30, 2017, the portfolio was invested as follows: Portfolio Composition Percent of Net Assets Consumer Staples 30.1 Consumer Discretionary 19.6 Financials 19.5 Telecommunications 8.7 Materials 6.7 Health Care 6.2 Energy 4.1 Industrials 4.1 Cash 1.0 The Fund's ten largest equity holdings as of September 30, 2017, representing 55.5% of net assets, were: Stock Percent of Net Assets Bank Central Asia TBK PT 9.5 MP Evans Group PLC 7.6 Jardine Cycle and Carriage 7.1 Bank OCBC Nisp 5.5 Unilever Indonesia 5.0 Telekomunikasi Indonesia 4.4 Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa 4.3 XL Axiata TBK PT 4.3 HM Sampoerna 4.0 Bank Permata 3.9 Important Information Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. (the "Administrator") has prepared this report based on information sources believed to be accurate and reliable. However, the figures are unaudited and neither the Fund, the Administrator, Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Limited (the "Investment Adviser"), nor any other person guarantees their accuracy. Investors should seek their own professional advice and should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before acting on this information. The Investment Adviser and the Administrator are each a subsidiary of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC ("Aberdeen PLC"). The merger of Standard Life plc and Aberdeen PLC, announced on March 6, 2017 ("Merger"), closed on August 14, 2017. Aberdeen PLC became a direct subsidiary of Standard Life plc as a result of the Merger and the combined company changed its name to Standard Life Aberdeen plc. Shareholders of the Fund are not required to take any action as a result of the Merger. Following the Merger, the Investment Adviser and Administrator are each an indirect subsidiary of Standard Life Aberdeen plc, but otherwise did not change. The investment advisory and administration agreements for the Fund, the services provided under the agreements, and the fees charged for services did not change as a result of the Merger. The portfolio management team for the Fund did not change as a result of the Merger. Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market through one of the stock exchanges. The Fund's investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor's shares may be worth more or less than the original cost. Shares of closed-end funds may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) the net asset value (NAV) of the fund's portfolio. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. Total return figures with distributions reinvested at the dividend reinvestment price are stated net-of-fees and represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results, current performance may be higher or lower. Holdings are subject to change and are provided for informational purposes only and should not be deemed as a recommendation to buy or sell the securities shown. Inception date March 9, 1990. If you wish to receive this information electronically, please contact: [email protected] There is no since inception figure for the MSCI Indonesia Index because the inception date of the Index is January 1, 2001. SOURCE Aberdeen Indonesia Fund, Inc. PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") (NYSE American: LAQ), a closed-end equity fund, announced today its performance data and portfolio composition as of September 30, 2017. The Fund's total returns for various periods through September 30, 2017 are provided below. (All figures are based on distributions reinvested at the dividend reinvestment price and are stated net-of-fees): Cumulative as of 09/30/17 Annualized as of 09/30/17 1 Month 3 Month YTD 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years Since Inception NAV 2.2 16.2 33.6 27.8 3.3 0.4 2.5 10.2 Market Price 2.3 18.2 38.3 30.6 3.1 0.3 2.6 9.8 MSCI Emerging Markets Latin America 1.6 15.1 27.0 26.0 0.0 -1.6 -0.5 10.21 On September 30, 2017, the Fund's net assets amounted to US$226.4 million and the Fund's NAV per share was US$30.40. As of September 30, 2017, the portfolio was invested as follows: Portfolio Composition Percent of Net Assets Financials 28.3 Consumer Staples 21.8 Consumer Discretionary 13.5 Industrials 11.6 Real Estate 7.1 Materials 6.9 Energy 5.2 Information Technology 2.8 Health Care 1.5 Cash 1.2 Portfolio Composition Geographic Exposure % Brazil 61.2 Mexico 20.9 Chile 10.6 Argentina 2.9 Peru 2.1 Colombia 1.4 United States 0.9 The Fund's ten largest equity holdings as of September 30, 2017, representing 46.9% of net assets, were: Stock Percent of Net Assets Banco Bradesco 7.5 Itau Unibanco 7.4 Lojas Renner 5.4 AMBEV 4.8 Multiplan Empreendimentos 4.1 FEMSA 3.9 Grupo Financiero Banorte 3.8 Ultrapar Participacoes 3.7 S.A.C.I. Falabella 3.2 Arezzo Industria e Comercio 2.9 Important Information Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. (the "Administrator") has prepared this report based on information sources believed to be accurate and reliable. However, the figures are unaudited and neither the Fund, the Administrator, Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited (the "Investment Adviser"), nor any other person guarantees their accuracy. Investors should seek their own professional advice and should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before acting on this information. The Investment Adviser and the Administrator are each a subsidiary of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC ("Aberdeen PLC"). The merger of Standard Life plc and Aberdeen PLC, announced on March 6, 2017 ("Merger"), closed on August 14, 2017. Aberdeen PLC became a direct subsidiary of Standard Life plc as a result of the Merger and the combined company changed its name to Standard Life Aberdeen plc. Shareholders of the Fund are not required to take any action as a result of the Merger. Following the Merger, the Fund's Investment Adviser and Administrator are each an indirect subsidiary of Standard Life Aberdeen plc, but otherwise did not change. The investment advisory and administration agreements for the Fund, the services provided under the agreements, and the fees charged for services did not change as a result of the Merger. The portfolio management team for the Fund did not change as a result of the Merger. Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market through one of the stock exchanges. The Fund's investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor's shares may be worth more or less than the original cost. Shares of closed-end funds may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) the net asset value (NAV) of the fund's portfolio. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. Total return figures with distributions reinvested at the dividend reinvestment price are stated net-of-fees and represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results, current performance may be higher or lower. Holdings are subject to change and are provided for informational purposes only and should not be deemed as a recommendation to buy or sell the securities shown. Inception date October 30, 1991. If you wish to receive this information electronically, please contact: [email protected] 1 For the MSCI Emerging Markets Latin America benchmark, the returns provided for since inception are based on month-end level valuations as of October 31, 1991. SOURCE Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. Related Links http://www.aberdeenlaq.com CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Acuity Healthcare, a 100% Employee Owned Long Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH) Company is pleased to announce Melissa Low is named Chief Executive Officer of Acuity Hospital of South Texas. Low joined the South Texas team in June, 2017 as Chief Clinical Officer after a significant career in emergency medicine and healthcare leadership. In her previous position, Low served as the Director of Adult Emergency Services at Methodist Healthcare System and has also held leadership roles with Baptist Health System in San Antonio. "I am so honored for the opportunity to lead the team of Acuity Hospital of South Texas," said Low. We strive to make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families and deliver the best quality of care," she continued. "Melissa had an immediate impact when she joined our team as the Chief Clinical Officer, I am excited and confident that in her new role as the Chief Executive Officer she will continue to thrive. Her drive, clinical expertise, and industry knowledge is the perfect combination to ensure continued success for Acuity Hospital of San Antonio," said Ed Cooper, President and Chief Executive Officer of Acuity Healthcare. Acuity Hospital of South Texas (AHST) is conveniently located in downtown San Antonio. AHST is a beautiful and modern 30-bed Long Term Acute Care Hospital with and twelve (12) ICU monitored beds, Special Procedures Suite and the latest technology, including CT Scanning. Serving San Antonio, the beautiful Texas Hill Country, and the Rio Grande Valley, AHST treats medically complex and critically ill patients requiring long term care. AHST delivers a comprehensive, patient-focused care model with proven clinical outcomes for high acuity patients in a family-friendly atmosphere. The facility has developed clinical expertise in pulmonary/ventilator management, wound treatment and infectious diseases. Acuity Healthcare is a 100% Employee Owned (ESOP) Long Term Acute Care Hospital company founded in 2001 with headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Acuity Healthcare currently owns and manages four LTACHs in New Jersey, Ohio, and Texas. To learn more about Acuity Healthcare, please visit: www.acuityhealthcare.net. SOURCE Acuity Healthcare Related Links http://www.acuityhealthcare.net PHOENIX, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Advisor Group, one of the nation's largest networks of independent financial advisory firms, comprised of FSC Securities Corporation, Royal Alliance Associates, SagePoint Financial and Woodbury Financial, today announced the launch of the Strategic Partners Longevity Council ("Longevity Council"). The move is part of Advisor Group's strategic plan to accelerate and implement solutions that address the most pressing financial challenges created by longer average life expectancies for retail investors in the United States. The newly-formed Longevity Council brings together representatives from the nation's top insurance and wealth management companies, including Nationwide Insurance, AIG, and other industry leaders. Members of the Council will collaborate closely with Advisor Group to roll out new services and solutions that directly address the financial risks associated with longer lifespans including outliving retirement savings, prolonged healthcare costs, and uncertainties surrounding Social Security. Specifically, the Longevity Council will focus on the following: Conducting market research to identify key demographic and industry trends that are contributing to long-term financial longevity risk; to identify key demographic and industry trends that are contributing to long-term financial longevity risk; Driving awareness of the key role insurance plays in any successful holistic financial plan and its crucial function as a wealth management solution, rather than simply as a product; and its crucial function as a wealth management solution, rather than simply as a product; Educating both financial advisors and investors to encourage behavior that mitigates longevity risk, with a particular focus on Baby Boomers and younger investors; to encourage behavior that mitigates longevity risk, with a particular focus on Baby Boomers and younger investors; Providing a source of thought leadership to the industry on issues related to increased investor longevity and the attendant challenges and opportunities. Advisor Group President & CEO Jamie Price, who will serve as the Longevity Council's Chairman, said, "Progress in medicine and healthcare has created longer average life expectancy rates than ever before. While there's much to celebrate here, it also raises new challenges for the retail financial advice industry. The more our industry puts off addressing this looming 'longevity challenge,' the more we risk becoming a society of long-lived people with insufficient financial means to carry us through our senior years." The Longevity Council will meet four times per year with Advisor Group's leadership team to brainstorm and implement innovative approaches to longevity planning, products and platforms. At this time, the following executives have committed to serving on the Longevity Council, which is expected to total up to 16 members by the end of 2017: Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America - Corey Walther , Head of Business Development & Distribution Relationship Management - , Head of Business Development & Distribution Relationship Management American International Group, Inc. (AIG) - Todd Solash , President, Individual Retirement - , President, Individual Retirement AXA Distributors - Kevin Kennedy , Managing Director, Head of Individual Annuity - , Managing Director, Head of Individual Annuity Brighthouse Financial - Jerry Nigro , Vice President, Distribution Support - , Vice President, Distribution Support Global Atlantic Financial Group - Simeon Hernandez , Senior Vice President, Head of Retirement Business Development - , Senior Vice President, Head of Retirement Business Development Great-West Financial - Greg Alberti , Vice President, Head of Strategic Relationship Management - , Vice President, Head of Strategic Relationship Management Nationwide Insurance - Ron Ransom , Senior Vice President, Integrated Relationship Strategies - , Senior Vice President, Integrated Relationship Strategies Ohio National - Marty Griffin , SVP, Institutional Sales , SVP, Institutional Sales Pacific Life - Chris van Mierlo , Chief Marketing Officer - , Chief Marketing Officer Sammons Financial Group - Bill Lowe , President, Sammons Retirement Solutions , President, Sammons Retirement Solutions Transamerica Capital, Inc. - Mark Halloran , Managing Director Business Development - , Managing Director Business Development Voya Financial - Jim Ryan , Vice President Relationship Management Voya Annuities &Individual Life Mr. Price concluded, "The longevity crisis is arguably one of the largest challenges our nation faces today, and one of the best examples of how the retail financial services industry can be a powerful force for progress and create solutions to broader social challenges. We look forward to making a difference on this issue in cooperation with some of the most accomplished product and platform providers in our industry today." For media inquiries, please contact [email protected]. About Advisor Group Advisor Group Inc. is one of the nation's largest networks of independent financial advisors serving over 5,000 advisors and overseeing approximately $190 billion in client assets. Headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, the firm is mission-driven to support the heroic role that advisors can play in the lives of their clients, offering securities and investment advisory services through its subsidiaries FSC Securities Corp., Royal Alliance Associates Inc., SagePoint Financial Inc. and Woodbury Financial Services Inc, as broker/dealers, registered investment advisors and members of FINRA and SIPC. Cultivating a spirit of entrepreneurship and independence, Advisor Group champions the enduring value of financial advisors and is committed to being in their corner every step of the way. For more information, please visit www.advisorgroup.com . Follow Advisor Group into the Future: @AdvisorGroupBDs on Twitter #AGFutureIsNow SOURCE Advisor Group Related Links http://www.advisorgroup.com ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Advisor Group, one of the nation's largest networks of independent financial advisory firms comprised of FSC Securities Corporation, Royal Alliance Associates, SagePoint Financial and Woodbury Financial Services, today announced the launch of My Succession Plan, a program that supports succession planning-based M&A transactions across Advisor Group. The platform also provides a sophisticated business valuation model coupled with expert consultants to assist independent advisors with this critical aspect of their business planning. Advisor Group President & CEO Jamie Price said, "We're thrilled to launch My Succession Plan at a time when many advisors are feeling the need to start planning for a succession discussion. Whether its younger professionals capitalizing on an unprecedented opportunity to grow through acquisitions, or industry veterans seeking to transition their business in a manner that maintains their legacy and client promise while reaping the rewards of a lifetime's work, My Succession Plan will play a vital role in addressing what many consider the single biggest challenge facing this industry." My Succession Plan complements the robust lineup of digital solutions coupled with human resources Advisor Group has developed to help support independent advisors at every stage of their business life-cycles. The new platform, which is being featured at Advisor Group's annual ConnectED conference in Orlando, FL, provides a one-stop resource for independent advisors looking to either buy or sell a practice, or just create a responsible continuity plan. Key features of My Succession Plan include: Maximum Choice and Flexibility in Sourcing Transactions Across Different Firms and Platforms: My Succession Plan helps advisors seeking to merge, acquire or sell all or a portion of their business to easily source and connect with potential partners across the Advisor Group Network. In addition, the program will enable Advisor Group-affiliated financial advisors to identify succession planning-based acquisition opportunities of non-Advisor Group affiliated firms who are looking to create or execute a succession strategy. My Succession Plan helps advisors seeking to merge, acquire or sell all or a portion of their business to easily source and connect with potential partners across the Advisor Group Network. In addition, the program will enable Advisor Group-affiliated financial advisors to identify succession planning-based acquisition opportunities of non-Advisor Group affiliated firms who are looking to create or execute a succession strategy. Industry-Leading Valuation and Data Analysis: Through a partnership with Truelytics, an industry leader in business intelligence metrics, all members of My Succession Plan will be able to complete a sophisticated, online valuation model and obtain a fair market estimate of the value of their business. Through a partnership with Truelytics, an industry leader in business intelligence metrics, all members of My Succession Plan will be able to complete a sophisticated, online valuation model and obtain a fair market estimate of the value of their business. Advanced Digital Sorting and Filtering Capabilities: My Succession Plan enables buyers and sellers to identify potential partners, and to sort and filter these candidates according to a range of factors, including total revenue and revenue make-up, client assets under management, number of households, location, service offerings, etc. Users can register as either a buyer or seller (partial, all or continuity partner) and confidentially request to connect with suitable candidates to reveal additional details and begin offline discussions. My Succession Plan enables buyers and sellers to identify potential partners, and to sort and filter these candidates according to a range of factors, including total revenue and revenue make-up, client assets under management, number of households, location, service offerings, etc. Users can register as either a buyer or seller (partial, all or continuity partner) and confidentially request to connect with suitable candidates to reveal additional details and begin offline discussions. Zero Success Fees on Transactions and access to financing: Unlike many similar platforms, members are not charged a closing fee for successful transactions made through My Succession Plan. Additionally, financing assistance is available through Live Oak Bank. Unlike many similar platforms, members are not charged a closing fee for successful transactions made through My Succession Plan. Additionally, financing assistance is available through Live Oak Bank. Expert Support from Dedicated My Succession Plan Consulting Team: The platform's consulting team, led by Advisor Group's Senior Vice President of Succession & Acquisition, Todd Fulks , JD, have assisted hundreds of advisors in developing and executing successful succession plans. In addition to working 1:1 with Advisor Group advisors in this program, the platform's consulting group also quarterbacks introductions to external professionals with experience in other key areas essential to implementing a successful succession plan. The platform's consulting team, led by Advisor Group's Senior Vice President of Succession & Acquisition, , JD, have assisted hundreds of advisors in developing and executing successful succession plans. In addition to working 1:1 with Advisor Group advisors in this program, the platform's consulting group also quarterbacks introductions to external professionals with experience in other key areas essential to implementing a successful succession plan. Specialized Resources and Guidance: My Succession Plan incorporates a suite of informational resources including sample deal structures, valuation models, template contracts and other documents, case studies, financing options and more, to help advisors through every step of the process. Todd Fulks, Advisor Group Senior Vice President of Succession & Acquisition, said, "Buyers and sellers of independent advisor practices continue to site finding the right partner as the most difficult aspect of a deal. Through this new offering, we've addressed this challenge leveraging our expertise in succession planning and created a platform that meets an increasingly important need in our industry." My Succession Plan is available to advisors within the Advisor Group network for a membership fee of $300 per year. Advisors outside of Advisor Group who are interested in finding buyers or continuity partners for their practices are also able to become members. For more information, visit MySuccessionPlan.com. About Advisor Group Advisor Group, Inc. is one of the nation's largest networks of independent financial advisors serving over 5,000 advisors and overseeing approximately $190 billion in client assets. Headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, the firm is mission-driven to support the heroic role that advisors can play in the lives of their clients, offering securities and investment advisory services through its subsidiaries FSC Securities Corp., Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., SagePoint Financial, Inc. and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc, as broker/dealers, registered investment advisors and members of FINRA and SIPC. Cultivating a spirit of entrepreneurship and independence, Advisor Group champions the enduring value of financial advisors and is committed to being in their corner every step of the way. For more information, please visit www.advisorgroup.com . Follow Advisor Group into the Future: @AdvisorGroupBDs on Twitter #AGFutureIsNow SOURCE Advisor Group Related Links http://www.advisorgroup.com "CERAM-A-STAR Expressions combines AkzoNobel's innovative ink with our wrinkle coating technologies. When applied to the print design, Expressions allows our customers to create looks that are truly differentiated," explains Scott Hanna, Sales Manager for AkzoNobel's coil coatings business. CERAM-A-STAR Expressions is based on CERAM-A-STAR 1050, AkzoNobel's industry-leading silicone-modified polyester coating, renowned for its durability, consistency, and color stability. Available since 2005, the performance of CERAM-A-STAR 1050 is proven through nearly two decades of test data and installations in the field. Expressions technology is also available in POLYDURE, AkzoNobel's polyester technology. "With CERAM-A-STAR Expressions our customers can create designs with unprecedented definition and dimension, including authentic-looking wood grain, slate or granite patterns," says Victoria Kale, Marketing Manager. "This aesthetic versatility makes Expressions an excellent choice for interior and exterior applications, including siding, roofing, entry doors, and architectural accents." For more information about CERAM-A-STAR Expressions or POLYDURE Expressions, please visit www.akzonobel.com. AkzoNobel manufactures high performance coatings to meet the needs of the metal construction industry. Our products include TRINAR, a 70 percent PVDF coating, and CERAM-A-STAR 1050, the benchmark of SMP paint systems. Both products are available in our Cool Chemistry formulations, which help make projects more energy efficient and sustainable. AkzoNobel coatings are widely specified for their excellent performance and durability, as well as their color and gloss retention. About AkzoNobel AkzoNobel creates everyday essentials to make people's lives more livable and inspiring. As a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals, we supply essential ingredients, essential protection and essential color to industries and consumers worldwide. Backed by a pioneering heritage, our innovative products and sustainable technologies are designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet, while making life easier. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we have approximately 46,000 people in around 80 countries, while our portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon and Eka. Consistently ranked as a leader in sustainability, we are dedicated to energizing cities and communities while creating a protected, colorful world where life is improved by what we do. SOURCE AkzoNobel Related Links http://www.akzonobel.com Purchase will widen Avison Young's U.K. footprint, add four new Principals TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Mark E. Rose, Chair and CEO of Avison Young, the world's fastest-growing commercial real estate services firm, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire market-leading U.K. firm WHR Property Consultants LLP (WHR) and open a new office in Manchester. Subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, the transaction is expected to close within 30 days. The Manchester office will represent Avison Young's fifth office in the U.K, 11th office in Europe, and an additional step in the firm's ongoing aggressive growth and expansion strategy. Over the past nine years, Avison Young has grown from 11 to, upon the closing of the WHR transaction, 81 offices in 73 markets, and from 300 to more than 2,600 real estate professionals in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and Europe. WHR is a multidisciplinary commercial property consultancy firm with a wide range of offerings, including industrial and office agency, capital markets, property management, asset management, rating and professional services. The firm was founded in 2004 by a group of Manchester-based property professionals. The goals of the partnership were to provide high-quality integrated property consultancy to customers including institutions, property companies and high-net-worth individuals. The partnership developed a strong market presence in the North West, with a focus on Manchester's city centre, and has been involved in many high-profile property transactions within the region. The firm has provided complex professional and consultancy services over the years, including some ground-breaking appeals in the area of business rates, to a wide variety of national and international clients. Effective upon the closing of the transaction, WHR will be rebranded as Avison Young and 35 new members will join from WHR. Mark Williams, Gareth Buckley, Mike Rooney and Dan Crossley will become Principals of Avison Young. Williams also will become Managing Director of the new Manchester office and will play a leading role in the company's strategic expansion in the North West region while managing the day-to-day operations of the office. He also will continue to work closely with Buckley, Rooney and Crossley and collaborate with Principals across the company. "We're thrilled to welcome the WHR team to Avison Young and open a new office in Manchester, which will provide us with a centre of excellence in the dynamic North West marketplace and expand our footprint in the U.K.," comments Rose. "The new Manchester team prides itself on close relationships with clients, many of whom have relied upon the firm since its inception. This acquisition is another important milestone in the expansion of our rapidly growing U.K. operations. Avison Young will provide the new team's clients with a countrywide service offering that spans the entire property lifecycle. In addition, we'll provide North West clients with access to overseas markets and global resources." Rose continues: "The WHR team will enable us to further bolster our service offering and provide us with insight and market knowledge at a local level. Mark, Gareth, Mike and Dan are well-respected leaders within the North West commercial property industry, and their combined experience and approach to the delivery of client projects will be extremely beneficial to Avison Young as we continue to execute our strategic growth plan throughout the U.K. Moreover, the addition of 35 members will further strengthen our existing high-performing U.K. team." Effective upon the closing of the transaction, Avison Young's new office in Manchester will be located within the central business district at The Lexicon, 9th floor, 10 Mount Street. "We are committed to rapid and intelligent growth in the U.K. as we add businesses and talent that align with Avison Young's culture and client-centric model," states Jason Sibthorpe, a Principal of Avison Young and Managing Director of the firm's U.K. region. "Our approach is both disruptive and holistic, starting with client needs and business objectives not with real estate. The acquisition of WHR is tremendously exciting and gives Avison Young significant regional presence and profile, underlining our commitment to deliver a full-service real estate platform in all of our markets. Furthermore, the new WHR team is a perfect match for us, as the members are focussed entirely on delivering added value for clients an approach that mirrors Avison Young's client-centric, Principal-led culture." Avison Young entered the U.K. market in April 2014 when it acquired London-based commercial real estate services firm Haywards LLP and opened new offices in the London West End and Thames Valley. In December 2015, the firm opened an office in the City of London, and further widened its U.K. footprint in January 2016 by expanding to the Midlands with the opening of an office in Coventry through the acquisition of North Rae Sanders. "By bringing WHR under the Avison Young umbrella, our mutual clients will benefit greatly from our extended geographic coverage, expertise and investments in supporting clients," says Hiren Thakar, Avison Young's COO, International Operations. "We are delighted to welcome a well-respected team that aligns with our culture of honesty, integrity and genuine partnership. We are proud to welcome four new Principals who, along with the wider business will add significant capability, leadership, aspiration and ambition to our U.K. operations." According to Williams: "While we are proud of WHR's achievements and growth to date, we do recognize that the future growth of the business will require a stronger national and, importantly, international brand. When we were approached by Avison Young, we were impressed with how closely our companies' philosophies aligned, and felt confident that our well-established regional presence would be enhanced by joining a larger firm with strong U.K. and international client bases. We feel that this move is particularly important in the context of Manchester and the North West of England, as we are seeing real estate become an increasingly globalized commodity." He adds: "Crucially, we were attracted by the culture of Avison Young and the company's structure, which enables employees and Principals to work together in partnership to grow the business with a collegial approach to decision-making. We look forward to collaborating with our new colleagues throughout the company as we serve clients on a local, national and international basis." The Greater Manchester area is the second most populous urban area in the U.K. with a population of approximately 2.6 million, which includes Manchester as well as several cities. Manchester is the largest and fastest-growing economic region outside London and is home to 65 of the FTSE 100 companies, with internationally recognized strengths in finance, life sciences, engineering and digital and creative sectors, according to the Meetings Industry Association (MIA). The Manchester region also has a strong industrial and logistics market with approximately 60% of the U.K.'s population being based within a 2.5-hour drive of the city, according to a national census. Biographies Mark Williams Mark Williams brings 31 years of commercial real estate experience to Avison Young, most recently as a founding partner of WHR in Manchester, where he led the capital markets team. During his career, he has specialized in investment disposals, acquisitions and appraisals, as well as development funding and joint-venture agreements. Williams has been involved in a variety of significant projects in the investment, development and consultancy fields, working with major corporations, institutional investors, property management companies and high-net-worth individuals. In addition, he has advised corporations and investors on restructuring their property assets in order to create enhanced investment value. Williams has been involved in some of the North West region's most significant investment transactions while also serving as an expert witness in legal and regulatory inquiries. During his time at WHR, he was involved in 1.5 billion worth of investment transactions and provided expert witness testimony in relation to a major regional planning enquiry. The department that he headed won the Insider North West Investment Agents of the Year Award for an unprecedented three years running in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Williams commenced his career in the commercial property sector with the Valuation Office in London and qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 1986 while employed by English Estates before moving to the Manchester office of Lambert Smith Hampton. From 1988, he worked in the firm's capital markets team and took overall responsibility for capital markets within the region before becoming head of the Manchester office in 2002. Williams holds an honours Bachelor of Science degree in land economics from Sheffield Hallam University. Gareth Buckley Gareth Buckley brings 30 years of commercial real estate experience to Avison Young. Prior to joining the company, he was a founding partner with WHR where he was responsible for the professional services team. Over the course of his career, he has developed expertise in all areas of business rates, including valuation, empty rates, advice upon the payment of rates and completion notices. He has also appeared before the Valuation Tribunal as an expert witness and advocate. Buckley commenced his career with the Valuation Office in Maidenhead. He then joined Herring Son & Daw in London and set up the firm's northern rating operation in Manchester in 1988. Following the acquisition of Herring Baker Harris (formerly Herring Son & Daw) by Lambert Smith Hampton, he was appointed head of rating. Buckley has advised clients throughout the U.K. on different types of property matters. He advised on the leading empty rate case of Makro Self Service Wholesalers Limited v Nuneaton & Bedworth Council. The High Court confirmed the ratepayers' right to manage their empty rate liability. This strategy has become the U.K. benchmark by which ratepayers are able to manage their liability. He also advised Gala Leisure in regard to the establishment of the principle that the introduction of the smoking ban could be taken into account when valuing for rating purposes, which had a major impact on the way in which properties could be valued. Buckley was formerly the honourary secretary and is an elected committee member of the Rating Surveyors' Association and a member of the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation (IRRV) board. Mike Rooney Mike Rooney, a 31-year commercial industry veteran of the Manchester marketplace, joins Avison Young after working as a founding partner of WHR. He specializes in the agency letting, acquisition and disposal ofindustrial and logistics buildings, and also advises on major commercial developments and mixed-use schemes. During his career, he has worked closely with North West firms, property developers, property companies, high-net-worth individuals and national institutional funds. Rooney trained and qualified in 1983 with WH Robinson, a Manchester-based firm of Chartered Surveyors, which was acquired by Lambert Smith Hampton. He was employed at Lambert Smith Hampton for 20 years, rising to head of industrial agency and development of the north of England before co-founding WHR in 2004. Dan Crossley Dan Crossley brings 23 years of commercial real estate industry experience to Avison Young, most recently as a founding partner of WHR in Manchester. His specialties include complex sale and leasebacks, creating joint-venture partnerships, development forward fundings, financial income-strip transactions and providing confidential advice to both banks and borrowers. Over many years, Crossley has been involved with some of the region's high-profile investment transactions, including such value-add deals as the purchase and subsequent disposal of Stakehill Industrial Estate in Middleton for a price in excess of 46 million, the acquisition of Towers Business Park in Didsbury for 46 million, and various city centre offices including 100 Barbirolli Square, Peter House and 76 King Street. Before helping to launch WHR, he was an associate director with Lambert Smith Hampton's capital markets group and held surveyor positions with two other companies, Cotton Thompson Cole and Chesterton. Crossley is a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) and holds an honours Bachelor of Science degree in urban land economics from Sheffield Hallam University. He is also a member of the Investment Property Forum (IPF), a founding member of the Manchester Property Forum (MPF), and sits on the property and construction committee of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. Avison Young is the world's fastest-growing commercial real estate services firm. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Avison Young is a collaborative, global firm owned and operated by its principals. Founded in 1978, the company comprises 2,600 real estate professionals in (effective upon closing of the WHR transaction) 81 offices, providing value-added, client-centric investment sales, leasing, advisory, management, financing and mortgage placement services to owners and occupiers of office, retail, industrial and multi-family properties. For further information/comment/photos: Sherry Quan , Principal, Global Director of Communications & Media Relations, Avison Young: 604.647.5098; mobile: 604.726.0959 , Principal, Global Director of Communications & Media Relations, Avison Young: mobile: Mark Rose , Chair and CEO, Avison Young: 416.673.4028 , Chair and CEO, Avison Young: Hiren Thakar , Principal and COO, International Operations, Avison Young: 312.273.4500 , Principal and COO, International Operations, Avison Young: Jason Sibthorpe , Principal and Managing Director, U.K., Avison Young: + 44 (0) 7786 337 016 , Principal and Managing Director, U.K., Avison Young: + Mark Williams , Principal and Managing Director, Manchester , Avison Young (effective upon closing of transaction): + 44 (0) 161 819 8220 , Principal and Managing Director, , Avison Young (effective upon closing of transaction): + Gareth Buckley , Principal, Avison Young (effective upon closing of transaction): + 44 (0) 161 819 8229 , Principal, Avison Young (effective upon closing of transaction): + Mike Rooney , Principal, Avison Young (effective upon closing of transaction): + 44 (0) 161 819 8215 , Principal, Avison Young (effective upon closing of transaction): Dan Crossley , Principal, Avison Young (effective upon closing of transaction): +44 (0)161 819 8221 Effective upon closing of transaction, Avison Young's new Manchester office will be located at: 9th Floor, The Lexicon, 10 Mount Street, Manchester, M2 5NT, phone: +44 (0)161 228 1001 www.avisonyoung.com Avison Young was a winner of Canada's Best Managed Companies program in 2011 and requalified in 2017 to maintain its status as a Best Managed Gold Standard company. Follow Avison Young on Twitter: For industry news, press releases and market reports: www.twitter.com/avisonyoung For Avison Young listings and deals: www.twitter.com/AYListingsDeals Follow Avison Young Bloggers: http://blog.avisonyoung.com Follow Avison Young on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/avison-young-commercial-real-estate Follow Avison Young on YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/AvisonYoungRE Follow Avison Young on Instagram: www.instagram.com/avison_young_global Editors/Reporters Please click on links to view and download photos of Mark Williams, Gareth Buckley, Mike Rooney and Dan Crossley: http://www.avisonyoung.com/documents/20342/2631393/Mark_Williams.jpg/d46b9210-0917-4c8f-9288-cfd1a48b7fd2?t=1504622231686 http://www.avisonyoung.com/documents/20342/2631393/Gareth_Buckley.jpg/28afe0d8-f271-4b03-90a0-0baa53b28670?t=1504622231028 http://www.avisonyoung.com/documents/20342/2631393/Mike_Rooney.jpg/8c54f981-84c2-42a2-8ece-44996b23b678?t=1504622232090 http://www.avisonyoung.com/documents/20342/2631393/Dan_Crossley.jpg/820791ab-d9ee-4e41-9635-ac623531e725?t=1504622232394 SOURCE Avison Young Commercial Real Estate (BC) Related Links www.avisonyoung.com GATINEAU, QC and GAINESVILLE, FL, Oct. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Agrisoma Biosciences Inc., is expanding its partnership with the University of Florida (UF) to advance the supply of bio jet fuel in the United States. The Quebec-based company and its subsidiary, Agrisoma USA, is working with a network of 40 academic researchers from seven Universities associated with UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Science. Agrisoma's goal is to maximize production of the tiny Carinata seed grown in the southeastern US, used to produce bio jet fuel. "Our research shows that Carinata grows well in the winter when fields are unseeded, giving farmers the opportunity to make a profit on their farms during winter months," says Steven Fabijanski, PhD., President and CEO of Agrisoma Biosciences Inc. The research project will operate under the oversight of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture, in conjunction with the Florida-based Southeast Partnership for Advanced Renewables from Carinata (SPARC). U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue is providing a $15M grant from the USDA to support the research initiative aimed at scaling commercial production of Carinata for aviation fuel. The SPARC team consists of scientists from several Southeast U.S. universities, government agencies, industry and a consortium representing the commercial aviation industry. "Our goal is to commercialize Carinata to produce jet fuel and feed for livestock while mitigating risks along the entire supply chain," says David Wright, project lead and an agronomy professor at the University of Florida. For several years, Wright has led a team of researchers at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy, Florida in studies to increase production of Carinata. These studies, supported by Agrisoma, have initiated large-scale commercial production of the crop in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. An advantage of the fuel produced from Carinata is that it requires no blending with petroleum-based fuel, says Ian Small, an assistant professor in the UF/IFAS plant pathology department and SPARC deputy project director. The military and commercial aviation industries are interested in renewables due to national security, their commitment to environmental stewardship and potential incentives from carbon credits, says Wright. To find out more about the Agrisoma and SPARC team, go to www.sparc-cap.com and www.agrisoma.ca SOURCE Agrisoma Biosciences Inc. BEIJING, Oct. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- China Renaissance is pleased to have been awarded Technology, Media & Telecom M&A Financial Adviser of the Year at the inaugural China M&A Awards held by Mergermarket. "We are especially honored as this award reflects a year's worth of efforts rather than a single deal," said Jeremy Choy, Managing Director and Head of M&A for China Renaissance, who attended the award ceremony on behalf of the firm. "It is a testament to our clarity of purpose, the strength of our team and, most importantly, the trust of our clients whose interests are at the heart of everything we do. "The deals we worked on this year demanded an evolution in our approach as the development of China's TMT sector creates ever more innovative business models and increases the complexity of transactions." The award caps a banner year for China Renaissance as it continued to grow the advisory platform as part of the firm's support for China's high-growth "new economy" companies. In the first three quarters alone, the firm closed 37 deals with a total transaction value exceeding $11.5 billion, among them: Advising the bike-sharing company Mobike in raising nearly $1 billion in equity capital from prominent strategic and financial investors, both domestic and international. in equity capital from prominent strategic and financial investors, both domestic and international. Advising longstanding client JD.com on the spinoff of its financial services subsidiary JD Finance, and its simultaneous capital raising, for a total transaction value of approximately $5.3 billion . . Serving as exclusive financial advisor to the logistics firm GOGOVAN of Hong Kong and the online market place 58.com of Beijing in their cross-border merger, hailed as creating Hong Kong's first 'unicorn.' and the online market place 58.com of in their cross-border merger, hailed as creating first 'unicorn.' Serving as exclusive financial advisor in forging a strategic cooperation agreement between Maoyan and Weying, two leading online ticketing platforms in China , in a total transaction value exceeding $2.0 billion . China Renaissance's M&A practice supports the firm's overall mission to be the leading financial partner to China's new economy companies, those with progressive, often tech-oriented business models and high-growth potential. Its clients are entrepreneurial innovators who are constantly pushing limits in their fields and pursing outcomes that can change the shape of industries and influence people's everyday experience of life. About China Renaissance China Renaissance Group ("CR Group") is a leading financial institution that combines private placement advisory, M&A advisory, securities underwriting, research, sales and trading, investment management and other financial services. Providing one-stop financial services across mainland China, Hong Kong and the United States, CR Group operates a competitive and unique international network that connects China's capital markets with the rest of the world, serving new economy entrepreneurs and investors globally. CR Group has offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and New York, with over 600 professionals. Since its establishment in 2004, CR Group has completed more than 500 transactions, including IPOs, M&A transactions and private placements, with over $90 billion in total deal value. CR Group also has a private equity subsidiary with 20 billion RMB in AUM. SOURCE China Renaissance Group Related Links http://www.chinarenaissance.com LONDON, October 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The structure of the Chinese steel sector has changed fundamentally over the last 18 months, as supply reform has been pushed through. This will continue to have a significant impact on pricing and profitability of the domestic industry. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/536199/CRU_Logo.jpg ) As the steady-state profitability of the domestic market lifts, the incentive to seek sales overseas will fall and we expect carbon steel exports from China to drop. Importantly, the price of these exports will be closely linked to the higher domestic prices, therefore, they will be priced higher relative to costs compared with recent years. We believe this situation will benefit steelmakers everywhere, as capacity utilisation of the industry lifts and profitability improves. Improved Chinese industry health to spread? We believe that closures in the Chinese steel sector have fundamentally changed the structure of the industry and, as discussed in our previous two Insights of this series, we expect this will lead to higher margins on steel sales and, more specifically, a stronger domestic market. But what does this mean for exports of steel, export prices and, more importantly, for steel makers elsewhere in the world? The strength of the domestic market: a key determinant of exports Analysis previously carried out by CRU has shown that there are three key determinants of exports from a country. These are: Strength of domestic market; Cost competitiveness; Strength of destination markets. Our analysis indicates that the primary determinant is 'strength of the domestic market'. The other 2 factors become important when a significant shift occurs, such as in 2014 when steel demand and prices in the USA were very strong, which pulled in imports, but also lifted scrap prices. In turn, higher scrap prices conferred a cost advantage on Chinese steelmakers delivering into the South East Asia region. In response, during the year, Chinese exports ramped up by more than 50%, with increased exports to the USA, but primarily to South East Asia. Read the full story: http://bit.ly/Chinese-steel-exports Read more about CRU: http://bit.ly/About_CRU About CRU CRU offers unrivalled business intelligence on the global metals, mining and fertilizer industries through market analysis, price assessments, consultancy and events. Since our foundation in 1969, we have consistently invested in primary research and robust methodologies, and developed expert teams in key locations worldwide, including in hard-to-reach markets such as China. CRU employs over 250 experts and has more than 10 offices around the world, in Europe, the Americas, China, Asia and Australia - our office in Beijing opened in 2004. When facing critical business decisions, you can rely on this first-hand knowledge to give you a complete view on a commodity market. And you can engage with our experts directly, for the full picture and a personalised response. CRU - big enough to deliver a high quality service, small enough to care about all of our customers. SOURCE CRU (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 ) Browse 209 Market Data Tables and 56 Figures spread through 102 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Geotextile Market" http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/geotextiles-market-492.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report The rising demand of geotextiles due to superior properties and low cost, high demand in road construction, and growing infrastructure activities in emerging economies are the key factors driving the growth of the geotextile market globally. Synthetic geotextile is the fastest-growing material type segment of the geotextile market. Based on material type, the synthetic geotextile segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2017 to 2022. Synthetic geotextile is widely utilized in the construction industry, majorly for separation and filtration applications. Within the synthetic geotextile segment; polypropylene and polyester (PET) are the preferred materials in the construction industry mainly due to the material being comparatively cheaper than other raw materials. Nonwoven geotextile is the fastest-growing product type in the geotextile market. Based on product type, the nonwoven geotextile segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2017 to 2022. Nonwoven geotextiles are a preferred material for various application segments of geotextiles as they are capable of withstanding harsh conditions and challenging construction loads. Get PDF Brochure @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=492 Road construction and pavement repair is the fastest-growing application segment of the geotextile market. Based on application, the road construction and pavement repair segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2017 to 2022. Geotextiles help enhance the performance as well as the life of the road. Thus, there is a high demand for geotextile in this segment. Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing regional segment of the geotextile market. The geotextile market in the Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. China, India, Japan, and South Korea are the key countries contributing to the high demand for geotextiles in the Asia Pacific region. Availability of cheap labor and raw materials has resulted in Asia Pacific to be the preferred region for expansion by various leading manufacturers across the globe, thus making the region to be fastest-growing geotextile market. Some of the leading players operating in the Geotextile Market include Koninklijke TenCate (Netherlands), Low & Bonar (UK), Fibertex Nonwovens (Denmark), Thrace Group (Greece), Huesker (Germany), Berry Global (US), DuPont (US), Strata Systems (US), Leggett & Platt (US), Officine Maccaferri (Italy), GSE Environmental (US), Kaytech (South Africa), Mattex (Saudi Arabia), NAUE (Germany), Propex Operating Company (US), Carthage Mills (US), and Asahi Kasei Advance Corporation (Japan), among others. Inquiry before Buying @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=492 Browse Related Reports Technical Textile Market by Product (Fabric, Unspun Fiber, Yarn-type Products), Technology (Nonwoven, Fabric, Weaving, Knitting, Spinning), Fiber (Synthetic, Natural, Specialty), Application (Mobiltech, Indutech, Sportech, Others), Colorant (Dye, Pigment), Fabric - Global Forecast to 2020 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/technical-textile-market-1074.html Geofoams Market by Type (EPS geofoams, XPS geofoams), by Application (Roadways, Building & Construction), and by Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World) - Global Forecast to 2020 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/geofoams-market-193832866.html Know More About our Knowledge Store @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Knowledgestore.asp About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 5000 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Rohan MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Blog @ http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/chemical Connect with us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets SOURCE MarketsandMarkets River House will consist of two newly-constructed seven story buildings and approximately 5,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space fronting Point Street and the Providence River and will service the housing needs of graduate, medical and upper level nursing students. The property is scheduled to open May 2019. "GMH is excited to be developing a premier residential property in the city of Providence," stated Gary M. Holloway Jr., President of GMH Capital Partners. "We look forward to serving Brown and the other institutions that have located to South Street Landing with a water-front housing project that delivers great accommodations and amenities. I am also enthusiastic about our partnership with Wexford and look forward to delivering River House as a key component of South Street Landing and the growing Jewelry District and to executing similar projects with them across their portfolio," concluded Holloway. River House will comprise the final element in Wexford's South Street Landing development, which currently consists of approximately 265,000 square feet of academic and office space as well as a 744-space parking garage. It is a vibrant ecosystem of academics, commerce and innovation, serving the needs of Brown University as well as housing the Rhode Island Nursing Education Center (NEC), utilized by the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College. "Wexford is pleased to be partnering with GMH to create an engaging residential project that brings density, activity, and a sense of community to our expanding Knowledge Community in Providence's Jewelry District, said Jim Berens, Wexford Science & Technology's president and CEO. River House will enhance the community's ability to access the River and experience convenient pedestrian living. Sitting adjacent to the Davol Square bus stop that is serviced by the Brown University Shuttle, River House provides convenient access to the College Hill campus and doubles as a stop for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority offering access to all over Rhode Island. "Brown is excited about River House as the next phase of a development project that supports Brown's vision for a vibrant campus in the Jewelry District," said Russell Carey, Brown's executive vice president for planning. "The proximity of the River House to our Warren Alpert Medical School offers new residential options for our students studying downtown, as well as other graduate students who desire the location." About GMH Capital Partners: GMH Capital Partners is a nationally recognized leader in the real estate market specializing in the areas of development, construction, investment, and asset management. GMH Capital Partners has developed numerous successful student, multi-family communities and commercial developments around the United States including student, military, retail and commercial properties. GMH Capital Partners provides streamlined resources and solutions to its partners, clients and tenants by utilizing strategic planning, integrated technology solutions and an expert executive team. SOURCE GMH Capital Partners SAO PAULO, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes S.A. ("GLAI") (NYSE: GOL and B3: GOLL4), Brazil's #1 airline, announces its 3Q17 earnings release schedule. 3Q17 Earnings release November 8, 2017 (before trading hours). The release will be available on our website www.voegol.com.br/ir. Quiet period In accordance with fair disclosure and corporate governance best practices, GOL will begin its quiet period on October 24, and will end immediately after the earnings call on November 8. Conference Calls: English Portuguese November 8, 2017 November 8, 2017 11:30 a.m. (US EST) 01:00 p.m. (US EST) 02:30 p.m. (Brasilia time) 04:00 p.m. (Brasilia time) Phone: +1 (412) 317-5453 Phone: +55 (11) 3193-1001 +55 (11) 2820-4001 Code: GOL Code: GOL Replay phone: +1 (412) 317-0088 Replay phone: +55 (11) 3193-1012 Replay code: 10099790 Replay code: 9497748# Webcast: click here Webcast: click here Participants are requested to connect ten minutes prior to the time set for the conference calls. Slides and webcast: A slide presentation will be available for viewing and downloading in our website www.voegol.com.br/ir and MZiQ platform (www.mziq.com). The conference calls will be live broadcast over the internet on the same website, remaining available after the event. Replay: A conference call replay facility will be available for 7 days. CONTACT Investor Relations [email protected] www.voegol.com.br/ir +55(11) 2128-4700 For further information visit www.voegol.com.br/ir CONTACTS INVESTOR RELATIONS Phone: +55 (11) 2128-4700 E-mail: [email protected] CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS Phone: +55 (11) 2128-4183 E-mail: [email protected] About GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes S.A. Brazil's largest airline group. GOL is Brazil's largest airline, carrying 33 million passengers annually on more than 700 daily flights to 63 destinations, 52 in Brazil and 11 in South America and the Caribbean, on a fleet of 120 Boeing 737 aircraft, with a further 120 Boeing 737 MAX on order. GOLLOG is a leading cargo transportation and logistics business serving more than 2,200 Brazilian municipalities and, through partners, 205 international destinations in 95 countries. SMILES is one of the largest coalition loyalty programs in Latin America, with over 12 million registered participants, allowing clients to accumulate miles and redeem tickets for more than 700 locations worldwide. GOL has a team of more than 15,000 highly skilled aviation professionals delivering Brazil's top on-time performance, and an industry leading 16 year safety record. GOL's shares are traded on the NYSE (GOL) and the B3 (GOLL4). SOURCE GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes S.A. Related Links http://www.voegol.com.br/ir SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Golden Gate Produce Market, the largest and busiest produce terminal in Northern California, today announced the completion of a major upgrade to the facility that included a series of infrastructure, environmental, food safety and traffic improvements. The enhancements include installation of solar panels for the entire market, energy efficiency upgrades, improved cold chain food storage management and worker safety systems, as well as smoother traffic flow within the facility, which is a mile from San Francisco International Airport on Highway 101. To recognize the completion of the project, the Market and Vista Solar, the Bay Area firm that designed and managed the installation of the solar panels, will host a celebration with customers and employees on Oct. 20. 2017. The event will feature remarks from U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier, San Mateo County Superior Dave Pine, South San Francisco Mayor Pradeep Gupta, and Produce Market Board Member Steve Hurwitz, CEO and Founder of Bay Area Herbs. "The improvements to the Golden Gate Produce Market set the stage for our continued success for decades to come," said Peter Carcione, President of the Golden Gate Produce Market. "These investments expand our capability to deliver the highest-quality fruits, vegetables and specialty produce to deliver to business and consumers across Northern California." The 742,000-square foot facility in South San Francisco currently employs 475 workers. Twenty-three independent and family-owned businesses operate at the Market, including wholesalers, jobbers, commission merchants, brokers, foodservice distributors, processors and one restaurant. More than 15 million packages move through the Market each year. The enhancements were made after extensive market research and feedback with customers and businesses operating at the market. The Market's seven-member board approved the following: The installation of solar panels that will virtually reduce the Market's need to draw energy from the power grid Upgraded electronic, water and sewage systems Improved traffic flow within the facility A number of worker safety upgrades, including better lighting and loading dock safeguards Improved cold chain storage management to ensure quality, freshness and food safety A complete makeover of the building's exterior, including new signage, and expanded parking About The Golden Gate Produce Market The Golden Gate Produce Market is the largest and busiest produce terminal in Northern California. Based in South San Francisco a mile from San Francisco International Airport, the Market provides the highest-quality fruits, vegetables and specialty produce to more than 15 million people in Northern California. The Market specializes in providing product to a wide range of demographics, including Caucasian, Asian, Latino, India and Middle Eastern consumers. For more information visit, www.goldengateproduceterminal.com or call, 650.583-4886. About Vista Solar Vista Solar is an award-winning commercial solar firm serving California businesses. Providing $0-down financing solutions that allow companies to increase their bottom-line without any capital outlay, Vista Solar specializes in the design and installation of rooftop, carport, and ground mount solar solutions that generate dependable energy production and long-term financial benefits for businesses. For more information, please visit www.vista-solar.com. Media Contacts Golden Gate Produce Market Greg Berardi, Blue Marlin Partners 415.239.7826, [email protected] Vista Solar Chelsea Bauer 915.269.7513, [email protected] SOURCE Golden Gate Produce Market Related Links http://www.goldengateproduceterminal.com On the design front, Sawhney dove in. Think: West Elm leather pedi chairs and a custom, 12-foot walnut mani bar. "I wanted to carefully curate the prettiest space in which our clients have ever stepped out of their shoes!" says Sawhney. And curate, she did. Furnished by design faves, Serena & Lily, DWR, West Elm, Pablo Designs, and Leon & George, Marlowe oozes with bright whites and design sophistication. "I started with a raw space, and spent nearly a year thinking through the perfect in-store experience," explains Sawhney. The result? "It's a design aesthetic meant to evoke clean and coastal California," says Sawhney. Behind the scenes, Marlowe runs a clean machine: they provide single-use tools wherever feasible (take them home, post mani/pedi!), and a dedicated "clean room" for medical-grade sterilization processes. A silent, state-of-the-art ventilation system keeps out fumes, and pedicures are performed in sleek, fiberglass foot bowls that can be thoroughly sterilized. How's this for modern? Guests can book appointments online and the store runs entirely cashless, accepting only credit and debit cards. "We're convinced going cashless is the way of the future," says Sawhney, "and we find tremendous benefit, from a safety and sustainability standpoint, as well." The best part: they're pre-booking complimentary mani polish changes for their grand opening party, Saturday, October 28th. Marlowe was founded in 2016 by Rebecca Sawhney, and the Berkeley flagship store is the newest addition to the trendy Fourth Street shopping area. The stylishly minimalist space offers clean + polish services for hands and feet. For more information, visit hellomarlowe.com, or call (510) 548-6000. Rebecca Sawhney (510) 548-6000 [email protected] hellomarlowe.com SOURCE Marlowe Related Links http://www.hellomarlowe.com TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- This week, Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez pledged his full support for Honduras's new Specialized Courts in Extortion Matters. Supreme Court President Rolando Argueta inaugurated the legal body's 30 judges. "My administration is fully committed to rooting out corruption and extortion in Honduras," President Hernandez said. "An independent judiciary is crucial to this effort. We stand ready to support the Specialized Courts' efforts." The new judges passed several rounds of rigorous vetting by third-party legal groups, including the Association of Judges for Democracy, the Association of Judges and Magistrates of Honduras, and the Association of Public Defenders. The new courts will supplement the Hernandez administration's anti-corruption initiatives, including its Special Commission for the Purging and Transformation of the National Police. The commission removed nearly one-third of the police force on corruption charges last year. President Hernandez also signed a new Law on Police Careers in August, which dismissed corrupt National Police officers and set new rules for career promotions. "My administration is confronting corruption and crime head on," President Hernandez said. "These courts show that Honduras will vigorously prosecute anyone who breaks our laws." Media Contact: Andrew Grafton [email protected] 202-471-4228 ext. 119 SOURCE Republic of Honduras TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- This week, upon returning to Tegucigalpa from a visit to Washington D.C., Honduras's Supreme Electoral Tribunal President David Matamoros confirmed that the Tribunal is gearing up for a transparent and free Honduran national election on November 26. "The Supreme Electoral Tribunal plays an integral role in safeguarding the integrity of our nation's elections," Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez said. "I look forward to a free and fair vote next month." Republic of Honduras Matamoros called on all political parties to reflect on how to make this election run smoothly and emphasized that all votes count equally. A vote from the rich is as valid as a vote from the working class, he said. He also called for unwavering respect for candidates and the media. During his visit to Washington DC, Matamoros met with representatives from the Organization of American States (OAS) and the U.S. State Department. During these meetings, Supreme Electoral Tribunal magistrates guaranteed full transparency. An OAS mission will visit Honduras to oversee the technical aspects of the election. "Our election will adhere to the highest international democratic standards," President Hernandez said. "We are grateful to the OAS and the European Union for their assistance as we work to ensure a free and fair Honduran election." Media Contact: Andrew Grafton [email protected] 202-471-4228 ext. 119 https://keybridgecommunications.com/ SOURCE Republic of Honduras ATLANTA, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As financial technology (FinTech) and financial services (FinServ) leaders travel to Las Vegas for Money20/20, the world's largest payments and financial services innovation event, the Atlanta region is tapping partnerships to stay on top. Metro Atlanta's role in helping to create the payments industry and being home to more than 60 percent of the nation's FinTech companies including First Data, NCR, Worldpay and Global Payments established the region as the World FinTech Capital. It also earned the moniker "Transaction Alley" because more than 70 percent of all debit, credit and gift card transactions in America flow through the area. Now, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Technology Association of Georgia, the American Transaction Processors Coalition, FinTech Atlanta and other organizations are working together to reinforce the region's advantages for startups and existing businesses alike. Those benefits include being a hotbed for talent, having a favorable economic climate for the industry itself, and being a place where both businesses and workers can thrive. "From logistics companies and airlines to retailers and restaurants, all companies depend on financial technology to power transactions quickly and securely every day," said Barry McCarthy, executive vice president, head of network and security solutions at First Data, and chairman of FinTech Atlanta. "The collaboration between the public sector and the private sector in Atlanta has enabled the city to emerge as the global FinTech capital, bringing together companies of all sizes to help advance commerce not only in the city but also in the industry as a whole." This partnership helps companies and the FinTech ecosystem flourish, as it connects established Georgia companies with local startups for Money20/20. Established companies "adopt" a startup, providing them with a grant of $5,000 to cover costs of attending. In addition, corporate sponsors meet with their adopted startup before the show, strategizing ways to make the most effective use of their time on the ground. Some startups spend time in their sponsor's booth, while others plan strategic meetings with clients and prospects the sponsor has helped set up. This year, startups benefitting from the partnership include Authomate (sponsored by FIS), Monotto (sponsored by First Data), Trust Stamp (sponsored by TSYS) and Wela (co-sponsored by Accenture and SunTrust Bank). "From the outset, roughly two years ago, we found fantastic mentors and partners in the local financial services community," said Andrew Gowasack, CEO and co-founder of Trust Stamp. "We were thrilled when one of the most revered financial companies in the state, with their decades of experience, offered to sponsor us because it validates we are addressing a critical need in the market." Karim Ahmad, executive vice president of product and innovation at TSYS, said the company is proud to be part of an innovative community that is dedicated to supporting local FinTech businesses of all sizes. "We view this sponsorship as a unique opportunity to support the community and the startup ecosystem, while raising the visibility of Atlanta's 'transaction alley' at the largest FinTech event in the country. This initiative is important to TSYS because it's Atlanta supporting Atlanta coming together as a united industry." In addition to the opportunities arranged by their sponsors, startups have time to mix privately with established business leaders at a CEO dinner, creating open channels for mutual support. During Money20/20, the region will also host Atlanta's Transaction Alley Reception, an opportunity for several hundred business leaders and guests to mingle and network. One year after debuting the launch of FinTech Atlanta at Money20/20 2016, the region continues to have strong representation on stage and in the expo hall, as well. This year's speakers from Atlanta include: Andrew B. Morris, Money20/20; Kathryn Petralia, Kabbage; Bruce Lowthers, FIS; Adam Roseman, LateShift; Andrew Gowasack, Trust Stamp; Christian Ruppe, Monotto; Kim Goodman, Worldpay US; Esther Pigg, FIS; and Simon Black, PPRO. Exhibitors include: Bridge2 Solutions, CAN Capital, Equifax, FactorTrust, Features Analytics, Featurespace, Feedzai, FIS, First Data, Fiserv, IDology, Ingenico, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, NCR, PPRO, TSYS, Sage Payment Solutions, TriNet, UL Transaction Security and Worldpay. Sponsors from or with a Georgia presence include: Accenture, Bank of America Merchant Services, Bridge2 Solutions, Deloitte, EY, Equifax, Featurespace, Federal Reserve Bank, Feedzai, First Data, Fiserv, Factor Trust, Features Analytics, FIS, FinTech Atlanta, IBM, IDology, InComm, InfoSys, Ingenico, LateShift, LexisNexis, NCR, PPRO, Pivotal, Sage Payment Solutions, TSYS, TriNet, UL, Vantiv, VMware and Worldpay. To learn more about the FinTech movement, visit www.fintechatlanta.org. About FinTech Atlanta FinTech Atlanta is a coalition of more than 100 organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, startups, universities, and industry associations, all working to cement Atlanta as the recognized global capital of financial technology. The group strives to fund and energize efforts to recruit, retain and expand businesses and jobs across the FinTech ecosystem in metro Atlanta. To learn how metro Atlanta and Georgia's FinTech ecosystem is driving more than $30 billion in annual revenues visit www.fintechatlanta.org. SOURCE The Metro Atlanta Chamber Related Links http://www.metroatlantachamber.com Members from both IHG Rewards Club and Kimpton Karma will benefit from the breadth of hotel options and redemption possibilities this combined program will offer, in addition to the following: More Choices in More Places Kimpton Karma members will be automatically enrolled in IHG Rewards Club, gaining access to an expansive portfolio of nearly 5,300 hotels, including 11 additional IHG brands in almost 100 countries. In turn, IHG Rewards Club members will now be able to earn reward points and redeem Reward Nights at more than 60 Kimpton boutique hotels across urban locations, up-and-coming cities and resort destinations. members will be automatically enrolled in IHG Rewards Club, gaining access to an expansive portfolio of nearly 5,300 hotels, including 11 additional IHG brands in almost 100 countries. In turn, IHG Rewards Club members will now be able to earn reward points and redeem Reward Nights at more than 60 Kimpton boutique hotels across urban locations, up-and-coming cities and resort destinations. More Ways to Earn Faster Kimpton Karma members will enjoy the ability to accelerate higher tier status and earn more benefits with incentives and promotions that are personalized for them. Members can also earn points through IHG partners for everyday activities like renting a car, ordering flowers, shopping, dining and more. members will enjoy the ability to accelerate higher tier status and earn more benefits with incentives and promotions that are personalized for them. Members can also earn points through IHG partners for everyday activities like renting a car, ordering flowers, shopping, dining and more. More Benefits and Perks Kimpton Karma members will enjoy the many benefits that have made IHG Rewards Club an industry best program, including discounted rates when booking direct, value-priced Reward Nights with no blackout dates, no cancellation penalties, online reward redemption and the opportunity to redeem with hundreds of partners, including airline miles. Members also have access to digital innovations such as the industry's first mobile app, as well as mobile check-out and stay preferences. The IHG Rewards Club Concierge shopping experience also offers members the ability to redeem points for everything from event tickets and experiences, to exchanging points for an endless variety of items. Kimpton Karma members will enjoy the many benefits that have made IHG Rewards Club an industry best program, including discounted rates when booking direct, value-priced Reward Nights with no blackout dates, no cancellation penalties, online reward redemption and the opportunity to redeem with hundreds of partners, including airline miles. Members also have access to digital innovations such as the industry's first mobile app, as well as mobile check-out and stay preferences. The IHG Rewards Club Concierge shopping experience also offers members the ability to redeem points for everything from event tickets and experiences, to exchanging points for an endless variety of items. Continued Personalization The personalized perks and recognition that have been a hallmark of Kimpton Karma will continue as part of the Kimpton experience, in addition to exclusive Kimpton offers, invitations to private events and more. Susanna Freer Epstein, Senior Vice President, Customer Loyalty Marketing, IHG, said: "Both IHG and Kimpton have built two strong loyalty programs that have attracted a tremendously loyal base of members who are passionate about our brands. By joining them together, Karma Rewards members will now have access to the global scale of nearly 5,300 hotels, as well as all of the great benefits available through IHG Rewards Club, like access to our many partners and exclusive rates. We will also extend our personal offers and customized benefits to welcome Kimpton guests into our family. At the same time, our existing IHG Rewards Club members will also be able to earn and redeem points for stays at Kimpton hotels, further exposing them to new brands and new places." Kathleen Reidenbach, Chief Commercial Officer, Kimpton, said: "Becoming part of IHG Rewards Club allows us to answer some common requests from our Kimpton Karma Rewards members, such as no blackout dates, online redemption, and perhaps the pinnacle of it all, a whole world of international opportunities that the IHG Rewards Club program offers. With the increased portfolio of hotels 80 times more hotels than what we've been able to offer our members can now travel all around the world earning and redeeming points, including new international Kimpton destinations. What's equally exciting is that members will continue to enjoy the highly personalized experience that Kimpton delivers, while gaining access to the rich benefits of IHG Rewards Club. It's really a win-win." IHG Rewards Club is the world's first hotel loyalty program, with more than 100 million enrolled members worldwide. IHG Rewards Club members may begin earning rewards and redeeming them at Kimpton properties and will have their IHG Rewards Club current status recognized and receive all applicable in-hotel benefits, starting in early 2018. All Kimpton Karma earned reward nights will be honored. Karma member tier levels will map to IHG Rewards Club membership levels, and activity accrued toward an earned night will be converted into IHG Rewards Club points. Karma InnerCircle will continue to exist at Kimpton hotels and will be grandfathered into the program in 2018. You can learn more about how IHG Rewards Club and Kimpton Karma are coming together here. Notes to Editors: ABOUT IHG IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global organisation with a broad portfolio of hotel brands, including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo, EVEN Hotels, HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Holiday Inn Resort, avid hotels, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites. IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns nearly 5,300 hotels and more than 785,000 guest rooms in almost 100 countries, with more than 1,500 hotels in its development pipeline. IHG also manages IHG Rewards Club, our global loyalty programme, which has more than 100 million enrolled members. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales. More than 350,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally. Visit www.ihg.com for hotel information and reservations and www.ihgrewardsclub.com for more on IHG Rewards Club. For our latest news, visit: www.ihgplc.com/media and follow us on social media at: www.twitter.com/ihg, www.facebook.com/ihg and www.youtube.com/ihgplc. ABOUT KIMPTON HOTELS & RESTAURANTS San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is the acknowledged industry pioneer that introduced the boutique hotel concept to the United States in 1981. Anchored in one-of-a-kind experiences, Kimpton operates more than 60 hotels and 70 restaurants, bars and lounges across urban locations, resort destinations and up and coming markets in the United States, Europe and the Caribbean. Time and again, Kimpton has demonstrated its commitment to creating spaces and experiences that are centered on its guests. From inspiring design that evokes curiosity to forward-thinking flavors that feed the soul, every detail is thoughtfully curated and artfully delivered. The Kimpton experience is always meaningful, unscripted and ridiculously personal. Kimpton is highly regarded for its workplace culture and has been consistently recognized on the FORTUNE magazine "100 Best Companies to Work For" list. Empowered employees bring to life the heartfelt guest experience that has come to define Kimpton. In January 2015, Kimpton became part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) family of hotel brands. For more information, visit www.KimptonHotels.com. SOURCE IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) Related Links http://www.6c.com Kabir was an Associate Portfolio Manager for the Wasatch International Growth Fund since 2015 and joined Wasatch Advisors in 2012 as a Senior Equities Analyst on the international research team. Before joining Wasatch Advisors, Kabir worked as an equity analyst at Putnam Investments in Boston, focusing on international industrials and materials. He began his career at Cambridge Associates in Menlo Park, California, where he was promoted to senior associate and team leader of the associates. In addition to the CFA certification, Kabir holds an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management and a BA in computer science and economics from Pomona College. Kabir also taught English in Japan for two years. At Brown Capital Management, we succeed because of our people. Kabir will join existing International Team members Maurice L. Haywood, CFA, and Duncan J. Evered, who together, exemplify our collaborative, research-focused culture. In addition to their combined 78 years of industry experience, the team leverages the asset management expertise of their Mid and Small Company investment team colleagues averaging 27 years of industry experience. "I am delighted to join Brown Capital Management a firm that has stood the test of time for over thirty years and values its people, respects its clients, believes in its investment process and operates with the highest ethical standards," said Kabir. "We have been managing international strategies for nearly two decades, and Kabir is an outstanding addition to our firm. We believe that as a team, Maurice, Duncan, and Kabir are well positioned to grow and build upon our existing international investment capabilities for years to come," says Eddie C. Brown, Founder, Chairman, and CEO. About Brown Capital Management Brown Capital Management is a 100% employee-owned investment management firm. As a focused growth manager since 1983, investors access domestic and international publicly traded equity markets through separately managed accounts and mutual funds. The Firm strives to provide clients with above-average investment returns and high-quality client service. A disciplined investment approach attracts and retains experienced, self-motivated professionals dedicated to achieving the investment needs and objectives of clients. For more information on Brown Capital Management, visit www.browncapital.com. Media Contact Nupur P. Flynn 443-573-6418 [email protected] SOURCE Brown Capital Management Related Links http://www.browncapital.com According to KAYAK Search Data, Warm Weather Destinations Dominate This Year's Top Trending Lists TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Travel trendsetters take note: KAYAK, the world's leading travel search engine, has forecasted the trending destinations where Canadians will be traveling to this holiday season and how long they plan to escape the colder climate. KAYAK also shared key insights and travel hacks to make planning holiday travel easier and more affordable. According to KAYAK's data, people are taking more time off this year compared to last year with vacation days up across the board for Canadians, Americans and those in the U.K. But, Canadians are enjoying the most time off by taking an average of 13 vacation days over the holiday season- three days longer than U.S. travelers and two days longer than travelers in the U.K. Known to be a bit more relaxed than their U.S. counterparts, these traits are reflected in their booking habits. Specifically, Canadians procrastinate when it comes to holiday travel waiting until October to start the search in comparison to Americans who start searching for holiday travel one month earlier in September. "When it comes to Canadian travelers, one trend we continue to see every year is their love for warm weather destinations- especially during the holidays," says David Solomito, VP of Brand Marketing North America. "When we looked at the most popular destinations for Canadians over the holiday season, Florida was a clear favorite with three out of the top five destinations in the sunshine state which isn't surprising given its sunny skies and proximity to the east coast of Canada." Destinations Gaining Momentum for Canadians During the 2017 Winter Holidays Include Jamaica, Mexico, Spain and Brazil Get on your way to Montego Bay: According to KAYAK data, Montego Bay ranked #1 among the top ten trending holiday destinations for Canadian travelers with a 53% increase in searches compared to last year. Because Jamaica escaped two powerful hurricanes unscathed it's a great option for anyone faced with decisions around where to vacation in the Caribbean this holiday season. Kauai, Kingston and Sao Paulo also saw an increase in interest, proving time again that Canadians are looking to escape the cold weather for the holidays. Canadian deal seekers, consider Mexico. Not only did Cancun and Puerto Vallarta both make the top 10 trending list for holiday travel, but four out of 10 cities on KAYAK's wallet-friendly holiday destinations list for Canadians are within Mexico and offer some of the best travel deals for the holidays, especially those looking for last-minute getaways. Portugal is the new Iceland, according to Torontonians: While Reykjavik continues to be a top travel destination, Portugal is out to steal the limelight this holiday season; Lisbon grabs the #1 spot on the top trending holiday destinations list for Torontonians with a 190% increase in searches YOY. Affordable accommodations and a good public transit system paired with an increase in direct flights are likely driving interest to this historical city. Calgarians are taking the long haul for warmer weather: Cape Town and Lima rank among the top searched destinations by Calgarians, seeing more than an 80% increase in searches YOY. Whether it's due to a weakened rand in South Africa or the booming culinary scene in Peru (Machu Picchu is a given), both destinations offer something for everyone - from budget to indulgence. TOP 10 TRENDING HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS FOR CANADIANS City Country % increase over 2016 Montego Bay Jamaica 53% Kauai, HI United States 49% Sao Paulo Brazil 49% Cancun Mexico 46% Singapore Singapore 41% Kingston Jamaica 39% Puerto Vallarta Mexico 37% Las Vegas United States 35% Lima Peru 35% Barcelona Spain 31% Save Time and Money: KAYAK Travel Hacks Show How and Where to Score the Best Deals Leave on a Friday, Return on a Monday: As you feel the pinch of the holiday season approaching, consider this KAYAK Travel Hack: for both international and domestic flights, Friday is the cheapest day to fly out/start your trip compared to any other day of the week. The cheapest return is on a Monday. Now's the time to head to Reykjavik: The Icelandic capital is still wooing tourists and snagged the #2 spot on KAYAK's international wallet-friendly destinations for the holidays according to KAYAK search data. A flight to Reykjavik will only set you back around $610, and don't forget to make use of the numerous stopover programs airlines have implemented. For Canadians looking for more ideas, inspiration and hacks, check out KAYAK's Holiday Travel Hacker Guide. It's a data-driven resource for travelers in North America looking to get the scoop on the hottest destinations to ring in the New Year, the most affordable cities to fly to and the best time to book your winter holiday flights. About KAYAK KAYAK, the world's leading travel search engine, searches other sites to show travelers the information they need to find the right flights, hotels, rental cars and vacation packages. In addition to KAYAK, the company operates a portfolio of metasearch brands including momondo, Cheapflights, SWOODOO, checkfelix and Mundi that together process more than two billion consumer queries for travel information a year. KAYAK is an independently managed subsidiary of The Priceline Group. For more information, visit www.KAYAK.com. Methodology: Unless otherwise indicated, KAYAK considered searches conducted on the Canadian KAYAK sites between 01/01/2017-09/18/2017 for travel from Canada occurring between 12/1/2017 - 01/15/2018. To compare YOY findings, KAYAK looked at the same search and travel dates for the previous year (2016). All searches were pulled from KAYAK's internal database looking at median prices. All flight searches are round-trip economy flights, excluding price outliers based on certain criteria. Prices may vary. SOURCE KAYAK Related Links http://www.KAYAK.com LOS ANGELES, October 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As Ford signs a new deal for electric cars in China, demand for lithium is in the spotlight once again and these 4 Canadian companies are positioned to capitalize. Companies engaged in lithium exploration, production, and refining include Nemaska Lithium (TSX: NMX) (OTC: NMKEF), Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX: LAC) (OTC: LACDF), Critical Elements Corp. (OTC: CRECF) (TSX-V: CRE), and Far Resources Ltd. (CSE: FAT) (OTC: FRRSF). Lithium has been aptly labeled the "new gasoline" by Goldman Sachs as demand for the metal continues to outpace supplies. The expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) market is expected to be a key factor in the rising demand. Clearly Ford Motor's new deal to produce electric vehicles in China adds another level to the already heavy demand being placed on the lithium industry. That's in addition to Tesla's new Gigafactory in Nevada, which is expecting to produce enough lithium ion batteries to power 500,000 electric cars per year by 2020. There are some promising lithium companies positioned to be suppliers of the world's new energy source of choice. Canada's group of lithium focused mining companies promise to be some of the first suppliers to take up the slack. One that's moving full speed ahead is FAR Resources Ltd. (CSE: FAT.CN) (OTC: FRRSF), which has a solid legacy of production based on its "historical" resource of high quality lithium in the province of Manitoba. Other Canadian mining firms are also working furiously to tap the reserves for valuable lithium. These include Nemaska Lithium Inc. (TSX: NMX.TO) (OTCQX: NMKEF), the Quebec-based company focused on its new Whabouchi lithium project and establishing refining operations, along with Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX: LAC.TO) (OTCQX: LACDF), that has large-scale lithium carbonate production with its partner and industry giant, Chile's SQM, and Critical Elements Corp. (TSX.V: CRE.V) (OTCQX: CRECF), whose Rose project in Quebec offers a low-risk jurisdiction with expected production by 2021. MORE, MORE, MORE Demand for lithium, the silvery-white metal labelled "the new gasoline", rose 26% in 2016 and is predicted to climb another 39% in 2018. By 2025, demand is projected to increase by 73% as electric vehicles become more accessible and an increasing number of countries, including massive new players like China, tighten restrictions on petroleum powered vehicles. Last year, the top 13 battery makers boasted annual production capacity of 29 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy-storage products. By 2020, those same companies are expected to grow production capacity to 171 GWh. Tesla's first $5 billion Gigafactory represents roughly 35 GWh. Macquarie estimates global demand is currently about 184,500 tons, and it's slated to rise to more than 260,000 tons in 2020. But, it could end up being much greater based on the additional new demands. Rising demand and prices for the top two lithium products -- lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide -- have driven revenue, income, and shares higher for both the world's top lithium producers, and higher share prices for smaller companies entering the space in order to increase supplies of lithium from existing reserves or new discoveries. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY There are two types of lithium processing: through hard rock ore, which is mined like other metals in Australia and Canada, or through a salt water brine, most prevalent in South America's "lithium triangle" of Bolivia-Chile-Argentina. That area holds an estimated 70 per cent of known reserves of lithium. Hard rock ore, produces higher purity lithium and holds greater potential to be directly processed into lithium hydroxide, the type required for batteries. Currently, lithium must be processed from lithium carbonate, which is used for medical and industrial applications that comprise the bulk of the demand for lithium. Far Resources is one of the Canadian companies fully invested in creating new hard rock (high purity) lithium resources. FAR RESOURCES' LEGACY In the pure lithium category, Far Resources Ltd. ranks high. Far Resources a junior mining company that has secured a potential major lithium resource. The company's Zoro Lithium property near Snow Lake, Manitoba covers a significant lithium pegmatite occurrence that contains a historic "reserve" based on 1956 drilling of 1.8 million tonnes grading 1.4% Li2O to a depth of 1000 feet. In simple terms, that figure represents a lot of very high grade lithium potential. By the industry regulations, Far Resources cannot treat the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves as defined by national mining regulations. But that limitation may be replaced by new data from samples and drilling meant to validate the existing information. Far Resources has begun a full exploration program with sophisticated mining technology on their Snow Lake property yielding results that look very promising. Success in that low-risk and very productive mining region could quickly put Far Resources right on track with leading lithium producers, and add tremendously to the company's value. A NEW FRONTIER The ramp-up of lithium-ion battery manufacturing facilities in the next several years will need to be matched by an equal ramp-up of lithium supply from a range of producers - both in the brine and hard rock space. Just how much lithium will actually be required remains unknown. Macquarie estimates global demand is currently about 184,500 tons, and it's slated to rise to more than 260,000 tons in 2020. Metals and minerals consultancy Roskill Information Services provides a similar estimate, with its base scenario for lithium consumption at 290,000 tons in 2020. However, that figure rises to a sizeably larger 420,000 tons in what it calls its "optimistic" scenario. And things are continuing to look very optimistic in this space, especially when major automakers like Ford, BMW and Volvo kick in with major demands from new markets including China. There is little doubt that there will be a significant shortfall, based on current reserves and slated new production. This is where the existing lithium producers, and newcomers alike have the opportunity to capture a windfall. Most of these companies are investing major capital and enormous resources in the rush to answer the demands. At the same time, exploration and development companies like Far Resources are opening the potential for whole new opportunities that were previously left dormant. A most likely place to look for the emerging lithium appears to be opportunities is in low-risk mining jurisdictions like Canada, with experienced miners tapping historically productive lithium zones. POTENTIAL COMPARABLES Nemaska Lithium Inc. (TSX: NMX.TO) (OTCQX: NMKEF) Nemaska Lithium intends to become a lithium hydroxide supplier and lithium carbonate supplier to the emerging lithium battery market that is largely driven by electric vehicles, cell phones, tablets and other consumer products. The Corporation is developing in Quebec one of the most important spodumene lithium hard rock deposit in the world, both in volume and grade. The spodumene concentrate produced at Nemaska Lithium's Whabouchi mine will be shipped to the Corporation's lithium compounds processing plant to be built in Shawinigan, Quebec. This plant will transform spodumene concentrate into high purity lithium hydroxide and carbonate using the proprietary methods developed by the Corporation, and for which patent applications have been filed. Lithium Americas (TSX: LAC.TO) (OTCQX: LACDF) Lithium Americas, through a Joint Venture with Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (SQM), is developing the Cauchari-Olaroz brine deposit in Jujuy, Argentina. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lithium Nevada Corp., the company is developing one of North Americas' largest lithium deposits in northern Nevada*. The company intends to become a major supplier of lithium products to the energy storage and electrified vehicle markets. In addition, through its wholly-owned subsidiary RheoMinerals Inc., Lithium Americas is a supplier of specialty drilling additives and other organoclay products for the oil and gas, agricultural, and other industries. Critical Elements Corp. (TSX-V: CRE.V) (OTCQX: CRECF) Critical Elements Corporation is a mining exploration company owning several mining properties in Quebec. The Company is focused on the rare earths, particularly lithium. It has achieved its objective with the Rose lithium-tantalum project, which is currently at the advanced exploration stage. Based on the work programs developed and positive results, Critical Elements Corporation is aiming to put the Rose lithium-tantalum project into production rapidly. The Company flagship project is well located in Quebec with on-site access to infrastructures like: powerline, road, airport, railway access and camp. The project hosts a current Indicated resource of 26.5 million tonnes of 1.30% Li2O Eq. or 0.98% Li2O and 163 ppm Ta2O5 and an Inferred resource of 10.7 million tonnes of 1.14% Li2O Eq. or 0.86% Li2O and 145 ppm Ta2O5. For a more in-depth look into FAR you can view the in-depth report at USA News Group: http://usanewsgroup.com/2017/10/16/analysts-agree-lithium-upswing-3-2/ Article Source: USA News Group http://usanewsgroup.com [email protected] Legal Disclaimer/Disclosure: This piece is an advertorial and has been paid for. This document is not and should not be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for any investment. No information in this Report should be construed as individualized investment advice. A licensed financial advisor should be consulted prior to making any investment decision. We make no guarantee, representation or warranty and accept no responsibility or liability as to its accuracy or completeness. Expressions of opinion are those of USA News Group only and are subject to change without notice. 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Media Contact Information: FN Media Group, LLC Media Contact e-mail: [email protected] U.S. Phone: +1(954)345-0611 SOURCE USA News Group NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today littleBits announced its Droid Inventor Kit has been selected for the Good Housekeeping 2017 Best Toy Awards. Over 500 new toys were evaluated by the Good Housekeeping Institute's engineers and analysts and met safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Each toy was evaluated for ease of assembly, construction and durability; checked for pinch points; and drop-tested to ensure that they wouldn't shatter into small pieces with sharp edges or pose a choking hazard. Final decisions came from nearly 100 children, ages 1 to 13, who assessed the fun factor and helped decide which toys received the coveted award. "We are thrilled that our Droid Inventor Kit has been recognized by the Good Housekeeping Institute and its kid-testers for their distinguished Best Toy Awards," said Ayah Bdeir, founder and CEO of littleBits. "We are passionate about developing kits that foster STEM/STEAM skills and ignite imagination and creativity. It is a great honor to receive this award and it is a testament to our dedication to providing quality products." "The Good Housekeeping Institute and kid-testers were truly impressed with the Droid Inventor Kit," said Laurie Jennings, Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute. "The kit delivered on the safety standards and durability parents look for, while providing kids with the greatest play value." With invention at its core, the award-winning Droid Inventor Kit fosters creativity and problem-solving skills. In-app challenges encourage kids to reconfigure the littleBits technology in new and unique ways, in combination with household items, so they can create their own custom Droids such as a delivery Droid, a room guardian, and more. The Droid Inventor Kit includes all the components needed for kids to create their very own Droid. A free app (iOS and Android) completes the experience, providing step-by-step instructions and how-to videos. The app guides kids as they put together their Droid and control it in Drive Mode, Self-Nav, Force Mode, and more, making it the ultimate galactic sidekick. After mastering their Droid Inventor skills, kids continue on to challenges that spark creativity and inspire them to create unique new Droids. Each littleBits electronic block has a different function such as a power, motor, or sensor, which kids can use with their Droid in new and exciting ways. Included stickers and in-app missions encourage kids to customize their Droid using crafts or household objects, giving their Droid its own special personality. Kids will take pride in creating any Droid they imagine, and parents will love the endless play opportunities. The littleBits Droid Inventor Kit is designed for children eight and up and retails for $99.95. It is available at Walmart stores nationwide, Amazon, Apple Store, Disney Store, and littleBits.com. Additional information can be found at http://littleBits.cc/. About littleBits littleBits empowers kids around the world to become inventors. Founded in 2011 by Ayah Bdeir, its innovative platform of easy-to-use electronic blocks allows anyone to create and prototype with electronics, independent of age, gender or technical ability. As the leader in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) learning, littleBits believes in creating the conditions of invention by creating products that encourage self-directed exploration and problem solving; support grit and tenacity; and create a safe place to experience both failure and accomplishment. The company is dedicated to successfully bridging the gender gap with its gender-neutral platform, attracting an industry high thirty five percent of young girls to invent with littleBits. By embracing STEAM, both girls and boys can invent solutions to the problems that matter to them. The company's products have won over 150 industry awards in the toy and education industries. littleBits is headquartered in New York. For more information and inspiration, go to www.littleBits.cc. About Good Housekeeping Celebrating 132 years, Good Housekeeping (goodhousekeeping.com) is a leading lifestyle media brand inspiring a monthly audience of 30+ million readers to discover genius innovations, delicious ideas, style-savvy trends, compelling news and best-in-class products for their homes, families and themselves. The Good Housekeeping Institute's state-of-the-art labs combined with Good Housekeeping's seasoned editorial talent is unparalleled. Staffed by top engineers, scientists and technology experts, the GH Institute tests and evaluates thousands of products each year for the magazine, website and for the Good Housekeeping Seal and the Green Good Housekeeping Seal, which are among the most recognized and trusted consumer icons in the world today. Good Housekeeping, which also has five international editions, is published by Hearst Magazines, a unit of Hearst, one of the nation's largest diversified media, information and services companies. With 20 titles in the U.S., Hearst is the largest publisher of monthly magazines with a total paid circulation of nearly 30 million (AAM 1H 2017). Hearst Magazines' print and digital assets reach nearly 123 million readers and site visitors each monthnearly two-thirds of all women and millennial women in the country (source: 2017 comScore Multi-Platform // GfK MRI Media + Fusion (06-17/F16). Hearst Digital Media has 143 million followers across social. Follow Good Housekeeping on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and on the Inside the Institute blog. SOURCE littleBits Related Links http://littleBits.cc KELOWNA, British Columbia, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Marapharm Ventures Inc. (OTCQB: MRPHF) (CSE: MDM.CN) (FSE: 2M0) ("Marapharm" or the " Company") (http://www.marapharm.com/) "Marapharm" is pleased to announce that its shares are listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE), which this week reinforced its support for firms with links to the US cannabis market in comments to a Canadian national newspaper. On October 18, 2017 the Globe and Mail reported that while the Toronto Stock Exchange (TMX) threatened to kick companies with ties to US cannabis off of its exchanges, the CSE continues to welcome firms with links to the U.S. cannabis market. The TMX is not allowing cannabis companies that could violate U.S. federal law to list on the Toronto Stock Exchange or TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V), and has initiated a review of existing issuers to determine if any should be delisted. Issuers removed from the TSX or TSX-V may be able to find a new home on the CSE. "We obviously have a starkly different opinion when it comes to this space," said Richard Carleton, Chief Executive Officer of CNSX Markets, which runs the CSE. "This is clearly one of the biggest growth spaces in the public capital markets. We are ready and willing to work with these companies." Speaking in response to the threats by TSX, Marapharm CEO Linda Sampson said, "The CSE is an exchange for entrepreneurs. Marapharm is proud to have selected listing on the CSE more than 2 years ago because we knew that it was the safest and strongest place to be for our shareholders. This recent disappointing move by the TMX reinforces our decision." About Marapharm Ventures Inc. www.marapharm.com Marapharm is a publicly traded company primarily investing in the medical and recreational cannabis space, with corporate operations based in British Columbia, Canada. Since 2016 they have rapidly expanded their footprint to include production locations in the key North American states of Washington, Nevada, and California. They actively seek expansion opportunities worldwide. Social Media: Facebook: facebook.com/marapharm Twitter: twitter.com/marapharm Stock Exchanges: Marapharm trades in Canada, ticker symbol MDM on the CSE, in the United States, ticker symbol MRPHF on the OTCQB, and in Europe, ticker symbol 2Mo on the FSE. Marapharm also trades on other recognized platforms in Europe including Stuttgart, Tradegate, L & S, Quotnx, Dusseldorf, Munich, and Berlin. Neither the CSE, the FSE nor the OTCQB has approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the CSE, the FSE nor the OTCQB accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Marijuana Industry Involvement: Canadian listings (CSE) will remain in good standing as long as they provide the disclosure that is rightly required by regulators and complying with applicable licensing requirements and the regulatory framework enacted by the applicable state in which they operate. Forward - Looking Statements: Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward looking statements. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", 'may", "will", "project", "should", 'believe", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumption but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and the forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. For Further Information: www.marapharm.com Linda Sampson CEO +1-778-583-4476 email [email protected] SOURCE Marapharm Ventures Inc. Related Links http://www.marapharm.com WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Massachusetts Nurses Association, the state's largest union and professional association for registered nurses and health care professionals, announces its endorsement of Lida Francoeur for a seat on the West Springfield Town Council. Ms. Francoeur is pursuing the District 2 Town Council seat, which she previously held. "We need more nurses like Lida at all levels of government," said MNA President and Cambridge Hospital RN Donna Kelly-Williams. "Lida will bring the skills she has learned as both a nurse and a veteran to the West Springfield Town Council: Crisis management, flexibility and the ability to advocate for what is right." "I am really grateful for MNA's endorsement," Francoeur said. "The MNA is a highly professional organization that not only cares about nurses' well-being, but their patients as well. This is evident by the safe patient limits initiative that is currently underway to ensure every Massachusetts hospital patient gets the safe care they deserve. As a daughter of a union teacher and carpenter, I love being an active member of the MNA and will continue to do so while bringing my family's positive union ethics to the District 2 Councilor position." Ms. Francoeur has worked as a registered nurse in Radiology, the Operating Room and the Emergency Department and is a certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) for the Commonwealth. She is an army veteran who served in Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ms. Francoeur previously held the District 2 Town Council seat from 2010-2016. MassNurses.org Facebook.com/MassNurses Twitter.com/MassNurses Instagram.com/MassNurses Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 23,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public. SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association Related Links http://www.massnurses.org WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National League of Cities (NLC) and the Urban Land Institute (ULI) today announced that mayors from four citiesColumbus, Ohio; Richmond, Virginia; Salt Lake City, Utah and Tucson, Arizonahave been selected as the 2018 class of Daniel Rose Land Use Fellows by the Rose Center for Public Leadership. Mayors Andrew Ginther, Levar Stoney, Jackie Biskupski and Jonathan Rothschild will lead teams from their respective cities who will receive technical assistance on a local land use challenge from NLC, ULI and their peers from the other fellowship cities. The four city teams will convene next week for a retreat at ULI's Fall Meeting in Los Angeles. "Land use decisions are critical to the overall success of city economic and community development," said Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and executive director of the National League of Cities (NLC). "We are thrilled to extend the expertise of the Rose Center for Public Leadership Land Use Fellowship to the cities of Columbus, Richmond, Salt Lake City and Tucson, and we look forward to seeing the opportunities and outcomes that these partnerships provide." "The Rose Center's fellowship program has a consistent track record of mayoral teams effectively working together to help solve the land use challenges of our nation's leading metropolitan areas," said ULI Global Chief Executive Officer Patrick L. Phillips. "Cities are the heart of our country's economy, serving as hubs for human capital and innovation. We are excited to partner with NLC and the new class of Rose fellows to highlight creative approaches and solutions that other communities can replicate to become more healthy, prosperous, and sustainable." The Rose Center's mission is to encourage and support excellence in land use decision making by public officials. Established at ULI in 2008 with a $5 million gift by ULI Foundation Governor Daniel Rose, the Rose family and ULI in 2014 formed a strategic partnership with NLC to bring its expertise in local government leadership to the Rose Center's programs. The center operates two, year-long fellowship programs for large U.S. cities that emphasize leadership, inter-disciplinary problem solving, public/private collaboration, and peer-to-peer learningone focused on land use, the other on equitable economic development. It also hosts forums, educational workshops, webinars and conference sessions to bring private sector expertise to public sector implementation strategies. Now in its ninth year, the land use fellowship begins with the selection of four mayors, each of whom chooses three additional fellows (city department leaders or public agency directors with land use decision-making authority) and a project manager to serve as their city's fellowship team. The program of work includes working retreats at NLC and ULI annual conferences at the beginning, mid-point and end of the program year, a study tour of another U.S. or foreign city, and peer exchange panel visits to provide technical assistance to each of the four fellowship cities. The 2018 Rose Land Use Fellowship teams are as follows: Columbus : Mayor Andrew J. Ginther ; his Deputy Chief of Staff for External Affairs Dawn Tyler Lee; Department of Development Director Steven Schoeny ; and Brent Sobczak , president of CASTO Communities. The project manager is Mark Dravillas , assistant administrator of the Department of Development's Planning Division. : Mayor ; his Deputy Chief of Staff for External Affairs Dawn Tyler Lee; Department of Development Director ; and , president of CASTO Communities. The project manager is , assistant administrator of the Department of Development's Planning Division. Richmond : Mayor Levar Stoney ; District 7 City Councilmember Cynthia Newbille; Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Operations Robert Steidel ; and Jane Ferrara , chief operating officer of the Department of Economic & Community Development. The project manager is Ellyn Parker , public art coordinator at the Department of Planning & Development Review. : Mayor ; District 7 City Councilmember Cynthia Newbille; Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Operations ; and , chief operating officer of the Department of Economic & Community Development. The project manager is , public art coordinator at the Department of Planning & Development Review. Salt Lake City : Mayor Jackie Biskupski ; Michael Akerlow , deputy director of the Department of Community & Neighborhoods; Nick Norris , director of the Department of Community & Neighborhoods' Planning Division; and Danny Walz , chief operating officer of the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City . The project manager is Amanda Holty , marketing and communications specialist at the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City . : Mayor ; , deputy director of the Department of Community & Neighborhoods; , director of the Department of Community & Neighborhoods' Planning Division; and , chief operating officer of the Redevelopment Agency of . The project manager is , marketing and communications specialist at the Redevelopment Agency of . Tucson : Mayor Jonathan Rothschild ; Assistant City Manager Albert Elias ; Carolyn Laurie , a principal planner in the Planning & Development Services Department; and Daniel Bursuck, a lead planner in the Planning & Development Services Department. The project manager is Jaimie Galayda , the mayor's policy advisor for planning, transportation and sustainability. "These mayors and their teams are bringing fresh approaches to the often-vexing challenges of land use in their cities," said Jess Zimbabwe, NLC's director of urban development and leadership, who directs the Rose Center. We look forward to sharing national best practices and expertise with them, and also to learning from them how to apply those lessons to the unique contexts of their particular political culture and real estate market." To assist the fellowship city teams, the Rose Center has assembled eight urban development and design leaders from around the nation who will serve as their faculty advisers over the course of the fellowship year and co-chair their peer exchange panel: Columbus' advisers will be community engagement and planning expert Antoine Bryant , principal of the Houston -based Bryant Design Group; and Lev Gershman , managing partner of San Diego -based Tideline Partners, a boutique real estate investment, development and management firm. advisers will be community engagement and planning expert , principal of the -based Bryant Design Group; and , managing partner of -based Tideline Partners, a boutique real estate investment, development and management firm. Richmond's advisers will be Andre Brumfield , who leads Gensler's planning and urban design practice from its Chicago office; and Colleen Carey , president of the Minneapolis -based Cornerstone Group, which seeks to transform communities through socially responsible development projects. advisers will be , who leads Gensler's planning and urban design practice from its office; and , president of the -based Cornerstone Group, which seeks to transform communities through socially responsible development projects. Salt Lake City's advisers will be Nolan Lienhart , principal and director of planning and urban design at the Portland, Oregon office of ZGF Architects; and Molly McCabe , president of Bigfork, Montana -based HaydenTanner, which provides development-impact analysis of community renewal and social equity, health and productivity, job growth, energy/water efficiencies, as well as risk and return. advisers will be , principal and director of planning and urban design at the office of ZGF Architects; and , president of -based HaydenTanner, which provides development-impact analysis of community renewal and social equity, health and productivity, job growth, energy/water efficiencies, as well as risk and return. Tucson's advisers will be Jane Lin , founding partner of San Francisco -based Urban Field Studio; and Tyrone Rachal , president of Atlanta -based Urban Key Capital Partners, which provides financial services to impactful real estate development projects and operating companies in distressed communities. Since its inception, the Rose Fellowship has worked with 32 cities across the United States: Anchorage, Alaska; Austin, Texas; Birmingham, Alabama; Boston, Massachusetts; Charlotte, North Carolina; Denver, Colorado; Detroit, Michigan; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Hartford, Connecticut; Honolulu, Hawaii; Houston, Texas; Indianapolis, Indiana; Kansas City, Missouri; Long Beach, California; Louisville, Kentucky; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Memphis, Tennessee; Nashville, Tennessee; Oakland, California; Omaha, Nebraska; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Phoenix, Arizona; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Portland, Oregon; Providence, Rhode Island; Rochester, New York; Sacramento, California; San Jose, California; Seattle, Washington; Tacoma, Washington; Tampa, Florida; and Washington; D.C. The fellowship teams have successfully led changes in their cities after receiving technical assistance and strategic advice on topics such as revitalizing aging commercial areas to attract new businesses and jobs; how new investment in older neighborhoods can more equitably benefit existing residents; the role of transit and transportation infrastructure in city building; and developing new community engagement models in transitioning neighborhoods. About the National League of Cities The National League of Cities (NLC) is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages. www.nlc.org About the Urban Land Institute The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is a global nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the institute has almost 40,000 members representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines. SOURCE National League of Cities Related Links www.nlc.org CHICAGO, Oct. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 40 Latvian-based companies and 200+ attendees representing businesses from around the world are confirmed to participate at the inaugural Spotlight Latvia business conference. The conference, which will take place on Oct. 26, 2017 at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, is geared towards U.S. businesses interested in learning about unique products, services and opportunities offered by Latvian industries. "The Spotlight Latvia conference has already generated much interest from both Latvian and U.S.-based companies, and we welcome even more company representatives to register and attend," said Roberts Blumbergs, Honorary Consul of Latvia for the State of Illinois and Chairman of the Spotlight Latvia conference. "In two weeks, U.S. businesses will hear from some of the top executives from Latvian companies in varied industries such as biotechnology, construction, food and beverage, healthcare, IT and transport and logistics. Additionally, key trade officials will talk about the advantages of conducting business with Latvia. This is a terrific opportunity for businesses to meet, network and develop mutually beneficial relationships opening the door to both the U.S. and Northern Europe." A comprehensive agenda, registration information and additional details can be found on the www.spotlightlatvia.com website. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpotlightLatvia About Spotlight Latvia The Spotlight Latvia conference will enable U.S. companies to better learn about the advantages of conducting business with Latvian companies and in Latvia. It will ultimately introduce the U.S. business community to several dynamic Latvian companies that offer appealing products and services, potentially opening the door to other parts of Europe and Eurasia less known to North America. Utilizing a fast-paced, immersive presentation style, the conference allows attendees to identify key business advantages of the Latvian region and products or services from Latvia that may be of interest to U.S. companies. Matchmaking/private meeting opportunities will be available so that the conference may lead to lasting engagements. Why Latvia? Highly-educated workforce with great technical skills Pro-business policies; low corporate taxes Salaries and costs remain much lower than U.S. and Western Europe Strategic location in Northern Europe bordering Scandinavia and Russia Member of the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Home to innovative and competitive companies Growing economy with GDP rising faster than rest of Europe English is spoken by the majority of Latvians Maintains a robust parliamentary democracy and a stable government SOURCE Spotlight Latvia Related Links http://www.spotlightlatvia.com MILAN, October 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The King of Morocco, Mohammed VI, made this statement a few days ago, in Parliament in Rabat for the inauguration of the new legislative year: Morocco needs "a new model of development," because the current one is "unfit to meet" the needs of our people, and the authorities must act accordingly. "Morocco has made big progress, which has been globally acknowledged all around the world," the King said. "Nevertheless, the national development model is nowadays unable to meet the expectations and the growing needs of citizens, to reduce disparities by category and territorial differences and to achieve social justice." He then "urged the Government, Parliament and all of the Institutions and Instances involved, each one in his area of responsibility, to rethink our model of development to reconcile it with the deep evolution that is going on in the Country." Mohammed VI underlined that Moroccan people "need fair and efficient justice, high levels of education, good quality health services, and a public administration unrelated to any connection." The King stressed the need for "the effective implementation of all the development projects planned and ready to start and, at the same time, search for effective and achievable solutions to the real problems of the citizens -- to give the right answers to their reasonable questions and legitimate expectations." This can be read in the release published on the Government's official website . The King continued, "In parallel, it is important to strictly and continuously follow the development of social and welfare programs, and to check all the works in progress with regular and complete evaluations". According to the King, the progress that Morocco achieved has not "involved all of the citizens," especially "the youth, that represent more than one third of the population and are suffering from social exclusion and unemployment. The youth population are a new key player, which have a significant influence on the national stage" the King argued, "and these problems are inseparable from those of growth, investment and employment." "Nowadays," the King added, "Moroccans need balanced and fair development, assuring the dignity of everybody, employment and welfare. This will benefit young people. They need a development, which will help to establish a climate of peace and stability, encouraging successful inclusion in social, professional and family life." SOURCE Moroccan Government official website (maroc.ma) DENVER, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Motto Mortgage, an innovative mortgage brokerage franchise and the second member of the RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: RMAX) family of brands, is selling mortgage brokerage franchises in all 50 states. The burgeoning mortgage franchise brand has already sold more than 40 franchises across the country, including over 20 that have already opened their doors, since launching last October. Motto Mortgage is popular among consumers because it stands for competitive loan options, transparency and exceptional customer service that franchised brokerages provide. Motto Mortgage is now available to even more consumers, as franchise sales expand outside of the RE/MAX Network. "Now that Motto Mortgage franchises are open, we've witnessed the extraordinarily high level of customer service our loan originators provide," said Motto Franchising President Ward Morrison, citing the brand's focus on serving the best interests of consumers. "We want customers to have access to the Motto Mortgage experience in every marketplace. Potential owners from across the country have been patiently waiting for us to open this opportunity up to them so they can improve the overall experience associated with buying a home." With Motto Mortgage, experienced mortgage professionals can benefit from tools, resources and proximity to a local real estate brokerage. Motto Mortgage loan originators have access to competitive loan options from various top wholesale lenders and are not bound to the products of one specific lender. RE/MAX franchisee and Motto Mortgage Plus Broker/Owner Freddy Rodriguez never thought about joining the mortgage industry until RE/MAX Co-CEO Dave Liniger and Morrison presented the franchising brand in late 2016. Rodriguez, the 2014 RE/MAX of Texas Rookie Franchisee of the Year winner, decided owning his own Motto Mortgage franchise was an opportunity to complement his successful RE/MAX brokerage in Houston. "The best thing about Motto Mortgage is that our loan originators can look for great loans for borrowers with several different wholesale lenders," Rodriguez said. "We provide borrowers with competitive rates, close loans quickly, keep closing costs low and, generally, give consumers a better deal. I'm a true believer in the American Dream and my hope is that the addition of a Motto Mortgage franchise in the area will help more people become homeowners." Motto Franchising, LLC is located at 5075 S. Syracuse St. #1200, Denver, CO 80237. Each Motto Mortgage franchise is independently owned, operated and licensed. For more information, please email [email protected] or visit mottomortgage.com. About Motto Mortgage: Motto Mortgage is a different kind of mortgage network that provides clarity and personalized guidance to homebuyers who deserve an advocate. It's a groundbreaking concept that connects a real estate brokerage to a separate, franchised mortgage brokerage, providing the one-stop shop homebuyers want and the experience they deserve. The new model is the first national mortgage brokerage franchise in the United States and is offered by Motto Franchising, LLC, the second member of the RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. family of brands. It brings opportunity to consumers, brokers, loan originators and agents. Each Motto Mortgage office is independently owned, operated, and licensed. To learn more about Motto Mortgage, or for license information for a Motto Mortgage office, please visit https://www.mottomortgage.com. This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for informational purposes only. It should be considered only in connection with the Franchise Disclosure Document. We will not offer you a franchise in states or other jurisdictions where registration is required unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. New York residents: This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law. Minnesota Reg. No. F-8089. 2017 Motto Franchising, LLC, 5075 South Syracuse St #1200, Denver, CO 80237, 1.866.668.8649. Each Office is Independently Owned, Operated and Licensed. SOURCE Motto Mortgage Related Links https://www.mottomortgage.com WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As investigations in Congress and by Special Counsel Robert Mueller continue, one of the targets of the hacking into the Democratic National Committee's computer network, Donna Brazile, is telling her story. The former DNC chair and longtime Democratic Party strategist shares her personal account of the 2016 Presidential election. Brazile will appear at a National Press Club Headliners Book Rap on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. in the Club's Conference Rooms to discuss Hacks: The Inside Story of the Break-ins and Breakdowns That Put Donald Trump in the White House, which will be published next month on the one-year anniversary of the 2016 election. Publisher, Hachette Books, calls the book "equal parts campaign thriller, memoir and roadmap for the future." And Brazile adds, "At a moment when our democracy is in crisis, it's time to tell the truth about what went wrong in 2016. Our nation is under unprecedented assault, and if we don't get the facts out, it will happen again." This event will feature a discussion with the author, an audience question-and-answer session, and a book signing. Tickets are $5 for National Press Club members and $10 for the general public. To purchase tickets and copies of the book, please click here. Books will also be available for purchase at the event, no outside books or memorabilia are permitted. Proceeds from this event benefit the non-profit affiliate of the Club, the National Press Club Journalism Institute, which offers innovative, practical training to journalists and communications professionals working in a rapidly-changing media environment. Contact: Lindsay Underwood [email protected] (202) 662-7561 SOURCE National Press Club Related Links https://www.press.org/ "Our mission is to help ensure a world with safer tomorrows by giving security professionals the tools they need to prevent threats from becoming incidents," said Bobby Robertson, Omnigo's recently announced CEO. "We are bringing together two leading companies to create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts in providing public safety, incident and security management solutions for law enforcement, education, healthcare and other enterprises." At the IACP event, Omnigo will host Tom Jackson, the former police chief of the Ferguson (MO) Police Department at booth #1163 on the exhibition floor on Sunday, October 22 from noon to 4 pm. Jackson will sign free copies of his recently published book Policing Ferguson, Policing America: What Really Happened . . . and What the Country Can Learn from It. In the book, Jackson shares his story of what happened in Ferguson, Missouri following the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in August 2014. Jackson also shares his perspectives on steps that can be taken to improve Americans lives and restore trust between the police and the communities they serve. With customers in all 50 states, Omnigo has a strong history of developing and delivering public safety software solutions for police and sheriff's departments, fire, EMS and police dispatch centers, county jails, municipal courts and public works departments. The company is a respected provider of records management, risk management and analytics tools with specific modules for detection, response, reporting, remediation and prevention. About Omnigo Software Omnigo Software is the leading provider of public safety, incident and security management solutions for law enforcement, education, healthcare and other enterprises, offering easy-to-use and flexible applications that provide actionable insight for making more informed decisions. Omnigo solutions have helped law enforcement and security professionals increase staff productivity by up to 25%, reduce compliance risk, and show measured improvements in safety and security. Founded by law enforcement professionals, Omnigo can be found online at www.omnigo.com SOURCE Omnigo Software Related Links http://www.omnigo.com With a rich 76-year history, PAL boasts of many 'firsts' including being the first airline in Southeast Asia to cross the Pacific on July 31, 1946, the first to operate to Europe via a DC-4 service to Rome and Madrid, and the first to introduce the world's first fully-flat sky beds aboard the B747 jumbo jets, among many others. Today, PAL has the largest fleet among other PH carriers with a total of 83 aircraft at present and is expecting delivery of two Boeing B777s within the year, six Airbus A350s starting June 2018, 21 Airbus A321NEOs starting first quarter 2018, and 10 more Q400 Next Generation turboprops. The airline will continue reconfiguring its Airbus A330s into tri-class layout. PAL carried a total of 13.4 million passengers last year, a 12.6 percent uptick from 11.9 million passengers served in 2015. 5-Star by 2020 Philippine Airlines is in the midst of its journey towards becoming the country's five star full-service legacy carrier at par with the world's largest carriers. To reach this goal, it has embarked on both inflight and on-ground service enhancements together with the introduction of its distinct service philosophy "Heart of the Filipino" embodying the nation's culture of warmth, care and trademark hospitality, that is now being recognized by the world. Airline ratings firm Skytrax ranked PAL as "6th Most Improved Airline" in its most recent world airline awards, considered the 'Oscars' of the aviation industry. Industry online publication Smart Travel Asia also named PAL as the 4th Best Airline Worldwide in Cabin Service". Experience the Heart of the Filipino The campaign, which kicks off with a digital video on PAL's Youtube Page here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_-B_jBovVc showcases the best of the Philippines and celebrates the best of Filipino values on which PAL was built, known as Buong-Pusong Alaga or "The Filipino Touch". This unique brand of hospitality that's proactive and selfless, and a disposition and attitude that's resilient and always cheerful, is what sets Philippine Airlines apart from its competition as the airline with #MoreHeart. Looking Forward The Philippine national flag carrier is charting its course in aviation history as the longest-running Asian airline which continues to innovate amidst the highly competitive industry landscape. Asia's first airline continues to devote its efforts towards meeting customer needs by sustaining fleet modernization, flight route network expansion and service innovation. It remains focused on achieving its goal to be a five-star airline by year 2020. Know more about Philippine Airlines at philippineairlines.com or fb.com/flyPAL. SOURCE Philippine Airlines Related Links http://philippineairlines.com NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Rarely does an organization get to hear first-hand what dinner at the White House is like. That will be the case for First Financial Resources (FFR) when the group meets for its 2017 Fall Sales & Marketing Symposium on October 29 November 1, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. The event's featured keynote speaker, Robert J. O'Neill, a former Navy SEAL, is known for firing the fatal shots that killed Bin Laden. O'Neill and his wife, Jessica, just dined with President Trump on October 10th. "Rob O'Neill is already a fascinating and inspiring speaker. The possibility of 'White House Dinner anecdotes' is a wonderful bonus to his presentation," explains Jud Imhoff, CEO of FFR. FFR Keynote Speaker Dines with President Donald Trump The 2017 FFR Fall Sales & Marketing Symposium is an exclusive gathering for FFR member advisors. The meeting's agenda focuses on a range of topics from leadership, politics, emerging business trends and opportunities. The featured keynote speakers are: Robert J. O'Neill , a retired Navy SEAL, Fox News contributor, and NY Times best-selling author, translates his military skills of preparation, risk assessment and stress management into practical, adaptable advice for leading, rather than micromanaging, and never quitting in business and in life. Rob's latest book is "The Operator: Firing the Shots that Killed Osama bin Laden and My Years as a SEAL Team Warrior". , a retired Navy SEAL, Fox News contributor, and NY Times best-selling author, translates his military skills of preparation, risk assessment and stress management into practical, adaptable advice for leading, rather than micromanaging, and never quitting in business and in life. Rob's latest book is "The Operator: Firing the Shots that Killed Osama bin Laden and My Years as a SEAL Team Warrior". Lowell Catlett , a retired Regents professor in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business and Extension Economics and the Dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences from New Mexico State University , is a futurist with a strong grasp of how technology impacts how we work and live. Professor Catlett will discuss how new changes brought on by world affluence and cyber-connected consumers could rise to the age of artisans as employment, entertainment and education are transformed continuously. Boundless prosperity awaits those that can see and embrace these new possibilities. About First Financial Resources First Financial Resources (FFR) is a producer group founded in 1987 and solely owned by its member advisors and based in Newport Beach, California. FFR provides its member advisors with access to insurance-based products, tools and resources for the high net worth and/or business client. FFR also focuses expertise, resources and training to elevate the professional knowledge of the advisor's staff. Insurance advisors interested in learning more about FFR membership may contact Eric Woith or Mike Bell at (888) 337-9378. To learn more about FFR, please visit www.ffrmembers.com. For Press Inquiries, contact Susan Hart, (949)223-2169 or [email protected] SOURCE First Financial Resources Related Links http://www.ffrmembers.com QUAKERTOWN, Pa., Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Quantum Global Technologies' companies, QuantumClean and ChemTrace , will exhibit at SEMICON Europa 2017 at Munich's Messe Munchen from November 14 - 17 (booth B1-1749). "Our semiconductor cleaning, coating and analytical testing centers help our customers REDUCE cost-of-ownership. Analytically validated ultraclean parts result in FASTER chamber recovery and LONGER Mean Time Between Cleans. Optimized cleaning methods and proprietary recoating technologies EXTEND part life. Fast part turnaround times REDUCE inventory costs. We are the only firm to offer ultra-high purity chamber part cleaning validated by a Certificate of Analysis from an accredited laboratory ChemTrace", explains Scott H. Nicholas, President and CEO. "ChemTrace offers rigorous quality assurance standards and are independently ISO 17025 certified. We validate cleanliness on thousands of semiconductors parts, annually. Also, ChemTrace performs microcontamination analysis of wafers, cleanroom materials, ultra-pure water, high-purity and complex chemicals", states Surjany Russell, Director of Sales. We welcome your visit to the QuantumClean and ChemTrace booth to learn more on how our service offerings can bring improvement to your operation by solving critical process chamber manufacturing challenges. About Quantum Global Technologies, LLC ChemTrace and QuantumClean are divisions of Quantum Global Technologies, LLC headquartered in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA. QuantumClean is the global leader in sub-10nm outsourced process tool chamber parts cleaning and coating services, tool part life extension and process tool part optimization solutions to the semiconductor wafer fabrication, OEM and OPM industries. Founded in 2000, QuantumClean operates innovative Advanced Technology Cleaning Centers built on the premise of providing customers process improvement through consistently cleaner parts that exceed industry standards. These solutions dramatically reduce our customers' total cost-of-ownership. With 1,300 employees in 18 facilities located in 8 countries, QuantumClean provides unsurpassed cleaning capability and convenience worldwide. quantumclean.com For over 20 years, ChemTrace has provided independent and analytical verification of process tool chamber part cleaning effectiveness. Recognized as the leading reference analytical testing laboratory for the semiconductor, solar and related industries, ChemTrace has the solutions for FAB, OEM and OPM's critical cleaning issues and requirements. With more than 100 employees in 5 labs located in 3 countries, ChemTrace offers unsurpassed microcontamination analysis. chemtrace.com Media Contacts QuantumClean: Meg Cox, +1-215-892-9300, [email protected] ChemTrace: Robin Puri, +1-503-251-0979, [email protected] QuantumClean, ChemTrace, Advanced Technology Cleaning Centers, ATCC, Process Improvement through Consistently Cleaner Parts, Single Part Chemical Clean and SPCC are all registered trademarks of Quantum Global Technologies, LLC. ACS, Atomically Clean Surfaces, Alternative TWAS, Analytical & Engineering Services, C-Coat, Cleancoat, Cleaning, Coating & Testing Center of Excellence, Environmentally Clean Process, ECP, Final Surface Finish, FSF, QGT, M-Coat, PartSmart, PT3, QualClean, Selective Deposition Removal, SDR, Service Request form, SRF, Solution Based Chemistry, TechBriefs, The Perfect Order, The Perfect Qual, The Perfect Process Transfer, Tight-Coat, V-Clean, VeriClean, Waterless Acid, Y-Coat, Z-Coat, Smart, Lean, Clean and Green, Center of Excellence and Validated Ultra-High Purity. Maximum Productivity are all trademarks of Quantum Global Technologies, LLC. SOURCE Quantum Global Technologies, LLC MIAMI, Sept. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Rokk3r Fuel, a global venture capital firm based in Miami, announced today that Salim Ismail, distinguished technologist and leading thinker on exponential organizations (ExO), has joined the firm as a general partner. With the addition to Mr. Ismail as General Partner, Rokk3r Fuel also announced that it is naming its flagship fund Rokk3r Fuel ExO. "We are excited to welcome Salim to Rokk3r Fuel," said Jeff Ransdell, Founding Partner at Rokk3r Fuel. "For the last decade, Salim has been a visionary and has defined how we as an industry think about exponential organizations. We view his decision to join Rokk3r Fuel as a strong validation of both our commitment to identifying and investing in exponential technology, and our proprietary approach with our limited partners to optimize the way that venture is working to meet their investment objectives." Mr. Ismail noted, "Today there are eight billion Internet-connected devices in the world. By 2020, there will be 50 billion. Will computer-driven cars be a reality in three years? Will we see a dramatically lengthened lifespan and delayed retirements in a matter of one to two decades? What does this mean for investment, growth, and contraction in key industries? As the world becomes more digital, advancements in technology are skyrocketing. Rokk3r Fuel ExO is tracking the trajectory of fascinating projects and investing in the ones that are sure to change our lives and challenge societal norms as we know them. Our insight on how to invest and where to deploy capital is driven around our exponential outlook on the world as we know it today." Mr. Ismail is Chairman of the Fastrack Institute in Miami, as well as Chairman of ExO Works, which he founded. A sought-after speaker, he also authored Exponential Organizations that reached No. 1 on Amazon's "Best-Sellers in Business Management" and was named Frost & Sullivan's "Growth, Innovation, and Leadership Book of the Year." He is the Founding Executive Director of Singularity University, based at NASA's Ames Research Center, whose goal is to "educate, inspire, and empower a new generation of leaders to apply exponential technologies to address humanity's grand challenges." Prior to Singularity University, Mr. Ismail was Vice President at Yahoo, where he built and ran Brickhouse, the company's internal incubator. His last company, Angstro, a news aggregation startup, was sold to Google in 2010. He co-founded and operated seven early-stage companies including PubSub Concepts, which laid some of the foundation for the real-time web, and the New York Grant Company, which in its first year attracted over 400 clients and delivered over $12 million of federal grants to the local economy. Mr. Ismail frequently advises heads of state and Fortune 500 CEOs and boards on technology, innovation and growth and in March 2017 was named to the board of the XPRIZE Foundation. Mr. Ismail earned his B.Sc. with Honors in Physics from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. Rokk3r Fuel was launched as a venture capital firm in March 2017 with the goal of investing in exponential technologies at a global level, working with founders through a tested co-building strategy. The team draws on its extensive experience in wealth management to work with its limited partners to incorporate venture intelligently into their investment portfolios. "The addition of Salim Ismail as General Partner advances Rokk3r Fuel's goal of globally sourcing and funding the best entrepreneurs who are building companies at the intersection of exponential technologies," said Nabyl Charania, General Partner at Rokk3r Fuel. "Salim's accomplishments and innovative breakthroughs have earned him a global network of today's and tomorrow's brightest minds and top decision makers. I look forward to Rokk3r Fuel ExO being the funding catalyst of the leading entrepreneurs and ideas from Salim's network as we continue to set a global benchmark for investment in exponential technology companies." About Rokk3r Fuel Rokk3r Fuel is a global venture capital firm committed to both early stage and later stage investing. We use a tested methodology of risk mitigated early stage investing by working with Rokk3r Labs and our global network of professional company builders, to help the next generation of innovators access the resources needed to grow. Rokk3r Fuel is headquartered in the Miami's Wynwood District. For more information, please visit http://www.rokk3rfuel.com. Please follow us on Twitter at @rokk3rfuel. SOURCE Rokk3r Fuel Related Links http://rokk3rfuel.com Wireless, wi-fi and CAS auto-activation technology bring advanced connectivity efficiencies for law enforcement ONTARIO, Calif., Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Safariland VIEVU, a leader in body-worn camera and video evidence management, and a brand of The Safariland Group, will debut the LE5 body-worn camera at the 2017 International Association of Chiefs of Police annual conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 21-24, 2017. The technological advances of the LE5 camera provide industry-leading connectivity and adaptability to integrate with radios, smart phones, holsters, vehicles, and other connected communication devices. Now with wireless technology, the LE5 body-worn camera boasts two industry firsts: a user-selectable field of view and USB-C connection. It is fully configurable to capture a classic 95 degrees, which replicates the human eye, a narrower 70 degrees for a focused view, or a wide-angle 120 degrees. The USB-C connection provides fast charging, high speed and its symmetrical and reversible design allows easy docking. "I'm thrilled to bring to market our fifth-generation camera which reflects a decade of customer feedback, innovation, and the newest technology in optics. With cutting edge components, the LE5 delivers the functionality and flexibility requested through customer feedback," said Sean McCarthy leader of VIEVU and Safariland's Wearable Technology business. "We understand the needs of our users for a lightweight, compact camera design with a variety of easy-to-adjust mounting options and easy-to-use slide switch. The finishing touches and attention to detail are what our long-term customers will appreciate the most." The Safariland VIEVU LE5 camera works seamlessly with the Safariland 7TS duty holster with CAS technology, leveraging proprietary, market-leading chip technology to automatically activate the Safariland VIEVU camera any time a weapon is drawn from the holster. The use of low power wireless technology and wi-fi streaming enhances possibilities for the connected officer. The camera can record for over 12 continuous hours without having the battery recharged, enabling ample livestream videos and the addition of metadata in the field. With storage for over 50 hours of footage, it features a selectable pre-record of up to three minutes, and post-record for up to one minute with video and audio, ensuring that critical moments of an event are captured. Additional features include an easy-to-use on-off slide switch, an IP66 rating for water resistance and a user-selectable record indicator with either LED lights or a vibration-only Covert mode, all in a package weighing less than five ounces. "At Safariland, we know officers like to customize their gear and make adjustments to get their system dialed in perfectly, so selectable options were core elements of this design. The LE5 body-worn camera and CAS technology are defining the way law enforcement agencies integrate connectivity and technology into policing," McCarthy added. "This leading-edge wearable technology reinforces our commitment to provide the most innovative solutions for law enforcement." As with other Safariland VIEVU body-worn cameras, the LE5 camera integrates with their CJIS-compliant digital evidence management systems. Agencies may select either VIEVU Solution, the fully hosted cloud system built on Microsoft's Azure Government cloud, or VERIPATROL, the onsite solution. Product presentations of this new body-worn technology are on display throughout the 2017 IACP Conference at booth #1515. Agency Test and Evaluation opportunities will also be available. For more information, visit www.vievu.com. About VIEVU VIEVU is a leading provider of body-worn camera and video technologies, providing secure, high-quality video cameras for law enforcement, security, emergency medical services, and first responders. VIEVU Solution, the company's next generation fully-hosted cloud evidence management system, is built on Microsoft Azure Government Cloud, the first enterprise cloud compliant with the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) standards. VIEVU was the first provider of body-worn cameras with Automated Video Redaction technology, a highly advanced redaction tool built to automatically blur faces and objects recorded on body-worn cameras, without user involvement, in order to protect the privacy and identity of victims, innocent bystanders, minors and undercover police officers. Built on police experience, VIEVU technology is used by thousands of law enforcement agencies in 17 countries. For information please visit www.vievu.com. About The Safariland Group The Safariland Group is a leading global provider of a broad range of safety and survivability products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets. The Safariland Group offers a number of recognized brand names in these markets including Safariland, Med-Eng, Safariland Armor, Safariland VIEVU, Mustang Survival, Bianchi, Break Free, PROTECH Tactical, Defense Technology, Hatch, Monadnock, Identicator and NIK. The Safariland Group's mission, "Together, We Save Lives", is inherent in the lifesaving and protective products it delivers. The Safariland Group is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. The Safariland Group is a trade name of Safariland, LLC. For more information about The Safariland Group and these products, please visit www.safariland.com. For media resources and information, please visit the www.safariland.com/media-center.html. For further information, please contact: CGPR Angie Mathews (714) 768-1140 [email protected] SOURCE The Safariland Group Related Links http://www.safariland.com SAN DIEGO, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- West Coast Cannabis Tours (WCCT), a San Diego-based cutting edge authority of cannabis tourism, bringing a one-of-a-kind experience to open minded individuals and community members in the greater Southern California region, this week announced their exciting and education-based tours are now officially accessible to individuals. "We want to bring professional awareness to a natural remedy that has been proven to contribute to sustainable health and happiness," said Todd Green, founder and owner of WCCT. "Cannabis contains properties to potentially benefit everyone. Our clients will be able to enjoy cannabis in a contemporary fashion for a unique outing that friends and family are welcome on." As part of the new website and business launch, WCCT is hosting their first event this October 21st, called the Intro to Cannabis: Limo Bus Tour. As a three-venue tour with a licensed dispensary, glass blowing demonstration, and a cooking and edibles demo, the Intro to Cannabis tour is designed to share the positive benefits of cannabis while providing information on how products are made and used today. "Our events are suitable for cannabis enthusiasts, as well as newcomers interested in learning more about the industry," said Todd. "We are incredibly excited to be officially open for business, and are encouraging everyone to spread the word on our cannabis commitment here in SoCal." The Intro to Cannabis tour is $99 per person. WCCT sets itself apart from the competition by providing unique offerings and fun-oriented activities for helping guests to rediscover cannabis and even visit apothecaries full of cannabis-containing products. For more information, visit: http://westcoastcannabistours.com/. Contact: Amanda (949)416-5420 SOURCE West Coast Cannabis Tours Related Links https://westcoastcannabistours.com SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SEMI, the global electronics manufacturing supply chain association, and Effective Training Associates, Inc., a leading global outsource training provider, announced a partnership to offer people skills training to SEMI member companies. The partnership includes Effective Training instructors providing courses on SEMI premises, as well as a special training rate for employees of all SEMI member companies. Success in today's highly competitive world depends not only on a company's technical prowess but also on their team's ability to work with internal and external stakeholders. While the stereotypical image of engineers is fast changing, a survey in 2014 showed that a company's success increases dramatically when engineers are trained in management and communication skills. Recognizing this need in the community, SEMI has teamed up with Effective Training to bring training courses that provide these skills. "I'm excited to introduce the Effective Training Associates course offerings at SEMI Headquarters which have already been delivered to many of our SEMI Member companies," said Eric Thoe, SEMI's Senior Director of Member Services. "Effective Training Associates' experience and presence in the Bay Area, along with their global reach, makes for an ideal fit with SEMI. The instructors, content, and facilities will deliver a great event, and I look forward to hosting ETA in providing this learning benefit to our valued members." This partnership was launched today with an inaugural course'Management Essentials.' Sue Smith, CEO of Effective Training, said, "Effective Training is honored to partner with SEMI. Over 20 years of conducting such courses for IEEE members has established us as a most credible resource for the technical community." Effective Training will be offering a course titled 'Transitioning from Individual Contributor to Manager' on November 1st. For a list of courses, please visit www.effectivetraining.com/calendar/. About Effective Training Associates, Inc. Effective Training Associates is a premier talent and career development training company for technical professionals and managers. Headquartered in San Jose, CAthe capital of Silicon Valley Effective Training has trained thousands of professionals onsite at companies across the U.S and the world, as well as through their public workshops. Media contact: Abhijeet Vaidya Effective Training Associates, Inc., 1754 Technology Drive, Suite 145, San Jose, CA 95110 Telephone: 408-441-8881 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Effective Training Associates, Inc. Related Links https://www.effectivetraining.com "PowerSecure has a proven track record of success with restoration efforts following major storms," said Mark Lantrip, chairman, president & CEO of Southern Company Services. "Beginning today, PowerSecure personnel will be on the ground in support of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help restore power to Puerto Rico." "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues to take all necessary steps to support FEMA's response in Puerto Rico following Hurricanes Irma and Maria," said Brig. Gen. Diana Holland, South Atlantic Division commander. "We are one hundred percent committed, along with our partners, to restoring electricity to the citizens of the Island." PowerSecure will supplement efforts taking place by more than 400 crews to repair the distribution and transmission lines. The crews include members of Delta Company, 249th Engineer Battalion (Prime Power) along with Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority's employees and contractors. Repairing the power grid is a process that includes four main efforts: provide temporary emergency power and spot generation for critical facilities; ensure adequate generation at power plants; reinstall and repair transmission lines; and restore and repair distribution lines. USACE is continuing its partnership with the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, the Department of Energy and FEMA on this important endeavor. About Southern Company Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is America's premier energy company, with 46,000 megawatts of generating capacity and 1,500 billion cubic feet of combined natural gas consumption and throughput volume serving 9 million customers through its subsidiaries. The company provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy through electric operating companies in four states, natural gas distribution companies in seven states, a competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across America and a nationally recognized provider of customized energy solutions, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices that are below the national average. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, Southern Company and its subsidiaries are inventing America's energy future by developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, 21st century coal, natural gas, renewables and energy efficiency, and creating new products and services for the benefit of customers. Southern Company has been named by the U.S. Department of Defense and G.I. Jobs magazine as a top military employer, recognized among the Top 50 Companies for Diversity by DiversityInc, listed by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the 40 Best Companies for Diversity and designated a Top Employer for Hispanics by Hispanic Network. The company has earned a National Award of Nuclear Science and History from the National Atomic Museum Foundation for its leadership and commitment to nuclear development and is continually ranked among the top energy companies in Fortune's annual World's Most Admired Electric and Gas Utility rankings. Visit our website at www.southerncompany.com. SOURCE Southern Company Related Links http://www.southerncompany.com HOUSTON, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Generous funding from the Alex and Elisabeth Lewyt Trust has enabled The Humane Society of the United States to collaborate with Emancipet, a nonprofit veterinary clinic operating in Houston's East End, to offer free veterinary services to owned animals impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Through December 9, fees for veterinary services at Emancipet Houston will be waived for all pet owners. In the program's first month, 1,705 pets received examinations and more than 1,500 owners scheduled spay and neuter procedures. On the clinic's busiest day, veterinarians saw 173 pets. The HSUS is sending staff, veterinarians and veterinary technicians on a rotation schedule to work on-site with the Emancipet team. According to Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of The HSUS, "Harvey dealt an especially harsh blow to families at or below the poverty line, compounding the challenge of meeting life's necessities, including the needs of their beloved pets. We know how much pets mean to their families, and our goal is to keep all members of the family intact." The waived veterinary fees include services that Emancipet has always provided, like exams, spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, microchipping and heartworm treatment. During this time of extraordinary need, however, Emancipet will also treat respiratory, skin and ear infections, as well as wounds and lacerations. Veterinarians will also perform some medically necessary surgical procedures. To ensure that the donated funds stretch as far as possible, and to fulfill the goal of keeping pets with their families, this offer is for owned pets only. Spay/neuter and heartworm treatment requires an appointment, and all other services are available on a walk-in basis. Clients will not be asked for any proof of financial need in accessing the services. Emancipet's mission is to make veterinary care affordable and accessible to all pet owners. For more information, go to https://emancipet.org/houston/. The Alex and Elisabeth Lewyt Trust is a private foundation charged with the task of carrying on the Lewyts' pioneering vision of improving the lives of companion animals, reducing animal cruelty and euthanasia rates, and supporting programs for the general betterment of all animals. LINK TO PHOTOS AND VIDEO HERE Subscribe to Wayne Pacelle's blog, A Humane Nation. Follow The HSUS Media Relations department on Twitter for the latest animal welfare news. The Humane Society of the United States is the most effective animal protection organization, as rated by our peers. For more than 60 years, we have celebrated the protection of all animals and confronted all forms of cruelty. We and our affiliates are the nation's largest provider of hands-on services for animals, caring for more than 150,000 animals each year, and we prevent cruelty to millions more through our advocacy campaigns. Read about our more than 60 years of transformational change for animals and people. HumaneSociety.org SOURCE The Humane Society of the United States DETROIT, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, from Detroit to New York City, Bentonville to Chicago, Dallas to Minneapolis, and Toronto to London, more than 350 employees of The Mars Agency will come together as one, on behalf of nonprofit, community organizations in need of help. Employees will have hands-on roles in 11 cities across the globe, helping nearly 25 individual and highly-varied organizations. Some will be helping ideate and reimagine recycled materials, others will be sorting and stocking donated food, clothing and home goods for families who are allowed to shop free-of-charge, and still others will be delivering nourishing meals and vital companionship to the homebound elderly. Some of the organizations are widely known, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, City Meals on Wheels and the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Others are much smaller and localized associations, like the St. Felix Centre in Toronto, where the Agency will be providing assistance to the homeless and the Camden Foodbank in the United Kingdom, where the communal areas will be thoroughly cleaned for guests. Its Global Citizenship Day is not a one-and-done deal. The Mars Agency is actually committed and active in supporting community programs year-round. "We've made community growth and development one of our core pillars, equal to the growth of our clients, employees and company. That's why we close our offices and engage with organizations that most need our help and that are passion points for our employees," said Ken Barnett, Global CEO. The Mars Agency The Mars Agency is a full-service, global marketing agency, specializing in shopper and consumer promotion. It operates independently in 10 offices in North America and Europe. For nearly 46 years, the agency has been consistently recognized for its ability to drive brand growth across channels and commerce platforms. It has both an impressive and growing client base which includes Campbell's, Pepperidge Farm, Lowe's, Hallmark, Samsung, Conagra, Henkel and Pfizer. To learn more about The Mars Agency, please visit http://www.themarsagency.com/. For more information, contact: Elise Wilfinger [email protected] 203.247.7420 SOURCE The Mars Agency Related Links http://www.themarsagency.com NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- #UnlockURWell, a first-of-its-kind, pro-mental-health campaign designed by the Child and Family Guidance Center (CFGC), launches Oct. 22, 2017, and aims to reach California's 3.5 million children and families who do not access needed mental healthcare. Stigma, fear, limited funding and lack of awareness are some reasons that three-out-of-four children in need do not access care for mental health issues. #UnlockURWell unleashes the power of social media to eliminate taboos, strengthen families and communities, and connect those in need to accessible mental health services. #UnlockURWell Pro-mental-health campaign launches Oct. 22. #UnlockURWell begins with the launch of www.unlockurwell.org and continues with a kick-off community event that will help communities engage with the pro-mental-health movement. The campaign is a powerful platform for people to celebrate, discuss and share how they strengthen their mental health and build resiliency. By using the #UnlockURWell hashtag across six digital channels, community members will use messages and images to share personal stories, convey what they do to build wellness, remind others that they are not alone, and communicate about how and where they found help when they needed it most. To make sharing simple and convenient, CFGC is providing a toolkit full of social-sharing tips and resources that can be found on the UnlockURWell website. "The number of children in California with unmet mental health needs is unacceptably high, and mental health problems are reaching epidemic proportions," said CFGC President and CEO Roy Marshall. "We know that a community that actively strengthens wellness has the power to overcome stigma and other barriers that prevent people from accessing care. So, it's time for all of us to work together to promote what makes us well. We are proud that #UnlockURWell celebrates our resiliency." The numbers back up Marshall's words. According to the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and the California Health Care Foundation: 3 out of 4 children with mental health care needs don't access services. 1 in 13 children suffer from a mental illness that limits participation in daily activities. Nearly 1 in 6 adults has a mental health need. 1 in 20 adults suffer from a serious mental illness. These needlessly high numbers lead to some of our communities' most concerning and most avoidable issues and challenges. Untreated mental health problems are very often an underlying cause of: School dropouts Crime Substance abuse Domestic abuse Hospitalizations Suicide Anyone with access to the internet can participate in the #UnlockURWell campaign. Those who wish to further support a well community are invited to participate in the #UnlockURWell Kick-off Bash on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017 in Northridge. Details and tickets can be found here: www.cfgckickoff.eventbrite.com. Or, become an ADVOCATE on the CFGC app, which can be found in the App Store or on Google Play by searching for CFGC. #UnlockURWell Digital Channels About Child and Family Guidance Center Child and Family Guidance Center (CFGC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit mental health care organization dedicated to providing outpatient prevention, early intervention and treatment services. CFGC builds resilient communities by helping families unlock their inner strength, providing mental health care, and linking people to resources and community-based services. Many of the families served live in underserved areas and have the greatest mental healthcare needs. For more information, please visit www.childguidance.org. Media Contact: Michele Johnsen (818) 618-1314 mobile [email protected] Brandon Smith (818) 739-5152 office (818) 489-9430 mobile [email protected] Related Links UnlockURWell website Child and Family Guidance Center website Related Video https://vimeo.com/234932517 SOURCE Child and Family Guidance Center Related Links http://www.childguidance.org WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 2017 U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) Annual Conference, "Unity in Diversity: Shaping the Future Together," will bring together regional, national and international leaders from government, business, academia and nonprofit sectors to discuss how to we can work together to strengthen the U.S.-Japan relationship. This conference will examine current affairs, showcase how global perspectives and diversity empower both countries, and discuss how international businesses and organizations can continue to expand in a changing political environment. The Conference's featured speakers include (* denotes Keynote Speakers): * Wes Bush , Chairman, CEO and President, Northrop Grumman Corporation , Chairman, CEO and President, Northrop Grumman Corporation *Nobuchika Mori , Commissioner, Japanese Financial Services Agency , Commissioner, Japanese Financial Services Agency * Wilbur L. Ross, Jr. , U.S. Secretary of Commerce , U.S. Secretary of Commerce * Kazuhiko Toyama , Managing Partner, Industrial Growth Platform, Inc. , Managing Partner, Industrial Growth Platform, Inc. Kathy Matsui , Vice Chair, Goldman Sachs Japan Co., Ltd. , Vice Chair, Goldman Sachs Japan Co., Ltd. Keiko Orrall , State Representative, Massachusetts Legislature; National Committee-woman, Republican National Committee , State Representative, Massachusetts Legislature; National Committee-woman, Republican National Committee Tom Schieffer , President and CEO, Envoy International LLC; Former U.S. Ambassador to Japan , President and CEO, Envoy International LLC; Former U.S. Ambassador to Haruno Yoshida , President, BT Japan Corporation; Vice Chair, Board of Councilors, Keidanren , President, BT Japan Corporation; Vice Chair, Board of Councilors, Keidanren Roy Yamaguchi , Chef and Restaurateur, Roy's Restaurants (For the full list of speakers, click here.) The many dimensions of the U.S.-Japan relationship will be reflected in the Annual Conference's plenary and breakout sessions. These include: Diversity in Leadership: The Journey of Asian American State Legislators : Six Asian American state legislators with diverse backgrounds will share their own personal and political journeys, and discuss the important role of Asian American politicians. : Six Asian American state legislators with diverse backgrounds will share their own personal and political journeys, and discuss the important role of Asian American politicians. Women's Leadership & Success on Corporate Boards : Seven distinguished women will share their experiences and personal journeys to reach the pinnacle of global companies and organizations, serving on their respective boards. : Seven distinguished women will share their experiences and personal journeys to reach the pinnacle of global companies and organizations, serving on their respective boards. Bright Future: Millennial Leaders & the Cultural Seeds of Their Success : Japanese American millennial leaders will share diverse testimonials of their success in business, education and the community, and detail the instrumental role inherited Japanese American values ( kachikan ) have played along the way. : Japanese American millennial leaders will share diverse testimonials of their success in business, education and the community, and detail the instrumental role inherited Japanese American values ( ) have played along the way. Other topics include: Regional Relations Beyond Washington & Tokyo ; Building Bridges through Creative Initiatives & Entrepreneurship; Japanese American Leaders, Movers & Shakers; Policy Experts Forum on U.S.-Japan Current Affairs; Developing Leaders for Tomorrow's Challenges; Innovation Hubs from Silicon Valley to Kendall Square to Japan's "Bit Valley"; and TOMODACHI Workshop: Transformed by TOMODACHI This is USJC's eighth Annual Conference, and will be held in Washington, DC (where the organization is headquartered) for the first time in four years. From examining different aspects of leadershipincluding public service, millennial leaders and fostering leadershipto a congressional reception and offsite visits to DC institutions, the Conference takes full advantage of all that the nation's capital has to offer. To see the agenda (this includes programs not open for media coverage; for more information please see the media registration link below), please click here. Media Information: Date and Time: Monday, November 13 (9:30am-8:00pm) & Tuesday, November 14, 2017 (9:30am-Noon) Location: J.W. Marriott, Washington DC (1331 Pennsylvania Ave NW) Registration: Press registration is complimentary. Click here to register: bit.ly/USJCAC2017Media About the U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) The U.S.-Japan Council is a Japanese American-led organization fully dedicated to strengthening ties between the United States and Japan in a global context. By promoting people-to-people relationships through its innovative programs in networking and leadership, the Council serves as a catalyst to inspire and engage Japanese and Americans of all generations. The Council was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Washington, DC with staff in California, Hawaii and Tokyo. In 2012, the U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) was created to support the administration of the TOMODACHI Initiative, and in 2013, it became a Public Interest Corporation (Koeki Zaidan Hojin). The U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) maintains an office in Tokyo, Japan. http://www.usjapancouncil.org/ SOURCE The U.S.-Japan Council Related Links http://www.usjapancouncil.org As Hurricane Harvey caused widespread damage across the state, Woodforest employees and customers wanted to help. They quickly organized fundraising efforts in the bank's 740 branches throughout 17 states during the month of September and designated all donations to be given to The Salvation Army to assist them in providing ongoing physical, emotional and spiritual care to survivors and relief workers in Texas. The Salvation Army has remained in communities impacted by this terrible storm, supporting long-term disaster recovery efforts and providing ongoing assistance to those in need. "Many times the best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial contribution to a charity like The Salvation Army to help them stay on the front lines and help as many people as possible," said Julie V. Mayrant, President-Retail Division for Woodforest National Bank. "We are extremely grateful to our employees and customers for their generous support in these efforts." "Since Hurricane Harvey made landfall on August 25 The Salvation Army has coordinated a massive response along the Texas coastline spanning from Corpus Christi more than 300 miles to Orange," said Major Don Wildish, The Salvation Army Officer in Conroe. "Officers, staff and volunteers from throughout the United States have diligently served hurting communities, working from our mobile feeding units, and have delivered more than 900,000 hot meals, drinks and snacks to those affected by the storm. More than 50,000 Texans have received emotional and spiritual care from our teams. As the needs of survivors have gradually changed, The Salvation Army service has transitioned from emergency assistance to intermediate and long-term recovery. We have established multiple Points of Distribution in warehouse facilities in affected areas and anticipate beginning case work with individuals and families in the near future. We are so grateful for the support of Woodforest National Bank as The Salvation Army continues to meet the needs of those affected by Hurricane Harvey." Woodforest will continue to designate donations collected in its branches located throughout Texas to hurricane relief efforts through the end of the year. Organizations selected to benefit from these donations include The Texas Association of Community Development Corporation (TACDC), Houston LISC, PeopleFund, and BCL of Texas, all of which will positively impact small business rejuvenation in Texas. About Woodforest Celebrating over 35 years of community banking service, Woodforest National Bank has successfully stood among the strongest community banks in the nation, proudly offering unsurpassed quality customer service since 1980. Woodforest currently operates 740 branches in 17 states across the United States. For more information about Woodforest National Bank please visit www.woodforest.com For information regarding the Woodforest Charitable Foundation visit the foundation's website at www.wcf.org. Media Contact Cindi Stewart Sr. Vice President-Public Relations Director Woodforest National Bank 832-375-2508 [email protected] SOURCE Woodforest National Bank Related Links http://www.wcf.org Morocco holds a lot of space in the imagination of writers, readers, and visitors. Its where Yves Saint Laurent partied, where Winston Churchill hid out after the summit with F.D.R. in Casablanca, and where, incidentally, that classic Bogart movie was not filmed. Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, Tennessee Williams, and the Rolling Stones all passed through and most likely misbehaved. In Tangier, William Burroughs wrote Naked Lunch in the Hotel el-Muniria, and Paul Bowles wrote The Sheltering Sky and an amazing short story, A Distant Episode, about an arrogant linguistics professor who runs afoul of a Berber tribe in the desert. The Moroccan city of mystery and dark doings is also the setting for Christine Mangans debut novel, Tangerine, about two young women who reunite after an unusually close college roommate experience at Bennington that included a life-altering tragedy. Its 1956, with the rumblings of Moroccan independence about to mark the end of Tangier as an international zone. The girls are wearing hose in the blistering heat. Alice is the English rose with a trust fund and a neer-do-well husband; Lucy is the former Vermont scholarship girl who shows up uninvited on Alices Tangier doorstep. Shes destined to shake things up, especially since Alice is almost housebound: the city has her paralyzed with ennui and fear. The book has been a sensation from the moment it was sent to publishers, and when a colleague mentioned it and I started talking to the people involved, I got involved and couldnt resist the story of Tangerines acquisition or the people behind it. During a meet-and-greet at the Book Group, I chat with Elisabeth Weed, a partner, and, it turns out, the agent representing Tangerine. Like most literary agencies, the Book Group receives plenty of over-the-transom submissions, and Weed religiously checks the slush pile (not something at the top of most agents and editors to-do lists). I must look at the list twice a week to see whats there, she tells me. Weed devours thrillers, so the stage was set for her to notice Mangans pitch letter (it was terrific, Weed says) and the first 10 pages of her book. After those 10 pages, I wanted more, and asked for the whole manuscript, which I devoured. Weed gave the manuscript to Dana Murphy, her former assistant and now an agent, as a second reader. She loved it, too. Mangan had just moved to Dubai to teach at the university there. Working on the revision, Weed says, was crazy because of the time difference. There were many overnight calls as Weed and Mangan refined the manuscript and produced two drafts over four months. Tangerine is told from the alternating viewpoints of Alice and Lucy. The original story, Weed says, had three points of view: Lucy, Alice, and a policeman who dropped out by the time the manuscript was ready for its close-up. Weed sent it out to 20 publishers and had offers within 24 hours. The winner, after an auction that was called for the day before the presidential election, was Zach Wagman at Ecco. Wagman has been at Ecco for two-plus years, he tells me over lunch at Augustine in the Financial District. (We both order winewere bonding already.) Wagman came over to Ecco from Crown (he was at Random House for 11 years) when Denis Lehane moved from Morrow. Dan Halpern, Wagman says, wanted to expand the range of Eccos list; one area for growth was literary thrillers. But back to Tangerine: Wagman had a relationship with Weed and says she called him to tell him about the book before she sent it out. He knew that she loved thrillers and was excited to rep one. But, he adds, I asked for a head start that she wouldnt give me. Since hed recently moved to the suburbs, Wagman says, he was primedall that reading time on the train. Like Weed, Wagman was smitten: The writing was good; it was classy, cool, restrained, and I love books that make me think of old-fashioned midcentury noir, like Patricia Highsmith. Its hard to do without feeling forced. And there was the special hook of Morocco, becauseas you might or might not knowEcco was created in Morocco, spawned from the litserary magazine Antaeus, which was founded in 1971 by Dan Halpern and, yes, Bowles. When I ask Halpern about the book, he is succinct: Reading this submission, I lived again in the sweet air of 60s Tangier. Ecco had to have Tangerine. Wagman emailed Weed to tell her that he was immediately digging the book. He asked who else had it at HarperCollins and she mentioned Jennifer Barth at Harper and Jessica Williams at Morrow. There were preempt offers, but Weed wasnt taking them, and Tangerine went to auction with Knopf and Riverhead in the mix. We were working around the clock, she says. We talked to everybody! Wagman wrote to Weed with his vision for the booka letter that she describes to me as a love letter. Between the Morocco connection with Ecco and Mangan herself (Shes smart, he tells me, and has a degree in gothic literature, and had traveled to Tangier), Wagman felt the elements were all coming together. It was a two-round auction, with Tangerine going to HarperCollins. Mangan chose Ecco. The price tag is rumored to be near $1 million. How times have changed: in 2015, Halpern was quoted in the New York Times saying that Ecco never paid more than $3,000 for a book for years. Wagman got the book on election day (he bought North American rights and audio), and, he says, his edit was gentle, mostly for pacing. He wanted to finish it quickly for a March 2018 pub. The sales department reported that booksellers and reps like to listen to books, so he had the audio done quickly as well and had it sent out. Response to Tangerine has been swift and impressive. Its been selected for the American Booksellers Association Indies Introduce. Mangan (who seemed young, shy, and sweet when I met her at her book lunch) has quit her job in Dubai and moved to Brooklyn and is going to Winter Institute. Film rights, via CAA, have gone for a hefty amount to George Clooney and Grant Heslov at Smokehouse Pictures, with Scarlett Johansson attached to star. And foreign sales have been impressive: Jenny Meyer has sold rights to date in 19 territories, including U.K. (Little, Brown), Germany (Blessing), Holland (Ambo Anthos), France (HarperCollins Noir), Italy (Piemme), Spain (Planeta), Brazil (HarperCollins Brasil), Sweden (Modernista), Israel (Matar), Poland (Marginesy), Czech Republic (Host), Hungary (Libri), Bulgaria (Prozoretz), Lithuania (Baltos Lankos), Serbia (Vulkan), Simplified Chinese (Citic), Complex Chinese (Faces), Korea (Monhakdongne), and Japan (Hayakawa). All this excitement about Tangerine got me thinking: I spent a winter in Tangier years ago, but instead of hanging out with Bowles, I was with an Italian guy who played cards for money and drank arak with the men in the local seaside cafe while I read books in the American womans apartment of which one of them was caretaking. No one disappeared. Too badI might have had a story. At the conclusion of the Northern California Independent Booksellers Association annual meeting in San Francisco Thursday, Berkeleys Revolution Books manager Reiko Redmonde spoke to her fellow booksellers about enduring a month-long campaign by a loose coalition of conservative activists who describe themselves as right-wing media. On September 24, conservative provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos made a brief visit to Berkeley, an event that drew police from around the region. That evening, a band of between 30 and 40 right-wing activists stormed Revolution Books. The attackers recorded the episode on video, rattling windows and confronting patrons. Since the initial incident, these activists have orchestrated at least five more visits to the storeposting their exploits in online videos. In one clip, an activist shouts at the camera: Wherever you hang out, wherever you spill Communist literaturewere coming to a f***ing bookstore near you. In another clip, a protester elbows a bookstore supporter in the face, smashing his glasses. The most recent incident occurred on October 17, when conservative activists assembled and chanted outside Revolution Books after the store closed. After she shared her story at NCIBA, Redmonde handed out a broadsheet with support from local authors like Ayelet Waldman ("It horrifies me to hear that our beloved Revolution Books was targeted by vicious white supremacists) and Joyce Carol Oates (We in the Berkeley community, and throughout the country, are solidly on your side, and applaud your courage, tenacity, and determination.) The harassment extends beyond physical confrontations. Right-wing activists also dox their targets, sharing opponents personal information online. In digital forums, these activists have released contact information for bookstore employees, patrons, and supporters. Revolution Books has received up to 60 calls a day from people mocking or threatening the store. The insults have spread to online review sites as well. Revolution Books is a Communist Recruitment center trying to brainwash kids to do their dirty work for them, wrote one Yelp reviewer. When asked if the campaign could shutter the bookstore, manager Redmonde responded, Hell no! Were not going anywhere. We are needed now more than ever. On October 14, the bookstore hosted a fundraiser; its headline was Support Revolution Books Against Fascist Attacks and Threats. The store now prominently stocks history titles about white supremacy and the rise of fascism in Italy, Germany, and Latin America. For other booksellers who might face a similar kind of intimidation campaign, Redmonde had this advice: We are there. Weve got your back. Well go to your bookstore and stand in front of it. And everyone else in your town should do the same. Ending further speculation in the country, Brazils antitrust authority CADE has decided to give the go-ahead to the merger of Timer Warner and AT&T, though under specific conditions. Despite the advice to veto issued in the summer , the Brazilian regulator unanimously voted to approve the move.The $85.4 billion deal is still subject to approval by Anatel. However, the Brazilian telecom authority has already stated that CADEs position would be an important consideration before any decision was finalised. The merger is also pending regulatory approval in the US.According to CADE member Gilvandro Araujo, the authority still fears excessive market concentration as Time Warner is a powerful programmer and content distributor in the country and AT&Ts Sky is a leading operator in a pay-TV market which is highly concentrated.Therefore, the antitrust agency has established a set of rules to ensure that the companies operations remain separate in Brazil and that they dont share sensitive information.Time Warner and AT&T have agreed to keep their executive structures completely separate in the country, and no synergies will be allowed within the next five years.AT&T will be forced to make sure that Time Warner offers non-affiliated pay-TV operators and service providers all programming channels licensed to Sky under non-discriminatory conditions. The company will therefore have to disclose the terms of all content licensing and TV programming deals to CADE. Kazakhstans satellite TV service AlmaTV has attracted 10,000 subscribers since it launched six months ago, its operator AlmaTel has announced. The subscriber base for the **direct-to-home ( DTH ) pay-TV service is expected to double to 20,000 by the end of the year.Three packages are available for users, at a monthly subscription rate of KZT1,500 to KZT3,500. The service offers up to 140 channels, including 30 high definition (HD) TV channels and the first Ultra HD ( UHD ) channel in Kazakhstan.AlmaTel has utilised HEVC video compression technology from Harmonic for its DTH satellite platform. By using HEVC, both standard and HD channels can be delivered in half the bandwidth needed for MPEG-4. The DTH satellite TV system is designed to compliment AlmaTVs cable network.By launching satellite television we have become the only company in the telecommunication market of Kazakhstan which can offer a full range of television services: cable analogue and digital broadcasting, satellite and online television, said AlmaTV CEO Eric Franke, when the service launched earlier this year. Television broadcasting will always be the priority area of the companys activities. We work every day on the content, in particular on increasing the number of channels in the HD and 4KTV formats, so that our subscribers have the best content. Body cameras for the Mooresville Police Department have arrived. Find out when they will be used. Afghan officials say suicide bombers have killed at least 89 people in two attacks on mosques in Afghanistan, as sectarian and terror-related violence continues to surge in the war-torn country. The October 20 attacks targeted a Shi'ite mosque in the capital, Kabul, and a Sunni mosque in the central Afghan province of Ghor. An Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman said that the death toll in the Kabul attack had risen to at least 56 people. At least 55 people were also injured after a suicide bomber blew himself up as worshippers were gathering for prayers at the Imam Zaman mosque in the western Dasht-e-Barchi section of the capital. The extremist group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack in Kabul. The attacks come one day after 43 soldiers were killed and nine wounded in a Taliban attack on an army camp in the southern province of Kandahar. In the second attack, officials said at least 33 people were killed and 10 injured when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive in Khewiagan, a Sunni mosque in the district of Dulaina in central Ghor Province. A local official said an anti-Taliban commander inside the mosque at the time may have been the target of the attack. No claim of responsibility has been made for the attack. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said the attacks show that "the terrorists have once again staged bloody attacks, but they will not achieve their evil purposes and sow discord among the Afghans." The United States strongly condemned the October 20 attacks and previous attacks in Afghanistan during a week in which U.S. drones strikes were reported to have killed more than 30 militants in the region. "In the face of these senseless and cowardly acts, our commitment to Afghanistan is unwavering," U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement. "The United States stands with the government and people of Afghanistan and will continue to support their efforts to achieve peace and security for their country," she said. Afghanistan's minority Shi'ite population has been the target of several terror attacks this year that have been blamed on the Taliban and IS. A previous attack on a Shi'ite mosque in Kabul occurred on September 29 as Muslims prepared to commemorate Ashura, one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar. Six people were killed in that attack. A recent United Nations report said at least 84 people had been killed and 194 wounded so far in 2017 in attacks on Shiite mosques and religious ceremonies prior to the most recent incidents. About 90 percent of the Afghan population is Sunni Muslim. With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan, Reuters, AFP, AP, BBC, and Tolo News Afghan soldiers and police who train in the United States go "absent without leave," or AWOL, at far higher rates than those of any other country, possibly jeopardizing efforts to assist Afghan security forces, a U.S. watchdog says. Out of a total of 320 foreign military trainees who left during courses in the United States from 2005 to 2017, 152 -- or almost half -- were Afghans, a report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said on October 20. The U.S. State Department said that number is "unacceptably high." SIGAR said the number of asylum seekers among Afghan military trainees rose over the last years as Taliban violence spread across the country and security forces sustained heavy casualties. Only 27 of the Afghans who went AWOL in the United States have been arrested or removed by U.S. police, SIGAR said, with most of the other 83 either unaccounted for or having fled the country. "The tendency of Afghan trainees in the United States to go AWOL may hinder the operational readiness of their home units, negatively impact the morale of fellow trainees and home units, and pose security risks to the United States," the report concluded. Many of the Afghans who seek asylum in the United States say their lives would be in danger if they returned home. Based on reporting by Reuters and AP The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. People rushed to help the victims after a suicide bomber attacked a Shi'ite mosque in western Kabul on October 20, leaving dozens dead and wounded. A separate attack on a Sunni mosque in the central Afghan province of Ghor claimed more casualties the same day. (AP) Note: Contains graphic images. Whenever tents start to appear on the streets of Kyiv, you know things are getting pretty serious. This week's demonstrations in the Ukrainian capital, which saw protesters block the entrance to parliament, clash with police, and erect a makeshift tent city for the first time since the Euromaidan uprising, was just the latest sign that the postrevolutionary honeymoon is long over. Pro-Western politicians are squabbling. Judicial reform is stalled. Pessimism and tension is rising. So I guess it's time to get cynical about Ukraine again, right? Well, actually no. Because the way I see it, Ukraine has been making very slow -- but very steady -- progress since independence. Ukraine has effectively had three revolutions, each of which has built on the previous one. The first occurred in the summer of 1994 when incumbent president Leonid Kravchuk lost an election, and then did something remarkable: he stepped down and let the victor, Leonid Kuchma, take office. This set the precedent that Ukraine's elections are competitive and its power transfers are peaceful. The second revolution -- popularly known as the Orange Revolution -- occurred a decade later and it basically established the principle of oligarchic pluralism. After serving two terms as president, Kuchma and his handpicked successor Viktor Yanukovych tried to cement their own clan in power through a fraudulent election -- and civil society, backed by rival oligarchic clans, balked. And Ukraine's third revolution was of course the Euromaidan. This was when Ukrainian civil society basically said it's time to move from oligarchic pluralism to real pluralism -- and made it clear it was not going to take no for an answer. But this is the hardest step for an oligarchic elite to take because it means having the vision, the foresight, and the confidence to legislate away its own privilege and impunity for the good of society. So what we are witnessing now are simply the growing pains of Ukraine's third and most difficult revolution. Keep telling me what you think on The Power Vertical's Twitter feed and on our Facebook page. Some European Union leaders have raised objections to Russia's plan to build a new gas pipeline to Germany at a summit in Brussels, but the bloc is divided on the matter and took no action, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker says. EU diplomats said the leaders of Poland, Lithuania, Denmark, and Latvia raised their concerns about the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is slated to run from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea, during a discussion on security issues on October 19. Eastern European and Baltic Sea states have expressed concern that the project would strengthen Moscow's hand by increasing European reliance on Russian natural gas, and have also objected that it would cut gas-transit revenues for Ukraine, damaging Kyiv's fragile economy. Nordic states, meanwhile, have raised security concerns over the pipeline being laid near their shores under the Baltic, where Russia has bolstered its military presence. But Germany and several other Northern European countries have sought an alternative to the current pipeline running through Ukraine, where disputes with Russia have led at times to the threat of gas cutoffs, and have defended the commercial gains their energy firms stand to see from the project. Germany, the EU's biggest economy, in particular has embraced the prospect of taking delivery of 55 billion cubic meters of gas a year from Russia, and has said Brussels should not get involved with the project. Juncker said on October 19 the European Commission aligned itself with members who raised objections to the deal and asked for a mandate from EU leaders to negotiate with Russia over the project. But he told reporters in Brussels that leaders turned down his request in light of the split among members. "There is no unanimity among member states to give the commission a mandate to discuss the matter with Russia," he said. "I don't think that we will have unanimity on this" anytime soon, he added. Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo told reporters at the summit that "the political dimension of this project is obvious, but there are countries which say this is a purely commercial project." German Chancellor Angela Merkel told fellow leaders she understood they had political concerns, but she asked them not to muddy the legal waters, two diplomats told Reuters. Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern, whose country like Germany has companies invested in the pipeline, said opposition to the gas pipeline should not be founded on a critical stance toward the Kremlin, a senior EU diplomat told Reuters. Five European companies -- German energy groups Uniper and Wintershall, Austria's OMV, Anglo-Dutch group Shell, and France's Engie -- are invested in the 1,225-kilometer pipeline project. The EU's debate on the controversial project came as Russian President Vladimir Putin complained about recently enacted U.S. sanctions that call for penalties on European companies that participate in the Nord Stream 2 and other Russian energy projects in Europe. Putin asserted the U.S. Congress included the punitive measures in a sanctions bill against Russia with the goal of promoting a budding market for U.S. liquified gas in the Europe. "The recent sanctions package adopted by the U.S. Congress was openly designed to push Russia out of European energy markets and to force Europe to switch to more expensive liquefied natural gas from the United States," he said at a policy forum in Sochi. With reporting by Reuters European Union leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to a landmark deal to limit Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief, despite opposition from U.S. President Donald Trump. The 28-member bloc gave a nod to concerns Trump has raised, however, by stepping up criticism of Tehran's ballistic-missile program and its role in what the West sees as fomenting instability in the Middle East. "We fully stay committed to the complete implementation by all sides of the Iranian nuclear deal. We see this as a key security interest for the European Union and the region," the EU's top diplomat, Federica Mogherini, said late on October 19 in Brussels. The EU leaders issued a joint statement saying, as reported by RFE/RL earlier in the day based on a draft statement, that the EU "reaffirms its full commitment to the Iran nuclear deal." Since Trump declared his opposition to the 2015 deal and refused to certify Iran's compliance last week, the bloc has been stepping up efforts to save it, and on October 19 appealed to the U.S. Congress not to let it fall apart. In an address on October 13, Trump asked the U.S. Congress to strengthen a U.S. law related to the deal in order to put additional pressure on Tehran by setting up triggers for the imposition of sanctions. Trump also said he would seek the removal of so-called sunset clauses, which set expiration dates for some restrictions on Iran's nuclear program under the deal between six global powers and Tehran. He threatened to withdraw the United States from the deal if his goals are not met, calling on Congress and U.S. allies to help achieve them, and has repeated that threat in subsequent remarks. Democrats and some Republicans in Congress have said they would not do anything that goes against U.S. allies in Europe, and their statements were noted by officials at the Brussels summit. "Many Democrats as well as some Republicans feel like they need to play a more active role on foreign policy to restrain the president," one EU official told Reuters. Still, officials said the EU leaders in their discussions of the deal highlighted the need to protect European companies and investors dealing with Iran from any adverse effects should Washington decide to reinstate U.S. sanctions. The EU sees the Iran deal as one of the West's biggest diplomatic success stories of recent years. European leaders have expressed concern that the deal's demise would harm efforts to negotiate with North Korea over its nuclear program. EU foreign ministers earlier this week adopted a statement declaring that the deal is "a key element of the global nuclear nonproliferation architecture and is crucial for the security of the region." While voicing support for Trump's efforts to curb Iran's ballistic missile program, as well as "concerns" about Iran's role in increasing tensions in the Middle East, European officials said they want to put those disputes on separate tracks from the nuclear deal. Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps said on October 19 that despite pressure from the West, Iran will accelerate the ballistic missile program, which it views as critical for self-defense, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported. With reporting by AP, Reuters, and RFE/RL's Rikard Jozwiak in Brussels Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili has reluctantly signed constitutional amendments that he had vetoed on October 9 -- including provisions that transform the country into a parliamentary system where the president is elected by lawmakers rather than directly by voters. "It is extremely difficult for me to sign this constitution," Margvelashvili said at an October 19 press conference. "However, considering the country's internal and external challenges and the fact that we should take all steps to avoid possible destabilization, I...am signing this document." Parliament approved the amendments on September 26. On October 13, lawmakers voted to ignore Margvelashvili's objections and overrode his veto. Margvelashvili criticized the amended constitution as a "one-party" document aimed at solidifying the ruling Georgia Dream party's hold on power. He said he would have preferred a "consensus-based document." The constitutional amendments will come into effect after the country's 2018 presidential election. Under the amended constitution, Georgia will switch to a fully proportional-election system by 2024 with a 5 percent threshold required for a party to gain parliamentary mandates. Beginning in 2025, the president will be elected by a special council of lawmakers. The sale of agricultural land to foreigners will be banned, and opposition parties in parliament will have the right to create investigative commissions. Based on reporting by Civil Georgia and Agenda.ge In the run-up to the Georgian municipal elections scheduled for October 21, the ruling Georgian Dream party has been accused of resorting to the use of administrative resources and pressure to ensure victory for its own candidates. Parliament speaker Irakli Kobakhidze and former Energy Minister Kakha Kaladze, who is running for the post of Tbilisi mayor, both categorically rejected those allegations as untrue and unfounded. Central Election Commission (TsSK) Chairwoman Tamar Zhvania, however, has said that there have been instances of the use of administrative resources but added that the number of such complaints has declined compared with previous years. In an as-yet-unpublished report summarized at a press conference on October 17, representatives of Transparency International Georgia said some kindergarten heads were asked (where and by whom is unclear) to draft lists of parents who would vote for Georgian Dream. The NGO also said that in the predominantly Azeri-populated district of Dmanisi, southeast of Tbilisi, Georgian Dream members forced local Muslims to swear on the Koran that they would vote for the ruling party. Meanwhile, 14 extraparliamentary opposition parties accused Georgian Dream of seeking to engineer the election outcome to ensure that the European Georgia party, which split early this year from the former ruling United National Movement, places second, the news portal Caucasian Knot reported on October 16. European Georgia rejected that allegation as rumor and utter rubbish. The opposition parties also claimed that over 200 opposition candidates for local councils have withdrawn from the race under pressure from the ruling party. They further complained of restricted access to the media, resulting in what they termed an uneven and discriminatory preelection environment. Independent Tbilisi mayoral candidate Aleko Elisashvili, for his part, claimed the Central Election Commission has refused to allow election observers to verify the accuracy of voter lists. He construed that alleged refusal as evidence that the supreme election body is intent on falsifying the outcome of the vote in favor of Georgian Dream. Zhvania promptly denied that Elisashvilis supporters have been denied access to voter lists, InterPressNews.ge reported. The swift and categorical official reactions to such accusations are understandable, for several reasons. First, Georgian Dream is particularly vulnerable to allegations of malpractice after being consistently criticized over a period of months by opposition parties across the political spectrum for pushing through parliament constitutional amendments widely seen as designed to ensure it remains in power indefinitely. Second, voter turnout in local elections is traditionally lower than for parliamentary ballots, and these elections are unlikely to prove an exception, given what the U.S. National Democratic Institute termed little visible competition or contest of ideas and policies. And third, in light of the large number of parties registered to participate (22, plus five electoral blocs and one initiative group) and the low popularity rating of all major parties, including Georgian Dream, observers predict that a second round of voting will be needed, especially in the five cities (Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, Poti, and Rustavi) that are to elect a new mayor. No fewer than 13 candidates are vying for the post of Tbilisi mayor, including one representing former parliament speaker Davit Usupashvilis new Construction Movement. The elections are the first to take place since parliament amended the law on self-government in late June to reduce from 12 to five the number of towns and cities where the mayor is directly elected. The rationale cited for depriving seven towns of separate municipal status and merging them with the surrounding eponymous region was to save money, but opposition parties nonetheless alleged that the decision was intended to facilitate a Georgian Dream victory in the upcoming municipal elections, the news portal Caucasian Knot reported on July 5. An opinion poll conducted between mid-June and early July by the National Democratic Institute established that 59 percent of the population disapproved of the change, while only 16 percent approved it, with 45 percent predicting it will have a negative impact on the country. Whether those who disapprove will simply not bother to vote, or register their displeasure by voting for one of the opposition parties, remains to be seen. Speaking at a cabinet meeting on October 19, Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili instructed all state bodies to ensure that the actual vote on October 21 does not furnish the slightest grounds for further allegations of the unfair use of administrative resources. I want to appeal in the first instance to state bodies, secondly to political forces, and thirdly to society as a whole: Lets hold these elections in such a way that it is a further step forward to strengthening truly European democracy in Georgia, so that forced elections are consigned to the past once and for all, and such terms from the past as falsified, forced elections are forgotten, InterPressNews.ge quoted him as saying. To Georgian Dreams rivals, that appeal may sound like shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted. The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect those of RFE/RL. Iraqi government troops have clashed with Kurdish Peshmerga fighters as government forces continued to deploy in parts of northern Iraq the Kurdish fighters captured from Islamic State (IS) militants during the past three years. The clash on October 20 near the town of Altun Kupri, in the northernmost part of Kirkuk Province, occurred on a key highway about 50 kilometers south of Irbil, the capital of the Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region. The fighting came three weeks after the Kurdish region held an independence referendum that Baghdad has declared illegal. Voters in the autonomous Kurdish region and disputed Kurdish-held areas largely backed secession in the September 25 vote. Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi says Iraqi forces have been moving into disputed areas of northern Iraq in order to "protect the unity" of the country. According to Baghdad, Peshmerga fighters have been withdrawing from other parts of northern Iraq in recent days ahead of the arrival of government troops, including territory in the provinces of Nineveh and Diyala. Earlier this week, government soldiers and allied Shi'ite militia fighters took control of the city of Kirkuk, nearby oil fields, and other key installations in Kirkuk Province. Government forces, allied Shi'ite militia fighters, and Peshmerga from the Kurdish autonomous region were previously working together to fight IS militants. Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP BISHKEK -- Kyrgyzstan's government is moving to cancel an agreement under which it would have received some $100 million in aid from Kazakhstan to bring its infrastructure up to the standards of the Eurasian Economic Union (EES). Kyrgyzstan joined the Russia-led trade bloc, which also includes Belarus, Armenia, and Kazakhstan, in August 2015. In December 2016, Kazakhstan agreed to grant $100 million in aid to Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyz Deputy Prime Minister Duishenbek Zilaliev told RFE/RL on October 20 that the government sent the draft proposal to parliament, which is due to discuss it in the coming days. "We do not need that money anymore. We will look for funding in other places -- either our own budget or outside sources," Zilaliev said. The move comes amid ongoing tensions between the two Central Asian neighbors caused by outgoing Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev's accusing Kazakhstan of interfering in the campaign for the October 15 presidential election. On October 7, Atambaev said Kazakh authorities were "meddling in Kyrgyzstan's domestic affairs" and were throwing their support behind Omurbek Babanov, the chief rival of Atambaev's favored successor, Sooronbai Jeenbekov, who eventually won the election. The accusations came after Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev met with Babanov last month. On October 18, the two countries agreed on steps to ease a severe bottleneck on the border and speed up the flow of noncommercial traffic between the two countries. NATO would not be able to rebuff a potential Russian attack on its eastern flank, according to an internal report cited on October 20 by German weekly Der Spiegel. The paper, titled Progress Report On The Strengthened Deterrence And Defense Capability Of The Alliance, pointed to significant deficiencies. "NATO's ability to logistically support rapid reinforcement in the strongly expanded territory of the European commander's area of responsibility has atrophied since the end of the Cold War," Der Spiegel quoted the report as saying. Even the strengthening of the NATO Response Force (NRF) has failed to ensure that it could "react rapidly and -- if necessary -- sustainably," it said. The report cited a downsized command structure since the fall of communism as one of the paramount elements that has undermined the alliance's defense capabilities, Der Spiegel quoted the report as saying. NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu declined to comment on the German magazine report but said that alliance "forces are more ready and able to deploy than at any time in decades." Lungescu said that efforts are "under way to ensure that the NATO command structure remains robust, agile, and fit for purpose." The alliance's command structure is to be discussed at a meeting of NATO defense ministers next month. NATO's relations with Russia are at their lowest since the Cold War over the conflict in Ukraine. After Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, NATO suspended its civilian and military cooperation with Moscow, as Ukraine announced its intention to seek membership in the alliance. With reporting by AFP The joint Russia-NATO Council will meet in Brussels on October 26, the second time the body has convened this year. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg's office said on October 20 that the meeting will focus on the conflicts in Ukraine and Afghanistan, as well as on ways of reducing the risk of clashes and accidents during military exercises and border surveillance. Relations between NATO and Moscow have been seriously strained in the wake of Russia's illegal annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and because of Moscow's ongoing political, economic, and military support for separatists in parts of eastern Ukraine. Moscow denies interfering in Ukraine's internal affairs, but Stoltenberg said in July that Russia has "thousands" of troops in Ukraine. There has been a series of potentially dangerous close encounters between Russian and NATO warplanes and navy ships in recent months. The NATO-Russia Council last met in Brussels in March. Based on reporting by AP Several opposition and rights activists have been detained across Kazakhstan as the day of an early presidential election scheduled for November 20 nears. Police in the southwestern town of Zhanaozen on November 15 detained noted opposition activist Estai Qarashaev, who was sentenced to six days in jail several hours later on a charge of violating regulations for holding public gatherings. Qarashaev was among oil workers who protested in 2011 to demand higher wages. Police brutally dispersed the protests, killing at least 16 people. In the country's largest city, Almaty, on November 15, police detained Aset Abishev, a member of the founding committee of the Algha Qazaqstan (Forward, Kazakhstan) party that has been trying unsuccessfully for eight months to get registered for the election. It is not clear why Abishev was detained. Last week, five other members of the unregistered party were detained for taking part in an unsanctioned rally in August. WATCH: Several activists of a Kazakh opposition movement have been arrested and police were stationed outside the door of another ahead of a snap presidential election scheduled for November 20. Meanwhile, in the village of Bobrovka in the East Kazakhstan region, rights activist Serik Ydyryshev was detained, his wife Gulmira Berikqyzy told RFE/RL on November 15. According to Berikqyzy, her husband's arrest is linked to the upcoming early presidential election. The police department of the East Kazakhstan region was not available for comment. One day earlier, opposition activist Rashid Qamaldanov was sentenced in Almaty to 15 days in jail for taking part in an unsanctioned rally earlier this year. In Astana, the capital, jailed activist Sandughash Qantarbaeva stared a hunger strike last weekend, protesting her administrative arrest that she says was handed to her to prevent her from taking part in protests on the day of the presidential election. Many activists complained to RFE/RL that they have been followed and that police have been monitoring their homes. According to the activists, the pressure imposed on them is directly linked to the presidential poll, while the countrys Constitution guarantees them freedom of expression and freedom of public gatherings. An Interior Ministry official denied that measures to prevent the activists from holding rallies on the day of election are under way. President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev, who has tried to position himself as a reformer, on September 1 called the early presidential election and proposed changing the presidential term to seven years from five years. Under the new system, future presidents will be barred from seeking more than one term. Critics say Toqaev's initiatives have been mainly cosmetic and do not change the nature of the autocratic system in a country that has been plagued for years by rampant corruption and nepotism. Toqaev's predecessor, Nursultan Nazarbaev, who ran the tightly controlled former Soviet republic with an iron fist for almost three decades, chose Toqaev as his successor when he stepped down in 2019. Though he was no longer president, Nazarbaev retained sweeping powers as the head of the Security Council. He also enjoyed substantial powers by holding the title of elbasy or leader of the nation. Many citizens, however, remained upset by the oppression during Nazarbaev's reign. Those feelings came to a head in January when unprecedented antigovernment nationwide protests started over a fuel price hike, and then exploded into countrywide deadly unrest over perceived corruption under the Nazarbaev regime and the cronyism that allowed his family and close friends to enrich themselves while ordinary citizens failed to share in the oil-rich Central Asian nation's wealth. Toqaev subsequently stripped Nazarbaev of his Security Council role, taking it over himself. Since then, several of Nazarbaevs relatives and allies have been pushed out of their positions or resigned. Some have been arrested on corruption charges. A Toqaev-initiated referendum in June removed Nazarbaev's name from the constitution and annulled his status as elbasy. msh/mj Hundreds of Rohingya Muslims arrived in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, on October 19. Almost 600,000 Rohingya refugees -- more than half of them children -- have left northern Rakhine state in Burma, also known as Myanmar. The crisis began in late August, when the army began a campaign of what the UN has called "ethnic cleansing" following insurgent attacks. UNICEF, the UN children's fund, says refugee camps in Bangladesh are lacking basic shelter, drinking water, and toilets. (Reuters) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the world should not expect "considerable results in the foreseeable future" from strategic stability talks between Russia and the United States. In an October 20 speech at a nonproliferation conference in Moscow, Lavrov also described the situation surrounding the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) as a "stalemate" in which Washington "refuses to clarify" its allegations that Russia has violated the treaty. He said Moscow had its own concerns about possible U.S. violations and accused Washington of "keeping silent" about its own "unscrupulousness." Lavrov's comments come one day after similar remarks made by Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi. Putin said Moscow would respond "immediately and symmetrically" if the United States withdrew from the INF. Lavrov also said Russia was "skeptical" about the usefulness of further bilateral talks with the United States in the format of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). Instead, he urged an expanded format for nuclear-disarmament talks. "The numbers set by the existent treaty are bringing U.S. and Russian arsenals close to the parameters that other nuclear countries have achieved," Lavrov said. The foreign minister also expressed Russia's support for the landmark 2015 Iranian nuclear deal under which Tehran agreed to restrict its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. U.S. President Donald Trump on October 13 refused to certify Iran's compliance with what he called a "flawed" agreement and urged modifications. Lavrov said that "any changes in the plan adopted by a consensus require the consent of every member of the six-nation group and, of course, Iran." The treaty was agreed by Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States. "Like our European counterparts, I am confident any attempts to start such a conversation [about modifying the agreement] may bury this important agreement," Lavrov said. Lavrov also called on the international community to make "proactive diplomatic efforts" to prevent a military conflict on the Korean Peninsula. He called on "responsible members of the international community" to support a Russian-Chinese road map for defusing the crisis with North Korea that calls for parallel talks on North Korea's nuclear weaponry and the overall security situation in the region. "There is no alternative to a diplomatic settlement of the nuclear issue on the basis of dialogue," Lavrov said. U.S. CIA Director Mike Pompeo said on October 19 that North Korea was "on the cusp" of achieving the ability to strike the United States with a nuclear missile. U.S. national security adviser H.R. McMaster on October 19 said the world was "in a race to resolve this [issue] short of military action." North Korea has conducted six nuclear tests, including its most powerful one in August. It has fired 22 missiles in 15 tests in 2017. With reporting by CNN, TASS, Reuters, AP, and Rossia 24 Russia's state-owned Rosneft oil company says it has agreed with the government of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region to take a controlling stake in the region's main oil export pipeline. Rosneft said in an October 20 statement that it will own 60 percent of the pipeline while Iraq's private KAR Group will hold the remaining stake. "The accession to the infrastructure project will boost the implementation of the company's strategic goals and help to increase the efficiency of oil supplies to consumers, including supplies of oil from [the Kurdish autonomous region] to Rosneft oil refineries in Germany," the company's statement said. The agreement was signed by Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin and the Kurdish region's oil minister, Ashti Hawrami, on the sidelines of an industry conference in Italy on October 19. Reuters quoted analysts as saying Rosneft was expected to invest about $1.8 billion into the project. On October 18, the two sides agreed to production-sharing agreements to develop five new production blocks in the Kurdish region, with geologic exploration set to begin in 2018. Rosneft said full development could begin by 2021 and that the estimated oil reserves of the five blocks was about 670 million barrels. The deals come amid tension between Iraqs Kurdish autonomous region and the central government in Baghdad following the Kurdish region's September 25 independence referendum when voters in the autonomous region and disputed Kurdish-held areas largely supported secession. Since the referendum, Iraqi government troops and allied Shiite militia fighters have moved into disputed areas in northern Iraq that previously were held by Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, including the city of Kirkuk, nearby oil fields, and strategic infrastructure sites in the provinces of Nineveh and Diyala. The Kurdish region's oil exports have fallen to about 200,000 barrels per day -- compared to about 600,000 per day -- since the Iraqi military seized control of the oil-rich Kirkuk region. Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi says the Iraqi government's military operations are necessary to protect the unity of Iraq. But on October 20, government troops clashed with Kurdish Peshmerga fighter in northern Kirkuk Province on a key highway about 50 kilometers south of the Kurdish regions capital, Irbil. Diplomats in Moscow have expressed sympathy for the Kurdish independence bid. Sechin on October 19 urged Baghdad and the Kurdish region to resolve the dispute diplomatically. Earlier, Rosneft lent the Kurdish region $1.2 billion to cover its budget deficit. With reporting by Reuters and TASS Russia has formally handed over six MiG-29 fighter jets to Serbia, as part of ceremonies marking the World War II liberation of Belgrade. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic attended the October 20 event at a military airport outside the capital, Belgrade. Serbia is marking the October 20, 1944, liberation of its capital from Nazi occupation with a military parade and other events. Historians say about 3,000 Yugoslav and 1,000 Soviet soldiers were killed in the final Belgrade Offensive. The six MiGs arrived disassembled aboard Russian transport planes over the past three weeks. They are being provided by Moscow at no charge, but their assembly, repair, and refurbishing costs are expected to near $235 million in total. Vucic has said the planes would enter military service by the end of 2017 after refurbishing and pilot training. Vucic, a former nationalist, has remade himself as a pro-European Union reformer while seeking to maintain good relations with traditional ally Russia, which is looking to block the Balkan nations path toward possible NATO membership. Serbias moves to heighten military ties with Moscow have worried the West and many neighboring countries, including Bosnia-Herzegovina and NATO member Croatia. Based on reporting by AP, BalkanInsight, and Interfax A Moscow court has rejected a legal claim filed against Russia's Interior Ministry by Ali Feruz, an Uzbek correspondent for Russia's independent Novaya Gazeta newspaper. Feruz filed the appeal after Russian immigration authorities in 2015 refused to grant him political asylum -- a decision that subsequently led to a court order for his deportation to Uzbekistan over alleged immigration-law violations. Moscow's Basmanny district court on October 20 ruled that immigration officials were correct to refuse asylum because Feruz failed to prove he faced danger in Uzbekistan. The October 20 ruling contradicts an August 4 order by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that suspended Feruz's deportation to Uzbekistan. The ECHR order was issued after rights groups said they feared Feruz could face torture, imprisonment, or even death at the hands of Uzbek authorities. Feruz is to remain at a Moscow holding center for foreigners until the ECHR issues a final decision about his case. Feruz, whose real name is Hudoberdi Nurmatov, was born in Siberia in 1986. He left Russia for Uzbekistan at the age of 17 to live with his Uzbek stepfather and accepted Uzbek citizenship. But he fled Uzbekistan in 2008, alleging he was detained and tortured for two days by members of Uzbekistan's security service. Prominent rights activists and intellectuals in Russia have called on the Kremlin to not deport Feruz. Based on reporting by Novaya Gazeta and Interfax The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu attended a ceremony in Belgrade to formally present six MiG-29 fighter jets to Serbia. Russia donated the jets at no charge, but Serbia is funding their repair and modernization. (RFE/RL's Balkan Service) ON MY MIND A tent city has appeared in Kyiv for the first time since the Euromaidan. Protesters are demanding that President Petro Poroshenko enact anticorruption reforms or step down. Pro-Western politicians are squabbling. Judicial reform is stalled. Pessimism and tension are rising. Welcome to the growing pains of something I call Ukraine's Third Revolution. On today's Power Vertical Podcast, we take a look at Ukraine's efforts to move from oligarchic pluralism to real pluralism (for a teaser, check out today's Daily Vertical, featured below). Joining me will be co-host Mark Galeotti, a senior research fellow at the Institute of International Relations in Prague and author of the blog In Moscow's Shadows; and RFE/RL's Kyiv correspondent, Christopher Miller. Also on the Podcast, Mark, Chris, and I will talk about the changing tactics in both Kyiv and Moscow toward the war in the Donbas. So be sure to tune in later today.... IN THE NEWS Vladimir Putin has threatened U.S. media operating in Russia, saying Moscow would retaliate if U.S. officials put restrictions on Russian media in the United States. Putin also accused the United States of building up military forces in the Baltics, but said that it wasn't something of concern to Moscow. Putin also said Moscow will respond "immediately and symmetrically" if the United States withdraws from a key Cold War arms-control treaty. Some European Union leaders have raised objections to Russia's plan to build a new gas pipeline to Germany at a summit in Brussels, but the bloc is divided on the matter and took no action, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker says. A bipartisan trio of U.S. senators has introduced legislation to regulate paid political ads that appear on Facebook, Google, and other social media in an effort to prevent foreign interference in U.S. elections, with special emphasis placed on alleged actions by Russia. Three Russian Navy ships have arrived in the Philippines and two others are expected over the weekend to deliver donated military equipment, officials say. Lawmakers in Ukraine have approved a long-awaited law reforming the health-care system replacing broken-down Soviet-era arrangements with a Western-style, tax-funded health-care insurance system. Protesters calling for Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to enact anticorruption reforms or step down notched a small victory as parliament sent a bill on lifting lawmakers' immunity from prosecution to the Constitutional Court for review. Ukrainian parliament speaker Andriy Parubiy has called on law enforcement authorities to "immediately and objectively investigate" a deadly traffic accident in the eastern city of Kharkiv. The European Court of Justice has upheld sanctions imposed by the European Union on former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and his son Oleksandr. WHAT I'M READING Why The Opposition Loses In his column for Republic.ru, Oleg Kashin explains why Russia's liberal opposition always loses. Pussy Riot's Most Unlikely Ally Also in Republic.ru, political analyst Nikolai Mitrokhin explains how an Orthodox Christian activist became a supporter of Pussy Riot. Sobchak's Life In The Media Spotlight RBK has produced an interesting social video looking at Ksenia Sobchak's life in the media spotlight. Sobchak And Navalny In Gazeta.ru, Ignat Kalinin and Andrei Vinokurov argue that Sobchak is really competing with opposition leader Aleksei Navalny. What Lenin Can Teach Putin About Ukraine Serhiy Plokhy, a professor of history at Harvard University and author of the book Lost Kingdom, has a piece in The Guardian arguing that Vladimir Putin could learn a lot from how Vladimir Lenin handled Ukraine a century ago. Russian Women And Harassment In an op-ed for The Moscow Times, playwright Natalia Antonova explains why Russian women don't want to talk about Harvey Weinstein. 'Rehabilitation' In The North Caucasus Meduza has a piece on how authorities in the North Caucasus are reintegrating former militants into civilian life -- and then coming after their relatives. Belarus And Russia After Zapad Arseny Savitski of the Minsk-based Center for Strategic and Foreign Policy Studies looks at the crisis in Belarusian-Russian relations in the aftermath of the Zapad 2017 military exercises. Three Russian navy ships have arrived in the Philippines and two others are expected over the weekend to deliver donated military equipment, officials say. It is Russia's third naval visit since Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte took office vowing to diversify the country's ties away from the United States and toward China and Russia. Three Russian antisubmarine ships docked in Manila on October 20 in time for Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu's upcoming visit to the country, said Rear Admiral E. Mikhailov, the task force commander. Two other vessels will be arriving on October 21 at the port of Subic Bay northwest of Manila to unload donated military equipment, the Philippine Navy said in a statement. Shoigu will be attending next week's meeting of 10 Southeast Asian defense ministers with counterparts from other countries, including the United States and China. The navy said the donated equipment would be handed over to Duterte, who earlier said Russia would provide 5,000 assault rifles. "I am assuring you that we will do our best to make this port call a significant contribution to the strengthening of friendly ties and cooperation between our two nations in the interest of security and stability in the region," Mikhailov said. Russian news agency TASS reported that the Russian Navy will allow local residents of Manila to take tours of the large antisubmarine vessel Admiral Panteleyev during its stay in Manila. Based on reporting by AP and TASS U.S. CIA Director Mike Pompeo says the United States wants to draw the Taliban into peace talks in Afghanistan, but for that to happen, he says Pakistan must first ensure the militants cannot establish safe havens within its borders. In a speech on October 19 at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington think tank, Pompeo said for peace talks to move ahead, the Taliban must have no hope of winning on the battlefield in Afghanistan. But he said that will not happen as long as the militants are able to establish sanctuaries in Pakistan. The United States "is going to do everything we can, to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table in Afghanistan, with the Taliban having zero hope that they can win this thing on the battlefield," he said. "To do that you cannot have a safe haven in Pakistan." U.S. officials have long accused Pakistan of turning a blind eye to the presence on its territory of the Afghan Taliban and its allied Haqqani extremist network -- a charge Islamabad denies. Seemingly to illustrate his point, Pompeo disclosed for the first time that the Central Intelligence Agency believes a U.S.-Canadian couple kidnapped by Haqqani militants in Afghanistan in 2012 were held in capitivity in Pakistan for five years before being freed last week. His statement that American Caitlan Coleman and her Canadian husband, Joshua Boyle, were "held for five years inside of Pakistan" contradicted accounts offered by Pakistani officials, who said last week the family was rescued in Pakistan shortly after they crossed over from Afghanistan. Pompeo's remarks targeting Pakistan reflect U.S. President Donald Trump's new strategy of placing pressure on Islamabad to rid its border area of extremist groups as part of a new push to try to win or end the 16-year U.S. war in Afghanistan. Washington has threatened to cut military aid and take other punitive measures against Islamabad, including possibly targeting sanctions against Pakistani officials with links to militant organizations. Islamabad has called the U.S. strategy an effort to "scapegoat" Pakistan for Washington's failure to win the war. But Pakistani officials last week also touted the hostage rescue as an example of their increased cooperation with Washington. "I think history would indicate that expectations for the Pakistanis' willingness to help us in the fight against radical Islamic terrorism should be set at a very low level," Pompeo said. "I think we should have a very real conversation with them about what it is they're doing, and what it is they should do, and the American expectations for how they should behave," he said. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is scheduled to visit Islamabad next week. Tillerson said on October 18 that the United States expected Pakistan "to take decisive action against terrorist groups." With reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters Uzbek authorities have released an opposition activist who has spent the last 11 years in prison on charges that his supporters say were politically motivated. Muhammadali Qoraboev told RFE/RL that his release on October 18 was the result of "ongoing changes in the country." "There are democratic developments in the country and they are reaching those behind bars as well," Qoraboev said, adding that he planned to renew his engagement in political activities. The 70-year-old Qoraboev was the branch chief of the banned opposition Birlik (Unity) in the western region of Namangan. He was sentenced in 2006 to 5 1/2 years in prison on extortion charges that supporters say were unfounded and politically motivated. Qoraboev said his term was prolonged twice for alleged "violations of prison regulations" and easily could have been prolonged again because of a common practice by Uzbek authorities of keeping political prisoners jailed. Qoraboev is the 14th political prisoner to be released from an Uzbek prison since President Shavkat Mirziyoev took office following the death in 2016 of President Islam Karimov. A U.S.-based human rights advocacy group, Freedom House, said in August that Mirziyoev had made some positive reforms. A recent meeting of officials from Uzbekistan and Iran was a curious event. Central Asia has seen a reshuffling of relations over the past couple years, and improved relations between Tashkent and Tehran is one of the more intriguing developments. Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov led the Uzbek delegation that also included Foreign Trade Minister Elyor Ganiev and Uzbekneftegaz chief Alisher Sultanov. During their October 16-18 visit, members of the Uzbek delegation met with Iranian President Hassan Rohani, Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, and Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh. Agreements worth some $25 million were signed for agricultural and textile products, but for Uzbekistan the more important talks were on oil imports from Iran. Zanganeh said on October 18 that Uzbek oil officials were in talks with the National Iranian Oil Company about exporting Iranian oil to Uzbekistan. Zanganeh did not mention any figures. Since Shavkat Mirziyoev took over as Uzbekistans president last year, Uzbekistan has been moving to alleviate the countrys chronic shortages of oil and gasoline. Already this year, Mirziyoev has secured agreements for oil imports from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. In the case of Kazakhstan and Russia, work must first be done to repair and extend an existing pipeline that connects Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan before any oil can be imported. "Exports to [Uzbekistan] need to be conducted overland and probably by rail," Zanganeh said. Such a rail line already exists, so it should not take long for shipments of Iranian oil to start arriving in Uzbekistan after the two countries finalize a deal. If Uzbek-Iranian relations continue to warm, there is always the possibility that the same railway could one day be used to carry Uzbek goods to Iran and the Persian Gulf. China would likely back such a plan, as it would integrate well with Beijings One Belt, One Road global trade initiative. It might also breathe some new life into the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman international trade and transport corridor, a project that was signed in 2011 but which has made little progress since. For Iran, the timing of the Uzbek delegations visit is fortuitous. Tehrans ties with Tajikistan, Irans natural partner in Central Asia due to the linguistic and cultural affinities they share, have been fraying for many months, in large part due to a vigorous push by Saudi Arabia -- Iran's regional rival -- to court better relations with Tajikistan. Iranian-Turkmen ties hit a new low recently due to a dispute between the two countries over the price of Turkmen natural-gas exports to northern Iran. Turkmenistan stopped gas supplies to Iran at the end of 2016, citing Iranian debt, and Iran has mentioned several times since that it is prepared to take Turkmenistan to international arbitration for price gouging and failure to respect contracts. A new partnership with Uzbekistan would help Iran not only maintain a presence in Central Asia but probably boost Iranian influence in the region since, at 32 million people, Uzbekistans population is more than twice the combined populations of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan (8.6 million and 5 million, respectively). It is admittedly early to predict the course of Iranian-Uzbek relations. These new ties are again the result of the change in leadership in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistans longtime president, Islam Karimov, was always worried about Islamist-inspired groups challenging his regime. When Uzbekistan became independent in late 1991, Iran was seen as the Islamic-fundamentalist threat, despite the fact that Iran is mainly Shia and most Central Asians, certainly most Uzbeks, are Sunnis. Karimov shunned Iran even later, when Sunni groups such as the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and the so-called Islamic State extremist group appeared. But Mirziyoev seems determined to jump-start Uzbekistans economy, and Iran presents some attractive trade possibilities. Given the increasingly complicated security situation in central, south, and western Asia, Uzbekistan and Iran have common security concerns that also provide a basis for new cooperation. The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect those of RFE/RL. Uzbekistan this week released prominent rights activist Ganihon Mamathonov after eight years in prison on fraud and bribery charges widely seen as politically motivated. He is one of nearly a dozen high-profile activists, opposition figures, and journalists regarded by other activists and watchdog groups as political prisoners who have been freed from Uzbek jails in the year since President Shavkat Mirziyoev came to power. Mirziyoevs administration has also removed around 16,000 people from a so-called blacklist of potential religious extremists and vowed to help them to reintegrate into society. The moves -- coupled with modest experiments like live talk shows and the pending elimination of exit visas -- have sparked hopes of a new willingness to pursue more liberal policies than those of Mirziyoev's predecessor, the late Islam Karimov. Rights groups and experts have welcomed the tentative steps but are calling for more widespread and thorough reforms. This is definitely the moment of hope, says Steve Swerdlow, a Central Asia researcher for Human Rights Watch (HRW), whose group cites 10 significant prisoner releases under Miriziyoev. Former lawmaker Samandar Kukanov and Muhammad Bekjonov, an independent journalist and brother of an exiled opposition leader, were freed after 23 and 18 years in prison, respectively. More recently, independent journalist Solijon Abdurahmonov and rights activist Agzam Farmonov were freed just days before Mamathonovs release. The number [of releases] is significantly greater than in Karimovs time, when on average one or two political prisoners would be freed per year, Swerdlow says. However, in a country where thousands of others remain in prison for cases seen as politically charged, Swerdlow described the recent releases as a drop in a bucket. Swerdlow said the releases have spurred optimism that Mirziyoev will free a larger number in the next two months and beyond as Uzbekistan marks the 25th anniversary of its post-Soviet constitution on December 8. Uzbek authorities have also taken tentative steps to loosen other restrictions, such as allowing the tightly controlled state television to introduce live talk shows on which government officials faced journalists. The live programs were introduced in early April after Mirziyoev demanded publicly that state TV end the sycophantic adulation of public officials and focus on issues faced by ordinary Uzbeks. The live talk shows were abruptly halted by authorities in August, however. Uzbekistan has also announced that it will abolish exit visas starting in January 2019. The requirement for exit visas has long been used by authorities to prevent government critics from traveling abroad, and they are by most accounts a source of bribes for corrupt officials. In stark contrast to decades of eroding regional ties under his predecessor, Mirziyoev has conspicuously sought better relations with Uzbekistan's Central Asian neighbors, reopening borders, reestablishing transport links, and easing visa procedures. He has paid multiple visits to Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, signing trade and investment deals, and resolving border disputes. The changes have been dubbed the Uzbek thaw. Uzbekistan is not necessarily making huge leaps in democracy or human rights, but because the bar is so low in Uzbekistan, even small changes matter, says Bakhtiyor Nishonov, deputy director for Eurasia at the International Republican Institute in Washington. While most of the recently freed prisoners had already served nearly all of their lengthy sentences, Nishonov says, the Karimov regime earned a reputation for extending the sentences of political prisoners. Uzbekistan still tightly controls state media and has all but eliminated independent media and political dissent. Few dare to publicly criticize or challenge Mirziyoev or his policies. Quoting recently released prisoners and family members of inmates in Uzbekistan, Swerdlow says that the mistreatment of prisoners, including beatings, is still rampant. Swerdlow says a former prisoner described prison officials brutally beating up inmates in the Bekobod prison facility in April, allegedly to prevent them from complaining to a visiting Uzbek human rights ombudsman. However, Swerdlow, who visited Uzbekistan in August, says that in an unprecedented move by the authorities, HRW was given access to high-level government officials, civil activists, and family members of current political prisoners. It remains unclear if any official has ever been brought to justice for the mistreatment of inmates, wrongfully arresting activists, or placing people on blacklists. Described by some as an old-guard new president, Mirziyoev was part of Karimovs inner circle for two decades and had served as prime minister since 2003. In all that time, Mirziyoev was never regarded by observers as a proponent of democratic reform. Experts generally agree that, at the very least, Mirziyoev is serious about improving Uzbekistans image abroad, especially to attract foreign investment to boost the countrys economy. Alex Melikishvili, a senior analyst with IHS Country Risk Analysis and Forecasting, says the prison releases and the curtailment of the blacklist are cosmetic measures, but he also suggests they indicate a certain willingness in Tashkent to relax social controls. However, Melikishvili warns that other developments -- including the arrest of independent journalist Bobomurod Abdulloev in September -- demonstrate that the talk around the 'Mirziyoev thaw' is premature at this point. So should Uzbekistan watchers lower their expectations or at least temper them to allow time for Mirziyoev to dismantle the repressive political system created by his predecessor? Both Melikishvili and Nishanov say that Mirziyoev recognizes that his power is checked by the Karimov era's redoubtable security services and individuals with considerable influence over politics and business. Melikishvili cites the example of Uzbek National Security Service (SNB) chief Rustam Inoyatov as a possible brake on reforms. Although Mirziyoev has taken some steps to weaken Inoyatov, such as returning control over interior troops from the Committee of National Security to the Interior Ministry, opposition to his reform agenda in the security service and parts of law enforcement is still high, Melikishvili says. Only Mirziyoev himself appears to know whether planned changes will be limited to a smattering of releases of political prisoners and a short-lived easing of the state's chokehold on free speech. Stopping there would presumably do little to convince critics at home and abroad that he is the man to change Uzbekistan for the better. Good progress has been made, a spokesman for te firm said. We remain optimistic that we will be able to try and help provide some answers to those who have been affected by this tragedy, he also added. Australian transport minister Darren Chester said in a statement that the Malaysian government has entered into a no find-no fee arrangement. Australia, at Malaysias request, will provide technical assistance to the Malaysian government and Ocean Infinity. The Indian Ocean Malaysias deputy transport minister Aziz Kaprawi said on Thursday that negotiations are ongoing. It is known that Ocean Infinity will focus on searching the seafloor in an area that has previously been identified by experts as the next most likely location to find MH370. A search co-ordinated by Australia, China and Malaysia, which cost AUS$200m (119m), was halted in January without relevant results. No sign of the plane was found in the 46,000 square mile (120,000sq km) search zone west of Australia. It seems however the search was not in the appropriate area. What happened to MH370 still remain a mystery. U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Litigation Release No. 23969 / October 19, 2017 Securities and Exchange Commission v. Accelera Innovations, Inc., et al., No. 17-cv-7052 (N.D. Ill. filed Sept. 29, 2017) Securities and Exchange Commission v. John F. Wallin, No. 17-cv-7057 (N.D. Ill. filed Sept. 29, 2017) SEC Files Fraud Charges Against Microcap Company and its Founder The Securities and Exchange Commission has charged a microcap company and its founder with fraud for painting a misleading picture of the company's finances that deceived the investing public about its true financial condition as well as its technology. The SEC's complaint, filed on September 29, 2016, alleges that Accelera Innovations Inc.'s public filings included the revenues of a separate company that it did not own or control and, as a result, Accelera improperly inflated its annual revenue by up to 90 percent. In addition, the complaint alleges that Accelera portrayed itself as a provider of software when, in reality, it was not providing software to anyone. Geoffrey Thompson, Accelera's founder, allegedly signed Accelera's annual reports. The complaint also alleges that Thompson, acting through Accelera and Synergistic Holdings LLC, sold approximately $1.7 million worth of Accelera stock to investors, and that the sale was not registered or subject to any exemption from registration. The SEC's complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, charge: Accelera, Thompson, and Synergistic with violating Sections 5(a) and (c) of the Securities Act of 1933; Accelera and Thompson with violating Section 17(a) of the Securities Act and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder; Accelera with violating Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act and Rules 13a-1 and 13a-13 thereunder; and Thompson with aiding and abetting Accelera's violations of Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act and Rules 13a-1 and 13a-13 thereunder. The complaint seeks permanent injunctions, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains, civil penalties, an officer-and-director bar against Thompson, and penny stock bars against Thompson and Synergistic. The SEC separately charged John Wallin, Accelera's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, with signing certifications as to the accuracy of Accelera's Forms 10-K and 10-Q that falsely attested that he had reviewed Accelera's financial statements when he had not. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, charges Wallin with aiding and abetting Accelera's violations of Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act and Rules 13a-1 and 13a-13 thereunder and with violating Rule 13a-14 under the Exchange Act. Without admitting or denying the SEC's allegations, Wallin agreed to the entry of a judgment that permanently enjoins him from violating the charged provisions of the federal securities laws and permanently bars him from acting as an officer or director. The judgment also provides that the amount of any civil penalty will be determined by the court at a future date. The settlement is subject to court approval. The SEC also separately charged Daniel Caravette, of St. Charles, Ill., with acting as an unregistered broker-dealer. Caravette's alleged violations involved sales of stock in Accelera and a Canadian company founded by Thompson which claimed to be involved in medical marijuana production, distribution, infusion, research, and testing. The SEC found that Caravette's transactions violated Section 15(a)(1) of the Exchange Act and Sections 5(a) and 5(c) of the Securities Act. Without admitting or denying the SEC's findings, Caravette agreed to the entry of an order requiring him to cease-and-desist from violating the charged provisions of the federal securities laws, to pay a total of $307,724.78, consisting of $243,332.13 in disgorgement, $24,392.65 in interest, and a $40,000 civil penalty, and to be barred from the industry, with a right to apply for reentry after three years. The SEC's investigation in this matter is continuing. SEC Complaints: Accelera Innovations, Inc., et al. John F. Wallin https://www.sec.gov/litigation/litreleases/2017/lr23969.htm Modified: 10/19/2017 U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Litigation Release No. 23970 / October 19, 2017 Securities and Exchange Commission v. John H. Rogicki, No.17-civ-08071(S.D.N.Y., filed October 19, 2017) Investment Adviser Charged With Stealing $9 Million From Charitable Foundation The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission today charged a New York-based investment adviser with defrauding a non-profit charitable foundation out of $9 million. The SEC alleges that John Rogicki, managing director and chief compliance officer of Train Babcock Advisors LLC, has been stealing funds from the charity for a dozen years to purchase real estate and pay for his own lavish lifestyle. According to the SEC's complaint, the charitable foundation was established by an elderly woman to donate her estate to health and education causes. Rogicki has served not only as investment adviser to the charitable foundation but also as its president and a trustee, and he allegedly took advantage of his roles by liquidating securities positions in the foundation's advisory account and transferring the money for his personal benefit. In a parallel action, the Manhattan District Attorney brought criminal charges against Rogicki. The SEC's complaint, filed in federal district court in Manhattan, charges Rogicki with violating Sections 206(1) and 206(2) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The SEC seeks a permanent injunction, disgorgement and prejudgment interest, and penalties against Rogicki. The SEC's investigation, which is continuing, has been conducted by Katherine Bromberg, Jon Daniels, Neil Hendelman, Dugan Bliss and Valerie A. Szczepanik of the New York Regional Office. The case is being supervised by Lara S. Mehraban. The SEC's litigation will be led by Mr. Bliss, Ms. Bromberg, and Mr. Daniels. An SEC examination that led to the investigation was conducted by investment adviser examiners in the New York office. The SEC appreciates the assistance of the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. SEC Complaint https://www.sec.gov/litigation/litreleases/2017/lr23970.htm Modified: 10/19/2017 South Bend sparks two multi-million-dollar projects with city money Plans for the Indiana Dinosaur Museum, led by South Bend Chocolate Co. owner Mark Tarner, and a 69-unit apartment complex near Notre Dame will both move forward. Chahid El Hafed, Oct 18, 2017 (SPS) - The Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to Western Sahara, Mr. Horst Koehler, has just arrived to the Sahrawi refugee camps on Wednesday for a visit to the region in order to resume negotiations between the two parties to reach a solution that guarantees the right of the Saharawi people. The UN envoy was received by Emhamed Khadad, Saharwi Coordinator with MINURSO, Mr. Bujari Ahmed, Representative of the Frente POLISARIO to the United Nations, and Mr. He was also received at the Tindouf airport by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Kim Boldok, accompanied by an important delegation from MINURSO. The UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy to Western Sahara, Horst Koehler, began his visit on Monday with the first stage in Morocco, the first since his appointment last August as successor to Christopher Ross as part of a UN effort to bring negotiations between the parties to the conflict, After a five-year stalemate due to Moroccan obstacles. The visit of the UN envoy to Saharawi refugee camps will last two days during which he will meet with the Saharawi dignitary, the negotiating delegation and a number of officials from the Saharawi state, Frente POLISARIO and representatives of civil society. It will also undertake visit to several institutions and Wilayas of the Sahrawi Refugee Camps. SPS 125/090/TRA Chahid El Hafed, Oct 19,2017 (SPS) - The Personal Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Western Sahara, Horst Kohler, has held a meeting with members of Saharawi civil society at the headquarters of the Association of Relatives of Saharawi Prisoners and Disappeared Persons (AFAPRADESA). after the meeting, AFAPRADESA President Abdesalam Omar said that "the Saharawi civil society transferred to the Personal Envoy their concern over the situation in the Occupied Territories of Western Sahara, starting with the situation of the disappeared to the Saharawi political prisoners and in particular the group of Gdeim Izik. " "We describe Mr. Horst Kohler, Morocco's repression of the peaceful demonstrations of the Saharawi people in OOTT, simply because they demand the right of the Saharawi people to self-determination," said the AFAPRADESA president, adding that in the meeting also dealt with the subject of the looting of the natural resources of the Western Sahara by Morocco. to be noted that the new Personal Envoy, Horts Kohler, landed on Wednesday in the Refugee Camps, as part of his tour to the region in order to resume negotiations between the parties, the Frente POLISARIO and Morocco. SPS 125/090/TRA L uxury hotel The Ritz has emerged as one of the winners from a 30 million spending spree by tourists in town this month to celebrate Chinas Golden Week holiday. Visitors from the Far East were enticed by the weak pound, and flocked to London between October 1 and 8. That week celebrated the founding of the Peoples Republic of China. Ciaran Fahy, chief executive of The Ritz, told the Standard that revenues at the Piccadilly hotel surged in the period, up 4.6% from golden week in 2016. He added that the business ensured guests were welcomed by Mandarin speakers, and offered Chinese teas and a Chinese-language newspaper in their rooms. Fahys comments came as figures from payments processor Worldpay showed visitors from China spent 29 million in the UK on their cards in the week, largely on eating out and buying luxury goods. Of that, 11 million was spent in London. Worldpays James Frost said: Sterlings current weakness against other global currencies is fuelling a boom in foreign card spending at the UKs premiere shopping destinations. A hedge fund king dubbed Mr Copper, who is one of the largest donors to the Conservative party, is suing Barclays for 650 million. Michael Farmer, who with David Lilley runs Red Kite Management, alleges that market abuse by the bank cost his firm at least $850 million (645 million) between 2010 and 2013. The lawsuit is just the latest issue to cloud Barclays, which is also fending off a 1 billion claim from Middle East deal-maker Amanda Staveley, who believes she is owed fees for arranging an emergency cash call by Qatar in 2008. Red Kite, one of the biggest metals traders in the world, claims Barclays told its own traders price-sensitive information about the funds positions in the copper market. Barclays bet against Red Kite, manipulating prices on the London Metal Exchange in the process, claims the hedge fund. The bank denies wrongdoing, insisting it did not mishandle confidential information. The case is likely to drag on for some time. Lord Farmer, a committed Christian, once said that we live in a cursed world, cursed by God. He gave the Conservative party 2.3 million in the run up to the 2010 general election. In 2011, Red Kite took on Barclays in the copper market and won handsomely, a bet that became famous in metal-trading circles. Barclays Capital was betting copper prices would rise Red Kite thought otherwise and was proved correct. That led to a shake-up of Barclays metal-trading desk and enhanced Farmers reputation. Now he says Barclays, which managed Red Kites trading account, could see its positions and bet against it, even circulating details of its trades in a daily email. Barclays faces some heavy courtroom exposure for other issues. The bank and four former top bosses, including ex-chief executive John Varley, face criminal charges over the Qatar matter. The Serious Fraud Office alleges Barclays provided unlawful financial assistance to secure the Qatar loan. The bank and the individuals deny wrongdoing. Farmer has defended his donations to the Tory party, saying You can call me a City fat cat if you want but Im not giving away my hard-earned money for fun. His court claim, first reported by Bloomberg, says that Barclays sought to manipulate the LME by ramping prices. The LME did not comment on the case, but said anyone found in breach of LME rules could be subject to disciplinary proceedings. Barclays is awaiting the outcome of a regulatory probe into chief executive Jes Staleys attempt to undercover the identity of a whistleblower. S ir Mike Rake knows a thing or two about running businesses. Big businesses that matter; BT, KPMG, easyJet, Worldpay. Hes run them across the world and seen them through scandals, geopolitical strife and worse. So, when he says we need a decent, decade-long run-up to Brexit, politicians should listen. Theresa Mays acknowledgement that we need a transition period was a major breakthrough for common sense. But two years is utterly inadequate. Changing big, international businesses to adapt to new visa conditions, single market trade treaties and the shake-up of 43 years worth of legislation will take years of planning and implementation. The longer they have to plan, the less chance businesses have of messing it up. Theres another strong argument for a long transition period. Bosses are worried that, after theyve reorganised their business once to cope with the brave new Brexit world, the rules will change again a few years down the line as the politicians in Brussels drag through the detail. Surely its far better to allow businesses to hold fire on their Brexit deployment until they know what theyre shooting at. Brexiteers pooh-pooh these concerns. Self-interested bleating by overpaid managers about a little short-term discomfort is a small price to regain control over our borders, theyll say. But there is no way this will be just a short-term loss. Take James Bardrick, the guy in charge of Citis UK operations. A man with 30 years at the cutting edge of banking. Rather than devoting 100% of his time and energy to creating the products and technology to keep Citi on top, hes spending a third of it a third! on Brexit planning. Beneath him, he has scores of skilled bankers whove also been redeployed from building businesses to preparing for Brexit. Multiply that across every major bank in the City and you get a feel for the epic waste of talent thats happening in London. Well look back on these years as an era when distracted City firms failed to invest as much time and effort as their rivals on tech and innovation. Thats a given. At least if we offer them a decent period to plan properly before Brexit, we might limit some of the damage. Hotel reservations Minority investors in M&C hotels feel legged over. The takeover bid accepted by its board undervalues the shares, they argue. Well, the bid is led by M&Cs chairman and major shareholder, so you can appreciate their suspicions. Makes me even more queasy about 5% of Saudi Aramco heading here. T he airline market has been clouded by turmoil this month including Monarch Airlines collapsing but the City shrugged off the turmoil to fly with easyJet on Friday. The low-cost carrier, led by Carolyn McCall, was rumoured to be revealing a deal to purchase up to 25 A320 aircraft from insolvent German firm Air Berlin, sending shares to a higher altitude. EasyJet said in September that it had bid for parts of Air Berlins short-haul business. It declined to comment on the latest report, but investors still flocked to buy shares. It was one of the biggest risers on the FTSE 100, up 19p to 1314p. Other companies flying high on the blue-chip index included copper miner Antofagasta and Anglo American. The former rose 25.5p to 1013p and the latter gained 19p to 1450p as it emerged that industrial production in China picked up in September, beating economists forecasts. The output figures have boosted base metal prices. The FTSE 100 index rose 7.42 points to 7530.46, and AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould said: Blue-chips opened the last trading day of the week on the front foot with investors focusing on company fundamentals rather than being distracted by the ongoing Brexit talks taking place in Brussels. But it was not all good news in the mining industry. On the FTSE 250 index, Acacia Mining said gold production in the third quarter fell 8.3% to 191,203 ounces compared with the previous quarter. The firm has been hurt by the government of Tanzania tightening its control over its natural resources. Yesterday majority shareholder Barrick Gold said it had struck a tentative deal for the government to take a stake in Acacias mines. Acacia today said it continues to seek further clarification on the details. The City dug out of Acacia and the shares fell 10.3p, or 4.86%, to 201.7p. The FTSE 250 gained 29.69 points to 20,161.21. Troubled support services firm Interserve provided the Square Mile with a much-needed update on a 227 million contract win with the Department for Work and Pensions. That came a day after it warned on profits. Shares in Interserve rose 7.81p to 73.31p. On AIM, embattled parcels carrier DX Group said it made an adjusted pre-tax tax profit of exactly 0 in the year to June 30, down from 11.5 million in 2016. Despite the fall, shareholders welcomed news that board changes have come into effect. Logistics industry veteran Ron Series has become chairman. DX gained 2.43p to 13.05p. L ondon is a commercial and cultural powerhouse. The UK capital has dominated rankings of global business competitiveness, attracted investment and talent from across the world, and enjoyed economic growth which far outstrips the rest of Britain. Although Brexit has caused uncertainty for London businesses, the capital remains a great economic success story. Preparing for the future And while nobody can predict Londons future in a post-Brexit world, there remain opportunities in the transition period and there is much that firms can do to prepare for the financial, legal and political implications that will emerge over the next two years. Where change seems most likely is in Londons financial services sector. Richard Brown, research director at the Centre for London think tank, says the EU has played a huge role in the growth of Londons financial industry over the past 25 years. More than one-third of the UKs total surplus in financial services comes from trade within the bloc. Losing the passporting rights that allow firms to offer services to the European single market without restrictions is the chief concern. Around 5,500 UK firms rely on passporting, and they turn over about 9 billion in revenue, a lucrative source of tax revenue for the Exchequer. Exiting the single market could also strip London of its coveted role in clearing Euro-denominated financial transactions. London is the worlds principal location for trading the Euro a $2 trillion-a-day market accounting for about 43 per cent of foreign transactions involving the currency. If the City loses those rights, there will be concerns around employment and Londons service-based economy more generally. Finance employers may be forced to set up new European entities to maintain business in the bloc, and have warned on moving jobs from London. Retaining dominance Deloittes Brexit lead David Noon agrees there are risks, but he is optimistic that London can retain its dominance as a global financial centre, even if the terms of Brexit are less favourable. Yes, the loss of passporting would be a threat to certain transactions and employment. But the City has proven to be a resilient and adaptable beast. Many firms will remain in London. Inside 60 Holborn Viaduct / Alamy The capitals role as a financial hub goes hand-in-hand with its reputation for having strong legal, regulatory and political frameworks, which have contributed to Londons commercial success. Yet here too there are implications post-Brexit. Some of the immediate challenges will come from any potential changes to the free movement of goods, services and workers across borders. Forward planning is key. Many firms in Londons business hub Midtown rely on Britains EU membership to sell their goods and services freely to customers across 27 member states. UK companies can also import supplies from elsewhere in the EU without tariffs. But Britain will have to strike new trade deals with the EU following its decision to leave the bloc. Failure to reach a deal raises the prospect of trade tariffs and quotas, which would raise costs for exporters. London School of Economics professor Tony Travers says much of the citys economy relies on international trade; any restraints are unlikely to be good for business. The challenge Brexit poses is the uncertainty around future rules governing the private sector. Trade is just the tip of the iceberg. Businesses will have to consider how Brexit impacts contracts, supply chains, data protection, intellectual property and the tax environment. Immigration is another source of concern in the post-Brexit economy. Access to skilled labour is essential to Londons economic dominance. Restrictions on employers access to the EU labour market may be linked to the issue of skills shortages in the capital. Andrew Fraser, director at Mitsubishi in Midtown but speaking in a personal capacity, says: London has prospered from being a completely open city. Any impediment to the internationality that has been fundamental to Londons success is bound to affect business negatively. But London remains an extraordinary city in which companies celebrate their employees many different nationalities. Economics commentator Anthony Hilton says Londons cultural identity will also face challenges. The real issue with Brexit is the cultural and social damage potentially wrought to the capital. Londoners see themselves as part of Europe. The curbing of continued integration with EU states and their citizens is a growing concern. But the prevailing view is that Londons status as Europes commercial and cultural capital will be preserved, whatever the outcome of Brexit. Noon says: London is a hotbed of innovation, such as our thriving fintech sector, with a depth of talent and diverse industries that few cities can match. It will remain a global business centre outside the EU. CASE STUDY 1: Allie Renison, Institute of Directors London businesses are most concerned about the major trade risks posed by exiting the 11 trillion European single market. If a Brexit deal is not struck, there is a strong possibility that UK companies will face trade tariffs and quotas, raising costs and damaging exports. The services sector the backbone of Londons economy faces the most disruption as the future rules governing services such as law are more difficult to determine. Institute of Directors Europe and trade policy chief Allie Renison (left) says services firms which do not want to risk waiting for a Brexit agreement on regulatory cooperation should consider setting up a subsidiary office in another EU jurisdiction and transfer some staff there. This would enable them to maintain business across the bloc. People assume the EU and UK trading relationship will last, but they must at least have a discussion about the potential impact of a no-deal scenario. The worst thing businesses can do is bury their heads in the sand. They must start their contingency planning now. CASE STUDY 2: Tim Sarson, KPMG London partner While the rules which will govern Britains future immigration regime are unclear, there is plenty companies can do to prepare for changes that will come over the next two years as the UK hammers out deals with 27 European Union states. London firms rely heavily on overseas skilled labour and continuing to attract and retain talent will be crucial to their ability to grow. KPMG London partner Tim Sarson (right) says businesses must support their EU citizens to ensure they have the talent and skills they need to thrive in the post-Brexit economy: Understand how exposed your business is, decide on a strategy to support staff with any new Home Office registration schemes, and consider where employee policies now need an immigration element. Attracting new international workers will also be crucial to growth. Sarson says there are steps firms can take. Conduct extensive workforce scenario planning and modelling. Be more proactive and imaginative to recruit overseas workers. Re-examine investment in training and development, such as apprenticeships, and overhaul pay and rewards... and explore the potential for automation to fill labour gaps. For further information, visit midtown-bie.com #midtownbigideas T his week Londons half a million Indians celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, in a pensive mood. For sure, there is a lot for them to be positive about. The data from the Governments race disparity audit last week showed how British Indians, far from being a disadvantaged minority, rank top for earnings and educational attainment. Yet there is an air of anxiety hanging over the community too. British Indians are not immune from the existential angst pervading the country at large, as reflected in a recent Ipsos poll showing that 72 per cent of Britons feel the country is off on the wrong track. In many respects, the Indian diaspora has lived the ultimate British Dream. In common with many immigrant communities, Britain has provided them with somewhere to build a new life and secure better prospects for their families. Indian parents have worked long hours and made sacrifices so that their children can enjoy a better future. The majority came to these shores as refugees or economic migrants and have, almost universally, prospered in a single generation. Migrants, as a group, are people who are prepared to uproot themselves, who want to improve their lives. In Britain they found a generous-spirited nation that welcomed new talent, applauded personal responsibility and rewarded wealth creation. These were opportunities not always found in their home countries, and successive Prime Ministers from Thatcher to Blair and Cameron spoke to their aspiration. One of the most eye-catching data points from the new Cabinet Office website of Ethnicity Facts and Figures is a breakdown of household income, revealing that 35 per cent of British Indians earn 1,000 or more a week compared to a national average of 24 per cent in the same top income bracket. The Indian diaspora has also invested heavily in education and the results are evident here too. Department of Education rankings show that Indian pupils, alongside Chinese, have the highest attainment throughout school, make the most progress and are the most likely to stay in education and go to university. But the Indian influence goes well beyond monetary measurement or educational league tables. Large swathes of London, from Southall to Wembley and Upton Park, and now even Mayfair, have benefited from the entrepreneurial drive of the Indian community. The strong family business ethos has spurred urban regeneration, reviving countless high streets and business parks across the capital not forgetting the massive cultural contribution to food, music, cinema, dance and fashion, all of which is being marked throughout 2017 by the UK-India Year of Culture, launched by the Queen at Buckingham Palace earlier this year. So with all these achievements, whats the gripe? The restiveness comes from doubts about Britains commitment to remaining an open, tolerant and welcoming nation after Brexit and the prospect of a return to the politics of envy, where aspiration and wealth creation are punished, not rewarded. Many Indians came to Britain via sub-Saharan Africa, where they often experienced the trauma and humiliation of being forced out of their adopted countries because of their ethnicity and local envy about their economic success. For some in the older generation there is a fear, however irrational, of history repeating itself. For others, the changes to the non-domicile tax regime has forced their hand, prompting some ultra-high-net-worth Indian families to move offshore to the likes of Monaco, Dubai or Singapore. For most, though, the concern is more basic. Having laid down their roots and been exemplary in their efforts to integrate into society, British Indians are questioning whether the dream of progress between the generations can still be delivered. British Indians are questioning whether the dream of progress between the generations can still be delivered Behind this sentiment is a very large exposure to the fortunes of the City with 32 per cent of Indians working in professional industries, compared with an average of 20 per cent across the population. Financial and professional services, which are driven by meritocracy, have provided a massive engine for social mobility. If, however, the Brexit negotiations fail to secure the right deal for continued trade in services, it would be a major setback for British Indians. Equally important, British Indians see themselves as a Living Bridge, to use the words of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, between the worlds largest democracy and the worlds oldest. India is the second-largest investor in the UK after the United States and has invested more in Britain than in the rest of Europe combined. London is the natural gateway for Indian companies to access the EU single market and without providing that crucial entry-point the risk is that future investment flows will become more dispersed. This is a time to harness, not alienate, a globally connected community which can be of ever greater value as we forge new relationships with the rest of the world. There are not just economic anxieties at play here but social ones too. As the first generation grows older and requires greater provision of health and social care, there is a wariness about relying on the state, which often provides services insensitive to the communitys cultural needs. Indians have a proud history of self-reliance that has minimised their call on public services, but hard-working professionals also need help looking after their elderly parents. Other communities who manifestly pay as much in taxes would have demanded more back from the state but Indians are not inclined to beg for help. Having made a disproportionate contribution to the Exchequer, they deserve proper support and dignity in their old age. At its heart, the unsettled feeling among the Indian diaspora is a concern about who now speaks for them. Diwali is a festive reminder that good ultimately triumphs over evil, knowledge wins over ignorance and hope prevails over despair. This year many will be hoping that the Light they celebrate will illuminate the path to renewed confidence in the British Dream. Jitesh Gadhia is a Conservative peer W hy do we love Scandi noir so much? Putting aside Kurt Wallanders cantankerousness, Sarah Lunds jumper and Saga Norens sass, is it the combination of strong narratives and emotionally challenged characters, or are we just suckers for cosy hygge interiors and bleak landscapes beneath endless grey skies? Whether as literature or on screen, Scandi noir has proved to be one of the most enduring genres of modern times, arguably one that has a lot in common with Tove Jansson, the Finnish author and artist who first imagined those mythical creatures, the Moomins, as far back as the 1930s. Who doesnt remember cowering under the blankets at bedtime when the disconcertingly dark Groke extinguished fires and froze the ground beneath her, or a pair of staring eyes suddenly appearing from the gloomy forest? For all the plush soft toys, merchandising and theme parks, the opportunity to discover more about the Moomins origins and the complex character of their creator comes courtesy of Dulwich Picture Gallery, with a new exhibition of Janssons work. Entitled simply Tove Jansson, it is her first major UK retrospective, showing the full range of her artistic abilities, from the Cezanne-influenced self-portraits and abstract landscapes, never seen here before, to drawings, illustrations and photographs. Among the Moominalia are some early sketches showing Moomintrolls with pointy ears and narrow snouts, and 18 drawings that were discovered in a box by accident last year during a clear-out at the British Cartoon Archive in Canterbury. Above all, the exhibition presents a portrait of someone who, though prone to depression and self-doubt, had a brilliant knack for expressing happiness and basic values such as tolerance and acceptance through her art. Jansson was born in Helsinki in 1914 with a silver pencil in her hand. Her father was a sculptor, her mother a graphic artist, and little Tove was already a proficient doodler by the time she was 18 months old. By her early 20s she was mocking Hitler and Stalin in satirical anti-war cartoons for Garm, a Left-wing newspaper, designing book jackets for publishers and painting her own canvases, for which she hoped she would be remembered above all. In 1945 she wrote her first Moomin book, The Moomins and the Great Flood about how little Moomintroll and his Moominmamma lost his father but were eventually reunited with him after some terrifying adventures as a response to the war. It was followed a year later by Comet in Moominland, which was inspired by the Soviets bombing Helsinki. The comet roared with its flaming tail right through the valley, across the forest and the mountains and then disappeared again over the edge of the world. If it had come a tiny bit nearer to the Earth I am quite sure that none of us would be here now. Arts picks of the week: 16th-22nd October 1 /7 Arts picks of the week: 16th-22nd October Harry Potter: A History of Magic Just over the road from Platform 9 , a major exhibition is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter book. Unveiling rare books and historical magic objects to explore the history of magic, it offers a chance to understand the traditions and folklore that helped create JK Rowlings spellbinding world. There will also be plenty of original drafts and drawings from Rowling and illustrator Jim Kay. Prepare to book ahead though - its going to be a popular one. October 20 - February 28, British Library; bl.uk Albion Mike Bartlett thrilled the nation with his high octane drama about a marriage in ruins, Doctor Foster. Now hes writing about a country in ruins, an apt story for our beleaguered Brexit-y times. Albion stars Victoria Hamilton (who you might recognise as Doctor Fosters beleaguered friend, Anna). Its also an exciting creative reunion: Bartlett and Almeida boss Rupert Goold are working together again for the first time since their mega smash-hit King Charles III a few years back. Until November 24, Almeida Theatre; almeida.co.uk The Lady From the Sea The recent news that Kwame Kwei-Armah will take the helm at the Young Vic was met with high approval. Its quite a commitment though, so grab the chance to see him working in a different building before he takes the reins. Hes directing a new version of Henrik Ibsens play about a lighthouse-keepers daughter in a trapped marriage, adapted by Elinor Cook and starring Nikki Amuka-Bird. Until December 2, Donmar Warehouse; donmarwarehouse.com Ilya and Emilia Kabakov: Not Everyone Will Be Taken Into the Future Want to see a man launch himself into space and a train disappear through a wall? Well yes, obviously you do. Pioneers of installation art Ilya and Emilia Kabakov have their first major UK exhibition opening at Tate Modern this week, critiquing the conventions of art history and bringing visitors into magical, uncanny environments. October 18 - January 28, Tate Modern; tate.org.uk A Woman of No Importance Tis the season to go wild about Wilde: a year-long celebration of his work is about to begin in the West End. Former Globe boss Dominic Dromgooles new company Classic Spring are setting up stall in the Vaudeville Theatre to revisit Wildes work and it all kicks off this week. Dromgooles production of A Woman of No Importance stars Eve Best and Anne Reid. Until December 30, Vaudeville Theatre Buy tickets for Venus in Fur with Evening Standard Tickets Venus in Fur More theatre? Surely not? Yep, its true - the bonanza of new West End shows continues with the UK premiere of David Ives critically acclaimed Broadway comedy. Natalie Dormer and David Oakes star in a production directed by Patrick Marber at the Haymarket. Until December 9, Theatre Royal Haymarket Buy tickets for Venus in Fur with Evening Standard Tickets Lyon Opera Ballet Top your week off with some gripping world class ballet. Lyon Opera Ballet are at Sadlers Wells with three dance works from three acclaimed choreographers, all set to Beethovens Grande Fugue op. 133. October 19-20, Sadlers Wells; sadlerswells.com According to Magnus Englund, who co-founded design store Skandium and is about to open a new dedicated Moomin store in Camden Market: Tove saw the bombs exploding. I dont think such an experience creates cute and predictable childrens books, but it does call for a fantasy world filled with kind creatures who sometimes experience scary things. Either you understand Moomin or you dont. Apart from a later picture book called The Dangerous Journey, Jansson wrote eight Moomin books, culminating in the melancholic Moominvalley in November, written after her mothers death in 1970. Deliberately using the month of death in the title, as November is known in Finland, the story evoked a desolate, lonely world of endless autumn rain, of grey mist descended over the landscape of dense fir-trees, a place of perpetual dusk where the cold and the storms and the darkness can do their worst. How Scandi noir is that? But by then it seems she had had enough of the Moomins. They had made her rich and internationally famous thanks to the cartoon strip for the London Evening News (eventually incorporated into the Evening Standard), which was syndicated all over the world, but she was anxious to take on a new challenge and started writing adult fiction instead. The Summer Book in particular, a semi-fictional account of a summer spent on an island in the eastern archipelago in the Gulf of Finland, is an absolute joy. Still, the Moomin legacy continues to flourish under the stringent eye of her niece, Sophia Jansson, who is chairman and creative director of Moomin Characters. There are almost 500 licensing companies, which means you can get just about anything decorated with Moomins, from a black umbrella or a snow globe to a Little My massager and a Snufkin handbag hook. While merchandising makes up most of the annual 700 million global turnover, there is a Moomin World theme park in Naantali, Finland, and a second one due to open outside Tokyo in 2019 the Japanese being the biggest consumers of Moominalia after the Finns. It's also just been announced that Rosamund Pike, Kate Winslet, Taron Egerton, Will Self and Richard Ayoade are among an all-star cast who will voice the characters in a new animated series, Moominvalley, due to air in spring 2019. It is not the first Moomin animation but it is the first co-British production, with Steve Box of Wallace and Gromit fame directing. Moomin is different from most other character brands in that it has literature as its basis, says Englund. Nat Jansz at Sort of Books agrees. The eight books are at the heart of everything. They are philosophically wise, packed with adventure and have enduring values of non-materialism. A long-term champion of Tove Jansson in English translation, Jansz has just published the first four in the series in a special collectors edition, beautifully packaged with rescanned original artwork, wraparound jackets, fold-out maps and endpapers. The first print run of 7,000 copies sold out pre-publication and they look set to be Christmas bestsellers. Jansz has also re-published a similarly vintage-look edition of The Invisible Child in collaboration with Oxfam. Janssons 1962 short story of female empowerment is about an abused little girl called Ninny who is invisible apart from a bell around her neck. After the kind Moomins take Ninny in and care for her she gradually finds her voice and becomes visible again. Proceeds from The Invisible Child (4 of the 4.99 cover price) will go directly to the charity to help women and girls around the world understand their rights and use their voices. This seems especially fitting as Jansson herself led an unconventional life, not only spurning the limelight but also living as a lesbian when it was still illegal in Finland. As she put it, she went over to the spook side, and in 1956 began a relationship with a graphic artist, Tuulikki Pietila, who became her life-long partner and inspired the Moomin character of Too-ticky. For Moomin newbies, as well as ultimate fans, a new, lavishly illustrated spin-off guide from Macmillan, The World of Moominvalley by Philip Ardagh, is a must. It includes excerpts from sketchbooks, family photographs and an in-depth whos who to all the characters great and small. But like all good stories, it would be best simply to start at the beginning. Tove Jansson is at Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21 (020 8693 5254, dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk), from October 25-January 28 A celebration of all things feline will take over The Oval Space in Bethnal Green this year. Catfest will be a chance for the cat-obsessed to connect with other kitty lovers and spend a day playing, spoiling and taking pictures with the lovable beasts. It will feature everything from watching cat videos to eating veggie street food lapped up with cat-themed cocktails and meeting shelter kittens. There will even be a so-called cat-lit section where you and your furry friends can hear readings from Homer's Odyssey. And just to clarify, this Odyssey does not involve a Trojan horse or Greek warriors - it's a cat version about an abandoned blind kitten. Cute. London pub cats - in pictures 1 /13 London pub cats - in pictures Winnie at the Old Eagle, Camden Tim White Lily at the Anglesea Arms, Ravenscourt Park Tim White Biscuit at the White Swan & Cuckoo, Wapping Tim White Duchess at the Duke of Hamilton, Hampstead Tim White Purdy at the Gunmakers, Marylebone Tim White Pork Pie at the Southampton Arms, Gospel Oak Tim White Nelson at the Tapping the Admiral, Kentish Town Tim White Legz at the Charlotte Despard, Archway Tim White Billie at the Nags Head, Walthamstow Tim White London Pubcats is out now Tim White Fancy dress is also encouraged before you turn up, but if you forget, there's always the Glamour Puss beauty bar to get glammed up in. And while it might be a whole 48 hours until the furry festival arrives in Bethnal Green on Saturday, stay pawsitive kitty lovers. It's promising to be quite the show. Catfest will take place on Saturday July 14, 2018 from 11am - 6PM. Early bird tickets cost 15 per person. To book and for more information on the event, visit their website. A 1 million masterpiece stolen from an art gallery five years ago was discovered in a drug dealer's den alongside his lucrative stash of cocaine and ecstasy. The painting by Sir Stanley Spencer, titled Cookham from Englefield, was taken from the Stanley Spencer Gallery, Berkshire, in 2012. Its whereabouts remained a mystery until police arrested Harry Fisher, 28, on June 15, after finding a kilogram of cocaine and 30,000 in cash in his Mercedes. On searching Fisher's flat in Kingston-upon-Thames, west London, officers found the artwork next to three kilograms of cocaine and 15,000 ecstasy tablets. A further raid on his family home in Fulham found more Class A drugs, making a total street value of 450,000, and 40,000 in cash, police said. Sir Stanley Spencer's Cookham from Englefield, was taken from the Stanley Spencer Gallery / PA The defendant, of Seven Kings Way, Kingston, was jailed for eight years and eight months at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, acquiring criminal property and handling stolen goods. His passenger at the time of the arrest, 32-year-old Zak Lal, from Rochester, Kent, was also sentenced after admitting conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, acquiring criminal property and possession of an offensive weapon. He was jailed for five years and eight months at the same hearing. The painting has now been returned to the Stanley Spencer Gallery. A spokesman said: "The Stanley Spencer Gallery volunteers are immensely grateful to the various police sections who have contributed to the recovery of this remarkable painting which was stolen from us more than five years ago." Described by the gallery as one of "our greatest British artists", Sir Stanley often used the Berkshire village of Cookham as inspiration for his work during a 45-year career. He died in 1959. Detective Inspector Andy Whitewood, of the Met's organised crime command, said: "These two men were caught in possession of a considerable amount of Class A drugs as the result of a proactive investigation targeting high end, organised drug supply. "A search of Fisher's address revealed a stolen 1m painting, this demonstrates the link between drugs trafficking and serious, acquisitive crime. "I am pleased to say that the painting has now been returned to the art gallery from where it was stolen. "The guilty pleas entered by both men were due to the weight of the evidence against them and are a testimony to the depth of the investigation. "The sentences handed to these defendants should act as a deterrent to anyone else involved in the supply of illegal drugs." T his is the moment a pickpocket stole 2,000 in cash from a grandmother at her local fruit and veg store after apparently tailing her from a nearby bank. Kantaben Ashani, 69, was choosing radishes for a salad when two women flanked her by the vegetable boxes. CCTV footage shows them apparently selecting items before one whips the envelope of money withdrawn to pay for building work and Diwali gifts for family - from Mrs Ashanis handbag. She discovered the theft minutes later when she went to the till to pay to find her bag wide open and the cash gone. Mrs Ashani, a retired cleaner, said: I saw the women but thought they were just shopping. I started crying at the till, I couldnt stop talking and crying. Its the first time Ive carried this much money. The grandmother was pickpocketed as she bought vegetables I get flashbacks every time I go to the shop. Im praying to God that they dont do that to anyone else. The grandmother of six believes she was followed by the women after they saw her withdraw a wad of notes from a Nationwide. 2,000 was taken in the incident She also visited Boots to pick up her husbands prescription before heading to the grocers in Hool Close, Kingsbury, just before 4pm on October 11. Mrs Ashani, originally from Gujarat in India, said she would now struggle to give her loved ones Diwali presents: One of our rituals is that we give money to our grandchildren its like Christmas, lots of presents. Now the moneys gone Diwali will be a bit of a financial strain. Her granddaughter, 24, said: She can look after herself but now we are offering to go with her in the car when she gets money out. You just think of what else could have happened to her, its horrible. The Metropolitan police confirmed it was investigating. Police issued a warning to be alert for thieves over Diwali, which starts today. Last year 3,464 jewellery thefts were reported by families celebrating the Hindu festival. Anyone with any information should contact the Met on 101. T he true scale of social inequality at Oxford and Cambridge University has been revealed in new Freedom of Information data. Labour MP David Lammy, who filed the request, discovered four out of five Oxbridge students had parents with top professional and managerial jobs, and the number is on the increase. Nationally about 31 per cent of people are classified in these two social income groups. Between 2010 and 2015, however, this figure has risen by two points, to account for 81 per cent of Oxbridge parents. Writing in The Guardian, Mr Lammy said the data also showed a "shocking" regional bias, with more offers being made to students from the Home Counties (5,765) than the whole of northern England (5,238). At Cambridge, more than 1,200 offers were sent out to prospective students across the south of England and Greater London. Meanwhile students in the North East received 85, the Midlands 358, and Wales just 76. across the Midlands, the north east and Wales received . In the same period, eight times as many applicants from Richmond, in south west London, got in as those from Blackpool, Hartlepool, Middlesborough, Salford and Stoke combined. 'Shocking' Oxbridge admission stats reveal: More than a quarter of Cambridge offers were sent to just eight local authority areas Just under a quarter of Oxford offers went to eight local authority areas London and south-east England received 48 per cent of Oxbridge offers The Midlands received just 11 per cent of Oxford offers and 12 per cent of Cambridge offers The North West, North East, Yorkshire and the Humber combined received 15 per cent of Oxford offers and 17 per cent of Cambridge offers. Mr Lammy said: "The underprivileged kid from a state school in Sunderland who gets straight As is almost certainly more talented than their contemporary with the same grades at a top public school - they far outshine their peers and would benefit most from an Oxbridge education. "Oxbridge takes over 800m a year from the taxpayer - paid for by people in every city, town and village. Whole swathes of the country...are basically invisible." The MP for Tottenham suggested Oxbridge should "take the initiative" and write to every student who achieves three As at A-level, encouraging them to apply, and recommended a new centralised admissions system as a possible replacement for the current collegiate system. A spokesman for Oxford University said: "We absolutely take on board Mr Lammy's comments, and we realise there are big geographical disparities in the numbers and proportions of students coming to Oxford. "Rectifying this is going to be a long journey that requires a huge, joined effort across society - including from leading universities like Oxford - to address serious inequalities. "We are seeing progress. This year, for the first time, disadvantaged students were more likely to get an offer than their more advantaged peers. We will continue to make significant resources available for access work and to look for innovative solutions." A spokesman for the University of Cambridge said: "We aim to widen participation further whilst maintaining high academic standards. Our admissions decisions are based on academic considerations alone. We are committed to admitting the best students who will thrive on our courses. "Widening participation further will require Government, schools, universities, charities, parents and students to work closely together. We will continue to work hard with all parties to raise aspirations and attainment to improve access to higher education." A female cyclist has died days after being hit by a lorry in west London. The 51-year-old woman was rushed to hospital in a critical condition following the smash at a busy junction on The Broadway, Ealing. The incident at about 1.30pm on Thursday, October 12 left her with serious injuries. Surgeons battled to save her but she died a week later on Thursday, October 19 at 11.45pm, police said. Harrowing images posted on social media on the day of the crash showed emergency services at the scene and a blue bicycle mangled in the road. A large police cordon was put in place for several hours as a police investigation was carried out. The lorry driver stopped at the scene and was not arrested, Scotland Yard said. Detective Sergeant Cheryl Frost of the Met's SCIU said: "This incident took place in a busy area at a heavy footfall time of day. I am confident that a number of people must have seen what happened. "I urge anyone who has information to contact police without delay." The womans next of kin have been informed and a post-mortem examination will be held in due course. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information should call the Alperton Traffic Garage witness line on 0208 991 9555 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. I TS official: London loves the French bulldog above all other breeds. New owners are choosing the diminutive dogs in almost every corner of the capital, research reveals, after a surge in popularity in recent years. French bulldogs first made it into Londons top 10 most popular breeds in 2011 but after years of being paraded on Instagram by stars such as Holly Willoughby, David Beckham and Hugh Jackman they are now at the top of the list. According to the Kennel Club, registrations increased by 484 per cent from 2011 to 2016. Celebrity pet: Millie Mackintosh with French bulldog Herbie / Getty Images for One New Change In the areas surveyed east, west, north, south-east, south-west and north-west London the dogs headed the top 10 lists in all but one: north London, where they were pipped to the top by the labrador retriever. London's favourite dogs by borough The 144-year-old dog welfare charitys research also revealed that which breed Londoners go for - if they do not get a French Bulldog - varies by borough. Residents of leafy West and South West London are second-most likely to go for a Labrador Retriever, with a cocker spaniel third most popular. If going for a bigger breed, East Londoners prefer a German Shepherd or, like their South East London neighbours, a Bulldog. Yorkshire Terriers - once the UKs most popular breed - only make it into the top five in North London, while the residents of Primrose Hill, Regents Park and Hampstead Heath ensure the North West continues to be the standard bearer for all types of retriever, labrador and poodle-crosses. Smaller dogs have surged in popularity in the past five years, with the pug up by 50 per cent and the smooth coat chihuahua by 83 per cent. East Londoners appear to favour compact dogs, with the pug second behind the French bulldog in its top 10 list. Vet warning: Lady Gaga and her French bulldogs Last month, the Standard reported how Battersea Dogs and Cats Home took in 29 French bulldogs between January and August, compared with 11 over the same period last year and seven in 2015. The dogs, susceptible to a host of health problems, often arrive at the rescue centre because owners cannot afford the vet bills. Caroline Kisko, secretary of the Kennel Club, said: There has been a definite move away from traditional, larger dog breeds in London towards smaller dog breeds, many of which are increasing in popularity at an astronomical rate. "It is important that people dont just follow fashion and that they choose a dog that is healthy and the right fit for their lifestyle. This weekend, the Kennel Club will hold its Discover Dogs event at ExCel in Limehouse, where fans can meet and pet more than 200 breeds. T heresa May today looked set to increase Britains Brexit "divorce bill" as she came under relentless pressure from EU leaders and the City to breathe life into stalled talks. Sources confirmed to the Evening Standard that Mrs May assured the other 27 leaders at a dinner in Brussels late last night that her Florence speech, offering at least 18 billion, was not the final word. Her words implied that Mrs May is getting ready to defy right-wing Tories and accept extra liabilities over the coming weeks of negotiations. European leaders lined up this morning to say the Prime Minister must now match her warmer rhetoric by spelling out the bill she is prepared to pay. At the same time, she came under pressure from leaders of Britains giant financial sector who warned that City firms will have no choice but to dust down plans to relocate abroad if the deadlock drifts on past Christmas. Mrs May made her most personal appeal yet to leaders over a dessert of fresh pineapple slices last night, when she asked them to give her a deal we can defend to our people. She was heard in silence as she spoke for around 15 minutes and tried to convince her 27 counterparts that the Florence speech should be rewarded with movement on both sides. But EU leaders arriving for the second day of the summit this morning said Mrs May had to go further. Lithuanian president Dalia Grybauskaite said Britain had given only rhetoric in the media - nice positioning, nice stance, but no real negotiations. Irish premier Leo Varadkar said the difficulty was the lack of detail. We need to see sentiment and language backed up with more detail, he said. Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said Mrs May had delivered her best performance yet at the dinner, but that her intervention had not really changed anything. And European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker declared: I dont think there will be a miracle. The mood music in Brussels was markedly warmer than in past weeks - suggesting that Mrs Mays diplomatic offensive following her Florence speech paid off. In a modest olive branch, the 27 other leaders were expected to agree to reflect among themselves about what a future trade deal might look like. But one after one they knocked back Mrs Mays plea that it was time to move together on to full-blooded trade talks. Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern said: Its OK to see that there is at least some rhetorical progress, but unfortunately we need to come to conclusions, because uncertainty is not good for the continent, is not good for our economy. It is up to the British Government to propose something which is really a basis and a ground for further progress, which is totally important. Germanys powerful chancellor Angela Merkel struck the most emollient tone in the early hours, after the dinner of haddock and pheasant, saying that while there was too little progress to move on to transition and trade, she hoped for a good outcome and things were moving step by step. The ball is not only in Britains court, its in our court, Mrs Merkel said. We havent put in clear terms how were going to respond to what Great Britain expects of us. But Mrs May had an extra problem as the City made clear it is getting increasingly nervous about the lack of progress. Alarm bells rang when the boss of Goldman Sachs tweeted abut how much he was enjoying Frankfurt - fuelling doubt over the banking giants commitment to London after Brexit. Lloyd Blankfein said: Just left Frankfurt. Great meetings, great weather, really enjoyed it. Good, because Ill be spending a lot more time there. Kerstin Mathias, head of policy at TheCityUK, said all City firms had contingency plans to move jobs out of London if Brexit would stop them from serving clients in Europe. She said that the urgent priority for chief executives like Mr Blankfein was to get really rapid agreement of transitional arrangements from the Brexit talks. The most important thing for the financial services community is their continued ability to service their customers and clients, she told Today. In the absence of clarity ... they will have to start implementing those plans soon as of course that comes at a cost. City bosses have told the Government that a positive sign at the next EU summit in December would give them the confidence to stay. Draft conclusions for todays summit say they will now begin internal preparatory discussions, and adopt a joint position on transition and trade by December - as long as sufficient progress has been achieved on each of the three divorce issues. Danish prime minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen said Florence had been a firm but not final offer. Now we need her and the British negotiators to move this into the negotiation room, Mr Rasmussen said. And hopefully we will soon have made sufficient progress so that we can continue into the next phase. I think thats what we all hope for. Brexit Secretary David Davis will present different options to Cabinet shortly, including a No-deal outcome. But Government sources denied a report that he would give an upbeat assessment of a no-deal Brexit. Writing in the Daily Mail, former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith said Brussels was dragging its feet. He added: All talk about sufficient progress in talks is of course a crude smokescreen to disguise a naked attempt to force the UK into a divorce bill - as much as 90 billion - with nothing in return. That is why the talks have stalled. T heresa May admitted Brexit negotiations have hit difficulty as she urged EU leaders to clear the way for a deal she can sell to British voters. The Prime Minister made the concession for the first time at a working dinner with the heads of the remaining 27 EU states in Brussels. She said that before her key speech in Florence two weeks ago she had recognised the difficulty the process was in. I took stock, listened to what the people in the UK were saying, and what my friends and partners in Europe were saying, and I made a step forward, she said. Mrs May told leaders they face a "clear and urgent imperative" to give new impetus to stalled negotiations if they are to get an outcome which is acceptable to both the British public and their own people. The EU27 will declare on Friday that insufficient progress has been made in withdrawal negotiations for trade talks to begin as Britain wants, with several leaders making clear they want more "clarity" about how much the UK is willing to pay in its Brexit "divorce bill". But they are expected to offer Mrs May a glimmer of hope by agreeing to start internal "scoping" work on their trade stance ahead of a possible green-light for the second phase of negotiations, dealing with trade and the transition to Brexit, at their next gathering on December 14-15. German chancellor Angela Merkel gave the PM a Brexit boost by indicating there were "encouraging" signs that the EU might be able to "take the work forward and then reach the start of the second phase in December". However, Mrs Merkel told reporters that while Mrs May is making more of an effort with EU partners toward a Brexit deal, it is still "not enough." Corbyn criticises Theresa May for lack of movement on Brexit But, the German chancellor also stressed progress has been made, saying, "despite what the British press says, this is a process that is moving ahead step by step". Mrs Merkel and French president Emmanuel Macron made a very public show of support for the Prime Minister, engaging her in prolonged conversation, characterised by a senior British source as "very constructive and friendly", on the way into the European Council summit. The scenes made a strong contrast with last December, when the PM appeared isolated with no-one to talk to as the leaders gathered round the table. Addressing her fellow leaders over dinner, Mrs May left no doubt that she needs their help to deliver a deal that is acceptable to British voters. "There is increasingly a sense that we must work together to get to an outcome we can stand behind and defend to our people," she said. European Parliament president Antonio Tajani said: "Progress so far has not been satisfactory. "We heard the tone of the speech by Mrs May, but I am still waiting to see the tone of that speech, the more flexible approach, transformed into practical deeds." T heresa May today signalled she is ready to pay billions of pounds more in a Brexit divorce bill to secure a December deal to begin trade talks. In a choreographed finish to the EU summit, the other 27 leaders took less than two minutes to reach a decision to start preparations for moving negotiations onto trade. Sources confirmed to the Standard that at a dinner yesterday Mrs May told them that her Florence speech last month, offering at least 18 billion, was not the final word. Cabinet ministers think that the final bill could be another 20 billion higher. An agreement before Christmas would delight the City, which today warned firms will have no choice but to consider moving jobs abroad if the stalemate were allowed to drift on to next year. Negotiations: May and Tusk attend a meeting on Friday morning / REUTERS But it will be fiercely resisted by Tory Eurosceptics who repeated calls for a hard Brexit on World Trade Organisation terms. The Pound rose half a percentage point against the euro to 1.1159 during the morning as the fear of a hard Brexit eased. At a final press conference, Mrs May was asked three times if she was offering more money and gave no denial. Sticking to her Florence speech, she said: We will honour the commitments that we made during our membership. Now there has to be detailed work on those commitments .... and we will continue going through them line by line and the British taxpayers wouldnt expect its government to do anything else. Moments before she stood up, European Council president Donald Tusk tweeted: Brexit conclusions adopted. Leaders green-light internal EU27 preparations for 2nd phase. Brussels officials think a cash offer will instantly unlock agreements on EU citizens rights and push the Northern Ireland border issue into the phase two talks. Mrs May repeatedly said she felt optimism that negotiations were back on track, while conceding there was some way to go. Positive: The Chancellor said talks were progressing well and dismissed claims they should be halted / REUTERS She said: As I understand it, following the discussion that has taken place this morning, we will see the EU considering their response to the Florence speech in terms of the sort of vision that they have for the partnership that we can have for the future. Pressed on reports that the Cabinet was planning an upbeat assessment of a no-deal scenario, the Prime Minister said: I have been clear that we have been working for a good deal and I am optimistic about getting that. "But, as I have said, and others have said consistently, it would be irresponsible for the British Government not to look across at the changes that will be necessary regardless of the eventuality. Work is being done across Government departments for all eventualities, and that includes for getting the good deal, the positive deal, that I am confident that we can achieve, and we have seen from European leaders here, believe is achievable as well. Negotiations: The three world leaders chatted together at the start of the summit / Getty Images Mrs May repeated that the two sides were within touching distance on a deal regarding citizens rights. Her words helped settle nerves in the City after the boss of Goldman Sachs tweeted about how much he was enjoying the German city of Frankfurt fuelling doubt over the banking giants commitment to London. Lloyd Blankfein said: Just left Frankfurt. Great meetings, great weather, really enjoyed it. Good, because Ill be spending a lot more time there. Kerstin Mathias, head of policy at TheCityUK, said all City firms had contingency plans to move jobs out of London if Brexit stopped them from serving clients in Europe. She said the urgent priority for bosses such as Mr Blankfein was to get really rapid agreement of transitional arrangements from the Brexit talks. The most important thing for the financial services community is their continued ability to service their customers and clients, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. In the absence of clarity ... they will have to start implementing those plans soon as of course that comes at a cost. The mood among the 27 improved after the dinner late last night speech, with German chancellor Angela Merkel saying the ball was in both our courts. But EU leaders lined up this morning to warn that rhetoric was not enough and Mrs May must give more clarity on exactly how much she is ready to pay. The Prime Minister made her most personal appeal yet to leaders over a dessert of fresh pineapple slices, when she asked them to give her a deal we can defend to our people. She was heard in silence as she spoke for about 15 minutes and tried to convince her counterparts that the Florence speech should be rewarded with movement on both sides. However, EU leaders arriving for the second day of the summit this morning said Mrs May had to go further. Lithuanian president Dalia Grybauskaite said Britain had given only rhetoric in the media; nice positioning, nice stance, but no real negotiations. Irish premier Leo Varadkar said the difficulty was the lack of detail in Mrs Mays address. We need to see sentiment and language backed up with more detail, he said. Speaking at her own press conference this afternoon, German chancellor Angela Merkel ruled out immediate talks on a transition period, saying it is "not the decisive issue right now. But she added that a two-year transition phase was "an interesting idea. Mention has been made of the two-year transition and we will come back to it at a given point in time, Mrs Merkel told reporters. Maltese prime minister Joseph Muscat said Mrs May had delivered her best performance yet at the dinner but that her intervention had not really changed anything. European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker declared: I dont think there will be a miracle. A new bridge across the river Roding could help create a buzzing East End riviera, town hall chiefs said today. Barking and Dagenham council has proposed a crossing where the Roding meets the Thames, linking Barking Riverside and Royal Docks, two of Eur-opes largest regeneration hotspots. The masterplan envisages leisure facilities, bars and restaurants along the tributary. The councils Be First regeneration company plans to develop a stretch of the riverside to create about 5,500 homes and 1,000 jobs. A new bridge would also give residents better access to the docks and Canary Wharf via the DLR, Crossrail and Jubilee line, linking it with the City and beyond. Barking and Dagenham council leader Darren Rodwell said: I urge Sadiq Khan to consider our proposals. Our area is at the epicentre of Londons eastward shift. "We already have a creative community along the river and with a bridge we can build on this. We can make it a buzzing embankment with bars, leisure attractions and quality affordable homes a kind of Roding Riviera. Barking already has a larger vision of transforming its waterways, with a new town for 26,000 people on 350 acres of brownfield land including a promenade, marina and wildlife reserves. S outh Korea has issued a warning to its citizens in the UK following a significant rise in hate crime and a vicious attack on a student. The Republic of South Korea has warned its people to be vigilant following the vicious assault of a 20-year-old South Korean man. The student at the University of Sussex was smashed in the face with a wine bottle. Two people have been arrested. It comes after national figures showed a rise in racist attacks. The assault took place just two days before the Home Office announced the number of hate crimes in England and Wales had risen by 29 per cent in the last year, the largest increase since records began in 2011. Yshung Kim suffered significant facial injuries, including broken teeth, in the attack, which took place at 10.30pm on Sunday. The Embassy's statement stated they had: "received reports of racial assaults on Korean people [in the UK]" and advised South Korean nationals to contact the Embassy in the event of an incident. Mr Kim was admitted to hospital shortly after the assault on Sunday. According to a Facebook post by Kim's friend, Minsu Jo, when asked why he hit him with the bottle, the man responded: "Because you are f****** Asian." A fundraising campaign set up to pay for Mr Kim's dental work reached its 1,000 target on Thursday. Recent Home Office stats show hate crimes jumped by 44 per cent in the month following the EU referendum. Spikes have also been recorded following recent terror attacks at the Manchester Arena and Westminster Bridge. Data from police forces across England and Wales showed there were almost 80,400 hate crimes in the 2016-17 financial year, compared with around 62,500 in 2015-16. The vast majority (78 per cent) were race-related. Hate crimes based on sexual orientation accounted for 11 per cent of all attacks, religion for seven per cent, disability for another seven per cent, and transgender for two per cent. A video of the incident, below, shows two men shouting at Mr Kim before one of them hits him with the bottle. Readers are warned the video contains graphic imagery and explicit language. A 17-year-old boy, from Burgess Hill, has been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated harassment, and a 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of committing grievous bodily harm with intent. A spokesman for the Embassy said: "We did not mean to cause alarm or deter any Koreans from visiting or coming to live in the UK. We simply want to encourage our citizens to be cautious and act diligently in the face of a rising number of racially-motivated attacks." The Standard has approached the Home Office for comment. T he leader of Australia has dismissed a letter from North Korea warning of a horrible nuclear disaster as merely a rant against Donald Trump. Secretive Pyongyang sent a letter to the Australian parliament urging the country to keep its distance from the heinous and reckless Trump administration adding that North Korea will not be cowed by the US President. The extraordinary letter from Kim Jong-uns foreign affairs committee attacked President Trump for his speech to the UN last month, in which he threatened to totally destroy North Korea if provoked. But Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull said the letter was a sign North Korea was starting to feel the squeeze of escalated sanctions. He added the letter was sent to "a lot of other countries" as well as Australia, which has vowed to help the United States, a defence treaty ally, in any conflict with Pyonyang. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (Photo credit should read STR/AFP/Getty Images) / AFP/Getty Images "It doesn't actually say anything about Australia so much. It's basically a rant about how bad Donald Trump is," Mr Turnbull told Melbourne radio 3AW. "It is consistent with their ranting and complaining about Donald Trump," he said, adding that it was North Korea that was in breach of UN Security Council resolutions by threatening to fire nuclear missiles at Japan, South Korea and the US. Mr Turnbull did not mention that North Korea had also previously threatened a missile strike against Australia, which has a US Marine Corps presence on its north coast. President Donald Trump has angered North Korea after threatening to 'totally destroy' the country if provoked. / Getty Images The prime minister said the letter was a reaction to increased sanctions unanimously approved by the UN Security Council on September 11 in response to North Korea's sixth and strongest nuclear test explosion a week earlier. "I think that they are starting to feel the squeeze and that is because China, to its great credit, notwithstanding the long and very close history with North Korea, is part of the global sanctions including restricting oil exports into North Korea," Mr Turnbull said. "So the tighter the economic sanctions are applied, the greater prospects we have of resolving that situation without a conflict," he added. The latest sanctions ban North Korea from importing all natural gas liquids and condensates, and cap its crude oil imports. They also prohibit all textile exports, ban all joint ventures and cooperative operations, and bars any country from authorizing new work permits for North Korean workers - key sources of hard currency for the northeast Asian nation. The letter was sent from the North Korean Embassy in Jakarta to the Australian Embassy in Indonesia on September 28. Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop said it was the first letter to an Australian foreign minister sent by North Korea. North Korea usually communicates through its news agency KCNA. Ms Bishop's office said the minister did not know what other countries received the open letter, which said the United States "cooked up the illegal 'sanctions resolution'." Additional reporting by Associated Press. F ormer president George Bush has delivered a rare speech in which he slammed the current political landscape in America without mentioning Donald Trump. The comments, delivered at a New York City conference on Thursday, were seen as a thinly veiled critique from a man who has remained largely silent during the Trump era. Mr Bush said: We've seen nationalism distorted into nativism, forgotten the dynamism that immigration has always brought to America. "We see a fading confidence in the value of free markets and international trade, forgetting that conflict, instability and poverty follow in the wake of protectionism. Loading.... "We've seen the return of isolation sentiments, forgetting that American security is directly threatened by the chaos and despair of distant places." "We've seen our discourse degraded by casual cruelty," he continued. "Bigotry seems emboldened. Our politics seems more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrication." "We need to recall and recover our own identity," he continued. "To renew our country, we only need to remember our values." Asked about the speech, Mr Trump said he had not seen it. D onald Trump sparked outrage across the UK today by attributing a 13 per cent crime rise to "radical Islamic terror". He was met with an immediate backlash after tweeting: "Just out report: "United Kingdom crime rises 13% annually amid spread of Radical Islamic terror." Not good, we must keep America safe!" Although in the UK crime did rise by 13 per cent, there was no evidence to suggest this was linked to Islamic extremism, with the majority of offences including knife crime and sexual offences. Trump was criticised by hundreds of people online, mainly Brits. Here are six other times the US President has been challenged as to the veracity of his tweets. Parsons Green attack After a bomb partially exploded at Parsons Green in London, Mr Trump tweeted: "Another attack in London by a loser terrorist. These are sick and demented people who were in the sights of Scotland Yard. Must be proactive!" The Metropolitan Police said the US president's comments - which did not correspond with any information released by the UK authorities - were "unhelpful" and "pure speculation". London Bridge attack After the London Bridge terror attack, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said people should not be alarmed by visibly increased security on the streets of the capital. Mr Trump sparked a backlash when he tweeted: "At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is "no reason to be alarmed!" A spokesman for Mr Khan said the tweet was "ill-informed" and deliberately taken out of context. Obama wire tapping The President accused Barack Obama of having Trump Tower telephones "wire tapped" during last year's election, a claim that an Obama spokesman said was false. In a series of tweets he said he had "just found out that Obama had my 'wires tapped' in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!" The Department of Justice later said in a court filing that it had found no evidence to support Mr Trump's claim. Voter fraud Mr Trump faced a backlash when he tweeted: "Serious voter fraud in Virginia, New Hampshire and California - so why isn't the media reporting on this? Serious bias - big problem!" California Secretary of State Alex Padilla tweeted back: "It appears that Mr Trump is troubled by the fact that a growing majority of Americans did not vote for him. "His unsubstantiated allegations of voter fraud in California and elsewhere are absurd." Fake news The US President has criticised the mainstream media and "fake news" a number of times, saying in one tweet that the "failing" New York Times has "dwindling subscribers and readers". The newspaper replied: "Fact check: @nytimes subscribers & audience at all-time highs. Supporting independent journalism matters." Face-lift claims He called TV host Joe Scarborough a "psycho" and colleague Mika Brzezinski "crazy" and claimed she was "bleeding badly from a face-lift" when he saw them at his Florida estate. The pair said Trump was lying over the face-lift claims, and Ms Brzezinski said she was alarmed at how the President deals with women who disagree with him. D onald Trump has awarded himself a perfect 10 for his administrations response to the devastation wrought on Puerto Rico during Hurricane Maria. Despite widespread power shortages and a lack of basic services , such as clean drinking water and food, the US President said he would give his administration a 10 out 10. Asked to rate, on a scale of 1 to 10, the federal governments recovery effort, Trump said: I would give ourselves a 10. He said, during a meeting with governor Ricardo Rossello of Puerto Rico at the White House on Thursday: We have provided so much, so fast. We were actually there before the storm hit. More than a month after Hurricane Maria hit, 30 per cent of the island is without drinking water and more than 80 per cent is without power, according to government data. Many communities are cut off by blocked roads and no phone service. Trump previously faced criticism for a slow federal response to the natural disaster, including from the mayor of San Juan, Carmen Yulin Cruz, who accused the administration of not doing enough. In a visit to the island earlier this month, Trump told residents that Americas relief effort had thrown the budget a little out of whack and saved a lot of lives. He compared the islands death toll with a real catastrophe like Katrina and said they should be proud of how few people had died. Trump gave himself a 10 out 10 for his relief effort, despite being urged to do more by the governor / EPA The latest death toll from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico is 48, according to the Department of Public Safety. About 117 people remain unaccounted for since last months hurricane. Mr Rossello declined to rate the effort, and said he was satisfied with the administrations response. However, he said there was more to be done. The governor told reporters: The response is there. Do we need to do a lot more? Of course we do and I think everyone over here recognizes theres a lot of work to be done in Puerto Rico. But with your leadership, sir, and with everybody over here, were committed to achieving that in the long run. Last week, Trump was criticised for tweeting that Washington could not offer relief to Puerto Rico forever. During the meeting, he repeated the claim. At some point, Fema (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has to leave, first responders have to leave and the people have to take over, he said. In a distinctly upbeat response to the Prime Ministers EU summit appeal for help with Brexit, Merkel said talks with Britain were unlikely to break down. The Chancellor made the comments after May had appealed to her fellow leaders to help her silence critics at home and break a deadlock in the talks. "In contrast to how it is portrayed in the British press, my impression is that these talks are moving forward step by step," Merkel said. Positive: The Chancellor said talks were progressing well and dismissed claims they should be halted / REUTERS She dismissed suggestions that talks should be broken off as "absurd" and said: "I have absolutely no doubts that if we are all focused ... that we can get a good result. From my side there are no indications at all that we won't succeed. Her positivity was reflected by the Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, who called May's speech her "best performance yet" and "a warm, candid and sincere appeal". Negotiations: The three world leaders chatted together at the start of the summit / Getty Images Ireland's Leo Varadkar also complemented the Prime Minister on a "very strong address to the Summit. But others complained they had heard little new of substance and rejected May's repetition of London's view that demands for money from Brussels have "no legal framework". Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern said "rhetorical progress" needed to be followed by "tangible conclusions". After May leaves the summit on Friday, the other 27 leaders are expected to rule that there has not been sufficient progress to push the talks forward but will call on their staff to prepare for talks on a transition period that would smooth Britain's exit in 2019. Positive: May arriving for a meeting with European Council President Donald Tusk on Friday / REUTERS On Friday morning, May made no comment to reporters as she arrived for a breakfast meeting with summit chair Donald Tusk. She had admitted the day before that, prior to her key speech in Florence on September 22, she had realised the difficulty the process was in. She was quoted telling a British official that she listened to what the people in the UK were saying and worked hard to push forward with talks that had reached stalemate. Theresa May: No Brexit breakthrough on the cards So it would have been a welcome relief for the Prime Minister that her comments were received well by EU leaders. Her precarious position as Conservative leader meant she could have been left all-the-more vulnerable had she not been seen to progress with negotiations. The Prime Minister was pictured chatting warmly with Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, cementing the image that the deadlock between European powers had eased. Negotiations: May and Tusk attend a meeting on Friday morning / REUTERS Merkel told reporters the three had been discussing the need to safeguard the Iran nuclear deal after US President Donald Trump's decision last week to "decertify" it. During her speech, May sought to calm fears Britain would use its departure in March 2019 to undercut the EU economy by lowering standards and appealed to EU leaders to respond in kind to her efforts to break the Brexit stalemate. The EU is seeking a clearer commitment from Britain that it will settle financial obligations linked to its exit. Leaders will on Friday set a target of December for London to improve its divorce settlement offer. But they will also make a gesture by launching internal preparations for the next phase of the negotiations. L os Angeles police have opened a new investigation into Harvey Weinstein over a suspected rape in 2013. An Italian actress and model told the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on Thursday that she was raped by the now disgraced movie mogul in a hotel near Beverly Hills. It comes as London's Metropolitan Police investigate five allegations against Weinstein, spanning from the late 1980s to 2015, while detectives in New York are also carrying out reviews. The accuser's lawyer, Dave Ring, said his client thanks the "courageous women" who have previously spoken out. An LAPD spokesman said: "The LAPD robbery and homicide division has interviewed a potential sexual assault victim involving Harvey Weinstein, which allegedly occurred in 2013." Meanwhile, the New York Police Department (NYPD) said it is investigating following newspaper reports and is "reviewing records" to identify any previous allegations. Also on Thursday, Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o claimed the "predator" pressured her into massaging him in his bedroom in 2011 when she was a drama school student. "Before long he said he wanted to take off his pants," the actress who won best supporting actress for 12 Years A Slave wrote in The New York Times. "I told him not to do that and informed him that it would make me extremely uncomfortable. He got up anyway to do so and I headed for the door, saying that I was not at all comfortable with that." She said she was part of a "growing community" of women who had quietly suffered and is now speaking out to end the "conspiracy of silence". Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie are among the actresses to accuse Weinstein of sexual harassment, while Rose McGowan said he raped her. Weinstein has "unequivocally denied" allegations of non-consensual sex. He has been fired from his position at The Weinstein Company and resigned from its board. He has also been expelled from Oscar host the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) suspended his membership. His wife, British fashion designer Georgina Chapman, also announced she is leaving him. A far-right supporter wearing a shirt covered in swastikas was punched and chased away from a white nationalist event in Gainesville in Florida. Anti-Nazi demonstrators vastly outnumbered nationalists outside the University of Florida where white supremacist Richard Spencer was due to speak. Protesters shouted: Not in our town! Not in our state! We dont want your Nazi hate, as police tried to contain skirmishes between rival factions. The Alachua County Sheriff said two people were arrested. Sean Brijmohan, 28, was charged with possession of a firearm on school property. Furniss's head is rocked back after receiving the blow at the far-right rally in Florida / AP David Notte, 34, was charged with resisting an officer without violence. Five people received minor injuries, authorities said. Protesters shouted: Not in our town! Not in our state! We dont want your Nazi hate" The school estimated it would spend $600,000 (457,000) on security to ensure no repeat of violent clashes connected to a white nationalist gathering in Charlottesville, Virginia, that left one dead in August. School officials cited the Charlottesville violence in rejecting an initial request from Mr Spencer to speak at the university. They later relented on free speech grounds. F ormer presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush have united to attack the politics of fear under Donald Trump. Without naming his White House successor, Mr Obama, right, voiced concern over the political climate in America. Some of the politics we see now, we thought wed put that to bed. I mean, thats folks looking 50 years back. Its the 21st century, not the 19th century, Mr Obama told a rally in New Jersey, where he was campaigning for the Democrat candidate for governor, Phil Murphy. Speaking in New York earlier yesterday, Republican George W Bush spoke out against the bullying and prejudice in public life, without mentioning Mr Trump by name. He said the current political culture led to bigotry being emboldened, adding: Our politics seems more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrication. It is rare for former presidents to publicly criticise those who follow them in the office. For two to lambast a sitting president on the same day is unprecedented. Mr Obama made little attempt to hide his disdain for the divisive culture in Washington. We are rejecting a politics of division. We are rejecting a politics of fear, he said. We are embracing a politics that says everybody counts, a politics that says everybody deserves a chance, a politics that says everybody has dignity and worth a politics of hope. Lamenting the USs new position on the world stage, he added: The world counts on America having its act together The world asks what our values and ideals are, and are we living up to our creed. The speech was Mr Obamas first foray into campaign politics since he left office in January. He made a second campaign stop in Virginia, in support of governor hopeful Ralph Northam. Returning to the theme of racial division, he told a rally in Richmond: Were at our best not when were trying to put people down, but when were trying to lift everybody up. Folks dont feel good right now about what they see Instead of politics reflecting our values, we have politics infecting our communities. P rotesters chanting Go home Nazis drowned out an American white nationalists first major speech since the infamous Charlottesville rally. Richard Spencer, the president of the National Policy Institute, a white supremacist think-tank, took to the stage at the University of Florida on Thursday after his supporters threatened to sue if he was not allowed to speak. It was his first public event since the rally in Charlottesville in which one counter-protester was killed when a car drove into her. But minutes after he began talking, more than half the people in the Philips Centre theatre stood and shouted: F*** you Spencer. White nationalist Richard Spencer, who popularised the term "alt-right", gives his talk / Getty Images Mr Spencer spent most of his speech trying to shout down protesters, according to reports. He said at one point: Do you not want to hear something, poor little babies, that might contradict something your professor told you?" Protesters stand as Richard Spencer begins talking / Getty Images Outside, hundreds more people protested with signs and anti-Nazi chants alongside hundreds of police officers there to prevent violence. Three or four skirmishes occurred during after single Spencer supporters confronted the counter demonstrators, trying to speak and rile the crowds up. One man, wearing a white shirt with swastikas drawn on, was punched and chased out of the area. The Alachua County Sheriff said two people were arrested. Five people had minor injuries and were immediately treated by fire rescue teams, authorities said. School officials cited the Charlottesville violence in rejecting an initial request from Spencer to speak at the university. They later relented on free speech grounds. Florida's governor had declared a state of emergency for the event. The engagement ring will no doubt be spectacular, and unless an heirloom, will surely have to be ethically sourced - as Ms Markle urged her readers to "keep being the change you wish to see in the world" when she shut down her lifestyle blog The Tig earlier this year. When choosing engagement and wedding rings a lot of thought and time goes into choosing the right colour and style of gold, and the size and clarity of the diamond. However, how the gold and diamonds are mined is not one something many of us consider. The brutal reality is that the stories behind these tokens of love and commitment are often ones of child labour, mercury poisoning and exploitation. Unless, that is, you buy your wedding band from a more responsible source. The first Fairtrade mined gold from Africa hit the UK last month and the first pieces of jewellery will be available to buy by Christmas. It has been a three-year process, supported by Comic Relief funding. To become Fairtrade-certified mines have to meet basic health and safety regulations - such as not using a the same bowl to wash a baby and pan for gold with mercury. The miners are also guaranteed 95 per cent of the internationally agreed price (LMBA) of gold, plus a Fairtrade premium of 1,500 per kilogram that's used to invest in community projects such as building schools, hospitals and creating access to electricity. Before Fairtrade, the miners were only receiving 60 per cent of the LMBA price for their gold and the average daily wage was just 75p - 1.50. The UK has been selling a small amount of Fairtrade gold from Peru since 2011. "The launch was very significant," says Tim Ingle, of ethical jeweller Ingle & Rhode. It gave credibility to the fact that theres an issue around gold mining and also provided a credible solution. Fairtrade gold costs about four per cent more than non-Fairtrade gold. / Ingle and Rhode Director of Cred jewellery, Alan Frampton, has visited the Peru mines every six months for the past six years. He says: We have to know who is producing our gold and under what conditions. When we tell this story to our customers it becomes very personal." Ethical jewellery still isnt mass market, although its becoming more popular as Millennials, in particular, insist on better traceability. Access to technology and increased awareness is helping the miners demand better conditions, too. Before, we didnt know what the price of gold was, or how we could find out. Now we take our phones out and Google the price, says Josephine Aguttu, a mine worker from an organisation working towards Fairtrade certification. "We were silenced by the middlemen, but now we are organised were not so easy to manipulate." ETHICAL JEWELLERY: A GUIDE Cred Jewellery: hammered Fairtrade gold weddings start from 440 / Cred Jewellery GOLD & SILVER Buying Fairtrade gold ensures a better livelihood for the gold miners. However, gold is a soft metal and so is always mixed with other alloy metals to make it more robust. The alloy mix is also used to change the colour of the gold from traditional yellow, to rose gold or white. There is currently no way of tracing the alloy mix. The higher the carat, the higher percentage of gold in the wedding band - a 9 ct gold ring has 37.5 per cent gold, and an 18 carat gold ring has 75 per cent. Some jewellers will give you the option of using recycled precious metals to create your wedding band, including Ingle & Rhode - where it costs the same to choose this option as it does to buy Fairtrade Gold. I personally prefer supporting Fairtrade over recycled, says Ingle. All metal is recycled, so reusing old jewellery doesnt have as big an impact as demanding better mining conditions. Silver is a by-product of gold mining, so Fairtrade silver is harder to source. PLATINUM & PALLADIUM This used to be available to buy as Fairtrade - but isn't any more due to the small Fairtrade mine getting taken over by larger non-Fairtrade mines around it. Currently the best way to buy Platinum or Palladium is recycled, from an accredited source such as SCS Global Services in the US. Palladium is a by-product of platinum mining. Lab grown diamonds are classified as type IIA, the most valued and purest form of diamond. Less than 2% of the worlds mined diamonds belong to this category. / Cred Jewellery DIAMONDS Almost all jewellers will tell you their diamonds are ethically sourced and certified by the Kimberly Process. Framption and Ingle insist this isn't worth the paper it is written on. This is used, unfortunately, by the industry to try to fool consumers, says Ingle. Both jewellers source their diamonds from Canada where they have a well-established traceability scheme, such as the Canadian Mark Scheme. Diamonds which are over 0.3 carats are laser inscribed, but thats not viable for the smaller ones. Cred Jewellery is now also offers lab grown diamonds which are created from a small diamond seed in a high pressure, high temperature conditions - a similar process to how they are naturally created. Leonardo DiCarprio is just one of the high-profile investors in this technology. "Mining diamonds is an energy intensive and ecologically invasive procedure, affecting fragile ecosystems across the world, says Frampton. "Lab grown diamonds are a victory for the environment, human rights and diamond supply chain transparency. They are currently sold for around two-thirs of the price of a conventional diamond, and Frampton believes they will hold their value - perhaps even bringing the value of a naturally produced diamond down in years to come. Ingle & Rhode source their sapphires from Sri Lanka, where the mining is made up collectives or co-operatives, with a lower environmental impact than large scale mining / Ingle and Rhode COLOURED GEM STONES: RUBIES, SAPPHIRES, EMERALDS... These are generally mined in smaller artisanal mines, which can be rife with similar problems to gold. Its much harder to trace the source, which means you may be supporting small-scale producers or you may be buying from corrupt mines. The buyer's decision essentially has to be based on their trust of the jeweller. The best way to build this is to ask lots of questions about how they source of their precious metals and stones. A key factor will be if someone from the company has visited the mine and can speak about the experience first-hand. EXPECTED COSTS Fairtrade gold costs about four per cent more than non-Fairtrade gold. Buyers can also expect to pay a premium of at least 10 per cent to have it crafted by a UK jeweller, rather than mass-produced in a factory in Asia. Canadian Diamonds are about 10-15 per cent more expensive than diamonds from mines in other parts of the world. WIN a white Fairtrade gold and Canadian diamond engagement ring worth 3,200. ENTER HERE. O scar-winning actress Lupita Nyongo today became the latest in a long line of women accusing Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment. The 34-year-old claimed the 65-year-old filmmaker once tried to undress in front of her and asked her for a massage during a visit to his home even though his children were there at the time. In a first person account published in todays New York Times, Miss Nyongo said she met the disgraced Hollywood mogul in 2011 at an awards ceremony in Berlin while she was still a student in her final year at the Yale School of Drama. After having lunch with Weinstein, during which she said he tried to insist on her drinking alcohol, she was invited to his Connecticut home to watch a film screening with his family. Harvey Weinstein and Georgina Chapman at the 89th Academy Awards / REUTERS But the 2014 Best Supporting Actress Oscar winner for 12 Years a Slave said that 15 minutes into the movie Weinstein insisted she joined him in his bedroom. Harvey led me into a bedroom his bedroom and announced that he wanted to give me a massage, she claims. I thought he was joking at first. He was not. For the first time since I met him, I felt unsafe. I panicked a little and thought quickly to offer to give him one instead: It would allow me to be in control physically, to know exactly where his hands were at all times. She said she tried to buy herself time by rubbing his back, but continued: Before long he said he wanted to take off his pants. "I told him not to do that and informed him that it would make me extremely uncomfortable. He got up anyway to do so and I headed for the door, saying that I was not at all comfortable with that. Harvey Weinstein: What we know so far After the encounter, she said she reasoned that it had been inappropriate and uncalled-for, but not overtly sexualI was able to explain and justify it to myself, and shelve it as an awkward moment. Several months later, she said she agreed to meet Weinstein for lunch in New York, but before the food arrived she claimed the producer announced, Lets cut to the chase. I have a private room upstairs where we can have the rest of our meal. I was stunned, she continued. 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. When she declined, the actress claims Weinstein replied: You have no idea what you are passing up. She says she answered, With all due respect, I would not be able to sleep at night if I did what you are asking, so I must pass. So we are done here. You can leave, she said Weinstein told her before escorting her to a taxi without eating anything. She said she kept her ordeal to herself because she felt alone in her plight. I wish I had known that there were women in the business I could have talked to. I wish I had known that there were ears to hear me. "That justice could be served. There is clearly power in numbers. I thank the women who have spoken up and given me the strength to revisit this unfortunate moment in my past. She adds: Now that we are speaking, let us never shut up about this kind of thing. I speak up to make certain that this is not the kind of misconduct that deserves a second chance. I speak up to contribute to the end of the conspiracy of silence. A spokesperson for Weinstein told People magazine: Mr. Weinstein has a different recollection of the events, but believes Lupita is a brilliant actress and a major force for the industry. Accused: Harvey Weinstein with actress Rose McGowan / Getty Images "Last year, she sent a personal invitation to Mr. Weinstein to see her in her Broadway show Eclipsed. Yesterday, director Quentin Tarantino admitted knowing for decades about Weinsteins sexually abusive behaviour and said he felt ashamed he didnt do more to stop it. 'I knew enough to do more than I did,' the Oscar-winning filmmaker told The New York Times. He said he knew if several incidents involving well-known actresses. 'There was more to it than just the normal rumors, the normal gossip, he added. 'It wasn't secondhand. I knew he did a couple of these things. The shamed producer is currently said to be at a rehab clinic in Arizona seeking treatment for sex addiction after more than 40 women came forward with allegations of sex abuse and rape. But he has allegedly fallen asleep during sessions and been using his mobile phone even though they are banned by the facility. 'In one group therapy session, Harvey arrived 15 minutes late,' an insider told the New York Posts Page Six. 'Then, when it was his turn to speak, he launched into a speech about how this is all a conspiracy against him.' While others in the session began sharing their personal stories, the source said: 'Harvey fell asleep in his chair. He was only woken up by the ringing of his smuggled mobile phone. Harvey jolted awake, jumped up, immediately took the call and then ran out of the room. Police in Los Angeles said they are now investigating an alleged sexual assault involving a 38-year-old Italian actress and model. The incident reportedly happened in 2013. A spokesperson for Weinstein has said that any allegations of non-consensual sex are unequivocally denied by Mr. Weinstein. T V favourite Bruno Tonioli has been forced to miss this weekends Strictly Come Dancing. Tonioli will not be on the judging panel for the first time in the shows 13 year history as he has a prior work commitment. A spokesperson for the show said: As was always the plan, Bruno Tonioli is not on the judging panel this weekend due to a very busy work schedule. He will be back as normal for our Halloween special and the rest of the series. The judges: (L-R) Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Shirley Ballas, Bruno Tonioli / BBC/Kieron McCarron The loveable judge will not be replaced, leaving Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell and head judge Shirley Ballas to hold the fort. He will return for the coveted Halloween special next weekend. Fans were left gutted by the news with many saying the BBC ballroom show wont be the same without him. Charlotte Hawkins gets upset on Good Morning Britain Others called for former head judge Len Goodman to stand in, while others demanded Louie Spence. Some even called for Brendan Cole to temporarily take over the reins after he was booted out in the dance-off last week with Charlotte Hawkins. Fans are fearing that he is planning to quit the show for good after he appeared to hint at the prospect during his emotional speech on Sunday night's results show. He said: Quite often you stand in this position and you think hey, it was our time to go and perhaps it is but not often you stand here with such sadness and go Im going to miss this. Im going to miss dancing with this girl. Ive had one of the best Strictly's Ive had in 15 years, and its hard to say. Its emotional. He failed to dispel viewers' fears during an appearance on Good Morning Britain, telling Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid: Am I coming back next year, am I not? That depends if the BBC want me and what I'm doing at the time. Strictly Come Dancing 2017 - In pictures 1 /18 Strictly Come Dancing 2017 - In pictures Mollie King and her dance partner AJ Pritchard Guy Levy/PA Chizzy Akudolu and her dance partner Pasha Kovalev Guy Levy/PA Aston Merrygold and his dance partner Janette Manrara Guy Levy/PA Gemma Atkinson and her dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec Guy Levy/PA Debbie McGee and her dance partner Giovanni Pernice Guy Levy/PA Joe McFadden and his dance partner Katya Jones Guy Levy/PA Alexandra Burke and her dance partner Gorka Marquez Guy Levy/PA Charlotte Hawkins and her dance partner Brendan Cole Guy Levy/PA Rev Richard Coles and his dance partner Dianne Buswell Guy Levy/PA Davood Ghadami and his dance partner Nadiya Bychkova Guy Levy/PA Susan Calman and her dance partner Kevin Clifton Guy Levy/PA Simon Rimmer and his dance partner Karen Clifton Guy Levy/PA Brian Conley and his dance partner Amy Dowden Guy Levy/PA Jonnie Peacock and his dance partner Oti Mabuse Guy Levy/PA Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One, Saturday at 6:45pm. 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To help you find what you are looking for: Enter Search Term(s): Still cant find what youre looking for? Send us a message using our contact us form. To report a broken link or other problems with the website, please include the URL. Thank you for visiting state.gov. Russia has developed a special operations version of its new Il-76MD-90A transport. One of these special operations versions (perhaps the only one; the prototype) was spotted over the Black Sea in September 2017. This version apparently has its electronics upgraded to enable flying in all sorts of weather and at very low altitude. The navigation equipment has been upgraded as have communications. In addition a new defense system against heat-seeking missiles (especially the portable ones carried by ground troops). In effect the special operations Il-76MD-90A is apparently meant to compete with the American MC-130s and C-17s that have been doing that sort of thing for decades. Moreover Russia was not happy when India, long a customer for Russian transports, recently ordered C-130J-SOF aircraft. These are export versions of the MC-130J which includes the exportable (unclassified) enhancements that turn a C-130J into a MC-130J. This includes a sturdier fuselage, landing gear and wing to handle more stress and emergency situations in general (like lots more landings on unpaved landing strips). The major visible addition is additional radar and navigation gear to turn the aircraft into one capable of operating at night and in all sorts of nasty weather. There are also provisions for additional crew (like another loadmaster to handle paratroopers and special cargo and one or more additional electronics specialists in the cockpit.) Other extras include hard points on the wings (for sensors or missiles) and additional electrical generation capability and upgraded wiring to handle more electronics as well as quickly adding the ability to serve as an aerial tanker. The C-130J-SOF has a major advantage over its Russian competitor in that there are many accessories available for C-130s and MC-130s that are attractive to export customers. Undeterred Russia has been trying to catch up. In 2012, after several years of starting and stopping negotiations the Russian Air Force decided to go ahead and buy 39 of the new Il-76MD-90A transports. While similar in appearance to the Il-76, the Il-76MD-90A is basically a new aircraft, with numerous new structural and electronic components as well as new engines. The Il-76MD-90A had its first test flights earlier in 2012 and entered service in 2015 when the Russian Air Force began receiving the ones it ordered in 2012. The Il-76MD-90A can carry up to 60 tons and is about 15 percent more fuel efficient. Its introduction of the Il-76MD-90A has been delayed several times. But by 2012 the government has invested a lot of money to get development completed and production underway. The Il-76MD-90A is seen as an excellent candidate for export sales but by 2017 only five had been exported. That is one reason for the special operations version. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on the viability of existing Il-76s. All 110 Russian Il-76 have been grounded several times since 2010 because of age-related problems. In one case the engine fell off an Il-76 while it was preparing to takeoff. Because of that there was much relief in 2012 when Russia rolled out an upgraded Il-76. New engines and electronics gave the Il-76MD-90A better fuel efficiency and the ability to lift more cargo. Russia was trying to make the Il-76MD-90A a contender in the military air transport market. As if 2017 fewer than 70 Il-76MD-90As had been delivered or ordered. By Russian standards that is considered acceptable. The Il-76 is somewhat similar in capability to the U.S. C-17 but uses older technology, more similar to the recently retired (in 2006) U.S. C-141. The Russians have also been buying a stretched version of the Il-76 (the Il-76MF). This version first flew in 1995, and has become popular with users of earlier Il-76 models. The Il-76MF has better engines and can carry 50 tons of cargo over 4,000 kilometers. Another popular Il-76 is the tanker version (called the Il-78). There are far more Il-76's in use than all of America's four engine jet transports (C-5, C-141, C-17) put together. Nearly a thousand Il-76s were manufactured since it entered service in 1974, with over a hundred exported, so far, mainly to Cuba, Iraq, China, India, Libya, and Syria. With few foreign or domestic sales since the 1990s, the Il-76 manufacturer (Chkalov) was surviving by manufacturing wings and other components for the An-124, An-70, and An-225 transports. In addition, it made replacement parts for the Il-76 and Il-114 aircraft. The new models of the Il-76 indicate a substantial R&D investment and an effort to make the Il-76 a serious competitor (mainly on price, at about $60 million each) with the C-17 (which costs about four times as much and is able to carry up to 100 tons). What the C-17 is best at is carrying about half that weight, half way around the world, non-stop. The Il-76 has a hard time matching that. The C-17 is also easier to maintain and more reliable. But the fuel-efficient Il-76MD-90 that can be refueled in the air has a price that's tough to beat. The Iraqi military and Iran-backed Shia militias have moved into Kirkuk province, which the Kurds claim is part of the autonomous Kurdish north. Apparently, rather than fight a war they know they would probably lose, Kurdish troops and over 100,000 Kurdish civilians fled. There is some fighting near the border between Kurdish northern Iraq and the rest of Iraq. This involves Kurdish forces and advancing Iran-backed Shia militia. These militias have been unpredictable since Iran was allowed to form them in 2014. Actually there is some confusion over who ordered what in Kurd controlled parts of Kirkuk province. Kurdish officials (from the Barzani clan) accused pro-Talibani Kurdish military commanders in Kirkuk of ordering a withdrawal without permission. Many Barzani supporters believe the Talibanis made a secret deal with Iran to allow the Iran-backed Iraqi Shia militia take over northern Kirkuk province, Kirkuk city and the nearby oilfields. Some Iraqi Kurds accuse the Americans of being in on this as well. It may be a while before it is clear who made deals with who beforehand. Meanwhile it is clear that the Iraqi government had again, as had happened several times in the past, sold out the Kurds to placate Turkey, Iran and others. This is nothing new and is actually part of an ancient conflict. Very ancient rivalries between Kurds, Iranians and Arabs that predate the arrival of the Turks, Europeans and Americans. In this part of the world ancient history tends to be frequently recycled as todays news. For centuries the Kurds, a large Caucasian tribe living in eastern Turkey, northern Iraq, northeast Syria and northwest Iran, sought unity and their own state. In the last century that aspiration seemed close to reality several times. The Treaty of Sevres (August 1920) carved up post-Ottoman Turkey and the victorious allies (including the United States) promised that an autonomous (and potentially independent) Kurdistan would be organized in eastern Turkey. Subsequent events (especially the Greco-Turk War of 1921 and 1922) halted the implementation of the Treaty of Sevres. The Treaty of Lausanne (July 1923) which resulted in the forced emigration of Greeks from Asia Minor and of Turks from most of the Aegean islands, made no provision for the creation of an independent Kurdistan. By the 1930s the allies had helped create independent (from centuries of Turkish rule) Syria and Iraq. Both contained Kurdish minorities. In Iraq Kurds in the north were divided, as Kurds had been for thousands of years, by clan rivalries. In the aftermath of the 1991 war to drive Iraqi troops out of Kuwait American and British special operations troops in northern Iraq helped train and organize the Kurds who, to the surprise of many, were able to drive out the Iraqi government forces and keep them out ever since. In effect, since the early 1990s the Iraqi Kurds up there have been largely autonomous. But they were not united. The main division was between the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) party, which is led by the Talibani clan and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), which is dominated by the Barzani clan. The Turks, Iraqis and Iranians frequently exploit the PUK-KDP rivalry. That seems to be a factor in the current situation because although the Kurds are the most effective Iraqi fighters there appear to be internal disagreements. This may have something to do with Iran and the recent referendum on independence. Kurdish popular sentiment strongly favors an independent Kurdistan and the current Kurdish leadership openly promises a vote on independence in a few years. Meanwhile the Kurds and Iraqi Arabs can agree on one thing; Iran is out to gain more control over whoever is running Iraq and using pro-Iran Iraqi Shia to help them. Once more Iran is taking advantage of Kurdish factionalism. This has been a major reason why the Kurds were never able to create their own country. Despite efforts to unite, the Kurds continue to squabble. This is happening despite the two parties agreeing to unify in 2006. At first that appeared to work. But with more foreign aid coming in the PUK accused the KDP (which holds most top leadership positions) of taking more than their share. To make this worse Iran began offering direct aid to PUK and, according to the KDP and many in the PUK, trying to divide the Iraqi Kurds. Despite that since the early 1990s Iraqi Kurdistan has effectively been autonomous and far more stable and prosperous than the rest of the country. This encouraged Kurds because they saw themselves better able to run their own state than Arabs or Iranians. Then came the 2003 U.S.-British invasion of Iraq and the establishment of a democracy. That process was delayed for several years by a Sunni Arab Islamic terror campaign against the Shia Arab majority. By 2007 that was defeated, in part because the Kurds had some of the most capable military forces of any of the factions in Iraq, and that included the government. In 2006, when the factions agreed to unite the PUK had some 40,000 militiamen, and the KDP nearly 60,000. In addition, between them the two groups have about 50,000 reservists as well. Most of the militiamen were (and still are) armed and trained as motorized light infantry, and organized into brigades of 5,000-8,000. Several "armored" brigades were formed, equipped with Russian tanks, APCs, and artillery. There is also a small, but effective artillery force. In addition to these forces, there were an estimated 15,000-20,000 Kurds in the Iraqi Army or National Police, and a further 10,000 or so working for private security organizations. Since 2006 the unified Kurdish military has remained at about 100,000 with a larger but with a larger and better equipped reserve. But because of all that autonomy talk the Shia Arab controlled Iraqi government has quietly and unofficially blocked delivery many arms bought for use by the Kurds. The U.S. has always urged upgrading the military equipment of the Kurdish forces but has also supported the Iraqi government. That means it is up to that government to distribute weapons it buys and since Mosul fell in mid-2014 the Kurds have been getting louder about their weapons shortages. While the U.S. still refuses to ship weapons directly to the Kurds some other NATO countries have done so. But most of the weapons the Kurds need are still being held by the Iraqi government. There are other sources of friction between Kurds and Arab Iraqis. The big one about Kurdish control of Kirkuk province. There was supposed to be a referendum in Kirkuk in 2007 to decide if it should become part of the Kurdish autonomous areas or remain Arab. Kirkuk is about 83 kilometers south of the current Kurdish capital Erbil and nearly 300 kilometers north of Baghdad. The Arab controlled national government kept delaying the referendum in Kirkuk because they thought they would lose. Thats because for over a decade Saddam Hussein had deliberately driven Kurds from Kirkuk and brought in poor Sunnis from the south to take the place (and homes) of the departed Kurds. But that was not all. Saddam Hussein was particularly hated by the Kurds for his brutal efforts to quash Kurdish unrest. These included killing over 8,000 Barzani men and boys and using chemical weapons several times. During the 1988 Anfal campaign the Iraqi Kurd town of Halabja suffered 5,000 dead and 10,000 wounded when it was attacked with chemical munitions (sarin nerve gas and mustard gas.) Evidence of this attack got out and was verified. The Kurds see the various Sunni Islamic terror groups that arose in Iraq after 2003 as just another example of Arab depravity and treachery. After 2003 the displaced Kurds returned and there has been violence between Kurds and Arabs in Kirkuk ever since. Because so many of Saddam era Arab migrants to Kirkuk left since 2004 the province and city of Kirkuk are believed to be majority Kurd again. The largest non-Kurd group is Turkish (Turkmen, Turks from Turkmenistan in Central Asia not Turkey) and the Turkmen are not united. They are divided by politics (although most favor alliance with the Kurds), religion (Sunni, Shia and Catholic). The inability of the Turkmen to unite is exploited by the Shia Arab government in Baghdad as well as Iran. Most of the non-Kurds in Kirkuk province would rather be ruled by the more efficient and less corrupt Kurdish government of the north than the Arab dominated national government. The Kirkuk dispute took an unexpected turn when ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) seized Mosul in June 2014 and advanced into Kirkuk province with the intention of seizing Kirkuk city. The Kurds were able to halt the ISIL advance. By August 2014 American air support for the Kurds made it impossible for ISIL to resume its advance towards Kirkuk and a front line was established about 40 kilometers southwest of the city. But ever since then Kirkuk (population 400,000) had to be defended against the ISIL threat and that tied down a lot of Kurdish troops. Meanwhile the tensions between the Kurds and the Arab majority were put aside (temporarily). Over the next three years the Kurds demonstrated that they were the most competent and reliable military force in Iraq. By late 2016 the Kurds had driven ISIL back to the outskirts of Mosul. They were assisted by their main backer (the United States) along with a coalition of NATO and Arab countries who provided air support. The Kurds were better prepared for war and the oil money was very important to preserving their autonomy. Less corrupt than the Arabs, the Kurds were the one group in Iraq the West could depend on. Moreover the Kurds don't trust the Arabs. To make matters worse for the Iraqi government, Turkey backs, or at least tolerates, the Iraqi Kurds. The Turks dont trust the Arabs either. Considering the current situation in Iraq, most Iraqis dont trust Iraq either. Despite all that there was enough unity to defeat ISIL and keep the Iranians from getting too ambitious. Yet the fundamental problems with the Kurds and other ethnic and religious groups remain, as do the efforts by Iran to gain control over Iran. In addition here is the endemic corruption and unstable neighbors. Then, somewhat unexpectedly the Iraqi Kurds announced in mid-2017 that an independence referendum would take place in September. Turkey openly criticized the Kurdish referendum about establishing a separate Kurdish state. Turkey plays an important part in this because the Kurds continue to pump and ship (via a Turkish pipeline) up to half a million barrels of oil a day. The Shia Arab dominated national government wants that to stop but did not believe it had the military superiority needed to force the Kurds out. The main obstacle to the Kurds moving forward with the independence effort is internal divisions. Despite the apparent unity the Iraqi Kurds also suffered from corruption and angry Kurds who believed that their government dominated by the Barzani family was turning into another dictatorship. Since the 1990s, the Barzanis have emerged as the most powerful clan and they are behaving more like the Arabs (corruption, suppression of dissent, and rigged elections). Popular anger over this was increasing. Despite that, Kurds living outside the autonomous area continue to move back to the Kurdish region. Even the Iraqi Army, which was rebuilt after 2003, with a core of experienced, loyal, and reliable Kurdish troops lost many of its Kurds who preferred to go home to the autonomous north. For the Kurdish soldiers leaving was mainly a matter of not wanting to get caught up in the war between Shia and Sunni Arabs. In 2014 the Kurds got dragged into another Shia-Sunni Arab conflict as ISIL (created by Iraqi Sunni Arabs in 2013) grabbed western Iraq and Mosul. The Kurds played a key role in driving ISIL out of Mosul and northern Iraq. But in doing that the Kurdish armed forces (the Peshmerga) suffered 12,000 casualties since 2014. Most (82 percent) of these casualties were wounds, although nearly 20 percent of those wounded were permanently disabled and 18 percent of all casualties were dead or missing. The fact that these Kurds were the most effective Iraqi troops in Iraq is not lost on anyone but to many Iraqi Arabs this sacrifice did not justify an independent Kurdish state in northern Iraq or control over Kirkuk. Then there is the Iranian factor. The Iranians always had better relations with the Talibani clan than with the dominant (since the 1990s, and especially after 2007) Barzani clan. There have been incidents in Kurdish Iraq over the last few years as Iranian efforts to aid the Talibani became more visible, and further deepened the divisions between the Barzani and Taliban factions. This influence was used to convince the Kurds that using their superior fighters to defend Kirkuk province was not a good idea, especially since the Barzanis had allowed the referendum to take place and now all the neighbors were threatening to blockade northern Iraq and starve out the Kurds. The Americans refused to take sides and apparently told the Kurds that this was a mess the Kurds had created and it was up to Kurds to fix it without making the situation worse. At the same time there is wane foreign power that is particularly active inside Iraq and that was Iran. In addition to wanting to put pro-Iran politicians in control of the government Iran also wanted to turn Syria into a protectorate where Iran will establish military bases and organize a Shia militia similar to Hezbollah in Lebanon. No one besides Iran is particularly fond of this plan, even current Iranian allies Turkey and Russia. The Iraq government, despite, being controlled by Iraqi Shia Arabs, does not want to submit to any form of Iranian control and Israel has made it clear it will fight rather than allow Iran to set up shop in Syria. Therefore the current offensive in Kirkuk province is making everyone, except the Iranians, uneasy. October 18, 2017: In the northwest (outside Mosul) Kurdish forces guarding the Mosul dam opened fire on Iran-backed Shia militia that tried to take control of the area. At least nine people died before the shooting stopped and the Shia militia dug in opposite the Kurdish forces. Elsewhere in Nineveh Province Kurdish forces withdrew, as they had earleier agreed, from the border town of Rabia and the major border crossing with Syria. October 17, 2017: Najmaldin Karim, the Kurdish governor of Kirkuk Province fled Kirkuk City and the province. Karim had been won provincial elections in 2011 and 2014 but that was not the issue here. Fear of the advancing Shia militias was a problem because these militias were largely controlled by Iran. To the west, in Nineveh Province Kurdish forces withdrew from Sinjar and other areas as part of an existing agreement. October 16, 2017: In the north, near the Turkish border, two Turkish troops were killed and two wounded by a roadside bomb. The Turks had crossed the border in search of PKK (Turkish Kurdish separatists) who were believed to be hiding in Iraq. The Iraqi government and local Kurds tolerate these Turkish incursions and airstrikes as long as they concentrate on PKK personnel hiding out in remote areas near the border. In response to the roadside bomb casualties the Turks launched several airstrikes on PKK camps, killing at least eight people. October 15, 2017: In the north Iraqi troops and Iran-backed Shia militias advanced further into Kirkuk province and headed for Kurdish controlled oil fields and Kirkuk city. Kurdish forces did not resist and pulled back to areas that Iraq recognized as under Kurdish control. October 14, 2017: In the west (Anbar province) Iraqi aircraft dropped leaflets on the two border towns still controlled by ISIL telling everyone that if ISIL did not surrender the two towns would be attacked and destroyed. Many of the people in the towns are not pro-ISIL and some of the ISIL fighters belong to Anbar tribes. The Iraqis are hoping for a surrender or at least an uprising in the towns against ISIL, otherwise the attack will proceed and consist mostly of artillery and airstrikes. Many civilians will be killed. October 5, 2017: ISIL resistance in Hawijah, which is 45 kilometers west of Kirkuk city has collapsed and the Iraqi government declared the city free of ISIL. Since August many of the ISIL members (over a thousand of them) in the area had surrendered to the Kurds, who are still questioning and processing all these prisoners, many of whom surrendered in the last week. Over 1,300 ISIL fighters were killed during the two week battle for the city. One thing the Kurds soon realized was that the ISIL personnel realized that if they were captured alive by the Iran-backed Shia militia, that were sent to assist Iraqi forces in retaking Hawijah, they could expect torture and death because ISIL has carried out most of its terror attacks against Iraqi Shia and even a few inside Iran itself. ISIL had occupied Hawijah since mid-2014 but it was cut off from ISIL controlled territory in July 2017 when Mosul fell. Hawijah has always been a stronghold of Islamic terrorism because it is a Sunni majority city of 100,000 in a region that is largely Kurdish and Shia Arab. In late May as it became clear that Mosul would fall ISIL announced that it had established secret headquarters in the north at Hawijah. Because it was in the center of Kirkuk province Hawijah has been the main base for ISIL activity against the Iraqi Kurds, who control Kirkuk city and everything north of that. There has been fighting between ISIL factions in Hawijah during early 2017 because of a dispute over how the remaining ISIL members in Iraq and outside of Mosul would be organized once Mosul fell. By May there were two factions, one controlling Hawijah and ISIL forces in other northern provinces except for Nineveh, which is on the Syrian border and where Mosul is. Once Mosul was cleared of organized ISIL resistance in July the security forces moved to take Hawijah. There was panic among the thousands of ISIL supporters (most of them families of ISIL fighters) in Hawijah. ISIL leaders and fighters are not supposed to flee with the families and ISIL has released videos of ISIL leaders being executed for trying to leave Hawijah with the civilians. The battle for Hawijah brought substantial Iraqi government forces and Iran-backed Shia militias into an area that has long been claimed by the Kurds and these forces were used to advance on Kirkuk city. October 3, 2017: Jalal Talabani, long-time leader of the PUK party and the Talibani clan, died at 83. He was also president of Iraq from 2005 and 2014 (when he resigned because of health problems). With Jalal Talabani out of the picture after 2014 relations between the Talibani and Barzai clans got worse. September 30, 2017: Turkey threatened Israel for its alleged support of Kurdish independence. This comes after the September 25th referendum in autonomous Kurdish northern Iraq where 92 percent of the voters approved of efforts to establish a Kurdish state. This vote was largely to get some publicity for the Kurds and it did. The outcome was no surprise and neither was the outrage from the nations (Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria) where the regions 40 million Kurds live. These nations will go to war to prevent a Kurdish state. September 27, 2017: In the north Iraqi and Kurdish forces continue clearing ISIL forces out of Hawijah, the last city ISIL controls in Iraq. The battle for Hawijah began on the 21st and so far over 500 ISIL fighters have been killed and a surprising number have surrendered, usually to Kurds. September 25, 2017: In Iraq the autonomous Kurds who control much of northern Iraq went ahead and held the referendum on Kurdish independence. Over 90 percent of Kurds backed independence. Russian ally Turkey threatened to shut down the oil pipeline the Iraqi Kurds use to export oil in their territory. In addition Turkey would close the roads between Turkey and Iraq. Russia has invested $4 billion in Iraqi Kurdish territory and would lose most of that if the Iraqi Kurds find themselves cut off by Turkey and at war with the rest of Iraq. Turkey has extended for another year the presence of small Turkish bases and military forces in northern Iraq and northwestern Syria. These are there to help deal with Islamic terrorism and Kurdish separatists (PKK in Iraq, YPG in Syria). In both cases these Turkish bases have been mainly used to fight ISIL over the last year. The Invoke is a pretty good speaker, but its too early to bet that Cortana will come out on top against the digital assistants Amazon and Google are offering. The Invokes cylindrical form factor looks slightly less like a peppermill than the original Echo, and its flared bottom make it less susceptible to falling over. Youll find all kinds of Echo accessories designed to keep the Echo upright, or to protect it from damage if it gets toppled. Like Amazons Echo, the Invoke has a volume-control ring circling its top. But where the Echo has buttons, the Invoke has a touch-sensitive top surface. Harman Kardons Invoke is a pretty good speaker, and Microsofts Cortana is a pretty good digital assistant. Put them together and you have a smart speaker that costs as much, but doesnt sound as goodand isnt as smartas the brand-new Sonos One, powered by Amazons Alexa. With a quick tap, you can answer an incoming call or hang up on one (the Invoke supports Microsofts fee-based Skype VoIP service), cancel a timer or an alarm, or stop any music thats playing. Touch the top when the Invoke isnt doing anything else, and Cortana will spout random trivia. I heard the tale of how Mary Shelley came to write Frankenstein when I tried it. If you want to mute the Invokes microphone, youll need to push a button on the rear of its base. Harman Kardon The very top of the Invoke is a touch-sensitive surface. Cortanas voice sounds much more natural than Alexa or Google Assistant, at least when shes reading a script. She can sound just as robotic as those other digital assistants when shes responding to more routine requests, such as, hey Cortana, turn on the kitchen lights. But where Alexa will respond with a simple OK when you assign her a task, Cortana will helpfully confirm your request: Turning on the kitchen lights. Google Assistant does something similar, and its very helpful when youre activating something thats not in your line of sight, such as the porch light. An abstract pattern of LEDs light up when Cortana hears the wake word, and you have the option of having the speaker make a sound, too. How does smart home control work on the Invoke? This story considers the Invokes place in the digital home. Our sister site PCWorld examines it as a home-office tool. The Invoke is a smart speaker, not a smart home controller. It connects to Wi-Fi and depends on connections to other devices to control subsystems such as lighting. I used the Invoke and Cortana to control a set of Philips Hue smart bulbs, which depend on a hub thats hardwired to your router. Thats the way all smart speakers work today (Amazons new Echo Plus, $150, is an exception: It will have a bona-fide smart home controller inside it when it ships). Microsoft This is the extent of Cortanas smart-home connectivity for now. I experienced mostly good results with the Invoke and the Philips Hue bulbs. Response times were slightly slower than with an Echo, and you currently cant change the colors of color-changing lights (you can with both the Echo and the Google Home series). But you can assign each bulb a different name and control them individually by saying something like Hey Cortana, turn on Kitchen One, and then saying Hey Cortana, turn on Kitchen Two to control a second light in the same room. You can also assign multiple lights to a single room and control all of them at once with a command like, hey Cortana, turn on the Kitchen. Or if you want to control all your smart lights at once, you can say, hey Cortana, turn on the lights. What you cant say is, hey Cortana, turn on Kitchen and Bedroom to control the lights in a two or rooms at once. If you dont want to turn on every light, youll need to utter a separate command for each room. You can also dim lights to a defined percentage. So as far as working with Philips Hue bulbs, the Invoke and Cortana are not quite as good as the competition; but if you dont have color smart lights, you wont care. The Invoke and Cortana are equally as good when it comes to using voice commands to make shopping and to-do lists, setting timers and alarms, and creating helpful reminders, like, hey Cortana, remind me to take out the garbage at 7:00. Harman Kardon A ring around the top of the Invoke serves as a volume control. On the other hand, the list of compatible smart home systems and individual products this combo supports is pretty short: Samsungs SmartThings, Nest, Wink, and Insteon. Those are big names to be sure, but if your smart home is based on products from Ecobee, LIFX, iDevices, Iris by Lowes, TP-Link, C by GE, Chamberlain, Vivint Smart Home, Wemo, Dish Network, or any of a long list of other products or service providers, then youll have to wait for Cortana to catch up. Heck, Cortana isnt even compatible with IFTTT, the supremely popular tool for stitching together disparate smart products and services. Whats it like using Skype on the Invoke? The Invoke supports Bluetooth, but it wont operate as a Bluetooth speakerphone when paired with your mobile handset. It is unique among smart speakers, however, in its support for Skype, Microsofts VOiP telephone service. Skype calls arent free, but theyre not expensive. Youll find the details on Microsofts website. Using the Invoke as a Skype speakerphone is easy enough, and the sound quality of the calls I made was good. The people at the other end of the call said the sameat least when I was within a couple of feet of the speaker. They complained it was bit echoey when I was six to eight feet away. You can even summon Cortana on a Skype call. Shell respond, but the other person wont hear her. Linux offers so much for users to sink their teeth into that even among desktop and more casual users, its easy to get caught up in the tradecraft. Its only too tempting to put your systems technical capabilities to the test by trying out a new program or practicing a new command. As with any other interest, though, Linux is not much fun unless you can revel in it with fellow fans and enjoy the camaraderie. Heres a short tour of some of the major cultural hallmarks of the vibrant Linux world, and some of the hubs where you can witness and indulge in the Linux life. Distrowatch Is Your Distro Watchword One pervasive trait among Linux users is curiosity, usually applied to trying out multiple Linux distributions. The most-frequented and central gathering place for doing just that is Distrowatch. While not a cultural movement per se, Distrowatch is a major driving force for a user base that concentrates and shifts over time. The site is where users go to keep tabs on the latest features of all the distributions, and to see which ones are gaining and declining in popularity. It also provides a comprehensive database of distributions, their design principles, and their familial classification (i.e. which distributions are original projects and which are derived from others). If you havent found that perfect flavor of Linux, or are just hungry for a new one, Distrowatch offers the most trusted and time-honored means of finding it. Free Software Makes Free Spirits Because Linux rose at the inception indeed, the forefront of the free software movement in the 90s, the movements philosophy remains a central pillar of the culture around Linux as well. Free software, or free-libre software, is the flip side of the same open source coin: If the latter characterizes the development model of publishing source code to facilitate communal contributions to the codebase, the former captures the ideological tenet of transparency afforded to users by the public availability of code. It is because of this strong current of free software philosophy in Linux that Richard Stallman, free softwares most loyal champion, is more prevalent in Linux lore and popular culture even than Linus Torvalds, the Linux kernels creator himself. Stallman is a frequent character in Linux memes, and the free software ideals he advances are a source of pride among a wide spectrum of Linux users. From the greenest neophytes to the most grizzled veterans, users appreciate the control Linux grants them over their digital life. The non-hierarchical community focus at the heart of Linux has extended far beyond the development and into the social structures of the users themselves. One example of this is the predominantly Linux-focused podcast Hacker Public Radio. The series has no designated host, instead calling on listeners to submit episodes for the benefit of the rest of the audience. In this way, community members dont merely have control over the media program, they are the program. This is just one example, but it illustrates how the ideology behind free software structuring the community to guide itself in a transparent and equitable manner proliferated from purely a software development approach to a cultural artifact. You May Say Im a Themer For those who leverage the freedom of Linux for aesthetics, in particular, there is a vibrant community of themers splayed across the Internet for users who want to solicit, appropriate and share ideas. There are dedicated clusters of theme artisans on sites like DeviantArt and DotShare who publish not only high-resolution screenshots of their latest desktop creations, but also links to their GitHub pages so others can download a copy of the configuration files that produced them. In the case of DotShare, the site is specifically tailored to posting configuration files right alongside the images, with all the necessary files for a given look curated in one place. The comment sections of these and other Linux theme meccas can be found brimming with words of encouragement and requests for artists to share their techniques, and most will oblige when they can. Few spheres of Linux culture generate as much excitement, or engender as much cooperation, as the theme community, with its charms equally appreciated by themers and pure admirers alike. LUGs Give You a Reason to Lug Your Computer Around The bulk of Linux culture, like most of culture in general, thrives online but there is a robust community that meets in physical space as well. Long before the Internet became an indispensable tool for modern life, Linux User Groups (commonly known as LUGs) across the U.S. and around the globe hosted monthly meetings to bring together experts and newcomers, developers and users, and anyone else curious about free software. To this day, LUGs still assemble to hold all kinds of events, whether technical ones like digital privacy workshops or social ones like casual hangouts or even movie nights. While all kinds of Linux forums abound, LUGs remain a place for new users to embrace the camaraderie of the Linux community and extend it to others in turn. Just as there is a distribution for practically every Linux user, theres a corner of the community or a slice of the culture for everyone, too. If youve ever wondered where Linux fans hang out, and what they get up to when they do, the answer is only a click (or in-person visit) away. No matter what your experience with Linux, you havent seen the whole picture until youve tasted the culture that keeps it buzzing. In a rare move, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission on Thursday confirmed that it has opened an investigation into the data breach at Equifax that compromised the sensitive personal information of 143 million U.S. consumers. The FTC announcement came less than a week after Equifax revealed that an unknown party had gained access to names, addresses, Social Security Numbers and other data belonging to nearly half the U.S. population. An unknown number of Canadian and UK consumers were directly impacted by the breach as well. Along with personal information, the attackers stole more than 209,000 customer credit card numbers and nearly 190,000 credit dispute files. Equifax hired an outside cybersecurity firm to investigate and contacted law enforcement to look into the incident, it said. Twisting the Knife? Equifax triggered a severe backlash following news of the breach for what critics have characterized as an attempt to make money from consumers seeking to find out if their identities were stolen, and to prevent them from participating in any future legal action against the firm. Offers to sell the stolen consumer information reportedly have turned up on the Dark Web. The FTC typically does not comment on ongoing investigations, said Peter Kaplan, acting director, public affairs. However in light of the intense public interest and potential impact of the matter, I can confirm that FTC staff is investigating the Equifax data breach, he told the E-Commerce Times. The agency also warned consumers to be on the alert for phone scams for example, someone pretending to be from Equifax in an effort to trick people into providing personal data. No Patch The Apache Software Foundation on Thursday confirmed that the data breach was due to Equifaxs failure to patch a vulnerability related to Apache Struts, an open source framework for creating enterprise-level Java Web applications. Apache Struts powers Internet of Things and front and back-end applications for many of the leading technology service providers, telecoms, financial institutions and government agencies. The unpatched vulnerability was linked to CVE-2017-9805, based on an analyst report that was traced to information reportedly provided by an Equifax source. Under Fire Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., blasted Equifax on the floor of the U.S. Senate, calling the incident one the most egregious examples of corporate malfeasance since Enron, and called for Senate hearings on the matter. He also demanded resignations from the CEO and board members if immediate reforms are not implemented. When youre a credit agency like Equifax, you have two principal jobs: calculating and reporting accurate credit scores, and protecting the sensitive information of individuals that are funneled through that process, he said. Equifax stunningly and epically failed to perform one of its two essential duties as a company, to protect the sensitive information of the people in its files. Possible Legal Action Equifax faces potential legal liability on a couple of fronts, said Seth Berman, a former Department of Justice attorney who now specializes in cybersecurity issues at the Nutter law firm. The FTC has broad authority to investigate data breaches, he told the E-Commerce Times, particularly given the fact that Equifax is a credit reporting agency that deals with consumer finances, and also since Equifax has been caught up in past investigations by the agency. State attorneys general also will look into the breach, Berman said, noting that New York AG Eric Schneiderman already has announced an investigation. Equifax could see a spate of class action civil suits from consumers and shareholders, as well as a probe by the Securities and Exchange Commission. More often than not, we are seeing breaches as a result of an organizations failure to implement Security 101 principles proper patch management, secure software development, processes and procedures, said Leigh Anne Galloway, cybersecurity resilience officer at Positive Technologies. Its the basic things that organizations fail to do again and again, she told the E-Commerce Times. A number of Apache Struts vulnerabilities recently have been identified, Galloway noted, including a number of flaws Cisco uncovered in the open source framework just a week ago. In the Equifax case, attackers were allowed to execute arbitrary code on a server by manipulating the Content-Type HTTP header, she said. FTC Settlement Equifax and other companies in 2012 agreed to pay US$1.6 million to settle the FTCs charges that the company had sold lists of customers who were late on their mortgage payments. Equifax itself agreed to pay $393,000 to settle claims that it sold data from 17,000 prescreened late-paying consumers to firms, including Direct Lending Source, which then resold that information to other firms. Helpshifts new Web Chat application uses artificial intelligence to help companies release scalable chatbots that can automate customer service through real-time interactions. The new AI-based tool, released last week, will boost Helpshift customers ability to provide enterprise-grade support to their customers, according to Helpshift, which specializes in mobile customer support for the gaming industry. We have taken our mobile expertise and built a mobile-first conversational chat experience with built-in AI chatbots to drive huge efficiency gains in large-scale chat operations, CSO Abinash Tripathy and CTO Baishampayan Ghose told CRM Buyer via email. Web chat applications for the desktop have existed for years, they noted, but they typically utilized a synchronous phone call-like service that placed customers in a queue, essentially putting them on hold until a customer service agent entered the conversation. Bringing in robotics and AI will help free human agents from having to answer questions that previously may have been answered, suggested Tripathy and Ghose, who pointed to data indicating that simple things like frequently asked questions could deflect 50 percent to 70 percent of customer queries. Value of Customization The Web Chat application allows routing of questions based on priority, skill and availability. It also allows prioritization of customer questions based on whether the customer is a premium user, on the value of items in the shopping cart, or on the status of an airline or hotel reservation. It gives agents a 360-degree view of customer interactions for example, allowing them to view all prior chat history and provides other customized data from a CRM system. The Web Chat interface has a look and feel similar to Facebook Messenger or Apple iMessage, with functions including typing indicators, chat avatars, and send and received receipts, according to the company. The Helpshift chatbot types include the following: An Answer Bot, which matches questions to relevant FAQs, sometimes negating the need for an agent; A GetInfo Bot, which prompts users to enter their name, email and other information, so the agent doesnt need to request it; and A Customer Satisfaction bot, which monitors customer satisfaction immediately following resolution of the issue. Customers will be able to develop their own customized bots as well. Need It Now The AI-based Web Chat application comes at a time of increasing demand for faster customer service, particularly due to the increasing use of mobile phones and other portable devices for online shopping. Customer expectations have shifted towards immediacy, and preferences for service through Web and mobile chat have increased, said Cindy Zhou, principal analyst for digital marketing and sales effectiveness at Constellation Research. Chat is preferred over phone calls, which often entail voice response unites that route customers to multiple places before a single question is answered, she told CRM Buyer, or emails that can take days for a response. Questions like hours of operation, location address, credit card balance and payment due are perfect for interaction with bots, Zhou noted. Adding AI can look at patterns of questions in order to speed up the entire customer experience. Helpshifts applications already are installed on more than 2 billion devices worldwide, and the company claims more than 600 million active consumers engage with them every month. Helpshift has made a major difference in Chatbooks ability to service customers, the startup said. Chatbooks converts photos from social media into photo books for customers. Live chat is a game-changer for us at Chatbooks, said Angel Brockbank, director of customer support at Chatbooks. If a customer has a question while making a Chatbooks photo book and she doesnt get immediate support, she may never return, she told CRM Buyer, noting that using live chat has allowed the company to reduce average time to resolve issues from nine days to 18 hours. Samsung on Thursday announced a new app, Linux on Galaxy, designed to work with its DeX docking station to bring a full Linux desktop experience to Galaxy Note8, Galaxy S8 and S8+ smartphone users. Samsung earlier this year introduced DeX, a docking station that connects to a monitor to give Galaxy smartphone users a desktop experience. With the Linux on Galaxy app, which is in the trial phase, users will be able to run full Linux desktop distributions. Users can register with Samsung if they would like to receive an alert users once the Linux on Galaxy app becomes generally available. Samsung also announced new partnerships with several gaming developers. Fans will be able to play mobile games including Super Evil Megacorps Vainglory, Game Insights Survival Arena, Eric Fromlings BombSquad and Netmarbles Lineage 2 Revolution in an immersive desktop environment. In addition, Lineage 2 Revolution and Nexons AxE are among the titles using the Vulcan application programming interface, for more responsive performance and greater power efficiency, according to Samsung. These games will be available on a full screen with full keyboard and mouse control. Converting smartphones into desktop environments has been tried many times, noted Ian Fogg, head of mobile and telecoms at IHS Technology. Motorola offered the Atrix in 2011, Microsoft later made an effort, but there were limitations in terms of the apps and content available to make the transition to a big screen. Samsungs DeX environment is supremely better than all the earlier attempts to have a smartphone docking into a big screen, Fogg told LinuxInsider. The addition of the Linux on Galaxy app will give smartphone users alternative environments when plugging into a big screen, he said, adding that its success will depend on how well the content and applications translate. New Competition The ability to run a Linux environment is interesting at best, said Jitesh Ubrani, senior research analyst at IDC. The Linux on Galaxy app will appeal only to a small subset of developers, he told LinuxInsider. Huawei recently introduced a similar capability for its Mate 10 mobile phones, Ubrani said, allowing them to be connected to a monitor and operated with a traditional mouse and keyboard. Unlike Samsungs approach, the purchase of a separate dock is not required. The concept of docking a smartphone to provide a true desktop replacement has been tried by many vendors in the past and none have had meaningful success, he noted. One of the common missteps taken by all these vendors is that this feature has been targeted as a premium experience for developed markets. In these markets, users can afford multiple devices and often prefer multiple devices, because software and services havent been developed to truly take advantage of a docked smartphone, Ubrani explained. Adding the new Linux desktop capability is interesting, said Al Gillen, group vice president for software development and open source at IDC. However, the industry so far has failed to gain much traction with efforts to use a smartphone as a workstation, he told LinuxInsider. Microsoft had a product on the market a few years back, Gillen recalled, but that product was doomed likely because it was a Microsoft system. Samsung has far more momentum in the smartphone market, he pointed out. Still, the No. 1 challenge is that there is no public infrastructure for where you can dock your phone, other than in your home or office, Gillen said. Where you really would like to have that is at a hotel, at an airport, etc. Watching and Waiting Whether the open source community embraces this technology depends on how much work the community has to do, Gillen suggested. If the upstream contributions to enable this are coming from Google or Samsung, then the community has in effect embraced this technology by default, he said. If the community has to do something else before Google or Samsung can ship usable devices, then that would change the calculus. Samsungs approach is still very much wait and see, said Red Hat spokesperson John Terrill. Its success depends on what an implementation would look like in the wild and how the Android kernel versus the distro kernel is handled, he told LinuxInsider. DeX enables Android to be productive as a desktop, said Paul Teich, principal analyst at Tirias Research. Thats far more engaging than working with desktop Linux, he told LinuxInsider. Android as a desktop will allow a smartphone to completely bypass Windows, Teich noted. A few open source users likely will opt for the Linux version, he said, but he will favor Microsoft Office 365 on Android. Ill predict that as soon as official ARM-based Windows 10 laptops start shipping, there will be video instructions available for re-imagining them with Linux, said Teich. A real desktop is far more likely a target for open source advocates than messing with smartphones, he maintained. Much higher return on time spent. Jeff Bezos has been pumping money into his rocket company Blue Origin, but besides some media photos and mission plans, there hasn't been much to show for it. This week was the company's first real debut: a hot-fire test of their new BE-4 rocket engine. The test was only at 50% power and only ran for three seconds, but it brings Blue Origin one step closer to a real space launch. First hotfire of our BE-4 engine is a success #GradatimFerociter pic.twitter.com/xuotdzfDjF --- Blue Origin (@blueorigin) October 19, 2017 This engine is fueled by liquid natural gas, a propellant not often used in the aerospace industry. This has other companies as well as the military interested because the technology is completely reusable and was produced with private funding. Most aerospace projects have been funded by government grants which ultimately means taxpayer dollars. The fact that Blue Origin and SpaceX have been able to achieve this level of success has many in the industry excited. The BE-4 can deliver up to 550,000 pounds of thrust which makes it the most powerful rocket engine built in the last two decades. This puts it above SpaceX's current Merlin engine at 190,000lbs and their future Raptor engine at 380,000lbs. The US military and United Launch Alliance, who fly the Atlas V and Delta IV rockets, have been looking for a replacement for the current Russian-designed engine technology. Their upcoming Vulcan rocket will likely be powered by the BE-4 engine. This week's test shows Blue Origin's resiliency following a launchpad explosion back in May. It also serves to verify their commitment of making commercial space travel viable. Those of a certain age will probably remember a time when there were no laptops in schools. Today, these computers aid students in a multitude of ways, but they can also be used for dishonest purposes, such as cheating on exams. Over in Denmark, Education Minister Merete Riisager has proposed a controversial new law to avoid this practice, or at least make it more difficult, by allowing schools to access students' personal laptops, reports news outlet DR. The rules would also allow schools to check students' search histories and social media activity, which would no doubt invoke the ire of those having their privacy invaded. Examiners will also be able to inspect the contents of laptops, including used material, log files, etc. The schools will have no legal right to examine a student's computer forcibly, but anyone wishing to sit an exam or give a presentation must hand over a device for inspection. Those who refuses to abide by the rules risk punishments ranging from having a laptop confiscated for 24 hours, to being expelled from the school. Not surprisingly, a number of people have expressed outrage at the plans, saying they're a direct violation of a person's right to privacy. And there's always the possibility that some students will find a way to circumvent these anti-cheat measures. The rules are still only being proposed, so we'll just have to wait and see if they end up becoming law. One of Apple's key supply chain sources in Taiwan has reported that the tech giant has cut orders for the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus by about 50%. This drop will affect November and December orders. Following the announcement, Apple shares fell nearly 3%. The CEO of Rogers Communication, Canada's largest mobile provider, called consumer demand for the devices "anemic." Verizon CFO Matt Ellis said there has definitely been a drop in sales compared to last year, but he expects a large jump when the iPhone X is released. AT&T said their third-quarter handset upgrades were down 900,000 units compared to last year. Analyst thoughts aside though, this is still the first time iPhone production has been reduced so early in the product life cycle. There are two key reasons for why iPhone 8 sales have been sluggish. The first is that consumers don't see a big of enough difference from the previous generation iPhone 7 to warrant an upgrade. The other belief is that more customers than expected are holding off until the iPhone X is released. According to a carrier store survey, the iPhone 7 is currently outselling the iPhone 8. These numbers don't necessarily show that Apple is struggling though since they earn even bigger margins on devices with higher internal storage capacity. As the iPhone X launch looms, many are still uncertain whether consumers will be willing to stomach the $999 starting price. Over 250,000 Haitian descendants do not have legal residence due to a deliberate policy of non-regularization of migration. | Read More Bernie Sanders. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images It was announced last week that Bernie Sanders would be giving the opening night speech at the upcoming Womens Convention in Detroit, and some people got mad. Really, really mad. So now, after all that backlash, it turns out the former presidential candidate wont be speaking at the event after all. Instead, hell be paying a visit to Puerto Rico. As the Washington Post reports, the Vermont senators selection as a speaker at the upcoming convention sparked a heated debate among feminists some of whom argued only women should be speaking at the event, while others claimed the policies Sanders pushes ($15 minimum wage, single-payer health care, etc.) are inherently pro-women. But in a statement issued by Sanderss office on Thursday, the politician revealed that he has decided to back out of the Womens Convention, which is scheduled for October 27 to 29. Per the Post, Sanderss statement reads: I want to apologize to the organizers of the Womens Convention for not being able to attend your conference next Friday in Detroit. Given the emergency situation in Puerto Rico, I will be traveling there to visit with San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz and other officials to determine the best way forward to deal with the devastation the island is experiencing. The U.S. Congress cannot turn its back on the millions of people in Puerto Rico who, four weeks after the hurricane, are still without electricity, food and running water. The Womens March, which organized the convention, issued a statement on Twitter thanking Sanders for accepting their invitation and saying that they understand that Puerto Rico needs his leadership at the moment. But dont worry, Twitter hordes: theres still at least one other male speaker left to shame. Martha Rosler, Woman with Vacuum, or Vacuuming Pop Art. Photo: Martha Rosler Examining the confluence of gender and space, the striking new show Women House spotlights 40 established and emerging female artists and opens today at French contemporary art space La Monnaie de Paris. The exhibition will travel next March to the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. The title is inspired by Miriam Schapiro and Judy Chicagos 1972 project Womanhouse, an interim clubhouse and exhibition center created for female artists and academics in California. Curated by the museums arts director Camille Morineau, the show here also draws from Virginia Woolfs pioneering 1929 essay A Room of Ones Own, and provides a second act after the Centre Pompidous 2009 exhibition elles@centrepompidou (also curated by Morineau). Artists featured in Women House span continents and generations, including Martha Rosler, Claude Cahun, Zanele Muholi, Nazgol Ansarinia, Joana Vasconcelos, Cindy Sherman, and Laurie Simmons. Their work transforms domestic space into a public forum, entwines the female body within architectural design, and explores notions of exile and confinement in socio-spatial terms. The Cut spoke with Morineau about the ghettoizing of female artists (which she disputes), encouraging feminist critiques about the past, and looking to new conceptions in the future within the art world and our culture at large. Women artists have nothing in common. How different are the cultural conversations about gender, when you think about perceptions of this show in France versus the U.S.? Well, in the States, there have been gender studies for nearly 30 years. And in France, its only starting now. So the context is quite different. Since the philosophy of Simone de Beauvoir, I would say weve skipped a step. Im happy that the show will travel it is stronger because weve had a dialogue with other curators on the list of works, which is safer when the subject is complex. The exhibition is thematic rather than chronological; deconstructing a question with different points of view is important. Im close to American thinking and theory, which I think has been absorbed into the show. Some people tend to think that putting together all-women artists in a show is not right because it ghettoizes women. [At large] the French context is essentialist or universalist the idea that putting people in a group moves them away from justice or equality. Im very aware of that point of view and I dont care. Right, meaning those who see an assembly of women as ghettoizing instead of celebrating their work. How do you respond to that? The first thing to say is that there is nothing feminine there is nothing in common. Women artists have nothing in common. Theyve been working in all centuries, all techniques, all styles. So the reason we bring them together is the same reason we bring a sculpture show together, or a photography show. Sometimes its because they have treated a theme in a specific way, and were trying to prove that with different points of view. Sometimes, its just because the history of art needs more information about these artists: if you show them more, and bring out more information, you change the general narrative. Its, in a way, a political gesture and I take that on, to still needing to make that gesture today. Im hoping in ten years, maybe we wont have to do this anymore, because the level of information about women artists will be equal to the level of information for men. I could also be talking about the level of information about artists in Asia or India, compared to European or American artists. So its all a question of re-working art history, and the need or the duty of museums to be doing that, and making it accessible to a large public. If there is something shared between all these artists, it would be irony. Its an efficient tool in a difficult world. Complex possible interpretations of their work is something women have in common they couldnt be as blunt as men could be. A lot of these works are like hidden weapons, like camouflage. A lot of these works are like hidden weapons, like camouflage. Institutionally, have you come up against resistance in organizing this or your previous all-women show? I proposed this as my first show at La Monnaie. The president said yes right away and supported me. This isnt just one show; it will be a triennial. It just so happens that La Monnaies first director in the 18th century was Nicolas de Condorcet, one of the first philosophers to think about equality between men and women. So there is, bizarrely, a French history of parity. This is the contradictory aspect of the French in general: they can be super reactionary, but also revolutionary. When elles@centrepompidou was shown, I remember discussing with MoMA colleagues, who were working on this huge book called Modern Women. They said they would love to do a version of what I was doing, but they couldnt! We each have limits. Its not that the museum helped me do it, but they just let me do it. Even if things are difficult, at some point you can do crazy projects. There are places where you can fight the good fight. With women and men men have to help women. How do you see the future? My colleagues in different museums are really changing things. The new director at the Tate Modern opened the museum with [many] woman artists. There is a web of people moving things forward historians, museum directors and the reason I know that web is Im president of a nonprofit called AWARE (Archives of Women Artists Research & Exhibitions). When I worked on elles@centrepompidou, I realized half of the history was hidden; I couldnt ignore that. The idea is to reconstruct archives so that the source of information is equal. This exhibition is also about that: creating information, putting it on the same level. The history of art was really written by men, and was about men. Today, how can we write a different history? How can we bring out new names and how can we put the two together? How does that reconstruct, completely, the narrative? We need a new grammar; a new vocabulary. Its an investigation, like gathering clues from a past crime and constructing a file. Im the detective. *This interview has been edited and condensed. Birgit Jurgenssen, Hausfrauen - Kuchenschurze (Housewives Kitchen) Apron, 1975/2003 Tirage argentique noir & blanc 45,5 x 72 cm Louise Bourgeois, Spider [Araignee], 1995. Bronze, acier. Musee dArt moderne de la Ville de Paris, don de la societe des amis en 1995 Cindy Sherman Untitled Film Still #35, 1979 Tirage gelatino-argentique noir & blanc 40,3 x 31,4 cm Laurie Simmons, Walking House, 1989 Impression numerique 163 x 117 cm Niki de Saint Phalle, Nana maison II, 1966-1987 Polyester, bemalt, 375 x 400 x 300 cm Photo: Christian Schindler/PixelstormVienna Helena Almeida, Estudo para dois espacos, 1977 39,4 x 27 cm Edition : 1/5 Martha Rosler, Woman with Vacuum, or Vacuuming Pop Art From the series: Body Beautiful, or Beauty Knows No Pain, 1966-72, Photomontage imprime en numerique. 3 Dead, 1 Injured in Fort Collin Shooting: First Victim Identified Three people are dead and one wounded after a shooting on Thursday outside an apartment complex. The shooting suspect was also among those killed, police said. The pre-dawn shooting took place just about a mile west of the campus at 720 City Park Ave. According to CBS the motive behind the Oct. 19, 2 a.m. shooting is not yet known. After shots were heard, University police alerted students and faculty via text and email to stay inside their buildings. The Larimer County coroners office identified one of the victims as university student Savannah McNealy, 22, of Fort Collins. She had been found shot multiple times and her death was ruled a homicide, CBS reported. According to Fort Collins Coloradoan, McNealy is believed to be the first victim identified from the shooting. The incident was also marked as the deadliest shooting in Larimer County in more than a decade. McNealy was a student studying liberal arts, art, and art history. She was also a designer for CSU life, a campus publication. The other three people involved in the shooting have not been identified as of Oct. 20. They were not affiliated with CSU. City police Sgt. Dean Cunningham said it appeared that the shooter was known by at least one of the victims, according to Fort Collins Police. CSU is a public university with more than 33,000 students. The police department is still investigating the shooting, more details will be released as it becomes available. Darren Rutz, a former CSU student who lives near the scene, told CBS Denver the gunfire woke him up, followed by a womans cry for help. There was a lot of gunshots actually, so, I dont know, they sounded like they were all coming from the same place. Another person near the scene, Austin Pickett, who lives in the complex, told the station,We just kept hearing these manic screams, at which point we decided to call 911. We are deeply saddened by this terrible loss to our campus community and will share more information as we have it, the university said in an email to students and staff, the Coloradoan reported. From NTD.tv An insurance company has denied potentially lifesaving experimental treatment to a 9-month-old cancer victimbecause the treatment is experimental. 9-month old Connor Richardson suffers from Aggressive Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT), and aggressive brain cancer, which must be treated immediately to have any hope of success. He was first diagnosed at 7 months. His parents took him to Stony Brook University Hospital in New York for the surgery. A post-op MRI showed that some of the tumor remained. Connor was operated on a second time at Stony Brook. A follow-up exam at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennesse, showed that the tumor had returned in the brain and had also spread to his spine. Connor has had to endure two more operations, and is now undergoing chemotherapy at St. Jude. St. Jude enrolled Connor in a clinical study of a new mix of chemotherapy drugs, which hopefully could arrest the progress of the notoriously aggressive cancer. St. Jude is, after all, a research hospitalit takes in, free of charge, children who have little or no hope of surviving with conventional treatment. It is a last hope for children and families who face the scariest possible outcome. Amid this heartbreaking battle for the life of his son, Wayne Richardson, allegedly received a letter from HIP Health Insurance, denying his son coverage. Richardson claims the letter reads, in part: The principal investigator has requested medications including methotrexate, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine in combination with an investigational medication, alisertib. This combination of medications is not the standard of care for this type of cancer, and is considered experimental and investigational at this time, as evidence-based guidelines do not exist to confirm its effectiveness for his brain tumor. Therefore, this request for clinical trial treatment at St. Judes hospital is not medically necessary and is denied. The insurance company might feel that way. The doctors see no other option. After four operations, conventional treatments offer little hope. Hell die if you dont do it, Richardson told The Daily Beast. Richardson told The Daily Beast that he has been paying for HIP insurance since 1981 and has never been hospitalized. Now hed like to get a little backand the company denies him. The Richardsons are actually extremely lucky. St. Jude pays for all medical expenses and even offers food and lodging vouchers to the families of patients. Connor will get his treatment, and the family will incur no costs. However, St. Jude still has to pay bills. The money St. Jude gets from insurance companies funds the kind of clinical trials, which will hopefully save young Connor and will hopefully save many other tiny patients. Youre taking away from them and their researchbecause the insurance doesnt want to pay, Richardson said. There is a GoFundMe page for anyone who wants to help out. From NTD.tv Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the opening session of the 19th National Congress in Beijing on Oct. 18, 2017. (Lintao Zhang/Getty Images) A Chinese Official Missing From Major Party Event Has People Guessing About Power Struggle On the first day of the 19th National Congress on Oct. 18, the most important political meeting on the Chinese Communist Party calendar, there was one notable absence: Luo Gan, the former security chief. Luos absence is additionally conspicuous because just the day prior he was approved as a member of the elite 42-member Standing Committee of the presidium of the National Congress. All other members of the presidium were present at the 19th Congress. By the end of the congress on Oct. 24, the roster for the CCPs next generation of ruling elite will be unveiled. The presidium is made up of party elders, as well as current and former Politburo members at the top of the leadership. Their attendance is symbolic of Party bigwigs backing Chinese leader Xi Jinpings ascension to power. All are expected to attend. Of the 42 members of the Presidium Standing Committee, the only one who didnt show up was Luo Gan. Luo, 82, was head of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission, the Communist Party organ that oversees the vast domestic security apparatus, from 1998 to 2007, and one of nine men at the Partys upper echelon of power as a Politburo Standing Committee member from 2002 to 2007. He was able to climb up the ranks because he won favor with then-CCP leader Jiang Zemin. Jiang and those still loyal to himpart of the Jiang factionare currently in a power struggle with Xi and his supporters. As one of Jiangs henchmen, Luos disappearance from the presidium has observers speculating what it could mean. In 1999, Luo was personally chosen by Jiang to carry out his campaign to persecute practitioners of the Falun Gong spiritual practice. With Falun Gongs popularity reaching up to 100 million adherents at the time, Jiang perceived Falun Gongs presence as a threat to his authoritarian rule and sought to eradicate the practice. Luo, who had oversight of the states law-enforcement institutions, including the police, labor camps, prisons, and the judicial system, directed the arrest and detainment of hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners, who often suffered torture and abuse while imprisoned. Luo was essentially responsible for creating the 610 Office, a Gestapo-like police created specifically to persecute Falun Gong practitioners. In 2009, an Argentinian judge issued an arrest warrant for Luo, citing genocide and torture as his crimes. Other countries have since initiated lawsuits against Luo and Jiang. Under Xis sweeping anti-corruption campaign, many Jiang faction officials have been purged. After Li Dongsheng and Zhou Yongkangwho both aided Jiang in the persecution through their roles as head of the 610 Office and head of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission, respectivelywere taken down by Xi, observers wondered when Luo would be next. As for Luos disappearance from the latest Party event, Chen Simin, an analyst of contemporary affairs in China, pointed to the recent purge of Wu Aiying, whose downfall was announced at the end of the Central Committees seventh plenary session on Oct. 14. These are mandatory sessions attended by the Partys top officials prior to the National Congress. Wu had moved up in her career through the CCPs legal apparatus, eventually serving as minister of justice. When Luo was in charge of the 610 Office, he appointed Wu to become the leader of a maintaining stability group in Shandong Province, a euphemism for squashing dissent. She oversaw the persecution of local Falun Gong practitioners at the time. Luo not showing up at the presidium could have something to do with her recent purge, Chen suggested. It also did not go without notice that many who were once allied with Jiang did not get invited to the presidium, including Hui Liangyu, former vice premier, and Wang Lequan, former Politburo member and party boss in charge of the Xinjiang region. Many Jiang faction officials who wouldve showed up as a congress delegate have already been purged by Xi. Meanwhile, the order of appearance on the list of presidium attendees also alluded to the power struggle. Jiangs name appeared after all current Politburo membersmarkedly different from the previous National Congress, when his name was listed right after outgoing CCP leader Hu Jintao. Jiang, who wielded tremendous power from behind the scenes while Hu was appointed leader, had his name ahead of then-premier Wen Jiabao and other Politburo standing committee members at the time. Political observers see these as signs that Jiangs influence over the CCP has severely weakened. Gu Qinger contributed to this report. The skeletal remains, believed to be at least 1,000 years old, were found intact in Kilmore Quay, County Wexford. (Google Maps) Ancient Skeleton Uncovered During Hurricane Ophelia An ancient skeleton was discovered after Hurricane Ophelia hit Ireland. The skeletal remains, believed to be at least 1,000 years old, were found intact at Kilmore Quay, County Wexford, after Ophelia-spawned waves hit a walkway, according to the Irish Daily Mirror. People out walking discovered the remains on Tuesday afternoon. The area has been sealed off since then, Jim Moore, a local councilor, was quoted by the publication as saying. It appears to be a grave, so in other words it is not a body that was washed ashore. An examination will be carried out by Irelands state pathologist, Marie Cassidy. The remains, she said, were likely from the Iron Age, which ended some 1,600 years ago. Storm Ophelia unearths mystery ancient skeleton with parts of its SKIN intact https://t.co/5LGn1p9bJU pic.twitter.com/NPjEVQ7sez Daily Mail U.K. (@DailyMailUK) October 19, 2017 Mystery ancient Iron Age skeleton with skin still attached unearthed by raging winds of Storm Ophelia: https://t.co/7Ai7AX9Gr0 pic.twitter.com/XJXJS0ZL4f (@HistoryTime_) October 20, 2017 The remains will be taken to Dublin for testing. It is the closest point to the sea, Moore explained. It is very remote and it now throws up the question whether there are more burial grounds in the area. The storms force slammed the countrys coastline, temporarily speeding up the erosion. Storm Ophelia unearths ancient human skeleton with SKIN still intacthttps://t.co/3wUTNQGCKN via @MailOnline Paula woodhams (@WoodhamsPaula) October 20, 2017 It is a very tidal area. Erosion is the reason this was found, he said. It left the site exposed and thats how it was spotted. A similar incident unfolded in nearby Ballyteigue Bay two years ago. That was another very old skeleton, Moore said, adding that theres no clear link between the two. We have to consider know whether there is a need for further archaeological examination, he said. Ophelia killed three people and did tens of millions of dollars in damageit even turned the sky red. According to the BBC, a man died near Dundalk, [County] Louth, after his car was struck by a tree while another man was killed in a chainsaw accident in [County] Tipperary while attempting to remove a tree downed by the storm. Another Actress Accuses Harvey Weinstein of Rape, LAPD Investigating A prominent Italian model and actress told Los Angeles Police Department detectives on Thursday that Harvey Weinstein raped her at a hotel in 2013. The woman chose not to reveal her name in fear of retaliation and to shield the privacy of her three children, Los Angeles Times reported. She spoke to detectives for two hours to relay the details of the assault, becoming the sixth woman to accuse the Hollywood mogul of forcible sex acts and rape. The 38-year-old woman said that she met Weinstein briefly at the 8th annual Los Angeles, Italia Film, Fashion and Art Fest in February 2013. After the event, Weinstein showed up unannounced at her hotel lobby around midnight. The actress was surprised because she did not tell him where she was staying. Weinstein asked to come up to her room and she declined, offering to come downstairs instead. Moments later Weinstein was knocking on her door. He bullied his way into my hotel room, saying, Im not going to [have sex with] you, I just want to talk, the actress told Los Angeles Times. Once inside, he asked me questions about myself, but soon became very aggressive and demanding and kept asking to see me naked. Weinstein proceeded to brag about his power in Hollywood and told her to not resist him. The actress cried, begged him to go away and tried to show him pictures of her three children and her ailing mother, who was going through chemotherapy at the time. He grabbed me by the hair and forced me to do something I did not want to do, she said. He then dragged me to the bathroom and forcibly raped me. On his way out, Weinstein said she was beautiful and that she could work in Hollywood. He acted like nothing happened, the actress said. I barely knew this man. It was the most demeaning thing ever done to me by far. It sickens me still. He made me feel like an object, like nothing, with all his power. In California, there is a law that prevents people from suing people for rape in the event that the attack occurred more than 10 years ago. The alleged assault on the Italian actress occurred less than 10 years ago, so the lawsuit appears to be of particular concern for Weinstein. Weinstein has denied allegations of non-consensual sex, according to his representative. I cant respond to some anonymous complaint, she said in response to the Italian actresss accusation. Weinstein is under investigation for two sex crimes allegations in New York and three more in London. The movie mogul was seen as one of the most powerful men in Hollywood for decades and his studio churned out scores of Oscar-winning movies. But two articles, one in the New York Times and one in the New Yorker, blew open a hole in his public image, with dozens of women accusing him of sexually assaulting them over the course of three decades. Weinstein has settled lawsuits with at least eight women, according to the New York Times. From NTD.tv Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop attends a press conference in Sydney on July 27, 2017. Julie Bishop said on Oct. 16 that Australia welcomes international students, including those from China, but they have to respect Australias openness and freedom of speech. (Brendon Thorne/Getty Images) Australia Says It Welcomes Chinese Students as Long as They Respect Freedom of Speech Australias diplomats are speaking out about the influence in Australia of the Chinese regime on Chinese students, with the foreign minister recently adding her voice to a growing controversy about Chinas interference in the life of the nation. On Oct. 9, the head of Australias Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Frances Adamson, warned Australian universities that they need to remain true to their values and be resilient in the face of foreign interference. Adamson referred to attempts to silence those critical of China, saying silencing of anyone in our societyfrom students to lecturers to politiciansis an affront to our values. Adamson specifically named China as the country where a lot of students have been educated to not say things that offend, and she said that this is in conflict with the core values of Australia, which see being frank as proof of genuine friendship. The widely-reported remark, which was delivered pointedly during a speech at the University of Adelaides Confucius Institute, has been seen as a direct response to the rising concern in Australia over the Chinese regimes growing influence in the country. Confucius Institutes have been widely criticized as initiatives funded by the Chinese regime to improperly spread its influence in universities outside China. A series of high profile investigative reports by Australian media in recent months have revealed the significant extent of the Chinese Communist Partys control and influence over Australias political institutions, businesses, academia, and the Chinese students studying there. Among Australias intelligence and diplomatic services, a growing consensus is emerging that the Chinese regime has a clear plan to manipulate the Chinese students studying in the country, according to Australian media reports. The Chinese regime attempts to exert control over the thoughts of the Chinese students when they study abroad, and Australian media reports have documented many such efforts. They have described the regime directly controlling the various Chinese student associations, threatening Chinese dissidents in Australia, meddling in academic affairs of universities, and buying out most of the Chinese-language media in the country. On Oct. 16, a week after Adamsons strong remarks, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said at a press conference, We dont want to see freedom of speech curbed in any way involving foreign students or foreign academics. [Australia] prides itself on its values of openness and upholding freedom of speech, Bishop said. Australia is an open liberal democracy. We welcome students and visitors to our shores but people come to Australia because of our values, openness, and freedom so we want to ensure everybody has the advantage of expressing their views whether they are at university or whether they are visitors. Chinese students account for 29 percent of all the 564,869 international students studying in Australia, according to a July 2017 statistics by Australias Department of Education and Training. In a country with a population of 24 million, the large number of Chinese students enrolled in Australian universities and other educational institutions have fueled a growing concern that the Chinese regime would manipulate them to further its own agendas. The regime can do so, in part, through the Chinese Students and Scholars Associations (CSSA). These organizations are supported by the Chinese regime and used to control and spy on Chinese students and scholars outside China. Chen Yonglin, a former Chinese diplomat who defected to Australia in 2005, has repeatedly named CSSAs worldwideincluding those in Australian universitiesas an instrument of espionage and propaganda used by the Chinese regime to control Chinese students who study abroad. Doctor Jumps on Motorcycle to Rescue Babies as Home Burns to Ashes The charred remains of Doctor Scott Witts Toyota Tacoma at least show a semblance of what it once looked like. Not so for his familys home. But what Dr. Witt lost was far less than what he saved when he evacuated newborn babies under his care from the hospital where he worked. Dr. Witt, the 45-year-old director of Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospitals neonatal ICU, faced the fury of the Tubbs fire on Oct. 8th so he could get to the hospital and help make sure the eight premature babies under his care were safe and sound. I got a call at 2 a.m. basically saying that there was some fire encroaching on the hospital so we might have to evacuate, Dr. Witt told KTVU. Meanwhile, his own neighborhood was also under threat of the fire. Dr. Witt told his family of five children and his wife to leave their Fountaingrove home while he made his way toward the hospital in his pickup truck. But along the way, the fire changed his plans. The fire was wreaking havoc on the highway, creating a traffic jam in the middle of the night as flames licked across the road. The solution: turn around and get on his BMW motorcycle that can weave through traffic. In California, you can split lanes so I just kind of went down the middle of lanes and got past everybody, said Dr. Witt. Dr. Witt then made his way through four miles of strong winds and burning debris, skirting past traffic by going through it or riding on the gravel shoulder of the road. Once he got to the hospital, Dr. Witt and his medical team got the babies ready to travel and loaded them into ambulances for transport to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital six miles away. The evacuation took several trips and three hours. Dr. Witt followed the final ambulance to the new hospital to ensure everything was in proper order. Along the way, they faced a new threat, he told KTVU. There were downed power lines that were live that we rolled over, said Dr. Witt. The adventure has given Dr. Witt a new nickname: the James Dean of neonatal. The Christian physician is literally a boy-scout, and any rebelliousness, like racing through traffic, certainly has a cause. But while Dr. Witt laughs off his new nickname, less funny is the personal cost the fire took on him and his own family. Now friends and colleagues are trying to get the doctor a head start on a new home with a YouCaring campaign to raise $20,000. As the fires approached the hospital, our NICU medical director Scott Witt hopped on his motorcycle, wove through downed power lines and falling debris to lead the evacuation of our intensive care nursery at Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital, reads the campaign description. Their house and possessions were totally destroyed. Help us thank our hero by getting his family on their road to recovery. Four Inmates Charged With Murder After Botched Escape Attempt Four inmates who allegedly set fire to a North Carolina corrections facility in an escape attempt have been charged with murder. Two prison employees died in the fire in the sewing plant at Pasquotank Correctional Facility in Elizabeth City, North Carolina on Oct. 12. Attempted escape at Pasquotank CI in Elizabeth City. Fires set in prison sewing plant. Several employees injured. More info when available. NC Public Safety (@NCPublicSafety) October 12, 2017 Inmates working in the prisons sewing plant set a fire as a distraction and attempted to escape. Four of the would-be escapees were charged, but others may have been involved. More charges are expected. Pasquotank County District Attorney Andrew Womble announced Friday, Oct. 20, that inmates Wisezah Buckman, Seth J. Frasier, Mikel Brady, and Jonathan M. Monk were each charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Justin Smith, a 35-year-old correctional officer and Veronica Darden, a 50-year-old correction enterprises manager, were killed in the abortive escape attempt. Darden trained inmates at the sewing plant to make safety vests and other embroidered products. Smith provided security at the shop. Womble said this was the most serious matter Ive ever prosecuted. Employees Justin Smith and Veronica Darden died Thursday at Pasquotank Correctional Institution. https://t.co/4RNCc7hew5 pic.twitter.com/X0bijqeNmV NC Public Safety (@NCPublicSafety) October 13, 2017 It is not clear what caused both deaths, but the Charlotte Observer reported an emergency official radioed that at least one corrections officer had been struck multiple times with a hammer. Ten prison employees required medical treatment after the fire. Seven were treated and released. Pasquotank Correctional Institution is a high-security prison with a capacity for 896 inmates. it currently houses 729 inmates, a mix of minimum-security and high-security felons. Minimum-security inmates are allowed to work outside the facility on road crews for the county. Our thoughts are with our colleagues in North Carolina @NCPublicSafety. https://t.co/69AFY3Yx0I Iowa Corrections (@IowaCorrections) October 13, 2017 The facility has had other issues this year. In February a corrections officer, Angela Craddock Brown was caught trying to smuggle drugs, cellphones, and cigarettes into the prison. Brown, 43, was charged with possession of marijuana to sell and deliver, delivering marijuana, providing drugs to inmates, and bringing drugs to a jail. In April, an inmate was stabbed multiple times after an argument with another inmate. Larry Eugene Allred, 24, stabbed 29-year-old Trenton Devay Hodge several times in the upper torso. Hodge was treated at Sentara Albemarle Hospital and taken back to prison. Allred is serving time for robbery with a dangerous weapon. Hodge was convicted of felony breaking and entering. From NTD.tv Experts review moves during the Go match between 19-year-old Ke Jie and Google's artificial intelligence program AlphaGo in Wuzhen, in eastern China's Zhejiang Province on May 27, 2017. (STR/AFP/Getty Images) Google Go Computer Outsmarts Previous TechWithout Human Input Theres a new whiz kid in the tech worldbut it is a narrow-minded loner. Googles latest artificial intelligence creation can beat all comers, human and machine alike, at the hardest game in the world, and it has figured it out solely by playing against itself. Its creators said that the machine is no longer constrained by the limits of human knowledge. But humans need not worry that computers will be teaching themselves to overthrow their human overlords anytime soon. Despite demonstrating strategic prowess in advance of humans, this machines intellect is suited to one narrow task alone. Last year, Deepminds AlphaGo computer famously beat the worlds best player of what is thought to be the most difficult game known to humansthe ancient Chinese game of Go. The computer won by four games to one against Lee Se-dol, winner of 18 world titles, famed for his creativity and widely considered to be the greatest player of the past decade. AlphaGos tactical mastery, however, wasnt something programmed in by humans. Instead, it had learned how to play, building up strategic understanding entirely by learning from the data of the moves of human experts. The tech company then began to work on an upgrade, a new machine called Go AlphaZero. AlphaGo Zero, however, was not trained through studying games with humans. It was entirely self-taught. After playing matches against itself for just three days before it was able to decrown the AlphaGo version, which had defeated the best human in the world, winning every one of a hundred matches. Within 40 days AlphGo Zero was able to beat the best previous version of AlphGo. AlphaGo was built by Deep Mind, a subsidiary of the Alphabet company that owns Google, which published its achievements in an article in the journal Nature on Oct. 19. Strangely, AlphaGo Zero actually uses a lot less computational power than its predecessor. All previous versions of AlphaGo started by training from human data, explains professor David Silver in a video posted on the Deep Mind website. They were told, In this particular position, this human expert played this particular move. And in this other position, this human expert played here.' AlphaGo Zero doesnt use any human data whatsoever, he said, but learns completely from self-play. By taking this approach, it is able to always compete with a perfectly matched opponent, maximizing learning, creating much more effective algorithms. People tend to assume that machine learning is all about big data and massive amounts of computation. But actually what we saw is that algorithms matter much more than either data or computability, said Silver. AlphaGo Zeros self-learned algorithms are so good that it uses over 10 times fewer computations than the previous version of AlphaGo. It required only 4.9 million training games and three days to beat the previous version, which had amassed its strategic skills from 30 million games over several months. AlphaGo Zero is no longer constrained by the limits of human knowledge, Silver and DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis wrote in a blog on the Deepmind website. But that ability to learn without human input doesnt mean the beginning of the end for humankind, he said. Like all other successful AI so far, is extremely limited in what it knows and in what it can do compared with humans and even other animals, he said. Anders Sandberg of the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University told AFP that there was an important difference between the general-purpose smarts humans have and the specialized smarts of computer software. What DeepMind has demonstrated over the past years is that one can make software that can be turned into experts in different domains but it does not become generally intelligent, he said. White House Chief of Staff John Kelly speaks to the press at the White House in Washington on Oct. 19, 2017. (Benjamin Chasteen/The Epoch Times) In Emotional Speech, Gen. Kelly Calls on Media to Respect Last Thing That Is Sacred in Our Society WASHINGTONWhite House Chief of Staff Gen. John Kelly silenced the press today with an emotional and somber account of what happens to an American soldier when they are killed in action. Kelly described how the soldiers remains are immediately covered in a shroud by their buddiesanything available that is appropriate. Then, the soldiers body is transported to the base and packed in ice to be flown to Europe. Once there, the body is packed again in ice and flown to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. At Dover, the soldier is meticulously dressed in uniform, along with the medals that theyve earned and the emblems of their service, and then put on another airplane linked up with a casualty officer escort, which takes them home. All the while, wives, parents, brothers, and sisters are being told the news they never wanted to hear. After Kellys speech, one reporter in the White House briefing room said he had never heard anything as poignant from a government official. Another said she got chills from Kellys words. A retired four-star Marine general and father of a soldier killed in action, Kelly knows all sides of this issue. Kellys son, Marine First Lt. Robert Kelly, was killed in action in Sangin, Afghanistan, in 2010. Hours after my son was killed, his friends were calling us from Afghanistan, telling us what a great guy he was, Kelly said at the White House press briefing on Oct. 19. Those are the only calls that really mattered. Kelly said he didnt receive a phone call from then-President Barack Obama at the time, but he also didnt expect it. Kelly said his first recommendation to President Donald Trump was to not make calls to the families of fallen soldiers at all. When I took this job and talked to President Trump about how to do it, my first recommendation was he not do it because its not the phone call that parents, family members are looking forward to. Its nice to do, in my opinion, in any event, Kelly said. I think he very bravely does make those calls, Kelly said about Trump. Kelly said Trump asked him for advice on how to lighten the burden of the families. He gave him the example of what a dear friend told him after his son was killed. He was exactly where he wanted to be with exactly the people he wanted to be with, Kelly said. This gave Kelly solace and it was the message he suggested Trump convey to the families. Thats what the president tried to say to four families the other day, he said. Kelly said he was shocked by the politicization by Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) of Trumps call to Myesha Johnson, whose husband, Sgt. La David Johnson, was among four U.S. troops killed in Niger on Oct. 4. I was stunned when I came to work yesterday morning, Kelly said. He said he was so disturbed that he went to Arlington National Cemetery yesterday to seek some clarity. He stood by the graves of the fallensome of whom he had commanded when he was in service. They were doing what I told them to do when they were killed, he said. Kelly reminded the silent room to remember that service men and women sign up voluntarily to keep Americans safe. They dont do it for any other reason than selfless service. Not for any other reason than they love this country, he said. Kelly encouraged the media to write your stories, but lets try to somehow keep that sacred. He said he believed that the sacredness of a soldier making the ultimate sacrifice for his country was eroded a great deal yesterday by a selfish behavior of a member of Congress. Former FBI Director James Comey testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on June 8, 2017. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Lawyer Looks to Disbar Former FBI Chief Comey for Lying Under Oath Lawyer Ty Clevenger recently filed a grievance with the New York bar accusing former FBI Director James Comey of lying to Congress and potentially destroying evidence in the investigations into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The grievance states that Comey gave materially false testimony to Congress, and violated several of the New York Rules of Professional Conduct, according to an Oct. 18 report from The Washington Times. It also requests renewed grievances against former Attorney General Loretta Lynch, based on Comeys claim that she pressured him to downplay the Clinton investigation. The Epoch Times reported on Sept. 1 that Comey may have lied under oath by drafting his letter to drop charges of Clinton before the FBI interviewed her or other key witnesses. According to an Aug. 31 press release from the Senate judiciary committee, Comey began drafting a statement to announce the conclusion of the Clinton email investigation in April or May of 2016, before the FBI interviewed up to 17 key witnesses including former Secretary Clinton and several of her closest aides. The FBI recently confirmed that Comey began drafting his statement regarding Clinton prior to interviewing her by releasing his drafts. While they are almost entirely redacted, they show Comey wrote them on May 2, 2016. The FBI interviewed Clinton two months later on July 2, 2016. The claim in the judiciary committee press release contradicts Comeys testimony before the committee on Sept. 28, where he stated he made his decision to not recommend charges for Clinton only after interviewing her. Comey had added, All I can do is tell you again, the decision was made after that, because I didnt know what was going to happen during that interview. Read More With Allegations of Russian Bribery, Judiciary Committee Calls On FBI Informant to Testify During an Oct. 18 hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Attorney General Jeff Sessions commented on the seriousness of Comeys actions when he was asked about why the Trump administration fired Comey as FBI director. I dont think its been fully understood the significance of the error that Mr. Comey made on the Clinton matter, Sessions said, noting that it was the first time in his experience he had ever heard of a major case where the Department of Justice prosecutors were involved in an investigation, that the investigative agency announces the closure of the investigation. Sessions said that when Comey testified around that time, He said he thought he did the right thing and would do it again. Sessions also said Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein referred to the handling of the Clinton investigation as a usurpation of the position of the Department of Justice, the Attorney Generals position, and that particularly we were concerned that he reaffirmed that he would do it again. President Donald Trump also weighed in on the issue, and stated in a series of tweets on Oct. 18, Wow, FBI confirms report that James Comey drafted letter exonerating Crooked Hillary Clinton long before investigation was complete. Many people not interviewed, including Clinton herself. Comey stated under oath that he didnt do this-obviously a fix? Where is Justice Dept? Wow, FBI confirms report that James Comey drafted letter exonerating Crooked Hillary Clinton long before investigation was complete. Many.. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 18, 2017 people not interviewed, including Clinton herself. Comey stated under oath that he didn't do this-obviously a fix? Where is Justice Dept? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 18, 2017 Trump added, As it has turned out, James Comey lied and leaked and totally protected Hillary Clinton. He was the best thing that ever happened to her! As it has turned out, James Comey lied and leaked and totally protected Hillary Clinton. He was the best thing that ever happened to her! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 18, 2017 White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters on Oct. 18, according to a transcript, that the White House hasnt and wont offer a legal opinion on Comeys conduct. But, in fact, to the contrary, the White House has actually deferred, as it should, any and all legal questions regarding Director Comey to the Department of Justice. Thats the appropriate venue for those things to be dealt with. Man Charged With Murder After Giving 3-Year-Old a Loaded Gun A man in South Carolina has been charged with murder after he reportedly gave his 3-year-old son a loaded gun, resulting in the death of another man. Albert Davis, 31, was charged with the murder of Timothy Johnson, 24 on Tuesday night, reports said. Aiken County Sheriff Michael Hunt said that Davis gave his 3-year-old son the handgun and gave him instructions, per WJBF. Ive never had a case like this that I can remember. This is just a shocking case, and I cant fathom how anyone could ever think this was OK, Hunt said, per WRDW. It was given to the child and the child was told to get him, he said. Davis was also charged with possession of a stolen handgun and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, according to authorities, Fox News said. 3 year old Toddler shoots person to death on orders of South Carolina man, cops say https://t.co/FlsHPd163L #FoxNews Joseph T. Griffin (@GRIFFINSGUNSHOP) October 19, 2017 Witness Marie Kuhns was shocked by the crime. Why? Why give a gun, a real gun to a child? she said to WRDW. I dont know how we recovera child. A child. This might be one of his only memories growing up. She told the news outlet that her brother-in-law tried to save the man who was shot, but it was too late. He felt the mans last breath go out of him. It left his body. And he knew that he was gone, she said. In a later update, WRDW reported that the suspect, Davis, has been ordered to have no contact with the victims family or his son. Hunt was taken aback by the nature of the shooting. We are stunned. The bottom line is dont give a kid a gun and tell him to go get somebody, he told WJBF. This whole thing started by folks hanging out, probably not doing the right thing to start with, and giving a child a gun and telling the child get him. Thats not proper. The investigation is still ongoing. Maryland Shooting Survivor Dodged Bullets as He Fled A survivor of the workplace shooting in Maryland on Oct. 18 described running away as the shooter fired at him. The shooter, Radee Prince, punched one co-worker, then shot five others. Michael Serra, an employee at Advanced Granite Solutions in Edgewood, Maryland, witnessed the whole attack. He hit a friend of mine, and then my friend told him, What happened?' Serra told a reporter. And then later, the guy pulled out a gun and started shooting at anyone he could find. Sadly, I saw my friend fall, and then the second, Serra said. I came back and saw it was fivethree dead, two wounded. Serra said the attack lasted for only seconds, saying that Prince was very agile, very fast. One of Serras friends was killed while making coffee. Prince reportedly gathered some employees in the break room, telling them, Come with me, I want to say something to everybody. He talked to me first, said one co-worker who asked not to be identified. Then I saw him talk to another friend. Nobody listened to him, because his reaction was to start a fight. Every one of the victims that this individual shot, the victims and the offender knew each other. So these were targeted shootings, for whatever reason, explained Wilmington Delaware Police Chief Robert Tracy. Serra was lucky enough to have time to escape. He saw Prince firing at him as he fled, but the bullets flew past. Harford County Maryland Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said, My suspicion is, if he could have shot more individuals, this incident would have resulted in a greater loss of life. Prince, an employee at the company, killed three coworkers and wounded two others. He later wounded a third person at a Delaware car dealership before being arrested in Delaware later that night. Prince was apprehended a short time ago in Delaware by ATF and allied law enforcement agencies. pic.twitter.com/XSo1OGZMZM Harford Sheriff (@Harford_Sheriff) October 18, 2017 The Harford County Sheriffs Office has identified the slain victims as Jose Hidalgo Romero, 34, of Aberdeen, Maryland; Enis Mrvoljak, 48, of Dundalk, Maryland; and Bayarsaikhan Tudev, 53, of Arlington, Virginia. The Sheriffs Office later identified the two wounded workers as Enoc Villegas Sosa, 38, and Jose Roberto Flores Gillen, 37. Both were in critical condition. Angry Employee With a Bad Background The shooter, 37-year-old Radee Labeeb Prince, had worked at Advanced Granite Solutions for four months and earned a reputation for having a bad temper. Unbeknownst to his co-workers, Prince had been fired from a job in February for attacking a co-worker, and had returned to that job site to threaten his former boss, who filed for a restraining order. I felt very threatened because he is a big guy and very aggressive on me, his former boss wrote in the restraining order application. He stated Prince did not get physical with him, but I do not want to wait until he will. Plus, he already punched a co-worker. He can also do it to me. The order was denied. Prince had an extensive record42 felony and misdemeanor arrestsand 15 felony convictions, including illegal possession of a firearm. Many of the arrests were for alcohol or driving violations. Most were not prosecuted. In March 2015, Radee Labeeb Prince was charged by the Cecil County Sheriffs Office with felon in possession of a firearm, prosecutors declined to pursue the case in June 2015.@Harford_Sheriff Gun laws don't work if prosecutors don't. Mike Degerness (@mike_degerness) October 18, 2017 In 2003 Prince was convicted in Delaware on 15 counts of third-degree burglary. He was sentenced to 25 years, of which he ultimately served only three before being released on probation. Prince faces charges of murder, attempted murder, assault, and use of a firearm to commit a felony. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges at his Thursday, Oct. 19, arraignment in Delaware. A friend of several of the victims, Lauren Arikan, announced at a press conference that donations for the victims and their families would be accepted through the website www.edgewooddonations.com. From NTD.tv Police stand near the The Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on Oct. 4, 2017, before the windows Stephen Paddock broke for his shooting spree were repaired. A judge has order the hotel to preserve evidence as a civil suit is argued over the hotels alleged negligence. MGM Resorts International has said it will not be renting out the suite. (ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images) MGM Resorts Shutters Paddock Shooting Suite MGM Resorts International has no plans to rent out the 32nd-floor suite from where Stephen Paddock carried out the worst mass shooting in American history. The resort operator made a statement to that effect on Thursday as a judge weighing a civil suit from one of Paddocks victims ordered the hotel to preserve evidence in the suite. The 1,700-square-foot suite with 180-degree views and floor-to-ceiling windows will be closed indefinitely. This was a terrible tragedy perpetrated by an evil man. We have no intention of renting that room, MGM Resorts International said in an emailed statement. Weve been cooperating with law enforcement from the moment this happened, which includes preserving evidence. The company did not say what, if any, long-term plans it had for the room. Paddocks ability to plant security cameras in the hallway and remain locked in his suite while firing hundreds of rounds onto festival goers below for 11 minutes has raised questions about the hotels security response. Gus Castilla, the father of one of the victims, has filed a lawsuit naming several defendants, including the Mandalay Bay and its parent company, MGM Resorts International, for his daughters death. Andrea Castilla, 28, was celebrating her birthday with her sister and boyfriend when one of Paddocks bullets hit her in the head, killing her. Another civil suit filed by one of the shooting victims prompted a Clark County District Court judge to grant a temporary order to preserve evidence of the shooting and hand over all of Paddocks gambling records. The judge ordered the hotel to preserve photos, surveillance video, and other evidence related to the shooting, according to several media reports. Calls to the law office responsible for the suit were not returned by the time of publication. According to News 3 Las Vegas, the suit was filed on behalf of Rachel Sheppard, a California woman who was shot three times in the chest and survived. Theres evidence thats coming out about surveillance cameras that he may have set up himself, evidence about ways that he may have altered his room or that hallway, Sheppards lawyer Brian Nettles told News 3. Nettles, a high profile Nevada attorney, was recently named President of the Nevada Justice Association. Sheppards lawsuit, like Castillas, alleges the hotel and its parent company were negligent and that negligence contributed to the Paddocks massacre. The shooter was in that hotel for six days, says attorney Brian Nettles. Nettles told Fox5 that his client needs answers in order for the case to be fairly prosecuted, and that victims need answers so they can move on with their lives. According to New 3, Judge Mark Denton granted an order that restrains Mandalay Bay from destroying anything of evidentiary value until another hearing set for Oct. 30. MGM Resorts International can argue against the ruling at that hearing, if it chooses, before the judge decides on whether to make the order permanent. A woman performs chest compressions on a mannequin while learning C.P.R. on the steps of San Francisco city hall following a press conference celebrating the 50th anniversary of lifesaving by using C.P.R. June 1, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) More Evidence That the Brain Lives After the Body Dies Is there life after death? When the body dies, does the brain die? Is that it? For years people have described near-death experiences where their bodies were pronounced dead, but their consciousnesses seemed to go right on living. People have reported hearing operating-room conversations, which happened after they were declared deadconversations later confirmed by the participants. Others have reported rising above their bodies and seeing the medical team frantically at work trying to revive them. All the while the electronic devices monitoring life were silent, the notorious flatline. No brain activity. If these stories were rare, some of the details were uncorroborated, they would all be dismissed. However, they are too frequent and too factual to be ignored. Dr. Sam Parnia and his team from New York University Langone School of Medicine wanted to understand life and death. Parnia wanted to know when life really ends. Does life end when the brain dies? Does the brain die when the body dies? Man found 'dead' after 12 hrs temp dropped 20C! So when do cells in body die after we die? What happens mind consciousness during time? Sam Parnia MD PhD (@SamParniaMDPhD) January 22, 2016 Parnia and his team decided to review all the research from the United States and Europe about patients who went into cardiac arrest and recovered. The studies showed that at least some of the stories were accurate. Patients in full cardiac arrestwhere the heart has stopped beating, and the brain has stopped receiving bloodlose brain function in 2 to 20 seconds, Parnia explained. In a medical sense, the body is dead when the heart stops beating and the brain stops getting fresh blood. The brain, which motivates the entire body via its bioelectric signals, stops transmitting. The bodys power source shuts down, so the rest of the body follows suit. Within 20 seconds of the heart stopping, the brain flatlines; it stops producing brainwaves. Its activity, according to medicines most sophisticated sensors, ceases. Yet in case after case doctors verified that the descriptions of revived patients matched what actually happened in the room after the patients had supposedly died. Theyll describe watching doctors and nurses working and theyll describe having awareness of full conversations, of visual things that were going on, that would otherwise not be known to them, Parnia said in an interview. This is serious business. Parnia leads the Resuscitation Research Group at Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook, N.Y. As promised a small website that outlines our research at Stony Brook University in cardiac arrest resuscitation! https://t.co/MzcXx9Glza Sam Parnia MD PhD (@SamParniaMDPhD) April 25, 2017 Their mission is to improve the survival and functional outcome of people suffering cardiac arrest. By learning how the body reacts to even a temporary death, the group hopes to learn how to save more cardiac arrest patients and to limit how much damage dying does before life can be restored. Their research shows that death can be different for different patients. Doctors in a Canadian intensive care unit found that a patient on life support machinery registered the brain waves of a sleeping person 10 minutes after the machine was turned off. The persons body had been long dead. There should have been nothing going on in the brainyet the electroencephalogram (EEG) registered the brain waves of a person in normal sleep. Three other patients, also taken off life support, did not show these brain wavesbut each showed different EEG graphs. Apparently each brain had its own way of dying. While Parnias research is geared toward helping the living, it does raise questions about the nature of life and death. It seems impossible to deny that in some cases, some kind of consciousness persists after the physical death of the body, and the apparent death of the brain. The brain shows no sign of conscious functionyet the consciousness continues to function. The nature of life has been a subject most scientists dont research. There are not many ways to conduct scientific experiments on dyingobviously medical ethics and human decency prevent killing people and then trying to revive them. And scientists cannot be on hand whenever someone has a near-death experiencethey are impossible to predict. The nature of life, the nature of consciousness is extremely difficult to study. That doesnt mean it is not worth studying. Research like Parnias proves that there is important information there, even if it is still just out of reach. From NTD.tv North Korean Officials Influenced by MSNBC Morning Show In bizarre segment, Morning Joe co-host agrees with North Korean communist official An NBC News correspondent reporting from North Korea made an unusual claim on Thursday, saying that North Korean communist officials often watch Morning Joe, a political talk show on MSNBC. Be in no doubt that the senior officials pay attention to what is being said in the U.S. One telling me, that he watches Morning Joe every day, specifically the segments about North Korea, NBC News correspondent Kier Simmons said. Simmons also said that a senior North Korea official told him he believes that President Donald Trump is mentally ill. Mika Brzezinski, one of the shows hosts, fully embraced the statement by a communist official of North Korea, a country currently threatening to kill Americans and U.S. allies with nuclear weapons. Theyre saying what a lot of people are thinking, Brzezinski said, agreeing with the official. Brzezinski has found herself in hot water several times this year over controversial statements about President Donald Trump. Joe Scarborough, co-host of the show and Brzezinskis fiance, said in response to her comments, Mika, youve got a mind-meld with some people in North Korea. In the segment, Simmons also repeated the long-held claims of North Korean officials that they would be successful in a war against the United States. On the same day that the segment aired, North Korea repeated its threat to attack the United States and its allies with nuclear weapons. Simmons also emphatically recalled the anti-U.S. propaganda the North Korean official told him. I asked that official who is the father of a young son, I said to him, are you frightened for your family, with what you are seeing happening right now, Simmons said. And you know what he said to me? All my life I have felt threatened by America and if there is a war, a nuclear war he said. He believes that North Korea, and the North Koreans, could survive that. North Korean state media reported earlier this week that David Verdi, a senior Vice President at NBC News, and his party had arrived in North Korea. The U.S. State Department announced in August that U.S. citizens are no longer allowed to travel to North Korea with their U.S. passports starting Sept. 1. Travel to North Korea by American citizens can only be conducted with a special passport validation, which is granted only in very limited circumstances, given the risk of U.S. citizens being arrested and detained in North Korea. Since coming to office, President Donald Trump has taken a two-fold approach to North Korea: on the one hand his administration has increased diplomatic and economic pressure on the regime in an attempt to get it to denuclearize. On the other hand, Trump has ordered his senior military officers to draw up military options in an effort to increase pressure on North Korea. Jack Keane, a retired four-star general and former Vice Chief of Staff of the United States, said that these military options by the Trump administration are making a diplomatic solution more realistic. Trumps team understands that the threat of military force strengthens the diplomatic option. The main effort is diplomacy and economic sanctions, Keane said on Fox Business. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said last Sunday that the President had instructed him to pursue diplomatic options. I think he does want to be clear with Kim Jong Un, that regime in North Korea, that he has military preparations ready to go, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told CNN on Oct. 15. But be clear, the President has also made clear to me that he wants this solved diplomatically. He is not seeking to go to war, Tillerson said. Tillerson said that the Trump administration has been able to unite the international community against North Korea, including North Koreas closest allies. China, after months of pressure from Trump, took unprecedented action against North Korea last month when it went beyond new U.N. Security Council sanctions and ordered Chinese banks to stop providing financial services to North Korea. It also ordered North Korean businesses operating in China to close down within 120 days. We now have the most comprehensive sanctions in place that have ever been put in place, to strangle the North Korean regimes economic revenue streams, Tillerson said. Basilica of the Holy Cross in Florence, Italy, on Aug, 8, 2017. (Shutterstock/ Pawel Szczepanski) Piece of Italian Basilica Falls Off, Kills Spanish Tourist A stone fragment fell on a tourist visiting Florences Basilica of the Holy Cross, killing him, on Thursday, Oct. 19, officials said. The 16-square-inch piece of stone, was part of a support structure about 100 feet high. The president of the churchs board of directors, Irene Sanesi, said the piece was from a part of the church that had been restored. We are destroyed [by what happened] and we express our condolences to the victims family, he told Il Sole 24, adding that nothing like this had ever happened before. The church was closed by police, a spokesman for the national fire rescue service said. The fire service identified the victim as a male Spaniard in his 50s. Local media identified the man as Daniel Testor Schnell, 52, from Barcelona. According to local media ANSA.it, he was visiting the basilica with his wife, who witnessed the accident. Deeply sorry for the incident at the Basilica of the Holy Cross where a Spanish tourist was killed, Florences Mayor Dario Nardella tweeted in Italian. Engineers from the ministry are already on site. Profondo dispiacere per lincidente nella Basilica di S.Croce dove ha perso la vita il turista spagnolo. Tecnici del ministero gia sul posto Dario Nardella (@DarioNardella) October 19, 2017 The basilica was full of tourists at the time, a tour guide told ANSA.it. At that moment, I was about fifteen meters away with the tourists I was accompanying when I saw a piece of stone fall. I did not see the impact with the person but I heard a woman, I believe his wife, start crying, the guide said. I did not see the person falling to the ground because there were many people in front, the guide added. But I saw stone and blood fragments. Investigators immediately tried to ascertain whether there was any liability due to a lack of building maintenance. The Opera di Santa Croce, which oversees the monument, says it performed the latest checks a week ago. Reuters contributed to this report. From NTD.tv Poll: Nearly Half of Americans Think Media Is Making up Stories on Trump Nearly half of Americans believe the media make up stories about President Donald Trump. A survey from Politico/Morning Consult found that 46 percent thought as much. About 37 percent of voters disagree and 17 percent are undecided, the poll discovered. Seventy-six percent of Republicans believe the media fabricates stories to smear Trump and his administration, the poll found. About 20 percent of Democrats believe the same, and 65 percent of Democrats disagree with the claim that news outlets are making up stories. Twenty-eight percent of voters think the government should be able to take away broadcast licenses from news organizations. Fifty-one percent disagree that the government should have such power, and 21 percent are undecided, the survey said. The poll surveyed 1,991 registered voters and was carried out from Oct. 12 to Oct. 16. It has a margin of error of 2 percentage points. Network news has become so partisan, distorted and fake that licenses must be challenged and, if appropriate, revoked, Trump said on Twitter this week. Not fair to public! For months, Trump has pilloried the fake news media, namely CNN and The New York Times, saying those organizations have treated him unfairly. The Pew Research Center earlier this month discovered that during the first 60 days of his presidency, 62 percent of the medias coverage of Trump was negative, while 5 percent was positive. The study noted that the media coverage of former President Obama was 42 percent positive and 20 percent negative. Former President George W. Bush had 28 percent negative and 22 percent positive in 2001, Pew noted. Quentin Tarantino Ashamed He Didnt Do More to Stop Weinstein Director Quentin Tarantino has said he knew about Harvey Weinsteins alleged treatment of women and is ashamed he didnt stop working with him. Tarantino said that he heard stories from several prominent actresses but didnt take action at the time. He said that everyone close to Weinstein had heard of at least one such case. Speaking to The New York Times, he said: I wish I had taken responsibility for what I heard. If I had done the work I should have done then, I would have had to not work with him. Tarantinos former girlfriend, Mira Sorvino, told him about unwanted touching by Weinstein. He also knew that the actress Rose McGowan, who has since claimed that Weinstein raped her, reached a settlement with the producer. What I did was marginalize the incidents, he said. Anything I say now will sound like a crappy excuse. Weinstein worked on all of Tarantinos films, from his debut Reservoir Dogs, through to Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, Kill Bill, and The Hateful Eight. Tarantino said he was shocked when he read about the recent allegations against Weinstein, but that he recognized their veracity. Everyone who was close to Harvey had heard of at least one of those incidents, he said. It was impossible they didnt. Actress Mira Sorvino has alleged that Weinstein massaged her without asking, chased her around a hotel room, and visited her apartment in the middle of the night. I was shocked and appalled, Tarantino said. I couldnt believe he would do that so openly. I was like: Really? Really? But the thing I thought then, at the time, was that he was particularly hung up on Mira. I thought Harvey was hung up on her in this Svengali kind of way. Because he was infatuated with her, he horribly crossed the line. Tarantino explained that he never did anything about the rumors he heard. I chalked it up to a 50s-60s era image of a boss chasing a secretary around the desk, he said. As if thats O.K. Thats the egg on my face right now. Since the allegations against Weinstein have been revealed, he has been expelled from the Oscars Academy, and members of The Weinstein Company have called him a monster in a statement published by The New Yorker. Police in New York and London are now investigating further complaints against Weinstein. Joseph Orbeso, 22, and Rachel Nguyen, 20, who went missing in Joshua Tree National Park, Calif., on July 27, 2017. (State of California Department of Justice) Report: Hikers Found Embracing in SoCal National Park Died of Gunshot Wounds Two hikers who were found dead earlier this month after hiking in Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California died of gunshot wounds, a coroners report says. On Sunday, Oct. 15, at about 11:30 p.m., a search team that included Gilbert Orbeso found two bodies: his son Joseph, 22, and Josephs friend, Rachel Nguyen, 20. The two bodies were found embracing each other. Orbeso was glad that the search was over. But a disturbing new detail of his sons death has emerged. The San Bernardino Coroners office said both Nguyen and Joseph had injuries consistent with a gunshot wound, and detectives believe Orbeso shot Nguyen, then shot himself. The investigation into their deaths is still under investigation. The two were reported missing on July 27 and authorities scaled back their search efforts after almost three months. Orbeso, however, continued to go out and search the park whenever he could, joined by his sons friends. On Sunday, Oct. 15, the search led Orbeso and the team to a wash a few miles from Maze Loop, where they found pieces of clothing, water bottles, and food wrappers. Nearby they found the bodies. A car belonging to the hikers was previously found in the Maze Loop area. At the time, the discovery of their bodies was a relief for Gilbert. I feel that we have closure and we know we found them, he told ABC 7, his voice shaking. That was our main goal was to find them. Hope that they can rest in peace now. #JoshuaTree 2 missing hikers recovered from the Natl Park. Positive ID is pending autopsies. Updates will be provided when available. SB County Sheriff (@sbcountysheriff) October 16, 2017 Joseph Orbeso was from Lakewood and Nguyen from Westminster, both in Southern California. Joseph wasnt an experienced hiker, his father said. His son had dated Nguyen in the past and had stayed friends with her. The hiking trip was a birthday present for her, he said. Joshua Tree National Park, over 100 miles east of Los Angeles, spans 1,240 square miles. Its an unforgiving mix of desert and rocky terrain, especially in the Maze Loop area. Petr Svab contributed to this report. From NTD.tv Sao Paulos Mayor to Feed Citys Poor With Dog Food The mayor of Brazils capital is promoting the idea that dry pellets, popularly referred to as dog food, are the answer to the countrys hunger crisis. The pellets, called farinata, are made of collected food waste that is on the verge of going bad. Sao Paulos mayor presented farinata at a press conference in hopes of gaining wider acceptance. Different forms of the farinata can be eaten differently. In some cases it can be eaten on its own, and looks similar to popcorn. In others forms, it can be added to supplement foods like spaghetti or cake, according to AFP. Your daily dose of dystopia: Sao Paulo's mayor wants to feed the poor with pellets made from a mix of unwanted and nearly expired food items pic.twitter.com/oWwDFGNOAV Alex Cuadros (@alexcuadros) October 16, 2017 Rosana Perrotti, a representative for Plataforma Sinergia, said converting food to farinata extends its shelf life by at least two years. It also aids the mayors goals of curbing food waste. Farinata was already authorized by Mayor Joao Doria to feed schoolchildren at some schools in the city. Starting in October, we will have a gradual roll-out to offer it to people who are hungry, Doria said. The idea that such a strange substance would be used to feed people has caused a public outcry. Concerns linger over the nutritional benefits of the pellets and the lack of transparency in its production. The Region Council on Nutrition is pushing for further study on farinata before its consumption becomes more widespread. The council hopes the mayor would look at alternatives. They said farinata flew in the face of advances made in recent years in the field of food security. Prosecutors have opened an inquiry to find out more about farinatas nutritional value. It is not an accusation, but it is a procedure we need to do so we can understand what these pellets are, Prosecutor Jose Carlos Bonilha said to AP. We need forensics to tell us whether this actually has nutritious value or not. If we see that is not the case, we will open a suit. The mayor is hoping that the discussion on farinata can be kept apolitical and looked at objectively. About 1.5 million people lack sufficient food in Sao Paulo and 7.2 million people lack food across Brazil as a whole, according to 2013 study by the Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics When the city presented the pellets, they said it was a good practise but no one ever thought it would replace food, said Vivian Zollar, the councils spokeswoman. But the company that produces farinata has already distributed it to three humanitarian organizations, and plans to use it to feed Venezuelans fleeing into Brazil as Venezuelas government continues to crumble. From NTD.tv A British Airways aircraft takes off from Heathrow Airport on May 28, 2017 in London, England. (Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Seven-Year-Old Left Covered in Bed Bug Bites on British Airways Flight British Airways has apologised to a couple whose seven-year-old daughter was left covered with painful bed bug bites on a flight to London. Heather Szilagyi, her seven-year-old daughter Molly, and her fiance Eric Neilson, were all bitten during their journey from Canada to Slovakia this month. Szilagyi posted a picture of her daughters legs, covered in bites, on Twitter after the Vancouver to London leg of their journey. British Airways have offered to upgrade the family to business class on their return journey to Canada from Europe. Experts say that occasionally bed bugs will find their way onto airplanes, and that the incident, whilst rare, isnt surprising. Bed begs are not known to spread diseases. Each bed bug bites 3 times then goes back into hiding. This is just my daughter's calves. That's more than a few bugs. #britishairways pic.twitter.com/2WtAGA8PFd Heather Szilagyi (@heatherfact) October 12, 2017 Szilagyi first spotted the beg bugs on the seat in front, then saw another crawling out from behind a TV monitor. Having worked in hotels most of her life, she knew what they were straight away. She discretely alerted the flight attendants, who apologised but said there was nothing that could be done as the flight was full. It was nine hours of knowing that I was probably going to get bit, but not being sure, she told Canadian CTV news. But there wasnt really anything I could do about it. I was surprised I was able to relaxbut what can you do? Me and my daughter are both really sensitive to insect bites, so she was just covered all over. Ive still got a really infected one. A BA spokesperson said, according to the Guardian, We have been in touch with our customer to apologise and investigate further. British Airways operates more than 280,000 flights every year and reports of bed bugs onboard are extremely rare. Nevertheless, we are vigilant and continually monitor our aircraft. Szilagyi disinfected their belongings when they reached their destination, to prevent them from spreading further and put everything they could in plastic bags and left what they could outside. Then the bites, which can take up to two days to form, began to appear. Szilagyi herself had bites along her hands, waistline, neck, and other areas, some of which became infected. Neilson was also bitten but didnt react as badly as the mother and daughter. Bed bugs usually live within 8 feet of where people sleep, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, so they most often infest apartments, houses, and hotels. However, they can be found just about anywhere, say experts. They are only active only in the early hours of the night and tend to hide during the day. Murray Isman, a University of British Columbia professor of entomology and toxicology, told CBC news that it wasnt surprising bedbugs are finding their way onto commercial aircraft. But travellers shouldnt be too worried there will be more incidents of bedbugs biting passengers on planes, he said. If you think about the normal situation which is someone sleeping in a hotel bed or a bed at home, the bedbugs dont like a lot of disturbance or movement. They like it quiet, dark, he said. The bugs would also first have to find their way from peoples bags onto the planes chairs and upholstery. A 4,000-year-old wooden head uncovered in Egypt thought to be of the 6th Dynasty Queen Ankhnespepy II. (Egypt's Ministry of Antiquities) Uncovered 4,000-Year-Old Wooden Head Thought to Be of Egypts Queen Ankhnespepy II Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered a 4,000-year-old wooden head they believe is of Egypts 6th dynasty Queen, Ankhnespepy II. The head was uncovered in an area east of the queens main pyramid in the district of Saqqara, near the ancient Pyramids of Giza, by a team of French-Swiss archaeologists at the University of Geneva. Egypts Ministry of Antiquities said the neck of the statue is almost a foot long in some places, and that the proportions are similar to those of a human. The statue is in poor condition and will have to be restored, according to Philip Collombert, the head of the French-Swiss mission. Ankhnespepy II was the influential wife of Pepy I and the mother of Pepy II.When Pepy I died, the queen married his brother, with whom she had Pepy II. She ruled as regent until Pepy II came of age at 6 years old. She is probably the first queen to have pyramid texts inscribed into her pyramid, explaining her influence during that time, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mustafa Waziri, told the ibtimes. Before her, such inscriptions were only carved on the pyramids of kings. After Ankhnespepy II, some wives of Pepy II did the same. The queens main burial pyramid was discovered in Saqqara in 1998. Earlier in their investigation, the Swiss researchers found a granite pyramidion, the very top of a pyramid. Collombert said the pyramidion was found at the northern side of King Pepi Is pyramid and near the place where they expect to find a satellite pyramid for the queen, however nothing has else has been found of this pyramid. They are also looking for the queens funerary complex. Over the past two weeks, the mission also uncovered the upper part of a granite obelisk that may belong to the queens funerary temple. Collombert said that it was carved of red granite and at over 8 feet tall (2.5 meters), it was the largest obelisk fragment from the Old Kingdom ever discovered. There is an inscription on one side, with what seems to be the beginning of the titles and name of the Queen Ankhnespepy II. From NTD.tv The Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and the forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Stethem steam alongside ships from the Republic of Korea Navy in the waters east of the Korean Peninsula on Oct. 18, 2017. (Courtesy Kenneth Abbate/U.S. Navy/Handout via REUTERS) US Carrier Patrols Off Korean Peninsula Announcing Its Ready to Defend South Korea North Korea slammed the warship gathering as a "rehearsal for war" ABOARD USS RONALD REAGAN, Sea of JapanThe USS Ronald Reagan, a 100,000-ton nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, patrolled in waters east of the Korean peninsula on Thursday, in a show of sea and air power designed to warn off North Korea from any military action. The U.S. Navys biggest warship in Asia, with a crew of 5,000 sailors, sailed around 100 miles (160.93 km), launching almost 90 F-18 Super Hornet sorties from its deck, in sight of South Korean islands. It is conducting drills with the South Korean navy involving 40 warships deployed in a line stretching from the Yellow Sea west of the peninsula into the Sea of Japan. The dangerous and aggressive behavior by North Korea concerns everybody in the world, Rear Admiral Marc Dalton, commander of the Reagans strike group, said in the carriers hangar as war planes taxied on the flight deck above. We have made it clear with this exercise, and many others, that we are ready to defend the Republic of Korea. The Reagans presence in the region, coupled with recent military pressure by Washington on Pyongyang, including B1-B strategic bomber flights over the Korean peninsula, comes ahead of President Donald Trumps first official visit to Asia, set to start in Japan on Nov. 5, with South Korea to follow. North Korea has slammed the warship gathering as a rehearsal for war. It comes as senior Japanese, South Korean and U.S. diplomats meet in Seoul to discuss a diplomatic way forward backed up by U.N. sanctions. The U.N. Security Council has unanimously ratcheted up sanctions on North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes since 2006. The most stringent include a ban on coal, iron ore and seafood exports that aim at halting a third of North Koreas $3 billion of annual exports. On Oct. 16, Kim In Ryong, North Koreas deputy U.N. envoy, told a U.N. General Assembly committee the Korean peninsula situation had reached a touch-and-go point and a nuclear war could break out at any moment. A series of weapons tests by Pyongyang, including its sixth and most powerful nuclear test on Sept. 3 and two missile launches over Japan, has stoked tension in East Asia. A Russian who returned from a visit to Pyongyang has said the regime is preparing to test a missile it believes can reach the U.S. west coast. On Sunday, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said President Donald Trump had instructed him to continue diplomatic efforts to defuse tension with North Korea. Washington has not ruled out the eventual possibility of direct talks with the North to resolve the stand-off, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan said on Oct. 17. Washington Boy Who Went Missing Was Drowned to Death, Authorities Say Authorities have found the cause of death in the case of a missing 6-year-old autistic boy, whose body was found in a dumpster this week. The suspect, the boys 19-year-old uncle allegedly drowned the child in a bathtub on Monday, Oct. 16, and then dumped his body in a nearby dumpster at a Seattle-area apartment complex, Fox News reported. Andrew Clayton Henckel was visiting from Kerrville, Texas, and was babysitting Dayvid Pakko on Monday, according to court documents as reported by Fox News. The child was reported missing that same day. Henckel, a 6-foot-4-inch, and 180-pound man grabbed the 48-pound boy and plunged him face-first into the tub, drowning him, court documents said, reported Fox News. The childs body was found the day after he was first reported missing. It was found in Lynnwood, a northern Seattle suburb at the 15700 block of 44th Avenue West, around 2 a.m. Tuesday. Authorities have not yet specified a motive behind the murder. The body of missing 6 year-old boy located this morning, victim of homicide. A 19 YO male relative is in custody. https://t.co/zIyZ7wW422 Snohomish Sheriff (@SnoCoSheriff) October 17, 2017 Henckel is being held on a $1 million bail at the Snohomish County Jail for first-degree murder domestic violence, according to The Seattle Times. At Henckels first court appearance on Wednesday, Rachel Forde, a Snohomish County public defender said he was on the autism spectrum, Fox News reported. Forde made the point that individuals with his disability are vulnerable to suggestion and authority figures, and told the judge not to hold Henckel based only on his statements to police. Henckels family has retained a private attorney, Forde said. MISSING: David Pakko, 6 years old from 15700 44th Ave W (Lynn). Last seen around 2:30 PM wearing green camouflage PJs pic.twitter.com/n8Q12KvhH8 Snohomish Sheriff (@SnoCoSheriff) October 17, 2017 According to documents, Henckel first came under scrutiny based on his actions after the boys body was found. Henckel left the area, rather than showing interest in the sudden activity, the Seattle Times reported. It appeared that police interest in the dumpster was quite obvious, yet Andrew walked away at that precise moment in time, the document stated. Henckels father, Randy told reporters that Henckel was interrogated by police for hours without a parent or attorney present, despite having obvious developmental disabilities. Henckel said his son met Dayvid for the first time during his visit, The Seattle Times reported. He said he does not believe his son is capable of murder. From NTD.tv With Allegations of Russian Bribery, Judiciary Committee Calls On FBI Informant to Testify A key informant on a Russian bribery operation around a deal to obtain U.S. uranium was allegedly prevented from testifying under the Obama administration, under threats of prosecution. As news emerges that the Clintons may have profited from the Russian deal, the Senate Judiciary Committee is now calling on this witness to testify. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) requested the testimony in a series of letters on Oct. 18, which he sent to 10 federal agencies. He asked that the witness who is currently barred from speaking by the FBI be allowed to testify before Congress. The Hill published an exclusive story on Oct. 17, showing that Russian nuclear industry officials were engaged in bribery, kickbacks, extortion and money laundering, which was tied to the Uranium One purchase that gave Russia 20 percent of Americas uranium supply. The Clinton Foundation received several payments from individuals behind the Russian company, which included $500,000 for a speech given by Bill Clinton, and $2.35 million in other exchanges between 2009 and 2013. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was serving on a government body that allowed the Russian deal to go through, the same month The Clinton Foundation received a payment from the Russians. Several other current and former U.S. officials are swept up in the emerging case, including special counsel on the current Russia investigations Robert Mueller, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, former FBI Director James Comey, former Attorney General Loretta Lynch, and others. The FBI witness who allegedly has details on Russian exchanges behind the deal was prevented from speaking to Congress under the Obama administration. The Hill reported on Oct. 18 that he was asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) by the FBI under James Comey, and was threatened with criminal charges by the Justice Department under Lynch if he spoke to Congress. In an open letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Oct. 18, Grassley requested a copy of the NDA, and requested the Justice Department to release the witness to testify and pledge not to engage in any form of retaliation against him for good faith communications with Congress. These restrictions appear to improperly prevent the individual from making critical, good faith disclosures to Congress of potential wrongdoing, Grassley states in his letter. They also purport to limit the Committees access to information it needs to fulfil its constitutional responsibility of oversight. He added, This Committee has oversight jurisdiction of the Justice Department, and if this NDA does in fact exist, it hinders the Committees ability to do its job. President Donald Trump also commented on the case in a series of tweets. He stated, Uranium deal to Russia, with Clinton help and Obama Administration knowledge, is the biggest story that Fake Media doesnt want to follow! Uranium deal to Russia, with Clinton help and Obama Administration knowledge, is the biggest story that Fake Media doesn't want to follow! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 19, 2017 Trump added, Russia sent millions to Clinton Foundation. .@foxandfriends "Russia sent millions to Clinton Foundation" Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 19, 2017 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. What's next for SD Gov. Kristi Noem as she heads into her second term? DIGBY NECK, N.S.This far-flung peninsula in the North Atlantic seems an unlikely place for an international trade dispute. But a U.S. companys scuttled plans to build a quarry here have turned these quiet fishing grounds into a case study of the kind of thorny disputes that threaten to derail the North American Free Trade Agreement. Digby Neck, a remote strip of volcanic rock with a population of about 2,000, was chosen by a Delaware company, Bilcon, to be the site of a large stone quarry in 2002. Lured here by the government of Nova Scotia, Bilcon planned to blast the basalt rock that lines the shore, then load 40,000 tons of it onto a ship that would leave the Bay of Fundy each week and head to New Jersey, where it would be mixed into concrete for roads, bridges and other projects. The quarry was expected to operate for 50 years and create about 30 local jobs in Digby Neck. Instead, the project was killed by the Canadian government after a years-long review concluded that it would damage the environment. But Bilcon, which had invested significant sums trying to get the project underway, seized on an obscure NAFTA provision allowing foreign companies to sue governments for unfair treatment. Read more: As NAFTA talks turn frigid, congressional report backs Canadas view of trade deficits Canadas stark choice on NAFTA talks Opportunities in a post-NAFTA world: Broadbent Bilcon sued Canada and won. The company is seeking as much as $443 million, plus costs. While the Canadian government can fight to lower that sum, NAFTA provides no appeal mechanism to reverse the underlying legal decision. The ability of foreign companies to sue governments is one of the most contentious issues in the clash among the United States, Mexico and Canada over how to rework NAFTA. The Trump administration views that section of NAFTA as impinging on national sovereignty, saying it undermines government decision-making. The United States is pushing for dramatic changes in that provision that would roll back the ability of companies to bring cases under NAFTA. Those changes are fiercely opposed by businesses, Mexico and despite its loss to Bilcon Canada. It is the latest in a series of demands by the United States that have pushed the trade talks to the brink of collapse. U.S. President Donald Trump campaigned on reworking the pact, which he has described as a bad deal for American workers. Negotiators are meeting every two weeks to hammer out changes to the deal. But as recently as last week, Trump continued threatening to walk away from the pact, an outcome that could disrupt corporate supply chains that span the continent and put at risk millions of jobs that are supported by commerce among the three nations. The provision that Bilcon used known as investor-state dispute settlement gives a tribunal of private sector lawyers the power to rule on whether countries treat foreign investors fairly. It is a tool that critics, including labour unions and environmental groups, say puts billions of taxpayer dollars at risk by taking power away from democratically elected governments and putting it in the hands of lawyers and multinational corporations. Canada and Mexico have said they are open to improving the provision, but not dropping it. Businesses regard it as essential to protecting their investments abroad. In Digby Neck, residents such as Kemp Stanton, whose family has harvested lobsters from these waters for generations, objected to the quarry over concerns that it would harm the ecosystem and the local economy, which depends on fishing and tourism from whale watching. It was way, way, way too big of a project for Digby Neck, said Stanton, a retired lobsterman. He said he had already seen marine life diminish over his lifetime and decided to oppose the quarry, even donating lobster to chowder suppers to raise funds for the efforts. For what we were going to lose, it didnt seem reasonable, Stanton said. The Canadian government commissioned an independent panel to review the project in 2003 and, after four years of deliberation, it recommended rejecting the quarry, citing its potential for significant adverse environmental effects. The Canadian federal and provincial governments agreed, and the project was officially killed in 2007. Stanton and others in Digby Neck thought that was the end of the dispute. But Bilcon filed a complaint against the Canadian government, claiming unfair treatment under the investor-state dispute settlement provision. In early 2018, a NAFTA panel of lawyers will begin deciding how much Canada must pay. Stanton, leaning on a seawall with the Bay of Fundy behind him, said he found it disturbing that a NAFTA tribunal could hand down a ruling regarding his community. NAFTA allows decisions to be made by people weve never seen in places weve never heard of that directly affect us, he said. We have no say in it. The ruling favoured a U.S. company, but the Trump administration agrees with Stanton. In the current NAFTA talks, the administration has proposed dramatically curtailing the dispute settlement provision by allowing countries to opt out of having cases brought against them. This would essentially nullify a provision that businesses see as important to defending their rights. We regard that as a non-starter, said John Murphy, senior vice-president for international policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. A spokesperson for Robert Lighthizer, the U.S. trade representative leading the NAFTA renegotiations, declined to comment, citing the confidentiality of ongoing trade talks. But at a Senate hearing in June, Lighthizer made it clear that he was not a fan of the provision. Im always troubled by the fact that nonelected non-Americans can make the final decision that the United States law is invalid, Lighthizer said. Investors have filed 59 cases under NAFTA: 16 against the United States, 25 against Canada and 18 against Mexico. While U.S. companies, including Cargill and Archer-Daniels-Midland, have won cases against Canada and Mexico, the United States has yet to lose one. The closest the United States came to a loss was over the Keystone XL pipeline, after the administration of Barack Obama halted work on the project under pressure from environmentalists. The Canadian company building the pipeline, TransCanada, filed a $15-billion NAFTA case against the United States, seeking to recover costs and damages from the suspended project. But it withdrew the case this year, after Trump allowed the pipeline to proceed. The investor-state dispute provision can trace its history back to the ashes of colonialism, as rich countries looked for a way to protect investments in former colonies with weak or biased courts. Companies feared that they would invest heavily in a project, only to have the local government wrest control away from them. So countries turned to outside panels to resolve such disputes. NAFTA marked the first time such a provision was used between developed countries such as the United States and Canada, which have robust legal systems. Supporters argued that it was important in case companies had problems in Mexico and to create a precedent for future pacts. The scope of investor-state arbitration cases has expanded in recent years to provide broader protection for investors, including against indirect expropriation when new regulations are passed that damage a companys business and unfair or discriminatory treatment based on nationality. It was the fair treatment provision that Bilcon accused Canada of violating. The company said it had been subjected it to a stricter review than Canadian-owned projects and the review had focused on considerations not mandated by Canadian law. In its complaint, Bilcon claimed that Nova Scotia had wooed its business, even flying a company representative around to see potential sites in a government helicopter. Gregory Nash, a lawyer for the family who owns Bilcon, said the case was about Canadas treatment of good faith investors who had been invited to Nova Scotia. They have been treated shamefully, he said, in a manner that is unbecoming of Canadas reputation as a reliable jurisdiction in which to do business. Some in the community agreed. David and Linda Graham, who live 16 kilometres north of Stanton, on the other side of the proposed quarry, said they looked favourably on the roughly 30 jobs the project would have created in an area that is losing population. The conflict divided the community. Supporters and opponents erected signs and circulated dueling petitions, and one man spit in Linda Grahams face. A lot of people were mad at us for a very long time, David Graham said. But I didnt care. I had to leave here when I was young to get a job, and I would have loved to have been able to stay. In March 2015, the tribunal handed down its decision in favour of Bilcon. Two of the tribunals three members agreed that the Canadian government had been unfair, encouraging Bilcon to engage in an approval process that cost millions of dollars but was unwinnable from the outset. The third arbiter, Donald McRae, said Canada had the right to reject such a potentially damaging project and called the ruling a remarkable step backwards in environmental protection. For critics, the Bilcon case is a symbol of how NAFTA gives the private sector discretion over government decisions. While NAFTA tribunals cannot alter a countrys laws, they can force a government to pay significant sums of money in compensation. The tribunals are made up of three lawyers one chosen by the country being sued, another by the company, and those two together choose a third. Robert Stumberg, a professor at Georgetown Law, said the rulings in the cases can be arbitrary. Every case, he said, is like rolling the dice. Read more about: SHARE: The CEO of Hudsons Bay Co. will leave the company and return to his consulting firm next month, the company says less than two months after he helped bring the Canadian department-store chain to an international market. Gerald Storch, who joined the Toronto-based retailer in January 2015, will return to Storch Advisors effective Nov. 1, the company said in a statement. Im looking forward to returning to my advisory firm to work with a range of companies during this transformational time for the retail industry, Storch, who also once held the top job at Toys R Us, said. Richard Baker, whom Storch succeeded in the top role, will resume the CEOs duties on an interim basis, while the company searches for a permanent replacement. Baker said he and the board are grateful for Storchs work, which included leading cost-cutting efforts and addressing the challenges for the companys multiple banners in a fast-evolving retail environment. The team at HBC is focused on delivering a strong holiday season and looking forward at getting the most value from its retail and real estate assets, Baker said. The retailer, which owns Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor, has been struggling in a shifting retail landscape where consumers are increasingly turning to online shopping. This summer, the company announced it was cutting 2,000 jobs and faced pressure from an activist investor to unlock value in its real estate holdings. HBC has remained focused on its European expansion, with the first Hudsons Bay store opening last month in the Netherlands. At the time, Storch said there was a big gap in the Dutch market between a very-high end luxury player and discount chains, and he expected the company to be welcomed with open arms. Storchs departure was announced after the Toronto Stock Exchange closed Friday. The stock was at $11.96 in Toronto prior to the announcement. SHARE: SEATTLEAmazon has driven an economic boom in Seattle, bestowing more than 40,000 jobs upon a city known for Starbucks coffee and Seahawks fandom. Its growth remade a neglected industrial swath north of downtown into a hub of young workers and fixed the region, along with Microsoft before it, as a premier locale for the internet economy outside of Silicon Valley. Seattle is the fastest-growing big city in America, a company town with construction cranes busily erecting new apartments for newly arriving tech workers. Google and Facebook have joined Amazon in locating large offices here. When Amazon made a surprise announcement last month that it planned to open a second headquarters with even more jobs, it set off an unprecedented race among cities to lure the tech giant their way. Amazon said it ultimately will need eight million square feet in a second region, making it the biggest economic development target experts can remember. But as Seattleites will say, keeping up with the internet juggernaut has not always been easy, providing a word of caution for officials from other cities willing to pursue the company at great expense. Read more: Torontos tech talent being used to woo Amazon To reel in Amazons new HQ, Halifax baits hook with lobsters, beer and startups Over the past decade, Amazon and its founder, Jeff Bezos, who owns the Washington Post, added new products and business units at a breakneck speed and expected public partners to keep pace. In Seattle, that meant rehabbing an area of more than 140 hectares at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars in ongoing transportation and infrastructure upgrades, expanding public transit, road networks, parks and utilities. It also put new strains on housing. Seattle is one of the most expensive places in the United States to live, forcing lower-income residents to move to far-off suburbs and prompting the city and surrounding King County to declare a state of emergency in 2015 over homelessness. Since then, the problem has worsened. Rents in King County have more than doubled in the past 20 years, and gone up 65 per cent since 2009. Seattle spends more than $60 million (U.S.) annually to battle homelessness, up from $39 million four years ago. We started seeing apartment listings that would say No deposit needed and priority for Amazon, Microsoft and Google employees, said Rachael Myers, executive director of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, a Seattle-based advocacy group. She said the area was in the midst of the greatest affordable housing and homelessness crisis that our state has ever seen. How much of Seattles evolution is attributable to Amazon is a matter of debate. In the past decade, millennial workers have poured into other big cities exacerbating housing costs and homelessness there. But few buildups are so linked to the prospects of one company. Amazon has contributed $30 billion to the local economy, and as much as $55 billion more in spinoff benefits. Unemployment in the Seattle area is 3.7 per cent, below the national rate of 4.4 per cent. Much of that progress is the result of Amazons decision to locate its first headquarters downtown a decade ago. John Schoettler, who oversees real estate for the online giant, thought it simplest and least expensive to plan a suburban headquarters campus east of Lake Washington, in Bellevue, Wash., near where Microsoft was located. Bezos had a different idea. He wanted to stay in Seattle. Jeff said the type of employees we want to hire and retain will want to live in an urban environment. They are going to want to work, live and play in the urban core, Schoettler said. The decision helped usher in a new era, one in which top employers abandon suburban office parks for lively, urban neighbourhoods integrated into the cities around them. Only seven Fortune 500 companies had research or engineering hubs in Seattle in 2010; now 31 do. Their growth has just been so positive to lots of other companies, big and small and medium and in between, said Jon Scholes, president and chief executive of the Downtown Seattle Association, where Schoettler is a board member. Its a boom that has shown little sign of slowing. Seattle added 57 additional people a day for a year through the summer of 2016, according to census data. How best to accommodate that growth provokes regular debate in Seattle and could well shape whatever city Amazon comes to next. Such details spark little discussion as mayors and governors from coast to coast have embarked upon a sweepstakes fit for a reality show, touting their cities in online videos and dangling taxpayer-funded subsidies of as much as $7 billion, even if their jurisdictions dont have the workforce or transportation network Amazon said it requires. So will the all mayors go to compete on the Ellen DeGeneres show, Kelly Ripa or Anderson Cooper? said Greg LeRoy, president of the policy group Good Jobs First, which regularly warns that public incentives rarely pay off. Thats the spectrum of the debate right now. Seattle won its own economic beauty contest in 1962, when it hosted the Worlds Fair. To serve the crowds, the city built acres of parking and low-slung motels in an area known as South Lake Union. The bet paid few dividends. Three decades later, the area was probably best known for a printing plant, struggling motels and a Hooters restaurant. Only 677 people lived there in 1990. Then Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, launched a real estate firm called Vulcan and bought 60 acres in the area. Vulcan executive Ada Healey recalls the early skeptics. During a 2002 pitch meeting, she said that a representative from a prospective company turned to her and said: Why would I want to move to South Lake Union? It is a wasteland. Bezos, though, saw promise in the urban locale. He had started Amazon in his garage in nearby Bellevue, then opened an early office in a former military hospital now called Pacific Tower. Before long, he was searching for more space to accommodate his fast-growing company. Schoettler initially secured about 1.7 million square feet in 10 buildings. It was enough, he thought, to contain the company through 2016, when it was projected to have 9,300 employees. Instead, Amazon grew five times as fast. It now has more than 40,000 employees in 33 Seattle buildings totalling 8.1 million square feet. It occupies 19 per cent of the high-end office space in the city, according to an analysis by the Seattle Times, as many square feet as the citys next 40 biggest employers combined. Next year, Amazon will complete its most prominent addition: three glass biospheres featuring about 40,000 plants, a unique environment for employees to come and collaborate and innovate, Schoettler said. Seattle officials raced to keep up, approving $480.5 million in improvements for South Lake Union. Amazon and Vulcan, in need of approval to take over city alleys for its development, chipped in some funding. A $190.5-million road realignment program included $31.4 million from property owners led by Vulcan. A new, two-kilometre streetcar line cost $56.4 million and benefited from $5.5 million from Amazon, including the donation of a fourth car. Now, the city has embarked on a $201.5-million electrical substation, work that includes burying electrical wires. During weekdays, South Lake Union teems with young workers sporting Amazon name tags, eating bananas that the company offers free to passersby. Many can be seen walking their dogs, as 4,000 employee-owned pups are registered with headquarters access, helping Seattle earn notoriety recently for having more dogs than children. The campus has produced spillover benefits for the city. Amazons buildings are home to 34 restaurants, including a culinary job training program called FareStart. More than 20 per cent of employees walk to work, and less than half drive. The companys longtime support for LGBT rights including a $2.5-million donation that Bezos and his wife, MacKenzie, made to advance same-sex marriage dovetail with the citys progressive politics. In June, the company flew a rainbow flag above its headquarters for LGBT Pride Month. It has more than 40 glamazon chapters for LGBT affinity around the world. We could have gone to the suburbs and we could have built a campus, and we would have had an entry gate where everybody would come and go so you would be very inward-looking and very exclusive, Schoettler said. As opposed to being in a very urban environment where you have to look outward, so youre very inclusive and everyone is your neighbour and everyone is welcome. Maybe no city could have built housing fast enough to keep prices from spiralling during Amazons growth, but Seattle despite nearly leading the nation in new apartment construction hasnt come close. On the sidewalks, alongside rentable neon bikes, people subsist in tents and in sleeping bags, in places locals say they did not congregate 10 years ago a warning sign for cities nationwide trying to capture a version of Seattles glory. We dont have enough housing for low-income people especially, but we also just dont have enough housing, said Myers, a longtime Seattle housing advocate. And Amazon obviously impacts both of those things. Officials at Bellwether Housing, the citys largest non-profit manger of affordable housing, at 2,000 units, reports a vacancy rate of 1 per cent. Its very rare that someone moves out because they have nowhere else to go, chief executive Susan Boyd said. An analysis of evictions found they were driven not by social problems, but by economics. Since Amazons boom began, the city approved a rule requiring landlords to accept the first viable renter who applies rather than cherry-pick a tech worker. The government also adopted an inclusionary zoning policy requiring developers to set aside some new units at below-market rates or pay into a fund to develop other affordable units. Myers suggests other jurisdictions pay heed: If youre going to get an Amazon thats going to create a ton of high-paying jobs and a ton of pressure on the housing market, what are the things you can do before rents really skyrocket? Ask 10 experts where the company will put its next headquarters and you may get 10 different answers. The company prides itself on zigging when others zag, making it more difficult to read the tea leaves. Still, many in Seattle think the company has a good idea of its options. I suspect they have a shortlist, said Healey, the Vulcan executive. Landing the second headquarters would be a legacy-defining achievement for nearly any governor or mayor, but lessons from Seattles Amazon experience have bidders scrambling to show how they can meet Amazons insistence on speed, low costs, transportation and inclusion particularly if they didnt focus on them ahead of time. East Coast cities such as Boston, New York and Washington may need to answer for their own runaway real estate and housing prices. Governors, including Chris Christie of New Jersey, Scott Walker of Wisconsin and Larry Hogan of Maryland, may have to explain why they cancelled major transit projects. Charlotte and Indianapolis are bidding, but Amazon may want to know the effect of state laws there affecting the rights of gay or transgender employees. Amy Liu of the Brookings Institution said the Amazon competition will hopefully serve as a chance for elected leaders to take the temperature of how prepared their neighbourhoods and infrastructure are to drive growth, whether from Amazon or elsewhere. These are things every city should be doing anyway, she said. Read more about: SHARE: CALGARYExport Development Canada says exports are growing significantly as both the U.S. and the global economy continue to improve. The crown corporation said in a report out Thursday that overall exports are expected to grow 8 per cent in 2017, led by massive gains in the commodity space, and 4 per cent next year. Things are definitely improving with respect to the U.S. and global economies, notwithstanding the issues around trade negotiations and political risk, said Todd Evans, principal at EDC Economics in an interview ahead of the reports release. When it comes to a synchronized global upturn, this is pretty good. In terms of that synchronicity its pretty much as good as it gets. At $77 billion, EDC says oil and gas exports are forecast to have grown by 31 per cent, after production was hit last year by the Fort McMurray wildfire. The boost from energy exports will make up half of the gains for the year, though EDC says that growth is expected to flatline in 2018 as high levels of global oil supplies come online. Ores and metals are also seeing gains this year, with double-digit growth led especially by increases in iron ore exports, but lower anticipated prices next year for the metal are likely to slow growth in that sector as well. EDC says aerospace should also come out ahead this year after a weak showing last year, while forestry is expected to take a hit both this year and next from the ongoing softwood lumber dispute. Evans said that despite disputes with the U.S., including Bombardier tariffs, softwood lumber, and general NAFTA renegotiations, he still expects eventual resolutions. Our baseline is that given the strength of the Canada-U.S. economic relationship, we believe that a deal will be reached eventually and Canada-U.S. trade will remain intact. He said that while trade agreements do help with exports, its the overall strength of both the U.S. and global economies that are the key drivers. Yes, trade agreements are important in sort of setting the groundwork, but really what drives the Canadian export cycle is the business cycle. Evans said services continue to grow as a component of Canadian exports, with 5 per cent growth last year and 6 per cent expected this year and next. Sectors that are expected to see growth this year and next after dropping last year include chemicals and plastics, aerospace, fertilizers, and industrial machinery and equipment. SHARE: The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Toronto Canada ended a tumultuous chapter in its young history Thursday, naming Toronto-born Heidi Reitmaier as its new executive director and CEO. Reitmaier, currently the director of learning and public programs at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, will join MOCA in January of 2018. Reitmaier takes a position left in limbo for more than a year since the abrupt departure of its inaugural CEO, Chantal Pontbriand, in June of 2016 after only eight months on the job. Interim CEO Terry Nicholson has been holding the position since July of last year. Our priority was in finding the right person, and we absolutely believe Heidi is that person, said Julia Ouellette, MOCAs board chair. The fact that were able to bring home a talented Canadian is a huge bonus. Reitmaier has held senior positions at such museums as the Tate Modern in London and the Vancouver Art Gallery, but MOCA will be her first directorship. In it, she sees an opportunity for a city rapidly coming of age on the international scene. Its a real homecoming for me, she said, speaking from Chicago this week. On the global stage, Toronto is a place people are really beginning to look to its diversity, the sheer talent to be found there. Its an exciting moment to be there. Reitmaeirs appointment marks the end of a long fallow period for the institution, which, after closing its doors in its previous Queen Street West location in 2015, has endured construction delays and high-profile changes in leadership along its path to reinvention. Its venue, the lower five floors of a formerly derelict industrial building in the citys west end, was first expected to be complete by May of this year. The museum bumped back its opening first to fall 2017, and then, in late summer, revised it again, to May of 2018. Before that, though, the museum suffered a significant blow when Pontbriand left the museum in its early planning stages. Nicholson said his job as interim CEO was only to stabilize an institution in turmoil, not lead it into the future. Over his tenure, the museum appointed a director of programs, November Paynter, and refocused what had become foggy vision of the buildings use of space. MOCAs initial ambition, to reinvent itself as an unconventional mould-breaker amid the citys institutions, will come on stream amid a turbulent moment in the citys cultural evolution. In the wake of the recent Canada 150 celebrations, a rising chorus of dissent regarding most institutions traditionalist leanings has provoked powerful discord among the citys diverse cultural communities. It seemed to come to a head earlier this month when, in an essay published in the Star, outgoing top curator of Canadian Art at the Art Gallery of Ontario Andrew Hunter criticized major museums like the AGO for what he believed to be a tokenistic and wavering commitment to the diverse array of cultural expression to be found her. Reitmaier, whose role in Chicago is very much focused on audience inclusion and education, sees MOCA as a key player in those conversations. One of the reasons MOCA is so exciting is that it can be both nimble and integrated with its many publics, she said. Im always most excited when I can see an institution fit into a citys larger cultural ecosystem. How do you make an institution thats truly relevant and collaborative with its community, that perhaps in the past didnt feel included? Thats in our DNA here (in Chicago), and will be our challenge at MOCA. SHARE: EDMONTONCanadas health ministers are looking at ways of working together, including an electronic prescription database, to fight the growing crisis in opioid addictions. (Its about) ensuring that there is consistent understanding no matter what jurisdiction youre in about what has been prescribed to different patients (to avoid) further complications down the road, Alberta Health Minister Sarah Hoffman said Thursday. Ontario Health Minister Eric Hoskins said the provinces are making progress on ways to fight the scourge. All of us have a shared understanding that this is a multi-faceted problem and (the solution) needs to range from appropriate prescribing of illicit opioids to provision of pain clinics and alternatives to opioids to making sure we have access to supports (for patients), said Hoskins. Last month, the federal government reported that at least 2,816 Canadians died from opioid-related causes in 2016 a total thats expected to surpass 3,000 in 2017. The Canadian Institute for Health Information warns the crisis is hitting the health system. It says 16 Canadians a day are being hospitalized for opioid toxicity in 2016-17, up from 13 a day two years prior a rise of almost 20 per cent. The ministers also discussed progress on joint purchases of medical equipment to save money and on progress for a national pharmacare plan. The looming implementation date of legalized marijuana is expected to dominate the final day of talks on Friday. Federal Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor is expected to deliver an update on federal progress ahead of legalized cannabis on July 1. The federal government is beefing up criminal laws and handling the overarching health issues on marijuana such as packaging, health warnings and potency of edible cannabis. The provinces will be in charge of regulating the sale of pot and are free to set the minimum legal age of consumption higher than Ottawas plan for it to be 18. Critics have called Ottawas timeline too ambitious. In July, premiers and territorial leaders did not call for a delay, but said they might ask for an extension if Ottawa does not help them resolve the issues related to distribution, safety, taxation, justice and public education. Quebec Health Minister Gaetan Barrette said Thursday that whether everything will be ready in just over eight months hangs over the entire process. Were working very hard to be ready, but . . . there are campaigns to be implemented, deployed on the networks and so on, said Barrette. And on July 1, 2018, there will be no regulations put in place from the federal government on derivative products. Hoskins said a co-ordinated approach with the federal government is critical to make sure the word gets out on the health implications of legalized marijuana. (We need to) ensure that individuals who do consume cannabis are doing it with informed knowledge about the risks, he said. A number of provinces already have preliminary cannabis distribution plans in place. Ontario and New Brunswick are looking at a minimum age of 19, while Alberta is proposing 18. The Canadian Medical Association says 25 is the safe age health-wise but says 21 would be a more realistic number to keep youth from getting cannabis through the black market. Read more about: SHARE: Retired senator Michael Pitfield, a longtime confidant of former prime minister Pierre Trudeau and a man who wielded enormous political influence, died Thursday after a decades-long struggle with Parkinsons disease. He was 80. Pitfield was Trudeaus clerk of the Privy Council and secretary to cabinet. As a senator, Pitfield played an especially prominent role in the repatriation of the Constitution a passion project of his, say his adult children and the establishment of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982. Photos of the day show him standing behind the Queen as she signed the constitutional proclamation. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered his condolences in a statement late Thursday, saying Pitfields legacy is far-reaching and enduring. He was a tireless advocate of bilingualism and national unity whose leadership helped bring us closer as a country and make our democracy uniquely our own, Trudeau said. On a personal level, I will remember Michael as a family friend, who was especially dear to my father and our family. Pitfield, a grandfather of eight, married at the age of 35. He and his wife, Nancy, who died from breast cancer in 1999, are survived by their three children Caroline, 44, Tom, 42, and Kate, 39. Tom Pitfield was in Europe on the day his father died. His sisters told the Star all three agreed that their fathers lifelong passion was government work, and he advocated taking it up, whether in the public service, the Senate, in political parties or in business to make the country better. Pitfield was born in Montreal in 1937. Noted for his intelligence from a young age, he started attending St. Lawrence University at the age of 13. He graduated at the age of 16, then returned to Montreal to enroll in law school at McGill University. Pitfield joined the public service in 1959 as an administrative assistant to Davie Fulton, a justice minister in the Diefenbaker government. In the years that followed, Pitfield pulled off a meteoric rise through the ranks, becoming an influential figure and the subject of much intrigue in Ottawa as a top adviser in Pierre Trudeaus government. The two men had met in the 1960s and forged a close friendship, with news reports claiming that the pair even vacationed together. Pitfield became clerk of the Privy Council at age 37, then the youngest to hold the most senior post in the federal public service. When he retired as clerk of the Privy Council, Pitfield became vice-chair of Power Corp., and continued to work for the Quebec corporate giant for years along with sitting as a senator. He was appointed to the Senate by Trudeau in 1982 to represent Ottawa-Vanier. Despite his close ties with the Liberal Party of Canada, Pitfield sat as an independent. Pitfield retired from the Senate in 2010, finding himself to ill to continue. He had been seriously sick for some time. News reports in the early 2000s detailed how he made speeches and participated in Senate debates despite severe tremors caused by the disease. Tom Pitfield was chief digital strategist for Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus 2015 election campaign and for his campaign to become leader of the Liberal Party. President of the small-l liberal think-tank Canada 2020, Pitfield is married to Anna Gainey, president of the Liberal Party of Canada. Gainey said the Senate was where Pitfield was comfortable intellectually, and in his element. My understanding is he was a giant in that space, he had very strong views on the Clarity Act and other pieces of legislation. Caroline Pitfield, now director of policy in the federal health ministers office, remembered her fathers fierce intelligence, and said his passion was his commitment to serving the country and his unabashed and enthusiastic idea that you should do so. I think he saw it as something sort of akin to teaching or medicine or the priesthood, it was almost a calling for him, that you serve your country and make it a better place. But Caroline added, My dad was a great dad before it was trendy to be a great dad. He was a dad and a loving husband before anything else, chimed in Kate Pitfield, who remembers playing checkers on the floor of his office, or watching Sesame Street with him when he came home. He was an incredibly charming man, a bit of an old soul, with a sparkle in his eye. Kate Pitfield, who works in advertising in Toronto, said when she told her father she wanted to work at something more creative than government, he insisted, sweetheart, government can be creative too. A funeral is expected to be scheduled for next week in Montreal. Read more about: SHARE: A resident of a First Nations community in Sarnia filed an application Thursday asking the province to investigate an incident in which large flames billowed from an industrial plant for five hours. Clouds of fire and steam towered over the Imperial Oil plant in Sarnia the night of Feb. 23, 2017. Equipment had malfunctioned, the company said at the time. The application filed to the Ontario Environmental Commissioner Thursday by Vanessa Gray of Aamjiwnaang First Nation alleges the company violated provincial emission laws. If Imperial is going to continue to put our lives, our health, at risk, then they need to be held accountable, Gray said. This is my territory and I have the right to feel safe in my own environment. A spokesperson for the Ministry of the Environment, Gary Wheeler, would not say Thursday if an investigation was underway, but said the ministry was aware of the incident when it happened. Ministry staff are reviewing the companys actions and are considering other compliance options, including a possible investigation that could lead to charges, Wheeler said via email. Spokesperson Jon Harding of Imperial Oil said the company wasnt aware of Grays complaint but will co-operate with any investigation. The application filed with co-applicant Elaine MacDonald, a scientist with the environmental law charity Ecojustice was submitted to Ontario environmental commissioner Dianne Saxe, who will forward it to the provincial environment ministry. The ministry then decides whether an investigation is needed. An investigation by the Star, Global News, National Observer, the Michener Awards Foundation and journalism schools at Ryerson and Concordia universities revealed a troubling pattern of secrecy and potentially toxic leaks in the area known as Chemical Valley. The investigation also raised questions about whether companies and the provincial government are properly warning residents of Sarnia and the Aamjiwnaang First Nation when potentially toxic substances including benzene, known to cause cancer at high levels of long-term exposure are leaked. The filing alleges that Imperial committed two violations under Ontario law: one for emitting contaminants that caused an adverse effect; another for causing discomfort and loss of enjoyment of property. The statute of limitations on such cases is two years. If the ministry decides to lay charges against Imperial and a court rules in the governments favour, the company could be fined. Since January 2013, four incidents in the Sarnia area have resulted in ministry charges. The joint investigation revealed 500 incident reports for spills and leaks in the area between 2014 and 2015. The fire at Imperial on Feb. 23 erupted from the facilitys flares, generally used to burn off materials from the plant, at about 6:20 p.m., the company said in February. The sight of a small flame atop a flare is common in the Chemical Valley. Fifty-seven industrial polluters within 25 kilometres of Sarnia are registered with the Canadian and U.S. governments. Megan Hayden, who lives across the river in Port Huron, Mich., said noise from the plant made the windows in her home rattle. It sounded like a freighter going by, she said. It literally looked like Canada was on fire, Hayden said last July. Sarnia has a municipal warning system, but no alert was sent on Feb. 23, said Cal Gardner, Sarnias emergency management. Gardner said flaring is common and not considered an emergency. Information came instead from a notice posted by Imperial Oil to the Aamjiwnaang First Nation Emergency Planning Facebook page at 7:11 p.m., along with a press release from Imperial. Though Imperial gave the all-clear at about 8:30 that night, the flares continued for about three hours. Residents reported flares that were smaller, but still larger than normal, on and off for the next 10 days, according to Grays filing. Imperial and the ministry said at the time that air monitoring didnt detect harmful levels of any potentially toxic substances. However, the wind on Feb. 23 was blowing away from air monitors on Aamjiwnaang and though Imperial Oil hired a third-party company to test downwind, the equipment used wasnt sensitive enough to know if emissions exceeded provincial air standards, Grays filing alleges. The ministry said Imperial was flaring volatile organic compounds, which can include the carcinogen benzene, and sulphur compounds. The ministry said it didnt do its own air monitoring at the time. Thats not OK, MacDonald said. You have to be there at the moment to collect the data to show that theres actual violations occurring, if theyre occurring. One person complained to the Ministry of the Environment about a strong gasoline smell at 8:39 p.m., and the ministry noted a slight odour nearby soon after. Gray said she felt burning in her nose. After Feb. 23, residents of Sarnia and Aamjiwnaang expressed frustration and concern over what they say is a lack of communication about industrial leaks and spills. Another large flare was reported this week at the Suncor plant in Sarnia. Community members were alerted through the Aamjiwnaang emergency planning Facebook page, which posted a notice three hours after the event started and a message Suncor posted to an industry spills phone line. The company also notified the ministry. The City of Sarnia didnt send out an official alert, Gardner said. Jennifer Johnson, a Suncor spokesperson, said the company was mostly flaring hydrogen, along with a small amount of hydrocarbons. The company is launching a full investigation into the event and will provide a report to the Ministry of the Environment about how it will prevent the situation from happening again, she said. Questioned about the issue at Queens Park Thursday, Ontario Environment Minister Chris Ballard said hed make some specific inquiries in his ministry. One of the things we heard was a need to better co-ordinate that information and Ive instructed my officials to look into how we can do that, he said. With files from Carolyn Jarvis, Global News SHARE: VANCOUVERA British Columbia woman plagued by bedbugs on a nine-hour flight to London is a victim of the explosive growth in the critters globally, but travellers shouldnt worry theyll become a common feature on planes, says an entomologist. Heather Szilagyi was on a British Airways flight with her seven-year-old daughter and fiance Eric Neilson on Oct. 10 when she said they noticed what appeared to be bedbugs crawling out of the seat in front of them. She said the flight attendants couldnt move them because there were no other available seats on the plane. After landing, Szilagyi discovered they were covered in bites. To actually see them pouring out of the back of the T.V. on the seat, that was actually really gross, she said. Once we arrived at our Airbnb . . . we put everything through the washing machine on the hottest heat we could, put everything in plastic bags, sanitized everything that we could. Murray Isman, a University of British Columbia professor of entomology and toxicology, said with the increase in personal travel and the spread of the insect globally, its not surprising bedbugs are finding their way onto commercial aircraft. One of the ways bedbugs travel is in hand luggage and personal luggage, said Isman, who also works with a company that develops bedbug repellents. Where there is a lot of movement of people in and out, sooner or later someone is going to transfer these things in something theyre carrying, and this is how they get spread from hotel to hotel to hotel and this is how people bring them home. Changes in local insecticide use and climate change are other factors contributing to the spread of bedbugs, he said. But travellers shouldnt be too worried there will be more incidents of bedbugs biting passengers on planes, Isman added. If you think about the normal situation, which is someone sleeping in a hotel bed or a bed at home, the bedbugs dont like a lot of disturbance or movement. They like it quiet, dark, he said, adding the critters would first have to get out of luggage and onto a planes chairs and upholstery to even reach people. Szilagyi took to Twitter to share photos of her daughters bites after she said her calls to British Airways failed to guarantee they would not be on the same plane. What we both would have been satisfied with was if it was possible to just have us on a partner line, not to fly back with British Airways, she said, having been left unsettled by the experience. In a statement, British Airways spokesperson Caroline Niven said the airline has been in touch with the customer to apologize and will investigate the incident further. British Airways operates more than 280,000 flights every year, and reports of bedbugs on board are extremely rare. Nevertheless, we are vigilant and continually monitor our aircraft. The presence of bedbugs is an issue faced occasionally by hotels and airlines all over the world, the statement said. Niven added that any reports like Szilagyis are taken seriously, and the aircraft would be subject to any checks and necessary treatment. A statement from the Vancouver airport Authority said it took immediate steps when learning about the incident to work with its cleaning and pest control partners to ensure YVR remains clean and sterile. Isman said exterminating the bugs is the best option for airlines since treating people and luggage before they get on an aircraft isnt feasible. With travellers increasingly aware of the problem, he said more people are at least taking preventive measures by carrying insecticides or repellents to hotels to reduce the spread. Read more about: SHARE: OTTAWAThe start of Bill Morneaus no-good-very-bad week began early Monday in Ottawa. The horrible-terrible tour carried on through Stouffville, Montreal, Hampton, N.B., Erinsville, Ont., wound back to Ottawa, then on to Kitchener-Waterloo . . . where the embattled finance minister just couldnt get away from all those nagging questions. Why didnt he set up a blind trust for his assets in the first place? Why had he used numbered companies to hold his Morneau Shepell shares? And what the hell, anyway? By Friday, in Waterloo, the former Bay Street veteran, pension company executive, and public policy expert was clearly fed up: So, is the question why theyre numbered companies and they dont have names? You know . . . seriously. Read more: Morneau gets chippy as the light is shone on his finances The process we have in our country isnt that I report to journalists on my personal situation, its that I report to the ethics commissioner. What Ive done is exposed all my assets to the ethics commissioner, he continued. Im going to take additional steps beyond the steps that she recommended to me, and Im going to make sure my assets are not only in a blind trust, but I actually sell all my shares and all my familys shares in a business that I built for 25 years. On Thursday, Morneau bowed to political pressure and said he would put his current holdings of an estimated one million shares in Morneau Shepell, which are worth about $21 million, into a blind trust, while he moves to sell them in an arms-length transaction. We cant have tin ears in politics, he said. If were getting distracted because some people are worried about my personal situation, its time to move on, and thats what Ive decided to do. That may not be so easy. Mary Dawson, the federal Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, who originally advised Morneau that only directly controlled assets, not indirectly held assets in numbered companies, must be sold or put in a blind trust under the Conflict of Interest Act, is dubious about the effectiveness of a blind trust in cases such as his. On Friday, she said a blind trust doesnt accomplish anything in cases where an asset portfolio is not diversified. If somebodys holding 100 per cent shares in Bell Canada and they put it in a blind trust, theyre going to know that theyve got an interest in Bell Canada whether theyve got a blind trust or not, she said. Hes just doing a political thing. I mean. sorry, I shouldnt say that, hes doing this as he said . . . because he feels if people are all uptight about him having a blind trust, hell have a blind trust. It answers the complaints. For Morneau, says Dawson, the operative instrument for guarding against an ethical slip is the human conflict-of-interest screen. His top aide is required to keep Morneau out of meetings or discussions that could advance the interests of Morneau Shepell, the company he used to run. Dawson says, if the screen works properly, a minister wouldnt even know when he was excluded from a meeting or discussions. But if the screen slips and Morneau, for example, finds himself in a compromising discussion, he must recuse himself and report the recusal, which would be published on Dawsons website. Morneaus personal finances are now much more visible. According to securities regulatory filings and the analysis of Dawsons office of Morneaus disclosures, the ministers Morneau Shepell shares are held by a numbered corporation based in Alberta, directed by Morneaus wife Nancy McCain. Finance Minister Bill Morneau is taking steps to end the controversy regarding his business assets and conflict of interest allegations. He says he plans to sell off his and his family's shares in the human resources firm Morneau Shepell. (The Canadian Press) One-third of the voting shares in that Alberta company are held by Morneau, while two-thirds are held by another numbered company in Ontario, of which Morneau is the sole owner. It is registered to Morneau at Morneau-Shepells business address in Don Mills. Nearly six weeks before the last election, McCain, Morneaus wife, was designated president of that Ontario numbered company. The Alberta company was registered in 2005, when Albertas corporate income tax rate was 11.5 per cent, and Ontarios was 14 per cent. The gap between the two provinces has since shifted. Now, Alberta has a 12-per-cent corporate income tax rate, while Ontarios sits at 11.5 per cent. Morneau also used to be on the board of a company called AGF Management. That firm specializes in making investments for large-scale clients such as pension plans and corporations. Its website boasts it was the first firm in Canada to invest solely in U.S. equities when it was created in 1957. Morneau resigned in March 2014 from AGFs board, and appears to have sold his shares in that company in 2015. His office confirms he sold his shares before he was elected, but could not confirm the date. Public records filings for securities trading of corporate executives show that Morneau had 42,186 common shares in AGF as of March 2014. On the day he resigned, they were worth about $534,000. Morneaus office said a declaration by Morneau to the ethics watchdog in Feb. 2016 that hed received employment income from AGF in the previous 12 months was due to a lag in payment for work hed done while he was still a director the year before that. His office declined to be more specific about the exact assets that would now be put into the blind trust, and referred only to Dawsons list of the assets he disclosed. Those include a promissory note from the Morneau McCain Family Trust and a reference to the fact that Morneau is a beneficiary of the Nancy McCain 2013 Family Trust. (None of the Liberals tax reform measures touch family trusts.) Morneau and his four siblings also have joint ownership of four numbered Ontario companies, which are real estate holding companies based in Toronto. Those companies, in turn, own four different ocean-view condos at the same address in Longboat Key, Sarasota County in Florida. The most recent assessed values for them range from $389,800 to $792,000. Thats in addition to a corporation in France called SCI Mas des Morneau, which Morneau owns with his wife, and which holds their villa in Oppede, in the southern Provence region. Morneau disclosed the villa, but not the holding company that owns it, to Dawson in late September when the CBC inquired about it. SHARE: MONTREALSomewhere in the Quebec governments legal department, a team of lawyers is bracing to argue in court in what may be the not-too-distant future that the wearing of dark sunglasses puts the safety of the provinces public transit system at risk. Ditto presumably in the case of local libraries and city parks. For a province to declare war on sunglasses is pretty unique in the history of Canada. For a government to do so in the name of the separation of church and state is even more remarkable. And yet according to Quebecs Justice Minister Stephanie Vallee, the sunglasses ban is part of Bill 62, the just-adopted law that requires Quebecers to uncover their faces to provide or receive provincial and municipal services. Read more: Ottawa should show courage on Quebecs Bill 62: Editorial What a mean thing Quebec has done: Mallick How Ontario politicians avoided Quebecs burka backlash: Cohn Vallees contention is that critics who describe the law as a discriminatory attack on the fundamental rights of the minority of Muslim women who wear the face-covering niqabs and/or burkas have it wrong. Justin Trudeau is weighing in further on the Quebec law banning people from covering their faces while receiving public services. The prime minister says it is not the role of government to tell women what they can or cant wear. (The Canadian Press) One can understand why so many would have come to that conclusion given that the bills title is: An act to foster adherence to state religious neutrality and, in particular, to provide a framework for requests for accommodations on religious grounds in certain bodies. Notwithstanding the bills label, Vallees says that under her law someone sporting dark sunglasses would be treated in the same way as a woman wearing a face-covering veil. Both would have to remove them for the duration of a transit ride or in the ministers own words for as long as the service is being rendered. Vallees comments mostly illustrate the lengths to which Premier Philippe Couillards Liberal government has to go to claim that it has, if not a public policy rationale, at least a legal footing for its dubious bill. Unless some smaller Quebec town wants to wage war on face-covering snow apparel, Bill 62 may not be tested in real life anytime soon. Muslim women who veil their faces are hard to come by anywhere in Quebec but in particular outside Montreal. Denis Coderre and Valerie Plante the two main candidates vying for the mayoralty of the provinces metropolis in next months municipal election have both vouched to disregard the new law. The union that represents the citys employees is also set to give its prescriptions a pass. There are no penal sanctions for those who fail to apply Bill 62. Indeed there are those who believe Couillards plan was to fend off charges that his government is failing to address the religious accommodation issue with a bill that is neither applicable nor legally viable. What the new law will not do is end Quebecs decade-long travails on the front of the accommodation of religious minorities. It may not even be on the books long enough to be thrown out by the courts on constitutional grounds. Thats because it could be replaced by a more restrictive but not necessarily more constitutional law on religious wear sooner rather than later. If elected to government next fall, either of Quebecs main opposition parties would replace the Liberal ban on face-coverings with a wider one that would prohibit judges, crown attorneys, prison guards and police officers from wearing religious garments at work. The Coalition Avenir Quebec whom the latest of polls cast as the ruling Liberals main election rival would add elementary and secondary school teachers to the list of those on whom it would impose a secular dress code. The niqab flare-up in the 2015 election, the more recent backlash over M103, the federal Liberal motion dealing with Islamophobia, the floating of a values test on would-be immigrants at the time of the federal Conservative leadership campaign have demonstrated that the debate over the accommodation of religious minorities is not limited to Quebec. On Friday, a tweet by Ontario Tory Leader Patrick Brown suggesting that, absent a federal intervention, the province should support a Charter-based court challenge of the Quebec law prompted a load of pro-Bill 62 responses from followers purporting to be Ontario voters. Two decades ago the federal government sought guidance from the Supreme Court on the divisive matter of Quebec secession. If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wanted to be proactive in the festering debate over reasonable accommodation, he would seek the advice of Canadas top court on achieving a Charter-friendly balance between the rights of religious minorities and the values of a secular society. Chantal Hebert is a national affairs writer. Her column appears Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Read more about: SHARE: ALMA, QUE.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau again waded into the debate on Quebecs Bill 62 on Friday, saying governments should not be telling women what to wear and what not to wear. I will always stand up for Canadians rights, he said in Alma, Que. I will always stand up for the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It is what Canadians expect of me. As Ive said a number of times as well, I dont think it should be the governments business to tell a woman what she should or shouldnt be wearing. Bill 62, which was adopted in the Quebec legislature Wednesday, bans people from providing or receiving public services in the province with their faces covered and is widely seen as an attack on Muslim women. It also prohibits people from taking public transit if their face is covered. We know there is going to be many weeks and many months of discussions on this, on what the implications are, Trudeau said as he campaigned ahead of a federal byelection Monday. And as a federal government, we are going to take our responsibilities seriously and look carefully at what the implications are. Asked if that means challenging the law in court, Trudeau replied, this means looking carefully at the implications of this law and how we continue to stand up for Canadians rights. A day earlier, Trudeau asserted it is not up to the federal government to challenge its constitutionality. Read more: Quebec and its niqab legislation should have stayed out of womens closets: Paradkar Quebec lawmakers pass religious neutrality bill banning face coverings Ontario MPPs denounce Quebec law targeting Muslim women On Friday morning, a group Montrealers lined up by a downtown bus station wearing surgical masks, Halloween disguises and face-covering bandanas in a protest against the law. Organizer Kathryn Jezer-Morton said the goal was to show solidarity with women who wouldnt be able to ride buses or use other services in light of the law. To not allow women who wear a niqab to access public services is so harmful, and a violation of their human rights, she told The Canadian Press in a phone interview. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he respects Quebec?s right to pass a law against people receiving public services with their faces covered, but he says many ?questions are being asked,? now that Bill 62 has passed. (The Canadian Pr To think that youre doing them any kind of favour in the name of feminism, for one thing, is preposterous. She added that most passersby supported the protesters, although others suggested the law could be good for women. Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard has defended the law by saying it is necessary for reasons related to communication, identification and security. On Friday, he reiterated his belief it will withstand any legal challenge. In society, people communicate with each other, identify themselves with their face uncovered, Couillard told reporters in Mirabel, Que., where he was meeting with Bombardier Inc. employees. What surprises me is that people seem surprised this is happening. Couillard noted the Liberals under Jean Charest tabled a similar bill in 2009 but that it did not become law, and that he himself promised in the 2014 election campaign to bring in such legislation. Were doing exactly what we said we would do, he said. More criticism of the law emerged Friday, with Alberta Premier Rachel Notley saying the ban doesnt make sense and smacks of Islamophobia. The passage of that bill is a sad day for Canada, Notley said in Calgary after receiving an award from Equal Voice, a national organization dedicated to electing more women in Canada. I think that it is damaging for marginalized women and its very unfortunate. The only way it holds together logically is if youre in some way trying to move forward with some element of Islamophobia and thats not who we are as Canadians. And the Canadian Human Rights Commission weighed in, saying it was concerned by Bill 62. It is extremely worrisome to me that any government would use the law to target and marginalize a group rather than protect those who already suffer at the hands of discrimination, chief commissioner Marie-Claude Landry said in a statement. Laws should be adopted to end discrimination not promote it. Landry pointed out that, while Bill 62 applies to Quebecs public services, city buses crossing provincial borders make this (the law) a federal matter. On Thursday, the law was also unanimously condemned in the Ontario legislature, with Premier Kathleen Wynne calling religious freedom part of our identity. Forcing people to show their faces when they ride the bus, banning women from wearing a niqab when they pick up a book from the library will only divide us, she said. Read more about: SHARE: The Peloponnesian War (Athens vs. Sparta): 27 years. Punic Wars (Rome vs. Carthage): 118 years. Wars of the Roses (House of Lancaster vs. House of York): 32 years. Hundred Years War (England vs. France): 1337 to 1453. Thirty Years War (most of Europe): 1618 to 1648. Conflicts around the planet that claimed at least 1,000 lives in 2016: 14. The War on Terror: World without end. One may not agree with the war on terror, its claims and its objectives, but theres no doubt that such a global waging exists, with civilians, as always, caught in the crossfire. And we wont see the end of it in our lifetime, probably our childrens lifetime. Its certainly not possible to strike ISIS off the list following this past weeks recapture of Raqqa de facto capital of the Islamic State caliphate by U.S.-backed forces. Indeed, even as ISIS (Daesh, ISIL) sank to its knees as a territorial power in northeast Syria, radiating into Iraq, a sideways dilemma erupted with Iraqi troops driving Kurdish forces out of the contested city of Kirkuk crucially, the disputed oilfields which Kurdish separatists had held for three years. Took it back after Iraqi forces fled the region in the face of a lightning strike onslaught by ISIS jihadists. Twenty-four hours earlier theyd been allies, Kurds and Iraqis. Without the Kurds, there would have been no Operation Inherent Resolve, the coalition of 69 countries which has smashed ISIS to smithereens, at least as a self-declared pseudo-state. But Kurds are the sadsacks of history, endlessly betrayed, their aspirations for independence the ethnic Kurd population estimated as about 35 million spanning four countries repeatedly and violently suppressed. The U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led forces battling Daesh in Syria say they have captured the city hospital in Raqqa, which served as a headquarters for Daesh. (The Associated Press) So, Baghdad wasnt having any of it, especially following another referendum last week by the Kurdistan Regional Government, with 93 per cent casting votes for independence. Turkey, which is petrified of its own Kurdish population, wasnt having any of it. Iran, with nearly 7 million restive Kurds, wasnt having any of it. Change coalition partners and dance, although for now most of the peshmerga troops, outgunned and outmanned by the Iraqi military, evacuated peacefully, along with tens of thousands of fleeing civilians jamming the road from Kirkuk to Erbil. Kirkuk, in the past decade, has been claimed both by the central government in Baghdad and the Kurdish regional authority in Erbil. Its the oil of course: the region had been earning about $8 billion (U.S.) a year from oil exports since 2014. Oil is power. Geopolitics is stomach-turning. The ambiguous fate of Kurds is but one reason not even the main one why the liberation of Raqqa and the purported death throes of ISIS does not merit a victory lap. There were lessons learned by president George W. Bushs premature Mission Accomplished speech in 2003 from the flight deck of the USS Lincoln, in which he declared an end to major combat in Iraq. In November, 2015, president Barack Obama similarly declared that the pushback campaign against vast territorial gains by ISIS had contained the terrorist organization. Next day, gunmen who pledged fealty to ISIS killed 120 people in Paris. Having transformed terrorism as a global entity, theres no reason to think ISIS will turtle, regardless of triumphalist proclamations. The four-month Raqqa offensive, with the multi-ethnic Syrian Democratic Forces at its pointy end, supported by heavy air coverage, tactically advised by U.S. special forces on the ground, has left the city in ruins. We are encouraged to believe that ISIS is ruined also. Overall, ISIS is losing in every way, Army Col. Ryan Dillon, a spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition, said at a press conference on Tuesday. Weve devastated their network, targeted and eliminated their leaders at all levels. Weve degraded their ability to finance their operations, cutting oil revenues by 90 per cent. Their flow of foreign recruits has gone from about 1,500 fighters a month down to near zero today. ISIS in Iraq and Syria are all but isolated in their quickly shrinking territory. Al Qaeda, from which death cult ISIS emerged in Iraq and later became a rival, had warned the Islamic State about the perils of declaring a territorial caliphate. A geographic target could be kinetically attacked and defeated. Ideology cant. And ideology is the oxygen for terrorism. Which is why the world needs to brace itself for the next reminder from ISIS that its still here, can still deploy acolytes, can still unleash horrors. It may no longer command a quasi emirate, enforcing its austere version of Islamic law upon a subjugated populace beheadings, stoning, crucifixion, sexual slavery and genocide against religious minorities. But it hasnt sheathed its sword. It retains active franchises operating from Libya to Yemen to Afghanistan. Thus the wisely subdued reaction internationally, almost anticlimactic, to a coalition war which has gone widely undocumented by media. Drone video from Raqqa, Syria shows neighbourhoods reduced to rubble and few signs of civilian life. Kurdish-led forces announced on Thursday that they had driven Daesh militants out after weeks of fighting. (The Associated Press) What remains to be seen is whether the blow ISIS has absorbed has blackened its propaganda lure among recruits. On the surface it certainly looks like they backed a loser. The epic battle between good and evil which ISIS avowed supposedly foretold by seventh century Islamic prophecies never happened. But even amidst the rubble of thwarted glory, the Islamic State has emerged as a transnational organization, with battle-hardened leaders who arrived from various jihadist battlefields across the globe, joined now by enthralled naifs who made their fighter stones in the last three years. Zealotry is remarkably enduring. With no co-ordinated political strategy to blunt Daeshs fundamental ideology the Americans will doubtless lose interest now, just as they did in Afghanistan with appalling consequences the remnants of ISIS, like the remnants of Al Qaeda, the remnants of the Taliban can regroup, recalibrate and re-envision with deadly impact. The animosities that animated ISIS havent been uprooted. Unlike the Islamic State, the cycle is unbroken. Meanwhile Al Qaeda, left largely ignored as the counter-insurgency efforts focused on ISIS, appears well situated for a comeback, expert analysts fear. On the eve of Sept. 11, there were only about 400 Al Qaeda members in Iraq. Now their numbers are estimated at 20,000 in Syria alone. And the quagmire that is Syria will continue to inspire rebel-rousers from around the globe. Just what the world needs: Retro Al Qaeda. Al Qaeda will try to unify the global jihadi movement under its command, Ali Soufan, the former FBI special agent who led the investigation of the bombing of the USS Cole and supervised counterterrorism investigations surrounding Sept. 11, told National Public Radio a few days ago. And I believe they have a strategy to do so. And theyve got a charismatic millennial leader to coalesce around for Al Qaeda 2.0: Hamza bin Laden. Son of. Rosie DiManno usually appears Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Read more about: SHARE: In the legal battle over whether to revoke a death certificate for a Brampton woman on life support, on Thursday, Dr. Andrew Baker, chief of critical care at St. Michaels Hospital, quoted the famous French philosopher Rene Descartes, I think, therefore I am, to explain how consciousness helps determine whether someone is alive. On Sept. 20, Dr. Omar Hayani at Brampton Civic Hospital determined that Taquisha McKittys brain had ceased functioning, which constitutes death in Ontario. McKitty suffered a drug overdose on Sept. 14. She ingested a combination of cocaine, marijuana, benzodiazepine and oxycodone. Her family, represented by lawyer Hugh Scher, argues that she is alive and hopes to have her death certificate revoked. On Sept. 28, Judge Lucille Shaw granted a temporary injunction to keep McKitty on life support. McKitty, a 27-year-old mother of a nine-year-old daughter, is currently on a ventilator. Baker, of St. Michaels, ran tests on McKitty after the Sept. 28 injunction to keep her on life support was issued. He used the quote from Descartes to mean that for someone to exist, they must be capable of thinking, having experiences and responding to their environment. He considered the ability to think a part of the dignity of personhood. The spinal reflexes that McKitty demonstrated, are normal in brain-dead patients, and do not reflect the dignity of the human soul, he told the court. Baker stressed that the Canadian guidelines that outline the definition of death require the loss of capacity for consciousness, the ceasing of brain stem function and an inability to breath. I tend to go beyond the point of no return, Baker told the court, referring to his critical care practice. I never give up hope. Baker expressed his belief in the legitimacy of brain death as a standard, because mechanical hearts and lungs exist today and this makes a cardiopulmonary definition of death complicated. In court, Dr. Andrew Healey, chief of critical care at Brampton Civic Hospital, continued his testimony, which began on Wednesday. Responding to videos that depict McKitty moving as her family spoke to her, Healey told the court it would be impossible for a patient to go from being in a coma to responding to commands. Healey told the court that people get the impression that there is a following of command, when patients show spinal reflexes, which are consistent with brain-dead patients. In his testimony, Baker agreed: Confirmation bias is very common, especially when youre emotionally involved. Both doctors told the court that there is no medical literature on the subject of when spinal reflexes would cease in a brain-dead patient if the person is on life support, as McKitty is. We can keep biological material sustained and it can experience feedback loops, said Baker, who offered an example of a lung, which can be kept alive after it is removed from the body. Baker told the court that he felt experimenting on human remains was disrespectful to the personhood of the human that had lived. I dont think their bodies should be used to try things, he said. Baker added that medication and treatment would be ineffective as there would be no blood-flow to the brain, and, so, no way for the brain to receive it. Healey discussed McKittys treatment in the hospital, saying it is consistent with the treatment of dead patients who are being prepared to donate their organs, but that that treatment usually lasts 24 to 36 hours. McKitty has been receiving treatment for nearly a month after she was declared dead. In Ontario, either the patient or the family of the patient must consent to organ donation through an organ donor card, which McKitty had signed, giving her consent. There is much innuendo about the case of organ donation, Baker told the court. Baker told the court that the overall response to the organ donation system in Ontario is extremely positive, and reiterated the need for consent in the process. When questioned by Erica Baron, the counsel for Dr. Hayani, Healey told the court he is consulted to help determine the death of a patient about 300 times a year. If there was no court order, we would remove the ventilator, said Healey. Healey also told the court that McKitty had been admitted to the hospital in recent months for another drug overdose prior to her overdose on Sept. 14. SHARE: A mothers desperate search for answers over what led to her 23-year-old sons sudden death in Toronto has resulted in what experts are calling an unprecedented court order for Facebook, Apple and Google to hand over his passwords. Maureen Henry wants to know what her son Dovi was doing, and who he was in contact with, in the weeks leading up to his death. I am at a loss because I love my son, absolutely adore him, Henry, 55, said from her Ottawa home. I have to find out what happened to him so I can put that part to rest and I can cherish him. The grief doesnt go, but I will be able to carry it better. So little remained of Dovis body, when it washed up on rocks near the Ontario Place marina one late summer afternoon in 2014, that the coroner couldnt determine how he died. Henry, who was representing herself, secured the court order Oct. 11 for the three tech giants to release Dovis passwords for his accounts and iPhone as well as data including messages and emails. The companies have yet to comply. Judge Martin James also ordered Bell Mobility to turn over phone and text records, which it has done. Henrys case is unprecedented in Canada, said Ann Cavoukian, executive director of Ryerson Universitys Privacy and Big Data Institute and former Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner. It could set a precedent that theoretically, parents could access their kids data even in non-tragic events, not involving a death, Cavoukian said. I honestly dont know which way this could go. Toronto estate lawyer Daniel Nelson, who focuses on digital legacy, said Henrys case will demonstrate, for the first time in Canada, how social media and technology companies deal with individuals who are investigating a family members death. Id be shocked if these companies didnt appeal this court order, Nelson said. The nub here is the judge ordered disclosure of passwords and thats going to be a big problem. Dovis passwords for his accounts are equivalent to his signature on a contract or cheque. From the perspective of Facebook, his death is not reason enough for his mother to have access to his signature, Nelson said. Facebook, Apple Canada and Google Canada can move to vacate Henrys order, arguing the courts endorsement is overbroad, Nelson said. If they dont respond at all, Henry could bring a motion for contempt. If theyre found in contempt, a judge could impose a jail sentence or fine, although the latter is more likely. Henry said Apple Canada told her that it is processing her request, while Facebook and Google Canada have yet to respond. None of the three companies appeared at the hearing earlier this month in the Superior Court of Justice in Ottawa. They also declined to comment to the Star. These entities (Apple Canada, Google Canada, Facebook and Bell Mobility) are rightly concerned that they have a responsibility to protect personal information even when the customer is dead, James wrote in his endorsement. In the circumstances here, however, I think the applicant has demonstrated a reasonable basis for requesting access to the records. * * * Toronto police said the case is listed as a sudden death occurrence, not a homicide cold case. Henry said they told her Dovis death was by suicide, but she wants proof. I know he wouldnt just jump in Lake Ontario. Hes not somebody whod have the idea of suicide. He didnt have any mental health issues growing up, Henry said. The only thing that couldve happened is an accident or foul play. A couple years before his body was found, Dovi was studying linguistics at the University of Toronto. A budding poet, he was passionate about his writing. He loved life and was a curious person, intellectually gifted, Henry said. I used to tell him, I love you as far as the sky and as deep as the ocean. Dovi did not make friends easily at the University of Toronto and, as a Black man, felt like he did not belong, Henry said. By 2012, Dovi had dropped out of university and moved back and forth between Toronto and his hometown Ottawa, working as a tutor. He stayed briefly with his aunt in Toronto, but abruptly left at the beginning of March 2014, leaving his iPhone plugged into the wall. His uncle saw and spoke to him in Ottawa mid-May. That was the last time anyone heard from him. Dovis body was found July 24, 2014, but was not identified for two years. In that time, Henry frantically searched for her son in jails, shelters and morgues. She gained access to his bank records, and followed up on leads as far away as Germany. Finally, on April 27, 2016, Henry saw a posting on the Ontario Provincial Police website about an unidentified body in Toronto that matched her sons description. Henry sent in Dovis dental records. Two days later, OPP officers knocked on her front door. It was Dovi. I was in shock, its really hard to understand, even now, Henry said. A part of me is still in shock. *** In two instances reported by media, Apple reset iPads, belonging to deceased individuals, to their factory settings so their family members could set up new accounts. But it did not release passwords or account data. When Apple was asked by the U.S.s Justice Department to unlock the iPhone used by one of the shooters in the 2015 San Bernardino terrorist attack, Apple quickly resisted, the Washington Post reported. Apple argued unlocking the phone would violate the companys constitutional rights and weaken privacy for users. Cavoukian has a similar mind set. While she said she feels for Henry, she also views this case as a slippery slope. If Apple releases Dovis phone password, it would make room for parents to request similar access for less serious reasons to find out more about a boyfriend or girlfriend they dont like, for example which in Cavoukians view would be completely unacceptable. Facebook has also been reluctant to hand over data from accounts. In 2013, a family from Virginia implored Facebook to allow them to access their 15-year-old sons account, after he died by suicide, the Washington Post reported. Facebook refused to give his family his password, but released some data. Companies like Facebook, Apple and Google need to come up with processes for dealing with unique requests like Henrys, said Nelson, the estate lawyer. Having a judge sign off on companies releasing private information of deceased clients might be the right way to go, to balance competing interests of protecting user privacy versus helping loved ones. But ultimately, these companies are going to protect passwords, Nelson said. If I was advising Dovis mom, I would have sought an order that didnt ask for his passwords, Nelson said. Why get into that fight? Read more about: SHARE: Sitting around a boardroom table in a partly constructed Fairbank apartment, 51-year-old Keith Belleau, whos been in and out of prison his whole life, explained in a low voice why he believes the unit will help people with stories like his get back on track. Its one of two five-bedroom apartments under construction within the existing John Howard Society office building, where federal inmates approved for day parole and accepted into the not-for-profits community residential program will live while they receive services to help them adjust to life after incarceration. We got guys on the inside who dont really have support or dont have families, Belleau said. You cant just leave prison and everythings hunky-dory. Thats not how life is. When you come out of prison youve got to build your own support. Belleau credits the John Howard Society, which runs the halfway house in Torontos east end where he lived for over five years after being released from prison, with helping him turn his life around. Having the new beds . . . to me its a plus because we need more of these, he said. The addition of the apartments, scheduled to be ready by the end of November, is not universally welcome though. Some parents whose kids attend one of the two elementary schools within 500 metres of the building near Eglinton Ave. W. and Dufferin St., are worried. John Howard Society of Toronto executive director Sonya Spencer and Councillor Josh Colle (Ward 15, Eglinton-Lawrence) have both received complaints. These individuals are genuinely scared. We get that, Spencer said of the parents shes spoken to over the phone. Ive been in (this industry) for 25 years because I believe that without us thats what makes my daughter and my son unsafe, Spencer said. Spencer said plainly that while she understands why people are afraid: These clients will pose no further risk to our community. What we are trying to do is support folks through their transition in the best way that I believe will keep communities safe, she said, which includes providing constructive programming like anger management, and addictions support. Research supports that approach. A literature review commissioned by Correctional Services in 2015 showed gradual and supervised community reintegration seemed to reduce the rate of re-offending, and of substance abuse, especially when paired with programming. Of 135 men supervised at John Howard Societys east-end halfway house in the last five years, 120 successfully completed the program. No staff, neighbour or client has been reported harmed during the more than 30 years that location has operated. Spencer described the extensive process John Howard uses to select offenders for their residential program, which includes input from police, Correctional Services Canada, and community members. They accept 60 to 70 per cent of applications they receive. The standard would be higher for the new apartments. This will be for individuals who have worked hard in the institution, who have earned their release, Spencer said, gesturing around the bright, partly constructed space. John Yan, a spokesperson with the Toronto Catholic District School Board, pointed out that theres a greater risk in harm coming from a person they know than from a total stranger. What (John Howard Society) does in terms of transitioning people back into the community we applaud that and we support that, Yan said on behalf of the school board. Belleau knows what its like to try to adjust after being on the inside. He said he went to prison for the first time at 16 and has been convicted of assault, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and assault of police officers. He struggled with addiction throughout that time. Just doing stupid things; drinking, violence and going back to prison. In and out and in out. My lifestyle was the prison lifestyle. All my life, he said. Since he was a long-term offender, Belleau went to a government-run community correctional centre for the first part of his day parole period. That involved a lot of hard work on personal improvement, Belleau said. He attended programs for addictions, alcoholism and programs geared for Indigenous offenders. It was time for me to take action because I just felt prison and addictions and my own difficulties in life in general were very dysfunctional and I didnt want that life anymore, he said, his voice trailing off as he spoke on his troubled past. With the help of halfway house staff, Belleau completed the program, and got a job in construction. Bruce Hawkins, a City of Toronto spokesperson, said the process for approving any project or development in the city is the same. Public consultation is not a requirement to have a new use of space approved. Colle, who has served the ward where the new John Howard apartments will be located since 2010, said this is the first time hes dealt with issues relating to supervised housing for offenders. What it made me realize was there has to be a broader conversation about what these facilities are . . . theres a lack of information or understanding out there. The Catholic school board last week sent a notice about the apartments to parents, and Spencer has completed, or scheduled, public meetings with parents at both schools. She said her hope is that the community will react with compassion and understanding, and recognize that the success of people like Belleau makes communities safer. It takes a lot to ask for help, Belleau said. When you want to change your life, you need to go and ask for help and the staff there really helped me out a lot. SHARE: Firsts for women happen less often in Canadas capital these days and thats probably good news. Julie Payette is the new Governor General, but shes the fourth woman to occupy that post in this countrys 150-year history. Women have served at the top of the Supreme Court of Canada and even, briefly, in the Prime Ministers Office, when Kim Campbell had the job for a few months in 1993. While its far too soon to say that women are inching toward equality in the corridors of power in Canada, especially around corporate boardrooms, there are fewer glass ceilings to shatter. However, as coincidence would have it, four big firsts for women are happening this fall in the ranks of diplomats sent to Canada. U.S. President Donald Trump, though not generally hailed as a feminist, has appointed the first woman ambassador to Canada from the United States. Kelly Knight Craft, a Kentucky Republican known best as a serious fundraiser for her party, was sworn in a few weeks ago in Washington. At the same time, Britain, France and Germany have also been sending their first women ambassadors to Canada this year. The new U.K. high commissioner is Susan le Jeune dAllegeershecque, who has been working in Britains foreign service since the mid-1980s. Her previous post, before landing in Canada this year, was in her countrys embassy in Paris. The new French ambassador is Kareen Rispal, a public servant with extensive experience in international development, who has worked at the United Nations and, most recently, in Frances office for the Americas and the Caribbean. Germanys new ambassador to Canada is Sabine Sparwasser, a career diplomat who has already worked quite a bit in Canada, as head of the German consulate in Toronto and a deputy head of mission in Ottawa. This convergence of firsts hasnt attracted a huge amount of attention, though Carleton University is holding a special event next week with three of the four ambassadors on stage to discuss the meaning of a feminist foreign policy. The moderator is Kim Campbell (naturally) and Knight Craft is the only one of the four new female envoys who wont be there. Many recipients of the invitation to this event well, if theyre anything like me might have done a double take at the mention of the firsts. Not at how many new women ambassadors there are, or that they were all from major, G7 nations, but more like: how has it taken this long for all these countries to send women to Canada? What year are we in again? An article last year in Harvard Universitys Kennedy School Review asked the same question, under the headline: Where Are All the Female Diplomats? Perhaps it is unsurprising that we have never appointed a female ambassador to Iran or Saudi Arabia, but what is our excuse for never sending one to Canada? asked the article, which was published just a couple of days before the 2016 vote that elected Trump. Feminist or foreign policy experts may have research to explain why we havent seen more women in these top diplomatic spots before now. Often these appointments go to close political allies of the leaders in power, who are still mostly men. As well, even though its 2017, its still probably easier to find men with spouses willing to put careers aside to move abroad. The best explanation may simply be found in the march of time. The three ambassadors who will be at next weeks event at the French embassy are all veteran public servants who have put in the years to get where they are now probably who broke other ceilings along the way. Knight Craft, meanwhile, follows in a long tradition of top fundraisers getting the U.S. ambassadors post in Canada it just so happens that women are finally being recognized for a skill that used to be more in the male domain. We cant discount the idea, though, that women are being sent to Canada because of all the efforts of Justin Trudeaus government to brand itself internationally as feminist-friendly. It cant be a total coincidence that the first Canadian government with a gender-equal cabinet is suddenly seeing an influx of female ambassadors from our major western allies. Practically speaking, its not clear whether having women in these jobs will have any effect on Canadas foreign relations. Maryscott Greenwood of the Canadian-American Business Council suggested in an article this week that the tough talks over NAFTAs future could be saved by the sisterhood of top women at the table, including Canadas Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland. A tall order, perhaps, especially in light of how recently women have landed in four top diplomatic posts in Canada. Its 2017, and were only now marking these firsts. sdelacourt@bell.net SHARE: Premier Kathleen Wynne has served Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown with a libel notice for claiming shes on trial in the Sudbury byelection bribery case. Having given Brown the requisite six weeks to apologize for his statement on Sept. 12, the premiers lawyers served the Tory leader with the legal papers on Friday at his Orillia constituency office. You have refused to retract or apologize for those defamatory statements and have made further defamatory statements about Premier Wynne, lawyers Jack Siegel and Sheldon Inkol of Blaney McMurtry LLP said in a four-page letter. The notice is the next step toward a defamation suit being filed in court. It stems from Brown telling a Queens Park media scrum that Ontario had a sitting premier sitting in trial and that Wynne stands trial in Sudbury. His comment was made the day before the premier testified as a Crown witness in a Sudbury courtroom where Patricia Sorbara, her former deputy chief of staff, and Liberal activist Gerry Lougheed are on trial for alleged Election Act violations, which they deny. Your statements above are false and defamatory. The express meaning of these statements is that Premier Wynne was on trial for bribery, which was not the case, wrote Siegel and Inkol, adding Brown had the intention of further harming Premier Wynnes reputation. A further implied meaning of these statements is that Premier Wynne is unethical and was under investigation by the police for a criminal act. Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne says she wanted to take the witness stand Sept. 13 to be as open as possible at a bribery trial involving a former top adviser and a Liberal fundraiser. (The Canadian Press) The lawyers said Wynne, whose legal bills are being paid by the Ontario Liberal Party, could seek an award of aggravated and punitive damages if the case proceeds to court. An unrepentant Brown accused the premier of using the libel notice to deflect from news that 180 pages of emails and documents were released to the public yesterday during one (of) her two political corruption trials. Her Liberal government is also under fire from an explosive report on hydro from the auditor general, said the Tory chief, a lawyer by training. Make no mistake, it is political corruption thats on trial. And the premier is oblivious to the fact that her party is politically corrupt, he said. It was a sad day for Ontario and truly a sorry spectacle that the premier of our province testified in a trial, said Brown. No one wants to see the premier of our province debased or humiliated. Regrettably Kathleen Wynne compounded this with baseless legal threats against me. Her baseless threats will be ignored. Speaking to reporters in Windsor, where she was co-hosting the Conference of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers with Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, Wynne urged Brown to recant. An acceptable outcome for me is to have a debate about the truth whatever the subject were talking about to talk about the facts and to talk about the substance of the issues, she said. Two Star reporters and a columnist were in Browns Sept. 12 press scrum along with journalists from CBC, Radio-Canada, The Canadian Press, The Globe and Mail, QP Briefing, Global, CP24, CTV, TFO, Queens Park Today, Fairchild, CHCH and Newstalk 1010. Prior to the 2014 election, Wynne launched a $2-million libel action against former Tory leader Tim Hudak and MPP Lisa MacLeod (Nepean-Carleton) over their comments about her alleged role in former premier Dalton McGuintys cancellation of gas-fired power plants in Oakville and Mississauga. That matter was settled out of court in 2015. NDP Leader Andrea Horwath has called on Brown to absolutely say sorry to Wynne. People are human beings. You make a mistake, you apologize. Theres not enough of that in politics, Horwath said last month. Read more about: SHARE: As October nears its end, so too do Torontos warm weather conditions, so make sure you take advantage of the sun for the next few days. Mornings in the city will continue to be chilly, with temperatures sitting below 10 C, but atypical fall highs remain today and tomorrow, with temperatures rising to 21 C with a mix of sun and cloud. Sundays high is expected to hit 23 C, with sunny and cloudy conditions followed by rain until Wednesday, with highs dropping to 10 C. Geoff Coulson, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, says this weather is unusual for this time of year in Toronto. The weather weve had since the heat wave in September has been pretty incredible our average temperature for the month of October has been 15.1 C which is way above our long-term average temperature of 9.5 C. In 1947, record-breaking temperatures rose to 23.9 C not too far off from what Toronto is feeling now. The lowest was -7.2 C in 1974. SHARE: LOS ANGELES An Italian model-actress met with Los Angeles police detectives for more than two hours Thursday morning, providing a detailed account of new allegations that movie mogul Harvey Weinstein sexually assaulted her at a hotel in 2013. She is the sixth woman to accuse Weinstein of rape or forcible sex acts. Los Angeles police Capt. Billy Hayes confirmed that the department has launched an investigation into the matter. It is the first case related to Weinstein to be reported in Southern California. New York police already have two active sex crime probes and Londons Metropolitan Police are investigating allegations made by three women. The new allegation could be legally troubling for Weinstein because it falls within the 10-year statute of limitations for the crime that existed at the time of the alleged incident, legal experts say. It could open the door to a prosecution if the evidence exists, said defence attorney Dmitry Gorin, a former L.A. sex crimes prosecutor. Until now, most of the allegations against Weinstein that could lead to criminal charges concerned incidents that are more than a decade old. Weinstein has unequivocally denied allegations of non-consensual sex, according to his representative, Sallie Hofmeister. She could not be immediately reached for comment about the latest allegation. In the latest case, the 38-year-old woman, who has asked not to be named because she is fearful of retaliation and concerned about protecting her childrens privacy, first contacted police on Tuesday, through her attorney, David Ring. Two detectives from the Los Angeles Police Departments Robbery-Homicide Divisions rape special section took her statement on Thursday. She told the Los Angeles Times that the incident occurred at Mr. C Beverly Hills hotel after she attended the 8th annual Los Angeles, Italia Film, Fashion and Art Fest in February 2013. She had previously met Weinstein once, briefly, in Rome after being introduced by an acquaintance. At that time, he invited her up to his hotel room, but she said she declined. She said they spoke briefly at the film festival, but he didnt appear to recall meeting her. Read more: Harvey Weinsteins behaviour was a dark inside joke on shows like Entourage and 30 Rock Quentin Tarantino on Harvey Weinstein: 'I knew enough to do more than I did' Sarah Polley says Harvey Weinstein said a close relationship with him would help her career because thats how it works Later, he showed up without warning in the lobby of her hotel. He asked to come up to her room. She said she told him no and offered to meet him downstairs, but soon, he was knocking her door. He . . . bullied his way into my hotel room, saying, Im not going to f--- you, I just want to talk, the woman told the Los Angeles Times. Once inside, he asked me questions about myself, but soon became very aggressive and demanding and kept asking to see me naked. He grabbed me by the hair and forced me to do something I did not want to do. He then dragged me to the bathroom and forcibly raped me. Rebecca Sun, an editor from The Hollywood Reporter, discusses the latest avalanche of allegations against Harvey Weinstein, including reactions from Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie. (The Associated Press) She told her attorney she tried to dissuade Weinstein by showing him pictures of her children. After about 45 minutes, Weinstein departed. When he left, he acted like nothing happened, the woman said. I barely knew this man. It was the most demeaning thing ever done to me by far. It sickens me still . . . He made me feel like an object, like nothing with all his power. At the time, she said was afraid to report Weinstein, but did tell a priest, a friend and a nanny what had happened. She said she decided to come forward at the urging of her children. She said her son told her, You just need to be strong, Mom. All these years Ive been thinking why I didnt call the police immediately, she said. I regret that I opened the (hotel) door. Her attorney, Ring, one of L.A.s top sex abuse attorneys, said she is fully co-operating with the LAPD. Delevingne says in a lengthy Instagram post that Weinstein brought up sexual subjects during more than one business meeting and also tried to get Delevingne to kiss a woman in front of him. (The Associated Press) The model-actress, who was 34 at the time, is well known in Italy where she appeared on the cover of Italian Vogue and as an actress in Italian films. The woman was living in Italy with her three children at the time of the alleged attack, but has since moved to Southern California. The allegations could also bolster a New York police investigation into a report Weinstein forced an aspiring actress in 2004 to perform oral sex on him as the L.A. cases involves similar acts. Lucia Evans told the New Yorker he assaulted her during a meeting at his Miramax office. Since a New York Times story first revealed allegations of sexual misconduct against Weinstein earlier this month, more than 40 women actresses, studio workers and models have accused Weinstein of inappropriate behaviour ranging from harassment to rape. Actresses Asia Argento, Rose McGowan, Lysette Anthony and Evans have all publicly stated they were raped or forced to perform a sex act by Weinstein. An unnamed woman also told the New Yorker he allegedly raped her. Eight women have received civil settlements over the years from him or his companies related to his conduct, The New York Times reported. SHARE: GAINESVILLE, FLA. A public appearance by white nationalist Richard Spencer began tensely, but mostly peacefully, at the University of Florida on Thursday as police, protesters and white nationalists gathered for a planned speech that prompted Floridas governor to declare a state of emergency. But inside the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, on an isolated corner of the campus, students with tickets booed heavily and chanted a profane phrase against Spencer as he came onstage. We represent a new white America! said one speaker who came onstage to introduce Spencer. Black lives matter! Black lives matter! Black lives matter! student protesters chanted in response. Read more: University of Florida students rally against speech from Richard Spencer Florida declares state of emergency ahead of Richard Spencer speech, white nationalist rally White nationalist Richard Spencer leads march in Charlottesville to defend Lee statue Later, Spencers supporters, some of whom filled the front rows of the auditorium, chanted back: You will not replace us! You will not replace us! You will not replace us! Go home, Spencer! Go home, Spencer! Go home, Spencer! protesters chanted after Spencer began speaking. Spencers last major public appearance with other white nationalists ended with a deadly riot in Charlottesville, Va., in August. Police and media helicopters circled over the area Thursday as hundreds of protesters marched in opposition to Spencers appearance. The protesters were met by a blockade of police wearing protective riot gear. From what Ive learned, this guy just preaches hate, said one of the marchers, LaMonte Kendrick, 22, of Gainesville. What he says doesnt make sense. Its like the 60s or something. Gainesvilles already had enough hate and racism in its history. Spencer gained national prominence in recent years for his support of President Donald Trump and for his views calling for a separate nation for white people. The apparent resurgence in white nationalism in the United States has sparked anti-supremacists to mobilize with their own efforts, which have included nonviolent demonstrations and pressure campaigns on companies providing services to white nationalists and sometimes violent attacks intended to drive white nationalists out of public spaces. Spencer has turned his sights to public universities, where First Amendment protections of free speech limit officials ability to deny Spencer a platform. Officials at the University of Florida have confirmed theyve spent roughly $500,000 on security for the event, and police from around Florida have gathered in Gainesville to assist local police. About 700 free tickets were available for the event and were to be distributed outside the venue on a first-come, first-serve basis, according to Spencers website, AltRight.com . Weapons were banned from the event, along with a wide range of other items, including water bottles, masks, shields and hats. Everyone is welcome at #SpenceratUF, Spencer tweeted before the event Thursday. This is going to be an important dialogue for the entire community. Before the event, Spencer, dressed in a light-coloured suit, held a news conference with dozens of journalists and expounded on his views about the ideal of a white nation-state, while denying that he was a supremacist or that he was responsible for the violence in Charlottesville, where one anti-racist protester was killed. Police corralled protesters into a single line outside the venue and turned away attendees for various reasons, including a military veteran who walked with a cane, which was deemed a potential weapon. One woman said she was denied entry by Spencers supporters at the gate because she was with an African-American man. Some journalists with cameras and notebooks were denied access, but were allowed entry without those items. Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for Alachua County on Monday, saying in his executive order a threat of a potential emergency is imminent, and that public safety and security will be safeguarded and critical infrastructure, and public and private property, will be protected by law enforcement. The measures, which came at the request of Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell, were not in response to any specific threats, according to the sheriffs and governors offices. The school had asked students to boycott Spencer, whose views university President W. Kent Fuchs has described as repugnant. The neo-Nazi website the Daily Stormer urged Spencer supporters who couldnt get tickets to carry out flash mobs throughout the city, including at a Jewish centre, a black culture centre and the Gainesville Sun newspaper. The point is to confuse the situation and to create public attention, to make it feel like the entire city is taken over by our guys, wrote site editor Andrew Anglin, who also urged followers to dress normally, leave signs or flags in their cars and not bring weapons. The Anti-Defamation League, which monitors hate groups, warned about attending the event. This type of activity is dangerous. We are working with local officials to ensure everyones safety, the group tweeted. We encourage people to avoid this event all together. Showing up will only play into their hands. Only one arrest appeared to take place before the event. Police said an armed security guard, hired by a media outlet covering the event, had illegally brought a gun on campus. SHARE: LILONGWEDeadly mob attacks on people suspected to be vampires have led to 140 arrests in Malawi, police said Friday. The situation had spun out of control, the inspector general of police, Lexon Kachama, told The Associated Press. More arrests were expected. Nine people have been killed in the attacks that began last month after rumours of blood-suckers spread. In the latest case, a man with epilepsy was burned to death in Blantyre, the southern African nations second-largest city, Kachama said. Another person there was stoned to death. President Peter Mutharika has appealed for calm in the four districts where the mob attacks have taken place, saying this week that my government will offer protection from these alleged blood-suckers. The United Nations and U.S. Embassy have blacklisted some of the areas as dangerous zones for staffers. The biggest challenge is that thieves and robbers have now taken advantage of the situation and are mounting illegal roadblocks at night in order to harass people, Kachama said. Government officials have said the attacks were harming the deeply impoverished countrys image. Residents including health officials, teachers and traditional leaders have said their homes were destroyed after rumours spread that they were harbouring vampires. Read more about: SHARE: As the Catalonia conflict enters uncharted territory, both sides are upping the ante. Officials in Madrid are finalizing plans for taking control of the rebel region. Theyll be rubber-stamped at an extraordinary Cabinet meeting on Saturday when Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy returns from a summit in Brussels, where hes looking to shore up his support among European leaders. The Catalans meanwhile are working out how they might stage a unilateral declaration of independence. We should take a decision in the next days, Jordi Xucla, a Catalan deputy for the PDeCAT party in the Spanish Parliament in Madrid, said in a Bloomberg Television interview Thursday. The decision could be obviously the declaration of independence maybe in one week or in two weeks. Read more: Spain threatens to take control of Catalonia, setting up unprecedented constitutional crisis Top court in Spain officially rules Catalan independence referendum illegal Catalonias president hasnt clarified independence status after deadline passes Both sides edged closer to the cliff edge Thursday on a historic day of threat and counter-threat, with Rajoy ordering his advisers to prepare the Spanish governments most wide-ranging constitutional powers for the first time ever. The Catalan National Assembly, a separatist campaign group, called on its supporters to pull cash from lenders, including CaixaBank and Banco Sabadell, between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Friday. In a video posted on Twitter, the group told Catalans to protest the two banks decision to move their legal domiciles out of the region. Spokesmen for the two banks said business was normal early Friday. The president of the Catalonia region Carles Puigdemont said on Oct. 10 that he was proceeding with a declaration of independence but was suspending it for several weeks to facilitate negotiations. (The Associated Press) CaixaBank fell 0.4 per cent in Madrid at 10:25 a.m., its sixth straight day of losses. Sabadell was down 1.8 per cent, the biggest decline in Spains benchmark index. The next, critical step is fraught with risk for both sides. The prime minister, his authority already damaged by an unprecedented rebellion in the countrys biggest regional economy, will be trying to bring Catalonia to heel using the untested legal weaponry of the Spanish Constitutions Article 155. He has little popular support on the ground, and his opponents have honed their guerrilla operations over seven years of campaigning. The last time he tried to impose his will on the Catalans was on Oct. 1, when violent clashes between Spanish police and would-be voters provoked a torrent of criticism from around the world. And the separatists declared victory in their improvised, illegal referendum anyway. Once the government approves his plan Saturday, Rajoy needs the backing of the Senate before hes ready to take charge in Catalonia. That process could take another two weeks, according to constitutional scholar Jorge de Esteban Alonso. For Catalan President Carles Puigdemont and his allies, the stakes are arguably even higher two of his closest collaborators have been in jail since Monday, a National Court judge ruling that they might interfere with evidence if released. If theyre eventually convicted on charges of sedition, they face up to 15 years in jail. A court in Lleida, Catalonia, on Friday ordered Spains Civil Guard to search the Catalan governments data and communications centre for evidence that regional police officers co-ordinated their actions to allow the makeshift ballot to take place, in defiance of the Constitutional Court. European Union leaders lined up on Thursday to back Rajoy, and the EU has made it clear that an independent Catalonia would fall out of the bloc, its companies shut out of European markets, and its banks cut off from funding by the European Central Bank. Blue-chip Catalan companies, such as CaixaBank and Gas Natural SDG, are already leading a flood of businesses uprooting for other parts of Spain to escape the potential disruption. The government is doing all it can to guarantee the prosperity of Catalonia and Spain, Economy Minister Luis de Guindos told reporters in Madrid Thursday. The government is doing everything it possibly can to restore stability. Catalan Vice President and economic-policy chief Oriol Junqueras will meet with executives from international companies operating in the region Friday to urge them not to join the corporate exodus, El Confidencial news website reported. Alstom SA, HP Inc. and law firm Baker & McKenzie are among those invited, El Confidencial said. De Guindos will join the rest of the cabinet for its regular weekly meeting in Madrid Friday, while Rajoy attends the final day of EU talks in Brussels. In reality, a unilateral declaration of independence in the coming weeks is more likely to mean chaos than isolation. The EU wont recognize a proclamation based on an illegal vote with no proper guarantees, so the region will remain plumbed in to the European economy. But Catalans would be faced with two rival administrations claiming control of the courts, the public finances and the streets. Senior lawmakers from the main pro-independence parties will meet in the Catalan Parliament on Monday to discuss the potential choreography of the event, according to a person familiar with their plans. The political leaders are concerned that they may lose control of more radical factions among the grassroots campaigners unless they move quickly, the person said, asking not to be named, because the discussions were private. The separatists are betting that European leaders will choose to break their own rules rather than see that chaos snowball, even though many would see such a declaration as an act of economic self-harm. The fact that the Spanish government doesnt want a mediation doesnt mean that they wont end up accepting one, Junqueras said in an interview in Barcelona Thursday. Read more about: SHARE: GENEVAUNICEF says the children who make up most of the nearly 600,000 Rohingya Muslims who have fled violence in Burma are seeing a hell on earth in overcrowded, muddy and squalid refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh. The UN childrens agency has issued a report that documents the plight of nearly 340,000 children caught up in the crisis, who account for 58 per cent of the refugees who have poured into Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh, over the last eight weeks. Report author Simon Ingram says about one in five children in the area are acutely malnourished. The report comes ahead of a donor conference Monday in Geneva to drum up funding for the Rohingya. Many Rohingya refugee children in Bangladesh have witnessed atrocities in (Burma) no child should ever see, and all have suffered tremendous loss, UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake said in a statement. Our correspondent reports from a sprawling makeshift city that houses hundreds of thousands of Rohingya people, driven from their homes by Burma's military. (The New York Times) The refugees need clean water, food, sanitation, shelter and vaccines to help head off a possible outbreak of cholera a potentially deadly water-borne disease. Ingram also warned of threats posed by human traffickers and others who might exploit children in the refugee areas. These children just feel so abandoned, so completely remote, and without a means of finding support or help. In a sense, its no surprise that they must truly see this place as a hell on earth, Ingram told a news conference in Geneva. The report features harrowing colour drawings by some children being cared for by UNICEF and other aid groups who are scrambling to improve living conditions in Coxs Bazar. Some of the images show helicopter gunships and green-clad men firing on a village or on people, some of whom are spewing blood. The influx of Rohingya refugees from Burma began on Aug. 25 as the military launched a crackdown it said was in response to militant attacks. Refugees have fled burning villages and provided accounts like the childrens drawings of security forces gunning down civilians. The UN and humanitarian agencies seek $434 million for the Rohingya refugees about one-sixth of which would go to UNICEF efforts to help children. Read more about: SHARE: LAS VEGASSome survivors of the Las Vegas mass shooting said they were ready for closure, though they confessed feeling engulfed by anxiety and security fears while gathering in a large group for the first time since the attack. Theresa Almada, 49, drove Thursday evening from San Diego back to Las Vegas to attend a country music concert benefiting victims of the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Fifty-eight people were killed and hundreds more were wounded Oct. 1 at the Route 91 Harvest Festival on the Las Vegas Strip. Gunman Stephen Paddock opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay casino-hotel tower, unleashing more than 1,000 bullets into the crowd. Read more: In aftermath of shooting, Las Vegas faces security dilemma Mandalay Bay hotel guard describes getting shot before Las Vegas massacre Las Vegas gunman aimed at fuel tanks, had protective gear as part of escape plan, sheriff says Almada was physically unharmed and was able to run back to her hotel, but she said she feels immense anxiety that comes in waves. She gathered at the Thursday night benefit concert with fellow survivors wearing matching orange t-shirts and bracelets. Almada said she hopes shell feel some sense of closure and can begin to heal from the traumatic experience. I dont know if theres a copycat person out there but Im not going to let him do what he did to every single day of my life, Almada said of Paddock. Susan Pudiwitr, 56, of Las Vegas, who suffered a bullet graze wound on her hip, said she finds comfort being among other survivors but being in a big crowd again makes her think about whos out there, where they are and how she would save herself and her friends if the worst happened again. Its been hard. I dont sleep. I have trouble eating, Pudiwitr said. Security was also on the mind of John Rich of the American country music duo Big & Rich, which headlined the benefit concert along with Rascal Flatts. Thursdays concert at the indoor Orleans Arena was expected to attract 8,000 people, including 2,000 police and other emergency workers. Its definitely going to be on your mind. Youre going to look at your surroundings through a different lens, Rich said in an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday. I mean, how could you not? A timeline of the shooting outside Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on Oct. t, which killed 58 people. (The Associated Press) Big & Rich had performed at the festival about 90 minutes before Paddock opened fire for about 10 minutes with country music star Jason Aldean on stage at the time. Big & Rich, whose hits include Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) and Lost In This Moment, had left the festival grounds after their performance the night of the shooting but have taken the tragedy personally. Those are our people. Thats who we identify with. Thats who we make music for, so to see them suffering like that, its really painful to watch, Rich said. The tickets for the concert were free and all were taken. Organizers accepted donations and profit from food and beverage sales will go toward the primary victims fund. To date, more than $11 million have been raised by the county to help with medical bills and other expenses. We aint staying down. Were going to go out. Were going to do the things we do as Americans, said Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts. Were going to love life. During the show, Fox host Sean Hannity compared the Vegas shooting to the 9-11 terrorist attacks. There were also video messages from Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo and musicians Garth Brooks and Kid Rock. And President Donald Trump tweeted his support of the concert, using the hashtag #VegasStrong. SHARE: WASHINGTONTwo more U.S. government workers have been confirmed to be victims of invisible attacks in Cuba, the United States said Friday, raising the total to 24. The tally has inched upward since the U.S. first disclosed in August that embassy workers and their families in Havana had been harmed by unexplained, mysterious incidents affecting their health. The Trump administration later said it had determined the incidents were specific attacks that are ongoing, but investigators have not yet identified a weapon or a culprit. The disclosure that 24 people have been harmed suggests that nearly half the American government workers serving in Cuba have been attacked. The U.S. had roughly 50 personnel posted to the Embassy in Havana until earlier this month when, in response to the attacks, the State Department pulled out roughly 60 per cent of the staff. Yet some of the victims were spouses of U.S. workers, and several were temporary workers who rotated in to Cuba for short-term stints. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said the two additional victims do not reflect new attacks. The assessments are based on medical evaluations of personnel who were affected by incidents earlier this year, Nauert said. Nauert said the most recent attack is still believed to have been near the end of August. A U.S. official told The Associated Press previously that attack occurred Aug. 21. The official wasnt authorized to disclose the exact date and requested anonymity. Our personnel are receiving comprehensive medical evaluations and care, Nauert said. We cant rule out additional new cases as medical professionals continue to evaluate members of the embassy community. The United States cant rule out additional new cases as medical professionals continue to evaluate members of the embassy community, Nauert added. Read more: Tourists to Cuba wonder if they were also targeted by mysterious sound attacks Trump says Cuba is responsible for attacks on U.S. personnel in Havana U.S. to ask Cuba to cut embassy staff by 60% following mysterious health attacks The attacks started last year and affected American diplomats, intelligence officials and their spouses in Havana. They began in staffers homes in Havana, but the AP disclosed in September that they later occurred in hotels as well. The attacks in hotels began after the U.S. complained to President Raul Castros government, and Cuban security officials dramatically increased patrols around the U.S. workers homes, officials said. Cuba has vehemently denied any knowledge or involvement in the attacks, emphasizing its eagerness to co-operate with the investigation being led by the FBI. The United States hasnt blamed Cuba or any other actor of perpetrating the attacks, but has faulted Castros government for failing to stop them, arguing its Cubas responsibility under international law to protect foreign diplomats on its soil. I do believe Cubas responsible. I do believe that, U.S. President Donald Trump said last week. And its a very unusual attack, as you know. But I do believe Cuba is responsible. A few Canadians were also affected by the attacks, which caused a variety of physical symptoms. The U.S. has said that vestibular, cognitive, vision and other problems have been reported by the victims, with some experiencing memory and balance issues, headaches and ringing in the ears. The union that represents American diplomats has said some have been diagnosed with permanent hearing loss and mild traumatic brain injury, known as concussions. Some of the cases involved mysterious, blaring sounds that led to investigators to consider whether a sonic weapon was involved. The AP last week released a recording of what some American workers heard. SHARE: Congratulations, Quebec National Assembly, on your precious Bill 62. How public-spirited of you. You havent just stooped and scooped, youve bagged the thing too. Ive always admired Quebeckers for their stroppiness. While other Canadians wilt under absurd provincial laws, acquiescing as a condition of life, frosty Quebeckers say Non and send the dish back. The bechamel is not as it should be. Their Non is as emphatic as a toddlers when asked trick question if she likes green eggs and ham. She does not like them, Sam-I-Am. Read more: Ottawa should show courage on Quebecs Bill 62: Editorial Quebecs Bill 62 declares war on sunglasses: Hebert How Ontario politicians avoided Quebecs burka backlash: Cohn What a shame Liberal Premier Philippe Couillard didnt say Non this time. He was face-licking: catering to mean-spirited voters to prove that he has something in common with them, lick lick, while scratching kindly voters behind the ears and assuring them its no big deal. But it is, partly because the law will affect so few people: the approximately 90 Quebec women who wear the niqab. (You know what I say to women in those long black garments with a scarf up to the eyeballs when I come across them in Toronto? I say Hi there.) The confusing, unwieldy law bans face coverings for government employees and anyone using public services at all. Its not aimed at religious symbols nor even niqabs, Quebec claims, just faces. Justice Minister Stephanie Vallee, in an act of desperation, even claimed that the bill would apply to sunglasses on a public bus. Everyone will have to take them off or walk. Justin Trudeau is weighing in further on the Quebec law banning people from covering their faces while receiving public services. The prime minister says it is not the role of government to tell women what they can or cant wear. (The Canadian Press) As if. Only yesterday morning I wore sunglasses on the subway. I always wear sunglasses, partly because it coddles the sullen feeling that so often now envelops me until noon. I will not take them off until Im ready. But if I had to walk, I wouldnt bear the public mark of shame that women in niqabs will endure. Their niqab will mutely declare: Not allowed on public transit. Not allowed in hospital cafeteria. Before this, the niqab was a rare-enough emblem of control over women, which is the hallmark of all religions. Apparently some young Canadians wear it to annoy their free-thinking parents and it does that, so great job, kids. But in Quebec it now signifies public banishment. What does that feel like? I turn to Victor Klemperer for insight. The great value of his diary, I Will Bear Witness: A Diary of the Nazi Years, published in the 90s, was its revelations of the tiny moments of daily life. He was a Jewish professor married to an Aryan, which gave him a dwindling semi-existence in the city of Dresden. On July 23, 1941, signs saying Jews unwelcome made him legally unable to dine in restaurants. On Sept. 19, Jews were made to wear the Jewish star, yellow on a black background, that declared to everyone in Dresden that it was open season. Frau Kreidl Sr. was in tears, Frau Voss had palpitations, Klemperer wrote. I myself feel shattered, cannot compose myself. They could no longer pass. On Feb. 5, 1942, Jews were sent to a specific section of the tram, forbidden to use trams on Sundays and later not allowed on public transit at all. They were conspicuous because of a piece of cloth, and then they were on foot, stared at and abused. Still, Dresdeners would shake Klemperers hand on the street, whisper comfort, and quietly hand him high-quality rationed food even though Jews were no longer eligible for it. On Sept. 20, 1941, a tram driver asked small, white-haired Frau Kronheim why she didnt take a seat. She explained the rules for Jews like her. The driver struck the panel with his fist: What a mean thing! What a mean thing Quebec has done. Klemperer was a Reform Jew who considered himself German. He was not particularly religious, but he dared not remove the Jewish star even had he wanted to because he would have been shot if he were caught. In Quebec, Muslim women who consider themselves Canadian are being told to remove their niqabs if they wish to keep their public service jobs, ride on public transit, or line up in a school or hospital emergency room. They wont be shot, of course, but they will be left unemployed, shunned and possibly attacked in public spaces by bigots. Dress codes are strict though unstated. In one setting or another restaurant, law firm, airplane, hospital, the House of Commons women must choose among high heels and tight T-shirts, understated suits, uniforms, modest dress, etc. Note how Prime Minister Trudeau is resented by journalists for his cool Montreal dress sense but Conservative leader Andrew Scheer dresses like a journalist he looks like a Saskatchewan Shoppers Drug Mart bag and gets away with it. Such minor matters cause maximum misery. If youre curious, Klemperer survived the war, his salvation being the Allied bombing that flattened Dresden and let him escape, sans Jewish star. Until then, a piece of cloth had doomed him. hmallick@thestar.ca Read more about: SHARE: Gregory Baum, Canadas preeminent Catholic theologian, died peacefully in Montreal this week at the age of 94. A man of deep insight, quiet discipline, and sterling intellectual courage, Baum, through his over two dozen books, hundreds of articles, numerous media interviews, and thousands of students over a half century of teaching, became both spokesperson and exemplar of the Catholic Churchs openness to the modern world. When Pope John XXIII chose to open the windows of the church by convening the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), Baum, then an Augustinian priest with a recently minted doctorate on ecumenism, was called to Rome to help aerate the corridors and clear away the cobwebs of an increasingly sclerotic institution. As a peritus, or conciliar theologian, Baum helped to craft the councils decrees on ecumenism and relations with non-Christian faiths, thus contributing to the churchs newfound respect for and openness to Protestant Christianity and Judaism, marking a hopeful break from centuries of baleful religious hostility and intolerance. These statements remain the churchs most authoritative teachings on these issues. Like his spiritual dominie, St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430), whose Confessions sparked Baums conversion to Catholicism, the Berlin-born Baum, who was raised Protestant, but owing to Jewish ancestry was forced as a teen to leave Germany, strove for spiritual authenticity amid remarkable political and cultural upheavals. For Baum, this quest was manifest personally on his path to ordination in 1947, during his productive priesthood, and, owing to ecclesial pressure, his quiet withdrawal from the ordained ministry in 1976. While it is impossible to fully capture the contours of such a rich intellectual legacy in a short reflection, there are several features of Baums theological journey that speak to his stellar contribution as both a theologian and as a person. The first is discipline, spiritual and professional. After heading to McGill University to pursue my doctoral studies with Baum, I was deeply impressed by his work ethic, which brought him to his office early in the morning till late afternoon. For Baum, work was energizing, not depleting. For him, I think, discipline meant living a fully integrated life, staying faithful to his commitment to God, to others, to the church, and to communities striving for dignity, human rights and social justice. Baum wanted to live with an open and flourishing heart, and his discipline helped keep his soul subtle. A second feature of Baums lasting legacy is courage. In his autobiography, The Oil Has Not Run Dry: The Story of My Theological Pathway (2017), Baum notes with some embarrassment his pre-Vatican II views on Judaism, Protestantism, and the role of the Christian, which he often felt, in his own case, was initially quite narrowly focused and insular. He records how through key ideas, publications and mentors, he was challenged to pry open his faith to include ideas that encompassed personal struggles of meaning wherever they are found. His chauvinistic faith became wide and welcoming, particularly inclusive of the socially and economically marginalized, including the poor, women, gays and lesbians, Muslims, and people of colour. He showed that the faithful theologian, like the church he embraced, had the ability to change its mind. A third deeply impactful dimension of Baums life is his embrace of liberation theologys preferential option for the impoverished and marginalized, and the turn to the social sciences as a key dialogue partner. Whereas philosophy was traditionally the main dialogue partner of theology, Baum turned to the social sciences as a major entranceway into theological and ecclesial self-understanding. In his groundbreaking book, Religion and Alienation, based on his 1969-1971 leave at the New School for Social Research in New York, Baum brought the rich harvest of Alexis de Tocqueville, Emile Durkheim, Ferdinand Toennies and Max Weber, among others, into dialogue with contemporary theology. This infusion enabled Christians to discern that ideologies, social and economic circumstances, and cultural conditions helped shape and explain church teachings over the centuries. By bringing this intellectual tradition so vividly and clearly to contemporary theology, Baum helped provide the intellectual grounding for liberation theologians to examine the social structures of racial, economic, political, cultural, and gendered oppression. Baums life was marked by openness, compassion and gratitude, gifts that remain through his life, writings and the countless lives he touched. Stephen Bede Scharper is associate professor of religion and environment at the University of Toronto. Stephen.scharper@utoronto.ca SHARE: When the once-unthinkable suddenly seems all-too-possible, theres a normal human tendency to look for a silver lining in that cloud. And so it is now that the deal underpinning Canadas biggest trading relationship appears to be hanging by a thread. The story is far from over, but this may well be the week that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) suffered the blow that leads to its eventual demise, most likely early next year. With the Trump administration pushing outrageously protectionist demands, Canada and Mexico have no choice but to make clear their own bottom lines and prepare for life after NAFTA. There was always a very real chance it would come to this. No country can afford to be rolled by a bully across the street who isnt genuinely interested in working out a deal thats good for both sides. And thats the position Donald Trump is putting Canada in as his negotiators relentlessly pursue his America First agenda. We are now hearing from various quarters that if things fall apart it may not be so bad after all. Canadas chief negotiator in the original NAFTA negotiations, John Weekes, said this week that it wouldnt be the end of the world if the deal disappears. And in the Star, former NDP leader Ed Broadbent wrote optimistically that there could be major new opportunities for Canada in a post-NAFTA world. Thats all good to hear. There has been a tendency since the deal came into effect almost a quarter century ago to exaggerate both its benefits and shortcomings. The truth is that the overall effects of globalization and rapid technological change have been much bigger factors in shaping our economy for both good and ill. Fixing NAFTA or scrapping it wont change that. But theres no point in minimizing the potential costs involved if it all goes south. Its not just the short- to medium-term effects on the economy if NAFTA ends. In a report last July the International Monetary Fund said that could be as little as a 0.4-per-cent reduction in Canadas GDP, a number cited by Broadbent. (Its worth noting, however, that the IMF figure is on the low end of estimates by economists; others figure the hit to Canada could be as big as 2.5 per cent of GDP, which would be painful.) Theres a bigger picture, though, one hinted at by Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland this week as she spoke at the end of the most recent, acrimonious round of trade talks in Washington. She said the American side has brought forward proposals that turn back the clock on 23 years of predictability, openness and collaboration under NAFTA. Freeland called that troubling, an understatement if ever there was one. Who can doubt that introducing such uncertainty into the mix would hurt both the Canadian and U.S. economies, which are doing pretty well at the moment. And theres no reason to believe that ending NAFTA would bring back any of the manufacturing jobs lost in both countries over the past two decades. It will still be much cheaper to operate a factory in China or any number of other low-wage countries. And beyond the fate of NAFTA itself are the wider implications of Trumps drive to put America First. As he interprets it, it amounts to withdrawing the United States from all sorts of involvement with the rest of the world on the grounds that other countries have been taking America to the cleaners for decades in trade, in military alliances, in multilateral arrangements of all kinds. Aside from NAFTA, he has pulled the U.S. out of a potential trade deal with much of Asia, the Trans-Pacific Partnership; withdrawn from the global agreement on climate and the deal to limit Irans nuclear ambitions; called into question Washingtons role in NATO and the United Nations; and on and on. This is the biggest American retreat from the world since the 1920s, when Washington embraced isolationism, much to the detriment of the entire world. The gap is being filled by other, more confident powers, notably China. Its no accident that The Economist this week singled out that countrys president, Xi Jinping, as the worlds most powerful man a label long reserved for U.S. presidents. Now, it wrote, the president of China walks with a swagger abroad while Trumps America is pulling back and creating a power vacuum. What does this mean for Canada? For one thing, Ottawa must certainly stick to its guns on issues of principle, no matter how tough the talks become. Those include, for example, maintaining a credible independent dispute settlement mechanism so that a powerful partner like the U.S. cannot simply interpret trade rules to its own advantage. It also means at this point holding firm on some issues where it might actually be in Canadas best interest to compromise such as our protectionist marketing board policies. Canadian consumers would benefit from rolling those back, but it cant happen with Washington holding a gun to Ottawas head. It means redoubling efforts to find other trade partners and lessen Canadas reliance on the United States. That has been notably unsuccessful in past decades: when Justin Trudeaus father Pierre was prime minister way back in 1971 he famously launched a so-called third option initiative to diversify markets in the face of protectionist moves from the Nixon administration. At the time, 69 per cent of Canadian exports went to the U.S.; now the figure is up to 76 per cent and Canadas economy is even more dependent on trade than it was then. Nonetheless, Trumps willingness to see NAFTA sink should light a fire under Ottawa to do whatever it can to wean Canada off its dependence on the U.S. For one thing, it should support efforts to revive the TPP agreement without American participation. If successful, that would give Canada more access to important Asian markets, including Japan. Theres nothing Canada can do about Trump. Like the rest of the world, were stuck with him for the time being. But we can use this moment to remind ourselves of the pitfalls of leaning too heavily on one increasingly unreliable and inward-looking partner. Read more about: SHARE: The passage in Quebec last week of Bill 62, which forbids people in the province from providing or receiving public services with their faces covered (read: while wearing a niqab), was an offensive act of crass political pandering proffered on the most dubious grounds. Those who supported it (and those who argued it doesnt go far enough) should be ashamed of themselves. And those leaders outside of Quebec who remain silent in the face of this bigoted legislation are making a dangerous situation worse. Bill 62 was put forward in the name of religious neutrality, yet it was passed in a legislature adorned with a crucifix. It does not target all religions equally, but just a tiny subsection of the provinces relatively small Muslim minority. There is nothing neutral about it. The law has also been sold as a way to ensure that public safety is preserved and that nothing impedes efficient communication or identification in the provision of public services. But surely these are not relevant issues when, for instance, a niqabi woman boards a city bus, now forbidden under the law. The bill was even advocated on feminist grounds, as if the state telling a woman what she can wear is a liberating act. But while Bill 62 serves no evident policy purpose it does create an enforcement nightmare. The union representing public transit workers in Montreal has already expressed concern about bus drivers being turned into the niqab police. Will they be asked to bar niqabi women from boarding or to demand they remove their veil? Librarians and doctors are unlikely to be any more enthusiastic. The idea of ridding the public service of religious garb was floated by the Bouchard-Taylor commission on reasonable accommodation in 2008. However, in recent days, both of the commissions co-chairs have condemned the new law. One of them, the philosopher Charles Taylor, called upon his considerable erudition in denouncing its incoherence: Its a dogs breakfast, he told CBC News. As none of the many justifications offered by Quebecs Liberal government makes any sense, it is impossible to see the ban as anything but a sop to Islamophobic voters, as we argued before the law was officially adopted. This is grossly hypocritical coming from Premier Philippe Couillard, who in the wake of last Januarys murder of six Muslim men at a Quebec City mosque, blamed a decade of toxic debate about religious accommodation for stoking anti-Muslim sentiment in the province. Couillard was right at the time. His ban accomplishes nothing but to inflame hate and spread division. Court challenges are almost certain to be quickly forthcoming, and a number of constitutional scholars have already suggested that the law is unlikely to survive. But the damage to our social fabric will not be easy to undo. Given the stakes, silence from political leaders, including those outside of the province, is plainly unacceptable. It is tempting to see this as a Quebec problem, to be solved in Quebec. But Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne was right when she said that such a law has no place in Canada. For federal leaders, who depend on support in Quebec, speaking out may come at a higher cost. This has been evident in their largely cautious public statements. Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer has done his best to avoid the subject. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh swiftly condemned the law, but suggested Ottawa has no tools or responsibility to act. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was even more cautious, waiting several days before offering a full-throated denunciation. I will always stand up for Canadians rights, he said on Friday, without elaborating on how. In fact, Ottawa does have tools to challenge the law and it should consider using them in this case. This is not a time for caution or intergovernmental niceties, but for clarity and courage. However popular this law may be in Quebec, a defining and admirable feature of our country is that the majority cannot choose to deprive a minority of their rights. Read more about: SHARE: When consumers think of smartphones, speakers or headphones, Google is almost never the first company that comes to mind. The Alphabet (GOOGL) - Get Free Report unit is the king of internet search and digital advertising, but its attempts to break into the consumer technology space have historically ended with a whimper. There was the first generation Pixel phone, which was an all-around solid device, but simply failed to keep up with Apple's (AAPL) - Get Free Report iPhone. Other devices, such as the Daydream VR headset and the Google Home, haven't quite broken out yet, largely because the hardware market has been so competitive. In some cases, the technology hasn't reached a tipping point of mainstream adoption (here's looking at you, Google Glass). That hasn't stopped Google from trying, however. Quite the opposite, Google is going after hardware with brute force in its latest array of Pixel devices. The l line up packs eight different products, ranging from two new Pixel smartphones to a modern, compact cousin of the original Google Home. They all look and feel like Google products, with a simple and clean design; but it's also clear that Google Assistant is the focal point, as it's enabled in nearly all the devices. As a Google PR person told us, "you think of us as a software company, but we're also a hardware company." TheStreet got some hands-on time with the whole range of devices this week at a special pop-up store in New York that will be open for the next three months. Here are our first impressions: Pixel 2 ($649) and Pixel 2 XL ($849) First, the bad news: You're not going to get an edge-to-edge screen, facial recognition technology or wireless charging like there is in the iPhone X. That being said, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL do check a lot of other boxes. Both devices have waterproof, organic LED screens with always-on display, a fingerprint scanner that's intuitively located on the back of the phone, and Active Edge technology that calls up Google Assistant by simply squeezing the device. Unfortunately, Google joined Apple in saying goodbye to the headphone jack; it did, however, introduce a brand new pair of wireless headphones that we'll get to later on. I appreciate that Google put the same, high-quality camera in both the Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL, so that us smaller-handed individuals don't have to settle for crappier pictures by buying the smaller phone. Google didn't follow Apple's lead in bringing dual-lens cameras to the Pixel 2 phones, but the Pixels do have Portrait Mode, which allows you to add depth-of-field effects, that even extends to the front-facing camera. Another nice feature: The Pixel phones come with unlimited Google Photos storage, so you don't have to worry about running out of room or, alternatively, shelling out $100 a year to increase your iCloud storage. The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are also the first devices where you can take Google Lens for a spin. The technology lets users point their camera at a landmark or object to get reviews and other information. It's worth noting, however, that Lens is still in beta version, so it's not entirely foolproof. Also, to my surprise, you can't access Google Lens in the Pixel's camera app; you can only use it after pictures are uploaded to Google Photos, which is a major downside, in my opinion. Pixel Buds ($159) For a pair of wireless headphones, Google's Pixel Buds are every bit as much a futuristic innovation. By far the most showstopping feature is that, using Google Assistant, the Pixel Buds can provide two-way voice translation in 40 languages in real time (that's 1,600 possible language pairs, for those who are good at math). The technology appeared to work pretty seamlessly when it was demoed in front of me, and my editor was able to have a basic conversation in Mandarin with a Google employee translated perfectly using the Buds. There is one significant drawback, however: the Google Translate feature is only available if you have a Pixel phone, so that obviously leaves out all iOS users and a significant number of Android users as well (a Google product manager said the reason is that there's a lot of audio and other technology that had to be customized for the translation feature to work well and with as little latency as possible). Also, you can only use the Pixel Bud's Google Assistant features on some Android phones. All of which means that to take full advantage of the Pixel Buds' capabilities, you're going to need a Pixel phone. As an iPhone user, they're still pretty enticing to me because they appear sturdier than Apple's AirPods. Significantly, the Pixel Buds are attached to each other by a smooth, fabric-covered wire that sits comfortably behind your neck, so they're much harder to lose than the fully wireless AirPods. Google Home Mini ($49) The Google Home Mini is Google's answer to Amazon's (AMZN) - Get Free Report wildly popular Echo Dot. It's smaller than its predecessor, the original Google Home, but it can handle pretty much all the same tasks. And at $49, the Mini is crazy cheap, so Google likely envisions that people will buy two or three of them to place all over their homes or apartments. Having one of these in a couple rooms would be especially helpful if you've got other smart home devices, such as IoT-enabled light bulbs, thermostats, etc. One thing that is increasingly setting Google's devices apart from Amazon is that they simply look better. Amazon's Echo devices tend to appear machine-like and plastic-y, while the Home doesn't seem like a piece of technology at all. It's covered in a soft fabric and has subtle lights that show up when the user interacts with Assistant. Admittedly, the softer lights can make it hard to tell when the device is activated, whereas it's almost impossible to miss when the Echo responds to my voice. Another small drawback is that the Mini's audio quality is pretty mediocre. I like to connect my Echo Dot to a third-party speaker to make up for the device's substandard speakers, but you can't do that with the Home Mini because there's no auxiliary ports. You can connect to other devices via Chromecast, however. Google Home Max ($399) If the Home Mini didn't satisfy my music listening needs, the Google Home Max is certainly suited for the task. The device was a lot bigger in person that I had anticipated, but that's definitely a result of the fact that the Max is packed with two 4.5-inch woofers and a range of tweeters for optimal sound range. The Home Max is meant to compete with Apple's HomePod smart speaker as well as the Sonos smart speaker, and it clearly does just that. The Max comes enabled with Assistant, meaning that its smart sound and room equalization technology (volume and quality that adjusts based on your surroundings) will improve automatically with every software update. Hipsters and audiophiles will be happy to know that the Max can even connect to your record player using a 3.5mm jack. Pixelbook ($999) I've seen a ton of people asking the same question: Who's going to buy a $1,000 Chromebook? And I have to admit, I found myself wondering the same thing. The Pixelbook is a laptop that can be folded into a tablet or propped up onto a stand. The Pixelbook Pen ($99) is sold separately, but it enables a lot of the fun writing and drawing features. Google Assistant is also built into the Pixelbook and can be activated with your voice, a key or with the PixelPen, the last by circling words or images on the screen. The text commands are optimal for if you're in a meeting and don't want to talk out loud to Assistant. Again, though, I'm not sure who is going to buy this. It has many of the benefits of a tablet, but it seems hard to justify spending $1,000 on a laptop that's still mostly a browser-only operating system. Daydream View ($99) My experience with VR headsets is admittedly quite limited, but I was blown away by the latest version of Google's Daydream headset. Like the Home Mini, the Daydream View is reasonably priced at $99, which is a modest discount to its nearest competitor, the Samsung Gear headset ($129). Others products cost significantly more, such as Facebook's (FB) - Get Free Report Oculus Rift ($399) and the HTC Vive ($599). Compared to other headsets, like the Oculus Rift, which can be pretty cumbersome, the Daydream is much more intuitive and user-friendly. Its simple clicker remote makes it easy to use and the cloth materials make it surprisingly comfortable. The Daydream can be used for all sorts of fun things such as playing video games (Hamster Hoops is pretty addicting), whale-watching in the deep seas and getting a front-row seat at an Ed Sheeran concert. However, the Daydream View only works with Pixel phones, some Galaxy devices and Huawei's Mate 9.sssd Google Clips ($249) Google is trying something totally different with Google Clips, which is meant to stand in for your smartphone when you want to take hands-free photos. Again, Google snuck in some artificial intelligence features here, too. The Clips lens uses machine learning to detect things it deems "interesting" around you and will automatically snap photos. Google says that it's meant to capture more candid, unexpected moments that a smartphone might otherwise miss. For those worried about privacy, any live photos shot by Clips are stored locally on the device, so you don't have to worry about them being uploaded to the cloud. Any time you want to access them, just open the Clips app, where you can edit and delete any clips. At $249, a hands-free camera seems like it would be a bit of a hard sell to most consumers, especially as many are already armed with their smartphone. Unlike most Google products, however, it can pair with the iPhone, so if you're looking for an extra pair of hands, Google Clips might be your answer. Facebook, Apple and Alphabet are holdings in Jim Cramer'sAction Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells FB,AAPL or GOOGL? Learn more now. More of What's Trending on TheStreet: Target Corp. (TGT) - Get Free Report CEO Brian Cornell came home again (take that, Thomas Wolfe) on Thursday to christen the company's brand-new Herald Square store that opens on Friday, and he's glad he did. The Queens, N.Y., native said he was "excited to be at the epicenter of retail in America." And truly it is: the new store is directly across from Macy's Inc. (M) - Get Free Report flagship store and it's surrounded by outposts for Gap (GPS) - Get Free Report , H&M, Uniqlo, Foot Locker (FL) - Get Free Report and Sephora (owned by LMVH). It's also not far from a hulking J.C. Penney (JCP) - Get Free Report store, and a borderline dilapidated Kmart location (owned by Sears (SHLD) ). Location is a major plus for the new Target store. Yet location, considering the fierce competition, could also be one major drawback. Cornell is ready for the challenge. The CEO sat down with TheStreet on Thursday to discuss the new store, the company's plans and why Herald Square and its revamped bricks-and-mortar presence in the age of Amazon (AMZN) - Get Free Report are just the right moves. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. TheStreet: We're at Herald Square, which is really the crossroads of so much commerce. How can you beat Macy's, H&M, and all the other stores that are around here? Cornell: It's an important day for our company. If you were to talk to our teams here, I think, incredible pride, excitement to serve guests [customers] that we're going to see each and every day here. So we're excited about the fact that there's going to be over 40,000 people walking past our store every day. We'll invite them in. We win by being Target, by doing what we do so uniquely well. We think we are very unique in the fact that we can bring both style and the household essentials that guests are looking for. And that we can bring the best of our mass merchandising appeal with the right touch of specialty. We create a great experience but also deliver value that we think that consumers in this market are going to be looking for. So we're going to do what we do best, and that's deliver on our brand promise of expect more and pay less. TheStreet: Speaking of paying less, how do you beat Walmart Stores Inc. (WMT) - Get Free Report ? Cornell: We win by combining both a great experience and value. If you think about our history, I'll go back to that "expect more, pay less" promise. We delight our guests when they walk in and they find a new item from Target, one of our new brands like Goodfellow for men or A New Day for women, and say, "Wow, great quality. Amazing style." Then they look at the price and they say, "Only at Target." TheStreet: The death of bricks-and-mortar retail has been talked about quite a bit. Yet, you've recommitted to your stores. What's the thinking behind that strategy? Cornell: I'll start with the fact that while digital is increasingly important and a big part of our future, we recognize that the winners in retail are going to combine both physical assets and digital. Despite all the discussion around e-commerce and digital, approximately 90% of all the retail dollars spent in the United States are spent in a physical store. We're following the consumer, and they are still voting with their feet and their wallets inside of stores. There's a place for physical stores, and that's why we are investing there, to make sure we provide a great experience, that we re-imagine our stores, and when you stop in one of our stores, it's a delightful experience. We want to make sure we have a great digital connection that allows you to shop either in our stores or shop online and we'll deliver the way you are looking to be serviced. TheStreet: You've been in a turnaround. Can you talk about how that's going, and maybe what you've learned and had to unlearn? Cornell: We announced some bold new plans back in February. The fact that we are going to invest $7 billion to continue to enhance and modernize our company. And we're investing to remodel hundreds of stores over the next few years. Again, improving that in-store experience. We are moving into great new neighborhoods like the one here in Herald Square, where we've never participated before. We're investing in digital. We're investing in enhancing our supply chain capabilities. But importantly, we're also investing in brands and in our team. We're trying to make sure that we evolve the company to be incredibly competitive in this new era of retail and position ourselves to be one of the long-term market share winners in retail. More of What's Trending on TheStreet: Editors' pick: Originally published Oct. 19. Neither post-election drops in Hispanic consumers' consumption nor increased spending on smartphones and healthcare can shed light on the consumer products giant's market share losses, Procter & Gamble Co. (PG) - Get Free Report CFO Jon Moeller said Friday, Oct. 20, on a conference call with analysts. "There's nothing there that really explains the broad category slowdown," Moeller said. "I've heard theories, none of which I can really get comfortable with, which attempt to explain the slowdown. One is that post the election, the Hispanic consumer has withdrawn more from the market, and is both concerned about the future and about sending more home [remittances] and is spending less." Empirical data in heavily Hispanic regions has not born out that theory, he said. Another theory is that "consumers are spending more on services," such as healthcare, data and mobile phones, in lieu of consumer staples. "I don't get it. I want a cell phone, so I'm not going to wash my hair. That doesn't make a lot of sense to me." Consumption across categories is unchanged except in the more trend-driven grooming category, Moeller said, with private label's share flat in the United States and Europe. In the past quarter, private label share has increased about 0.3% in the grooming and tissue-towel segments. Defending the slow pace of improvements, Moeller said price reductions and efficiencies take time to bear fruit. "We'd rather spend a dollar on innovation or equity any day of the week than promotions," which he said were flat over the past year, despite the appearance of heightened promotional activity. "Retailers, particularly in the U.S., are choosing to make investments in price as they compete with each other," he explained. "That shows up in the scanner data as a promotion, but it's not one that's being funded by the manufacturer in that case; it's being funded by the retailer. With generally category-leading brands...our brands disproportionately 'benefit,' in quotes, from those kinds of investments." Earnings of $1.09 per share were just ahead of analysts' expected $1.08 per share for P&G's first quarter of fiscal 2018, ending Sept. 30, while sales of $16.65 billion, up 5% year over year, were shy of the consensus estimates of just under $16.7 billion. Moeller participated in the call from China along with several executives from the country, P&G's second largest in terms of both profit and revenue. In fiscal 2016, China sales declined 5%, but they grew 8% last quarter, and the company expects mid-single-digit sales growth in the fiscal year. "There are sure to be speed bumps and even a few hairpin turns," Moeller said, but the company expects to handle those nimbly. "Organic sales were inline despite a decelerating market, and PG should be applauded for its ability to offset incremental commodities," wrote Wells Fargo Securities LLC analyst Bonnie Herzog. "However, Q1 was not a quality beat, with margins/cost savings lower than expected, and enough holes to poke to keep shares from moving higher." On the call, Moeller defended the company's progress as it continues to fend off activist shareholder Nelson Peltz. According to preliminary shareholder vote results released Monday, Peltz won 49.8% of the vote for a seat on the company's board. He said he's not conceding defeat yet. Peltz's Trian Fund Management LP held a 1.48% stake in P&G, worth about $3.5 billion, as of June 30. Moeller said on the call that P&G had no further comment on the pending certification of the results. The proxy fight has "net been a very useful and beneficial experience" despite the narrow margin of victory. "Clearly what's been driven home to me is the passion that our investors have, both large and small," Moeller said. "I received very strong support for the plan that we've embarked on," that the company should be "more deliberate and more quick" in implementation. Shareholders also indicated that they want increased communication with management and the board, he added. Peltz unveiled his P&G stake in February, and the eight-month battle was the most expensive proxy contest ever. P&G estimated that it would spend $35 million on the contest, including hiring two proxy solicitors, four investment banks and two law firms. Trian estimated its own costs at $25 million. P&G shares fell 1.75% to $89.99 in premarket trading. More of What's Trending on TheStreet: Editors' pick: Originally published Oct. 20. Four Wells Fargo & Co. (WFC) - Get Free Report foreign exchange bankers have left the firm following an investigation into that business and its practices by both the bank and regulators. The bank confirmed the four are no longer with Wells Fargo. The foreign exchange firings suggest Wells Fargo's sales practices scandal has spread to its investment banking arm. The bank has struggled since 2015 with the fallout from the scandal, which saw bankers creating fake accounts to meet quotas and charging customers for auto insurance they never intended to purchase. The scandal had earlier been contained to Wells Fargo's retail banking business. These departures come just weeks after the bank's CEO Timothy Sloan was raked over the coals in a Senate Banking Committee hearing for his bank's conduct and culture. The bank is conducting an internal investigation while federal regulators further examine Wells Fargo's Forex business, the Wall Street Journal reported. Wells Fargo stock gained 2.35% to $55.01 Friday afternoon. Shares are slightly lower 0.22% since the start of the year. More of What's Trending on TheStreet: The following companies are subsidiares of InterContinental Hotels Group: 2250 Blake Street Hotel LLC, 24th Street Operator Sub LLC, 36th Street IHG Sub LLC, 426 Main Ave LLC, 46 Nevins Street Associates LLC, Allegro Management LLC, Alpha Kimball Hotel LLC, American Commonwealth Assurance Co. Ltd., Asia Pacific Holdings Limited, BHMC Canada Inc., BHR Holdings B.V., BHR Luxembourg SARL, BHR Pacific Holdings Inc., BHTC Canada Inc., BOC Barclay Sub LLC, Barclay Operating Corp., Bristol Oakbrook Tenant Company, Cafe Biarritz, Cambridge Lodging LLC, Capital Lodging LLC, Compania Inter-Continental De Hoteles El Salvador SA, Crowne Plaza Amsterdam (Management) B.V., Crowne Plaza LLC, Cumberland Akers Hotel LLC, Dunwoody Operations Inc., EVEN Real Estate Holding LLC, Edinburgh IC Limited, General Innkeeping Acceptance Corporation, Guangzhou SC Hotels Services Ltd., H.I. (Ireland) Limited, H.I. Soaltee Management Company Ltd, HC International Holdings Inc., HH France Holdings SAS, HH Hotels (EMEA) B.V., HH Hotels (Romania) SRL, HI Sugarloaf LLC, HIM (Aruba) NV, Hale International Ltd., Hoft Properties LLC, Holiday Hospitality Franchising LLC, Holiday Inn Mexicana S.A. de C.V., Holiday Inns (China) Ltd, Holiday Inns (Chongqing) Inc., Holiday Inns (Courtalin) Holdings SAS, Holiday Inns (Courtalin) SAS, Holiday Inns (England) Ltd., Holiday Inns (Germany) LLC, Holiday Inns (Guangzhou) Inc., Holiday Inns (Jamaica) Inc., Holiday Inns (Malaysia) Ltd., Holiday Inns (Middle East) Ltd., Holiday Inns (Philippines) Inc., Holiday Inns (Saudi Arabia) Inc., Holiday Inns (South East Asia) Inc., Holiday Inns (Thailand) Ltd., Holiday Inns (UK) Inc., Holiday Inns Crowne Plaza (Hong Kong) Inc., Holiday Inns Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd, Holiday Inns Inc., Holiday Inns Investment (Nepal) Ltd., Holiday Inns of America (UK) Ltd., Holiday Inns of Belgium N.V., Holiday Pacific Equity Corporation, Holiday Pacific LLC, Holiday Pacific Partners LP, Hotel Inter-Continental London Limited, Hotel InterContinental London (Holdings) Limited, Hoteles Y Turismo HIH SRL, IC Hotelbetriebsfuhrungs GmbH, IC Hotels Management (Portugal) Unipessoal Lda, IC International Hotels Limited Liability Company, IHC (Thailand) Limited, IHC Buckhead LLC, IHC Edinburgh (Holdings), IHC Hopkins (Holdings) Corp., IHC Hotel Limited, IHC Inter-Continental (Holdings) Corp., IHC London (Holdings), IHC M-H (Holdings) Corp., IHC May Fair (Holdings) Limited, IHC May Fair Hotel Limited, IHC Overseas (U.K.) Limited, IHC UK (Holdings) Limited, IHC United States (Holdings) Corp., IHC Willard (Holdings) Corp., IHG (Australasia) Limited, IHG (Marseille) SAS, IHG (Thailand) Limited, IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan LLC, IHG ANA Hotels Holdings Co. Ltd., IHG Bangkok Ltd, IHG Brasil Administracao de Hoteis e Servicos Ltda, IHG Commission Services SRL, IHG Community Development LLC, IHG Cyprus Limited, IHG ECS (Barbados) SRL, IHG Franchising Brasil Ltda, IHG Franchising DR Corporation, IHG Franchising LLC, IHG Hotels (New Zealand) Limited, IHG Hotels Limited, IHG Hotels Management (Australia) Pty Limited, IHG Hotels Nigeria Limited, IHG Hotels South Africa (Pty) Ltd, IHG International Partnership, IHG Istanbul Otel Yonetim Limited Sirketi, IHG Japan (Management) LLC, IHG Japan (Osaka) LLC, IHG Management (Maryland) LLC, IHG Management (Netherlands) B.V., IHG Management MD Barclay Sub LLC, IHG Management SL d.o.o, IHG Management d.o.o. Beograd, IHG Orchard Street Member LLC, IHG PS Nominees Limited, IHG Systems Pty Ltd, IHG Szalloda Budapest Szolgaltato Kft., IHG de Argentina SA, IND East Village SD Holdings LLC, Inter-Continental D.C. Operating Corp., Inter-Continental Florida Investment Corp., Inter-Continental Florida Partner Corp., Inter-Continental Hospitality Corporation, Inter-Continental Hoteleira Limitada, Inter-Continental Hotels (Montreal) Operating Corp., Inter-Continental Hotels (Montreal) Owning Corp., Inter-Continental Hotels (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Inter-Continental Hotels Corporation, Inter-Continental Hotels Corporation de Venezuela C.A., Inter-Continental Hotels of San Francisco Inc., Inter-Continental IOHC (Mauritius) Limited, Inter-Continental Management (Australia) Pty Limited, InterContinental (Branston) 1 Limited, InterContinental (PB) 1, InterContinental (PB) 2, InterContinental (PB) 3 Limited, InterContinental Berlin Service Company GmbH, InterContinental Brasil Administracao de Hoteis Ltda, InterContinental Gestion Hotelera S.L., InterContinental Hotel Berlin GmbH, InterContinental Hotel Dusseldorf GmbH (Germany), InterContinental Hotels (Puerto Rico) Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd, InterContinental Hotels Group (Australia) Pty Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group (Canada) Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group (Espana) SA, InterContinental Hotels Group (Greater China) Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group (India) Pvt. Ltd, InterContinental Hotels Group (Japan) Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group (New Zealand) Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group (Shanghai) Ltd., InterContinental Hotels Group Customer Services Ltd., InterContinental Hotels Group Healthcare Trustee Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group Operating Corp., InterContinental Hotels Group Resources Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group Services Company, InterContinental Hotels Group do Brasil Limitada, InterContinental Hotels Italia S.r.L., InterContinental Hotels Limited, InterContinental Hotels Management GmbH, InterContinental Hotels Nevada Corporation, InterContinental Management AM LLC, InterContinental Management Bulgaria EOOD, InterContinental Management France SAS, InterContinental Management Poland sp. z.o.o, InterContinental Overseas Holding Corporation, Intercontinental Hotels Corporation Limited, KG Benefits LLC, KG Gift Card Inc., KG Liability LLC, KG Technology LLC, KHP Washington Operator LLC, KHRG 11th Avenue Hotel LLC, KHRG 851 LLC, KHRG Aertson LLC, KHRG Alexandria LLC, KHRG Alexis LLC, KHRG Allegro LLC, KHRG Argyle LLC, KHRG Austin Beverage Company LLC, KHRG Baltimore LLC, KHRG Born LLC, KHRG Boston Hotel LLC, KHRG Canary LLC, KHRG Cayman Employer Ltd., KHRG Cayman LLC, KHRG DC 1731 LLC, KHRG DC 2505 LLC, KHRG Donovan LLC, KHRG Employer LLC, KHRG Goleta LLC, KHRG Gray LLC, KHRG Gray U2 LLC, KHRG Hillcrest LLC, KHRG Huntington Beach LLC, KHRG King Street LLC, KHRG La Peer LLC, KHRG Miami Beach LLC, KHRG Muse LLC, KHRG NPC LLC, KHRG Onyx LLC, KHRG Palladian LLC, KHRG Palomar Phoenix LLC, KHRG Philly Monaco LLC, KHRG Pittsburgh LLC, KHRG Reynolds LLC, KHRG Riverplace LLC, KHRG SFD LLC, KHRG Sacramento LLC, KHRG Savannah LLC, KHRG Schofield LLC, KHRG Sedona LLC, KHRG State Street LLC, KHRG Sutter LLC, KHRG Sutter Union LLC, KHRG Taconic LLC, KHRG Tariff LLC, KHRG Texas Hospitality LLC, KHRG Texas Operations LLC, KHRG Tryon LLC, KHRG VZ Austin LLC, KHRG Vero Beach LLC, KHRG Vintage Park LLC, KHRG WPB LLC, KHRG Wabash LLC, KHRG Westwood LLC, KHRG Wilshire LLC, KHRG Zamora LLC, Kimpton Hollywood Licenses LLC, Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group, Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group LLC, Kimpton Phoenix Licenses Holdings LLC, Kimpton Sedona Licenses LLC, Louisiana Acquisitions Corp., MH Lodging LLC, Mercer Fairview Holdings LLC, PML Services LLC, PT SC Hotels & Resorts Indonesia, Pollstrong Limited, Powell Pine Inc., Priscilla Holiday of Texas Inc., RM Lodging LLC, Regent Hotels and Resorts, Resort Services International (Cayo Largo) L.P., SBS Maryland Beverage Company LLC, SC Cellars Limited, SC Hotels International Services Inc., SC Leisure Group Limited, SC NAS 2 Limited, SC Quest Limited, SC Reservations (Philippines) Inc., SCH Insurance Company, SCIH Branston 3, SF MH Acquisition LLC, SPHC Group Pty Ltd., SPHC Management Ltd., Semiramis for training of Hotel Personnel and Hotel Management SAE, Six Continents Corporate Services, Six Continents Holdings Limited, Six Continents Hotels Inc., Six Continents Hotels International Limited, Six Continents Hotels de Colombia SA, Six Continents International Holdings B.V., Six Continents Investments Limited, Six Continents Limited, Six Continents Overseas Holdings Limited, Six Continents Restaurants Limited, SixCo North America Inc., Solamar Lodging LLC, Southern Pacific Hotel Corporation (BVI) Ltd., Southern Pacific Hotels Properties Limited, Universal de Hoteles SA, White Shield Insurance Company Limited, and World Trade Centre Montreal Hotel Corporation. Read More Trecora Resources manufactures and sells various specialty petrochemical products and synthetic waxes in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Petrochemical and Specialty Waxes. The Petrochemical segment offers hydrocarbons and other petroleum based products, including isopentane, normal pentane, isohexane, and hexane for use in the production of polyethylene, packaging, polypropylene, expandable polystyrene, poly-iso/urethane foams, and crude oil from the Canadian tar sands, as well as in the catalyst support industry. It also owns and operates pipelines. The Specialty Waxes segment provides specialty polyethylene for use in the paints and inks, adhesives, coatings, and PVC lubricants markets; and specialized synthetic poly alpha olefin waxes for use as toner in printers, as well as additives for candles. The company also provides custom processing services; and produces copper and zinc concentrates, and silver and gold dore. Trecora Resources was formerly known as Arabian American Development Company and changed its name to Trecora Resources in June 2014. Trecora Resources was founded in 1967 and is based in Sugar Land, Texas. An Israeli delegation taking part in a conference in the Russian city of St Petersburg was forced Wednesday to leave the gathering after speaker of the Kuwaiti National Assembly accused them of being child killers. You should take your bags and leave this hall. Leave now if you have an atom of dignityyou occupier, you child killers, said Marzouk al-Ghanim in his speech at the Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference. The Kuwaiti official whose speech went viral on social media also referred to the delegation as representation of the most dangerous form of terrorism; state terrorism. The speech received applauses and galvanized Arabs across the Arab region. Azzam Al-Ahmad, the head of the delegation of the Palestinian National Council at the IPU commended the speech, saying that Ghanims words shine a light on the wounds Palestinians have suffered. Across Qatar, Palestine, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, Arabs took twitter to express their enthusiasm. Honestly, Marzouq al-Ghanim represented Kuwait in the best way, to the point that his political rivals agreed with him, said one user. Qatar has accused Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt for using bribe and blackmail to pressure African countries to join their side in the diplomatic showdown opposing it to the four boycotting countries. In an interview with Paris-based Jeune Afrique, Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed Ibn Abderrahmane Al Thani pointed out that Saudi Arabia and the UAE have mobilized their diplomatic force on the African continent since the beginning of crisis, which erupted on June 5. The Foreign Minister said five countries have so far joined the blockading countries instead of six suggested by the media. Comoros, Chad and Mauritania have severed ties with the tiny-gas rich gulf country while Niger and Djibouti have downgraded their ties with Doha. Sheikh Mohammed said Comoros made U-turn despite good ties between the two countries. We supported them politically and in their development projects. They suddenly changed position because of an offer made to them. Chad initially supported Qatar in the crisis but in recent months, it switched sides, accusing Doha of supporting a rebellion against Ndjamena. For Sheikh Mohammed it is obvious that Chad received a bribe. Why did Chad, shortly after it declared support for the bloc, obtain a reconstruction conference in the UAE? he asked. The Qatari top diplomat also noted that Senegal, which recently normalized ties with Qatar, finally realized that it joined the wrong side at the beginning of the diplomatic spat. Senegalese President Macky Sall told the Emir that he had been deceived and wanted to reinstate his ambassador in Doha, he said. The stance of Gabon in the crisis, after joining the bloc according the Qatari top diplomat is a sign of briefcase diplomacy. This is probably the result of a deal. Some states are in need, and they cannot be blamed for succumbing to temptation, he noted, adding that Libya, in reference to UN-backed Tripoli-based government led by Faiez Serraj, supports Doha. Libyas east-based government supported by UAE-backed military commander Khalifa Haftar has severed ties with Doha. Full coverage of the Delphi murders: Look back at 5 years of stories Submission to the World Trade Organisation Committee on Trade and Development ahead of the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference to be held on 10-13 December 2017 in Buenos Aires, Argentina WTO Members, based on the existing mandate, have conducted lively and valuable discussions on e-commerce under the auspices of the General Council and its relevant subsidiary bodies since MC10. Members generally recognize the importance of such discussions under the WTO framework, and acknowledge both the opportunities and challenges incurred from e-commerce for the trade growth and economic progress of Members at different development stages. On the basis of these discussions, we believe a pragmatic way of the preparations leading up to MC11 is to identify the elements acceptable to Members. These elements may be reflected in the MC11 Work Programme on Electronic Commerce as key building blocks in our work beyond for a high-priority discussion in the Dedicated Session of the General Council or a body to be agreed upon by all Members. We believe that this will help the WTO maintain its relevance and respond to the calls from the business communities. We therefore call upon Members to take a constructive attitude and strive to build consensus related to e-commerce at MC11 and beyond. Those specific elements that may be positively considered are as follows: 1. On the moratorium of customs duties on electronic transmissions E-commerce has provided the WTO Members with brand new ways of trade and unprecedented business opportunities, particularly for developing Members, the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and vulnerable groups. With a view to making full use of the convenience that e-commerce brings, and enabling inclusive development of trade, also having in mind the uncertainty of future technological development as well as its influence, Members may decide to maintain the practice of not imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions until the next session of the Ministerial Conference to be held in 2019. 2. Facilitating cross-border e-commerce Along with the rapid development of e-commerce globally, transaction parties located in different customs territories increasingly conclude transactions through electronic means, and then complete payment, logistics and other business processes. E-commerce is now changing the way of trade in goods. In reality, free zones and customs warehouses and other good practices facilitating cross-border e-commerce have played a key role in promoting the development of industries. Members successful experiences in this regard may be summarized at MC11 for reference by other Members to promote the latters development of e-commerce and better achieve the goals of inclusive growth in accordance with their individual circumstances. Based on the experiences of some WTO Members like China, the facilitating role of free zones and customs warehouses as defined in the Specific Annex D of International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures, or Kyoto Convention of the World Customs Organization (WCO), may be explored in depth. The facilitating role of free zones and customs warehouses is first and foremost reflected in that relevant goods are permitted to be stored, unpacked and grouped, collected for repacking, and repacked in the free zones and customs warehouses at the importing destinations; then go through the importing procedures including customs declaration, tariffs and internal tax payment in accordance with the electronically-placed transaction orders, and from free zones and customs warehouses, eventually get transported and delivered to the buyer. Such free zones and customs warehouses may also locate in a third territory other than the importing or exporting one, to offer the same facilitation as mentioned above to relevant goods. Such facilitation may also include permitting relevant goods to be stored, unpacked and grouped, collected for repacking, and repacked in the free zones and customs warehouses at the exporting source, and complete in due course the exporting procedures including export declaration, export tax rebate and etc.; then in accordance with the electronically-placed transaction orders and upon completion of the importing procedures including customs clearance, tariffs and internal tax payment, get transported and delivered to the importing destination, and finally reach the buyer. Bringing into play the role of free zones and customs warehouses in facilitating the operation of cross-border e-commerce can not only save time for cross-border logistics and delivery to cut costs, improve e-commerce customer experience, and enhance the transaction efficiency of both sellers and buyers, but also make the job of regulatory authorities easier, by reducing the administrative costs and raising the administrative efficiency in the regulation of relevant goods. It is worth noting that making use of free zones and customs warehouses to facilitate the operation of cross-border e-commerce is without prejudice to the Members existing trade policies, the regulatory framework and implementation, namely policies of tariffs and related internal taxes, export tax refund, and licensing of various kinds in relation to import and export. With regard to the facilitating functions of free zones and customs warehouses, Members may also share the status of relevant domestic legislations or offer summary-type introductive materials, the content of which may include but not be limited to the definition and categories, establishment and closure, administration and regulation of free zones and customs warehouses, and authorized operations as well as the period of storage therein and etc. Members may discuss the capacity building of developing Members in the context of policies of free zones and customs warehouses as well as their relationship with the development of ecommerce. Members may request the WTO Secretariat to assist in understanding and drawing upon the relevant work of the WCO, and build a cooperative relationship with it if necessary. Members may explore more concrete issues relating to the facilitation of e-commerce based on the stipulation of the Kyoto Convention regarding free zones and customs warehouses, summarize and share more experiences with one another to better serve the objective of promoting inclusive trade and development through e-commerce. 3. Promoting paperless trading The development of e-commerce has further promoted paperless trading. With improved transaction efficiency, reduced transaction costs and saved resources as its greatest advantage, paperless trading represents the development trend of international trade under the new circumstances. Members may endeavor to promote paperless trading to the extent possible, and in particular, explore in the implementation of Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) effective ways and means to encourage the development of e-commerce, including the possibility of accepting trade administration documents submitted electronically as with the same legal effect of their paper versions, and make trade administration documents available to the public in electronic form. 4. Electronic signature, electronic authentication and electronic contracts The recognition and standardization of electronic signature, electronic authentication and electronic contracts help promote the rapid development of electronic transactions, and safeguard the security of electronic transactions. Members may, building on the existing work of United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), maintain domestic legislation for electronic signature that would not deny the legal validity of a signature solely on the basis that the signature is in electronic form; permit parties of an electronic transaction to mutually determine the appropriate electronic signature and authentication method, and permit electronic authentication agencies to have the opportunity to prove to the judicial or administrative authorities that their electronic authentication of an electronic transaction complies with legal requirements with respect to electronic authentication; confirm the legality of contracts concluded through electronic signatures from the legal perspective. If the parties enter into a contract in the form of letter or text in electronic data, a confirmation instrument may be required to be signed prior to the forming of a contract. The contract is formed at the time when the confirmation instrument is signed. Members may also exchange information on policies concerning electronic signature, electronic authentication and electronic contracts, and work towards the mutual recognition of digital certificates and electronic signatures; and encourage the use of digital certificates in the business sector. 5. Transparency With a view to better understanding each others policies related to e-commerce and their changes, and promoting the development of e-commerce as well as the realization of goals concerning inclusive growth, Members may, on top of the existing transparency requirements in the WTO agreement, endeavor to enhance the transparency regarding e-commerce policies, including to publish, or otherwise promptly make publicly available, where publication is not practicable, laws and regulations of general application which pertain to or affect the operation of E-commerce; provide, to the extent possible, the original text of such laws and regulations as well as where they are published to the WTO Secretariat; respond, to the extent possible, to reasonable enquiries from other Members regarding facilitating cross-border e-commerce through enquiry point(s) established and maintained under the Trade Facilitation Agreement or other existing enquiry point(s). 6. Development and co-operation The WTO work on e-commerce should reflect the concept of inclusive trade, and earnestly help MSMEs and vulnerable groups to better participate in and benefit from international trade and global value chains. Many Members experiences of e-commerce development have proven that ecommerce is conducive to development and helps small farmers and MSMEs in remote areas to integrate into the vast domestic and international markets. The e-commerce work at the WTO should take into full account the actual situation of Members at different stages of development, in particular the specific demands of developing and least developed Members, strive to solve the problems of development to their general concern, and enhance the ability of developing Members to benefit from e-commerce, and take the principle of special and differential treatment as an integral part. Considering the WTOs functions, Members may further explore specific consensus on development and cooperation. Members concrete opinions and recommendations are welcome, including the work that can be carried out under the Aid for Trade Program of the WTO. Recommendations and practical measures may be taken to improve the e-commerce infrastructure, technical conditions and capacity building of developing members regarding cross-border e-commerce. Cooperative activities like information exchange, joint study, promotion events and training may be conducted, including the sharing of experience in helping MSMEs, economically under-developed areas and vulnerable groups to participate in e-commerce. Oman authorities have loosened entry restrictions for citizens of 25 countries who seek to visit the sultanate. The regulations say that citizens of the shortlist can now enter the country on a non-sponsored e-visa supported by a valid residence or tourist visa for the US, Canada, Australia, the UK or European Union countries at the time of the application. The applicants must also have a passport valid for six months, a return flight ticket and a confirmed hotel reservation in Oman. The entry visa fee is $52 for a one-month tourist visa. The fee was $13 but was quadrupled earlier this year to diversify state revenues. The new countries are Azerbaijan, Armenia, Albania, Uzbekistan, Iran, Panama, Bhutan, Bosnia, Peru, Belarus, Turkmenistan, The Maldives, Georgia, Honduras, Salvador, Tajikistan, Guatemala, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Costa Rica, Laos, Mexico, and Nicaragua. The new move follows the decision made early October to ease travel procedures for citizens of Russia, China and India. The Sultanate is planning to attract 11 million tourists as part of the countrys 2040 vision. Headquarters Since 2002, TravelPulse has been publishing industry news, in-depth editorial, dynamic video content and important supplier and destination information that has helped hundreds of thousands of travel agents succeed. The TravelPulse Daily Newsletter provides agents with timely and relevant content to keep them informed and on top of the news while providing awareness and insights that cover the entire travel industry. Now, with dedicated consumer content, TravelPulse is once again revolutionizing the way that travel content is consumed. Through syndication partnerships with MSN, Fox News, Tribune Content Agency and other news outlets TravelPulse reaches millions of consumers every month. TravelPulse 100 Lighting Way #2 Secaucus, NJ 07094 914-447-2693 The United Arab Emirates Vice-President and Prime minister Thursday announced a cabinet reshuffle with few changes, but including the creation of a ministry of artificial intelligence to be headed by a 27-year old man. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the new line-up on twitter. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the ruler of Dubai said the new Government is a Government for the new Emirati percentage. To develop knowledge. Supporting science and research. He stressed further that it also seeks to involve youth in the leadership of the nation as the country prepares to implement its 2071 strategy in view of making the gulf country the best in the world after 100 years of its creation. The man chosen for the position of Minister of artificial intelligence is 27-year old Omar Bin Sultan Al Olama. A young woman, 30-year old Sara Al Amiri, was appointed minister of state for advanced sciences. She works on the countrys Mars project, while another woman, Maryam Al Mehairi, has been made minister of state in charge of the countrys food security. Minister of Energy, Suhail Al Mazroui has been added new charges including development of the sector of infrastructure and advanced industries. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan is appointed Minister of State for Tolerance. Most of the new comers were picked from the private sector. Error 404 Not Found You may have mis-typed the URL. Or the page has been removed. Actually, there is nothing to see here... Click on the links below to do something, Thanks! Take Me our of here Amazon Prime is an undeniable customer favorite. One of Amazon.com's most popular options, Amazon Prime offers free one- or two-day shipping on many items, along with video and music streaming in addition to other services, all for $119 a year. Amazon doesn't disclose sales figures, but CEO Jeff Bezos did reveal in April 2018 that it has surpassed 100 million Prime members. But for eco-conscious consumers, is Amazon Prime the best option? Does the ease of free shipping make us more wasteful? Does Amazon always make the most eco-friendly shipping decisions? All of these questions get at the social cost of fast shipping: More trucks on the road leads to more traffic congestion, more carbon emissions and more packaging. Is that environmental expense worth getting a new comforter or bluetooth speaker in 48 hours? Sustainability Initiatives Probably not, which is why Amazon has rolled out a few initiatives around sustainability. The company's "Free No-Rush Shipping" option lets you choose a slower delivery option in exchange for rewards on future purchases or an immediate discount. And in February 2019, the company rolled out a "Shipment Zero" plan, which is "Amazons vision to make all Amazon shipments net zero carbon, with 50% of all shipments net zero by 2030." As part of that plan, Amazon plans to share its company-wide carbon footprint later this year. (This OZY article suggests Amazon go even further and take the drastic step of limiting Amazon Prime members to one order per month to maximize shipping efficiency.) Amazon.com declined to comment for this article, but we did hear from several of the online retailer's customers both individuals and companies who offered their perspectives on whether or not Amazon is green-friendly. 1-Click Equals One-Stop Shopping Amazon's "Free No-Rush Shipping" option lets you choose a slower delivery option in exchange for rewards on future purchases or an immediate discount. Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock.com "I've been an Amazon Prime user for years," says Karen Hoxmeier, founder of MyBargainBuddy.com. Not only does she love the convenience of online shopping and Amazon Prime's speed delivery she points to Amazon's commitment to reducing packaging waste and using environmentally friendly packaging as proof that the service is eco-friendly. Ordering gifts for out-of-state relatives through Amazon Prime is green, she says, because it cuts down on her driving from store to store. "Using Amazon Prime saves me from having to drive to the mall to buy birthday and holiday gifts for my nieces and nephews. It also saves me from having to drive to the post office to purchase boxes and packaging peanuts, which are probably less environmentally friendly than the ones Amazon uses." J.E. Mathewson also uses Amazon to cut down on her driving, although she says she often starts her search in a traditional brick-and-mortar retailer. "Sometimes I'll be at Walmart and they don't have what I want. Instead of driving from store to store looking for it, I just pull up my Amazon app and purchase what I need while still in the store." This has not only reduced the number of errands she makes, it also ensures she's getting the best price. "When I'm at the store I can use the Amazon app on my phone and often find the price is cheaper and order it instantly from my phone," she says. Mathewson also takes advantage of Amazon Prime's streaming video to cut down on her trips to borrow movies from Redbox. Too Many Packages, Too Much Waste When people place multiple orders with one item per order, it leads to more delivery trucks on the road, more traffic congestion and more packaging waste. Jaroslaw Kilian/Shutterstock.com But Carol Holst, founder of Postconsumers.com, says online shopping is "just too darn easy. One-click shopping made it too easy to not have to think about the process of buying, and now programs like Amazon Prime mean that you don't even have to think about the cost or carbon footprint of shipping." Sometimes that cost becomes evident over time. Kimberly Gauthier, editor in chief of Keep the Tail Wagging magazine, was placing orders for pet supplies every week only to find that "our recycling bin was filling up with boxes too quickly and the overflow was stored in the garage." She also complained that many of the vendors who sell through Amazon "were shipping a small item in a larger-than-necessary box with the peanuts. The amount of trash we were creating made me take a second look at our shopping." She says they canceled their Amazon Prime account and were able to reduce their waste and save money by shopping locally and watching for coupons. The complaints about shipping aren't unique, nor are they coming only from consumers; some of Amazon's vendors have noticed it as well. GoVacuum.com, which sells Amazon Prime-eligible products through the Fulfillment by Amazon Program, found that Amazon shipping went against what the company was trying to achieve with one of the company's products. "We make our own vacuum cleaner bags and chose to have them paper-based versus synthetic fiber, as they are more Earth-friendly this way," says Justin Haver, the company's vice president of sales and marketing. Although they designed the bags to be shipped using just a mailing label and no additional packaging, that didn't work for Amazon. "If we used Amazon fulfillment for these bags, they would be put in an Amazon shipping box with plastic air bubbles to ship to a consumer." They decided that wasn't an eco-friendly option and decided not to sell those bags through Amazon. Greening Distribution Channel Even though Amazon fulfillment wasn't the right choice for that particular GoVacuum product, Haver says "Amazon is more Earth-friendly than the old way we did business." Five years ago, he says they were dealing with manufacturers all over the country, many of which were located on the West Coast and had to ship their products to GoVacuum's warehouse in Virginia. When the company got an order from a customer on the West Coast, employees would have to ship those products back west again. Now, GoVacuum can take advantage of Amazon's warehouses throughout the country. "This helps to reduce the travel distance for products, and thus emissions are less," Haver says. And since Amazon is opening more and more fulfillment centers, he expects things to get even greener over time. As for general consumers, online shopping through Amazon Prime or any other retail option tends to work best when you plan ahead. Gauthier originally signed up for Amazon Prime when she was shopping for high-priced photography equipment. "The price point of these items ensured that I was planning and budgeting my purchases," she says. Now that she has dropped her Prime account, she plans her pet-supply purchases wisely and only places bulk orders once or twice a year for things she can't find near her home. "Everything else is purchased locally," she says. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Pretending to run like a deer. Crafting a door for a cave. Decorating a fort. Making a boat out of skunk cabbage for my Barbie to sail on. Timing how fast I could climb the same tree. These are just a few of the things I remember doing as a kid after school. After a snack and a check-in with my grandma, I was pretty much outside until dinner time, and in summer, after dinner, too. That was the 1980s, but today, there's serious competition for kids' attention and many of them involve screens. So many of today's parents have to be more proactive in getting their kids outside. The "1,000 Hours Challenge" is one way that some parents have set a goal around outside time for their children. The challenge equates to 2.7 hours outside every day, which might seem like a lot if the child isn't spending much time outside at all, but it' a goal to work toward. (And parents say it really does cut down on screen time.) And what better time to kick off a challenge like this? If they're not used to spending time outside, kids might think it's boring. They might hear the siren call of apps or social media, or they might not know what to do with themselves outdoors. Here are seven ways real parents deal with those challenges. Some parents start camping with their kids when they're toddlers. (Photo: Youproduction/Shutterstock) Start young Joktan Rogel, a Wisconsin-based dad of three, says starting kids outside early is key: "Weve made them part of our outdoor activities from an early age. Both of my daughters went camping and hiking with us as babies and toddlers," said Rogel. Camping trips while kids were still toddlers was cited by a number of parents I talked to as a way for them to get kids outdoors for an extended period of time and get themselves away from devices too. If camping isn't your thing, contact your local parks department for ideas and special programs for even very young kids, and consider a long day at a lakeshore or riverside camping spot, even if you don't spend the night. You can still enjoy having your own "spot" and can even enjoy a campfire without staying overnight. Make outside time special and unique Invest in super-fun toys that can only be used outside. Trampolines are popular, as are bikes, chalk for drawing on sidewalks, and giant bubble makers. "[My kids] colored on the table on the porch, and ate meals out there. We sat out at night with candles, and caught fireflies," said author Diane MacEachern of some of the ways she made outside time extra-fun. Travel can fit under this category: Graduate student Sloan Bailey says taking exciting trips to places where nature is the focus she went to Alaska with her son and daughter helps keep them excited about learning about the natural world. Give kids time and space If you're used to scheduling your kids' activities, you might find unstructured playtime a bit strange at first and they might too. But studies show it's important for early brain development to play in ways that allow for experimentation. Rogel says his two older daughters are sensory-driven, and enjoy just spending time playing with sand, sticks and found natural objects. That's probably because when he and his wife spend time outside with them, there's some activity and some passive, relaxing time, too. "Whenever we take them to the park or go hiking, we give them space to collect leaves, nuts, pine cones, tree needles, fallen branches, etc. and tell them as much as possible about [what they've found]." In this simple, straightforward way, Rogel's children can take their own time to explore in their own way and on their own time. Challenge their creativity "Nature provides the original playground," said Liz Wagner, who runs environmental education programs for a New York state park. Found materials can be turned into objects similar to those they already play with, but the key is that they have to figure that out for themselves. It's not as obvious as a swing set, but kids can use a fallen tree as a "bouncing balance beam," or use found natural objects to "decorate" a space, or play games they already know in a new setting. Hide-and-go-seek in a wooded area instead of inside a house forces them to consider the nature landscape in new ways, for example. And sometimes giving the kids a simple place to start is OK, too. NYC-based mother of two Eleni Gage de Baltodano says her kids love scavenger hunts: "You can download seasonal ones with pictures for the littlest kids (find a squirrel, find a red leaf). If you Google 'free printable kids outdoor scavenger hunts' you get lots of options," she suggests. Scavenger hunts are a way to give outdoor time a bit of organization without being too particular, and helps kids refine their ability to discern different types of natural materials and even learn about taxonomy. For example, as kids get older, the hunt could change from "Find a red leaf, find a purple flower" to "Find a maple leaf, find white birch bark," etc. Send them out to play Some parents remember their own parents shooing them out of the house, and this tried-and-true tactic might be one to try depending on where you live and the age of your child. In rural places or those where you have an agreement with neighbors to keep an eye out, telling kids to "go outside and play" is a simple solution. They can figure out themselves what to do either on their own or with other kids. So keep an eye out for a place where it might be easier to do this. "It has really helped moving out to more of a 'family' neighborhood, where you can send the kids out to play," said Bailey. Basic toys can give kids a way to switch up activities, or combine things into unique and creative games. "I keep toys like scooters and bikes in the garage, as well as tape for making stuff out of sticks, and containers for water and bug catching," said Bailey. I can picture a (potentially very wet) game that involves trying to balance a container of water while scootering, can't you? Let your kids know it's OK to get dirty. (Photo: MNStudio/Shutterstock) Don't give them a hard time about getting dirty Part of the joy of getting outside is getting muddy, wet, dusty and maybe even a bit scraped up. Most kids spend plenty of time dressed in clothes they know they should be careful to keep relatively clean. The great outdoors can be a nice break from that, so set them free "Sound of Music"-style by providing play clothes stuff they can mess up or rip and not have to be concerned with. Just be forewarned, it might take them a minute to get used to being OK with muddy ensembles. "Some kids still complain about getting dirty even though they jumped in the creek with both feet, LOL," wrote Liz Wagner. You can make clean-up part of the fun when kids get back home. Hosing yourself off can be a game in itself. Just being outside is OK, too Remember that nature is enjoyed by different kids in different ways: As de Baltodano relates, "A lot is personality-based." She says her daughter likes the sandbox as a place to read. Growing up, I split my time between running around the woods and just finding a mossy spot to read Nancy Drew mysteries. Not every kid will engage directly with nature every minute they are outdoors. But just being outside is different than being inside, so consider taking "indoor" activities out. Maybe set up a puzzle table under some shade away from the house, or find a pillow that can get rained on to make a reading spot at the base of a tree a little more comfy. Even if kids are reading, building Legos, drawing or playing with toy cars, outside they'll be exposed to the sounds of wind in the trees and birdsong, feel the breeze and notice the sun moving across the earth. They'll see insects and maybe animals (they might be surprised how close a deer or birds will come when they're still) and they'll definitely notice when the mosquitoes come out (and when they go away), and how fast it can cool down once the sun begins to set. These micro-observations will happen without much attention but will inform kids' understanding of the natural world and is very different than being inside a climate-controlled home. You will likely notice a difference in your kids' mood and behavior after a day outside (versus a day at school or a day spend indoors). Studies show that extended time outside positively affects kids in a host of ways, from the physical (they are more agile and get sick less often) to the mental and behavioral (better concentration and focus; less likely to bully). "Nature always grounds my children," wrote the founder of 1,000 Hours Outside. "The time we give them outside to freely play provides each one with the opportunity to let loose and experience the simple joys of life. I cannot measure how impactful that is but I can plainly see how it changes them and how it changes us as a family." This would be our very first trip that I have finally convinced my husband to try a different island other than Mexico or Aruba. My husband loves the mega resorts, lots of walking and things to see. while I love the beautiful water and sand, I hate getting sand on me, so we are mostly beach people. I look forward to walking the beach in the mornings if it's safe Im getting a good price thru our timeshare. I'd love to do Excellence or Secrets but those are like over $300 a day pp. Prices are ridiculous. We have yet to stay at the same resort in Mexico. We've stayed at one twice in Aruba. First, I'm aware of how many complaints Apollo has against them so its unlikely I would hire from them. However, just so I can understand all the options, I'm comparing 4 wheel drive hire vehicless for a 2018 outback trip. With regard to Apollo, I think their trailfinder vehicle is appealing. However, looking through all their fine print, there's something in there about giving them 24 to 48 hours notice so they can check conditions and then approve (or disapprove) your request to drive on any given track. At first, this doesn't sound like a problem. But then I started thinking about the implications. For example, the strezelecki track is on the proposed itinerary. Given the number of things to see along that track, it will take much more than 48 hours to complete it. And then what about all the side roads? I guess at a minimum, upon reaching Birdsville, fresh approval would be required before heading down the Birdsville track. But, if they wanted to be really strict, I guess they can require contact every 48 hours. When I inquired for a more detailed explanation of the track approval policy, I ultimately ended up with two completely contradictory answers. :) And both in writing, LOL. One saying that I only needed to get everything approved at the time of pickup and then I was good to go for the duration of the trip. The other answer said that the scenario outlined above is correct: I would have to repeatedly request approval throughout the trip. So here's my question to anyone who has hired an Apollo 4WD, particularly for a longer trip: Without getting into other dramas that might have accompanied your Apollo hire, what was your experience with the track approval policy? Wednesday, Oct 11: We flew out of our tiny local airport (2 flights/day) at 7 a.m. Had a layover in MSP so grabbed some breakfast. Arrived on time to LGA around 1:20. Confusing to find luggage, but that accomplished, we grabbed a cab. The driver assured me that he knew where Cambria Suites, Chelsea was, and I had the address. After an hour, he shut the meter off, as he clearly did not know where he was going. $70 including tip. We were checked in quickly to room 908. Tho small, we figured out how to arrange our "stuff" to each have an area. We knew the bathroom was small, so had brought hanging cosmetic bags. There were only 2 towels in the bathroom, and more arrived within minutes of my call to the desk. We made a drink, toasted our arrival, and headed out for the High Line. We found the High Line walkable from our hotel, and enjoyed the first evening as the lights came on. We were challenged to find dinner, and it started to rain. We stopped for a drink....didn't like the menu much and walked next door to "Artichoke and Basil". S had the pizza sampler....6 slices of various pizza for $18. I had an amazing salad and meatballs. All excellent and priced well. We walked back, enjoying the Empire State building view as we neared our hotel. We went up to the rooftop bar at Cambria, which was not serving (weather). It was the only time all week we went up there, and that was one of our draws to booking! @PatriciaMazzei President Emmanuel Macron has bestowed France's highest civilian honor to an unlikely subject: Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine. Pourquoi, one might ask? Because of Levine's "outstanding contribution to our French-American friendship and commitment to raise awareness about climate change," said Clement Leclerc, consul general of France in Miami, according to a statement from Levine announcing the occasion. Gerard Araud, the French ambassador to the U.S., will present Levine with the Legion d'Honneur insignia Tuesday in Washington. As a legion officer, Levine will join the ranks of about 10,000 Americans who have been lauded by France, including some tres important company: Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, Dwight Eisenhower and Colin Powell. Levine, a likely 2018 Democratic candidate for Florida governor, has been an outspoken advocate for fighting climate change, investing millions of city dollars into projects to deal with the damaging consequences of rising seas. Re: Road from Manuel Antonio to San Jose or Liberia better? 6. Re: Road from Manuel Antonio to San Jose or Liberia better? Thank you Raquelof course the distance from SJO to Manuel Antonio is less than LIR to Manuel Antonio. But most of my idea to try to give first hand advice in this case is based mostly in the delays that anybody can suffer coming from LIR to Manuel Antonio some times it can be incredible slowmany trucksmanyIt take me about 4 hoursagain depending on traffic and weather. From SJO to Manuel Antonio road that I drive sometimes even two times in one dayit take us about 3 hours minutes more minutes less Last sunday it took me 7 hours from SJO to Jaco Hard to even try to predict the driving times now daysbut of course is shorter from SJO to MA than LIR to SJO. Very sorry if I make a mistake Lo Siento!! My idea is to help providing accurate advicenever to confuse anybody!! roadadisor Edited: 5 years ago SJO airport is not right in San Jose city and the traffic around and in between is very busy. Some prefer to spend some time in the city, many do not. See if these sites might help you decide - https://www.adventure-inn.com/tours/ - it is a selection of tours from one hotel not far from SJO, which might give you some ideas what can be visited in what period of time. If you are interested in spending 1-2 days in the city, see http://www.twoweeksincostarica.com/1-2-days-san-jose-costa-rica/ . Sorry about your bad trip. Can you contest some of the alleged wrongful charges through your credit card companies? When you were checking out, were you given a bill? When we are in hotels that require credit cards at check in for incidentals, we always insist on the bill showing zero there at the check out. We also once had to phone and quickly cancel our Canadian bank credit card from the lobby of a remote hotel in Honduras on the way to the airport for a return flight, as that hotel had taken an old fashioned carbon copy print of the guests' credit cards at the beginning, and everyond but us received their copies back, marked Void, at the end, and about ours they said they had "lost it, but would mail it to us once found". LOL I have noticed there are few reviews of your company on line. Why did you choose them? There is a ICT logo on their home page, but when you click on it, it leads to an error message. I would contact the ICT (http://www.ict.go.cr/en/contact-us.html ) and your credit card companies. This is the thing about using or giving recommendations. Who had recommended them? Can they be responsible? Or it was just a friend, family member who had had a + experience with this Co in CR? Anyway, hopefully, all your future trips will be way better! Plan your own vacation next time! It is half the fun. And call and e-mail each hotel owner! Not 100% guaranteed anyway, but when it is your money, it is worth taking steps to protect it, IMHO. Hello everyone, We are a family of three (couple with a 10/yo kid) and are planning to visit the Mekong Delta for 7 or 8 days in late December. I have worked out a rough itinerary and would appreciate your comments and feedback. DAY 1: Arrive Ho Chi Minh City. Spend one night in a hotel in HCMC. DAY 2: Depart HCMC for Ben Tre. - Homestay in Ben Tre. - Activities arranged by the homestay include boat tour, bike ride to the wet market and through the local village. - Hoping to visit the Cai Mon Orchard Village too (perhaps on Day 3 morning?) DAY 3: Depart Ben Tre for Vinh Long - Homestay in An Binh - Activities arranged by the homestay include boat trip through small canals, biking through village, rice paper making, coconut candy making. Catching fish (optional). DAY 4: Depart An Binh to Can Tho - Homestay at Nguyen Shack Can Tho (unless they are fully booked) - Activities: Sunset/Food tour in the evening. Hopefully be able to watch fireflies at night. DAY 5: Continue homestay at Nguyen Shack Can Tho - Activities: Floating market and wet market tour in the early morning. Bike tour through the local village in the afternoon. >>QUESTIONS<< > Do you think there are too many repetitive activities/sights between Ben Tre, An Binh and Can Tho? > The Sa Dec flower market seems interesting. Is it easy to go there from Can Tho? Should I allocate another day in Can Tho if I want to go to Sa Dec? > I realise too that I will be checking in and out of three different homestays during these few days which can be tiring. Should I skip any one of the homestays (hopefully with no sacrifice to the Mekong experience). DAY 6: Depart Can Tho to Chau Doc - Activities: Tra Su forest at around 2pm and maybe Sam Mountain for sunset. - Check in to a Chau Doc hotel. >>QUESTION<< > Is it too late to visit Tra Su forest at 2pm? Because I understand the bus ride from Can Tho to Chau Doc is 4 hours. > Also, a trip up to Sam mountain is usually paired with Tra Su forest. I am still thinking whether I should go Sam mountain as I am not so keen on seeing pagodas. Do you think it's worth going? DAY 7: - Boat trip to Cham village, fish farm, canal (total around 3 hours) - Depart Chau Doc to HCMC by bus. - Reach HCMC in the evening and spend a night at a hotel in HCMC. Is my itinerary too packed? Are there any key sights that I have missed out? I would be grateful for any advice on improving the above itinerary. Many thanks in advance! In April I'm planning a trip with my mom to Hong Kong, Bali, and either Japan or South Korea. We'd be in Hong Kong 2 weeks, Bali for 2 weeks, and then either 2 or 3 weeks in Japan or Korea. I already went to Japan last year for 10 days and I loved it and there's so much more I wanted to see but I've also heard that South Korea is an amazing destination as well. Any thoughts or opinions are greatly appreciated. We found a great price online for those three destinations so splitting the last 3 weeks into two trips (Japan and Korea) unfortunately isn't an option. Your idea of going into the city for a day of sightseeing isn't impossible, but having Statue of Liberty on your list is important. THe statue is on an island. statuecruises.com is the only provider of access. It takes a good 3+ hours and there is waiting time involved for security lines and ferry boarding lines. It's important to book tickets in advance. If this is a priority for the day, then what you could do is take the Statue Cruises option that leaves from NJ. Go to Ellis Island and Liberty Island, then instead of taking the return ferry to NJ you take the ferries to NYC (Battery Park). This is permitted. So, now you've solved your parking, SOL and transport into Manhattan. Once you get off the ferries at Battery Park, you will be near the 911 Memorial and other major Financial District sights. You could see those, then grab a taxi (assuming sister will be too fatigued for subway) to go to Empire State Building. But consider going to Top of the Rock instead. The timed ticket system there means you can book in advance, have only limited time in a line (vs longer lines at ESB) and once you go up you have great views OF the Empire State Building, along with other skyline views and views of Central Park. At the end of the day, there are ferries that can take you back to your starting point in NJ, but with your sister in a walker you may want a ride. You could book a car service in advance. Dial 7, for example. Or you could rely on Uber or Lyft if you are up for that. http://www.statuecruises.com is the site to book SOL tickets. Book pedestal access. That does sell out so don't wait too long. They have a generous cancellation policy if you change your mind. Be sure to book from NJ if you like this plan. If you don't want to actually go to the statue, but are happy seeing it from a cruise, then advice will be completely different(!) Is your company in need of the most reliable and efficient best Best Jasmine Tea s in the market? Your good luck led you to the ideal situation, so congratulations! You are in the best possible place. By eliminating the need to read through dozens of Best Jasmine Tea reviews, we are saving you time and stress. Many customers find it difficult to decide which Best Jasmine Tea product to buy. The dilemma is brought about by the many types of Best Jasmine Tea in the market. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a clear understanding of how you may choose the most suitable Best Jasmine Tea available in the market. @PatriciaMazzei @ngameztorres The U.S. State Department added two more victims to the list of diplomats who have suffered mysterious attacks in Havana. The number of Americans affected is now 24. Based on continued assessments of U.S. government personnel, we can confirm 24 persons have experienced health effects from the attacks, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said. As we have said previously, an investigation into the attacks in Cuba is ongoing, and we revise our assessments as we receive new information. According to Nauert, the assessments are based on medical evaluations of personnel who were affected by incidents earlier this year, not by new attacks. The most recent medically confirmed attack occurred in late August, she said. The spokeswoman said the government cannot rule out that new cases may emerge as medical professionals continue to evaluate members of the embassy community. The State Department has warned Americans not to travel to Cuba because of the alleged attacks on its personnel in Havana. The victims have reported a variety of symptoms ranging from hearing loss and headaches to brain damage. In particular, the agency warned Americans of staying away from Hotel Capri and Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Havana, where some of the attacks took place. More here. Photo credit: Olivier Douliery, TNS File Michael-in-Norfolk disclaims any and all responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, completeness, legality, reliability, operability, or availability of information or material displayed on this site and does not claim credit for any images or articles featured on this site, unless otherwise noted. 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These links are provided solely as a convenience and are not endorsements of any products or services in such sites, and no information or content in such site has been endorsed or approved by this blog. - Kenya Police headquarters has issued a stern warning to NASA supporters ahead of Thursday, October 26, repeat election - In a statement signed by Inspector-General of Joseph Boinett, NASA supporters were warned not to obstruct voting in their strongholds - Police also promised to give adequate protection to Kenyans willing to exercise their democratic rights by voting The Office of the Inspector General of the National Police Service issued a statement to warn National Super Alliance supporters against obstructing election preparation activities ahead of the October 26 repeat presidential election. In the Friday, October 20, statement seen by TUKO.co.ke, IG Joseph Boinnet said that police will endevour to provide security throughout the country and ensure those wishing to participate in the election are accorded the space to exercise their democratic rights. This comes after opposition supporters attacked Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission employees in Kisumu, Siaya and Migori counties on Wednesday, October 17, as part of the NASA stand that there will be no election on October 26 until the IEBC addresses their irreducible minimum demands. READ ALSO: Jubilee female MPs' choice of dressing leaves Kenyans puzzled (Photos) Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet. Photo: Nation. READ ALSO: Raila campaigns under cover of darkness in Bungoma(photos) "For avoidance of any doubt, let it be known it is an offense to assault a public servant in their line of duty. Under the Penal Cod 25(c), any person caught doing this is guilty of misdemeanor and is liable to imprisonment for five years," stated the letter. Boinnet further stated while it is within everyone's right to participate or not in an election, it is an offense under the Election Offenses Act for one to use violence to prevent another from voting. "Such a person who commits this offense is liable to a fine not exceeding KSh 2 million, imprisonment for not more than 6 years, or both," said Boinnet. READ ALSO: Raila promises to face Uhuru in fresh election under one condition Opposition demonstrators in Kisumu county at a past date. Photo: Nation. Install TUKO App To Read News For FREE NASA has been calling for demonstrations in their strongholds in line with their 'no reforms, no election' stand. IEBC expressed concern for their staff being attacked during training sessions to the point of reducing the time taken to hold these session. Several opposition led counties have also asked the IEBC to keep out of their territories because there will be no election after NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga withdrew from the election. READ ALSO: Jubilee party takes Raila to Supreme Court NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga. Photo: NASA Coalition/Facebook. Among the counties that have warned IEBC include Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Mombasa and Kitui counties. To counter the growing unrest ahead of the election, the National Police Service shuffled several senior police officers. Have something to add to this article? Send to news@tuko.co.ke Source: TUKO.co.ke - President Uhuru Kenyatta has hailed the late Mary Mokaya, who died in the Moi Girls School fire tragedy - He recognised Mokaya as a heroine during the Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Uhuru Park, Nairobi - Mokaya lost her life while saving the lives of her fellow students after the fire broke out in the dormitories Fourteen-year-old Mary Mokaya who died while saving her colleagues when a mysterious fire engulfed their dormitory at Moi Girls High School in Nairobi has been honoured as a national heroine. The fire claimed the lives of nine girls as it razed their dormitory on Saturday, September 2. As reported earlier by TUKO.co.ke, the fire broke out at 2 AM where seven girls lost their lives while two others succumbed to their injuries in different Nairobi hospitals where they had been rushed. READ ALSO: ODM MCA dramatically arrested hours after dismissing Uhuru as caretaker president 14-year-old Mary Mokaya who died while saving students in Moi Girls fire tragedy. Photo: Courtesy "Daily, we see acts of heroism; let us celebrate them today. We remember Mary Mokaya, who saved fellow students from the Moi Girls fire, at the cost of her own life. "May God rest her soul and that of her colleagues, in eternal peace. And may her name and her example of selflessness, be a shining example to us all," he said. READ ALSO: Police headquarters sound warning to NASA supporters planning to obstruct voting Uhuru paid her a moving tribute as he urged Kenyans to think of others first for the good of the nation. President Uhuru Kenyatta during Mashujaa Day at Uhur Park. Photo: PSCU "Marys actions during that tragedy provide poignant lessons for us to reflect upon at this moment in our nations history. "At the tender age of 14, she sacrificed for the sake of others. Marys great act and courage will forever be engraved in our hearts," he added. At the moment, Kenyans are divided along political lines as an uncertain election beckons with both NASA and Jubilee maintaining hard positions. READ ALSO: Open letter to Uhuru and Raila: What happens when an unstoppable force encounters unmovable obstacle? They built a chopper for Uhuru Kenyatta and in return he awarded them Ksh.500,000 -on TUKO TV Source: TUKO.co.ke - President Uhuru Kenaytta has sounded another warning to NASA leaders with the repeat poll barely a week away - Uhuru, speaking during Mashujaa day celebrations, warned NASA against any form of chaos or disruption of the exercise - According to Uhuru, the law would be applied regardless of any political class of any individual involved in the disruption of the repeat poll - His warning comes despite NASA's firm stance that they would not participate in the election since their irreducible minimum conditions have been met President Uhuru Kenyatta took a minute away from Mashujaa day festivities to sound a warning to his counterpart Raila Odinga regarding the October 26 repeat poll. Uhuru warned against any attempts to disrupt the exercise, saying the government would not tolerate any form of unrest from opposition on the historic day. While presiding over the Mashujaa day celebrations in Uhuru Park on Friday, October 20, he condemned NASAS calls of boycotting the poll as those by people who were keen on undermining Kenyans democratic right of taking part in an election exercise. Uhuru Kenaytta speaking in Uhuru Park during Mashujaa day celebrations. Photo: Uhuru Kenyatta/Facebook READ ALSO: Uhuru and Maraga meet for the first time since historic Supreme Court ruling We vowed never to repeat the regrettable events that almost sunk us. We must, therefore, wake up and say NO to any misleading leader out to plunge Kenya into chaos. Kenyans have the choice and means of resisting such leaders and their evil schemes, and should do it now, He said. He was speaking in reference to incidents of IEBC training of returning officers being disrupted earlier in the week by NASA supporters in their Kisumu and Vihiga counties. Uhuru has warned against attempting to disrupt the repeat election which is a week away. Photo: Uhuru Kenyatta/Facebook READ ALSO: I have decided to take my leave from IEBC- Ezra Chiloba confirms Equipment were reportedly vandalised in Kisumu on Wednesday, October 18 with a tent nearly torched by irate NASA supporters. In an indirect message to NASA leaders, Uhuru promised the full force of the law to any individual who would pose a threat to the October 26 exercise. The law will apply equally to all regardless of social class, political position and no one will be spared. For those who thrive in chaos and relish anarchy, your days are numbered; the law will take its course and sanction you accordingly, He added. At the same time, NASA leaders were holding a parallel event in Bondo, Kisumu county to remember individuals killed in anti-IEBC demonstrations. NASA leader Raila Odinga was in Bondo for a memorial for victims killed in anti-IEBC protests. Photo: Raila Odinga/Facebook READ ALSO: Uhuru hails 14-year-old Mary Mokaya who died saving students in Moi Girls fire tragedy While Raila maintained that there would be no participation on his end on October 26, he announced that there would be an announcement on the eve of the election date to give his supporters further directions. TUKO.co.ke earlier highlighted a statement from Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnett sounding a similar warning from the police department. Boinnet stated that while it is within everyone's right to participate or not in an election, it is an offense under the Election Offenses Act for one to use violence to prevent another from voting. "Such a person who commits this offense is liable to a fine not exceeding KSh 2 million, imprisonment for not more than 6 years, or both," said Boinnet. Have anything to add to this article or suggestions? Share with us on news@tuko.co.ke They built a chopper for Uhuru Kenyatta and in return he awarded them Ksh.500,000 on TUKO TV: Source: TUKO.co.ke 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. It was fun in the sun on Sunday as the Aranguez savannah was the place to crown winners of t The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) extended the mandate of its observer mission at the Gukovo and Donetsk checkpoints on the Ukraine-Russia border for another three months. Ukrinform learnt this from the OSCE Secretariat in Vienna. "In a consensus decision today by the OSCE Permanent Council, the 57 participating States agreed to extend the mandate of the OSCE Observer Mission at the Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk by three months to 31 January 2018, the statement reads. The mandate of the Mission, which is comprised of 22 staff, remains unchanged. Operating under the principles of impartiality and transparency, the observers will monitor and report on the situation at the two Russian checkpoints, as well as on the movements across the border. As a reminder, the Mission has been on the ground since 29 July 2014. ol Russian-backed militants launched 15 attacks on positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in ATO area in Donbas in last day. This is reported by the ATO press center. "Over the past day, illegal armed groups violated the ceasefire 15 times. The Ukrainian Armed Forces opened fire on the enemy 9 times. As a result of the fighting, no casualties among Ukrainian troops were reported," the statement reads. The tensest situation was observed in Donetsk direction, where illegal armed formations used heavy machine guns and small arms to shell Ukrainian strongholds near Butovka coal mine (11.4km north-west of Donetsk). Militants also launched attacks on Avdiivka (18km north of Donetsk) and Verkhniotoretske (22km north-east of Donetsk), using different types of grenade launchers and machine guns. In Mariupol direction, Russian-backed militants opened fire from automatic and anti-tank grenade launchers on the outskirts of Vodiane (16km north-west of Donetsk). In addition, ATO troops came under heavy machine gun fire outside Hnutove (19km north-west of Mariupol). In Luhansk direction, illegal armed formations launched one attack on Ukrainian positions near Shchastia (23km north of Luhansk), using grenade launcher and small arms. ol In October, the USA will send 40 medical Humvees to Ukraine for the purposes of the Armed Forces. This issue was discussed during a meeting between Ambassador of Ukraine to the USA Valeriy Chaly and the leadership of Am General the producer of famous Humvee military vehicles, the Embassy of Ukraine in the USA reported on its Facebook page. The leaders of AM General expressed their interest in further practical support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine who are countering the Russian aggression. They informed that this October additional 40 medical Humvees were shipped to Ukraine for the purposes of the Armed Forces, and are due to arrive in the near future. The parties agreed to continue contacts in order to contribute in resolving the immediate needs of the Ukrainian servicemen. ish According to the results of eight months of this year, the volume of exports of goods from Ukraine to the countries of the European Union was 4.2 times larger than the volume of exports to Russia. Ukraine's Trade Representative Deputy Economic Development and Trade Minister of Ukraine Natalia Mykolska posted these data on her Facebook page. In general, according to the Economic Development and Trade Ministry, the exports of Ukrainian goods increased by $4.8 billion [21.1%] for eight months of 2017. "For the eight months of 2017, the exports of goods totaled $27.5 billion and increased by $4.8 billion compared to the eight months of 2016," Mykolska wrote. The largest trade partners of Ukraine were the European Union, Russia, Turkey, India, Egypt and China. The share of exports of goods to the European Union was 40%, to Russia 9.5%, Turkey 5.8%, India 5.3%, Egypt 4.8%, China 4.6%. ol The Cabinet of Ministers is considering the issue of possible increase in capacities of Ukrainian nuclear power plants aimed to secure the domestic energy production and export electricity. Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman stated this during Government Question Hour meeting held in Parliament on Friday, October 20, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. In the scope of the implementation of the approved Energy Strategy until 2035, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has been vigorously working on the issue of increasing capacities of Ukrainian nuclear power plants aimed to secure the domestic energy production and export electricity, the prime minister said. Groysman reminded that large agreements on NPP equipment modernization projects worth UAH 5 billion were signed with American partners in Kharkiv in September. "We are working on the EU Energy Bridge [EU-Ukraine project]. I think that from 2021 we will have chance to launch units construction. This is our plan, we have focused on that, we apply every effort to ensure safety of the nuclear power industry and availability of facilities to satisfy the domestic needs and to switch to electricity exports," said Volodymyr Groysman. iy Ukraine and Hungary intend to work together on the implementation of the law on education. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said this while speaking during the Hour of Questions to the Government in the Parliament, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "During the last days I held talks with the Hungarian foreign minister, and yesterday our joint talks were held with the Ukrainian education minister and with the Hungarian minister of human resources. As a result, we agreed that we would work together with the Ukrainian citizens of Hungarian origin and with the Hungarian community on a plan for the implementation of the law," Klimkin said. He notes that the Ministry is working with all countries of the European Union in order to explain the law. On September 5, the Verkhovna Rada approved the law on education, which provides that the state language, Ukrainian, is the language of the educational process. Hungary, Romania and Poland expressed concern over the norm of the language of instruction for the representatives of national minorities of Ukraine. Ukraine sent the law on education for examination to the Venice Commission. ish 13 new cardiovascular centers will be opened in 11 regions of Ukraine. Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman told this to journalists in Lutsk, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "There will be 13 cardiovascular centers in 11 regions that will give an opportunity to save lives. Task No. 1 is a quality medicine. We will do everything to make people healthy," Groysman said. In addition, new hospitals and perinatal centers will be open. In particular, according to him, UAH 65 million was allocated from the state budget for the Volyn regional perinatal center in 2017, UAH 45 million of which was recently received. As Ukrinform reported, on October 20, Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman was on a working trip to Volyn region. ish His attorney wants him out. The prosecutor wants him out. But Cody Marble, who earlier this year was exonerated of a 2002 rape conviction, is set to spend at least one more week in jail, waiting. For the third time since the start of September, when he was brought to Missoula on a probation violation for a previous drug conviction, Marble appeared before Missoula District Court Judge John Larson. The hearing was set to wrap up Marbles violation, which he pleaded guilty to last month, and Larson was expected to impose a sentence. But it was put off for another week after the prosecution and Marble's defense attorney realized they were not on the same page. Prosecutors said they believed Marbles attorney, Myshell Lyday, would be asking for the same sentence they were seeking. When Lyday sought a more lenient end to the case, prosecutors asked for more time to consider the issue. Marble, 33, had been out of custody since the spring of 2016 during his effort eventually successful to overturn his wrongful rape conviction. During that time, he remained on probation in Conrad as part of a 2013 drug conviction. This summer, prosecutors sought to revoke the suspended sentence of the drug case after Marble did not turn himself into the jail when told to by his supervising officer. Marble was arrested in North Dakota in August after a warrant was issued for him. As a resolution to the probation violation, Missoula Chief Deputy County Attorney Jason Marks requested a five-year Department of Corrections sentence with all of the time already served credited to Marble. As of Thursday, that meant there would only be 216 days left on the clock for Marble. Marks, who was not present at Thursdays hearing, also agreed that Marble should be released into community supervision immediately, under a new law enacted by the Montana Legislature. It treats a Department of Corrections sentence as though a person is on parole right away. Larson said he hasnt used the new sentencing option yet, and that in Missoula its only been used twice. Its my first one so pardon me if Im a little uncertain about what it means, he said. Lyday agreed with the prosecutors recommendation, but added an alternative she wanted Larson to consider: deem the case concluded and impose only the time Marble has already served. I think its very possible you wouldnt see Cody Marble again, Lyday said. Mac Bloom, the deputy county attorney standing in for Marks, said Marks was under the impression he and Lyday would have identical recommendations and hadnt expected her proposed alternative. He also said the prosecutor had not been aware Lyday would call Toby Cook an attorney for the Montana Innocence Project, which worked to overturn Marbles rape conviction to testify Thursday. Cook told the judge the organization would continue to work to help support Marble after he was out in the community. Bloom requested that the matter be taken up again on Oct. 26, and Larson agreed. Before Blooms request, Marble made a statement to the judge asking him to impose a sentence that would close the case entirely. I feel like Ive served more than enough time for this, Marble told Larson. Since the age of 14, Marble has either been in custody or on probation. He told Larson hes already spent more time under the watch of the Department of Corrections than he deserves. If there was ever a time to call it good, its now. UNICEF/Brown DHAKA, BANGLADESH/GENEVA, 20 October 2017 Desperate living conditions and waterborne diseases are threatening more than 320,000 Rohingya refugee children who have fled to southern Bangladesh since late August, including some 10,000 who crossed from Myanmar over the past few days, UNICEF said today. Many Rohingya refugee children in Bangladesh have witnessed atrocities in Myanmar no child should ever see, and all have suffered tremendous loss, said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake. These children urgently need food, safe water, sanitation, and vaccinations to protect them from diseases that thrive in emergencies. But they also need help in overcoming all they have endured. They need education. They need counselling. They need hope. If we dont provide them with these things now, how will they ever grow up to be productive citizens of their societies? This crisis is stealing their childhoods. We must not let it steal their futures at the same time. Well over half a million Rohingya people have crossed into Bangladeshs southern district of Coxs Bazaar since late August after escaping horrific violence in neighbouring Myanmar. They have joined some 200,000 others who came in earlier refugee influxes. Almost 60 per cent of the latest arrivals are children, crossing at a rate of between 1,200 and 1,800 per day. In a newly-released report Outcast and Desperate: Rohingya refugee children face a perilous future UNICEF says that most of the refugees are living in overcrowded and insanitary makeshift settlements. Despite an expanding international aid effort led by the Government of Bangladesh, the essential needs of many children are not being met. The refugees are still coming, but already we can see the appalling dangers that the children are facing, says UNICEF Bangladesh Representative, Edouard Beigbeder. Living in the open, with food, safe water and sanitation in desperately short supply, the risk of waterborne and other diseases is palpable. High levels of severe acute malnutrition among young children have been found in the camps, and antenatal services to mothers and babies are lacking. Support for children traumatised by violence also needs to be expanded. The report also says that in the chaotic setting of the camps, children and youth could fall prey to traffickers and others looking to exploit and manipulate them. UNICEF is calling for an end to the atrocities targeting civilians in Myanmars Rakhine State, and for humanitarian actors to be given immediate and unfettered access to all children affected by the violence there. At present, UNICEF has no access to Rohingya children in Northern Rakhine State. The report says a long-term solution to the crisis in Rakhine State is also needed and must address the issues of statelessness and discrimination, as recommended by the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State. Ahead of an international pledging conference on 23 October in Geneva, UNICEF is urging donors to respond urgently to the requirements of the updated Bangladesh Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) released by the UN and humanitarian agencies for US$ 434 million. UNICEF requires US$76.1 million to address the immediate needs of newly-arrived Rohingya children, as well as those who arrived before the recent influx, and children from vulnerable host communities. Expanding the provision of safe water, sanitation and improved hygiene for Rohingya children is the top priority of the appeal, amid concerns over a possible outbreak of diarrhea and other waterborne diseases. Most Rohingya children are not fully immunized against diseases such as measles. UNICEF is also focused on providing Rohingya children with learning and support services in child-friendly spaces, and working with our partners to address gender-based violence. UNICEF is calling for urgent action in four key areas: 1. International support and funding for the Bangladesh Humanitarian Response Plan and humanitarian response plan for Myanmar; 2. Protection of Rohingya children and families, and immediate unfettered humanitarian access to all children affected by the violence in Rakhine State; 3. Support for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar; and 4. A long-term solution to the crisis, including implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State. The full report and supporting photo and video material can be downloaded here. ### Notes for editors: Rohingya children are among some 50 million children who have been uprooted from their homes due to conflict, poverty and extreme weather. Last year, UNICEF launched the global campaign #ChildrenUprooted to highlight the plight of these highly vulnerable children. For more information, please contact: Simon Ingram, UNICEF Brussels, +32 491 90 5118 , singram@unicef.org Christopher Tidey, UNICEF New York, +1 917 340 3017 , ctidey@unicef.org Starbucks boss Howard Schultz was talking to Charlie Rose and the gang on CBS This Morning on Oct. 10 about the second season of Upstanders. Its a collection of 11 short films about ordinary people doing extraordinary things to create positive change in their communities, according to advance publicity. Schultz, executive chairman and former CEO of the Seattle-based, worldwide coffeehouse chain, mentioned one story subject by name. We met a woman in Missoula, Montana, Mary Poole, who against all odds, with no training whatsoever and against the mentality in Montana ... brings refugees from Syria, Schultz said. These are people who are upstanders, people who are not listening to Washington and doing things that I think speak to the American spirit. Missoula gets a look at all 11 stories Monday night, when executive producer Rajiv Chandrasekaran brings Upstanders to the Wilma at 7 p.m. for a free screening. Its the third and final full showing. The premiere was at Times Center in New York City the night before Schultz appeared on CBS, and it screened again Tuesday in Seattle. An abbreviated program was held in San Diego on Friday night. Were coming to Missoula to do this at the Wilma because of how strongly we feel, about Marys story but also really what it says about Missoula as a whole, as a community, and how Missoula shows us the best of the United States, said Chandrasekaran, senior vice president for public affairs at Starbucks, where he moved in 2015 after finishing a 20-year career as a senior correspondent and associate editor for the Washington Post. Season 1 of Upstanders was worth 80 million views, not bad for a non-media company getting into this endeavor for the first time, Chandrasekaran noted. It was distributed via mobile app, Wi-Fi and social media. This time, he said, its also available in video form through Amazon Video Direct and in audio on Audible and Starbucks.com/Upstanders. The 90-minute screening at the Wilma will be followed by a 30-minute panel discussion featuring Chandrasekaran, Poole and Jen Barile, resettlement director of the International Rescue Committe's Missoula office. Complimentary popcorn and Starbucks coffee will be served. For the second season of Upstanders, its producers went looking for stories of ordinary people demonstrating extraordinary courage. We wanted to share stories that werent just the sort of debate you see on cable news, with one side yelling at the other, but stories that are thoughtful and show that a community can have a discussion, even around a sensitive issue, Chandrasekaran said. We quite frankly found a lot of them, but what Mary has done there in Missoula really stood out to us. *** It has been more than two years since Poole, her first child just 6 months old, launched Soft Landing Missoula to attract a refugee resettlement office to Missoula. Nearly 120 Congolese, Eritreans, Iraqis and Syrians have arrived in town since the International Rescue Committee started accepting them and Soft Landing began welcoming them in August 2016. Poole was a nurse, arborist and small-business owner who stayed out of the media limelight until Soft Landing came to be. Her triggering story is fairly well-known in these parts. She was moved by a photo of Alan Kurdi, a 3-year-old whose family was attempting to flee Syria. Kurdi was face-down on a beach of the Mediterranean Sea, drowned. It was like a forceful, visceral gut kick, just having a new family and not being able to even begin to imagine the horror of going through that, Poole said. I dont know if I would have had the same reaction pre-family. It must have been hormonal. One of the things that I find so powerful about Mary is she had no background in foreign policy or domestic policy, Chandrasekaran said. She isnt someone who ever worked the levers of government. She was moved by a picture that quite frankly hundreds of millions of people saw. How many of us looked at that photo of Alan Kurdi and thought, 'Oh, thats a terrible thing,' and went on with our day? But she was moved to act. In the face of sometimes-fierce opposition to refugee resettlement, Poole and Soft Landing were joined by ever-widening circles of support and relationships that now include the refugee families themselves. She wouldnt say Weve got to do it this way. It was: Do you think this is something we can do as a community?' Chandrasekaran said. Poole gave birth to her second child in June, just two weeks after the Upstanders segment was filmed over a period of three or four days. Mayor John Engen has a part in the film, characterizing the support within the city. So does a man who opposes refugee resettlement in Missoula, talking amicably with Poole in the Old Post Pub. They exchange a hug at the end. Poole has been the most public face of Soft Landing Missoula, at community programs and in the local media, but also in national and international feature stories by the likes of BBC, YES Magazine and the Los Angeles Times. Yet she deplores any notion that the efforts of Missoula and Soft Landing are a one-woman show. The last thing I want is to be put on some pedestal, some made-up pedestal, she said. Indeed, even interviews with local reporters remain nerve-wracking. Its not a place that I am naturally comfortable in, Poole said. Its a lot of responsibility to come up with the right words, especially when your baby brain is forcing you in another direction. But I also think that were a very genuine organization, a very grassroots, organic organization. We dont have sound bites. We speak from the heart, and I think that has resonated with people. The Soft Landing movement was never intended to be divisive or a political statement. We see the value in reaching out to people who think differently than we do, said Poole. We understand that our mission is to create a welcoming community and that we have to extend that welcome to more than just refugees or it will never be a welcoming community for refugees. This story has been updated to reflect the inclusion of Jen Barile of the IRC's Missoula office on the panel Monday night. AUA guidelines physicians should aim to reduce warm ischemia time. The actual time threshold is not well defined, but thought to be about 25-30 minutes. In general, recovery from cold ischemia time ~60-90 minutes is well tolerated. Take-home point: Long warm ischemia time hurts. Short warm ischemia time is not as important as quantity and quality of preserved parenchyma. This is more important than ischemia time! Warm ischemia time is associated with 7.4% lower recovery than cold ischemia so for patients where every GFR point counts, cold ischemia is probably worthwhile Lisbon, Portugal (UroToday.com) In this Master Class, organized by Dr. Robert Uzzo, the overarching goal was to help maximize renal function preservation following nephron-sparing surgery for localized kidney cancer. To that effect, there were 4 total speakers focusing on preserving renal function along the management of a patient, from the pre-operative assessment to postoperative management. All panelists agreed that a new baseline is typically achieved 3-6 months postoperatively.The second speaker was Dr. Uzzo, who focused on intraoperative renal protective techniques to preserve renal function. This was an excellent continuation of the discussion that Dr. Volpe provided regarding preoperative evaluation.The principles of this talk are: More nephrons spared and less ischemia time is better; but, fewer nephrons spared and more ischemia time are not uniformly worse. There are NO DEFINITIVE intraoperative strategies proven to mitigate ischemic risk.All case fall on the spectrum on one hand, you have a healthy kidney with no ischemia time. On the other, you have an unhealthy kidney with long ischemia time. The key is to find a balance, or lean towards the former.The new AUA guidelines do emphasize prioritizing NSS for pT1 tumors as it minimizes risk of CKD while maximizing oncologic outcomes (Grade B recommendation). He then provided some good numbers to remember:1. Mean change in GFR with radical nephrectomy: 25-40 mL/min* His own method is to assume about 30% loss of GFR with radical nephrectomy2. Mean change in GFR with NSS: 2-10 mL/minThere are 4 main intra-operative strategies that he addressed today:1. Warm and cold ischemia time 2. Diuresis/Mannitol Recent Eur Urol prospective, randomized trial Only patients with GFR >45 were included important to remember that! Primary outcome was GFR change at 6 months eGFR was not significantly different with or without 12.5 IV mannitol As such, it is no longer recommended However, Dr. Uzzo does still use it in patients with <45 GFR 3. Fluid/BP management Controlled hypotension prospective study of 100 patients with zero ischemia time and controlled hypotension (MAP ~70) found reduced bleeding (primary outcome) and no Acute renal failure (ARF). GFR dropped slightly initially, but had recovered at 3 months. No level 1 evidence regarding fluid management strategies for partial nephrectomy His general strategy is to minimize prerenal etiology of ARF by maximizing preload and giving fluids However, ERAS data from bladder cancer literature would suggest limiting fluid volume Uncertain which is the right approach at this time There is a lot of literature in cardiovascular surgery suggesting benefit of statins perioperatively Dr. Uzzos group assessed statin use in 1056 patients undergoing NSS retrospectively Primary outcome was development of AKI within 7 days On MVA, statin use was NOT associated with higher or lower AKI rates From a purely GFR standpoint, there is no indication at this time for statin use Dr. Finelli will discuss other reasons to consider it 4. Perioperative statin useTake-home message was summarized nicely by the following slide:Speaker: Robert Uzzo, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelpha, USAWritten by: Thenappan Chandrasekar, MD, Clinical Fellow, University of Toronto, Twitter: @tchandra_uromd at the 37th Congress of Societe Internationale dUrologie - October 19-22, 2017 - Lisbon, Portugal The former president of Cambodias opposition, Sam Rainsy, will likely be charged with treason in the coming days, a senior official has said. Gen. Khieu Sopheak, an interior spokesman, said Rainsy would join the CNRPs current leader, Kem Sokha, in facing charges of plotting to overthrow Prime Minister Hun Sens government in a color revolution. While Sokha was jailed in September on the charges and is being held in a Tbong Khmum prison, Rainsy has been living in exile since he decided not to return to Cambodia in 2015 after years-old defamation sentence was revived while he was visiting supporters abroad. The government produced a video which is said showed Rainsy admitting to the allegations. In the video, he called on underpaid soldiers to turn the weapons and overthrow this authoritarian government. Sopheak said the statement was clear evidence of illegality. As the prime minister said, he wants to catch the big fish, which means Sam Rainsy will be sentenced as well as Kem Sokha, for promoting color revolution and listening to foreign orders, he added. He said that the government would file lawsuits in the courts in both Cambodia and France against Rainsy. Rainsy did not respond to phone calls requesting comment. In response to the video posted by Rainsy, several military commanders came out publicly to say they were determined to protect the government against opponents. So Chantha, a political scientist, said the ruling party was restricting freedom of political expression. The popularity of the opposition is due to the support for Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha, which is a concern to the ruling party, he said. Therefore, the intention to restrict the freedom and put pressure on the opposition party is to weaken or destroy the opposition. As the government prepares to dissolve the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party and reallocate its seats to minor parties, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has joined calls for the release of the leader of the opposition, who was jailed on treason charges last month. The European Union, the United States, and United Nations have all voiced their concerns over Kem Sokhas arrest ahead of next years general election. At its annual general assembly in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, the IPU, a grouping of some 173 parliamentarians from around the world, issued a statement voicing its alarm at the plight of Cambodias opposition. The core evidence used to justify his detention was a video of a public speech he gave to the Cambodian diaspora in Australia in late 2013. The organization has deplored the fact that the video was being used as evidence of treason, and has demanded that Mr. Sokha be immediately released and allowed to resume his duties as both a parliamentarian and the president of the opposition, it said. Since Sokhas arrest, more than half of the oppositions MPs have fled into exile abroad, citing fears of arrest and politicized court cases. The IPU has also urged the Cambodian authorities to allow for the return of opposition MPs who had been forced into exile so that they could campaign freely in the rapidly approaching 2018 election, the IPU added. Saber Chowdhury, Bangladeshi lawmaker and IPU chair, and German lawmaker Bernd Fabritus called for a fact-finding mission to be dispatched to Cambodia, a move welcomed by Cambodian Senator Yang Sem. Yang Sem, however, denied that the authorities actions had led the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party lawmakers to flee the country. We didnt chase these people out. These people left on their own, and they could come back anytime they want, Sem added. Thats the guarantee. Sok Eysan, a ruling Cambodian Peoples Party lawmaker, said the IPUs statement was a violation of sovereignty and carried no authority. What they said was not connected to the reality on the ground in Cambodia at all, he said On Wednesday, the Geneva-based International Commission of Jurists published a report describing the weaponization of Cambodias judicial system and its use to prosecute dissidents and political opponents of the ruling party. A senior Swedish rights envoy has said that the political situation in Cambodia is a cause for deep concern. Annika Ben David, Swedens ambassador-at-large for human rights, democracy and the rule of law, told reporters in Phnom Penh on Thursday that she had conveyed the concern to officials during meetings with Khieu Kanharith, the information minister, and Keo Remi, director of the governments rights body. She said that if the government presses ahead with plans to dissolve the opposition, Sweden would rethink its relationship with the Kingdom. I have stressed to a representative of the government of Cambodia that should the Cambodia National Rescue Party be dissolved, this will force my government to rethink our engagement in Cambodia. We think that it is in the countrys long-term interest to open the democratic spaces as it used to be and to return to freer conditions and fewer restrictions for media and civil society to all operate, she said. She added that a worsening political climate would have a knock-on effect on Cambodias otherwise booming economy. Over the past several months Prime Minister Hun Sens government has expelled and closed NGOs working to promote democracy and document land rights violations; detained the leader of the opposition, Kem Sokha, and charged him with treason; forced the closure of The Cambodia Daily, an American-owned newspaper, and several radio stations broadcasting critical coverage. I think its important to come and to listen to both government voices and opposition voices and civil society voices and to make an assessment of the situation and in order to see how to go about, she added. Uk Kimseng, an information spokesman, said the criticisms of the government were unfounded as the issue was about respect of the law in a sovereign country. I told her freedom is an issue, but respecting a countrys laws is also an issue, which she has to acknowledge, he added, adding that he asked the ambassador if closed media outlets such as The Cambodia Daily and Radio Free Asia had met their obligations. This was a question that she had to answer, but she didnt answer, he said. Sok Eysan, ruling Cambodian Peoples Party spokesman, said the governments policy reflected its commitment to strengthening the rule of law and eliminating impunity. He added that the government considered the threat of downgraded relations intimidation and asked whether Cambodia should follow the example set by the Thai government of Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha. Sweden has granted Cambodia some $100 million in aid over the past five years. Prominent Washington correspondents discuss topics making headlines around the world including the retaking of Raqqa from ISIS and President Trumps upcoming trip to Asia. Join moderator David Rennie of The Economist, along with our panelists, Thomas DeFrank of the National Journal and Dan Raviv of i24 News. Listen this Saturday and Sunday on the Voice of America! More than a dozen civilians have been killed and wounded, and hundreds of families displaced by fierce fighting in recent days between the Islamic State (IS) terror group and Taliban insurgents in eastern Afghanistan. At least eight civilians have been killed and four others wounded as clashes between the two rival groups continued for the sixth day on Friday in the Waziro Tangi region of the Khogyani district in eastern Nangarhar province. Among the dead were four civilians who were caught in the crossfire of clashes Sunday, local officials told VOA. Families displaced The fighting has also displaced about 2,000 families who have fled the Wazir Tangi area to safer places, Attaullah Khogyani, the spokesperson for Nangarhar's governor, told VOA. "We are fleeing our homes. Only a few elders have remained in the village. Hopefully, they will join us soon. Everyone is leaving," Ahmad Saeed, a displaced local resident who did not know where he and his family would end up, told VOA. Many of the displaced families say they are living in dire conditions. Mubarez Khadim, chief of Khogyani district, told VOA the displaced families have not received any emergency assistance from the government. Provincial authorities, however, said they have started surveying the displaced families to provide them with humanitarian assistance. Call for action The fighting in Khogyani has also left dozens dead from the warring sides. Sixteen Taliban insurgents and a dozen IS fighters have been killed in the clashes, according to the governors office. Dozens of militants on both sides reportedly have been wounded, too. Since its emergence in early 2015 in the southern districts of Nangarhar, IS has engaged in frequent clashes with Taliban for control of districts and villages in the province. Since then, tens of thousands of families have been displaced by IS atrocities in Nangarhar IS has repeatedly targeted local villages and destroyed homes and markets. It has barred children from attending school in areas under its control. Provincial representatives said the government should take urgent measures to clear the Khogyani district of IS militants. "If remained unchecked, IS would soon overrun the Khogyani district, which would also pose a threat to the main highway that links Nangarhar to [the] capital, Kabul," Ahmad Ali, chief of the Nangarhar provincial council, told VOA. Suicide bombers struck two mosques in Afghanistan Friday, killing at least 72 people. At a Shiite mosque in Afghanistans capital, at least 39 people died and at least 41 were injured. Women and children were among the victims. This is absolute barbarism, said Ibrahim, a man who rushed to the mosque after the blast. Security officials told VOA the bomber walked into the Imam Zaman Mosque Friday evening in the western Dashti Barch area of Kabul and blew himself up. It was one suicide bomber packed with explosives and hand grenades wrapped around his body, an eyewitness told AFP. A pro-Islamic State website reported its loyalists claimed responsibility for the Kabul attack. The Afghan branch of the Islamic State terrorist group has taken credit for recent bombings of Shiite worship places in Kabul and elsewhere in Afghanistan. Second suicide attack A second suicide Friday blast hit a Sunni mosque in the central Afghan province of Ghor, killing at least 33 worshipers, including one local leader who was the apparent target of the explosion. A pro-government former Afghan jihadi commander was offering prayers along with his supporters when the bomber stormed the mosque. No one claimed responsibility for that attack. Early Saturday, militants fired two rockets at NATOs headquarters in downtown Kabul. There were no immediate reports of casualties in the incident that underlines the worsening security in the country. Week of deadly attacks Nearly 200 people, mostly security forces, have been killed in separate militant attacks across Afghanistan this week, making it one of the deadliest in recent months. They include a Taliban bomb-and-gun attack in the province of Kandahar that killed at least 43 Afghan soldiers on Thursday. The insurgent assault almost wiped out the Afghan National Army base in the district of Maiwand. On Tuesday, a twin suicide car bombing of the police headquarters in eastern Paktia province killed at least 60 people and wounded 300. The provincial police chief was among the dead.A separate attack the same day in the nearby Ghazni province left at least 20 people dead. Ankara is facing growing national and international criticism over Wednesday's arrest of Turkish philanthropist and businessman Osman Kavala. Kavala - a leading member of Turkey's civic society - was detained Wednesday night at Istanbul airport. According to his lawyer, he is being held at Istanbul's counterterrorism department. U.S. State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert voiced concern on Thursday. "It's just another example, right, of a lot of things taking place, of respected civil society leaders, human rights defenders, journalists we've all followed this story closely academics, also activists detained in that country," she said. "The detentions are often made without very little evidence, very little transparency, and we consider that to be a very alarming trend in that country." The European Parliament's rapporteur on Turkey, Kati Piri, wrote on Twitter, "Very disturbing news that Osman Kavala has been detained in Istanbul." Piri added she would propose the European Parliament launch an urgent call for his release. The European Union has been voicing growing concern over Turkey's ongoing crackdown following last year's coup, which has seen over 60,000 people arrested. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, attending a summit of EU leaders this week, described developments in Turkey as very negative and said she would propose funding to Turkey be curbed. Kavala has set up and funded projects to bridge deep social and ethnic divides in Turkey and encourage cultural diversity. Human rights groups nationally and internationally have voiced outrage over his arrest. Political scientist Cengiz Aktar said Kavala's arrest is a watershed moment. "He was one of the main movers and shakers of the Turkish liberal civil society and nothing will be like before since the custody of Osman Kavala," he said. I think now the Turkish liberal civil society activist will be much move cautious in their actions in Turkey. It actually confirms a very frightening trend whereby the Turkish liberal civil society is targeted if not annihilated." Ankara strongly defends the ongoing crackdown, insisting it is facing a continuing threat from conspirators seeking to overthrow the government. International pressure over the crackdown is likely to grow with the trial beginning Wednesday (Oct. 25) of leading Turkish members of Amnesty International and two European nationals detained at a human rights meeting. Harvey Weinstein is now facing criminal inquiries in three cities after an Italian actress told Los Angeles detectives the disgraced film mogul raped her in a hotel room in 2013. Police confirmed Thursday they are looking into the womans allegations, and her attorney said he would give additional details about them at a news conference outside a downtown Los Angeles courthouse on Friday afternoon. The unidentified woman is an Italian model and actress, according to an announcement of attorney David M. Rings press conference. In addition to talking to detectives, the woman and Ring spoke to the Los Angeles Times on Thursday, telling them Weinstein bullied his way into her hotel room, refused to leave and raped her. Sallie Hofmeister, a representative for Weinstein, said in a statement that Weinstein unequivocally denies allegations of non-consensual sex. The Los Angeles investigation comes after announcements last week by police in New York and London that they are taking a new look at allegations involving the Oscar-winner. New York police are taking a fresh look for complaints involving Weinstein and the department has encouraged anyone who may have information about abuses by the producer to contact the department. London police are investigating allegations of sexual assault against him made by two women. More than 40 women have accused Weinstein, 65, of harassment or abuse. Actresses Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Lupita Nyongo have all accused Weinstein of harassment, while actresses Asia Argento and Rose McGowan have accused the film mogul of raping them. Nyongo accused Weinstein of several incidents of harassment in an op-ed piece published by The New York Times on Thursday, including a 2011 incident in which she said the mogul tried to give her a massage at his Connecticut home. She refused, instead giving the mogul a massage and leaving when he said he wanted to take off his pants, Nyongo wrote. The stories of harassment and abuse dating back decades has left to the total downfall of a producer who once ruled Hollywoods awards season with a string of contenders including Shakespeare in Love, for which he shared an Oscar, and films such as The Kings Speech and Silver Linings Playbook. Since The New York Times published its initial expose on Oct. 5, Weinstein has been fired from the company he co-founded, expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the producers guild has initiated his expulsion. Honors conferred by Harvard University and the British Film Institute have been rescinded, and several Democratic lawmakers have donated political contributions they received from Weinstein to charity. Ring said in a statement Thursday that the breadth of accusations against Weinstein compelled his client to speak to police. My client is grateful to all the courageous women who have already come forward to finally expose Weinstein, Ring said. These women may not have realized it, but they gave my client the support and encouragement to hold Weinstein accountable for this horrible act. A top official in China has praised President Xi Jinping's expansive anti-corruption drive, arguing it has helped stop coup plotters from threatening the party's tight grip on power. Chinese officials have previously talked about the threat that "plotters," "cliques" and "conspirators" pose to the party, but the remarks from Liu Shiyu, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, were the clearest to date. However, analysts say that while the revelation is stirring much speculation, and much remains unclear, the linking of key political figures past and present sends a clear political message that seeks to justify Xi's increasing power and expanding national security regime. Speaking Thursday at a meeting on the sidelines of China's 19th Party Congress a twice-a-decade event and leadership reshuffle Liu said Xi's anti-corruption drive has "cleared up huge risks for the party and the country." In his remarks, he listed six important former political figures and alleged coup plotters: former rising political star and Chongqing Party Chief Bo Xilai; security chief Zhou Yongkang; Ling Jihua; two former People's Liberation Army generals, Xu Caihou and Guo Boxiong; and Sun Zhengcai. "They had high positions and great power in the party, but they were hugely corrupt, and plotted to usurp the party's leadership and seize state power," Liu said, calling the cases and their actions "shocking." Bo, Zhou, Ling and Guo have been sentenced to life in prison on corruption charges; Xu died before he was charged. Sun was removed from his post as Chongqing's party secretary in July. Until then, he was a key contender for a spot on the party's powerful Politburo Standing Committee, which will be selected next week. It is a body that analysts say Xi is looking to fill with his allies to further cement his position as China's most powerful leader in decades. Liu did not provide any details about how the individuals may have plotted or worked together. Most of those named were part of a handful of high-ranking officials toppled in recent years, but his naming of Sun was a first, and it was surprising given that few details of his case have been released to the public. Sun has been accused of "grave violations of discipline" a vague phrase that could refer to both corruption and disloyalty to the party. Late last month, state media announced that his case has been handed over to judicial authorities and that he was expelled from the party. The allegation and naming of Sun, along with other plotters, left some analysts scratching their heads. David Kelly, research director at the Beijing-based China Policy, said the allegations send a clear political message. "Xi has faced massive systemic corruption from day one, and his tools are basically shock and awe, and this is another instance of it," Kelly said. Hong Kong-based China watcher Willy Lam said he found the naming of Sun quite "strange" and "astounding" because while Bo, Zhou and others were clearly part of an anti-Xi Jinping clique within the party, how Sun fits into that picture if at all is less certain. Consolidating power The allegations do help justify Xi Jinping's consolidation of power, said Lam. "He [Xi] is saying that despite the success of the anti-corruption campaign and despite the smashing up of these conspiratorial cartels and cliques, there is no guarantee that these conspiracies will stop," Lam said. "This helps him justify concentrating all of the power to himself." During his address at the opening session of the Party Congress, Xi made it clear that corruption is the party's "biggest threat." It's a threat that he said is not going away any time soon. In his speech, Xi also talked about the creation of a new Leading Small Group for Governance by Law and the creation of a National Supervision Commission, which will consolidate a range of supervisory organs, including China's powerful Central Commission for Discipline Inspection which has been leading the charge in the anti-corruption drive. Xi also announced that a new National Supervision Law would be introduced early next year to regulate the commission. China Policy's Kelly said that leaving aside factional issues and personal ties, which are all possible, the allegations do strengthen the position of Xi's new national security regime. "This event and this interpretation of the event as a national security event, legitimizes this new bureaucracy," Kelly said. "It underscores the threat within the party itself." The head of the CIA said on Thursday a U.S.-Canadian couple kidnapped by Islamist militants in Afghanistan were held inside neighboring Pakistan for five years before being freed. "We had a great outcome last week when we were able to get back four U.S. citizens who had been held for five years inside of Pakistan," CIA Director Mike Pompeo told the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank in Washington. Pompeo's remarks appeared to be the first time a U.S. official has publicly stated that the couple and their children spent their captivity in Pakistan, contrary to accounts from Pakistani officials. Pakistan's military and government have indicated U.S. citizen Caitlan Coleman, her Canadian husband Joshua Boyle and their children were rescued shortly after entering Pakistan from Afghanistan. The couple were kidnapped in 2012 while backpacking in Afghanistan and their children were born in captivity. U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, have previously said there was no indication the hostages had been in Afghanistan in the days before they were freed. The officials said the United States believed the hostages were probably held by the Haqqani militant group in or near its headquarters in northwestern Pakistan the entire time. Regarded as the most fearsome and effective Taliban ally, the Haqqani network gets support from elements of the Inter-Services Intelligence, Pakistan's powerful military-run intelligence agency, U.S. officials say. Pakistan denies it. A senior Pakistani security source said last Friday that Pakistani troops and intelligence agents, acting on a U.S. intelligence tip, zeroed in on a vehicle carrying the family as they were being moved into the Kurram tribal region near the town of Kohat, some 60 km (37 miles) inside Pakistan. Pakistani officials bristle at U.S. claims Islamabad is not doing enough to tackle Islamist militants, particularly the Haqqanis. After the release of the family, Pakistani officials emphasized the importance of cooperation and intelligence sharing by Washington, which has threatened to cut military aid and take other punitive measures against Pakistan. However, two Taliban sources with knowledge of the family's captivity said they had been kept in Pakistan in recent years. The Haqqani network operates on both sides of the porous Afghan-Pakistani border, but senior militants have acknowledged they moved a major base of operations to the Kurram region. As part of a strategy unveiled in August to end the war in Afghanistan, the Trump administration is demanding Pakistan cease providing what U.S. officials say is safe haven to militants, or face repercussions. Those measures could include further cuts in U.S. assistance and sanctions targeted at Pakistani officials with links to militant organizations. Tillerson visit Pompeo's remarks came ahead of a visit to Pakistan next week by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who said on Wednesday the United States expected Pakistan "to take decisive action against terrorist groups." A senior Trump administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Thursday the United States considers the family's rescue a "template for more cooperation" by Pakistan. A week of talks in Cameroons two English-speaking zones wrapped up Friday. The government organized the dialogue in a bid to end a push for independence in the regions. However, the talks appear to have made little headway. Hundreds of protesters in Lebialem, an area in the English-speaking southwest region, jeered and chased away delegates sent by President Paul Biya to hold talks Tuesday with local leaders. The protesters set ablaze the residence of Bernard Foju, a lawmaker from the locality. The protesters then sang this song they call the anthem of their newly-created state of Ambazonia and left, promising never to listen to Biyas emissaries. One of those emissaries, Senator Mbella Moki, said the government will not give up. "We should be propagators of national unity, the relevance of living together, living in peace and contributing to national development in this beautiful country of ours," said Moki. "That is the message. As we promised, we shall be back to ensure that the call that we made has had a very beautiful response." The prime minister traveled to the northwest, his native region, for talks in different towns this week. There hasn't been any violence reported. However, many delegates have refused to meet with him. A government crackdown on leaders of a year-long strike in the two regions, as well as the emergence of anglophone separatist groups, have escalated tensions. On September 1, President Paul Biya released 55 people detained over the strike. However, as many as 100 others remain in jail. On October 1, tens of thousands of people marched in the southwest and northwest to support independence. Security forces killed at least 17 people, according to Amnesty International. Not all English-speakers support independence, and Emmanuel Anyambot, senior pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, says the some groups may listen to Biya's delegates if the remaining detainees are released. "They went to prison because of the common course that we are facing. Some have been released and the others have not been released," said Anyambot. "Release these people, let us dialogue, or you try them and pass a verdict instead of keeping them there." Separatist groups have said they are ready for talks -- but only with President Biya on the terms of their separation. The president has said he will engage in no talks that threaten national unity. U.S. President Donald Trump has celebrated the Hindu holiday of Diwali, known as the festival of lights, in a lamp-lighting ceremony in the Oval Office. Indian-American members of the Trump administration, including U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, gathered with the president Tuesday as he read an official statement and lit the ceremonial oil lamp known as the diya. In his statement, Trump said, "We especially remember the people of India, the home of the Hindu faith, who have built the world's largest democracy." Speaking to Indian-Americans in the room and elsewhere, Trump said, "You have made extraordinary contributions to art, science, medicine, business and education." He continued, "America is especially thankful for its many Indian-American citizens who serve bravely in our armed forces and as first responders in communities throughout our great land." In celebrating the holiday, Trump said, "We reaffirm that Indian-Americans are truly cherished, treasured and beloved members of our great American family." Vice President Mike Pence also tweeted a Diwali greeting, saying, "May we all strive for peace, prosperity, and the triumph of light over darkness." Celebration of Diwali was started in the White House by President George W. Bush. President Barack Obama was the first president to light the diya at the White House celebration. Diwali is held late in the year as a celebration of light over darkness and good over evil. Families and friends come together to celebrate with lamp-lighting, feasting, and holiday shopping. In some parts of India, it is considered the start of a new Hindu year. Earlier this year, Trump broke a 20-year tradition in June by not hosting a celebration marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan at the White House. He did, however, release official statements for Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, a holiday celebrated to mark the end of the month of dawn-to-dusk prayer and fasting. The Trump White House also broke a 16-year tradition, started by former President George W. Bush, in hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration in May. This year, Pence hosted an event at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next to the White House. The holiday celebrates an 1862 victory by Mexico over France at the Battle of Puebla. European Union leaders pledged more money Thursday to help Italy work with Libya to stem the flow of migrants from North Africa trying to get to Europe. "We have a real chance of closing the central Mediterranean route," European Council President Donald Tusk told reporters at a Brussels summit. Tusk was referring to the extremely dangerous sea crossing between Libya and Italys Lampedusa island the first EU territory the migrants encounter. Thousands have died trying to cross the Mediterranean on unsafe boats or after being left on their own by human smugglers. Italian officials say the number of migrants leaving Libyan shores has dropped 20 percent in 2017, since Italy began working with Libya to stop the flow. This includes Italy providing more training to the Libyan coast guard to crack down on human smugglers and rescuing migrants stranded at sea. Italy has been demanding more money and help from the EU for several years. "Member states so far have committed 175 million euros [$207 million]. This is clearly not enough," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said. The vice-chair of the European Union Subcommittee on Human Rights says her union needs to react very soon with concrete actions in response to what she characterized as the Cambodian governments moves to dissolve the countrys main opposition party. The comments by EU parliamentarian Barbara Lochbihler come as Sweden said Thursday it would rethink its engagement with Cambodia if the government proceeds with its steps to dissolve the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). Trade sanctions an option Targeted sanctions or even suspension of preferential access to Cambodias biggest export market are among the options the union must consider now, Lochbihler told VOA. In Cambodia they could say yes, well we have the support of the Chinese government, why do we care about the EU? she said. But then if you look clearly, you can see that the EU is the biggest export market for Cambodia. So I think they take this into consideration, and also personally I think if the European Union would go a step further and put specific, targeted sanctions against individuals in the government, governments and representatives of governments are sensitive to this. Cambodia exported more than $5 billion worth of products in 2016 to the European Union, which gives the country preferential access to its markets under the Everything But Arms program. Many Cambodian government officials also frequently travel to EU nations such as France to visit family in large diaspora communities. Lochbihler said she would urge her parliamentary colleagues to look at the option to proceed with an investigation under Everything But Arms and product-and-sector-specific suspensions, which we can do under Article 15 of the general system of preferences. Cambodias EBA with the EU is already under scrutiny because of a furor that arose from forced evictions perpetrated by a ruling party senator who has exported large volumes of sugar to the single market. Lochbihler said she had written to EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom requesting she examine why the Cambodian government had not signed the terms of reference for an audit process the two parties agreed to have drafted in an effort to resolve the dispute. Meeting with opposition lawmaker Her comments came after meeting deputy opposition leader Mu Sochua on Friday. Mu Sochua fled Cambodia last week saying she had been told her arrest was imminent. The partys leader, Kem Sokha, has been jailed on treason charges, and about half of his partys lawmakers have fled the country. The Cambodian government has launched a coordinated political assault on the opposition, independent media outlets and civil society, using a conspiracy narrative alleging a U.S.-backed plan to overthrow the regime as grounds for arresting or silencing a constantly widening net of critics and opponents. Opposition leader in jail Government mouthpiece Fresh News, which consistently broadcasts imminent ruling party actions, cast that net further Thursday with an anonymous letter to the editor alleging George Edgar, the head of the EU delegation, had crossed a red line by pushing for the release of Kem Sokha, the jailed opposition leader. Edgar told The Phnom Penh Post in response that though EU member states had expressed serious concern over Kem Sokhas arrest, the body itself remained nonpartisan. Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan said the EU needed to consider if it wanted to retain Cambodia as a development partner when considering whether to sanction or not sanction. Well, they have a right to do anything. Remember Cambodias not a terrorist state. We [do] not produce nuclear, he said. On Monday, Cambodias National Assembly passed amendments that would redistribute the oppositions seats almost entirely to the ruling party at the commune level and to other largely pliant parties at the national level. A complaint filed by one of those parties requesting the dissolution of the CNRP for planning to overthrow the government is currently before the courts. Sweden weighs in On Thursday, Swedish Human Rights Ambassador Annika Ben David foreshadowed the consequences if the court dissolves the CNRP at a news conference in Phnom Penh. I have stressed to a representative of the government of Cambodia that should the Cambodia National Rescue Party be dissolved, this will force my government to rethink our engagement in Cambodia. We think that it is in the countrys long-term interest to open the democratic spaces as it used to be and to return to freer conditions and less restrictions for media and civil society to all operate, she said. Cambodias impressive economic growth could be hurt by the current political situation, she added. And I also expressed my concern that the developments here now could give rise to a negative image of the Cambodia globally, so the restriction of civil and political rights currently; the recent developments could send a negative signal to investors, consumers, business partners abroad, which could be hurtful for the Cambodian economy, she said. Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has ruled for more than three decades, faces a national ballot next year after losing almost a third of Cambodias commune seats in local elections earlier this year to the CNRP. Four opposition-appointed Venezuelan judges have found refuge in Chile to avoid possible prison time. "All I can say today is that we were forced to abandon our beloved home of Venezuela, but that another nation has embraced us and will protect our freedom," judge Beatriz Ruiz told reporters at the Santiago airport Thursday. Another judge who has been granted asylum in Chile is reportedly on the way. They are among 33 judges appointed by the opposition-led Venezuelan National Assembly in July to challenge the supreme court. The opposition says the court is stacked in favor of what they call President Nicolas Maduro's socialist dictatorship. The Maduro administration and the court called the judicial appointments illegal and unconstitutional and threatened all 33 judges with jail. Five of them sought refuge in the Chilean embassy. It is unclear what has happened to the others. Some reportedly fled to Colombia and the United States. New governors threatened with jail Also Thursday, Maduro threatened several newly elected governors with imprisonment unless they submit to the authority of the pro-administration Constituent Assembly. Five of the 23 governors elected Sunday represent the political opposition; the rest belong to the ruling Socialist party. Henrique Capriles, an opposition leader and former governor of Miranda state, urged the five to stand firm. In his view, he said, any governor who takes the oath of office in support of that assembly is betraying the confidence of the people. U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert condemned Maduros threat to the governors as "the latest anti-democratic action." In a statement issued Thursday afternoon, she continued, "The use of this illegitimate, parallel institution to take over the countrys constitutional authorities is alarming." The United States does not recognize the assembly, whose 545 members were chosen in a July election widely described as fraudulent. Most Latin American countries do not recognize that assembly as legitimate. The superbody is charged with rewriting the constitution. Most of Venezuela's Latin American neighbors are also condemning Sunday's election. Venezuela has been in turmoil for months since opposition-led protests against the Maduro government over severe food, medicine, and gasoline shortages turned violent. Maduro blames his country's woes on the United States, accusing it of backing the opposition. Wedged between the rubbish-choked Rimac river and lanes of traffic belching fumes, the Cantagallo slum in downtown Lima is a far cry from the Amazon rainforest land that the Shipibo-Konibo people were forced to flee two decades ago. Hundreds of families belonging to the Peruvian indigenous group make their home in this gritty wasteland just a few blocks from the capital's main square. Forced from their homes by violent leftist Shining Path rebels or pushed out by extreme poverty and lack of opportunities, the Shipibo-Konibo now face fresh problems in the new settlement. This time they are fighting back, trying to win secure titles to their land and improve their living conditions, yet deeply mistrusting each other and the authorities tasked with helping them. A massive fire last year destroyed more than 400 of the Shipibo-Konibos makeshift homes, many made from wood and tarpaulin, sprawled along the city hilltop. Lima Mayor Luis Castaneda promised in April to rebuild the burned-out homes on the same spot and says local authorities will provide about $150 a month to each family to subsidise temporary accommodation in the meantime. Vladimir Inuma represents some of the Shipibo-Konibo families in Lima and is fighting for guarantees from the mayors office that the proposed plans will be enacted. With about 20,000 people, the Shipibo-Konibo is one of the countrys largest Amazon tribes. About 2,000 of them live in the Peruvian capital. Tribe has been tricked before Inuma told the Thomson Reuters Foundation that the Shipibo-Konibo is splintered, and tribal leaders do not agree on how to proceed. He also said the tribe has been tricked once before, when a plan to relocate the community was mothballed in favor of building a bypass. We have been very distrustful of the other leaders. They have been colluding with Lima council, he said outside his house of wood and plastic. Inuma and most of the Shipibo-Konibo in Lima have agreed to leave temporarily so the Cantagallo slum can be rebuilt as promised. But a few are insisting upon staying out of fear that they could be left homeless if they leave. Some families have moved onto a patch of wasteland at the edge of the site to keep a watchful eye, and others have moved into apartments but return to Cantagallo each night to sleep. Up to now, nothing has been finalized, said Cesar Maynas, another representative for the families. Cantagallo is emblematic Perus indigenous groups, which make up roughly 45 percent of its population of 31 million people, often lack secure property rights and access to basic services such as health care and education, local rights groups say. The situation in Cantagallo is emblematic because it's only ten minutes away from the presidential palace, said Mar Perez, head of economic and social rights at the National Coordinator for Human Rights. They've been living in Lima for 20 years, and until now they havent even been able to formalise their land titles or gain access to basic services, Perez said. The issue of housing and land titles is common across South America, where mass migration to urban areas has led to some 113 million people or nearly one in five people living in slums. The conditions fuel inequality, social exclusion and conflict between landless communities and government authorities, experts say. Worried about eviction Without formal property deeds, residents are at risk of eviction to make way for private or government-backed development projects. Rights groups say local authorities in Lima are reluctant to grant land titles to the Shipibo-Konibo because they fear it could set a precedent for other groups living in informal settlements, often seen as land invaders and illegal squatters. Ebert Lozano, who leads the Cantagallo reconstruction project at the mayors office,said $610,000 has been set aside to subsidise rent for families until building is complete in late 2018. We are supporting them so that they can have somewhere to live while reconstruction takes place. When the project is finished, they will come back and their houses will be built, Lozano told the Foundation. Peru president visits site In the aftermath of the fire, Peruvian president Pablo Kuczynski visited Cantagallo and promised to rehouse the community on the current site. Lozano said the reconstruction project aims to build 231 houses, new roads, a park and landscaped green spaces. It's going to be a beautiful place, Lozano said, adding that the new houses would have access to water and electricity. Despite such promises, Cantagallo residents remain wary. Rosa Pinedo, 27, said that she has little confidence that the mayor will follow through on his promises. At least 54 Egyptian police officers have been killed in a raid on a suspected militant hideout near Cairo, according to security officials. The officials, who requested anonymity, said the security forces apparently were ambushed Friday night by militants after they converged on the hideout in the western desert area of al-Bahriya. One senior security source said a convoy of four SUVs and one interior ministry vehicle were targets of a surprise attack by militants firing rocket-propelled grenades and detonating explosive devices. Twenty officers and 34 conscripts are among the fatalities, sources said. The Egyptian Interior Ministry said in a statement Saturday "a number of our men were martyred" but did not provide information about casualties. No group has claimed responsibility for the killings, but local media reports said the militants are followers of the Hasm Movement, which Egyptian security forces claim are linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, an outlawed group that once led the country. The Brotherhood denied any link to the movement. Friday's attacks are the latest in a series of deadly encounters suffered by Egypt's security forces this year as they confront a tenacious growing Islamic militancy. Egypt has been struggling to counter uprisings by militants led by an affiliate of the Islamic State that is centered primarily in the northern region of the Sinai Peninsula. The country's efforts, however, have been stymied by a recent increase in the number of attacks on the country's mainland. The ambush was one of the most deadly attacks on security forces since militants began targeting government forces after the 2013 ouster of Egypt's first freely elected President Mohamed Morsi, whose one-year rule was divisive. Technology firms have improved cooperation with the authorities in tackling online militant material but must act quicker to remove propaganda fueling a rise in homegrown extremism, acting U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke said Wednesday. The United States and Britain will push social media firms at a meeting of G7 interior ministers this week to do more on the issue, Duke told reporters in London where she had been meeting British Home Secretary Amber Rudd. Duke said there has been a change in the attitude of tech companies since a rally organized by white supremacists in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August turned deadly when a counter-protester was killed by a car driven into a crowd. There has been a shift and for us somewhat with the Charlottesville incident, she said. There are a lot of social pressures and they want do business so they really have to balance between keeping their user agreements and giving law enforcement what they need. The fact they are meeting with us at G7 is a positive sign. I think theyre seeing the evidence of it being real and not just hyperbole. Series of attacks After a series of Islamist militant attacks this year, British Prime Minister Theresa May and her ministers such as Rudd have been demanding action from tech leaders such as Facebook, Google and Twitter to do more about extremist material on their sites. British politicians have also called for access to encrypted messaging services like Facebooks WhatsApp, a campaign that U.S. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein gave his backing to after meeting Rudd and the head of the UK domestic spy agency MI5 last week. Internet companies say they want to help governments remove extremist or criminal material but say they have to balance the demands of state security with civil liberties. We would like to have the ability to get encrypted data with the right legal processes, Duke said. Propaganda's role Asked what action governments might take if social media firms failed to act to improve their removal of extremist material, she said: We will continue to push as far as we can go. I think that we have the cooperation of those companies and we just need to work on that. Authorities say propaganda from Islamic State has played a major part in radicalizing people in the West but despite its defeat in its capital Raqqa in Syria, Duke said the groups online presence was likely to increase. I would surmise being able to put terrorist propaganda on the internet might become more imperative, said Duke, who described the terrorist threat to the United States as being as high as it had been since pre-9/11. She also warned that those who turned to violence by being radicalized by such material posed a bigger problem than the comparatively small number of fighters who had joined the militant group returning to United States. The number of foreign fighters we have returning is declining, she said. The number of home-grown violent extremists, most of them inspired by terrorist organizations, is increasing. The United Nations said Friday that 589,000 Rohingya refugees have fled Myanmar to Bangladesh since August 25. Spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters that just over half of them are staying at a large site known as the Kutupalong Expansion, where aid partners are working to improve basic services, infrastructure and road access. The president of aid group Refugees International, Eric Paul Schwartz, visited Bangladesh last month. He said that by early September, it was already clear from conversations with refugees that the situation had become ethnic cleansing and that crimes against humanity were taking place. "What was so chilling was the consistency of the conversations we had with people about what had happened," Schwartz told an audience at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. He said the Myanmar military would fire bomb villages, often unannounced or without warning, and as civilians fled they would systematically shoot them. "Person after person after person told us the same story," he said. "If you want to push 580,000 people out of a country in six weeks, that's what you have to do. You have to terrorize them in ways that are sort of breathtaking," he added. Humanitarian crisis The U.N. and international partners are struggling to meet the needs of the constantly increasing refugee population. An international pledging conference is set for Monday in Geneva. It aims to raise $434 million to assist 1.2 million refugees through February 2018. Almost 60 percent of the refugees are children, and the U.N. children's agency, UNICEF, says children are particularly threatened by desperate living conditions and waterborne diseases. "Of course, many of them have been walking for days thirsty, hungry, on foot bare feet, exhausted," spokeswoman Duniya Aslam Khan told VOA in an interview Friday. "So, the children were sick and malnourished. They were stranded at the border for a few days and it was only Tuesday and Wednesday this week that we received a post that finally they were allowed to come in." Khan said the priority among aid groups now is "decongesting the existing settlements" in Bangladesh, one of the most densely populated nations in the world, "providing decent living conditions, and providing better health and sanitation and hygiene assistance to the refugees." Hygiene is a particular concern, Khan said, to stave off the spread of disease. The agency has also called for access to Rohingya children who are still in Myanmar's northern Rakhine state the agency has no access there. Bangladesh's government also is trying to help the surging refugee population. It has designated a new 3,000-acre site to build shelters, but experts say that will take time to be inhabitable because access roads and provisions for water, sanitation and other basic services need to be made. In the meantime, Bangladesh's military has moved refugees stranded near the border to several makeshift settlements, where they are being given food, water, medical checks and temporary shelter. Lynn Eagle Feather of Denver, Colorado, is the great-great-granddaughter of Felix Eagle Feather, a member of the Sicangu Oyate (Burnt Thigh) Lakota tribe who, in 1882, at the age of 17, was sent to the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania, about 1,400 miles away. Many of his descendants, including Lynn and her children, also attended boarding schools. This is Lynns story, in her own words: We didnt have a home. I was born in Rosebud, if you want to call that my home. My mother abandoned us at the Saint Francis Mission School in Mission, South Dakota, in the early 1960s. I was about 6. My sister Janice was about 14 months younger than me. My mother didnt tell us what she was doing. I saw her filling out the papers and then, all of a sudden, she was gone. I remember being scared. We just huddled on the playground because we didnt know anybody and they were kind of mean to us. Theyd put us out there on the playground in the dark, at night. We had bathrooms inside, but when we were outside playing at night, we had to use the outhouse. And we would be scared to go into the outhouse, 'cause the older girls told us there were ghosts in there. We had to wear uniforms. We were woken up at the crack of dawn (before the sun came up) by a nun with a huge bell. She would walk up and down the aisles between the beds with this huge bell to wake us up. I mean, we werent used to that. Were coming from the reservation. They dont have bells on the reservation, unless they are their feet dancing. In the mornings, I remember brushing our teeth. We would all have to brush our teeth, then go to Mass first before we could eat. Every morning. I remember the food was nasty. The only good thing was the nuns would make buns for our afternoon snack. Some of the girls were lucky enough to have parents or family members who would give them peanut butter or jelly to put on their buns. But me and my sister didnt have anybody. So, we would sit and eat our buns without anything on them. I had a spinal tap done at the school because I was having headaches. I was really sick with a very high fever. I couldnt even walk. I remember collapsing, and the priest picking me up and carrying me into the emergency room. And after I got out of the hospital, I didnt have my homework done, so the teacher, a nun, hit me hit me on the head with a pair of silver-handled scissors, multiple times. And that was the first time I had ever been hit by anyone in my life. I was there for a total of maybe four months until they found us a foster home. They kept my sister and I together. The home was horrible. Later, me and my two younger sisters were forced to go out they would give us big hats to put on, and we would pick the potato buds off the potato plants. We would pull weeds and hoe. And all the while, my white foster sister would be sitting inside, eating a bowl of ice cream, watching us work out in the fields. I was sent to live with about eight different families altogether. We all were sexually abused from about age 3 or 4. My sister was raped at the age of 8. When the molestation started, we complained to the head policewoman in Lincoln, Nebraska, but she did nothing. They found me years later. They said they caught the abuser abusing someone else and they wanted me to come back and testify against him. And I told them, if you had listened to me and my sisters, that would not have happened to that little girl. He eventually went to prison. I ran away from foster home when I was 15 and Ive been on my own ever since. Dont ask me how I did it. If I had to do it nowadays, I dont think I could. I didnt have any children 'til I was 18. I am so grateful that the good Lord didnt let me get pregnant when I was still young, because that would have changed everything. I was abused for years, most of my life. Thats why I didnt ever get married. I chose to be on my own. When I did have children, I didnt know how to raise them. I lost my children to the Department of Human Services. I made sure they went to boarding school in Anadarko, Oklahoma. I chose for them to be in boarding school rather than foster care. They made friends that they are still friends with. They liked it. They had Native teachers who werent abusive like the nuns were at St. Francis. My kids were never hit, molested, raped, bullied or anything. They were glad they went there. NOTE: Lynn's son, Paul Castaway, was shot and killed by police in Denver, Col., in July 2015, as VOA reported earlier. The St. Francis Mission School was part of a Roman Catholic mission complex on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in St. Francis, South Dakota, founded in 1886 by Jesuit priests. In the 1970s, it was renamed the St. Francis Indian School, and the Jesuits transferred control of the school to Lakota parents and other tribe members, who incorporated as a nonprofit called Sicangu Oyate Ho. Today, the St. Francis Indian School is chartered by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Most of the school's annual budget comes from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The White House chief of staff, retired four-star Marine general John Kelly, expressed shock and anger at a Florida congresswoman who recounted the contents of the U.S. president's telephone call to the widow of a U.S. soldier killed in Niger. Kelly whose own son was killed in Afghanistan in 2010, said Thursday he thought the privacy of such calls was sacred. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson criticized Donald Trump for what he said to the grieving widow. Zlatica Hoke reports. The last mass-produced car designed and built in Australia rolled off General Motors Co.s production line in the industrial city of Adelaide on Friday as the nation reluctantly bid farewell to its auto manufacturing industry. GM Holden Ltd., an Australian subsidiary of the U.S. automotive giant, built its last car almost 70 years after it created Australias first, the FX Holden, in 1948. Since then, an array of carmakers including Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Chrysler and Leyland have built and closed manufacturing plants in Australia. Clocking out for last time After the last gleaming red Holden VF Commodore, a six-cylinder rear-wheel drive sedan, left the plant in the Adelaide suburb of Elizabeth that had grown over decades to provide its workforce, 955 factory workers will clock off the last time Its pretty tragic really that weve let go probably one of the best cars around the world, an auto painter who identified himself as Kane told reporters. The 36-year-old was worked at Holden for 17 years and starts a new job with an air conditioner manufacturer Monday. But he knows many other former Holden employees wont find jobs so quickly. Dozens of Holden enthusiasts gathered outside the factory, bringing with them generations of Holdens dating back to favored FJ models that were built between 1953 and 1956. South Australia state Premier Jay Weatherill said car manufacturing was seminal to the states industrial know-how. It has provided the backbone for our manufacturing capability in this state, Weatherill told reporters. Its given us ... the capacity to imagine ourselves as an advanced manufacturing state. Iconic Australian brand Holden is an iconic Australian brand and has been a source of national pride for generations. The V8 Holden Commodore has sold in the United States since 2013 as the Chevrolet SS. The brand will survive although Holdens will all now be imported from GM plants around the globe. Holden retains design and engineering teams, a global design studio, a local testing ground, 1,000 employees and a 200-strong national dealer network. The brand that became known as Australias own car, accounted for more than half the new cars registered in Australia by 1958. The reasons behind the demise of Australian auto manufacturing are numerous. The first Holden cars were built in an era of high Australian tariffs and preferential trade with former colonial master Britain, which encouraged global carmakers to set up local factories to increase market share. Australian import tariffs have since tumbled through bilateral free trade deals with car manufacturing countries like the United States, Japan, China, South Korea, Thailand and Malaysia. The Holden workers union blames a lack of government support through subsidies for GMs decision to end manufacturing. There had been debate about whether the 7 billion Australian dollars ($5.5 billion) that the government spent on the car industry in subsidies since 2001 was worth the jobs that it created. Were not just losing a car, were not just losing an industrial capability. Were losing an icon and that is a tragedy, Labor lawmaker Nick Champion, who represents the Holden factory region, told reporters Thursday. Lebanon's top court on Friday sentenced Habib Shartouni to death for the 1982 assassination of president-elect Bashir Gemayel, an event that was a turningpoint in Lebanon's 15-year civil war. Shartouni, a member of the Syrian Socialist Nationalist Party (SSNP), admitted his part in the bombing in the 1980s and was tried in absentia after escaping from prison in 1990 following eight years in detention. He was quoted in an interview in Lebanon's al-Akhbar newspaper on Thursday saying the timing of the trial was political and that he had lived in Syria between 1994 and 2004. He did not reveal his present location. Gemayel was killed less than a month after he was elected president and soon after he agreed to start discussing diplomatic ties with Israel. His assassination occurred during Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon, one of the bloodiest episodes in the civil war. His death in a bombing that killed 32 other people on Sept. 14, 1982, still resonates among many Lebanese and triggered the massacre of Palestinians in Beirut's Sabra and Chatila refugee camps. Supporters of both Shartouni and Gemayel have protested outside the court during the hearings. Gemayel was head of the Lebanese Forces Christian militia, locked in conflict with leftist, Muslim and Palestinian factions, and his candidacy was backed by Israel. Its invasion was aimed at driving from Lebanon the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), as well as the Syrian army, which had entered in 1976 as part of a peace deal. After his assassination, Israel entered the capital Beirut and allowed Gemayel's militia, the Lebanese Forces, to access the Sabra and Chatila Palestinian refugee camps, where their fighters killed hundreds of civilian refugees. Gemayel's family is still one of the most important in Lebanese politics, heading the Kataeb party that was founded by his father. The Lebanese Forces militia later became a different political party headed by one of its commanders, Samir Geagea. Senate Republicans plan to introduce legislation that would add new conditions to the legislation that gives them review authority over the Iran nuclear deal, a longtime lawmaker says. Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, told VOA Contributor Greta Van Susteren the current Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is a lousy deal and explained President Donald Trump refused to recertify it because the benefits to Iran are (not) worth what were getting. A Texas law banning sanctuary cities would harm diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Mexico, Mexico argues in a brief submitted to the appeals court reviewing the law. The brief, filed Thursday with the Fifth District Court of Appeals in New Orleans, says whenever state or local officials act improperly in upholding the sanctuary law, the U.S. federal government would be unable to resolve the problem or prevent similar ones. Thus it runs the risk "that actions of a state or its officials regarding immigration enforcement could irreparably damage U.S. foreign policy interests with respect to a particular country." Texas' sanctuary law, known as SB 4, may be the toughest in the country. In addition to banning sanctuary cities jurisdictions that choose not to comply with federal immigration enforcement it allows local law enforcement officers to question the immigration status of people they detain or arrest. And the law seeks to punish local government department heads and elected officials who don't cooperate with federal immigration "detainers" federal requests to turn over immigrants possibly subject to deportation. Punishment could come in the form of jail time and penalties that exceed $25,000. Passed by the majority-Republican legislature and signed into law by the state governor in April and May, SB 4 was promptly challenged in federal court, which ruled in August the measure could not take effect because it conflicted with U.S. immigration law. In late September, an appeals court allowed partial implementation of the law, specifically the section requiring jail officials to honor all detainers, while the court considers the appeal. Enter Mexico On record with the appeals court as opposing the law are most of Texas' largest cities, while 11 states and the federal government have signed on to support it. Mexico joined the cities after the law raised concerns in the Mexican community. The Migration Policy Institute estimates about 2.5 million people living in Texas were born in Mexico, and Mexico's brief says that SB 4 has caused them "fear, panic and uncertainty." Between May and September this year, the number of phone calls to a Mexican government operation call center increased 818 percent over the same period in 2016. Mexico's main argument, one likely to be echoed by other plaintiffs, is that U.S. immigration law is a federal matter, not a state one. "Courts should carefully scrutinize any state immigration enforcement law that potentially requires foreign governments to negotiate or otherwise engage with the different states to protect the interests of its nationals," the brief said, adding that state laws have the power to "damage U.S. foreign policy interests." A federal motion filed with the appeals court a week ago argued that state and local cooperation with detainer requests is a matter of public safety. "Without such cooperation, such aliens would be released back into the communities, requiring federal officials to attempt more dangerous arrests on the streets," the motion reads. The Fifth Circuit Appeals Court is considered one of the most conservative in the country. Oral arguments in the case are scheduled for November 7. New Zealand will have a center-left coalition government led by the nations youngest prime minister in more than 150 years. When New Zealanders voted in a general election almost a month ago, neither of the two major parties, the center-right National party, which had been in power for nearly a decade and won more seats than its rivals, and the left-of-center Labour party, managed to win an outright majority in parliament. Both had been attempting to form a coalition government following the September vote. Peters chooses For weeks they have been negotiating with Winston Peters, the maverick leader of the nationalist New Zealand First party that won nine seats, and wants to curb immigration and foreign ownership of property. Peters said he was faced with a decision between modified status quo or change and decided to go for change. He will form a government with Labour and the Greens, another minor party. Ardern takes control The prime minister will be 37-year-old Labour leader Jacinda Ardern, who only took control of her party a few weeks before the election. She says there are three main reasons her three-party coalition will succeed. The first is the nature of the agreements, the second is the relationships I have formed with the leaders of both parties and the final reason (is) Labour has been in an agreement with New Zealand First before, she said. We have formed a coalition government based on the majority of votes and based therefore on what the majority of New Zealanders sought in this election. Labour campaigned heavily on trying to persuade young New Zealanders with policies on education subsidies, the environment and housing. New Zealand is a former British colony in the South Pacific Ocean with a population of about 4.5 million. Elections are held about every three years. A senior North Korean official said in Moscow Friday that Pyongyang does not plan to discuss its nuclear program with the U.S., insisting Washington would have "have to put up" with the reality it possesses nuclear weapons. "This is a matter of life and death for us," North Korean Foreign Ministry official Choe Son-hui told a non-proliferation conference in Moscow. Chon maintained that North Korea's nuclear weapons are needed to respond to any potential attacks. "We will respond to fire with fire," Choe said. No negotiations North Korea has said many times its nuclear weapons program is not subject to negotiation, and has rejected U.S. calls for its denuclearization. The North is likely just months away from being capable of striking the United States with a nuclear missile, according to two top U.S. officials. CIA Director Mike Pompeo said he is deeply worried about the advancing threat from North Korea and the possibility it could spark a nuclear arms race across East Asia. U.S. National Security Adviser, General H.R. McMaster said later that Washington was racing to resolve the situation, short of using military force. Were not out of time but were running out of time, McMaster said. Accept and deter is unacceptable. Escalating tensions Tensions between the two countries have been escalating following Pyongyangs latest nuclear test last month, its sixth overall. North Korea has also conducted repeated tests of what intelligence officials have assessed to be both intermediate and long range ballistic missiles. On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned against the use of force to eliminate the North Korean nuclear threat, suggesting it would not work. Pyongyangs deputy envoy to the United Nations, Kim In Ryong, warned Monday that war could break out at any moment. Other North Korean officials have accused the U.S. of making preparations for war, citing the presence of the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, conducting exercises to the east of the Korean Peninsula. A mass transit strike in the Philippines this week risks more disruptive collective action unless drivers and the government settle differences over costly upgrades to an aging yet iconic vehicle fleet, analysts say. Thousands of drivers and operators of "jeepneys" went on strike Monday and Tuesday. The government called for two days off work and school to minimize disruption for commuters. Jeepneys are distinctly Philippine vehicles that are about the size of small buses and provide most urban mass transit. President Rodrigo Duterte wants the aging fleet replaced by January 1 to combat air pollution. But operators may lack the money for vehicle replacements. Experts say a new strike could erupt without compromise by officials, disrupting already difficult commutes in major cities such as the capital, Manila. "They have to meet in the middle," said Jonathan Ravelas, chief market strategist with Banco de Oro UniBank in Metro Manila. "So, it's more of a communication problem to probably try to address both areas, making government aware of certain things. They just have to do a compromise somewhere." Costly demand The drivers went on strike to draw attention to the role of their smoke-belching but colorfully decorated vehicles. Some people carried flags and placards; a few blocked roads. Smaller strikes were held last month and in February for the same cause. The Philippine government last year approved a modernization program to replace jeepneys older than 15 years with low-polluting vehicles, such as solar-powered ones. It has neither offered financing to the operators nor addressed a likely increase in passenger fares on newer jeepneys, said Maria Ela Atienza, political science professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman. "It seems like the government is already set to implement the phase-out of the jeepneys by January of next year," Atienza said. "So it appears to disregard the livelihood of a mass of jeepney drivers who will lose their jobs. They won't [have] money to pay for the new units, so many of them will be jobless." A political camp called Piston Partylist is speaking out for drivers' interests in the legislature, adding a political element to the dispute. Experts expect more strikes over the next two months unless drivers reach a deal with the government. Cultural icon Jeepneys emerged after U.S. colonization of the Philippines ended in 1946. In much of the country, passengers can hail them from any roadside. They pay according to distance traveled, sometimes as little as 14 cents (seven pesos). Passengers normally sit on two long benches facing each other in a pickup truck-style bed covered with a roof. Passengers help one another pass fares up to the driver and pass back any change. Operators often paint the vehicles in their own style and name them after women or religious figures, making the vehicles a hallmark of Philippine culture. In Philippine cities, jeepneys provide most of the local mass transit because of the lack of bus systems or wide-reaching commuter rail networks. Reaching a compromise on vehicle replacement could be tough in today's political climate, said Christian de Guzman, vice president and senior credit officer with Moody's in Singapore. He cites a "heightened level of noise" and "confrontational politics" since Duterte took office in June last year. "If you go to social media, there's certainly a great degree of polarization that has happened over a fairly short amount of time," de Guzman said. "Since Duterte has come in, there's this 'with-us-or-against-us' type of mentality." Threat of more strikes The strike earlier this week "barely affected the riding public," the presidential office said on its website. But repeated transit strikes or a prolonged one would eat away at commerce if people face trouble getting to work, analysts say. Low-paid commuters would also need to pay more for taxis or ride-sharing apps. Participants in major events such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations leadership summit scheduled for Nov. 10 to 14 in Manila use private cars, leading to little disruption. If the summit coincides with a strike, delegates will find relatively little traffic in the typically gridlocked city. "It's sad to say, but if you ask me, traffic was tolerable," Ravelas said, recounting the strike this week. "It just highlights the main problem, which is too many vehicles." Pope Francis on Friday joined the chorus of shock over the car bomb slaying of Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, sending a note expressing his condolences Friday to the overwhelmingly Catholic island nation. Popes often send telegrams of condolences after deadly natural disasters or the deaths of prominent world leaders. Rarely does the death of a private citizen elicit a formal letter of condolence signed by the Vatican secretary of state in the pope's name. In the telegram sent Friday, Francis said he was "saddened by the tragic death" of Caruana Galizia and was praying for her family, the Maltese people and the nation as a whole "at this difficult moment." It was addressed to Valletta Archbishop Charles Scicluna, a longtime Vatican official before he was made a bishop in his homeland in 2012. Scicluna has condemned the "brutal murder" and appealed for "a unified resolve to promote true democracy." Malta has been stunned by Monday's slaying of Caruana Galizia, an anti-corruption investigative reporter whose inquests probed the business dealings of Malta's leading politicians. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat a frequent target of Caruana Galizia is facing pressure to declare a national day of mourning as well as to ensure an independent and thorough investigation. A government spokesman said any decision about declaring a day of mourning was dependent on plans for the funeral, which still hadn't been set pending the outcome of an autopsy. The 53-year-old journalist's three grown sons have urged Muscat to resign, saying he should take political responsibility for "failing to uphold our fundamental freedoms" by not rooting out the corruption that their mother helped uncover. Malta's reputation as a tax haven, its cozy links with nearby lawless Libya and offshore holdings of government officials uncovered by the Panama Papers leak were just some of the topics that Caruana Galizia had dug into before her death. Muscat has vowed that no stone will be left unturned, and Home Minister Michael Farrugia told the Malta Independent on Friday that the police force had been given a "blank check to do whatever it takes" to solve the crime. FBI and Dutch forensic experts are in Malta to assist, but Police Commissioner Lawrence Cutajar has insisted the investigation is the responsibility of the Maltese police. There have been six car bombings in Malta over the past two years, including Caruana Galizia's. None have been solved. The road where the bomb detonated Monday was cleared of all the evidence and reopened to traffic. Former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi called on the government to do more quickly and send a strong message. "It has been four days since her murder and those candles we lit up will soon burn out," he told the Malta Independent. "The more time passes, the more we forget." Were continuing to go as fast as we possibly can, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Commander Lieutenant General Todd Semonite said Friday, briefing journalists on the state of the recovery in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which were devastated a month ago by Hurricane Maria. News reports evaluating the islands exactly a month after the storm hit Sept. 20 say most of the communities on the islands are still without power, and many people are still living in shelters. Officials in Washington say the fact that the affected communities are on islands, rather than on the U.S. mainland, like the areas affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Hurricane Irma in Florida, is complicating efforts. It is very, very hard to just drive hundreds of pole trucks ... down into the Virgin Islands and down into Puerto Rico, Semonite said in Fridays briefing. No. 1 task: Restoring power Semonite said the first task is to get temporary generators in place for people who are still without power, which some reports say is as much as 80 percent of the people affected by the storm. After that, he said, emergency workers must generate more power. He said Puerto Rico is operating on about 21 percent of the power it needs to supply the island. Semonite said the task is complicated by the fact that a power plant in the capital, San Juan, declared bankruptcy and shut down in July. He said power wouldnt be back at 100 percent until that plant is functioning again. But even though emergency workers are working hard, Semonite said, people living in remote areas will need to live on generated power for a long time, perhaps as long as a year, before the power grid is fully capable of supplying their communities again. Every single thing we could possibly do, including the federal government, FEMA and the Department of Defense, is to try to shorten those timelines, he said. Also Friday, the head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said the agency is working with the pharmaceutical and medical supply companies that operate in Puerto Rico in hopes of avoiding shortages of needed medications on the mainland. Reuters news service reports there are more than 50 plants that make medical devices in Puerto Rico, and they employ about 18,000 people. Meeting with Trump On Thursday in an extended Oval Office meeting, Puerto Ricos governor pleaded with President Donald Trump for equal treatment for the hurricane-devastated island, repeatedly reminding him that Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens. Give the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico the adequate resources, treat us the same as citizens in Texas, in Florida and elsewhere, we will come out of this stronger, Governor Ricardo Rossello said. Trump again defended the federal governments response to the devastation left a month ago by Hurricane Maria. The president declared the response in Puerto Rico by the U.S. government a 10 on a scale of one to 10. We have provided so much, so fast, he said. The governor of the U.S. commonwealth (territory), declined to put a grade on the response, but did say were thankful to the president for supporting these petitions to Congress and promising no U.S. citizen will be left behind. At one point, with a group of reporters still in the Oval Office, Trump turned to Rossello and asked: Did we do a great job? The governor answered, You responded immediately. In addition to electricity shortages, about 35 percent of Puerto Ricans are still without drinking water on the Caribbean island, about 1,600 kilometers southeast of the U.S. mainland. Debt burden The president says Puerto Ricos debt totals $120 billion and he is considering both loans and grants to the commonwealth, but repayment of federal loans will have to come before repayment of some private debt. The island is also grappling with reports that some local workers have not been distributing relief supplies, including food. There has been corruption on the island and we cant have that, Trump said alongside Rosello. I think the governor will do something about that. Rossello responded that the National Guard is now assisting with logistics to ensure delivery and auditors are policing accountability and the Department of Justice of Puerto Rico is looking into the alleged involvement of local officials in aid distribution irregularities. The national governments effort in assisting residents in several southern states on the mainland recover from other hurricanes has generally won favorable reviews, but its performance in Puerto Rico has been more problematic. Rossello, who said in the Oval Office on Thursday that this is not over by a long shot, has been largely supportive of the U.S. governments recovery effort. Rossello is the 38-year-old son of a former governor and is a member of the New Progressive Party, which advocates statehood for Puerto Rico. Criticizes federal response Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz Soto of San Juan, the territorys capital and its biggest city, has, however, frequently criticized that assertion. Cruz Soto of the Popular Democratic Party, which advocates maintaining the islands status as a self-governed unincorporated U.S. territory, is expected to run for governor in 2020. She has termed federal government excuses for not delivering aid quicker ridiculous, offensive and unthinkable. Trump earlier had voiced mixed sentiments about helping the island recover, saying the national government would assist it as long as needed. Trump on Thursday again emphasized that surge force of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the 18,000 members of the U.S. military dispatched will eventually depart. At some point FEMA has to leave, first responders have to leave, said Trump, explaining this is true after any disaster. The president visited the island earlier this month to assess recovery efforts, at one point tossing rolls of paper towels into a crowd of islanders. President Vladimir Putin has threatened U.S. media operating in Russia, saying Moscow would retaliate if U.S. officials put restrictions on Russian media in the United States. The comments from Putin came October 19 during an appearance at a meeting of Russian and international foreign policy experts known as the Valdai Discussion Club, held in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Officials with Russian state-funded media, including the RT TV channel formerly known as Russia Today and the news website Sputnik, say those organizations' American units have been ordered to register under a decades-old law known as the Foreign Agents Registration Act. The law was passed in the 1930s aimed at limiting the spread of Nazi propaganda in the United States. Since a U.S. intelligence report in January accused RT and Sputnik of being part of a Russian campaign to meddle in the 2016 presidential election, a growing chorus of officials in Washington have called on those Russian media to comply with the law. The Justice Department has not confirmed that it issued any order to RT or Sputnik. Russian officials, meanwhile, have suggested they could restrict the work of some U.S. media in Russia, including CNN, Voice of America, and RFE/RL. Putin echoed those remarks in his Valdai comments, though he did not specify what restrictions Moscow would take. "In this case we will do it only in kind and quite quickly, as soon as we see steps [to pressure] our media, there will immediately be an answer," Putin said. While RT distributes its programs freely in the United States on cable television, and Sputnik has an FM frequency in Washington, RFE/RL and Voice of America have no access to cable TV in Russia. RFE/RL once had nearly 100 radio channels inside Russia, but had lost all of them by 2012. The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an alliance of Kurdish and Arab troops, announced earlier this week that they had captured Raqqa, an Islamic State stronghold and the terror groups former de facto capital. While the recapture Tuesday of Raqqa is a significant blow to the Islamic State terror group, images emerging from the city show that the cost of four months of grueling battle to oust IS militants has been enormous, with most of the buildings reduced to rubble and tens of thousands of its residents displaced. WATCH: Raqqa Lies in Rubble After Years of Islamic State Rule The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported more than 3,200 civilians lost their lives during the battle for Raqqa. Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the U.N. secretary-general, said that all parties in Raqqa are obligated to ensure the protection of civilians and their rights. Obligation to protect citizens The secretary-general continues to follow closely the situation in Raqqa, Syria. He [Antonio Guterres] recalls the obligation of all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and abide by international humanitarian and human rights law, Dujarric said. He [the U.N. secretary-general] also urges the parties to facilitate humanitarian access in order to allow aid to reach those in need without delay, Dujarric added. Speaking to reporters in Washington during a teleconference briefing from Baghdad, Colonel Ryan Dillon, a spokesperson for the U.S.-led coalition, said forces on the ground are taking every necessary measure to protect civilians. In Raqqa and the rest of Syria, our focus remains on reducing risk to civilians while continuing to pursue and defeat ISIS terrorists at every opportunity as they retreat to their remaining held areas in the Middle Euphrates River Valley, Dillion said, using an acronym for the militant group. Displaced Raqqa residents are demanding to be allowed to return home after the expulsion of the IS militants. But SDF authorities in Raqqa told VOA a quick return is difficult because of the extent of the damage from months of conflict. Meanwhile, aid groups warned that help is urgently needed for people as they prepare for the winter in refugee camps. Raqqa after liberation Syrian Democratic Forces say the city is still far from safe because of IS-planted mines and fears that some IS fighters might be hiding among civilians. SDF now is clearing the freed neighborhoods from explosive devices and land mines, which is the most important step at this stage. This might last for a few months, Jihan Sheikh Ahmad, a spokesperson for SDF, told VOA. Raqqa Civilian Council, supported by the U.S. and established by SDF last April to govern Raqqa, is expected to move into the city. Brett McGurk, the U.S special presidential envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter IS, visited Raqqa Civilian Council on Wednesday in Ain Issa, a town in northeast of Syria and pledged necessary U.S. support. IS atrocities IS enforced strict and brutal laws on civilians in Raqqa. The militants carried out public executions, held slave markets to sell abducted Yazidi women and children, and used civilians trapped inside the city as human shields to inhibit airstrikes against the group. The citys Al Naeem traffic circle, once cherished as a crowded public gathering place, has become a symbol of IS fear and terror as the group used it for public executions. This neighborhood used to be called Heaven. But its name was changed to Hell after IS, because it was used to execute and behead people, Ismail Khalil, a Syrian Democratic Forces media organizer, told VOA. SDF officials say it is hard for life to quickly return to normalcy after years of brutal rule by IS, but they remain optimistic for a new start. I grew up in a diverse neighborhood in Raqqa. My neighbors were Arabs, Assyrians, Kurds, Christians and Yazidis. We lived together as Syrians, SDF spokesperson Ahmad recalled. She hopes that IS atrocities will be followed by a brighter future for all Syrian citizens. Scores of Afghan troops have failed to show up while undergoing military training in the United States due to death threats, other potential violent acts and uncertain job prospects, according to a report issued Friday. Of the 320 foreign military trainees who left U.S. military bases without permission since 2005, about half were Afghan nationals, according to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a monitoring agency that oversees reconstruction projects and other activities in Afghanistan. The report said 152 Afghans went AWOL, or absent without leave. Seventy were relocated to other countries, 39 were granted asylum or some other legal status, and 27 were either arrested, deported or awaited processing for deportation. About 6 percent of Afghans went AWOL, the report said, while trainees from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Yemen and other countries fled their training courses at a collective rate of less than 1 percent. SIGAR conducted interviews with some former and current trainees that revealed reasons behind the unauthorized departures. Seven Afghan trainees who were granted asylum and 35 current trainees cited potential acts of violence as a reason for abandoning their posts. A female trainee said the Taliban threatened her family at their home in Afghanistan. Other trainees offered similar accounts. One trainee's family was attacked, forcing the family to flee. Other trainees feared their lives would be undermined due to their training if they returned to Afghanistan. And some feared they would no longer have their civilian jobs upon return. An aircraft electrician was told by other trainees who returned home that they were forced to pay bribes to return to work. The report further raises concerns about the enormous costs of the 16-year U.S. military operation in Afghanistan. Some 2,200 U.S. troops have been killed there, as have thousands of civilians and other security forces. The report estimated that nearly $70 billion has been spent to train and equip Afghan troops. The U.N. Childrens Fund warns that more than 320,000 Rohingya refugee children are living in desperate conditions in squalid makeshift settlements in Bangladesh, putting them at risk of disease and vulnerable to exploitation by traffickers. UNICEF reports that up to 12,000 children a week are fleeing to Bangladesh to escape violence and persecution in Myanmar. In what is the worlds fastest growing refugee crisis, nearly 600,000 Rohingyas have arrived in Coxs Bazar since the end of August. Almost 60 percent are children. Heart-breaking report The UNICEF report graphically describes the fearful existence of these many children. It says they arrive in Bangladesh painfully thin, malnourished and hungry. After having escaped a near-death experience, the report says the children find themselves living in flimsy shelters. They are reduced to drinking dirty water and having to scrounge for whatever food might be available. Author and UNICEF senior communications adviser, Simon Ingram, says the chaotic, overcrowded refugee camps are dangerous and challenging for the children. People surging in all directions. he said. So, for children caught up in that, they are getting lost. And then in the longer term, it is the sense that these children feel so abandoned. So, completely remote and without a means of finding support or help. And, in a sense, it is no surprise that they must truly see these places as a hell on earth. Traumatized children Ingram said it was particularly painful to see how traumatized the children were from their horrendous experiences in Myanmar. Talking to children, hearing their stories and really getting the sense that they had been through something absolutely terrible, absolutely horrific. And, yet, so often the delivery that came across was almost matter of fact. It was almost like they were already shutting it out from their minds, he said. UNICEF is calling for an end to the atrocities against civilians in Myanmars Rakhine State and for aid agencies to be given unrestricted access to all child victims of violence there. The Kremlin accused the U.S. government on Friday of pushing for Russia's exclusion from the Olympics. A day after Russian President Vladimir Putin said the IOC was coming under pressure from the U.S., his spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin meant "state (structures), including through social and non-government organizations." Putin said the effort aimed to ensure Russia was either barred from next year's Winter Olympics entirely or forced to compete under a neutral flag. In televised comments on Thursday, Putin said the IOC depended on sponsorship income "and in turn clear signals are being given to these sponsors by certain American bodies. We aren't simply guessing about this, we know about it." Missing the Olympics or competing as neutrals would be "degrading" for Russia, Putin added, and suggested it might be meant to interfere in the Russian presidential election in March. Putin is widely expected to run for re-election but has yet to confirm that. "If someone thinks that in this way they can influence the election campaign in Russia in the spring of next year, then they are deeply confused," Putin said. Russia is already under IOC investigation over allegations it operated a state-backed doping program including swapping out dirty samples at the drug-testing laboratory for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Neither Putin nor Peskov specified which specific U.S. government bodies might be involved in the alleged pressuring of the IOC. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, a non-government body which receives part of its funding from the U.S. government, is among a group of 37 national drug-testing agencies which have called for Russia to be barred from the Olympics, which start on Feb. 9 in Pyeongchang, South Korea. The IOC has said its investigators expect to have "a number" of doping cases involving Russians at the Sochi Olympics resolved by the end of November, but they have no plans to dictate the eligibility of these athletes for Pyeongchang. Putin's suggestion of U.S. meddling in the Russian election comes amid investigations in the U.S. into alleged interference in last year's presidential vote. The U.S. Senate's special panel is conducting a probe into Russian influence in the 2016 election and whether there were any links to Donald Trump's campaign. Russia formally handed over six MiG-29 fighter jets to Serbia Friday, part of an arms delivery that has the potential to accentuate tensions in the war-weary Balkans. The ceremony at a military airport close to the Serbian capital, Belgrade was attended by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. "Thank you for these beautiful gifts," Vucic told Shoigu at the ceremony, which was accompanied by an air show and attended by tens of thousands of visitors. "These planes are not a threat to anyone, but show that no one can attack Serbia unpunished," he said. Moscow is handing over the MiGs for free, but it is estimated that the overhaul of the second-hand aircraft will cost Serbia about 200 million euros ($235 million). The fighter jets are to enter service next year. Shoigu said after arriving in Belgrade that the jets will provid a "safe-shield and the guarantee of Serbia's security and independence." Russia has also promised the delivery of 30 battle tanks and 30 armored vehicles to Serbia, which was at war with neighbors Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo in the 1990s during the bloody breakup of the former Yugoslavia. Serbia has been on the path to join the European Union, but under pressure from Moscow has slid toward the Kremlin and its goal of keeping the countries in the Balkan region out of NATO and other Western bodies. Serbia, which claims military neutrality, is a member of NATO's outreach Partnership for Peace program and has held military exercises with both the Russians and the Western military alliance. The air show that marked the liberation of Belgrade in World War II by the Red Army and Yugoslav troops also featured the Russian aerobatic team Strizhi, an anti-terrorist drill and a parade of Serbia's elite infantry units. Three Russian warships, including two anti-submarine vessels, docked in Manila on Friday to unload what navy officials said was weaponry and military vehicles donated to the Philippines as part of a new defense relationship. It was the third port visit this year by Russian warships as part of Philippine President Rodrigo Dutertes moves to engage closely with Moscow, an arch-rival of Manilas former colonial master and closest defense ally, the United States. The load included 5,000 assault rifles, a million rounds of ammunition and 20 army trucks, Russian and Filipino navy officials said. We would do our best to make this port call a significant contribution indicating friendly ties and relations between two nations in the interest of security and stability in this region, said Eduard Mikhailov, deputy commander of Russias Pacific Fleet flotilla. The visit was timed to coincide with the arrival next week of Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who is attending a regional defense meeting, and U.S. counterpart Jim Mattis, a Philippine navy spokesman said. Russia and the Philippines are expected to sign a security deal on military logistics next week. The vice president of programs for Gallatin County Republican Women said in a radio program Thursday she "would have shot" the reporter who was assaulted by then-candidate Greg Gianforte the day before his election to Montana's sole seat in the U.S. House. The reporter entered a room where Gianforte was about to conduct another interview, and began asking him questions. If that kid had done to me what he did to Greg, I would have shot him, said a woman who identified herself as Karen on the Voices of Montana radio program during a segment with John Heenan, a Billings attorney in the Democratic primary who is hoping to advance to run against Gianforte in 2018. Heenans campaign posted audio of the interview on its Facebook page Thursday saying the caller was Karen Marshall, and on Friday show host Jon Arneson confirmed it was Karen Marshall in a text message. Marshall hung up on a reporter Friday morning, saying I don't really speak to reporters before the line went dead. Gianforte, through a spokesman Friday, strongly denounced Marshall's remarks. Greg disagrees with those remarks, repudiates them and remains focused on being a strong voice for Montana in Washington," spokesman Travis Hall said. Last May, on the eve of his election, Gianforte assaulted the reporter, Ben Jacobs of The Guardian. Jacobs recorded audio of the altercation in which Gianforte can be heard yelling Get the hell out of here. Gianforte was charged with misdemeanor assault, to which he pleaded guilty. He performed community service as required. He also apologized to Jacobs, saying his "physical response to your legitimate question was unprofessional, unacceptable and unlawful." He also donated $50,000 to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Marshall told Voices of Montana: That kid came on private property, came into a private building and went into a very private room that I would not even have gone into. It was a setup. A complete setup. He just pushed a little too hard. The event was a picnic, to which several members of statewide media were invited. At the time of the assault, Gianforte was preparing to do an interview with Fox television reporters. In the radio interview from Thursday, Marshall said she is a friend of Gianfortes, and also promoted the event of Trevor Loudon, a conservative speaker, who the Gallatin County Republican Women hosted Thursday night. After Marshall's call to Talk of Montana ended, the show went to a commercial break and Heenan did not respond. He said Friday that his campaign thought long and hard before issuing a press release about the event. The fact members of (Gianfortes) party are sort of doubling down and wishing worse harm on Ben Jacobs really bothers me, Heenan said Friday. Theres just no place in politics for this type of violent rhetoric. Its not a partisan issue. Senate Republicans plan to introduce legislation that would add new conditions to the legislation that gives them review authority over the Iran nuclear deal, a longtime lawmaker says. Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, told VOA the current Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is "a lousy deal" and explained President Donald Trump refused to re-certify it because "the benefits to Iran are [not] worth what were getting." In an interview with VOA contributor Greta Van Susteren, Graham said he will work with Armed Services Committee member Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee, both fellow Republicans, to craft legislation regarding Iran. WATCH: Graham: Senate Republicans Plan Iran Nuclear Deal Strategy He said the legislation would re-impose sanctions if Iran continues to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) in violation of a United Nations Security Council resolution, if Iran denies International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors access to nuclear sites they want to visit, or if Iran continues to be "the largest state sponsor of terrorism." President Trump refused to recertify Irans compliance with the JCPOA on Oct. 13, saying, "since the signing of the nuclear agreement, the regimes dangerous aggression has only escalated." Back to Congress Trumps action kicked the issue back to Congress under provisions of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015, giving Congress the power to quickly re-impose economic sanctions if the president says Iran is not in compliance. In early October, 180 congressional Democrats signed a letter to Trump, urging him to re-certify Irans compliance. Led by Congressmen Ted Deutch of Florida and David Price of North Carolina, they argue that withholding certification "would harm our alliances, embolden Iran and threaten U.S. national security." Graham told VOA he would seek bipartisan support for "a better deal for the world," but if Democrats do not provide enough votes for new legislation, he said he would seek to re-impose sanctions under the current INARA legislation. "We need 60 votes [to avoid a filibuster], and to my Democratic friends, Im willing to get a better deal. Im not willing to accept the status quo," Graham said. He noted economic sanctions worked to get Iran willing to deal, and hopes to "rally the world" around re-imposition of sanctions if Iran does not "behave better." Iraq and Kurds Graham suggested the Trump administration needs a "more cohesive policy" regarding tensions between Iraq and the Kurdish autonomous region after Iraqi troops reclaimed the city of Kirkuk and Kurdish separatists withdrew from contested oil fields. The U.S. has backed both Kurdish peshmerga and Iraqi government forces in an effort to remove Islamic State from the region. Regarding North Korea, Graham said Trump has to convince China that he does not want a war, "but if theres going to be a war, its going to be over there, not in America." President Salva Kiir opened South Sudan's first-ever kidney hospital Thursday in Juba, calling it a breakthrough for the country's medical care. The facility a welcome positive sign in conflict-torn South Sudan -- is to provide free services to all kidney patients in the country, including foreigners who have been residing there for at least six months. However, the government has not explained how it will pay for the services. Oil production is the country's main revenue-producer, and output remains far below normal as the country endures its fourth year of a civil war. The Al Cardinal group of companies, headed by investor Asraf Seed Ahmed, built the hospital, which boasts 10 dialysis machines and the capacity to treat at least 50 patients a day, although no transplants will be performed for the time being. As Asraf turned over management of the hospital to the government Thursday, he called on Kiir to ensure that the hospital remains well-staffed and continues to provide free care to all patients. "Mr. President, I want this center to be taken care of. If this center is managed well, it means citizens will get good services. I call upon all the organizations and foreign embassies here to work and provide for the other needs of South Sudanese citizens," Asraf said. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests clapped and women ululated as Kiir said citizens can now receive "first-class treatment right here at home." "They will no longer have to travel abroad for diagnosis and long-term care," he said. Dr. Maker Isaac, director of Juba Teaching Hospital, said the new facility will receive 20 patients each month, but the overwhelming majority of kidney patients will be referred to other countries for treatment. Isaac said a large number of South Sudanese patients suffered from suspected kidney diseases, many of whom died because there were no facilities available to treat or diagnose the disease. "People die in front of us and we believe this death can be prevented simply by cleaning the blood of the patient, but we were unable to do anything. We just watch them die," he told VOA's South Sudan in Focus. "Now, kidney patients can receive treatment, free of charge. This will make a very huge impact in the care of the patients in South Sudan," Isaac said. Astronauts went spacewalking Friday to provide some necessary focus to the International Space Station's robot arm. The main job for commander Randy Bresnik and teacher-turned-astronaut Joe Acaba was to replace a blurry camera on the new robotic hand that was installed during a spacewalk two weeks ago. The two men were supposed to go spacewalking earlier this week, but NASA needed extra time to rustle up the repair plan. Sharp focus is essential in order for the space station's robot hand to capture an arriving supply ship. The next delivery is a few weeks away, prompting the quick camera swap-out. Orbital ATK, one of NASA's commercial shippers, plans to launch a cargo ship from Virginia on November 11. Acaba was barely outside an hour when he had to replace one of his safety tethers, which keep him secured to the orbiting outpost and prevent him from floating away. Mission Control noticed his red tether seemed frayed and worn and ordered Acaba to "remain put" with his good waist tether locked to the structure as Bresnik went to get him a spare. Spacewalking astronauts always have more than one of these crucial lifelines in case one breaks. They also wear a jetpack in case all tethers fail and they need to fly back to the space station. This was the third spacewalk in two weeks for the space station's U.S. residents. Bresnik performed the first two with Mark Vande Hei. As they ventured out, Bresnik noted they were flying over Puerto Rico. "Get out of here," replied Acaba, the first astronaut of Puerto Rican heritage. Acaba's parents were born there, and he still has family on the hurricane-ravaged island. "There's a whole line of people looking up and smiling today as you get ready to head out the door," Bresnik said. Friday's spacewalk should be the last one for the year. Early next year, astronauts will replace the hand on the opposite side of the 58-foot robot arm, Canada's main contribution to the space station. The original latching mechanisms are showing wear and tear since the arm's launch in 2001. The 250-mile-high complex is currently home to three Americans, two Russians and one Italian. Aid agencies report nearly 7,000 Rohingya refugees stranded in dire conditions on the Bangladesh side of the border with Myanmar have been allowed to enter the country of refuge. The refugees, who were stranded for four days in no-man's land, are now being assisted by aid agencies in Cox's Bazar. The agencies say the Rohingya refugees were moved by the Bangladesh military to several makeshift settlements where they are being given food, water, medical checks and temporary shelter. Spokesman for the International Organization for Migration, Joel Millman, said the refugees told aid workers heartbreaking stories about their perilous escape from Myanmar, "talking about families, saying that they could take only some of their children from Myanmar and left others behind with neighbors, people who walked for 11 days." "There was one individual, Mohammed Hanun, who said he trekked for 11 days before reaching no-man's land on the border," added Millman. "And he waited there for three days without food before finally reaching Kutupalong, the settlement town, Thursday morning." Nearly 600,000 Rohingya have fled violence in Myanmar since late August, and agencies say more are on their way to Bangladesh. U.N. refugee agency spokeswoman Duniya Aslam Khan told VOA that her agency is sending in large quantities of shelter materials and other relief supplies. However, she said the UNHCR cannot keep pace with the mass exodus. "It is not that we are not responding to the needs of people," she added. "It is just the scale and the speed of this whole crisis is just so unprecedented." The United Nations will be holding a large pledging conference Monday in Geneva to solicit international support for the Rohingya crisis. U.N. agencies require $434 million to meet the life-saving needs of 1.2 million people in the next few months. The beneficiaries include all Rohingya refugees and their host communities. A bipartisan deal to stabilize Obamacare by restoring billions of dollars of federal subsidies to health insurers picked up Republican support in the Senate on Thursday despite President Donald Trumps opposition but still faced an uphill battle. Republican Senator Lamar Alexander and Democratic Senator Patty Murray formally introduced legislation to shore up the insurance markets created under the 2010 healthcare law by reviving the subsidies, which Trump has discontinued, for two years to help lower-income Americans obtain medical coverage. The senators announced that the deal now has the support of 12 of the 52 Republicans in the 100-seat Senate, as well as 12 Democrats. Speaker Ryan's vote is a no While Alexander predicted in remarks on the Senate floor that the plan will become law in some fashion before the end of the year, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has not committed to bringing it to a vote, and House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan is against it. Lobbyists and congressional aides closely following the matter said the legislation could make it onto the Senate floor tucked inside a bigger must-pass bill that Congress needs to act on in December, such as a broad spending measure to prevent a federal government shutdown. Trump campaigned for the presidency last year promising to get rid of Obamacare, the signature legislative achievement of his Democratic predecessor Barack Obama. But his fellow Republicans who control Congress have failed to repeal and replace the law thanks to deep intra-party divisions. Obamacare, formally called the Affordable Care Act, extended health insurance to 20 million people but Republicans call it government interference in Americans healthcare. Trump reverses position Trump initially indicated support for the Alexander-Murray agreement but reversed himself, saying on Wednesday I can never support bailing out insurers. Senator Mike Rounds, one of the bill's Republican co-sponsors, said that if Trump decides he does not support it, then it will not go forward. When a reporter noted that Trump does oppose it, Rounds replied, That was yesterday. Without the subsidies, insurance premiums for some of the 10 million Americans who get coverage through Obamacare markets will surge. Noting that some conservative Republicans object to the subsidies, Alexander asked, Whats conservative about creating chaos so millions cant buy insurance, or at least failing to deal with the chaos that has been created? The bill has broad support among Democrats, but had just seven Republicans on record supporting it only a day earlier. If passed in December, as opposed to before the Nov. 1 beginning of enrollment for 2018 Obamacare insurance policies, it would be unlikely to affect premiums for next year, meaning its benefits might not be felt until 2019. Insurers have already decided whether to participate in the Obamacare markets and set higher rates to build in the possibility that the subsidies would vanish. Insurers say they do not profit from the subsidies, but pass them on directly to consumers to reduce deductibles, co-payments and other out-of-pocket medical expenses for low-income people. The bill would also give more flexibility for states to offer a wider variety of health insurance plans while maintaining the requirement that sick and healthy people be charged the same rates for coverage. Senate Republicans nervous Many Senate Republicans are nervous about the prospect of voting on any healthcare measure no matter what legislation it may be attached to that buttresses Obamacare. Part of the fear, according to one senior Senate Republican aide, is that Trump's former chief White House strategist Steve Bannon is recruiting hard-line conservative primary challengers to run against incumbent Republican senators next year. The aide said incumbents do not want to be forced to cast a controversial vote to stabilize Obamacare, a law reviled by many conservatives. If all 46 Senate Democrats and two independents back the Alexander-Murray bill as expected, the support of the 12 Republicans means the bill has the 60 votes needed to reach the super-majority required to pass most legislation in the Senate. No bail out for insurers Trump on Thursday underscored his concerns about the bill. He urged Alexander and Murray to be careful with respect to the insurance companies, which he said are extremely talented at making money. Alexander and Murray both said that their legislation does not bail out insurers. Alexander also noted that House Republicans, in a Obamacare repeal and replace bill they passed in May, also would continue the subsidy payments for two years. Alexander said Trump has called him four times in recent days on this subject, including a Saturday night call when he was at a restaurant and my dinner got cold. He urged the president to support the initiative. A U.S. appeals court has blocked an undocumented minor from getting an abortion in Texas, while leaving open the possibility that she could still have the procedure shortly. The appeals court in Washington ruled Friday that the U.S. government had until Oct. 31 to approve an adult sponsor for the minor who could help the teen get an abortion without the governments assistance. The court said the requirement that a sponsor be found does not unduly burden the girls right to an abortion. Escalation of case The case of Jane Doe, as she is known to protect the 17-year-olds identity, was brought to the appeals court Friday in yet another escalation of the case, which began when Doe obtained permission from a state judge to get an abortion, in lieu of parental consent, and raised private money to pay for the procedure. But the U.S. Health and Human Services Department (HHS) refused to grant her permission to leave the shelter in order to obtain it. Doe has been detained in a refugee shelter in Brownsville, Texas, since Sept. 11, when she was apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border. One of HHS arguments against the teen being granted an abortion provided by the government was that she could seek a sponsor, someone to host her as she goes through immigration proceedings, releasing her from the custody of the detention center and thus absolving the government of facilitating her abortion. Judge Brett Kavanaugh asked both sides if they agreed that this would be the best case resolution, allowing Doe to stay in the country and have the abortion without needing any assistance or permission from the government. Timeframe Time is of the essence in the case because Doe is 15 weeks pregnant. The state of Texas allows abortions up to the 20th week of pregnancy. Additionally, fewer doctors perform abortions in the later weeks of the legal timeframe. A lower court had ruled that Doe was to be allowed to have an abortion no later than Saturday, but that ruling was put on hold by the appeals court. HHS refused to take a position on whether someone in the United States illegally has a constitutional right to an abortion. I think its ludicrous, American Civil Liberties Union lawyer Brigitte Amiri told reporters of the governments unwillingness to weigh in on the issue. The Supreme Court has made very clear that anyone who is in the United States the Fifth Amendment says all persons anyone here in the United States has due process rights under the Fifth Amendment, she said, arguing that the governments refusal to take a position marked an unwillingness to acknowledge basic Supreme Court precedent, citing Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruling which makes it illegal to prevent an abortion before the third trimester. Amiri also argued that by repeatedly appealing the case, the government was harming Jane Doe emotionally and physically by effectively forcing her to stay pregnant. But HHS lawyer Catherine Dorsey argued that Doe had not only the option of finding a sponsor, but also the ability to willingly return to her home country and seek an abortion there. Iman Sultan contributed to this report. U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis went to Capitol Hill Friday to meet with Senator John McCain after the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee threatened to issue a subpoena for information about the deaths of four U.S. soldiers killed in Niger. After meeting privately with McCain in his office Friday, Mattis promised to keep better lines of communication with Congress. We could be better at communication, we can always improve at communication and thats exactly what well do, he said. McCain said the meeting helped to clear up the information channels. I felt we were not getting a sufficient amount of information and we are clearing a lot of that up now, he said. Earlier this week, McCain threatened to use a subpoena to compel information from the Pentagon and Trump administration officials about the Niger attack. He complained that it was easier to get information about military operations under former President Barack Obama. The U.S. military has blamed Islamic State militants for the deaths of the four Special Forces soldiers in southwestern Niger and has said it is conducting an investigation into the Oct. 4 attack. U.S. Army Special Forces, also known as Green Berets, had just completed a meeting with local leaders in Niger and were walking back to their vehicles when they were attacked, according to a U.S. official, who spoke to VOA on the condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing. The soldiers said the meeting ran late, and some suspected that the villagers were intentionally delaying their departure, the official said. Initially, the Pentagon announced that three soldiers had been killed in the ambush. The body of a fourth soldier, Sergeant La David Johnson, was recovered more than a day later and questions have been raised about why it took as long as it did. CNN reported Friday that Johnsons body was found nearly a mile away from the site of the ambush. It said military officials are still looking at the exact circumstance of how and when Johnson became separated from the rest of his team, but officials emphasized that the search for Johnson began immediately. Pentagon officials said there are about 800 U.S. troops in Niger in an operation underway for five years against the Boko Haram militant group and other terrorist organizations. White House phone calls President Donald Trump's calls to the families of the fallen soldiers has sparked a public argument between Trump and a Florida lawmaker, who accused Trump of telling one soldier's widow that her husband "knew what he signed up for." White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Friday criticized Frederica Wilson, a Democratic congresswoman who clashed with the president over his condolence call. Sanders told reporters at the White House: "As we say in the South: All hat, no cattle." Wilson represents the home district of Sergeant La David Johnson, one of the four soldiers killed in Niger. Wilson said she was listening in on the call Trump made to Johnson's widow, Myeshia, while family members were in a limousine en route to an airport to meet the soldier's body Speaking to MSNBC on Wednesday, Wilson said Trump "was almost like joking," during the conversation, which was on a speaker in the car. "He said, 'Well, I guess you know, something to the effect that he knew what he was getting into when he signed up, but I guess it hurts anyway,' " Wilson explained to MSNBC. Trump responded to Wilson's allegations Wednesday, tweeting that she had "totally fabricated what I said to the wife of a soldier who died in action (and I have proof). Sad!" In a separate interview with CNN, Wilson said, "I have proof, too. This man is a sick man." With a vote of 51 to 49, Republicans in the U.S. Senate have approved a $4 trillion budget that could pave the way for U.S. President Donald Trumps plan for what he has called massive tax cuts and reform. Senate Republicans were under pressure to approve the tax cut measure before next years midterm elections, after failing to pass a Trump-supported effort to dismantle the nations health care law, commonly known as Obamacare. The White House hailed the bills passage, saying it creates a pathway to unleash the potential of the American economy through tax reform and tax cuts. Divided GOP Divisions within the GOP indicate the process wont be easy despite the political imperative. Rand Paul of Kentucky was the only Republican to vote against the bill. He said the measure was too expensive and abandoned the Republican Partys goal of repealing Obamacare. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said, Tonight we completed the first step toward replacing our broken tax code by passing a comprehensive fiscally responsible budget that will help put the federal government on a path to balance. The bill could add up to $1.5 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade to pay for the tax cuts. These are reforms that change incentives and drive growth and weve never done that before, said Republican Senator Pat Toomey from Pennsylvania. Filibuster-proof When reconciled with the House budget plan, the nonbinding measure would set up special procedures to pass follow-up tax legislation without the threat of a filibuster by Senate Democrats. Pressure is mounting, however, on the House to simply adopt the Senate budget plan rather than risk lengthy negotiations that could delay the tax measure. The House measure calls for a tax plan that wouldnt add to the deficit, as well as $200 billion worth of cuts to benefit programs that the Senate has rejected. Democrats have slammed the bill, saying it benefits only affluent individuals and wealthy corporations and businesses. Former presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders said, Mr. President, this is not a bad budget bill, it is a horrific budget bill and extremely cruel bill and the most unfair budget ever presented in the modern history of our country. Sanders said the budget cuts Medicaid, the federal program that pays medical costs for the poor and disabled, by $1 trillion and that 15 million Americans could lose their health insurance. Unfortunately, theres a big gap between the administrations rhetoric on these issues and the reality of what is on paper, said Senator Ron Wyden from Oregon. Wyden, who is the top Democrat on the tax-writing Finance Committee, said the bill is slanted overwhelmingly toward the very top. Spending cuts? Under Capitol Hills byzantine budget rules, the nonbinding budget resolution is supposed to lay out a long-term fiscal framework for the government. This years measure calls for $473 billion in cuts from Medicare over 10 years and more than $1 trillion from Medicaid. All told, Senate Republicans would cut spending by more than $5 trillion over a decade, though they dont spell out where the cuts would come from. Even so, the measure doesnt promise to balance the budget, projecting deficits that would never drop below $400 billion. And Republicans have no plans to carry out the measures politically toxic proposals to cut Medicare, food and farm programs, housing subsidies and transportation. Instead, work is under way to add tens of billions of dollars for both the Pentagon and domestic agency operations. And the Senate is poised to send Trump a $36.5 billion hurricane relief bill Monday. Republicans vow that the tax plan would result in a burst of economic growth that will add enough tax revenue to make up for the ambitious rate cuts. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Electrical linemen descend from helicopters, balancing on steel girders 90 feet high on transmission towers in the mountains of central Puerto Rico, far from any road. At the same time, crews fan out across the battered island, erecting light poles and power lines in a block by block slog. A month after Hurricane Maria rolled across the center of Puerto Rico, the power is still out for the vast majority of people on the island as the work to restore hundreds of miles of transmission lines and thousands of miles of distribution lines grinds on for crews toiling under a blazing tropical sun. And it won't get done soon without more workers, more equipment and more money, according to everyone involved in the effort. "It's too much for us alone," Nelson Velez, a regional director for the Puerto Rican power authority, said as he supervised crews working along a busy street in Isla Verde, just east of San Juan, on a recent afternoon. "We have just so many, so many areas affected." The office of Gov. Ricardo Rossello said Thursday that about 20 percent of the island has service and he has pledged to get that to 95 percent by December 31. For now, though, most of the island's 3.4 million people suffer without air conditioning or basic necessities. Many have resorted to using washboards, now frequently seen for sale along the side of the road, to clean clothes, and sleeping on their balconies and flocking to any open restaurants for relief from daytime temperatures above 90 degrees. "I thought we would we have power in the metro area by now," said Pablo Martinez, an air conditioning technician, shaking his head in frustration. Hurricane Maria, which caused at least 49 deaths on the island, made landfall on the southeastern coast near Yabucoa as a Category 4 storm, with maximum sustained winds of about 154 mph (248 kph). It passed out of the territory about 12 hours later near Barceloneta in the north, still with sustained winds of about 115 mph (185 kph). The onslaught was sufficient to knock down hundreds of transmission towers and thousands of distribution poles and lines. The storm's path was ideal for taking down the entire grid. Most of Puerto Rico's generating capacity is along the southern coast and most consumption is in the north around San Juan, with steel and aluminum transmission towers up to 90 feet (27 meters) tall running through the mountains in the middle. At least 10 towers fell along the most important transmission line that runs to the capital, entangling it with a secondary one that runs parallel and that lost about two dozen towers in a hard-to-reach area in the center of the island. "It reminds me of a fireball that just burned everything in its path," said Brig. Gen. Diana Holland, commander of the Army Corps of Engineers unit working to clear debris and restore the grid, with nearly 400 troops on the ground. The storm also struck at a terrible time. The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority filed for bankruptcy in July. It has put off badly needed maintenance and had just finished dealing with outages from Hurricane Irma in early September. "You stop doing your typical deferred maintenance, and so you become even that much more susceptible to a storm like Maria and Irma coming and blowing down your towers, water coming up in your substations and flooding them," said Tom Lewis, president of the U.S. division of Louis Berger, which has been supplying generators in Puerto Rico to clients that include the Federal Emergency Management Agency. "Everything becomes that much more sensitive to any kind of damage whether it be from wind or water." PREPA Director Ricardo Ramos said the authority is working with the Army Corps of Engineers and contractors to bring in more "bucket trucks" and other equipment. It already has about 400 three- to five-member repair crews and is trying to reach 1,000 within three weeks with workers brought in from the U.S. "With this number of brigades we will be able to advance much more rapidly," Ramos assured reporters during a recent news conference. PREPA brought in a Montana company, Whitefish Energy Holdings, to help its crews restore the transmission and distribution lines across the island. It has a rolling contract and can bill up to $300 million for its work, said Odalys de Jesus, a spokeswoman for the power authority. It is a huge job for a young company, formed in 2015. Whitefish CEO Andy Techmanski said previous work restoring transmission lines damaged by wildfires in the western U.S. has prepared them for the Puerto Rico contract. "We don't like easy," he said during a break at one of the company's base camps near Barceloneta. The camp buzzes with activity as helicopters come and go, taking linemen and equipment to the mountain towers, the pilots deftly navigating the lines and mountains to lower men and equipment to the steel-and-aluminum girds high above the trees. Whitefish had about 270 employees in Puerto Rico as of midweek, working both on transmission and distribution. It expects the number to double in the coming weeks if it can find sufficient lodging and transport to the island. Other contractors working in Puerto Rico include Fluor Corp., which was awarded a $336.2 million contract from the Army Corps of Engineers for debris removal and power restoration, and Weston Solutions, which is providing two generators to stabilize power in the capital for $35 million. Their efforts are to restore the system that was in place before the storm, not to build a better one, at least not yet. Gov. Rossello says the island needs to overhaul its power grid, make it less vulnerable and look at alternative sources. He welcomed a proposal by Elon Musk, CEO of electric-car company Tesla, to expand solar energy and has raised the issue of longer-term improvements with Washington. House Speaker Paul Ryan seemed to express at least a willingness to consider helping Puerto Rico build back better when he visited the island this month. "If you going to put up a power line let's put up a power line that can withstand hurricane-force winds," he said. "It makes no sense to put temporary patches on problems that have long term effects." Techmanski said Whitefish was making progress on the line that carries about 230,000 volts to San Juan from the Aguirre power plant in the south, which will vastly increase the amount of power reaching the capital. "We're getting it done," he said.But, asked about the goal of getting 95 percent of power back by the end of the year, he wasn't sure: "It is very optimistic at this point." Associated Press writer Danica Coto contributed to this report. Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe has long faced United States sanctions over his government's human rights abuses. But the World Health Organization's new chief is making the longtime African leader a "goodwill ambassador." With Mugabe on hand, WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus told a conference in Uruguay this week on non-communicable diseases that he'd agreed to be a "goodwill ambassador" on the issue. Tedros, an Ethiopian who became WHO's first African director-general this year, said Mugabe could use the role "to influence his peers in his region." A WHO spokeswoman confirmed the comments to The Associated Press on Friday. In his speech, Tedros described Zimbabwe as "a country that places universal health coverage and health promotion at the center of its policies to provide health care to all." Two dozen organizations _ including the World Heart Federation, Action Against Smoking and Cancer Research U.K. released a statement slamming the appointment, saying health officials were "shocked and deeply concerned" and citing his "long track record of human rights violations." The groups said they had raised their concerns with Tedros on the sidelines of the conference, to no avail. The southern African nation once was known as the region's prosperous breadbasket. But in 2008, the charity Physicians for Human Rights released a report documenting failures in Zimbabwe's health system, saying that Mugabe's policies had led to a man-made crisis. "The government of Robert Mugabe presided over the dramatic reversal of its population's access to food, clean water, basic sanitation and health care," the group concluded. "The Mugabe regime has used any means at its disposal, including politicizing the health sector, to maintain its hold on power." The report said Mugabe's policies led directly to "the shuttering of hospitals and clinics, the closing of its medical school and the beatings of health workers." The U.S. in 2003 imposed targeted sanctions, a travel ban and an asset freeze against Mugabe and close associates, citing his government's rights abuses and evidence of electoral fraud. U.N. agencies typically choose celebrities as ambassadors to draw attention to issues of concern, but they hold little actual power. Last year, the U.N. dropped the superhero Wonder Woman as an ambassador for "empowering girls and women" after the decision drew widespread criticism. In April, President Trump signed an executive order mandating Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to review dozens of national monuments with an eye towards shrinking or revoking their protections altogether. One of those national monuments was Montanas Upper Missouri River Breaks. In response to this review, more than 24,000 Montanans submitted comments to Zinke telling him to leave the Breaks and other national monuments alone. As a result, Zinke recommended no changes to the Breaks, at which point we thought the national monument was safe from political partisan games, at least for the time being. We were wrong. Last week, U.S. Congressman Greg Gianforte turned his back on Montanans and voted for a bill in the House Natural Resources Committee that throws all national monuments into perpetual jeopardy, including those we have in Montana. This bill allows the current and future presidents to shrink national monuments and makes it virtually impossible for future presidents to designate any additional ones. To make matters worse, U.S. Sen. Steve Daines is co-sponsoring a companion bill (S. 33) that also prevents future presidents from designating national monuments. Both H.R. 3900 and S. 33 target the Antiquities Act, the 1906 law that enables presidents to set aside and permanently protect public lands that have exceptional natural, cultural, historical and scientific value. Despite the outpouring of support for the Breaks and other national monuments this summer, despite the Colorado College poll that shows 77 percent of Montanans support national monuments, Gianforte and Daines are aligning with Utahs congressional delegation to dismantle the Antiquities Act, a central pillar of Theodore Roosevelts conservation legacy and a key component of Americas conservation heritage. Over the past 110 years, 16 presidents eight Democrats and eight Republicans have used the Antiquities Act to designate 157 national monuments. H.R. 3990 was introduced by Utah Congressman Rob Bishop to further his long crusade to dispose of and industrialize public lands that Montanans cherish for their natural beauty and cultural importance. Had H.R. 3990 or S. 33 been law in 2001, the Upper Missouri River Breaks would never have been protected as a national monument or attracted thousands of additional visitors who spend millions of dollars in gateway communities surrounding the monument. Monument protection of the Upper Missouri River Breaks ensures future generations will enjoy the same opportunity we now have to hunt the best big game in the world; to view Native American artifacts that go back thousands of years; and to camp and hike in the same riverside spots that Lewis and Clark did in 1805. Monument protection of Pompeys Pillar similarly enables future generations to physically connect with a moment that changed the course of Montanas history. If either of these bills becomes law, we will lose an important tool to permanently protect the places that embody our shared legacy as Americans. As Secretary Zinke suggested this summer, there are still places in Montana, such as the Badger-Two Medicine, that could be protected using the Antiquities Act. These bills will close the door on that opportunity. National monument protection of these special places did not occur out of thin air. Thousands of Montanans wrote comments, attended public meetings and spoke up for protecting the Upper Missouri River Breaks. H.R. 3900 and S. 33 would make it difficult, if not impossible, for any future president to act on this kind of groundswell of public support. Call Rep. Gianforte at 202-225-3211 and Sen. Daines at 202-224-2651 to ask them to withdraw their support of H.R. 3900 and S. 33 and instead support the preservation of places that define who we are as a people. Los Angeles police say they are investigating a possible sexual assault case against Harvey Weinstein the first involving the producer in the city. Police spokesman Sal Ramirez says the department has interviewed a possible sexual assault victim who reported an incident that occurred in 2013. He says the investigation is ongoing and he could not answer any questions about when the interview or incident took place. Police in New York and London are also investigating the fallen movie mogul over allegations of sex abuse in those cities. "Mr. Weinstein obviously can't speak to anonymous allegations, but he unequivocally denies allegations of non-consensual sex," his representative Sallie Hofmeister wrote in a statement. Weinstein has been accused of sexual harassment or abuse by more than three dozen women, including several top actresses including Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie. He was fired from The Weinstein Co., the film company he co-founded, earlier this month after several harassment incidents were detailed in The New York Times. Additional allegations, including from three women who said Weinstein sexually assaulted them, were included in a subsequent article by The New Yorker. Two of the women, including Italian actress Asia Argento, were named while the third accuser wasn't identified. Argento told the magazine that in 1997 Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on her at a hotel in France when she was 21 years old. Weinstein, 65, resigned from the board of directors of his former company earlier this week. He has not been seen in public since last week. The Oscar winner has been expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Producers Guild of America has started the process of expelling him. President Donald Trump rejects a Florida lawmaker's account of his phone conversation with the widow of one of four soldiers killed Oct. 4 in Niger. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson says she has overheard Trump's remarks to the wife of Army Sergeant La David Johnson and thought they were insensitive. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) says it has so far registered 800,000 people since September 15th when it kick-started the country's Biometric Voter Registration exercise, which ends in January next year. ZEC chairperson Justice Rita Makarau confirmed this figure, noting that she will release more information to VOA Studio 7 on Friday. Justice Makarau would not be drawn to comment on meeting its set target of 7 million people in the new voters roll by January next year. Matabeleland North with 25,795 so far in the voters roll has the least number of people, who have registered under the BVR program, which was mooted following public complaints that the southern African nations voters roll was full of ghost voters. Mashonaland East tops the national list with almost 112,000 people registered so far in the new voters roll that was initially crippled by lack of equipment as ZEC was using 300 BVR kits instead of about 4,000. Indications are that many people are reluctant to register to vote in next years crucial elections, which is expected to feature long-time political rivals, Zanu PFs Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai, founding president of the Movement for Democratic Change. Several opposition leaders are also set to contest the election though various alliances have been formed in an attempt to unseat President Mugabes ruling Zanu PF party. Zanu PF currently controls the House of Assembly and Senate. Former Zimbabwean vice president Joice Mujuru, leader of the countrys National Peoples Party (NPP), has been nominated as the newly-formed Peoples Rainbow Coalitions 2018 presidential election candidate. Mujuru was nominated by parties affiliated to the Peoples Rainbow Coalition which include the NPP, Democratic Assembly for Restoration and Empowerment, Zimbabweans United for Democracy and a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party led by Lucia Matibenga. Speaking soon after the nomination, Mrs. Mujuru said there was need for the coalition to embark on a massive voter registration campaign in Zimbabwe and other nations in order to drum up support for the group ahead of the crucial 2018 national polls. We must also call upon ZEC (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission conducting the voter registration program), civic society, churches and the media to increase their efforts towards encouraging the people to register to vote, she said. Mujuru added that under this coalition Zimbabwe should be known as a peaceful nation through which we should have free, fair and credible elections. She was expelled from the ruling Zanu PF party following allegations that she wanted to topple 93 year-old President Robert Mugabe. Mujuru dismissed the allegations as farfetched, noting that she was a victims of Mugabes succession battles in the faction-riddled ruling party. Another opposition coalition, the Movement for Democratic Change Alliance, was formed a couple of months ago with the aimed to unseating Mr. Mugabe and his party in the 2018 presidential, senatorial, parliamentary and council elections. Opposition parties in the MDC Alliance include Morgan Tsvangirais MDC, Professor Welshman Ncubes MDC formation, Tendai Bitis Peoples Democratic Party, Agrippa Mutambara (Zimbabwe People First), Jacob Ngarivhume (Transform Zimbabwe), Multiracial Christian Democrats and Zanu Ndonga. Zanu PF currently has a majority in the House of Assembly and Senate. Background Langila volcano, whose activity record goes back to the 19th century only, is one of the most active volcanoes of New Britain, Papua New Guinea. Langila's frequent activity consists typically of mild-to-moderate explosive eruptions, that are sometimes accompanied by lava flows. The volcano consists of four small overlapping cones on the lower eastern flank of the extinct Talawe volcano,- the highest volcano in NW New Britain. The rectangular, 2.5-km-long crater of Talawe has a large gap to the SE; the younger Langila volcano formed NE of Talawe's breached crater. Extensive lava flows have reached the sea from the N and NE flanks of the volcano. Since observations have begun, 3 summit craters have been active. The youngest and smallest of these, with a diameter of 150 m, was formed in 1960. Miles Teller as Adam Schumann, in the front row on the left, in Thank You for Your Service. (Francois Duhamel/DreamWorks Pictures) Its one of those small and forgettable moments in a movie. A soldier, returning from war, gets off a plane and hands his weapon to another soldier checking him in. Welcome home, Sergeant Schumann, the other soldier says. Thats the moment, and then its gone, and yet every time I see that scene, it makes me teary, because Im seeing everything Ive learned over the past 10 years about war, including what it can do to a man Im grateful is still alive. The scene is in a movie called Thank You for Your Service, which opens Oct. 27 and is based on a book I wrote about Adam Schumann, a now 36-year-old veteran whom I met in 2007 when I was reporting on the Iraq War. That was the year President George W. Bush went on TV to announce a last-ditch expansion of the war that would become known as the surge. Well, here are the differences, Bush said at one point, comparing the surge with the wars previous failed efforts. Meanwhile, in Fort Riley, Kan., a commander who had just learned his infantry battalion would be part of the surge listened to Bush and thought: Well be the difference. My battalion. My soldiers. Me. A few weeks later, that battalion of some 800 soldiers, one of whom was Adam, entered the war. Most were 19 and 20 years old, and they, too, thought they would be the difference. They had about them an air of invincibility, which lasted right up until the first of them was killed. Then came a second death, and a third, and soon the invincibility had been replaced with a soldiers singular knowledge of what heartbreak can feel like, followed by a deepening anger, followed by a coarsening of their souls. I know this because I was with them for most of their deployment, including in September, one of the cruelest months of all. On Sept. 4, a roadside bomb blasted into five soldiers in a Humvee. Three died on the spot, a fourth lost both his legs, and a fifth lost all his limbs and was burned everywhere, surviving somehow for four months before his mother sent out an email saying, "Duncan would have been twenty years old tomorrow he will be forever nineteen now, and forever missed." On Sept. 22, when another roadside bomb killed another soldier, the cruel twist this time was that as soon as he got back to base, he was going to call his wife, who a few hours before had given birth to their first child. And on Sept. 29, another roadside bomb killed another soldier, a death that was the ruin of Adam Schumann. That soldier was the battalions 11th soldier to die, and after the memorial ceremony, a little lost myself and in search of something encouraging, I asked around for the name of a great soldier to talk to. Schumann, someone suggested. If hes not our best, hes one of our best. One quiet day, with nothing to do, I went to find the great Sgt. Schumann, who turned out to be a gaunt, haunted-looking man sitting alone on his bunk. I guess I know why youre here, he said. Im here because I heard youre a great soldier, I said. He laughed at that. Maybe so, he said, but he was about go home. He was midway through his third deployment. He had been in combat for a thousand days. Ive lost all hope, he had written in his private journal a few weeks before, just after that 11th death. The dead man was James Doster, who had taken the seat in the Humvee that Adam was supposed to be in, but wasnt in because of his declining mental health. Now waiting to leave, under orders to do so, he was a man tormented by that, and also by something that had happened toward the beginning of the deployment, when a soldier on a rooftop was shot in the head by a sniper. Adam had hoisted the soldier onto his back and carried him down three flights of stairs, and because of the unforgiving angle of things in war, the blood coming out of the soldiers head kept flowing into Adams open mouth as he gulped for air. Six months later, as he sat on that bunk, he was still tasting that soldiers blood, and so the time had come for him to go. Adam Schumann in Iraq in 2007, on the day he left the war. (David Finkel) I remember walking him out of the war. He had performed as well as a soldier could. But on that day, as he walked across the forward operating base, he was cloaked in shame. As I wrote in my book about that deployment, The Good Soldiers: His stomach hurt as he made his way across the FOB. He felt himself becoming nauseated. At the landing area, other soldiers from other battalions were lined up, and when the helicopter landed, everyone was allowed to board except him. He didnt understand. Next ones yours, he was told, and when it came in a few minutes later, he realized why hed had to wait. It had a big red cross on the side. It was the helicopter for the injured and the dead. That was him, Adam Schumann. He was injured. He was dead. He was done. A few days later, Adam arrived at a little airport in Kansas. No soldier was there to greet him, only his wife, Saskia, watching through airport windows as he walked by himself across the tarmac. Hes a skeleton, she thought, with a sinking heart, and she could feel whatever hope she had flowing out of her as she looked at a man who was silently wishing he had some type of physical injury a bullet wound, a missing limb so he could prove to anyone, especially to himself, that he had left the war legitimately. Meanwhile, I stayed on in Iraq, and then I wrote my book, and after it was published, I began hearing from soldier after soldier about how hard it was to be home. They were getting into fights. Drinking too much. Getting divorced. Describing symptoms of depression. Not all of them, not most of them, but enough that I decided to write a second book, Thank You for Your Service, the one upon which the movie is based. Adam is at its core. There are others: Amanda Doster, James Dosters widow, whose shame was that she couldnt stop missing her husband. Tausolo Aieti, whose shame wasnt about the two soldiers he saved from a burning Humvee, but the one he didnt save and who kept showing up in his dreams, on fire and saying, Why didnt you save me? Haley Bennett as Saskia with Teller as Adam in Thank You for Your Service. (Francois Duhamel/DreamWorks Pictures) All of them in their own ways were versions of Adam, who, as the years went by, was sinking deeper and deeper into his own shame until a day when he ended up in the basement of his house, a shotgun jammed into the underside of his chin, its barrel glistening wet from his crying, his finger on the trigger, all of this illuminated only by the gray light of a cloudy day coming in a little window like a smudge. For 20 minutes or so, Saskia begged Adam not to kill himself, even though a part of her had become so heartbroken and then angry and then coarsened, so tired of it all, she had reached her own point of wanting it to be over. What saved him from killing himself, Adam would say later, was the sound of his son in another part of the house, waking in his crib from a nap. That sound, faint as it was as it seeped through the floorboards, brought Adam back from a place arrived at every day by 20 American veterans who commit suicide, and countless others who almost do. He allowed Saskia to take the gun, and when that happened, his shame now had a crack in it, and the crack allowed him to say out loud, finally, that he probably needed some help. All of what happened next, by no means a straight line, is documented in the book, and now, in fictionalized form, in a movie that came about through the most improbable of circumstances. Somehow, the book ended up in the hands of Steven Spielberg, who wanted his company, Dreamworks, to make it into a movie. Somehow, when I met Spielberg, and he asked me to sign a copy, and I panicked because I wasnt sure whether he spelled his first name Steven or Stephen, and I needed to buy some time to figure it out, and said to him, oh so coolly, Lets see how the meeting goes, he still wanted to make a movie. Okay. Lets see how the meeting goes, he said, and soon he had hired Jason Hall to write and direct it, and then, filming underway, Hall invited Adam to visit the set. Nine years had gone by since Adams homecoming, and on this day, the scene being filmed was its movie version. It was a big, complicated scene, involving hundreds of people. Miles Teller, cast as Adam, was there. So was Haley Bennett, cast as Saskia, in her last seconds of being a hopeful wife, and Amy Schumer, cast as Amanda Doster, who was about to run up to Teller and ask him whether he knew what had happened to her husband. And Adam was there, too, dressed in an Army uniform because Hall, in a moment of generosity, had decided to write him into the scene. This was the filming of the forgettable moment. Here came Miles Teller as Adam Schumann, walking across the tarmac. Here was Teller, handing his weapon to the soldier checking him in. And here was Adam, taking that weapon and looking at it, and then looking up at the wounded man he used to be. Welcome home, Sergeant Schumann, he said. The real Adam Schumann, in his small role in Thank You for Your Service. (Francois Duhamel/DreamWorks Pictures) Ive spent a lot of the time over the last 10 years thinking about healing. How it has happened in some soldiers and not in others. How some people think it can be easily accomplished by following a set of instructions, as though willing away the taste of blood is just a matter of discipline. Maybe theyre right, I think sometimes, and then my thoughts always return to Adam, who is as willing a person as Ive ever met, and whose life is still a long way from perfect. Every so often he calls me, when things are going badly, just to talk, and Im thankful for that, just as Im thankful to be able to call him, too, when the one in need is me. Inevitably our conversations come down to the great truth he has learned about healing: You stop trying, or you keep trying. If you keep trying, there will be days when you want to stop. But there will be other days, too, ones beyond the imagination of someone in a basement with a shotgun, or leaving Kansas to win a war. Welcome home, Sergeant Schumann, Adam said on one of those days, and he said it so well that Hall changed the camera angles and had him say it again. Welcome home, Sergeant Schumann, he said again. And then again, this time in a close-up, with the camera not on Teller but on Adam himself. Welcome home, Sergeant Schumann, he said, and when someone yelled, Cut, and the filming of a movies forgettable moment, and its most beautiful moment, was done, several hundred people spontaneously began applauding. It went on for a while, and it was all for a man who was now looking around in confusion, wondering what he had ever done in his life to be so deserving. Related: The trailer for 'Thank You For Your Service' An excerpt from David Finkel's book 'The Good Soldiers' Book review: 'Thank You for Your Service' by David Finkel The Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Alabama, Roy Moore, speaks at a campaign rally. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) The Alabama charity once led by Senate candidate Roy Moore did not report to the Internal Revenue Service that in 2011 it guaranteed him $498,000 in back pay, according to an income report provided to The Washington Post by the charity itself. Five tax law and accounting specialists said it appears the guaranteed payment should have been reported as compensation, a disclosure that would have triggered a federal tax bill of more than $100,000. Moore and his campaign have not responded to questions about whether he paid the taxes, or to requests that he release his income tax returns. John Bentley, a board member and former chairman of the charity, the Foundation for Moral Law, said Moore once told him that he had sought advice on the financial arrangement from an accountant. Moore said he was told the compensation was not taxable until he cashed in on the promised back pay, Bentley said. Moore has not yet done so, he said. The tax issue is the latest in a series of questions over Moores financial ties to the Alabama charity where he worked after he was ousted from the state Supreme Court in 2003 for refusing to remove a Ten Commandments monument from a public building. Moore, 70, a Republican, is the front-runner in the race to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Moore served as president of the charity from 2007 to 2012, working 20 hours a week, tax filings show. The charity agreed to pay him a $180,000 annual salary in a deal that was not publicly disclosed until a news account by The Post on Oct. 11. The group also said that if it could not afford his full salary in a given year, it would make up for the shortfall when it was able to do so, documents show. Controversial conservative and former Alabama chief justice Roy Moore won the Republican primary for the state's Senate seat on Sept. 26, setting up a crisis within the GOP. Here's a look at three problems his win poses for the D.C. establishment. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post) In 2011, the charity gave Moore promissory notes worth $498,000 for unpaid salary in previous years, backing the notes up with a second mortgage on the groups historic building in Montgomery, Ala. The arrangement entitles Moore to demand payment at any time or claim an equal stake in the building, which serves as the groups headquarters. David Walker, a tax law professor at Boston University, said IRS rules for compensation are complex. But he said that it appears Moores financial transaction with the charity became taxable the moment he was given the right to demand payment or foreclose on the groups building. Its a significant possibility, Walker said. Walker was one of five tax law and accounting specialists who reviewed IRS filings and other documents at The Posts request. Jane Searing, an accountant and nonprofit tax specialist in Washington state, said Moore did not have to be paid in cash to be taxed on the future proceeds. Compensation can be anything. It can be chickens. It can be property. It can be cash, Searing said. It doesnt make any sense to me why theyre not reporting it as taxable income. In a statement issued to Alabama reporters Oct. 12, Moores campaign chairman, Bill Armistead, denounced The Posts reporting and said the Oct. 11 article on Moores compensation was distorted. He cited no specifics. The story was full of all of the same distortions and innuendos that characterized past political attacks on Judge Moore, the statement said. Voters in Alabama can see through the sleazy tactics of the Washington Post who are trying to discredit Judge Moore. The Foundation for Moral Law, now led by Moores wife, initially provided an array of documents in response to questions from The Post. Those documents include IRS income reports for Moore known as 1099 forms, which show he was paid as an independent contractor while serving as president of the foundation. The 1099 forms show the total compensation paid to an independent contractor each year. Employers provide copies of the forms to contractors and to the IRS annually, and the information is used to prepare and verify tax returns. The 2011 income report for Moore issued by the Foundation for Moral Law did not include $498,000 in guaranteed back pay. () Charity spokesman Martin Wishnatsky did not respond to repeated questions about the 1099 income reports. In an interview, Bentley recalled a conversation he had with Moore about the back pay. I feel sure that he told me that he had talked to his accountant about it and the accountant felt it wouldnt be taxable, said Bentley, a state circuit court judge. Moores compensation deal began in 2007, when the charitys board agreed to pay him the $180,000 annual salary, documents show. The board allowed Moore to raise money toward that salary through an initiative called Project Jeremiah, a ministry to pastors and preachers. The charity assumed Project Jeremiah might not receive enough contributions to cover the salary and agreed to make up any shortfalls. If the charity did not have the cash in a given year, the debt to Moore would accumulate. Over the next five years, Moore received between $55,000 and $115,000 in reported income each year, including up to $12,900 for medical insurance, the 1099 forms and other charity documents show. [Click here to view income reports, known as 1099 forms, showing Roy Moores reported compensation from the charity from 2007 to 2012] In early 2011, the charitys board agreed to pay Moore for arrearages of salary during the past four (4) years, according to the charitys record of the meeting. The board issued a promissory note for $393,000 and arranged a second mortgage on the groups building to back it up. In December of that year, the note and the mortgage were updated to guarantee Moore $498,000. The entire principal balance will be due and payable on demand, said the updated promissory note on Dec. 19, 2011. The Foundation for Moral Law used a second mortgage on its Montgomery, Ala., headquarters building to back up its guarantee of $498,000 in back pay for Moore, giving him the right to demand payment at any time. In 2012, the amount was boosted to $540,000. The five specialists consulted by The Post said they believe that the on demand provision transformed the charitys promise of pay into taxable income. I think they made a mistake. I think they didnt realize it was taxable compensation the moment he had a right to it, said Marcus S. Owens, former chief of the exempt-organizations division at the IRS and a partner at the Loeb & Loeb law firm in Washington. Its not when he gets the payment; its when he has the legal right to it. If the specialists are correct and Moore did not pay taxes on that income, he and the Foundation for Moral Law could owe a variety of taxes, interest and penalties. In 2011, that would include at least $159,000 for federal income taxes alone, assuming the standard deduction, according to an analysis by Searing that she described as conservative. Philip Hackney, a former attorney in the IRS exempt-organizations division, said that because of the complexity of the law, it is impossible to say with certainty whether Moore owed taxes on the promised back pay. He said only the IRS could make that determination. Theres a good case that that was income at that moment, said Hackney, a tax law professor at Louisiana State University. The IRS audited the charitys finances for 2013, after Moore had left. Owens said auditors generally do not examine prior years. The agency typically does not try to collect unpaid taxes more than three years after returns are submitted. But that window can widen to six years if there is a material omission in tax filings, Owens said. He said that in this case, the amount of compensation involved probably would trigger the longer review period, putting the deadline for review in spring 2018. The 1099 forms provided to The Post conflict with the charitys publicly reported information about Moores compensation over the years. The forms show the payments went to a family company called Roy S. Moore LLC. Moore owned the company with his wife, Kayla, and their daughter, Heather, who also worked at the charity, records show. The Foundation for Moral Laws annual 990s forms designed to improve accountability of charities by publicly revealing their finances suggest that payments were made directly to Moore, rather than to a company, and that he was paid in some years as an employee, not as a contractor. Moore received the benefits of an employee, including health insurance, and perks such as a bodyguard and a spacious office in the foundations refurbished headquarters, according to documents and an online video. In interviews, Bentley, the board member, has said that the organization was essentially run by the Moore family and has faulted himself for providing little oversight. He expressed surprise when he learned from Post reporters that Moore was paid as a contractor. This is news to me. Ive never heard of Roy S. Moore LLC, Bentley said. He was a foundation employee. Why else would we come up with a $180,000 salary? Dolmades stuffed grape leaves garnished with grape slices and mint are on the mezze menu at the new Kapnos Taverna in College Park. (Dayna Smith/For The Washington Post) Columnist Restaurateurs Mike Isabella and George Pagonis signed a deal to open in College Park a branch of their popular Kapnos Taverna in Arlington three years ago. The reason no one could eat in the spinoff until September? It took all that time to build the adjoining 297-room Hotel at the University of Maryland, whose owners also created space for multiple eating establishments on the same block. A highly anticipated addition to the area, Kapnos Taverna College Park takes into account its customer base heavy on college students and university visitors by offering what Pagonis calls a "consumer-friendly" version of the restaurant partners' Greek hospitality. Read: an all-day happy hour in the bar, where the choices include lamb-and-beef sliders. See: a dining-room menu whose mezze, or small plates, include such "approachable" dishes as a simple green salad and tuna tartare. "Every Kapnos we open, we test the market" to see what diners go for, says Pagonis, whose other Greek restaurants with Isabella include Kapnos in the District and Kapnos Kouzina in Bethesda. [Tom Sietsemas 2017 Fall Dining Guide] Which is not to say fans of the brand wont find similar sophistication or flavor in Prince Georges County, evinced by flaky, snack-size spanakopita served on a swipe of garlicky yogurt, among other introductions. As at the first Kapnos Taverna, this one entices diners with Greek dips to start. You can try three for $21, and at least one of them should be fish roe whipped with pureed cauliflower instead of the usual potatoes, although roasted eggplant and red pepper mixed with feta cheese and walnuts is a swell taste of the Mediterranean, too. The spreads are accompanied by tasty, salt-flecked flatbread, baked in the restaurants visible oven. From left, Kimberly Quiros, Dan McKinney, Meg Goldberg and Allison Moore enjoy lunch in the main dining room of Kapnos Taverna, which is attached to the new Hotel at the University of Maryland. (Dayna Smith/For The Washington Post) From the selection of cold mezze comes pleasing stuffed grape leaves, cut on the bias and garnished with sweet grape slices and breezy mint. A crisp-edged slab of roasted pork shoulder topped with diced apple and mustard seeds takes the chill out of fall, while a juicy kebab of ground lamb and beef competes for the attention of your fork with its plate mates: a cool drift of tzatziki and the hot crunch of fried shallot rings. Juan Rivera, the former chef de cuisine of the taverna in Northern Virginia and a longtime presence at Zaytinya in Washington, does a good job of fulfilling fans' expectations. Not to be missed is his "for the table" chicken, crisp from its time over a wood fire and presented on a creamy bed of barley threaded with spinach and dill. The only enhancement the shareable entree needs is a squeeze of the accompanying charred lemon. Stick around for dessert, and make it lemon-walnut torte slices of which are set off with little scoops of basil ice cream and meringue rosettes. [A guide to Hyattsville: D.C.s newest suburban dining and arts destination] The choice seats are in the main dining room, outfitted with a handsome bar and planters suspended from on high. This front space is almost a replica of the original taverna in Arlington, save for the bonus of a campus view in College Park. Bartender Bryan Flores mixes a Hola Chicas cocktail, a tequila-based drink with passion fruit, lime and agave. (Dayna Smith/For The Washington Post) In contrast, the dining area in the back, where the windows look into the lobby of the hotel, has the impersonal feel of a restaurant in a shopping mall right down to the service. Dishes are announced and dropped off as if staff members are competing in a race. Yet when we try to order a bottle of wine, no one seems to be around. By the time the request is uncorked, were almost finished with our entrees. A subsequent visit found smoother sailing, but your mileage may vary. Any rough patches can be smoothed over with a chartreuse-colored Angry Elf. Biting with tequila and serrano, its among the liquid charms of the bar of a newcomer thats helping to elevate the dining cause in College Park. 7777 Baltimore Ave., College Park. 301-864-1983. kapnostaverna.com. Mezze, $3 to $21. Visitation to Glacier National Park has never been higher, and need for maintenance has never been greater. My Model T friends driving classy, century-old Fords helped boost the record visitation, but park repairs require attention in Washington. 2017 created volumes of historic memories in Glacier National Park. In June, over 620,000 people visited the park, 30 percent above 2016. Attendance in July topped a whopping 1 million people, a 23 percent increase and a new monthly record. Included were 400 tourists riding in 175 nicely maintained Model T Fords. They spent beaucoup bucks in Whitefish, Eureka, Polson, Kalispell and Glacier National Park. While this increase in park visitation brings economic benefits to local communities including those in Lincoln County where I live, travelers cause wear and tear on park resources. This surge in visitation to Glacier hastens infrastructure aging and deterioration while annual maintenance funding from Congress is unreliable. In recent years our National Park Service put off repairs on roads, bridges, water systems and buildings throughout Glacier. The maintenance backlog in the park totals more than $148 million. 2017 compounded Glacier National Parks maintenance needs thanks to catastrophic wildfires. Talk about shock and awe and ruin! Some aspects of Glacier may be impossible to replace. For instance, the historic Sperry Chalet burned. Built in 1914, many of us have hiked to this spectacular chalet. Congress must dedicate funding to our national parks to fix years of neglect and wildfire devastation. Glaciers not the only national park suffering from neglected maintenance. Our National Park System needs $11.3 billion for deferred infrastructure repairs. Recently, I heard Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke tell Western Governors that the previous presidents decision to cancel offshore oil leases cost the Department of the Interior enough money to pay all deferred maintenance with billions left over. No question, postponing maintenance can be more expensive in the long run. Replacing infrastructure that has been allowed to waste away costs more. Ask any Model T driver if a quart of oil is cheaper than a rebuilt engine. Treasures like national parks are no different. There is a growing bipartisan movement in Congress to designate a dedicated funding stream solely for National Park Service maintenance needs. The National Park Service Legacy Act (S.751/H.R.2584), introduced this year with support from both sides of the aisle, offers a practical solution to reduce infrastructure backlog at national parks. Its encouraging to see our leaders in Washington come together to address this important national problem. Montanans should count our blessings Glacier is more popular and brings more economic growth to our state and my county than ever before. Help me to encourage Washington, D.C., to ensure resources to repair infrastructure. More visitors will come. The two Model T Ford national clubs have devoted huge sections of nationally circulated magazines to vintage car touring in our beautiful state, especially Glacier National Park. For details, type "MTFCA" or "MTFCI" into your internet search engine. Amy Hollyfield, right, deputy managing editor of PolitiFact, speaks, along with John Kruzel, far left, and Katie Sanders, both of PolitiFact, at the Kanawha County Public Library, and in Charleston, West Virginia, on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017. ( Photo by Craig Hudson, Charleston Gazette-Mail) (Craig Hudson / Charleston Gazette-Mail/Craig Hudson) It doesn't take long before the skepticism starts percolating through the crowd in the library meeting room. I have discussions with people about the news all the time on Facebook, and I show them what I consider to be credible sources of information, a man named Paul Epstein says from a middle row. And they say, Oh, thats all biased. So how can you, or how can we, convince people to trust any mainstream media? Amy Hollyfield of PolitiFact, the Pulitzer Prize-winning fact-checking organization, considers the question. She hesitates a beat before telling Epstein and about 65 others in the audience that maybe you can't. Not all the time. We have a lot of things on our website that attest to PolitiFacts impartiality and credibility, Hollyfield says. But I dont think that seeps in when youre having that kind of conversation. Thats why were trying to tell our story. More hands start popping up. What about your own biases, a lady in a purple blouse wants to know. How do you hire to avoid the biases that PolitiFact calls out in others, she asks. Hollyfield and four of her fellow PolitiFactors seated up front at the Kanawha County Public Library expected some of this. They came to this city of 50,000, capital of a once-blue state now trending redder by the day, on an unusual outreach mission. The nonprofit website's journalists have been traveling into the heart of Red America to explain what fact-checkers do and to promote PolitiFact's version of it. Charleston is the third and final stop of the tour, after Tulsa and Mobile, Ala. In Charleston, the library crowd generally older, largely white seems to want to know what's wrong with America's politics and the media that covers it. There are questions about "fake news," the influence of billionaire donors on campaign rhetoric, the overuse of anonymous sources in news stories, and about whether, just maybe, it might be time to start licensing journalists to separate the pros from the poseurs. The fact-checkers keep steering the conversation back to PolitiFact and its 10-year track record of rating political speech, including how it assigns its most damning rating, "Pants on Fire." "Our only objective is the truth," deputy editor Katie Sanders tells the crowd at one point. The room stirs. A murmur starts. Aaron Sharockman, PolitiFact's executive director, explains the organization's new partnership with the local paper, the Charleston Gazette-Mail, to fact-check statements made by state and city candidates in upcoming races. The group has similar partnerships in 13 states. A hand immediately goes up. What Id like to know is, says a gray-haired man near the front, will your partnership be with the Gazette side of the paper or the Mail side of the paper? A knowing laugh erupts in the crowd. The Gazette and Mail, once rivals, merged in 2015 amid the industrys ongoing financial misery. The merged paper maintains one news staff but two independent editorial pages. The Gazettes generally liberal opinions appear on the left side of two facing pages, with the Mails more conservative ones on the right. Neither side, replies Sharockman. PolitiFact is teaming with the paper's newsroom, not its opinion slingers, to vet statements uttered by politicians, political organizations and pundits, he says. The PolitiFact website based in St. Petersburg, Fla., and maintained by the Tampa Bay Times, which is in turn owned by the Poynter Institute, a nonprofit journalism education organization has no stake in any party or ideology, he tells the room. Sharockman doesn't get any pushback on that, but he's fully aware of the free-floating cynicism about fact-checking, a form that has enjoyed a boomlet in the past few years with such outfits as PolitiFact, FactCheck.org, Snopes and The Washington Post's Fact Checker on the scene. In one poll last year, 88 percent of people who supported Trump during the 2016 campaign said they didn't trust media fact-checking. (Overall, just 29 percent of likely voters in the survey said they did.) PolitiFact itself has come in for particularly intense criticism; a blog called PolitiFact Bias is devoted to "exposing [its] bias, mistakes and flimflammery." The basic critique is that fact-checkers cherry-pick statements and facts to create a false impression usually that conservative candidates are less truthful than the liberal kind. We think for our credibility its super important that we reach out to people who arent reading us currently, Sharockman said during an interview before the library presentation, noting that only about 15 percent of PolitiFacts readers said they were Republicans in a 2015 internal survey. At the same time, he bristles a bit at the conservative critique. "People say, 'Why didn't you fact-check Hillary Clinton's claim about coming under fire [as first lady] in Bosnia?' Well, we did. The person we fact-checked more than anyone else is Barack Obama. . . . The person we fact-check the most is the president. We're going to hold the president accountable." The fact of the matter is that both sides are becoming less moored to the truth, Sharockman says. The number of untrustworthy statements by Republicans and Democrats alike has grown over the past three presidential cycles, he noted. Sharockman doesn't say so, but Trump has the most dubious track record of anyone on PolitiFact, with nearly 70 percent of the statements on his scorecard rated "Mostly False," "False" or "Pants on Fire." That last rating is the most serious violation of the truth, a designation assigned by a panel of three editors a "star chamber," the PolitiFactors jokingly call it. Theres plenty of nuance in the process. To demonstrate, Sanders walks the library crowd through a sample exercise. She presents a comment made by Sen. Bernie Sanders (no relation) during a Democratic debate last year: "Very little of [the defense] budget less than 10 percent actually goes into fighting ISIS and international terrorism." Katie Sanders briefly lays out the budget particulars and the expert opinion about the claim by the senator from Vermont. The evidence generally seems to undermine Sanderss assertion, but there are some gray areas. People in the library debate how to rate the statement. Finally, she asks for a vote. Theres no consensus. Some call Sanderss statement Half True. Others go for Mostly False. The exercise makes a subtle point, which seems to be exactly why PolitiFact chose it: See, this fact-checking thing, it isnt so easy, is it? Southwest has avoided online travel agents from the start. Delta started to back away from third-party booking sites a few years ago. Now, JetBlue is the latest airline to clip ties. As part of its new online distribution strategy, JetBlue will no longer allow a dozen sites to list its flight information or sell its tickets. The carrier has parted ways with SmartFares, MyFlightSearch, VacationExpress, FlyFar.ca, FlightNetwork, Vayama, WhatsCheaper, Vegas.com, JetsetVacations, CheapFlightsFares, QuickTravels and kiwi.com. The airline will continue to work with the larger entities, such as Kayak, Google Flights and Hipmunk. The decision helps push the company closer to its ultimate goal: to entice travelers to book on its site. "Many customers mistakenly believe they can find lower fares on third-party sites," said JetBlue spokesman Morgan Johnston, "but JetBlue has long guaranteed customers that they will always find the lowest fare on jetblue.com." Johnston said the dozen sites represent a small percentage of the airlines bookings and that the majority of its customers purchase their flights through the airline. By distancing itself from third-party sites, JetBlue can avoid the transaction fees imposed by the online travel agents. It also has more opportunities to drum up revenue with such online extras as travel insurance, credit card offers and vacation packages. Turkey suspends visa applications for U.S. tourists, halting travel to the republic Booking with the carrier benefits the traveler, too. Members of the TrueBlue frequent-flier program earn bonus points, and any customer who discovers a lower fare elsewhere on the day of booking receives a $100 credit. When searching for a flight on JetBlue, travelers can see all of the fare categories, including the subgroups of economy class. They can also discover sales available only on the site. By comparison, third-party companies typically list only one fare type and do not promote sales. But the overall trend of inching away from these sites has its downsides. George Hobica, founder and president of Airfarewatchdog.com, said third-party sites sometimes post cheaper fares. He recently found a significantly lower price to South Africa on Orbitz and to Rome on Expedia. The fares on KLM and Alitalia, respectively, were about $200 more. Third-party sites also allow travelers to create more flexible itineraries with a patchwork of airlines for one trip for example, flying out on American and returning on JetBlue. (Kayak calls them Hacker Fares.) The omission of certain airlines on booking sites also constricts travelers' research capabilities. If it spreads, Hobica said, it will be much harder for consumers to fare compare. For now, Johnston said the company is focusing on a much smaller number of OTAs that can deliver value for JetBlue and our customers. Hobica, meanwhile, said that according to an industry insider, Delta could pull the plug on the larger sites, following the contrails of Southwest. More from Travel: On a Windjammer cruise in Maine, passengers knit a seaworthy yarn 'Do you have guests asking about ghosts?': Behind the scenes with a New Orleans hotel reviewer Returning pilfered goods to the Washington Marriott Wardman Park can earn you a free stay The electronic ankle bracelet that Nefi Flores had to wear for three years before he reached a settlement with Libre by Nexus in April. (Stuart Palley/For The Washington Post) The federal government is investigating a Virginia-based company accused of preying on detained undocumented immigrants. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is looking into whether Libre by Nexus has engaged in unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts and practices, according to documents the bureau posted to its website recently. Libre by Nexus denied any wrongdoing in documents posted to the bureaus website and in a statement to The Washington Post. Only in the alternate universe in which the CFPB operates could a company such as Libre which has rescued tens of thousands of people from unsafe detention centers, and saved hundreds of millions of tax payer dollars be chastised for its efforts to protect and uplift the very people that the CFPB claims to protect, the company said. This inquiry, by an unconstitutional agency with no statutorily prescribed regulatory authority over our company, is an obvious political attack against Libre by Nexus and the immigrants we serve. A spokesman for the bureau said it could not comment on investigations. Mike Donovan, president and co-founder of Libre by Nexus, talks about his business at its headquarters in Verona, Va. (Norm Shafer/For The Washington Post) Libre was already under scrutiny in at least two states after a Washington Post investigation of the company's business practices. [This company is making millions from Americas broken immigration system] Libre by Nexus helps post bond for people being held in immigration detention centers while they wait for their cases to be heard in backlogged courts. In exchange for their freedom, immigrants sign contracts promising to pay Libre $420 per month while wearing the companys GPS ankle devices. Those contracts have been the subject of lawsuits and allegations of fraud by immigrants who say they didnt understand them. The CFPB was created by Congress after the 2007 mortgage lending crisis to regulate banks, payday lenders and other financial institutions. Part of its investigation into Libre appears to focus on whether the company is acting as a lender without proper oversight, according to the documents posted online. In a civil investigative demand, or CID, sent to the company on Aug. 22, the bureau sought records on Libres more than 15,000 current and former clients to determine whether persons who provide products or services related to bonds posted on behalf of detainees are extending credit or offering to extend credit. The purpose of this investigation is also to determine whether such persons, in connection with marketing or selling those products or services to consumers or enforcing their terms and conditions, have engaged or are engaging in unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts and practices, the demand continued. Last month, Libre filed a petition to block the bureaus demand, arguing that the company does not offer or provide consumer financial products or services, and therefore, [is] not subject to the demands of the CFPB. The company also argued that the bureaus demand was excessively vague and overbroad and would cost 8,060 hours of work and $204,160 to fulfill. Instead of turning over the records requested, Libre offered to provide examples of contracts or a random sampling of Program Participant contracts and payment information. It also asked that the bureau keep its investigation confidential. In an Oct. 11 response to the petition, however, bureau Director Richard Cordray rejected Libres arguments and demanded that the company produce all the records within 10 calendar days. The bureau is authorized to issue CIDs to any person who may have information relevant to a violation, he wrote. Determining whether an entity is engaged in unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices requires understanding its business practices and, where these practices vary, can require understanding the practices and representations of different employees of the company. As such, the CIDs requests for basic information about Nexuss employees and clients are highly relevant to the purpose of the investigation. Nexuss proposed alternatives of providing sample contracts or a random sampling of client data would, by contrast, not provide sufficient information for the Bureau to form an adequate picture of Nexuss activities. Cordrays decision was posted online Thursday, along with Libres petition. In its statement, Libre said it planned to challenge the decision and what it called unconstitutional, illegitimate attempts to harm our company and our clients. The bureaus investigation is not the first inquiry into the companys business practices. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated Libre by Nexus three years ago but concluded that the company was not breaking the law. [Libre by Nexus under investigation in two states, officials say] Libre by Nexus calls itself the only hope for detainees who cannot afford their bond and dont have a car or home to put up as collateral. The company with more than 6,500 clients, 200 employees and yearly revenue of $30 million acts as a middleman, using GPS monitoring instead of collateral to persuade bond agencies to post bail for detainees. Soaring immigration bond prices have forced immigrants to languish behind bars for extended periods of time, the company said earlier this year. Nexus has helped reunite families with loved ones detained in immigration centers, creating a better path forward for the immigrant community. The Post article detailed the struggles of Libre clients to pay the monthly fee for the device. Most said Libre employees threatened them with being returned to ICE custody if they didnt pay. The companys chief executive, Mike Donovan, denied those allegations, saying its contracts were clear and consensual and that employees did not threaten clients. In February, two Honduran immigrants filed a class-action complaint against the company in U.S. District Court in Northern California, arguing that Libre preys on detainees vulnerability and limited understanding of English to foist crushing financial terms and GPS shackles on detainees. A different lawsuit that made similar claims against the company was settled in April in Los Angeles County. In May, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Calif.) introduced the Stop Predatory Bail Contracts Act aimed primarily at protecting undocumented immigrants who turn to companies such as Libre for help in getting out of ICE custody. The consulting firm charged with turning around the troubled United Medical Center has told District officials it will replace the hospitals chief executive. The move comes on the heels of six council members filing a resolution disapproving of the proposed $4.2 million contract for Veritas of Washington LLC to continue its hospital management next year. In a letter sent to the citys Department of Health Care Finance this week, Veritas president, Chrystie Boucree, said the company would launch a national search for a new CEO, pending approval of the option year of the Veritas contract. The removal of current CEO Luis Hernandez is effective immediately, she wrote, and she has asked the UMC Board to appoint David Boucree, her cousin, as interim CEO. The news was first reported by the Washington Business Journal. Vincent Gray, the councils health committee chair, called the CEO dismissal a Band-Aid approach. The systemic problems go beyond Veritass operational capacity, he said in a statement. [Six D.C. Council members disapprove of firm running the citys only public hospital] Veritas, a company led by campaign donors to D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D), was brought on in April 2016 to stabilize the Southeast hospital. But despite already collecting millions from the city, it has failed to show measurable improvements. Gray and other council members have grown increasingly critical of Veritass handling of UMC, the Districts only public hospital and the only full-service one east of the Anacostia River. The hospital has long been plagued with financial and quality issues. Hernandezs ouster will mean UMC will be searching for its fourth CEO in about two years. Boucree, the pending interim CEO, has described his professional background as being in information technology including work with health insurance companies and outsourcing. Hernandezs contract expired on Sept. 30, 2017, but he will remain with the company to oversee other areas of the Veritas portfolio, Chrystie Boucree said in an emailed statement. Hernandez lives in Florida, but had been flying to the District for the CEO job and staying at an apartment in National Harbor with the city covering his travel and rent, expense reports showed. Its unclear whether his new role will continue that arrangement. [At the Districts only public hospital, consultants fees mount along with trouble] Under management by Veritas, the hospital has had a number of high-profile incidents. District regulators closed the hospitals obstetrics wing in August, citing dangerous medical errors. Those included failures to take basic steps to prevent a newborn from contracting HIV and to properly treat a woman with potentially fatal blood-pressure problems. In July, a 70-year-old patient died but his family wasn't notified for a week, and his family said hospital officials lost track of the body for several days. A Washington Post review of public records in September found Veritas failed to meet several city standards for managing the hospital, including delivering only $1.07 million of the $9 million in extra revenue its executives promised to generate. Grays committee has scheduled a public roundtable session for Oct. 30 to hear from hospital and Veritas employees to determine whether to renew the contract. UMC looks forward to the upcoming Councilmember Gray hearing and the opportunity to share with the City Council the initiatives that Veritas has undertaken to improve patient quality and safety, Chrystie Boucree said in her email. In his statement, Gray said, I have a singular goal with the operations of the UMC which is to preserve lives and improve patient safety. I filed a Disapproval Resolution on this Veritas contract because of their consistently poor performance. The removal of their CEO is only an attempt to retain their $4.2 million contract. I have yet to see a plan that sets forth a strategic direction on how Veritas will turnaround UMC operations. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates announced Thursday that his foundation will invest more than $1.7 billion in public education, money that will go to support schools interested in developing and testing new approaches to teaching. Every student should get a great public education and graduate with skills to succeed in the marketplace, said Gates, who delivered the keynote address before about 1,000 school officials at the Council of the Great City Schools conference in Cleveland. The role of philanthropy here is not to be the primary funder, but rather to fund pilots, to fund new ideas, to let people its always the educators coming up with the ideas to let them try them out and see what really works super well and get those to scale. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has spent at least $3.4 billion on public education in the United States, most notably to develop the Common Core State Standards and to persuade state education leaders to implement them. His money also went to support charter schools, teacher preparation programs and an array of other improvement initiatives, including one to break up large high schools into smaller ones. [How Bill Gates pulled off the swift Common Core revolution] His investments have had mixed results, some of which he outlined in his address Thursday. The initiative to break up large high schools was not one that could be easily replicated elsewhere, he acknowledged. He also said he would no longer directly invest in developing models to evaluate teachers. His other models which pushed districts to use test scores to size up teacher performance were often controversial among educators. Gates outlined his new investment in broad terms, saying that 60 percent would go to traditional public schools an announcement that elicited applause in the audience of big city school superintendents and that he wants to let schools and educators drive the process. The actual tactics about great teaching, about how to reform the schedule, how to get students who are off track on track those will be driven by the schools themselves, Gates said. We will let people come to us with the set of approaches they think will work for them in their local context. The foundation will serve as a catalyst for change, Gates said, investing in new methods of instruction and then rigorously tracking student outcomes so that other districts can learn from the classrooms that serve as testing grounds. Rick Hess, the director of education policy at the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute, said Gatess propositions have been all over the map and the foundations latest pitch seems to represent another change in direction. Hess noted that a dozen years ago, the billionaire declared U.S. high schools to be obsolete. Now, Gates is relying on educators to come up with the ideas to improve student achievement. It feels like they have pivoted through a number of strategies over the last decade or two, Hess said. Another 15 percent of the money will go to help charter schools better support the needs of students with disabilities. The remainder of the money will be focused on big bets, Gates said research and development in education. The Gates Foundation plans to issue a request for information on Monday, asking schools and other education organizations to submit ideas for how they might spend the money. It will issue an official request for proposals next early next year. Hess said it was difficult to determine how the money would make a difference in schools. But he lauded Gatess intentions to improve education. We do have to experiment. We do have to learn things, Hess said. We want to have people put their time and energy and resources into making schools better. Get updates on your area delivered via e-mail People protest outside the Department of Health and Human Services on Friday about the Trump administrations policy to block undocumented immigrant minors in detention from accessing an abortion. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post) A D.C. appeals court panel has declined to order the federal government to immediately allow an abortion for an undocumented teenager it is detaining, instead giving the Department of Health and Human Services 11 days to find a sponsor to take custody of the girl. The court's 2-1 decision allows the Trump administration to maintain its policy of not facilitating abortions for the undocumented minors in its custody. It also further delays the 17-year-old's quest to end her pregnancy, and increases the risk that she will run out of time to have the procedure. The teenager, identified in court papers as Jane Doe, is 15 weeks pregnant. Texas bars most abortions after 20 weeks. Lawyers for the teenager said in court Friday morning that it would be difficult to find a government-approved sponsor to take custody of their client, a Central American immigrant being held in a special detention facility in Texas for minors caught entering the United States illegally. If the government does not find a sponsor, such as an adult relative in the United States who can care for the girl, the case would revert to a lower court judge who ruled Wednesday that the government should facilitate an abortion for the teenager "without delay." The governments appeal of that ruling led to Fridays decision. Any subsequent order by the lower court judge would also be subject to appeal. Shes already suffered weeks of delays, which the government has no business doing. said Jennifer Dalven, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union, which represents the girl. The teen has been seeking an abortion since late September, shortly after she was apprehended and learned she was pregnant. [Read the appellate ruling] The appellate ruling by judges Karen LeCraft Henderson and Brett M. Kavanaugh, both nominated by Republican presidents, allows the judges to avoid issuing a hasty decision in a case that involves complex areas of immigration and abortion law. Judge Patricia A. Millett issued a sharply worded dissent to the decision, calling the majority's ruling "wrong" and "unconstitutional." There are no winners in cases like these. But there sure are losers, Millett wrote. Forcing her to continue an unwanted pregnancy just in the hopes of finding a sponsor that has not been found in the past six weeks sacrifices J.D.s constitutional liberty, autonomy, and personal dignity for no justifiable governmental reason. [Read Judge Millets dissent] The panels decision noted that government lawyers acknowledged that the girl, who is in the United States illegally, possesses a constitutional right to obtain an abortion in the United States. ACLU attorney Brigitte Amiri urged the court not to set aside its obligation to protect the teens constitutional right just because she may eventually obtain a sponsor, and said the government is not acting in the teens best interest. They are supplanting her decision about what she should do with her pregnancy, Amiri said. The government says it has a policy of refusing to facilitate abortions for undocumented minors, a departure from the Obama administration, which allowed them. The Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees undocumented minors taken into custody near the border, is trying to promote child birth and fetal life, according to court filings in the case. After the ruling, the agencys Administration for Children and Families said in a statement: For however much time we are given, the Office of Refugee Resettlement and HHS will protect the well being of this minor and all children and their babies in our facilities, and we will defend human dignity for all in our care. Officials have said the 17-year-old could voluntarily return to her home country and seek an abortion or find a sponsor in the United States. However, during oral arguments on Friday, the government acknowledged for the first time that abortion is illegal in the girls homeland. Her native country has not been released by the court to protect her privacy. Were not putting an obstacle in her path, Catherine H. Dorsey, the government lawyer representing HHS in the case, told the judges Friday. Were declining to facilitate an abortion. Dorsey told the appeals court that the government had over the past month identified two potential sponsors both relatives but they had fallen through. The government performs background checks on potential sponsors, a process that could take weeks or months. During oral arguments, the judges questioned the government's stance, noting that undocumented immigrants in other types of federal custody including adults in immigration detention and federal prisons may seek elective abortions at their own expense. Even if she has that right, we dont have to facilitate it, Dorsey said. Millett also pointed out that forcing the teenager to return home might clash with her legal right to seek asylum in the United States. The teen has said that her parents abused her in her native country. Underscoring the significance and interest in the case, Chief Judge Merrick Garland agreed on Friday to live-stream audio of the oral argument for the first time in 16 years. About 40 people gathered Friday morning in front of the Department of Health and Human Services to demand justice for Jane. The constitutional right to abortion does not depend on your immigration status, said Georgeanne Usova, legislative counsel for the ACLU. Usova said the group wasnt just fighting for this young woman, but every woman in government custody. Rachel Siegel contributed to this report. I do the physical applications, he works with the theoretical, Isabella L. Karle, left, once said of her collaboration with her husband, Jerome Karle, right. Science requires both types. ( Naval Research Laboratory ) Isabella L. Karle, who was once told that chemistry was not a proper field for girls but went on to help her husband, Nobel laureate Jerome Karle, devise a pathbreaking method for determining molecular structure, died Oct. 3 at a hospice center in Arlington, Va. She was 95. The cause was a brain tumor, said her daughter Louise Karle Hanson. Dr. Karle, who along with her husband spent more than six decades at the Naval Research Laboratory in Southwest Washington, resided in the Lake Barcroft area of Fairfax County. Jerome Karle shared the 1985 Nobel Prize in chemistry with the mathematician Herbert A. Hauptman, also a colleague at the NRL, honoring "their outstanding achievements in the development of direct methods for the determination of crystal structures." Isabella L. Karle, a crystallographer, received the National Medal of Science in 1995, bestowed by President Bill Clinton, among other major honors in her field. The Karles worked side by side at the NRL's Laboratory for the Structure of Matter, accumulating a combined 127 years of federal service. "I do the physical applications, he works with the theoretical," she once told The Washington Post. "It makes a good team. Science requires both types." Before the prize-winning work that the Karles pursued with Hauptman in the 1950s, scientists could discern molecular structure only through the time-consuming and painstaking process of X-ray crystallography, in which X-rays were reflected off a molecule and their patterns then examined. The Karles, shown here in 1998, worked side by side for decades at the Naval Research Laboratory. (Larry Morris/The Washington Post) The Karles direct method permitted scientists to use mathematics to discover molecular structure via a less circuitous route, saving time and gaining precision. For many years, the method languished, unnoticed by other scientists. "It was Isabella's work that drew attention to its usefulness," according to a tribute to the couple by the NRL, which credited her with preparing the way for "the analysis and publication of the molecular structures of many thousands of complicated molecules annually." Among those molecules were toxins and antitoxins; drugs to treat bacterial infections, malaria and heart ailments; anticarcinogens; and explosives. It is almost impossible to give an example in the field of chemistry where this method is not being used, a judge for the Nobel Prize remarked when Jerome Karles award was announced. Isabella Helen Lugoski was born in Detroit on Dec. 2, 1921. Her father painted the numbers and letters on city trolley cars. Her mother ran a restaurant and sewed automobile upholstery for Detroit carmakers. In her youth, the future Dr. Karle drew inspiration, her daughter said, from a female high school chemistry teacher and from a biography of Marie Curie, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist who, like Dr. Karles parents, was born in what is now Poland. Dr. Karle's career required her to overcome the discouragement of another teacher, she once told an interviewer, Elga Wasserman; this teacher advised her on the impropriety of chemistry as a topic of study for young women. 1 of 66 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Notable deaths in 2017 View Photos Remembering those who died in 2017. Caption Remembering those who died in 2017. Katherine Frey Buy Photo Wait 1 second to continue. She went on to study chemistry at the University of Michigan, receiving a bachelors degree in 1941, a masters degree in 1942 and a PhD in 1944. She met her husband in a physical-chemistry lab where alphabetical seating dictated that the two of them Karle, Lugoski would sit next to one another. After working on the Manhattan Project during World War II, Dr. Karle joined the NRL in 1946, two years after her husband was hired there. Early in her career, she studied molecules in the vapor state. Both Karles retired in 2009. Isabella Karles honors included the 1988 Gregori Aminoff Prize from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, the 1993 Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science (worth $250,000), and the Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award. She was a member of the National Academy of Sciences. Her husband died in 2013 after 71 years of marriage. Survivors include their three daughters, who are all scientists, Louise Karle Hanson of Ridge, N.Y., Jean Karle Dean of Vienna, Va., and Madeleine Karle Tawney of Lake Barcroft; four grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. When Jerome Karle received the Nobel, he said he hoped the honor would one day be extended also to Isabella. I cant think of anyone, he told the Associated Press, who is more qualified than my wife. The targets in the burglary binge were varied. A restaurant in an old fire station that dates to the horse-and-buggy days. An upscale tavern that names its cocktails after constitutional amendments. A nutritional supplement shop along the streetcar line on H Street. D.C. police said one man burglarized these three businesses and two others from late September through Thursday, when he was arrested after an employee chased him from a bar on Capitol Hill, two blocks from the Supreme Court. Antwann Antonio Johnson, 27, of Northeast was charged with five counts of burglary, according to police. A D.C. Superior Court judge on Friday ordered Johnson held for a forensic exam and set a hearing date for Monday. His attorney with the Public Defender Service did not return calls seeking comment. In several cases, police reports say the burglar entered businesses when they were open and hid until the last employees had left. Twice, safes were moved and emptied. In other instances, money from break rooms was taken. Nate Hines, who owns Dynamic Health and Wellness in the 400 block of H Street NE said he was just about to post photos of the suspect on Facebook when he got word of the arrest. His nutritional store was the first to be burglarized, on the night of Sept. 28 or the early morning hours of Sept. 29. Hines said the front door was kicked in and $600 was taken from his office. He didnt want none of the healthy stuff, Hines said. He only wanted cash money. Over the next month, police said the same man burglarized four other establishments Cava Mezze on Eighth Street SE, Sixth Engine on Massachusetts Avenue NW, Sweetgreen and Stanton & Greene tavern, a block apart on Pennsylvania Avenue SE. At Cava Mezze, police said workers found the upstairs safe in the downstairs kitchen, in an onion container. About $1,800 was missing. At Sixth Engine, housed in the oldest firehouse in the District and decommissioned in 1974, police said $4,900 was taken, along with employee checks. On Thursday, police said the burglar walked into Stanton & Greene about 1:20 p.m. and made his way to a downstairs office. An employee confronted him about an hour later and chased him down the street. Cornered in an alley, police said the man returned $687, paychecks, and bank and ID cards. Police arrested him a short time later at the Eastern Market Metro station. A state panel on judicial discipline has recommended that Baltimores chief judge be removed from his position and not be permitted to serve as a judge in any jurisdiction in the state the strongest possible sanction according to a decision posted Wednesday. The Commission on Judicial Disabilities, which held a multi-day hearing on allegations against Chief Judge Alfred Nance, found unanimously that he had committed sanctionable conduct and referred its recommendations to the Court of Appeals, which has final say. In the commissions view, the imposition of a public reprimand or suspension is not commensurate with the serious violation of misconduct in office committed by Judge Nance and does not reassure the public that Judge Nance will be deterred from engaging in similar behavior in the future, the commission wrote. The commission concludes that the gravity of the code violations require the imposition of the strongest possible sanction. Nance, 69, was accused of having persistently disrespectful and unprofessional interactions with a public defender. This is at least the third time the Commission on Judicial Disabilities has publicly moved to discipline Nance. [Judge retires as lawsuit accuses him of sexual assault] Nances attorney, William Brennan Jr., could not be reached for comment late Wednesday. During a hearing last month, Brennan said the judge was simply old school, a no-nonsense but fair judge. He warned that disciplining Nance would set a dangerous precedent. But prosecutor Carol Crawford told the panel: A judge is not a king, not a queen, not a god. Its preposterous that because a judge is from a certain generation or viewpoint it somehow excuses their conduct. The panel found that Nance made comments that were undignified, condescending, and unprofessional in two cases. It also said his facial expressions, tone of voice and body language were gratuitous, insensitive, inflammatory and relentless. Charges stemming from two other cases were dismissed for lack of proof, the commission wrote. State laws require judges to maintain fairness and decorum and conduct themselves in a manner that promotes confidence in the courts. Prosecutors played hours of courtroom video from Nances cases during last months hearing. They described a pattern of behavior by the judge that they said belittled those in his courtroom. The charges were based on his courtroom encounters with Assistant Public Defender Deborah Levi, whom prosecutors said Nance dismissively referred to as lady, mother hen and child. They said Nance once told Levi to shut up and threatened to throw her in jail. She filed a complaint against Nance with the commission. In 2001, he received a public reprimand after female prosecutors complained that he had an explosive temper and commented on their appearance. The commission found he had demeaned women in court and in chambers and been rude and hostile to attorneys in a medical malpractice case. Nance served as a public defender and private attorney before joining the bench in 1998. He is less than one year from his 70th birthday, the age at which judges are required to retire. Judges can continue to hear cases after mandatory retirement, but the judicial panel recommended that he not be able to serve as a senior judge. Recently, more than 400 nonprofits from around the state met in Missoula for the Montana Nonprofit Associations annual conference. We came together to reflect on our individual impact, as well as our collective work for the common good. We talked about leadership, innovation, and how we can continue to better serve the people of our state. While we left with a stronger network of problem-solvers and leaders, a major takeaway was the grave realization of the impact of the current state budget crisis on the Montanans we serve. In Montana, United Ways serve as community leaders. We focus on education, financial stability and health the building blocks for a good life and a strong community. Our work includes advancing student success, improving the lives of young children and families, preventing suicide, fundraising for fire victims, and supporting collectively the work of hundreds of local nonprofit programs. The nonprofit community wants and needs to pitch in and be a part of the solution to our current crisis. We know that there is no way our sector can fully replace the role of a strong state government and sound budget. Charitable organizations and the nonprofit community cannot shoulder the additional weight of thousands of Montana families needs as the state reduces or eliminates resources and services. If these budget cuts go into effect, a generation from now Montana will look drastically different and not for the better. Foster children will not have the care and support they need because of eliminated health case management and supplemental payments for foster parents caring for infants and toddlers. Montanans struggling with substance use disorders, such as opioid or meth addiction, and mental health issues, will not have affordable access to treatment and recovery. Seniors and people with disabilities who want to live in their homes and communities will struggle to find caring and qualified people to assist them with getting dressed, going to the bathroom and buying groceries. Struggling families across the state wont have access to the assistance they need if nearly 20 public assistance offices close in rural Montana. Families with children who are born with developmental disabilities and medical risks will have significantly reduced financial support to help with the expensive services their kids need. These scenarios only skim the surface of the budget cuts ripple effect. At United Way, we focus on causes that will build stronger communities. We know that people are willing to give their time and resources to these causes. We know firsthand that Montanans are deeply generous people who look out for each other. Thats why we have faith that Montanans can step up to the plate and find the political will to raise state revenue to invest in our shared future. We urge the legislature and governor to come together and find new revenue to prevent these additional cuts and harmful impacts that will disadvantage Montanans from all walks of life for decades to come. Responsible revenue sources and ensuring that taxes are collected fairly and spent wisely, are approaches to help solve this budget crisis. We stand ready to meet with our lawmakers to help them figure out a fair path forward. The theme of this years Montana Nonprofit Association conference was Go Further Together. We believe this to the core. We can go further together. And we must. Montgomery County police have identified a 28-year-old officer who was injured by a hit-and-run vehicle after she stopped to assist another officer during a traffic stop in Silver Spring Wednesday night. Officer Heather Haynes, a 3rd District Officer with two and half years experience, sustained non-life threatening injuries on New Hampshire Avenue near Piney Branch Road about 10:35 p.m., officials said. She was treated at a hospital and released early Thursday, police said. Haynes parked her cruiser in the roadway and got out of the car to approach a motorist who was stopped by another officer. A short time later a vehicle travelling south on New Hampshire slammed into one of the police cars and injured Haynes. The striking vehicle fled the scene. Police from Montgomery County, Takoma Park and Prince Georges County continued to search for the vehicle on Thursday. Officials released no description of the hit-and-run vehicle or the driver. D.C. police officers wearing body cameras reported using force about as often as colleagues who didnt have them, and citizen complaints against the two groups were about even, according to a new study that bucks early expectations about the impact of the devices. When the cameras started to appear in police departments in 2014, experts predicted behavior on both sides of the badge would improve under the watchful eye of the lens. But the look by the Districts in-house research branch suggests otherwise a finding that could shift the debate on one argument used to put the cameras in virtually every big-city police department nationwide. D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham said the results surprised department leaders and were not what we anticipated. He said it appears in many police interactions, cameras didnt make a difference. The chief said the recordings have been a valuable tool, providing a precise record of tense and difficult encounters, including police shootings. The District says the study of its $5.1 million program is among the more comprehensive looks at whether police-worn cameras affect behavior by officers and the people they encounter. Police body cameras became seen as a key tool for reform after growing concern over the deaths in several cities of people in police custody. Public officials quickly heeded calls to infuse new levels of public accountability and transparency into everyday police work. [Issues over Ferguson lead push for police body cameras] Though some police departments were reluctant, most contended the videos would most often exonerate officers facing allegations of misconduct, provide the public with a unique perspective of officers work and be an invaluable tool for training. D.C. police, and the labor union, embraced the program. The D.C. research looked at a period when the police force was rolling out its body camera program and some officers had the cameras while others were still waiting. Researchers found slightly more officers with cameras reported using force than those without. More people filed complaints against officers wearing cameras than without. The research team said the differences were statistically insignificant, making the influence of the cameras a wash. Police agencies should not expect dramatic reductions in the use-of-force complaints, or other large-scale shifts in police behavior solely from the deployment of this technology, concluded David Yokum, who directs The Lab @DC, which conducted the study with assistance from outside universities. In an interview, Yokum added, So if you are a police department thinking that this technology on its own is going to be something to cause big shifts on those two dynamics, this would be a cause to recalibrate your expectations. Newsham, the chief, said the biggest benefit of cameras has been having a clear record in controversial incidents, such as a Dec. 25, 2016, fatal police shooting of a man during a domestic dispute. Relatives argued police shot an unarmed man; the body camera video showed the man with a rather large butchers knife, Newsham said. In todays environment in policing, having legitimacy is something we have to have. Sgt. Matthew Mahl, chairman of the D.C. police labor union, said he too expected a bigger impact from the cameras. I honestly thought that complaints would have come down, he said. Were spending all this money to realize that everything is the same. Maybe thats a good thing, that weve been doing things right from the beginning. The union leader said officers appear to have adjusted to the cameras. It really has been business as usual, he said. Many departments, including the District, publicly release footage of some police-involved shootings and other encounters, though policy differs from agency to agency. Authorities in Las Vegas released video of officers streaming into the crowd as a gunman fired into a concert earlier this month, killing 58 people and injuring hundreds. Officers also have been caught in compromising and embarrassing positions. In Baltimore, officers targeted in a corruption investigation implicated themselves on camera. There have been incidents where critical interactions were not recorded because officers failed to turn on their cameras. In one incident in the District, an officer did not turn on his camera before he fatally shot an unarmed motorcyclist in a case that has angered the victims family and friends. The D.C. police union says it will push for a new device that turns on body cameras when an officer removes a gun from the holster. The 2 -year study of 2,224 D.C. officers 1,035 without cameras, 1,189 with cameras started in June 2015, when cameras were distributed in limited numbers in an initial rollout, and it continued as more officers were phased in to the program. The department reached full deployment of 2,600 cameras in December 2016. [Debate rages over public access to police body cameras] Researchers found 880 officers with cameras reported using force during an encounter over a seven-month period. The number dropped to 807 for officers without cameras. Citizens filed 337 complaints against officers wearing cameras and 280 against officers not wearing cameras. Yokum said the outcomes of internal investigations of those complaints were roughly equivalent to past years. Michael G. Tobin, director of the D.C. Office of Police Complaints, a civilian review board that supplied researchers with some of their data, said while the cameras have made it far easier to reach conclusive results, the videos have not had a direct effect yet on our findings. He said preliminary data shows roughly the same number of complaints were dismissed in fiscal 2017 for a variety of reasons involving officers wearing and not wearing body cameras. Unlike the reports researchers, Tobins investigators who examine allegations of improper use of force and other issues have watched many hours of body camera videos. Tobin said in volatile, emotional situations, its reasonable that people react the same whether they are on camera or not. But, he said, in routine encounters, when people know the camera is active, I believe we see people acting differently more professionally, more formally. Michael D. White, a professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Arizona State University, said early expectations about body-worn cameras relied largely on the study of a single, small West Coast police department that at the time was among a handful of agencies with the program. The study correlated a drop in complaints and uses of force to the cameras. That department, White said, had many problems, and the camera program was among the reforms that could account for the declines. He said additional data as more departments add cameras is more in line with what the District found. Yokum, the D.C. researcher, said the study does not suggest the camera program is a bust, but he said chiefs should not expect wholesale drops in complaints or in officers using force. There are other potential benefits from the program, the researcher said, such as how the video footage is used in the courts, how its used to train officers, and the public perception of trust. The campus of Virginia State University lifted a roughly two-hour lockdown early Friday after a male was shot and critically wounded, in the second shooting at the school in less than a week, police said. Responding officers found a male suffering from gunshot wounds in the 1 block of Hayden Street after a report of the shooting at 11:06 p.m. Thursday. The victim, who was not identified, was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, Chesterfield County police said in a statement. At this time, police believe this is an isolated incident, and there is no further threat to the campus, the statement said. VSU police were on the scene and told students the campus was on lockdown in a tweet at 11:37 p.m. Thursday: Go/Stay indoors. Avoid area. The campus alert system notified students to shelter in place, Pamela Turner, the schools director of communications, said in a phone interview early Friday. By 2:20 a.m., police at VSU said in a Twitter message that officers had "cleared the scene" and the lockdown was lifted. [Campus lockdown lifted after shooting wounds 1 at Virginia State University] In a separate incident last Saturday night, police locked down the campus following a shooting during homecoming weekend, when a man suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Officials called it an isolated incident. There was no immediate information to determine whether the two incidents were connected. The wounded man on Saturday was not a student, school officials said. There were no further details about the incident early Friday. Del. Robert G. Marshall R-Prince William) speaks during a meeting of the Virginia Houses Courts of Justice Committee in 2012. (Bob Brown/Richmond Times-Dispatch/Associated Press) Virginia Del. Robert G. Marshall likes to compare himself to a World War II Marine storming the beach and taking bullets as he tries to advance his conservative cause. Now, the 13-term Republican incumbent is facing what could be his toughest reelection battle, with Democrats gunning hard for his seat this November as part of their strategy to cut into the Republican majority in the House of Delegates and launch what they hope will be a national resurgence for their party following the election of President Trump. Marshall's opponent, Danica Roem, would be the state's first elected official who is openly transgender, an identity that the incumbent describes as "against the laws of nature and nature's God." Moreover, she is attacking both Marshall's conservative social agenda and his effectiveness in dealing with local district problems. In other words, Marshall, 73, is in his element. Help me protect conservative values in Virginia! Marshall says in a campaign flier seeking donations. My defeat would signal that holding these principles is a detriment to being elected. [Five things to know about Del. Robert Marshall] A Roman Catholic who entered politics as an antiabortion activist, Marshall describes himself as on a crusade to uphold both Christian beliefs and the principles of the nations Founding Fathers. He is known in his Prince William County district for caring deeply about traffic and other local issues, fighting against any proposed tax increase and showing up frequently at community and civic meetings and events, often wearing a rumpled suit. In Richmond, he has elicited groans even from fellow Republicans while introducing bills to declare pornography a public health hazard, warn women who join the National Guard that they may see active military duty or, year after year, declare that the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion nationwide is based on false science and that life begins at conception. Marshall presents a parenthood bill during a meeting of lawmakers in Richmond in 2012. (Steve Helber/Associated Press) His failed efforts to regulate which bathrooms transgender people can use and require anti-discrimination policies in schools to "recognize the inherent differences between males and females" helped motivate Roem to run against him. I think, for the most part, people appreciate that I dont beat around the bush, Marshall said. Had I measured the odds of winning, I probably would not have done some of the things I have done. Conservative worldview Marshall grew up a Democrat in suburban Montgomery County, Md. As a teenager, he drove John F. Kennedy voters to the polls. He cast a ballot for Hubert H. Humphrey in 1968. But the seeds of his conservative worldview were already growing. While a student at Montgomery College, he came across a library book that struck a deep chord. Witness, by Whittaker Chambers, is both a retelling of the case against accused Soviet spy Alger Hiss and a political treatise that became a foundation for todays conservative movement, casting the world in the stark Cold War-era terms of good vs. evil. That viewpoint stayed with Marshall as he studied history and philosophy at Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina and earned a masters degree in humanities from California State University at Dominguez Hills. He abandoned plans to become a U.S. Marine fighter pilot after failing the vision test. In 1969, an effort to relax abortion laws in Maryland triggered what for Marshall would become a lifelong fight against pregnancy terminations. He met his wife, Cathy, at an antiabortion organization meeting in 1974. [Republican incumbent wont debate his transgender opponent in Va.] Marshall lost his first political race when he ran as an independent for a seat in Marylands House of Delegates. He soon aligned with the Republican Party, joining the staff of U.S. Rep. Robert K. Dornan (R-Calif.), a conservative firebrand who later helped Marshall find work for antiabortion groups. The Family Research Council, for which Marshall worked as a research consultant for nearly a decade, is now one of his top political donors, giving $5,000 to his current campaign. Marshall and his wife, Cathy, address the Virginia Rally for Life in Richmond in 2011. (Bob Brown/Richmond Times-Dispatch/Associated Press) By the early 1990s, Marshall was director for family life affairs at the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. He and Cathy were raising five children, three of them adopted, in Prince William, a Virginia exurb 36 miles southwest of Washington. [Dvorak: A bathroom bill, from Virginias minister of private parts] The states 13th District had just been redrawn, leaving an open seat. Marshall ran and won, beating a Democrat who attacked his conservatism while Marshall insisted that voters cared more about the areas growing traffic problems. He has been reelected 12 times, facing a challenger in all but one of those contests. The only candidate who came close to beating him was Democrat Atif M. Qarni, who lost in 2013 by 498 votes, out of 17,429 votes cast. One-man band As a state lawmaker, Marshall quickly became a voice of dissent on the fringe of Virginias button-down Republican Party. He led an unsuccessful fight to keep former TV anchor Hugh Finn on life support after Finn suffered severe brain damage in a car accident, turning the battle into a moral indictment of state laws governing end-of-life issues. Then Marshall's family experienced a tragedy of its own: His son Christopher, 19, was fatally injured when the pickup truck he was riding in crashed into a tractor-trailer stopped on the shoulder of Interstate 81. Two years later, Marshall pushed through a law that requires commercial trucks to use emergency flashers or triangular reflectors when stopped on a roadway. He calls his son's death "a devastating loss, something I would not wish on my worst enemy." In 2008, Marshall successfully sued the state over a new transportation-funding law, which was popular in Northern Virginia because it gave regional transportation authorities $1.1 billion per year in taxing power to fund road projects. Marshall saw a flaw in the law because the members of those boards arent elected. The Virginia Supreme Court unanimously agreed, nullifying the statute in a ruling that said the state constitution gives taxing authority only to elected officials. He was like a one-man band, and, initially, everybody said: Oh, thats just Bob Marshall, recalled Bob Holsworth, a former Virginia Commonwealth University political-science professor. But it turned out he was right. Marshall announces his bid for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in 2008, alongside his son Tommy, and wife, Cathy, right. He lost at a state party convention, and lost in a Republican primary when he again sought his partys Senate nomination four years later. (Steve Helber/Associated Press) Marshall also opposed Virginias current transportation funding law, which uses state tax revenue. In the most recent legislative session, Marshall introduced 30 bills. Two passed. One arranged for interim appointments for school board members called to military duty. The other celebrated the life of Sen. Charles J. Colgan (D), who died in January. The veteran lawmaker lists on his campaign website 23 issues he hopes to tackle in future sessions, including abortion, religious liberty and fighting tolls on Interstate 66. Low-profile campaign On a recent day, after talking to voters, Marshall sat in the front row at a meeting of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority inside the Manassas Park Community Center. The event was meant to gauge residents reactions to four proposals to address traffic congestion along Route 28. Roem was also there, talking up her plan to use $300 million in state money to get rid of traffic lights along the highway. Marshall, who wants to create reversible lanes on Route 28, kept a low profile at the meeting, as he has for much of his reelection campaign. He has asked reporters to email him questions in advance instead of sitting for interviews and refused to allow The Washington Post to accompany him when he goes out to meet voters. Marshall speaks at the state capitol in Richmond in 2014. (Bob Brown/Richmond Times-Dispatch/Associated Press) His wife's recent bout with cancer, now in remission, kept him from campaigning earlier this year, Marshall said. And vocal opposition from some of Roem's supporters including name-calling has made him unwilling to appear on stage with her face-to-face. At the transportation meeting, Marshall raised his hand once, to ask if the cost of either widening Route 28 or building a new road extension factored in the need to also widen an existing bridge on the state roadway. The answer was yes. The query gave Marshall a chance to play a favorite role: that of a watchdog sniffing for potential wrongdoing. Most elected officials dont want to get into the details, Barbara Daymude, 72, an undecided voter, said approvingly. About a month earlier, Marshall showed up to support a group of African American residents fighting plans by the Dominion Energy utility company to build power lines in their community. Marshall has been a thorn in the companys side, introducing several bills to further regulate how and where new power lines can be installed. None have passed, however. And his conservative stances on other topics have alienated some of the same residents and local activists who have welcomed his presence in the Dominion fight. He drives me crazy, sometimes, said Elena Schlossberg, director of the Coalition to Protect Prince William County. Still, she conceded: Bob has a way of advocating for local issues that matter to people. He shows up to meetings, and people who might not vote for Bob might wind up voting for Bob. Marshall has received $132,000 in campaign donations this year, $80,000 of it in September and $20,000 coming from the chairman of a conservative think tank in Washington that, among other things, opposes protections for transgender individuals. During a recent radio interview, Marshall called the election part of a moral battle to preserve the laws of nature. Danica is clearly out here doing this to make a mark on the national character, Marshall said. That you can engage in this kind of behavior which clearly goes against the laws of nature and natures God and hold public office and make decisions on behalf of the common good. That is what is at stake here with the moral question. Fenit Nirappil contributed to this report. Americans for Prosperity, the heart of the billionaire Koch Brothers conservative political network, plans to ramp up its campaign against Ralph Northam, the Democrat in Virginias governors race. The conservative group announced Friday that it would spend at least $1 million on mailers and digital ads targeting Northams record on taxes, education and economic development. It follows at least $1.8 million in anti-Northam television commercials and mailers to date, according to data collected by the nonpartisan Virginia Public Access Project. The group also says it has contacted hundreds of thousands of Virginia voters through its phone-banking and canvassing efforts. Northam faces Republican Ed Gillespie in three weeks. Their race, the nations only competitive statewide contest this year, has drawn millions in spending from outside groups. Americans for Prosperity's advertising does not explicitly tell voters to support Gillespie, but its anti-Northam spending helps the Republican contender make up for a financial disadvantage. Northam had more than twice as much cash in campaign accounts than Gillespie heading into October, records show. Democratic candidate for governor, Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, left, shakes hands with Republican challenger Ed Gillespie after a debate at the University of Virginia-Wise in Wise, Va., Monday, Oct. 9, 2017. (Steve Helber/AP) [Interested in Virginias governors race? Follow our Facebook group] The latest push includes a mailer that blasts Northam for supporting an increase in taxes on sales, gasoline and home and car purchases. It refers to sweeping 2013 legislation to raise revenue for transportation and road projects that was supported by then Republican Gov. Robert McDonnell and passed the General Assembly with bipartisan support. Gillespie has softened his criticism of Northam for supporting the transportation deal, which was also supported by business groups that lean Republican, and has pledged not to repeal the legislation. Americans for Prosperity is also launching a digital video featuring a charter school administrator criticizing Northam for voting against a bill to establish "educational savings accounts" that allow parents who remove children from public schools to receive 90 percent of the state funding that would have been spent on their child. They would be able to use the funds for private-school tuition, tutoring, books and other educational costs. Critics say such accounts are similar to vouchers in that they drain resources from public schools. Gillespie supports educational savings accounts; Northam is opposed. Were confident that this renewed effort over the coming weeks will help us share Northams record to Virginians, and they wont like what they hear, Americans for Prosperity Virginia director J.C. Hernandez said in a statement. From backing tax hikes to the bad deals with taxpayer dollars, Northams fiscal policies would make life more expensive for households across the state. View Graphic The latest stories and details on the 2017 Virginia general election and race for governor. Americans for Prosperity is the largest outside group aiding Gillespie's candidacy. The National Rifle Association is spending at least $760,000 on pro-Gillespie commercials, according to records compiled by the Virginia Public Access Project. Meanwhile, Northam has a constellation of progressive groups canvassing and overseeing digital advertising program on his behalf. They include billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyers NextGen America, as well as the political arms of Planned Parenthood and the Virginia League of Conservation Voters. Former president Barack Obama took the unusual step of criticizing and mocking Virginia's Republican gubernatorial candidate for a controversial ad blitz highlighting Latino gang violence. As he rallied for the Democratic candidate Ralph Northam on Thursday night, Obama mentioned that he and his wife, Michelle Obama, have seen Republican Ed Gillespies commercials airing on television in their D.C. home. The spots say Northam is weak on MS-13 as images of tattooed Latino men and the gang motto Kill, Rape, Control pop up on the screen. [Full story from Obamas speech at Northam rally] Independent fact-checkers deemed the ads misleading. Video still from a commercial for Ed Gillespie's 2017 campaign for Virginia governor. (Ed Gillespie for Governor) We have seen this so many times before, said Obama, who spent five minutes tearing into the strategy. Youve got the advertisement. There is some ominous voice. Everything is kind of dark. Just letting you know that somebody is coming to get you. That our values are at risk if you vote for Ralph. They dont really tell you exactly why. We have seen it before. And it is a tactic that shows Ralphs opponent does not think highly of Virginians. Northam, a former Army doctor and pediatric neurologist, is in a neck-and-neck race with Gillespie, a former lobbyist and GOP strategist. I dont think that someone who spent his life performing surgery on soldiers and children is suddenly cozying up to street gangs, Obama said to laughter from the crowd of 7,500 at the citys convention center. That strains credulity. That sounds like a fib. Sounds like an okey-doke. Nobody believes that. He suggested that Gillespies ads were hypocritical, noting that as a former chairman of the Republican National Committee and a party strategist, Gillespie argued for years that the GOP needed to be more expansive and welcoming to Latinos, should tamp down anti-immigration rhetoric and embrace comprehensive immigration reform. Look, we all have valid concerns about crime, Obama said. We have legitimate concerns and even legitimate differences of how to manage immigration in a way that is orderly and fair. But the fact is crime and illegal immigration are as low as theyve been in decades. And Ralphs opponent knows it. He has gone on record in the past, condemning the same kind of rhetoric that hes using right now. What hes really trying to deliver is fear. What he really believes is if you scare enough voters, you might score just enough votes to win an election, Obama said. Its just as cynical as politics gets. President Trump echoed the ads in a late-night tweet two weeks ago, in which he urged people to vote for Gillespie. Donald Trump Jr. also entered the fray this week to blast the media's coverage of the ads, tweeting that " 'Rape, Kill, Control' is literally MS-13's motto but they frame it as though it's racism." View Graphic The latest stories and details on the 2017 Virginia general election and race for governor. [Interested in the Virginia governors race? Follow our Facebook group.] Gillespie spokesman Dave Abrams said, Its no surprise President Obama would level Lt. Gov. Northams attacks against Ed at a Northam campaign event. Other highlights of Obamas remarks: Grappling with history Obama waded into another explosive issue in the governors race: whether to remove statues of Confederate leaders. He did so in cautious, measured tones, never actually mentioning the statues but instead how to grapple with a flawed past. And he did so in the former capital of the Confederacy, just a few miles from a boulevard marked by towering statues to political and military leaders from the losing side of the Civil War. After this summers deadly clashes in Charlottesville instigated by white nationalists rallying to protect a Confederate statue, Northam called on localities to relocate such monuments to museums and promised to be a vocal advocate for such an approach. [In Richmond, debate over Confederate statues is personal and painful] He has since backtracked and said localities should decide the fate of the statues. Republicans, sensing that Northam overstepped, have pounced, sending mailers and airing commercials criticizing him for wanting to "erase" history. Obama struck back: Does anybody really believe that Ralph spent his whole life in the Old Dominion, and then hes going to run for governor and try to erase Virginias history? That is not what this election is about. That is distraction. That is phony. That is divisive. Ralph believes if we talk about history, we are going to do it in a way that heals, not wounds, he said. We shouldnt use the most painful parts of our history just to score political points. He said Americans can honor historical figures for their contributions while recognizing their flaws, noting that Thomas Jefferson was a slave owner who wrote of the equality of men in the Declaration of Independence. On a lighter note, Obama observed that his mother was distantly related to Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederacy. Think about that, he said. I bet hes spinning in his grave. Shout-out to House of Delegates races Obama, who has faced criticism for failing to build the strength of the Democratic Party during his two terms in the White House, urged the crowd to pay attention to the 100 seats up for election to the state House of Delegates. He noted that 50 first-time Democratic candidates and a record number of women were running for office. So if you want a House of Delegates that looks more like Virginia and understands your life, then make sure to get out and vote for the whole ticket, not just a little bit of the ticket, he said. [Surge of female candidates in Virginia House of Delegates races] Democracy at stake Democratic turnout in off-year elections is usually low, and Obama implored the crowd to turn out, particularly younger voters. I think its great that you hashtag and meme, Obama said. But I need you to vote! Yall get a little sleepy. You get a little complacent. . . . As a consequence, folks wake up and they are surprised. How come we cant get things through Congress? How come we cant get things through the state House? Because you slept through the election! Obama wrapped up by underscoring what he said was riding on the Nov. 7 contest. We need you to take this seriously because our democracy is at stake, and its at stake right here in Virginia, Obama said. FLORIDA Man faces hate crime charge after threat Prosecutors secured a relatively rare federal hate crime conviction punishable by a tough sentence on Thursday as a Florida man pleaded guilty to leaving a voice mail that threatened to shoot people at a mosque. Gerald Sloane Wallace, 35, admitted at a plea hearing that he made the threatening phone call to the Islamic Center of Greater Miami on Feb. 19, according to the Miami U.S Attorneys Office. He pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs, which carries a stiff 20-year maximum prison sentence, although he could get half that. Prosecutors previously said Wallace admitted leaving similar threatening messages at other mosques. The charge was upgraded to a hate crime from a lesser offense punishable by up to five years in prison. According to court documents, the message Wallace left at the mosque used profanity against Islam, the prophet Muhammad and the Koran and also made the shooting threats. Wallaces sentencing is set for Jan. 17 in Miami before U.S. District Judge Marcia Cooke. Associated Press NEW MEXICO Diocese releases abuse allegation records The Archdiocese of Santa Fe has released hundreds of pages of court records related to sexual abuse allegations against clergy members in response to an order from a New Mexico judge, marking the largest disclosure of such records since alleged victims began suing the archdiocese nearly three decades ago. Church officials said in a statement issued after Wednesdays release that they hope the disclosure along with the recent publication of a list of clergy accused of sexual misconduct will serve as an additional step in healing for survivors, their families and parishioners. The documents include letters showing church leaders knew of sexual abuse allegations that had been leveled against three priests from the 1960s through the 1980s. Judge Alan Malotts order stems from a request by the Albuquerque station KOB-TV, which intervened in several abuse cases for the purpose of obtaining the records. The records paint a picture of a diocese that repeatedly assigned priests accused of sexually abusing children to posts where they could abuse again, the Albuquerque Journal reported. The records include letters and reports from psychologists to church leaders that detail allegations against the three priests. Former priests Jason Sigler and Sabine Griego still live in New Mexico, while Arthur Perrault fled the country. Associated Press ILLINOIS Man sentenced for trying to join terrorists A federal judge on Thursday gave the maximum available 15-year prison sentence to a suburban Chicago man convicted of seeking to join an al-Qaeda-linked group in Syria, telling him he made the choice to become a villain by joining terrorists. Lawyers for Abdella Ahmad Tounisi argued at his sentencing in Chicago that the 23-year-old was motivated foremost, not by extremist ideology, but to help Syrians by fighting Bashar al-Assads repressive regime. They asked for a seven-year sentence. But Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan rejected that. He said the group that the Aurora, Ill., man sought to join, Jabhat al-Nusra, was affiliated with those who called for the destruction of the U.S. Addressing Tounisi directly, he told him there are no free passes when it comes to collusion with terrorists. The judge added that he would have imposed a sentence beyond the statutory 15-year maximum if he could have. Associated Press COLORADO 3 killed in shooting near university Three people, including a Colorado State University student, were killed and one person was wounded Thursday in a pre-dawn shooting outside an apartment complex about a mile west of the university campus, police said. The shooting suspect was among those killed. A motive for the 2 a.m. shooting in Fort Collins wasnt known. University police alerted students and faculty via text and email to stay inside after shots were heard, and sounded the all-clear at 4:35 a.m. A female CSU student was killed, and her relatives were notified, university police said. Her name wasnt immediately released by the Larimer County Coroners Office. The other three people involved in the shooting were not affiliated with CSU, a public university with more than 33,000 students located about 65 miles north of Denver. City police Sgt. Dean Cunningham said it appeared that the shooter was known by one of the victims and was among the dead. Associated Press OKLAHOMA Former reserve deputy discharged from prison A white former Oklahoma reserve deputy who fatally shot an unarmed black man in 2015 when he mistook his firearm for a stun gun was released from prison Thursday after serving less than half of his four-year sentence. Former Tulsa County volunteer deputy Robert Bates, 76, was released from the North Fork Correctional Facility in Sayre in western Oklahoma after serving 497 days, an Oklahoma Department of Corrections spokesman said. Bates was convicted of second-degree manslaughter in the April 2015 shooting death of the 44-year-old Eric Harris. Bates will serve probation for the remainder of his sentence. He said Bates was released early because he earned credits for good behavior. Harriss family filed a civil rights lawsuit in January 2016 in Tulsa, which, among other things, alleges that Bates was improperly trained and supervised and that former Tulsa County Sheriff Stanley Glanz turned a blind eye to these dangers. Glanz resigned after being indicted by a grand jury. He was sentenced last year to a one-year suspended term on misdemeanor charges stemming from the indictment. Associated Press Protesters shout Thursday to drown out a speech by white nationalist Richard Spencer, appearing before a mostly empty venue at the University of Florida in Gainesville. (Evelyn Hockstein for The Washington Post) When the posters went up a third time, it happened in broad daylight, midmorning on a Thursday. Rabab Abdulhadi saw the move as increasingly bold and deeply unsettling. There was her face, and the names of her students, again plastered all over campus below these words: TERRORIST SUPPORTERS. Abdulhadi is San Francisco State Universitys sole Arab Muslim professor teaching at its College of Ethnic Studies. She is a frequent target of right-wing groups because of her criticism of Israel. While there is no evidence that the posters message has any validity, Abdulhadi was incensed, and she looked to the university to do something about it. University administrators, however, said the posters makers were entitled to free speech. "I am 100 percent in favor of the First Amendment," said Abdulhadi, a short 62-year-old with cropped hair and an Arabic accent. "It's a question of when does speech become an incitement to violence?" The nations colleges are facing growing pressure to redefine the limits of free speech in an age of resurgent white supremacists and amid pleas for inclusiveness on increasingly diverse campuses. For some students and professors, suppressing hate speech has become more important than protecting the values enshrined by the First Amendment. That conflict was on display last week when hundreds of protesters at the University of Florida drowned out a speech by white nationalist Richard Spencer, prompting him to leave the stage early. [A white nationalist is coming to campus. Florida prepares as though for a disaster.] It hasnt always been this way. During the Vietnam War, for example, it was more often students who were pushing administrators for greater freedom of speech. But todays college students, as well as many professors, have grown increasingly intolerant of views they find offensive, said Geoffrey Stone, a professor of law at the University of Chicago. Its a trend that he said has picked up in the past few years, and there are a range of factors at play. For one, colleges are more diverse, giving greater voice to minority students who suffer discrimination. Social media and divisive politics have also made hateful speech more pervasive. More than half of today's students say that it's important to be part of a campus community where they are not exposed to intolerant or offensive ideas, according to asurvey by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education. The results were even more pronounced for those who aren't white: More than three-quarters of black students and more than two-thirds of Latino students agreed with that idea. The notion that hate speech should be suppressed is increasingly prevalent. Only about a third of students in the survey said hate speech should be protected by the First Amendment. Almost half say it should not protect hate speech at all. While some hate speech typically that which involves a direct threat or incitement to violence is illegal, most, including vocal racism and personal insults, is not. Even so, fliers and chalkings reading hate speech is not free speech have become a common sight on quads and campus bulletin boards this year, as they are at San Francisco State, even as campus administrators gently push the opposite line. Suzanne Goldberg, a law professor and Columbia Universitys vice president for university life, sent a message to the campus community urging respect for a planned speech by a controversial figure far-right British activist Tommy Robinson, who argues that mass immigration has led to the fall of Europe. [A brief history of Donald Trumps mixed messages on freedom of speech] While the universitys values reject white supremacism and anti-Muslim sentiments, it is foundational to Columbias learning and teaching missions that we allow for the contestation of ideas, Goldberg wrote. This includes expression of ideas that are deeply unpopular, offensive to many in our community, contrary to research-based understandings, and antagonistic to University tenets. Robinsons video talk was interrupted anyway, as students shouted and held signs that said White silence = compliance and United against Islamophobia. At San Francisco State, the free-speech debate has centered on a long-brewing contest of campus activism between what could be loosely called the pro-Palestine camp and the pro-Israel camp. What has long been a hot-button issue on that campus has escalated, with filed grievances, a lawsuit and donors threatening to withhold funds. The terrorist posters by the David Horowitz Freedom Center an outside group known for assailing students and academics who criticize Israel is only the latest in a string of events that have raised questions about what speech is protected and what isnt. Last June, three Jewish students and three Jewish community members sued university administrators and Abdulhadi, who sponsors a Palestinian student group and teaches classes on Arab identity, accusing them of fostering anti-Semitism on campus. The lawsuit filed by the Lawfare Project, an organization self-described as the legal arm of the pro-Israel community, focuses heavily on campus speech equating anti-Israel rhetoric with anti-Semitic rhetoric and arguing that there should be no place for anti-Semitism on a university campus. One of the key incidents the lawsuit cites is a 2016 speech by a hard-line Israeli politician, an event quickly shouted down by pro-Palestinian activists. [Sessions criticizes U.S. universities for their free-speech policies] Contemptible speech and expression at SFSU often makes Plaintiffs feel uncomfortable and vulnerable, the lawsuit says. The plaintiffs dont want to suppress this vile speech, it says. They simply want to be guaranteed the same inherent rights to speak, listen and assemble that other members of the campus are afforded. The challenges for university administrators have yielded no consensus on solutions, particularly as they face pressure from donors to show no tolerance for hate speech that allegedly targets Jewish students and from Palestinian students who accuse administrators of pandering to Islamophobia. We talk a lot about how we want our students to feel happy, safe and well when theyre at college. So I think in some ways weve set up this idea that its a safe space, said Mary Ann Begley, San Francisco States interim dean of students. Maybe what we havent done as well is, when these tough conversations happen, how were going to have those conversations and how were going to heal as a community. The question of what qualifies as hate speech has compounded the argument over whether it should be tolerated. The posters that San Francisco State administrators considered protected were seen as incitement in the eyes of Abdulhadi and her supporters. And she said they made her feel unsafe on campus. The Jewish plaintiffs in the lawsuit say the anti-Israel chants that drowned out the Israeli politician made them feel unsafe and amounted to anti-Semitism. Abdulhadis students, in turn, say that branding the critics of Israels human rights abuses as anti-Semites is, itself, inherently Islamophobic and anti-Arab. Its unclear where exactly the university stands. [A university president held a dinner for black students and set the table with cotton stalks and collard greens] University President Leslie Wong, who is named in the lawsuit, said in a recent interview that anti-Semitism on campus has been the biggest issue over the past few years. But he declined to comment further because of the impending lawsuit. Wong launched a task force to address issues of campus climate, including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. He said administrators are also talking to students about the meaning of free speech. It might be an uphill battle. The prevailing opinion among the most vocal members of both camps seems to be that offensive speech or actions qualify as hate speech and that hate speech is something to be regulated. For example, Jacob Mandel, a recent San Francisco State graduate and one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, described the universitys decision to forge a relationship with a Palestinian university, An-Najah, as threatening enough to warrant mention in his lawsuit against the university, alleging anti-Semitism. Once I found out that the university had established a relationship with An-Najah, I felt nervous and scared, he said. Ollie Benn, the executive director of Hillel, a campus Jewish organization, described the anti-Semitism as part of the campus atmosphere. Unless a student sort of declares that theyre anti-Israel, theyre sort of shunned from participation in discussions of social justice and things that have nothing to do with the Middle East, said Benn, who is not a plaintiff but is quoted in the lawsuit in support of its claims. A 22-year-old member of the General Union of Palestine Students (GUPS) said the same is true for her when certain speakers such as the Israeli politician come to campus. Its triggering for us, said the student, who also thinks that other symbols of violence including U.S. military members and Trump administration officials should be excluded from campus. In what sense should we allow an administration that is racist, that has set bans on our communities, to be allowed into campus? said the student, who asked that her name be withheld because she fears ending up on a poster like the one that targeted Abdulhadi and her classmates. Abdulhadi says its an imbalance of speech, rights and resources that justifies one sides arguments and not the others. Only one type of hate speech, she argues, appears to pose a red line for administrators, and its anti-Semitism, not Islamophobia. Any time you say anti-Semitism, whether it is real or fake like the kid who called [in bomb threats to] all the JCCs people get scared. It has a chilling effect, Abdulhadi said. The university says that it treats both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia as problematic issues that warrant attention. Abdulhadi says she believes that anti-Semitism exists; sometimes she has to correct students to say Israel, and not the Jews when theyre talking about the Jewish state. But she maintains that there is an imbalance in whose freedom of speech is allowed, says Abdulhadi, who grew up under Israeli occupation. When we talk about freedom of speech not everybodys freedom of speech is equally accessible because we dont all come from equal places, she said. We are being silenced. Correction: A previous version of this story mischaracterized Rabab Abdulhadi as the only Arab Muslim professor teaching about Arab and Muslim issues at San Francisco State University; she is the only Arab and Muslim professor teaching at the College of Ethnic Studies. The article also mischaracterized Mary Ann Begley as the dean of student affairs; Begley is the interim dean of students. The article misspelled An-Najah National University. As a retired teacher and current Montana state legislator, I appreciate a candidate who does her homework. Over the past several months, I have watched Anderson work hard to educate herself on the issues facing Missoulians and how decisions made by the Missoula City Council will affect the lives of those who call Missoula home. She is bright, dedicated and will work hard to find solutions to many of the tough issues facing our community. My husband Pat and I have lived in the same home here in the South Hills of Missoula for close to 50 years, and we have seen our fair share of Ward 5 candidates come and go. Few have excited us more than Stacie Anderson. I have seen her work firsthand through Carols List, and I know her passion and expertise would make her an outstanding asset to the Missoula City Council. Anastasia Kurteeva worries about a new Cold War. Shes afraid that escalating tensions between the United States and Russia will make it harder for people to travel freely between the countries, harder for her parents in Moscow to visit. The U.S. government's decision in August to temporarily suspend nonimmigrant travel visas from Russia in retaliation for cutting U.S. diplomatic personnel confirmed her fears. Hostility between the countries has only grown since then, with revelations that Russian operatives purchased thousands of Facebook ads exploiting social divides in the United States during the 2016 presidential campaign. I heard stories about the Cold War and how scary it was for both sides to be in that kind of war, said Kurteeva, who immigrated to the United States in 2002. Russian Americans are in the worst situation, because youre in between two countries and you have ties to both of them. For Russian Americans, renewed acrimony between their native country and their adoptive home is stirring memories of a time when Russia was enemy No. 1 in the United States. Their fears have merit: A CNN poll in August found that 89 percent of Americans see Russia as a threat, a proportion almost as large as during the height of the Cold War in 1983, when 96 percent feared Russia. [I am American right now: Russian immigrants split over rising hostilities with their native country] That political climate has revealed a generational divide in Americas community of Russian immigrants, between an older wave of Jewish refugees who fled the Soviet Union in the midst of the Cold War and a younger cohort who, like Kurteeva, arrived with high expectations for a richer life and no memory of the international strife. In this city of trendy clubs and restaurants known primarily for its gay community, an enclave of older Russian immigrants largely supporters of President Trump say the accusations of collusion between the president and Russia have no merit and remind them of the political corruption of their homeland. But among younger Russians, Trump is a stain on their American Dream, a replica of the authoritarian persona they detest in Russian President Vladimir Putin. Anastasia Kurteeva, left, who lives with her girlfriend Maria Shtabskaya in West Hollywood, worries about a new Cold War. (Brinson+Banks/For The Washington Post) Kurteeva, who became a U.S. citizen in 2012, is a lot like the city she lives in, straddling dual identities. She lives in the gay neighborhood of West Hollywood, with her girlfriend, Maria Shtabskaya, who also is Russian. On a late August afternoon, the model-tall 33-year-old slid into a booth next to Shtabskaya at a dimly lit, upscale restaurant near Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive. Kurteeva is freer with her critiques of the Russian government than Shtabskaya, who is more concerned with presenting a favorable view of Russians. When Kurteeva mentions Putin and her worries that hell stop Russians from traveling to the United States, Shtabskaya hits her leg under the table. Kurteeva expresses similar skepticism toward Trump, her politics firmly aligned with her life in the United States. When the election came out, its like, who do you associate with more, as a gay person or as a Russian? she said. Im more concerned about gay issues than the Russian-American relationship. A generational divide On one summer evening, several dozen Russian-speaking residents gathered for a neighborhood party at Plummer Park, a popular hangout for West Hollywoods Russians. Russian pop music blared from a small portable speaker and pirozhki, a small oval Russian pie, was served up alongside pizza boxes. Nearby is a monument to Soviet Army soldiers who died during World War II, where men gather daily to play chess and reminisce. They speak almost exclusively in Russian and shop primarily in Russian-owned stores. Because many dont speak English, they watch state-run television from Moscow. They tend to be Republican and sympathetic to Trump, specks of red in an overwhelmingly blue neighborhood. Democratic policies remind them of the socialism they escaped. Raisa Aguf, a redhead with an equally fiery personality, donned a red apron and served up the casual fare. She moved here from Latvia in 1980 when it was still under Soviet rule. She started the first Russian travel agency in West Hollywood, and shes a longtime member of the Russian Advisory Board, a group created by the city council to address the needs of the immigrant community. [The Russians pretended to be Texans and Texans believed them] Aguf, a senior who declined to give her age, said she loves the United States. But based on what she sees on Russian television news about the investigations into meddling in the election and collusion with Trump, its hard to know whats right, whats wrong. Regardless, she supports Trumps politics and thinks hes getting a raw deal. I voted for him, and I believe he could do [the job] if people let him, she said. Raisa Aguf, who moved here from Latvia in 1980, supports Trump and thinks hes getting a raw deal. (Brinson+Banks/For The Washington Post) For many former Soviet Jews, the allegations of collusion remind them of the life they left behind, where a casual meeting could lead to accusations of political crimes. Andrew Korobkov, a professor of Russian studies at Mid-Tennessee University, says that the endless focus on Russians ultimately empowers Putin. It goes way beyond the McCarthyism, the amount of time devoted to Russia, the level of viciousness, Korobkov said. I think the only person who enjoys the current hysteria is Putin, because he was made a superhero in the U.S. media and his powers are mostly exaggerated. Among a younger cohort of Russian immigrants, there is disappointment that Trump won the election. Farhad Yusupov, the current chairman of the Russian Advisory Board and one of the few members who is not older or Jewish, called Trump a puppet. He has no doubt that the Russians tampered with the U.S. election, and he was devastated by its outcome. Those older people at home, they watch Russian TV. Some believe it or not like Putin. Some of them like Trump, said Yusupov, 48. Most of my friends are Russian, but most of my friends are more liberal. Our first years in America, our favorite show was Seinfeld, and thats what molded us. Battling stereotypes One day, Nina Pankratz bumped into a neighbor in her apartment building. He was having computer problems and asked her, Do you know any good Russian hackers? A professional theatrical actress in Moscow, Pankratz has struggled to find work since she moved to the United States in 1994. The closest she has come to a big break was last year when she had six callbacks for the Russian spy drama The Americans. She worries shes too smiley to play the archetypal Russian. [Twitter finds hundreds of accounts tied to Russian operatives] Its why her agent tells his Russian clients to lose their accents for any chance at a diversity of roles. Russians are Hollywoods remaining acceptable typecasted villain no one is offended by a Russian bad guy. Pankratz describes herself as apolitical, but the intense focus on Russians as sleuths can be annoying, she said. She is nostalgic for her home country: She criticizes the rigidity of American rules and laws, fears getting pulled over by a U.S. police officer and wonders why her 21-year-old son is expected to be so serious about his future instead of enjoying his youth. Nina Pankratz, who is nostalgic for her home country of Russia, blows out a birthday candle with friends at a birthday dinner in Los Angeles. (Brinson+Banks/For The Washington Post) More concerning, she knows all too well how family members in both countries could suffer from intensifying tensions between the United States and Russia. Pankratz moved to Nashville to follow her husband, a frontman for a 1980s Christian rock band called Ruscha. She was eight months pregnant, knew barely any English and was terribly homesick. Though the Cold War had thawed, relations between the United States and Russia were still tenuous. When her mother planned a visit to meet her new grandson, she waited in the cold for hours outside the U.S. consulate for her visa only to be denied without explanation, Pankratz said. She never saw her mother again. Two months later, her mother died of a heart attack. A broken heart, Pankratz believes. Now Pankratz lives in Los Angeles, and on a recent evening here, she gathered some fellow Russian friends to celebrate her 51st birthday on her apartment building balcony, with sweeping views of palm trees against a dazzling pink-and-orange sunset. They sipped Putinka vodka a Russian brand inspired by Putin and ate red beets with herring. They spoke almost exclusively in Russian. Her friend Cyril Zima, a 33-year-old filmmaker who moved from Moscow several years ago, said that the stereotypes about Russians are distorted, but its no different than stereotypes of Americans as fat, gun-slinging cowboys who eat cheeseburgers. For Kurteeva, America is her home. But, she said, the media often mistakenly presents the conflict with Russia in black and white terms. Its not all Russians are bad and all Americans are good, Kurteeva said. I think the U.S. has as many intelligence spies as Russia. Shtabskaya scrunched her face. I have no comments for that, she said. I still think theres a long way to go to understand each other, Shtabskaya said. Theres already too much negativity. Dinah Sykes, a Republican, is a member of the Kansas State Senate. Americans want efficient government, responsible spending and reasonable taxes. This is not difficult. Yet sometimes what seems so simple becomes complicated when these concepts are turned into buzzwords and used as weapons for political gain. In 2012, Republicans in Kansas enacted a "revolutionary" tax overhaul promised to be a "shot of adrenaline to the heart of the Kansas economy." With the benefit of hindsight, we can say with certainty this promise was unfulfilled. In the following five years, Kansas experienced nine rounds of budget cuts, stress on state agencies and the inability to effectively provide the core functions of government for our citizens. As Republicans in Congress begin working to modify the federal tax code, I worry that tax reform done poorly could lead to similar failure. I hope federal lawmakers learn from mistakes made at the state level. This year, the Kansas legislature including many Republicans like me voted to partially restore income-tax rates and to repeal a provision that allowed independent business owners to pay almost no state taxes on their income. We also overrode our governor's veto, who opposed rolling back the tax cuts he championed. Critics of our vote claim that Kansas didn't cut spending enough to accompany the tax cuts. In reality, we cut our budget through across-the-board cuts, targeted cuts, rescission bills and allotments. Roughly 3,000 state employee positions were cut , salaries were frozen, and road projects canceled . We delayed payments to the state employee retirement system and emptied our savings accounts. Even as we issued more than $2 billion in new bonds to float our debt, Kansas received three credit downgrades, making that debt costlier. In Kansas, we understand the allure of tax-cut promises. We want to believe promises of amazing growth or outcomes. In 2012, traditional budget forecast models accurately predicted the devastating effect the tax breaks would have on state revenue. Proponents of the plan used dynamic scoring predicting incredible economic growth and supporting their own preconceived ideas. Today, we know which forecasts were correct. Across the state, citizens may have been paying less in income taxes, but those decreases were offset by increases in sales taxes, property taxes and fees. These changes alone were not enough to put the state on the right path. Education and infrastructure, key investments necessary for strong economic growth, were treated as the enemy. As we went through our 2017 legislative session, the shot of economic adrenaline still showed no signs of materializing. Our state functioned as though the Great Recession had never ended. Kansas should serve as a cautionary tale illustrating the damage done when the normal order is shortchanged. America's founders and countless generations of leaders embedded deliberative procedures into our legislative process for a reason. But in 2012, the governor's tax proposal looked very different from the package he signed. A dispute between House and Senate versions should have gone to conference committee; however, the House cut short debate and rammed through a motion to concur with the Senate instead. I watch now as lawmakers in Congress use similar tactics, and I worry that backroom dealing and circumvention of process will lead to similar results. I never anticipated entering public service. I was content raising my family, participating in the PTA and operating my business. However, I saw the impact that bad tax policy was having on the state. I felt the results of growing class sizes and shrinking programs in the schools my children attended. I witnessed a gradual erosion of the quality of life that makes Kansas such a great place to live. There is a real temptation to let our frustration turn into anger. In our increasingly polarized world, we see what happens when we retreat to our ideological trenches. The antidote, it would seem to me, is listening carefully to those we disagree with and seeking common ground as a starting point. (We should also note that failing to listen to constituents while blindly holding to ideology can have consequences: About a third of Kansas legislators became ex-legislators in 2016.) As our country looks at the key issues ahead of us, including tax policy and health-care reform, we face important questions: How can we as Americans work together to improve our tax policy? How can we work together to provide core government functions? Answering those questions requires having civil conversations, learning from our neighbors and sharing our experiences. We are better when we can work together to find compromise. A statue of Thomas Jefferson greets visitors at the main lobby at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. (Steve Helber/Associated Press) Phil Andrews served on the Montgomery County Council from 1998 to 2014. He was the lead sponsor of the countys public-financing law. The Potomac River separates increasingly different states of mind about big money in politics. Virginia is a sanctuary for fat cats, the only East Coast state where individuals, corporations, unions and political action committees can contribute unlimited funds to a candidate, an incentive for politicians to cater to wealthy individuals and interest groups. In Virginia's gubernatorial race, Democratic nominee Ralph Northam and Republican nominee Ed Gillespie have received many contributions exceeding $100,000. Northam supports establishing contribution limits; neither candidate supports public financing of campaigns. Maryland and the District corral big donors, limiting how much individuals and groups may contribute to a candidate. Maryland restricted how much an individual could donate to candidates overall until 2014, when the Supreme Court ruled that aggregate limits violate the First Amendment. That same year, Republican Larry Hogan became the first governor elected in Maryland using public financing. Without public financing, mega-donors with megaphones drown out the voices of the people in the public square and distort public policy including in the regions local races in which development interests and public-employee unions, whose fortunes depend on favorable decisions by local officials, historically have provided the lions share of campaign funds. In 2013, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation enabling counties to establish public-financing systems for county elections. Virginias state lawmakers need to do likewise. Montgomery County and Howard County approved public financing for county council and executive candidates. Montgomery's system is underway for the 2018 election; Howard's begins in 2022. In Prince George's County, council member Mary A. Lehman (D-Laurel) is drafting legislation, and a grass-roots coalition is seeking the support of County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D) and a majority of the council to establish public financing for the 2022 election. In the District, council member David Grosso (I-At Large) introduced a public-financing bill in March, the Fair Elections Act of 2017. It's co-sponsored by a supermajority of council members, which is crucial because Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) hasn't committed to it. Enactment would improve public confidence that procurement decisions and other official actions aren't influenced by big donations. Small donations are especially rewarded under Montgomerys public-financing system. Council candidates receive $200 in public funds for the first $50 given by each county resident; executive candidates receive $300. As a contribution approaches the $150 limit, the ratio of the public match decreases, encouraging candidates to continuously broaden their base among county residents, the people directly affected by their decisions. This should increase voter turnout, which was a paltry 17.5 percent in the 2014 county primary. The Montgomery County Council has appropriated $11 million for public financing for the 2018 election. The amount of public funding a candidate may receive is sufficient to run a viable campaign. Notably, theres no limit on how much a candidate may raise from small individual donations and spend overall. However, candidates using public funding cant accept contributions from PACs, corporations, unions or political parties, must limit individual contributions to $150, and cant give or lend their campaign more than $6,000. Although Montgomery voters' approval in 2016 of retroactive term limits ensures four new council members and a new executive in 2018, public financing enables many candidates to run competitive campaigns without funding from special interests or big donors or having to self-finance. Twenty-nine of 42 council candidates and three of five county executive candidates are seeking public funding . To qualify, they must meet thresholds that require many small donations from county residents. Public financing should be accompanied by open primaries and the elimination of gerrymandering to maximize incentives for politicians to put the public interest first. Democrats in Annapolis and Republicans in Richmond have used gerrymandering of congressional and legislative districts to disempower the other party's voters. Maryland and the District use closed party primaries, which exclude the approximately 770,000 people registered as unaffiliated or nonpartisan; Virginia's primaries are open to all voters, but parties can require a voter to sign a party affiliation pledge. Closed primaries, particularly in gerrymandered or otherwise one-sided districts, encourage partisanship and impel politicians to act as if only primary voters matter, producing polarization, unresponsive government, public disgust and term limits. Public-financing advances the public interest by countering fat-cat financing, increasing political competition and voter choice, and empowering the people. Maryland and the District are moving forward. Will Virginia? Columnist The desire to protect young people from offensive ideas and words is an understandable instinct. In the context of bullying, it is a requirement. In the context of great literature, it is nearly always mistaken. The distinction between the language of the schoolyard and the language of Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" has somehow been lost on the Biloxi, Miss., school board, which recently decided to remove the book from the eighth-grade curriculum. "There is some language in the book that makes people uncomfortable," explained Kenny Holloway, the vice president of the board. The purpose of Lees classic, of course, is to make people uncomfortable with racial prejudice. To do so, it reflects the language employed by bigots in the segregated South, including the n-word. Given a desire to present the repulsive reality of racism, it could hardly do otherwise. But are the eighth-graders talking and giggling in the back row ready to handle that reality? Some, surely, are not. How, then, are children adequately prepared? For generations of students, an essential part of that preparation has been the reading of To Kill a Mockingbird, which is an education in empathy. The book may be narrated by a white child, but its whole purpose is to place the reader in the shoes of an unjustly accused black man to provoke anger at a legal system that betrays him and disgust with a social system that dehumanizes him. One child, Dill, nearly vomits in reaction to the sick parody of justice he sees in the courtroom. We are intended to feel the same nausea. The themes of the book social stratification, the sexual subtext of racism, the institutionalization of injustice are suited to adults. But Lee attempted to capture and encourage the pre-cynical outrage of children toward the horrors of the adult world. This is exactly what we would hope an educated eighth-grader would feel. Some of the best literature for children and young adults encourages moral reflection on the cruel reality created by adults. Read "Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes," as I did with my son. It is the story of a 12-year-old Japanese girl who develops leukemia as a result of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. In order to be granted a wish, she resolves to fold 1,000 origami cranes, reaching 644 before she is too sick to continue. Her friends and family finish the task, and the cranes are buried with her. Is it uncomfortable to consider that the United States took actions resulting in the irradiation of Japanese children? Is it hard to explain to a child? It should be. Or consider the fine graphic novel "American Born Chinese," in which Danny, the Americanized, suburban child of Chinese immigrants, is embarrassed by the yearly arrival of his cousin Chin-Kee, who embodies every destructive Asian stereotype. In the book, Chin-Kee turns out to be the Monkey King, a deity who encourages Danny to embrace his true identity. Was the exaggerated presentation of Asian stereotypes in the book uncomfortable for my biracial child? I should hope so. But it was placed within a moral story that rejects exclusion and encourages the acceptance of ethnic identity. Cutting out the offensive parts would have left the story powerless. Our society has developed a deep confusion about the meaning of education. For some both the advocates of safe spaces and the banners of books the goal is the preservation of purity. They want to protect students and educational institutions from defilement by words and ideas they find offensive. It is more of a tendency than an ideology. The same pursuit of purity can motivate offended conservatives or offended liberals. To Kill a Mockingbird has been targeted, at various times, by both. But education must mean more than avoidance of offense. One purpose is surely to take the horrible, offensive things that populate reality and put them in a moral context to train our emotional and intellectual reactions to uncomfortable human failings. The greatest stories confront the worst of human nature with the best of the human spirit. We diminish their power by lowering the stakes. This means that true education always involves risk particularly the risk of giving offense. But students are not defiled by the existence of terrible words and ideas. They are defiled by the acceptance or normalization of those words and ideas. Which is precisely what To Kill a Mockingbird and all true education sets out to prevent. Read more from Michael Gerson's archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook . IF A person is to be judged by his enemies, George Soros can feel proud. Autocrats across Eastern Europe, including his native Hungary, as well as those from China to Egypt and many in between, have expressed fear and loathing and taken action against the civil society organizations that Mr. Soros has generously supported for three decades. Dictators do not like Mr. Soros at all, so it is good news that he has now contributed $18 billion of his fortune to his Open Society Foundations. The contributions, made in recent years but disclosed only this week, will make Open Society the second-largest philanthropic organization in the United States, behind the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Mr. Soros has now created a philanthropic superpower for liberal democracy. And none too soon. The past decade, in particular, has witnessed a rising tide of illiberalism across the globe. The Stanford University-Hoover Institution scholar Larry Diamond calls this the decade of democratic recession. From Presidents Xi Jinping of China and Vladimir Putin of Russia to Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, Abdel Fatah al-Sissi of Egypt, Hun Sen of Cambodia, Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela, Viktor Orban of Hungary and Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, government leaders have been aggressively rolling back democracy and human rights. They have used traditional coercion such as imprisoning innocent people for dissent or for expressing views freely in news and social media. They also have subverted freedom by staging "elections" that are rigged; funding news media that are not independent; labeling civil society organizations as "foreign agents" or spies; blocking access to the Internet; and other insidious and innovative techniques. Mr. Soros, who lived in Nazi-occupied Hungary as a boy, is at the forefront of pushing back against totalitarianism and authoritarianism, and his new commitment suggests that his foundations will sustain this mission for years to come. Mr. Soros was moved many years ago by the 1945 book by Karl Popper, "The Open Society and Its Enemies," written during the struggle against totalitarianism in World War II but holding lessons for today. Then as now, a healthy civil society the connections of free citizens to one another through the press, informal associations, advocacy organizations and otherwise is the bane of authoritarianism. Alas, even the richest foundations cannot fill the gap left when governments fail to act. This is salient and urgent now as President Trump turns his back on decades of U.S. support for democracy and human rights. Nothing compares to the persuasive power and overarching influence of the United States as the exponent of freedom. As former president George W. Bush said in an important address on Thursday, "For more than 70 years, the presidents of both parties believed that American security and prosperity were directly tied to the success of freedom in the world. And they knew that the success depended, in large part, on U.S. leadership." For all the positive works Mr. Soros envisions for his billions, it would be doubly good if the government of the United States were walking in tandem with him, and it is a tragedy that it is not. Columnist Obamacare repeal? Dead. Tax reform? Dead and demoted to tax cuts, now also on life support. Republicans may have unified control of government, but they seem curiously incapable of getting major agenda items through. Maybe its because Republicans have insisted on cutting out Democrats and doing things unilaterally. Or at least they had been until Thursday, when a bipartisan coalition of 24 senators signed onto a bill to patch up Obamacare. While President Trump and congressional Republican leadership remain skeptical about working with the enemy, this could be the start of a turnaround for the GOP. To be clear, "bipartisan" ideas are not necessarily "good" ideas. Sometimes a policy that both parties support turns out to be a huge mistake. As a political matter, though, it can be extremely useful for the majority party to get buy-in from the other side, for three reasons. First, it offers political cover to do necessary but unpopular things. If you actually want to reform and simplify the tax code, you have to close loopholes benefitting some constituents. If you want to cut rates without increasing deficits, you need to find money elsewhere, either through spending cuts or other tax increases. Which some affected group is going to be unhappy about. Likewise, if you want to wring money out of the health-care system, you likely have to inflict pain on someone, whether its patients, providers, insurers or drugmakers. In other words, despite what Trump may claim, few policy changes are really win-win. Theres almost always going to be at least one loser, who will likely be loud and angry. And if your party and your party alone takes ownership of these changes, that loud and angry loser is going to direct this rage at you. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) surely knows this. Its one reason he refused to work with President Barack Obama on almost any major policy initiative. That way, whenever bad things happened, Republicans could throw up their hands and proclaim: Dont blame us! And in fact Republicans said this all the time, even over bad stuff unrelated to any Democratic policy decisions. Now, surprisingly, McConnell has boxed in his own party in the exact same way. He declared his intention for Republicans to govern solo, both by crafting bills of major consequence in secret, without Democratic input, and by attempting to pass those bills through a process requiring zero Democratic votes. In so doing, hes forced Republicans to take the heat for every controversial decision Congress makes. No wonder, then, that the party appears to be giving up or watering down basically every major pay-for in their tax overhaul. These include the border-adjustment tax (remember that?) and full elimination of the state and local tax deduction. Republicans are similarly stuck with the blame for everything that goes wrong in the health-care system. A majority of Americans already say that Trump and congressional Republicans are responsible for any problems with Obamacare moving forward because they're the ones in charge, according to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll. And when the broader economy softens which it inevitably will Republicans will again get stuck holding the bag. Because they hogged the bag. Second, if Republicans worked with Democrats to find some middle ground and pass their initiatives through so-called regular order, the Grand Old Party wouldnt be so easily tripped up by hostage takers. Right now, Republican leadership is beholden to the craziest members of its own party. Someone such as Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) knows he can make unreasonable demands because McConnell cant afford defections. And of course giving in to fringe demands can cost leadership the votes of more moderate members of their caucus, a dynamic we saw during the Obamacare repeal efforts. Aiming for a bipartisan coalition of the middle 60 or so votes, instead of requiring the vote of nearly every Republican, would avoid giving undue power to any one legislator (crazy or otherwise). Finally, if the majority party successfully achieves meaningful support from the minority, its less likely that a major policy initiative would be undone or sabotaged when the balance of power shifts. That's a lesson the Democrats have of course learned with Obamacare, which passed along party lines (despite Obama's efforts to woo Republican votes). Presumably GOP leadership fears that working with Democrats on an Obamacare fix could leave Republicans vulnerable to being primaried from the right. But whats a bigger threat: some criticism for playing nice today or facing millions of uninsured Americans a few years from now? Michael Kagan is the director of the Immigration Clinic and the Edward M. Bernstein & Associates Childrens Rights Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has been escalating his rhetoric against immigrants, this time targeting asylum seekers and the lawyers and adjudicators who handle their cases. He's been particularly upset about a surge in asylum claims by Central Americans fleeing gang violence, which he thinks is a sign of "rampant abuse and fraud." Last month, he called unaccompanied children who flee from MS-13 and other gangs "wolves in sheep's clothing." I represent some of these supposed wolves as director of the immigration clinic at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. Our youngest client is 4. Based on my experience training law students to represent asylum seekers, mostly children from El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, Sessionss rhetoric against these immigrants is irresponsible, and his stance on how to deal with asylum seekers is morally untenable. Most of our clients are in middle or high school. But unlike most teenagers, they have seen family members and neighbors murdered; they have been threatened and extorted by gangs on their way to school; and some of them have been raped by gang members or told that they had to become the girlfriend of a gang member. In other words, they were on the verge of becoming sex slaves to criminals. So they fled north to the United States. The central question in an asylum case is whether the applicant has a well-founded fear of persecution. An applicant has to show they are genuinely in danger. There are certainly disputes as to how much risk each immigrant really faces. But thats not really the main problem with Central American asylum cases today, because no one disputes that gangs are genuine threats. Sessions himself described the MS-13 gang: "When we talk about MS-13 and the cartels, what do we mean? We mean criminal organizations that turn cities and suburbs into warzones, that rape and kill innocent citizens and who profit by smuggling poison and other human beings across our borders. Depravity and violence are their calling cards, including brutal machete attacks and beheadings." I agree. But under the law, the threat of brutal violence is not enough to win asylum. Immigrants must show that they are seeking protection from violence based on one of five reasons: race, religion, political opinion, nationality or membership in a particular social group. Central American asylum cases mostly fall in the last category, which is the most ambiguous. There is much confusion about what constitutes a particular social group, and courts have been inconsistent and legally incoherent on how these cases should be handled. In practice, that means many people fleeing from criminal groups can win asylum while others cannot. But who wins and who loses in the end does not correspond with which cases are most compelling based on a common sense of morality. We desperately need more clarity about what reasons for persecution should count. But I would suggest that the public start with a more fundamental question: Who cares? If a child is under attack, do we need to parse the reasons before we offer them protection? In every moral tradition, isnt protecting an innocent person especially a child a universal good? Sessions has been clear on how he would answer those questions: He wants to send MS-13's victims back to MS-13. In a speech to the agency that supervises immigration judges, Sessions said he wants judges to treat people harshly when they have the temerity to flee from a persecutor whose motivations are not on the official list of acceptable reasons to fear grave harm. In effect, hes asking judges to tell children that we know they will likely be killed or raped, just not for the right reason. I can only hope that this is not what most Americans would want if they heard these kids stories. We have clients whose terrified parents took them from house to house, hoping death threats would stop, until they finally sent their children north to the United States. We are trying to protect teenage girls who are raising babies conceived from sexual assaults. We represent teenage boys who saw neighbors murdered for resisting the gangs; and when the gangs came for them, they came to the United States for help. A Justice Department fact sheet says MS-13s motto is kill, rape, control. When our attorney general calls for the United States to turn its back on asylum seekers, we need to ask: What is our motto? When children in danger come to our doorstep, what do we say? Do we say, We would like to protect you, but we cannot? I hope thats not our answer. President Trump stated that he would not certify the 2015 Iran nuclear deal because Iran was "not living up to the spirit of the deal" ["Trump sets Iran pact conditions," front page, Oct. 14]. This was contrary to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's recognition that Iran is in "technical compliance," as well as the International Atomic Energy Agency's recognition that Iran is in compliance. Conservatives tend to support textualist jurisprudence, essentially arguing that one must adhere strictly to the text and not the intention or spirit of the law when interpreting a legal text. It is particularly interesting to see the Trump administration, whose only success to date has been the appointment of Neil M. Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, dismiss the nuclear deal because the Islamic republic is not living up to the spirit of the deal. Armin Tadayon, Chantilly Dorothy R. Novick is a pediatrician in Philadelphia. I dont want some spic doctor, I want the other lady! The patient was 6 years old. He leaned back on the chest of his father, who nodded silently and then agreed: He would feel more comfortable. My colleague, a physician-in-training who is from Colombia, stepped out and I took over. Patients refuse care based on health-care providers' ethnicity and religion so often that this phenomenon has been dubbed "medicine's open secret." A new poll shows that a majority of health-care professionals say they have faced prejudice from patients. In 2013, a nurse in Flint, Mich., sued a pediatric intensive care unit after it granted a request from a father to enter "no African American nurses" on his infant's care plan. Damon Tweedy, an African American psychiatrist, describes similar experiences in bruising detail throughout his memoir, "Black Man in a White Coat." And when Esther Choo, an Asian American emergency department physician, tweeted last month that white nationalists refused her care, she set off a Twitter storm of health-care providers responding with similar stories. Patients have the right to choose their own health-care providers. But two challenging questions emerge when a patient refuses care based on a providers religion or ethnicity. First, how do we balance the patient's right to determine his or her care with the provider's obligation to treat? Kimani Paul-Emile, professor of law and biomedical ethics at Fordham University, coauthored a practice guideline in the New England Journal of Medicine on this issue, recommending that if a patient is either medically unstable or has impaired cognition, the assigned professional is obliged to provide care. However, if the patient is medically stable and has decision-making capacity, the provider should attempt to negotiate, inform the patient that harmful speech is not allowed, offer transfer to a different facility and if all else fails, accommodate the request. This guideline and others ensure that we provide appropriate medical care to all patients regardless of their biases. Second, how should we as health-care providers productively discuss the harmful effects of prejudice with our patients? Many of us deal with racism the way we have been trained to deal with politics in the exam room, which is not at all. We wear stickers declaring I voted today, but never for which candidate. In November, I cared for a 10-year-old who was fighting in school over the results of the presidential election. I treated his scrapes and redirected the discussion to nonviolent strategies for anger management. We understand that engaging in political discourse can distract from medical treatment and sour the relationships we work so hard to build. However, by extrapolating this tenet to expressions of racial hatred, we miss a crucial opportunity for therapeutic intervention. When I treat racist patients but fail to adequately address the effect of their words and actions on my colleagues, I not only avoid teachable moments; I condone hate. Pediatricians are in a unique position to address harmful behaviors in children. We approach these behaviors the same way we approach strep throat overtly, with empathy, and based on all available evidence. We teach timeout for toddlers who bite and we role-play conflict resolution for school-age children who fight. When a long-term patient of mine was cruel to a smaller girl in her class, I accessed the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations for assessing and treating bullying. We strive to help our young patients become fulfilled, nonviolent members of their communities. But when it comes to racial intolerance, we are often at a loss. We have no training in the complexities of discussing racism in the exam room, no evidence-based guidelines or practical tools at our disposal. In my seven years of training and 14 years of continuing medical education, I have never encountered a teaching module on addressing racial intolerance in my patients. As Lachelle Dawn Weeks, chair of Harvard Medical School's Social Justice Committee, states: "Medical education has fallen short in modeling the dialogue between health care providers and patients about patient-held biases." As a result, we remain silent. We take an oath when we graduate medical school to care for all patients equally. Our oath prevents us from rejecting a patient based on his or her value system. But our oath does not compel us to look the other way. As a profession, we must learn to address racism as well as we address other harmful behaviors. We must teach ourselves and our trainees how to establish an open, empathic dialogue when we encounter racial intolerance in real-time. We must not omit racism from the myriad of societal ills we address as we fulfill our oath to provide treatment to all. THE SENATE late Thursday narrowly approved a budget plan that could cost the nation dearly. The goal is a massive tax cut with uncertain benefits for most Americans, in an economy that does not require the sort of short-term jolt that deficit-financed tax cuts are good for. The price tag is $1.5 trillion in new debt over 10 years. The bad news is that several Republicans who previously expressed deep concern about the country's shaky finances voted for the budget outline, clearing the way for this foolish plan. The good news is that they still have a chance to show that they are not irresponsible hypocrites. Thursday's vote was just the first step in a long process of hashing out exactly what the tax cut would look like and, therefore, how damaging it would be. This policy push began with a much better idea: real tax reform. Congress would cut tax rates particularly for corporations, which face a relatively high nominal rate but would recoup the revenue by closing tax loopholes and ending big tax breaks. Both sides of this plan would help the economy. Lowering corporate rates would make the United States a more attractive place to do business. Ending tax breaks would fight tax gaming by the wealthy and cut unneeded government interference in private decisions about where to invest money. The result would be a fairer and more efficient tax code, without adding a penny to the debt. Republicans and Democrats should be able to agree on such a policy. But as the plan has developed, Republicans have balked at doing the hard stuff that is, raising revenue. Instead of clipping their ambitions to reduce tax rates so that it continued to line up with their willingness to offset them, Republicans have steadily gravitated toward simply not paying for them. The Senate on Thursday put a number on its fiscal recklessness, giving itself permission to leave $1.5 trillion in tax cuts unpaid-for. Republicans respond that the way these numbers have to be officially counted makes them look worse than reality. The reasoning is complex, but the bottom line is simple: They want to use a budgeting gimmick that previous congresses have properly declined to exploit. The tax plans backers also argue that the cut will spur economic growth, which will eventually return more money to the Treasury than traditional budget calculations would suggest. The myth that tax cuts pay for themselves has been debunked by both economic theory and practical experience. While some dynamic effects are possible, they are hard to predict and certainly not as large as tax-cut enthusiasts claim. There is still time for reason to prevail. Before the Senate voted for fiscal irresponsibility, the House passed a budget plan calling for revenue-neutral tax reform. This concept must be revived as the action turns to congressional committees, which will fill in the crucial details which taxes will be cut, by how much, with which offsets. At the end of this process, the chambers must vote again on the whole package. The senators who surrendered to fiscal cowardice on Thursday will have one last chance to prove themselves responsible. Joseph Samuels is an Iraqi-born resident of Santa Monica, Calif. For more than 10 years, the United States has served as a gracious host to thousands of Iraqi Jewish artifacts discovered by the U.S. military in Saddam Hussein's intelligence headquarters during the Iraq War. The trove, which includes 2,700 books, Torah scrolls and prayer books, and thousands of documents dating to the 1500s, represents the lost history of a once thriving, two-millennia-old Jewish community in Iraq. Despite the U.S. governments valiant effort to preserve and restore this treasure, the State Department is preparing to return the artifacts to Iraq in September 2018 in accordance with an agreement made with the Iraqi government under the Obama administration. But these artifacts belong to the Iraqi-Jewish community and their descendants. Returning the trove to Iraq is tantamount to returning stolen treasure to a thief. President Trump and the State Department should do all that they can to prevent such an injustice. I was born in 1930 in Taht Al Takia , the Jewish quarter of the old city of Baghdad. Baghdad was my home, and Iraq was my country. But my sense of national identity was shattered when Muslim mobs looted and burned Jewish homes and businesses, murdering hundreds of Jewish men, women and children in the 1941 pogrom known as the Farhud. I was 10 years old. There was nowhere to run, and no country to take us in. After the failed Arab war against Israel in 1948, the Jews of Iraq and other Arab countries faced anti-Semitism and open hostility. We suffered arrest, torture, public execution and confiscation of property. The Iraqi-Jewish artifacts are a rare example of what was stolen from more than 850,000 Arab Jews and the historical Jewish presence that Arab regimes are attempting to erase. At present, there are only about 3,000 Jews living in Arab countries who are continuing our story. Decades later, the Baath Party, led by Hussein, looted and confiscated public and personal items from synagogues, Jewish schools and community properties. On May 6, 2003, the U.S. Army uncovered these artifacts hidden in a flooded basement of the Mukhabarat (Iraqi secret service) headquarters. With the approval of Iraqs provisional government, the U.S. military rescued the damaged items and brought them to this country. The U.S. government has since spent more than $3 million to restore the archive, exhibiting it across the country. The artifacts brought tears to my eyes when I first visited the collection at the Nixon Library. Its almost as if my lost history in Iraq came back to life. The hearts of the Iraqi Jewish community are filled with gratitude toward the heroic teams who rescued and restored this collection. Thanks to the United States, we have preserved these pieces of history for present and future generations. But Iraq has proven itself an unreliable custodian, and we fear these historical treasures could be lost forever. Trump has the chance to be remembered as the preserver of our history, just like Moses who brought the Hebrews from Egypt and kept their message alive for future generations. I implore the administration, on behalf of all Jews from Arab lands and our descendants, to keep our icons of history from being sent back to those who stole them from us. The proposed slag processing plant that Premier Industries LLC wants to build on 93 acres of land along Mill Creek Highway could soon reach a new milestone, albeit a small one. Representatives for the project will appear before Anacondas planning board Monday night, at which time theyll ask for a major development permit. Chas Ariss, planning director for Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, calls the development permit an intermediate milestone when given a spectrum of milestones. They still have to submit a full set of engineering plans and specifications for all the structures, said Ariss, noting that the company will need building permits in order to construct anything on the property. But if approved, the planning director said, the major development permit will inch the company one step closer to the construction phase of the project. In preparation for Monday nights public hearing, Ariss and his staff have reviewed preliminary site plans, including the estimated dimensions of buildings, the position and direction of lighting, plans for sewer and water, and progress on environmental and transportation permitting, among other items. For now, planning documents show, plans call for a main plant of 60,100 square feet, along with a warehouse, office, maintenance shop, and parking lot with 142 parking stalls. Similarly, information submitted to the Montana Department of Transportation estimates that the plant will have four shifts of 60 workers when functioning at maximum capacity, resulting in 240 employees traveling to and from the facility per day. Planning documents also show the project has so far been granted one permit from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality a general stormwater construction permit. The project is also anticipated to need permits for public water and air quality, which the company has not yet applied for, according to DEQ spokesperson Kristi Ponozzo. But what planning documents dont indicate is how many furnaces the company plans to open with and what kind of emissions are anticipated to come from Premiers process, which its backers have said will turn slag from Anacondas slag heaps into proppant, a material used to frack oil and natural gas, and pig iron. That information wont become available until theres an air quality permit in hand, the planning director said. As for Monday nights public hearing, Ariss said that he and his staff will recommend moving the permit to the next stage in the process to the planning board. Afterward, Ariss said, planning board members will make their own set of recommendations to the county commission, who gets the final say on the major development permit. At that juncture, Ariss said, plans on size and scope of the facility will be finalized and necessary permits with DEQ should be in the bag, caveats that he and his staff are recommending as conditions for approval. Meanwhile, Premier spokesperson Bob Kelly said Thursday that the major develop permit will allow the company to move forward with other permitting processes with state and local agencies. Nonetheless, a facility operating at maximum capacity remains a goal on the horizon. Kelly said that earthwork efforts at the site remain ongoing and that its still too early to tell when the construction phase will begin. Columnist Looking at photographs of the ruined, desolate streets of what was once the Islamic States capital of Raqqa is a reminder of the overwhelming, pitilessly effective military power of the United States. Perhaps it's a tribute to the inevitable nature of American force, once it's engaged, that the fall of Raqqa in Syria this week provoked so little public discussion. Commentators focused on whether President Trump had dissed the parents of America's fallen warriors, but they barely seemed to notice that our military has achieved a goal that three years ago seemed distant and uncertain. The heaps of rubble in Raqqa that once housed terrorists and torturers convey a bedrock lesson, as valid now as in 1945: Its a mistake to provoke the United States. It may take the country a while to respond to a threat, but once the machine of U.S. power is engaged, its relentless so long as the political will exists to sustain it. The Raqqa campaign is a reminder, too, of something we rarely see in these divisive days the continuity of U.S. commitments from the Obama administration to Trump. Truly, it was a shared enterprise. Trump deserves credit for accelerating the campaign against the Islamic State and giving commanders more authority. But the basic strategy and the will to resist the jihadists in the first place was President Barack Obamas. A secure and confident Trump would invite Obama to the White House to meet with commanders and troops returning from the battle. That would remind the world that the United States can keep its word across administrations. Trump, still anxious about his authority, seems incapable of such generosity. Thinking back to the beginning of this campaign is to recall how fragile it seemed at first. The Islamic State exploded in the summer of 2014, overrunning Mosul and racing like a firestorm across the Sunni regions of Syria and Iraq. The lines of defense buckled. The Kurdish capital of Irbil was in danger; so was Baghdad. As a condition of U.S. military involvement, Obama demanded a new government in Baghdad that would be less pro-Shiite sectarian and better able to win Sunni trust. He was right, and he got what he wanted in the replacement of Nouri al-Maliki as prime minister with Haider al-Abadi, who has had a steadier hand than Iraq-watchers initially predicted. When Obama announced his goal to "degrade and ultimately destroy" the Islamic State, it sounded like an obtuse and conditional war aim. And it didn't help that nobody agreed on a name for this enemy, variously called "ISIS," "ISIL" and "Daesh." The United States was hardly enthusiastic for the war after long, frustrating battles against Islamist insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan. But Obama pushed ahead. The campaign got off to a slow start. Tribes in Iraqs Euphrates Valley pleaded for U.S. aid that was initially slow to arrive. The Iraqi military was a mess until the U.S.-trained Counter-Terrorism Service began to display real combat power. But gradually, mostly invisibly, the battle turned: U.S. air power killed tens of thousands of recruits to the caliphate, obliterating anyone who raised a digital signal. The U.S. military said little about this harsh campaign, but Syrian and Iraqi fighters saw it, and people go with a winner. Watching this battle unfold during multiple visits to Iraq and Syria, I saw two factors that changed the tide. First, the United States found committed allies. The toughest fighters initially were Kurdish, the KDP and PUK peshmerga militias in Iraq, and the YPG in Syria. They stood their ground and fought and died. (This Kurdish loyalty is worth remembering now, in their time of trouble.) The anti-Islamic State alliance broadened as the Iraqi military got stronger, and the YPG recruited Sunnis into an expanded coalition dubbed the Syrian Democratic Forces. Victory came from marrying these committed fighters to Americas devastating firepower. The United States could dial in strikes from an array of platforms drones, fixed-wing aircraft, advanced artillery. The ruin of Raqqa makes it look like we just pounded everything, and the United States should make a self-critical accounting of civilian loss of life. Honesty about the wars human cost, and U.S. responsibility for mistakes made in the fog of battle, is the best bridge to the future. The problem with this campaign from the beginning was that our military dominance was patched on top of political quicksand. Thats still true. Obama never had a clear political strategy for creating a reformed, post-Islamic State Syria and Iraq; neither does Trump. Our military is supremely effective in its sphere, but the enduring problems of governance, it cannot solve. Twitter: @IgnatiusPost Read more from David Ignatius's archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. ONCE AGAIN, the courts have blocked President Trump's travel ban from going into effect. It is hard not to feel a sense of deja vu as the government promises for the third time to appeal the rulings halting the latest iteration of the president's order, watered down from his original "Muslim ban" but still equally pointless. Mr. Trump's third travel ban was set to go into effect on Wednesday, indefinitely limiting entry into the United States from Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Chad and North Korea, and denying entry to certain government officials from Venezuela. On Tuesday afternoon, a federal judge based in Hawaii stopped the ban from taking effect, with the exception of the provisions targeting Venezuela and North Korea. A federal judge in Maryland followed suit on Wednesday, blocking enforcement of the ban as applied to travelers with "bona fide" ties to the United States. The Hawaii court found that the revised order likely exceeded the president's power to enforce immigration policy, while the Maryland court ruled that the order violated constitutional protections against religious discrimination. There's a convincing case that the president's decision to permanently limit travel usurps congressional regulations on immigration. But the Maryland judge's ruling takes an aggressive stance in denying the government the deference typically granted by courts in national security cases. Despite the administration's promises that the Department of Homeland Security crafted the third ban using objective criteria, Mr. Trump's campaign-trail promises to implement a Muslim ban continue to haunt him in court. The Justice Department has promised to fight both decisions. It could make its case before either the circuit courts or the Supreme Court which just dismissed a suit against the second version of the travel ban last week, and will likely do so with another challenge at the end of October when the existing ban on refugee admissions expires. But why appeal? Just what is it that the government is battling so fiercely to defend? As both judges noted, the administration has failed to provide any evidence that nationality has anything to do with the security threat an individual poses. Analysis by David Bier of the Cato Institute shows that the list of countries included in the ban has little to do with the criteria ostensibly used by DHS to determine where increased vetting is needed. And the ban may actually have harmed security efforts by raising tensions between the United States and Chad, which withdrew hundreds of troops from the coalition battling terrorism in West Africa after reportedly being added to the ban over a lack of passport paper. The State Department is now working to patch the relationship. The policy alienates many while achieving nothing. It is close enough to the promised Muslim ban that the courts remain hostile to it, but diluted enough that the president no longer trumpets it as an achievement. The government might eventually eke out a victory before the Supreme Court. But at this point, what is there to salvage except for Mr. Trumps pride? The wisest move for the administration would be to let the ban fade away. Columnist Ken Burns and Lynn Novick's comprehensive documentary series on the Vietnam War is filled with the stories and voices of ordinary soldiers on all sides of the conflict. But the most tragic aspect of the tale, for me, was hearing President Lyndon B. Johnson on tape, before full U.S. engagement, admitting that the war could not be won. Johnson's dilemma is one that presidents dread facing and one that President Trump is bringing upon himself with North Korea and Iran. In May 1964, when the United States had fewer than 20,000 troops in Vietnam, serving as advisers and trainers, Johnson said to his national security adviser, McGeorge Bundy, "I just stayed awake last night thinking about this thing. . . . It just worries the hell out of me. I don't see what we can ever hope to get out of there with once we're committed. . . . I don't think that we can fight them 10,000 miles away from home and ever get anywhere in that area. I don't think it's worth fighting for, and I don't think we can get out." "I look at this sergeant of mine this morning," Johnson continued. "He's got six little old kids . . . What in the hell am I ordering him out there for? What the hell is Vietnam worth to me? . . . What is it worth to this country?" Johnson was asking all the right questions. He understood that Vietnam was not actually vital and that it could easily become a quagmire. And yet, he could never bring himself to the logical conclusion withdrawal. Like so many presidents before and after him, he could not see how he could admit failure. No president could do that. In another conversation, with his mentor from the Senate, Richard Russell, Johnson speculated that "they'd impeach a president, though, that'd run out [of Vietnam], wouldn't they?" And so, because the president of the United States could not think of a way to admit that the United States needed to reverse course, Johnson increased troop levels in Vietnam from fewer than 20,000 to more than 500,000, tearing apart Indochina, American society and his presidency. The example is dramatic, but it is generally true that in foreign policy, when the United States is confronted with a choice between backing down and doubling down, it follows the latter course. In two crucial arenas, North Korea and Iran, Trump has dramatically raised the risks for the United States, and for no good reason. Determined to seem tougher than his predecessor, he has set out maximalist positions on both countries. He wants a totally denuclearized North Korea and an Iran that stops making ballistic missiles and stops supporting proxy forces in countries such as Syria, Iraq and Yemen. There is a vanishingly small possibility that North Korea and Iran will simply capitulate because Washington demands it. And if they don't, what will Trump do? Will he back down or double down? And where will this escalation end? Trump seems to view international negotiations as he does business deals. He has to win. But there is one big difference. In the international arena, the other person also has to worry about domestic politics. He or she cannot appear to lose either. As a leading businessperson recently said to me, Trump is playing a two-person negotiation, thinking its just him and the other guy, two principals, making a deal, as in business. But actually there are people outside the room the two nations publics that place huge constraints on the negotiators. Its not a two-person game at all. For any international negotiation to succeed, there has to be some element of win-win. Otherwise, the other side simply will not be able to sell the deal back home. But Trump seems to believe above all that he must win and the other side must lose. A senior Mexican official told me that there would have been a way to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, even find a way to fund the border wall, "but Trump needed to allow us to also declare some kind of victory, give us some concessions. Instead he started out by humiliating us and made it impossible for [President Enrique] Pena Nieto to make a deal. After all, no Mexican government can be seen to simply surrender to Washington." Trumps way of negotiating might have worked in his past life, although there, too, many argue it was not the way to build a great reputation. But hes not doing real-estate deals anymore. The arena is different, the conditions are far more complex, and the stakes are higher astronomically higher. Read more from Fareed Zakaria's archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. Columnist One person who obviously didnt know what he was signing up for is President Trump. Others include Trump voters who believed they were electing a decent human being to be commander in chief. What Trump reportedly said to the grief-stricken widow of Sgt. La David T. Johnson, who gave his life for his country, is not some kind of minor miscue or media-fueled distraction. It speaks to the core issue of Trumps character and demonstrates, as clearly as any incident to date, his unfitness for the office he holds and dishonors. Johnson and three other U.S. soldiers Staff Sgt. Jeremiah "J.W." Johnson, Staff Sgt. Bryan C. Black and Staff Sgt. Dustin M. Wright were killed Oct. 4 in Niger, apparently ambushed by Islamic State-affiliated militants. Exactly what happened is unclear, and Congress should be as dogged in investigating these deaths as it was in probing Benghazi. For 12 days, Trump said nothing, not even a tweet, about the four Americans killed in action, and had no contact with the loved ones they had left behind. Pressed by reporters to explain his silence, Trump reacted by slandering his predecessors, especially President Barack Obama, falsely claiming that they, too, neglected to console the families of the fallen. Trump then placed a phone call to Myeshia Johnson, La David Johnsons widow. The truism better late than never is not always true. According to two people who overheard the call, Trump told Johnson that her husband "knew what he was signing up for" although his death must still be painful. One witness who confirms these were Trump's words is the woman who raised Johnson as a son, Cowanda Jones-Johnson. The other is Rep. Frederica S. Wilson (D-Fla.) , who was with the family when Trump called. Wilson was so dumbfounded and angry that she quickly called Trump out publicly for what he had said. Trump tweeted a denial and said he had "proof," but of course produced none. The president has shown himself to be such a liar that it's impossible to take his word over almost anyone else's. Wilson was furious because instead of lessening Myeshia Johnsons grief, Trump had deepened it. Surely that was not his intent. But mindless cruelty is still cruel. Offering succor to the families of service members killed in the line of duty is one of the most solemn exercises a president must undertake. It is a task requiring, above all, a sense of humility. "In the hope that it may be no intrusion upon the sacredness of your sorrow, I have ventured to address you this tribute to the memory of . . . your brave and early fallen child," Abraham Lincoln wrote to the parents of a deceased Union soldier. Unlike true leaders, however, Trump seems to associate humility with weakness. When confronted with an error, big or small, he never just says, Im sorry, I made a mistake, I apologize, and leaves it at that. He always seeks to deflect responsibility. Somebody else is really at fault. Others who came before him have done worse. Bad people in the media are treating him unfairly. Trump is a weak, narcissistic man in a job that requires strength and empathy. Im not sure that empathy is a concept he even understands. He acts as if he believes that feeling someone elses pain is strictly for losers, not winners. None of this is a surprise. We learned a lot about Trump during the campaign when he attacked the Khan family, who lost a son in Iraq, for having the temerity to criticize him politically. We have a president who believes that making the ultimate sacrifice for the nation is less important than supporting or opposing Trump. The Post reported Wednesday that earlier this year, Trump phoned the father of Army Sgt. Dillon Baldridge, who was killed June 10 in Afghanistan. In the course of the conversation, Trump offered to send the father a personal check for $25,000 but did not follow through. The check was finally sent this week only after The Post asked about it. Sadly, thats typical Trump. He makes a grand promise, which allows him to feel big and generous which is the whole point. Even in interactions with Gold Star families, its all about him. Later, having played the role of Trump the Munificent, he forgets about it and goes in search of the next opportunity to shore up his fragile ego. No one should expect him to grow in office. Hes 71. At that age, either you have compassion, self-knowledge and a conscience, or you dont. Read more from Eugene Robinson's archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. You can also join him Tuesdays at 1 p.m. for a live Q&A. THE DISRUPTIVE effects of ride-hailing services are apparently not limited to traditional taxi companies. In a new transportation study from the University of California at Davis, researchers confirm what many urban officials already suspected that bus and rail- system passengers are also being lured away by the ease and convenience of Uber and other such services. That's a worrying trend at a time when aging transit infrastructure is in desperate need of upgrades in a growing number of major cities. And it has prompted the nation's first proposal, by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel (D), to impose a fee dedicated to mass transit on ride-hailing trips. If approved by the City Council, the fee, which would reach 20 cents by 2019, would generate $20 million annually for the Chicago Transit Authority, which is facing enormous upcoming expenses for modernizing bus and subway services. The revenue is no game changer, but the concept makes sense and merits consideration in other cities, including Washington, one of seven metropolitan areas surveyed in the new study. (The others were Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Seattle.) The California researchers surveyed more than 2,000 people, including ride-hailing users and nonusers in those cities as well as their suburbs. They found that the new services are popular with wealthier and younger urban dwellers, and much less so with poorer and suburban ones. Moreover, their data suggested that half or more of all ride-hailing trips would not have been made at all, or would have been undertaken by foot, bicycle or transit, if not for the existence of services such as Uber or Lyft. That means the car services, rather than alleviating traffic and the pollution it produces, may in fact be adding to it another reason to ask ride-hailing companies to contribute something to help finance transit improvements. Ride-hailing firm officials dispute these findings, pointing to previous studies that reached different conclusions; the California survey may not be the last word. It's also true that ride-hailing services are not the only factor that may have drawn riders away from transit systems. Poor reliability and increasingly frequent breakdowns have certainly contributed to the exodus of subway passengers in the District, for instance, and low gas prices have also provided an inducement for luring people back to cars. Nonetheless, it would be folly to ignore the growing evidence undercutting what was once the common assumption that ride-hailing apps were an unalloyed boon that would alleviate congestion. If the extreme ease and relative comfort of services such as Uber are in fact generating traffic, then they are a mixed blessing and should be treated accordingly by policymakers. Mr. Emanuel appears to be acting on that theory, as well as on the idea that it is equitable to raise revenue from services such as Uber, which are used disproportionately by wealthier passengers, for the benefit of transit, which serves a mass clientele. That may not be the last word in the debate, but it seems informed by common sense. Columnist Fifty-five years ago today, President John F. Kennedy was navigating the treacherous tides of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Day Four found the young president meeting with his joint chiefs and Defense Secretary Robert McNamara to weigh military options against Cuba over the deployment of Soviet nuclear weapons there. Kennedy quickly concluded that any attack against the Soviet ally would paint the United States as "trigger happy" in the eyes of our allies and invite a Russian counterattack, striking West Berlin. JFK warned his national security team that such an attack "would leave me with only one alternative, which is to fire nuclear weapons." Because a nuclear response was not acceptable to Kennedy, military plans to strike Cuba were shelved. Five decades later, the United States again faces a nuclear showdown, but from another dystopian regime that has committed crimes against humanity to a degree that " does not have any parallel in the contemporary world." Those abuses, documented by the United Nations in 2014, targeted North Korean citizens. But it is now U.S. allies in South Korea and Japan facing the fallout from Kim Jong Un's unstable, Orwellian government. Like our Asian allies, Americans worry about escalating tensions between Washington and Pyongyang. Seven in 10 respondents told NBC/SurveyMonkey pollsters this month that they fear the country will be embroiled in major war during Donald Trump's presidency. A majority believe that military conflict will involve North Korea. Richard Haass, the president of the Council on Foreign Relations , tells me that another Korean war is more likely than most realize. And the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), has warned that President Trump's own erratic behavior could unwittingly pull the United States toward World War III. Sadly, the commander in chief's words and deeds only confirm the senator's bleak assessment. After his military briefing, Kennedy spent the rest of his day carrying on as if the Soviets and Americans were not engaged in nuclear brinkmanship. He left Washington for a scheduled campaign trip to Ohio and Illinois, stumping for candidates in the 1962 midterm elections. Kennedy offered no indication of the nuclear crisis consuming his White House. That discretion gave administration officials the space they needed to work furiously behind the scenes to defuse the most grave military crisis since the end of World War II. Trump, by contrast, has responded to the current nuclear conflict by publicly threatening to unleash "fire and fury" on North Korea. The president used his speech before the United Nations last month to launch personal attacks against North Korea's despotic leader. He even undercut his own secretary of state's attempt at quiet diplomacy, suggesting on Twitter that only a war would resolve the conflict. In every instance, Trumps radical rhetoric drew a predictably provocative reaction from a regime that treats its leader as a godlike figure. Perhaps that is something Trumps State Department might have warned the president about if Trump had a functioning State Department. But, of course, he does not. On Day Five of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Kennedy returned to Washington and feigned sickness so he could spend the day discreetly discussing options for ending the standoff. He would not inform the American people of the ongoing crisis until Oct. 22, 1962, when he told a television audience that "Our goal is not the victory of might, but the vindication of right. Not peace at the expense of freedom but both peace and freedom. . . . God willing, that goal will be achieved." That is the kind of White House address U.S. presidents once gave. A speech of hope, not hyperbole. A speech that sought peace instead of flirting with war. A speech seeking solutions instead of stirring up the anger of an embittered political base. But that's not what we've gotten, or can expect to get, from Trump. What else would Americans expect from a man who once asked a foreign policy adviser why the United States had nuclear weapons if they could not use them against countries such as North Korea? Those NBC/SurveyMonkey poll numbers, unfortunately, represent the informed judgment of the people. Trump voters ignored all the warnings, and most still refuse to entertain second thoughts. Until they do, the rest of the world will have to live with the consequences. Read more from Joe Scarborough's archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. Columnist In the run-up to Virginias 2014 Senate election, Republican Ed Gillespie trailed Sen. Mark Warner (D) by double digits in almost every single public poll. Gillespie knew the polls were wrong, but to the GOP establishment, Warner seemed invincible, and as Election Day approached, the party focused its resources on more winnable races (such as Scott Browns failed Senate campaign in New Hampshire). Two weeks before Election Day, Gillespie tried to get the GOP to kick in just $350,000 for ads and get-out-the-vote efforts, but his pleas fell on deaf ears. In the end, he lost not by double digits, or even single digits. He lost by just eight-tenths of a percentage point. As Larry Sabato explained, "Had outside Republican groups invested more than a pittance in Gillespie . . . he might be in the Senate today." Indeed, if Republicans had invested even a pittance just $350,000 it would almost certainly have put him over the top. The lesson should be clear: Dont underestimate Gillespie. Now Gillespie is running for governor, and just a few weeks ago, many were once again writing him off. An Oct. 3 Post-Schar School poll showed Gillespie trailing his opponent, Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam (D), by 13 points. Gillespie wasnt buying it. Im in a dead-heat race, within the margin of error, he tells me. Already, he's being proved right once again. An Oct. 17 Christopher Newport University poll showed Northam's lead had tightened to just 4 points. Then, a few days later, a Monmouth University poll showed Gillespie leading Northam by 1 point. Although his opponent maintained a 2-to-1 cash advantage over him through last month, Gillespie is closing the gap for two simple reasons. First, he is a tireless campaigner. Gillespie says that he has shaken 1 million hands and that his volunteers have knocked on 1 million doors. He attends every county fair and ethnic festival. Ive just flat outworked him, he says. Second, while Democrats and the media are trying to make the race a referendum on President Trump, Gillespie is focused on issues Virginians care about. He points out that in its story after the final gubernatorial debate, The Post reported that the candidates "never focused on the one name that has hung over the race from the start: Donald Trump." Gillespie says, "Well, it's only in The Post that Donald Trump hangs over this election. I never hear about him on the trail." A Roanoke College poll showed that "stopping Donald Trump" is the top priority for just 2 percent of the Virginia electorate, making it one of the least important issues for voters. What do voters care about? The No. 1 issue is the economy and jobs and Gillespie leads Northam on the issue, 41 percent to 29 percent. "What I hear about on the trail all the time is, what are you going to do about jobs for my kids so they can stay in Virginia? I don't want them to move to North Carolina or Tennessee or Texas or Florida," Gillespie says. He points out that "in five of the last six years our economic growth has been below 1 percent. And the only exception is when it got to 2 percent. We have for six straight years now been below the national GDP rate. For three years in a row, more people moved out of Virginia than into Virginia. That had never happened before." He has also focused on an issue that unites both law-and-order conservatives and Latino voters: MS-13 gang violence. People are concerned about MS-13 in Northern Virginia, and theyre worried about public safety, he says. And its in the Latino community itself where theres the most concern. They are most victimized by MS-13. Weve had eight MS-13-related murders in Northern Virginia since November. While Democrats maintain their maniacal focus on Trump, Gillespie has put forward 19 detailed policy proposals including the first across-the-board state income tax cut in 45 years, as well as plans to increase rural development, expand agricultural trade, address the opioid crisis, mitigate recurrent flooding, lower the cost of energy, improve education, reform the criminal-justice system and restore faith in state government. He ignores the gridlock in Washington and focuses on his plans for Virginia. Gillespie is following a proven model that has brought the GOP unprecedented success at the state level over the past decade. In 2008, there were just 21 Republican governors; today, there are 34, tying an all-time high for the party, and the GOP controls both the governor's mansions and legislatures in more than half the country. Republicans won this unparalleled control of state governments at a time when Barack Obama and Democrats were dominating on the national stage. They did it by ignoring Washington and offering up better ideas to improve the lives of citizens in their states. That is what Gillespie is doing in Virginia today, and it is why he can win. Lets hope that this time he does not come up $350,000 short of victory. Read more from Marc Thiessen's archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. Emily Yoffe is a contributing editor at the Atlantic. A few weeks ago, Harvey Weinstein was one of the most powerful men in Hollywood. Now he is a ruined mogul, accused of crude, sexually predatory behavior. Top officials at the Weinstein Company (soon to not be the Weinstein Company, or perhaps any company at all), including Weinstein's brother, Bob, say they had no idea what was going on for decades behind closed doors. Let's put aside for now the dubious credibility of these claims of ignorance. What is undeniably true is that Harvey Weinstein's abhorrent public behavior, toward men and women, in front of witnesses, should have forced his business partners to take serious action against him years ago. If they had, it's possible that many people would have been saved from his attacks, including the women he assaulted in private and the spectacular dissolution of the Weinstein Company wouldn't be a business school case study in how ignoring the bad acts of a key employee can wipe out the whole operation. Weinstein has physically assaulted multiple men Bob knows, because he was one of them. Harvey Weinstein berated, humiliated and threatened subordinates, colleagues and others in notorious spittle-flecked tirades. In a 2002 New Yorker profile, Ken Auletta described Weinstein as "a man with little self-control, whose tone of voice and whose body language can seem dangerous; at times, he appears about to burst with fury, his fists closed, his teeth clenched, his large head shaking as he loses the struggle to contain himself." Weinstein used his power and connections to intimidate and retaliate against anyone who dared to cross or try to expose him. He didn't just promote his own films, he also regularly leaked to the press damaging information about people who opposed him. Yes, Weinstein was a creative and marketing genius; he collected Oscar nominations with the same facility with which he collected victims. As long as he made hits, those in a position to stop him ignored, excused or denied what was going on. "He's known for this outrageous behavior," says Robert Sutton, a professor of organizational behavior at Stanford University and the author of "The No Asshole Rule," a book about destructive people in the workplace and how to deal with them. "People who are very powerful and profitable, as a society we give them permission to act that way, especially if they're rich." But there are inherent dangers in that license, especially for the companies that employ such people, and especially if they are high-ranking. The business professors and employment lawyers I spoke to all told me that Weinsteins public behavior was so aberrant that he put everything he built including Miramax, led by the Weinstein brothers until 2005, and the Weinstein Company, which they founded that same year in jeopardy. Even now, as high-ranking executives claim ignorance of Weinstein's sexual violations, no one's denying knowledge of his public physical assaults, which also reach back decades and follow a pattern. Producer Alan Brewer recounted to The Washington Post one episode from early in Weinstein's career, circa 1984. Weinstein became enraged when he couldn't locate Brewer for a few hours on the day before a premiere, and when Weinstein finally found him, as The Post reported, Weinstein "lunged at him and began punching him in the head, Brewer said; the skirmish tumbled into the corridor and then the elevator. By the time Brewer reached the street, intent on never associating with the Weinsteins again, he said, Harvey was pleading for him to stay." Journalist Rebecca Traister recently wrote for New York magazine about an encounter with Weinstein that she and her then-boyfriend, fellow journalist Andrew Goldman, had in 2000. The pair went to a book party Weinstein was hosting at a New York hotel, and Traister asked Weinstein about whether his studio was withholding a movie for political reasons. Weinstein began screaming epithets at her, and when Goldman tried to intervene, Weinstein pushed him down a set of steps and dragged him outside in a headlock. Dozens of photographers snapped away, but Traister wrote that no photos have ever surfaced. Although Weinstein appears to have regularly bullied his way toward effective damage control, his volatile temperament was widely known. The television series "Entourage," for instance, parodied his outbursts through a character called "Harvey Weingard." And this past week, the Wall Street Journal described a Weinstein Company executive conference gone bad: "In about 2011, after an argument over how to allocate the studio's resources between their respective movies, Harvey Weinstein punched his brother in the face in front of about a dozen other Weinstein Co. executives, knocking him to the ground, said two people who were present. 'I've been assaulted!' Bob yelled, according to those people. Bob, who was bloodied, wanted to press charges, but was talked out of it, according to a person familiar with the incident." Bob Weinstein recently recounted to the Hollywood Reporter what being his brother's partner was like: "Harvey was a bully, Harvey was arrogant, he treated people like s--- all the time. . . . I had to clean up for so many of his employee messes." But that clean-up, by Bob Weinstein's account, often involved telling people: "Leave. Leave, please leave." All the experts I consulted concurred that allowing workplace violence, and telling abused employees to get out, is the wrong corporate response. (Bob himself has been characterized by the Wall Street Journal as a volatile bully, if less abusive than his older brother.) Christine Porath, a business professor at Georgetown University and the author of "Mastering Civility: A Manifesto for the Workplace," says the costs of such leaders are enormous. Terrified employees don't perform well; turnover is constant and costly. Jennifer Drobac, a law professor at Indiana University who studies sexual harassment and corporate law, says a reaction like Bob Weinsteins to such incidents sends a message: Either the company endorses this behavior or they dont care. She notes that there are commonly accepted terms for the behaviors Harvey Weinstein openly engaged in at work physical assault, verbal harassment and threats and applying those labels makes clear just how derelict his companies were in not addressing what was going on. She said this neglect put everything associated with the Weinstein brand at serious risk of the kind of legal and reputational blowback that is happening now. I tell my law students, if you have a partnership, you need to be monitoring the behavior of your partners, Drobac says. You share liability. Philip Gordon, a Massachusetts employment lawyer, says that it is essential that companies aggressively address a pattern of public behavior like Weinsteins. You have an obligation to investigate, remediate and train to fix the problem, he says, adding that when its clear remediation wont work, then termination may be the only option. Gordon points out that calling in outside investigators to document Weinsteins behavior would have had another salutary result: Once they investigated the workplace violence, how could they not have turned up the sexual harassment? 1 of 30 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Harvey Weinsteins Hollywood in photos View Photos Scenes from the movie moguls career. Caption Scenes from the movie moguls career. Barbara Alper Buy Photo Wait 1 second to continue. Officers at Weinstein's companies maintain they just didn't know that for decades he used his position and enlisted subordinates to arrange for young women to be brought to hotel rooms, ostensibly for meetings, where he would appear in a bathrobe or naked and try to force them into sexual acts. These denials are no longer credible in light of the reporting by the New York Times, the New Yorker and others, which revealed internal discussions about payouts to victims of Weinstein's sexual predation. TMZ says it obtained Weinstein's 2015 employment contract, which stated that if the Weinstein Company had to pay settlements for his sexual or other misconduct, he must reimburse the company and pay an escalating set of fines: $1 million for the fourth and any subsequent instance. When I related this to Drobac, she said: Thats shocking. It demonstrates the company knew and was willing to sacrifice these targets for the profitability of the company. They were willing to have the predator indemnify his behavior and were willing to keep him within the company. The Weinstein Company put up with almost anything to keep its rainmaker. But Porath notes that such a leader can affect a businesss reputation. When the word gets out about rudeness and instability, people have a negative impression of the brand, and that affects customer loyalty. Indeed. In a few short weeks, Weinstein has performed an amazing brand turnaround. His eponymous company which experts say will probably have to be sold, even after it fired him no longer conjures an image of intelligent, engaging, independent films; it now indelibly stands for one of the biggest creeps to ever stalk Hollywood. Twitter: @EmilyYoffe Read more from Outlook and follow our updates on Facebook and Twitter. Minna. J. Kotkin is a professor of law at Brooklyn Law School who specializes in employment discrimination. A secret about sexual harassment on the job is finally coming to light. It's not that harassment is still rampant in some industries, recalling the worst of the "Mad Men" days. Or that networks of women quietly help to protect their co-workers from the worst offenders. The real secret is that our regulatory and judicial systems are complicit in protecting harassers from public exposure and opprobrium. Recent revelations about Bill O'Reilly, Roger Ailes and Harvey Weinstein show that they confidentially settled harassment claims in the millions of dollars over decades, using legal maneuvers to keep their conduct under the radar. How common is this? Since 1986, when the Supreme Court first recognized that sexual harassment is a form of discrimination, employers and their attorneys have generally insisted that victims who receive financial settlements as a result of harassment allegations sign confidentiality agreements. In my three decades of research and litigation on harassment claims, corporate officials have always insisted that unless settlements are confidential, firms will be overwhelmed by a deluge of accusations, with every disgruntled employee looking for a payout. A typical confidentiality clause prohibits the employee not only from revealing the amount paid to her but also from discussing the facts and allegations relating to the underlying events. Often, these clauses contain a liquidated damages provision: If the facts are revealed, the employee automatically owes the employer some astronomical sum. Liquidated damages generally include the amount paid in the settlement and sometimes much more, especially if the settlement amount was small. This keeps many victims of harassment from making their experiences known to others who might face the same dangers. In some instances, confidentiality clauses might protect an employee as well as her employer: Some women dont want it known that they have made a harassment complaint, believing that it will hamper their future career prospects. But, according to my research, most confidentiality clauses are one-way, preventing revelations about the employer; they dont address what can be said about the employee. It takes a savvy lawyer to negotiate a good reference and nondisclosure on the part of the employer also. One reason it takes so long for sexual discrimination cases to emerge is that these lawsuits are governed by a certain timeline. In 1998, the Supreme Court decided that an employee must first make an internal complaint and that employers must have policies to afford workers that opportunity. Many incidents are resolved at this stage, with financial compensation and a confidentiality agreement. These deals never become public, and there is no way of knowing just how many such agreements have been reached with a certain employer. If a victim and a company can't resolve their dispute, the next step for the employee is to file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the equivalent state or local agency in the District of Columbia, for example, this is the Office of Human Rights. Under the legal test known as "exhaustion of administrative remedies," this charge generally is a prerequisite to any court action. In 2016, the EEOC received almost 13,000 such claims, and probably at least that number were filed locally. The EEOC can be dreadfully slow in assessing these claims: As of the end of 2016, there were over 73,000 cases in the EEOC's backlog. While the government can bring court actions for employees, in 2016 the EEOC initiated only 46 cases under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. For the vast remainder of the claims, the EEOC only conducts investigations, which may result in mediation and conciliation efforts, or no action at all. That's not an unusual outcome. In 2016, the EEOC found that there was no probable cause to investigate further in the majority of the complaints filed. Except for its court filings (which may not name the harasser, since the action is against the company), the EEOC proceeds under guarantees of confidentiality. In fact, Title VII specifically mandates that the agency may not disclose to the public charges of employment discrimination or information about conciliation, with violations punished by fines up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to a year. This is why even now amid reports of millions of dollars in payouts we have no idea how many, if any, EEOC charges were filed against O'Reilly, Ailes or Weinstein. Eventually, often after a very long wait, the EEOC will inform the employee that it has either found probable cause or no cause to bring a case. If nothing is resolved at the EEOC level, the employee has the right to bring a lawsuit. Here for the first time in the process, allegations may become public, since federal and state court complaints and further proceedings are generally matters of public record. In fact, it was Gretchen Carlson's 2016 lawsuit against Ailes that set in motion the litany of revelations that led to his ouster. But despite the theoretical openness of court proceedings, much of what happens in litigation still remains secret. Less than 3 percent of employment discrimination cases go to trial, with a public verdict. Legal scholars and researchers estimate that close to 80 percent of the cases result in settlements, with the remainder dismissed before trial. Cases that settle are protected by confidentiality agreements, so we don't know what the terms look like. Another factor that contributes to secret settlements relates to how attorneys are paid for representing employees and the pressure they may place on their clients. Most employment lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis, receiving a percentage usually one-third of the settlement. When an employer offers a sum to make a case go away, it comes attached to a confidentiality clause; if the plaintiff refuses the clause, she gets nothing at all and neither does her lawyer. Ethical standards enforced by state bar associations and courts require that settlement decisions be made by clients, but attorneys who want to collect their fees have every incentive to steer their clients toward accepting the confidentiality clause. And retainer agreements often say an attorney may withdraw if a client unreasonably fails to accept a settlement offer. Some lawyers have been known to switch to an hourly fee if a client refuses a settlement, an ethically questionable tactic that can make it financially impossible for the employee to continue with her claim. Confidentiality agreements help protect serial harassers. But with public attention now focused on harassment, victims and their lawyers can shift the balance of power in settlement negotiations. They can agree with their lawyers at the outset that they will not accept a settlement that includes confidentiality just as defendants now claim that they will never settle without it. Plaintiffs must be equally assertive, especially once a court action is filed and the underlying facts are in the public record. If employers balk, they can always go to trial and take their chances in front of a jury. At the EEOC level, it will take congressional action to eliminate the secrecy of the proceedings. But now is a good time for civil rights and womens organizations to take up this battle. We need an agency database revealing exactly what claims have been filed against a particular employer and what the government found in each case: whether there was reasonable cause or no cause to believe there was discrimination. This kind of transparency would go a long way toward ensuring that employers put an end to harassment at the first sign of trouble. Twitter: @mkotkin Read more from Outlook and follow our updates on Facebook and Twitter. Kathryn Leehane is a writer and humorist living in the San Francisco Bay area. Several months after I reported my sexual assault to the police in 1996, the detective working my case called to tell me it was over. "Unfortunately, there's nothing more I can do," he said, as I gripped the phone and felt my body deflate. "Too much time has passed. For your own sake, I hope you are able to find closure . . . some other way." It had taken years for me to tell my story of a gropey teacher who showed me pornography to the police. And the well-meaning officer inadvertently confirmed what so many us who experience sexual assault have learned: We need to look elsewhere for resolution. We are on our own. I was a naive teenager when my teacher abused me in 1990, and the impact lingers decades later. Every day, I read stories in the news about sexual abuse on college campuses, within families, among famous athletes, in government, in Hollywood. One tragic common denominator in so many of these stories is how little happens to the perpetrators. Most sexual abusers never face jail time or punishment. Assaults go unreported for fear of retaliation or discount; only 33 percent of rapes and sexual assaults are reported to police, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Even when police apprehend abusers, the system is not designed to support victims. We are left to relive the horror, battle humiliation, face blame and endure loss of privacy in a way that victims of other crimes simply do not. The powerful find defenders, judges hand down lenient sentences, authorities decide not to pursue action, school administrators promise to look into allegations and never do. Just 38 percent of rapes that are reported result in an arrest and prosecution, compared with 62 percent of murders. Most of us never get justice, and in its absence, the broken system forces us to find our own resolution. I can still remember how the skin on the back of my neck prickled as my teacher recited the poem, his face so close I could feel his hot breath on my cheek. After the last word, his tongue lingered on his lips long enough to make me cringe. He smiled and raised one eyebrow. Now you. I whispered the first verse. Si yo fuera hombre . . . No, no. He put his arm around my shoulder. You must feel the longing here. He slid his hand down and lifted my hand to my left breast. You must feel the desire in your heart. My body frozen, his kept slithering around me. She is in love with the idea of being a man. She is excited about it. She is flirting with it. He raised my hand to his mouth and kissed it. Like she would a lover. Ill practice at home. See if I can do better next time. My words and my feet tripped out of his office. When I showed up the next week to practice for an upcoming poetry competition, the teacher greeted me with wide eyes and an illicit smile. I have something to show you. He slid a photograph across the desk. He put his right index finger over his mouth to indicate a secret and used his other to tap on the picture. It was a photograph of a woman standing in front of a flagstone fireplace wearing nothing except an open fur coat. I took the picture myself. He grinned. I scrambled out of the room. He shouldn't have shown that photo to me, right? I thought to myself. Should I tell the administration? Will they even believe me? All I knew was I didn't want to get in trouble or have my grades affected because I reported him. I buried my secret for a couple of years until my classmate Jane (not her real name) confessed to me in a flood of whispers that this same man had sexually assaulted her. When she told the administration, they scared her into taking back the story. It galvanized me. No longer attending the school, I wrote a letter to the new administration, detailing my experiences with the teacher. My hope for justice bloomed when the principal replied and asked for my permission to discuss the accusations with him. But after I gave my consent, that hope slowly withered over the next two years, as I heard nothing further and the teacher remained at the school. My fury smoldered. Not knowing if the administration had ever confronted him, I filed a police report. Maybe there would be justice for me or Jane, and perhaps I could help future victims by giving credence to their stories. [I went public about my sexual assault. Then the trolls came out.] Over the phone, the police sergeant calmed me with his supportive words and kind voice. He took my statement and asked for Janes contact information. He wanted to talk to her in order to file more serious charges against the teacher ones still within the statute of limitations. The officer wanted justice, too. Jane, however, didnt want to speak with him. She had moved on and wanted to erase those memories. I couldnt fault her, given the hell shed been through: assaulted by the teacher and then intimidated by the very people who should have supported her. Yet without her story, the officer said, the case was dead. And I was left once again to find my own way to heal. Finding peace means something different for every victim. It took Oprah Winfrey decades to understand that she was not at fault for the sexual abuse she endured as a child. Winfrey once interviewed child molesters hearing how they selected their victims helped her understand she was not to blame, which allowed her to finally heal. In lieu of justice, many of us try to protect others from our attackers and harassers. We create formal and informal ways of warning one another about certain men. We develop signals to alert other women of danger and circulate lists of men whose behavior crossed a line. After being sexually assaulted in college, Jess Ladd founded Callisto , a nonprofit organization that created a platform for students to document and report their sexual assaults in a supportive environment, in hopes of increasing the number of reports and identifying repeat offenders. We share our stories to heal and feel less alone. We post experiences on social media with #MeToo (and several years ago, #YesAllWomen) by the thousands to demonstrate how pervasive the epidemic is. After years of keeping her rape to herself, Lady Gaga now speaks candidly about it and channeled her experience into "Til It Happens to You ," a song she co-wrote for "The Hunting Ground," a documentary about sexual assaults on college campuses. "I'm here because when I look out onto the sea of beautiful young faces that I get to sing and dance for, I see a lot of people who have secrets that are killing them," Gaga has said. "We don't want you to keep your pain inside and let it rot like an old apple on your counter, you know?" [Saying me too isnt enough. Women have to stop excusing men.] We call ourselves survivors instead of victims to try to regain a little power over our narratives. Perhaps if our abusers were held accountable and punished, and if we werent questioned and blamed for our abuse, we might not feel the need to relabel ourselves. I couldnt let go of what had happened to me and Jane. I returned to the school administration, several years after I first sent my letter. In her office, the principal questioned me about the incidents and told me it was a serious accusation against the Teacher of the Year. Though I felt small and powerless, I provided the name of a witness, another student who had seen the illicit photograph. The principal told me she would contact the other student and warned me to be careful with my public words so as not to face a lawsuit. Though I followed up several times, I never heard whether she contacted the witness or confronted the teacher. Eventually, I lost hope for justice. The passing years, however, did not bring me peace. Two decades later, I still found myself thinking about the abuse. The scenes in the teachers office played on an endless loop, and I felt dirty, used, helpless. The images plagued me. The what-ifs haunted me. The injustice infuriated me. And the hashtags and the stories and the survivor language couldnt change that. My abuser recently died; his body succumbed to cancer. My skin prickled again upon hearing the news, but this time, as I breathed out, I felt a calm sweep over me. I would no longer need to carry this load. While mourners celebrated his life, I celebrated his death. Knowing hed never hurt anyone again was a gift, allowing me finally to find closure. outlook@washpost.com Read more from Outlook and follow our updates on Facebook and Twitter. Anne Applebaum is a Washington Post columnist, covering national politics and foreign policy, with a special focus on Europe and Russia. She is also a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and a professor of practice at the London School of Economics. She is a former member of The Washington Post's editorial board. In February 2014, men dressed in camouflage, driving armored trucks and carrying military-issue weapons emerged from the Russian military base in Sevastopol and began streaming across the Ukrainian province of Crimea. Within hours, they had occupied town halls and television stations. Within days, they had co-opted local thugs and criminals to create a provisional government. They held a tightly controlled referendum and announced that residents of the region wanted it to belong to Russia. While it unfolded, Russian spokesmen, journalists and Internet trolls deliberately cloaked the invasion in a thick cloud of falsehood. The annexation was described as a revolt against Nazis and fascists in Kiev who had staged a coup detat; in fact, Ukraines pro-Russian president had fled the country after ordering his troops to fire at people demonstrating against his increasingly corrupt and authoritarian rule. Russian President Vladimir Putin gave emotive speeches and announced the annexation of Crimea in March. A hyper-patriotic victory campaign lauding the acquisition of Krym nash our Crimea followed. Abroad, the push to control Crimea and the rest of eastern Ukraine raised alarms: This was the first time since 1945 that a European border had been altered by force. But inside Russia, it was a perfectly sensible course of events, consistent with nearly a century of Ukraine-phobia. Embedded deep within Russias national consciousness is a knowledge of Ukrainians thirst for autonomy, awareness of Ukraines unpredictability and an old fear that Ukrainian demands might spread to Russia. In 2014, Russian officials looked with horror at the young people waving European flags and calling for democracy in Kievs Maidan Square and were determined to make sure such a movement would never spread to Russia itself: A mass anti-corruption protest particularly one that ends with occupation of the dictators palace is what Russias corrupt oligarchs fear most. Putin witnessed exactly that kind of chaos as a young KGB officer in Dresden in 1989, when the fall of the Berlin Wall struck him as catastrophic. He now blames protests against him on foreign agents and Hillary Clinton. But the need to control Ukraine also has important roots in Russias historical memory, and the KGBs. Turbulence in Ukraine hits panic buttons, because anarchy in the Soviet Unions agricultural heartland has nearly destabilized Moscow more than once. Perhaps the best way to explain Putins paranoia and covetousness toward Kiev is this: Russia remembers those moments well. Russian unease about Ukraine goes back to the very beginning of the Soviet Union, in 1917, when the Ukrainians first tried to set up their own state. During the civil war that followed the revolutions in Moscow and Kiev, Ukrainian peasants radical, left wing and anti-Bolshevik all at once rejected the imposition of Soviet rule. They pushed out the Red Army and, for a time, had the upper hand. But in the anarchy that followed the Red Armys retreat, Polish armies as well as the Czarist White Army reentered Ukraine. One White general, Anton Denikin, crossed into Russia and came within 200 miles of Moscow, nearly ending the revolution before it really got underway. The Bolsheviks recovered but they were stunned. For years, they spoke obsessively of the cruel lesson of 1919. A decade later, in 1932, Stalin had cause to remember that lesson. That year, the Soviet Union was once again in turmoil, following his disastrous decision to collectivize agriculture. As famine began spreading, he became alarmed by news that Ukrainian Communist Party members were refusing to help Moscow requisition grain from starving Ukrainian peasants. I do not want to accept this plan. I will not complete this grain requisition plan, an informer reported one saying before he put his party card on the table and left the room. Stalin sent a blistering letter to his colleagues: The chief thing now is Ukraine. Things in Ukraine are terrible. . . . If we dont make an effort now to improve the situation in Ukraine, we may lose it. He recalled the Ukrainian national movement, and the Polish and White Army interventions. It was time, he declared, to make Ukraine a real fortress of the USSR, into a genuinely exemplary republic. To do so, harsher tactics were required: Lenin was right in saying that a person who does not have the courage to swim against the current when necessary cannot be a real Bolshevik leader. Those harsher tactics included the blacklisting of many Ukrainian towns and villages, which were forbidden from receiving manufactured goods and food. They also prohibited Ukrainian peasants from leaving the republic and set up roadblocks between villages and cities, preventing internal migration. Teams of activists arrived in Ukrainian villages and confiscated everything edible, not just wheat but potatoes, beets, squash, beans, peas, farm animals and even pets. They searched barns and closets, smashed open walls and ovens, looking for food. The result was a humanitarian catastrophe: At least 5 million people perished of hunger between 1931 and 1934 across the Soviet Union. Among them were nearly 4 million of 31 million Ukrainians, and they died not because of neglect or crop failure but because their food had been taken. The overall death rate was 13 percent, but it was as high as 50 percent in some provinces. Those who survived did so by eating grass and insects, frogs and toads, shoe leather and leaves. Hunger drove people to madness: Previously law-abiding people committed theft and murder in order to eat. There were incidents of cannibalism, which the police noted, recorded and sent to the authorities in Moscow, who never responded. (In acknowledgment of its scale, the famine of 1932-33 is known in Ukraine as the Holodomor, a word derived from the Ukrainian for hunger, holod, and for extermination, mor.) After the famine, Stalin launched a new wave of terror. Ukrainian writers, artists, historians, intellectuals anyone with a link to the nationalist governments or armies of 1917-1919 was arrested, sent to the Gulag or executed. His goal was no mystery: He wanted to crush the Ukrainian national movement and to ensure that Ukraine would never again rebel against the Soviet state. He spoke obsessively about loss of control because he knew that another Ukrainian uprising could thwart the Soviet project, not only by depriving the U.S.S.R. of grain but also by robbing it of legitimacy. Ukraine had been a Russian colony for centuries; the two cultures remained closely intertwined; the languages were closely related. If Ukraine rejected Soviet ideology and the Soviet system, Stalin feared that rejection could lead to the downfall of the whole Soviet Union. Ukrainian rebellion could inspire Georgians, Armenians or Tajiks. And if the Ukrainians could establish a more open, more tolerant state, or if they could orient themselves, as so many wanted, toward European culture and values, then why wouldnt many Russians want the same? Like Putin many decades later, the Bolsheviks went to great lengths to hide the true nature of their policy in Ukraine. During the civil war, they disguised their Red Army as a Soviet Ukrainian liberation movement. Stalin commissar of nationalities at the time created fake mini-states in Ukrainian provinces, designed to undermine the Ukrainian government in 1918, much like the Donetsk Peoples Republic seeks to undercut the Ukrainian government today. In the aftermath of the 1932-33 famine, a drastic information blackout was imposed. The deaths of millions were covered up and denied. It was illegal to mention the famine in public. Officials were told to alter the causes of death in public documents. In 1937, a Soviet census that revealed too many missing people in Ukraine and elsewhere was repressed; the heads of the census bureau were shot. Foreign journalists were pressured to conceal the famine, and with a few exceptions, most complied. Of course the parallels are not exact: Putins Russia is not Stalins Soviet Union. Still, more than 80 years after the famine and more than two decades after the collapse of the U.S.S.R., the relationship between Russia and Ukraine has come full circle. Once again, a Russian leader speaks obsessively about the loss of Ukraine. Once again, a regime based in Moscow sees the Ukrainian national movement as an existential, internal threat. And once again, Moscow has gone to extraordinary lengths to ward off the Ukrainian challenge. As in 1932, the constant talk of war and enemies in Ukraine remains useful to Russian leaders who cannot explain stagnant living standards or justify their own privileges, wealth and power. But history offers hope as well as tragedy. In the end, the famine failed: Ukraine was not destroyed. The terrorization of the Ukrainian elite failed, too: The Ukrainian language did not disappear. The desire for independence persisted, as did the desire for democracy, or a more just society, or a Ukrainian state that truly represented Ukrainians. When it became possible, Ukrainians expressed these desires. In 1991, they voted overwhelmingly for independence. Ukraine, as the national anthem proclaims, did not die. In the end, Stalin failed, too. A generation of Ukrainian intellectuals and politicians was murdered in the 1930s, but their legacy lived on. The national aspiration was revived in the 1960s; it continued underground in the 1970s and 1980s; it became open again in the 1990s. A new generation of Ukrainian intellectuals and activists appeared in the 2000s. If Putins Russia is not Stalins Soviet Union, modern Ukraine is not the Soviet Republic of Ukraine, either. It is a sovereign state, with its own civic leaders and its own politicians, its own media and its own army. Above all, Ukrainians can now write their history and decide for themselves if this cycle of violence will finally come to an end. Twitter: @anneapplebaum Read more from Outlook and follow our updates on Facebook and Twitter. Former president George W. Bush on Thursday delivered a rare political speech in which he warned of threats to American democracy and a decay of civic engagement, a message that was interpreted as a rebuke of President Trump's divisive leadership style. At a New York forum sponsored by his presidential center, Bush offered a blunt assessment of a political system corrupted by conspiracy theories and outright fabrication in which nationalism has been distorted into nativism. Weve seen our discourse degraded by casual cruelty, Bush said during a 16-minute address at The Spirit of Liberty event. Bullying and prejudice in our public life sets a national tone and provides permission for cruelty and bigotry. The only way to pass along civic values is to first live up to them. Bush did not mention Trump by name and former aides emphasized that his message echoed words he has spoken before. But the fact that a former president was sounding the alarm about American values and the United States role in the world at a time when Trump has unsettled allies abroad and provoked intense political backlash at home injected his remarks with greater urgency. The scene was remarkable in part because Bush has largely remained out of the political spotlight since leaving office amid low popularity in 2009 and had made a point not to criticize or second-guess his Democratic successor, Barack Obama. Just hours after Bush completed his speech, Obama also made a veiled critique of the Trump era, calling on Democrats at a New Jersey campaign event to send a message to the world that we are rejecting a politics of division, we are rejecting a politics of fear. Former president Barack Obama rallies with New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Murphy in Newark on Thursday. A previous version of this caption incorrectly identified the man with Barack Obama as Jim Murphy.) (Mark Makela/Reuters) That Trumps two most recent predecessors felt liberated, or perhaps compelled, to reenter the political arena in a manner that offered an implicit criticism of him is virtually unprecedented in modern politics, historians said. Trump has been harshly critical of both Bush and Obama calling each of them the worst president at one time or another and mercilessly mocked the 43rd presidents brother, Jeb Bush, during the 2016 Republican primary. George W. Bush was taking aim at Trumps roiling of the traditional institutions of the country and, in particular, demeaning the office of the president by a kind of crude or vulgar bashing of opponents, said Robert Dallek, a presidential historian and author. I think this is Bush throwing down the gauntlet and feeling that this is a man who has gone too far, Dallek said. The discretion former presidents traditionally afforded their successors is now sort of fading to the past because of the belligerence of Trump. Its not just the former presidents. Two days ago, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), while receiving the National Constitution Centers Liberty Medal, lambasted half-baked, spurious nationalism and suggested the United States was abandoning its leadership role, an approach the Vietnam War veteran and former prisoner of war called unpatriotic. McCain's critique prompted Trump to warn him to "be careful" because he is prepared to "fight back." The common thread among Bushs and McCains words was a defense of the post-World War II liberal order that America helped build which supported strong security alliances, a defense of human rights and an open economic system of free trade, said Richard Fontaine, who served on the National Security Council under Bush and was a foreign policy adviser to McCain. While Republicans and Democrats have disagreed over the means to achieve such objectives, Trump has opened a direct assault on many of these ideals, Fontaine said. The hallmark of McCains and Bushs speeches was to try to re-center us on what have been, since 1945, these traditional ends, said Fontaine, now the president of the Center for a New American Security. Before leaving office, Obama had said his goal was to remain out of the political spotlight in part to afford his successor the political space to govern, as Bush had done for him. He cautioned at the time, however, that he would speak out if he saw "core values" at risk. Since Trump took office, Obama has spoken out on occasion to defend his legacy against Trumps attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, unwind U.S. participation in the Paris climate accord and impose new limits on immigration. On Thursday, Obama returned to the campaign trail, stumping for Democratic gubernatorial candidates in New Jersey and Virginia. Though he was not as dire as Bush, Obama said in New Jersey that some of the politics we see now we thought we put that to bed. Thats folks looking 50 years back. Its the 21st century, not the 19th century. He also reminded his audience that you cant take this election or any election for granted. Pausing a beat, he added: I dont know if you all noticed that. Jennifer Psaki, who worked as White House communications director under Obama, said the unifying themes between Obama and Bush are humanity and empathy towards the American public. The two leaders are not weighing in on the political news of the day, she noted, but are instead speaking to the conduct, the empathy, the leadership qualities that the American public needs of someone in the Oval Office. Bush opened his remarks by speaking in both English and Spanish and noting that refugees from Afghanistan, China, North Korea and Venezuela were seated in the audience. This week, two federal judges temporarily enjoined Trump's travel ban on immigrants and refugees from several countries. Bush, who had unsuccessfully attempted to advance legislation that featured a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, later praised the forgotten dynamism that immigration has always brought to America. Bush also warned that "bigotry seems emboldened" in a passage that evoked the aftermath of the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville in August, which left a female counterprotester dead. Trump had drawn intense criticism from Democrats and some Republicans for failing to clearly and promptly denounce the hate groups and suggesting equivalence between protesters on both sides. Bigotry or white supremacy in any form is blasphemy against the American creed, Bush said in a line that drew the most applause. He paused and appeared to grin. On Twitter, as liberal and moderate pundits praised Bushs remarks, some far-right commentators mocked them by noting that many had lambasted Bushs record of lengthy wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Bushs aides had at times called on the public to rally around the president in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and suggested criticism of Bush was unpatriotic. Eliot Cohen, who served as a State Department counselor in the Bush administration, said those who consistently attack Bushs record as a way to delegitimize anything he says could wind up helping Trump continue to sow division by inadvertently validating his tactics. Politics are now about discrediting people by ad hominem attacks, not by argumentation, Cohen said. Those who opposed Bushs wars have a fair point of view, he said, but their constant demonization does help make it easier for Trump. Junk haulers take from items ruined by floodwaters at the Houston home of Rosie Alvarez, right. (Michael Stravato for The Washington Post) Sitting on Mary Maddox's back porch, which flooded with 22 inches of water when Hurricane Harvey hit nearly two months ago, is a Lady of the Night plant from Puerto Rico that a friend gave her. Ever since Hurricane Maria ravaged the island, she says, she has paused at the blooming plant when she passes it, rubbing a leaf and saying a prayer for those still without water or electricity. Often, the prayer is accompanied by frustration with President Trump, whom she voted for and who visited this neighborhood after Harvey. He really made me mad, said Maddox, 70, who accused Trump of trying to pit those on the mainland against Puerto Ricans, even though theyre all Americans. I dont know, said her husband, Fred Maddox, 75. I think hes trying. He continued: Its a problem, but they need to handle it. It shouldnt be up to us, really. I dont think so. Theyre sitting back, theyre taking the money, theyre taking a little under the table. Hes trying to wake them up: Do your job. Be responsible. The divide in the Maddox household is one playing out across the country, as those who voted for the president debate how much support the federal government should give Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory without a voting member of Congress that is not allowed to vote in presidential elections. Some supporters of the president, like Fred Maddox, agree with Trump that Puerto Ricos infrastructure was frail before the storm; that the crisis was worsened by a lack of leadership there; and that the federal government should limit its involvement in the rebuilding effort, which will likely cost billions of dollars. But others, like Mary Maddox, are appalled by how the president talks about Puerto Rico and say the United States has a moral obligation to take care of its citizens. [A tale of two Puerto Ricos: What Trump saw and what he didnt] A survey released last week by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that a majority of Americans believe that the federal government has been too slow to respond in Puerto Rico and that the island still isnt getting the help it needs. But the results largely broke along party lines: While nearly three-quarters of Democrats said the federal government isnt doing enough, almost three-quarters of Republicans said it is. It has been two months since Hurricane Harvey hit Texas and Gulf Coast states, and more than a month since Hurricane Maria slammed into Puerto Rico. On Oct. 3 two weeks after the storm Trump toured a neighborhood outside San Juan, Puerto Rico, and has repeatedly proclaimed, against much evidence, that his administration had a "tremendous" response to Maria. He gave his administration a "10" during a White House appearance with Puerto Rico's governor this week. "I think we did a fantastic job, and we're being given credit," he said. In fact, conditions remain dire throughout much of the island. Nearly 80 percent of Puerto Ricans still lack electricity, and 30 percent do not have access to clean drinking water. Here in the Maddoxes neighborhood of Sageglen, by contrast, life is slowly returning to normal. On Sept. 2, just after the storm, Trump briefly toured Sageglen a middle-class enclave on the southern edge of Houston and announced in a cul-de-sac piled with Sheetrock debris and trash bags: These are people that have done a fantastic job holding it together. Theres still a near-constant sound of construction in the neighborhood, which is filled with ranch-style and modest two-story homes. But there are no longer mountains of debris on the curbs, thanks to the local municipal utility district, which shared the cost of removal with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. There are brand-new cars sitting in several driveways, thanks to car-insurance companies quickly totaling flooded vehicles and local dealers offering flood deals. Those in the neighborhood without flood insurance were able to apply for and receive assistance from FEMA including the Maddoxes, who recently had $14,000 in federal money land in their checking account. [Lost weekend: How Trumps time at his golf club hurt the response to Maria] In the nearly two decades that the Maddoxes have lived in their ranch house on Sagelink Circle, they had seen no need for flood insurance. And, after recently helping one of their daughters pay legal fees for a divorce, the couples savings isnt what it once was. Im very appreciative to FEMA. I really, really am, said Mary Maddox, who has been married for more than 50 years and raised five children. I was just so excited when I saw that they loved us. They dont live deprived On a recent afternoon on nearby Sagelink Court, David Hogg stopped by the driveway of his neighbor Donna Ramirez, showing her the latest handful of screws he had collected from the cul-de-sac. Hogg and his wife, Patsy Hogg, have had flood insurance for decades after watching water come dangerously close to flooding the first floor of their two-story home soon after they moved to the neighborhood in the late 1970s. They now pay about $450 per year. David and Patsy Hogg, whose home was flooded by Tropical Storm Harvey and was visited by President Trump afterward, are living in the upstairs portion of their Houston home while the downstairs undergoes repairs funded by insurance money. (Michael Stravato for The Washington Post) Ramirez and her husband also said they thought that they had flood insurance on their home, which they bought a year ago, only to learn weeks after the storm that they did not. To Ramirez, the role of the government is to broadly coordinate relief efforts and ensure that insurance companies are fulfilling their obligations to policyholders, but that people should take personal responsibility for their property or look to churches or charities for assistance. Do other people think that other people should pay for me to fix my house? Because its not their fault that I flooded, said Ramirez, taking a break from sorting through soggy research documents in her garage. Ramirez, who describes herself as a throw-the-dice-type voter, said she reluctantly voted for Trump in November although her support deepened after meeting Trump in her cul-de-sac about a month ago. In person, hes totally different than on TV, and he gave us just such a feeling of confidence, like we werent forgotten about, said Ramirez, who has one grown daughter. He talked directly at a lot of people in the crowd, and his word for me was: Dont lose hope, youre going to be all right. [Trump threat to abandon Puerto Rico recover sparks a backlash] Ramirez worries that when the government makes money easily available after a natural disaster, theres an opportunity for corruption and a chance that some people will take more than they need. And she thinks that media coverage of the crisis in Puerto Rico has lacked context, especially in reporting that nearly all of the island is still without electricity. Guess what? Theres a big chunk of the population that lives without electricity all the time, Ramirez said, saying she was sharing the experiences of a friend who has family on the island. Hogg, 76, nodded his head in agreement: They never had it. Never had it. They dont live deprived, because its a beautiful environment, she continued. The weather is nice, the climate is good most of the time, so its different from here . . . It works there because of the climate. It wouldnt work here. About 96 percent of Puerto Rico's electricity customers had service before Maria made landfall, according to federal data; many of the rest had no power because of Hurricane Irma two weeks earlier. Ramirez said the government should encourage those living in the hardest-hit areas to move to the mainland, out of the direct path of hurricanes and into communities with more-reliable infrastructure. I object. I object. They should stay where they are and fix their own country up, Hogg responded softly, shaking his head, wrongly referring to the U.S. territory as a separate nation. No mercy Later in the day, as Hogg and his wife sat in their garage workshop, they again debated where the governments role starts and ends. Patsy Hogg said shes trying to figure out where, exactly, she stands. Shes worried about the ever-growing national debt, but she cant stand to see people suffer. Both are longtime Republicans, although lately they consider themselves first and foremost Trumpsters. Patsy Hogg described meeting the president and his wife, who gave her a hug, as a blessing from God. We love Trump, she said. We voted for him. We pray for him every day. The couple agrees that the president needs to be more careful with what he says on Twitter, especially when it comes to Puerto Rico. But David Hogg, a retired electrical engineer who once worked at NASA, also said that Puerto Ricans lack of responsibility is not an emergency on my part. The same goes for Texans without flood insurance, he said. [Desperate Puerto Ricans line up for water at a hazardous-waste site] His wife frowned, stared at him and asked: So you have no mercy? Uh-uh. No mercy, he said. They should do what I do: Spend the money, get insurance. Patsy Hogg said one of their friends at their Baptist church, a retired single woman, didnt have flood insurance when her two-story townhouse flooded and that FEMA quickly provided her with some money. I was glad that they did that. That made me feel good, Patsy Hogg said. Shes certainly not destitute, but Im just really glad that they did that. If thats my tax dollars at work, Im okay with that. She then came to her husbands defense: And hes not really as hardhearted as he sounds. He was very glad when he learned that they had given her money. The Maddoxes, who live in the next cul-de-sac over from the Hoggs, were away from home when Trump visited. They struggled to get back into the neighborhood until after his motorcade had left. The couple, both "cradle Catholics" and longtime Republicans, cannot remember a time when they disagreed about politics, like they do now. Mary Maddox has hit the point where she believes Trump needs to be impeached and replaced with someone who will unite and heal the country. "I get so disgusted," she said, sitting at her dining room table. "He is like a 13-year-old girl, tweeting and everything. I just want him to act his age and be nice to people and bring the country together. I voted for the man, but I'm just I want our country to be friendly." Fred Maddox, who is retired from inspecting commercial airline planes, says he doesn't agree with many of the things Trump flippantly says, but he still believes in the president and would vote for him again. He likes having a businessman in office, especially one who's not afraid to speak the painful truth even if that means publicly calling out Puerto Rican officials during a crisis. "It's time," he said, "we had someone in there to fight for us." Emily Guskin contributed to this report. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, left, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., right, speak with Sen. John McCain as they arrive to testify on Afghanistan before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Oct. 3. (Andrew Harnik/AP) The military is shifting its counterterrorism strategy to focus more on Africa, put decision-making authority in the hands of commanders in the field, and expand the ability to use lethal force against suspected terrorists, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told two senior members of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Friday. Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) told reporters that Mattis outlined the new rules of engagement during back-to-back briefings for Graham and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), chairman of the panel. Graham added that he supported Mattiss plans, and that the secretary had pledged to work more closely with lawmakers to keep them informed about expanding operations and newly identified threats for Congress to exercise oversight authority. The war is morphing, Graham said. Youre going to see more actions in Africa, not less; youre going to see more aggression by the United States toward our enemies, not less; youre going to have decisions being made not in the White House but out in the field. Graham said that other changes to the Pentagons counterterrorism policy would include the adoption of a status-based targeting system for suspected terrorists, meaning troops will be able to use lethal force against a suspected member of a terrorist organization even if that person does not pose an immediate threat. He said Mattis had informed them that the military would also be changing how it decides when to use ground troops and when troops should be deployed in more of an advisory role. The changes come as lawmakers have pressed the White House and Pentagon for details about what led to the Oct. 4 ambush in Niger in which four U.S. Special Forces soldiers were killed. Graham indicated that lawmakers are determined to learn what led to the soldiers deaths and whether they could have been prevented. The ambush occurred near Nigers border with Mali, where al-Qaedas North Africa branch has been battling both the government and a French-led coalition seeking to flush them from desert hideouts. Of specific concern is whether U.S. intelligence assets in the region failed to detect the existence of a threat to American personnel in the region. Graham said its too early to know for certain. In war you fail, you make mistakes and the whole goal is to learn from your mistakes and not repeat them, he said. The one thing I dont want to do is jump to conclusions. [McCain threatens to subpoena Trump aides for information on Niger attack that left 4 U.S. troops dead] McCain threatened Thursday to use a subpoena if necessary to compel information from the Trump administration. Mattis appeared on Capitol Hill a day after McCains warning. After meeting with McCain for about 15 minutes, Mattis told reporters that military investigators would provide him with information about the Niger attack as soon as they can, but he would not commit to a specific timeline about when more information would be available. As chairman of the Senate committee with primary oversight over the military, McCain argued, he must be better informed of such operations ahead of time. But it remained unclear what kind of operation the slain soldiers were involved in. The U.S. military does not have an active, direct combat mission in Niger, AFRICOM said in a statement Friday. It said about 800 military personnel there provide support to the U.S. Embassy in Niamey, the capital; and to support construction at what it called a temporary, expeditionary contingency being built at Agadez, in the middle of the country. The Washington Post reported in 2014 that the United States had received permission from the Niger government to construct a drone base near Agadez. AFRICOM, the command said in the statement, provides training and security assistance to the Nigerien Armed Forces, including support for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance to facilitate their efforts to target violent extremist organizations. Security operations, it said, are executed almost exclusively by partnered security forces. U.S. forces, Mattis said earlier this week, provide refueling, intelligence and surveillance support for more than 4,000 French troops. A permanent French air base is in Niamey. Trump, in a June letter to Congress listing overseas military operations under the War Powers Resolution, described the Niger deployments in similar terms, along with an additional 300 U.S. military personnel in neighboring Cameroon. Both missions were begun, and regularly reported to Congress, by the Obama administration. The frustrations McCain expressed toward the Pentagon went further than just Niger. After several critical statements earlier in the week, however, he struck a more conciliatory tone after his Friday meeting with Mattis, noting that they were "clearing up a lot" and "continu[ing] to try to improve our lines of communication." When asked, McCain said he would base his decision on subpoenaing the administration "on whether we get the witnesses or not." Mattis pledged to be forthcoming, saying "when the Senate and the House calls, they always show up, is my policy." "And I have the technology to make that happen," Mattis added. Part of the Pentagon's new order, Graham said, is a pledge from Mattis that the military will brief lawmakers more regularly on the status of operations and new designations of threats as they are being made. "I will insist, as the war expands and as the rules change to be more aggressive, that Congress is informed more often so that Congress can exercise our constitutional authority whether or not we want to authorize this operation through the appropriations process," Graham said. But he warned against trying to "rein in" the military's new strategy through any type of congressional action, guessing that the new rules would only intensify a debate over an authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) against the Islamic State that is expected to begin in coming days. Graham said that there would be a role for the intelligence community to play in particular in keeping Congress informed about the status of operations, through members of the intelligence committee. The chairman and ranking minority-party member of the Senate Armed Services Committee are ex officio members of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson are due back on Capitol Hill on Oct. 30 for a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee about whether the administration believes a new authorization for use of military force is necessary. According to Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), co-author with Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) of the Senate's most popular AUMF proposal, the Niger attack only accentuates the need for Congress to specifically authorize the military's operations against the Islamic State. "The many questions surrounding the death of American service members in Niger show the urgent need to have a public discussion about the current extent of our military operations around the world," Kaine said in a statement. "A new AUMF is not only legally necessary, it would also send an important message of resolve to the American public and our troops that we stand behind them in their mission." When asked, Mattis would not give his opinion on whether the Niger attack changed the debate about a new AUMF. But Graham was adamant Friday that it should not. "There'll be a lot of members of Congress who say, wait a minute, if you can go anywhere you want to go, you can kill anybody you want to kill, then we need to rein you in," Graham said. "That's not the way it works." "It's up to Congress to have oversight of these operations and if we don't like what they're doing then we can cut off funding," Graham said. He said that he expected McCain and Mattis to work out the frequency and conditions under which the Pentagon would brief Congress about ongoing operations under the expanded counterterrorism rules of engagement. Read more at PowerPost Karen DeYoung contributed to this report. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is taking up a long-awaited debate about authorizing military force against the Islamic State as President Trump comes under unprecedented public scrutiny for his treatment of dead soldiers families, following an ambush on troops helping to fight Islamic terrorists there. Senators will grill Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis in an open hearing on Oct. 30 about whether the administration thinks it is necessary for Congress to pass a new authorization for use of military force, or AUMF, to replace existing AUMFs that date back to the early years of the George W. Bush administration. The hearing is seen as a precursor to a more congressionally driven legislative effort to write an AUMF that can draw enough Republican and Democratic support to pass. Lawmakers have wrangled for years over whether or how to replace the existing 2001 AUMF, which authorized operations against al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and affiliated groups in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, and the 2002 AUMF, which allowed for operations in Iraq, with a new AUMF more focused on present-day and future threats particularly the Islamic State. Many members of Congress have charged that the existing AUMFs do not provide a firm legal basis for current operations, a view that both the Obama and Trump administrations have argued against. But the timing of this hearing has put an increased urgency behind the AUMF debate, as Congress and the nation demand answers about what led to the deaths of four U.S. Special Forces in Niger on a support mission to fight Islamic terrorists like the Islamic State. [Everything we know about the Niger attack that left 4 U.S. soldiers dead] The many questions surrounding the death of American service members in Niger show the urgent need to have a public discussion about the current extent of our military operations around the world, said Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), co-author with Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) of the AUMF proposal that has gained the most momentum in Congress. A new AUMF is not only legally necessary, it would also send an important message of resolve to the American public and our troops that we stand behind them in their mission. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), who in recent weeks has scathingly criticized Trump's tenure as commander in chief, has been promising to restart the AUMF debate for months. The Niger attack has now mired the Trump administration in further controversy, as Capitol Hill's top hawks demand to know why they were largely left in the dark about the operation. The Niger attack has also led to scrutiny about how Trump treats the families of fallen solders. It took 12 days for the president to place condolence calls to the soldier's families something Trump defended by arguing that President Barack Obama never called Trump's current chief of staff, Gen. John Kelly, when his son died in Afghanistan. When Trump did place the phone calls, he made the widow of one of the service members cry by telling her that her husband, Sgt. La David Johnson, "must have known what he signed up for," according to Florida Democratic Rep. Frederica S. Wilson. Trump has vehemently denied the conversation, and Kelly defended Trump's actions to reporters Thursday, speaking about his own personal tragedy with his son, something he has long tried to keep separate from politics. Read more at PowerPost Rep. Patrick J. Tiberi (R-Ohio), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, announced Thursday that he would leave Congress early next year to enter the private sector, jolting GOP leaders as they scramble to pass legislation to rewrite the U.S. tax code one of President Trumps signature campaign promises. Tiberis decision underscores the mounting challenge facing House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) in retaining veteran Republican lawmakers, many of whom have grown weary of the tumult and stumbles that have come to define the Trump era on Capitol Hill. It is with a humble and thankful heart that I will not be seeking reelection, Tiberi said in a statement. While I have not yet determined a final resignation date, I will be leaving Congress by January 31, 2018. Tiberi, 54, said he has accepted an offer to lead the Ohio Business Roundtable, a business advocacy group in Columbus. Tiberis decision to leave the House before the end of his term, which surprised colleagues and Ohio Republicans, is another rupture in the ongoing deliberations among congressional Republicans over tax policy. As a senior member of the Houses tax-writing committee, Tiberi is positioned to exert significant influence over his partys tax overhaul, especially since its specific provisions are largely unwritten. But his willingness to leave the House by late January, perhaps amid an intense GOP push on taxes, raised questions about its fate. Tax reform was do or die before Pats decision to leave, and certainly is now, said former Minnesota congressman Vin Weber, who is close to Republican leaders. His departure isnt helpful. Hes a good guy, a smart guy. Others in the GOP orbit said Tiberi is a major player but not central to the chances of tax legislation. I actually feel more optimistic today than I did two weeks ago, said Heritage Foundation senior fellow Stephen Moore, referring to the GOPs movement toward passing a budget this week, which includes instructions for the expected tax legislation. Its going to be a heavy lift, for sure, when you take on the swamp creatures. But in the end, Republicans finally get the consequences of not passing tax reform would be catastrophic for the party, and they could be wiped out in 2018, Moore said. The Ohio congressman joins a growing crowd of leadership-friendly Republicans who are leaving Congress. Reps. David Reichert (R-Wash.), Charlie Dent (R-Pa.) and David Trott (R-Mich.), among others, have already announced they will not seek reelection. Dent said in an interview that more mainstream Republicans may do the same later this year, driven by their unease with the chaotic political environment in Washington. Do I think there will be more? Yes. Am I prepared to say itll be an avalanche? No. But I do think there will be more retirements, Dent said. Since Trump, we spend much of our time now just responding to the tweet of the day or the latest outrage. Its really distracting from accomplishing our legislative agenda. Dent added: Do you really want to spend next year explaining whats going on here? I know I dont. Tiberi was elected to the House in 2000 after working as a real estate agent and serving in Ohios state legislature. The New York Times first reported his decision to step down. According to two friends of Tiberi, who requested anonymity to speak candidly, the Ohioan was motivated to leave by his desire to spend more time with his wife and four daughters, make more money, and escape the daily drama of Congress. Tiberi has also voiced private frustrations about his political future, following a failed bid to chair the Ways and Means Committee in 2015 and flirtations this year with a run for statewide office next year that have not panned out, even though the congressman has more than $6 million in his campaign account, the friends said. Tiberis seat in Ohios 12th Congressional District is in central Ohio and includes suburban communities near Columbus. Seen as reliably Republican, it was once held by Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) and has not been held by a Democrat in decades. Many local GOP figures said Thursday that they would probably seek the partys nomination. Meredith Kelly, a spokeswoman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said Democrats will be in the fight if party leaders decide this district gets us closer to that goal of retaking the House majority. During Ohio Republican John A. Boehners tenure as House speaker, Tiberi was well known at the Capitol as a trusted friend and one of his lieutenants. At times, when members wanted to get a message to Boehner, they huddled with Tiberi. Ryan, too, sees Tiberi as an ally. Patrick J. Tiberi has brought great decency and relentless passion to this House, Ryan said in a statement. For me, personally, Pat is a dear friend whose thoughtfulness I cherish. Read more at PowerPost Have North Korea's nuclear tests become so big that they have altered the geological structure of the land? Some analysts now see signs that Mount Mantap, the 7,200-foot-high peak under which North Korea detonates its nuclear bombs, is suffering from "tired mountain syndrome." The mountain visibly shifted during the last nuclear test, an enormous detonation that was recorded as a 6.3-magnitude earthquake in North Koreas northeast. Since then, the area, which is not known for natural seismic activity, has had three more quakes. What we are seeing from North Korea looks like some kind of stress in the ground, said Paul G. Richards, a seismologist at Columbia Universitys Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. In that part of the world, there were stresses in the ground, but the explosions have shaken them up. Chinese scientists already have warned that further nuclear tests could cause the mountain to collapse and release the radiation from the blast. North Korea has conducted six nuclear tests since 2006, all of them in tunnels burrowed deep under Mount Mantap at a site known as the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility. Intelligence analysts and experts alike use satellite imagery to keep close track of movement at the three entrances to the tunnels for signals that a test might be coming. After the latest nuclear test, on Sept. 3, Kim Jong Uns regime claimed that it had set off a hydrogen bomb and that it had been a perfect success. The regime is known for brazen exaggeration, but analysts and many government officials said the size of the earthquake that the test generated suggested that North Korea had detonated a thermonuclear device at least 17 times the size of the U.S. bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. It registered as an artificial 6.3-magnitude earthquake, so big that it shook houses in northeastern China. Eight minutes later, there was a 4.1-magnitude earthquake that appeared to be a tunnel collapsing at the site. [In latest test, North Korea detonates its most powerful nuclear device yet ] Images captured by Airbus, a space technology company that makes Earth-observation satellites, showed the mountain literally moving during the test. An 85-acre area on the peak of Mount Mantap visibly subsided during the explosion, an indication of both the size of the blast and the weakness of the mountain. Since that day, there have been three much smaller quakes at the site, in the 2- to 3-magnitude range, each of them prompting fears that North Korea had conducted another nuclear test that perhaps had gone wrong. But they all turned out to be natural. That has analysts Frank V. Pabian and Jack Liu wondering if Mount Mantap is suffering from tired mountain syndrome, a diagnosis previously applied to the Soviet Unions atomic test sites. "The underground detonation of nuclear explosions considerably alters the properties of the rock mass," Vitaly V. Adushkin and William Leith wrote in a report on the Soviet tests for the United States Geological Survey in 2001. This leads to fracturing and rocks breaking, as well as changes along tectonic faults. Earthquakes also occurred at the United States nuclear test site in Nevada after detonations there. The experience we had from the Nevada test site and decades of monitoring the Soviet Unions major test sites in Kazakhstan showed that after a very large nuclear explosion, several other significant things can happen, said Richards, the seismologist. This included cavities collapsing hours or even months later, he said. [ North Koreas last nuclear test was so strong it reshaped the mountain above ] Pabian and Liu said that the North Korean test site also seemed to be suffering. "Based on the severity of the initial blast, the post-test tremors, and the extent of observable surface disturbances, we have to assume that there must have been substantial damage to the existing tunnel network under Mount Mantap," they wrote in a report for the specialist North Korea website 38 North. But the degradation of the mountain does not necessarily mean that it would be abandoned as a test site just as the United States did not abandon the Nevada test site after earthquakes there, they said. Instead, the United States kept using the site until a nuclear test moratorium took effect in 1992. For that reason, analysts will continue to keep a close eye on the Punggye-ri site to see if North Korea starts excavating there again a sign of possible preparations for another test. The previous tests took place through the north portal to the underground tunnels, but even if those tunnels had collapsed, North Koreas nuclear scientists might still use tunnel complexes linked to the south and west portals, said Pabian and Liu. Chinese scientists have warned that another test under the mountain could lead to an environmental disaster. If the whole mountain caved in on itself, radiation could escape and drift across the region, said Wang Naiyan, former chairman of the China Nuclear Society and a senior researcher on Chinas nuclear weapons program. "We call it 'taking the roof off.' If the mountain collapses and the hole is exposed, it will let out many bad things," Wang told the South China Morning Post last month. [ North Korea nuclear test may have been twice as strong as first thought ] The recent seismic events have triggered another environmental concern, at least on the Internet: that the nuclear tests might trigger the eruption of Mount Paektu, an active volcano straddling the border between North Korea and China more than 80 miles away. The mountain has not experienced a major eruption for centuries, and its last small rumble was in 1903. But this scenario, experts say, is a stretch. Volcanic eruptions happen when molten rock flows into the magma chamber under the surface, said Colin Wilson, professor of volcanology at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. If an earthquake occurs when the magma is hot and, as Wilson puts it, ready to roll, it could trigger an eruption. But if the molten rock is not activated, then even a large earthquake wont cause a volcanic eruption. He cited the Tohoku earthquake in 2011, which had a magnitude of 9 but did not cause any of Japans many volcanoes to blow their top. Theres no point in kicking a dead horse, Wilson said. If the horse is up and ready, and you give it a slap on the bum, it will take off. But if its dead, even if you slap it, its not going anywhere. Read more: Sky high over North Korea a rare and dazzling 360 video of Pyongyang North Koreas leader boosts his familys power by promoting his younger sister Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Afghan policemen stand guard at the site of a suicide bomb attack near a Shiite mosque in Kabul on Sept. 29, 2017. (Noorullah Shirzada/AFP/Getty Images) Dozens of worshipers were killed Friday when suicide bombers struck two mosques in an escalation of violence in Afghanistan this week that has left at least 150 people dead. A suicide bomber detonated explosives inside a Shiite mosque on the southwestern fringe of the capital, killing 39 people among them women and children on a day in Afghanistan reserved for prayer and reflection. In addition, 45 people were wounded in the attack, which took place during evening prayers inside the Imam Zaman Mosque in the citys Dasht-e-Barchi neighborhood, an enclave of ethnic Hazaras. Some were transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition, officials said. It was a gruesome scene, an eyewitness who identified himself as Ramazan Ali told a local television station. Everyone was running away. In central Ghowr province, a suicide bomber attacked worshipers in a Sunni mosque, where a former Taliban commander who was inside was apparently the target, a local official said. Twenty people, including the former Taliban commander, died in the afternoon attack, local officials said. The bombings were the latest in a string of attacks this week that have killed an estimated 150 people in various Afghan provinces. Most of the attacks have targeted police compounds or military facilities. In addition, several attempted suicide bombings in Kabul have been foiled. The mosque attacks came a day after the end of the holy month of Muharram. The Kabul attack marks the sixth on a Shiite mosque this year, including one in Herat province in August that killed 31. Local news reports showed protesters gathered outside the Imam Zaman Mosque after the attack chanting Death to ISIS, a reference to the Islamic State terrorist group that has claimed responsibility for previous bombings on Shiite mosques. Read more Taliban attacks in Afghanistan kill more than 70 people Kabul police foil potentially massive suicide attack The war in Afghanistan, by the numbers Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Austrian foreign minister and chairman of the Austrian People's Party Sebastian Kurz arrives to deliver a statement after a meeting with the Austrian president in Vienna on Tuesday. (Alex Halada/AFP/Getty Images) A little over a century ago, the ancestors of modern Austrians were at the vanguard of religious liberty in Europe, giving their small Muslim community the same rights as Christians or Jews. Today, the much larger and rapidly growing Muslim population of Austria sees their country again setting the tone in Europe but this time in a far more ominous way. In Sunday's election, well over half the country's voters chose parties that defined themselves by their hard-line stances on immigration, integration and multiculturalism. The third-place finisher, the Freedom Party, campaigned on the proposition that Islam is incompatible with Austrian values and an existential threat to Europe. The leader of the vote-topping Peoples Party and Austrias likely next chancellor, 31-year-old Sebastian Kurz, doesnt go that far. But he has mimicked much of the Freedom Partys rhetoric, lashing out at Muslim kindergartens, calling for rescued migrants to be sent back to Africa and promising sharply reduced benefits for newcomers. Together, the two parties are expected to form a coalition government that leaders of the Austrian Muslim community see as a nightmare come true. This election result is something we feared, said Ramazan Demir, a Vienna-based imam and a leader of the Islamic Religious Community in Austria, an umbrella group. During the campaign we saw how populists created panic. Austrians voted for them for that reason. The Austrian results reflected anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiment that has been rising across Europe in recent years. But it has been especially pronounced in Austria, a country that hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers transited at the height of the European refugee crisis. Tens of thousands many of them Muslims fleeing war in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan settled in the central European nation. The newcomers added to a fast-growing Muslim community that represented just 4 percent of Austrias population as of 2001, but has now expanded to 8 percent or 700,000 people. Austria was long known for its relative openness to Muslims an outgrowth, analysts say, of a 1912 law that gave Islam official status in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and that remains on the books today, long after the empires collapse. In the 1960s and 70s, guest workers were recruited to Austria from Turkey and the Balkans. The country also welcomed significant numbers of Balkan refugees in the 1990s. But attitudes have hardened in recent years, with widespread perceptions that newcomers havent adequately integrated. Terrorist attacks in Europe and the departure of about 300 Austrian Muslims to Syria and Iraq to fight alongside the Islamic State have heightened concerns. Politicians have picked up on the fears, and exacerbated them. "They did their politics on the backs of Muslims," said Demir, who is Turkish-born. "There's never been this much Islamophobia in Austria." Peter Hajek, an expert on Austrian public opinion, said that after initially welcoming refugees in 2015, voters grew jaded and came to see the newcomers less as legitimate asylum seekers than as economic migrants. They also began to regard Muslims in general as suspect. They do not really differentiate between Muslims and Islamic extremists, he said. Nearly every Muslim seems to be dangerous. Kurz, more than any other mainstream politician, capitalized on those sentiments. On the campaign trail, he boasted that as foreign minister he had stopped the flow of asylum seekers along the Balkans route by closing Austrian borders. He has promised to force Europe to do the same with the central Mediterranean route, the main path by which migrants reach the continent today. Domestically, Kurz has championed changes to the countrys laws for Muslims, including a prohibition on foreign donations for Islamic institutions and a ban on women wearing full-face veils. He also caused a storm of controversy by commissioning a study on Islamic kindergartens, which have equal weight under Austrian law with other religious schools. The study found that the schools contribute to a parallel society, and Kurz frequently cited the findings on the campaign trail. But the studys methodology was widely questioned by academics, and Austrian media reported that Kurzs ministry had changed the findings to make them more politically advantageous. Kurz has consistently denied that charge, and his aides bristle at the notion that he has simply copied the language and policies of the far right. But they don't deny that he is responding to a genuine discomfort in Austrian society with multiculturalism. Most European populations dont want to become half-Afghan or half-Syrian or half-African, said a Kurz adviser, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak for the record. And you have to accept it. If you dont, well go to the extreme far right. But thats where some fear the country may be headed and the fears are hardly limited to Muslims. After the vote, the European Jewish Congress called on Kurz not to pick the Freedom Party, which was founded by a former SS officer, as his coalition partner. Europe in general and Austria in particular should know all too well where acceptance of populist and pernicious ideologies leads, the group said. But the overall reaction from European leaders was muted a stark contrast to 2000, when inclusion of the Freedom Party in an Austrian government triggered sanctions from fellow E.U. members. Muslim leaders in Austria, too, have been restrained in their public responses. There have been no major protests, and few sustained appeals for Kurz to choose a more centrist governing partner than the Freedom Party, which is led by Heinz-Christian Strache, a onetime neo-Nazi youth activist. For us, appealing to Kurz not to form a coalition with Strache doesnt even make sense because theyre the same, Demir said. But that doesnt mean there arent profound concerns. Omar al-Rawi, a Vienna city council member and one of the countrys most prominent Muslim politicians, said his chief worry is that Austria is looking more like its former partner in empire, Hungary. There, Prime Minister Viktor Orban has made xenophobia and bashing the European Union central to his agenda. We dont want an Orbanization of Austria, said al-Rawi, who was born in Baghdad and has lived in Austria for nearly four decades. Our city, our nation in general, its a beautiful place to live. Unfortunately, the climate is becoming rougher. Read more Austria turns sharply to the right in an election shaped by immigration Win or lose in Austrian vote, the far right triumphs as rivals back policies once deemed fringe How dirty campaigning and fake Facebook sites came to dominate the Austrian election Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news A message on a wall by the River Seine in Paris says, The Algerians were drowned here. It is a reference to the crushing of a demonstration by French police on the night of Oct. 17, 1961. (Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone/Getty Images) It ranks among the bloodiest acts of state repression against peaceful protesters in modern European history, but few remember the horror. On Oct. 17, 1961, in the final months of the Algerian war, thousands of pro-independence Algerian demonstrators marched through the graceful boulevards of the French capital. They were pushing for an end to a seemingly endless conflict and for a halt to the ghettoization that so many faced in metropolitan France. Neither was to be: French security forces quickly descended on the crowds in a murderous rampage, even throwing bodies into the River Seine when they had finished their work. Some historians estimate that police killed as many as 200 people. No one can say for sure. This year is not a special anniversary of the Paris massacre. But for some, especially in Frances predominantly Arab and Muslim communities, it is. The Algerian protesters killed in 1961 were ultimately attacked under an antecedent of the law that French President Emmanuel Macron has now, with certain revisions, made permanent: the state of emergency. For Arabs and Muslims in France, this law is a painful reminder of an even more painful past. Macron and his administration have billed these emergency powers, which allow administrative authorities to search and detain terrorism suspects without warrants, as the surest means of stopping the wave of terrorist violence that has claimed more than 230 lives in this country since the beginning of 2015. The measures have been in place since the day after the November 2015 attacks in Paris. Two weeks ago, the French Parliaments lower house voted, by an overwhelming majority, to extend many of the provisions indefinitely. [French Muslims enraged by passage of Macrons version of Patriot Act] But Frances state of emergency has a clear history that is fundamentally entwined with the nations colonial past and especially with the nightmare of that October night in 1961. In 1955, during the early stages of the Algerian war, the French government passed a law that would enable authorities to curb revolutionary insurrection. In a territory that ultimately grew to encompass all of metropolitan France, authorities could prevent suspected Algerian revolutionaries from congregating in public and exchanging ideas. By early October 1961, the emergency powers included a special nighttime curfew imposed only on Algerian workers, all of whom were French citizens at the time. It was partly this discrimination that so many gathered to protest on the night of Oct. 17. Strictly speaking, there was no "direct link" between the law itself and the attack on the Algerian protesters, said Sylvie Thenault, a prominent French historian of Algerian independence who has written on the state of emergency. That was the doing of Paris's police chief, Maurice Papon, the same man who, during World War II, had overseen the deportations of some 1,600 Bordeaux Jews to their deaths in Nazi concentration camps. He would rise to be a government minister in the late 1970s, but was convicted of crimes against humanity in 1998. There was a racist, discriminatory element to the law, but it had other dimensions to it as well, such as thwarting political opponents, Thenault said. On an extremely general level, however, you can say that the state of emergency did play a part in the exceptional measures that were used to single out and isolate Algerians. For Yasser Louati, a prominent French civil liberties activist, the history speaks for itself, and the current French government, by passing a version of this same law, has ultimately sent a clear message to the countrys sizable Arab and Muslim populations. As he put it: It means their lives dont mean much. This was the police killing murdering more civilians than in any country in the Western world since the Second World War, and thats true to this day, said Arun Kapil, a scholar of French colonial history who teaches at the Catholic University of Paris. And this happened in a Western democracy. As a point of comparison, at least 91 Jews were killed in the 1938 Kristallnacht assaults throughout Germany, and at least 155 students in the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, although other estimates place that figure much higher. Whats the difference between then and the situation today? Louati asked. No, we dont have people being killed in the streets anymore, but we do have thousands of raids being carried out without warrants, because people have been reported by their neighbors or their colleagues. Many Muslims perceive Frances war on terrorism as a crackdown on Muslims by another name. Statistics show some truth behind that perception. Since November 2015, French police have conducted approximately 4,000 home raids and have placed roughly 400 people under house arrest, according to statistics collected by Amnesty International. According to data compiled by the Collective Against Islamophobia in France (CCIF), an organization devoted to combating discrimination, about 25 percent of those house arrests have involved Muslims. That community is believed to account for no more than 10 percent of the total population. During the French presidential election in the spring, some in Frances Arab and Muslim communities saw a champion in Macron, who advocated in a contest that largely hinged on immigration principles of tolerance and cohesion. While his opponent, the far-right Marine Le Pen, railed against radical Islam, Macron went so far as to proclaim his countrys colonial past a crime against humanity. But the new presidents image is no longer quite that of a savior among those in Frances largest minority group, Louati said. Although his predecessor, Francois Hollande, shattered decades of government silence in 2012 by calling the Paris massacre a bloody repression, Macron has said nothing, even as he champions his new security bill. For Louati and others, the silence is deafening. The fact that he doesnt have the political spine to move beyond this law means that we will have to carry this burden into the future. Read more: France gave Weinstein its highest honor. Macron says hes taking it back. In landmark terrorism trial, France confronts roots of homegrown extremism French opposition protests Macrons new labor laws Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart are not well-known names in Europe, or even in Spain. But the two wield extraordinary influence in the tense drama now unfolding in restive Catalonia. Because in a few short hours, through their organizations and networks, with a tweet or a text, the activist duo can put 100,000 people on the street. It was this remarkable ability to stage some of the largest peaceful demonstrations in Europe and the power of their message promoting a democratic and independent Catalonia that steered the two toward an almost inevitable collision with the central government in Madrid. Sanchez and Cuixart, who both espouse nonviolence, are now sitting in jail cells at the Soto del Real prison in Madrid, held in preventive detention, without bail, on charges of sedition against the state, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years. They were arrested Monday as part of a government crackdown that seeks to stifle the secessionist movement in Catalonia. Spains prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, has called the independence movement and its leaders reckless, even dangerous, rebels. Their chaotic independence referendum earlier this month was deemed illegal by Rajoy and constitutional judges. Riot police were ordered to stop it, producing wild scenes beamed around the world of officers whipping citizens with rubber batons and dragging them away from ballot boxes. Lawmakers hold up posters reading: "Free Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart," leaders of the Catalan independence movement, during a parliamentary session at the Spanish parliament in Madrid, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017. (Francisco Seco/AP) [Chaotic referendum in Catalonia produces landslide for secession] The Spanish news media outside Catalonia has generally viewed the pair as skilled troublemakers, misguided at best, but worthy of respect because of their clout. Cuixart, 42, is a dashing figure who favors black leather jackets. A high school dropout, he is a self-made man who founded a successful business that exports packaging machinery. He leads the Catalan group Omnium Cultural, which backed the independence referendum. Sanchez, 53, looks like the rumpled university professor he is. He teaches at the University of Barcelona and is president of the Catalan National Assembly, which is not an elected body but a pro-independence group that boasts about 80,000 members. Sanchez is seen as especially effective. He is a professional agitator, a gladiator who doesnt rest, Spains El Mundo newspaper said. He has been insisting on Catalan independence for three years, from the political arena and from the streets, which is the place he feels most at home. Compared with Sanchez and Cuixart, regional politicians in Catalonia are amateurs at the art and science of mass mobilizations, according to the Spanish news media. The two alongside unions, student groups and an alphabet soup of Catalan political parties and civic organizations have been instrumental in producing vast crowds of demonstrators, who have turned out by the hundreds of thousands with flags and banners, chanting The streets are ours! and Let us vote! Protesters hold Catalan separatist flags, also known as Esteladas, during a candlelit vigil to demand the release of imprisoned separatist leaders Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart in Barcelona, Oct. 17, 2017. (Angel Garcia/Bloomberg) Their wives told The Washington Post that they had not been allowed to visit their husbands in prison but that they had spoken with them by telephone. The two men are housed in separate wings of the prison, so their communication with each other is limited. One of their associates joked that Sanchez and Cuixart are allowed to see each other in the prison chapel, so they have become more devout. Their wives say that the two men remain strong but that sedition is a serious charge at such a highly politicized moment. They worry that their husbands are being held hostage. [Spain threatens to take over Catalonias government] Catalonias regional president, Carles Puigdemont, who is pushing for independence, calls the two political prisoners. He said their incarceration is the shame of Europe. The lawyers cannot say how long, but they tell me, get ready, this could take time, said Susanna Barreda Cortiella, the wife of Jordi Sanchez. Barreda said her husband can be stubborn. When he commits to something, "he goes all the way," she said. "He never backs down." She recalled that as a young man, he refused compulsory military service. When offered alternatives to avoid punishment, he declined, Barreda said. She said he burns with a passion for an independent Catalonia. They went after them first, because its easier to arrest two civil society leaders than to jail elected officials or the chief of police, Barreda said. The showdown in Catalonia edged toward constitutional crisis this week, following the central governments announcement Thursday that it would move quickly to assert control of the autonomous region after its president refused to end his push for independence. Rajoy, the prime minister, will convene an emergency cabinet meeting Saturday to begin the unprecedented process of invoking Article 155 of Spains 1978 constitution, which would allow Madrid to seize control of the autonomous government in Catalonia, including its finances, public media and police. [What you need to know about Catalonias secession movement] The sedition charges against the two men arise from a Sept. 20 demonstration outside the Barcelona offices of the regional vice president and the Economic Ministry. Members of Spains Civil Guard police entered the building, arrested 14 employees and minor officials, and seized documents that authorities say were to be used to stage the illegal referendum. A demonstration quickly grew to many thousands and lasted for hours.According to witnesses and video, the protesters effectively blocked the Civil Guard officers, clad in riot gear, from leaving the building. The demonstration was peaceful, until some in the crowd began to cover the Civil Guard vehicles with pro-democracy stickers, then spray-painted them, finally smashing the windows and filling the interiors with trash At one point, Sanchez and Cuixart jumped on the roof of one of the cars and addressed the crowd, eventually urging them to leave the area peacefully. The leaders pride themselves on organizing mass protests that proceed down Barcelona's elegant streets without incident, their progress coordinated with regional police. So now my husband is in jail, and I feel sad for him, said Txell Bonet, Cuixarts wife. You might think my situation and my daily life is difficult, said Bonet, the mother of a 6-month-old. But I dont feel that. I feel when they arrest Jordi, the government is attacking everybody. This is an injustice we are all suffering. When people tell her how sorry they are, she said, she thinks, Just wait. They can come for you, too. [The myth of massive support for Catalan independence] The arrest of the two secessionists may give Spain a black eye in Europe, but so far the European leadership has backed Madrid, decrying the police violence but also insisting that the referendum was illegal and remains an internal affair. Pro-independence activists, overall, seem anxious about what happens next. But they think they will ultimately prevail. We have a big problem. Spain has a huge problem, Oriol Junqueras, vice president of the Catalan regional government, told The Post. He said the arrest of the two activists only stokes anger and bolsters the case for independence. Of course, they are political prisoners, he said. Theyve been jailed because of their acts in front of this very building where we are sitting, where they told the people to go home in peace. Junqueras said the two have been scrupulous and relentless in their message of nonviolence. At the end, officials like me dont matter so much, he said. What matters is what the people want. The people here will decide. Raul Gallego Abellan contributed to this report. Read more Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news When Kurdish forces recaptured the town of Sinjar from the Islamic State two years ago, the leader of Iraqs Kurdish region gave a triumphant speech on a mountainside, with a breathtaking view of plains behind him. Only the Kurdish flag would ever fly here, he pledged. But today, the Iraqi flag flutters in the town and across a swath of disputed territory in northern Iraq. The city of Kirkuk and the lucrative oil fields near it are now back in the hands of the federal government. Kurdish leader Masoud Barzanis decision to hold an independence referendum, despite furious Iraqi and regional objections, has backfired spectacularly. Instead of paving the way to statehood, or boosting the Kurds bargaining power in negotiations, it has triggered a humiliating reversal of fortunes for Iraqs Kurds. Even as the United States joined the chorus of protestations, Barzani pushed ahead. But while the region united in its desire to curtail Kurdish ambitions, the Kurds themselves were divided, first spatting over whether to hold the vote and later split on how to deal with the fallout. Now the rift has grown wider still, with Barzani blaming the loss of Kirkuk on a deal cut by a wing of Kurdistans other main party to allow Iraqi troops to enter. Iraqi forces advanced toward Kirkuk on Oct. 16 and seized its governor's office, key military sites and an oil field. A banner to the side of the road bears a portrait of Kurdish regional president Masoud Barzani. (Ahmad Al-Rubaye/AFP/Getty Images) But the Kurds overwhelming endorsement of independence had pressured Baghdad to reassert its control. It was a miscalculation, said Mahmoud Osman, a veteran Kurdish politician who was the main negotiator on the regions autonomy agreement with Baghdad in 1970 after nearly a decade of revolt, led by Barzanis father, against the central government. Osman said he warned Barzani in a meeting after the date for the vote was set that the population would only be disappointed because there was no way of attaining independence amid the regional objections. He was definite that it should be done and could be done, and its good, and a new situation would arise and they would deal with it, said Osman, a longtime confident of the Barzani family. Maybe he thought America would be different, maybe he thought Iran and Turkey would not be as bad. Maybe he got different reports from his advisers. His evaluation of the situation was different. Turkey, Iran and Syria were deeply concerned that the vote would fan secessionist sentiment among their own Kurdish populations. Along with Baghdad, they have the power to completely besiege the landlocked region economically. Why Barzani was so keen to push forward without laying the groundwork is anyones guess, Osman said. [Iraqi forces move deeper into Kurdish-held areas, redrawing political map] Barzanis opponents say he needed to bolster his popularity. In 2013, the regional parliament had extended his eight-year term by two years. But elections still havent been held, and the regions electoral commission said the new developments have halted preparations for a vote due in November. Barzani had said he wouldnt run for reelection. This was a last, desperate attempt by the Kurdish leader to reclaim legitimacy by playing the independence card, said a Kurdish politician from neither main party who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was criticizing the leadership. Osman said he thought Barzani believed the vote would add to Kurdistans negotiating power with Baghdad and the region. Its the opposite, he said. He thought about the best possible outcome, but not the worst. Officials from Barzanis Kurdistan Democratic Party counter that Baghdads actions were inevitable. When Iraqi forces collapsed en masse in the face of the Islamic States rampage across northern Iraq in 2014, Kurdistans government took full control of Kirkuk and the oil fields surrounding it, which pump more than half a million barrels a day. It gradually won other towns and villages back from the militants, expanding the regions borders. The land grab meant that even before the referendum, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi was under pressure to curb Kurdish expansionism. I think what the referendum did do was maybe accelerate Baghdads action, said one KDP official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the topic is sensitive. The State Department said it strongly opposed the vote. For the United States, it would politically weaken Abadi, another of its key allies, ahead of elections next year. The Trump administration attempted to give the Kurdish leadership a face-saving way to postpone the referendum. In exchange, one U.S. official said, the Kurds would receive letters from the United States and Britain promising to facilitate and support the Kurds negotiations with Baghdad. The U.S. offer said that if negotiations with Baghdad had not progressed after two years, the United States would recognize the need for a referendum. Saadi Pira, a spokesman for the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party (PUK), the main opposition party to Barzanis, said he had just returned from Baghdad when a draft letter from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was floated. Gauging the level of opposition to the vote in the capital, he said members of his party told Barzani that they supported the U.S. initiative, though some wanted stronger wording in the letter. But Barzani said that if the PUK didnt back the referendum, he would hold the vote in KDP-controlled areas anyway, Pira said. That would cause an untenable rift in the region, Pira added. Hemin Hawrami, an adviser to the president, said that the allegation that Barzani had threatened to go ahead without the PUK was disinformation and that all parties were behind the decision to hold a referendum. The KDP official said the American initiative was hollow. They were promising things that they couldnt implement because there would be opposition in Baghdad, he said. Whats the point? Weve seen this play out so many times before. The text of the letter was never agreed upon. Two U.S. officials said Tillerson never sent a letter to Barzani but did not deny that a draft was written. There were certainly deliberations between Baghdad and Washington and other allies over potential ways forward, one said. Iranian efforts to intervene also failed. Qasem Soleimani, Irans military point man in Iraq, traveled to the Iraqi Kurdistan capital of Irbil before the referendum to persuade Barzani to stand down, Osman said. The vote went ahead, with euphoric celebrations in the streets of Irbil and other Kurdish cities. It was a mistake, a big mistake, very big, Pira said. At that time we started to negotiate to speak with the framework of logic. Now the war machinery has started to speak. During the visit to Baghdad, Abadi offered concessions, including rights over airspace, in exchange for dropping the vote. Barzanis camp countered that the mistake a monumental betrayal, the KDP official said came from members of Piras party, and that what unfolded was firmly their responsibility. [Sensationalized news is fueling tension over areas disputed between Iraqis and Kurds] As Iraqi forces massed on Kirkuk's border this month, an emergency meeting was held in the lakeside city of Dokan. Iraqi President Fouad Massoum, from the PUK party, presented a deal that would allow Iraqi troops into Kirkuk, according to one attendee, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a private meeting. Barzani left in a fury. At a joint news conference after the meeting, the two Kurdish parties said they were united and wouldnt negotiate unilaterally. But the deal had already been done. Speaking in a phone interview immediately afterward, Mala Bakhtiyar, a PUK official, said a deal for troops to enter had been forwarded to Baghdad through a broker that he declined to name, saying it had KDP approval, a charge the party vehemently denies. It was raised as an option but not agreed to, the official in Barzanis party said. They promised they hadnt made a deal with the Iraqis. Much of the leadership of the PUK was not even informed, Pira said. Pira said some members of his party, dubbed the Friends of Kirkuk and led by the son and widow of recently deceased former president Jalal Talabani, made the deal secretly. They used a condolence ceremony for Talabani in Baghdad as an opportunity to discuss the deal with officials in the capital, he said. The PUK has traditionally had stronger ties with Iran than has Barzanis party. Soleimani, the leader of the Iranian Quds Force and a major power broker in Iraq, attended another funeral ceremony for Talabani in the city of Sulaymaniyah and met with the family as the behind-the-scenes negotiations continued. They made a deal with Qasem Soleimani, said another senior KDP official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the subject is a sensitive one. Pira said the deal allows for joint administration of Kirkuk and for a 700-member peshmerga force to stay in the province along with local Iraqi police and Kurdish security forces. However, the Kurds would have to turn over oil fields, military bases, an air base and army bases. An Iraqi with knowledge of the negotiations confirmed the joint administration in return for the handover, but not that peshmerga would be allowed to remain. He said the negotiating group made other demands, including salaries for select peshmerga forces and the reopening of international flights to Sulaymaniyah, which were rejected by Baghdad. In a written statement on Tuesday, his first since Kirkuk fell, Barzani blamed the unilateral decision of some elements in another party for the events in Kirkuk. Since then, forces loyal to Barzani have also withdrawn from other disputed territories without a fight. Pira said that a deal was necessary to avoid bloodshed and that economic pressure from the region could bring Kurdistan, which is already struggling to pay salaries, to its knees. There was still some fighting as Iraqi forces entered Kirkuk, but many peshmerga were ordered to stand down in line with the deal. We have betrayed Kirkuk, we have betrayed Kurdistan, said Lt. Burhan Rashid, a peshmerga fighter. Just days earlier, Rashid had been bolstering defenses near the city, vowing to fight any attempt by the Iraqi forces to break in on the other side of the bridge. Next to him at the bridge were the names of Kurdish fighters who had died in battles against the Islamic State. We have betrayed the blood of the martyrs written on that wall, he said. Baghdad originally said it wanted to return to its 2014 positions, when Kurdistan began using the fight against the Islamic State to expand its borders. Iraqi militia leaders have expressed a desire to push farther, returning Kurdish forces to where they were in 2003. Iraqi and Kurdish forces clashed on the Kirkuk road Friday, as federal troops tried to extend their line. "It's imperative that Baghdad will not overreach," said Barham Salih, a Kurdish politician who recently left the PUK. "If they push too far, this could lead to a protracted conflict." In the city of Kirkuk, residents worry about the impact of the instability. "They all sold it," Botan Aziz, 31, said of his city. "We don't want any of these parties." Kareem Fahim in Istanbul and Karen DeYoung and Carol Morello in Washington contributed to this report. Read more: A new battle in Iraq gives Iran the upper hand Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news The Justice Department on Oct. 20 filed its formal notice of appeal to a federal judges decision to block the Trump administration from enforcing its latest travel ban. (James Lawler Duggan/Reuters) The Justice Department on Friday filed its formal notice of appeal to a federal judges decision to block the Trump administration from enforcing its latest travel ban. Department lawyers filed the notice in federal district court in Maryland, writing that they intended to appeal the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit. The notice is the first step in taking the case to a higher court. The Justice Department also asked the 4th Circuit to stay the judges ruling blocking the ban on an expedited timetable with the last filings due on that issue Oct. 26. Justice Department lawyers argued the federal judge in Maryland was wrong, and his ruling threatens to disable the President permanently from addressing immigration-related national-security risks in countries that pose the greatest concern. Two federal judges, one in Maryland and the other in Hawaii, have blocked the administration from enforcing President Trumps latest travel ban, his third attempt at barring entry to people from certain countries around the world. [Trumps travel ban keeps getting blocked. What happens now?] The measure, if allowed to go into effect, would have banned various immigrants and travelers from Syria, Libya, Iran, Yemen, Chad, Somalia, North Korea and Venezuela. Now the administration can only apply the ban to North Korea and Venezuela which makes it of little consequence. Very few people travel to the United States from North Korea each year, and the directive only bars certain government officials from Venezuela. The Justice Department has not yet filed a notice of appeal in the Hawaii case. To get the ban fully into effect, the Justice Department will have to run the table winning in both the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit for the Maryland case and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit for the Hawaii case. Both appellate courts ruled against the administration in legal disputes over the second version of Trumps travel ban. The Supreme Court, however, vacated the 4th Circuit precedent in that case after a key portion of the previous ban expired, and it is possible the same fate could befall the 9th Circuit precedent after Oct. 24, when another portion of the ban dealing with refugees ends. In the Maryland case, U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang decided that even the latest version of Trump's travel ban effectively amounted to an unconstitutional Muslim ban, and he cited Trump's own comments on the campaign trail and on Twitter as evidence. He blocked the administration from enforcing the measure on people with a "bona fide" tie to the United States from six of the eight affected countries. U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson had earlier blocked the administration from enforcing the measure on anyone from those six countries, not just those with bona fide U.S. ties. He found that Trump had likely exceeded his lawful authority to set entry restrictions. The State Department has said Americans who worked at the embassy in Cuba were targeted for attacks that began late last year and continued at least until late summer this year. (Yamil Lage/AFP/Getty Images) Injuries have been confirmed to two more State Department personnel stationed in Havana, bringing to 24 the number of verified cases linked to mysterious and unexplained attacks on U.S. Embassy staff in Cuba. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Friday that the new medical assessments involved incidents that happened earlier this year. They do not reflect new attacks, she said, noting that the most recent medically confirmed case happened in late August. Nauert acknowledged also that the number of victims may grow. Our personnel are receiving comprehensive medical evaluations and care, Nauert said. We cant rule out additional new cases as medical professionals continue to evaluate members of the embassy community. The State Department has said Americans who worked at the embassy were targeted for attacks that began late last year and continued at least until late summer this year. The victims include diplomats, intelligence officers and their spouses. Their symptoms, sometimes verified months after the attacks, include hearing loss, balance problems and traumatic brain injuries. In some cases, the embassy personnel fell ill after hearing unusual noises, either in their residences or in hotels. That has led to speculation they may have been the victims of some form of sonic attack, but investigators have not been able to replicate it or conclusively prove it. The Cuban government, which has denied having anything to do with the injuries, has allowed FBI agents onto the island to investigate, in addition to conducting its own investigation. But neither has been able to pinpoint a cause, much less the source of it. The maladies have led to the greatest crisis in U.S.-Cuban relations since the two countries normalized their relationship in 2015 and reestablished embassies. The United States has ordered all but essential personnel to leave Havana and prohibited almost all U.S. officials from traveling there unless they are investigating the cases or doing necessary work at the embassy. Washington also has expelled more than half of the Cuban diplomats based in the United States and issued a travel warning advising Americans not to visit Cuba. President Trump has suggested that he believes Cuba is responsible for what has happened to the embassy personnel. State Department officials have been more circumspect, saying Cuba has not met its requirement under the Vienna Convention to protect diplomats. The U.S.-led coalition said Friday that the capture of the Islamic State's onetime Syrian capital of Raqqa marked a turning point in the fight against the extremist group, effectively declaring an end to the military operation there. A U.S.-backed force known as the Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, has been clearing the final pockets of resistance in the city since proclaiming victory over the Islamic State on Tuesday. Daeshs loss of Mosul and now Raqqah are turning points for the terrorist organization whose leaders grow ever more distant from a dwindling number of terrorist adherents, the coalition said in a statement, using an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State. Three years after seizing a swath of land the size of Belgium across Syria and Iraq, the Islamic State no longer holds any major cities and is clinging to only one sizable stretch of territory spanning the border between the two countries. The group had used its self-declared caliphate to raise revenue through taxes, extortion and the sale of oil. Analysts said the group would now shift back to its guerrilla roots, seeking to capitalize on unresolved social divisions across Syria and Iraq, a strategy that allowed it to win a degree of popular support in the first place. The Al-Na'im roundabout after its liberation in central Raqqa, Syria. ISIS extremists used the roundabout to perform public executions, beheadings and crucifixions during their three-year rule of the city. (Youssef/Epa-Efe/Rex/Shutterstock) The battle for Raqqa began in June, with the SDF advancing on foot as U.S.-led coalition airstrikes pummeled Islamic State positions from above. Much of the city now lies in ruins. The water supply and electricity grid have been shattered. According to monitoring groups, more than 1,000 civilians were killed in the fight. The SDF used a news conference Friday inside Raqqa's main stadium to call on the international community to commit the necessary funds to support an incoming civilian council and return the city to a habitable state. We call upon all countries and peace-loving forces and all humanitarian organizations to participate in rebuilding the city and villages around it and help in removing the scars of war that were inflicted by the Islamic State, said Talal Sillo, a spokesman and senior SDF commander. The full cost of reconstructing Raqqa city remains unknown and international donor funding is publicly earmarked only for short-term projects. More than 270,000 people had fled the city since June. Many are camped across a network of poorly supplied displacement camps with little hope of being able to return home anytime soon. The coalition used its victory statement to push back at criticisms that the civilian cost had been too high and that the ground operation was led by a mainly Kurdish force that did not represent the demographics of the city it came to liberate. They fought tenaciously and with courage against an unprincipled enemy, taking great care to move the population trapped by Daesh away from the battle area and minimize civilian casualties, said Brig. Gen. Jonathan Braga, the coalitions director of operations. He described the SDF as an ethnically diverse force led by local elements. Although the SDF features a substantial number of Arab fighters, its operational structure is dominated by Kurdish militias linked to the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, which is designated as a terrorist organization in neighboring Turkey. The fighting force celebrated victory Thursday with a news conference in a central square once used by the Islamic State to showcase beheadings. Behind the gathered fighters was a banner of Abdullah Ocalan, a divisive Kurdish nationalist leader who has been jailed as a terrorist in Turkey. The image heightened fears among some Arab former residents that their city could now be dominated by a force toward whom they harbor deep suspicions and resentments. Where is the Arab ingredient that the SDF spoke so much about, Khalaf Al-Malla, an activist now living in northern Syria, wrote on his Facebook page, describing Ocalan as the citys new caliph. Why dont they represent them as a partner in victory? It seems they just sent them to die in the fight against ISIS. Sillo said 655 local and international SDF fighters had lost their lives during the four-month battle for Raqqa. Our victory is one against terrorism, he said. Read more: Deal reached to evacuate civilians, local militants from ISIS-held Raqqa ISIS has been a catastrophe for Sunnis Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news WSU Honors Program Brings Civil Discourse for Thanksgiving Dinner October 20, 2017 OGDEN, Utah The Honors Program at Weber State University will serve up a lesson in civil discourse as they present the How to Survive the Thanksgiving Dinner Table: Civil Discourse in a Politically Polarized Time lecture Oct. 26. The lecture is part of their Food for Thought series, where professors provide insights on different dilemmas facing the modern world and discuss skills necessary to succeed in adult life. Previous lectures have discussed things such as proper interviewing skills and Eclipse Science and Eclipsed Learning. I think that the current political climate is a result of people being very sure they are correct about every issue, said Leah Murray, professor of political science. What we have seen is people unfriending people because of political posts on Facebook. So what we have is political sorting and a social media that lets us announce every political thought we have. This is a combustible combination and we need to address how to manage it. Murray will combine life experience with tactful diplomatic skills and instruct students in how to handle potential awkward conversations that could occur at the dinner table. The old adage is you don't talk about politics, sex, or religion if you want to be polite, said Murray. But social media allows a glimpse into people's private lives that we haven't had in the past so we are talking about these things, maybe all the time and maybe more than we are used to. We have to relearn how to do this. Murray says she is the daughter of a hippie who rallied against the Vietnam War and the granddaughter of a veteran who served proudly in World War II. Her grandmother was from Australia and would always provide an outsider point of view on anything happening politically in America. My family taught me how to engage in political discourse from a very young age, said Murray. So when I think of good political conversation, I think of it happening around a dinner table. It could have always been problematic to discuss anything, but they loved each other and they taught me how to have conversation with respect and with a smile. The lecture will be on Oct. 26 at 12:30 p.m. and will be in the Hetzel Hollein room (LI 321) of Stewart Library. The lecture is free to the public, and all are invited to attend. Visit weber.edu/Honors/newsroom for more information on the lecture. Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University. Donald D. Lawrence Audio Article Friends and family of Compatriot Donald D. Lawrence are deeply saddened to announce his passing on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022,... Guadalupe Lupe Campos Audio Article Guadalupe Lupe Campos of La Vernia, Texas, passed away in his home on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022. Lupe was born... Manuel A. Acevedo Audio Article Manuel A. Acevedo passed away in San Antonio, Texas, on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, at the age of 76 years... Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 20/10/2017 (1852 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. With national attention being focused on northern Manitoba, in particular the fate of the Hudson Bay Railway to Churchill, a provincial task force released its action plan Thursday evening in Thompson. Look North: Report and Action Plan For Manitobas Northern Economy, is not a cure-all for the sparsely populated resource-industry dependent North. But its hoped it will become the foundation for a made-in-the-north strategy for long-term economic development planning. The 38-page report is the result of several months of consultation across the north, with all elements of the community, in an effort co-chaired by Manitoba Chambers of Commerce CEO, Chuck Davidson, and Opaskwayak Cree Nation Chief Christian Sinclair. Supplied A report on northern Manitobas long-term future, delivered by a provincial task force Thursday, calls for a comprehensive and co-operative approach to ensure the region benefits from a successful, and sustainable, economy. Its release comes at a critical time for the Hudson Bay Railway, the only northern Canadian railway connecting to the Arctic Ocean, which needs repair and responsible ownership and stewardship. The north is also facing an uncertain future with looming mine closures in Flin Flon and Thompson, and the planned shutdown of Vales smelter in Thompson next year. Look North contains no silver bullets, but is an attempt to provide long-term vision for the region. It raises issues like taking new approaches in addressing housing challenges, the need to support and develop an enterprise culture, and initiatives to develop commercial capacity across the board. With the current challenges facing the north, it was made clear during discussions and consultation that people are no longer looking for quick fixes, they want long-term solutions that will lead to greater economic development that will benefit all communities, the report states. The report was presented to Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen, who emphasized this is not a government report but one that the province will be able to use as a base for action in the future. In reading the report, I was really impressed with the level of engagement from the people of the north, Pedersen said in an interview Thursday. The way I would say it, is this truly comes form the roots of the north. Instead of government or someone else prescribing what should be done, this came from them. Its pretty heartfelt. Although there are no particular funding proposals baked into the report, there is no doubt that provincial resources will be required at some point. Pedersen was reluctant to indicate just what the provincial governments commitment to that would be, other than to say that training assistance is often the best way the province can support commercial enterprise. Six pillars of particular interest were highlighted, and both Davidson and Sinclair who have both agreed to remain involved in the ongoing development of projects said the most important next step is for leadership to be identified to head each of the six areas of focus. We have a lot of great leaders in northern Manitoba. We need them to come together and collaborate, Sinclair said. The thinking is that their efforts already underway can be re-purposed to serve the Look North strategy. For instance, the Mining Advisory Council established by the former government and co-chaired by Norway House Chief, Ron Evans could carry on efforts to pursue mining developments, especially in partnership with First Nations and Travel Manitoba. There is a northern tourism strategy in the works, which includes the Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada. It does not have to be about dollars, Davidson said. Sometimes, its just about co-ordination. The idea is that advisory committees will be set up and some sort of reporting function will be developed to monitor progress and identify particular needs. Davidson, who grew up in Flin Flon, suggested that northern Manitoba could benefit from a rebranding. Its about getting that swagger back for people in the north, he said. Sure, some times are tough, but its a great place to live, and there are great things to do up there. The good-news stories need to get out there. One of those stories was last years purchase of Tolkos paper mill, in The Pas, that was about to close. After concerted efforts to find a buyer, Canadian Kraft Paper Industries Ltd. came in at the last minute and effectively saved about 300 jobs in the community. This week, that company just completed a five-week shutdown to install about $15 million worth of new equipment and plant upgrades. Tony Zandos, an official with the company said, It has been a massive exercise. Every part of the mill has been looked at. During the production shutdown, all the staff continued working, and an additional 250 contractors were brought on site. The Pas has just enjoyed five weeks of hotels full and restaurants busy, he said. Weve been up to to our necks in it here. He stressed that the company has enjoyed broad-based support from the region. Sinclair said the experience of landing a new owner for the mill was a good example of the kind of co-operation that can exist in the north. We want to work together, he said. We want to be proactive, not reactive in the future. martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 19/10/2017 (1853 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS City musician Daniel Jordan has returned his bachelor of music degree to the U of M: Their endorsement now has no value to me. Like every post-secondary graduate, Daniel Jordan worked hard for several years to get his degree at the University of Manitoba. However, Jordan a member of the Winnipeg folk trio Red Moon Road has mailed back his bachelor of music degree to protest against the universitys handling of sexual harassment allegations against former jazz professor Steve Kirby. The recommendation of an institution and people like you, who refuse to speak up and act against sexual harassment, is of no use or value to me, Jordan said in a posting on his Facebook site Thursday, shortly after he dropped his diploma in a mailbox along with letters to U of M president David Barnard, school of music dean Edmund Dawe and associate music dean Karen Jensen. I truly hope that one day you find the courage to take a stand against sexual harassment and systemic abuse of power. Until then, I remain ashamed to be your alumnus, devoid of respect for you or your institution. MATT DUBOFF PHOTO Former U of M prof Steve Kirby As first reported last month by the Winnipeg Free Press, the 61-year-old Kirby quietly retired from his 14-year career at the Winnipeg school in June. He left after an investigation by the U of M determined allegations against him of unwanted touching, hugging and kissing had merit. Kirby was hired later in the summer by the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston. However, after the Free Press contacted its officials, the American institution announced it had placed Kirby on leave, pending a review and assessment. A spokesperson for Berklee declined comment Thursday. Jordan, a 2012 grad who was preparing to fly to Alberta for a band gig, said turning in his diploma was not a decision he took lightly, but one he had thought about since the allegations against Kirby became public. I would love to have had it on the wall someday, but their endorsement now has no value to me, he said in an interview. I would accept it back if they made an actual apology and it was accepted by the students. But so far, they havent acknowledged what happened. They said he retired, and now he has another job. Theyre still saying their policies work and they clearly do not work. Jordan said he has no trouble believing the women who came forward with allegations about Kirby. I was often frightened to come to school because I was repeatedly bullied by Steve, he said. He insulted, swore at and threatened me. He publicly mocked and humiliated me. Jordan said Kirby once took the sticks out of my hand, in full view of a room full of people, as I was playing, to impersonate and mock my playing. He said the former professor then threatened him. But this isnt about me its about what happened to so many of my fellow female colleagues, Jordan said. It is silence that allows these really tired cliches to continue. U of M spokesman John Danakas said in an emailed statement: The university respects this former students thoughts and feelings. All concerns brought forward are taken seriously. The kinds of conduct described are unacceptable in any environment, and are not consistent with the values of the University of Manitoba, Danakas said. The university community is committed to working together to ensure a safe and respectful work and learning environment. These are important matters that require collaboration among a wide variety of individuals and groups. The university welcomes input from all who care deeply about these issues. Danakas also said the school respects people who approach it with concerns about its respectful work and learning policy. Their confidentiality, including the nature of discussions between them and the university, is also respected, he said. Certainly, part of the process is to work with those who bring forward their concerns and do what is possible to ensure their ongoing safety and to alleviate any distress. kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 19/10/2017 (1853 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Most Winnipeggers will be voting in new wards in the 2018 civic election. A commission considering the possible redrawing of Winnipegs ward boundaries proposes to create a new ward in south Winnipeg, eliminate an existing ward and alter the boundaries of 11 current wards, including: Creating a new ward focusing on the Waverley West neighbourhoods, divvying up tiny St. Charles between its revamped neighbours of St. James and Charleswood-Tuxedo, moving about one-quarter of northeastern St. Boniface into Transcona, and moving more than half of southern St. Vital into a redrawn St. Norbert ward and moving two neighbourhoods west of the Red River Riverbend and Rivergrove into North Kildonan, which is entirely east of the Red. Im in the unenviable position of having a choice of running in two different wards in 2018, said Coun. Shawn Dobson, whose St. Charles ward will disappear if the commission sticks to its initial recommendation. The redrawing of the boundaries is intended to narrow the population gap between the 15 ward boundaries, using criteria that recognizes the historic character of wards and without splitting up neighbourhoods. The work is being done by an independent commission, which held two public hearings before releasing its preliminary report. The commission will hold a final hearing the evening of Nov. 1 at city hall for public reaction before submitting its final report for the last council meeting in December. The findings of the report take effect in time for the 2018 civic election. The report, with detailed maps, can be found online at: http://wfp.to/fji. The Winnipeg Charter requires ward boundaries be reviewed every 10 years based on the most current census data, or when requested by council. The last boundary commission was held in 2009. The current ward boundaries are based on the 2006 census and the commissions preliminary report is based on the 2016 census. Currently, there is a wide population gap between tiny St. Charles (pop. 32,171) compared with the citys largest ward, South Winnipeg-St. Norbert (pop. 68,112). Ive been councillor for essentially two wards these last three years, Coun. Janice Lukes (South Winnipeg-St. Norbert) said, adding the proposed changes basically split the ward in two. Lukes said the residents of south Winnipeg will be better represented with two councillors, adding she hasnt decided which ward she will contest. There are a few tweaks I will be asking the commission to consider but overall, I think these new boundaries work, Lukes said. The revisions took Coun. Russ Wyatt by surprise, adding eliminating an entire ward smacks of politics. Im not questioning the integrity of the two independent commissioners but it appears to me the recommendations may have been steered in a certain direction and they may have been unintentionally co-opted, Wyatt said. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Winnipeg's downtown area skyline from Westview Park. Winnipeggers will be voting in newly-drawn wards by the next civic election in 2018 Wyatt said the commission should have created a new downtown ward, adding currently three councillors represent the downtown area and he said no one takes responsibility for it. Dobson, a vocal critic of Mayor Brian Bowman and CAO Doug McNeil, said he opposes the elimination of St. Charles, and will propose other options to the commission. With the changes, all 15 wards would be within an eight per cent of the average ward population: the smallest ward would be the new Waverley West (pop. 44,006); and the largest ward would be River Heights-Fort Garry (pop. 50,667). Only three wards are untouched by the commission: Daniel McIntyre, Elmwood-East Kildonan, and Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry. I think they did a pretty good job, said Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital), who loses a big chunk of his ward (and 15,000 residents) to the new St. Norbert ward, but also gains 10,000 residents in Royalwood and Sage Creek from St. Boniface. Mayes said the population discrepancy between wards now is too great, adding the commission members did a good job balancing out ward populations. I dont think everyone will be perfectly happy (with the changes) but I think its much more fair, Mayes said. aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca Ward Boundaries Commission Report Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 20/10/2017 (1852 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The Manitoba Liberal Party has been shut out of the premiers office for 59 years and counting. Its last flurry of glory came three decades ago as official Opposition under Sharon Carstairs. The party, which lacks official party status in the Manitoba legislature, is pinning its hopes on a new leader, to be elected Saturday. Polls taken before last years provincial election suggested official Opposition status was within reach, but the party ran a disastrous campaign under former leader Rana Bokhari. KEN GIGLIOTTI / FREE PRESS FILES Rana Bokhari led the Liberals during their disastrous campaign in the 2016 provincial election. Bokhari shrugged off losing six of the partys 57 candidates and made daily disparate policy announcements of no discernible ideology. The Liberals did little to highlight candidates, some of whom now hold senior party positions such as Charleswood candidate Paul Brault, who is party president and appeared to have no money or staff to promote local campaigns. What profile the Liberals had through the first 17 months of the Pallister government came through Kewatinook MLA Judy Klassen and her emotionally wrenching descriptions of tragedies on reserves and throughout northern Manitoba. Klassen initially announced her intention to run, but dropped out of the leadership race to support Cindy Lamoureux. Backroomer Dougald Lamont and MLAs Lamoureux and Jon Gerrard have spent more time making their pitch to the party than they have to Manitobans. Its a leadership race, not an election, but little theyve done in this campaign has caught public attention. A 48-year-old communications consultant with a long family history in the Manitoba Liberal Party, Dougald Lamont has run for leader before, but just once for office, against former NDP leaders Greg Selinger in St. Boniface in 2003. He likes to tell audiences he can teach them how to get on, or stay off, the front page. Lamont has almost no public profile, though hes well-known in provincial Liberal circles. He doesnt carry the baggage of the disastrous 2016 election campaign, and hes a fresh face, though again, how far could that take him with the electorate? He told last months leaders dinner self-depreciatingly, I recognize that not everybody knows me. Im still new enough as a politician that Im surprised anyone supports me at all. Lamont makes the argument hes the only candidate who could contest a by election should a seat come open, and give the Liberals a fourth seat that would result in party status. Lamont believes regional health authorities should be scrapped, and decisions made at the local community level. As a prime example, as premier in 2020, he would allow Misericordia Health Centre to decide if it wanted to reopen its urgent care centre. The money? It would either come from the province, or the Misericordia could use its charitable foundation to raise it, he said. JEN DOERKSEN / FREE PRESS FILES Dougald Lamont ran for office just once, in 2003, against former NDP Premier Greg Selinger. The real problem in health care is there is no accountability for anything, Lamont said. He would pay farmers how much, Lamont hasnt said yet to store water on their properties, in order to reduce flooding and pollution. Lamont said he believes in redemption and forgiveness, but accused the former NDP government of not applying those values to Indigenous people when it was in power. The NDP are willing to extend sympathy to Wab Kinew in a way they were never even for a moment willing to extend to others when they were in power. QUOTE: For the size of our province, the Manitoba NDP has put more Indigenous people behind bars than any government in Canada. And no government in the western world has broken up more Indigenous families and taken away more children than the Manitoba NDP. At age 25, Burrows MLA Cindy Lamoureux touts her youth as a major advantage in the leadership race. Her post-school work history is pretty much all politics, working as political staff along with a stint with the Long Term Care Association of Manitoba. Lamoureux has the benefit of Winnipeg North MP (and father) Kevin Lamoureuxs formidable organization and is able to call on hordes of volunteers. But is either Lamoureux much of a household name outside of northwest Winnipeg? Lamoureux boycotted all-candidates debates over the cash-strapped partys $5 fee for spectators, and for the $15 fee for anyone attending the Liberal leadership convention, be they general public or voting delegate. Shed ban the partys membership fee of $10 for adults and $5 for youth, and she would refuse to accept a salary from the party as leader, because the Liberals cant afford it. A brave declaration, were it not that the Liberal constitution makes no mention of paying a leaders salary. Our party desperately needs money, we need to go back and be true grit, Lamoureux said. JEN DOERKSEN / FREE PRESS FILES Cindy Lamoureux says her youth is an advantage in the leadership race. Is that enough to make Lamoureux a premier? Is that anything that will draw the attention of the public? Pointing to her policy platform, Lamoureux explained, This is a leadership platform, not an election platform. Manitobans watching the Liberal race wont know much about what a Lamoureux-led party will offer them in the 2020 election campaign. Right now, its all about winning the leadership. Lamoureux would eliminate property taxes for education, saying shed use unidentified tax reforms to determine an education budget drawn completely from provincial revenue. Shed reverse the Tories scrapping of the tuition rebate for post-secondary graduates who stay in Manitoba, but, again, no word on where shed find the money. Lamoureux would reduce bureaucracy in health care the Tories have already ordered 15 per cent of managers cut. QUOTE: Allow youth an opportunity. I dont see youth as a hurdle in any way. A medical doctor and former federal cabinet minister, 69-year-old River Heights MLA Jon Gerrard was Liberal leader from 1998 to 2013. Gerrard argues he alone has the experience to take on the Tories and New Democrats when Manitobans are desperate for a third option. Others may counter Gerrard never even managed to achieve the bare minimum party status of four MLAs in the four elections in which he was leader, and his track record of failure included more chances than any credible leader should get. He said he wants all candidates nominated by 2018, and would train the next generation of fundraisers while highlighting our team, our stars. Of the three candidates, Gerrard has been the most loquacious on issues, though its difficult to see how a political scientist would plug him into a policy niche. WAYNE GLOWACKI / FREE PRESS FILES Jon Gerrard says his experience is critical, and that is why he is seeking the leadership again. Gerrard wants a full separation of the citys storm and sanitary sewers by 2030 at a cost greater than $3 billion but admitted in the first 16 months of the Tory government, he hadnt raised it in question period or ministers estimates. He also told one party gathering: We need to ensure hog manure is all injected in the ground, not spread on the ground to run into our waterways. The government should promote greater use of electric vehicles to help the environment and expand Manitoba Hydros market, Gerrard said. Hed hold public elections of regional health authority boards, but what difference that would make, with no taxing powers for such boards, and the province having full control of the health budget, is not clear. Gerrard would reopen the urgent care centre at the Misericordia Health Centre, and maintains the Tory government has targeted the eye care centre there for some form of cuts. QUOTE: It will help us as a party to have a leader who is very well-known all over the province. nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 19/10/2017 (1853 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Families and survivors give the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls the tools to hold institutional authorities to account for systemic flaws that play out in the lives of Indigenous people, an inquiry commissioner said Thursday. The family hearings are to honour your truth, to collect the facts, and its helping us to ask the hard questions in the second step, which is to take the hearings to the institutions, said Michele Audette, who led most of the public hearings this week in Winnipeg. Few details are available yet on that phase of hearings, but reviewing and recommending systemic change is a part of the inquirys mandate from Ottawa. Its final report is due in 2019. Five days of hearings in Winnipeg wrap up today. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS MMIW commissioner Michele Audette Testimony in the Manitoba capital has overturned stereotypes that victims are only drug addicts or sex workers. Many are also schoolchildren living in poverty and vulnerable to exploitation. Others were collateral damage in a cycle of crime and domestic abuse. Audette is a former president of the Native Womens Association of Canada, which championed the push for a national inquiry. Nearly 1,200 Indigenous women and girls went missing or were murdered, including 200 from Manitoba, between 1980 and 2012, according to a 2014 RCMP report. Thank God we have warriors to influence change, all that you did to change policies here. You dont need to wait, you can act now, Audette said of activists working in cities such as Winnipeg. Audette signalled the commission is receptive to more hearings in Manitoba: We have to come back I dont know where and I dont know when. We have been offered an invitation up north, to go to Thompson. That is something we are very aware of, very sensitive to. Testimony to date, from Whitehorse, Smithers, B.C., and Winnipeg, along with hundreds of recommendations from reports such as the 1996 Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and Manitobas Aboriginal Justice Inquiry (1991), all point to the influence of systemic factors. Twelve hundred recommendations over the years. And the list is growing longer. We want to know why systemic discrimination is still there, Audette said. The inquiry released an update Thursday showing 120 relatives of the missing and murdered have stepped forward to offer their stories in public and in private hearings since Monday; 75 had registered in the lead-up to the Winnipeg hearings. The commissioners remarks followed a challenge from a pair of social justice advocates, who testified to their own experiences as victims of human trafficking. Rachel Willan and longtime friend/transgender advocate Alaya McIvor shared the same hearing Thursday. Both used their personal experiences to describe how to work with police and social and justice officials to make positive social change. Willan described her younger self as the worst badass and sketched out life as a victim of sexual abuse from the age of two. As a child-welfare ward, Willan lived in 53 foster homes and locked institutions, ending up in human trafficking and with a heavy drug addiction. In 2007, facing a lengthy jail sentence, Willan said shed had enough. She decided to get sober, get her children out of the child-welfare system and make a better life. She graduated with a college diploma in social work last year, is married and works full time to improve social conditions for Winnipegs urban Indigenous people. McIvor, who testified earlier in the week about the impact of the death of her cousin, Roberta McIvor, shared her story of landing on the streets of Winnipeg after child-welfare workers gave her the option of a one-way bus ticket out of Sandy Bay First Nation as an adolescent. She was lured into trafficking, trading sexual services for a couch to sleep on. For years, McIvor was shipped from city to city across Western Canada, until she landed on Vancouvers downtown eastside. People were actually fighting over me, like a piece of property, McIvor said. Never once did I want to be exploited or sexually trafficked. None of the women (do). They dont wake up one day and say, Thats what I want in my life, to be exploited. alexandra.paul@freepress.mb.ca Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 20/10/2017 (1852 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. It was one of the strangest moments for Premier Brian Pallister. It was Wednesday Sept. 13, and the topic was pre-budget consultations. At a news conference flanked by Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen and Finance Minister Cameron Friesen, Pallister announced his government was considering an annual premium to help pay for the escalating costs of health care. It was odd for several reasons. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS It is widely held Premier Brian Pallister promised in 2016 not to raise taxes if he won the election First, Pallister had never given anyone any indication he was considering a new tax. The premier had been steadfast the former NDP government left him a spending problem, not a revenue problem, and he was going to eliminate the deficit through expenditure control. Second, the idea came from Pallister not his ministers or via a strategic leak of some sort. How weird was it to hear Pallister talk openly about the possibility of raising taxes? Imagine U.S. President Donald Trump suddenly advocating increased immigration or stricter gun control. It was that weird. It was extremely risky to use the premier, one of Manitobas most vehement tax opponents, as the poster boy for this idea. Now, thanks to a Free Press-Probe Research poll, we can see just how risky. More than 70 per cent of respondents are opposed to the idea of a health-care tax; a remarkable 53 per cent are strongly opposed. The deeper you go into the poll numbers, the worse things look for the Tories. Among voters 35 to 54, a key voting demographic, a whopping 76 per cent are opposed, with 60 per cent strongly opposed. Even among respondents that self-identify as Progressive Conservative voters, 63 per cent are opposed, with 43 per cent strongly opposed. (As an aside, the Probe poll should be a warning to the Pallister government to stop using online surveys to gauge public opinion. Preliminary results from the online poll launched by the Tories in September showed a simple majority in favour of health premiums. Better luck next time.) The cherry on the cake for Pallister is the second question Probe asked about the health-care premium. Namely, whether respondents believe introducing a premium would be tantamount to a broken promise. More than half of all respondents would view a health premium as a broken promise; only 31 per cent accept Pallisters claim that the premium is necessary to deal with unanticipated fiscal realities. It is widely held Pallister promised in 2016 not to raise taxes if he won the election. In fact, what Pallister promised was never to raise any major taxes income, sales or business without allowing Manitobans to vote in a referendum. He did not, however, issue a blanket pledge never to raise any tax, under any circumstance. That was a clever ploy for him. However, it didnt stop him from lashing out at other levels of government when they even hinted at a tax increase. He did this when Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman first raised the issue of development levies. He has also been among the shrillest critics of the federal Liberal governments plan to tighten tax loopholes for small business. And he has certainly made tax reduction a central feature of his once-we-get-the-deficit-under-control musings. Pallister believes strongly that balancing the provincial budget is not the end goal of his government; eliminating the deficit and returning to a surplus, he has said, is the means by which he can deliver tax cuts. It is tough to believe someone within earshot of the premier wouldnt have advised him to let someone else float the idea, or just leak it to the media and watch the debate unfold. Perhaps someone did tell him to take a more indirect route, and he ignored them. The inability to accept the best advice of his closest advisers is fast becoming one of the hallmarks of the Pallister administration. Pallister could not absolve himself of all responsibility for an idea such as this. But he could have remained at arms length, which would have allowed him to be the one to kill it at some point in the future. The timing of this announcement is another issue that should be explored by Tory strategists. Pallisters health premium flyer took place on the Wednesday before the NDP leadership convention. It was a volatile time for the opposition New Democrats, as the presumptive front-runner and eventual winner, Wab Kinew, was being ravaged by allegations he had been involved in a domestic assault 14 years ago. The health premium announcement did not spare Kinew. The day after Pallister mused about health premiums, the woman at the centre of the allegations spoke to The Canadian Press for the first time. For the next two weeks, Kinew faced a surge of new allegations. However, Pallisters announcement most certainly competed for the publics attention. Even political neophytes know that when your enemies are suffering, you dont do or say anything that might draw the publics attention. Unveiling the idea of a health premium in the midst of Kinews public roasting is an amateurish strategic mistake. The way in which Pallister raised this issue, and when, are reminders that one of the biggest concerns raised by Tories after Pallister became leader was his potential to be his own worst enemy. You can bet Pallister will kill the idea of a health premium in the coming weeks. Quite frankly, hardly anyone thought he was serious about levying a new health tax. Unfortunately for Tories, the damage to both himself and his government may already be done. dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 20/10/2017 (1852 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. More than half of Manitobans believe Premier Brian Pallister broke an election promise last month when he said he might introduce a health tax. A Probe Research poll commissioned by the Free Press found that 52 per cent of provincial residents feel the premier failed to keep his word that he would not consider a major tax increase. However, 31 per cent would cut the premier some slack, agreeing with his assertion his government faces an unanticipated financial reality. (Seventeen per cent of survey respondents said they were undecided or unsure.) BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Premier Brian Pallister at a press conference before he was elected. !function(e,t,s,i){var n=InfogramEmbeds,o=e.getElementsByTagName(script),d=o[0],r=/^http:/.test(e.location)?http::https:;if(/^/{2}/.test(i)&&(i=r+i),window[n]&&window[n].initialized)window[n].process&&window[n].process();else if(!e.getElementById(s)){var a=e.createElement(script);a.async=1,a.id=s,a.src=i,d.parentNode.insertBefore(a,d)}}(document,0,infogram-async,https://e.infogram.com/js/dist/embed-loader-min.js); (Cant see the chart above? Open it in a new window.) Winnipeggers (57 per cent) were more likely than those living outside the capital (46 per cent) to feel the government broke its tax promise. Older voters 53 per cent among those age 55 and older, and 59 per cent in the 35 to 54 age group were also more likely to feel the premier had not kept his word. Among adults aged 18 to 34, 44 per cent said they felt that way. Mary Agnes Welch, a Probe research associate, said the health-premiums issue is risky for the premier. Brian Pallister needs to keep Winnipeg residents onside if hes going to be re-elected, and older people vote. And older people also tend to be quite a bit more concerned about health care, she said. Welch noted the Progressive Conservative government gave no warning it was considering a tax increase until mid-September. This was never on the radar, she said. Probe surveyed Manitobans from Sept. 21 to Oct. 10. Earlier, the Free Press reported 71 per cent of provincial residents were opposed to paying a health premium, with 53 per cent strongly opposed. The opposition cut across all political party lines. Not surprisingly, NDP and Liberal supporters were more likely to accuse Pallister of breaking his promise made prior to the April 2016 election, while Progressive Conservative backers were more likely to agree the situation had changed. Seventy-three per cent of NDP supporters and 62 per cent of Liberal backers felt the premier broke his word, while 26 per cent of PC supporters were of that opinion. NDP health critic Andrew Swan said Manitobans are unhappy with the governments hospital reforms and cuts to health services. He said its no surprise they would react strongly to the idea of a health tax. We have a premier who promised he would increase health care and cut taxes, and instead we now have a premier who wants to increase taxes and cut health care, Swan said. Manitobans want a strong health-care system and services close to where they live, he said, adding while the premier seemed to be intent on reducing waste in the system, hes likely finding out there is little waste to cut. Perhaps the premier threw this (the notion of health premiums) out just to try to get a reaction to justify further health cuts, Swan said. We dont know. Todd MacKay, prairie director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, said there is no way the PCs can spin the polling numbers. Those are definitive, he said, referring to the number of Manitobans who believe the premier broke his word. If the government wants to break its promise by imposing health premiums on Manitoba families, it must hold a referendum first, MacKay said. If they dont do that, they are skating on very, very thin ice. A spokeswoman for Pallister said Thursday the government knew the idea of health premiums would be controversial. However, we felt it was more important to get Manitobans engaged in the conversation about the future of our health-care system than to worry about approval ratings, she said in an email. We wanted to drive the discussion and raise the awareness of the pressures on our system. There is no question its worked. The premiers goal was to engage Manitobans in a conversation about health-care sustainability. Weve succeeded in that. The Probe poll is certainly another piece of information we will take into consideration. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 20/10/2017 (1852 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Politicians from Manitobas three main parties have condemned a law passed by Quebec banning anyone from providing or receiving public services with their face covered. Quebecs Bill 62 bans face coverings for people giving or receiving a service from the state, and it includes a framework for how authorities should grant accommodation requests based on religious beliefs. The province passed the law Wednesday. It effectively bans the minority of Muslim women who wear a niqab from boarding a public bus. Ryan Remiorz / The Canadian Press Files Quebecs new law requires citizens providing or receiving state services to show their faces. In a written statement, Justice Minister Heather Stefanson wouldnt weigh in on Quebecs move, but said it wasnt how the Progressive Conservatives approach multiculturalism in Manitoba. Manitoba is the home of hope. For generations, we have welcomed people of all backgrounds with support and understanding, she wrote. Manitobans are inclusive of other cultures and weve built a society that draws strength from its diversity. Our province will not single out a group this way by challenging their cultural practices or beliefs. NDP Leader Wab Kinew took his criticism further Thursday. Its disheartening in 2017 that a government in Canada is still trying to tell women what to wear. A law that targets Muslim women is Islamophobic and divisive, Kinew wrote. These arent Manitoban values. We need more education and more opportunities for people of different faiths and cultures to grow together as a community. Liberal MLA Jon Gerrard (who is running in Saturdays party leadership race) said he couldnt imagine a similar bill making headway in Manitoba. Were talking about a very small proportion of women in these circumstances and I dont see a particular problem, he said. In my view, we should be leaving these sorts of decisions to the woman who is involved. The Free Press reached out to Manitobas three sitting provincial parties after Ontario legislators condemned the Quebec law Thursday. Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said it was a matter of religious freedom. Forcing people to show their faces when they ride the bus (or) banning women from wearing a niqab when they pick up a book from the library will only divide us, she said. Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard has defended the law by saying it is necessary for reasons related to communication, identification and security. That logic was panned in the Ontario legislature, with the NDP contingent saying it was an attack on womens rights. The Progressive Conservatives even urged the ruling Liberals to participate as interveners in any charter challenge to the legislation, saying it threatened free speech across Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hasnt made a clear stance on the Quebec law, saying its not Ottawas role to challenge provincial laws, but noting charter rights. with files from The Canadian Press dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca The war being conducted in West Africa by the United States in partnership with its European counterparts France and Germany, which was exposed by the killing of four US special forces soldiers in Niger earlier this month, is setting the stage for a much broader war in the region. In June, France presented a draft resolution before the United Nations Security Council to gain funding for the joint military force. The terms of the UN authorization would redefine the character and scope of the G5 Sahel proxy force led by France, giving it broad operational authority similar to the UN Force Intervention Brigade utilized against Rwandan M23 rebels in Eastern Congo in 2011. In closed-door negotiations, Washington balked at the resolution, saying that it would prefer the Security Council give its blessing in a statement instead of a resolution. Behind Washingtons opposition to a resolution is concern that France may gain a strategic advantage over the US in the region which is rich with uranium and mineral deposits. With its expansion of military operations across West Africa in recent years, Washington is seeking to assert full geopolitical control over the region. Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie admitted last week that the US has 1,000 troops deployed across the countries which border Lake Chad: Niger, Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon. This military buildup has been done entirely behind the backs of the American people without any public debate. Underpinning the strategic prerogatives of the American and French military forces arrayed across the region is West Africas significant deposits of minerals, such as uranium, iron ore, gold and diamonds, as well as vast oil and gas reserves, which American and French corporations are seeking to extract and yield significant profits. Entering in the fray is Germany, which announced late last year its plans to construct an airbase in Niamey to support its troops serving in MINUSMA, the UN mission in neighboring Mali. The 10,000-strong UN force is made up of various contingents of troops from several Western countries, including The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Italy. AFRICOM, the US military command overseeing operations across the vast African continent, has established a base in Niamey, Niger, and maintains 800 special operations troops in the country. At the base in Niamey, Air Force personnel operate a drone surveillance program capable of conducting reconnaissance missions in Niger, Mali, Nigeria, and as far as Libya. Several MQ-9 Reaper drones armed with Hellfire missiles, which the US uses to carry out its assassination program, are also based in Niamey. The construction of a base in Agadez, a city in central Niger, will expand the drone programs capabilities, allowing for further-range flights. In 2016 alone Washington spent $156 million to train Chadian, Nigerien, and Nigerian forces for the ongoing US-led offensive against Boko Haram in northern Nigeria. Underscoring Washingtons ultimate concerns in West Africa, AFRICOMs April 2017 posture statement noted: Just as the U.S. pursues strategic interests in Africa, international competitors, including China and Russia, are doing the same. Rather hypocritically, the statement raised the concern, We continue to see international competitors engage with African partners in a manner contrary to the international norms of transparency. The establishment of US, French, and German bases across the region, in particular in Niger, Mali, Cameroon and Chad, near the locations of mining operations, oil extraction facilities and oil pipelines, makes clear these military forces are enforcing territorial control over these strategic resources. They are also seeking to use their military power to offset the entry of China into the region, which in 2012 hammered out agreements with the Niger, Chad and Cameroon governments to transport oil from the CNPC-operated refinery in Zinder, Niger for export, utilizing the Exxon-Mobil-constructed Chad-Cameroon pipeline. The expansion of Western imperialist military forces into the region began in earnest with the 2011 US/NATO war of regime change in Libya, which resulted in Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafis assassination and the devastation of Libyan society, with US-armed and trained Islamist fighters with ties to Al-Qaeda acting as the ground troops. The consequence of Washingtons recklessness in utilizing these Islamist proxy forces to carry out its dirty work in Libya has resulted in these Islamists fighters spilling forth across North Africa, and down into the Sahel, turning the region into a battlefield, and threatening the operations of Western corporations, particularly in the oil and gas and mining extraction sectors, in Niger, Chad, Nigeria, Mali, Cameroon, Burkina Faso and the Ivory Coast. Originally consisting of three groups, the Islamist fighters have largely united with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Mahgreb (AQIM), with others such as Boko Haram in Nigeria, pledging allegiance to Islamic State (ISIS). Underlining the scramble for Africa initiated by the Obama administration and continued under Trump is the longer term rearmament of Americas foreign policy following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with Washington taking the sudden disappearance of its long-standing geopolitical rival as an opportunity to embark on a military campaign for global hegemony, seeking to offset its economic weakness by military dominance. Americas military offensive in West Africa, along with France and Germany, and their combined ambition to lay claim to the regions vast economic resources, guarantee ever-widening military operations that threaten to spark a much broader regional war. The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature. Europe Protest at Berlins Tegel airport over Air Berlin bankruptcy and job threat Workers at Tegel Airport in Berlin staged a midday protest on Monday over the insolvency of Air Berlin, Germanys second-biggest airline. The company filed for bankruptcy in August, having lost 2 billion over six years in the face of competition from low cost carriers. The protest was called by the Verdi union. The majority of the airlines 8,000 employees will be laid off after the airline stops operating on October 28. By contrast, Air Berlins chief executive Thomas Winkelmann will continue to draw a 4.5 million euros salary until 2021. When taking over the firm in February, he agreed to a salary of 950,000 per year plus a bonus of 400,000 for the first year. He also negotiated a bank guarantee to insure his earnings in the event of the company winding up. Brewery workers strike in Belgium Workers went out on strike to demand better pay at three Belgian breweries owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, including their main site in Leuven, on October 13. According to Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, workers are also demanding a new collective bargaining deal. The workers picketed at breweries, in Leuven, Hoegaarden and Jupille, and blocked gates for two hours. The Leuven plant is adjacent to AB InBevs global headquarters, and brews its popular Stella Artois and Leffe beers. Following the strike, further action was suspended by trade union representatives to allow for negotiations. Capita office staff to strike in UK Office staff at Capita in the UK voted by 95 percent to strike against changes to their pension scheme that could reduce the value of pensions by 70 percent for some employees. The members of the Unite union are to strike on October 28 for nine days. Pensions will be cut because the company plans to change from a defined benefit pension scheme to a defined contribution scheme, with no guarantees on the benefit to the recipient. Around four percent of Capitas employees would be affected initially, setting a precedent for future changes. Bus drivers strike in Manchester UK, as union calls off another strike at same company Bus drivers on routes in south Manchester struck on Monday as part of a pay dispute. Buses from the Rusholme depot ground to a halt, hitting services to and from Sale and the city centre. Services between East Didsbury and the city centre were also hit. The Manchester Evening News reported, The Rusholme branch was taken over from Finglands in 2014, and its understood they are on a lesser rate of pay than colleagues at other depots. A strike by bus drivers employed by First, due to go ahead on October 16 in Bolton, was called off by the Unite union. An earlier strike by First drivers was held on October 2, to protest a low pay offer. On October 7, Unite suspended the strike while negotiations took place. The strike was then cancelled on the basis of a revised pay offer from the company. No details are available on the contents of the deal. Doctors in Czech Republic strike over pay Doctors in the Czech Republic took strike action for one day on October 18 causing clinics and surgeries to close. The strike was held to protest low pay and to oppose new electronic prescriptions. Local doctors have been told they will not get a pay rise this year, while doctors in hospitals will. Doctors in some outpatient clinics joined the protest as did hundreds of high street pharmacies, which closed for half an hour to show their support. The doctors are also refusing to switch over to using electronic prescriptions instead of paper. Junior doctors hold rally in Warsaw, Poland Junior doctors in Warsaw, Poland held a rally in front of the prime ministers office on October 14 to protest low pay and the chronic underfunding of the health service. The rally was held to bring attention to a two-week long hunger strike by 20 junior doctors in a Warsaw childrens hospital. The doctors say they will be forced to emigrate unless their meagre monthly salary of 1,500 zlotys (USD 420) is increased. A banner held on the protest read, Stop dying in queues. The health service in Poland was decimated during the shock therapy that accompanied the post-1989 restoration of capitalism. Middle East Baggage handlers stage unofficial strike at Israels Ben Gurion Airport Baggage handlers who are facing termination of their seasonal contracts staged an unofficial work stoppage at Ben Gurion Airport on October 15. The strike caused flight delays of several hours. Around 250 seasonal workers are set to lose their jobs as the peak travel season comes to an end. The baggage handlers had been issued with letters for an upcoming meeting to terminate their employment, but pre-empted the meeting by striking. Israel Business News reported that the Ben Gurion Airport workers committee coordinated the action. Israeli tile makers locked out Workers arriving for their jobs at the factory owned by Negev Ceramics Ltd. in Yeroham, Israel on October 13 found themselves confronted by armed security guards who prevented them from entering. The company employs 700 people at 10 store branches and offices across the country. Around 130 workers are set to lose their jobs if the factory is closed. Africa Zambian miners union opposes secondment conditions Three Zambian miners unions have rejected a secondment proposal by Konkola Copper Mines plc (KCM), and in response the company has called a dispute. Proposals were made to the Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ), National Union of Mine and Allied Workers (NUMAW) and the United Mine Workers Union of Zambia (UMUZ) as part of plans to second workers to a new contractor. The unions made counter proposals, which KCM opposed. The unions demanded that KCM continue to provide a range of basic employment conditions including transport, meals, safety, and that current allowances and shift patterns be retained. After KCM rejected these demands the unions ended negotiations. The company has called on the support of conciliation services to force acceptance of the new arrangements. Tunisian engineers to strike for wage increase Tunisian engineering workers plan to strike October 24-26 if their employers organisation does not implement a wage increase. Negotiations have been ongoing since last March through a tripartite organisation consisting of the government, the employers and the unions. A pay agreement was conceded in response to industrial action taken last month. After the agreement was conceded, it was regarded as standard for all employers to implement it. The Federation of Foundries and Mechanical Engineering bargaining unit refused to sign the agreement for the tripartite agreed wage increases for 2016 and 2017. Workers in companies that abide by the collective bargaining agreement forced the pay increase and the engineering workers are demanding their increase. South African insurance staff strike over dangerous working conditions South Africas Road Accident Fund (RAF) employees are threatening to strike over poor working conditions. RAF, a state-owned company, provides motor vehicle accident cover and has been mired in financial crisis over several years. The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) claim that conditions at work are dangerous and that the Fund does not care about its workers. A two-day power cut left employees offices without air conditioning last month, causing several workers to faint at their stations. The near bankruptcy is also impacting workers, who have to double-up on computers. Companies that are owed money by RAF are seizing computers to cover overdue debts. NUMSA holds a certificate enabling it to take industrial action, but says it would rather avoid a strike and settle amicably. Union members struck in March over similar issues. South African teachers demonstrate over pay and conditions Teachers demonstrated in Durban, South Africa October 13 over several issues affecting public education, including wages and promotions. The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) planned to march in Pretoria on Tuesday. Students were due to return to school Monday to face matriculation exams. A central issue in the demonstrations is the non-recognition by the government of SADTU, the countrys largest teachers union. SADTU is also protesting vital posts going unfilled and delays in school funding. Other grievances by teachers include a lack of basic facilities in schools, including toilets and support facilities for teachers and other educational staff. The union presented the governments education department with a memorandum of its complaints, threatening further rolling mass action if they do not respond. Pilots and first officers strike at South African low-cost airline Pilots went on strike on Monday at Mango Airlines after the company rejected their pay demand. Mango, a low-cost airline operating out of South Africa, is offering only a 6 percent pay increase, while the union demands 8.5 percent. The union involved, Solidarity, organises 95 percent of the airlines pilots and first officers who are also on strike. Solidarity said it is prepared to make a shift on its demands, but the company refuses to discuss any proposal outside its initial offer. Solidarity initiated a survey of 1,000 airlines to establish their median pay. The survey revealed that the rate paid by Mango Airlines for pilots stood at 23 percent below the median pay rate and 40 percent lower for first officers. Part of the unions appeal is the claim that their 8.5 percent pay demand will secure the allegiance of the pilots to the company, under conditions where they have lost around half their pilots to other airlines. The pilots claim that other airlines are settling around their demand. South African Airlink airline, threatened with strike action, settled with its South African Transport Workers Union-organised workforce at 10 percent. South African cement workers strike South African employees at PCC Cement and Slurry have gone on strike for a 12 percent wage increase. The strike got underway Monday after workers rejected the companys 6 percent offer. The National Union of Mineworkers is also demanding an increase in housing allowances and union facilities. These include a pool car, time off for officials to visit members and a position for a full-time health and safety officer. The company, South Africas principal cement producer, has yet to respond to the demands. 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Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine 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 Amber Tamblyn is speaking out after her husband David Cross was accused of making racist comments to actress Charlyne Yi. On Thursday, a Twitter user retweeted a story about Cross whom Yi has alleged made a series of racist jokes upon meeting her 10 years ago calling him gross. Another responded: Ugh what is he doing?? Meanwhile his wife, the lovely @ambertamblyn, is such an advocate and force of nature. Tamblyn, 34, then wrote back: He said he was sorry, publicly, several times. Please dont @ me in conversations dragging my husband. Thanks. He said he was sorry, publicly, several times. Please dont @ me in conversations dragging my husband. Thanks. Amber Tamblyn (@ambertamblyn) October 19, 2017 David Cross and Amber Tamblyn The issue arose Monday, when Yi, 31, tweeted about the first time she met Cross, 53, when she was just starting her career as a comedian. I think about the first time I met David Cross 10 years ago and he made fun of my pants (that were tattered because I was poor), the House actress said. Dumbfounded, I stared at him speechless and he said to me, Whats a matter? You dont speak English?? Ching-chong-ching-chong. Then after he saw I was offended he asked me if I was going to fight with him karate in a southern accent, she continued. Then a few years later he was re-introduced to me after my comedy show with his girlfriend at the time & he said Hi nice to meet you. Charlyne Yi Yi added that she can tell the difference between this man making a joke vs condescending me, and that she sure as hell hopes Cross has changed or at the very least, hes scared enough to not be his racist self. However, it is very uncool that a 40+ man was being racist towards me, being a young 20 year old woman who was clearly on the verge of tears from his first racist comment, she concluded. Cross issued his own lengthy response via Twitter on Tuesday, saying Yis accusation took him by surprise and was deeply upsetting. Story continues Adressing the Charlyne Yi tweet below. pic.twitter.com/WMHxH6lZco )))David Cross((( (@davidcrosss) October 18, 2017 I would never intentionally hurt someone like that, he said. I do not remember doing this when I met her. I do remember meeting her though. She was the then girlfriend of a good friend of mine and we were about to start working on a movie together. I am NOT accusing Charlene [sic] of lying and Im truly sorry if I hurt her, it was never my intention to do that. I do not remember it like she remembers its (and clearly were quite a bit far apart on this) but I reached to her privately and expressed that and more, including the possibility that perhaps we are both misremembering *exactly* what happened that night? he continued. I cant believe I have to write this but I am not a racist nor a bully and loathe them in real life, he added. Cross followed up in two additional tweets Wednesday, putting forth his own theory for what happened that night, which is that he was likely doing a bit as his Southern redneck character. I have NEVER said ching chong, ching chong unless I was doing some ahole redneck racist character, he said. This took place at a hotel bar in Shreveport Louisiana where we were about to go into rehearsals for a movie, he said. When introduced [to] her I must have done my version of a southern redneck character, one which I am well acquainted with from growing up in Georgia, which I have made fun of forever. Charlyne did not understand I was doing my welcome to Shreveport greeting, he continued. As well, I had NO IDEA she was upset or I wouldve apologized to both her and Michael. I believe that had to be it because I would never knowingly treat someone like that. A California father who drugged, sexually assaulted and killed the 14-year-old daughter whose remains were found in 2009 buried in the backyard of the familys former home faces life in prison without parole after confessing to those and other crimes against female minors, PEOPLE confirms. The guilty plea announced Tuesday by Mark Edward Mesiti, 49, of Modesto, abruptly cut short his murder trial at which prosecutors were pursuing the death penalty against him, Stanislaus County District Attorney Birgit Fladager announced in a statement. Mesitis daughter, Alycia, was reported missing in August 2007. Her remains were located on March 25, 2009, buried behind Mesitis former rental home in Ceres, California, from which he was evicted a few months after she disappeared, reports The Modesto Bee. An autopsy found she died of acute drug intoxication with the presence in her body of opiates, morphine, amphetamine, methamphetamine and other drugs. Mesiti had been awarded custody of his daughter less than a year before her death, even after a judge was made aware that in the seven years prior, the father had been convicted of state and federal charges that included drunk driving and bank fraud, reports The Mercury News. Mesiti also had been charged with domestic violence and ordered to attend anger-management classes, and jailed for failing to attend drug- and alcohol- treatment programs, the newspaper reports. Authorities who arrested Mesiti in Los Angeles when his daughters remains were found alleged that he was operating a meth lab, and he was convicted in 2011 of manufacturing meth. Upon his arrest they also recovered several computers, hard drives, DVDs, CDs and other digital media that showed he possessed hundreds of thousands of images involving child pornography, according to the prosecutors office. Mesiti was charged with murder with special circumstances in the death of Alycia, along with 48 other felony sexual assault charges. Story continues During the trial that began Oct. 3, Mesitis defense attorney Martin Baker argued that Alycias diary suggested she was a drug addict, with her writing in one passage that she wanted to feel nothing, reports the Turlock Journal. He said the presumed manner of her death from an overdose will require a not-guilty verdict. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. But as the trial that was expected to last for months continued, Mesitis attorneys offered to have him plead guilty to all counts if the prosecutor would agree not to seek the death penalty, according to the prosecutors office. Chief Deputy District Attorney Annette Rees agreed to the plea with a sentence of life in prison without parole if Mesiti he would confess to his crimes in open court. Mesiti told the court he committed rape, sodomy, oral copulation, digital penetration and child molestation involving his daughter, Alycia, many times over several different occasions, the prosecutors office says. He admitted having given Alycia drugs on each occasion to make her unable to resist his attacks. Mesiti also admitted that his administration of those drugs caused Alycias death. Finally, Mesiti admitted taking many sexually explicit photographs of his daughter Alycia and two other minors under 18 years old, the statement said. He also said he molested the two other minors while he lived in Los Angeles. Mesitis attorneys declined comment to the media after the guilty verdict. Its over, Alycias maternal great-aunt, Roberta Fitzpatrick, said after Mesiti pleaded guilty, according to the Bee. I just want to put this all behind me, except for honoring Alycia. Formal sentencing is set for Nov. 28. David Cross has responded to actress Charlyne Yis accusation that he made racist comments to her a decade ago, saying that he has no recollection of the interaction described. I dont remember this at all! the Arrested Development actor said in a tweet Tuesday. His confused reaction comes after the Stephen Universe star wrote in a tweet on Sunday: I think about the first time I met David Cross 10 years ago & he made fun of my pants (that were tattered because I was poor). Dumbfounded I stared at him speechless and he said to me whats a matter? You dont speak English?? Ching-chong-ching-chong. Also Read: David Cross 'Can Pretty Much Guarantee' More 'W/Bob and David' Then after he saw I was offended he asked me if I was going to fight with him karate in a southern accent, Yi continued. Then a few years later he was re-introduced to me after my comedy show with his girlfriend at the time & he said Hi nice to meet you. On Tuesday, after multiple Twitter users flagged the tweets to Cross, the comedian responded with a request that Yi send him a private message to sort it out. In reply to another user he said hed also reached out to others who were there when we met as well to get verification. Charlene, I dont remember this at all! he wrote. Its bonkers to me and WAY, way out of character. DM me so I can understand all of this. Also Read: Dove Apologizes for 'Racist' Soap Ad That Turned Black Woman White I will say this: I can tell the difference between this man making a joke vs condescending me, Yi wrote. This happened 10 years ago and I sure as hell hope hes changed (or at the very least, hes scared enough to not be his racist self). Yi, who is also known for her role as Dr. Chi Park in medical drama House, was born in Los Angeles. Her mother is a Philippines native and her father is of Mexican, Korean, Irish, German, French and Native American ancestry. Representatives for Yi and Cross did not immediately respond to TheWraps request for comment. Story continues Charlene, i dont remember this at all! It's bonkers to me and WAY, way out of character. DM me so I can understand all of this. )))David Cross((( (@davidcrosss) October 17, 2017 Related stories from TheWrap: David Cross 'Can Pretty Much Guarantee' More 'W/Bob and David' Bob Odenkirk, David Cross' New Netflix Series Releases First Sketch (Video) Bob Odenkirk, David Cross Netflix Show 'W/Bob & David's' 1st Trailer Promises Sketchy Fun (Video) President Donald Trump had wrapped Thursdays photo op with Puerto Ricos governor when someone lobbed a question about a report that FBI began probing Kremlins push into the U.S. nuclear industry with bribes, and kickbacks even before Obamas administration approved Russias 2010 acquisition of a majority stake in a Canadian firm that owned U.S. uranium mines. Thats your Russia story, Trump responded enthusiastically. Thats your real Russia story not a story where they talk about collusion and there was none. It was a hoax. Your real Russia story is uranium, and how they got all of that uranium vast percentage of what we have. That is, to me, one of the big stories of the decade, not just now. Of the decade, Trump emphasized. The problem is that the mainstream media does not want to cover that story because that affects people they protect. So they dont like covering that story. But the big story is uranium and how Russia got 20% of our uranium. Frankly, its a disgrace. And its a disgrace that the fake news wont cover it. Its so sad. Related stories John Kelly Defends Donald Trump's Call To Soldier's Widow, Blasts Rep. Frederica Wilson At Briefing White House: No Recording Of Donald Trump's Phone Call To Widow Of Soldier Killed In ISIS Ambush NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Responds To Donald Trump Outrage -- Sort Of UPDATED with responses: White House Chief of Staff John Kelly said he was stunned that a member of Congress would have listened in on a Presidents phone call to the widow of a fallen soldier, as Florida Rep. Frederica Wilson did. I thought at least that was sacred, Kelly said at todays White Houses press briefing, during which you could hear a pin drop. When I was a kid growing up, a lot of things were sacred. Women were sacred, looked upon with great honor thats obviously not the case as we see from recent cases, Kelly said, in an apparent reference to the Harvey Weinstein scandal and his boss Access Hollywood tape. Life was sacred; thats gone. Religion, that seems to be gone as well. Gold Star families I think that left at the convention over the summer, he continued, in yet another apparent ding of his boss, President Donald Trump, making two so far. But I just thought the selfless devotion that brings a man or woman to die on the battlefield I just thought that might still be sacred, Kelly said. And when I listened to this woman, and what she was saying, what she was doing on TV the only thing I could do to collect my thoughts was to go walk among the finest men and women on this earth. You can always find them at Arlington National Cemetery, Kelly added dramatically. He said he walked there for 90 minutes among the stones, some of whom I put there because they were doing what I told them to do when they were killed. Addressing reporters, Kelly said: I hope, as you write your stories, lets not let this last thing that is sacred a young man or woman giving his or her life for country lets somehow keep that sacred. It eroded a great deal yesterday by the selfish behavior of a member of Congress. Wilson fired back later in the day. John Kellys trying to keep his job. He will say anything, she told Politico. On Tuesday night, Wilson claimed Trump called Mysehia Johnson, widow of La David Johnson, as Johnson was driving to the airport to receive his body; the Army sergeant was one of four Americans killed in an attack in Niger earlier this month. Wilson said Trump reduced Mysehia Johnson to tears when he told her, Im sure he knew what he was signed up for, but when it happens, it hurts anyway. Story continues Wilson, who had known the soldier since childhood, was in the vehicle with Johnson and said she heard that part of the call on speaker phone. Trump insisted he said no such thing, but Kellys subsequent remarks told a very different story than Trump had pitched. Kelly today defended Trumps phone call, taking responsibility for the Presidents words to Johnsons widow. There is no perfect way to make that phone call, Kelly said, revealing his first recommendation was that Trump not make the calls because its not a phone call family members are looking forward to. Trump asked him about previous Presidents, and Kelly reported he told Trump, I can tell you President Obama did not call my family, which, Kelly told reporters, had not been intended as a criticism, just a statement of fact in answer to a question. Trump elected to make the phone call to the families of the four soldiers killed in the Niger ambush. He called four people and expressed condolences in the best way he could, Kelly insisted. Before the calls, Trump sought his advice on the wording, and Kelly said he responded: Let me tell you what my best friends told me: He was doing exactly what he wanted to do when he was killed. He knew what he was getting into by joining that 1%. He knew what the possibilities were, because were at war. And, when he died, he was surrounded by the best men on Earth, his friends. Thats what the President tried to say to four families the other day. Media blowback came fast and furious: Kelly isnt just an enabler of Trump. He's a believer in him. That makes him as odious as the rest. Dont be distracted by the uniform. Brian Fallon (@brianefallon) October 19, 2017 Today was a worthwhile reminder that John Kelly is not in the WH to keep Trump in check. He shares his world view Michael Cohen (@speechboy71) October 19, 2017 I keep telling y'all about John Kelly. He signed up to make Trump's craziness look less crazy. That make Kelly himself VERY dangerous Charles M. Blow (@CharlesMBlow) October 19, 2017 General Kelly, a serious question after you raised the loss of what is sacred in America, do you know who you work for? Matthew Dowd (@matthewjdowd) October 19, 2017 Just landed and thanks to spotty wifi, just learning that Trump sent General Kelly out to use his sons death to defend Trump. Unreal. Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) October 19, 2017 Kelly had opened his appearance very dramatically, saying he guessed most in the briefing room had no idea what happens when a soldier is killed in combat. So he told them. In great detail. He described how soldiers wrap the dead in whatever passes for a shroud and puts the victim on a helicopter where they are packed on ice and flown, usually to Europe. There, they are packed on ice again, and flown to Dover Air Force Base, where they are embalmed, dressed in uniform and then put on another plane with a casualty officer who escorts the body home. Kelly recommended a very, very good movie to watch, if you havent seen it, is Taking Chance. The HBO movie is based on the experience of Marine Lt. Colonel Michael Strobl, who, during the Iraq War, escorted the body of Marine PFC Chance Phelps back to his home. Phelps, Kelly said, was killed on his command right next to me. Related stories Donald Trump: "Disgrace" That Media "Won't" Cover "Real Russia Story" From Obama Administration White House: No Recording Of Donald Trump's Phone Call To Widow Of Soldier Killed In ISIS Ambush NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Responds To Donald Trump Outrage -- Sort Of Kathie Lee Gifford's heartfelt speech about her Today co-host Hoda Kotb at an American Cancer Society luncheon on Monday brought many in the crowd to tears. Kotb was honered as the American Cancer Society's Mother of the Year, and Gifford talked about how the two met during her introduction for the 53-year-old anchor. Gifford said she met Kotb nearly a decade ago, when NBC tried convincing her to return to television after her 15-year stint on Live With Regis and Kathie Lee. "I fell absolutely, madly in love with this life force called Hoda, who just made me a better person," Gifford said, sharing that she knew immediately that she had made a lifelong friend. Gifford, 64, continued to gush about Kotb's famously upbeat personality. Megyn Kelly Unintentionally Shades Hoda Kotb on 'Today' During NBC Debut -- See Kotb's Priceless Reaction The only thing bigger than her smile is her heart, she said. Hoda Kotb is my Egyptian sun goddess. You have to be very careful around Hoda because shes the most contagious human being on the planet. She will infect you. She will make you happy. She will make you start singing really crappy songs. Thats what she does. She cant help it. She just shows up and the room changes. "It is my great honor and privilege to give this to one of my dearest, dearest friends who is one of the finest human beings I've ever met in my life," she continued. "I adore you, Hoda Kotb." Kotb was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2007, and underwent a mastectomy. A decade later, she announced on the Today show that she had adopted a baby girl named Haley Joy Kotb. Hoda Kotb Shares Adorable Morning Photo of Haley Joy 'Just Because' To make a donation to the American Cancer Society, you can visit ACSMothersOfTheYear.org. The money raised goes to cancer research and patient service programs supported by the American Cancer Society. For more on Kotb and her adorable daughter, watch the video below: Story continues Related Articles While many praised White House Chief of Staff, John Kelly for his stern and emotional defense of President Donald Trumps phone call to the widow of a fallen soldier, one passionate dissenting voice was MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell. On his program Thursday evening, ODonnell launched into an 18 minute diatribe against Kelly that got personal, with the host suggesting Kellys Boston Irish upbringing tinged his thoughts about Wilson with racism. Also Read: Lawrence O'Donnell Apologizes for On-Camera Meltdown (Video) I grew up a few years after John Kelly in an identical neighborhood in the other side of Boston and I went to high school in John Kellys neighborhood. I know the neighborhood John Kelly comes from, I know the culture, said ODonnell. It was a neighborhood in which calling someone who looked like Frederica Wilson an empty barrel was the kindest thing that would have been said about her. Desegregation came very painfully to the Boston schools, long after John Kelly finished high school, and the pain of desegregating Boston schools was visited entirely on the students who looked like Frederica Wilson. There was more: ODonnell also accused the marine general of dehumanizing Wilson by calling her an empty barrel. He called her an empty barrel. He dehumanized her. In fact, from start to finish, John Kellys comments in the briefing room today were essentially a lecture about his moral superiority over her and Donald Trumps moral superiority over her, he said. If there is anything that John Kelly respects about her, he did not mention it today. Today she was nothing but an empty barrel to him. While Kelly has been known to drop the empty barrel line before on his critics, it seems the Congresswoman saw ODonnells monologue, telling reporters Friday that she felt the term was racist. Related stories from TheWrap: Lawrence O'Donnell Apologizes for On-Camera Meltdown (Video) Lawrence O'Donnell Looks Like an Insane Person in Leaked MSNBC Outtakes (Video) Lawrence O'Donnell Renewed at MSNBC MSNBC Boss Andy Lack Wants to Dump Lawrence O'Donnell for Brian Williams, Insider Says (Exclusive) Select members of the Weinstein Company just broke their non-disclosure agreement to issue a statement on Harvey Weinstein Select members of the Weinstein Company staff have released a statement in response to the many devastating and horrific allegations of sexual harassment and assault made against producer Harvey Weinstein. The statement was first posted by The New Yorker, which recently published accounts from Harvey Weinsteins accusers shortly after The New York Times published its own piece about allegations against the producer. In the statement, the staff claim that they did not know Harvey Weinstein, who has since been fired from the company, was a serial sexual predator. We knew that our boss could be manipulative, the statement reads. We did not know that he used his power to systematically assault and silence women. We had an idea that he was a womanizer who had extra-marital affairs. We did not know he was a violent aggressor and alleged rapist. But, they admit, that makes them part of the problem, that the traits that they valued Weinstein for in his filmmaking like, his ambition and desire to win are also what made him a monster. The statement goes on to acknowledge that addressing the allegations publicly puts the participating staff members in violation of their non-disclosure agreements. We know that in writing this we are in open breach of the non-disclosure agreements in our contracts. But our former boss is in open violation of his contract with us the employees to create a safe place for us to work. It also asks that they be freed of their NDAs so they can, without punishment, continue to address these serious issues. We have nothing to hide, and are as angry and baffled as you are at how Harveys behavior could continue for so long. We ask that the company let us out of our NDAs immediately and do the same for all former Weinstein Company employees so we may speak openly, and get to the origins of what happened here, and how. Moreover, the statement expresses its solidarity with the women who have spoken out, and thanks them for doing so. We unequivocally support all the women who have come forward, many of whom we count among our own friends and colleagues. Thank you for speaking out. When The New York Times and The New Yorker articles broke, we wept. We see you, we admire you, and we are in this fight alongside you. Story continues It also calls into question the broader threatening, hostile, inhumane work environments that are widely prevalent in the industry, and addresses the potential future of the Weinstein Company. So now that Harvey is gone, what next? If there is a future for this company, it must be one of radical transparency and accountability. And for that to happen, anyone who had specific knowledge of non-consensual, predatory behavior must go. That is the only way anyone will feel comfortable working with us. It is the only way any of us will feel comfortable working here. And it ends by saying we must listen to these stories, no matter how hard they are to hear. But after that we must start to ask hard questions of our industry, so we may do right not only by Harveys many victims, but also by young film lovers who, like all of us, just want to work in movies. To read the statement in full, head to The New Yorker. Our thoughts are with all those affected. Photo: GC Iamges. On Friday, Donald Trump will have been president for nine months, officially marking 274 days of turmoil, bickering, and blithe mendacity, from which his central campaign promises have failed to materialize. Health-care reforms are flailing, tax reform is in danger, the border wall remains metaphorical and, yesterday, Trumps beleaguered travel ban, now in its third iteration, was slapped down by Honolulu-based U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson. Releasing his ruling just hours before the ban was due to take effect, Watson argued that the revised policywhich tacked Chad, North Korea, and Venezuela onto its original targets of Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, and Somalia, while dropping Sudanbreached federal immigration law. (The restrictions placed on Venezuela and North Korea were not affected as part of the ruling.) The presidents executive order suffers from precisely the same maladies as its predecessor, Watson wrote. It lacks sufficient findings that the entry of more than 150 million nationals from six specified countries would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. Trumps initial call for a Muslim bana term that continued to be displayed on his campaign Web site until recentlycontinues to haunt his efforts to translate his proposal into a credible law. This is the third time Hawaii has gone to court to stop President Trump from issuing a travel ban that discriminates against people based on their nation of origin or religion, State Attorney General Douglas Chin said in a statement. Today is another victory for the rule of law. We stand ready to defend it. Watsons ruling was echoed by a second federal judge hours later, as Theodore Chuang granted a preliminary injunction also blocking the ban. Citing his campaign promise to bar terrorists and criminals from the country, Trump initially ordered an immediate suspension of travel from seven largely Muslim countries in January, sparking multiple protests and causing widespread confusion at airports across the country. After the ban was blocked by a federal judge in Seattle, the administration worked to whittle down its scope, all the while fielding complaints from the president that the alterations were political correctness run amok. Indeed, such was Trumps brusque impassivity to the wording of the proposals that, asked by CBS Newss Lesley Stahl if there would be a Muslim ban in a post-election interview, he responded: Call it whatever you want. Well call it territories, O.K. Story continues With the slap-down administered, the White House produced a different version in September, painstakingly arguing that its content was carefully considered, and that each of the affected countries was subject to a unique set of restrictions, tailored to its security capabilities. For example, every country was asked to meet specific standards for screening visa applicationsrestrictions apparently not met by eight countries. These arent, however, the same countries on the list. Somalia met the standards, but was included, anyway; Iraq did not, but the administration decided that including it on the banned list was not warranted. Other underscored changes included that legal permanent residents barred from the U.S. by the first ban would not be impacted by the third, and those who already possess visas could not have them revoked. The inclusion of North Korea and the predominantly Christian Venezuela in the ill-fated lineup were framed as credible proof that this was not, in fact, a Muslim travel ban. Despite the White Houses endeavors, however, Judge Watson found few tangible differences between the second and third drafts of the ban. The categorical restrictions on entire populations of men, women, and children, based upon nationality, are a poor fit for the issues regarding the sharing of public-safety and terrorism-related information that the president identifies, he wrote, noting that dangerous people of other nationalities could fall outside the remit of the ban. This leads to absurd results, he added, describing the executive order as simultaneously overbroad and underinclusive. While agreeing that the administrations national security goals are important, Watson said that the government had failed to prove that letting people affected by the ban into the country would directly harm the interests of the United States. He also included a swipe at Trumps feud with the N.F.L. in his notes: Professional athletes mirror the federal government in this respect, he wrote. [T]hey operate within a set of rules, and when one among them forsakes those rules in favor of his own, problems ensue. And so it goes with EO-3. Presumably inoculated to judicial interceptions by now, the White House managed to muster some anger, releasing a statement that attacked the dangerously flawed court order. Todays ruling is incorrect, fails to properly respect the separation of powers, and has the potential to cause serious negative consequences for our national security, responded Justice Department spokesman Ian Prior. The Department of Justice will appeal in an expeditious manner, continue to fight for the implementation of the Presidents order, and exercise our duties to protect the American people. In Democrat camps, however, the satisfaction was palpable. Pleased the judicial branch blocked the Muslim ban / travel ban. If you put lipstick on a bigoted executive order, its still bigoted, tweeted Congressman Ted Lieu. @realDonaldTrump just cant take a hint, wrote Elizabeth Warren. His illegal Muslim ban is now 0 for 3 vs the Constitution. Following Watsons ruling, the State Department confirmed Tuesday afternoon that officials would resume regular processing of visas for nationals of Chad, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. Those challenging the banthe state of Hawaii and the Muslim Association of Hawaii, along with two American citizens and a legal permanent resident who say the ban would keep them separated from familyhad not asked for an injunction with regards to North Korea and Venezuela. Its unclear how long Watsons ruling, which applies nationally, will be intact, but it looks likely that the issue will soon head back to the Supreme Court. Its a sort of Pyrrhic victory for the defenders of those constitutional values that Trump has cast aside. Each injunction sends the White House back to the drawing board, scrambling around for an arbitrary set of add-ons (another religion, another national antagonist) that will bolster their spurious argument that the Travel Ban is not a Muslim Ban, with all the subtlety of an exaggerated wink. Nine months into office, then, the overarching question hanging over Trumps political career remains similar to when he was campaigning: how much power can he legally exert? And, in turn, how robust are Americas institutions to resist? This story originally appeared on Vanity Fair. More from Vanity Fair: 13 Photos That Prove William and Kate Are a Perfect Couple The Game of Thrones Cast Then and Now The 20 Most Satisfying TV Kisses of All Time Film's Sexiest Little Black Dresses Over-the-Top Celebrity Weddings Hollywoods Now-Forgotten Celebrity Couples The New Yorker has published a statement signed by select members of the Weinstein Company staff in the wake of that magazines expose on the companys co-founder Harvey Weinstein. The group, which did not sign individual names but is said by the magazine to number about 30, says among other things that they did not know we were working for a serial sexual predator said that the TWC board failed in its duty to keep Weinstein in check. We know that in writing this we are in open breach of the non-disclosure agreements in our contracts, states the letter, which calls Weinstein a monster. But our former boss is in open violation of his contract with us the employees to create a safe place for us to work. The statement comes along with a new piece on the New Yorker site today detailing Weinsteins history running TWC from its New York office. The statement was drafted this week, with one of the staffers telling the New Yorker reporter Dana Goodyear, This awful helpless feeling of being vilified for something you never knew was creating this feeling of true despair. Added the statement: We have nothing to hide, and are as angry and baffled as you are at how Harveys behavior could continue for so long. We ask that the company let us out of our NDAs immediately and do the same for all former Weinstein Company employees so we may speak openly, and get to the origins of what happened here, and how. Reps for Harvey Weinsteins PR team at Sitrick & Co, which has remained mostly quiet as the scandal has grown, did not respond to request for comment on the story or the statement. TWC reps also did not respond to request for comment. Read the full statement here. Related Video: Related stories DGA Board Meeting Will Address "Very Serious Issue" Of Sexual Harassment Story continues Megyn Kelly Not So Sure Harvey Weinstein Scandal Will Bring Sea Change Harvey Weinstein Stripped Of 2002 BFI Fellowship Audi didnt invent the four-door-coupe segment, but it could be argued that the German brand perfected it with the arrival of its A7 mid-size luxury car. Launched as a 2012 model in the United States, the A7 had alluring looks that cloaked a versatile hatchback body style providing access to a sizable cargo hold. More than half a dozen years later, Audi is once again out to prove that style and practicality neednt be mutually exclusive with the redesigned second-generation A7. Like the recently revealed 2019 A8 flagship sedan, the new A7 wears Audis latest design language, which features a wider, more hexagonal version of Audis shield grille. Shortened front and rear overhangs snip 0.6 inch from the A7s overall length, while flared fenders provide the low-slung four-door with a less slab-sided look compared with its predecessor. A prominent new taillight design spans the width of the car below a retractable wing in the sloping rear hatchback. An optional S line body kit adds more aggressive front and rear fascias, resculpted side sills, and a handful of minor trim changes. The Upside Down The new interior features Audis latest MMI infotainment system. First seen in the 2019 A8, the system jettisons the previous versions rotary control knob for a pair of touchscreens with audible and haptic feedback. One screen is located ahead of the gearshift lever and is used primarily for controlling HVAC functions, while the other lives higher up in the dashboard and is used for operating items such as infotainment and navigation features. Other in-cockpit tech includes an available head-up display and Audis 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster. In our first drive of the new A8, we found that Audis touchscreen MMI interface was quick to respond to our inputs and highly configurable. Nevertheless, we missed the prior MMI systems physical knobs and buttons, which we found easier to adjust on the fly. Other toys pulled from the A8 include the AI Remote Parking Pilot and AI Remote Garage Pilot systems, which can autonomously move your car into and out of a garage or a parking space. Story continues Its Got the Power At launch, the second-generation A7 will be powered by Audis familiar 340-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine. Replacing the current eight-speed automatic is a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Audi claims the combination can send the all-wheel-drive hatchback from zero to 62 mph in 5.3 seconds; top speed is governed at 155 mph. The powertrain also incorporates a combination alternator and starter that is able to recuperate up to 12.0 kW of energy, which it sends to the cars 48-volt lithium-ion battery. Other fuel-saving features include an updated auto stop/start system that can use a feed from the A7s standard front camera to restart the engine when traffic begins moving again (as opposed to todays systems that only fire up the engine when the driver lets off the brake pedal, though it will do that, too). A freewheeling mode temporarily shuts the engine off when coasting at speeds between 34 mph and 100 mph. Among the available enthusiast-friendly features are a sport suspension with a 0.4-inch-lower ride height, an optional torque-vectoring rear differential, and a four-wheel variable-steering system that adjusts the steering ratio from a hyperquick 9.5:1 to a slower-paced 16.5:1 setup. Comfort-oriented options include a perfume atomizer, massaging and ventilated front seats, and an air-spring suspension. The A7 can be fitted with either a three-person rear bench or two individual seats, and the half-inch-longer wheelbase provides rear-seat passengers with more kneeroom and headroom. The all-new Audi A7 goes on sale in February in Germany and will reach North American showrooms by the end of 2018. Audi isnt ready to talk U.S. pricing yet, but the new version shouldnt be far off the current models $70,675 starting point. Three white extremists were arrested and charged with attempted homicide after they got into an argument and fired on a group of people protesting white nationalist Richard Spencers speech in Gainesville, Florida, police said Friday. Shortly after Spencers speech Thursday at the University of Florida which was met by thousands protesting him and his racist message a silver Jeep carrying three white men, two of whom have connections to extremist groups, pulled up to a bus stop and started to argue with protesters who had gathered there, according to the Gainesville Police Department. The three men, Tyler Tenbrink, 28, William Fears, 30, and Colton Fears, 28, quickly began threatening the protesters, making Nazi salutes and shouting chants about Adolf Hitler. One of the protesters responded by using a baton to hit the rear window of their vehicle. The vehicle pulled away momentarily, and then quickly stopped. Tenbrink, a convicted felon from Richmond, Texas, jumped out of the car and produced a handgun. Then the Fears brothers, both of Pasadena, Texas, encouraged Tenbrink to shoot the protesters, shouting, Im going to fucking kill you, kill them and shoot them, according to the Alachua County Sheriffs Office arrest report. Tenbrink fired off a single round, which missed the protesters and instead struck a building directly behind them, police said. All three men then jumped back into the vehicle and fled, but one of the protesters noted the license plate number and reported it immediately to the police. Just a few hours later, an off-duty Alachua County sheriffs deputy, who was on his way home after working the Spencer event, began searching for the vehicle and ultimately found it. Local authorities arrested the men about 20 miles north of Gainesville. From left: Tyler Tenbrink, Colton Fears and William Fears were arrested and charged with attempted homicide. (Photo: Alachua County Sheriff's Office) All three men are currently being held in Alachua County Jail. The Fears brothers are held under a $1 million bond and Tenbrink under a $3 million bond. Tenbrink admitted to the police that he was the shooter, according to his arrest report, and faces additional charges for possession of a firearm by a felon. Story continues William Fears is an active white supremacist with ties to several white supremacist groups, including Vanguard America, Patriot Front and others, according to the Anti-Defamation League. The ADL says Tenbrink too is a white supremacist who attended events organized by Vanguard America and the white supremacist website Daily Stormer. Colton Fears is the least active of the three in white extremist groups, the ADL said, but recently participated in the Charlottesville, Virginia, torch march and Unite the Right rally that sparked protests leaving one dead and 19 others injured. The three men had been spotted by HuffPost at the protests surrounding the Spencer event. HuffPost photographed the Fears brothers and Tenbrink on the University of Florida campus on Thursday: Colton Fears was interviewed by HuffPost before the protests started. (Photo: Chris McGonigal/HuffPost) In an interview with HuffPost, Colton Fears said the pin on his shirt is basically just like an SS thing. To get into that, it would literally take, it would be a whole topic of WWII ... and its my heritage, Im German. William Fears was heard shouting White lives matter during protests on Thursday. This dude, William Fears, screaming "White lives matter!" while protesters chant "Black lives matter" #SpencerAtUF pic.twitter.com/hygvIY8jcs Christopher Mathias (@letsgomathias) October 19, 2017 Tyler Tenbrink at the University of Florida campus on Thursday. (Photo: Chris McGonigal/HuffPost) Also on HuffPost Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. Florida State Troopers walk from their hotel to the University of Florida Campus before a speaking event by Richard Spencer on Thursday, October 19, 2017 in Gainesville. A University of Florida Police vehicle sits in front of a banner listing prohibited items on Hall Road near the entrance to University of Florida in Gainesville on Thursday October, 19 2017. A list of prohibited items is listed near the University of Florida in Gainesville. A banner listing prohibited items hangs above Hall Road near the entrance to University of Florida in Gainesville on Thursday, October 19 2017. Police in riot gear secure a perimeter near the University of Florida. People protest near the Hull Road entrance to University of Florida. Mushrat Nuri, a student at University of Florida in Gainesville, marches down 34th Street. People march down 34th street to the entrance of the University of Florida. People march down 34th street to the entrance of the University of Florida. People march down 34th street to the entrance of the University of Florida. A man leaving the Richard Spencer event is accosted by people waiting outside. A man leaving the Richard Spencer event is accosted by people waiting outside. People chant at a man who left the Richard Spencer event at the University of Florida. The man argued with protesters before being escorted away by police. Police escorted him off campus in handcuffs. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. The largest payroll processor in the world, Automatic Data Processing (ADP), is responsible for paying one out of six of workers in the US. But the company has been making headlines recently because its fighting a proxy battle by activist Bill Ackman. But ADP CEO Carlos Rodriguez told Yahoo Finance he agrees about many of Ackmans pushes for change. We probably agree on a lot of different things from a thematic standpoint: The need to transform our technology at ADP, the need to be efficient, to improve margins, Rodriguez said. But a lot of the information that he gathered, I think as a result of not talking to the company directly, led him to some conclusions that really were incorrect. However, Rodriguez emphasized that Ackmans inclusion on ADPs board of directors would be a negative. We have a very strong, independent board with all the skills necessary including technology experience for what the strategy of the company is, he said. He added that ADP is already undergoing the key initiatives Ackman is emphasizing. What I would say is that maybe hes a few years late in terms of the ideas that he has, because the board and the management team have been working on the technology transformation, on margin improvement, on consolidating our footprint a lot of the things that Bill has observed that I think are important for any company to do. Size isnt necessarily an impediment to success And as Ackman pushes for a 1200 basis point margin improvement, Rodriguez highlighted the 580 basis point improvement since 2011, with another 500 basis point expansion expected by 2020. Rodriguez highlighted the companys focus on research and development, on which the company spends $800 million annually, and innovation labs, including 1,000 employees working on next-generation technology. ADP CEO Carlos Rodriguez discusses the companys proxy battle with activist Bill Ackman Today we have 83% of our clients on our new cloud technology We have the number one mobile application in the human capital management space, we have data and analytic solutions that weve put out for our clients We are believers in the transformation of technology and we are adopters of it, Rodriguez said. Story continues Rodriguez also defended the companys large size against attacks by Ackman, who has called ADP a lethargic and inefficient sleeping giant. Size doesnt have to bring with it bureaucracy, Rodriguez said. There are lots of other very large companies that are nimble and that are still creative and are still growing, like ADP, prove that size isnt necessarily an impediment to success. Nicole Sinclair is markets correspondent at Yahoo Finance For more on Yahoo Finances interview with ADPs CEO, please see: ADP CEO on proxy battle: Its really about growing the top line Please also see: Gary Cohn: We wont put conditions on repatriated cash, and were fine with stock buybacks Gary Cohn: The estate tax is really about small business Gary Cohn: We have to have a permanent change in the tax system Mick Mulvaney: The size of the debt concerns me Soldiers from the Third U.S. Infantry Regiment carry the transfer case during a casualty return for Staff Sgt. Dustin M. Wright, of Lyons, Ga., at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (Photo: Pfc. Lane Hiser/U.S. Army via AP) WASHINGTON With the Afghanistan War in its 17th year and U.S. troops spread across the globe to combat terrorism, the Senate took a step late Thursday toward reviving the post-9/11 debate over where, when, how, why and on whose authority young Americans should go off to war. Those questions have new importance in the aftermath of the ambush that claimed the life of four U.S. servicemen in Niger. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee announced that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis would testify at an Oct. 30 hearing on the Sept. 18, 2001, Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF). That legislation greenlighted the invasion of Afghanistan and has been used by successive presidents as the legal justification for the global war on terrorism. (Technically, the question-and-answer session will also cover the 2002 AUMF that helped set up the invasion of Iraq, but that legislation plays a less consequential role in 2017.) As we face a wide array of threats abroad, it is perhaps more important than ever that we have a sober national conversation about Congresss constitutional role in authorizing the use of military force, said Sen. Bob Corker, R.-Tenn., the committees chairman. On Oct. 4, in the African country of Niger, extremists killed Army Sgt. La David Johnson, Staff Sgt. Bryan Black, Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson and Staff Sgt. Dustin Wright. President Trumps call to Johnsons widow this week resulted in the White Houses public feud with Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., who overheard the call and described it as dismissive toward the slain soldiers service. Defense Secretary James Mattis answers a reporters question about the ambush of U.S. troops in Niger. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) As Trump launches Twitter attacks on Wilson, lawmakers who favor replacing the 2001 AUMF have argued that the Niger ambush offers a fresh debate on important constitutional questions about war. The many questions surrounding the death of American servicemembers in Niger show the urgent need to have a public discussion about the current extent of our military operations around the world, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said in a Friday statement. Story continues Kaine has pushed his colleagues for years to revise the 2001 AUMF and adopt a new authorization that would set some limits on presidential war-making powers. When then-President Barack Obama declared that the 2001 legislation covered his campaign against the so-called Islamic State, Kaine sharply dismissed that as an Alice In Wonderland argument. The Democratic 2016 vice presidential candidate has teamed up with Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., to draft a new AUMF specifically tailored to the Islamic State. It would repeal the 2001 and 2002 authorizations but explicitly allow making war on ISIS, al-Qaida and the Taliban, as well as associated forces, to be defined by the administration and Congress. The legislation would expire after five years. A new AUMF is not only legally necessary, it would also send an important message of resolve to the American public and our troops that we stand behind them in their mission, Kaine said on Friday. Sen. Jeff Flake and Sen. Tim Kaine talk about their introduction of a new Authorization for the Use of Military Force against the Islamic State group, al-Qaida and the Taliban in May. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Unlike the AUMF Obama sent Congress in early 2015, Flake and Kaines proposal does not place even vague limits on what kind of force could be used. That could complicate its chances of securing Democratic support. The Trump administrations position has been that it does not require a new authorization that the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs, plus the presidents commander in chief powers under the Constitution, offer sufficient legal justification. Mattis has said in the past that he would welcome a new AUMF, saying it would demonstrate American resolve against ISIS and other extremist groups. But he has also warned against limits, like restricting the authorization to certain kinds of military force in a defined geographic area. Obamas proposed AUMF imposed no such limits and would have expired after he left office. The hearing with Tillerson and Mattis will build on an Aug. 2 closed Senate Foreign Relations Committee briefing with administration officials and a June 20 public hearing with private witnesses. The United States has declared war formally against 11 nations in just five wars in its history: the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II. Technically, Americas longest war the Afghanistan operation launched after Sept. 11 isnt a declared war. Neither were Korea, Vietnam, Panama nor Iraq. Read more from Yahoo News: Barack Obama is back on the campaign trail just not for himself. The former President took the stage Thursday for his first campaign event since leaving office, a canvas kickoff for Phil Murphy, the Democratic candidate for Governor of New Jersey, and Sheila Oliver, who is running as his lieutenant Governor, in Newark Thursday. Obama did not address President Donald Trumps false accusation that his predecessor failed to call any Gold Star families during his time in the White House; he did not mention President Trump or any member of Congress by name. He did however, disavow political divisiveness and deride what he coined backward looking policies. Some of the politics we see now we thought wed put that to bed. Thats folks looking 50 years back, he told a cheering crowd at the invite-only event. Its the 21st century not the 19th century. He also noted his administrations accomplishments, touting the thousands of jobs created during his tenure, and the people who became insured under the Affordable Care Act. But Obamas remarks largely centered on the importance of electing Democrats to the Governorship in New Jersey, and how voting is the most effective way of channeling inevitable dissatisfaction some may feel during the Trump era. You cannot complain if you didnt vote; you did not exercise the power the constitution gives us that people fought for, Obama said. This is entirely under your control. If you dont like how things are going, you gotta vote. Obama will be in Virginia Thursday evening to stump for Lt. Governor Ralph Northam, the Democratic candidate for Governor in Virginia. Voters will head to the polls for the New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial elections on November 7. The two races will largely be viewed as referendums on the Trump administration. A senior adviser to Obama said in a statement that the former President wanted the focus on the candidates and their specific platforms during these campaign appearances, rather than fight the current administration. Its in no ones interest including the former Presidents, the Democratic Partys, or the countrys for President Obama to become the face of any resistance or the party. Instead, he is creating the space for leaders in the party to craft the best path forward that will make our country better, the adviser said. But the adoration from the crowd was apparent as soon as Obama stepped onto the stage; he was immediately greeted with chants of four more years. I will refer you to the constitution and Michelle Obama to tell you why that will not happen, he quipped in response. White nationalist Richard Spencers speech at the University of Florida on Thursday was disrupted by dozens of protesters with raised fists who booed and chanted, Go home, Spencer. Outside, hundreds of protesters gathered in opposition to the speech, holding signs and shouting, We dont want your Nazi hate. The event was the latest example of a public university grappling with debates over free speech when it comes to visits from controversial far-right speakers and ensuing protests. In August, Spencer organized the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Va., which resulted in violence that left one woman dead. And clashes have erupted at Spencers other campus events in the past year, including those at Auburn University and Texas A&M University. Anticipation for the University of Florida speech led Florida Gov. Rick Scott to declare a state of emergency, warning that the threat of a potential emergency is imminent. At a press conference ahead of his speech, Spencer, who has argued for the creation of a white ethno-state, defended his previous comments about peaceful ethnic cleansing and spoke about white European identity. He criticized the protesters opposed to his presence on campus. I think the fact that someone might be uncomfortable with someone who is talking about ideas that seems to be actually justification for me to be here, Spencer said, deriding universities as a nursery school for young adults. It is a place where we need, desperately need, to talk about controversial and, you could say, dangerous ideas, he said. Spencer credited the university a public institution bound by First Amendment rights with supporting his right to speak. For the record, I dont stand behind racist Richard Spencer. I stand with those who reject and condemn Spencers vile and despicable message, University of Florida President Kent Fuchs said on Twitter in response. This article is part of HuffPosts Project Zero campaign, a yearlong series on neglected tropical diseases and efforts to fight them. Out of Sight is a series of 360-degree films telling the stories of the victims and health workers battling neglected tropical diseases in some of the most remote and underdeveloped regions of Nigeria and Congo. The series explores both the challenges of and progress toward eliminating three of those diseases. The series begins in Nigeria with lymphatic filariasis, or elephantiasis. This disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause the extreme swelling of body parts. Globally, a billion people live in areas that put them at risk of infection. Nigeria is one of the countries hardest hit by this disease. The second film, shot in both Nigeria and Congo, focuses on river blindness. It was once widespread in tropical areas across the world, but efforts to control it have significantly reduced infection. However, the disease remains a major cause of preventable blindness in certain parts of the developing world, and nearly 300,000 people are blind from it. The series ends with sleeping sickness, which was once a major cause of mortality in tropical Africa but now may be nearly eliminated, thanks to the intervention of health workers and national health programs. As many as 80 percent of the remaining cases are found in Congo, the location of this film. Related Coverage WATCH: What Life Is Like With The Disfiguring Disease Elephantiasis WATCH: What Life Is Like When A Parasite Destroys Your Sight WATCH: The Battle Against Sleeping Sickness This series is supported, in part, by funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. All content is editorially independent, with no influence or input from the foundation. If youd like to contribute a post to the series, send an email to ProjectZero@huffingtonpost.com. And follow the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #ProjectZero. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. When women on social media started posting their experiences with harassment and assault, it was no surprise that just about every woman on many of our feeds had testified #metoo. What was perhaps surprising was how many men couldnt believe it. As the psychologist (and my friend) Mina Cikara put it on Facebook: You know what shocks me? How shocked my male friends/colleagues are. Many men discovered they had been living an alternative reality. This shock is especially surprising because everyone, regardless of race or class background, is exposed to women. Consider a contrast: When African Americans, at the start of #BlackLivesMatter started reporting their personal experiences with police harassment, many whites could be forgiven for being totally surprised. After all, blacks only constitute 13% of the U.S. population, and many white Americans can and do live their entire lives with only a few black friends. In fact, most white adults have no close black friends. But the same is not true for men with respect to women. Just about everyone has a mother, a sister, a girlfriend, a daughter, a sister-in-law, a grandmother, an aunt or a wife. Very few men are not close to at least one woman. Why would the prevalence of harassment and assault be a shock? Cikara speculated that men may differ on what harassment is, that harassers may censor themselves around men, or that women are so used to it they may not bother saying anything. I am sure there is some truth to each of these ideas. But perhaps there is another reason men often do not hear, which is that women may deliberately avoid telling their close male friends and relatives. We think of our close ones as the best people to confide difficult experiences to, because they are supposed to be trusted, supportive, and understanding. Yet as I document in my book, Someone To Talk To, we often avoid the people we are close to when we have something sensitive to talk about. When we need a confidant, we usually want the person to do one thing: to listen empathetically. But the people we are close to usually play more than one role in our lives, and which role they would play if we bring up a difficult topic might be ambiguous. My wife is my supporter, intimate, critic, friend, dance partner, career adviser, and more. When I need her to be a supporter, I dont want her to be a critic, a fact that she usually understands. If I have any doubt, I avoid the topic. Story continues Such is the nature of close relationships when topics are sensitive. Consider the number of people who never learn that a close friend or relative is suffering from depression, or was fired from work, or has had an abortion, or had been battling cancer. Some topics bring up ambiguities, or awkwardness, or the fear that the confidant may something unhelpful or even hurtful. And some incidents are too painful to risk the possibility that our confidant, the person we are very close to, might say or do the wrong thing. Sexual harassment and assault are such that women have reason to be unsure how a close male might respond. Many of us men have been harassed, sexually assaulted, or stalked. But for almost none of us is the experience as pervasive, persistent or routine as it is for women. In addition, we rarely talk about it because the way too many of us understand masculinity today unfortunately requires us to tough it out, avoid making a big deal out of it, and move on. For this reason, many women we are close to have good reason not to know how we might respond. How many times have we been a critic, or an advisor, or a protector, when the only thing our loved ones wanted was a listener? Of the many roles that men can play in reducing sexual victimization including the most important, to stop victimizing perhaps a place to start is changing how we listen. Small is the Grafstein Family Professor of Sociology at Harvard University and the author of Someone To Talk To WASHINGTON A federal appeals court has allowed the Trump administration to continue to prevent an undocumented teen from obtaining an abortion, potentially prolonging an unwanted pregnancy for 11 days or more. A split decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ordered the government to secure a sponsor for the teen by 5 p.m. on Oct. 31 and said the teen, referred to as Jane Doe, would be able to get an abortion when in the sponsors custody. The court said the process would not unduly burden the minors right under Supreme Court precedent to an abortion provided that the process of securing a sponsor to whom the minor is released occurs expeditiously. If a sponsor isnt secured by that date, a lower court could issue a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction, the appeals court said. The ruling noted that the government had assumed, for purposes of this case, that [Jane Doe] an unlawful immigrant who apparently was detained shortly after unlawfully crossing the border into the United States possesses a constitutional right to obtain an abortion in the United States. The American Civil Liberties Union, which is representing the teen, called the ruling a dangerous decision that allowed for further delay. The 17-year-old has already been in government custody for weeks without finding a sponsor and was granted permission to obtain an abortion by a Texas state judge on Sept. 25. U.S. Circuit Judge Brett Kavanaugh, a George W. Bush appointee who was on Trumps shortlist for the Supreme Court and appears to have been behind the order, repeatedly said during Fridays oral arguments that it might be the best-case scenario if she could just be released to a sponsor. But finding a sponsor is neither simple nor quick. The government already ruled out two potential sponsors for the teenager, which is why she has been detained for so long. The teenager entered the U.S. without authorization and unaccompanied by parents in early September. Since then, she has been in the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement, which under President Donald Trump implemented a policy barring most minors in its care from obtaining abortions. Story continues The government allowed Jane Doe to leave a Texas shelter to go to a crisis pregnancy center, where she was urged against an abortion, but it has refused to allow her to go to a clinic to terminate her pregnancy, even though she received permission to do so from a Texas state judge. A U.S. district judge ruled on Wednesday that Jane Doe should be allowed to go to pre-abortion counseling on Thursday. She was then planning to undergo the procedure on Friday or Saturday, but the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals halted that part of the ruling so it could hear arguments. A Department of Justice attorney argued on Friday morning that the government was not preventing Jane Doe from getting an abortion, because she had the option of voluntarily departing the U.S. or finding a sponsor to live with. The attorney, Catherine Dorsey, also said the government should not be forced to facilitate an abortion by signing off on it or by providing her care afterward. The ACLU argued that the Office of Refugee Resettlement is violating the girls right to an abortion and essentially holding her hostage, which could lead to her being unable to terminate the pregnancy at all. The teenager is currently 15 weeks pregnant, and at 20 weeks will no longer be allowed to get an abortion in Texas. Neither of the options the government presented to Jane Doe are reasonable ones, Brigitte Amiri, a senior staff attorney at the ACLUs Reproductive Freedom Project, argued on Friday. Telling the teenager she could have an abortion only if she leaves the U.S. amounts to a penalty, Amiri said. Jane Doe has not yet begun deportation proceedings, so its not clear whether she has legal avenues to remain in the country, but if she took the Trump administrations suggestion, she wouldnt even be able to try. The shelter where Jane Doe resides is contracted by the government to provide her direct care, and she has arranged transportation to the clinic and to pay for the procedures, so the Office of Refugee Resettlements direct involvement would be minimal. Amiri argued that the office only needed to make a phone call. Here, what were talking about is them standing in the way, Amiri said. All they need to do is get out of the way. Prior to the Trump administration, the offices leadership did not make decisions about abortions at all, unless it was over whether they could receive government funding for the procedure in cases of rape or incest or if the life of the mother were at risk. The office is now run by director Scott Lloyd, a former attorney for the Knights of Columbus who opposes abortion. Even if Jane Doe is released to a sponsor before Oct. 31 and is allowed to have an abortion, other pregnant girls in Office of Refugee Resettlement custody are likely to be in her same position, if not now then in the future. The government argued that even if a minor were seeking asylum, she would still be blocked from going to abortion appointments and told she could go to her home country if she wanted to terminate a pregnancy. Ultimately, the court may not have to decide whether the government must allow this particular Jane Doe to leave a shelter for an abortion. But finding her a sponsor wont solve the problem for other girls like her. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Apples first few pieces of original programming, Carpool Karaoke and Planet of the Apps, felt more like stumbles out of the gate. In this era of prestige television from cord-cutting platforms like Netflix and Amazon, the shows werent exactly, say, House of Cards or Transparent. But a number of moves over the past several months find the company positioning itself as a serious contender in the world of scripted television. The company has already built a team that includes a former WGN American president and a pair of executives from Sony Pictures Television -- and the company just made another key hire, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Morgan Wandell, who most recently served as Amazons Head of International Series, is joining team Apple to help bring more scripted series to the table. Wandell had been at Amazon since 2013, playing a role in the some of the companys highest profile series like Man in the High Castle and the upcoming Tom Clancy adaptation, Jack Ryan. Hes exiting the company during a recent bit of turmoil, which found Amazon Studios cutting ties with head Roy Price and dropping a Harvey Weinstein-produced series, both over sexual harassment allegations. Of course, Apple wasnt immune to the recent deluge of reports either -- the company cancelled a planned Elvis series over ties with Weinstein. That series aside, however, Apples still got a lot in the works on the scripted front. The company reportedly recently struck a deal with Steven Spielberg to revive the '80s anthology series, Amazing Stories. According to another recent report, Apples planning to spend around $1 billion to ramp up its original series in its first year of production. By Francois Murphy and Shadia Nasralla VIENNA (Reuters) - Austria's president gave the green light to conservative leader Sebastian Kurz on Friday to form a government, but Kurz gave little away about his coalition plans, leaving a tie-up with the far right the most likely outcome. Kurz's People's Party (OVP) secured 31.5 percent of the vote in Sunday's parliamentary election, winning by a clear margin but falling well short of the majority needed to control parliament in the affluent Alpine republic. "I would like to build a government that has the courage and determination to bring real change to Austria," Kurz, 31, told reporters after meeting President Alexander Van der Bellen, who will oversee the process. Kurz campaigned on a platform that combined a hard line on immigration similar to that of the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) with traditional conservative principles like slimming down the state and cutting taxes. He said he would start by holding talks with all parties in parliament although only two of them, the Social Democrats (SPO) and FPO, have enough seats to give him a majority if they go into coalition with the OVP. "I will now get straight to work and hold the first discussions, definitely in the coming days, and possibly even today," Kurz said, adding that after those initial discussions he might launch formal coalition talks with one party. Kurz went to Brussels on Thursday to assure European Union leaders of his support, allaying concerns that Austria country would become a dissonant voice in the EU with the anti-immigrant far right likely to enter its government. It became clear after neighboring Germany's election last month that it was headed towards a three-way "Jamaica" coalition - so called because the parties' colors match that country's flag. Austria's political future could be colorful too. Using the same principle and some creative licence, Austria's next government could be dubbed "Botswana" or "Islamic State". Two other options, "Haiti" and "Albania", appear to be off the table, at least for the time being. THOUSANDTH OF A THOUSANDTH In Austria as in Germany, each party is traditionally associated with a color - black for Kurz's OVP, red for the centre-left SPO and blue for the far-right FPO. Botswana (black and blue) remains the most likely option, given that Kurz and the head of the Social Democrats, outgoing Chancellor Christian Kern, have often clashed and Kurz called an end to their coalition, forcing Sunday's snap election. Kurz has said he would prefer to form a stable coalition but not ruled out a minority, monochrome government (Islamic State). He has accused his rivals of holding talks on an SPO-FPO, "red-blue" coalition (Haiti). But FPO leader Heinz-Christian Strache poured cold water on the idea of a "coalition of losers" in an interview with tabloid Oesterreich. Asked if Kern had been voted out as chancellor, Strache said: "In my opinion, yes." He added that people had voted for change and Kurz had a mandate to try and form a government. "If he were to invite us (to hold coalition talks), we would accept the invitation," he said, adding that in such a case the FPO would not hold parallel talks with the SPO. Strache hosted Kurz at his home for dinner this week, their first one-on-one meeting, he said. The chances of a red-blue alliance are "a thousandth of a thousandth", Kern told reporters at an EU summit in Brussels, but he added that his party was still open to talks. A black-red coalition (Albania) has not been completely ruled out. Kurz has hinted at being prepared to consider it if Kern is replaced as leader by Defense Minister Hans Peter Doskozil. Strache also focused his criticism on Kern rather than the SPO as a whole. (writing by Francois Murphy; editing by Mark Heinrich) DAR ES SALAAM (Reuters) - Barrick Gold has agreed that Tanzania will own a 16 percent stake in three gold mines operated by Barrick's Acacia Mining Plc, the company and a government minister announced on Thursday. Barrick Chairman John Thornton told a news conference in the Tanzanian capital that the company had also agreed to pay Tanzania $300 million as a show of good faith. The company and the government have been in talks for months aimed at resolving a dispute over an export ban which has hit Acacia Mining. (Reporting by Fumbuka Ng'wanakilala; writing by Maggie Fick; editing by Jason Neely) Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is skipping the Womens Convention and heading to hurricane-hit Puerto Rico instead, he announced on Thursday. The selection of Sanders as a keynote speaker at the annual convention was met with uproar after it was assumed he would be headlining the womens event, which is themed Reclaiming our Time. Convention organizers were lambasted online after they announced Sanderss participation, and a change.org petition lobbied to have him dropped from the opening act. But Sanders bowed out of the event himself. In a statement, he said that he felt compelled to head to Puerto Rico, where residents are still struggling after two massive hurricanes caused widespread damage. Most Puerto Ricans still do not have electricity, and 28% continue to lack access to drinkable water one month after Hurricane Maria struck. Given the emergency situation in Puerto Rico, I will be traveling there to visit with San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz and other officials to determine the best way forward to deal with the devastation the island is experiencing, Sanders said in his statement. The U.S. Congress cannot turn its back on the millions of people in Puerto Rico who, four weeks after the hurricane, are still without electricity, food and running water. Even before Sanders dropped out, the Womens Convention organizers, who led the womens marches against President Donald Trumps inauguration, tried to quell the outrage. They announced on Tuesday that Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow would be the opener, and not her male colleague. Senator Sanders was only scheduled to participate in an evening panel discussion, they said. 60+ trailblazing women speakers will be joining us at the #WomensConvention beginning 10 days from today in Detroit. #ReclaimingOurTime pic.twitter.com/2Gym7UoC9x Women's March (@womensmarch) October 17, 2017 We know that it has been a painful week for women across the nation, the womens march team said. We realize that we added to that pain when we announced Senator Sanders as a speaker at the Womens Convention, and that our announcement gave the impression that he is occupying a central role at the convention. It is important to correct the record. A new bipartisan bill known as the Honest Ads Act is the first major attempt to regulate online platforms that sell ads with rules akin to those that apply to more traditional advertising on TV, radio and in print. The bill, introduced today by Democratic Senators Mark Warner and Amy Klobuchar, with a bipartisan boost from Republican Senator John McCain, imposes regulations on social platforms, websites, ad networks and other online entities with more than 50 million unique users per month. As the bill's announcement states: Russia attempted to influence the 2016 presidential election by buying and placing political ads on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Google. The content and purchaser(s) of those online advertisements are a mystery to the public because of outdated laws that have failed to keep up with evolving technology. The Honest Ads Act would prevent foreign actors from influencing our elections by ensuring that political ads sold online are covered by the same rules as ads sold on TV, radio, and satellite. Disclosures for ad financing would apply to any entity that purchases more than $500 in ads cumulatively across a platform, a fairly low threshold for disclosure that speaks to the potency of even small ad buys on platforms like Facebook . The bill would also place a "reasonable expectation" on social media companies to identify if the source of an ad buy is outside the U.S. "There will always be a case where things can fall through the cracks. What we're trying to do here is start with a light touch," Warner said. "We don't want to slow down innovation on the internet, we don't want to slow down technology." As the top Democrat on the Senate Intel Committee, Warner has had a front row seat to the revelations around Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election. In their press conference announcing the bill, the senators noted that Google and Facebook command 85 percent of online political ads. "Who wouldn't want to know if the ad appearing next to your story was being paid for by a foreign power?" Klobuchar asked. Story continues Its creators hope that the bill can make its way through Congress before primary season begins, fending off or at least complicating further attempts by the Russian government to seed divisive political ads online. Warner admitted that while the bill is a good start, it will still be difficult to identify accounts that are "misrepresenting themselves" to conceal where the money comes from. Calling the identity piece "much tougher," Warner admits that he is "hoping that these platform companies come up with some ideas" for tracing and attributing political ad purchases. Sen. Klobuchar noted that tech companies may not be enthusiastic about facing increased regulation, but they have become increasingly cooperative after their initial reticence to admit fault. "Now the online companies, we're working with them," Klobuchar said. "I'm not going to tell you they support this bill right now. They have to realize that the world has changed, they have been selling ads and making money off of this system." Even as they skewered Facebook for being "dismissive" early on and Twitter for essentially copying Facebook's homework in its report to Congress a few weeks ago, the lawmakers appeared hopeful that cooperation would only improve as the depth of Russian election interference becomes more widely understood. In spite of that increasing cooperation, the senators suggested that voluntary adherence to Congressional guidelines would be an uneven solution at best. "The problem is, it has to cover everyone you can't just have a few companies doing it voluntarily, it has to be in the laws," Warner said. "These companies rely on the trust of users," he added. "It's in their own self-interest." Facebook, Twitter and Google are expected to appear in an open hearing before the House and Senate's intelligence committees on November 1. Facebook and Twitter confirmed this week that they will not be sending high-profile executives to the hearings, instead opting to be represented by their general counsels. "I think that they got the message," Warner said. "I think the real proof in the pudding will be 'come to the hearing on November 1.' " Sao Paulo (AFP) - Nicknamed "dog food" and made from nearly expired left-overs, a new product designed to fight hunger among school kids in Brazil's largest city has sparked controversy. Sao Paulo mayor Joao Doria this week presented the dry pellets at a press conference and promised they will reduce hunger among the city's poorest school children, while also slashing food waste. In some of its forms, such as the pellets, the recycled food -- officially known as "farinata" -- can be eaten on its own, but it can also be added to other meals, such as spaghetti or cakes. Despite the public outcry over its dystopian appearance and unappealing provenance, the mayor -- from the conservative PSDB party, and tipped as a potential presidential candidate in 2018 -- said he had already authorized the food to be distributed to some the city's schools this month, without specifying how many children would receive it. "The ministry of education has been authorized to use it in school meals, in a complementary form," said Doria. Human Rights secretary Eloisa Arruda said the move had been taken before a full study on the nutritional needs of underprivileged students had been carried out in Sao Paulo, the largest metropolis in South America. - Blessed food - Doria described the pellets as a "blessed food" when he presented them, and defended their immediate distribution to children from lower income families. "Starting in October, we will have a gradual roll-out... to offer it to people who are hungry," he said. But a lack of transparency over farinata's production and exact usage have only sharpened the controversy in a society already plagued by vast disparities between rich and poor. "When we offer pellets to lower income people to eat, we are only exacerbating the inequality in society," said Vivian Zollar, a spokeswoman for the Region Council on Nutrition, saying the move demanded a broader debate within society. Story continues The council issued a statement this week questioning the distribution of the pellets, saying it was a violation of the right to adequate food and "flew in the face of advances made in recent years in the field of food security." Zollar also accused the mayor's office of not having sufficiently researched possible alternatives to tackle the problem of food scarcity. "When the city presented the pellets, they said it was a good practise ... but no one ever thought it would replace food," she said. The state of Sao Paulo has a million and a half people suffering from a lack of food, according to 2013 study by the Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics. That number rises to 7.2 million across the country. - Depoliticize the debate - "It offends me when people call this dog food, and say it is degrading to the poor" said Sao Paulo Cardinal Odilo Scherer, who supports the mayor's initiative. "It is degrading to deny them food." He called for the debate over the new foodstuff to be depoliticized and carried out "with more objectivity." Rosana Perrotti, a representative for Plataforma Sinergia, the group that developed farinata, said the new product met all the requirements set out under Brazilian law. She described the food pellets as a unique development that could extend by at least two years the shelf life of foods that were about to expire. But she denied an AFP request to visit the facility that produces the pellets, citing the need to protect the group's unique technology. The financing of the product has also raised eyebrows. Plataforma Sinergia, a not-for-profit group, said the development of farinata was sponsored by donors but declined to specify how much the project had cost. The group has already handed out its product to three humanitarian organisations and aims to distribute them to Venezuelans fleeing their country's economic crisis across Brazil's northern border. An expert at a leading Seoul-based think tank says South Korea should advance its capacity to make pre-emptive strikes, adding to opposition party calls to bring nuclear weapons back to check the Norths belligerence. South Korea needs to actively pursue various pre-emptive strike capabilities, Choi Kang, vice president of research at the independent think-tank Asan Institute for Policy Studies said Thursday, the Korea Herald reports. Choi bemoaned South Koreas insufficient defense capabilities, pointing to the pace at which Pyongyangs nuclear and missile development programs are advancing. Redeployment of tactical nuclear arms along with deployment of strategic assets, would produce meaningful results, he said. The U.S. maintained a cache of nuclear weapons in South Korea until 1991. During the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, Trump voiced support for the redeployment of U.S. nukes on the peninsula, CNN reports, and in September Senator John McCain said their redeployment was something Washington should consider. Read more: Moon Jae-in: The Negotiator South Koreas government officially favors non-proliferation and denuclearization and has dismissed the idea of a redeployment. In August, however, President Moon Jae-in called for an overhaul of military spending that would better equip Seoul to check Pyongyangs threats, boost its retaliatory capability, and enable it to take offensive action against the North. Chois comments come amid growing domestic clamor for more militarization. The leader of the conservative Liberty Korea Party, South Koreas main opposition party, has said Seoul needs to break Pyongyangs nuclear monopoly and pursue a nuclear balance of power with the North. Only by deploying tactical [nuclear] weapons on South Korean territory can we negotiate with North Korea on an equal footing, party leader Hong Joon-pyo told CNN Thursday. In September South Korean protesters clashed with thousands of police as the U.S. missile defense system known as THAAD was deployed in a village 135miles south of Seoul. Surf Air was the first all-you-can-fly (Supplied/Yahoo Finance) Cant afford your own private jet? Travel constantly for business, but hate the long waits and lack of legroom provided by traditional commercial airlines? Then all-you-can-fly may be for you. This latest trend to hit private air travel allows individuals or entire corporate teams to fly wherever an airline does, as many times as they want for a monthly fee. Started by Santa Monica, Calif.-based Surf Air in 2013, private airlines offering monthly all-you-can fly subscriptions have been slowly expanding their routes from home-bases in the U.S. to Europe, Asia and even Canada. FlyGTA flies out of Torontos Billy Bishop Airport offering short-hop flights between Toronto and Niagara. Three more destinations were just announced in October 2017: Barrie, Kitchener-Waterloo and London, Ont. First our focus will be Southern Ontario and as we expand our services from the different cities and increase the catchment area we will absolutely be looking at other provinces, so I expect to see that with FlyGTA within the next year or so, says FlyGTA CEO Chris Nowrouzi. FlyGTA also offers two tiers of its all-you-can-fly membership. Individuals can travel with the airline as much as they want on either a single route for $2,950 per month plus HST or on every route for $3,450 plus HST per month. However, the unlimited plan has a cap on the number of concurrently booked flights. Theres also a customized corporate membership designed for large corporations who wish to give their employees a way to fly together to frequent destinations. Though Nowrouzi didnt disclose the price for corporate memberships he did say its significantly higher than the individual options and it includes a $40 document processing fee for every individual on the flights. Still, regardless of the price, the model is catching on. Transportation by car is becoming increasingly more difficult with the traffic and infrastructure that we have. The U.S. is quite a bit ahead of us in all the different things that they have, but for us we have very basic highways, very basic transit systems and if youre inter-city connecting, the prices are actually not very reasonable. says Nowrouzi. Story continues What were trying to do is avoid all the time people are spending on the highways in between cities or the price they have to pay for a train and still drive to their destination or sitting on a bus where theyre just wasting their time. Were doing these short-hop flights to fight against the conventional way people travel to adjacent cities. Democratizing Air Travel All-You-Can-Fly began when the six founders of Surf Air professionals who accumulated millions of miles in commercial flights over decades of building businesses wanted to bridge the gap between the elites who jet around in private planes and the rest of us who must suffer through the stresses of commercial air travel. They thought there had to be a way to give people access to the benefits of private planes without the astronomical cost, says Angela Vargo, Surf Air director of communications. All-You-Can-Fly was born from the idea that if there was recurring monthly revenue stream targeted at people who fly frequently, so they can justify the economics of it, then the founders would be on to something and that turned out to be the case, she says. It has worked so well that Surf Air now boasts over 5,000 subscribers and two home-bases, one in California offering 12 routes across the state and one in Texas after acquiring the seven routes of former rival Rise Air in June 2017. Theyve also expanded to Europe, flying London to Cannes and, in November 2017, London to Zurich. If they come, we will build it Not everyone in the all-you-can-fly space has been so successful. Beacon Air a Surf Air clone serving a North Eastern route from Boston to New York thats already very well served by commercial competitors closed shop in April 2016, even though it was started by three of the six Surf Air founders. BlackJet, an all-you-can-fly subscription service founded by early Uber investor Shervin Pishevar and co-founder Garrett Camp folded the next month despite celebrity backing from Ashton Kutcher, Tim Ferriss, Marc Benioff and Jay-Zs Roc Nation. Surf Air attributes their success to the specifics of their model. They dont own the aircraft. They work with operators and then build the schedules and route networks on top of that, which allows them to scale quickly based on demand and seasonality. Mimicking the sharing economy in the air, Surf Air also doesnt give you a private plane all to yourself; you will be riding with eight other Surf Air members when you book your flight, saving even more costs. Other companies like Jet Smarter have found success providing members with seats on pre-scheduled charter flights already taking off. Its the opposite of if we build it, they will come. If they come, we will build it, says Vargo. Weve spent a lot of time and effort to attract people who are potential candidates to this type of travel. Theres a lot of costs associated with flying an aircraft, so you have to make sure you have the membership to sustain that and because we scale our business to meet that demand, weve been able to be successful in that regard. Breaking New Ground In the U.S. all-you-can-fly has proven to be viable, with at least three working examples in Surf Air, Jet Smarter and Wheels Up. But in Canada, FlyGTA is breaking new ground and has its own unique challenges that are specific to operating a private flight subscription service north of the border. In the U.S., everywhere you look theres an airport, but we dont have the same airport infrastructure in Canada, so we have to pick and choose cities where the airport can accommodate us in terms of runway length and the facilities that they offer, so were limited in where we can fly, says Nowrouzi. Our costs are much higher in Canada than they are in the United States. This is due to the labour involving the aircraft being much cheaper in the U.S. and fuel being very expensive in Canada. We pay almost double for fuel than they do in the U.S. for fuel. To overcome these challenges, FlyGTA works on a slightly different model in that they own their aircraft outright, which means they dont have to deal with the costly overhead of leasing aircraft every month, which allows them to be more stable from a cash flow perspective, as they cant support large airliner leases. We just have to be smart about every step that we take. Our challenge is being the first one to do something like this. Theres a lot of bureaucracy that we have to go through to prove this to the Government, the public and the clients. But so far the feedback from clients has been great, says Nowrouzi. Uber of the Air The all-you-can-fly membership model works for these private airlines because it brings stability to their overhead structure. Business aircraft are by many measures notoriously underutilized average utilization is about 1 hour per aircraft per day so these membership business models are one way to increase utilization and, hopefully, bring down the unit costs of flying thus adding to the pool of customers who can afford to fly this way, says Rollie Vincent of Rolland Vincent Associates, an aviation consultancy with over 30 years in aviation market research. But dont expect an all-you-can-fly membership structure to ever come to traditional commercial airlines. Both Nowrouzi and Vargo agree that it wouldnt work there a fact basically proven when JetBlue tried it with its all-you-can-jet promotion that was halted it soon after launch. Im not sure it would work at all with traditional commercial airliners. Generally, the people attracted to these services are professional travellers who are looking for time-saving solutions and are a little bit more well-off. With a large airline model, all youre getting is the same service at a reduced price or at an inflated price depending on what the airline actually offers the customer, says Nowrouzi. It would be very difficult for commercial air travel to adopt this, agrees Vargo. The flexibility of this model is what makes it work and I do think commercial airlines would have difficulty scaling properly to make it profitable for them. Im not saying its not possible, Im just saying it would be very difficult. Meanwhile, the framework exists within the all-you-can-fly model to develop something really special in the future. The promise of an Uber of the air looms. This could be a remarkable development to broaden the customer base and lower the costs of access although there are many practical, operational, and regulatory constraints and hurdles still to overcome, says Vincent. Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. By Anna Mehler Paperny TORONTO (Reuters) - Asylum seekers who illegally crossed the U.S. border into Canada this year are obtaining refugee status at higher rates, new data shows, as authorities accept claims from people who say they feared being deported by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. More than 15,000 people have crossed the U.S.-Canadian border illegally to claim refugee status in Canada this year. Many were in the United States legally and some interviewed by Reuters said they might have stayed were it not for an immigration crackdown. The influx, mainly at the Quebec/New York border, prompted the military to set up a temporary tent encampment in Quebec and sparked a backlash from anti-migrant groups. Lawyers who have handled dozens of cases said that members of refugee tribunals, who evaluate requests for asylum, have grown more sympathetic toward people who have spent time in the United States and who say they now fear immigration policies under Trump. Trump took office in January with a goal of sharply cutting refugee admissions, in line with the hard-line immigration policies that were a focal point of the Republican's 2016 election campaign. Of the 592 claims from border crossers finalized between March and September, 69 percent - or 408 in total - were accepted, according to Immigration and Refugee Board figures. An additional 92 appeals of rejected claims are pending. That 69 percent acceptance rate is higher than the acceptance rate for all refugee claims from people who came to Canada through any method last year. In a January asylum hearing whose transcript was seen by Reuters, a tribunal member told a Syrian refugee claimant and her daughter who had crossed near Lacolle, Quebec, that their explanation for not staying in the United States was "reasonable," citing the woman's worries about the new U.S. government. "Certainly, that seems to be playing out as you have feared, and today on the news I know that President Trump has suspended the Syrian refugee program," the member is quoted as saying. "You have provided, in my view, a reasonable explanation of your failure to claim in the U.S." A second refugee decision reviewed by Reuters, issued in May, cites an Iraqi woman's detention in a U.S. airport and subsequent racist incidents she said she experienced at school as credible reasons for her leaving the United States. (Reporting by Anna Mehler Paperny; Editing by Matthew Lewis) Altun Kupri (Iraq) (AFP) - Iraqi forces clashed with Kurdish fighters Friday as the central government said it had wrested back control of the last area of disputed Kirkuk province in the latest stage of a sweeping operation after a controversial independence vote. Iraq's Joint Operations Command said police, counter-terrorism units and allied militias seized the Altun Kupri region, extending the central government's territory to within 50 kilometres (30 miles) of Arbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdish region. The two sides exchanged mortar rounds and automatic gunfire but Iraqi forces managed to "hoist the flag on the municipality building", an anonymous security source in Kirkuk city said. A Kurdish general, Ghazi Dolemri, was killed in the fighting, sources said, while an AFP journalist reported further shelling as Iraqi government forces and Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary forces advanced on Sirawa, five kilometres north of Altun Kupri. Iraqi forces also said they had retaken the Ain Zalah and Batma oil fields, northwest of Mosul. - Days of gains - The fresh advances came after Iraq's central authorities snatched back control of a swathe of disputed territory from Kurdish forces in a largely bloodless operation launched at the weekend. The government advances and Kurdish retreat have rewritten the volatile boundaries between the two sides and trashed Arbil's dreams of independence, which soared after a September 25 referendum held in defiance of Baghdad. The loss of Kirkuk's rich oil fields also dealt a severe blow to the regional government's already parlous finances, heavily dependent on petrochemical exports. US oil giant Chevron said Friday it had "temporarily" suspended operations in the Kurdish autonomous region. "We continue to monitor the situation in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq," a spokeswoman said. "We look forward to resuming our operations as soon as conditions permit." Story continues Iraq's forces have also snatched back areas of Nineveh and Diyala provinces, driving Kurdish forces from positions they seized in the chaos of the Islamic State group's 2014 rampage across northern Iraq and parts of neighbouring Syria. The agricultural region of Altun Kupri, which means "golden bridge" in Turkish, covers an area of 520 square kilometres (200 square miles) and is mostly inhabited by Kurds and Turkmens. Security in the Altun Kupri area had been ensured by Kurdish police forces loyal to regional president Massud Barzani ever since the US-led invasion of 2003. In their bid to halt Iraqi forces, the peshmerga planted explosives that damaged a major bridge linking Kirkuk to their regional capital Arbil over the Little Zab river, according to a local security source. Barzani, head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), issued a statement overnight Friday denouncing "the genocide attempt by the Iraqi government" and called on the international community to "put pressure on (world) governments to avoid more catastrophes for the Kurdish people". - 'Restoring' authority - This week's operation was accelerated by rifts between rival Kurdish factions that saw some forces opposed to Barzani -- the architect of the independence vote -- strike a deal with Baghdad to withdraw. In Baghdad, Haydar Hamada, a spokesman for Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, said Iraqi forces were pressing on with the operation to impose government control over the disputed areas. "We will continue restoring the authority of the federal authorities," he told AFP. But a peshmerga commander in Arbil accused the Iranian-backed Hashed militia of trying to extend the boundaries of the Kirkuk province into Kurdish territory. While central government forces have met with little resistance as they pen the peshmerga back into the three provinces that make up the Kurdish autonomous region, sporadic clashes have caused some bloodshed. Peshmerga commander Wasta Rassoul, a member of the PUK faction that opposes Barzani, said 26 Kurdish fighters had been killed and 67 wounded since Sunday. Tensions between Kurdish and Iraqi forces have pitted two vital US allies in the fight to destroy the Islamic State group against each other. The two sides have cooperated in the Washington-backed offensive that has seen the jihadists driven from their major urban strongholds into a rump territory along the border with Syria. Chariot, the commuter shuttle bus network that Ford Smart Mobility acquired in 2016, has halted its services in San Francisco, the San Francisco Business Times first reported. On Wednesday, the California Public Utilities Commission suspended Chariot's operating permit after the service didn't pass three consecutive California Highway Patrol inspections. "On three separate inspections of Chariot Transportation, Inc. it was discovered drivers without valid Class B California Driver Licenses were driving passenger buses which required a Class B license," CHP Public Information Officer John D. Fransen told TechCrunch. "This resulted in an unsatisfactory rating for each inspection. The carrier was advised that continued unsatisfactory ratings would result in denial, suspension, or revocation of the carriers California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) operating authority." Fransen went on to say that these inspections are meant to "prevent passenger bus traffic collision related deaths," which is why it's imperative that Chariot bus drivers are properly trained and have the right licenses. Yesterday, the CPUC requested the CHP initiate a re-inspection today. "The CPUC has a responsibility to suspend a carriers operating permit for failure to maintain a vehicle in safe operating mode, other violations related to transportation safety, and/or failure to comply with the DMVs employee Pull Notice Program," CPUC Public Information Officer Christopher Chow told TechCrunch. As most of you know, we had to pause our commuter service this afternoon. We again apologize and plan to resolve this disruption quickly. Chariot (@chariot) October 20, 2017 https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Chariot positions itself as a flexible mass transit service that falls somewhere in-between public transportation and Uber/Lyft. Chariot, which costs about $4 per trip, was completing 4,000 rides a day across its 13 original commuter routes last August. Story continues At the time, Chariot said it was in talks with San Francisco to officially supplement public mass transit with Chariot's flexible mass transit. Earlier this week, officials approved the San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency proposed rules that would prevent Chariot from running its shuttles along public transit routes. While Chariot cannot currently operate in San Francisco, it's still up-and-running in New York City, where it launched its services in July. Chariot also operates in Seattle and Austin. When TechCrunch reached out to Chariot for a comment, a spokesperson directed me to the email they sent to customers: Prague (AFP) - Upset with traditional parties and orders from Brussels, Czech voters were set to hand victory to a billionaire populist dubbed the "Czech Trump" and boost anti-EU parties in a crucial two-day election that kicked off Friday. Betting on his anti-euro, anti-migrant and anti-corruption ticket, ANO (Yes) movement chief Andrej Babis topped opinion polls by a wide margin ahead of the ballot that ends on Saturday afternoon. "The anti-corruption drive is the key thing," said Prague pensioner Vaclav Vachel, voting ANO in the Czech capital and unfazed by a fraud indictment Babis faces for alleged abuse of EU subsidies. "I don't like the EU at all... They're incompetent, those people in Brussels or wherever they are. They're a disaster, this (European Commission chief Jean-Claude) Juncker especially." Far-right and far-left anti-EU parties are also expected to make strong gains which the polls suggest could lead to a fragmented parliament with up to nine parties, something analysts warn risks creating chaos and disturbing the Czech Republic's system of liberal democracy. "This election is key to the fate of our country," Babis told reporters after casting his ballot near Prague. "I voted ANO." ANO has already held key posts in the outgoing rocky centre-left coalition under Social Democrat Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, with Babis serving as finance minister from 2014 to May this year. A 63-year-old Slovak-born chemicals, food and media tycoon, Babis captured around 25-30 percent support in recent surveys, putting ANO miles ahead of its current coalition partner, the left-wing Social Democrats, who scored just 12.5 percent. - 'Deep dissatisfaction' - "For the first time, the majority will go to parties protesting in one way or another against the functioning of liberal democracy as we know it," the leading Hospodarske Noviny daily said in a Friday editorial. Story continues "And for the first time we face the threat that an openly xenophobic, extremist movement will earn more than 10 percent" of the vote, it added, pointing to the far-right Freedom and Free Democracy (SPD) of Tokyo-born entrepreneur Tomio Okamura who won backing from France's far-right National Front. The daily called the elections a "turning point... both for the country's internal functioning and its anchoring in the European Union", adding that "Czech democracy... has undoubtedly reached a critical point." Despite their country's economic success, many Czechs who are heavily in debt or working long hours for low wages feel they have been left behind and are turning to anti-system parties to vent frustration, Hospodarske Noviny added. With unemployment at 3.8 percent in September, the lowest level since 1998, the Czech economy is slated to grow by 3.6 percent this year. While Babis has vowed to steer clear of the eurozone and echoes other eastern EU leaders who accuse Brussels of attempting to limit national sovereignty by imposing rules like migrant quotas, he favours a united Europe and balks at talk of a "Czexit". - Le Pen endorsement - Independent political commentator Jiri Pehe told AFP he could see "instability" or "maybe even chaos" in the wake of the vote as Babis's result could be "less glamorous than expected". Babis's main rival, Social Democrats leader and Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek, said Friday he hoped that the future government would ensure that the Czech Republic does not drift to the EU's periphery. Surveys showed the anti-EU Communists could win 10.5 percent, ahead of Okamura's far-right SPD with 9.5 percent and the anti-establishment Pirates party with 8.5 percent. Leader of France's far-right National Front Marine Le Pen sent Okamura a letter of support, saying that their parties want to create "a Europe of nations and liberties to which we adhere." Okamura's staunchly anti-migrant and anti-Islamic rhetoric has surprisingly won him popularity in a country where there are hardly any Muslims. On Saturday, voting for the 200-member lower house of parliament begins at 0600 GMT and ends at 1200 GMT, with no exit polls scheduled and results expected in the evening. Actor Daniel Radcliffe has described the sexual harassment and assault allegedly committed by Harvey Weinstein as disgusting and said he hopes the revelations will change Hollywood for the better. Im in awe of them. I am very grateful to them for coming forward, Radcliffe said, referencing the dozens of women, including Rose McGowan, Ashley Judd and Angelina Jolie, who have come forward with allegations against the disgraced producer. Radcliffe never worked with Weinstein but said he met him a couple of times. People shouldnt want to sexually harass people in the first place, but hopefully this moment can at least prove that if you do have that urge you will not get away with it, the former Harry Potter star told TIME during a press event for his new movie, Jungle. I dont want the fear of being caught to be the thing that makes people not sexually harass people, but if thats what it takes If there is something positive that can come out of all this awfulness then it will be that. Radcliffe added that weird power structures and hierarchies exist across many industries. The hierarchy of the film industry is something Ive always thought is bullsh-t to use a technical term, he said. Its something Id definitely like to see change. The actor, 28, said that working on the 2016 comedy-drama Swiss Army Man was the only film hed ever worked on with no hierarchy on set. The directors had been to college with most of the crew, so everyone was old friends. It was like, this is what filming should be, he added. In Radcliffes latest role, he plays the real-life Israeli adventurer Yossi Ghinsberg, who found himself lost in the heart of the Bolivian rainforest in the 1980s. David Schwimmer - 2013 Getty Images David Schwimmer has been roundly praised by a woman who interviewed him in 2011, noting how his sensitivity contrasted widely with the behaviour of Harvey Weinstein. The spectacular fall from grace of Weinstein, 65, has opened the floodgates for accusations to flow forth in politics, fashion and film. But Nell Minow, in response to the disgust felt at Hollywood behaviour, has spoken of her meeting with the Friends actor in 2011, when he was promoting Trust the film he directed, telling the real life story of a young girl preyed upon by an online abuser. The restaurant they were due to speak in proved noisy, and so the Friends star hesitantly broached the notion of going up to his room. Schwimmer said he could ask a third person to be present in the room. "I havent thought of that since it happened but the Weinstein stories made me not just remember it but remember it in an entirely different context as an indicator of the prevalence of predatory behaviour and as an indicator of Schwimmers integrity and sensitivity," she said. This file photo taken on May 23, 2017 shows US film producer Harvey Weinstein posing during a photocall as he arrives to attend the De Grisogono Party on the sidelines of the 70th Cannes Film FestivalCredit: AFP "This wasnt just about his being a good guy who would not have tried anything. He understood what it is like to have to be constantly on the alert and he wanted to make sure I understood I was safe." She added: "I just want to say thank you. And, also, your movie was very good." Related Video: The death toll from two suicide and gun attacks on Afghan security forces in southeast Afghanistan has risen to 80 with nearly 300 wounded, officials said Wednesday, in the bloodiest day in the country in almost five months. The deadliest of Tuesday's assaults was on a police compound in the city of Gardez in Paktia province where Taliban militants disguised as police detonated three explosive-packed vehicles -- including a truck and a Humvee -- that cleared the way for 11 gunmen to enter. At least 60 people, including Paktia police chief Toryalai Abdyani and civilians waiting to collect documents, were killed in the blasts and ensuing battle that lasted around five hours, Gardez deputy director of health Hedayatullah Hamidi told AFP. Some 236 people were also wounded in the assault, he added. "The first checkpoint for the compound was blown up by a truck bomb. Two other vehicles then entered the compound -- one detonated near the second checkpoint and the other rammed into the police chief's office that killed the police chief and his bodyguards," said Paktia governor spokesman Abdullah Hasrat. The militants had been wearing police uniforms and carrying fake police identification, Hasrat said -- a common tactic used by insurgents to gain entry to government and security installations. Police spokesman Sardar Wali Tabasum said two members of the security forces had been arrested in connection with the attack, suggesting the assailants had insider help. "We think the Taliban took these vehicles (a Humvee and a police pickup truck) when Jani Khel district fell to them in August," Tabasum told AFP. Jani Khel is about 50 kilometres (30 miles) east of Gardez. In the second attack in the neighbouring province of Ghazni, some 100 kilometres west of Gardez, the official death toll was lowered to 20, including 15 members of the security forces and five civilians, Ghazni governor spokesman Haref Noori told AFP. Story continues The number of wounded stood at 46. That assault followed a similar pattern involving insurgents detonating an explosives-laden Humvee near a police headquarters then storming the building, Noori said. Six attackers were killed. An earlier toll had put the number of dead at 30 with 10 injured. It was the deadliest day in Afghanistan since May 31 when a truck packed with 1,500 kilogrammes of explosives detonated in the diplomatic quarter of the capital Kabul, killing around 150 and wounding hundreds more, mostly civilians. Kabul police foiled an even larger truck bomb on Saturday -- 2,700 kilogrammes of explosives stashed under boxes of tomatoes -- that would have caused carnage had it exploded. Less than two days later authorities seized a car driving towards Kabul that was carrying 300 kilogrammes of explosives. - 2017 Bloomberg Finance LP Donald Trumps chief of staff, who lost a son in battle, has revealed he advised the President to use the phrase to console a widow which has triggered a major backlash. In an emotional press conference, John Kelly said he told Mr Trump to say the soldier knew what he was getting into because those words brought him comfort when grieving. Mr Kelly criticised the Congresswoman who had gone public with the remarks after listening to the phone call, saying he was stunned and heart-broken by the behaviour. He also issued a wider lament about the decline of values in America, saying religion and "the dignity of the life" were no longer sacred. The intervention eases the pressure on Mr Trump after a bruising few days that have seen his approach to consoling the families of Americas war dead in the spotlight. It stuns me that a member of Congress would have listened in on that conversation John Kelly, Donald Trump's chief of staff However Mr Kelly did not discuss why Mr Trump initially denied saying the words or whether he was frustrated to have his personal tragedy dragged into the headlines. Speaking in the White House briefing room in an unscheduled appearance, Mr Kelly set the context for Mr Trumps comments over recent days. He said that while all presidents send letters to the next of kin for US soldiers who die in service, they do not always put in telephone calls. Mr Kelly confirmed he had not received a phone call from Barack Obama when his son Robert Kelly was killed in 2010, but stressed the comment was not a criticism. He also revealed the advice he offered when Mr Trump decided - against Mr Kelly's general advice - to call the families of the four US soldiers killed in Niger, West Africa. Mr Kelly recalled how a friend told him after his son died that he was doing exactly what he wanted to do when he was killed. He knew what he was getting into. It was Mr Trumps use of a similar phrase this week, made public by the Democratic Congresswoman Frederica Wilson who was in the car when the call was taken, that triggered a backlash in the media. Story continues Mr Kelly criticsed Ms Wilson for listening to the call. It stuns me that a member of Congress would have listened in on that conversation, absolutely stuns me. I thought that at least that was sacred, he said. When I was a kid growing up a lot of things were sacred in our country. Women were sacred and looked upon with great honour. The dignity of life was sacred, thats gone. Religion, that seems to be gone as well I just thought the selfless devotion that brings a man or woman to die in battle field, I just thought that that might be sacred. The intervention puts Mr Trumps remarks during the call - which have been condemned as callous by critics - in a different light. However it does not explain why Mr Trump said Mr Obama never made calls to relatives of soldiers killed in battle - the claim that kick-started the row and proved false. Nor does it address the fact that the mother of the fallen soldier, called La David Johnson, also said Mr Trump has showed disrespect in the call. Donald Trump has again taken to Twitter to promote conspiracy theories: Martin H. Simon - Pool/Getty Images Donald Trump has appeared to suggest, without providing evidence, that the FBI and Russia may have colluded to fund the infamous dossier that alleged links between his team and the Kremlin. Taking to Twitter, the US President said: Workers of firm involved with the discredited and Fake Dossier take the 5th. Who paid for it, Russia, the FBI or the Dems (or all)? Mr Trumps outlandish claim comes after two bosses of Fusion GPS, the firm that helped produce the dossier, refused to answer questions on Wednesday in a private meeting with the House Intelligence Agency. Peter Fritsch and Thomas Catan invoked their Fifth Amendment rights, saying they would only cooperate with serious investigations that strike a balance between Congresss right to information and our clients privileges and legal obligations. Joshua Levy, their lawyer, also accused a Trump cabal of carrying out a "campaign to demonize our client for having been tied to the Trump dossier. Fusion GPS's client is former British spy Christopher Steele, who compiled a report that made allegations of Russian financial and personal links to Mr Trumps campaign and associates. Until this month, the FBI was leading inquiries into the dossier. A special counsel looking into whether Russia tried to sway the 2016 US election, led by former FBI director Robert Mueller, has since taken over the investigation. The 35-page document made unverified allegations about Mr Trump and some of his campaign staffs contact with Russia officials. It also alleged Moscow had compromising footage of the US President. Mr Trump has denied all the allegations. Fusion GPS had originally been hired by Republican opponents of Mr Trump in September 2015. Mr Steele joined the team eight months later in June. After winning his partys nomination in July 2016, Democrats took over and began paying Mr Steele and Fusion GPS to look into the billionaires activities. By Francesco Guarascio BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union leaders called on Malta on Thursday to carry out a full investigation with international help over the killing of the country's best-known journalist, and the EU parliament agreed to hold a debate on media freedom on the island. Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has already called in foreign investigators to help look into the car bomb that killed Daphne Caruana Galizia, who wrote about widespread breaches of the rule of law and corruption on the island. Malta is the smallest EU country but is home to a disproportionately large financial services sector and is the continental hub for the flourishing online gaming industry. Muscat, who himself had sued Caruana Galizia after she accused him and his wife of wrongdoing, promised a thorough investigation of the killing. "We will not exclude any sort of path, any sort of measure to make sure we get to the bottom of it," Muscat told reporters arriving to the EU summit in Brussels. The president of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani said he raised the issue in a meeting with EU leaders. "I called for an international investigation to fully clarify an event of unprecedented gravity," he said, adding that the leaders broadly shared the view. During the meeting, German Chancellor Angela Merkel backed an international investigation, EU officials said. Diplomats said that France, Spain and Portugal had also stressed the need for involvement of foreign investigators. Before the meeting Muscat said the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Dutch investigators would help in the case and other security forces, including London's Scotland Yard, could join. The chief of the Maltese police later denied possible involvement of the British police. Political leaders of the EU Parliament agreed to hold a debate next Tuesday on "protection of journalists and the defence of media freedom in Malta", according to a draft agenda adopted on Thursday. Story continues "Malta is a Mecca for money launderers and tax avoiders," Greens EU legislator Sven Giegold said. "Malta's centre of power suffers from a culture of impunity unlike hardly any other country in the EU. Europe must no longer turn a blind eye to the way in which the rule of law is flouted in Malta." Muscat has rejected criticism that he has allowed wealthy foreigners to hold great sway over Malta, and says the financial services sector is as transparent and compliant as any other European jurisdiction. (Additional reporting by Noah Barkin and Gabriela Baczynska; Editing by Alison Williams and Peter Graff) Navy veteran John Garofalo appeared on a Fox News segment this month, showing off a massive presidential seal he carved for President Trump while receiving praise for his service in Vietnam as a SEAL. The piece was broadcast nationally and featured cascading shots of all Garofalos medals. Online, it went viral, racking up 1.5 million Facebook views on Foxs Facebook page. The Vietnam War veteran served seven years as a member of the nations first Navy SEAL team, Fox News reporter Bryan Llenas said. He was awarded 22 commendations, including two Purple Hearts. Llenas later called the 72-year-old New York State resident a tough, tough man. He was listed twice during his service in Vietnam as missing in action, Llenas noted at the segments close. God bless John Garofalo, an anchor said. We certainly hope maybe the president is listening. But when Navy Times contacted Garofalo Thursday, Garofalo admitted he had lied and never served in Vietnam, never received a Purple Heart and was never a SEAL. Garofalo said he had falsely portrayed himself as a Vietnam vet and a SEAL for years. It got bigger and bigger, Garofalo told Navy Times in a telephone interview. What I did Im ashamed of, and I didnt mean to cause so much disgrace to the SEALs. Records show Garofalo did serve in the Navy from Sept. 6, 1963, to Sept. 6, 1967, as an aviation boatswains mate aircraft handling, or ABH, a job that involves overseeing various ground-based functions involving aircraft. The closest he ever got to Vietnam was a tour in Rota, Spain. Former SEALs who first confirmed Garofalos lie, and family members of the man, both said they have contacted Fox about retracting the segment. The Fox segment was still up on its Facebook page as of Thursday afternoon. A Fox representative said in an email that it would run an on-air correction Sunday and corrections would be made on its website and Facebook page. Fox News not withdrawing that story has drove me nutty, said Don Shipley, a retired SEAL who outs bogus military service claims and was the first to obtain official records disputing Garofalos story. Story continues Shipley said he contacted Navy Times after Fox News failed to retract the bogus piece. Shipley provided copies of Garofalos official military records and Navy Times confirmed the records authenticity with the National Personnel Records Center and Naval Special Warfare Command. Shipley said he approached Fox about retracting the story the day after it ran. Facebook correspondence provided by Shipley shows he messaged Llenas about inconsistencies in Garofalos military history and asked Fox to retract the story. I dont know who has the balls in this day and age to do something like that, he said of Garofalos lies in an interview. According to Shipleys correspondence with Foxs Llenas, the reporter told Shipley he had a request out for Garofalos records. You can turn this story around, Shipley wrote to Llenas, according to a screenshot of his Facebook correspondence with the Fox reporter that Shipley provided to Navy Times. Ill help you but avoiding it wont help. One Twitter user tweeted at the Fox News account on Oct. 10, asking them to retract Garofalos segment as well. By Scott Malone BOSTON (Reuters) - A U.S. judge wrestled on Friday with how much longer she can delay a Trump administration move to deport 47 Indonesian Christians who fled deadly violence in that country two decades ago and have been living illegally in New Hampshire under an informal deal with immigration officials. The group had long been allowed to live openly in the state, under an arrangement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials that required them to turn in their passports and appear for regular check-ins. That changed after President Donald Trump ordered an end to the ICE exceptions, and the Indonesians now face return to a country where they fear discrimination or violence. Chief U.S. District Judge Patti Saris wondered at a hearing in Boston federal court why only one of the immigrants had a written record of the deal. She said she would consider whether she had authority to give them a last chance to argue against deportation. "This is a hard case," Saris said. "These are good and decent people who have stayed here with our blessing and were given work authority and haven't violated the opinions we imposed on them." Beginning in August, members of the group who showed up for ICE check-ins were told to prepare to leave the country, in keeping with Trump's campaign promise to deport millions of illegal immigrants. Advocates last month sued ICE to stop the deportations, and Saris ordered a temporary halt while she determines whether she has jurisdiction. U.S. immigration matters are normally handled by the executive branch. The sole witness at Friday's hearing, Timothy Stevens, an ICE supervisory deportation officer, said the group had been allowed to stay after taking part in the 2010 "Operation Indonesian Surrender." At its peak, close to 100 people participated in the program, though Stevens estimated about 70 remain in the country. He said ICE officials have always had the authority to deport the group. Story continues One of the immigrants, Terry Helmuth Rombot, has been in federal custody since appearing for an August check-in. Lawyers submitted a letter to him from ICE saying that as part of the 2010 deal he would be allowed to leave the country in an "orderly" way. "ICE decided that the most orderly way for him to depart was for us to remove him," Stevens said. Saris expressed a dim view of that move. "The government broke a promise," Saris said. "That's the thing I'm concerned about here." (Reporting by Scott Malone; editing by Bernadette Baum and David Gregorio) Beijing (AFP) - France and China's space agencies unveiled their first joint satellite in Beijing Friday, which will be used to improve forecasting of ocean storms and cyclones. The satellite, named CFOSAT (China-France Oceanography Satellite), is due to be launched next year by China and will primarily be used to study wind and ocean wave patterns. "In practical terms, it will be used to improve forecasts of strong storms, cyclones or waves for all coastal activities", Daniele Hauser, a French scientist working on the project, told AFP. Understanding the interaction between the oceans and the atmosphere will also help to model and tackle climate change, scientists said. The satellite will include two radars: a French system designed to measure direction and wavelength of ocean waves, and a Chinese version focusing on wind strength and direction. The satellite is the first to be jointly constructed by France and China. The project was originally envisaged as a joint programme for the French and European space agencies. But an increasingly close working relationship between France and China on space technology over the past ten years prompted the switch to the unprecedented collaboration on CFOSAT, said Hauser, who acknowledged there was also a "political component". Wang Lili, China's project manager on the satellite, said: "We partnered with France because we were certain of the support of both states, but also because of France's expertise in wave analysis." The satellite will be placed into Earth's orbit in the second half of 2018 by a rocket from China's "Long March" programme. The project is scheduled to last three years. Demonstrators rally before the speech by Richard Spencer, an avowed white nationalist and spokesperson for the so-called alt-right movement, on the campus of the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, U.S., October 19, 2017. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton White nationalist Richard Spencer spoke at UF and protesters attended the speech. Uplifting messages were written on confetti and spread around the street. Many people chose to come together and denounce hatred. Florida governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in advance of a speech at the University of Florida by noted white nationalist Richard Spencer. It was Spencer's first speech on a college campus since he and other white supremacists participated in the "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia that turned deadly. Aiming to get ahead of any potential violence at UF, the school ramped up police presence on campus and is spending about $500,000 on security for the event. While the atmosphere was tense at times, it was also peaceful. Many protesters who decry Spencer's message and presence on campus chose to voice uplifting messages. For example, confetti with heartfelt messages littered the street, and banners were flown touting messages of love. Tweet Embed: https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/921059467470475264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw Plane flies over the Phillips Center streaming a banner that says "Love conquers hate! Love will prevail!" #spenceratUF @TheAlligator pic.twitter.com/Si4PakhFDi A police trooper gave high fives to protesters. Tweet Embed: https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/921057449108475904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw Trooper high fives protestors coming in. #SpencerAtUF pic.twitter.com/EB9daPo1M2 And a student whose mom was worried about him wrote a message specifically for her. Tweet Embed: https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/921057477734686720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw UF senior Juan Lozano wrote the sign to calm his mom, who has texted him repeatedly begging him to leave Gainesville this wknd. #SpencerAtUF pic.twitter.com/wf5fZVePqQ A supportive community came together to lift each other up. Tweet Embed: https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/921066753739907072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw Father John and daughter Faith Donahue are protesting together. It was Faiths idea, but John says hes happy to support her. #SpenceratUF pic.twitter.com/HUBhoG2Iyn Story continues Tweet Embed: https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/921097450898821120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw Larry Green, a pastor, says hes not protesting but offering support. People have thanked him, asking for hugs and prayer. #SpencerAtUF pic.twitter.com/Z4ZVunCFR2 NOW WATCH: A Marine who coaches Fortune 500 execs explains why setting goals is a complete waste of time See Also: SEE ALSO: White nationalist Richard Spencer will speak at the University of Florida and UF is spending $500,000 on massive police presence Madrid (AFP) - France's Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Friday that the devastating November 2015 Paris attacks had "not gone unpunished" after the Islamic State group was expelled from its Syrian stronghold Raqa. "I was very moved by this victory -- which has not been achieved definitively, but is under way -- because everyone knows that it was from Raqa that the orders came, the decisions were made, the perpetrators of the attacks in France came," Le Drian said on a visit to Madrid. "So the crimes of the Bataclan have not gone unpunished," he said in reference to the concert venue where IS jihadists massacred 90 concert-goers on November 13, 2015. In total 130 people were killed across Paris that night in a series of shootings and bombings claimed by IS, part of a wave of attacks in France that have left more than 240 people dead since 2015. France is part of the international coalition that backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the battle for Raqa. Speaking at a press conference with Spanish Foreign Minister Alfonso Dastis, Le Drian called for "a forum to prepare the political transition and political solution of a Syria that we want to unify and not see torn apart". He called for urgent humanitarian aid for "50,000 to 60,000 people who have not left" Raqa, adding that France was sending 10 million euros to fund de-mining operations and humanitarian aid. By Patpicha Tanakasempipat BANGKOK (Reuters) - For decades since the Vietnam war, the scantily clad dancers in the go-go bars of Bangkok's Patpong red-light district have been the face of Thailand's tourism industry. But last year for the first time, the country drew more women tourists than men as a surge in Chinese female visitors outweighed a longstanding distortion spurred by men drawn to the world's "sex capital". The shift is welcome news for Thai authorities, who have tried to promote the country's shopping, beaches and temples and to minimize the importance of sex tourism, which thrived after Thailand became an R&R hotspot for U.S. troops in the 1960s and 1970s. Tourism ministry figures reviewed by Reuters showed 52 percent of more than 32 million visitors last year were women. That compared to 48 percent in 2015 and only 42 percent in 2012. No earlier official data were available, but research from as far back as the 1980s shows a ratio of about 60 percent male to 40 percent female visitors. "Not as many women visited Thailand because they thought we were a cheap destination with too much vice, but now more are coming, which means our image accommodates them," Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul told Reuters. Tourism accounts for around 12 percent of Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy and is easily the fastest growing sector, particularly since a coup in 2014. Hoping to attract more female tourists, the state's Tourism Authority of Thailand started a "Women's Journey" campaign last year, with a website and mobile application offering discounts for hotels, spas, malls, and restaurants. But the biggest factor has been tourism from China, which has reshaped the industry around the world. The number of Chinese visitors rose from nearly 12 percent of Thailand's visitors in 2012 to 27 percent last year. The number of Chinese women visiting Thailand nearly quadrupled over the same period to more than 5.3 million. "When Chinese men make a lot of money, they tend to take their wife, daughter, and mother to travel, making the ratio heavier on the female side," said Virat Chatturaputpitak, vice president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents. Major Chinese travel website Tuniu reported that 62 percent of its customers last year were women, Chinese media reported. CHEAP, EASY AND CLOSE TO HOME "I chose to come to Thailand because it's close by, there are many flights, it's cheap to travel and easy to get a visa," said Man Na Zhang, 24, at Bangkok's Erawan Shrine, a favorite spot for Chinese tourists despite a deadly bombing in 2015. Chinese female visitors, who get a tourist visa on arrival, also cited a simple tax rebate procedure on duty free goods as another drawcard as they snap up items such as cosmetics, bottled bird's nest soup, vitamins and supplements. Many stores in Bangkok's shopping malls now accept Alipay, China's giant online payment service. A Big C supermarket near the Erawan shrine buzzes with Chinese tourists who fill their trolleys with bulk packets Tom Yum Goong flavored instant noodles, crispy seaweed and dried squid snacks. Businesses in tourist towns have started printing menus in Chinese and getting workers to learn the language to cater to Chinese tourists, who last year made up more than those from Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa combined. China's recent "Golden Week" holiday brought 70 percent more Chinese visitors than last year, the tourism ministry said. For nationalities that traditionally patronized Thailand's sex industry, tourist numbers are still dominated by men - 68 percent of Japanese visitors, 58 percent of British and nearly 56 percent of American, Australian and German tourists. But even for those countries, the balance has shifted more towards female tourists. Although the sex industry is far from dead, local businesses complain fewer tourists were visiting areas such as Patpong and nearby Silom neighborhood. "There are evidently fewer tourists, especially in the low season, when sales can go from tens of thousands of baht a day to nothing," said Somkid Sangwong, a manager of a restaurant in a Silom alley next to Patpong, surrounded by neon-lit signs for bars blasting loud music and offering raunchy live shows. Phadet Mesild, a board member of the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, another popular spot for sex tourism, told Reuters the decline in demand had forced many venues in the island to close down. Since 2014, Thailand's military government has occasionally raided brothels, bars, and massage parlors in an effort to clean up the country's image, but they have usually bounced back quickly. (Reporting by Patpicha Tanakasempipat; Additional reporting by Suphanida Thakral and Panu Wongcha-um in BANGKOK, and SHANGHAI Newsroom; Editing by Matthew Tostevin and Lincoln Feast) Khizr Khan, father of deceased Muslim US Soldier, holds up a booklet of the US Constitution as he delivers remarks on the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention: Getty Images The Gold Star father who lambasted Donald Trump at the 2016 Democratic National Convention has said John Kelly, the White House Chief of Staff, needs to stop mopping up after the President. Khizr Khan, whose son Humayun Khan was killed in Iraq in 2004, said he was disappointed Mr Kelly was defending Mr Trumps response to the recent deaths of four US troops in Niger. He's mopping up after the president, and that is disappointing, Mr Khan said in an interview with Newsweek. Mr Kahn has become a prominent critic of Mr Trump. While speaking at the DNC last year, he famously challenged what sacrifices Mr Trump had made and held up a pocket-size copy of the US Constitution, asking if the billionaire had read it. This week, Mr Kahn told Newsweek that the President does not understand what sacrifice is and how to handle it. [Mr Kelly is] a good soldier, but he should know that he works for the American people ... this mopping, enough of mopping after these not-so-dignified expressions of condolence, Mr Khan said. This is what history will write: That, after serving so honourably, he came to the White House to serve with the most racist and bigoted president. Mr Kelly, a retired general whose son was killed in action in 2010, made an appearance at the White House briefing on Thursday to defend Mr Trumps call this week to the widow of Army Sgt. La David Johnson. Mr Johnson was killed during an ambush in Niger. In an emotional statement, Mr Kelly said he was stunned that a Democratic congresswoman, Frederica Wilson, had listened in on the call and then spoke to the press about it. Earlier this week, Ms Wilson reported to CNN that Mr Trump told the widow her husband knew what he signed up for, but I guess it still hurt. Ms Wilson called the President's remarks disrespectful and said he was a sick man. I was stunned when I came to work yesterday, and brokenhearted, when I saw what a member of Congress was doing, Mr Kelly said on Thursday. What she was saying, what she was doing on TV. Story continues In an interview with a Miami news station, Ms Wilson joked that she is now rock star because of the chief of staff's criticism of her. You mean to tell me that I have become so important that the White House is following me and my words? This is amazing, she said. That is absolutely phenomenal. I will have to tell my kids that Im a rock star now. Let me tell you what my mother told me when I was little, Ms Wilson added. She said, The dog can bark at the moon all night long, but it doesnt become an issue until the moon barks back. Letty is the sort of character that feels like she can do anything, Michelle Dockery says. Shes fearless like that. Look at the roles the British actress has on the horizon, and its clear she and her Good Behavior alter ego have that in common. After six seasons as Lady Mary on Downton Abbey, Dockery signed on to play Letty a recovering addict and unrepentant thief who hooks up with a hitman (Juan Diego Bottos Javier) while hoping to someday give her son, Jacob (Nyles Julian Steele), a normal life. She remembers the TNT dramas creator, Chad Hodge, and director of its 2016 pilot, Charlotte Sieling, wrote a manifesto. I always have it in my dressing room in my trailer just to remind myself of some things, she says. One of the first things Charlotte said to Chad was, I think were creating poetic noir. And he said, Whats that? And she said, I dont know. Well figure it out. Thats what they achieved. Theyve created this genre which is very different, and we have brilliant directors who really get the style of it and the tone. Its very specific. In Season 2s second episode, airing Sunday, Javier tells Letty hes going on his annual solo camping trip to mourn the little brother whose accidental death his father still blames him for. In reality, as Letty learns in the exclusive sneak peek above, Javier has taken another job to help pay for her sons private school. Shell spend most of the episode trying to keep Javier from being alone with his mark. Shes doing it for the good of Javier and her son, because if he continues to carry out these jobs then hes not holding up his end of the bargain [of being there to help raise Jacob]. The danger [of the FBI catching Javier] only increases with each job that he does, she says. And, of course, theyre aware now that somebody is trying to kill Javier, and they dont know who that is. This season, even more than the first, has a Bonnie and Clyde feel to it, Dockery says. Thats fitting, considering Dockerys next role is one that won Bonnie and Clydes Faye Dunaway her Oscar. Shell star as ruthless television executive Diana Christensen in the first stage adaptation of the 1976 film Network, opposite Bryan Cranston as mad-as-hell anchorman Howard Beale, which runs Nov. 4 through March 24 at Londons National Theatre. I love the film, its a classic, and the adaptation is brilliant so much of it is [Paddy] Chayefskys original dialogue that [playwright] Lee Hall has done a brilliant job at working it for the stage, Dockery says. And it is incredibly current, this sense of unrest and unease. Theres a lot of angry people out there, and I think its something that has come at the right time. Story continues Shed been eying a return to the stage, where she began her career, for a long time and jumped at the chance to act with Cranston, whom shed previously only met once, at the White House Correspondents Dinner. Hes such a lovely man, and, of course, someone who Ive loved since Breaking Bad, Dockery says. So its an honor to work with him. Come Nov. 22, shell be back on the small screen in Godless, the Netflix limited series from writer/director Scott Frank and executive producers Steven Soderbergh and Casey Silver. The seven-part drama is an authentic Western, centered on a town run mainly by women. Dockery stars as outsider Alice Fletcher, a widow who finds herself in the middle of a brewing showdown between a wounded outlaw (Unbrokens Jack OConnell) who shows up at her ranch in the middle of night and his former gang, led by his revenge-seeking father figure (Jeff Daniels). Dockery never dreamed shed get to be in a Western Of course its something that youd love to do, but theyre incredibly rare, especially for a Brit, she says with a laugh let alone one that tells a new kind of story. Those towns, where it was solely women and children because the men had died in a mining accident, were common during that time, she says. Along with all of the conventions of a Western the bad guys and the good guys there is this story running through it of just the people and how they lived in the town, and a sense of loneliness, that everyone essentially is alone, and the relationships that develop between people, and just daily life in the West in the 1880s. Its something that Ive never really seen before on television. It is a truly beautiful masterpiece, I think, and Im very proud of it. The project has been over a decade in the making. Initially it was a film script, that Scott Frank has been working on for 10, 15 years, she says. So I feel really fortunate to be part of it. We all feel like that, because it couldve happened years ago [with a different cast]. It couldve happened at any different time. That leads us to our final question: Will patience pay off for Downton Abbey fans, who are hoping to see Lady Mary return for that proposed movie? Thats always the last question! Dockery says with another laugh. I remain hopeful. Its just difficult to get together 18 strong cast members. I think itll all be about timing, so well see. Good Behavior airs Sundays at 10 p.m. on TNT. Read more from Yahoo Entertainment: A Scottish hairdresser who was accused of deliberately infecting men he met online with HIV appeared in Lewes Crown Court in England this week, according to the Scottish Sun. Prosecutor Caroline Carberry claims Daryll Rowe, who was diagnosed with HIV while living in Brighton in 2015, gave four men he met on Grindr the virus and attempted to infect six more between October 2015 and December 2016. Rowe, 26, is accused of aggressively insisting upon having unprotected sex with his victims, lying about his HIV status and tampering with condoms if his sexual partner still insisted on using them. See photos of Rowe heading to court: Carberry told the court that Rowe would text his victims disturbing messages after they had intercourse, revealing he had the disease and taunting them about becoming infected. His first alleged victim claimed he received a text from Rowe saying, "maybe you have the fever cos I came inside you and I have HIV LOL. Oops!" The court also heard that Rowe called one of his victims and laughed over the phone as he taunted the unnamed man about his potential diagnosis. The victim later tested positive for an HIV strain similar to Rowe's. Another man who had sex with Rowe said he insisted they use a condom but later found the contraceptive in the sink with the end cleanly cut off. "He was extremely concerned and upset about this and repeatedly asked Daryll Rowe whether he was clean, which he said he was," Carberry told the court. "That condom did not split accidentally." With full knowledge, putting others at risk, he embarked on what was a cynical and deliberate campaign to infect other men with the HIV virus," she continued. "Unfortunately for some of the men he met, his campaign was successful." Sussex police first arrested Rowe in February 2016 after two men who were diagnosed as HIV-positive in Brighton said they believed they had been infected by a man with a Scottish accent. Story continues After he was brought in for questioning, Rowe told police that he did not have HIV and denied having sex with the two men. When Rowe failed to answer bail on November 18, a nationwide manhunt ensued until he was discovered in Wallsend, England, living under a false name. Rowe faces ten charges, including four counts of causing grievous bodily harm and six counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, all of which he denies. The trial, which is due to last another six weeks, continues. Floodwaters in Dickinson, Texas, on Aug. 28, 2017 A suburb outside of Houston is requiring residents who were affected by Hurricane Harvey to certify that they do not boycott Israel in order to apply for grant money to rebuild their home or business. Dickinson, Texas, located alongside a bayou about 30 miles southeast of Houston, suffered extensive damage during the hurricane that tore through the area two months ago. Half of the citys 20,000 residents were impacted, and the storm caused serious damage to more than 7,000 homes and 88 businesses, according to local police reports. On Monday, the city posted a three-page application for grant money on its website. The application requires residents to commit to using the money to repair their damaged homes or businesses, to follow all building codes and to verify that they do not boycott Israel. A snapshot of the relevant boycott section of the application is shown. Its completely unreasonable, said Ayesha Khan, a UTHealth PhD student who has been active in rebuilding and recovery efforts in Houston, and an organizer in the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement. This can prolong the time it will take to rebuild homes, she said. Its institutionalized in a way that can impact families that are still homeless. Dickinson Mayor Julie Masters told HuffPost that her office has been inundated with angry phone calls and emails about the anti-BDS language in the grant application. When Dickinsons city attorney recommended including the Israel boycott clause, Masters thought, God, this kind of feels like its infringing on free speech, she said. But she said city officials also didnt feel like they had much of a choice in the matter. The Israel boycott provision in Dickinsons application is a strict interpretation of a Texas state law passed earlier this year that prohibits state agencies from contracting with companies that boycott Israel. Dickinson applicants have to agree to act as an independent contractor in order to receive grant money from the city. Story continues Masters said she spoke with officials in the Texas attorney generals office on Friday about clarifying the language in the state law so that the anti-boycott provision would only apply to contracts on the state level. The American Civil Liberties Union argues that the Texas law is unconstitutional and is asking anyone who was forced to choose between signing the Dickinson application and forgoing hurricane relief money to contact the groups Texas chapter. The Supreme Court ruled decades ago that political boycotts are protected by the First Amendment, and other decisions have established that the government may not require individuals to sign a certification regarding their political expression in order to obtain employment, contracts, or other benefits, the ACLU wrote in a statement, referring to a 1982 decision that ruled that an NAACP boycott of a white-owned business in Mississippi was a protected form of free association and expression. The ACLU is currently representing a Mennonite school teacher in Kansas who was denied an employment opportunity after refusing to certify that she does not boycott Israeli products. Because the Texas law was enacted recently, it is not yet clear how the state or cities will enforce the anti-BDS measure. The primary purpose of the law is to scare people away from participating in protected First Amendment activity, Brian Hauss, an ACLU staff attorney said. Residents who are dependent on city funding to rebuild their homes and are worried about certifying something that isnt true on a government document could decide its easiest to abstain from boycotting Israeli products, he said. Texas is one of more than a dozen states that have passed laws in the last several years aimed at combating the BDS movement against Israel. Congress is also considering a bill that would make it a felony for Americans to boycott Israel. Proponents of the BDS movement say it is a non-violent way to protest Israels decades-long occupation of the Palestinian territories. But critics of the movement describe it as an anti-Semitic effort to delegitimize Israel. Anti-Israel policies are anti-Texas policies, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said when he signed the bill into law in May. The ACLU is not aware of any Texas cities other than Dickinson that have conditioned hurricane relief funding on vowing not to boycott Israel. But several cities, including San Antonio, Galveston, and Austin, have inserted anti-BDS clauses in their contracting documents. This story has been updated to include comment from Dickinsons mayor. Mazda and Toyota are fielding bids from states eager to land its new prize: an all-new $1.6 billion U.S. plant where the Japanese automakers would jointly build electric vehicles and employ around 4,000 workers. Now we can apparently scratch Illinois off the list of contenders. According to Automotive News, the Land of Lincoln has been disqualified due to a lack of shovel-ready sites and the state's lack of a right-to-work law curtailing union membership. Mark Peterson, the president and CEO of economic development agency Intersect Illinois, told the publication he's been informed Illinois is not among the three or four finalists for the facility. It's believed those finalists are all in the South. Peterson said that "many national site consultants charged with making recommendations for corporate relocations and expansions will not even consider a state that is not a right-to-work state. In this case, the three states I am told are still in the running are all right-to-work states." The Midwest may be the ancestral home of U.S. automotive manufacturing, but the South has made major inroads in recent decades, with the likes of Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Toyota all opening plants there, among others, thanks to lucrative tax incentives and the absence of labor unions. Recent years have also seen so-called right-to-work laws, which prohibit union dues and membership as a condition of employment in organized workplaces, spread to traditional labor strongholds such as Michigan and Wisconsin. The new joint venture plant, which would start operating in 2021, would be capable of producing 300,000 vehicles a year, with production divided between the two automakers. Mazda and Toyota would also take small stakes in one another as part of the deal. It's expected that at least 15 states have submitted proposals to attract the plant. Expect the Illinois news to trigger a new round of debate over the role of organized labor in the modern economy. Related Video: Illinois pro-union stance kills bid for Toyota-Mazda plant, report says originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Oct 2017 11:20:00 EDT. In the era of fake news, social media conspiracy theorists have cooked up their own alternative reality with a crazy idea that a first lady impostor recently appeared as Melania Trump at the presidents side. The Twitter storm took off after President Donald Trump spoke to reporters last Friday on the White House lawn. He casually made mention of my wife, Melania, who happens to be right here. The comment seemed so oddly obvious that it made some tweeters suspicious. The theory that the woman was not actually the first lady tore up social media until it was debunked by several media outlets. The Washington Post, which analyzed photos of the scene (including one after Trump removed her large dark glasses), quipped in a headline: Weve IDd the mystery woman in those Melania-Trump-impostor rumors. (Its Melania Trump.) Actress Andrea Wagner Barton was one of the first on Facebook to raise the possibility of a decoy. Commenters noted different lip color and different hair highlights. And Joe Vargas whose Twitter profile describes him as cannabis entrepreneur who sells hemp syrup tweeted that he was absolutely convinced it was not the first lady standing at Trumps side. The rumors were helped along by the fact that Melania Trump has a female Secret Service shadow who looks a bit like her. This is not Melania. To think they would go this far & try & make us think its her on TV is mind blowing. Makes me wonder what else is a lie pic.twitter.com/JhPVmXdGit BuyLegalMeds.com (@JoeVargas) October 18, 2017 Columnist Marina Hyde of The Guardian also wanted to get in on the action, claiming in a tongue-in-cheek manner that the body double story is fake news I can get behind. She jokingly quipped on Twitter last Friday that the first lady had perhaps left Trump. Absolutely convinced Melania is being played by a Melania impersonator these days. Theory: she left him weeks ago https://t.co/GDjX5Sr4L1 Marina Hyde (@MarinaHyde) October 13, 2017 The White House quickly shot down the rumors. Story continues Once again, we find ourselves consumed with a ridiculous non-story when we could be talking about the work the first lady is doing on behalf of children, including the opioid crisis that is gripping our nation, the first ladys spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham told CNN. Vanity Fair called the Melania Trump chatter a bizarre theory for a bizarre world. Impostor theories have popped up before. Last year, during the presidential campaign, some people insisted online that a body double was filling in for Hillary Clinton after she quickly bounced back from a bout of pneumonia. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Kirkuk (Iraq) (AFP) - Iraqi forces clashed with Kurdish peshmerga fighters Friday and retook control of the last sector of the disputed province of Kirkuk, with a general killed in the fighting, security sources said. "Police, counter-terrorism units and the Hashed-Shaabi (paramilitary forces) have retaken the Altun Kupri region," 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Arbil, capital of autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan, the Joint Operations Command (JOC), which groups Iraqi forces, said in a statement. The security source, who asked for anonymity, said: "There were clashes but they managed to launch the assault... and hoist the flag on the municipality building." A Kurdish general, Ghazi Dolemri, was killed in the fighting, a source close to the fighting said, while a senior peshmerga official in southern Arbil said Kurdish fighters were confronting Hashed units advancing on Sirawa, five kilometres (three miles) north of Altun Kupri. Journalists at the scene said the peshmerga were firing mortars and the two sides exchanging automatic weapons fire. The peshmerga planted explosives that damaged one of the main bridges linking Kirkuk to their regional capital Arbil over the Little Zab river, according to a local security source. In Baghdad, Haydar Hamada, a spokesman for Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, said Iraqi forces would keep up operations to restore the authority of the state. The agricultural region of Altun Kupri, which means "golden bridge" in Turkish, is inhabited by Kurds and also has a Turkmen community, and it covers an area of 520 square kilometres (200 square miles). Since Sunday, federal forces backed by allied paramilitary units have driven Kurdish peshmerga fighters out of Kirkuk as well as disputed areas of Niniveh and Diyala provinces. The advance has been mostly without resistance, with the peshmerga pulling out under an agreement between some Kurdish leaders and Baghdad. Abadi ordered the operation to establish central authority three weeks after the Kurds held an independence referendum in their three-province autonomous region as well as the disputed areas in defiance of Baghdad. Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel has been promoting the idea that its ties with Arab countries are improving, and some experts say there are signs that shared concerns over Iran are indeed nudging them closer. Formal recognition of Israel by Arab states does not seem likely anytime soon, but behind-the-scenes cooperation has opened up in various areas, a number of experts and officials say. Significant rapprochement would constitute a departure from the decades-old policy of Arab countries refusing to deal with Israel until an independent Palestinian state is created. But in the latest sign of mutual interests, both Israel and Saudi Arabia congratulated US President Donald Trump last week after his speech in which he declared he would not certify the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. "I think there are two issues that the president was concerned with and we're all concerned with, and coincidentally on this, Israel and the leading Arab states see eye-to-eye," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this week. "When Israel and the main Arab countries see eye-to-eye, you should pay attention, because something important is happening." Last month, Netanyahu described relations with the Arab world as the "best ever", though without providing any details. Leaders of Arab countries have not publicly made similar comments, though that does not necessarily mean they dispute Netanyahu's claim. They face sensitivities within their own countries, where the Jewish state is often viewed with intense hostility. Since Israel was established in 1948, only two Arab states -- Egypt and Jordan -- have signed peace deals with the country. But as the Middle East's most powerful military with respected intelligence capabilities and a close bond with the United States, Israel is potentially a key ally against Iran for Arab states. Israel has long viewed Iran as its number one enemy, while Sunni Arab nations such as Saudi Arabia are regional rivals of the Shiite country. Story continues "(Relations are still) under the radar and unofficial because the culture of the Middle East is sensitive" to this matter, Israeli Communications Minister Ayoub Kara, a Netanyahu ally, told AFP. - Trump's visit - Due to the concealed nature of any improved relations, pointing to exactly what Israel and Arab countries may be cooperating on is difficult. Occasional examples have become public, such as when Israel announced in 2015 it would open a mission in Abu Dhabi as part of an international green energy body -- its first official presence in the United Arab Emirates. Israeli public radio reported last month that a Saudi prince visited the country secretly and met with Israeli officials about regional peace. The visit was never confirmed. Uzi Rabi, a Tel Aviv University professor who specialises in Saudi Arabia, said there seemed to be "coordination" on issues including seeking to limit the spread of Iranian influence in the region. It may also include cyber-security coordination, he said. "There are Saudis meeting Israelis everywhere now, functioning relations based on shared interests," Rabi said. The United States has also sought to promote links between Israel and the Arab world, with Trump's administration hoping to leverage regional interests to reach an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal. Trump visited the Middle East in May, travelling from Saudi Arabia to Israel in a rare direct flight between the two countries. "There is tremendous will, really good feeling, towards Israel," Trump said of Saudi Arabia upon arrival in Israel. "What's happened with Iran has brought many other parts of the Middle East towards Israel." But even if ties are warming, many analysts question whether major steps are possible without a peace deal that would end Israel's 50-year occupation of Palestinian territory. - Outside in - Israeli relations with Gulf Arab states are not totally new. In the 1980s, for example, Saudi billionaire arms dealer Adnan al-Khashoggi, a key player in the region, was said to have had a relationship with then-defence minister Ariel Sharon, said Gil Merom, a specialist in political relations at the University of Sydney. But the ties seem to have become less covert. For years, politicians have discussed the so-called "inside out" theory, whereby Gulf Arab states would recognise Israel in exchange for the creation of an independent Palestinian state. This was the basis of a 2002 Saudi-led peace plan which was never implemented. But increasingly Israeli officials talk about the "outside in" idea -- Arab states recognising Israel ahead of potential Palestinian independence. There is no sign Arab states would go along with any such plan. Kristian Ulrichsen, a professor focused on Gulf affairs at Rice University in the United States, said the basis of ties between Israel and Arab countries was common enemies. "For several of the Sunni Arab states in the region, particularly in the Gulf, there is a growing sense that the major contemporary faultlines in the region now revolve around the perceived threat from Iran and militant Islamism," he said. "And on both these issues there is a certain convergence of interest with Israel," he told AFP. "I do expect economic and security ties to become more open in the months and years ahead." AUSTIN Attorney General Jeff Sessions praised the Texas legislatures controversial immigration crackdown law during a speech here Friday, commending conservative officials for supporting his efforts against sanctuary jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. In Texas, youve taken a strong leadership role on this issue, Sessions said, later adding: Weve got your back and youve got our thanks. In May, Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 4, a GOP-backed measure that forbids local jurisdictions from creating sanctuary policies. The law criminalizes the act of declining a request from federal immigration authorities to hold a suspected undocumented immigrant in a local jail so they can be transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A federal judge temporarily blocked much of the law from going into effect in late August. But an order from a three-judge panel last month partly reversed that decision. Its unclear whether or not the courts will ultimately uphold SB 4. But by passing perhaps the most hardline immigration law in recent years, Republican-led Texas has become a natural ally for the Trump administrations deportation efforts. Its not just a local issue its a national one, Sessions said, noting that the Justice Department had filed a statement of interest in the SB 4 case and would continue to defend the laws constitutionality in court. The only official in the state to craft a policy limiting local law enforcement cooperation with ICE detainers is Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez, whose jurisdiction includes Austin. She abandoned the policy last month after the injunction was partly reversed in order to comply with SB 4. Now, Travis County honors all ICE detainers and police may ask the immigration status of those they stop for other reasons. Hernandez sat in the third row of the audience as Sessions gave his 20-minute speech on Friday. Sessions made no mention of Travis Countys former detainer policy, but railed against sanctuary cities in general. Leaders of such jurisdictions support radical open borders policies, he said, but feigned outrage when he cut off federal funds to some of them earlier this year a decision that prompted federal lawsuits in Illinois and California. Story continues Hundreds of jurisdictions decline at least some ICE detainer requests, along with the entire state of California. Federal judges have ruled in several cases in recent years that holding someone in a local jail only on the basis of an ICE detainer violates the Fourth Amendment. If these cities want to receive law enforcement grants, then they should stop impeding federal law enforcement, Sessions said. Sessions planned to meet with local law enforcement officials later in the day. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. The attorney general concedes for the first time it was possible he had discussed Donald Trumps policy positions with Russian ambassador Jeff Sessions agreed that there was a significant difference between answering no to whether he had discussed particular issues with Russians and answering I do not recall. Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images The US attorney general, Jeff Sessions, has given a new account of his contacts with the Russian ambassador during the 2016 election, conceding it was possible that they had discussed Donald Trumps policy positions. Under intense questioning by the Senate judiciary committee, Sessions departed from his previous blanket denials about contacts with Russian officials, saying he did not recall elements of the conversations in three meetings in 2016 with the ambassador, Sergey Kislyak, and conceded for the first time that substantive issues may have been discussed. In a series of testy exchanges with Democratic senators, the attorney general also amended his previous insistence that he had no Russian contacts. This time, he said: I did not have a continuing exchange of information with Russians. Sessions said he was not aware of any collusion between members of the Trump campaign and the Kremlin in efforts to influence the election, the subject of a special counsel investigation and several congressional inquiries. However, he said he had not been informed about a meeting on 9 June 2016, between the presidents son, son-in-law and campaign manager with a Russian lawyer offering damaging material about Hillary Clinton. The attorney general said he had only read about it in the papers and not paid much attention. Sessions has formally recused himself from issues related to the Russia investigation, a decision which angered the president, but he was interrogated on Wednesday on how rigorously he had observed his recusal. The attorney general is in a potentially perilous situation as lying to Congress is a felony and his previous testimony could form part of an investigation into obstruction of justice by the special counsel, Robert Mueller. Sessions said he had not been interviewed by Mueller but he was tentative and hesitant in his answers on his contacts with Muellers team, leaving open the possibility that he had been asked for an interview. Story continues Sessions, who had helped run Trumps campaign, declared at his Senate confirmation hearing in January: I didnt have communications with the Russians. It later emerged that he had met Kislyak at a campaign event at a Washington hotel in April 2016, then at the Republican national convention in July and in his Senate office in September last year. In March this year, after reports of those meetings surfaced, he said he did not recall conversations with Kislyak or other Russian officials regarding the political campaign. However, in July, the Washington Post reported US intelligence intercepts of Kislyaks accounts of the conversation to his superiors in Moscow that indicated that they had discussed campaign and policy issues. The Democratic senator Patrick Leahy asked Sessions whether he had talked with Kislyak about policies or positions of the Trump campaign or future presidency. Im not sure about that, the attorney general replied. I met with the Russian ambassador after I made a speech at the Republican convention We had an encounter there and he asked for an appointment in my office later. I met with 26 ambassadors in the last year and he was one of them. He came into my office with two of my senior defence specialists and met with me for a while, Sessions went on. I dont think there was any discussion about the details of the campaign. It could have been at that meeting in my office or at the convention that some comment was made about what Trumps positions were. I think thats possible. Senator Patrick Leahy subjected Jeff Sessions to pointed questioning about differences is his responses from previous statements. Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Asked if he had discussions with Russian officials about emails, an apparent reference to Democratic party emails hacked by Russia (according to US intelligence) and published by the WikiLeaks group, Sessions replied: I do not recall any such thing. Moments earlier, Leahy had asked Sessions: Youre our nations top lawyer. Is there a difference between responding no and I do not recall? Is that legally significant? Sessions agreed there was a significant difference. The attorney general got himself into deeper water in his answers to Senator Leahy, said Ryan Goodman, a New York University law professor and co-editor of the Just Security website. Sessions response to Leahy effectively amounts to an admission that he was either not truthful in his written replies during his confirmation hearing when he said emphatically that he did not have certain conversations with the Russians or else he was not truthful in his later testimony when he said he could not recall the content of these conversations. Also Sessions now admits he may have discussed candidate Trumps positions with the Russians during the elections, which directly contradicts what Sessions said in his statement in March, Goodman added. Sessions testimony appears to be an admission that the Washington Post report got it right, that he had indeed discussed campaign matters with the Russian ambassador. A judge rebuffed former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaios request to expunge his criminal conviction for unlawfully detaining individuals based on suspicions of their legal status after President Donald Trump pardoned him in August. U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton ruled Thursday that the pardon wasnt a reason to erase Arpaios guilty verdict. The power to pardon is an executive prerogative of mercy, not of judicial record-keeping, she wrote. The Court found Defendant guilty of criminal contempt. The President issued the pardon. Defendant accepted. The pardon undoubtedly spared defendant from any punishment that might otherwise have been imposed. It did not, however, revise the historical facts of this case. Arpaios attorneys filed an appeal on Thursday. The sheriff views it as a form of resistance to the presidents pardon, and I view it as a resistance to the law, one of the lawyers, Jack Wilenchik, told CNN. In July, Arpaio and his department were found guilty of violating a 2011 court order by stopping and detaining drivers based on suspicions about whether they were in the country illegally. Trump issued the presidential pardon before Arpaio could be sentenced, saying the notorious sheriff had provided admirable service to our Nation. The self-described Americas toughest sheriff adopted draconian and unorthodox practices when he was elected in 1993. These included forcing Latino inmates in a jail he called a concentration camp to march to a segregated area. Almost 160 people died in Arpaios jails, the Phoenix New Times found. Many killed themselves. Arpaios office also failed to investigate hundreds of sex abuse cases. His officers also used racial slurs and derogatory phrases that included wetbacks, Mexican bitches, fucking Mexicans and stupid Mexicans, the Justice Department found. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. ProFootball Talk on NBC Sports Last month, linebacker Aaron Patrick suffered a torn ACL as he tried to avoid colliding with an individual on the sidelines of a Monday night game between the Broncos and the Chargers. Patrick has now sued various entities for the harm caused by the injury. Patrick has sued the NFL, ESPN, the Rams, the Chargers, [more] White House Chief of Staff John Kelly ripped into a congresswoman who's been at the center of a controversy over a phone call President Donald Trump made to the family of Sgt. La David Johnson, a Green Beret killed in an ambush in Niger on October 4. "I was stunned when I came to work yesterday morning and brokenhearted at what I saw a member of Congress doing," Kelly said in an extraordinary White House briefing on Thursday, referring to Florida Rep. Frederica Wilson who said Trump told the grieving widow that Johnson "he knew what he was getting into," setting off two days of controversy over the president's perceived insensitivity. Kelly later described Wilson as an "empty barrel" in a "long tradition of empty barrels making the most noise." Wilson's comments apparently upset Kelly, whose son died in Afghanistan in 2010, so much he told reporters he went to Arlington National Cemetery for 90 minutes. But Kelly's outrage at the politicization of the solders' deaths did not completely match the timeline of events. First, Kelly admitted that he suggested to Trump that he use the phrase about soldiers' knowing what they were getting into when they signed up to serve their country a phrase Trump has denied using. "Let me tell you what I tell them," Kelly said he told the president. "Let me tell you what my best friend told me because he was my casualty officer: He said. 'Kel, he was doing exactly what he wanted to do when he was killed.'" Some members of the press praised Kelly on Thursday after those words came out of the general's mouth. But the president did not get the same treatment, especially from Congresswoman Wilson, who said Johnson's family felt disrespected. Wilson, contrary to Kelly's comments, had been invited to be with the family to listen to the phone call. Trump had been the one to first politicize what happened in Niger, when responding to a reporter's question on Monday, he criticized his predecessors for not calling the families of fallen soldiers. Story continues This issue is deeply personal for Kelly, himself a Gold Star father who has consistently avoided addressing his son's death. Trump put the loss back in the public spotlight this week when he told reporters to ask Kelly if Obama called him when he died. During the press conference, Kelly emphasized the growing disconnect between the public and military. He only answered questions from members of the press who knew Gold Star families. Kelly's press conference comes after a frenzied fortnight that began on October 4 when the Department of Defense reported that three Green Berets had been killed along the Mali-Niger border in a training mission. Two days later, Johnson, the fourth victim of the incident was found, raising new questions about what actually happened during the ambush and firefight with militants believed to be linked to ISIS. Politicization of military deaths is a fact of political life especially for Trump, who never served and received five draft deferments, including one for bad feet during Vietnam. As a candidate and president, Trump has made numerous controversial remarks on the military. He infamously criticized Senator John McCain for getting captured and being a POW during Vietnam and also attacked a Gold Star family during the U.S. presidential campaign. Kelly's stunning press conference, which started with him offering painstaking detail about how dead soldiers are transported back home and ended with him only taking questions from reporters he felt understand military issues, may end up being the Trump administration's best shot at ending the controversy. White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway insisted Thursday that criticism about President Donald Trumps controversial condolence call to the widow of a soldier killed in Niger was just the haters being presumptively negative, as they always are. Conway, in a Fox News interview with Harris Faulkner, also attacked people of privilege who think that they can score cheap political points against a president. Conways comments were in defense of Trumps phone call to Myeshia Johnson, the widow of Sgt. La David Johnson. Trump told her that her husband knew what he signed up for, according to Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.), who listened to the phone call with Johnson and later accused Trump of insensitivity. White House Chief of Staff John Kelly said Thursday at a news conference that he was stunned and brokenhearted when he learned of Wilsons criticism. It stuns me that a member of Congress would have listened in on that conversation. It stuns me. I thought at least that was sacred, he said. Trump expressed his condolences in the best way that he could, Kelly added. The president initially said Wilsons account of the conversation was a complete fabrication, but Kelly confirmed Wilsons version of the call. He knew what he was getting into when he joined the military, Kelly said. Thats what the president tried to say to the four families yesterday. Conway also did not contradict Wilsons account. But she insisted Trump finished the call by saying something like its always difficult, or this is very tough. Johnsons mother, Cowanda Jones-Johnson, told The Washington Post that President Trump did disrespect my son and my daughter and also me and my husband. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. By Parisa Hafezi ANKARA (Reuters) - Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday Tehran would stick to its 2015 nuclear accord with world powers as long as the other signatories respected it, but would "shred" the deal if Washington pulled out, state TV reported. Khamenei spoke five days after U.S. President Donald Trump adopted a harsh new approach to Iran by refusing to certify its compliance with the deal, reached under Trump's predecessor Barack Obama, and saying he might ultimately terminate it. "I don't want to waste my time on answering the rants and whoppers of the brute (U.S.) president," Khamenei said in a speech to students in Tehran quoted by state television. "Trump's stupidity should not distract us from America's deceitfulness ... If the U.S. tears up the deal, we will shred it ... Everyone should know that once again America will receive a slap in its mouth and will be defeated by Iranians." Trump's move put Washington at odds with other parties to the accord - Britain, France, Germany, Russia, China and the European Union - who say Washington cannot unilaterally cancel an international accord enshrined by a U.N. resolution. Khamenei, who has the final say on Iran's state matters, welcomed European support but said it was not sufficient. "European states stressed their backing for the deal and condemned Trump ... We welcomed this, but it is not enough to ask Trump not to rip up the agreement. Europe needs to stand against practical measures (taken) by America." Under the deal, Iran agreed to curb its disputed uranium enrichment program in return for relief from international sanctions that crippled its economy, and U.N. nuclear inspectors have repeatedly certified Tehran's compliance with the terms. Trump accuses Iran of supporting terrorism and says the 2015 deal does not do enough to block its path to acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran says it does not seek nuclear arms and in turn blames the growth of militant groups such as Islamic State on the policies of the United States and its regional allies. In decertifying the nuclear deal last week, Trump gave the U.S. Congress 60 days to decide whether to reimpose economic sanctions on Tehran that were lifted under the pact. "DO NOT INTERFERE" In a major shift in U.S. policy, Trump also said Washington will take a more confrontational approach to Iran over its ballistic missile program and its support for extremist groups in the Middle East. Tehran has repeatedly pledged to continue what it calls a defensive missile capability in defiance of Western criticism. The United States has said Iran's stance violates the 2015 deal in spirit as missiles could be tipped with nuclear weapons. Tehran has said it seeks only civilian nuclear energy from its enrichment of uranium, and that the program has nothing to do with missile development efforts. EU foreign ministers on Monday urged U.S. lawmakers not to reimpose sanctions on Tehran but also discussed Iran's missile program, which they want to see dismantled. "They must avoid interfering in our defense program ... We do not accept that Europe sings along with America's bullying and its unreasonable demands," Khamenei said. "They (Europeans) ask why does Iran have missiles? Why do you have missiles yourselves? Why do you have nuclear weapons?" The Trump administration has imposed new unilateral sanctions targeting Iran's missile activity. It has called on Tehran not to develop missiles capable of delivering nuclear bombs. Iran says it has no such plans. Iran has one of the biggest ballistic missile programs in the Middle East, viewing it as an essential precautionary defense against the United States and other adversaries, primarily Gulf Arab states and Israel. Americans are angry because the Islamic Republic of Iran has managed to thwart their plots in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and other countries in the region," Khamenei said. Supporters of the deal fear Trump's decision to decertify the deal could eventually unravel it, causing more tension in the crisis-hit Middle East, where Shi'ite Iran is involved in a decades long proxy war with U.S. ally Sunni Saudi Arabia. If the deal falls apart, Iran's anti-Western hardliners will gain authority in a backlash against pragmatic President Hassan Rouhani, who engineered the accord to help end Iran's political and economic isolation, analysts and insiders say. (Writing by Parisa Hafezi; editing by Mark Heinrich) Kim Kardashian celebrates her birthday at Tao nightclub at the Venetian in Las Vegas in 2014. (Photo: Denise Truscello/WireImage) As an Oct. 21 baby, I have the distinction of sharing my birthday with model-actress-Slutwalk champion Amber Rose, the late, great actress and writer Carrie Fisher (may she rest), and the entrepreneurial juggernaut, selfie-taking reality star known as Kim Kardashian. But while we share the same birthday this year Kardashian turns 37, while I am turning an age thats none of your business the way we celebrate our day is decidedly different. To wit: Our birthday wardrobes As helpfully detailed by People magazine, which did a retrospective of Kardashians birthday ensembles over the past 10 years, Kardashian likes to get pretty dolled up in honor of her special day. Witness the red bodycon dress she wore to party at Tao nightclub back when she was still BFFs with Paris Hilton, the black bandage dress she sported 10 years ago at another Vegas birthday celebration, and the striking silver number she donned in celebration of her 30th back in 2010. Kim Kardashian celebrating her birthday through the years. (Photo: Wenn/Getty Images) Conversely, I tend to go a bit more relaxed in my birthday attire and, no, not so relaxed that I wear only my birthday suit. Though I did don a leopard-print bodycon number for a house party I threw back in 2011 when our birthday coincided with the rapture, my general birthday aesthetic is pajamas. Possibly with footies. Probably with Disney characters on them (Mickey is acceptable, Tigger is preferable). Though if pressed to go out, Ill usually throw on something acceptable like jeans and a cute top the typical going-out-in-L.A. uniform. Photo: Getty Images Our birthday activities 2012: When Kardashian turned 32, she went on a tour through Italy Florence, Rome, and Venice with her future third hubby, Kanye West, where they skipped art galleries in favor of shopping and generally enjoyed the hell out of themselves. Kimye in Venice, Italy, on Oct. 21, 2012. (Photo:Maurizio La Pira/ Splash News) Meanwhile, I spent mine at Disneyland wondering what the f**k I was doing with my life. Dont get me wrong running around the park with three friends was a grand old time. But an onslaught of personal and professional turmoil has a way of making you feel like the good days arent that great. Plus, Italy remains on my bucket list. Sigh Ill get there some day. Story continues 2013: Kardashian turned 33, and it was arguably one of her biggest birthdays ever as that was when boyfriend Kanye became fiance Kanye, after the rapper rented out Pac Bell Park in San Francisco and proposed to Kardashian with great fanfare (and cameras). That year, I was decidedly more low-key for my birthday as you can imagine and had a small dinner with friends at a vegan cafe. You will be shocked to learn that no paparazzi showed up, so I was left in relative peace. There was also no surprise proposal though Im not upset about that. Being married was more work than I was ready for at the time. 2014: For birthday 34, Kardashian took a private jet to Vegas, where she, her friends, and her family all partied at Tao with a huge cake and all the bells and whistles. Kardashian tends to spend a lot of birthdays in Vegas witness her celebrations when she turned 30, 31, and even 33, when she had a delayed birthday shindig after the grand proposal. Kanye West helped Kim Kardashian celebrate her birthday at Tao nightclub at the Venetian in Las Vegas in 2014. He even smiled. (Photo: Getty Images) After a job that required me to go to Vegas once a year for four years and operate on maybe an hour of sleep over the course of four days, I avoid Vegas. Just thinking about it makes me tired. Instead, I drove to the desert in a 20-year-old Honda I borrowed from my landlord, went to the Integratron, where they do a sound bath with crystal bowls over a supposed healing vortex (yes, Im one of those), and soaked in the hot springs, all by my lonesome. It was wonderful even when the car battery died on the way home. 2015: When Kardashian turned 35 two years ago, she was super pregnant with son Saint, so her birthday was different from Vegas bashes gone by but was in no way more low-key. West rented out a movie theater to screen the Steve Jobs biopic that had just come out, and everyone dressed up as their favorite version of Pregnant Kim. WHY R U SO PERFECT @kendalljenner #KENDALLJENNER A post shared by CEO: jOYCEBONELLi COSMETIQUES (@joycebonelli) on Oct 22, 2015 at 9:54am PDT I wasn't expecting to look this way again quite yet, but Happy Pregnant Birthday @kimkardashian !! A post shared by Kourtney Kardashian (@kourtneykardash) on Oct 21, 2015 at 9:18pm PDT I too went to the movies on my birthday that year (and I think it may have been to see the same Jobs biopic), but wound up sitting in front of one of those jerks who talked through the whole thing and overexplained the film in a not-so-quiet stage whisper to his seat mate, despite me asking him to kindly shut up several times. 2016: Last year, when Kardashian turned 36, it was right after the horrors of the Paris robbery, so she kept things pretty quiet as did I, with another low-key dinner with friends. Perhaps I was doing so out of instinctual solidarity with my co-birthday celeb, I dont know. Either way, Im a firm believer that flashy birthdays can be fun, but the nonflashy ones are just as good (if not better). Our birthday gifts Kardashians 35th brought out Wests signature rose wall bouquet, along with a massive artisan cake the likes of which have popped up during many of her birthday celebrations in the past. My husband never ceases the amaze me! He rented out the entire movie theater to screen the new Steve Jobs (It's sooooo good BTW) and had all of my family & close friends come dressed up as their best pregnant Kim look (fake baby bumps provided on arrival!) Not sure if that was to make me feel less huge or just a fun cool theme but I loved it & had the best time ever, feeling so very comfortable eating churros with a bunch of pregnant women! Just what I needed, the perfect chill yummy food birthday!!!! A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Oct 21, 2015 at 8:57pm PDT Me? I get gifts too clothes and trinkets and homemade treats that come from the heart. And, sure, Ive gotten bouquets of flowers from boyfriends and friends, but I prefer to buy myself flowers on my birthday. Mine are decidedly less fancy and they dont come in wall form. And I often grab them from Whole Foods or some like-minded grocer. This ensures Im never without flowers on my birthday. (Its also a form of self-care, because why not?) It may be less flashy, but at least I know theyre fair-trade. Photo: Getty Images Our social media celebrations Even though Kardashian had a quiet birthday last year, Kanye pulled together a sweet gift of videos from her childhood and posted them online: Mama Kris shared a snippet of it too: My sweet girl Kimberly, I remember this day like it was yesterday. you are a slice of heaven, then and today!! pic.twitter.com/XMpb4r2nBQ Kris Jenner (@KrisJenner) October 21, 2016 And on her 35th, countless friends and family posted throwback pictures, shots from the party, and other assorted birthday madness in tribute to Kardashian. Happy Birthday my beautiful angel girl!!!!! You are the most amazing daughter, wife, sister, Mother, ROOM MATE, and best friend. God has blessed me with you and it has been the most wonderful 35 years. I love you beyond wordsMommy A post shared by Kris Jenner (@krisjenner) on Oct 21, 2015 at 1:16pm PDT A post shared by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on Oct 22, 2015 at 6:15am PDT She has been my partner for life. We always seem to end up on the craziest adventures together. I love and admire the person you have become and learn from you every day. Happy Birthday! A post shared by Kourtney Kardashian (@kourtneykardash) on Oct 21, 2015 at 4:23pm PDT Happy birthday beautiful @KimKardashian! A post shared by Caitlyn Jenner (@caitlynjenner) on Oct 21, 2015 at 3:58pm PDT I know social media is supposed to make birthdays awesome, because that little Facebook nudge reminds everyone you know to post a note on your wall, and it tends to spill over into Twitter and all the other social platforms. But nobody posted about me on social media. Largely because Im not on social media anymore. Who the hell wants to be on social media these days!? Photo: Getty Images Our standing heading into this years birthday Leading up to the big day, MSNBC took a quick look at Kardashians net worth as she prepares to turn 37. Spoiler alert: Shes worth a lot. Lets just say my net worth is a bit less at the moment. But Im not bothered. You never know whats right around the corner. We dont know what Kardashian is doing for this years birthday, and you know what? I dont know what Im doing either (and, yes, I know its practically tomorrow). But Im pretty sure whatever we do, itll be special. Cause Oct. 21 babies are awesome. Happy birthday to us! Read More From Yahoo Entertainment: Taylor Swift crushes over boyfriend Joe Alwyn in Gorgeous Celebrities who sported controversial Halloween costumes Halloween horror: 19 terrible sexy movie and TV costumes no one should ever wear Two weeks after investigative journalists exposed decades of accusations of sexual misconduct against Harvey Weinstein, Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyongo has come forward with her own allegations against the disgraced producer. In an op-ed for The New York Times, Nyongo, 34, said Weinstein invited her to lunch, then to his Connecticut home for a private movie screening, where he brought her up to his room, offered to give her a massage, then said he wanted to take off his pants. She also accused the Hollywood mogul of abruptly ending a dinner with her after she declined his invitation to come up to his hotel room. I was part of a community of women who were secretly dealing with harassment by Weinstein, says @Lupita_Nyongo https://t.co/XZpHnQ8Ine NYT Opinion (@nytopinion) October 19, 2017 These encounters, Nyongo wrote, happened when she was still an aspiring actress and student at the Yale School of Drama. 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, wrote the actress, who won an Academy Award in 2014 for her supporting role in the acclaimed film 12 Years a Slave. But now that this is being discussed openly, I have not been able to avoid the memories resurfacing. More than 40 women have accused Weinstein of using his power in the industry to manipulate, harass and sexually abuse them. The alleged incidents span decades. Police in Los Angeles, New York and London are investigating claims of sex crimes, including rape, against the producer. Many of Weinsteins accusers stories have a similar pattern: Weinstein lured them into a room under the guise of a business meeting, then pressured them into an intimate act. In some cases, Weinstein is accused of rape. In others, he is accused of humiliating them after they rejected his advances. Story continues His alleged victims include Asia Argento, Ashley Judd, Kate Beckinsale, Ambra Battilana Gutierrez and Rosanna Arquette. Me looking (and feeling) peaceful in '97, 21 years old, a few months before I was raped by #HarveyWeinstein pic.twitter.com/tr6sgfIr4v Asia Argento (@AsiaArgento) October 15, 2017 In her op-ed, Nyongo described Weinsteins bullying and unwanted advances on her. She explained how he made it difficult when she told him no, and what she had to do to try to take back control of the situations he put her in. During a lunch with Weinstein, Nyongo said, the producer insisted that she order a vodka and soda, ordered one for her and then told her she needed to drink it even after she declined it more than once. We went back and forth, the actress wrote, until finally he turned to the waiter and said, Get her what I tell you to get her. Im the one paying the bill. Later at a movie screening at his house, Weinstein interrupted the movie and led Nyongo up to his bedroom, where he told her he wanted to massage her. Feeling uncomfortable and uncertain, the actress said she offered to give him one instead so she could be in control of the situation. She rationalized that decision: It would be just like her body work classes in her drama department, in which students massage each other to understand the connection between body, mind and emotion. Nyongo recalled: Harvey led me into a bedroom his bedroom and announced that he wanted to give me a massage. I thought he was joking at first. He was not. For the first time since I met him, I felt unsafe. I panicked a little and thought quickly to offer to give him one instead: It would allow me to be in control physically, to know exactly where his hands were at all times. The massage ended when Weinstein said he wanted to take off his pants. Nyongo left the room and eventually his house. At another dinner with the producer, Nyongo said, Weinstein cut their meal short after she rejected his invitation to go up to his hotel room: I was stunned. 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. I was silent for a while before I mustered up the courage to politely decline his offer. Nyongo whos starred in several blockbuster films in her career, including Star Wars: The Force Awakens and the upcoming Star Wars: The Last Jedi said that she hasnt faced any such harassment since her encounters with Weinstein. She attributes this to choosing projects led by women and men who are feminists in their own right who have not abused their power. Weinstein isnt the only powerful figure in Hollywood accused of abuse. Former Playboy model Carrie Stevens and actress Patricia Arquette have accused director Oliver Stone of abusive behavior. Weinsteins brother Bob has also been accused of being abusive and a bully. The actress said the industrys intimate nature is why insiders must stay vigilant about abusers in the industry. Now that we are speaking, let us never shut up about this kind of thing, she wrote. I speak up to contribute to the end of the conspiracy of silence. Read Lupita Nyongos op-ed here. Also on HuffPost Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: Actress Lena Headey arrives at the premiere of HBO's 'Game Of Thrones' Season 6 at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 10, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage) This article originally appeared on HuffPost. WILL OF THE PEOPLE WORLD TOUR 2023 Les emplois a Rennes sont abondants et varies. Il y a quelque chose pour tout le monde. Que vous soyez a la recherche dun emploi [] 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 [] You get to a certain age, and if you're remotely vain (and let's face it, you are), you need to have your hair colored fairly frequently. You're hardly alone. Roughly 75 percent of women in the United States color their hair, which today adds up to an $18 billion opportunity for brands like L'Oreal and Clairol. It used to look that way, anyway. Eating into a growing percentage of these giants' market share is Madison Reed, a four-year-old, 85-person, San Francisco-based maker of affordable "prestige" hair products. These include 45 shades of permanent hair color, 8 shades of hair "gloss," 6 shades of liquid-based root touch-up (for in between coloring sessions), and 6 shades of powder for root touch-ups. The company also more recently began making shampoos and conditioners for color-treated hair. Now Madison Reed is working on what could become its biggest product of all: a chain of real-world "color bars" that it expects will accelerate its business further. Toward that end, the company just raised $25 million in new funding led by Comcast Ventures, an earlier investor, with participation from other previous backers, including Norwest Venture Partners, True Ventures and Calibrate Ventures. Today, we phoned CEO and founder Amy Errett in Hawaii, where she's attending the high-wattage, low-flying Lobby conference. We asked her about the company's newest round of funding, its color bars, and much more. If you care about consumer packaged goods more generally, keep reading. TC: You've quietly closed on $25 million that brings your funding to $70 million. Why go with Comcast, which is already an investor? AE: Comcast was a very small shareholder previously and they just kind of watched our progress. Also, for us, Comcast adds enormous value; our investors there have been super helpful with TV and connections into other media. TC: How much are you spending on TV? And how else are you marketing Madison Reed? AE: We spend money on marketing four ways. First, Facebook and Instagram continues to be great for us and we work hard at [cultivating our image on both]. Radio is the fastest-growing channel, including satellite, local, and more recently national. We measure ROI by asking people how they've heard of us and through promo codes. The third is TV, which has been super effective. Fourth are referrals, which is an important part of our business. We put referral cards in boxes, and a lot of people give them out to friends who then get their first box for free. We've been doing it long enough to measure that it's not just that first box (that they use). Story continues TC: What percentage of your business is recurring, and are people buying one-offs or subscriptions? AE: Seventy percent of our business is recurring. And yes, we sell two ways. You can buy a single box of color, or you can subscribe. Our hair color kits are only available at our site online; we want to control the user experience. Offline, we sell 12 of our hair colors at Ulta because 50 percent of the [chain is about] hair, so if you're going to pick the one retailer that you believe women visit for their hair needs, that's the one. TC: Now you'll also be selling your products at your own color bars. Tell us about these. AE: We had a pop-up in New York for four months earlier this year that we created as a kind of experiment, and it was great. So we opened another color bar in San Francisco in June and beginning in September, we're opening 25 more, all over the place. TC: How uniform will these be? How many people can they accommodate? AE: We're targeting around 1,500 square feet for each, and they'll have eight chairs, with four chairs facing each others with mirrors in between. [The sessions are] $60 dollars for 60 minutes. We'll use our own proprietary product. We've also developed tech around scheduling, merchandise processing, about [tracking and help our customers] who take color quizzes first. TC: Who will be working at these locations? AE: Certified licensed colorists. Even our online staff have to be licensed. So these are people who've worked for salons, gotten licensed, then they go through three weeks of training by our master colorists, who educate them about our line and how to use it. After that, we let [them do a test run] with friends and family for a week, who we don't charge. This is a business that's won and lost over quality; we aren't just selling anything to anyone. TC: Are you profitable? Can you give us any rough estimate regarding your revenue? AE: We don't discuss either publicly, but I can tell you our business has continued to double on a yearly basis, and those are getting to be significant numbers. TC: Would you ever make a colourant for men? Something like 20 percent of men get their hair colored, too. AE: We're running a beta test now. TC: I'm guessing you've been approached by bigger CPG companies. AE: We have a lot of folks that are interested in the company. This is an interesting story, and all these [products you see being developed] like hair color are real businesses. People need to get their hair colored. The company is named after my daughter, so you can imagine that this is personal. I'm dedicated to [this company] and if we do our job well, both [going public] and other options are available to us. As a former VC, I can attest that anyone who tells you what's going to happen doesn't know what they are talking about. (SALT LAKE CITY) A judge has ruled an 18-year-old Utah man accused of encouraging a teen friend to hang herself and filming it because he was fascinated with death should stand trial on a murder charge. Judge James Brady in a ruling Tuesday called the case unusual but said Tyerell Przybycien should be tried on allegations that he was deeply involved in 16-year-old Jchandra Browns suicide planning. The judge noted that police found a receipt showing Przybycien bought the rope she used and tied a knot in it for her. Przybycien also told her at times that he would also kill himself. Przybycien told a friend that helping her would be like getting away with murder, prosecutors have said. His lawyers, though, have said the girl made her own choice pointing to two suicide notes in her handwriting. Defense lawyer Gregory Stewart has said Przybyciens actions probably werent very smart, not very kind but did not amount to murder. Brady said it will be up to a jury to decide whether the girl would have taken her life without Przybyciens help. The Associated Press does not typically identify juveniles in crime cases, but the girls mother has said she wanted her daughter identified to prevent anything similar from happening again. The two drove on May 5 to a canyon about 60 miles (97 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City, where they tied the rope to a tree and fashioned a makeshift platform of rocks and wood underneath the tree. Brown stood on the platform with the rope around her neck while Przybycien recorded a cellphone video of her inhaling compressed air from a canister, giggling and stepping off the platform, officials have said. Authorities found a receipt showing Przybycien bought the rope and a phone containing the recording. While detectives were investigating, Przybycien showed up at the scene crying. He has been jailed since his arrest. Przybycien is charged with murder, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. A jury could also be asked to consider convicting Przybycien of a lesser charge, like manslaughter, which is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The case comes after Michelle Carter was convicted this year of involuntary manslaughter in Massachusetts for encouraging her suicidal boyfriend to kill himself in dozens of text messages. At first glance, Elon Musks future home, Mars, looks like an overgrown litter box. But if the red planet has proven anything, its that its full of surprises, like ancient lakes and supervolcanoes. Now, NASAs Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission (MAVEN) spacecraft has uncovered another one of the planets secrets a magnetic tail. Planets like Earth and Venus are protected from bursts of radiation from the sun by large magnetic fields. While its likely that Mars once had a global magnetic field similar to Earths, its gradually lost it over the course of billions of years. According to a new model created by the MAVEN team, Mars has been left to drag around a magnetotail, which is formed by highly charged particles from solar wind connecting with magnetic fields on the planets surface. This process, called magnetic reconnection, might have actually sent much of Mars atmosphere off into space. Our model predicted that magnetic reconnection will cause the Martian magnetotail to twist 45 degrees from whats expected based on the direction of the magnetic field carried by the solar wind, Gina DiBraccio of NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center says in a press release. When we compared those predictions to MAVEN data on the directions of the Martian and solar wind magnetic fields, they were in very good agreement. In order to measure Mars magnetotail, the MAVEN team used the spacecrafts magnetometer instrument. They found that although other planets have magnetic fields, Mars is a bit of an oddball in our cosmic neighborhood. We found that Mars magnetic tail, or magnetotail, is unique in the solar system, DiBraccio says. Its not like the magnetotail found at Venus, a planet with no magnetic field of its own, nor is it like Earths, which is surrounded by its own internally generated magnetic field. Instead, it is a hybrid between the two. According to NASA, the MAVEN researchers will continue to monitor magnetometer data over the next few years to better understand how Mars invisible tail is impacted by the planets rotation. While Mars might not be the flashiest planet, once again, it proves that its unquestionably one of the most fascinating. Story continues Photos via NASA Photos via NASA Written by Rae Paoletta More articles by Rae Follow Rae on Twitter tweetshare More From Inverse Men and women are biologically different, and that may apply to their blood as well at least for women who have been pregnant. In a study published in JAMA, researchers from the Netherlands studied more than 31,000 people who received blood transfusions at six Dutch hospitals from 2005 to 2015. They tracked whether the recipients had received blood from male donors, female donors who had never been pregnant, or female donors who had been pregnant. The researchers then analyzed death rates for three years. The only group that saw a difference based on the type of donor was men who received blood from women who had been pregnant. Those men were more likely to have died after three years, compared to men who received blood from a male donor or from a woman who had never been pregnant. Women who received blood transfusions did not see a higher risk of death regardless of whether the blood came from a man or a woman. The results held even after the scientists accounted for differences in the severity of diseases that required the transfusions in the first place. Previous work pointed to one change in womens blood especially women who have been pregnant that may make transfusions risky. Known as transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), it is caused by antibodies that mothers make when they are pregnant, and can cause severe lung problems. But TRALI often occurs soon after a transfusion, and the deaths in the study were recorded for as long as three years. Read more: 7 Things to Know Before You Donate Blood There may be other immune-related changes associated with pregnancy that can change mothers blood, the researchers say. There may also be changes in iron that could explain some of the poorer outcomes of the pregnant womens transfusions. TIME Health NewsletterGet the latest health and science news, plus: burning questions and expert tips. View Sample For now, experts say there isnt enough data to support changing current blood donation policies, but the findings suggest that more research is needed on the role that gender, and pregnancy, may play in blood transfusions outcomes. Stylish minds think alike! Blake Lively stepped out in New York City earlier this week while doing press for her upcoming film All I See Is You wearing an ensemble previously seen on First Lady Melania Trump. During one of her seven outfit changes on Monday, the Hollywood star donned a smart double-breasted plaid suit by Ralph Lauren Collection. Blake wore the suit while doing press for her movie All I See Is You Photo: James Devaney/GC Images blake-rlc Ryan Reynolds wife, 30, paired the suit with a matching overcoat, white button down blouse and tie, while sweeping her hair up. Melania, 47, opted for a simpler approach when it came to styling the suit, wearing the jacket over a black blouse. Barron Trump's mother first wore the chic piece back in September for her husband President Donald Trumps address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. GALLERY: MELANIA TRUMP'S FIRST LADY STYLE Melania looked business chic wearing the suit at the United Nations in New York Photo: John Moore/Getty Images melania-rlc Victoria Beckham, whose label is featured in the first ladys covetable wardrobe, recently commented on Melania wearing her designs. I just think if any woman chooses to wear me, or invest in me as a designer, thats incredibly flattering, the British fashion designer said. I like to make everybody happy, and whoever it is, if they want to wear my clothes and I can make that happen, and the sample is free, then I would jump at the opportunity to do that. Students at a Michigan university might have to do a double-take when they look over the schools degree options. After all, what college lets someone major in marijuana studies? But thats exactly what Northern Michigan University is offering as part of a four-year bachelor of science program. It doesnt seem like a fit for the classic stoner stereotype, however. When [my friends] hear what my major is, there are a lot of people who say, Wow, cool dude. Youre going to get a degree growing marijuana, Alex Roth, a 19-year-old sophomore at NMU, told the Detroit Free Press. But its not an easy degree at all. Technically, the program is called Medicinal Plant Chemistry, and it combines chemistry, biology, botany, horticulture, marketing and finance classes into one course study. Theres even specialized entrepreneurial and bio-analytical tracks for students who want to focus on the business or scientific aspects of the degree. While cannabis is definitely a focus of the program due to the increasing demand for chemists, entrepreneurs and horticulture experts to tap into the states booming marijuana industry, students wont be using it or cultivating it. No one is growing marijuana. No one is violating and state or federal laws, NMU Board of Trustees member Steve Mitchell told the Free Press. But there are a lot of plants that can be studied. And knowledge of those plants can help students one day work with medicinal marijuana to treat a variety of illnesses from cancer to anxiety disorders. Dr. Mark Paulsen, director of the universitys chemistry department, told the paper that the program is growing. Were gaining students every week, he said. With a full 12 months of recruitment, we expect that to grow. Japans space agency has discovered a potential human habitat on the moon that could be used to shelter astronauts from harmful radiation, extreme temperatures and meteorite showers. The shelter in the Marius Hills region is an intact lava tubea naturally occurring channel that forms from solid crusts left behind by molten lava flows. Intact lunar lava tubes offer a pristine environment to conduct scientific examination of the Moons composition and potentially serve as secure shelters for humans and instruments, an abstract to a study published in Geophysical Research Letters. Researchers from the JAXA space agency detected the lava tubes by analyzing echo patterns in radar data from the SELENE spacecraft. The data studied suggested there may be several lava tubes, leading from a skylight at the sight. moon shelter lava tubes marius hill Arizona State University, Apollo Image Archive There has been speculation surrounding the presence of lava tubes on the moon since the Apollo era and this research marks an important step towards finding a suitable location for human use. Its important to know where and how big lunar lava tubes are if were ever going to construct a lunar base, said JAXA researcher Junichi Haruyama. Read more: Private moon mission gets go-ahead from U.S. government. No human has ever spent longer than three days on the surface of the moon, as space suits alone are not adequate to protect from cosmic radiation and micrometeorites flux. The Trump administration has expressed interest in returning humans to the moon, with Vice President Mike Pence laying out plans at a meeting of the National Space Council earlier this month. We will return American astronauts to the moon, not only to leave behind footprints and flags, but to build the foundation we need to send Americans to Mars and beyond, Pence said. The moon will be a stepping stone, a training ground, a venue to strengthen our commercial and international partnerships as we refocus Americas space program toward human space exploration. Story continues full moon NASA For this to happen, safe habitats such as those provided by lava tubes will be needed to protect astronauts. Research presented at the European Planetary Science Congress (EPSC) last month in Riga, Latvia, found that lava tubes on the moon may be big enough to house entire cities. On the moon, these tunnels could be a kilometer or more across and many hundreds of kilometers in length, said Riccardo Pozzobon from the University of Padova. These results have important implications for habitability and human exploration of the moon but also for the search of extraterrestrial life on Mars They are also, potentially, large enough for quite significant human settlementsyou could fit most of the historic city centre of Riga into a lunar lava tube. Related Articles Richard Spencer speaks at the Texas A&M University campus in 2016: AP Photo/David J. Phillip A neo-Nazi website has encouraged its followers to protest at Black and Jewish community centres during white supremacist Richard Spencers speech. The Daily Stormer posted a Stormer Plan for Richard Spencers Florida Gig on the morning of Mr Spencers speech at the University of Florida. Mr Spencer is a self-proclaimed white nationalist who was recently scheduled to speak at the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. For his first major speech since Charlottesville, Mr Spencer booked a lecture space at the University of Florida despite resistance from students, staff, and the university itself. The Daily Stormer which was kicked off of Facebook, Twitter, and even its website server after Charlottesville urged its followers to attend the speech. Those who did not secure tickets, however, were encouraged to stage flash demos at locations around the city. Andrew Anglin, the Daily Stormer founder, suggested protesting at the Lubavitch Chabad Jewish Center and the Institute of Black Culture. He also suggested the offices of the Gainesville Sun, a local paper, and a neighbouring Starbucks. If the suggested locations were patrolled by police, Mr Anglin suggested that protesters find other locations for their demonstrations including statues of historically great white men. The objective, according to Mr Anglin, was to protest Jews, black crime, Jewish media, Jewish coffee whatever. Suggested chants included Jews will not replace us and Shlomo go home. The point is to confuse the situation and to create public attention, to make it feel like the entire city is taken over by our guys, Mr Anglin wrote. The Institute of Black Culture was closed on Thursday, and the Gainesville Police Department did not respond to requests for comment. But the director of the Lubavitch Chabad Jewish Center, Rabbi Berl Goldman, said he was well aware of the protest plans. Mr Goldman said the centre had stepped up its security measures in recent days, but planned to stay open during Mr Spencers speech. In fact, the centre announced extended hours for Thursday. Story continues We want to give the Jewish student community here a sense of safe haven and community, Mr Goldmann said. Mr Spencer's speech turned out to be sparsely attended, with video feeds showing the theatre about half full. The majority of the speech was drowned out by protesters, who chanted F*** you Spencer! and Spencer go home! Mr Spencer left quietly after speaking for approximately an hour and a half. Nothing quite captures the 2017 mood to leave Earth forever like dreaming about moon bases. Last month, space agencies from Russia and the US jointly announced plans to collaborate on such a satellite colony. But today's discovery might bring that vision closer to reality. Japan's space agency found a large cave underneath the lunar surface that seems like prime area for a human outpost. Japan's Selenological and Engineering Explorer (Selene) probe discovered a 50-meter wide by 50-meter deep opening underneath the Marius Hills region using a radar system designed to peer underground. After more readings, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa) surmised that the chasm was 50 km (31 miles) long by 100 meters wide, structurally sound and filled with rocks that might contain water. They theorize that it was a tube carved by lava during volcanic activity 3.5 billion years ago. Lava tubes are well-suited for human settlements, Jaxa senior researcher Junichi Haruyama told The Guardian. The tubes "might be the best candidate sites for future lunar bases, because of their stable thermal conditions and potential to protect people and instruments from micrometeorites and cosmic ray radiation," Haruyama said. Their location underground also shields denizens from the surface's wild temperature swings and radiation from the sun's UV rays. Japanese officials have resorted to using comics to disseminate a survival guide in the event North Korea leader Kim Jong Un decides again to fire missiles in their direction. The four-page manga comic, titled In Case a Missile Flies Over, features animated characters ducking and shielding themselves with cushions. Cover your head, advises one strip of the manga by Japanese artist Manabu Yamamoto published earlier this month. Characters look startled as a North Korean missile launch, loudspeakers and sirens sound and a television anchor reports the news. On one page, a teacher instructs his students to crawl underneath their desks. On another, fishermen hide behind a ships wheelhouse and farmers take shelter in a field trench. The government of Hokkaido, the countrys northernmost islandwhich has already seen two North Korean missiles fly overdistributed electronic copies of the manga to be printed out by schools, fishery associations and other groups. It is intended for all 5.5 million residents on the island. We decided to release the manga after hearing from our residents that the current manual is hard to understand, Hokkaido official Kiyomi Tanabe said, according to a Agence France-Presse report on Thursday. Japan in June readied itself for a nuclear attack by publishing precise instructions on how to stay safe in 70 newspapers and airing the details on 43 television stations. The advice was similar: If inside a building, lie down on the floor, protect your head and keep far from windows. The manga comes after Pyongyang fired ballistic missiles over Hokkaido on September 15 and August 29. The August missile was the first to cross over Japan. The one in September flew the farthest of any North Korean intermediate-range missilefar enough to have reached the U.S. territory of Guamand was the first since Pyongyangs sixth and most powerful nuclear test, which prompted the United Nations to impose new sanctions on the country. Story continues An article by the North Korea state-controlled news agency KCNA on Thursday warned that the U.S. would face an unimaginable strike in retaliation for engaging in naval drills using the American aircraft carrier USS Ronald Regan and for creating tension on the eve of war by running evacuation drills for civilians in South Korea. Japan plans to use the public address system set up for earthquakes and tsunamis should North Korea set off another missile. The chances of anyone surviving a nuclear attack in the targeted area, however, are slim. Related Articles Analysts keeping an eye on North Korea say substantial damage to its nuclear test site could force Pyongyang to abandon the underground complex of tunnels where it has conducted most of its test blasts, and move into other areas. That assessmentpublished on Tuesday by the watchdog 38 North, part of the U.S.-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins SAISis based on the severity of North Koreas sixth (and largest) underground test on September 3, post-blast tremors and observable surface disturbances on Mount Mantap. North Korea has conducted five of its last six nuclear tests in a complex of underground tunnels accessible via a portal. If North Korea were to attempt to continue testing under this mountain (such as in the area more to the eastern side), then we would expect to see new tunneling in the future near the North Portal, still under Mt. Mantap, states the 38 North report by Frank Pabian and Jack Liu. A lack of new tunneling in this area would provide evidence that this mountain has been abandoned for future testing, the report states. However, complete abandonment of the test site as a whole remains unlikely. The analysts released the assessment to address media reports that North Korea appeared to have nuked itself out of its Punggye-ri test site, and that the area could be unstable. Kim So-gu, head researcher at the Korea Seismological Institute, told Reuters last week that the September 3 explosion was so powerful that the underground tunnels may have caved in. A 4.6-magnitude earthquake was detected at the site eight minutes after the detonation. "I think the Punggye-ri region is now pretty saturated, he said. If it goes ahead with another test in this area, it could risk radioactive pollution." The 38 North report states: While these do make for eye-catching headlines, there was little substance in the articles to back them up beyond quoting the speculative fears of civilian experts. Story continues Even in the face of tired mountain syndromealterations to the rock mass due to multiple nuclear detonationsabandonment of Mount Mantap should not be expected, the report states. The tunnels through the north portal may no longer be in usable condition, but two yet-to-be-used tunnel complexes accessible via south and west portals exist at the site. That means Pyongyang would not have to build new tunnels to continue testing. For the time being, the report concludes, given the presence of additional test portals, we see no reason that the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site as a whole has or will be abandoned for future underground nuclear testing. Related Articles North Korea has again threatened a nuclear strike against the U.S. in reaction to ongoing joint military drills involving American and South Korean militaries on the peninsula. An article carried by the state-controlled news agency KCNA warned the U.S. would face an unimaginable strike in retaliation for carrying out naval drills involving the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and for creating tension on the eve of war by conducting civilian evacuation drills in South Korea this weekend. The U.S. is running amok by introducing under our nose the targets we have set as primary ones. The U.S. should expect that it would face unimaginable strike at an unimaginable time," KCNA stated Thursday, as reported by the South Korean news agency Yonhap. The wording of the threat mimics previous statements from U.S. military officials such as Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Joe Dunford who said it was "not unimaginable" to have military options on the Korean peninsula. As recently as this week Admiral Harry Harris, head of the U.S. Pacific Command, said at a forum in Singapore that his job was to "imagine the unimaginable." 10_19_Missile_test KCNA/via Reuters Tensions on the Korean peninsula have risen over North Koreas continuous development and testing of nuclear weapons, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. The international community, including U.N. Security Council permanent members Russia and China, have sided with the U.S. in strongly condemning Pyongyang and imposed harsh sanctions on the country in an attempt to cut funding for its nuclear program. European Union leaders are demanding the country end the weapons development program, as Reuters reported Thursday, despite North Koreas repeated claim that it is developing a nuclear deterrent in self-defense. Story continues North Korea's deputy U.N. ambassador made similar remarks at a meeting of the U.N. General Assembly on disarmament, describing the situation on the peninsula as having reached a point when "a nuclear war may break out at any moment." As for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, he was focusing on a sector of the countrys economy that has little to do with missiles. He visited a shoe factory in an increasingly rare public appearance that does not involve military-related activities, along with his wife Ri Sol Ju and other high-ranking members of the Workers Party of Korea, including his sister Kim Yo Jong. Related Articles North Korea has lobbed perhaps the most damning insult yet in its war of words with President Donald Trump, accusing the Republican of being worse than Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. Led by Kim Jong Un, North Korea has defied U.N. sanctions and U.S. military pressure while developing its nuclear and ballistic weapons program. The communist state is known for its reclusive, secretive nature but has attacked the U.S.s own recent moves to isolate itself from the international community. In a commentary published Sunday by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the state-run outlet said the U.S. is not qualified to talk about global peace, security and civilization because of Trumps decisions to withdraw from the U.N.s World Heritage agency and the Paris climate accords. Related: North Korea claims U.S. war and nuclear weapons caused climate change The Trump group is mulling denying the payment of dues to the U.N., which it has used as a tool for hegemonism and imposing the payment on other member states. On June 1, it ruthlessly violated the Paris agreement, the fruit of the common efforts of the international community to preserve global environment, the article read. When the U.S., an arch criminal of wrecking global environment, announced it would withdraw from the agreement, the international community branded its move as an act surpassing the toxic gas atrocities by Hitler and a crime to annihilate humankind by making the whole green planet a room filled with toxic gas, it added. GettyImages-862546896 MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images While KCNA did not specify who it was quoting, Trump faced fierce backlash abroad from allies and foes for exiting the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) over perceived anti-Israel bias Thursday, and for his earlier decision to pull the U.S. out of the Paris agreement, a landmark deal signed last year by every nation in the world except for Syria and Nicaragua. Last month, Nicaragua changed its mind and decided to sign, leaving Trump alone with Syria, which is in the midst of a devastating war against rebels and jihadis. Story continues Trump, whose administration has espoused controversial skepticism toward climate change, called the Paris agreement a bad deal for the U.S. North Korea, a traditional opponent of U.S. policy with a tradition of support for environmental causes, joined the international community in blasting Trump but took it a step further, arguing his move would result in more death and destruction than Hitlers institutionalized campaign of executions that killed up to 17 million people, including 6 million Jews, many of whom were forced into gas chambers. On Wednesday, KCNA again invoked World War II by calling out the U.S. for being the empire of evil which inflicted the nuclear holocaust on humankind for the first time in history. The article referenced the U.S. atomic bombing of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which killed at least 250,000 people, in August 1945, and suggested Trump was threatening to once again unleash weapons of mass destruction. To back the claim, KCNA referenced an NBC report released last week that cited three unidentified security officials claiming Trump during a national security meeting over the summer demanded the U.S. increase its nuclear arsenal tenfold. Since then, Trump and Kim have publicly threatened to attack one anothers countries with nuclear weapons, in an increasingly tense war of threats and insults. RTS1087N Federation of American Scientists/Stockholm International Peace Research Institute/U.S. Department of Energy/U.S. Government Accountability Office/U.S. Department of Defense/U.S. Air Force/Congressional Research Service/Reuters The Korean Peninsula, which is comprised of modern-day rivals North Korea and South Korea, was occupied by the Japanese empire during World War II. Much of its young male population was conscripted to fight in its colonizers army, and many of its young women were forced into sexual slavery on behalf of Japans military. When Japan surrendered following the U.S.s atomic bombings in 1945, the U.S. and its U.N. allies occupied the southern half of the peninsula, and future Cold War rival the Soviet Union moved into the north. Despite three years of fighting between the two neighbors, which accuse one another of committing mass atrocities, their lines of control remained largely unchanged and they have remained at war ever since. Related Articles UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - North Korea warned countries at the United Nations on Monday in a statement: don't join the United States in military action against the Asian state and you will be safe from retaliation. The caution was contained in a copy of North Korean Deputy U.N. Ambassador Kim In Ryong's prepared remarks for a discussion on nuclear weapons by a U.N. General Assembly committee. However, Kim did not read that section out loud. "As long as one does not take part in the U.S. military actions against the DPRK (North Korea), we have no intention to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against any other country," according to Kim's prepared remarks. "The entire U.S. mainland is within our firing range and if the U.S. dares to invade our sacred territory even an inch it will not escape our severe punishment in any part of the globe," the statement read. Tensions have soared between the United States and North Korea following a series of weapons tests by Pyongyang and a string of increasingly bellicose exchanges between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The U.N. Security Council has unanimously ratcheted up sanctions on North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs since 2006. North Korean Deputy U.N. Ambassador Kim did tell the U.N. General Assembly committee on Monday: "Unless the hostile policy and the nuclear threat of the U.S. is thoroughly eradicated, we will never put our nuclear weapons and ballistic rockets on the negotiation table under any circumstance." (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by James Dalgleish) States with weaker concealed carry laws are associated with significantly higher rates of handgun homicide, according to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health on Thursday. The findings are the latest volley in the decades-old debate over whether arming citizens makes the public safer or increases violent crime, and they come while the National Rifle Association is pushing for legislation that would loosen safety standards on concealed carry all across the country. Every state allows the carrying of concealed firearms under some circumstances, but the permitting process varies by jurisdiction. In some states, law enforcement can deny a permit if they believe the applicant lacks good character, or doesnt have a good reason to carry a loaded gun in public. In other states, they are essentially required to issue a permit to anyone who meets certain statutory requirements. A growing number of states dont require a permit at all. (Photo: RonBailey via Getty Images) Researchers from the Boston University School of Public Health compared homicide rates from 1991 to 2015 in states where law enforcement has wide discretion to reject concealed carry permits, which they call may-issue states, with those of states in which permits must be issued if an individual meets the necessary criteria, referred to as shall-issue or right-to-carry states. They found that shall-issue states were associated with 8.6 percent higher firearm homicide rates and 10.6 percent higher handgun homicide rates. The study suggests that allowing law enforcement the discretion to reject applicants may save lives. If these findings are accurate, we are really moving in the wrong direction by making it easier for people to carry concealed weapons, said Michael Siegel, professor of community health sciences at the Boston University School of Public Health and the studys senior author. In some shall-issue states, a person can get a permit even if they have convictions for violent misdemeanors or were previously subject to a domestic violence restraining order. But if that same person resided in a may-issue state, Siegel explained, law enforcement could consider their history of red flags before approving them to carry a loaded gun in public. Story continues Just having a list of criteria is not enough especially if those criteria are not as stringent and only cover felonies, he said. The research coincides with the National Rifle Associations lobbying efforts to pass federal legislation dubbed national concealed carry reciprocity, which would allow individuals to carry a gun in any state as long as they have a concealed carry permit in their home state. In January, Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) introduced the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced a similar bill in the Senate. Our research suggests that these laws would actually represent a threat to public safety, Siegel said. It would force states to allow people to carry concealed weapons who normally, under that state law, may not have access to one. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who criticized the NRA for pushing the concealed carry bill just days after a mass shooting in Las Vegas, said the new research debunks the NRAs false narrative that lax gun laws make Americans safer. The studys conclusions are crystal clear: The last thing we, as federal lawmakers, should do is support a dangerous national conceal carry law that could increase violence when our job is to pass laws to keep our communities safe, he said. Gun violence prevention advocates say national concealed carry reciprocity would turn states with the most permissive standards into the law of the land, and would erode states rights to protect their own residents. But proponents argue that permits should be treated like drivers licenses. If you have one in one state, it should be recognized everywhere else. Daniel Webster, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy & Research, dismissed that analogy as absurd. The process of getting a license is fairly uniform across the U.S., he explained. You have a vision test, you have a driving test, and you have to demonstrate you know the laws, he said. But the permitting process for concealed carry depends entirely on where a person is living. In the vast majority of states that issue permits, there is no such vetting to demonstrate that you can safely carry a concealed, loaded weapon around with you in public, he said. For example, only 31 states require individuals to complete some form of safety training before receiving a permit, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. If national concealed carry reciprocity passed, a person could get a permit in a state where safety training was not mandated, then carry it into a state with far more stringent requirements. Webster also pushed back on the NRAs talking point that concealed carry makes the country safer. On its website, the NRA implies that part of the reason the violent crime rate has plummeted since 1991 is because 25 states adopted right-to-carry laws, and more people are carrying concealed weapons. According to the Crime Prevention Research Center, there are over 16.3 million permit holders in the U.S. Every state saw a substantial reduction in violent crime during the 90s, Webster said, including right-to-carry states. But what would have happened if they had not passed right-to-carry? he asked. We see even sharper declines in states that did not adopt those laws. The NRA did not respond to a request for comment. Jonas Oransky, deputy legal director at Everytown for Gun Safety, said he has seen a significant loosening of concealed carry laws in recent years. Since 2014, eight states have repealed their permit requirements altogether, bringing the total number of states allowing people to carry without any permit whatsoever to 12. Concealed carry reciprocity would be the worst possible outcome for concealed carry laws gutting state gun laws and forcing all states to live with the most dangerous systems, he said. He called Boston Universitys research one of two landmark studies this year on the issue, pointing also to a working paper published in June by John Donohue, a professor at Stanford Law School. It found states that adopted right-to-carry laws experienced a 13 to 15 percent increase in violent crime in the 10 years after enacting those laws. When asked about the Boston University study, Donohue said he was not surprised by the results, as they aligned with his earlier work but they worried him. If you are in one of the states that doesnt have right-to-carry, you should probably be calling your senator or congressmen right now to stop this new initiative, he said of concealed carry reciprocity. All it will do is extend the pain, he continued. Its a bad idea with respect to saving lives. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Former President Barack Obama condemned Ed Gillespie, the GOP nominee for Virginia governor, for airing a misleading, race-baiting ad tying Democratic opponent Ralph Northam to the notorious MS-13 gang, calling the advertisement cynical and corrosive. Appearing at a campaign rally in Richmond, Virginia, with Northam on Thursday, Obama accused Gillespie of pulling from the same old playbook of other fear-based campaigns. The former president said the ad, which unfairly accuses Northam of enabling the predominantly Latino gang and its violent actions, sounds like a fib. Its a tactic, by the way, that shows Ralphs opponent doesnt really think very highly of Virginians, because I dont think anybody really thinks that somebody who spent his life performing surgeries on soldiers and children is cozying up to street gangs, Obama said. What hes really trying to deliver is fear, Obama continued. What he really believes is if you scare enough voters, you might score just enough votes to win an election. And thats what makes this kind of anything goes politics just so damaging and corrosive to our democracy. Its just as cynical as politics gets. Obama didnt mention his successor by name, but some of his remarks could be read as subtle jabs at President Donald Trump, who in recent days has accused the former president of not calling families of fallen soldiers. Obama referenced his many visits as president to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where many wounded soldiers are treated, and also noted Northams work on behalf of those hurt in battle. When Ralph was tending to our wounded warriors he wasnt tending to them as Democrats or Republicans, he was thinking about them as Americans, Obama said. If you have to win a campaign by dividing people, youre not going to be able to govern them, he added. You wont be able to unite them later if thats how you start. It was one of Obamas first campaign stops since leaving office in January. He also appeared at a rally earlier Thursday to campaign for New Jersey gubernatorial hopeful Phil Murphy. Story continues Gillespie, meanwhile, is also getting a boost from a former president, George W. Bush, who has fundraised on his behalf. (Gillespie served as an adviser to Bush during his tenure in the White House.) Recent polls show the Virginian race on track to be a close one, with several surveys giving Northam a slight edge. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. By John Whitesides (Reuters) - Former President Barack Obama, back on the campaign trail on Thursday for the first time since he left the White House, urged voters in New Jersey to reject the "politics of division" by supporting Democrats in next month's state elections. Without mentioning Republican President Donald Trump by name, Obama said New Jersey could send a powerful signal about the type of politics it wants by voting for Democrat Phil Murphy in the Nov. 7 governor race. "You're going to send a message to the country and send a message to the world that we are rejecting a politics of division, we are rejecting a politics of fear, that we are embracing a politics that says everybody counts," Obama told a cheering crowd in Newark that chanted: "Four more years." It was the first of two public appearances by Obama on Thursday on behalf of Democratic candidates for governor. He will appear later in Richmond, Virginia. New Jersey and Virginia are the only two states holding elections for governor this year. Those contests will be closely watched to see if Democrats can turn the grassroots resistance to Trump into electoral wins after falling short earlier this year in four competitive special congressional elections. The two governor's races, and a special election in December for a U.S. Senate seat in Alabama, could be a preview of next year's congressional elections, when all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 33 of the Senate's 100 seats will be up for grabs. Republicans currently control both chambers. Obama made his comments just hours after former President George W. Bush, a Republican, also took a thinly veiled swipe at Trump with a speech decrying "bullying and prejudice" while defending immigrants and trade. [L2N1MU1XD] Trump's combative style and inflammatory comments have led to frequent controversy and stoked political tensions. Since leaving the White House in January, Obama has frequently been forced to defend his record as Trump and Republicans have tried to gut his signature healthcare law and roll back his immigration and environmental policies. But in New Jersey, Obama focused on urging supporters to turn out their friends and families to vote. Democrats hope Obama can help bring some of the young, minority and infrequent voters who powered his two elections to the White House out to the polls in off-year elections. 'CAN'T TAKE ELECTION FOR GRANTED' Opinion polls show Murphy, a former investment banker and U.S. ambassador to Germany, has a comfortable lead on Republican opponent Kim Guadagno, the New Jersey lieutenant governor, who is hindered by the unpopularity in the state of Trump and Republican Governor Chris Christie. But Obama said no one should assume a victory is in the cards, making an indirect reference to Democrat Hillary Clinton's surprise loss last year in the presidential race. "You can't take this election or any election for granted. I don't know if you all noticed that, but you can't take any election for granted," he said. Obama will appear on Thursday night in the political battleground of Virginia, which is viewed as a potential bellwether. Opinion polls show a close contest between Democrat Ralph Northam, the state's lieutenant governor, and Republican Ed Gillespie, a former Republican National Committee chairman who has been endorsed by Trump. Obama carried Virginia in both 2008 and 2012, and Democrat Hillary Clinton won the state over Trump by 5 percentage points in 2016. Obama's vice president, Joe Biden, appeared recently with Northam, while Vice President Mike Pence campaigned in southwest Virginia's coal country for Gillespie. (Reporting by John Whitesides in Washington; Editing by Peter Cooney) Former President Barack Obama with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ralph Northam during a rally in Richmond, Va., Oct. 19, 2017. (Photo: Steve Helber/AP) Marking an impassioned return to the campaign trail, former President Barack Obama made a plea Thursday night to Virginia voters to vote for Democratic candidates in the states first elections to be held since last years presidential contest. We need you to take this seriously, because our democracy is at stake, and its at stake right here in Virginia, Obama told a crowd of 7,500 people at the Richmond Coliseum. You cant sit this one out. As Obama spoke, Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam the Democratic nominee for governor in the commonwealth sat on a barstool next to the 56-year-old former two-term president, basking in the glow of the former presidents political star power. On the presumption that many Virginians in the room or watching on TV might be tuning in to the off-year election for the first time, Obama spent a considerable portion of his half-hour speech detailing Northams resume as an Army physician and a pediatric neurologist. Virginias lieutenant governor is locked in a tight race with Republican Ed Gillespie, a longtime political operative who went from high-powered lobbyist to chairman of the Republican National Committee to White House adviser under George W. Bush. Obama did not mention President Trump by name in his remarks, but numerous times offered broad critiques of the current state of American politics that were clearly an indictment of the current White House occupant. Folks dont feel good right now about what they see. They dont feel as if our public life reflects our best, Obama said. Instead of our politics reflecting our values, weve got politics infecting our communities. He also said that our politics just seems so divided and so angry and so nasty, adding that the nations challenge is to recapture a more generous and civic spirit, in what was a reminiscence of the hopeful moment in 2008 that swept him to power. Yes We Can, Obama said, revisiting the famous slogan from his presidential campaigns. Story continues Former President Barack Obama with candidate Ralph Northam, during a rally in Richmond, Va., Oct. 19, 2017. (Photo: Steve Helber/AP) Obama did call Gillespie out directly, in particular the anti-Northam TV ad run by his campaign that shows heavily tattooed Latino gang members with the words Kill, Rape, Control in large letters on the screen. Theres some voice, ominous, and everythings king of dark, and its letting you know that somebodys coming to get you, Obama said, mocking the ad. He joked that nobody really believed that a physician whod operated on veterans and children was suddenly cozying up to street gangs. But he turned serious when he noted that Gillespie has gone on record in the past condemning the very same kind of rhetoric hes using now. What hes really trying to deliver is fear. What he really believes is, if you scare enough voters, you might get enough votes to win an election, Obama said. He also tried to reassure moderate undecided voters who might be concerned about immigration that Northam understands the importance of keeping Virginians safe from violence, but he also believes we can accomplish these things without fanning anti-immigrant sentiment that makes none of us safer. The former president also talked extensively about a hot-button issue that has been trouble for Northam: The debate over Confederate monuments. He did not say whether he believes monuments should be moved from public squares to museums, or taken down entirely. Instead, he recast the argument as one between those who seek to unite and those who want to divide the country. He introduced the subject by noting that on his mothers side, he was a distant relative of Jefferson Davis, the former president of the Confederacy during the Civil War. Think about that. Ill bet hes spinning in his grave, Obama said to laughter. But as he went on, Obama was at his most passionate when expounding on the need to claim all of our history, the good and the bad. We can acknowledge that Thomas Jefferson, one of Virginias most famous sons, owned and sold slaves. Thats not disputable. And we can also acknowledge that he wrote the words, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Obama said. Former President Barack Obama and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ralph Northam, in Richmond, Va., Oct. 19, 2017. (Photo: Steve Helber/AP) And his voice cracked and grew hoarse as he shouted: And we can recognize that even if our past is not perfect, we can honor the constitutional ideals that have allowed us to come this far, and to keep moving toward a more perfect union. Thats what America is. Thats who we are. In what amounted to a rallying cry and a political blueprint for all Democrats running in midterm elections, Obama repeatedly returned to the theme of hope. Why are we deliberately trying to misunderstand each other, and be cruel to each other, and put each other down, Obama said with exasperation. Thats not who we are. But much of his speech was devoted to rousing Democratic voters to recognize the importance of what is traditionally a low-turnout affair. I hate to say it off-year elections, Democrats sometimes, yall get a little sleepy, Obama said. You get a little complacent. Folks wake up and theyre surprised. How come we cant get things through Congress? How come we cant get through things the state house? He answered the theoretical question with a rebuke: Because you slept through the election! I dont want to hear folks complaining and not doing something about it, he said. Its great that you hash tag and meme, but I need you to vote. It was Obamas first entry back into electoral politics since leaving the presidency. He has kept a relatively low profile in the first nine months of his post-presidency, though he did issue a statement in June criticizing Republican efforts to repeal his signature health care legislation, and spoke out against it again in September. Obama has also appeared at fundraisers for the party, for events related to his presidential library and foundation, and for an effort to push back Republican control of the once-a-decade process of redrawing congressional district lines. Before appearing with Northam and a full slate of Democratic politicians at the Richmond Coliseum, Obama campaigned in New Jersey with Phil Murphy, the Democrat running for governor to fill the position being vacated by Gov. Chris Christie, who is limited to two terms by the state constitution. All of us have a responsibility to make our democracy work, Obama said. You cannot complain if you didnt vote, he added. Read more from Yahoo News: Eric Sheffield and Lane Ross married on Mardi Gras eve. Lane Ross and Eric Sheffield love New Orleans so much, they paid The Big Easy the ultimate compliment: They named one of their dogs after the city. They have Bennett, a Scottish terrier, and Nola, a Border collie/Labrador mix. We dont have children, but theyre like our children, Sheffield told HuffPost. Although the couple live in Northeast Texas, they consider New Orleans their second home. Within a few weeks of meeting, we took a trip together to the city and thats where we fell in love, Sheffield said. Two and half years after meeting, we sealed our commitment to each other with a marriage ceremony in the city we first realized our love for each other in. The couple said I do on Feb. 27 Mardi Gras eve! at the historic Algiers Courthouse. Below, learn more about the couple and their wedding, captured by local photographer Michael Caswell. Be sure to follow along with us as we profile couples marrying at city halls around the country for HuffPosts Listen To America bus tour. Tell us a little bit about how you met. Eric Sheffield: We met at a Fourth of July party that Lane hosted in his home in Omaha, Texas. We clicked instantly and knew that fireworks werent the only things producing sparks that day. Since meeting we have not spent more than a week apart. Three years after meeting, we still have the same spark we had when we met on the Fourth of July. The dapper duo in blue. Why did you decide to marry at a courthouse? ES: After countless hours of stressful planning, looking at venues and revising the guest list, we decided we wanted the day to be about us. With the blessings of our families, we scraped plans for a big wedding and opted for an elopement. We love New Orleans and we love Mardi Gras so we chose to seal the deal in a courthouse wedding on Mardi Gras eve. Lane Ross: We ended up shifting our research from large venues to accommodate all of our friends and family to unique places to elope. Algiers Courthouse in New Orleans was one of the first places we found and it ended up being the place we chose, and we are certainly glad we did. Story continues Making it official. Who did you invite? LR: We invited our closest friends from the city: Joe Lasko, Rodney Nugent, Scott Plunkett and Jay Huffstatler. The grooms and their guests. What did you decide to wear? LR: We went simple with matching navy blue suits accented with hues of purple. What was your favorite part of your wedding day? ES: The town was in full-fledged Mardi Gras mode. All the revelry going on throughout the city and the easy going atmosphere of New Orleans really set the tone for the day. It truly was a day we will never forget. "Its not every day that you encounter someone that just completes you and thats what we have," Sheffield said. What did you do after the ceremony? How did you celebrate? After the ceremony wrapped up we had pictures taken throughout the French Quarter to help capture our day. Following all of the photos we had dinner at Orleans Grapevine with our friends that joined us at the ceremony and then celebrated the night away with extended friends. A kiss on the balcony of the courthouse. What do you love most about New Orleans? ES: The ambiance and easy-going spirit that engulfs the city is unmatched. Our ideal date night in the city would definitely include trying out a new local restaurant. I could list so many of our favorites but some that we visit often when in town are Cafe Adelaide, Domenica, The Gumbo Shop and the St. Roch Market. After dinner, wed take a stroll through the streets of the quarter and cap the night off with drinks on a balcony or quiet courtyard "We really do balance each other out," Sheffield said. Looking back, whats your best pitch for an elopement or a courthouse wedding? ES: Our wedding really was about us. When initially planning, we got caught up in what would make the day special for those we were inviting and before we knew it we were just planning a production for everyone else. When we scraped the idea of a big wedding and chose to elope at the courthouse, we were able to produce a day that we will never forget. The day was intimate, special and just what we desired in a day to look back on. Below, more images from the couples wedding day: Washington (AFP) - US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis revealed new details of a Niger ambush that left four US servicemen dead, including that the body of one slain soldier was not immediately evacuated. Mattis's comments come as questions mount in the US media about what happened on October 4, and criticism over President Donald Trump's handling of the aftermath. The Pentagon boss said the body of Sergeant La David Johnson was "found later" by non-US forces following the ambush, which is thought to have been conducted by jihadists in an area where an Islamic State group affiliate operates. US officials earlier had told CNN that Johnson's body was not recovered for nearly 48 hours. "The US military does not leave its troops behind, and I would just ask that you not question the actions of the troops who were caught in the firefight and question whether or not they did everything they could in order to bring everyone out at once," Mattis said. As is routine in incidents where troops are killed, the Pentagon has opened an inquiry into the soldiers' deaths. Because the military was not expecting hostile action, it fell to French forces conducting anti-jihadist operations in the region to provide air support after the ambush. This included fighter aircraft, helicopter gunships and a medivac helicopter that air-lifted the wounded. Mattis said a contract aircraft had evacuated the bodies of those killed in action. The Americans had been on a joint patrol with Nigerien counterparts they were training when they were ambushed by motorcycle-riding and car-driving gunmen in the Tillaberi region in the Niger's southwest. At least four Nigerien troops also died. Trump has faced criticism for not immediately publicly addressing the attack, then falsely claiming that Barack Obama and other former US leaders did not call the families of fallen soldiers. He then was accused of disrespecting Johnson's family in a condolence call. Story continues During a Pentagon briefing, Lieutenant General Kenneth McKenzie said the US troops had conducted 29 previous patrols in the region and had no reason to expect an ambush. Separately, National Security Adviser HR McMaster cautioned against jumping to any premature conclusions about the incident. "In the military, the first report is always wrong," he said. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Thursday that a Malaysian militant tipped to become the new leader of the Islamic State in Southeast Asia had been killed. Mahmud Ahmad was described by the Philippine military as a "high value target" who had funded an attack by pro-IS militants on the southern city of Marawi in May and connected local insurgents with jihadists in the Middle East. Duterte said Mahmud was the latest militant leader to have been killed in the nearly five-month battle in Marawi following the death of Isnilon Hapilon, the head of IS in Southeast Asia, and his ally Omarkhayam Maute on Monday. "Now the other (one), the one they called 'Doc' -- there are three: Hapilon, Omar and the Doc -- he was taken this afternoon, and that completes the story," Duterte said at a business conference in Manila, drawing applause from the crowd. Hours before Duterte spoke, military chief of staff General Eduardo Ano said the armed forces were "increasingly becoming confident" that Mahmud was among 13 militants killed in fighting on Wednesday night, citing accounts of freed hostages. A DNA test would later be conducted on the body, military spokesman Major-General Restituto Padilla told AFP. Pro-IS gunmen occupied parts of Marawi -- the main Islamic city in the predominantly Catholic Philippines -- on May 23, triggering intense fighting that has killed more than 1,000 people and reduced the city centre to rubble. On Tuesday, Duterte declared Marawi "liberated from terrorists' influence" but the military said fighting was continuing against at least 20 remaining militants. Following Hapilon's death, terrorism expert Ahmad Kumar Ramakrishna from Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies said if Mahmud survived he would likely take over the leadership of IS-linked fighters in the southern Philippines. "He was the one responsible for the direct linkage of Hapilon to the larger group of the Daesh. It was he who provided the funding necessary to bankroll the siege of Marawi," Padilla said on Tuesday, using another term for IS. The Jakarta-based Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict described Mahmud as a former university lecturer who sat on the "inner circle of the Marawi command structure". "Mahmud controlled recruitment as well as financing and has been the contact person for any foreigner wanting to join the pro-ISIS coalition in the Philippines", stated the July report. Dexter Mayfield is a dancer, choreographer, actor, and plus-size model with quite an impressive resume of work within Hollywood. He has worked with Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, and most recently, Katy Perry, so Mayfield may look familiar. But what he is best known for online are his killer moves on the runway. Dexter Mayfield slays on the runway at Marco Marco fashion show. (Photo: Instagram/Dexter Mayfield) The 32-year-old, who hails from Dallas, Texas, is no stranger to a catwalk, as is evident on his Instagram page. One of his most recent posts is of footage from Marco Marcos fashion show during L.A.s Style Fashion Week, where Mayfield is seen revealing a little more than just his strut. Making his way down the runway, the plus-size model unzips his jacket and entertains the crowd with some dance moves, which, he tells Yahoo Lifestyle, got him the gig in the first place. I had initially met Marco Marco out and about in West Hollywood, where of course he saw me living my absolute best life on the dance floor! After about a year or so after that, Marco had asked me if I would be interested in walking in his show, Mayfield says. Fast-forward to a year later, not only does Marco want me to walk, but he insisted I incorporate my dance into the walk, and thats exactly what I did. Mayfields first appearance on the Marco Marco runway was in 2015, during the same Los Angeles Fashion Week. Although he exudes confidence in his moves, he admits that his first walk was one of the more nerve-racking moments of his life. @marcosquaredyou truly GET ME #TBT #MarcoMarcoShow #BTS A post shared by Dexter Mayfield (@dexrated) on Oct 19, 2017 at 6:30pm PDT I remember being an absolute ball of nerves at the beginning, so much so that I had numerous drag queens fanning me down and keeping me cool. But right before I hit the runway, Marco reassured me of why he chose me to walk in his show. This reassurance not only gave me the confidence I needed, but also served as the driving force behind my walk down the runway for the very first time. Story continues The motivation that the model needed before his runway debut is something that is seemingly out of character for him, as Mayfield explains himself as an overall performer. However, the surprise that some people express over his physicality often works against him. While size inclusivity has been a hot topic for womens clothing brands across the world as demonstrated by this years fashion shows Mayfield speaks to the fact that plus-size men have previously been excluded from the fashion arena. We need more plus-size men with agency representation, Mayfield says. We definitely need to look to our plus-size sisters for inspiration and guidance. But his call for more inclusivity in the industry doesnt mean that there hasnt been improvement. The #BRAWNMovement continues Thanks again @plusmodelmag for spreading the Male #BodyPositivity Love #BRAWNSquad let's get it!Full article in bio A post shared by Dexter Mayfield (@dexrated) on Jun 7, 2016 at 2:08pm PDT The fashion industry truly has come so far over the past few years, in an effort to be inclusive of everyone, including male plus-size models, Mayfield notes. Seeing brands like ASOS, Target, River Island, and American Eagle expand not only their sizing but having men of size represented in campaigns with Zach Miko, Scott Bayliss, and Kevin Davis. Not to mention plus male brands growing as well. If Mayfield himself is any proof, there is definitely hope for the expansion of the plus male industry and the men involved in advocating for it. At times, it can be frustrating and more so disappointing, but I have to simply remind myself that I love who I am, I love the skin that I am in, and I love the body that God gave me. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: A person described as a white nationalist was escorted from a University of Florida venue on October 19, through a crowd of protesters rallying against Richard Spencer. These videos show the Spencer supporter being escorted by police as protesters chant and shout at the man. University of Florida officials faced criticism for allowing Spencer to speak on campus, but officials said they were required to allow the speech a private affair because the university is a public entity. Spencer originally applied to speak on September 12, but university officials rejected his application, citing a security risk due to violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, two months earlier. Earlier Thursday, other supporters were escorted by police amid protests following Spencers speech. Police were seen escorting Spencers supporters from the building as protesters chanted Nazi scum and other profanities. A large police presence, including state troopers, was on hand in case of escalation. Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency earlier this week for Spencers appearance, NPR reported. Credit: Twitter/glss_dbl via Storyful Lisbon (AFP) - The death toll from forest fires that have devastated parts of central Portugal in recent days rose again on Friday to 44, following the death of one of the people injured in the blazes, authoriities said. "It was a person who was seriously injured and hospitalised in Coimbra," Patricia Gaspar, spokeswoman for the civil protection authority, told AFP. "The number of injured is still around 70," she added. A day earlier another corpse was discovered in the central city of Coimbra, which was badly hit by the fires that broke on Sunday and have since been brought under control with the help of rain and calmer winds. It was the second time Portugal has been hit by deadly forest fires in four months. In June, 64 people died in the central Pedrogao Grande region, in what were the deadliest wildfires in the country's history. On Wednesday, interior minister Constanca Urbano de Sousa resigned over the government's handling of the problem. The Portuguese government which has been strongly criticised for its management of the crisis is set to hold a special cabinet meeting on Saturday. Also on Saturday demonstrations are expected to be held in several cities to pay hommage to the victims of the fires and to demand reforms to prevent these tragedies from recurring. Members of the left wing of the Democratic Party are furious at Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez for removing party officials who backed Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellisons chairmanship bid from key party committees. Its a slap in the face to the activists in the party that are working so hard to make the party more responsive to the grassroots, said Charles Chamberlain, executive director of Democracy for America, a digital grassroots group. The idea that youre going to purge Ellison supporters and bring the party together doesnt make any sense at all. Becky Bond, founder of Knock Every Door and a veteran of Sen. Bernie Sanders 2016 Democratic presidential campaign, argued that the decision to remove Ellison surrogates puts Ellison, whom Perez brought on as deputy DNC chairman, in a really hard place. Ellison is someone who is the voice of the activists and grassroots of the Democratic Party, Bond said. If the grassroots feel Ellison is being ignored, thats going to read that our priorities are being ignored. Ahead of the DNCs first meeting under Perezs leadership, which began Thursday in Las Vegas, Perez released his roster of 75 at-large DNC members as well as appointments to key DNC committees. Activists immediately noticed that four Ellison supporters either lost their at-large posts or spots on influential committees. James Zogby, president of the Arab-American Institute and a top Sanders backer, was removed from the Executive Committee, which has major budgetary authority. Ray Buckley, the New Hampshire Democratic Party chairman who earned praise for treating Sanders fairly, lost spots on both the DNC Executive Committee and the Rules and Bylaws Committee, which regulates the party presidential primary.(Buckley endorsed Ellison for chair after ending his own bid to lead the organization.) Barbara Casbar Siperstein, the DNCs first transgender member, was removed from the Executive Committee and the DNC at-large roster. Alice Germond, who worked as a secretary for the DNC for decades, lost her at-large DNC spot as well. Story continues Of the four, at least one regained a top post through other means. Buckley picked up a spot on the Executive Committee on Friday afternoon, after members of the DNCs Eastern Caucus elected him to represent them on the influential body. A bid by Zogby to do the same was unsuccessful. For the broad camp of progressive Democrats (mainly Ellison or Sanders supporters) concerned about making the party more accountable to the grassroots and bringing in more independents, seats on the Rules Committee are especially prized. Many activists felt that the DNC inappropriately put a finger on the scale for presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in the 2016 primary, and now worry that it will not adopt a fairer process in 2020. The Rules Committee is charged with considering the recommendations of the DNCs Unity and Reform Commission, a panel convened to reform the presidential nominating process that will present its slate of suggestions by the end of the year. (The commission consists of 10 Clinton appointees, eight Sanders appointees and three Perez picks.) Reformers hope that the party will accept a dramatically reduced role for superdelegates the party officials who can vote in presidential primaries independent of the will of the primary voters in their state as well make it easier for independents to participate in primaries and other party functions. I dont know what the Rules Committee is going to do, Bond said of their forthcoming assessment of the Unity Commissions recommendations. But I know that there are five Clinton-appointed Unity Commission members on the Rules Committee and no Bernie-appointed ones now that Perez has shaken it up. Of course, the power of the Rules Committee is a matter of debate. Regardless of how the Rules Committee votes on the Unity and Reform Commission recommendations, the panels recommendations are subject to a vote among the entire voting DNC membership. Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez is facing criticism for ousting backers of his former DNC rival. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Perezs critics have been piqued that the DNC responded to these concerns by highlighting the racial, ethnic, gender and sexual identity diversity of the broader at-large roster. This slate doubles millennial and Native American at-large representation, provides unprecedented representation for our allies in the labor community, and increases the presence of Puerto Rican at-large members at a time when the Trump administration refuses to take responsibility for the millions of Americans who are still suffering through a major humanitarian crisis, DNC spokesman Michael Tyler told NBC News in response to the criticism. The DNCs response obfuscates the more critical question of who sits on key committees and the need to represent reform-minded people of all races and backgrounds in positions of influence, according to progressive critics. Its not only misdirection, but its also divisive, Jane Kleeb, an Ellison supporter and chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, said of the diversity retort. It continues to paint the Bernie people as not caring about our native and Latino and black brothers and sisters, which is complete nonsense. The anger at this particular line of attack came to a head at an Executive Committee meeting Friday when Karen Carter Peterson, the DNCs vice chair of civic engagement and voter participation, accused Ellison loyalists of plotting to remove black women from party leadership and replace them with a less diverse slate of at-large members. Ellison and Zogby rose to deny that. The progressive DNC members were absolutely not strategizing to remove these black women from the DNC, said Yasmine Taeb, a Virginia Democratic National Committee member. We want to make sure that the DNC is inclusive of everyone from all of the wings of the party whether that means inclusivity of ideas and thoughts or race and other backgrounds. We hope all of the other DNC members agree with us, Taeb added. We support Chairman Perezs mission in trying to empower diverse Democrats. Ellisons office declined to comment for the story. An Ellison spokesman told NBC News, however, that some of Ellisons suggestions for party leadership positions were accepted and some were not. DNC communications director Xochitl Hinojosa rejected the idea that Ellison supporters are not represented on key committees. Hinojosa noted that the DNCs Rules and Bylaws Committee includes five people who backed Ellisons bid for the DNC chairmanship: Nevada union official Artie Blanco; AFSCME president Lee Saunders; American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten; Indiana Democratic Party chairman John Zody; and Florida Democratic Party chairman Stephen Bittel. The DNC does not look at presidential primary preferences when making committee assignments, Hinojosa added. There will always be small things that seem controversial and attempts to take us back to the 2016 primary, but Democrats from all parts of the party are thinking about how best to win in 2017 and beyond, Hinojosa said. The fuss over Perezs appointments is the latest flare-up of a long-simmering dispute in the Democratic Party between progressive reformers and establishmentarians. Political observers frequently boil the internecine battle down to a replay of the contentious primary conflict between Clinton and Sanders in 2016. There is, of course, some truth to this characterization. Ellison, who endorsed Sanders in 2016, had the support of many Clinton backers in his bid to chair the DNC, but the excitement behind his campaign was always driven by progressives associated with the Sanders campaign. His supporters saw his bid as an opportunity for the party to correct its mistakes from the 2016 election and embrace grassroots populism and they resented the intervention of figures like former President Barack Obama on behalf of Perez. When Perez won in February, he immediately sought to assuage progressive skepticism by naming Ellison as his deputy. Now some supporters wonder how far Perezs commitment to Ellisons agenda goes. Keith has been one heck of a loyal foot soldier, Chamberlain said. He has been shafted over and over again by a chair that appears to be incompetent at coalition politics. Rather than come down to a conflict between supporters of different candidates, the debate is now between supporters of all politicians who want to wipe corporate influence out of the party and those who do not, according to Bond, who is also a former leader of Credo, a leading progressive online activism group. Youre seeing it break down much more along issue lines: People who believe we need to be the party that stands up for a $15 minimum wage, single payer health care; that stands up for a strong real message on racial and economic justice that comes with actions that back it up, Bond said. Last week, Perez rankled many of these anti-corporate Democrats by appointing Dan Halpern, a former chairman of the Georgia Restaurant Association and past board member of the National Restaurant Association, as a deputy finance chair of the DNC. The Georgia Restaurant Association and the National Restaurant Association have both opposed increases in the minimum wage, leading to charges that Perez had appointed a minimum wage opponent to a top fundraising post. But in his capacity as CEO of Jackmont Hospitality, an Atlanta, Georgia-based foodservice company, Halpern has publicly expressed support for an increase in the federal minimum wage. Joe Dinkin, national communications director of the Working Families Party, mentioned Halperns appointment in a broader criticism of Perezs recent decisions. For the sake of the nation, the DNC should reverse course, spend less time courting big donors and more time bringing progressives voices into the party instead of silencing them, he said. Still other Democrats argue that the divide within the party is less about ideological differences than it is a fight between incumbents wary of threats to their power and reformers eager to open the party up to newcomers. Are you interested in changing how the party operates? Because thats then how we recruit and engage grassroots Democrats into our party, said Kleeb, who also sits on the board of Our Revolution, the legacy organization of the Sanders campaign. Independents, who we need to win, are looking at our party and saying we want you guys to change things. One thing seems indisputable: This is not the debate the party wants to be having just weeks before key legislative and gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia. The stakes are especially high in Virginia, where Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam (D) is running for governor of a state where Clinton defeated Trump by 5 percentage points. The latest polling shows him neck-and-neck with Republican Ed Gillespie. Bond expressed hope that Perez would mend fences with progressive activists sooner rather than later. Perez still has time to show to the grassroots that hes listening to people like Keith Ellison and that he is respecting and listening to the priorities of the grassroots, she said. Also on HuffPost Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. A man holds up a sign during a protest against racism gathered in front of the White House, on August 14, 2017 in Washington, DC. Protestors rally on Fifth Avenue near Trump Tower. Hundreds of protesters gather outside of Trump Tower. A woman raises her fist at the front of a march down Washington Avenue to protest racism and the violence over the weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia. Protestors rally on Fifth Avenue near Trump Tower ahead of President Donald Trump's arrival, August 14, 2017 in New York City. Supporters of anti-Trump protestors hold up signs inside Trump Tower ahead of President Donald Trump's arrival, August 14, 2017 in New York City. Pedestrians walk past a 15-foot tall inflatable rat in the likeness of U.S. President Donald Trump at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 59th Street up the road from Trump Tower, August 14, 2017 in New York City. A President Donald Trump supporter (left) argues with anti-Trump protesters as they gather outside of Trump Tower. Protestors rally on Fifth Avenue near Trump Tower. Hundreds of protesters gather outside of Trump Tower. Protestors rally on Fifth Avenue. A man holds up a sign during a protest against racism in front of the White House. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Richard Spencer definitely did not receive a warm or sunny welcome from the University of Florida. On Thursday, massive crowds gathered to protest the white nationalist and alt-right founder's visit to campus. As he attempted to give a speech on his beliefs, he was overwhelmed by chants condemning white supremacy and neo-Nazism. SEE ALSO: A handful of racists snuck back to Charlottesville under the cover of night for another 'protest' In protest of Spencer's arrival, students marched together in the streets outside the university, carrying signs and chanting against white supremacists, the KKK, and fascism. The crowd outside the Phillips Center where the Richard Spencer event is taking place. @WUFTNewspic.twitter.com/l6EgXSpnTD Daniela Garrido (@danielavgarrido) October 19, 2017 Jennie Richards from Jacksonville stands with her sign to protest #SpencerAtUFpic.twitter.com/5ne0wAoZnc Emily Michot (@EmilyMichot) October 19, 2017 Alex Tepperman, 34, a UF PHD student. "It's kind of a miserable experience to confront people who want you wiped off the face of the earth." pic.twitter.com/TbrtSIyGBQ Ian Cohen (@icohenb) October 19, 2017 Father John and daughter Faith Donahue are protesting together. It was Faiths idea, but John says hes happy to support her. #SpenceratUFpic.twitter.com/HUBhoG2Iyn Jimena Tavel (@taveljimena) October 19, 2017 This is James Valsaint, 30. He drove up from Miami at 4 a.m. today to protest Spencer and racial injustice, he said pic.twitter.com/SnS5j7hEo3 David Hoffman (@hoffdavid123) October 19, 2017 Hate speech is not free speech, said Carol Mosley, 66 of Graham. #spenceratUFpic.twitter.com/8gLqqzQBBW Paige Fry (@paigexfry) October 19, 2017 Im worried hate groups are becoming stronger under our current administration, said Selena Tonga, a 34 y/o UF veterinary PhD student. pic.twitter.com/ZVpyCHiwuF Paige Fry (@paigexfry) October 19, 2017 Meanwhile, inside the auditorium crowds chanted phrases like "SAY IT LOUD, SAY IT CLEAR, NAZIS ARE NOT WELCOME HERE" and "GO HOME, SPENCER," making it nearly impossible for the alt-right leader to get a word in on the mic. Story continues They're still going. Now it's SAY IT LOUD SAY IT CLEAR NAZIS ARE NOT WELCOME HERE #SpencerAtUFpic.twitter.com/pNKd4QyaJV Christopher Mathias (@letsgomathias) October 19, 2017 Police remove anti-Spencer student after confrontation with men who appear to support Spencer. #SpenceratUFpic.twitter.com/PZaUOZP2jw Vic Micolucci WJXT (@WJXTvic) October 19, 2017 Majority of Gainesville audience stands, fists raised and begins chanting "Go home Spencer!" pic.twitter.com/hG7bzC3znY Lois Beckett (@loisbeckett) October 19, 2017 This "GO HOME SPENCER" chant is not letting up. He's asking over and over to be able to speak. Students raise fists. #SpencerAtUFpic.twitter.com/wtffRVLmT1 Claire McNeill (@clairemcneill) October 19, 2017 A striking image of a man wearing a shirt covered in swastikas getting punched in the face was captured amidst the protests. Footage shows those around him spitting and yelling at him as he walks through the crowd. A man wearing swastikas is punched at a protest against white nationalist #RichardSpencerhttps://t.co/NQx2rLelNW#SpenceratUF:Brian Blanco pic.twitter.com/DuK6b8VmIX Getty Images News (@GettyImagesNews) October 19, 2017 The incident was reminiscent of when Spencer was punched in the face earlier this year. As CNN noted, in anticipation of Spencer's arrival Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for Alachua County on Monday, so authorities had advanced notice and were present on the scene. "I find that the threat of a potential emergency is imminent," Scott wrote in the executive order, explaining that protests and counter-protests have broken out at Spencer's visits to other universities in Alabama, Texas, California, and Virginia in the past. It's past 1 pm outside the one entrance to Spencer's venue. Unclear where or how tickets to the event will be given out. pic.twitter.com/ifaHQFi3xb Lois Beckett (@loisbeckett) October 19, 2017 QRF members walk toward century tower. Not an everyday sight. #spenceratUFpic.twitter.com/DLV3eoUBuv Jessica Giles (@jessica_giles_) October 19, 2017 This was Spencer's first college campus visit since leading the Charlottesville, Virginia, "Unite the Right" rally back in August. The violent clash in Charlottesville resulted in the death of Heather Heyer, a 32-year-old anti-hate protester. Related Video: Watch news, TV and more on Yahoo View. Quentin Tarantino with Harvey Weinstein in 2016. The Pulp Fiction director has admitted he was aware of some of the allegations against the disgraced film mogul for decades: Getty Quentin Tarantino has admitted he was aware, for decades, about Harvey Weinstein's alleged misconduct towards women. The director said he failed to act in order to protect women despite knowing about several instances of alleged sexual assault, stating: "I knew enough to do more than I did." In a new interview Tarantino, who worked with Weinstein on some of his best known films including Pulp Fiction, said he regretted not taking action with the knowledge he had. "There was more to it than just the normal rumours, the normal gossip," he told the New York Times. "It wasn't second hand. I knew he did a couple of these things. "I wish I had taken responsibility for what I heard. If I had done the work I should have done then, I would not have had to work with him." He said that he was aware of the settlement between actress Rose McGowan and the film mogul, and said his then-girlfriend Mira Sorvino told him about an incident where Weinstein reportedly made unwelcome advances and touched her. "I couldn't believe he would do that so openly," Tarantino said. "I was like: 'Really? Really?' But the thing I thought then, at the time, was that he was particularly hung up on Mira. I thought Harvey was hung up on her in this Svengali kind of way.Because he was infatuated with her, he horribly crossed the line." The New York Times broke the original story which reported incidents spanning almost three decades of alleged sexual harassment, assault, and rape. On 19 October the Los Angeles Police Department announced it was opening an investigation into whether Weinstein raped an Italian model - who has not been named - in 2013. An LAPD spokesperson told the Los Angeles Times: "The Los Angeles Police Department's robbery homicide division has interviewed a potential sexual assault victim involving Harvey Wesintein which allegedly occurred in 2013. The case is under investigation." Last week a statement from Weinstein's spokesperson Sallie Hofmeister said: "Mr Weinstein obviously can't speak to anonymous allegations, but he unequivocally denies allegations of non-consensual sex." Barack Obama is a well-liked former president, ex-senator, doting father, devoted husband andstillone of the most powerful people in the world. But before he was all of that, he was just another emo student writing notes to a crush. Emory University in Atlanta announced Thursday that it had obtained nine letters Obama sent between 1982 and 1984 for its Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library. With the acquisition, members of the public can finally see and study messages Obama sent to Alexandra McNear, whom he dated before he met his now-wife, according to The New York Times. They can also read some solid gossip. At the beginning of the series, the couple is togetherObama at Columbia University in New York City; McNear at Occidental College in Los Angelesbut by the end, they're just trying to figure out how to remain friends. "It is interesting to see Obama as a young romantic partner, especially in a relationship that predates his relationship with Michelle Obama. The letters that Emory has capture the arc of the end of a relationship," Andra Gillespie, an Emory associate professor, said in a news release. "While there isnt a Dear John/Jane letter here, you do see the aftermath of a breakup. Its raw and very human." Initially, Obama writes in sweeping metaphors about big concepts like resistance and identity, penning poetic lines like "I trust you know that I miss you, that my concern for you is as wide as the air, my confidence in you as deep as the sea, my love rich and plentiful." However, their connection frays over time. He talks about how they hung out together but were both inside themselves. He goes to visit family in Indonesia and writes that he's confused about his feelings. "It seems we will ever want what we cannot have; that's what binds us; that's what keeps us apart," Obama adds. Story continues McNear's letters back to Obama aren't part of the Emory collection, though she's spoken out about their brief relationship before. She told biographer David Maraniss that she "thought he was interesting in a very particular way" and frequently "worked his way through an idea or question, turned it over, looked at it from all sides, and then he came to a precise and elegant conclusion." The letters seem to back up that ideaand prove that Obama was super dramatic. Luckily, at some point, he became less pretentious and, eventually, met Michelle Robinson. The Obamas just celebrated their 25th anniversary. Related Articles Getty Images White supremacist leader Richard Spencer is a terrorist, the mayor of Gainesville, Florida said ahead of Mr Spencers controversial speech at the University of Florida. The planned speech spurred alarm among elected leaders in Florida. Republican Gov Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in response, noting in his order that Mr Spencers appearances have in the past sparked protests and counter-protests resulting in episodes of violence, civil unrest and multiple arrests. Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe had harsher words for Mr Spencer. Theres no question that he is a terrorist leader and that his followers look to commit acts of terror to disrupt our community, Mr Poe told the Huffington Post, adding that its clear they look to descend upon communities, harm people and then leave, and those are the acts of terrorists. One of the public faces of a resurgent white nationalist movement, Mr Spencer helped organize protests of the removal of a statute of confederate general Robert E Lee in Charlottesville, Virginia that spiraled into bloodshed when a car plowed into counterprotesters. He has argued that white Americans face a dire threat from immigrants, calling for peaceful ethnic cleansing to remedy the situation. He also invoked Nazi symbols by shouting hail our people! Hail victory! during a speech celebrating the election of Donald Trump, prompting some members of the audience to extend their arms in Nazi salutes. Protesters greeted Mr Spencer in Florida, at times drowning him out as they chanted it's your fault in reference to the violence in Charlottesville. Since the election, adherents of the so-called alt-right - a nebulous philosophy that celebrates America's white, European heritage - have spurred large counter-demonstrations in speaking at universities. Provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos addressed a crowd at the University of California, Berkeley last month even after a Free Speech Week hosting him was canceled. White nationalist Richard Spencer was mostly drowned out by protesters during a controversial speech in Gainesville, Florida, Thursday. Protesters sitting in the audience at the University of Florida shouted go home, Spencer and raised their fists throughout Spencers talk, drowning him out several times. The interruptions forced the self-described leader of the "alt-right" movementa mix of white nationalists, misogynists and conspiracy theoriststo leave the podium earlier than planned. Spencer said the university failed because the crowd was disruptive, according to The Gainesville Sun. 10_20_SpencerFlorida Shannon Stapleton/Reuters Do you think this is going to be read as great victory for U of F? Spencer asked the crowd. No, its going to be read as the University of Florida is filled with child-like antifa, who shout at people as opposed to talking to them, he said, referring to the protesters as members of the anti-fascist movement. I feel sorry for you, Spencer said. Yall arent tolerant. Yall arent anything! Yall are full of shit! You all are acting like animals and the communist antifa that you are, said student Cameron Padgett, who organized Spencers talk, when the audience would not be quiet. Padgett has said hes not racist, but an identitarian like Spencer, who advocates through his white supremacist National Policy Institute think tank that the United States should become a white-only nation. Spencer was scheduled to appear for two hours but his talk was cut short by about 25 minutes. Early this week Florida Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in advance of Spencers talk, putting extra police at the ready in case violence broke out. Story continues Read more: White supremacists inspired by Trump primed to do something more daring than Charlottesville, experts warn State troopers and police in riot gear stood by as Spencers supporters and people protesting his talk marched outside the universitys Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts before and during Spencers speech. Some protesting the talk chased a man wearing a swastika T-shirt before police escorted him away. A neo-Nazi website advised Spencers supporters to hide any white supremacist tattoos they have ahead of the event. University of Florida officials defended their decision to let the event go ahead, arguing Spencer had a right to speak. About 2,500 protesters showed up. Estimates before the event suggested the university would spend $500,000 on security for the talk. In August Spencer was one of the leaders of the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, that became violent. Counter-protester Heather Heyer died and 19 others were injured when a man police believe was a white supremacist drove a car into the protesting crowd. President Donald Trump faced criticism after the event for failing to call out white supremacists and saying there were good people "on both sides." On Wednesday, former President George W. Bush warned that bigotry seems emboldened in the current political climate. We've seen nationalism distorted into nativism, Bush said in a speech, and forgotten the dynamism that immigration has always brought to America. Related Articles BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said on Friday it was clear that British Prime Minister Theresa May was "more positive and result-oriented" after she addressed European Union leaders over a dinner in Brussels on Brexit. "If somebody says that the negotiations got stuck - they didn't get stuck," he told reporters. "It's just that the negotiations have not fostered enough progress." "My hope is that, in the end, we will reach sufficient progress on all three chapters ... It's obvious that everybody is looking for a success story. Nobody tries to block the negotiations," he said, adding that there was "absolutely no guarantee" both sides would arrive at a deal by December. (Reporting by Gabriela Baczynska, editing by Elizabeth Piper) WASHINGTON A day after President Trump praised his response to the hurricane devastation in Puerto Rico as deserving of a 10 on a scale of one to 10, the mayor of the islands largest city accused him of living in an alternative reality world. If it is a 10 out of a scale of 100, of course. It is still a failing grade, San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz said in an interview with CNN that aired Friday. Cruz went on to point out that many people still lack essential services in Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory. More than 80 percent of the island is without power, and more than 30 percent lacks reliable drinking water. The damage was largely caused by Hurricane Maria when it hit the island on Sept. 20. The storm was a Category 5, the highest level on the hurricane scale. I think the president lives in an alternative reality world that only he believes the things that he is saying, said Cruz, adding, People are still without electricity. We knew it was going to take a long time for that to happen, but the basic services are still not there yet and there doesnt seem to be any sign of how its supposed to go. Cruzs office did not respond to multiple requests for comment from Yahoo News. Trump gave himself high marks for the federal response to the storm as he met with Puerto Rican Gov. Ricardo Rossello in the Oval Office on Thursday. His comments came when Yahoo News asked, Between one and 10, how would you grade the White House response so far to the hurricane? Id say it was a 10, Trump said before going on to note the magnitude of the storm and some of the unique issues with Puerto Rican infrastructure. During his meeting with Trump on Thursday, Rossello did not give Trump a numerical grade for his response to the devastation in Puerto Rico. However, when Yahoo News asked if he was satisfied with the White Houses response, Rossello was complimentary, though he also said, Much is left to be done. All the requests that weve had for Mr. President, he has delivered. And he has been working, Rossello said in Spanish. Story continues On Friday, CNNs Alisyn Camerota asked Cruz, an outspoken critic of Trumps disaster-response efforts, about Rossellos comments. Listen, people have different styles and different ways of doing things. Im always looking injustice in the face, Cruz said. Of course, the response got here. But was it enough? No, she added. Read more from Yahoo News: A duo of French scientists said Wednesday they may have found a physiological, and seemingly treatable, cause for dyslexia hidden in tiny light-receptor cells in the human eye. In people with the reading disability, the cells were arranged in matching patterns in both eyes, which may be to blame for confusing the brain by producing "mirror" images, the co-authors wrote in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. In non-dyslexic people, the cells are arranged asymmetrically, allowing signals from the one eye to be overridden by the other to create a single image in the brain. "Our observations lead us to believe that we indeed found a potential cause of dyslexia," study co-author Guy Ropars of the University of Rennes, told AFP. It offers a "relatively simple" method of diagnosis, he added, by simply looking into a subject's eyes. Furthermore, "the discovery of a delay (of about 10 thousandths of a second) between the primary image and the mirror image in the opposing hemispheres of the brain, allowed us to develop a method to erase the mirror image that is so confusing for dyslexic people" -- using an LED lamp. Like being left- or right-handed, human beings also have a dominant eye. As most of us have two eyes, which record slightly different versions of the same image, the brain has to select one of the two, creating a "non-symmetry." Many more people are right-eyed than left, and the dominant eye has more neural connections to the brain than the weaker one. Image signals are captured with rods and cones in the eye -- the cones being responsible for colour. - "b" or "d" - The majority of cones, which come in red, green and blue variants, are found in a small spot at the centre of the cornea of the eye known as the fovea. But there is a small hole (about 0.1-0.15 millimetres in diameter) with no blue cones. In the new study, Ropars and colleague Albert le Floch spotted a major difference between the arrangement of cones between the eyes of dyslexic and non-dyslexic people enrolled in an experiment. Story continues In non-dyslexic people, the blue cone-free spot in one eye -- the dominant one, was round and in the other eye unevenly shaped. In dyslexic people, both eyes have the same, round spot, which translates into neither eye being dominant, they found. "The lack of asymmetry might be the biological and anatomical basis of reading and spelling disabilities," said the study authors. Dyslexic people make so-called "mirror errors" in reading, for example confusing the letters "b" and "d". "For dyslexic students their two eyes are equivalent and their brain has to successively rely on the two slightly different versions of a given visual scene," the duo added. The team used an LED lamp, flashing so fast that it is invisible to the naked eye, to "cancel" one of the images in the brains of dyslexic trial participants while reading. In initial experiments, dyslexic study participants called it the "magic lamp," said Ropars, but further tests are required to confirm the technique really works. About 700 million people in the world are known to suffer from dyslexia -- about one in ten of the global population. For the second time in the span of one day, President Trumps latest attempt to bar entry to the U.S. by foreign nationals from Muslim nations has been blocked by a federal court. Late Monday night, a Maryland judge imposed a nationwide order against enforcement, in a ruling that was broader than one issued earlier in the day by a federal judge in Hawaii. In a 91-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang of Greenbelt, MD, ruled that the third Trump executive order is likely to be struck down as a discriminatory ban on Muslims, a violation of the Constitution. In Honolulu, District Judge Derrick K. Watson did not rule on the constitutional question. Both judges did find that the challengers to the third order were likely to win their claim that the third version exceeded presidential power under federal immigration laws. Judge Chuang, who earlier had ruled against President Trumps second version because of a finding of religious bias, reaffirmed that conclusion in analyzing the third approach. Actually, the judge said, both of the first two such presidential orders would have failed the religion test, so it was common sense that the third stands in their shadow. The latest version, different in some respects, does not cure the constitutional problems in the earlier ones, the judge said. Noting that the third version is permanent, unlike the earlier tentative versions, the judge said that feature was actually forecast at the time two prior versions were issued. The President himself had talked even in January about adopting a very, very strict ban and White House aides in March had talked about extending the temporary second version, according to the judge.. Moreover, Judge Chuang said he had found substantial reasons to question whether the latest approach any more than the earlier versions actually had national security as its primary purpose. The new review by federal agencies that led to the third ban, the opinion said, was at least partially foreordained because the President, in ordering that new study in March, had directed that the result be to bar entry by categories of foreign nationals, not just individuals found ineligible to enter. Story continues The third version, the judge summed up, cannot be framed as an independent product of bureaucratic operation, but rather was a product of the mandate the President gave to the agencies. Judge Chuangs order had a stronger quality than the one issued in Hawaii by Judge Watson. The Maryland order was a preliminary injunction, which has a more lasting quality, than a temporary restraining order such as the one issued in Honolulu. Judge Watson has indicated he will consider whether to turn the temporary order, which lasts only a matter of days, into an injunction. In another respect, however, Judge Chuang limited his order against enforcement in a way that Judge Watson did not. The only foreign nationals who will gain a right to enter the U.S. from the six designated Mideast nations covered by the presidential order are those who have a claim of a link to a person, family or organization in this country, according to the Chuang order. The judge took that limitation from action this past summer by the Supreme Court, when it considered how much of President Trumps second version could be enforced. The Justices said that the president could not exclude those with family or organizational ties to persons or entities in the U.S. Judge Watson had not included that limitation in his order earlier Monday. Judge Chuang explained that he did so in order to show some respect for the national security claims that the Trump Administration had made for adopting the entry restrictions. The Maryland judge defined family ties in a broader way than the Administration had done when that question arose during court review of the second Trump version. Under the new Maryland order, the third ban on entry cannot apply to grandparents, grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins of persons in the United States. That is a definition that the Supreme Court did not second-guess, although it did not rule directly on the question. Judge Chuangs order on organizational ties did follow a limitation that the Supreme Court had temporarily imposed: it does not allow refugees to enter the U.S. when their only tie to this country is that they have a promise of resettlement by a refugee relief agency. But the judge did allow temporary entry of employees or meeting-attendees for organizations had joined in the Maryland lawsuit against the Trump order. The Maryland order does not apply to two countries that the latest Trump order added to the list of covered nations: North Korea and Venezuela, for reasons limited to those two nations. Avoiding a constitutional fight over whether the judge had power to limit actions by President Trump himself, Judge Chuang exempted him. But the Maryland order will have full effect because it does bar enforcement by federal agencies. The third version of the presidential order was due to go into effect at one minute after midnight Monday. The orders by the judges in Maryland and Hawaii prevented that. Judge Chuang issued his order under Mondays date, but it was made public early on Tuesday. The Trump Administration had said on Monday that it would pursue a quick appeal of the Hawaii order, and is thus expected to do so to challenge the Maryland order. Both judges refused to delay their orders to give the government a chance to go to a higher court, so it must act very rapidly if it hopes to get an early chance, with permission from a higher court, to enforce the new approach in full. Legendary journalist Lyle Denniston has written for us as a contributor since June 2011 and has covered the Supreme Court since 1958. His work also appears on lyldenlawnews.com. Parts of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, in northeastern Alaska, are thought to contain more than 10 billion barrels of oil. (Photo: Universal ImagesGroup via Getty Images) Almost every Senate Republican voted Thursday to block an amendment that would have protected a swath of the Alaskan Arctic from oil exploration, flouting attempts from Democrats and environmental groups to keep the region under government protection. Democrats, led by Sen. Maria Cantwell (Wash.), were attempting to attach an amendment to the chambers budget plan that would bar drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which covers more than 19 million acres in northeastern Alaska. The region, described by the states tourism bureau as one of Alaskas crown jewels, is home to polar bears, caribou, moose and hundreds of species of migratory birds. The notion that we, tonight, after 60-plus years, would give up what is a biologically important area, a critical habitat for polar bears, a breeding ground for caribou, migratory birds and over 200 species for what? For oil we dont need? Cantwell said on the Senate floor Thursday, according to The Hill. Our public lands are under assault. We will fight this unbelievable attempt to turn #PublicLands over to polluters https://t.co/LSDOPxkWs3 Sen. Maria Cantwell (@SenatorCantwell) October 19, 2017 Republicans, including Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, have pushed to allow the Senates Energy and Natural Resources Committee (which Murkowski chairs) to pass legislation to raise $1 billion over the next decade. While a provision including the ANWR as the Arctic reserve is known isnt explicit, environmental groups say government revenue from drilling permits in a portion of the refuge is a likely source to raise such money. Those who would support this amendment will deny us the opportunity to do something constructive in this country, when it comes to our opportunities to produce energy, to produce wealth, Murkowski said. Parts of the ANWR that could be opened for drilling are thought to hold 10.3 billion barrels of oil, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Story continues The amendment was voted down, 52 to 48. Democrat Joe Manchin (W.Va.) was the sole member of his party to vote against it, and Sen. Susan Collins (Maine) was the lone Republican in support. A bill to open up drilling in the ANWR would require only a 51-majority vote in the Senate since it is in the budget plan, rather than the 60 votes needed for most legislation, making the prospects of such a decision far easier. Republicans are trying to use the budget process to ram through drilling in the crown jewel of Americas wildlife refuge system because they know they dont have the votes to do so through regular order, Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) said in a statement. Republicans are moving forward with a budget that includes this poison pill to hand over the wildest place left in America to Big Oil. This is nothing more than fossil fuel folly. #GOPBudget includes a poison pill to hand over the wildest place left in America to #BigOil. It's fossil fuel folly. https://t.co/pYYysHeIKU Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) October 20, 2017 Environmental groups were livid after the amendments defeat. Right now polar bear mothers are preparing to hibernate and give birth on the coastal plain in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Jamie Rappaport Clark, president of Defenders of Wildlife, said in a statement. Already contending with climate change, todays vote casts their future into even greater doubt. Hundreds of bird species, as well as a vast caribou herd, muskoxen and wolves also stand to lose from drilling in the refuge. Enough already. After 60 years of bipartisan support to conserve the Arctic, 52 US Senators just voted to move one step closer to allowing drilling... Collin O'Mara (@Collin_OMara) October 20, 2017 The budget passed by the Senate today sets in motion a sellout of some of our most iconic public lands and waters to the highest bidder, in order to fund tax breaks for billionaires, Trip Van Noppen, president of the environmental group Earthjustice, said in a statement. This is a blatant attempt to use the budget reconciliation process to pass a divisive and controversial proposal that would lead us in the wrong direction on climate. The Washington Post noted in September that the Trump administration was looking at the ANWR as a source of oil revenue. An internal memo laid out plans to lift restrictions on seismic studies in the refuge, which has been closed to such oil exploration for decades. This is a really big deal, Niel Lawrence, Alaska director of the Natural Resources Defense Council, told The New York Times in September. This is a frontal attack in an ideological battle. The Arctic is the holy grail. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Maha Rat (Thailand) (AFP) - Stuck on a merry-go-round of drug taking, dealing and jail, Somphal Boonsanoon's journey through addiction ended in a shallow grave in Ayutthaya, Thailand's historic heart and Southeast Asia's meth warehouse. His curse from his teens was 'yaba', the small methamphetamine pills cut with caffeine that Thais call crazy medicine. The tablets are flooding the kingdom at record rates, along with a high purity and more addictive crystal version called 'ice', as drug lords in neighbouring Myanmar churn out huge amounts into the region. But while the producers and pushers get rich, Thai communities are withering under an addiction crisis. Somphal was just 39 when he was shot dead alongside two other addicts after stealing 2,000 pills from a pair of local dealers. Their bodies were dumped on a muddy canal bank, left to bloat in the August sun -- a putrid feast for the monitor lizards that patrol the paddy fields of central Thailand. All five men involved used yaba or ice. All came from in and around Maha Rat, a farming district in Ayutthaya province. "He was a decent person, he wasn't brutal," one of Somphal's relatives told AFP, requesting anonymity fearing reprisals from the drug gangs that riddle the area. "But he had a weak point... drugs. He just couldn't stop." An hour outside Bangkok's sprawl, Ayutthaya is the "crossroads" of the regional drug trade that cascades Myanmar-made narcotics across Southeast Asia and beyond, according to Police Major-General Wuttipong Petchgumneard of Thailand's Narcotics Suppression Bureau. The central province connects the northern and southern drug routes by road, while its warren of factories -- and workers -- provide ready stash houses and couriers for the drug gangs. "Most drugs going to Bangkok or overseas are stored there for pick up by the dealers," he said. Nearly every night vehicles packed tight with parcels of gear hustle from the north through Ayutthaya hoping to avoid police roadblocks. Story continues Sometimes the law gets lucky. More often the drug convoys slip through. "These are international crime organisations, they have money, they have manpower, weapons and technology... so we have to constantly evolve to catch them," added Wuttipong. - 'Drug playground' - In the year to September 18, Thai drug cops seized 199 million yaba pills, worth around $1.2 billion on the local market, double the 2016 figure. Operations also swept up nearly five tonnes of ice -- a fourfold increase on 2013. On Monday officers seized a record $30 million worth of crystal meth from a courier trying to move the drugs from the northeast to central Thailand -- the south-bound pipeline that pivots through Ayutthaya. But a glut of precursor chemicals is driving a supply surge from the drug labs of the 'Golden Triangle' -- a lawless border zone shared by Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. Thai police estimate between 500 million and one billion yaba tablets and up to 50 tonnes of ice will be produced this year, most of it in Myanmar's Shan State. Stamped with the 'WY' hallmark of the Wa drug lords of Myanmar, yaba goes for between $4-$8 a pill in Thailand. Ice, a cash cow at around $60-80 a gramme, is destined for Thai users but also smuggled onto Malaysia and other overseas markets where its price rises. This month Australian authorities seized nearly four tonnes of liquid ephedrine -- enough precursor chemicals to make $2.8 billion of pure ice -- hidden in a shipment of green tea bottles from Thailand. Around 350 kilograms of ice from Thailand was also recently uncovered in Australia, which has the world's highest per capita consumption of crystal meth. With more people getting high, Myanmar's border drug labs are working overtime to meet demand. The country's border zones are "a playground of drug production," Myanmar Police Colonel Zaw Lin Tun, told reporters recently. - '40-50% addicted' - Critics warn the war on drugs has long been lost in Thailand, leaving jails stuffed with small-time addicts as the men at the apex of the trade get away. Addiction and crime are gnawing away at once tight, kin-based communities in Maha Rat. "Local people know who is taking drugs and who is selling them, but it's dangerous to talk about it," Somphal's relative added. A health official, also too afraid to be named, told AFP that 40-50 percent of Maha Rat's small population are addicted to drugs. Successive Thai governments have opted for the 'get tough' approach to consumption in a bid to choke off supply. That has resulted in the tenth highest incarceration rate in the world, according to International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH). But it has failed to stem addiction rates or dent production. Proposals for community-based rehab programmes instead of jail for minor drug offenders have evaporated, leaving the kingdom confronting an old scourge with the same weapons. "Demand (for drugs) is through the roof, but there's no real rehabilitation provision," says Jeremy Douglas of the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC). "Drug policy is stuck on repeat." ShoeDazzle cuts ties with reality star Hazel-E. (Photo: Getty Images/Instagram/theshaderoom) It seems there might not be any love left in Love & Hip Hop Hollywood, after one of the reality shows stars, Hazel-E, went on a racist and homophobic rant on social media. The 27-year-old raptress dug herself a pretty deep hole this week, after getting into a feud with comedian Jessica Robin Moore (otherwise known as Jess Hilarious). Following Moores claims about Hazels beau Rose Burgandy having a secret relationship with another man, the couple took to social media with their responses, which had severely racist and homophobic connotations. While Hazel took to her own Instagram account to defend her man against claims of a supposedly secret gay relationship, Burgandy posted to his page as well. Both attacks included anti-gay comments, as well as some racially charged words. #hazele vs #jesshilarious A post shared by Baller Alert (@balleralert) on Oct 18, 2017 at 11:53am PDT You really want to know how I feel about gays so bad well here you go I hope all gays die and go to hell thats where Im come from, Burgandy captioned a photo of a burning gay pride flag, followed by a comment from Hazel echoing the sentiment. Burn in hell just like God said in the Bible! she wrote. The LGBTQ community, who were unfairly dragged into the feud, immediately expressed outrage. But beyond the homophobic comments made by the two were some harsh words toward Moore, as well as Hazels LHHH co-stars regarding the color of their skin. In a photo of Moore and her son posted to Hazels page, the reality star made negative remarks about the comedians dark skin but she wasnt the only one who received Hazels wrath. A collage of the stars LHHH cast mates was posted immediately afterward with more racial comments comparing her light skin with their darker complexions. Sorry mom you kept me away from these type of girls all my life, Hazel wrote, you said they would hate me because Im light skinyou were right! Social media reactions to the rant were intense. However, the consequences went far beyond hateful comments. Hazel was dropped by partner ShoeDazzle and is now facing possible firing from the reality show. Story continues #Shoedazzle has cut ties with #HazelE in the wake of her comments towards gay people yesterday. #SWIPE to see the demands that were made in their comment section! A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) on Oct 19, 2017 at 2:26pm PDT The online shoe retailer previously partnered up with the reality star as part of their celebrity brand ambassador program over the summer. According to an Instagram post already deleted by Hazel, the deal was meant to last only four months but was nonetheless cut short after her homophobic statement. According to TMZ, LHHH creator Mona Scott-Young is attempting to get Hazel off the show. But in the meantime, Scott-Young took to social media to express her intolerance of such hate. Hazel recently issued an apology for her hurtful words, saying that they werent directed toward the entire LGBTQ community. But for most of her former fans, it seems that her sorry isnt cutting it. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Beijing (AFP) - Beijingers are going without barbecue. Construction sites have halted work. Factories hundreds of kilometres away have halted production. Despite all-out efforts to give the Chinese Communist Party blue skies for its twice-a-decade congress, Beijing's notorious smog has cloaked the mega-city in its trademark toxic haze. The capital typically enjoys an unusual succession of clear days when the party holds major events, with smoke-churning factories ordered to shut down. Even restaurants famous for flavourful shish kebabs turned off their barbecues, with a waiter telling diners at one eatery this week that the lamb delicacies would be off the menu during the congress. President Xi Jinping had invoked the fight against air contamination during his wide-ranging speech to open the congress on Wednesday. "We need to prevent pollution from its source, continue the action against air pollution, and win the battle for blue skies," Xi said. But the smog appeared to have not received the party directive as it enveloped the city all week, prompting many Beijingers to don masks for protection. The counts of PM2.5 -- harmful microscopic particles that penetrate deep into the lungs -- reached 115 Friday afternoon, according to readings from the US embassy. The World Health Organization's recommended maximum exposure is 25 over a 24-hour period. "It looked polluted out the window so I put on my mask," said Euphie Zheng, on the way to her IT job in central Beijing. - 'APEC Blue' - China's national air quality forecasting system attributed the pollution to low atmospheric pressure and weak winds, with "medium to heavy pollution" forecast for Saturday in the region. Beijingers have coined terms for past events that bring purer air as the government shuts down factories and introduces other measures to limit pollution. In Spring there was "two meetings blue" for the clear skies enjoyed during the session of China's rubber-stamp parliament. Story continues In 2014, then US President Barack Obama was welcomed with pristine air for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Beijingers deemed it "APEC Blue." For the party congress, "I was expecting blue skies," said Primavera Liu, a 33-year-old translator speaking through a grey smog mask. She did not think the smog would affect the political machinations underway. "Xi's probably used to the pollution," she said. "It's normal." In recent years, the Chinese have become more attuned to the hazards of air pollution. A new study published in The Lancet medical journal this week reported that pollution claimed nine million lives worldwide in 2015. Almost half of those deaths occurred in India and China. Another study found air pollution in northern China cut life expectancy by three years, compared with southern China. The study, published in September by the University of Chicago, looked at life expectancy north of the Huai River, where the government supplies residents with coal-fired heat in winter. - 'Halt production' - In 2014, Premier Li Keqiang declared "war" on pollution. This winter, Beijing and surrounding provinces have introduced new restrictions on industrial production to fight pollution. Liu, a native of industrial Tangshan, 180 kilometres (110 miles) east of Beijing, was not hopeful. "The factories don't follow orders," she said. On Friday in Tangshan, three employees at steel mills told AFP the factories had halted production. "The government has ordered us to halt production," said Wang, an employee at an iron and steel mill who declined to give his full name because he was not authorised to speak with the media. In Beijing's business district, a security guard for a construction site said they too had stopped work. "All construction sites have stopped so there's no pollution for the 19th Party Congress," said the greying guard Chen Jian. He could not explain the thick haze on Friday. "The directive we received said it was the climate." Scott Disick and Sofia Richie just returned from a PDA-packed trip to Italy but their romance is showing no signs of slowing down. After enjoying a few days in Milan and Venice, the couple flew to New York City, where they spent Thursday night clubbing at 1OAK and Up&Down. The two were spotted holding hands throughout the evening, and at one point, Richie swapped her long beige trench coat for Disicks grey, fur-lined bomber. Disick, 34, and Richie, 19, first sparked speculation in May after they were pictured cuddling up aboard a yacht in the south of France during the Cannes Film Festival. At the time, Richie who previously dated Justin Bieber adamantly denied anything romantic was going on, tweeting that the two were just homies. By mid-September, a source told PEOPLE they had become inseparable, and they confirmed their romance via social media later that month, packing on the PDA during a trip to Mexico. The relationship raised a few eyebrows, and a source told PEOPLE earlier this month that Richies famous father Lionel isnt too pleased about it. He thinks Scott is the worst person she could ever see and that he raised her better than that, said the source of the American Idol judges reaction. He thinks she should have more respect for herself as a young woman. Lionel knows Scotts playboy ways, and he doesnt want to see his daughter get hurt. The insider also said Sofia is much more invested in the relationship than Disick, who shares three kids with his ex Kourtney Kardashian, 38. Sofia wanted commitment from him, so he committed to be her boyfriend, the source said. Sofia feels like shes in the in-crowd right now and loves that Scott has swagger and money and that he loves to travel and party. In the battle of wills for Somalias future, the terrorist group al-Shabab struck a cruel and potentially lasting blow on Oct. 14. Not only did it kill more than 300 people in the largest terrorist attack in the countrys history; it shook the confidence of the Somali government and its domestic and international backers that they can stay the course in rebuilding the war-torn East African nation. By committing conspicuous atrocities such as this, al-Shababs leaders signal that they have burned all their bridges, that negotiation with them is fruitless, and most importantly that they are still a potent threat. Al-Shabab has sustained its decadelong insurgency, maintaining control over a significant, albeit diminished territory, because it focuses relentlessly on the essentials pounding the fragile U.N.-backed government and the international forces that prop it up while positioning itself as a credible alternative by efficiently administering the regions it controls. It has long been a better-run organization than its adversaries, including the corruption-plagued central government. Licit traders and smugglers alike do business with al-Shabab, because where its writ extends, its licenses and receipts are respected; there isnt the arbitrary extortion and corruption that characterized warlord rule from the 1990s to the middle 2000s and still impede business in government-controlled areas today. It is even possible that this cancer of corruption made the Oct. 14 bombing possible: Questions are already being asked about how the truck bomb was able to penetrate Mogadishus security cordon and whether al-Shabab had collaborators inside the government. That kind of doubt in the integrity of Somali institutions is exactly what the terrorist group seeks to sow. Ever since the 2012 London Conference that heralded the transition from years of discredited transitional governments to todays federal government, the new Somali order has been underpinned by a collective effort by international donors to rebuild the country and its institutions. Critics call it wishful thinking, disbelieving the idea that bickering Somali politicians and businessmen will work together with a diverse group of regional powers, including Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar and that a 22,000-strong mission of African Union troops can defeat al-Shabab on the battlefield. But Somalias many international backers are betting that they can outlast the extremist insurgency and that over time people will come to embrace the new government they are helping to stand up. And indeed there are signs that it is working if slowly and haltingly. Mogadishu is booming, resembling a giant construction site; the famously dynamic business community is investing; diaspora Somalis are returning (at least to visit). Turkey has just opened a vast military academy to help train the Somali army, a facility that early reports suggest may have been the actual target of Saturdays bombing. (The driver reportedly panicked after being stopped by security forces and detonated his truck bomb in a central square where by tragic coincidence a fuel tanker was parked, causing a fireball that hugely magnified the blast.) Saudi Arabia is contributing cash directly to the national budget, and the United Arab Emirates is investing heavily in port infrastructure, although both countries have recently butted heads with the Somali government over its refusal to take their side in the Gulf dispute with Qatar. But Somalia remains stuck in a protracted cycle of insecurity, dependent on peacekeepers with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) who cannot remain forever. Ethiopian and Kenyan AMISOM troops began withdrawing from some areas in the last few months allowing al-Shabab to reoccupy the strategic town of Bariire, close to Mogadishu and that drawdown is scheduled to accelerate next year. The plan is to replace these troops with a new Somali national security architecture army, police, coast guard, intelligence that is trained and equipped by AMISOM and its partners. But the Somali security services are far from ready, rendering the AU and United Nations planning more of an exercise in political theater than practical planning. At the U.N. Security Council last month, the Somali ambassador and several other international officials quietly spelled out why an AMISOM withdrawal would be a recipe for disaster. Still, the money has to come from somewhere. The European Union, which finances 80 percent of the AMISOM budget down from 90 percent two years ago is slowly cutting back on its funding. (A Barack Obama-era proposal to finance 75 percent of AU peace operations from U.N. member states assessed contributions has died under the current administration.) Equally important, while Somalis recognize that AU troops, mainly from Ethiopia and Kenya, are necessary to fight al-Shabab, their presence is resented. The controlling role of historically antagonistic neighbors is an affront to Somali national pride, and Kenyan investigative journalists have uncovered evidence of corruption and violations of humanitarian law by the Kenyan army in Somalia. (There are no Ethiopian investigative journalists.) The Mogadishu bombing makes any withdrawal planning moot. The Kenyans, Ethiopians, and the Somali army will now be under strong pressure to ramp up their offensive actions, aiming especially at the areas recently reoccupied by al-Shabab. The bombing also highlights some of the dilemmas facing the Donald Trump administration, which has quietly ramped up the combat operations of U.S. Special Forces in Somalia. The first is whether to embrace the multilateral approach of the leading international players in Somalia the African Union and the European Union or continue to go it alone with its America First approach to foreign policy. For reasons of pragmatism, the Pentagon and State Department will likely want to match the multilateralism of the EU and AU, both of which have borne a significantly greater share of the human and financial costs of fighting al-Shabab. But that requires coughing up the funds for a peacekeeping operation with a long time horizon and coordinating military strategy with African militaries, things the Trump administration has seemed reluctant to do. The second dilemma is whether to prioritize political or military action. Bitter experience has shown that the metrics most readily usable by military planners territory captured, body counts, high-value targets killed have no traction on the real progress of winning this war. Military strikes are primarily a fireworks display to impress the spectators, rather than a strategy for victory. Al-Shabab can continue to recruit, and each time a senior leader is killed, more radical lieutenants will take over. This is a war that must be won politically as well as militarily. A common sentiment quietly muttered in Mogadishu is that the war will be won when our Shabab are stronger than their Shabab. In other words, the Somali government must cultivate a credible Islamist constituency of its own, winning over most of the political and financial backers of the Islamic Courts Union (ICU), the Islamist movement that briefly took control of Mogadishu in 2006 and from which al-Shabab emerged. Many of the leading figures from the ICU have already joined the political mainstream. Both President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, known by the nickname Farmaajo, and his predecessor, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, made an effort to include them as part of a broad-based government. And just two months ago, one senior al-Shabab commander, Mukhtar Robow, defected after protracted clandestine negotiations. Its impossible to say for certain whether this combined military and political strategy is working and the worst possible time for a clear-eyed assessment is in the immediate aftermath of an atrocity with massive civilian casualties but available evidence suggests that it is slowly inching the country forward. The challenge for Farmaajo and his international backers after Saturdays horrific bombing is to stay the course, even if the bloodshed makes it feel as if theyre slipping backward. As firefighters in Northern California battle ongoing wildfires, the Sonoma County sheriff is facing a different battle: fighting misinformation about how the fires started. Sonoma County Sheriff Rob Giordano issued a statement Thursday on Facebook calling out Immigrations and Customs Enforcement for spreading inaccurate, inflammatory information about the wildfires and about who if anyone had caused them. Cal Fire has not yet determined what started the blazes. ICE attacked the Sheriffs Office in the midst of the largest natural disaster this county has ever experienced, read the Sonoma sheriffs post. Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated, many people have lost their homes and 23 people [in Sonoma] have died from this firestorm. ICEs misleading statement stirs fear in some of our community members who are already exhausted and scared. ICE had released a statement Wednesday on its website, warning of Sonoma Countys repeated releases of [a] dangerous criminal alien, naming Jesus Gonzalez, a homeless man whom Sonoma officials had arrested earlier this week on suspicion of starting a small fire in a park. Giordano had addressed this arrest at a news conference Tuesday, stating: Theres a story out there that [Gonzalez] is the arsonist for these fires. That is not the case. Theres no indication he is related to these fires at all. Giordano stated that Gonzalez is known to sheriffs deputies. He frequents Maxwell Park. Hes been known to sleep there, Giordano said. He was walking away from a small fire, [deputies] stopped him, he had a fire extinguisher and a lighter with him. He said he started the fire to warm himself up. On Thursday, Giordano told HuffPost: The fire was less than a quarter acre. There is no such thing as a safe fire, but it wasnt near homes and was put out quickly. He added, Id rather not fight with the federal government while trying to put out wildfires. The exchange between ICE and the sheriffs office comes as right-wing website Breitbart and other sites posted misleading news stories this week suggesting that the Northern California wildfires were started by Gonzalez, whom they called an illegal alien. Story continues Breitbart cited ICEs release in a Thursday news story, in which the headline read: ICE Director: Suspected Wine Country Arsonist Is Illegal Alien Mexican National. Buried halfway down in the article was a line clarifying that it is not clear what role the fires Gonzales [sic] allegedly set played in the overall disaster. The article was shared nearly 50,000 times on Facebook, according to an automated ticker on the website. It was one of Breitbarts numerous misleading articles on the topic that have been picked up by other right-wing outlets, including InfoWars, Drudge Report and MediaInfidels. I dont feel at all like we implied he started those fires, ICE public affairs officer James Schwab told HuffPost earlier on Thursday before the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office posted its statement. Other news organizations took that in a different angle, he added. We cant control what media organizations do with our statements. It happens on both sides of the fence all the time. HuffPost reached out to ICE for further comment after the sheriffs Thursday statement about ICE but had not received a response at the time of this posting. Firefighters protect a vineyard in Santa Rosa, in Sonoma County, on Oct. 11. Damage at vineyards has also caused job losses. Particularly hard hit are immigrant families. (Photo: ROBYN BECK via Getty Images) Casting blame has added to the burden on undocumented immigrants in Northern California, who have been hit hard by the wildfires. Local officials have warned that some undocumented families were afraid to go to evacuation shelters in fear of encountering law enforcement and possibly being deported. Many undocumented Latino immigrants may also lose their jobs, as vineyards in the area have been damaged. The wildfires, which were the deadliest in the states history, have killed at least 42 people. Thousands have lost their homes, and 100,000 people have been forced to evacuate. From a public service and safety perspective, this kind of fake news is devastating to this community, Alegria De La Cruz, chief deputy county counselor of Sonoma County, told HuffPost. Were having a hard time getting people from the immigrant community to come out with people in uniform and from federal government there, people dont trust theyll be safe. This kind of news story is devastating in terms of people getting access to benefits theyre entitled to. Sonoma County had put out a statement on social media earlier this week saying authorities would not ask people for immigration status at shelters, telling them to keep your families safe. Also on HuffPost Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. A natural-color satellite image of the burned Fountaingrove Golf Club in Santa Rosa, a city in Sonoma County. An infrared satellite image shows the burned-out Coffey Park neighborhood in Santa Rosa. The red areas in this infrared satellite image represent living vegetation among burned-out homes in Santa Rosa. The fire line of the Santa Rosa wildfire can be seen in this infrared satellite image. Fire damage is seen from the air in the Coffey Park neighborhood of Santa Rosa on Oct. 11, 2017. More than 200 fire engines and firefighting crews from around the country were being rushed to California on Wednesday. Aerial views of the Kmart store destroyed by fire along the 101 freeway in Santa Rosa. Fire damage is seen from the air in the Coffey Park neighborhood. Surrounding neighborhoods appear untouched by fire outside the Coffey Park neighborhood. An aerial view shows the Journey's End mobile home park in Santa Rosa. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Busan (South Korea) (AFP) - Catholic corruption and sex abuse allegations have made global headlines for years. Now a new film shines a spotlight on scandals at South Korea's vast and politically powerful Protestant churches. South Koreans are enthusiastic religious believers, with 44 percent practising or considering themselves religious, according to state data. Protestants are the largest group, followed by Buddhists and Catholics. The country is home to several of the world's biggest "megachurches", with hundreds of thousands of members, while conservative evangelical church groups boast millions of followers and enormous political lobbying power. Many star pastors build enormous personal fortunes and often pass control over their churches to their own children in a generational power transfer. But corruption or sex scandals involving evangelical leaders make frequent headlines, as do court battles over lucrative congregations. The plot of "Romans 8:37", which had its premiere at the current Busan International Film Festival in South Korea, centres on the struggle between two powerful pastors for control of a fictional evangelical church, along with its vast wealth and political influence. Charismatic young preacher Joseph Kang accuses his aged, conservative predecessor Reverend Park of embezzling millions of dollars from church coffers to bribe politicians. But Kang soon becomes a target of personal attacks by Park's followers, who accuse him of fraud and other crimes during services to try to force his resignation. Each side sets up teams to discredit their opponent and sway public opinion via the media, with no tactic left untried, including mutual allegations of embezzlement, bribery, faked credentials, sexual abuse, even heresy. But few question the integrity of the church as the mud fight rages. Kang's campaign eventually suffers a major blow after female followers accuse him of sexual abuse, and congregation elders decide to keep the scandal under wraps "for the sake of the church". Story continues - Jesus, Inc. - The plot is loosely based on true stories involving South Korean churches, says director Shin Yeon-Shick, himself a lifelong Christian. "Personally this was such a painful movie to make," he said. "I felt really heavy at heart. "Some church members have expressed discomfort at this film, but I think we need to confront this reality and the pain we deserve to suffer for being part of this system," he told AFP, criticising what he called a "cartel" of churches in the country and a culture of impunity. In one high-profile real world case, a founder of the Yoido Full Gospel Church -- a Seoul megachurch with more than 500,000 followers -- was convicted this year for forcing the church to buy company shares from him at inflated prices, causing it to incur losses of $13 million. Some South Koreans mock religious leaders as "managers of Jesus, Inc", and Shin said many churches in the country do not promote the self-reflection and introspection essential for spiritual growth. To his mind the issue is also deeply rooted in South Korea's culture of collectivism, which Shin said meant "people are rarely given a chance to think individually and independently, or to express their own opinion". "So they want to belong to whatever is the biggest and most powerful to feel safe -- whether it's a megachurch or a big company," he added, "and try to ignore the suffering of individuals in the name of protecting the establishment". The film takes its title from a Biblical passage in which St Paul addresses the issues of sin and salvation through Jesus. "One should be on God's side," Pastor Kang's father says at one point. His son, he adds, "thought God was on his side". Spain entered a new chapter of its constitutional crisis Thursday morning, with the secessionist government of the Catalonia region threatening to fully declare independence, and the central authorities in Madrid pressing the start button on proceedings to take control over the semi-autonomous province. According to an official statement from his office, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and his government will convene Saturday to approve the implementation of Article 155 of the constitution. This trigger allows central government to exert direct control over a region in times of crisis. Catalonia is one of the countrys 17 autonomous regions, and holds sway over certain areas of policy such as education and some policing, as well as its own parliament. But the regional government has repeatedly defied Madrid over the issue of independence for Catalonia. The Catalan authorities held a referendum on October 1 despite Spains constitutional court declaring it illegal. Heavy-handed policing by Spanish national officers on the day of the referendum provoked controversy in Spain and across Europe, as images circulated on social media of voters, often elderly, being dragged from polling stations and riot police removing ballot boxes. Catalan President Carles Puigdemont then went on to say he respected the result of the referendum, before immediately suspending any declaration of independence, calling for dialogue. He wrote to Madrid on Thursday that if talks were not forthcoming, his region would press on with separation from Spain, voting on the issue in its parliament. His letter prompted Madrid to confirm it would proceed with Article 155. It is not immediately clear what the implementation of Article 155 will look like in practice; it is known as the nuclear option and has never been invoked before. The government will need to propose measures it deems necessary, and put them before the Spanish senate. These could range from comparatively restrained moves, such as taking command of the regional police force, to full-on control over the region. Story continues It might also involve calling new elections in Catalonia. Let no one doubt that the government will do everything in its power to restore as soon as possible the legality and constitutional order, the government statement said. It added that Madrid deeply regrets the attitude of those responsible for the [government] of Catalonia to seek, deliberately and systematically, institutional confrontation. Puigdemont, meanwhile, denounced in his letter what he sees as repression by Spain. Rajoy is due to attend a European Council summit in Brussels later Thursday. Related Articles Spains government will trigger on Saturday the Article 155 of the countrys Constitution, allowing it to suspend Catalonias political autonomy, the office of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said after a Cabinet meeting Thursday. The special Cabinet meeting was called after Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont said the regional Parliament could vote on a formal declaration of independence from Spain if the central government failed to agree to talks. Read: The EU Is Afraid of Causing Chaos by Intervening in Catalonia Juncker As such, both sides are effectively playing for time, with neither side eager to take the step that would irrevocably plunge one of the oldest states in the world into turmoil. Earlier this week, Rajoy had given Puigdemont an ultimatum to remove by today the ambiguity around the regions intentions. The Catalan leader had last week said the region had the right to secede, but suspended the decision only eight seconds later, saying he first wanted dialogue with the central government. Puigdemonts letter Thursday clarified that there had not been a formal declaration of independence yet, but again repeated his threat. If the central government persists in blocking dialogue and continues its repression, the Catalan Parliament may proceed, if it considers it appropriate, to approve a formal declaration of independence, the letter said. Read: Hostage to Catalonia? No Way, Says the EU Catalans largely stayed away from an independence referendum on Oct. 1 that the regional government had called in breach of the Spanish Constitution. Of the 43% who did turn out, around 90% voted for independence. However, opinion polls before the vote had consistently shown a majority in favor of staying in the Kingdom of Spain. Brussels (AFP) - Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said Friday his government has reached a "critical point" as it seeks to use emergency measures to stop Catalonia's separatist bid. "We have reached a critical point," Rajoy told a press conference following an EU leaders summit in Brussels that backed his conservative government. "We have tried by all means to avoid a difficult situation," he added. "But you will understand it is difficult for a country, for an EU government, to see... the rule of law being liquidated" in a banned independence referendum in Catalonia, he said. Rajoy's cabinet is due to meet Saturday to decide which powers to seize from Catalonia, which controls its own healthcare, education and policing. Political parties pushed meanwhile for elections as a way out of the country's worst crisis in decades. Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has warned any move to seize powers could push regional lawmakers to declare unilateral independence following a chaotic referendum on October 1 on whether to split from Spain. A woman prays beside 58 white crosses for the victims of a mass shooting, on Las Vegas Strip just south of the Mandalay Bay hotel: Getty The hotel room from which Stephen Paddock gunned down almost 60 people at a music festival in Las Vegas will no longer be rented out to the public, the hotel has said. This was a terrible tragedy perpetrated by an evil man. We have no intention of renting that room, said MGM Resorts International, the company that manages the property. The company did not provide any details about what it would do with the site of the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history. But the announcement raised another question: What should become of the sites of such massacres, in a country where there are almost as many mass shootings as there are days in a year? Adam Lankford, a professor of criminology at the University of Alabama, said MGM had the right idea in shutting down the hotel room. I think not renting it out is good, but I think they shouldnt call attention to that either, Mr Lanford told The Independent. The best thing would be to not rent it out, [and] if people call and ask which room it was, not to answer. Mr Lankford recently authored a letter urging the media not to publish the names of mass shooters. Along with more than 140 other cosigners, he argued that keeping shooters names out of the press will reduce the "copy-cat effects of mass shootings, and deter future fame-seekers from staging an attack of their own. Much the same can be said of the locations, Mr Lankford said. In the same way you dont want to give these previous offenders attention, you dont want to give the specific location of the attack attention, he said. Let it fade into history in the same way we hope the memory of these offenders do. In 2006, a 21-year-old opened fire in a North Carolina high school, killing one person and injuring two. Before leaving for the school that day, he sent an e-mail to the principal of Columbine High School the site of a previous school shooting to alert him that he would soon be making history. The young man had recently convinced his mother to drive him past Columbine High, and past the homes of the two infamous shooters. Story continues Many potential copy-cats make similar "pilgrimages" to the locations of mass shootings, Mr Lankford said. In Las Vegas, he added, it would not be mere speculation to say that someone who is considering an attack would want to go stay in that room. After the Columbine shooting, the library where most of the carnage occurred was replaced with an atrium. The library itself was rebuilt elsewhere. At Sandy Hook Elementary School, where 26 people were killed in a 2012 shooting, the building was completely torn down and rebuilt. The site of the school shootings at Virginia Tech were also remodelled into offices and laboratories. But at Pulse nightclub in Orlando the site of the second-most deadly shooting in America the owners are still unsure what to do with the property, where 49 people were gunned down in 2016. When Pulse first happened, I remember telling myself, Tear it down, tear it down, tear it down, Barbara Poma, the owner of the nightclub, told the New York Times. ...And now, 16 months later, people settled down, and some people are like, No, its part of our history. You shouldnt take it down. Ms Poma founded the OnePulse Foundation to help in her decision. The OnePulse website is currently soliciting opinions from the community about a potential memorial and museum at the site of the shooting. Mr Lankford understands the desire to build a memorial in Orlando, and in Las Vegas. But he cautioned against building yet another mass-shooting monument that could become a target for copycats. If you have something that specifically marks the site, that could be something that these copycats and at-risk individuals want to visit, he said. It creates a landmark. Related Video: Watch news, TV and more on Yahoo View. Subarus are popular with dog owners. You can tell that by its many commercials featuring man's best friend. However, the company is doing a lot more for pets than simply keeping a handful of animal actors employed. Through its Subaru Loves Pets initiative, the automaker has given hundreds of thousands of dollars to the ASPCA to assist in animal rescues. It gave $285,000 to support 165 fee-waived adoption events this month throughout the country, involving 110 animal welfare organizations and 110 Subaru dealers. The Subaru Loves Pets Rescue Rides program also contributed $150,000 through the ASPCA to 27 animal welfare organizations that transport dogs from overcrowded shelters to areas where homeless pets have a greater chance of being adopted. For instance, chihuahuas over-running Southern California animal shelters can be brought to Utah where they're less frequently turned into shelters. Without these transports, the animals would end up being put down, especially in so-called "high kill" shelters. According to Subaru, its efforts have saved more than 21,250 animals to date. Throughout October, Subaru dealers will also be participating in pet supply drives for shelter animals and providing "Pet Parent Kits" to families adopting a new pet. These include little Subaru chew toys. So here's to giving back. Good job Subaru. Related Video: Subaru Loves Pets is funding pet adoptions and homeless pet transport originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Oct 2017 18:10:00 EDT. (WASHINGTON) This is the story of how an office supply glitch became a major irritant between the United States and one of its close security partners. When President Donald Trump added the African nation of Chad last month to his most recent installment of travel restrictions, everyone from the Pentagon to Chads leaders to the French government was perplexed. The U.S. has praised Chads cooperation on counterterrorism, especially its campaign against a vicious Boko Haram insurgency spilling over from Nigeria. As it turns out, a seemingly pedestrian issue was largely to blame: Chad had run out of passport paper. Chad and every other country had been given 50 days to prove it was meeting a baseline of security conditions the Trump administration says is needed for the U.S. to properly screen potential visitors. One condition was that countries provide a recent sample of its passports so that the Homeland Security Department could analyze how secure they really are. Lacking the special passport paper, Chads government couldnt comply, but offered to provide a pre-existing sample of the same type of passport, several U.S. officials said. It wasnt enough to persuade Homeland Security to make an exception to requirements the agency has been applying strictly and literally to countries across the globe, said the officials, who requested anonymity to discuss disagreements within the administration. Still, the U.S. told Chad it could be removed once the issues were addressed, with national security adviser H.R. McMaster saying at the time that Chad could come off the list maybe in a couple of months. McMaster spoke to Chadian leader Idriss Deby last week about getting the visa restrictions removed, the State Department said, but the country remains on the list. At least that was the case until Tuesday, hours before the new restrictions were to take effect, when a federal judge in Hawaii blocked Trumps order, saying it had the same legal problems that foiled the first two iterations of his travel ban. The move puts the restrictions temporarily on hold, but Trumps administration has pledged to appeal. Story continues The Homeland Security Department confirmed that the U.S. lacks a recent sample from Chad of its passports, but said there were other problems, too. The restrictions placed on Chad dealt with more than just the receipt of a passport exemplar. Chad does not adequately share public safety and terrorism-related information, said Homeland Security spokesman David Lapan. He said the U.S. was working closely with Chad on the issue and was eager to see Chad develop more secure travel documents and make other enhancements. It was unclear why Chad ran into the office supply problem, although regional upheaval and the persistent terror threat have disrupted trade in the impoverished country in recent years. For a recent period of about six months, Chad stopped issuing passports, although it appears that situation has since been resolved. The passport paper issue helps to illustrate the infighting within Trumps administration that led up to the revised travel order, which also placed restrictions on Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and Venezuela. Homeland Security, working with the White House, pushed Chad onto the list without significant input from the State Department or the Defense Department, said a congressional official briefed on the process who wasnt authorized to discuss it publicly and requested anonymity. Other officials said once the other national security agencies learned of the plan to add Chad, they objected vehemently, but were overruled. Saint Petersburg (AFP) - A suspected Islamic State recruiter has been arrested in the Russian city of Saint Petersburg, officials said Friday. Tajikistan national "Farkhod Nazarov, suspected of aiding terrorism, has been arrested and will be detained until December 12," said a statement from a court in Russia's second city, scene of a deadly underground train bombing in April. The 33-year-old suspect recruited central Asian targets online "to wage jihad in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan and to organise terrorist acts on Russian territory," according to security sources cited by the local press. Nazarov was arrested on Thursday in the town of Kingisepp, near to the border with Estonia in the Saint Petersburg region. When Russian special forces arrested him he was carrying a pistol, a quantity of drugs and "literature of an Islamist nature", according to Russian media. Since Russia -- a decades-long ally of Damascus -- first intervened militarily in Syria in 2015, it has faced reprisal threats from Islamic State and from the rebel jihadist group Al-Nosra Front, the Syrian affiliate of Al-Qaeda. IS has claimed responsibility for several attacks in Russia. In August, a man stabbed seven people on the street in the Siberian city of Surgut, before being shot and killed. The following week two men stabbed a policeman to death and wounded another in the volatile region of Dagestan in Russia's North Caucasus before he too was shot dead by police. Earlier this month the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the killing of two policemen in Dagestan. (Photo: Princeton Architectural Press) The average person today has access to seemingly unlimited fonts and with such great power comes great responsibility. One can use Curlz MT on a resume or Brush Script for a party invitation, but should one? Though trained designers might have a clear idea of the best fonts for each task, most of us laymen are reduced to guesswork, instinct and the guidance of edicts like never use Comic Sans. But this prohibitive attitude toward font freedom doesnt necessarily serve us well. At least thats the argument of Douglas Thomas, the author of Never Use Futura a celebratory new history of the iconic font, which does not actually condemn all uses of Futura. I decided to use the title in part as a provocation, and as an ironic commentary on how most of the conversation around fonts people have is housed in a negative, Thomas told HuffPost in a phone interview. People know not to use Comic Sans and maybe Papyrus those are things you just shouldnt do. But very rarely do people understand why they should use a typeface. The full title of his book, Thomas pointed out, is actually Never Use Futura Unless You Are ... followed by a long list of famous people, brands and organizations that do use the typeface. (A few of the notable Futura users, listed on the front and back of his book, include: Nike, Fox News, Ikea, Vanity Fair, Politico, Forever 21 and In-N-Out.) Im hoping to poke a little fun at that sort of conversation designers can say, oh, the masses shouldnt use Futura, but we can, in these ways, he added. This hypocritical anti-Futura rhetoric suggests that maybe the problem isnt bad font choice its that designers just want to keep the good fonts to themselves. Does this sound paranoid? OK, maybe so. But theres a grain of truth there, too. And understandably so: Overuse of a font isnt just annoying, it can make the font less useful to designers. We naturally associate fonts with the ideas and brands weve seen them presenting or adjacent to in the past. Futura started out as this avant-garde idea, Thomas pointed out. It was linked with some of the newest, most cutting-edge ideas in Europe. Story continues Created in the 1920s by German Bauhaus designer Paul Renner, Futura was meant to capture the modernism of the time. It was closely linked with progressive political and cultural ideals equality, democratization, globalism and even socialism. When Vanity Fair first used it in 1929, people were appalled, Thomas told HuffPost. There were editorials written calling this a Bolshevik revolution. Not only did the magazine use all lower-case for article heads at first a clear attack on hierarchies and an endorsement of anarchy, in the eyes of more conservative onlookers the font itself was freighted with political meaning. Then, well, everyone started to use it, and that changed the fonts impact. When we see Futura now, we probably think about Wes Anderson films or Kate Spade or Vogue the fact is, as Thomas recently wrote for Fast.Co, its a font thats been linked to a lot of concepts, political movements, media outlets and corporations. Merely by the fact of the fonts widespread use, its necessarily been sapped of its power to convey strong ideas. In graduate schools and high-end design firms, theres this constant search for new typefaces that arent being used that can be filled with new ideas and arent linked to past moments and movements, Thomas said. Sometimes brands or publications achieve that by designing their own exclusive typeface, like the New Yorkers Irvin. That doesnt mean Futura is no longer a good font, or that its never appropriate to use. Most of us dont go to design school, but that doesnt mean we cant learn more about how to use fonts. We just have to pay attention to what different typefaces convey and what effect theyll have. For example, said Thomas, when people use Comic Sans in a professional setting, they usually convey the wrong tone. It just seems both completely inappropriate and maybe showing a lack of judgment, the same way wed judge someone if they stepped out of their house naked. Maybe were all fine with people choosing how we want to dress, but there are, he added, times and places for things. Comic Sans isnt inherently bad, though. If its being used in a communication to a preschool group or in a comic book, for crying out loud, he said, it would be perfectly appropriate. See, every font has its purpose. Probably. (We still havent decided about Papyrus.) Every typeface has its own voice, speaks in its own language, Thomas concluded. Once you understand what that language is, you can use it in exceptionally insightful and beautiful ways. We just have to take the judgment away from the process, stop talking about what fonts cant do, and start embracing what they can do. Also on HuffPost MARY PURDIE MARY PURDIE ANN LEWIS DAWLINE-JANE ONI-ESELEH ASHLEY KINSER CAMILA ROSA SARAH ROSENBLATT LAUREN CREW BROOKE FISCHER LISSA BROWN NATALIE A. ROGERS MONICA ROSE KELLY JESS X. SNOW JESSICA SABOGAL JESSICA SABOGAL KATE DECICCIO, EMBRACING EACHOTHER LIZA DONOVAN, HEAR OUR VOICE VICTORIA GARCIA, RESPETA JESSICA SABOGAL, WOMEN ARE PERFECT JENNIFER MARAVILLAS, OUR BODIES, OUR MINDS Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. In September, President Trump announced that he would phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which offers protections to undocumented immigrants who came to the US at a young age. This week, Reuters reported that Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM and other large tech companies plan to lobby Congress to pass legislation that will continue to protect these so-called Dreamers. The total number of companies involved is around two dozen, though that could change before the coalition launches. After the president announced his decision, tech company executives expressed their disappointment in numerous ways, including on Twitter and via email. Hundreds of CEOs signed an open letter from pro-immigration group FWD.us (co-founded by Mark Zuckerberg) urging the president to continue the program. It's likely that some action will happen on the DACA front as the holidays approach. In December, Congress will hopefully pass a spending bill (or face a US government shutdown). Reuters reports that Democrats may use this opportunity to pass legislation to protect Dreamers, trading their votes to avert a shutdown in exchange for promised protections. Guatemala City (AFP) - A Guatemalan indigenous leader and environmental activist who is among the finalists to receive a prestigious European human rights award says she owes her fighting spirit to her mom. "With my mother's milk, I nursed on rebellion, on revolution, on redefining myself," said Aura Lolita Chavez, a 45-year-old Mayan who is among three finalists for the Sakharov Prize handed out by the European Parliament. Chavez is a leader of the Council of Ki'che' Peoples, which fights to protect native lands, natural resources and human rights from the expansion of mining, logging, hydroelectric and agro-industry companies. Her mother was a community organizer in the 1960-1996 civil war in Guatemala, during which successive rightwing governments and military regimes fought leftist rebels backed by the rural poor, including Mayan Indians. The latter accounted for the vast majority of the 200,000 people who died or went missing during the war. For her trouble, Chavez, 45, has seen her life threatened a number of times. Her organization was founded in 2007 to counter the effects of a free trade agreement between Central America and the United States. In 2005, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights ordered that protective measures be taken for her. But Chavez says the Guatemalan government has done no such thing. In June, Chavez left for Spain after gunmen shot at members of her group who were trying to prevent illegal logging in her native Quiche region, western Guatemala. Speaking from Spain, Chavez says she and her movement are harassed by mining, hydroelectric and logging companies and also endure conflicts with the army and paramilitary groups in Quiche. Chavez was nominated for the Sakharov Prize on October 10, along with the opposition movement in Venezuela and jailed Swedish-Eritrean journalist and playwright Dawit Isaak. Named after the dissident Soviet scientist Andrei Sakharov, who died in 1989, the prize is awarded every year to honor individuals who combat intolerance, fanaticism and oppression, often falling foul of their governments as a result. The winner will be announced on October 26. Story continues - Woman with a lot of energy - Chavez is married and has two children. Having to flee is hard for anyone but particularly so for an indigenous woman, the Guatemalan human rights prosecutor's office said in a report. "For a Mayan woman, it is essential to stay in her birthplace," the report said. People who know Chavez say she has earned glowing admiration within the indigenous advocacy movement. "She is a woman with a lot of energy, with many initiatives, with a kind of charisma that few leaders have," said Udiel Miranda, a leader of the Council of Western Peoples, which includes the group that Chavez leads. Miranda said the fact that she is nominated for the Sakharov Prize at all is a statement to the international community that Guatemala is failing to defend the collective rights of the Mayan people by persecuting its leaders. "Part of the strategy of neutralizing the movement is to neutralize its leaders. Several cases have been brought against her with the goal of silencing the movement and opposition to the exploitation of natural resources," Miranda added. During the war, Chavez took part in the insurgency in Quiche. Many of Guatemala's indigenous people, who make up at least 40 percent of the population -- some estimates put it at 60 percent -- live in abject poverty. They are used to seeing soldiers around, and to the fear that triggers -- but Chavez wants that to stop. Chavez said she has seen soldiers torture people, massacre them, cause them to go missing, and rape women. "I dream of the day when the army leaves Quiche," she said. Miami (AFP) - Three men were arrested after a shooting following white supremacist Richard Spencer's controversial speech at the University of Florida, police said Friday. Spencer, leader of the so-called "alt-right" movement -- encompassing white supremacists, neo-Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan -- appeared Thursday on campus in Gainesville, in the north of the state. Just over an hour after his speech ended, three of Spencer's followers stopped their car in front of a group of anti-racism protesters at a bus stop, police said in a statement. Authorities said they then threatened the protesters with Nazi salutes, chanting slogans about Hitler, before one of them, 28-year-old Tyler Tenbrink, pulled out a gun and shot at the group. The bullet hit a nearby building. Tenbrink was arrested along with brothers William and Colton Fears, aged 30 and 28 respectively. The three were charged with attempted murder. "This incident and how quickly it was handled displays the true teamwork that went into yesterday's Unified Command Center activation," said Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell. Spencer, who helped organize a white supremacist rally that erupted in deadly violence in Charlottesville earlier this year, was shouted down by hundreds of protesters Thursday -- forcing him to leave the stage at the University of Florida without delivering his planned speech. Fearing a repetition of Charlottesville, Florida governor Rick Scott had declared a state of emergency Monday to beef up security ahead of Spencer's arrival -- which also sparked a street protest of around 1,500 people. Only around 30 supporters of the controversial white nationalist made it into the auditorium, massively outnumbered by protesters who chanted "No more Spencer!" One of the Syrian army's most prominent leaders was killed Wednesday when his vehicle struck a landmine believed to have been planted by the Islamic State militant group (ISIS), which is attempting to defend its final stronghold in Syria. Major General Issam Zahreddine was the gray-bearded commander of the 104th Airborne Brigade of the elite Syrian Republican Guard. After Syrian troops lost ground to rebels and jihadis attempting to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the brigade became trapped in a three-year ISIS siege on Deir Ezzor's military airport in 2014. The siege was ultimately broken early last month amid an ongoing Russia-backed offensive led by Zahreddine and other Syrian military commanders. Related: How the U.S. lost the war in Syria to Russia and Iran Zahreddine, 56, has been credited with playing a keysometimes controversialrole in Assad's six-year effort to regain control of the country. His death, which comes after a series of military successes, has been widely mourned by supporters of the Syrian government. GettyImages-845369748 GEORGE OURFALIAN/AFP/Getty Images Zahreddine was born to a Druze family in the village of Tarba, in the southwest Syrian province of Sweida. He reportedly served as a militiaman for Syria's ruling Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party and later rose up the ranks of the airborne units until joining the Syrian Republican Guard, where he was later promoted to major general. The military leader was singled out in a 2011 Human Rights Watch report for ordering the beatings of opposition protesters in the city of Douma, but the document did not indict him or his unit on any "specific allegations of human rights abuses." As demonstrations transformed into armed insurrection, Zahreddine was frequently seen on the frontlines of major battles, including at Damascus and Aleppo in 2013. Story continues Later that year, he was transferred to Deir Ezzor, where a close ally, Brigadier General Ali Khuzam of the Syrian Republic Guards' 105th Brigade, had been killed in November 2012. The operation to retake Deir Ezzor and relieve the 104th Airborne Brigade was announced earlier this year and named "Operation Khuzam," or "Lavender," in honor of the slain colonel. Last year, Zahreddine was pictured posing among the bodies of ISIS militants in Deir Ezzor. GettyImages-845369692 GEORGE OURFALIAN/AFP/Getty Images Seen as one of Assad's most trusted generals, he has been portrayed as a war hero by the Syrian government's supporters and a brutal military leader by its detractors. The European Union added Zahreddine to a list of sanctioned individuals in July, accusing him of "violent repression" against civilians in the early days of the conflict. When the siege on Deir Ezzor was broken early last month, Assad himself reportedly congratulated Zahreddine and other commanders for their effort. Zahreddine told state-run television shortly after the victory that he praised Syrians who stood with the military throughout the conflict, and warned that those who left Syria should not return because "even if the state forgives you, we will never forgive or forget." He apologized and clarified his remarks in an interview the following day, saying he was referring specifically to those who joined ISIS and committed atrocities against Syrian soldiers, adding that "fellow citizens who have gone abroad are most welcome to return," according to Middle East Eye. RTS1GUTF Institute for the Study of War/Reuters Zahreddine died after his vehicle struck a landmine in the Sakker Island area just east of Deir Ezzor city, according to Al Manar, an outlet with ties to the Lebanese Shiite Muslim Hezbollah movement that fights alongside the Syrian military, and The Telegraph. It is not yet known who will fill Zahreddine's post, but he is survived by his son, Yarob, who is also reportedly fighting with the 104th Airborne Brigade. The alliance of Syria, Russia and Iran currently battling ISIS in the oil-rich province of Deir Ezzor has lost a number of high-ranking military leaders over the years, but has recently retaken most of Deir Ezzor city and a number of strategic towns in its vicinity. As ISIS's self-styled caliphate collapses, however, it continues to stage fierce resistance against both pro-government forces and U.S.-backed, mostly Kurdish fighters advancing against it. Related Articles Leo Varadkar denies plans to cut rate from 12.5% to 8% President is proposing to cut US corporation tax to 20% The taoiseach, Leo Varadkar: Our corporate profit tax is 12.5 percent%, has been for a very long time through changes of government, through recessions and through periods of growth. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA The Irish prime minister has accused Donald Trump of peddling fake news after the US president wrongly claimed that Ireland plans to further reduce its much-criticised 12.5% corporation tax. Trump angered Irish officials with his comments at a White House briefing on Monday, in which he alleged that Ireland was going to cut the tax on corporations such as Apple, Google and Facebook to 8%. I hear that Ireland is going to be reducing their corporate rates down to 8% from 12, Trump told reporters. But the taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, denied the allegation during prime ministers questions in the Dail (Irish parliament) on Wednesday. I can confirm that President Trumps claim that we are proposing to reduce our corporation profit tax to 8% is indeed fake news. There is no such plan to do so, Varadkar said in response to a parliamentary question. Irelands low 12.5% corporation tax has been used as key fiscal policy to attract some of the worlds largest multinationals to the country. The likes of Apple, Microsoft and other mainly US corporations flock to Ireland to use it as a beachhead into the European market. But fellow EU states such as France have criticised the 12.5% rate, accusing the Irish of bribing multinationals with low-tax sweeteners. Successive Irish governments have robustly defended the 12.5% rate, arguing that it has created hundreds of thousands of jobs through foreign direct investment. In response to the latest criticism of the tax rate from across the Atlantic, Varadkar said: Our corporate profit tax is 12.5%, has been for a very long time through changes of government, through recessions and through periods of growth, and it is as much that certainty that is as important to business as anything else. Trump has argued that the United States should reduce corporation tax at home to 20% to stop the flight of American multinationals, often from the hi-tech or big pharma sectors, from relocating to Ireland. Story continues The United States has also recently come under criticism in Northern Ireland over plane-making giant Boeings attempt to have import tariffs imposed on rival Bombardier because the latter receives state support. Boeings legal actions in the US have put in peril up to 2,000 jobs in Bombardiers Belfast plant which manufactures the wings for its C-series jets. The question to President Trump on Monday sounded relatively innocuous: Why havent we heard anything from you so far about the soldiers that were killed in Niger? And what do you have to say about that? Its certainly not the kind of question that seemed likely to set off several days of heated controversy. But the hubbub that has ensued, centering on Trumps response to the deaths of four soldiers in Niger and, more broadly, the way he deals with grieving military families, is yet another example of how this president inflicts crises on himself. This pattern has happened several times since Trump entered office, with the tussle over the size of his crowd on Inauguration Day and his claim that Barack Obama wiretapped him. In each case, Trumps bluster and his seeming obsession with Obama have led him to commit serious unforced errors. Related Story 'President Trump Did Disrespect My Son' As is now well known, Trump took that question as an opportunity to unfavorably compare previous presidents methods of consoling Gold Star families to his own, suggesting his predecessors had done little or nothing, while he tried to call the family of every fallen soldier. That answer was off-key not only because of the unsolicited slur of other presidents but also because Trump so quickly made the story about himself. While the gap between the October 4 deaths and the October 16 comment remains unexplained, Trump could easily have offered an anodyne statement praising the mens valor and the importance of U.S. troops to fighting violent extremism. In fact, Politico reports that the National Security Council staff drafted exactly such a statement for release on October 5, the day after the deaths. The heroic Americans who lost their lives yesterday did so defending our freedom and fighting violent extremism in Niger, a draft read in part. Our administration and our entire nation are deeply grateful for their sacrifice, for their service, and for their patriotism. Yet for reasons that are still not clear, the statement was never released. Putting it out might have dampened any questions about the missionwhich, it is increasingly appears, was ridden with problemsand avoided the press-conference question. Story continues Recommended: Has the Supreme Court Legalized Public Corruption? Instead, Trump took the opportunity to claim he called nearly every family of a fallen servicemember. Im going to be calling them. I want a little time to pass, he said. (Its worth noting that Trump seemed to be short-circuiting his own communications staff by holding the press conference, making the error his alone.) On Tuesday, he added, I think Ive called every family of someone whos died. By making the debate about himself, by attacking former presidents of both parties and thus guaranteeing their staffers would jump into the fray, and by inviting reporters to dig into the matterYou could ask General [John] Kelly, did he get a call from Obama? he said TuesdayTrump was begging reporters to peer under rocks they might not have otherwise noticed. Predictably, once they started turning over rocks, there was some gross stuff beneath them. First there was Trumps call to the widow of La David Johnson, killed in Niger, which only came Tuesday night, when Trump was facing pressure. The call was a fiasco, ending with the widow in tears and Johnsons grieving mother feeling her family had been disrespected. Then came an Associated Press story reporting that contrary to his claim, Trump had not called every family of a servicemember killed on his watch; in fact, he had snubbed one despite repeated requests, and had not even sent letters to others. Then The Washington Post published a devastating follow-up. At least 20 Americans have been killed in action since he became commander in chief in January, the paper reported. The Washington Post interviewed the families of 13 and found that his interactions with them vary. About half had received phone calls, they said. The others said they had not heard from the president. Recommended: How Can Growing American Cities Spread Their Wealth Around? Furthermore, Trump had offered $25,000 to the family of slain Corporal Dillon Baldridge of Zebulon, North Carolina, and offered to establish an online fundraiser for them during a conversation in June. The Baldridges had never seen the money nor heard another word, the Post reported. Once contacted by the paper, the White House said Wednesday the check was in the mail. The anecdote is stunning for several reasons. First, its odd for the president to offer a five-figure check to one family and not to others. Second, its odd to offer huge sums and then not follow throughthough as David Fahrenthold demonstrated during the campaign, promising large checks and then not following through has been a signature Trump move for decades. Third, Trump should have known that he had made promises like this and not followed through, and that by encouraging reporters to look around, he was inviting disaster. It was like Gary Hart telling the press they could feel free to look into his personal life, only adding the explosive element of national reverence for the military. Audaciously, White House Press Secretary Sarah H. Sanders on Wednesday attacked Representative Frederica Wilson, who first disclosed the fiasco of the call to the Johnson family, for trying to politicize this issue, as though Trump had not done that with his answer at the press conference on Monday. Where will the latest self-inflicted crisis go? It is, of course, unpredictable. Respect for the troops has typically been a dangerous third rail for politicians, though Trump has grasped the electrified rail repeatedly throughout his presidency and lived to tell the tale. But the Inauguration Day and wiretapping incidents both offer some hints. Recommended: The First White President In each of those cases, the error was unforced. Photos that revealed that the crowds at Trumps inauguration were smaller than at Obamas first inauguration were, perhaps, wounding to the pride of a man who wants everything to be the biggest and best, but the story would have quickly faded. Yet whenever theres a comparison with Obama on the table, the president seems unable to resist the bait. The Trump administration decided to pick a fight, deleting a National Park Service tweet comparing crowds and marching then-Press Secretary Sean Spicer out the next day to upbraid reporters and insist to them, against all available evidence, that in fact Trumps crowds were bigger. A day after that, Kellyanne Conway went on Meet the Press and uttered her infamous claim about alternative facts. That pair of incidents immediately poisoned whatever good will or willingness to start afresh the press corps might have had, established the administrations weakness for bogus claims, and, withalternative facts, provided a convenient shorthand for that tendency. The wiretap claim followed a similar arc. With stories of Russian interference in the election bubbling in March, Trump uncorked a series of tweets on a Saturday morning, beginning with, Just found out that Obama had my wires tapped in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism! There was no evidence for the claim except speculation by conservative journalists Mark Levin and Breitbart, but once again, the specter of Obama seemed to drive Trump to distraction. Trump proceeded to demand that Congress investigate and insisted he had evidence for his claim, even as he failed to provide it. The ensuing circus led to Representative Devin Nunes, a close Trump ally and the chair of the House Intelligence Committee, being forced to recuse himself from the Russia investigation (though he continues to involve himself). Later in March, James Comey testified to Congress that there was no evidence of a wiretapa conclusion the Trump Justice Department has since affirmedand also disclosed that the FBI was investigating whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to interfere in the election. Nuness tainting of the House Intelligence Committee process and Trumps decision to fire Comey on May 9 were both key catalysts of Robert Muellers appointment as special counsel, which threatens the Trump administration on many fronts. If these two examples hold, here are three predictions: In the immediate term, Trumps unforced error will crest and then decline, eventually fading into a new news cycle. In the longer term, however, this flap will undermine faith in the administration and have unintended side effects for Trumps presidency. Finally, whatever else happens, its only a matter of time before Trump finds himself unable to resist another comparison with Barack Obama, and as a result, inflicts another crisis on himself. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. President Trump at the White House, Oct. 19, 2017. (Photo: Kevin Dietsch-Pool/Getty Images) Donald Trump fabricated a link between a rise in United Kingdom crime and Islamic terror Friday morning, causing confusion among Brits. Just out report, wrote Trump on Twitter, United Kingdom crime rises 13% annually amid spread of Radical Islamic terror. Not good, we must keep America safe! Trump is apparently referring to a report released Thursday by the United Kingdoms Office of National Statistics, which indeed cited a 13 percent rise in crime. However, the words Muslim and Islamic are not mentioned in the 60-page, 18,000-word report, despite Trump putting them in quotes in his tweet. Most of the 13 percent rise in crime, per the report, comes from an increase in knife crime and sexual offenses. There were 664 homicide victims in the United Kingdom during the 12 months ending in June 2017, compared to 762 in Chicago for the calendar year 2016. The population of Britain is about 66 million. Of those 664 murders, 35 resulted from two terror attacks: a van and knife attack at London Bridge in June and a bomb at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester a month earlier. Terror is mentioned five times in the report, referring to those two events. There was a substantial increase of 59% (426 offences) in the number of attempted murder offences in the latest year, read the report. This rise is due largely to the London and Manchester terror attacks, where the police recorded 294 (69% of the rise in) attempted murder offences. The presidents tweet caused confusion on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Donald Trump links UK crime rise to radical Islamic terror, despite complete absence of evidence to support claim, read a headline in the U.K.-based newspaper the Independent. Donald Trump has erroneously linked a rise in recorded crime in England and Wales to the spread of radical Islamic terror in his latest outburst on Twitter, read a story in the Guardian. There was also pushback from some British politicians, with one lawmaker asking, Can you please stick out of our business with such divisiveness? Story continues Trump had previously criticized London Mayor Sadiq Khan for his handling of the June terror attack in London, earning the president criticism for misconstruing Khans comments. A state visit by Trump to England was put on hold shortly after. Read more from Yahoo News: Fox News says the "fake news" mainstream media isn't to blame for once, and it is instead pointing to the president. No, you aren't reading that wrong. Anchor Bret Baier said no one other than President Donald Trump is the cause of the latest controversy involving the White Houseover calling families of fallen soldiers, including the four recently killed in Niger. Trump said earlier this week that he called the families of the fallen Niger soldiers and "virtually everybody" related to those who have died in the military under his watch, and he then suggested other presidents, including Barack Obama, did not. Reporters being reporters, some looked into the president's claim and found he in fact hadn't yet called the families of at least nine soldiers. The Washington Post also found Trump promised $25,000 to the father of one solider this summer, but never sent the money until the newspaper reported the incident. Baier told host Sandra Smith that while "some people in town" will "blame the media for jumping and focusing on" this issue, Trump "turned it to previous presidents and whether they called or didn't call," and that was "what started this whole cascade." Baier continued: "The president opened this door." (The conversation about Niger and calling fallen soldiers starts at 2:40 in the segment below.) Baier said Trump and Representative Frederica Wilson have had a "painful" back and forth after the Florida Democrat told the media she was there when the president called the widow of Sergeant La David Johnson, who died in Niger. Wilson said she overheard Trump tell her that Johnson "knew what he signed up for." Trump has denied the allegation both in person and on Twitter, posting: "Democrat Congresswoman totally fabricated what I said to the wife of a soldier who died in action (and I have proof). Sad!" The president has not elaborated on what proof he has of the call. Story continues Related Articles President Trump is firing back at a congresswoman who claims he disrespected a fallen soldier and his family following the U.S. serviceman's death in Niger earlier this month. Read: Trump Draws National Outrage After Claiming Obama Never Called Gold Star Families "I didn't say what that congresswoman said, and she knows it," Trump told reporters at the White House Wednesday. "I had a very nice conversation with the woman, with the wife who was sounded like a lovely woman. [I] did not say what the congresswoman said, and most people arent too surprised to hear that. Earlier in the day, Trump took to his favorite social media platform and tweeted his denial. Democrat Congresswoman totally fabricated what I said to the wife of a soldier who died in action (and I have proof). Sad! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 18, 2017 Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson says she overheard Trump speaking to the widow of Army Sgt. La David Johnson on a speakerphone as they traveled in a limousine to meet the soldiers remains at Miami International Airport. "Basically, he said, 'Well, I guess he knew what he signed up for, but I guess it still hurt,'" Wilson told CNNs Don Lemon Tuesday night. Johnson's mother backed up the congresswoman, telling The Washington Post that she also overheard the president on the speaker, saying, President Trump did disrespect my son." Read: Eminem Slams 'Kamikaze' President Trump in Scathing 4-Minute Freestyle Rap Despite Trump's denial, Wilson is sticking to her story, taking to Twitter to continue to denounce the president. I stand my account of the call with @realDonaldTrump and was not the only one who heard and was dismayed by his insensitive remarks. Rep Frederica Wilson (@RepWilson) October 18, 2017 Sgt. Johnson, 25, was one of four soldiers slain two weeks ago during an ambush in Niger. He was given a water cannon salute as the plane taxied upon arrival in Miami earlier this week. Story continues Moments later, a heartbreaking image showed Johnson's wife, Myeisha, who is pregnant with their third child, resting her head on the flag-draped casket while weeping. Their 6-year-old daughter is seen at her side. Watch: Donald Trump's Ex-Wife Ivana Says He Still Asks Her for Advice: 'Should I Tweet? Should I Not Tweet?' Related Articles: The firm behind an explosive dossier of allegations about President Donald Trumps links to Russia sent officials to meet with the House Intelligence Committee on Wednesday but refused to provide testimony as to who financed the research. Related: Heres what the 'golden shower' dossier now being investigated by Mueller claims about Trump and Russia Fusion GPS last year commissioned former British intelligence agent Christopher Steele to produce the report. While a large portion of the allegations about Trump remain unverified, the dossier has become an increasing part of the investigation into Russias interference in the 2016 election. The investigation into the dossier, it was recently reported, has been taken up by special counsel Robert Mueller. Those responsible for the dossier, though, have said little since it was published by BuzzFeed News in January, after it was previously passed into the hands of then-President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump. The research, according to reports, was initially financed by anti-Trump Republicans before being continued by Democrats during the 2016 general election. After a subpoena was issued by House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, Fusion GPS co-founder Peter Fritsch and partner Thomas Catan made the trip to Capitol Hill Wednesday. However, the firm's lawyer, Josh Levy, opted to invoke constitutional privileges for them not to testify, arguing that they would be compelled to breach their clients confidentiality. No American should have to experience todays indignity. No American should be required to appear before Congress simply to invoke his constitutional privileges, Levy said, according to Politico. But that is what Chairman Nunes did today with our clients at Fusion GPS, breaking with the practice of his committee in this investigation. Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump Mikhail Klimentiev/AFP/Getty Images Story continues Levy had written a letter to the committee on Monday that accused the Republican Nunes, who stepped down from the Russia investigation in April but remains chairman of the committee and still signs off on all its subpoenas, of an abuse of power. He made clear that his clients would invoke their Fifth Amendment rights. He also referenced that Fusion GPS co-founder Glenn Simpson spent more than 10 hours being quizzed by the Senate Judiciary Committee in August. During Simpsons testimony, he told the committee that he stands by the dossiers findings and is proud of the report, Levy said afterward. Fusion GPS has accused investigators of attempting to smear the Washington, D.C.based firm because of what its 35-page collection of memos alleged about the Trump campaign. The dossier claims that Russia had been supporting Trump for at least five years and that there had been contact between Russian officials and members of his campaign, including Trumps personal lawyer, Michael Cohen. It also contained more salacious accusations. Notably, it said that the Russian FSB spy agency possessed a video of Trump getting prostitutes to urinate on the bed in a Moscow hotel room once occupied by Barack and Michelle Obama. The claim earned the report the nickname the pee-tape or the golden shower dossier. Trump has called the allegations totally made-up stuff, and Cohen sent a letter to Congress in August strongly denying the specific allegations made against him. But the FBI and Mueller appear to be taking the dossier far more seriously than was initially believed, with Mueller recently meeting with the man behind it, Steele. Related Articles By Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to pressure China's president when they meet next month in Beijing to do more to rein in North Korea out of a belief that Xi Jinping's consolidation of power should give him more authority to do so. Trump leaves Nov. 3 on a trip that will take him to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines. It will be his first tour of Asia since taking power in January and one with a major priority: Preventing the standoff with North Korea from spiraling out of control. Xi is immersed in a Communist Party Congress expected to culminate in him consolidating his control and potentially retaining power beyond 2022, when the next congress takes place. Trump believes that Xi should have even more leverage to work on the North Korea problem. The presidents view is you have even less of an excuse now, said one official. Hes not going to step lightly. Trump wants to gain some serious cooperation from China to persuade Pyongyang to either change its mind or help deprive it of so much resources that it has no choice but to alter its behavior, the official said. Trump has heaped praise on Xi in recent weeks in hopes of gaining Chinese cooperation and has held back from major punitive trade measures. In an interview with Fox Business Network's Maria Bartiromo, Trump said he wants to "keep things very, very low key" with Xi until the Chinese leader emerges from the party congress. "I believe he's got the power to do something very significant with respect to North Korea. We'll see what happens. Now with that being said, we're prepared for anything. We are so prepared, like you wouldnt believe," Trump said in the interview, to air on Sunday. Trump has traded bitter insults with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, using his speech at the United Nations General Assembly last month to dismiss Kim as a "rocket man" on a suicide mission for his repeated nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches. He said if threatened, the United States would "totally destroy" North Korea. Kim in recent weeks said the United States would face an "unimaginable strike" from North Korea if provoked. CIA chief Mike Pompeo said on Thursday that North Korea could be only months away from gaining the ability to hit the United States with nuclear weapons. (Additional reporting by David Brunnstrom; Editing by James Dalgleish) On Wednesday, Oct. 25, between 10:45 a.m. and 9 p.m., all Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants in San Francisco and the North Bay will be donating 100 percent of fundraiser sales to the Napa Valley Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of Sonoma County to help people impacted by the fires. As the Trump administration continues to spar with a Democratic lawmaker over the Presidents efforts to console a grieving military widow, some people are wondering: What was the slain soldier, Sgt. La David Johnson, doing that led to his death in the Western African country of Niger? The specifics of the U.S. mission in Niger, and in Africa more broadly, have been largely overshadowed by the feud between President Trump, his Chief of Staff John Kelly, and Democratic congresswoman Frederica Wilson. Heres what to know. What happened to Sgt. La David Johnson? Many of the details concerning the event remain unclear as the Pentagon continues to investigate the incident. But the Washington Post reports that, on Oct. 4, a group of eight to 12 U.S. soldiers were ambushed by around 50 Islamist militants while accompanying 30 to 40 Nigerien troops near the village of Tongo Tongo, just south of Nigers border with Mali. A thirty-minute firefight ensued, during which four Americans were killed. They included Staff Sgts. Dustin Wright, Bryan Black and Jeremiah Johnson, and Sgt. La David Johnson. Johnsons remains were returned to the U.S. earlier this week. The incident went relatively unnoticed until earlier this week, when Rep. Wilson told a local Florida TV station that, when trying to console Sgt. Johnsons widow, President Trump told her over the phone that Johnson knew what he signed up for. Wilson, who said she overheard Trumps call on a car speakerphone, has been at the center of a political firestorm over the conversation ever since. Why are U.S. troops in Niger, and where is Niger? When we think of the U.S. counterterrorism effort overseas, we tend to think of the Middle East. But there has long been a pocket of radical Islam in sub-Saharan Africa particularly in the countries of Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Chad, and Mauritania and that pocket continues to grow. The terror inflicted upon northeastern Nigeria by the radical Islamist group Boko Haram, for instance, has been well-documented. Story continues Who was behind the attack on U.S. soldiers in Niger? According to the Washington Post, the Defense Intelligence Agency has linked the attack to the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara. Thats a confederation of jihadists who pledged their allegiance to the greater Islamic State movement, or ISIS, in 2015. Terror experts report that the group earned credibility in the jihadist realm after a string of attacks in sub-Saharan Africa in the fall of 2015. What comes next? President Donald Trump resorted to name-calling in a tweet late Thursday, blasting a congresswoman as wacky for criticizing his condolence call to the widow of a Florida soldier slain in Niger. Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) secretly listened to a very personal call, Trump wrote in his tweet, and repeated his claim that she lied about what was said. The soldiers mother has backed Wilsons account. The Fake News is going crazy with wacky Congresswoman Wilson(D), who was SECRETLY on a very personal call, and gave a total lie on content! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 20, 2017 Wilson, who has known the soldiers family for years, was traveling in a car this week with pregnant widow Myeshia Johnson when Trumps call came in offering his condolences for the Oct. 4 death of Army Sgt. La David Johnson. Wilson criticized Trump afterward as insensitive for telling Johnson that her husband knew what he signed up for but when it happens, it hurts. Wilson said Trump referred to Johnson repeatedly as your guy, and failed to use his name. Trump insisted that Wilson totally fabricated the account, and that he had proof. Statements defending the presidents handling of the call by White House chief of staff John Kelly and senior adviser Kellyanne Conway on Thursday didnt challenge Wilsons account of what Trump said. He knew what he was getting into ... He knew what the possibilities were because were at war, Kelly said at a press conference, referring to Johnson. Thats what the president tried to say to four families the other day. Kelly did lambast Wilson as selfish, and said he was brokenhearted when he learned she had listened to the call. It stuns me that a member of Congress would have listened in on that conversation, Kelly said at a press conference. I thought at least that was sacred. Story continues Johnson participated in the 5,000 Role Models of Excellence Project, which mentors young African Americans, and was founded by Wilson. She was in the car to meet Johnsons casket with his family when Trumps call came in, according to the Miami Herald, and she heard it on speakerphone. Johnsons mother has confirmed that Wilsons account of the call was accurate. President Trump did disrespect my son and my daughter, and also me and my husband, Cowanda Jones-Johnson told The Washington Post. There was no immediate response from Wilson to Trumps latest tweet. Wilsons spokeswoman told The Hill earlier that the congresswoman wouldnt be making any further remarks about the controversy because the focus should be on helping a grieving widow and family heal, not on her or Donald Trump. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. (MIAMI) President Donald Trump told the widow of a soldier killed in an ambush in Niger that her husband knew what he signed up for, according to a Florida congresswoman who says she heard part of the conversation on speakerphone. Rep. Frederica Wilson said she was in the car with Myeshia Johnson on Tuesday on the way to Miami International Airport to meet the body of Johnsons husband, Sgt. La David Johnson, when Trumpcalled. When asked by Miami station WPLG if she indeed heard Trump say that she answered: Yeah, he said that. To me, that is something that you can say in a conversation, but you shouldnt say that to a grieving widow. She added: Thats so insensitive. But in a Wednesday morning tweet, Trump said Wilsons description of the call was fabricated. Democrat Congresswoman totally fabricated what I said to the wife of a soldier who died in action (and I have proof). Sad! Trump wrote without specifying what proof he had. Sgt. Johnson was among four servicemen killed in the African nation of Niger earlier this month. They died when militants thought to be affiliated with the Islamic State group ambushed them while they were patrolling in unarmored trucks with Nigerien troops. Wilson, a Democrat, said she did not hear the entire conversation and Myeshia Johnson told her she couldnt remember everything that was said when asked it about it later. The White House didnt immediately comment. Trump has been criticized for not reaching out right away to relatives of the four killed in Niger. On Monday, Trump said hed written letters that had not yet been mailed. His aides said they had been awaiting information before proceeding. By David Morgan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Senate Republicans appeared to have enough votes on Wednesday to pass a budget measure that is crucial to President Donald Trump's hopes of enacting tax reform legislation before the end of the year. Senate Republican whip John Cornyn, who is in charge of marshalling votes for legislation, said he expected the fiscal 2018 spending blueprint to draw the support necessary to unlock a legislative tool enabling Republicans to move a tax reform bill through the Senate without help from Democrats. Asked if Republicans had enough votes to pass the budget measure, Cornyn told Reuters: "I believe we do." The resolution requires approval from at least 50 lawmakers in the 100-seat chamber, with Vice President Mike Pence able to cast a tie-breaking vote. The Senate is expected to vote on the budget resolution on Thursday. Republicans control the Senate by only a 52-48 margin, and with Democrats largely opposed to Trump's plan to deliver up to $6 trillion in tax cuts to businesses and individuals, Republicans can afford to lose few votes among their own. A budget approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives would allow Republicans to use a procedure known as reconciliation to move tax legislation through the Senate with a simple majority, rather than the 60 votes normally required. Republican Senator Rand Paul, a fiscal hawk, has threatened to vote against the measure. But Republicans would need to lose three votes for the measure to fail, and there did not appear to be two other Republicans opposing the resolution. On Wednesday, Republicans voted down Democratic amendments to prevent tax cuts for wealthy Americans and protect funding for the Medicare and Medicaid health insurance programs for the elderly and the poor. Earlier on Wednesday, Trump talked with 18 members of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, including Republicans and five Democrats who are up for re-election in states that Trump won in the 2016 presidential election. The White House hopes those Democrats will be open to working with Trump. It was the latest White House attempt to recruit Democratic support to ensure that tax reform does not meet the same fate as Republican efforts to repeal Obamacare, which failed in the Senate when Republicans could not muster enough votes. Trump and top Republicans insist that the tax plan would benefit the middle class. Analysts argue that wealthy Americans would benefit most. On Wednesday, the left-leaning Center for American Progress released a report saying that Trump personally would get $23 million a year from a proposed business tax cut, while his heirs and heirs of his Cabinet members would reap $3.5 billion from the repeal of the federal inheritance tax. Senator Ron Wyden, the committee's top-ranking Democrat, who attended Wednesday's meeting, said he warned Trump that some middle-class voters would be hurt by the plan's proposal to eliminate the $4,000 personal exemption and the deduction for state and local taxes. "Any plan that starts off with the middle class in a serious hole is going to be pretty hard to fix," Wyden told reporters. Democrats oppose the Republican budget resolution in part because it would allow tax legislation to expand the federal deficit by up to $1.5 trillion over the next decade. (Reporting by David Morgan; Editing by Caren Bohan and Leslie Adler) By Tim Kelly ABOARD USS RONALD REAGAN, Sea of Japan (Reuters) - The USS Ronald Reagan, a 100,000-ton nuclear powered aircraft carrier, patrolled in waters east of the Korean peninsula on Thursday, in a show of sea and air power designed to warn off North Korea from any military action. The U.S. Navy's biggest warship in Asia, with a crew of 5,000 sailors, sailed around 100 miles (160.93 km), launching almost 90 F-18 Super Hornet sorties from its deck, in sight of South Korean islands. It is conducting drills with the South Korean navy involving 40 warships deployed in a line stretching from the Yellow Sea west of the peninsula into the Sea of Japan. "The dangerous and aggressive behavior by North Korea concerns everybody in the world," Rear Admiral Marc Dalton, commander of the Reagan's strike group, said in the carrier's hangar as war planes taxied on the flight deck above. "We have made it clear with this exercise, and many others, that we are ready to defend the Republic of Korea." The Reagan's presence in the region, coupled with recent military pressure by Washington on Pyongyang, including B1-B strategic bomber flights over the Korean peninsula, comes ahead of President Donald Trump's first official visit to Asia, set to start in Japan on Nov. 5, with South Korea to follow. North Korea has slammed the warship gathering as a "rehearsal for war". It comes as senior Japanese, South Korean and U.S. diplomats meet in Seoul to discuss a diplomatic way forward backed up by U.N. sanctions. The U.N. Security Council has unanimously ratcheted up sanctions on North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes since 2006. The most stringent include a ban on coal, iron ore and seafood exports that aim at halting a third of North Korea's $3 billion of annual exports. On Monday, Kim In Ryong, North Koreas deputy U.N. envoy, told a U.N. General Assembly committee the Korean peninsula situation had reached a touch-and-go point and a nuclear war could break out at any moment. Story continues A series of weapons tests by Pyongyang, including its sixth and most powerful nuclear test on Sept. 3 and two missile launches over Japan, has stoked tension in East Asia. A Russian who returned from a visit to Pyongyang has said the regime is preparing to test a missile it believes can reach the U.S. west coast. On Sunday, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said President Donald Trump had instructed him to continue diplomatic efforts to defuse tension with North Korea. Washington has not ruled out the eventual possibility of direct talks with the North to resolve the stand-off, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan said on Tuesday. (Reporting by Tim Kelly; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) Related Video: Watch news, TV and more on Yahoo View. Kiev (AFP) - Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko vowed on Friday to launch an anti-corruption court demanded by Kiev's Western allies and protesters camped out in a tent city near parliament. Poroshenko's firmest commitment yet to the new judiciary body comes against the backdrop of the first sustained wave of anti-government protests since Ukraine's 2014 pro-EU revolution. The Ukrainian leader left Kiev on Friday to meet soldiers and reaffirm his support for institutional changes he had promised when elected president in place of the ousted Russian-backed regime of Viktor Yanukovych. Poroshenko revealed that next year's draft budget already earmarks money for an anti-corruption court. "This testifies to the state leadership's firm commitment to launching this vitally important judicial body next year," Poroshenko said. "The way I see and plan it, the timeline for the new court's creation foresees the president's signature on an anti-corruption law by the end of the year," Poroshenko said. "This is completely feasible." There was no immediate response to Poroshenko's promise from Ukraine's creditors at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or protest leaders in Kiev. - 'Playing IMF for a fool' - Poroshenko's critics and some Western economists have accused the Ukrainian leader of deliberately dragging his feet over the court's creation in order to preserve the current political order. He has previously said that no special judiciary body aimed at tackling state corruption could be set up until 2020. "Is Poroshenko playing the IMF and markets for a fool?" London-based emerging markets economist Timothy Ash asked in an article published in the English-language Kyiv Post weekly. "Not sure what the IMF can do when (Ukraine) is intent on just going through the motions, trying to keep the IMF and markets warm, but stalling on pushing on with reform," Ash wrote. Story continues But Poroshenko was given a jolt when nearly 5,000 protesters rallied outside parliament on Tuesday demanding the court's immediate introduction and the passage of a law stripping members of parliament of their immunity from prosecution. Poroshenko branded the activists as "provocateurs who were thirsting for blood instead of reforms". "They want to destabilise the situation in Ukraine," Poroshenko said in televised remarks. But deputies agreed on Thursday to proceed with two bills eliminating their legal protection. The measures must still undergo a Constitutional Court review a cannot be introduced before 2018. Lawmakers are yet to address the anti-constitutional court legislation and are not due to convene again until November 7. The IMF has called the court's launch a "benchmark" of Ukraine's progress toward Western standards that would help ease the release of future loans. Ukraine ranked 131st out of 176 countries assessed by Transparency International's corruption perception index in 2016. Spotify has curated playlists reflecting the local flavor of each stop on HuffPosts Listen to America tour using location-based data to find out what people are really listening to in 20-plus cities. Check back for more from Sept. 12 through Oct. 30. Albuquerque stands out as one of the sunniest places around the U.S. (around 310 days per year!) but outsiders might recognize it best as the backdrop to the darkly comedic Breaking Bad, where a certain house still keeps getting pelted by pizzas. Here is where The Shins which is sort of only James Mercer now formed in 1996, and where Ozzy Osbournes drummer, Randy Castillo, got his start playing in a high school band. Other local acts have included the punk group Scared of Chaka, folk duo Hawk and a Hacksaw, and the 90s teen group The Rondelles, along with former alt-country group Hazeldine. Brokencyde also got going here, combining the ever-so-slightly contrasting genres of screamo and crunk, per The Guardian. But Albuquerque residents as a whole are big fans of country; Spotify found several acts including Brooks and Dunn, George Strait, Jason Aldean and Little Big Town getting noticeably more play here. People have also been remembering Selena, who would have celebrated the anniversary of her first album this week, and the recently deceased Tom Petty. Intriguingly, the song Too Many Lemons in my Chicken, by the Albuquerque group Indie Pigeon, was the most popular. Top-streaming radio hits round out the list: Spotify playlists for the Listen to America campaign were created by looking at each locations most popular songs (streaming in the highest numbers at time of publication), distinctive songs (currently being streamed more in this city compared to all other cities in the world) and tracks from local artists. While many picks are data-driven, some songs are handpicked from data lists to assure the playlists reflect a variety of genres and decades, as well as a healthy gender balance. Dakar (AFP) - The US embassy has warned its citizens in Senegal of a "credible threat" of a terror attack in the capital Dakar, advising them to take special care when visiting places and areas popular with Westerners. The embassy also told its own staff members to stay away from seaside hotels in Dakar. A message, issued on Wednesday to US citizens in the country, warned them "to be vigilant when visiting establishments and staying at hotels frequented by Westerners due to a credible threat related to potential terrorist activity in Dakar". It went on to advise US nationals to "review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings," while banning embassy personnel from staying at the seaside hotels until the first week of December. The Canadian government on Thursday issued a similar warning to its nationals in the west African nation. Unlike many of its neighbours Senegal is not known to have suffered from terror attacks. Dakar is set to host several international events in coming weeks, including the International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa on November 13-14. WASHINGTON White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters Friday that it would be highly inappropriate for them to question chief of staff John Kelly because he served in the military as a general. If you want to go after Gen. Kelly, that is up to you, she said. If you want to get into a debate with a four-star Marine general, I think that is something highly inappropriate. The controversy arose over Kellys appearance at the press podium on Thursday, when he went after Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.). Wilson said she heard President Donald Trumps condolence call to the widow of Sgt. La David Johnson, who died in a combat operation in Niger. Wilson was appalled at what Trump said: that Johnson mustve known what he signed up for when he enlisted in the military. The White House, including Trump, tried to cast Wilson as a liar. Democrat Congresswoman totally fabricated what I said to the wife of a soldier who died in action (and I have proof). Sad! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 18, 2017 Johnsons mother, however, backed the congresswoman up and said, President Trump did disrespect my son and my daughter and also me and my husband. The White House then shifted tactics, saying the congresswoman who is a close friend of the family shouldnt have been listening in on the call anyway. Kelly then went after her as a publicity hound. To illustrate his point, he recounted an event in April 2015, when he went to the dedication of an FBI field office in Miami, which was being named after two agents who had died on the job: And a congresswoman stood up, and in a long tradition of empty barrels making the most noise, stood up there in all of that and talked about how she was instrumental in getting the funding for that building, and how she took care of her constituents because she got the money, and she just called up President Obama, and on that phone call, he gave the money, the $20 million, to build the building, and she sat down. And we were stunned, stunned that shed done it. Even for someone that is that empty a barrel, we were stunned. Story continues Kelly, either intentionally or not, fabricated what happened. His story is simply not true, as video from the event later showed. Wilson did not brag about getting money for the building (because she wasnt in Congress when the funds were allocated), and she didnt make the event all about herself. The only reason Kellys lies were exposed was because journalists did their job and looked at the veracity of what a powerful person said. Thats what a free press does. But the Trump administration thinks that should stop. When a reporter asked Sanders Friday why Trump tweeted about Wilson again, the press secretary criticized reporters for continuing to talk about this story. She said reporters should have let Kelly have the final word and dropped the matter. Just to finish on the rest of your question of why the president felt the need to respond, its because it should have ended yesterday after General Kellys comments. But it didnt, she said. It continued, and its still continuing today. Its still the bulk of the coverage on most every TV you turn on and most every newspaper that you open up today. Kelly is a retired four-star Marine general. But that fact is irrelevant to whether journalists are allowed to question and criticize him. The military does not run the country. But under Trump who never served in the military generals have been given increased control and the military has taken a more central role. Early on, Trump decided to nominate retired Gen. Jim Mattis for the role of defense secretary. Traditionally, presidents choose civilians for that position. Mattis had to receive a waiver to be confirmed because he retired less than seven years ago. Trump also considered having a showy display of military might during his inaugural parade. With Kelly serving as chief of staff, that trend continues. At Thursdays press briefing, Kelly asked journalists if any of them knew anyone who had died serving in combat. If they did, they were entitled to ask him a question. Is anyone here a Gold Star parent or sibling? Does anyone here know a Gold Star parent or sibling? OK. You get the question, he said pointing to a man who indicated he did. As New Yorker writer Masha Gessen wrote Friday, This was a new twist on the Trump Administrations technique of shunning and shaming unfriendly members of the news media, except this time, it was framed explicitly in terms of national loyalty. As if on cue, the first reporter allowed to speak inserted the phrase Semper Fia literal loyalty oathinto his question. It stuns me that a member of Congress would have listened in on that conversation, absolutely stuns me. And I thought at least that was sacred, Kelly added on Thursday, essentially saying that a civilian shouldnt have the right to even hear a conversation dealing with military matters because in Trumps America, she isnt worthy. UPDATE, 8:50 p.m. Sanders attempted to clarify her remarks in a statement Friday evening. @jeffzeleny just obtained statement from @PressSec clarifying her remarks earlier on questioning Gen Kelly.. pic.twitter.com/Uy4RtHHmSL Matt Hoye (@mattyhoyeCNN) October 20, 2017 Want more updates from Amanda Terkel? Sign up for her newsletter, Piping Hot Truth, here. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Dear Readers: Many of you may have been harmed by the Northern California fires that started late the night of Sunday, Oct. 8. We have had several calls from clients and their families reporting the loss of their homes due to fire. Such a catastrophe often results in the loss of important estate planning documents as well. So what should you do if you lose your estate plan? Most of the time, as long as you can get a hold of a copy of your estate plan, it will be alright. If you have a trust, the loss or destruction of your original trust document does not revoke or otherwise eliminate the trust. It will still remain in full force and effect. If you lose your documents, contact your attorney. He or she should maintain a copy of all estate planning documents created by the firm, so its usually easy enough to get a copy from him or her. It is also a good idea to obtain a digital copy of your documents for safe keeping in case your lawyers records are also lost or destroyed. You can have your estate plan scanned and emailed to you, and you can forward a digital copy to everyone you want, such as some or all of your children. This way, even if all physical copies are lost, the details of your estate plan will still exist. Dont worry so much about the deed to your home. If your deed has been recorded at the County Recorders office, then the original physical document is no longer important. And these days, the Countys records are backed up digitally as well, so even if the Recorders office burns down, proof of your ownership of your home will not be lost. In your estate plan, there are two documents of which the original documents are very important and ought to be stored someplace safe, such as a safe deposit box or fireproof safe. You need to keep a hold of your original Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA). Banks and other financial institutions usually do not accept copies, although your attorney or a Notary Public can make certified copies for you if they inspect your original DPOA first. Your original will is also important. It is possible to probate a photocopy of a will if the original is lost in a fire or other disaster, but this is a bit more complicated and gives persons challenging the will an opening to claim that the will was revoked by you instead of being destroyed in a fire. What this really means is that if you lose your original will, you should see your attorney, who should be able to reprint the will with todays date on it and let you sign it again. The most important thing to remember is that its only money. Whatever you do, dont rush into a burning home or delay an evacuation to gather your trust documents. Keep it in perspective. Your health and safety are far more important. Len and Rosie Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) took a victory lap in her feud with President Donald Trump after the White House was caught falsely maligning her for the second time this week. proof noun noun: proof; plural noun: proofs 1. evidence or argument establishing or helping to establish a fact or the truth of a statement. https://t.co/Wcj85lXjmD Rep Frederica Wilson (@RepWilson) October 20, 2017 Twice this week the White House accused Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) of lying and each time the facts have vindicated her version of events. Most recently, evidence emerged disproving an accusation by White House Chief of Staff John Kelly that Wilson had gloated over securing funds for an FBI building in her district. Earlier this week, Wilson escalated a political firestorm over President Donald Trumps response to the deaths of four American military service members in Niger. After bragging of his willingness to call the families of fallen troops, Trump spoke with the loved ones of the most recent casualties, including Myeshia Johnson, the widow of Army Sgt. La David Johnson, and a constituent of Wilsons. Wilson, who was with Johnson when Trump called and heard the conversation on speakerphone, said Tuesday that Trump had told Johnson that her husband mustve known what he signed up for. The comments during a condolence call, Wilson said, showed that Trump has no feelings for anyone. Trump responded the following morning by alleging that Wilson totally fabricated the conversation and claiming he had proof that her version of events was not true. Then, on Thursday, La David Johnsons mother Cowanda Jones-Johnson, who said she was also present during the call, corroborated Wilsons version of events. Yes, the statement is true, Jones-Johnson said. I was in the car and I heard the full conversation. Story continues Caught in a lie, the White House, which had never offered evidence to contradict Wilsons description, quickly shifted its public relations strategy. In remarks to the White House press corps on Thursday, White House Chief of Staff John Kelly suggested that Trump spoke appropriately. Kelly, whose own son died serving in Afghanistan, recalled his sons commanding officer saying something similar. He knew what he was getting himself into, Kelly said, quoting his sons commanding officer. It was exactly where he wanted to be. That was the message. The White House has accused Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) of lying twice and has now been proven wrong twice. (Photo: Joe Skipper/Getty Images) But in keeping with Trumps relentless combat with critics, Kelly could not resist taking another false potshot at Wilson. As part of a larger attempt to paint Wilson as a political showboat, Kelly alleged that Wilson had taken credit for securing the federal funding for the construction of a new FBI building in Miramar, Florida. Kelly was present at the 2015 ceremony dedicating the building in his capacity as head of the U.S. militarys Southern Command. A congresswoman stood up, and in a long tradition of empty barrels making the most noise, stood up there in all of that and talked about how she was instrumental in getting the funding for that building, and how she took care of her constituents because she got the money, and she just called up President Obama, and on that phone call, he gave the money, the $20 million, to build the building, and she sat down, Kelly said. Here too, Kelly was either gravely mistaken or deliberately lying. The legislation allotting the federal funds for the creation of the building passed Congress in 2010, shortly before Wilson began her first term in office, McClatchy reported on Friday. Instead, Wilson drew praise at the ceremony from Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Fla.) and then-FBI director James Comey for pushing through legislation naming the buildings after two deceased FBI agents. Wilson during her ceremony speech took credit for ensuring that the buildings were named after the agents, but not for securing the funding, according to a video of the event obtained by the Sun-Sentinel. CORRECTION: This article initially identified Cowanda Jones-Johnson as Sgt. La David Johnsons aunt, she is his mother. Also on HuffPost Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. 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. A young woman earned rapturous applause after she asked white supremacistRichard Spencer how it felt to be punched in the face. The far right leader was addressing students in Florida - an event at which he was largely drowned out - when student journalist Eman Elshahawy asked Mr Spencer about a notorious incident when he was attacked on the street on the day of Donald Trumps inauguration. Two weeks after Mr Trumps election victory, Mr Spencer had led a celebratory rally for far right activists where people made Nazi salutes. During Mr Spencers appearance at the University of Florida in Gainesville, where his supporters amounted to around 30, he took questions from the audience, which contained many protesters. Crowd goes wild when young woman asks Richard Spencer how it felt to get punched in a face pic.twitter.com/Jn9O83FCVd Christopher Mathias (@letsgomathias) October 19, 2017 Ms Elshahawy, a student journalist who writes for the The Tab, picked up the microphone and said: Im Eman. My ethnicity is Egyptian and Puerto Rican. I am a beautiful brown woman here today. My question for you is how did it feel to get punched in the face on camera? Video footage of the moment recorded loud cheers from the audience in response to Ms Elshahawys question. Eventually Mr Spencer, who was making his first speech since an August rally in Charlottesville erupted in violence and left one anti-fascist protester dead, was able to respond. It hurt. Yeah, it hurts when someone punches you in the face. Is that a real question, he said, according to the Los Angeles Times. He added: Whats the point of such a question? Are you threatening me with violence Do you all want to get your hands dirty? Are you really willing to do something like that, or do you just want to shout self-righteously? Story continues Ms Elshahawy, 20 who is studying journalist and political science, said most of the journalism she had done had been traditional. She said when on issues of civil injustice she felt it was acceptable to ask the kind of question she did. I thought it was fair to ask a question like that, at a time like this, of a person like that, she said. Ms Elshahawys question was the final one to be asked of the far right leader during his 90-minute appearance at the university. Before he left, he said to the protesters: You think that you shut me down? Well, you didnt. You actually even failed at your own game. The world is not going to be proud of you. Mr Spencer, 39, who leads a group called the National Policy Institute, was attacked on the afternoon of Mr Trumps inauguration on January 20 by someone who punched him him in the face as he stood on the corner of 14th and K Street in Washington DC. Related Video: Watch news, TV and more on Yahoo View. Rev. Alison Harrington (center, in white robe) leading her congregation in worship at Southside Presbyterian Church in Tucson, Arizona, in 2013. At a time when undocumented people nationwide are living in fear under President Donald Trumps anti-immigrantpolicies, one church continues to lead the way in supporting them. Southside Presbyterian Church in Tucson, Arizona, helped launch the sanctuary church movement in the 1980s, when places of worship across the country helped harbor Central American migrants facing the threat of deportation after fleeing violence in their countries. Southside was one of the first to publicly offer sanctuary and helped an estimated 14,000 immigrants throughout that decade, ABC news reported. The Tucson church has also been part of the movements resurgence since 2014, prompted by former President Barack Obamas record deportation numbers. Around 400 churches nationwide declared support for undocumented immigrants, with some, including Southside, providing physical haven to people at immediate risk of deportation. This year, in response to President Donald Trumps anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies including a crackdown on so-called sanctuary cities and rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program the number of churches offering sanctuary has more than doubled to over 800 nationwide. Days before Trumps inauguration, Southside gathered with local congregations to promise sanctuary to undocumented people facing deportation in the coming years. Were living under an administration that is feeding off of a narrative of fear of the immigrant, Rev. Alison Harrington, Southsides pastor since 2009, told HuffPost. Its work we dont feel like we have a choice in. Our commandments are really clear: Welcome the stranger, work for the oppressed. Gods not like: Well, if you feel like it. Rev. Alison Harrington and her family (right) with the family of Rosa Robles Loreto, an undocumented immigrant who was living in sanctuary at Southside for 15 months in 2014. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement designates churches, along with schools and hospitals and events like funerals and political protests, as sensitive places that agents should avoid when carrying out arrests. Living within the walls of a place of worship can help immigrants avoid the threat of deportation, though its not a guarantee. Story continues Since Trumps election, at least a dozen people have sought sanctuary in churches nationwide. In one high-profile case, undocumented community organizer Jeanette Vizguerra took shelter in a Denver church for 86 days. But sanctuary work isnt limited to providing a physical haven, Harrington said. While sanctuary churches are meant to provide housing to people at risk of deportation, most wont actually be called upon to do that. Southside itself has not housed anyone yet this year. But the church still offers sanctuary to undocumented folks in the broader sense of the term, Harrington said, by providing community members with support through free legal clinics, coordinating child care and running the Southside Worker Center, where undocumented people get training on workplace rights. [Southside] does so many things whenever you have a need, you ask them, they help, Eleazar Castellanos, who is undocumented and was a lead coordinator at the worker center for two years, told HuffPost. If they cant, they connect you with someone who can. Its not necessary to be undocumented or in a situation of deportation. You can go, whoever you are. Its not enough to say, Come to our house of worship and youll be safe. We have to also work in our communities to make sure people are safe in their workplaces, in their homes.Rev. Alison Harrington Harrington says one of her biggest challenges has been communicating to new churches joining the movement that sanctuary entails supporting undocumented folks in the larger sense, not just offering last-resort housing. We know its not enough to say, Come to our house of worship and youll be safe. We have to also work in our communities to make sure people are safe in their workplaces, in their homes, Harrington said. Were telling congregations nationally its not just Check a box and say youre a sanctuary and feel really good about yourself. How do you go meet with people in your community who are already doing the work and stand alongside them? For Harrington, that has meant attending demonstrations against anti-immigrant policies alongside undocumented people, among other things. And because the immigrant community is diverse, it also means making her church a welcoming space for all groups who may be marginalized. My vision is every church as a sanctuary space, defined broadly, Harrington said. So trans folks are welcomed, and that means having bathrooms appropriate to welcome them. And every church has a Black Lives Matter sign up front. People feel like we have to do something, she added. [Otherwise] we wont be able to look our grandchildren in the face. Rev. Alison Harrington (left, in pink) demonstrating with members with members of the Southside Worker Center against Arizonas anti-immigrant bill SB1070 in 2010. Another challenge has been trying to ensure that churches dont draw too much attention to their own reverends who in many cases are white and almost never undocumented rather than to the undocumented people most affected by Trumps policies, who are often the ones organizing in the wider community. I think the hardest part is getting white people who are involved to appropriately engage in the work, helping them deconstruct whiteness and privilege, Harrington, who is white, told HuffPost. Its hard; I have to constantly reflect on what is my appropriate role. A lot of times when Ive done this work, I should have stepped back more. [But] this moment is not one for ideological purity we have a lot of people entering the movement who havent been engaged before, and we cant be shaming them for not using the right language, she added. Each one of us, especially who are white, have entered the work in some way [when] we failed, others were gracious. If were allies, its never going to be perfect, and this moment is too important to worry about perfection. Castellanos said the issue of white people putting themselves center-stage in sanctuary work hasnt concerned him much when it comes to Southside. Im blessed by that church, Castellanos said. I love those guys for all the effort and work theyve done. While the Chinese auto industry continues to grow and expand with new and original products, a number of automakers still refuse to play by the rules. Rather than coming up with original designs, these automakers shamelessly copy designs from other automakers, slapping their badge on the front as if it were an original product. According to Auto Express, Land Rover has grown tired of dealing with these frauds to the point that it's essentially stopped showing concept cars in order to stave off these clones. One of the most notable and brazen examples of these Chinese copycats is the LandWind X7. While that car looks like an obvious ripoff of the Range Rover Evoque, complaints by Jaguar Land Rover were dismissed, and the X7 hit the market for about a third of the price of the Evoque. Further efforts by JLR have done nothing to halt or change the car's production. It seems Chinese authorities are more interested in protecting the home team than upholding copyright laws. Land Rover design boss Gerry McGovern said the automaker was "wary of showing new concepts" because they just give these competitors time to work up a copy. Land Rover's latest model, the Velar, debuted in Geneva in production form. Skipping concepts may not stop competitors from making copies, but it does give Land Rover a huge head start when it comes to production. Related Video: Why Land Rover's reluctant to show concepts: Chinese clones originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Oct 2017 11:45:00 EDT. The dog with one of his owners, Lonnie Levy: Facebook A woman who thought she had paid for her dog to be euthanized has been surprised to find out that her dog was kept alive for five months after the procedure. New Jersey woman Keri Levy says that she made the difficult decision to put down the miniature pinscher she had owned for 15 years, but was astonished to receive an anonymous tip five months later that her pup was still alive. It broke my heart in a way like my heart has never been broken, Ms Levy told ABC News. A member of the tech crew at the Briarwood Veterinary hospital, where Ms Levy paid $192 for her dogs cremation, reportedly decided that they didnt think the dog should be euthanized, and instead took the animal home. In the five months that followed, however, the pooch received no further treatment, allowing the dogs bones and muscle mass to deteriorate. When Ms Levy found out that her dog was alive, he was badly emaciated. The veterinary hospital confirmed to The Independent that the employee and vet who decided not to follow through on the euthanasia are no longer employed there. They declined further comment, however. "It's hard enough when you have to decide when a pet should pass, but then to deal with that twice for the same pet, it's just unthinkable," Dr Maureen Kubisz, a veterinarian who works under the new management at the veterinarian hospital, said. Police are looking into potential theft charges, since the doctor took money, and then did not perform the procedure promised. Lake Baikal is undergoing its gravest crisis in recent history, experts say, as the government bans the catching of a signature fish that has lived in the world's deepest lake for centuries but is now under threat. Holding one-fifth of the world's unfrozen fresh water, Baikal in Russia's Siberia is a natural wonder of "exceptional value to evolutionary science" meriting its listing as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Baikal's high biodiversity includes over 3,600 plant and animal species, most of which are endemic to the lake. Over the past several years, however, the lake, a major international tourist attraction, has been crippled by a series of detrimental phenomena, some of which remain a mystery to scientists. They include the disappearance of the omul fish, rapid growth of putrid algae and the death of endemic species of sponges across its vast 3.2 million-hectare (7.9 million-acre) area. Starting in October, the government introduced a ban on all commercial fishing of omul, a species of the salmon family only found in Baikal, fearing "irreversible consequences for its population", the Russian fisheries agency told AFP. "The total biomass of omul in Baikal has more than halved since 15 years ago" from 25 million tonnes to just 10 million, the agency said. Local fishery biologist Anatoly Mamontov said the decrease is likely caused by uncontrollable fish poaching, with extra pressure coming from the climate. "Baikal water stock is tied to climate," he said. "Now there is a drought, rivers grow shallow, there are less nutrients. Baikal's surface heats up and omul does not like warm water." - 'Significant stress' - UNESCO last month "noted with concern that the ecosystem of the lake is reported to be under significant stress" and a decrease in fish stocks is just one observable effect. The Baikal omul, a well-known speciality, was for centuries the main local source of food, eaten salted or smoked, and especially important given the region has no farming. Story continues Another peril to the lake's ecosystem is the explosion of algal blooms unnatural to Baikal with thick mats of rotting Spirogyra algae blanketing pristine sandy beaches, which some scientists say indicates that the lake can no longer absorb human pollution without consequence. "I am 150 percent sure that the reason is the wastewater runoff" from towns without proper sewage treatment, particularly of phosphate-containing detergents, said Oleg Timoshkin, biologist at the Russian Academy of Sciences' Limnological Institute in Irkutsk. Fifteen years ago, some of the lake's picturesque villages had only two hours of electricity a day, but now improved power access means that "every babushka rents out rooms and has a washing machine," he said. - 'Not Baikal anymore' - Indeed the lake, which is 1,700 metres (5,580 feet) deep, and its tourism now provide a livelihood for many residents to replace fishing. Foreign visitors often spend time at Baikal while doing a trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway and in recent years more Chinese have been coming as Russia eased visa requirements. Russians love the area, too, for its hiking trails, camping and spectacular scenery. Timoshkin has travelled the length of Baikal testing for Spirogyra prevalence and said that in three critical zones near populated areas "the bottom does not look like Baikal anymore" and algae is pushing out oxygen-loving molluscs and crustaceans. Near the town of Listvyanka, the tourist hub closest to regional centre Irkutsk, "there used to be underwater forests of sponges 15 years ago, now they are all dead," Timoshkin said. Last year, Timoshkin tested 170 types of sponges throughout Baikal's coast, and "only 11 percent looked healthy," he said. "When you take a dead sponge to the surface it smells like a corpse." - Money 'stolen' - If dumping polluted water into the lake doesn't stop, "shallow coastal zones will change severely," he said, calling for a ban on phosphate-containing substances in the region and building "the best sewage treatment plants in Russia." President Vladimir Putin in August complained of "extremely high pollution" while visiting Lake Baikal, calling its preservation a "government priority". A special 1999 law in Russia spells out protection measures for Lake Baikal. The government is also putting 26 billion rubles (about $452 million, 385 million euros) into a cleanup programme, which started in 2012, to fund treatment facilities, though local experts say much of the money gets wasted. In one town, Babushkin, on Baikal's shore, millions of dollars were spent on a brand new treatment plant but bacteria meant to purify the water fail to work in the Siberian winter, local media said. "As usual, the strictness of our laws is compensated by the fact that following them is optional," said Buryatia-based ecologist Sergei Shapkhayev. "Money is being allocated but it gets stolen." Science funding has also grown thin at a time when studying Baikal is most vital, both Timoshkin and Mamontov said. "How can you cut funding during a crisis?" Timoshkin asked. "That's like firing epidemiologists during a smallpox outbreak." Until recently, Sun Zhengcai, the party secretary of the metropolis of Chongqing, the Chicago on the Yangtze, was seen as a possible successor to Xi Jinping. Then, in July, the Communist Party of China launched an investigation against him for corruption, leading to Suns dismissal from office and the precipitous end to his political career. Throughout the Western press, the removal of Sun Zhengcai was treated as conclusive proof that Xi plans to remain in charge after 2022, when term limits and political tradition will require him to give up power. This has been a common trope in the hazy world of Chinese political analysis since at least 2015, when Foreign Policy published Xi Jinping Forever, arguing that the Chinese leader would try to extend his rule beyond two terms. A constant stream of articles, especially in the run-up to this weeks 19th National Congress of the Communist Party, has reinforced the consensus that Xi Jinping isnt going anywhere anytime soon. But Xis ambitions have been vastly misunderstood, and Suns dismissal is a critical case in point. Xi used Suns removal not to aggrandize himself, but rather to quietly designate, in violation of recent tradition, his own desired successor for 2022 someone whom, for at least the past five years, Xi has managed to groom to carry forward his legacy without attracting too much attention. Xi has more than half a dozen allies in positions of power throughout Chinas provinces like Li Qiang, the Mongolian Bayanqolu, or Li Xi any one of whom could have been named as Suns successor in Chongqing. But Xis choice was striking: He promoted his ally Chen Miner, who was born in 1960. Why is his year of birth so important? Because, based on the traditional retirement age of 68, Chen Miner unlike Xis other prominent allies, who are older will be able to serve out a double term from 2022, when he will be 62. Were he born even just a year earlier, in 1959, this would have been impossible, as he would have been forced to retire in 2027. In choosing Chen Miner as the new leader of the metropolis of Chongqing, Xi has sent a broad hint to both the party and the outside world. The Communist Party doesnt hold press conferences to announce successors; it uses signals like this even if few in the West seem to be able to understand them. Xis privileged treatment of Chen is consistent with their relationship since the early 2000s, when they met in the province of Zhejiang, where Xi was serving as provincial party chief. Chen was the head of the provincial propaganda department, in charge of spreading Xis message throughout Zhejiang. In this position, he helped write Xis weekly column in the provincial party newspaper for almost four years. Xi left Zhejiang in March 2007, when he was moved to Shanghai, only seven months before the 17th Party Congress. Shanghai needed a new party chief, because the old one was removed after being investigated for corruption. In promoting Xi to Shanghai, one of Chinas largest cities, the party leadership indicated that he was destined for higher office. Indeed, at the 17th Party Congress in October, Xi entered the Politburo Standing Committee, the partys apex of power, and in March 2008 he was named vice president of China the definitive sign that he was being groomed to take over in 2012. Meanwhile, Chen Miner remained behind in Zhejiang, being named vice governor and then becoming an alternate member of the partys Central Committee at the 2007 Party Congress. He remained vice governor until 2012, the year when Xi was going to become the partys leader. In January 2012, Chen was promoted to the position of deputy party chief of the province of Guizhou. At the 2012 Party Congress, where Xi was named general secretary of the party, Chen was promoted as one of the 205 full members of the Central Committee and later appointed governor of Guizhou. Now in charge of the party, Xi announced the start of an anti-corruption campaign whose intensity surprised every observer. In 2015, the anti-corruption campaign targeted a sitting provincial party chief for the first time: Zhou Benshun, the top official in Hebei. Out of more than two dozen provincial party secretaries, Zhous replacement was the party secretary of Guizhou, who left his seat to head to Hebei. Thus Chen was promoted from governor to party secretary a higher-ranking position in Guizhou, where he would remain in charge for two more years. This was the first, but not the last time Chen would benefit from the anti-corruption campaign. Chens five-year stint in Guizhou coincided with an acceleration of Chinas fight against extreme poverty. Guizhou is one of Chinas poorest provinces but has a good track record of producing leaders. Hu Jintao, Xis predecessor, was Guizhous party chief in the 1980s. There, Chen was tasked with tackling one of Xi Jinpings most important objectives: the eradication of extreme poverty by 2020. In the process, he made some resounding moves, like convincing Apple to build a data center in Guizhou. Under Chens leadership in 2016, Guizhou reported the third-fastest growth among Chinese provinces, with a claimed GDP growth rate of 10.5 percent. In return, Xi has repeatedly signaled his trust in Chen. This year, every province has chosen its delegates to the 19th Party Congress. Chinese leaders are themselves delegates at the Party Congress. Xi Jinping, for example, was a delegate from Shanghai in both 2007 and 2012. For 10 years he has been living in Beijing, where he was also born. Through his career, he also served in Hebei, Fujian, and Zhejiang. Yet, in April 2017, it was announced with great fanfare in the Chinese press that Xi Jinping would be a delegate from Guizhou. Xis only link to this province is, of course, Chen Miner. His election was a clear message to party members and the party leadership that Xi trusts Chen. This trust was reinforced only three months later, in July, when Sun Zhengcai was removed from his post in Chongqing, being put under investigation for corruption. It was an earth-shattering event, as Sun was one of two possible successors for Xi. Sun was also the first sitting Politburo member put under investigation during Xis term. Until this moment, the anti-corruption campaign had only hunted wounded or retired top officials, instead of the real political heavyweights of the Politburo or the Politburo Standing Committee. (Bo Xilai, the most significant potential rival of Xis, fell before the campaign began, thanks to the strange events in the ever-significant town of Chongqing.) Who benefited from Suns investigation? Chen Miner, who was promoted to party chief of Chongqing three months before the 19th Congress, just as Xi was promoted to party chief of Shanghai seven months ahead of the 17th Congress. We could call this the 2007 Shanghai playbook, and it was put into action again. There is now a lot of discussion in the West about the Party Congress: Will Wang Qishan remain on the Politburo Standing Committee, despite the fact that he is supposed to retire, being above the 68-year age limit? Will Xi revive the post of party chairman? Will he have his name enshrined in the partys constitution, like Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping? Will Xi avoid naming a successor? But very few observers are talking about Chen and his bright prospects. The exaggerations about Xis power have obscured the most important question we should be asking: Will Xi manage to install Chen as his successor? Over the past three decades since Deng Xiaoping retired, Chinese leaders havent been able to name their own successor. Jiang Zemin had to accept Hu Jintao and fought to keep his own influence alive in the 2000s as a result. Hu Jintao couldnt install Li Keqiang as his successor and had to accept Xi Jinping. Now, in a sign of his own strength compared to his predecessors, Xi has purged one heir apparent, replacing him with his chosen ally. Only two possible successors remain: Chen Miner or Hu Chunhua, Hu Jintaos ally. In normal circumstances, Xi would have been forced to accept Hu Chunhua, who is the provincial party chief of Guangdong. But his plan seems to be to install Chen as Chinas next president in a way that makes it clear hes beholden to Xi, and which allows Xi to maintain his influence. Over the past three years, instead of analyzing Chens ascent and his prospects, all the attention has been focused on the idea that Xi aims to remain in power after 2022, based on anonymous sources. There are two explanations for these rumors: either it is just speculation and worry on the part of party members who later talked to Western journalists, or the rumors were deliberately planted. If so, they could have been planted by Xis enemies, as a smear campaign to accuse him of wanting to become a dictator. Or the rumors could have been started by his allies, to strengthen Xis hand in internal party negotiations. If it were the second explanation, the campaign has failed, as Xi will probably get his way. But if starting the rumors was Xis strategy all along, it was a brilliant plan: Everybody worried that Xi might rule beyond 2022, while he carefully groomed Chen Miner. Unlike Hu Chunhua or Sun Zhengcai, Chen hasnt been a member of the 25-person Politburo, so his chances to become Chinas next leader were slimmer. But now, when Xi negotiates with party leaders and proposes Chen as his successor, they may be inclined to say yes, keen to avoid Xis hypothetical third term. And so, Xi might do something no Chinese leader since Deng has achieved: designate his own successor and maintain his own influence from behind the scene once he retires. When the members of the next Politburo Standing Committee step on stage next week, the real question is who will appear first: Chen Miner or Hu Chunhua. If it is Hu, then it is the clearest sign that Xis power has been exaggerated. But, if it is Chen, as all the signs indicate, then Xis plan over the past five years has indeed worked. And nobody should be surprised when Chen Miner emerges as Xis successor even if he ends up continuing Xis agenda and shielding his legacy. The latest internet conspiracy theory alleges that Melania Trump has a body double but its definitely fake news. Is that really Melania Trump standing next to the president? (Photo: Getty Images) During an NBC broadcast of President Trumps news briefing outside of the White House on Oct. 13, the first lady is seen standing by her husbands side but immediately following the clip, Marina Hyde, a columnist for the Guardian, insinuated that it was actually an impersonator. Absolutely convinced Melania is being played by a Melania impersonator these days. Theory: she left him weeks ago https://t.co/GDjX5Sr4L1 Marina Hyde (@MarinaHyde) October 13, 2017 While Hydes tweet spurred discussion, it wasnt until comedian and actress Andrea Wagner Barton took to her Facebook page and entered both photographic and auditory evidence into play that the wild idea got widespread attention. Will the real Melania please stand up? Barton captioned her post featuring her own video of the news footage, as well as supplemental photos and written evidence to back up her thoughts. Just days after Bartons post, the theory spread, with more people and news outlets convinced that Melania wasnt truly present that day. Reasons being what appears to be a bandage on the bridge of her nose (with some even claiming its fake), her lips, which look thinner than usual, and stringier and frizzed-out hair (Melanias mane is typically polished and blown out perfectly, regardless of the weather), in addition to the oddity of her husbands blatantly pointing her presence out. But, this could all be explained. In a closer look at the video originally posted by NBC, as well as photos from that same day, its evident that the footage presented by Barton is a little off, simply because she filmed the CNN footage through her television screen. As a result, theres a sort of halo cast around the first ladys nose and lips, making it seem as though prosthetics (or some other odd disguise) are plausible. In reality, when photos are pulled directly from the sources there that day, the effect is gone and FLOTUS looks like her normal self. Story continues Side-by-side photos of Melania on Oct. 13 and the television footage taken by Barton show the white halo surrounding FLOTUSs features. (Photo: Getty Images / inset:CNN) As for POTUSs tell when he so obviously pointed out his wife standing by his side, thats not so weird either. Just one month earlier, when the pair was traveling to Florida following Hurricane Irma, the president spoke about his wife as if she wasnt there, when she was in fact right next to him. Further evidence of the first ladys physical presence on Oct. 13 comes from photos that were taken once her sunglasses were off of her face. And theres simply no denying that that is Melania Trump. Alas, the first lady is seen without her sunglasses, proving that its her. (Photo: AP Images) If youre still not convinced that Melania is alive and well, conspiracy theorist expert Mike Rothschild can help to explain why everyone believed the conspiracy in the first place. [Melanias] reservedness is something were just not used to, so rather than simply accept her as new, we make up an alternate explanation for how she behaves. The original post isnt craziness unbound, its making sense out of something that doesnt make sense, he wrote. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. The players in the Middle East, including Israel, are closely following the Palestinian reconciliation process, which led to an Egyptian-brokered agreement signed between Hamas and Fatah , and its ramifications to each of the players. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The agreement, brokered by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, boosts Cairos standing as the only one capable of bridging the tensions between Hamas and Fatah, out of a declared intention of creating momentum for the peace process between the Palestinian Authority and Israel. If talks between Israel and the Palestinians are actually renewed, Egypt will likely play an important role in these negotiations and regain leadership of the axis of Sunni states, supported by the United States and Europe, against the Russian-backed Shiite-Iranian-Syrian axis. Israel is becoming a key element in the transformation of the initial agreement signed in Cairo into a Palestinian unity agreement (Photo: AFP) The reconciliation agreement is already considered, rightfully, as a significant achievement for Fatah and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Its a first step in a long process aimed at, theoretically, reunifying the PA under one law, one police and one government, according to Fatah official Jibril Rajoub. Alongside an improvement in the harsh living conditions in Gaza, this first step is expected to include the opening of the Rafah Crossing while handing back control of the crossings to the PA. The integration of PA people in Gazas policing system and the transfer of administrative control authorities over to the Palestinian government are considered an achievement for Abbas. Following the combined Egyptian-PA pressure and in light of the weakness of Qatar, which provided Hamas with political and financial support that allowed the organization to keep controlling the strip, Hamas is now forced to accept the PAs foothold in Gaza. The organization refused, however, to discuss the important issue of disarming its military wing. In a preliminary reference to the issue, Hamas representatives declared that as long as the Israeli occupation continued, they would not give up their weapons, which are directed at Israel. The disagreements The internal Palestinian battle between the Fatah-led national movement and the religion-based movement led by Hamas, focuses on three fundamental matters of contention, which naturally would not be solved by the reconciliation agreement. The first issue is a definition of the occupation. Hamas seeks the liberation of all lands from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River, and Fatah is willing to settle for a return of the lands occupied in 1967. The second bone of contention is whether the Palestinians efforts to end the occupation should focus on armed resistance, which is Hamass position, or on a combination of an unarmed popular uprising and international activity, which is Fatahs position. And the third question is regarding the image of the future Palestinian statea sharia-based Islamic state or a democratic state. And what about Israel? Israel is becoming a key element in the transformation of this initial agreement into a Palestinian unity agreement. Israels justified demand to disarm Hamas may only be fulfilledif at allas a result of an Israeli-Palestinian peace process, which will be perceived by the Palestinian society as a genuine process leading to a two-state agreement. The PA will be able to lead such a movewhich has been perceived as impossible until nowin the spirit of Rajoubs comments (and Israels demands), only if it has the Palestinian streets support. Now, with the absence of a peace process, about 75 percent of the Palestinian public are in favor of armed violence. In the 1990s, during the peace process, the Palestinian majority was in favor of diplomacy and opposed Hamass terror attacks. On the one hand, the reconciliation agreement strengthens Fatahs relatively moderate approach and weakens Hamass violent approach. On the other hand, Hamas is becoming a significant part of the united Palestinian leadership and may physically and ideologically take over that leadership one day. To prevent this risk, and to work firmly to disarm Hamas and counter the security threat on Israel, we must give the Palestinian public a reason to favor Fatahs approach over Hamass approach, and see the Palestinian unity as an opportunity rather than just as a danger. In order to increase the potential positive trends, Israel must convey a real willingness to reach a two-state-for-two-peoples solution in a gradual, reliable and consistent manner. The best way to do so is by announcing that Israel has no sovereignty claims over all the lands outside the settlement blocs, and expressing this declaration through action, by enacting a voluntary evacuation law for settlements located outside the main settlement blocs, within Palestinian territory. Naturally, the IDF will remain in the area until a full agreement is signed and the security responsibility will remain in Israels hands. Furthermore, there will be no forced evacuation of any community before the fate of settlers living east of the security fence is determined in a permanent agreement. The American administration, which likely supported the reconciliation agreement, must also keep up the momentum and advance the process to the next stage. If President Donald Trump really believes the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can serve as a milestone in a process aimed at creating stability and reducing the level of violence and terrorism in the entire Middle East, he has the ability to point Israel and the Palestinians in the right direction. The Cairo agreement presents a challenge not only to the Palestinian leadership and society, but also the Israeli society, the Israeli government, the Egyptian-led Arab world and the entire international community. This challenge is an opportunity that should be seized by anyone who is interested in solving the conflict, so that this intra-Palestinian reconciliation agreementthe latest in a series of agreements and unifications that have all failed in the past decadecan succeed and make it possible to move forward toward a permanent agreement with Israel. Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip, Yahya Sinwar, stressed Thursday afternoon that the terror organization's disarmament was off the table and that it has no intention of recognizing the State of Israel. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "Gone is the time in which Hamas discussed recognition of Israel. The discussion now is about when we will wipe out Israel," Sinwar said in a speech in Gaza. Addressing the demand from both Israel and the United States for Hamas to be disarmed, Sinwar declared: "No one will disarm us. No one can disarm Hamas." Yahya Sinwar (Photo: AP) Sinwar said that Mohammed Deif, the commander of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, told him a few days ago that Hamas's military wing has recovered its strength, and if Israel thought of carrying out any "foolish act" against the Palestinians, they would "break its army as it was never broken before." He further asserted that "If the Fatah movement and President Mahmoud Abbas use the weapons of resistance in the negotiations (as a threat to Israel), it will greatly advance the Palestinian issue." Sinwar went on to stress the importance of the reconciliation efforts with the Palestinian Authority, inviting Fatah and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to hold the next unity discussions in Gaza. "We must not allow the reconciliation to fail," he said, and invited Abbas to Gaza. "I will personally ensure the safety of President (Abbas), if he visits the Gaza Strip. I call on the Fatah Central Committee and the PLO Executive Committee to hold their next meeting in Gaza." US President Donald Trump's special Mideast envoy, Jason Greenblatt, said Thursday that if Hamas wants to play a role in any Palestinian government, it must renounce violence and commit to peaceful negotiations with Israel, adding that they must meet the international demands to recognize Israel and accept previous agreements with it. Greenblatt (L) and PM Benjamin Netanyahu (Photo: Kobi Gidon/PMO) "The United States reiterates the importance of adherence to the Quartet principles: any Palestinian government must unambiguously and explicitly commit to nonviolence, recognize the State of Israel, accept previous agreements and obligations between the partiesincluding to disarm terroristsand commit to peaceful negotiations. If Hamas is to play any role in a Palestinian government, it must accept these basic requirements," Greenblatt said. Hamas has always refused similar demands in the past. On Wednesday, the Israeli Political-Security Cabinet decided the country will not negotiate with the Palestinians until Hamas is disarmed. The reconciliation agreement did not broach the issue of Hamas disarmament. AMERICAN CANYON COMMUNITY CHURCH: Worship at 10 a.m. Programs for children and youth during worship service. 2 Andrew Road, American Canyon. ARBOR ALLIANCE: Join us Sundays at 5 p.m. Why 5 p.m. worship? It is a good time for busy people and young families. Kids church and nursery available. 721 Trancas St., Napa. thearborchurch.org; 530-304-4704. BEIT ABBA: Messianic Jewish ministry of The Fathers House is held the first and third Friday of each month at 7 p.m. Child care provided for ages infant to 7 years old. 2557 Napa Valley Corporate Drive, Napa. tfh.org/beitabba. CARMELITE MONASTERY: Mass times: Sunday, 9 a.m.; Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. (except for the first Saturday of the month, Mass will be at 11 a.m.). Morning of recollection every first Saturday of the month: Spiritual Talk, 9-10 a.m.; Confessions, 10-11 a.m.; Mass, 11 a.m. Bible study, on Tuesdays with Father Michael Buckley: Tuesdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. following the 8 a.m. Mass (contact the office to confirm time and day at 944-2454, ext. 103). Confessions-English: Monday, Wednesday, Friday; 10 a.m.-noon, 3-5 p.m., 8-9 p.m. Confessions-Spanish: Wednesday, 10 a.m.-noon, 3-5 p.m., 8-9 p.m. 944-2454; oakvillecarmelites.org. CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING: Sunday Services are 9 and 10:30 a.m. with Youth Program and Teen Group at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Jay Langs talk will be about The Perfect Relationship. Oct 28, Fall Clean-Up Day, 8-11 a.m. Napa Food Project Bags are due back Oct. 29. Nov. 1, 6:30 p.m., Special Meditation of Dia de Muertos/Day of Remembering. Nov. 4, 10 a.m., Workshop called Healing Subconscious Racism. CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH: Sunday service and Sunday school for youths up to age 20 at 10 a.m. The Wednesday evening service is at 7:30. Child care provided at all services. New hours for the Reading Room, located in our church building, open to the public weekdays except Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m. All current Christian Science literature, including the writings of Mary Baker Eddy and the renowned Christian Science Monitor, are available to all to read or purchase; 2210 Second St., Napa; 255-5255; christiansciencenapa.com. CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, NAPA SECOND WARD: Sacrament meeting is each Sunday at 10 a.m., followed by Sunday School at 11:15 and Priesthood and Relief Society at 12:10 p.m. Young mens and young womens programs are on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Corner of Trower Avenue and Dry Creek Road, Napa. 224-6496. COMMUNITY CHURCH OF LAKE BERRYESSA: This Sunday, Pastor Bob will speak on the love of God as we recover from realities of our fires. We are a non- denominational Christian church welcoming all to enjoy the eternal life changing power of Jesus Christ. A weekly food distribution and AA group is available. 6008 Steele Canyon Road at Moskowite Corners. 252-4488. CONGREGATION BETH SHALOM: Worship Services, Friday, Oct. 20, Pre-Oneg Shabbat at 5:45 p.m. will be followed by Services at 6:30. Join the Torah Study discussion on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. On Oct. 26, Anne Evans Literature Class from 3-5 p.m.. 1455 Elm Street, Napa, 253-1109 cbsnapa.org. CORNERSTONE MINISTRIES: Sunday service is at 10:15 a.m. Spanish Church begins at 1:30 p.m. Sunday school and childcare are available at both services. Our midweek service is at 6:30 on Wednesday nights. There is childcare and childrens activities at this service. Middle school and high school study meets on Wednesday nights as well at 6:30 p.m. in the Youth Room. On Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., Freedom From Bondage meets in our Youth Room. 3305 Linda Vista Ave., Napa; 252-2909. cmnv.org. COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: Sunday, Oct. 22 at 10:30 a.m. The Reverend Lynda Hyland Burris and liturgist, Pat Ripley, examine giving thanks even in difficult times. The title of Rev. Burriss sermon this week is A Spirit of Thanksgiving. Utilizing text from 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 and Matthew 22:15-22, this message is timely and important as we witness the resilience, camaraderie, and caring from our beautiful community after the recent fires. The Covenant Choir, led by director, Mark Teeters, will sing The Blessing Riddle. Located at 1226 Salvador Ave. in north Napa, Sunday school is available for ages K-8, and there are a variety of quiet activities for children who stay in church. cpcnapa.org, facebook.com/cpnapa. CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH: Weekly worship service is Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Services and attire are casual with a blend of fellowship, music and teaching. Child care and childrens church offered during service. 1050 Hagen Road, Napa. CreeksideChurchNapa.org; 255-7266. CROSSWALK COMMUNITY CHURCH: Join us for either of our two services 9 or 10 a.m. Childrens programs available during the 10 a.m. service. 226-1812, 2590 First Street, CrossWalkNapa.org. FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH: This month is the 500th anniversary of Martin Luthers nailing of the Ninety Five Theses to the door of All Saints Church in Wittenberg, Germany, which resulted in the Protestant Reformation. You are invited to dig in and learn about five of the themes as we visit them throughout October in a new sermon series title Nailed. Sunday services are at 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. 2659 First St., Napa. fccnapa.org. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: This Sunday as Pastor David, will be preaching What Do We Do Now? Scripture reference will be Psalm 13. Our services begin at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. We sing hymns and have Deborah Tonella as our guest soloist at the 9 a.m. service and at 10:30 we have praise music led by Florida Stringer. Fellowship times, with coffee and treats, are after worship at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Childcare for newborn to age 5 is available. Sunday School: Friendship Class, will meet at 10 a.m.; Childrens Class and Adults Class both meet at 10:30. 1333 Third St., 224-8693, fpcnapa.org. GRACE CHURCH OF NAPA VALLEY: Sunday services: Worship service at 9 a.m. and 10:40 a.m. Adult Sunday school classes at 9 a.m. Childrens service at 9 and 10:40 a.m. Nursery and preschool care available. Junior high ministry meets Tuesday, 7 p.m.; high school meets Wednesday at 7 p.m. at 3765 Solano Ave., Napa. 255-4033, GraceNapa.org. HIGHLANDS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: If youre a regular church attendee, never been or maybe its just been awhile, we invite you to come join us this Sunday and start the adventure with us at 10:30 a.m. Spanish speaking service on Sunday evenings at 6:30 and an Alcoholics Anonymous group that meets weekly on Monday and Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. 970 Petrified Forest Road, Calistoga. HILLSIDE CHRISTIAN CHURCH: We meet at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at 100 Anderson Road, Napa. 255-3036; hccnapa.com. HOLY FAMILY PARISH: Holy Mass is celebrated at 9 a.m. on Sundays and in the traditional Tridentine Latin (Extraordinary) form of the Roman Rite, according to the 1962 Missal, at noon. Before Low Masses there is a recitation of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary at 11:30 a.m. Confession is available after every Low Mass. Holy Family Parish is a Catholic mission-parish of St. Joan of Arc in Yountville. 1241 Niebaum Lane, Rutherford. 944-2461. HOLY GROUND CHRISTIAN CENTER: Sunday worship begins at 10 a.m., and Bible study is Wednesday at 7 p.m. 3860 Broadway, Suite 111, American Canyon. 373-2015. LIVING VINE CHURCH: We meet every Sunday morning at 10. 3305 Linda Vista Avenue, Napa. 226-5551. MEMORIAL CHAPEL AT VETERANS HOME OF CALIFORNIA, YOUNTVILLE: Sunday worship service, 10:15 a.m. Coffee fellowship one hour before service. Bible study on Wednesday at 1 p.m., Fellowship Room, with refreshments served; prayer meetings Thursday at 1 p.m. The memorial chapel is on the Veterans Home at Yountville campus on California Drive, across from the administration building. 944-4840. MONT LA SALLE CHAPEL: Roman Catholic liturgical services are open to all in this chapel of the De la Salle Christian Brothers at 4401 Redwood Road, Napa. Sunday Mass is celebrated at 11 a.m. NAPA COMMUNITY SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH: Its been 500 years since Martin Luther nailed his Ninety Five Theses on the billboard church door. Since that day, this world has seen a lot of changes. However, some things have not changed. Gods love for us has never changed, it is still the same today, as is His desire for us to be changed. 11 a.m. worship service this Sabbath, Oct. 21 for Pastor Glenn Gibsons sermon, Re4mation: New. napacomm.com, 1105 G Street, 252-2444. NAPA METHODIST CHURCH: We are a progressive and reconciling church, where everyone is welcome. Two Sunday services: 9:30 a.m. Sanctuary service and 11 a.m. modern-style Fusion Worship service held in the Asbury Room. Childrens Worship and Nursery are available during both services. Childrens Carol Choir meets between services from 10:30-11 a.m. Sixth- to eighth grade Sunday School meets at 11. Silent Meditation is Mondays at 5:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. 625 Randolph St. 253-1411, napamethodist.org. NAPA-SONOMA FRIENDS MEETING (QUAKERS): Sunday worship at 10 a.m. Silent meeting in the custom of Friends. Meet at the VOICES Youth Center, 780 Lincoln Ave., Napa. Enter at parking lot on left side of building, using door at end of wheelchair ramp. Quaker signs will be posted on Sunday mornings. We welcome visiting friends or those who are new to Quaker practice. nvquaker@gmail.com; 253-1505. NAPA VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH: Join us Sundays at 9:30 a.m. for Bible Study for all ages, 10:30 a.m. for worship service and a fun, interactive and energetic childrens program for preschool through fifth grade. Nursery provided for all Sunday services. 2303 Trower Ave., Napa. napavalleybaptist.org; 252-2100. NAPA VALLEY BIBLE CHAPEL: We start Sunday services by remembering the Lords death, burial and resurrection during a time of worship and thanksgiving at 9:30 a.m., followed by a fellowship and coffee time starting at 10:30 a.m. At 11 a.m., we enjoy a time of Bible teaching. On Wednesdays at 6 p.m., we meet for a brief Bible study and a time of prayer. A movie night/home Bible study is held in downtown Napa at 6 p.m. on Fridays. 1559 Second Street, Napa. napavalleybiblechapel.com. NAPA VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH: If the fires have gotten you down, if you want a little encouragement in spite of devastation around us, join us this Sunday at 10 a.m. as Gods Word is going to lift us up with hope and comfort. This Sunday, we are going to study the faith of a man who lived much of his adult life under the threat of death because he dared to publish a Bible in the common mans language. Join us as we learn what faith and peace and hope have in common in spite of the difficulties of life. 4149 Linda Vista Ave, Napa. NapaValleyChurch.org. NVCC is a ministry of the Christian Reformed Church. NAPA VALLEY LUTHERAN: Sunday worship at 10 a.m. Fellowship time follows. All are welcome because all belong to God. The church is located at the corner of Jefferson and Elm, Napa. 226-8166, napavalleylutheran.org. NAPA VALLEY UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS: Oct. 22 at 9:30 a.m.: No service. 11 a.m.: Celebrating the Journey Traditional Service with Rev. Bonnie Dlott and Sunday Service Assistant Anne Jungerman. As she reflects on the twelve years she has served this congregation, Rev. Bonnie feels optimistic about the future of NVUU and our Unitarian Universalist mission in Napa. Come today and hear why. Infant care, child care, and religious education provided. 1625 Salvador Ave., Napa; nvuu.org;.226-9220. NEW LIFE TABERNACLE: Sunday school at 10 a.m., followed by worship service at 11 a.m. Sunday evening service the first Sunday of every month. Bible study on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. 2625 First St., Napa. 255-1062; NewLifeNapa.com. ST. APOLLINARIS CATHOLIC CHURCH: Join us each third Saturday at the crossroads of faith and culture. St. Apollinaris Catholic Church, 3700 Lassen St. Napa. 257-2555. ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST: St. John the Baptist Church holds daily masses in English at 7:30 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. Weekend masses are Saturday at 5 p.m. (English) and 7 p.m. (Spanish) and Sunday 8 a.m. (Spanish), 10 a.m. (English), noon (Spanish), and 5 p.m. (English). Wednesday evening mass at 7 (Spanish). Corner of Caymus and Yajome in downtown Napa. ST. JOHNS LUTHERAN CHURCH: Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Childrens Church during the 10:15 a.m. service. 3521 Linda Vista Ave., Napa. 255-0119; StJohnsLutheran.net. ST. MARYS EPISCOPAL CHURCH: Worship on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. or Sundays at 8 a.m. or 10 a.m. (organ and choir). Childrens Chapel (Sunday school) is at 9:50 a.m. Sunday. Nursery care is provided during the 10 a.m. service. Coffee hour follows the worship services on Sunday. 1917 Third St., Napa. 255-0991; StMarysNapa.org. ST. STEPHENS ANGLICAN EPISCOPAL CHURCH: Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., sing using the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. Refreshments and social time after the 10:30 service. Evensong and Bible Study Wednesdays at 6 p.m. 1250 Oakville Grade, Oakville. 944-8915; ststephensoakville.org. ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH: Mass times are Saturday at 4 p.m. (English), Sunday at 8 a.m. (English), 11 a.m. (English) and 1:30 p.m. (Spanish). Daily mass is at 9 a.m., except on the first Friday, which is at noon and in English. 2725 Elm St., Napa. 255-2949; stthomasaquinasnapa.com. SALVATION ARMY: Join us for services Sundays at 10 a.m. 590 Franklin St., Napa. napasalarmy.org. THE FATHERS HOUSE: Service times are Saturday at 6 p.m., and Sunday at 9 and 11 a.m. Child care and Kids Church are available (ages infant through sixth grade). Youth ministry Encounter meets every Wednesday night at 7. Celebrate Recovery meets on Monday nights at 6:30. 2557 Napa Valley Corporate Drive, Napa. tfh.org. UNITY SPIRITUAL CENTER IN NAPA VALLEY: Sunday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m. We will once again welcome Rev. Kathryn Brenson as our guest. Her message is entitled When the Going Gets Tough! Our Sunday Service music is selected and performed by Lon Eakes. 11:40 a.m. Sunday Forum: Rev. Kathryn facilitates a one hour Forum following our Refreshment break. Forum allows for the sharing of viewpoints and ideas by our attendees in regard to the Sunday Message. Historic Grange Hall, 3275 Hagen Road (1/2 mile east of the Silverado Trail), Napa. Parking adjacent to the building. UnityinNapaValley.org, 255-6881. YOUNTVILLE COMMUNITY CHURCH: Sunday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m. Guest speaker is Rick Osgood. The main church building has begun repairs and we are meeting at 1920 Finnell Road in Yountville while we are under construction. We will continue to have all of our Sunday school classes, services, and bible studies. Sunday School is at 9 am for all ages. We have an Adult Bible class, Youth Group (fifth-eighth grades and high school students),and Childrens classes Jesus and Me, (Birth-Kindergarten) and first- through fifth grades are offered. 944-2179. Three Syrian soldiers were reportedly wounded Thursday in an attack carried out by Israel after errant fire from the war-torn country fell on Israeli territory. The injuries were reported in the Al Quds Al Arabi newspaper which cited a Syrian military official who spoke to the German news agency DPA. According to the report, one of the soldiers was seriously injured. A 39-year-old Palestinian from Ramallah was arrested Thursday after he stole a truck in Holon which he intended to use against IDF soldiers in a car-ramming terror attack. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter When the truck was located by police, the driver, who was called upon to stop, tried to escape in the direction of Rishon LeZion, prompting a car chase. Truck stolen for car-ramming attack (Photo: Israel Police) The chase was brought to a close and the suspect was arrested after he hit a private vehicle and a police van on Moshe Dayan Boulevard in the coastal city. The suspect confessed during questioning that he intended to use the vehicle to run over IDF soldiers in central Israel. He is set to be brought on Friday to the Rishon LeZion Magistrates Court where his arrest is expected to be extended. Germany approved a secret Memorandum of Understanding Thursday night with Israel which will see the latter purchase three more Dolphin submarines, on top of the six already previously acquired, Yedioth Ahronoth has learned. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The MoU underwent several changes in the last week following pressure exerted by senior German officials who sought to create a framework which would enable Germany to easily pull out of the deal in accordance with developments relating to the ongoing investigation into the submarine scandal investigation , also known as Case 3000. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Chancellor Angela Merkel (Photo: AFP) While the final deal may be signed in an official ceremony, the two countries may simply exchange diplomatic communications. According to the latest version of the MoU, Israel will purchase three more submarines in Germany, in addition to the five that already docked on Israels shores and the sixth that is currently being assembled at an overall cost of 2 billion euros. The German government will be required to transfer half a billion euros to finance the deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus desire to see the deal pushed through was stymied by fierce opposition voiced by defense officials when the Defense Ministry was headed by Moshe Yaalon. Netanyahu continued to advocate for the deal to be pushed through for another three submarines and for the signing of the MoU that would anchor German support for its implementation. Under different political circumstances, Netanyahu has argued, Chancellor Merkel may not be in a position to lend the support of her government or offer her signature. On the other hand, the most vociferous opponent of the deal, Yaalon, has argued that Israel has no need for three more submarines, and that they should only be purchased a few years down the line when those currently moored in Israels naval bases are approaching the end of their operational functionality. With a major gulf dividing the two, many in the political establishment believe it accounted for Netanyahu's relatively sudden decision to give Ya'alon the boot in 2016, clearing the way for Avigdor Lieberman to head the Defense Ministry. Moshe Ya'alon (Photo: Motti Kimchi) Convincing Merkel to climb on board with the deal proved no easy task, and responsibility for nudging her into inking the deal was largely assigned to President Reuven Rivlin. With the launching of Case 3000, the German government became increasingly skeptical about becoming entangled in any further involvement and announced it was loath to put pen to paper. For this reason, Merkels former advisor, Christoph Heusgen, instructed that the agreement be frozen against Israels will in order to enable Germany to consider withdrawing altogether from the deal in the event that it emerged that previous acquisition of the submarines was indeed scandal-ridden. The MoU was supposed to have been signed by the Israeli ambassador to Germany, Yakov Hadas-Handelsman, but was indefinitely put on the back burner. President Rivlin with Chancellor Merkel (Photo: EPA) Berlin continued to ask that Israel keep it abreast of developments in the investigation, a request that prompted Jerusalem to convene a special forum on the matter under the direction of the Justice Ministry. The forum concluded that despite the mounting evidence that corruption had sullied the previous dealwhich was spearheaded by now-state witness Miki Ganor who worked as an Israeli representative for the submarine manufacturer ThyssenKrupp"the corruption did not fall on the root of the deal. In effect, the conclusion determined that the decision-making process, neither in Germany nor Israel, had been influenced by corruption, thereby convincing Merkel that she could now proceed. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched for the 38-year-old Missouri man who died Monday when the water tender he was driving crashed on Oakville Grade. Garrett Paiz was a contract driver for Tehama Transport who was supporting Cal Fire's efforts to fight the Nuns Fire in the Mount Veeder area. Paiz is the only fatality among the thousands of firefighters who have been combating Northern California fires over the past two weeks. To contribute to the fund, go to www.gofundme.com/memorial-fund-for-garrett-paiztaco. As of Friday morning, $3,760 had been donated, with a goal of $20,000 to benefit Paiz's family. "He is a hero to all of us who live here and we are so thankful and so very sorry for the loss to his family," wrote one donor. Fellow firefighters have created an informal memorial for Garrett Paiz, 38, who died on Oakville Grade in the pre-dawn Monday while ferrying water to the front lines of the Nuns Fire. Fellow firefighters created a memorial on Oakville Grade for Paiz, a contract driver who died when his water tender crashed through a guard rail and down a ravine Monday morning. A sign reading In Loving Memory is adorned with a photo of a water tender. Fire crews passing the memorial are stopping and signing it, said Richard Edwords, a water tender driver from San Diego. A bagged lunch and bottles of drink are propped on the concrete railing, symbolizing the nourishment that Paiz may need in the great hereafter, Edwords said. Paiz was a contract worker from Missouri hired by Cal Fire to support the massive firefighting efforts in Northern California. Edwords said he had been working with Paiz Sunday night, hauling water for the front lines. They never exchanged names, he said. When Paiz made his last run down Oakville Grade to fetch more water, The last thing he said was be safe, he said. A gofundme campaign has been established for Paiz at www.gofundme.com/memorial-fund-for-garrett-paiztaco. Paiz is the only person in a firefighting role to lose his life in the Northern California fires, which have claimed more than 40 people. The Napa County death toll is seven, including six east Napa residents. Recovery is the word local officials are increasingly saying as fire crews take the final steps to contain the Atlas, Tubbs and Nuns wildfires. I know the road to recovery is long, Interim County Administrator Minh Tran said at a Thursday Board of Supervisors meeting. It will be done the Napa way. Napa County is recovering from two of the deadliest wildfires in Californias history. The Atlas Fire, which killed six people, ranks 13th on Cal Fires list. The Tubbs Fire, which started near Calistoga and killed 22 people in neighboring Sonoma County, ranks third. The deadliest fire is the 1933 Griffith Park Fire in Los Angeles County that burned only 47 acres, but killed 29 people, most of whom were untrained, impromptu volunteer firefighters, records show. Whats left of the three local fires on Thursday no longer rampaged unchecked near local cities. The good news is the fires have not spread over the last several days, county Assistant Fire Chief Geoff Belyea said. They are staying within their containment lines. The county has had inspectors look at 108 square miles of burned area. They red-tagged 600 structures homes, barns, second units and other buildings as being destroyed or unsafe to enter, with the number expected to grow. Owners of destroyed homes can sign up with the county and have the wreckage hauled off at no cost to themselves. But when the work will begin remained unclear as of Thursday morning. Complicating efforts is the hazardous waste that can be among the ashes, including paints, solvents, pesticides, asbestos and picture tubes from televisions and computers. The state oversees the rules and regulations for disposal. County officials said an overwhelmed state Department of Toxic Substances Control handed oversight to the state Office of Emergency Services, which handed it to the Environmental Protection Agency. On Thursday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers emerged as a possible overseer. We need to know which agencys set of standards and regulations are going to be applied, Planning, Building and Environmental Services Director David Morrison said. Napa County believes a general contractor can remove wreckage. But another agency might want to review the work plans and oversee the work, even if the work is done by a private property owner, he said. The county is setting up a team that will deal only with rebuilding permits, Morrison said. The goal is to make the rebuilding move ahead as quickly as possible. To the degree we can, lets try to streamline as much as we can, Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza said. Supervisor Ryan Gregory said state and federal officials have challenged Napa to be creative about how aid is tailored for the county. He wants to spur the agencies to move faster than they might otherwise in such areas as debris removal. Lets get to work, Gregory said. Meanwhile, the county Assessors Office is addressing concerns about people with destroyed homes keeping their Proposition 13 base property tax rates as they rebuild. Precisely how that works in individual cases will vary with how the new home compares with the old one. Assessor John Tuteur said his office will try to contact the 600 people with red-tagged structures, once it has the list. Fire victims can have the values of now-gone homes subtracted from their property tax bills. Tuteur said the the county lost about $12 million from the tax roll because of 2014 South Napa earthquake property damage. It has already lost $80 million from the roll with the wildfires and that takes into account only the first 86 tax relief applications. The countys roll is $37 billion. Supervisors said they are hearing from fire victims who want to return to the remaining evacuation areas, which as of Thursday morning included the Mount Veeder, Atlas Peak and Soda Canyon areas. Any guestimates on that? Supervisor Diane Dillon asked Belyea. I hope in the next several days that most of the residents will be allowed back in, Belyea said. Im optimistic it will be soon, however, I dont want to say something that will give false hopeit will be very soon. Belyea said in some areas such dangers remain as downed power lines and fire-weakened trees. Fire officials must make certain that bridges and culverts havent been weakened by the blaze. Hot spots and hot ash pits remain. A local disaster assistance center opened this week at the countys South Campus. Fire victims can go there to receive help from 36 local, state and federal agencies, ranging from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to the county Assessors Office. The center served 144 households on Monday, 268 on Tuesday and 285 on Wednesday, county Health and Human Services Agency Deputy Director Mitch Wippern said. On Tuesday, FEMA Administrator Brock Long appeared at press conference at Napa Valley College. Among other things, his agency has made available disaster grants of up to $33,000 apiece to fire victims. Were trying to move very fast to support, Long said. But we realize we have a long way to go and well be here to make sure we help you guys recover. FEMA is grappling with a variety of disasters, among them the aftermaths of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. That raises the question of whether the federal dollars will be there for Napa County. Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, said the House of Representatives recently passed a $36.5 billion disaster bill that included $1 billion added at the last minute for California wildfires. I am confident were going to get the money we need for this event and others, Thompson said at the Tuesday press conference. They see her as road-kill, the younger California Democrats hovering over longtime Democratic U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein this month just before and just after she announced her bid for election to a sixth term. She no longer reflects the experiences or core values of Californiansand she isnt willing to step up and lead on resisting (President) Trump went one endorsing statement approved by state Senate President Kevin de Leon of Los Angeles, who will be termed out of his current job next year. Would he OK anything similar if Feinstein were 64, not 84? The relative youngsters (aged 60 and under) might be surprised when Feinstein turns out to be as fierce as a mother bear whose young have been threatened once her reelection campaign gets going. Her cubs: the things she says still need doing ending gun violence, combating climate change and ensuring access to healthcare. Feinstein is anything but new to challenge. Once a little-known San Francisco supervisor, she witnessed the 1978 City Hall assassinations of then-Mayor George Moscone and fellow Supervisor Harvey Milk, a gay-rights icon, by another supervisor, Dan White. Under horrendous circumstances, Feinstein assumed the mayors office by virtue of being the county board president. Her career in major office has lasted almost 40 years. Shes done it with achievement, from stabilizing the traumatized San Francisco to sponsoring new womens rights, championing environmental and gun controls and crusading against government-sponsored torture. Past achievement apparently means little to de Leon and others in her party; earlier this year, they almost handed its state chairmanship to a community organizer from Richmond whos done little to make the party the dominant force it is today in California. Feinstein, those folks claim, is a DINO, Democrat in name only, the abbreviation itself imitating Republicans who deride the few moderates in their own party as RINOs, Republicans in name only. On the big issues of our time, shes been on the wrong side, griped Silicon Valley Rep. Ro Khanna before Feinstein formally declared, failing to name a single objectionable vote in her last two terms. Neither did de Leon. Translation: Feinstein is too old for them. Khanna, of course, won his seat two years ago largely by making and issue of the age (75) of veteran Rep. Mike Honda. The younger Democrats forget Feinstein pioneered womens rights, that she stood almost alone against torture during the George W. Bush administration, protected abortion rights and large swaths of the California desert with equal fervor, while helping create several national monuments in the state. They pooh-pooh her decades of steadfast fighting for gun control, saying she hasnt been tough enough. Plus they forget how strongly shes fought climate change. On all those issues, Feinstein has been tough enough to get things done by working with Republicans in the Senate, rather than so adamant that all GOP senators would reject anything she says as they now do with the far younger California Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris. Harris, as it happens, quickly endorsed Feinstein for reelection, just as Feinstein was one of her early 2016 endorsers. Harris also contradicted de Leon. Since joining the Senate, I have found few better allies in our fight to stop the radical agenda of Donald Trump than Dianne, said Harris. De Leon began his campaign by blasting Feinstein for suggesting that given some time, Trump might become reasonable. And after this months Las Vegas massacre, he tore into her for being soft on gun control at virtually the same moment she introduced the first bill banning bump stocks like those used in that attack. Nor does Feinsteins record mollify potential candidate Tom Steyer, the billionaire hedge fund mogul who is the national Democratic Partys biggest donor and founded the NextGen organization to combat climate change. It is clear for all to see, Steyer wrote a month after Feinsteins August remarks on Trump, there is zero reason to believe he can be a good president. Chances are Feinstein will match up next fall against one of those two, in the second consecutive all-Democrat Senate runoff election, no major Republican having yet stepped forward. Then California voters can decide if they want bombast or achievement, a loud voice unlikely to get much done or someone who gets results even if she has some gray hairs. When I was starting out in the wine industry, I volunteered to pour wine at a Wine Spectator event. I was pouring for an Italian winery and was surrounded by other Italian producers. Next to me was a nice young man, and throughout the evening, we would pour each other a taste of wine. As the night came to an end, I was handed his business card and I looked at the name. It said Salvatore Ferragamo. and my first reaction was that I thought it was funny that he would be named after the famous shoe designer. That was my only thought as we said good night and he offered me a few bottles of his wine to enjoy. The wine was the Il Borro IGT 2000. And when I got home, I did a quick Google search only to find out that Il Borro is the project of Ferruccio Ferragamo, the son of the famous designer Salvatore Ferragamo, and his son Salvatore Ferragamo, is named after his grandfather. I took my three bottles of Il Borro and decided to save them, and over the past 15 years, I enjoyed two of them but have been saving the third and final bottle. Salvatore Ferragamo was recently in town to share his current release of wines. It had been 15 years since we first met but this time I knew exactly who I was talking to and looked forward to learning more about the winery and tasting the wines. Salvatore Ferragamo, who has the responsibility of carrying on his grandfathers name, studied at New York University for both is undergraduate degree as well as his MBA before entering the family business. Today, he is the CEO of Il Borro, which is more than a winery. Located one hour south of Florence, near the town of Arezzo, Il Borro is a medieval village that dates to 1039. Ferruccio Ferragamo purchased the property 1993, and along with his son, Salvatore, began restoring it. As they restored the beauty of Il Borro, they focused on bringing the estate back to life. In the heart of the medieval village, there are artisan workshops including the shoemaker, the goldsmith, the decorator, the tailor and the embroiderer. The village also is home to a five-star Relais & Chateaux property with 35 suites and a few luxury villas, a spa and two restaurants. They produce olive oil, honey, vegetables, chicken, eggs and beef, in addition to wine. Certified organic since 2015, Il Borro focuses on renewable energy, the use of natural fertilizers, no pesticides and maintains a negative carbon footprint. With a location in the hills of Arezzo, outside of well-known Tuscan wine regions, Il Borro has the flexibility to be creative with their wine production. In fact, they are the first and only to produce a classic method sparkling wine in the area with the Bolle di Borro 2011 Brut Rose. Made for the first time in 2011, this wine is made from sangiovese that is harvested early. The wine spent 48 months on the yeasts, resulting in a salmon-colored wine with aromas of red fruits and a richness on the palate that makes this wine, made on a dare, a wine that you want to enjoy with different foods. The Lamelle IGT Toscana Bianca 2016 is a chardonnay made in the Chablis-style. So fresh, with bright notes of gooseberry and flowers, as well as minerality, in a blind taste, you might think this wine was a sauvignon blanc. The Polissena IGT Toscana 2013 is 100 percent sangiovese that is aged for 12 months in second and third year barrique. With aromas of dark black fruit, black olives, dried cherry, leather and spice, this wine is a traditional sangiovese. The flagship wine is the Super-Tuscan Il Borro IGT. The first vintage produced was the 1999 and recently I tried the 2012. Made with 50 percent merlot, 35 percent cabernet sauvignon, 10 percent syrah and five percent petit sirah, this powerful well-balanced wine spends 18 months in new barrique, has notes of black fruit and medium acid and soft tannins on the palate. The following night after I enjoyed dinner with Salvatore Ferragamo at Toscana Restaurant in Los Angeles, I pulled out my final bottle of the Il Borro IGT 2000 and took it to dinner with some friends. The wine was delicious. It was worth saving for 17 years. The wine was still bright and fresh with dark fruit aromas, as well as notes of leather and sweet tobacco. Cal State Fullertons Center for Healthy Neighborhoods will host an Oct. 28 community health fair featuring screenings for diabetes and blood pressure, CPR training, crime prevention strategies, physical activities for older adults and fun activities for children. The free, public event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 711 S. Highland in Fullerton. All services and programs will be offered in English and Spanish. The Center for Healthy Neighborhoods was established in January 2016 as a community-based facility to offer a wide range of educational, health and career development services. With our stakeholders, we aim to alleviate education and health disparities, revitalize neighborhoods, and reduce the cycle of poverty through partnerships, especially with Spanish-speaking underserved families, says C. Jessie Jones, CSUF professor emeritus of health science, who oversees the center. Among the programs offered at the center: career planning and development, case management and referrals, health promotion and screenings, arts for kids, as well as after-school tutoring, computer training and college readiness for youth. For more information, contact Jasemine Magdaleno at healthyneighborhoods@fullerton.edu or 714-441-3401. - Rex Tillerson says U.S. sanctions on Iran will not affect EU trade deals. - U.S. has no plans to impede on EU trade and business relations with Iran. The United States has no intentions of severing trade relations between the European Union and Iran according to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Despite President Trump's decision to decertify the nuclear deal with Iran last week, Tillerson has disclosed to the Wall Street Journal that America has no plans of impeding on EU trade and business transactions with Iran. European Union leaders in Brussels on Thursday highlighted the need to protect their companies and investors dealing with Iran from any adverse effects should Washington reinstate sanctions against Iran, officials said. "The president's been pretty clear that it's not his intent to interfere with business deals that the Europeans may have under way with Iran," Tillerson told the Journal in an interview Thursday. "He's said it clearly: That's fine. You guys do what you want to do.'" "We've been working with the Europeans for six months," Tillerson said. "They have been brought along with this same thought process. It doesn't mean that they necessarily agree entirely with it. ... Now we will start a more formalized process with them now that the policy's been adopted." 10:47 The former finance and home minister also claimed the Election Commission will be "recalled" from its "extended holiday" after the Gujarat government has announced all "concessions and freebies". "EC has authorised PM to announce date of Gujarat elections at his last rally (and kindly keep EC informed)," he tweeted. The EC had on October 12 announced that polling for the assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh will take place on November 9, but held off announcing the Gujarat schedule, saying polling in the western state would be held before December 18. The Congress had alleged that the government put "pressure" on the poll panel to "delay" the announcement of Gujarat assembly poll schedule to enable the prime minister to act as a "false Santa Claus" and offer sops, use "jumlas" (rhetoric) during his October 16 visit to his home state. The model code of conduct would have come into immediate effect in Gujarat had the poll schedule been announced along with Himachal Pradesh, the party had said. Hitting back at the Congress for targeting the EC, BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said allegations levelled against the constitutional body were without any basis. "It is absolutely absurd. It's like questioning the prudence of the EC. The Congress is perhaps speaking out of its own experience where interference in the functioning of constitutional bodies used to be a thing in their rule. Such is not the case since 2014," he had said. Congress leader P Chidambaram today criticised the Election Commission saying that by not announcing the Gujarat poll schedule, it has "authorised" Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the dates at his last rally, after all "freebies" for the state were doled out. Multidisciplinary research symposium will look at emerging technologies by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The fourth ASA Multidisciplinary Research Symposium, hosted by the Southern Illinois University Carbondales College of Applied Sciences and Arts, focuses on faculty and student research. A total of 25 presenters will showcase their work at The 21st Century: Looking at Emerging Technologies. The event is from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Nov. 4 at the Transportation Education Center at Southern Illinois Airport. In addition to faculty and student presenters, the symposium will include a panel discussion and obstacle course demonstration involving unmanned aerial vehicles. The event is free and the public is invited. Online registration is available at asa.siu.edu/research/regi.html. Registration will be available at the door but pre-registration to ensure lunch is strongly encouraged. The pre-registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 27. The event schedule is available at research.asa.siu.edu/symposium/event-schedule.php. The symposiums primary goal is to support and promote research by faculty as well as undergraduate and graduate students in any area of study within the college, Dean Andy Wang said. It is an opportunity for our students to develop their core skills to be an effective citizen, such as the skills to gather, synthesize and create knowledge, critical thinking and communication as well as the various other skills they need to be successful in the 21st century, Wang said. I believe teaching and research are complemented each other. The symposium provides a vehicle for faculty as well as students to elevate the stature and rigor of the academic enterprise. The presentations involve myriad of ongoing research from throughout a variety of programs within the college. Karen Johnson, an associate professor in aviation technologies and Marcea Walter, an assistant professor in the health care management program, are symposium co-chairs. Topics include Empirical Analysis of the Level of Awareness and Integration of Sustainable Architecture in Nigeria; Extracurricular Undergraduate Research: Student Perspectives and Experiences; Using Waste Motor Oil and Diesel Fuel; Perspectives of Executives and Students on Leadership Characteristics for Healthcare Managers: Does a Gap Exist; and Machine Intelligence and Higher Education. The idea of getting students involved in faculty research projects should be at the top of the list, Johnson said, noting that a key component for the symposium is students learning more about their instructors research. The college has a lot of good avenues for research and students becoming involved in it. There will also be student posters on display and a student poster competition. Event sponsors are the universitys Graduate School and the Department of Workforce Education and Development. For more information, contact Johnson at ksulliva@siu.edu or Walter at mwalter@siu.edu. Student research is focus of Natural Sciences symposium by Tim Crosby CARBONDALE, Ill. The wonders of our natural world and our attempts to understand more about it will be on display during a symposium next month at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The Natural Sciences Student Research Symposium is set for Friday, Nov. 3 at Morris Librarys John C. Guyon Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. Graduate and undergraduate students will highlight their work during the symposium, which is aimed at those studying natural and life sciences in nine departments at SIU. Robin Warne, associate professor of zoology and organizer of the event, said its an important opportunity for students. This is a great symposium for students to present their research, Warne said. Last year we had 22 talks and 21 posters by graduate and undergraduate students from eight departments, including zoology, plant biology, microbiology, geography and environmental resources, and forestry. Oral presentations will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by a poster session that will last until 4:30 p.m. Nathan Muchhala assistant professor of biology at the University of Missouri St. Louis, will give a keynote address from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Muchhala studies the evolutionary ecology of pollination systems. Following the keynote address, staff will serve hors d'oeuvres and drinks. During this time, organizers also will announce winners for best oral and poster presentations, as well as other awards. Oral presentation and poster winners will each receive a travel award to present their work at a national meeting. Students can register here to participate. Deadline to register for oral presentation is Friday Oct. 27. Organizers will accept posters until Nov. 1. For more information, contact Warne at rwarne@siu.edu. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-19 22:54:56|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close Belgium's Prime Minister Charles Michel arrives on the first day of the two-day EU Summit in Brussels, Belgium, Oct. 19, 2017. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan) BRUSSELS, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) leaders on Thursday called for dialogue between the Spanish government and the regional government of Catalonia to solve the Catalan crisis. "I am calling for a political dialogue to resolve a political crisis. I am calling for a de-escalation," Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said after arriving at the EU summit. "I condemn all forms of violence and appeal for dialogue," Michel told reporters. Luxembourgish Prime Minister Xavier Bettel stressed that Spanish law must be obeyed, agreeing on the Spanish government's stance that Catalonia's independent attempt stood unlawful. "There is a constitution that must be respected," Bettel said before the summit. "I hope they are going to find a solution, political, diplomatic and they talk together. No other solution would be good," he added. Catalonia's situation is not on the agenda of the ongoing two-day EU summit. The crisis developed after about 2.26 million people took part in a referendum on independence on Oct. 1 despite the Spanish constitutional court ruling it illegal. An estimated 2.02 million reportedly voted in favor of "independence." Over 300 people were injured during violent clashes across the country on the day. Spain's cabinet will hold a special session Saturday to approve the suspension of its Catalonia region's autonomy, and impose central rule in response to Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont's failure to clarify if he had declared Catalonia's "independence" from Spain. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-19 22:59:58|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BEIJING, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Senior officials from Tibet Autonomous Region in southwest China said Thursday that the region will continue opening up in the future. Tibet is a world-class tourist destination, receiving more than 300,000 overseas travelers last year, and the number will continue to grow, said Palbar Tashi, head of the regional publicity department and a delegate to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Tibet will continue to encourage exchanges with other provincial regions across the country, said Losang Jamcan, chairman of the standing committee of regional people's congress, also a CPC delegate. There have been increasing interactions among different ethnic groups in Tibet and ethnic solidarity has been strengthened, he added. There has been remarkable development in Tibet in the past five years and people's livelihoods have been greatly improved, said Qizhala, chairman of the regional government. Tan Haiyu, a delegate from Nagqu Prefecture in northern Tibet, said that in the public hospital where she works infrastructure spending in the past five years was almost ten times of that during the previous 50 years. "An even greater number of people will have access to quality medical services," said Tan. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 02:01:08|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close NAIROBI, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta's party on Thursday filed an urgent case at the Supreme Court, seeking to commit opposition leader Raila Odinga and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka to civil jail for six months for disobeying a court. The Jubilee Party argues that the mass protests organized by National Super Alliance (NASA) leaders in some parts of the country amounts to disobedience of court order, which directed that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) conducts fresh presidential election with 60 days. NASA leaders have organized protests, which have been held for three weeks, demanding reforms at the electoral body as well as resignation of some IEBC staffers and other officials before the poll is held. The protests have led to the deaths of demonstrators in Western Kenya towns. They were suspended to mourn those who have died. By a majority decision, the Supreme Court annulled the presidential poll conducted on Aug. 8 and directed the electoral commission to conduct fresh election within 60 days, and in accordance with the dictates of the constitution and election laws. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 02:16:13|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close GENEVA, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The number of requests for asylum in Switzerland has fallen sharply after authorities in other European countries closed the Balkan land route used by thousands to flee conflicts, Swiss authorities said Thursday. Requests for asylum in Switzerland fell by one-third in September compared to the corresponding period last year, the State Secretariat for Migration said. "The closing of the Balkan route from Greece in the direction of Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Scandinavia as well as the agreement reached between the EU and Turkey led to a significant drop in irregular migration from the Middle East to Europe from March 2016 onwards," it said in a report. The migration office said that 1,409 asylum applications were filed in Switzerland in September, a drop of 33 percent from the same month in 2016. In September 2015, there were 4,500 requests made. Since the beginning of the year, 13,916 asylum applications have been registered in Switzerland. This is the lowest level since 2010, when there were 11,170 cases, according to the office. Switzerland is not a member of the European Union (EU), but it has accepted asylum-seekers who reached Greece and Italy as part of the EU's relocation program. "Out of solidarity, Switzerland has joined the EU's program to relocate asylum seekers within Europe and actively accept refugees who find themselves in particularly dire circumstances in the first host country," said the report. So far, Switzerland has taken in 1,300 people since the scheme began in September 2015. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 04:11:55|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close British Prime Minister Theresa May arrives on the first day of the two-day EU Summit in Brussels, Belgium, Oct. 19, 2017. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan) LONDON, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Co-founder and former leader of the pro-Brexit United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), Nigel Farage, accused Britain's main opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn of playing "divide and rule" by visiting Brussels Thursday. The Labour politician was in the Belgian capital where he spent an hour talking with Michel Barnier, the chief negotiator tasked with brokering a European Union (EU) divorce deal with Britain. The leaders of the bloc's 28 member states gathered in Brussels for a two-day summit, with British Prime Minister Theresa May among them to press home her bid for a good Brexit deal. In London, some political commentators accused Corbyn's team of virtually gatecrashing the summit to spell out that the Labour party was against a "no deal" scenario, and waiting in the wings to take over the talks. The Daily Telegraph said in a commentary: "If the timing of Corbyn's visit is designed as a deliberate snub to May, as a warning to her that an alternative negotiating team waits in the wings should she fail, then she should not allow such discourtesies to throw her off course." The London-based Leave Means Leave campaign said a meeting between Corbyn and EU leaders before their audience with the prime minister was another calculated snub to Theresa May. In a round of media interviews, Corbyn said Britain failing to reach a trade agreement with the EU would be "catastrophic" for British jobs. He said in an interview with Sky News: "We cannot countenance the idea that we just rush headlong into no deal with Europe. No deal with Europe would be very dangerous for employment and jobs in Britain. The idea of no deal would mean that the World Trade Organisation rules would be implemented straight away in March 2019." The newly-elected UKIP leader Henry Bolton accused the European Commission of having no intention of conducting reasonable negotiations with the British prime minister. In London, meanwhile, there was support for the prospect of a "no deal" with a call to May from the Leave Means Leave campaign to walk away from the talks and quit Europe next March with no deal if trade talks stall. "In the event of no progress at the European Council, the UK should formally declare that it is assuming that we will be subject to World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules from March 30, 2019," said the letter to May. Senior figures from politics, including four former cabinet members, business, economics, law, science and the military have called in a letter for decisive action to dispel the highly damaging levels of uncertainty facing businesses across the country. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said in a media briefing Thursday that Britain would do "very well", even if it has to leave the EU with no trade deal. Speaking in London after a meeting with Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray Caso, Johnson predicted Britain would get a "great deal" in its Brexit negotiations. But he added: "As with any negotiation you've got to be prepared to walk away. We have to prepare for every eventuality... I think we'll do fine." Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 04:57:07|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday gave the federal government a grade of "10" out of 10 for its response to a hurricane that has devastated Puerto Rico a month ago and still left most of the U.S. territory short of power. "I'd say it was a 10," Trump said when asked by reporters how he would rate his administration's effort to aid hurricane-hit Puerto Rico, on a one to 10 scale. Trump made the remarks during a meeting with Puerto Rico's governor Ricardo Rossello, who is in D.C. to discuss with the president the island's dire need for disaster relief. "We have provided so much, so fast, we were actually there before the storm hit," said Trump, stressing that the situation "was worse than Katrina." Rossello, sitting next to Trump, declined to give his grade on the federal government's response, but he admitted the administration had met all of his requests, while urging more to be done for the island' s recovery. About 80 percent of Puerto Rico, home to 3.4 million residents, remains without power, while roughly 30 percent of the island still doesn't have access to clean water, official figures showed. The House approved last week a 36.5-billion-USD disaster relief package, intended to aid recovery in disaster-ravaged U.S. states and territories, including a sum of 1.27 billion dollars for Puerto Rico. The Senate is expected to vote on the measure this week. Trump has come under fire for what critics perceive as a slow federal response to the Puerto Rico crisis since Hurricane Maria, one of the most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record, battered the island last month and wreaked havoc on its housing and infrastructure. "This is actually bigger than anything we've seen, and our response was better than anything we've seen," Trump said Thursday. However, the president has repeatedly lashed out at Puerto Rican officials who called for more federal assistance and urged local residents to take more responsibility in post-disaster recovery. Last week, he suggested that he may pull disaster relief responders from Puerto Rico, warned that federal help could not stay there forever. A poll has recently found that 55 percent of voters believe the federal government hasn't done enough to help Puerto Rico. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 05:52:29|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close HOUSTON, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The General Chennault Flying Tiger Academy opened in Houston, Texas, the United States on Thursday, commemorating the 80th anniversary of General Claire Lee Chennault traveling to China in 1937. The academy is open to all aviation students, but its efforts also aim to specifically appeal to an international population, including Chinese. Nell Chennault Calloway, a key visionary behind the project, and Chennault's granddaughter said: "we're building bridges for a better future by training pilots alongside each other and teaching them the shared history of WWII and what we accomplished." Calloway told Xinhua that the history of both the United States and China will be included in the curriculum of the flight school. "The bond that they formed during the time of war, we want to try to help reestablish in time of peace," she said, adding the school aims to inspire young students to make a difference remembering the history of the two countries. The flight school has partnered with Lone Star Community College in Texas. "We look forward to offering aviation career opportunities to a diverse population. The Chinese appreciation of the Chennault legacy is the ideal foundational framework to encourage more Chinese people to consider careers in aviation," said Aaron Wang, President and CEO of the Chennault Foundation Board. The aircraft fleet of the academy consists of primary, complex and multi-engine airplanes, as well as single and multi-engine simulators. Flight training is conducted at North Houston Regional Airport. General Claire Lee Chennault, commander of the U.S. 14th Air Fleet founded and recruited the American Volunteer Group (AVG) in 1941, which would later be known as the "Flying Tigers." During World War II, Chennault trained, organized and inspired both American and Chinese pilots to overcome language and cultural barriers. The "Flying Tigers" helped transport arms and other materials to support China's fight against the Japanese invaders. A phoenix rising from the ashes in a 13th century bestiary. (Photo courtesy of British Library) LONDON, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- An extraordinary exhibition celebrating the 20th anniversary of the publication of the first Harry Potter book opens at the British Library Thursday. The exhibition, Harry Potter: A History of Magic, combines centuries-old British Library treasures. It includes original material from Harry Potter publisher Bloomsbury and J.K. Rowling's own archives going on display for the first time. It unveils rare books, manuscripts and magical objects from the British Library's collection, capturing the traditions of folklore and magic from across the world, which are at the heart of the Harry Potter stories. Based on the subjects studied at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the exhibition is designed into several parts. Among a total of 150 exhibit items, annotated sketch of Hogwarts School by J.K. Rowling, her handwritten list of the teachers and subjects at Hogwarts, as well as the original artwork by Jim Kay for the illustrated Harry Potter editions, are expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the show which will last till February. The British Library said the exhibition has already sold over 30,000 tickets ahead of opening. Curator Alexander Lock told Xinhua that J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, visited the exhibition several days earlier this week and enjoyed it. U.S. fans will also be able to enjoy Harry Potter: A History of Magic at the New-York Historical Society in October 2018. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 06:17:38|Editor: Hou Qiang Video Player Close BRUSSELS, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) leaders on Thursday called for accelerating regulatory work to complete the Digital Single Market strategy by the end of 2018. Despite considerable progress, work on a future-oriented regulatory framework needs to be accelerated in order to meet this deadline, the EU leaders said during their two-day summit in Brussels. To that end, the additional Telecom Council on Oct. 24 should discuss how to speed up and prioritize the work on the Digital Single Market, they said. Agreement between the co-legislators on geo-blocking, audio-visual media services and parcel delivery should be reached by the end of 2017, they noted. The leaders said co-legislators should also agree on the free flow of non-personal data proposal and the electronic communications code by June 2018. They also called for cooperation at the EU level to achieve "world-class very high-speed fixed and mobile networks (5G) all across the EU and increased coordinated availabilities of spectrum by 2020". The Digital Single Market strategy, adopted by the EU on May 6, 2015, aims to tear down regulatory walls and move from 28 national markets to a single one. This could contribute 415 billion euros (491.7 billion U.S. dollars) to the economy and create hundreds of thousands of new jobs. The European Commission has put forward 43 initiatives to complete the market, among them 24 legislative proposals. However, only six of the legislative proposals have been adopted. The EU summit kicked off in Brussels on Thursday, with migration, digital single market, defense and Brexit issues top of the agenda. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 06:17:39|Editor: Hou Qiang Video Player Close SOCHI, Russia, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Russia has always favored a civilized way to settle all disputes, including the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, said President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) should not be cornered or intimidated, he said at a meeting of Russian thinktank Valdai Discussion Club here, although Russia condemns Pyongyang's nuclear tests and adheres to UN sanctions. Whether someone likes or dislikes DPRK, it is a sovereign country, Putin noted, according to an official transcript of his speech. "We are firmly convinced that even the most complex knots -- be it the crisis in Syria or Libya, the Korean Peninsula or Ukraine -- must be disentangled rather than cut," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 07:37:51|Editor: Mengjie Video Player Close CARACAS, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro slammed on Thursday a "brutal campaign" against his country, orchestrated "from Washington, from Bogota, from Madrid, against the Bolivarian revolution." During the swearing-in ceremony for the new governor of the northern state of Aragua, Rodolfo Marco Torres, Maduro said there was a "global campaign...against Venezuela," accompanied by a "political, psychological, media war" inside the country. After stating that "in Venezuela, we defend ourselves, we tell our truths," he said that foreign powers "lied and attack us." The president referred to Sunday's regional elections, where the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) won 18 governorships, as opposed to five for the opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD). "Not everything that is said around the world about Venezuela can be believed. On the contrary, most of what is said everyday around the world are campaigns to influence, try and isolate and destroy the revolution," said Maduro. He criticized the Lima Group, made up of 12 Latin American nations, who called for an "exhaustive and independent" investigation into the regional elections, held on Oct. 15. According to Maduro, MUD leaders Julio Borges, the president of the National Assembly, and Henry Ramos Allup, a deputy, accepted the election results but the Lima Group was lying about it. "This so-called Lima Group have become nauseous, they do not know what to do (about the government's victory)," he said. Reacting to the news that the five MUD governors had refused to swear an oath to the National Constituent Assembly (ANC), a new legislative body close to the government, Maduro said they would not be allowed to fulfill their roles. "Whoever does not swear an oath and is subordinate to the ANC, will not take their post...they must respect it, this is simple," he added. On Wednesday, the MUD said its governors would swear an oath only "before God and the respective legislative councils." The opposition sees the ANC as an unconstitutional legal body, created specifically by the government to replace the parliament, which is controlled by the MUD. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 08:53:02|Editor: ying Video Player Close MANILA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has no plans of lifting martial law in Mindanao in the southern Philippines despite the "liberation" of Marawi City from the clutches of pro-Islamic State (IS) extremists, a government statement has said. Duterte said on Thursday night that the martial law will stay until all terrorist groups in the southern region are neutralized. "When the time came, I declared martial law. Everybody is asking when will it stop? It will not stop until the last terrorist is taken out," Duterte said at a business conference event. Duterte said martial law is needed to guarantee the safety of Filipinos in Mindanao. "He echoed the military and the police's warning that terrorists may continue to retaliate even as the top leaders of the Maute terrorists had been neutralized," Duterte's office said in a statement. The statement further read, "As such the president stressed that martial law would continue to prevail in the region." Duterte imposed martial law on the entire Mindanao region when the Maute and Abu Sayyaf militants took over Marawi on May 23. The conflict dragged on for nearly five months and has so far killed more than 1,000 people, including 163 government forces, and wounded more than 1,700 others. On Tuesday, Duterte declared to have liberated the ruined city from the IS-linked militants. But firefight continued as troops flush out the remaining 30 rebels and try to rescue the remaining hostages. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 09:03:05|Editor: ying Video Player Close LUANDA, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The trial of six Angolan muslims accused of creating a terrorist organization proceeded Thursday in Luanda, capital of Angola. The trial opened Monday with relatives of the defendants questioning the veracity of their alleged crimes. According to the indictment, the suspects founded a "radical Muslim group called 'Street Da Was'" in 2015, disseminating "issues of a radical nature" through social networks, with an aim to spread Islam in the southern African country. Aged between 23 and 39, the defendants are Angolan citizens converted to Islam. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 09:53:12|Editor: ying Video Player Close CANBERRA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has congratulated Jacinda Ardern on being elected Prime Minister (PM) of New Zealand despite previously saying they could not trust her party. Ardern, 37, was announced as the new PM of New Zealand on Thursday evening 26 days after the country cast its votes. Winston Peters, leader of the minor New Zealand First party, announced that he would support Ardern's Labour Party, allowing the two to form a coalition government. The shock result came two months after Julie Bishop, Australia's Foreign Minister, said it would be "very difficult to build trust" with a NZ Labour government. Bishop's comments came after it was alleged that a member of NZ Labour had worked with the Australian Labor Party (ALP) to prove that Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce was a citizen of New Zealand and thus ineligible to serve in Australian parliament. On Friday, Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull took steps to go back on Bishop's comments, saying that the Australia-New Zealand alliance was as strong as ever. "I spoke to Jacinda Ardern last night and congratulated her," Turnbull said on Australian radio on Friday. "I've got no doubt we will work together effectively and confidentially and constructively as Australian and New Zealand Prime Ministers have done from different political persuasions for generations. "I do expect to trust them. Prime Ministers come and go, political parties come and go but the friendship between Australia and New Zealand endures." At a brief press conference on Thursday night, Bishop said that the matter of whether she could trust NZ Labour had been dealt with before the election result was finalized. "The fact is Ardern gave an explanation a couple of months ago about the behaviour of a New Zealand member of the Labour party and she said at the time that his conduct was wrong, it was unacceptable, it should never have happened, and that he shouldn't have become involved," Bishop said. "And I accepted her explanation and I agree with her absolutely." Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 10:03:15|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The former president of Brazil's Olympic Committee (COB) Carlos Arthur Nuzman was charged with corruption on Thursday. Nuzman was accused of paying bribes to African delegates to ensure that Rio would be chosen as the host city of the 2016 Summer Olympics. Sergio Cabral Filho, who served as governor of Rio de Janeiro state when Rio was chosen as host city, was charged as well. Cabral is already in jail on a different corruption conviction. Earlier on Thursday, Nuzman was granted a writ of habeas corpus and is currently under house arrest. He was previously under preventive arrest in a regular jail, to prevent escape and tampering with evidence. Nuzman was charged with several crimes: corruption, criminal associations, money laundering and capital flight -- he reportedly has hefty amounts in both cash and gold in foreign banks. After his arrest, Nuzman resigned from his position as COB President, where he was serving his sixth consecutive term. A former Olympic volleyball player, Nuzman had been commanding the Committee since 1995, being at the helm of the organization of both the 2016 Olympics and the 2007 Pan-American Games. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 10:28:21|Editor: ying Video Player Close YANGON, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Firefighters have found one more body in a hotel room in a deadly fire that devastated a lakeside hotel in Yangon early Thursday morning, bringing the total killed in the fire to two, the official Global New Light of Myanmar reported Friday. However, the nationality and gender of the person could not be immediately determined, the report said. The first guest victim was identified as a Japanese, while of the two injured, one is a firefighter and the other is a woman visitor from China's Macao. The fire started from the fifth floor of the Kandawgyi Palace Hotel, but it was not triggered by explosion which occurred later, said U Htay Lwin, Managing Director of the Htoo Group of Companies, which is the owner of the hotel. A total of 141 guests including 120 foreigners were staying in 96 rooms in the hotel and as the fire broke out, the guests were alarmed and evacuated to nearby hotels. The fire, which almost totally burned down the hotel building, started at about 3:00 a.m. local time when guests were asleep and was brought under control by about 300 firefighters after nearly four hours' fight. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but investigation is urgently underway by the police authorities. The hotel was insured with a total of 1.3 billion kyats (about 955,800 U.S. dollars) with two insurance companies and the policy includes public liability coverage for guests. The iconic Kandawgyi Palace Hotel was built in 1979, featuring 10 teak bungalows and it was extended in 1993. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 10:33:23|Editor: ying Video Player Close YANGON, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- A total of five people have been killed and 25 others including five police officers injured in an attack at a jade mine area in Hpa-Khant township of Myanmar's northernmost Kachin state, Myanmar News Agency reported Friday. The incident occurred Thursday at about 9:30 p.m. local time when police were patrolling the jade mining plot owned by One-One-One Company. Nearly 50 jade seekers first tried to force their way onto the work site but were prevented by the police and left. One hour later, nearly 600 people returned and attacked the police with knives, burned dump trucks and destroyed a backhoe, forcing the police to open fire to drive back the attackers, the report said. Police are investigating the case. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 10:53:26|Editor: ying Video Player Close CANBERRA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Research by Australia's peak scientific body has paved the way for the world's first-ever non-browning apples to go on sale in the United States. Canadian biotech company Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF) developed the "Arctic apples" after licensing non-browning technology from Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). OSF's first commercially available product was non-browning golden apple slices with more varieties, including Fuji and Granny Smith, expected to follow. Other non-browning apple slices already exist on the market but rely on a vitamin C coating which can change their taste. CSIRO researchers developed a gene which suppresses polyphenol oxidase (PPO), the naturally-occurring enzyme which causes fruit and vegetable to turn brown after being sliced. "I came across research from CSIRO that had managed to 'turn off' browning in potatoes," Neal Carter, founder of OSF, said in a CSIRO media release on Friday. "As an apple grower, I was very aware that apple consumption had been declining for decades while obesity rates had simultaneously been sharply rising. "My wife and I felt that we could help boost apple consumption through a similar biotech approach with apples, as non-browning apples would be more appealing and convenient." Carter said he also hoped that fruit that kept for longer would reduce food waste. The CSIRO said that browning cost the fruit-growing industry millions of dollars each year. Scientists from the CSIRO are optimistic that the gene could be used to counteract browning in beans, lettuce and grapes as well as apples and potatoes. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 11:18:31|Editor: ying Video Player Close LISBON, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The head of Portugal's National Civil Protection Authority (ANPC) has resigned as the death toll from Sunday's forest fires climbed to 43, the Portuguese Lusa News Agency reported Thursday. Joaquim Leitao, president of the ANPC, handed his resignation letter to the government on Wednesday and it was accepted by Prime Minister Antonio Costa, although the news has yet to be officially announced. Portugal's interior minister has been replaced amid criticism over the government's handling of a series of deadly forest fires that have killed more than 100 people in four months. Constanca Urbano de Sousa handed her resignation to Costa Wednesday. She will be replaced by Deputy Prime Minister Eduardo Cabrita, the government has announced. The recent death toll from the fires, which ravaged swathes of land in central Portugal recently, has risen to 43 after the discovery of another corpse near a hospital in the central city of Coimbra, authorities said Thursday. Some 70 people have been injured, including more than a dozen who are in serious condition. It is the second time Portugal has been struck by devastating forest fires in four months. In mid-June, wildfires near Pedrogao Grande in central Portugal killed 64 people and injured more than 250 others in what were the deadliest blazes in the country's history. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa visited part of the worst affected areas on Thursday to "listen to people and give them strength." Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 11:23:34|Editor: ying Video Player Close RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The International Labor Organization (ILO) released Thursday an official statement criticizing vehemently the recent changes in the legislation over slave labor in Brazil. The ILO regretted the changes, which made the definition of slave labor -- work similar to slavery and exploitative work -- less rigid. Slave-like labor in Brazil was previously defined as work that included degrading conditions and excessive workloads. After new rules were issued earlier this week, the definition now applies only if workers are forced to stay at their jobs. According to ILO, in the past 20 years, Brazil was a global reference in reducing work similar to slavery and exploitative work, but the regulation changes can lead to an interruption of the "successful trajectory that has made it a model of leadership in combating slave labor for the region and the world." "The seriousness of the situation is the possible weakening and limitation of the effective performance of labor inspection, with the consequent increase in the lack of protection and vulnerability of a portion of the Brazilian population already very fragile," ILO said. Brazilian President Michel Temer was much criticized by social activists and even by the Brazilian Labor Justice for the changes, which critics say are a bid by Temer to gain support from the most conservative members of the Congress. The president will face next week a House voting which may lead to his suspension from office and to a trial for obstruction of justice and criminal associations. The ILO warned Brazil that "governments should take steps to promote due diligence to combat slave labor, both in the public sphere and in the private sphere." "It would be regrettable to see the country retreat from the already established instruments, without replacing or complementing them with others that aim to bring even more protection to the workers, thus ensuring respect to the dignity of the human person," the ILO said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 11:28:37|Editor: ying Video Player Close SEOUL, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- A South Korean government survey showed nearly 60 percent of participants supporting the resumption to build the currently-suspended two nuclear power plants in contrast to the government's efforts to reduce dependence on nuclear energy, a state commission said Friday. According to the survey, 59.5 percent of participants supported the construction resumption of the Shin Kori-5 and Shin Kori-6 nuclear reactors, with 40.5 percent opposing it. It had 3.6 percentage points in margin of error with a 95 percent confidence level. The difference between supporters and opponents had a statistical significance, the state commission chief said in a televised press briefing. The two reactors, which had been under construction since last year in the country's southeast coastal city of Ulsan, stopped construction in July to examine whether it was a right time to lessen South Korea's dependence on nuclear energy. On his campaign trail, President Moon Jae-in pledged to abandon the construction of the two unfinished reactors, but Moon decided to make a final decision according to public opinion. The presidential Blue House said after the announcement that it respected the commission's recommendation and would make best efforts to implement follow-up measures based on the recommendation. The state commission was established to form a jury, composed of randomly-picked 471 ordinary people, providing them for nearly three months with information on the merits and demerits of nuclear energy. Over the last weekend, the jury heard the final opposing arguments from experts in both sides and cast a final vote on it. Before the suspension, about 1.6 trillion won (1.4 billion U.S. dollars) had been spent to complete around 30 percent of the construction. Anti-nuclear calls arose here after the 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck the country's southeastern city of Gyeongju, located near the reactor-concentrated coastal region, in September last year. It was one of the most powerful quakes ever recorded in South Korea. New research findings showed the southeast region lying on an active fault, which means an earthquake-prone area. The tremor reminded many South Koreans of the devastating Fukushima earthquake in Japan in 2011, which caused one of the worst nuclear accidents in the world with a series of explosions and meltdowns of reactors. The southeast coastal region of South Korea is already reactor-concentrated. It already housed six nuclear reactors, with two more slated to start operation from next year. The Shin Kori-5 and Shin Kori-6 will bring the total number to 10 in the region. Opponents to additional reactors in the region said South Korea must reduce dependence on nuclear energy and turn into renewable and clean energy for safety and environmental purposes. It was in line with the Moon government's long-term plan to phase out the country's nuclear reactors over the next 60 years. Proponents claimed the abandonment of the reactors' construction would raise electricity bills. Without the revision of electricity-charging structure, higher electricity costs will be centered on ordinary people, rather than industrial companies. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 11:38:38|Editor: Mengjie Video Player Close CHANGSHA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- China's first domestically produced electric locomotive began operating in Serbia, the Chinese manufacturer, CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive, announced late Thursday. The locomotive will serve the busiest freight transport route on the Balkan Peninsula With a maximum speed of 140 km per hour and a rated power of 7,000 kw, the locomotive is able to haul 4,500 tonnes of cargo. In March 2016, CRRC Zhuzhou signed a contract with Nikola Tesla Thermal Power Plant, a state-owned enterprise in Serbia, to supply two electric locomotives. It is the first Chinese electric locomotive project in Serbia and also the first to conform to the European Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI) standard. The other locomotive is expected to arrive in Serbia soon. CRRC Zhuzhou has strengthened its presence in overseas markets in recent years. It has won bids for metro trains in Turkey, multiple unit trains in Macedonia and Czech Republic, and a hybrid trolley bus in Austria. The CRRC, also known as China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation, was formed in 2015 through the merger of former two rivals. The largest train maker so far has been rapidly expanding its presence by winning contracts in overseas markets, and has sold equipment to more than 100 countries and regions. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 11:53:41|Editor: Mengjie Video Player Close NEW DELHI, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- A thick toxic haze enveloped Indian capital city New Delhi and outskirts Friday morning as people ignored the Supreme Court's ban on sale of firecrackers in its jurisdiction to ensure cracker-free and pollution less festivities. On Thursday evening, contrary to the proposed quiet evening, people in Delhi and national capital region set off firecrackers heavily to celebrate Diwali festival, pushing pollution and noise levels much above the alarming mark. The bursting of fireworks continued throughout night. The online indicators of the pollution monitoring stations in the city Friday morning glowed red, indicating a "very poor" air quality. Reports said volume of PM 2.5 and PM10, which enter the respiratory system and manage to reach the bloodstream, immediately rose after 7:00 p.m local time on Thursday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) value on Thursday was 319, putting it in "very poor" category. AQI level from 301-400 is very poor, and beyond is considered severe. Authorities have cautioned people with heart or lung ailments, aged people and children to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Last week, the country's top court had banned the sale of firecrackers during this Diwali to see effects of its suspension in the light of the severe pollution and smog-like conditions. Every year, bursting of firecrackers around Diwali festival leaves air in and around Delhi thick, and pushes air quality to a dangerous "severe" level of rating. The deadly smog chocks air, causing breathlessness and lung difficulties, besides badly affecting the visibility. Delhi is considered to be the most polluted city in the world. Last year, the city's high court described the capital as "gas chamber." Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 11:58:42|Editor: Mengjie Video Player Close BEIJING, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- A leading U.S. expert on China studies said the ongoing 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) marks a "new historic starting point," believing it will exert influence on China and the world for decades to come. "Xi Jinping set out an audacious, grand vision for China's future development, which, without doubt, is the highlight of the political report," said Robert Lawrence Kuhn, chairman of the Kuhn Foundation, commenting on the report Xi delivered to the 19th CPC National Congress on Wednesday. What impressed Kuhn was the report's "comprehensive scope" and that it "established the policies not only for the next five years, but framed the agenda and set the strategies for the next 30 years." While announcing socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a "new era," the CPC leader envisioned China with "socialist modernization basically realized" by 2035, and then developing into "a great modern socialist country" by the middle of the century with a leading influence in the world. That's why this congress has special significance as it marks the start of a five-year period that is the confluence of the two centenary goals, said Kuhn, who was at the Great Hall of the People as the co-producer and host of "Closer to China with R.L. Kuhn" on China Global Television Network (CGTN) when the report was delivered. "People orientation and rejuvenating the country, in the historic context of China's ancient civilization and long struggle against foreign oppression, form the foundation of the report," Kuhn said. The report also gave Kuhn, author of bestseller "How China's Leaders Think," a sense of how confident the Chinese leader and the country are in socialism and their commitment to deepening reform and strengthening rule of law. From the report, he also saw the "strict governance of the Party by reforming and purifying itself," which he said is "unambiguous." "The anti-corruption campaign not only continues but is enhanced," he added. On the economic front, Kuhn saw the increasing role of innovation, especially in science and technology. Regarding military, he described the content concerning military reform and modernization as "open and specific." From the report, he also saw China's sovereignty as "sacrosanct" and its international engagement as "pro-active, confident and growing." It impressed Kuhn that "the leadership of China, led by Xi, has a profound understanding of the country, its governance, economy and society, and is determined to bring about its great rejuvenation." "Xi gave a realistic appraisal of problems, including social imbalances, economic structure, endemic pollution," while making an "epic narrative of what China has remarkably achieved, what China has yet to do, and what China envisages as necessary to be a great nation," he said. It is on this competence and accomplishment that the political legitimacy of the CPC is founded, said Kuhn. With this political report and the congress, Xi, who is the core of the CPC Central Committee and of the whole Party, sees China as standing at a new historic starting point and that socialism with Chinese characteristics is entering a new era, Kuhn added. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 13:13:55|Editor: ying Video Player Close 0 WASHINGTON, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. military has started investigating an ambush in Niger that left four U.S. soldiers dead and two others injured earlier this month, Defense Secretary James Mattis said Thursday, amid public calls for more information about the attack. "The loss of our troops is under investigation," Mattis told reporters. "We investigate anytime we have our troops killed, whether it be in a training accident or combat." The Pentagon boss' comments came in the midst of a growing list of unanswered questions about the Oct. 4 incident and President Donald Trump's delayed and reportedly inappropriate response to the aftermath. Mattis said the body of Sergeant La David Johnson, one of the fallen soldiers, was found by non-U.S. troops. The ambush was believed to have been staged by militants affiliated with Islamic State fighters. White House Chief of Staff John Kelly said during a White House press briefing Thursday that it is routine for Pentagon to investigate incidents where U.S. service members are killed. "An investigation doesn't mean anything was wrong, an investigation doesn't mean people's heads are going to roll. The fact is, they need to find out what happened and why it happened," Kelly said. The four Americans and at least four more Nigerian soldiers were killed in the ambush. The incident occurred when a dozen U.S. soldiers and 30 to 40 Nigerian troops were leaving a town along the border between Niger and Mali on a routine patrol. Pentagon said the routine patrol had been conducted nearly 30 times in the past six months without any incident. The inquiry will look into the location of the incident, whether the forces were adequately equipped or prepared for the attack, and how Johnson was left behind. The Niger incident is the deadliest overseas attack on the U.S. military under the Trump presidency. After being criticized for not speaking publicly about the attack and controversial claims on how his predecessors responded to fallen soldiers, Trump was accused of disrespecting Johnson's family in a condolence call. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 13:18:58|Editor: ying Video Player Close by Farid Behbud KABUL, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of people have visited the agriculture fair held at Badam Bagh, the biggest agricultural products and handicrafts farm in the Afghan capital. The farm, with non-asphalted pathways and sidewalks and located on the outskirts of the city, has installed a total of 240 booths full of agricultural products, handicrafts and machinery. "This is the 19th Kabul Agricultural Exhibition, inaugurated by the ministry of agriculture and livestock in the Kabul Badam Bagh, where farmers, private entrepreneurs, owners of domestic companies and producers from 34 provinces of the country, are invited to exhibit their products and handicrafts," Lutfullah Rashid, spokesman of the ministry told Xinhua Wednesday at the opening ceremony. A team of musicians are singing at a graveled area near booths exhibiting various types of fresh fruits such as grapes, apples, pears and other agricultural products like potatoes, onions, saffrons, honey, yellow ghee (Afghan traditional cooking oil produced from milk) and handicrafts. "The three-day agriculture fair is held two times each year; in Nawruz, the beginning of days of new year, and in autumn season, the end of the farmers' harvests," said the spokesman who hoped to have 100,000 visitors this year. Abdul Khaleq Mubarez, who is from the Samangan province, wants to exhibit his company's dried fruits including almonds, pistachios and walnuts, to strengthen relations with the country's traders and secure a good market for his group's agricultural products. "Some 2,280 farmers are official members of the Dried Fruit Association, while 252 women as horticulturists, 2,000 women working in processing pistachios, 20 youths including 10 girls as horticulture trainers, are unofficial members," said Mubarez, 47, who introduced himself as being in charge of Samangan Dried Fruit Association. Security plays a vital role in encouraging women in this traditional society to attend such demonstration farms, as Mubarez called on the government to do more in this respect. Another participant, Zahra Wafa, representing her small Shah-e-Fuladi Diary Farm, with 118 members in central Bamyan province, was happy to once again attend the this year's autumn season fair. "We produce dairy products, like butter, curd (dried yogurt), yellow ghee and have brought some samples for marketing," said Wafa, adding that they had sold up to 70 percent of their goods. Some 60 percent of Afghan workforces are busy in agriculture sector. And 40 percent of agriculture workforces are women, according to official data. The Afghan government has taken measures to invest in the agricultural sector to create job opportunities for people and boost economy in the land-locked central Asian state. Decades of war had a devastating impact on the agriculture sector; however, the country has witnessed a 2 percent economy growth in 2016, according to official statistics. More than 5,000 irrigation canals have been reconstructed since 2001 when the Taliban regime was ousted. The agriculture fair was scheduled to wrap up Friday evening. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 13:39:04|Editor: ying Video Player Close SEOUL, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Top nuclear envoys of South Korea and the United States met in Seoul Friday to discuss issues concerning the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear program. Lee Do-hoon, South Korea's special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs, met with visiting U.S. nuclear envoy Joseph Yun, according to Seoul's foreign ministry. Lee and Yun represent their respective countries at the currently suspended six-party talks aimed at denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula. The talks, which involved South Korea, the DPRK, China, the United States, Russia and Japan, was last held in late 2008. During the bilateral meeting, the diplomats made an in-depth discussion on ways to encourage the DPRK to accept denuclearization talks while stably managing the peninsula's situations through diplomatic efforts including sanctions and pressure, the Seoul ministry said. They shared a view that Seoul and Washington would need to cooperate with major countries based on close U.S.-South Korea coordination, agreeing to more frequently and closely communicate and coordinate with each other to achieve a common goal of completely dismantling the DPRK's nuclear program in a peaceful manner. The meeting followed a separate dialogue in Seoul Thursday between the South Korean diplomat and his Japanese counterpart Kenji Kanasugi. A vice ministerial-level meeting had also been held in Seoul between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan to discuss the DPRK issues ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to Northeast Asia, including South Korea. Tensions ran high on the peninsula following the DPRK's detonation on Sept. 3 of what it claimed was a hydrogen bomb. It was the sixth and most powerful nuclear test ever carried out by Pyongyang. On Sept. 15, the DPRK test-fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile over Japan, but there has been no additional provocation reported yet as of now. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 13:44:06|Editor: ying Video Player Close PYONGYANG, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has blasted the U.S. military for making detailed war plans against Pyongyang, in particular a highly sophisticated decapitating operation plan against its supreme leadership. A spokesman for the National Peace Committee of Korea on Thursday issued a statement denouncing "the reckless military action of U.S. warmongers obsessed with the anachronistic ambition for stifling the DPRK which is reaching the extreme line," the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA)reported. According to the spokesman, officials of the U.S. Department of Defense presented on Oct. 10 to President Donald Trump military options toward the DPRK which "ensure an intensive and surprise, preemptive attack while avoiding a total war and minimizing their losses." "Of those options, the 'decapitation operation' accompanied by a cyber warfare was chosen as the best way," said the spokesman. The plan is about such issues as the accurate location of the DPRK's supreme leadership by satellites and drones, a precision strike by long-distance attack means including nuclear strategic bombers, the destruction of core facilities and nuclear and missile bases by infiltration of special operation forces and cyber warfare, the spokesman added. "This shows that the United States has started a war against the DPRK without declaration under its most dangerous war scenario," the spokesman said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 15:04:20|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close Women from ethnic Newar community celebrate the Nepal Sambat in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Oct. 20, 2017. Thousands of people from Nepal's ethnic Newar community marched into the streets of the capital city on Friday to celebrate their New Year called "Nepal Sambat 1138." (Xinhua/Sunil Sharma) KATHMANDU, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of people from Nepal's ethnic Newar community marched into the streets of the capital city on Friday to celebrate their New Year called "Nepal Sambat 1138." The indigenous social group of Newars, mainly from Kathmandu and nearby places - Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Kirtipur and Dhulikhel, celebrate the Nepal Sambat amid various programs and rallies. This New Year is marked annually on the 4th day of Nepal's second biggest Hindu festival Tihar. Dressed in traditional attire, people engaged themselves in playing traditional musical instruments, dancing and exchanging New Year greetings. Masked dance is also one of the major attractions of this celebration. Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba attended the special function organized at Kathmandu Durbar Square on Friday morning and expressed New Year greetings to the people. The government of Nepal recognized the Nepal Sambat calendar in 2007. Nepal Sambat was initiated by a merchant named Shankhadhar Sakhwa 1138 years ago to relieve the Nepali people of debt. It is believed that his kindness had impressed the common people so much that people started commemorating the pay back of all their debts on this special day. Sakhwa was recognized as a national luminary later in 1999. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 15:19:23|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close GHAZNI, Afghanistan, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Up to 34 Taliban militants including two group commanders had been killed and 13 others injured in Afghanistan's eastern Ghazni province over the past two days, army spokesman in the restive province Mohammad Hanif Rezai said Friday. The fighting had been continuing amid Taliban attempts to overrun the strategically important Andar district in the province since Tuesday morning. According to Rezae, units of Special Forces launched operations against Taliban positions in Andar district late Friday night and so far 34 insurgents had been killed, forcing militants to flee. Confirming the fighting, deputy to Ghazni provincial police chief Ramazan Ali said more than 2,000 Taliban insurgents were attempting to overrun Andar district but their malicious designs had been foiled. Without commenting on the possible casualties of security forces, governor of Andar district Mohmmad Qasim Disiwal said the militants had fled away and the normalcy had returned to the troubled district. Taliban militants, who have intensified operations over the past one week by conducting deadly offensives against police and army stations, are yet to make comment on the situation in Andar area. Chinese medical soldiers stand at attention during the sailing of the Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark at the Port of Luanda, capital of Angola, Oct.19, 2017. (Xinhua/Jiang Shan) LUANDA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark has arrived in Luanda, capital of Angola on Thursday morning, on an eight-day mission to deliver free medical services to the local people. Guan Bailin, Task Group Commander, said this is the first time Peace Ark has visited Angola, and the mission is aimed at enhancing the cooperation between the two countries. The Peace Ark was commissioned in 2008 and has traversed 34 countries, providing free medical services where they arrived, Guan said. In the years between 2010 and 2015, the Peace Ark paid visits to Asia, Africa, the Americas and Oceania. 120,000 people from a total of 29 countries and regions have received free medical and humanitarian services on board. The Peace Ark is 178 meters long, with a total area of 4,000 square meters. It has eight operation rooms, seven healthcare offices and 300 beds. A total of 115 healthcare professionals are on board, mostly from the Naval Medical University, of which 60 percent have senior titles. The Peace Ark, upon completing mission in Angola, will travel to Mozambique, Tanzania and other countries to provide free medical and humanitarian services. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 15:54:33|Editor: An Video Player Close HEFEI, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- A China-developed drought-resistant rice breed and its farming method have been introduced to nine countries, mainly in southeast Asia and Africa, according to an agricultural academy in east China's Anhui Province. Dr. Wang Shimei, of the Rice Research Institute of the Anhui Agricultural Academy, said the plantation area of the Lyuhan No. 1 (Green Drought) rice breed had reached 2.3 million hectares in China. Wang said the breed was first exported in 2009 to Angola. Plantation has reached 10,000 hectares in the country since then. The rice has also been planted in countries such as the Philippines, Cambodia, Pakistan and Cameroon. In Cameroon, the rice yield reached just over 29 kg per hectare this year, as compared with about an average 4.5 kg per hectare of other rice breeds in the country. Wang said agricultural experts from 10 countries, including Egypt and Uganda, came to China in June to study the rice growing technique, hoping it could help improve the yield in their countries, which face severe drought. She said the rice breed has also proved to have a steady yield in saline-alkali soil in the Philippines, where fields suffer from monsoon flooding. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 15:54:34|Editor: An Video Player Close Hi, here is what you may want to know about China in the past 24 hours. HEFEI -- Chinese researchers have found a fossilized nest containing a new type of dinosaur egg, according to Anhui Geological Museum on Friday. The new egg species, Umbellaoolithus xiuningensis, was named after Xiuning county in China's eastern Anhui Province, where it was discovered. They can be distinguished from all other known dinosaur eggs, so researchers have classed them as a new dinosaur egg family. - - - - BEIRUT -- Head of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Michael Beary on Thursday hailed China's significant contribution to global peace and security, particularly to the UNIFIL. He made the remarks during the inauguration ceremony of a newly refurbished UN hospital which is operated by UNIFIL's Chinese medical team. - - - - CHANGSHA -- China's first domestically produced electric locomotive began operating in Serbia, the Chinese manufacturer, CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive, announced late Thursday. The locomotive will serve the busiest freight transport route on the Balkan Peninsula. - - - - CHENGDU -- China's Tongwei Group saw its promotional video themed by "Tongwei -- for a better life" screened on New York Times Square's "China Screen" on Wednesday. Over the past 35 years, Tongwei has developed into a leading enterprise in the industries of agriculture and PV new energy with annual sales of nearly 60 billion yuan. Tongwei's brand value has hit 45.062 billion yuan this year. - - - - BEIJING -- A leading U.S. expert on China studies said the ongoing 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) marks a "new historic starting point," believing it will exert influence on China and the world for decades to come. "Xi Jinping set out an audacious, grand vision for China's future development, which, without doubt, is the highlight of the political report," said Robert Lawrence Kuhn, chairman of the Kuhn Foundation, commenting on the report Xi delivered to the 19th CPC National Congress on Wednesday. - - - - SHANGHAI -- The number of visits from China to Abu Dhabi reached 242,000 from January to August, making China the largest source of tourists in the city, Abu Dhabi's tourism department said Thursday. Saif Saeed Ghobash, director of Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, said that in the first eight months the number of visits by Chinese tourists to Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, increased by 68 percent year on year. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 16:14:42|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close WELLINGTON, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- A record--breaking 3.68 million visitors arrived in New Zealand in September 2017 year, up 9 percent from September 2016 due to increased visitor arrivals from Australia, the United States and Britain, the country's statistics department Stats NZ said on Friday. In September 2017, 252,700 visitors arrived in New Zealand, 3 percent more than the same period last year, and half of the visitor arrivals were from Australia, Stats NZ said. The average length of stay for all short-term visitors in September was 19 days, it said, adding that in the past 20 years, the average length of stay ranged between 19 days and 22 days. "Visitors from Europe spent the longest time in New Zealand," population statistics senior manager Peter Dolan said in a statement, adding that the average length of stay for visitors from Europe was 33 days, which reflects the long distance travelled to get here, plus increasing numbers of working holiday-makers. Most visitor arrivals over the year were from Oceania, taking up about 45 percent, followed by Asia which was 26 percent, and Europe, 16 percent, it said, adding that about 12 percent of visitor arrivals were from the Americas, and 1 percent were from Africa and the Middle East. The length of stay is based on stated information on the arrival cards. It is an important measure because it affects the overall tourist spending in New Zealand, according to Stats NZ. New Zealand residents departed on 273,600 trips overseas in September 2017, up 2 percent from September 2016, the department said, adding that the biggest increases in resident departures were to Fiji, Britain and China, and the biggest decreases were to Australia and the United States. "Trips to Australia saw a large drop of 7,200," the statement said. New Zealand residents took a record 2.79 million overseas trips in the September 2017, up 10 percent from September 2016, it said, adding that of all resident departures, 43 percent were for holidays and 37 percent were for visiting friends and relatives. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 16:49:50|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close SEOUL, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's main opposition Liberty Korea Party decided Friday to ask ousted President Park Geun-hye to quit the party, citing acts of damaging the party and losing public support. The party's ethics committee held a meeting to decide on a punitive measure of Park, in which the party will advise the impeached leader to voluntarily quit. Unless Park submits the defection document to the party in 10 days, she would automatically be removed from the party membership, according to local media reports. It would mark the first time that a former South Korean president forcibly loses party affiliation. Former conservative presidents, who were imprisoned for corruption charges, voluntarily broke away from their parties. Park was removed from her presidency on March 10 when the constitutional court upheld the National Assembly's impeachment bill over the influence-peddling scandal embroiling Park and her longtime confidante Choi Soon-sil. Since late March, Park was taken into custody and stood trial for multiple charges including bribery and abuse of power. A South Korean court extended Park's detention another six months until next April. Park's lawyers resigned from their defense, while Park refused to appear in the courtroom earlier this week and said the extended detention was a political retaliation. The party's ethics committee cited Park's acts of harming the party and alienating voters as reasons for the decision to expel the ousted president. The Liberty Korea Party was defeated by a wide margin in the May 9 presidential by-election as conservative voters were deeply disappointed at the scandal involving the conservative president. Ahead of next year's local election to select chiefs of local governments across the country, the Liberty Korea Party has sought to reunify with the minor conservative Righteous Party. Political experts estimated that Park's expulsion would serve as a cause for some of the Righteous Party members to return back to the main opposition party. The Righteous Party is composed of former members of the Liberty Korea Party, who broke away from it following the presidential scandal. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 16:59:51|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close LOS ANGELES, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said Thursday that it has authorized a second extension of the Dawn mission at Ceres, the largest object in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. During this extension, the mission will continue at Ceres for the remainder of its scientific investigation. A priority of the second Ceres mission extension is collecting data with Dawn's gamma ray and neutron spectrometer, which measures the number and energy of gamma rays and neutrons. This information is important to understand the composition of Ceres' uppermost layer and how much ice it contains, the U.S. space agency said in a statement. The Dawn team is currently refining its plans for this next and final chapter of the mission. Because of its commitment to protect Ceres from earthly contamination, Dawn will not land or crash into Ceres. Instead, it will remain in a stable orbit indefinitely after its hydrazine fuel runs out. Mission planners estimate the spacecraft can continue operating until the second half of 2018. The spacecraft will descend to lower altitudes than ever before at the dwarf planet, which it has been orbiting since March 2015. The Dawn flight team is studying ways to maneuver Dawn into a new elliptical orbit, which may take the spacecraft to less than 200 km from the surface of Ceres at closest approach. Previously, Dawn's lowest altitude was 385 kilometers, according to NASA. The extended mission at Ceres additionally allows Dawn to be in orbit while the dwarf planet goes through perihelion, its closest approach to the Sun, which will occur in April 2018. In the ten years since its launch from Cape Canaveral, NASA's Dawn spacecraft has orbited the two most massive bodies in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, giant asteroid Vesta and dwarf planet Ceres. The sapcecraft overcome defective components that threatened to derail the mission on its 4 billion-mile voyage, discovering unexpectedly rich geologic tapestries suggesting both destinations have a watery past. Ceres, with an average diameter of 950 km, is the largest object in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. By comparison, Vesta has an average diameter of 525 km, and is the second most massive body in the belt. Ceres is of great interest to astronomers and scientists, who believe that the small dwarf planet may also be a large water reservoir in the inner solar system aside from the Earth. However, scientists are unsure how much of that water is actually liquid. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 17:19:58|Editor: An Video Player Close NEW DELHI, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- India's solicitor general Ranjit Kumar Friday resigned from his post citing personal reasons, officials said. Solicitor general is the second-most senior legal post in India. "The government is good to me, but I tendered my resignation due to personal reasons," Kumar told a local television news channel after his resignation. Kumar was appointed the solicitor general of India in 2014, soon after the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) government came to power. In June, Mukul Rohatgi resigned from the post of attorney general, the government's chief legal advisor, declining an extension of his three-year term. He also cited personal reasons. Following his resignation, K. K. Venugopal took over as the attorney general of India. An illegal immigrant from North Africa prays at the port of Lampedusa island, southernmost Italy, March 29, 2011. (Xinhua/Wang qingqin) BRUSSELS, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Member states of the European Union (EU) will pump "sufficient" money into a trust fund to stem illegal migration from North Africa, European Council President Donald Tusk said here on Thursday. He made the remarks at a joint press conference with his European Commission counterpart Jean-Claude Juncker, following a first day meeting of the two-day EU summit, which focused on migration, digital Europe, as well as security and defense. He said EU leaders have agreed on the need to help Italy manage the Central Mediterranean route, which links Libya to Italy and was named as the deadliest route to Europe by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in a study published in September 2017. "We have a real chance of closing the Central Mediterranean route. That is why we decided that member states will provide sufficient finances for the North Africa window of the Trust Fund for Africa, while the Commission ensures that this money is channeled to stem illegal migration," Tusk said. "We should see concrete results within the next few weeks," he added. As Libya is at the forefront of EU's efforts to stem illegal migration in the central Mediterranean route, EU leaders reiterated "the importance of working with the Libyan authorities and all neighbors of Libya to enhance border management capacity," according to the EU summit. EU leaders also underscored the urgency of supporting the development of the local communities in Libya along the migratory routes." To consolidate the declining trend of migrant inflow, the European Council also called on all member states to fully abide by the deal with Turkey. Since the summer of 2015, an unprecedented refugee crisis has been a tough nut to crack for the EU. Thanks to an "aid for return" deal with Turkey in March 2016, the EU boxed in the inflow of refugees via the eastern Mediterranean route, which saw a 98 percent plunge of arrivals. However, the EU still bears the brunt of migratory pressure, particularly from the central Mediterranean route. The IOM, the United Nations Migration Agency, reported Tuesday that 145,355 migrants and refugees had entered Europe by sea up to Oct. 15 this year, with over 75 percent arriving in Italy and the rest landing in Greece, Cyprus, and Spain. Meanwhile, 2,776 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year, according to the IOM. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 18:00:08|Editor: An Video Player Close BEIJING, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Messages of solidarity and encouragement continued to pour in as foreign leaders, political parties and organizations hailed the role of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in China's socio-economic development with the 19th National Congress of the party entering its third day in Beijing Friday. The following is an edited version of some of the messages: Gwede Mantashe, secretary-general, African National Congress (ANC), South Africa The National Executive Committee of the ANC would like to wish the CPC well in holding its congress at a pivotal moment in the history of the CPC as it leads the Chinese people in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects while developing socialism with Chinese characteristics. Francois Ngarambe, secretary-general, Rwanda Patriotic Front-Inkotanyi The Rwanda Patriotic Front-Inkotanyi ... recognizes the important historical landmarks and decisions of the Communist Party of China over the years, and wishes that the 19th National Congress will confidently lay out China's transformational path for yet another ... five years. Secretariat of the Council of Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front China, over the past five years, has accomplished outstanding achievements in domestic and diplomatic affairs. The China-Africa cooperation has also been further strengthened in recent years via various rigorous cooperation mechanisms between the two sides. Nangolo Mbumba, secretary-general, Southwest African People's Organization (SWAPO), Namibia (The) SWAPO party values and cherishes the role and contribution of the People's Republic of China to peace and economic development and transformation. Matteo Renzi, secretary, Democratic Party, Italy China ... has become a leading (figure) on the global stage. The 19th CPC National Congress will inject more energy into China's future development. Mauro Lopes, secretary-general, Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB) The PMDB ... wishes the 19th CPC National Congress ... success and hopes ... relations between China and Brazil will (have) more fruitful achievements. Pedro Gonzalez, secretary-general, Democratic Revolutionary Party, Panama China has taken a huge responsibility for world peace, stability and prosperity. The achievements of the 19th CPC National Congress will help China play a more constructive role on the world stage. Farid Niyazov, first deputy leader, Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan Under the leadership of the CPC, China has successfully established the socialist market economy, made outstanding achievements in building a socialist country with highly efficient economy, and promoted prestige at home and abroad. Gleisi Hoffmann, leader of Brazil's Workers' Party, and Monica Valente, the party's secretary on international relations China's positive contributions to global economic development and its expanding role in global governance have shown that China has been walking (with) firm steps on the path of development. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 18:25:14|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses the opening session of a D-8 summit in Istanbul, Turkey, on Oct. 20, 2017. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday called on leaders of Developing 8 countries to use national currencies in intra-trade transactions. (Xinhua/Anadolu Agency) ISTANBUL, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday called on leaders of Developing 8 countries to use national currencies in intra-trade transactions. "If we can lead the way in using our national currencies in trade among our countries, we will mark a revolution in the history of D-8," Erdogan said at the opening session of a D-8 summit in Istanbul. "There is no reason to allow our economies to melt under the pressure of exchange rates," he added. Turkey and Iran, two D-8 members, have just agreed to trade in their local currencies. Erdogan proposed the central banks of D-8 member states to come together for the establishment of a clearing house, and urged the private sectors of member countries to get involved in D-8 activities more actively. He noted that the average national income per capita of D-8 countries was 1,820 U.S. dollars when the organization was established 20 years ago and stands at 4,500 dollars today. "Of course, that is not enough," the president said. "It has to go much further." The D-8 summit is hosted under the theme of "Expanding Opportunities through Cooperation" among member states, namely Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 18:35:20|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- New representative for the UN refugee agency in Pakistan Ruvendrini Menikdiwela has arrived to take up her responsibilities, the UN High Commission for Refugees said Friday. Menikdiwela succeeded Indrika Ratwatte -- who has become UNHCR's Regional Bureau Director for Asia and Pacific based in Geneva, the UNHCR said in a statement. Prior to taking up her assignment in Pakistan, Menikdiwela was UNHCR's Representative in Thailand. Menikdiwela works with the UNHCR over 27 years -- with extensive leadership experience in a range of roles at the UN refugee agency's headquarters and in the field in different countries. "I am delighted to be taking over as the Representative of UNHCR in Pakistan and working closely with the government and other stakeholders to support the persons of concern," she said. Pakistan still hosts approximately 1.4 million Afghan refugees. Since 2002, the UNHCR has facilitated the return of approximately 4.2 million registered Afghans from Pakistan, but the agency still needs to achieve a lasting solution for the thorny issue in Pakistan. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 18:45:23|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close BRUSSELS, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Theresa May reassured her European colleagues Friday by reiterating Britain's financial commitments to the European Union (EU), urging the EU27 to give green light to the second phase of Brexit talks at an early date. May made the remarks at a press conference while leaders of the EU27 holding a close-door roundtable meeting over Brexit without Britain. "Britain will go through the financial commitments line by line," said May, without giving a specific figure of the "devoice bill". "We are within touching distance of reaching a deal on citizen rights ...whatever happens we want EU citizens to stay (in Britain)," said May. She as usual expressed her optimism on the future talks. "I am ambitious for our future ...We must give an outcome that works for all," said May, appealing for new dynamic around Brexit talks. May arrived in Brussels on Thursday to join her European colleagues for the autumn EU Summit. Prior to her trip, May on Thursday sought to reassure the 3 million EU nationals living in Britain that they would be treated fairly and at par with Britons. In an open letter on her Facebook account, May said the application process for "settled status" -- also called "indefinite leave to remain" in Britain, which can obtained after five years of living there -- would be streamlined, keeping the cost as low as possible. Despite her charm offensive, many leaders of EU members downplayed the possibility of any breakthrough during the two-day summit. Britain has failed to make clear of some of its commitments during the Brexit talks and more clarity is needed, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Thursday during the ongoing summit. "May has to come up with more clarity on what she means by 'other commitments' in her Florence speech. I phoned her last week and tried to encourage her to do that, and so far she hasn't," Rutte told reporters. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 18:50:27|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani security forces have killed one terrorist, arrested seven others and seized arms during a search operation in southwestern Balochistan province, the military said on Friday. An army statement said security forces conducted intelligence-based operations in Ghulam Pring in Mastung and Rojhan Jamali areas of the province on terrorists' hideouts involved in target killing and grenade attacks. "During operations one terrorist was killed and seven apprehended. Cache of arms and ammunition including explosive recovered," a statement from the army's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations said. The statement also said paramilitary troops along with the police and intelligence agencies conducted operations in various parts of eastern Punjab province during last 48 hours, including Dera Ghazi Khan, Attock, Islamabad and Lahore. "A total of 19 terrorists and their facilitators were apprehended and a large number of illegal weapons and ammunition of different calibers recovered," the statement said. The operations are part of the major offensive codenamed "Radd-ul-Fasaad" or "reject discord" in English, which is currently underway across the country. The operation was launched in February to "eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country" after over 100 people were killed in a series of terrorist attacks. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 18:50:28|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close MADRID, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and the leader of the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE), Pedro Sanchez, have agreed to call regional elections in Catalonia for January. The development was confirmed by Carmen Calvo, the PSOE Secretary for Equality in an interview with Spanish State TV network, RTVE on Friday morning. That is just 24 hours before Rajoy's cabinet meets in order to agree to the application of Article 155 to temporarily suspend the autonomy of the Catalan region unless Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont clarifies whether or not he actually declared Catalan independence on Oct. 10. The reports on the pact had originally been carried out in the online newspaper Diario ES and when asked whether the story was true, Calvo, who had been part of the PSOE negotiating team, said that it was. Diario ES reports that the PSOE favors a more limited intervention in Catalonia, but that this would include calling elections, increasing Madrid's financial control over the independence-seeking region, the collection of taxes and also taking control of several roles in the Catalan department of Education and the Catalan regional police force. In a letter to Rajoy on Thursday, Puigdemont threatened that the Catalan regional parliament would "vote on a declaration of independence" unless the central government was willing to open "dialogue." Meanwhile Friday has also seen Catalan pro-independence groups Omnium Cultural and the Catalan National Assembly ask their followers to withdraw all of their money from accounts in Spain's five main banks. The move is a protest against the decision taken by a high court judge to send the leaders of the two groups, Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart to prison on remand under charges of sedition relating to a demonstration in Barcelona on Sept. 20 and also against the decision taken by Banco Sabadell and Caixabank to move their head offices out of Catalonia. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 18:55:30|Editor: An Video Player Close BEIJING, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The ongoing 19th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress has received well wishes from foreign leaders, political parties and organizations around the world. The messages speak highly of the CPC's leadership as well as China's socio-economic development and global contributions and express full confidence that the CPC will lead China to even greater prosperity. The following is an edited summary of some of the messages. Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, leader of the People's Democratic Party of Tajikistan China's amazing achievements in various fields and its rising international reputation are primarily attributed to the political leadership of the CPC. Isaias Afwerki, chairman of the People's Front for Democracy and Justice, president of Eritrea The CPC has registered unparalleled and historic achievements in the past decades to catalyze China's inexorable and all-rounded growth as a major global power. Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, prime minister of Mongolia The 19th CPC National Congress will make a series of historic decisions to boost China's economy, promote social development and improve the well-being of the Chinese people. Gordan Jandrokovic, secretary of Croatian Democratic Union, speaker of the Croatian Parliament We are confident that the Congress of the Chinese Communist Party will help China further strengthen its position in the world, in the interest of the Chinese people and the international community. Ivan Brajovic, leader of Social Democrats of Montenegro, speaker of the Parliament of Montenegro The 19th CPC National Congress will help push forward the building of a socialism with Chinese characteristics and lay a solid foundation for the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Rasim Ljajic, president of the Social Democratic Party of Serbia, deputy prime minister of Serbia Serbia is willing to learn the CPC's concepts on social development and core values, and enhance friendly relations with the CPC. Predrag Stromar, acting president of Croatian People's Party-Liberal Democrats, deputy prime minister of Croatia Your hard-working people have created the second largest economy in the world and we would like to learn from your example. Toshihiro Nikai, secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan It is hoped that Japan and China can enhance dialogue to further improve bilateral ties between the two countries. Choo Mi-ae, leader of the Democratic Party in South Korea Under the leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping, the CPC and the Chinese people can expect a more beautiful future after the 19th CPC National Congress. Milo Dukanovic, leader of the Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro The 19th CPC National Congress is a significant event in China's politics, and will lay a solid foundation for the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 19:05:34|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close MANILA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Two Russian large anti-submarine ships Admiral Panteleyev and Admiral Vinogradov, and large sea tanker Boris Butoma anchored Manila on Friday for a week-long port visit. Philippine Navy Capt. Lued Lincuna said in a statement that the Russian Navy Pacific Fleet is visiting port from Oct. 20 to 26. "The visit is in connection with the handover of donated special military equipment to the Philippines," Lincuna said. Lincuna added that another two Russian Navy vessels, large landing ship Nikolay Vilkov and rescue tag Foty Krylov will dock at the Port of Subic in Olongapo City "for the unloading of the donated equipment" on Oct. 21-25. Russia has donated 5,000 AK-47 assault rifles, a million rounds of ammunition and 20 military transport trucks to the Armed Forces of the Philippines to help fight against terrorism and violent extremism. The port visit coincides with the official visit to the Philippines of Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoyguto to participate in the meeting next week of the fourth ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Clark, Pampanga. Lincuna said the Philippine and Russian Navies have lined up a series of "confidence-building" activities, including shipboard tours, goodwill games, a wreath-laying ceremony and send-off ceremony with the customary Passing Exercise. But the highlight of the port visit is the ceremonial handover of donated special military equipment to President Rodrigo Duterte by Russia, according to Lincuna. "The visit will further strengthen the friendship between the two navies, and enhance maritime cooperation through naval diplomacy and camaraderie," Lincuna said. On Thursday night, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as his "good friend" in a speech before businessmen. Duterte, who assumed office on June 30, is enhancing the Philippine ties to Russia. Duterte said on Oct. 12 that Russia will donate a total of 5,000 Russian-made AK-47 Kalashnikov rifles, one of the world's most recognizable firearms. Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev confirmed the arms shipment. "Russia fully supports (the Philippines) in the struggle against terrorism," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 19:10:36|Editor: An Video Player Close BEIJING, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Media outlets and political parties around the world are closely following the ongoing 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), with many expressing admiration for China's development under the CPC's leadership. In an article about Wednesday's opening of the 19th CPC National Congress, Cuban official newspaper Granma described Chinese President Xi Jinping as "the uniter of the world's largest political organization" and lauded the "success of the reforms he undertook with his colleagues over the past five years." The Chinese leader has also promoted "a more active diplomacy that has enabled the Asian nation to become more involved in mechanisms and decision-making processes worldwide," it added. Another Cuban state media organization, the Prensa Latina news agency, applauded China's call for global unity to combat climate change and its pledge that China will never seek hegemony or engage in expansion. In Nepal, political party leaders are also closely watching the CPC national congress, China's most important political event in five years. Agni Sapkota, a senior member of the Communist Party of Nepal, told Xinhua he believes the event will chalk out new strategies that will further strengthen cooperation with other countries. "Nepal, as a friendly and close neighbor of China, expects more Chinese support and goodwill," he added. Ramchandra Pokhrel, a senior member of the Nepali Congress party, said the CPC national congress will make major foreign policy decisions that will be "the matter of interest to the whole world." To Mahendra Pandey, a senior member of the Communist Party of Nepal and the former foreign minister, "President Xi Jinping's vision to develop good relationships and establish peace around the world is inspiring." An Egyptian expert on Chinese affairs, Adel Sabry, noted that Xi draws the world's attention for his emphasis on global cooperation, and Egypt can benefit from the Chinese experience in "preserving its political structure and theories." In Nigeria, a group of intellectuals held a discussion in Abuja on the global significance of the 19th CPC National Congress, with the attendance of Chinese ambassador Zhou Pingjian. Labaran Maku, a former information minister, urged developing countries to set national goals and vigorously pursue them as China has been doing over the decades. "The CPC has proved to be a very good party with a great ideology and a mission to serve the people," said Shehu Sani, a Nigerian senator. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 19:10:37|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close KABUL, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said on Friday that terrorist supporting countries would be isolated, as terrorists groups and their supporters were under heavy pressure from the international community, the Afghan Presidential Palace said. "Terrorist groups and countries seeking their interests in supporting terrorists would be isolated," President Ghani was quoted as saying at the Afghan Mayors Forum held in Kabul. According to the Afghan president, terrorists groups have been defeated on the battlefields and the terror networks would be isolated and eliminated. Pointing to the recent deadly attacks in his war-plagued country, president Ghani said that "no one would be able to harm Afghan national unity." "We the Afghans want lasting and dignified peace and we want Asia and the world live in peace and tranquility." Ghani made the remarks after a series of bloody terror attacks killed more than 100 people in the insurgency-battered Afghanistan south and eastern provinces over the past week. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 19:20:41|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close BAGHDAD, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi forces on Friday took full control of a town near the city of Kirkuk as part of the troops' redeployment in the disputed areas claimed by Baghdad and the Kurdish region, the Iraqi military said. The Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) forces, federal police, and the paramilitary Hashd Shaabi redeployed in the town of Altun Kupri, some 40 km north of Kirkuk, and took full control of the town, the media office of the Joint Operations Command (JOC) said in a brief statement. However, the Kurdish media network of Rudaw said heavy clashes erupted in the morning between the Kurdish Peshmerga and the Iraqi forces in Altun Kupri, and the Kurdish forces managed to repel the advance of the security forces after burning two military vehicles for the Hashd Shaabi. The strategic town of Altun Kupri is located between Kirkuk and the Kurdish regional capital of Erbil. The advance toward Atlun Kupri came a few days after the Iraqi forces retook control of the oil installations, oil fields and pipelines in the oil-rich Kirkuk province and other disputed areas outside the Kurdish region. On Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, also the commander-in-chief of Iraqi forces, ordered government forces to enter the oil-rich Kirkuk province in northern Iraq to regain control of the ethnically-mixed disputed areas. Tensions are escalating between Baghdad and the region of Kurdistan after the Kurds held a controversial referendum on the independence of the Kurdistan region and the disputed areas. The independence of Kurdistan is opposed not only by the Iraqi central government, but also by other countries as it would threaten the integrity of Iraq and undermine the fight against IS militants. Iraq's neighboring countries, especially Turkey, Iran and Syria, fear that the Iraqi Kurds' pursuit of independence threatens their territorial integrity, as large Kurdish populations live in those countries. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 19:30:43|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close German Chancellor Angela Merkel (R) and EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (L) talk prior to the second day of two-day EU Summit in Brussels, Belgium, on Oct. 20, 2017. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan) BERLIN, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters on Thursday night that she wanted to keep communicative channels with Turkey open as the European Union (EU) moved to cut financial aid currently granted to Ankara. "We want to speak with Turkey, rather than just about it," Merkel said. The Chancellor emphasized that it was important not to burn bridges all between Europe and Turkey prematurely. However, she also voiced concerns about the situation in Turkey, claiming that the country's "entire state of law developed in the wrong direction". The EU has agreed to increase its pressure on Ankara by canceling the expansion of the existing customs union with Turkey and reducing financial aid which the country receives as an accession candidate. Under the existing framework, the Turkish government was scheduled to receive around 4.4 billion euros (5.2 billion U.S. dollars) between 2014 and 2020. Relations between Turkey and several EU members have come under severe strain in the wake of a failed military coup against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in 2016. Amongst others, the governments of Germany and Austria have vocally called for officially ending negotiations with Turkey over its accession to the bloc as a consequence. Nevertheless, Merkel praised the ongoing cooperation between the EU and Turkey in the refugee crisis. Ankara continued to take back refugees intercepted in the Aegean Sea as agreed and would hence receive an additional 3 billion euros in promised EU funds in exchange. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 19:40:48|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close Xi Jinping presides over the second meeting of the presidium of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 20, 2017. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) BEIJING, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Election methods of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) were approved at a presidium meeting Friday afternoon. The presidium of the 19th CPC National Congress held its second meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The meeting, presided over by Xi Jinping, approved the draft resolutions on the report of the 18th CPC Central Committee, the work report of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, and the amendment to the Constitution of the CPC. The three draft resolutions will be submitted to all delegations to the congress for discussion. Liu Yunshan, secretary-general of the congress, briefed the presidium on proposed name lists of nominees for the candidates of members and alternate members of the 19th CPC Central Committee, and members of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. The meeting decided to submit the proposed name lists to all delegations for consideration. A name list of ballot scrutineers was also approved by the presidium, and will be ratified by the congress before the final vote begins. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 19:40:49|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close OSLO, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Norway's Minister of Defence Ine Eriksen Soreide has been appointed the country's first female foreign minister, the government said Friday. Soreide is named to replace Borge Brende, who has accepted the position of president of the World Economic Forum. Soreide's appointment was part of the changes that King of Norway Harald V made in the government in a session of the State Council on Friday, according to a press release of the Prime Minister's Office. Minister of European Economic Area (EEA) and European Union (EU) Affairs Frank Bakke-Jensen has been appointed minister of defence, but he will continue serve as Norwegian member of the Nordic Council of Ministers, responsible for the coordination of Nordic cooperation affairs. State Secretary Marit Berger Rosland has been appointed Minister of EEA and EU Affairs in the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 19:45:52|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (C) attends a ceremony to celebrate the Egyptian Naval Day, in Alexandria, Egypt, Oct. 19, 2017. (Xinhua/MENA) CAIRO, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hailed the readiness of the Naval Forces with their newly installed equipments to fight terrorism, state-run Ahram newspaper reported on Friday. President Sisi on Thursday attended the naval exercise Zat al-Swaari 2017 ("the Battle of the Masts" in Arabic) in city of Alexandria as part of the celebration marking the Egyptian Naval Day, during which four newly-acquired units joined the Navy. The president hoisted the Egyptian flag on the multi-purpose Anwar el-Sadat, a Mistral-class helicopter carrier, the French-made GOWIND frigate el-Fateh ("the conqueror" in Arabic) and two German-made Type 209 submarine. President Sisi stressed during the exercise the importance of utmost readiness and to be always on alert to deal with the different regional challenges that face Egypt and the Arab nations currently. "These advanced units are used in repelling hostile surface combatants in the littoral zones and open sea areas," said Admiral of the Fleet, Rear Admiral Ahmad Khaled, adding that the four new additions will increase the navy's ability to carry out long-term missions. The navy top official highlighted that the high-tech units will contribute to the renewal of the Egyptian naval fleet, deeming it as a major part of a grand agenda to equip the Egyptian Navy with advanced weapons. The Gowind 2500 corvette is the first of four ordered by Egypt from French shipbuilder Naval Group as per a 2014 contract estimated at 1 billion euros (about 1.2 billion U.S. dollars). The corvette was officially delivered to Egypt in September in a ceremony held at the French city of Lorient. As for the German-made Type-209/1400 submarine, Egypt ordered two from Berlin in 2011 and 2014. The first was handed to Egypt in December 2016 and joined the Egyptian naval fleet in April 2017. Earlier in late July, the Egyptian armed forces received two Rafale fighter jets from France as the fourth batch of a deal signed in February 2015 and worth over 5.2 billion euros. The pair raised the number of Rafale warplanes to 11 out of total 24 stated in the deal. The first nine Rafale jets were handed to Egypt in three batches in July 2015, January 2016 and April 2017, respectively. "The diversification of weapons and technology is a necessary move aimed to dissuade any country from exercising a monopoly over Egypt and from trying to blackmail it," Khaled said. Renewal of the navy will strengthen the Egyptian forces international standing at a critical time when the region is gutted by terrorism, he added. In recent years, the most populous Arab country has signed multibillion-dollar arms deals with a number of European countries to boost its military capabilities amid regional turmoil and conflicts, especially in Syria, Iraq, Libya, and Yemen. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 19:50:54|Editor: An Video Player Close BEIJING, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- A new political theory unveiled at a key congress of China's ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) has struck a chord with Ling Jihe, a 56-year-old rural entrepreneur in Jiangxi Province. "'Ensuring harmony between human and nature,' a basic principle underpinned by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, resonates with my choice of career over the past eight years," he said. After being a businessman elsewhere for more than 20 years, Ling went back to his hometown of Xilu Village to farm in 2009, eyeing the great potential of green agriculture. Now he manages more than 3,000 hectares of farmland, helping to raise the income of more than 3,300 of his fellow villagers. "The new thought has firmed my confidence in my road forward," said Ling, who is also a delegate to the 19th CPC National Congress which opened Wednesday. Congress delegates and experts widely believe the Thought is the biggest highlight of the Party congress, a twice-a-decade gathering and the most important event on China's political calendar. The elevation of the Thought into a guide to action for the CPC and the country signals a new chapter of Marxism in the 21st century. "The Thought embodies the latest achievement in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context," said Liu Jingbei, a professor with the China Executive Leadership Academy in Pudong, Shanghai. The Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era builds on and further enriches Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Theory of Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development, said a report delivered at the opening of the congress Wednesday. The report listed the 14-point fundamental principles of the Thought, ranging from ensuring Party leadership over all work to promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. A hundred years ago, the salvo of the October Revolution in Russia brought the theory of Marxism-Leninism to China. From the day it was born in 1921, the CPC has enshrined Marxism-Leninism as its guide to action and continued to innovate it by integrating the theory with China's changing conditions. Xi, general secretary of the 18th CPC Central Committee, on Wednesday announced that the Chinese nation "has achieved a tremendous transformation - It has stood up, grown rich, and become strong." He made the remarks while unveiling a two-stage plan to make China a "great modern socialist country" by the mid-21st century. "As China enters a new era, the CPC must write a new chapter of 21st century Marxism with a broader vision to achieve the goals set at the milestone congress," said Chen Shuguang, a professor with the Party School of the CPC Central Committee. Liu attributed the CPC's success in maintaining vitality and creativity to the ability to advance with the times, saying it is the "magic code" for the CPC to lead China toward becoming a great modern country. For congress delegate Liu Chengzhang, the Thought bears uplifting messages. The Thought takes "ensuring and improving living standards through development" as a basic principle, requiring steady progress in ensuring the people's access to child care, education, employment, medical services, elderly care, housing, and social assistance. "This vision suits China's conditions well and wins applause from the general public," Liu said. "The general secretary's pledge to give priority to education is a real bonus for me," said the headmaster of a senior high school in Dancheng, an impoverished county in Henan Province. According to Liu, around 30 students in his school strive to enter China's prestigious Peking University and Tsinghua University each year, with 80 percent of them from rural areas. "As a grassroots Party member and a rural educator, I'm fully supportive of Xi," said Liu, who believes education is the best way to lift the poor out of poverty for good. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 19:50:55|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close SUVA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Vanuatu government has decided to repatriate over 11,000 people of Ambae back to their island and villages from Saturday, as the Manaro volcano has stabilized, according to Vanuatu's Daily Post on Friday. Geology and Mines Minister Ralph Regenvanu said on Friday that the Vanuatu government will control the repatriation process which is expected to take three days. The evacuees were moved off earlier in October after the Manaro volcano began erupting and threatened food and water supplies on their island. The repatriation will depend on the logistic plan prepared by the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO). The government has also agreed to extend the state of emergency to facilitate the repatriation. An NDMO assessment team was on Ambae to make observation and report to the government if it was safe for the displaced families to return home. Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai travelled to Santo, Pentecost and Maewo islands on Thursday to visit the evacuees. Manaro, Vanuatu's largest volcano, has been raining rock and ash on villages over the past weeks. The last significant eruption on the Ambae island happened in 2005. Vanuatu lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," where tectonic plates collide, causing frequent seismic and volcanic activity. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 20:06:00|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close European Council President Donald Tusk attends a press conference wih EU commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (not seen) at the end of a two-day EU Summit in Brussels, Belgium, on Oct. 20, 2017. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan) BRUSSELS, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Brexit talks have not yet reached any sufficient progress but the progress cannot be denied, European Council President Donald Tusk told reporters on Friday, saying that he hopes the Brexit talks would enter into second phase in December. He made the remarks at a press conference co-chaired with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker after a close-door EU27 roundtable meeting on Brexit without Britain. "I don't want a no deal scenario and I want to reach good deal with Britain," said Junker at the conference. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 20:11:03|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close NEW DELHI, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The local government in northern Indian state of Punjab Friday asked the country's anti-terror agency National Investigation Agency (NIA) to probe the killing of a leader of rightwing Hindu nationalist party Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). "Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has handed over the probe into the killing of an RSS worker in Ludhiana to the NIA," a local government official said. On Tuesday, 58-year-old Ravinder Gosai was gunned down by unidentified assailants near his house in Ludhiana city. The decision to transfer the case to NIA for probe was done at the request of RSS. "On request of RSS, I've ordered transfer of Gosain murder case to NIA for better coordination between central agencies and Punjab police," Singh said. RSS is considered as ideological fountainhead of BJP. Top delegates pose for a family photo at the 17th session of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation Summit in Istanbul, Turkey, on Oct. 19, 2017. (Xinhua/Anadolu Agency) ISTANBUL, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday called on leaders of Developing 8 countries to use national currencies in intra-trade transactions. "If we can lead the way in using our national currencies in trade among our countries, we will mark a revolution in the history of D-8," Erdogan said at the opening session of a D-8 summit in Istanbul. "There is no reason to allow our economies to melt under the pressure of exchange rates," he added. Turkey and Iran, two D-8 members, have just agreed to trade in their local currencies. Erdogan proposed the central banks of D-8 member states to come together for the establishment of a clearing house, and urged the private sectors of member countries to get involved in D-8 activities more actively. He noted that the average national income per capita of D-8 countries was 1,820 U.S. dollars when the organization was established 20 years ago and stands at 4,500 dollars today. "Of course, that is not enough," the president said. "It has to go much further." Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 20:56:12|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close NEW DELHI, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- At least one person was killed and 25 others, including 20 policemen, were injured Friday when police allegedly fired upon protesters in India's eastern state of Bihar, officials said. The protesters were fired upon in Samastipur district, about 84 km northeast of Patna, the capital city of Bihar. According to police, the people were protesting over the murder of a local businessman. Samastipur Superintendent of Police (SP) Deepak Ranjan told a local news channel that the person died in mob violence. The businessman was shot dead on Thursday evening while he was returning home from his shop. The killing triggered protests in the area during which protesters reportedly targeted a local police station and torched around 20 vehicles, including police vans. Following the violence authorities have announced prohibitory orders in the district. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 21:06:16|Editor: An Video Player Close BEIJING, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The ongoing 19th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress has received good wishes from foreign leaders, political parties and organizations around the world. The messages speak highly of the CPC's leadership as well as China's socio-economic development and global contributions and express full confidence that the CPC will lead China to even greater prosperity. The following is an edited summary of some of the messages. Korneliya Ninova, chairperson of the Bulgarian Socialist Party Under the leadership of the CPC, China witnessed a considerable improvement of people's livelihood as well as steady development of its economy and society. Lulzim Basha, chairman of the Democratic Party of Albania The CPC national congress will create a strong foundation for the "Chinese Dream" and the "Belt and Road Initiative that will bring our parts of the world even closer." People's Progressive Party (PPP) of Guyana "On the occasion of your Party's (CPC's) 19th National Congress, the Central Committee of the PPP reiterates its unflinching support for the One-China Policy and reiterates its solidarity with the government and people of the People's Republic of China." Nigel Haworth, president of the New Zealand Labor Party The 19th National Congress of the CPC is an important event, and it will not only chart a path for China's economic growth and prosperity in the future, but also enhance the country's influence on the world economy. Abdulrahman Kinana, secretary general of Tanzania's Chama Cha Mapinduzi party "We are looking forward to further strengthen our friendly and mutual-beneficial cooperation on the basis of win-win situation. Firmly we believe, this cooperation will produce fruitful result." Panos Rigas, secretary of the Central Committee of Greece's Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) and Yiannis Bournous, head of European and international affairs of SYRIZA "If a world of shared and sustainable prosperity, fair growth and balanced power is to ever exist, China will have a leading and indispensable role in it." Jan Juul Christensen, secretary general of the Danish Social Democratic Party "Under the leadership of the CPC, your country has undergone a remarkable development. China has succeeded in lifting millions of citizens out of poverty and has established a diversified and advanced economy that is now moving into a new level." Fernando Zamora Castellanos, general secretary of Costa Rica's National Republican Party The party wishes to continue the tradition of friendship and cooperation with the CPC. Romulo Roux, general secretary of Panama's Democratic Change party The 19th National Congress of the CPC will exert far-reaching influences on international politics, technological innovation and construction of a multipolar world. Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairman of the African Union "As a valuable partner of China, we congratulate you and the Communist Party on this great occasion and wish the Party and the People's Republic continued success in achieving your country's objectives." Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 21:26:22|Editor: An Video Player Close by Javier Ureta, Dang Qi SANTIAGO, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The executive secretary of a United Nations economic organization said she's "greatly impressed" by China's progress over the past five years. "I have been greatly impressed by what President Xi Jinping has done in these five years, placing a great emphasis on the fight against corruption and against poverty," said Alicia Barcena, executive secretary of the UN's Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in a recent interview with Xinhua. She made the remarks as more than 2,200 delegates have gathered in Beijing for the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which opened Wednesday. "China has a great commitment to ... peace, the fight against climate change and the realization of shared prosperity. It has ... shown it with the Belt and Road (Initiative)," said Barcena. "The Chinese must feel very proud of having a leader who has such clarity, who knows where to take the country and who has also made a great educational shift so new generations can be part of a clear and transparent society," she said. Barcena also noted that the Chinese president now faces new demands from a society that wants a higher quality of life. "This plan to refocus Chinese socialism through a political project strikes me as very important to improve quality of life," she added. Speaking of the relations between China and Latin America, Barcena said the two sides need a new action plan after the current 2015-2019 cooperation plan ends. "It is crucial to create a 2019-2021 action plan. For this reason, I suggest that ECLAC help to follow up on these agreements as it is important to finalize a series of proposals," she added. Barcena also called for a new financial initiative between Asia and Latin America for investment and the building of infrastructure. "It is very important to obtain this mutual help, especially in science, technology and innovation projects. I believe this could be very important. Building a mechanism for infrastructure investments in Latin America with China's help would be a big step," she said. On the global stage, Barcena highlighted China's important role in combating climate change under the framework of the Paris Agreement. "China has shown its will and commitment to go beyond the text," said Barcena. "It is more urgent than ever for the rest of the world, with the help of China, to stop climate change, which is growing faster than expected." Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 21:26:23|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close European Council President Donald Tusk attends a press conference wih EU commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (not seen) at the end of a two-day EU Summit in Brussels, Belgium, on Oct. 20, 2017. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan) BRUSSELS, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Brexit talks have not yet reached any sufficient progress but the progress cannot be denied, European Council President Donald Tusk told reporters on Friday, hoping that the Brexit talks would enter into second phase in December. His remarks came in a press conference co-chaired with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker after a close-door EU27 roundtable meeting on Brexit without Britain. "I don't work for a no deal scenario and I want to reach good deal with Britain," said Junker at the conference. In a conclusion document on Brexit issued by the EU27 following the close-door meeting, the European Council welcomed the progress made regarding citizens' rights and invites the negotiator to build on the convergence achieved to provide the necessary legal certainty and guarantees to all concerned citizens and their family members. Those citizens and their family members shall be able to exercise directly their rights derived from EU law and protected by the withdrawal agreement, including through smooth and simple administrative procedures and the role of the Court of justice of the EU, said the document. As regard Ireland, the Council acknowledged that there has been some progress on convergence on principles and objectives regarding protection of the Good Friday Agreement and maintenance of the Common Travel Area. It invites the Union negotiator to pursue further refinement of these principles, taking into account the major challenge that Britain's withdrawal represents, including as regards avoidance of a hard border, and therefore expecting Britain to present and commit to flexible and imaginative solutions called for by the unique situation of Ireland, said the document. The document noted that while Britain has stated that it will honor its financial obligations taken during its membership, this has not yet been translated into a firm and concrete commitment from the UK to settle all of these obligations. While the close-door meeting carrying on, British Prime Minister Theresa May reassured her European colleagues here at a press conference by reiterating Britain's financial commitments to EU, urging the EU27 to give green light to the second phase of Brexit talks at an early date. "Britain will go through the financial commitments line by line," said May, without giving a specific figure of the "devoice bill". "We are within touching distance of reaching a deal on citizen rights ... whatever happens we want EU citizens to stay (in Britain)," said May. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 21:31:24|Editor: An Video Player Close HELSINKI, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- While the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) focuses mainly on domestic issues, it deserves close attention of the rest of the world, said a former Finnish diplomat. Commenting on the report Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered Wednesday at the opening session of the meeting, Mikko Puustinen told Xinhua that the most noteworthy is the announcement of new strategic plans for the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. The former press counselor at the Finnish embassy in Beijing said he has encouraged his fellow citizens, particularly the business community, to pay more attention to the CPC conference, because it is related not only to China's development, but also the world's economic growth. As China's most important political event in five years, the 19th CPC National Congress kicked off Wednesday in Beijing. Among other tasks, it will draw a blueprint for China's development in the next five years and beyond. Noting that the meeting concerns foreign businesses that want to obtain better opportunities, he said he believes the issue most relevant to foreign companies is whether China will further implement reform and open up to the outside world. "China's opening up is a great opportunity for Finnish companies," he said. "China's economic policy has a significant impact on the world economy." "China is determined to develop into one of the world's most innovative countries. Finland is very interested in it, as currently Finland is one of the world's most innovative countries," he added. As the world faces such dangerous factors as the Korean Peninsula issue and increasing protectionism, the attitude of the Chinese leadership on major diplomatic and security affairs is also worthy of attention, he said. Meanwhile, Puustinen, who once lived in China for 15 years and has followed China-related issues for 20 years, said the biggest change in the past two decades is the reversed status of China in the international market. He recalled that when he started working in China in 2001, the country was in urgent need of foreign technology and foreign investment. "So far the situation has changed completely. Many foreign countries, including Finland, would like to receive China's investment and hope to see more Chinese enterprises to enter our markets," he said. "China has moved from a relatively passive position to a more active position, and it leads the world economic growth and also plays a vital role in the aspects of politics, diplomacy and security among others," he added. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 21:31:25|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close GENEVA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- For the first time, Switzerland's most popular novel on one of its best loved icons, Heidi, will be translated into Hindi, the Indian language spoken by more than 420 million people. The book's release is planned for November and thousands of Indian children will soon be able to share in Heidi's adventures, reported Swissinfo, the website of the Swiss national broadcaster on Friday. The translation will be published by the A & A Book Trust, and is the work of a mother and daughter team Arundhati and Avanti Deosthale. "Our aim is to bring great stories from the world to the children of India and Heidi has been a favorite of my daughter and me for a long time," editor Arundhati Deosthale, who is an English and German scholar at India's University of Pune, told swissinfo.ch. The 300-odd page hardcover book is unabridged, and is faithful to the original work by Johanna Spyri, first published in German in 1880. The project took 18 months to complete, and was supported by the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia, which will bear 60 percent of the publishing costs. The Swiss Heidi was sold more than 50 million copies and translated into over 50 languages. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 21:31:26|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia Airlines (MAS) announced Friday that its chief operating officer Izham Ismail will replace Peter Bellew as the national carrier's new chief executive officer (CEO), with immediate effect. In a statement, MAS said Izham will also be the group's executive director. "Izham will assume the role of chief executive officer on Dec. 1 upon the departure of Peter Bellew who is currently on administrative leave," it said. It was reported earlier that Bellew would re-join the Irish Airliner Ryanair as chief operations officer. "Izham has been integral to the airline's ongoing turnaround effort. As chief operating officer, he was responsible for the operations division, which includes flight and airport operations as well as engineering," MAS said. Izham, who started his career with Malaysia Airlines as a pilot in 1979, has 38 years of experience in the aviation industry. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 21:41:28|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close HARARE, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Zimbabwe government plans to review voter registration requirements after many people are failing to register under the on-going biometric voter registration exercise, a cabinet minister said Friday. Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo, who is also the ruling ZANU-PF secretary for administration, was quoted by the state-run Herald newspaper on Friday as saying that many people were being turned away because they did not have proof of residence. "The voter registration program is going on well but there are some challenges facing people, mainly to do with the issue of affidavits for proof of residence," Chombo said. "We are going to sit down and look into the problem and see how that problem can be addressed," he added. Among other requirements, people intending to register to vote in next year's polls are required to produce proof of residence. This requirement has affected many people in urban areas who do not own houses and have to obtain affidavits for proof of residence. Opposition parties and civic groups have complained about this requirement, arguing that it will disenfranchise many urban voters. Reports have also indicated that some people in rural areas are facing difficulties in getting proof of residence from traditional leaders who are allegedly demanding bribes. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is conducting voter registration afresh using the biometric voter registration technology. This means that every Zimbabwean eligible to vote must register afresh to vote in next year's polls. The technology is hoped to help come up with a clean voters' roll and improve transparency in the country's elections which have previously been marred by allegations of fraud. ZEC is targeting to register seven million voters for the 2018 polls. As of Oct. 15,675,762 people had been registered to vote since the exercise began on September 18, 2017. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 21:41:28|Editor: An Video Player Close BEIJING, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The ongoing 19th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress has received well wishes from foreign leaders, political parties and organizations around the world. The messages speak highly of the CPC's leadership as well as China's socio-economic development and global contributions and express full confidence that the CPC will lead China to even greater prosperity. The following is an edited summary of some of the messages. The Vietnam Peace Committee The Vietnamese side firmly believes that the 19th National Congress of the CPC will set out development goals for the upcoming years, and under the newly-elected leadership the CPC will lead the Chinese people to new and even more remarkable successes. Lo Sze Ping, CEO of World Wildlife Fund China Over the past five years under the leadership of CPC Central Committee, with General Secretary Xi Jinping at its core, the CPC has shown its strong commitment to building a beautiful China. Through strong leadership and strategic planning, the CPC can and will embrace this historical responsibility to seek a sustainable path and contribute to the development of humanity. Lee Sei-kee, president of South Korea-China Friendship Association The CPC and the Chinese people, under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee, with General Secretary Xi Jinping at its core, will surely score more brilliant achievements. Kim Han-kyu, president of 21st Century South Korea-China Exchange Association The CPC and Chinese people are expected to accomplish greater achievements in realizing the Chinese Dream of great national rejuvenation. Martin Jacques, senior research fellow at Department of Politics and International Studies, Cambridge University Without doubt, this (the 19th CPC National Congress ) will be the most important political gathering in the world this year. The five years since the last Congress have seen major advances in China ... China's role on the global stage has been marked by growing confidence. Prof. Georgy D. Toloraya, executive director of National Committee on BRICS Research in Russia The 19th CPC National Congress "is a milestone" to consolidate the leadership of the Party and present "scientific concept of Chinese and international development." Ernst Stetter, secretary general of Foundation for European Progressive Studies This important Congress has the potential of being both impactful and meaningful in terms of the Chinese state's role and mission both internally and internationally. Milos Balaban, head of the Center for Security Policy, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic The Congress is valuable for the communication of China's internal and external policy and an opportunity to exchange point of views regarding the most important political, economic and social topics." Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 21:46:30|Editor: An Video Player Close HAVANA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) has properly guided China's development and created a "really admirable" future for its economy, a senior official of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) has said. Jose Ramon Balaguer, head of the international relations department of the PCC Central Committee, made the remarks during a recent interview with Xinhua. "The CPC has properly guided China's development in the last few decades, administered the state and consolidated national defense by strengthening the armed forces," he said. The PCC official described China as one of the "most active and important" economies in the world, saying "the prospects for the Chinese economy are really admirable." "It has been a challenge to tackle the current problems resulting from the global economic crisis, the reshuffling of spheres of influence, and energy, the environment and food insecurity, among others. China, with the CPC's leadership, has emerged victorious from these challenges," he said. Balaguer also praised China for its larger influence and role in the international arena. "China promotes a multipolar world with peaceful coexistence as a fundamental pillar, as well as development and cooperation among all countries equally," he said. Meanwhile, he lauded the CPC leadership for maintaining a socialist path in China's development. "We believe that in recent years China has ensured the continuity of socialism with Chinese characteristics," he said. "The leadership of the CPC has focused on the fight against corruption at all levels as something necessary to further refine socialism with Chinese characteristics," he added. In his opinion, the confidence of the Chinese people in the CPC has increased in recent years because the CPC seeks to address social problems and draws up policies of great importance. Balaguer stressed that the Chinese experiences in building socialism have set an example worthy of study and analysis for developing countries like Cuba, which is updating its social and economic models. "Each country develops according to its own characteristics and the geopolitical context where it is located," said Balaguer. Cuba, whose conditions are not the same as China's, has analyzed many of China's experiences and tried to adapt them to Cuba's reality, he said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 21:56:33|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close Xi Jinping praises a photo for the beautiful scenery of Huamao Village in Guizhou Province when receiving it from Pan Kegang, Party secretary of the village, during a panel discussion with delegates from Guizhou at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in Beijing, Oct. 19, 2017. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang) BEIJING, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- When Xi Jinping sat down to talk with grassroots Party members, no one was quite sure how the conversation would turn. Thursday, somewhat surprised delegates found themsevles discussing pork delicacies, strong liquor and relaxing vacations in the mountains with him. Xi, being a delegate of Guizhou himself, joined a panel discussion with other delegates from the southwest China province who are in Beijing for the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). With poverty reduction never far from his mind, Xi became most animated on learning that two neighboring poor villages in Panzhou City of Guizhou had come together to build a farm and a ham processing plant to raise villagers' income. Xi asked, "What is the name of the ham you produce?" "Panxian Ham. It is on a par with Xuanwei Ham and Jinhua Ham," Party delegate Yu Liufen replied. Xuanwei and Jinhua are both household name brands of ham in China. "You need better publicity," Xi replied. "I am only familiar with the other two." Xi has great enthusiasm for new industries in poor regions. Guizhou is one of China's poorest provinces with per capita GDP of around 33,000 yuan (about 4,986 U.S. dollars), about 20,000 yuan lower than the national average in 2016. Xi has pledged to lift the country's remaining more than 43 million people, or three percent of the country's total population, out of poverty by 2020. He is pleased to hear of a distillery in Panzhou owned by shareholders from more than 1,000 households. "What is your drink called?" Xi asked. "Yanbo," Yu answered. "How much does it cost?" Xi continued. "Our price is reasonable for ordinary people," Yu said. "What, may I ask, is the price?" Xi said. "It sells for only 99 yuan," Yu replied. "That's not cheap! A high price is not the key! It may not be so popular if it gets too expensive," Xi said. "Thank you, general secretary, for your advice which will be sure to take on board," Yu said. "The price should be determined by the market. You cannot reduce it to 30 yuan on the basis of what I just said," Xi said. Hearty chuckles rang around the room as Xi moved on to local tourism. "Where are the tourists from? Are they mainly from nearby regions or far away? Do they stay in the village?" he asked. "Our hometown has a very pleasant environment. Some tourists stay for as long as a week at a time," said Pan Kegang, a delegate and Party chief of Huamao Village in Zunyi, also in Guizhou. "If it's very nice, it can help you raise your income significantly," Xi said. Pan presented him with a photo showing the changes in Huamao. "It's like a landscape painting, very beautiful," Xi said. From ham to liquor to tourism, Xi is always interested in the little things that make a real difference, drivers of change that help people carve out a better life for themselves. "There is a frankness and sense of ease in the way Xi is relaxed among us, and we like his style," said delegate Huang Junqiong. Such is the new era. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 21:56:35|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close Kobe Steel Executive Vice President Naoto Umehara (2nd R) attends a press conference in Tokyo, Japan, Oct. 20, 2017. Kobe Steel Ltd. told a press conference on Friday that more of its products were found with fabricated data and some of its employees at managerial positions were found involved in cover-up of the misconduct. (Xinhua/Ma Ping) TOKYO, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Kobe Steel Ltd. told a press conference on Friday that more of its products were found with fabricated data and some of its employees at managerial positions were found involved in cover-up of the misconduct. The company admitted that besides aluminum, copper, steel powder and special steels, its thick plates processed at a subsidiary had also been found with fabricated data, though no safety problems have been confirmed. The steelmaker also said one of its affiliates had been found doctoring Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) certificates of copper pipes, and the products are currently undergoing reinspection on whether they meet the national standards. Moreover, it also found that multiple managerial personnel at an aluminum and copper plant were involved in covering up data falsification during an internal probe. "I once again deeply apologize for causing so much trouble to our clients and stakeholders," said Kobe Steel's Executive Vice President Naoto Umehara. He admitted that there was still possibility that more improprieties would be found out. It came to light earlier this month that Kobe Steel had fabricated data on strength and durability of some of its aluminum and copper products. The company later admitted to also falsifying inspection data on iron powder and nine other products, with problematic products sold to some 500 companies globally. The misconduct ensnared a wide range of Japanese manufacturers, with problematic products used in cars, aircraft, Shinkansen bullet trains, and even rockets and defense equipment. The company said in a statement earlier this week that its subsidiary Kobe Steel USA, Inc. had been asked by the U.S. Justice Department to submit documents related to products sold to U.S. customers that had been subjected to data fabrication. Local media said the investigations could lead to congressional hearings in the United States, as similar hearings were held regarding Takata Corp.'s problematic airbags, which were blamed for more than a dozen deaths. The scandal followed a series of similar improprieties recently in Japan, with Japan's Nissan Motor Co. saying earlier this month that it will recall more than 1.2 million vehicles which underwent flawed safety inspections. Nissan Motor Co. said on Thursday that it will suspend shipment of new cars from all of its domestic plants for two weeks after it found out that flawed inspection still carried on after it apologized for the malpractice. The scandals have cast doubts over corporate governance in the manufacturing industry and beyond in Japan, raising concerns over the quality of the "Made in Japan" brand. Meanwhile, there have also been rising concerns that the expanding scandals would hurt local economy. According to a research result released by Tokyo Shoko Research, Ltd. on Friday, Kobe Steel has over 7,000 suppliers across Japan, most of which are small and medium-sized companies, and the predicament of the third largest steelmaker in Japan would seriously impact the operation of its suppliers. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 22:01:37|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close NAIROBI, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Seven people including five passengers escaped unhurt on Friday after a light aircraft crash landed in Kenya's Nairobi National Park soon after taking off from Wilson Airport, one of the country's busiest airports. A senior airport police officer said the plane from Air Kenya was headed to the world's famous game reserve, Masai Mara, when it developed mechanical problems at around 9 a.m. "The pilot managed to make an emergency landing on detecting the defect. All the five passengers and two crews on board escaped unhurt," the police officer said via telephone. The officer said they had launched an investigation to establish the exact cause of the incident since the scene of the accident is common with such incidents. A number of accidents involving trainee pilots usually occur in the area. Crime experts from the police and Air Accident Investigation Unit are at the scene. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 22:11:41|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close DHAKA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- An ICT exposition has been under way in Bangladeshi capital to promote local hardware industry to transform the country into a leading regional manufacturing hub. In separate massages on the eve of ICT Expo-2017, Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said ICT is the main driving force behind the government's visions of building a poverty and hunger free modern Bangladesh. The expo has been showcasing the innovations in hardware products from local and foreign organizations at 132 stalls in the fair classified in 10 zones. Chen Wei, political counselor of the Chinese embassy in Bangladesh, Friday visited the expo where a number of Chinese companies attended. Subrata sarkar, secretary general of Bangladesh Computer Samity (the apex ICT business and trade industry association of Bangladesh) said that they are very glad to have many participants from China. "We are importing maximum IT products from China. Most of our importers bringing goods from China. Hope the exposition will be useful for all stakeholders' concern," said the official. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 22:26:47|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close KABUL, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- A suicide bomb explosion ripped through a mosque in the western side of Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Friday evening, causing casualties, witnesses said. The blast occurred when dozens of worshippers were offering evening prayers at about 5:40 p.m. local time in a Shiite mosque named Imam-e-Zaman in Dasht-e-Barchi locality, Police District 13 of the city, witness Mohammad Eisapur told Xinhua. "We found a terrorist entered the mosque building and detonated his explosive jacket among the crowd. The blast caused panic among the worshippers and passers-by as well," he said. Security forces have cordoned off the area for precautionary measures. The casualties were shifted to nearby hospitals by ambulances and police vehicles, another witness Sayyed Rahmat told Xinhua by phone. No group has claimed responsibility yet for the attack, but the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group has routinely claimed responsibility for such attacks. The IS has attacked several Shiite mosques in Kabul and western Herat province since the beginning of this year. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 22:31:49|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close DOHA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Qatar's Emiri Land Force has completed the fourth phase of the Nasr 2017 military drill in Al Galayel area in the south of Qatar, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported on Friday. The drill was sponsored by the Minister of State for Defense Affairs Khalid bin Mohammed al Attiyah and was attended by Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Major General Pilot Ghanem bin Shaheen al Ghanim, said Qatar's Defense Ministry in a statement. All commanders and branches of Emiri Land Force, the Brigade of Jassim bin Mohammed, the Emiri Guard and units of the Armed Forces took part in the two-week exercise, the statement said. Nasr 2017 exercise focused on training commanders and staff to assess and carry out operations to repel aggression, airdrop and incursions, in addition to preventing infiltration and restoring the situation in vital areas. According to QNA, the drill also aimed to strengthen the ability to analyze enemy's actions in the area of operations and to increase interaction and harmony between ground forces and other units participating in the exercise. Qatar conducted joint military exercises with the United States, Turkey and Britain after the siege imposed by the gulf countries on Doha. Qatar is home to a Turkish military base, as well as the U.S. military's largest air base in the region. The Gulf crisis began on June 5, when Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates launched a boycott against Qatar, closing off the nation's land borders and its air and sea routes. The anti-Qatar Arab quartet accused Qatar of supporting extremism and ties with Iran, but Qatar has denied all the allegations. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 22:31:50|Editor: An Video Player Close BEIJING, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The ongoing 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), a landmark event in the history of the ruling party of the world's largest developing country, has attracted a lot of attention from across the world. The following is a selection of quotes by foreign leaders and observers on Chinese President Xi Jinping's vision of building a community of shared future for mankind. Yukio Hatoyama, former Japanese prime minister: "China is promoting co-development with neighboring countries with initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative. I hope Japan would not exclude itself from such programs but adopt cooperative policies." Dogu Perincek, chairman of the Patriotic Party of Turkey: "China today represents hope for the whole humanity ... We have to keep that hope alive. Hope for a world free of imperialism, a world of free and independent nations, a multipolar world, a world that is following the path of shared growth." Panos Rigas, secretary of the central committee of the ruling SYRIZA party of Greece: "We believe that this congress will renew the commitment of the CPC to building a future of prosperity and justice for China and the world." Maria Teresa Montes de Oca, director of the Institute of Chinese Studies at the University of Havana, Cuba: "Latin America needs to open wider to China to forge a common destiny of development and also needs to actively participate in international cooperation mechanisms proposed by Beijing." Oh Ei Sun, special adviser for Malaysia's Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute: "We are in favor of eventually reaching a community of common destiny with China." B.R. Deepak, a professor at the Center of Chinese and Southeast Asian Studies of Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, India: "China's vision of building a community of shared future for all humankind emphasizes the ongoing trend of multi-polarism, interdependence, tolerance and mutually beneficial cooperation." Khairy Tourk, a professor with the Stuart School of Business of the Illinois Institute of Technology, the United States: "The Chinese future now goes with other nations' dreams." Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 22:31:50|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close MOSCOW, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Russia insists on a diplomatic settlement of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday. "There is no alternative to diplomatic methods on the basis of dialogue among all interested parties," he said in an address to the Moscow 2017 Non-Proliferation Conference. "The main task at the current stage is to prevent a military conflict, which will imminently lead to a large-scale humanitarian, economic and environmental catastrophe," he said. Lavrov called on all involved parties to exercise restraint and support the roadmap proposed by Russia and China in July, which suggests a dual-track approach of advancing denuclearization while at the same time establishing a peace mechanism. Meanwhile, the two countries demand that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) suspend its nuclear and missile activities in exchange for the suspension of U.S.-South Korean military exercises. Lavrov said that the implementation of the roadmap will help reduce military activities and tensions on the Korean Peninsula and facilitate the formation of "equal and indivisible security" not only for the DPRK, but also for the whole Northeast Asia. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 22:36:52|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close KIEV, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- At least 25 people, including two children, fell ill from food poisoning after eating in a restaurant in Ukraine's western city of Lviv, local authorities said Friday. Among them, 22 people were hospitalized in a moderately severe condition, while three others were receiving treatment at home, the Lviv city administration said in a statement. All victims, who have complained of stomach pain and vomiting, were diagnosed with an acute enteric infection. It is the second food poisoning incident in Lviv in less than a month. On Sept. 25, more than 50 people were taken to hospitals after eating tainted fish bought at a local market. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 22:51:57|Editor: Hou Qiang Video Player Close GUANGZHOU, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative has brought more business opportunities to the China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair. Trade associations reported rises in the number of buyers from countries along the Belt and Road, contributing to transaction growth at the world's largest comprehensive trade fair. Boosted by market recovery and the Belt and Road Initiative, nearly 80 percent of exhibitors reported increases in buyers, according to the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Imports & Exports. Held in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, every spring and autumn, Canton Fair is seen as a barometer of China's foreign trade. Al-hamimi Hasan of Yemen said he saw more buyers at the autumn session than at the spring one this year. Hasan, who has attended the fair for 14 years, said the product upgrading at the trade fair, particularly with lamps, led to a strong market in the Middle East. An increase in traders from countries along the Belt and Road mirrored the recovery of China's foreign trade. The General Administration of Customs said the country's foreign trade volume rose 16.6 percent to 20.29 trillion yuan (3.08 trillion U.S. dollars) in the first three quarters of the year. Exports increased 12.4 percent to 11.16 trillion yuan, while imports surged 22.3 percent to 9.13 trillion yuan. The number of buyers from the United Arab Emirates, China's second-largest trading partner in the Middle East, increased 5 percent. Mohamed Alzaabi, a director with the UAE Ministry of Economy, said the UAE had sent groups to the fair since 2007, and that all members hoped for business cooperation with China. He said that more than 4,000 Chinese enterprises had operations in the UAE, with bilateral trade reaching 46 billion U.S. dollars in 2016. Proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along -- and beyond -- the ancient Silk Road trade routes. The modern version comprises an overland Silk Road Economic Belt and a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. As the Belt and Road Initiative advances, China has signed a number of infrastructure construction deals with related countries, including Thailand, Bangladesh, Greece and Kenya. The construction deals drive up demand for China's construction machinery. Wang Falin, an official with the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products, said China's exports of construction machinery were expected to see steady growth as the countries along the Belt and Road started to improve their infrastructure. China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Imports & Exports said its members had reported remarkable growth in transaction value with countries such as Uzbekistan, Nepal and Serbia. Tianjin Minmetals, one of the traders, has even set up sales representative offices in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The fair attracted 620 exhibitors from 33 countries and regions, with nearly 60 percent from countries and regions along the Belt and Road, including Egypt, Turkey, India, Pakistan, Malaysia and Thailand. Forty-five Turkish firms attended the fair. A total of 100 Turkish firms intended to attend the fair, but due to the exhibition space limit, only half managed to attend, said Gulin, an official with the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 23:12:02|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BERLIN, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Friday marks a milestone in Germany's path towards a new federal government as Chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU/CSU conservative alliance, Free Democratic Party (FDP) and Greens (Gruene) all meet together for the first time in "Jamaica" coalition negotiations. Jamaica coalition is a term in German politics describing a coalition government among the parties of the CDU/CSU bloc, Free Democratic Party (FDP) and Green. The term refers to an association between the symbolic colors of the parties -- black for the CDU/CSU bloc, yellow for the business-friendly FDP, and green for Green Party -- and the colors of the national flag of Jamaica. OVERT CAMARADERIE The larger round of talks between the parties follows two separate consultations held by the CDU/CSU bloc's parliamentary faction with the FDP and Greens on Wednesday. Perhaps unsurprisingly, for the very first stage of official coalition negotiations, the meetings were followed by a collective outburst of public optimism. While there was some acknowledgement of the hurdles which remained to be overcome, party representatives were at pains to put on a show of early harmony before press. Christian Democratic Union (CDU) secretary general Peter Tauber said that he looked forward to Friday's larger round "with joyful anticipation", while his Christian Social Union (CSU) counterpart Andreas Scheuer called the initial talks "constructive" and "characterized by mutual respect". The FDP praised the "business-like" and "solution-oriented" atmosphere of discussions and the Greens described their meeting with the Union as a "good conversation". BENEATH SURFACE Under the surface of such hopeful commentary, however, significant ideological differences remain between the partners in what is widely believed to be Germany's next government. The FDP and Greens, in particular, are miles apart on key issues and have dealt each other heavy blows in the run up to German elections. Two examples of policy areas where the junior partners in "Jamaica" coalition (alongside the joint CDU/CSU faction) are separated by a gulf are migration and economic policy. On migration, the Free Democrats is advocating for a new and stricter policy regime which differentiates between labor migration, political asylum seekers and refugees displaced by war. While labor migration would operate on a points system and political asylum seekers would continue to receive protection in Germany, the FDP wants to ensure that people fleeing war only remain in the country for the duration of the conflict and leave again thereafter. This position is in accordance with United Nations regulations which differentiate between "asylum seekers" and "displaced peoples" who are forced to temporarily escape violent conflict. However, this policy is fundamentally opposed by the Greens, proposing to grant remaining rights to all asylum seekers who have been in Germany for more than a year, regardless of the outcome of their application. COMPROMISE POSSIBLE? A compromise on economic policies where the ambitions of the FDP and Greens differ considerably may prove even harder to achieve. The FDP is unusual in the German political landscape in as far as it leans more towards the Anglo-Saxon model of laissez-faire capitalism than the regulated social market economies of continental Europe and Germany in particular. The FDP's libertarian outlook in this area is likely to run up against resistance from the Green party which places an emphasis on reducing inequality through redistributive policies and is skeptical towards deregulation, privatization and liberalization. Beyond economics, the FDP and Greens also have radically divergent visions for the Eurozone. The FDP is strictly against any form of debt mutualization in the currency union and the creation of a separate Eurozone budget as suggested by French President Emmanuel Macron. By contrast, the Greens have urged Germany to embrace Macron's European plans for reform and have generally argued in favor of greater solidarity between Eurozone members throughout the bloc's recent sovereign debt crisis. Although FDP Vice-President Wolfgang Kubicki described Friday's meeting as an opportunity to rebuild trust between the FDP and Greens, it remains far from clear whether the two parties' differences can be resolved in a way that satisfies both of their respective voter bases. BOOST FOR MERKEL Instead, disagreement between the FDP and Greens is likely to strengthen the hand of Chancellor Merkel in negotiations. Merkel has already shown that she is the most experienced politician in "Jamaica" negotiations with the swift resolution of a long-standing spat between the CDU and CSU over an annual limit on refugees before coalition talks began. The compromise agreed by the conservative sister parties is largely symbolic, but its effect on the formation of a new government is real. Merkel knows that as long as the CDU and CSU are unified they will remain the dominant force in negotiations. Drawing on a political instinct honed during more than 11 years in power, the advantage enjoyed by Merkel here goes beyond the simple fact that the CDU/CSU bloc's voter share (32.9 percent) far exceeds that of the FDP (10.7 percent) and Greens (8.9 percent). As a consequence, the weight of the responsibility for the FDP and Greens to lend their support to a stable government majority could well see them make compromises which alienate at least parts of their voters. For example, a politician from the Green party would fit well into the role of minister for the environment for the "Jamaica" coalition. Yet given that Merkel has already launched an ambitious and costly transition to sustainable energy sources in Germany, globally known as "Energiewende", any more radical proposals are bound meet resistance for fear of their adverse economic impact by the all other coalition parties. Although the FDP is understandably eager to fill the post of Finance Minister, despite recent claims to the contrary, it seems unlikely that a liberal finance minister would be able to veer far beyond the fiscally-orthodox course that has been staked out by Wolfgang Schaeuble who has shaped German and European economic policymaking for the last eight years as finance minister. Despite being a minor regional party itself, the CSU's traditional parliamentary alliance with the CDU lends it a slightly better position to have its voice in government. Nevertheless, once the dust settles over the upcoming state elections in Bavaria, the CSU's current rhetoric of "red lines", especially with regards to migration policy, will probably also become more subdued. As the current government has shown, the CSU will ultimately be best able to enforce its agenda when it aligns closely with Merkel. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 23:22:06|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close DAMASCUS -- The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said in a statement Friday that the northern province of Raqqa, which has been captured recently from the Islamic State (IS), will be part of a "federal Syria." "Raqqa and its countryside will be a part of a democratic, decentralized and federal Syria, where the people of the province will run their own affairs," the SDF said in a statement. (Syria-Raqqa) - - - - BRUSSELS -- The Brexit talks have not yet reached any sufficient progress but the progress cannot be denied, European Council President Donald Tusk told reporters on Friday, hoping that the Brexit talks would enter into second phase in December. His remarks came in a press conference co-chaired with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker after a close-door EU27 roundtable meeting on Brexit without Britain. (Brexit-EU-Talks) - - - - NEW DELHI -- At least 30 people have been hospitalized with eye injuries in the southern Indian state of Telangana, the state health minister said on Friday. All these people sustained injuries in their eyes during Diwali celebrations Thursday night and had been admitted to the state-run Sarojini Eye Hospital. (India-Diwali-Injuries) - - - - MONROVIA -- Liberia's electoral body has said a runoff was inevitable early next month since no candidate obtained the required 50 percent plus one vote in the Oct. 10 presidential poll in the country. Head of the National Elections Commission Jerome Korkoya announced the final results of the presidential and parliamentary polls in the country late Thursday, noting the electoral body was set for the runoff exercise. (Liberia-Polls) Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 23:22:08|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Thirty-two Cambodian villagers living in the areas where the war-left U.S. tear gas barrel bombs were found had been hospitalized in the last two weeks due to their exposure to the foul smell of the leaked barrel bombs. The villagers had fallen ill after they came into contact with chemical substances which were the remnants of the U.S. bombs, the Ministry of Health said in a statement on Friday, adding that most of them suffered from skin allergies. At least nine U.S. tear gas barrel bombs had been discovered in Koki commune of Southeastern Cambodia's Svay Rieng province since earlier this year. Currently, a group of anti-chemical weapon experts are working to dispose of them. Weighed over 200 kg each, the chemical bombs, containing 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile (CS), a type of tear gas, were dropped from a U.S. warplane in 1970 during the Vietnam War era. Cambodian Health Minister Mam Bunheng called on the villagers in the affected areas to be extra vigilant and advised them to stay away from the bombs. "If you have any abnormal symptoms or if your babies were born with deformities, please visit the nearest health center or hospital for free-of-charge medical checkup and treatment," he said in the statement. On Oct. 12, the Ministry of Health also announced that three children in the bomb-affected areas were born with horrific defects such as abnormal big heads, disproportionate mouths and chronic itches. However, the United States Embassy in Cambodia issued a statement on Thursday, rejecting the claims that tear gas barrel bombs caused birth defects. "Though the use of tear gas is often controversial, clear procedures exist by which to dispose of it, and there is no evidence linking it to long-term health problems or birth defects," the statement said. It is estimated that between 1965 and 1973, the U.S. dropped about 2.7 million tons of explosives on 113,716 locations in Cambodia. Shawn Thew/Pool/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- Since his first week in office, President Donald Trump has tried to put in place extensive restrictions on who can come into the country, fulfilling a campaign promise to implement "extreme vetting" or a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States." "I got elected on defense of our country. I keep my campaign promises, and our citizens will be very happy when they see the result," Trump said in February. But through three executive orders now, that promise has been slapped down and tied up by federal courts -- with the latest version put on hold by a federal judge in Hawaii on Tuesday. The Justice Department has said it will appeal the decision, but the judge who issued the temporary restraining order cited the same arguments previous courts have had with the first two bans. It's unclear if the Trump administration has done enough legal maneuvering this time to avoid those, but it's worth looking back on the judicial road that led here. Trump's first travel ban -- Jan. 27 One week into his term, Trump visited the Pentagon and, flanked by Vice President Mike Pence and Defense Secretary James Mattis, signed an executive order titled "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States." Its implementation was effective immediately because the threat was so urgent, according to administration officials. But so few people outside the White House even knew the contents of it. The result was chaos at airports across the country, where confused Customs and Border Protection agents were detaining folks with legal immigration papers and angry protesters chanted for their release -- a tumultuous scene that delighted then-White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, according to Bloomberg. The order itself banned all citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries -- Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Somalia and Sudan -- for 90 days and all refugees for 120 days, while ordering the departments of State, Defense and Homeland Security to review the vetting procedures for all immigration and refugee admissions. When refugee admissions would resume, it called for the State Department to prioritize religious minorities such as Christians in the Middle East and indefinitely ban all Syrian refugees. As swiftly as the executive order came, there were court decisions in New York and Boston blocking all or parts of it. Shortly after that, several states sued to block the executive order as well, including Virginia, Hawaii, Washington and Minnesota. Nationwide block on first travel ban -- Feb. 3 The real halt came one week after Trump's Pentagon signing ceremony when a district court judge in Seattle froze the ban nationwide with what's known as a temporary restraining order. Judge James Robart was ruling on one of those lawsuits -- this one by Washington and Minnesota -- and Trump began lashing out at him on Twitter, writing, "If something happens blame him and court system. People pouring in. Bad!" In addition to the president's dire rhetoric, the ruling was appealed by his administration and sent to the next highest court: the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers the western United States. Sixteen states joined Washington and Minnesota, filing what's called an amicus brief in support of their suit. In dramatic fashion, audio of the case's oral arguments were broadcast live on cable television on Feb. 7, and two days later, the Ninth Circuit ruled unanimously in favor of the plaintiffs and kept the block of Trump's travel ban in place. Trump's second travel ban -- March 6 There was some back-and-forth in the courts about how the case would proceed -- until the Trump administration voluntarily withdrew after signing a new travel ban. This second ban was limited to six Muslim-majority countries, taking Iraq off the list. It also exempted legal permanent residents and anyone who already had a valid visa, which the original didn't do initially. And it excised the permanent ban on Syrian refugees, but kept in place the 120-day suspension of all refugee admissions. Two days after its unveiling, another state -- this time, Hawaii -- sued to bar its implementation, arguing that the executive order "began life as a Muslim ban," was "infected with the same legal problems as the first order -- undermining bedrock constitutional and statutory guarantees," and was "motivated by animus and a desire to discriminate on the basis of religion and/or national origin, nationality or alienage." Nationwide halt on second travel ban -- March 15 A district court judge agreed with that argument, granting another temporary restraining order one week later, this time before the ban could be implemented. Speaking at a rally in Nashville the same day, Trump called the ruling an "unprecedented judicial overreach," although he referred to the second ban as "a watered-down version of the first one" -- bolstering the argument of his opponents who said the ban was illegal because it was essentially the same as the first one. Fifteen days after that, the Trump administration appealed again to the Ninth Circuit, but other federal courts across the country had also ruled against the ban. One of those other cases went up to the Court of Appeals, this time in the Fourth Circuit that covers the mid-Atlantic from South Carolina to Maryland. Nationwide block on second travel ban -- May 25 The Fourth Circuit, by a vote of 10-3, blocked the travel restrictions for the six Muslim-majority countries, but left in place the 120-day refugee ban. Citing comments by candidate-Trump and his political surrogates about Muslims and Islam, the court ruled the new ban still "drips with religious intolerance, animus and discrimination" and was an expression of "President Trumps desire to exclude Muslims from the United States." In the days afterward, as his administration tried to paint the order as a limited pause for national security, Trump again undercut the message by tweeting, "People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!" and bashing the judiciary branch as "slow and political." Meanwhile, his administration asked the highest court in the U.S., the Supreme Court, to weigh in. Supreme Court rules -- June 26 The Supreme Court agreed to take the case up in full in October -- and in the meantime, overruled lower courts by allowing a limited travel ban to go into effect. The Trump administration hailed it as a victory, but the ruling ended up causing more headaches. Instead of full implementation, the Supreme Court ruled that the 90-day ban on citizens from Iran, Somalia, Yemen, Libya, Sudan and Syria and the 120-day ban on all refugees could begin -- except for those who could prove a "bona fide" relationship to a person or entity in the U.S. The Court provided a vague description of what "bona fide" meant, setting off a new legal war. Days later, the administration said its lawyers determined a parent (including parent-in-law), spouse, fiance, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, sibling, whether whole or half, and including step relationships, qualified -- and the ban went into effect on June 29. Once again, a state sued to challenge -- with Hawaii claiming the categories were arbitrary and asking why grandparents or grandchildren, for example, weren't included -- and won. On July 19, the Supreme Court ruled in Hawaii's favor and expanded the definition to include grandparents and grandchildren, aunts and uncles, and cousins. In September, the Ninth Circuit ruled that refugees with a formal assurance from a resettlement organization in the U.S. counted as a bona fide relationship, but on Sept. 12, the Supreme Court overruled them again and allowed the stricter ban on refugees to remain in place. After the second ban expired on Sept. 24, the Supreme Court dismissed the case, ruling on Oct. 10 that it no longer needed to issue a decision because "the appeal no longer presents a 'live case or controversy.' " Trump's third travel ban -- Sept. 24 While the drama of the second travel ban was working its way through the court system, the Trump administration filed a little-noticed order that led to what's been called the third travel ban. On July 12, the State Department issued a cable to posts around the world obtained by ABC News, notifying them that the administration had set new standards on information sharing for all countries in order to obtain U.S. visas or other entry to the U.S., and asking countries to meet them, create a plan to meet them or face travel sanctions if they dont. That exchange between U.S. diplomats and foreign countries played out, and the administration came up with a list of 47 countries that had insufficient systems. After informing them, that list was narrowed down to just seven, and on Sept. 24 -- just as the second ban was about to expire -- the administration issued a new proclamation that barred travel from them indefinitely. Iran, Syria, Somalia and Libya -- all part of the original bans -- were listed, and the administration added Chad, North Korea and Venezuela. These new conditions-based restrictions meant that countries could be added or removed, depending upon whether they complied with the new U.S. standards, and allowed for case-by-case waivers for individuals -- steps meant to inoculate the administration from legal challenges. A key counterterror ally who has been cooperating with the U.S. against ISIS, Boko Haram, and others, Chad's addition was seen by many foreign policy experts as a grave error. Since then, the White House said national security advisor H.R. McMaster has spoken to Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno about how to work together to "address the deficiencies, toward the goal of improving vetting capabilities and lifting visa restrictions." Nationwide halt on third travel ban -- Oct. 17 So far, that hasn't worked. One day before new restrictions were to take effect, a district court judge in Hawaii issued a new temporary restraining order, arguing that the proclamation "plainly discriminates based on nationality in the manner that the Ninth Circuit" previously found unconstitutional. It also "suffers from precisely the same maladies as its predecessor: It lacks sufficient findings that the entry of more than 150 million nationals from six specified countries would be 'detrimental to the interests of the United States,' " the judge wrote. The plaintiff in this latest case -- the state of Hawaii -- didn't seek to block the bans on North Korea or Venezuela, so those restrictions have gone into effect. But the State Department said Tuesday that diplomatic posts in the other five Muslim-majority nations will resume visa issuances. On the same day, a district court in Maryland also enjoined, or blocked, the third travel ban, calling it "the latest incarnation of the 'Muslim ban' originally promised by Trump as a candidate for the presidency" and calling it a violation of the U.S. constitution's guarantee of freedom of religion. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the White House will fight the ruling, telling Congress on Oct. 18, "Were confident that well prevail as time goes by in the Supreme Court." The next step would be to once again file an appeal with the Ninth Circuit, where the administration has lost twice before. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 23:32:11|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close MiG-29 jet fighters of the Russian aerobatic team Strizhi (Swifts) perform during a military parade and air show at the airport in Batajnica, near Belgrade, on Oct. 20, 2017. Serbia held a military parade and air show on Friday to celebrate the 73rd anniversary of its capital city's liberation during the Second World War. (Xinhua/Predrag Milosavljevic) BELGRADE, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Serbia held a military parade and air show on Friday to celebrate the 73rd anniversary of its capital city's liberation during the Second World War. The demonstration was held at a military base outside Belgrade where Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu presented six Mig-29 aircraft as a gift to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic before the military exercise began. In his speech after the drill display, Vucic said that Serbia was a sovereign, independent and free country that wished to build friendly relations with the region, and wanted to represent peace, and be a reliable and stable partner to everyone. "We are not afraid to negotiate, but let no one think that we negotiate because we are afraid. Today, with an army getting better and better equipped, stronger, and with salaries increasing every day, this message has never been clearer than before," he said, according to a government press release. He thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin and Shoygu for the equipment that they donated to Serbia. "We will always celebrate this day with our Russian friends that, together with other Soviet nations, Serbian and other Yugoslavian nations, liberated Belgrade and gave their lives for freedom," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 23:42:14|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ROME, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Italy and the United States have signed an agreement to share fingerprint databanks in order to track down suspected criminals and terrorists among migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, local media reported Friday. Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti and Acting U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine Duke signed the agreement on the sidelines of a Group of Seven (G7) meeting of interior ministers on the island of Ischia, according to Italian news agency ANSA. The agenda at the Italy-chaired meeting of the seven industrialized nations -- Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Britain and the United States -- focused on preventing extremist propaganda and recruitment on the internet and combating foreign fighters or radicalized Europeans who joined the ranks of so-called Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria. Foreign fighters are expected to try to return to Europe, where they could pose a threat to their EU home countries, as ISIS has been largely defeated in Syria and Iraq. Also attending the summit were EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos, EU Security Commissioner Julian King, and Interpol Secretary General Jurgen Stock. Businessmen present at the gathering were Facebook Counter-terrorism Policy executive Brian Fishman, Google VP for Public Policy Nicklas Lundblad, Microsoft VP for EU Government Affairs John Frank, and Twitter Public Policy executive Nick Pickles. Foreign fighters and young people are often radicalized and recruited on the internet, which is why executives from leading social media companies were invited to Ischia to discuss ways their companies could pitch in to fight extremism. On Thursday, the Italian Interior Ministry announced a 34-year-old Algerian man was repatriated to his home country after being arrested for "instigation to commit acts of terrorism" on Facebook. The man had been arrested in June this year, after Italy's anti-terrorism police reported him for praising jihadi attacks on Christians on his Facebook profile, according to the Interior Ministry. Thursday's repatriation brings the total number of expulsions this year to 86. A total of 218 extremist sympathizers have been expelled from Italy since 2015, the ministry said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-20 23:52:17|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close LUSAKA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Zambian Vice-President Inonge Wina on Friday expressed concern that the number of asylum seekers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) into the country has continued rising, with most of them being vulnerable people such as pregnant women and children. Wina said the influx of DRC nationals running away from unrest in their country has been continuous, adding that 192 pregnant have crossed into the country since the start of this year. "We also have a large number of children, who are unaccompanied who walk all the way into Zambia. This state of affairs has created a humanitarian crisis," she said during a vice-president's question and answer session in parliament. According to her, it was unfortunate that pregnant women and children could be forced to walk long distances but expressed happiness that the government, working with other partners has managed to accommodate them at a transit center in Nchelenge district in Luapula Province. The government, she said, has since mobilized resources, in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) family and other partners, to take care of the situation at Kenani Transit Center where the asylum seekers were being kept. The number of DRC asylum seekers has since risen to over 6,100 since January this year, bringing the total number of refugees and other persons of concerns in the country to about 60,000. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 00:02:19|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close LUSAKA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Zambian Vice-President Inonge Wina said on Friday that talks for an aid package with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have not fallen off. Last week, a Zambian delegation that attended the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C. did not hold any talks regarding the aid package as earlier promised, prompting concerns that the talks have fallen off. The Zambian government had hoped for talks to resume this month and reach a deal by the end of this year for a package believed to be in a region of 1.3 billion U.S. dollars. But the Zambian vice-president said the talks have not failed and that the IMF was still in consultations with the government. She said during the vice-president's question and answer session in parliament that the IMF has highlighted a number of concerns which the Ministry of Finance was currently working on and that the talks will soon be concluded. On Thursday, Finance Minister Felix Mutati also denied that the talks have failed, saying what was before the IMF Board as Article Four which certified Zambia's economic outlook. He said an IMF team was expected in the country in a few weeks. Last week, the IMF expressed concern over Zambia's rising public debt, saying it was putting the nation at a high risk of debt distress. The international financial institution also urged authorities to reign in on public expenditure. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 00:02:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KABUL -- A suicide bomb explosion ripped through a mosque in the western side of Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Friday evening, causing casualties, witnesses said. The blast occurred when dozens of worshippers were offering evening prayers at about 5:40 p.m. local time in a Shiite mosque named Imam-e-Zaman in Dasht-e-Barchi locality, Police District 13 of the city, witness Mohammad Eisapur told Xinhua. (Afghanistan-Blast) - - - - TOKYO -- Kobe Steel Ltd. told a press conference on Friday that more of its products were found with fabricated data and some of its employees at managerial positions were found involved in cover-up of the misconduct. The company admitted that besides aluminum, copper, steel powder and special steels, its thick plates processed at a subsidiary had also been found with fabricated data, though no safety problems have been confirmed. (Japan-Kobe Steel-Scandal) - - - - KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia Airlines (MAS) announced Friday that its chief operating officer Izham Ismail will replace Peter Bellew as the national carrier's new chief executive officer (CEO), with immediate effect. In a statement, MAS said Izham will also be the group's executive director. (Malaysia Airlines-CEO) - - - - KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia on Friday repudiated previous media reports that it had struck a "no cure no fee" deal with a U.S. firm to resume the search operation for missing aircraft MH370, saying negotiation work is still ongoing. The MH370 Response Team has received several proposals from a number of interested parties to search for MH370, said Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, director general of the Department of Civil Aviation in a statement, adding that these offers have been thoroughly assessed by the response team and the governments of Australia and China have been informed this development. (Malaysia-MH370-Search) - - - - JAKARTA -- Indonesia has provided an early warning system to the people in the areas which could not be reached by sound of siren, should Mount Agung volcano in Bali erupt, an officer said on Friday. The 3,031-meter active Mount Agung volcano in Karang Asem district has been at its highest alert level since Sept. 22. (Indonesia-Volcano-Warning) Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 00:07:22|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close CAPE TOWN, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa on Friday gave President Jacob Zuma until November 30 to argue his case against the reinstatement of corruption charges against him. Zuma has been advised through his lawyers that he has until November 30 this year to submit any envisaged representations to Shaun Abrahams, the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), the NPA said. Last Friday, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruled that corruption charges against Zuma be reinstated eight years after the charges were dropped. The SCA reaffirmed an earlier order by the High Court in Pretoria that a 2009 decision to withdraw corruption charges against Zuma was "irrational." In April last year, the High Court in Pretoria ordered a review of the 2009 decision by the NPA to set aside hundreds of corruption charges against Zuma. Both the president and the NPA then approached the SCA after the High Court refused their request to appeal. The SCA said former NPA Director Mokotedi Mpshe had invoked incorrect provisions in considering Zuma's representations to the NPA for dropping the charges. As such, the decision made to discontinue the prosecution against Zuma is invalid, the SCA said. In 2009, Mpshe controversially withdrew 783 fraud, racketeering and corruption charges against Zuma, thus enabling Zuma to become president after the African National Congress won the general elections in that year. Following the SCA ruling, the Presidency said Zuma would make his representations against the reinstatement of the corruption charges. The NPA said in its Friday statement that the NDPP is of the view that in light of the judgment of the SCA, it appears that any further representations envisaged by Zuma should relate to issues not previously considered ahead of the 2009 decision to drop the charges. An investigation team also has until the end of November to assess the availability of witnesses and any factors that may impact the feasibility of the re-enrollment of the matter, according to NPA spokesperson Luvuyo Mfako. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 00:07:23|Editor: Hou Qiang Video Player Close BAGHDAD, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi military on Friday said the Kurdish Peshmerga forces used German rocket in fighting against Iraqi federal forces at a disputed area in the oil-rich province of Kirkuk. A statement by the media office of the Iraqi Joint Operations Command (JOC) said that Iraq appreciates the arming programs of the world countries to support the Iraqi forces, including the Peshmerga forces, on the fighting against Islamic State (IS) group, but "unfortunately today the German missiles supplied to the Peshmerga to fight IS exclusively were used against the federal forces in the Alton Kupri area, causing damages and victims." Earlier in the day, the Iraqi forces redeployed in the town of Altun Kupri, some 40 km north of Kirkuk, and took full control of the town. However, the Kurdish media network of Rudaw said heavy clashes erupted in the morning between the Kurdish Peshmerga and the Iraqi forces in Altun Kupri, and the Kurdish forces managed to repel the advance of the security forces after burning two military vehicles for the Hashd Shaabi. The strategic town of Altun Kupri is located between Kirkuk and the Kurdish regional capital of Erbil. The advance toward Atlun Kupri came a few days after the Iraqi forces retook control of the oil installations, oil fields and pipelines in the oil-rich Kirkuk province and other disputed areas outside the Kurdish region. On Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, also the commander-in-chief of Iraqi forces, ordered government forces to enter the oil-rich Kirkuk province in northern Iraq to regain control of the ethnically-mixed disputed areas. Tensions are escalating between Baghdad and the region of Kurdistan after the Kurds held a controversial referendum on the independence of the Kurdistan region and the disputed areas. The independence of Kurdistan is opposed not only by the Iraqi central government, but also by other countries as it would threaten the integrity of Iraq and undermine the fight against IS militants. Iraq's neighboring countries, especially Turkey, Iran and Syria, fear that the Iraqi Kurds' pursuit of independence threatens their territorial integrity, as large Kurdish populations live in those countries. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 00:17:27|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses a press conference in Istanbul, Turkey, on Oct. 20, 2017. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday denounced the United States, France and Germany over their support for the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). (Xinhua/Anadolu Agency) ISTANBUL, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday denounced the United States, France and Germany over their support for the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The president blasted the United States over the display of posters of PKK's jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan in Syria's Raqqa following its liberation early this week from the Islamic State (IS) group that involved Syrian Kurdish fighters. "How will the United States explain it?" Erdogan demanded, as Turkey regards both the PKK and the Syrian Kurdish militia known as People's Protection Units (YPG) as terror groups. Erdogan also referred to Ocalan's poster on a state television building in France and a recent march of PKK supporters in Germany, accusing police forces of the two countries of remaining inactive. "They are dishonest. I invite them to be honest first," he said. The president also accused the Western countries of leaving Turkey alone in its fight against terrorism. "They said they were standing with us in the anti-terror fight when we meet bilaterally, but we do not believe that," Erdogan said at a press conference in Istanbul. Despite opposition from Ankara, Washington has been supporting the YPG in the fight against the IS, giving rise to chilled relations between the NATO allies, which have lately resorted to a mutual suspension of non-immigrant visa services. A day earlier, Erdogan accused the West of being hypocritical in the fight against terrorism, saying Turkey's Western allies are turning a blind eye to terror activities by the PKK and a network led by Turkish cleric Fetullah Gulen living in the United States. The PKK, listed as a terror group also by the United States and the EU, resumed its armed campaign against the Turkish government in July 2015, shattering a two-year peace process. Washington has refused to extradite Gulen, who is blamed by Ankara for a failed coup in July last year, an episode that has harmed bilateral ties. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 00:22:29|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ROME, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations, the European Union (EU), and four internet giants have entered into a "grand alliance" to combat terrorism, Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti announced Friday. Representatives from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and Twitter met with G7 interior ministers and EU commissioners at a two-day summit on Italy's Ischia island. They were there to discuss how to crack down on terrorist propaganda on the internet, where jihadi groups disseminate their ideology, raise funds, recruit and incite followers to commit atrocities, and provide instructions on how to carry out attacks. "Today, a grand alliance between governments and large-scale (internet service) providers has taken its first steps," Italian news agency ANSA quoted Minniti as saying at the close of the summit. "We can win this battle against the malware of terror and hatred," Minniti said. Internet companies will "guarantee decisive action to make their platforms more hostile to terrorism," including "swift identification and removal of terrorist content", according to a final statement published by Italy's interior ministry, which chaired the G7 Ischia summit. In June this year, Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter and YouTube announced the formation of a global internet forum to counter terrorism "to help make our hosted consumer services hostile to terrorists and violent extremists." "The spread of terrorism and violent extremism is a pressing global problem and a critical challenge for us all," the four companies said in an online statement dated June 26. "Each of our companies have developed policies and removal practices that enable us to take a hard line against terrorist or violent extremist content on our hosted consumer services." Also on Friday, British Home Secretary Amber Rudd, one of the G7 participants, said Britain intended to make online viewing of extremist content punishable by up to 15 years in prison, according to ANSA. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 00:22:30|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua)-- The Ethiopian government on Friday disclosed that the construction of its 6,450 MW Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has reached 62 percent completion rate. With the current speed of the dam construction, it's expected test power generation will start in 2018, Hailu Abraham, Public Relations Head at Office of Ethiopia National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation on the Construction of GERD, told Xinhua. "Currently 11,000 people are working on GERD, 300 of whom are foreigners, with the Italian firm Salini Impregilo undertaking the civil works while a local firm Metal and Engineering Corporation is undertaking mechanical and hydraulic works," he said. The construction of the dam, which will be Africa's largest dam upon completion with a total volume of 74 billion cubic meters, was started in April 2011 with a cost of about 4.7 billion U.S. dollars. The GERD project, owned and financed by the Ethiopian government, is ongoing on the Blue Nile River, located some 40km east of Ethiopia's neighboring country Sudan. "When complete, more than 50 percent of the dam's generated electricity will be sold to Nile river basin countries and neighboring countries," said Abraham, adding that the Ethiopian government has placed the dam's completion at the center of Ethiopia's economic ambitions. The Ethiopian government even sees the electricity generated from the dam being sold in the future as far north to Morocco and as far south to Tanzania. Acutely aware of the national and international significance of the project, the Ethiopian government has facilitated visits so far to the dam site to more than 260,000 Ethiopians and more than 400 local and foreign media outlets since April 2011. Ethiopia's Blue Nile river contributes 59 percent of the Nile river basin's water flow, with Egypt who relies on the Nile river as the only ground fresh water source having in recent times expressed concern on the impact the dam will have on its water share. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 00:22:30|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- At least two students were killed and four others injured in a shootout at a school in cental Brazil, local authorities said on Friday. The accident occurred on Friday morning when a student, allegedly suffering bullying from his classmates, opened fire in one of the classrooms at Goyases College, a private school in Goiania, capital of the Goias state, local police said. The suspected shooter was arrested by police who rushed to the school after being called by a teacher. Iraqi soldiers are seen at K1 airbase in the northwest of Kirkuk city, Iraq on Oct. 16, 2017. Iraqi security forces on Monday fully recaptured the city of Kirkuk and took control of the government building after the Kurdish forces withdrew from the city, a local security source told Xinhua. (Xinhua Photo) BAGHDAD, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi military on Friday said the Kurdish Peshmerga forces used German rocket in fighting against Iraqi federal forces at a disputed area in the oil-rich province of Kirkuk. A statement by the media office of the Iraqi Joint Operations Command (JOC) said that Iraq appreciates the arming programs of the world countries to support the Iraqi forces, including the Peshmerga forces, on the fighting against Islamic State (IS) group, but "unfortunately today the German missiles supplied to the Peshmerga to fight IS exclusively were used against the federal forces in the Alton Kupri area, causing damages and victims." Earlier in the day, the Iraqi forces redeployed in the town of Altun Kupri, some 40 km north of Kirkuk, and took full control of the town. However, the Kurdish media network of Rudaw said heavy clashes erupted in the morning between the Kurdish Peshmerga and the Iraqi forces in Altun Kupri, and the Kurdish forces managed to repel the advance of the security forces after burning two military vehicles for the Hashd Shaabi. The strategic town of Altun Kupri is located between Kirkuk and the Kurdish regional capital of Erbil. The advance toward Atlun Kupri came a few days after the Iraqi forces retook control of the oil installations, oil fields and pipelines in the oil-rich Kirkuk province and other disputed areas outside the Kurdish region. On Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, also the commander-in-chief of Iraqi forces, ordered government forces to enter the oil-rich Kirkuk province in northern Iraq to regain control of the ethnically-mixed disputed areas. Tensions are escalating between Baghdad and the region of Kurdistan after the Kurds held a controversial referendum on the independence of the Kurdistan region and the disputed areas. The independence of Kurdistan is opposed not only by the Iraqi central government, but also by other countries as it would threaten the integrity of Iraq and undermine the fight against IS militants. Iraq's neighboring countries, especially Turkey, Iran and Syria, fear that the Iraqi Kurds' pursuit of independence threatens their territorial integrity, as large Kurdish populations live in those countries. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 00:32:34|Editor: Hou Qiang Video Player Close LISBON, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Portugal pledged to defend fishermen's livelihoods on Friday, after a European Union (EU) report recommended a ban on sardine fishing in 2018. An International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) study, commissioned by the EU, found sardine stocks severely dwindling. The report concluded that sardine fishing should be forbidden in Portugal and Spain throughout 2018, to allow stocks to recover. In response, Portugal's Ministry for the Sea issued a statement recognizing that "sustainable and responsible management policies had to be followed and enforced." It went on to say that adjustments to fishing quotas should "guarantee activity and income for fishermen while allowing stocks to recover." According to the ICES report, sardine stocks in the Cantabrian Sea and Iberian Atlantic dropped from 106,000 tonnes in 2006 to 22,000 tonnes in 2016. An earlier ICES report, conducted in 2016, suggested that sardines stocks in the Iberian Peninsula would only fully recover if there was no fishing for 15 years. Portugal and Spain rejected the notion. The two countries share fishing quotas and agreed to limit their combined sardine capture to 17,000 tonnes in 2017. Portugal takes two-thirds of the joint quota. Officials from Portugal's Ministry for the Sea will now meet with Spanish and EU counterparts to discuss the report's findings. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 00:37:35|Editor: Hou Qiang Video Player Close PRAGUE, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The two-day general election for the Czech Chamber of Deputies started on Friday. This is the seventh general election in Czech history after the country's independence in 1993. Thirty-one parties with more than 7,500 candidates are contesting the 200 seats of Chamber of Deputies. Polling stations close on Saturday afternoon. Partial and preliminary results will start appearing on the election website afterwards. Interior Ministry spokeswoman Klara Peknicova said that the official results will be presented by the State Electoral Commission on Monday. Many party leaders will traditionally be among the first voters to cast their ballots, including former Czech president Vaclav Klaus and former finance minister Andrej Babis whose ANO movement is the election favorite. Czech citizens will be able to vote at nearly 14,900 polling stations across the country and abroad. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 00:52:39|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close DAMASCUS, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said on Friday that the civil council formed in the recently-taken province of Raqqa in northern Syria was coordinating with Arab and European countries for the reconstruction process. Talal Silo, spokesman of the SDF, said in a statement that the civil council of Raqqa was cooperating with the foreign countries for rebuilding Raqqa, after the Islamic State (IS) was driven out. Earlier in the day, the SDF said that the council would administer Raqqa, after the SDF captured the province recently following a four-month offensive on IS. "Raqqa and its countryside will be a part of a democratic, decentralized and federal Syria, where the people of the province will run their own affairs," the SDF said in a statement. The SDF said it would hand over the control of Raqqa to the "Civil Council of Raqqa," which has been formed by the SDF last April with a joint Kurdish-Arab leadership. As for the security part, the "internal security forces" will be tasked with securing the lives of the civilians in Raqqa. The SDF, meanwhile, pledged to protect the borders of the province from all "external threats." The group, allied with Kurds, Arabs, and Assyrians led by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and backed by the United States, said it had secured the evacuation of 450,000 civilians from Raqqa. It expressed gratitude to the U.S.-led coalition for their assistance to the battles to capture Raqqa, the de facto capital of IS. Meanwhile, the group urged the international organizations to help rebuild Raqqa, 80 percent of which is destroyed, according to a recent report by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. "The liberation of Raqqa constitutes the last chapter of the epic of confrontation and the fight against the IS in Syria," the statement read. The Syrian government, whose forces are also fighting IS separately, so far has no comment on the statement, but previous remarks suggested the government wanted to restore all Syrian regions under its control. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 00:57:41|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close TIRANA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Albanian Finance Ministry on Friday announced an initiative to improve the management of public finances and public debt, seeking counseling advisory assistance. The ministry said in a press statement that the Albanian Public Procurement Agency has started a bidding process for interested companies to offer such assistance. A total fund of 83.3 million leks (733,000 U.S. dollars) has been allocated by the government for this tender while the bids will be accepted until Oct. 30, the Finance Ministry said. The government has voiced commitment to reduce the public debt to the level of 63 percent by 2021. At the end of the first half of 2017, Albania's public debt fell to the level of 66.9 percent while in the end of 2016, it stood at 70 percent. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 00:57:42|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close MADRID, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on Friday defended the decision of his cabinet to temporarily suspend the autonomy of the Calalonian region and pass control of its government to Madrid. The decision was made based on Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution to the Autonomous Community of Catalonia, Rajoy said, adding the cabinet will meet on Saturday to approve the measure, which will then be passed to the Senate for ratification, probably on Oct. 27. The move came after the Spanish government said Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont had failed to clarify whether he had declared the independence of the region in the wake of the Oct. 1 referendum, which has been declared illegal by the Spanish Constitutional Court. Speaking from Brussels, where he had been in a summit meeting of European leaders, Rajoy told journalists his government was taking the step because "we have come to an extreme situation," in Catalonia and that his government was "obliged to recover the legality and institutional normality in the region." He added that the decision had been taken after consulting with the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) and center-right force Ciudadanos. "The government cannot allow the law to be broken," he said, adding he had the support of EU leaders because "democratic principals have been attacked in Catalonia." The application of Article 155 would see Madrid increase financial control over the Catalonian region, collect taxes and also take over direction of the Catalan regional police force (Mossos d'Esquadra) and parts of the Catalan Education Deportment among others. Rajoy refused to confirm declarations made earlier in the day by Carmen Calvo; the PSOE Secretary for Equality, who had formed part of her party's team negotiating how to apply Article 155 with Rajoy's government. Calvo said the PSOE and Rajoy's PP had agreed to call new elections for the Catalan regional parliament in January. Rajoy refused to confirm declarations made earlier in the day by Carmen Calvo; the PSOE Secretary for Equality, who had formed part of her party's team negotiating how to apply Article 155 with Rajoy's government. Calvo said the PSOE and Rajoy's PP had agreed to call new elections for the Catalan regional parliament in January. Rajoy refused to confirm declarations made earlier in the day by Carmen Calvo; the PSOE Secretary for Equality, who had formed part of her party's team negotiating how to apply Article 155 with Rajoy's government. Calvo said the PSOE and Rajoy's PP had agreed to call new elections for the Catalan regional parliament in January. Rajoy refused to confirm declarations made earlier in the day by Carmen Calvo, the PSOE Secretary for Equality, who had formed part of her party's team negotiating how to apply Article 155 with Rajoy's government. Calvo said the PSOE and Rajoy's People's Party had agreed to call new elections for the Catalan regional parliament in January. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 01:07:46|Editor: Hou Qiang Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Protesters drowned out Richard Spencer with boos and chants Thursday as the white supremacist leader tried to deliver a speech at a university in the U.S. state of Florida. "Go home, Spencer...Nazis are not welcome here," protesters chanted at an auditorium in the University of Florida, Gainesville, when Spencer took the stage Thursday evening. "This is a great greeting," said Spencer, a leader of the so-called "al-right" movement that includes white supremacists, neo-Nazis and supporters of the Ku Klux Klan. "Thank you for the welcome. Are you ready to talk?" he said. But he later criticized the crowd, who continued chanting slogans, for not letting him speak before ending his event earlier than scheduled and leaving the campus. Spencer, who heads the National Policy Institute, a nationalist think tank, was one of the organizers of the August rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, which led to the death of a 32-year-old anti-racist protester and injuries of 19 others. Spencer's supporters were outnumbered by protesters both inside the auditorium and at the campus where demonstrations remained largely peaceful. The university said it spent over 500,000 U.S. dollars to tighten security on campus and in the city of Gainesville. Florida Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency earlier this week in response to Spencer' s planned speech. Local police said three supporters of Spencer were arrested. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 01:07:47|Editor: Hou Qiang Video Player Close by Eric J. Lyman ROME, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Nearly a year after officials overseeing Alitalia first announced the struggling airline would shop around for a buyer and with at least 900 million euros (1.1 billion U.S. dollars) in government loans on its books, Italy's national air carrier is right back where it started: desperately looking for a partner to help it stay alive. The deadline for bids to take over Alitalia was delayed for the second time in a month on Oct. 16. Now, potential bidders will have until April 30, 2018 to submit bid proposals. "I don't know what's going to change between now and next April," Andrea Giuricin, a management professor at the University of Milan Bicocca and a fellow at the Bruno Leoni think tank, told Xinhua. "By then, the company will have lost more money, the staff will be more dispirited, and the fleet will be that much older. If there are no acceptable bids now, why will they emerge in six months?" Italian media reported that at least one bid was submitted for the Oct. 16 deadline: German carrier Lufthansa -- which in the past rescued Swiss Air, Australian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines -- reportedly offered to pay 500 million euros for most of Alitalia, including its fleet, routes, and name. But the reported bid would have required the Italian government to write off the 600 million euros it had loaned a bankrupt Alitalia up to that point, and the Filt-CGIL trade union representing Alitalia workers would have had to give its OK to the layoff of around half of the company's 12,000 workers. The proposal was rejected and the government announced the infusion of another 300 million euros in loans to help Alitalia survive until April. "That offer as it appeared in the press, and I say it that way because we did not see an official offer from Lufthansa, was just unacceptable," Antonio Cortorillo, Filt-CGIL's general secretary, said in an interview. "We want Alitalia to be saved, but we are not willing to agree to reckless conditions." Cortorillo said he continues to believe Alitalia will attract the right buyer and that it will reemerge from its current struggles and become a viable, healthy airline. "We are hopeful about the next deadline," he said, though he declined to speculate about which company might step in to submit a better bid. Alitalia's standing as a major air carrier has eroded precipitously in recent years. As recently as 2011, the company was Europe's most punctual airline, it turned a small profit, upgraded its fleet, and controlled more than half of Italy's domestic air travel based on seat volume. Today, it is hemorrhaging money, has a dismal on-time record. Its customer service offices are mostly unmanned and its fleet is the oldest among western Europe's major carriers. Additionally, it only controls around 15 percent of the domestic air market, where it is a distant second to low-cost Irish carrier Ryanair. The most recent blow to Alitalia came when Dubai-based Etihad Airways, which in 2014 took a controlling stake in Alitalia, announced it would abandon the Italian carrier after selling off some of its most valuable assets, including high-profile landing slots at London's Heathrow Airport. At this point, most analysts say it is far from a sure bet Alitalia will survive long term. If the company collapses, Italy would become the first major European country without a national air carrier since Switzerland operated without one in 2001 and 2002, a period that ended when Lufthansa helped revive Swiss Air. For his part, Giuricin, a frequent commemorator on Alitalia, said he continues to see Lufthansa as the most likely savior for Alitalia. "I know reports say that a Lufthansa (proposal) was rejected and I don't know a way to persuade the company to upgrade its bid for the next deadline," Giuricin said. "But I think that the most likely way that Alitalia will still exist as a brand in a few years is for it to be part of Lufthansa's network, like Swiss Air and the others." Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 01:12:49|Editor: Hou Qiang Video Player Close CHICAGO, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- A Ford plant in the U.S. state of Michigan was briefly evacuated Friday morning as a disgruntled employee shot and killed himself. First reports said there was an "active shooter" on the premises of Ford Woodhaven Stamping Plant, located about 30 kilometers southwestern of Detroit. The Detroit Free Press later quoted Ford Motor officials as saying that all the other employees were safe "after they were evacuated when a worker pulled a gun at the plant and shot himself." Local media reports, attributed to police and plant employees, said the shooter died of self-inflicted gunshot wound, following some dispute with his boss. TV footage showed a bomb squad was sent to the scene to investigate a suspicious package, which was later deemed safe. There are currently 420 people employed at the Ford plant, which produces door panels, hoods and other car parts, according to Ford. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 01:12:49|Editor: Hou Qiang Video Player Close CAIRO, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- A total of three Egyptian policemen were killed Friday in fire exchange with terrorists in Giza province near Cairo, official MENA news agency reported. A number of terrorists were also killed in the shootout, a security official was quoted as saying. The source added that the militants started firing as security forces approached their hideout in al-Wahat region of Giza. Eight policemen were also injured in the operation, according to the source. 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 outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group. Terror attacks in Egypt used to be centered in North Sinai before spreading nationwide and killing hundreds of policemen and soldiers over the past few years. Meanwhile, security raids killed hundreds of militants and arrested a similar number of suspects as part of the country's anti-terror war. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 01:12:50|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's green growth development project has received approval at the Global Green Growth Week, which is underway in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa. Ethiopia's green growth development project, which was approved by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) as exemplary model at the Global Green Growth Week, aims to drill boreholes and install small-scale irrigation schemes across the 9 regional states, by combining 45 million U.S. dollars from GCF and 5 million U.S. dollars from the Ethiopian government. The project proposal, which was developed by the Ethiopian Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation in partnership with Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate, has been supported by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) during its initiation. The approved project is expected to enhance access to water and rehabilitate approximately 7,900 hectares of degraded land and would benefit 330,000 Ethiopians directly and 990,000 indirectly, it was noted. Admasu Nebebe, Ethiopian State Minister of Economic Cooperation, said at the Green Growth Week meeting that the approval is a huge boost to Ethiopia's efforts. He also called for Ethiopian ministries and regions to work closely in developing bankable projects and mobilizing resources from climate funds. Robert Mukiza, Deputy Director and Country Representative for GGGI, applauded GCF's approval of the project saying that "this is a major milestone in our efforts to support Ethiopia to achieve the bold ambitions set out in the Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy and the Second five-year Growth and Transformation Plan." "GGGI will deepen its support in developing bankable projects to achieve the green transformation trajectory that Ethiopia is committed to. We thank the government of Ethiopia for the steadfast support provided to GGGI," Mukiza added. Kare Chawicha, Ethiopian State Minister of Environment and Climate Change, also said that even though Ethiopia's contribution to the problem of climate change is negligible, the east African country had in 2011 taken an exemplary decision to build a climate-resilient green middle-income economy by 2025. The ambition is said to require more than 200 billion U.S. dollars over a period of 15 years. GGGI has been supporting Ethiopia's green growth efforts since 2010, helping the country develop the Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy and integrate it into the 5-year national Growth and Transformation Plan, it was indicated. Policy makers and experts, who have gathered in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa as part of the Global Green Growth Week 2017, emphasized the need to unlock Africa's green growth potential. The four-day Global Green Growth Week 2017, held since Tuesday under the theme "Unlocking Africa's Green Growth Potential," has brought together over 500 ministers, investors and decision makers, among others, to catalyze creative solutions for transformational green growth in the African continent. The event particularly revolved around achieving nationally determined contributions to the Paris Agreement and making progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Participants of the event have discussed on various issues that include mobilizing green/climate finance to bankable projects in developing countries; sustainably managing resources to address water and food security challenges; and developing and adopting policies that drive environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive economic growth. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 01:17:51|Editor: Hou Qiang Video Player Close NAIROBI, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday called on citizens to remain vigilant in wake of terror bombings in Somali capital Mogadishu last week. Speaking during celebrations to mark the Heroes Day in Nairobi, Kenyatta also urged Kenyans to report any suspicious persons bent on undermining the country's security from within and across the borders. "Our neighbor Somalia recently suffered a terrorist attack where many innocent lives were lost. On behalf of all Kenyans, I send my heartfelt condolences to the people of Somalia," he said. The Kenyan leader whose country has been attacked by terror group Al-Shabaab said the Mogadishu attack which has claimed over 300 lives, is a sobering reminder of the dangerous times we live in. "At this juncture I wish to salute and celebrate our disciplined forces for braving all risks to keep all of us secure. Unfortunately, some of them have lost their lives in the line of duty," Kenyatta said. A massive car bomb on Oct. 14 detonated outside the entrance to a hotel in Mogadishu, which is home to government offices, hotels and restaurants. Later in the day, a second bombing was reported in the city. Sources said the bombers targeted the heavily guarded international airport where several countries have embassies. The Al-Shabaab which usually stages such attacks has not commented on the twin bombings, which have been roundly condemned by the international community. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 01:22:53|Editor: Hou Qiang Video Player Close GENEVA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The UN migration agency, IOM, said Friday that it has relocated over 15,000 Eritrean refugees in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia since March 1. IOM said in a statement it is working in close partnership with the Ethiopian government's Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs and UNHCR, the UN refugee agency. IOM has medically screened and transported newly arrived Eritrean refugees from a reception center in Endabaguna in Shire to four refugee camps in the North of Ethiopia. Eritrea and Ethiopia are neighbors. "Currently IOM is relocating an average of about 100 persons per day which represents an increase in what has been the most continual refugee flow into Ethiopia in 2017," IOM quoted Khatab Khalid, the head of IOM Ethiopia's Shire Sub-Office as saying. According to official figures, there were 21,215 new Eritrean refugee arrivals to Ethiopia in 2016 while over 20,000 have arrived in 2017 to date, said IOM. Most of the refugees are youth with 46 percent of the total transported by IOM aged between 18-24 years old. Many of them report walking for days to reach Ethiopia. Eritreans were the single largest group of migrants and refugees entering by sea into Italy in 2015, totaling 25 percent of all arrivals. However, the number of Eritreans travelling along the Central Mediterranean route into Italy significantly decreased in 2016, by almost 50 percent compared to 2015. A screenshot captured from Google Maps shows Stalowa Wola in southeast Poland. WARSAW, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Polish police said Friday that one person was killed and at least seven others were injured in a stabbing incident in Stalowa Wola in southeastern Poland. The incident happened at 15:00 p.m. local time in the shopping mall of Vivo. Police officer Anna Klee said that the assaulter, a man, attacked people from behind, hitting them with a knife. A witness, who was present at the gallery at the time of the incident, said that the man was running around the shopping mall and stabbing people blindly. Local media reported that the attacker, who was identified as Konard K, is a 27-year-old man, a resident of Stalowa Wola. Klee told Polish Press Agency (PAP) that about a 50-year-old woman died by severely injured. Seven others have been taken to hospitals in Stalowa Wola, Tarnobrzeg and Sandomierz. Authorities said that five of them have serious wounds. She added that the attacker was taken over by the gallery's clients and handed over to the police. Police are still investigating the motive behind the attack. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 02:28:08|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close KIGALI, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- African ministers on Friday met in Rwandan capital Kigali to ease movement of people on the continent. "Free movement of persons is equally regarded as one of the key strategies in achieving Pan-African ideals," Rwandan justice minister Johnston Busingye said at the opening of a ministerial session during the second ordinary Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on migration, refugees and displaced persons. The two-day meeting will discuss free movement of persons, African Union(AU) migration policy framework, and common African position on the global compact on migration. The meeting, following a three-day experts meeting, drew nearly 30 African ministers in charge of emigration. To accelerate free movement of people and goods will require going beyond political commitments to immediate implementation, officials said at the meeting. "The difficulty resides in a lack of sense of urgency and capacity to implement the political commitments and decisions taken at the ministerial level in different meetings at regional and continental level," said Minata Samate Cessouma, AU's Commissioner for Political Affair. She said African governments are reluctant when it comes to empower institutions to implement regional integration and intra-African trade policies. "We need to refocus on the policies and measures to facilitate the movement of persons to deepen regional integration and promote trade between countries across the continent," said Samate. To achieve visa-free Africa, free trade area and free movement of persons and goods on the continent will take much more than political commitments, said Mohamed Salem Ouid, minister of foreign affairs of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic. He said it will require practical steps on the ground. According to AU, Africa is faced with a difficulty in free movement of persons in Africa where Africans are forced to go through lengthy and restrictive processes in order to travel and many Africans embark on long, complicated and dangerous routes across the desserts and the Mediterranean Sea. African citizens need visas to travel to 54 percent of other countries on the continent in 2016, said a report of the African Development Bank (AfDB). The report revealed that 24 percent of other countries on the continent issue visas on arrival to African nationals and 22 percent of African countries waived visa requirements to African visitors. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 02:33:09|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian government is arresting individuals engaged in violence in the central Oromia regional state, an official said on Friday. Addisu Arega, Oromia regional state communications Officer, told journalists that the individuals arrested are accused of committing physical assault, engaging in property damage and inciting deadly protests. Arega declined to disclose the number of detained people, but said the government is undertaking investigations to determine if the suspects are part of a larger network and motives for their crimes. He further called on the population to heed calls for peace made by local officials, community elders, religious leaders and security forces. Oromia, Ethiopia's largest regional state, has seen large anti-government protests by ethnic Oromos since the end of 2015, leaving hundreds of dead. Oromos, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group making up a third of the country's 100 million population, complains of decades of economic, political and social marginalization by successive governments. Martial Law declared in October 2016 and later lifted in August 2017 had calmed Oromia regional state, but renewed anti-government protests earlier this month left several people dead and property damages. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 02:48:17|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close RIGA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Latvian farmers whose crops were damaged by heavy rainfalls and floods this past August and September will be provided nearly 15 million euros (17.67 million U.S. dollars) in government support, according to a draft government decree. Ministers are expected to approve the draft document, prepared by the Agriculture Ministry, at a cabinet sitting next week, Latvian public media website lsm.lv reported Friday. It is planned that 14.87 million euros will be released to the flood-stricken farmers from Latvia's contingency budget. Another 98,300 euros have been allocated to the Rural Support Service for covering unforeseen costs and 13,300 euros have been provided to the Rural Advisory Center. European Commission President Jean Claude-Juncker also promised EU assistance to Latvian farmers this week. The damage Latvian farmers suffered this fall from the heavy rainfalls and subsequent floods has reached an estimated 37 million euros, which includes a 19.8 million euros worth of lost direct investment. The Latvian Rural Support Service has received 2,935 applications from farmers seeking 37 million euros worth of assistance in total. In August this year, the eastern Latvian region of Latgale was hit by a persistent and heavy rain, the severest downpour on record in eastern Latvia. The rainfall triggered floods, causing authorities to declare a state of emergency in 29 municipalities in Latvia. The Latvian Agriculture Ministry said earlier that Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania might submit a joint compensation request to the European Commission. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 02:58:20|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close by Tian Dongdong BRUSSELS, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Despite lacking sufficient progress in the lengthy and loose Bexit negotiation, the European Council on Friday gave green light to the internal preparatory discussions for the second phase talks. If the Council agrees at its next session in December that sufficient progress has been achieved, the second phase would be in touching distance. The decision was the only silver lining of the discussion over Brexit among European Union (EU) leaders during a two-day summit, which failed again to meet the high expectation of citizens living in a fear of "no deal nightmare" along the English Channel. Britain has long been calling for an early start of the second phase talks, which would focus on the possible transitional arrangements and a framework for the future relationship between London and Brussels. PREPARATION FOR 2ND PHASE COULD GO AHEAD At its next session in December, the European Council will determine whether sufficient progress has been achieved in the talks and if so, it will adopt additional guidelines in relation to the framework for the future relationship and on possible transitional arrangements. And Against this background, the European Council invites the Council (Art. 50) together with the Union negotiator to start internal preparatory discussions, said a conclusion document on Brexit issued by the EU27 following the two-day summit. In the document, the European Council welcomed the progress made regarding citizens' rights and invites the negotiator to build on the convergence achieved to provide the necessary legal certainty and guarantees to all concerned citizens and their family members. Those citizens and their family members shall be able to exercise directly their rights derived from EU law and protected by the withdrawal agreement, including through smooth and simple administrative procedures and the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union, said the document. As regards Ireland, the Council acknowledged that there has been some progress on convergence on principles and objectives regarding protection of the Good Friday Agreement and maintenance of the Common Travel Area. It invites the Union negotiator to pursue further refinement of these principles, taking into account the major challenge that Britain's withdrawal represents, including as regards avoidance of a hard border, and therefore expecting Britain to present and commit to flexible and imaginative solutions called for by the unique situation of Ireland, said the document. The document noted that while Britain has stated that it will honor its financial obligations taken during its membership, this has not yet been translated into a firm and concrete commitment from Britain to settle all of these obligations. MAY EXERTS ROUNDS OF CHARM OFFENSE Prior to the issue of the document, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told reporters that he doesn't want a no deal scenario and wants to reach a good deal with Britain. He made the remarks during a press conference co-chaired with President of the European Council Donald Tusk after a close-door EU27 roundtable meeting on Brexit without Britain. While the close-door meeting carrying on, British Prime Minister Theresa May continued her charm offense by reassuring her European colleagues in a press conference that Britain will go through the financial commitments to EU line by line, without giving a specific figure of the "devoice bill". "I gave a firm commitment (in Florence speech) on the financial settlement and I proposed a time-limited implementation period based on current terms, which is in the interest of both the UK and the EU. Both sides agree that subsequent rounds have been conducted in a new spirit. My fellow leaders have been discussing that this morning and I believe that it is in the interests of the UK that the EU 27 continues to take a united approach," she told reporters. She said"whatever happens -- we want them (EU citizens) and their families to stay (in Britain)," marking a fresh effort in another front of her charm offensive. In fact, citizen's rights issue has recently become an important front in May's campaign to gain understanding in Brussels. Ahead of the two-day summit, she wrote directly to EU citizens in Britain, vowing to "put people first". "I have been clear throughout this process that citizens' rights are my first priority...We are in touching distance of agreement (on this issue)," said May in the letter, reassuring them that Britain is "developing a streamlined digital process for those applying for settled status in the UK in the future." "We hugely value the contributions that EU nationals make to the economic, social and cultural fabric of the UK ...I hope that these reassurances, alongside those made by both the UK and the European Commission last week, will provide further helpful certainty to the four million people who were understandably anxious about what Brexit would mean for their futures," she concluded. Besides wooing citizens, May also launched "dinner diplomacy" in a whirlwind visit to Brussels. During the trip, she had dinner with Juncker and they "had a broad, constructive exchange on current European and global challenges." The dinner has been planned "for a little while," according to a Downing Street aide, and is the latest in a string of bilateral talks over recent days between May and EU leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, European Council President Tusk and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. These charm offensives marked a somewhat "U-turn" of May's Bexit strategy, as the British prime minister warned Britain to prepare for a no-deal Brexit around two weeks ago. Addressing MPs in the House of Commons on Oct. 9, May said achieving a special partnership after Brexit will require leadership and flexibility, not just from Britain, but from the 27 nations of the EU. "As we look forward to the next stage, the ball is in their court," said May. The long-awaited Brexit talks was launched on June 19, nearly one year after Britain voted to leave the bloc by a narrow margin on June 23, 2016. May sent a notification letter to the EU in late March, triggering a two-year countdown to Britain's withdrawal from the bloc after more than 44 years of membership. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 03:33:28|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ARUSHA, Tanzania, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Five people have died after a minibus they were aboard had a head-on collision with a lorry and caught fire in northwestern Tanzania's district of Muleba, police said on Friday. Augustino Olomi, Kagera Regional Police Commander, confirmed the accident saying it happened on Friday morning. The mini-bus was heading to Chato District in Geita Region from Muleba District in Kagera Region. According to Olomi, earlier reports showed that the driver of the minibus was over speeding. Richard Ruyango, Muleba District Commissioner also revealed that among the dead are the driver of the minibus, the conductor and three passengers. The door of the minibus was squeezed by a lorry making it difficult for people inside to escape, he said. The regional police chief cautioned drivers in the area to be extra-careful when driving as the road had a sharp corner and steep slopes. Road motor accidents, mostly caused by reckless driving, have been taking lives of thousands of people in the east African nation. Recently, twelve people died and three others injured when a mini-bus they were travelling in veered off and plunged into the Lake Victoria at Kigogo ferry in Misungwi District, Mwanza Region. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 04:18:35|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close LONDON, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- As Britain's leading business organizations gave guarded responses to the latest round of Brexit discussions in Brussels on Thursday and Friday, a leading academic law expert said staying in the European Union (EU) would be the best solution. Professor Michael Dougan, an expert in EU law at the University of Liverpool, said both sides remain a very long way from brokering a future working relationship. In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, Dougan said: "Whatever was said in Brussels, the role of the European Council is to set the political tone, which was what we saw happening today. Their job is not to deal with the detail." "The EU has made it clear that a country leaving cannot enjoy the benefits without the obligations. Not only does it seem like the British government wants to have its cake, and eat it, it also wants the EU to serve that cake." Dougan said he believed a lot of people in Britain had so far failed to grasp that a future trade deal would take years to sort out. "People who think it can be realistically worked out in 12 months will find we will be hard pushed to do the job in five years," he added. Dougan described the British government's judgements around Brexit as a total disaster and a complete failure. "Even on the question of a so-called divorce bill, the talking hasn't even started on how much. It is about working out the formula to decide how much the settlement should be." Dougan said there seemed to be growing support in the British parliament for an amendment to the forthcoming Brexit withdrawal bill. "If accepted, the amendment would enable parliament to reject withdrawing from the EU if it finds a Brexit deal unacceptable. From a constitutional point of view, the politicians could legislate for that, but it could cause a considerable challenge. Parliament took Britain into the EU, so it can decide constitutionally, whether we stay in." "The EU has made it clear that the British decision is reversible, that Britain can change its mind." Dougan described Britain's vote to leave the EU as the "most foolish decision" it has taken since the 1940s. He said: "If there was a decision in Parliament to reverse the decision and it won, and carried popular public support, I believe that would be the best thing for Britain. "The main purpose of the EU has been to together resolve cross border issues. If Britain leaves those cross border issues will still be there." Meanwhile, Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said she welcomed the warm words exchanged in Brussels on Friday. She said: "It's clear that the prime minister's Florence speech has unlocked progress. But for firms across Europe, warm words are not enough. Decisions and certainty are now needed to protect jobs and investment on both sides. "A transition deal by year end is top of the list. We urge the EU to put people before process and take a pragmatic approach to recognizing sufficient progress. And the UK must continue to seek to unblock discussions." Fairbairn said firms across the EU had no choice but to prepare for all outcomes, including "no deal". Allie Renison, head of EU and trade policy at the Institute of Directors said: "No one should treat this as a simple game of brinkmanship; the livelihoods of too many businesses and employees are at stake." "We hope EU member states will use the next two months to work constructively with the European Commission and the UK, so that discussion on our future relationship and interim arrangements in particular starts before the end of the year." Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 04:33:42|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said here on Friday that the United Nations needs strong U.S. engagement and a "very solid cooperation" between the United States and the United Nations. Guterres made the remarks while meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Guterres noted that he is "a true believer that we live in a messy world but we need a strong, reformed and modernized UN." For his part, Trump said that the United Nations has tremendous potential, but it has not been used over the years "nearly as it should be." Trump described the United Nations as "almost a power to bring people together like nothing else," adding he has "a feeling that things are going to happen with the United Nations like you haven't seen before." "We've become friends," said Trump. "You need talent, and he's got the talent," he said, gesturing to Guterres. "We'll see what happens. I'll report back to you in about seven years." The White House host has been at odds with the United Nations ever since his presidential campaign. He hammered the United Nations for what he called bureaucracy and "mismanagement." Trump's latest decision to pull the United States out of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), a UN watchdog enduring snowballing U.S. arrears for over a decade, has delivered a huge blow to the operation of the agency and raised eyebrows all over the world. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 04:38:45|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close NEW YORK, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Oil prices rose on Friday, as tensions in the Middle East continued to provide support in the market. The Iraqi military said on Friday the Kurdish Peshmerga forces used German rocket in fighting against Iraqi federal forces at a disputed area in the oil-rich province of Kirkuk. Meanwhile, local media reported Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said earlier this week that Iran will cut 2015 international nuclear deal into shreds if the United States chooses to tear it up. Analysts said the unrest in the Middle East and rising tension between the United States and Iran boosted the oil prices, as traders feared geopolitical tensions could cut off oil exports from the region. On the data front, the number of rigs operating in U.S. oil fields fell by seven to a total of 736 rigs this week, oilfield service firm Baker Hughes said in its weekly report on Friday. The West Texas Intermediate for November delivery was up 18 U.S. cents to settle at 51.47 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for December delivery rose 52 cents to close at 57.75 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 04:43:46|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close CAPE TOWN, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The African National Congress Women's League (ANCWL) on Friday refuted allegations that former African Union (AU) Commission Chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is involved in illegal financial activities. This came after Lord Peter Hain, a leading anti-apartheid activist who later became a prominent British politician, claimed in open letters to UK Chancellor Philip Hammond and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker that Dlamini-Zuma is among 27 people embroiled in money laundering activities linked with the wealthy Indian Gupta family. The allegations have prompted the FBI and British authorities to launch investigations. The ANCWL has noted the media reports, ANCWL Secretary General Meokgo Matuba said in a statement emailed to Xinhua. Dlamini-Zuma, who is also the ANCWL's National Executive Committee (NEC) member, has been on record that she has no links with any of the Gupta associated businesses, Matuba said. The ANCWL unreservedly support the fight against tax avoidance, money laundering or any form of illicit financial flows, Matuba said. However, it will be suicidal for ANCWL leadership, supporters, members and society in general to isolate allegations attributed to Lord Peter Hain about Dlamini-Zuma from neo-colonialism and the interests of beneficiaries of apartheid regime in the outcomes of the ANC National Conference in December 2017, said Matuba. Dlamini-Zuma is among the leading candidates to be elected as the ANC President. Dlamini-Zuma "is a fearless, unapologetic cadre who advances the interest of society and remains a threat to imperialism and neo-colonialism and they (imperialists and former colonizers) will do all within their powers to stop her from leading the ANC and the country," Matuba said. The ANCWL calls on its supporters, members and society in general not to be distracted by the attempts of Lord Peter Hain, FBI, UK authorities and their agents trying to cast aspersions against Dlamini-Zuma, said Matuba. Matuba reiterated the ANCWL's supports for Dlamini-Zuma to be the next ANC President in December 2017 and the next president of the country in 2019. Also on Friday, Dlamini-Zuma issued a statement, denying any financial dealings with the Guptas. She said the only money she received, that is linked to the Gupta family, was the prize money she won after being named South African of the Year two years ago at an award show hosted by the family's New Age Newspaper. According to Matuba, Dlamini-Zuma donated the money to a charity foundation. In addition to Dlamini-Zuma, President Jacob Zuma, his children, Duduzane and Duduzile, are named on the money laundering list, along with two of his wives -- Thobeka Madiba-Zuma and Bongi Ngema-Zuma. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 04:58:51|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close LILONGWE, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Malawi's Inspector General of police, Lexten Kachama, Friday announced that at least 140 people had been arrested on suspicion that they were behind brutal attacks on "blood sucking" suspects. For the past five weeks, villagers in some of the country's southern region districts have been under the illusion that they are under attack by mysterious beings that are magically extracting blood from the locals for ritual rites activities. The villagers have since taken the law into their hands, brutally attacking both foreigners and locals suspected to be behind the mysterious blood extraction, a development which the country's local media has termed "blood sucking." Briefing the media in the country's capital Lilongwe, Kachama said some of the arrested were believed to have been involved in the killing of two people in the country's commercial city, Blantyre. The other suspects are believed to have perpetrated violence that erupted in Blantyre city's townships of Chileka, Makheta, Chilomoni, Machinjiri and Kachere. He further confirmed that death toll of the victims had risen to nine, but assured that police were working tirelessly to install sanity back into the affected districts areas and bring perpetrators to book. "Our investigations have shown that all the nine who have been killed were innocent and we want to warn all those taking the law into their own hands that they will be taken to task." Kachama has since disclosed that the arrested suspects will soon appear before court to answer various charges. Russian Minister of Internal Affairs Vladimir Kolokoltsev meets with the U.S. Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman in Moscow, Russia, Oct. 20, 2017.(Ministry Photo) MOSCOW, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Russian Minister of Internal Affairs Vladimir Kolokoltsev met with the new U.S. Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman on Friday in hope of improving bilateral cooperation in law enforcement. "It is in the common interest to strengthen the fight against terrorism, confront drug trafficking, organized crime and cyber threat," Kolokoltsev said, according to a statement released by the ministry. He said that a constructive dialogue with U.S. counterparts should be based on the principles of equality and mutual respect. The brief statement did not disclose details of possible cooperation. Huntsman arrived in Moscow earlier this month to replace John Tefft. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 05:08:55|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BAGHDAD, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi security forces on Friday took control of 44 oil wells in disputed areas in Iraq's northern province of Nineveh after the withdrawal of Kurdish Peshmerga forces, the Iraqi military said. The army's 15th Division took full control of the town of Zummar, some 60 km northwest of Nineveh's provincial capital Mosul, in addition to the nearby 44 oil wells in the oil fields of Ayn Zala and Butma, the media office of the Iraqi Joint Operations Command (JOC) said in a brief statement. Earlier in the day, the Iraqi forces redeployed in the town of Altun Kupri, some 40 km north of Kirkuk, and took full control of the town after clashes in the morning with the Peshmerga forces. The strategic town of Altun Kupri is located between Kirkuk and the Kurdish regional capital of Erbil. The advance in Nineveh province and Atlun Kupri came a few days after the Iraqi forces recapture the oil installations, oil fields and pipelines in the oil-rich Kirkuk province and other disputed areas outside the Kurdish region. On Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, also the commander-in-chief of Iraqi forces, ordered government forces to enter the oil-rich Kirkuk province in northern Iraq to regain control of the ethnically-mixed disputed areas. Tensions are escalating between Baghdad and the Kurdistan region after the Kurds held a controversial referendum on the independence of the Kurdistan region and the disputed areas. The independence of Kurdistan is opposed not only by the Iraqi central government, but also by other countries as it would threaten the integrity of Iraq and undermine the fight against IS militants. Iraq's neighboring countries, especially Turkey, Iran and Syria, fear that the Iraqi Kurds' pursuit of independence threatens their territorial integrity, as large Kurdish populations live in those countries. Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-21 06:04:08|Editor: ying Video Player Close Egyptian security forces block the road at the site about 35 kilometers away from where policemen were killed in a shootout with terrorists, in Giza, Egypt, Oct. 21, 2017. A number of Egyptian policemen were killed Friday in fire exchange with terrorists in Giza province near the capital Cairo, Egypt's interior ministry said. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) CAIRO, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- A number of Egyptian policemen were killed Friday in fire exchange with terrorists in Giza province near the capital Cairo, Egypt's interior ministry said. In a statement, the ministry said the police received information about a group of terrorists hiding in al-Wahat area in the desert of Giza, adding that a police force moved to attack the terrorists elements. However, the statement said, terrorists started firing at the security forces as they approached their hideout, leaving a number of policemen dead and injured. The statement added that a number of terrorists were also killed in the armed clash. Police forces have been deployed to the area to track and capture the other terrorists, according to the statement. The ministry's statement did not make mention of the number of causality from both sides. However, state-run Ahram newspaper reported that some 14 policemen were killed in the attack, adding that clashes are still ongoing in the heart of the desert area. 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 outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group. Terror attacks in Egypt used to be centered in North Sinai before spreading nationwide and killing hundreds of policemen and soldiers over the past few years. Meanwhile, security raids killed hundreds of militants and arrested a similar number of suspects as part of the country's anti-terror war. 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It is also considering expanding its vehicle recall. Nissan president and CEO Hiroto Saikawa broke the news at a press conference on Thursday. He admitted that a scandal over safety checks went deeper than first thought. Saikawa revealed that unqualified staff at 4 factories continued to carry out inspections after the scandal first came to light last month. Earlier this week the automaker said just one factory had continued with the improper checks. Saikawa said Nissan is considering issuing a recall for another 34,000 vehicles. That's on top of the 1.16 million-vehicle recall announced earlier this month. Oct 20 (ANNnewsCH) - ce aaaaYaaaaaYaeaaceaeSaaecesaaeaaa aaaYacsaaaaaaYaceaaaaYaaceaeSaeaaaceisacaacecaae e aaYcsaaaacaeaaaaaaaaaaaYa Morocco is preparing to launch the National Prevention Mechanism (NPM) against torture as part of the implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT). To that end, the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) is due to make its first visit to Morocco October 22 to 28 to advise the Government on the establishment of the NPM and to assess the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty and the measures taken for their protection against torture and ill-treatment. International obligations must be translated in practice and real changes for people on the ground. Under OPCAT, the first step to ensure detainees are protected from torture and ill-treatment would be to establish an independent, effective and well-resourced National Preventive Mechanism, said Hans-Jorg Bannwart, who will head the SPT delegation. The SPT has a mandate to visit all States that are parties to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT). States parties are obliged to set up a National Prevention Mechanism within one year of ratifying OPCAT. Among the places the SPT delegation is due to visit are prisons and police stations. The experts will also meet government officials, the Judiciary, the National Council for Human Rights, UN agencies and representatives of civil society. At the end of the visit, the SPT will present its confidential preliminary observations to the Government of Morocco. For the SPT, the key to preventing torture and ill-treatment lies in building constructive relations with the State concerned, and its guiding principles are cooperation and confidentiality. The SPT delegation will comprise the following members: Mr. Hans-Jorg Viktor Bannwart (Head of delegation, Switzerland), Mr. Gnambi Garba Kodjo (Togo), Ms. Radhia Nasraoui (Tunisia), Ms. Catherine Paulet (France) and Mr. Satyabhooshun Gupt Domah (Mauritius). Morocco reiterated at the extraordinary meeting of the African Union (AU) Executive Council, held recently in Addis Abeba, that only sovereign states are entitled to take part in the EU-Africa Summit at a time separatist proponents are pushing in vain to impose the participation of the Polisario in the event. Morocco maintains that the format of participating states in the EU-Africa summit should be respected and that only UN member states are entitled to participate in the event that will be hosted in Abidjan on November 29-30 Given that the EU and all AU member states do not recognize the Polisario, Algeria and the authoritarian countries turning in its orbit feel that the carpet will be pulled under their feet once more. They resorted to threats against the EU-Africa Summit host, Cote dIvoire, saying that the West African country will be deprived of hosting AU meetings if it does not let the Polisario delegation take part in the Summit. Algeria is putting forward the same argument that the so-called Sahrawi Arab Republic is a member state of the African Union and hence entitled to take a seat at the event. As it endures setbacks one after the other in its ideologically anachronistic foreign policy, Algeria indulges in terminology games claiming that the African Union and the EU are in negotiation to change the appellation of the event into EU-AU Summit in a scheme to impose the participation of its puppet Sahrawi Republic. The fake news was propagated by the Algerian government mouthpiece, Algeria Press Service news agency, which relayed the fallacious statements of its Ambassador in Brussels, Amar Belani, saying that the Polisario will receive an invitation to attend the EU-Africa summit. Such statements show the short memory of the Algerian diplomacy, which seems not to learn from past mistakes. Sources within the EU maintain that only countries that are member of the UN are entitled to take part in the EU-Africa summit. No decision has been made to change the name of the event. Several EU countries including France made it clear that only sovereign states can attend the Africa-EU Summit. Recently, French Foreign Minister rejected categorically the attempts by separatist proponents to impose the participation of the separatist SADR entity. Arpaio got away with violating a court, but he refuses to sit back and enjoy it. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images On August 25, as Hurricane Harvey pummeled Texas, President Trump issued a full pardon to his friend Joe Arpaio, the former Arizona sheriff convicted of criminal contempt for refusing to honor a court order to stop detaining people he suspected of being undocumented immigrants. Not content to merely avoid punishment (he was facing a maximum of six months in jail), the 85-year-old tried to have all record of his criminal conviction wiped out. The case raised new questions about the powers of a presidential pardon, but a federal judge rejected the request on Thursday. The power to pardon is an executive prerogative of mercy, not of judicial recordkeeping, wrote Phoenix-based U.S. District Court judge Susan Bolton, who ruled against Arpaio in July. To vacate all rulings in this case would run afoul of this important distinction. The Court found Defendant guilty of criminal contempt. The President issued the pardon. Defendant accepted. The pardon undoubtedly spared Defendant from any punishment that might otherwise have been imposed. It did not, however, revise the historical facts of this case. Erasing the conviction would not change Arpaios situation, but his lawyers told the Washington Post it was a matter of clearing his name. They argued that he had intended to appeal the contempt ruling, but due to the pardon he has no way of clearing the conviction. Justice Department lawyers filed a brief with the court arguing that the court should vacate all orders and dismiss the case as moot. Now Arpaios attorneys intend to take the question of whether his record should be wiped clean to the San Franciscobased 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Its not going to be dropped, Arpaio told Capitol Media Services. Exhausted. Photo: DigitalGlobe/ScapeWare3d/Getty Images On September 3, North Korea tested a hydrogen bomb in the tunnels beneath mile-high Mount Tanap. It was the sixth and most powerful nuclear test conducted at the site. The blast registered as a 6.3 magnitude earthquake and four subsequent quakes, registering between magnitudes two and three, have rocked the northeastern part of the country since. Days after the blast, satellite images showed evidence of landslides as the powerful bomb inflicted unprecedented levels of damage on the area. These disturbances are more numerous and widespread than what we have seen from any of the five tests North Korea previously conducted, said the website 38 North, which analyzes North Korea. Now researchers are suggesting that Mount Tanap is suffering from something called tired mountain syndrome, which happens when rocks beneath the land shift and fracture in unforeseen and unknowable ways. This fear has led some to speculate that Pyongyang may be forced to abandon its first and only nuclear test site. One South Korean expert told CBS News that further tests at the site could be potentially suicidal. Another expert told NBC News that the ongoing tremors and landslides at the site mean another test could risk radioactive pollution. But 38 North this week said that the risks are unlikely to deter Kim Jong-un. Experts in China say the consequences of that could be catastrophic. Wang Naiyan, formerly of the China Nuclear Society, warned in the South China Morning Post of the potential for whats called taking the roof off. If the mountain collapses and the hole is exposed, it will let out many bad things, he said. Obama reveals that hes not a big Trump fan while speaking in Richmond, Virginia, on Thursday. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images The current group of ex-presidents have become chummy after leaving office, despite their political differences (or at least thats the image they present). But it doesnt seem theyre going to welcome President Trump into their club. At the Bush Institutes Spirit of Liberty event in New York on Thursday, former president George W. Bush delivered a speech filled with veiled attacks on Trump, condemning bullying and prejudice in our public life, as well as the isolationism and nationalism thats taken hold in the White House. Hours later, former president Barack Obama did the same at events in New Jersey and Virginia, which marked his first appearance on the campaign trail since leaving office. Some of the politics we see now, we thought wed put that to bed. I mean, thats folks looking 50 years back. Its the 21st century, not the 19th century, Obama said during a rally for Phil Murphy, the Democratic candidate for governor of New Jersey. Obama also took a shot at Trumps approach to foreign policy. The world counts on America having its act together. The world is looking to us as an example, he said. The world asks what our values and ideals are, and are we living up to our creed. Murphy has a 15-point lead over the Republican candidate, state lieutenant governor Kim Guadagno, according to a recent Fairleigh Dickinson University poll, but Obama quipped that Democrats shouldnt be complacent. You cant take this election or any election for granted, he said. I dont know if you all noticed that. During a rally in Richmond, Virginia, in support of state lieutenant governor Ralph Northam, who is running to succeed Democrat Terry McAuliffe as governor, Obama made another oblique reference to Trump. Youll notice I havent been commenting a lot on politics lately, Obama said. But heres one thing I know: if you have to win a campaign by dividing people, youre not going to be able to govern them. You wont be able to unite them later if thats how you start. Instead of our politics reflecting our values, weve got politics infecting our communities, Obama continued. Instead of looking for ways to work together to get things done in a practical way, weve got folks who are deliberately trying to make folks angry, to demonise people who have different ideas, to get the base all riled up because it provides a short term tactical advantage. Bush refrained from criticizing Obama during his administration, and shortly after the election Obama said he intended to show the same courtesy to his successor, unless there are issues that have less to do with the specifics of some legislative proposal but go to core questions about our values and our ideals. Obama has occasionally released statements rebuking Trump, but this is the first time hes criticized him at a public event since the inauguration. George W. Bush and his father, former president George H.W. Bush, let it be known that they did not vote for Trump, and they released a statement denouncing white supremacists after the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia. Trump, who spent the primary season bullying Jeb Bush, doesnt appear to have much respect for the family, but when asked after his speech if he thought his message would reach the White House, W. smiled and nodded, saying, I think it will. The opioid epidemic is killing tens of thousands per year. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images On Monday, President Trump promised that next week, he would revive his dormant plan to declare the opioid epidemic a national emergency, which could trigger a broad set of federal-government actions to combat the crisis. That is a very, very big statement. Trump said. Its a very important step. And to get to that step, a lot of work has to be done and its time-consuming work. But Politico reported on Friday that a lot of work hasnt been done. Instead, Trump officials were taken by surprise by the presidents seemingly off-the-cuff declaration, given the desultory nature of the administrations efforts on the epidemic thus far. (This sequence of events may sound familiar, since it seems to be the White Houses modus operandi on many fronts.) They are not ready for this, a public-health advocate told Politico after discussions with Health and Human Services officials. Furthermore, Politico reported: Multiple sources in and out of relevant federal agencies said that key leaders on the opioid issue had not been asked to draw up strategies and tactics. A senior FDA official said she did not know who was in charge of the emergency declaration efforts and described the effort as such a mess. There are several different flavors of emergency Trump could declare, the effects of which range from waiving Medicare and Medicaid regulations to asking Congress for more money to simply directing various agencies to draw up battle plans. Admittedly, its not clear that such actions could make a significant dent in the wave of drug deaths; some advocates say the publicity element of an emergency declaration may be more important than the actual policies involved. But even the mere question of which path to pursue seems stuck in the planning stages. And the possibility of a coherent federal approach has been made even more unlikely by the steep staff turnover that has plagued the Trump administration. Tom Price, the Health and Human Services secretary who had argued against the emergency declaration for budgetary reasons, resigned two weeks ago amid reports of his extravagant private-jet travel. Tom Marino, Trumps pick for drug czar, stepped aside after a blockbuster Washington Post/60 Minutes expose linking him to the widespread availibility of opioids in the first place. And both the DEA and Department of Homeland Security are without directors. Even if the appropriate staff were in place, Price and Marinos resumes make clear what was already obvious: Trump has surrounded himself with officials who have little interest in a well-funded effort to improve public health. The Trumpian blend of ideological hardheadedness and institutional incompetence seems particularly ill-suited to address a public-health disaster. Trump first vowed to designate the opioid crisis an emergency in August at the urging of New Jersey governor Chris Christie, who had led a presidential task force on the issue. Since then, then, according to USA Today, more than 6,000 Americans have died as a result of opioid abuse about 91 people a day. National emergencies are usually designated for political crises like terrorism, cyberwarfare, or a foreign countrys breakdown into chaos. When public-health crises make the list, theyre usually discrete events like hurricanes or floods. That the opioid epidemic would join such disasters reflects its unprecedented toll on the country. Deaths attributable to heroin, painkillers, and now leading the pack fentanyl continued to surge last year, accounting for the bulk of a record 59,00065,000 drug-overdose deaths. That figure is likely to worsen in 2017. State and local officials have been trying to keep up with a scourge that has intensified quickly, transitioning from abuse of pain pills like Oxycontin to fentanyl, an extremely dangerous narcotic many times more powerful than heroin. Strategies to combat the epidemic, which has taxed police forces around the country, require a deep understanding of the changing conditions on the ground, and often involve some complex combination of addiction treatment, preventive education, and enforcement. Some states have made their own emergency declarations in an effort to, at least, draw publicity to their plight. But theyre finding that, despite President Trumps tough talk on opioids, the federal government is either too inept or too unwilling or both to reliably negotiate a large-scale public-health disaster. Its a reality the people of Puerto Rico already know all too well. A rare good day for McConnell. Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images After failing to pass any major legislation since President Trump took office, Republican senators finally scored a victory on Thursday night when they approved a budget blueprint that will allow them to a pass tax cuts that add up to $1.5 trillion to the deficit over the next decade. Plus, theyve struck a deal that resolves differences between the House and Senate versions of the legislation, significantly speeding up their push for tax reform. But when you scratch the surface, there are many reasons Republicans should still be extremely concerned about their effort to deliver a bill to President Trump by Christmas which is quite an ambitious timeline. Since Democrats arent going to help them pass large tax cuts for corporations and rich people, Republicans have turned to budget reconciliation, as they did with their failed Obamacare push. That allows them to pass tax cuts with just 51 Republican votes, but they have to follow a multistep legislative process thats even more convoluted than usual. As Voxs Tara Golshan explained, enacting tax reform is a four-step process, and passing a budget resolution is the first and the easiest. While the budget resolution proposed various spending and entitlement cuts over the next decade, it was widely acknowledged that the vote was just about setting the stage for passing tax cuts via reconciliation. This budget is a sham. Its a fraud thats been perpetrated for the last 43 years since the Budget Act of 1974, said Republican senator David Perdue. The only reason were doing the budget like this, 18 days after the beginning of our fiscal year, is to get to a vehicle to get tax done this year. The budget reconciliation was expected to pass, but the vote was a bit more suspenseful than it should have been, since a few GOP senators are ill and/or on the outs with President Trump. It passed during Thursday nights vote-a-rama, 51 to 49. Senator Rand Paul, who demanded bigger spending cuts, was the only Republican to vote no. Republicans can only afford to lose two votes, and Paul wasnt the only senator to suggest it will be hard to win his support for whatever tax bill eventually emerges: .@SenBobCorker votes to begin the tax debate, but sets a helluva high bar to win his vote on an actual tax bill. pic.twitter.com/xOi0warmWW Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) October 20, 2017 Republicans did make significant progress on another front. The House and Senate GOP leadership reached a deal on Thursday and amended the Senate version of the bill to make it acceptable to House conservatives. While the House version called for $203 billion in spending cuts and a deficit-neutral package, Politico reports that they accepted the Senates $1.5 trillion deficit increase. After the Senate passed the budget resolution, House Speaker Paul Ryan said it keeps the GOP on the track to enacting historic tax reform, suggesting the House will take up the Senate bill rather than demanding a lengthy conference committee to address differences between the House and Senate legislation. All of this only clears Republicans to take up the really hard part of tax reform: actually writing a tax bill. Republicans have been meeting behind closed doors to debate the details of the legislation for weeks, but there are key questions and significant math errors that havent been resolved. GOP leaders promised to hold hearings on the legislation (unlike what occurred during the Obamacare repeal push) and the bill also has to be evaluated by the Congressional Budget Office and the Senate parliamentarian. Doing all that while losing no more than two GOP votes in the Senate and keeping the various House Republican factions in line still seems like a tall order. Getting it done by December sounds even more impossible, but during a speech this week, Trump reiterated his goal. Lets give our country the best Christmas of all: massive tax relief, he said. Luckily, Republican lawmakers can count on a president whos focused and deeply engaged in the process. Just look at all the encouragement he offered senators on Tuesday night as they were voting to advance his tax plan: Keep up the GREAT work. I am with you 100%! "ISIS is losing its grip..." Army Colonel Ryan Dillon CJTFOIRhttps://t.co/jVGuvv5mzm pic.twitter.com/PSCXg38CtS Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 20, 2017 The Fake News is going crazy with wacky Congresswoman Wilson(D), who was SECRETLY on a very personal call, and gave a total lie on content! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 20, 2017 In what is often a hands-off presidency when it comes to matters that dont interest him personally, Donald Trump is taking an unusual, and some would say inappropriate, direct interest in certain candidates for certain U.S. attorney positions, including two in New York and one in Washington. In all three cases, he has personally interviewed prospective chief federal prosecutors who could be dealing with cases involving Trump properties or allegations of misdeeds by the 2016 Trump campaign. And in two cases, Trump has connections with the interviewees or their employers. CNN has the story: Geoffrey Berman, an attorney at the firm that currently employs Rudy Giuliani as a leading partner, met with Trump about a position atop the Southern District of New York, which covers Manhattan, two sources familiar with the meeting said. Ed McNally, a partner at the New York law firm founded by Trumps personal attorney Marc Kasowitz interviewed for the Eastern District of New York, overseeing Brooklyn, the sources said. A third candidate personally interviewed by Trump, Jessie Liu, has already been appointed and confirmed as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. This is not normal. According to multiple former US attorneys and several law enforcement sources CNN interviewed for this story, such a meeting with the President as part of the interview process would be virtually unheard of in past administrations. The reason is pretty simple: Keeping the president out of the appointment process helps maintain the independence of federal prosecutors. It hasnt been that long since politicization of U.S. attorneys became a major scandal in the George W. Bush administration. Add in the possibility of a direct presidential interest in cases that might arise in the districts in question, and you have the makings of a real problem. A Democratic member of the Senate Judiciary Committee is raising the alarm, as Politico reports: To be very blunt, these three jurisdictions will have authority to bring indictments over the ongoing special counsel investigation into Trump campaign collusion with the Russians and potential obstruction of justice by the president of the United States, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said in an interview Thursday. For him to be interviewing candidates for that prosecutor who may in turn consider whether to bring indictments involving him and his administration seems to smack of political interference. Given Republican control of the Senate, Trumps conduct with respect to these appointments probably wont get him into the kind of trouble hes clearly inviting. Indeed, one might best describe him as courting the appearance of impropriety. Perhaps thats a perk of power he enjoys. But its dangerous to the justice system. Richard Spencer fans, from left, Tyler Tenbrink, William Fears, and Colton Fears. Photo: Gainesville Police Department Three supporters of attention-craving white supremacist Richard Spencer were arrested Thursday in Gainesville, after firing at a group of people who had been protesting Spencers speech at the University of Florida. Colton Fears, William Fears, and Tyler Tenbrink, all of Texas, face attempted homicide charges. The shooting took place near a bus stop in Gainesville where police say a silver Jeep stopped and the three men inside started taunting a group of protesters. They were threatening, offering Nazi salutes and shouting chants about Hitler, the Gainesville Police Department said in a statement. One of the protesters hit the Jeep with a baton, according to a police report, and the Jeep pulled away about ten feet. Thats when Tenbrink emerged with a handgun. With his friends yelling kill them and shoot them, Tenbrink fired one shot, which missed the protesters and hit the building behind them. The Jeep quickly sped away. One of the protesters noted the Jeeps license plate number and the men were picked up 20 miles outside of Gainesville late Thursday night. Despite the shooting, there was much less violence in Gainesville Thursday than Charlottesville in August, the last time Spencer brought his traveling road show of polo-clad half-wits to a college campus. Some credit for that probably belongs to the heavy police presence. University of Florida president W. Kent Fuchs told CNN that there were more police on campus Thursday than there had ever been before. With so many police, protesters, and media, Spencers supporters were thoroughly outnumbered. But they werent shy. In fact, both Tenbrick and William Fears gave interviews to the Gainesville Sun before they fired on the protesters. We want to show our teeth a little bit because, you know, were not to be taken lightly. We dont want violence; we dont want harm, Fears said in an interview. But at the end of the day, were not opposed to defending ourselves, to standing up for ourselves and declaring what we want to declare. The twin symbols of Trumpian nationalist populism, or whatever it is, may be on opposite sides of several Senate barricades. Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images While it hasnt been formally confirmed by the White House just yet, Politico is reporting that President Trump called up three Republican senators who are up for reelection and promised to help them fend off any primary challengers that might emerge. Its probably not a coincidence that all three John Barrasso of Wyoming, Deb Fischer of Nebraska, and Roger Wicker of Mississippi have been the subject of dark imprecations and thinly veiled threats from former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, that great defender of Trumpism even if that involves opposing Trump. The three senators receiving an offer of help from Trump are a goodly portion of the incumbents under fire from Bannon. There are only eight GOP senators up next year. Bannon isnt messing with Ted Cruz. Bob Corker is retiring. Another, Orrin Hatch may retire, too; he hasnt announced his intentions. There are two senators that Bannon and like-minded populists might target but that Trump probably wont back no matter what Mitch McConnell does: sworn presidential enemy Jeff Flake of Arizona and the less-abrasive but still unreliable Dean Heller of Nevada. That leaves the very three Trump apparently called this week. Two potential right-wing challengers are looking at Barrasso with bad intent: gazillionaire Foster Friess, the man who bankrolled Rick Santorums 2012 presidential campaign, and Blackwater founder (and brother of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos) Erik Prince. Bannon has talked to former Nebraska state treasurer Shane Osborn, who lost badly to Ben Sasse in a 2014 Senate primary, about taking on Fischer. And Chris McDaniel, who blew a primary runoff against Thad Cochran in 2014, is eager to run against Wicker, who had the temerity to suggest that Mississippi might want to consider ending its ancient and evil love affair with the Confederacy. The big question is exactly what either Trump or Bannon will add to any of these three races. Trump obviously has clout and ultimate visibility as the president of the United States, and for all the #NeverTrump movement conservatives (Flake and Sasse now being their increasingly isolated representatives) who initially withheld affection for their partys ravisher, hes now loved by the right-wing rank-and-file as though he were the reincarnation of Barry Goldwater. But Trumps clumsy and narcissistic embrace of Luther Strange in Alabama should give pause to any future endorsee. A postelection study showed Trump did little or nothing to boost his candidates standing, even in a state where Republicans adore him. Its possible his appeal, such as it is, simply isnt transferrable, and its also possible his fans believe in doing what Trump does rather than doing what Trump says. Candidates adept at bone-charring rhetoric and provocation of the hated liberals may be irresistible to Trumps base, no matter whom he backs. On the other hand, Bannons insurgent wizardry is a bit suspect as well. The idea that he deserves much credit for Roy Moores primary win in Alabama is laughable: Moore was a massive celebrity in his home state (and among Christian-right folk nationally) back when Bannons main theater of operations was in sinful Hollywood. And Luther Strange, bless his little heart, was a great big hot-air balloon losing altitude from practically the moment he accepted appointment to the Senate from a disgraced governor he had been protecting from impeachment. It is at this point not at all certain he can go rolling into a state like Wyoming with Mercer money and screaming Breitbart headlines and take down an incumbent senator, particularly if his candidate is a sketchy character like Prince, who probably knows more about sandy plains of Iraq than about the windy plateaus of the Equality State. So it could well turn out that neither Trump nor his former sidekick and ideological shaman is going to have that dramatic an effect on GOP Senate primaries in 2018. Republican voters may have to make those choices on their own. Vladimir Putin. Photo: Alexey Druzhinin/AFP/Getty Images With pressure on Facebook mounting in anticipation of general counsel Colin Stretchs testimony in front of the House and Senate Intelligence Committee, it can be helpful to step back and take stock of what we the public know, and what we dont. We know, for example, that some institution linked to the Russian government likely the infamous Internet Research Agency bought ads on Facebook between 2015 and 2017, with the assumed intent of stoking anger and partisanship. We know that the ads concerned wedge issues like immigration, the Second Amendment, and police brutality; we even know what some of the Russian pages and accounts were. And we know that around 3,000 ads were purchased at a cost of around $100,000. Other platforms like Google and Outbrain are investigating Russian ad buys on their networks as well. Heres what we dont know: whether or not, and to what extent, those ads were effective at swinging votes. Digital advertising is a complicated business, and it can be a bit of a black box. Even with the absurd amount of data collected by Facebook and its various third-party partners, it can be hard to pin down the actual effects of a given campaign and everyone is incentivized to play up or play down results. A fantastical theory recently floated by a marketing agency claimed that with just $42,800, a dedicated campaign could have swayed the 10,704 Michigan voters that won Trump the state. Its a fun theory but its a theory that represents an absolute edge-case scenario, in which Facebook ads are supernaturally effective and persuasive. People whove worked in digital advertising are more dismissive: Antonio Garcia Martinez, a former Facebook product manager and author of Chaos Monkeys, called theories like this utter bullshit. Part of the problem with assessing the effect of Russian ads is that Facebook itself sends mixed messages. According to the company, 10 million people are estimated to have seen at least one of the ads (25 percent of them were never shown to any users). Facebook rarely makes raw data public, and its public metrics can be misleading. For instance, a video view is registered if someone watches the first 3 seconds with the sound off. So, 10 million people saw the ads but the number that actually absorbed what they saw is totally unclear. (And thats setting aside that on several occasions now, Facebook has admitted to accidentally misreporting its own metrics.) At the same time, Facebook brags about its ability to influence voters. Its business section is full of case studies about political campaigns. According to Facebook, Republican governor Rick Scott, running for reelection in 2014, used Facebook to create a 22% increase in Hispanic support, which the case study calls a deciding factor in his win. Obviously, the ad platforms effectiveness in political campaigns lies somewhere between all-powerful and house of cards. But so long as Facebook holds back its own data, the rest of us wont be able to tell which side it falls on. Facebook probably has the data that would help us understand whether or not there was an impact, Yochai Benkler of Harvards Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society said in a recent interview with Select All. If Facebook released, for example, precise data about which geographical and demographic groups were targeted by Russian ads, third-party researchers could compare that information to actual and expected turnout in last years election. They have the data that will help us understand, Benkler says. Theyre not releasing it in any significant way. Absent that data, the best we can do is make educated assessments based on past experience. And to anyone whos worked in online advertising or social-media management, the $100,000 spent by the Russian government is laughably small, no matter how precisely targeted. In contrast, the official Trump campaign spent $90 million on digital ads and, unlike the Russians, had assistance from Facebook employees to target and deploy them effectively. Theres no way $100,000 in ad budget impacted the election. Its ridiculous, Garcia Martinez said. None of this means that Facebook doesnt need regulation. The Russian government secretly paying for political advertisements aimed at influencing a domestic election is a clear violation of U.S. sovereignty a real problem that Facebook, and the government, must investigate and address. To their credit, both legislators and Facebook executives appear to understand the need to confront the issue. Days after Facebook disclosed its findings, Mark Zuckerberg announced that the company would now require full public disclosure of an ads sponsor and target audience. This week, Senators Amy Klobuchar and Mark Warren introduced the Honest Ads Act, a law that would bring digital political ads in line with the more stringent regulations that govern political ads on radio and television. At the same time, the focus on Russian ads, no matter how well-intended, ignores the many other troubling aspects of Facebooks influence on the election. For one buying ads isnt really what the Internet Research Agency does. Loosely referred to as a troll operation, the employees specialize in creating and performing as sock puppets, seemingly normal commenters and posters who are actually acting under ulterior motives. Sock puppets, not nefariously developed and purchased political advertisements, are the IRAs bread and butter, as recent reports out of Russia corroborate. According to former employees, the Internet Research Agency targeted U.S. audiences in part by posting provocative comments pretending to be from Americans on newspaper articles that appeared on the websites of the New York Times and Washington Post. Those comments and other reported elements of the IRAs intelligence operation Trump rallies organized by Russian sock puppets, for example portray a secretive attempt to harness not the ad-buying tools of these companies, but their completely free-to-use network effects. In form and function, many of the things that the IRA is described as doing on social media and in comment sections is not all that different from what anyone else does. Russian trolls (and their profit-minded cousins in fake news) didnt make up stuff that wasnt already part of the folklore of the right, Benkler said. They just circulated and cut and paste and created all sorts of remixes of all the same sets of stories that were already circulating widely, on the right anyway. And thats far more concerning. At the peak of its influence campaign, the IRA had about 90 people focused on the United States, though that number has apparently now dropped to 50. When social-media companies cracked down on their sock-puppet accounts over the last two months, they suspended 118 communities that could reach an estimated 6 million users. Among the accounts was a Twitter account masquerading as the Tennessee GOP, @TEN_GOP, which had 136,000 followers ten times as many as the actual Twitter account for the states Republican Party. The organization reported the fake account to Twitter three times since September 2016, and yet the company was unresponsive. According to BuzzFeed: All told, the account was quoted dozens of times across conservative news outlets. Fox News quoted an @TEN_GOP tweet in at least three stories, including one syndicated by the Daily Caller. The Daily Caller itself quoted it in six stories. Breitbart mentioned it in seven; Infowars in four; RedState in eight. The Gateway Pundit, another conservative outlet, cited the Russian account in 19 different stories, ranging from one about a motorcyclist who drove through an anti-Trump protest, for which he was arrested, to a story about how it was unfair that banks had stopped lending money to French nationalist presidential candidate Marine Le Pen. The accounts tweets often derided African-Americans, Muslims, and immigrants. This kind of free movement of misinformation between disingenuous and malevolent outside actors, passionate true believers, and the reading and voting public should be the real concern of anyone trying to assess the effects of social media on the political process not a relatively small number of easy-to-identify (and easy-to-regulate) advertisements. A few weeks ago in a press conference, Senator Mark Warner, who is helping lead the Senate Intelligence Committees Russia inquiry, said that he was more concerned about sock puppets than ad buys. Its the organic posts masquerading as reality that nobody has to pay for, that, to me, is the bigger concern, said Garcia Martinez. Put another way, what we should worry about isnt what Facebook was paid to do, but what it did for free. Clinton outraised and outspent Trump substantially over the course of the campaign, but his earned media the chatter he generated was upwards of a billion dollars, according to Garcia Martinez. The ability for Facebook to amplify that sort of message? Thats the scary, high-value thing. And whats dangerous isnt just that false stories and conspiracy theories can travel up what Benkler calls the attention backbone of social media. In disclosing the Russian ads, Facebook stated plainly that it viewed the ability to communicate across borders as a strength of the system, not a liability. Its the corrosive effect of these inauthentic accounts which Facebook has no easy way of dealing with and the attention economy that gives Trump a freebie campaign. There is a growing tendency for people to label anyone they dont agree with online as a bot. A few months ago, an enterprising college student retweeted by Trump was accused of not existing simply because her profile picture was of a stock photo (raise your hand if youve ever used an avatar that wasnt actually your own face). During the campaign, American trolls tried to suppress the vote by creating fake promotional images telling Clinton supporters that they could vote by text. They didnt need to set up a Facebook campaign. They were able to spread them around the internet at no cost. Students at Howard University. Photo: Nathaniel Grann/The Washington Post/Getty Images Theres a funny joke going around Twitter right now. A guy sits down on a plane and notices that a college professor grading midterms is seated next to him. The professor either doesnt notice or doesnt care that the guy sitting next to him can see the tests hes grading, right down to the names of the students and the university they attend. The guy on the plane fires off a quick tweet letting one student in particular know, well, not to expect good news when they get back to school. This professor graded tests next to me the whole flight. If theres a Taiwan Jones at Howard, boy you failed the fuck out ya midterm roy (@Old_Orleans) October 19, 2017 In fact, the joke is so funny, you may have seen it more than once. Heres another version, which replaces Taiwan Jones at Howard University for a Michael Turner at Butler University, which was tweeted 12 hours after the first version went viral. The first iteration maybe actually happened, the second almost certainly did not. (The nearly identical but just slightly altered text between the two tweets is usually a good tell for a stolen joke. Its like when you ask to copy somebody elses homework, and they tell you to change the answers a little so the teacher wont know.) Yo a professor graded midterms next to me on the plane If theres a Michael Turner at Butler, boy you failed the fuck outcha calculus test Lil Yeti (@LlLYETl) October 20, 2017 That might have been the end of the theft, but this particular gag has gotten a second life, as the students named in the tweets the students have also come out of the woodwork on Twitter. Theres a Michael and not one, but two Taiwans all claiming that theyre the infamous midterm flunkers. In his defense, @TaiwanJones_ was the first to claim himself as the rightful Taiwan Jones, though @JonesTaiwan_ has had bigger viral success with his tweet. (Editors note: @TaiwanJones_ has since changed their handle to @TaiwanJoness.) Thickening the plot, there is no one named Taiwan Jones listed in Howard Universitys student-email directory. Select All has reached out to all parties for comment and will update this post if we hear back. couldnt have asked for a better homecoming present https://t.co/7loHfZ9xWK Michael (@The_Real_MRT) October 20, 2017 Who is the real Taiwan Jones? Is Taiwan Jones even real? The world may never know. It is very difficult to find a Chinese tourist in Uganda. Most of the Chinese come for business or have migrated with family. And yet, the UN World Tourism Organisation says China has been a leading outbound tourism market since 2012. In 2016, Chinese outbound travellers increased to 135 million, spending a whopping $261 billion. But Uganda, which has plenty of natural attractions, is barely tapping into that large market. The country has the largest population of mountain gorillas in the world; and up to 60 per cent of the bird species found in Africa. The country has chimpanzees, the big five animals (elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, lions and leopards) the source of the Nile, waterfalls and rapids, rare butterflies, hot springs and an incredible landscape with amazing flora. The biggest challenge is how to bring to attention Ugandas potential to the Chinese tourist. One of the people wrestling with this question is Sandra Rwese, who runs a tourism advisory firm, Gulu and Hirst. President Museveni and Chinese Ambassador to Uganda Zheng Zhuqiang Rwese, who speaks Mandarin, spent almost two years in mainland China and Hong Kong. When she returned to Uganda in 2014, she started Gulu and Hirst to help businesses understand digital marketing to China and cross-cultural nuances that will help them be more Chinese-friendly. China, she felt, was a huge market that businesses were not fully benefiting from. In her interactions with tour agents operating here, Rwese found that most agents understand how to attract the tourists from the West but cannot market to the East. They need to understand even the simplest things like sending itineraries in four minutes and not four days, she said. One would think that because she is one of the few local experts on Chinese tourists, stakeholders in the tourism industry would be lining up for her services. But that is not the case. Business remains slow as very few companies are willing to invest in consulting services and even less will spend on a strategy targeting what looks like a slow market. The number of Chinese tourists coming to Uganda is very low, according to anecdotal accounts. Figures on their exact numbers are as elusive as the travellers themselves; there are no industry statistics breaking down the number of arrivals from China. Joseph Cui, a Chinese tour operator in Uganda, estimates that for the 69,000 Chinese tourists that arrived in neighbouring Kenya in 2016, Uganda received only 100 in the same period. For example, only 18 Chinese came last year for chimpanzee tracking, he says. Cui is the proprietor of Albatross Travel and Safaris, an agency he started this year to market Uganda, which he thinks is a splendid place with good weather. He, like most of his countrymen here, first came to Uganda on business. I came for about a week in 2009 for a meeting. He returned in 2011 to work with a telecommunications company. But now, with Albatross Travel and Safaris, he only works as a part-time consultant with Smart Telecom. Cui and Rwese both tell of frustrating engagements they have had while trying to help the tourism industry understand Chinese visitors. Tour companies do not see the value of having Mandarin-speaking staff, while government agencies fail to target the Chinese market correctly. This is unlike other African countries such as South Africa, where the tourism ministry last year trained staff from selected hotels in Mandarin and Chinese cultural norms. They also relaxed their visa process and the minister, Derek Hanekom, traveled to China and India to reassure travelers on South Africa as a travel destination. Kenya has also increased their Chinese visitors with direct flights between Guangzhou and Nairobi. According to the recently released Forward Keys report, Chinese arrivals to Morocco and Tunisia increased by 450 per cent and 250 per cent respectively in the first half of this year because of visa exemptions for Chinese travelers. To tap into this, marketing strategies in the industry will vary. You cannot hope to attract a Chinese tourist using a Facebook or Instagram post. Many social media platforms including Snapchat, Pinterest, WhatsApp, Google are all banned in the country. According to the Hurun Report, The Chinese Luxury Traveler 2016, WeChat is the go-to source of information for travelers. The tour agent here has to rethink their marketing strategy and invest in QQ, WeChat, SinaWeibo and Baidu (the search engine) for digital advertising. Once these are understood, the worry will only be what to do with all the bookings. The Hurun Report found that there were few- er tourists to Japan, once a favourite destination, and now there was 179 per cent more interest in Africa as a tour destination. China has a population of over 1.3 billion. Even if not all of them can travel, those that would are still too many for Uganda. Where are you going to accommodate them? Where will sufficient bottled drinking water come from? There are only about 40 Ugandans who are proficient in Mandarin; so, how will companies resolve this staff shortfall? she asks. Rwese is especially cautious of the management of the groups coming in because of the kinds of scandals they have been associated with. Countries like Namibia have seen an increase in rhino poaching, which has specifically been blamed on the increase in Chinese population in the country. The Chinese government has had to commit to working with the African governments to curb the problem. Namibia has a population of about 100,000 Chinese. They can also just take over an entire industry. Chinese investors are smart, quick and loaded with state-funded business loans. They will open luxury parks here, build them with material imported straight from China, and hire their people for mid-level to managerial positions, she warns. So, even as she works to open the borders to the tourists from the East, Rwese wants to remain cautious. Her advice is to focus on millennial groups, 16 to 26 years as they are more likely to champion conservation efforts. rwakabukoza@gmail.com This Saturday, a new beauty queen will be crowned in the Miss Tourism grand finale at Kampala Serena hotel. There will also be performances from various artistes. Time: 6pm till late Entrance: Shs 50,000, VIP Shs 200,000 and VVIP Shs 3m DIGITAL MARKETING SERIES FOR THE HOTEL INDUSTRY Pesapal Uganda will be having the Digital Marketing Series for the hotel industry today between 9am and 2pm at Hotel Paradise in Jinja. Entrance: Free THE 5TH ANNUAL NATIONAL YOUTH SKILLS DEVELOPMENT EXPO This evening, there will be a National Youth Skills festival at the Uganda museum. All youth are encouraged to attend. Time: 10am till 6pm Entrance: Free FUBA LEAGUE This evening at the YMCA grounds, KCCA Leopards play Javon Ladies at 6pm while the Pemba Warriors take on City Oilers at 8pm Entrance: Shs 5,000 LEGENDS SUPER SATURDAY Legends bar will be having its Super Saturday with DJ Crim spinning the discs all night long. . Entrance: Free LIVE BAND KARAOKE @ JAZZ VILLE If you are a fan of band music, then Jazzville Bugolobi is the place to be this evening as Code 9 band will be performing some of your best jams starting at 9pm. Entrance: Shs 10,000 MOROCCAN POOL PARTY @ CAYENNE LOUNGE This Sunday will be the Moroccan Pool Party at Cayenne Lounge in Bukoto. Come party all night long to hits played by DJs Roja and Slick Stuart. Time: 9pm till late Entrance: Free POOL PARTY @ SKY BEACH LOUNGE Freedom City rooftops Sky beach lounge will be having a Pool Party this Saturday. There will also be lots of games. Time: 9pm till late Entrance: Shs 10,000 FAME LOUNGE CRAZY SATURDAY On Saturday, its the Funkiest Ladies Night with discounts on shots for the ladies. Time: 4pm till late Entrance: Free DONS BAR IN SAWA YA BEER This Saturday there will be Sawaya Beer at Dons bar along Kampala road. Get four bottles of Bell Lager at Shs 10,000 all night long. Time: 8pm till late. Entrance: Free. BUBBLES Friday and Saturday: Party Time DJs play all the best local and Garage music until late. Entrance: Shs 5,000.Members - free. GUVNOR On Saturday, it will be Saturday Night Fever; come listen to a variety of music played by various deejays. Time: 9pm till late Entrance: Shs 30,000 LIQUID SILK @ VILLAGE MALL On Saturday, there will be a Surprise live band performance from 9pm till late. On Sunday, it is Sunday Soul with Barbeque. Come listen to smooth ballads all evening, from 7pm till late. Entrance: Free throughout the week. It has been long since a film with a Ugandan cast got so much hype. In fact, the last time this happened was when Hollywood and its descendants were upon the pearl to watch Mira Nairs Cinderella story, Queen of Katwe, premiere in Kampala. This time though, tables have changed; a local movie is making rounds and it doesnt involve an international distributor and studio like Disney. It is the premiere of Matt Bishs latest production Bella. The film follows a disadvantaged girl Bella whose singing talent is easily deniable because of the way she looks. However, one day, she encounters a former prostitute who she later saves from being raped. What happens after that is life-changing as she embarks on a dream to become one of the renowned artistes on the land. Staring artiste Cinderella Sanyu alias Cindy, Simon Base Kalema, Isaac Kudzu, beauty-queen-turned-actor Stella Nantumbwe and Matthew Nabwiso, among others, Bella has got many talking since the release of the first visuals almost three months ago. Bish has some sort of reputation with the local film scene; he is renowned for the groundbreaking Battle of Souls which launched actor Pryce Joel Okuyo onto the scene. He later collaborated with his brother, Roger Mugisha, to bring Ugandas turbulent stories to life with State Research Bureau. He would later work on a number of short films like A Good Catholic Girl, which to date is the film responsible for giving Uganda her sole accolade at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards in 2013. According to Okuyo, the director of photography for Bella, this particular film has been with them since 2012. Matt Bish first told me about Bella in 2012 and through these years, the script has been changing, he says. Mostly shot in a Kampala slum, the film depicts the struggles many Ugandans are aware of; abuse and discrimination, especially of those that are disadvantaged. Much as it is Cindys first outing as an actress, many concur that she was convincing and thus cant wait to see the film. Talking about the film, Cindy noted that it wasnt hard for her to channel Bellas character since she felt like they have a related story; Bella kind of tells my story though in a different way, she says. Ali Byansi Mutaka, the films assistant director, noted that he first met Cindy when she auditioned to be part of a project by a Nigerian director, though seeing her on set as the lead in Bella impressed him because she has grown both as a performer and an actress. Talking to The Observer, Bish said finding a good story, especially if its the kind to drive people to the cinema, is a very hard thing. You must understand there are many good stories in this country but you got to have the kind that is unique in a certain way, he said. He adds that he always has to work with Cindy after watching her perform; Then, I thought; suppose I removed all the glamour from her and all the basic elements that people enjoy in their everyday lives.... What would happen? Bella was born. The film premieres this Sunday at Kampala Serena hotel. Tickets go for Shs 50,000, Shs 100,000 and Shs 200,000. Gates will be open at 5pm. Rising media conglomerate, Next Media Group, has launched their new online news portal, Nile Post, through which they intend to change the public perception of online news content. The group is the mother company of various media platforms, including NBS, Sanyuka and Salam televisions. At the launch ceremony held at Sheraton Kampala hotel on Tuesday, Chief Executive Officer Kin Kariisa said the characteristic of fake news within some online platforms has discredited them and reduced public trust in the information those websites carry. Today, we launch the Nile Post to demystify that and say that you can find factual news online, Karisa said. He added that the push factor for the establishment of this portal was in recognition of advances in communication technology and the tastes and preferences of the new generation. Kin Kariisa makes his speech Print [newspapers] that we trusted so much face reducing sales by 30 per cent every year. So, according to our calculations, give them three years and they will be closing. Give it 10 years and you will be hearing of the last newspaper in the world, Kariisa said. We shall not wait for print to first die out. The occasion graced by guests from the media fraternity, lawyers, politicians, security officials and business, was dominated by talk of unprofessionalism in online platforms. They were accused of relying on information that is, in most cases, not verified and writing unfair reports. The Nile Post joins a group of online publications in the country like Chimpreports, PML Daily and Eagle online, among others. The Nile Post isnt here to cause a fundamental change but we are going to cause a tectonic change in the online sector. We are not here to be part of the numbers but to revolutionise the industry, the platforms editor, Edris Kiggundu, said. Chief Guest Godfrey Mutabazi, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) executive director, advised online publications to register with the commission for proper regulation. He, however, noted that many of them want to do so but cannot fulfil certain recommendations. According to Clause 27 of the UCC Act, a person is not allowed to broadcast without a license issued by the regulator. Whoever contravenes this provision commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding twenty five currency points or imprisonment not exceeding one year or both. kamogajonathan50@gmail.com International Organisation for Migration (IOM) on Wednesday launched a series of training sessions aimed at strengthening the counter terrorism unit of the police to fight radicalism through community policing. The training, part of the Strengthening Social Cohesion in Slum (SSCoS) project, aims at incorporating community policing, and human rights principles into the counter terrorism policing. Also, it seeks to find existing gaps within the force and formulate a quick-reference guide highlighting the key principles to be followed. Speaking at the launch, Ali Abdi, the IOM chief of mission, observed that the training would improve the officers understanding of the sources of grievances which can lead to alienation of community members. The gap between the forces and the community, he said, would leave the latter vulnerable to violent extremism. A slum in Kampala We believe that these trainings-of-trainers sessions will have a real multiplier effect, as the best practices are cascaded down to many other officers, and town-hall meetings are held to enhance trust between the police and the people, explained Abdi at the SSCoS training held under the theme Your Voice, Your Right Your Protection at Protea hotel in Kampala. The trainings will leave the force better placed to work with the communities in a way that prevents violent extremism and improves social cohesion, he said. Cedric Merel, the head of cooperation at the EU delegation to Uganda, said the aim of the trainings was to bring the police closer to the people so that they work hand in hand to prevent crime. Merel observed that in slum areas like Bwaise and Katwe community-police relations are so bad that people get up and run any time they see a police officer. He revealed that in the first phase, 25 counter terrorism police officers would be trained to become trainers. The sessions will also incorporate international best human rights practices. It is my sincere wish that in the future, when the youths in the slums see police officers, they run towards them, not away from them, Merel concluded. The minister of state for Internal Affairs, Mario Obiga Kania, commended the EU and IOM for their efforts in bettering slum dwellers lives, especially the youth and women. Obiga observed that extremism, although not so prevalent in Uganda, is an international problem that must be fought before it spreads. He revealed that government, with the help of international development partners, was combating the vice. Since January, the EU-funded SSCoS has reached 162 youths below 25 years. They have been trained in vocational skills. It is hoped that up to 1,000 young people will have benefitted from the vocational skills training by 2020 in the slum areas of Bwaise, Katwe, Kisenyi and Kabalagala. abumay1988@gmail.com At about 7:30pm yesterday, FDC former presidential candidate Col Kizza Besigye was arrested in Kabale. A string of charges including, murder and attempted murder of police officers were brought against him for his alleged role in the clashes in Rukungiri in which a 22 year old Edison Nasasira was killed by shooting on Wednesday. Nasasira became the first casualty in the opposition campaign against regime efforts to lift presidential age limits. Authorities in Kampala said they will still enforce a contentious Monday directive stopping joint consultative MPs meetings. The commandant Kampala Metropolitan Police, Frank Mwesigwa, said yesterday that opposition MPs risk facing the full force of the law. Police prepare to tow Kizza Besigye's car in Kabale yesterday The polices resolve flew in the face of protests by opposition figures and civil society activists who described the directive as absurd and illegal. If they dont comply with our directive, we shall break up their meetings because the law allows us to prevent crime and our security assessment has concluded that whenever MPs consult in constituencies that are not theirs, they bring people who cause trouble, he said. By last week, MPs were holding peaceful joint meetings in the constituencies collecting public views on the proposed amendment of Article 102(b) that caps presidential age limits at 75. They now have to contend with police director for operations, Asuman Mugyenyis order seen to be targeting the well-attended opposition rallies. Those MPs moving or intending to move in order to support counterparts or consult outside their constituencies must be stopped, Mugyenyis order to regional and district police commanders, said. Mwesigwa said the police intervention is justified because all those people who have been intimidated or threatened by violence are those who support the removal [of age limits]. Only on Wednesday, Leader of Opposition in Parliament Winnie Kiiza had said the police have no business issuing political orders. A rally called by Lubaga North MP Moses Kasibante that was being addressed by Kiiza and other opposition figures was violently broken up in Kasubi on Tuesday with police letting off volleys of live bullets and teargas. Twenty-four hours later in Rukungiri, Nasasira was dead. Some reports say he was shot but the police maintain he was killed by a stone hurled at him. Six others sustained serious injuries as police reportedly fired into a large crowd that was escorting Forum for Democrat Change leaders Dr Kizza Besigye and party presidential candidate Patrick Amuriat Oboi to a rally inside Rukungiri stadium. Victims include Junior Aijuka, 18, a resident of Rwakabengo, who was reportedly shot in the stomach; Farouk Bangirana reportedly shot in the right leg and genitals; Julius Turyomunsi, a resident of Nyakagyeme shot in the back, while Christopher Muhwezi was shot in the stomach. Others are Davidson Aryasingura who was hit with a teargas canister in the face as well as Naris Muhumuza who was shot in the leg, according to sources in Rukungiri. Kizza Besigye visiting some of the injured at Karoli Lwanga hospital, Nyakibale Kiiza said MPs are national leaders although they represent specific constituencies and, as such, must consult nationally, especially on matters which touch the constitution. She was backed by shadow minister of Internal Affairs Muhammad Muwanga-Kivumbi who said the opposition will challenge the Mugyenyi directive in court. Meanwhile, ruling party chief whip, Ruth Nankabirwa, also said on Wednesday that the NRM is yet to determine what to make of the police stand. I havent held a caucus meeting over that I cant tell you whether it is agreeable to us or not, Nankabirwa said. All of us need an environment where we can consult without intimidation, without abusing one another... Speaking in Busoga on Tuesday, Museveni warned anyone intimidating people in support of age limit removal, saying the NRM party is the master of violence. Fred Mukasa Mbidde, national vice president of Democratic Party, condemned Nasasiras killing. What happened points at the success of the Kogikwatako campaign. For a longtime, the NRM has been passing off as a democratic institution but they have proved that they can do anything, including killing people on a matter that requires a democratic debate, Mbidde said. Mbiddes outrage was shared by FDC spokesman and Kira municipality MP, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda. As a party, we condemn what happened in Rukungiri and we hope one day the perpetrators of these acts will be made to pay for them. We will continue with our activities and no amount of intimidation or harassment will stop us from resisting this amendment. bakerbatte@observer.ug Keith Muhakanizi Secretary to the Treasury and permanent secretary, ministry of Finance, Keith Muhakanizi has said he is under pressure to find money to run new districts. I am under huge pressure [to fund new districts], Muhakanizi told reporters at the ministry headquarters in Kampala yesterday. He was announcing releases of money for the October to December quarter of the 2017/18 financial year. He said Shs 6.7 trillion has been released for two quarters covering July to December, 2017. We need to reflect and see whether we need more districts. It is a political issue, and not a technical one. It affects all government finances permanently, he said. Muhakanizi said creating districts comes with consequences in terms of increased number of parliamentarians, increased town councils, municipalities all with leaders who must be paid salaries and allowances. This implies that government spends more money on administration, which would otherwise have gone to development issues. Creation of new districts has been seen as a political tool used to galvanise support from the local folks. President Museveni, the enthusiastic lead voice behind the new districts phenomenon, often tells his supporters that he gave them districts. In July, the Electoral commission said new districts would be run by interim leaders and that they would stay in place for at least six months until they got money for the polls. Muhakanizi said when the districts were few, the budget was flexible but now it is extremely hard to get money from anywhere to fund extra activities. Currently, the number of districts stands at 120 and they are likely to reach 135 by 2020. This is even when the governments five-year planning for 2016/17-2019/20 only carters for 112 districts. In his national audit report for the year ended December 2016, the auditor general says as many as 143 local government units had staffing levels of below 20 per cent. He said Kibuku district, for instance, has staffing of 10 per cent. Kamuli town council had 89 per cent staffing, ranking as the best. Muhakanizi said government had also released Shs 300.12 billion to pay arrears government agencies owe to private suppliers. At the start of this financial year, government owed domestic arrears to the tune of Shs 1.2 trillion. amwesigwa@observer.ug Legal committee chairman Jacob Oboth-Oboth Without concrete evidence, the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs committee, which is processing the Raphael Magyezi age limit removal bill, wont listen to baseless accusations against its members, committee chairman Jacob Oboth-Oboth has said. The West Budama South MPs stern warning seems to be a direct challenge to Igara West MP Magyezi who has in the recent past publicly questioned the committees objectivity in handling the Constitution Amendment (No 2) Bill 2017, which seeks to remove the 35 and more so the 75-year age caps for presidential candidates. Last week, Magyezi told journalists that the 23-member committee has some NRM and opposition MPs who are strongly opposed to the draft legislation and should be replaced with neutral ones. He also accused the committee leadership, led by Jacob Oboth-Oboth of curtailing one of his members, Jackson Kafuuzi (Kyaka South), from contributing during committee sittings. He called for the reconstitution of the committee. Kafuuzi seconded the bill while Magyezi was the mover on September 27. In an interview with The Observer on Thursday, Oboth-Oboth described Magyezis views as unfortunate and unfounded. To say that we are already biased even before the committee sittings start is rather pedestrian. They [Magyezi] are trying to distract the course of a parliamentary process, including the NRM side, Oboth said, adding, Should anybody including Magyezi raise evidence to think that I am not competent to handle the committee, I can remove myself. I am honorable enough to do that. Though Magyezi insisted some committee members are not independent, neutral and objective enough to process the highly polarizing bill, Oboth said his members are capable of suppressing their views and listening to others. Must we not listen to the voice of reason and listen to others albeit our opinions? I have been able to be neutral and not show my side. You think court judges dont have biases but dont they dispense justice? he questioned. The Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Winnie Kiiza, told The Observer in an interview yesterday that there is no need for the committee to be reconstituted. She said this is not the first time a controversial matter is being handled by a parliamentary committee. Every time we have issues here, many people have their feelings on different matters and this is not exceptional. On many occasions we have had different opinions and no member has ever suggested that the committee should be changed. It does not work like that, Kiiza said. Opposition snubs consultations The committee is expected to start work on October 31 with public hearings on the bill. Among those to be consulted are the seven former presidential candidates in the 2016 general elections. They include; Dr Kizza Besigye (FDC), Amama Mbabazi (Go Forward), Abed Bwanika (Peoples Development Party), Gen Benon Biraaro (Uganda Farmers Party) and independents Joseph Mabirizi, Maureen Kyalya and Venansius Baryamureeba. However, some candidates like Besigye have scoffed at the invitation. The Magyezi bill is tainted with illegality, in fact even with criminality. It was introduced in the House in violation of the House rules. It was brought in the chamber when it was not on the order paper, Besigye said. Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) acting president Alice Alaso said the party is not in agreement with the manner in which the bill was processed. Alaso said appearing before the committee would in essence be okaying something that is illegitimate. Democratic Party (DP) president Norbert Mao told The Observer by telephone that he will not honor the invitation. We are challenging the matter in a court of law over the legality of the process because we feel the speaker did not comply with the rules, he said. Bwanika will not appear but Biraaro said he is ready to meet the committee. Oboth, however, said, People like Besigye would help themselves and the country at large to share their views on this matter. Isnt this an opportunity for him to speak out on the amendments now and then in the Constituent Assembly in 1995? In the CA, Besigye who was an army delegate, opposed the inclusion of the age limit in the constitution. He argued then: We should respect the sovereignty of Uganda and I do not think that we should engage in putting [the] age limit here. I support the deletion [of the age-limit], he said then. Kiiza said FDC members on the committee will be handed views currently being collected by the opposition across the country during consultation meetings. eyotaru@gmail.com The Uganda shilling this week slumped against the US dollar, getting to its weakest point in two years. The shilling shifted from its stable range of 3,600 and traded in the range of 3,645/3,655, for the first time in two years. According to Stephen Kaboyo of Alpha Capital Partners, which watch the market, the shilling was under immense pressure on account of strong demand from the inter-bank, as commercial banks rushed to cover their short positions. Kaboyo says significant demand was also seen from the energy, manufacturing and importers. By close of the week the shilling registered a modest rebound from its earlier losses as demand receded. Kaboyo forecasts that the shilling will remain volatile as pockets of demand continue to play out coupled with an undercurrent of negative sentiment on account of domestic and regional political developments. The Kenyan shilling was also under pressure due to negative sentiments around the planned repeat presidential election and the deteriorating political and security situation in Uganda's biggest trading partner. Kaboyo says the anxiety kept the markets on the edge and the central bank of Kenya intervened and sold dollars in order to calm the markets. The last time the shilling breached the 3,650 mark was in the last quarter of 2015 on account of prolonged drought and upsurge of conflict in South Sudan, then Uganda's biggest trading partner. Speaking to the media Thursday, Uganda's Secretary to the Treasury Keith Muhakanizi said the Kenyan political turbulence is not yet having any significant effects on Uganda. As politicians embark on consultation of Ugandans on the heated issue of the proposal to amend the constitution and scrap presidential age limits, the police leadership has issued guidelines that their officers in the field must follow. Given the emotions and passion this debate has already elicited, the police are justified to anticipate riotous situations. Events in Rukungiri, where at least one person died during clashes with police on Wednesday, and in Kasubi, Kampala, on Tuesday, where teargas was used to disperse the crowd, offer a good indication as to what might be coming ahead. But is this confrontation inevitable? No. First of all, if no attempts had been to amend the constitution, there would have been no protests. However, this is now wishful thinking as the proposal is in full flow. Nevertheless that doesnt mean violence and death should be inevitable. Consultations can take place without the threat of violence but it takes honesty and professionalism on all sides, including the police. The problem with the latest police guidelines is that their intention appears to be to impede rather than to facilitate debate. Regional and district police commanders have been entrusted with vast powers to determine and stop any politician who is inciting violence, using hate campaigns, abusive language, engaging in acts of hooliganism of any sort and intimidation of persons perceived to be supporting the removal of the age limit. These are broad, vague and subjective offences that are bound to be interpreted differently by different people. They cant be left for police officers to determine single-handedly. Such powers have the effect of turning police officers into complainants, prosecutors and judges, all wrapped in one. The guidelines are also unfair on individual police officers in the field as they are handed a poisoned chalice. They are damned if they do, they are damned if they dont. Instead of putting officers in such a difficult position, why not let politicians on all sides do what they know best - debate, consult, mobilise - while the police also stick to their role of keeping law and order, not doubling as politicians themselves or judges? An opposition rally in Nakawa, Kampala, that passed peacefully on Monday is a sign that it is possible if each player keeps to their lubimbi. Theres something dubiously implanted in our public discourse that many Ugandans increasingly now find rather too irritating. It is the misleading attempt to rewrite our history using the officialdom of government and the fiat of state power. But there is a problem. Those trying to script us have been, to say the least, quite amateurish. They lack consistence of argument and sophistication in reasoning. For example, an often rehashed narrative is that whatever good there is in Uganda started in 1986, the year when we were liberated from dictatorship, misrule, sectarianism and backward ideology. But the chief author of this falsehood has also been at liberty to take us through annoyingly winding lectures on the illustrious history of states and societies that predated colonial conquest. Apparently, great things were happening in the great lakes region of east and central Africa up until colonial intrusion upended what were genuinely organic evolutionary processes. But then we are also told that there was no peace during this time because different pre-colonial states and communities engaged in wars of conquest and inter-communal raids for especially cattle. Worse still, there was no peace throughout the 70 years of colonial rule in Uganda. And finally, from independence time to the arrival of the liberators in 1986, Uganda was, we are told, a place of political tumult, pervasive disorder, and state-instigated violence. Now, listen to this: there was no peace for 500 years! This is epic. I have had exposure to a fair amount of scholarship on world history and did not know of any part of the world that had had continuous war and instability for 500 years until this fact sprung up in Uganda. At any rate, after 500 long years, finally, peace visited us in abundance. The collection of falsehoods in this narrative is staggering. To his credit though, the author-in-chief in this distorted history telling has recently recanted and conceded one fact: that Uganda in its entirety attained minimal peace and security only in 2007 following the defeat of rebels in the Rwenzori region, the north, northeast, West Nile, and cattle rustling in Karamoja. This was a late and grudging, or perhaps unintended, acceptance that the falsehood of peace since 1986 was a blatant attempt to edit out more than one-third of the country. There is a sense in which writing about the manner in which our history has been distorted may sound facetious. It is not. And I hope I am not making it appear so. This is a very serious subject, of our national history and collective heritage that forms part of what we might associate with as a people. No history, no nation. And the history of a nation cannot be written from State House. There is a self-serving goal to skewing facts and conjuring up stories. It is a hardly disguised part of broader strategies of rule especially in authoritarian systems. In our case, it has worked remarkably well in compelling sections of the masses to continue singing praises for the liberation that arrived in 1986. In reality though, we have no proper sense of our shared history, myths, symbolisms which can be passed onto generations and reproduced in eternity. The current rulers are probably blithely unaware that their distorted version of our history will in all likelihood disappear at the same time that they exit power. This is supposed to be quite straight-forward. It is an old story and the current Ugandan rulers should know better. Problem is when sloshed with power, it is difficult to remove the blinders. Yet the natural course of nature knows neither bravado nor the arrogance of power. The manner in which change happens tends to defy prediction and even anticipation. The mighty Soviet Union crumbled precipitously yet unexpectedly. Careers in academia especially in Western universities that had focused on studying the Soviet Union collapsed overnight. Such is the unstoppable course of history. Uganda will be no exception. It is a matter of when, not if. The scheme of distorting our history to suit regime survival imperatives has been pursued along with the deliberate dismantling of the academic site for professional and comprehensive history writing. The verbal attacks on the humanities have become repetitive lately. But they were preceded by actual policy actions that denied funding to the university with the overt complicity, in fact at the behest, one would add, of the World Bank. Arguably the most spectacular yet quietly executed action has been the dismembering of the department of history at Makerere University. If this department has been in dire straits, one can only imagine if there exist truly history departments at other universities. Maybe. Sometimes, perhaps, we give undue credit to the Museveni regime for pulling off crucial but undesirable actions which may well be incidental or unintended happenings. But I am certain that the near death of Makereres history department is an outcome of a deliberate ploy. It bodes well with the strategy of ensuring the distorted history as told by the rulers sinks in the public imagination. How long this sinking will stick remains to be seen. My hunch is that not too long. moses.khisa@gmail.com The author is an assistant professor of political science at North Carolina State University. FORT EDWARD An advocate for abandoned cats in Washington County clawed her way back to the Washington Board of Supervisors meeting Friday morning to ask for help to create resources for homeless cats. Stephanie Rizzi of the nonprofit Fact Animal Rescue organization asked the board to reconsider contributing to the nonprofit, again, after her other requests over the course of the year werent met. Are we truly expected to run a county shelter with no funding from the county? Rizzi asked the board. Im here again as a representative for the residents of Washington County, as an advocate for creating a better life for the homeless cats in this community Im disappointed theres been no additional discussion about creating resources for the residents, she said. Rizzi didnt ask the board for a hard figure, but said raising enough money to open an animal shelter would be the organizations best-case scenario. She said she knows the county budget is tight, and wants to be able offer services, like spaying and neutering cats, before a shelter is opened. Its the best way to resolve the problem for now, Rizzi said. In the big picture, the most valuable thing is to have a shelter Ideally, Id be happy to sit down with them and go over their budget we receive so much support from the community that I think once we were established wed need less and less funding. Its just the start-up cost, Rizzi said after the meeting. She has already started a spay/neuter program, supported solely by fundraising. She came to the 10 a.m meeting with a folder full of applications from Washington County residents who want to spay and neuter their cats but cant afford it. For Rizzi, the fee to spay a cat is $85 and to neuter one is $35 at a local veterinary office that cuts her a deal since she has been a client for nearly five years. She said to spay or neuter a cat elsewhere can cost from $100 to $300. Or you can do nothing and the problem will worsen, she warned the board. Board members didnt comment on Rizzis speech. She said she hopes to discuss the issue further. We can talk about what will be realistic and see if we can get on the same page. If the money isnt there for a shelter right now, how can we offer services? There needs to be a discussion with the same end goal and figuring out how we can get there together, she said. This problem isnt going to go away until action is taken, and neither am I. FORT EDWARD The former nursing home employee who was arrested in June for allegedly sexually assaulting a resident of the home has been indicted on three felony charges. Richard Gonzalez-Medina, 25, has pleaded not guilty to a count of criminal sexual act and two counts of endangering the welfare of an elderly or incompetent person in connection with his alleged assault of an elderly male resident of Washington Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation in Argyle. He was arrested the day after a residents June 12 complaint that Gonzalez-Medina had oral sexual contact with him while helping him bathe. Court records show Gonzalez-Medina made admissions, then asked for a lawyer, when questioned by State Police in the hours after the resident notified nursing home staff of the incident. In a statement to State Police, the victim was quoted as saying he had questions about Gonzalez-Medinas actions while bathing him for several days before the incident that led to charges. He said he believed Gonzalez-Medina spent more time than I felt was necessary cleaning his genital area. Gonzalez-Medina was a state-licensed certified nursing assistant who had worked at the home for about nine months. He had gotten his state license shortly before he was hired by Washington Center, and was fired after the State Police investigation. Washington County District Attorney Tony Jordan said State Police continued to investigate to determine if there were additional victims, but no other allegations were raised. Gonzalez-Medina is being represented by defense lawyer Cheryl Coleman, who could not be reached for comment Friday. Each of the three charges is punishable by up to 4 years in state prison. The Washington Center is one of a number of local nursing homes owned by New York City-based Centers Health Care, which purchased it from Washington County in 2014. HUDSON FALLS Four people were arrested early Friday after police raided a home on John Street as part of an investigation into crack-cocaine sales, authorities said. Two men who were in an apartment at 48 1/2 John Street were accused of selling crack, while two women there were charged with misdemeanors, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Charged with third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, a felony, were Michael J. Hermance, 61, who lived in the John Street apartment, and Anthony B. Torres, 49, of Brooklyn, who was staying at Hermance's home, police said. Also arrested at the home were Heather M. Bills, 35, of Hudson Falls, who was charged with misdemeanor loitering, and Kimberly A. Baker, 39, of Hudson Falls, charged with misdemeanor loitering, criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminally using drug paraphernalia, police said. Hermance and Torres were arraigned and sent to Washington County Jail for lack of bail, while Bills and Baker were released pending prosecution in Kingsbury Town Court. The arrests came after a joint investigation by the Sheriff's Office, Hudson Falls Police, Glens Falls Police and the Warren County Sheriff's Office. GLENS FALLS At a glance, it would have been hard to tell the evening was for the homeless community, because of the suits and sparkly dresses people sported. Many of the people who turned out Wednesday night for the red carpet event at the Regal Aviation Mall Cinema admitted they havent seen much homelessness first-hand in their own communities. Nonetheless, nearly 600 people from the area helped the homeless by supporting the Open Door Mission. Thats roughly how many tickets were sold for the premiere of the major Hollywood movie, Same Kind of Different As Me, based on a New York Times bestseller and produced by Paramount Pictures and Pure Flix. The movie, which was hosted by the Open Door, is based on the true story of international art dealer Ron Hall (Greg Kinnear), who befriends a homeless man (Djimon Hounsou) in hopes of saving his struggling marriage to Debbie (Renee Zellweger). About $7,500 was raised from the event as of Thursday night, although Cook expects the amount to go up from more donations. The proceeds were donated to the Mission's capital campaign, Cook explained. We appreciate how the community has supported us and our mission to the homeless and those in poverty in this area, Cook said. The Open Door Mission is dedicated to serving the needs of the poor and homeless of the community, and the evening was meant to raise awareness and support for the homeless. According to many of the moviegoers, the community could use more of that awareness-raising. Homelessness isnt in your face here, said Kim Cook, director of Open Door Ministries, which runs a Code Blue cold-weather emergency homeless shelter. When we started the Code Blue almost four years ago, people would have argued that there wasnt a homeless problem here. Weve proven theres a need, Cook said, before the movie started. The project to open a new homeless shelter on Warren Street is moving ahead and will be geared toward helping men, Cook said. Currently, the Open Doors soup kitchen on Lawrence Street serves about 1,600 meals a month in a dining room that can seat 30 people at a time. The new shelters dining room will seat 100 people, Cook said. Its great to see this many people turn out there is definitely a need. At any given time, I know of at least 8 to 10 people who are homeless, she said.Last year, 268 people were identified as experiencing homelessness in a survey of Saratoga, Washington, Warren and Hamilton counties. Of those, 252 were part of the sheltered population: people who stayed in emergency shelters, transitional housing programs or safe havens, according to the report. The survey identified 16 people who were unsheltered, meaning they were sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation. Steven Noftle, president and owner of AllPro Restoration and Construction in Gansevoort and a sponsor for the night, was hopeful the movie would reach people to make them more conscious of the local homeless problem. It should hopefully increase our sensitivity to homelessness. Its a problem we need to recognize and address, Noftle said. Were all in this together. GLENS FALLS The cats who freely roam the streets of Istanbul, Turkey, live without masters. Navigating Istanbuls ancient and urban landscape with grace, ease and an inherent spirituality, the citys street cats scale rooftops, nap in restaurant canvas awnings, and visit fish markets to lunch from a daily catch spread on papers just for them. In Turkish, they are called kedi and have lived without restraint in this city of 14.8 million for thousands of years. Generously hopping into willing laps for a brushing or just some love, the cats of Istanbul are revered, loved and part of culture that views them as equals on this earth. When a cat meows at your feet, said a fisherman in the acclaimed 2017 documentary, Kedi. Life is smiling at you. And it is this shared language between the cats and the people in their lives which Turkish-born filmmaker Ceyda Torun captures in her film, Kedi. The movie screens at the Adirondack Film Festival Saturday at the Charles R. Wood Theater on Glen Street. Along with her cinematographer husband, Charlie Wuppermann, as well as Alp Korfali, Torun explores the routines and relationships of seven of the citys cats: Theres Sari, the hustler who prowls the markets and restaurants to feed her new babies; Duman, the gentleman, who prefers manchago cheese with thinly-sliced smoked turkey; Bengu, the lover, who has been with the workers of a chain-making business for about nine years; Aslan Parcasi, the hunter, who keeps a waterside restaurant rat free; Gamsiz, the player; Psikopat, the psycho; and Deniz, the social butterfly who cajoles everyone into a longed for petting. To further enhance the lives of the charming seven, Kira Fontanas spellbinding musical score pairs each cat with Turkish music that matches their personality, like the darbuka music of Levent Yildirim for Aslan Parcisis hunt scenes. In between the Turkish selections is Fontanas original ethereal score, using marimbas, bells, vibraphones and strings to reflect the cats movements and escapades. There is a romance with cats, like an innocent love letter, that happens in Kedi. And as film festival organizer Chad Rabinovitz said, After you see the film, you just want to pet a cat. Thats why hes slated a cat adoption event on Saturday at 10 a.m. ahead of the 10:30 a.m. screening of Kedi at the Charles R. Wood Theater cabaret space on Glen Street. Locally, there are hundreds and hundreds of cats without homes and rescue organizations work extremely hard to find loving forever homes for those abandoned or who never had homes. And unlike the cats of Istanbul, the U.S. culture generally prefers to house homeless cats with most adoption agencies requiring that cats be kept indoors. In Istanbul, those interviewed for Kedi say they would never want to keep their cats locked up, preferring to feed them, love them and enjoy them while letting them remain free to roam and explore. In the film, there are generous souls like the two older women who make huge bowls of homemade meals that they deliver daily to several areas of the city, feeding the cats. And another man who does the same thing, saying he had a break-down years before and the cats have made him happy. The streets seem empty without cats, someone in the film said. There is also a fisherman who has constructed insulated crates for the cats who come into his life. He recounts how animals saved him and now he saves them, hand feeding with a syringe a motherless litter. You can love if your hearts eye is open, he says. QUEENSBURY The state Department of Transportation inspected train tank cars that arrived in the Adirondacks for storage this week and found no problems with them, the president of Saratoga & North Creek Railways parent company said Friday. Ed Ellis said a state inspector looked at the cars, which arrived on the companys line in Minerva late Wednesday, and did not have any concerns. He went up, inspected the cars and took no issue with them, said Justin Gonyo, the railways general manager. The DOT responded Monday to a request for information about the inspection. "The Department inspected the railcars on October 19, 2017," spokeswoman Carol Breen said in an email. "The certified inspector found the Saratoga & North Creek Railway to be in full compliance with federal requirements. The inspected rail cars were properly secured with hand brakes set and there were no violations found. The Department has inspection jurisdiction, pursuant to a state participation agreement with the Federal Rail Administration, to ensure compliance with and enforce federal safety regulations on an active railroad." Ellis also said Friday that his company has more train cars on their way to be stored on the rail line his company owns north of North Creek, but there was no timetable for their arrival. Ellis, the head of Chicago-based Iowa Pacific Holdings LLC was in town to discuss his plans with Warren County supervisors who were weighing a resolution to oppose the proposal for storage on a long-idle stretch of rails between North Creek and the hamlet of Tahawus in Newcomb. That resolution ultimately passed, though it is ceremonial and does not carry any regulatory weight, as an estimated 28 tank cars arrived Wednesday for indefinite storage on the line in northern Warren and southern Essex counties. Ellis said the storage of cars was within the companys rights under its contract. If the county board didnt want it, a discussion should ensue about a solution that works for everyone, he said. We are committed and we keep looking for approaches to make the line work, he said. Ellis told supervisors he took issue with some of the news media calling the tank cars oil cars. He said the description is inaccurate, as they have been cleaned and are not considered oil tankers. He did not say what they had carried before being cleaned. While the resolution states that the line could hold up to 2,000 train cars, and potentially block freight train traffic, Ellis said there were no plans to bring that many to the area. The company has also said that freight traffic would be able to pass the stored cars. We have a tiny, tiny number at this point, he said. Ellis said his company has not heard from either the Adirondack Park Agency or state Department of Environmental Conservation, despite calls from Adirondack environmental groups seeking state scrutiny of the storage plan out of fear of environmental and aesthetic issues in the state forest preserve. Warren County supervisors on Friday passed a revamped resolution expressing opposition to storage of tank cars in the Adirondack Park and supporting a resolution in opposition passed earlier this month by supervisors in Essex County. That came after a lengthy and wide-ranging discussion among supervisors with strong opinions for and against the resolution. Lake George Supervisor Dennis Dickinson was among the most vehement, saying he thought the county board was overstepping ourselves and that the railway was simply doing what it needs to do to raise revenue for its business. They are his tracks, and he should be allowed to do what he wants on his tracks, Warrensburg Supervisor Kevin Geraghty, the countys acting administrator, said. But Glens Falls 3rd Ward Supervisor Claudia Braymer, who proposed the resolution, questioned whether there were other ways for the company to find revenue, and Glens Falls 5th Ward Supervisor Matt MacDonald said he felt the board was being bullied by Ellis. Youre really damaging the life of this partnership we have, Glens Falls 4th Ward Supervisor James Brock told Ellis. Saratoga & North Creek Railway has run tourist trains on the line between Saratoga Springs and North Creek since 2011. The town of Corinth owns the rails between Saratoga Springs and Corinth, and Warren County owns them from there north. Ellis company bought the long-shuttered line north of North Creek in 2012, hoping to use it to remove stone from Tahawus. But freight customers have been slow to develop, and the railway has been losing money. FORT EDWARD The lobby at Washington County Jail hosted its first criminal case arraignment early Friday as the countys new centralized arraignment court got started. Washington County is just the third in the state to get the states OK to operate a new morning and night court to make new arraignment practices more efficient. A 2014 court settlement resulted in requirements that defendants at risk of going to jail have counsel at their arraignments. That has led to far more late-night work for lawyers on both sides of cases, as they have to attend arraignments for the newly arrested. Counties have moved toward centralizing the cases by creating new arraignment courts. Onondaga and Oneida counties were the first two to get the new courts off the ground. Warren County is in the process of creating a similar operation that would start early next year. A Granville man who was charged Thursday night with misdemeanor menacing and weapon possession for allegedly threatening another person with a crowbar was the first defendant, appearing at 7 a.m. before Hebron Town Justice James Curran in a newly created courtroom in the lobby of Washington County Jail. With the consent of the prosecution, he was released on his own recognizance, with an order of protection issued. A bevy of county officials was on hand to see how the process went, and all seemed satisfied with the process. Washington County Sheriff Jeff Murphy said recent renovations at the jail opened up the space for a bench for the judge, table for counsel and necessary office equipment. The defendant was represented by Washington County Public Defender Michael Mercure, with county District Attorney Tony Jordan representing his office. Mercure had half an hour beforehand to talk to his client in a jail conference room. Washington County Administrator Chris DeBolt said the state Office of Court Administration provided extensive assistance throughout the process. A representative of the agency was on hand for Fridays inaugural proceeding, assisting Curran at times. There were a lot of moving parts, DeBolt said. Jordan said the jails secure space and available conference space for attorneys made it an ideal spot. He said holding defendants who were involved in emotional situations for a few hours until the next available arraignment time will help them cool off a bit as well. Murphy said the new court will cut down on the court transportation trips his officers have to do, which will allow them to spend more time doing police work and on patrol. Prosecutors and assistant public defenders also will not have to spend as much time traveling around the county to far-flung town and village courts. It certainly makes the process more efficient, Jordan said. The judges will serve rotating one-week terms presiding over the court, running Friday to Friday, with the state paying them for their time. Arraignments will be held at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily, as needed. NEW YORK (AP) House Speaker Paul Ryan poked fun at himself, the Senate's top Democrat and even the Catholic church on Thursday night. But the top target of the speaker's ribbing, as he faced hundreds of New York's elite at a charity dinner that celebrates irreverence, was President Donald Trump himself. Ryan quickly reminded the audience that Trump offended some people when he addressed the same crowd the year before. "Some said it was unbecoming of a public figure and they said that his comments were offensive. Well, thank God he's learned his lesson," Ryan deadpanned as he delivered the keynote address for the 72nd annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, an event, according to the program, that encourages speakers to "poke fun at a political issue, an opponent, or themselves." Ryan later jabbed Trump's lack of accomplishments, the White House's ties to Wall Street and, of course, the president's overactive Twitter account. The event, hosted by New York Archbishop Cardinal Timothy Dolan, drew leaders of finance and politics to a hotel ballroom in Manhattan, where an estimated 815 guests in tuxedos and dinner gowns dined on lobster and black radish salad, tournedo of beef with lacinto kale and "berries of the forest" cake. Trump attended last year's Al Smith dinner as a featured speaker, and others before than as a prominent New York business leader who donated money to Democrats and Republicans alike. Even with Ryan's light-hearted jabs, this year's affair was decidedly more cordial than last year's, when Trump and Democratic rival Hillary Clinton traded caustic barbs at the charity event meant to raise money for impoverished children. At the time, Trump drew boos when he said of Clinton, "Here she is tonight, in public, pretending not to hate Catholics." Here's a breakdown of some of Ryan's most talked-about jokes and jabs: "Enough with the applause. You sound like the cabinet when Donald Trump walks in the room." "I don't think I've seen this many New York liberals, this many Wall Street CEOs in one room since my last visit to the White House," Ryan chuckled as he turned his attention briefly to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. "I know why Chuck has been so hard on President Trump. It's not ideological; Chuck is just mad he lost his top donor." "Every morning I wake up in my office and I scroll Twitter to see which tweets that I will have to pretend that I did not see later on." "The truth is, the press absolutely misunderstands and never records the big accomplishments of the White House. Look at all the new jobs the president has created just among the White House staff." "When you read the papers tomorrow, everyone's going to report this thing differently. Breitbart's going to lead with 'Ryan slams the president amongst liberal elites.' The New York Times going to report 'Ryan defends the president in a state Hillary won.' And the president will tweet, '300,000 at Al Smith dinner cheer mention of my name.'" "I'm from Wisconsin. Wisconsin is a fantastic place to visit in the fall. Looking back, someone probably should have told Hillary Clinton that fact." Evera Sue Clary, mother of five adult children, grandmother of six, wants a future that might bring her children and grandchildren home. Many have said that in the past, but we actually think Clary could do it, or at least take the first steps toward accomplishing the goal. She acknowledged there are still fissures in the Salem community from the villages decision to dissolve, but vows to bring the town together again. We are usually skeptical about a first-time office-seeker becoming a supervisor, but Clarys background as a small-business owner, president of the local Chamber of Commerce and her work with the village Planning Board and as the town Planning Boards clerk give her the experience to be a quick study while bringing a fresh approach to town government. Bruce Ferguson previously served 16 years as supervisor 1989 to 2005 and he currently has a slot on the Town Board. The town would be in good hands because of his experience, but Ferguson gave little indication he would bring anything new to the table beyond the status quo. That might be fine for some communities, but we believe Salem has more to offer than being just another stop on the agricultural trail in Washington County. Clary says political involvement has been ingrained in her family since she was a child growing up in Salem, but this is her first run for office. My hope is that the town of Salem can be unified, Clary said. I bring a fresh approach, and we are in need of a fresh approach. We agree. The community has often been divided over everything from a proposed Dollar General, to how to deal with flooding in the town, to lingering animosity over the town taking over village duties. There has been a lot of `us vs. them, Clary said. The timing is really important to do something now. Clary said she recently met with residents who have been dealing with flooding from White Creek. There have been ongoing tensions between residents and the town over what to do about the problem. They have done a lot of research and they know a lot about what they are talking about, Clary said. They feel they are not being heard. They need to be part of the discussion. She lays out a clear plan of tying up loose ends regarding the consolidation with the village, dealing with the flooding and addressing water and sewer infrastructure. She clearly wants to move the community forward. Since Ferguson is currently on the board, we believe he could continue to play a valuable role in helping show Clary the ropes. We are what we are, Ferguson said at one point during our meeting. Editor: After reading the article in todays Post-Star, I am disgusted by the politics in the town of Queensbury. Kudos to Tony Metivier. He is part of a bipartisan, yes, bipartisan political system! Imagine that! Yes, he is a Republican who criticized the actions of some of his Republican counterparts to support who he knows is the best one for the job. He actually supported John Strough, the Democrat supervisor who is seeking re-election. How can anyone who is not a resident of the town be on the board to represent his constituents when he lives out of state? Not just out of the town of Queensbury, but out of New York state. Shame on Brian Clements who is trying to set up video-conferencing so Doug can attend the meetings! Irish must resign now. I am so disappointed in Councilman Brian Clements for his actions with the Doug Irish issue and for trying to convince Hal Bain to run for Ward 1 councilman, even when he has admitted he doesnt want to continue his candidacy, just so the board can appoint a Republican to the post when Hal Bain resigns! Disgusting! How can supervisor candidate Rachel Seeber support such nonsense? Think, folks, before you make your choice. Put the darned political party affiliation aside and do the correct thing for the town of Queensbury. When we lived in Queensbury, there was a home in foreclosure near us and John Strough, as our Third Ward councilman, took the bull by the horns and made the mortgage company mow the lawn and keep the house up. Again, kudos to Tony Metivier for doing and saying the right thing. If I could, I would definitely vote for Tony Metivier. Hes put the party aside to do what is right for his constituents. Joy Griffin, Glens Falls Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Home Regional News East Geraldine Watkins sits at the kitchen table in her ranch home, rattling off the names of friends and relatives in her small Louisiana town who've died of cancer over the last 40 years. Her grandchildren suffer an array of ailments, from skin conditions to breathing problems. Her 7-year-old great-grandson's breathing is so labored, she says, "you can feel his heart trying to jump out of his chest." Watkins lives in the shadow of a plant that spews chloroprene -- a chemical so toxic the Environmental Protection Agency says nearby residents face the highest risk in the country of developing cancer from air toxins. "You gotta live here to try to breathe the air, drink the water, see the children so sick and watch people die," Watkins says. "Industry is wonderful to have, but if it's killing the people in the area that they live in, what good is industry?" Watkins is a worthy advocate, a 76-year-old great-grandmother challenging those in power. Her words are often punctuated by folksy aphorisms: "Nothing beats a failure but a try," she says. And try she will. A town wants answers The town of LaPlace, Louisiana, lies along the Mississippi River, a stone's throw from Lake Pontchartrain and the Maurepas Swamp. It sits in the heart of an area that's become known by locals as "Cancer Alley," a vast industrial stretch between New Orleans and Baton Rouge where dozens of petrochemical plants dot the landscape. One sign posted by a local advocacy group warns the town's 29,000 residents that they are "more likely to get cancer due to chloroprene air emissions." The warning refers to the Denka Performance Elastomer plant at the edge of town, where a vast network of pipes and valves stand testament to industry. The facility looms over Fifth Ward Elementary School, where children run around the playground oblivious to the toxic emissions in the air. The plant, formerly operated by DuPont, employs more than 200 workers and has been in this spot for nearly 50 years. The facility plays a vital manufacturing role as the nation's only producer of neoprene, a synthetic rubber that's found in everything from gaskets and hoses to fishing waders and wetsuits. But it also emits 99% of the nation's chloroprene pollution, according to the EPA. Chloroprene is the main chemical used in the production of neoprene. In 2010, the EPA determined that chloroprene is "likely carcinogenic to humans," meaning studies showed it likely causes cancer in people. The EPA has not set a legal limit for chloroprene emissions. But according to a May 2016 memo, federal regulators said the "upper limit of acceptability" for cancer risk was an annual average of 0.2 micrograms of chloroprene per cubic meter. Anything more than that would increase the risk of developing cancer, the EPA determined. Residents say they were largely unaware of the 2010 EPA finding. But in December 2015, the EPA updated its National Air Toxics Assessment map, which showed an elevated risk of cancer around the plant -- prompting Denka to enter into an agreement with the state of Louisiana to voluntarily reduce chloroprene emissions by 85%. Tensions in the community mounted after Denka representatives and state environmental officials briefed the public on the agreement. The town hall meetings may have been intended to reassure residents, but they only seemed to create more questions: Residents wondered why they weren't warned years before and said their complaints have been ignored. While Denka agreed to the voluntary 85% reduction, it disputes the EPA's 0.2 recommendation and insists its own research shows no connection between chloroprene and cancer. Denka is a Japanese chemical company that bought the plant from DuPont in 2015. Denka officials say the EPA based its cancer estimate on faulty science and have demanded that the EPA issue a correction. The company commissioned and submitted a study that argued chloroprene's classification should be changed from "likely carcinogenic to humans" to "possibly carcinogenic" -- and that the 0.2 guideline should be changed to 31.2, more than 150 times the EPA's recommendation. An EPA spokesman told CNN the agency is reviewing the company's complaint but indicated the science behind the agency's findings was solid. In the spring of 2016, the EPA installed six canisters near the plant -- including at the hospital, levee and two local schools -- to collect air samples. Every three days, the air quality is tested. The daily readings have been jarring -- 10 times, 50 times and 100 times the EPA's "upper limit of acceptability" for cancer risk. On one occasion last November, the reading spiked at the levee and tested 700 times the recommended cancer risk, according the EPA data. At the elementary school, the average concentration from May 2016 to August 2017 was more than 34 times the EPA's recommendation. "Our primary concern is with exposures over a lifetime," the EPA's spokesman wrote CNN in an email. "If the concentrations were to persist at current levels for a lifetime, there is potential for adverse health effects. This is why EPA and the state are working with Denka to reduce emissions." Residents aren't satisfied with the 85% solution. They've rallied together to form the Concerned Citizens of St. John the Baptist Parish. Many wear T-shirts that read: "Only 0.2 will do." In June, 13 residents filed a class-action lawsuit against the plant, aimed at forcing the company to reduce emissions to meet the 0.2 EPA risk recommendation. Pollution from the facility, the suit alleges, is "sufficient to cause physical discomfort and annoyance to plaintiffs, who must often confine themselves indoors to escape the excess concentration of chloroprene emission." "In addition, the excess concentrations of chloroprene emissions lead to a reasonable and justified fear of cancer," the suit says. Plant manager: There is no cancer risk Sitting inside the facility, Denka plant manager Jorge Lavastida said the company is sensitive to the concerns of residents about air quality. "We want to be a part of this community. We want to be admired by this community. We want to have employees from this community," he told CNN. But he disputed the EPA on almost every point, citing the plant's own study and emphasizing the company voluntarily committed to the 85% emissions reduction plan at a cost of nearly $18 million. "It's our No. 1 priority," he said. The company has already finished two of the four projects included in the reduction plan. He said the company hopes to complete the other two by year's end, although the work is months behind due to unexpected complications. "We are fully committed and fully resourced to the projects," he said. Citing the company's own study, Lavastida added this about the safety of the chloroprene being emitted: "There is no relationship between chloroprene and cancer." Asked if that means the company believes chloroprene does not cause cancer, he said simply, "That is correct." He added he is "optimistic" the EPA will revise its 0.2 guideline soon. Lavastida said one of the projects already completed has reduced chloroprene emissions by 62%. "We know they're working," he said. The company maintains six air quality monitors of its own in and around the plant, separate from the EPA's. However, EPA data provided by the state to CNN showed something completely different: The air quality has worsened, not improved, at five of the six government testing sites over the last year. Asked about those readings, Lavistida said, "I don't know if I can explain that." Short-term health effects of being exposed to high doses of chloroprene range from headaches and hair loss to irritability and a rapid heartbeat, according to the EPA. It may also affect the liver, lungs, kidneys and the immune system. Long-term exposure can lead to respiratory problems, skin issues, chest pains and neurological problems, in addition to an increased likelihood of cancer, the EPA says. Statewide cancer rates are not specific enough to capture whether the incidence is higher in the areas around the plant. That's because cancer rates are calculated for entire parishes, not at a more local level. The current data for the parish doesn't show a higher rate of cancer among the parish's 44,000 residents; in fact, it has one of the lowest rates in the state -- a figure that company and state officials use to defend their efforts. But more precise data may soon be available. A new state law requires the Louisiana Tumor Registry to track cancer cases by ZIP codes and census tracts to help determine whether certain areas within parishes are more prone to cancer. 'Filling us up with poison' Robert Taylor III grew up near the plant and was in and out of the hospital with kidney problems throughout his youth. He moved away after high school and had no problems for more than 20 years. But six months after moving back, Taylor says, his kidneys failed. Sitting at his kitchen table, he points across the street: "Husband and wife died from cancer." Then, he waves his hand toward another home: "Husband died of cancer. Both of his sons got cancer." "These people are filling us up with this poison," he says of the plant. Taylor is part of the class-action lawsuit against Denka. He joined on behalf of himself and his daughter, Nayve Love, who suffers breathing problems and needs to use an oxygen machine several times a week. His father, who founded the Concerned Citizens of St. John the Baptist Parish, is also a plaintiff. "We're not just going to sit around and let them push us around," Taylor said. "They don't have any compassion for human life. My little girl is 10 years old. She's innocent." Wilma Subra is a chemist and long-time environmental activist in Louisiana. She's been keeping close tabs on the Denka plant and has helped advise the citizens' group. She said she's appalled at how state officials have seemingly turned a blind eye to the pollution. "They have dismissed the issues and concerns of their citizens here in St. John the Baptist Parish," she said. "Meanwhile, the citizens are continuing to breathe the air with chloroprene every single day." "If we do not continue to push the company to put on (additional) control technologies to reduce the chloroprene levels," she said, "the people will continue to be exposed." State environmental boss: Ignore EPA figure Chuck Carr Brown, the secretary of Louisiana's Department of Environmental Quality, says he tries to straddle the line between industry and the people he's committed to serving. His agency's mission, according to its website, is "to promote and protect health, safety and welfare while considering sound policies regarding employment and economic development." At a heated public meeting last December, he told residents that much of the cancer concerns were overblown and the situation wasn't anything comparable to the lead-contaminated water crisis in Flint, Michigan. "It's not like there's a smoking gun somewhere in St. John Parish," he said. Brown praised the plant's commitment to reducing emissions by 85% with what he called the "best available control technology." "We're going to monitor for at least another year, and we should start seeing these numbers start trending downward," he said. During the meeting, he dismissed the EPA's 0.2 cancer guideline on chloroprene emissions. "That's not a standard," he said. "That's just a guidance." Adding to the tensions between residents and his agency, Brown called vocal residents around the plant "fear-mongers." In an interview with CNN, he said, "I don't want to repeat that." "I'm not going to say I regret using the term. I just felt like I could've used a different term," Brown said. He also expressed frustration that "everybody seems to ignore" data put out by his agency. "At this point, there is no reason to believe that there is any undue risk or exposure to the folks in St. John Parish," Brown said. "If that changes, then we'll be the first ones to take immediate action." He again dismissed the EPA's 0.2 guideline. "It never was an enforceable standard," he said, "and it's still not an enforceable standard." He said his agency hopes to use the new technology being installed at the plant to set a standard for chloroprene emissions -- and not be hamstrung by the 0.2 EPA guideline. As head of the state's environmental organization, he said, "I wanted to enter a working relationship with the company in order to install what we call the best available control technology." "That's why I've tried to tell everyone: Detach yourself from that number and let's work toward a solution that involves the best available control technology." "But if that's the guidance," CNN asked Brown, "why not be guided by it?" Brown stood his ground, saying the new technology would be used to set the standard, not the EPA's 0.2 figure. "To artificially target a number that you can't legally enforce," he said, "it actually makes no sense." He rejected suggestions he was following the company's lead. "That's not what we're doing," he said. "It's not like you just turn a valve or are working with LEGO pieces. We're talking about large piping, large tubing, rerouting and engineering." CNN asked Brown why tests of the air quality have shown more toxins this year, rather than dropping as he pledged back at the December meeting. "We'll show you some data that refutes that," he said. "You'll get a spike. But when you start looking at the average over a month, it's really trending downward." His detractors, he said, should look at the data provided by his agency to "see the real facts." He paused and spelled out the word, "F-A-C-T," adding that "everything else is just somebody's theory." CNN did look at the facts provided by Brown's office after the interview, and it confirmed what we already knew: That the toxicity in the air recorded by the EPA was worse in June 2017 at five of the six testing sites than it was in June 2016 despite the improvements at the plant. In her humble ranch home a little over a mile from the plant, Geraldine Watkins bites her tongue when told of Brown's comments. She says some words aren't meant to be repeated. "My tongue gets blue, but I can control it," she says. She was at the December meeting when Brown addressed the crowd. His comments back then filled her with rage: "If eyes could kill, I would have cut him to death that night." She mulls over Brown's latest remarks, thinking about her great-grandchildren's unexplained conditions. "This is horrible," says Watkins, who is not part of the class-action suit. "If you don't live in the area, you can say anything and everybody is supposed to believe that." She wants clean air to breathe, for everyone in town -- and for herself. "Let me live," she says. "Whatever time I have left, let it be decent." Iowa American Water is temporarily adjusting its treatment process in the Iowa Quad-Cities as part of its regular ongoing water main flushing program, according to a news release from Lisa Reisen, manager, external affairs. Continuing through Nov. 18, the company is switching its disinfection method to a form of free chlorine, which does not contain ammonia. This temporary treatment change affects only customers in Bettendorf, Davenport, LeClaire, Riverdale and Panorama Park, but not customers in Blue Grass, Dixon or Clinton. Chlorine commonly is used in public water systems as a disinfectant and is monitored closely by water-quality experts to ensure optimum levels are present, according to Reisen. But because of the change in the type of chlorine, customers who are sensitive to chlorine may experience a more noticeable chlorine taste or odor in their tap water. There is no reason for concern as the water will continue to meet all state and federal water quality regulations, the news release says. Customers with fish aquariums should take note of the treatment change and determine whether it will affect their aquarium water so they can take any necessary precautions. The treatment change is being done in conjunction with routine water main flushing, which will be ongoing this fall. Crews will flush the distribution system from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. during the work week. Scott County Sheriffs deputies responding to an initial shoplifting call at Walmart on Elmore Avenue in Davenport seized a sawed-off shotgun from the minivan in which the three suspects were fleeing the scene Thursday. Shane Ryan Brown, 31, Korry Michael Worden, 23, and Jessica Lynn Crabtree, 32, all of Clinton, are each charged with one count of third-degree robbery, one count of unauthorized possession of offensive weapons, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to the arrest affidavits filed by Scott County Sheriffs Deputy John Skaala, at 2:20 p.m., Skaala was responding to a shoplifting in progress call at Walmart, 5811 Elmore Ave., Davenport. While on his way, the dispatcher at the Scott County Emergency Communications Center informed Skaala that a woman had punched the stores security officer and that three people had fled the area in a gray minivan with damage on the passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was headed northbound on Elmore Avenue. Skaala saw the vehicle, a 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager, at the intersection of Jersey Ridge Road and Elmore Avenue and was able to stop the vehicle. Skaala then noticed the sawed-off shotgun in the vehicle. Brown, Crabtree and Worden have felony convictions on their criminal records and are not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition. Sawed-off shotguns also are illegal. Federal authorities could choose to take over the firearms charges and charge the three at the federal level under the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. There is no parole in the federal prison system as there is at the state level. Both of the firearms charges leveled against the three are Class D felonies under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of up to five years. Third-degree robbery is an aggravated misdemeanor that carries a prison sentence of up to two years. Brown, Crabtree and Worden were being held Thursday night in the Scott County Jail. Bond for each of them was set at $12,000 cash or surety. The city of Davenport's efforts to jump-start a neighborhood on East 6th Street is continuing with the construction of three new single-family houses expected to be finished by December. Because the homes' construction is supported by federal funds, would-be buyers must meet income guidelines. A single buyer must make at least $28,000 annually, but no more than $56,350. For a two-person household, annual income must not exceed $64,400 and for a family of four, it must not exceed $80,500. If you fall into this range and are interested in seeing what's available, city staff will be at the homes from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today (Saturday) to answer questions. Addresses are: 634 E. 6th, 646 E. 6th and 643 E. 6th. Two of the homes are two-story and one is one-story. They will cost in the $200,000 range to build and will sell in the $100,000 range, Heather Johnson, community development resources manager for the city, said. Applications will be available soon, and if there are more qualified would-be buyers than homes, a lottery will be used, Johnson said. Private investment delayed, but on track The city's concerted effort in this 6th Street area plagued by abandoned homes, vacant lots and occasional crime began in 2015-16 by clearing out dilapidated homes, building three new single-family homes that now are occupied, and replacing crumbling sidewalks and retaining walls. The hope was that this public investment of about $2.3 million including the additional homes now under construction would spur additional private investment; that is, the building of market-rate homes by private builders using conventional financing. That piece is on pause, but city officials and Davenport architect Andrew Dasso, who hopes to build six homes in the area, remain optimistic. In May, the Davenport City Council agreed to convey a 1.6-acre vacant parcel on the north side of 6th Street between Grand and Sylvan avenues to Dasso for the building of six new single-family homes, beginning this summer. Dasso and his family would build and occupy one, a second would be built and occupied by another a young family and a third would be built by Dasso "on spec." The remaining three lots would be offered for sale, bundled with Dasso-created home plans, and were expected to have homes on them within two years. No construction has started yet, though, because of a delay in obtaining appraisals for what the homes likely would sell for, which determines the amount and terms of Dasso's construction loan, Dasso explained. The appraisals have now been returned and are 25 percent less than he had hoped, "the result being we will likely have to place more money down to offset the differences," he said. He added, though, that he is prepared to do this and remains optimistic. "We are fine-tuning our plans and lining up our contractors for a spring construction with hopes of being in the homes by the 4th of July," Dasso said in an email. "These things always seem to take longer than expected." Dasso expects to hold down construction costs by about 20 percent by having the homes based on his custom designs constructed in modules by Homeway Homes, based in Deer Creek, Illinois. The modules would then be brought to the site and "we can finish the exterior," he said. View are selling point Two reasons both the city and Dasso regard the area as prime for redevelopment are great views of the Mississippi River and close proximity to other redevelopments, including the new residential/commercial spaces being built in the former Harbor View building off Federal Street and a new Scott County Family Y planned for the former W.G. Block property. The city's construction money is coming from the HOME Investment Partnership of the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development and from income from loans made with Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funds from 2009-2013 that were part of the "stimulus bill," Johnson said. In addition, the state of Iowa awarded the city a small amount of additional NSP funds that were leftover from other projects in Iowa, she said. U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, was declaring victory late Thursday, after EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt notified her and other lawmakers its likely that volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard will remain the same or go higher than where they were set in July. Pruitt made the comments in a letter dated Thursday that was sent to a group of farm state senators. The letter comes a day after Bloomberg reported that President Donald Trump directed the EPA to back off proposals that could have lowered biodiesel amounts and counted ethanol exports toward the Renewable Fuel Standard. The EPA floated the possibility last month, and since then the biofuels industry and its allies in Washington, D.C., have been heavily pressuring the EPA to back off. In addition to his comments on volume requirements, Pruitt said in the letter he has directed the agency to finalize within 30 days an earlier decision not to move the point of obligation away from refiners to comply with the RFS. Some refiners, led by Carl Icahn, had sought the change. These assurances are a clear win for Iowans, Ernst said in a statement late Thursday. Echoing the presidents commitment to advancing the full potential of the RFS to benefit rural America is welcome at a time when our family farms are struggling with commodity prices that are below the cost of production. Ernst, a member of a Senate committee that oversees EPA nominations, had warned she would stand in the way if the biofuel cuts moved forward. Consideration of a nominee to a high-ranking post at EPA was put off earlier this week in the Senates Environment and Public Works committee after Ernst expressed reservations. Immediately after the potential moves were announced in September, Sen. Chuck Grassley, one of the Senates senior members, called it a bait and switch and complained loudly about the potential cuts. He spoke with Trump about the matter, and that led to a meeting with Pruitt earlier this week with a number of Midwest senators. Grassley and other biofuels advocates said the EPA was undercutting the presidents promise during the 2016 campaign that hed support the RFS. Attached to her $50 check, Mary Behrens' handwritten note to the Center for Active Seniors, or CASI, told why she was donating directly to them. Behrens, a retired teacher and CASI supporter, has been giving a portion of her income each month to the United Way of the Quad-Cities Area since moving here from St. Louis 27 years ago. But the United Way's decision to cut funding to the only nationally accredited adult daycare facility in eastern Iowa felt like a slap in the face to Behrens. United Ways choice to drop our organization was a slam to seniors, she wrote. They have lost me as a supporter and contributor. Their loss is CASIs gain. The sentiments contained in Behrens' letter (a longer, more strongly worded version went to United Way) are shared among a segment of the community who disapprove of United Way's changes in its funding strategy that were announced in May. In total, 13 organizations that received funding the year prior were not funded one month before the start of their fiscal year, resulting in tighter budgets and hurt feelings. For Behrens, her longtime support of United Way changed when she perceived a shift in the agency's goals and funding strategies, which she said now focuses on youth services, rather than serving the community as a whole. I was a teacher for 39 years, so children are near and dear to my heart, she said. Their letter was all about getting kids to preschool. There is already a lot of support at the preschool level, so what are you doing for seniors? United Ways change in funding strategy United Way of the Quad-Cities Area President Scott Crane said he understood the frustration among defunded agencies that had to scramble so close to the fiscal year to fill a sudden budget gap, but the process that led to the funding changes began close to three years ago. As part of the process, Crane said, United Way collected input from its board of directors, the agencies it serves and its corporate partners before deciding on strategies. While Crane said the United Way had always funded good programs, it was driven to create measurable results and make its system more effective, so the agency can be more accountable to donors. The process produced 26 strategies to accomplish eight results in education, health and financial stability. Those intended results are: Students enter school ready to learn Students perform at grade level and remain in school Students complete high school and are college or career-ready Youth and adults live in a safe, healthy environment Youth and adults have access to mental health and/or substance abuse prevention and treatment Quad-Citizens have access to food, shelter and transportation Quad-Citizens can increase income through education and employment Quad-Citizens build financial stability When I look at the donor, I can say, 'Were going to be making sure third grade reading proficiencies improve, and we are making progress,' Crane said. Another change was to merge two pots of money community action plan funds and traditional community allocations into one pot. And applications now are required to be considered for the funds. With the changes, the United Way went to each agency and met one-on-one with leaders to help them understand where they might fit within the newly identified strategies before submitting their funding proposals. This, Crane said, would allow for a more fair and open process for funding agencies. It removed the sense of entitlement the United Way had unintentionally created, he said. Some of those organizations have been partners for years, Crane said. We built a system where it was an exclusive group, and it was hard to get in. Its also where the debate began over the way in which United Way spends donations. Cease and desist Before United Way switched to a funding-application process, another change in policy caught the attention of agencies. The United Way began to apply a 17 percent "administrative" or "processing fee" to donations. There are two exceptions: gifts of $10,000 or more or when administrative costs are covered by the donors company. We do this as a means of ensuring consistency and fairness to all donors, Crane said. Out of the $8.3 million raised by the United Way during the past campaign, more than $1.3 million was allocated toward fundraising and administrative costs. Some agencies tried a route around United Way, asking donors to donate directly to them. But this was a violation of the memorandum of agreement signed with United Way. So Crane sent an email to every agency, expressing the seriousness of the violation. We have received a number of calls in the past few weeks from donors concerning communications they have received from funded agencies advocating that gifts traditionally given through United Way and designated to an agency should now be given directly to the agency in question, Crane wrote in a Sept. 26, 2016, email. While this may be a response to the policy to treat agency designations the same as any other designation, I would also remind you that this is a violation of the agreement your organizations have signed each year to receive United Way funding. I understand that this is a year of significant change for United Way and how we will be funding organizations in the future, but that does not excuse the violation of the agreements we currently operate under." He elaborated, saying, Agencies have a right to their own funds, but what we cant have them doing is contacting donors to tell them to give United Way dollars to their agencies." Funding loss means new strategies The local chapter of the American Red Cross was the largest organization to lose United Way funding, having received more than $230,000 last year and close to $1 million over the past five years. Every donor dollar is very critical to service delivery, said Executive Director Amber Wood. Were working with members of the community to engage new donors to be there in the year to come to support the local Red Cross. While the U.S. Congress charters the organization to deliver some of its core aspects, its ancillary programs and preparedness work are not. In just the past year, the local Red Cross has provided disaster relief for more than 144 families. While she said the Red Cross was aware of the funding change, the agency was not prepared to be completely defunded. Friendly House, a neighborhood-support center that is open to all ages, lost the second-most funding, having been awarded more than $160,000 this past funding cycle. This loss, Executive Director Lorelei Pfautz said, meant the agency had to pull from its reserves to avoid making too many drastic reductions. The board set a one-year deadline, and we've taken additional money out of reserves to bring the deficit down, Pfautz said. We're doing aggressive fundraising now, but it's going to take a while. We're getting some support now, but we have to continue to nurture those relationships, because we don't know if we'll get money from United Way in the future. The same sentiments and impacts were true for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, which lost nearly $100,000 after last year. We will remain resilient and innovative in how we deliver our programs to serve as an example to Girl Scouts that they can overcome any challenge in life," senior communications coordinator Maura Warner said. While CASI lost fewer dollars than other agencies, the defunding left questions about their ability to continue services as they searched for alternative funds. Our vision has always been to be a one-stop shop for seniors, and many community partners provide services on site or lease space," Chief Executive Officer Laura Kopp said. "Weve expanded our relationship with Genesis (Health System) to provide services along with NAMI and Home Helpers, so we have a lot to offer for one of the fastest-growing demographics. Kopp called the decision not to fund seniors in Iowa disheartening, especially given the pace of the population's growth attributable to the Baby Boom. Regarding the United Ways push to support more youth-based services, Kopp noted that their needs for food stability, housing and security are not much different from the needs of seniors. In comparing United Ways funding to community agencies from year to year, Kopp said the agencies received 32 percent less now that schools are receiving more funding. In this years allocation, agencies received 37 percent of the $8.3 million in funds raised, she said. Strategy beneficial to schools While some of the agencies were disappointed in United Way's funding approach, Crane noted that the United Way's decision to fund initiatives involving schools and early childhood development were not new. The first came in July 2001 when United Way launched its Success by 6 initiative. Ten years ago, it also launched Birth by Work, which raised money to get children ready for school and get them on the path to employment. With the change in funding strategy and the launch of a new application, Crane said it also gave them access to apply for programs for which state or federal dollars could not be used. Among the Davenport Community School District, East Moline School District, Rock Island-Milan School District and United Township High School District, the United Way awarded more than $450,000. The Davenport Community School District received the most funding out of all the high schools and will fund initiatives to improve attendance, creating a reading academy and a diversion program for first-time juvenile offenders. Each one of their proposals fit within the goal and strategies identified by its board, the agencies and donors, Crane said. Dr. Art Tate, superintendent of Davenport Community School District, said that the United Way funding allowed Washington Elementary to continue a successful literacy program that would have ended without the additional money. The Reading Academy serves first graders and $30,000 given to the Davenport school district is listed under the United Way strategy: Students perform at grade level and stay in school. The United Way grant will keep the program funded and running for three more years, Tate said. This is very specialized reading training, Tate said. We brought over our most qualified and successful reading teacher we had. We didnt give her a curriculum. We had seen her success and told her that whatever she was doing that was so highly successful last year to keep doing it." In light of reading success they are seeing on state-prescribed assessment tests, the district is trying to figure out how to replicate the program across all its elementary schools. For life-long success, we say you have to get students reading proficient by third grade, Tate said. First grade is where you start to build that foundation. The United Way of the Quad Cities Area also gave Davenport school district $71,667 to align with its strategy to provide support services for students at risk of not completing high school." The money funds the school's suspension diversion program. Our suspension rates are too high, Tate said. With the money, we hired diversion coaches and their job is to intercept students before they commit a crime or, if (students) are suspended, coaches figure out ways to keep them current on their subjects, as well as working with them socially. Other donors filling the gaps In place of the lost funding, CASI has sought more small-grant funding from the likes of the Day Foundation, the Moline Foundation, and it was one of 10 nonprofits selected by the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend to participate in a $10,000 challenge grant in late September. In three weeks, the community stepped up to meet that $10,000 goal, including Behren's donation, Kopp said. With grants funded on a one-year basis compared to the three-year grants from United Way, funding will continue to be an ongoing issue. And, with limited funding in the community, the defunded agencies are likely competing with each other for the same grant dollars to keep from cutting staff and services. There are a finite number of grantors, and competition is going to be significantly higher, Kopp said. (Scott County Regional Authority), Rotarys and traditional granting like to award grants for (tangible) things. We don't have too many organizations willing to cover operation and staffing, and United Way was one of the few partners that did that. The Iowa Growth PAC, a political action committee of the Quad-Cities Chamber of Commerce, announced its preferred candidates for seats on the Davenport and Bettendorf city councils. Candidates receiving endorsements are: Incumbent Kyle Gripp and J.J. Condon for the two at-large seats on the Council. Incumbent Maria Dickmann for 2nd Ward Alderman. Incumbent Marion Meginnis for 3rd Ward Alderman. Sean Liddell for 6th Ward Alderman PAC Chairman Tom Schuetz of Bettendorf recommended a mix of veterans and newcomers described as most in line with the Chambers thinking on economic and community development. PAC members conducted individual interviews with candidates in contested races and also relied on responses to a Chamber online survey to make their determinations. The PAC did not endorse a candidate in the 4th Ward seat currently held by Alderman Ray Ambrose. In Bettendorfs only contested race, the PAC did not pick a favorite but instead said either candidate would be a strong at-large representative. PAC members are appointed by the chamber board but otherwise operate and make decisions, including endorsements, independently. Members of the Iowa Growth PAC are Tom Schuetz, Bettendorf; Dan Portes, Davenport; Betsy Brandsgard, Davenport; Ken Croken, Davenport; Brock Earnhardt, Davenport; Pat Eikenberry, Bettendorf; David Gellerman, Bettendorf; Kelli Grubbs, Davenport; Loxi Hopkins, Davenport; Kent Pilcher, Bettendorf; John Roche, Davenport; and Aaron Tennant, Bettendorf. The Iowa Growth PAC is one of two political action committees announced by the Quad-Cities Chamber of Commerce in 2012. The Iowa PAC and its Illinois counterpart focus on supporting candidates for local and state office. Neither PAC is organized to participate in federal races. Crime, infrastructure and economic development dominated the conversation Thursday as candidates in the contest races for the Davenport City Council openly debated the most pressing city issues in a candidate forum at St. Ambrose University. With the general election less than three weeks away, this was the first candidate forum where all of the candidates for the at-large positions as well as the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th Wards participated. Among the most concerning issues for constituents was the uptick in juvenile crime, and candidates were given the opportunity to lay out their visions for helping youth get back on the right track. Besides working behind the scenes to encourage the recent hiring of two school resource officers and two community-policing officers, Alderman Kyle Gripp, at large, told the audience about the other initiatives he's working on with current command staff. "I have been working closely with our chief of police on something called juvenile support services," Gripp said. "It's a program that's worked in other communities. Right now, the Chief (Paul Sikorski) and Major (Jeff) Bladel have been looking at these across the country (and) seeing what's worked." At-large candidate Toby Paone said more support was needed for families and social services, especially for children who live in poverty and struggling neighborhoods, as well as job placement. "We need to get them focused on a future and help them with entry level jobs so they can get off the streets," Paone said. As for economic development, the topic turned to the impending arrival of a Costco Wholesale location on 53rd Street. While the city council approved the rezoning of the property, many residents were left with unanswered questions and concerns. "These folks had some real legitimate concerns about Costco," 6th Ward candidate Rich Clewell said. "Everyone loves Costco. The people that live in this area deserve the dignity to have adequate conversation about the effect that it's going to have on them with the investment they've put in their homes." Fellow 6th Ward candidate Sean Liddell said that in walking the neighborhood, he considered those concerns valid and that Davenport needed to take a more controlled approach to development. "Going forward, we need to walk that tightrope," Liddell said. "Development is good, but we need to respect the neighborhoods and investments people have made in their homes. Ward meetings are a good place to start, but we also need to be proactive in our traffic planning and understand future development is going to happen up north." Davenport's 2nd Ward has also seen an increase in business opportunities and its candidates echoed the need to push for greater economic development opportunities toward the west. "We put in the westside diversion tunnel to house more businesses in the west end," 2nd Ward candidate Mike Prunchak said. "We need to start utilizing it and I'd like to see more businesses come to the west end." Alderman Maria Dickmann, 2nd Ward, expressed her excitement in the increase in business activity, which she said she had been working on with city staff to not only attract large businesses, but the "little shops people want to walk to." "I'm really excited some of the seeds we planted over the last couple of years are really starting to grow, and we've seen new businesses coming in," Dickmann said. While Davenport is investing more money than ever in streets and infrastructure improvements, it produced a variety of answers from candidate whether the city should increase of decrease investment. "I think the city should look into other options that don't need to be repaired quite as often and then invest more wisely," 3rd Ward candidate Wil Patton said. Fourth Ward candidate Susan Weir suggested the city allocate more of those funds toward the central city and maintaining its current infrastructure. "The city needs to take care of what it already owns rather than moving out and building more road and ignoring and neglecting the central city, " Weir said. Marion Meginnis, 3rd Ward incumbent, said the city needed to be more careful with its development and redevelop the existing infrastructure in the urban core. "I don't know if we could ever invest enough money in roads," Meginnis said. "People are very concerned about their roads and their alleys, and I hear that more than anything else. I hear 'I'm happy to live here and pay my taxes, but my road needs fixing." When asked what Davenport projects were greatly needed in each ward, the candidates responses also greatly differed. At-large candidate J.J. Condon said Davenport was missing an opportunity to support schools and address vacant lots through neighborhood revitalization. "We have an opportunity to do that through neighborhood revitalization," Condon said. "Neighborhood revitalization will directly put students back in those desks, fight crime and raise property values." Meanwhile, at-large candidate Andrew Arnold said the city needed to work more toward small business creation and growth. "We actually have a good economic base that is bringing good jobs to the area that are created here and grown here," Arnold said. "This will help out in many different areas: population retention and crime. If you're working a decent job and living in a really good neighborhood where the roads and infrastructure is strong, you're not going to have too many problems, for the most part." As he consistently said in the past, Alderman Ray Ambrose said the biggest issue in his ward as well as the city was the need to fight crime and push legislators and the court system to stop letting out habitual criminals. "The people want to live in safe neighborhoods and they want to know when they go to school that it's a safe neighborhood, so fighting crime, getting the courts on board as well as our state legislators," Ambrose said. Voters go to the polls Nov. 7. MUSCATINE With the Muscatine city election less than a few weeks away, lawyers for Mayor Diana Broderson are asking a final ruling on her removal from office be made as soon as possible. After a nearly three-month wait to receive the transcripts of closed session meetings that a judge ordered be used as evidence in the case, district court proceedings appear to be reaching a close. Last month, Muscatine County District Court Judge Mark Cleve said Friday was the final day for both parties to file briefs in the case, then a final ruling would be issued. Lawyers for the city council and mayor, however, have been fighting the timeline for court proceedings, and as of Thursday afternoon, had yet to file final briefs. Broderson has claimed tensions arose between herself, the city council and City Administrator Gregg Mandsager almost immediately after she took office in January 2016. Within her first months in office, the council argued the mayor began making "baseless or false accusations" against the city. In the written charges of removal, the city attorney claimed Broderson accused the council of violating the law by unethically signing a health inspection report and discriminating against her because of her gender, among other complaints. Broderson claimed she was passing along citizens' complaints and addressing public concerns. The mayor also attempted to form multiple committees, as well as held coffee meetings with the public, that the council said required their approval. Council members also found issue with the mayor's appointments for boards and commissions, failing to bring several appointments to a vote, and eventually removing her appointment powers. After a series of "accusations" or "violation(s) of city code," the council voted unanimously to remove Broderson from office in May. In order to remove the mayor from office under Iowa law, the council would have to prove she willfully refused to perform her duties of office, willfully performed misconduct in office, performed corruption or extortion, was convicted of a felony, was intoxicated or violated campaign disclosure law. The city hired retired judge John Nahra to act as prosecutor, and held 20-hours worth of removal hearings at City Hall, before the removal vote. Broderson has argued the city council was involved in every step of the removal process, including charging her with violating code and prosecuting the case, then acting as "judge and jury" during the hearings and vote. About one month after Broderson's ousting, a district court judge reinstated her in office, claiming "inherent conflicts of interest" throughout the council's removal of the mayor, and said to ensure a fair trial, "no man is permitted to try cases where he has an interest in the outcome." For the past three months, the main argument in the mayor's appeal in court has been over closed session meetings, held by the council to discuss litigation. The judge ruled the city must provide Broderson with transcripts of seven tapes; the city produced five for the judge, then appealed the decision to the Iowa Supreme Court. Last month, the state Supreme Court denied the city's appeal, and the council finally provided the mayor's lawyers with the tapes. With the case set to move forward in district court, the judge now awaits final briefs from both parties. Lawyers for Broderson, in court documents, said they plan to file a brief "direct(ing) attention to those matters raised in the closed session tapes." Laywers for the council have requested an additional five days to respond to the brief. The judge has yet to set a new timeline for the court filings, but once the record is officially closed, he will issue a ruling determining whether the council's removal of the mayor was constitutional. The council hopes to defend their argument that Broderson "willfully" violated the city code, while the mayor hopes the judge will agree the removal was a violation of her right to due process. A roundup of state government and Capitol news items of interest for Friday: DHS DATA BREACH: Officials with the Iowa Department of Human Services say the state agency was the target of a phishing email campaign last August that resulted in nine DHS employees providing their passwords which gave the hackers access to their email accounts. The hackers were able to mask their identities and send very carefully designed phishing emails to employees to appear like they were sent from another trusted DHS employee, according to the department. The campaign was discovered the same day the phishing email was sent, and DHS employees changed their passwords to block access to their email accounts and to minimize the potential for confidential information to be exposed, the department said in a news release, however the hackers potentially accessed Protected Health Information for 820 individuals during the timeframe before passwords were changed. At this time, DHS officials say the agency does not have any evidence to indicate the hackers actually accessed any of the exposed emails. All individuals potentially affected are being notified by mail. Although the chance that these individuals personal information will be misused is small, DHS officials say they will provide up to a year of credit monitoring through TransUnion Interactive at no charge to all those affected. PRISON REMAIN ON LOCKDOWN: Officials at the Iowa State Penitentiary on Friday said the Fort Madison prison continues in lockdown/restricted movement status with no plans to alter the status at this time. The staff member from Wednesdays assault has been released from University Hospitals and is at home recovering, according to a prison spokeswoman. The investigation into the matter continues, prison officials said, and so far there are no indications that the incident that occurred on Saturday is related to Wednesdays assault. However, both offenders have ties to groups affiliated with White Supremacy. A prison news release said institution officials are conducting thorough searches of all areas of the facility as well as plans are being drafted for modifications to Housing Unit One where Wednesdays assault occurred. Staffing plans are also being evaluated. Also, visits to the penitentiary continue to be suspended and the offenders are unable to access the phone system at this time, prison officials said Friday. COURT COMING TO CEDAR FALLS: Officials with the Iowa Supreme Court announced Friday the justices will travel to Cedar Falls on Thursday, Nov. 2, to hear oral arguments in case brought to them on appeal. The proceedings are part of an effort by the Judicial Branch to better help the public understand the court process by having the justices convene in venues outside of Des Moines. Attorneys will make oral arguments before the high court at 7 p.m. in the Cedar Falls High School auditorium in the case of the State of Iowa vs. Jason Gene Weitzel, which originated in Floyd County District Court and was reviewed by the Iowa Court of Appeals. The defendant appealed the district court's judgment and sentence based on his guilty plea to charges of domestic abuse assault, possession of methamphetamine, carrying weapons, and operating while intoxicated. The Iowa Court of Appeals vacated the convictions finding that the district court did not adequately advise defendant of 35 percent criminal surcharge penalties applicable to each offense. The Iowa Supreme Court has granted the state's request for further review of the court of appeals decision. A public reception with the Supreme Court justices will follow the oral arguments. NEW WWII PACIFIC THEATER EXHIBIT: Officials with the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, 7105 NW 70th Ave., Camp Dodge in Johnston will host a public ribbon-cutting ceremony dedicating its new World War II Pacific Theater exhibit on Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. Visitors to the exhibit will encounter sights, sounds, and artifacts interpreting the service of Iowans in the Pacific Theater. The American Volunteer Group Flying Tiger display contains artifacts, photographs, newsreel footage, and documents telling the story of Iowa pilots and ground crewmembers serving in China prior to the U.S. entry into World War II. Suspended overhead is a full-scale replica of a Curtiss P-40B Warhawk painted in the markings of an aircraft flown by AVG Flight Leader Bill Reed of Marion, Iowa, one of Iowas most decorated WWII pilots, who was killed in action on December 19, 1944 near Hankow, China. A three-dimensional, full-scale diorama with 40-foot mural depicts the participation of Iowa Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines in the Pacific invasion campaign, with invasion troops departing landing craft onto the beach. The exhibit also contains numerous U.S. and Japanese weapons, accoutrements, and artifacts acquired by Iowa veterans during the World War II Pacific campaign. More than 262,000 Iowans served in the U.S. armed forces during WWII, including 8,398 Iowans who died during the war from battle wounds, injuries, and illness. This exhibit was made possible by donations from Bill Knapp and Henry Tippie, both Iowa natives and WWII veterans, and the family of Lt. Col. William N. Reed, who provided their extensive collection of American Volunteer Group artifacts. Times Bureau DES MOINES -- Lori Peter shares her devastating experience with opioid addiction often, and all over Iowa. Everywhere she goes, she brings her son. Kelly John Peter is forever 24 years old and cannot tell his own tale of heroin addiction because two years ago that addiction claimed his life. This is my son, Lori said, holding up the urn and fighting back tears while speaking this past week at a hearing on opioid addiction, hosted by state lawmakers at the Iowa Capitol, because of the opioid epidemic. Kelly John Peter became addicted to heroin after first abusing opioid painkillers that he took from his parents medicine cabinet, Lori said. The number of opioid deaths in Iowa is not as dire as other states. Iowa ranks near the bottom of the country in the rate of opioid deaths per capita, far below the worst-hit state, West Virginia, which experienced more than 800 opioid-related deaths in 2016, according to the states Health Statistics Center. In Iowa, there were 180 opioid-related deaths in 2016, according to the state public health department. That number is more than triple the number of Iowas opioid-related deaths in 2005. We do have an epidemic in this state, said David Heaton, a state lawmaker from Mount Pleasant. Heaton led the two-day hearing on opioid addiction and co-chairs the Iowa Legislatures health care budget committee. Heaton pledged that the committee will produce some form of legislation for the 2018 session, which starts in January. He said unlike previous attempts, he hopes lawmakers are successful in passing some measures that will help address opioid addiction in the state. More than half of U.S. states require prescribers to consult the states Prescription Monitoring Program, or PMP; Iowa does not. The PMP can help prescribers catch individuals who attempt to obtain opioid painkillers from multiple sources. At least 17 states have established limits on the length of opioid prescriptions, according to the Washington Post; Iowa has no limit. Limiting the length of opioid prescriptions can drive down the number of prescriptions. There are needle exchange programs in 33 states; Iowa does not have a program. Advocates say needle sharing programs prevent the spread of infectious disease and create an avenue for people with addiction to seek treatment. Forty states have a so-called Good Samaritan law, which provides immunity for an individual who contacts the authorities or emergency personnel to notify them of another individual who has overdosed; Iowa does not. I think we really fumbled the ball this last session, said Chuck Isenhart, a state lawmaker from Dubuque who sat on the legislative panel during the two-day hearing. Im pretty confident there are people in Iowa who are dead because we fumbled the ball. Of the myriad lawmaking options discussed over the two days, the PMP was most prevalent. According to state officials, less than half of Iowa prescribers are registered to use the states program. Just 4 percent of dentists use the program. In additional to a general pushback against mandates, some prescribers have complained Iowas program is too cumbersome. The state is in the process of upgrading the system. We are operating with an Atari when there is a PlayStation 4 available, said Andrew Funk, executive director of the state pharmacy board. The many speakers who advocated for mandating use of the PMP say it can save lives by preventing individuals from accumulating high volumes of opioid painkillers. This is a tool that they can use for more information about the patient. So we would certainly support any way that makes it easy to register and easy to access the PMP, said Mark Bowden, executive director of the Iowa Board of Medicine. Lori Peter, who lost her son to opioid addiction, said she also worked in health care for 22 years doing prior authorizations for a Dubuque medical clinic. She implored lawmakers to make PMP use mandatory. If my physician finds checking PMP cumbersome and difficult, I sure as hell dont want him as my doctor, Peter said. Thats very basic. Lee Leighter, with the state public safety department, praised the states PMP and also encouraged lawmakers to mandate its use. Leighter also said law enforcement should be able to access the program. Twenty-nine states have no restrictions on law enforcement access to the states PMP, or allow for access during active investigations, according to Temple Universitys Policy Surveillance Program. Iowa is among 15 states with the most restrictive access: law enforcement must obtain a warrant to access the states PMP. Opponents of expanding law enforcement access to PMPs cite privacy concerns. I think, practically, it would save some lives, Leighter said. The taxpayers of Iowa have been paying me for 24 years. If you can trust me with criminal histories, but not the PMP, then there is a problem. Legislators have in the past introduced a bill mandating PMP use, but it did not garner sufficient support. Neither did a bill introduced last year by Isenhart that would create immunity for individuals who call authorities to report an overdose. Multiple speakers at the hearing advocated for lawmakers to try again so Iowa can join the 40 states with Good Samaritan laws for opioid overdose reporters. Among the testimonies also were some calling for caution. Some speakers warned against lawmakers over-correcting and causing unintended consequences with new laws. This is a big deal and I dont want to minimize that, said Dr. Bret Ripley of Des Moines University. But I also want to remind you that the vast majority of doctors, your doctors, are people of good will who are trying to help you. A similar caveat was issued by Thomas Greene, a state senator from Burlington and a pharmacist. Ive been a patient advocate for 45 years and I will continue to be, said Greene, who was part of the legislative panel. We have got to address abuse and misuse issues. ... But we cannot take a position that all opioid use is wrong. I mean there are people who need it, who have chronic pain issues. Heaton was adamant lawmakers will proceed carefully and thoughtfully, but that they will craft legislation that he said must pass. We will put a bill together and this time we will not be turned back, Heaton said forcefully. Theres so many things to look at, but Ill be damned if Im going to back off this time. Lori Peter said the cost of inaction is high. She implored lawmakers to act when they convene in January. Please, in the name of my son and all the other people that have died and are suffering, please make changes, Peter said. All it can do is save lives. Iowa's top-ranking Republicans may have made the mother of all Faustian bargains this past year when they jumped on Donald Trump's bandwagon. And, as proven in the past three weeks, they know it. But there's a bright side to the president's recent swipes at Iowa's most sacred of cows. Slowly and quietly, Iowa's most influential Republicans aren't rolling over for the president anymore. The past week saw an all-hands push to scuttle Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt's call to reduce the amount of corn ethanol in the country's gas tanks. No state has benefited more from the Renewable Fuel Standard than Iowa. U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, and Gov. Kim Reynolds were especially loud about their displeasure. No one should be surprised about Pruitt's maneuver. The man spent his career in the oil industry. But the political peril that reductions to RFS pose to Iowa GOP's brand cannot be overstated. Any deal with the Devil is perilous. Trump promised to protect RFS while campaigning in Iowa. Anything else would be political suicide in a state that's built an entire economy around biofuels. But he preceded to stock his cabinet almost exclusively with oil industry executives, a slew of generals and the executive team from Goldman Sachs. Thing is, Trump's word isn't worth much. The man wants applause. He has just two real goals: Elevating himself and scrubbing his predecessor from the history books. That pesky policy bit bores him, evidenced by the fact that, in a matter of hours, he came out for, and then against, a bipartisan Senate deal to prop up the very Affordable Care Act that Trump himself threw into chaos by executive order. His opinion on any given issue depends entirely on whom last had his ear. As such, Trump may be waffling on Pruitt's RFS rollback after Iowa's full-court press, according to Bloomberg News. In the past few weeks, Trump and his administration have repeatedly targeted Iowa. Pruitt proposed drastic reductions in ethanol. He argued against tax credits for wind energy, another cash cow for Iowa's economy, hated by the vaunted coal industry. Trump reportedly personally intervened against Iowa's proposal to stabilize its health insurance marketplace. Iowa went for Trump in November. Its Republican officials stumped for him. Ernst championed him at the Republican National Convention. To this day, Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann lambastes anyone Republican, Democrat or Martian who criticizes the president. But, slowly, the very criticism Kaufmann detests is beginning to bubble among Iowa GOP's most powerful elected officials. Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, vowed to hold up Trump's nominees for key EPA posts if Pruitt continues to move toward gutting RFS. On Thursday, Grassley co-authored a letter to the Trump administration lampooning its proposed withdrawal from agricultural regulations designed to keep small farms competitive with factory farms. This week, Reynolds lobbied Trump by phone and is scheduled to next week fly to Washington for a sit-down with Vice President Mike Pence to talk health insurance and ethanol. Such gripes aren't on par with the likes of Sens. Bob Corker or John McCain. Corker, a Tennessee Republican, this month labeled the president a threat to peace and stability. No, Iowa Republicans, still clinging to a hope that the president suddenly reinvents himself, are taking a less feverish approach. It's a form of criticism that's strongly worded but grounded in the specifics of policy, not an area the president has shown much interest. It's a form of critique that's unlikely to raise the president's ire and fuel an early morning Twitter rant. Again, these are officials who carried Trump in Iowa. And, quite literally, they're having to beat back his anti-Iowa agenda just to save face. Mainline Republicans in Iowa ignored their instincts and backed Trump this past year. They focused on isolated issues especially judicial nominations instead of Trump's temperament, character and basic lack of curiosity. They promised that the gravity of the presidency would change him. It hasn't. So, they're stuck fighting weekly battles against pro-oil and pro-coal policies that would be catastrophic for Iowa. Last month, we had demonstrations about the Confederate flag and statues by thugs and hooligans whose sole purpose was to stir up hatred and divide our country. It's time for Americans to realize the ugliness and falsehoods coming from these hate groups. The first slaves arrived in the U.S. in 1619 and the importation of slaves in the U.S. ended in 1807, and that's over 50 years before over 600,000 men died in the Civil War. More American men died there then in both world wars and Korea and Vietnam combined. The Confederacy was outnumbered and adopted a battle flag with the following meaning: Through the blood of Christ, with the protection of God, we the 13 states are United in our Christian fight for liberty." Today, many radicals from the left are portraying the flag and statues as a symbol of hate and racism. What the media fails to inform Americans is that in 1958, Congress gave Confederate veterans the same legal status as U.S. veterans and all Confederate graves were declared those of U.S. war dead. Those desecrating Confederate monuments are defiling United States veterans, same as World War I, World War II, Korean, Vietnam, and Middle East war vets. With a year before our next mid-term election, these demonstrations will probably increase in numbers and violence if Democratic mayors and judges continue to tie the hands of our police. Don Erbst Sr. Davenport The Shenzhen Stock Exchange plans to become a leading capital formation center under the Belt and Road Initiative by offering diversified financial products and the necessary capital market infrastructure, said a top bourse official. The capital formation center is for helping innovative companies find venture capital funds and go public at the bourse at mature development stage. Wang Jianjun, president of Shenzhen Stock Exchange. [Photo provided to China Daily] "The bourse has initiated the 'Cross-border Capital Service Platform' to support capital formation by matching projects from the Belt and Road regions with potential investors in China," said Wang Jianjun, president and CEO of Shenzhen Stock Exchange in an interview with China Daily. The exchange's Tech 2.0 Platform has been helping China's innovative companies locate potential financing partners for three years and the same has now been extended to the Belt and Road regions. Taking advantage of internet and online video technology, the platform hosts live road shows online to bring projects from Belt and Road areas to Chinese investors. "The platform has showcased 23 projects from India, Cambodia, Laos and Pakistan. Projects from the UK, Canada, Myanmar, Vietnam and Malaysia are in the pipeline for Chinese investors." said Wang. Besides Belt and Road projects, the platform also offers connectivity to similar platforms in Europe and North America. "In order to facilitate listed companies' participation in diverse projects in the Belt and Road area, we are diversifying the financial products and tools to help financial development activities," Wang noted. "In the future, we will attract governments and enterprises in the B&R area, as well as Chinese companies who have already established business there, to issue Panda bonds in our exchange", he explained. Currently, major Belt and Road projects rely on government funding and commercial bank loans. Given the limitation of such financing methods, he says the exchange market can offer a more sustainable means of financing in the long term. Moreover, technology is another key aspect the exchange focuses on. According to Wang, Shenzhen Stock Exchange's proprietary trading system is among the best in the world and the bourse also can offer technical support to other exchanges in the Belt and Road area. Its system is capable of continually processing 300,000 orders each second and the average order processing time delay is about 1.1 milliseconds. Its capacity is up to about 300 million accounts and 50,000 stocks. It is ready to lead the technology committee of the Pakistan Stock Exchange and participate in its technological development. "We are currently in discussions with another foreign exchange for cooperation and several others have shown interest," Wang said. Among all overseas collaboration, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, which was launched last December and allows investors to trade in each other's market, is no doubt a milestone. As of Oct 19, 2017, net inflow from Hong Kong to the Shenzhen market through the scheme reached 138.6 billion yuan ($2.1 billion)almost double that of the other direction, which is 71 billion yuan. "Shenzhen-listed innovative companies have become a unique asset category and are highly recognized by foreign investors who are eager to share the results of China's economic transformation by investing in Shenzhen-listed companies," Wang said. Shenzhen Stock Exchange has been taking regular road shows to major international financial centers, including North America, Europe, Japan, Singapore and Australia, to brief international clients about the exchange's services and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect program. A welfare check Thursday ended with the apparent suicide of a local business owner. Adrian Jensen, owner of Jensen Repair on Morehead Street, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his business after police arrived to check on him, according to a press release from Dawes County Attorney Vance Haug. Police logs indicate that officers were asked by a concerned citizen to conduct a welfare check at the business, located at 227 Morehead St., at 12:44 a.m. Thursday. Haug said a preliminary investigation shows that when officers arrived on scene for the welfare check, a male subject exited the business briefly before returning inside. Shortly thereafter, officers heard what they believed to be a gunshot. Upon entering the building, they discovered Jensen, 37, dead from the apparent self-inflicted wound. The Nebraska State Patrol was called in to assist in the death investigation since Jensen died while being apprehended for the purposes of a welfare check and possible mental health evaluation. A grand jury, required by law anytime an individual dies while being apprehended or in custody, will be convened. Haug has also ordered an autopsy and toxicological screening. JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) | The Defense Department will implement the new Blended Retirement System next year. While no one needs to make a decision until Jan. 1, 2018, all Airmen should take advantage of training and informational resources to research their options during the remainder of 2017. Airmen eligible for the new Blended Retirement System began receiving email notifications in February from myPers to ensure they receive correct information regarding their benefits to make the decision best suited for their individual needs. The Opt-In course is designed to provide sufficient information for eligible Airmen to make an educated decision about their retirement system. However, Airmen are highly encouraged to discuss their personal situations with a personal financial counselor at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. The Blended Retirement System Opt-in training is available on Advanced Distributed Learning Service under the "Selected Force Training" drop down menu. Only those active Airmen who, as of Dec. 31, 2017, have served fewer than 12 years, or reserve Airmen who have accrued fewer than 4,320 retirement points, will have the option of electing BRS or remaining in the legacy retirement system. These Airmen will be required to take the Opt-In training and should provide a copy of the training certificate to their Unit Training Manager upon completion. The Air Force recommends BRS training for all Airmen and encourages them to take the Opt-In course. Many leaders may not be eligible to opt-in to BRS themselves, but still need to be knowledgeable about the new system to understand what their junior Airmen should know as they prepare to make their decisions in 2018. The leader training course is also available to those without a Common Access Card to include family members via an alternate website. BRS information is continuously updated on myPers. Click "Retirement" from any military landing page. In addition, a live chat feature on BRS is available for Airmen. To chat live with a Total Force Service Center representative, go to the page and allow about 30 to 60 seconds to enable a representative to come online. For more information about Air Force personnel programs, go to myPers. Individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one by following the instructions on the Air Forces Personnel Center website. Expect to see body-worn cameras on local law enforcement officers starting in January. On Thursday, the Rapid City Police Department and Pennington County Sheriffs Office announced they were awarded a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to implement a body-worn camera program across both agencies. The grant, which the PCSO and RCPD applied for in February, must be matched in-kind, meaning the RCPD and PCSO will both make a $150,000 contribution, bringing the initial funding to $600,000. In January, a three-month pilot project will bring body cameras to 15 RCPD officers and 15 PCSO deputies. For that 90-day period, cameras by three different manufacturers will be tested and at its conclusion, one company will be chosen to enter into an agreement with the agencies. The program is expected to be fully implemented across both agencies in June. The names of the manufacturers were not disclosed as they are part of a confidentiality agreement, RCPD spokesman Brendyn Medina said. The grant and matching contributions will help cover the initial purchase of cameras for all officers and deputies working in a patrol function, as well as the ongoing cost of digital evidence storage for two years. The cost of storage, which will be cloud-based, is the most expensive aspect of the program, said RCPD Records and Technology Manager Jennie Clabo in a Journal interview. In addition, one new full-time employee will be added to help the transfer of video evidence collected by the program and assist with the digital evidence when it is used in court proceedings. The RCPD has been thoroughly researching body-worn cameras for the last five years, said Lt. Mark Eisenbraun of the RCPDs Criminal Investigations Division in a news release. The evolution of this technology has hit a point in which we feel confident in implementing it into the daily work of our officers. Once we do so, it will potentially be the largest program of its kind in the state of South Dakota. The Sioux Falls Police Department is currently in an ongoing pilot program but has yet to implement body cameras across the agency. Eisenbraun said the department is currently working on developing a policy for when and how to use the cameras and video footage, looking at the best practices of other departments across the country for guidance. Were, essentially, not reinventing the wheel, and were just going to learn from their mistakes, he said. The big take away we both got from that is the planning is just very, very important in this. Though preliminary, Eisenbraun said the idea would be to store innocuous footage like a traffic stop with no incidences for about 60 days and a major event like a homicide or incident involving an officer discharging his weapon forever. Policies for keeping the large swath of footage in the middle of those extremes have yet to be determined. Dont expect much, if anything, to be released to the public, though. While footage could be released to the parties involved a civil case, Clabo said that may be the extent of it. Overall, most of them (video footage) will just be evidentiary purposes, she said. In February, when the RCPD and PCSO originally asked the Rapid City Council for support in applying for the grant, Medina made clear releasing the video was unlikely. As far as the public demanding access to this video, I dont think this is going to be any different than with our in-car dash cams, he said in an interview then. Images from dashboard cameras are almost never released to the public or news media; the videos are a public record in some other states. Current South Dakota Codified Law 1-27-1.5 states certain records not open to inspection and copying include records developed or received by law enforcement agencies if the records constitute a part of the examination, investigation, intelligence information, citizen complaints or inquiries, informant identification, or strategic or tactical information used in law enforcement training. Records may also be withheld if their release could endanger the life or safety of any person. There are currently no state laws regarding a general policy of use for body-worn cameras in law enforcement, nor any laws dealing with the length of time law enforcement must store the videos. A Robbinsdale Elementary student was injured this morning after she was hit by an SUV on Indiana Street in front of the school. The girl was taken to a hospital and is expected to be released later today, according to an email from Rapid City Area Schools. The accident occurred around 7:45 a.m. The girl, who had just been dropped off by her father, wasn't at a crosswalk when she attempted to cross Indiana Street, school district spokeswoman Katy Urban said. A Chevy Tahoe traveling eastbound on Indiana Street struck the girl as the driver tried to pass a van that was parked on the side of the road, Rapid City Police spokesman Brendyn Medina said. The girl's father, who was still in the area, saw the accident happen and scooped up his daughter and drove her to the hospital. The girl's name was not released, but Urban said she was 6 or 7 years old. The driver of the SUV wasn't cited. "There was no excessive speed," Medina said. "The driver wasn't at fault." "This accident, while serious, could have been much worse," the email from Rapid City Area Schools read. "Parents, please make sure your students use a designated crosswalk every time they cross the street. And please watch your speeds through school zones and remember to stop at crosswalks." Medina said parents should escort their children across a street if a crosswalk isn't available. PIERRE | The Yankton County government shouldnt be financially punished for improperly spending 911 funds in 2012, state governments 911 Coordination Board decided Thursday. County commission chairman Don Kettering and county auditor Patty Hojem spoke by telephone with the state board members. The amount was $141,139, according to Hojem and Shawnie Rechtenbaugh, deputy secretary for the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. Rechtenbaugh is state coordinator for 911 telephone emergency services. State board members agreed on a motion that Rechtenbaugh should tell officials at the state Department of Legislative Audit the issue has been satisfactorily resolved. All members of the Yankton County Commission are now different than those who held office in 2012, Hojem told the state board. Hojem said the funds arent in the county budget. That is a sum of money for our county, she said. Kettering said, We need to settle it. Rechtenbaughs recommendation to the state board was to forgive the matter. There havent been any further instances of misuse since 2012, Rechtenbaugh said. The state board also authorized creation of the position of NextGen 911 project manager. The board capped the starting salary at $60,000. Rechtenbaugh said DPS has an open slot that could be used, and Secretary Trevor Jones gave his approval. She said the state's Bureau of Human Resources would approve the job description and set the salary range. The person would work directly with the board but would be hired by the department and answer to her, Rechtenbaugh said. She guessed the pay would be somewhere around the fiftyish mark. The salary and benefits would be paid from the 911 surcharge funding managed by the board. State government charges $1.25 per month per line and a 2 percent fee on prepaid phone purchases. It is in the master plan, Ted Rufledt Jr. of Rapid City, the boards chairman, said about the new position. I felt early on it was going to be a two-person deal. South Dakota has been converting to a new generation of 911 telephone services. In Wyoming, wind is ubiquitous. Weve found ways to adapt. We lean into gusts as we walk, putting our hands on our hats out of habit. Were careful as we open car doors. Its a fact of life here. But one thing we havent done is figure out how to best harness wind to put it to work for our economy. And that could be a significant opportunity. There are questions that need to be answered, and they cant wait any longer. Wind represents a growing sector in the nations energy mix because residents and leaders of other states and countries have demonstrated they want it. They want to use renewables rather than coal. Regardless of how we in the Cowboy State might feel about it, thats reality. We also dont have the luxury of ignoring this market trend, as our state is contending with a shortfall of $100 million for general spending, plus an additional deficit of more than $700 million in the fund that pays for education. And as coal, oil and natural gas adjust to new economic realities, that problem is not expected to go away in coming years. Almost a decade ago, we had another opportunity to do this an earlier wind boom. The state established regulations and held important discussions over how to encourage the industry and protect wild places and animals. Since then, the energy landscape has transformed, and Wyoming is faced with yet another wind boom and its bigger than the one before. Back then, we were talking about 100-megawatt farms; now, some are 3,000 megawatts. Now is the time for Wyomingites to decide what role wind will play in our state. We have to identify places where turbines would be undesirable and decide how big farms should be. We have to decide whether the state should tax wind generation into the future. Now is also the time for the state to consider its identity and philosophy on wind: Should it continue to lament winds success in recent years when it could lead to a boon for our faltering economy? Is it responsible for the states leaders to encourage wishful thinking that coal will be around forever, when it most likely wont? Mostly, Wyomingites and their leaders need to think about whether the state should take advantage of this opportunity and if so, what that should look like or if it will miss out on a potential source of much-needed revenue from some of the most powerful economies in the nation and the world. These topics and more came up at a recent two-day wind energy gathering in Laramie, which wisely sought to kick-start the conversation. Wind CEOs mingled with county commissioners and biologists to talk about these questions. But the dialogue on this emerging issue must continue even though the conference is over. These projects are big, and so is the potential for developing the industry while maintaining the wild spaces we love but it wont happen unless we thoughtfully choose how we move forward. Wyoming must prepare to take its seat at the table on wind energy. Transneft files appeal in $1 bln dispute with Sberbank MOSCOW, October 20 (RAPSI) Russian pipeline operator Transneft has filed an appeal against reversal of a ruling saying that the companys derivative contract worth 66.5 billion rubles (about $1.1 billion) with the Russian largest bank Sberbank was illicit, RAPSI learnt in the Moscow District Commercial Court on Friday. On August 30, the Ninth Commercial Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Sberbank and vacated the decision of the Moscow Commercial Court of June 21. At that time, the Moscow Commercial Court annulled a derivatives deal the parties made yet in December 2013 and said Sberbank had to return to Transneft 66.5 billion rubles ($1.1 billion) rubles because the transaction was invalid. The court said that Sberbank failed to disclose all relevant information about the deal terms and the mechanism of its implementation to Transneft thus rendering the oil pipeline operator unable to evaluate the possible outcomes of the deal. The first-instance court ruled that the amount was an "excess profit" for Sberbank, which needed to be compensated. Russian Ombudsman Moskalkova meets with CoE Secretary General MOSCOW, October 20 (RAPSI) Russias High Commissioner for Human Rights Tatiana Moskalkova on Friday held a meeting with Secretary General of the Council of Europe (CoE) Thorbjrn Jagland, the Ombudsman wrote on her Instagram page. Moskalkova and Jagland discussed a wide range of human rights issues, the statement reads. Earlier, Russias High Commissioner for Human Rights sent a request to the United Nations (UN) for assistance in the organization of humanitarian corridor from Iraqs Mosul for Russian women and children. Currently, military operations against terrorists of the Islamic State organization banned in Russia are conducted there. The UN answer had not been received yet, and problems related to human rights protection in combat zones were expected to be discussed with Secretary General of the Council of Europe, the Ombudsman said. The institute of human rights ombudsman is a government body involved in protection and promotion of rights and freedoms, and competent legal assistance. Moskalkova was appointed as Russias human rights commissioner in April 2016. The Darby Community Public Library is hosting a Humanities Montana Conversations program called The Art of Meaningful Conversation: Lets Talk About Whats Important at 5 p.m. on Oct. 25. Wendy Campbell, director of the Darby Library, said the hour-long discussion will be engaging. Lowell Jaeger, Flathead Valley Community College professor and Montanas current Poet Laureate, facilitates community conversations that bring people of diverse perspectives together to talk about what is important to them, Campbell said. The format he uses allows for a pleasant and meaningful discussion that has proven thought-provoking for me long after the event ends. Jaeger is a national trainer of discussion facilitators for the Center for Civic Reflection, an organization that promotes civil civic discourse. He will lead what's expected to be a lively, thoughtful, and engaging conversation on Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance, which is available for reserve or checkout at the library. The conversation will honor a variety of opinions and help people share meaningful thoughts and insights. Hillbilly Elegy is a thought provoking, heartwarming examination of American culture, Jaeger said. Appalachia is a long way from Montana, but we can learn a lot about ourselves and our own culture from reading this acclaimed book. Campbell said she selected Hillbilly Elegy as a starting point for the community conversation because each Darby citizen is unique. Our viewpoints, like author J.D. Vances, are shaped by many factors including family, culture, location, and community, Campbell said. Each of us has a story and a history, which shapes what we bring to the conversation table. The public library, common ground for civic engagement and lifelong learning, is the most likely place for such a community conversation. The free presentation is open to the public at Darby Community Public Library, 101 So. Marshall St. in Darby. For more information, call 821-4771 or visit online darbylibrary.net. A University of Montana benefactor is re-evaluating future giving to the School of Journalism after the dean declined to host a conservative writer as its annual Cole lecturer. Donor Maria Cole was married to the late Wall Street Journal reporter for whom the Jeff Cole Legacy Fund is named, and has given more than $1.2 million over the last 15 years to the School of Journalism. The last nine years, Cole has sponsored the Jeff Cole Distinguished Lecture, inviting former colleagues of her husband to speak. She wanted the 10th anniversary to be different and decided to create an event that would spark civil discourse. Each year, Cole said she selects a lecturer, and the School of Journalism chooses a scholarship recipient. After vetting potential candidates for speaker, she invited and entered into a contract with Mike Adams, professor at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Adams won a First Amendment case in the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2011, and he's a columnist for Townhall.com, which aims to amplify conservative voices in political debates. Adams regularly mocks leftists in his writing and his views earlier sparked a petition for his termination at UNC. He has targeted LGBT people, Muslims and feminists, and he has described transgender people as mentally ill. For the first time in the tradition of the annual event, School of Journalism Dean Larry Abramson objected to the lecturer Cole selected, a reaction Cole said she never anticipated. She said Adams has twice been voted best professor at UNC and he's a longtime defender of free speech, a foundation of journalism. "I was so stunned," Cole said. "How can you say especially the dean of a journalism school how can you say you support free speech and deny this guy to come to campus?" Cole said she will continue to sponsor a scholarship but is reconsidering other contributions. Abramson said Adams may reserve space on campus if he chooses, but the School of Journalism will not sponsor his lecture. The dean defended the move as one that's best for students, and said Adams lacks the credentials to appear. "As the dean of the school, I do have the prerogative to make sure we are inviting people who are speaking to our concerns as a profession and who I can recommend to our students," Abramson said. He said the school has high standards for its distinguished speakers, and Adams isn't a journalist, nor is he talking about journalism issues. In one column about a new LGBTQIA Resource Center, Adams mocked the acronym as a veritable alphabet soup of liberal victim-hood. For the record, I had to ask her the meaning of A," Adams wrote, noting it stands for ally. "I thought it might stand for androgyny or, perhaps, something to do with the buttocks. We already have the feminists reclaiming the c-word in 'The Vagina Monologues.'" This week, the president of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni called the School of Journalism's decision "shameful," especially for a journalism school teaching principles ensconced in the First Amendment. The ACTA is a conservative watchdog and proponent of academic freedom that advocates on a variety of higher education issues. "A free press and free society know how to challenge and expose weak ideas," said Michael Poliakoff, head of the council. " ... Take (Adams) on. My guess is that every journalist would prize that opportunity." *** Cole said she will continue to sponsor a scholarship, which provides a student with at least $2,000 a year. She also will continue to host staff from the student newspaper, the Montana Kaimin, for an annual dinner at her home. But she is rethinking other funding. "I'm totally re-evaluating that," Cole said. Cole is looking for another venue to host Adams for the Feb. 13 lecture, possibly still one on campus. And she is reconsidering how to organize the Jeff Cole Distinguished Lecture in the future. "For the lecture, I think I'm going to do it differently after this year," Cole said. This time, she said she wanted to design a landmark event, and she decided to bring a person with a totally different viewpoint in order to stir civil discussion. "We're at such a point in our country where people are so polarized they are on opposite ends," Cole said. "People can't even engage in civil discourse anymore." So she contacted an agency that sent her dozens of bios of potential speakers, and she narrowed it down. She selected Adams because he has a different viewpoint and an interesting story defending free speech as a professor. "His story is very engaging, and a very good one, and it is about freedom of expression," Cole said. She was so thrilled about his upcoming appearance that she drove to Abramson's office to share the news with him in person. Cole said three minutes after she walked out of his office, the dean tracked her down and called her back to tell her he wasn't sure Adams was right for the lecture after reading about him online. "It was like an exploding cigar in my face," Cole said. Cole said she made her case. She raised the issue of UM's own "beautifully written" free speech and academic freedom policy. She also said she has a lot of faith in the students. "I think they're going to attend this thing and really engage with this guy and really think ... ," Cole said. "Are people going to squirm in their seats?'' Cole said. "I have squirmed in my seat about some of the things Mike has said. "But it's when you're uncomfortable and awkward and squirming when the greatest learning occurs." Her arguments did not fly with Abramson. In an email to her, he outlined more of his objections: "If you jump in at 3:30 on the link at the bottom, you can hear him talking about his opposition to tolerance of transgender accommodations. He appears to be siding with Christians in the 'culture war.' "In this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oX9ya3EW04 he talks about his efforts to make sure that abortion providers give time to Christian speakers, in the interest of freedom of speech. He also talks about the prevalence of 'cultural Marxism,' and exclusively speaks on right wing sites. In this one, https://townhall.com/columnists/mikeadams/2017/04/07/why-im-banning-illegal-aliens-from-my-classes-n2310029 he talks about why he will no longer allow 'illegal aliens' into his classes. "I think we can find a speaker who will talk about free speech issues, without running the risk of offending students. We can still have a conversation with him if you want, but he is pretty extreme in his views." So Cole said she opted to move on without the School of Journalism. "He (Abramson) dug his heels in and said it's not happening," Cole said. "I was stunned. But I said, it is happening because I have a legally binding contract. So I'm bringing Mike here and have to make this thing happen by myself." *** Abramson said he's a passionate believer in the right to free speech, and he's proud the First Amendment is engraved on the first floor of the School of Journalism's building. He's also thankful for the support Cole has given the UM School of Journalism over the years, and said she's offered more than financial support, welcoming recipients of the Cole scholarship into her family. "She is a great partner, and I think that she basically supports what the journalism school is behind," Abramson said. In this case, though, he said the issue isn't the speech, but it's the sponsorship by the School of Journalism. In the past, for example, he said UM has hosted the executive editor of the New York Times as a speaker. "Somebody else wants to invite this speaker to campus and to have him speak, I would have no problem with that. But I don't think that's how we should be spending our time," Abramson said. The email he sent to Cole was early in their conversation about the lecture, he said. He subsequently offered other ideas for speakers he believed would address the topic of free speech well, including Greg Lukianoff, president of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education and author of the books "Unlearning Liberty: Campus Censorship and the End of American Debate" and "Freedom From Speech." Abramson said he has concerns with statements Adams has made and, he said, appears to be proud of making that "are hostile to the LGBT community and to feminists and other groups." "We don't encourage name-calling at the School of Journalism, and I think a lot of the speech that I've seen online and in videos that feature Mr. Adams raise questions about that," Abramson said. The dean said he made the decision after discussing the matter with other people on campus including the provost. In an email, Provost Beverly Edmond said she visited with Abramson several weeks ago. "He expressed concern that the individual did not have the journalism background he felt was desirable," Edmond said. "At the time he and Ms. Cole were still discussing this selection. I support the deans position but did not advise him to take any specific position on this matter. This is not typically the role I would play in any event." *** Institutions of higher education have been butting heads with controversial speakers in recent years, and some campuses have rescinded invitations to provocative figures. Last year, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education counted 43 instances of rescinded invitations or attempts to curtail speakers at campuses compared to just six in 2000, according to the New York Times. In February, police at the University of California-Berkeley, canceled a speech by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos after violent protests erupted. Texas A&M changed its speakers policy after part-time Whitefish resident Richard Spencer spoke there in December about white supremacy, according to CNN. The university subsequently told Preston Wiginton, also linked to white supremacy, that he couldn't hold a rally on campus. Poliakoff, with the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, said instead of running away from possibly unpopular viewpoints, the UM School of Journalism should challenge Adams' ideas and embrace a spirited debate for the benefit of its students and for democracy. "It seems shameful for a school of journalism to run away from a controversial speaker," Poliakoff said. Poliakoff said shutting down controversial perspectives isn't only a disservice to students. He said it's becoming a threat to the republic, and one colleges and universities have been "aiding and abetting" since 2009 or 2010. "If this trend of shutting down unwelcomed opinions persists, all we'll have is an echo chamber of stale orthodoxy," Poliakoff said. He also said some other colleges have handled such conflicts differently, and he pointed to Columbia University as a place that is "an iconic example of what to do when there's a genuinely objectionable speaker." In 2007, Columbia invited Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to speak, a leader who has denied the Holocaust. But Polliakoff said Columbia President Lee Bollinger took the opportunity to introduce Ahmadinejad, and in doing so, exposed his views, such as his "vicious attitudes" toward the West and women. "By the time Lee Bollinger was done with the introduction, my guess is that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wasn't so happy he had come to speak. But then he had the floor. "That's so different than the practice that's becoming all too common on campuses of disrupting or silencing an unwelcome voice." Earlier this year, First Amendment scholar David Hudson wrote about controversial campus speakers for the Newseum Institute. He reiterated remarks he had made in testimony to the U.S. House Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Rights. When dealing with controversial speakers who will offend others, college and university officials should embrace and advance the counter-speech principle rather than resort to silencing and disinviting controversial speakers," Hudson said. "Only in a true emergency should they resort to more drastic measures. *** In a column published on Townhall.com, Adams defended his views as mainstream, questioned Abramson's "intellectual courage," and also pitched himself as a new candidate for dean of the UM School of Journalism. "Try to make sense of the logic of this dean telling me I am not going to be tolerated or welcomed at the J-school because I am not as tolerant and welcoming as they are at the J-school," Adams wrote. "After finishing a career with NPR, now hes teaching future journalists. Any wonder why we have a problem with honesty both in reporting and in higher education? "If you were smart, you would lift the ban on me speaking at UM. Then, you could hire me as your new Dean of Journalism." In the post, Adams also defended himself from Abramson's other objections point by point. He agreed he supported the controversial "bathroom bill" requiring people at government offices to use facilities that matched their birth certificate genders, but he called the issue a "transgender litmus test." He also said he never referred to abortion "providers," but rather, to campus "Women's Resource Centers using mandatory student fees to fund speeches in favor of abortion but not those in opposition to abortion. That violates Supreme Court precedent." Adams also disputed Abramson's claim he spoke "exclusively" on right wing sites. "That is false. I have been on MSNBC, Air America, and numerous other left-wing stations and sites. I have also appeared on NPR where Abramson worked for nearly 30 years. "Most importantly, I have spoken at 93 different universities, the overwhelming majority of which have been dominated by left-wing academics such as Dean Abramson. In short, I have stepped out of my comfort zone and demonstrated the kind of intellectual courage the Dean lacks." This summer, Adams wrote that he was was penning his retirement letter from UNC and noted he would date it no later than August 1, 2050; UNC still lists him as a professor of sociology and criminology. *** Cole also said she was shocked to hear Abramson describe Adams' remarks as "hate speech." "The whole hate speech remark stunned me. Stunned me. Because I've got to tell you, I don't think Mike Adams is a hater. I think he's a strong Christian with strong beliefs. But that doesn't make him a hater," Cole said. She also wondered why anyone would think she would bring a hatemonger to campus. Cole is not only a benefactor to UM, she also worked on campus for more than seven years as the diversity and recruitment coordinator in the president's office. "So why would I, OK, who is giving away tens of thousands of dollars to the university, why would I be the person who hires the hater to come to campus? That just doesn't even make any sense," Cole said. Typically, the Cole lecturer has engagements on campus and visits classes, Cole said. Since the School of Journalism declined to tie itself to Adams, Cole set out to establish another agenda in Missoula for him. As part of her effort, she contacted KGVO to see if it would host him as a speaker on the First Amendment. The conservative radio station learned about the conflict behind the request and subsequently published a story about the rejection by the School of Journalism, sparking more coverage. "I couldn't have anticipated this. I'm sure my husband is laughing his ass off," Cole said. She contacted his children to share the situation with them as well and ensure they believed she was honoring his legacy. "They're like, 'Maria, you're absolutely fine. We stand by you 100 percent. This is what Dad would want. It's about freedom of speech,'" Cole said. Originally, Cole had planned to host Adams at the event and honor people from the School of Journalism, School of Business Administration, and School of Law. Adams is a professor of sociology and criminology, and now that the lecture is not affiliated with the School of Journalism, she's planning instead to honor a couple of law enforcement officers and firefighters from Ravalli County and Missoula County. "It's the 10th anniversary, and I'm willing to spend a lot of money this year to make this a really blow-out event," Cole said. In the last five years, Xi has established unprecedented control over the party and the government. But this also means his mistakes and missteps have been magnified. The Communist Party of China (CPC) has begun its 19th Congress in Beijing today (18 October). On Monday, the 18th Congress came to an end following its seventh plenary session, the communique of which indicated that there could be surprises in store in terms of the selection of the top leaders. It focused on the achievements of the anti-corruption fight, indicating that this key instrumentality will continue to be used ruthlessly by President Xi Jinping in the coming period and will probably get a fresh endorsement by the 19th Congress. We will learn little about what is really happening in the week thereafter. Though Xi will present his work report on the very first day, which will list the achievements of the last five years and outline the roadmap for the future. It will give us a fairly good idea about the direction China will be headed in the coming years. By 24 October, we may get another important signal indicators about how the party constitution is being amended to reflect Xis theoretical contributions. The wording of the amendment will signal Xis stature. So far there has been a great deal of speculation as to whether the contributions are inserted in his name, or merely put in without reference to him. If they are termed as Xi Jinping Theory, it would place him at the level of Deng Xiaoping, and if they are termed Xi Jinping Thought, that would bring him even to the level of Mao, though Xi would hesitate to go so far. As of now, it must be pointed out that though Xi has accumulated much more power than any Chinese leader since Deng, the leadership is still seen as a collective one even though he was designated the core of the Central Committee (CC) by the sixth plenum of the 18th Congress in 2016. By October 24, the day the Congress ends, we will know the lineup of the new central committee. The presence or absence of some of the leaders will indicate the lineup of the apex leadership the politburo (PB) and its all powerful standing committee (PBSC) which will be known on 25 October. We already know who the new general secretary will be unless, improbably, he emerges even more powerful than he is expected to be and moves up one notch higher to the rank of chairman. Xi Jinpings term What Xis five-year term, which began in 2012, has seen is an unprecedented effort to consolidate his powers through multiple means an anti-corruption campaign to defang rivals, creating new networks of loyalty within the CPC and the government, neutralising existing patronage networks not beholden to him such as the Communist Youth League and restructuring the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) higher command to enhance his own authority as the chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC). Xi has been hugely successful. Not only has he whipped the CPC into line, but also the PLA, which had developed dangerous notions of autonomy and had become thoroughly corrupt at the top levels. As many as 23 of the 31 provincial party secretaries have been turned over since 2016 and an unusually large number of retirements in the military and political hierarchy will help Xi to install his own team in the CC, PB, PBSC and the CMC. Xi began his term pushing for market reforms. The third plenum of the CPCs 18th Congress called for giving a decisive role to the market. However, this has not happened. Instead, the emphasis appears to be towards a steady re-assertion of the political power of the CPC across the board in Chinese society. This has involved a systematic crackdown on human rights activists and civil society institutions, as well as generally tightening of CPC control over society through new national security legislation and rules to narrow the limit of freedom available in Chinas controlled cyber space. Clearly, the emphasis now is on the necessity of the CPC to maintain control over the country and its institutions, rather than taking the next step and opening up the economy to the outside world. Indeed, the pressure on Chinas private sector is to become more like the state-owned enterprises by instituting CPC committees at all levels. In other words, ensuring that their key decisions are taken through party channels. Chinas ambitious vision encapsulated in the Made in China 2025 plan envisages state-owned giants and the controlled private sector seeking global pre-eminence in areas like robotics, semi-conductors and electric vehicles. All this prevents the reforms that are needed to keep the economy going, such as tackling the debt-burdened state-owned enterprises. In addition, restrictions on capital export have dampened the internationalisation of Chinas economy. Experts say that the Chinese economy, which is still growing at a handsome rate, still depends on investment and credit, instead of transiting to one based on consumption. Though the CPC is making efforts to reform, such as promoting rule by law, the weakening of civil society institutions and freer press aids good governance, rather than hampering it. As the CPC goes into its 19th Congress, China would like to present the vision of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through the Chinese Dream, built up by the Belt Road Initiative through a newly energised CPC, a restructured PLA with an all-powerful leader at its head. In the last five years, Xi has established unprecedented control over the CPC and the government system. Which means, his mistakes and missteps can have a dramatically magnified impact. And this does not take into account issues over which China would have little or no control such as geopolitical developments in Chinas periphery, developments on North Korea, or a global economic crisis. This article originally appeared in The Wire. Guwahati : To move the Assam tourism sector into a major economic sector and an aim to increase tourist inflow by 2-3 times more within next five years, Assam government on Thursday declared an ambitious Tourism Policy. Assam tourism minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had released the Tourism Policy of Assam 2017 and it will effect from January next year till December 2022. The Assam minister said that, tourism shall be accorded as an industry and all facilities and incentives will be available in tourism industry also. 'Under the new tourism policy, we will provide a range of incentives to the film producers and aim to make the state as a destination of film making,'A Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The new policy aimed to promote Assam Tourism with a new approach of vigorous massive campaigning, to build a global brand 'Awesome Assam' to attract National and International Tourist, identifying most popular and attractive tourist destinations of the state and develop tourist infrastructure in an around them, to facilitate extensive involvement of private sector and active participation of local community in all aspects of Tourism promotion, to conduct special skill development Certificate programs of local youths in Hospitality and for Tourism Sector, the advantage of Government of India's Skill India and aHunar Se Rojgar tak' shall be leveraged. The Assam tourism policy stated that, the first tourism policy of the State was announced in 2008 underlining the importance of Public Private Partnership which has considerably increased the tourist footfalls to the place. 'Around 45,00,000 domestic and 20,000 foreign tourists visited Assam as per figures of 2014. Assam becomes a Nationally and Internationally acclaimed all-season Tourist destination for its unique wildlife, bio-diversity and experience of an unexploited wonderland. Tourism is to be one of the main sources of income-generation for the people. It will also be a vibrant and significant contributor to the sustainable development of the State of Assam,'A said in the policy. The Assam minister said that, the new policy was approved by the state cabinet on October 17 last and it aims to make Assam a tourist Hub for North East India and as a hot destination for the tourists from East and South East Asian Countries. 'To make the state as a destination of film making, several attractive incentives have been initiated. The state government has decided to provide subsidy up to 45 percent of the total cost, if shooting of a film has been done in Assam. If entire shooting of a film is done in the state, then the state government will provide subsidy of 25 percent of total expenditure to Hindi, English and foreign language film makers. Apart from it, additional 10 percent rebate will be available if the story of the film is based in Assam. Also 10 percent rebate will be available if 50 percent shooting of the film have been done in Assam,'A Sarma said. 'The producers who have produced minimum 10 films in Hindi, English and Foreign language will be provided free accommodation and transport for their important casts during the period of stay for shooting of films in Assam,' Sarma said. The Assam tourism minister further said that, a capital investment subsidy at the rate of 30 percent of capital investment subject to a ceiling of Rs 1 crore shall be available for Tourist lodges, Hotels, Resorts, Houseboats and floating Restaurant and located in tourism locations. 'The eligible units shall be entitled to avail of capital investment subsidy under this policy subject to the condition that it has not availed of such benefit under any other Central, State Government policy. 25 percent of the cost payable to Assam State Power Distribution Company Ltd (APDCL) for drawal of power line to the eligible units including the cost of transformer subject to a ceiling of Rs 10 lakhs. 75 percent of the cost of construction of approach road to the premises of eligible units shall be reimbursed in the form of a subsidy subject to a ceiling of Rs 10 lakhs. Private sector will be encouraged to proactively participate and invest in tourist places in the Tourism sector. A special incentive will be offered as additional 10 percent capital grant up to Rs 25 lakhs for investment in remote, potential tourist destination of Assam. For private properties in Tourism sector, both existing and new, 25 percent of investment on renewal sources of energy will be reimbursed subject to maximum of Rs 10 lakhs. The state government will also provide to reimbursement of 50 percent of net SGST paid for a period of 10 years from the date of such commercial operation subject to maximum 100 percent of fixed capital investment with a minimum investment of Rs.1 crore in the tourism locations,' Sarma said. Himanta Biswa Sarma also said that, tourism department tagline 'Awesome Assam'A will be launched from November 1 through several brand promotional activities in Japan, Canada, USA, Singapore, UK and other European, Asian countries. Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra is the brand ambassador of the state tourism. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) Guwahati: Acclaimed medicine specialist Dr Brajen Lahkar will conduct the next weekly evening OPD clinic at Guwahati Press Club on 21 October 2017. The practicing doctor from the State's well-known healthcare institution Dispur Hospital will be available for free consultations to the participants from 4 to 6 pm at the press club premises. The last Saturday camp, organized under the 'Evening with a Doctor' program for the benefit of press club members along with their dependants, was graced by Dr Siben Dutta and Dr Santos Reddy from the city based Down Town Hospital. Launched in August 2016 with initial supports from Dr Jayanta Bardoloi, managing director of Dispur Hospital in raising a doctor's chamber at the press club premises, the series of camps have emerged as a 'healthy & rewarding hangout' for the media persons. Many working journalists with high blood pressure & sugar were diagnosed in the camps and they were advised for follow up actions accordingly. Till date, practicing physicians from Apollo Chennai Hospital, SIMS Hospital Chennai, Manipal Bangalore Hospital, Fortis Hospital Bangalore, Medanta the Medicity Hospital, GNRC Hospitals, Hayat Hospital, Ayursundra Hospital, Nemcare Hospital, Sun Valley Hospital, Sight First Eye-Clinic, Barthakur Clinic, Wintrobe Hospital etc have attended the camps. Even though the camps are primarily organised for the benefit of press club members with their close relatives, any journalist of the region (also the country) with their family members may take the advantage of the clinics, said a statement from the pioneer press club of northeast India adding that similar initiatives are also encouraged in other parts of the region. Guwahati : Security forces had arrested two rhino poachers along with AK-series rifle in northern Assam's Biswanath district on Thursday, officials said. According to the reports, following a tip-off, police and forest officials had launched operation at Lohere Chapori area in the northern Assam district and arrested two rhino poeachres, who were hided at the area to kill one horned rhino in Kaziranga National Park (KNP). The arrested poacher duo has been identified as Joseph Hangol and Digen Pegu. A top police official said that, Joseph is hailing from Manipur. Security personnel had recovered an AK-56 rifle and several rounds of live ammunition in possession from them. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) BENI, MYAGDI: Cheer pheasant, an endangered species of bird in the world, is likely to vanish for lack of environment conducive and proper habitat in Myagdi. Keshav Chokhal, an MSc student from Tribhuvan University (TU), has carried out his research in the district for a year confirming as high as 60 cheer pheasants living in Myagdi. The total number of the bird is around 1000 in Nepal, he shared. Chokhal conducted his research on situation, number and reasons of extinctions of cheer pheasants in the district with supports from the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) and other organisations. Known as Catreus Wallichii as its scientific name, the bird is named Cheer Kaliz in Nepali and Cheddu in the Far-Western regions. The bird is enlisted in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Nepals National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act as well. Researcher Chokhal said that the bird is found at an altitude of 1400 metres to 3,600 metres. The bird has the special feature of chirping just twice a day, before the sunrise and after the sunset. He said, the endangered birds are spotted on the bank of Kaligandaki River, Myagdi River and Raghu Ganga River in Myagdi and also in neighbouring Baglung district and far-western regions. Chokhal cited illegal hunting, decline in the habitat and lack of consciousness among people as the reasons for declining its number.RSS Blog Archive June (1) May (16) April (23) March (20) February (17) January (13) December (22) November (40) October (57) September (45) August (55) July (52) June (165) May (121) April (141) March (32) February (76) January (141) December (85) November (130) October (146) September (96) August (89) July (82) June (64) May (99) April (41) March (98) February (61) January (64) December (67) November (51) October (70) September (75) August (52) July (66) June (76) May (104) April (93) March (151) February (168) January (107) December (42) November (56) October (69) September (103) August (75) July (191) June (171) May (207) April (302) March (490) February (155) January (138) December (135) November (226) October (146) September (107) August (160) July (292) June (316) May (361) April (460) March (327) February (49) January (2) November (13) October (3) September (37) August (43) July (6) June (12) May (1) April (29) March (30) February (58) January (27) December (11) November (16) October (34) September (81) August (81) July (93) June (12) May (1) February (1) November (3) October (2) September (6) August (1) July (2) June (14) May (10) April (8) March (13) February (1) January (5) Much like another Roger Corman production I reviewed a couple of months ago the ever-hilarious and generically-named Ultra Warrior, Death Race 2050 is an apocalyptic, grim-yet-colourful action movie set in a futuristic United States, but shot in my native Peru. The main difference is that this is no longer talking about 80s cinema. No, Death Race 2050 was released earlier this year, meaning one can expect a little more polish and a truckload of digital effects from the movie, instead of mullets and cheesy dubbing. This doesnt make the film any less absurd or cheap-looking than Ultra Warrior. Or any less memorable than the original Death Race movie, for that matter. Actually, I found the movie to be quite refreshing, especially when compared to its bigger-budgeted brother, Paul W.S. Andersons Death Race, starring Jason Statham. This is a B-movie through and through, full of bad CGI, horrendous acting, hilariously cheap-looking sets, and quite a bit of gore. Forget everything you saw in the Statham flick Corman and director G.J. Eachternkamp have abandoned Hollywood polish in favour of a ridiculous political satire, mixed with Hunger Games-style costumes, and exploitation to boot. This insane movie is more of a reboot than a sequel to the original 1975 Death Race. It takes place in a colorful, cynical United States, now called The United Corporations of America (because everyone knows not to look for subtlety in a film like this), and under the control of private companies, instead of politicians. The dictator is played by an over-the-top Malcolm McDowell, sporting a ridiculous wig, and sort-of-parodying current president Donald Trump. Our hero, on the other hand, is current Death Race Champion Frankenstein (Manu Bennett), a leather-clad, muscle-bound and no-nonsense race car driver. The premise is simple: he must race against such colourful characters as Jed Perfectus (played by Burt Grinstead, the best thing about Carlos Cirulizzas Sebastian, a Peruvian gay drama), Lesbian rapper Minerva Jefferson (Folake Olowofoyeku), religious leader Tammy (Anessa Ramsey) and even an AI-controlled vehicle, earning points by running over pedestrians, and hoping to survive until the finish line. Along the way, there are proxies (co-pilots who accompany the racers via VR from their homes), as well as a couple of bizarre TV hosts (who look like the less-stylish cousins of Stanley Tucci and Toby Jones characters in The Hunger Games) shouting a play-by-play of the race. I dont know if todays audiences, who prefer their B-movies to take themselves as seriously as possible, will get any enjoyment out of Death Race 2050, but I certainly did. Even though theres blood and guts everywhere, and the concept couldnt be any more cynical and exploitative, Eachternkamp shoots his movie like a cartoon: characters are two-dimensional and goofy, death scenes are unbelievable-yet-hilarious, and the social commentary isnt anything more than a couple of jabs at Trump and Americas rampant commercialism (the latter being nothing new, especially in the realm of B-movies). I guess the fact that the flick was shot in Peru and that most of the extras look like latinos because theyre Peruvians! was all part of the satire. In any case, it sort of works. Obviously, being a Peruvian who lives in Lima, I got extra enjoyment out of spotting famous landmarks and local streets throughout the film standing in for post-apocalyptic America. For example, Old New York is actually Limas downtown, and many race scenes take place at seaside highways near the actual city. Being a low-budget flick, one can actually spot many signs in Spanish in the background, since Corman and company didnt bother to erase them or replace them with signs in English. Plus, as said before, the majority of extras are clearly Peruvian (and most of the time look hilariously confused), and even a couple of local actors have small parts, all spoken in English with a Peruvian accent, of course. The acting is awful yet highly entertaining, as per usual. Manu Bennett plays Frankenstein as the perfect badass hero; stoic, strong, yet unexpectedly funny. Marci Miller is pretty much the only one trying to give a realistic and charming performance; it works, especially in contrast to Bennetts stiffer acting. Folake Olowofoyeku plays Minerva as an insane singer who delights in killing her own fans (her co-pilot, Chi Wapp, is played by local character actor Pierre Paolo Goya Kobashigawa, by the way), and Anessa Ramseys Tammy parodies evangelists and religious fanatics (maybe a reference to Tammy Faye Bakker?), acting like an arrogant cult leader capable of mowing down her followers, as long as their deaths give her more points on the race. Theres also a small part played by Sebastian Llosa, Nobel Prize winner Mario Vargas Llosas nephew (and now a singer). He doesnt embarrass himself too much. The standouts, nevertheless, are Malcolm McDowell and Burt Grinstead. The former is enjoyably slimy and megalomaniacal as a wealth-obsessed, clearly deranged dictator. McDowell knows the kind of movie hes in, and thus doesnt miss any opportunity to chew the scenery. The latter is clearly having the time of his life, having just played a more dramatic part in Peruvian bore-fest Sebastian. His Jed Perfectus is a genetic experiment obsessed with looks and public perception (he likes to run around in a golden thong, because why not); hes a sexually-confused man-child who, despite being surrounded by enamoured fangirls and having pretty Eve (local actress Leslie Shaw) as a proxy, doesnt seem to be able to perform in bed. (Eve actually has to fake moans during their stay in a hotel, so that their rivals think theyre getting it on). Plus, he has all the best lines, such as When your DNA sleeps it dreams of me!, or Ill drink your tears, Frankenstein! Ill lick em off your hands and face! Its a hilarious character, and an equally-fun performance. Despite its source material and Cormans role as producer, Death Race 2050 is not as exploitative as it could have been. Maybe its a sign of the times Americas never going to make exploitation cinema as great as its 70s heyday, or maybe its the fact that violence is more acceptable than nudity and sex nowadays (at least in the States), but I felt the movie could have been a tad more exaggerated. Yes, the kills are laughably bloody and ridiculous (these cars are capable of crushing people to death even when moving at twenty miles per hour, apparently), and theres cursing aplenty, but the sex aspect is curiously neutered. We got one butt shot and a couple of topless extras and thats it. Not that sex and nudity wouldve made a better movie out of Death Race 2050, but its definitely something that usually comes with the territory. An aspect in which the film does not disappoint, though, is its cheap look. As expected, Corman tried to save as much money as possible during the making of the movie, which means nothing looks remotely believable or even cool. Some of the vehicle designs are mildly interesting, but most of them look like enormous toy cars with pieces of plastic waggling on top of them, making them seem like Mad Max: Fury Road knock-offs. Racing scenes are sped-up, theres not a single interesting camera movement to be found, and sets couldnt be any more claustrophobic or boring. Cinematographer Juan Duran has done a great job with Peruvian productions such as thriller The Light on the Hill, but clearly didnt have enough resources on hand to make it look any good. Unlike other Corman productions, Death Race 2050 doesnt use much stock footage (although one particular scene does feature a couple of images from Shutterstock so I guess that counts), preferring to combine cheap CGI, copious amounts of green screen, and Halloween costumes to create a vast and impossibly horrific future, populated by dimwits and sadists and violent terrorists. The latter play a small (and gratuitous) part in the plot, although they do manage to sneak in a couple of ninjas for a badly-choreographed fight scene with Bennett so theres that. Death Race 2050 is everything one should expect from a Roger Corman production, especially if one considers his sixty year-long career. It couldve been a little more exploitative and over-the-top, but for what its worth, its got enough blood, guts, simplistic political commentary, scenery chewing (McDowell and Grinstead are especially wonderful) and terrible special effects for it to become a cult classic. Yes, its all incredibly stupid and shoddily-made, but also pretty loony and funny. Fans of low-budget extravaganzas should have a crazy-good time with this kitschy, oddball flick. During the month of October, t-shirts, lanyards, koozies and various other items turn pink i EARLY DETECTION Women with breast cancer dont always show symptoms, which is why regular screening tests are important. Some options for screenings include mammograms, breast ultrasounds and breast MRIs. At Risk Women for Breast Cancer Women between 40 and 44 have the option to start yearly mammograms. Women between the ages of 45 and 54 should get a mammogram ever year. Women 55 and older have the option to get a mammogram every year or every other year. High Risk Women for Breast Cancer Women who are at high risk for breast cancer are recommended to start as early as 30 years old and should to get an MRI and a mammogram every year. High Risk women include: Women who have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, Have a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister or child) with the gene mutation. Have had radiation therapy to the chest between 10 and 30 years old. Have Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome or have a first-degree relative with one of the syndromes. "State Criminal Appeals Revealed" | Main | Relying on Packingham, Federal judge strikes down Kentucky limit on sex offender internet access October 20, 2017 Federal judge rules that Prez pardon for Joe Arpaio does not call for vacating his contempt conviction As reported in this Politico piece, a "federal judge has ruled that President Donald Trump's pardon of former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio ends his prosecution for criminal contempt of court, but does not wipe out the guilty verdict she returned or any other rulings in the case." The full (and short) ruling is available at this link, and here is more about it: In her order Thursday, Phoenix-based U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton rejected arguments from Arpaio's lawyers and Justice Department prosecutors that the longtime Maricopa County sheriff was entitled to have all rulings in the case vacated, including the guilty verdict the judge delivered in July after a five-day trial. The power to pardon is an executive prerogative of mercy, not of judicial recordkeeping," Bolton wrote, quoting an appeals court ruling. "To vacate all rulings in this case would run afoul of this important distinction. The Court found Defendant guilty of criminal contempt. The President issued the pardon. Defendant accepted. The pardon undoubtedly spared Defendant from any punishment that might otherwise have been imposed. It did not, however, 'revise the historical facts' of this case." Arpaio, known for his tough stance against illegal immigration and for humiliating treatment of prisoners, was charged with contempt for defying another federal judge's order aimed at preventing ethnic profiling of Latinos. Trump pardoned the 85-year-old Arpaio in August while he was awaiting sentencing. The official White House statement stressed Arpaio's history of public service, but the president indicated in earlier remarks that he considered the ex-sheriff's conviction unfair because he was found guilty "for doing his job." Trump also said Arpaio should have received a jury trial, something courts have said is not required if no penalty of more than a year in jail is sought. Arpaio's attorneys filed an appeal Thursday evening that will take the issue to the San Francisco-based 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. "We will challenge that order," Arpaio lawyer Jack Wilenchik told POLITICO shortly after the judge's ruling was handed down. He said Bolton had jumbled the facts regarding a key precedent: the case of a Tyson Foods lobbyist who was pardoned by President Bill Clinton after being convicted of giving illegal gifts to Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy. The battle over the guilty verdict and other rulings is largely symbolic since the prosecution, the defense and the judge all appear to agree Arpaio's prosecution is over and he cannot be punished for the conduct that led to the case. Arpaio's attorneys argue it is unfair for the verdict to remain on the book since the pardon effectively wipes out Arpaio's ability to appeal that decision. However, some ethics-in-government groups and Democratic lawmakers urged the judge to reject the pardon altogether as an unconstitutional intrusion by the executive branch into the judiciary branch's ability to ensure that its orders are enforced. A few prior related posts: October 20, 2017 at 10:30 AM | Permalink Comments I agree. The alternative is that the President pardoned him for nothing, since there was no judicially imposed guilt. To think otherwise would turn every pardon into a prosepctive pardon. As for the problem that he can't appeal the guilty verdict this is easily resolved under the case or controversy doctrine. Since he has been pardoned there is no case or controversy left for anyone to hear. Posted by: Daniel | Oct 20, 2017 11:13:02 AM Impeach this judge for her decision, and not for any collateral corruption. The biggest crimes committed by these out of control judges are their decisions. Bribery or other crimes are trivial compared to the damages these judges are inflicting. Posted by: David Behar | Oct 20, 2017 2:08:53 PM Arpaio should thank his lucky stars that he was acquitted of the charges that could have sent him to prison. He is even luckier that he does not have to serve time for brutality to inmates at his sorry excuse for a county jail. It's a wonder that inmates there did not attempt to take him or any of his staff has hostages or inflict any injury or death on him during his watch. If I were Arpaio, I would stay out of any neighborhoods where your former inmates and their families and sympathizers live. You may need to watch your back. I know I would if I were in your situation. You always lecture inmates: "Don't do the crime if you can't do the time!" You never had to do crime for your racist and xenophobic crimes. Time to take your medicine! Posted by: william r. delzell | Oct 21, 2017 3:42:03 PM If Arpaio cannot appeal the conviction, then the conviction should be tossed. Posted by: federalist | Oct 22, 2017 8:25:32 AM "acquitted of the charges" He was convicted & was liable (not that I think he would have received it) to obtain months in prison until he was pardoned. Posted by: Joe | Oct 22, 2017 2:02:40 PM Federalist: If he wanted to appeal, he had the option of rejecting the pardon. He chose to avoid responsibility for his actions. Posted by: defendergirl | Oct 23, 2017 12:36:37 PM Post a comment Federal judge rules that Prez pardon for Joe Arpaio does not call for vacating his contempt conviction | Main | Lengthy look into latest significant(?) execution in Alabama October 20, 2017 Relying on Packingham, Federal judge strikes down Kentucky limit on sex offender internet access As reported in this local piece, "Kentuckys registered sex offenders have the constitutional right to use Facebook, Twitter and other online social media, a federal judge ruled Friday." Here is more on a ruling that seems like a pretty easy application of the Supreme Court's work in Packingham v. North Carolina earlier this year: Ruling in a lawsuit brought by a Lexington child pornography defendant identified only as John Doe, U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove struck down Kentuckys sweeping restrictions on Internet access for registered sex offenders. This is a very important decision, said Scott White, a Lexington attorney who represented Doe. The laws effectively deprived anyone on the sex offender registry of access to the most effective forms of communication that we have today. It was a complete suppression of speech. One law prohibited sex offenders from using social networking websites or instant messaging or chat rooms that potentially could be accessible to children which is to say, much of the Internet. The other law required sex offenders to keep their probation or parole officers updated on all of their email addresses and various online identities. Van Tatenhove cited a unanimous decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in June that struck down a similar North Carolina ban on social media for sex offenders, in part because so many civic institutions from elected officials to news media are now tied into social media. For example, the Herald-Leaders Kentucky.com website would be off-limits to sex offenders under the states ban because it has a comments section open to the public, Van Tatenhove wrote. Kentuckys law burdens substantially more speech than necessary to further the commonwealths legitimate interests in protecting children from sexual abuse solicited via the Internet, Van Tatenhove wrote. Indeed, rather than prohibiting a certain type of conduct that is narrowly tailored to prevent child abuse, the statute prevents Mr. Doe and others similarly situated from accessing what for many are the principal sources for knowing current events, checking ads for employment, speaking and listening in the modern public square, and otherwise exploring the vast realms of human thought and knowledge, he wrote. October 20, 2017 at 04:16 PM | Permalink Comments SIGH Posted by: Docile the Kind Soul | Oct 20, 2017 8:07:41 PM It that supposed to be an abbreviation for SIeG Heil? It would make sense as the term means "hail victory". Posted by: Just passing by | Oct 20, 2017 8:41:51 PM Are any laws narrowly tailored to "chat rooms" and the like which are specifically where minors hang out and engage in discussions and trade photos and the like? A bit further, websites geared for children, such as a Disney Channel community or the like? If the law is going to apply to anything "accessible" to children, that can be most anything. A law that is short term -- such as a defendant (though there the person is innocent until proven guilty) or someone on probation for a limited period of time also would be a harder case. We thus have the limits of open-ended language the concurring justices were concerned about. Posted by: Joe | Oct 21, 2017 12:39:43 PM @joe The problem is practicable. There are very few places on the internet that children congregate where adults don't. In part this is a result of the anonymous nature of the internt where children can easily poses as adults so they have no need to congregate in a virtual playground. It is also a part of the fact that the legal burdens and liabilities of developing such online playgrounds has discouraged many entrants. So while one could propose the language you suggest and a legislature could implement it the reality is that it would be a feel good law only. Posted by: Daniel | Oct 21, 2017 1:51:23 PM I'm trying to flesh out the particulars here so it is not a matter of me supporting such a law or thinking it overly useful, to put out there what is often my general approach. I think children do as a whole tend to go certain locations as much as your average ten year old very well might read the NYT at some point but not likely regularly. This is seen in part by the advertising such locations choose. I'm not really sure about the barriers to entry point either. As to posing as an adult, the overall concern here is child abusers trolling for victims. Now, someone might find a means to do that in locations where people pretend to be an adult (such at a club), but there are certain locations (AOL Chats, e.g., were largely used by minors) where children are interacting as children & adults hang out trying to troll for them. Now, these laws very well might be overall not very useful, including trying to catch the people involved. But, gather there are ways to track certain people, especially if they are required only to use certain devices. For instance, if a child molester uses a local library computer, the computer can be tracked and means are present to determine if the person has a certain "signature" etc. even if the person uses fake information to sign on to the computer as compared to let's say a library card. Posted by: Joe | Oct 21, 2017 2:35:39 PM Enforcing such laws like the Kentucky law that the courts have just thrown out will not protect children. If anything, such laws could endanger those who attempt to enforce such Micky Mouse regulations. Oh, and that reminds me: with Halloween coming up, several more Micky Mouse laws exist in most states that require former sex offenders to be in their homes with the porch lights off and access to the police without a search warrant. This law, instead of protecting children, could put police and other law enforcement personnel to needless risk of injury or death. I can imagine two scenarios: the accidental one; and the deliberate one. If a former sex offender has to shut off his or her porch lights, especially in a near deserted neighborhood, he or she might mistake a police or parole officer for a prowler or vigilante and use an illegal firearm to "stand one's ground" by shooting the unsuspecting officer. When the former offender realizes that he or she has killed a law enforcement person, he or she might panic and attempt to flee and to resist arrest by any means necessary, fearing that surrendering could mean the death house or an extra judicial shooting by a police officer angry over the killing of a fellow officer. The deliberate scenario could involve a former sex offender who is embittered about having to still register and to endure restrictions that other types of former offenders do not. He or she might decide to get even with the law by booby trapping his or her home with the intention of maiming or killing any law enforcement officers who invite themselves into his or her domicile. If I were the chief of police, I would worry very strongly about any laws that not only fail to protect crime victims/survivors, but which needless endanger my fellow officers in the process. I'd hope most police departments would agree with this advice. Posted by: william r. delzell | Oct 21, 2017 3:51:17 PM Rights should be abridged after their exercise has caused a harm. Posted by: David Behar | Oct 21, 2017 7:01:40 PM Well David you statement flues in the face of 200+ years of our constitution. So when are you moving to Russia or red China? Posted by: Rodsmith3510 | Oct 21, 2017 7:21:58 PM "Rights should be abridged after their exercise has caused a harm." Of the person who has caused the harm, not to everyone who exercises the right. (We wouldn't ban everyone from having sex after it was discovered that someone was raped, so we shouldn't silence and disarm everyone just because some people slander and shoot others.) And we do so by locking the person up in a mental hospital or prison. Once they have "served their time" they get their rights restored. If they are too dangerous to exercise basic fundamental human rights, then we keep, or put them in, a mental hospital until they are no longer a danger. A person who is too dangerous to live near a school, go online, or vote should not be walking the boulevard of broken dreams--they are by definition "mentally insane", i.e., unable to stop themselves from victimizing others. Posted by: Edward K | Oct 22, 2017 2:17:20 AM Rod and Edward. I do not believe in general deterrence, but only in specific detrrence. My statement refers only to one individual, after harm has been shown to result from the individual's behavior. I am the one that has argued on behalf of the defense. Bruce refuses to give me fairness credit or to follow my lead. Any statement about general deterrence, sending messages or prevention in a tribunal should result in a motion for a mistrial. It violates procedural due process rights to a fair hearing to punish a guy to scare other people he has never met, over whom he has no control, and who have not yet decided to commit a crime. It is also delusional, since it assumes that potential, future criminals can be influenced by the punishment they have never heard of. There is social learning. This is where one sees someone else get punished, and one is less likely to do a behavior. However, even you lawyers have to research law databases to find precedent. How is an uneducated, impulsive, and driven criminal supposed to gt notice? Posted by: David Behar | Oct 22, 2017 6:19:51 AM Post a comment AG Jeff Sessions our "crime problem" while expression concern about the "move to even lighter sentences" | Main | Federal judge rules that Prez pardon for Joe Arpaio does not call for vacating his contempt conviction The title of this post is the title of this interesting new empirical paper available via SSRN and authored by Michael Heise, Nancy King and Nicole Heise. Here is the abstract Every state provides appellate review of criminal judgments, yet little research examines which factors correlate with favorable outcomes for defendants who seek appellate relief. To address this scholarly gap, this paper exploits the Survey of Criminal Appeals in State Courts (2010) dataset, recently released by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the National Center for State Courts (hereinafter, NCSC Study). The NCSC Study is the first and only publicly available national dataset on state criminal appeals and includes unprecedented information from every state court in the nation with jurisdiction to review criminal judgments. We focus on two subpools of state criminal appeals: a defendants first appeal of right, and defense appeals to courts of last resort with the discretion to grant or deny review. Error correction, of course, is paramount in the first context, for typically an appeal of right is a defendants only chance at review. By contrast, courts of last resort with discretionary jurisdiction emphasize law development, selecting cases to clarify or alter legal rules, resolve conflicts, and remedy the most egregious mistakes. Our findings imply that defense appellate success rates may have declined in recent decades. In appeals of right, defendants who challenge a sentence enjoy a greater likelihood of success, as do those who have legal representation, file a reply brief or secure oral argument, and appellants from Florida. In high courts of last resort, appeals from sex offenses, raising certain trial issues, and appellants represented by publicly funded attorneys appear to fare better than others. Also notable is the absence of a relationship between defense success and factors including most crime types and claims raised, the courts workload, and, for all but one model, whether the appellate judges were selected by election. Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier "When you shake a veteran's hand today, look them in the eye and give them a heartfelt thank you," said USAF Ret. Col. Jen Fullmer, parade grand marshal, who spoke at the event. A long and contentious fight between local dog owners and the National Park Service over a proposed new set of rules regarding on- and off-leash areas for dog walking in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area has ended today as the NPS has officially ended their effort to impose the rules. As Bay City News reports, the NPS issued a statement Thursday in which they essentially caved to legal threats brought by angry Bay Area dog owners who last year filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request that unveiled what they say was inappropriate collusion between government officials and environmental groups pushing for the new rules a mini local scandal that was nicknamed Woofieleaks. "We can do better and in the interest of upholding the highest standard of transparency and trust with our Bay Area neighbors, we have determined that it is no longer appropriate to continue with the current dog management rulemaking process at Golden Gate National Recreation Area," said NPS acting director Michael Reynolds in a statement. The NPS previously put implementation of their finalized new rules, which had already been subject to a lengthy environmental review process, on hold in January just days after the Woofieleaks revelations. Among the details uncovered in the FOIA request were emails from private email accounts of government workers to outside groups that suggested collaboration on an "anti-dog" agenda, according to a coalition of dog owners. At the time, pro-dog activist Andrea Buffa, a member of the group Save our Recreation, said that all those on her side of the fight "always suspected the whole process from the beginning to the end was rigged," following a decade of contentious meetings and public input over the rules. Under the new rules, which covered parts of Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties including popular dog-walking areas like Fort Funston, Ocean Beach, Crissy Field, and Muir Beach, there would be a total of six off-leash areas and 22 designated dog-walking areas total, but advocates said that they would lose about 90 percent of the dog-friendly territory they currently had. And in San Francisco, where the common wisdom has been that there are more dogs than children, sweeping changes like these were not going to happen without a drawn-out fight. And drawn out it would be, lasting more than ten years, and culminating with this meek mea culpa from a new acting NPS director who had no skin in this game. Says Buffa to Bay City News, "This is a huge victory for the people of the Bay Area. It's literally been more than a decade that we've been telling the park service that dog walking is part of the way of life in the San Francisco Bay Area, it's a really important form of recreation for us. They were finally forced to listen." Previously: National Park Service Places Controversial New Dog Management Rules On Hold After cutting off night and weekend service for a month this summer in order to complete testing in the Muni underground system, the SFMTA has announced that they're expecting to put some of their new light-rail Muni Metro trains into service very soon after filing paperwork with the California Public Utilities Commission later this month. As Hoodline reports, once the CPUC gets their paperwork, the commission then has 21 days to approve and finalize the implementation plans for the new trains. Deputy spokesperson for the SFMTA Erica Kato told Hoodline, "We anticipate to have trains out by the end of the year, which was always the goal." According to the original announcement, SFMTA expects that the full fleet will be replaced by 2028, with the older Breda trains being incrementally changed out, starting this year. The new fleet is being manufactured by German train-maker Siemens, at an assembly plant in Sacramento. As we learned last year, the entire new fleet of 260 cars is expected to cost $1.2 billion. And this is happening ahead of the expected retirement age of the Breda cars, which first went into service in 1996, and which have a sunsetting timeframe of around 2021. What will you have to look forward to in the new cars? Well, benches, for starters. We explored how the new trains have bench seating running all along their length, as opposed to the row-like seating we have now, as an SFMTA design study found that it increased passenger capacity albeit by, like, two people overall. How many trains will Muni be putting into service this year? Just a small handful, and they're only scheduled to have 24 of these new trains in the system by the end of 2018, as we learned in January when one of the first trains arrived here for testing. Meanwhile, BART has its own issues in getting right with the CPUC, as we shared earlier this month. They're still working on getting all their paperwork on their new trains in to the commission, and once they do, they're also be subject to the same 21-day waiting period as Muni. BART expects two of their full trains (two ten-car trains) will start gliding on city tracks sometime before the end of the year. Related: Friday The 13th Will Mark The Arrival Of Muni's First New 'Fleet Of The Future' Train A pair of alleged Muni phone thieves were arrested Thursday, after witnesses and police managed to chase the suspects down. According to the San Francisco Police Department, the incident began on a Muni bus passing through the intersection of 15th Avenue and Taraval Street at 9:15 a.m. Thursday. Police say that two 15-year-old males were on the bus, along with a 39-year-old woman. Suddenly, the teens "grabbed [the victim's] phone from her hand and fled" off the bus, police say. The victim and several witnesses gave chase, police say, running after the suspects. Meanwhile, police officers were summoned to the scene, where they tracked down the suspects. The phone was recovered from the teens, police say. Both were taken into custody, and were booked into San Francisco Juvenile Hall. Related: Phone Tracker Leads SFPD To Teenage Mugging Team Just days after the SFMTA passed some new regulations overseeing the city's emerging jitney scene, the one remaining private shuttle bus company has abruptly shut down operations. Ford-owned commuter shuttle Chariot announced the temporary closure of their service in an e-mail sent to customers Thursday. According to the Chronicle, it reads, in part: "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and will alert you immediately once we reopen service, as we expect to resolve this disruption quickly." The full e-mail, which Chariot posted to Twitter, goes on to say that "even though Chariot is in full compliance with all regulations," they've shut down for now because they "received an order from a regulator to temporarily suspend service." The SF Business Times explains that the shutdown comes after Chariot failed three California Highway Patrol safety inspections. The future of the service was already in question, as the SFMTA was considering banning it and other private commuter shuttle operations from running along already-established public transit lines. Their main concern centered on how Chariot could potentially be siphoning off funds that would normally be going to public transit. According to the Examiner, a draft version under consideration by the SFMTA said that any routes matching a current Muni route by 75 percent or more would be outlawed with the exception of Chariot's current lines which, surprisingly enough, could potentially be grandfathered in. This latest batch of regulations from the SFMTA happened as a result of a slew of complaints about how the now-ubiquitous shuttles were double parking and blocking Muni stops and driveways. According to the Business Times, as part of the new regulations passed on Tuesday, Chariot has to now submit operating data to the SFMTA and begin offering wheelchair-accessible shuttles. Moreover, they say that they had nothing to do with the service's ordered shutdown yesterday. Related: Chariot To Add New Routes And 50 Additional Vans Following Acquisition By Ford One of the Antifa Terrorist left a big clear hand print on the window of my suv. Berekley CSU is pulling the print now. pic.twitter.com/XETAWM9NRt Based Stickman (@BasedStickMan_) October 18, 2017 Alt-right hero Kyle Chapman, who is a persona non grata among the East Bay's left-wing activists, showed up in Berkeley on Tuesday for some reason, leading the Berkeley Antifa Twitter account to alert its followers to his presence. According to some Twitterers who recognized him, Chapman was hanging out on Telegraph Avenue with some supporters or friends, getting beers at Pappy's bar, and it seems they may have been heading onto the UC Berkeley campus. Kyle Chapman and friends spotted around Telegraph https://t.co/3GFOBmpysC Berkeley Antifa (@berkeleyantifa) October 18, 2017 What followed, as Chapman recounted on Facebook Wednesday and as the Daily Cal reports, was Chapman sitting in the backseat of his SUV while five antifa activists, according to him, attacked his car "with clubs, kicks and wrenches." He says that the attack went on for two minutes and "Every time I tried to get out and engage they bear maced me." He says he climbed into the front seat and drove off back to his home in Daly City, adding, "Fortunately the limp wristed [email protected] holding the wrench was too weak to shatter any windows lol." Berkeley Antifa responded on Twitter with two emoji: a wrench and a black flag. Spurred to re-engage in a fight, Chapman posted on Wednesday, "Berekley Antifa, Ill be at Pappys tonight having a beer. You want some? Come see me. Better bring your heavy hitters... Im done playing with you." It's unclear whether Chapman actually returned to the Berkeley bar though he posted a photo of a Berkeley police officer Wednesday apparently lifting a handprint off his car as evidence. At 10:41 p.m. Wednesday, he posted a message saying that the "antifa cowards" didn't show. Antifa activists have now begun a telephone campaign encouraging others to call Pappy's and let them know they shouldn't be welcoming "Nazis." Call Pappys and tell them what you think about Kyle Chapman going there and inviting violence 510-405-1000 pic.twitter.com/1i0RXZp9xi Berkeley Antifa (@berkeleyantifa) October 19, 2017 They're also pointing out that where Chapman appears to be parked in one of his photos might be a violation of a bail-related court order that he must stay 300 yards away from Martin Luther King Civic Center Park though the wording of that order may have only had to do with a specific demonstration there on August 27. Is Chapman violating his stay away order being on Allston so close to MLK park? pic.twitter.com/Je3udi0W5U Berkeley Antifa (@berkeleyantifa) October 18, 2017 Chapman rose to internet fame in March following a violent rally and counter-protest in Berkeley's MLK Park, where he arrived armed with a stick and American flag-emblazoned shield, with a helmet and gas mask over his head and face, ready to do battle with "antifa." Poking the hive that is ultra-liberal Berkeley has been a favorite hobby of alt-right and conservative activists over the last year, most particularly Milo Yiannopoulos, with the common refrain being that UC Berkeley, the home of the Free Speech Movement, now tries to stifle conservative views. Most critics of Yiannopoulos agree that he is less a conservative thinker or evangelist than he is a provocateur bent on personal gain and fame. Chapman has been referred to as "severely mentally ill" by his own lawyer, and in a public speech he has spoken of a "war on the west" and advocated for civil war in the streets in defense of "freedom." Related: Trying To Catch Milo's Wake, Patriot Prayer Jerk And Kyle Chapman Show Up To Speak Uninvited At UC Berkeley There is a lot of talent involved with the serial killer thriller . Martin Scorsese was once set to direct, and he remains an executive producer. His longtime editor Thelma Schoonmaker cut the film. Director Tomas Alfredson was behind the excellent, eerie teenage vampire flick Let the Right One In. And the cast is peppered with actors who have all given great performances in their past. And yet, The Snowman goes wrong in almost every way a movie can. We can probably start with the name of the film's hero, which is Harry Hole. Now, I realize the character has been the center of a number of popular novels by Norwegian author Jo Nesb, and that in Norway, the name is pronounced "ho-leh." But no one in the movie speaks Norwegian, or even attempts a realistic Norwegian accent, so he's addressed as "Hole" throughout. Which actually proves to be pretty apt, since the character as written and ultimately played by Michael Fassbender is a gaping black hole of nothingness. He's given no definitive backstory. His biggest personality trait is that he's a drunk, but he's never seen drunk after the movie's opening. He's supposed to be a brilliant detective whose work is taught to students in the academy, and yet all the sleuthing he does in the film consists of him reading files and ignoring the plethora of clues the camera seems to notice more than he does. He lives alone, but is still in contact with an ex-girlfriend, Rakel (Charlotte Gainsbourg), having developed a fatherly connection with her fatherless teenage son Oleg (Michael Yates). Rakel has an amiable new boyfriend, Mathias (Jonas Karlsson) who doesn't seem to mind Harry's involvement, likely because Harry always seems to forget about the kid anyway. When a young detective named Katrine (Rebecca Ferguson) joins the force, Harry becomes interested in one of her cases, centered on a missing wife and mother that seems to follow a pattern of similar disappearances in Oslo, and may have a connection to a murder in a neighboring city a decade earlier. While the movie is set in Norway, everyone in the cast either speaks with their own accents, or a vaguely Nordic sounding variation. It's at the very least distracting, and at worst off-putting, like you've stepped into a weird, unidentifiable country where nothing seems to fit together or make sense. Everyone has Norwegian names, but they're pronounced wrong. It's winter and snow is everywhere, but no one wears gloves. Abandoned cabins on lonely mountaintops seem to be at the disposal of every citizen. And Harry Hole has no discernible personality, but women can't resist him. (Which, OK, Michael Fassbender. But still.) The trailer and ad campaign make it seem like this is a serial killer movie where the killer plays cat and mouse with the cops, sending them taunting notes, and leaving behind grisly crime scenes with macabre signatures, but all of that is only hinted at. It's like watching the Cliffs Notes version of a longer movie. Clues are left behind and never investigated. (Are all the close-ups of cigarette butts left behind by the killer supposed to mean something? Or does the director just like how butts look in the snow? Are we supposed to think the film's prologue might be about Harry? And why does Harry carry his stuff in a plastic grocery bag?) For some inexplicable reason, Chloe Sevigny plays twins. J.K. Simmons shows up as a local mogul campaigning to get the World's Cup played in Oslo. He also may or may not be involved in some kind of human trafficking, but he definitely enjoys taking pictures of women while using an unnecessary flash setting on his camera phone. Toby Jones has what amounts to a useless cameo that probably started off as a bigger role, but ended up with his character giving exposition and getting pissy at an office birthday party. The whole thing is perplexing, and then becomes downright baffling when Val Kilmer shows up in a flashback, giving a performance so awkward I cringed during every second of his screen time. Kilmer has recently battled what might have been mouth cancer, which involved the removal of a tongue tumor that left him with an altered voice, which probably explains why every word of his dialog had to be dubbed in. But I feel like they still used Kilmer's voice, which at the time of looping had clearly not returned to normal. As a result, his dialog is limited and a lot of it is spoken while a camera is pointed at the back of his head. The rest of his performance is not memorable in any way an actor would want to be remembered, which just makes one ponder why they cast him in the first place. I'll give The Snowman this: There is something appealing about a grisly story set in such pristine surroundings, and seeing the police trudging through snow makes you realize what a genuine pain in the ass it must be to process crimes scenes during a Scandinavian winter. The cinematography is lovely, and while switching the story's setting to a country that might have made more sense given its cast, it would have also meant losing the only redeemable thing about the movie: all that beautiful snow, those iced-over lakes, clean cities centered between gorgeous white capped mountains, and minimalist interiors. Alas, it is not enough to save a movie that is as emotionally engaging as your average IKEA catalog, with about as much plot. This website is intended for U.S. visitors only. Screenings Free blood pressure screenings, 9:30-11 a.m. Wednesdays at Countryside Senior Living, front lobby. No appointment necessary. Programs/Self-Help Groups Al-Anon Information Center, call 712-255-6724. Al-Anon and Alateen, meetings locally. For times, dates and locations of area meetings, call 712-255-6724. Alcoholics Anonymous, beginners information, call 712-252-1333. Arc of Woodbury County, serving the mentally challenged, 5:15 p.m. meeting, second Monday of the month at Mid-Step Services, 4303 Stone Ave. For families and interested persons. Child Care Resource and Referral, provides resources, education and advocacy for children, parents, and child care providers. Assists in child care needs. For more information, call 712-277-1180. Co-Dependence Anonymous, 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at First Lutheran Church, Fireside Room. Co-Dependents Anonymous (CODA), 10 a.m. Saturdays at Hawkeye Club, 420 Jones St. Compassionate Friends, 7 p.m. fourth Wednesday of each month (third Thursday in November and second Sunday December) in Mercy Medical Center's Leiter Room. For families who have lost children. Contact Nancy Webb 712-212-4032 or Don Mulder 712-541-5512. Clinics Siouxland District Health immunization clinics, call for appointment, 712-279-6119 or 1-800-587-3005. Information Family and Addictive Illness series, for more information, call 234-2300. Free Dance Lessons, Exercise for health include the two-step, cha cha, waltz, line dance, pattern dance and more. Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m. and Sundays at 2:45 p.m. at Rodeway Inn and Conference Center, 1401 Zenith Drive, in Sioux City. Contact Pam at 712-204-3646 or twostepne1@aol.com. Iowa Fathers, 6 to 8 p.m. fourth Tuesday of each month at Hope Lutheran Church, Education Building, 218 W. 18th St., South Sioux City, Neb. Support group to help single, divorcing and divorced parents residing in the state of Iowa. Mercy Pathways Outpatient Program, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, on the third floor, Mercy's Central Medical Building, 801 Fifth St., Suite 360. Provides hope, help, opportunity to connect through group therapy for individuals experiencing personal, relationship, psychiatric issues. For more information, call 712-279-5991. Narcotics Anonymous, meetings daily, various times, dates and locations. For more information, call 712-279-0733. Overeaters Anonymous, 1 p.m. Tuesdays at Wesley United Methodist Church, 3700 Indian Hills Drive; 6 p.m. Tuesdays at St. John's Lutheran Church, 402 Lane Ave., Storm Lake; 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Church of the Nazarene, 226 N. Main St., Viborg, S.D.; 5:30 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays at Newman Center, 320 E. Cherry St., Vermillion, S.D.; 10:30 a.m. Saturdays at Hawkeye Club, 420 Jones St. A 12-step recovery program for people who have problems with food and weight. No fees. St. Lukes Outpatient Behavioral Health Program, 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Tuesday and Thursday on fifth floor of St. Luke's, located at 2720 Stone Park Blvd. Offers several levels of outpatient care including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and group therapy. This program provides support and integrated treatment to individuals experiencing personal or relationship issues as a result of their mental illness. For more information and admission criteria, call 712-279-3906. Sobriety By Faith, 8:30 a.m. Saturdays at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1421 Geneva St. For more information, call James Mothershead at 712-577-9715. The Link-Recovery and Freedom, 1603 Glen Ellen Road; 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday workshop, and Christian 12-step meeting 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. For all ages. Call Dee at 389-7432. Tarahouse Meditation Center, 8 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 6:30 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays, all at 3112 Rebecca St. Three easy 10-minute sessions in small group; beginners welcome. For more information, call 490-6410. Blood pressure and blood sugar screening, 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays in the lobby at Westwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Free to public. Support Groups Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Hawkeye Club basement, 420 Jones St. For more information, call 277-5935. Celebrate Recovery, Bible-based 12-step recovery group. Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive. Childcare provided. 712-490-3343. All welcome. PFLAG of Siouxland, (Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays), 7 p.m., fourth Monday of January, March, May, July, September and November. St. Mark ELCA Church, 5200 Glenn Ave., in the upstairs meeting area. 712-258-3116. Singles widowed and divorced, all ages, 4 p.m., Sundays. McDonald's at Sixth Street and Lewis Boulevard. 712-252-2675. GriefShare, 6:30 -8:30 p.m. every Tuesday until Dec. 6 at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City. 712-276-5814. H.E.L.P. Ministries, spiritual NA support group, "Sunday on Saturday" service 6-8 p.m every Saturday at 513 Main St., Sioux City. Donald, 712-574-1744. HIV/AIDS Support Group, meets weekly. For more information, call Darla or Teri at Siouxland Community Health Center, 712-252-2477 or 888-371-1965. Hospice of Siouxland, seeking volunteers. For more information, call 712-233-4144 and ask for a volunteer coordinator. La Leche League of Siouxland, breastfeeding support group meets every third Thursday at 11 a.m. at Morningside Lutheran Church. Children are welcome. For more information, call Mary at 712-546-7280 or Jacquie at 712-255-2998. Living Each Day Cancer Support Group, 7-8 p.m. second Thursday of the month, Floyd Valley Hospital, Conference Center Room 2, Le Mars, Iowa. Open to all cancer patients, cancer survivors and family members. No charge. Pre-register by calling 712-546-3441 or 800-642-6074, ext. 441. Mom and Baby Support Group, 10-11 a.m. last Monday of the month at the Orange City (Iowa) Hospital, lower level. For new moms and babies. 712-737-5260. Tri-State Sober Project, 12-step meeting, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Friendship Community Church, 305 Sergeant Square Drive, Sergeant Bluff. 6-7 p.m., Thursdays, Transitional Services of Iowa, 1221 Pierce St., Sioux City. Doug's Donors Support Group, information for organ donors and recipients, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Fridays, 5:15-6:30 p.m. second Thursdays of the month at Mercy Cafeteria Woodbury Room. 712-277-1050. Divorce Care, 6:30 -8:30 p.m. every Tuesday until Dec. 6 at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City. 712-276-5814. NAMI Siouxland, (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Support Group meets 6:30 p.m., second Tuesday of the month at Friendship House, 1101 Court St. For individuals and family members dealing with mental illness. 712-255-4209. Orphan Sunday, 3:30-5 p.m. Sunday at Sunnybrook Community Church loft, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive. Post Polio Support Group, 11 a.m. first Thursday of the month at Perkins Restaurant by Menards. 712-490-8213. Relationship Support Group, 7 p.m. Fridays at Marketplace Mall. For more information, call 239-3129. Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, Individual and Support Groups. For more information, call CSADV in Sioux City at 712-258-7233; Plymouth County at 712-546-6764; Monona County at 712-423-3443. Advocacy and support available 24 hours a day at 1-800-982-7233. All services free of charge and confidential. Sickle Cell Disease Support Group, 11 a.m. third Saturday of each month at St. Luke's Hospital, meeting room 1. For patients, their family and any concerned member. Call La'Keshia Rainey at 712-203-2019 for more information. Single and Parenting, 6:30 -8:30 p.m. every Tuesday until Dec. 6 at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City. 712-276-5814. Sioux City Association of the Deaf, 7 p.m. third Saturday of the month at Morningside Church of Christ, 5015 Garretson Ave. Regular meeting, September-May; no meeting, June, July, August and December. Siouxland Autism Support Group, second Thursday of the month at Northwest Area Education Agency, 1520 Morningside Ave. For more information, call Julie Case at 712-490-8939. Siouxland Epilepsy Support Group, 5 p.m. third Tuesday of the month at Prestwick Apartment Clubhouse, 4230 Hickory Lane. For anyone diagnosed with seizures or epilepsy and family or friends. For more information, call Steve at 274-6927. Siouxland IC support group, meets quarterly in Sioux City. For patients struggling with interstital cystitis. For more information, call Jacque Dundas 316-641-9766. Siouxland Informational Group for the Blind, 2-5 p.m. second Tuesday of the month at Northern Hills Retirement Community, 4002 Teton Trace. For more information, call 712-266-8926 or 258-8151. Grief support group, 5:30-7:30 p.m., beginning Oct. 5 for 13 weeks (may join at any time), Crescent Park United Methodist Church, 2826 Myrtle St., Sioux City. Scott, 712-899-6315. Siouxland Ostomy Association, 2 p.m. first Sunday of each month (except September, which will be second Sunday; and no meetings June, July, August), in Room 300 at Mercy Medical Center, 801 Fifth St. For more information, call Dick Lindblom at 251-2453. Siouxland Parkinson Disease Support Group, 1 p.m. fourth Monday of the month at Siouxland Center for Active Generations, 313 Cook St. For more information, call Sally Reinert at 402-987-3516. South Sioux City Weight Support Group, 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays at St. Paul United Methodist Church, South Sioux City. For more information, call 494-1401 or 494-2133. Disabilities Resource Center of Siouxland, 520 Nebraska St., Suite 101: Women's Support Group, 1:30 p.m. first Wednesday of the month; LGBT Support Group, 1:30 p.m. first Friday of the month; Adult ADHD, 6 p.m. second Tuesday of the month; Advocacy Group, 1:30 p.m. third Tuesday of the month. For more information, call 712-255-1065. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, group meetings various times, days and locations in Siouxland. For information on the chapter in your area, call 1-800-932-TOPS. Voice Disorder Support Group, meets as needed at Mercy Medical Center, Buena Vista Room. 712-279-2686. Women's Peer Support Group, in Wayne and South Sioux City, Neb., for those who have experienced domestic abuse. For more information, call the Wayne office at 402-375-4633 or 1-800-440-4633; in South Sioux City, call 402-494-7592. Help and support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Services free and confidential. Woodbury County D.M.D.A., noon-2 p.m. first Saturday of the month at Country Friendship Acres, 4501 West St.; 7-8 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at 515 Court St. in the Community Room; 7-8 p.m. second Tuesday of the month at 441 W. Third St. in the Community Room; 7-8 p.m. third Tuesday of the month at 409 W. Third St. in the Community Room. Support group for people with disabilities and mental disorders. Natural Mamas in Siouxland, 1 p.m., third Tuesday of each month in the Garretson room of the Morningside Public Library. All ages of children are welcome to come with moms. For sharing natural living tips, recipes, natural remedies and health, homemaking, mothering, etc. For more information, call 402-913-0038 or visit their Facebook page. Divorce care, 5 p.m., Sundays. Fireside room, Morningside Lutheran Church, 700 South Martha St. Gamblers Anonymous meetings, 4 p.m. Thursdays at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 315 Hamilton Blvd.; 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Morningside Presbyterian Church, 4327 Morningside Ave.; 7 p.m. Tuesdays, St. John Lutheran Church; 7 p.m. Sundays, Hawkeye Club, 420 Jones St.. 712-277-2901. Art therapy support group, 5:30 p.m. second Thursday of the month at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. Registration required, call 252-9387. After Breast Cancer Support Group, 5:30 p.m. third Tuesday of the month at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. For more information, call Brenda, 252-9370. After Prostate Cancer Support Group, 5:15 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. For more information, call 252-9426. Alzheimer's Association, Big Sioux Chapter Support Group, 2 p.m. second Tuesday of the month; 4 p.m. third Tuesday of the month (under age 65) at 201 Pierce St., Suite 110 (Famous Dave's building); and 6 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at the Barnes and Noble Cafe. For more information, call Emily Lord at 712-279-5802. Chronic Pain/Chronic Illness Support Group, 7:30 p.m. fourth Wednesday of the month in the lower level of the Orange City Hospital. For more information, call 712-737-5260. Connections Area Agency on Aging, and Mercy Medical Centers Older Adult Services Welcome to Medicare, 1:30-4 p.m., the first Friday of every month at Connections Area Agency on Aging, 2301 Pierce St. To pre-register, or for more information, contact Connections Area Agency on Aging at 712-279-6900. Entire Gospel of John on stage The entire Gospel of John will be performed by guest actress Kelsey Cratty in Northwestern Colleges England Proscenium Theatre in Orange City, Iowa, on Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. Community members are invited to the free performance; a free-will offering will be taken. Cratty is a founding member of Unbroken Bones theater company with fellow Hope College graduate Elizabeth Champion. They met when Champion directed and Cratty performed Juliet, a one-woman show about a mother of seven whose pastor husband has been imprisoned in communist Hungary. After college and several years performing and teaching theatre in Houston, Cratty became a missionary to Honduras. While working with The Micah Project, which ministers to young men and boys living on the streets, Cratty felt God calling her to memorize the entire book of John, trusting God would use her to present the text to others theatrically. Portrayal of Martin Luther Morningside Lutheran Church, 700 S. Martha St., is having a Portrayal of Martin Luther at 3 p.m. on Oct. 29, with a free dinner after the Rev. Johan and Sonja Hinderlie have portrayed the roles of 16th century reformer Martin Luther and his wife Katharina since 1979. They present the testimony of these reformers in full costume with the flavor of the Reformation time in Germany. This program is part of the 500th Reformation celebration. Reformation Walk St. Paul's Lutheran Church is celebrating the 500th birthday of the Reformation with a Reformation Walk on Oct. 31 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran School, 612 Jennings St., in Sioux City. It is a series of 10 stations where the children will learn of events that influenced the Reformation. They will visit Luther's Birthplace, Cotta's Schoolhouse, Wittenburg Cafe, Castle Church, Wartburg castle, a fish merchant and a music class. Participants will be dressed in Renaissance dress. There will be a special presentation at 9 a.m. Fall dinner Immanuel Lutheran Church, 315 Hamilton Blvd., will have its Fall Dinner Oct. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner will include chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and beverage. Cost is adults $8.50, children under the age of 10 will be $4 and age 3 and under are free. Carry-outs are available. For more information call 712-255-4729. Education director announced Alaina Dick has recently joined the staff at Grace United Methodist Church, 1735 Morningside Ave., as Christian education director. Her bachelor's degree in theology and youth ministry is from the University of Sioux Falls. Previous work has been with United Methodist Congregations in South Dakota and has included work with college students through Intervarsity and Campus Crusades for Christ. She was recently married to Nathan Dick. SIOUX CITY | Jerry Duhaime was driving his four-wheeler on Aug. 5, 2016, when he suffered a stroke. "I can't use my left leg or my left side," said the 75-year-old Elk Point, South Dakota, man, who was found lying on a gravel road by a farmer. More than a year later, Duhaime is residing in an assisted living facility. His wife, Sandy, wants to take him home, but without physical therapy, Duhaime's condition won't improve. In March, Duhaime's physician referred him to Briar Cliff University's pro bono physical therapy clinic to help supplement existing physical therapy sessions he is currently paying for out of pocket. At the pro bono clinic, students enrolled in Briar Cliff's doctor of physical therapy program, which is currently in candidacy status, offer physical therapy for a variety of conditions from stroke to low back pain to multiple sclerosis under the direction of faculty members. Duhaime quickly met the Medicare therapy cap, an annual limit placed on the total dollar amount Medicare will reimburse for each beneficiary's outpatient physical and occupational therapy and speech-language pathology services. The cap was implemented in 1997 through the passage of the Balanced Budget Act. "I don't think there should be a cap for people who can prove that they need physical therapy. I do realize that it's been abused by some people, but if you can prove that you need it and you're improving, there shouldn't be a cap," Sandy Duhaime said. Last month, Briar Cliff University physical therapy students gathered to discuss what they could do to educate legislators about the cap's negative effects on Medicare beneficiaries in an effort to end the pattern of yearly extensions and get the cap repealed once and for all. "Specifically that speech and physical therapy were capped under the same cap was very frustrating," said Alicia Campbell, a second-year physical therapy student who learned more about the Medicare therapy cap from Briar Cliff physical therapy program director Patrick Cross. "Those are two very vital services. Being able to talk, being able to move -- that's very important to us as human beings." The 2017 Medicare therapy cap limits are $1,980 for physical therapy and speech-language pathology services combined, and $1,980 for occupational therapy services. Beneficiaries who meet the annual cap limits may qualify for an exception with additional limits known as "thresholds." The current thresholds are $3,700 for physical therapy and speech-language pathology services combined, and $3,700 for occupational therapy services. A Medicare contractor may review medical records from outpatient therapy services that exceed the threshold amounts to check for medical necessity. Since 1997, Congress has acted 16 times to prevent implementation of the Medicare therapy cap, which has been extended through Dec. 31, 2017. In 2015, an amendment was offered to permanently repeal the therapy cap, but it fell shy of the 60 votes needed. Campbell, an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) liaison, gathered with other Briar Cliff physical therapy students last month to take action against the Medicare therapy cap by writing letters to legislators urging them to support the Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act, which would repeal the Medicare therapy cap. If the Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act doesn't pass before the Dec. 31 deadline, Cross said Medicare beneficiaries won't be able to receive therapy services after they reach the $1,980 cap. "They can't even go to the soft cap of $3,700," he said. "Basically half their services are going to be cut off." Campbell said the project really struck a cord with her fellow physical therapy students who run the pro bono physical therapy clinic, which serves patients who have no insurance or have used up the number of physical therapy sessions authorized by their insurer. The clinic has provided more than $25,000 in services to the community since opening in May 2016. Cross, who also serves as the Iowa Physical Therapy Association's assistant federal affairs liaison, said the pro bono physical therapy clinic exists to an extent because of the Medicare therapy cap, which has a "huge effect" on health care in general. For example, Cross said a patient who has a knee replacement in January, utilizes all of his or her available Medicare Part B money, and suffers a stroke in June, won't be eligible to receive therapy services under Medicare after the leaving the nursing home. "That then has a direct effect on the person's functional limitations, as well as their quality of life," he said. "Then, if the person's not able to move as well, they're more at risk for things like pneumonia or other health care problems. Those secondary effects cause the person to be hospitalized and cost the overall system more money." Given the current climate on health care legislation, which seeks to cut benefits from women, seniors, the poor and people with disabilities, Campbell said she's somewhat discouraged but hopeful that repeal of the Medicare therapy cap is possible. While she said repealing the cap and increasing benefits will cost more in the short term, she said the long term benefits outweigh the initial costs. "With these patients, it's not an injury that you can simply treat and it will heal. They're learning how to live with it. They don't need any more obstacles in front of them," she said. "If we can improve their lifestyle, then they will participate more in their family, their society and their community." Jerry Duhaime is making progress thanks to the pro bono physical therapy clinic. Once a week for about an hour, the students work with him on sitting, standing, balancing and walking. "He's been improving steadily. The more (physical therapy) we get, the better off we are," Sandy Duhaime said. DENISON, Iowa | A Crawford County jury on Friday found a man guilty of charges connected with the drowning death of a 15-year-old girl near Denison, Iowa, earlier this year. Ramon Hernandez, 26, was accused of crashing a car with four teenage passengers into the Boyer River in the early morning hours of Jan. 19 after leaving the road and crossing two fields and a set of railroad tracks. One passender, Yoana Acosta, 15, disappeared in the river before she could be rescued. Her disappearance led to a weeklong search involving dozens of local and state agencies. Acosta's body was found Jan. 26, submerged in 24-inch-deep water more than two miles downstream from the crash site. Hernandez, 26, had pleaded not guilty to vehicular homicide, three counts of distribution of a controlled substance to a minor, one count of delivery or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and four counts of providing alcohol to a minor. After the vehicle Hernandez was driving enter the river, a 16-year-old male passenger was able to get out of the submerged vehicle and walk to a nearby residence to call for help. Sheriff's deputies arriving at the scene pulled out three people who were in the water close to the banks and spotted Acosta about 100 yards down river. Court documents accused Hernandez of providing marijuana to Acosta and his other three teenage passengers prior to the crash. Hernandez could be subject to a lengthy prison sentence. Vehicular homicide and the drug distribution to a minor charges all are Class B felonies that carry 25-year sentences. The delivery charge is a Class D felony punishable by five years in prison. Providing alcohol to a minor is a serious misdemeanor. SIOUX CITY | An Omaha/Council Bluffs developer plans to renovate the former Hatch Furniture Building in downtown Sioux City into commercial space and 30 apartment units beginning in 2019. The project, an investment of $5.95 million, is among three mixed-use projects the firm, J. Development Co., plans to complete over the next few years at a trio of historic Sioux City buildings. As the Journal was first to report Friday, J. Development plans to acquire and renovate the Commerce Building at 520 Pierce St. and the old Methodist Hospital at 2825 Douglas St. The developer plans to invest $16.25 million to turn the 1912 Commerce Building into 77 apartments and 18,000 feet of first-floor commercial space. In the 1924 hospital, the developer plans to invest $12.4 million to create 69 market-rate apartments. At a Friday morning news conference, J. Development principal Julie Stavneak detailed plans for those two projects plus the third project at the former Hatch building at 413 Pierce St. Stavneak said the Pierce Street structure will be redeveloped to include 6,175 square feet of commercial space to lease on the first floor, with the upper floors containing 30 market-rate residential apartments. The developers are planning to add a floor to the structure, something envisioned in the building's original design. "We're a big believer in historic renovation and infill, really helping downtowns continue to grow and change," Stavneak said. "We're excited to continue that mission by having people live here." Stavneak said the company plans to start construction late winter on the Commerce building and to complete it in 18 months. They plan to then move to the hospital, which is envisioned as a year-long project, in the middle of the year and to start on the Hatch Furniture building in 2019. In all, the three projects will provide more than 175 housing units with a total investment of $34 million. Stavneak said the projects will focus on studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, with rent for the units ranging from $650 to $1,200 per month. Parking for the downtown projects will be provided at the rear of the Commerce Building, Stavneak said, as well as in parking ramps through partnerships with the city. Built in 1934, the Hatch building was designed by Chicago firm Graham, Anderson, Probst and White, the designers of Chicagos Merchandise Mart and Union Station, according to the Sioux City Historical Preservation Commission. Until the early 1970s, the building was occupied by Montgomery Wards. Hatch Furniture, based in Yankton, South Dakota, opened a Sioux City location in 1985 and moved into the 413 Pierce Street building in 1987. Hatch closed the downtown store in 2008 but reopened the space two years later as an outlet and clearance store. It closed the store for good in 2014. City economic development specialist Chris Myres said the city has been working with J Development for about two years on the projects. The development firm is working with Sioux City architecture firm M+ Architects. Mayor Bob Scott on Friday praised the current momentum of the several downtown development projects in the works, citing the J. Development projects, the Thursday opening of Pearl Street Park and the plans announced this week to move the Lamb Arts Regional Theatre to a 1909 building on Douglas Street. "This is an exciting time for this particular area right here," Scott said. J. Development received approval for two tax credit awards of up to $750,000 apiece from the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board on Friday to fund the Commerce Building and Methodist hospital renovations. Also receiving state approval for nearly $913,000 of tax credits was a previously announced project planned by Restoration St. Louis to renovate the historic Warrior Hotel and adjacent Davidson Building into a 146-room Marriott Hotel, retail and living space. SIOUX CITY | The search for a submerged vehicle that may have belonged to a family of three who went missing Monday has stretched to a fifth day, as crews led by the Sioux City Police Department continue to work at the Missouri River on Friday morning. Sioux City Police Department officials on Thursday said they have a "fair degree of confidence" that a car driven into the river Monday could have belonged to a family of three that went missing around the same time that day. Authorities continue to weigh options to reach the vehicle, which is located in a portion of the Missouri River with dangerously strong currents and scant visibility. Angelica Gonzales and Salomon Medina, and their daughter, 17-year-old Vanessa Medina, were reported missing Tuesday morning by family, after the three had left for the Walmart Supercenter on Floyd Boulevard around 3 p.m. Monday and have not been seen since. A car reportedly entered the river about 4:20 p.m. Monday near the site of the former Argosy riverboat casino. Police said the car -- described as small and dark-colored -- went over a curb in a nearby parking lot and through a chain-link fence before going down the bank and into the river. Based upon its direction of travel, police said they believed the vehicle was occupied when it went underwater. Police have not confirmed any events leading up to the crash or explanations as to why the car drove into that location. SIOUX CENTER, Iowa | A major modernization of the existing Sioux Center, Iowa, swimming pool could be coming. Roughly $6 million in new elements are under consideration. The City Council at a meeting Thursday meeting saw plans as part of ongoing discussions about enhancing the outdoor pool at the All Seasons Center, in the 700 block of Seventh Street Northeast. This project is part of supporting our growing community with great quality of life amenities," City Manager Scott Wynja said. Wynja said the designs prepared by Waters Edge Aquatic Design showed features that people will see as fun additions, including a lazy river, variety of water slides, diving boards, mini-zip line and climbing wall. Wynja said the time is at hand for additions, since the existing pool is 14 years old. "Based on feedback from the public over the last several years, we want to consider adding some amenities for our growing community and improving aquatic recreational options for a wide range of ages, he said. Public input from previous surveys and the development of Sioux Centers parks master plan helped direct city planners in drafting pool enhancement ideas. Many Siouxland communities have sought to make pools more modern through additions beyond having a simple rectangular swimming area. At the next Sioux Center City Council meeting on Nov. 6, members will review an aquatic center final design from Waters Edge Aquatic Design. If the plans move forward, Wynja said bids could be sought by March 2018. He said the best cost estimate at this point is $6 million or slightly above, once engineering costs are added to the construction pieces. The goal is to add the pool pieces in advance of the full 2019 summer swimming season, which would be boosted if construction starts in 2018, Wynja said. Sioux Center is a Sioux County city of about 7,100 residents. The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless. The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well. By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism. James Laurence "Larry" Hills, 76, of Great Mills, MD passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 12, 1941 to the late James Ora Hills and Evelyn G. Hart Hills. He was born in Washington, D.C. but was raised in St. Mary's County. He was a graduate of Great Mills High School class of 1960. On November 29th, 1975 he married his beloved wife Deborah L. Hills at St. George Episcopal Church in Valley Lee, MD. Together they celebrated over 41 wonderful years of marriage. Larry was a member of St. George Episcopal Church, Classic Car Club, and the Lions Club of Lexington Park. He invested many years of hard work and customer service in building his excavating company with his two sons "Jay & Darryl" Larry Hills & Sons Excavating, Inc. Larry loved to spend his time working in his "Gravel Pit". He meticulously had a home for every "type" of material in the pit and was proud in how neat and orderly it was and stayed. He instilled his hard work ethic and dedication to his Sons and Employees of the business. Larry enjoyed his family and friends very much. He liked watching NASCAR and watching his son Darryl race at the Dirt Track. Enjoyed camping especially in Florida every year. He loved playing pool for the former Friendly Tavern Pool League. In addition to his beloved wife Deborah, Larry was also survived by his children: Diana C. Oh (Tom) of Hollywood, MD, James H. "Jay" Hills (Annie), Darryl B. Hills (Jennifer) both of Great Mills, MD, and Tracy L. French (Scot) of King George, VA; his sister Sandra Hixson (J Howard) of Cobb Island, MD; 14 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren; and many extended family and friends. He is proceeded in death by his parents and brother Harold Hills. Family will receive friends for Larry's Life Celebration on Sunday, October 22, 2017 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A Funeral Service will be celebrated by Reverend Greg Syler on Monday, October 23, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Face Catholic Church, 20408 Point Lookout Road, Great Mills, MD 20634. Interment will follow at St. George Episcopal Church Cemetery, 19167 Poplar Hill Lane, Valley Lee, MD 20692. Serving as pallbearers will be: Steve Burch, John S. (Johnny) Bean, Freddy Adkins, John Simms, Floyd Graham and Mark Bowes. Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650, Second District Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1, Valley Lee, MD 20692. Arrangements by Brinsfield Funeral Home. LA PLATA, Md. (Oct. 19, 2017)The Economic Development Department announced today that Charles County has submitted a proposal in response to the e-commerce based retailer Amazon's HQ2 Request for Proposal (RFP). Amazon announced their intent to explore potential locations in North America for the company's second corporate headquarters. On Sept. 7, 2017, Amazon released a RFP identifying a competitive site selection process for the potential location of Amazon HQ2. The Economic Development Department collaborated with the Maryland Department of Commerce and the Greater Washington Board of Trade to create a competitive response to Amazon's RFP. Charles County's proposal outlines the site's unique position to attract and retain talent, foster a sense of place, and promote the county's culture and creativityoffering the best competitive cost/land based option in southern Maryland. Charles County has the geographic proximity to three major airports and international markets, incomparable quality of life and workforce talent, and geographically diverse recreation options which are realistically capable of achieving Amazon's highest standards of sustainability and connectivity. "Our strategic location in the Metro D.C. area and lower cost of doing business makes Charles County a prime location for investmentAmazon's or other businesses seeking to relocate or expand," said Director of the Economic Development Department Darrell Brown, Esq. "We also have access to an educated workforce, available commercial properties, and a great quality of life." Charles County is located 30 minutes from Ronald Reagan National Airport and 40 minutes from the nation's Capital, the White House, and major federal government offices. The county's cost of doing business and cost of living are lower than the Washington, D.C. metro area's as a whole. Additionally, commercial land prices and lease rates are significantly less than other parts of the Washington, D.C. metro region. The potential Charles County site is a 435-acre undeveloped parcel, currently on the market. Approximately one-quarter mile from U.S. Route 301, the site is located in the county's population centers of Waldorf, White Plains, and La Plata, where the area's labor force within a 45-minute commute exceeds 1.3 million. Amazon requires 1 million. "Having Amazon consider the Washington, D.C. metro area as a potential headquarters' location shows that the area, including Charles County, is competitive for world class investment and the thousands of jobs that come with it," said Commissioner President Peter F. Murphy. Amazon's second headquarters expects to create as many as 50,000 new full-time-jobs with an average annual compensation exceeding $100,000 per employee. Amazon initially plans to start phase I work on 500,000-square-feet of space by 2019 but could expand up to 8,000,000-square-feet beyond 2027. The project could exceed $5 billion in capital investment over the initial 15-17 years of the project. Deandre Terille Taylor, age 28, of Bushwood Demetrius Lakies Butler, age 28, of Lexington Park Jessica Ann Bonacci, age 32, of Lexington Park Jonathan Stephen Hoyer, age 24, no fixed address Justin David Raley, age 29, of Lexington Park Ryan Marshall Edwards, age 29, of Piney Point Timothy James Burnett Parker, age 19 of Waldorf William Alexander Sledge, age 60, of Lexington Park Willie Jae Johnson, age 35, of Chaptico Previous Next LEONARDTOWN, Md. Disclaimer: In the U.S.A., all persons accused of a crime by the State are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. See: so.md/presumed-innocence. Additionally, all of the information provided above is solely from the perspective of the respective law enforcement agency and does not provide any direct input from the accused or persons otherwise mentioned. You can find additional information about the case by searching the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Database using the accused's name and date of birth. The database is online at so.md/mdcasesearch . Persons named who have been found innocent or not guilty of all charges in the respective case, and/or have had the case ordered expunged by the court can have their name, age, and city redacted by following the process defined at so.md/expungeme. (Oct. 19, 2017)The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office released the following incident and arrest reports.BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE/PROPERTY DESTRUCTION: On 09/28/2017, Deputy Beyer responded to the 25000 block of Three Notch Road Hollywood for a report of two burglaries to motor vehicles. The investigation determined the alleged suspect, entered two vehicles and stole and later destroyed property of two victims. Mr. Aloise was located and arrested on an outstanding child support warrant. Mr. Aloise had some of the stolen property at his residence, and other stolen property had been burned. Mr. Aloise was charged with Burglary to Motor Vehicle, Theft, Property Destruction, and Malicious Burning. CASE # 51409-17.BURGLARY: On 09/25/2017, Dep. Robinson responded to the 15000 block of Camp Merryelande Road in Piney Point for the reported burglary. Investigation revealed the suspect entered the business and removed property. On 09/26/2017, Dep. Robinson responded to a business for the report of a burglary in the 17000 block of Clarke Road in Piney Point. No property was reported stolen. Investigation by Dep. Robinson led to, being developed as a suspect. Edwards was located and placed under arrest and charged with Burglary 2nd Degree, Burglary 4th Degree, Theft Under $1,000, and Malicious Destruction of Property. CASE# 51005-17 & 50855-17.THEFT: On 09/29/2017, suspect, was charged with Theft Under $100 from the Charlotte Hall WaWa. Cpl. Handy charged the suspect on a Criminal Citation. CASE #51642-17.BURGLARY: On 09/29/2017, DFC. Schultz responded to the 44000 block of River Otter Drive in California for a reported burglary. The victim alleged the suspect,, entered the residence unlawfully, destroyed property, and assaulted the victim. Burnett-Parker was placed under arrest and charged with Burglary 3rd Degree, Assault 2nd Degree, and Malicious Destruction of Property. CASE # 51692-17.VIOLATION OF PROTECTIVE ORDER: On 09/30/2017, Dep. Robinson responded to the 17000 block of Three Notch Road in Dameron for a reported violation of a protective order. The victim alleged the suspect, was on the property in violation of an active protective order. Hoyer was placed under arrest and charged with Violation of a Protective Order; Hoyer also had an outstanding warrant for Violation of a Protective Order which was also served. CASE #51827-17.ALCOHOL VIOLATION: On 09/30/2017, DFC. Snyder observed the suspect,, in possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage in public, in the 46000 block of S. Shangri-La Drive, Lexington Park. Sledge was cited on a Criminal Citation for the offense, and arrested on an outstanding warrant. CASE #51829-17.THEFT: On 09/20/2017, an unknown individual entered the McKay's in Leonardtown and removed property. A suspect was developed and on 09/30/2017,, was charged with Theft Less Than $100 on a Criminal Citation by Dep. Ball #315. CASE # 49905-17.ASSAULT: On 10/2/2017, at approximately 8:39 p.m., deputies responded to the 45000 block of Foxchase Drive in Great Mills for a report of an assault. Contact was made with an individual who sustained a minor laceration to their hand. The victim was transported to MedStar St. Mary's Hospital for treatment. The investigation is continuing and is being handled by Cpl. Reppel #141. CASE# 52231-17.09/27/2017: James Michael Russell, age 33, of Mechanicsville, was charged with Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Holdsworth #305. CASE# 46744-17.09/28/2017: Steven Joseph Lepock, age 54, of Mechanicsville, was charged with Theft by Dep. T. Payne #320. CASE# 36362-17.09/29/2017: Daejawhn Kyree Butler, age 19, of Lexington Park, was charged with Theft by DFC. Tirpak #270. CASE# 45599-17.09/29/2017: Nicholas Stephen Spurling, age 25, of Lexington Park, was charged with Theft by Dep. J. Davis# 269. CASE# 46744-17.09/30/2017: Troy Allen Weatherly, age 46, of Lexington Park, was charged with Animal Cruelty by DFC. Seyfried # 217. CASE# 49282-17.10/01/2017: Troy Allen Jones, age 25, of Dameron, was charged with Burglary 1st Degree, Theft, and Vandalism by Cpl. J. Davis# 197. CASE# 31485-17.10/02/2017: David Allen Harding, age 31, of Leonardtown, was charged with Assault 2nd Degree and Theft by Dep. Holdsworth# 305. CASE# 42637-17.10/02/2017: Ryan Marshall Edward, age 29, of Piney Point, was charged with Burglary and Theft by Dep. Holdsworth# 305. CASE# 51515-17.09/26/2017: a female juvenile age 17, from Lexington Park, was arrested for Assault 2nd Degree by DFC. Beishline #252.09/27/2017: a female juvenile age 13, from California, was arrested for Assault 2nd Degree, and Disturbing School Operations by Cpl. Hartzell #97.09/27/2017: a female juvenile age 14, from Lexington Park, was arrested for Assault 2nd Degree and Disturbing School Operations by Cpl. Hartzell #97.09/27/2017: a male juvenile age 16, from Mechanicsville, was arrested for Malicious Destruction of Property by Dep. Holdsworth #305.09/28/2017: a male juvenile, age 17, from California, was arrested for Assault 2nd Degree by Cpl. Maloy #137.09/29/2017: a male juvenile, age 11, from Hollywood, was arrested for Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Ball #315.09/30/2017: a male juvenile, age 17, from Great Mills, was arrested for Burglary 4th Degree by DFC. Schultz #258.09/28/2017: Amber Nicole Queen, age 22, of Bushwood, was charged with Theft Less than $1,000, Theft Less than $10,000, and Property Destruction, by DFC. Potter.09/28/2017: Angela Marie Marshall, age 35, of Hollywood, was arrested on a outstanding Calvert County Child Support Warrant by Deputy M. Beyer #319.09/30/2017: Willie Jae Johnson, age 35, of Chaptico, was charged with an outstanding Child Support Warrant and Failing to Register by Cpl. Knott #234. CASE #63330-17.09/30/2017: Demetrius Lakies Butler, age 28, of Lexington Park, was served with an outstanding Child Support Warrant by DFC. Tirpak #270. CASE #51817-17.09/30/2017: Joseph Andrew Bush, age 57, of Great Mills, was charged with FOA Baltimore County Solicit W/O Permit on Roadway by DFC. Tirpak# 270. CASE #51868-17.10/02/2017: Sean Paul Monroe McMillon, age 36, of Great Mills, was charged with Child Abuse and Assault by Cpl. Teague #249. CASE #52163-17.10/02/2017: Jessica Ann Bonacci, age 32, of Lexington Park, was charged with Violation of Probation by Dep. Steinbach# 268. CASE #47353-17.10/02/2017: Deandre Terille Taylor, age 28, of Bushwood, was charged with CDS Possession Not Marijuana by Dep. J. Davis# 269. CASE #52031-17.10/02/2017: Justin David Raley, age 29, of Lexington Park, was charged with Burglary 2nd Degree, Burglary 4th Degree, and Theft by Dep. Muschette #303.10/02/2017: Keyonda Rochelle Cauthen, age 21, of Lexington Park, was charged with FTA/Child Support. Antonio Dade, age 19, of Capitol Heights Carla Evette Blanton, age 47, of Lexington Park Charles Anthony Gegor, age 40, of Mechanicsville Darwin Terell Banks, age 44, of Lexington Park Dillon Cole Heiston, age 24, of Leonardtown Howard Arthur Miller III, age 36, of Maddox Jerry Leslie Blackley, age 28, of Mechanicsville Jonathan Albert Anderson, age 27, of Lexington Park Jonathan Lee Lynch, age 20, of Lexington Park Justin Steven Cherrico, age 31, of Mechanicsville Keith Demarr Young, age 32, of Waldorf Kenya Shondrea Mumphrey, age 18, of Lexington Park Mark Wayne Williams, age 49, of Lexington Park Michael Anthony McCoy, age 27, of Lexington Park Nicole Layette Smith, age 36, of Lexington Park Patrick Shawn Daley, age 28, of Lexington Park Samantha Donley, age 49, of Callaway Tabitha Marie Wilson, age 24, of Lexington Park William Thomas McLaren, age 35, of Califonia Previous Next LEONARDTOWN, Md. Disclaimer: In the U.S.A., all persons accused of a crime by the State are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. See: so.md/presumed-innocence. Additionally, all of the information provided above is solely from the perspective of the respective law enforcement agency and does not provide any direct input from the accused or persons otherwise mentioned. You can find additional information about the case by searching the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Database using the accused's name and date of birth. The database is online at so.md/mdcasesearch . Persons named who have been found innocent or not guilty of all charges in the respective case, and/or have had the case ordered expunged by the court can have their name, age, and city redacted by following the process defined at so.md/expungeme. (October 20, 2017)The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office released the following arrest reports.DUI:10/14/2017:, was charged with Driving Under the Influence, and Driving While Impaired by DFC Schultz# 258. CASE# 54331-17.10/13/2017: Cpl. Knott responded to the 26000 block of Earnshaw Way in Helen for a reported assault. The victims said the suspect,, assaulted them during a verbal argument. Melotti was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree. CASE# 54292-17.10/14/2017: DFC. Tirpak responded to the 48000 block of Chisleytown Road in St. Inigoes for a reported assault/theft. Investigation revealed suspect, had assaulted the victim and stole property. Suspect Lynch was located and arrested; Lynch was charged with Robbery, Assault 2nd Degree, Theft, and Malicious Destruction of Property. CASE# 54447-17.10/14/2017: Cpl. Carberry responded to the 27000 block of Cox Drive, in Mechanicsville, for a report of a disturbance. The suspect,, was on scene and acting in a disorderly manner. Blackley was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct. CASE# 54450-17.10/16/2017: Cpl. Knott responded to the 41000 block of Baldridge Street in Leonardtown for a report of an assault. Investigation revealed suspect, had assaulted the victim. Young was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree. CASE# 54593-17.10/16/2017: Dep. Payne responded to the 41000 block of Baldridge Street in Leonardtown for a report of an assault. Investigation revealed suspect, assaulted the victim. Anderson was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree. CASE# 54696-17.10/17/2017: DFC. Potter responded to the 22000 block of Grand Harvest Lane in Lexington Park for a reported assault. Investigation revealed suspect, assaulted the victim. Mumphrey was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree. CASE# 54797-17.10/18/2017: Cpl. Snyder responded to the 23000 block of Leonard Hall Drive for a report of an individual acting aggressive and to conduct a check on the individual's welfare. Upon arrival Cpl. Snyder #89, made contact with suspect. As Cpl. Snyder was making contact with Suspect Dade, the suspect struck Cpl. Snyder. Dade was ultimately arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree LE Officer, and Resisting Arrest. CASE# 55083-17.10/14/2017: Carla Evette Blanton, age 47, of Lexington Park, was charged with FTA/Driving While Revoked on Out of State License by Dep. Robinson# 332 CASE# 54350-17.10/14/2017: Mark Wayne Williams, age 49, of Lexington Park, was charged with Violation of Probation and Failing to Pay Deferred Payment by DFC. Shulz# 258. CASE# 54471-17.10/16/2017: Patrick Shawn Daley, age 28, of Lexington Park, was charged with Violation of Probation/Assault 2nd Degree, Theft, and CDS Possession Not Marijuana by Cpl. Reppel# 141. CASE# 54638-17.10/16/2017: Michael Anthony McCoy, age 27, of Lexington Park, was charged with Illegal Possession of a Firearm, Driving on Suspended License, and Driving on a Revoked License by Dep. Payne# 320. CASE# 54688-17.10/16/2017: Howard Arthur Miller III, age 36, of Maddox, was charged with Burglary 4th Degree, Malicious Destruction of Property, and Resist/Interfere w/Arrest by Dep. Edwards #335. CASE# 54693-17.10/16/2017: Charles Anthony Gegor, age 40, of Mechanicsville, was charged with FTA/Burglary, Theft, and Property Destruction by Dep. Holdsworth# 305. CASE# 54717-17.10/17/2017: Tabitha Marie Wilson, age 24, of Lexington Park, was charged with Assault 2nd Degree by DFC C. Beyer# 246.10/17/2017: Justin Steven Cherrico, age 31, of Mechanicsville, was charged with Violation of Probation-Rogue and Vagabond, and Theft by Dep. Muschette# 303.10/17/2017: Dejuan Antwan Stafford, age 32, of Hollywood, was charged with Failure to Appear/Child Support Cpl. White# 200.10/17/2017: Dillon Cole Heiston, age 24, of Leonardtown, was charged with Failure to Appear/Non Support by Cpl. Flerlage# 241.10/17/2017: Rashaud Martese Nelson, age 28, of California, was charged with Violation of Probation/CDS not Marijuana by DFC. Wesner# 284.10/17/2017: Stephen Aaron Huffman, age 27, of Mechanicsville, was charged with FTA/Driving While Suspended by Cpl. Foor# 235.10/17/2017: Maxwell Lewis Scroggs, age 27, of Mechanicsville, was charged with Violation of Probation by DFC. Potter# 255.10/18/2017: William Thomas McLaren, age 35, of Califonia, was charged with Violation of Probation by Cpl. Carberry# 167.10/18/2017: Samantha Donley, age 49, of Callaway, was charged with Failure to Appear for Show Cause Hearing, by Dep. J. Davis# 269.10/18/2017: Darwin Terell Banks, age 44, of Lexington Park, was charged with FTA/Theft by DFC. Steinbach# 268.10/12/2017: Richard Lyle Moore II, age 36, of Mechanicsville, was charged with Assault 2nd Degree by Cpl. Kirkner# 133. CASE# 52754-17.10/12/2017: Becky Sue Booth, age 40, of Lexington Park, was charged with Theft by Dep. Payne# 320. CASE# 40674-17.10/12/2017: Ohmer Watson Webb, age 34, of Mechanicsville, was charged with Theft and Unauthorized Removal of Property by Dep. Edwards# 335. CASE# 49482-17.10/12/2017: Sadiyah Mone Vaughan, age 20, of Hollywood, was charged with Violation of Exparte/Protective Order, by Dep. Edwards# 335. CASE# 46810-17.10/12/2017: Thomas Richard Lee IV, age 31, of Lexington Park, was charged with Theft by Dep. Bare# 307. CASE# 44483-17.10/13/2017: Kalen Dar'vell Bush, age 27, of Lexington Park, was charged with Burglary 4th Degree by DFC. Wesner# 284. CASE# 46314-17.10/14/2017: Neisa Jordan Gaston, age 18, of Bushwood, was charged with Burglary 4th Degree by DFC. Schultz# 258. CASE# 54423-17.10/15/2017: James Alan Winters, age 37, of Great Mills, was charged with Harassment by Cpl. Seyfried# 217. CASE# 52599-17.10/16/2017: Darren Matthew Bivens, age 30, of Piney Point, was charged with Malicious Destruction of Property by DFC. Schultz# 258. CASE# 49215-17.10/16/2017: Jewel Taylor Burnett-Parker, age 20, of Mechanicsville, was charged with Burglary 4th Degree by DFC. Schultz# 258 CASE# 54553-17.10/17/2017: Walter Jerome Ford Sr., age 52, of Lexington Park, was charged with Assault 2nd Degree by Cpl. Reppel# 141. CASE# 53231-17.10/18/2017: Melissa Ann Caudell-Massey, age 39, of California, was charged with Assault 2nd Degree by Cpl. Corcoran# 129. CASE# 52920-17.10/18/2017: Deborah Angelique Blocker, age 24, with no fixed address, was charged with Theft by Cpl. Corcoran# 129. CASE# 53608-17. You felt surprisingly safe. There you were, in a place that was certainly iffy, but you were totally comfortable there. No danger, no darkness, no problems and in the new book The Gangs All Queer by Vanessa R. Panfil, no world youve ever seen before, either. Everybody knows that being a teen isnt easy. Being a gay teen is even harder which, as a white lesbian woman, Panfil knew: her work in a Columbus, Ohio, LGBT center for young adults showed her realities beyond what shed lived herself, and it sparked an interest in gang membership within the community. She already knew a handful of gay gang members; after she gained their trust, those men introduced her to a web of people who opened their world to her. When most people think of gangs, the image that comes to mind is one of tattoos and machismo. Panfil found some of the latter, but that was often used as cover for sexual identity; indeed, many (though far from all) of the men she interviewed kept closeted to their fellow gang members. Panfil says there are three distinct kinds of gangs: all-gay gangs, of which there arent many; heterosexual gangs, in which being gay could be dangerous; and more tolerant, easy-going hybrid gangs in which the mix of gay and straight could be up to half of each. Panfil points out that most of the men she interviewed were careful to stress that they were very masculine. She also says, despite that more than two out of three gay men fought someone else over homophobic harassment, protection from such was not the main reason for joining a gang; the main reasons were for perceptions of family, or because of deep friendship. Furthermore, while there was a certain amount of crime mostly petty theft, selling drugs and sex, although fierce violence was not unknown many gay gangs offered encouragement, a more democratic atmosphere, job-seeking help, and educational support, thus acting more as cliques than gangs. Lets start here: The Gangs All Queer is a bit on the academic side, and probably not on anyones relax-in-a-hammock-and-read list. Having said that, its a very interesting take on a world that never makes the headlines. Not only did author Vanessa R. Panfil have access to a group of men who were willing to tell-all, she fully used that access to understand why a gay man would turn to a group thats stereotypically anti-gay. This leads to a bigger picture, and larger questions of violence and closeting, as well as problems with being black, gay and gangster. Also, because her subjects so casually use a word thats normally a slur, the comfortableness of such is examined, as are the issues of sex work. Readers even those who might struggle with the college-thesis feel of this book will ultimately come away with a better knowledge of a world they mightnt have realized existed before. Certainly for scholars, but also for readers interested in LGBT cultures, The Gangs All Queer is a pretty safe bet. The Gangs All Queer: The Lives of Gay Gang Members by Vanessa R. Panfil c.2017, New York University Press $28.00 U.S. & Canada 312 pages This is the second of a two-part article first published in 1994 as part of a series about South Florida LGBT history written for Miamis The Weekly News (TWN). Part one was about Broward Countys queer social life. Part two looks at the rise of the LGBT rights movement at a time when most of us were still in our closets. Gay politics in Broward dragged behind the bar scene. There were individual acts of resistance. The late Jerry Mitchell recalled being part of a short-lived group, the Purple Panthers, that fought antigay harassment on Dania Beach in the summer of 1962. Broward Countys oldest LGBT political entity was the Gay Community Services of Broward County, which flourished in 1973. Though the GCS did not live to be a year old, it led, through the efforts of member Mark Silber, to the creation of the Stonewall Library. The next chapter in Browards gay history began in January of 1977, and the catalyst was E. Clay Shaw, then Mayor of Fort Lauderdale. The late Tom Bradshaw, speaking before the Stonewall Library, noted that Shaw wanted a grand jury investigation of the relationship between the Marlin Beach Hotel and hustlers on the Strip, on A1A and on Birch Road. And he went further than that. He said, I dont just want the Marlin Beach closed, as a public nuisance, but I want all gays out of Fort Lauderdale. We want this to be a family community! All of a sudden (recalled Bradshaw), an incredible burst of energy occurred, seemingly out of nowhere. Gay and lesbian people began to organize. And there was born the Broward County Coalition for the Humanistic Rights of Gays. Richard Sedlak, who served as president of the Broward County Coalition for Human Rights (BCCHR) from 1979 to its demise, remembered at the time. a lot of people began to flex their muscles. These people were gay and proud and willing to stand up for their rights. Broward activists were inspired by the Dade County Coalition for Human Rights, which was then fighting to preserve that countys gay rights ordinance. According to Josephine Williamson, an early member of the BCCHR, the group started out as a bar owners group. Silber, one of the founding members, credited Dade County activist Bob Kunst for the creation of the BCCHR. Kunst, Silber recalled, got a lot of support from Bill Hovan who, as owner of the Marlin Beach Hotel, had some stake in the matter. Mitchell, another founder, recalled that the BCCHR met the first time at Tangerines in Fort Lauderdale. Then we started meeting at the Marlin and then we moved away from meeting at bars. For a while (1977-78) the BCCHR rented office space at the Las Olas Building before moving its meetings, in Mitchells words, to the place Buddy Markwell had. Markwells place was Common Ground, itself a landmark in Broward gay history. The late Buddy Markwell, whose Den of Antiquity shared space with Common Ground, called it a meeting place for people. It wasnt religious, Markwell told me in 1994. It wasnt a bar. It was a common ground where people could get together and share ideas. Out of there we got the Hotline, which started in 1978 and ran until two years ago. There were several things that got started from that concept and developed into other things. A predecessor of the Pride Center, Common Ground, located on the south side of the railroad track at Andrews, was, in Williamsons words, the first attempt to create something that was remotely a community center in Broward County. I became involved with the BCCHR shortly after I moved to Broward in 1978, and served as secretary from 1979 until that groups demise. Meetings at Common Ground drew a small number of people, mostly young, white, male and economically challenged. On the average, Williamson said, there were about 15 people, about 90% men." Buddy Markwell had a few people, recalled activist Joe Bell, who went over a few times. But they didnt seem to have too many people there. Buddy tried hard but it wasnt a big membership and to do anything you have to have a big membership. What the BCCHR lacked in money and numbers it tried to make up with enthusiasm. According to Williamson, the Coalition at the time was the only really out organization so it attracted people who could afford to be out and who didnt have any money. The Coalition never had any money and was always beholden to any bars that would hold fundraisers. When I joined the Coalition it had this huge, unwieldy Steering Committee that consisted mostly of bar and business owners. I was at the meeting when we sacked the Steering Committee. I was also present at that meeting and, innocent of politics, I supported the sack. Now I realize it was the beginning of the end. Having lost its base of support, the BCCHR limped along before it faded away in the early 80s. The BCCHR was not without its achievements. Mitchell remembered that we were instrumental in getting the first few gay pride parades down here and getting people to go and march in the parades. One of the things we did one year (1979) was make what we called a Drag-a-pillar. It was made on the order of a Chinese dragon so that closeted people could march under it and not be seen. Though Pride South Florida began in 1979 as an arm of the DCCHR, by the early 80s it had effectively become a Broward organization. The BCCHRs biggest accomplishment, Markwell recalled, was the education that we did at the time. A lot of people were educated as to the contributions of the gay community. In addition to the Broward Hotline, the BCCHR, in Mitchells words, was a spawning ground for the Florida Task Force, which held its annual conference in Broward under BCCHR auspices (1979). Finally, Williamson noted, the people there had a good time. The fellowship in the organization was more important than we realize. If you cant find a way to get on with your life and have some fun while you are trying to change things, you burn out. By the late seventies, the Tuesday Night Group (TNG) had emerged as Browards leading LGBT rights group. Joe Bell, the businessman who founded the Group, dated its beginnings back to 1973-74. A friend of mine who came down from New York was entrapped and as a result was put in jail and treated very badly. A week later he hanged himself. Because of that I was really shocked and thats when I started the group. The Tuesday Night Group soon attracted an affluent, professional membership that wouldnt be caught dead at BCCHR meetings. In the early days, Bell told me, we used to meet on Tuesday nights (of course) in apartments and had 65 people over. Then when it got so big we went to the old Unitarian Church located across from the Courthouse on S.E. 3 Avenue. And when we had our cocktail parties we had over 800. Those of us who ran the more upfront BCCHR thought that the TNG, also known as Closet Clusters, was too timid for its own good. Edmund White, in his book States of Desire (1980), described Closet Clusters as a fundraising chain of groups for prominent gays who do not want to be publicly identified. The Tuesday Night Group at that time was fairly closeted, admitted the late Karl Clark, who joined the group in 1979. They only knew people by their first names and they didnt publish a newsletter. The only time you would know about a meeting is when they would announce it. The BCCHR was a kind of in your face, right in front of the papers kind of thing, kind of like ACT-UP, recalled Markwell. The Tuesday Night Group was a behind the scenes, pseudo-closeted thing. To me it was a little bit too closeted, Silber told me, while nonetheless admitted that he liked the concept of meeting at upscale places. I remember attending a posh TNG reception in which Bell never used the G word, opting instead for the more discrete community person. Bell defended his use of language. I felt it was derogatory the way they were using it and I did not want to use it. I did not want any names attached to the TNG. I suspect Bell knew what he was talking about. Unlike the BCCHR, the TNG was able to reach, in Sedlaks words, the powers that be, the moneyed, influential people. The Tuesday Night Group was considerably more funded and polished than the BCCHR, Williamson admitted. It took a long time but we got the bar owners together and we got the business people together for the first time, Bell proudly agreed. According to Joe Bell, the TNG avoided the pitfalls that doomed many a group. The TNG was informal. We had no board, so to speak. Everyone had free speech. There were no egos and we all worked very hard together. Unlike other groups, the TNG drew a large number of women. The men used to avoid the women and the women felt badly about it. We were the first to get the women involved with the men. We encouraged the women and that broke the ice. Finally, TNG avoided the financial controversies that destroyed other organizations. We had an attorney put our money in escrow and we accounted for every penny that the TNG had. We had no problem with any kind of finances because we had complete and full disclosure. Thanks to the Tuesday Night Group, Browards LGBT community became a political force. The Group, Joe Bell said, broke the ground to educate the politicians and the police as to what the community was really like and not what they thought they were like. According to TNG member Andy Eddy, stealth candidates from the Group got themselves appointed to both the Democratic and Republican Executive Committees. (Being in the closet has its advantages.) During the Briggs Initiative of 1978, Fort Lauderdale, through the Tuesday Night Group, raised more money than any other city outside California. The TNG was also the first group in Broward to address the AIDS issue, long before Center One. In 1982 Karl Clark, D. Lynn Mattingly and other TNG members formed United Citizens for Human Rights (UCHR). The UCHR, Clark noted, was the open political arm of the Tuesday Night Group. We were out of the closets and our names could be used in the paper and so on. We met with the politicians on a one to one basis. In 1982, which Clark called a watershed year in Broward politics, Anne MacKenzie, Peter Deutsch, and Peter Weinstein accredited the UCHR and the gay community for their victories. One of the losing candidates that year was Dennis Foley, who ran for the Florida House of Representatives against Debby Sanderson. According to Clark, Dennis was the president of what was then the Democratic Club of Wilton Manors. After the election was over Dennis asked me to take the charter and revitalize the Club. In November of 1982 we held an election and I was elected president. Then we went to John Lomelo, who was the chair of the Democratic Executive Committee, and told him we wanted to change the name to the Dolphin Democratic Club of Broward County. He had no problem with that and so we became a county-wide club. Lomelo also persuaded Clark and other Dolphin Club members to run for and serve in the Democratic Executive Committee - as openly lesbian or gay people. Though the Tuesday Night Group broke up in the mid-eighties, its influence on our community is still felt today. Meanwhile the Dolphin Democratic Club, now 35 years old, continues to represent Browards LGBT Democrats. The emergence of LGBT people as a force in Broward County politics in the early 1980s was a turning point in our communitys life, and not even the AIDS epidemic could keep us from moving forward. This is a part of our LGBT History Month special package. Check out sfgn.com/2017historymonth daily for new stories. The Department of Justice has signed on to assist with the prosecution in the murder case of a genderfluid high school student in Burlington, Iowa. However, the slain teens mother has a lot to say to the Trump administration in regards to this recent update. Jorge Louis Sanders Galvez has been charged with the March 2016 shooting death of 16-year-old Kedarie Johnson. Civil Rights Attorney Christopher J. Perras was officially filed in documents in Iowa court Friday, to aid Des Moines County Attorney Amy Beavers and Assistant Iowa Attorney General Laura Roan in the case. The federal authorities are investigating the case as a federal hate crime, and so they would like to be part of the state case for seamless prosecution, should an indictment in federal court be handed down, Beavers told USA Today. Katrina Johnson, the mother of the Burlington high school victim, called out the Trump administration for neglecting to intervene with hate crimes in the LGBT community, prior to the murder of her son. I love the fact that they have intervened, she told HuffPost in a phone interview. But, it shouldnt have taken for a child to lose his life, and for everybody to think it was a hate crime, for them to step up and do something, They need to continue to do something, even after this case is over. Johnson went on to describe her son, who sometimes went by the name Kandicee, as a young RuPaul who enjoyed bonding with his mom, by getting their nails and hair done together. Her son used he/his pronouns. I had to teach him and instill in him, dont be ashamed of who you are. Be who you are and what you are, no matter what people think, said Johnson. The trial, as of yesterday, will now be held in South Lee County Court, after a judge decided that the previous venue, Henry County, would not have enough diversity on their jury pools to give Sanders-Galvez a fair trial. Jury selection is set to begin on October 25. If convicted, Sanders-Galvez could face the death penalty. Attorney General Jeff Sessions was involved with Perras joining the case, according to the New York Times. This came as a surprise to many, due to his support of enforcing protection of religious freedom laws at federal and executive agencies in the past few weeks and his pushback on protecting transgender people in the workplace last month. Jose Vega was born in Puerto Rico and raised in a strict Pentecostal home. He and his family went to church three, sometimes four days a week. His family moved to Gainesville and at 17 years of age Vega told his pastor he was gay, a disclosure that resulted in five years of conversion therapy. Being gay would have never been accepted in my house. My family was very devout we went to church three to four times a week, Vega said. We didnt socialize outside of the church; that was it Conversion therapy, often called reparative therapy, is the attempt to fix someones sexual orientation or gender identity through the use of a number of therapeutic methods. Many organizations, including the American Psychological Association have denounced the practice and many cities in South Florida and states across the US have banned licensed professionals from practicing the therapy on minors. Those bans do not affect unlicensed and religious practitioners, however leaving children in a situation like Vegas unprotected. I went to therapy from my church, [a ban] wouldnt have helped me, Vega said. I think conversion therapy is a very damaging practice but I feel that a lot of people dont understand what the practice is, how damaging it can be, and that it is happening here in Gainesville, right now. Vega spent his childhood in church and could never escape the homophobic sentiment. It was in his home and in all of his social circles. Being gay was a taboo in his congregation in a religion that considers all sins as equal, homosexuality seemed to be especially unforgivable. I genuinely believed that God would be enough, Vega said. I hated being gay. They equated it to being alcoholic as long as you werent near or consume alcohol youre fine, its a temptation. So as long as you never accept the fact that youre gay youll be fine. Vega said he has put in hundreds of hours of praying, reading the bible, weekend retreats meant to cleanse him, and even multiple exorcism attempts. After a mix of therapy from a religious therapist and a licensed professional to whom he paid $100 an hour to fix him Vega and his then-fiance were finally assured that he was cured of his homosexuality. Vega was married for ten years and had two children before he finally came to terms with his sexuality and decided to come out of the closet. I just carried so much shame this entire life, Vega said. Im not going to live like that anymore. How am I going to teach my kids to love themselves, to live their dreams, if I cant even love myself. For Vega, the song Flawless by Beyonce brought him to tears. I woke up like this. This Jose is good enough, right now. It took me years to finally admit that. I looked myself in the mirror and said, you dont have to change, youre good enough. Rachel Needle, a licensed psychologist and member of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, said that conversion therapy can take a number of forms and has been found to lead to a number of damages in minors including depression, issues with intimacy, drug and alcohol abuse, and suicide. Any ethical mental health practitioner should not attempt to cure or repair gender identity or sexual orientation through these scientifically invalid techniques, Needle said. Attempting to change someones sexual orientation or gender identity can have a devastating impact on a minor. For Vega, finally coming out after years of therapy and marriage was not a switched that he just turned on. It has been an arduous process, one that he said has led him through the lowest points in his life. When I separated from my ex-wife I went through a huge depression, He said. I hated myself and was ashamed of who I was. I didnt feel worthy of love. If God can only love me if I changed, and I couldnt change, then God wouldnt love me. Vega continued, It got to a point where I wanted to kill myself. The only reason, the only reason I did not commit suicide is because of my two kids. It was not fair to them. Vega is now working with community leaders in Gainesville to enact a ban on conversion therapy for minors in the city. He said that when he was 17 he was easily impressionable: when his pastor told him he could be cured of his homosexuality, he believed him. Now that he is in his 30s he said he would be much more skeptical. But he doesnt believe a ban for licensed professionals is enough. When parents who truly believe that homosexuality or gender identity is an affliction that can be cured they will find someone who is offering a cure, even if they are initially turned down. Vega believes more should be done to educate the public, and more safe spaces need to be established for the kids who feel isolated. Parents want what is best for their kids, but they need to be aware of what these practices are having, what their implications are, Vega said. He continued, The amount of conversion therapy going on around here would astound people. There are so many churches who do not accept that being gay is ok and they are constantly reasserting those negative messages. That in itself is a form of conversion therapy, constant exposure to those messages can have an effect on people. Vega, along with the Human Rights Council of North Central Florida and other community leaders, is working to enact the ban in Gainesville, and Vega is devoting himself to a platform of advocacy. He said that every day is a struggle for him, but each time he shares his story he feels freer he is shedding light and exposing the lies he has been telling himself. In the beginning, I was reluctant to share, but at the end of the day thats the only way to bring change, He said. I hope this [ban] transcends into more than just minors in licensed offices. I went to therapy from my church, this wouldnt have helped me. But if we educate parents and the community on what this practice actually is, that is a conversation we need to have. The rituals of online dating may be rightly compared to a song and dance, but GRINDR the Opera, opening on Oct. 26 at Empire Stage, puts real songs and dances behind the popular gay hook-up app. The musical parody, written and composed by Erik Ransom, is being mounted in South Florida by Tim Evanicki, the producing director of the Footlight Theatre at Orlandos Parliament House. More recently he directed and produced Bathhouse: The Musical and a revival of Naked Boys Singing at Empire Stage. I produce LGBT theater in Orlando and a friend put me in touch with the composer in New York, explained Evanicki. I had seen some videos of a read-through and knew, as a producer, the show would be a great sell. In Ransoms world premiere opera, Grindr is a mythical siren of antiquity, accidentally awakened from her millennial slumber by technology. Her powers, derived from raw human lust, allow her to manipulate her gay devotees with the dulcet tones of her soprano voice. Four gay menDevon the romantic, Tom the cynic, Jack the twink and Don the daddy, all representing different tribesmeet via the Grindr app, but discover each is seeking a different sort of connection. Their muse leads them into hilarious and calamitous situations, climaxing in a musical orgy. Its an opera in that its a completely sung-through show, but there are certainly many styles of music, with a lot of nods to familiar tunes, explained Evanicki. There is a little bit of Baroque recitative, but a lot of the music is what I would consider traditional musical theater. South Florida audiences will recognize Tim Garnham, the young Australian actor who starred in both of Evanickis previous productions at Empire Stage. Starring in the role of Grindr is Alexei Barrios, an Orlando actor who has created a popular drag persona in the community. They are joined by three other central Florida actors in the cast. While the opera is an unauthorized parody, Evanicki emphasized that the story illuminates several real-life issues in the gay community. If youve ever used Grindr, then the references will definitely be very funny, but even if youve never used it, it will still be funny, he said. There are also serious moments. One of the characters contracts HIVand there are the issues of finding the love of your life and dealing with infidelity. And, for those who have never resorted to Grindr and other apps, but are open to using them, there may just be some tips in the show, he hinted. The world premiere production of Erik Ransoms GRINDR the Opera, opens Oct. 26 and runs through Nov. 19 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $35 at TEP.Ticketleap.com. 1886 White-Light Solar Flare IAC Satellites have detected powerful solar flares in the last two months, but this phenomenon has been recorded for over a century. On 10 September 1886, at the age of just 17, a young amateur astronomer using a modest telescope observed from Madrid one of these sudden flashes in a sunspot. He wrote about what he saw, drew a picture of it, and published the data in a French scientific journal. This is what researchers from the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias and the Universidad de Extremadura have recently found. A huge, beautiful sunspot was formed from yesterday to today. It is elongated due to its proximity to the limb by looking at it carefully I noticed an extraordinary phenomenon on her, on the penumbra to the west of the nucleus, and almost in contact with it, a very bright object was distinguishable producing a shadow clearly visible on the sunspot penumbra. This object had an almost circular shape, and a light beam came out from its eastern part that crossed the sunspot to the south of the nucleus, producing a shadow on the penumbra that was lost in the large mass of faculae surrounding the eastern extreme of the sunspot. In these words, Juan Valderrama y Aguilar, a 17-year-old amateur astronomer, described what he saw from Madrid on 10 September 1886 with his small telescope, with an aperture of just 6.6 cm and equipped with a neutral density filter to dim the solar light. The young man wrote down the details of his observations, made a drawing of the bright flash he had seen coming from the sunspot, and sent all the information to the French journal LAstronomie, which did not hesitate to publish it. The case of Valderrama is very unique, as he was the only person in the world more than a century ago to observe a relatively rare phenomenon: a white-light solar flare. And until now no one had realised, explains Jose Manuel Vaquero, a lecturer at the University of Extremadura and co-author of an article about the event, now being published in the journal Solar Physics. A flare is a sudden increase in the brightness of a region of the Suns atmosphere. It occurs in the outermost layers (chromosphere and corona) when the configuration of the magnetic field changes and releases energy, which can be detected in several bands of the electromagnetic spectrum as visible or ultraviolet light, although they are most commonly recorded in X-rays. During the last two months, several of these powerful solar flares have been observed, some with associated coronal mass ejections that, in turn, can produce geomagnetic storms that perturb the communication systems in some regions of the Earth, especially radio broadcasts and GPS systems. White-light flares correspond to the most extreme cases of this phenomenon, where so much energy is dumped into the chromosphere and corona that the energy propagates downward to the photosphere, heating it up, and producing the excess brightness that we observe in white light, according to another of the authors, Jorge Sanchez Almeida, of the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC). Scientists studying solar flares employ special satellites and instruments that do not operate with visible light, but a white-light flare can be observed with normal telescopes that use visible light, as Valderrama y Aguilar did in 1886. It is extraordinary that in the Spain of the 19th century, a 17-year old kid would make such a scientific discovery, and it is even more impressive that he had the courage of submitting it for publication to a foreign scientific journal, points out Sanchez Almeida. Furthermore, the white-light flare observed by Valderrama is, chronologically, the third one recorded in the history of solar physics, adds Vaquero. The first solar flare was recorded by British astronomer Richard C. Carrington on 1 September 1859, and the second was described on 13 November 1872 by the Italian Pietro Angelo Secchi. The two flares were widely known in their day, as they sparked a debate on whether or not they could have an impact on the Earth. Much less is known about the life of Valderrama than about the other two pioneers in solar studies. However, Sanchez Almeida, along with fellow IAC researcher and study co-author Manuel Vazquez, will soon publish the biography of this man, who was born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, spent his adolescence in Madrid and returned to his birth city, where he was the director of the meteorological observatory of the city until his death. Reference: Evidence of a White-Light Flare on 10 September 1886, J. M. Vaquero, M. Vazquez & J. Sanchez Almeida, 2017, Solar Physics [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11207-017-1059-6, preprint: https://arxiv.org/abs/1701.05910]. Four stakes went postward Thursday evening at Fraser Downs and trainer/driver Jim Marino went into Beast Mode and won three of them. The oval hosted the third leg of the Robert Millbank Memorial Breeders Stake for two-year-old colt and geldings pacers in addition to the third leg of the Mary Murphy Breeders Stake for three-year-old pacing fillies. Marino swept the Mary Murphy Breeders Stake divisions each worth $15,000 with Badlands Palace and Yoga Pants in addition to capturing the first of the $15,000 divisions of the Robert Millbank Memorial Breeders Stake with Dragon Slayer. Marino got away third with Dragon Slayer while Shales Storm and Machitoutofthepark recorded fractions of :27.2, :57.3 and 1:27.3. When Marino punched the throttle late with Dragon Slayer, the son of Custard The Dragon-Crystal Palace took off on the competition. He drew clear to win by 5-1/2 lengths over race favourite Machitoutofthepark in 1:58.4. One Small Favour was third. J J J Stables and Marino own the gelding who now boasts a 2-2-0 record from five starts following the victory. Hes managed to bank just shy of $25,000 in the process. Marino trainees Badlands Palace and Yoga Pants swept the third leg of the Mar Murphy Breeders Stake splits, and in doing so they gave Marino the stakes hat trick. Badlands Palace, also owned by J J J Stables of Prince George, BC, made multiple moves in her assignment and came away victorious in 1:57.3. She mixed it up early before being treated to a ground-saving trip through middle panels of :58.4 and 1:28.1. She shook loose late and fired home in :29.1 to win by three-quarters of a length over race favourite Tahuya Gameday. Third prize went to Sustainedintensity. The daughter of Badlands Hanover-Crystal Palace is now 2-for-14 this year after producing a 3-for-13 record last year. Shes closing in on $50,000 in lifetime earnings. Yoga Pants extended her winning streak to three-in-a-row thanks to her 1:57.2 triumph in the other division. Marino had her marching to the top early, and once she got there she never looked back. Panels of :28.1, :59.3 and 1:28.1 were carved out before she kicked home in :29.1 to win by four lengths over Keys Please. Taking home the show dough was Stylomilohos. Sent off as the 1-5 favourite, the daughter of Sportswriter-Lucks Pleasure improved her overall record to 14-1-0 from 16 trips postward. Nine of those wins have been manufactured this season in addition to nearly $170,000. Shes stashed away nearly $270,000 in her career. Canadian Pharoh and trainer/driver Rod Therres denied Marino the overall stakes sweep on the Thursday card thanks to their triumph in the other division of the Robert Millbank Memorial Breeders Stake. The homebred son of Mach Three-Village Janus went to the top and sliced his way through fractions of :29.2, 1:00.1 and 1:29.3 before stepping home in :29.1 to win by three-quarters of a length over Ron Bakardi and Marino. Just A Prince was a distant third. Therres shares ownership on the lightly-raced youngster with partner Veikko Pajunen of Vancouver, BC. Hes assembled a 2-1-0 record from three trips to the track. Along the way hes managed to rack up close to $20,000 in earnings. For the record, Marinos other victory came in a $5,300 overnight event with pacer Wrangler Cat. He got up to win by a neck in 1:59.3. To view results for Thursdays card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results Fraser Downs. Anthony T. Abbatiello, a harness racing leader for several decades who was a member of the sport's Hall of Fame, died Thursday (Oct. 19) at his home in Colts Neck, N.J, after complications from heart failure. He was 89. Abbatiello was inducted into the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 1995 after a long career in the sport as a trainer, driver, horseman's association president and a member of numerous other organizations. He joined his brother Carmine in the Hall of Fame, making them the first brother combination to do so. He became a member of the New Jersey Racing Commission in 2005 by appointment of the governor. He was co-founder of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey and served as its president for more than 30 years. Due to his leadership, the organization became a strong, motivating force in the success of harness racing in New Jersey. He also served as chairman of the board of the United States Trotting Association, a director of the Standardbred Owners Association of New York, chairman of the New Jersey Sire Stakes Board of Trustees, a trustee of the American Horse Council and the Trotting Horse Museum. In addition to his induction into the Hall of Fame, Abbatiello received the Proximity Award of the United States Harness Writers Association and was honoured as man of the year by Harness Horseman International. He was a decorated U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, rising to the rank of captain and receiving numerous commendations, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor, two Purple Hearts, Combat Infantry Badge, and Korean Campaign Ribbon with four Battle Stars. Predeceased by his wife Kathleen, Abbatiello is survived by three daughters, Jean Sardoni (Craig) of Colts Neck, Christine Whelan (John) of Colts Neck, and Lisa Locke (James) of Virginia; six grandchildren, Ava and Michael Sardoni, Shane and Jack Whelan and Abigail and Ian Locke; two brothers, Carmine and Matt, and one sister, Sadie Merillo, and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday (Oct. 24) at the Higgins Funeral Home in Freehold. A military burial will be private on Oct. 25 at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery in Arneytown, N.J. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Anthony Abbatiello. (with files from USTA) Senga Nitro and Mateo, who have taken their turns defeating one another, will meet again Saturday night at Northlands Park in the $54,500 Maverick stakes final. They are both pretty evenly matched as far as talent goes, offered Senga Nitros trainer/driver Ryan Grundy. Its probably all depends on who gets the best trip and how the fractions unfold. Thats not to discount the chances of the other seven horses in the field. But... Yes, Getup Gideon showed a lot of resolve and heart coming back on in deep stretch to win his elimination division last week. But, while Getup Gideon won his elimination in 1:58.1, Senga Nitro went two full seconds faster winning his heat. That, however, means nothing to Grundy. Times dont matter much, he said. What matters is who you beat not how fast you beat them. It was also pouring rain in Getup Gideons heat while the weather cleared up when our race went two races later. And, the style of the two races were virtually asymmetrical. Mateo took his field to the half in a leisurely :59 seconds flat while Getup Gideon was forced to work much harder earlier stopping the half-mile fractions in :56.4. As a result of the early fractions, the closing quarters were night and day as well. Getup Gideon won with a last quarter in :32 seconds while Senga Nitro flew home in a very rapid :27.4. Delving further into the Maverick, it would also be folly to discount any horse trained by Kelly Hoerdt (Cold Case) or Brandon Campbell (Amysterytome). And yet, at least on paper, the Maverick still looks very much like a grudge match between Senga Nitro and Mateo. Mateo, the blind-in-one eye marvel, took the Sept. 30 $138,000 Western Canada Pacing Derby when he overcame his outside post wiring the field in 1:53.4 and holding off Senga Nitro by three parts of a length. But Senga Nitro got his revenge last week when he sprinted past Mateo in the Mavericks second elimination winning by two lengths over Amysterytome with Mateo fading to third. In both of those races there were no excuses. Mateo was full value for his win in the Derby; Senga Nitro looked very strong in his elimination. I dont know what could have been different, said Grundy. In the Derby, Mateo was just a little tougher to get by. That said, Grundy did allow that Senga Nitro was first up in the Derby moving just past the half-mile pole. If the trips were reversed it could easily have been the other way around, allowed Grundy. Posts certainly wouldnt seem to be a factor on Saturday. Senga Nitro drew the rail while Mateo got post three. Looking into the crystal ball it would seem like Mateo, who has very good early speed, will get the early lead again with Senga Nitro sitting right behind him. Maybe, said Grundy before pausing. Maybe not. So is Grundy instead thinking of taking Senga Nitro to the top himself and force Mateo to take a run at him? I guess well see, said Grundy, naturally not about to show his hand and his game plan early. Lets just say Im happy with the draw. And, perhaps Mateo wouldnt mind that second scenario either. He doesnt have to be on top, said Mateos trainer and co-owner Justin Currie. He can come from off the pace too. Just the way we like it: intrigue and suspense. Either way, the Maverick promises to be a dandy. One thing that Senga Nitro does seem to have in his favour is the dirt track surface of Northlands. He likes the dirt a lot more than he does the limestone at Century Downs, said Grundy. He gets a hold of the track up here better than he does (in Balzac). Hes gotten stronger and stronger every week in Edmonton. He didnt race poorly at Century Downs but it didnt agree with him as much as he likes the track at Northlands. At Century Downs Senga Nitro did win six of his eight starts last year en route to being named Albertas top two-year-old. This year, Senga Nitro also won a couple of stakes at Century Downs -- both in 1:54.1. And, he was second in Kokanee Seelsters track-record setting 1:51.4 mile. But it wasnt all good as Senga Nitro made a couple of breaks at Century Downs. One of those breaks came in the July 1 Brad Gunn where a victory would have been very serendipitous given that the Brad Gunn was named after the father of Kenn Gunny, Senga Nitros owner. Yes that would have been special, said Grundy. But he out-paced himself and knocked himself off stride. Probably responsible more than anyone else for getting harness racing restarted in Western Canada, Brad Gunn owned hundreds of mares and hundreds of colts and fillies. He also owned the stallion Adios Pick, the foundation sire of Western Canada. Extremely proliferous, Adios Pick sired an astonishing 620 winners. Once -- in the 1964 Western Canada Pacing Derby -- eight of the nine starters were sons of Adios Pick. Not surprisingly, the lone non-Adios Pick colt finished ninth. Brad Gunn named all of his horses after his wife, Agnes which is Senga spelled backwards. Kenn Gunn has done the same keeping up the family tradition and will be looking to carry that all the way to the winners circle with Senga Nitro. STOCK REPORT: This weekends card also includes the $56,300 Marquis stakes final on Friday night where Outlaw Fireball will undoubtedly be the favourite -- especially given that she drew the rail. A winner of seven of her 12 starts this year, Outlaw Fireball won the Sept. 30 $132,390 Northlands Filly Pace and then last week won her elimination - albeit not as easily as the three-year-old filly was expected to win considering she was sent off at 1-9 and paid the minimum $2.10 to win. Instead, Outlaw Fireball won by just half a length over a very game Wedding Dance in 1:56.2. Also lining up looking to topple Outlaw Fireball are Outlaw Imahotvixen, who handily won her elimination in 1:56.1 and Steady Breeze, who took the third elimination in 1:57.1. Grundy also has a filly, Shesamysterytome, in the Marquis. She was second in her elimination behind Steady Breeze in a race she desperately needed having had a three-month rest. To view the entries for Northlands' weekend cards, click one of the following links: Friday Entries - Northlands Park Saturday Entries - Northlands Park (HRA/thehorses.com) Instead of 'Russia, Russia, Russia,' It Should be 'Treason, Treason, Treason' Contact: Sharon Rondeau, Editor, The Post & Email, 203-987-7948, editor@thepostemail.com ATHENS, Tenn., Oct. 20, 2017 /Standard Newswire/ -- The following is submitted by Walter Francis Fitzpatrick, III (Ret): Barack Obama was accused of treason based on what he had already done on March 17, 2009 and what it was expected he was going to do as a "foreign born domestic enemy." March 17, 2009 Treason Complaint We've seen the reaction to that complaint of treason which was advanced a number of ways unsuccessfully and what happened to me. It is very clear here, as we've seen through The Fogbow and the "White House attorney," that the FBI was emboldened to carry out the Madisonville Hoax. My complaint for treason has been revived this year a couple of different times with the Attorney General of the United States, Jefferson Beauregard Sessions, and temporary Acting Attorney General Dana Boente, who is the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. 26 JULY 2017 MUELLER TREASON COMPLAINT It's already in place; it's there. It's as credible now as it was certified by the Inspector General after U.S. Army troops were sent into Samson, AL on March 10, 2009. I tried to advance the criminal complaint with Judge Royce Lamberth's court in Washington, DC and then a county grand jury in Monroe County, TN. You see what's happened to me, and it's reported widely that I attempted to bring a complaint against Obama for treason because he was a fraud and a domestic enemy who sent military troops to respond to a civilian police action in a small Alabama town. Obama was committing treason back then, and that brings us to a guy named "Mueller." I tired to bring criminal complaints against these men this past July with the McMinn County grand jury, and you know what happened with that. There are now eight treason complaints naming Barack Obama, Eric Holder, Hillary Clinton, and Robert S. Mueller III. As a retired military officer, I had standing then and I have standing now. Obama is already accused of treason, and he is on a path to destroy this country. There is a trial into which Obama can be brought as a defendant, and that would be for treason. The complaint that AG Sessions or someone else might raise could be augmented by the complaint which was put in place in March of 2009 which declared Obama a "foreign born domestic enemy," one who we now know was involved in working with the Russians to destroy America. I can't tell you how terribly frustrated I am with Jeff Sessions. There are actionable complaints against Obama and his criminal assistants in the commission of treason, and here there is another report of Obama's treason, and I say "another" because the first one went out in 2009. This is a very big deal. In addition to covering up Obama's treason in the Madisonville Hoax, Mueller was involved in the Uranium One deal from which Obama likely profited financially. We just don't know exactly how much money, from all of the money that was coming in to the U.S. from Russia, went into Barack Obama's pockets. So in March 2009 I said, "You are not my president; you are not my commander-in-chief," and look at where we are today. Instead of "Russia, Russia, Russia," it should be "Treason, Treason, Treason." Hong Kong Post issued special stamps honoring the qipao dress on Oct 17, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] Hong Kong Post issued special stamps honoring classic qipao fashion on Tuesday. Qipao in Mandarin, or cheongsam in Cantonese, refers to the timeless straight dress, usually of silk or cotton, with a stand-up collar and a slit on one side of the skirt. The typical Chinese-style dress, which is a symbol of oriental charm, has been popular since the 1920s. Six stamps featuring qipao were included in the new stamp set. Apart from modern versions of dress, the stamp designers were inspired by documentation about the clothes, including old posters and films. The stamps demonstrate the evolution of fashion in China and traditional Chinese culture. Ballots for the Nov. 7 election will be mailed out to registered Cowlitz County voters starting Friday. To be counted, ballots must be postmarked no later than Nov.7, returned to a designated ballot drop box by 8 p.m. Election Day or returned in person by 8 p.m. Election Day to the county election office at 207 N. 4th Ave, Room 107, in Kelso. Contact the Cowlitz County Elections office if you need a replacement ballot at (360) 577-3005. For information on candidates and ballot measures, you can visit the Online Voters Guide at the Secretary of States website at www.sos.wa.gov. Information on local races can be found on the Cowlitz County Elections office website. For a personalized ballot, visit MyVote at weiapplets.sos.wa.gov. The state General Election Voters Pamphlet is mailed to every household in Washington. If you need the General Election Voters Pamphlet in accessible formats or alternate languages, call (800) 448-4881 or email voterspamphlet@sos.wa.gov. Cowlitz County is creating a new position to improve its organizational structure, and commissioners already have a man in mind for the job. The commissioners announced Thursday afternoon that they plan to create a chief of staff position for the county, and they have asked former commissioner Axel Swanson to take the job. Commissioners are expected to vote in favor of hiring Swanson at Tuesdays regular commissioner meeting. Commissioner Dennis Weber said that the chief of staff, who will earn around $117,500 per year, will oversee several county departments and act as a liaison between the commissioners and county staff. Nearly all of the countys various departments will report to the chief of staff. However, law and justice agencies, Health and Human Services and other elected officials wont immediately report to Swanson. Weber said he hopes those departments will eventually report to the new position as well. Furthermore, the chief of staff, who will report directly to the commissioners, is in charge of making sure their decisions get implemented at the departmental level. The position is not elected, has no term limits and will be appointed by the commissioners. Weber said the new position should help improve communication at the county level and smooth things out overall. With a three-headed administration, its like nobodys in charge and everybodys in charge, so directions get confused, Weber said. Having one person to report to should smooth things out and make sure complaints are tackled quickly. According to a county press release, the chief of staff will also take over the duties of the Director of the Office of Financial Management, a position which is currently held by Claire Hauge, who plans on retiring in January 2018. Two other positions in Financial Management will also not be filled to keep the new position budget-neutral, the press release stated. Commissioner Joe Gardner said he and the other commissioners started considering creating the position after Hauge announced her retirement a couple months ago. Gardner added that the trio has been in negotiations with Swanson for a few weeks. Swanson, 38, said he was thrilled at the chance to potentially become Cowlitz Countys first chief of staff: Im absolutely humbled by the offer, and Im incredibly excited for the opportunity to come back and work in the community that I grew up in. Swanson served as a Cowlitz County commissioner from 2006 through 2010 and grew up in the area, graduating from R.A. Long High School and Lower Columbia College. He has also worked as a senior policy analyst for Clark County and was named as a member of Vancouver/Southwest Washington Business Journals 2014 class of Most Accomplished and Under 40. Swanson currently serves as the Director of Research for the Washington State Association of Counties and lives in Castle Rock. The Board of Commissioners looks forward to Mr. Swanson heading up the County Executive Management team upon approval of the contract, Gardner said in the press release. With his depth of knowledge and experience, we have confidence that he will be successful in improving the quality of service delivered to the citizens of Cowlitz County. With his background, administration in Clark County in particularly, we are excited to have Swanson join the team, Weber added. The Daily News will run an in-depth feature on Swanson and the new position next week. Drivers headed to Portland late Saturday night will have to use a detour. Oregon Department of Transportation plans to close all southbound lanes of the Interstate 5 Bridge over the Columbia River from 10 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday. This closure applies to all drivers traveling southbound on the bridge, as well as pedestrian using the sidewalk. During the closure, anyone biking or walking and those with disabilities can use the sidewalk on the northbound side of the bridge. Drivers will be able to detour to Interstate 205 to cross the Columbia River. Crews will perform electrical work and other bridge maintenance during the closure. The Interstate Bridge along I-5 across the Columbia River is owned by the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Washington State Department of Transportation. The northbound span opened in 1917 and the southbound span in 1958. Georgia Kulju, donning a white fabric cap shaped like a chicken with flapping orange legs, pushed her walker around the cafeteria at the Delaware Plaza Retirement Home. The sky is falling! the Delaware Plaza resident read from her highlighted script. Im going to tell the king. Six preschoolers trailed behind Kulju, waving popsicle sticks with animal pictures glued to them. The first rehearsal for Chicken Little was a haphazard, but endearing affair. The play, to be performed next month, is part of a new partnership program between the Longview Parks and Recreation Department and Delaware Plaza, an assisted living facility in Longview. Since the program started in September, a small preschool class has met Tuesdays through Thursdays in a repurposed office space at the retirement home. The class has seven students, ages 3 to 5. The program, called Golden Apple, combines preschool lessons with activities for the Delaware Plaza residents in an attempt to bring different age groups together. The City of Longview has been exploring intergenerational programs for a while now, said Longview Recreation Coordinator Karry Williquette. We saw (the idea) on the news two years ago and said Why cant we do that here? Williquette said. We reached out to Delaware Plaza, and they ran with the idea. Debbie Baher, Director of Community Relations at Delaware Plaza, said the program works because the residents dont have to play the role of the parent or the disciplinarian. The (residents) can let the children be themselves and develop, Baher said. As about 25 residents lined up their chairs for a Sit and Be Fit workout session, the preschool students scattered and found older friends to sit by. The seated exercise activity began with wrist rolls. Erica Settle, an Americorps volunteer with the Parks and Recreation Department, nodded towards a young boy eagerly imitating his neighbor, a gentleman in a wheelchair. The kids sometimes gravitate towards certain individuals, said Settle, 19. The kids like to give them hugs, and it makes their day. Settle said the programs lead teacher Michelle Hayden requires more responsibility from her students than other preschools do. Baher seemed to agree, noting that the students have displayed a level of maturity when interacting with their elder friends. One time, Baher said, a child recognized that one the residents was missing his oxygen tank, and the pair went back to find it. Coordinators said the additional of the preschool class has not added an extra burden on staff time. If anything, the children have enhanced resident activities, Baher said. Theres a perk in their step when the kids are around, she said. They have become part of their routine and something to look forward to. Barbara May Mitchell, 80, said she likes Golden Apple activities especially when she isnt able to see her own children and grandchildren as much. I think people enjoy seeing the little tykes, Mitchell said. And its good for the kids because it teaches them how to behave. Wanda Nelson, 92, said she enjoys playing outside with her younger buddies when the weather is nice. It brings back memories of your own little guys and how much fun you had with your own kids, Nelson said. I dont think there are many of us who dont enjoy little children. She added that the experience is good for the children to spend time around older people. Some children are really shy and arent used to being around elderly people, Nelson said. She paused, then smiled. Sometimes you can talk them out of it, and sometimes you cant. Currently there are only seven preschoolers enrolled in Golden Apple, and Williquette said the idea is to keep the program small with no more than 10 students total. The department might extend it to five days a week but likely wont expand it to other retirement homes for now. Instead, she said the city will focus on improving the existing program. We want to build a stronger community, Williquette said. This is a way to close the gap between the young and the old. Prosecutors Tuesday charged a 43-year-old man with hate crimes after he allegedly went on an anti-Muslim tirade at a Bitter Lake convenience store in Seattle and then pepper-sprayed three people, including a woman wearing a hijab. Jon Nereim was muttering things about not liking Muslims and blacks when he entered the 7-Eleven store on Oct. 7, according to charging documents. One of his alleged victims, the woman who was wearing a head scarf, told police she tried to ignore the man. As she left the store with a friend, Nereim allegedly told the woman to go back to where you came from, called her a dangerous terrorist, and at some point referred to her as a Muslim (expletive) bitch. She told him to have a good day, according to the documents. As the woman was leaving in her car, he flipped her off. She got out of the car and asked the man why he was saying these things to her, she told police, according to the documents. The womans two sons came to her side during the confrontation. The man then pepper-sprayed her and one of her sons in the face. The spray also caught a nearby bystander, who told police he was approaching to try to help calm the situation, according to the documents. Nereim, who police say was armed with two loaded handguns during the incident, allegedly told officers that the woman had an angry kind of smile and spoke with a bothersome high pitch. Police said Nereim was concerned about people talking behind his back. He allegedly told police he pepper-sprayed the woman because she lunged at him three times and had her fists raised. In the charging documents, police said that witness statements did not support Nereims account, and that he may have serious mental health issues as indicated by his paranoia and belief that those around him are talking about him behind his back. He told police he was homeless. Prosecutors charged Nereim with three counts of malicious harassment. State law defines malicious harassment a felony commonly referred to as a hate crime as intentionally injuring, damaging property or threatening someone because of his or her perception of the victims race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or mental, physical or sensory handicap. Reports of hate crimes have been steadily rising for years in Seattle, according to a tally kept by a Seattle police detective who investigates and tracks these cases. A judge set bail at $75,000 for Nereim, who was booked in King County Jail on the day of the incident, and ordered him to surrender any firearms to the Seattle Police Department until the case is resolved. Iranian Army chief, Assad discuss joint military strategy Iran\'s military chief, General Mohammad Baqeri meets with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus on Thursday. Reuters, Beirut : Iran's military chief met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday during a visit to Damascus to set out a joint military strategy, Syria's state news agency reported, a sign of deepening Iranian influence that has alarmed Israel. General Mohammad Baqeri said Iran was determined to continue supporting the Syrian leadership and people "until security and safety are returned to them" and would help with reconstruction, the state news agency SANA said. Israel has voiced deep concern over Tehran's widening influence in Syria, where Iranian forces and Iran-backed militias including Lebanon's Hezbollah have played a critical role helping Assad in the six-year-long war. On Tuesday, Baqeri, speaking from Damascus, warned Israel against breaching Syrian airspace and territory and pledged to increase cooperation with Syria's military to fight both Israel and Sunni jihadist militants. Israel's air force says it has struck arms convoys of the Syrian military and Hezbollah nearly 100 times during the war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Iran was strengthening its foothold in Syria and that Israel would "do whatever it takes" to protect its security. Tensions have risen this year between Lebanon's Hezbollah and Israel, which have avoided a major conflict since 2006. In the meeting with Baqeri, Assad said the Iranian people and armed forces were a key partner in victories "against terrorism in Syria", SANA reported. Military support from Iran and Russia has helped Assad regain swathes of Syria from rebels and Islamic State militants. Meanwhile Iran's military chief of staff visited a frontline position near the Syrian city of Aleppo, a military news outlet run by the Lebanese group Hezbollah reported on Friday, during a visit that has underlined Tehran's deep military role in Syria. General Mohammad Baqeri visited the position with a number of Iranian officers, according to the report, which was accompanied by photos showing Baqeri looking at a map and peering through binoculars. Neighboring Israel has expressed deep concern over Iran's role in Syria, where Iranian fighters and Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah have played a major role fighting in support of President Bashar al-Assad. Baqeri met Assad on Thursday during a visit to set out a joint military strategy, Syrian state media reported. Baqeri has warned Israel against breaching Syrian airspace and territory and pledged to increase cooperation with Syria's military to fight both Israel and Sunni jihadist militants. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Iran is strengthening its foothold in Syria, warning that Israel would "do whatever it takes" to protect its security. Helped by Russian air power, Iran-backed groups including Hezbollah played a major part in the Syrian government campaign to recapture eastern districts of Aleppo city from Syrian rebels last year. Rural areas to the south and west of the city are still in insurgent hands. China now world's most attractive wine market Xinhua, Jinan : China has become the most attractive wine exporting destination in the world, according to major wine exporters and professionals at a seminar concluded in eastern China's Shandong Province Tuesday. Jorge Heine, Chile's ambassador to China, said Chile's wine exports to China had risen considerably in the last few years. "China surpassed the United States to become Chile's largest export market in 2014, and more than 200 wineries are now exporting products to China." Wine exports from South Africa to China have also registered a sharp jump since 2013, according to Shao Wenjing, vice chairman of the South African Premium Wineries Association. In the first eight months of this year, China imported 474 million liters of wine, up 15.76 percent from a year ago. The total value of imports rose 8.78 percent to over 1.7 billion U.S. dollars during the same period. The International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) said Chinese consumers drank 1.72 billion liters of wine in 2016 -- a yearly increase of 6.9 percent, the highest in the world. Ma Yong, secretary general of China National Food Industry Association said China had become a driving force in global wine consumption and the figure was expected to grow further with the improvement of Chinese living standards. Sponsored by the China National Food Industry Association and China Alcoholic Drinks Association, the two-day seminar attracted nearly 200 professionals and representatives from major wine exporting markets, including France, Italy, the United States, Chile, South Africa and Australia. Women being empowered rapidly: Chumki City Desk : State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Meher Afroz Chumki said women are being empowered rapidly in every sector in the country. The minister said this on Friday while speaking at a meeting on Women's Entrepreneurship Development Project organised by Jatiya Mohila Sangstha at the conference room of Deputy Commissioner office in Cox's Bazar. Chumki said the development goal of the government was women centric. Empowering of women should not be barred in the country, she added. District unit chairman of Jatiya Mohila Sangstha Kanij Fatema presided over the meeting while secretary of Women and Children Affairs Ministry Nasima Begum, Project Directors Anowara Begum and Nurunnahar Hena were present. Islami Andolon Bangladesh brought out a rally in the city on Friday in protest against price hike of gas and electricity. Flood victims yet to get enough support GOVERNMENT and aid agencies have provided emergency relief for flood victims but not sufficient to settle flood victims as per media reports quoting Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD) researchers who tried to figure out the distribution system in the Haor areas. Over 37 lakh people were affected in the floods in as many as 19 districts and at least 10 lakh are still in need of immediate assistance. Questions remain where most of the relief and rehabilitation materials have gone and who must be held responsible. There is no clear answer although it is not unknown that inefficient and corrupt distribution system and dishonest people involved in the distribution must he held accountable. The insensitivities of the government left the poor deprived. The findings were revealed at a post flood discussion at CIRDAP auditorium on Thursday. Recent flood has literally destroyed north and north-east part of Bangladesh and is considered the worst in 20 years. The flood hit areas house some of the poorest people and the amount of the damage would require long-term rebuilding efforts. Children, women, elderly people and those with disabilities are among the most helpless, as they are less resilient against disruption to their livelihoods. Crops have been rigorously affected. Many have lost their homes, household items and job opportunities. The Brussels-based European Commission Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHAO) said out of 82 lakh people affected by floods, 400,000 have been displaced as over 280,000 houses have been either fully or partially damaged. According to the estimation of Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) more than 1.25 lakh hectares of cropland went under floodwater this year and crops, mainly paddy, of around 20,000 hectares were completely damaged. Bangladesh government has allocated 10,060 tonnes of rice to 19 affected districts as well as Tk 4.29 crore in cash and dry food worth Tk 2.8 crore to the affected population. But post flood management has not been done successfully. Government support has covered only 68.4 percent of the total farmers affected by flood. Due to lack of proper management and corruption, it may be difficult to achieve Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Natural calamity is a global phenomenon. We need to learn how to deal with it. Flood Control Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud admitted that large scale mismanagement of the flood control system at Haor areas resulted in widespread damages and theft and misuse of resources by contractors and local officials were mainly blamed for it. But if the relief and rehabilitation system also suffer from insufficient allocations marred with equal theft, corruption and mismanagement, there is little hope for the poor to come out of the havoc they suffered from the floods. There must be a total review of the system not to allow it to use as illegal fortune making of dishonest people. Unimaginable looting by co-operatives and MLM companies COOPERATIVE Societies and Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) companies as they operate without exclusive government monitoring are grabbing money of poor innocent people without serious accountability. Over 266 co-operatives are reported to have nicked Tk 4,068 crore from thousands of savers who have been cheated over the years. Many of the so-called co-operative business ventures have disappeared overnight, and most of them are not returning money back. It is not only the co-operatives' members who have been cheated but many ordinary citizens too. Tempted by the lure of fast and quick profits, people in thousands had invested in these co-operatives only to see the business disappeared. The closure of Destiny Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society alone had grabbed the lion's share amounting to over Tk 1,458 crore. However, the point is that big-scale swindling has happened dodging existence laws and despite warnings from various quarters. According to our Bank Company Law, only the public and private banks have the right to deal with public deposits. They can accept clients' or public money for either investing or re-investing in various businesses. Co-operative Societies can merely deposit members' money, but this legal provision has been hugely violated in Bangladesh. This could only happen because of the same old problem - there is no monitoring and implementation of the rule of law. True, Bangladesh Bank (BB) had often issued circulars by warning the people not to deposit money with these Co-operative Societies but few paid heed. However, now the question is whether this money is recoverable or not? Even though the victims are equally guilty for not listening to warnings and depositing money with these dubious business schemes, the government still has a crucial role to play in recovering the money. Coupled with law enforcement agencies the government should not only identify and arrest the co-operative culprits it should find out where the money went out. They should also make a move to seize all movable and immovable assets of these co-operative societies operating under the guise of so-called 'Multi-Level Marketing'. Their bank accounts should be frozen. Needs to be mentioned, the MLM companies in many countries are legal operations. But they are barred from taking up 'Pyramid' scheme to sell their products and services; which is a way of defrauding people. The government on its part should launch a massive campaign to make people, particularly the unemployed ones aware of the dangers of being lured by absurd promises either about commissions or high return on investments. Lastly, law making must be expedited for regulating all co-operatives now in business in the country. 10,000 more Rohingyas enter camps Thousands on the way to BD An exhausted Rohingya woman carries her belongings through paddy fields near the Anjuman Para crossing point on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. Special Correspondent : Bangladesh authorities have allowed into the country around 10,000 more Rohingyas stranded for four days in an area between Bangladesh and Myanmar border. By last night, they had passed through Anjumanpara border village in Cox's Bazar district, officials said. Quoting the newly arrived Rohingyas, they said, thousands more are on their way from Myanmar. Relief and Refugee Repatriate Commissioner of Bangladesh Abul Kalam said that the group was initially taken to a temporary shelter and later moved to a makeshift camp. According to Abul Kalam, many of the 10,000 Rohingyas had to walk for days to reach the border and hence would be required to undergo medical check-ups. "We found there around 10,000 people on the border. We started relocating them inside since the morning," said Major Iqbal Ahmed, Commander of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in Ukhiya. "When this group of people came, we had requested the officials to find a place where they could be taken. They have now worked out it," he said. The most vulnerable among the new arrivals are taken from the border to a transit centre near Kutupalong camp. Jordanian Queen to visit Rohingyas Oct 23 UNB, Dhaka : Jordanian Queen Rania Al Abdullah will visit Cox's Bazar on Monday (Oct 23) to see for herself the Rohingya situation on the ground. Queen Rania is scheduled to arrive here on Monday morning, an official told UNB on Friday. In her capacity as a board member of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and as an advocate of the work of UN humanitarian agencies, the Queen will visit Rohingyas. Her visit underscores the urgent need for a dramatic increase in humanitarian assistance for this vulnerable population, said an official on Friday. Rania will visit Kutupalong Refugee Camp and its surroundings in Cox's Bazar, where she will meet women and children who have recently crossed the border from Myanmar and see some of the emergency services offered by the IRC, UNHCR, Unicef, and other humanitarian agencies on the ground, the official said. At the conclusion of the visit, she will make a press statement. Since late August 25, around 6 lakh Rohingyas, consisting of women and children in the majority, have arrived in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, marking the largest mass refugee movement in the region in decades and a major humanitarian emergency. In Bangladesh, the total number of Rohingyas is now estimated to have reached around 900,000 people, with more expected to arrive, according to international aid agencies. The sheer number of new arrivals has overwhelmed pre-existing service providers, leading to significant challenges in the provision of essential lifesaving services and highlighting the need for greater concerted urgent international response. BCL leader, 13 others held for cheating, unfair means UNB, Dhaka : Fourteen students, including a leader of Bangladesh Chhatra League(BCL), have been detained from different centers for cheating and adopting unfair means during 'Gha unit' written test of DU for the academic session of 2017-2018. Two DU students - Mohiuddin Rana of Physics Department and Abdullah Al Mamun of Applied Chemistry department, who is also a central leader of BCL, are among the detainees. The other detainees are Nur Mohammad Mahbub, Farhadul Alam Rana, Ishraq Hossain Rafi, Abdullah Al-Mukim, Rishad Kabir, Asaduzzaman Minarul, Ishtiaq Ahmed, Joy Kumar Saha, Rezwana Sheikh Shobha, Mashuka Nasrin, Tariqul Islam, Nasirul Haque Nahid. Police and university proctorial team detained them from different examination centers, said DU Acting proctor Prof M Amzad Ali. The written test for admission into first year honors under 'Gha unit' of Dhaka University (DU) for the academic session of 2017-2018 was held from 10am to 11am DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md. Akhtaruzzaman, treasurer Prof Dr Md. Kamal Uddin, acting Dean of the Social Science Faculty and Coordinator of Gha Unit Admission Test Prof Sadeka Halim visited different examination halls. A total of 98,054 candidates appeared in the entry test this year against 1,610 seats. Some 61 applicants contested against each seat under the unit. Oxford college drops Suu Kyi from common room`s name The Guardian : Undergraduates at the Oxford college where Aung San Suu Kyi studied have voted to remove the leader of Myanmar's name from the title of their junior common room because of her response to the Rohingya humanitarian crisis. In a vote on Thursday evening, students at St Hugh's college at the University of Oxford resolved to eliminate the name of the 1991 Nobel peace laureate from the Aung San Suu Kyi junior common room with immediate effect. The motion criticised the "silence and complicity" in her apparent defence of the country's treatment of its Rohingya Muslim minority, who have suffered ethnic cleansing and violent attacks by Myanmar's military forces. The crisis has led to more than half a million Rohingya being driven out from northern Rakhine state into neighbouring Bangladesh, according to the UN. The St Hugh's resolution read: "Aung San Suu Kyi's inability to condemn the mass murder, gang rape and severe human rights abuses in Rakhine is inexcusable and unacceptable. She has gone against the very principles and ideals she had once righteously promoted." In 2012 Aung San Suu Kyi was celebrated with an honorary doctorate from Oxford, and held her 67th birthday party at the college where she studied politics, philosophy and economics between 1964 and 1967. But in recent months she has attracted increasing criticism for her response to the Rohingya humanitarian crisis. In September, the governing body of St Hugh's decided to remove a painting of her from its main entrance, days before the start of the university term and the arrival of new students. At the start of October, Oxford city council voted unanimously to strip the Burmese leader of the Freedom of the City of Oxford. So far Oxford has decided not to reconsider Aung San Suu Kyi's honorary degree. But the university has expressed its "profound concern" over the treatment of the Rohingya minority. The university said it "hopes the Myanmar administration, led by Oxford alumna Aung San Suu Kyi, can eliminate discrimination and oppression, and demonstrate to the world that Myanmar values the lives of all its citizens". Mass exodus of Rohingyas poses high degree of challenge for Bangladesh Kazi Zahidul Hasan : Bangladesh is facing daunting challenge to tackle the Rohingya refugee crisis due to resource stinginess and insufficient aid from international community, said experts. They said, the crisis is growing day by day, with refugees living open without food, safe water, sanitation and medical care, sending the authorities in frenzy. The International Rescue Committee on Thursday said that almost half a million refugees have arrived in Bangladesh in recent weeks fleeing violence in Myanmar and the number of refugees could exceed one million, the fastest mass exodus it has seen since Rwanda. "The mass exodus of Rohingyas poses a high degree of challenge for the Bangladesh authorities. Now they're in dilemma to respond to this huge challenge," Dr Tasneem Siddiqui, the founding Chair of the Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU), University of Dhaka, told The New Nation on Friday. She added the magnitude of the challenge is daunting and Bangladesh alone can merely ease the plight of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya people who arrived in Bangladesh following a bloody military crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine State. "Bangladesh is not a resourceful country that can feed and shelter such a huge number of refugees. The world community must share their responsibility standing besides Bangladesh," said Dr Tasneem Siddiqui. She said the Burmese authorities are pursuing a "genocidal policy" against the Rohingyas forcing them to take refuge in Bangladesh. "It's the responsibility of the international community to provide shelter to Rohingyas fleeing persecution at home," she added. Dr Tasneem Siddiqui also called for global pressure at the highest levels on Myanmar to cease all violations of human rights and military crackdown in Rakhine State. "The global community should also play a major role in influencing Myanmar to make the atmosphere conducive for the dignified return of the refugees," she added. Rohingyas have been arriving in Bangladesh "en masse" since August 25. Most Rohingya refugees reaching Bangladesh have sought shelter in Cox's Bazar district, setting up camps wherever possible in the difficult terrain and with little access to aid, safe drinking water, food, shelter and healthcare. "Providing emergency humanitarian assistance remains a big challenge for the authorities as well as aid agencies. They are struggling to cope up with the situation due to poor access roads and inadequate relief material," an aid worker stationed in Cox's Bazar told The New Nation yesterday, asking not to be named. He said Bangladesh authorities are sincere to respond to the distressed refugees. But they could not reach all the refuges due to shortage of manpower, lack of funds and inadequate relief materials. "Half a million more Rohingya people have crossed over to Bangladesh since August. This unprecedented number of refugees arriving in a very short space of time has sent the authorities towards a difficult situation. They did not face such a situation before and for this why they are in disarray to respond to the crisis," Dr CR Abrar, a migration expert, told The New Nation yesterday. He, however, said, the task to accommodate all the refugees, with food and shelter, is very difficult for Bangladesh if it does not get support from the global communities. "A longer than expected stay of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh could further aggravate the situation," he said. Dr CR Abrar, also a Professor of International Relationship of Dhaka University, called for an early solution of the Rohingya crisis involving powerful nations and regional neighbours, including India and China. Muslim nations together should be enough to punish Myanmar army Editorial Desk : The influx of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar continues despite appeals on the Myanmar government by the international community to stop genocide. But surprisingly Muslim countries; which hold the power and resources to mobilize action to stop the genocide, are sitting so far idle limiting activities to issuing statements and urging international bodies to rescue the endangered people without mobilizing meaningful actions in the ground. It is time Muslims all over believe they must rise to the occasion without witnessing the genocide to pass the message to Myanmar government that they must immediately stop the genocide or risk actions to stop it. Many believe wealthy and powerful Muslim countries like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran and UAE must call an urgent OIC summit to discuss the crisis without working on ineffective appeals and isolated moves to make the voice of the Islamic nations heard together that can make sense on the perpetrators. It is unfortunate such actions still missing. Some countries like Iran are alone capable to defeat and punish the corrupt and demoralized Myanmar army; which is less professional and more power hungry and politically active if it were a face-to-face fight. But the fact is that they are away from the crime spot when the Rohingyas find them surrounded by countries sympathetic to Myanmar government in its cleansing mission. This is a Buddhist belt from Thailand to Vietnam and the open support of the Chinese and Japanese government in international forum along with India and Russian backing has left Bangladesh incapable to save Rohingyas across the border. It appears that the post Second World War international order to guarantee peace and stability for all people in all regions is rapidly breaking apart. The UN Security Council has become a place for big power gambling at the cost of the weak nations and the world's endangered population. Not only in Bosnia they allowed mindless butchering of Muslims in 1990s. Rohingyas are the latest victims of such game plan that fits to the interest of one big power or the other. Bangladesh has become an unwilling victim of the Myanmar military's action this time with several thousands Rohingyas arriving daily to the refugee camps leaving behind a terrible memory of many being killed and their villages torched. Unfortunately, the UN is keeping Bangladesh military busy in international peacekeeping missions without calling them to keep their own country's border safe and protect the refugees in their land. Indonesia and Malaysia - two important countries in the closer proximity are not enough to resist Myanmar while Brunei and Maldives can hardly do anything when big regional powers are backing the Myanmar military. Muslims are no doubt powerful in number of people and the wealth most countries possess but when others get united against the Muslims in global politics creating war and dividing them, they become powerless to face global challenges. Many believe most oil producing countries can exert influence on India and China as big buyers of petroleum resources to convince Myanmar to end the genocide and take back its nationals. They are in no way a threat to their business interest in the area. Many recall the oil embargo that former Saudi King Faisal impose to bring sense to the US government to stop Israeli aggression on the West Bank in 1967. Such weapon is always effective as it possesses the potentials to stop the wheels of big powers' economies, which has made them powerful. The EU has already taken significant step suspending cooperation with Myanmar military to stop the genocide while its leaders said they are waiting for positive response before more actions to stop the crime. On Wednesday over 40 US lawmakers have called upon the Trump administration for meaningful steps to end the crisis. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has accused the military and called upon them to stop the genocide. Amnesty International and such other human right organizations are also vocal against the killing. But saving Muslims is essentially the responsibility of powerful Muslim nations. We must say they should not wait that others will save the Rohingyas when they will continue to see it. Jordan's queen is arriving to see the Rohingya plight. Turkish First Lady made similar gesture last month. But it is time for actions in the ground that must be considered to prove that Muslims are capable to save their endangered population. Lee Zukers donation of a new harpsichord to Southern Illinois University Carbondale will be celebrated at the Inside the Bachs Baroque Music Festival on Oct. 25-27. The festival begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, at SIUCs Altgeld Hall with a free concert of baroque music performed by SIUC students and instrumental choirs of flutes and brass. That same evening, at 7:30 p.m. in the Old Baptist Foundation, harpsichordist Ursula Duetschler and SIUC faculty member Douglas Worthen (flute) will perform music of French baroque composers. At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, in Shryock Auditorium, Duetschler and various chamber groups will perform works of Bach, Leclair and others. The festival will conclude Friday, Oct. 27 in Shryock Auditorium with Susan Davenport leading the Concert Choir in cantatas of Bach and Telemann at 7:30 p.m. All performances are funded in part by the SIUC Fine Arts Activity fee. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children and free to all SIUC students and staff. The Southern JONESBORO Marsha Griffin, a local elementary school teacher and community volunteer who has organized on behalf of correctional officers and their families, will be a candidate for state representative, according to a press release from the campaign. Griffin announced her candidacy on Thursday in front of a crowd of supporters at the Carbondale Civic Center. After seeing the devastating effects of the budget impasse, not only on SIU, but on social services and critical programs for those who need it the most, I feel called to continue my mission to helping improve Southern Illinois and ending the partisan gridlock that we are seeing in Springfield. Ive been a lifelong resident of Southern Illinois, and I want to see our area grow and reach its full potential. But due to the failed policies of Bruce Rauner and Terri Bryant, we have been set back and the middle-class is continuing to suffer. For too long, we have been ignored by politicians, and we need someone who will not back down from speaking up, loud and clear, for the values and needs of our district, said Griffin. Ive already heard from hundreds about the struggles and concerns that working families have as I have knocked on doors in every part of the district. Illinois is facing vast financial problems, but the solutions should not be placed on the backs of the middle-class. Griffin created a faith-based advocacy group called My Brothers Keeper, organizing in opposition to Gov. Pat Quinns closure of the Tamms Correctional Center. Griffins group helped corrections workers and their families voice their concerns about the dangerous working conditions in overcrowded prisons. Part of the groups mission has been to fight to protect workers and prevent the closure of state facilities that provide thousands of jobs to local residents. Griffin vowed to carry on her advocacy for workers and middle-class families as state representative by protecting the vital state services that the middle class, women, the elderly and the middle-class depend on. Griffin said current state Rep. Terri Bryant and other politicians who put Gov. Bruce Rauners interests ahead of the needs of the middle class have not stood up for Southern Illinois families. We deserve a state representative who will stand up to Bruce Rauner and fight for the needs of our district. Whether my opponent is Terri Bryant or another candidate in the pocket of Governor Rauner, Im going to take my case for independent leadership to every corner of this district, and hold politicians accountable for the mess in Springfield, Griffin said. Our area deserves a legislator who isnt afraid to vote on the issues that are important to the district. Whether I am organizing against Pat Quinns plans to cut Southern Illinois jobs instead of Chicago waste, or standing up to Bruce Rauner and his allies anti-middle class agenda, Ive never been someone who backs down. The only people Im going to represent are the people of this district. A lifelong resident of Southern Illinois, Griffin resides in Jonesboro with her husband, Rich, and their son, Brandon. The 115th Representative District includes Jefferson County and parts of Jackson, Perry, Union and Washington counties. MURPHYSBORO A year after Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner announced plans to create a re-entry center in Southern Illinois for inmates returning to the community, the facility in Murphysboro is still working to open. On Oct. 14, 2016, the governor traveled to Murphysboro, holding a press conference and touring the shuttered former Illinois Youth Center on the northeast edge of Murphysboro. The governor announced the reopening as part of prison reform in the state. Built in 1997, the center was closed in 2011. Questions about the facility's status and possible opening date were answered with a general response from Illinois Department of Corrections spokeswoman Dede Short. "The Illinois Department of Corrections still plans to open a Life Skills Re-entry Center in Murphysboro, but there are no new details to report at this time," Short wrote in an email to The Southern. A sign reading "State of Illinois Department of Corrections Murphysboro Re-Entry Center" was on the front lawn of the facility Thursday. At last October's press conference, the governor said the new center would house about 300 prisoners who are scheduled to re-enter the community and employ about 120 people. It will be managed under the Pinckneyville Correctional Center. At the event that day were Illinois 115th District Rep. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, and Mayor Will Stephens, who both said they had no word about when the project was set to be completed. Almost a year before the 2016 press conference, in November 2015, Bryant had called for the closed facility to be reopened as an adult work camp. During the 2016 news conference, the governor said the center should never have been closed, drawing applause from some in the audience. He said this site was chosen over the Hardin County Work Camp because this one was much better maintained. The Hardin County site, he said, would cost too much money to repurpose. The Murphysboro facility would cost $800,000 to reopen and repurpose, a Rauner press secretary said. Stephens said he was never given a firm date for the reopening, but does know work has occurred there. He said $100,000 has been spent on upgrading the facility, and that new beds, kitchen freezers, and other items have been moved into the facility. Stephens said the security system has been updated with new computers and cameras. "The pace does concern me," Stephens said. "Murphysboro needs the jobs, and more importantly the inmates need a legitimate second chance. The longer the reopening of the facility is delayed, the less-equipped parolees are to re-enter our communities. In turn, that makes our communities throughout Illinois less safe." SPRINGFIELD Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration has outlined more than $200 million in cuts it wants to make to Illinois' new budget, including to human services, agriculture programs and transportation. The cuts were presented in materials Rauner's budget office gave to legislative caucuses. Democratic Rep. Greg Harris of Chicago said the cuts include $89 million to human services programs, including autism services, after-school programming, and immigrant and refugee services. Harris questioned the governor's priorities. Harris noted that many of the programs with cuts are those that the governor has repeatedly targeted over the years. "It's the usual list of things he has tried to zero out each time he gets the chance," Harris said. "While I am glad he did not totally eliminate them this time, it's the same groups and same programs that are critical investments for the state." Rauner spokeswoman Patty Schuh said the governor was obligated to make the cuts. "The governor received a budget $1.7 billion out of balance and has to take action where possible to begin reducing that structural imbalance," she said. Other cuts include $85 million to the Illinois Department of Transportation, $41 million to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and $21 million to the Department of Agriculture. Rauner's administration said more cuts will need to be made, because the budget is still $1.5 billion out of balance. Hundreds of people are expected to gather in the Martin Luther King Auditorium on the campus of South Carolina State University on Saturday, Oct. 21, as a S.C. State alumnus returns to host an advance screening of his first feature film. Actor Maurice A. Lee who graduated from the university in 1998 will welcome family, friends and local leaders to the screening of his debut movie, OLE B.R.Y.C.E., at 7 p.m. The film will be released nationwide next year. Making South Carolina State University one of the host sites on the promotional tour is twofold, Lee said. The purpose is to communicate the message of the film and the story and to shine a light on the great work happening on and around HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). The film, starring Tom Sizemore, Massi Furlan, Gary Sturgis and Rhonda Morman, along with Cullen Chambers, Garret Davis, Marcus Spencer, Clay Trimble and Lee, focuses on mental illness. It was written, produced and directed by Eric B. Ramsey. According to a press release, the movie is set in 1968 on the heels of the historic Tuskegee Syphilis Study. Two white doctors, Bryce and Feldman, launched a secret experiment to find a cure for mental illness in whites. Tired of using rats as test subjects, they decided to use black men instead. The premise was to see if black men, whose brains were thought to be smaller than those of whites, had the same mental illness trait of whites. In order to find out, the doctors needed to perform lobotomies on their subjects. The story is told from the point of view of Malcolm Wyatt, whose family had firsthand knowledge of what was going on at Ole B.R.Y.C.E, as his brother Martin (played by Lee) was one of the casualties of this shocking human experiment. Its not known if this experiment was ordered by the federal government like the Tuskegee Experiment, or if the doctors took matters into their own hands. Whatever the case, the lives of Malcolm Wyatt and scores of other black men were forever changed. This movie will make you laugh, cry, get angry and appreciate the true essence of families sticking together, Lee said. The actor and model said he also hopes the film will start a deeper conversation about mental illness and social issues. There is power in uniting voices, Lee said. Uniting in one strong voice can diminish the power of anything or anyone that rises up against a person, community or nation. Being the first black male pharmacist from Eutawville is just one of Lees many notable achievements. He is the author of "Life Experiences" and former editor-in-chief of Youth Brotha magazine. Lee has been recognized by the cities of Orangeburg, Charleston and Columbia for his philanthropic efforts. He received a bachelor of science degree in biology from S.C. State in 1998 and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2004. Lee currently has an endowed scholarship at MUSC, which assists aspiring pharmacists. Tickets for the advance screening are $15 and can be purchased by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ole-bryce-movie-screening-tickets-38484973592. A five-person medical and emergency communications team from St. Vincent and the Grenadines recently provided incountry, voluntary service to the rural district of Wesley, Dominica, for just over two weeks, September 25 to October 10, following that countrys devastation by Hurricane Maria, September 11. The service included: clearing roads of fallen trees and other blown debris; repairing generators, water pumps; restoring the broadcast capability of the lone FM station; providing vital medications and food supplies for the staff at the Wesley Health Center and health centers in nearby communities. The response team was led by medical doctor Masada James, a Dominican who hails from the Wesley area. She was ably assisted by Director of the Rainbow Radio League Inc., Donald De Riggs. Others making up the team included a registered nurse, a pharmacist and small engine technician/chainsaw operator. The reality Initial focus for the team was ensuring that Dr. James family was safe. Once that was settled, the team sought to ascertain the needs at the Wesley Health Center and getting a ham radio station on the air, as there was NO form of communications in that part of the island. Though the teams movements were restricted due to the lack of gasoline, an assessment of the damage was still possible. It was clear that the damage was consistently horrific island wise. It was noticeable that when the SVG team arrived in Wesley, no form of relief had yet been received - not even water. The first set of water arrived later, via a Canadian Navy helicopter and other volunteer agencies. There was a lapse of another few days before food supplies began arriving. The SVG team members shared their supplies with the families who housed them and having radio access with their support team in SVG, requested more food and medical supplies, including IV antibiotics. With communications means at its disposal, the team was also able to coordinate the arrival and collection of medical supplies and food from friends in the US, who brought these supplies in by private jets. Observation More can be said about the tour of duty, but the focus is on the lessons learned from the experience on the ground. The lack of a proper distribution system and lack of communications were and still are the main problems encountered in Dominica. While at Wesley there were only two HF stations on the air, J73JT Joseph (Castle Bruce) and J73WA Wayne (Portsmouth), while there were about five stations on VHF/UHF who were located mainly in the southern half of the island, but coverage from those repeaters was not islandwide. The repeaters could have been heard but not accessed with a portable VHF radio. Another relief station from Barbados, Ishmael 8P6PE/J7 a coast guard officer, also assisted with coms from the financial complex in Roseau. There are Community Disaster Committees in some districts, but there is little community based involvement in those structures. In most cases, they comprise individuals appointed by the parliamentary representative for that area. The government distribution structure assisted by the Red Cross is working, but very slowly, and the remotest communities, the worst affected, were not reached up to the time when the SVG team was extracted. Recommendations The following are our recommendations going forward, to ensure that help is available to who need it most in the quickest possible time. The most important medium is communications. Nothing will happen until those responsible for distributing/providing assistance know what is happening and where help is needed. A concerted drive to train district medical staff, law enforcement officers and community disaster committees in radio usage, will help solve some of the problems associated with the lack of communications. Regular simulations must be conducted so that all radio operators are familiar with the operations of their equipment. Community response committees must involve key stake holders - chainsaw operators, truck drivers, electricians, plumbers, medical staff, cadets and law enforcement officers. In addition, these persons must have some form of communications even if it is only a handheld radio. VHF/UHF radios have a limited range; several repeaters must be installed to provide as wide a coverage as possible. The remotest communities must be targeted first. Portable repeaters will play a vital function in areas that may be affected and are located in a radio shadow area. The RRL is willing to provide the training and to assist local radio operators with the installation of the communications infrastructure. Distribution of relief supplies can be handled thus: pre-positioning of food, water, tools, cots, blankets, tarpaulins, generators and fuel in communities that historically have been blocked by landslides; working with truckers(e.g. provision of fuel) from these communities to ensure transport of relief supplies from a central location or main warehouse, thereby relieving the burden on the government transport system; setting up zonal warehouses to supply the remote districts thereby minimizing the time that relief reaches those affected. The region is faced with an annual hurricane season, therefore a major simulation, a month or two before the official start of the hurricane season, will put all stakeholders in a state of readiness. This will also be an excellent opportunity to use radios only, to see how the system will perform, as well as giving users hands on experience with two-way radio and the associated protocols. Given that the electricity supply is likely to be affected during a storm/hurricane, emphasis will be on the use renewable energy devices to recharge the two-way radio batteries. The most viable option is solar. Gas generators are also useful to provide power, but fuel is not readily available after a major disaster. At another level, the CDB, World Bank and other international credit agencies, through grant funding, can help offset the cost for rent by farmers and other persons who would have lost their livelihood through Maria. Housing is a serious problem and it is difficult for persons whose homes were destroyed to pay a rent since they have no income. Buildings used as shelters were also destroyed or rendered inhabitable. Once a proper structure is set up, persons renting houses or space should be able to receive a monthly payment, without trying to rip off the system. Agencies, including the FAO, can provide vegetable seeds to farmers as well as organic fertilizers, to get farmers on their feet again. Always, though, it is instructive to note that putting measures in place beforehand can mitigate the impact and resultant disorder caused by any hazard. (Submitted by Donald de Riggs) Officers from various departments of the Police Force, on the scene of a shooting incident. They have the support of the government to use force to apprehend armed assailants. The use of reasonable force by police officers in situations where gunmen are involved, is a measure that the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines supports fully. This assurance came from Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, as he addressed a press conference last Tuesday. "I say again to police officers who are on the frontline, when you are confronted, or when you are face to face, or when you are involved in doing your job, and you meet gunmen who want to do you harm, or persons with implements of violence, you are not obliged to recite the beatitudes, Dr. Gonsalves said. He added, "Your (police) first option is not flight; you are entitled to repel the source of the threat reasonably. Dr. Gonsalves used Tuesdays press conference to address, among other issues, the heightened calls from citizens across the state, for the government and the Royal SVG Police Force, to do something to address the recent upsurge in criminal activity here, especially the recent spate of gun-related violence resulting in fatalities. In explaining the probable cause(s) of the recent spate of violent crime, Dr. Gonsalves alluded to the existence of associational groupings of young males and females. He noted that while some of the "leaders of these associational groupings were intelligent young men, some with secondary education, and some even owners and operators of businesses, it was their "foot soldiers, who have little or no skills and some with psycho-social problems, who are, he appeared to posit, directly involved in the actual acts of violence. The Prime Minister, however, gave the assurance that he "takes the issue of citizen security seriously, and that his government was taking steps to strengthen the operations (e.g. increased transportation, further recruitment) of the Police Force. Dr. Gonsalves response to the crime situation here came on the heels of this country registering its 35th homicide for the year. Forty (40) homicides were recorded here in 2016. The Association of Evangelical Churches of St Vincent and the Grenadines has embarked on an outreach programme to aid Caribbean countries ravaged recently by hurricanes Irma and Maria. The religious organization announced its assistance efforts at a press conference held at Frenches House last week Wednesday. The Associations treasurer Wade Carter said countries such as Barbuda, Dominica, St Kitts, Puerto Rico, Anguilla and some in the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands were ravaged while St Vincent and the Grenadines has been spared the wrath. He said Vincentians must be grateful for that, and must not take Gods grace for granted. "So, here we have an opportunity which calls us to our responsibility. And, thats what were seeking to do, to call the Christian community in St Vincent and the Grenadines to respond in love to meet the needs of those who have been affected in our region, Carter said. Carter said that the Association of Evangelical Churches of St Vincent and the Grenadines is working with the Evangelical Association of the Caribbean (EAC) - the umbrella body for sister organizations in the region to assist disaster-affected islands. He said that while attempts are being made to get resources to provide relief to the people in those islands, attention is also being paid to the need to go in and provide training and capacity building for people in the area of relief and recovery. The local and regional Associations, Carter said, will be working with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies (PAWI) to provide the necessary training. Carter called on the Evangelical churches in this country to support the efforts. He said that even if they have already given, they can give again. He proposed that if each person gives $5.00, it will still be a worthwhile gesture. "The needs are so great I dont know if, collectively, we will be able to meet all of them, Carter said. Other persons addressing the press conference included: the Associations president Dr Reynold Murray; the Associations secretary Pastor Shakika Fraser; Committee members Dr George Frederick and Rev. Verrol Blake. They all addressed the need for the Church to be present and more proactive in the lives of the people, especially in times of need as was the case of the populations in the affected islands. The Bar at Diamond where eight persons were shot. Inset:Kenneth Bullo Barzie, nursing his many wounds at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. by HAYDN HUGGINS Samuel Keizer, operator of the bar at Diamond where 33-year-old Gregory Pecker Abraham, was shot and killed, and seven others left nursing gunshot injuries last Saturday night, has described the incident as, "heartless and senseless. The drama reportedly unfolded just after 9 p.m., when masked men alighted an unmarked white Toyota Sprinter vehicle and opened fire into Road Side Bar shooting Abraham, Kenneth Bullo Barzie, 42; Kerime Benjamin, 25; Andrew Layne, 37; Kaymanie Richards, 39; Kerwin John, 52; Fitzroy Iris, 62, all of Diamond, and Michael Richards, 18, of Calliaqua. Abraham succumbed to his injuries in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital on Monday. THE VINCENTIAN understands that several persons who were liming at the bar when the incident occurred, jumped through windows and ran in different directions, to escape the hail of bullets. Fortunately, some were unhurt. The episode, said to be the first of its kind to have occurred in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has left the Diamond community in a state of shock and trauma. Keizer, who has been operating the businessplace for about two months, told THE VINCENTIAN at the outlet on Tuesday, "It is a sad situation. It is senseless and heartless. These (victims) were innocent people just enjoying a lime, and keeping themselves out of trouble. I hope the perpetrators would be brought to justice. He pointed out that people come to his bar to lime, have a drink, enjoy the music, then go home. Keizer said that his 19-year-old daughter, who sometimes assisted him with the business, was so traumatized that she left, following the incident, and went back to meet her mother. Keizer recalled that he was taking a doze in a room on the compound when he was awakened by several "explosions which he thought, at first, to be fire crackers. The businessman is extending condolences to Abrahams family and relatives, and wishes those who received injuries a speedy recovery. Most of the injured were already treated and discharged when THE VINCENTIAN visited the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital on Monday, but Barzie and Benjamin remained at the Male Surgical Ward, seriously wounded, but visibly in stable condition. Barzie suffered gunshot wounds to the chest, arm, shoulder and knee. He complained of severe pains. Hes a mini-bus operator, popularly known as Bullo, and has been described by persons in the community as friendly. Benjamin who was nursing a bullet wound to the chest, was unable to say much, because of his condition. Up to press time Wednesday, police had made one arrest in connection with the incident, but are in search of two other suspects. Once the clearance was given after the passage of Hurricane Irma, Cubans took to attending to clean-up operations in their respective communities. (Statement from the SVG/Cuba Friendship Society) Vincentians are urged to reciprocate the solidarity shown by the Government and people of the Republic of Cuba to our country and the rest of the Caribbean. Making the appeal is the St Vincent and the Grenadines/Cuba Friendship Society. The Society notes that Cuba suffered tremendous damage from the passing of hurricane Irma, but damage to other Eastern Caribbean islands by both Irma and hurricane Maria, as well as the traditional bias of the international media towards Cuba, has overshadowed Cubas own devastation. In spite of its own damage, Cuba has been in the forefront of rendering assistance to hurricane-hit islands, in keeping with its philosophy of solidarity. This and the tremendous efforts at recovery in Cuba, has also contributed to the mistaken belief that Cuba has not suffered greatly from the ravages of Irma. The people of St Vincent and the Grenadines have benefitted substantially from Cuban assistance. As long ago as 1979, following the eruption of the Soufriere volcano, Cuba was one of many countries to come to our aid, even though at the time we had no diplomatic relations with that country. It has provided hundreds of scholarships to Vincentian students, and made tremendous contributions in the fields of education and health in particular. The "Vision Now programme, enabling hundreds of Vincentians to receive optical treatment, deserves special mention. Latterly, there has been the Argyle International Airport, in the construction of which Cuban assistance was critical. It is only fair that Vincentians extend the same solidarity to the people of Cuba as they try to recover from their disaster. The SVGCFS has therefore set up a CUBA HURRICANE RELIEF FUND at the Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines, account # 130016. The Society appeals to Vincentians, particularly graduates of Cuban universities, parents and relatives of Vincentians studying there, beneficiaries of Cuban assistance in the health field, and the general public who have benefitted directly or indirectly, to contribute to this Fund and so demonstrate our solidarity, generosity and gratitude to the Government and people of Cuba. Renwick Rose SVGCFS Left:Prof. Rose-Marie-Bell Antoine, Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, heads the Regional (CARICOM) Commission on Marijuana, which was established in march 2014. (Photo Credit: oas.org) Right: Adriel Brathwaite, Attorney General of Barbados, says that that country is still very much involved in a conversation on the medicinal use of marijuana. Adriel Brathwaite, Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs of Barbados, has assured his countrys citizens and the wider Caribbean region by extension, that Barbados has not closed its mind to the medicinal properties of the marijuana plant. Brathwaite made the disclosure while delivering the opening remarks at the regional consultation on marijuana hosted by the National Council on Substance Abuse, in collaboration with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Home Affairs. According to the Attorney General, there were, in fact, opportunities under the present legal regime to write to the head of the Drug Service for permission or get a doctor to provide a prescription so the capsule or oil could be sourced. Braithwite, though, posited that the conversation should not be about legalising marijuana, but about discussing the properties of the plant and how they can be exploited. "We want the best out of the plant as possible, he stated. Turning to the marijuana conversation at the regional level, he admitted that the Regional Commission on Marijuana had experienced some setbacks, some of which were financial, and the other as a result of some countries not coming on board. The Commission, he explained, was established to conduct a rigorous enquiry into the social, economic, health and legal issues surrounding marijuana use in the Caribbean to determine whether there should be a change in the current drug classification of marijuana. "The aim of the Commission is not to say you need to legalise marijuana. The aim is to explore if there are any medicinal or legal [properties]; to explore from a holistic perspective and make recommendations to the heads based on its research. And, it can only have the research if it has the voice of the people, the minister said, while describing the situation as regrettable. He used the opportunity to also appeal to those countries that had not yet welcomed the Commission, to do so, and appealed to CARICOM to ensure that it had the resources needed to meet its mandate. (Source: Barbados Today) Chair of the Board Anthony Regisford (centre) welcomes Executive Director Annette Mark (right) and Deputy Executive Director Nadine Agard-Juillerat to Invest SVG. Invest SVG - St. Vincent and the Grenadines official investment promotions agency (IPA) has announced two new appointments to its top-level staff. Vincentian national Annette Mark has taken up a three-year post as the new Executive Director, and Vincentian Nadine Agard-Juillerat is now the agencys new Deputy Executive Director. Ms. Mark, a past student of the St. Vincent Girls High School, and whose previous post was Antigua and Barbudas Chief Immigration Officer, holds a L.L.B Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of London (UK), and is a graduate of the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad. A release from Invest SVG said that she brings a strong business and marketing background with her to the IPA. Assuming her new responsibility on October 16, Ms. Mark admitted, "Its a new challenge for me, adding "Ive had many new challenges before, and I have risen to the occasion at all times. I plan to do the same at Invest SVG take my experiences from over the years, and with the help of the staff, we can make something big of this! As far as what she sees as part of her undertaking, she posited, "Invest SVG has to be more visible both internationally and locally in the services we offer and what we have achieved thus far, and we must develop and find more avenues to assist our local market with exporting Vincentian products and services. Deputy Executive Director Nadine Agard-Juillerat, who has held positions at Invest SVG in the past, described the IPA as a "dynamic organization, and regards her new post as an "opportunity to assist Invest SVG in becoming a strong best practice IPA that will be a global leader in its field. She added, "The FDI [Foreign Direct Investment] arena can be a difficult place to navigate, but we have a new Executive Director who comes with a great deal of experience and a wealth of knowledge, with whom we can make a positive difference to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Mrs. Agard-Juillerat took up her post in early September. Ms. Mark was introduced to media persons here at last Tuesdays press conference hosted by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. There used to be a lot more green and open spaces in capital Kingstown, like the original site of the War Memorial (pictured). Those, St. Clair Leacock, MP for West Kingstown, who yearn for more greenery in capital Kingstown, will have to continue to do so for some time. This is the indication left with the Parliament of this country, and the people of SVG in general, by Senator Julian Francis, Minister of Transport, Works, Urban Development and Local Government. Senator Francis was responding to a question by MP Leacock during the October 5 Sitting of Parliament. Senator Francis made it clear that the appearance of capital Kingstown will not be enhanced with the addition of trees, until the vending situation, as it currently exists is addressed. MP Leacock had wanted to know whether it wasnt time for a "proper tree planting exercise in the city of Kingstown. And while Senator Francis admitted that he was in full support of a tree planting project in the nations capital, he noted that in some instances, the only spaces available for the planting of trees are in areas occupied by vendors. He gave the example of an area where there was a tree planted in the vicinity of the Peace Memorial Hall. According to Francis, he has had to instruct the Kingstown Town Board on three occasions, to remove the individuals vending next to the tree. "And they are still there today, he lamented. With respect to MP Leacocks suggestion that the area between the Registry and the General Post Office, where the Treasury building and Electoral Office once stood and which was destroyed by fire back in 2015, to be designated aa a venue for concerts or otherwise, Francis quipped, "It is a valuable piece of real estate, adding that to do so would be to create another Heritage Square. The Senator, though, disclosed that the plan was to redevelop the area to house some government departments, which are currently housed in rented premises for which government pays significant rates. This plan is expected to be addressed in the 2018 budget, according to Senator Francis. "The idea of a green space in town fine, I have no problem with that. But surely, we cannot take that place and turn it into a park, Francis said. (DD) Kimya Glasgow arrives at NEMO headquarters with her automobiles trunk filled with goods donated by the GIVE Club of the St. James School of Medicine. Students of the St James School of Medicine have joined in the national effort to aid the citizens of neighbouring countries ravaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria. On Friday 6th October, members of GIVE a community service oriented club comprised of students of the School - handed over the proceeds of their Can Drive to fashion designer and events manager Kimya Glasgow, to donate to the Dominica Hurricane Relief. Ms. Glasgow had connected with the GIVE Club when members inquired of her about a fundraising event in which she had partnered with Leo Club St Vincent, to raise funds for hurricane relief for islands affected by earlier storms. Developments continued apace, and the Can Drive, a three-day hurricane relief effort for Dominica at the School, attracted immediate support as donations poured in to goods worth over EC$300, and monetary donations of approximately EC$300 towards the purchase of additional goods. Goods purchased and donated included non-perishable canned foods, candles, matches, toiletries, baby products and foods, toiletries, and water. The goods were delivered by Ms. Glasgow on Monday 9th October to NEMO, for onward shipment to Dominica. And the GIVE Club members have not closed their effort to assist. There is a plan afoot to partner further with Ms. Glasgow on a fundraising Latin Night event, to raise more funds to meet the on-going needs of Dominicas recovery. Frederick Stephenson, MP for South Windward which includes Diamond, speaking with THE VINCENTIAN during his visit to the wounded men, warded at the MCMH. Parliamentary Representative for the South Windward constituency - Frederick Stephenson, has described the shooting of eight men, one fatal, at a bar in Diamond last Saturday night, as "a serious tragedy which calls for serious stocktaking. And he hopes that the police act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to justice. He admitted that it was the first shooting of its kind that he could recall in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in terms of the number of victims involved, and the manner in which it was carried out. Stephenson, who holds the ministerial portfolios for National Mobilization, Social Development, the Family, Gender Affairs, Persons with Disabilities, and Youth, visited some of the wounded men at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital on Monday. Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN at the Male Surgical Ward, where the men were warded, he added that Diamond was one of the places which do not have a community centre, and some residents use facilities such as shops and bars as places to socialize. According to Stephenson, it is sad when innocent people sitting or standing at a bar or shop, enjoying a lime. are shot down like that. The minister is advising members of the public to give the police whatever information they may have, that could lead to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators. While acknowledging that there are some people who have issues with the police in relation to giving information, Stephenson said that there must be police officers in whom those persons could confide. Stevenson is also concerned about a young lady who he understands was assisting at the bar on the night of the shooting, and has since been traumatized. He disclosed that he would make arrangements for counsellors from the Social Welfare Department to spend some time with her. And even as the police continue investigations into the incident, the Parliamentary Representative is hoping that they would increase patrols in the area. Remnants of the atatck - bullet holes - in the chairs and a partition in the bar. Inset:Gregory Abraham - the only one of eight persons shot who died in the attack at a bar in Diamond. Editors Note: The parents of Gregory Abraham requested that they not be photographed. It has not been an easy past few days, says Arlene Soleyn, mother of 33-year-old Gregory Abraham, who died after being shot while at a shop in Diamond last Saturday night. For Abraham, it was a classic case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. The deceased mans mother told THE VINCENTIAN that she has been finding it difficult to fall asleep, and eating has become as equally difficult for her since her sons death. According to Arlene, her son was now making his way from work when he stopped off at the Road Side Bar in Diamond. Shortly thereafter, gunmen appeared at the shop, opened fire, and Abraham was one of eight individuals shot, as the gunmen unleashed their bullets indiscriminately into the shop. Police sources indicate that the intended victim was also in the establishment, but was able to escape. Abraham was not that fortunate, and died at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital on Monday, succumbing to a shot he received to the stomach. Well loved His mother described him as a hard-working person "very quiet. Abraham spent some time in Canada a total of seven years, Arlene Soleyn said. "And it was just seven years since he has been back. Dad, Reynold Soleyn, chimed in, saying that he knew that his son was a good person. "He is ah man who love wuk. You have something to do and you call him, he will go, Reynold Soleyn said. Abraham was loved by everyone in both communities in which he resided Redemption Sharpes and Diamond, his father continued. Continued on Page 3. By Azernews By Amina Nazarli The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries invested about $1.3 billion in Azerbaijan's economy, Azerbaijani Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev said at a joint business forum with representatives of the GCC member countries in Baku on October 20. These investments mainly come from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, the minister said. At the same time, Azerbaijan invested almost $300 million in the economies of the GCC countries, he added. Mustafayev noted that about 280 companies, chiefly from Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, operate in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is a country favorable for investments. First and foremost, thanks to political stability, security and understanding between the authorities and the people, the minister said. He added that at the same time, economic cooperation should be based on strong political ties. Azerbaijan pays a lot of attention to the development of political ties with the GCC countries. Our political relations are very strong, have great prospects and are based on friendships, he said, adding the level of economic cooperation between the countries should also be raised as there is great potential that has not been fully used. Mustafayev noted that although the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the GCC states has been growing in recent years, it is still at a low level it amounted to more than $40 million in January-August 2017. This is a very low figure, given that the population of the GCC countries is about 40 million people and total GDP is about $1.36 trillion, he added. Speaking at the forum, Abdul Rahim Hassan Al Naqi, secretary general of the Federation of Chambers of the GCC proposed to create a joint investment fund He noted that the fund can help strengthening the cooperation and stimulate the investment flow between countries. Currently, Caspian International Investment Company (CIIC) operates in Azerbaijan that was co-founded by the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD, a part of the Islamic Development Bank group). The investment company, which has been operating since 2008, invests funds in the real sector of the economy on the basis of Islamic law principles (Shariah), with the exception of oil and gas production. Moreover, Azerbaijan and Qatar are currently working to create a joint investment fund. Within the meeting, the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) has signed two memorandums on development of trade cooperation with the Arab states of the Persian Gulf. The memorandum of understanding on cooperation with the Federation of Chambers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was signed by AZPROMO President Rufat Mammadov and Federations Secretary General Abdul Rahim Hassan Al Naqi. The memorandum of understanding on cooperation with the Yanbu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Saudi Arabia) was signed by Rufat Mammadov and the Chambers Chairman Murad Ali Al-Aroui. Moreover, during the business forum, a memorandum was signed between the standardization institute of Azerbaijan and the GCC Standardization Organization. The document was signed by the two organizations heads, Namig Tagiyev and Nabil Molla. Secretary General of the GCC told reporters that the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf are interested in developing relations with Azerbaijan in tourism, hotel business, agriculture and trade. We attach great importance to the development of relations with Azerbaijan in various areas. Our goal is to develop relations with your country in trade, investment, economy, agriculture and other areas, said the secretary general, adding that for this purpose it is possible to prepare relevant programs. According to him, Azerbaijan and the Arab countries have many opportunities to develop cooperation. Al Zayani also stressed that Azerbaijan has been able to achieve great success thanks to its wise leadership. By Azernews By Laman Ismayilova International Mugham Center will mark the 300th anniversary of Azerbaijani poet Molla Panah Vagif on October 24. The evening is organized by TV channel "M?d?niyy?t" (Culture) and the International Mugham Center with the assistance of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Trend life reported. Ehtiram Huseynov, Abgul Mirzaliyev, Mammad Najafov, Babek Guliyev, Khatai Hajiyev, Zeynal Akhmedov and Perviz Gasimov will participate in the concert program, accompanied by the instrumental ensemble "Aypara". Besides, poet`s ghazells will be presented to the listeners. Molla Panah Vagif was an 18th-century Azerbaijani poet, the founder of the realism genre in the Azerbaijani poetry and also a prominent statesman and diplomat, vizier the minister of foreign affairs in the Karabakh khanate. He was one of the most educated personalities of his time, who knew Arabic and Persian languages, studied astronomy and architecture. After coming to Shusha, the capital of the Karabakh khanate at the time, Vagif became popular and beloved among the people due to his knowledge and talents. There was even a saying: "Not every literate person can be Vagif". With his participation, a defense alliance was concluded between Karabakh, Georgia, Talysh and Erivan khanates against Iran. He was the initiator of negotiations with Russia. After the death of Vagif, manuscripts of his poems were destroyed or robbed. Nevertheless, some of the poems remained in the memory of ashugs, and many people even collected and copied his works in special books named "jungs". The first collection with his poems "Vagif and his contemporaries" , which included 70 works, was published in 1856 by the historian Mirza Yousif Karabakhi in Temir Khan Shura, Dagestan. Molla Panah Vagif was one of the most outstanding Azerbaijani poets in the Middle Ages. His works had a great influence on the further development of national poetry. The poet used all the classical forms of Eastern poetry. He wrote gazelles tejnisfs, muhammasas, mustezada, moasshara, mushair, mesnevi and elegy. However, a special place in his work is taken by the poetic form-goshma. The lyrics of the poet are cheerful. In his poems, Vagif honestly talks about life and its hardships, finding philosophical meaning even in sorrows. Many works are also devoted to love theme. By Azernews By Laman Ismayilova The Iranian Culture Days will be held in Baku in April, 2018. Days of Iranian films, books and an exhibition of female artists will be organized as part of the Culture Week, Azertac reported. Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Reza Salehi Amiri is expected to visit Azerbaijan to attend the event. Notably, Culture Days of Iran was held in Baku during the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games. The culture days aroused big interest among Bakus residents and its guests. Representatives of the country preformed at a series of concerts, featuring country's national songs and dance numbers. The artists' performance in national costumes gave the event a special touch. Days of Azerbaijani Culture were also held in Iran on July 3-9. As part of the celebration, various concerts, performances photo exhibition, were arranged in various cities of Iran. Azerbaijan and Iran have had diplomatic relations since 1918. Iran recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992. The two countries enjoy developed political, economic, cultural and humanitarian relations, have signed some 50 documents on cooperation. By Trend President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with First Vice-President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Eshaq Jahangiri in Istanbul on October 19. President Ilham Aliyev noted that the bilateral relations are developing successfully, and hailed the political ties between the two countries. The Azerbaijani president said the economic cooperation has expanded, and important infrastructure projects have been implemented between the two countries. The head of state pointed out that the meetings at the level of the presidents contributed to the expansion of the relations. First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri noted that the economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran is developing successfully, and stressed the importance of Astara-Astara railway in terms of cooperation both in bilateral and regional formats. Eshaq Jahangiri said there are terrorism threats in the region, and highlighted the significance of increasing efforts in the fight against terrorism. Hailing the development of the economic ties between the two countries, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that there is a great global interest in Astara-Astara railway project, adding that this project contributes to the development of the economic cooperation in the region. The head of state noted that Azerbaijan is one of the most active countries which fight against international terrorism and spare no efforts in this area. During the conversation, they stressed that Azerbaijan and Iran enjoy good cooperation prospects in energy, pharmaceutical industry, investment making, industry, as well as joint car production and other spheres, and exchanged views over the development of the bilateral ties. French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his country`s interest in developing relations with Azerbaijan as he received credentials of ambassador Rahman Mustafayev. The French President said his country is interested in expanding ties with Azerbaijan in the fields of economy, education and culture, Azertac reported. Stressing the importance of developing EU-Azerbaijan relations, Emmanuel Macron expressed France's readiness to support Azerbaijan. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Ambassador Mustafayev said Azerbaijan is the main partner of France in the South Caucasus region, pointing out wide opportunities for intensifying economic and investment cooperation. The ambassador said the largest French university in the region operates in Baku, describing this an example of Azerbaijan`s interest in developing cooperation with France. By Trend The Uzbek Justice Ministry has released a mobile inspection registration app. According to the ministry, while using the e-digital signature, a business entity (user) must visit www.etk.minjust.uzwebsite and receive a password to use a mobile inspection registration app. The business entities can review the legislation regulating this sphere and the schedule of inspections, send appeals to the single portal of interactive state services portal and the justice bodies through a mobile inspection registration app. This system is of great importance for assessing the legality of inspections. It is a mechanism that limits illegal inspections. Moreover, it serves as an additional factor in restoring the violated rights and interests of business entities. By Azernews By Kamila Aliyeva Military operation in Syria against the Islamic States terrorist group (IS, ISIS, ISIL, Daesh) will soon be completed. This was announced by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on October 19, RIA Novosti reported. "The situation in Syria is approaching the final milestone in achieving success in the fight against terrorism," he said during a meeting with the UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura. Through the efforts of all those who struggle with ISIS and Jabhat al-Nusra, it is possible to achieve defeat of terrorists, according to Lavrov. "It seems to me that all this will be completed in the near future," the minister said. He also noted that Russia supports the activation of the political process to resolve the situation in Syria. About 92.6 percent of the Syrian territory is released from the militants of ISIS terrorist group, according to the infographic data published in the newspaper of the Russian Defense Ministry. In addition, over the past week Russian sappers checked more than 210 hectares in the Deir-ez-Zor area and neutralized more than 6,800 explosive items. At the same time, Russia continues its support of the liberated areas in Syria, delivering 74 tons of humanitarian aid to Aleppo and Damascus in recent months. The medics from the Russian Defense Ministrys hospital in the country have also treated over 2,000 patients during the period. Russian sappers have so far cleared 838 buildings and 87 kilometers of roads in Syria, neutralizing 24,000 mines and improvised explosive devices. The civil war in Syria between government and opposition forces with various terrorist groups involved, including Daesh (also known as ISIS or ISIL), began back in March 2011. Syrian President Bashar Assad managed to turn the tide of war in his favor after Russia started an air campaign in September 2015. According to UN's special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, around 400,000 people have died in the conflict while half the population has been driven from their homes. By Trend The composition of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (aka Developing-8) should expand, said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressing the D-8 summit, the Turkish media reported on October 20. Erdogan noted that economic and political ties between the D-8 member countries should also expand. The Turkish president also said that the D-8 member countries should use the national currencies in trade. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, at the invitation of President Erdogan, arrived in Istanbul to participate as a special guest at the D-8 summit. Istanbul hosts the summit of D-8 member countries Turkey, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan. The upcoming fourth Global Business Forum on Africa in Dubai, UAE is set to welcome five African heads of state, 12 ministers, and more than 1,000 top-level government and corporate decision-makers and industry experts. The forum, organised by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will be held under the theme Next Generation Africa on November 1 and 2. The event will examine the current economic outlook for the continent, and explore prospects for its development, as well as investment opportunities and the potential for forging partnerships between African businesses and their UAE counterparts. The event will bring together high-profile attendees such as Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda; Danny Faure, President of the Republic of Seychelles; Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda; Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, President of the Republic of Mauritius; and Edgar Lungu, President of Zambia; along with a long list of ministers, senior government officials, young African entrepreneurs, economic and industry experts. Hamad Buamim, president and CEO of the Dubai Chamber, noted that the timing of the forum is ideal as Africa is currently witnessing a sizeable uptick in private-sector led development and investment opportunities. This years Global Business Forum on Africa is drawing an unprecedented top-tier attendance, including distinguished African heads of state and ministers, to discuss a variety of key trends that are expected to drive Africas next phase of economic growth, as well as challenges and opportunities that fast-growing markets on the continent are experiencing, Buamim said. The two-day event welcomes a host of ministers from various African countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Ghana, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sudan, Uganda and Zambia.- TradeArabia News Service Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa has appointed Emre Kirazci as the new director of sales and marketing along with Marie-Claire McCartney as the new Thalassa manager of the Thalassa Sea & Spa. A Turkish national, Kirazci joins Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa with strong backgrounds extending from the hospitality sector. In 2012, Kirazci was appointed as the director of Global Accounts in the world renowned group; FRHI Hotels (Fairmont, Raffles and Swissotel Hotels), where he was able to adapt his extensive knowledge in sales and business management to lead the group successfully. With the merger of AccorHotels and FRHI Hotels, Kirazci moved to the regional sales Team as director of Key Leisure Accounts, heading the leisure segment within Middle East region. Commenting on his new role at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, Kirazci said: I am delighted to join the Sofitel Bahrain team and look forward to becoming an integral part of the strategic dynamic of this property. I hope to strengthen our relations with partners across the GCC and international markets, at the same time driving the property to further success. McCartney, originally from Trinidad, has obtained her knowledge in the spa and wellness industry over the past 13 years. Moving all the way from Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Southampton, Bermuda, her business skillset and spa expertise has expanded from Canada to the GCC. Being a part of the spa and salon managing sector as well as her top notch qualifications in spa therapy, McCartney has become reputable for her ability to guide with exemplary VIP client relations, team motivation, as well as being an expert at specialising in vast range of treatments as a practitioner and a trainer. She is well-versed in local and international spa and salon protocols, as well as the exemplary customer service to satisfy a diverse clientele. Having been a spa manager for over three years in Bahrain, as well as holding leadership positions for over ten years more at an international level, she is sure to excel at her new role and pave the way for an enhanced experience and improved standards. McCartney said: "My only focus is our clientele and providing a mix of compassion and dedication to every guest. I am pleased to join the only Thalassa Sea & Spa in the Middle East and I look forward to offering an exclusive Thalassa experience to our guests that can only be enjoyed in France, Morocco, or Italy. We are very excited and thrilled to have Kirazci and McCartney join our Magnifique team here at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa and with their line of experience and expertise, we surely are leaving their teams, departments and our valuable guests in trusting hands, said the director of operations, Mehdi Hanayen. We are looking forward to all the success and are confident that they both are the right choice to further elevate standards and ensure that their teams are preforming to the best of their abilities said Hanayen. - TradeArabia News Service The recent retirements of three large coal-burning plants in Texas are no more than an echo far north in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming. The coal sector has improved here since the downturn, and many are less worried about the outlook of one of Wyomings most steadfast industries than they were two years ago. But when Luminant, a subsidiary of Vistra Energy, said earlier this month that its Monticello, Big Brown and Sandow plants were going to close, it translated to two fewer customers that buy Wyoming coal. The plants simply could not compete with the flush of cheap renewables and low priced natural gas, its owners said. Over the last few years, Wyoming has struggled through an unprecedented decline in the coal sector. Financially weak companies filed for bankruptcy, nearly 1,000 miners lost work and warm winters reduced demand. Federal environmental rules to cut mercury pollution or carbon dioxide emissions also shook the sector. The value of Campbell County, home to most of the states coal mines, declined by $1 billion between 2016 and 2017. That sudden storm that hit the coal market has dissipated, and coal in the PRB is adjusting to a new normal. Production is up about 15 percent from last year. Companies are operating more efficiently. And though industry groups say most of the lost jobs will not return, dramatic declines are no longer looming in the immediate future. Companies that sell coal to Luminant, like Peabody Energy, say the recent closures are no surprise. They expect the changes that are happening in the market. Analysts say Wyoming coal has advantages over other coal producing regions. Its more flexible to meet demand where it persists, and its cheap. But the alarm bells arent lost on analysts or companies. The coal sector is a gradually contracting market in the U.S., and closures of some plants that burn Wyoming coal are a part of the deal. *** For some tracking the trend of declining coal use, the announcements last week were more evidence that coal is on the way out. This news reflects a gathering movement among U.S. utilities away from coal, a trend that will continue regardless of the Trump administration efforts to prop up a fading coal industry, the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis said in a statement. The research group, which advocates a transition away from fossil fuels, recently published a report that argues coal power in Texas is in rapid decline. Recent closures are the tip of the iceberg, and changes in Texas will be felt by operators in coal producing states like Wyoming, according to IEEFA. Texas power producers are the biggest buyers of Wyoming coal in a given year. The state has a diverse energy portfolio to choose from, and burning coal in large plants under a host of environmental stipulations has become the most expensive way to turn on the Texas lights hour by hour. Experts are seeing similar trends in other states that buy coal, a disturbing trend for Wyoming, the countrys leading producer of the fossil fuel. Take Peabody Energy, which owns the largest surface mine in the country the North Antelope Rochelle Mine complex, east of Wright. Both the Monticello and Big Brown power plants regularly buy coal from one of Peabodys smaller Wyoming mines, Rawhide, and the plants were two of the mines largest buyers in 2017. Peabody has been dealt a harsh blow this week, the group said. But a spokesman for the coal firm countered the gloomy outlook of the Texas closures on their Rawhide mine and its miners. Last year, our PRB mines produced just over 113 million tons and we would recommend against drawing conclusions about any PRB mine based on one customer, said Vic Svec in an emailed statement. Peabody has scores of customers from our three Powder River Basin mines, which are three of the four most productive mines in the United States. Peabodys PRB mines are a single unit from the companys perspective, he said. The company can move resources and employees around as needed. Svec reiterated an argument the company has made before: the closure of older, less economic plants will increase productivity at the ones still standing. They will use more coal, buy more coal, offsetting declines elsewhere. The recent announcements are not unexpected, Svec said. Peabody has long stated we anticipate total U.S. coal plant retirements of approximately 50 gigawatts over the next five years, he said. We factor that in our mine planning and sales activities to minimize any effects on Peabody. *** Peabodys confidence is one way to look at how closures will affect the coal market. Experts say this theory is still being tested and is part of the uncertainty surrounding future projections for coal. But the claim to flexibility with buyers is supported by some analysts keeping tabs on the coal market. It will be one of Wyomings advantages as the market narrows, they say. [The closures are] a little less of an issue in the PRB because all the customers are far away, so they fall in that group of producers that ship, said Chiza Vitta, coal analyst for S&P Global. They ship their coal to companies all over the country, so if somebody shuts down, they just ship to a different customer. Other basins have mines that are tied to nearby plants and tend to suffer more from the closures that are impacting the coal sector, Vitta said. The retiring Sandow plant in Texas, for example, will close alongside the nearby Three Oaks Mine, with a combined job loss of some 450 employees, according to Vistra. Coal provides about 30 percent of the electricity in the U.S., down from 40 percent a few years ago. But the sector is not expected to face another cliff like the one experienced in 2016. The coal market this year has actually grown. Its a short term boost that some are linking to the downturn, when the market perhaps overreacted, Vitta said. Long term, producers in Wyoming still have low cost operations and flexibility on their side, somewhat offset by the lower quality of Wyoming coal, he added. But the pressures are still a serious issue for the long term outlook of one of the states most important industries. Luminants announcements were not encouraging to champions of coal. They are evidence of the new normal. WASHINGTON If President Donald Trump prevails in shutting down a major Obamacare health insurance subsidy, it would have the unintended consequence of making free basic coverage available to more people, and making upper-tier plans more affordable. The unexpected assessment comes from consultants, policy experts and state officials trying to discern the potential fallout from a Washington health care debate thats becoming harder to follow. Whats driving the predictions? Its because another of the health laws subsidies would go up for people with low-to-moderate incomes, offsetting Trumps move. Its a kind of counter-intuitive result, said Kurt Giesa, a health insurance expert with the Oliver Wyman consulting firm. According to one estimate, more consumers would sign up for coverage next year even though Trump says the Affordable Care Act is virtually dead. On Wednesday, the fate of the health laws subsidy for copays and deductibles remained unclear as a bipartisan congressional deal to continue payments ran into political roadblocks. Separately, state attorneys general asked a federal court to order the administration to keep the money flowing. But if Trump succeeds, it may be like pushing down on one end of a see-saw only to see the other end go up. His attempt to shut off the subsidy for copays and deductibles would cause a different subsidy to jump up, the one for premiums. The Obama-era health care law actually has two major subsidies that benefit consumers with low-to-moderate incomes. The subsidy Trump targeted reimburses insurers for reducing copays and deductibles, and is under a legal cloud. The other subsidy is a tax credit that reduces the premiums people pay, and it is not in jeopardy. If the subsidy for copays and deductibles gets erased, insurers would raise premiums to recoup the money, since by law they have to keep offering reduced copays and deductibles to consumers with modest incomes. The subsidy for premiums is designed to increase with the rising price of insurance. So government spending to subsidize premiums would jump. This is where the counting gets sort of weird, said Matthew Buettgens, a senior research analyst with the Urban Institute. The nonpartisan policy research group has estimated that richer premium subsidies could entice up to 600,000 more people to sign up for health law coverage, depending on how insurers and state regulators adjust. The group also found that the federal government would end up spending more overall on health insurance through higher premium subsidies. That hasnt been lost on officials at the state level. It means many more Californians and people across the country will get a zero-premium bronze plan, said Peter Lee, executive director of Covered California, the health insurance marketplace in the nations most populous state. Bronze is the health laws basic coverage level. Silver is the mid-range standard plan and the most popular. Gold is close to employer health insurance in value. In addition to free bronze plans, many consumers would be able to buy a gold plan for about the same monthly premium as silver coverage, Wyman and the Urban Institute concluded. Other states where consumers could see zero-premium bronze plans include Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Utah and Wyoming, according to an industry estimate. Its complicated, but heres why: First, the subsidy for copays and deductibles is provided only if you have a silver plan. Next, the other subsidy, the one for premiums, is pegged to the cost of a lower-priced silver plan. In California, regulators instructed insurers to increase premiums for silver plans sold on the public marketplace to account for the loss of the subsidy for copays and deductibles. Premiums for bronze plans and gold plans were shielded from that increase. But because the federal subsidy for premiums is tied to the cost of a silver plan, that subsidy will be higher for everybody whose income qualifies them for financial assistance. So consumers can use their richer premium subsidy to get a bronze plan for no monthly cost or very little, or a gold plan for much less than they would pay now. Lee, the California official, said he believes regulators in close to half the states have taken a similar approach. Final premiums for 2018 have not been officially unveiled yet, and some states are still making adjustments. Sign-up season starts Nov. 1. The Wyoming capitols $300 million restoration project is on pace to be completed by 2019, and state workers could start moving into a completed portion of the complex by this spring, according to Suzanne Norton, project manager with the states Construction Management Division. The Capitol Square Project includes both the state capitol itself and the nearby Herschler Building, which houses state offices. Planning began in 2003, and work started in 2014. Norton said that construction was about 40 percent complete and that the east wing of the Herschler Building would be ready for employees to move in by March. The new exterior walls of the Herschler Building, intended to better protect against rain and bad weather, will be installed within the next three months. While it doesnt have the finished appearance quite yet, its getting close, Norton said. Once the wall panels are hung, the stone facing will be attached. Last March, workers announced the discovery of several historical gems inside the capitol, including a playbill advertising an 1887 product at the Cheyenne Opera House and brass panels from an antique elevator. Wyoming Capitol reconstruction revealing historic gems Construction crews were ripping out a basement office of the Wyoming State Capitol to conver Add to that the uncovering of a beautiful historic paint job beneath layers of new paint and plaster in the Territorial House chamber, where Wyomings constitution was signed, which will be restored as part of the renovation. You wouldnt believe that some of the people working on the project would have the skill to say, Oh theres something behind the wall covering, Norton said. Theyre able to just peel I dont know how they do it but they take the layers and layers of material that were covering up this historic paint and expose it and its beautiful. She said that an allowance for restoring items of historic significance was included in the original budget so the recent discoveries dont affect the overall cost of the renovation. Progress has been made on more crucial aspects of the renovation as well. The underground Central Utility Plant, a decidedly unexciting but essential aspect of the project, is in the final stages of construction. The plant will provide hot and cold water to the complex. Other utility-related items have also been installed, including upgrades to the mechanical and plumbing systems in the Herschler Building. Scaffolding was installed over the capitols dome in September to repair punctures and tears, largely caused by hail over the last 129 years, and the decorative sheet metal will be replaced. The renovation has been the source of some controversy and litigation, with former Rep. Gerald Gay, R-Casper, unsuccessfully attempting to sue state officials for mismanaging public funds earmarked for the capitol. The lawsuit was dismissed by a district court in January. That decision was appealed and the case is currently before the Wyoming Supreme Court. Another lawsuit over who had authority to sign-off on the capital improvements, filed by state treasurer and possible gubernatorial candidate Mark Gordon, is being heard by the Supreme Court this week. The 2019 completion date for the project will come after the Legislature meets that year but Norton said that lawmakers will likely begin using the building for committee meetings and other activities in advance of the 2020 session. The Legislature is currently using the Jonah Business Center in Cheyenne. Correction: An earlier version of this article inaccurately stated the status of a lawsuit filed against state officials in relation to the project. The conditions of Wyomings roads can change quickly in the winter, prompting authorities to close highways to keep the public safe. Sometimes, though, travelers may need to reach a destination between closure gates and the parts of the road that arent navigable. We only close roads when its necessary to ensure the safety of the traveling public, said Vince Garcia, WYDOTs GIS/ITS manager, in a news release. Our closure points are limited to where WYDOT has gates to block traffic. That means portions of a closed road may be passable if an area thats impacted by a crash or storm is miles away. The Wyoming Department of Transportations Authorized Travel program allows motorists to apply for permission to travel on those parts of the highways. Its in place to help people who commute locally between home and work, school, medical appointments and agricultural property, the department said in a news release. Acceptance into the program doesnt guarantee access to every closed road or the right to travel during every closure. The department will use current weather and road conditions to decide whether motorists can travel on closed roads. Driving on closed roads can come with significant risks. Limited cell service in some areas of Wyoming makes it difficult or impossible to call for help, and snowplow drivers working in closed areas might not expect to see another vehicle on that road. Driving on a closed road without permission is punishable with a fine of up to $750 and 30 days in jail. To apply or reapply for the authorized travel program, visit wyoroad.info and select the WAT icon. Be prepared to supply a justification for your travel, the road sections you need to travel and vehicle and contact information. You can also call the departments public affairs division at 307-777-4375 to request an application for the program. CHEYENNE The railroad prize could have gone to Julesburg, Colorado. Were talking about the Union Pacific Railroad, the heart of Wyomings capital city and its reason for being. If the UP bigwigs had decided on the southern route through Julesburg and Denver, there may never have been a Cheyenne or even a Wyoming. I learned yet again how important the UP railroad was to the state during two programs recently on the history of Cheyenne and the railroad. One was by Rick Ewig, past associate director of the American Heritage Center at the University of Wyoming, held at the state museum in Cheyenne. Ewig is author of a new book, Settling the Sterile and Desolate Plains. Union Pacific officials were looking at two other routes for the transcontinental railroad one following the Oregon Trail farther north and the other through Denver, to the south. It was Grenville Dodge who chose the route through southern Wyoming, Ewig said. He wanted to avoid the mountains in Colorado. Later, the streets in Cheyenne were named after UP supervisors. Many remain today Seymour, Evans, Reed, House, ONeill. One street was named after Dodge, but fickle Cheyenne residents later changed it to Warren Avenue in honor of the governor and U.S. senator. The first map of Cheyenne was printed in June of 1867. Ewig found a letter written by a UP supervisor named J.J. Jackson to his sister in Pennsylvania describing the tent town along Crow Creek as wild and forsaken country, but also a healthy place to live. Indians were no problem, the letter said, because the Indians were so frightened by the train whistles they left the area. As the town and the state grew the leaders wanted to increase the population so the territory could become a state. Womens suffrage was the answer. Ewig revives the dismaying history of the territorial legislature and the law giving women the right to vote. The Democratic-controlled legislature passed the law but expected the Gov. John A. Campbell to veto it. He didnt. It became law, but in the next election, two Democrats lost their seats to Republicans. They blamed the women voters for the loss. In the next session they introduced a bill to repeal the suffrage act. Campbell vetoed it. The vote to override the veto lost by only one vote. That history is a blot on the vaunted image of Wyoming as the Equality Rights state the first to grant women equal suffrage with men. Also failing to enhance that image is the history of women on juries in Wyoming. Four women did serve on a jury in Laramie in 1871 The next time a woman served on a Wyoming jury wasnt until 1950. Ewigs story also reminds us that Cheyenne has never been voted as the permanent state capital of Wyoming. The constitution named Cheyenne as the seat of government and put the state hospital in Evanston and the State Penitentiary in Rawlins. The constitution also allows a vote of the people to determine the permanent locations of those institutions. In 1901, Wyoming voters chose Cheyenne over Casper, Lander and Rock Springs, but not by a majority vote, as required. In 1933, Casper tried to move the capital again but failed, Ewig said. The other program last week, by Kerry Skidmore at the railroad museum in Cheyenne, focused on the discovery of the gangplank west of Cheyenne as the key to the route chosen by the UP. It was Dodge who finally found the path down the flat, long alluvial chute that had been used by the Indians. That location allowed construction on a straight line along Crow Creek west to Sherman Hill. Both Ewig and Skidmore emphasized how Cheyenne wild west hell-on-wheels period lasted only two years. The settlers who followed wanted and developed a structured civilized community. Yet the tourism folks continue to portray the city as a wild west remnant. Once the rodeo is over, Cheyenne settles into its genuine identity as a government town. She came home with a high temperature, feeling very ill. The next morning, her legs gave out when she tried to get out of bed. By that evening, she was so weak she could barely move. It was 1951 when polio struck her. She was 12 years old, just starting the eighth grade. The nation was in a panic then. The ambulance driver wouldnt take her to the hospital for fear other patients might become infected. Her father told her not to worry. He said she had a new virus and called it Virus X. Her uncle had a car and he drove her to the hospital. She was placed in a ward with other children with polio. She found this odd. She told the nurse she didnt have polio. She had Virus X just like her father said. The nurse nodded but said there was a possibility it was polio. Now she was really worried worried about her family. She wrote her parents a letter. She hinted that she may have polio but that shed be OK. Her father cried when he read it. The Health Department quarantined her family. They posted a notice on the front door of her home. For two weeks, the life span of the virus, no one was to visit. Only her father could leave to go to work. Within two weeks, the polio had ravaged her body. Her arms and legs were in various degrees of paralysis. She could barely lift her head. She was relocated to the D.T. Watson Home for Crippled Children in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. Her long, painful rehabilitation would just begin. It was one year before she could move back home. She wore leg braces and needed crutches to get around. Her schools principal feared for her safety he recommended she not return. But her father would have none of that. He was determined that she be treated no differently than anyone else, and she returned to school. She did get help, though. Neighbors who had cars took turns transporting her. The school scheduled her classes so that she had to ascend the stairs only once a day. Classmates carried her books. Her rehab continued two years. She would need crutches the rest of her life, but her braces were finally off. Then one day, sick of depending on others, she decided to walk to school a journey up a steep Pittsburgh hill more than a mile away. Her mother, worried, went with her that first day. It was a long, painful walk, but she did it. And in time, she walked to school every day. In time, she was no different than anyone else. Like her sisters, she was beautiful, lively and full of wit. She had many friends. Her senior year, her classmates voted her Queen of Carrick High School for a spring track event. Eventually, she married and had four children (she now has seven grandchildren). Her name then was Cece Hartner, my mothers sister. When she and others were suffering from polio, there was an abundance of fear and doubt in America. But the nation didnt dwell on what was wrong. We did what Americans always do. We focused on the solution. The March of Dimes mobilized millions to raise money. A long line of researchers, including Dr. Jonas Salk, refused to accept defeat. Together, we won. On April 12, 1955, almost one year after the trial began, Salks vaccine was declared safe and effective. Its easy to hold clarity over events that took place more than a half century ago, but harder to do so in current times. We are in the midst of many challenges and the nation would appear to be divided. There are many negative voices dwelling on what is wrong. But I know we must pull together and dwell instead on what we can make right. Just like my Aunt Cece did. The Secular Humanist Jewish Circle is organizing a panel about the benefits of intercultural and interfaith marriages 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 at the Wilmot Library, 530 N. Wilmot Road, according to press materials. We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some Oct. 20 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. Saying the president can't erase facts, a federal judge on Thursday rejected a bid by former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio to have all record of his criminal conviction wiped out. Susan Bolton said she already dismissed the criminal contempt case against Arpaio following the decision by President Trump to issue a pardon. That saved the former sheriff, who had been found guilty, from the possibility of going to jail for up to six months. But Bolton rebuffed Arpaio's claim that the pardon also entitled him to have the entire conviction erased. "The power to pardon is an executive prerogative of mercy, not of judicial record-keeping," Bolton wrote, quoting earlier court precedent. "The pardon undoubtedly spared defendant from any punishment that might otherwise have been imposed," the judge continued. "It did not, however, revise the historical facts of this case." Arpaio, however, is not willing to simply enjoy his freedom. "It's not going to be dropped," he told Capitol Media Services. Jack Wilenchik, one of his attorneys, said the relief the sheriff is seeking is important. He said Arpaio intended to appeal his conviction, if for no other reason than Bolton had said he was not entitled to a jury trial. Wilenchik said he believes Arpaio would have won. But now, with the pardon, there's no opportunity to appeal, meaning the record of the conviction remains. And that, he said would be something that could be used against the former sheriff in any future criminal or civil case. The conviction stems from the years' old case filed against Arpaio and the department he led, accusing the agency of having policies of stopping motorists who look like they might be in the country illegally, whether or not they had violated any state laws. Deputies then would hand the people over to federal immigration officials. U.S. District Judge Murray Snow found Arpaio and the department guilty of illegal racial profiling and he ordered it to stop. Snow later concluded the department violated his orders and referred Arpaio, two aides and a former attorney for charges of criminal contempt. The Department of Justice, then under President Obama, decided to pursue only Arpaio. And Bolton, who handled that case, used his own words and press releases to show he intentionally ignored Snow's orders. But before he could be sentenced, Trump interceded. And Bolton concluded that ended the case. Wilenchik, however, said that's not enough. He said the conviction should be nullified. And Wilenchik said Bolton is misstating his arguments in asking that any evidence of the case against Arpaio be wiped out. "We're not asking to undo facts," he said. "We're not asking for expungement," Wilenchik continued. "There's no such thing in federal law." What Wilenchik said he does want is a recognition that the case is now legally moot. He said it's no different than if someone dies before sentencing or having a chance to appeal. "The whole case gets undone," he said, with the conviction nullified. But Bolton said that's not the way things work. She said the right of the president to pardon the former sheriff is different and separate from what actually occurred in court. More to the point, she said what Arpaio wants ignores the legal nature of a pardon. First, she said, it must be accepted. At that point, Bolton wrote, the defendant is no longer subject to punishment and all of his or her civil rights are restored. "It does not erase a judgment of conviction, or its underlying legal and factual findings," Bolton said. In fact, the judge said there is case law showing that a pardon carries an imputation of guilt and that acceptance is "a confession of it." In this case, Bolton said, Trump issued the pardon and Arpaio accepted it. And as she reads the law, that ends the case, but does not entitle the former sheriff to have his underlying conviction wiped out. That conviction apparently has not dimmed the former sheriff's political pull. On Thursday, when contacted by Capitol Media Services, he was in California, campaigning on behalf of congressional candidate Omar Navarro who hopes to unseat incumbent Democrat Maxine Waters. Saying the president can't erase facts, a federal judge this afternoon rejected a bid by former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio to have all records of his criminal conviction wiped out. Susan Bolton said she already dismissed the criminal contempt case against Arpaio following the decision by President Trump to issue a pardon. That saved the former sheriff, who had been found guilty, from the possibility of going to jail. But Bolton rebuffed Arpaio's claim that the pardon also entitled him to have the entire conviction erased. "The power to pardon is an executive prerogative of mercy, not of judicial record-keeping," Bolton wrote, quoting earlier court precedent. "The pardon undoubtedly spared defendant from any punishment that might otherwise have been imposed," the judge continued. "It did not, however, revise the historical facts of this case." PHOENIX An appellate court has upheld a jurys conclusion that a Pima County sheriffs deputy was negligent in releasing his service dog, which bit and permanently disfigured a Tucson man after a traffic stop. In a divided ruling Wednesday by the Arizona Court of Appeals, the majority judges acknowledged that Brian McDonald nearly drove his vehicle into a sheriffs patrol car, had led deputies on a chase, and even continued to drive away despite three of his tires being punctured. They also said he did not appear to respond to commands. McDonald died in August in Virginia, said his attorney, Amy Hernandez. Its unclear if his injuries played a role in his death, as Hernandez has not yet received a death certificate and isnt aware of an autopsy having occurred. But appellate Judge Peter Eckerstrom said there was enough evidence to allow a jury to conclude that Deputy Joseph Klein, who arrived on the scene later, was negligent in releasing his dog, who bit McDonalds leg and dragged him around the ground. The record shows the dog held on for 38 seconds, causing serious injuries and permanent disfigurement. There were no bulges in (McDonalds) clothing to suggest that he might have had a gun, Eckerstrom wrote. And he said while it was later determined McDonald had a gun in an ankle holster, he never reached for it at any point. Eckerstrom also noted that a subsequent investigation after the 2013 incident revealed that McDonald had Type 1 diabetes and at the time of the incident his blood sugar level had been dangerously low. But appellate Judge Philip Espinosa, in his dissent, said Arizona law clearly allows the use of force to subdue someone who is committing or had committed a crime. He said the evidence is clear that McDonalds actions constituted felony flight from law enforcement. Nor was Espinosa swayed by what he called the after-the-fact evidence that McDonalds diabetic impairment may have affected his judgment and intent. Such evidence is irrelevant to what had already transpired at the time Deputy Klein utilized the police dog to subdue him,the judge wrote. Wednesdays ruling, unless overturned, upholds not just the jurys conclusion that Klein was negligent but also a $650,000 verdict for damages. McDonald actually was awarded less than that after jurors concluded he was 5 percent responsible for his own injuries. There was no immediate comment from the Sheriffs Department, which had appealed the trial courts verdict. A federal grand jury has indicted two men accused of offering a customs officer in Naco $10,000 to let them drive a marijuana-packed pickup truck through the port of entry, court documents state. The men, Francisco Bustamante Espinoza, 39, and Abel German German, 44, are said to have ties to a drug-trafficking organization, court documents state. Federal prosecutors said Bustamante offered the deal to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer on June 27, with the money to come from drug traffickers working with Bustamante and German, according to the Oct. 11 indictment in U.S. District Court in Tucson. The pickup truck was supposed to carry 100 pounds of marijuana and the officer would have been paid $10,000 each time he waved through a smuggling vehicle. German said Bustamante would also receive $1,000 each time because Bustamante had approached the CBP officer first, according to court documents. One month after Bustamante originally made the proposal to the officer, German told the officer the pickup truck was sent to an auto shop to be fashioned with a nonfactory compartment to conceal the marijuana. On Aug. 6, the men told the officer they had agreed to offer him $5,000 up-front in hopes that he would see how committed they were to the offer. However, Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon Davenport III said no money changed hands. The public defenders for Bustamante and Germans cases could not be reached for comment. Reported cases of bribery of a public official are rare in Arizona. From 2012 to 2016, only nine cases where bribery was the lead charge were prosecuted in Arizona, according to the most recent data available from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a research group run by Syracuse University. In contrast with the failed bribery attempt in Naco, officials accepted bribes in two recent cases in Southern Arizona. Claudio Estrada, a former motor carrier inspector for the U.S. Department of Transportation, accepted a $1,000 bribe in December 2012 from a man suspected of being a drug trafficker in exchange for helping a smuggling plan at the Naco port of entry. Estrada pleaded guilty in June to conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud the United States. He was sentenced to time served. It is not clear in court documents how long Estrada was in custody and neither federal prosecutor Michael Jette nor Estradas defense lawyer could be reached for comment. In addition to a $1,000 fine, Estrada was prohibited from seeking employment with the Department of Transportation or any federal agency dealing with border operations. In another recent case, former Border Patrol Agent Juan Pimentel, 48, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for trying to smuggle cocaine and accepting a $1,500 bribe in Rio Rico in exchange for providing information from a law-enforcement database. Pima Countys two Republican supervisors, Ally Miller and Steve Christy, have stuck close together on most issues since Christy won election and Miller won re-election to the five-member board in November. Thats been a change, because in the past Miller fought with her former Republican colleague, Ray Carroll, more than with any other supervisor. They became intense personal rivals. But now, the inherent differences between Christy, a former car dealer supported by big business, and Miller, who emerged from the GOPs tea-party rebellion, are causing them to split on some important choices. In a poetic twist, it was Carroll himself who made those differences clear this week. Carroll had applied to be appointed justice of the peace for the vacant seat in Green Valley. Though he was the first applicant, eventually seven others applied. With the Green Valley seat being in Christys district, it was up to Christy to nominate a candidate. Despite his Republican allys bitter dislike of Carroll, Christy nominated him. This apparently bothered Miller immensely. In comments from the dais Tuesday, she extolled the quality of the other candidates and lambasted Carroll, saying he didnt have the experience, the qualifications or temperament to be appointed to the position of justice of the peace. She also called him a carpetbagger and said the belligerent behavior that Ray has displayed toward members of the community makes him unqualified. After those comments, board chair Sharon Bronson called for a vote, but Supervisor Richard Elias asked to respond to Millers criticisms of Carroll, whom Elias said had served his constituents faithfully and without a stain on his record. Im afraid some of the comments she made frankly are biased perhaps by the political prejudice she feels related to Supervisor Carroll, Elias said. Point of order! Miller exploded. He has the floor, Supervisor Miller, he has the floor, Bronson shouted. He can speak his opinion but he doesnt need to attack me, Miller complained. Hes not attacking you, Bronson responded. The vote went on, and Miller lost not by the familiar 3-2 count, but by 4-1. Marla Closen, a Miller ally who ran for the Republican nomination that Christy won, lashed out at him on Facebook, calling Carrolls appointment cronyism at its best. And this will not be the end of the divisions between Christy and Miller. Christy has recently come out in favor of using a sales-tax increase, instead of a property-tax increase, to pay for much needed road repairs in Pima County. Miller opposes raising any taxes to pay for road repairs, saying we have a spending problem, not a revenue problem. Wards campaign founders Dr. Kelli Ward has always struck me as an unseaworthy ship for conservative Republicans to try to sail into the U.S. Senate. If her solid loss to Sen. John McCain in last years primary wasnt enough evidence of it, now we have more. On Thursday, the Ward campaigns chief strategist and press secretary resigned and announced they oppose her in her race to challenge GOP Sen. Jeff Flake. After running her campaign, weve realized that our successful effort to legitimize her campaign was a mistake, Dustin Stockton and Jennifer Lawrence said in a written statement. We are sorry to the #MAGA activists and the people of Arizona because they deserve better candidates. They alleged that Ward had shown blind ambition that would make her susceptible to betraying America First Trump supporters. It was a jolting turn of events for the Ward campaign, which was buoyed this week by a visit and endorsement from Breitbart News chairman Steve Bannon, who was Trumps chief strategist until August. Stockton and Lawrence are also Breitbart News alums but said they doubt Ward is a worthy vessel for the America First, pro-Trump message. Americans for Prosperity involved in Prop. 204 debate For days, supporters of the Strong Start Tucson initiative have been complaining that the Koch Bros. are now involved in the campaign, opposing the city sales-tax increase theyve proposed to pay for early childhood education. Opponents pooh-poohed the allegation, noting that all that really had happened was that Americans For Prosperity had a little anti-204 phone bank. Well, it seems to be getting more serious. This Saturday, AFP is organizing a door-knocking effort in Tucson and phone-banking against the ballot issue from Phoenix. AFPs Tom Jenney sent me the intro to the phone bank script its callers will use: I am reminding Tucson citizens about a crucial special election which is November 7th, 2017. You have an opportunity to stop a sales tax which is MEAN AND WRONG called Prop. 204. We ask people to vote against it as it is another 0.5% sales tax. This is a sales tax means prices will go up for many things we consume. This hurts working families the hardest who are just making ends meet and cannot afford another hit in their pocketbook. Americans for Prosperity was founded by the billionaire libertarian political activists David and Charles Koch, and David Koch remains chairman of the board of the Americans for Prosperity Foundation. The group has an office in Phoenix and has members in the Tucson area but no office here. The leader of the pro-204 campaign, Penelope Jacks, told me she is appalled by the outsiders entry into the debate. This is a local issue, she said. Local people can disagree. But the Kochs oppose taxes whenever they can, wherever they can. It doesnt matter what the merits are. Chew bites back During the Ward 3 primary campaign, eventual Democratic winner Paul Durham sent out some scathing mailers against fellow Democrat Felicia Chew, alleging she helped get Donald Trump elected president by voting for Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein. That didnt sit well with Chew. Now shes endorsing independent Gary Watson for the Ward 3 seat on the Tucson City Council. Ironically, Watson was a Republican who supported Trump. But the local GOP did not approve of his support for Prop. 101, the five-year sales tax increase for road repairs and public safety equipment. In a Facebook post announcing her endorsement, Chew said she could not endorse Durham because of the mailers and because she doesnt think voting a straight party ticket is a good idea. Get involved in our next poll The Arizona Daily Star has teamed up with Strongpoint Marketing to create polls to take the pulse of Tucson. Our polls will assemble a diverse online panel of Southern Arizonans to answer a short set of questions each month about issues facing the community. At the end of the online poll, youll be asked if youd like to join the Stars panel. The goal is to get as many panel participants as possible, in order to reflect the collective opinions of Southern Arizonans. Your personal information will be used only for the purposes of making the poll as accurate as possible and will never be shared with any other organizations or used in any other way for marketing purposes. The poll can be found at Tucson.com/CommunityPoll Citing security concerns, the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador resort has canceled plans to host an immigration conference organized by VDare, a small nonprofit that the Southern Poverty Law Center classifies as a white nationalist hate group. The safety and security of our guests and employees is of the utmost importance, El Conquistador general manager Ghee Alexander said in an emailed statement on Friday. After careful consideration, the hotel has decided to terminate its contract with VDare. We will not be hosting the event previously booked at the Hilton El Conquistador for March of 2018. Connecticut-based VDare had advertised the conference as bringing together all the most controversial immigration patriots in one place, in an Oct. 12 tweet. El Conquistador management declined the Stars interview request and did not respond to emailed questions about whether management was aware of VDares hate-group designation by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The Alabama-based civil-rights group said VDare regularly publishes authors who decry the demise of white America. In 2012, the Anti-Defamation League said VDare posts, promotes, and archives the work of racists, anti-immigrant figures, and anti-Semites. In a Friday email to the Star, VDare.com editor Peter Brimelow disputed the hate group designation. Essentially, we advocate for the presidents immigration agenda, he said. Would he be allowed to speak in Tucson? Liberal media watchdog group Media Matters for America, which first wrote about the planned conference and its subsequent cancellation, said it was the third time this year VDare had an event canceled after Media Matters spotlighted its views, either in a public post or by privately contacting the venue. Often the venues were unaware of VDares ideology and the risk of security problems should there be a public backlash to the groups event, Media Matters president Angelo Carusone said in an interview. He cited the death of an anti-hate protester at a white supremacy rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, this summer. The reason were reaching out is not to attack the venue, obviously, he said. But especially in the wake of Charlottesville, its important they have some awareness of the risks. In a Friday blog post on VDares website, Brimelow said he had just received an email about the canceled Tucson conference. He noted, Our contract specifies substantial monetary damages in the event of a cancellation. British-born Brimelow is the founder of the Center for American Unity, which launched VDare.com in 1999. The group says it fights to keep America American and calls diversity a vulnerability. VDares mission statement says it promotes education on two main issues: first, the unsustainability of current U.S. immigration policy and second, the National Question, which is the viability of the U.S. as a nation-state. A recent post on VDares website compares Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who was diagnosed with a brain cancer this summer, to a dying venomous snake following McCains recent speech condemning the turn towards spurious nationalism in the U.S. Media Matters is now devoting more time to monitoring hate groups efforts to sanitize their message and organize conferences that help normalize their extreme views, Carusone said. Extremist groups are strategically downplaying the racist or discriminatory components of their ideology to gain traction in mainstream America, he said. Theyve been emboldened lately. Theyve never been this vocal, he said. So much of their ideology is seeping into the larger conservative echo chamber. They can muddy the waters a little bit so when you criticize them, it becomes a left-right partisan fight. A tall chain link fence, shrouded in vines, surrounds an aging water well tucked away in this small town just west of San Juan. A metal sign carries a warning in Spanish to anyone who approaches: "Danger. Do Not Enter." That doesn't stop Juan Carlos Oquendo, 39, from peeling away a corner of the fence and jumping inside. He's brought a van load of containers to fill. But what he doesn't fully understand is that water from the faucet is potentially contaminated with industrial chemicals that can cause serious health issues. "I'm going to drink it. I've drank it before. It tastes fine," Oquendo told CNN as he filled his jugs. "If I don't drink water I'm going to die. So I might as well drink this water." Oquendo stresses that he's willing to take this chance because access to clean water in his neighborhood has been extremely difficult for much of the last month since Hurricane Maria wiped out the water system on the island. Just before CNN spotted Oquendo at the water well site, a team of scientists from the US Environmental Protection Agency was collecting water samples from the well. The EPA is focused on this site because the well sits on what's called the Dorado Groundwater Contamination Site, which was listed in 2016 as a Superfund site in Puerto Rico. The area is polluted with industrial chemicals, including tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene, "can have serious health impacts including damage to the liver and increasing the risk of cancer," the EPA said when it designated the site as contaminated. Gary Lipson, the EPA Incident Commander working in Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, says nearby residents have been drinking potentially contaminated water from this well. "It's a concern both in public health and perception. We understand that people are hurting right now. We understand there are a lot of thirsty people out there, and they are accessing whatever water they can," Lipson told CNN. "We are trying to ascertain if it poses any hazards or not." The EPA has "provided information to the Dorado community emphasizing that they must avoid using wells on the western portion of the site," the agency said in a statement Sunday. That is the same area where CNN saw Oquendo tapping into a well. EPA teams gathered water samples this weekend from at least six wells inside the Dorado Superfund site. A series of tests will determine the contamination levels. EPA officials say the results could be made public by the end of the week. One well on the Dorado Groundwater Contamination Site has been approved by the Puerto Rican water authority and federal officials for public use. Thousands of residents wait in a shopping center parking lot to fill up containers of water. Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello also says the territory's Department of Health has tested this water and deemed it safe. "What people need to know is they did pass the Clean Water Act and standard," Gov. Rossello told CNN. "If it's non-drinking water, we're not going to be serving it. But if it complies with the Clean Water Act, it is going to happen." CNN reviewed documents published in 2016 as part of the EPA's move to designate the Dorado Groundwater Contamination Site as a Superfund location. It's unclear exactly which parts of the area may be contaminated. "The EPA is in the process of examining the precise extent and location of this contaminated groundwater plume," said the agency's news release on Sunday. "Data gathered by EPA in 2015 showed that some wells in the western part of the area are contaminated, while some wells in the eastern portion of the area meet drinking water standards. The entire area, including many wells regardless of contamination levels, was included in the designated Superfund site boundaries as a precautionary measure because groundwater contamination can move over time and EPA wants to study the entire area." David Carpenter, Director for the Institute of Health and the Environment at the University of Albany, said "it is reasonable to distribute this water under the present circumstances" but there are no safe levels for carcinogens in water. "It is certainly likely that these wells will have contamination," Carpenter said after reviewing EPA documents. The documents show that three different wells contain concentrations of toxic chemicals known as PCE and TCE that exceed the agency's maximum contaminant levels for drinking water, said Erik Olson, the Health Program Director with the Natural Resources Defense Council in Washington, DC. Olson also says the documents show the Superfund site contains karst limestone, "which is notorious for allowing contamination to spread easily and quickly." "It is irresponsible to not make every effort humanly possible to find and provide safe drinking water as soon as possible," Olson wrote to CNN in an email. Juan Carlos Oquendo returned to his home in Dorado and unloaded the bottles he filled at the well. The home he shares with his siblings and mother was severely damaged in the hurricane. The roof was ripped off the second floor, and the family is still living without electricity and running water. Oquendo's mother, Carmen Rojas, recounted the moment when the house started coming apart in the storm. Since then, she says, emergency officials have delivered only two small packages of water to residents in her neighborhood. Rojas, 68, says she started drinking the Dorado Superfund well water about two weeks ago and immediately started feeling stomach pains. "I don't know what's causing it," she says, "but it might be because of the water." On Monday afternoon, CNN returned to four sites around Dorado and found that security guards have now been stationed at each. One of the wells was guarded by two agents with Puerto Rico's Special Investigations Bureau. Private security guards were stationed at the remaining wells, cutting off any further access to these sites by the general public. Also, near these wells CNN witnessed a small convoy of military vehicles and personnel including FBI agents, handing cases of bottled water to cars driving by. On Monday, the EPA announced that results of tests on samples from wells on the Dorado Groundwater Contamination Site should be available on Tuesday and the results of the more serious chemical analysis are expected early next week. On 60 Minutes Alison Langdon meets Niall Horan and Liam Bartlett meets an Australian scientist on the verge of a breakthrough to defeat dementia. Forgotten Future The most precious thing in Chontell Johnsons life is her beautiful two-year-old daughter, Te Maumahara. Its a Maori name meaning To remember, which in all likelihood is something 38-year-old Chontell is going to forget very soon. Thats because she was born with a genetic mutation that has given her a 98 per cent chance of developing early onset Alzheimers disease. Chontell inherited the condition from her mother, who died from Alzheimers at 47, and theres a 50 per cent chance she has passed it on to her daughter. Cruelly, 244 Aussies are diagnosed with dementia every day and the number is rising. But there is hope. Liam Bartlett travels to a very special town in the mountains of Colombia to meet an Australian scientist on the verge of a breakthrough to defeat dementia for good. Reporter: Liam Bartlett Producers: Steve Jackson On Trial Its hard not to be angry and disgusted when you hear what Tegan Wagner has endured. When she was 14 she was attacked at a party and gang raped. It was a horrible, humiliating assault and she quite rightly wanted justice. Tegan demanded the perpetrators of the crime be held accountable and put her faith in our legal system. But she says what was to come was as bad as the rapes. The teenager felt attacked all over again by defence lawyers whose brutal cross-examination of her in court lasted three harrowing days. What the barristers didnt count on, however, was Tegan Wagners unshakeable courage. Reporter: Tara Brown Producers: Stefanie Sgroi, Sean Power Love Direction For five frantically fabulous years One Direction ruled the pop world. They were one of the biggest boy groups ever and had millions of teenage girls swooning at the mere mention of their names. But the inescapable truth is that boys become men, so when they disbanded at the beginning of last year it wasnt entirely unexpected. 1Ds loveable larrikin, Niall Horan, decided on a new direction. He swapped fame for anonymity and took off backpacking around the world. He tells Allison Langdon it was a grand adventure made even more special because it ended up taking him back to the big time. Reporter: Allison Langdon Producers: Garry McNab, Eliza Berkery The Price of Love If the 1980s were the decade of decadence, Adnan Khashoggi was the emperor of excess. Back then the Saudi arms dealer was the richest man in the world, flaunting his wealth like no one else. But among the super-yachts, jets and mansions, his greatest indulgence was a personal harem of young, beautiful women. Former model and Roxy Surfwear founder Jill Dodd was one of Khashoggis many female playthings, and after more than 30 years of keeping a very big secret has now decided its time to lift the veil on her life as a billionaires pleasure wife. Reporter: Peter Stefanovic Producer: Michelle Tapper 8:30pm Sunday on Nine. 10 documentary shorts by LGBTQI filmmakers have been announced in the Love Bites initiative by ABC Arts and Screen Australia. They will screen on iview as part of the the upcoming 40th anniversary of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in 2018. Each team will receive $10,000 to make a 5 minute documentary, with Film Victoria providing additional production funding support for four projects. There could not be a better time to celebrate the extraordinary diversity that is flourishing in our Australian LGBTQI communities, said Terese Cau, CEO of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The Love Bites initiative has just unleashed 10 amazing documentary teams who will bring us fresh new contemporary LGBTQI stories to enjoy as part of the 40th celebrations of Mardi Gras. We cant wait to see the outcome! Love Bites is ABC TV Arts contribution to a pan-ABC approach to celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Mardi Gras. We look forward to working with filmmakers in the LGBTQI community to present a suite of short documentary films that will explore the lived experiences of this rich and diverse community, said Linda Brusasco, Acting Head of Arts at ABC TV. The Love Bites documentaries will invite us into the lives of the LGBTQI community and explore the incredible diversity within the broader Australian rainbow family, said Liz Stevens, Senior Manager of Documentary at Screen Australia. At a time when empathy and understanding is so publicly battling with fear and ignorance, the art form of documentary can really come into its own by showing reality without judgement. We look forward to seeing these stories hit screens next year. The funded projects are: Beyond the Mirrorball (NSW) from producer Josh Feeney and producer/director Luke Cornish, that will ask what comes next for the over-50s generation of the LGBTQI community moving on from the disco lights of the party scene. Club Arak (NSW) from producer Alissar Gazal and director Fadia Abboud, which will tell the story of Sydneys original queer Arab dance party that has for 15 years created a safe space that empowered and encouraged Arabs to gather and celebrate their cultural identity. Dances (VIC) from producer Stephanie Westwood and director Ramon Watkins an innovative exploration of queer experiences with dating app culture, told through dance and animation. Dani Boi (VIC) from producer Zena Bartlett and director Logan Mucha, about a provocative drag king and how radical performance art can play a role in challenging gender conformity. Desperately Seeking Shavers (VIC) from producer Christina Radburn and writer/director Emmett Aldred, which will look at the role facial hair plays in expressing and actualising identity for Trans and gender diverse people. FEZ (QLD) from producer Jessica Magro, executive producer Kate Paul and director Jermaine DVauz a celebration of the life of Samoan-Australian entertainer Fez Faanana who represents Australia on the world stage in dazzling drag and co-founded the all-male burlesque company Briefs Factory. Monsta Gras (NSW) from producer Jain Moralee and director Kelli Jean Drinkwater, about one of Sydneys most legendary art parties hosted by The Glitter Militia, and the feminist political playground that redefines what it means to be queer. Queen Biryani (NSW) from producer Kate Vinen and director Gary Paramanathan, which will tell the story of new Pakistani migrant Ali who challenges gender norms by serving up delicious South Asian cuisine through his catering company donned in glittering saris. Same Same (NSW) from producer Lizzie Cater and writer/director Thomas Wilson-White who will draw from his own life for a documentary about growing up with gay parents, and reimagine the many possible versions of Australian families. Wicked Women: Theres No Stopping Us Now (VIC) from producer/director Anna Brownfield, a history of the lesbian erotic magazine Wicked Women which launched in 1988 and turned lesbian Australia upside down liberating lesbian sex for generations to come. A creator of Nickelodeon cartoon The Loud House, has been fired following sexual harassment levelled against him. Chris Savino is no longer working with Nickelodeon, a spokeswoman said in a statement. We take allegations of misconduct very seriously, and we are committed to fostering a safe and professional workplace environment that is free of harassment or other kinds of inappropriate conduct. Nickelodeon had previously suspended Savino, 46, after sexual harassment allegations surfaced against the producer. As many as 12 women have come forward with allegations against him, including BoJack Horseman director Anne Walker Farrell, who wrote on Twitter that she was harassed by Savino when she was 20 years old. Major animation studios that include Disney, Warner Bros., Paramount, Cartoon Network, DreamWorks and Sony were also sent an open letter signed by more than 200 people demanding an end to sexism and sexual harassment. Nickelodeon Group President Cyma Zarghami sent a memo to staff encouraging employees to come forward when they face uncomfortable situations at work. In the current climate, it feels necessary to say that if you should encounter an uncomfortable situation at work, or witness one, you are safe to speak up, she said. If you hear something, and are unsure of what to do, you are safe to tell your supervisor or human resources. If you need help, in any way, you are safe to ask for it. The Loud House screens in Australia on Nickelodeon with a third season due in 2018. Source: LA Times Sean Penns concerns over Netflix doco The Day I Met El Chapo may at the very least be giving it some extra publicity. The doco, which debuts today, is a biographical account by Mexican actress Kate del Castillo (Ingobernable) and her meetings with one of the worlds most notorious drug lords, Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, and Penn. The doco reportedly suggests that Penn alerted US authorities to the fugitive drug lords location after Del Castillo arranged a meeting for the two in September 2015. Guzman was arrested about three months after the meeting and is now serving time in the US. Penn has accused del Castillo of fabricating elements of the story to gain attention for the series. His lawyers have implored Netflix to at the very least, eliminate any references to their client contacting (the Justice Department) prior to meeting Chapo. It is reprehensible that, in their ongoing, relentless efforts to gain additional attention and publicity, Ms. del Castillo and her team (who have zero firsthand knowledge) have sought to create this profoundly false, foolish, and reckless narrative, lawyer Mark Fabiani said. The notion that Mr. Penn or anyone on his behalf alerted DOJ to the trip is a complete fabrication and bald-faced lie. It never happened, nor would there have been any reason for it to have happened. El Chapo co-executive producer David Broome, previously told Variety that he reached out multiple times to Penn without response. Netflix declined to comment. Help India! By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter Students of the Aligarh Muslim University have given an ultimatum of 24 hours to the Vice Chancellor Tariq Mansoor after the administration invited BJP members for Sir Syeds 200th bicentenary celebrations in the campus. The students have alleged that they were kept in the dark over the invitations extended to BJP Aligarh District President Devraj Singh and Sandeep Kumar Singh, a MoS in UP government and the MLA from Athrauli. Sandeep is the son of Etah MP Rajveer Singh and the grandson of Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh. Support TwoCircles In a letter written to the Vice Chancellor, the students also asked the University administration to clarify if the BJP members were invited because of pressure from the state government. Please state if the administration received a Fax from the government (via the Proctor) to invite them (BJP MLAs) and please make the Fax public if that is the case, the letter says. The students added that failing to explain or apologise, the administration will have to face the wrath of the government. Inviting people who promote and capitalise on communal politics to remember a person like Sir Syed is an insult to his memory and for the students of AMU. We have always stood against people and parties that seek to divide our society and this is no different. We have always prevented BJP members from entering the campus, this was clearly an attempt by the party to infiltrate the campus. They just came, sat and observeddid not even speak. What were they doing here? asked Faisal Nadeem, a student of AMU while speaking to TwoCircles.net. The other reason why the AMU students are angry at the invitation extended to the BJP is that just a couple of days ago when DU students had tried to organise a talk on Sir Syeds Bicentenary celebrations, it was interrupted by members of the ABVP. Members of the ABVP called Sir Syed an anti-national and that he supported the two-nation theory. At a time when we are remembering the great service that Sir Syed did to this nation, ABVP wants to drag his name also into the mudas students of AMU, we will not let this happen, Nadeem added. What has irked the students of AMU the most is that the invite to BJP leaders comes at a time when the Sangh Parivar is on a mission to defame his legacy. A day after the BJP leaders came to the campus, the Hindu Mahasabha Unit of Aligarh also organised a programme on Sir Syed and used the platform to defame him and call him an anti-national. Protesting students alleged that the AMU administration had allowed itself to be used for BJPs benefits. We are against everyone that indulges in communal politicswe opposed Mulayam Singh Yadav also after the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots and this is no different. On one hand, their leaders come to celebrate Sir Syed while their Parivar members defame him as and when they want, said another student who refused to be named. He added that unless the University responds to their agitation, they will have to face the consequences of the protests. Clarifying its stand on the issue, a message issued by the Aligarh Muslim University News, the official page of Public Relations Office of the AMU administration said, A Minister was nominated by UP state government to be Minister in waiting for visiting former President of India as part of protocol. The University was intimated by the district administration regarding the same. This standard protocol was followed at the SS Day function. Quentin Tarantino, the legendary Hollywood director behind Pulp Fiction and Django Unchained, has admitted in an interview with The New York Times that he knew enough about the sexual assaults and inappropriate behaviour of Harvey Weinstein over the years to do more than I did. What he did was profit from Weinstein as a producer and turn a blind eye to the rape, so yeah, he probably couldve done more. Harvey Weinstein gave Tarantino a career. He picked up Reservoir Dogs and then produced Pulp Fiction, which won the director his first Oscar, and now hell throw money at anything Tarantino wants to do, which is the absolutely ideal situation for a writer-director, but still, does that come near justifying staying silent about sexual assaults that you knew were taking place? This is highly disappointing, especially given how Tarantino is known for writing strong female characters, which would suggest a more heightened respect for women. LA police are investigating Weinstein This Tarantino interview came at the same time that police in Los Angeles are investigating Weinstein for a sexual assault he is accused of that took place in 2013. Weinsteins spokesperson has said that he has unequivocally denied any allegations of non-consensual sex, but he does admit that his actions have caused a lot of pain for a lot of women. Sal Ramirez, a spokesperson for the LAPD, said that detectives from the Robbery Homicide Division have met with and interviewed a potential sexual assault victim involving Harvey Weinstein, which allegedly occurred in 2013. Ramirez said that the assault is under investigation and that theres no more information to divulge about it at the moment. The 2013 assault would fall under the 10-year statute of limitations enforced by the state of California for the crime of rape (which basically means that if you got raped 11 years ago and youre finally ready to come forward about it, they wont do anything to help you or bring your attacker to justice). If the detectives investigating find enough evidence against Weinstein, this could go to trial. US media reports that the victim of this particular rape is a 38-year-old Italian model and actress. Tarantino turned a blind eye so he could keep making movies Tarantino said that, for him in particular, it was more than just the normal rumours, the normal gossip, that all the other Tinseltown celebrities are saying that had heard over the years. For him, the information wasnt second hand, and he knew some things first hand. He claims, I knew he did a couple of these things. He says that, in hindsight, he wishes he wouldve taken responsibility for the stories that he had heard, although he says that if he had spoken up about Weinsteins actions, then he would have had to not work with him. Oh, well, that makes it alright then. Weinstein and Tarantino were close friends, working together on Django, Inglourious Basterds, Kill Bill, Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, everything. The producer let Tarantino do whatever movie he wanted for however much he demanded. He let him do a two-and-a-half-hour spaghetti western about the horrors of American slavery twinged with pitch-black comedy for $100 million, so of course, Tarantino kept his mouth shut. Weinstein calls some claims patently false Weinstein has said that some of the accusations against him are patently false, while his spokesperson has said that while he is guilty of sexually inappropriate behaviour and unwanted sexual advances towards women, there were never any acts of retaliation against the women who turned him down. Toxic kitchen fumes disrupted this weeks EU conference, as toxic politics continued to stir populations and politicians throughout the Continent. In timely fashion, the Telegraph enlightened everyone to concerns over Fake news, as expressed by senior Tory minister Damian Green. As Theresa May talked Brexit in Brussels - where EU leaders gathered for a routine conference after strong right-wing electoral gains in Germany and Austria - the Torys Secretary of State had a poignant message. Green did good to address this issue In the same newspaper that gave Brexit-mad Boris his first stint as a Eurosceptic European correspondent, Green repeated what others had already said about incomprehensible hospitality across the Commons, and that with misinformation in the public domain, we risk feeding an atmosphere of increasing hatred. Green did good to address this issue. Too bad that his colleague and chancellor, Phillip Hammond, had called the EU the enemy in recent days. Then came news of Home Office reports revealing a 29% rise in hate crimes in England and Wales. Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised that disabled people were worse off when it came to crime. The Conservative government were the first to target this particularly vulnerable group, of late. Labour MP, Gareth Snell, told the Commons of a constituent whose death preceded an appeal against disability benefits cuts. Even Before Brexit, Theresa Mays Go Home vans seemed to symbolise Tory contempt for un-registered migrants seeking refuge from more frighteningly intolerant governments abroad. Today, Mays government exercises a unique brand of Tory tolerance, which becomes mildly tolerant once it has backtracked on disadvantageous deeds. This week saw the government scrap phone-lines charges to those using benefits helplines, after a push by Labour; or perhaps even basic morality. Scraping the barrel Then again, the tories can only tolerate the banks and big corporations splashing-out billions on deals with the DUP, high-speed railways and Chinese nuclear power stations. Though scraping the barrel for a few million to prop-up the health service. This government has done much to divide society itself, with communities caught between powerful binaries such as independence or union, Remain and Leave, and low-wage or elite. Now the Tories are thinking about Marxist energy price caps, we know that Damian Green and his colleagues are only catching up with the real grievances in society. This is not a nation of haters, but of misinformation and misuse of power. Though many saw through the Daily Mails hate campaign against Jeremy Corbyn before the snap election. That is not to say, in addition, that some on the left are not responsible for our fake news epidemic. When the Tories stop with slogans, bluster and big-red-buses, there will be much less fake news in British politics. We need our facts to be strong, and our thoughts to be stable. The world is witnessing, yet again, another interesting end of a month. With geopolitical focus spreading out to the four corners of the world, plenty has happened, with the only certainty that more is to come. Between warmongering, presidential threats, and a crucial German election which undeniably ties up to Catalonia's referendum, it was time for Mrs. May's delivering of her "betrayal" speech, according to Ukip's lead candidate, Jane Collins. In Renaissance's birth-town of Florence, Brexit's melodrama added another page to its long-perceived ending, as negotiations are likely to endure, for years. Brexit: Fifteen months of wasted time The Daily Mail writes that, as seen by Collins as "bogus Brexit" talks, and a political tactic used by the Tories to keep the UK within the EU, (until the next General Election), the runner for Ukip's leadership is now admitting to be "in the best interests of the country that Nigel returns - albeit with a new team supporting him." With Ben Walker, (the running mate for Ukip leadership) backing up Collins' call for Farage's takeover in the lead role of the party, internal structuring within the Ukip itself may be the cause for which Farage is set to announce, as early as this next Monday, the formation of a breakaway party, (if pro anti-Islam Anne Marie Waters wins party leadership election). Anti-Islamic stance to be the nail in the coffin for Ukip According to the Metro, characteristically, Mr. Farage's reaction to the Prime Minister's speech was as delicate as the sharp end of a knife. "What weve done today is weve kicked it into the long grass for another two years. Its two fingers up to 17.4 million people who voted for Brexit." That raw adage of his may well be what will ultimately lead almost every Ukip MEP to follow him, in future years. One thing the former Ukip's leader has to be given credit for is his sense of timing. Waiting for his turn, as on a chess board, Mr. Farage threw in a double move, right at the end of Mrs. May's speech. A move directed, not only at the Prime Minister, but also at those daring to sink the party which pretends to keep its status of Brexit's guardian. With anti-Islamic views stubbornly lingering inside the Ukip, Nigel Farage's intentions to form a new party could be seen as a simple, yet, masterfully timed response, to internal disputes within the party's ideology. The longer it drags, the deeper it falls Having passed the moment for any consensus, people in the UK grow tired of lame action, that is a fact. But the facts involved in this 'divorce' are far too complex to be concluded in any short time. For that, words weigh in, heavily, and on every single attempt that Prime Minister Theresa May has to address, not only its people but the entire European Union. Turned easily into weapons, those words are Mr. Farage's bread. As the process unfolds, demanded to answer, the commitment and goodwill shown by the UK government comes rather too little, too late. With so many narratives in the mix, the choice of words is key to convey the right message. Mrs. Theresa May knows that, and with Nigel Farage's pragmatic, factual poise in pointing out to what seems to be a catastrophic, final trade deal, between the EU and the UK, odds are that the worst for Brexit is yet to come. As another morning arrives, President Donald Trump has decided to rant on social media about the news of the day. While continuing his feud with Hillary Clinton on Twitter was not a surprise, the president also included a shot at a fellow Republican. Trump on Twitter It's become common place for Donald Trump to voice his frustrations across social media, doing so on a routine basis since the early days of the 2016 presidential election. Once it became clear that the former host of "The Apprentice" would not see eye to eye with the mainstream media, Trump found that communicating through Twitter and other social media platforms was a way that he could avoid the press, while still getting his message out to the people. Fast forward to present day and Trump has decided to defend himself from criticism over his speech to the United Nations General Assembly, in particular his comments about North Korea and "Rocket Man" Kim Jong-un. Hillary Clinton was critical of the president on Tuesday night, prompting Trump to fire back at the former Secretary of State the following morning. Trump also took a shot at Republican Sen. Rand Paul due to his opposition to the latest GOP attempt to replace the Affordable Care Act, doing so in a string of tweets on September 20. After allowing North Korea to research and build Nukes while Secretary of State (Bill C also), Crooked Hillary now criticizes. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 20, 2017 Taking to his Twitter feed on Wednesday morning, Donald Trump first directed his attention to Hillary Clinton and her criticism of the president's speech to the United Nations in regards to his remarks about North Korea. "After allowing North Korea to research and build Nukes while Secretary of State (Bill C also), Crooked Hillary now criticizes," Trump tweeted. Moments later, the president re-tweeted a post from Twitter user "EaglePundit," which stated, "It is the height of hypocrisy. Obama and Clinton in effect gave nuclear weapons to North Korea by their policy of appeasement." Trump on Obamacare Not stopping there, Donald Trump then shifted his focus to health care and the Republican's latest attempt to replace Obamacare, which was put forward in a bill by Sen. Lindsey Graham and Sen. Bill Cassidy. "Rand Paul is a friend of mine but he is such a negative force when it comes to fixing healthcare. Graham-Cassidy Bill is GREAT! Ends Ocare!" Trump tweeted, while hitting back at Paul for his opposition of the bill in question. Rand Paul is a friend of mine but he is such a negative force when it comes to fixing healthcare. Graham-Cassidy Bill is GREAT! Ends Ocare! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 20, 2017 I hope Republican Senators will vote for Graham-Cassidy and fulfill their promise to Repeal & Replace ObamaCare. Money direct to States! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 20, 2017 "I hope Republican Senators will vote for Graham-Cassidy and fulfill their promise to Repeal & Replace ObamaCare," Donald Trump went on to tweet in a follow-up post, before adding, "Money direct to States!" The president's morning was filled with various other tweets and re-tweets, as he moves forward with additional meetings at the United Nations. In an ambush in Niger, Africa earlier this month, four Green Berets were left killed. In the aftermath, a battle of he said, she said has taken place between Donald Trump and Democratic Rep. Frederica Wilson. Trump vs Wilson Army Sgt. La. David Johnson was one of four Green Berets who were killed in Niger during a surprise attack at the start of October. The news was in and out of the headlines, with the White House issuing a brief comment, but deciding not to make an elaborate statement on the matter. Critics were quick to pile on Donald Trump, accusing him of spending more time on other issues like his feud with the NFL. Fast forward to earlier this week when Johnson's body was flown back to the United States where his pregnant widow Myeshia Johnson and their two children greeted the casket. Following the meeting, Myeshia received a phone call from the president while in the presence of Democratic Rep. Frederica Wilson. During the call, Trump allegedly insulted the widow, bringing her tears by saying her husband "knew what he was getting into." The remarks were confirmed by Wilson, though Trump and the White House have pushed back, accusing the Democratic congressman of politicizing a tragedy. Chief of Staff John Kelly first attacked Wilson, which was followed by a tweet sent by the president on Thursday night calling her "wacky." As reported by the New York Daily News on October 20, Wilson is fighting back. Rep. Frederica Wilson calls Chief of Staff John Kelly a liar as feud with White House continues https://t.co/dxaqxA9Rj1 pic.twitter.com/8eq8lsdun1 New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) October 20, 2017 Taking to his Twitter feed late Thursday night, Donald Trump wasted no time doubling down his attack on Frederica Wilson after the congresswoman exposed the president's controversial remarks to a fallen solider's widow. "The Fake News is going crazy with wacky Congresswoman Wilson(D), who was SECRETLY on a very personal call, and gave a total lie on content!" Trump tweeted out. The Fake News is going crazy with wacky Congresswoman Wilson(D), who was SECRETLY on a very personal call, and gave a total lie on content! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 20, 2017 Donald Trump's tweet comes just hours after Chief of Staff John Kelly defended the president, saying that he was stunned by Wilson's comments, and that he was left "broken-hearted." Not stopping there, Kelly went on to describe Wilson as nothing more than an "empty barrel" who likes to just "make noise." Hes proven to be a liar: Rep. Frederica Wilson denounces President Donald Trump https://t.co/IeigoM2SLr Raw Story (@RawStory) October 18, 2017 Wilson responds Less than 24 hours after Donald Trump and John Kelly attacked Frederica Wilson, the congressman spoke out. "He can't just go on TV and lie on him," Wilson said of Kelly's defense of Trump, before saying that he "needs to stop telling lies on me." In addition, Wilson went on to attack the chief of staff and accuse him of using a "racist term" after he labeled her an "empty barrel." The Democratic representative also doubled down on her criticism of Trump, defending her allegations against him by saying, "he said what he said." For the better part of the last nine months, First Daughter Ivanka Trump has been by Donald Trump's side, serving her father as a special assistant. During that time, Ivanka has been on the receiving end of criticism for representing the president's views, which was seen during her latest remarks on social media. Ivanka on Twitter The era of Donald Trump in American politics started in June 2015 on the floor of Trump Tower in New York City. With his family standing behind him, Trump threw his name into the Republican primary and officially announced his plan to run for president. Since then, Trump has dominated the headlines with his controversial rhetoric and questionable policy proposals. In the months since his election win over Hillary Clinton and follow-up inauguration, the former host of "The Apprentice" has been unable to unify his own Republican Party, while getting into spats with Democrats, professional athletes, Hollywood stars, the mainstream media, and other world leaders. In the backdrop of all the noise coming out of the White House, Ivanka Trump has done her best to keep a low profile. As seen on her Twitter account on October 14, Ivanka gave her thoughts about attending a recent event on Empowering Women. Thank you @JimYongKim & @WorldBank for your tremendous leadership. It was an honor to be a part of launching #WeFi to help #EmpowerWomen pic.twitter.com/GGI555T2Xj Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) October 15, 2017 Taking to her Twitter feed on Saturday night, Ivanka Trump pushed her appearance in Washington, D.C. during a conference for the newly created World Bank's Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi), which seeks to invest in businesses owned by women. At the event, $350 million was raised, with the hopes that it could soon be bumped up to $1 billion. "Thank you @JimYongKim & @WorldBank for your tremendous leadership," Ivanka tweeted, name-dropping Jim Yong Kim, the current president of the World Bank Group. "It was an honor to be a part of launching #WeFi to help #EmpowerWomen," she added in conclusion. Twitter reacts Not long after sending out her tweet, Ivanka Trump was hit with heavy backlash from those who oppose her father. "For your sakes, don't TRUST Ivanka with your moolah Mr. JimYongKim. She's a plastic chinned #Grifter a #ConMan (her gender is questionable)," one tweet added. For your sakes, don't TRUST Ivanka with your moolah Mr. JimYongKim. She's a plastic chinned #Grifter a #ConMan (her gender is questionable). Bella (@SansMerci86) October 15, 2017 You have no business anywhere near that White House. White trash! Robert G Peters (@petersrobertg) October 15, 2017 "How? Shes never been empowered her entire life. Everything shes ever had was given to her- shes worked for nothing," another tweet read. "Perhaps you'll have a special commission for beauty pageant contestants that have your dad walk in while they're changing?" an additional tweet noted. I get enraged and nauseous any time I see her name attached to anything that says empower women. nanette bassett (@evabai) October 15, 2017 We women need all the power we can get to fight your father's healthcare, war-mongering and planet killing policies. Thanks! thesum (@thesum) October 15, 2017 Perhaps you'll have a special commission for beauty pageant contestants that have your dad walk in while they're changing? thesum (@thesum) October 15, 2017 "I get enraged and nauseous any time I see her name attached to anything that says empower women," yet another post read. As the negative reaction continued to pour in regarding Ivanka Trump, it was made clear that critics of Donald Trump were not going to start holding back anytime soon. scheana marie may have moved on from her marriage to Mike Shay with new boyfriend, Robert Parks-Valletta shortly after announcing the end of her marriage last year but when it comes to the upcoming season of "Vanderpump Rules," she may soon come face-to-face with her ex-husband yet again. Although Shay has not yet been spotted filming with his former co-stars, a new report claims that he's been in touch with a couple of the show's stars in recent months. After labeling Shay as a "drug-addled musician," Radar Online told readers on September 26 that Shay was gearing up for a return to "Vanderpump Rules." As an insider revealed to the outlet, Shay has been talking to Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval and may make an appearance on the Bravo reality series' sixth season. Scheana Marie and Mike Shay got married in 2014 Following an on-screen engagement, which was set at the home of Lisa Vanderpump, Scheana Marie and her now-ex-husband tied the knot with cameras rolling for "Vanderpump Rules." Then, just two years later, in November 2016, they called it quits amid rumors claiming Shay had relapsed on drugs. While Shay ultimately denied that he was using drugs behind his wife's back, she quickly moved on from their marriage and was seen with Parks-Valletta just weeks after their breakup. Ever since going public with Shay, the reality star and SUR Restaurant waitress has been flaunting her relationship on social media and around Los Angeles. In addition, she and Parks-Valletta have been seen traveling to a number of places, including Amsterdam, Big Bear, and Hawaii. That said, despite the ongoing rumors, they are not yet engaged. Scheana Marie paid $50,000 to Mike Shay during their divorce settlement As Radar Online revealed, Scheana Marie was forced to pay out a substantial amount to her former husband during their settlement and later said that she didnt want to give $50,000 to a person with a drug problem." Throughout the reality star's claims, Shay has maintained that his is sober and happy and focused on his music career. To see more of Scheana Marie and her co-stars, including Lisa Vanderpump, Jax Taylor, Kristen Doute, Tom Sandoval, Stassi Schroeder, Tom Schwartz, and Katie Maloney, don't miss the upcoming premiere of "Vanderpump Rules" season six. Although a premiere date hasn't yet been set, the network previously confirmed the new installment would air sometime later this year. It would be easy to say that Beulah Koale is having a breakout year. Hawaii Five-O found the New Zealand native to be a perfect fit for the new character, Junior Reigns, after the stunning departures of founding stars Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park. Beulah Koale also stars as a pivotal character in director Jason Halls raw new film, Thank You for Your Service, alongside Miles Teller, which releases next week, October 27. The grit and determination displayed in the actors roles come from his very real life experiences and an upbringing that almost defies description. This recent wave of wide exposure is the result of giving his all for Koale, no matter how little he had, and about producers, directors, and filmmakers who spotted something within their newfound talent that spoke beyond words. A streak and a surplus of Steve McGarrett Beulah Koale has already made a more than memorable introduction as Junior Reigns to Hawaii Five-O faithful viewers, and to Lt. Commander Steve McGarrett, portrayed by Alex O'Loughlin. The ultra-eager Navy Seal positioned himself in salute stance right outside the Hawaii Five-O honchos home, and made his intentions more crystal-clear, and clean, by washing the boss truck. Junior wasn't too interested in proceeding through the normal rigors of police training, but once Steve introduces him to Duke (Dennis Chun) who does the newbie a solid by granting him admission to the Academy, a handshake with his hero seals the deal. In this week's preview of Episode 4 of Season 8, E uhi wale no aole e nalo he imu puhi (No Matter How Much One Covers a Steaming Emu, The Smoke Will Rise), McGarrett checks up on his diligent protege, and gets a report that despite an abundance of raw talent, he also has a "streak" of qualities too much like you, as the instructor states to the commander. Hawaii Five-O methods are known for moving in lieu of prescribed procedures, and that can be at odds with Academy graduation. Time will tell if Steves tutelage can keep Junior on the right track, but it's no wonder that Alex O'Loughlin and Beulah Koale have found a rapport. From the streets to the screen Beulah grew up in a ghetto neighborhood of South Auckland, as detailed in a Deadline.com feature. Every day was a struggle just to get by, and any odd job, no matter how distasteful the task, was what it took for the days hustle. His dad just left when he was very young, and two dollars a day meant he could at least eat something. Beulah Koale did without dinner again to scrape together money for a friend to fashion an audition tape in advance of his consideration for Thank You for Your Service. It was when Jason Hall and Hawaii Five-O executive producer Peter Lenkov were both scouting potential actors that they spotted something special in this star for portraying Tausolo Solo Aleti in the film. His character is a Samoan-American boxer who becomes a heroic soldier, saving two platoon mates, but unable to save a third. He is stricken and haunted by the memory and traumatic brain injury. The present-ness that Koale poured into being lost in his character was permeating for Hall and even convinced Steven Spielberg to give this blessing on the casting. Jason Hall already garnered acclaim for American Sniper, and the director insists that Beulahs poignant and powerful portrayal is so moving that he puts the movie in his pocket and walks out the door with it. There was even a struggle in getting the actors visa in time to begin shooting, but lawyers ultimately maneuvered a way through Canada. Jason Hall even pushed for Peter Lenkov to offer the rising star the best deal possible for the series, and the negotiations were favorable. The new Hawaii Five-O regular now shares an apartment with his longtime girlfriend and nine-month-old twin sons, and is sending money to help his mom and sisters pay off a home and have a better life. Beulah Koale gives great thanks for his mom, his sisters, his agent, and the people like Jason Hall Peter Lenkov for being angels in his life who saw him through dark times. This newly-discovered star seems to shine a light of radiant authenticity, from his movie to TV, and hopefully, on Hawaii Five-O for more seasons to come. Most people would expect to find bedbugs in questionable hotel beds, but few would expect to find them on a plane. However, travelers flying British Airways from Vancouver in Canada to London last month experienced just that. Images of bedbug bites were posted to Twitter, while British Airways apologized, offering the returning passengers an upgrade. Bed bugs spotted on British Airways plane CTV Vancouver quotes Heather Szilagyi, who was on the British Airways flight with her fiance and daughter in September. Szilagyi spotted movement next to her television screen on the back of the seat in front of hers. As she is employed in the hotel industry, Szilagyi quickly realized it was a bedbug. It's as if overnight everyone in the world became an entomologist. I already knew a thing or two about bed bugs, but thank you. Heather Szilagyi (@heatherfact) October 20, 2017 She said she tried to grab the bedbug but it moved too quickly, going back to its hiding place behind the TV screen. However Szilagyi said she spotted more of the bugs during the flight, including at a time they were being served meals. Szilagyi said she had alerted one of the flight attendants, but as the plane was full, the group couldnt be moved to different seats. Szilagyi said the cabin crew member apologized, but didnt appear to be surprised by the discovery. She went on to say she was facing nine hours on the plane, knowing she could be bitten and there was nothing she could do about it. Szilagyi said they tried to sleep and did manage to get some relaxation. However, on arrival in London they were catching a connecting flight to Slovenia, and once they arrived at the airport she found they were covered in bedbug bites. One bite is apparently still infected. Furious mum slams British Airways after daughter, 7, was ravaged by BED BUGS and left bleeding on flight https://t.co/hYeJ7RbzFO #BedBugs #britishairways #WorstAirline MF KHAN (@MFKhan2) October 15, 2017 Travelers try to avoid the same plane for their return journey As reported by the Independent, as the group couldnt face the possibility of being on the same British Airways plane for their return journey, Szilagyi called British Airways to check their reservation details, but the line was busy and they were unable to get through. Worried about getting bitten by bedbugs again, she went on to tweet images of their bites to British Airways. Each bed bug bites 3 times then goes back into hiding. This is just my daughter's calves. That's more than a few bugs. #britishairways pic.twitter.com/2WtAGA8PFd Heather Szilagyi (@heatherfact) October 12, 2017 Passengers offered an upgrade on their return flight The airline went on to apologize for the unfortunate incident, upgrading the group to business class for their return journey. British Airways went on to make a statement about the incident, saying the airline operates more than 280,000 flights each year, but incidents involving bedbugs are extremely rare. They did say they are always vigilant and regularly monitor their aircraft. The Shanghai municipal government has unveiled an action plan to facilitate trade and investment related to the Belt and Road Initiative, including a 15-step scheme aimed at forming a multi-level cooperative network for such activities, officials said. The action plan is part of a 60-item package announced by the municipal government on Oct 11 that covers areas such as financial services, construction, cultural communications and talent training. According to the plan, the government has created 10 measures to open up the financial sector and promote the establishment of a global financial services center. It is also focused on accelerating the development of the second phase of the China International Payment system so as to facilitate cross-border payment and clearance of Chinese yuan. According to Wang Sizheng, an official from the municipal development and reform commission, the action plan will provide further support for Shanghai in the Belt and Road Initiative during the 2017-2020 period, and is also a follow-up of the city's previous efforts in the past three years. He noted that the existing China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, the to-be-developed free trade port area in the city as well as policies and regulations to strengthen connections will help boost trade and investments related to the Belt and Road Initiative. Wang added that five functional platforms will be established to help achieve the goal. They include China's first import expo which will be held next year, a bonded exhibition center for imported goods from countries and regions related to the Belt and Road Initiative, a comprehensive service platform for the promotion of trade and investment, a service platform to support technology, trade, measures and enterprises related to the initiative, and a base for culture, service and trade located in the free trade zone. The government announced six measures aimed at strengthening the nation's aviation network and shipping service system so that it can enhance multi-modal transportation between China, Europe and other areas. With regard to talent training, the government will work with countries and regions related to the initiative to build around 20 joint labs or research centers in the coming five years and support outstanding young scientists in their research in Shanghai. Six thinktank projects will be established by local universities to offer support and improve resource integration. Soon after China unveiled the action plan of the Belt and Road Initiative in March 2015, Shanghai launched a plan focusing on trade and investment, financial cooperation, culture exchange and infrastructure, said Tang Zhiping, director of the Shanghai municipal development and reform commission. In the past three years, Shanghai invested $5.49 billion in 246 projects in countries and regions related to the Belt and Road Initiative. Trade volume between Shanghai and related countries and regions reached 500 billion yuan ($75.6 billion), accounting for more than 20 percent of the city's total. wang_ying@chinadaily.com.cn Alex Gorsky is the global CEO of Johnson & Johnson, the multinational healthcare group based in the United States. What do you feel has been China's biggest achievement during the past five years and its most notable change? The government's achievements in expanding healthcare have been remarkable. Since the launch of (deepened) reforms in 2009, China has substantially increased investment to expand health infrastructure and strengthen its primary-care system. By doing this, it has achieved nearly universal health insurance coverage, reduced the share of out-of-pocket expenses in total health spending and continued to promote equal access to basic services. In the past five years, public hospital reforms have deepened, and this has improved the availability, equity and affordability of health services. Overall, the government has greatly reduced child and maternal mortality rates, and improved the general health and life expectancy of the Chinese people. With further innovation and development, Johnson & Johnson believes China's health service will serve as a model for other countries to follow. What is the biggest challenge China faces and how can the country overcome it? In our sector, one of the biggest challenges we see is the ongoing demographic changes happening inside China. A growing middle-class and a rapidly aging population will put a lot of pressure on the demand for healthcare services and products. This will strain the system but also present significant opportunities for innovation. It can play a key role in promoting more flexible healthcare, which will meet all the needs of Chinese patients and consumers. What are your expectations for the country's economic policies and what key issues will you be watching for? We hope to see a continuing focus on expanding and improving healthcare. This would include the government making further investments in infrastructure, access to basic health services and pursuing innovation. Johnson & Johnson is committed to creating healthy societies wherever we live and work. In China, we are aligning our efforts to support the goals of Healthy China 2030. And our work of creating transformational health solutions is made possible by government initiatives. These will build a robust foundation for innovation, such as Made in China 2025 and Internet Plus. Could China's experiences and practices be used to solve global problems? We are optimistic about the country's progress in building a healthy society. The government's achievements on expanding healthcare reform have been remarkable. These include substantially increasing investment to expanding health infrastructure, strengthening the primary care system and achieving nearly universal health insurance coverage in a relatively short period. What will China be like in five years and what is the country's long-term future? China's economy is undergoing an important stage of structural transformation. Innovation will play a central role in driving long-term growth, so I believe this development will be a positive one for the country's future in the years to come. Johnson & Johnson is convinced a vibrant, innovative China has the opportunity to lead the planet to a healthier future by capitalizing on the health and technology revolution. What factors will boost growth this year and in 2018, and what are the challenges facing China's economy? We applaud the government's efforts in transforming the economic structure and emphasizing the importance of innovation. Initiatives, such as supply-side structural reforms, Made in China 2025 and Internet Plus, are helping to shift the country toward an increasingly service-driven and consumption-fueled model. This will boost innovation. At Johnson & Johnson, we see innovation as a critical driver in promoting long-term economic growth. Leading institutions have forecast that by 2025 innovation will contribute between 2 and 3 percentage points to China's GDP growth. And that will account for between 35 to 50 percent of total GDP growth. This is a huge opportunity for China and companies here. It will also have a ripple effect on the global economy. As a Fortune 500 company, which sectors do you think offer the most opportunities for development? Sustaining investment in innovation is the most important aspect of Johnson & Johnson's strategy. Applied technology is a core element and fundamental. It affects everything we do. If we are not constantly thinking about how concepts, such as augmented intelligence, digitization and the internet of things, affect our businesses, we cannot be successful. One of the true opportunities going forward is the convergence of disciplines through technologies. Another is personalization and customization. There is an expectation from customers and consumers for a very personal approach . . . more an experience, or solution, than a product. China is known as a manufacturing giant, but what will the country's "calling card" be in the future? China is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. It is a seminal hub for things such as connectivity, mobility and the use of cell phones. Innovation requires a healthy ecosystem, as well as a great educational system. A strong intellectual property foundation is crucial, along with a system which encourages publications, studies and research. Finally, making sure that academic centers, venture centers and companies of all sizes work together. In the end, that is what it really takes to create innovation. What we have seen take root in China, with the encouragement of the government, is a system which is more conducive to entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity than many other places in the world. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presides over the second meeting of the presidium of the 19th CPC National Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. JU PENG / XINHUA It offers confidence in 'road forward' with uplifting messages, delegates say A new political theory unveiled at a key congress of China's ruling Communist Party of China has struck a chord with Ling Jihe, a 56-year-old rural entrepreneur in Jiangxi province. "'Ensuring harmony between human and nature', a basic principle underpinned by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, resonates with my choice of career over the past eight years," he said. After being a businessman elsewhere for more than 20 years, Ling went back to his home village of Xilu to farm in 2009, eyeing the great potential of green agriculture. Now he manages more than 3,000 hectares of farmland, helping to raise the income of more than 3,300 of his fellow villagers. "The new thought has firmed my confidence in my road forward," said Ling, who is also a delegate to the 19th CPC National Congress, which opened on Wednesday. Congress delegates and experts widely believe that Xi Jinping Thought is the biggest highlight of the Party congress, a twice-a-decade gathering and the most important event on China's political calendar. The elevation of the Thought into a guide to action for the CPC and the country signals a new chapter of Marxism in the 21st century. "The Thought embodies the latest achievement in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context," said Liu Jingbei, a professor with the China Executive Leadership Academy in Shanghai's Pudong district. The Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era builds on and further enriches Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the theory of Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development, said a report delivered at the opening of the congress on Wednesday. The report listed the 14-point fundamental principles of the Thought, ranging from ensuring Party leadership over all work to promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. A hundred years ago, the salvo of the October Revolution in Russia brought the theory of Marxism-Leninism to China. From the day it was born in 1921, the CPC has enshrined Marxism-Leninism as its guide to action and continued to innovate it by integrating the theory with China's changing conditions. Xi, general secretary of the 18th CPC Central Committee, announced on Wednesday that China "has achieved a tremendous transformation. It has stood up, grown rich and become strong." He made the remarks while unveiling a two-stage plan to make China a "great modern socialist country" by the mid-21st century. Chen Shuguang, a professor with the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, said, "As China enters a new era, the CPC must write a new chapter of 21st-century Marxism with a broader vision to achieve the goals set at the milestone congress." Liu attributed the CPC's success in maintaining vitality and creativity to the ability to advance with the times, saying it is the "magic code" for the CPC to lead China toward becoming a great modern country. For congress delegate Liu Chengzhang, the Thought bears uplifting messages. The Thought takes "ensuring and improving living standards through development" as a basic principle, requiring steady progress in ensuring the people's access to child care, education, employment, medical services, eldercare, housing and social assistance. "This vision suits China's conditions well and wins applause from the general public," he said. "The general secretary's pledge to give priority to education is a real bonus for me," said Liu, the headmaster of a senior high school in Dancheng, an impoverished county in Henan province. Liu said around 30 students in his school strive to enter China's prestigious Peking University and Tsinghua University each year, with 80 percent of them from rural areas. "As a grassroots Party member and a rural educator, I'm fully supportive of Xi," said Liu, who believes education is the best way to lift the poor out of poverty for good. XINHUA Barbara Edelstein and her husband Zhang Jian-Jun are art professors at New York University Shanghai. PHOTOS PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY Prominent US artist and professor combines Western and Asian influences in her unique creations that have won her international acclaim Barbara Edelstein may be an American but she has always been regarded by curatorial teams and exhibition committees worldwide as a part of the Chinese scene when it comes to art. "It's true," said the California native. "If I don't see my own face, I sometimes forget I'm from a foreign country." Renowned for her creations of contemporary Chinese art that feature an interplay of ink, water and nature, Edelstein was once chosen as one of the six contemporary Shanghai artists whose works were shown alongside those by four famous Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) artists at the Shanghai Zhu Qizhan Art Museum. Outside of China, her work has similarly been showcased in exhibitions focused on contemporary Chinese artists. Born into a family of artists - her father is a designer and photographer, her mother is a painter and her brother works as a sculptor - Edelstein grew up on a multi-ethnic street in Laurel Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles. This meant that she was exposed to various Asian cultures, including Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Korean, which in turn proved to be pivotal to her development as an artist. Edelstein noted that her classmates in high school used to pass around books about ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, while the principles of Taoism, and Zen Buddhism were discussed. "Asian ideas are something that come very naturally to me, and have always been around since my childhood," said Edelstein, who started living in Shanghai in 2007. "Being in a family of artists meant that I could use their studios for my work. My brother was more inclined to work with charcoal while I chose ink," she added. The artist noted that living in the relatively remote area in the hills has shaped her artistic inclinations as well, saying: "As an artist, there is something that you carry as part of your background. For me, it is being a part of nature." Barbara Edelstein's artwork inspired from ancient trees and willows in the West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. For the Second International Sculpture Exhibition in Hangzhou's West Lake area in 2001, the American created a sculpture that was inspired by the shape of ancient trees and the willows around a lake. The sculpture is the first artwork allowed to be displayed in the lake since Song Dynasty (960-1279). "My work is always based on my research of the site and my impression of it," she said. "And water is always an integral part of my sculptures." Edelstein said that she hopes her art can have a calming effect on people, encouraging them to appreciate nature and in turn bring peace to the world. "Details such as the leaves, shadows, vines and the slow change of motions can help city dwellers in metropolises connect to the natural world," she said. Other works by Edelstein were displayed in China and around the world, including Elemental Spring: Harmony, a copper and bronze sculpture at the Shanghai Jing'an International Sculpture Park and the sculpture Falling in the Djerassi Sculpture Park in California, the United States. She pointed out that living in Shanghai expanded her horizons, saying that "the artistic tradition here is strong and viable and I appreciate learning more about Chinese culture the longer I stay". Edelstein recalled that there were only around 15 art galleries in Shanghai back in the 1990s, a stark contrast to the present where there are more than 200 reputable museums and galleries, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, Yuz Museum, Rockbund Art Museum, West Bund Cultural Corridor and Power Station of Art. Edelstein's relationship with Chinese culture and art also stems from her husband Zhang Jian-Jun, a Chinese artist from Shanghai. The couple first met at a party held by the Asian Cultural Council in New York in 1990. They tied the knot nine years later. Her first trip to China was in 1997 when she visited Zhang's family in Shanghai. During that trip, the couple also visited Suzhou, Jiangsu province, and Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, to admire Jiangnan (East China) culture. They went to Xi'an, Shaanxi province, to learn about the origins of traditional Chinese culture. Besides creating art, Edelstein and her husband are art professors at New York University Shanghai, the first Sino-US higher education institute to receive independent registration status from China's Ministry of Education. The couple's Western and Asian backgrounds have been beneficial to the learning process as Edelstein and Zhang allow students to view the East from a Western perspective and vice versa. Students learn how to incorporate ink into contemporary paintings, sculpturing, multi-media as well as Chinese calligraphy. "We are not necessarily teaching students to become artists. Rather, they are learning how to think creatively, how to look at things, and how to broaden their minds," said Edelstein of her role as an educator. And though they have been married for 18 years, the romance between them is hardly lost. "She is kind, sensitive and talented, and knows how to balance the heavy and light materials together, like the stones, steel, water and leaves," said Zhang, who Edelstein said still holds her hand when they're walking down the stairs. "One thing he doesn't do, however, is carry my purse," added Edelstein while smiling at her husband. "But instead of carrying your purse, I carry your sculpture tools," quipped Zhang. Cao Chen in Shanghai contributed to this story. caochen@chinadaily.com.cn The Water Council and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will host two conferences in China next month to highlight how Wisconsin's water technology companies can help that country address its water challenges. "One Water, One World: The US-China Conference on Water and Sponge Cities", which will take place on Nov 27 in Nanjing and on Nov 30 in Beijing, will be one of the first conferences between the US and China to focus on the concept of "one water" as a complete water cycle - from the removal of water to its sustainable return to nature. China launched its "sponge city" program in 2015 to upgrade urban infrastructure to address urban flood risks and improve its use of rainwater. Mark R. Hogan, secretary and CEO of WEDC, said the conference is another indication of the international reputation that Wisconsin has achieved in the water technology sector. "Helping China address some of its water challenges not only benefits that country's citizens, but also presents new opportunities to some of the more than 200 Wisconsin-based companies currently in the water technology sector," Hogan said. Our main goal for the conferences is to have open and informative two-way conversations about China's water challenges and how Wisconsin could provide solutions that contribute to the success of the sponge city objectives, and from that point begin taking steps to implement workable solutions with Chinese partners, said Katy Sinnott, vice-president for international business development for the WEDC. Sinnott said the Wisconsin participants in the conference look forward to hearing more details about China's sponge cities initiatives and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. During a trade venture to China in March, leaders from WEDC and the Water Council met with key government organizations responsible for the development of "sponge cities". Those meetings gave Wisconsin officials a better understanding of the water ecosystem in China and how "sponge cities" are being developed; they also laid the groundwork for the council and WEDC to jointly develop a strategy to help China address its water challenges. "There is no one-size-fits-all solution to the water challenges facing China's cities, which is why we look forward to speaking with officials in each region to learn more about their specific challenges and how Wisconsin companies can play a role in meeting those challenges," Sinnott said. "The bottom line is that regardless of the size and location or the level of access to clean fresh water it is imperative for every city to wisely manage the water that they do use," she added. The conferences will feature panels of Wisconsin experts discussing storm water management and efficient water use. More than 200 leaders from government, water technology companies and academia in both countries are expected to attend the two conferences, which will also have representatives from the two cities in attendance. The Water Council is the only global fresh water consortium that deals with the full cycle of fresh water management, from water quality to flood management and water education. "Through our established ecosystem of academic and research expertise, technological subject-matter experts and support at the regional and state level, we have a special opportunity to assist other countries in their endeavors toward developing 'one-water' cities," said Dean Amhaus, president and CEO of the Water Council. wanglinyan@chinadaily.com.cn Xi's documentary reaches 200m viewers in 37 countries and regions KUALA LUMPUR - A three-episode documentary by the Discovery Channel on the changes China has undergone under President Xi Jinping and aired ahead of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China has impressed viewers abroad with the technological progress it depicts. The documentary, titled China: Time of Xi, was broadcast on Oct 14-16 on Discovery Networks Asia Pacific, reaching more than 200 million viewers in 37 countries and regions including Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, India, Thailand and Malaysia. Oh Ei Sun, special adviser for Malaysia's Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute's international affairs, said he was especially impressed by China's high-speed railways. The scholar said in just five years, China has developed the world's largest network of high-speed rail, which has not only raised the quality of Chinese people's lives but also serves as an important example of China switching its focus from quantitative development to qualitative development. Oh, who is also an adjunct senior fellow of S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, said he was equally impressed by China's technological innovation as well as environmental initiatives, as presented in the documentary. He said China was making very good use of electronic platforms. "People ... (can) shop easily online and many parts of China are essentially a cashless society with currency transactions carried out online instead of using real ... cash," he said. He found China's environmental management impressive. "Who would have imagined five years ago that China would be taking the lead in implementing the Paris Climate Change Accord," he said, noting China's development of a sophisticated sharing economy and green technology to generate new and renewable energy. The documentary also covers China's foreign policy under Xi. "(In) this part of the world, we are mostly concerned with the Belt and Road Initiative, especially the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road," Oh said. Proposed by Xi in 2013, the initiative aims to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa on and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes. Oh hoped China would continue to engage with Southeast Asia in deepening and broadening trade interaction, financial connectivity and news infrastructure buildup. "We are in favor of eventually reaching a community of common destiny with China," he said. "Of course, to reach that stage we do need a lot of integration and China is in a very good position to assist us." Xinhua KABUL - The Afghan Taliban stormed a military base in the south of the country on Thursday, killing at least 43 soldiers, the Defense Ministry said, with the militants saying they had killed 60. Of 60 soldiers manning the base in the province of Kandahar, 43 were killed, nine were wounded and six were missing after the militants attacked in the middle of the night, the ministry said in a statement. At least 10 Taliban were also reported killed in the battle, which occurred in Maiwand, a district that neighbors volatile Helmand province. The attack will underscore worries about the ability of the Afghan security forces to deal with a relentless insurgency which they have struggled to contain since most foreign troops left at the end of 2014. US President Donald Trump committed to an open-ended military mission in Afghanistan in August despite criticism that it is no closer to peace despite billions of dollars in aid and nearly 16 years of US and allied operations. The attack began when a suicide bomber drove an explosives-laden US-made Humvee armored vehicle, likely captured from Afghan security forces, into the gate of the base, an army official said. That began an hourslong assault by Taliban gunmen, which was interrupted by a second Humvee breaking all the way into the base and detonating inside, he said. "Unfortunately there is nothing left inside the camp. They have burned down everything they found inside," Defense Ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri said. Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, a spokesman for the Taliban, said the attack began with a suicide car bomb followed by an assault that overran the base. The Taliban have been waging an insurgency in an attempt to overthrow the government in Kabul. The United States and its allies maintain thousands of troops across Afghanistan, including in Kandahar, to advise and assist Afghan forces as well as conduct strikes against suspected extremists. On Tuesday, at least 71 people were killed and about 170 wounded in Taliban attacks on government compounds in Paktia and Ghazni provinces. Among the dead were 36 members of the security forces. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang said on Thursday that China strongly condemned Tuesday's attacks. "China was shocked at the heavy casualties, extended condolences to those killed and conveyed sincere sympathy to the injured and families of victims," he said. Lu said that China was concerned about the escalation of violence and called on related parties to participate in the reconciliation process to safeguard the country's peace and development. Reuters - Xinhua - Afp Spirogyra algae in the waters of Lake Baikal in 2015. OLEG TIMOSHKIN / RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES VIA AFP MOSCOW - Lake Baikal is undergoing its gravest crisis in recent history, experts said, as the government bans the catching of a signature fish that has lived in the world's deepest lake for centuries but is now under threat. Holding one-fifth of the world's unfrozen fresh water, Baikal in Russia's Siberia is a natural wonder of "exceptional value to evolutionary science" meriting its listing as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Baikal's high biodiversity includes more than 3,600 plant and animal species, most of which are endemic to the lake. Over the past several years, however, the lake, which is 1,700 meters deep and a major international tourist attraction, has been crippled by a series of detrimental phenomena, some of which remain a mystery to scientists. They include the disappearance of the omul fish, rapid growth of putrid algae and the death of endemic species of sponges across its vast 3.2 million-hectare area. Starting in October, the government introduced a ban on all commercial fishing of omul, a species of the salmon family only found in Baikal, fearing "irreversible consequences for its population", said the Russian fisheries agency. "The total biomass of omul in Baikal has more than halved since 15 years ago" from 25 million tons to just 10 million, the agency said. Local fishery biologist Anatoly Mamontov said the decrease is likely caused by uncontrollable fish poaching, with extra pressure coming from the climate. "Baikal water stock is tied to climate," he said. "Now there is a drought, rivers grow shallow, there are less nutrients. Baikal's surface heats up and omul does not like warm water." UNESCO last month "noted with concern that the ecosystem of the lake is reported to be under significant stress" and a decrease in fish stocks is just one observable effect. The Baikal omul, a well-known specialty, was for centuries the main local source of food, eaten salted or smoked, and especially important given the region has no farming. Another peril to the lake's ecosystem is the explosion of algal blooms unnatural to Baikal with thick mats of rotting Spirogyra algae blanketing pristine sandy beaches, which some scientists say indicates that the lake can no longer absorb human pollution without consequence. "I am 150 percent sure that the reason is the wastewater runoff" from towns without proper sewage treatment, particularly of phosphate-containing detergents, said Oleg Timoshkin, biologist at the Russian Academy of Sciences' Limnological Institute in Irkutsk. Fifteen years ago, some of the lake's picturesque villages had only two hours of electricity a day, but now improved power access means that "every babushka rents out rooms and has a washing machine," he said. Agence France-presse The city of Dallas, Texas, will be increasing its efforts to attract Chinese tourists and companies that are looking to set up their headquarters in the United States, said its mayor Mike Rawlings. Rawlings was recently in Shanghai as the leader of a delegation to promote economic development, business opportunities and tourism in the city and the Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) region, the fourth-largest metropolitan area after New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. "North Texas is a hub of innovation and diversity. As the Dallas Fort Worth area continues to build its business markets internationally, we look to strengthen the ties we have with our global partners," said Rawlings. Presently, about 31 Chinese companies have their US or North American headquarters or other facilities in DFW region. Some of these businesses include AZZ, DerbySoft, Huawei, NGC, TaoTao, Veri Silicon and ZTE. According to the mayor, the easy access to the east and west coasts of the US, as well as the lower taxation and property costs make DFW region ideal places for corporations to be based. "In my mind, Shanghai is the New York of China, with all the big company headquarters, and this is why we chose Shanghai as the destination for this trade mission," said Rawlings. He pointed out that Dallas has been benefiting from Shanghai in many ways, especially since the launch of direct flights between the two cities in 2014. There are currently direct flights between DFW and Chinese cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, and non-stop flights to Guangzhou are also in the pipeline, according to Rawlings. "We continue to see an increase in demand between Asia and DFW, especially as businesses continue to grow and relocate to Texas," said CEO of DFW International Airport Sean Donohue, who was a member of the delegation. "At DFW, we are investing in the customer experience with an emphasis on the expectations of international travelers." China is the third largest export market for Texas after Mexico and Canada. In 2016, China was also the US state's second largest import market behind Mexico. Bilateral trade between Texas and China accounts for 10.3 percent of the state's trade with foreign countries. In 2016, exports from Texas to China was worth $10.8 billion while its imports from China hit $36.6 billion. Check into one of these beautiful places in Maine for a romantic weekend vacation filled with great scenery, gourmet dining and a choice of things to do. Some of the resorts and inns that made our list offer spa services and their own restaurants while others are near day spas, boutique shops and art galleries. Explore beautiful lighthouses, Portland, Bar Harbor and other great Maine vacation destinations. We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times. 1. Luxury Cottages at the Samoset Resort - 1 hour 30 minutes from Portland Samoset Resort At the luxury Samoset Resort, couples can have it all: incredible scenery, elegant accommodations and a choice of dining options. For the ultimate privacy on your romantic getaway, book one of the luxurious cottages with views of Penobscot Bay and the golf course. Each cottage has a fully-equipped kitchen, two gas fireplaces and flat screen TVs. If you are looking for Maine getaways with a view, at this unique resort you can wake up with a view of the ocean right from your bed. Floor-to-ceiling windows let you enjoy the natural scenery from every angle in the romantic cottage. Ask about spa packages when booking your stay. 220 Warrenton Street, Rockport, ME 04856, Phone: 207-594-2511 -- You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine" -- You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine" Back to Top 2. Sebasco Harbor Resort Sebasco Harbor Resort Sebasco Harbor Resort is what you would expect from a luxury Maine resort: an oasis of tranquility, elegant and beautifully designed, sprawled on 550 acres of rugged coast, surrounded by towering pines with spectacular views of the ocean and the quaint harbor. You can stay in the romantic 1945 lighthouse with wonderful views of the endless expanse of sea, in the main lodge, with its cozy, comfortable rooms with ocean breezes and typical Maine wrap-around porch, or in one of the luxury Harbor Village suites, with beautiful maritime decor, air-conditioning and all other modern amenities. Enjoy authentic Pure Maine culinary experience at the Pilot House or the Ledge Pub with its lovely ocean view patio. Let yourself be pampered at the Fairwinds Spa, spend a day golfing, take a mountain bike ride, a vigorous hike or a kayak trip, or sit in the garden with a book and enjoy the pure Maine beauty. 29 Kenyon Rd, Phippsburg, ME 04562, Phone: 207-389-9060 -- You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine" -- You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine" Back to Top 3. Spa & Lake Views at The Lodge at Moosehead Lake - 3 hours from Portland Photo: Jumping Rocks Couples enjoy stunning views of the Moosehead Lake, relaxing massages, romantic rooms with fireplaces and hearty Maine cuisine at The Lodge at Moosehead Lake. Spa treatments are offered in the privacy of your room and in the luxury Mt. Kineo Suite with panoramic views of the lake. Choose from a number of fun activities, from unique Safari Camp Dinners in the summer to wildlife tours and float plane rides. Rooms at The Lodge at Moosehead Lake start at $250 per night. 368 Lily Bay Road, Greenville, ME 04441, Phone: 800-825-6977 -- You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine" -- You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine" Back to Top 4. Romantic Getaways in Maine: Grand Harbor Inn Grand Harbor Inn Located right on the edge of one of Maines most beautiful bays, the Grand Harbor Inn is a stylish and luxurious boutique-style hotel offering all the exclusive little extras to make your stay special. Ten exclusive rooms and suites have been carefully furnished and decorated to provide old-world charm without sacrificing any modern conveniences. All the rooms feature king-size beds, spacious bathrooms with whirlpool Tubs and separate showers, fine linens, and a distinctive New England ambiance. For a very special treat, request one of the Grand Waterfront Suites overlooking the harbour. If you are looking for romantic getaways in Maine with spa services, the hotel offers in-room spa treatments and complimentary access to a fitness facility. 14 Bay View Landing, Camden, ME 04843, Phone: 207-230-7177 -- You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine this Weekend with Friends" -- You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine this Weekend with Friends" Back to Top 5. Maine Getaways: Camden Harbour Inn Camden Harbour Inn Camden Harbour Inn is recognized as one of New Englands most exclusive boutique hotels, offering guests the opportunity to experience an exceptional ocean-side escape in the lap of luxury. The historic inn boasts sumptuous suites and rooms, all individually decorated to reflect the essence of luxury and to provide an oasis of serenity perfect after a busy day of exploring the Maine coast. The rooms all feature wonderful views, king-size beds with fine linens, luxury bathrooms, and many little extras to pamper you and make you feel at home. The inn also offers exceptional fine dining at Nataliess Restaurant, regarded as being one of the best dining venues in Maine. If you are looking for exceptional Maine vacations, Camden Harbour Inn is a beautiful place to visit. Keep reading for more romantic getaways near me. 83 Bayview Street, Camden, ME 04843, Phone: 800-236-4266 -- You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine this Weekend" -- You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine this Weekend" Back to Top 6. Weekend Getaways in Maine: The Inn at Ocean's Edge - 3 hours 30 minutes from Boston The Inn at Ocean's Edge The Inn at Ocean's Edge is located on the coast of Maine. Since the inn is set on 22 scenic acres, there is plenty to explore and enjoy romantic walks along the shore overlooking Penobscot Bay. The property has a vanishing edge swimming pool, offering a perfect setting for a romantic escape. Guests have a choice of 32 guest accommodations in three separate structures: The Main Inn, the Hilltop Building and the Poolhouse. Ask for a room with a balcony, especially in the summer, so that you can sit outside and take in the healing ocean air. The property is 3.5 hours from Boston and 1.5 hours from Portland, making it a great weekend trip from both cities. Activities include bicycling, scenic ferry ride to Islesboro, shopping along Main Street and helicopter rides. There is a spa, exercise room, hot tub and an outdoor fireplace. There are many nearby bistros and local restaurants offering gourmet dining options. Rooms start at $209 per night. The rate includes breakfast and afternoon sweets. Ask about Maine vacation packages when booking your stay. 24 Stonecoast Rd, Lincolnville, ME 04849, Phone: 207-236-0945 -- You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine" -- You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine" Back to Top 7. Maine Vacations: Eco Friendly Colony Hotel - 1 hour 30 minutes from Boston Colony Hotel The Colony Hotel is set in a beautiful location along the coast of Maine, perfect for those who love ocean views and great food. The property is eco-friendly and utilizes sustainable practices such as recycling, reusing and reduction of pollutants. The hotel is open every year from mid-May through late October. It features a heated saltwater outdoor pool, private sandy beach and delicious Maine cuisine. Activities include Maine art exhibitions, putting green, croquet, badminton, shuffleboard, bicycle rentals, bird habitat tours and scavenger hunts for families. What activities are available to the romantic couple? Nearby you will find three scenic golf courses, kayaking and canoeing tours, parasailing, sailing, fishing, boating, lobster and whale watching. There is also shopping, art galleries, museums, wildlife preserve, historic homes and other local attractions. Driving time from New York City is about 6 hours, from Boston about 1.5 hours. Bar Harbor is 3.5 hours away. 140 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport, ME 04046, Phone: 207-967-3331 , From LA -- You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine" Back to Top 8. Maine Vacation Spots: Asticou Inn - 3 hours from Portland Asticou Inn Asticou Inn is located next to Acadia National Park at the northern point of Northeast Harbor and tucked away at the foot of Eliot Mountain. The main inn offers 31 guest rooms that have country or harbor views along with queen, king or twin bed accommodations. In addition, there are 17 other rooms spread between Blue Spruce, Bird Bank, Topsider Cottages and Cranberry Lodge, all just a walk from the main inn. Amenities include a swimming pool thats heated, clay tennis court, free Wi-Fi, onsite dining options and concierge services. There is free parking and you are within walking distance of the Azalea and Thuya Gardens. For dining you can enjoy sublime views of the Northeast Harbor while dining on gourmet food at Peabodys. New England food at its best, the menu boasts savory and delicate breakfast items, including salmon and poached eggs as well as filet mignon, lamb and seafood on the dinner menu. Pair with any of a number of wines for the perfect meal. 15 Peabody Drive, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662, Phone: 207-276-3344 9. Weekend Getaways Near Me: The Norumbega Inn The Norumbega Inn The Norumbega Inn invites visitors to spend a very special sojourn in a beautifully restored stone castle in Camden. The historic building is situated in an elevated position overlooking Penobscot Bay, and each of the eleven rooms and suites have been individually furnished and decorated to provide every modern comfort and a wonderfully relaxing ambiance reminiscent of a by-gone era. Each room has a king-size bed (several feature four-poster beds) and spacious bathroom, and all rooms have ocean, garden, or harbor views. The inn is particularly proud of their cuisine and pampers guests with three-course breakfasts and sensational fine dining dinners. 63 High Street, Camden, ME 4843, Phone: 877-363-4646 -- "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine for Locals & Tourists - Restaurants, Hotels" -- "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine for Locals & Tourists - Restaurants, Hotels" Back to Top 10. Romantic Getaways Near Me: Belfast Bay Inn - 1 hour 50 minutes from Portland Belfast Bay Inn Set in the heart of Belfast, Maine, this luxurious boutique hotel is the perfect base from which to explore the area, or to simply luxuriate in the sophisticated splendor of the establishments surroundings. Exuding elegance and grace fit for the most discerning traveler, The Belfast Bay Inn is an opulent oasis of understated charm where guests are graciously welcomed and made to feel at home. Eight exquisitely appointed double rooms and king suites are air-conditioned and enjoy rich and refined furnishings, deluxe amenities and spacious en-suite bathrooms. Certain suites have gas fireplaces, private balconies and beautiful harbor views, while all guests are treated to breakfast in bed each morning. Stroll through the lush, landscaped gardens, indulge your senses with a pampering massage in the comfort of your room, or take in one of the many museums and art galleries in the nearby town of Belfast. Sample culinary delights from an array of excellent restaurants in the area and enjoy the finest wine from well-stocked cellars. Rates start at $178 per night. 72 Main Street, Belfast, ME 04915, Phone: 207-338-5600 11. Getaway Places Near Me: Berry Manor Inn in Rockland - 1 hour 30 minutes from Portland Berry Manor Inn Featuring guest rooms with Victorian era decor and romantic fireplaces, the Berry Manor Inn is a beautiful coastal hideaway for couples. You will be able to walk to the harbor, downtown shops, museums, local art galleries and restaurants for dinner. Breakfast at the manor includes fresh fruit, homemade bread, pastries, and a main course with meat. Rooms at the Berry Manor start at $120 per night. 81 Talbot Avenue, Rockland, ME 4841, Phone: 207-596-7696 -- "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine" -- "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine" Back to Top or Romantic Getaways 12. Places to Relax near Me: Water Views at the Yachtsman Lodge in Kennebunkport Yachtsman Lodge Kennebunkport, Maine, offers many things to see and do, including beaches, antique shops and outdoor movie nights. Nearby beaches include Gooch's Beach and Mothers Beach on Beach Avenue. Mothers Beach is sheltered from high surf and offers a playground for children. Parson's Beach and Goose Rocks Beach are two secluded beaches for couples. The Yachtsman Lodge offers incredible water views. Each guest room has a king size bed with a duvet, rich mahogany and walnut timbers, and cathedral ceilings. In the summer, lounge on your private outdoor patio (each room has one) and watch the boats cruise along Kennebunk River. Guests have access to bikes, canoes, and a workout facility at the nearby sister property, the Breakwater Inn. You will be close to shops, restaurants and spas in the area. Get a relaxing massage at one of the Kennebunkport luxury days spas, and have a romantic dinner with water views. Room rates start at $179 per night. 59 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04046, Phone: 207-967-2511 13. Maine Vacations: Hartstone Inn in Camden Hartstone Inn Located in a picturesque seaside village in central Maine, Hartstone Inn is a getaway for foodies. Grab one of the famous gourmet lobster roll picnic baskets and head out to sea or hike along a scenic trail. There are 21 elegant guest rooms and suites in two separate buildings. Decor includes original artwork, lace canopy beds and fireplaces. Ask for a room with a whirlpool tub for extra relaxation on your weekend break. In the evening, the restaurant serves a gourmet dinner featuring New England dishes with an international flair. Rooms start at $160 per night. Keep reading for more romantic getaways near me. 41 Elm Street, Camden, ME 04843, Phone: 207-236-4259 14. Maine Destinations: Maine Stay Inn Maine Stay Inn Maine Stay Inn & Cottages in Camden offers the romance of yesteryear and comfort and amenities of today. This lovely historic building, built by Alden Bass in 1802, when Thomas Jefferson was the President, is a delightful reminder of more relaxed and more elegant times. It is surrounded by an acre of beautiful, lush gardens you can explore through winding narrow paths across a cool brook with an old granite bridge, or you can rest on one of many benches and watch the wild animals visiting from the neighboring state park. All rooms are incredibly romantic with antique beds, period furnishings, colorful wallpapers, and original paintings. Meet your fellow guests in the charming old-fashioned parlor by the fireplace, or venture out and explore the surrounding historic district of Camden. 22 High Street, Camden, ME 04843, Phone: 207-236-9636 15. Getaway Places near Me: The Hawthorn Inn The Hawthorn Inn/Jumping Rocks Photography Camden is a lovely place to visit any time of the year. It has a charming historic district, exciting nature trails, superb restaurants, incredibly fresh seafood, an abundance of local produce, fantastic arts community, and numerous festivals. Make the Hawthorn Inn your base when you come to Camden, and enjoy a rare combination of old-fashioned charm and modern amenities. It is situated in an elegant, Queen Anne Victorian mansion, surrounded by more than an acre of beautiful gardens and perfectly manicured lawns. You can stay in the Carriage House, with four large, romantic rooms with two-person whirlpool tubs, lovely views of the harbor and gardens, fireplaces, and private decks. Staying in the main house is no less romantic all rooms have their own character and are beautifully decorated, very comfortable and have private baths. The Inn is famous for its two-course gourmet breakfasts that are served on the terrace when weather permits. 9 High St, Camden, ME 04843, Phone: 207-236-8842 -- You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine" -- You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine" Back to Top or Amazing things to do around me 16. Couples Getaway Maine: Glen Cove Inn & Suites Glen Cove Inn & Suites Glen Cove Inn & Suites is a perfect balance between a quaint bed and breakfast and a large, impersonal hotel. Its 36 comfortable modern rooms and two large suites offer all comforts and amenities of a hotel, but have just the right amount of Maine romance and nautical touches in decor to be charming and welcoming. The inn is perfect for a romantic getaway, or as a base for exploring the Maine coast. If you are traveling with your four-legged friend, choose one of the two suites that are pet-friendly. All rooms are air-conditioned and have private baths. Few have fantastic view of Penobscot Bay and some have a private deck. The inn serves superb gourmet breakfast with fresh baked goodies. During the summer, you can enjoy a small but charming swimming pool. 866 Commercial St, Rockport, ME 04856, Phone: 207-594-4062 17. Romantic Hotels in Maine: Birchwood Sustainable Lodging Birchwood Sustainable Lodging Birchwood Sustainable Lodging and its quaint red barn are located just across from Penobscot Bay, about half way between Camden and Lincolnville. It is part of the beautiful small farm full of fruit trees, vegetable gardens and free-roaming chickens. The guest rooms, cottage and apartment are simply decorated but extremely comfortable. Spectacular views of the ocean from the sweeping deck more than make up for the lack of fancy amenities. Rooms have private baths, wood floors and Maine-made cottage-style furniture. The simple light breakfast offers baked goods made with fruit and eggs raised on site. The lodge is solar-powered and makes a big effort to minimize impact on the surrounding environment through composting, recycling, green housekeeping and organic gardening. Birchwood is a certified environmental leader in lodging. 530 Belfast Rd, Camden, ME 04843, Phone: 207-236-4204 -- You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine" -- You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine" Back to Top 18. The Beach House Inn in Kennebunkport The Beach House The historic Beach House Inn feels like staying in a private beach house with scenic views of Kennebunk Beach in Kennebunkport, Maine. Guest rooms and suites are furnished with antiques and luxurious fabrics. The Junior Suite is ideal for couples who would like more space and a whirlpool tub. Rooms start at $139 per night. Guests receive a complimentary country continental breakfast, traditional afternoon tea, and a cheese platter, port and brandy in the evening. If you are wondering what to do on your trip, the innkeepers can recommend the best tours, scenic walks and shops in town. 211 Beach Avenue, Kennebunk, ME 04043, Phone: 207-967-3850 19. Cliff House Maine Cliff House Maine Cliff House Maine is an oceanfront getaway with a 9,000 square-foot oceanfront luxury spa with a sanctuary relaxation lounge. The resort is set on 70 acres in southern Maine and is located next to a 18-hole semi-private golf course. In addition to the spa, there is oceanfront dining, 25,000 square feet of premier conference and event space, and year-round recreation. Guests can choose from 226 accommodations, including 186 guest rooms and 40 luxury suites, as well as a standalone New England Cottage on property. Rooms have windows and decks overlooking the ocean. 591 Shore Road, Cape Neddick, ME 03907, Phone: 207-361-1000 -- You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine" -- You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine" Back to Top 20. Maine Honeymoon: Tides Beach Club Tides Beach Club Perched on the edge of Goose Rocks Beach, Tides Beach Club is the ideal spot to spend a summer vacation enjoying one of Maines most beautiful beaches. The inn is light, bright, and breezy, and each of the 21 rooms and suites have been individually decorated in a contemporary coastal style to provide the perfect retreat after a busy day on the beach. The rooms have either king or queen-size beds, superior linens, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and lovely marble bathrooms. Beach recliners and towels are supplied, and there are a wide variety of water sports available, including paddle-boards and kayaks. 930 Kings Hwy, Kennebunkport, ME 04046, Phone: 855-632-3224 21. Maine Vacations: Lord Camden Inn Lord Camden Inn The Lord Camden Inn is a downtown boutique-style hotel in the heart of Camden Village just steps away from great shopping, dining, and the waterfront boardwalk. The inn has 36 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, many of which have views of Camden Harbor. The rooms have been carefully decorated to incorporate some of the old-world brickwork into the modern architectural design, which includes marble and granite features. Some of the rooms have microwaves and small refrigerators, Keurig coffee makers, and other luxury appointments. Fine linens and toiletries complete the pampering. The inn also has a fitness room and serves a generous buffet breakfast. 24 Main Street, Camden, ME 04843, Phone: 800-336-4325 22. Resorts in Maine: The Ledges By The Bay The Ledges By The Bay Island View Inn is situated on nine acres of land on a slightly elevated ledge overlooking beautiful Penobscot Bay in Rockport, Maine. The hotel offers a variety of comfortable and affordable accommodation to suit all budgets. Most of the 41 rooms have great ocean views, and several have private balconies. The rooms all have king or queen-size beds, flat panel TVs with cable channels, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and spacious bathrooms with a shower/tub combination. There is a heated outdoor pool and direct access to the beach, where you can enjoy swimming in the ocean, sunbathing, or exploring the beautiful coastline. 930 Commercial Street, Rockport, ME 04856, Phone: 207-594-8944 -- You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine" -- You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine" Back to Top 23. Island View Inn Island View Inn Scenically nestled amid 23 manicured acres above a beautiful tidal cove in Penobscot Bay, the Island View Inn provides the ideal setting for an ocean-side holiday. The inn is just a short drive from picturesque Camden Harbor and is right in the heart of the USAs Lobster Capital, Rockport. Aside from the beaches and great views, the area offers several museums and many annual festivals. All the rooms at Island View Inn have private balconies with sea views, king-size beds, spacious bathrooms, and every modern convenience you may require, including binoculars! There is an outdoor heated pool with majestic views and direct beach access. 908 Commercial Street, Rockport, ME 04856, Phone: 866-711-8439 24. Chebeague Island Inn Chebeague Island Inn Chebeague Island Inn offers stunning views of Casco Bay and the Great Chebeague Golf Club. This historic getaway dates back to the 1880s and is just 1.5 hours north of Boston or Portland, a perfect idea if you want to slip away for a quiet weekend year-round. If you are arriving in your own boat, there are eight private moorings and complimentary launch service. Guests are accommodated in 21 guest rooms furnished with locally made furniture and art. Chebeague island offers beautiful beaches, shops and restaurants. The restaurant, open for lunch and dinner, has floor-to-ceiling windows with great views. Have a romantic dinner to celebrate a special occasion, anniversary or even pop the question. Rooms start at $315 per night. 61 South Road, Chebeague Island, ME 04017, Phone: 207-846-5155 25. The Inns at Blackberry Common The Inns at Blackberry Common The Inns at Blackberry Common is a luxury bed and breakfast in a charming traditional New England house situated in a beautiful garden setting just a short stroll from Camden Harbor. The Inns have a selection of rooms, each of which have been individually furnished and decorated to provide a restful ambiance. All rooms have either king or queen-size beds, (many feature antique four-poster beds), charming bathrooms with antique tubs, whirlpool baths or bath/shower combinations, and either bay or garden views. Sumptuous breakfasts feature fresh local produce with herbs and berries from the gardens. The location is perfect for exploring Midcoast Maine. 82 Elm Street, Camden, ME 04843, Phone: 207-236-6060 25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine More Maine Vacations Maine Getaways: Bar Harbor, ME Located on the picturesque east coast of Mount Desert Island off the coast of Maine, Bar Harbor has been a favorite island holiday destination since the early 19th century. The natural beauty of the island has been attracting artists for decades, and many celebrities have built palatial holiday homes along the shoreline. At the Hulls Cove Visitor Center you can watch a short orientation video and get maps for exploring the Acadia National Park which now protects most of the island and provides a range of activities including hiking, mountain biking, climbing, horse-back riding and bird watching. Most visitors come to enjoy the fabulous walks and hiking paths - Shore Path and Ocean Trail are two of the best, boasting wonderful coastal views and a peak at some of the holiday mansions, and the Village Green, Agamont Park or the College of the Atlantic Gardens is great for a gentle stroll. You can hop aboard an Oli's Trolley Tour or find your way around using the Free Island Explorer Shuttle. Off shore activities include whale watching tours with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company, lobster fishing trips on the Miss Samantha or a guided kayaking tour with National Park Sea Kayak Tours. Other island activities include Acadia Photo Safaris, Acadia Air Tours and climbing lessons at the Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School. Vacation in Maine: Camden Camden is a picture-perfect sea-side resort tucked between Mount Battie and Penobscot Bay, providing an ideal coastal holiday destination. Camden has a rich maritime history and one of the best ways to see the superb Maine coastline is on a 2 hour scenic cruise on a vintage schooner - you can choose between the Schooner Surprise, which is a racing ship built in 1918, or try Schooner Olad, a historic sailing ship built in 1927. If you enjoy water sports you can go on a guided canoe, kayak or fishing excursion with local expert Mike Kinney, and for a unique aerial perspective of the coastline you can choose an exciting glider ride with Spirit Soaring Glider Rides. If you prefer to keep you feet firmly on the ground there are many interesting walking and hiking trails in the Mount Battie and Camden Hills State Park, where you can enjoy great views and scenic picnic spots. During a summer visit you can spend some time soaking up the sun and swimming at Barrett's Cove Beach on Megunicook Lake, and in winter you can have many hours of fun in Camden Snow Bowl where you can go skiing, snow-boarding, tobogganing and snow-shoeing on five miles of trails and 20 ski runs. A good way to round off a busy day is to watch an opera, concert or musical at the Camden Opera House. Maine Vacation Spots: Portland Portland is situated on a picturesque peninsula which extends into Casco Bay off the coast of Maine, providing the ideal weekend coastal getaway. Quaint, cobblestoned Commercial Street, which runs along the water's edge and is lined with vintage architecture and interesting shops and restaurants, should be your first stop. Here you can enjoy fabulous New England seafood while you watch the passing parade of boats. You can explore the beautiful coastline on a Summer Feet Cycling Adventure - their Five Lighthouse Bicycle Tour is the most popular choice, or visit some of the islands in Casco Bay on a tour with Casco Bay Lines. Portland Discovery Land and Sea Tours also offer boat tours or vintage trolley tours around downtown Portland. Wildlife enthusiasts can get up close to enormous whales with Odyssey Whale Watch - you will be taken about 20 miles offshore to see whales, dolphins, sharks and seabirds. You can learn about the history of Portland on a visit to the Maine Historic Society and the Wadsworth Longfellow House in the downtown Portland Arts District, which is the oldest standing structure in Maine. Other attractions include the Portland Museum of Art, the Portland Symphony Orchestra at Merrill Auditorium, the fascinating International Cryptozoology Museum and the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and Museum, where you can treat the kids to an Ice Cream Train Ride. Best Places to Visit in Maine: Bangor The charming city of Bangor is situated on the banks of the Penobscot River in the Maine Highlands, and provides a playground for all adventure seekers. The city has a rich historic legacy dating back to its heyday as a lumber center in the 1860's and today you can explore many beautiful 19th century homes in the West Market Square Historic District and in Broadway Historic District, which is nowadays home to the famous horror novelist Stephen King. (Fans can go on a Tommyknockers and More Tour to see some of the actual city locations featured in some of his books). You can go walking, hiking or biking in the Bangor City Forest, visit one of several wildlife refuges to do some bird watching, or go canoeing or kayaking (rentals are available) in summer or snowmobiling, cross-country skiing or snow-shoeing in winter. There are also plenty of cultural activities to enjoy - the UMaine Museum of Art and the Robert E. White Gallery on the Husson University campus will captivate art lovers and music enthusiasts can attend the Bangor Symphony Orchestra or watch a musical at the historic Bangor Opera House. Families can have hours of educational fun at the Maine Discovery Museum and learn about the history of the city at the Maine Forest and Logging Museum which includes a realistic reconstruction of a 19th century logging community. You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine " Back to Top More Maine Getaways: Kennebunkport Kennebunkport is a popular year-round getaway destination that has been pleasing visitors for generations with great beaches, good boating and wonderful Southern Maine cuisine. In summer the beaches are the greatest draw-card - you can soak up the sun, swim and build sand-castles on Colony Beach or go walking on Goose Rocks Beach, which is also a good spot for fishing. If you enjoy historic architecture you can take a stroll down Summer Street to admire several sea captains mansions and then visit White Columns, formerly known as Nott House, where the Kennebunkport Historical Society displays memorabilia of President George W. Bush's family, who have a summer house at Walker's Point in Kennebunkport. Besides the beaches, boating is the most popular activity and you can choose from a variety of excursions including whale watching tours, fishing trips or scenic sailing cruises on the Pineapple Ketch or the Schooner Eleanor. There are several rental outlets where you can rent canoes, kayaks, bicycles and scooters to explore the beautiful coastline. When you have your fill of sea and sun for the day you can stroll around Dock Square in the heart of the town to visit quaint boutiques and craft shops, tour the Shipyard Ale Brewery, or enjoy a New England seafood feast at one of the many restaurants. The town hosts several annual festivals and events including fun Zombie Walks and Haunted House Tours around Halloween. Romantic Getaways in Maine: Rockland Rockland is the quintessential Maine coastal holiday town, providing a wonderful New England atmosphere, great boating and fresh Maine lobster, combined with historic and cultural activities. A good place to start your visit is at the Maine Discovery Center Visitor's Center in downtown Rockland, where you can pick up maps and attraction information. While you are there you can visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum, and to see a real historic lighthouse (and get some exercise) you can navigate the rocky breakwater jutting into Rockland Harbor to visit Rockland Breakwater Light, which has been in operation since 1902. You can take a stroll through downtown Rockland to see many examples of historic architecture (history buffs might like to go on a guided Historic and Cultural Tour of the town). Art lovers can spend some time at the Farnsworth Art Museum, the Wyeth Center and the Center for Maine Contemporary Art. Many visitors come to Rockland primarily to enjoy seafood and sailing (the town is renowned as both the lobster and windjammer capital of the U.S.A.) - outfitters such as American Eagle, Heritage or Timberwind can take you along the coastline on a historic windjammer, or you can visit some of the off-shore islands by ferry with the Maine State Ferry Service. Kayak enthusiasts can try a sea kayaking excursion with Breakwater Kayak Co. LLC. Weekend Getaways in Maine: Ogunquit, ME Ogunquit is proudly home to one of the best sandy beaches in Maine and is the ideal spot to spend a relaxing coastal holiday. You can access the 3.5 mile Main Beach from Beach Street in the center of town, rent your umbrella and beach chair and settle in to soak up the sun. If you prefer a quieter beach you can try Footbridge Beach, accessed via a short hike along the footbridge over the Ogunquit River. Besides relaxing on the beach there are a variety of other coastal attractions including whale watching (First Chance Whale Watch), sailing cruises on the Schooner Eleanor, deep-sea fishing excursions (Ugly Anne or Bunny Clark Deep Sea Fishing) or a Perkins Cove Lobster Tour. Walkers and hikers can explore The Marginal Way, a paved trail running along the rocky edge of the shore, or the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in nearby Wells. Ogunquit also has several interesting museums starting with the Ogunquit Heritage Museum which is housed in the circa1780 Captain James Winn House and is full of nautical memorabilia. At the Ogunquit Fire Company Fire Museum you can see a vintage fire engine. Art lovers will enjoy the Ogunquit Museum of American Art. Maine Destinations: Bethel Bethel is nestled in Maine's Western Lakes and Mountains region just 90 minutes from Portland, and has long been a favorite year-round getaway destination. In summer the town attracts many hikers who come to enjoy Grafton Notch State Park, which includes 12 of the most strenuous miles of the famous Appalachian Trail. Here you can take on some strenuous backcountry trails which will reward you will wonderful summit views or amble along some of the short trails to inviting waterfalls and gorges. If you visit during fall the foliage is a brilliant bonus, while winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snow-shoeing in the park. Water sport enthusiasts can go on a guided kayaking excursion with Bethel Outdoor Adventures. Bethel is just five miles from the famous Sunday River Ski Area where you can enjoy an exhilarating ski experience in winter and scenic lift rides, zip line tours, rock-climbing, swimming, kayaking, white-water rafting, and mountain-biking in summer. For a change of pacy you can visit the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum, a Bethel Historical Society Exhibition, Elements Art Gallery or the Maine Ski Museum. You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine " Back to Top Maine Destinations: Lubec, ME If you long to escape to a quiet and serene coastal destination you should be planning a getaway to Lubec, the eastern-most spot on the vast Maine coastline. You can be the first to see the sunrise as you walk along deserted beaches and trails and get back to nature amid fragrant pine forests. You can take your pick from a selection hiking trails including strenuous cliff-top trails and gentle walks. Besides hiking you can admire the superb scenery on two wheels by hiring a bicycle and setting off to explore the many cycling trails. Boating is also very popular and there are no fewer than five historic lighthouses you can visit on a whale watching and sightseeing excursion from one of several operators. There are a number of self-guided walking tours that will introduce you to the history of Lubec - you can download the narrated tours to your phone and then explore at your own pace. You can also visit the Lubec Historical Society and Museum on Main Street, the McCurdy Smokehouse Museum and the Robert S. Peacock Fire Museum. The natural beauty of the area has attracted many artists and you can view their work at several galleries dotted around the town, including the Crow Town Gallery and the Friar's Bay Studio and Gallery. Maine Vacations: Sebago Lake State Park, ME Situated in the foothills of the White Mountains north of Portland, Sebago Lake State Park is a perfect year-round getaway destination for the whole family. Sebago Lake is one of the largest lakes in Maine and provides near-ideal conditions for a wide variety of water sports including some of the best fishing in the state. You can explore literally dozens of inlets and coves by boat (motorized boating is allowed) or on a leisurely canoe or kayak excursion - if you don't have your own equipment you can hire from Sebago Trails Paddling Company. There are many sandy beaches for soaking up the summer sunshine and shaded forested areas for hiking, walking and bird watching. There are also good trails for cycling and playgrounds for the children. The best way to get back to nature in the Sebago Lake State Park is to bring along your tent or RV and spend a few nights camping in the Sebago Lake Campground which has 250 serviced camp sites. If you visit the park during winter you will find it transformed into a snow-covered wonderland where you can explore five and a half miles of groomed trails and six miles of un-groomed trails on cross-country skis or snow shoes and try your hand at winter fishing. Weekend Getaways Near Me: Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse Maines Cape Elizabeth, close to the entrance to Portland Harbor, is known among seamen for being a dangerous and treacherous spot. At least ninety-eight ships have sunk on the shores of Cape Elizabeth from 1780 to 1990. After the American Revolution, Portland Harbor was considered an important port, and to insure its safety a lighthouse was built in 1828 withtwo 50-foot towers made of rubble stone. They were300 yards apart, octagonal in shape, black on the top, and bright white on the bottom. The facility was named Two Lights or Cape Elizabeth Light. In 1874, the stone towers were replaced by cast iron conical towers 67 feet high and 129 feet above sea level. In 1924, the western light was turned off and later sold in 1971. The eastern tower is still in service under the name Cape Elizabeth Light. The lighthouse is located next to 41-acre Two Lights State Park, which offers nice views and access to the lighthouse. Driving Distances from Portland From Portland, ME To Driving Time Rockport, ME 1 hour 30 minutes Phippsburg, ME 45 minutes Greenville, ME 2 hours 50 minutes Camden, ME 1 hour 35 minutes Lincolnville, ME 1 hour 45 minutes Kennebunkport, ME 35 minutes Northeast Harbor, ME 3 hours 15 minutes Belfast, ME 1 hour 45 minutes Rockland, ME 1 hour 35 minutes Kennebunkport, ME 35 minutes Cape Neddick, ME 50 minutes You are reading "25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Maine " Back to Top Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Loading... Checking your browser before accessing the website. This process is automatic. Your browser will redirect to your requested content shortly. Please wait a few seconds. HA NOI The Vietnam Software Association (VINASA) published the 2017 list of Viet Nams 50 leading information technology (IT) enterprises on Thursday, as part of a national effort to promote and encourage co-operation between local IT enterprises and potential partners. According to VINASAs data, the 50 chosen companies have a total revenue of VN20.67 trillion (US$936 million), with a combined workforce of 35,542. Many enterprises on this years list are considered pioneers in the industry, such as FPT Software, Global CyberSoft, MobiFone, VNPT, and VNG. The list also named other high-technology companies such as ELCOM, NextTech, MK Smart. Those that have grown especially quickly, such as RikkeiSoft, VMG, SmartOSC and FSI, are leading companies in the software development and technological solutions sector, such as Fujinet, DIGI-TEXX, and Swiss Post Solution rounded out the list. This years findings are the result of the Vietnam 50 Leading IT Companies, an programme organised by VINASA annually since 2014 to select, certify and honour the countrys top IT companies active in the fields of digital transformation, Internet of Things, and other new technology trends such as artificial intelligence, Big Data and Virtual Reality. The programme is not only about selecting and honouring businesses, but also about promoting communication and increasing the companys values in terms of image, branding and market shares, in the international IT arena, said VINASAs Chairman Truong Gia Binh. Launched in June 2017, the yearly programme of company selection included preliminary evaluation rounds for enterprise in IT Outsourcing; IT software, solutions and services; as well as digital content, applications, solutions for mobile. According to the organisers at VINASA, such recognition for outstanding domestic IT companies is an important step towards strengthening the industry. Domestic businesses in the field may not have strong reputations, but with more support they will hopefully soon catch up with global technology trends, attract investment and grow quickly. The follow-up award ceremony for these top 50 IT companies will be held on October 25, along with the International Conference on Smart Cities and the 11th Japan ICT Day from October 25 to 26, 2017 in HCM City. VNS HCM CITY Skilled workers, low-cost and good IT infrastructure are among the factors that make Viet Nam an emerging destination for IT outsourcing services, a conference heard in HCM City on Thursday. ao inh Kha, director of the Ministry of Information and Communications ICT department, told the second International Conference on Information Technology Outsourcing/Business Process Outsourcing, that according to Cushman & Wakefield, Viet Nam ranked first in business process outsourcing (BPO) and Shared Service Location in the world last year. A Jones Lang LaSalle report this year ranked HCM City (second) and Ha Noi (seventh) in the top 10 global City Momentum Index. This year Viet Nam has jumped five places to sixth in A.T.Kearney s 2017 Global Services Location Index, Kha said. ICT has been identified as one of the countrys key industrial sectors, and the Government has rolled out policies for its development, he said. According to Lam Nguyen Hai Long, president of the VNITO Alliance and CEO of Quang Trung Software City, with its fast growing economy and rich pool of talent in IT/software engineering, Viet Nam is becoming Asias new technology hub. In the past few years many tech giants have moved their high-tech operations to Viet Nam, he said. Viet Nams software and ICT service exports have been growing at an impressive rate, and a survey by KPMG of 150 IT-related businesses and universities in Viet Nam found 88 per cent expecting the sector to grow at 15 per cent or more for the next three years. Seventy three per cent believed Viet Nam would remain a low-to-medium cost market, Nguyen Cong Ai, head of strategy group at KPMG Vietnam, said. Viet Nam has a competitive advantage regionally in terms of its low costs and would become a production base of choice in future, he said. More than 90 per cent of respondents said Viet Nams IT workforce is very good at management skills and adoption of new technology, he added. According to delegates at the conference, a majority of Vietnamese software enterprises are small and it is difficult to enter the international market through individual marketing efforts. With technology today changing faster than ever, businesses are required to know about Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and other technologies, said Desmond Kam, founder and CEO of Malaysias Codecamp. He urged Vietnamese firms to embrace innovation. Most of the companies I have been seen here are small and traditional. I believe that if they really focus on innovation, they can bring more value not only to their companies but also Viet Nams engineers. As an investor I am possibly interested in investing more money in Viet Nam. Nguyen Thai An, managing director of Luxoft Vietnam, said to develop further, businesses in the sector need to invest in innovation, training and research and development besides improving their English. Many tech giants have entered Viet Nam and more are expected to come in the future, he said. Organised by the VNITO Alliance, QTSC and the Investment and Trade Promotion Centre, the two-day Viet Nam ITO conference attracted around 500 local and international business leaders, government officials, entrepreneurs and educational officials. Some 150 were international investors and vendors. The conference, which ends on October 20, was held to promote Viet Nam as an emerging IT outsourcing destination and offer a business-matching platform for buyers and Vietnamese vendors. The event also included panel discussions, including on how to attract talent in Viet Nam, outlook for and insights into the BPO industry in Viet Nam, transforming Viet Nam Japan co-operation, how to leverage new technologies and solutions to increase competitive advantages and succeed. VNITO Alliance signed memorandums of understanding with three organisations from the US and Japan. VNS HA NOI Tien Phong Plastic Joint Stock Company (Tien Phong Plastic) may allow total foreign ownership of its capital instead of the current 49 per cent. The final decision will be made at the companys extraordinary shareholders meeting, scheduled for November 30. The management board will need to obtain approval of 65 per cent of shareholders for the change. The plan came after the company announced the Thai plastic producer Nawaplastic Industries (Saraburi) Co Ltd offloaded its 21.27 million shares or 23.84 per cent ownership in the Vietnamese plastic firm on the stock market (traded under the code NTP) between September 25 and October 12. Tien Phong Plastic is trading its 89.2 million shares on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange for VN69,000 (US$3.06) to VN71,900 per share during the September 25-October 12 period. That means the Thai-based plastic producer sold its share for VN1.46 trillion (roughly $65 million), triple its initial investment in 2012. The State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC), which represents the Government to monitor the States capital in Tien Phong Plastic, remains the biggest shareholder with a 37.1 per cent stake. During the 14-trading-day period, there were many put-through trading transactions for Tien Phong Plastics shares with volume ranging from one to nine million and share price varying between VN69,300 to VN71,800 per share. The identity of the largest buyer has remained confidential, however, it is believed that a foreign investor is buying up the shares. NTP closed Thursday at VN73,000 per share, having increased by a quarter since its one-year low of VN57,600 per share in early March. During the five-year investment period, Saraburi received around VN173 billion worth of dividend payouts from the Vietnamese firm. After Saraburi completed withdrawing from Tien Phong Plastic, the two representatives of the Thai company on October 17 asked for the resignation of the Vietnamese firms management and supervisory boards. Tien Phong Plastic will also discuss the restructuring of the firms management and supervisory boards at the upcoming shareholder meeting. The company also plans to make a 15 per cent advance dividend payout for 2017 performance on November 29. In the third quarter of 2017, Tien Phong Plastic recorded nearly VN161 billion in its pre-tax profit, a yearly increase of 83.3 per cent. In nine months, the company earned total VN363 billion in pre-tax profit, an annual rise of 27.6 per cent. VNS HA NOI The countrys total import-export turnover in the first nine months of the year reached more than US$308.3 billion, posting a 21.3 per cent year-on-year increase, according to the General Department of Customs. The export turnover in the period between January and September posted a 19.8 per cent rise to $154.3 billion, compared with the same period last year . The exports of 10 key staples brought over $111 billion out of the total turnover. Phones and spare parts took the lead with an export turnover of $31.54 billion, followed by garment and textiles with $19.21 billion, and computer and electronics spare parts with $18.54 billion. The shoe sector earned $10.64 billion from exports in the nine months, while machines earned $9.31 billion, and seafood brought in $5.99 billion. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has forecast that the exports of the 10 key products would be positive in the year-end months. For example, the exports of phones and spare parts would continue to grow, as the worlds large producers were investing in Viet Nam leading to stable production. The export of computers and electronics products in the first nine months of the year rose by 40 per cent from the same period last year, because businesses in the industry have expanded their market shares to other countries and territories, such as South Korea, ASEAN, Canada, China, Taiwan and Russia. Exports to traditional markets, including the United States and Japan have been stable. The products are expected to grow further in new markets, especially, in small ones that do not have famous brand names. VNS HOI AN Disaster risk financing and insurance was one of the important topics that finance officials and bank deputies of 21 APEC economies are discussing at a meeting that began in Hoi An City on Friday. The latest financial co-operation developments in the region and implementation of the Cebu Action Plan are other items on the agenda at the APEC Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting. The meeting is co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Finance Tran Xuan Ha and Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Viet Nam Nguyen Thi Hong. Ha said meeting is of significance for both domestic and foreign delegates, because progress made in four financial priorities set for the year 2017 will be reported to finance ministers the following day. The finance and bank deputies had approved four co-operation priorities at their previous meeting held in Nha Trang in Febuary, including long-term investment in infrastructure, base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS), disaster risk financing and insurance, and financial inclusion. On the sidelines of the meeting, Sebastian Eckardt, the World Banks Lead Economist and Programme Leader, said all four priorities initiated by Viet Nam were important for many APEC member economies. Regarding BEPS, Eckardt said it was very relevant for Viet Nam given that there are a lot of multinational companies operating in the economy. Besides a sound legal investment framework, it is also crucial to build capacity and tax administration to deal effectively with the very complex operations and transactions of multinational corporations, Eckardt said. He said disaster risk financing was of great importance for Viet Nam, as its economy is exposed to climate change related shocks. On average, the economy spends about half per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per year on dealing with disaster consequences. Eckardt said delegates discussed efficient ways to manage risk and ensure financial safety, so that when disaster happens, funds can be mobilised quickly to support relief and recovery efforts. Michelle Theresa Curry, CEO at the Foundation for Development Cooperation, University of Sydney, said that to promote financial inclusion, there should be greater collaboration within APEC, especially in financial risk management in rural areas and the agriculture sector. Apart from the four priorities, the meeting discussed updated reports on implementation of the Cebu Action Plan, activities of the APEC economic committee and SOM meetings. Bilateral meetings In a related meeting on Friday, Vietnamese Finance Minister inh Tien Dung received David Malpass, Under Secretary of the US Treasury for International Affairs. At the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation in the areas of taxation, insurance, securities, capital markets and auditing. The Ministry of Finance has recently received a number of recommendations from US businesses on issues related to Viet Nams policy. Minister Dung said Viet Nam was open to discussion and ready to tackle problems facing US businesses operating in Viet Nam. He also proposed that the US speeds up ratification process of the Agreement on Double Tax Avoidance between the countries and hasten negotiations for the government-level agreements on cooperation and mutual assistance between customs agencies, and Official Development Assistance (ODA) support. Malpass said the US gave top priority to its ties with Southeast Asia in general and Viet Nam in particular. Talking to the media after the meeting, Malpass said the bilateral discussions focused on trade relationship which he called more open. We discussed on trade relationship that does not damage the American enterprises and workers. Both sides look forward to growth, Malpass said, adding that the US welcomes Vietnamese investment. On the same day, Finance Minister inh Tien Dung met with the Secretary General of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Angel Gurria, Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mitsuhiro Furusawa and Treasurer of Australia Scott John Morrison. VNS HA NOI The prices of RON 92 petrol and biofuel E5 fell by VN124 and VN97 per litre, respectively, as of 4:55 pm on Friday. Following a joint decision by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Finance, the prices of diesel 0.05S and kerosene also dropped by VN434 and VN104 per litre respectively. Under the decision, the maximum price of RON 92 and E5 fuels will be VN17,875 (US$0.78) and VN17,634 per litre, while the ceiling prices for diesel 0.005S and kerosene are VN14,410 and VN12,999 per litre. This is the 20th adjustment of fuel prices this year. They have fallen nine times, increased seven times and remained unchanged twice. The Ministry of Industry and Trade said in a statement published on the portal moit.gov.vn that the global average prices of RON 92 over the last 15 days until October 20 was $66.983 per barrel, while that of diesel 0.05S was $68.142 per barrel. The ministries also decided to use the price stabilisation fund for RON 92 at VN130 per litre, and for E5 biofuel remained at VN110 per litre. The price stabilisation fund is used to stabilise petrol prices and avoid possible negative impacts on socio-economic development. The fund compensates importers for losses they incur because of low selling prices. Viet Nams largest petrol retailer, Petrolimex, had recorded VN3.19 trillion in its petrol price stabilisation fund as of yesterday, an increase of VN49 billion compared to the previous price adjustment on October 5. Violators punished, shamed To prevent illegal petrol dealing and protect the rights of consumers, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has asked local authorities to publicise the names of violating petrol stations on mass media. The ministry has also asked local authorities to raise awareness among consumers and organisations so that they avoid buying petrol and petrol products from illegal businesses. Local departments of industry and trade have been told to increase inspections and closely monitor the market to prevent illegal trading of petrol products. Local market watchdogs have also been told to enhance supervision and monitoring of petrol companies in their areas, identify those committing violations, and work with relevant government agencies to inspect the quality of petrol and petrol products being sold in the market. VNS HA NOI The Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang has been urged to establish a community-based monitoring mechanism to evaluate papermaker Lee & Man Vietnam Ltd.s environmental treatment. During a visit to the companys paper mill on Thursday, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Tran Hong Ha, asked the papermaker to complete a standard procedure for management and operation of its waste treatment, and to keep daily records of materials used for environmental treatment and to publicise them. The firm was also requested to ensure the capability of solid and hazard waste treatment providers, and to control odors, particularly at night and when it rains. The minister assigned the province to make a list of local firms dumping a lot of waste and submit it to the ministry, and to set up a system for automated surface water quality monitoring along the Hau River and transfer the data to the provincial Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Lee & Man Vietnam Ltd. has completed the construction of a US$1.2 billion paper factory, which started in 2007, at Phu Huu A Industrial Cluster along the Hau River in Hau Giang. It is the largest paper factory in Viet Nam and one of the five largest in the world, capable of manufacturing 330,000 tonnes of pulp and 420,000 tonnes of packaging paper a year. It disposes an estimated 13,000cu.m of wastewater per day. Last December, the facility was allowed to begin testing its waste treatment plant, but then ceased operations due to pollution. The company was accused of making a noise, causing dust and emanating a bad odour, affecting the nearby households. It later took responsibility for the pollution. Minister Ha visited the affected households and asked them to continue informing local authorities about the factorys operations. The ministry plans to allow the factory to begin operations at the end of October. VNS HA NOI A contest has been launched for children aged five to 12 to paint their favourite food and meals. Entitled We Paint The Buds, the competitions best paintings will be displayed on October 27. Through the contest, children can make choices on food, display their right to adequate nutrition and their opinions on nutritious meals. The contest is being held by the Research Centre for Management and Sustainable Development (MSD Viet Nam) and the For Vietnamese Stature Foundation. As a part of the contest, a workshop was held on Sunday at the Hermann Gmeiner School in Ha Noi. Tran Hong iep, co-ordinator of the foundation, said that through the contest and related activities, parents could encourage children to eat nutritiously. Its a good chance for parents and children to connect and take part in activities for a healthy lifestyle, she said. VNS HA NOI Vietnamese filmmakers hope to reach an agreement with Spanish filmmakers to promote cooperation in filmmaking in the future, Ngo Phuong Lan, head of the Viet Nam Cinema Department, said at a discussion on Tuesday. The discussion was held as part of the Spain Film Festival in Ha Noi from October 17 to 22. In attendance were Mencia Manso de Zuniga, Italian embassys culture counselor; Spanish producer Larry Levene; director Patricia Ferreira; established Vietnamese filmmakers; and representatives of film studios in Viet Nam. Spanish filmmakers shared their experiences of Viet Nam while making Thi Mai -- the first Spanish movie shot in Viet Nam. The movie starred popular Spanish and Vietnamese actors and was shot in Ha Noi and Ha Long Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh. "Story is a key factor in filmmaking," producer Levene said. "However, it is very important to find a good partner to co-produce a work. International film crews will popularise the image of the host country and draw international attention. This will also boost the economy. "Viet Nam will have to compete with other countries in the region which have experience in filmmaking cooperation. After the movie Thi Mai was completed, I felt Viet Nam not only has beautiful landscape but Vietnamese filmmakers are also professional." The producer also suggested that the Vietnamese Government support mechanisms and change legal procedures to provide favourable conditions to international film crews visiting Viet Nam for shooting. Levene is the president of ADHN, the Spanish Association of Documentary Production Companies, and member of the board of FAPAE, the Spanish Federation of Film Producers Association. He is an independent producer first, and is currently producer, director and scriptwriter. Motion picture and documentary are main genres of cinema, according to People Artist Nguyen Nhu Vu, director of the Viet Nam National Science and Documentary Centre. He reported that Spanish documentaries have been being introduced at European Vietnamese documentary film festivals held annually in Viet Nam. "We are looking for opportunities to make documentaries with Spanish filmmakers," Vu said. Documentary making opportunities between Spain and Viet Nam are expected to increase soon because producer Levene is a veteran documentary filmmaker. He has produced some 40 documentaries, of which he had also been director for about half. At the discussion, filmmakers of the two countries also expressed their desire to not only promote cooperation opportunity between Viet Nam and Spain but also introduce culture and movies to people of their respective countries. "We try to have proper policies providing favourable conditions for international filmmakers shooting in Viet Nam, such as establishing a film commission," Lan said. "We want to show you that Viet Nam has not only a beautiful landscape but Vietnamese people and their stories are also interesting to discover. We also hope that Spanish filmmakers will popularise the image of Viet Nam as a potential destination for shooting and inspire other filmmakers." The department signed agreements with several partners from South Korea, France and Poland on filmmaking cooperation and development. The agreements include cooperation in professional know-how exchange to educate employees, production techniques and distribution, as well as cooperation for future film co-productions. VNS HCM CITY An exhibition of paintings by female members of the Tranh Viet Club opened in HCM City to celebrate the 87th anniversary of Vietnamese Womens Day on October 20. Tu Mua Thu Ay (From the Autumn) displays 63 oil and lacquer works and its underlying theme is women is the world. All paintings were selected from the artists latest collections of landscapes, daily life and ethnic minority women and children in different places and remote areas across the country. Female artists of Tranh Viet Club highlight the beauty of Vietnamese women in their art. Their showcase, Tu Mua Thu Ay, will capture the hearts of viewers, particularly males, said Pham Huy Hoang, a final-year student at the HCM City University of Architecture, at the events opening ceremony last night. Hoangs favourite work is Gai Que (Rural Woman), an oil painting in pink and black by artist Kim Dung. Gai Que is lively. The artist portrays a woman in traditional clothes sitting with baskets of fresh lotuses. I can smell the beautiful flowers, he said. Established in 2005, the Tranh Viet Club organises painting exhibitions and artistic activities to help its members share their art. The exhibition is on display at the HCM City Labour Palace, 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 3. It will close on October 23. Entrance is free. VNS LONDON The British Library has conjured to life the magical world of Harry Potter in a new exhibition featuring the oldest objects in its collection alongside never-seen items from J.K. Rowlings personal archive. Harry Potter: A History of Magic, which opens in London on Friday, includes Chinese oracle bones from 1192 BC -- the oldest datable items in the librarys vast collection -- as well as annotated sketches, notes and books by the author. Marking the 20th anniversary of the publication of the first book in the world-famous series, the display brings together nearly 100 other historic treasures, including cauldrons and scrolls, with original material provided by Potter publisher Bloomsbury. Artworks by Jim Kay, illustrator of the books, including paintings and sketches of key characters, are also among the exhibits. The four-month show, which took a year to curate, has sold a record 30,000 advance tickets, with an additional 11,000 made available free to school groups, which have a day and a half reserved for them each week for exclusive visits. "Its the biggest, best thing happening in London at the moment," said Jamie Andrews, head of culture at the British Library, as he unveiled the exhibition to the media on Thursday. To tell the history of folklore and magic around the world, the curators set up eight themed viewing rooms based on subjects studied at the books Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, from Alchemy and Astronomy to Defence Against the Dark Arts and Care of Magical Creatures. Among the many dazzling displays is the Ripley Scroll, a six- metre manuscript of symbolic imagery from the 1500s describing how to create the philosophers stone, which in the books is able to give everlasting life. A stunning celestial globe dating from 1693 has been enlivened by a collaboration with Google Arts & Culture with interactive screens offering an augmented reality experience of the stars and constellations. Other highlights include the Battersea Cauldron dating back to 800 BC, which was dredged from the River Thames; a mermaid, reputedly caught in Japan in the nineteenth century; and the first record of the charm "abracadabra", written in ancient Greek. "Our exhibition sets J.K. Rowlings wonderful Harry Potter stories in the wider cultural context," said Julian Harrison, the lead curator, who said he hoped it would appeal beyond the books fans. "It demonstrates that many of the stories that she features relating to cauldrons and broomsticks, unicorns and dragons, they all have historical, mythological precedence," he said. The exhibition also features two rooms showcasing rare Harry Potter material, such as a unique first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone annotated and illustrated by Rowling. Rare international editions from among the nearly 80 different language versions published, including Tibetan, Turkish and Ukrainian, are also on display. Rowling said in a statement the library had done "an incredible job". "Encountering objects for real that have in some shape or form figured in my books has been quite wonderful," she said. AFP Kamal Malhotra* The benefit of gender equality for the economy should be evident. The Mckinsey Global Institute estimates that if women had the same role in labour markets as men, as much as US$28 trillion, or 26 per cent, could be added to the global annual GDP by 2025. This impact is roughly equivalent to the size of the combined US and Chinese economies today. On the other hand, ActionAid UK estimates that gender inequality in the economy costs women in developing countries $9 trillion a year. Viet Nam, during its period of rapid economic development, has made impressive progress, narrowing the gender parity gaps on many fronts, such as health and education. Viet Nams particularly high womens labour force participation places the country ahead of many others, not only in this region, but globally in terms of womens direct contribution to the economy. There are other advantages of benefiting from a large supply of labour since this results in about twice as many people of working age than dependents. Despite these gains, Viet Nam is facing some critical challenges in competing effectively in the increasingly competitive regional and global economy. In this years Global Talent Competitiveness Index, Viet Nam ranked 86 out of 118 countries. The growth of labour productivity in the paid economy has been slow, and the situation is impacting women and men differently. The same index placed Viet Nam 88th in terms of business opportunities for women. There are multiple barriers for women in Viet Nam to enjoy equal access, participation and progress in the labour market. The Labour Code reflects the presumption that only women have responsibility for family and home care. This provides a rationale for excluding women from jobs that are considered unsuitable for them. Furthermore, it encourages the provision of occupational skills training to female employees that is suitable to their physical and physiological characteristic and their motherhood functions. The notion that a particular skill, job or industry is better suited to one sex leads to horizontal segregation of the labour market, often clustering women into the informal sector and lower paying jobs. In addition, women face the challenge of vertical segregation. In general, the chances for women reaching leadership positions and have a voice of influence in current affairs are limited. One of the bottlenecks is the unequal retirement age for women (55) and men (60) provided for in the Labour Code. Because women need to retire earlier than men, while also taking time out from work for child rearing and care of other family members, they are denied an equal chance for career advancement. The ILO study, which reviewed 12,300 job postings in Viet Nam, revealed that one-in-five postings included gender requirements and among the postings with a gender preference, up to 83 per cent of management positions and all director positions required male applicants. Such gender segmentation of the labour market also resulted in the widening gender earning gap in Viet Nam, contrary to the global trend. The gender gap in the average monthly salary of paid workers is equivalent to women working for free for one month every year. As long as institutions and policies are established or shaped based on traditional stereotypical gender roles, they will continue to shape and inhibit labour market opportunities and incentives for women. Because of these underlying issues, economic gains have not translated into greater gender equality. While international integration and free trade may bring opportunities for growth, they can exacerbate disadvantages already faced in Viet Nam. Viet Nams economy is largely built on exporting low value-added products and, therefore, results in a concentration of low-tech and low-skill production that is also labour intensive. In fact, the ILO estimates indicate that 85 per cent of textile, clothing and footwear workers in Viet Nam are at risk of being replaced by automation and robotics. This could have a profound impact on women workers in particular, who across all industries in Viet Nam, are 2.4 times more likely than men to be employed in an occupation at high risk of automation. To achieve robust and resilient economic growth, Viet Nam must attend to the quality of growth by making it more inclusive and sustainable. There is a cost to pay when inequalities in the economy are overlooked or continue to persist for long periods of time. The revision of the Labour Code presents Viet Nam with one crucial opportunity to get its legal framework right and navigate Viet Nam in the direction of sustainable development that benefits all. The United Nations stand ready to provide assistance to pave such a way forward. VNS *Kamal Malhotra is the Co-Chair of the Informal Ambassadors and Heads of Agencies Gender Policy Coordination Group and the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Viet Nam National Assembly Vice Chairman Phung Quoc Hien (R) receives Viengthong Siphandone, the President of Laoss State Audit Organisation in Ha Noi on Thursday. VNA/VNS Photo Van iep HA NOI National Assembly Vice Chairman Phung Quoc Hien hosted a reception in Ha Noi on Thursday for Viengthong Siphandone, the President of Laoss State Audit Organisation. Hien said he is pleased to see the development of a special relationship and comprehensive co-operation between the two countries. He hailed the outcomes of co-operation between the two State audit agencies over the past years, saying these have significantly contributed to the growth of Viet Nam-Laos ties. He proposed that the two State audit agencies foster co-operation in organising the ASEANSAI Congress in Laos in November and the 14th Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institution (ASOSAI) Congress in Viet Nam in September 2018. For her part, Viengthong Siphandone said that she hopes State Audit of Viet Nam (SAV) will continue supporting Laos in fostering the co-ordination of audit agencies in ASEAN countries and within Asia as a whole. She highlighted that the SAVs support to Laos over the past few years has been effective, especially in regards to training personnel. She also expressed hope that the two sides will continue bolstering their comprehensive co-operation, with a focus on expert exchange and personnel training. VNS General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Nguyen Phu Trong on Thursday urged HCM City to be proactive in gaining support and assistance from other sectors to achieve stronger growth. VNA/VNS Photo Tri Dung HA NOI General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Nguyen Phu Trong on Thursday urged HCM City to be proactive in gaining support and assistance from other sectors to achieve stronger growth. He was addressing a special meeting between the Politburo and the HCM City Party Committees Standing Board to review the five-year implementation of the Politburos resolution on orientations and tasks for development of the southern metropolis. HCM City is a special urban area, a major economic, cultural, educational, scientific and technological hub, he noted, a destination of international exchanges and integration, and a driver of the southern key economic region. Holding an important political position, the city has made crucial contributions to the countrys nation-building, renewal and integration efforts, he stressed. Now HCM City should roll out feasible, effective development roadmaps for 2020 and beyond, he added. Trong gave the green light to the city to pilot autonomous projects, as long as they are conducted under the supervision of the Government, especially when it comes to major and sensitive matters. The General Secretary noted that HCM City will have more power in public financial administration, budget management, planning and investment, and personnel. The Politburo will issue its conclusions on implementation of its resolution after this working session, he said. At the meeting, the municipal Party Committees Standing Board reported that in 2011-2015, HCM Citys gross domestic product (GDP) rose 9.6 per cent annually, on average, 1.63 times higher than the countrys average and 1.5 times higher than the target set by the resolution. In 2016, its regional gross domestic product (RGDP) growth rate reached 8.05 per cent, 1.3 times higher than the nations, and its RGDP per head stood at US$5,122, 2.37 times higher than the country average. The city has also made big strides in urban infrastructure planning, management and development, education-training, scientific and technological research and application, culture, health care, social welfare, external affairs, Party building and administrative reform. Expanded external relations and international co-operation have raised the Citys prestige and position at home and abroad. However, several participants pointed out that the Citys economic growth, foreign direct investment attraction and exports were still below expectations. VNS Lao President Bounnhang Vorachith has sent a message of sympathy to Vietnamese President Tran ai Quang over the loss in human lives and property caused by recent floods. VNA/VNS Photo Tuan Anh HA NOI Lao President Bounnhang Vorachith has sent a message of sympathy to Vietnamese President Tran ai Quang over the loss in human lives and property caused by recent floods. General Secretary of El Salvadors Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front Medardo Gonzalez also sent a message of sympathy to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. The casualty toll in the recent floods in the northern and central regions of Viet Nam has increased to 73, while another 30 people remain missing, according to the National Search and Rescue Committee. VNS HA NOI Residents in four central provinces have received Government compensation of more than VN6.1 trillion (US$275.2 million) for the April 2016 mass fish kill in which 70 tonnes of fish died, affecting the livelihoods of 260,000 people, due to pollution by the Taiwanese steel company Formosa. The money accounts for 97.4 per cent of the losses, according to a report from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). The information was released in a conference held on Wednesday in the Governmental Office in Ha Noi. The conference, chaired by Standing Deputy Prime Minister and member of the Politburo Truong Hoa Binh, was the 10th held by the Steering Committee charged with aiding people in the four affected central coastal provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue. At present, three provinces have not completely disbursed the compensation because the residents suffering losses were not present at the localities, or had complaints about their compensation that are still being resolved. The four provinces that suffered the incident proposed to upgrade or build new shelters, ports, wharf, fish markets and roads to the sea and to the manufacturing areas and irrigational works, in order to help seamen stabilise their lives. The provinces also collected money from the Government agencies and distributed it directly to residents. Speaking at the conference, Deputy PM Binh said that the compensation had been basically completely disbursed. The remaining 3 per cent could be sent to the banks to wait until the residents returned to their localities to complete the claims process. The Government has approved the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environments project to set up a system of giving warnings on environmental issues in four central provinces. The ministry checked the maritime environment in the four central provinces, sent results to the peoples committees of the four provinces and informed the public on multiple media channels about the present environmental condition one year after the incident. Deputy PM Binh emphasised that the compensation must be paid in a precise, public and transparent manner so that the money will be distributed to the right people. He asked provinces to fully complete the compensation within next month. The mass fish deaths were first reported on April 6 last year when a large number of fish washed ashore in Ha Tinh Province. The incident also occurred in Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien Hue provinces. Thua Thien Hue alone reported that 35 tonnes of farm-raised fish had died. In June last year, Formosa accepted responsibility for the fish deaths and pledged compensation to local fishermen and to help renew the polluted marine environment. VNS HCM City Around 400 delegates will gather in HCM City for the 21st annual conference of the Asian Science Park Association (ASPA) , which opens today. This is a good chance for science and technology managers to exchange innovation ideas, experiences, update each other on developments and choose the most appropriate model for each country because of the different levels of science and technology, Hirohisa Uchida, chairman of the ASPA, said. Tran Vinh Tuyen, deputy chairman of the HCM City Peoples Committee, said: HCM City pays much attention to bringing science and technology into practice. This is a significant event to promote start-up businesses, and ASPA would be a good place to develop ideas. HCM City is now seeking technology solutions to build a smart city where sustainable socio-economic development can be ensured. The ASPAs annual meeting will discuss five topics: science parks in life sciences and technology development towards a better quality of life; Asian science parks: opportunities for co-operation; venture capital for start-ups in science parks; Internet of Things in science parks: a new smart city model; and usage of renewable energy for sustainable development and environmental protection. There will be 28 presentations by Vietnamese and foreign speakers. There will be 90 foreign participants from countries and territories including Japan, Korea, Iran, Turkey, the US, Russia, Bhutan, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia. On the sidelines of the conference will be other events of the association including the ASPA executive board meeting to review last years activities and set directions for next year; ASPA vice president elections; annual ASPA Awards for ASPA featured members; and the selection of the host for the 22nd ASPA conference in 2018. The conference will close on Saturday. ASPA is an international non-governmental organisation established in Japan in 1997 for the purpose of joint development in Asia in areas such as science and technology, industry and the economy. It has 148 members, including three from Viet Nam: the Sai Gon Hi-Tech Park, a Nang Hi-Tech Park and Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park. HCM City had hosted the 16th ASPA annual conference in 2012. More information is available at https://www.aspa2017-hcmc.vn. VNS HCM CITY More investment in high-tech agriculture is needed to produce high-quality exports with greater added value that can compete globally, speakers said at a conference held on October 19 in HCM City. Duong Hoa Xo, deputy director of the citys Agriculture and Rural Development Department, said the city was applying bio-technology as well as other advanced technologies to restructure its agricultural sector, with the aim of achieving higher productivity and sustainable development. The city has identified high-tech agriculture as a major industry and is striving to become a centre for the development and supply of crop and animal strains in the southern region, he told Viet Nam News. In recent years, ineffective rice cultivation was reduced, while other plants and animals with higher economic efficiency were cultivated and bred, he added. Xo spoke at a conference attended by more than 100 delegates from State agencies and overseas businesses titled Overseas Vietnamese propose ideas to boost high-tech agricultural development in HCM City. Organised by the citys Overseas Vietnamese Committee and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the meeting called for more investment in high-tech agriculture in the city. HCM City has a total of 740 enterprises, 73 cooperatives and 229 cooperative groups operating in agriculture, according to Xo. Some enterprises and cooperatives have begun producing seeds to form closed production chains and have been building safe agricultural brands to meet rising demand. Because high-tech agricultural investment requires a large amount of capital, enterprises play a leading role, not just farmers, he said. Tony Lam, an overseas Vietnamese in the US, who is chairman and CEO of the US Farms Agriculture and High-tech Technologies Ltd Company, noted that the city faced a few obstacles, such as the expense of imported machines manufactured after 2011, which cost up to VN10 billion (US$440,170) each. An agricultural crew needs about 10 such machines, he said, adding that the Government should have policies to help investors. Lam said he was developing a herbal-park project specialising in medicinal mushrooms on an area of 5-10ha. However, the project needs support from the Government and other partners, he added. In Viet Nam, some farmers can earn up to VN15 billion ($660,000) profit per year thanks to high technology used in planting and husbandry. However, this development is not sustainable as the output is not stable, he said. Nguyen Quoc Binh, an overseas Vietnamese living in Canada, and former deputy director of the HCM City Biotechnology Centre, said the city should issue policies to develop high-value agricultural products, especially vegetables, fruits, flowers and ornamental fish. High-quality agricultural production should cater to the city market, and the production process, seeds and traceability of origin should be certified, he said. Post-harvest processing technology has been overlooked, he said, adding that it was necessary to study processing technologies and post-harvest processing support. The city should also help enterprises build factories to process vegetables and fruits, he said. Other overseas Vietnamese delegates at the meeting discussed high-tech agricultural methods in other countries such as Japan, Australia and the Netherlands. VNS The HCM City Agricultural High-tech Park Management Board is calling for investment in the following: High-tech Agricultural Park for aquaculture (89.7ha) in Long Hoa Commune, Can Gio District High-tech Agricultural Park for post-harvesting (23.3ha) in Phuoc Vinh An Commune, Cu Chi District. Expansion of High-tech Horticultural and Agriculture Park (200ha) in Pham Van Coi Commune, Cu Chi District High-tech Agricultural Park for breeding (170.4ha) in Pham Van Hai Commune, Binh Chanh District Nguyen Van Tan, deputy director general of the Office for Population-Family Planning, under the Ministry of Health talks to Zing.vn about urbanisation, maintaining population growth and the dramatic gender imbalance the country will face by 2050. More people live in rural areas than urban areas. What, if anything, should the Government do in order to reverse such a situation? At present, people living in urban areas account for just about 34.4 per cent of the countrys total population. This figure is low compared to that of other countries in the world. To solve this problem, the Party Central Committee (PCC) has recently issued a resolution on the countrys population. The resolution lays a special emphasis on the free movement of people within the country and their ability to access basic social services in places where they live and work. However, under our current system, the household registration policy has become a hurdle for many people seeking to exercise their legitimate rights. I myself strongly reject such a policy as it creates big problems for many people when they want to work in a place far away from their home. I should say, Viet Nam is the only country that still maintains the system of household registration. I still remember a Government official in the field of population who once told me, Immigrants are to be blamed for some of the problems in this locality. I was irritated by what that official said. It is high time for Viet Nam to make a change for the better. Many countries, including China, Japan and South Korea, worked for years to reduce their birth rates to control population size. Now they have aging populations and want a higher birth rate to increase their population size. Do you think Viet Nam will face the same problem? This issue has been emphasised in the PCCs resolution. We dont want to avoid the beaten track of other countries. In 1996, the South Korean government stopped its family planning programme. By that time, the urbanisation rate was very high, and up to 70 per cent of the countrys population lived in urban areas. Facing this serious problem, the government has exerted big efforts to increase the birth rate, but by 2012, the birth rate was just 1.27 children per couple. For Viet Nam, we hope with the issuance of the PCCs resolution, well be able to achieve our goal. In our recent survey, 73 per cent of respondents said they wanted to have two children; 8.3 per cent said they wanted to have only one child; 9.3 per cent said they wanted to have three children and more than 8 per cent said they wanted to have more than three children. The good news is that the survey found that many young and educated couples living in north Viet Nam want to have two or more babies. However, among those living in the south, many young couples just want to have one child. Thats why the population in some southern regions is still declining. A report from the Ministry of Health has highlighted the increasing problem of sex imbalance among new born babies. Would you please elaborate on that? The sex imbalance has only appeared in recent years, but it has increased rapidly. In 2006, the gender ratio among newborn babies was 109 boys for 100 girls. By 2016, the ratio was 113 boys against 100 girls. This gender imbalance has been reported across the country, but is especially severe in Red River Delta provinces. If such a birth ratio rate continues, it is projected that by 2050, there will be a huge discrepancy in the number of men and women of marriage age. As a result, about 4.3 million men will not be able to find partners. VNS HA NOI The Supreme Peoples Procuracy on Friday decided to take legal proceedings against three former jail officers of the T16 detention centre in Ha Nois Thanh Oai District. The former officers will be prosecuted for their irresponsible actions that resulted in the escape of two death row prisoners from prison last month. The ex-officers have been identified as Nguyen uc Kien, Nguyen Van Thang and Nguyen Thai Hoang. They will be prosecuted under Article 301 of the Penal Code, the Nguoi Lao ong (Labourer) newspaper reported. Following the incident, the ministry also suspended another 13 jail officers of the detention centre for negligence that led to the escape of the prisoners. The prisoners, Le Van Tho and Nguyen Van Tinh, were being held in the same cell at the T16 detention centre and were awaiting execution. Both were sentenced to death for involvement in narcotics and other crimes. They were re-arrested by the police five days after their escape. According to the initial investigation, the two prisoners broke their shackles while correctional officers werent looking and tunneled their way out of the cell at midnight on September 10. VNS BRUSSELS German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday led calls for a cut to EU funding linked to Turkeys membership talks, to signal the blocs unhappiness at Ankaras crackdown in the wake of a failed coup. In the latest round of a bitter spat between Berlin and Ankara, the powerful German leader said it was important the EU acted in unity to defend its values, at a summit in Brussels. Turkey, whose application to join the EU is effectively frozen, has alarmed European leaders with its hardline response to a thwarted bid to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last year. More than 50,000 people have been arrested since the coup bid, including several German citizens, drawing strong criticism from Berlin. "Im going to work for EU pre-membership funding, which we are giving, to be reduced," Merkel said, adding that for her it was a "central demand" that the bloc acted together on the issue. "The changes to the rule of law in Turkey are going in our opinion in a bad direction and we have some major concerns -- and not just because a lot of Germans have been arrested." Merkel caused a stir during her recent reelection campaign with a pledge to try to get EU leaders to terminate Turkeys membership bid. Other EU nations have trod more carefully, noting Turkeys vital importance to the bloc both in tackling the migrant crisis and in fighting Islamist militancy. But several voiced criticism of Turkey at Thursdays meeting, with Belgian PM Charles Michel saying Ankaras membership bid was "frozen, on the point of death". Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Turkey was "a long way from membership and will remain so", but the two Low Countries leaders called for "reorientating" funds rather than cutting them. Rutte said the aim would be "that the money moves away from the government to go towards areas such as migration and Turkish charities". EU member states are waiting for a European Commission assessment of funding for Turkey -- most of which already goes to NGOs or projects -- in early 2018. WATERLOO Third-quarter home sales were at a three-year high in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, according to figures compiled by the Northeast Iowa Regional Board of Realtors. The organization reported 422 homes were sold during the three months ending Sept. 30. Sales have steadily risen from a total of 369 in the third quarter of 2014. That represents an increase of 14 percent since then. Over the same period, median sales prices across the Cedar Valley increase 10 percent from $120,000 to $133,000. Were doing good, said executive officer Mary Shileny. The only thing negative I could say is that we dont have enough inventory. Dollars of sales are up, number of sales are up and days on the market are down, Shileny said. Life is good in the Cedar Valley, whether you are buying or selling. Its a great boost to the community. The average sale price of single family homes in Waterloo during the quarter was $119,610. The average sale price in Cedar Falls during the same period was $239,549. The average home in Waterloo is selling in 54 days. In Cedar Falls, homes are selling in an average of 34 days. Shileny noted, Moving into the cold weather season, sellers may want to consider the cost of days on the market when pricing their home to sell. She noted homes listed for an extended time, or relisted several times, may be overpriced for their location and she urged those sellers to consult with a real estate agent. Much demand exists in the $100,000 to $350,000 price range, and especially in the $250,000 to $350,000 price range, Shileny indicated after consultation with other real estate professionals. New home construction can drive sales as people move and sell their former homes. For the quarter, building permits were issued for 24 new homes in Cedar Falls at a total valuation of about $5.4 million, or an average of $225,000 a house. In Waterloo, permits were issued for 15 new homes at a total valuation of $2.5 million or an average of $168,000 a house. CEDAR FALLS Kevin Watje and Mark Watje have announced their pending acquisition of the assets of Wayne Industrial Holdings LLC, parent company to Wayne Engineering and Wayne Sweepers. Kevin Watje has been CEO of Wayne. The father and son team, backed by a group of investors, expects to acquire Wayne as part of a new company named Curbtender Inc. Waynes customers and employees will benefit greatly from this new direction, said Mark Watje, president, in a news release. We expect our brand to only strengthen, as we will build upon the legacy of Wayne. In addition to continuing the Wayne product line, we will be soon announcing new products and services that provide even more value to our customers. Discussions with Waynes work force regarding the transition have been ongoing since early October, and operations are expected to continue as normal through the transition. Representatives from Curbtender and United Auto Workers Local 838 expect the collective bargaining agreement with Wayne Industrial Holdings to be assumed by the new company. The company said it will then have the proud distinction of being the only U.S.-based refuse truck manufacturer represented by the UAW. Wayne Industrial Holdings bought Wayne Engineering in 2006 at bankruptcy court auction. The Wayne name has been used in conjunction with manufacturing refuse trucks for more than 50 years. The Wayne brand most recently is best known for having pioneered the automated side loader market with the introduction of the Curbtender product in the 1970s. The name Curbtender represents the quality and innovation we expect to bring into all of our future products, said Kevin Watje, CEO of Curbtender. As a result of the new companys name, the Curbtender product will be rebranded the PowerPak automated side loading refuse truck. WATERLOO An Evansdale man accused of holding up a Raymond convenience store in July has now been charged with robbing a Waterloo store at gunpoint that same month. Authorities investigating 26-year-old Dennis Jerry Wroe in connection with the Raymond crime and an unrelated home burglary allegedly found clothing and shoes that linked him to the July 9 robbery at the Liquor and Tobacco Outlet. Waterloo police arrested Wroe of 702 Brookside Ave. on Wednesday for one count of first-degree robbery in the Waterloo crime. Waterloo liquor store robbery under investigation WATERLOO Police are investigating a holdup at a Waterloo business over the weekend. Witnesses said a masked man with a gun entered the business at 2844 University Ave. at about 1 a.m. and demanded money. When the clerk opened the register, the suspect reached for the cash and fled. Then on July 21, a man with a handgun threatened the clerk at New Star, 101 Commercial St. in Raymond, and took more than $1,000 worth of cash and $50 worth of cigarettes. Armed robbery reported in Raymond RAYMOND Authorities are investigating a robbery at a Raymond convenience store. In August, a resident arrived at his Lafayette Street home to see a person walking out of the house with an armload of items. Wroe, who was a friend of the residents relative, was identified as the suspect, court record state, and authorities searched his home at home. Wroe was detained on burglary charge and later that month was arrested for second-degree robbery and second-degree theft in the Raymond holdup. CEDAR FALLS St. John Lutheran Church is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a month-long celebration of events culminating in a service of worship and music at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 29, followed by a luncheon at the church. Guest preacher for the Oct. 29 celebration will be the Rev. Dr. Norma Cook Everist. Everist is a senior distinguished professor of church and ministry at Wartburg Theology Seminary, where she has served for more than 35 years. She is the first tenured female professor in a seminary of the American Lutheran Church and previously taught at Yale Divinity School. Pastor Mark Anderson, assistant to the bishop of the Northeastern Iowa Synod, and other community leaders will join St. John pastor David Kebschull in the celebration. St. John Lutheran has served the people of Cedar Falls since 1867, started by a cobbler, G. Boehlmer. In the same year, a simple frame structure was built at the corner of Tremont and West Eighth streets. The church grew steadily, and a second church was built in 1913 before a third building was constructed on its current location at Eighth and College streets. Engaged A preschool was added in 1976, and more recently a childcare program. Part of St. Johns history also has been in supporting the Lutheran Student Center, next to the University of Northern Iowa, and that partnership continues today. As part of the anniversary celebration, this years St. John Cares project is to create 150 flood buckets to be donated to the local Northeastern Iowa Synod Disaster Response Network. President Trump says many things that are wildly exaggerated or flat-out false, but he told one of his biggest whoppers at a recent White House press conference. Just so you understand, he boasted to reporters, the Republican Party is very, very unified. In truth, the Republican Party is very, very fragmented, pulled apart by competing factions defined largely by their relations to Trump, whose outsized ego and undersized competence eclipse the political sun and darken all debate. This festering fratricide could jeopardize the GOPs congressional majorities in elections next year. Even if Republicans maintain control, their ability to run the government could be even more weakened than it already it is. And thats saying a lot, since party leaders have produced exactly one notable achievement this year: Neil Gorsuchs elevation to the Supreme Court. On one side are the True Trumpians, led by Steve Bannon, the presidents former consigliere, who recently told Sean Hannity on Fox News he is declaring war on the Republican Establishment. He has vowed to oust Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and support primary challengers against any GOP senator who does not swear allegiance to Trumps brand of economic nationalism as defined by Bannon, of course. Nobodys safe; were coming after all of them, and were going to win, he crowed. The other side of this civil war is more splintered and less bellicose, but just as motivated. Recruits range from Never Trumpians like Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who refused to vote for the nominee of his own party, to Former Trumpians like Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker, who have grown increasingly alarmed by the presidents impulsive and reckless behavior. In a stunning interview with The New York Times, Corker said Trumps volatility risks putting the country on a path to World War Three. Asked whether other Republicans shared his fears Corker said, Oh, yeah. Are you kidding me? Oh, yeah. ... The vast majority of our caucus understands what were dealing with here. Since Corker is not running again, hes freed from political considerations, but the vast majority of Republican lawmakers fear a primary challenge from Bannons jihadists. That means they wont join the public denunciation of Trump, no matter what they feel in private. And they all share with Trump a common need: writing a record of accomplishment they can take to the voters. But the voices of dissent within the GOP are still startling. Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona, a prime Bannon target, wrote a book excoriating fellow Republicans for not standing up to Trump. Rather than defending the enduring principles that were consonant with everything that we knew and had believed in, we pretended the emperor wasnt naked, Flake writes. Even worse: We checked our critical faculties at the door and pretended that the emperor was making sense. Sen. John McCain was clearly referring to the president when he denounced as unpatriotic those who follow some half-baked, spurious nationalism cooked up by people who would rather find scapegoats than solve problems. Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska accused Trump of violating his oath to uphold the Constitution by threatening to punish media outlets that cover him critically. No president should play with censoring news they dislike, he tweeted. These are the voices of reason Bannon wants to purge from the party, an approach that deeply alarms Republican leaders like McConnell. In at least four states, he notes, Republicans lost Senate seats in recent years because they nominated hardline conservatives who were not able to appeal to a broader electorate in the general election. The lesson is clear, says McConnell: You have to nominate people who can actually win, because winners make policy and losers go home. Yet Trump waffles, praising Bannon as a friend of mine for a long time while hinting he may try to talk him out of his suicidal crusade. The president does not seem to grasp the essential truth McConnell is preaching: that elections matter. If Republicans lose control of Congress, Trumps agenda and judicial nominations are doomed. And if Democrats capture Congressional committees, endless investigations and possible impeachment proceedings will dominate the rest of Trumps tenure. If Bannons insurgents actually win, the consequences could be equally damaging for Trump. More bomb-throwers in Republican ranks is the last thing he needs. Trump fueled the civil war in the Republican Party, and as a campaign tactic, it worked well. But governing requires compromise, not chaos; negotiation, not napalm. And the firestorm he deliberately ignited could wind up consuming him. Advertisement By The Associated Press Oct. 18, 2017 | WASHINGTON, DC By The Associated Press Oct. 18, 2017 | 06:49 PM | WASHINGTON, DC President Donald Trump's former campaign manager has met with the Senate intelligence panel amid its probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Corey Lewandowski spoke to staff on the panel Wednesday, according to a source familiar with the meeting. The source declined to be identified because the interview was behind closed doors. Lewandowski left his post as campaign manager after he was accused of roughing up a reporter. Since then, he has remained close to Trump. The panel is investigating the Russian meddling and whether there are any links to Trump's campaign. Lewandowski was ousted in June 2016, shortly after several other campaign officials held a meeting with Russians. The meeting was first reported by CNN. By The Associated Press Oct. 17, 2017 | 03:01 PM | FRANKFORT, KY Kentucky's Republican leaders say they have agreed on how to change the state's struggling public pension system. Gov. Matt Bevin, state House Speaker Jeff Hoover and Senate President Robert Stivers will announce the plan Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the state Capitol. All are Republicans. The state Legislature is not scheduled to reconvene until Jan. 2. But Bevin has vowed to call lawmakers back to Frankfort for a special legislative session to take up the pension bill. Kentucky's pension system is among the worst funded in the country. The state is at least $33 billion short of the money that will be required to pay retirement benefits over the next 30 years. 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2017 | By Benedict A 3D printed robotic device developed at the UK's Imperial College London allows scientists to monitor many insects at once. The Raspberry Pi-powered device allows neuroscientists to closely examine fruit flies, which are surprisingly similar to humans in many ways. Our day-to-day experiences with fruit flies are often quite negative. Leave your bananas in the bowl a few days too long and your kitchen can become overrun with the pesky flies, leading you to chuck your fruit away and get rid of the flying pests in the process. Is this something you should be doing though? According to neuroscientists at Imperial College in the UK, fruit flies are surprisingly usefulif you can get a hold of them. Thats because the genetic and behavioral properties of fruit flies have similarities withwould you believe ithumans. So before you swat away your next horde of fruit fly invaders, remember that these pesky flies are just like you: they exhibit signs of anxiety, stress, and disease, all of which makes them valuable test specimens for scientific study. The problem is getting the right equipment for analyzing these flies. This equipment can be expensive, and is generally only capable of processing a few creatures at a time. Imperial College researchers are changing that, by developing a 3D printed piece of equipment for quickly studying large numbers of flies. The 3D printed ethoscope combines a small Raspberry Pi computer with a camera, which allows users in the field of neuroscience (and other disciplines) to record and classify fly behavior simultaneously. This makes studying fly behavior a great deal easier. Other ways to examine the creatures include watching lengthy video footagea process that can take a very long time. With the ethoscope, however, the machine records all the behavior automatically, leaving users with a stockpile of useful information at the end. Impressively, the 3D printed machine can even manipulate the behavior of a flyto wake it up after a given period of sleep, for example. The machines ability to know whether a fly is sleeping and for how long it has been sleeping is also useful for carrying out controlled experiments on subjects like sleep deprivation. But Imperials 3D printed ethoscope can be used for a whole range of studies beyond sleep deprivation. We can programme the machine to send stimuli to the flies only when they behave in a certain way, explains PhD student Quentin Geissmann of Imperials Department of Life Sciences. For example, the robots can be programmed to give flies rewards only if they complete a learned task. Thats right: these fruit flies are so smart, they can be trained like dogs to perform certain tasks. Bet you feel guilty about cleaning up your fruit bowl now. It may appear surprising, but fruit flies are smart animals and they can do pretty much everything humans do, Geissmann says. Flies know how to look for food, shelter, and mating partners; they learn to avoid predators and aggressive mates; they communicate, court, and engage in social lives. While the Imperial College researchers ethoscope is 3D printed (on an Ultimaker 2), the scientists say the device could equally well be made from folded paper/card or even LEGO bricks, just as long as the Raspberry Pi and Arduino board are hooked up correctly. Having worked on the ethoscope for around seven years, the researchers say they are pleased that Imperial has allowed them to carry out their work in such a productive way. The interdisciplinary environment found at Imperial was really instrumental for this type of work, explains Dr Giorgio Gilestro, head of the lab. There are not many places in the world where biologists and engineers can influence each other's work in such a powerful and productive manner. The research paper, Ethoscopes: An open platform for high-throughput ethomics, has been published in PLOS Biology. Its other authors beside Geissmann and Gilestro were Luis Garcia Rodriguez, Esteban J. Beckwith, Alice S. French, and Arian R. Jamasb. Feel like taking a close look at some fruit flies yourself? Materials for the fully open source ethoscope, including 3D printable files, can be downloaded here. Posted in 3D Printing Application Maybe you also like: Oct 20, 2017 | By Tess A joint team from Purdue Universitys Composites Manufacturing and Simulation Center, Thermwood Corporation, Applied Composite Engineering (ACE), and Techmer PM demonstrated how it produced a composite helicopter part using a mold that was 3D printed out of polysulfone (PSU). Helicopter part made from the 3D printed PSU mold According to the parties involved in the project, this may have been the first time ever that PSUa carbon fiber reinforced polymerhas been successfully 3D printed. The helicopter mold was 3D printed using Thermwoods Large Scale Additive Manufacturing (LSAM) system. Each company and team played a role in the helicopter parts production: Techmer PM, a manufacturer of high-performance custom compounds, supplied the PSU material; Thermood Corporation supplied its LSAM technology; and ACE, a composites expert with a focus on the aerospace industry, used the 3D printed mold to create the final helicopter part. Thermwood's LSAM system To compare the 3D printing method to traditional manufacturing, the part mold (for an oil drip pan for a Chinook Helicopter) was also manufactured using ACEs standard manufacturing equipment. The results between the two manufacturing processes are pretty staggering. According to the joint team, the material for the 3D printed mold cost 34 per cent less than the standard manufactured mold and was produced 69 per cent faster in terms of labor hoursthe 3D printed mold took only three days to manufacture, while the conventional tool required eight. 3D printing of the PSU mold using LSAM system The team was able to use PSU for the mold largely thanks to the LSAMs powerful extrusion system, which could handle the high temperatures and torque levels required for processing PSU. The LSAM system, developed by machining specialist Thermwood, is a two-step additive manufacturing process which consists of first 3D printing a rough model of the part, and then using a CNC mill to machine the part down to its exact dimensions. The large-scale 3D printer used to manufacture the helicopter part mold had a build volume of 10 x 20 feet. 3D printed PSU mold The Thermwood blog describes the process of making the helicopter part further: The part, an oil drip pan for a Chinook Helicopter, was molded in an autoclave at 275oF and 90 PSI. The printed mold held vacuum without the need for special coatings other than normal mold prep and release. With a Tg (glass transition temperature) of 372oF the participants believe that this particular PSU formulation may be able to process parts at up to 350oF which is adequate for about 95 per cent of composite parts processed today. Additional tests will be performed to determine the suitability and durability of this material at this temperature. The 3D printed PSU mold was recently on display at the AM2017 Additive Manufacturing Conference held in Knoxville, Tennessee. The collaborative team says it next plans to investigate the use of Polyethersulfone (PES) with 3D printing. Posted in 3D Printing Application Maybe you also like: Oct 20, 2017 | By Benedict The Smart and Sustainable Automation Research Laboratory of Chinedum Okwudire, an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan, has developed a software algorithm called FBS Vibration Compensation that effectively doubles 3D printing speeds. Consumer 3D printing has done something that few people would have thought possible a few decades ago: brought small-scale, computer-driven manufacturing to the home and officeand for the price of a new television. But despite the wealth of desktop 3D printing options out therewithin the FDM category and beyondconsumer-level 3D printing does have its limitations. Speed is undoubtedly one of those limitations. Although desktop FDM 3D printers can print faster today than they could a few years back, there are still some fundamental characteristics of compact, tabletop 3D printers that put limitations on their speed. Interestingly, its not just things like motor speed that keep desktop 3D printers lagging behind their industrial counterparts. Because while some desktop-standard hardware can theoretically operate at very high speeds, hard-to-control factors like vibration make those speeds impossible to implement in practice. This is because consumer-grade 3D printers are made with lightweight componentssomething that works to their advantage in some regards, like portability and cost, but which means they arent well equipped to resist motion-induced vibration. That means that overdoing 3D printing speeds can lead to errors caused by vibration around the print head. Chinedum Okwudires lab at the University of Michigan is trying to combat this very problemby developing a software compensation technique that anticipates and mitigates vibration before that vibration ever occurs, effectively blocking the problem at its source. The FBS algorithm reduces surface waviness The technique is known as filtered B-splines (FBS) Vibration Compensation, and uses a priori knowledge of a 3D printers dynamics to mitigate vibration problems. This allows the machine to print faster without inducing errors, like surface waviness or ringing. Software compensation is not a new technique, but the challenge is how to employ it in a way thats effective, robust, and versatile, Okwudire explains. And with the FBS algorithm working effectively in experiments, Okwudire and his team think this could be a highly cost-effective means of squeezing that extra bit of juice from a low-cost desktop 3D printer. The great thing about using software compensation is that it is, in a sense, free, Okwudire says, contrasting the clever technique with other options like investing in higher-grade physical components. One test conducted by the lab involved 3D printing a model of the Capitol Building, with and without the FBS algorithm. 3D printed Capitol Building without (above) and with (below) FBS algorithm First, the model was printed without FBS using conservative acceleration levels and at 60 mm/s speeda simulation of how one might avoid vibration problems without having access to a vibration-mitigating algorithm. This meant that a printing time of 3 hours and 59 minutes was needed. Next, the researchers attempted to print the model, still at 60 mm/s but with 10 times higher acceleration levels. They carried out this print both with and without the FBS algorithm, which required 2 hours and 6 minutes for each. While the FBS-assisted print turned out perfectly, the unsupported print failed with comically extreme layer shifting. The researchers even found they could push the acceleration to 20x without compromising print quality. But while early testing shows a lot of promise for the FBS technique, the University of Michigan researchers want to fully get their heads around how vibration compensation works. Doing so, they say, will allow them to mitigate motion-induced vibration even further, ultimately helping them to further increase 3D printing speeds. In their investigation into FBS, Okwudires lab will be joined by Mechanical Engineering Professor Emeritus Galip Ulsoy, also of the University of Michigan. Were going deep into the math and fundamentals to better understand FBS and how to apply it even more effectively, says Okwudire, who believes that this refinement will help the group better accommodate uncertainty in 3D printer vibration. Excitingly, this potentially game-changing research is already being prepared for life outside of university. Okwudire is planning talks with desktop 3D printer manufacturers who may be interested in using the FBS method to improve the speed, accuracy, and reliability of their machines. He is currently working to introduce the FBS algorithm into firmware, like Marlin and Repetier, used on desktop 3D printers. The Associate Professor also has a wider vision for the future of desktop 3D printers, machines that he says can have a lot of educational and commercial uses. He envisages a future in which consumer-level 3D printers utilize artificial intelligence and generate and gather big data for performance enhancement. The aim would be for every 3D printer to learn from the experiences of other printers in order to improve itself. Such intelligent 3D printers could also be designed to be more flexible and user-friendly, by equipping them with apps like smartphones. These apps would be designed by everyday users as well as the companies producing the machines, and it is this kind of user involvement that Okwudire thinks is so exciting about desktop 3D printing. What most appeals to me about desktop 3D printing is that its a grass-roots and, no pun intended, bottom-up technology, he says. So many ideas come from the broad base of enthusiastic users, which creates an incredible opportunity: to make 3D printers as versatile and easy to use as todays smartphones. Okwudires has been frequently recognized for his contributions to research. His awards include the Young Investigator Award from the International Symposium on Flexible Automation, the Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the Ralph Teetor Educational Award from SAE International, a University of Michigan Mechanical Engineering Department Achievement Award, and the MLK Spirit Award. Posted in 3D Printing Technology Maybe you also like: Manuel Rojas wrote at 1/31/2018 3:55:39 PM:Where I can found a down load of this software, I would like to improve my cheap 3D printer. Thanks Pumped Storage Hydro Update - Feasibility Optimisation Sydney, Oct 20, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Genex Power Limited ( ASX:GNX ) (Genex or Company) is pleased to provide an update in relation to the 250MW Kidston Stage 2 Pumped Storage Hydro (K2-Hydro) project at Kidston, North Queensland. The K2-Hydro project is part of the overall Kidston Stage 2 (K2) project, which includes a co-located 270MW solar PV project (K2-Solar). HIGHLIGHTS - Completion of optimisation study for K2-Hydro project - Optimised for 8 hours of continuous generation capability at 250MW for over 2,000MWh of energy storage (+25%) - Adoption of variable speed turbines for significant operational and ancillary market benefits - Construction timeframe reduced by up to 6 months - Clear pathway to Financial Close in 2018 Genex completed a technical feasibility study for the K2-Hydro project in November 2016 (TFS) which was managed by specialist power and water consulting firm, Entura, in conjunction with project partner, HydroChina. The TFS concluded that the K2-Hydro project was technically feasible, and that all the key risks identified would be appropriately addressed through detailed design augmentation and optimisation. Genex has recently been working with Mott MacDonald, a global engineering firm which has specialist skills in hydropower including pumped storage hydro projects, on the optimisation of the K2-Hydro project design (TFS Optimisation). The optimisation process focused on taking into account recent shifts in the energy market dynamics as well as feedback from potential energy offtake parties. TFS Optimisation Design Changes Following a detailed review of the studies undertaken to date, it was concluded that an augmented design utilising the two existing mine pits as the upper (Wises pit) and lower (Eldridge pit) reservoirs, was the optimal choice for 250MW of installed capacity, in place of the Turkey's Nest design under the TFS. The rationale for the deletion of the Turkey's Nest design was as follows: - The Turkey's Nest design proposed as part of the TFS was premised upon a larger storage requirement, given the initial preferred project configuration of 450MW for 5 hours; - Given the optimised design of 250MW, the Wises pit can now be utilised as the upper reservoir for lower capital cost; and - With minor excavation and dam works, the TFS Optimisation design provides for a channel connecting the modified Wises pit to the existing proposed location for the underground power station cavern, which was subject to detailed drilling and geotechnical studies as part of the original TFS. Diagrams summarising the new proposed site layout under the TFS Optimisation are set out in the figures in the link below. Further images from the TFS Optimisation report are set out in Annexure A (see link below). In addition to the deletion of the Turkey's Nest design, the TFS Optimisation determined several other key changes to the original TFS design as follows: - Increased upper reservoir volume from 6 hours to over 8 hours of continuous generation; - Proposed adoption of variable speed pump-generator turbines which provide significant operational flexibility, including: o Fast generation ramping via speed adjustment; o The ability to better match the hydro pumping profile to generation from the co-located K2-Solar project; o Better pumping efficiency across the head range; and o Overall suitability in the ancillary service market with increased operation flexibility; - Reduced excavation and civil works requirements; and - Construction estimated to take less than 3 years. A summary of the key outputs of the TFS Optimisation is set out in the table (see link below). The TFS Optimisation concluded that the K2-Hydro project was feasible based on a capital cost estimate of approximately $330 million (including contingency). Following completion of the TFS Optimisation, Genex is now focused on confirming the final capital cost estimates for the K2-Hydro project via an early contractor involvement (ECI) process. This process will involve the appointment of a preferred EPC contractor, who will work with Genex and its advisers to complete the final design optimisation and the full EPC and O&M contracting process for the K2-Hydro project. Genex will provide further updates on the ECI selection process in due course. Project Financing and Energy Partner Update The K2-Hydro scheme was optimised based on an assessment of future energy market price forecasts, capacity requirements and direct engagement with potential energy partners. It is clear that the National Electricity Market is undergoing a rapid shift from a traditional baseload dominant market to a new dynamic where dispatchability and storage of renewable energy will underpin future generation. In such a system, the role of large-scale economic energy storage becomes increasingly relevant. The updated design will enable energy off-takers to take full advantage of the flexibility offered by the integrated project and, in doing so, allow Genex to extract maximum value from the offtake arrangements. Based on positive engagement with energy offtake and project finance parties to date, including the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (refer to ASX Announcement dated 12 July 2017), Genex believes it has a clear pathway to Financial Close in 2018. Genex Power Managing Director Michael Addison said: "We are pleased to provide an update on the K2-Hydro optimisation, which is the culmination of months of work alongside our advisers. The optimisation study outcomes have been developed in response to direct feedback from potential energy partners amid the ongoing backdrop of the national debate on Energy Policy, and the importance of ensuring dispatchability of renewable energy via energy storage. The Kidston renewable energy hub is currently the most advanced, lowest cost, large-scale energy storage project in the country. Energy storage is likely to play a critical role in future energy development and Genex is well placed to benefit from these dynamics. We look forward to providing further updates to the market as we advance the K2 project toward financial close, targeted in 2018." The Federal Government, through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency has continued to support the K2-Hydro project through the TFS and TFS Optimisation programs. To date, Genex has drawn down a total of approximately $2.85 million of its $4.0 million ARENA funding facility in relation to the project. About ARENA ARENA was established by the Australian Government to make renewable energy technologies more affordable and increase the supply of renewable energy in Australia. Through the provision of funding coupled with deep commercial and technical expertise, ARENA provides the support needed to accelerate the development of promising new solutions towards commercialisation. ARENA invests in renewable energy projects across the innovation chain and is committed to sharing knowledge and lessons learned from its portfolio of projects and information about renewable energy. ARENA always looks for at least matched funding from the projects it supports and to date has committed $1.1 billion in funding to more than 270 projects. For more information, visit www.arena.gov.au. To view tables and figures, please visit: http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/V4T498T6 About Genex Power Ltd Genex Power Limited (ASX:GNX) is focused on developing a portfolio of renewable energy generation and storage projects across Australia. The Company's flagship Kidston Clean Energy Hub, located in north Queensland, will integrate large-scale solar generation with pumped storage hydro. The Kidston Clean Energy Hub is comprised of the operating 50MW stage 1 Solar Project (KS1) and the 250MW Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project (K2-Hydro) with potential for further multi-stage wind and solar projects. The 50MW Jemalong Solar Project (JSP) is located in NSW and provides geographical diversification to the Genex Power Limited portfolio. JSP was energised in early December 2020 and commissioning is now underway. Genex is further developing its energy storage portfolio via the early stage development of a 50MW/75MWh standalone battery energy storage system at Bouldercombe in Queensland. With over 400MW of renewable energy and storage projects in development, Genex is well placed as Australia's leading renewable energy and storage company. The Congolese government spokesperson is sojourning in Brussels despite the ban to land or transit through any member-state of the EU bloc. Lambert Mende who officiates as cabinet minister of communication and media is part of a group of Congolese senior officials targeted by EU sanctions including a travel ban stopping them from entering or transiting the bloc. The EU sanctions announced in May also freeze their assets. The shortlist of nine state officials is accused of cracking down media and obstructing a consensual and peaceful decision for presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Mende who confirmed to Jeune Afrique that he is currently in the Belgian capital has been granted special derogation on humanitarian ground. Belgian authorities have also confirmed that Mende has been allowed in on humanitarian ground. He has been granted a short stay visa and his sojourn put under surveillance. He in August following the announcement of the sanctions indicated his mother was terribly seek in Belgium and that his only regret is not being able to go to see her. Aiken, SC (29801) Today Cloudy. High 59F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Cloudy with light rain this evening. Low 44F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. October 20, 2017 WASHINGTON Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will travel to Riyadh today to attend the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-Iraq Coordination Council. The initiative to expand ties between Iraq and Saudi Arabia is part of a larger effort by the United States to try to foster Iraqs independence from and resistance to overbearing Iranian influence. Top Donald Trump administration officials say they see countering excessive Iranian influence in Iraq as an essential component of a strategy to shore up a strong Iraq and prevent a potentially destabilizing sectarian breakdown, which could provide fertile ground for the return of the Islamic State (IS) or its successor group. Trumps national security adviser Gen. H.R. McMaster explained the US vision for Iraq on Oct. 19. In Iraq, it is easy to say, and maybe harder to do, McMaster said at a conference hosted by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. What we would like to see in Iraq is a stable Iraq that is not aligned with Iran. What we would like to do is to continue to assist the Iraqis to destroy [IS], and to not permit another group like [IS] to come back, McMaster said. Iran is trying to keep Iraq weak so that it can exercise more control over it, McMaster said, describing it as the Hezbollah model. The United States has a strong interest in a strong Iraq, McMaster said. Others who are operating within Iraq, who are subverting Iraq, Iran in particular, are attempting to keep Iraq perpetually weak and are applying to Iraq what you might call a Hezbollah model. Where you have a weak government, a government that is deliberately weakened and reliant on Iran for support, while Iran grows militias and illegal armed groups that lie outside of that governments control that can be turned against that government if that government takes action against Iranian interests. This is a model that you see, sadly, in the beautiful country of Lebanon, McMaster said. It is a model I think you see in Syria, where about 80% of those that are fighting on behalf of the brutal, murderous [Bashar al-] Assad regime are Iranian proxies. It is a model you see attempted to be applied in Iraq. Bolstering Iraqs ties with Irans chief regional rival Saudi Arabia is one way Washington and Western allies are trying to balance out Irans sway and encourage Iraqs independence. Those nascent ties have been visible in a series of meetings, visits and actions the past few months. Those include a series of visits of Iraqi Shiite politicians, including firebrand cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, to Saudi Arabia, and of Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir to Baghdad; the visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this past June; the announcement in August of plans to reopen the Saudi-Iraq border crossing near Arar for the first time since 1990; and the first Saudi commercial flight from Riyadh to Baghdad in 27 years, which landed Oct. 18. First commercial flight from #Riyadh to #Baghdad in 27 years as ties between #Iraq and #KSA continue to strengthen, Brett McGurk, the US presidential special envoy to the coalition to counter IS, wrote on Twitter Oct. 19, linking to the post of Saudi budget carrier Flynas landing in Baghdad. The initiative to foster Saudi-Iraqi ties was developed by McGurk and implemented by him and former Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Stuart Jones over the past 18 months, with a number of quiet meetings in both capitals and then the development of a road map for a breakthrough in ties, a diplomatic source, speaking not for attribution, told Al-Monitor. The key step delivered by Tillerson during his first weeks in office was Jubeir going to Baghdad last February, the source said. It was the breakthrough that then led to Abadi visiting Jeddah, the reopening of the border, direct flights and the inauguration of a joint commission tomorrow. McGurk visited areas of northern Syria liberated from IS with Saudi Gulf Affairs Minister Thamer al-Sabhan this week, to discuss reconstruction. In a briefing this summer, McGurk described the uptick in Saudi-Iraqi official contacts as going gangbusters. In Saudi Arabia, some significant developments [are] going on there, including a really historic rapprochement with Iraq, McGurk said in a briefing with Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis Aug. 21. And we're very encouraged, of course, by this development. On Oct. 19, Abadi said he had received a call from Saudi King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, who extended an invitation to attend first bilateral coordination meeting next week. We have seen an increasingly good relationship between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Thursday. We have seen various governments in the region talk about wanting to participate in reconstruction of some of these countries, Iraq and Syria, Nauert said. We would absolutely support that and would certainly welcome some of those countries taking part in that. So I guess I would go back to saying there are other angles that we can certainly be a part of working when it comes to trying to balance out Iran. A diplomatic strategy to try to counter a potentially destabilizing Iranian behavior in the region would include working to reassimilate Iraq into the Arab world, and there has been some progress on that with Saudi Arabia, a European diplomat, speaking not for attribution, said Oct. 20. But there is some nuance to the US position. The uptick in Iraqi-Saudi contacts comes as the United States and Iran once again found themselves aligned with the same side in Kirkuk, backing the Iraqi central governments actions to retake the disputed city from Kurdish control. Both Washington and Tehran opposed the Kurdish Regional Governments independence referendum last month and have insisted that Iraq must remain an integrated state. What you have in Iraq is a greater level of complexity now associated with the Kurdish referendum, McMaster said. We have to work to mediate this conflict in a way that allows our Kurdish friends to enjoy the safety, security and prosperity they built over so many years and not regress from that, but then which also keeps Iraq on a path to strengthening, and not be aligned with Iran. October 19, 2017 According to Iranian opposition websites, security forces prevented former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, a Reformist, from leaving his house to attend an unspecified ceremony Oct. 18. Saham News, which is affiliated with Mehdi Karroubi, a Green Movement leader who is currently under house arrest, wrote that three cars belonging to security forces had parked outside Khatamis home and prevented him from leaving. Though details about the ceremony that Khatami was to attend are unknown, news reports state that Khatami had intended to meet with political figures. Security forces instructed Khatami and his security detail that they would not be permitted to leave the house. Afterward, security forces remained outside Khatami's house. According to Saham News, the situation was eerily similar to when Green Movement leaders Karroubi, Mir Hossein Mousavi and Zahra Rahnavard were put under house arrest. The three leaders had questioned the outcome of the 2009 presidential election and called for street protests. They have been under house arrest for over six years without trial. Khatami remained a supporter of the Green Movement leaders, and hard-line media outlets would often refer to him, along with Karroubi and Mousavi, as leaders of the sedition, which is the term they use for the 2009 postelection protests. According to later reports, security forces eventually left the vicinity of Khatamis house, which suggests the ban was temporary and event-specific. Kaleme website said this was not the first time Khatami had been physically barred from leaving his house. Earlier in October it was reported, and later confirmed by Khatamis lawyer, that the judiciary had banned the former president from attending public events, whether political or cultural, for three months. While Khatami is restricted from attending various political events, he is still permitted to go to his office and host guests. Khatami issued his latest political statement under such conditions. During an Oct. 14 meeting with members of the Reformist student group, the Islamic Association of Students, Khatami responded to US President Donald Trumps Oct. 13 anti-Iran speech. I am really sorry that there is someone of this character at the head of the strongest and most powerful country in the world, with those manners and positions, and [who] issues false statements to people and lies, Khatami said of Trump. "I feel bad for the people of America and feel that at the very least the elite and leaders of the country are not happy about him." Khatami added, Americas enmity with the nation and people of Iran is not a new issue. He continued that Trump did not present anything new in his speech other than referring to the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf. Khatami attributed Trumps renaming of the Persian Gulf to his entrepreneurial spirit and appealing to rich countries, meaning Arab countries in the Persian Gulf, particularly Irans rivals Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Khatami said, In Iran, there may be differences of views, but, in protecting the dignity of Iran, the principle of the revolution, and national interests, and opposing foreign threats, there are no differences. October 20, 2017 TEHRAN, Iran Economic growth is generally generated by four sources: increasing private consumption, expanding private investment, higher government consumption and investment, and more exports. At present, when it comes to the first three, there is no potential for picked up economic output in Iran. Although efforts have been made to increase private investment, the data still show that Iran is faced with an outflow of capital. Hence, the only option for the Iranian government to pursue sustainable economic growth is to elevate exports. In this vein, economists believe that if exports rise, production will also follow suit. This, in turn, will boost employment, which has long been a key challenge for successive Iranian administrations. Mindful of the above, it should be borne in mind that the products any country usually makes are for two purposes: first for domestic consumption and second for exports. Various figures show that domestic consumption is not likely to experience an uptick due to lower disposable incomes of ordinary Iranians. Consequently, in such circumstances, the country should proceed toward exports and, in particular, non-oil exports, namely goods and services. As stated, there are two fundamental reasons why President Hassan Rouhanis economic team should raise exports to tackle rising unemployment in the country. Having said that, Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA) reports show that the country's trade balance surplus, which stood at about $246 million in the previous Iranian calendar year ending March 20, alarmingly reversed its course in the two consecutive quarters in the current Iranian year starting March 21. This year, imports have increased dramatically while non-oil exports have been dropping. The high volume of oil and gas, petrochemicals and minerals, and the existence of only one main agricultural export commodity (pistachio) is a revealing testimony of the continuation of the production policy of low value-added and crude exports in Iranian industry. It is worth noting that the value of each ton of exported goods in the previous Iranian year was just about $339 per ton on average. Whereas this was $1,308 per ton for imported goods in the same corresponding period, a bit less than fourfold of the exports value. While there are a vast number of countries with diverse needs and preferences, Irans exports are worryingly confined to just a handful of them majorly, China, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Turkey and Korea. These trade partners purchase about 81% of Iran's total commodity exports. This trend is indicative of the vulnerability of the nations exports to a limited number of countries, since possible diplomatic standoffs with any of these countries can enormously jeopardize Irans exports to them. Also, the composition of non-oil export items should be defined in a manner that it precludes gas condensate and petrochemicals that generally have an oil base. Relying on figures taking into account these two types of goods cannot provide a clear notion of foreign trade. According to the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, a significant portion of Iran's non-oil exports is products such as petrochemicals, bitumen, gas condensate and the like. But what is called non-oil exports is not indeed categorized as such. While IRICA has placed natural gas and condensates in the non-oil trade list, they are all part of oil exports in the World Trade Organizations (WTO) definition of oil and gas products. Interestingly, there are differences in the actual number of statistics. For example, the statistical data of WTO, IRICA and the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) point to differing figures regarding non-oil exports of the country in 2015-16. This is due to different interpretations of the term oil and non-oil export segmentation. For instance, if the WTOs definition is applied, then $7 billion in fuel exports would be eliminated from non-oil exports outright and consequently the 2015-16 trade balance would turn negative. As such, the positive trade balance is not only not compatible with the definitions of international organizations, but these statistics also differ significantly between the two domestic governmental agencies (IRICA and CBI). Having said that, according to Mohammad Lahouti, the president of the Export Confederation of Iran, the country has failed to materialize its non-oil export goals. A look at the country's statistics shows that [exports] have been registering a weaker performance than expected in order to achieve defined targets, he said in an interview with the leading economic weekly Tejarat-e- Farda on Oct. 19, 2016. In Lahoutis telling, while the annual growth rate of non-oil exports had long averaged 20%, this figure was only about 5% under Rouhanis first administration (2013-17). Additionally, the government is currently aiming to fill the vacuum of exports decline by reducing imports in a move to keep in check the negative trade balance, albeit with abnormal practices. It is notable that IRICA has recently issued an order to reduce imports and restrict importation of certain items, including cars, to make up for the negative trade balance in the current Iranian year. Primarily hurting Iranian consumers and handily giving way to smuggling and the expansion of an informal economy are the only end results of such impulsive decisions without properly leading to any concrete solution. Even though the amount of smuggling dropped from $15.5 billion in 2015-16 to $12-$13 billion in 2016-17, this roughly constituted up to 30% of imports in the previous Iranian year. Indeed, had these items been imported via formal border crossings, then the government would have no positive trade balance to boast. Most countries in the world change import tariff rates as high as 1-2%. While in Iran there were decrees that hiked import tariffs by astonishingly several thousand percent, even when there were periods when the currency rate remained unchanged, said Mahmoud Beheshtian, a consultant to the Chief Customs Officer of Iran, with a history of four decades working at IRICA, in an interview with Tejarat-e Farda on Sept. 23. He said, Frequent requests from different organizations or parliamentarians, currency issues and legislation such as the budget laws are obstacles that do not allow tariff rates to remain constant for several years. Regrettably, the implication is that current priorities are not based on the realities of the Iranian economy, while more often than not, business favoritism continues to undermine the overall economy. All in all, decreasing the country's dependence on oil revenues would increase the chances of non-oil exports expansion in the long term. As a result, expanding the competitive environment of the Iranian economy in parallel with widening international exchanges with foreign parties are primary prerequisites to reinforce the country's non-oil exports. By doing so, economic output growth will help solve the unemployment dilemma, which is on the verge of a major crisis in Iran. October 20, 2017 Recent "right-wing" statements by Labor Party Chairman Avi Gabbay and the resignation Oct. 18 of Meretz leader Zehava Gal-On from the Knesset are two facets of the deepest crisis ever experienced by Israel's historic left. Ostensibly, there is no connection between these two political events, which occurred in the only two left-wing Zionist parties at around the same time. Nevertheless, they point to confusion on the left and an ongoing effort to extricate itself from its long-standing irrelevance to the Israeli public. Gabbay is more than just a new figure in Israeli politics. He is also very new to the left. He grew up in a Likud home and decided to join the Labor Party in 2016, with the explicit purpose of being elected its leader so that he can run for the position of prime minister. He has an instrumental, business-oriented worldview, rather than a romantic perspective, which is why he is neither enamored with nor tied to the economic or diplomatic positions of the left. He certainly does not consider the 1993 Oslo Accord to be sacrosanct and inviolable. Gabbay supports the two-state solution as a pragmatic position that accords with the basic worldview of the left electorate. It was in this vein that he made a leftist comment on the night he was elected, on July 10, saying that it is time for leadership that takes care of [periphery town] Dimona and not just of [evacuated settlement] Amona." Some three months have passed since then. In that time, Gabbay realized that speaking out against the settlements could win him support from the left, but at the same time, there is no doubt that it will keep him away from the premiership. His Oct. 14 statement that he would not sit in a coalition with the Joint List of predominantly Arab parties, and another statement two days later during an interview with Channel 2 that he would not evacuate settlements as part of a peace agreement, are lifted directly from the political lexicon of the right. In fact, with these statements, Gabbay was able to bypass Yesh Atid Chair Yair Lapid on the right, without blinking an eye, while leaving senior members of his party stunned. Co-leader Tzipi Livni of the Zionist Camp of which Labor is the major partner disassociated herself from his remarks about the settlements by clarifying immediately that this was neither her position nor the position of the Zionist Camp. Yet despite the commotion that ensued within the party, Gabbay would not walk back on his statement. Instead, he explained that while he supports a two-state solution, he is also looking for creative ways to implement it. Since the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995, not a single Labor Party leader dared to veer away from the paradigm of the two-state solution, even though the cost was clear: partition of the land and the partition of Jerusalem. In that sense, Gabbay has just switched strategies, and in doing so, redefined the diplomatic agenda of Israel's major left-wing party. In contrast, Gal-On represents the most committed and consistent left. She heads a party, Meretz, with just five seats; yet in the last few months, she has been caught up in a party leadership crisis, culminating in a party convention Sept. 17, which discussed removing her in an effort to bring in new blood. The unrest within Meretz is an expression of the major crisis facing a minor party, which spent all of the last few elections struggling to survive, when it was uncertain that they would pass the voter threshold. The ideological left remains caught up in the crisis resulting from the Israeli public's exhaustion with the stagnant negotiations with the Palestinians and the feeling that there is no partner on the other side. Its electorate has started to abandon the party, and Meretz is losing its relevance. Realizing that she had to do something, Gal-On decided to resign from the Knesset and focus on political activity within the party as its chair. That would allow her to convince the party committee to support open primaries. This, she feels, would refresh the ranks and rescue the party, which she believes is acting more like a private club. Gal-On will be replaced in the Knesset by Meretz Secretary-General Moshe (Mossi) Raz, who is just as open-minded and aware of the problems facing his party and the left. In a conversation with Al-Monitor, Raz said that he is well-aware of the need for changes to the party's positions, to make Meretz relevant. At the same time, however, he also said that the motives for such changes must be more than just an attempt to pander to voters. Still, Raz admits that changing circumstances should be investigated, "and there is room for rethinking in several key areas, in an effort to hone our positions. So, for example, I think that the negotiations with the Palestinians are bankrupt, and we should consider other options such as international arbitration." The Israeli left has always been committed to the idea that negotiations with the Palestinians are the only way to achieve a two-state solution. In that sense, Raz's statement was groundbreaking. It represents a new way of thinking, which also reflects the realization that the ideological left must adapt itself to changing circumstances. Since the signing of the Oslo Accord, it was frequently said that the left loses at the ballot box but wins in the public's awareness. The fact is that the two-state solution has become a fixture among the public as the only way to reach a peace agreement. All prime ministers since Rabin have adopted the two-state solution, including Benjamin Netanyahu. During his first term as prime minister, Netanyahu actually implemented parts of the agreement (1997 Hebron Accord). In 2000, Prime Minister Ehud Barak, who was also head of the Labor Party, tried to reach a deal with PLO leader Yasser Arafat, which included a compromise on Jerusalem (Second Camp David Summit). The attempt failed, and the second intifada erupted soon after. After Barak, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon also adopted the two-state solution and implemented the disengagement from the Gaza Strip in 2005. As head of the Kadima Party, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert took the boldest step of all. In his negotiations with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Olmert agreed to evacuate most of the West Bank territories and divide Jerusalem. Even Netanyahu declared his support for a two-state solution in his Bar Ilan speech, when he returned to the prime minister's office in 2009. In the past few years however, as Netanyahu became more entrenched in power and negotiations with the Palestinians came to a halt, the public shifted to the right, convinced that there was no Palestinian partner with whom to make peace. Nevertheless, the parties on the left continued to cling to the old order without considering any alternatives. And they continued to lose relevancy. Now that it has reached such a low point, the left has the potential to extricate itself from this crisis. This does not mean abandoning the two-state solution. There is, however, room for making its ideology more current. In that sense, Gabbay was right to do what he did. The problem is that it seems obvious that he was really driven by calculated and momentary electoral considerations and little else. That's precisely where the risk lies. October 20, 2017 LONDON There they were, the three of them on the Lebanese-Syrian border. Umm Ibrahim (not her real name), her husband dying of cancer and their little boy, Saeed, stateless since the day he was born in Lebanon. The Palestinian family originally from Syrias Yarmouk camp had been unable to register the birth of Saeed two years after he was born in Lebanon. Their last hope was to take him to Damascus. General Security refused to fix the husband's residency and they refused to register his childs birth, Umm Ibrahim's sister, Soheir, told Al-Monitor from her new home in Lebanons Bekaa Valley in September. By then the boy was 2 years old. His father didnt have residency so it was impossible. The family was stuck in a vicious circle of irregularity, the kind that has regularly impacted Palestinian refugees from Syria who fled to Lebanon after the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011. Soheirs family, like other Palestinians, saw Syria as the only way out. They would go there to get cancer treatment for Saeeds father and register the birth of their son. They had gone to the border by car my sisters husband was very sick at this point, he really looked like he was dying [and] the authorities refused to let him cross unless he paid $800 because he should have renewed his residency papers four years ago, Soheir said. A final farewell. Saeeds father would pass away just a couple of weeks after they had managed to drum up the funds to re-enter Syria in August. Saeed was still stateless, now without legal status or a father. Umm Ibrahim had to bribe a midwife in Damascus to falsify papers stating that her son had been born in Syria two years ago and had not been able to reach Syrian government offices since then to register his birth. They created a backstory and paid the mid-wife tens of thousands in Syrian currency to make it more believable. A midwife produced a fake birth certificate and got paid 25,000 Syrian pounds [$48.45] for it, Soheir said. Then the midwife told [Umm Ibrahim] to go to the municipality and then the police to get this approved, to show that Saeed was born in Syria. Umm Ibrahim and her son have since stayed on in Damascus, unable to re-enter Lebanon and rejoin the rest of the family legally. The story, recounted by Soheir last month in their Bekaa Valley home, communicates just how precarious legal status has become for Palestinian-Syrians in Lebanon forcing some refugees to use bribes, fake documents and people smugglers to complete what should be simple processes like registering a newborn child or a relative who has passed away in the diaspora. Others simply live in protracted irregularity, unable to move around or find work. Abu Hameed (not his real name) crossed irregularly from Syria into Lebanon just over a month ago, using a smuggler he met in a cafe near the border who then hustled him and a group of other refugees across the mountains by night. My plan was to come here to start a family and begin working, but I have been shocked by the situation here, the Palestinian, originally from Joubar in eastern Damascus, told Al-Monitor. Im stateless I dont have residency. And because I dont have residency, I can barely even leave this house. I cant move around or find a job. (Abu Hameed preferred not to reveal where he was staying.) Under Lebanons residency rules, refugees from Syria who did not enter the country legally i.e., through an official border crossing cannot get residency. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) estimates that approximately 40% of all Palestinian-Syrians now in Lebanon entered irregularly, a UNRWA staffer told Al-Monitor. Without residency and the legal rights it should provide for registering his unborn children, what kind of future awaits Abu Hameed and his family in waiting? However, there are hopes that all that could be about to change. Under new rules issued by the Lebanese Ministry of Interiors Directorate for Personal Status, Palestinian refugees from Syria will now find it easier to legally register marriages or the birth of their children in Lebanon. An Oct. 5 memorandum has brought Palestinian refugees from Syria under the same rules as Syrian refugees, following another memorandum for Syrians issued by the Ministry of Interior in September. May Hammoud, a legal officer at the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee (LPDC) established in 2005, said the change was a result of lobbying from the LPDC and it will change Palestinian-Syrians lives for the better. [This memorandum] clarifies the documents required and simplifies the procedures, Hammoud told Al-Monitor on Oct. 18, explaining that Palestinian-Syrians can now register marriages when only either a husband or wife has legal residency and register births without either parents having legal residency. We felt that the priority was to tackle the legal challenges faced by Palestinians from Syria, and one of those priority legal challenges was the registration of marriages and births. The new regulations follow a similar memorandum focused on Syrian nationals in Lebanon that was passed on Sept. 12. Still, challenges remain. According to a study released last year by the UNRWA and the American University in Beirut, some 90% of Palestinian-Syrians in Lebanon live below the poverty line a much higher figure than other displaced communities with 9% of that figure living in absolute poverty. [Palestinian refugees from Syria] are at the worst level in Lebanon relative to Syrians and relative to Palestinians, Hammoud said. The Palestinians from Syria are the most vulnerable community. Abu Firas, a refugee from Yarmouk who has helped establish a network of relief committees in the Bekaa Valley for vulnerable Palestinian-Syrians, told Al-Monitor that Lebanons residency regulations have created different legal statuses within the same family unit. That could really start to present problems not now, but in the future, he said. These kinds of cases are only creating problems for the families in the future; for example, if they were going to get a resettlement procedure or family reunification or whatever, he said. You might have a family that has a child born in a Lebanese hospital, and at the same time that child is carrying a document saying they were born in Syria. Lets say they go for a resettlement interview theyre going to face complications. While Lebanons new regulations will end that vicious circle of irregularity for some, in the case of other families the damage has already been done. Umm Ibrahim widowed and bereaved is now stuck in Syria, and dangerous, untrustworthy border smugglers are her only route back to rejoin the rest of her family in Lebanon. October 20, 2017 A series of shortcuts undertaken by the Italian government in Libya to stop migration flows in recent months has had serious repercussions. Earlier in October, the human smuggling hub of Sabratha erupted in battle between warring militias as a direct result of Italys interference in Libyan domestic affairs. The origin of the battle can be traced back to the summer, when Italy allegedly started paying militias to halt human smuggling. Italian government figures deny these claims despite widespread reports to the contrary. Working through the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) of Fayez al-Sarraj, the Italians funded the Martyr Anas al-Dabashi militia, commonly known as al-Ammu's militia (the uncles militia), and Brigade 48, according to these reports. Libya has been a fractured state since the 2011 civil war that overthrew Moammar Gadhafi. Today, the state has two large ruling forces with Sarraj in the west and Gen. Khalifa Hifters Libyan National Army (LNA) running the east. The two figures are competing for legitimacy in Libya and from international actors. Under Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, the country has primarily worked with Sarraj. But at the same time, there is ambivalence in its actions as it has ramped up its relations with Hifter. [Italian Interior Minister] Marco Minniti and his colleagues have been smart, from their own selfish perspective, Jalel Harchaoui, a doctoral candidate in geopolitics at Paris 8 University and a frequent commentator on Libyan affairs, told Al-Monitor. Their strategy has not hesitated to make use of several contending actors in Libya. From the perspective of Libyans, however, there has been destruction, suffering and mayhem since mid-September, triggered by Italys interference in northwestern Libya this reality must be recognized, he said. In August, the number of boats reaching Italian shores decreased considerably thanks to Italian funding going to militias attempting to stifle migrants and refugees leaving Libyan shores. But it was an attempt at a quick fix from Italy, as hundreds, if not thousands of migrants and refugees became stuck in eastern Sabratha under terrible conditions, while tensions simmered between human smugglers and the militias suppressing the smuggling. After a month of suppressing human smuggling, the al-Ammu militia allegedly clashed with smugglers trying to move boats filled with aspiring travelers. Pushed by the European Union and Italy, the GNA in Tripoli granted legitimacy to Brigade 48 and al-Ammu. And their rivals [a group called] the Operations Room and al-Wadi deemed that unacceptable, Harchaoui said, noting that the LNA provided military help. On Sept. 17, a paramilitary force attacked al-Ammus militia, kicking off a battle that left nearly 100 people dead and many more wounded in addition to the destruction of houses and other vital infrastructure. The LNA-backed Operations Room now controls Sabratha. Said differently, Italy interfered. It altered a fragile equilibrium, and the Hifter camp seized the opportunity to make advances, Harchaoui said. And now, a couple of weeks after the conclusion of a battle that dragged in all of Libyas major actors, analysts say Italys troubling influence may have further destabilizing effects on Libya. Harchaoui added, What I expect in the coming weeks is a backlash from all those anti-Hifter factions once they have regrouped and merged forces. I expect ugly battles in that same area between Ras Jdir and Tripoli, perhaps along the littoral or perhaps further inland, in the Nalut district. It is not going to be an uninterrupted series of rosy victories by the LNA, I don't think so. Italy will likely continue to work with both the GNA and LNA, looking for the simplest solutions to complex problems. Italy is set for parliamentary elections in 2018, and immigration is the leading issue for the nation. The battle in Sabratha stemmed from the Italian governments attempts to curtail immigration, and despite the destruction and loss of life, it may still be a political victory for a group of politicians and parties who seemingly have little interest in the life or well-being of refugees and migrants. The coming weeks will tell whether the new group in control of Sabratha is effectively curtailing the flows, Mattia Toaldo, a Libya expert and policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told Al-Monitor. He explained, Last year, October was one of the months with the highest flows, and so far 3,000 [people] have already arrived. For Italy, moderate flows would still be OK as the government has convinced public opinion that the problem is sorted for the moment and the domestic mainstream media has not been very curious to find out why, Toaldo said. The Gentiloni government works closely with the GNA not because it believes it will last, but mainly because Gentiloni is in a hurry, Harchaoui noted. The government in Rome is focused on delivering results on the migrant-crisis front before the elections in 2018. It seems a delicate peace has been ripped apart in northwest Libya. A country conflicted by sporadic battles in and around other major cities may now have a new area prone to the occasional armed conflict. For Libya, what happened in the last two months was the destabilization of the northwest of the country, an area so far covered by local cease-fires since the spring of 2015, said Toaldo. The balance has been broken. Well have to see if the losers will fight back." October 19, 2017 A handful of senators are standing up to their House colleagues who want the United States to side with Morocco over the disputed Western Sahara. The Senate spending panel that oversees US foreign aid has included language in its annual appropriations bill that would require the Donald Trump administration to consult with the United Nations before providing aid to Western Sahara, a contested region administered by Morocco. The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, the Algerian-backed government in exile that is pushing for a long-delayed independence referendum, welcomed the Senates move. Since Morocco does not have any legitimacy in the territory, it makes sense that Congress should consult with the United Nations, Mouloud Said, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republics envoy to the United States, told Al-Monitor. We are very happy for the language that was adopted by the Senate. This is the logical approach while the country still is not recognized. Senate appropriators released the bill last month around the time the UN appointed former German President Horst Kohler as the special envoy for Western Sahara. Kohler met with representatives of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in Algeria on Wednesday after visiting Morocco. Congress since 2016 has required that US bilateral aid to Morocco be made available for assistance to the Western Sahara. While the Senate language still allows the United States to provide assistance to the Moroccan-administered territory, it requires consultation with representatives of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum on the Western Sahara (MINURSO), the UN peacekeeping mission. Advocates of Sahrawi independence fear that allowing the use of US funds in Western Sahara legitimizes Moroccos occupation. The Senate language would act as a bulwark against de facto recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the phosphate-rich territory. The Barack Obama administration chose to implement the congressional mandate by providing grants to Sahrawi civil society organizations and local governance programs. While Said praised the Senates drive to force the administration to consult with MINURSO before issuing grants, he still rejects the premise of the current US grants for Western Sahara. Even these local governance projects, only the Moroccans are benefiting, only the settlers are benefiting, Said told Al-Monitor. Its run by Moroccans for the Moroccan settlers. The UN created MINURSO in 1991 and tasked it with facilitating an independence referendum for Sahrawis after 16 years of armed conflict between Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, the armed wing of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. To the frustration of many Sahrawis, the vote is more than two decades overdue as the two sides disagree on who is eligible to participate. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., has long led House appropriators in their push to make US aid available in the disputed territory. The congressmans brother, former Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., lobbies on behalf of Morocco as the head of Western Hemisphere Strategies. Although Morocco spends millions every year lobbying Congress and the administration to recognize its authority over Western Sahara, this years Senate appropriations bill suggests that Algerias much smaller lobbying efforts on behalf of the Polisario are also yielding some fruit. Algeria pays the firm Foley Hoag roughly $420,000 a year to lobby Congress on the issue. The Sahrawis for their part spent $10,000 on lobbying last year. Lobbying disclosure forms indicate that Foley Hoag was in frequent contact with the offices of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., both this year and last. Graham is the chairman of the foreign aid spending panel, while Leahy is the top Democrat on both the panel and the full Senate Appropriations Committee. Our intent is to support humanitarian and development programs in the Western Sahara in a manner that is consistent with MINURSOs mandate, Leahy told Al-Monitor. For that reason we require prior consultation by the secretary of state with MINURSO. While the full Senate must still vote on its foreign aid bill, the House passed its version of the bill last month. The House version of the bill does not contain the provision on MINURSO consultation. A source involved in the debate told Al-Monitor that Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., a longtime advocate of Sahrawi independence, also pushed the appropriations committee to insert the MINURSO consultation language. Inhofe declined to say so outright. I dont think its appropriate for me to talk about conversations that Ive had with individuals, the senator told Al-Monitor. Thats a violation of courtesy, I think. Not that its that big a deal. Inhofe said that he has visited Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria three times before, most recently in February. Ive watched the plight of these people and its been three decades [since they were] ejected out of their homeland, Inhofe told Al-Monitor. If you havent been there, theres no place more forlorn than that particular part of the desert. October 20, 2017 Located in eastern Syria, Deir ez-Zor lies alongside the strategic border with Iraq. Part of Islamic State (IS) territory, the region is the focus of attention from forces loyal to the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the US-backed, Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). With IS downfall, control over the region will require the collaboration of the tribes dominating the Deir ez-Zor landscape, a process complicated by local dynamics and possible intertribal strife. Since September, SDF forces and pro-regime forces have been increasingly fighting to expand their zones of influence. According to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) issued Sept. 27, Russia installed a bridge over the Euphrates River, allowing pro-regime forces to cross the river after conducting overnight airstrikes against SDF positions near Deir ez-Zor city. The strikes came one day after the SDF-affiliated Deir ez-Zor Military Council asserted that its fighters would resist efforts by pro-regime forces to cross the Euphrates River in eastern Syria, according to the ISW. Despite the fact that US-backed coalition forces appear to be focusing on fighting IS, the expansion of the SDF is a sign that the United States intends to maintain a zone of influence in eastern Syria. The US calculates that it does not only intend to liberate the region from IS, but also prevent the groups comeback as it was previously the case in Iraq, Bassam Barabandi, who recently co-authored a paper on Deir ez-Zor tribes in October for the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), told Al-Monitor. US ambitions could be seen as a direct threat to Russias Iranian ally, which is seeking to expand its foothold in the region neighboring Iraq to ensure a continuous corridor from Tehran to Beirut via Damascus. In this dangerous game, regional and international players will have to regain the trust of Deir ez-Zor tribes that constitute the regions main social and political fabric. According to a report by the Justice for Life Organization (JFLO), there are several prominent tribal confederations, the most important being the Egaidat confederation, which includes Bu Kamal, Bu Kamil and several subtribal affiliations. The Baggara is another important confederation, explained Eyad Kharaba, a Deir ez-Zor activist who spoke to Al-Monitor. According to the JFLO, the latter confederation incluldes Abeed, Sultan and Abed. With the 2014 IS onslaught on eastern Syria, some tribal groups accommodated the terrorist group. Most of the fighters from these tribes who joined IS did so for economic reasons ranging from salaries to economic incentives linked to trade and oil revenues or smuggling activity. They were also motivated by power or fear of coercion, explained Kharaba. In addition, the presence of IS leaders in Deir ez-Zor from the Bakir and Albu Azaddeen tribes of the Egaidat confederation encouraged hundreds of youth from these tribes to join IS, according to the CNAS report. With IS at a disadvantage, both Russia and the regime on one side and the Kurds on the other are attempting to lure the Deir ez-Zor tribes into their orbit. Russia appears to be spearheading the effort. In a recent tweet, Syria expert Hassan Hassan said the Russians had met with prominent Deir ez-Zor factions. The regime has been able to recruit Nawaf Bashir, one of the most prominent sheikhs from the Baggara tribe and a former member of the opposition, noted Barabandi. According to Kharaba, the regime has placed several powerful tribal leaders as members of parliament to guarantee their loyalty. Yet outreach efforts by regional actors toward tribes in Deir ez-Zor may be complicated by several factors. In the last decade, the Assad regimes policies toward eastern tribes policies that created new leaderships through a system of political and economic favors have contributed to fragmenting the tribal fabric, a trend that was later exploited by IS. The terrorist organization relied and promoted young tribal leaders at the expense of more powerful traditional figures, said Barabandi. Another issue that may hinder the stabilization efforts in Deir ez-Zor hinges on which forces will be deployed there. According to Barabandi, the Iranians have sought for years to convert tribes around Deir ez-Zor city to Shiism. The local population is suspicious of Iranian intentions, and a deployment of their forces in Deir ez-Zor could herald an insurgency and a possible return of radicals or al-Qaeda, Sheikh Daham Mounadi, a member of the Egaidat tribe, told Al-Monitor. With support of the regimes intelligence, since the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, Deir ez-Zor has been a pathway for jihadis to Iraq. Continued oppression of the local population and Irans insistence on increasing its presence in the border area could fuel once again jihadi flames, argued Barabandi. The United States heavy reliance on the Kurds constitutes another complication in the stabilization of the eastern regions. On Sept. 23, the Kurdish-led, US-backed Syrian Kurdish-Arab alliance announced the formation of a civilian council to govern Deir ez-Zor city, which it had captured from IS. Yet Barabandi believes that the Kurds will not allow the rise of a strong central Arab figure, which can explain the Kurdish decision to arrest Ahmad Dahmi, who is from the Baggara tribe and was working with the SDF. The Arab population is suspicious of Kurdish intentions in the region and will not accept their governance, added Kharaba. This fragmented eastern landscape, combined with IS continuous crackdown on tribes in the past three years, could lead to a resurgence of intertribal conflict. In 2014, IS killed over 700 members of the Shaitat tribe. Intertribal and revenge killings constitute the most immediate threat for Deir ez-Zor, said Kharaba. Putting in place a functional leadership structure is thus essential in preparing for the post-IS phase. A council encompassing 200 prominent figures tribal leaders and activists could create the necessary momentum to stabilize the region, said Barabandi. Yet control over the border region may prove a challenging task for local and regional powers competing for IS territory in the absence of a legitimate power capable of rising above the fray. October 19, 2017 Nearly two dozen Israeli technology companies set up shop among the 2,000-year-old stones of the Tower of David Museum, providing an extreme take on old meets new this week in Jerusalem. The event was the launch of the Tower of David Innovation Lab, a groundbreaking collaboration between history and high tech at the Tower of David Museum, which for 30 years has anchored Jerusalems Old City and served as the official keeper of Jerusalems four millennia of history. Located at the political, historical and religious epicenter of the country, the Tower of David Museum, housed within the walls of the Old City in the medieval citadel known as the Tower of David, tells the story of the history of Jerusalem. Two years ago, eager to refresh its image and attract a younger and more tech-savvy audience, the museum took a deep digital dive and adopted new technology, including augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) equipment, to refresh its 30-year-old exhibition and make itself more relevant to young, smartphone-addicted visitors. In 2016, the museum launched the nations first museum-sponsored hackathon, inviting companies to set up shop for a frenzied day of brainstorming and inspiration. Riding on the success of those initiatives, museum staff have now decided to go one step further. Rather than simply adopt existing technology for use within the museum, they brought the tech companies into the fold and used the museums archaeologically rich campus as a laboratory for new innovation for the next 12 months or longer if the pilot project is extended. When a visitor arrived at the museum in the past, they would get an audio guide and maybe look at some signs, said Devora Mason, the manager of the Digital Innovation Lab, at an Oct. 17 gathering of journalists to mark the events kickoff. But today we understand that a visitor wants much more than that our lab is focused on being the one and only lab in Israel that is focusing on AR/VR technologies in an ancient historical site. The program is based on the concept of mutual benefit. Companies that have joined include iVisit Israel, which creates interactive 3-D and virtual reality tours, and Amuse app, which connects museum exhibits to cultural heritage sites. They get a free workspace and the invaluable opportunity to field test burgeoning technology of the museums 400,000 annual visitors, from different age groups and different parts of the world. The museum, in turn, can now enjoy its position at ground zero for new relevant technology that it can choose to incorporate into its storytelling capabilities, and the opportunity to upgrade its own exhibitions in the most cutting-edge way possible. This is a very critical moment for the Tower of David Museum, said Eilat Lieber, the museums director and chief curator, at the same gathering. The museum opened to the public 30 years ago as the museum of the history of Jerusalem but now we want to renovate the exhibition. People have changed. The world has changed, and people can find a lot of information on their smartphones. Its time to renew the story. Currently, there are 21 companies signed up for partnership with the Tower of David Innovation Lab, with many more having expressed an interest. All the participating companies offer technology that can be applied to the field of cultural and educational tourism. This means that when a visitor steps onto the Tower of Davids campus and looks at the stone remains of what was once the entrance to King Herods Palace, they will be able, with the help of augmented reality, to see the marble staircases and grand columns that long ago were swallowed by history. Rather than just read a description of the stunning saltwater pools that formed above the ruins of drainage pipes and cisterns that remain today, they will actually be able to see and maybe even smell and hear those marvels as well. History, the museum says, will come alive. While the museum is obviously eager for the new lab to spearhead technology that will offer them a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded playing field of tourism and history, staffers also say that they believe the collaboration they are encouraging will set a precedent for more partnerships between museums and startups around the world. The eyes of the world are on Jerusalem, and the Tower of David is the history of Jerusalem, Lieber said. We are a template for an international solution for creating an enhanced visitor experience. Mason agrees and notes that the Tower of David Innovation Lab will help make Jerusalems long and storied history newly relevant to young visitors. We always say, If these stones could only speak, she said. And with technology, they can. October 20, 2017 Although Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) President Massoud Barzani may have thought the fall of Kirkuk to Iraqi government forces meant going back to the pre-2014 lines when the Iraqi army collapsed and evacuated Kirkuk, and Kurds imposed their control on some of the "disputed territories" this is not true. In fact, before the Kurdish independence referendum on Sept. 25, I had voiced concern to Voice of America that Kurds may face a disastrous situation reminiscent of that fateful year, 1975. In 1975, the uprising led by Kurdish national icon Molla Mustafa Barzani (Massoud's father) collapsed when Iran, then ruled by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, withdrew support from the Kurds as part of the Algiers Accord with Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein. As a result, thousands of Kurdish fighters and their families fled to Iran. The elder Barzani was then hospitalized in Washington, where he died in sorrow. Soon, the vanguard of the "Kurdish Revolution," the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), split, and the breakaway leftist faction led by the late Jalal Talabani founded the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). The Kurdish political movement fell into disarray and could recover only years later, mainly thanks to a long and extremely bloody war between Iran and Iraq, which lasted from 1980 to 1988. The year 1975 was on my mind this week as the Iraqi army, federal police and Shiite-led Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), commanded by Hadi al-Amiri and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis but effectively under Iranian control through its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), took over Kirkuk and almost all the other disputed territories between the central government in Baghdad and the KRG. I asked Omar Sheikhmous, who founded the PUK along with Talabani, Nawshirwan Mustafa (late leader of Gorran) and current Iraqi President Fuad Masum, whether one could draw parallels between what the Kurds experienced in 1975 and the loss of Kirkuk. After all, Kirkuk has always been the apple of the eye of Kurdish aspirations for self-rule and, ultimately, independence. Talabani used to emphasize its importance by his well-known motto, "Kirkuk is the Jerusalem of the Kurds," though Kirkuk did not offer spiritual value. Kurds were mainly interested in the wealth that lied underneath it the oil without which the Kurdish dream for independence could not be economically viable. Sheikhmous responded, "There will be a period with demoralized Kurds, chaos and quite a long contemplation. It may take at least a year or two." In a long conversation I had with Nawshirwan in 2003, he had told me about the 1975 uprising. He said, "Everything was about Kirkuk. Saddam even proposed dividing Kirkuk in two, where the central government in Baghdad would administer the western part and the Kurdish autonomous administration with Erbil as its center [would administer] the eastern part." He added, "Molla Mustafa refused. He wanted all of Kirkuk." When I asked Nawshirwan where the oil fields were, he flashed a smile: "On the western part!" That year, I heard the younger Barzani state how he cannot withdraw his claim from Kirkuk, reminding me that it is his father's legacy and a "main principle that Kurds cannot forgo." Back to 2017: The blame game over Kirkuk started on Oct. 16, while the PMU was still in Kirkuk and facing no resistance from the Kurdish peshmerga. From Kirkuk to Tuz Khormato, roughly 46 miles south, some 50,000 fighters PUK peshmerga stood, but they did not fight. They simply facilitated the PMU's advance. The KDP was quick to accuse a PUK faction that included Talabani's wife Hero Ibrahim Ahmad, his son Bafel Talabani and his nephews Lahur and Araz Talabani of "treason," alleging that they sold out Kirkuk to Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani and Baghdad. In turn, Lahur Sheikh Jangi Talabani, who is in charge of the PUK's counterterrorism units, accused Barzani for his ill-conceived independence referendum and alleged that the KRG president, through the referendum, planned to wrest control of Kirkuk from the PUK, just as when he had invited Saddam's army into Erbil on July 31, 1996, which the PUK controlled at the time. Lahur's remarks suggested that a certain faction of the PUK negotiated, bargained and acquiesced to Tehran and Baghdad's demands and "peacefully" turned over Kirkuk to the PMU and the Iraqi army. Both the KRG vice president and Kirkuk's PUK-affiliated governor sided with Barzani and took refuge in Erbil. But it is also interesting to note why the KDP peshmerga, which controlled the Avana and Bai Hassan oil fields in western Kirkuk since 2014, withdrew without firing a shot. These two oil fields provide almost half of the KRG's oil production at 295,000 barrels per day. Their loss puts the last nail in the coffin of the Kurdish dream for independence. The KDP peshmerga also evacuated the disputed territories in the northwest, like Sinjar and Bashiqa in the mainly Christian-inhabited areas northeast of Mosul. With the Kurdish leadership accusing each other with treason, the Kurdish aspirations have inevitably taken a U-turn. Especially after 2014, it was widely believed that Kurds' destiny would be reshaped in a way quite different than it had been after World War I, when many thought (rather inaccurately) that the Sykes-Picot Agreement divided Kurds and denied them statehood. While KDP circles and even some segments of the PUK blame "a certain faction of the PUK," the KRG president is not immune to criticism. In a piece titled "What the KRG's Loss of Kirkuk Means for Iraq," Assyrian writer Max Joseph claims the referendum was Barzani's fatal misstep and that it brought all the consequences the Kurds are facing now. Joseph wrote, "The KRG gambled and lost, and that was very much the Barzani family's call. Greed is a horrible thing, and it remains their cardinal sin." Ben Van Heuvelen, the editor-in-chief of the Iraq Oil Report, summarizes the current situation as follows: "It's a paradigm shift in Iraq akin to what happened in 2014 when [the Islamic State] came in. The territorial boundaries between the Kurdistan region and the federal government have been redrawn and the control of northern Iraqi oil resources has shifted. That's devastating for the Kurdistan region's economy. It undermines [the KRG's] ability to function as an economically independent state." For me, recent events bury the dream of an independent Iraqi Kurdistan for at least a generation. Geopolitically, Iran now has the upper hand in Iraq in a way it never had before. Tehran added Kirkuk (with a big chunk of the PUK on its side, thereby dividing the Kurds) to Baghdad and its Shiite-dominated regime. Turkey, through Barzani's KRG, has been the dominant regional actor in northern Iraq. Now, although Ankara is happy to see the Kurdish grip over Kirkuk gone, it has to reconcile itself to be second fiddle to Iran in Iraq. Iraqi Kurds are the main losers in the regional equation. From the brink of a long-cherished goal of independence, they now find themselves close to division, similar to 2003 and perhaps like before 1991. The worst outcome would be a repeat of the Kurdish civil war of 1994-1997. If such an outcome is averted and it should be an unstable Kurdistan that diffuses instability to every corner of the Middle East is the best possibility for the foreseeable future. October 19, 2017 Kurds who insisted on holding the independence referendum were warned in September. Friends and foes alike, as well as many Kurds themselves, predicted that once the Islamic State (IS) was cleared from its bastion of Havice, a region near Kirkuk, the Iraqi army and the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) would turn their guns on Kurdish forces to expel them from disputed lands. As a result, the doomsayers said, the Kurdish aspiration for an independent state would be even more difficult to achieve. That's exactly what happened. The army and the PMU launched major offensives Oct. 15, and within 24 hours they had wrested from the Kurds control of many disputed areas including Kirkuk, Mahmur, Sinjar and Hanekin. The state assumed control of strategic locations including the Kirkuk airport, the K1 military base and the oil fields of Baba Gurgur and Bai Hassan. All told, the Kurds lost 40% of the territory they had controlled since 2014. The Kurds who feared the referendum would be too risky now blame Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) President Massoud Barzani who insisted on the vote for badly miscalculating the outcome. Kurdish opposition sources Al-Monitor spoke with in Erbil, Sulaimaniyah and Kirkuk said military, political, economic and diplomatic conditions were not ripe for a referendum. They said that as long as there is no actual declaration of independence, the referendum was a mere poll. The leaked letter of US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson showed that the United States had offered to participate in one year of negotiations with Baghdad if Barzani had postponed the referendum. If those negotiations failed, the United States promised, it would "recognize the need for a referendum." Barzani rejected Tillersons offer, yet he was forced to call on international players led by the United States to help in case of war with Iraq. It was a sure sign of the Barzani administration's feeble state. A veteran Kirkuk politician made the following points to Al-Monitor. Relations with Turkey and Iran that are vital to the Kurdish economy have deteriorated. Salaries can't be paid. Kurdish politicians will pay the price for this. The path has eased for more Iranian intervention in the region, something not only the Iraqis but also the Americans are worried about. The Iraqi government wants to reinstate its control of disputed areas, border crossings, airports, oil wells and oil pipelines. The referendum provided a pretext for such action. If the Kurds had not raised the referendum issue, they could have consolidated their gains over these key points. The referendum also gave Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi a card to play. Abadi wants to structure a constitutional framework to settle the issue of disputed areas, place oil and customs revenues into a central budget, and control banking and telecommunications. If Abadi succeeds, Kurds stand to lose whatever they had gained. US silence facilitates Abadis goals. Americans are angry with Barzani for allowing Iran to get involved. Turkmens in the PMU are itching for more clashes. Barzani, who leads the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), is short of options. In Kirkuk, the forces of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) party dont want to fight with Iraq. KRG Vice President Kosrat Rasul is working alongside Barzani, but they dont have the full backing of other PUK leaders who feel the PUK will be the biggest loser in this battle. Adding to the party's division, an Iraqi court on Oct. 19 issued an arrest warrant for Rasul, although Barzani rejected the order. The PUK is so divided that it has ousted six of its members, accusing them of betrayal in the battle for Kirkuk, the Baghdad Post reported. One of those ousted was Pavel Talabani son of deceased Iraqi President and PUK leader Jalal Talabani whom Baghdad had previously appointed governor of Kirkuk. Adding to this, Iran is trying to split the Kurds by pulling the PUK to its side. Despite the US call for negotiations between Baghdad and the KRG, Abadi insists on keeping control of the Kirkuk airport, the K1 base and all Kirkuk oil facilities; the return of Iraqi forces to their positions and bases as they stood before 2014; and custody of all captured IS militants held by the Kurds. Barzani rejected the US suggestion of joint Iraqi-Kurdish management of Kirkuk, airports and customs. The noncommittal position of the United States, and support offered by Iran and Turkey, reinforced Abadis hand. The Iraqi army, which IS routed in 2014 allowing the Kurds to expand their territory had recovered its confidence and was able to send its army against Kirkuk. The KRG did not anticipate the heavy pressure emanating from Iran after spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei labeled the referendum treason and a Zionism plot. Barzani is now paying the price for his mistakes and these unforeseen developments. Turkey, although virulently against the referendum, was nevertheless excluded from the battle. It was no secret that Turkey was determined to make Barzani regret what he did; Ankara threatened to open a new border crossing at Ovakoy instead of Habur to deny KRG its lucrative customs duties and to activate an oil pipeline from Kirkuk to Mosul to bypass Kurdistan. Of the 600,000 barrels of oil Kurds pump out daily, about 250,000 come from the Kirkuk oil fields. Turkey was also hoping to sever the connection between Iraqi Kurdistan and the Syrian Kurds in Rojava also known as Western Kurdistan, or the Democratic Federal System of Northern Syria. Ankaras anger over Barzani muted its objections to the PMU's participation in operations to remove IS from Mosul and Tal Afar, and there was a sudden sense of normalization of Turkey-Iraq relations. Turkish news media stopped labeling Iraq's PMU a terror outfit and Irans lackeys." Nevertheless, Turkish commentators could not really understand why Abadi declared that he doesnt want to fight the Kurds and called the PMU a second IS. Turkish media tried hard to gain legitimacy for Turkeys Kirkuk intervention in the current fray by drawing attention to the presence there of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which Turkey considers a terrorist group. An allegation by Seman Agaoglu, president of the Iraqi Turkmen Front coalition of political parties, that 700 specially trained PKK militants entered Kirkuk echoed widely in the media. In the end, Turkey got what it wanted at Kirkuk. Turkey doesnt want to deal with Barzani anymore. But this process, which inflicted serious damage on the KDP and the PUK, may expedite a new scenario: the PKK gaining strength in Iraqi Kurdistan. The PKKs influence is surely growing among the Kurdish youth, especially in PUK-controlled areas. Therefore, in the long run, a Kurdish rout and apparent collapse might not turn out to be the victory Ankara has been dreaming of. October 20, 2017 On the evening of Dec. 22, 2016, social media accounts affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) shared a gruesome execution video, showing two Turkish-speaking soldiers being burned alive. The Turkish authorities were quick to restrict access to major social media sites to prevent the spread of the video. Still, the two soldiers were soon identified as Sefter Tas and Fethi Sahin. Tas was already familiar to the public as the private whom IS militants had abducted on Sept. 1, 2015, in the Kilis region at the border with Syria, where he was doing his military service. Both his family and opposition parties had queried the government about his fate, but no one had managed to extract an answer. Eight months after his abduction, Tas had been featured in a Turkish-language online magazine published by IS. He was quoted as asking the Turkish authorities why no one was looking for him. The remarks suggested that the government had taken no action to rescue the soldier. Ankara maintained its policy of silence after the release of the execution video as well. Pro-government media claimed the footage was a digital fabrication, citing information allegedly shared at a Cabinet meeting. The then-government spokesman, Numan Kurtulmus, even warned the media to watch their step and not agitate the people with made-up images. Following the warning, the mainstream media chose to ignore the execution story. Yet lawmakers from the main opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP) and the Kurdish-dominated Peoples Democratic Party (HDP) continued to press the government for answers, though without any success. HDP deputy Mehmet Emin Adiyaman tried to raise the issue in parliament, but his speech was obstructed by members of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). When it comes to the Tas family, the media reported that the soldiers mother had a nervous breakdown after watching the video. After some time, officials reportedly visited the parents in their village in the eastern province of Igdir and assured them the footage was a fabrication. I believe my son is alive, the soldiers father, Aydin Tas, told the press. Heavy-hearted but still hopeful, the parents waited for almost a year to hear from their son, but nothing happened. In early October, the father went to court, seeking a judicial declaration of disappearance. On Oct. 9, the day the court was to make a decision, the local garrison commander and the sub-governor visited the family to inform them that the video was in fact authentic and that their son had been martyred, the father told the press. Speaking to Al-Monitor after paying a condolence visit to the parents, Adiyaman, the HDP deputy who represents Igdir and closely followed the case, described an aggrieved and angry family. They were always in a state of dilemma. On the one hand, they were trying to accept the death of their son after watching him being killed in the video, but on the other hand, they wanted to believe the state officials who were telling them that their son was alive, he said. Their biggest misery was the mental torture to which they were subjected during that period. They are very perplexed and aggrieved but angry at the same time. Al-Monitor contacted Aydin Tas for comment, but he refused to answer questions, saying only he had nothing left to say. Adiyaman believes the government could have saved the private during his captivity through a swap or similar methods. Turkey and IS were flirting behind closed doors during that period. Images of Turkish soldiers and IS militants greeting each other at the border circulated on social media. The government thought the abduction of a soldier was no big deal, the lawmaker told Al-Monitor. He opined that the execution had to do with Ankaras U-turn in Syria. In the days that the private was abducted, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was still seeking to topple [Syrian leader Bashar al-] Assad and dreaming of praying at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Adiyaman said. Then, this policy changed. For IS, Operation Euphrates Shield was a betrayal, and Sefter Tas execution coincided with those developments. According to Adiyaman, the AKP did whatever it could to make the public forget the execution footage. Those were images of big savagery and sparked outrage all over the world. Everyone was shaken in Turkey, be they rightist, leftist, believers or unbelievers, he said. Hence, the AKP could not afford to confirm that Sefter Tas was the soldier in the footage and adopted its typical attitude, trying to get the issue out of public attention, which it eventually managed to do. Beyond ignoring the footage, the government hurled accusations at those who sought answers, CHP deputy Murat Bakan recalled. Sefter Tas was burned alive before the eyes of the whole world, and while our hearts wrenched, the state kept mum. They went even further, virtually proclaiming those asking about his fate traitors, Bakan, who also closely followed the issue, told Al-Monitor. Sefter Tas was burned alive before the eyes of the whole world, and while our hearts wrenched, the state kept mum." Incriminatory allegations swirled also about the second soldier in the video. The Aydinlik daily, an affiliate of a small but vocal party that has recently stood close to the AKP, claimed the footage was fabricated, while at the same time alleging that Sahin, the second soldier, had in fact defected from the military and joined IS. The source it cited was an anonymous caller. The paper quoted Sahins fellow villagers as saying the soldier was a shadowy type and a drug addict, which purportedly backed the claim he had joined IS. In the video, however, Sahin was identifying himself as a member of a gendarme intelligence unit based in the northwestern province of Tekirdag. Who was he in reality? Was he an intelligence officer who might have infiltrated IS, an army defector who had joined IS or a captive soldier abducted just like Tas? The government has not provided an answer. The death of Tas has now been officially recognized, but what about the official fate of Sahin? The executioners of the soldiers were reportedly Turkish as well. Though the execution remained fabrication officially, intelligence officials identified the abductors of Tas as Turkish nationals, Hurriyet reported in January. Both the executioners and the victims are Turks, which makes the incident even graver and more painful, Bakan said. There are hundreds of people with an IS mentality in Turkey. Some of them have joined IS. It is well-known that many also came [from abroad] to join IS and crossed [to Syria] via Turkeys borders. According to Bakan, close to 30 Turkish soldiers remain captives of IS and the Kurdistan Workers Party. The families of those missing soldiers have contacted our party. We held several meetings together and asked for help from the authorities. And despite the Tas case, no effort has been made for them, he said. Officials have said that Tas will be officially designated a martyr and his memory will be honored with a monument. For Sahin, there is still no explanation. Bakan says Turkey should hold a big funeral ceremony for Tas, pointing to the example of Iran in late September when Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials led a crowded ceremony for a soldier beheaded by IS. Can Turkey send a similar message to IS? Judging by the fact that the AKP representative in the Council of Europes Parliamentary Assembly abstained in a recent vote on a resolution holding IS responsible for genocide, such a prospect seems quite unlikely. A little more than 70 years ago, as Davies Hood tells the story, his grandfather William and Louis A. Prosch, Jr., were employees at Alabama Pigment. After the company was sold to a Tennessee firm, Hood and Prosch welcomed their new boss to Birmingham. Davies Hood, president of Induron Protective Coatings, speaks at the company's 70th anniversary Oct. 20, 2017, in Birmingham. "He was a rounder," Davies Hood said simply. After a wild weekend of card playing and other hi-jinx, the two Birmingham employees looked at each other. "My grandfather said, 'If that man can own and run a paint company, we can do it, and do it better," Hood said. Before long, the two men had formed the Industrial Paint Manufacturing Co., which is still in business today as Induron. The company celebrated its 70th anniversary today at the plant on Richard Arrington Boulevard. In the beginning, their vision was of protective coatings for the city's burgeoning steel industry. They took $32,000 of seed money and formed the company, which has withstood economic fortunes, the consolidation of the industry and technological changes and challenges. Birmingham Mayor William Bell, who attended the celebration, said the company has contributed to the city's success, as well as that of its employees - houses and cars bought, educations paid for, families sustained. "The work you do not only helps the city to prosper economically, but helps families grow and thrive in this community," Bell said. Jefferson County Manager Tony Petelos said he remembered summers in his youth painting water tanks with the company's "Indurall" paint. "Thank you for giving me the inspiration to get my college degree," he quipped. By the 1990s, the company had the Indurall paint stores and high performance coatings, but then President David Hood decided to sell the stores and brand, downsize and concentrate on protective coatings. Davies Hood, who is the third generation to lead the company, said Induron was able to stay alive and thrive seven decades on because its employees were able to focus on "what we can do well." It continues to produce products from industrial flooring to finishes. "I'm super proud of this company," he said. Jessie's Place is a women's shelter in downtown Birmingham. Dana Johnson has been down on her luck, homeless on and off the past two years. In September, she spent most of the month living at Jessie's Place, a women's shelter in downtown Birmingham. Jessie's Place informed her that she was required to attend church on Sunday, she said. She said she wanted to attend First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham, where she is a member and served on the church mission team. First Presbyterian is easy walking distance from Jessie's Place, less than two blocks away. Instead, she was told all women at the shelter must attend the same church. For three consecutive Sundays, she and other residents boarded a van and attended worship services at the Woodlawn branch of the Church of the Highlands, Alabama's largest church. When she got a job, Johnson, 47, said she was also told she was required to tithe, or donate 10 percent of her income. She was told to go to a bank, get a money order and make it payable to the Church of the Highlands, she said. The service at the Woodlawn campus of the Church of the Highlands has its own praise team, but video of the sermon by Senior Pastor Chris Hodges is streamed in from the main campus on Grants Mill Road. "It's fine," Johnson said of Church of the Highlands. "It's a nice presentation." She attended services there Sept. 10, 17 and 24, though she would have rather attended First Presbyterian, she said. The situation angered her pastor at First Presbyterian Church. "If you are going to make people go to church, why not one around here?" said the Rev. Shannon Webster, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham. "She could have walked a block to our place." LaTonya Melton, director of Jessie's Place, wrote in an email to Webster that the policy prevents women from lying and saying they went to church when they didn't. She also said that tithing is required, but the women can tithe to whichever church they want. Johnson disputed that. She said women were told that their money orders for tithes must be made payable to the Church of the Highlands. Webster said it's not about the amount of money. "It's the principle of the thing," Webster said. "Someone living in a shelter is not tithing big money," Johnson said. But it is a significant amount to a homeless person, she said. Tony Cooper, executive director of the Jimmie Hale Mission which operates Jessie's Place, said that shelter policies are explained to women when they sign in. It's a Christian ministry and church attendance is required, he said. "They know they'll be going to a church on Sunday," Cooper said. "We're going to go to a church that's local and close-by, one that we're comfortable with. We can't supervise 15 or 20 women going to different places. It's convenience more than anything else." Cooper said women are not charged to stay at the shelter, but they are required to keep a budget if they have a job. That includes setting aside 10 percent for tithing. "They ought to be able to tithe wherever they want to tithe," Cooper said. "That's God's money." Cooper said that if women were told they have to tithe to a certain church, that's wrong. "If that's the case, that's something we need to take another look at," he said. "I don't have a problem with the tithing part, but I have a problem with telling them where to tithe." Teaching tithing is part of teaching how to manage a budget, Cooper said. "We are a Christian ministry," he said. "Tithing is just a part of our Christian walk. We're trying to get them to exercise the discipline of giving back to God what's his. We charge them nothing. It's not like we're trying to get their money. The tithe does not go to us. We're trying to teach them Christian discipline. Tithing is part of the budgeting process. Whatever your policies are, they're not going to please everybody." Johnson said that Jessie's Place was not the first women's shelter that required her to attend the Church of the Highlands. She said that in the fall of 2016, she stayed for about a month at the King's Home Hannah Homes for women in Chelsea, and they also had vans take women residents to Sunday worship services at Church of the Highlands. She said on one occasion they went to the main campus on Grants Mill Road in Irondale, and another time they went to a branch campus on U.S. 280. During the time she stayed at the King's Home, volunteer teams from Church of the Highlands, called Serve teams, worked on a playground at the campus, she said. King's Home did not require women living at the shelter to tithe, she said. Johnson said she didn't understand why women's shelters would bus women for long distances when there were churches much closer to the shelters. "There's tons of churches in Chelsea," Johnson said. The Church of the Highlands and King's Home have not yet responded to messages left by AL.com. Three teens were taken into custody Thursday for the armed holdup of a Jefferson County maintenance worker. Sheriff's deputies responded just before 1 p.m. to a report that a person had been robbed at a home in the 400 block of 15th Terrace N.W. in Center Point. Chief Deputy Randy Christian said the adult male victim had been working at the house when the three teens approached him. One of the teens pointed a handgun at the man and demanded his money. After they gave him his money, they searched his truck and then fled on foot. Christian said a description of the teens was broadcast to other deputies in the area. Deputies spotted the suspects walking near 13th Terrace N.W. and Second Street N.W. One of them was in possession of the stolen money and a handgun. All three were positively identified as the robbery suspects. Two of the suspects were 15 years old, and third was 16. All are from the Center Point area. The two 15-year-olds were taken to Juvenile Detention pending formal charges of first-degree robbery and unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle. The 16-year-old was taken to the Jefferson County Jail also on the same charges. Their names are being withheld pending formal warrants. Deputies plan to charge all three as adults. A teen is hospitalized with serious injuries after a hit-and-run earlier this week in eastern Jefferson County. Deputies were dispatched just before 10 p.m. Wednesday to the 6700 block of Alabama 79 on a report of a pedestrian struck, said Chief Deputy Randy Christian. When they arrived, they found the 18-year-old male lying by the road suffering serious injuries. He was taken to a local hospital with serious, but not life-threatening, injuries. He is expected to recover. Christian said the teen told deputies he had been walking south in the median of the highway when a white sedan traveling the opposite direction veered into the median and hit him. The vehicle fled the scene. There were no other witnesses. The Sheriff's Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team was called to the scene to investigate. Evidence recovered by the team indicates that the suspect vehicle is a Mercedes-Benz C Class sedan and will have damage to the driver side mirror and door. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office at 205-325-1450 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Suspended Jefferson County District Attorney Charles Todd Henderson was found guilty of first-degree perjury by a jury Friday. The jury returned its verdict about 11 a.m. Jurors began deliberating around 5:40 p.m. Thursday, and continued until 8:40 p.m. Deliberations resumed Friday morning. The case started with jury selection Monday, and testimony began Tuesday. The prosecution team, led by Assistant Alabama Attorneys General Matt Hart and Kyle Beckman, rested their case after lunch Thursday. The defense team, led by Joe Espy and James Parkman, rested their case without calling any witnesses. Henderson has been suspended with pay. With his conviction on the felony charge he loses his elected position and pay. Assistant Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr has been serving in Henderson's place as pro-tem. Carr's title has now been changed to interim and he was sworn in Friday because of that change. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey will now appoint someone to fill that slot. An Ivey spokesman said a timeline for an appointment has not been set. The judge released Henderson on the same bond and said he would soon set a sentencing date. Espy said they got a fair trial and they would look into a possible appeal. "We're going to look at it and see," he said. Henderson was visibly upset and appeared to be crying after the verdict. The verdict was "very, very rough" on Henderson, Parkman said. Hart said that justice was served. He said there is a need to be honest under oath especially when children are involved. "You've got to have unquestioned integrity if you want to be a prosecutor," he said. Hart's boss, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, issued a statement Friday afternoon about the conviction. "As Attorney General, and as a former District Attorney, I have a special appreciation for the requirement that witnesses be truthful in court proceedings," Marshall stated. "Those persons who violate the obligation to provide truthful testimony, especially those who are in a position of public trust, may expect to be held accountable. I want to express special appreciation for the jury's hard work, and for the hard work of those in my Special Prosecutions Division." Henderson's perjury case was based on information he was in a relationship with Yareima Carmen Valecillos Akl during her divorce with then-husband Charbel Akl. Henderson was appointed in January 2016 as the guardian ad litem of the Akls' young child, but was later removed from the position after Jefferson County Circuit Judge Patricia Stephens, who was presiding over the divorce case, learned Mrs. Akl was working on Henderson's campaign. After his removal, Henderson testified during the Akls' September divorce trial. Transcripts show Henderson twice denied staying with Mrs. Akl at her apartment, but surveillance evidence showed Henderson had stayed at the apartment on several occasions. Henderson was indicted on the perjury charge just days before he was set to take office as Jefferson County District Attorney. Henderson, a Democrat, beat incumbent Republican Brandon Falls for the seat. Torrey McNabb's execution was stayed twice before he was put to death with middle fingers literally raised Thursday night. Convicted of the 1997 murder of Montgomery police officer Anderson Gordon, in his final waking words McNabb did not express any remorse for the shooting that landed him on death row and left a family broken. Of everyone he knew before he shot Gordon five times in his patrol car, just two sisters and two attorneys showed up to represent him in the viewing room and bear witness as he spit out his last vitriolic sentences. "To the state of Alabama, I hate you motherf***ers. I hate you. I hate you," he said moments before he was administered the lethal injection in Holman Correctional Facility's drab, antiseptic execution chamber. Gordon's family released their own statement shortly after McNabb was officially declared dead Thursday night. "Over 20 years ago we lost a companion, a father a brother and a friend who only wanted to make a difference in his community. Brother, who we affectionately called him, worked to make a difference in his community until his life was taken from him," the statement read in part. "Though this has been a difficult day for the Gordon family, we also continue to pray for the family of Torrey McNabb." At a time when the death penalty is under intense scrutiny and states across the nation have halted executions, McNabb's final moments served as something of a case study of the controversial punishment. The Alabama Department of Corrections is under fire for using drugs in executions that some have alleged do not effectively ensure that inmates do not suffer as they are put to death. About twenty minutes after the first in a succession of drugs entered his bloodstream, McNabb raised his right arm and hand and his face briefly twisted into an intense grimace. His sisters and attorneys all responded audibly, saying in the viewing chamber - a room where silence is supposed to reign - that he seemed to have felt pain and not have been unconscious as the death-delivering chemicals coursed through his system. His execution also featured the last-minute legal wrangling that so often takes place when states kill a human in this day and age. First, late in the afternoon Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted a stay on his execution. His attorneys quickly scrambled to file requests for the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals and U.S. District Court Judge Keith Watkins to issue new stays. The 11th Circuit panel denied the request and Watkins also later issued a denial. McNabb's attorneys also proceeded to request that the U.S. Supreme Court stay the execution. One AL.com reporter and three other members of the media filed into a van at around 5:30 p.m. Thursday to be taken to the main Holman building, where McNabb was awaiting his death. Four minutes before his scheduled execution time of 6 p.m., reporters and the DOC got word that the Supreme Court had stayed the execution pending consideration, buying the justices time to consider the last-ditch attempt to stop the proceedings. Two DOC employees and the four journalists remained in the media van for more than two hours, awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court. The DOC made the decision at that point to drive the media the short distance back to the press building, where they would remain for another hour or so. All of a sudden, a little before 8:30 p.m., DOC spokesman Bob Horton announced that the Supreme Court had lifted the stay; the reporters had just a few minutes to get in the van and head back to the prison building. After passing through the tall gate and backing into a parking spot just feet from the entrance to the short hallway leading to the execution chamber, the media van's doors remained closed for several minutes as McNabb's witnesses filed into the facility. The reporters followed close behind. The viewing room is built out of whitewashed cinderblocks and has three rows of chairs for the witnesses to sit on. McNabb's sisters and attorneys sat in the front row, and the reporters occupied the second. A reddish fluorescent light permeated the room from the far end, giving the room the eerie feel of a dim movie theater moments before the show begins. After a few minutes of tense waiting, a correctional officer in a pressed baby-blue uniform drew back the curtain on the other side of the one-sided mirror that separated the witnesses from McNabb. It was about 8:52 p.m. The convicted killer was dressed in all white, his legs and feet wrapped tightly in a white sheet, his body strapped down to a gurney by straps that looked like seatbelts. His arms were strapped down at 90-degree angles to his body, his splayed-out frame forming the shape of a cross. At first, his hands were balled tight into fists and his eyes were wide open. He seemed to be staring directly into the viewing area to his left, where his witnesses and the press were seated, though the mirrored glass on his side of the window presumably made it physically impossible for him to see them. Cynthia Stewart, Holman's warden, took a microphone from its place on the wall and spoke into it. Her legalistic words were piped into the viewing chamber by a single outdated rectangular speaker reminiscent of ones used in old elementary schools for the daily announcements. "It is now considered that the motion to set an execution date has been granted," she declared, reading from the death warrant. McNabb proceeded to deliver his defiant last words. Because he requested that no prayer be read and that his execution have no religious aspect - the first time such a request has been made in recent decades, according to people who have witnessed many Alabama executions - his were the last words stated before the lethal injection got underway. "Mom, sis, look at my eyes. I'm unafraid ... To the state of Alabama, I hate you motherf***ers. I hate you. I hate you," he said. He then closed his eyes and raised both of his middle fingers, pointing them directly at the two viewing chambers that contained his family and attorneys to his left, and Gordon's family to his right. McNabb eventually re-opened his eyes and lowered his middle fingers, balling his fists once again. He repeatedly opened and closed his eyes, then at about 8:58 p.m. raised his middle digits again, this time with his eyes wide open. He proceeded to express a singular moment of emotion, gazing at the one-way mirror that divided him from his sisters and moved his mouth in a way variably described by those in attendance as either blown kisses or an attempt as mouthing words. One of his sisters briefly raised a single fist in solidarity. His hands twitched a minute later, and seemed to go limp shortly thereafter. At 9:00, the same sister who had raised her fist exclaimed, "We love you. Put it in bold print - capital Love." A correctional officer standing in the back of the witness room told her to "Please remain quiet." One minute later, the correctional officer standing next to McNabb in the execution chamber bent his head down toward him and loudly said, "Inmate McNabb" three times. At 9:02, the officer put his hand on McNabb's forehead and briefly opened his left eyelid. Then he pinched his skin under his left bicep for several seconds. At 9:03 McNabb's hand and mouth moved a small amount in response to this "consciousness check." At 9:05, the single opaque tube that stretched from a hole in the wall of the execution chamber into McNabb's body moves a bit, presumably an indication that more drugs were being pumped into him. He does not respond, but his chest continues to move up and down as he breathes. His mouth moves almost imperceptibly at 9:07, and his breathing quickens at 9:08, becoming more perceptible to viewers' eyes. His sisters and attorneys quietly conjectured that he is still conscious at this point. His left hand moves slightly at 9:10. At 9:12, the correctional officer again leans down and says, "Inmate McNabb." His left hand twitches a few seconds later. The officer again lifts his eyelid and proceeds to pinch him at 9:13. McNabb's body briefly writhes, and his sister says, "His whole body moving." All four witnesses are audibly upset that he is still moving at this point. At 9:17, his right hand and arm abruptly shoot straight up from their resting place, staying aloft for several seconds. He visibly grimaces for a brief moment, twisting his head against the gurney. "He finna wake up," his sister cries. Later in the evening, DOC Commissioner Jeff Dunn will tell the media in a press conference that he is "confident he was more than unconscious at that point" in response to questions about the arm motion and facial expression. "I've witnessed several of these executions and involuntary movements are not uncommon," Dunn said. "We did perform two consciousness checks ... We don't talk specifically about the protocol. But as I said we err on the side of safety and we want to be sure we follow the protocol as it is written." McNabb's chest stops visibly rising and falling - he seems to have stopped breathing - at about 9:20. "He dead now," his sister says, resignedly, at 9:22. The witnesses continue to stare at his unmoving body. "He gone," McNabb's sister says at 9:30. The correctional officer standing over his body closes the curtain between the viewing room and the execution chamber at 9:31. The DOC later says that McNabb's official time of death is 9:38 p.m. Central Time, Oct. 19, 2017. A Birmingham woman has been charged with reckless manslaughter, seven months after a 16-year-old high school sophomore was struck and killed on Center Point Parkway. A Jefferson County grand jury indicted 28-year-old Jessica Nicole Abdullah on Sept. 22, according to court records made public Friday. She is charged in the March 26 death of Huffman High School student Brieyonna Pearson, who had just turned 16 days before. Abdullah was booked into the Jefferson County Jail early Thursday. She remains jailed on $30,000 bond. The crash happened about 4:45 a.m. that Sunday. Jefferson County sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a traffic accident on Center Point Parkway at Polly Reed Road. When they arrived on the scene, they found Brieyonna dead. Two other people suffered minor injuries and were transported to an area hospital, Chief Deputy Randy Christian said at the time. Information at the scene, Christian said, indicates Brieyonna was a passenger in a car traveling north on Center Point Parkway when it was involved in an accident with a second vehicle. The driver of the second car parked in a parking lot and fled on foot before deputies arrived. A third vehicle stopped to offer assistance. When the occupants got out of the damaged car, the third vehicle and Brieyonna were struck by a fourth car that then overturned in a nearby parking lot. No arrests were made following the crash, but the evidence was instead presented to the grand jury for indictment consideration. According to that indictment, Abdullah was "operating a motor vehicle in excess of posted speed limits" when she struck Brieyonna. Court records show Abdulla was arrested last year for public intoxication and disorderly conduct when sheriff's deputies arrested her walking down the middle of a road. She admitted to them she was highly intoxicated on marijuana and alcohol. The new charges against her don't reflect any substance use in the crash that killed the teen. An Athens man was arrested for allegedly breaking into a home and threatening his wife with a gun, Athens police said. Kenny Gatlin, 36, came to a residence located on North Jefferson Street on Sept. 8 to see his child and his wife who were living with her parents due to problems with Gatlin. Police said he went into a vehicle parked in the yard and took a set of keys, which opened the back door. According to the victims, Gatlin went into his wife's bedroom, pointed a gun at her and threatened to kill her if she yelled for help. The wife's mother said she heard something and told her husband to see what was going on. The wife's father entered her bedroom and pointed his pistol on Gatlin. He then ordered Gatlin away from the bedroom. While moving from the bedroom to the living room, authorities said a scuffle started. Gatlin tried to get the pistol from his pants but the victims got the gun away from Gatlin. Police said Gatlin ran into the room and slammed the door. One of the home owners fired two shots, which missed Gatlin. He then broke a window. Police said the glass cut Gatlin's arm. When police arrived on the scene, one of the homeowners had Gatlin at gunpoint. Once all weapons were secure, officers called the medics and began first aid on Gatlin. The suspect was taken to Athens Limestone Hospital and was later transferred to Huntsville Hospital. Athens Police Chief Floyd Johnson said they did not know about the suspect's release from the hospital until Wednesday. Officers received a tip from a male caller who said Gatlin pointed a pistol at him and was driving on Elm Street. Police asked assistance from the Limestone County Sheriff's Department to arrest Gatlin on Pamela Drive. Gatlin was placed in Limestone County Jail for first-degree burglary, unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle, domestic violence menacing with a gun and possession of a controlled substance. It's the poll on the Alabama Senate race that's arched eyebrows and dropped jaws. Is a Democratic candidate in deep red Alabama really tied with a Republican candidate as the state hurtles toward the Dec. 12 election? The poll came from Fox News earlier this week. But somehow the cable news outlet favored by President Trump and typically identified with conservative GOP views came up with a result that gave an unexpected jolt to the race between Democrat Doug Jones and Republican Roy Moore. The poll said that both Jones and Moore had 42 percent support from the pool of 801 participants. It led to comments disparaging the poll from Terry Lathan, chair of the Alabama Republican Party, as well as similar tweets from Moore's campaign account. The consternation over the poll came in the fine print. Every other Senate poll - which has indicated Moore leads anywhere from six to 11 points - has sampled "likely voters." The Fox poll sampled "registered voters." In retweeting a story from Conservative Review, Moore's campaign Twitter accounted lifted an excerpt from the story that said "a poll of likely voters is a more accurate representation of any race compared to registered voters." Today, a poll of 3,000 likely voters in the race shows Judge Roy Moore leading Democrat Doug Jones by double digits. ...a poll of likely voters is a more accurate representation of any race compared to registered voters. https://t.co/da0epXiei8#MooreSenate #ALSEN #ALpolitics Judge Roy Moore (@RealJudgeMoore) October 20, 2017 Lathan, in a story on Breitbart News - which is overseen by Moore supporter Stephen Bannon - said the Fox poll was "highly inaccurate" and "an extreme outlier." Is this just Republican panic over a closer-than-expected race or did the Fox poll, using registered voters instead of likely voters, provide a false indicator of where the race stands? AL.com contacted three Alabama pollsters to get their perspectives. The consensus was that the Fox poll was out of step with four other polls that have Moore in control. But the pollsters also had their own unique views about the Fox poll. "My take on whether it is a registered or likely voter sample, I don't think that comparison is a reason to demonize this poll," said Kevin Akins, a Democratic pollster for ALG Research in Montgomery. "When people ask me about the Fox News poll, my first response is, I don't have the foggiest idea what their poll model was," said Jonathan Gray, a Republican pollster and partner at Strategy Public Relations in Mobile. "But I know this: Of the other five polls that are out there, they are the outlier. They are the one that's kind of our here in la-la land." "The Fox News poll is definitely an outlier," said Brent Buchanan, president of Montgomery-based Cygnal - which conducted a poll earlier this month that gave Moore an 8-point lead. "Polling all registered voters -- without a likely voter screen -- for a special election is like asking everyone at your church what their favorite potluck dish is when you really only care what the church staff thinks." Gray's company conducted the Raycom poll released Thursday that gave Moore an 11-point edge - his largest polling advantage of the campaign. Gray said he put three qualifiers on his sample pool in an effort to make sure he was polling people who would be voting in December. "They had to be an active registered voter in Alabama," he said. "They must have voted in the 2016 general election. They had to tell us on the survey that they were going to vote in the general election in December. If those three things were true, we counted their vote." Of course, there is an obvious difference between registered voters and likely voters. More than 3 million people are registered to vote in Alabama but barely more than 2 million voted in the presidential election last November. Still, that was the third-highest voter turnout in state history even as 1 million people stayed home. Voter turnout dropped to about 20 percent for the Senate primaries in August - or, put another way, 80 percent of registered voters opted not to vote. "What we know about a special election is that you've really kind of got to be dedicated to politics or care enough to go vote in a special," Gray said. "And I can't predict who is going to go vote in a special. But I can tell you this: If they didn't vote in the third-largest election in state history (last year), they're probably not going to vote in some random special election in December." That's why Gray said he put that qualifier in his poll. Akins said polling for a special election is more difficult than in a regular election cycle. "I would say we typically conduct likely voter polls," he said. "To conduct a likely voter poll for a special election is a voodoo art all its own. It's why all over the country in special elections, polling has been all over the place more so than the general election. Polling still works but figuring out who might turn out is very complicated. "If I was doing a poll of this race, it would be a likely voter. But it would be fairly loose to allow some atypical voters in the race. It would not be a stereotypical likely voter poll. It would not be just a registered voter poll. I would probably have something in between. And that's probably the reason I don't completely write off the Fox poll yet." Akins also pointed out that Jones has released television campaign ads in recent weeks while Moore has not. "I look at that (Fox) poll and said, Hey, Doug Jones is on TV since the last poll I saw, Roy Moore is not," Akins said. "This race is probably tightening up a little bit." Gray, the Republican pollster, wouldn't necessarily disagree with that. "I do think it's a competitive race," said Gray, who has been closely observing Alabama politics for 20 years. "Because we're talking about this race. I can tell you what competitive races look like in Alabama. "Do the numbers bear that out? Yeah, they do. If all the undecideds collapsed for Doug Jones based on the polling I put out for Raycom, you'd have a 51-49 race and that's a coin toss." Both Gray and Akins agree that the race will come down to turnout. Akins spoke in terms of "surge voting," which he attributed to Randall Woodfin's defeat of incumbent William Bell to win Birmingham's mayoral election last week. And if one candidate is more likely to benefit from surge voting, Akins said it would be Jones. "I think Roy Moore's voters are going to be there no matter what," Akins said. "They were sort of baked into the cake - a higher voter turnout, a slightly more rural vote than urban vote, a slightly heavy white vote and strong support in an evangelical community. I think Roy Moore's turnout was already baked into the cake. "The question is going to be whether Democrats are going to be excited and engaged to turnout for Doug Jones or not. It's certainly been a while they had someone strong to turn out for in this state." While Gray said he believes the Fox poll to be an outlier, he said he has no doubt it was a legitimate poll. "I'm not going to accuse Fox News and those pollsters of messing with the numbers," he said. "I really don't think they did that. I don't believe anybody did that." And at the end of the day, a poll is just a poll. "Right now," Gray said, "my poll is no better than their poll or anybody else's poll." On the back wall of the council chambers in the Wilsonville, Ala. town hall is a framed photo of the stacks at the E.C. Gaston Electric Generating Plant, an Alabama Power facility that has burned coal to produce electricity powering much of the surrounding area since the 1950s. A few steps outside the town hall doors and the stacks are visible in person, jutting out over the tree line in the direction of the Coosa River and Lay Lake. The power plant is one of the area's biggest employers and injects life into the small town in south Shelby County. Four of the five generating units at Gaston have been converted to run on natural gas, decreasing the amount of air pollution generated at the facility. But many Wilsonville residents, including Mayor Lee McCarty, are growing increasingly concerned about another aspect of living in the shadow of a coal-fired power plant - the 269-acre coal ash pond on the facility. The pond discharges into the Coosa River after the solid particles from the coal ash have settled out. McCarty hosted a "Coffee with the Mayor" event Thursday morning at the town hall to express his disagreement with Alabama Power's decision to leave the coal ash there in unlined ponds on the banks of the river. "The number one thing we're supposed to do as elected officials is to look out for the health, safety and welfare of our citizens," McCarty said. "When you're in a small town like Wilsonville, being mayor of Wilsonville doesn't have much authority. But if I can do anything for health, safety and welfare of our citizens, that's what I'm supposed to do. "Does it make sense for that ash pond to sit there, unlined, next to our river? No. Is it better off for our citizens for that ash to be moved? The answer is an easy yes." McCarty invited Frank Holleman from the Southern Environmental Law Center -- which has waged numerous legal battles with utilities over coal ash -- to present information to the town's residents about his experience with utilities in other states. Holleman is currently the SELC's lead litigating attorney on coal ash issues, and previously served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education. Holleman grew up in South Carolina, and speaks with a Southern drawl tempered by his time at Harvard Law School, where he was editor of the Harvard Law Review, and in Washington, D.C., where he clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Harry A. Blackmun. He currently works out of SELC's office in Chapel Hill, N.C. As a result of legal actions brought by Holleman and SELC, all utilities in South Carolina have agreed to remove their coal ash from riverside ponds to lined storage. A North Carolina state law -- passed after a Duke Energy coal plant breach spilled 39,000 tons of ash into the Dan River -- will require many of that state's coal ash ponds to be excavated and closed by 2029. Holleman said Georgia Power, which is also owned by Alabama Power's parent organization Southern Company, has pledged to excavate some of its ash ponds. In Tennessee, a judge ordered the Tennessee Valley Authority to excavate some of its coal ash ponds, ruling they violated the Clean Water Act. The TVA case was brought by the SELC. "Georgia Power's [removing coal ash] in many places, Duke Energy's doing it, TVA has been ordered to do it, Alabama Power can do it," Holleman said. "Every utility in South Carolina is moving its ash to safe, dry, lined storage and I've just got to believe that if South Carolina can do it, Alabama can do it." For now, Alabama Power's plans do not include excavation, but Holleman said it's not too late. "They have announced plans [to cover in place], but that has been true of some of the other utilities who then changed their minds," Holleman said. "Several of them had very definite plans to cap in place, but they heard the concern in their communities, they finally woke up to the risks they were facing, and sometimes they had a court tell them they had to do it." Alabama Power announced in 2015 that it would cover in place its existing wet coal ash ponds to comply with new coal ash rules finalized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that year. The current plan is to dewater the ash ponds as much as possible, and cover the remaining ash in place with fill material, topped with a synthetic liner, and covered by dirt and grass, much like modern municipal landfills. Alabama Power has previously said cover in place is an approved method of coal ash disposal according to the latest EPA rules, and the company would be in full compliance with all legal requirements for ash storage. The company says it has never had a coal ash impoundment failure, and regularly monitors and inspects the dams at its six remaining coal ash ponds for signs of trouble. Critics -- including the SELC - have argued utilities should move the ash to fully lined storage facilities. They argue harmful substances from the coal ash like mercury and arsenic will continue to infiltrate the groundwater from the unlined ponds, and that leaving millions of tons of coal ash on the banks of rivers -- held back by manmade earthen dams -- leaves the risk of a catastrophic breach, like the kind experienced at the Duke Energy spill in North Carolina and at TVA's Kingston Fossil Plant in Tennessee. The 2015 EPA coal ash rules also required utilities to publish emergency action plans as to how the company would handle a worst-case scenario situation involving a major flood, earthquake or dam breach. Those action plans include inundation maps, showing geographic areas that could be impacted if a breach or extreme flood were to occur. At Gaston, McCarty said those inundation maps paint a scary picture of what would happen if there was a breach at the 45-foot tall dam holding back approximately 23.6 million cubic yards of coal ash, according to Alabama Power documents. The dam at Gaston is classified as having a "high hazard potential," because "there is a probable loss of human life in the event of a dam/dike failure or misoperation of the facility," according to the company's emergency action plan. "My takeaway is if one of those dikes failed, it would cut Wilsonville half in two with a mountain of sludge," McCarty said. "I just can't sit here and say nothing with that kind of risk." Thursday's town hall event drew a standing-room-only crowd of several dozen people to the city council chambers. The audience included Wilsonville residents, as well as the mayors and councilors of Wilsonville and nearby municipalities, at least one Shelby County Commissioner, and other county officials, including Sheriff John Samaniego. Alabama Power spokesman Ike Pigott said the company would continue working with residents and local officials to ease their fears about the cap in place option. "As a company, we live and work in Wilsonville, and in all of the communities we serve," Pigott said. "We want our neighbors and customers to know that their safety is our highest priority. Alabama Power has been safely operating and inspecting our ponds and dams for more than 40 years, long before any requirements to do so. "We have never had an impoundment failure and again remain committed to the safety of the communities we serve. Alabama Power will continue to update the public on our plan as we transition to capping in place." Alabama Power representatives are on the agenda to speak at the next Wilsonville City Council meeting on Monday to provide additional information to the council and residents of the town. Wilsonville City Councilor Ivan Greene attended the mayor's event but said he remains skeptical about the potential of a breach at Gaston and isn't sure what the best decision is regarding the coal ash. "They presented one side of the story," Greene said. "I've listened to the power company and they presented another side of the story, and somewhere in the middle is probably the truth. "I don't believe that Wilsonville is in danger of being inundated with coal ash. I just don't believe that. I've been out to the coal ash pile, the material that's been there is stable, it's not going to go anywhere. It's been there for many years through many rain storms and hasn't gone anywhere. "I'm not convinced one way or the other." Many of the town residents in the audience said they were there to gather more information and were also unsure how much risk the ash pond posed to their town. During a question and answer session following Holleman's presentation, one resident said Alabama Power has "always been a good neighbor," to Wilsonville. Holleman said he was encouraged by the response and the turnout of Wilsonville residents at Thursday's meeting. "I think it's a great display of public interest and concern on a serious issue that affects the future of this community and the future generations of this community as well," Holleman said. "What's going to happen to their water supply, their community in future years due to the unlined storage of millions of tons of industrial waste in this primitive way." Alabama's proposal to increase staffing to help fix what a federal judge said was "horrendously inadequate" mental health care in state prisons falls short, lawyers who represent the inmates told the court on Thursday. The inmates' lawyers filed an 86-page response to the state's plan for increasing mental health staff and security staff at the Alabama Department of Corrections. U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson wrote that understaffing is one of the overarching problems contributing to the state's problems. The state's plan is only a start to fixing the "severe and persistent correctional and mental health understaffing in the ADOC," Southern Poverty Law Center Attorney Maria Morris wrote in the 86-page response. "It must be fleshed out with details, oversight, and enforceability. Without these crucial adjustments, Defendants' plan will remain nothing more than words and will not result in the ADOC reaching levels of staffing that will allow for the provision of constitutionally adequate mental health care," Morris wrote. Thompson issued his ruling in June, finding that mental illness went undiagnosed and undertreated in the state's prisons. Thompson, after taking testimony for weeks, found that the state failed to provide hospital-level care for those who need it, failed to identify and monitor inmates at risk of suicide or going through mental health crises and punished inmates for exhibiting symptoms of mental illness. Thompson found that the care fell short of standards required by the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. The judge ordered the two sides to seek an agreement on a remedy. The state submitted its proposal to address concerns about understaffing last week. Among other steps, it would roughly double the mental health staff in prisons, adding about 125 caregivers at an estimated annual cost of at least $10 million. The plan to hire more staff could not go forward unless the Legislature provides more money for prisons, the state's proposal said. The state also proposed hiring consultants to assess how many more correctional officers are needed. DOC has acknowledged that its prisons don't have enough officers to supervise inmates. The plaintiffs, in their response filed Thursday, said the state plan for increasing staffing was "vague, unsubstantiated and generally inadequate." They requested that the state's consultants collaborate with the plaintiffs on an assessment of how many officers are needed. They want the plan to include benchmarks intended to bring the prisons up to recommended staffing levels in about two years. The plaintiffs said the determination of staffing levels for mental health caregivers must be based on a larger mental health caseload because the number of prisoners receiving care should be much higher than it is. The plaintiffs asked the court to appoint monitors for mental health and for security staffing. The monitors would be able to visit prisons, talk to prisoners and staff and review logs and documents to make sure the DOC is following through on remedies approved by the court, like increased staffing. In Thursday's response to the state plan, Morris noted that the first inmate to testify in the trial later committed suicide while the trial was still going on. The DOC later reached a court-ordered settlement to improve suicide prevention. This story was edited at 3:03 p.m. to clarify that the state's proposal and the plaintiffs' response today was specifically about the issue of understaffing. Updated at 3:40 p.m. with more information. More information added at 4:35 p.m. by on Scribd Steelmaker SSAB Americas, which operates a steel mill in south Alabama, has announced that it is moving its head office from the Chicago area to Mobile. The announcement was made at a press conference held Thursday morning at the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber facilitated negotiations for the deal, which Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield said involved a competition with four other potential sites in four other states. "As you're aware, Mobile is a growing international business community, with a booming economy and a business-friendly environment," said Chuck Schmitt, president of SSAB Americas. "SSAB is excited to be joining other companies who are moving here for those exact same reasons." "We also know from our employees, and from our history here, that Alabama provides a wonderful quality of lif for them and their families." SSAB Americas is a division of global company SSAB. It has operated a steel mill in Axis, Ala., north of Mobile, since 2001. Schmitt said that "Moving our team to Mobile will ensure that our senior leaders and support staff work in closer proximity to our front-line operations, where key decisions are made for our business and customers." Schmitt said the relocation will move about 60 "well-paying jobs" to Mobile, and that more details would be announced as the transition unfolds over the course of the next year. George Talbot, Senior Director of Communications for Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, said officials expect that the company will lease office space somewhere in downtown Mobile. Jay Ross, attorney for the Mobile County Commission, said that the local incentive package for the company involved $750,000 cash contributions from the city and county, plus 10-year tax abatements from the Industrial Development Authority. All those are scheduled to be considered for approval in mid-November, Ross said. There are additional state incentives; those figures were not immediately available. The SSAB plant in Axis is within County Commission District 1, represented by Merceria Ludgood, who praised SSAB for its support of area schools and other engagement. "It is my honor to say 'Thank you' to SSAB for all the contributions you have made to this community," Ludgood said. "About being thrilled, that's really an understatement," said Stimpson. "This is a validation of a lot of hard work by a lot of people." He said that every time a company relocates to Mobile, it sends a signal to others that Mobile "is a great place to do business." A different note was sounded by U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne, R-Fairhope, who said that as a member of the congressional steel caucus he was concerned about foreign steelmakers improperly subsidized by their governments dumping steel in the American market at unfairly low prices. "Unfortunately the steel industry in America is under attack," Byrne said, signaling a hard line against such alleged dumping. "Those days are over." "I love working with your team in Washington," Byrne told Schmitt, vowing to fight harder than ever for SSAB's interests. Talbot said that although the Mobile City Council recently opted to divert economic development funds to bonuses for city employees and retirees, the cuts had not threatened this or other imminent deals. "We're good, we've got a balance that should be adequate to carry us forward," he said. The Gators chomped him. Richard Spencer never had a chance. After days of student and community protesting leading up to his speech at the University of Florida, Spencer and his white nationalist supporters met strong resistance on campus Thursday. A few thousand protesters demonstrated outside UF's Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts before, during and after Spencer's speech. "There was lot of opposition to him because it really infuriated the students here that the university allowed him to come and speak knowing that everything that happened at Charlottesville and the possible threats," said Robert Portugues, a 22-year-old UF student from Tampa. "It really riled up the students a lot. [Spencer] stands against everything that we believe in and we stand for as a university." Protests drowned out Richard Spencer at the University of Florida (jgoodman@al.com) The auditorium was half empty for the speech, and the large majority of the crowd were UF students and protesters who booed, chanted and heckled loud enough to drown out most of Spencer's words. The university originally denied Spencer venue space to deliver one of his speeches, which are centered around white nationalist ideology. After being threatened with a lawsuit, UF granted Spencer's request, and Florida governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency to prepare the campus. According to UF president Kent Fuchs, the university spent around $500,000 for security for the event. The state of emergency freed up Florida's governor to send teams of Quick Response Force state troopers from around the state. Many of the same state troopers worked during Hurricane Irma to protect and secure the state. The preparation greatly reduced the risk of anything violent occurring on the scale of the Charlottesville protests, but there were still minor clashes throughout the day between those protesting Spencer's presence and supporters of the alt-right leader. One man wearing a T-shirt decorated in Nazi swastikas was punched the face after walking through a crowd of protesters. Two other Spencer supporters were shielded from protesters by police after a brief interaction. Students at UF weren't the only people protesting Spencer's presence. Many members of the Gainesville community descended upon Hull Road to join the demonstrations and chants. Protesters moved up and down Hull Road outside the Phillips Center throughout the day chanting phrases like, "No K.K.K., no fascists, USA, No Trump." Mike Ryan-Simonovich, a 39-year-old Alachua County resident, said he wanted to attend the speech to take a seat away from a young person who might have been influenced by Spencer's thoughts. Protesters far outnumbered supporters of Richard Spencer. (jgoodman@al.com) "While I acknowledge that Mr. Spencer's First Amendment rights grant him the right to speak, I think that does mean that we need to grant him an audience, and so I wanted to be here, because I am inoculated against hatred, to take one of his seats to prevent some poor, young, impressionable person from being infected with his atrocious ideas." One business in Gainesville also shared Ryan-Simonovich's motives. The Alligator Brewing Company traded free beer to any person who brought in a pair of tickets for the event. "We unfortunately cannot stop him from bringing his hate to Gainesville," the brewery said in a statement, "but we can empty the room, so his disgusting message goes unheard." Joseph Goodman is a columnist for Alabama Media Group. He's on Twitter @JoeGoodmanJr. Mobile arrested two teens for allegedly shooting at children at a recreation center and another teen for choking a student. Morgan Peters and Desmond Nelson, both 18, are facing multiple charges after a shooting occurred at the Harmon Recreation Center at 1611 Belfast St. on Wednesday. Police said officers were clearing a shots fired call at George Hill Elementary School at 3:30 p.m. when they saw Peters and Nelson drive by the recreation center. Police said they started shooting at the kids gathering in front of the building. No injuries were reported. Officers caught the teens at Midway Avenue and Ghent Street. A gun was found on the side of the road, police said. Both teens were placed in Mobile County Metro Jail and charged with reckless endangerment, attempting to elude, no pistol permit and possession of an altered firearm. The same day, officers responded to Williamson High School on Dublin Street at 11:13 a.m. where an 11-year-old student was found unconscious. The student was revived by school officials. The 13-year-old student who police said choked the victim was arrested and charged with third-degree assault. The student's name was not released due to his age. Charles Todd Henderson, the elected district attorney in Alabama's largest county, was convicted today on charges of perjury. He lied under oath, a Jefferson County jury found, in a divorce case unrelated to his would-be job as DA. He will never be able to take the oath of office. He will never be able to assume his job as the county's top law enforcement official. He will face disbarment and up to 10 years in prison. Because he lied. And you know what? That's not even the worst of it. Because, as testimony made clear, he lied to keep a domestic relations judge from finding out he was trying to manipulate her court. He lied to cover up the fact that he was having an affair with the mother of a child he was appointed to represent as guardian ad litem. He eventually married that woman - the former Yareima Akl - so she could not be compelled to testify against him. Henderson took it hard after the verdict, trembling and hugging his wife. Staffers in the district attorney's office, on the other hand, struggled not to burst into applause. Because they feared this guy as the top law enforcement officer in any county. Particularly theirs. And who can blame them? He lied, but that was just the tip of the slimeberg. He failed the child he was sworn to faithfully and independently represent. He put his own prurient interests above the law and his honor and a child. Charles Todd Henderson hugs his wife, Yareima, after his conviction of perjury charges. He's lucky he was only charged with perjury. If selfish, repugnant, repulsive behavior were crimes he'd be a serial offender. A four-time loser. Henderson began a relationship with Akl while the woman was embroiled in a heated divorce. She worked on his campaign and they became close. They began to date and spend the night together and call each other girlfriend and boyfriend. And in the midst of it, acting as if he did not know Akl or her 10-year-old child, Henderson asked a judge to appoint him as the child's guardian ad litem in the divorce. He was supposed to look out for the child's interests as the parents fought it out. It's a position that must be unbiased, that cannot be tied to a parent. When Jefferson County Domestic Relations Judge Patricia Stephens found out Akl worked on his campaign she removed him as guardian. When she learned he lied about the extent of the relationship she changed her whole ruling and awarded custody to the father. "I was in stunned disbelief," she said on the witness stand Thursday. Stephens was a devastating witness. She cried as she recounted a closed-door meeting with lawyers after Henderson testified that he and Akl never spent the night together. She was shown evidence then that it was a lie. "In that off-the-record interaction I was apprised of the fact there was a relationship between Henderson and Akl prior to his being appointed guardian ad litem," she testified. "It was inappropriate." "In this case the question becomes 'is this an attempt to manipulate or mislead the court," she said as the tears began. "I take what I do very serious. I take my reputation as a judge very serious." So forgive me if I give short shrift to the chorus of Democrats who swore in the last few weeks that Henderson, himself a Democrat, was a victim of some kind of political prosecution. This guy has as much business being district attorney as I have being president of the Optimist Club. None. He put his hand in the air and violated one oath already. To a child. Imagine what he'd do to the people of Jefferson County. John Archibald's column appears in The Birmingham News, the Huntsville Times, the Mobile Register and AL.com. Write him at jarchibald@al.com. capitol.jpeg U.S. Capitol at night. (File photo) Shanquela Williams By Shanquela Williams, an Alabama native pursuing a Master of Social Work at University of Houston There is on-going attention toward issues in the United States, such as racial injustice, immigration, health care reform, and climate change. Yet, there is little attention toward what the United Nations says is the largest humanitarian crisis since World War II. More than twenty million people across East Africa are at risk of famine. These countries include Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen. The United Nations warned as many as 1.4 million children could die of starvation in the coming months. Humanitarian needs are rapidly increasing and surpassing the resources that are available. Have you been distracted from this crisis? It is true that the United States is facing its own issues, but the U.S. does play a role in this crisis. The U.S. Congress pledged $1 billion in relief funds, however due to the failure to fill key positions for the Presidential Administration, aid officials state getting money is a slow process. These funds are vital to the United Nations as they distribute money to programs for food aid. Refugee camps are overflowing with new refugees each day. They travel many miles in hope to find food and water. Aid agencies are faced with many obstacles to deliver food. Circumstances reach from the terrorist attacks to interference by local and western governments. For example, the U.S. recently sealed a multibillion-dollar arms deal with Saudi Arabia for war in Yemen. These funds are negatively impacting innocent human lives. The war in Yemen is destroying the various seaports for incoming food. Yet, there is no news coverage of the situation. The drought in Somalia is fueling these severe diseases. It is not the first time the country has experienced a drought. However, it is the most severe in its history. Livestock are dead and wells are dry due to the lack of rain. There has been some progress in Somalia with food delivers, yet six million people are expected to bear food insecurity. In South Sudan, people have fled their homes due to violence. Many are incapable of planting crops which has led to less harvest. Food prices continuously rise at markets due to scarce amount of food. The instability of reliable food is causing starvation. According to the UN, food security in Kenya has deteriorated within the past year affecting 3.4 million people. A famine will hinder the progression of sustainability. This includes the obliteration of livestock, which is a contribution to Kenya's economy. Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O'Brien of the United Nations suggests that all parties must be held responsible for the inevitable famine, preventable deaths and associated magnification in suffering that will follow in East Africa. The days for sweeping this issue under the rug are over. It is time to shine light on this humanitarian crisis. The question then arises are famines man-made? Droughts may start a famine, but I believe the continuous cause of a famine is government defect. It is possible for government actions to make a famine worse. This could be from not caring or bungling famine-aid programs. Governments should work to alleviate what could potentially become a famine. All humans are entitled to basic needs, such as food and water. It is unbearable to know there is enough food in this world to distribute, still these countries are at risk of a famine. A famine means reverse in economic development and lack of education. This is crucial to the progression of this world. The severity of malnutrition has caused individuals, especially children to suffer with weakened immune systems. Diseases such as cholera, diarrhea and measles are increasing death rates. These countries have called for international support. I view bridging the gap as bringing awareness, engaging in assistance, providing funds, planning famine prevention and drought response plans. To collectively learn from this catastrophe, we must analysis the roots which led to this humanitarian crisis. I envision peace within nations coming together to agree that basic needs for all humans are a necessity. My call is to stop this crisis. Greed does not coexist with resilience. The International Humanitarian Law (IHL) states to protect all persons who are not participating in hostilities. Let's turn toward human security and focus on healing our world. Act locally and think globally. Samford at Wofford | Friday, Oct. 20, 4 p.m. (CT) | Video (SDN) | Live Stats Samford at The Citadel | Saturday, Oct. 21, 1 p.m. (CT) | Video (ESPN3) | Live Stats The Samford University volleyball team will compete in a pair of key Southern Conference road matches this weekend as the Bulldogs are scheduled to face the Wofford Terriers on Friday at 4 p.m. (CT) and The Citadel Bulldogs on Saturday at 1 p.m. Friday's match against Wofford will be held in the brand-new Richardson Indoor Stadium, while Saturday's contest at The Citadel is scheduled to be held at the McAlister Field House. Samford (9-13, 4-4 SoCon) heads into this week's road trip with a 3-5 record in true away matches this season. So far this year, the Bulldogs' road victories have come against Indiana, 3-2, Western Carolina, 3-1, and UNCG, 3-2. Last week, Samford played a pair of SoCon matches at home and finished with a 1-1 record. The Bulldogs rallied for a key 3-1 triumph over Mercer on Wednesday before falling to first-place Furman on Saturday, 3-0. Against the Paladins, Samford received double-digit kill performances from Shayla Phillip, Krista Boesing and Kelsi Hobbs, but the Bulldogs' late third-set comeback attempt was thwarted by the first-place Furman Paladins, who earned a 3-0 (25-22, 25-16, 26-24) SoCon win held at the Pete Hanna Center. Boesing led with 11 kills Saturday, while Phillip and Hobbs both followed with 10 apiece. Phillip, the Bulldogs' talented sophomore from Columbus, turned in a brilliant .389 hitting percentage to lead the team. For the second straight match, Samford true freshman Corinne Meglic played in the team's primary setter role and finished with a game-high 35 assists. Hobbs posted the squad's lone double-double with 10 kills and 10 digs, while sophomore Grace Tiesman registered a team-high 13 digs as senior Morgan St. Germain added 10. Samford's Boesing heads into Friday's match ranked No. 7 in the nation in total kills with 355. The Bulldogs' junior outside hitter is also ranked No. 11 in the country in points (386.5). Wofford (15-8, 5-4 SoCon) enters the weekend as the third-place team in the conference standings. The Terriers have been victorious in five of their last seven matches, but are coming off a tough 3-0 road loss at Furman on Wednesday. Wofford owns a 5-2 record at home this season and is tied for first place in the conference with 15 overall wins. The Terriers' Catie Cronister leads the team with 365 kills this year, while Lorissa King has already compiled 802 assists this season. The Citadel (7-18, 1-7 SoCon) heads into the weekend with aspirations of snapping a two-match losing streak. Since defeating South Carolina State on Oct. 10, 3-0, the Bulldogs have dropped back-to-back road matches at UNCG, 3-0, and Western Carolina, 3-1. In Saturday's match against the Catamounts, sophomore Jen Barbot led The Citadel in attacks with 10 kills and freshman Sharlissa De Jesus earned three service aces and nine digs. Moriah Smith currently leads the Bulldogs with 231 kills this season, while Megan Fuhr has tallied a team-high 446 assists. Earlier this season, Samford earned a 3-1 home victory against Wofford on Sept. 23, but lost at home versus The Citadel, 3-0, for the first time in school history on Sept. 22. Following this weekend's pair of SoCon road matches at Wofford and The Citadel, the Samford University volleyball team will next be in action Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. (CT) as the Bulldogs return home to face the UNCG Spartans in a key conference matchup to be held at the Pete Hanna Center. For quick score updates, breaking news and links to all of your favorite articles featuring the Bulldogs, please follow @SamfordVB and @Samford_Sports on Twitter. Samford at Wofford | Friday, Oct. 20, 4 p.m. (CT) | Video (SDN) | Live Stats Samford at The Citadel | Saturday, Oct. 21, 1 p.m. (CT) | Video (ESPN3) | Live Stats Dr Adnan Abu Amer is the head of the Political Science Department at the University of the Ummah in Gaza. Last weeks talks between Fatah and Hamas for a unity government have encouraged mild optimism among Palestinians that this time negotiations could succeed. In spite of the positive tone of the statement released after the meeting in Cairo on October 10, there are still a number of difficult issues to negotiate which could impede the success of the reconciliation efforts. The two parties still have to resolve who will control Gaza in the future, what will become of Hamas military wing, and what will happen with Gazas government employees. Control over Gaza Hamas took over Gaza in 2007 after clashing with and expelling Fatah, which refused to recognise its victory in the 2006 elections. Subsequently, Hamas had to set up its own mechanisms and bodies to administer the Gaza Strip. Currently, Hamas dominates every aspect of life in Gaza. It controls education, administers healthcare provision and hospitals, collects taxes from businesses and households, provides security and manages the border crossings with Egypt and Israel. But what will happen if and when the Palestinian minister of interior arrives in Gaza to put in place the same security coordination with Israel that is currently in place in the West Bank? by In other words, over the past 10 years, Hamas has set up a full-blown state apparatus, separate from the Palestinian Authority (PA). So what will happen to all its institutions? Will they disappear overnight, to be replaced by authorities reporting to the head of the PA in Ramallah? Will the disbanding be dealt with on one front at a time or will there be a wholesale handover of control over Gaza? What will happen to Hamas loyalists within these institutions? It is clear that the lack of a detailed vision of how to proceed with the unification will create chaos and piecemeal attempts to deal with individual issues. Without a structure agreed upon by the heads of both sides, unification attempts can easily fail. Will Hamas disarm? PA President Mahmoud Abbas has said more than once that the end goal of reconciliation is to establish the PAs full administrative control over Gaza. In early October he declared that in the Palestinian lands there needs to be one power, one law, and one security. In addition, the fact that the US, Israel and regional powers have removed their objections to this reconciliation each for their own reasons should not be taken to mean that they will be silent indefinitely about the arms stockpiles in Gaza. The weapons belong to various arms of the resistance, including Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and Popular Resistance Committees. Hamas for its part has announced, and continues to affirm, that the future of its armed wing is not subject to the reconciliation negotiations and that it will not accept sacrificing it in order to consolidate the reconciliation government in Gaza. This was among a number of other statements Hamas made aiming to reassure its cadres, who have sacrificed a great deal to stockpile these weapons. {articleGUID} Recognising how problematic this issue is for Hamas, the PA and the Egyptians the sponsors of the reconciliation have hinted that they will leave the discussion of this matter to a later stage of the negotiations for fear of creating an unnecessary stalemate. But what will happen if and when the Palestinian minister of interior arrives in Gaza to put in place the same security coordination with Israel that is currently in place in the West Bank? Will Hamas allow that to happen? The security coordination that the PA would like to transfer to Gaza to establish its government there may mean that Israeli military vehicles would enter the Strip, even if only on the periphery. And it would mean that Palestinian security would have to inform its Israeli counterparts of any breaches of border security. Israeli security would inform its Palestinian counterpart of any workshops manufacturing weapons in Gaza, which would have to be broken up and their members arrested. All these foreseen and unforeseen events are nightmare scenarios for Hamas. Is the movement prepared for them or is it hoping to postpone them indefinitely? If indeed the PA takes over security provision in Gaza, it will also take accountability from Hamas for Israeli incursions on Gazas border, Israeli air attacks, and the harassment of Gaza fishermen by the Israeli navy. For a long time these issues were an embarrassment to Hamas because it wasnt able to deal with them, which was causing growing dissatisfaction among Gazas residents with their leadership. {articleGUID} Who will pay salaries? The final issue that could potentially derail the unity deal is the fate of almost 50,000 employees within the Hamas-dominated institutions in Gaza. These people support an estimated quarter of a million family members in Gaza. They are the ones who shouldered the burden of administering Gazas affairs over the past 10 years and will be hostile to any tampering with their employee rights or reduction of their financial and administrative entitlements. Hamas has been adamant during previous negotiations that job security be guaranteed for these employees, and that they be treated as equals to PA employees. It is well known that a number of previous reconciliation and negotiation efforts have come up against the PA refusing to recognise these employees. There have been rumours that there are committees being formed to look into the matter of these employees and to set the governments priorities vis-a-vis its need for them. It is unclear, however, whether job security is indeed something it is considering. So who will be the guarantor for the employees of Gaza, and who will pay their salaries if a settlement of their status is agreed upon? The reality on the ground requires that compromises be presented and that both sides are serious enough to forego party interests and organisational considerations in order to achieve a Palestinian national project, that will not succeed as long as the spectre of division haunts it. Editors note: A previous version of this article contained an incorrect statement that the school curriculum in Gaza and the West Bank are different. It has been deleted. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. Earlier this year, I left my home in Yemen to try to tell the world the story of a collapsing and suffering country, a story that largely has been ignored despite the United Nations calling it the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. Ignored, despite grave violations committed by all parties to the conflict since 2014, including the use of starvation as a weapon of war. Ignored, despite the war having driven seven million civilians more than the entire population of the Washington, DC, metropolitan area to the brink of famine. Ignored, despite more than 750,000 cases of cholera, the worlds worst outbreak of that disease. Last month, the international community took the first step to no longer ignore the conflict in Yemen, when the UN Human Rights Council established a new international panel of experts to report on the violations that have been committed by all sides to this horrible conflict. In so doing, the international community finally has sent a clear message to all warring parties to the Saudis and their partners, to the Ansar Allah armed group (also known as the Houthis) and their ally former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, to current Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadis forces and armed groups loyal to him that the world finally is watching, that impunity will no longer reign in Yemen, and that violations of human rights and of the laws of war will meet consequences. {articleGUID} Having made this promise of accountability more than two years into the conflict, the international community owes it to the people of Yemen to ensure that the words of the Human Rights Councils resolution are translated into reality. The UN must select strong, impartial experts for this panel, women and men of character who will not be afraid to identify perpetrators of violations on all sides. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, which have stood by their Saudi and Emirati allies despite documented attacks on civilians and indeed, have continued to sell Saudi Arabia and the UAE bombs and other weapons for use in their air strikes on Yemen must give the UN panel proper backing, no matter its findings and conclusions. And the UN experts must realise that their mandate is to speak truth to power, and to identify those responsible for killing innocent men, women, and children in Yemen. If the international community takes this opportunity to work to end the conflict, Yemen's next chapter could be one of hope, and we could begin rebuilding our broken country and saving millions of lives from being lost. by Too often, the causes of peace and justice are presented as irreconcilable in conflict, but in Yemen, the establishment of this new UN investigative mechanism can help advance the peaceful resolution of the conflict, by shining a light on violations by the parties and making clear that victories on the battlefield cannot lead to political gains. Coupled with diplomatic pressure, it could incentivise all parties to go back to the negotiating table. The international community should use this moment of heightened scrutiny to restart the UN-led peace process. {articleGUID} The US, the UK, and France as permanent UN Security Council members who did not support a strong UN inquiry have a special responsibility to seize this moment. If the international community misses this opportunity and continues to ignore Yemen, the consequences will be dire. Not only will Yemens people continue to suffer starvation, bombardment, and disease on a scale unseen anywhere else in the world, but the threat to the West will increase from terrorists and extremists whom the US State Department has confirmed are using Yemens instability to multiply their strength and numbers. The story of Yemen that I have told on my travels to date has been one of tragedy, suffering, and neglect by the rest of the world. If the international community takes this opportunity to work to end the conflict, Yemens next chapter could be one of hope, and we could begin rebuilding our broken country and saving millions of lives from being lost. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. Shia mosque in Kabul and Sunni mosque in Ghor province targeted in separate incidents, claiming more than 60 lives. More than 60 people have been killed and dozens more wounded in two separate attacks on mosques in Afghanistan. In one attack, a suicide bomber targeted worshippers in a Shia mosque in Kabul, police said on Friday. A man entered the mosque in Police District 13 of Kabul city [and targeted] worshippers, General Mohammad Salim Almas, Kabul crime branch chief, told AFP news agency, describing the attacker as a suicide bomber. Major-General Alimast Momand, of Afghanistans interior ministry, told the Associated Press news agency that the suicide bombing at the Imam Zaman Mosque in the citys Dashti Barch area killed at least 30 people and wounded 45 more. He said the attacker was on foot and walked into to the mosque where he detonated his explosives. Najib Danish, an interior ministry spokesman, said 39 people have been killed and 45 injured in the Kabul mosque attack, but the numbers could not be independently confirmed. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group said in the statement that a suicide bomber had detonated a vest but did not provide evidence to support its claim. Hazara community targeted An Afghan government official told Reuters news agency that security forces at the scene had removed at least 30 bodies. Reports said the victims were members of the minority Hazara Shia community. Mohammad Sabir Nassib, head of the local Isteqlal Hospital, said it received the bodies of two people slain in the attack as well as two wounded. Fridays second attack during prayers occurred at a Sunni mosque in the central province of Ghor. Mohammad Iqbal Nezami, a spokesman for the provincial police, said at least 33 people were killed in the bombing that appeared to target a local commander. Initial reports had 10 dead in that attack. The target was Abdul Ahed, a former militia commander and Jamiat party leader who had sided with the government. He was killed along with as many as 30 other worshippers, according to a statement from Atta Mohammad Noor, a leading figure in Jamiat and the governor of Balkh province. Among the dead were seven of Abdul Aheds bodyguards. Later on Friday, the Afghan president issued a statement condemning the two mosque attacks. Ashraf Ghani said the incidents showed that the terrorists have once again staged bloody attacks, but they will not achieve their evil purposes and sow discord among the Afghans. Under pressure {articleGUID} Al Jazeeras Jennifer Glasse, reporting from Kabul, said: We have no idea who carried out the attack tonight in Kabul, but across Afghanistan this week, we have seen more than 130 people killed in the north, in the south, in the southwest, in the east mainly security forces killed by the Taliban. She said Taliban fighters are escalating their attacks on security forces, trying to show the government they have some power here, trying to put pressure on a government that is trying to pressure them to come to the peace table. Afghanistans Shia population has been heavily hit this year, with at least 84 people killed and 194 wounded in attacks on Shia mosques and religious ceremonies, according to a UN report released last week. Among those were at least two attacks on mosques in Kabul in August and September. The last attack in Kabul happened on September 29 as the faithful prepared to commemorate Ashoura, one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar. Responsibility for many of the attacks has been claimed by ISIL, also known as ISIS. Up to 52 officers killed in shoot-out with fighters in Giza governorate in fresh blow to security forces. At least 52 Egyptian police and conscripts were killed and six more wounded in a gun battle on Friday during a raid on a hideout of fighters in the western desert, security sources said. Sources had said late on Friday at least 30 police were killed. Egypt is battling armed groups concentrated in the Sinai peninsula, including an Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) affiliate, that has killed hundreds of security forces since 2013. The interior ministry released a statement on the operation on Friday but has so far not given any details on casualties. At least 23 police officers were killed and the other victims were conscripts, the sources said. Reuters news agency quoted sources as saying the deaths occurred on Friday when the officers were following a lead to an apartment thought to house eight suspected members of Hasm. Hasm is a group that has claimed several attacks around Cairo targeting judges and policemen since last year. The suspected fighters tried to flee after the exchange of fire there, the sources said, and continued to shoot at a second security unit called in for back-up from atop neighbouring buildings. The fighters also used explosive devices in the attack, the sources said, adding that 16 officers died in the shoot-out and the number was expected to rise. Two security sources said eight security personnel were injured in the clashes, while another source said that four of the injured were police officers and four others were suspected fighters. A number of suspected fighters were also killed and security forces were continuing to comb the area, a statement by the interior ministry said. The Associated Press news agency quoted an Egyptian security official as saying the exchange of gunfire occurred in al-Wahat al-Bahriya, a district in the Giza governorate, about 135km from Cairo. He too said eight other security personnel were wounded in the attack. A convoy of four 44 vehicles and one interior ministry vehicle was ambushed from higher ground by the fighters firing rocket-propelled grenades and detonating explosive devices, a senior source in the Giza Security Office said. Egypt accuses Hasm of being a wing of the Muslim Brotherhood, a group it outlawed in 2013. The Muslim Brotherhood denies the charge. No group immediately claimed involvement in Fridays attack. State of emergency Egypt has been under a state of emergency since bombings and suicide attacks targeting minority Coptic Christians killed scores earlier this year. A violent anti-government campaign in the Sinai Peninsula has grown since the military overthrew democratically elected President Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood in mid-2013. The armed group staging the campaign later pledged allegiance to ISIL in 2014. It is blamed for the killing of hundreds of soldiers and policemen and has started to target other areas, including Egypts Christian Copts. Israels temporary expansion of Gaza fishing zone cannot compensate for years of harmful policies, fishermen say. For the 4,000 registered fishermen in the besieged Gaza Strip, a proposed Israeli plan to let them temporarily fish farther out from shore is far from enough. Fishermen told Al Jazeera that Israels move to slightly expand the fishing zone limit from six to nine nautical miles, implemented this week, will have little effect in reality. It makes no difference whatsoever to us, Nizar Ayash, head of Gazas fishermens union, told Al Jazeera. Its economically pointless, and this is just a publicity stunt that Israel is using to improve their image internationally. Nine nautical miles is equivalent to approximately 16 kilometres. The expansion, which will last for six weeks, is not applicable to boats in Gazas northern port. The limit for these will remain at six nautical miles. The purpose of the expansion is to boost Gazas economy, which is heavily reliant on the fishing sector. However, the decline of Gazas fishing sector is a consequence of Israeli policy. In 2007, following the election victory of Hamas and the groups assumption of control over the territory, Israel imposed a strict land, aerial and naval blockade on Gaza. As a result, profits from fishing exports have dwindled, while limited access to raw materials has left most boats lacking the necessary renovations needed to function at full potential. In 2013, neighbouring Egypt, which has largely shut its border crossing with Gaza, blocked tunnels connecting Gaza with Egypts al-Arish. This stemmed the flow of goods, including fuel, used to generate the power needed for boats to leave Gazas port. Although the expansion allows the fishermen to reach a wider array of fish, the nine-mile nautical border us still not enough to serve some 1,000 boats. Under the Oslo Accords signed in 1993, Israel is obligated to permit fishing up to 20 nautical miles, but this has never been implemented. The widest range Israel has allowed in the past 10 years is 12 nautical miles, and at times, the limit was reduced to one nautical mile, Ayash said. Israel has over the past decade launched three major assaults on Gaza that have heavily damaged much of the citys infrastructure. During these assaults, fishing has been prohibited altogether. Overfishing in a small area over the years has decreased fish population and depleted fish breeding grounds. Back before the 2006 political split, when we were allowed to sail 20 nautical miles, the number of boats and fishermen was less, and the amount of our haul was higher than what we capture now, Ayash said. We used to catch fish that amounted to 4,000 tonnes, which adequately covered the markets demands. But today, 1,800 tonnes, comprising mostly tiny fish, barely does anything for the local market. The profession has been deemed hazardous by rights organisations due to Israels harassment of fishermen at sea. According to Ayash, if a boat hovers close to the six-nautical-mile border mark, it is immediately confiscated and never returned. Those at sea also risk being arrested and shot by Israeli forces, Miriam Marmur from Gisha, an Israeli rights organisation, told Al Jazeera, Fishermen deemed to have exceeded the boundaries by Israels navy are shot, their boats are confiscated, and they are sometimes arrested. Earlier this year, Israeli forces opened fire on a vessel it accused of breaching the blockade in Gazas north, killing 33-year-old Muhammad al-Hissi. In 2016, there were 126 incidents in which the Israeli navy fired at Palestinian fishermen and their boats. That year, 12 fishermen were injured, and 121 were detained, according to the Gaza-based Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR). {articleGUID} PCHR told Al Jazeera that last month, Israeli forces opened fire on fishermen at sea in 13 cases, injuring one person and detaining two others. However, many of Gazas fishermen hope that the newly introduced reconciliation deal between Fatah and Hamas will help alleviate their daily suffering. We call on our unity government, in the midst of the reconciliation process, to work wholeheartedly on our plight We suffer on a daily basis we suffer in our homes, and we suffer at sea to obtain our livelihoods, Ayash said. Israel cannot always be above the law. We also call on the world to pressure Israel and stop this farce. Kurdish forces have lost more territory to government troops in disputed area of countrys north, Iraqi military says. A previous version of this story stated, based on the Iraqi defence ministry's statement, that Altun Kupri had been seized by the federal army. The KRG security office, however, has not confirmed the loss of the town by the Peshmerga to Iraqi forces. Iraqs government says security forces have seized control of a town in the oil-rich province of Kirkuk, following manoeuvres that saw Iraqs Kurds surrender territory across the north and east of the country. The federal army, backed by Shia paramilitaries, said they seized control of Altun Kupri, about 40km south of Erbil, on Friday after fierce fighting broke out between Iraqi government and Kurdish Peshmerga forces. Iraqi federal police and counterterrorism forces, along with Hashd al-Shaabi fighters, have deployed in and imposed security on the sub-district, the Iraqi defence ministry said in a statement. Altun Kupri is now under the total control of federal forces. In a statement after Iraqi forces completed their takeover of Kirkuk province, the US state department said it was concerned by reports of violent clashes around Altun Kupri. In order to avoid any misunderstandings or further clashes, we urge the central government to calm the situation by limiting federal forces movements in disputed areas to only those coordinated with the Kurdistan Regional Government, it said in a statement. The department made it clear that even though federal authority was reasserted over disputed areas, that in no way changes their status they remain disputed until their status is resolved in accordance with the Iraqi resolution. Al Jazeeras Stefanie Dekker, reporting earlier on Friday from the Erbil-Kirkuk Highway, a few miles from the front line, said two bridges in the area had been destroyed, but it was unclear by whom. Immense military reinforcements are being sent by the Peshmerga as well as trucks carrying ammunition, she said. A new checkpoint has been set up where there wasnt one, and the Peshmerga are defending their positions. Thick plumes of smoke could be seen in the distance, and hospitals confirmed receiving wounded people, she said. People are fleeing the fighting with everything they own even transporting their cows. The reported control of Altun Kupri is part of an operation launched on Monday, on the orders of Haider al-Abadi, Iraqs prime minister, to retake disputed areas between Baghdad and the Iraqi semi-autonomous region governed by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). Iraqi troops and allied paramilitaries retook the northern province of Kirkuk and its lucrative oilfields on Monday and Tuesday, as well as formerly Kurdish-held areas of Nineveh and Diyala provinces all outside the KRG region. Abadi said Kurdish hopes for an independent state were now a thing of the past. Since the central government started its operation in the disputed areas, its forces have captured most territory without clashes from the withdrawing Peshmerga. The Peshmerga seized Kirkuk, Iraqs second oil hub, in mid-2014 when Iraqi troops withdrew from the advancing Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group. At least five Nigerian and four US soldiers were killed in an ambush on a joint patrol in southwest Niger earlier this month. At least five Nigerian and four US soldiers were killed in an ambush on a joint patrol in southwestern Niger earlier this month. There are about 1,000 US troops in the country, helping local forces defeat ISIL-linked fighters. The Pentagon is still trying to figure out who is behind the deadly ambush. Al Jazeeras Rosiland Jordan reports from Washington, DC. In wake of this weeks humiliating loss of territory, animosity has spiked between two major Kurdish political blocs. The Kurdish collapse in Kirkuk was shockingly sudden. Iraqi troops, police and Iranian-backed militias known as Popular Mobilization Units (PMUs) had massed south of the ethnically mixed city for days, prompting defiant messages from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and its Peshmerga fighters. But Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi had denied that the movements were preparation for an attack, dismissing such claims as fake news. On Monday morning, Baghdads units finally advanced. After isolated clashes, the Peshmerga swiftly withdrew from their positions, after one Kurdish faction apparently struck a deal with the government. The only resistance came from groups of lightly armed local Kurds with little in the way of military training. They did not mount a serious defence, and the Iraqi flag was flying over the city centre by evening, as fleeing civilians clogged exit roads. Federal government troops took control of the oil fields that had provided much of the KRGs income, as well as other energy infrastructure, an airport and a strategic military base. Within 48 hours, Kurdish forces had abandoned yet more disputed areas that had been key to their hopes of an expanded, independent Kurdish region: Sinjar, Bashiqa, Makhmour and others thousands of square kilometres of territory. It was a shocking reversal of fortune for Iraqs Kurds, who, buoyed by a controversial referendum that found overwhelming support for secession, seemed sure they would finally be able to carve out their own state. Kirkuk, held since 2014 by the Peshmerga after the Iraqi army fled from an offensive by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group (ISIL, also known as ISIS), and its oil revenues were central to that proposition. Its loss has dashed hopes of independence and even endangered the Kurds existing autonomy. Just a month ago, Iraqs Kurdish region appeared stronger than ever, with vast swaths of disputed territory under its control, powerful allies and an international reputation bolstered by the fight against ISIL. But the run-up to the September 25 secession vote brought fierce opposition from the federal government in Baghdad, as well as from neighbouring Turkey and Iran, which have sizeable Kurdish populations of their own. The United States and other Western allies pleaded with KRG President Masoud Barzani to cancel or delay the referendum, but he pressed on, and 92 percent of voters chose secession. In Baghdad, al-Abadi threatened military action if the results were not annulled, while the federal government cracked down on the Kurdish regions existing autonomy, halting international flights to its airports and demanding control over all oil flows. The decision to hold the referendum in the face of near-universal condemnation now appears to have been a colossal miscalculation, analysts say, with Barzani vastly overestimating the KRGs political and military heft and undermining his own legitimacy. I think Kurdistan has been humbled and the leadership has been humbled, Chatham House fellow Renad Mansour told Al Jazeera. The people that have been pushing for this genuinely thought Kurdistan was in a special place, that they could stick up to the US and their neighbours. After retaking Kirkuk this week, al-Abadi demanded that the previously independent Peshmerga be brought under federal control. The illegal referendum is over, its results invalid and belongs in the past, he said on Twitter. We call for dialogue based on Iraqs national constitution. The Baghdad-Erbil rift has seen two crucial components of the US anti-ISIL coalition turn their guns on each other even before the armed group has been eliminated in Iraq. The US provided both Iraqi and Peshmerga forces with arms and training, but Washington has been slow to react to the escalation in tensions. A pre-referendum offer to mediate between the rival governments was too late to make a difference. In the wake of this weeks humiliating loss of territory and reputation, animosity has spiked between the two major political blocs in Iraqs Kurdish region: Barzanis Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). Each has Peshmerga units under their control, and it was the PUKs fighters who first withdrew from their posts south of Kirkuk. The KDP Peshmerga later retreated from other positions as well. The rival parties wasted no time in levelling allegations of treason at each other. In a statement on Tuesday, Barzani said that people from a certain political party had unilaterally paved the way and handed over Kirkuk. {articleGUID} KDP officials have also accused PUK factions of selling out the Kurds to Iran, in reference to the withdrawal deal, which was rumoured to have been struck between Irans Quds Force head Qassem Suleimani and senior PUK figure Bafel Talabani. The PUK, in turn, blamed Barzani for his role in forcing through the referendum despite their misgivings and levelled corruption allegations at his government, which contains a number of family members. Iran-allied political actors, such as Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and Hadi al-Ameri, were later photographed in Kirkuk, stirring American fears that Tehran had masterminded the Kirkuk operation. Aaron Stein, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, told Al Jazeera that the Iranian role may have been overstated and that it primarily took advantage of Kurdish political divisions. The KDP has devoted much of its time to loudly blaming Iran for the current situation, a position that will appeal to US Republicans but with independence now resolutely off the table, Iraqs Kurdish regions ruling party will have its own problems to deal with, Stein said. They are in a profoundly weak position; they have to compromise with Baghdad, but [Barzani] whipped up so much national sentiment that that will be difficult, Stein said. Its a total debacle for the KDP, and its a total debacle for the Barzani family. Rebel groups in Syria have signed a ceasefire covering Eastern Ghouta on the outskirts of the capital Damascus. Rebel groups in Syria have signed a ceasefire covering Eastern Ghouta on the outskirts of the capital, Damascus. The deal is fragile, and the rebels are worried it will be exploited by the government to start a major push to recapture the strategic area. Al Jazeeras Hashem Ahelbarra reports from Hatay on Turkeys border with Syria. Movements founder says she hopes the viral campaign can bolster support for sexual abuse survivors. Montreal, Canada Me, too. Thats what Tarana Burke wishes she had said nearly a decade ago, when a young girl who had survived sexual violence was trying to connect with her over the pain she was experiencing. A survivor of sexual violence herself, Burke said she wasnt equipped to deal with what the young girl was telling her at the time. When she left, when she walked away, I kept saying All you had to say was, Me, too,' Burke recalled. That sat with me for the longest time. Thats why Burke a public speaker and community organiser based in New York named the movement she founded about 10 years ago to support and amplify the voices of survivors of sexual violence, assault and abuse, Me too. I just felt like it was succinct and powerful, and I felt like it can be a conversation starter or it can be the whole conversation. You just really dont have to say much more, Burke told Al Jazeera. #MeToo goes viral: A watershed moment This week, women from around the world began using #MeToo on social media to share their own experiences with sexual harassment and sexual assault. {articleGUID} The two-word hashtag was mentioned more than 1.7 million times on Facebook, according to social media analytics programme TalkWalker, and more than 1.5 million times on Twitter, according to Trendsmap. The posts were sparked by news reports that revealed how Hollywood super-producer Harvey Weinstein had allegedly sexually assaulted and harassed numerous women over several years. Weinstein, who has denied many of the accusations, was fired as cochairman of The Weinstein Company, and forced to resign from the companys board of directors this week. His behaviour was reportedly an open secret in Hollywood, with high-profile actors, journalists and others quietly warning each other about being alone with the prominent producer for fear of sexual abuse. The public revelations regarding Weinstein have raised other important questions about sexual harassment and assault, especially in the workplace. Many are asking how Weinstein was able to sustain his alleged abuse for so long, and how prevalent it is for men in positions of power to wield that power in abusive ways. {articleGUID} Unfortunately, this kind of sexual predatory behaviour is a lot more common than most of us think it is, said Sheela Raja, a clinical psychologist at the University of Illinois at Chicago and an author of books on how sexual abuse survivors can overcome trauma. Its a positive thing that we are now having some of these larger discussions, she said. Maybe this will be a watershed moment. Hundreds of thousands affected Every year, an average of 321,500 people above the age of 12 are raped or sexually assaulted in the US, according to the anti-sexual violence organisation RAINN. A vast majority are women and girls, and many survivors experience post-traumatic stress disorder or have suicidal thoughts tied to their assault. Sexual violence also disproportionately impacts women of colour. Approximately one in five (22 percent) Black women will be raped in her lifetime in the US, according to a 2010 survey. More than a quarter (26.9 percent) of women who identify as American Indian or Alaska Native will also be raped, the survey found. In Canada, one in three women will experience sexual violence in her lifetime, according to the Native Womens Association of Canada. More than half (54 percent) of aboriginal women in Canada reported severe forms of family violence, including sexual assault, compared with 37 percent of non-aboriginal women. Accounts of sexual violence are common, and they arent confined to the film or television industry. Fox News Roger Ailes and Bill OReilly were recently forced to resign after they were accused of sexually harassing female colleagues; the vice president of the University of Southern California stepped down after an investigation was launched into his treatment of women; innumerable reports have exposed the toxic culture in Silicon Valley and what has been dubbed a sexual-harassment crisis in the tech industry there. Whether you know it or not, you do know a survivor of sexual harassment and sexual violence, and we all need to operate based on that premise instead of necessarily forcing people to come forward with all of their painful stories. by Sheela Raja, University of Illinois at Chicago Earlier this week, US Olympic gymnast McKayla Maroney published an open letter on Twitter saying that she had been repeatedly sexually abused by a team doctor since she was 13 years old. People should know that this is not just happening in Hollywood. This is happening everywhere. Wherever there is a position of power, there seems to be potential for abuse, Maroney wrote. The will to make excuses for abusers, while disbelieving survivors accounts of that abuse, is also common. Theres a lot of people complicit for this kind of abuse to continue, and it takes a lot of really, really brave survivors to come forward and talk about their story to really help change the culture on these things, the University of Illinois at Chicagos Raja told Al Jazeera. {articleGUID} However women shouldnt feel like the onus is solely on them to share their stories of abuse again and again, since this can be re-traumatising, Raja said. Whether you know it or not, you do know a survivor of sexual harassment and sexual violence, and we all need to operate based on that premise instead of necessarily forcing people to come forward with all of their painful stories, she said. Educating men so they can recognise situations that are making women uncomfortable, and how they can intervene, is important, as is providing education in workplaces and schools. Now we need men to step up and say, How are we going to participate in changing the culture around some of these things?' Raja said. Bigger than a moment in time Burke said she understands the impetus for survivors to share stories of sexual violence or harassment on social media, and to demonstrate the prevalence of the problem. Prior to #MeToo, several similar social media campaigns had also gone viral. The hashtag #BeenRapedNeverReported drew attention to the issue of sexual violence after Canadian media presenter Jian Ghomeshi was accused of sexually assaulting multiple women in 2014. Earlier this year, #YesAllWomen was also widely used to denounce sexism and violence against women more generally. {articleGUID} But reading social media posts about this type of trauma has been triggering for many people, Me Toos Burke said. She added that she hopes the conversation can shift from focusing on the scope of the problem to finding out what types of support survivors need to begin to heal. What happens when these people open themselves up? What happens when they start talking about things that theyve possibly never talked about in their lives? Where do you point them, what direction do they go in, how do you support them? Burke asked. This is bigger than a moment in time, she continued. I dont ever try to define what healing looks like for anybody. But I think when we start sharing stories of healing it changes the conversation. Opposition leaders in Togo said at least three people were shot dead on the third day of anti-government protests rocking the country. Opposition leaders in Togo said at least three people were shot dead on the third day of anti-government protests rocking the country. Protesters are demanding constitutional reforms, including changes to presidential term limits. Opposition leaders say that instead of listening to the demands of the people, the government has orchestrated a brutal crackdown. Al Jazeeras Victoria Gatenby reports. South Yemens fight for independence is being financed and politically supported by the UAE, Yemeni officials say. After a tumultuous marriage of more than 27 years, South Yemen appears to be edging closer to divorcing the north in a move politically and financially sponsored by the oil-rich United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the southern coastal city of Aden, unified Yemens familiar flag of three horizontal bars has all but vanished, instead the former Communist nations emblem of a red socialist star within a sky-blue chevron lines the city streets, while pictures of Emirati royals adorn the hallways of government buildings and ministries. Military units once loyal to the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi are also distinctly absent. Instead, local militias are flanked by Emirati troops tasked with guarding key installations and protecting Aidarous al-Zubaidi the UAEs man in the south and leader of the southern secessionist movement. Perceived by some as the only credible rival to Hadi, the 50-year-old militia leader set out his vision for the region on Friday saying an independence referendum would be held soon. Speaking to a raucous crowd of southerners hungry for secession, he announced the formation of a new 303-member parliament, a body analysts say will be administered under his presidency. Mansoor Saleh, a senior member of Zubaidis Southern Transitional Council (STC), told Al Jazeera that plans to hold a referendum were still under review, but the STC would be willing to push ahead without the approval of Yemens internationally recognised government. The only way to restore our country [south Yemen] is through liberation, Saleh said. A referendum will be held on terms set by the STC. Hadi is a partner to us, just like the Arab coalition. But he has never supported the STC and is not playing any role in this process. Hadis government, which was forced by Houthi rebels to relocate to Riyadh two years ago and has made only sporadic visits to Aden, has yet to comment on the announcement. But sources close to the presidency said they were ready to thwart any effort to divide the country. One Yemeni official told Al Jazeera that the government didnt feel compelled to respond to the announcement and for now, would ignore it. Speaking on condition of anonymity, he said: The referendum was announced shortly after events in Spains Catalonia region and Kurdistan, and we believe [Zubaidis announcement] was a reactionary move we think its unlikely itll go ahead. Zubaidi, a prominent southern secessionist, emerged from relative obscurity in late 2015 after helping purge northern Houthi fighters from Aden. He was later rewarded and made governor of the city, but soon fell out of favour with Hadi and was dismissed along with Hani bin Braik, a former minister of state, after reports emerged they were both receiving patronage from the UAE to campaign for secession. The media reports are said to have sent Hadi into a frenzy; he was still angered by a firefight at Adens international airport in February when Emirati-backed forces refused to relinquish control of the facility to Hadis son. Hadi would accuse Abu Dhabi crown prince Mohammed Bin Zayed of behaving like an occupying power rather than a force of liberation, remarks which are said to have enraged Emirati officials. Dhahi Khalfan, Dubais outspoken Chief of Police and Public Security, demanded Hadis dismissal, while Anwar Gargash, the UAEs minister of state for foreign affairs, said in a tweet: Among the rules of political action is that you should build trust with your allies, that you should not stab them in the back, that your decisions should be commensurate with your capabilities and that you put public interest ahead of personal ones. . . (@AnwarGargash) April 29, 2017 Zubaidi admitted to receiving money and forces from the Gulf emirate, amid claims that the UAE was seeking to carve up the country and seize control of the strategic Socotra island, located in the Indian Ocean, and Aden port. The UAE has confirmed carrying out military operations on Socotra, famed for its flora and fauna, with local media reporting that the UAE was leasing Socotra and the nearby Abd al-Kuri island for 99 years. Hadis government has refused to comment on the issue to Al Jazeera. The South will never be governed by Sanaa Another Yemeni official told Al Jazeera that since the UAE had paid out at least $3bn on infrastructure projects in the south, and spent several billion more on equipping Yemeni forces with light and heavy weaponry, it was inevitable they would seek to enlarge their footprint in the country. The UAE has spent a considerable amount of money in the south, and this isnt without reason, the official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to talk to the media. The south will never be governed by Sanaa ever again. The UAE has spent considerable time and energy and is on the verge of splitting Yemen in two. In subsequent years, were going to see Abu Dhabi playing a more prominent role in our affairs. READ MORE: Who benefits from a weak and divided Yemen? The UAE entered Yemens war in March 2015 as part of a Saudi-led coalition after Shia Houthi rebels, traditionally based in the northwest of the country, seized the capital Sanaa and claimed they were the legitimate government of the country. Triggering a protracted power struggle with Hadi, a close ally of Saudi Arabia, the Emiratis perceived the Houthis advance as an Iranian-orchestrated plot to destabilise the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The UAE secretly dispatched a number of Latin American mercenaries, from Colombia, Panama, El Salvador and Chile, to fight against the Houthis. However, the UAEs interests in the conflict also stemmed from the security of the Bab-el-Mandab strait, one of the worlds busiest oil and gas shipping lanes. Protecting the flow of oil and gas shipments in the Red Sea and Egypts Suez Canal is of vital interest for its ability to trade with Europe and North America. In the last few years, the UAE has acquired several ports in the Middle East and Africa to secure those interests, extending its influence from Dubais Jebel Ali port, to Berbera in Somalia, Assab in Eritrea, and onto Limassol and Benghazi in the Mediterranean. After 2011s Arab Spring protests swept the region and flared in Sunni-ruled Bahrain, the UAE began flexing its muscles in conflicts. The UAE sent security forces to Bahrain, launched military attacks against rebel fighters in Libya, backed the Sisi regime in Egypt with billions of dollars after the countrys first democratically elected president, Mohamed Morsi, was ousted in 2013; and despite having a relatively small army, sent a high number of ground forces to Yemen. In contrast, Saudi Arabia was cautious to deploy troops to Yemen, with the Saudi National Guard and Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) playing a minimal role in the conflict. In the last 18 months, the UAEs war effort has had little effect on the military capabilities of the Houthis who still hold the capital and continue to fire rockets and shells into Saudi territory from their northern heartlands. In the northeastern province of Marib, the UAE has largely failed to recruit tribal fighters capable of capturing Sanaa and have only been to push back small pockets of al-Qaeda fighters in the south. Since April 2016, when AQAP was purged from Hadramout provinces capital Mukalla, the UAE has made slow ground against the armed group, taking a back seat on operations such as last months assault on Mudiyah, a village some 200km east of Aden, an area which had once been an al-Qaeda stronghold. Saudi-UAE divided over southern Yemen Maysa Shuja al-Deen, a non-resident fellow at the Sanaa Center for Strategic Studies, told Al Jazeera that the Emiratis seemed disillusioned by Saudi Arabias plan for the country, and were exploiting southern calls for independence to oust Hadi. The coalition is divided and no longer knows what they want, she said. The Saudis believe any talk of secession will delegitimise the war effort, which they have repeatedly claimed is about restoring the government of President Hadi. Meanwhile, the Emiratis dont want to see any party close to Hadi and Islah (the main political party in Yemen opposing the Houthis and seen as having links with the Muslim Brotherhood) anywhere near power. READ MORE: Saudi Arabias war in Yemen a strategic failure But through supporting Zubaidi and the secessionist movement, the Emiratis are strengthening the position of the Houthis, and their claim of being the legitimate rulers of the north. Ultimately, this could lead to a regional power struggle and possibly even violence, as Hadi draws his support from Abyan and Shabwa while Zubaidi draws his power from Dhale. While many Yemenis perceive Emirati forces as pursuing an agenda to seize strategic regions and ports, others, however, blamed Hadi for the rise of the secessionist movement, accusing him of failing to properly administer the south. Despite Hadi hailing from the south himself, Abyan province, he has repeatedly demonstrated weakness in office since becoming president, and during the 18 years he served as vice president under Ali Abdullah Saleh, Murad Abdu, a south Yemen youth activist, told Al Jazeera. The people are suffering due to Hadis mismanagement. Hes repeatedly failed to provide essential services such as water, electricity and fuel, and despite repeated calls to stop, he said. Since the UAE intervened in Yemen, Islah, the only political party to oppose the rise of the Houthis, has tried to distance itself from the Muslim Brotherhood movement in an effort to ease Abu Dhabis anxiety about its Islamist ideology. For more than two decades, the UAE has clamped down on Muslim Brotherhood affiliates, jailing dozens of activists in the Emirates on trumped-up charges including Sultan bin Kayed al-Qasimi, a member of the Ras al-Khaimah Emirates ruling family, and pursuing the same aggressive policy abroad. The UAE has operated a network of black sites in south Yemen, where hundreds of men have been kidnapped by local militias backed by the UAE, with local media reports claiming some of those apprehended were members of Islah. Islahs rejection of secession and desire to keep the Arabian Peninsula state intact has made it a target for security forces, who have arrested several of its members and raided its offices in Aden. Summer Ahmed, a writer and south Yemen activist, told Al Jazeera that even before the bombs started raining on the south, many southerners were already tired of the political set-up. The south is in turmoil. Its institutions and infrastructure were destroyed during the invasion by the Houthis and their allies loyal to Saleh in 2015. And as Hadi continues to send the wrong message to southerners its our right to disengage from this unity thats brought us only war, death, and destruction. Follow Al Jazeeras Faisal Edroos on Twitter: @FaisalEdroos Six years since the overthrow of Gaddafi and despite Libyas chaotic turn, rebels say the revolution was still worth it. The six years since the Libyan peoples successful uprising to end Muammar Gaddafis rule have seen the country divided between rival governments, various armed groups, ethnic militias, and a renegade general. A once united rebel front has now broken into innumerable armed factions loyal to their home cities, political or religious ideology, or foreign backers. {articleGUID} The conflict has claimed the lives of thousands of fighters and civilians alike, slowed the countrys economic development, and given space for groups, such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group, to establish a toehold in the country. Regional powers, such Egypt and the UAE have become deeply involved in the countrys complex conflict by backing renegade General Khalifa Haftar, and carrying out air raids against his opponents. The countrys deterioration has led many inside and out of the country to question whether the country was better off during Gaddafis 42-year-long reign. Dream of return For one group, however, there is no hint of regret over the late leaders demise. The self-styled Brother Leader left little room for dissenting political expression, and those who dared align themselves with opposition political movements risked imprisonment or death. Spurred by the atmosphere of repression, thousands of Libyans fled the country seeking new homes in other Arab states or further afield in Europe or the US. They included members of the Muslim Brotherhood, monarchists, and leftists. Most spent decades in exile and expected never to see their homeland again, until the uprising of 2011, during which thousands returned to their country to join the rebel cause. Alhamdulillah (thank God), I got the opportunity to go and I partook in what was happening, said Belal Ballali, a British resident of Libyan origin, referring to the 2011 revolution. Ballali and his family fled the country after his father was placed on a wanted list by the Libyan government and spent the following 32 years in exile, living between Scotland and the central English city of Birmingham. For much of that period, Ballali did not believe the former regimes rule would ever end and thought Gaddafi would end up dying a natural death. We used to dream about going back to Libya and that was always high in our hopes but to think that Gaddafi would be gone in the way he went was unexpected, he said, adding his first inkling of hope came after the Arab uprisings that began in late 2010. To see what happened in Tunisia and in Egypt, there was obviously hope there but the reality was that due to his known brutality- he had crushed opposition in the past- I didnt think that this would ever materialise. The dream did materialise, thanks in part to a NATO-led aerial campaign against Gaddafi forces, which saw the capital, Tripoli, fall to the rebels a little over six months after the uprising began. Gaddafi fled to his stronghold of Sirte, but surrounded by rebels and hunted by NATO aircraft, an attempt to break out of the city in a large convoy failed with fatal consequence for the leader. His killing was followed by a sense of optimism for Ballali but Libyas rebuilding process broke down several years after Gaddafis death, fuelled by an abundant supply of weapons and young men without the prospect of a job due to the countrys war-battered economy. The division and the chaos didn't come directly after the death of Gaddafi or the success of the revolution...it was only when General Khalifa Haftar had his failed coup in Tripoli that he initiated the battles in Benghazi and the situation in Libya quickly began to deteriorate by Belal Ballali, former Libyan exile I felt relief that this could be the end of the war, that there would be no more bloodshed, and (there would be) hope, hope for the future. The investigative researcher in his early forties said Gaddafis death was not the direct reason for todays division and trouble in Libya and instead blamed the ambitions of renegade General Khalifa Haftar. The division and the chaos didnt come directly after the death of Gaddafi or the success of the revolution, he said. For a period of two and a half years, there was relative security given the number of guns on the street and generally speaking people were quite happy. It was only when General Khalifa Haftar had his failed coup in Tripoli that he initiated the battles in Benghazi and the situation in Libya quickly began to deteriorate. Patriotism Libyan diaspora communities are replete with similar stories and sentiments. Mohamed Mukhtars family fled Libya in 1999 during a wave of arrest by the Gaddafi regime and settled in the northern English city of Manchester. Imbued by what he described as a feeling of patriotism and a yearning to return to his homeland a free man, he joined the rebel cause shortly after the uprising began. Unlike Ballali, however, Mukhtar was certain a struggle to overthrow Gaddafi would eventually happen long before the 2011 revolution. Because I was brought up in a household that was strongly opposed to Gaddafi, we would always go to protests in London against the regime, he said, adding: I really believed that regime had to go sooner or later, whether I was 20 years old or 50, I really wanted to be part of that. Libya is my eternal home, I was really moved by the oppression of my people, I wanted to achieve great goals and there is nothing greater than freeing your people. Like Ballali, Mukhtar blamed the greedy ambitions of politicians and foreign meddling after the revolution for ruining the transition to democracy. I would tell those who think it was better under Gaddafi that if they were to taste one month under the Gaddafi regime, I'm 100 percent sure they would review that claim and take the side of the revolution. by Mohamed Mukhtar, former Libyan rebel Nevertheless, he insisted those who said Libya was better under Gaddafi had no appreciation of the scale of repression under his rule. I would tell those who think it was better under Gaddafi that if they were to taste one month under the Gaddafi regime, Im 100 percent sure they would review that claim and take the side of the revolution. The solution [to the ongoing crisis] isnt to bring Gaddafi back, its to remember why we had a revolution in the first place For Ballali, despite the pain of seeing the ongoing carnage in his country, the troubles Libya is experiencing do not nullify the necessity of removing Gaddafi and he remains a strong believer in the uprising. I believe the revolution was a success, however, the extraction of a bad tooth will always be painful. But it still has to be extracted and Gaddafi had to be extracted. The latest wave of Taliban attacks calls into question both US strategy and the Afghan governments capabilities. The latest wave of Taliban attacks calls into question both US strategy and the Afghan governments capabilities. Its two months since US President Donald Trump unveiled a new American strategy in Afghanistan. His announced intention was to give military commanders more flexibility, while increasing troop numbers and leaving the US presence open-ended. On one level, the changes have been dramatic. US Air Force figures show a 68 percent increase in the average number of missions it flies in support of Afghan forces each month from 51 to 86. The US is also dropping significantly more munitions as part of those missions: an average of 360 a month versus only 11 a month last year. Despite the extra firepower, how much do the US and its allies have to show for it? The last week alone has seen a noticeable increase in Taliban attacks around the country. On Thursday alone, the Taliban killed nearly 60 Afghan security force personnel two-thirds of them in an attack that nearly wiped out an army camp in southern Kandahar. On Wednesday, six policemen died in a Taliban ambush in the northern province of Balkh. And a few hours later, nine policemen died in a Taliban attack on police posts in western Farah province. At least 22 attackers were also killed. This weeks worst attack was on Tuesday suicide bombers killed at least 74 people when they targeted police compounds and government offices. All of which raises the question: 16 years after the US first sent troops to Afghanistan, does this new strategy have any hope of succeeding where others have failed? Presenter: James Bays Guests: Mirwais Wardak Managing Director, Peace Training and Research Organization Michael Semple Visiting Research Professor, Queens University, Belfast David Sedney Former Senior Official, US Department of Defense Grameen Bank was founded in 1983 with the goal of helping poor people in Bangladesh and around the world, by providing small loans to aid them in establishing their own businesses. The bank grew rapidly and received great acclaim as a solution to poverty. Although economist Muhammad Yunus received the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for founding Grameen, critics say that this model has actually created a debt trap for some of the poor it tried to help. There were also isolated reports that lenders had repeatedly harassed borrowers, and that some of those who had defaulted had been forced to sell their organs to pay back the loans. The author of the new book, A World of Three Zeros: The New Economics of Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, and Zero Net Carbon Emissions, and the father of microfinance, Muhammad Yunus, joins us to discuss Grameen Bank. Follow UpFront on Twitter @AJUpFront and Facebook. We speak to Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus about the Rohingya crisis, and debate what makes a feminist. In this weeks UpFront, we speak with Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus about the Rohingya crisis, whether Aung San Suu Kyi is to blame for the ongoing violence, and we also cover his new book on rising inequality and the cost of environmental degradation. And in the Arena, we debate Third-Wave or Choice feminism: should feminists support all womens choices or are some choices holding women back? Headliner: Muhammad Yunus : Aung San Suu Kyi 100 percent to blame In what the United Nations has called a textbook example of ethnic cleansing, in recent weeks more than half a million majority-Muslim Rohingya have fled Myanmar for neighbouring Bangladesh. Myanmars security forces and Buddhist vigilantes have been accused of mass rape, murder and the burning of entire villages. Nobel Peace laureate and economist Muhammad Yunus placed the blame on de facto leader and fellow Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Ill put 100 percent of the blame on her because she is the leader, Yunus said. When asked if Myanmars military is actually wielding the power and rendering her essentially powerless, Yunus replied, Well, then she should resign. Yunus also said that by staying on in government Aung San Suu Kyi is absolutely giving her blessing to the military and its actions in Myanmar. Not only that, verbally shes defending it, he added. She says, I dont know why these people are going. No, we dont have atrocities. No, it is Arakanese who are attacking us. All kinds of things She gets all the blame and shes responsible for it, and she has to fix it. In the interview, we also discuss his new book, and Yunus warns that the way the concentration of wealth has taken place in the world is leading to a ticking timebomb. For this weeks Headliner, we speak with Muhammad Yunus, the author of the new book, A World of Three Zeros: The New Economics of Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, and Zero Net Carbon Emissions. Arena: What makes someone a feminist? As a new generation of feminists have risen up around the world in whats been called Third Wave or Choice feminism, many are questioning: should feminists support all womens choices or are some choices actually holding women back? People can make personal choices as much as they want, but how does that contribute to the liberation of all women? asks Meghan Murphy. I believe in a variety of approaches to feminism, says Jamia Wilson, adding that she believes that liberation will come when society dismantles patriarchy, capitalism, white supremacy, and imperialism, but that she also knows that different people have different experiences and theories of change about how to get to liberation. So, what makes a feminist? In this weeks Arena, we debate this with Meghan Murphy, founder of Feminist Current, and Jamia Wilson, executive director at Feminist Press. Follow UpFront on Twitter @AJUpFront and Facebook. Heather Monae Jackson wants Richard Spencer to know she is not afraid. The UF international business masters student said she has encountered racism before in her hometown of Polk County. Jackson, 22, got the emails from UF President Kent Fuchs urging students not to attend Thursdays event hosted by the National Policy Institute. Still, she couldnt imagine herself anywhere else but in the audience at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts at 2:30 p.m. As the president, (Fuchs) has to do his job but, as a student of color, I didnt think he was talking to me, she said. It didnt apply. She said all students of color should have attended the event. Theres no other place for you to be, she said. If you are a student of color on this campus, you should be here. When Spencer came out onto the stage, Jackson and a majority of the more than 400 people who attended Spencers speech stood with their fists raised and chanted, Go home, Spencer. Im not going home, Spencer responded. As the chanting continued, Spencer told the crowd they were childish. This is the best recruitment tool you could give us, Spencer said. They dont hear anything youre saying. All they hear is a bunch of shrieking and grunting morons. Randy Reddell held up a sign with a picture of NPI organizer Cameron Padgett. Im (sic) Cameron Padgett and Im (sic) a racist piece of s---, Reddells sign read. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now During the event, his sign was ripped into pieces by a Spencer supporter behind him. Reddell picked up the pieces of his sign and continued to hold it up when police removed him from the room. He was issued a trespass warning from UFs campus. Police in riot gear watched as the tense shouting match between audience members and Spencers group continued. Eli Mosley, the leader of Identity Evropa which the Anti-Defamation League identifies as a white supremacist group took the microphone from Padgett as the crowd booed louder. We are here today at the University of Florida because we would like to talk to students and the nation as a whole because we know eyes are on us, he said. We will represent you, white America. The audience was mostly made up of protesters. Days before the event, NPI announced it would distribute tickets but stated it wanted the audience to be made up of people with a diversity of opinions. Michael Presley Bobbitt, a Gainesville resident and playwright, was one of the first people to get tickets for the event. While the 41-year-old said he doesnt approve of violence or Nazis, he said Spencer is still entitled to his freedom of speech. Theres free speech all the way or theres no free speech, he said. Im not sure if we had collectively ignored this idiot, maybe things would have been different. Sam Hyde, a UF classical studies sophomore, said he attended to learn what terms like Nazi, white supremacist and identitarian mean. I just wanted to see what the hubbub was about, the 19-year-old said. Spencer called the Thursday event the most important free speech event in the audience members lifetimes. He was angered when people chanted, F--- you, Spencer in response. Do you not want to hear something, you poor babies, that might contradict with what your professors say? Are any of you willing to think at all? he said. Chants and screams echoed among the crowd as Spencer supporters and protesters fought among themselves. Ryley Valenti, a UF theatre senior who identifies as androgynous, was called a tranny by a Spencer supporter. Valenti said she thought protesters did a good job expressing their points, but Spencer was disrespectful. The answers he gave us werent very satisfactory, the 23-year-old said. We are Americans. Thats what ties us together, not our skin color. Syleena Powell went to bed listening to whirring police helicopters flying overhead. On Thursday morning, Powell woke up anxious, just a few hours ahead of white supremacist Richard Spencers speech on UFs campus. By 12:45 p.m., about 2,500 people, mainly protesters, flooded Southwest 34th Street near the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, located at 3201 Hull Road, to make clear to Spencer his radical beliefs dont belong in Gainesville. It wouldnt feel right just staying home when literal change is happening in our backyard, said Powell, a 22-year-old UF African-American studies senior. Over Powells head, an airplane flew in between overcast clouds, casting a banner high that read, Love Conquers hate! Love will Prevail! Troopers stood on the roofs of the nearby Southwest Recreation Center and the Harn Museum of Art to keep watch over protests. As she stood among pockets of protesters, Powell exhaled. All of this here did not start with Richard Spencer, and it will not end with Richard Spencer, she said. As early as 10 a.m., protesters gathered at the corner of Southwest 34th Street and Southwest 20th Avenue. Groups including Womens March of Gainesville, No Nazis at UF and National Womens Liberation made signs and passed out water bottles to protesters. At 2 p.m., as hundreds of protesters lined up for tickets to Spencers speech, the group chanted, Whose campus? Our campus, their voices echoing down the road. Mariam Mohamad, a 19-year-old UF philosophy and womens studies student, said she and other protesters were turned away for having phone numbers written on their arms or being a visible minority. Mohamad said she was denied entry for having emergency contacts scribbled on her forearm. When she offered to wash them off, the distributors laughed in her face, she said. I mean, its clear theyre systematically denying entry to people who they think will disagree with them, she said. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Juan Paniza, a UF history junior who wore a walking boot on his left leg, said he was turned away by event organizers who thought he could use his crutches as a weapon. Its obvious that they havent heard about the American Disabilities Act, but its whatever, the 20-year-old said. William Fears, 29, identified himself as a Spencer supporter and said he heard him speak twice before, once at Texas A&M and once in Charlottesville, Virginia, this summer. Compared to the vast number of protesters, Fears was one of few Spencer supporters who came to the event. On Thursday, Fears said he traveled to Gainesville from Houston, Texas, for the speech. I wasnt for segregation at first, Fears said. But it doesnt seem like were gonna be able to get along. Fears said hes concerned about the future of America and the white race. Hes worried his children might live in a country where white people become the minority. Protests were almost entirely peaceful Thursday, with the exception of a few instances where crowds of more than 100 chased after Spencer supporters. Five injuries were recorded and treated by fire rescue teams. Law enforcement officers arrested two men, according to a joint press release. Sean Brijmohan, 28, of Orlando, was charged with possession of a firearm on school property, and David Notte, 34, of Gainesville, was charged with resisting an officer without violence. Notte was issued a trespass warning. At about 3 p.m., a man wearing a T-shirt decorated with swastikas walked in the crowd of protesters, who pushed him toward police. Other Spencer supporters were also surrounded by people shouting expletives and Nazi scum as they followed them to police barricades. Some urged the crowd not to become violent. The swastika-wearing man was shoved by multiple protesters, and witnesses saw a protester punch him in the mouth. At about 4:30 p.m., another Spencer supporter walked out of the event to a crowd of more than 500 protesters that flooded Hull Road. Protesters chased the man eastward on Hull Road until he hopped over a barricade and was handcuffed by police and escorted away. As most protesters chased after the man wearing a swastika, some approached Larry Green, a Westminster Presbyterian Church pastor. Wearing a clerical collar over a sweat-puddled purple shirt, Green said he attended the protest to offer support. He hugged and prayed with anyone who asked him to, he said. When I realized most clerical groups in the community decided not to come, I knew that I needed to be here, the 47-year-old said, adding Spencers message is the opposite of everything Christianity teaches. As Alex Tepperman stood in front of the Phillips Center, he held up his white sign and looked at what he had taped onto it: a rainbow-colored Star of David. And then he sighed. Its kind of a miserable experience to confront people who want you wiped off the face of the Earth, he said. Tepperman, a 34-year-old UF doctoral student, said he woke up Thursday feeling conflicted about whether to attend. Normally Nazis wouldnt be a very significant concern of mine, he said. But we have to start taking Nazis seriously. Outside the Harn Museum on Hull Road, about an hour before Spencers speech, a group of five people from East Gainesville played a beat from their phones and started rapping verses to a homemade track about what modern racism would look like if a white man could be in a black mans shoes. Remy Ferrara pointed to his skin as to why he and his friends came out to protest Spencer. As a black man, Ferrara, 24, said he had an obligation to protest. Were being told to ignore it, but weve got to be here, Ferrara said. I understand why he has the right to speak, but that doesnt mean were not gonna be here; were going to keep coming Here we are. On the days leading up to Spencers visit, Juan Lozanos cellphone blew up. The UF public relations senior planned to protest, but his family begged him to drive home to Miami for the weekend. In a text message, Lozanos mom told him she was holding the rosary in front of her mouth praying for his safety. Six alarming exclamation marks punctuated the message. As a result, Lozano, 22, walked with his sign that read Mom! Im OK. As a small smile danced on his face, Lozano sighed and said, Moms will be moms. He then narrowed his eyes, getting serious, and added, But I had to come. Today is a fight day, not a flight day. Oggi Parry, a UF computer science senior, protested Spencer with his body wrapped in an American flag and wearing red, white and blue sunglasses. He said he believes American ideals are not inherently racist. Parry said he voted for President Donald Trump in the recent presidential elections and wanted to show others that Trump supporters dont align with Spencers views. Conservative views are not (Spencers) views, the 21-year-old said. We are not with him. As Spencer took the stage at the Phillips Center, Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe watched on a Florida Department of Law Enforcement livestream from about six miles away at the city emergency center in the Gainesville Public Works Department, located at 405 NW 39th Ave. Poe said he felt dirty while watching Spencers speech. It was nothing but division and hatred and everything we stand against here in Gainesville, he said. Poe said he was proud of the protests, which he felt were entirely peaceful and expressed a message of love that contrasted Spencers hate. The No. 1 thing, the thing that guys like me lose sleep over, is whether or not things will get violent, and that didnt happen, he said. It was a message of unity, inclusiveness and common, universal love. After the crowd finished filing into the Phillips Center to hear Spencer speak, Wanda Nelson, 54, stood outside with her handmade sign. God is love, it read. A red heart was drawn next to the words. To me, she said, looking down at her sign, this means love is the answer. Nelson, a Gainesville resident, said she felt nervous about coming to the protests. But once she arrived, she said she realized there was no reason to worry. The chants from protesters had died down slightly. One protester leaving the crowd saw Nelsons sign and asked to take a picture with her. Nelson smiled. Its not about who can yell the loudest, she said. Peoples hearts have to change. Thats the bottom line. Ian Cohen, Romy Ellenbogen, David Hoffman and Jimena Tavel contributed to this report. Hundreds of protesters yell, chant and display signs on their initial approach to the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday. The 19th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress opened at the Great Hall of the People on Wednesday in Beijing, capital of China. General Secretary Xi Jinping, on behalf of the 18th CPC Central Committee, delivered a report titled Secure a Decisive Victory in Building a Moderately Prosperous Society in All Respects and Strive for the Great Success of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to the congress. The congress, joined by 2,338 delegates and specially invited representatives, attracted more than 3,000 journalists from home and abroad. English News Canton Fair transforms into a platform of innovation Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 20 Octobre 2017 The fair has drawn around 25,000 Chinese companies to display more than 160,000 types of products, as well as 620 enterprises from 33 countries and regions across the world. By Liu Lingling from Peoples Daily The 122nd China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, opened in south China's Guangzhou city on October 15. As an important window that China opens to the world, it now transforms into a platform of innovation. The Canton Fair is the largest and oldest gathering of international trade in China that boasts the widest variety of products and the largest number of exhibitors. The fair, held every spring and autumn, is seen as a barometer of the country's foreign trade. The fair has drawn around 25,000 Chinese companies to display more than 160,000 types of products, as well as 620 enterprises from 33 countries and regions across the world. A total of 341 companies from 17 countries and regions along the Belt and Road route have been attracted to the fair, making up the majority of the import exhibition zone. The fair is also a demonstration of the achievements resulting from the supply-side structural reform, as the exhibits covered a host of products made by leading Chinese enterprises with intellectual property, self-owned brands and core technologies. The product upgrade rate of some enterprises reaches as high as 80 percent. A lot of companies have released their newest high-end products and innovation progress. For instance, air conditioners produced by Guangdong Chigo Air Conditioning Co Ltd can control home temperature based on the number of people and the environment inside. Haier Group displays its new washing machines that can automatically identify texture of clothes and choose suitable cleaning mode accordingly. Haiers newly released air conditioner, which can purify air and control temperature, has aroused the interest of many visitors. Such homemade products have become increasingly appealing to foreign buyers. According to statistics, the total amount of intended turnover in the first two days of the fair has already surpassed the previous sessions. The fair will continue its Fair Plus Internet style to promote the integration of online and offline services. The website of the fair has a search engine that covers data of all exhibition zones and exhibitors, enabling buyers to make customized plans ahead of the fair and improve efficiency. The website also dedicates a channel to showcase Chinese brand enterprises. By October 13, information of 23,155 products from 1,737 enterprises has been uploaded. The introduction of mobile apps has also optimized its service. Dans la meme rubrique : < > China sees prosperous development of offshore wind power generation China speeds up efforts to expand, renovate expressways 'First-store economy' leads consumption upgrade Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) English News China achieves a continuous 85 months of safe flight Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 19 Octobre 2017 Beijing Capital International Airport, with a total passenger output of 94.4 million in 2016, was the second busiest airport in the world for 7 years in a row. In addition, Shanghai Pudong International Airport handled 3.34 million tons of cargo, ranking third in the world for 9 consecutive years. By Hou Lulu from Peoples Daily China has seen continuous 85 months of aviation success with more than 54 million safe flying hours, from Aug. 24, 2010 to Sept. 30, 2017, a performance that matches Chinas best safety record. The figure was announced on Tuesday by Tang Weibin, of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), at a regular press conference, who added that it is also the best air traffic safety record in Chinese history. Over the last 5 years, Chinese airlines managed to keep the major accident rate per one million hours at zero, outperforming the global average 0.0872. In addition, the fatality rate per 100 million passenger-kilometer was 0, while the global average data was 0.0074. Major domestic players, including China Southern Airlines, Air China and China Eastern Airlines have maintained 10 million hours of safe flight, statistics that prove China has already been in a leading position in civil aviation globally in terms of safety record, said Tang. Chinas aviation market has grown rapidly over the past 5 years, along with air traffic and its airports handled an average of 12,790 flights a day, or one every 7 seconds. The country has 218 licensed airports, 59 commercial airlines, and 2,950 aircrafts. Statistics show that China's aviation transportation volume by the end of 2016 ranked second in the world after the U.S., for the 12th straight year. Beijing Capital International Airport, with a total passenger output of 94.4 million in 2016, was the second busiest airport in the world for 7 years in a row. In addition, Shanghai Pudong International Airport handled 3.34 million tons of cargo, ranking third in the world for 9 consecutive years. Zhao Junfeng, an engineer at the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of Chinas (COMAC) Shanghai Aircraft Design and Research Institute who is in charge of the static tests of the C919, takes a photo with the aircraft. C919 is a large commercial jet that China developed in accordance with international aviation regulations. (Photo by Peoples Daily) Dans la meme rubrique : < > China sees prosperous development of offshore wind power generation China speeds up efforts to expand, renovate expressways 'First-store economy' leads consumption upgrade Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) English News China establishes worlds largest medical insurance network Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 20 Octobre 2017 In 2016, 200 Chinese cities that piloted public hospital reform introduced family doctor service contracts, with priorities given to seniors, pregnant women, children and the disabled. By Qu Pei from Peoples Daily China will improve the national health policy, and ensure the delivery of comprehensive lifecycle health services for its people, President Xi Jinping vowed when delivering a report to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Wednesday. His remarks came as the country has set up the worlds largest medical insurance network reaching over 1.3 billion people. Pledging that China will carry on its Healthy China initiative, Xi also stressed that the country will establish distinctively Chinese systems for providing basic healthcare, medical insurance, and quality and efficient healthcare services. China has woven the worlds largest network of basic medical insurance accessible for all and formed a healthcare service system encompassing both urban and rural areas, said a white paper issued recently by State Council Information Office on development of China's public health. By the end of 2016, the basic medical insurance has reached over 1.3 billion citizens nationwide, accounting for more than 95 percent of the total population. In addition, the urban and rural residents now have more equal access to the medical insurance after the country launched the reform in 2016 to create a unified basic health insurance system by integrating basic medical insurance for urban employees and the new rural cooperative medical scheme. The serious disease insurance scheme was also accessible for all as of 2015 after a pilot trial was launched in 2012. By the end of September 2016, Chinese government had spent 18.9 billion yuan (about $2.9 billion) on medical assistance to 51.45 million residents. Chinas serious disease insurance scheme was recognized by The Lancet, the world's leading independent general medical journal, which said in its commentary that China can provide important enlightenment for other developing nations in addressing the poverty caused by diseases. A hierarchical medical treatment system was also rolled out to direct resources to grassroots health institutions. In 2016, 200 Chinese cities that piloted public hospital reform introduced family doctor service contracts, with priorities given to seniors, pregnant women, children and the disabled. Data showed 22 percent of the entire population in the targeted cities, including 38.8 percent of the priority groups, has been able to enjoy contractual services from family doctors. A trans-provincial medical treatment settlement system has also been built, allowing any patient enrolled in the public medical insurance system to be reimbursed for inpatient expenses, no matter where they are treated. The World Health Organization (WHO), in recognition of Chinas achievements in health care reform, commented that the reform will lead Chinas health care system towards the right direction. The World Bank also described China's achievement in extending health insurance to 1.3 billion people as unparalleled accomplishments. Dans la meme rubrique : < > China sees prosperous development of offshore wind power generation China speeds up efforts to expand, renovate expressways 'First-store economy' leads consumption upgrade Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) English News Chinas GDP expands 6.9 percent in first three quarters Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 20 Octobre 2017 Production and consumption maintained a steady growth in the period. China's value-added industrial output expanded 6.7 percent compared with the same period of last year, while retail sales of consumer goods grew 10.4 percent year on year to 26.32 trillion yuan. By Lu Yanan, Du Yifei from Peoples Daily Chinas gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 6.9 percent year on year in the first three quarters of 2017 to 59.33 trillion yuan ($8.96 trillion), official data revealed on Thursday. The growth rate held steady from a 6.9 percent increase in the first half of this year. In the third quarter, China's GDP was up 6.8 percent year on year, compared with 6.9 in the second quarter, according to the data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This is the ninth straight quarter for China to see growth of 6.7 to 6.9 percent, NBS spokesman Xing Zhihong told a press conference. Production and consumption maintained a steady growth in the period. China's value-added industrial output expanded 6.7 percent compared with the same period of last year, while retail sales of consumer goods grew 10.4 percent year on year to 26.32 trillion yuan. Consumption maintained its position as the largest driver to Chinese economy, as the contribution of final consumption to economic growth reached 64.5 percent in the first nine months. Employment improved significantly in the first three quarters: A total 10.97 million new jobs were created in urban China 300,000 more than those of the same period last year. The registered urban unemployment rate in 31 big cities has been kept below 5 percent for seven consecutive months. The figure for September was 4.83 percent, the lowest since 2012. China maintained rapid growth in imports, exports and the surplus of its current account. With a steady RMB exchange rate, the foreign exchange reserve increased eight months in a row. In the first three quarters, Chinas added value in the service sector grew 7.8 percent compared with a year ago and the service industry contributed 58.8 percent to economic growth. The added value of high-tech and equipment manufacturing respectively contributed more than 12 percent and 32 percent to the entire industrial output.. New economic vitality and potential represented by new technology, industry and business modes continued to be unleashed. In the first nine months, the year-on-year growth in output of strategic emerging industries rose to 11.3 percent, 4.6 percentage points higher than that of enterprises above a designated size. In the same period, the exponential growth of information and business services reached 29.4 percent and 11.4 percent respectively, while civilian drone production doubled against that of the same period last year. The output of industrial robots grew 69.4 percent and new energy vehicles 30.8 percent compared with last year. Year-on-year growth of integrated circuit and solar energy batteries both exceeded 20 percent. In the first nine months, online retail sales of physical commodities maintained a strong momentum with year-on-year growth of 29.1 percent, or 14 percent of the countrys total retail sales. Dans la meme rubrique : < > China sees prosperous development of offshore wind power generation China speeds up efforts to expand, renovate expressways 'First-store economy' leads consumption upgrade Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) English News Chinas rural vitalization strategy boosts farmers confidence Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 20 Octobre 2017 According to the 2010 census, 674 million people live in China's rural areas, accounting for 50.32 percent of the total population. By Liu Junguo from Peoples Daily In his report to the ongoing 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Wednesday, Xi Jinping pledged Chinas resolution to pursue a rural vitalization strategy, which boosts farmers confidence in their future life. Xi stressed, we must prioritize the development of agriculture and rural areas, consolidate and improve the basic rural operation system. Rural land contracting practices will remain stable and unchanged on a long-term basis, he said, adding that the current round of contracts will be extended for another 30 years upon expiration. We must ensure Chinas food security so that we always have control over our own food supply, Xi pointed out. Xi also pledged to strengthen basic services in rural communities, and train professional rural service personnel who understand agriculture, love rural areas, and care about rural people. According to the 2010 census, 674 million people live in China's rural areas, accounting for 50.32 percent of the total population. The land contracting policy vowed by Xi, a big decision, won much popularity among the farmers, who believe that the steady and persistent rural policy will cement their confidence to overcome poverty and march towards prosperity. Zheng Zhishao, a villager in Zigui county, central China's Hubei Province, said that the policy has made him very excited and feel more assured. The farmers are heartened by the rural vitalization strategy put forward by Xi Jinping in his report as they will embrace better life after the country speeds up the modernization of agriculture and rural areas, said Wu Xieen, a delegate to the congress. He also served as Party secretary of Huaxi village in east China's Jiangsu Province. The decision is of important significance to Chinas agriculture, rural areas and rural people since it will benefit the farmers, agribusiness, and investors, pointed out Li Guoxiang, a rural development researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Dans la meme rubrique : < > China sees prosperous development of offshore wind power generation China speeds up efforts to expand, renovate expressways 'First-store economy' leads consumption upgrade Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) English News Chinas targeted poverty relief strategy gets 13.91 million people out of poverty annually Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 19 Octobre 2017 China started its registration work on the poor in 2014, and has identified 29.48 million poverty-stricken families, 89.62 million poor people and 128,000 impoverished villages, and has pinpointed their distribution, examined the sources of their poverty and determined what is needed to get rid of the poverty. By Liu Junguo from Peoples Daily China has achieved a lot in poverty alleviation over the past several years, and has managed to lift 13.91 million people out of poverty per year on average thanks to President Xi Jinpings "precise" poverty relief measures. This impressive performance has become a role model in the worlds efforts to eliminate poverty. The number of rural Chinese living under the poverty line dropped from 98.99 million in 2013 to 43.35 million in 2016, the Peoples Daily said in an article on Tuesday, citing figures released by the State Council poverty alleviation office. This targeted poverty relief strategy can be seen as the secret of Chinas major successes in cracking this hard nut, a problem faced by the whole world, said the article. Xi first raised the idea about the targeted poverty relief strategy in November 2013 when he visited a village in Huayuan County in central Chinas Hunan Province. He then expounded on the philosophy behind the strategy and the basic requirements of it, while presiding over a Communist Party of China (CPC) symposium on poverty relief and economic and social development in Guizhou Province in June, 2015. Xi then filled out the policy with more detailed plans at a central work conference on poverty reduction. He urged governments to carry out more targeted and precise measures especially when arranging projects, allocating funds, doing evaluations precisely, monitoring the progress of projects and the use of funds and personnel. He also called for policies tailored to the specific local situation and cause of the poverty. For key approaches to the relief project, Xi cited industrial development, relocation, environmental protection, education, social welfare and financial and medical support from the government, but also encouraged financial input from industries and social forces. He said the social welfare system should provide basic living conditions for those impoverished and who are out of work. China started its registration work on the poor in 2014, and has identified 29.48 million poverty-stricken families, 89.62 million poor people and 128,000 impoverished villages, and has pinpointed their distribution, examined the sources of their poverty and determined what is needed to get rid of the poverty. Every year on December 31, local governments have to register the latest survey of population figures and number of people that get out of poverty. To increase the number of those on the front-lines of poverty alleviation, China is assigning outstanding cadres to help in the villages. The number of cadres at the grassroots level was estimated at 2.78 million after the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012. China said it had plans to lift more than 10 million people out of poverty in 2017. This figure reached 13 million on average over the past five years. The country has also offered its opinions on global poverty reduction through a similar targeted poverty alleviation program. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a congratulation letter to the 2017 Global Poverty Reduction and Development Forum, spoke highly of Chinas poverty alleviation achievements, and asserted the belief that targeted poverty alleviation was the only way to help the poorest people and achieve the major goals set for the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. China has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, and its experience can offer valuable lessons to other developing countries, he concluded. Dans la meme rubrique : < > China sees prosperous development of offshore wind power generation China speeds up efforts to expand, renovate expressways 'First-store economy' leads consumption upgrade Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) A new type of Chinese super hybrid rice -- Xiangliangyou 900 -- has reached average yields of 1,149 kilograms per mu (about 0.07 hectares) on trial fields in Handan, north Chinas Hebei province on October 15, setting a new world record. The Xiangliangyou 900 type produces more and bigger grains than other varieties and, combined with the use of water-soluble organic silicon fertilizer will guarantee a rate of 90 percent. The fertilizer can help strengthen roots and stems of the plants, increase resilience, improve the yellowing process, and bolster disease and pest resistance to ensure higher yields. Xiangliangyou 900 was cultivated by a team of scientists led by Yuan Longping, known as the "father of hybrid rice" whose dream is to spread his hybrid rice worldwide. Yuan has estimated that the world now has 150 million hectares of rice fields, with less than 10 percent planted in hybrid rice. If that figure can go up to 50 percent, the added rice production will feed another 400 to 500 million people. China has the second largest paddy coverage and the largest rice production in the world. English News Hangzhou growing smarter thanks to AI technology Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 19 Octobre 2017 Nearly 600 Chinese cities are working on a smart city approach and, with the development of big data, Internet of things and AI, China is expected to see an upsurge in smart city building. By Du Yifei from Peoples Daily The city of Hangzhous traffic efficiency has seen substantial improvements a year after it introduced its City Brain project, with an artificial intelligence (AI) hub that uses big data to help it "think" and make decisions better. The program started in October 2016 with a vision of building Hangzhou into a smart city with the ability to regulate itself and interact better with its human occupants. Hangzhou is the capital of east Chinas Zhejiang province and the first city in the world to manage its public affairs with AI technology assistance. Some of the latest beneficiaries of the program are the local traffic police, since the City Brain has started helping them maintain traffic and respond quicker to traffic accidents. The City Brain can detect accidents within a second, and we can arrive at the site in 5 minutes, said Zheng Yijiong, a traffic police officer and the first police officer in China to control the traffic with an AI partner. The AI hub offers real-time analysis and deployment advice for smooth traffic flows in an area with more than 9 million residents, and manages traffic lights at 128 intersections, saving 15.3% in waiting time at pilot areas. And the City Brain controls traffic lights automatically at more than 100 intersections, cutting travel time on elevated highways by 4.6 minutes. The system has reported more than 500 traffic accidents in the downtown area daily, with an accuracy of 92%, greatly improving traffic polices efficiency. In Xiaoshan District, an ambulance used only half the time that it used before to arrive on the scene because of the smart traffic light control technology. The traffic control is just the first step in City Brain governance, said Wang Jian, chairman of the Alibaba Groups Technology Steering Committee, one of the project developers. In the future, the City Brain will become an important part of the infrastructure to drive the city towards sustainable development, based on Internet, computing and data, Wang added. Hangzhous experience has been duplicated in other cities, including Suzhou, Quzhou and Macao, which are looking for ways to cope with their growing traffic congestion. Hangzhou has become the biggest beneficiary of mobile internet-enabled social services, with smart cities developing rapidly. All you needs to live there is a smart phone and, statistics show more than 95% of the supermarkets and convenience stores in the city using Alipay, a mobile payment service of Alibaba. Over 98% of local taxis accepting mobile payments. Hangzhou residents can now pay for more than 60 public services, vehicle and health care with Alipay. Nearly 600 Chinese cities are working on a smart city approach and, with the development of big data, Internet of things and AI, China is expected to see an upsurge in smart city building. The market value of Chinese smart cities is expected to exceed 6 trillion yuan ($904.87 billion) in 2017 and 18.7 trillion yuan in 2021, Shenzhens Qianzhan Industry Research Institute has predicted. Zheng Yijiong, Chinas first police officer to direct traffic with artificial intelligence, stands in front of the "City Brain" display. (Photo by Peoples Daily Online) Dans la meme rubrique : < > China sees prosperous development of offshore wind power generation China speeds up efforts to expand, renovate expressways 'First-store economy' leads consumption upgrade Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) The House of Representatives and High Council of States Joint Drafting Committee resumed its sessions today to build on the progress achieved over the past week continue the finalization of the amendments to the Libyan Political Agreement. The session, facilitated by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Libya Dr. Ghassan, delved into addressing the []http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Appa-sourceTheAfric... English News Op-ed: World keen to understand Chinas success through the Party Congress Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 19 Octobre 2017 The solutions and wisdom China has extended to the world have illuminated the path of future development for mankind and the attention to the 19th National Congress of the Party, which reflects not only the desire to guess Chinas future but also the expectations for Chinas positive contributions to the world. By Zhong Sheng, Peoples Daily The ongoing 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is getting the attention of global media, with more than 1,800 foreign correspondents in China to report the event, at a time when the whole world hopes to decipher Chinas intent through the Congress. For the world to understand China, it must understand why the Party asserts that its continuing political leadership is optimum for Chinas development, said Robert Lawrence Kuhn, a US political and economics commentator. The CPC has created a miracle in human history by building China into the second largest economy in the world from an unorganized society, Kuhn said, adding that the success makes more people around the world see that the Party leadership is essential for China to continue its current development. On the eve of the Congress, some foreign journalists visited the site of the first Party Congress in Shanghai to try to fathom the secrets of the Party spirit. After the visit, Parwaiz Karokhail, a journalist from Afghanistan, said the CPC is a hardworking political party that always works for the benefit of the people. The CPC has a strong will to defeat any difficulty and it is the will that guides China to where it is today, he said. There have been profound changes in the world, the country and the Party in the past five years. Against this backdrop, the CPC Central Committee, with Xi Jinping at the core, has dealt with many difficulties that it had hoped to resolve for a long time, and has accomplished a lot, dealing with leftover tasks by facing up to problems and keeping on forging ahead. Over the past five years, the CPC Central Committee has led the country in carrying out many reforms, including comprehensive and deeper reforms in establishing major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, building a strong army, and strengthening Party discipline. Reforms are never an easy task. So, how does China manage to carry out reforms successfully while other countries often give up halfway? Thailand journalist Suratt Preechatham asked. The Party Congress has opened a window to give foreign journalists the optimal way to observe todays China and after visiting Lujiazui, Shanghais CBD, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and the e-commerce giant Alibabas headquarters in Hangzhou, foreign reporters said they had gained a better understanding of Chinas vitality. They said they were impressed by Chinas development over the past five years, as could be seen at the Beijing Exhibition Center, and they used the words amazing and extraordinary to describe their feelings after seeing the accomplishments. I think all the achievements can be attributed to the CPCs leadership. The CPC has formulated a bunch of wise policies to promote the countrys development, said one journalist from the Jordan News Agency. The CPC is the largest ruling party in the world and has been able to expand its influence beyond the boundaries of the country. Now, the world faces an increasing number of uncertainties, with a lack of peace, development and governance posing major challenges to mankind, while a tide of populism and anti-globalization rises. Over the past five years, President Xi has put forward the Belt and Road Initiative, the idea of building a community of shared destiny for mankind, and a new type of international relations with win-win cooperation based on his reflection on the future and destiny of mankind and the development trends of China and the world. . The solutions and wisdom China has extended to the world have illuminated the path of future development for mankind and the attention to the 19th National Congress of the Party, which reflects not only the desire to guess Chinas future but also the expectations for Chinas positive contributions to the world. The 19th Party Congress means a lot for the CPC, for China and for the world, said a US media report.The future course of Chinas development as charted by the CPC this autumn, will meet the Chinese peoples expectations and significantly affect the future of the globe. Dans la meme rubrique : < > China sees prosperous development of offshore wind power generation China speeds up efforts to expand, renovate expressways 'First-store economy' leads consumption upgrade Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) English News Xi's new thought the soul runs throughout the Congress report Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 20 Octobre 2017 More than one century ago, some people hold the view that Chinas backwardness was mainly due to the countrys outdated technology, system and mindset. However, China now contributes an average of 30 percent to global economic growth, having surpassed the total growth rate of the US, the Euro zone and Japan. By Fan Zhengwei from People's Daily The Chinese Communists mainly represented by Xi Jinping have created Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The Thought is the soul running throughout the report delivered at the opening of the 19th CPC National Congress. It has embarked on a "new era" for Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, integrated the "new mission" for CPC and started a "new journey" for comprehensively building a great and modern socialist country. Theoretical innovation is of utmost importance in the report, which served as the realm of the new thought. The Thought builds on and further enriches Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Theory of Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development. This important thought represents the latest achievement in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context, and is an important component of the system of theories of socialism with Chinese characteristics. In the last five years, China underwent historical reforms and made great achievements thanks to the guidance of a new way of thinking. It is this new way of thinking that brings the understanding of socialism with Chinese characteristics to a new height. When the tenets of such modern thought are applied, a nation can carry out comprehensive and deeper reforms, while promoting economic, political, cultural, social, and ecological development. Also guided by the new thinking, China devotes itself to implementing the Four Comprehensives, while building a stronger army and achieving major-country diplomacy forged with distinct Chinese features in order to move forward with new type of international relations. As a result, the CPC is equipped with the tools to lead people to achieve victory in today's rapidly changing environment. "China will become a great country, in every aspect," said Xi, when stressing the historical responsibilities shouldered by CPC members. More than one century ago, some people hold the view that Chinas backwardness was mainly due to the countrys outdated technology, system and mindset. However, China now contributes an average of 30 percent to global economic growth, having surpassed the total growth rate of the US, the Euro zone and Japan. Meanwhile, in the past five years, Xi's policy has not only inspired historic changes in China, but has captured worldwide attention for its profound thinking and political wisdom. The book "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" has sold 6.42 million copies in 21 languages in more than 160 countries and regions, making it one of the most influential works by a nation's leader. A few days ago, the producer of the Discoverys documentary "China: Time of Xi" stated that policies made by President Xi Jinping in the past five years have shown innovation based on previous thoughts, which have made a new milestone in Chinese history. The Thought not only explains why China has become strong, but also offers Chinese solutions to global challenges. Dans la meme rubrique : < > China sees prosperous development of offshore wind power generation China speeds up efforts to expand, renovate expressways 'First-store economy' leads consumption upgrade Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) To the bitter, common man, deplorably clinging to his guns and religion, it is unseemly the way progressives strive to let no crisis or catastrophe go to waste. Lets start with Barry and his merry band of minions and sycophants. We should all remember Fast and Furious -- not the movie, the scandal. Though perhaps it is presumptuous to use that term, because, apart from Sharyl Attkisson, then of CBS News, much of the media studiously ignored this first of many Obama administration scandals. Heres a short refresher. Eric Holder, Barack Obamas mini-me, and our esteemed my people attorney general, through the aegis of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) allowed, and in some instances impelled, straw buyers to purchase firearms with the purpose of smuggling them across the border into Mexico so they could be used by drug cartels and various other nefarious cliques in the commission of crimes. This was done to create sufficient evidence to prove the nation needed more robust gun control measures. For what it was, it was successful because their little gem of a plan resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Mexicans and at least one America Border Patrol Agent. In this instance, Barry and Eric were creating the crisis they wanted to exploit. Yet, it is emblematic of the entire crisis is opportunity mentality. They didnt care that people would have to die in order for them to make their case; they just wanted to make their case. That a person would have to be some kind of monster to sacrifice lives for political purposes escapes the sensibilities of the Democrats and the media (progressives=Democrats=media). It never occurred to them that right-thinking people would care about dead Mexicans because, in their way of thinking, those dead Mexicans were being sacrificed for the greater good -- in this case, gun control. This crisis is the perfect example of what progressives have become in this country. Nothing matters to them, not dead Mexicans, not a dead Border Agent, and certainly not the constitution, or even what the majority of Americans want. All that matters is the politics and if Mexicans have to die in order for them to force upon the nation stringent gun control, or even gun confiscation, then it is a small price to pay. If you need another example of their situational morality, you need to look no further than Charlottesville, which was a collusive operation involving Antifa, Black Live Matter (BLM), and the Democrats, represented by the odious Terry McAuliffe, Governor of Virginia and the repugnant Michael Signer, Mayor of Charlottesville. From the beginning, it was stagecraft. In August, fifty people assembled at a park in Charlottesville to protest the removal of a cultural icon, the statue of Robert E. Lee, they were soon joined by several hundred white supremacists. While this was going on, several thousand Antifa and BLM reprobates mobilized outside the park and were waiting for their signal. At the prescribed moment, even though the protest was peaceful, the police under control of Mayor Signer and Governor McAuliffe moved to force the protestors out of the park into the waiting arms of Antifa and BLM. We all know what happened then -- exactly what the Democrats wanted to happen. One person died that day, but for them, that was not a problem because it was in service of a greater goal, creating a white nationalist crisis that could only be solved by voting for Democrats. The Democrats cannot have blacks voting any other way except Democrat, so they decided to create a crisis where they could mythologize the several thousand white supremacists remaining in this country as a symbol of the embedded racism throughout America as represented by the Republican Party. As a side benefit, they created a trap in which they could ensnare any Republican who didnt denounce racism with enough vigor, labeling them as racists while blaming the whole thing on Trump and his "divisive rhetoric." If we didnt have a complacent media, that little dirty trick would not have been possible. Yet, since the media is in bed with the Democrats all we heard is what Trump allegedly did or didnt say. These are just two incidents where Democrats were willing to create a crisis to exploit for political gain. With respect to the recent shootings in Las Vegas, where 58 people died and almost 400 were injured. How long did it take the Democrats, led by the harpy Hillary Clinton, to call for sensible gun control measures? To Democrats, sensible gun control really stands for total control because what they really want is to confiscate all the guns in America. Stephen Paddocks heinous act of savagery was the perfect crisis to make their point -- even better than Fast and Furious because the dead were Americans --and they didnt even wait for authorities to start washing away the blood to start making their case. Note, however, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obamas almost total silence when the Harvey Weinstein scandal broke. They waited days before speaking because that was a crisis in their own house. Obamas daughter interned for the man, for goodness sake. Weinstein was one of them, and it took some time before they figured out an angle where they could tar Trump in particular and conservatives in general with the nastiness of Weinsteins cruel and abusive acts toward women. Even the death of an American Special Forces soldier is an opportunity to accuse Trump of not being sympathetic enough to the dead soldiers widow -- because no low is too low for Democrats to sink in order to make a political point. How about the recent hurricanes -- have you heard they were all Trumps fault? He didnt care enough about Puerto Ricans to effectively help the devastated island. At least, thats what the Democrats said, led by the mayor of San Juan as she stood in front of pallet after pallet after pallet of relief supplies that she refused to release to her people. That's where we are today. Hillary, Barry, and their progressive brethren sit like ghouls awaiting the next crisis -- hoping that enough people are either killed or injured for them to prove to America that Democrats should control everything. Maybe theyll get lucky and the nation will suffer a truly horrifying tragedy. After all, a crisis can be a beautiful thing for those who are willing to exploit it to realize their political dreams. Blame Sean Hannity. Or give him all the credit. The intrepid talk show host has been claiming for months that there is nothing to the Trump-Russia allegations, that the real tale of Russian collusion is linked to Hillary Clinton. The fact that very few people have taken this seriously has only caused the firebrand conservative to dig in deeper and repeat his talking points both more often and more fervently. His insistence the Russian story would boomerang against the Democrats has been largely based on his communications (both on- and off-air) with Julian Assange and investigative reporters John Solomon and Sara Carter. It seems like only yesterday justice was closing in on the Travel Office, Whitewater, the Clinton-era transfer of missile technology to the Chinese government, Fast and Furious, Solyndra, IRS harassment of conservative groups, the Clinton emails, Benghazi and a dozen others. We might have believed Sean Hannitys predictions, but wed seen this movie before. Then came Tuesday. John Solomon and Alison Spann of the Hill and Sara Carter of Circa News had a story that may have broken open the largest national security scandal since the Rosenbergs. In 2009, the Obama Justice Department began investigating a Russian plan to expand Russias atomic energy business by acquiring uranium in the United States. Through bribery, kickbacks, money laundering and extortion, the Russians were able to acquire 20% of the uranium mining rights in the United States. Shareholders in the Russian firm Rosatom funneled $145 million to the Clinton Foundation in the months leading up to the Obama administrations approval of the transaction. The sale was officially approved in 2010 by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), whose members included both Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Attorney General Eric Holder. Apparently neither Holder nor Clinton informed the other members of the committee just what an historic act of corruption they were participants to. Not only did the DOJ and FBI let the sale proceed, they sat on the information they had gathered and let the investigation drag on until 2015, when Rosatom executive Vadim Mikerin and other defendants reached plea deals to little fanfare. Current Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein oversaw the FBIs investigation, as did Andrew McCabe, the current deputy FBI director. And the man in charge of the FBI during most of the Rosatom investigation was none other than Robert Mueller, the special counsel now investigating Russian influence in the 2016 election. The government informant at the heart of the case was (and remains) forbidden to speak to Congress by an Obama Justice Department gag order (that gag order has yet to be lifted by the Trump Justice Department). If this story is true, then all our worst fears have been confirmed, and we are indeed living in a banana republic, with one set of rules for the rich and powerful, and another set of rules for everybody else. The question going forward: what kind of country will we live in tomorrow? Now that we know that Russian collusion is real and that the Obama administration engaged in it, what will be done about it? Will the laws against government corruption finally be enforced, or will the guilty walk again as were treated to another round of Congressional committee show hearings? This scandal will be a true test -- perhaps the final test -- of whether American government can still work for the people. If Republicans walk away from this story for fear of ruffling Democrat feathers, we will know that the fix is in. A lot of reputations are on the line, beginning with that of Donald Trump. Will he demand of his administration that it faithfully execute the law, without fear or favor. Then theres Jeff Sessions. Our attorney general will have to determine if the Trump DOJ has the stomach to investigate the Obama DOJ. Sessions has a chance to end this affair with a reputation as a true champion of law and order. Then again, he may cement his image as a chivalrous knight of old, merciless to peasants who cross borders and deal drugs, but always ready to give his social and political peers the benefit of the doubt. Congress reputation is on the line, too. Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell and the rest of the GOP will have a lot to answer for if they fail to demand answers to hard questions. This isnt a game of pin-the-tail-on-the-Trump anymore. The implications of the Clinton/Rosatom story cant be overstated, and Congress must lead the charge in determining whether Andrew McCabe, Rod Rosenstein, and Robert Mueller should now have any role in an investigation dealing with Russian influence, and more importantly, whether they should have any role in government at all. And finally, theres the media. The New York Times recently announced an ad campaign with the slogan: "the truth is more important than ever." Its time to prove it. If Russian collusion was a problem yesterday and the media has breathlessly told us this for ten months then Russian collusion is a problem today, and the Clinton story should get all the attention the Trump story received and then some, especially seeing as how theres actual evidence in the Clinton story. Its probably too much to hope that the media will flip on the Democrats and report the truth, but if justice runs its course while the media pretends theres nothing to see here, folks, then whatever shred of credibility the press has remaining will be gone. The early returns arent promising. The relentlessly tweeting Trump hasnt mentioned the story as of this writing. Jeff Sessions, in Capitol Hill testimony on Wednesday, offered only a cryptic statement that he would review Charles Grassleys request that he look into the Clinton matter. (The ever-disappointing Sessions also suggested that Rod Rosenstein might be in charge of reviewing the propriety of an investigation that was led by Rod Rosenstein). On the bright side, Grassleys committee has opened an inquiry into the matter, but then again, its hard to imagine a satisfying outcome to a story that begins with Grassleys committee has opened an inquiry As for the non-Hannity media, the Clinton story was met with stony silence (no denials, just silence). The big story Wednesday was not $145 million in bribes to the Clintons, but rather a controversy about whether Trump said something inappropriate or awkward to the wife of a soldier killed in battle during a phone call in which Trump offered his condolences. If we are to remain a country of laws and not of men, the people weve chosen to uphold our institutions are going to have to do better than this. Its one thing if our system of justice and our national security have been put up for sale; its quite another if the politicians and bureaucrats who did it face no consequences. How corrupt are American institutions? Well know very soon. On October 8, the White House released a list of "Immigration Principles and Policies" that President Trump says "must be included" in any legislation legitimizing President Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals executive order (DACA). Trump is cutting a deal: Congress gets DACA if Trump gets immigration reform. The million-dollar question: is it a good deal? No, unfortunately. Before getting into the details, it is worth briefly reviewing DACA and highlighting Trump's key demands. Summing up DACA: President Obama signed an executive order in June 2012 that let all illegal aliens who arrived in America before they were age 16 apply for legal work permits, Social Security numbers, and driver's licenses and made them eligible for earned income tax credits. The order gives recipients most of the privileges associated with citizenship. Enrollment must be renewed every two years. Since 2012, nearly 800,000 illegal aliens have taken advantage of the program most of them adults. Basically, DACA is renewable amnesty. Depending upon how broadly Congress legislates on DACA, somewhere between 800,000 and 3.5 million people could be granted de facto amnesty and given a pathway to citizenship. Remember: not everyone who can enroll in DACA is enrolled. This is an enormous number of people, comparable in scale to the Reagan-era amnesty. On the other side of the equation are President Trump's demands. In exchange for DACA, Trump wants funding for the wall (the House Homeland Security Committee has already allocated $10 billion toward the wall); an extra 10,000 ICE officers, 1,000 immigration lawyers, and 370 judges to help clear the deportation backlog; legislative penalties for "sanctuary cities"; an E-Verify system to bar illegals from the job market; passage of the RAISE Act; and a number of other minor concessions. Of these reforms, the RAISE Act is the most significant. Very briefly, the RAISE Act is an immigration reform bill sponsored by Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and David Perdue (R-Ga.). The act would not only cut legal immigration into the U.S. by roughly 50 percent, but break the cycle of chain migration by giving priority to economically valuable immigrants rather than those with family connections. If passed, the RAISE Act would be the most significant piece of immigration legislation since the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which ushered in the era of mass migration. It is difficult to overstate the economic benefits of the RAISE Act, which are twofold. First, the legislation would reduce overall immigration levels significantly. Second, it would better calibrate the type of immigrants arriving in the U.S. Reducing the overall level of immigration is important because America's economy does not need additional labor. The labor market is over-saturated as is. Real unemployment remains high, and there is no sense exacerbating the problem. Furthermore, fewer immigrants would help improve working conditions and wages for U.S. citizens. This has already begun in a few locations the logic is sound and empirically valid. And fewer low-skilled immigrants means fewer people on welfare. The act also ensures that America gets high-quality, skilled immigrants by prioritizing people with valuable skills. This is the type of immigrants most likely to help expand the economy in the long run immigrants whom U.S. policy should have been targeting for decades. Trump Should Not Surrender on DACA All that being said, President Trump should not trade DACA for the RAISE Act nor for the other assorted goodies. Why not? It all boils down to political asymmetries. There is little doubt that President Trump's demands are more valuable than DACA on paper: DACA would grant residency to, at most, 3.5 million people, whereas the RAISE Act would cut immigration by 500,000 people per year. Therefore, it should not take long for the benefits of ongoing immigration reduction to outweigh the one-time costs associated with preserving DACA. Furthermore, the RAISE Act would prevent a wave of chain migration in the wake of a DACA amnesty, setting aside another major concern. However, this assumes that the RAISE Act will last. It will not, and herein lies the political asymmetry. The Democratic Party lost the war of ideas decades ago and now depends upon immigrant voters to survive. In fact, a report from the Center for Immigration Studies shows that immigrants vote left by a ratio of at least 2:1, and the gap is widening. This has major political consequences especially since there are now over 40 million legal immigrants in America. For example, the last presidential election Democrats won without immigrant voters was that of Lyndon B. Johnson back in 1964 (excluding Ross Perot's vote-splitting antics in 1992). Democrats need immigration, and they know it. Should the RAISE Act pass, the Democrats will work night and day to repeal it. Eventually, they will succeed. After all, the RAISE Act is just a piece of ordinary legislation. Conversely, a DACA amnesty will not be reversible given how bitterly divided America is over the deportation of illegal immigrants, the likelihood of successfully stripping residency or citizenship rights from amnesty recipients is basically nil. Amnesty is permanent; immigration reform is not. The same goes for just about everything else on President Trump's list with the exception of the wall, perhaps. There can be no deal on DACA and no compromise on immigration reform until the Democrats stop playing identity politics and begin putting Americans first. President Trump would be wise to acknowledge this. President Donald Trump is doing something that has not been seen in the last eight years. He is devolving -- returning -- power from the Executive Branch (the Office of the President), primarily to the Legislative Branch (the Congress). We are seeing this in three recent developments. First, he announced an Executive Order cancelling the program created by former President Obama commonly known as DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). The DACA program was fashioned by way of an Executive Order signed by President Obama in June 2012. Under the DACA program, Mr. Obama ordered the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to allow aliens illegally residing in the United States to get work authorizations, Social Security numbers, and drivers licenses -- none of which are legally permitted under statutory law. Mr. Obama originally wanted Congress to enact such a law -- commonly known as the DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) but was unable to persuade Congress to act. So Mr. Obama decided to take matters into his own hands. Hence, rather than work with Congress to change the law, he simply ordered DHS to suspend enforcement of those parts of the law he did not like. Trump did not end DACA immediately. His Executive Order will not take effect for six months -- creating a window for Congress to address this, as is their role, via legislation. So by cancelling Obamas executive order and ending the DACA program, Trump is sending this issue back where it belongs -- to the Congress -- to be addressed with legislation. Next Trump announced that he will decertify the Iran Nuclear Deal created by President Obama. Notice the word Deal. This is not a treaty. Trivial distinction, you say? Au contraire, this is a very important distinction. A treaty is binding on any country that enters into it. A treaty has the effect of law -- which is why the power to ratify a treaty is held, solely, by the U.S. Senate -- something President Obama was unable to persuade the Senate to do. This is also why Obama had to call it a "historic understanding." As such, this deal required the certification of the President on a regular basis (every 90 days). While Mr. Obama was president, he certified the deal every time. And, 90 days ago, Trump reluctantly certified the deal again. But at the next 90-day mark Oct. 13, after due consideration, President Trump refused to certify, effectively giving Congress a 60-day window to reimpose Iran sanctions suspended by the deal, or kill the Iran deal if they so choose. Again, Mr. Trump is sending this issue back where it belongs -- to the Congress -- to be addressed. Finally, Trump has ended ObamaCare subsidies being paid to Insurance companies. The subsidies were known as CSR (Cost Sharing Reduction), and are paid directly to insurers to cover losses they incur by participating in the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as ObamaCare. Under the terms of ObamaCare, some subsidies (paid to patients) were authorized by Congress, but others (CSR payments to insurance companies) were not. Mr. Obama believed Congress would, in the future, consider amending ObamaCare to include CSR payment authorization. But Congress, seeing the cost of such payments growing out of control, refused (which is probably why Congress did not agree to authorize CSR payments in the first place). Once again, Obama, unable to persuade Congress to act according to his wishes, simply ordered the Treasury to make the payments. Congress took Obama to court, claiming the President had no authority to order these payments, and a federal judge sided with Congress -- but allowed the President to continue to order the Treasury to make the payments until he and the Congress could reach an agreement, with no deadline for that agreement given. And CSR payments continued -- until President Trump chose to end them and insisted that Congress decide this issue. It should be noted that the Constitution allows only one branch -- the Legislature (Congress) -- to create legislation (laws). The Executive branch is charged with enforcing the law, the Judicial branch is charged with reviewing and validating the Constitutionality of the law, but the Congress is the only branch that can create the law. In all three of these cases, Trump is insisting that Congress perform its function -- make laws. In doing so, Trump is determined to devolve the authority for making laws to its rightful holder, Congress. Until recently, this was the approach usually taken by a President. FDR guided the New Deal through Congress via a series of Congressional Acts (the Securities Act of 1933 that created the SEC, and the Social Security Act of 1935 were two that are still in place to this day). Lyndon Johnson got the Civil Rights act of 1965 through Congress (it should be noted that Johnson did this with little support in his own Democrat Party -- most of his support came from the opposition Republican Party). Richard Nixon got the Clean Air Act of 1970 (creating the EPA) and the Consumer Product Safety Act of 1972 through Congress (both houses controlled by the Democrats). And Ronald Reagan got the Graham Rudman Hollings Act (tax reform that unleashed a wave of prosperity) through a Congress in which the House of Representatives was controlled by Democrats. Bill Clinton (Welfare Reform in 1996, through a Congress controlled by Republicans) and George W. Bush (Tax Relief in 2001) were similarly successful in shepherding legislation through Congress. A number of these legislative achievements stand to this day. Others have been modified by subsequent legislation. But all of them were created by a body of legislators -- not by one man, the president. And because of that, they cannot be undone by one man -- even a president. Perhaps Obama is now finding out the true, temporary, nature of the Executive Order and the permanence that marks the results of the legislative process. So in this way President Trump, agree with him or not, is devolving power from the Executive branch to the Legislative branch in a way not often seen in his predecessor. And the irony is clear: This Constitutional devolution is taking place at the hands of the former private sector CEO, and reversing the previous actions of the Constitutional law expert. The Hill, which broke the story about the possible bribery by Russian officials in the Uranium One deal, reports that Bill Clinton sought permission to meet with a Russian board member of the nuclear giant Rosatom during a trip to Moscow in 2010. "In the context of a possible trip to Russia at the end of June, WJC is being asked to see the business/government folks below. Would State have concerns about WJC seeing any of these folks," Clinton Foundation foreign policy adviser Amitabh Desai wrote the State Department on May 14, 2010, using the former president's initials and forwarding the list of names to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's team. The email went to two of Hillary Clinton's most senior advisers, Jake Sullivan and Cheryl Mills. The approval question, however, sat inside State for nearly two weeks without an answer, prompting Desai to make multiple pleas for a decision. "Dear Jake, we urgently need feedback on this. Thanks, Ami," the former president's aide wrote in early June. Sullivan finally responded on June 7, 2010, asking a fellow State official "What's the deal w this?" The documents don't indicate what decision the State Department finally made. But current and former aides to both Clintons told The Hill on Thursday the request to meet the various Russians came from other people, and the ex-president's aides and State decided in the end not to hold any of the meetings with the Russians on the list. Bill Clinton instead got together with Vladimir Putin at the Russian leader's private homestead. "Requests of this type were run by the State Department as a matter of course. This was yet another one of those instances. Ultimately, President Clinton did not meet with these people," Angel Urena, the official spokesperson for the former president, told The Hill. Aides to the ex-president, Hillary Clinton and the Clinton Foundation said Bill Clinton did not have any conversations about Rosatom or the Uranium One deal while in Russia, and that no one connected to the deal was involved in the trip. Uh-huh. And the Bill Clinton-Loretta Lynch airport conversation dealt only with grandchildren and recipes for cookies. Actually, this reporting exposes a problem with the entire Uranium One story: lack of evidence. Clinton asked to meet with the Rosatom board member, but there is no evidence he did. There is also no evidence he discussed the deal with Vladimir Putin when he met with him. But Bill Clinton had just recently been offered $500,000 to speak in Russia. The list of officials he wanted to clear with the State Department was related to that trip. And perhaps more significant than any Russian influence on the Uranium One deal is the Clinton involvement in encouraging U.S. investment in what has been called "the Russian Silicon Valley." Documents show Bill Clinton's personal lawyer on April 5, 2010, sent a conflict of interest review to the State Department asking for permission to give the speech in late June, and it was approved two days later. The Clinton friend said the former president's office then began assembling a list of requests to meet with Russian business and government executives whom he could meet on the trip. One of the goals of the trip was to try to help a Clinton family relative "grow investments in their business with Russian oligarchs and other businesses," the friend told The Hill. "It was one of the untold stories of the Russia trip. People have focused on Uranium One and the speaking fees, but opening up a business spigot for the family business was one only us insiders knew about," the friend said. Conservative author Peter Schweizer, whose 2015 collaboration with The New York Times first raised questions about the Uranium One deal and Clinton donations, said Thursday the new emails were "stunning they add a level of granularity we didn't have before." "We knew of some sort of transactions in which the Clintons received funds and Russia received approvals, and the question has always been how and if those two events are connected," he said. "I think this provides further evidence the two may be connected." Meanwhile, Democrats are trying to sell the Uranium One story as "old news" and a nothingburger. Business Insider: The Uranium One deal is well-tread territory for both Republicans and Trump. It first emerged as a point of contention following Breitbart News editor Peter Schewizer's 2015 book "Clinton Cash." Trump has a history of dubious claims about the deal. On the campaign trail in October 2016, Trump said that Clinton gave uranium to Russia "for a big payment," a claim that The Washington Post said was inaccurate. When the transaction became politicized during the 2016 campaign, some experts cast doubt over the legitimacy of the Clinton connection, as well as the national security threat posed by the deal. PolitiFact found that the US produces such little uranium that the "concerns were out of proportion," and pointed out that there was no existing evidence of "quid pro quo" between Clinton Foundation donations and the approval of the deal. In a 2016 piece, The Washington Post's fact checker noted that although the State Department was one agency that had approval over the 2010 deal, there's no evidence Clinton herself had significant influence over it: Of course, what's new in all this is the FBI bribery investigation. This puts an entirely different spin on the issue, and any media organization worth its salt would be champing at the bit to investigate the story, looking for a Clinton-Russian connection that benefited the Clintons' foundation and their personal wealth. But the press appears to be too busy trying to turn the death of Green Berets in Niger into the next "Benghazi" to show much curiosity about where this story might lead. There's a lot of smoke in this story that may be obscuring some fire. Over the next couple of weeks, more is likely to be revealed as Congress hears from a witness to the bribery by Rosatom officials and Hillary Clinton's influence in the matter is fleshed out. Instead of spending a minute or two on something truly dangerous to the American people, actual Russian collusion, corruption, kickbacks, and cover-up of the sale of uranium reserves to the Russians, reporters spend hours on an unverified phone call of Trump. They are supposedly worried about his lack of empathy, according to a disputed account by Rep. Frederica Wilson, who allegedly overheard parts of a condolence call the president placed to grieving soldier's widow. I don't recall one discussion about empathy on the news during Obama's eight years, but here are some true examples of a president's lack of empathy: On the night of 9/11/12, Americans were under attack in Libya. Instead of Obama and Hillary actually lifting a finger to help them, they concocted a fictitious story about a video causing the attack instead of terrorism, which they knew it was from the start. They even continued this blatantly false story when the bodies came home to Dover AFB and sent Susan Rice out to news programs to perpetuate a lie. They had to lie to protect their political power because Obama had been lying that terrorists were on the run, and a terrorist attack would be inconvenient. Americans dying, and the truth didn't matter; political power did. Trump has done more in nine months to clean up the Veterans Administration corruption and help veterans than Obama did in eight years. Are we to believe that reporters and Democrats all of a sudden have a great deal of concern about veterans? I do not recall Obama ever saying a word about people killed by illegal aliens in sanctuary cities or reporters caring that he didn't have empathy. When an undercover video came out showing women from Planned Parenthood bragging about crunching and dismembering babies illegally for profit, where was the empathy? Instead of caring about the children, Democrats and reporters defended the abortion body parts-sellers. Democrats went after the people taking the video instead of the people illegally selling the body parts for a profit. Normally, reporters like undercover videos showing criminal activity, but not when it goes against their agenda. How could anyone look at those women at Planned Parenthood and not see how absolutely cold hearted they were? The Obama administration showed a true lack of empathy for American people and all the people in the world when they allowed a corrupt Russian regime to pay blackmail to get uranium, some of which may have been sold to Iran and North Korea, two countries that pledge to destroy the U.S. Democrat policies as a whole show a lack of empathy, especially for the poor and minorities, because they gladly make more people dependent on government instead of striving to move them up the economic ladder. The policies always expand power and increase money for the ever more powerful government instead of allowing the people more freedom and money to spend as they like. A couple other stories that are getting scant coverage while reporters spend hours on an unverified phone call: the success against ISIS in Iraq and Syria and the illegal unmasking hearings with Samantha Power and others. Reporters really don't care if Trump is empathetic or not. They seek to destroy him and his agenda every day. That is their goal. They voted for Hillary, and facts are unimportant compared to destroying Trump and enacting the Democrat agenda. Did Bill and Hillary show empathy to Juanita, Monica, Paula, and all the other women Bill sexually abused, or did they seek to destroy them? Those women are as dispensable as the people who died in Benghazi, people killed by illegal aliens, and unborn children who are crushed and crunched. Power and the agenda are all that is important to Democrats. Reporters should stop pretending that they all of sudden care about empathy toward anyone. They care about power and the agenda. Little else matters. President George W. Bush gave a speech, and instead of just analyzing the speech, Newsmax, which has been anti-Trump and moving left, called it a stinging rebuke of Trump. Newsmax's people are right there with the NYT, MSNBC, and CNN in their analysis. I believe that if the media had one ounce of honesty, the speech should be considered a stinging rebuke of Obama and the Democrats. Here is the first paragraph from the article: Former President George W. Bush, without mentioning President Donald Trump by name, delivered a stinging rebuke Thursday about the nation's growing isolationism, saying that when combined with discourse that is "degraded by casual cruelty," and interference from Russia, are resulting in division among Americans. Obama, Kerry, and Hillary thought a smart foreign policy was leading from behind. That created a vacuum and caused other countries to expand their power, including Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Syria. That weakening of American strength and delegating to the U.N. leaves us more isolated than ever. And to talk about discourse that is degraded by casual cruelty that would be Obama saying some people cling to their religion and guns, Obama and others calling Tea Party members domestic terrorists, and Hillary referring to Trump-supporters as deplorable and irredeemable. Here are a few additional comments and analysis. The American dream of upward mobility seems out of reach for some who feel left behind in a changing economy, discontent deepened and sharpened, partisan conflicts. Democrat policies have continually made the government more powerful and reduced the opportunity for people, especially the young, poor, and minorities, to move up the economic ladder. Trump, in contrast, is trying to give the power and purse to the people, and the partisan Democrats are trying to block those opportunities at every step of the way. Did anyone spot where Obama, Pelosi, Reid, and Durbin worked hard to get bipartisan support, or did they rip anyone who dared disagree with them? Bigotry seems emboldened[.] ... Our politics seem more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrication. That is true. I have never seen so much emboldened bigotry against religious values, against people who want smaller government and lower taxes, who believe in the Second Amendment, and who believe that cities and states should enforce the laws of the land. As for conspiracy theories, what about a party and administration that creates and uses a fake dossier out of Russia, then uses the dossier as an excuse to spy on its political opponents, creates the conspiracy theory that Russia colluded with their opponent to rig the election and then runs massive expensive continuous investigations in search of the evasive nonexistent collusion? There is also a "fading competence" in the value of free markets and international trade, which often happens when there is a sense of protectionism. Obama and the Democrats are the ones who continually want to transfer economic power from the private sector to the government, including seeking to destroy the private health care industry. Trump is not against trade at all. He just wants better deals for the American people. The United States also must continue to project American leadership, including maintaining the country's role in "sustaining and defending an international order" that is rooted in freedom and free markets, said Bush, and that includes serving as a "shining hope" for refugees. Where did Obama, Hillary, and Kerry project American leadership? Isn't it smart to screen refugees? Bush should ask Obama why he chose to change the policy to stop accepting Cuban refugees and to send them back to the oppressive Cuban leaders. Bush seems to have McCain syndrome. He seems to want to be liked by the media, and to do that, he must trash Trump. He somehow can't stand Trump, maybe because Trump beat Jeb. But what he complains about here is things Democrats and Obama did. Isn't it amazing that somehow Bush, along with McCain, kept his mouth almost completely shut, no matter what Obama did? But nine months into Trump's term, both decide they have to take out Trump with the media and all the other Democrats. It seems they would prefer to have the sexual predator and his corrupt wife back in the White House. A conspiracy theory accusing Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) of being the Zodiac Killer, a serial murderer from the late 1960s and early 1970s, has been making the rounds on the internet for years. The conspiracy got more attention on October 18, 2017, when Sen. Cruz's Twitter team posted a cryptic image during a tete-a-tete with Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) following a series of lighthearted jabs over a spilled Dr. Pepper. The image appears to match historical documents sent by the famed Zodiac Killer to the FBI. The serial killer came back into the public spotlight thanks to a 2007 film highlighting the murders and remains famous for the taunting notes left for his pursuers. The Zodiac Killer was never captured. The origins of the Zodiac Killer conspiracy are murky, at best, due to the nature of the internet. The conspiracy appears to have first become popular around March 14, 2013, when the @RedPillAmerica Twitter account tweeted that an upcoming speech from Sen. Cruz would be called "This is the Zodiac speaking." #CPAC Alert: Ted Cruz is speaking!! His speech is titled: 'This Is The Zodiac Speaking' The Red Pill (@RedPillAmerica) March 14, 2013 The superficial resemblance between the artist renderings of the serial killer provided by FBI documents and photos of the Texas senator proved enough to fan the flames of conspiracy, creating a meme that lasted throughout Sen. Cruz's presidential candidacy. Source: Wikimedia Commons. A Facebook page dedicated to the conspiracy, called Ted Cruz is the Zodiac Killer, had over 47,000 likes and follows as of the Twitter post in October 2017. Of course, the Texas senator couldn't possibly be the famed serial killer for one key reason. Sen. Cruz was born December 22, 1970. The first Zodiac Killer murders occurred in 1968, two years before Ted Cruz was brought into the world. He'd have been too young to commit any of them. Sorry, internet conspiracy fans. The Pyongyang regime is clearly shaken up by President Donald Trump and resorting to clumsy desperation measures. A letter sent to the "parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia" by the "Foreign Affairs Committee of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly" was revealed by Julie Bishop, Australia's foreign minister, who called it "unprecedented." The letter came via the North Korean embassy in Jakarta, their closest diplomatic establishment to Australia, and was accompanied by an open letter to parliaments of the world. These North Korean entities speak for Kim Jong-un. (Full texts below.) Both documents reveal that North Korea has bought into the image of Donald Trump portrayed by the media and elites, as an unprecedented wild man with an itchy finger on the nuclear trigger. The conclusion of the open letter to parliaments of the world portrays Trump as "heinous and reckless" and "trying to drive the world into a horrible nuclear disaster." The Foreign Affairs Committee of the DPRK SPA takes this opportunity to express belief that the parliaments of different countries loving independence, peace and justice will fully discharge their due mission and duty in realizing the desire of mankind for international justice and peace with sharp vigilance against the heinous and reckless moves of the Trump administration trying to drive the world into a horrible nuclear disaster. The North Koreans seem to believe the fake news about Trump being erratic and a madman and think the parliaments of the world do, too, and will align themselves with Kim Jong-un's nightmare totalitarian regime openly seeking a large nuclear arsenal. Ronald Regan famously wanted the Soviets to think he was a little crazy, and it worked well for him. Cover letter: The Embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the Republic of Indonesia presents its compliments to the parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia and has the honor to inform that the Foreign Affairs Committee of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly sent the open letter to the parliaments of the different countries. In this regard, the Embassy of the DPRK has further the honor to enclose hereby the above-mentioned open letter. The Embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the Republic of Indonesia avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the parliament of the Commonwealth of Australian the assurances of its highest consideration. To: Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS Adviser. m. .35; I 03 our 2017 J1. Teiuk Betung (Purworejo) Plot No.1-2 Menteng, Jakarta Pusat Tel. +62 21 3190842526 Fax. +62 21 31908445 E-mail mt.myohyang@yahoo.com And the open letter: Open Letter to Parliaments of Different Countries The Foreign Affairs Committee of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly sent an open letter to parliaments of different countries on Sunday. The letter noted that Trump, president of the itself the "superpower", denied the existence of the DPRK, a dignified sovereign state, and Spit out ignorant remarks of "total destruction" at the UN General Assembly, stunning the world public. The Foreign Affairs Committee of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, the basic mission of which is to promote friendly and cooperative relations with the parliaments and peace-loving people of countries around the World, proceeding from the foreign policy of the Workers' Party of Korea based on the ideas of independence, peace and friendship, bitterly condemns the reckless remarks of Trump as an intolerable insult to the Korean people, a declaration of war against the DPRK and a grave threat to the global peace, the letter said, adding: From the first day of his office Trump has engaged himself in high-handed and arbitrary practice, scrapping international laws and agreements incurring his displeasure on the "U.S. first principle", the height of American way of thinking that it is best if the U. S. is well-off at the expense of the Whole world. The US. brought to their knees those countries devoid of principle, narrow-minded and selfish countries seeking after their interests with its nuclear stick and force and then cooked up the illegal "sanctions resolution" against the DPRK to deny the elementary right to existence of the Korean people and check their normal economic development in- breach of the inviolable UN Charter by abusing the UN Security Council. This is an intensive act of the revelation of the "US-first principle". Trump threatened to totally destroy the DPRK, a dignified independent and sovereign state and a nuclear power. It is an extreme act of threatening to totally destroy the whole world. If Trump thinks that he would bring the DPRK, a nuclear power, to its knees through nuclear war threat, it will be a big miscalculation and an expression of ignorance. The DPRK has emerged a full-fledged nuclear power which has a strong nuclear arsenal and various kinds of nuclear delivery means made by dint of self-reliance and self-development. The real foe of its nuclear force is a nuclear war itself. The Foreign Affairs Committee of the DPRK SPA takes this opportunity to express belief that the parliaments of different countries loving independence, peace and justice will fully discharge their due mission and duty in realizing the desire of mankind for international justice and peace with sharp vigilance against the heinous and reckless moves of the Trump administration trying to drive the world into a horrible nuclear disaster. Has TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome) hit Pyongyang? Hat tip: John McMahon Actor Alec Baldwin and California lieutenant governor Gavin Newsom have helped launch a crusade to win an Oscar for the documentary Making A Killing: Guns, Greed And the NRA. Their reasons in this case may go beyond the predictable liberal virtue-signaling. When a sex scandal erupted against producer Harvey Weinstein, his first response was to pledge that he would "channel anger" in a campaign against the National Rifle Association, one of the most reliable devil-dolls liberals stick pins in to prove their bona fides. Weinstein must have been shocked when this gesture did not gain him instant forgiveness for his sexual sins and shortcomings. After all, were not guns phallic symbols? Was not his anti-gun gesture therefore a symbolic repudiation of his own out-of-control manhood? As the Weinstein scandal keeps expanding, threatening other prominent abusers in Hollywood and politics, many are eager to change the topic and move on by gunning for the NRA before the public hunt for wrongdoers sets its sights on them. In some cases, the interest of leftists may be more personal than we know. After all, predators want their prey unarmed. One liberal benefit from California's strict gun control is that a Hollywood or Sacramento power-broker never need worry that the women he forces himself upon will be able to defend themselves with a firearm. As author and commentator Katie Pavlich reminds us in a recent video for Dennis Prager's online university, "gun rights are women's rights." A handgun gives a 100-pound young woman the power to stop a 250-pound satyr like Harvey Weinstein. No wonder Hollywood wants women unarmed. Is Weinstein exceptional? Let's remember that the politically ambitious Gavin Newsom reportedly once had an affair with the wife of his own campaign manager. The explosively emotional Alec Baldwin reportedly may have known that in the 2006 film Mini's First Time, he was having an affair and playing erotic scenes with what in real life was an underage girl. When Weinstein, Newsom, and Baldwin prate about their moral superiority in wanting to disarm Americans for our own good, keep this in mind. In fact, whenever you hear any liberal man calling for stiffer gun control laws that would effectively disarm young women, think about their secret reasons for denying equal power to women. Those on the left also have a different morality from the rest of humankind. When Bill Clinton was caught having an affair with a woman almost as young as his daughter a woman who, like many of his victims, Bubba had the power to fire from her government job if she refused his advances the response of his comrades was revealing. "Bill Clinton is the one of the most moral people I have ever known," said Steve Grossman, a chair of the Democratic National Committee, to reporters. To those familiar with leftists, Grossman made perfect sense because of the way they define morality. If a Republican is faithful to his wife, leftists nevertheless see him as immoral. The Republican practices "bourgeois morality" but, as a capitalist, does not practice collectivist "social morality" because he opposes socialism or Marxism. By this standard, it does not matter if Stalin happened to kill 60 million people in his effort to "build socialism." If Harvey Weinstein rapes women, it means nothing when weighed against the millions he donates to elect and empower Democrats. If President Bill Clinton personally sacrificed virgins to his appetites, this was no problem because he was "socially moral," the only morality that counts for leftists. And if Hillary Clinton protected Bill's power by destroying the reputation of women he raped in effect, raping them a second time this, too, was "socially moral" and "politically correct." Liberals at first tried to protect Weinstein. Fashion designer Donna Karan said that his young victims had "asked for it" by dressing provocatively and being seductive. Such a statement by a Republican would have elicited leftist catcalls. When public opinion turned overwhelmingly against Weinstein, and young women were torn between their loyalties to leftism and feminism, it became necessary to throw him under the bus to prevent further damage to the Democratic Party. And now liberals aim to change the topic to the NRA. They want to continue taking power from the hands of non-leftist Americans to make sure nobody can resist what they want to do to us. Lowell Ponte is author or co-author of eight books. He can be contacted for interviews at radioright@aol.com. Sometimes the best spokesmen aren't spokesmen. They are the authentic participants, the genuinely knowledgeable, the people who were there. General John Kelly, President Trump's chief of staff, was that, in the best press conference ever given from the Trump White House and probably all the others before it. Kelly addressed the recent controversy that came after a congresswoman, Democrat Frederica Wilson of Florida, sought to make political hay by telling the press that President Trump called a slain serviceman's grieving widow and, as Wilson listened in, callously told her that "he knew what he was getting into." The implication was that Trump thought the serviceman deserved his death and he could not care less. The media ran with it, using it to build up its already existing narrative of President Trump as a crude, indifferent troglodyte who could not be trusted as commander in chief. The White House and Trump himself tried to deny it, and the brouhaha descended into a secondary battle about presidential condolence call counts. Nobody who already hated Trump thought anything different, and nobody who liked Trump did, either. It didn't look as though anyone but the press would win this one. Then came Kelly. In the transcript and video of press conference statement, Kelly explained the story from the beginning. In simple descriptive language, devoid of any adjectives, he calmly explained what happens when a serviceman is killed in the line of duty, from the "whatever passes for a burial shroud" at the battlefield to the long trip home to the psychologically painful process of notifying the wives and parents or next of kin, usually early, waiting for the light to come on, to the letters and phone calls of comfort. He explained which condolence calls were comforting and which weren't. It was the language of Hemingway, the calm unadorned content of the story told creating its own passion. Kelly described the sequence of events and gradually allowed his own feelings to enter, first by stating that it was the condolence calls from the fallen serviceman's buddies on the battlefield that mattered most, including to him in the case of his own son's battlefield death, rather than any call from the commander in chief. He also spoke of the esteem with which he held U.S. soldiers, the top 1%. Then he spoke of his own feelings upon learning of Wilson's gambit to use a serviceman's death to score points off President Trump, describing the feeling of being "stunned" by the appallingness of it all. He said his reaction was to visit the graves of slain servicemembers at Arlington Cemetery to honor the selfless. Beyond his feelings, he asked if anything is sacred anymore. And he marked his contempt for the opportunistic congresswoman by refusing to name her, denying her the fame she seemed to have craved as she elsewhere described the attention she was getting as that of a rock star. Wilson even more foolishly claimed earlier that Kelly's intervention was solely a matter of Kelly trying to keep his job, viewing the entire substance of Kelly's life through a base politicized perspective of self-interest. Kelly noted this, ever so indirectly in criticism of the congresswoman, who besides using a serviceman's death for political gain also dismissed the sacrifices of two FBI lawmen killed in the line of duty, by using the opportunity to remember them to instead crow for herself for securing the funding for a building named for them. He probably finished her off, and finished off the press that sought to reinforce its narrative. Twitter has been remarkably sedate generally. The congresswoman, knowing that her stupid and, yes, callous remarks fell flat, now says she won't say another thing about the matter. It's not often that the left loses in one of these media battles, but the leftists certainly were knocked flat by Kelly. They underestimated Kelly, who is said to be extremely nice in person by those who know him but who has the heart of a lion out in the field as I described in an anecdote about Kelly punching back at a group of Red Chinese airport bullies. It's quite amazing what can be accomplished by addressing Americans directly instead of communicating only through replies to media intermediaries dead set on a narrative. Kelly is said by those who know him to harbor presidential ambitions himself. His press conference demonstrates just why that might happen. (ANSA) - Rome, October 20 - A precious piece of mosaic flooring from one of the ceremonial ships built by Emperor Caligula to host festivities on Lake Nemi on Friday is being sent back to Italy where it will be returned to Nemi's Naval museum, Culture Minister Dario Franceschini has announced. The square piece of marble flooring, decorated with a floral motif made of pieces of green and red porphyry, serpentine and molded glass, was discovered at an Italian collector's Park Avenue apartment in New York City. The mosaic dates back to Caligula's reign, 37-41 A.D., and came from one of three ships built at the volcanic lake. The mosaic - along with other antiquities including two vases, bronzes, coins and manuscripts - were retrieved thanks to an investigation carried out by the special art unit of the Carabinieri police led by Fabrizio Parrulli and US authorities, Franceschini said. The 2000-year-old piece of Roman history is particularly important as it was once dredged from the lake outside Rome after laying underwater for centuries and is one of the few pieces left of Caligula's ships. The artwork was allegedly taken from the museum before World War II, according to investigators. Historians believe that Caligula's vessels were used during religious ceremonies. The ships were over 70-meter-long and were richly decorated with marble, gold and bronze friezes of animals. The mosaic flying back from the US in particular gives a precious insight into the magnificence of the ship's bridge, which was covered in mosaics. After Caligula was killed, his ships were sunk, and remained underwater for centuries, despite efforts since the 19th century to recover the treasures. Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini began draining the lake and two vessels were retrieved between 1928 and 1932. In 1936, the Fascist government built a museum, the Museo delle Navi inaugurated in 1940, to display the artwork. However, in 1944 an arson attack at the museum, which had been used as a bomb shelter, damaged many of the artifacts. Only a few decorations survived the fire, while other artifacts were taken away before the war, including the mosaic, according to investigators. Two models representing the vessels are currently exhibited at the museum in Nemi. The third ship, believed to be the most luxurious of the three, as described by Suetonius in the Lives of the Caesars, was never retrieved. (ANSA) - Ischia, October 20 - Interior Minister Marco Minniti said after a Group of Seven meeting Friday that "today a great alliance between government and big providers in the name of the principles of freedom has started to take its first steps," commenting on a deal with Web giants to block terror content. "Internet is an extraordinary vehicle for freedom which cannot be called into question. We can win this fight against the malware of terror and hatred", Minniti said after the G7 also agreed joint moves to gather information against foreign fighters in Raqqa. The accord envisages three points: an automatic block of images and content deemed incitement to terrorism; collaboration by the major providers with smaller subjects, platforms and social networks which hae millions of users; and the diffusion of a counter-narrative to jihadi messages. "It is time for the rulers of the world's biggest countries to sit down at the same table with providers," Minniti went on to stress. "Internet has been a vehicle of conversion, recruitment, training, radicalisation and also emulation. "Intervening is therefore a crucial aspect," Minniti underlined. "We are faced with the malware of terror," the Italian interior minister said. "We must make every effort to defeat it. The Italian interior minister went on to reiterate that the agreement represents "a model for cooperation between governments and private structures, built on a mutual relationship of trust. "And God only knows how much this world needs a relationship of trust. "With trust we can win this fight against the malware of terror". The G7 interior ministers also decided to take "joint action to gather and share information" at Raqqa, the fallen Syrian capital of Islamic State, Minniti said after the summit. Minniti said Raqqa could now become "an extraordinary mine of information". He said "we must gather it and share it to have a clear picture of the threat." Minniti stressed that this will help provide proof in courts against foreign fighters. (ANSA) - Brussels, October 20 - Premier Paolo Gentiloni said Friday that modest progress had been made at the EU summit. "I think that, on some of the issues of greatest interest for the EU and for our country, there were steps forward at the European Council, albeit limited ones". Gentiloni said that Italy was now seen as "exemplary" over its approach to the Mediterranean migrant crisis by its EU partners. "I was struck, satisfied and proud of the fact that our country, which for a period of time had been at the centre of several challenges, rows and accusations... today is seen as a country that has given an exemplary response to human traffickers, which has obtained important responses and must be supported on the political and financial levels," he said at the end of the summit. During the summit European Council President Donald Tusk said that the bloc is ready to give more help to Italy to cope with the Mediterranean migrant crisis. "We have spoken about how to help Italy manage the central Mediterranean route," Tusk said. "The leaders agreed to offer Premier Gentiloni stronger support for the Italian work with the Libyan authorities. "We have a real opportunity to close the route". Migrant arrivals from Italy in recent months have fallen sharply since Italy struck a deal with Tripoli featuring support for the Libyan coast guard. Tusk asked the member states to give a total of 100 million euros for the European Fund for Africa, in particular Libya, by the end of the year. Gentiloni said Friday "it is clear that we must change the Dublin accords, but we must not change them for the worse". He said the "most important thing" to change was "the concept that the onus should fall on the countries of first arrival". Gentiloni also said no to closing the EU's internal borders. He added that Milan has "good cards to play" in luring the European Medicines Agency there after Brexit, stressing that "everyone" including the government and the foreign ministry had been working on it. "We are doing a notable diplomatic pressing," he said, adding that Italy's pharmaceuticals industry "had force". He said "the Italian pharmaceuticals agency has a quality that is internationally recognised". The financial deal between the EU and Britain is the "most delicate" dossier in Brexit talks, the EU is presenting "an invoice with all the zeros" but it wants the UK to define the commitments on the multi-year budget because the "amount of money must not be a Sword of Damocles" on talks over the "future relationship"," Gentiloni said. "This definition by Britain is necessary," he said, calling Prime Minister Theresa May's recent Florence speech "a step forward". TUNIS - Over 845 Tunisian migrants including 93 minors arrived in the migrant reception centre on Lampedusa from October 10-14, the Tunisian secretary of state of immigration and Tunisians abroad, Adel Jarboui, has said. "The centre currently hosts 751 Tunisians, 733 men and 18 women", he added. Jarboui also said a delegation would be visiting Italy next week to look into the situation and provide the migrants with the necessary support. The visit "will also be an opportunity to identify, together with the Italian authorities, possible resources for combating illegal migration," he continued. Separately, Jarboui said investigations continue into the recent ramming of a migrant boat by a Tunisian navy vessel off the coast of Tunisia in which 45 people are known to have died. "The families of the victims and of the people who are still missing following this tragedy will receive psychological and social support," he said. As of September 30 the Tunisian coast guard had arrested 1,468 people since the start of the year for attempted irregular immigration, compared to 938 over the same period in 2016. 13% of the people arrested were aged between 15 and 20, 66% between 20 and 30 and 18% between 40 and 60. 5% of the migrants were women compared to 1% last year. "The government will make efforts to encourage young people to keep away from trafficking networks that try to spread false news," Jarboui said. The new wave of migration is partly due to false information circulating on Facebook claiming the Italian authorities have decided to regularise the migrants' situation, he explained. Socio-economic factors such as low spending power and the lack of family, cultural and institutional support for young people are also responsible. The secretary of state spoke out against the lack of a communication strategy that could make young people aware of the risks of irregular migration, which costs an estimated 2,000-7,500 dinars depending on the boat taken. ISTANBUL - The prosecutor's office in Istanbul has issued a further 102 arrest warrants as part of a probe into the holding company Kaynak for suspected linked with the alleged coup-plotting network linked to Fethullah Gulen, Anadolu news ahency said Friday. Operations have been launched in 24 provinces including Ankara and Izmir to arrest the suspects. A further 8 people implicated in the investigation are already in detention. Kaynak, which is now under special administration, operated in various sectors including education, tourism and the media, and was considered by the authorities to be one of the main funders of the Gulenists. PARIS - A total of around 16,000 people live in precarious conditions in 571 shanty towns across France, according to an investigation by Le Monde. Most of the 'residents' are eastern Europeans and 36% are minors, the paper added. The average length of stay in these illegal settlements in seven years. The paper also reports that the authorities have stepped up clearance operations ahead of November 1, when the so-called 'winter truce' during which evictions are traditionally suspended begins. Most French are unaware of the existence of the settlements, which began to emerge in the 1960s and originally housed Algerians. "The difference compared to the present is that in the 1960s the shanty towns were a place of transit. Now they are a place of disintegration", a sort of "no man's land" which the state talks about as little as possible, researcher Thibaut Besozzi told Le Monde. Since 2013 5,000 people living in these camps have been given accommodation, at a rate of 1,000 per year. Meanwhile, half of the children still living there do not go to school, and one in three has never been to school either in France or in Romania, the main country of origin. Further, one in two inhabitants are without medical assistance. Valerie Pecresse, president of the Ile-de-France region, says there are "100 hanty towns" around Paris, meaning that "the alarm threshold has been crossed". "In France there is the myth that shanty towns do not exist, but it is untrue," said historian Yvan Gastaut.(ANSAmed). 845 Tunisians arrive on Lampedusa in 4 days Tunisian delegation in Italy next week (ANSAmed) - TUNIS, OCTOBER 20 - Over 845 Tunisian migrants including 93 minors arrived in the migrant reception centre on Lampedusa from October 10-14, the Tunisian secretary of state of immigration and Tunisians abroad, Adel Jarboui, has said. "The centre currently hosts 751 Tunisians, 733 men and 18 women", he added. Jarboui also said a delegation would be visiting Italy next week to look into the situation and provide the migrants with the necessary support. The visit "will also be an opportunity to identify, together with the Italian authorities, possible resources for combating illegal migration," he continued. Separately, Jarboui said investigations continue into the recent ramming of a migrant boat by a Tunisian navy vessel off the coast of Tunisia in which 45 people are known to have died. "The families of the victims and of the people who are still missing following this tragedy will receive psychological and social support," he said. As of September 30 the Tunisian coast guard had arrested 1,468 people since the start of the year for attempted irregular immigration, compared to 938 over the same period in 2016. 13% of the people arrested were aged between 15 and 20, 66% between 20 and 30 and 18% between 40 and 60. 5% of the migrants were women compared to 1% last year. "The government will make efforts to encourage young people to keep away from trafficking networks that try to spread false news," Jarboui said. The new wave of migration is partly due to false information circulating on Facebook claiming the Italian authorities have decided to regularise the migrants' situation, he explained. Socio-economic factors such as low spending power and the lack of family, cultural and institutional support for young people are also responsible. The secretary of state spoke out against the lack of a communication strategy that could make young people aware of the risks of irregular migration, which costs an estimated 2,000-7,500 dinars depending on the boat taken. (ANSAmed). TEL AVIV - Infighting within the Orthodox Jewish community in Israel has followed demonstrations called by ultra-Orthodox rabbi Shmuel Auerbach against the army draft for students at rabbinical colleges. Police detained over 120 people on Thursday and traffic was paralyzed after incidents in some cities. The demonstrations have been condemned by an influential Orthodox rabbi, Haim Kanievsky. In a letter published by his paper Yeted Neeman, the elderly rabbi (he's 100) accused demonstrators of being ''empty and rogue, like a herd without pastor''. Rabbinical students are automatically exempted from compulsory military service and therefore the protests are out of place, according to Yeted Neeman. Auerbach's followers however refuse to personally collect their exemption so as not to come into contact with the ''Zionist State'', thus risking to become deserters. Auerbach's paper, ha-Peles, said protests on Thursday were ''unprecedented'' and followed ''the persecution of religion by the sworn enemies of the Torah''. In the Orthodox area of Beit Shemesh, leaflets were publicized on Friday telling Orthodox Jews who felt ''persecuted'' that they could flee to the United Kingdom or the United States. An organization will provide them with visas and funding to emigrate, it said. (ANSAmed). Syria: Ocalan's portrait at Kurdish celebrations in Raqqa Turkish premier, U.S. should realize militias are terrorists (ANSAmed)- BEIRUT, OCTOBER 20 - A huge portrait of Abdullah Ocalan, leader of the PKK, which has been listed as a ''terrorist'' organization in the United States and the European Union, was on display on the main square of Raqqa during celebrations organized by Kurdish militias allied to the US for the official ''liberation'' of the former 'capital' of ISIS in Syria. The portrait, displayed on a yellow banner, was exhibited in Naim square Thursday during a demonstration of women's units of the YPG, the militias of Syrian Kurdish Democratic Party (PYD), which was created as an arm of the PKK. YPG units are backed by the US in the war on ISIS. Ocalan has been detained over the past 17 years in Turkey after he started an armed uprising in 1984 for the independence of Turkish regions populated by Kurds. ''What else would the United States like to see to understand that the YPG and PYD are terror organizations?'', commented Turkish Premier Binali Yildirim. Ankara has been slamming Washington for months over its support of Syrian Kurds fighting ISIS. (ANSAmed) ANSAmed - Today's events in the Mediterranean (ANSAmed) - ROME, OCTOBER 20 - These are some of the main events scheduled for today in the Euro-Mediterranean area. TUNIS - Technical committee meets to discuss new accord between inter-Libyan forces. MADRID - Meeting between French and Spanish foreign ministers on Catalonia crisis. TUNIS - Italian film event (until October 20th). OVIEDO - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, European Parliament President Antonio Tajani and European Council President Donald Tusk receive the prize Concordia della Principessa delle Asturie. VENICE - The Regional Seapower Symposium, with participation from Mediterranean and Persian Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia and Iran come to an end. TRIPOLI - Anniversary of the capture and murder of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. BARCELONA - Real Estate fair 'Barcelona Meeting Point' (to October 22). ISCHIA - Summit of G7 Interior ministers on the fight against terrorism. (ANSAmed). Balkans citizens need permit for visa-free Schengen zone Media, prospective travellers must make on-line application (ANSAmed) - Belgrade, October 20 - Under a European Commission proposal, citizens of the western Balkans will in future have to apply for permission to travel within the borderless Schengen area even though their countries are part of the visa-free scheme, Serbian media reported on Friday. Under the new regime permission will be given electronically on compilation of an on-line form within a maximum of 72 hours of making the application. People considered to be a security threat to the European Union will be denied entry. (ANSAmed) Tillerson in Saudi Arabia to limit Iranian influence in Gulf No high expectations of rapid solution to Qatar cr (ANSAmed) - Beirut, October 20 - US secretary of state Rex Tillerson is due to arrive in Saudi Arabia on Friday as part of a diplomatic mission in the Gulf region and south east Asia. In Riyadh he is set to take part in the first meeting of the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council established to upgrade economic ties between the two countries. Pan-Arab TV al Arabiya reports that Tillerson's visit aims to revive discussion of the crisis underway between Qatar and Saudi Arabia and to limit the Iranian influence in the Gulf and in Iraq. "I do not have a lot ofexpectations for it being resolved anytime soon,"said Tillerson of the crisis with Doha in an interview with Bloomberg. "It's up to the leadership of the quartet when they want to engage with Qatar because Qatar has been very clear - they're ready to engage," he added. "Our role is to try to ensure lines of communication are as open as we can help them be, that messages not be misunderstood," Tillerson concluded. (ANSAmed). If youre considering a subscription to the Disney Plus streaming service, you may be wondering how much it costs. The service is available on both 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. BarcelonaSeptember brought the highest readership numbers ever for Ara.cat since the online newspaper was first launched seven years ago. This newspapers online edition had 3,234,240 unique visitors last month, making it the most popular online newspaper written in Catalan. In fact, this figure sets a new all-time readership record for online news outlets in this language, according to OJD Interactiva. Septembers figures show that Ara.cat pushed past Nacio Digital, which dropped to second place with 2,994,011 unique visitors. The third slot was for VilaWeb, with 2,780,143 visitors, followed by Catalunya Diari (2,350,822) and RAC1s online portal, with 1,908,920 unique visitors last month. Ara.cats 3.2M visitors in September adds half a million to the previous record, which dated back to September 2015 when Junts pel Si won the last parliamentary elections in Catalonia and our online newspaper received 2,728,768 unique visitors. Compared to last August, ARAs website saw a readership increase of 27.35 per cent, even though Augusts 2,539,569 unique visitors was the third highest figure in the history of the newspaper. Furthermore, last month Ara.cat also smashed its own record number of visits, with a total of 11,667,185 and an average stay of 6 minutes and 26 seconds. For the first time in the history of the newspaper, the figure has surpassed the ten million mark. As for the total number of pages served in September, the figure stood at 23,636,573 Intense weeks Obviously, unfolding events in Catalonias independence process have been instrumental to achieving these historic figures, as the last few weeks have seen many newsworthy moments. For instance, Wednesday September 20 saw the greatest buzz on Ara.cat, precisely on the day when Spanish police launched an operation against the officials responsible for organising the independence referendum on October 1, which led to street protests in Barcelona and other Catalan cities. On that day alone, Ara.cat had 443,411 unique visitors, 695,981 visits and it served 1,604,443 pages. From then on, the daily number of unique visitors levelled off, hovering over 300,000 until the end of the month. Ara.cats remarkable readership figures remained steady through the first ten days of October. Between October 1 and 10 a time of hugely significant political events, such as the referendum on independence, the general stoppage, rallies for dialogue, Barcelonas unionist march and the parliamentary session when Carles Puigdemont announced that independence would be put on hold Ara.cat had 2,565,037 unique visitors. This is a 169 per cent rise, year on year. Over 40,000 subscribers Septembers record figures for ARAs online edition were matched by the number of subscribers, which now exceeds 40,000 (42,146 to be precise, as of last Friday, which includes print and online subscribers). September alone saw a net increase of 1,300 subscriptions. With regard to our print readership, August is the last month for which OJD the readership monitoring body has provided any figures, which show that ARA was the newspaper that performed the best in terms of individual sales in newsstands, with a 9.5 per cent increase year on year. In contrast, all other print newspapers in Catalonia saw a decline in August, with the only exception of El Punt Avui, which grew by 2.5 per cent. Furthermore, ARAs 9,516 copies sold daily beat El Pais (8,655), making it the third best-selling newspaper in Catalonias kiosks. ARAs total print readership in August including subscriptions and other distribution channels stood at 14,789 copies every day, a 12 per cent increase over last year. As for September, while OJD has not issued any figures yet, ARAs daily average number of print copies sold at newsstands shot up to 11,399, which is a 28,8 per cent hike year on year and the total daily readership hovered above 14,000 copies, a 1.9 per cent rise over 2016. This positive trend comes in a generally negative context, given that the readership of Catalan newspapers was down 9.1 points on average until last August. Spain is governed by a party which has been found guilty of systematic corruption. If society tolerates such behaviour, then it can accept all manner of things. However, this ought not to happen in a democratic country and it is proof that the system is corrupt. Some years ago, this corrupt sociopolitical system initiated a fundamentally anti-democratic process, involving a petition "against the Catalans", and the Constitutional Courts case against the Statute, both designed to attack the Catalan government at the time. This ideologically motivated strategy caused frustration and harm to Catalan society, in the first instance. Subsequently it was denied any alternative, leading us to where we are today. The Spanish state and its political parties had nothing to offer Catalonia, with the independence movement being the only alternative for society. This democratic anomaly, the continuity of Rajoys administration despite evidence of its corruption with the support of the PSOE in maintaining its policies aimed at Catalonia, is only possible because it is in the interest of the States powers. It is evident in the direct actions of the economic powers that be the boycott of the Catalan financial structure is a closely coordinated political operation and through control of the Spanish media, its Madrid-based newspapers and TV stations, in particular. The striking similarity between the headlines in print and on the TV news can only be explained by them following a precise instruction: Dont cut the Catalans any slack". Spain is on a par with certain countries of the former Soviet Union. Civil liberties within these states are of no concern and their supposed sovereignty only exists as long as they repay their debt This anti-democratic diktat is a response to the systematic distortion of language: "The separatist / pro-independence threat"; referring to the referendum as "illegal" even before the Constitutional Court had issued its verdict; the use of vocabulary employed by the police when referring to criminals, in expressions like taking out the ringleaders of the referendum", "seizing the ballots papers" and so on. All via news reports and commentators which exclude anyone who might express the Catalan governments position. The Spanish media is not democratic, it is a totalitarian machine that aims to turn Spanish public opinion against Catalonia. It is only right that it has been criticised by international institutions for its bias. Social and political life is conducted via the media. The freedom of information, opinion and expression all depend on them to not be drowned out, as is happening at present. However, what ultimately guarantees democratic freedom is an independent legal system, and this does not exist in Spain, either. The democratic nature of the justice system has never been guaranteed. With no clean break with the previous regime, public prosecutors and pro-Franco judges remained in their posts and were promoted, Madrids National Court took over from the Public Order Court. Furthermore, Rajoy profoundly changed the justice system. This is shown by the fact that both the Justice Minister and the public prosecutor have been formally reprimanded by the Spanish Parliament. This policy began with a reform that made the access to legal counsel more difficult and costly for the general public. It continued with the so-called Gag Law, which limits the exercise of the freedom of expression. Rajoy also did away with the concept of an independent judiciary by systematically placing those loyal to his party in every institution, from the Supreme Court to the Constitutional. It could be said that the new law passed by the Constitutional Court without prior consultation not only did away with the courts moral authority, but it also had a similar, delayed effect on the Constitution itself. The flagrantly partisan use of the judiciary by such an authoritarian and corrupt party goes a long way to explain the imprisonment of two Catalan activists who support democracy. It is telling that before the trial, the Minister of Justice Rafael Catala met with the Public Prosecutor Jose Manuel Maza. The judge sent the accused to prison, but it was the prosecution, at the orders of the government, who asked for a prison sentence alongside none other than the head of the Catalan police who was in charge of the anti-terrorist operation this August. The jail sentences, the fines, attempts to ban democratic parties... are all the actions of a totalitarian government. When such policies, carried out by the institutions, are also countersigned by two political allies, and when the head of state, who was appointed by the Franco regime, supports such policies, we are talking about an undemocratic regime. It cannot be called fascist, but it is anti-democratic and with and tends towards totalitarianism. The authoritarian regime estimates that Catalan public resistance stands at around fifty to a hundred thousand activists, while ignoring the existence of the millions of Catalans who are peacefully defending their sovereignty as citizens and as a nation. We are witnessing a clash between a government strategy and a social reality. The Madrid-based courts believe they are facing a few independence parties while blissfully unaware that what they are facing is a truly democratic movement unlike any other in Europe or the rest of the world. Its plan is a simple one: a refusal to negotiate, while humiliating and destroying the movement which they call separatism"-- and that Catalan society loses its nerve. Once it has been reduced to a few provinces, leaderless and under Madrids control, it will be recognised and receive additional funding in compensation. How can such a thing possibly happen within the European Union? The explanation is that the EU, or rather the European Commission and the ECB, have redefined the European project. The European Charter of Fundamental Rights, which guarantees the rights of its citizens, isnt worth the paper its written on. The EU takes it for granted that some states are democratic, while others are not. The Kingdom of Spain, for example, is on a par with certain countries of the former Soviet Union. Civil liberties within these states are of no concern and their supposed sovereignty only exists as long as they repay their debt. In other words, Merkel and Juncker let Spain do whatever it likes with the Catalans, so long as it tries to balance its budget. Additional new features in Germania's winter flight schedule from SXF include Hurghada, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria. The service to Hurghada is being increased from once a week to three times per week. Travellers can now also escape the cold winter temperatures by flying to the Canary Islands Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria. As in the last winter season, there will also be flights to Tenerife and Paphos in Cyprus. Among the scheduled routes to the Middle East, Germania will continue operating several weekly flights to Teheran and Beirut this winter, thereby establishing itself as a firm partner for intercultural flights. The airline with the green and white livery is committed to a policy for growth at this base, which also covers Berlin-Tegel airport. From 1 November 2017 Germania will be basing an aircraft there, offering flights to the Canary islands of Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Tenerife, in conjunction with tour operators. The plan is to further increase the fleet in May 2018, when Germania will be operating two additional aircraft from Berlin-Tegel. "Germania will achieve 400% growth in Berlin," commented Clauspeter Schwarz, Germania's Chief Operating Officer, on Friday, when the first of the new flights took off. "This is our response to market changes and a greater presence in the capital." "We are very pleased with the increased commitment of Germania to Berlin," remarked Prof. Dr.-Ing. Engelbert Lutke Daldrup, CEO of Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH. "The wider range of flight offerings, the development of its bases at our two locations, Schonefeld and Tegel, as well as the maintenance operations at SXF make the airline a key partner for us." Louvre Abu Dhabi will officially open on 11 November as an iconic landmark on the citys geographical, cultural and tourist landscape. Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of the Department of Culture & Tourism Abu Dhabi, said: This important partnership comes at an exciting time as we prepare for our grand opening next month. Louvre Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways not only bring people from around the world to Abu Dhabi, but they are both universal in nature. For the museum, this idea of universal is about understanding human connections from the beginning of time until the present through art. We look forward to celebrating Louvre Abu Dhabis opening with the support of our Platinum partner. As a Platinum partner, Etihad will work closely with Louvre Abu Dhabi on areas of brand partnership, marketing, social media, public and media relations, events and exhibitions, cultural exchanges, cargo support, inflight programming, and travel trade support. Etihad Airways destination management company, Hala, will collaborate with the museum on bespoke tour packages in Abu Dhabi. Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said: Louvre Abu Dhabi is a universal institution showcasing the achievements of mankind in art, in culture, in humanity a beacon welcoming visitors to these shores for generations to come. Etihad Airways and Louvre Abu Dhabi are two leading characters in the same story and we share a deep bond. As the national airline of the UAE, flying from Abu Dhabi to the world, we are also a universal connector of people. Together with our partners at Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Department of Culture & Tourism Abu Dhabi, we are committed to bringing guests from across our global network to our home, and to co-creating experiences which will showcase this magnificent museum. Research released today from global IT provider SITA shows there is still room for improvement with only one third of boards at airlines, and a fifth at airports, having fully integrated cybersecurity into their business plans. Speaking t a gathering of European air transport industry leaders, Barbara Dalibard, CEO of SITA, highlighted that while cybersecurity is the number one priority for almost all airlines and airports, it demands more attention and must be higher on industry board agendas. Dalibard said: Recent global cyber attacks demonstrate the risks and the need for a proactive approach. The air transport industry is highly connected and reliant on partners. We must work as a community to fight the global threat to cybersecurity. While we are pleased to see a 46% increase in the number of airlines prepared to deal with major cyber threats over the past year, there is still more to be done. The industry should move from dealing with common cyber threats to being prepared for major ones. As the technology provider owned by industry members, SITA is committed to invest in, and lead, the community effort to maximize cybersecurity. Together we can ramp up the industrys defences and ensure we remain one step ahead of any threat. SITA has conducted in depth research into the level of cybersecurity maturity at airlines and airports in the fight against this global threat. The results show that there are very high levels of security awareness among staff at airlines (82%) and airports (85%). This year, beyond cybersecurity protection, the industry is focusing on threat detection and response management. Already CIOs at 69% of airlines and 47% of airports are implementing security events and correlation monitoring, while security incident response management is being put in place at 77% of airlines and 60% airports. Dalibard added: Airlines and airports are building their critical defenses and preparing to deal with common threats but we must all bring it to the highest level and integrate cybersecurity at executive and board level. Together we must identify, detect and react to cyber threats and protect the industrys assets from attack. Having identified the challenge, SITA earlier this year partnered with Airbus to address the air transport industrys distinct concerns and created a unique CyberSecurity Aviation Security Operations Center (SOC). It acts like a cyber control tower with an integrated combination of processes, people and technology to detect, analyse, respond to, and report on cybersecurity incidents. Markus Braendle, Head, Airbus Cybersecurity, said: The air transport industry has unique cybersecurity challenges because of the varied and increasing use of smart end points across a largely distributed infrastructure. Digital transformation is enabling the air transport industry to deliver better services to its customers, but raising its threat exposure. Together SITA and Airbus CyberSecurity bring expertise and solutions to help airlines and airports monitor their digital assets to detect and respond to incidents. With their long land borders, much of which lie in remote and featureless desert terrain, both Jordan and the UAEs border surveillance tasks conform with the dirty, dull, difficult and dangerous roles that many believe represent the UAVs particular niche. Originally known as the Predator-B, the MQ-9 Reaper is an armed high-altitude long endurance remotely piloted UCAS used by the US Air Force, UK Royal Air Force and Italian Air Force for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance and light attack/close air support duties giving a persistent over-watch capability unmatched by manned fast jet platforms. Reapers have also been used for controversial targeted strikes against individuals sometimes across borders. The Reaper has a range of more than 1,000nm and an endurance of up to 14 hours. It can carry an external payload of 3,000kg, including up to four AGM-114 Hellfire II air-to-ground missiles, or the GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bomb, or the GBU-38 joint direct attack munition (JDAM). Congressman Hunters San Diego congressional district includes the headquarters of MQ-9 manufacturer General Atomics. These proposed Reaper sales had previously been blocked by the Obama administration under the terms of the missile technology control regime (MTCR), a voluntary agreement between 35 nations aimed at preventing the proliferation of cruise missile and armed UCAS technology. The Obama administration limited armed unmanned system sales to only its closest allies, principally the UK and Italy, producing unarmed versions for other customers. Though a UAE request for the maritime Guardian variant was apparently turned down, the Emiratis were allowed to order the Predator XP, an export variant of the Predator that was specifically designed to be unable to carry weapons. A request was made by the UAE in February 2013, and the deal was finally approved by congress in 2015. The UAE thereby became the first non-NATO country to fly the Predator XP in 2016, when the first system (comprising four aircraft) was delivered. The total size of the order is unknown, but is likely to have consisted of two or three systems with 10-12 air vehicles. US MQ-9s have operated from a number of bases in the region, including Muwaffaq Air Base in Jordan, where Reapers were first seen in satellite imagery during 2015. The USs unwillingness to export what the press delight in calling killer drones has left a gap in the market that China has been quick to exploit, and both Jordan and the UAE have bought unarmed UAVs from China. Both are also reportedly looking at armed Chinese UAVs, while the UAE has developed, but not yet deployed, an armed UAV in the shape of the Adcom Yabhon United 40. The Trump administration has taken a different approach to defence exports, prioritising sales that will protect American jobs and industry, and that will allow American allies to take a greater share in the burden of their own defence, while imposing fewer restrictions on human rights grounds. Thus, the US will now remove the human rights conditions that the Obama administration had attached to the sale of F-16s to Bahrain, or on military sales to Nigeria. The UAE and Jordan are recognised as being key allies in the fight against Daesh and other extremist groups, and the US hopes that these stable, pro-Western nations will also help to counter growing Iranian influence in the Gulf region. Selling armed MQ-9 Reapers promises to directly help these US allies in protecting their borders, in prosecuting attacks against fleeting insurgent targets, and in monitoring military and insurgent activity in the region, while simultaneously reducing the burden on US forces and assets. The supply of MQ-9s will also enhance interoperability between the US and its regional allies, and will help those allies to contribute to a common operating picture in the region. The embattled carrier has received around Rs 26,000 crore under the package so far. This is the second time in little over a month that the flagship carrier has floated tenders for short tenure loans. New Delhi: Disinvestment-bound Air India has sought proposals for short term loans worth Rs 1,500 crore to meet "urgent" working capital needs, according to a document. This is the second time in little over a month that the flagship carrier has floated tenders for short tenure loans even as the government is working on the modalities for the stake sale. The debt-laden carrier, which is surviving on taxpayers' money, is battling multiple headwinds, including financial woes and stiff competition. In a document issued on October 18, Air India said it is looking for "government guarantee backed Indian Rupee short term loans totalling up to Rs 1,500 crore to meet its urgent working capital requirements". The loan would have a tenure up to June 27, 2018 from the date of being availed and the deadline could be extended. "The amount of Rs 1,500 crore will be drawn in one -three tranches... The Government of India guarantee, is valid up to June 27, 2018 or till the date of disinvestment," the document said. With regard to the loan, the carrier has requested banks to submit their financial bids along with the amount they are willing to provide by October 26. "Air India would like to draw the short term loan within three working days after awarding the acceptance letter to the successful bank/s," the document said. Last month also, the airline had sought proposals for short-term loans of up to Rs 3,250 crore to meet urgent working capital requirements. It could not be immediately ascertained whether the airline received adequate response for the document floated last month. As part of a turnaround plan approved by the previous UPA regime, Air India is to receive up to Rs 30,231 crore from the government subject to meeting certain performance thresholds. The 10-year bailout package began from 2012. The embattled carrier has received around Rs 26,000 crore under the package so far. In June this year, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave its in-principle nod to the strategic disinvestment of the airline -- which has a debt burden of more than Rs 50,000 crore. A ministerial group is now working on the disinvestment modalities, including treatment of Air India's unsustainable debt, hiving off of certain assets to a shell company, demerger and strategic disinvestment of three profit-making subsidiaries. In a notification dated June 1, 2017, the government mandated the linking of bank accounts with Aadhaar by December 31. An RTI query has revealed that the Reserve Bank of India never issued any directions regarding mandatory linking of Aadhaar and bank accounts. (Photo: PTI) Mumbai: Amidst banks and the government urging people to link their Aadhaar with bank accounts by December 31, an RTI query has revealed that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) never issued any directions in this regard. In reply to an RTI query filed by MoneyLife, the central bank said it "has not issued any instruction so far regarding mandatory liking of Aadhaar number with bank accounts." The RBI was responding to a specific query made for availing copy of the file along with file notings regarding mandatory linking of Aadhaar number with bank accounts. In a notification dated June 1, 2017, the government had said that bank accounts not linked to Aadhaar will be declared inoperable post December 31. The RTI query also explicitly asked if the apex bank had taken permission from the Supreme Court for mandatory linking of bank accounts with Aadhaar. The RBI replied saying it has not filed any petition before the SC. Aadhaar has been a huge point of debate in recent times and its validity has been questioned by many. The Supreme Court has restricted its usage for six schemes (banking services not being one of them). The apex court is also due to hear petitions questioning the validity of Aadhaar. Konkona Sen Sharma, Kangana Ranaut and Radhika Apte, Richa Chadha, Parvathy, among others have supported the movement. Mumbai: Responding to the #MeToo campaign on sexual harassment and assault started by Hollywood actor Alyssa Milano, Bollywood actresses Konkana Sen Sharma and Radhika Apte have come out in support of it. Since the movement kicked off, after mass sexual assault charges cropped up against Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein, several women have started to speak about their experiences on social media using the hashtag MeToo. "What is nice about it is if it makes people understand the magnitude of the problem, it's good, if it helps other people to speak up about it then that's wonderful. There are nice things that you can achieve from this as well. "It shows solidarity. But we have to think about deeper ways about how to solve the problem," Konkana told reporters on the sidelines of the Jio MAMI festival here on Wednesday night. Radhika, who was also present at the event, supported it, saying, "I haven't done it (written on social media about #MeToo), but I read about it. I do support it. It is not disturbing, it is great that women are coming out." Even Kangana Ranaut extended her support to #MeToo campaign on sexual harassment. She had said, "It's a deliberate stand that I have taken against issues that I strongly condemn, issues like physical abuse, exploitation, sexual harassment and pay disparity. I am prepared for all the fights that would come my way. "I know like-minded individuals, my well-wishers worry about me, but we need to know that it's not going to be easy. I am super thrilled that I can use my voice and position for significant causes, and I assure everyone that nothing will stop me from doing that." Other actresses like Richa Chadha, Parvathy took to social media to join the movement while Swara Bhasker and Kalki Koechlin have also lent their support to it. The three actors and the director shared numerous pictures and messages on social media on the completion of the milestone. Mumbai: After working with only big stars in his first few films, Karan Johar decided to give youngsters a chance with the 2012 release 'Student of the Year' starring Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra. The gamble paid off with the film becoming a success and most importantly gifting three more stars to the industry. 'Student of the Year' completed the milestone of five years on Thursday and with the festival of Diwali currently underway, the team got together for a dual celebration. The four stars recreated their Disco Deewane step, Karan gave The 5 year Speech and the team cut the Student of the Year cake. All the four celebrities also posted touching messages on their social media handles on the completion of the milestone, thanking each other for their respective contribution in the journey. Love you @karanjohar my father my friend.. thank you for making this day happen! Couldn't have asked for a better opening to my story :) Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) October 19, 2017 And to the best boys ever! @S1dharthM @Varun_dvn so happy we started off together and were totally clueless together love you both Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) October 19, 2017 Thank you guys have seen the trends and the love world over it's a very special days today. 5 years but I'm still a student @karanjohar Varun Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) October 19, 2017 #5YearsOfSOTY #5YearsOfVarunDhawan thank you will work harder. You guys have stood with me from the begin thank you https://t.co/s9s9PSLES6 Varun Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) October 19, 2017 We shot Radha on the first day & I remember how nervous @varun_dvn, @aliaa08 & me were. SOTY will always be special. Thank You @karanjohar pic.twitter.com/tnJ8poFkG4 Sidharth Malhotra (@S1dharthM) October 19, 2017 Even Karans twins Yash and Roohi joined in the celebrations where they were obviously the centre of attraction, with Ayan Mukerji also being spotted. Varun also shared a picture with Roohi, calling her the 'most beautiful girl in the room.' Loveeeee with the most beautiful girl in the room pic.twitter.com/acKrudipej Varun Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) October 19, 2017 Sridevis daughter Jhanvi and Shahid Kapoors brother Ishaan Khatter are reportedly going to be to be launched in a similar grand manner with the Sairat remake, and it would be interesting to see if they can replicate the success of the 'Students.' 'Padmavati' is a film that celebrates India's culture and every Indian should be proud of it, one of the leads said. Mumbai: 'Padmavati' is a film that celebrates India's culture and every Indian should be proud of it, actor Shahid Kapoor said, as he urged people to see the film before judging. Shahid asserted that the film will be releasing on December 1, despite threats from the Rajput Karni Sena to "burn cinema halls" which screen the movie, if the makers do not show them the film before its release. "We are ready to release (the movie) on December 1. It's a film that every Indian is proud of as it's a film that celebrates India, our culture, what we stand for and shows everybody in the most amazing light... They should see the film to decide," Shahid told reporters here at the sidelines of the annual Mumbai film festival. "The right thing to do at this point is to let the right authorities deal with it. Sanjay Leela Bhansali and everybody at the helm of affairs need us to not comment on it because we need to contain the situation," Shahid said. Expressing disappointment at a rangoli being vandalised at a Surat mall by a group of protesters, he said: "There is absolute care taken to keep everybody's point of view in mind. It is made in a way that will only show the people of this country in the nicest way." Deepika Padukone also expressed anguish at the incident on Twitter yesterday, hitting out at the group for their attack on "freedom and right to individual expression". Earlier this year, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali was attacked by members of the Rajput Karni Sena, during the shooting of the film in Rajasthan. Jackyy also reveals that it has been quite a fun experience shooting for the film as also getting into the skin of his character. The Hindi remake of hit Telugu film, Pelli Choopulu is finally in place. It has been learnt that actor Jackky Bhagnani will be reprising the role of Vijay Deverakonda in the original and the film will be shot in Gujarat! Confirming the news, Jackky shares, I am pretty excited to be a part of the film. I saw the original and absolutely loved it. I have been shooting for the film since 40 days and we have almost wrapped up the shoot. While the original film was completely shot in Hyderabad, the Hindi remake will be made in Ahmedabad. Jackky says, Changes have been made to adapt the script to the new sensibilities. However, the soul of the film will remain intact and the fun quotient will be the same. Jackyy also reveals that it has been quite a fun experience shooting for the film as also getting into the skin of his character. I met chef Sid of The Spitfire BBQ Truck, on whom the lead character is loosely based. I was trying to get into his head, he adds. The untitled romantic comedy is being directed by Nitin Kakkar and is a production of Phantom Films. PM addressed around 23,000 BJP workers through the 'audio bridge' technology and extended Diwali greetings to them. Talking to party workers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the people of Gujarat were emotionally attached to the saffron party because they were 'progressive and development-oriented'. (Photo: File | PTI) Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed around 23,000 BJP workers in poll-bound Gujarat through a telephone conference call. Modi connected with the party workers on their mobile phones through the "audio bridge" technology and extended Diwali greetings to them, a BJP release said in Gujarat. He also spoke to around 2,000 party workers in his Parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, using the same technology. Modi told the party workers in Gujarat that the development-oriented policies of the ruling BJP in the last 22 years in the state had made development the main point in today's national politics. He said the people of Gujarat were emotionally attached to the saffron party because they were "progressive and development-oriented". On the other hand, development and betterment of people had no place in the "negative politics of the opposition party", the Prime Minister added. The people of Gujarat reposed their faith in the BJP because they knew that truth was on its side, Modi said. Addressing the party workers in Varanasi, the Prime Minister said their contribution was significant in the development of the region. The policies of the Centre had provided new opportunities to those coming from villages, cities, as well as the poor, farmers, Dalits, women and youth, he added. The girl was adopted by parents hailing from Kerala and, according to a media report cited by the minister, was originally from Bihar. New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has expressed concern over the whereabouts of a missing Indian girl-child in the United States, adding that the Indian Embassy is actively involved in the massive efforts launched by the American police to locate the girl, three year-old Sherin Mathews. The girl was adopted by parents hailing from Kerala and, according to a media report cited by the minister, was originally from Bihar. Her original name was Saraswati and she had reportedly been adopted by the couple from an NGO in Bihars Nalanda district. Ms. Swaraj also cited another media report that said the police in the US had deployed drones, helicopters besides sniffer dogs on the ground to search for the girl and had possibly unearthed some evidence from under a tree near the house. We are deeply concerned about the missing child. The Indian Embassy in the US is actively involved and they keep me informed, Ms. Swaraj tweeted in response to a woman who asked her what action the Indian Government had taken on the childs whereabouts in the US. The girl disappeared on October 7 in Richardson in the US after being made to stand at 3 am as a punishment by her father Wesley Mathews for not finishing her glass of milk. According to some media reports from the US, Mathews was subsequently arrested by the police there on October 7 and charged with abandoning or endangering a child. He was reportedly released on $250,000 bond late at night on October 8, according to the local police there. Michale Zaydel handed himself in at a police station in Detroit, along with a dozen doughnuts and a bagel for good measure. Earlier this month, a wanted Detroit area man who calls himself Champagne Torino on Facebook had promised to turn himself in for 1000 Facebook shares. Michale Zaydel, 21, messaged police who put out an appeal to find him, saying he would hand himself in if they managed to get 1,000 shares on their next post. The cocky felon even promised to throw in some doughnuts as a good measure. Redford Township Police Department in Detroit easily passed the milestone after posting his message, which was shared over 4,000 times. As it turns out, hes a man of his word as he surrendered at a police station in Detroit, along with a dozen doughnuts and a bagel for good measure, But not before taunting police on Facebook, writing You guys suck! He was sentenced to 39 days in jail on Tuesday, a day after walking into the Redford Township police department Redford Township police department posted on their Facebook page, This evening at approximately 6:30 pm Michael Zaydel made good on his promise to turn himself in to RTPD for his outstanding warrants. He walked in on his own, and not only did he bring the donuts, he brought one bagel! We would again like to express our gratitude for the support of all who followed this, shared it, and left us positive feedback. Mr. Zaydel was lodged and will have a hearing tomorrow morning at the 17th District Court. Zaydel who was originally arrested for misdemeanours, told TV station WXYZ that cops like doughnyts and he wanted to reward them for any inconvenience. The total number of dengue cases recorded till October 14 had gone up to 5,220. Of these, 2,564 were residents of Delhi. Earlier, in the first dengue death reported by the MCDs this year, a 12-year-old boy had succumbed to the disease. (Photo: Pixabay) New Delhi: Two more deaths due to dengue were reported in Delhi, taking the toll due to the vector-borne disease this season to five. Both the deaths were reported from the Delhi government-run Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital in Central Delhi. While one of the patients died in August, the other succumbed in September. The civic bodies, however, have not acknowledged the two fatalities till now. Over 860 cases of dengue have been reported at LNJP Hospital alone so far, doctors said. The total number of dengue cases recorded till October 14 had gone up to 5,220. Of these, 2,564 were residents of Delhi, while the rest were from other states. Of the 2,564 Delhi cases, 757 were reported this month, the report said. a report from municipal authorities had said. Earlier, in the first dengue death reported by the MCDs this year, a 12-year-old boy had succumbed to the disease. Two more deaths were reported on October 16 by the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), which tabulates data for the entire city. The hospitals, however, have reported more deaths due to the vector-borne disease but those remain unaccounted for in the municipal data. Twenty-six-year-old Manipuri woman Rhoda Daimai, who was living in south Delhis Sarita Vihar, had died on August 27 of septicaemia and other ensuing complications while 49-year-old Meena Devi, hailing from Bihar, died of dengue shock syndrome on September 2, the report had said. The number of malaria and chikungunya cases recorded in the city till October 14 stood at 1062 and 683 respectively, the report added. Dengue and chikungunya both are caused by the aedes aegypti mosquito, which usually breeds in clean and clear water. He is Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). Tokyo: The world's most prestigious award for pioneers in environmental science was given to Hans Joachim Schellnhuber this week in Tokyo. He is Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), a member of the Leibniz Association. The Blue Planet Prize, coming along with 50 million yen, honors outstanding thinkers who help to meet challenges of planetary dimensions. It is awarded by the Asahi Glass Foundation and handed over in presence of Japan's Imperial Prince and Princess. Schellnhuber received the prize for establishing a new field of science, Earth System Analysis, and introducing most influential concepts including the notion of tipping elements in the climate system. The second recipient is Gretchen Daily of Stanford University, USA, who was honored for her research about biodiversity and natural capital. "Professor Schellnhuber pioneered a new field of climate science," said Yoshihiro Hayashi, Chairman of the Blue Planet Prize Selection Committee and Director General of the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo. The Director of PIK provided "groundbreaking interdisciplinary science," Hayashi said. Furthermore, "one of his greatest successes was communicating the magnitude of the challenge of climate stabilization to a broad public as well as decision-makers," he added, calling Schellnhuber "the father of the 2 degrees limit for global warming". On the same note, the official declaration by the Blue Planet Prize organizers says: "His activities eventually created a torrent of measures against global warming worldwide, resulting in the 2-degree guardrail agreed upon by more than 190 countries at the UN climate summit COP21. Professor Schellnhuber and PIK have played a central role in this field for many years." "I believe that the two recipients are leading us to a new era of tackling environmental issues," commented Hiroyuki Yoshikawa of the Blue Planet Prize Committee in his speech. He is a Special Counselor to the President of the Japan Science and Technology Agency, member of the Japan Academy, and a former President of both the Science Council of Japan and the University of Tokyo. The committee includes internationally renowned scientists such as Nobel Laureate Ryoji Noyori who met Schellnhuber on the eve of the prize ceremony. Strong messages from Japan's Prime Minister Abe and the Imperial Prince Akishino "This prize is said to be the Nobel Prize for environmental research," said Japan's minister of the Environment, Masaharu Nakagawa, in a personal meeting earlier this week. He thanked Schellnhuber "for helping with the long-term strategy of our country. We're in the midst of a broad change." Schellnhuber has visited Japan on a number of occasions for talks with high-ranking officials in the past years. Stabilizing the climate "is a global challenge which requires concerted action by all countries," Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in a message congratulating the awardees. "My government remains committed to climate action." Marking the outstanding significance of the event for Japan, His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino attended the ceremony. "In recent years, we humans have pursued the progress of science and technology" - yet precisely by this way of economic development, "the ecosystems have been affected," said the Prince. He specifically mentioned the increase of dangerous weather extremes. "We need a correct understanding of the human effect on the environment - as well as actions. It is hence satisfying that the laureates have developed the science as well as they have sounded the alarm." In a congratulatory message His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Charles, emphasized that Schellnhuber's work is important to persuade the world to counter climate change, and to save the planet for our children and grandchildren. "Germany and Japan must take the lead in this race against global disaster" Previous recipients of the prize include the godfather of climate modelling, Syukuro Manabe, from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, Norway's former Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland, and Charles Keeling from the University of San Diego, California, who gave his name to the famous Keeling curve of atmospheric CO2 concentration measurements. "The sun first rises in the East," said Schellnhuber at the ceremony. "Philosophers in China and Japan have deliberated upon the harmony between nature and humanity for many centuries." Today, scientists around the world, including those at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research that Schellnhuber founded in 1992, are successfully investigating the nonlinear dynamics of the complex climate system, and religious leaders like Pope Francis - whose green Encyclical Schellnhuber had the honor to present to the world in 2015 - joined in the call for avoiding dangerous climate change. "Yet man-made climate change has roared on, since policy has largely failed us," said Schellnhuber. Now, on the basis of the Paris Agreement to limit temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, a great transformation of the global economy is required. "Germany and Japan must take the lead in this race against global disaster," Schellnhuber said. "They shall become closest partners in sustainable innovation - for the sake of our two nations and for the sake of our Blue Planet." Ines Lau said it took her a lot of time to accept her gender identity publicly. Los Angeles: French model Ines Rau has become the first transgender model to become a Playboy playmate. Rau appears in a pictorial and centrefold in Playboy's November/December issue, which pays tribute to its founder, Hugh Hefner, who died last month. A post shared by INES RAU (@supa_ines) on Sep 19, 2017 at 5:40am PDT The model previously posed in Playboy's May 2014 "A-Z" issue, starring in a spread called "Evolution," which examined the acceptance of gender beyond the male-female binary, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Lau, 26, said it took her a lot of time to accept her gender identity publicly. "I lived a long time without saying I was transgender. I dated a lot and almost forgot. I was scared of never finding a boyfriend and being seen as weird. Then I was like, 'You know, you should just be who you are.' "It's a salvation to speak the truth about yourself, whether it's your gender, sexuality, whatever. The people who reject you aren't worth it. It's not about being loved by others; it's about loving yourself," she told Playboy. While Rau became the first transgender playmate, the magazine had featured Carline 'Tula' Cossey in 1981. A British tabloid later revealed that she was born a man. Cossey, who also played a Bond girl in "For Your Eyes Only", posed again for Playboy in 1991. He will now depart from London on October 23 instead of October 21, said a Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader. Islamabad: After his indictment by an accountability court, former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs schedule for his return to Pakistan from London has been changed. He will now depart from London on October 23 instead of October 21, said a Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader. Earlier, the accountability court indicted Nawaz Sharif on corruption charges spiraling from the Panama Papers leak. The indictment presents a fresh challenge to Mr Sharifs beleaguered party ahead of next years general elections, which he is barred from contesting. A Sharif representative entered a not guilty plea for the sacked Prime Minister, who is currently in London with his wife Kulsoom Nawaz as she undergoes cancer treatment. The court also indicted his daughter Maryam Nawaz and her husband in the case, which relates to the familys luxury London properties. Maryam, who attended the hearing in Islamabad, pleaded not guilty and blasted the courts decision afterwards. (The) charges are not only groundless, baseless unfounded also frivolous and on top of that we are being denied our right to fair trial, she said in a statement to the court. In late July the Supreme Court sacked Sharif following an investigation into corruption allegations against his family, making him the 15th premier in Pakistans 70-year history to be ousted before completing a full term. The allegations against the prime minister stemmed from the Panama Papers leak last year, which sparked a media frenzy over the luxurious lifestyles and high-end London property portfolio owned by his family. The motion calls on the House of Commons to recognise the importance of the event as a turning point in British India. Virendra Sharma tabled his Early Day Motion 'Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919' earlier this week and has attracted five additional signatures from British MPs so far. (Image: Twitter) London: One of Britain's senior-most Indian-origin MPs has tabled a parliamentary motion, calling for Prime Minister Theresa May to apologise for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar during the Raj in 1919. Virendra Sharma tabled his Early Day Motion (EDM) titled 'Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919' earlier this week and has attracted five additional signatures from British MPs so far. "This was an important moment in the history of Britain in India. Many suggest it was the beginning of the end, a moment that finally emboldened the Independence Movement. It must be commemorated, and the British government should make clear its repudiation of such a barbaric act," said the Labour Party MP for Ealing Southall. The massacre took place in Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar over Baisakhi in April 1919 when troops of the British Indian Army under the command of Colonel Dyer fired machine guns at a crowd of people holding a pro-independence demonstration. It claimed thousands of lives and injured thousands others. The EDM calls on the House of Commons to recognise the importance of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre as a turning point in the history of the British Empire in India. The EDM notes that as the centenary of the event is approaching, it is appropriate to commemorate it. It also recognises that former British Prime Minister David Cameron referred to the massacre as a "deeply shameful act" during a visit to India. It urges the government to ensure that "British children are taught about this shameful period and that modern British values welcome the right to peaceful protest; and further urges the government formally to apologise in the House and inaugurate a memorial day to commemorate this event". EDMs are formal motions tabled in the House of Commons as a means of drawing attention to a particular issue or cause. Terrorists trying to disrupt construction of Chinese economic corridor have killed more than 50 Paki workers since 2014. There was no claim of responsibility for the attack. (Photo: AFP) Quetta: Unidentified men threw a grenade into a labourers' hostel in the Pakistani port of Gwadar wounding 26 of them, police said today, in an attack likely to raise concern about security for the Pakistani section of China's Belt and Road initiative. There was no claim of responsibility for the attack, one of three on Thursday in the gas-rich south western province of Baluchistan, a key section of the plan for energy and transport links connecting western China with the Middle East and Europe. "The labourers were having dinner at the hostel when motorcyclists attacked them with a grenade," police official Imam Bakhsh said. Separatist rebels in Baluchistan, fighting against what they see as the unfair exploitation of the province's resources, have for years attacked energy and infrastructure projects, including the Gwadar deep-sea port on the Arabian Sea. Separatist fighters and terrorists also operate in Baluchistan, which shares borders with both Afghanistan and Iran. Security officials have said that terrorists trying to disrupt construction of the Chinese economic corridor through Pakistan have killed more than 50 Pakistani workers since 2014. Pakistan has assured China that it can provide security for the $57 billion worth of projects that it plans. In the other attacks, a grenade attack at a food court in the town of Mastung, 55 km (35 miles) from the provincial capital of Quetta, wounded 15 people, a police official said. In the third attack, gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire at paramilitary soldiers killing one and wounding four in the west of the province. On Wednesday, a suicide car-bomber rammed a police bus in Quetta killing five policemen and two passers-by. The Pakistani Taliban claimed that attack. A suicide bombing claimed by ISIS at a Sufi Muslim shrine in Baluchistan this month killed 22 people and wounded more than 30. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in a media statement. Kabul: The Taliban have killed at least 58 Afghan security forces in a wave of attacks across the country overnight, including an assault that nearly wiped out an army camp in southern Kandahar province, officials said Thursday. The attack on the army camp took place late on Wednesday and involved two suicide car bombs, said spokesman Dawlat Wazir. It set of hours of fighting, killing at least 43 soldiers. Nine other soldiers were wounded and six have gone missing, Wazir said, adding that 10 attackers were killed. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in a media statement. Elsewhere in Afghanistan, a Taliban ambush in the northern Balkh province late Wednesday killed six policemen, according to Shir Jan Durani, spokesman for the provincial police chief. And a Taliban attack on police posts in western Farah province, also late Wednesday, killed nine policemen, said police chief Abdul Marouf Foulad. He said 22 insurgents were killed in the ensuing gun battle. Afghan forces have struggled to combat a resurgent Taliban since US and NATO forces formally concluded their combat mission at the end of 2014, switching to a counterterrorism and support role. Read: 43 Afghan soldiers killed in attack on army camp by Taliban The Taliban unleashed a wave of attacks across Afghanistan on Tuesday, targeting police compounds and government facilities with suicide bombers, and killing at least 74 people, officials said. Among those killed in one of the attacks was a provincial police chief. Scores were also wounded, both policemen and civilians. Afghanistans deputy interior minister, Murad Ali Murad, called Tuesdays onslaught the biggest terrorist attack this year. Over the past two years and after the withdrawal of most foreign combat troops, the Taliban have stepped up attacks and spread from their southern heartland across the country. Attacks in the north have also increased. In such a climate, the Kabul government has dismissed peace talks with the Taliban but CIA Director Mike Pompeo said on Thursday that the United States is going to do everything it can to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table in Afghanistan. However, for that to happen, Pakistan must first deny the militants a safe haven on its soil, said Pompeo. For talks to move ahead, the Taliban must have no hope of winning on the battlefield in Afghanistan, and that means making it no longer possible to cross the Afghan-Pakistani border and hide inside Pakistan. That strategy was outlined by President Donald Trump this summer as part of his approach to ending the 16-year war, in addition to an incremental increase in US forces there. Pompeo said in a speech at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington think tank, that the US is going to do everything we can, to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table in Afghanistan, with the Taliban having zero hope that they can win this thing on the battlefield. US officials have long accused Pakistan of turning a blind eye or assisting the Afghan Taliban and the allied Haqqani network. Pakistan routinely denies colluding with the militants. Some 1,600 schools have been destroyed or damaged, whilst another 170 have been used for military purposes or shelters for displaced people. One school in ten has been closed. About three quarters of teachers have not been paid in a year. Without education, children could become child soldiers or child brides. Sana'a (AsiaNews) The conflict in Yemen now into its third year threatens the education of at least 4.5 million children, adding to a long list of bitter hardships like malnutrition, displacement and violence. Adding to the crisis is the fact that most teachers in Yemen work in precarious conditions. As of July 2017, 1,600 schools have been partially or totally destroyed, and 170 have been used for military purposes or as shelter for displaced families, said Geert Cappelaere, the UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. Violence, he added, has forced one in ten schools across the country to close, and textbooks and other school materials (notebooks, pens, uniforms, chairs, desks, blackboards) are in severely short supply. The beginning of the school year has been postponed several times from its usual September start because of fighting and the lack of teachers. Indeed, three-quarters of the latter have not been paid in nearly a year, compelling them to resort to extreme measures to survive. Hassan Ghaleb is one of them. A teacher for 20 years, he is the sole breadwinner for his family of four. They were evicted from their home, and had to sell what was left of the family furniture just for food and treatment for his sick sister. Overall, more than 160,000 teachers live under these conditions of precariousness, Cappelaere said. Without the learning and protective environment that school provides, even more boys and girls in Yemen will be vulnerable to recruitment into the fighting or early marriage with irreparable consequences on their young lives. Things are not easy even for those able to attend school, because lessons are often held in shacks or under trees. The children of Yemen have suffered in ways that no human being should have to bear. Education is their only way to secure a better future and to help put Yemen on the path to peace, Cappelaere explained. Since January 2015, Yemen has been the scene of a bloody civil war opposing the countrys Sunni former President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, backed by Saudi Arabia, and Shia Houthi rebels, close to Iran and Lebanons Hezbollah. In March 2015, a Saudi-based Arab coalition launched an air campaign against the rebels, leading the United Nations to criticise the bombings because of the civilian casualties they caused, including children. According to UN sources, more than 8,000 people have been killed and 45,000 injured in the conflict so far. Out of a total of a population of 28 million, some 18.8 million are in need of assistance and humanitarian aid to survive. Of these, at least seven million are considered on the brink of famine and 2.3 million under the age of five children are deemed "malnourished". The regional authorities open to talks with the central government according to Constitution and in a perspective of partnership. An Iraqi court orders the arrest of Kurdish President Kosrat Rasul. First frictions within political leadership in Erbil after the "cataclysm" that led to the loss of territories occupied after the US invasion. Baghdad (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Iraqi Kurdistan regional authorities declare themselves ready to engage in dialogue with central government in Baghdad after the army quickly captured territories - including Kirkuk - long-controlled by Erbil. "The Kurdistan [regional] executive [reads] an official note welcomes [Iraqi] prime minister Haider al-Abadis initiative aimed at launching negotiations to resolve outstanding issues, in accordance with the dictates of the constitution and in a perspective of partnership. " The statement was circulated by the top officials of Erbil at the end of a government meeting led by Kurdish Prime Minister Nechervan Barzani and Vice-Premier Qubad Talabani. "Kurdistan - continues the text - calls for the help and contribution of the international community in the pursuit of this desired dialogue" with Baghdad. In recent days, Iraqi Prime Minister al-Abadi opened to dialogue with Erbil after weeks of heavy tensions that fostered fears of the outbreak of a new conflict. Various religious and intellectual personalities have warned against this possibility, including Chaldean Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako who in a letter renewed the call for dialogue. The primate of the Chaldean Church underlined the importance of a "cooperation" among the various Iraqi leaders to create a "common front" against the danger of "new conflicts". The primate of the Iraqi Church recalled the primary duty to "protect people before oil wells" must be pursued. The Iraqi Prime Minister's response was in an official note, stating that the referendum on Kurdish independence of September 25 was "concluded" and "is part of the past." Its results" he added served to start a sincere and constructive dialogue. For al-Abadi, the definitive archiving of the results of this consultation, which has been overwhelmingly "yes", is one of the conditions required to open a dialogue with the autonomous region. But while the prime minister is launching dialogue, the country's magistrate is striving to strike top regional authorities: yesterday an Iraqi court ordered the arrest of Kurdish President Kosrat Rasul for defining the regular army intervention in Kirkuk as a "occupying power ". According to judges, the vice president's words are an incitement to violence. Meanwhile, the first fractures are emerging among the Kurdish regional leadership, following the territorial losses of recent days. French geographer Cyril Roussel speaks of "cataclysm" for Kurdistan, which has "lost everything". A "defeat rarely seen," he adds, with the Peshmerga dispossessed of 90% of the territories won after the US invasion in Iraq in 2003. Today, the borders correspond mostly to the green line, the demarcation set in 1991 at the time of the ceasefire between the Kurds and the army of former Rais Saddam Hussein, which was the basis of the 2005 negotiations. (DS) "Our actions are the response to Gods gratuitous love, which rectifies us and always forgives us. And our path to holiness lies in always receiving this forgiveness. " The hypocrites "trick the soul, live by trickery, holiness is a trick to them. Jesus always asks us to be truthful, but truthful in our heart and if something appears that this truth appears, that is in our heart. " Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Jesus asks us for truth, consistency of life and rejection of hypocrisy in the awareness that the "true forgiveness of God" is "free", it comes from "His grace", "from His will", and is certainly not what the result of our own actions, said Pope Francis at Mass this morning at Casa Santa Marta. Reflecting on the first reading of the day from St Pauls letter to the Romans, the pope explained that Gods pardon is always freely given and not earned by what we do. The work we do, he continued, is our response to this gratuitous love and forgiveness of God, who took away original sin and who pardons our sins every time we turn to Him. In the passage from St Lukes Gospel, Pope Francis said, we read about another way that people seek justification, by trying to appear righteous and saintly. They are the hypocrites, he said, whose lives are filthy inside, but on the outside they try to appear virtuous and holy by showing how they fast and pray or give to charity. In their hearts, the pope said, there is no substance, but they live by deception and theirs is a life of trickery. Jesus always asks us to be truthful in our hearts: thats why he tells us to pray out of sight, to hide the weakness we feel when we fast, and to conceal our almsgiving, so that the left hand does not know what the right one is doing. Jesus asks us to live coherently, Pope Francis insisted, because falsehood and hypocrisy are very bad for us. In todays psalm, he said, we ask the Lord for the grace of truth, saying Then I acknowledged my sin to you, my guilt I covered not. We confess our faults to the Lord and He takes away the our sin and guilt. We must always be truthful with God, the pope concluded, so let us learn not to accuse others, but rather to accuse ourselves, without trying to hide our sins from the Lord. Inequality and exploitation "are not a fatality nor a historical constant," but depend on human action and economic rules. The call to eliminate the pressures of public and private lobbyists that defend sectoral interests" and that "political action is truly in the service of the human person, the common good and respect for nature". Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Inequality and exploitation "are not a fatality, nor a historical constant," but depend on human action and the economic rules that a society decides to set itself and that, if only aimed at profit, tend to transform democracy into "plutocracy". The need to "go beyond the prevailing social model today, transforming it from within", "to develop new models of cooperation between the market, the state and civil society" was supported by Pope Francis in a speech to participants in a meeting promoted by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. Exclusion and existential peripheries, he noted, are fuelled primarily by the "endemic and systemic increase in inequalities and the exploitation of the planet, which is greater than the increase in income and wealth. Yet inequality and exploitation are not a fatality nor a historical constant. They are not a fatality because they depend, not only on the different individual behaviors, but also on the economic rules that a society decides to set itself. Think of energy production, the labor market, the banking system, welfare, the tax system, and the school sector. Depending on how these sectors are designed, there are different consequences on how income and wealth are shared among those who have contributed to producing them. If profit prevails, democracy tends to become a plutocracy in which inequalities and the exploitation of the planet grow. I repeat: this is not a necessity; there are times when, in some countries, inequalities diminish and the environment is better protected. " "The other cause of exclusion is work that is unworthy of the human person." Today, creating new work needs "open and enterprising people, fraternal relationships, research and investment in the development of clean energy to address the challenges of climate change. This is concretely possible today. It is necessary to get rid of the pressures of public and private lobbyists who defend sectoral interests "and that "political action is truly in the service of the human person, the common good, and respect for nature ". "The challenge to pick up is then to take courage to go beyond the prevalent social order model, transforming it from within. We must ask the market not only to be efficient in wealth production and to ensure sustainable growth, but also to be at the service of integral human development." "An analogous approach concerns the rethinking of the figure and the role of the nation-state in a new context, which is that of globalization, which has profoundly modified the previous international order. The state can not conceive itself as the sole and exclusive holder of the common good by not allowing the intermediate bodies of civil society to freely express their full potential. This would be a violation of the principle of subsidiarity which, combined with the solidarity, is a cornerstone of the Church's social doctrine. The challenge here is how to link individual rights to the common good. " The image of the religion has been affected by sexual and financial scandals. Closer checks have been imposed on the finances of thousands of temples. Senior monks now exert tough discipline. Donations and sales of sacred objects in temples have been prohibited. The inappropriate use of social media" has also been banned. Some 35 monasteries and 29 individuals are under investigations. Relations between monks and the state have become rocky. Bangkok (AsiaNews/Agencies) Under growing pressure from Thailand's military government, and their own religious bodies, Buddhist monks have launched a fresh round of reforms in recent weeks to clean up temples and overhaul a religion stalked by scandal. The image of the countrys dominant religion, followed by more than 90 per cent of the population, has suffered over sex scandals involving monks and allegations of money laundering by Phra Dhammachayo, the former abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, Thailand's biggest temple (ten times the Vatican). The scandals have prompted calls for tighter checks on the finances of thousands of temples across the country that are among Thailand's popular tourist attractions. Since September, senior monks have issued orders to enforce greater discipline for Thailand's more than 300,000 monks and some 40,000 temples. The instructions came from the Sangha Supreme Council, the governing body of the Buddhist order (Sangha) that plays a role similar to that of College of Cardinals in the Catholic Church. Reuters reports that now monks must stop asking for donations and temples must stop selling holy objects on temple grounds. The goal is to ensure that temple finances are more transparent and to counter criticism about the commercialisation of religion. Other orders instruct senior monks to tightly control "inappropriate use of social media" by monks to prevent "criticism from the public." One order given in September by a group of temples in Thailand's northeast region asked monks to police each other and report any behaviour that might go against Buddhist teachings. These measures come at a sensitive time as Thailand prepares to cremate the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej next week and formally crown his only son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, expected at the end of the year. In view of the many scandals involving monks, the government has exerted strong pressure on religious leaders to make radical changes. The ruling military junta has been trying to reform Thai Buddhism since it came to power in a 2014 coup. Last month, it reinstated a former senior police official, Pongporn Pramsaneh, as head of the National Office of Buddhism, who soon afterward asked police to investigate temples where state funds were allegedly misappropriated. Police say they are focusing on 35 temples and 29 individuals, including five abbots and a former Buddhism chief, who were allegedly involved in misappropriating funds. All five abbots have been formally charged with abusing state authority and colluding to do wrong, among other charges. The government allocated 5.32 billion baht (US0.77 million) to support Buddhism last year, 4.67 billion baht of which was earmarked for temples and monks across the country. Some analysts see the latest reform push as part of a power struggle between monks and the state ahead of the royal transition. "The government has a lot of influence on monks, partly due to the rich subsidies it grants them, said a Thailand observer speaking to AsiaNews. Monks want to defend their autonomy even though the latest scandals justify the citizens' request for transparency on the part of the authorities. Over time some monasteries have become centres of power, boosted by the prestige of the abbots and donations from wealthy families. According to Buddhist doctrine, monks are not required to lead a monastic life forever, so some 'prepare' to give up their vows by accumulating sums of money. However, in several cases the scandals are due to simple accounting errors, relating to funds used for temple maintenance." Umar Khalid Khorasani was wounded last week in Afghanistan. Islamic group Jamaat-ul-Ahrar militants claimed the attack on Gulshan-i-Iqbal park in Lahore in 2016, which resulted in more than 70 mostly Muslim victims. Anti-terrorism operations ahead of visit by US Secretary of State. Islamabad (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The leader of a Pakistani Taliban group was killed by an attack by US drone troops in Afghanistan. AFP reports that Asad Mansoor, spokesman for Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JUA) militants, confirmed the death of Umar Khalid Khorasani and nine other affiliates. Khorasani was considered the "mastermind" of many attacks in the country, including last year's bloody attack on Lahores Gulshan-i-Iqbal Park on Easter Day, which resulted in more than 70 casualties. According to JUA spokesman, Khorasani was "seriously injured during a recent US drone operation while he was in the Afghan province of Paktia." Local sources reported a rise in US drone operations in Pakistani and Afghan territory. According to experts, the increase would be a consequence of the forthcoming visit of US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who will visit India and Pakistan next week and talk about regional stability. According to a Taliban militant, a young fighter, Asad Afridi, has replaced Khorasani as the new head of JUA. The group arose in 2014, when it struck ties with the Islamic State. The following year it returned to the ranks of al-Qaeda, as a faction of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. By Kai Riemer, Professor of Information Technology and Organisation, University of Sydney Terence/Shutterstock You may have heard that algorithms will take over the world. But how are they operating right now? We take a look in our series on Algorithms at Work. Picture this: you have written an essay. You researched the topic and carefully constructed your argument. You submit your essay online and receive your grade within seconds. But how can anyone read, comprehend and judge your essay that quickly? Well, the answer is no one can. Your essay was marked by a computer. Would you trust the mark you received? Would you approach your next essay with the same effort and care? These are the questions that parents, teachers and unions are asking about automated essay scoring (AES). The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) proposes to use this program to grade essays, like persuasive writing questions, in its NAPLAN standardised testing scheme for primary and secondary schools. ACARA has defended its decision and suggested that computer-based marking can match or even surpass the consistency of human markers. In my view, this misses the point. Computers are unable to genuinely read and understand what a text is about. A good argument has little worth when marks are awarded by a structural comparison with other texts and not by judging its ideas. More importantly though, we risk encouraging the writing of text that follows the script but essentially says nothing of worth. In other words, the writing of bullshit. How does algorithmic marking work? Its not entirely clear how AES functions, but lets assume, in line with previous announcements, that it employs a form of machine-learning. Heres how that could work: a machine-learning algorithm learns from a pool of training data in this case, it may be trained using more than 1,000 NAPLAN writing tests scored by human markers. But it generally does not learn the criteria by which humans mark essays. Rather, machine learning consists of multiple layers of so-called artificial neurons. These are statistical values that are gradually adjusted during the training period to associate certain inputs (structural text patterns, vocabulary, key words, semantic structure, paragraphing and sentence length) with certain outputs (high grades or low grades). When marking a new essay, the algorithm makes a statistical inference by comparing the text with learned patterns and eventually matches it with a grade. Yet the algorithm cannot explain why this inference was reached. Importantly, high grades are awarded to papers that show the structural features of highly persuasive writing papers that follow the persuasion rulebook, so to speak. Rewarding bullshit Are the claims by ACARA that algorithmic marking can match the consistency of human markers wrong? Probably not, but thats not the issue. Its possible that machine-learning could reliably award higher grades for those papers that follow the structural script for persuasive writing. And it might indeed do this with higher consistency than human markers. Examples from other fields show this for instance, in the classification of images in medical diagnosis. It will certainly be quicker and cheaper. But it will not matter what a text is about: whether the argument is ethical, offensive or outright nonsensical, whether it conveys any coherent ideas or whether it speaks effectively to the intended audience. The only thing that matters is that the text has the right structural patterns. In essence, algorithmic marking might reward the writing of bullshit text written with little regard for the subject matter and solely to fulfil the algorithms criteria. Not simply lying, analysts use bullshit to describe empty talk or meaningless jargon. Princeton philosopher Harry Frankfurt argues that talking bullshit may actually be worse than lying, because the lie at least reaffirms the truth: It is impossible for someone to lie unless he thinks he knows the truth. Producing bullshit requires no such conviction. A person who lies is thereby responding to the truth, and he is to that extent respectful of it For the bullshitter, however, all these bets are off: he is neither on the side of the true nor on the side of the false. His eye is not on the facts at all, as the eyes of the honest man and of the liar are, except insofar as they may be pertinent to his interest in getting away with what he says. Unlike humans, algorithms are incapable of truly understanding when something is nonsense rather than genuine ideas and argumentation. It doesnt know whether a text has any worth or relationship to our world at all. Thats why algorithmic marking, whether in NAPLAN or otherwise, risks rewarding the writing of bullshit. Encouraging the wrong thing Our politics, businesses and media are already flooded with empty arguments and jargon. Lets not reward the skill of writing it. Any application of algorithmic decision-making creates feedback loops. It influences future behaviour by rewarding and foregrounding some aspects of human practice and backgrounding others. This is particularly the case when incentives are tied to the outcomes of algorithmic decision-making. In the case of NAPLAN, we know that the government rewards schools that score highly. As a result, there is already an entire industry geared towards cracking the script of NAPLAN in order to secure high marks. Imagine what happens when students realise that genuine ideas and valid arguments are not rewarded by the algorithm Kai Riemer does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Originally published in The Conversation. Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced that Sixt North America has selected Fort Lauderdale as the location for its new expanded North American headquarters. The expansion will create 300 new jobs and invest $10.4 million in the local community. Sixt chose Fort Lauderdale over other potential sites in Georgia, Texas and California. It has more than 2,000 locations in over 100 countries. I am proud to announce that Sixt North America has selected Florida over Georgia, Texas, and California for their new and expanded North American headquarters, said Scott. This expansion will create 300 new jobs for families in South Florida and is a major win for our state. Over the past six and a half years, we have worked to cut taxes and make our state more business friendly so Florida can outcompete other locations for new opportunities. By using the newly establish Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, we will continue to encourage businesses to grow and create jobs in our state. We looked at a number of locations in carefully selecting our new U.S. headquarters, and at the end of our search, Florida clearly came out on top, said Sebastian Birkel, co-president of Sixt North America. The state went out of its way to work with us, encouraging Sixt to plant even deeper roots here. We were extremely pleased with the process and are proud to be opening our national headquarters here in the near future. We want to thank Gov. Scott for his leadership in this process, said Daniel Florence, co-president of Sixt North America. He deserves great credit for the numerous jobs that will be brought to this state as a result of our being here and growing here. Sixt is expanding rapidly all over the U.S. in major markets as fast as we can to meet surging customer demand, and as we do so, what we are doing here in Florida will remain the foundation of how we approach our business around the country. We are proud that Sixt is dramatically expanding and investing in its North America headquarters, said Jack Seiler, mayor of Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdales strategic location, robust business climate, and outstanding quality of life all make our city the perfect place for Sixt to grow and prosper. We wish the company continued growth and success. Harold Pierce covers education and health for The Californian. He can be reached at 661-395-7404. Follow him on Twitter @RoldyPierce . . . 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. 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. Health care for senior citizens in south St. Petersburg just got a major upgrade. Facility at 22nd Avenue South and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street Concept is to provide holistic approach to medicine Center has specialists in house, and pharmacy Ribbon cutting ceremonies were held Thursday at the Dedicated Senior Medical Center. The former Walgreen's building at the corner of 22nd Avenue South and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street has been turned in to a one-stop shop senior health care facility, complete with specialists in house, a pharmacy and as CEO Dr. Christopher Chen describes, some of the best personal attention from doctors. "The average Medicare patient only spends 21 minutes a year with their doctor. Our doctors see our patients on average, 13 times a year and we spend 289 minutes a year." This all comes at no additional costs to patients. The concept is to provide a holistic approach to medicine that goes beyond just writing prescriptions, but building a relationship with each patient and focusing on preventative care. Officials say that's how they are able to keep costs down. With 43 centers in three states, center officials say their patients spend a third less time in hospitals than other senior citizens. For Olivia Mason, having all that care rolled into one, just blocks from her home, is nothing short of a Godsend. "Since I've been coming here, I've just been so happy. I've been so amazed. I'm amazed," she said. "It's amazing what attention does to health, isn't it? It is. It makes you feel wonderful, wonderful, wonderful." A man found guilty this week on two counts of 1st degree murder will get life in prison without possibility of parole. Patrick Evans sentenced to life in prison without parole He got new trial after conviction, death sentence overturned in '15 Elizabeth Evans, Gerald Taylor found dead in 2008 Related: Jury finds Patrick Evans guilty of 1st degree murder in retrial Patrick Evans learned his sentence Thursday evening. Six years ago, Evans was found guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of his estranged wife, Elizabeth Evans, and a man she was dating, Gerald Taylor. They were found dead inside her Gulfport condo in December, 2008. But Evans, a former Jabil executive, got a new trial after the Florida Supreme Court overturned his conviction and death sentence in 2015. On Wednesday, it took a jury about four hours to find him guilty. Unlike his first trial, it would have taken a unanimous jury to sentence him to death. L to R: Elizabeth Evans's daughter, Molly Rhoades, Elizabeth's father, Julian Weingarten, Kim Steward, Gerald Taylor' sister, J.P. Taylor, Gerald's brother, and Kristen Taylor Gauvreau, another sister of Gerald, after Patrick Evans was sentenced to life in prison without parole, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017. Both the victims' families sat through both trials, and are relieved it's finally over. "I feel as good as I can possibly feel," said Julian Weingarten, Elizabeth's father. "I mean, hes going away forever and hes never gonna come out again, it doesnt help bring back Beth and Gerald Taylor." "Hes shown no remorse for the families, never once shown any emotion towards the families and as far as Im concerned he can rot in jail," said J.P. Taylor, Gerald's brother. Tampa police are investigating a third fatal shooting in the Seminole Heights neighborhood in just ten days. 3rd Seminole Heights death in 10 days prompting fears Man shot to death overnight on N. 15th Street near Conover Street RELATED: Tampa police believe 2 recent homicides related The Tampa Police Department held a news conference Friday morning, urging residents to come forward with any information on the shootings and to be vigilant in the community. The Police Chief also said that residents should make sure to be with people when you are out. "If you're walking alone, you're either a suspect or a potential victim." Anyone with information is asked to call (813) 231-6130. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp; Officers are investigating a suspicious death that happened Thursday night on N. 15th Street near Conover Street. Police responded to reports of shots fired in the area and upon arrival, officers found a man shot. The victim, identified as Anthony Naiboa, 20, died on the street. Naiboa, who was autistic, was on his way home from work, according to his familly. He'd just got a job two weeks before, packing food for hurricane victims in Puerto Rico. "He was going to cash his check and take us all out to dinner to celebrate his job, " said Taino Naiboa, Anthony's younger brother. "I want people to know that [the killer] has taken something very precious from us. He has destroyed our family." "He was a sweet boy," said Naiboa's mother, Carmen Rodriguez. "He never bothered anybody." A terrifying pattern Last night's shooting happened just feet away from a shooting that happened last week where Monica Hoffa was shot and killed and just down the road from where Benjamin Mitchell was shot dead last Monday. Tampa police are not going as far to say they have a serial killer on their hands, but thats what some people are worried about in the area. Tampa police have increased patrols in the area and are telling residents to keep all of their outside lights on at night - and encouraging people to walk in pairs or groups as opposed to going out on their own. As for residents themselves, they're on high alert. One of those residents, Rosemary Hickman, has family visiting from out of town, and she told us her plan is to stay inside and safe. "I'm going to keep my lights on and be vigilant and watch out for anything, because we need to know what's going on," Hickman said. Hickman did add, however, that she was not going to be held hostage by fear. "I'm not going to change my routine," Hickman explained. "I'm just going to be more careful." Police have not said if the victims knew each other or if each of the victims may have known the shooter. Interim Police Chief Brian Dugan did, however, have a message for the shooter. "The message would be 'Enough is enough,'" Dugan said. "I don't know what your motive is, I don't know what your problem is, but enough. There's been enough carnage. You have severely affected some families." Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at (813) 231-6130. The St. Petersburg Pier Art Committee has selected six finalists out of 270 applicants to create original art for the Pier District currently under construction. Committee has $480,000 for artists to create work Renderings from finalists expected at start of 2018 270 applicants narrowed down to six finalists Finalists Jun Kaneko, Nathan Mabry, Xenobia Baily, Ball-Nogues Studio, Ned Kahn and Jeppe Hein will visit the Pier site in the weeks ahead and then create a rendering for the committee to consider. Committee chair Laura Bryant said it is leaving what kind of art will go in the space up to the artists. "You know, when you ask an artist to give you something and you don't constrain them, you often get something even more fantastic than what you expected," Bryant said. "So that's why we're trying not to constrain them, but to really keep it kind of wide open." Benjamin Ball of Ball-Nogues Studio works out of Los Angeles and said he's excited about the opportunity. "You know, I've been traveling to the Tampa Bay region and St. Petersburg since I was a kid, so it's exciting to be considered for a project there," Ball said. "And I've seen some preliminary drawings of the Pier and I think it's an interesting project." The committee has $480,000 to commission to artists to create work on the Pier site. Officials hope to have renderings of the proposals after the first of the year. Former President George W. Bush, who has largely stayed out of political affairs since leaving the White House, spoke out Thursday against the state of political discourse in the country, and called for reforms in civic education and cybersecurity. Former President Bush holds forum on freedom, free markets and security Rails against trends toward nativism, protectionism READ: Full remarks by Former President Bush at Spirit of Liberty forum "We've seen our discourse degraded by casual cruelty," Bush said. "Too often, we judge other groups by their worst examples while judging ourselves by our best intentions, forgetting the image of God we should see in each other," he added. The former president made the remarks at the George W. Bush Institute in New York City, during a national forum on freedom, free markets and security. In many ways the president's speech was a repudiation of political ideals that have gained more mainstream attention lately through President Trump's platform -- including a harder line against immigration. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp; Bush said these ideals, however, were part of our shared values as Americans. "Weve seen nationalism distorted into nativism forgotten the dynamism that immigration has always brought to America," Bush said. "We see a fading confidence in the value of free markets and international trade forgetting that conflict, instability, and poverty follow in the wake of protectionism. "We have seen the return of isolationist sentiments forgetting that American security is directly threatened by the chaos and despair of distant places, where threats such as terrorism, infectious disease, criminal gangs and drug trafficking tend to emerge. "In all these ways, we need to recall and recover our own identity. Americans have a great advantage: To renew our country, we only need to remember our values." Former President Bush said protecting American freedoms requires a new effort to harden the country's defense, particularly in the area of cybersecurity and improving our electoral system. He called Russia "a hostile power [trying] to feed and exploit our country's divisions." "According to our intelligence services, the Russian government has made a project of turning Americans against each other," Bush said. "This effort is broad, systematic and stealthy, its conducted across a range of social media platforms. Ultimately, this assault wont succeed. But foreign aggressions including cyber-attacks, disinformation and financial influence should not be downplayed or tolerated." The president also said strengthening America's citizenship, especially among young people, is key, with a new push for civic learning in schools. The president says this is the only real way to combat prejudice and bigotry. "This means that people of every race, religion, and ethnicity can be fully and equally American," Bush said. "It means that bigotry or white supremacy in any form is blasphemy against the American creed." Information from CNN was used in this report. A 58-year-old man was shot by a Citrus County deputy Thursday after he brandished a weapon at them, the Sheriff's Office said. Douglas Veltman shot, taken to hospital Neighbor had reported potentially suicidal man FDLE assisting with investigation The incident occurred on Turner Avenue in Floral City when investigators responded to a "potentially suicidal man." A concerned neighbor had called officials to the scene. When deputies arrived at the home, Douglas Veltman was outside. According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies "asked to see his hands, and at first he did not comply. However, after repeated requests, he did brandish a weapon." Shots were fired by a deputy, and Veltman was later taken to a local hospital. The extent of his injuries wasn't released. The Sheriff's Office said it "wasn't known at this time" if Veltman fired at deputies. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement responded to help with the investigation. No deputies were hurt. Gov. Rick Scott has won the first round in a legal tug-of-war over his mandate that nursing homes and assisted living facilities install generators. The 1st District Court of Appeal on Thursday rejected a legal challenge to emergency rules put in place by the Scott administration. A panel of judges split 2-1 over the challenge. The court has not yet issued a full opinion explaining the decision. Groups that represent nursing homes and assisted living facilities asked the appeal court to review whether or not there was an emergency that warranted the rules. A separate legal challenge to the actual rules is still ongoing. Scott issued his order after 14 residents at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills died in the days after Hurricane Irma wiped out power to much of South Florida. The Museum of the Gulf Coast will honor veterans with its new exhibit and an upcoming reception. "No Man's Land: East Texas African Americans in World War I" focuses on the experiences of more than 11,000 black Texans who served during the war. Katja Ogrin/Redferns Michelle Visage is second only to RuPaul in the hearts of "Drag Race" fans. And she's bringing the sass and shade to Houston. Visage will emcee the annual Halloween costume contest -- Oct. 28 at South Beach nightclub in Montrose. Fans will also be able to line up for a meet and greet. Pasadena police are searching for a man who reportedly attempted to lure an 11-year-old girl into his vehicle in the Clear Lake area. On Oct. 9 at about 8 a.m., the girl was walking to a bus stop in the Brookforest neighborhood near Middlebrook Drive and Bay Area Boulevard when she was approached by the suspect, police said in a release. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Community members gathered at wo vigils Wednesday night - one at Silsbee High School, one at a Beaumont church - to remember a 31-year-old Silsbee mom and her five children killed in an early morning house fire. Ashley Pickering, 31; Cristian Mattox, 11; Serenity Mattox, 7; Cavence Mattox, 4; Cash Mattox, 4; and Camden Mattox, 3; died when their apartment caught fire just north of Silsbee. Preliminary autopsy reports indicate all six died as a result of smoke/soot inhalation, according to information from the Hardin County Sheriff's Office. > > HARDIN COUNTY: No foul play suspected in kayaker's death Hardin County Sheriff Mark Davis told BeaumontEnterprise.com on Friday that investigators have ruled out arson. "At this point, no foul play is suspected, they're not finding anything that says this was an intentional act," he said. "We're still leaning toward some type of an electrical issue." "Unfortunately, it was a total loss, which makes the evidence and reconstruction very hard and time-consuming," Davis said. The State Fire Marshal's Office said the investigation is moving slowly due to a number of other fires they're investigating, he said. Firefighters responded to the call in the 8700 block of Fountain Drive at 12:15 a.m. Wednesday, Daivs said. They lived in a freestanding apartment behind another home that belonged to the grandparents, Davis said. That home was not damaged. > > HARDIN COUNTY: Appeals court will review ruling in fatal 2014 crash The Hardin County Sheriff's Office is working the investigation with the Texas State Fire Marshals to determine the cause of the blaze but Davis said that preliminary investigations do not indicate suspicious circumstances. "It's just horrendous," Davis said. "It is a sad and unfortunate incident that claimed the life of an entire family. I think everyone is in a state of shock and it has been very emotional for the firemen at the scene ... There wasn't a dry eye. " The two eldest children were students at Silsbee Elementary and Edwards-Johnson Memorial Silsbee Middle School, according to Communications Director Daniel Elizondo. > > SE TEXAS: Man killed in accident at Port Arthur silos The Silsbee Independent School District released the following statement: "Silsbee ISD is deeply saddened to learn the news of a family in Silsbee that lost their lives in a house fire. News of this nature is not easy by any means, especially in our a close-knit community. We offer prayers to those close to the family and our first responders as they cope with this devastating tragedy. We have learned two children lost in this fire were students at Silsbee ISD, and our staff will be offering support to the campuses as needed. Silsbee ISD will ensure that our students and staff will be comforted during this difficult time." There will be two vigils for the family Wednesday night: One at 6:30 p.m. at Silsbee High School, and one from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Cathedral of the Pines Church in Beaumont. Orange County officials discovered human remains in a wooded area near MacArthur Drive in Pinehurst on Monday, they announced Thursday morning. Detectives from the Sheriff's Office were investigating a report of a missing person, which led them to the area north of the 2600 block of MacArthur, Captain Cliff Hargrave said in a press release. A substitute teacher in Killeen was removed from an elementary school the teacher duct-taped the mouths of 10 fifth-graders Thursday, school officials said. A total of 13 students were sent to the nurse's office at Maxdale Elementary School Thursday after the substitute teacher taped 10 of their mouths closed, and three other student followed suit in reaction to the educator's actions, Killeen Independent School District officials said in a statement. Sales at a Northern Ireland construction company have soared by more than 100m. (stock pic) Sales at a Northern Ireland construction company have soared by more than 100m. Northstone NI is headquartered in Belfast and has a workforce of around 1,150. The business is a subsidiary of the Republic's biggest trading company, CRH plc, and is one of Northern Ireland's best-known construction groups. While its pre-tax profits were almost flat at 4.34m for the year ending December 31, 2016, turnover rose from 261m to 375m. In a strategic report accompanying the results, the company said the static profits were caused by contracts "secured at a time of very competitive pricing in the market". The report added the business was expecting "modest growth" this year. "The year saw a return to growth, albeit, as forecast, at reduced profitability," it said "The reduced profitability largely resulted from the execution of construction contracts secured at a time of very competitive pricing in the market. "The directors anticipate modest growth in 2017, albeit at competitive margins." Northstone NI also revealed that "the directors aim to continuously upgrade the company's production facilities and to continue seeking opportunities to acquire new business within its existing area of expertise". The company provides goods and services to the construction industry through its three trading divisions, Farrans Construction, Cubis Industries and Northstone Materials. Farrans Construction, a contractor on Victoria Square, the Odyssey Arena and the Westlink, provides conventional contracting, design and build. It works in the education, healthcare, utility and infrastructure sectors of the industry, among others. Cubis Industries is a leader in pre-formed access chamber systems. Earlier this year, CRH chief executive Albert Manifold insisted that the firm's US businesses would not supply materials for the building of US President Donald Trump's planned wall between America and Mexico. The construction firm is the biggest building materials supplier in North America, where it generated sales of 14.2bn (12.2bn) last year, most of it from the United States. Just over half of those sales were connected to infrastructure projects, such as highways. Mr Manifold said that CRH's geographic spread in the US was primarily concentrated on the north-east and mid-west. "We've a broad-based business through the United States - in fact we're present in all 50 states," he added. "But one area where we do not have any significant presence is in the extreme south of the United States. The materials we supply are local by nature." He told how CRH had "no significant operations anywhere near" areas including southern Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and southern California - states where Mr Trump's wall will be built if the plan goes ahead. Mr Manifold pointed out that while CRH has a presence in Texas, it mainly does business in cities such as Dallas, Fort Worth and Austin. Last year, CRH sold its 25% stake in Israel's only cement firm, Mashav, ending a focus of significant controversy for the group. CRH's annual general meetings had been targeted by pro-Palestinian activists who wanted it to sell the holding. Cement produced by Mashav had been used to build sections of the wall that separates Israel from the Palestinian West Bank. A Londonderry priest has called on the Catholic Church to acknowledge changing times and "take another look" at its position on celibacy and women priests. Fr Paddy O'Kane, of Holy Family Church in Ballymagroarty, said such a move could help address a growing crisis which has left a quarter of parishes around the world without a resident priest. "Many priests might choose to be celibate, but for those who want to get married it should be an option," he added. Fr O'Kane warned the shortage of clergy is impacting on dioceses across Ireland. "Priest-less parishes are appearing all over Ireland and may be here in this diocese before long," he added. "The Church needs to adapt to these changing times. We may have to take another look at celibacy and women priests." Writing for Derry Now, Fr O'Kane also hinted that Pope Francis may soon fulfil a special request by Brazilian bishops to allow married Anglican converts to resume their priestly ministries. Such a move in a country which has 140 million Catholics would alleviate the severe problem which is also manifesting itself throughout Ireland. Earlier this year the Pope said he may consider ordaining married men - under very specific circumstances - to counter the shortage of clergy, but ruled out dropping celibacy as a requirement for the priesthood. "This year the national seminary in Maynooth had only eight students entering to study for the priesthood - half of these will probably leave during their training," Fr O'Kane said. The priest admitted that while his own celibacy had allowed him to live a life devoted to serving others, it had come at a personal cost. "There are times I miss having a family and there are many times of loneliness and there have been times I have only held on to my faith by a hair's breadth," he said. Fr O'Kane also expressed surprise at the number of pilgrims he has encountered who support a change in position. UK retail sales dropped sharply in September despite an underlying trend of steady growth in the face of rising prices, figures show. UK retail sales dropped sharply in September despite an underlying trend of steady growth in the face of rising prices, figures show. There was an unexpectedly sharp fall of 0.8% last month, reversing a surge in August, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The quantity bought in the UK's retail sector rose 1.2% in September from the same month in 2016, down from 2.3% growth in the year to August and well below the expected 2.3%, ONS data showed. However, the ONS said the underlying retail pattern was one of growth, with the three-month measure showing sales were up 0.6%. Monthly figures showed sales fell 0.8%, with non-food stores having the most impact on the drop. ONS senior statistician Kate Davies said: "September's retail sales saw a monthly decline of 0.8%, reversing August's growth. "However, there is a continuation of the underlying trend of steady growth in sales volumes following a weak start to the year, and a background of generally rising prices. "These increased costs are reflected in the more rapid growth in the amount spent when compared with the quantity bought." Store prices continue to rise across all store types and are at their highest year-on-year price growth since March 2012 at 3.3%, the ONS said. Online sales values increased year-on-year by 14%, accounting for approximately 17% of all retail spending. Ian Gilmartin, head of retail and wholesale at Barclays Corporate Banking, said: "It's important to avoid overstating the negatives in September's retail sales, as retailers did manage to post year-on-year growth despite the range of headwinds they are battling currently. "However, sales were down compared to a month earlier, with the expected dip following August's strong result worse than predicted. "Footfall struggled, in part due to a wetter-than-usual September, with continued double digit increases in online sales coming to the rescue." The latest overall footfall figures for Northern Ireland showed it suffered a 4% slump in September - double August's rate of decline. Visits to high streets and retail parks declined most sharply at 6.1% - the worst fall anywhere in the UK, according to the report from the NI Retail Consortium and research body Springboard. Geordie Shore star Gaz Beadle will make a personal appearance in Belfast later this month. The reality star will be at DV8 in Castle Place on Saturday, October 28 to officially present his 11 Degrees clothing line to the Northern Ireland market. Known for his appearances on Geordie Shore and Ex On The Beach, Beadle created the clothing range after feeling men's high street shopping had become "somewhat stale". DV8 Internet Manager, Anthony Robb, said: DV8 are proud to be the leading retailer of 11 Degrees in the UK and we are delighted to welcome Gaz to our Castle Place store. "We are sure that Gazs fans will jump at the opportunity to meet him in person and welcome him to Belfast. DV8 Social Media Manager, Emma Lavery, added: 11 Degrees has always been popular with our followers, we are excited to have Gaz introduce the new 11 Degrees collection in person to our customers. Beadle's arrival time at the Belfast site will be confirmed in the coming weeks. The BBC Good Food Show comes to Belfast next month - and we have some mouth-watering recipes for you to try ahead of the big show. Former Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain, The Hairy Bikers, Michelin-star chef Michel Roux and MasterChefs John Torode are among the top chefs and experts taking part in this year's event. Organisers say the show will include a great range of Northern Irelands very best producers of food, drink and artisan products. The line-up of top celebrity chefs and culinary experts will also keep the crowds entertained with demonstrations, tastings, interviews, and book signings. To whet your appetite for whats in store, try these mouth-watering recipes: 1. Creme de Crecy (Cream of Carrot Soup) by Michel Roux Serves: 6 Ingredients: 750g large carrots 1 onion white 60g bacon fat (or veg oil) 50g round rice 100g butter 1 bunch mixed colour heritage carrots 2.2lt chicken stock (or vegetable stock) salt pepper Method: Peel and finely slice the carrots and onion. Sweat in the fat or in oil gently until tender. Add the rice and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes Add the stock and simmer for 20 minutes until cooked. Season and then place in a food processor to blitz until smooth. Whisk in the butter and serve with slithers of the heritage carrots. Recipe taken from The French Kitchen cookbook by Weidenfield and Nicolson 2. Cheesy Feet Biscuits & Roasted Pepper Dip by Nadiya Hussain Ingredients: 200g plain flour, sifted (plus extra for dusting the surface) 200g unsalted butter, chilled 200g mature cheddar cheese, finely grated 1 tsp mustard powder 1 tsp garlic granules 5 tbsp water Method: Preheat the oven to 170C fan/gas mark 5. Cut the cold butter into small cubes then rub into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Now add the cheese, mustard powder and garlic. Add the water and bring the dough together into a mound. Wrap the dough in clingfilm and chill for 30 minutes in the fridge. Line two baking trays with greaseproof paper. Take more greaseproof paper and trace over the template of the stocking. Dust the work surface with flour and roll out the chilled dough to the thickness of about half a centimetre. Lay your template on the dough and cut around it with a knife. Take each stocking and put them on the prepared baking trays. Chill the biscuits in the fridge for 20 minutes, or until firm to the touch. Prick the base of all the biscuits with a fork. This will let air escape, making your biscuits nice and flat for decorating later. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and leave to cool on the tray for 15 minutes. Transfer the biscuits to a wire rack and leave to cool completely. Recipe taken from Nadiya's Bake Me a Festive Story Expand Close Pictured: Michel Roux / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Pictured: Michel Roux 3. Pears in Red Wine by Michel Roux Expand Close Pears in Red Wine / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Pears in Red Wine Serves: 6 Ingredients: 6 pears, still a little firm 1 bottle red wine (Pinot or Gamay) 200g Caster sugar 1 cinnamon stick 1 vanilla pod, split 6 black peppercorns 1 strip of orange peel 4 tablespoons creme de cassis Method: Peel and core the pears, taking care to leave the stalks in place. Put all the remaining ingredients, except the creme de cassis, into a pan and bring to the boil. Add the pears, make sure they are submerged and cover with greaseproof paper. Simmer for 20 minutes or until tender, then leave to cool. Add the creme de cassis and chill in the refrigerator overnight. If you want thicker syrup, decant the liquid and boil until it is reduced by a third. Serve with creme fraiche. Recipe taken from A Life in the Kitchen cookbook by Weidenfield and Nicolson 4. Doughnut Bread Pudding Serves: 8-10 Ingredients: butter for greasing 6 jam doughnuts, cut in half horizontally to make two circles 200ml whole milk 300ml double cream 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste 40g caster sugar 3 large eggs 1 tsp icing sugar Method: Preheat the oven to 170C fan/gas mark 5. Generously grease a 23cm square dish. Lay out the doughnuts with the jam facing up. Add the milk, cream, vanilla, sugar and eggs to a jug and give it all a good whisk. Pour the mixture over the doughnuts, gently pressing them down so they are submerged. Put the dish to one side for 30 minutes, so the doughnuts can soak up the mixture. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, until the centre of the pudding is slightly wobbly. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes. Dust with the icing sugar before serving. Recipe taken from Nadiyas Bake Me a Festive Story A Northern Ireland woman has told how she owes her life to a telethon after it prompted her to check herself - and just one week later she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Sabrina Devlin's life was turned upside down in November 2012 at the age of 34. The 39-year-old Hilltown woman said: "As I sat at home watching the annual Cancer Research UK Stand Up to Cancer telethon about other people battling cancer. I had no idea it was about to save my life. "I had noticed a small lump in my right breast six months before, which I had assumed was a cyst or milk duct, and had thought nothing more of. "But as I watched the programme and saw the effect cancer has on families, I just thought to myself 'I have to get this checked out'." Sabrina - who has three daughters, Cecilia (21), Jessica (16), Molly (7), and a son Patrick (14) - went to the doctors and was then referred to the breast clinic at Craigavon. She was diagnosed within a week. She recalled the moment she realised the seriousness of what was happening, asking the doctor: "Am I going to die?" "I realised how serious it was when the doctor said they were going to do everything in their power to make sure that didn't happen," Sabrina said. "Those are the words which stuck in my head, but coming home I made the decision to be brave and take control of it. "The hardest part was telling everyone, telling my children and family members. "How do you put it into words? My eldest daughter was 16 the next day and having to tell her for her 16th birthday was not nice. It is something she will always remember." Sabrina went on to have a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and reconstruction surgery. As she was concerned about losing her hair, she shaved her head and then had a hairpiece made to look like her hair. "No one knew I had my head shaved and it was a shock then when I pulled the hairpiece off," she said. "I never felt I had to hide away. I was very open and honest about my treatment and I always hoped my story could help raise awareness for young women." Sabrina decided to opt for reconstruction surgery after her mastectomy because she "wanted a breast shape again because I was so young and wanted to feel feminine". But the operation was not what she hoped for and she was put on the waiting list for further surgery. The brave mother then became part of the Here I Am support group for cancer survivors in Northern Ireland and took part in a photoshoot along with others to tell their story. "They were looking for people for a campaign to show their scars and talk about their cancer journey," she said. "If someone had asked me a year before if I'd do it, I would have said no, but after the surgery I wanted to help others and spread awareness." Four years on, Sabrina was overwhelmed by the response she got when she shared on Facebook an image of a mastectomy tattoo she had done. She said: "I was so happy and I knew that was what I needed." Sabrina is now a proud grandmother to little Ellie, aged one, who was born close to the anniversary of her diagnosis. She said: "It was a huge thing for me to be here for her birth and now every year, instead of dreading the anniversary of the diagnosis, I have her to focus on. "I am determined to make a stand against this disease. Research saves lives." To support Stand Up To Cancer visit www.standuptocancer.org.uk or channel4.co.uk/SU2C James Brokenshire has said the latest date for a deal to return to powersharing would be October 30 Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire has urged the region's politicians to reach a powersharing deal, saying he does not wish to see devolution end but his ultimate responsibility is ensuring some form of government. Mr Brokenshire revealed on Wednesday that the absolute latest date for the parties to reach an agreement to return to the powersharing Executive would be October 30. In a written statement, Mr Brokenshire urged the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein to reach an agreement by this date. He said: "I, the UK Government, and the Irish Government, want the parties to reach an agreement and restore devolved government in Northern Ireland. But my ultimate responsibility is to the people of Northern Ireland. "The UK Government will do what is necessary to provide the stability required to ensure communities in Northern Ireland are not disadvantaged by the continued absence of devolved government." He added: "Next year will be the 20th anniversary of the Belfast Agreement. "It behoves us all to do what we can to ensure that that historic date is not marked by an increasingly hands-on UK government, but instead by a functioning Northern Ireland executive. This remains my overriding priority." Powersharing collapsed in January this year, as the late Sinn Fein leader Martin McGuinness pulled out of the executive in protest, citing concerns at how his counterparts in the DUP handled allegations of mismanaging a renewable energy scheme. The parties have since failed to reach an agreement to return to Stormont, with divisions remaining over culture and the Irish language. Sinn Fein have said they will not return to government unless the DUP agrees to the introduction of a standalone Irish language act. The DUP have rejected this, with DUP leader Arlene Foster instead proposing a "cross-community" bill which would include both the Irish language and Ulster Scots. Mr Brokenshire said some progress had been made in talks. However, they stalled at the end of last week as issues around language and culture remained unresolved. Mr Brokenshire has said if a deal is not reached by October 30, he will be forced to begin greater and greater "UK intervention" including passing a budget for Northern Ireland in Westminster. Retired rugby star Simon Danielli spent more than 500 on five listening devices from the Online Spy Shop, a judge heard on Friday. Despite Simon Danielli previously claiming under oath in the witness box that it was "ridiculous" to suggest he was involved in using bugging or listening devices at the marital home, as a result of disclosure applications it has transpired the 37-year-old bought: Two voice activated adapter plugs A CSB listening device which calls the owner when it hears noise, allowing the person to listen in A USB voice recorder stick PRO A pen camera HD recorder Four of the devices, the court heard, were bought from the Online Spy Shop where, as highlighted by defence QC Eugene Grant, the sellers declare: "is your partner playing away? Get the proof....!" The CSB listening device, was purchased from Amazon. Mr Danielli, who was a winger for Ulster and Scotland before he retired from professional rugby in 2012, was not present at Antrim courthouse on Friday where his estranged wife Olivia Danielli is applying to have quashed her conviction for causing criminal damage to a Jaguar car. Earlier this year mother-of-three, 30-year-old Mrs Danielli, from the Marino Station Road in Holywood, was convicted of damaging the wing mirror and bonnet of a Jaguar XF in August 2015. Expand Close Olivia Danielli appears at Antrim Court on Friday. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Olivia Danielli appears at Antrim Court on Friday. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Magistrates Court Judge Mark Hamill fined her 500 and ordered her to pay the 1,800 cost of repairing the damage she caused, telling Mrs Danielli she "attacked the car to get back at him quite clearly and this, I am afraid, is nonsense on stilts". In March this year the same judge convicted Simon Danielli of assaulting Michael Brown, a man he alleged was having an affair with his wife, and fined him 500 but acquitted the ex-rugby star of assaulting Mrs Danielli arising from the same incident on 11 March 2015. In relation to the allegation of criminal damage faced by Mrs Danielli, it is the Crown case that enraged over a baby sitting issue, she used the metal handle of an umbrella to break the wing mirror off which she then threw at the bonnet of the luxury 38k motor. The defence contend however that while Mr Danielli was the registered keeper of the car and had paid a deposit for it, the top of the range Jaguar was bought and paid for by his wife's family's businesses, run by her father, multi-millionaire property developer Seamus Jennings so she should be acquitted as it's legally impossible to cause criminal damage to your own belongings. The last time the appeal sat, at the end of June, Mr Danielli denied ever buying or using listening devices, lambasting Mr Grant's questions as "ridiculous" and "purely for the media". He later claimed he had used the plug in, voice-activated recording device to monitor his son's bedroom while the device designed to look like a USB stick was used to record university lectures. The court also heard the retired rugby international twice tested positive for cocaine in November and December 2015. While "traces of cocaine" were found in the system of Mr Danielli, he had alleged his estranged wife Olivia "looked liked she was on drugs" when she attacked his car in August 2015 but her urine samples and tests on a hair follicle proved negative. In court on Friday forensic scientist with expertise in digital devices Tom Marriot, confirmed that in all bar one device, the CSB listening device, each item had its own memory card to allow the contents to be uploaded to a computer. While four were audio devices, he said the pen had a "small lens" so could be used to record video footage as well which was then stored in an internal memory card. Asked about the CSB device, Mr Marriot told Mr Grant it was a little smaller than a matchbox which the owner could either call to listen in or alternatively, when the device heard a noise, it would call a specified phone number "and will transmit the audio" from wherever it had been placed. He told the lawyer that while a normal USB stick was between 5-20, the device Mr Danielli purchased was 129. "From your professional expertise, is there any advantage of this particular item at 129 to record lectures over a simple dictaphone," asked the lawyer and Mr Marriot replied "I'm not aware of any advantages". A second expert also gave evidence that he had examined audio recordings uncovered on a Mac book which belonged to Mr Danielli and found them to be "consistent" with the way audio recordings were stored on the various devices. Previously described as "distinctly creepy" behaviour, the court has heard the defence team are in possession of 6,000 audio recordings uncovered on the laptop. In his evidence digital forensic investigator Rory Donnelly said the format of the files were consistent with the way the devices stored recordings. Under cross examination from prosecuting lawyer Laura Ievers, Mr Donnelly agreed that while the formats were consistent with each other, he could not say "that they had originated from the recording devices examined." The UK's International Trade Secretary Liam Fox has met separately with leaders from Sinn Fein and the DUP during a visit to Northern Ireland. / Credit: PA The UK's International Trade Secretary Liam Fox has met separately with leaders from Sinn Fein and the DUP during a visit to Northern Ireland. Following her meeting on Friday with Secretary Fox, Sinn Fein's leader in Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill said she had made it clear the Tory Brexit agenda would have "disastrous consequences" for the Good Friday Agreement. "In [Friday's] meeting we told Liam Fox it is clear that he and his fellow Brexiteers in the Tory cabinet simply regard the north and its people as collateral damage in the Brexit process," she said. "It is clear the Tories are floundering over Brexit as their approach to these negotiations is being rejected by the EU. In fact the only people now supporting the Tories on Brexit appear to be the DUP, regardless of the dire consequences for the people of the north." Mrs O'Neill also reiterated Sinn Fein's position that Northern Ireland should be granted special status within the EU. DUP leader Arlene Foster was accompanied by former Economy Minister Simon Hamilton in her meeting with Mr Fox. Focusing on trade issues, Mrs Foster said her party "greatly welcome Dr Fox's visit and keen interest in Northern Ireland" and invited the Board of Trade to meet in Northern Ireland. The Board of Trade is a British government department first established in the early 17th century that was historically important in regulating domestic and international commerce. It was reconvened this month by Liam Fox "to help boost trade, attract inward investors and ensure the benefits of free trade are spread equally across the country". "If we want to move our economy forward then not only do we have to build on our phenomenal success in attracting inward investment but we equally have to work with our firms to increase their sales outside of Northern Ireland," said the DUP leader. "We are keen that companies continue to work with Invest NI but we also want them to work with Dr Fox's Department and their team around the world. The Department of International Trade have a huge footprint across the globe and can offer particularly financial and export credit assistance to companies as they trade globally." The Prince of Wales meets well-wishers outside the Eglinton Community Centre in Londonderry during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods. Laura Hutton/PA Wire The Prince of Wales meets well-wishers outside the Eglinton Community Centre in Londonderry during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods. Laura Hutton/PA Wire The Prince of Wales meets well-wishers outside the Eglinton Community Centre in Londonderry during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods. Laura Hutton/PA Wire The Prince of Wales meets well-wishers outside the YMCA Londonderry at Drumahoe and Eglinton Community Centre, in Londonderry, during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods.Brian Lawless/PA Wire The Prince of Wales meets well-wishers outside the YMCA Londonderry at Drumahoe and Eglinton Community Centre, in Londonderry, during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods. Brian Lawless/PA Wire The Prince of Wales meets well-wishers outside the YMCA Londonderry at Drumahoe and Eglinton Community Centre, in Londonderry, during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods. Brian Lawless/PA Wire The Prince of Wales arrives at the YMCA Londonderry at Drumahoe, in Londonderry, during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods.Brian Lawless/PA Wire The Prince of Wales meets well-wishers outside the YMCA Londonderry at Drumahoe, in Londonderry, during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods. Brian Lawless/PA Wire The Prince of Wales during a visit to the YMCA Londonderry at Drumahoe, in Londonderry, during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods. Brian Lawless/PA Wire The Prince of Wales meets well-wishers outside the YMCA Londonderry at Drumahoe, in Londonderry, during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods. Brian Lawless/PA Wire The Prince of Wales during a visit to the YMCA Londonderry at Drumahoe, in Londonderry, during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods. Brian Lawless/PA Wire The Prince of Wales during a visit to the YMCA Londonderry at Drumahoe, in Londonderry, during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods. Brian Lawless/PA Wire The Prince of Wales waves to well-wishers outside the Eglinton Community Centre in Londonderry during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods. Laura Hutton/PA Wire The Prince of Wales during a visit to the YMCA Londonderry at Drumahoe, in Londonderry, during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods. Brian Lawless/PA Wire The Prince of Wales waves to well-wishers outside the Eglinton Community Centre in Londonderry during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods. Laura Hutton/PA Wire The Prince of Wales meets well-wishers outside the Eglinton Community Centre in Londonderry during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods. Laura Hutton/PA Wire The Prince of Wales at the Eglinton Community Centre in Londonderry during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods. Laura Hutton/PA Wire The Prince of Wales at the Eglinton Community Centre in Londonderry during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods. Laura Hutton/PA Wire The Prince of Wales at the Eglinton Community Centre in Londonderry during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods. Laura Hutton/PA Wire The Prince of Wales speaks to poultry farmers Nicola Hempton, her husband Thomas and their daughter 11-week-old Lyla, during a visit to the YMCA Londonderry at Drumahoe, in Londonderry, during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods. Brian Lawless/PA Wire The Prince of Wales at the Eglinton Community Centre in Londonderry during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods. Laura Hutton/PA Wire The Mayor of Derry will not meet Prince Charles on Friday during the Royal visit to areas affected by recent flooding. In a statement Sinn Fein Councillor Maoliosa McHugh said his decision was down to legacy issues. Mr McHugh said the meeting would be "premature" due to the Prince of Wales' role as Colonel in Chief of the Parachute Regiment. Thirteen people were killed on January 30 1972 by members of the Parachute Regiment after soldiers opened fire on a civil rights march in Londonderry. Another victim of the shootings died months later. In a statement Mr McHugh said: As a Sinn Fein elected representative, and Mayor of Derry and Strabane I am fully committed to reconciliation and to reaching out to the unionist community. I also recognise the positive contribution made by members of the British Royal family to the search for reconciliation and the need for greater understanding of the different narratives, which exist here. Todays visit to Derry by Prince Charles is difficult for many families in the city given his ongoing role as Colonel in Chief of the Parachute Regiment. "And while I have supported meetings between Sinn Fein and members of the British Royal family, I believe that meeting him in Derry is premature given the ongoing and unresolved sensitivities around the legacy of the massacre carried out by that Regiment. Therefore, the Deputy Mayor will deputise for me today. In 2016 the late Martin McGuinness met the Prince of Wales at Hillsborough Castle. Prince Charles held separate meetings with the then First Minister Arlene Foster and the former deputy First Minister. Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close The Prince of Wales with the late Martin McGuinness at Hillsborough Castle, County Down on May 24, 2016. Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams and Sean Haughey meet the Prince of Wales during a reception at Glencairn House, Dublin in the Republic of Ireland. PA PA The Prince Of Wales shakes hands with Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams at the start of the four-day royal visit to Ireland Getty Images Close up of the handshake between Gerry Adams and Prince Charles Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Prince of Wales with the late Martin McGuinness at Hillsborough Castle, County Down on May 24, 2016. In 2017 Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams also met and shook hands with Prince Charles in May 2017 during his visit to the Republic of Ireland. They first met in May 2015 where they shared a historic handshake during a visit to the National University of Ireland, Galway, where he shook hands with Mr Adams over a cup of tea. Speaking afterwards, Mr Adams told reporters: "I said 'cead mile failte aris'. "I told him in Irish and English that it was good he was back in Ireland." Read More On Friday DUP MP Gregory Campbell accused the Sinn Fein mayor of "retreating to the backwoods of republicanism". Mr Campbell said: Over two years ago Gerry Adams met with Prince Charles. He and Martin McGuinness were able to spend twenty minutes in a private meeting with him. Only six months ago Mr Adams shared a handshake with Prince Charles on the final day of his tour of the Republic of Ireland. "Today, the Sinn Fein Mayor of Londonderry is retreating to the comfort of backwoods republicanism. We hear a great deal from republicans about respect and criticisms of unionism for not reaching out to recognise other cultures and traditions. "It is clear however that Maoliosa McHugh does not believe such responsibilities extend to him. He has no problem putting on the Mayoral chain to visit a dissident republican in prison but cannot represent the citizens of Londonderry when someone such as Prince Charles visits the city." DUP MLA Gary Middleton added: The focus on Prince Charles association with the Parachute Regiment is yet more republican double standards. Sinn Fein are the first to criticise anyone who dare bring up the activities of the Provisional IRA in Londonderry or anywhere else. "Indeed, they regularly lambast anyone who cannot forget their role in a campaign of terrorism which of course included the murder of two Police officers just before Bloody Sunday. "It would be very useful to know what the views of other more senior members of Sinn Fein take on this calculated snub. Do the actions of Mr McHugh have the backing and support of his party? On Friday Prince Charles spoke with those caught up in the downpours in August in which homes were flooded, cars washed into rivers and infrastructure badly damaged. Charles visited the YMCA Londonderry at Drumahoe and Eglinton Community Centre on the outskirts of Derry. Read More Some residents remain in temporary housing after the storms hit Northern Ireland on August 22 with 63% of the area's average rainfall for that month falling within a nine-hour period. The resulting floods left 120 people in need of rescue and damaged 510 properties. PSNI chief constable George Hamilton is to appear in front of the Northern Ireland Affairs committee. Northern Ireland's most senior police officer will appear before the committee on Wednesday, almost a week after it was revealed he is under investigation by the Police Ombudsman over allegations of misconduct. During the session Mr Hamilton will also be questioned on the difficulties of policing without a devolved government in place. He has previously said not having political leadership in place puts an added pressure on the police force. In a statement, the committee said: "The need for long-term planning comes at a crucial time, with competing Brexit scenarios creating a range of outcomes for Northern Ireland, most notably concerning the border. "The committee will investigate what contingency plans PSNI have made, including how they plan to combat organised crime and smuggling. They will also examine the importance of cross-border co-operation on security, and the maintenance of UK access to the European Arrest Warrant. "The Committee will also seek an update on key legacy issues including the funding and capacity to carry out investigations." This year's Belfast Poppy Day is set to go off with a war-time swing with help from three-part harmony group The Victory Rollers singing classics from The Andrews Sisters, Vera Lynn and Glenn Miller Band. The Royal British Legion will host the big day on Saturday October 28, when scores of enthusiastic volunteers are expected to take to the streets of Belfast city centre to collect funds for the Poppy Appeal. The money will help support veterans, serving personnel and their families. Last year, Belfast Poppy Day raised more than 5,000 in one day. The RBL Pop-In Centre in Fountain Street will be the centre of operations for the event. The Poppy Appeal raised more than 1.3m in Northern Ireland last year. The funds raised will help provide lifelong support to the Armed Forces community. Belfast shoppers were in shock at the price of a block of butter - and there are fears it could get more expensive in the run up to Christmas. Northern Ireland's top gourmet food producer Abernethy Butter expressed fears the price of a pound of butter could hit 6 for the festive period. We took 500g of butter into Belfast city centre to see if they were aware of just how much the cost of a block of gold was in today's prices. "4 are you serious, I have never heard of butter costing that much in my life," said one shopper. Another added that despite the price they had no option but to buy it. "We'll be on dry bread before long," said another. While on social media, one Facebook user quipped: "You'll need a payment plan soon... It'll help spread the cost." Gerry Adams has accused the Taoiseach of "behaving in a reckless way" after reports that Sinn Fein's Stormont leader had been overruled on a deal with the DUP by other senior republicans. Both British and Irish government sources concurred with an Irish Times report suggesting Michelle O'Neill was reined in as she attempted a compromise deal with DUP leader Arlene Foster to restore power-sharing. Mr Adams described the briefings by Irish government sources as "untruthful". "There was malicious, shameful, untruthful briefing of the media about the state of the talks last week and particularly shameful and untruthful allegations made by government sources about our leader in the North, Michelle O'Neill," he said. However, Mrs Foster appeared to confirm the briefings in a speech earlier this week when she said Sinn Fein was "playing games" in the talks, with proposals put "forward one day and withdrawn the next". Meanwhile, Mr Adams has been the butt of jokes after he slipped up in a Dail debate. While debating the impact of pension anomalies Mr Adams noted that in many cases the problem cost pensioners up to 30 a week. "30 is a bottle of wine ," he said, before the Dail erupted into jeers. Deputies later joked about the newest addition to the members' restaurant: 'Gerry's wine list'. For just 30, one can pick up a bottle of the finest ShIRAz, 'chateau de kneepcap' or, as coined by Fine Gael's Noel Rock, 'provo-secco'. It was also pointed out that Mr Adams is well used to lavish dinners in cities such as New York, where wealthy donors pay $500 each to hear about Sinn Fein's dream of one day bringing about a United Ireland. Caitriona Ruane said she has donated her deputy speaker salary to charities TUV leader Jim Allister says he is delighted that his actions led to the resignation of a Sinn Fein politician who continued as a Stormont speaker despite not being an MLA. Caitriona Ruane last night announced that she had "resigned with immediate effect as principal deputy speaker" after Mr Allister had highlighted how she had retained the 55,000 a year job even though she hadn't stood for re-election to the Assembly. In a statement, Sinn Fein distanced itself from the former high-profile MLA who served as Stormont Education Minister for four years. "Caitriona Ruane was no longer an MLA after March this year. Any arrangements she may have come to with the Assembly were her own affair," it said. Ms Ruane didn't run in the Spring poll but Assembly procedures meant the speaker, principal deputy speaker, and two deputy speakers retained their roles after an election until a fresh team of speakers is elected at the start of a new mandate. With no new Assembly formed in the wake of the March election, Ms Ruane had continued in her role. Mr Allister claimed that receiving public money for a post no longer held was a "scandalous situation". Announcing her resignation, Ms Ruane said she had donated her salary to charities and community groups. Mr Allister said he believed that if he hadn't highlighted the issue, she would be continuing in her role and claiming the salary. "I am delighted to have forced her hand," the TUV leader added. "But it is incredible that after standing down as an MLA, she thought for one minute that she could continue to cling to the office of principal deputy speaker of an Assembly in which she no longer belonged to." Mr Allister pointed out that the former UUP MLA Danny Kennedy, who lost his Newry and Armagh Assembly seat in March, had resigned his job as deputy speaker. In her statement, Ms Ruane said: "I have put on record with the Assembly last March I would be donating the salary to a wide range of charities. I can confirm that I have donated the monies received to charities and community groups including an Irish language group, a group for the elderly, an LGBT group, and a charity for children with disabilities." She continued: "I never anticipated that the election of a new speaker and deputy speaker would be so protracted and I have come to the conclusion that now is the time to tender my resignation. "I hope in the interests of the people of the North that the institutions are restored and a new speaker and deputy speaker are elected as soon as possible." Ms Ruane was best known for her move to abolish the 11-plus transfer test while Education Minister in 2008. Announcing in January that she wouldn't be standing for re-election, she said she was proud of her role "in abolishing the 11-plus exam, tackling underachievement, improving educational attainment and excellence for all, investing in the Irish medium sector and delivering the largest school building programme in decades". Ms Ruane added that she was also pleased to have helped "to promote equality issues in the Assembly at every opportunity; equality for the LGBT community, for Irish language speakers and for women". The former South Down MLA had been a prominent member of the 'Bring Them Home' campaign for the Colombia Three who were arrested in Bogota in 2001. She did not explicitly explain why she stood down as an MLA after 14 years at Stormont. Ibrahim Halawa was acquitted of all charges in Egypt after four years in jail An Irishman released from an Egyptian jail after four years behind bars has described his joy at being a free man. Ibrahim Halawa's release came a month after he was acquitted of all charges related to a mass Muslim Brotherhood protest in Cairo in 2013. The 21-year-old from Firhouse in Dublin posted a message on Facebook thanking all those who had worked to secure his release, particularly staff at the Irish embassy. "Finally the day where I can see the sky without bars, smell fresh air, walk freely and smile deeply from the bottom of my heart," he wrote. "But I miss one thing and it's being home." He added: " Thank you to everyone who helped. I love you all." Mr Halawa is expected to fly home in the coming days once a number of immigration requirements are completed in Egypt. He was jailed after being arrested in a mosque amid protests over the removal of the then Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi. He was one of almost 500 people in a protracted mass trial. His three sisters, Somaia, Fatima and Omaima, were also arrested during the crackdown on the 2013 protest but later released on bail and returned to Dublin. They were acquitted following trial in absentia. Back in Dublin there were joyous scenes at the Halawa home as his family reacted to news of his release. Somaia Halawa spoke of their joy. "Yesterday was a day I can't describe, we were all over the moon," she said. "Finally we were able to sleep for the first time in four years. "I was able to finally continue my life normally, I was able to laugh without trying to pretend I am okay, trying to pretend everything was okay when it was not." She hailed Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney's efforts to secure her brother's release. "They worked so hard towards getting him released," she told BBC Radio Ulster. Mr Varadkar has said his government is working to reunite him with his family. Giving his response to the release as he arrived for the European Council summit in Brussels, the Taoiseach said: "Really, really delighted to hear that Ibrahim Halawa has been released from prison." "He's receiving full consular assistance at the moment. "We are helping him to get back to Ireland to be reunited with his family and get on with his life and his studies." "He spent far too long in an Egyptian prison." He also appealed for the family's wishes for privacy to be respected. Mr Coveney said he expected Mr Halawa to return to Ireland on Sunday or Monday. He explained that he needed to get an immigration stamp from the Egyptian authorities before he could fly home. Mr Halawa was cleared last month of all charges connected to mass protests during the Muslim Brotherhood's so-called Day of Rage. A student and son of a prominent Muslim cleric in Dublin, Sheikh Hussein Halawa, he was prosecuted in a mass trial after being detained in a mosque near Ramses Square in Cairo. He was 17 at the time of his arrest. Leo Varadkar said he was heartened by the PM's strengthened language on the border issue (Brian Lawless/PA) Theresa May has said Europe agreed that there will be no physical border on the island of Ireland after Brexit. The Prime Minister said it was vital that the UKs split from the EU has no impact on the Northern Ireland peace process. At the close of her involvement in the European Council summit in Brussels, Ms May said the Good Friday Agreement must be at the heart of any deal. The PM said: Northern Irelands unique circumstances demand specific solutions. Expand Close Theresa May speaks during a media conference at the EU summit in Brussels (Olivier Matthys/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Theresa May speaks during a media conference at the EU summit in Brussels (Olivier Matthys/AP) Its vital that joint work on the peace process is not affected in any way. Its too important for that. Both sides agree that there cannot be any physical infrastructure at the border. The PM said European leaders also gave commitments that the Common Travel Area between Britain and Ireland should be protected. Earlier, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar revealed Ms May had made the British position clear on no hard border in her address at the European Council summit dinner in Thursday night. 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 Taoiseach said he was heartened by the PMs strengthened language on the issue. She specifically referenced the unique situation for both Ireland and Northern Ireland, which I think was very positive, he said. She strengthened her language in relation to the border. She said the UK would not accept a physical border on the island of Ireland again, very positive language. Expand Close Leo Varadkar arrives for the EU summit in Brussels (Olivier Matthys/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Leo Varadkar arrives for the EU summit in Brussels (Olivier Matthys/AP) The Taoiseach said talks on the border question were inching forward but he repeated his call for more detail. We dont have more detail yet in a sense thats part of the difficulty, he said. We need to see sentiment backed up. Brexit will dominate day two of the summit, which involves all EU leaders bar Ms May. Mr Varadkar also said the question of the UKs divorce bill is not as big an issue for Ireland as it is for other countries. 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 He said his focus was on citizens rights on the island of Ireland, Europeans living in Britain and British citizens in Ireland along with the question about of future UK-Ireland trade. The Taoiseach also said EU leaders agreed that any changes to tax rules for digital multinationals should be done at a global level, not at the EU level. And he said governments were keen to improve responses to natural disasters, with the wildfires that have raged across Portugal and Spain this year raised. The impact of Storm Ophelia was also discussed at the summit with the option left open for Ireland to apply for EU Solidarity funds over the next 12 weeks to meet the repair bill. 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 European Council said Brexit chief negotiator Michel Barnier would be asked to pursue further refinement of principles on protecting the Good Friday Agreement and the Common Travel Area. In its closing statement, it said this would have to take into account avoidance of a hard border, but it placed the onus on the UK to present and commit to flexible and imaginative solutions. As Halloween approaches, you may be planning on playing a few scary jokes on friends and family. All this is ok, as long as you dont take it too far. If youre wondering what too far is, Lawrence Police in Kansas, USA, are here to help. On Thursday the force tweeted out different scenarios to demonstrate the dos and donts of Halloween pranking. 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 It all seems like common sense, but clearly the police service feels people need to be told. 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 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 Pranking your sister with flour is OK, calling the police on a member of your family for a joke most definitely is not. Just in case you were wondering. 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 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 Heres what you can and cant do with a clown mask. 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 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 Thanks to the Lawrence Police Department for this public service message. Its all much clearer now. Police officers were killed in the shootout Fourteen policemen have been killed in a shootout with militants near Cairo, an official in Egypt said. The official said the exchange of gunfire took place on Friday in the al-Wahat al-Bahriya district in the Giza governorate, about 84 miles from the Egyptian capital. He said eight other security personnel were wounded in the attack. Several Egyptian media outlets also reported the deadly shootout. No militant group immediately claimed involvement in Friday's shootout. Egypt has been under a state of emergency since bombings and suicide attacks targeting minority Coptic Christians killed scores earlier this year. AP Former US president George W. Bush has denounced bigotry in Trump-era American politics, warning that the rise of "nativism", isolationism and conspiracy theories have clouded the nation's true identity. The comments, delivered at a New York City conference on Thursday hosted by the George W. Bush Institute, amounted to an indirect critique from a former Republican president who has remained largely silent during President Donald Trump's unlikely rise to power. The 43rd president did not name Mr Trump, but he attacked some of the principles that define the 45th president's political brand. "We've seen nationalism distorted into nativism, forgotten the dynamism that immigration has always brought to America," Mr Bush said. "We see a fading confidence in the value of free markets and international trade, forgetting that conflict, instability and poverty follow in the wake of protectionism. "We've seen the return of isolation sentiments, forgetting that American security is directly threatened by the chaos and despair of distant places." "We've seen our discourse degraded by casual cruelty," he continued. "Bigotry seems emboldened. "Our politics seems more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrication." "We need to recall and recover our own identity," he continued. "To renew our country, we only need to remember our values." Asked about the speech, Mr Trump said he had not seen it. The comment about identity was one of several that warned of what Mr Bush described as troubling political trends. Mr Bush noted Russia's meddling in the 2016 election and declared that "the Russian government has made a project of turning Americans against each other". "Foreign aggressions, including cyber-attacks, disinformation and financial influence, should never be downplayed or tolerated," Mr Bush said. Mr Trump has expressed scepticism of Russia's involvement. A special prosecutor is currently investigating whether Mr Trump and his campaign associates coordinated with Moscow in the effort to sway the election. Mr Bush is the brother of 2016 presidential hopeful Jeb Bush, the former Florida governor nicknamed, belittled and ultimately vanquished by Mr Trump during the race for the Republican nomination. He joins a slowly growing list of prominent Republicans who have publicly defied Mr Trump, including Republican Senators John McCain, who delivered a similar speech this week. Senator Bob Corker, the Tennessee Republican who has announced he is retiring, has denounced what he termed the "adult day care centre" of the Trump White House. But during the Bush event, a current Trump administration official also broke with Mr Trump's dismissive tone on Russian interference. Nikki Haley, Mr Trump's chief envoy to the United Nations, cast Russia's efforts to influence the 2016 election as "warfare" and efforts to "sow chaos" in elections across the world. "The Russians, God bless them, they're saying, 'Why are Americans anti-Russian? And why have we done the sanctions?' Well, don't interfere in our elections and we won't be anti-Russian," Ms Haley said. She added: "When a country can come and interfere in another country's elections, that is warfare." Facebook recently provided three congressional committees with more than 3,000 ads they had traced to a Russian internet agency and told investigators of their contents. Twitter also briefed Congress last month and handed over to Senate investigators the profile names of 201 accounts linked to Russians. AP German chancellor and chairwoman of the Christian Democratic Union party Angela Merkel and Horst Seehofer, chairman of the Christian Social Union party, right, arrive for a meeting at a Reichstag (AP) German chancellor Angela Merkel has asked her European Union partners for patience in discussing the bloc's future as she engages in what could be lengthy efforts to form a government. The September 24 election in Germany left Mrs Merkel trying to form a new coalition made up of her conservative Union bloc, the pro-business Free Democrats and the traditionally left-leaning Greens. The combination has never been tried before at the national level in Germany. Exploratory talks opened on Wednesday and were stepped up on Friday, when representatives of the potential partners all met together for the first time. The discussions are scheduled through November 2, but it is likely to be weeks or months before they conclude. Mrs Merkel said after an EU summit in Brussels that the talks will include EU-related issues such as the eurozone's future. She said: "It's not yet foreseeable when I can present results, and we will need in the coming weeks respect for the formation of a government in Germany." The prospective coalition partners have differing views on issues such as taxes, the environment, admitting migrants and the fallout from the eurozone debt crisis. After arriving back in Berlin, the German chancellor said: "There is certainly a readiness on my part to think creatively. "But what must stand above everything is: what do people in this country expect of us? What do they expect for their lives? "We must sound out whether we can form a government that can deliver what is important for our country - for jobs, for security in a comprehensive sense." Mrs Merkel's partners in the outgoing government, the centre-left Social Democrats, have vowed to go into opposition after a stinging election defeat. North Korea has threatened to launch an "unimaginable" strike on the US, accusing the Trump administration and its South Korean "puppet" allies of seeking to "ignite a war on the Korean peninsula at any cost". The statement released by the Korean Central News Agency, Pyongyang's official's mouthpiece, predicted "imminent catastrophic disaster" in the region. It vowed to "mercilessly smash the war frenzy of the US and South Korean puppet warmongers to get rid of the abyss of ruin through dangerous war gambling and inflict the most miserable death on the invaders". The threat came in response to joint US-South Korea military drills in waters east of the Korean peninsula involving the USS Ronald Reagan, a nuclear powered aircraft carrier. Forty warships have been deployed in a line stretching from the Yellow Sea to the Sea of Japan. The presence of the US Navy's biggest warship in Asia comes ahead of Donald Trump's first official visit to the region, set to start in Japan on 5 November. A spacewalking astronaut successfully replaced a blurry camera outside the International Space Station on Friday, but had to contend with a misfunctioning jetpack and a frayed safety tether. Both jetpacks and safety ties are crucial for preventing an astronaut from floating away. Nasa said Joe Acaba was always securely attached to the orbiting outpost and never in any danger during the nearly seven-hour spacewalk. But one of his tethers had to be replaced shortly after he and station commander Randy Bresnik floated outside. Mission Control noticed the red lifeline was frayed and worn. Mr Bresnik went back to the air lock to get Mr Acaba a spare. Then five hours into the spacewalk, Mission Control saw that the right handle on Mr Acaba's emergency jetpack was open. Mr Bresnik once more went to his crewmate's assistance, even offering some tape to keep it down. After consulting for several minutes in Houston, flight controllers declared the jetpack unreliable and ordered Mr Acaba back inside, once he was finished greasing the new robot arm on the space station's big robot arm. He finished the job, then headed in. Mr Bresnik acknowledged things did not go as planned, "with all the stuff that happened today and the challenges we had". But he thanked everyone for their hard work and diligence. In the end, only a couple minor chores were left undone. "Great work today," Mission Control radioed as the spacewalk came to a close. It was the third spacewalk in two weeks for US astronauts. Mr Bresnik went out on all three; he was accompanied by Mark Vande Hei to install the new robotic hand on October 5 and lubricate it on October 10. Each spacewalker wears a jetpack for use in an emergency. It is available in case an astronaut's multiple tethers fail and allows the spacewalker to fly back to the station. It has been tested by orbiting astronauts, years ago, but never called into urgent action. Earlier, Mr Acaba provided necessary focus to the space station's robot arm. He unbolted a blurry camera from the new robotic hand installed two weeks ago. He then popped in a spare, which flight controllers quickly tested from Houston. The replacement provided crisp, clear views. Sharp focus is essential when the space station's robot hand grabs an arriving supply ship and anchors it. The next delivery is a few weeks away, prompting the quick camera swap-out. Orbital ATK, one of Nasa's commercial shippers, plans to launch a cargo ship from Virginia on November 11. Mr Acaba and the station's commander, Randy Bresnik, were supposed to go spacewalking earlier this week. But Nasa needed extra time to add the camera repair to their chores. Friday's spacewalk, expected to be the last one for the year, also saw the astronauts installing a high-definition camera, replacing a fuse and removing thermal insulation from spare electronics. Early next year, astronauts will replace the hand on the opposite side of the 58-foot robot arm, Canada's main contribution to the space station. The original latching mechanisms are showing wear and tear since the arm's launch in 2001. The 250-mile-high complex is currently home to three Americans, two Russians and one Italian. A one-time high school and middle school teacher, Mr Acaba is the first astronaut of Puerto Rican heritage; his parents were born there. He ventured out on Friday's spacewalk as the station soared above the hurricane-ravaged island, where much of his extended family lives. "There's a whole line of people looking up and smiling today as you get ready to head out the door," Mr Bresnik told him. AP A belated happy Global Ethics Day! That's when organisations around the world come together to discuss the importance of moral values in business and international affairs. You didn't know? Me neither. The designated day to discuss best ethical practice at work was Wednesday. But it went largely unobserved here in Northern Ireland, perhaps because so many people are up to their necks in various forms of chicanery, skulduggery, swindling and cheating. According to new research by ACCA, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Northern Ireland's workplaces are among the least ethical in the UK. ACCA compared 11 UK regions and the Republic of Ireland. And they uncovered some rather seamy facts: 17% of employees in Northern Ireland have encountered someone using their position of power to sexually harass another, 25% of workers misuse their company's time and a further 22% never consider the ethical implications of their actions. That harassment stat is 9% higher than anywhere else in the UK and Ireland, which suggests that there are a fair few small-town Harvey Weinsteins out there, chasing their female staff round the desk - or worse. Casual contempt for women is embedded in the culture here, especially among the older generations. I can't count the number of times I've been taking part as a panellist in a radio discussion and some outraged male octogenarian has phoned in and referred to me as "that wee girl". It's precisely that sort of attitude that underpins disrespectful treatment of women in the workplace and elsewhere. The study also found that 11% of workers have been asked to carry out tasks which they think are unethical, such as bullying, lying to hide mistakes, using bias to promote or avoid promoting someone, and stealing from work. Despite all this, 100% of those surveyed in Northern Ireland claimed that they personally acted ethically in the workplace, which indicates astonishing levels of hypocrisy and self-delusion, given all the shenanigans apparently going on. This seems to be a collective case of passing the buck. Not me, squire, not my fault. I suppose you could argue that some people simply don't have a clue about what acting ethically actually means. They neither know, nor care. But surely most of us understand that it's wrong to steal, bully, harass and lie. And anyway, are you really surprised? Northern Ireland is a basket-case when it comes to hucksterism, dirty deals and general bad behaviour: a cross between the Wild West and the Land That Time Forgot. A variety of unsavoury antediluvian habits linger on unchecked, questionable practices which have long since been driven out from other more civilised and enlightened corners of the world. Here, the gombeen man is still king. Stormont itself is held in contempt by many, precisely because of its reputation for scandal and sleaze. We still lack satisfactory answers on RHI, Red Sky, Charter NI and the Social Investment Fund, amongst others, and my guess is that we'll be waiting for those until eternity. But the list grows ever longer, and the questions continue to accumulate. Meanwhile, politicians on every side love to posture and show off their highly-polished principles, posing either as the stalwart guardians of traditional moral values, or as progressive social justice warriors. But the fundamental truth is that the state has no moral authority. It's just a sectarian carve-up shop, currently defunct. You can trace this moral vacuum back to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, and the subsequent referendum endorsing it. Like many people, I voted yes because I wanted an end to the horror, and I was young and naive enough to believe in the possibility of peace, love and a little understanding. But the unacknowledged upshot is that we have a system of governance that is predicated on pragmatism, not principle. It was a scrappy, desperate, morally dubious deal which brought former terrorists and their apologists into power. To be honest, I'd vote the same way again today. What real choice did we have? We were in extremis. Anything was better than what went before. Now we have an imperfect peace, collectively administered by republican ideologues and religious fundamentalists, who between them have managed to run the whole show into the ground, and are currently barely speaking to one another. It's still better than the past, of course. But we abdicated much of our moral authority, as a society, when we said yes to that initial deal. Whether it's work-place shenanigans or political chicanery, forget about ethics. All too often, it's just a case of what they can get away with. Mother and journalist Lisa Smyth with her daughter Grace and baby son Ethan As long as the political vacuum at Stormont continues, the health service will keep making the headlines and for all the wrong reasons We woke up to headline news this week that Northern Ireland has the worst waiting times for routine operations in the UK. The BBC has collated NHS waiting time statistics dating back five years and compared the four UK regions for performance. It found that Northern Ireland's hospitals have consistently failed to meet Government targets relating to emergency care, cancer treatment and routine operations. While it was certainly depressing, it was hardly a shocking development. During my time as a health journalist, I have regularly written articles about spiralling waiting lists in Northern Ireland and the effects on patients. As long as I have been writing health stories, in fact, Northern Ireland seems to have fared worse than its UK counterparts. As far back as 2012, a prominent GP made headlines when he compared the emergency department at Antrim Area Hospital to a war-zone. Dr Brian Dunn was so concerned by the conditions and the waits faced by people at the unit that he said it reminded him of the A&Es in Belfast during the height of the Troubles. And, in March that year, one of the most senior doctors in Britain lambasted the health service in Northern Ireland - saying patient safety was being jeopardised by long waiting lists. Dr Laurence Buckman, the chair of the British Medical Association's (BMA) GP committee at the time, said waiting times for hospital appointments here were the worst in the United Kingdom. Expand Close Mother and journalist Lisa Smyth with her daughter Grace and baby son Ethan / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mother and journalist Lisa Smyth with her daughter Grace and baby son Ethan He told family doctors attending a conference in Newcastle, Co Down, that his patients in England would never accept the waits that had become commonplace in Northern Ireland. It is difficult to make comparisons between waits five years ago and now, because the way statistics are released have changed over the years. However, anyone in Northern Ireland who has had an interaction with the health service over the last 12 months will know only too well how bleak the situation has become. Turning to my own personal experience, my husband - who had a stroke in 2014 when he was 36 - was referred urgently to neurology at the end of last year as his GP was worried he was suffering from mini strokes. He waited eight months to see a consultant. In May, I was rushed by ambulance over the Glenshane Pass when I went into labour as the hospital I was in had no free neonatal cots for my premature baby. And only this week, I was told I will wait six months for an abdominal ultrasound scan. Of course, my family's experience is by no means unique - there are tens of thousands of people around Northern Ireland languishing on waiting lists, all the while getting sicker and putting even more pressure on an already overstretched resource. Less than two weeks ago, John Compton, the former head of the Health and Social Care Board, said vulnerable patients are dying while waiting for a hospice bed. His comments reveal that the failings go further than just outpatient appointments and emergency departments. The whole health and social care system is currently at tipping point. The worst part of all of this is that the statistics that made the headlines this week aren't actually a genuine reflection of how much the health service here is struggling to cope with demand. Firstly, waiting times for review appointments are not monitored at all. Officials only collect the number of people waiting over a specified period of time for an appointment, be that a first outpatient appointment, or a diagnostic test. Furthermore, they don't record the total waiting time from the point a person is referred by a GP to the time they receive treatment. The statistics the Department of Health do release are grim - but they would be truly shocking if they properly captured the whole patient journey. But, if we listen to the GPs who make the referrals, they are very clear that the situation is declining rapidly and the service is at breaking point. An increasing number of their patients can expect to wait up to five years for an operation, from going to their GP in the first place. So, what can be done to resolve the situation? With a growing ageing population living with chronic conditions, increasing expectations and medical advancements, the fact is there isn't enough money to meet the growing demand being placed on the health service. I have interviewed countless medical professionals over the years and they are all very clear that we need to be smarter about how the health service is run. Multiple reviews of the service in Northern Ireland over the years - including the Hayes Report, Developing Better Services, and Transforming Your Care - have all said the same thing. The latest of these, the Bengoa Report, published in 2016, warned that change was required urgently to ensure the future of the health service. Launching the document, the then Health Minister, Michelle O'Neill, warned: "If we persist with our current models of care, even with the best efforts of all staff and more investment year-on-year, waiting lists will continue to grow, our expertise will continue to be diluted and the best possible outcomes for patients will not be realised. "This is both unsustainable and unacceptable." More than a year on, however, and the momentum has stalled. The urgency expressed by our politicians seems to have vanished completely as they continue to argue over the terms that will make it agreeable to return to government. Of course, some good work has been done to advance the recommendations in the Bengoa Report. But progress can only ever be finite without the money to fund transformation and - most importantly - a Health Minister to make the crucial decisions needed to bring our health service into the 21st century. As long as the political vacuum at Stormont continues, the health service in Northern Ireland will continue to make the headlines - and for all the wrong reasons. Lisa Smyth is a freelance journalist specialising in health issues PLEASE NOTE! Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate! All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited! (One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!) The Malaysian Human Rights Commission in Kuala Lumpur has launched a public inquiry into the disappearances of four people, Oct. 20, 2017. The family of a Christian pastor who was abducted eight months ago lived in such fear that they considered emigrating to Australia, but he decided to stay in Malaysia, his tearful wife told a fact-finding panel on Friday. Pastor Raymond Koh Keng Joo, 62, was snatched by a group of men in broad daylight on the morning of Feb. 13, when they forced his car to a stop as it exited a highway in Petaling Jaya, near Kuala Lumpur. Koh, a member of Malaysias Christian minority, has been missing ever since. His wife, Susanna Liew, said the family had been living in fear of death threats since 2011, when an NGO headed by Koh was accused of trying to convert Muslim youths to Christianity, an act that is considered illegal in Malaysia. Their troubles began when officers with the Islamic Religious Department in Selangor state raided a Thanksgiving dinner hosted by Koh and attended by Muslims. I thought about migrating to Australia but my husband loves this country. He wanted to stay in Malaysia, Liew told a three-man panel set up by the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam), a government body. The mysterious circumstances behind Kohs disappearance led to a media blitz that eventually brought to light more alleged cases of enforced disappearances, a term used to describe abductions involving law-enforcement authorities. The publicity prompted the Malaysian Bar Association, the countrys most respected group representing lawyers, to issue a strongly worded statement back in April that called on the authorities to investigate the cases thoroughly. It is shocking and outrageous that a growing number of Malaysians could inexplicably disappear and not be found for days, weeks and months. This has never happened before in this country, to the best of our knowledge, and has led to public perception and speculation of the occurrence of forced disappearances, the association said at the time. The panel appointed by Suhakam is probing allegations that Koh and three other people were victims of such enforced disappearances. This week, the panel opened a 10-day public inquiry into the cases. On Thursday, the first day of the hearings, Suhakam commissioner Mah Weng Kwai emphasized that the probe panel was neither a criminal nor civil trial. The whole idea is to arrive at truth and justice, Mah told panel members. Kidnapped in daylight Police officials have confirmed that Koh was abducted, but they cautiously used the term missing people to classify the other cases that took place separately in 2016. Kohs abduction was captured by a security camera that filmed several SUVs and motorcycles surrounding his car, forcing him to stop before he was taken away. His car has not been found. Koh led a Kuala Lumpur-based nongovernmental organization, called Harapan Komuniti (Hope Community), which performs charity work in poor communities. In 2011, Islamic authorities investigated Kohs NGO over allegations that it hosted a Thanksgiving dinner with Muslim attendees at a church, according to newspaper reports. The Islamic probe took place after published accusations that he had tried to convert Muslim youths to Christianity when his group hosted a party at a church in the Muslim-majority country that considers apostasy a criminal offense. But on Friday, Kohs wife said he had repeatedly told his NGO volunteers to abstain from preaching any religious message. Raymond specifically told volunteers during their orientation not to preach, never to talk about religion, she replied when asked whether the NGO had any intention to spread or preach Christianity. This warning was given verbally and all activities there were inclusive and included all races and there was no intention to preach any religion, Liew said. The NGO ran a variety of programs that helped prison inmates and people with HIV/AIDS, regardless of their religious background, she said. They asked if there were Muslims Liew, 61, said she was at the Thanksgiving dinner with her husband in August 2011 when about 50 law-enforcement officers, including religious authorities, entered the church. We asked about a warrant but they said they dont need one because there was a complaint, she said. They just rushed in without any permission at a private function and started recording. Liew said an officer from the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) told her that they had received reports about the presence of Muslims at the event. They asked if there were Muslims, and yes there were because there were stakeholders and supporters, the people whom we helped, volunteers and other donors, she said. After the raid, 12 Muslims were asked to appear before JAIS for questioning, Liew told the panel, led by commissioners Mah Weng Kai, Aishah Bidin and Nik Salida Suhaila. The incident, according to Liew, brought negative publicity to her family and led to death threats. We had people taking photos of us like paparazzi and then they would get into cars and started following us, she said. On Aug. 26, 2011, Koh filed a police report after receiving a package with two bullets in a small box that also contained sheets of paper printed with death threats written in red ink, she said. Blog postings claim the couple had been Muslims before becoming Christians and that they converted others to the religion. Liew told the inquiry that she was terrified and urged her husband to leave the country. Photos of me and my husband, of our house, our address are all posted on the Internet with messages for people to take action against us, she said. Other cases Kohs disappearance at first appeared to be an isolated case of kidnapping, but as the case gained publicity, more reports of missing Malaysians came out, including that of social activist Amri Che Mat, Pastor Joshua Hilmi and his wife, Ruth Sitepu, Amri, co-founder of a local NGO, was allegedly abducted from his car on Nov. 24, 2016, in the northern state of Perlis. His wife has denied allegations that he was spreading Shia Muslim teachings, which are frowned upon in Sunni Muslim-majority Malaysia. Hilmi and Ruth, both Christian preachers, were last seen on Nov. 30 at their home in Selangor state. A missing-person report, however, was not filed until March 6, officials said. The panel has subpoenaed at least 15 people, including former police Inspector-General Khalid Abu Bakar, and interviewed 35 people. The first witness during the 10-day public inquiry that began on Thursday said a police inspector had told him that Kohs abduction happened swiftly and looked like a police operation. Kohs abduction took place in just under a minute and was witnessed by other drivers who later filed police reports. Filipino soldiers recover the bodies of slain IS militants in the war-torn city of Marawi, in the southern Philippines, Oct. 20, 2017. A soldier was killed and at least three others were wounded as Philippine troops advanced Friday to enemy-controlled areas in the southern city of Marawi, where the Islamic States Southeast Asian leaders were slain this week. Military spokesman Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the enemy fighters were on their last legs and demoralized after the successive deaths this week of IS regional chief Isnilon Hapilon and his Malaysian deputy, Mahmud Ahmad. He said that on the 151st day of the siege, 897 militants had been killed a significant jump from 840 that was last updated days earlier, largely because the casualty figures kept changing with reports on the ground continually coming in. The number of civilian casualties, however, has been constant at 47, while troop deaths were recorded at 161. Officials said 1,777 civilians, who were either held as hostages or trapped in the crossfire, had been rescued since hostilities broke out on May 23. I am sad to inform you that in the process of clearing the remaining areas where stragglers from the rebel group remains, we incurred another casualty, with one of our soldiers dying in one of the assaults that was conducted yesterday, Padilla said. We also suffered a few wounded, around three of them, but thank God these are not life-threatening and they are all safe, he said. Among the enemy casualties in heavy exchange of gunfire since Wednesday night was Mahmud Ahmad, a former Malaysian university professor who bankrolled the Marawi siege. Mahmud took the reins of the militant leadership after Hapilon was killed in an assault earlier this week with Omarkhayam Maute, leader of the Maute gang. He (Mahmud) died during the assault of our troops the other day or the other night, where 12 other rebels died, Padilla said. But, he said, troops still had to recover the body of Mahmud, an academic who had been radicalized in the Middle East. More hostages freed Padilla said that at least 10 hostages were freed Friday morning, on top of the 11 who were rescued Thursday. Officials said they were still checking if there were still hostages left with the remaining gunmen, believed to number about 20, including fighters from Malaysia and Indonesia. All the freed hostages were being processed or debriefed to ascertain whether they are truly hostages or a member of the rebel group, Padilla said. May I also announce to the public that as we see the endgame of the armed hostilities inside Marawi, we will be shifting our forces to other areas for their required training and for their scheduled battalion or unit activities, Padilla said. One of the first units to arrive in Marawi in the first week of the fighting left the destroyed city Friday morning. The 1st Infantry Battalion was assigned near one of the bridges that lead to the heart of the city. They had been engaged in some of the fiercest fighting the past five months to hold off the enemy from crossing the Agus River that bisects the city. They were responsible for the successful and safe rescue of 34 hostages during one of the heights of our campaign. The unit also suffered several wounded and one killed, Padilla said. Marawis 200,000 residents displaced by the fighting are not yet allowed to return home, largely because the military said they were still clearing many areas where the gunmen had left many improvised bombs. We are actually leaving other units to ensure the continuity of security coverage even during the process of the rehabilitation, reconstruction and rebuilding of Marawi, Padilla said. We are asking for everyones patience and understanding as we search and clear the areas of bombs that did not explode or booby traps that were left behind, he said. The active conflict area has been reduced to about half a hectare, where enemy stragglers could be hiding in some buildings and structures that were left still standing. Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella on Friday also confirmed Mahmuds death. The neutralization of the former university lecturer-turned-second-in-command to Isnilon Hapilon is a significant blow to the Daesh-inspired terrorist groups in Mindanao and a major breakthrough for the total liberation of Marawi city, Abella said, using the other name of IS. A video released by military officials in June showed the low-key Mahmud plotting the attack with Hapilon and several men. Philippine intelligence officials had said that Mahmud funneled more than 30 million pesos (about $600,000) from IS, the global terror network, to Hapilons group, enabling them to purchase firearms, food and other supplies that allowed them to dig in. Mahmud, believed to be in his late 30s to early 40s, trained at Al Qaeda camps in Afghanistan in the 1990s while studying at Islamabad Islamic University in Pakistan. He is a former lecturer of Islamic studies at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, one of Malaysias top universities. Felipe Villamor in Manila contributed to this story. For Immediate Release, October 20, 2017 Contact: Miyoko Sakashita, (510) 844-7108, miyoko@biologicaldiversity.org Chambered Nautilus Proposed for Endangered Species Act Protection Ancient Shellfish, Survivor of Five Mass Extinctions, Threatened by Shell Trade WASHINGTON The National Marine Fisheries Service proposed Endangered Species Act protection today for the chambered nautilus, which is threatened with extinction due to overharvesting for the international shell trade. In response to a scientific petition by the Center for Biological Diversity, the Fisheries Service proposed a threatened listing for the nautilus, whose unique, spiraling shell has made it a popular commodity for collectors in the United States and Europe. Over the past 16 years, nearly 1.7 million nautilus shell products were imported into the United States. Treating these animals like tourist trinkets is driving them to the brink, so its incredibly important they get Endangered Species Act protections. Without help the nautilus will face extinction in decades, said Miyoko Sakashita with the Center. Sharing a planet with ancient creatures gives us perspective on life, and its our moral responsibility to ensure they dont go extinct on our watch. Todays action is a first step toward Endangered Species Act protections that could curtail imports of chambered nautilus shells and help prevent the extinction of populations in the Indo-Pacific. The United States needs to encourage the Philippines, Indonesia and other Indo-Pacific countries to enforce their environmental laws and stop the unsustainable harvest of chambered nautiluses. A relative of the squid and octopus, the chambered nautilus grows to about 8 inches long, with a spiral shell and about 90 tentacles it uses to catch prey. Its often called a living fossil because of its striking resemblance to ancestors that swam shallow seas half a billion years ago. Although nautiluses have survived five major mass extinctions, today theyre threatened with extinction due to excessive overfishing and trade. For example, one population in the Philippines declined more than 80 percent in just 15 years. The future of the nautilus is also threatened by ocean acidification, which can impair the ability of mollusks to build the shells they need to survive. Recently the United States joined with Fiji, India and Palau to successfully propose listing the entire nautilus family under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which will curb international trade. The parties to CITES decided to extend protections to the nautilus at their October 2016 meeting in South Africa. The chambered nautilus is being collected and sold into extinction for jewelry and other trinkets, Sakashita said. Its a tragedy. The protection of the Endangered Species Act could play a lifesaving role for these incredible animals. More information on the chambered nautilus can be found here. Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia In the afternoon on day two of the Johannesburg version of Business of Design, Chris Weylandt, founder and CEO of Weylandts, the contemporary furniture and decor chain store, explained his tactics to competing or rather leading in the retail game. Chris Weylandt He spoke from the standpoint of coming in through the backdoor, sharing the behind the scenes and the sum of what they have to do to create the retail environment Weylandts gets so right. First, he shared a bit about his story his design and business influences, and then how these extend to the way he works. Weylandt grew up in Namibia where he was surrounded by wide open spaces, representative of the large-scale Weylandts stores, and was exposed to great design at a young age. People often say to me, but theres no colour in your store, and I say yes, but do you not realise I grew up in a desert? His background is evident in these destination stores, but its the tactility of whats happening there that its really all about. For me, materials are king. I really love materials. I value them and I believe in their integrity. Another influence, besides the external environment, was his upbringing in an architectural home, housing beautiful furniture: Scandinavian, Italian, South American designs Growing up in that environment you get to understand it becomes part of your DNA these kinds of design philosophies. Three men that influenced his business mindset are his father, Edgar Weylandt, who opened the first Weylandts store in 1964 in Windhoek; Terence Conran, founder of home furnishing chain Habitat; and Ingvar Kamprad, founder of IKEA, a Swedish retail company also specialising in furniture. He respects and admires his fathers long-term vision, perseverance, conviction and incredible eye for good design. Merchandising was key for Conran. He didnt like what the retail stores were doing from a merchandising perspective, so he created his own stores because he didnt see his vision being executed in the market, so he did it himself. And then the genius and forward-thinking Mr IKEA. What is so fascinating about this business besides being the most successful furniture retailer in the world, is that he managed to take IKEA to so many different markets. I havent found, yet, a furniture and homeware retailer that is global. The basics of retail So if you want to be in the retail game, youve got to enjoy selling, youve got to be a trader by heart, because thats what retail is. Youre selling product. 1. Clarity Business: Vision; identity Design: Authentically; ethos 2. Thinking long-term Business: Strategy; investment Design: Stay true to yourself; future trends 3. Have conviction Business: Do it!; perseverance Design: Follow your gut; make it yours 4. Its a team game Business: Expertise; environment Design: Collaboration; suppliers 5. Numbers never lie Business: Rand/m2; overhead ratios Design: Visibility; material selection 6. Dress to impress Business: Brand consistency; merchandising Design: Inspire; showcase 7. Customer journey Business: 360; brand advocates Design: Environment; five senses 8. Learn Business: Best practice; be humbler Design: Evolve or die; travel and be conscious Retail. Its dynamic. Its exciting. But youve got to have the balls to do it. Its not an easy game, but its enjoyable. I love it. Thats just a taste of the current flavour of design-thinking. Click here for our Business of Design coverage, and be sure to follow @busofdesign for the latest updates. Even without doing a deep dive qualitative study, these brands could have easily avoided the public embarrassment they suffered by simply concept testing before launch without spending a lot of money through the variety of methodologies available. While the competitive brands landscape has given consumers more choice in quality and competitive prices, this does not mean they are immune to negative reaction from the very same consumers and this has the potential to harm their brand value/equity and ultimately their bottom line. A great example of the latter is the recent Spur incident where the reaction from their loyal customer base brought the 50-year-old business to its knees, through a boycott. The common thread between all these controversial ads is the two isms that are currently a hot topic and plaguing not only South Africa but the world racism and sexism. Ignorance, arrogance or lack of market awareness? While its safe to assume this was not the intended take out from these campaigns, they certainly have been received as such by consumers or the public in those markets and naturally struck a nerve. Before consumers we are all people. As people we all want to be recognised for who we are and treated with respect, sensitivity and valued just like anyone would want. For these concepts not to have been sense checked through concept testing for resonance is not only baffling but raises questions of the marketers who were part of the decision-making process to allow such callous campaigns to be released. This leaves one to think theres either a degree of ignorance, arrogance or lack of market awareness and sensitivity to all thats been happening. For the marketing teams involved as the brand custodians, a small qualitative study couldve been done for feedback. Any business in its right mind not only wants to attract and convert customers/consumers but ultimately to retain and turn them into their own evangelists. Humanity, the cornerstone of brand architecture In this digital age, one thing for sure is that consumers have great influence over one another and with social media penetration; the rate of information exchange is as quick as the blink of an eye. Therefore, it is inexcusable for any brand to ever be caught with its own foot in its mouth such as the Dove case or any other similar insensitive campaigns. The world is constantly changing and businesses must stay attuned by staying on the pulse of the ever-evolving consumer landscape through the power of insights. No business or brand should be seen as ignorant, arrogant, out of touch or insensitive and racist unless its deliberate which goes against basic business principles. With that said, brands have a critically powerful role to play in societies as they have the ability to help unite people or divide them. That power if used wisely, will speak volumes to their bottom lines. Humanity must be the cornerstone of brand architecture for if the brand story doesnt genuinely contribute to the wellbeing of society it will be seen as against it. As October celebrates Transport Month as well as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, MasterDrive and PinkDrive are joining forces to host a complimentary event in Johannesburg. A major focus of MasterDrive is helping people and organisations empower themselves with safety skills for the roads. It also offers a hijack extraction or urban survival course which teaches drivers to be aware and how to react if caught in such a traumatic experience. MD of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says: We will demonstrating this course as we strongly believe that every person should have the skills necessary to safely emerge from a hijacking. We also encourage each person to go back to their offices and homes and share what they have learnt. As a hijacking is one of the crimes which people are most affected by, the more people who have some knowledge about what to do in this situation, the better. Beyond this specific demonstration, MasterDrive is playing an integral role in bringing a number of role-players from the transport and wellness industries together because of the potential this can have on the lives of South African women. Herbert explains: We want to provide these ladies with the skills to stay safe on South African roads as well as the knowledge which prioritises their physical health. We also want to provide women who currently work in the transport industry with the inspiration to achieve their fullest potential. According to Febe Meyer, marketing manager of PinkDrive, it is an indispensable and tangible breast cancer organisation providing South Africa's first and only mobile mammography and educational units. We hope to use the event to drive home the fact that Early Detection Saves Lives. PinkDrive currently runs three Pink mobile breast check units, as well as six educational cars. All units travel to various areas around South Africa to enable numerous disadvantaged communities access to diagnostic mammography screening, education, physical examinations and how to do breast self-examination, says Meyer. Other presentations that guests can look forward to include: A presentation from Toyota leadership A presentation from Clare Vale, known as the First Lady in Racing Demonstration from Wheel Well on childrens safety in cars Demonstration from Mark Grobbelaar from WomenInPowered, who helped Miss South Africa escape her recent hijacking Eye screening from Modern Eyes Optometrists Presentation from Dr Karen Horne on the role of the adrenal gland in driver safety Presentations from cancer survivors Many prizes to be won on the day To attend, email az.oc.evirdretsam@mas or az.oc.evirdretsam@atikin. RSVPs are essential. The event will take place on 24 October 2017 at Toyota head offices in Sandton from 9am-1pm. Arbitration reveals the skeletons in the Gauteng health department's closet culture that gave rise to 141 deaths and continues to thrive. Levy Mosenogi could be described like many men who throughout history who have ended up on its bad side: a religious man and active in his community by his own account during his recent testimony at a Life Esidimeni arbitration hearing. And when he was tasked with leading the relocation of almost 2 000 mental health patients out of state-sponsored private care at Life Esidimeni facilities, he became even more like those cautionary tales of characters from our history lessons. Not the obvious ones that present themselves in the immediate aftermath of a grave injustice, when narratives are preoccupied with dichotomies of good and evil or victor and villain, but the ones that creep in their wakes in which we begin to understand the importance of what seemed innocuous cameos. Mosenogi became a man with a mundane title, some power and a sense of what he would later describe as a foreboding. At least 141 people died as a result of the relocations, arbitration hearings have revealed. Billy didnt survive it. A father speaks out about the terrible conditions his son died in after being removed from state-funded hospital care at Life Esidimeni. More than two years after the project was announced and a year after the initial deaths emerged, Mosenogi testified late last week at the ongoing arbitration. The process, which takes place in parallel with criminal investigations, is aimed at keeping families and the Gauteng health department out of court. He described his initial misgivings about the project and how he voiced these to former health MEC Qedani Mahlangu. I had a foreboding. When things were discussed, I found the head of department [Barney Selebano] also had serious misgivings. Asked what else he did about these feelings of dread, he responded: I did raise it in my prayer meetings and asked people to pray. I raised it in my organisation [the ANC] in my branch. Cullinan Care and Rehabilitation Centre social worker Daphne Ndhlovu was more explicit about why she did not speak out as the centres patients began dying after it was allegedly pressured by the Gauteng health department to accept Life Esidimeni patients: she was threatened with being accused of insubordination. Ndhlovu explained she was essentially following orders: We knew we were not giving justice to our patients, but it was instructions from above. Last week, Mosenogi became one of the first Gauteng health employees to apologise publicly to Life Esidimeni families. I apologise for myself. I apologise on behalf of the department of health. The lesson we learnt is to speak truth to power. In 1945 and in the wake of World War II, the phrase I was just following orders became synonymous with the Nuremberg Trials the military tribunals designed to bring Nazi leaders to justice. So famous is the association that, today, the an order is an order plea is often referred to as the Nuremberg Defence. Although the defence did not absolve those prosecuted at Nuremberg, it has worked intermittently throughout history since the Roman Empire. Only two Gauteng health officials Selebano and director of the mental health directorate Makgabo Manamela have been suspended and are facing disciplinary action, says Gauteng deputy director general of communication services Thabo Masebe. The pair have garnered a collective R1.3-million in wages while on suspension, alleges the Democratic Alliances Gauteng shadow health MEC Jack Bloom. The former Gauteng health MEC says it wasn't her job to visit organisations prior to transferring state patients into their care. In 1963, Yale University psychologist Stanley Milgram released the first results of a series of studies in part inspired by the Nuremberg proceedings designed to reveal why seemingly good people could be ordered to do bad things. In his research, published in the Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, Milgram tested how many people could be successfully ordered to administer increasingly painful shocks to a fellow participant. Although this fellow participant was an actor and the shocks were fake, Milgram found that almost two out of every three people among a group of 40 were willing to deliver the highest shock possible, 450 volts, when told to do so. Although Milgrams work fell prey to a bevy of allegations, including data tampering, the quest to understand the banality of evil continues to fascinate psychology. Until recently, much of this work focused on the kind of factors, for instance, environment in Milgrams work or institutional culture in the infamous Stanford Prison Experiment. (In this experiment, a fake prison was created on a university campus with participants divided into prisoners or wardens. It became such a toxic environment that it was called off after six days.) But in 2016, a study by scientists from the Brussels Universite libre de Bruxelles and University College London became one of the first to look not at what made people do bad things on command but what it felt like when they did. In research published in Current Biology, scientists found that, when subjects were coerced or ordered to do something, they perceived a lag in the time between their decision and its consequence (in this case actual shocks or taking away money). When people did these things of their free will, cause and effect were experienced more simultaneously suggesting that people following orders felt less agency and even responsibility for their actions. Researchers were reportedly quick to say that the work didnt support the Nuremberg Defence. And if humans are hardwired to pass the buck when were doing what were told, there may be few fields as dangerous as medicine with its rigid hierarchies for this to play out in. The Rural Health Advocacy Project works with medical students and health workers to teach them to speak out for themselves and their patients. The costs for calling out your superiors are steep, the projects Samantha Khan-Gilmore told Bhekisisa in 2016. From the moment that final-year students begin clinical rotations to when they begin their internships, Khan-Gilmore says they experience a range of negative experiences at the hands of senior staff, most of which they believe are beyond their control. They face tough choices about whether to stay quiet and support the status quo, or to speak up and risk victimisation. At the start of their careers, these healthcare professionals have a lot to lose, she explains. And when these medical students become professionals, speaking out becomes no easier. In fact, whistleblowers are often convinced that not even moving provinces will save them from the wrath sometimes including physical threats of superiors and peers should they report anything from abuse of overtime to surgery backlogs. Meanwhile, anecdotal evidence from health workers suggests that regular performance appraisals, which could help workers and administrators accountable may be irregular and or vastly varying quality. The Gauteng health department says that 100% of its employees have undergone performance appraisals in the past year and that results are loaded into its payroll systems. In fact, anyone below senior management is evaluated four times a year. South Africa Medical Association chairperson Mzukisi Grootboom says this is surprising since complaints about the frequency and quality of performance appraisals are common among its members. Today, the high-profile names whose fingerprints were peppered throughout the project, to quote the ombudsman, may be suspended but many more employees who had a hand in the Life Esidimeni tragedy remain in its employ left to carry out future projects in the same organisational culture that allowed the scandal to happen. And, to quote novelist and chemist CP Snow: When you think of the long and gloomy history of man, you will find more hideous crimes have been committed in the name of obedience than have ever been committed in the name of rebellion. The Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalist of the Year 2017, says he received death threats as well as bribes when he was working on the story that earned him the Award. All the winners of the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards 2017. City Press Sipho Masondo, was one of a number of journalists, photographers, columnists, cartoonists and graphic artists to be recognised at The Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards 2017 on Thursday evening. Crowned Journalist of the Year for his Investigative story Watergate, Masondo says it was not an easy story. I did a lot of traveling and lived in Lesotho for weeks, spending time away from my wife and my two young children. As if that was not difficult enough, I also received death threats and then bribes. He says despite these challenges getting the story was worth it. It is rewarding to know that this work has not been in vain and then to be recognised for it, is wonderful. Every journalist is an investigative journalist The SA Story of the Year Life Esidimeni is especially topic with the inquest currently taking place. Suzanne Venter from Rapport whose investigation was in part responsible for the inquest to be initiated, says when she stumbled on the story, she did not realise it would be such a big story. At first it was just a Facebook message of someone asking for help, but then as I dug deeper I discovered it was much more than that. Like Masondo she faced many obstacles. The story developed slowly so it was also difficult in the beginning to convince the newspaper that it was a story. Newspapers today do not have the money or the time for investigative journalism, but my news editor says every journalist is an investigative journalist. Another obstacle was that often her stories were cut because of legal issues. By the time the MEC admitted 36 people had died, we knew the number was higher than that. Yet, when I interviewed her, she looked me in the eyes and told me no-one had died. Venter, who has worked in public relations, done layout and written about celebrities, says this story was her calling. For me it became about making a difference. Commenting on the winning entries, convenor judge, Mathatha Tsedu, says the concern for the weakest in our society permeates the winning entries this year. While there were political entries given the overbearing political developments in our country, winning stories, particularly in hard news and investigative journalism deal with concerns of ordinary people. The futility of suppressing freedom and ideas Newcomer, Award winner, Botshilo Maake, who is hearing impaired, did not expect to receive the Award. This is my first year in media and it has been an amazing year and this is the cherry on the top. I am loving working with the team in navigating the changing landscape with digital and social media. It is fast paced and challenging, but I am looking forward to it. The Allan Kirkland Soga Lifetime Achiever Award went to Juby Mayet. This was Mayets second award of the day, says her daughter, Zainab Mayet, who with her daughter, Jubys granddaughter, accompanied her. She is very inspiring, but when people tell her that she does not understand why they think so and says she is just a nobody. I tell her you are not a nobody; you are the only Indian woman journalist and part of the Struggle when other Indian women were home making rotis. Tsedu paid tribute to Mayet and other journalists who were at the forefront of the Struggle. Some of them sit in the room with us tonight. They are testimony to the futility of suppressing freedom and ideas. Tonight, he continued, we gather here to remember those days, but also to pay homage to todays soldiers of the truth, the mujahedin of verified journalism in the face of the proliferation of false news, false outlets and hired Twitter brigades. Fake news The theme of the Awards fake news, was addressed by Thulani Gcabashe, chairperson, Standard Bank Group. The average person looks at their mobile phone 88 times a day. But while mobiles give people access to information in various forms from blogs to news sites etc. these are of varying quality. It becomes very difficult for the average person to decipher what is real and credible and what is fake news. This instant access to information should come with a warning sign to remind us that just because it is written down, does not make it true. Just as sharing something will not make it the truth. What chance does the truth stand in a world where there is an appetite for drama and controversy? In this saturated fake news environment, he notes that one needs to value reliable and credible news. That is why more and more people are willing to pay for new. The New York Times, in the first quarter this year, had 380,000 subscribers. He adds that in our country, truthful news is important. That is why Standard Bank is proud to be part of the Sikuvile Awards. You, the journalists are our everyday heroes, the defenders of truth, decency and democracy. Click here to view gallery of 2017 Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards. #NewCampaign: Local Land Rover campaign features in Figaro Digital magazine Figaro Digital recently featured Exponential's Land Rover campaign in their case studies section Global advertising technology company Exponential was briefed to showcase the versatility of Land Rovers Discovery Sport SUV and did so by building a video-driven experience (VDX) unit, which provided users a unique experience featuring video and an extensive photo gallery. David Barnard, MD of Exponential Sub-Saharan Africa, explains that VDX units are built using Exponentials own proprietary creative template, including brand assets like multiple videos, image galleries, 360 video, hotspots, colour selectors, maps, downloadable content and other functionalities. The campaigns post-expansion CTR performed four times higher than the industry benchmark and achieved an average user dwell time of almost double the benchmark. David Barnard Commenting on these results and the global recognition the campaign has received, Barnard says that the region is by no means behind the pack, when it comes to developing and delivering impactful creative executions that breaks through the online clutter to drive meaningful connections for brands and their desired audience. Nakie Nepfumbada, digital marketing specialist SA & SSA at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), adds: Its a great opportunity for JLR SA and a chance to prove that SA, being an emerging market, is just as capable as other markets in delivering world class campaign performance. Here, Barnard and Nepfumbada provide some insight into the campaign. What made the campaign innovative? How did it disrupt the market? What made the campaign innovative? How did it disrupt the market? Nepfumbada: It was definitely the manner in which we managed to connect emotionally with customers through Exponentials unique VDX offering, by housing all the info that a customer may require in one space. This approach respects the consumer's online journey and ensures a seamless and effortless online journey with the brand. Additionally, having a limited offer on the vehicle provided urgency and higher value for potential customers. Barnard: Success was achieved by delivering an advertising experience that showcased the KSPs of Land Rover Discovery Sport in a way where customers and prospects engaged on their terms and not through forced or intrusive forms of online media. Brands reach their most valuable audience as they only pay for qualified engagements and not for the teaser impressions that are delivered. Why is innovation important, particularly when it comes to digital? Why is innovation important, particularly when it comes to digital? Nepfumbada: Innovation is crucial in the digital space. Being innovative allows a brand to deliver frictionless experience in a space where competition for a consumers attention is increasingly cluttered. Additionally, consumers expectations in the digital space are quite high, especially when you are engaging with them in their personal space, i.e. mobile devices. That's why its important for brands to provide consumers with a delightful experience in every aspect of delivery online to ensure that the experience is unique enough to firstly get their attention, connect with them and then be allowed into their personal space by the consumer engaging with your ad unit. Not only does being innovative offer you a higher opportunity to win them over at the precise moment but it also gives brands an opportunity to gain the consumers loyalty in a way that they will engage with you should you try reach them at another stage and they will speak positively of your brand to their peers. This can only be done and maintained by constantly being innovative in our offerings, especially digital. Barnard: Its more important than ever as consumers are now the curators of the online media they consume. They can choose to skip, stop, pause, block, etc. Viewability and ad blocking adds to the challenges brands face to strive for more attention online. One way to overcome this challenge is by delivering creative executions that allows users to opt-into the experience on their terms and this is one of the key features of VDX. But more important is relevancy, to deliver this experience in front of the right audience at the right time. Exponentials audience optimisation technology performed extremely well, achieving great results from placing the ad units in front of the right audience at the right time. How did you achieve this? How does the technology work? Exponentials audience optimisation technology performed extremely well, achieving great results from placing the ad units in front of the right audience at the right time. How did you achieve this? How does the technology work? Barnard: Our audience models are unique to each brand and every campaign. Audiences are categorised in real-time and constantly evolving users are added and removed from the model as they enter and exit different audience segments through their browsing activities and can be directly targeted seamlessly across display, video and mobile in a brand safe environment. Our audience technology called AERO (audience efficient real-time optimisation) allows us to leverage the depth of our contextualisation engine to understand what user interests and intentions are that drives them through the purchase funnel. Our proprietary audience modelling technology determines behavioural lift for each user, generating a score for each campaign. For each ad call, the lift score is matched against the advertisers own unique model to identify the users that are most likely to take action. VDX also allow brands to uncover new audience insights for future media forecasting through user interactions within the VDX expanded state as each interaction point can be measured. Whats next? Barnard: To create AR ad experience with Face Filter VDX ad units which has already been rolled out in the US. Users who opt into the experience can activate their webcams to engage the Face Filter. Facial feature and head-tracking technology is applied to the user's face, thus allowing the advertiser to overlay virtual objects such as glasses, make-up, hats, helmets, etc. A step-by-step guide on how the ad unit works and visual examples of the ad can be seen here. The services offered by traditional banks are too restrictive for what smaller retailers require and many of them are looking for alternative solutions. Disruption in the financial space is inevitable and company heavyweights such as Discovery and Outsurance are taking advantage of the financial technology (fintech) opportunity and moving into this space. Digital banks are fast becoming a reality. We are already seeing that you no longer need a bank to transfer money, with fintech companies such as Transferwise, WorldRemit and Mukuru changing the way we send money to friends and relatives in neighbouring countries. In payments, emerging technologies such as SamsungPay, Apple Pay and other mobile wallets are breaking boundaries, and traditional brick and mortar stores like supermarkets are starting to accept these alternative methods of payment. This historically highly profitable area for the bank is under threat with improved options at a better cost to the retailer. Payment-solution providers (PSPs) have the potential to offer smaller retailers a more flexible and affordable service that traditional banks are unable to offer because of their limiting risk-management policies. Regulation lags behind innovation In the South African financial landscape regulation is not keeping pace with innovation. The upside is reduced risk for financial institutions, but the downside is that it stifles innovation, as well as alternative thinking, which impacts economic growth. It does, however, create a perfect space for PSPs like ourselves, because we have the agility to develop innovative new technology in a rapid turnaround time we can deploy more agile risk assessment processes than the very traditional risk assessments employed by banks. With over 10,000 Sureswipe card machines in the market and having processed over R40 billion since 2008, we understand the tough economy and challenges that our customers independent retailers operate in, and to this end, we provide a flexible and customizable suite of offerings, which includes tools to help them improve sales and enhance customer loyalty. There has been a lot of hype around the development of alternative-payment options in South Africa, but this trend has somewhat subsided. There were a number of players in the field, but many of them have been unable to achieve economies of scale or achieve enough market share to get off the ground properly, forcing them into a situation where they have become survivalist businesses. Scope and opportunity for PSPs But I still believe there is a lot of scope and opportunity for PSPs. There is an opportunity for smaller fintech companies to consolidate, which would be more cost-effective and attractive for the merchant. There is also room for innovation by PSPs and fintech companies to identify new partnerships and test alternative solutions to see what new possibilities lie ahead. There are still failure points in the technology supply chain, which present opportunities for the industry to collaborate and create more secure and trustworthy payment platforms. Depending on where you get your statistics from, between 70% and 80% of retail transactions are done in cash. The huge amounts of cash in circulation in the country offer an attractive opportunity for payment solutions. Internationally it is not that different. In the UK, for instance, the number of electronic transactions only recently surpassed the number of cash transactions. Contactless payments were a big driver for this. In some European markets the use of cash is regulated, for example in France, cash payments are not allowed above 1,000, so these are all drivers of growth in electronic payments. In South Africa, retailers in the informal sector still rely mostly on cash as the preferred and trusted means of transacting, based on historical habits. PSPs can add value to these retailers, as there is an opportunity to reduce cash in circulation, which decreases the risk of robbery, saves on cash-deposit fees and brings informal traders into the formal economy. The promise of e-commerce Another point of growth and opportunity for PSPs is e-commerce. According to a recent Paypal survey, e-commerce spend is predicted to increase in 2018 to R53 billion from an estimated R37,1 billion in 2017. According to World Wide Worxs Online Retail in South Africa report released last year, online retail in this country will reach 1% of overall retail during 2016. Although this represents a small percentage of the total retail market in South Africa, more and more brick-and-mortar stores are investing in some form of an e-commerce platform and reliable payment portals for these platforms are crucial. As retailers increase the number of platforms they transact on, they need a payment-solution partner that can offer a full range of payment options on a trusted and secure platform. The increased number of inquiries we have received from retailers reflects this trend. Africa is a great opportunity to expand beyond our borders, but it presents challenges for fintech companies like ourselves who offer payment solutions that require a high circulation of bank cards or mobile/digital wallets. You can have cards without payment solutions because people can still use ATMs, but you cant have payment solutions without cards. The world of payments is changing, and it is changing fast. Food and Allied Workers Union (Fawu) members of Coca-Cola Beverages SA (CCBSA) operations in five provinces, including the Eastern Cape, are pushing ahead with a protected strike. This comes after wage and other negotiations with the soft drink giant ended in a deadlocked during annual wage negotiations which began in July. At Perseverance in Port Elizabeth, workers protesting at one of the two Coca-Cola facilities in the city vowed to continue their strike until their demands were met. The company confirmed the strike action, saying it involved workers who belonged to Fawu. In South Africa, Coca-Cola Fortune, ABI Bottling, Appletiser SA, Coca-Cola Canners of Southern Africa, Waveside and Coca-Cola Shanduka Beverages SA, were all consolidated into Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa. CCBSA spokeswoman Wendy Thole-Muir said the dispute was with Fawu in its representation of the bargaining unit of the former Coca-Cola Fortune part of the South African operations. "The strike applies only to the legacy of Coca-Cola Fortune workers and affects only sites where this bargaining unit is represented - mainly in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Limpopo, Northern Cape and parts of Mpumalanga." The dispute arose as the company and Fawu were unable to reach agreement during the annual wage negotiations. "The matter was referred to the CCMA last month " and Fawu was issued with a certificate for a protected strike," she said. Thole-Muir was unable to confirm how many workers were involved in the strike. But at the Perseverance plant, where about 70 people were protesting, Fawu provincial organiser Zolile Langa said at least 300 employees were involved. The other Bay operation is in Harrower Road, Holland Park. "Fawu is demanding a 12% across-the-board increase and the company, which initially offered 3%, is now offering 7%, but with conditions," Langa said. "We are willing to negotiate on the 7%, but without conditions. The conditions are that should the workers be given the 7% rise, they will agree to being paid a normal day wage when they work on weekends and public holidays," he said. "We cannot accept that." Fawu members, who also had other points of contention, had embarked on the strike on 12 October, after reaching the deadlock in negotiations, he said. "We'll continue with the strike action until we reach an agreement, or our demands are met." Decisions offered by the firm would be decided by the union at a national level, Langa said. Source: Herald The Franchise Association of South Africa, in addition to conducting a survey on the franchise sector in relation to its franchisors, also surveys franchisees to find out how they are faring and what their challenges are. High on the list of priorities within the survey, which is sponsored by Sanlam, is their satisfaction levels in a number of areas ranging from satisfaction with their franchisor, their landlord, even their suppliers. All this feeds into keeping the relationship between franchisors and franchisees at a healthy level, says Tony Da Fonseca, FASAs chairman. Being able to pick up undercurrents of uncertainty or areas that need improvement allows us as franchisors to step up our game and better service our franchisees. What is encouraging is that franchisees are optimistic about the growth of their businesses which means the potential for growth in our sector remains strong and positive. The best litmus test to seeing how successful franchising is as a business model is to ask franchisees whether they would recommend franchising to others. FASAs survey showed four out of five franchisees surveyed (80%) would not hesitate to recommend their franchise brand to others. According to Vera Valasis, FASAs executive director, this is the best endorsement that potential franchisees considering going into franchising have when researching a franchise. Whilst franchisees are currently making an average of 9.5% nett profit, there are, however, some indications in the research that franchisees are not quite as positive about the growth of their businesses as they were a year ago. This is linked primarily to economic and political influences, resulting in new franchisees taking longer than previously suggested to break even. The survey showed challenges facing the franchisee industry related to finding skilled staff, being able to offer consistently good service and the poor economy. Secondary challenges were growing the business with new customers, running costs and keeping prices competitive. Increased training in marketing the business and its products/services were identified as being of great benefit to the franchisee. Survey highlights Time in business Two out of five (41%) franchisees have been in business for more than ten years and 69% for more than five years. The average number of years in business has increased from 7,8 in 2016 to 10,3 in 2017 over the whole sample. Location of business/rentals Thirty-eight percent of franchisees have business units/stores in shopping centres/malls and 35% are situated in high streets, where most passing trade occurs. A significant increase is noted in the number of businesses situated on high streets, with a concomitant decline in the number of businesses in shopping centres/malls. This result is supported by a similar finding in the Franchisor survey of 2017. Previous years showed an increase in the number of businesses that were home-based, however, this number has dropped back to 2014/2015 levels. Roughly one in four franchisees claimed that they owned the property on which the business is situated and a similar number were unable or refused to give the amount of the deposit paid. Among the balance, the average deposit paid was R45 724 or 1,8 months of rental. The average rental paid per square metre is R167 (R164 compared to 2014/2015) and the average number of square metres occupied is 391 (344) square metres. The annual escalation percentage for rental averages out at 8,5% (6,5%). Initial working capital The average initial working capital required is R725,007 (R745,887). By working capital, we mean the franchisee must have enough working capital to cover any cash shortfalls while getting the business off the ground. Things like staff salaries, rent, stock replenishment and running costs need to be provided for in the first few months. Other businesses owned Seventy-nine percent of franchisees claimed to own more than one franchise, the majority being of the same brand. Only 2% of franchisees own an outlet of a different brand. The average number of same brand outlets owned is 1,7. Main challenges facing a franchisee The main challenges facing franchisees are finding the right staff, being able to offer consistently good service, and the poor economy. Secondary challenges are growing the business with new customers, running costs and keeping prices competitive. Rating of relationship with landlord Most franchisees report a good relationship with their landlord (73%) and a further 18% rated it as neutral. A good relationship and prompt attention to queries and fixing things earned the landlord a positive score, as does being supportive and helpful. Other reasons for giving the landlord a positive score related to good maintenance of the property, the fact that there were no problems, availability and good communication. Rating of relationship with franchisor The relationship with the franchisor is rated as very good or good by the large majority of franchisees (72%). Although this is a strong score, there is a decline in these ratings since last year (80%) with a concomitant increase in the neutral ratings. Only 7% rate it poor or very poor, while those who had previously offered a top-box score are now rating their relationship as neutral. Reasons for good/poor relationship with franchisor The overwhelming reason resulting in a positive score being given to the relationship with the franchisor is that he/she is always helpful and supportive. A poor relationship with the franchisor is characterised by a lack of support from the franchisor. Poor communication from the franchisor is also mentioned. Likelihood of recommending/not buying the franchise brand Four out of five franchisees (80%) would be extremely/very likely to recommend the purchase of their brand of franchise to others. Only 8% would not be likely to recommend this purchase. Reasons for promoting/not promoting the franchise brand Most franchisees would highly recommend their franchise brand to others, mainly because it is a trusted, well-established brand with a good reputation and because of the helpfulness and support received from their franchisors. They also consider it a good business, yielding high returns, with good quality products and customer service. Among the 8% who would not recommend buying the brand, the main reasons given are the perceived poor relationship with the franchisor and lack of profit. A further one in five each had a bad experience and/or did not believe that the franchise concept worked for all businesses. Satisfaction with suppliers While the large majority of franchisees are extremely or very satisfied (91%) with the suppliers they use, roughly one in three believe they are benefitting from prices lower than those charged elsewhere. Fifty-four percent feel prices are similar to those charged by other suppliers. Performance of franchisees The median annual turnover claimed is R2,680,000. The number of franchisees (79%) who are optimistic about the future of their businesses has remained stable; however, more uncertainty and negativity are shown this year than last year. This optimism, however, is not as strong as expressed by franchisors, nine in ten of whom believed their turnover would increase in the next year. The average nett profit claimed is 9,5% in the last financial year. Within the first year of operations, 42% of franchisees expect to break even, however, a downward trend is noted for breaking even in the first six months. This is in contrast to the three in four franchisors (60%) that make the same claim. Training and support Training priorities appear to have changed in the last year, with more focus on local store marketing, setting recommended gearing, legal documentation and assistance in the compilation of business plans. Less attention has been given to the remaining types of training. The area in which franchisees receive the least amount of support from the franchisor is in training at another franchisees outlet. Other than this aspect, most franchisees indicate that they receive a high level of support. Despite this, they would like additional support in terms of marketing, new product development and training overall. Product knowledge and customer satisfaction are the key aspects in which training is given to franchisee staff by the franchisor, although it seems that more training is given in product knowledge and less in customer satisfaction than a year ago. Other training courses offered include personal motivation and sales. Financial training (general financial management and accounting) is given less frequently. Employment There are an average number of 18 employees per business, including the owner. An average of seventeen are full-time employees and two are part-time employees. The average ratio between management and staff is 1:6. As far as ethnicity of the employees is concerned, there are, on average, thirteen black, one coloured, 0,4 Indian and four white employees. Attitudes towards running a franchised business The intention to stay within the franchise network and pride in belonging have the highest top box scores of complete agreement at 73% and 70% respectively. A similar number of franchisees also completely agree that they recommend the use of the brands products and services to others, that communication from the franchisor is open and honest and they have confidence in the franchisor leadership team. Lowest levels of agreement are expressed with regard to opportunities to connect with other franchisees within the group, regular access to senior franchisor executives, involvement with brand initiatives and, to a lesser extent, being respected and appreciated by the franchisor. Awareness of FASA is relatively high at 73% among these franchisees, with one in three of their franchisors being members. Click here to view the full Franchisee Survey. AngloGold Ashanti will have just two major assets left in SA, halving output from the country after agreeing to the sale of its Moab Khotsong and mothballed Great Noligwa mines and uranium assets to Harmony Gold, and selling its Kopanang mine to China's Heaven-Sent SA Sunshine Investment company, realising nearly R4.2bn in total. Srinivasan Venkatakrishnan, CE AngloGold Ashanti AngloGold has retained its Mponeng mine, the world's deepest mine, as well as its Mine Waste Solutions, a tailings retreatment project. They are both large assets that will generate 14% of the group's annual production and bring SA in line with output from Australia, Tanzania and Brazil. Mponeng and the tailings operations will generate 450,000oz of gold at $1,021/oz, which is down from the 967,000oz in 2016. Three years ago, AngloGold ditched a short-lived plan to separate its assets into international and local portfolios, entailing a $2.1bn rights issue that ran into stiff headwind from shareholders and since then, some analysts have speculated it could begin selling local assets piecemeal. "This is a good deal for both parties, and certainly not a retreat," said AngloGold spokesman Stewart Bailey. "We have got two large, valuable, long-life assets with very attractive margins that we will continue to manage in SA." AngloGold had earmarked its Kopanang and TauTona mines for closure, with 8,500 jobs on the line. It received unsolicited interest in Kopanang from Heaven-Sent, which operates the Tau Lekoa mine nearby, and they subsequently agreed the sale of the mine for R100m cash to the Chinese company. The R100m will offset the roughly R400m AngloGold has set aside to pay all employees at Kopanang retrenchment packages, regardless of whether the mine was sold or not. About half of the 8,500 job cuts will come from Kopanang, with thousands of jobs now potentially saved if the transaction is finalised and Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane gives his approval for the transfer of mineral rights to China's Heaven-Sent. AngloGold will keep the Kopanang processing plant and rock dumps, and it will also acquire rock dumps from Heaven-Sent that will be treated through the Kopanang gold plant. The transaction to buy the loss-making Kopanang mine and West Gold Plant should be concluded in the first quarter of 2018. AngloGold has no intention of selling TauTona, which is intertwined with Mponeng. AngloGold's $300m, or R4.05bn, from Harmony for the cash-generative Moab Khotsong mine and the Great Noligwa assets, as well as the whole of the Nufcor uranium plant and sizeable tailings dumps that can be retreated for gold, will be used to repay debt and to invest in growth projects at Mponeng and outside SA. "This transaction is in line with our capital allocation strategy and our aim to effect the improvement of our global portfolio, through projects that extend mine lives, enhance margins and provide quicker cash turns on investment," AngloGold CE Srinivasan Venkatakrishnan said. Given the long list of international projects either under way or in planning, the Zaaiplaats extension to add 15 years of life to Moab Khotsong was unlikely to be startedany time soon and was better off in the hands of a company such as Harmony, which has a lower corporate and operating cost structure. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) increased the number of students it funded by 9% in the 2016-17 financial year, but the technically complex roll-out of its student-centred model led to the organisation failing to meet nearly half of its strategic objectives and performance indicators. The NSFAS presented its annual report to Parliament's portfolio committee on higher education and training on Wednesday. Funded students rose from 414,949 in 2016 to 451,507 for this academic year. A total of R12.4bn in financial aid was disbursed, with the lion's share of R10.3bn used to fund 225,950 students at the country's 26 public universities. The R2.1bn earmarked for college students was a 100% bursary. NSFAS acting executive officer Lerato Nage said that since the ministerial review in 2010, the 2016-17 financial year was the most difficult in the history of the organisation. Unlike in the past, when universities distributed allowances to students, the NSFAS rolled out the new model in 2017 wherein it gave funds directly to students. But the model came with a number of technology and communication challenges. Nage said the NSFAS had satisfied only four of its seven strategic objectives, while only seven out of its 13 key performance indicators were attained. The report highlighted that the body was unable to meet its targets for the disbursement of allowances to students within the normal seven-day period while it was also unable to meet its target for paying 100% of claims to institutions outside the student model by December 31. The NSFAS attributed the delays to limited capacity, system configuration issues and late claims submissions. Applications for financial aid for the 2018 academic year will close on 30 November. Source: Business Day Poor working conditions, minimum access to beneficial networks and lack of skills and resources for promotion are just a few of the challenges that disadvantaged artists face when aiming to make viable careers from their creativity. The Grassroots Art Project, in partnership with the Online Art Shop, is an initiative that aims to address these issues by showcasing local disadvantaged artists to a much wider commercial art market in a much more accessible space. Quality print reproductions of the artists works are created, then displayed and sold via the Online Art Shop amongst more established artists. The project was founded by Cara Esterhuysen, a fine art photographer, print reproduction specialist and Abongile Ngesi, an emerging disadvantaged artist from Khayelitsha. Currently the project is still in the beginning stages and is raising funds to help sustain and market the project via local crowdsourcing platform Thundafund. Abongile Ngesi & Cara Esterhuysen We got in touch with founder Cara Esterhuysen, to find out how they aim to help turn creative talent into sustainable careers. Can you explain the thoughts behind starting the Grassroots Art Project? Youth unemployment is contributing to instability in South Africa, causing escalating crime, and a growing social crisis, which is placing an increasing burden on the state fiscus. Undereducated and uneducated young people remain trapped in disadvantaged townships and rural areas, as they have little hope of employment anytime in the future as the formal employment market continues to shed jobs. Yet, there are so many talented young people in these communities that lack the know-how to become self-employed entrepreneurs. The Grassroots Art Project is based on the belief that art entrepreneurialism is a viable form of self-employment that could provide a decent living. Yonela Sihle The South African art community is poorly transformed as disadvantaged artists dont know how to promote themselves and market their work. The Grassroots Art Project creates a conduit between promising artistic talent in disadvantaged areas and the established art community which feeds the art consumption demand. The Grassroots Art Project team believes that given access to the same support and resources that established artists used to build economic success, the disadvantaged artist has a good chance of establishing a following that will lead to self-sufficiency. Since disadvantaged artists live in overcrowded, damp, and leaky shacks, which are not conducive to storing and protecting artworks, original work is seldom in a sellable condition. For this reason, the Grassroots Art Project concentrates on archival grade Giclee print reproductions as damage is cleaned up in the post-production process. Print reproductions make art accessible to the ordinary man on the street, contributing to increasing art appreciation, and expanding the art economy. Abongile Ngesi Masixole Zozi The Grassroots Art Project presents disadvantaged artists work in a high-quality format on the same marketing platforms used by successful artists. This increases exposure to the discerning art consumer, providing opportunities to support socio-economic development through purchase decisions. In this way, the art consumer contributes to addressing unemployment and alleviating poverty. Grassroots Art Project artists, on the other hand, join the mainstream art community which irons out the existing inequity and inequality. Bringing disadvantaged artists work to the public domain gives a voice to a sector of society which is usually forgotten and ignored. The Grassroots Art Project, therefore, plays a significant role in promoting diversity and enriching the South African art, culture, and heritage experience. Baxolele Gqola What would be your ultimate aim with regards to the project? As a socio-economic development initiative, the Grassroots Art Projects primary aim is to develop professional artists from disadvantaged areas to transform the South African art community. Art entrepreneurialism will generate self-employment opportunities and once disadvantaged artists have developed a following they will be able to earn a decent living. Flowing from the primary aim, the projects ultimate aim is to create income security through the generation of a perpetual income from print reproduction sales. Therefore the project also aims to contribute towards addressing South Africas national priorities of unemployment, poverty alleviation, and inequality. If you dont achieve the funds you need via Thundafund will you still be pursuing the project? Yes, we will be pursuing the project whether we receive funds or not. The Thundafund contribution is earmarked to bring as many artists as possible into the project. The success of the project is dependent on the quality and extent of the marketing campaign to create a demand for the Grassroots Art Project artists work. For this reason, a significant portion of the funds will be directed towards a comprehensive marketing campaign. The degree of support we generate from the Thundafund initiative will determine how extensively and how rapidly the project gets off the ground. Masixole Zozi Yonela Sihle What advice would you give to aspiring artists and entrepreneurs? Aspiring artists and entrepreneurs should recognise that their talent is a valuable asset that could give them financial freedom. Successful entrepreneurialism requires hard work and perseverance, so hope and optimism are important characteristics to cultivate. Art entrepreneurialism can also be lonely, so it is important to integrate oneself into a community to maintain inspiration and morale. Having a presence amongst the collective is an advantage, as higher visibility generates greater traffic which offers maximum exposure. Abongile Ngesi How exactly will the project work when it comes to recompensating the artists? All expenses are borne by the Grassroots Art Project and the artists are paid according to a profit share agreement. The same formula that applies to the established professional artists is used, except that 10% of the artists share is given to the talent scout. The Grassroots Art Project artist progresses to the professional artists category as soon as they reach a specified income threshold after which the scout fee falls away. How do you source the artists and can artists approach you if interested in being part of the project? Abongile Ngesi, an emerging artist from Khayelitsha, is the Grassroots Art Projects talent scout. He spreads the word in disadvantaged communities and directs promising artists towards the project. Artists are welcome to approach the Grassroots Art Project directly. Since the project is aimed at developing professional artists, acceptance into the project is via a panel review in order to maintain standards. For more information or to donate to the Thundafund project go to www.thundafund.com/project/grassroots. Follow the Grassroots Art Project on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube . To browse and shop the artist's work visit www.onlineartshop.co.za. ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - Innovation is key to supporting Africa's transformation, said Vera Songwe, Economic Commission for Africa's (ECA) executive secretary in Dakar, Senegal. Trade, ICT and climate smart industrialisation, she said, were a few areas that represent Africa's efforts to leapfrog through innovation. Cesar Augusto Villarreal Montemayor via 123RF Investment in innovation is critical if Africas new industries, especially in the information and communication technologies (ICT) sector, are to play a crucial role in promoting the continents structural transformation, said Vera Songwe, who was speaking at the 3rd Investing in Africa Forum (IAF), also known as the China-Africa Forum. Speaking on the theme of the Forum, Africa Leapfrogging through Innovation, Songwe said Africa is already leapfrogging in many areas, but noted that this required leadership and persistence. Trade, ICT and climate smart industrialisation, she said, were a few areas that represent Africas efforts to leapfrog through innovation. The ECA, she added, is providing assistance through various ways, in particular the formulation of supportive policies to create adequate legal frameworks, as well as capacity building. Leapfrogging requires leadership and persistence. Today, we all cite Rwanda and how innovation is driving the country towards a great future but the ECA began working with Rwanda in 1998 to develop its first ICT for development strategy. It did not happen in a day. It took leadership. She highlighted the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) agreement which seeks to create a single continental market for goods and services, promote free movement of business persons and investments and expand intra-African trade, and said Africa was creating a governance system around markets which should allow for more and better trade. The CFTA provides an opportunity to advance the continents agenda through discussing agreements on services and ICT as well as issues of copyright, she said, and added that ECA will continue to support African countries to enact policies that support innovation and growth on the continent, as well as data that enables evidence-based research. 'Path to emergence' Referencing the analysis in the ECAs 2016 edition of the Economic Report on Africa, whose theme was Greening Africas Industrialization, she called on African countries to continue to leapfrog the business-as-usual carbon-intensive methods of growth and pursue pathways to green industrialisation. In this report, we look at the benefits of climate smart industrialisation and we assure member states that industrialisation and energy efficiency, as well as water efficiency are not in competition. Africa can industrialise while improving its climate indicators. She urged. For his part, President Macky Sall of Senegal touched on his countrys new development model to accelerate progress towards its emergence. He noted that on the path to emergence, African countries should transform productive systems, bearing in mind the need for sustainability. He said that the process of transformation involves innovation and a shift that reflects a real willingness to break with established ideas, practices and habits. In short, he stressed that, it is a question of breaking away from business as usual, as our English-speaking friends would say. Sall also called on public authorities to be the first to support innovation as they seek to serve the public in a better way, adding this would inspire confidence in citizens and partners alike. If we want to achieve progress through innovation, we must adopt a new way of thinking, he underscored, stressing, policies to support innovation should be sound, stable, transparent and predictable. The Investing in Africa Forum (IAF) was established in 2015 as a global platform for multilateral cooperation and promoting opportunities to increase investment in Africa. *More on the Forum: www.worldbank.org/en/events/2017/09/25/the-third-investing-in-africa-forum Motion Icon's escalator step branding offers unlimited creative visual opportunities for brands looking to a new advertising channel that delivers ROI and hyper proximity communication. This website serves as a reference source for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the author. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others body language as well as the projection of ones own nonverbal skills in many different contexts not to advance any political, religious or other agenda. __________________________________ Reciba en su email: noticias de ultima hora, analisis tecnicos o el cierre de mercado Email no valido Nombre requerido Recibira las informaciones mas relevantes del dia en tiempo real Que informacion desea recibir? 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COMMENTS: We do not publish all comments, and we do not publish comments immediately. A double-murder trial has heard today that two bullets were recovered from each of the skulls of two men found in a burning car. Jason ODriscoll from Richmond Avenue in Dublin denies murdering Anthony Burnett and Joseph Redmond five years ago. Stephen Hoey was one of the firefighters who responded to reports of a burning car at Ravensdale Park in Dundalk on Mar 7, 2012. While hosing down the car, he said he saw a badly broken-up skull and rib cage sitting on the drivers side. A second skull was found when Gardai arrived. During a post mortem the following day, DG Shane Curran said he observed bullet fragments being taken from the skulls. He said two discharged bullets were removed from each. The bodies were later identified as Anthony Burnett and Joseph Redmond. They were described earlier in the trial as small-time criminals who had stolen a VW Golf in Dublin on the day they were killed. It is the prosecutions case that Jason ODriscoll was the intended buyer and that he was present when they were shot. Mr ODriscoll denies both charges. A 40-year-old Dublin man has appeared in court charged with harassing RTEs Sharon Ni Bheolain between October 2013 and February 2014. Conor OHora of Heather Walk in Portmarnock was arrested this morning near the Criminal Courts of Justice on Infirmary Road. He has also charged with possessing images of child pornography. He was granted bail on condition he does not contact anyone involved in the case. He is due back in court in December. Update 26/10/17: Josh has been found safe and well. Gardai have thanked the public for their assistance. Earlier: Gardai are appealing for help from the public in tracing the whereabouts of a missing Cork teenager. Ibrahim Halawa has been released from prison, it is being reported. The 21-year-old from Dublin was cleared last month of all charges connected to mass protests in Cairo in August 2013 on the Muslim Brotherhood's so-called Day of Rage. Update 7.30pm: Ibrahim Halawa has described his joy at being a free man. The Irishman was last night released from an Egyptian jail after four years behind bars. It came a month after he was acquitted of all charges related to a mass Muslim Brotherhood protest in Cairo in 2013. The 21-year-old from Firhouse in Dublin posted a message on Facebook thanking all those who had worked to secure his release, particularly staff at the Irish embassy. "Finally the day where I can see the sky without bars, smell fresh air, walk freely and smile deeply from the bottom of my heart," he wrote. "But I miss one thing and it's being home." He added: "Thank you to everyone who helped. I love you all." If you cannot see the Facebook post above, click here. Mr Halawa is expected to fly home in the coming days once a number of immigration requirements are completed in Egypt. Earlier: The sister of freed Ibrahim Halawa has said her family can finally start to live life again. Mr Halawa's eventual release after four years in custody in Egypt came a month after he was acquitted of all charges related to a mass Muslim Brotherhood protest in the Cairo in 2013. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said the Government is working to reunite him with his family. He is expected back in Ireland in the coming days. Mr Halawa, from Firhouse in Dublin, was jailed in 2013 after being arrested in a mosque amid protests over the removal of the then Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi. He was one of almost 500 people in a protracted mass trial. The 21-year-old was released from prison at 11pm Irish time last night. His three sisters, Somaia, Fatima and Omaima, were also arrested during the crackdown on the 2013 protest but later released on bail and returned to Dublin. Ibrahim Halawa's sisters Fatima, Omaima and Somaia last month. They were acquitted following trial in absentia. Somaia Halawa spoke of her family's joy. "Yesterday was a day I can't describe, we were all over the moon," she said. "Finally we were able to sleep for the first time in four years. "I was able to finally continue my life normally, I was able to laugh without trying to pretend I am okay, trying to pretend everything was okay when it was not." She hailed Mr Varadkar and Foreign Minister Simon Coveney's efforts to secure her brother's release. "They worked so hard towards getting him released," she said. Giving his response to the development as he arrived for the European Council summit in Brussels, Mr Varadkar said: "Really, really delighted to hear that Ibrahim Halawa has been released from prison." "He's receiving full consular assistance at the moment. "We are helping him to get back to Ireland to be reunited with his family and get on with his life and his studies." "He spent far too long in an Egyptian prison." He also appealed for the family's wishes for privacy to be respected. Mr Coveney said he expected Mr Halawa to return to Ireland on Sunday or Monday. He explained that he needed to get an immigration stamp from the Egyptian authorities before he could fly home. Mr Halawa was cleared last month of all charges connected to mass protests during the Muslim Brotherhood's so-called Day of Rage. A student and son of a prominent Muslim cleric in Dublin, Sheikh Hussein Halawa, he was prosecuted in a mass trial after being detained in a mosque near Ramses Square in Cairo. He was 17 at the time. Update 3.30pm: Minister for Children Katherine Zappone has said she hopes freed Ibrahim Halawa will be home in Ireland soon. "My understanding and hope now is it will be fairly quick. The most extraordinary thing of course is that he has been acquitted and he is now free and that he is coming home to his family," she said. Mr Halawa is celebrating his first day of freedom after being released from an Egyptian jail overnight. Last month, he was cleared of all charges after spending four years in custody. Update 1pm: The campaign to free Ibrahim Halawa has today praised the Irish embassy in Egypt for its help following the Dublin mans release from an Egyptian prison. Releasing a new picture of Ibrahim on their campaigns Facebook page today, ambassador Sean O'Regan was singled out for praise. To see this post on Facebook, click here. Update 10am: One of Ibrahim Halawas sisters fainted as he was released from jail, the family have revealed. Nosayba Halawa was in Egypt to greet the 21-year-old Dubliner as he was released after more than four years in custody. The Dubliner was acquitted of all charges last month but it has taken weeks for his release to be completed. Speaking at the family home in Firhouse in Dublin, Fatima Halawa said they got the good news late last night. "We were all heading to bed," she said. "Dad comes from inside, and he's screaming, and we didn't understand why he's screaming, and we realise he's on the phone to Ibrahim, and then he's rushing up the stairs and he's like: 'I'll give you Mum now, I'll give you Mum now'. "And we heard later on from our family friends that when he was released, Nosayba actually fainted!" To see this post on Facebook, click here. Update 8.26am: The Taoiseach has expressed "delight" at the release of Ibrahim Halawa from prison in Egypt, writes Elaine Loughlin Speaking as he arrived at the second day of the EU Council Summit in Brussels this morning, Leo Varadkar said Mr Halawa had spent "far too long" in jail and appealed for his privacy to be respected. The 21-year-old Irishman, who had been detained since 2013, was last night released from prison after last month being acquitted of all charges relation to Cairo demonstrations. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar welcomed news of Ibrahim Halawa's release from prison in Egypt pic.twitter.com/tgY9u3xZD4 RTE News (@rtenews) October 20, 2017 Mr Varadkar said: "I am really really delighted to hear that Ibrahim Halawa has been released from prison. "He is receiving full consular assistance at the moment. We are helping him to get back to Ireland where he will be reunited with his family and hopefully he will get on with his life and get on with his studies. "He spent far too long in a different prison but I am delighted that he is now out. "I would as people to respect his family's wishes for privacy," the Taoiseach said. Earlier: The Irishman jailed in Egypt for more than four years, Ibrahim Halawa, has been freed from prison. His supporters and authorities revealed the 21-year-old had been released from jail in Cairo more than four weeks on from his acquittal over Muslim Brotherhood protests. A message on the Free Ibrahim Halawa Facebook page welcomed his freedom and said plans for his repatriation are being made. Mr Halawa, from Dublin, was cleared last month of all charges connected to mass protests in Cairo in August 2013, the Muslim Brotherhood's so-called Day of Rage. A student and son of a prominent Muslim cleric in Dublin - Sheikh Hussein Halawa - he was prosecuted in a mass trial after being detained in a mosque near Ramses Square in Cairo amid protests over the removal of president Mohamed Morsi. He was 17 at the time. His three sisters - Somaia, Fatima and Omaima - were also arrested during the crackdown but later released on bail and returned to Dublin. They were acquitted following trial in absentia. Delighted 2 confirm Ibrahim Halawa has been released, being supported by family+Embassy. Some formalities still required before flying home Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) October 19, 2017 Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan, who campaigned on his behalf, tweeted: "Great news coming out of Cairo. #IbrahimHalawa is free - 4 years of illegal imprisonment, but now focus is on getting him home #FreeIbrahim." Darragh Mackin, Mr Halawa's solicitor, said: "Ibrahim Halawa is finally a free man." President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, on a trip to Australia, also welcomed the news. "The release of Ibrahim Halawa will come as a great relief to his family," he said. "It will be welcomed by all those who were concerned for him in his long ordeal of imprisonment. "I wish Ibrahim Halawa well on his journey home." Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney confirmed that Ibrahim has been released from custody in Cairo. The Irish Ambassador to Egypt, Sean O'Regan, confirmed that Ibrahim had been release at approximately 11pm Irish time. Ambassador O'Regan and the Embassy team are providing Ibrahim with every appropriate support following his release. Minister Coveney said: "I am delighted that Ibrahim has finally been released after his long and difficult ordeal, and that he will soon be able to return home and be reunited with his family. "I know that Ibrahim and his family have asked for privacy during this time and I hope that this will be respected. Ibrahim has been through a lot, and I think we all need to give him the time and space that he needs. "On behalf of the Government, I want to make clear that all appropriate ongoing support that Ibrahim requires in the period ahead will be available to him. "I would like to take this opportunity today to express on behalf of the Government my appreciation to the hardworking team in my Department's Consular Directorate, and also and especially to our Ambassador in Cairo, Sean O'Regan, his predecessors and their team, for all that they have done, and are continuing to do, to support this Irish citizen and to work to ensure his safe return home to Ireland. This is a great moment for Ibrahim and his family - a moment for celebration, and a moment for savouring freedom, and I want to wish Ibrahim Halawa and his family all health and happiness for the future." Update 4.15pm: Irish Rail union members have announced a series of rolling 24-hour stoppages. 155,000 train journeys will be affected every day during the strikes. "Following a meeting this afternoon, the Trade Union Group representing all workers at Irish Rail, in pursuance of a long overdue flat pay award, have decided to serve notice on the Company for the following series of industrial actions," the NBRU said. The 24-hour work stoppages will see a full withdrawal of labour and the placing of pickets on the following five dates: Wednesday, November 1. Tuesday, November 7. Tuesday, November 14. Thursday, November 23. Friday, December 8. The strike on the 14th coincides with the Republic of Irelands football match against Denmark while the stoppage on the 8th clashes with a busy day for Christmas shoppers. The Trade Union Group said it will review the actionan ongoing basis and could "decide to escalate the action by way of increased frequency and duration". "The responsibility for this dispute lies squarely with the CEO and his management team at Irish Rail," it added. "The treatment meted out to staff over the last number of months, and in particular the debacle which occurred at the WRC last evening, has been nothing short of contemptuous and will make a resolution to this dispute even more difficult, if not now impossible." @DermotLeary Trade Union Group announce series of 24hr Stoppages at Irish Rail pic.twitter.com/SZJqEFGhKf DermotoLeary NBRU GS (@DermotLeary) October 20, 2017 NBRU described the action, which will affect tens of thousands of commuters, as "an unfortunate consequence" of the dispute with Irish Rail. SIPTU TEAC Division Organiser Greg Ennis said: "While the impending industrial action is regrettable and will no doubt affect the travelling public our members believe they are left with no option but to pursue such a course on foot of the procrastination by management over what is a reasonable pay claim and which is in line with similar pay awards within the CIE group and wider transport sector. Iarnrod Eireann management has said it regrets the decision of union workers to hold the stoppages. Talks between Iarnrod Eireann and trade unions at the Workplace Relations Commission concluded yesterday evening without agreement. Iarnrod Eireann said the employees will lose pay for the days of industrial action and customers will face disruption and uncertainty. The effect of this industrial action will be clear: "Our precarious finances will be weakened further, in a situation where accumulated losses are 160m, and the company is dangerously close to insolvency and our ability to address the pay claim will be reduced," it added. The company said it is committed to resolving the dispute through dialogue and the state's "industrial relations machinery". Iarnrod Eireann said it moved its position to offer a 1.75% increase for one year, to be facilitated by measures including performance management, absenteeism management, revisions to redeployment policy and payroll. It committed to discussing more substantive productivity issues to fund further improvements in earnings beyond the one year agreement in a defined period. Update 1.36pm: Members of the National Bus & Rail Union (NBRU) members have voted by a margin of 93% in favour of industrial action at Irish Rail. It follows a similar ballot by SIPTU members earlier today after pay talks broke down at the Labour Court last night. "Our members have had enough of the type of behaviour witnessed last evening at the WRC when senior management at Irish Rail pulled a potential proposal which we felt could have been presented to our members for their consideration," said NBRU general secretary Dermot OLeary. "It would appear that this company are hell-bent on forcing its own staff onto the picket lines and creating an environment which will bring nothing but misery to thousands of rail commuters. "We will meet with trade union colleagues this afternoon in order to agree a coordinated strategy of industrial action over the coming weeks and the run-in to Christmas. "It is long since passed time that political leadership was provided by the Minister for Transport with regard to the publicly-owned public transport companies. Update 1.05pm: SIPTU members in Irish Rail have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action today. SIPTU members voted by 84% in favour of industrial action in a ballot that was counted today in Liberty Hall. SIPTU TEAC division organiser, Greg Ennis, said: SIPTU representatives will meet with officials of the four other trade unions in the Irish Rail Group of Unions this afternoon at 2.30pm to agree a campaign of targeted industrial action. It was always only as a last resort that our 1,900 members in Irish Rail said that they would initiate industrial action. However, due to the intransigent and combative attitude displayed by management over recent weeks, they have no alternative. This was particularly evident before the break down of talks in the Workplace Relations Commission, last night. SIPTU members in Irish Rail vote overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action https://t.co/CHCWtuBEHO SIPTU (@SIPTU) October 20, 2017 Update 11.51am: The National Bus and Rail Union says it expects a train strike before Christmas - but it is unlikely to last for days on end. Talks between unions and management at Irish Rail broke down last night, with unions rejecting an offer of a 1.75% pay increase for one year. National Bus and Rail Union general secretary Dermot OLeary said that members will have their customers in mind. Were not ruling out an all-out strike, but the soundings Ive been getting is that people have a preference for rolling strikes, not least because they understand that people are going to be discommoded and they dont want to entertain the notion of closing down the railway for days on end, he said. They know they have to engage in strike action for maybe a day or two, over a number of weeks leading to Christmas, and theyre prepared to do that. The result of a trade union ballot will be known this afternoon, with strikes possible as soon as next weekend. Irish Rails Barry Kenny said that the unions rejected a reasonable offer. We offered 1.75%, with some administrative changes around performance management, around absenteeism management, other areas like that, for one year, and we would then look in more detail at further measures for year two and three, he said. So that was on the table, effectively a 1.75% increase which would not impact the day-to-day work of the vast majority of employees, but unfortunately the trade unions didnt feel in a position to accept that. Update 10.12am: Irish Rail is today calling on unions to return to the Labour Court instead of ballot for industrial action. Unions have blamed Irish Rail CEO David Franks for the breakdown in pay talks last night. Irish Rail spokesman Barry Kenny said that a strike could still be avoided. "Industrial action is avoidable," he said. "We, unfortunately, weren't able to reach agreement at the Workplace Relations Commission, but we were there after being referred to the Labour Court, and the Labour Court said 'if you can't agree on matters there, bring it back to the Labour Court for adjudication'. "So that is the route that should happen now. unfortunately, the trade unions are proceeding with a ballot and threatening industrial action." Update 9.37am: The public should know whether or not there will be a train strike before Christmas by this afternoon. The NBRU trade union is meeting later to discuss their next step after turning down a possible pay hike, based on certain productivity conditions, at the WRC overnight. NBRU General Secretary Dermot O'Leary says they will meet at 2.30pm this afternoon before announcing the next course of action. "We assumed that we were working towards a situation last night, late into the night, that those strings attached would not be part of any proposal, and in fact we were inching towards a situation that a proposal around pay could be presented to our membership "But unfortunately, at the last minute, we contend in the trade union side of the debate that that proposal was pulled at the last minute. "And as I said, we are accusing people who were not in the building last night at the WRC of being responsible for pulling that offer." Earlier: There could be industrial action at Irish Rail after last night's collapse of talks at the WRC. Management say they offered a 1.75% pay rise, "to be facilitated by measures including performance management, absenteeism management, revisions to redeployment policy and payroll". The offer was rejected by the unions, who are demanding a no-strings-attached increase. Unions had previously threatened industrial action. "Despite the best efforts of the WRC, Irish Rail senior management have once again demonstrated their total disdain for their own staff and those that rely on Irish Rail services," an Iarnrod Eireann Trade Union Group statement read. "We have spent the last 12 hours engaging in what we understood to be last-ditch efforts to produce a proposal on pay which could be presented to our members, and in so doing stave off what we consider to be unnecessary industrial action. "Such action will discommode tens of thousands of commuters over the coming weeks, in the run-up to Christmas and beyond. "We had forewarned the company in advance of todays discussions that those that appeared at the WRC on behalf of Irish Rail should be able to come to the table with a clear mandate to negotiate. "Regrettably, once again we have experienced the situation where those outside of the negotiating process has undermined and sabotaged any prospects of concluding settlement proposals and we would call into question the CEOs role in this debacle. "Consequently, trade unions will now proceed to conclude and count their respective ballots ,with announcements tomorrow afternoon on the details relating to the anticipated roll-out on the industrial action/strike action across the rail network in the coming weeks." Management at Iarnrod Eireann expressed their disappointment at the outcome, calling on unions to engage in further talks. "As these talks follows a referral by the Labour Court, it should be remembered that this referral stated that should the parties not reach agreement, any outstanding issues should be referred back to the Labour Court," a statement read. "Therefore, Iarnrod Eireann urges its trade unions to complete this process and refer the outstanding issues to the Labour Court, rather than balloting for or threatening industrial action. "Any threatened industrial action will only further worsen our financial position, weakening our ability to improve employees earnings, and most importantly will cause uncertainty and disruption to our customers travel plans." By David Raleigh The Minister for Finance has told a post budget meeting of business leaders in Limerick that the M20 Cork-Limerick motorway is a national priority for Government. Minister Paschal Donohoe described the motorway between the Munster counties as a necessity, as he moved to allay concerns raised by interested parties at the meeting. He said the route was part of the governments commitment to an integrated plan for the entire country. He described the M20 as the main missing link in our national road network. There's an acknowledgement in government we need to do itIt makes national sense. The government has pledged 5m for the planning and tendering phase of the massive project. However, Minister Donohoe declined to comment on a potential start date for the motorway. I'm very much aware of the importance for the [tendering] contract. Experience has taught me, that if I begin to put in place construction dates and start dates, in relation to when the project will begin and finish, before it gets planning permission, that it could create difficulties in the planning process. I want to emphasise the government is committed to the building of that project and the competition of the road. We think it's a vital part of our national [development] response, not only to Brexit, but how we realise the potential of our country, he explained. Moving to allay further concerns that the government wasn't focused enough on developing the countrys regions outside the capital, he said: If our response back to the challenges and opportunities that we have is a Dublin response, that will be a national failure for us. We have to have a national response. The minister also told the meeting at City Hall, Limerick, the economy was moving to full employment. I think it's likely that we will move to a situation of full employment, but I'm by no means taking it for granted, given all the different changes that we are managing at the moment. But, I do believe it is very likely that well move into 2018 and we'll see a labour market that is even further improved versus where it is at the moment. I believe better days are ahead. I believe we do have it within our grasp next year, to get to a point potentially for full employment in our country. A man accused of vandalising one of Dublins best known gay bars with homophobic graffiti has been given four weeks to decide how he will plead. Eoin Berkeley, 24, from Hamptonwood Way, Finglas, Dublin 11, is accused of criminal damage to the facade and panels at the George Bar in the city centre in the early hours of May 20 last. He appeared in court again today when he was further remanded in custody. Derogatory language and a swastika daubed in chalk had to be removed from the pubs facade during the alleged incident. Judge Victor Blake heard at Cloverhill District Court that the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed summary disposal of the case. This means it should stay in the district court and not go forward to the circuit court, which has tougher sentencing powers. Judge Blake accepted jurisdiction for it to remain in the district court but remarked it was a borderline case. He adjourned the case until November 15 next when Mr Berkeley, who was accompanied by his solicitor, will be expected to formally tell the court how he is going to plead. Free legal aid was also granted earlier after the defence explained to the court that Mr Berkeley's access to funds was limited and he had been on a disability benefit. The offence at district court level can carry a sentence of up to one year. Cash, unstamped cigarettes, and a car were seized earlier today following a number of searches at premises on the north side of Cork city. 15,015 was seized in the intelligence-led operation, along with a 2011 Skoda Octavia and 8,200 unstamped cigarettes. A Sinn Fein mayor has refused to meet the Prince of Wales on his visit to Derry today. Explaining the snub, Maoliosa McHugh cited Charles's links to the Parachute Regiment, whose soldiers were responsible for the Bloody Sunday shootings in Derry in 1972. The Prince, who holds the role of Colonel in Chief of the regiment, was in the city today to visit communities hit by summer flooding. He has visited the city on a number of previous occasions. Other senior Sinn Fein members have met and shaken hands with Charles in the past, including party president Gerry Adams. In January 1972, soldiers from the Parachute Regiment opened fire on civil rights demonstrators, killing 13 people. A 14th victim died months later in hospital. A long-running public inquiry found that the killings were unjustified and the dead posed no threat when they were shot. Then-British Prime Minister David Cameron subsequently apologised for the actions of the regiment on the day. Mr McHugh, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, said meeting Charles in the city would be "premature", given the "unresolved sensitives" around Bloody Sunday. Prosecutors in Northern Ireland are currently assessing whether to charge 18 former paras in connection with the events of Bloody Sunday. They are also due to examine files of evidence related to two former Official IRA members. Mr McHugh said: "As a Sinn Fein elected representative and Mayor of Derry and Strabane, I am fully committed to reconciliation and to reaching out to the Unionist community. "I also recognise the positive contribution made by members of the British Royal Family to the search for reconciliation and the need for greater understanding of the different narratives, which exist here. "Today's visit to Derry by Prince Charles is difficult for many families in the city given his ongoing role as Colonel in Chief of the Parachute Regiment. "And while I have supported meetings between Sinn Fein and members of the British Royal Family, I believe that meeting him in Derry is premature given the ongoing and unresolved sensitivities around the legacy of the massacre carried out by that regiment." Deputy Mayor John Boyle, of the SDLP, met Charles during his engagements in the north-west. DUP MP for East Derry, Gregory Campbell, accused the mayor of "retreating to the comfort of backwoods Republicanism". "Over two years ago, Gerry Adams met with Prince Charles. He and Martin McGuinness were able to spend 20 minutes in a private meeting with him. Only six months ago, Mr Adams shared a handshake with Prince Charles on the final day of his tour of the Republic of Ireland. "Today, the Sinn Fein Mayor of Derry is retreating to the comfort of backwoods Republicanism. "We hear a great deal from Republicans about respect and criticisms of Unionism for not reaching out to recognise other cultures and traditions. It is clear, however, that Maoliosa McHugh does not believe such responsibilities extend to him." The Taoiseach has expressed frustration at the length of time the powersharing crisis has lasted in Northern Ireland, pointing out that many pregnancies are shorter. With the DUP and Sinn Fein still at loggerheads over a return to devolved government and the spectre of Westminster direct rule looming ever larger, Leo Varadkar urged the North's political leaders to "do what's best for the people" and get back into government. Powersharing imploded in January when the late Sinn Fein deputy first minister Martin McGuinness resigned amid a row over the DUP's handling of a botched renewable heat energy scheme. That stand-off opened up more deep-seated divisions between the parties. Months of talks aimed at restoring powersharing have failed, with proposed legislation to protect Irish language speakers now the main obstacle. Mr Varadkar voiced his concerns about the impasse as he attended the European Council summit in Brussels. "The Northern Ireland parties are now up to nine months - you can bear a child in less time," he said afterwards. With four UK government deadlines for a deal have already fallen by the wayside, Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire has now identified October 30 as the latest cut-off point for a deal. The Taoiseach warned that Stormont's budget was running out and the stand-off was badly impacting public services. "There are big decisions to be made in relation to Brexit which involves them and affects them," he added. "If I was an elected politician in Northern Ireland I would really want to be in an executive and an assembly as soon as possible so I could influence those decisions. "No one can force the DUP and Sinn Fein to share power. "If the guiding principle is doing what's best for the people of Northern Ireland, the citizens, Catholic, Protestant and no religion or other religion, you would form a government." Back in Northern Ireland, DUP leader and former first minister Arlene Foster told a business event in Ballyclare said it was "disappointing" the North was still without a ruling executive. "A mere 18 months ago Martin McGuinness and I were issuing statements that the 2016-2021 term was about getting down to business," she said. "It was to be the term of greatest delivery by an executive - on health, education and jobs. "It is time to get back to that vision and commitment. Northern Ireland needs to see that stability restored. Northern Ireland needs a working executive that lasts." The issue of Brexit was the main focus when Sinn Fein's Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill met the UK Government's International Trade Secretary Liam Fox today. "We made it clear to him in no uncertain terms that the Tory Brexit agenda would have disastrous consequences for the Good Friday Agreement and for Ireland, north and south, in terms of citizens' rights, trade, our economy and the issue of the border," she said afterwards. "In today's meeting we told Liam Fox it is clear that he and his fellow Brexiteers in the Tory cabinet simply regard the north and its people as collateral damage in the Brexit process." Talks between trade unions and Irish Rail have ended without agreement at the WRC. Management say they offered a 1.75% increase for one year, through performance management, and revisions to redeployment policy and payroll. Australia's Prime Minister has dismissed an extraordinary letter from North Korea to the Australian Parliament and other countries as a "rant" against President Donald Trump and a sign that Pyongyang was "starting to feel the squeeze" of escalated sanctions. The letter from the North Korean Foreign Affairs Committee, titled "Open Letter to Parliaments of Different Countries," attacked Mr Trump over his speech to the United Nations General Assembly last month in which he threatened to "totally destroy North Korea" if provoked. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the letter was sent to "a lot of other countries" as well as Australia, which has vowed to help the United States, a defense treaty ally, in any conflict with Pyonyang. "It doesn't actually say anything about Australia so much. It's basically a rant about how bad Donald Trump is," Mr Turnbull told Melbourne radio 3AW. "It is consistent with their ranting and complaining about Donald Trump," he said, adding that it was North Korea that was in breach of UN Security Council resolutions by threatening to fire nuclear missiles at Japan, South Korea and the US. Mr Turnbull did not mention that North Korea had also previously threatened a missile strike against Australia, which has a US Marine Corps presence on its north coast. .@JulieBishopMP: This letter is evidence the pressure of sanctions being put on North Korea is working. MORE https://t.co/gnuMPC8tAY pic.twitter.com/nzmD98v0u2 Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) October 19, 2017 The prime minister said the letter was a reaction to increased sanctions unanimously approved by the UN Security Council on September 11 in response to North Korea's sixth and strongest nuclear test explosion a week earlier. "I think that they are starting to feel the squeeze and that is because China, to its great credit, notwithstanding the long and very close history with North Korea, is part of the global sanctions including restricting oil exports into North Korea," Mr Turnbull said. "So the tighter the economic sanctions are applied, the greater prospects we have of resolving that situation without a conflict," he added. The latest sanctions ban North Korea from importing all natural gas liquids and condensates, and cap its crude oil imports. They also prohibit all textile exports, ban all joint ventures and cooperative operations, and bars any country from authorizing new work permits for North Korean workers - key sources of hard currency for the northeast Asian nation. The letter was sent from the North Korean Embassy in Jakarta to the Australian Embassy in Indonesia on September 28. Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop said it was the first letter to an Australian foreign minister sent by North Korea. North Korea usually communicates through its news agency KCNA. Ms Bishop's office said the minister did not know what other countries received the open letter, which said the United States "cooked up the illegal 'sanctions resolution'." - AP A paedophile in England who shared images of children as young as eight months old being sexually abused wept as he was jailed for two years today. Deputy pub manager Matt De Vere, 34, was part of an online paedophile ring which shared images of children being raped and encouraged each other to share images, Chelmsford Crown Court heard. Prosecutor Charlotte Newell said police examined five electronic devices belonging to De Vere and found more than 3,000 vile images. Some of the images included children physically restrained with ties, another struck with a belt, and children abused while they appeared to be drugged or asleep. De Vere, of Southview Drive, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, admitted at an earlier hearing to 13 offences including distributing and making indecent images of children, encouraging others to share images, and possession of extreme pornography, which the court heard was largely bestiality. He appeared in the secure dock wearing a plaid shirt, had tattooed arms and was tearful for much of the hearing. Sentencing him to two years in prison, Judge Patricia Lynch said: "You were part of a paedophile ring and the group of you were encouraging and distributing, and it's because of your actions that more vulnerable children are going to be filmed as the demand for this sort of filth increases." A National Crime Agency handout photo of Matt De Vere. A sexual harm prevention order was made for an indefinite amount of time, De Vere's electronic devices were confiscated and he was barred from working with children or vulnerable adults. The online paedophile ring was infiltrated by undercover police officers in the USA and Canada, and some offenders were traced to the UK, Ms Newell said. The paedophiles had used otherwise legitimate video conferencing software such as Skype and Zoom to communicate and share images and videos of abuse. De Vere was initially arrested in June 2016 after investigators in the UK examined Skype conversations belonging to Peter Allott, a former deputy headteacher of a west London school who was jailed for similar offences last year. De Vere and Allott had sent each other abuse images of children. Ms Newell said: "Mr De Vere asked for more, saying 'please say you've got more like that, please please, best I've seen'." Police arrested De Vere, examined five electronic devices including an iPad and smartphone, and found 3,455 indecent images of children, including 1,179 at the most serious 'Category A' level. The offending spanned November 2015 to June 2016, but the court heard there was evidence of access to indecent material as early as 2013. Ms Newell said De Vere used the name "Max Thunder" in online conversations and he had "a particular sexual interest in fathers abusing their sons". Christopher Martin, mitigating, said De Vere was "disgusted with himself", had admitted his guilt at the earliest opportunity and was seeking help. He added that De Vere was abused as a child. Judge Lynch said she took this into account, but told De Vere: "I think I can be certain that it's not nearly as bad as some of the abuse that you were watching with your paedophile friends." Punam Chopra, from the CPS, said: "Matt De Vere used what he believed was the anonymity of the internet to distribute distressing images of children and to encourage others to share them with him, including ones depicting the horrific abuse of a baby. "He used legitimate conferencing software to share and receive these images and it is clear from the messages exchanged that he took pleasure in viewing child abuse. "The CPS worked with investigators from an early stage to secure compelling evidence of De Vere's activities and faced with that evidence, he pleaded guilty." Investigators say at least 152 Afghans sent to the United States for military training during the course of the war against the Taliban have gone Awol. They are considered a security risk in the US because they have military training and are of fighting age, with little apparent risk of arrest or detention. An independent candidate in June's British general election has denied stirring up racial hatred by praising Adolf Hitler and calling for Jews in present-day Germany to be gassed. Barbara Fielding-Morriss, who also stood as an independent in Stoke-on-Trent Central at a by-election last February, will face trial in April after pleading not guilty to three counts of stirring up hatred. Latest News Regional hotspots record sharp falls in value, new data shows Value declines have become more geographically broad-based over the three months to October How many Aussies don't regularly review finances? Money also a big source of stress, NAB survey reveals The Full Federal Court of Australia has dismissed former Victorian finance broker Rudy Noel Frugtniet's appeal against his permanent banning from engaging in credit activities.ASIC permanently banned Mr Frugtniet, a former director of Unique Mortgage Services (UMS), in July 2014 after it was found he provided misleading information and a lack of full disclosure on a credit licence application.Frugtniet appealed ASIC's decision to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) in July 2014. On 6 March 2015, the AAT upheld ASIC's decision to permanently ban Frugtniet from engaging in credit activities owing to his "dishonest conduct over a prolonged period; his failure to show any real awareness of the nature, extent and significance of that conduct; and a demonstrated disregard for compliance with regulatory requirements".Frugtniet appealed to the Federal Court for a review of the AAT's decision on 8 April 2015. On 22 August 2016, Frugtniet's appeal was dismissed. How you can help Give A Christmas to Lower Bucks families in need On this episode of Gotham, titled A Dark Knights: The Blades Path, Butch awakens and adopts an alter ego, Sofia tries to get close to Penguin and Bruce seeks revenge against Ras al Ghul. After being shot in the head and in a coma for six months, Butch aka Cyrus Gold, is taken by two orderlies and dumped in Slaughter Swamp. Swamp Thing, You Make My Heart Sing Theres some seriously questionable stuff in that marsh because Butch awakens from his coma and emerges from the murky waters. His hair is white, and while Butch was never especially sharp, his IQ seems to have dropped even lower. He encounters a group of men, beats them senseless and steals some clothes. He hears a nursery rhyme about Solomon Grundy playing on a phonograph and begins to repeat the lyrics (Grundy is a villain in the DC Comic universe who was a murder victim by the name of Cyrus Gold who returned as a zombie.) Gotham Recap: Sofia Begins Her Quest for Power>>> A Way to Kill Ras al Ghul Bullock is back, and Gordon questions if anyone has contacted the Captain about Ras al Ghul. His trial has been pushed off one honorable Judge Bam Bams docket. Gordons worried that because Ras is a minister of a foreign country, hell weasel out murder. Bullock claims not to know anything about Ras, but hes not being exactly forthcoming with Gordon in other areas. Gordon discovers Bullock plans to release all of Jims collars because they have licenses from Penguin. This comes straight from the Commissioner who is getting paid off by Penguin. Meanwhile, Bruce is still obsessed with Ras knife. Bruce uses Dr. Winthrops notes to uncover the meaning of the description on the handle that says the knife is intended for the one who bathes in the healing waters. Bruce tells Alfred he thinks this could mean the weapon can be used against Ras. This would explain why Ras wants it so badly; its the one thing that can kill him. Alfred suspects Bruce wants to do the honors and reminds his charge of his vow no killing. Alfred warns Bruce that taking a life, never mind how justified, will take him down a path darker than he could ever imagine. Bruce and Alfred attend Alexs funeral. Gordon arrives and passes some bad news on to Alfred. Ras has been given diplomatic immunity. The Nanda Parbat embassy has filed papers to have Ras extradited immediately. Gordon is worried about Bruce and wants Alfred to keep an eye on him. Gordon isnt happy that instead of protecting Bruce, his guardian appears to be putting him in harms way. These two arent in a good place, but they do agree to try and keep the news about Ras from Bruce for as long as possible. Too bad Bruce overhears their conversation. The Goodbye Girl Barbara visits Ras, ready to spring him from Blackgate, but Ras has other ideas. He simply wants to say goodbye. When he brought her back to life in the healing waters, his intent was to have her be his eyes and ears in Gotham, but she became so much more. Barb isnt interested in compliments. Ras made her a promise: do as he says, and she would receive a gift beyond her imagination. (I guess reincarnation just isnt good enough.) Ras places a hand on the glass box that is serving as his cell, and through it, passes something onto Barbara. Shes not sure what it is, but Ras promises shell soon find out. And with that, the twosome part waysfor now. The Name Game Penguins licensing scheme is a big success, according to Mr. Penn. Eighty six percent of the crime in the city is accounted for under Pax Penguina. This isnt good enough for Oswald who chooses to focus on the other 14 percent. He orders Penn to get Firefly to make examples of anyone who isnt in compliance. Enter Sofia Falcone who invites Penguin to lunch. Sofia points out that while Penguin may think he has everything, theres one thing he lacks the Falcone name. A name that once accounted for 100 percent of the criminal activity in Gotham. By having lunch in public, it will show that Penguin has the support of the Falcone family, and that should be enough to send the outlying criminal elements scurrying back. Penguins original plan was to kill Sofia, but decides to put it on the back burner now. Grundy Meets Nygma Nygma, desperate to regain his mental capacity, ransacks a pharmacy looking for a chemical solution to his problem. The pharmacist has an idea. He claims to have some pills called Smartivia that is supposed to boost brain function. As Nygma searches for the drug, the pharmacist takes the opportunity to stab Nygma, in of all places, the hand, pinning it to a desk. He takes Nygmas gun which turns out to be a fake. All Nygma wants to know if the pills work which, of course, they dont (sugar pills). The pharmacist calls the police, but Nygma frees himself before they arrive. In the alley, Nygma encounters Butch. Ed swears he never had an issue with the gangster and blames everything on Barbara. But Butch/Grundy doesnt remember or care. He does indicate some interest that Nygma appears to know who he is, so Grundy knocks Ed out and carries him off. Nygma regains consciousness and Butch asks if Nygma knows Grundy, which he obviously doesnt. Nygma has a few questions of his own, like what the hell happened to Butch to turn him into a pasty swamp monster? Once Nygma realizes Butch/Grundy has no idea who he is, he tries to leave, but Grundy is in the market for a pal, and Nygma happens to be available. Nygma insists hes in no position to help anyone since he cant even help himself. Hell, Ed cant even rob a pharmacy. In a gesture of goodwill, Grundy offers Nygma a hot dog from a cart he stole, so this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Ed could use some muscle in his life and anyone is smarter than poor Grundy. Grundy proves his usefulness when the two are attacked by a bunch of street thugs. Im not clear if theyre the guys Grundy pummeled the night before, some of Penguins guys, or old associates of Nygmas, but no matter what, theyre out for blood. Grundy dispatches them readily although his arm does catch fire in the process. Ed puts out the fire, earning Grundys devotion in the process. Im not sure this duo surpasses Nygma and Pengin in their heyday, but they arent half bad. Free Ras al Ghul Alfred fails in his task to keep an eye on Bruce who slips into his batsuit in the middle of the night, grabs the knife and disappears. Alfred goes to Gordon for help. Hes convinced Bruce has gone to Blackgate to try and kill Ras al Ghul. Bruce successfully breaks into a maximum security prison, steals an I.D. and turns off the security cameras. He makes his way to Ras cell and opens the door. Ras appears to be sleeping, so Bruce removes the knife but finds himself unable to use it. As Bruce turns to go, Ras calls him a weak, foolish boy (Yeah, that Ras is a faker.) Ras hits Bruce, freeing the knife. Ras tells Bruce that hes still not ready and pushes him onto the floor. Several guards enter. Bruce identifies himself and orders the men to stop Ras, but they are Ras henchman. They knock Bruce unconscious and drag him off. Gordon and Alfred arrive at Blackgate to look for Bruce, not realizing that Ras and his men have complete control over the prison and are expecting them. Bruce wakes up in what could best be described as Blackgates basement, eerily an appropriate temporary lair for Ras al Ghul. Ras informs Bruce that Gordon and Alfred are upstairs. Foolishly, Bruce demands that Ras let them go as if hes in any position to make demands. Bruce figures out that the guards were replaced before he got there, and Ras applied for diplomatic immunity, knowing Bruce would hear about it and come for him. Ras admits this was all to acquire the knife, but not for the reason that Bruce thinks. Ras hasnt seen the knife in ages. It was first given to him after he was bathed in the Lazarus Pit. While submerged in the waters, Ras had a vision of Bruce who was to be his heir. Bruce is the only one who can end Ras suffering. Ras hands Bruce the knife and asks him to set him free. The Way to a Boys Heart is Through His Mother Sofia chooses a Hungarian restaurant to appeal to Oswalds more sentimental side as his mother was Hungarian. The owners also happen to be old friends of the Falcone family. Sofia goes to great lengths to make the meal special. Penguin just wants to get in, be seen and get out, but Sofia urges him to try the goulash. Oswald doesnt think it will stand up against his mothers recipe, but when he takes a bite, hes overwhelmed and rushed out of the restaurant. Sofia happened to get her hands on Gertruds recipe. Sofia heads to the Iceberg Lounge, apologizing for upsetting Oswald. But Penguin isnt buying the contrite act. He knows it isnt a coincidence that the goulash tasted just like his dearly-departed mothers. Penguin figures Sofia is buttering him up, but she questions why he finds it so hard to believe someone would want to do something nice for him. Oswald reveals the only person who ever did anything nice for him without expecting something in return was Gertrud. Sofia tells Penguin she envies him because her father never helped anyone unless it benefitted him, and eventually, it drove away everyone who ever loved him. Sofia insists all she wants to do is help. Sofia figures out the only way to get to Penguin is through his foot. She notices it bothering him and hones in on the kingpins Achilles Heel, so to speak. Sofia recalls that when she was a girl, she broke her ankle. Her father told her to put ice on it and tough it out. When Sofias mother took her to the hospital, she told her daughter that ice actually makes the pain worse; what she needed was warmth. (What a yummy metaphor.) Oswald remembers that his mother used to sing, so as Sofia massages Oswalds foot, she hums a little tune, and theres a noticeable thaw in Penguin. Gotham Interview: Barbaras Changes, Selinas Role Model and Tabithas Relationships>>> A Destiny Fulfilled Having served time at Blackgate, Gordon senses things are off, and he and Alfred get into a fight with Ras men. Alfred demands to know Bruces whereabouts, but the last-standing guard promises Ras has plans for Master Wayne, and theyll never find him. Gordon figures the least public base is the prisons sub-basement. Ras has walked the earth for centuries waiting for Bruce. Only he can kill him and only with that dagger. That is Ras curse and the meaning of his vision. Bruce thinks this is all another manipulation, and whatever Ras curse is, he deserves it for everything hes done. Ras understands Bruces anger, but unless he strikes Ras down with the blade, Bruce will never be free. But Bruce refuses, so Ras says he will disappear and let Bruce live his life. Bruce will follow the path of light and grow into a fine man. Hell become a husband and father. There may come a day when Bruce forgets Ras ever existed. But Ras will return and kill everyone Bruce loves. The threat works because Bruce stabs Ras with the dagger, and Ras turns into a skeleton right before Bruces eyes. Alfred and Gordon arrive to catch the very end of the show. Gordon has no plans to arrest Bruce. His story is Ras men infiltrated the prison and Ras escaped. Bruce laments betraying himself and his parents memory. He took a life. Gordon says that just because he knows that he is capable of doing something, doesnt mean he has to do it again. Gordon knows Bruce believes in doing good and fighting for what is right. Nothing that happened with Ras changes that. Bruce decides his vigilante days are over, but Alfred tries to convince him otherwise. Yes, they started this to prepare for Ras return, but its bigger than that now. Alfred sees it. Bruce can make a difference. Bruce doesnt believe hes the hero Gotham needs. He made that decision the minute he killed Ras al Ghul. He took the dark path. Alfred knows it will be a long, bumpy journey back, but Alfred knows Bruce can do it, and when hes ready, the batsuit and Alfred will be waiting for him. Nygma has a plan. He wants to use Grundys muscle to make money. With money, Ed can become smart again, and then, maybe, they can figure out what the hell happened to Butch. Nygma takes Grundy to an underground fighting club, run by a woman named Cherry (Marina Benedict). Also working at the club is Lee. Yes, Jims ex is back in town and is hanging out with a very unsavory crowd. What power did Ras give Barbara? What is up with Lee? Could she still be affected by the virus, or has she just fully embraced her bad girl? Will Grundy become more of a threat or remain a mindless oaf? Let us know what you think in the comments section below. Gotham airs Thursdays at 8/7c on FOX. Want more news? Visit our Gotham page on Facebook. (Image Courtesy of FOX) The question that has been on every Scandal fans minds since season 7 started has been answered: Where has Fitz been? And it turns out he seems pretty bored as he tries to be a regular citizen after eight years of running the country. Once Marcus arrives to work on the Grant Institute though, things get a little more interesting. But the real question is, what makes Fitz head back to D.C. and wait outside Olivias apartment. Scandal Recap: Mellies State Dinner is an Affair to Remember>>> Doing Regular Things Right after Fitz and Olivia shared that steamy kiss on the White House lawn, Fitz boarded a helicopter and headed up to Vermont to start life as a regular citizen. When he wakes up the next day, he finds a bunch of staff members in his house, including a new aide. Fitz immediately tells the aide to fire the staff and tells him to go back to his old job. While speaking with his Secret Service agent, he tells him that he wants to do regular things, including driving his own car. Even though the agent advises against it, Fitz does things his way. Things get pretty repetitive and boring after a while, as Fitz does his own grocery shopping, cooking and running, every day. While watching TV, a story about a student protester staying out in the cold at his campus until the school takes down a statue of a slave owner catches his eye. He doesnt really think much of it again until Marcus comes home from vacation. Stage Two Once Marcus arrives in Vermont, Fitz is eager to get to work on fundraising and building his library. At one point, Marcus asks Fitz how much of a role Olivia will play in his library, commenting that Olivia was a huge part of his career and life. Somewhere around Day 41 after regular life, Fitz gets antsy. He hears about Mellie and the free education bill, and asks Marcus if he should make a statement. Marcus advises him to stay out of the spotlight for Mellies first 100 days out of respect. Fitz then suggests he and Marcus go to a bar and get a drink. Over drinks, the pair discusses the student protester, Steve, Mellie and Olivia. Eventually, Fitz tells Marcus that he needs to move on. He adds that Olivia was his communications director and ran his campaign, and thats how shell be featured in his library. Later in the week, Fitz and Marcus host a dinner at the house to get some donations for the library. With one man left, Fitz is about to get a check from him, but when he asks Marcus to get another bottle of scotch, Marcus tells him no. After the man leaves, Fitz finds Marcus packing and tells Fitz that he quits. The two dig deep with the insults, with Marcus telling Fitz that Olivia made him, while Fitz calls Marcus a coward. Eventually, they get into a fistfight and the Secret Service agent has to break it up. Marcus leaves and calls Mellie from his car. He tells her hes quitting, and then she explains that hes just in phase two of a relationship with Fitz. She tells Marcus that during stage one, everyone falls far. Fitz is charming and everyone thinks they can do great things with him. Stage two is when Fitzs true colors show, and he thinks hes entitled. She adds that stage two is long and rough, but he needs to stick it out because stage three is when people realize that Fitz has something they dont, magic. And that magic is the golden ticket to change the world. A Fathers Plea As Fitz nurses his wounds, he heads into his bedroom and finds Papa Pope sitting on the floor. Rowan tells Fitz that Olivia is now command of B613 and that she stole it right from Fitz. At first, Fitz doesnt believe him. He tells Rowan that if Olivia is command, shell run it different. Rowan doesnt want to hear it. He then reveals that it was Olivia who killed Vice President-elect Vargas. Rowan then tells Fitz to take care of the situation with Olivia. Fitz turns the table on Rowan and says its his job to handle Olivia. Rowan says he has no power. He thought he was raising a champion, but Olivia is slipping away. He is teary-eyed as he begs Fitz to help him haul Olivia back before shes gone. Quiz: Who Is Your TV Boss?>>> A Trip Home Marcus comes back the house and apologizes. Fitz apologizes too. They both agree they need to get to know each other better. Then, Fitz asks Marcus if Olivia is everyones world or just his. Then informs Marcus that after the 100 days are up, he needs to go to D.C. for a while. Before they leave, though, Fitz and his team visit protester Steve to encourage him not to give up. Shortly after Fitz leaves, the mayor of the city takes down the statue thanks to the former president. And now that the 100 days are up, we all know that Fitz heads to Olivias apartment only to find her not home. Eventually, she shows up with her new boy toy making out in the elevator. Im happy Scandal chronicled what Fitz has been up to. As much as I love Olivia and what she has going on, it was nice to put at least some closure to Fitzs past. He wants to move on, and I think thats a good move on his part. It should be interesting to see what Olivia will do now that Fitz is out. Will she be relieved? Or will it cause more strees. Were you surprised that Rowan asked Fitz for help? Do you think Fitz will be the one to reign Olivia back home? Let us know in the comments below. Scandal airs Thursdays at 9/8c on ABC. Want more news? Like BuddyTVs Scandal Facebook page. (Image courtesy of ABC) latest news October 31, 2022 Buddy TV In November, there are hundreds of new and returning TV showsit can be overwhelming to try and choose what to watch. That's why we've selected some of the best options... MKM Building Supplies has stepped in as the local distributor for Poppyscotland after discovering the charity had no way of delivering hundreds of collection boxes for the 2017 appeal. Branch Director Ian Watson called to request a collection box for his Smeaton Road site, only to be told there was no-one available to distribute them near him this year. After a discussion with his team, he decided to get behind the appeal and support Poppyscotland by becoming an Area Organiser. Ian and his team have already started distributing 400 boxes to businesses across the area and will be heading out to collect them when the fundraising period is over. With a strong forces background - including having two grandfathers that were part of the D-Day landings in World War Two - Ian felt particularly drawn to supporting the cause. Poppyscotland provides life-changing support to the Armed Forces community. The charity reaches out to those who have served, those still serving, and their families at times of crisis and need by offering vital, practical advice, assistance and funding. Kate Jenkins, Volunteer Support Coordinator from Poppyscotland said: We are delighted to welcome MKM Building Supplies on board as our new Poppy Appeal Area Organiser for Kirkcaldy. The business has kindly volunteered a number of its staff and its vehicles to distribute poppies and collection tins to key locations, ensuring that poppies will be available in Kirkcaldy throughout the campaign. This is a vitally important role, and we are very grateful for their incredible support. It is only through the efforts of volunteers like MKM that we are able to run the annual Poppy Appeal. Ian Watson, MKM Branch Director, added: Were passionate about helping the local community in any way we can and the opportunity to support such an incredible cause was something the whole team felt driven to do. It is great to be able to put something back into the amazing work Poppyscotland does for those who have served and will continue to serve in our forces and their families. U.S. women's soccer looks to its rising stars for next World Cup Harvey Weinstein, the Hollywood producer with 300 Oscar nominations, has fallen. After The New York Times revealed decades of accusations of sexual harassment involving a string of actresses, including high profile names such as Ashley Judd, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Cara Delevingne, Weinstein was sacked from his own company. He has unequivocally denied any allegations of non-consexual sex and was last seen heading off on a plane to check into rehab. For a long time though, it appears, this issue was an open secret, with digs even being made during the 2013 Oscar nominations. In July 1930, a 19-year-old from Madras (now Chennai) boarded a ship, heading for Trinity College, Cambridge. Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, who was born on October 19, 1910, was the son of C V Ramans brother, and reckoned a physics prodigy. He had already graduated. Dr Reddy's Laboratories Limited has initiated a nationwide recall of over half a million bottles of Famotidine tablets, 10 mg, in the US after the drug failed impurities/degradation specifications in routine stability testing, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA). New Delhi and Mumbai are so insular and self-obsessed, they turn a blind eye to developments in the states that should have us applauding the achievements in which we lag behind. Three-and-a-half decades ago, the setting up of Bharat Bhavan was touted as a huge achievement in Bhopal, especially since we have created few cultural institutions that were not bequeathed to us by the British, and which we have since let slide into a state of morass and apathy. A Border Security Force (BSF) commander, who was attacked by suspected cattle smugglers along the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura recently, succumbed to injuries today. The second-in-command rank officer, Deepak K Mondal, commanding the 145th battalion of the border guarding force was air evacuated to Kolkata on October 16 due to critical injuries, a senior official said. "The officer breathed his last at 11:45 am today. He was attacked when he was trying to stop a brazen smuggling attempt along the Indo-Bangla border," he said. The incident took place at about 2 am near the Belardeppa border post in the Sipahijala district of Tripura early this week when the officer was allegedly hit by a four-wheeler used by the smugglers. The BSF officer was patrolling the "unfenced" area along the international border with his team to check cattle smuggling and other illegal activities. Mondal saw some cattle smugglers and challenged them, BSF officials had said, adding the officer along with his guard and driver tried to stop them. The group of about 25 smugglers was carrying bricks, lathis, and machetes, they said. "When challenged, the smugglers tried to gherao the officer and the patrol party. The smugglers' vehicle hit the officer from behind and he sustained the severe injury to his head and legs," the officials said. An accompanying had fired five rounds from his AK rifle to control the situation, they added. The festive fervour gripped the nation on Thursday as people celebrated Diwali, often referred to as 'the festival of lights by lighting diyas (earthen lamps), paying obeisance to Goddess Lakshmi, distributing sweets. However, a quiet and promising evening gave way to thick haze and noise as Delhi celebrated Diwali, dashing the hopes of cracker-free festivities, following a Supreme Court ban on the sale of firecrackers in the Capital Region (NCR). Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minsiter Nirmala Sitharaman, and Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani celebrated with the troops, while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath celebrated the festival of light in a Dalit colony in Gorakhpur and visited the disputed Ram Janmabhumi site in Ayodhya. Employees and officers unions of the have warned of a nationwide stir against the implementation of the new advance software package--IT Biz Application (ITBA)--from October 1 and asked the department to delay the same by at least three months. They have set an October 31 deadline to the department to meet their demands, which include delaying the implementation of the new software to January 1 and giving them time to learn the new system and also to stop hiring technical experts on a contractual basis. The department replaced the existing AST software with ITBA in the seven largest metros in a phased manner. The department believes that new ITBA system can expedite all pending cases, be barring e-mail based scrutiny cases, to e-proceeding based scrutiny cases. The strike call has been given by the I-T Employees Federation and Income Tax Gazetted Officers' Association. But they have not finalised a date for the stir yet. The decision to go on a nationwide stir was taken after their meeting with CBDT chairman Sushil Chandra was inconclusive. Their meeting with the CBDT member BD Bishnoi was also inconclusive. When contacted, a department official admitted that they have given a tool-down notice without specifying a time, and added this shows the unions don't want to work on the new software. "Yes, the whole assessment process has been hit as the staff neither want to work on the new software nor allow those trained people on contract to do their job. All this has hampered the entire process," said a senior I-T official here. The unions have urged the Central Board of Direct Taxes to delay nationwide implementation to January 1 so that they can better familiarise with the new software. The new software is developed by TCS and works on the Oracle platform. Officers also want certain loopholes in ITBA to be removed so that it becomes a more effective tool. Meanwhile, the unions said the stir is also to protest the practice of hiring trained contractual staff from outside. "We've given time till October 31 to take a decision to extend the ITBA implementation to January 1 so that it can be effectively implemented more effectively," Rupak Sarkar, joint convenor, the I-T Employees Federation and Income Tax Gazetted Officers' Association, told PTI. "If the department refused our demand, we are all set to go in for a nationwide stir. We've convened a meeting on November 10 in New Delhi to chalk out our further strategy on the matter," he said. "The extended time may be used to make the staff familiar with the new software and remove certain loopholes in the system." However, it can be noted that the ITBA implementation has been gradual as the department introduced the e-mail based scrutiny assessment in the five largest metros in November 2015, which was extended to two more metros in May 2016. In June, it notified the new 143(2) notice format to bring all new possible scrutiny cases under the ambit of e- proceeding with the consent of the respective assesses. On their opposition to contractual hiring, Sarkar said currently, there are 32,000 vacancies at various levels. As against this the department has hired 10,000 officers on contractual basis to work on the new software. Sarkar said the unions want the department to stop employing outsourced staff and claimed that they have already successfully ended outsourcing in Mumbai, Andhra and Odisha offices. He noted that contractual staff are still working in some Northern states. In a letter written to the CBDT chairman on October 9, unions demanded three months for the new software rollout. The unions feel that ITBA, being a much-advanced platform than the AST, needs higher bandwidth and better infrastructure on one hand and better training to handle the new system properly. Bhaskar Bhattacharya, the joint convener of the joint action council, said, "We recently called upon the CBDT chairman on the issue. However, he told us that since the new software had already been implemented in seven cities, it could not be delayed further for a rollout." Bhattacharya said they have also requested the CBDT chairman to expedite the process of filling up over 32,000 vacant positions at various levels at the earliest. On the loopholes in the system, the letter said the entire ITBA module is ill-performing due to dismally slow server speed in every place it is working on OFC lines and even those connected to the V-SAT stations are not better. Due to slow speed, commands given to ITBA take lots of time to take effect and many a time even after a substantial time lag, reports are not generated. Also low servers are delaying MIS reports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday visited the Himalayan shrine of Kedarnath ahead of its closure for the next six months and said that his government will redevelop the shrine, which was affected by 2013 floods and set an example of what a pilgrimage site should be. Modi, in his address to the gathering in Kedarnath on Friday, said: "Through the work we are doing in Kedarnath, we want to show how an ideal 'Tirth Kshetra' (pilgrim centre) should be like, how it should be pilgrim friendly and the wellbeing of the priests should be given importance." "We are building quality infrastructure in Kedarnath. It will be modern but the traditional ethos will be preserved. We will ensure the environment is not damaged," Modi added. PM Modi said in a series of tweets: When floods of 2013 occurred I was not PM, I was Gujarat CM. I offered to help in rebuilding but Centre became nervous:PM Modi #Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/CQ0q1rbWSv ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2017 But now through the development we are doing in Kedarnath, we want to show how an ideal 'Tirth Kshetra' should be: PM Modi ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2017 Discipline is in the blood of people here in #Uttarakhand ,atleast one person from each family is a soldier: PM Modi in Kedarnath ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2017 He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for a slew of reconstruction projects in Kedarpuri, including renovation of Adi Guru Shankaracharya's tomb which was devastated in the flash floods. PM Modi attacks Congress He attacked the Congress for denying his proposal in June 2013 when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat for the redevelopment of the revered Himalayan shrine of Kedarnath that was badly damaged in the catastrophic flash floods. "The floods of 2013 had made all of us extremely sad. That time I was not the Prime Minister, I was the chief minister of Gujarat. I came here to do all that I could for the victims," Modi said while addressing a public meeting here after offering prayers at the Kedarnath temple ahead of its closure for the next six months. "I had met the then Chief Minister (Vijay Bahuguna) and the state government officials and offered that Gujarat would redevelop Kedarnath. During the meeting, they agreed. And I announced it outside in the media. "But when the news was flashed on television, and it reached Delhi, the people there (UPA government) panicked and within hours the state government was pressurised to announce that it will redevelop Kedarnath itself," Modi alleged. Modi said after the BJP government came to power in Uttarakhand earlier this year "I understood that the work of Kedarnath redevelopment will be done by us". In June 2013, then Chief Minister Bahuguna and the Congress party had rebuffed Modi's offer for the redevelopment of Kedarnath and his Rs 3 crore cheque, which was in addition to a Rs 2 crore his state had donated for rain disaster relief. The Congress and other parties had criticised Modi for trying to be the "Rambo" of rescue. The Congress had alleged he was trying to communalise a natural calamity. Modi was accompanied by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and other state and central government officials. The priests at the Lord Shiva shrine and the locals welcomed the Prime Minister. The temple was decked up with yellow flowers. The Prime Minister sat in the sanctum sanctorum, offered prayers and performed the Rudrabhishek, a day after Diwali. The area surrounding the temple was destroyed in June 2013 after the Chorabari Glacier lake breached following heavy rainfall that caused flash floods in the river Mandakini. Modi will also lay foundation stones for reconstruction of the 'samadhi sthal' of Adi Shankracharya and construction of a museum. He is also likely to address a gathering at the shrine. Modi had visited the shrine on May 3. India has described Wednesday's speech by US Secretary of State as a "significant policy statement on India-US relations and its future". Tillerson is scheduled to visit India next week. The lone MNS corporator in the BMC who did not cross over to the Shiv Sena has alleged that he was "indirectly offered money" to switch sides and demanded a probe by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) into the recent defection by six MNS corporators. However, Dilip Lande, who was among the six corporators who left the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), rejected the charge levelled by Sanjay Turde and said they were ready for probe. He also threatened to sue Turde, who made the allegation in a letter written to the ACB on October 18, nearly a week after six of the seven corporators of the Raj Thackeray-led MNS joined the Shiv Sena. Turde said one of the then MNS corporators approached him on October 12 and "indirectly offered money" to switch sides. He also claimed that they promised him that such a move would boost his political career. "On the sidelines of a ward council meeting on October 12, Dilip Lande called me at around 1 pm and enquired whether I would want to join the Shiv Sena. "He told me that six corporators have decided to join the Shiv Sena and if I do so, then I would never fall short of money, besides it will give a boost to my political career," Turde alleged in the letter. "I suspect that in this process there must have been illegal financial transactions involving huge amounts. Therefore, I request that a detailed investigation be conducted into it," the corporator from ward no. 166 in Kurla said. When contacted, Lande said Turde was contradicting his own statement and that he would sue Tarde for "defaming" him and his party. "A few days back, Turde told reporters that he was not offered any money and now he is contradicting himself and making allegations that he was offered money. "I too request the ACB or any other agency to conduct a probe and when I come clean, I will sue him for defaming me and my party," Lande said. On October 15, MNS chief Raj Thackeray had alleged that the Uddhav Thackeray-led party played "dirty of money" by paying Rs 5 crore to each of the corporators who switched sides. Meanwhile, BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, in a video message, today said he would meet the officials of the ACB and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and seek an investigation into the alleged "bribe case". Jai Ho Foundation, a city-based NGO, had earlier written a letter to Maharashtra Lokayukta demanding a probe into the matter. Halfway through Denis Villeneuves sequel and tribute to one of the most celebrated science fiction movies in history, the screen switches to Officer K sitting inside the DNA archives at the Los Angeles Police Department. By the archives door is a bilingual sign that reads: suraksha aadhikari ke bina iss sthan se aage badhna mana hai, i.e., entrants need to be accompanied by a security officer. The Centre has given green clearance for a greenfield airport project at Hirasar, about 28 km from Rajkot in Gujarat, at a cost of over Rs 1,400 crore. The state government has proposed a new airport in Rajkot district as the existing one is small and the earlier plan to extend the current runway could not materialise because of high land cost. "The Environment Ministry has given the environment clearance to the Gujarat State Aviation Infrastructure Company Ltd (GSAICL) for development of a greenfield airport at Rajkot," a senior government official said. The green clearance given to the project, after taking into account the ministry's expert panel, is subject to certain riders, the official said. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 1,405 crore. It would be a single runway airport for operating 'C' category aircraft. The proposed project will be built in an area of 1,025.54 hectare, of which 96.48 per cent is government land. According to the GSAICL, the proposed project will aid development of trade and tourism besides improving regional connectivity in Gujarat. More than 1000 persons will be employed directly and indirectly for different activities of the airport. As many as 2,180 trees will be cut in the proposed airport site. About 632.24 hectare forest land will also be diverted for the same. All airports in Gujarat have a moderate air-traffic growth of 5-8 per cent with exceptions of Ahmedabad and Vadodara where traffic growth is between 8-10 per cent, as per the Airport Authority of India (AAI). The holistic development of Hirasar airport will not only serve the demand generated by the Rajkot city but also cater to the demand in the neighbouring states. Over a due course of time, the proposed airport will also meet the spillover needs to Ahmedabad, it said in the report submitted by GSAICL to the central government along with the proposal. The latest revision in Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates that were announced on October 6 may have come a tad late, with the Surat textile market sitting on a huge inventory, say traders. While the market may have gone on vacation, the peak Diwali season dispatch was only 15-20 per cent of normal. Prime Minister on Friday visited the Kedarnath temple and sought blessings from Lord Shiva to fulfil the dreams of a developed India by 2022. Speaking after unveiling a grand reconstruction plan for the disaster-hit Kedarnath, where he launched new worth Chennai -based non-banking financial company (NBFC), said it has closed the country's first Collateralised Loan Obligation (CLO) transaction after the issuance of Securitisation Guidelines in 2006. Indias rising foreign exchange reserves and trade surplus with the United States have attracted the attention of the Department, which will now take an interest in Indias macroeconomic policies. After cleaner ghats, Ganga at Varanasi to be pollution-free too All who have been enjoying cleaner ghats at Varanasi would also soon bask in the pollution-free waters of the Ganges flowing by the spiritual city. Under Namami Gange programme, an all-encompassing approach has been employed to arrest pollution flowing into the river and ensure clean ghats. From sewage treatment plants to ghat improvement to river surface cleaning, several steps in a time-bound manner are being taken in Varanasi by National Mission for Clean Ganga to rid the city of river pollution. On the sewage management front, Varanasi town currently generates an estimated 300 MLD of sewage, which is expected to increase to 390 MLD by 2030. From the current capacity of three existing sewage treatment plants Dinapur, Bhagwanpur and DLW, only 102 MLD of sewage is being treated while the remaining flows directly into river Ganga through Varuna and Assi rivers. To bridge this gap, a 140 MLD STP at Dinapur and a 120 MLD STP at Goitha are being constructed under Japan International co-operation Agency (JICA) assisted project and JNNURM scheme respectively. These projects are at advanced stage of construction and will be commissioned before March 2018. Apart from this, a 50 MLD STP at Ramana has also been awarded under Hybrid Annuity based PPP model to exclusively address the sewage treatment requirements of Assi BHU area. Concession agreement for this project has already been signed. Together, these STPs will create sewage treatment capacity of 412 MLD, adequate to meet the sewage treatment demands of the town till 2035. In addition, the works on interceptor sewers for rivers Varuna and Assi, development of three pumping stations at Chauka ghat, Phulwaria and Saraiya, rehabilitation of old trunk sewers and rehabilitation of ghat pumping stations and existing STPs are also underway to improve the entire sewage management infrastructure in Varanasi. Evidently, no stone is being left unturned. To address the concerns of floating waste on the river, a trash skimmer is operational in Varanasi since April 2017 under river surface cleaning component. A cleaner Ganga would be incomplete without equally cleaner surroundings. Acknowledging this, the Government of India last year initiated cleaning works at 84 iconic and heritage ghats of Varanasi under Namami Gange programme which has shown positive results. Besides, works for construction of 153 community toilet complexes at an estimated cost of Rs 20.07 crore have been awarded out of which the works for 109 toilets have already been completed and they are being used by 15,000 to 20,000 people every day. Also, ghat improvement works at 26 locations have been taken up in addition to repairing works at as many identified locations. In a bid to arrest the pollution from cloth washing activities on ghats, four dhobi ghats Pandeypur, Nadesar, Bhavania Pokhran and Konia - have already been renovated while construction of three other at Bazardiha, Machodari Slaughter House and Bhawania Pokhri (extension) is underway. Whereas several users of the dhobi community have shifted to the new ghats, many more are being pursued for the same. In a nutshell, a focused and output-driven approach to make river Ganga pure in Varanasi has yielded results. The objective of Nirmal Ganga will now not remain just a dream for Varanasi city. Samir/SKP/jk Police Commemoration Day to be observed tomorrow Union Home Minster to pay homage to the Police Martyrs The Police Commemoration Day is observed on October 21st every year. The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh will attend the Police Commemoration Day Parade at the Police Memorial Ground here tomorrow. On the occasion, he will also lay wreath and pay homage at the Police Memorial. The day commemorates the sacrifices of ten policemen while defending our borders with China in 1959. Indian Police personnel were responsible for manning the 2,500 mile long border of India with Tibet until the autumn of 1959. On October 20, 1959, three reconnaissance parties were launched from Hot Springs in North Eastern Ladakh in preparation for further movement of an Indian expedition which was on its way to Lanak La. While members of two parties returned to Hot Springs by the afternoon of that day, the third one comprising of two Police Constables and a Porter did not return. All available personnel were mobilized early next morning in search of the missing personnel. A party of about 20 Police personnel led by Shri Karam Singh, DCIO proceeded ahead on horseback, while other followed on foot in three Sections. At about mid day, Chinese Army personnel were seen on a hillock who opened fire and threw grenades at the party led by Shri Karam Singh. Since there was no cover, most personnel were injured. Ten of our brave Police Personnel attained martyrdom and seven others sustained injuries. The seven injured were taken prisoners by the Chinese while the remaining managed to escape. Bodies of the ten personnel were returned by the Chinese only on November 13, 1959, a full three weeks after the incident. These bodies were cremated with full Police honours at Hot Springs. The Annual Conference of Inspectors General of Police of States and Union Territories held in January 1960 decided that October 21 would henceforth be observed as Commemoration Day in all Police Lines throughout India to mark the memory of these gallant personnel who were killed in Ladakh and all other Police personnel killed on duty during the year. It was also decided to erect a memorial at Hot Springs and, every year, members of Police Forces from different parts of the country trek to Hot Springs to pay homage to those gallant martyrs. Since the year 2012, the Police Commemoration Day Parade is being held at the National level at the Police Memorial, Chanakyapuri. So far since Independence, 34,418 Police personnel have sacrificed their lives for safeguarding the integrity of the nation and providing security to people of this country. During the last one year, from September 2016 to August 2017, 383 Police personnel have laid down their lives. The Department of Rural Development has been making concerted efforts to improve the work availability in rural areas. Besides wage employment opportunities under MGNREGS, it is also promoting skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled wage labour in a very large rural housing programme like PMAY-Gramin and in road construction sector under PMGSY. The Budget of the Department of Rural Development has more than doubled since 2012-13. Adding the State contribution, in all the programmes as also the large transfers under the 14th Finance Commission for rural infrastructure, the total fund available is over 3 times of what it was 5 years ago. 51 lakh houses under construction, nearly 1 lakh kilometers of roads in different stages of construction and large scale wage work available under MGNREGS especially for agriculture and allied activities, have ensured greater opportunities for wage employment. . . The Department is also promoting enterprises through a concerted thrust on Bank loan linkage for women Self-Help Groups under Deendayal Antyodaya National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). Currently, the linkage is of more than Rs. 47,000 crores, which is being used to promote useful enterprises like Custom Hiring Centers, Rural transport, agriculture and allied activities, animal husbandry, horticulture, handloom and handicrafts, retail business etc. The Bank linkage for women Self-Help Groups has also more than doubled over the last 3 years. The placement-based wage employment skill programmes like DDU-GKY and the self-employment programmes through RSETI are also helping households to move up the skilling ladder and in diversifying livelihoods. . . MGNREGS being a demand-based programme, over Rs.40,000 crores from Government of India has already been released to States. Adequate funds have been released for drought affected States like Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. On account of drought, States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu and parts of Telangana have also received higher releases in the first quarter. The labour budget of States like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Puducherry have been increased to meet additional demand for wage employment. Timely release of wages is ensured in nearly 85% cases (within 15 days) so far. Follow up with Department of Financial Services and CMDs of Banks and Department of Post has been taken up to ensure that fund released through Banks/Post Offices reach the labourers account immediately. The Government of India follows the General Financial Rules(GFR) strictly and therefore requires audited accounts of the previous financial year from the State Governments before approving any release after 30th September, 2017. States are complying with the financial provisions of GFR and funds are appropriately being released after due scrutiny. The Government is determined to maintain the fund flow under MGNREGS. To ensure very high timely payments to labourers, additional funds have been asked for to meet the demand. . . <><><><><> . . SNC 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. China has asked the US to shed its "biased views" and work with Beijing to uphold the momentum for a steady and sound relation, a day after the top American diplomat lashed out at the Chinese model of funding infrastructure projects and developmental activities. Former Pakistani prime minister was indicted by an accountability court on Friday in a reference related to Flagship Investments and other offshore companies. According to the Dawn, the accountability court charged Sharif in absentia for holding assets beyond his known sources of income and read out a charge-sheet to his pleader, Zafir Khan. Khan pleaded not guilty on behalf of Sharif, who is currently in London tending to his ailing wife, Kulsoom Nawaz. According to the charge-sheet, Sharif told the joint investigation team that he was a shareholder in 15 companies, including Flagship Investments, Hartstone Properties, Que Holdings, Quint Eaton Place 2, Quint Saloane, Quaint, Flagship Securities, Quint Gloucester Place, Quint Paddington, Flagship Developments, Alanna Services (BVI), Lankin SA (BVI), Chadron, Ansbacher, Coomber and Capital FZE, Dubai. The court was told that his sons, Hassan and Hussain, were his dependents in 1989 and 1990. However, Sharif, submitted a record of assets for Hassan from 1990-1995, the charge-sheet read. The charge-sheet observed that Sharif had held important positions in public office, including those of chief minister and prime minister. On Thursday, accountability court Judge Mohammad Bashir indicted Sharif in the Avenfield Properties and Al-Azizia Company references through his pleader, while charges against Maryam and her husband, retired Captain Muhammad Safdar were framed in the Avenfield reference in their presence. The Sharif family pleaded not guilty to the charges, claiming that they were denied the fundamental right to a fair trial. According to Sharif's pleader, the Supreme Court's judgement of July 28 in the Panama Papers case was "unprecedented" and denied him his "fundamental rights which the Constitution guaranteed for every citizen for being treated in accordance with law". Pakistan's ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was today indicted by an anti-graft court in a third corruption case related to Flagship Investments and other offshore companies. The Accountability Court here charged Sharif in absentia for holding assets beyond his known sources of income and read out a charge sheet to his pleader Zafir Khan. It was one of the three cases of corruption and money laundering registered by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against 67-year-old Sharif on September 8. The cases were registered after the Supreme Court disqualified Sharif as Prime Minister on July 28 in the Panama Papers scandal. Khan on behalf Sharif pleaded not guilty to the charges read out by the anti-corruption judge Muhammad Bashir. Sharif is in London with his ailing wife Kulsoom, who is suffering from throat cancer and has undergone three surgeries so far. He is expected to come back on Sunday. The court was told that his sons, Hassan and Hussain were his dependents in 1989 and 1990. However, Sharif, submitted a record of assets for Hassan from 1990-1995, the charge-sheet read. The charge sheet observed that Sharif had held important positions in public office, including those of the chief minister and the prime minister. The Accountability Court yesterday indicted Sharif in the Avenfield Properties and Al-Azizia Company cases through his pleader, while charges against his daughter Maryam Nawaz Sharif and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar were framed in the Avenfield reference in their presence. Now, Sharif has been indicted in all the three cases instituted against him. His sons Hasan and Husain are also co-accused in all three cases but their trial would be held separately. The Sharif family pleaded not guilty to the charges, claiming that they were denied the fundamental right to a fair trial. Sharif has filed a petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the filing of multiple graft cases against him by the country's anti-corruption watchdog. Sharif's lawyer maintained that the multiple cases were "violative of his (Sharif's) fundamental rights" under the constitution as all the cases deal with one accusation about making assets beyond known means of income. The leader of a Pakistani militant group whose suicide bombings killed more than 250 people died on Thursday of injuries from a US drone strike in Afghanistan, a spokesman for the militants said. At least 38 people were injured on Thursday in two separate grenade attacks in Pakistan's restive south-western province of Baluchistan. The twin blasts took place within minutes in the Mastung and Gwadar districts, police said. According to senior police officials, around 12 people were injured, three of them seriously, when two men on a motorcycle wearing helmets threw a hand grenade at a crowd in the Sultan Shaheed area in Mastung town. The injured were shifted to a hospital while three were moved to Quetta as their condition was serious, local police official Gulab Khan said. The second attack took place when two men on a motorcycle threw a hand grenade at Al-Zubair hotel outside a mobile market in Safar Khan area of Gwadar town. "At least 26 people were injured in the blast," local police official Ayaz Baluch said. He said the injured included 15 labourers from Sindh and 11 from Punjab who had gathered after work to have tea. "Three of them have been shifted to Karachi for treatment," he said. The injured have been shifted to District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Mastung. Chief Minister of Balochistan Sanaullah Zehri has condemned the incident and asked the authorities to submit a report on the blasts. The attacks have come, a day after a suspected suicide bomber hit a police truck in Quetta, killing seven policemen and a civilian and injuring 22 . At least 26 people were injured after unidentified men on a motorcycle threw a grenade into a labourers' hostel in Gwadar Port on Thursday night. There was no claim of responsibility for the attack, one of three on Thursday in Balochistan, a key section of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) energy and transport link project connecting western China with the Middle East and Europe. Police said the attack took place during dinner time. Pakistan has assured China that it can provide security for the USD 57 billion CPEC projects. Two other attacks of a similar nature happened on the same day --one on a food court in Mastung, 55 km from Quetta, wounding 15 people, and unidentified gunmen riding on a motorcycle and firing at paramilitary soldiers, killing one and wounding four in west Balochistan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir on Friday said all police officials involved in giving relaxation to All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) middleman will not be spared. Earlier in the day, seven Delhi Police personnel were suspended for allegedly relaxing rules for 'middleman' Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who was arrested in connection with the AIADMK symbol bribery case. Talking to ANI, Ahir said, "Action has been taken against the concerned police personnel who relaxed the rules for an arrested accused. The senior officials of Delhi police have taken an instant action. Apart from suspended police personnel, if involvement of other police officials comes to fore then he/she will not be spared." The MoS Home also said that police can't afford to commit such mistakes as it impacts law and order. "This incident has made us think what measures are to be taken to ensure such actions are not repeated. We will think whether a provision is needed under law to avoid such incidents. This is unpardonable crime. Police officers cannot afford to make such mistakes," Ahir said. Deependra Pathak, PRO, Delhi Police, confirmed suspension of seven Delhi police officials. "Seven police personnel have been suspended. The inquiry will be conducted in a time bound manner and strict action will be taken," Pathak told ANI. It's alleged that the accused police personnel let Sukesh roam freely in Bengaluru where he had been taken for a court hearing, Sukesh Chandrashekhar was arrested on April 16 for allegedly taking money from AIADMK (Amma) leader TTV Dhinakaran to bribe Election Commission officials in connection with the dispute over the AIADMK poll symbol of two leaves. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has dismissed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's extraordinary letter to the Australian Parliament and other countries as a "rant" against United States President Donald Trump and as a sign that Pyongyang is "starting to feel the squeeze" of escalated sanctions. The letter from the North Korean Foreign Affairs Committee attacks Mr. Trump over his speech to the United Nations General Assembly last month in which the president threatened to "totally destroy North Korea" if provoked. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was quoted by Melbourne Radio 3AW, as saying on Friday that the letter was sent to "a lot of other countries" as well as to Australia. The letter says that if Trump thinks that he will bring North Korea "to its knees through nuclear war threat, it will be a big miscalculation and an expression of ignorance. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bombay High Court on Friday termed Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) strike illegal and ordered to call it off with immediate effect. MSRTC employees went on an indefinite strike on October 17 demanding the implementation of 7th pay commission. Earlier in the day, the High Court observed that no concrete steps were taken by the government to end the strike. It also added,"If you (state) constitute high power committee, court is ready to give you time." After that the State Government submitted undertaking before the court that it is ready to constitute a high-power committee which will submit report within three weeks. More than 17 thousand MSRTC buses run throughout the entire state, and about one lakh workers are on strike. The strike has left the daily passengers troubled and they had even appealed to the government to look into the matter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi Police on Friday submitted details of the case involving Murray Dennis Ward, a British national, who is accused of sexually abusing blind school kids, to Interpol's nodal office in India. Interpol suspected Ward's profile to be similar with a person accused of child abuse four years ago in UK, after which it sought the British national's details for clarity. The Patiala House Court had on Wednesday sent the British to 14-day judicial custody. On September 4, the Delhi Police arrested Ward on charges of sodomising visually challenged students at the Association for the Blind (NAB) in R.K. Puram area in New Delhi. Ward was a frequent visitor and a regular donor with NAB from the last eight to nine years. He is accused of subjecting three minors, all blind students of NAB, to paedophilic sexual harassment on September 2. A case was registered in this regard under Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Ward, 54, hails from UK's Gloucestershire and was working with Sterlite Technology Limited in Gurugram till April 2017. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least 10 people were killed in a suicide bombing attack close to a mosque in Ghor province of Afghanistan on Friday. "The explosion happened when the worshippers were inside the mosque," the Khaama Press quoted Ghor governor's spokesman Abdul Hai Khatibi as saying. However, eyewitnesses are saying that more than 30 people have died. They further said that a commander of the public uprising forces in Ghor Fazl-ul-Ahad Khan is among those who lost their lives in the explosion. No group has claimed the responsibility so far. Ghor was among the relatively calm provinces in north-western parts of the country but the province has started to witness growing instability during the recent years as both the Taliban insurgents and ISIS loyalists attempt to expand their foothold in this province. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amidst all the controversy surrounding the Taj Mahal, Haryana Cabinet Minister Anil Vij on Friday termed the world famous monument a "beautiful cemetery". Speaking to ANI, Vij said that since Taj Mahal is a cemetery, people consider it to be ominous. He said, "Taj Mahal is a beautiful cemetery. It is true that the building is pretty and has graves inside. Since it is a cemetery, people consider it to be ominous and do not keep a model of it in their homes." Vij who is a Cabinet Minister with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Haryana government is known for his controversial tweets and statements. Taj Mahal has been in news from the time the Uttar Pradesh government dropped it from its tourism booklet, following which BJP's Sangeet Som supported it by calling it a blot on Indian culture. Apart from that, BJP MP Vinay Katiyar recently said that the Taj Mahal is actually a Shiva temple. On Thursday, the Kerala Tourism Department took to Twitter thanking the iconic Taj Mahal for 'inspiring millions to discover India'. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Indian government on Friday welcomed U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's statement on Washington's existing bilateral relationship with New Delhi, describing it as a positive and optimistic assement of ties going into the future. In a statement issued here, the official spokesperson of the Government of India, Raveesh Kumar, said, " Secretary Tillerson has made a significant policy statement on India-US relations and its future. He brought out its various strengths and highlighted our shared commitment to a rule-based international order." "We appreciate his positive evaluation of the relationship and share his optimism about its future directions. We look forward to welcoming him in India next week for detailed discussions on further strengthening of our partnership," the spokesperson added. On Wednesday, Secretary Tillerson had described the United States as a "reliable partner" that India needs, and added that both countries have a responsibility to "do the needful" to take the relationship forward. "U.S. and India don't just share affinity for democracy, but have a vision for the future. It is time to double down on a democratic partnership with an India that's still rising, and rising responsibly for the next 100 years. U.S. has chosen wisely in terms of India as a strategic partner. India needs a reliable partner, and the United States is that partner," he said, while delivering his remarks on "Defining Our Relationship with India for Next Century" at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, an American think tank based in Washington. Discussing the importance of developing the Indo-Pacific region into one of peace and stability, Tillerson said New Delhi and Washington need to serve as eastern and western beacons, so that it does not become a region of disorder, conflict and predatory economics. On the financial front, Tillerson projected that Asia's GDP will surpass 50 percent in the coming years, adding that it is important for the United States to capitalise on its relations. However, he also said that it is important for emerging democracies and economies to have alternatives for infrastructure investment. Tillerson said India needs to constantly work on its economic reforms, and laid emphasis on getting economic partnerships right and enhancing regional connectivity, thereby presenting more options for sustainable development. "India has witnessed a number of economic reforms in the recent past. However, it is easy to implement what is needed and sit back. But what needs to be noted is that you're never done, as the world around keeps changing. There is a need to have a better business environment for both domestic and foreign companies to invest in. It is also important to choose your partner wisely," he said. "While India is suffering from restricted access to technology, exchange of technologies and ideas between Bengaluru and the Silicon Valley is changing the world," he added. Tillerson will be visiting New Delhi next week, and he has already said that this visit "could not come at a more promising time for US-India relationships". He also said the US-India '2 plus 2' inaugural dialogue with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump is much anticipated. Hailing India as an example of a "democratic, diverse and pluralistic" economy amid growing global terrorism, Tillerson said the two countries must enhance multilateral efforts through greater cooperation in the maritime domain, cyber security and humanitarian assistance, along with increasing convergence, thus offering the Indo-Pacific region an opportunity to expand rule- based global system. "India has been rising significantly in the recent past, and so has China. However, the manner in which the growth has taken place is different, and our relations with the two countries are also different. India has grown taking into account its neighbors as well. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis had said the two largest democracies should have the two greatest militaries, and I couldn't agree more. India and the US should be in the business of strengthening others' capacity to protect their sovereignty," said Tillerson. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's first transgender judge, Joyita Mondal, is keen on providing a respectful life to transgenders. In an interview to ANI, 29-year-old Mondal not only shared her journey from just being a hijra (transgender) to a Lok Adalat judge, but also, her future plans. Mondal was appointed the Lok Adalat judge of Islampur in North Dinajpur district of West Bengal three months ago. She said that sometimes she thinks why other transgender people can't achieve success like her. "When I have achieved success, then sometimes I think why only me, why can't others like me?" Mondal questioned. She believes that if other transgenders are given opportunities, they too can also excel in different fields. "Now, I am thinking of working in this direction," Modal told ANI, adding that the 2014 Supreme Court judgment is a boon for transgenders. "If transgenders start getting government jobs, then their condition will become better, as due to the social discrimination, they are forced to run away from their homes and indulge in age-old hijra activities in India, like dancing in marriages or becoming sex workers," Mondal said. She also talked about her life. "I was born as a boy, but my feelings were that of a girl. This anomaly started creating problems in my family. After graduation, I faced an identity crisis. In 2009, I left my home in Kolkata and came to Islampur because I didn't want to leave my identity as well as my family," Mondal told ANI. She said that after coming to Islampur, she started working in an office and used to socialise with LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) people. "Very soon, I realized that the LGBT people of North Dinajpur were not aware of their rights. In 2010, I started a Non Governmental Organization 'Nai Roshni for Dinajpur' for LGBT community. We started knocking at the doors of the government for the rights of LGBT people. Our movement became stronger after the 2014 Supreme Court judgment, wherein we were put in third category. I took the judgment as Holy Geeta or Bible, and started fighting for LGBT people's rights," Mondal said. After achieving success in bettering the lives of the LGBT people in the area, she and her NGO members thought why should they work only for the LGBT people only. Why not for society overall? "We started working in Islampur and Panjipara brothels and helped sex workers to get ration cards, voter cards and Adhaar cards." Mondal's NGO then started working for the welfare of the needy elderly people and submitted a proposal in this regard in the sub divisional office. "We visited every house in the area for six months and shortlisted around 200 needy elderly people. We have submitted a proposal to the government for the construction of shelter home for elderly people," Mondal informed. She said Additional District Judge Subroto Pole was impressed by her social work and appointed her as a Lok Adalat judge. "Three-judge Lok Adalat bench consists of a regular judge, an advocate, and a social worker. I have been chosen from the social worker quota to perform the duties of a Lok Adalat judge. Now, they don't see me as third gender, but as a social worker." The 2014 judgment, also known as NALSA ( Legal Services Authority) judgment, is a landmark decision by the Supreme Court of India, which declared transgender people to be a 'third gender', affirmed that the fundamental rights granted under the Constitution of India will be equally applicable to transgender people, and gave them the right to self-identification of their gender as male, female or third-gender. This judgment is a major step towards achieving gender equality in India. Moreover, the court also held that because transgender people were treated as socially and economically backward classes, they will be granted reservations in admissions to educational institutions and jobs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a glittering opening ceremony in Vladivostok, Russia, on Friday morning, Indian Task Force Commander Major General N D Prasad and Chief of Staff of the Eastern Military District of the Russian Federation, Lt. Gen. Solomatin, declared the tri-service Exercise INDRA 2017 open. Major General Prasad and Lt. Gen. Solomatin inspected the smartly turned out contingents of the two countries, which was followed by a march past. The opening ceremony also witnessed an astounding display of traditional martial arts and folk dances by the Indian troops and a flypast by four fighter aircraft of Russian Federation Air Force. In his address, Major General Prasad said this first ever tri-service exercise between both countries reflects the vibrancy of the continued Indo-Russian strategic partnership, and added that with the rich operational experience of both Russian and Indian armies in counter insurgency operations, both sides will gain immensely from each other. Lt. Gen. Solomatin said the tri-service exercise will further strengthen the relationship between the two defence forces and lead to enhanced mutual cooperation between the two great countries. Lt.Gen. J S Negi, leader of the tri-services Observer delegation, said the first ever tri-service exercise between the two countries is a significant step in mutual cooperation and marks an important milestone in the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He expressed his confidence that the joint training between the two defence forces over the next ten days will result in gaining from the experience and best practices of each other and would further enhance mutual confidence. The opening ceremony was followed by a ceremonial banquet hosted by the Russian side, where both sides interacted in an informal atmosphere and expressed their common intent and strong resolve to conduct the exercise in a professional manner, so as to achieve the overall objectives of Exercise INDRA 2017. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan was essentially created to protect the religious and economic rights of Muslims who were a minority before the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947. But since the country's inception, new minorities have been created and Islamabad keeps finding new ways to torment them. In an article for the New York Times, well known author and columnist Mohammed Hanif claims Pakistan has a poor record of protecting its religious minorities. Taking the case of the Ahmadiya community in particular, who insist on calling themselves Muslims, he says mainstream Muslims treat them as the "worst form of heretics." Hanif, who is the author of novels "A Case of Exploding Mangoes" and "Our Lady of Alice Bhatti," says, "You would think that government, law enforcers and the courts would do something about such sustained acts of brutality.." He says that more often than not, he hears of incidents where the Ahmadis are put on trial for committing some form of blasphemy, because as he says, "under the law, repeating something blasphemous can itself constitute blasphemy." He recalls one newspaper report, as saying that some men were put on trial and sentenced to death for attempting to remove religious posters that incited hatred against Ahmadis from a wall. "The prosecution argued that since the posters were religious, removing them was an insult to the Prophet Muhammad," he said. The Ahmadi (or Ahmadiyya) sect is a reformist movement founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad toward the end of the 19th century in the city of Qadian, in what is today the Indian part of Punjab. Ahmad claimed to be the incarnation of a Messiah promised in Islamic holy texts. That challenged the mainstream Muslim belief that Muhammad is Islam's last and final prophet. Ahmad was accused of being an agent of the British Empire. There are no reliable statistics about the number of Ahmadis in Pakistan today. Estimates range from 500,000 to four million. Last week, Captain (Retired) Muhammad Safdar, the son-in-law of deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif, demanded that the Ahmadis be banned from joining the armed forces. He also demanded that a physics department of a university in Islamabad be renamed because in 2016 it was named after Abdus Salam, the only Pakistani Nobel laureate. The Pakistani government had already taken close to four decades to name anything after Mr. Salam, a theoretical physicist, because he was Ahmadi. It appears that not a single parliamentarian spoke up against Safdar's diatribe. Earlier this month, Parliament changed the oath that Pakistanis are required to take to get a passport or run in an election. A standard version of the statement goes: "I hereby solemnly declare that I consider Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani to be an impostor nabi and also consider his followers, whether belonging to the Lahori or Qadiani group, to be non-Muslims." (Nabi means prophet.) Language in the election law was changed from "I solemnly declare" to "I believe." There was a public uproar over the change, including accusations that the government was going soft on Ahmadis. Parliament promptly backtracked, saying it was a clerical error. The word "Ahmadi" is hardly even used during debate in parliament. We prefer to call Ahmadis "Qadianis," meaning from Qadian. Ahmadis consider the word derogatory. Hanif claims in his article that Ahmadis went from being treated as zealous reformist Muslims to non-Muslims to kafir, or heretics - worse even than Hindus or Jews. "In the mid-1980s, a decade after Ahmadis were declared non-Muslims, another set of laws forbade them to act like Muslims," he adds. He talks of hearing about Ahmadis not getting jobs, being thrown out of shops or business meetings, and adds that one of his friends has even told him that Ahmadis are treated better than Shias. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Iraqi armed forces on Friday took control of the last district in the oil-rich province of Kirkuk. Battling Kurdish Peshmerga fighters for over three hours, the Iraqi Army gained control of Altun Kupri district, also known as Perde in Kurdish. U.S-trained Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service units, Iranian-backed Popular Mobilisation and Federal Police were involved in the takeover operation that began at 7.30 a.m. local time. Altun Kupri is located on the banks of the Zab river. It was not immediately clear whether there had been any casualties in the fighting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The chief of the militant outfit Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, Umar Khalid Khorasani, and nine of his associates have been killed in a U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan's Paktia province. The Dawn quoted a spokesman of the group, Asad Mansoor, as saying on Friday that "Chief of our Jamaat-ul-Ahrar Umar Khalid Khorasani, who sustained serious injuries in a recent U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan's Paktia province, succumbed to his injuries Wednesday evening." The JuA spokesman was reportedly speaking by telephone from an undisclosed location, a foreign news agency said. Mansoor said the JuA consultative council will be convened soon to appoint a new chief. It is however also being reported that senior commander Asad Afridi has been appointed as the new JuA chief. In the past three weeks, the United States has initiated about 70 drone strikes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and killed over 30 people in the last few days. The strikes came days after Canadian hostage Joshua Boyle and his American wife and three children were freed in Pakistan after five years of captivity at the hands of the Haqqani network. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) White House chief of staff John Kelly has rebuked the critics of United States President Donald Trump's handling of the families of fallen U.S. military heroes. The Guardian reported that Kelly made an unannounced appearance at the White House podium on Thursday afternoon amid an unprecedented feud between Trump and Frederica Wilson, a Democratic congresswoman, who overheard the President telling the widow of Sergeant La David Johnson that her husband "knew what he signed up for" before he was killed on duty in Niger. Breaking years of silence over the death of his own son in Afghanistan, Kelly said he was "broken-hearted" by the politicisation of troops who died on the battlefield. "It stuns me that a member of Congress would have listened in on that conversation, absolutely stuns me," said Kelly, while adding, he was so incensed by the episode that he "walked among the stones" at Arlington cemetery for an hour and a half on Wednesday. However, he failed to acknowledge that this week's commotion began when Trump launched an unprompted attack on his predecessors Barack Obama and George W. Bush over their outreach to bereaved military families. Kelly went on to offer a protracted justification for what he said was Trump's attempt to offer his condolences to Johnson's wife, Myeshia. Kelly said there was "no perfect way to make that phone call". Recounting the day when he was informed of his son's death, Kelly recalled his close friend General Joseph Dunford arriving at his doorstep. Dunford had told him his son "was doing exactly what he wanted to do when he was killed", Kelly recalled. "He knew what he was getting into by joining that one percent," Kelly said, adding, "He knew what the possibilities were, because we're at war." Kelly added that this was what the President tried to say to the four families the other day. Describing Trump as "brave" for making the calls, Kelly said the President had sought his counsel on how to handle them. Trump claimed earlier this week that former presidents did not contact the families of fallen troops. In particular, Trump said Obama did not call Kelly after his son Robert was killed in Afghanistan in 2010. Trump's remark prompted former Obama administration officials to reveal that six months after his son's death, Kelly and his wife had been invited to a White House breakfast for bereaved Gold Star military families and sat at Michelle Obama's table. Kelly confirmed on Wednesday that he did not receive a call from Obama, but clarified that presidents did not always reach out by phone to grieving families and often chose instead to write letters. "That was not a criticism," Kelly said of Obama. "That's not a negative thing." "These young people (soldiers) today, they don't do it for any other reason than their sense of selfless devotion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Over 30 people were killed and more than 40 injured in a suicide bombing attack inside a mosque in the western parts of Kabul city. According to the Khaama Press, eyewitnesses in the area said a suicide bomber detonated his explosives in Imam Zaman mosque in Kabuld's PD13. The security officials speaking on the condition of anonymity confirmed the causalities. Afghan Interior Ministry confirmed the incident, however did not disclose the death toll. Reportedly, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group has claimed the responsibility behind the attack. Earlier this month, three people were killed and 16 others injured after an (Improvised Explosive Device) IED blast occurred close to a mosque in Cinema Pamir area in Kabul. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF) on Friday intercepted a passenger with a suspicious electric object fitted to his shirt at Terminal 3 of Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.The passenger was travelling to Guwahati. The CISF nabbed the passenger around 6:30 PM.The shirt which he was carrying in his hand bag had four batteries attached inside an electric motor.On questioning, the passenger was unable to provide convincing reason.The passenger has been handed over to the police. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Paris-Saint Germain (PSG) star striker Neymar has been fined 1.2 million USD by a Brazil court for attempting to obstruct the continuity of a tax-evasion case. Neymar, who made a move of worth 200 million pounds from Barcelona to PSG, saw the sanction imposed by the Third Room of the Federal Regional Court of the Third Region of Brazil. During the he ring, prosecutors said that the Brazilian striker escaped paying all of his taxes in full by using three family-run image-rights companies to divert his income. As a result, Neymar had paid a lower tax rate (15-25 percent) than he otherwise would have (27.5 percent), the Mirror reported. Hitting Neymar with the fine of 9,00,000 pounds, Judge Carlos Muta said that the players' conduct throughout the case "violates the dignity of justice". The judge further said that Neymar and his lawyer acted in "bad faith" by using appeal processes to delay a final judgment. Neymar has been accused of helping to conceal the true transfer fee of his move from Santos to Barcelona in June 2013. The case came into light when a complaint was filed by Brazilian supermarket firm DIS, which owned 40 percent of Neymar's transfer rights. The investment group claimed that it had received less money than it was entitled to when Neymar joined Barcelona from Santos for 49 million pounds in 2013. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The latest Hollywood actress to accuse Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment is '12 Years a Slave' star Lupita Nyong'o. In an Op-Ed for The New York Times, the Oscar-winning actress has opened up about her own personal encounters with Weinstein when she was first becoming a Hollywood star. "I have been following the news and reading the accounts of women coming forward to talk about being assaulted by Harvey Weinstein and others. 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," she wrote, as reported by E! Online. "I had felt very much alone when these things happened, and I had blamed myself for a lot of it, quite like many of the other women who have shared their stories." Lupita continued, "But now that this is being discussed openly, I have not been able to avoid the memories resurfacing. I have felt sick in the pit of my stomach. I have felt such a flare of rage that the experience I recount below was not a unique incident with me, but rather part of a sinister pattern of behavior." The 34-year-old initially met Weinstein in 2011. Weinstein at first charmed her, so she was not cautious when he invited her to his Connecticut home, ostensibly to watch a movie with his family. But first, they stopped at a local restaurant for lunch, where Weinstein tried to get her to drink alcohol. "I found him pushy and idiosyncratic more than anything," she said of their second meeting. Nyong'o said that they next went back to his home, where she met his family and Weinstein set her up to watch the film with them in his private screening room. According to Nyong'o, Weinstein interrupted the film after just 15 minutes and led her to his private bedroom, announcing that he wanted to give her a massage. "I thought he was joking at first. He was not. For the first time since I met him, I felt unsafe," she wrote. "I panicked a little and thought quickly to offer to give him one instead: It would allow me to be in control physically, to know exactly where his hands were at all times." Before long, she wrote, he said he wanted to take off his pants. "I told him not to do that and informed him that it would make me extremely uncomfortable." The incident then ended and she left the home. Nyong's admits, "I didn't quite know how to process the massage incident. I reasoned that it had been inappropriate and uncalled-for, but not overtly sexual." She added: "But I knew I would not be accepting any more visits to private spaces with Harvey Weinstein." However, he allegedly made another untoward pass at her at a subsequent dinner meeting where she alleges he tried to get her to join him in a private room. She said she once again rebuffed his proposal. At that instance she claims he didn't' threaten her career, but she did worry that he might say something to someone that would put it in jeopardy. Nyong'o did not see him until the premiere of '12 Years A Slave'. He apologised for past behaviors. "I said thank you and left it at that. But I made a quiet promise to myself to never ever work with Harvey Weinstein." A growing number of actresses, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Rose McGowan and Cara Delevingne, have recently come forward with their own alleged experiences of harassment by Harvey Weinstein. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ending nine months of self-imposed political silence, former United States President Barack Obama came out all guns blazing in support of Democratic candidate for Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam in Richmond. Targetting Republican candidate Ed Gillespie, Obama launched a stinging attack on the latter's immigration-focused campaign, which he called "damaging and corrosive to our democracy." "What he's (Gillespie) really trying to deliver is fear. What he really believes is that if you scare enough voters, it might score just enough votes to win an election," the New York Times quoted Obama, as saying. He maintained that politics in America is getting increasingly cynical. Around 7,500 people attended the event held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. It was Obama's second campaign appearance of the day, as earlier on Thursday, he pitched support for Democratic nominee for New Jersey governor Philip D. Murphy in Newark. Murphy is contesting the election against Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno. Obama warned Democratic supporters not to get complacent, as then, they would have no right to complain about their elected officials if they "slept through" election day. He urged young Virginians to get off social media and come out and vote for their candidate Obama offered his harshest assessment of the Trump era when he indirectly said, "Instead of our politics reflecting our values, we've got politics infecting our communities." "We shouldn't use the most painful parts of our history just to score political points," the former U.S. president said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director, Michael Pompeo has said that if history is any guide, then expectations must be kept at a very low level when it comes to Pakistan cooperating with the United States in the fight against terrorism. Delivering a speech at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based think tank on Thursday, Pompeo said Washington will do everything it can to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table in Afghanistan, but added that it is important for Pakistan to deny militants a safe haven on its soil. Tolo News quoted Pompeo, as saying that for talks between Washington and Islamabad to move ahead, the Taliban must have no hope of winning on the battlefield in Afghanistan, and that means making it no longer possible to cross the Afghan-Pakistani border and hide inside Pakistan. The United States has long accused Pakistan of turning a blind eye or helping the Afghan Taliban and the allied Haqqani network. Pakistan has repeatedly denied ties with the militant groups. (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.) Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will hand over the chairmanship of the 8 Developing Countries (D-8) to Turkey today during the ninth summit of the group. The D-8 includes Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey as its members. According to the Express Tribune, Pakistan is the current chair of the D-8 summit, assuming it at the 8th summit held in Islamabad in November 2012. The Istanbul Summit is expected to adopt a declaration and a plan of action. Major areas of cooperation in the D-8 Charter are industry, agriculture and food security, energy, trade, transportation, and Tourism. The 20th anniversary of the organisation will also be celebrated on the occasion. Prime Minister Abbasi is also expected to interact with leaders of the D-8 on the sidelines of the summit. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A police constable, identified as Balmukund Prajapati, of Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur area was shot dead late Thursday night. The constable was shot by unknown assailants at the market of the police station area during a night patrol. The police have begun the investigation in the case. Further details are awaited. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) American director Quentin Tarantino admits he knew, for decades, about instances of sexual assault by his longtime friend Harvey Weinstein. In an interview, the filmmaker, who collaborated with Weinstein on numerous projects, including 'Reservoir Dogs', 'Pulp Fiction' and the 'Kill Bill' franchise, said, "There was more to it than just the normal rumours, the normal gossip," Tarantino told the New York Times, reports The Independent. "It wasn't second hand. I knew he did a couple of these things. I wish I had taken responsibility for what I heard. If I had done the work I should have done then, I would not have had to work with him." According to the report, he also condemned Harvey, who he tried to reach after the stories were published, but said he has not spoken to him yet. Tarantino also made a call to action for change in the way Hollywood has behaved towards women. "I'm calling on the other guys who knew more to not be scared. Don't just give out statements. Acknowledge that there was something rotten in Denmark. Vow to do better by our sisters." He added, "What was previously accepted is now untenable to anyone of a certain consciousness." In light of dozens of allegations from actresses including Angelina Jolie, Ashley Judd, Cara Delevingne and Eva Green, Weinstein has been fired from his own company and expelled from the Motion Picture Academy. In a blanket statement, Weinstein denied allegations of non-consensual sex. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after the revelry of Diwali, roads of major cities of India of the country were seen littered with remains of crackers, including the capital where the sale of crackers has been banned by the Supreme Court. However, the ban, which was ordered mere 10 days before the festival on the sale of crackers, did not stop the citizens from bursting crackers. While Delhi was engulfed in smog in the early hours of Thursday, garbage on the streets were also in abundance. The continually worsening condition of air quality in Delhi had led the Supreme Court on October 9 to ban the sale of firecrackers in New Delhi and adjoining regions till November 1, with the view to reduce pollution. However, the ban didn't seem to have much impact on the people. Waste in Mumbai was also more than usual days due to bursting of crackers. The municipality workers took to working earlier than their usual time. "This is seven days' worth of garbage, and even as we sweep the roads, people continue to burst crackers," one of the workers at Mumbai's Nariman Point told ANI. The financial capital did not ban the sale of crackers but urged citizens to minimize the use of crackers in an endeavour to observe a pollution-free Diwali. Streets of Uttar Pradesh's capital Lucknow were also seen filled with garbage post last night's celebrations. Locals did not refrain from bursting crackers, observing the practice as part of Indian tradition. "If we don't burst crackers on Deepawali, how will children know of Indian culture and tradition? How will there be excitement for the festival?" Mahesh Chourasia, a resident of Lucknow's Hazratganj area told ANI, adding that India alone is questioned over pollution, even though people across the whole world burst crackers on New Year's Day. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Within 24 hours of lobbing a grenade at the residence of a ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA in Shopian district, suspected militants hurled a grenade at the residence of another party legislator in Tral. The grenade was hurled at Mushtaq Ahmad's residence in Tral area of the district. However, there was no damage done. Yesterday, a grenade was hurled on the house of PDP Aijaz Mir in Zainapora area of the Shopian district. Reportedly, Mir's family was not present in the house at the time of attack. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At a time when Taj Mahal is enveloped in controversies; actor-turned-politician Paresh Rawal on Friday dubbed the ongoing debate in the regard as unnecessary and pathetic. Rawal expressing dismay said the Taj Mahal which used to symbolise love has become a symbol of hatred. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Ahmedabad East constituency took to his Twitter handle on Friday and tweeted, "Taj Mahal-Symbol of Love becomes the symbol of Hate !!! Stupid n unnecessary n sad n pathetic controversy!" Taj Mahal has been in news from the time the Uttar Pradesh government dropped it from its tourism booklet, following which BJP's Sangeet Som supported it by calling it a blot on Indian culture. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Afghanistan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has warned terror outfits and terrorists operating in his country to surrender or face elimination. The Office of the President, ARG Palace, quoted President Ghani, as saying in a statement, "The criminal groups linked to the outsiders, in the latest terrorist wave of attacks, targeted various parts of the country. After committing crimes and acts of savagery against humanity in Ghazni and Paktia, the terrorists once again martyred some Afghans and security personnel in Maiwand district of Kandahar." According to Khamma Press, the statement further added that the groups which have been involved in crimes, terror, and murders, are currently on the verge of destruction and elimination. President Ghani said that his government of national unity and the Afghan people stand along side the Afghan security forces and will use all their force to fight against the crimes of the terrorist groups. He said the terror groups are being wiped out from the communities and are currently having no other option other than surrendering or being eliminated. According to President Ghani, for this reason, the terrorist groups have once again opted not to refrain from any act of savagery. He said the Afghan security forces continue to defend from the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country with their blood and their bravery will be written in golden scripts in the history of the country. President Ghani also added that the Afghan forces remain in the frontline in the fight against terrorism and the community and the Afghan people will always remain thankful for their devotion. (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.) United States President Donald Trump on Friday called for keeping America safe "amid the spread of radical Islamic terror." Trump tweeted this message following a report by the U.K.'s Office for National Statistics (ONS) that said crime in England and Wales had risen by 13 percent over the last year. However, much of that was not related to terrorism. "Just out report: 'United Kingdom crime rises 13% annually amid spread of Radical Islamic terror.' Not good, we must keep America safe!" Trump tweeted. The report said, "of the 664 homicides recorded in the year ending June 2017, there were 35 relating to the London and Manchester terror attacks," The ONS report also said that the rise in violent offences was due to the addition of new crime recording categories such as "violence without injury" and "stalking and harassment." Trump's tweet came after a second federal district judge had put the latest travel ban by his administration on hold. The judge allowed entry of individuals from Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia and Chad. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Various U.S. delegates took to Twitter to wish the people around the a very happy Diwali. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo tweeted, "May light always triumph over darkness. To all those who celebrate, New York wishes you a Happy #Diwali". Meanwhile, Republican gubernatorial candidate Ed Gillespie Ed Gillespie tweeted, "Wishing all my friends celebrating Diwali and happy and joyous festival of lights!" U.S. Representative Joe Kennedy III taking to Twitter said, "Darkness can never withstand the power of our light. Wishing all of those celebrating a happy #Diwali". U.S. Senator Kamala Harris also wished for a joyful Diwali. "To all those who are celebrating in California, wishing you and your family a joyful Diwali". Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ralph Northam tweeted, "Wishing a happy #Diwali to all celebrating! May this holiday bring light, love, and peace to your family." Earlier on Tuesday, United States President Donald Trump celebrated Diwali at White House with Indian Americans. Trump lit the ceremonial lamp on the occasion and wished everyone happy Diwali. Nikki Haley, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations; Seema Verma, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; Federal Communications Commission chairman Ajit Pai; Vanila Singh, chief medical officer in the office of the assistant secretary of health at the Department of Health and Human Services; and other Indian American members of the Trump administration were present during the celebration. Trump's daughter Ivanka also attended the festivities. Trump on the occasion said, "Today, I was deeply honoured to be joined by so many administration officials and leaders of the Indian-American community - to celebrate Diwali -- the Hindu Festival of Lights. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will visit India, between October 20 to 27, as a part of his five -nation tour that include Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Switzerland alongside. According to a U.S. Department of State release, in the national capital, Tillerson will meet with the "senior Indian leaders to discuss further strengthening our strategic partnership and collaboration on security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region." "The Secretary's visit to India will advance the ambitious agenda laid out by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi during the Prime Minister's visit to the White House in June," the release further reads. During his visit to Pakistan, Tillerson will meet with senior Pakistani leaders in Islamabad "to discuss our continued strong bilateral cooperation, Pakistan's critical role in the success of our South Asia strategy, and the expanding economic ties between our two countries. The Secretary will build on the positive conversations he and the Vice President have had with Prime Minister Abbasi." "This will be his inaugural visit to South Asia (India and Pakistan) as Secretary of State, reaffirming the Administration's comprehensive strategy toward the region," the release added. In Riyadh, Tillerson will take part in the inaugural Coordination Council meeting between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Iraq. He will also meet with various Saudi leaders to discuss the conflict in Yemen, the ongoing Gulf dispute, Iran, and a number of other important regional and bilateral issues. In Doha (Capital of Qatar), he will meet with Qatari leaders and U.S. military officials to discuss joint counterterrorism efforts, the ongoing Gulf dispute, and other regional and bilateral issues, including Iran and Iraq. In Geneva (in Switzerland), he will meet with the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, International Organization for Migration, and the International Committee of the Red Cross to discuss a number of the current global humanitarian crises. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nearly 340,000 Rohingya children are reportedly living in squalid conditions in refugee camps in Bangladesh, where they don't get enough food, clean water or healthcare. The Daily Times quoted a United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) statement, as saying on Friday that most of these children are still traumatised by the atrocities they witnessed in neighbouring Myanmar from where they were forced to flee. Simon Ingram, the author of the Unicef report titled "Outcast and Desperate", told media persons here on Friday that, "This isn't going to be a short-term, it isn't going to end anytime soon." "So it is absolutely critical that the borders remain open and that protection for children is given and equally that children born in Bangladesh have their birth registered," he added. Most Rohingya are stateless in Myanmar and many fled without papers, he said, adding of the newborns in Bangladesh: "Without an identity they have no chance of ever assimilating into any society effectively." Safe drinking water and toilets are in "desperately short supply" in the chaotic, teeming camps and settlements, Ingram said after spending two weeks in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. "In a sense it's no surprise that they must truly see this place as a hell on earth," he said. One in five Rohingya children under the age of five is estimated to be acutely malnourished, requiring medical attention, he said. "There is a very, very severe risk of outbreaks of water-borne diseases, diarrhoea and quite conceivably cholera in the longer-term," he added. Unicef is providing clean water and toilets, and has helped vaccinate children against measles and cholera, which can be deadly, he said. The agency is seeking USD 76 million under a USD 434 million UN appeal for Rohingya refugees for six months, but is only seven percent funded, he said, speaking ahead of a pledging conference in Geneva on Monday. UN agencies are still demanding access to northern Rakhine, where an unknown number of Rohingya remain despite UN reports that many villages and food stocks have been burned. "We repeat the call for the need for protection of all children in Rakhine state, this is an absolute fundamental requirement. The atrocities against children and civilians must end," Ingram said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Zeliangrong community, one of the biggest Naga communities, recently celebrated its silver jubilee showcasing its rich cultural ethos in New Delhi. The event held under the theme, 'Engaged, Enlightened and Empowered', was graced by Imkong L. Imchen, Nagaland's Minister of Health and Family Welfare in the presence of Guest of Honour Armstrong Pame, Deputy Commissioner of Tamenglong District, Manipur, and other dignitaries. The community's student union organized the event. "I congratulate the pioneers of this students' formation for their visionary initiatives. It is historically unfortunate that these people are scattered across three states and that their emotions, their bondage falls in three states - Assam, Nagaland and Manipur," said Minister Imchen. The president of the Zeliangrong Students' Union, Delhi, Mathiuchunbou Rimai, said, "The silver jubilee celebration is a historic event for the Zeliang community as a whole and shows a great positive message going back to the people at home. Their coming together on one platform from different states signifies a sense of unity and brotherhood. Zeliangrong means Zeme, Liangmai and Rongmei tribes that our ancestors formed since the Makuilongdi where they settled. As of now, the community is settled in three states of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland." Rich cultural performances, display of vivid and colorful traditions of the Zeliangrong community. Models walking down the ramp in costumes designed by Sherry Daimai and performances by local artistes and bands like the Red Light Passengers and Jonah Mpamei left the audience enthralled. Deputy Commissioner Pame said, "It feels amazingly great, the feeling of having achieved my dream. Once, I was a student some fifteen years back. I landed in Delhi in June of 2002 and today to be celebrating it, is an amazing feeling." He appealed to the students' to take up life's challenges to achieve their goals and dreams. Pame encouraged all to consider avenues of entrepreneurship and invited youngsters to give ideas and explore possibilities for self employment. "People who want to bring changes should be the ones willing to take the risk. Today, government has open large business opportunities for entrepreneurship under Skill India, MUDRA, Start-up India etc. There are so many avenues where young people ideas can execute it. You demonstrate that you can do it given an opportunity and explore all these avenues," he added. As a sign of recognition, the Best Mentor ZSUD Award was given to Mathiupuang Gonmei, for his outstanding contribution to the Zeliangrong Students' Union, Delhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has issued Notification for commencement of Section 247 of the Companies Act, 2013 [Valuation by Registered Valuers] with effect from 18th October, 2017. The Companies (Registered Valuers and Valuation) Rules, 2017 (Rules), which have been finalized after public consultation and detailed deliberations with stakeholders have also been issued simultaneously. The Rules, inter alia, provide for Registration of Valuers for conduct of valuation under the Companies Act, 2013. The valuers, who may be individuals or partnership entities or companies, would be required to be registered with the authority specified by the Central Government. The Rules provide for registration of different category of valuers and lay down the requirements on their eligibility, qualifications and experience. The Registered Valuers are also required to be members of the Registered Valuers Organisations (RVOs), recognised by the authority under the Rules. The eligibility norms for RVOs to be recognised have also been provided in the Rules which, inter alia, include for an internal governance structure which should provide for enforcement of a code of conduct on the registered valuers, training and conduct of educational courses for the valuation of specific asset classes for which the RVO concerned is recognised. The Rules also lay down the mechanism to prescribe valuation standards and syllabus for conduct of valuation education courses as well as specify the requirements with regard to the contents of the valuation report. The Rules provide for a transition period upto 31st March, 2018 for registration of valuers with the authority keeping in view the period which would be required by the valuers organisations and the valuers to fulfil the requirements under the law. During this transition period any person who may be rendering valuation services under the Companies Act, 2013 may continue to render such services without getting registered under the Rules. The role and powers of the authority with regard to registration/recognition and ancillary matters have been provided in the Rules. It is proposed to specify Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) as the authority under the Rules. The relevant notification under section 458 of the Act in this regard is being issued separately. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Goods worth lakhs of rupees were destroyed in a Diwali night fire that gutted nearly 25 shops in a cloth market in Jalandhar city, police said on Friday. No loss of life was reported in the fire. The fire in the Sudama cloth market near Jyoti Chowk in Jalandhar, about 160 km from here, started on Thursday night and spread quickly. Fire brigade vehicles and personnel rushed to the spot but the market was engulfed by the flames. Traders said that their losses ran in lakhs of rupees. Though the cause of the fire was to be ascertained, market association president Balwant Singh said that foul play could not be ruled out. Fire officer Rajinder Sharma said the fire was brought under control after four hours. In another incident of fire, in Amritsar goods worth lakhs of rupees were destroyed after fire engulfed a warehouse on Thursday night. --IANS js/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Seven Delhi Police personnel were suspended on Friday for allowing a person, named as a middleman in the AIADMK election symbol bribery case, to roam free while under police custody in Bengaluru, Delhi Police said. Sukesh Chandrasekhar, the accused middleman, was under judicial custody and the Delhi Police had taken him to Bengaluru, Coimbatore and Mumbai to be produced in courts there. Chandrasekhar was arrested on April 16 from a Delhi hotel for allegedly taking money from AIADMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran to bribe Election Commission officials in connection with the dispute between two factions of the party over poll symbol of Two Leaves. On Friday, Delhi Police Chief Spokesperson Dependra Pathak said that "an unprofessional act on the part of certain policemen" had come to light and an inquiry had been ordered into the matter. "In the meantime, the seven accused policemen have placed under suspension," the officer said, adding that "strictest possible action will be taken if they are found guilty". Pathak alleged the "unprofessional act and corruption" came to light during the process of producing the accused in the courts. A police officer told IANS that the incident occurred precisely between October 9 and 16 when Chandrasekhar was being taken to a court in Bengaluru. Action was taken against the officers after the Income Tax Department submitted a report along with a video clip to the Delhi Police chief Amulya Patnaik. In the video, Chandrasekhar was seen roaming freely in a shopping mall in Bengaluru. The suspended police officers have been identified as Assistant Sub-Inspector Rajesh, Head Constables Jeevan and J. George and Constables Nitin Kumar, Keshav Kumar, Dharmender and Pushpendra -- all belonging to the 3rd Battalion of Delhi Police. --IANS sp/nir/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior BJP leader and Lok Sabha MP from Assam R.P. Sarmah on Friday said the state government must ascertain the ministers' knowledge and interest about tourism before sending them to foreign countries to promote tourism. Sarmah's statement came a day after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Assam government unveiled a new tourism policy declaring it as an industry, which not only aims to increase inflow of tourists but also vowed to give lot of incentives in the form of subsidy to those who choose Assam as their destination for shooting films. The government had also announced that state ministers would go on participating road show globally to promote tourism and seek investors for the global investor summit to held in February next year in Assam. "It is a very welcome step by the government of Assam to industrialise tourism in the state. But before sending the ministers to foreign land for advertisement, the government must ensure their interest and knowledge on tourism sector and their capacity to impress upon others about the tourism potentials of the state," said Sarmah in a Facebook post on Friday. "Further, before inviting tourists, government should build up tourism infrastructure in the state. Imagine a situation: a Chief Minister stays overnight in a government guest house in Kaziranga, next morning goes to washroom for a bath, after smearing soap all over his body finds there is no water in the tap, calls his PA over cell phone and waits for ten minutes before the water flows to his washroom. If such is the condition of our government guest house, who would come to Assam?" he posted on the social networking site. The BJP parliamentarian from Tezpur Lok Sabha constituency also said Assam needs to learn from Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka and other states as far as tourism is concerned. "Tourists want good facilities, quick quality service, secure and comfortable stay. The employees in government guest houses should be given hard core training and enforce strict discipline for running a guest house," he said. Sarmah had recently created a controversy in Assam by saying that most of the ministers in Assam accept 10 per cent 'commission' for awarding contracts in their departments. BJP, which came to power in Assam last year, reportedly warned the Lok Sabha MP for his comments regarding the 'commission'. --IANS ah/pgh/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An officiating Commandant of the Border Security Force (BSF), who was seriously injured in an attack by cattle smugglers in Tripura on Sunday night, succumbed to his injuries on Friday at a hospital in Kolkata, BSF sources here said. "Officiating Commandant Deepak Kumar Mondal of 145th Battalion of BSF has expired in a private hospital in Kolkata on Friday. His body is expected to be cremated on Saturday at his ancestral village at Hanskhali in Nadia district," a BSF official told IANS. BSF troopers led by Mondal were guarding the border along Bangladesh to prevent cattle smuggling late on Sunday night at Balerdepha under the Sonamura sub-division in western Tripura's Sepahijala district. Suddenly, a speeding vehicle of cattle smugglers came and hit the 45-year-old BSF officer, pushing him down a gorge. He sustained grievous injuries in the hit. Mondal, accompanied by a BSF doctor, was flown to Kolkata on Monday and admitted to a private hospital there. His condition was very critical and he was under treatment in the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital. Tripura Police on Monday seized the vehicle and arrested the driver and are looking for two more assailants. On April 16, 2005, BSF's Assistant Commandant Jeevan Kumar was dragged into Bangladesh territory by a group of smugglers while supervising security at Lankamura, on the outskirts of the capital city, and was knifed before being shot dead. The mutilated body of the young BSF official was returned the next day after a fierce exchange of fire between the BSF and Bangladesh Rifles (now Border Guards Bangladesh). Tripura shares a 856-km border with Bangladesh, with large parts of the border being riverine, mountainous and unfenced, which helps illegal immigrants, intruders and smugglers to cross over easily. --IANS sc/nir/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Maharashtra government Special Task Force on Friday urged the Centre to institute a CBI enquiry into reports that around 3.50 million packets of illegal Herbicide Tolerant genetically modified cotton seeds are being sold during the current season in several cotton-growing states in the country. Reacting to a comment piece carried by IANS on October 18, titled "Widespread use of unapproved GM cotton shows official tolerance of illegality", Vasantrao Naik Sheti Swavlamban Mission Chairman Kishore Tiwari said reports of New Delhi-based South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC) show that such illegal packets worth around Rs 4.72 billion are being sold in different states. These states - Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh - account for nearly 850,000 hectares - or seven per cent of all the total cotton-growing areas of India - is under the illegal HT (Herbicide Tolerant) cotton hybrids cultivation, he said. "This is a very shocking revelation and needs a detailed probe into the functioning of the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Central Institute of Cotton Research (CICR) since they are responsible to check the illegal sales," Tiwari told IANS. He pointed out that the HT cotton hybrids sale was rampant even after it was brought to the notice of the central government and other agencies, besides the concerned states. Tiwari demanded an urgent stop to the illegal sale of such seeds, and to locate and identify the plots where the spurious HT cotton hybrids are being used and destroy them. His demand came close on the heels of Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Pandurang Phundkar's call for a ban on the HT genetically modified cotton seeds. Tiwari cited reports that though such HT cotton hybrids are being grown in USA, Brazil and some other countries since 1998, it has not been technically and formally approved in India so far, thus rendering its cultivation completely illegal. In fact, the CICR has even found that six of the nine cottonseed hybrids tested positive for herbicide tolerance, but did not care to inform the Maharashtra authorities. It was only after the state's Principal Secretary (Agriculture) Bijay Kumar sought to know details about it following media reports of extensive cultivation of such HT cotton hybrids in the above states that the matter came into limelight. He said while India has tough laws and regulations for approval of GM crops which need to adhere strictly to bio-safety standards to obviate risks to humans, animals and environment, the lackadaisical attitude of CICR, ICAR, GEAC allows rogue actors a free hand. "The casual attitude of these departments, their officials and the states' agriculture departments needs a thorough CBI probe," Tiwari urged. According to some reports, the global giant Monsanto, which owns the HT trait found in CICR samples, has claimed it has informed the GEAC since 2008 and most recently in August 2017. "Yet, the GEAC has turned a blind eye to the issue, pointing to a larger involvement of regulatory bodies which needs to be scanned properly by different experts," Tiwari concluded. --IANS qn/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tourism industry leaders in Agra have welcomed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's decision to visit the Taj Mahal, which is seen as a damage control exercise after a series of controversial statements by politicians on the 17th century marble wonder. Adityanath's visit to Agra on October 26 will help soothe frayed tempers in the city, said tourism industry players. BJP MLA Sangeet Som had stirred controversy last week when he called the Taj Mahal a blot on Indian culture, while some other right-wing politicians have said the Unesco World Heritage Site visited by millions was not representative of the Indian socio-cultural ethos. Bodies representing guides, travel agencies, hotels, have threatened agitation at the "continued downgrading" and "motivated insults" targeting Agra. Mughal historian Prof R. Nath has in a series of letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Adityanath asked politicians not to distort history and base judgments on "gossips". Agra Tourism Welfare Chamber president Prahlad Agarwal said "a campaign to deny Agra its rightful share and recognition as the country's chief destination has hit the tourism sector badly". Talking to IANS on Friday morning, some tourism industry leaders hoped the Chief Minister's visit would put the controversy to rest. Rajiv Saxena, secretary of the Guides Association, said "The Chief Minister's visit is perfectly timed." Senior tourism industry leader Surendra Sharma said the visit will surely help ease the charged atmosphere. Leaders of the handicrafts industry, already under pressure of economic slowdown due to GST, have appealed to politicians not to "foul up the scene by pointless statements that have no basis in history". Lakhs of people are earning their livelihood from tourism, and the latest figures show that the Taj Mahal continued to remain number one in gross annual earnings, said Sandeep Arora, president of the Tourism Development Foundation. Rajiv Tiwari, president of the Federation of Travel Associations of India, said unnecessary controversies relating to the Taj Mahal had affected sentiments and hit the tourism sector which has not been looking up for the past three years. The questions relating to the origin of the Taj Mahal, as also the P.N. Oak theory that the monument was a Shiva temple, have been cropping up at regular intervals. "The Hindu backlash actually began after the Archaeological Survey of India failed to stall a deliberate process of communalisation of the monument by allowing people to hold prayers and organise religious activities," senior guide Ved Gautam told IANS. Meanwhile, authorities have drawn up plans to spruce up the area around the Taj Mahal which the Chief Minister is likely to visit. Barricading of the 10-km stretch from the Kheria airport to the Taj Mahal has begun along with extensive road repair work. District Magistrate Gaurav Dayal said Adityanath would be reviewing some projects under the Pro-Poor Tourism scheme, and will also launch a few infrastructural projects in Agra and Mathura. Adityanath last visited Agra on May 7, walking the dirty and controversial Taj Corridor in the afternoon sun, to discuss plans for Yamuna rejuvenation. However, nothing much followed. (Brij Khandelwal can be reached at brij.k@ians.in) --IANS bk/rn/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress on Friday demanded the resignation of Jharkhand Food and Public Distribution Minister Saryu Roy following the death of 11-year-old Santoshi Kumari in state's Simdega district allegedly due to starvation. "Congress party is doing dharna in Simdega. Eveybody knows that the family was not getting food grain through the Public Distribution System," said Congress in-charge of Jharkhand R.P.N. Singh. "The Modi government has completely destroyed the PDS system. In Jharkhand too, more than 12 lakh families are not getting food grain because their ration cards are not linked with the Aadhaar card." But the Central and state governments are running away from their responsibility, he said. "The Minister (Saryu Roy) should resign immediately and there should be a probe that in the whole country how many families are not being given food grain because their ration cards are not linked with the Aadhaar card," he said. Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Tuesday ordered a probe into the death of Santoshi Kumari. Kumari, a resident of Karimati village of Simdega district, died on September 28. The death came to light after it was reported on Sunday by an organisation working on food security related issues. The mother had said in a statement that the girl died due to starvation as the family members did not get the food grain from the PDS shop as their ration card was not linked with the Aadhaar card. --IANS sid/him/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday said that it has summoned RJD chief Lalu Prasad's wife Rabri Devi and son Tejashwi Yadav in connection with a money laundering probe into the 2006 IRCTC hotel maintenance contract case. An ED official, confirming the dates of the summons, told IANS: "We have summoned Tejashwi and Rabri Devi on November 20 and 24 respectively." On November 13, the financial-probe agency had questioned Tejashwi Yadav, for the second time for over eight-and-a-half hours. He was questioned by the ED for over nine hours on October 10. Rabri Devi, against whom the ED has issued seven summons, has not testified before the agency for questioning in the case. The ED is probing financial irregularities in the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Tejashwi, his father and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Lalu Prasad and other family members. On July 27, the Enforcement Directorate had registered a case under the PMLA following an FIR by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and is probing the trail of funds allegedly transferred through shell companies. The CBI registered a corruption case on July 5 against Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav for alleged irregularities in the allotment of contracts for two Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) hotels in Ranchi and Puri in 2006 to a private firm when the RJD chief was the Railway Minister. The contracts were given to Sujata Hotels, a company owned by Vijay and Vinay Kochhar, allegedly in lieu of bribe in the form of a plot of prime land in Bihar, the CBI said. Apart from Ahluwalia Contractors' promoter Bikramjeet Singh Ahluwalia, who has also been questioned in the case, former Union Minister Prem Chand Gupta's wife Sarla Gupta and then IRCTC Managing Director P.K. Goel are also accused in the case. --IANS aks/ksk/vm (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.) Member states of the European Union (EU) will pump "sufficient" money into a trust fund to stem illegal migration from North Africa, European Council President Donald Tusk said here on Thursday. He made the remarks at a joint press conference with his European Commission counterpart Jean-Claude Juncker, following a first day meeting of the two-day EU summit, which focused on migration, digital Europe, as well as security and defence, Xinhua reported. He said EU leaders have agreed on the need to help Italy manage the Central Mediterranean route, which links Libya to Italy and was named as the deadliest route to Europe by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in a study published in September 2017. "We have a real chance of closing the Central Mediterranean route. That is why we decided that member states will provide sufficient finances for the North Africa window of the Trust Fund for Africa, while the Commission ensures that this money is channeled to stem illegal migration," Tusk said. "We should see concrete results within the next few weeks," he added. Since the summer of 2015, an unprecedented refugee crisis has been a tough nut to crack for the EU. Thanks to an "aid for return" deal with Turkey in March 2016, the EU boxed in the inflow of refugees via the eastern Mediterranean route. However, it still bears the brunt of migratory pressure, particularly from the Central Mediterranean route. The IOM, the United Nations Migration Agency, reported Tuesday that 145,355 migrants and refugees had entered Europe by sea up to Oct. 15 this year, with over 75 percent arriving in Italy and the rest landing in Greece, Cyprus, and Spain. Meanwhile, 2,776 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year, according to the IOM. A total of 387,895 migrants and refugees reached Europe in 2016, with a record high fatality of 5,143 in the Mediterranean Sea. --IANS ahm/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The JSW Group, on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Uttarakhand government to carry out the work of reconstruction and restoration of Kedarnath, which was devastated by flash floods in June 2013, a company statement said here. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone to mark the commencement of the reconstruction and restoration projects. According to the MoU signed, JSW Group has committed for the reconstruction and restoration of the Adi Shankaracharya Kutir along with a museum, ghats on river Saraswati and part reconstruction of the Teerth Purohit (Priests) houses and other infrastructural facilities related to the houses in Kedarpuri. Kedarnath is located in the Himalayas, approximately 11,000 feet above sea level in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. "JSW Group is committed to preserving India's rich religious heritage. We believe that our restoration effort will help improve local infrastructure as well as develop various facilities for local teerth purohits and the large number of pilgrims that visit Kedarnath," said Sajjan Jindal, Chairman, JSW Group. The reconstruction and restoration of these projects will help improve the overall facilities at Kedarnath which were damaged/washed away in the deluge of 2013. --IANS ag/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Los Angeles police is investigating a possible sexual assault case against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein -- the first one involving him in the city. According to police spokesman Sal Ramirez, the department has interviewed a sexual assault victim who reported an incident that occurred in 2013, reports independent.co.uk. Ramirez says the investigation is going on and he could not answer any questions about when the interview or incident took place. Police in New York and London are also investigating the allegations of sex abuse in those cities over Weinstein. "Mr Weinstein obviously can't speak to anonymous allegations, but he unequivocally denies allegations of non-consensual sex," his representative Sallie Hofmeister wrote in a statement. Weinstein has been accused of sexual harassment or abuse by more than three dozen women, including several top actresses including Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie. Several of the incidents, according to the victims, happened at hotels in Beverly Hills, which does not have an open investigation into Weinstein. --IANS sas/rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Malaysia has struck a "no find-no fee" deal with a US company to restart the search for the missing MH370 flight. The government accepted an offer from Ocean Infinity, said Australian Transport Minister Darren Chester. The Texas-based company will foot the bill if it fails to find the wreckage, the BBC reported. The Malaysian plane disappeared with 239 people on board on March 8, 2014, around 40 minutes after it took off from Kuala Lumpur en route to Beijing, when someone turned off the communication systems and turned the plane around, according to an official investigation. In January, Malaysia, Australia and China called off the unsuccessful search covering an area of 120,000 square km at an estimated cost of $135 million. In July, experts of the Australian agency, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), narrowed down the search area where the flight might have disappeared to a 25,000 square km stretch of the Indian Ocean. The scientists traced the aircraft with the help of the ocean drift modelling in the laboratory using the aircraft's possible course, the amount of fuel it was carrying, and a model of the regional marine currents to determine that the plane may have crashed near the degree 35 south of the "seventh arc". "Seventh arc" is an area in the Indian Ocean already covered by an official search in December 2016. "No new information has been discovered to determine the specific location of the aircraft, however data collected during the previous search will be provided," Chester said in the statement. MH370 debris recovered from the beaches of the French island of Reunion, Mozambique, Mauritius, South Africa and Pemba Island (Tanzania), as confirmed by lab analyses, showed that the plane crashed in the sea and gave rise to new hypotheses about the incident that occurred. Ocean Infinity claims to have the world's most advanced fleet of autonomous underwater vehicles to survey the seabed and carry out mapping at a depth of up to 6,000 metres. --IANS soni/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Militants on Friday attacked the residence of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Mushtaq Ahmad Shah in Tral town in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Police said the militants hurled a grenade at Shah's residence. "Militants also fired at the guard post outside the legislator's house. The fire was returned. No damage has been reported so far," police said. On Wednesday, militants had hurled a grenade at the house of Aijaz Ahmad Mir, also a PDP MLA, in Wachi area in Shopian district. No damage had occurred in that explosion. --IANS sq/pgh/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A mentally challenged person was critically injured on Friday as a mob tried to immolate him and run him over with a tractor on suspicion of being a braid chopper in Jammu and Kashmir's Sopore. Police, which rescued him in the nick of time, has warned of stern action against vigilante mobs. The police received information that a mob had got hold of an alleged braid chopper in the Fruit Mandi area. When they rushed to the spot, they found the mob beating the person, Wasim Ahmad Tantray, "ruthlessly". "The miscreants had also burnt some grass and were trying to set the person ablaze. Some even tried to run him over with a tractor," a police officer said. Tantray, who is said to be "mentally challenged", was rescued and rushed to a Sopore hospital. "Condition of the injured is stated to be critical and he was referred to Srinagar," the police officer said. An FIR was registered and the culprits have been identified, the police said. Senior superintendent of Police (SSP) Sopore, Harmeet Singh told reporters that stern action would be taken against those persons who take law in their own hands while purportedly maintaining vigil against braid choppers. Singh said those people who tried to immolate Tantray in Sopore on Friday have been identified. "We have identified those responsible for severely beating a mentally challenged person and also trying to set him ablaze," the SSP said. He denied rumours that the mentally challenged person was intoxicated when the mob nabbed him. In a similar incident on Thursday, a special police officer (SPO) was severely beaten by a mob in Hazratbal area of Srinagar city after accusing him of being a braid chopper. "The SPO had come to meet his brother who is pursuing masters degree in mathematics at Kashmir University. He had stayed for the night with his brother in a rented accommodation outside the campus. "When he came out of his brother's lodgings, he was caught by a mob and ruthlessly beaten," police said. There have been over 120 reports of braid chopping in the Kashmir Valley in the last two months, with mobs beating up strangers, tourists and even armymen in plainclothes on suspicion of being braid choppers. --IANS sq/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday attacked the Congress for rejecting his proposal in June 2013 when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat for redevelopment of the revered Himalayan shrine of Kedarnath that was badly damaged in the catastrophic flash floods. "The floods of 2013 had made all of us extremely sad. That time I was not the Prime Minister, I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. I came here to do all that I could for the victims," Modi said while addressing a public meeting here after offering prayers at the Kedarnath temple ahead of its closure for the next six months. "I had met the then Chief Minister (Vijay Bahuguna) and the state government officials and offered that Gujarat would redevelop Kedarnath. During the meeting they agreed. And I announced it outside in the media. "But when the news was flashed on television, and it reached Delhi, the people there (UPA government) panicked and within hours the state government was pressurised to announce that it will redevelop Kedarnath itself," Modi alleged. Modi said after the BJP government came to power in Uttarakhand earlier this year "I understood that the work of Kedaranath redevelopment will be done by us". In June 2013, then Chief Minister Bahuguna and the Congress party had rebuffed Modi's offer for redevelopment of Kedarnath and his Rs 3 crore cheque, which was in addition to a Rs 2 crore his state had donated for rain disaster relief. The Congress and other parties had criticised Modi for trying to be the "Rambo" of rescue. The Congress had alleged he was trying to communalise a natural calamity. Modi, in his address to the gathering in Kedarnath on Friday, said: "Through the work we are doing in Kedarnath, we want to show how an ideal 'Tirth Kshetra' (pilgrim centre) should be like, how it should be pilgrim friendly and the wellbeing of the priests should be given importance. "We are building quality infrastructure in Kedarnath. It will be modern but the traditional ethos will be preserved. We will ensure the environment is not damaged," Modi added. He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for a slew of reconstruction projects in Kedarpuri, including renovation of Adi Guru Shankaracharya's tomb which was devastated in the flash floods. --IANS aks/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Friday greeted the people of Gujarat on the occasion of the Gujarati new year. "Saal Mubarak to all Gujaratis across the world. May the coming year bring happiness, prosperity and lead to fulfilment of your aspirations," Modi said in a tweet. Rahul Gandhi in a tweet said: "Saal Mubarak to the people of Gujarat. May this new year bring happiness & prosperity to all." Saal Mubarak is a traditional Gujarati greeting reserved for use on Diwali and the Gujarati New Year, which falls a day after Diwali. --IANS aks/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actress Priyanka Chopra says people like controversial Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein are present across the world. Priyanka slammed Weinstein and spoke about women empowerment at the 2017 Marie Claire Power Trip earlier this week, reports marieclaire.com. Asked whether there's a Harvey Weinstein in India, Priyanka said: "I don't think there is and I don't think there is only a Harvey Weinstein in Hollywood. I think there will be a lot more stories that will come up. "That happens not just in India, but all over the world. It's the power of men trying to take away the power of women. It's about feeling powerful and macho." Weinstein has been accused of sexual harassment or abuse by more than three dozen women, including several top actresses including Gwyneth Paltrow, Cara Delevingne, Lupita Nyong'o and Angelina Jolie. "We watch the news and look for things that will be positive and that the world will be in a better place. But the reality is, the world is not. It's not just about sexuality. It's not about sex. It's about power," Priyanka said. The former Miss World also spoke against the "big boys' club" and said because of it women are scared that a misstep might put them at risk of losing a role. "It's an isolating feeling. The easiest thing to take away from a woman is her work," she said. Priyanka, known in the US for "Quantico", added: "So what if I'm in heels?. So what if I wear a dress? We've been told our femininity is our weakness, but it is not. We can be compassionate. We can be tough. When you open your mouth, you deliver." --IANS sas/rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former US Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush have voiced concern about the current political climate in the US, urging Americans to reject the of "division" and "prejudice" in comments seen as a veiled rebuke of Donald Trump's leadership. In separate and unrelated appearances, Obama and Bush warned that the US "was being torn apart by ancient hatreds that should have been consigned to history long ago" and called for addressing economic anxiety through common purpose. While not directly addressing Trump, neither left much doubt whom and what they had in mind. Obama, who has returned to the campaign trail for the first time since leaving the White House, was speaking at a rally in New Jersey on Thursday to support Democratic candidate for Governor Phil Murphy, the New York Times reported. "Some of the we see now, we thought we'd put that to bed. I mean, that's folks looking 50 years back. It's the 21st century, not the 19th century." "We are rejecting a of division. We are rejecting a politics of fear," Obama said. "We are embracing a politics that says everybody counts, a politics that says everybody deserves a chance, a politics that says everybody has dignity and worth -- a politics of hope." He touched on similar themes at another rally in Richmond, Virginia, saying: "We've got folks who are deliberately trying to make folks angry, to demonise people who have different ideas, to get the base all riled up because it provides a short-term tactical advantage." Speaking just hours earlier in New York, Bush delivered a speech in which he warned of threats to American democracy and a decay of civic engagement. Bush offered a blunt assessment of a political system corrupted by "conspiracy theories and outright fabrication" in which nationalism has been "distorted into nativism." "Bigotry seems emboldened. Our politics seems more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrication," Bush said. "There are some signs that the intensity of support for democracy itself has waned - especially among the young." Americans, he said, have "seen our discourse degraded by casual cruelty". While Trump seeks to raise barriers to trade and newcomers, lashing out at targets with relish, Bush defended immigration and free trade, denounced nationalism and bigotry and bemoaned what he called the "casual cruelty" of current public discourse, the Times reported. "At times it can seem like the forces pulling us apart are stronger than the forces binding us together. We've seen nationalism distorted into nativism, forgotten the dynamism that immigration has always brought to America. "We see a fading confidence in the value of free markets and international trade, forgetting that conflict, instability and poverty follow in the wake of protectionism. "We've seen the return of isolationist sentiments, forgetting that American security is directly threatened by the chaos and despair of distant places," Bush said. Before his election last year, Trump was highly critical of both Obama and Bush, describing each of them at one time or another as "perhaps the worst President in the history" of the US. Since his inauguration in January, Trump's combative style and direct public comments on several issues have caused controversy. He has regularly blamed the media, which he says does not focus on his achievements and instead chooses to concentrate on what he describes as "fake news". --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former US President Barack Obama has returned to the campaign trail for the first time since leaving the White House, urging Americans to reject the of "division" and "fear" seen as a veiled rebuke of Donald Trump's leadership. Obama, 56, was speaking at a rally in New Jersey on Thursday to support Democratic candidate for Governor Phil Murphy, CNN reported. Voicing concern about the current political climate in the US, the former President said: "Some of the we see now, we thought we'd put that to bed. I mean, that's folks looking 50 years back. It's the 21st century, not the 19th century." "We are rejecting a of division. We are rejecting a politics of fear," Obama said. "We are embracing a politics that says everybody counts, a politics that says everybody deserves a chance, a politics that says everybody has dignity and worth -- a politics of hope." The 44th President did not mention his successor by name in his remarks, which were interrupted with chants of "four more years" from the crowd. Trump actively took steps to attack Obama's legacy in recent weeks, including on Iran, immigration and healthcare. Obama also stressed the importance of the US remaining a leader on the world stage. "The world counts on America having its act together. The world is looking to us as an example," he told the crowd. "The world asks what our values and ideals are, and are we living up to our creed." The appearance for Murphy, who served as Obama's Ambassador to Germany from 2009 to 2013, marked the first foray onto the campaign trail for the former President since he left office in January. Despite public polls showing Murphy with a comfortable lead in the contest with Republican Kim Guadagno, the state's Lieutenant Governor, Obama urged those in attendance not to rest until Election Day. Speaking at another rally in Richmond, Obama said: "We're at our best not when we're trying to put people down, but when we're trying to lift everybody up." "Folks don't feel good right now about what they see. They don't feel as if our public life reflects our best. Instead of politics reflecting our values, we have politics infecting our communities." Obama also touched on the violent clashes that occurred at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville over the summer. "We don't rise up by repeating the past. We rise up by learning from the past," he said. --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russia has always favoured a civilized way to settle all disputes, including the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, said President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. North Korea should not be cornered or intimidated, he said at a meeting of Russian thinktank Valdai Discussion Club here, although Russia condemns Pyongyang's nuclear tests and adheres to UN sanctions, Xinhua reported. Whether someone likes or dislikes North Korea, it is a sovereign country, Putin noted, according to an official transcript of his speech. "We are firmly convinced that even the most complex knots -- be it the crisis in Syria or Libya, the Korean Peninsula or Ukraine -- must be disentangled rather than cut," he said. --IANS ahm/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Friday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "silence" on the alleged spike in the turnover of a company owned by BJP chief Amit Shah's son Jay, which was countered by party leader Smriti Irani who accused him of insulting the court. A tweet from an account run by Rahul Gandhi's office, without naming Prime Minister Modi, accused him of silencing critics on the Jay Shah issue. "Mitron, Shah-Zade ke bare mein na bolunga, na bolne dunga (Friends, I will neither speak about Shah's son nor allow others to speak)," Gandhi tweeted. Gandhi apparently punned on Modi's famous line "Na khaoonga, na khane doonga (Will not indulge in corruption nor allow others to indulge in it)". The Congress leader attached a news report about "The Wire" being barred from writing on Jay Shah to protect his "right to live with dignity" along with his tweet. In response, Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani accused the Congress leader of being out on bail and insulting the court. She also said the Congress was set to lose the Gujarat assembly polls, scheduled for later this year. "A person out on bail mocks the courts..." Irani tweeted. "Lage raho Bhai Gujarat phir bhi haroge. Saal Mubarak (Keep it on brother, you will still lose Gujarat. Happy New Year)," she said. Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi were given bail in December 2015 in the National Herald case of cheating and misappropriation. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders often describe Gandhi as "yuvraj" for his belonging to the first family of the Congress and being considered heir apparent to the post of party chief. Gandhi has been hitting back since the controversy erupted over Jay Shah's business, referring to him as "Shah-Zada." He had last week also alleged "state legal help" in Jay Shah's legal battle with the news portal that published the story. The Congress leader has been relentlessly attacking the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah over the report that alleged Jay Shah's company's turnover increased 16,000 times in a year after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014. The Congress has sought an inquiry into the issue by sitting Supreme Court judges. The BJP has rubbished the allegation, saying Jay Shah's business was perfectly legitimate and legal. The party has also rejected Congress allegations of crony capitalism. --IANS ao/him (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rebel Janata Dal United (JD-U) leaders Sharad Yadav and Ali Anwar Ansari have been served a show cause notice by the Rajya Sabha secretariat asking why they should not be disqualified on the ground of "defection" from the party. The notice, issued on Wednesday, has asked the two MPs to appear before Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu on October 30 to present their case. "In connection with the petition filed by R.C.P. Singh, member and leader of the JD-U party in Rajya Sabha, seeking your disqualification from the membership of the Rajya Sabha, the Chairman has decided... to afford you an opportunity to represent your case and to hear you in person before taking a decision in the matter," the notice read. While Ansari is set to retire in April next year, Yadav's term will end in 2022, if not disqualified. The two MPs had broken away from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after he severed ties with coalition partner Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and went to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fold in July this year. The JD-U then, in a petition to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, sought the disqualification of Yadav and Ansari for allegedly indulging in anti-party activities and voluntarily quitting the party. Though such cases are usually first referred to the Privileges Committee for preliminary examination, Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu, being the competent authority, has reportedly decided to dispose off the case himself. As per the disqualification rules on the ground of defection, "the Chairman may either proceed to determine the question or, if he is satisfied, having regard to the nature and circumstances of the case that it is necessary or expedient so to do, refer the petition to the Committee for making a preliminary inquiry and submitting a report to him". --IANS mak/pgh/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An anti-corruption court on Friday indicted ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a third graft case related to Flagship Investments and other offshore companies. The National Accountability Court charged Sharif in absentia for holding assets beyond his known sources of income and read out a chargesheet to his representative Zafir Khan. Khan pleaded not guilty on behalf of Sharif, who is currently in London tending to his ailing wife Kulsoom Nawaz undergoing cancer treatment. Sharif's sons Hussain and Hassan were declared absconders for their absence from the court hearings, Dawn online reported. It was one of the three cases of corruption and money laundering against Sharif registered by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on September 8 in the light of Supreme Court orders in the Panama Papers case. The apex court had disqualified Sharif from holding office on July 28. He will be returning to Pakistan on October 22 and vowed to contest the charges levelled against him. On Thursday, the former Premier was indicted in the Azizia Steel Mills as well as in the Avenfield properties cases while charges against his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Captain Mohammad Safdar were framed in the Avenfield case. Sharif has now been charged in all the three corruption cases filed against him. Hassan and Hussain were named co-accused in all the three cases but their trial would be held separately. The Sharif family pleaded not guilty to the charges, claiming that they were denied the fundamental right to a fair trial. According to Sharif, the apex court's directions to conclude the trial within six months and the appointment of a monitoring judge to supervise the trial was against constitutional provisions that ensured the dignity of citizens and the right to fair and transparent proceedings. Maryam Nawaz said that "the allegations against her were based on a frivolous report, prepared by a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) with mala fide intentions", adding that the report itself was a "mockery of justice". "We have been denied the right to a fair trial, which is a fundamental right for every citizen and the former Prime Minister and his family are not exceptions." The court adjourned the hearing of the Avenfield properties and Azizia Steel Mills references until October 26 and directed the prosecution to produce its first witness at the next hearing. The former Prime Minister had earlier filed a petition in the apex court, challenging the filing of multiple graft cases against him by the country's anti-corruption watchdog. --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Undergraduates at the Oxford college where Myanmars de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi studied have voted to remove her name from the title of their junior common room because of her response to the Rohingya humanitarian crisis. In a vote on Thursday evening, the JCR Committee at St. Hugh's College resolved to eliminate the name of the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate from the Aung San Suu Kyi Junior Common Room with immediate effect. The college earlier removed a portrait of Suu Kyi. Councils in Oxford and London were also seeking to strip her of the honorary freedoms of both cities, the BBC reported. The motion criticised the "silence and complicity" in her apparent defence of the country's treatment of its Rohingya Muslim minority, who have suffered ethnic cleansing and violent attacks by Myanmar's military forces. The crisis has led to more than half a million Rohingya being driven out from northern Rakhine state into neighbouring Bangladesh, according to the UN. The St. Hugh's resolution read: "Aung San Suu Kyi's inability to condemn the mass murder, gang rape and severe human rights abuses in Rakhine is inexcusable and unacceptable. She has gone against the very principles and ideals she had once righteously promoted." In 2012, Suu Kyi was celebrated with an honorary doctorate from Oxford and held her 67th birthday party at the college where she studied politics, philosophy and economics between 1964 and 1967. But in recent months she has attracted increasing criticism for her response to the Rohingya humanitarian crisis. In September, the governing body of St. Hugh's decided to remove a painting of her from its main entrance, days before the start of the university term and the arrival of new students. At the start of October, Oxford city council voted unanimously to strip the Myanmar leader of the Freedom of the City of Oxford, the Guardian reported. So far Oxford has decided not to reconsider Suu Kyi's honorary degree. But the university has expressed its "profound concern" over the treatment of the Rohingya minority. The university said it "hopes the Myanmar administration, led by Oxford alumna Aung San Suu Kyi, can eliminate discrimination and oppression, and demonstrate to the world that Myanmar values the lives of all its citizens". --IANS soni/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US State Department announced on Thursday that US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, India and Switzerland from October 20-27. In Riyadh, Secretary Tillerson will take part in the inaugural Coordination Council meeting between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The Secretary will also meet with various Saudi leaders to discuss the conflict in Yemen, the ongoing Gulf dispute, Iran, and a number of other important regional and bilateral issues, according to a State Department statement. He will then travel to Doha, where he will meet with Qatari leaders and U.S. military officials to discuss joint counterterrorism efforts, the ongoing Gulf dispute, and other regional and bilateral issues, including Iran and Iraq, the statement said. After his trip to the Middle East, Tillerson will visit Islamabad and New Delhi in his first visit to South Asia as secretary of state. After that, Tillerson will travel to Geneva, where he will meet with the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, International Organization for Migration, and the International Committee of the Red Cross to discuss a number of the current global humanitarian crises. --IANS ahm/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Top nuclear envoys of South Korea and the US met here on Friday to discuss issues concerning the North Korean nuclear programme. Lee Do-hoon, South Korea's special representative for the Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs, met visiting US nuclear envoy Joseph Yun, according to Seoul's Foreign Ministry. Lee and Yun represent their respective countries at the currently suspended six-party talks aimed at denuclearising the Korean Peninsula, Xinhua news agency reported. The talks, which involved both the Koreas, China, the US, Russia and Japan, were last held in late 2008. During the bilateral meeting, the diplomats discussed ways to encourage Pyongyang to accept denuclearisation talks. They shared a view that Seoul and Washington would need to cooperate with major countries based on close US-South Korea coordination, agreeing to more frequently and closely communicate and coordinate with each other to achieve complete dismantling of Pyongyang's nuclear programme in a peaceful manner. The meeting followed a separate dialogue in Seoul on Thursday between the South Korean diplomat and his Japanese counterpart Kenji Kanasugi. A vice ministerial-level meeting had also been held in Seoul between South Korea, the US and Japan to discuss the North Korean issues ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to Northeast Asia, including South Korea. Tensions ran high on the peninsula following the Kim Jong-un's regime's detonation on September 3 of what it claimed was a hydrogen bomb. It was the sixth and most powerful nuclear test ever carried out by Pyongyang. On September 15, Pyongyang test-fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile over Japan, but there has been no additional provocation reported as of now. --IANS in/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump said on Friday that violence by Islamic extremists was behind an increase in criminal offences in the United Kingdom. Trump was referring to a report published on Thursday by the UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) which said that between June 2016 and June 2017, the police recorded 5.2 million crimes in England and Wales, up by 13 per cent from the previous 12-month period. "Just out report: 'United Kingdom crime rises 13% annually amid spread of Radical Islamic terror.' Not good, we must keep America safe!" Trump said in a tweet. The ONS report referred to terrorist attacks in London and Manchester in providing its figure on homicides, which totalled 664 between June 2016 and June 2017, Efe news reported. The report said the "recent trends in homicide have been affected by the recording of incidents where there were multiple victims" such as the attack in March at the Westminster Bridge and the Manchester Arena bombing in May. The ONS said that "of the 664 homicides recorded in the year ending June 2017, there were 35 relating to the London and Manchester terror attacks", both of which were determined to be Islamist-related terrorist incidents. Trump's tweet comes three days after a Hawaii federal judge partially blocked his latest revised travel ban which was to take effect on October 18. The ruling by Judge Derrick Watson, followed by a decision hours later by a Maryland judge, found that the ban on travel from several predominantly Muslim nations "suffered from precisely the same maladies as its predecessor" and "plainly discriminated based on nationality". Watson struck down the part of Trump's executive order affecting potential arrivals from six Muslim-majority countries -- Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia and Chad. But his decision does not affect the ban on travel to the US by citizens of North Korea and by some officials from Venezuela. --IANS soni/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will travel to Washington and meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, a UN spokesman announced. The spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, would not give details of the meeting. "I don't think it will surprise you if I will tell you that issues of mutual concern will be discussed," he told a briefing at UN Headquarters on Thursday. "I have no doubt UN reform will be discussed," he said, adding that he was not sure whether US payments to the United Nations will be touched upon. The meeting has been in the offing for quite some time as the two men agreed to meet formally when Guterres dropped by the Oval Office several months ago. "Scheduling this thing is no easy task," said Dujarric. With Trump's election, relations between the United Nations and the White House has not been easy. The Trump administration has announced withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on climate change, a global compact dear to the United Nations, and from the UN cultural body of UNESCO. Washington has also threatened to pull out of the world body's Human Rights Council. --IANS ahm/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United States President said during a meeting here on Friday with the UN Secretary-General that that global body had not fulfilled its enormous potential but was beginning to do so. made his remarks at the White House Oval Office after a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "The United Nations has this great ... power to bring people together like nothing else. It hasn't been used. You are starting to really get your arms around it," Trump told Guterres, Efe reported. "And I have a feeling that things are going to happen with the United Nations like you haven't seen before." Guterres, for his part, said a modernized UN and the strong US engaged based on its traditional values - freedom, democracy and human rights - were essential in a "messy world." Trump and Guterres hosted a high-level gathering during the UN General Assembly in September that was focused on reforming that 193-member body, a task that is a priority for the White House. At that time, the US president praised initiatives being spurred by Guterres to help ensure a more efficient UN operation. Prior to his Jan. 20 inauguration, then President-elect Trump lamented on Twitter that despite the UN's tremendous untapped potential it was currently just a "club for people to get together, talk and have a good time." Last week, the Trump administration said it was pulling the US out of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, accusing that specialized UN agency of showing an "anti-Israel bias" and also citing the need for "fundamental reform" and "mounting arrears" at that world-heritage organization. Guterres, who recalled the important role the US had played since UNESCO's founding, said then that the decision was deeply regrettable. At least five militants of the Yemen-based Al Qaeda branch were killed when a US drone strike hit their vehicle in the country's central province of al-Bayda on Thursday, a security official told Xinhua. "The pilotless aircraft hit a vehicle belonging to Al Qaeda group, destroying it and killing five terrorists in the mountainous area of Sharqan in al-Bayda province," the security source said on condition of anonymity. He said that the US airstrike precisely targeted the al-Qaida militants who were moving into their hideouts located in a tribal region. The strike came just two days after the US launched a series of airstrikes targeting several hideouts of Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group in al-Bayda province. In recent months, the US military has carried out several airstrikes against Al Qaeda militants in different provinces of the war-torn Arab country since US President Donald Trump approved expanded military operations against the extremist group. That included intensified overnight airstrikes and ground military raids against the Al Qaeda hideouts in the mountainous areas of al-Bayda and southeastern province of Shabwa. The Yemen-based Al Qaeda branch, seen by the US as the global terror network's most dangerous branch, has exploited years of deadly conflict between Yemen's government and Houthi rebels to expand its presence, especially in southeastern Yemeni provinces. --IANS ahm/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prior to his maiden visit to India in his official capacity, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has made clear Washingtons position on key geopolitical and strategic matters pertaining to the Indo-Pacific and South Asian regions, saying the "Trump administration is determined to dramatically deepen ways for the United States and India" to further their strategic partnership that is heading for "strategic convergence" and put China and Pakistan on notice that it intended to "do what is needed" to support India. "In this period of uncertainty and somewhat angst, India needs a reliable partner on the world stage. I want to make clear: with our shared values and vision for global stability, peace, and prosperity, the United States is that partner," Tillerson said categorically while making a major policy statement at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington DC on Wednesday. While asserting that China's "provocative actions" went against the international law and norms that the US and India stood for, Tillerson made it clear that Washington expected Pakistan to take "decisive action" against terrorist groups operating within its territory. "China, while rising alongside India, has done so less responsibly, at times undermining the international, rules-based order even as countries like India operate within a framework that protects other nations' sovereignty," the Secretary of State, who will be visiting New Delhi next week, said while delivering an address on 'Defining Our Relationship with India for the Next Century'. The statement assumes significance in the wake of the 73-day standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Doklam region of Bhutan. New Delhi and Beijing eventually withdrew their troops from the region on August 28 just days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China for the annual BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit. In his remarks, Tillerson also referred to China's aggressive stance in the South China Sea region and said the US and India would work together for the security architecture in the Indo-Pacific region. "China's provocative actions in the South China Sea directly challenge the international law and norms that the United States and India both stand for," he said. "The United States seeks constructive relations with China, but we will not shrink from China's challenges to the rules-based order and where China subverts the sovereignty of neighbouring countries and disadvantages the US and our friends." Tillerson said that India and the US "should be in the business of equipping other countries to defend their sovereignty, build greater connectivity, and have a louder voice in a regional architecture that promotes their interests and develops their economies". "This is a natural complement to India's Act East policy," he stated. In this context, he also said that the US, India, and Japan were "already capturing the benefits of our important trilateral engagement" and said "India and the United States must foster greater prosperity and security with the aim of a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Indo-Pacific - including the entire Indian Ocean, the Western Pacific, and the nations that surround them - will be the most consequential part of the globe in the 21st century." These words will come as music to New Delhi's ears ahead of Modi's visit to the Philippines next month for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and East Asia Summits. Tillerson's remarks also came amid Chinese President Xi Jinping's assertion at this week's Congress of the Communist Party of China that Beijing would never give up its "legitimate rights and interests". Despite US President Donald Trump's new South Asia Strategy that sees Pakistan as an important partner, Tillerson made no bones about the fact that Washington expected Islamabad to take strong action against terror. "We expect Pakistan to take decisive action against terrorist groups based within their own borders that threaten their own people and the broader region," he said. "In doing so, Pakistan furthers stability and peace for itself and its neighbours, and improves its own international standing." Tillerson also referred to the US' designation of the Hizbul Mujahideen as a foreign terrorist organisation and said this was "because the United States and India stand shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism". "States that use terror as an instrument of policy will only see their international reputation and standing diminish," he said, leaving to no one's imagination which country he was referring to. (Aroonim Bhuyan can be contacted at aroonim.b@ians.in) The US Senate has approved a multi-trillion dollar budget that President Donald Trump has called a "first step towards massive tax cuts". The Senate on Thursday voted 51-49 to pass the budget resolution, a blueprint of trillions of dollars in federal spending over the next decade. It is being seen as a largely symbolic move that sets the stage for Republicans to rewrite the American tax code without a single Democratic vote, the Guardian reported. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky was the lone Republican to oppose the blueprint, objecting to the spending levels provided in the proposal. Passage of the resolution keeps Republicans on track to pass tax reform as early as this year, though many hurdles remain. They are still in the process of drafting their tax plan and they have not accounted for where the cuts will come from. Despite controlling both chambers of Congress and the White House, Republicans have so far been unable to produce a major legislative achievement. After repeatedly failing to repeal the Affordable Care Act in 2017, GOP lawmakers are under mounting pressure from conservative voters and donors to deliver on tax reform, a major campaign promise. Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Friday underwent angiography procedure at the All India Institute of a Medical Sciences, according to a senior cardiologist at the hospital. Naidu was admitted to the hospital on Friday after his sugar and blood pressure were high along with he complained of some cardiac issues. He was admitted to the hospital's Cardiac Thoracic and Neuroscience Centre under Balram Bhargava. "The vice president underwent angiography today (Friday).A His condition is stable and is under observation. There is nothing to worry, " said a senior doctor from the cardiology department unwilling to be named. He said that if everything remains normal then Naidu, 68, will be discharged by Saturday. --IANS rup/ahm/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) When you see the shocking, outrageous things people do just to get attention on the internet, its impossible not to shake your head and think: Why didnt I think of that? So this columnist bought a KitKat, a snack consisting of four thin sticks of chocolate. Instead of snapping the individual sticks apart, I left it as a single unit and took a big bite out of the top. As soon as pix were posted, outraged reactions poured in. "That's not how you eat a KitKat!!!" said the first. "Man, that is just so wrong," said the next. "U R one sick dude" said the third. "What is wrong with u," said another. This experiment, which I did some time ago, confirmed that a) people love being outraged, and b) the most trivial things create a much bigger reaction than serious but uninteresting things such as the imminent end of the world, the coming nuclear disaster, global Armageddon, etc. Case in point: In August, police officers reported that a man wearing jean shorts robbed several shops in St Louis County in the US state of Missouri. The public reaction? I found precisely zero comments about the wrongness of robbing stores but vast numbers of angry posts about the wrongness of a male wearing jean shorts. Police investigators joined in. "His disregard for the law is as offensive as his disregard for fashion trends," said officer Ben Granda. His team circulated a photo of the man and asked the public (I am not making this up) to report him to law enforcement officers and "the fashion police". Last month, the internet glowed red hot with a report entitled "That's not how you eat chicken nuggets". Clicking on the headline led you to a secretly filmed video of someone eating the McDonald's, er, "foodstuff" with a knife and fork instead of fingers. "It's so weird," said one comment. "People who do things like that might be serial killers." Reddit and Twitter, meanwhile, were outraged over people who buy hot pizzas and then carry them vertically. "Who carries pizza like that?" said one Tweeter. "I think I am witnessing a drug deal." Modern, liberal Internet society HATES non-conformity and loves exposing misfits. Why? "Historically, humans have always gathered to discuss behavioral morality in religious and cultural gatherings," a psychologist who did not want her name printed told this columnist via email. "Now many are missing such forums." Professor Ryan Martin, who studies anger, told the New York Times that people are angry on the internet because they are hungry for group validation. When others share their shock, "they feel they're vindicated and a little less lonely and isolated in their belief". The bad thing is that evil, unscrupulous media people can exploit this to get clicks on their own posts. Mwa ha ha ha ha. Speaking of which, more responses had arrived under my image of eating a KitKat the wrong way. "That's chocolate abuse!!!" said one. "You need help," said another. I need to stop here. I feel the need to go buy jean shorts. Pix coming. (Nury Vittachi is an Asia-based frequent traveller. Send comments and suggestions via his Facebook page) --IANS nury/vm *** ends (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India batsman Rohit Sharma on Friday stressed that the team has clear intentions to continue the good form as they face New Zealand in the first of the three-match One-Day Internationals (ODIs) here on Sunday. India hammered Australia in the five-match ODI series, winning with a 4-1 margin. The T20I series against Australia was tied 1-1, with the third and final one in Hyderabad being washed out due to heavy rain. Before that they had outplayed Sri Lanka away. "It will depend on how we start and what we want to do as a team. We would like to (continue) from where we left against Australia," the India vice-captain told mediapersons. "We would like to continue to do that and the good thing is, there is hardly been any time between the Australia series and the New Zealand series, so guys are in their grooves. I hope we put up the same performance as we did in the last series against Australia," the right-hander added. Rohit also conceded that facing Trent Boult would be a challenge for the home batsmen due to lack of experience against left-arm seamers. "The last time India had a left-arm seamer was a long time back," said Rohit. "I think Zaheer Khan was the last who played for India in ODI format. Our team is used to that now and we have performed exceedingly well. "For us as batters, it will be a challenge to face a left-arm seamer and Trent Boult being one of their prime left-arm fast bowlers, it will be a huge challenge for all the batters to come good (against Boult). We played them last time and we know what they'll bring to the table and we know what they're capable of as a bowling unit. It's not just about one left-arm seamer, I guess their complete bowling unit we have to look at." Rohit also said that India will bank upon leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav to keep a check on the opposition batsmen in the middle overs. "For us as a team, we really rely on those two guys to do the job in the middle overs. And they have done exceedingly well in the last series. We saw that it was pretty evident that whenever the ball was given to them, they came up with some or the other tactical plan and got rid of their set batsman which is very important," said Rohit. --IANS pur/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) When was dying in a Delhi hospital in 2012, India saw huge, anguished citizens protests. A rattled United Progressive Alliance administration clamped down on the protests. Many people didnt see the point of them. I found myself at loggerheads with a friend who dismissed them as faddish, politically engineered, or, at best, betraying the classist-urbanist pique of a usually apathetic citizenry. He thought they had no real traction. One person was killed and at least five others were injured today when police allegedly opened fire on protesters for torching the force's vehicles and attempting to set ablaze a police station in Samastipur district. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered an inquiry into the incident that took place at Asadhi village under the Tajpur police station. The police said violence broke out during a demonstration by villagers at an highway. They were protesting against the killing of a chemist by unidentified assailants two days ago, Samastipur Superintendent of Police (SP) Deepak Ranjan said. They torched as many as eight police vehicles and also tried to set fire to the police station and attack the vehicle of a deputy superintendent, he said. The police personnel "had to resort to firing in the air" after they could not disperse the crowd with batons, the SP said. "In the melee, some police personnel perhaps could not aim their guns properly in the air and as a result of which two of the demonstrators suffered bullet injuries," Ranjan said. One of them died on the spot and the other was taken to a hospital. Three policemen and an administrative official were also injured, he said. The chief minister has called the incident "sad" and directed Tirhut divisional commissioner and the deputy inspector general of police (Tirhut Range) to visit the site and submit a report, an official release said here. The situation was tense but brought under control and a large number of police personnel have been deployed in the area, the SP said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least 14 police officers were killed and eight others injured today during clashes with terrorists in Egypt's Giza city, officials said. The officers were killed in exchange of fire with the terrorists in el-Wahat desert in Giza, the officials said. The police forces received information about a number of terrorists hiding in the desert area. Clashes erupted when they tried to arrest them and they exchanged fire. 14 police officers were killed and eight others were injured during the clashes, the officials said, adding that the forces are looking for the terrorists in the area. The Ministry of Interior is yet to comment on the incident. Terrorist attacks, mainly targeting police and military, increased after the ouster of former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013 by military following massive protests against his rule. Hundreds of police and army personnel have been killed since then. The military has launched security campaigns in Egypt's restive North Sinai province, arrested suspects and demolished houses that belong to terrorists, including those facilitating tunnels leading to the Gaza Strip. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least 16 civilians including several children were killed in air strikes believed to have been carried out by Russian jets in Syria's Deir Ezzor province, a monitor said. The eastern province is partly controlled by the Islamic State group, which is under pressure from several fronts in war-torn Syria. "The civilians were killed as they tried to cross the Euphrates river near the town of Abu Kamal," the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The Observatory -- which relies on a network of sources in Syria and identifies whose planes carry out raids according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions used -- said Russian jets had carried out the strikes yesterday. Abu Kamal is one of the few remaining urban strongholds of IS in Syria, which lost control this week of Raqa to the west, the capital of its so-called "caliphate" the jihadists claimed in 2014. Russia began an intervention in Syria in support of ally President Bashar al-Assad in 2015, and has helped the regime win back large parts of the country. More than 330,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict erupted in March 2011 with anti-government protests. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The 18th World Road Meeting (WRM) will be held at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida from November 14 to 17. About 2,500 participants, including global road safety experts, professionals, representatives of companies and government organisations,active inroadtransportand mobilitysectorsfrom across the world will take part in the four-day18th'CROSSROADS-WRM 2017'. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari will inaugurate the four-day global road meet to be organised by the Geneva-based International Road Federation (IRF) , which is working for better and safer roads worldwide. The theme of the WRM 2017 is 'Safer RoadsSmart Mobility -- the engines of growth'. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, (MoRTH) Government of India has extended its support toWRM2017. The ministry stands committed to reduce road deaths by 50 per cent in the country by 2020 as "India isasignatory to the UN decade of action for road safety, K K Kapila, Chairman, International Road Federation (IRF), said. The major highlight of WRM 2017 will be an exhibition showcasingstate-of-the-art technologies on road safety and traffic regulations, including control systems, communication and navigation devices, driver training systems and others, Kapila said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As many as 190 fire-related incidents were reported in the national capital on Diwali, which included a big blaze in a godown in east Delhi last night, fire department officials said today. The maximum number of calls were made from east and west Delhi and the least from southern parts of the city, a senior official said. This year, out of the total 204 calls made to the city's fire department, 190 were on fire incidents, including 51 related to the use of crackers, and the rest pertained to animal rescue and house collapse, he said. However, it was less than last year when 243 calls were received, the official said. According to the department, three people were injured in fire incidents and as many in house collapses. The department handled 182 calls between 6 pm yesterday till this morning, which was about 30 per cent less than last year's 262 calls, Director Delhi Fire Services G C Mishra said. He said that similarly, this year from midnight till 7 am yesterday, 55 calls were received, compared to 107 calls last year, a decline of almost 48 per cent. "Majority of the calls were made to the department between 8 pm and 11.30 pm," another official said. This can be attributed to the Supreme Court banning the sale of firecrackers. Moreover, people have become more aware and are now against bursting crackers, he said. In the godown fire a fireman suffered minor injuries, a Delhi Fire Service (DFS) official said. "The incident was reported at 10:10 pm from the Subhash Mohalla area. Twenty-six fire tenders were sent to the spot and the blaze was brought under control by 2.45 am," he said. The official said fire-related calls were received post-Diwali midnight as well. "From midnight till 6 pm today, the department has received more than 150 calls related to fire and other incidents," he said. Besides the 59 permanent fire stations in the national capital, the department had also set up temporary stations at 28 locations across the city. The department had also increased the number of phone lines to the control room. Last year, the DFS control room had received 243 calls between 5 PM and midnight on Diwali and another 107 calls between midnight and morning. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a clash over a piece of land in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district, at least two persons were killed and five others injured, the police said today. The incident took place yesterday in Gangnauli village under the Doghat police station. Two groups attacked each other with lathis and later opened fire. Satyapal Kashyap (55) and Sunder (50) were killed in the incident, the police said. Five others, who were injured in the violence, have been hospitalised and a case has been registered. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Over 200 fire-related incidents were reported in the national capital on Diwali, which included a big blaze in a godown in east Delhi last night, fire department officials said today. Out of 204 calls made to the city's fire department, 51 were related to use of crackers. "A blaze was reported from the Subhash Mohalla area in east Delhi around 10:10 pm at a cloth godown. Twenty-six fire tenders were sent to the spot. However, no injury has been reported in this case," a Delhi Fire Service (DFS) official said. "It was a three-storey building. The case is being investigated by the police," he said. The 204 fire calls were made between midnight of October 18 and Diwali midnight. "Last year 243 calls were received on Diwali," the DFS official added. He said fire-related calls have been received post-Diwali midnight as well. "From Diwali midnight onwards, so far 75 calls have been received today," he said. Besides the 59 permanent fire stations in the national capital, the fire services department had also set up temporary stations at 28 locations across the city, from where the maximum number of calls were received on Diwali last year. The department had also increased the number of phone lines to the control room. Last year, the Delhi Fire Services control room had received 243 calls between 5 PM and midnight on Diwali and another 107 calls between midnight and morning. (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.) About 650 women, who have buried themselves neck-deep in the ground to oppose the Jaipur Development Authority's move to acquire land in their village, marked Diwali and performed puja at the demonstration site, continuing their protest against the Rajasthan government. The farmers of Nindar village, that is located on the outskirts of Jaipur, are protesting against the acquisition of over 1,300 bighas of land for a housing project claiming that the compensation offered was not enough. Their demonstration entered its 19th day today as over 1,000 protesters celebrated Diwali and performed Govardhan puja at the protest site. Nearly 650 women, who have buried themselves neck-deep in pits, performed Govardhan puja today at the protest site to show their solidarity against the government's move to acquire farmers' land against their will, Nagendra Singh Shekhawat, a leader of the Nindar Bachao Yuva Kisan Sangarsh Samiti, said. He said that talks with the government have not been held in the last couple of days due to which more number of protesters have joined the movement and are on a fast. The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) has taken possession of 600 bighas of land so far and deposited Rs 60 crore in a local court as compensation for it after villagers refused to accept the amount, claiming it did not hold up to the prevailing market rates. Around 10,000 houses will be built under the scheme announced in January 2011. The opposition Congress had accused the government of failing to reach out to the farmers' families protesting at the site for 19 days against the JDA's decision to acquire their land. State Congress Chief Sachin Pilot had said that at the time of festival season, men and women have buried themselves in pits as a mark of protest and the government was unable to resolve their problems. "The government should reach out to the protesters and amicably resolve their issues," he had said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Environment minister Harsh Vardhan said today the air quality in Delhi a day after Diwali was "much better" compared to last year and the number of 'poor and very poor' days have come down significantly. "It is not even 24 hours since the Diwali celebrations, every person is breathing normally and no person is having difficulty in breathing. There is no smog," he said. Vardhan said his ministry had "prepared even more" this year. "I personally wrote to 2-2.5 lakh school principals across the country. In Delhi, thousands of children campaigned for green and 'Harit Diwali' for the past two months... It is the result of these (steps) that this year (the air quality) is much better," he said. Earlier today, the pollution monitor of the state-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) turned a deep shade of brown, indicating 'severe' air quality in the city. However, SAFAR has predicted a relatively cleaner post- Diwali air due to favourable meteorological conditions, which are helping prevent the smoke-filled air from the agricultural belt of Haryana and Punjab from entering the national capital. Vardhan said that for monitoring of air quality days have been classified into 'good', 'satisfactory' and 'moderate'. "'Poor' and 'very poor' days significantly came down. 'Severe' days did not even happen this year," he said. Last year, the air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas deteriorated significantly due to rampant cracker bursting. This year, the Supreme Court banned the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR before Diwali and the ban would continue till November 1. Emphasising the need to build a social movement to combat pollution, Vardhan urged citizens to undertake "one good, green deed every day". The Union minister said he has held meetings with officers from the states of National Capital Region on stubble burning and efforts were on to provide farmers with an alternative. He reiterated that scientists have been asked to develop "zero-pollution" crackers to tackle pollution. An environment ministry statement said that comparison of air quality until this period with last year showed positive changes. The year 2017 has seen a few 'good' days (AQI<50), unlike last year when there were no 'good' days. The number of 'satisfactory' days (AQI between 51 and 100) up to October 19 has nearly doubled, it said. AQI refers to air quality index. The number of 'moderate' days (AQI between 101 and 200) has increased nearly 22 per cent while the number of 'poor' (AQI between 201 and 300) days has declined almost by 10 per cent, it said. The number of 'very poor' (AQI between 301 and 400) days has declined nearly 30 per cent, while there has been no 'severe' day (AQI>400) in 2017, as against seven during the same period last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) References to the GST in the just-released Tamil film "Mersal" starring popular actor Vijay have not gone down well with the BJP which today objected to what it termed as "untruths" about the central taxation in the flick and demanded their deletion. Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan demanded removal of the "untruths" about the Goods and Services Tax, rolled out by the BJP-led NDA government on July 1, while his party colleague H Raja claimed the film exposed Vijay's "anti-Modi hatred". The CPI (M) and superstar Rajinikanth starrer "Kabali" director Pa. Ranjith came to the defence of the "Mersal" crew, questioning BJP's logic of demanding the cuts. "The film producer should remove the untruths regarding GST from the film," Radhakrishnan told reporters in Nagercoil. He said wrong information should not be spread through cinema and actors should not confuse people using the medium and try to derive political mileage. His remarks came a day after the BJP's state unit made a similar demand, charging the filmmakers with making "incorrect references" about the central taxation. Hitting out at the references, state BJP president Tamilisai Sounderrajan had yesterday said "Incorrect references have been made in 'Mersal' about GST... celebrities should desist from registering wrong information among people." Raja, the party's national secretary, in a series of tweets said the reference to GST only exposed Vijay's "lack of knowledge of economics". Contrary to claims made in the film, medical care was not free in Singapore, he said. "It's a lie that medical treatment is free in Singapore. In India school education and medial treatment are free for the poor. 'Mersal' is only Vijay's anti-Modi hatred," he charged in another tweet. "GST is not a new law," he added. Sounderrajan had also said fans of the popular actor should not support such incorrect references and favoured removal of the dialogue referring to the GST. "What do they (the filmmakers) know about GST and its economics... such incorrect references should be removed from the film," she had said. Meanwhile, the CPI (M) state unit described the BJP's criticism as an "attack on freedom of expression". "CPI(M) condemns this attitude of the BJP. Social organisations and people should speak in one voice against BJP," party state secretary G Ramakrishnan said in a statement in Chennai. Ranjith said there was no need for removing the scenes on GST as demanded by the BJP. "There is no need. People's opinion on the issue seem to have been reflected in the film as the scene is receiving grand applause from the audience in theatres," he claimed. Politicians should view this (apparent impact of GST) as a "people's issue", he added. "Mersal", directed by Atlee released on October 18, coinciding with Diwali. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP today took objection to what it termed as "untruths" regarding the GST in the just- released Tamil movie "Mersal", starring popular actor Vijay, and wanted dialogues on the central taxation to be deleted. "The film producer should remove the untruths regarding GST from the film," Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan told reporters here. He said wrong information should not be spread through cinema and actors should not confuse people using the medium and try to derive political mileage. Senior BJP leader H Raja also slammed the references to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the movie in his Twitter handle and said it only exposed the lack of knowledge of economics. Hitting out at the references, state BJP state unit president Tamilisai Sounderrajan had told reporters in Chennai yesterday that "Incorrect references have been made in 'Mersal' about GST ... celebrities should desist from registering wrong information among people." Fans of the popular actor should not support such incorrect references, she said and favoured removal of the dialogue referring to the central taxation, rolled out in July. "What do they (the filmmakers) know about GST and its economics... such incorrect references should be removed from the film," she added. The movie directed by Atlee released on October 18, coinciding with Diwali festival. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two persons, including a "mentally challenged" man, were today rescued from mob which tried to kill them suspecting them of being braid-choppers, in Sopore and Hazratbal areas of Jammu and Kashmir, police said today. The police received information that residents had nabbed an alleged braid-chopper in Fruit Mandi area of Sopore, 52 kilometres from Srinagar, a police spokesman said. "A police party immediately rushed to the spot and found that a mob was beating a person ruthlessly. The miscreants was trying to set the person ablaze. Some miscreants were trying to run a tractor over him," the spokesman said. The victim, Wasim Ahmad Tantray, was rescued by the police team, he said, adding that Tantray was "reportedly mentally challenged". "Tantray was immediately rushed to a hospital in Sopore. As the condition of the injured is stated to be critical, he was referred to a hospital in Srinagar," the spokesman said. He said the police has registered an FIR and identified the culprits involved in the incident. Meanwhile in another incident, police rescued a man from a mob in Hazratbal area in Srinagar. The man had gone to the shrine to offer pre-dawn prayers when he was caught by a group of people on the suspicion he was a braid-chopper. "The person tried hard to satisfy the people around him that he is not any braid-chopper, but had merely come to the shrine for prayers," the police said in a statement. However, they refused to believe him and beat him up. They also tried to drown him in the Dal Lake to force him confess he was a braid-chopper, according to the police. "The police party in a very professional manner rescued the person from being lynched," the police added. More than 130 braid-chopping incidents have been reported from parts of Kashmir over the past one month, but no arrest has been made so far in connection with the incidents. Special investigation teams have been formed to nab the culprits involved in such incidents, which has led to panic among people, especially the women. The police has announced a reward of Rs six lakh for any information leading to the arrest of braid-choppers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Puducherry government will consider the representations received from various political parties and outfits seeking to reconsider the increase in bus fare in the Union Territory. Talking to newsmen here today, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said the fare was revised after the bus owners had requested for revision in view of hike in prices of petrol and increase inexpenditure in operating bus services. Narayanasamy said that he had nowreceived representations from various political parties and organisations seeking reconsideration of the fare as they felt that the rise in the fare structure was hitting commuters. "We will consider these representations and arrive at a decision to fix the fare which would not affect the people", he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress leader P Chidambaram today took a swipe at the Election Commission for not announcing the schedule for the upcoming polls in Gujarat yet, saying wryly it has "authorised" Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the dates at his "last rally" in the state. In a series of tweets dripping with sarcasm, the former finance and home minister also claimed that the Election Commission will be "recalled" from its "extended holiday" after the Gujarat government has announced all "concessions and freebies". Modi is due to visit Gujarat on Sunday. "EC has authorised PM to announce date of Gujarat elections at his last rally (and kindly keep EC informed)," he tweeted. The EC had on October 12 announced that polling for the assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh will take place on November 9, but held off announcing the Gujarat schedule. It had just said the polling in the western state would be held before December 18 when counting of votes in HP will be taken up. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani hit out at Chidambaram over his dig at the Election Commission and said the opposition party is "scared" of the ensuing polls in the BJP-ruled state. Speaking to reporters in Gandhinagar, Rupani said, "Chidambaramji and the Congress are scared of the upcoming (state assembly) elections. "We believe elections should happen on due time, and it will happen so. But they are scared due to their desperation. And criticising the Election Commission is not the right thing in a democracy." Rupani had earlier countered Congress' allegations that the government was putting "pressure" on the poll panel to "delay" the announcement of Gujarat poll schedule. The chief minister had claimed the Congress (then in power at the Centre) had influenced the Election Commission in deciding dates for the 2012 Gujarat assembly polls. The Congress had earlier alleged that the Centre put "pressure" on the poll panel to "delay" the announcement of Gujarat assembly poll schedule to enable the prime minister to act as a "false santa claus" and offer sops, use "jumlas" (rhetoric) during his October 16 visit to his home state. The model code of conduct would have come into immediate effect in Gujarat had the poll schedule been announced along with Himachal Pradesh, the party had said. Hitting back at the Congress for targeting the EC, BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said allegations levelledagainst the constitutional body were without any basis. "It is absolutely absurd. It's like questioning the prudence of the EC. The Congress is perhaps speaking out of its own experience where interference inthe functioning of constitutional bodies used to be a thing in their rule. Such is not the case since 2014," he had said. "Let me also add, this tells that they are jittery about BJPs prospects in the state," Prasad had said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CIA chief Mike Pompeo has said a US-Canadian couple kidnapped by militants in Afghanistan had been held for five years inside Pakistan before being freed, contradicting the Pakistan Army's claim that the hostages were rescued shortly after entering the country from Afghanistan. "The couple had been held for five years inside Pakistan," Pompeo yesterday said during a wide-ranging discussion at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, a Washington-based think-tank. His remarks contradicts the Pakistan Army which had said in a statement that the hostages "were captured by terrorists from Afghanistan during 2012 and kept as hostages there." Caitlan Coleman, an American citizen, and her husband Joshua Boyle, a Canadian citizen, were kidnapped in 2012 in Afghanistan while on a backpacking trip. Coleman, 31, was pregnant at the time of abduction. All of the couple's three children were born in captivity. The Pakistan Army statement issued on October 12 did not identify the group which had held the family captive, but the US leadership have blamed Haqqani Network as the perpetrators. After the recovery of hostages, the Pakistan military officials emphasised the importance of co-operation and intelligence sharing by Washington. "The success underscores the importance of timely intelligence sharing and Pakistan's continued commitment towards fighting this menace through cooperation between two forces against a common enemy," the Army statement said. The operation came at a time when Pakistan is trying to rebuild bilateral ties frayed after President Donald Trump accused the country of sheltering terror groups. Trump, in August, had accused Pakistan of harbouring "agents of chaos and terror" and the "very enemy US forces have fighting in Afghanistan" for the past 17 years. Last week, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif had said his country was ready for a joint operation with the US to destroy the Haqqani Network if it provides evidence about the presence of safe havens of the dreaded terror outfit in Pakistan. The Haqqani network has carried out a number of kidnappings and attacks against US interests in Afghanistan. The group is also blamed for several deadly attacks against Indian interests in Afghanistan, including the 2008 bombing of the Indian mission in Kabul that killed 58 people. US officials believe Pakistan's spy agency ISI maintains close ties with the Haqqani Network and provides safe havens to its top leadership. "I think history would indicate that the high expectations for the Pakistanis' willingness to help us in the fight against radical Islamic terrorism should be set at a very low level," the CIA chief said. President Trump has "made it very clear that we are going to do everything we can to bring the Taliban to the negotiation table. To do that, you cannot have a safe haven in Pakistan. The intelligence is very clear," he warned. Pompeo said "to achieve the objective that the president has set forth in Afghanistan, the capacity of terrorists to cross along the Afghan border and freely hide in Pakistan is prohibited in our capacity to deliver that and so mission is to ensure that safe haven does not exist". Prime Minister Narendra Modi's parliamentary constituency Varanasi will soon get two sewage treatment plants as part of the government's bid to curb Ganga water pollution, an official statement said here today. The sewage treatment plants, having a total 260 million litres daily capacity, will be commissioned at Varanasi's Dinapur and Goitha before March next year, the statement said. The government had recently awarded contract for constructing 50 MLD (million litres daily) capacity STP (sewage treatment plants) at Ramana in Varanasi. The three STPs concerned and as many existing, will together create a total sewage treatment capacity of 412 MLD, the water resources ministry said in the statement. The STPs, when completed, will meet the sewage treatment needs of the city till 2035. "A 140 MLD STP at Dinapur and a 120 MLD STP at Goitha are being constructed under Japan International co-operation Agency-assisted project and JNNURM scheme respectively. These projects are at an advanced stage and will be commissioned before March 2018," the statement said. The work on interceptor sewers for rivers Varuna and Assi; development of three pumping stations at Chauka ghat, Phulwaria and Saraiya; rehabilitation of old trunk sewers and rehabilitation of ghat pumping stations and existing STPs is also underway to improve the entire sewage infrastructure in the city, the statement added. "To address the concerns of floating waste on the river, a trash skimmer is operational in Varanasi since April 2017 under river surface cleaning component," the statement said. It also claimed that the government's efforts to ensure that 84 of the city's heritage ghats become cleaner have shown "positive" results under the Namami Gange initiative. In addition to this, the authorities have undertaken ghat improvement works at 26 locations. Besides, construction of 109 of the total 153 community toilets -- contracts of which have been awarded -- has already been completed, the ministry said. These toilets are being used by 15,000 to 20,000 people every day, it added. "In a bid to arrest the pollution from cloth washing activities on ghats, four dhobi ghats - Pandeypur, Nadesar, Bhavania Pokhran and Konia - have already been renovated. The construction of three others at Bazardiha, Machodari slaughter house and Bhawania Pokhri (extension) is underway," the statement said. Several members of the dhobi community have shifted to the new ghats, with many more being pursued for the same, it added. Two armed men allegedly shot dead a police constable when he chased them, a police official said today. Constable Balmukund Prajapati (38) last night went to an area under Kotwali police station limits on getting a tip-off that two armed persons were roaming there, Deputy Inspector General of Police K C Jain told PTI. Prajapati, on spotting one of the miscreants in Parwari Mohalla area, chased him. However, the two fired at him and fled, the DIG said. The constable's body was found this morning, he said. Later, the police on the basis of leads, arrested the two miscreants. The police were trying to ascertain if they had any criminal record, the DIG said, adding that a probe was on into the incident. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A "mentally challenged" man was rescued from a mob which was trying to kill him suspecting that he was a braid-chopper, in Sopore area of the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said today. Police received information that an alleged "braid- chopper" has been nabbed by locals in the Fruit Mandi area of Sopore, 52 kms from here, a police spokesman said. "Immediately, a police party rushed to spot and found that a mob was beating one person ruthlessly. The miscreants had also burnt some grass and were trying to set the person ablaze. Some miscreants were trying to run a tractor over him," the spokesman said. The victim, identified as Wasim Ahmad Tantray, was rescued by the police team, he said, adding Tantray is "reportedly mentally challenged". "Tantray was immediately rushed to a hospital in Sopore. As the condition of the injured is stated to be critical, he was referred to a hospital in Srinagar," he said. The spokesman said police have registered an FIR and identified those involved in the incident. More than 130 braid-chopping incidents have been reported from various parts of Kashmir over the past one month but police has so far failed to make any arrest. Special investigation teams have been set up to nab those involved in braid chopping, which has created fear psychosis among the people, especially the women folk. The police have announced a reward of Rs 6 lakh for information leading to arrest of braid choppers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A city court has rapped the Delhi Police for shoddy probe in a murder case saying it was "sad" that those responsible for the gruesome killing of a young boy were going unpunished. The court made the sharp observation while acquitting two persons accused of slitting the throat of a 20-year-old boy, noting that the testimony of the lone witness, who had claimed to have seen the accused, was made five months after the alleged incident. It said the statements, recovery of weapon and other chain of circumstances could not be established and the motive of the accused was also absent. "Prosecution has failed to establish not just complete chain of circumstances, even the circumstances tried to be established could not be cogently and firmly established. "It is indeed sad that such a gruesome murder of a young boy is going unpunished on account of such a tawdry investigation. But the courts have to be phlegm to emotions while deciding whether prosecution has been able to walk the distance between 'may be true' and 'must be true'," District and Sessions Judge Girish Kathpalia said. "In the present case, there is not even a whisper of evidence related to motive ascribed to the accused persons to kill the victim," the judge said. The court observed that the arrest was based on the statement of a man, a solitary witness, recorded five months after the alleged incident of January 14, 2013. It noted that the witness had claimed to have seen the accused with the victim at the Peer Baba dargah in south Delhi, but failed to identify them before the court. "Examination of... (witness) by the Investigating Officer months after the incident creates reasonable doubt about genuineness of this witness," the court said. According to the prosecution, on January 14, 2013 the police had received information that a 20-year-old boy was lying dead with his throat slit at the dargah in Jaitpur. His body was identified by his father. Five months later, a man told the police that he had seen the victim with three boys at the dargah, the police said, adding when the victim asked the boys not to consume alcohol at a pious place, they misbehaved with him and killed him. Based on this, two persons and a juvenile were arrested for the offences of murder and criminal conspiracy under IPC. The accused juvenile was, however, acquitted by a Juvenile Justice Board. During the trial, the accused denied the allegations and claimed they were falsely implicated and illegally questioned. The court, while pointing out the loopholes in police's version, said that as per the prosecution case, he was last seen by the sole witness at 10 pm on January 13, 2013 but as per post-mortem report, his death occurred at about 3.45 pm, "which goes totally contrary to the entire prosecution case." Regarding the recovery of the knife which was allegedly used to slit the victim's throat from two feet under the ground, the court said "One wonders why after committing murder, the accused would dig soil by about 2 feet, put the knife there and cover the ground instead of conveniently throwing it away in the the drain flowing near the spot. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chhattisgarh government's 'Green and Clean Diwali' campaign seemed to have yielded results with the levels of noise and air pollution in Raipur and Bilaspur, two major cities of the state, falling significantly this year. As per the data collected between 6 pm yesterday to midnight by the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB), the air pollution level dropped by around 22 per cent in the state capital compared to the last year, and by 38 per cent in Bilaspur. A seven per cent fall was registered in noise pollution levels in Raipur and a 23 per cent fall in Bilaspur. The statistics indicated fall in the levels of Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) or PM10 and oxides of Nitrogen (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) -- which are associated with respiratory disorders -- in the two cities, CECB's PRO Amar Prakash Savant told PTI. In Raipur, the PM10 level was recorded at 82.04 micrograms per cubic meter, against 104.6 last year. The sound level was registered at 91.33 decibels (dB) yesterday against 97.21 dB on Diwali in 2016, Savant said. In Bilaspur, the PM10 level was 92.3 micrograms per cubic meter, compared to 148.7 last year. The noise level was 82.3 dB this year compared to 119.1 dB in 2016, he said. Raipur registered a significant decline in levels of oxides of nitrogen and sulphur dioxide too, he said. Ahead of Diwali, chief minister Raman Singh had appealed people to boycott Chinese crackers and comply with the directives of the Supreme Court regarding bursting of crackers. The government also banned firecrackers which emit high-decibel sound and cause greater air pollution. Principal Secretary, Environment and chairman of the CECB Aman Kumar Singh had asked district collectors to run a public awareness campaign 'No Crackers', the PRO said. School children were also involved in the campaign which made it more effective, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 60-year-old debt-ridden farmer was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Gurdaspur's Rattar Chhatar village here, the police said today. Rattan Singh went to his fields last night and later was found dead by villagers, they said. The police said that he was suffering from depression for the last few months due to a mounting debt. Singh, who was the owner of a four acre agriculture land, owed Rs 11 lakh to money lenders and banks, they said. Police have registered a case in this connection and investigating the matter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 25-year-old woman was allegedly raped by a doctor at a clinic in south Delhi's Kotla Mubarakpur, the police said today. The accused, Sunil Sethi (52), was on the run, they said, adding that a case had been lodged on the basis of a complaint from the woman. Both the woman and the accused were working at the clinic. In her complaint, the woman alleged that on October 18, the accused locked the clinic from inside and forced himself on her, the police said. He also threatened her with dire consequences if she talked about the matter to anyone, they added. The woman subsequently narrated her ordeal to her family members, who approached the police. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) To make the most of Bengalis' penchant for traditional delicacies on special occasions, restaurants in the city have widened the array of signature cuisines from Bengal this 'Bhai Phonta'. Sisters put a mark on the foreheads of brothers and pray for their long lives on the occasion of 'Bhai Phonta'. The ritual is followed by offering lip smacking delicacies. There has been a rising trend of families eating out on 'Bhai Phonta' and Durga Puja instead of gorging on home-cooked food, Indraneel Choudhury, executive chef of 'Koshe Kasha' restaurant, said. "We have devised our menu accordingly with a spin on grandma's delicacies, which were chosen after we talked to senior family members, our patrons and went through writings on Bengali food," he said. On October 21, the day of 'Bhai Phonta', 'Koshe Kasha' will roll out yesteryear's delicacies like 'Lotte Machher jhuri bhaja', 'Narkel bata chingri', 'Chingri makhana', 'Chitol kofta' and 'Dhakai chitol peti'. Chef Sushanta Sengupta of 6 Ballygunje Place restaurant said 'Pur bhara kakrol bhaja', 'Aam kasundi aloo dum', 'Mixed veg kofta', 'Kachalanka dhonepata murgi' and 'Morich mangsho' will be among the spread especially arranged for brothers and sisters and their companions on that day. "There has been a surge in families opting for restaurants having perfect ambience and authentic Bengali food on occasions to celebrate their roots. So, we prepare accordingly for occasions like Bhai Phonta, days in advance," Sengupta, one of the owners of the popular hospitality chain, said. At 'Bhajahari Manna', which derives its name from the iconic globetrotter chef in Manna Dey's timeless Bengali number, Bengali dishes like 'Mochar paturi', 'Daab chingri', 'Jumbo prawns', 'Kosha mangsho', 'Chhanar dalna' and 'Mutton kasha' will be on offer. Striking a different note, percussionist Pt Tanmoy Bose's 'Wasabee' will stick to oriental cuisine with delicacies like Singaporean Chilli Crab, Singaporean Satay Kai, Mee Soto Soup, Hokking Prawn Mee and Nasi Goreong. "We have finalised the menu considering the culinary preferences of Bengali travellers to Singapore," executive chef Rajkumar Chauhan said. "The Festival of Lights is celebrated in an equally grand way in the Lion City. Hence, what better way than to bring together the common attribute of the two countries and celebrate the occasion from October 19," Bose added. (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.) The Enforcement Directorate has issued fresh summons to former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi and her son in connection with its money laundering probe into the railway hotels allotment case dating back to the UPA-I rule, official sources said. They said while Tejashwi has been summoned on October 24, Rabri has been called on October 27 for questioning in the case. While Tejashwi, a former Bihar deputy chief minister, had been grilled once by the central agency for more than nine hours, Rabri had skipped the summons at least four times. The agency is probing members of the Lalu Prasad Yadav's family and others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). In July, the Central Bureau of Investigation had registered a criminal first information report and conducted multiple searches on the properties of Lalu Prasad Yadav, who is also a former Bihar chief minister, and others. The CBI FIR alleges that Lalu Prasad Yadav, as railway minister, handed over the maintenance of two IRCTC hotels to a company after receiving a bribe in the form of prime land in Patna through a 'benami' company owned by Sarla Gupta, wife of Prem Chand Gupta, a former Union minister. Lalu Prasad Yadav was railway minister between 2004 and 2009. The ED had registered a criminal case against Lalu Prasad Yadav's family members and others under the PMLA, based on the CBI FIR. It had earlier questioned Sarla Gupta and others. The CBI has also recently recorded the statements of and Lalu Prasad Yadav in this case. The ED is investigating the alleged "proceeds of crime" generated by the accused, purportedly through shell companies in this case, officials have said. Others named in the CBI FIR include Vijay and Vinay Kochhar (both directors of Sujata Hotels), Delight Marketing company, now known as Lara Projects, and then IRCTC managing director P K Goel. The CBI FIR was registered on July 5 in connection with favours allegedly extended to Sujata Hotels in awarding a contract for the upkeep of the hotels in Ranchi and Puri and receiving premium land as 'quid pro quo'. With celebrities like the Kardashian sisters, Selena Gomez, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, and Emma Watson opting for an unusual pixie, or a chic fade, uncanny hair styling is becoming the new normal. According to experts, increased experimentation by celebrities, complemented by developing technology and extensive use of social media has been contributing towards the rapid evolution of the industry. Arpit Jain of Auraine Botanicals, which brought GKhair, a global hair care brand to India, said that the last decade had witnessed a "drastic makeover" in the hair industry. "Previously people never expected much for their hair and were hesitant to experiment and to try new products or colors. "But, they are doing that right now -- be it a haircut, color, styling, hair treatment," he said. For instance, a fad was triggered when Emma Watson chopped off her long "Hermoine locks" right after she completed filming the "Harry Potter" series, to get a pixie crop. Closer to home, people followed Anushka Sharma's cropped hair look from "PK". A slew of new hair trends can also be credited to the social media bloggers who have played an important role as influencers. Jain added that there was a visible shift from "classic" hairstyles to trendy alternatives like an angled bob, or going for neon coloured hair. "New looks are inspiring people from different walks of life," he said. The rapidly developing technology has transformed everyday use products like shampoos and conditioners into now catering to all kids of needs, be it cleaning the scalps, repair frizzy ends, repair hair condition, or conditioning the scalp. The contemporary hair products come with UV protectors, heat protectors, with added moisturizers and natural oils which are essential for healthy hair. Sanjay Dutta from the Looks Salon franchise said the use of nano-technologies and bio-technologies were no longer "unheard of". "They are now being used by premium brands across the world," he said. Keratin treatments, hair extensions, hair correctors along with new innovative hair tools like hair dryers, tongs, wands and irons are becoming daily use objects. "Today's salon visiting crowd is beauty conscious as well as aware. This has encouraged salons to use latest products that are backed by latest technology," Dutta added. The development in the industry has opened up styling avenues not just for women but also men, who are now turning "metrosexual" in their outlook. "They are no more just swapping designations with women in beauty industry. Men are becoming more aware and experimental with their looks," Dutta said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Food Corporation of India (FCI) Regional Office here today said it has come to its notice that some unscrupulous elements are issuing fake and illegal appointment letters on its behalf. Stating that one person was handed over to police for issuing fake and illegal appointment letters to candidates, the FCI, Regional Office, advised people not to fall in the trap of such elements. "If any such case is noticed, please intimate the local police station and nearby Food Corporation of India office for taking necessary action," the FCI, Regional Office, said in a release. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and Russia today began their first mega tri-services war game involving their armies, navies and air forces with an aim to boost their operational coordination. The Indian contingent includes nearly 450 personnel while the Russian side is being represented by around 1,000 troops in the 10-day exercise Indra. The opening ceremony of the exercise at Vladivostok was marked by tri-services march-past by both the sides, besides display of traditional martial arts by the Indian troops. "The joint tri-service exercise will be a demonstration of the increasing commitment of both nations to address common challenges across the full spectrum of operations," the defence ministry said in a statement yesterday. In his address at the opening ceremony, Maj Gen ND Prasad, the Indian task force commander, said that the first ever tri-service exercise between the two countries reflects the vibrancy of the continued Indo-Russian strategic partnership, the defence ministry said here. He said with the rich operational experience of Russian and Indian armies in counter insurgency operations, both sides will gain immensely from each other to further develop their capabilities. Lt Gen Solomatin, Chief of Staff, Eastern Military District of the Russian Federation, said that the exercise will further strengthen the relationship between the two defence forces. Lt Gen JS Negi, leader of the tri-services observer delegation, said that the conduct of the first ever tri- service exercise between the two countries is a significant step in mutual cooperation and marks an important milestone in the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He expressed his confidence that the joint training between the two defence forces over the next ten days will help them share their best practices and serve in strengthening mutual confidence and interoperability. The Indian Army, Navy and Air Force have been holding bilateral exercises separately with their Russian counterparts but it is is for the first time that the two countries are carrying out a tri-services exercise. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia in June, it was decided to "upgrade and intensify" defence cooperation through joint manufacture, co-production and co- development of key military hardware and equipment. A vision document, issued then, had said that both the countries also decided to work towards a qualitatively higher level of military-to-military cooperation. India is already working on significantly ramping up its defence capability and has lined up billions of dollars worth of procurement proposals as part of military modernisation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Kurdish-led force that expelled the Islamic State group from Raqqa hailed a "historic victory" today in the devastated city's stadium and vowed to hand over power to a civilian administration. Three days after fully retaking the northern Syrian city that was considered the inner sanctum of IS's now moribund "caliphate", the Syrian Democratic Forces held an official ceremony. The group, however, stopped short of transferring authority to the Raqqa Civil Council because it said much ordnance disposal remained to be done before the city could be left in civilian hands. SDF spokesman Talal Sello, speaking in front of a modest attendance of fighters and council members, said this week's victory against IS was dedicated to "all humanity". For three years, Raqqa saw some of IS's worst abuses and grew into one of its main governance hubs, a center for both its potent propaganda machine and its unprecedented experiment in jihadist statehood. The Kurdish female militia that took part in freeing the northern Syrian city of Raqqa from the Islamic State group said on Thursday it will continue the fight to liberate women from the extremists' brutal rule. AP/PTI At the ceremony held in the stadium where jihadists made their last stand in the city on Tuesday, Sello vowed the US-backed SDF would transfer power soon. "After the end of clearing operations... we will hand over the city to the Raqqa Civil Council," he said. He stressed the SDF would maintain its presence in the area and reiterated the Kurdish-Arab military alliance's support for a federal system in Syria, something the regime in Damascus has so far opposed. France is the United States' key partner in the coalition assisting local anti-IS forces and a spokesman in Paris today argued some jihadists remained in small pockets of the city. "The return of civilians to Raqqa will not take place in any major way for many weeks, such as the quantity of explosive devices Daesh left behind," French military spokesman Patrik Steiger said, using the Arabic acronym for IS. Raqa was heavily damaged during the more than four-month battle, which the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said left more than 3,200 people dead, including 1,130 civilians. Ahmed al-Ali, a 31-year-old member of the RCC's reconstruction committee, expressed his shock at discovering the extent of the destruction before the ceremony. "Today is the first time I've come to the city since its liberation," he told an AFP reporter. "I haven't managed to get to my house on Al-Qitar street. I'd pay half a million dollars just to see its door," he added, breaking into tears and walking away. One of his colleagues, Mahmud Mohamed, admitted that his idea of what reconstruction would entail changed the second he entered Raqa. "When we came into the city, the plan changed completely. What I had imagined," the 27-year-old paused, "it's so much worse." The mood was somber among the members of the council that will run the city as they sat quietly on plastic chairs while SDF fighters danced and sang noisily behind them. Syria regime forces have remained conspicuously silent over one of the most high-profile victories against IS and focused on its own Russian-backed offensive in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor. Some of the SDF fighters who fought in Raqa have already redeployed to Deir Ezzor to join a rival US-backed offensive in the province, a spokesman said. At least 16 civilians including several children were killed in air strikes in Deir Ezzor yesterday believed to have been carried out by Russian jets, the Observatory said. Some of them were trying to cross the Euphrates river near Albu Kamal, on the Iraqi border, one of IS's last remaining strongholds, the monitor said. Four foreign ship-builders have emerged as the main contenders for the government's ambitious project to build six advanced stealth submarines at a cost of around Rs 60,000 crore under the strategic partnership model. Official sources said French firm Naval Group, Russia's Rosoboronexport Rubin Design Bureau, Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and Sweden's Saab group have responded to the government's request for proposal (RFI) for the project. Spain's Navantia and Japan's Mitsubishi-Kawasaki Heavy Industries, who were known to be among the leading contenders for the project, did not respond to the RFI, the sources said. There was indication that Japan was keen on a government-to-government deal for the project. The deadline for responding to the RFI for the programme christened as Project 75 (I) was October 16. It is set to be the first defence acquisition project to be launched under the ambitious 'Strategic Partnership' model which aims to rope in private firms to build military platforms like submarines and fighter jets in India in partnership with foreign entities. The government is expected to soon launch the process to select the Indian shipyard for joint manufacture of the submarines with the chosen foreign entity. The project is being considered critical to counter the rapid expansion of China's submarine fleet. The Navy has been pressing the government for clearing the project. Engineering conglomerate Larsen and Toubro and Reliance Defence are the only private firms eligible to participate in the P-75 I programme, said another source. Defence PSU Mazagon Dock Ltd is also in contention for the project, touted as one of the biggest in recent years. Six Scorpene-class submarines are currently being built under 'Project 75' of the Indian Navy. The submarines, designed by French firm Naval Group (earlier known as DCNS) are being built by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai. The project P-75 (I) will be a follow-on for Project 75. A total of six submarines are to be built under the Project-75 (I) programme. Under the SP model, select private firms will be engaged to build military platforms like submarines and fighter jets in India in partnership with foreign entities. A 49 per cent FDI cap has been kept for setting up ventures under the strategic partnership model for production of defence platforms and the companies will be in control of Indian entities. As per the framework, to manufacture major defence platforms, the select Indian companies will require tie-ups with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for transfer of technology (ToT). G7 interior ministers discussed today ways to tackle one of the West's biggest security threats -- jihadist fighters fleeing Syria -- as the EU promised to help close a migration route labelled a potential back door for terrorists. The group kicked off with a working session in a seafront hotel on the island of Ischia on how to deal with the fallout from the collapse of the IS in its stronghold in Raqa. Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti warned last week that fighters planning revenge attacks on Europe following the decisive Islamic State group defeat could hitch lifts back to Europe on migrant boats from Libya. Today the United States and Italy signed an agreement to share their fingerprint databases in a bid to root out potential extremists posing as migrants or refugees. The "technical understanding" signed by Minniti and Elaine Duke, acting US Homeland Security Secretary, aims "to ascertain whether (migrants, asylum seekers or refugees) are noted criminal suspects or terrorists", Minniti's office said. Earlier, EU President Donald Tusk promised the bloc would fork out more funds to help shut down the perilous crossing from Libya to Italy -- a popular path for migrants who hope to journey on to Europe. The bloc would offer "stronger support for Italy's work with the Libyan authorities", and there was "a real chance of closing the central Mediterranean route", he said. Italy has played a major role in training Libya's coastguard to stop human trafficking in its territorial waters, as well as making controversial deals with Libyan militias to stop migrants from setting off. The numbers of migrant departures from the crisis-hit country have dropped 20 percent so far this year. Italy said Wednesday the G7 group would also be working on how to go about "de-radicalising" citizens returning from the IS frontline, to prevent them becoming security risks in jails. France said there would be negotiations on tackling the legal headache of prosecuting returnees, with questions over what sort of evidence, collected by whom, could be used in a domestic court. Tens of thousands of citizens from Western countries travelled to Syria and Iraq to fight for IS between 2014 and 2016, including some who then returned and staged attacks that claimed dozens of lives. The Group of Seven --- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US -- dedicated their second working session to the hot issue of terrorism online, with analysts warning IS's loss of territory will turn street-to-street fighting into an intelligence war. In a G7 first, representatives from Internet giants Google, Microsoft, Facebook and Twitter also took part as the interior ministers want the tech giants to go further and faster in identifying extremism. Britain in particular is attempting a carrot-and-stick approach, warning it may force the hands of the tech giants over monitoring activities if requests for greater voluntary cooperation fall on deaf ears. Home Secretary Amber Rudd, who was on Ischia, has also suggested those accessing and viewing extremist material on the web should face up to 15 years behind bars. But Julian Richards, security specialist at BUCSIS (Buckingham University Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies), said he expected "a lot of fine words... but perhaps not many concrete policy proposals" from the G7 team. "The UK's fairly hard approach of introducing legislative measures to try to force companies to cooperate... and suggestions that people radicalising online should have longer sentences, are often considered rather unpalatable and too politically sensitive in many other advanced countries," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Goa government today issued show-cause notices to two senior state health department officials for "dereliction of duties". The notices were issued to Director of Health Services, Dr Sanjiv Dalvi, and Dean of Goa Medical College and Hospital, Dr Pradeep Naik. The action was initiated following a visit paid by the parliamentary committee to Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) earlier this week. Talking to PTI over the development, state health minister Vishwajit Rane said that during the visit of parliamentary committee it was noticed that the condition of the GMCH was shabby. "The curtains were torn, and the bathroom was overflowing inspite of the house keeping agency being in place. It only showed that the dean was not taking rounds of the hospital," he said. The minister said that certain places were completely dark and in a very bad condition. "The dean has been given power of spending up to Rs 15 lakh (for the development work), but he has not used them. He has been shifting blame on other government agencies. Hence show cause notice was issued," Rane said. A source in the department said that Naik was issued a show-cause notice for showing lack of interest and not taking initiative during the visit of the parliamentary committee. The department also asked Naik to submit a detailed statement of the expenditure in the last two years made by him from the financial powers allotted to him. Dalvi was asked to explain the unreasonable delays in finalising of various tenders, the source added. "It has been observed that various tenders are pending for a very long time in some cases even for more than 2 to 3 months. Such unreasonable delay hampers the functioning of the department," a senior official said. Both of them have been asked to submit their detailed replies in the matter by October 31. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After following the 'Mumbai police manual' for decades, the Goa government has started a process to draft its own document for its force. The 'Goa police manual' is expected to be ready in four months. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar told reporters today that former superintendent of police Om Prakash Kurtarkar has been given the task of drafting the police manual for the state. He said the state cabinet has granted its approval to the appointment of Kurtarkar to draft the crucial document, which will act as a guide for the Goa police. "We have given a time of four months to Kurtarkar to draft this manual. The Goa police have been following the Mumbai police manual since its inception," he said. The Goa police came into existence after liberation of the state from Portuguese rule in 1963. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "Game of Thrones" star Lena Headey has opened up about facing sexual harassment at the hands of producer Harvey Weinstein. In a lengthy post on Twitter, the 44-year-old actor revealed that she was one of the actors who were subjected to the media mogul's antics early in her career. Headey said she first met Weinstein at the Venice Film Festival premier of her film "The Brothers Grimm", when the producer asked her to take a walk with him to the waterfront. While walking he made "some suggestive comment" to her and Headey said, "I just laughed it off, I was genuinely shocked, I remember thinking, it's got to be a joke, I said... oh come on mate!? It'd be like kissing my dad! Let's go get a drink, get back to the others. I was never in any other Miramax film." The actor recalled she then met the producer years later in Los Angeles, where he asked her few questions about the state of her love life but she shifted the conversation back to something less personal. Weinstein then asked the actor to accompany him to his room on the pretext of handing over a script to her. Headey said, "We walked to the lift and the energy shifted, my whole body went into high alert, the lift was going up and I said to Harvey, 'I'm not interested in anything other than work, please don't think I got in here with you for any other reason, nothing is going to happen.'" She added she felt alarmed by the situation and had "a strong sense" of wanting to stay away from him. Weinstein then furiously marched her out of the hotel and told her not to discuss about their exchange to anyone. "I felt completely powerless. I got into my car and I cried," she wrote. Dozens of women have come forward to allege Weinstein of sexual assault and in some cases rape. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Individuals, partnership entities as well as companies can act as valuers under the Companies Act after getting registered with an authority specified by the government, says a notification. The corporate affairs ministry has proposed to specify the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) as the authority with respect to registration, recognition and ancillary matters related to valuers. The Companies (Registered Valuers and Valuation) Rules, 2017 have been notified by the ministry. The rules provide for registration of valuers under the Companies Act, 2013. "The valuers, who may be individuals or partnership entities or companies, would be required to be registered with the authority specified by the central government. "The rules provide for registration of different category of valuers and lay down the requirements on their eligibility, qualifications and experience," an official release said today. With the notification of the rules, Section 247 pertaining to valuation by registered valuers came into effect from October 18. Those entities, which are already carrying out valuation activities, have time till March 31, 2018 to get registered with the specified authority. "During this transition period any person who may be rendering valuation services under the Companies Act, 2013 may continue to render such services without getting registered under the rules," the release said. The mechanism to prescribe valuation standards and syllabus for conduct of valuation education courses as well as specify the requirements with regard to the contents of the valuation report have been laid out in the rules. Among other requirements, the registered valuers have to be members of the Registered Valuers Organisations (RVOs), recognised by the authority. The RVOs have to comply with certain norms including an internal governance structure that "should provide for enforcement of a code of conduct on the registered valuers, training and conduct of educational courses for the valuation of specific asset classes for which the RVO concerned is recognised", the release said. The relevant notification to specify IBBI as the authority with regard to valuers under Section 458 would be issued separately, it added. A registered valuer would carry out valuation in respect of any property, stocks, shares, debentures, securities or goodwill or any other assets or net worth of a company or its liabilities, as per chapter XVII of the Companies Act. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress leader and chairman of the parliamentary panel on external affairs Shashi Tharoor has said the government should increase the number of diplomats and asserted that there was a need for a separate exam for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). "Brazil has 1,200 people in foreign services, if you look at the number when it comes to China they have something like 6,000 people, the US has 20,000 people. I am not saying we can be like the US or even like China. But 800 is far too modest a number and it needs to be increased," Tharoor told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of the panel earlier this week. The committee on external affairs in a report had also expressed "grave concern" over the IFS strength, noting that there were only 770 IFS officers against the sanctioned strength of 912. The committee was of the view that the size of India's diplomatic corps "is inadequate considering the tasks and challenges before the Ministry and nation". Pitching for lateral entry into the IFS, he said there has been an increase in intake for the foreign service in the last year or so but those people would be ready for productivity after 10 years of work experience. "We are saying you need some people now to make up for your efficiency. So we can think about lateral entry and facilitating the entry of NRIs," he said. Making a case for a separate exam for the service, Tharoor said those golden days are over when the IFS was seen as the elite service and one had to be in the first ten of the UPSC ranks to opt for it. "But equally, we are getting people into the foreign service, who never wanted to be in the service. The kind of qualities that are needed in a diplomat are very different from others. So there is need for separate exam for it," he said. For becoming a diplomat one needs to have some interest in world affairs, some flair for languages among other qualities, he 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.) Uttam Choudhary, the OBC wing chief of Himachal BJP, today announced that he would contest the November 9 state Assembly polls as an Independent from Kangra as the party had not given a ticket to him. Expressing his anguish, he told a rally, "This has happened with me earlier also. In the last two elections, my name was included in the list of probables, but I was not given a ticket. I have worked for the party whole-heartedly and still I am being ignored." Stating that he would contest the polls as an Independent, Choudhary added that he would file his nomination tomorrow. The ruling Congress has decided to field sitting MLA Pawan Kajal, who won the seat in 2012 as an Independent, whereas Sanjay Choudhary is the BJP nominee from Kangra. Meanwhile, the Congress leadership's decision to field Kajal from Kangra has not gone down well with the local party workers. The Kangra block Congress workers today took out a march on the national highway to protest the decision. "If the party does not change the nominee by Sunday (October 22), the rebels will field a combined candidate," former MLA Surender Kaku told reporters. It is learnt that the rebels want to field Rajesh Sharma from the constituency. Sharma, along with Kangra block Congress president Raj Kumar, took part in the march. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The ban on sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR may not have had the desired impact on air quality, but major hospitals in the national capital have reported less burn injury cases this Diwali than the year before. Centre-run Safdarjung Hospital and RML Hospital, both of which have big burn units, received 66 and 29 patients respectively. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) did not receive any burn injury cases last night, doctors said. The Safdarjung Hospital, located in the heart of the city, had received 110 burn patients last Diwali, a senior doctor said. "Out of the 66 patients, who came between 6 pm yesterday to 6 am today, 50 had suffered burn injuries during Diwali- related festivities. Five of them were admitted," he said. At the RML Hospital, located in central Delhi, less number of people came to the casualty wards with burn injuries compared to the 79 patients last year. "Since last evening till 10 am today, 29 patients -- 23 males and five females -- with burn injuries, mainly related to hands and eyes, were attended to in the casualty department. Only one man, who had suffered 27 per cent injury was admitted," Medical Superintendent of the RML Hospital, Dr V K Tiwari, told PTI. Many doctors feel that the Supreme Court ban on sale of crackers in Delhi-NCR may have contributed to less number of burn cases reported at hospitals. The Delhi government's largest hospital, the LNJP Hospital also received just 10 patients. "Only four of them needed admission, the extent of burn ranged from 10 per cent in one patient to 60 per cent in another. None had eye injuries, but only facial and limb injuries," Medical Superintendent of the LNJP Hospital J C Passey told PTI. Authorities at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said that its casualty unit received 15 cases of burn injuries during the night, 10 of whom were adults and five children. Two patients with severe burn injuries have been operated, and the rest discharged. Four patients with breathing difficulty also came to the casualty ward, they said. The St Stephen's Hospital did not report a single burn- related case on Diwali night. "We usually get 15-20 cases every year. But, this time the firecracker ban may have helped reduce the number," a senior official said. However, night-long Diwali revelries, left Delhi polluted in the morning, as the air quality took a sharp plunge and entered the 'severe' zone today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The ban on the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR may not have had the desired impact on air quality, but major hospitals in the capital reported a lesser number of burn and eye injury cases this Diwali than last year. Centre-run Safdarjung Hospital and RML Hospital, both of which have big burn units, received 66 and 29 patients respectively. The Safdarjung Hospital, located in the heart of the city, had received 110 burn patients last Diwali, a senior doctor said. "Out of the 66 patients, who came between 6 PM yesterday to 6 AM today, 50 had suffered burn injuries during Diwali- related festivities. Five of them were admitted," he said. At the RML Hospital, located in central Delhi, 29 people came to the casualty wards with burn injuries compared to the 79 patients last year. "Since last evening till 10 AM today, 29 patients -- 23 males and five females -- with burn injuries, mainly related to hands and eyes, were attended to in the casualty department. Only one man, who had suffered 27 per cent injury was admitted," Medical Superintendent of the RML Hospital, Dr V K Tiwari, told PTI. Many doctors feel that the Supreme Court ban on sale of crackers in Delhi-NCR may have contributed to the less number of cases of burns, both of body parts and eyes, reported at hospitals. At AIIMS, 28 patients, who had sustained burns in eyes or other ocular injuries, were brought in between 10 AM yesterday to 10 AM today, said a senior doctor at the Dr R P Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences of the premier institution. "The eye injuries pertained to burns suffered from crackers or lodging of foreign objects or perforation. However, the cases reported last year was far higher, about 100," he said, adding that the Supreme Court ban seems to have had a salutary effect. The Delhi government's largest hospital, the LNJP Hospital, also received just 10 patients for bodily injuries from fire-related incidents. "Only four of them needed admission, the extent of burn ranged from 10 per cent in one patient to 60 per cent in another. None had eye injuries, but only facial and limb injuries," Medical Superintendent of the LNJP Hospital J C Passey said. Authorities at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said that its casualty unit received 15 cases of burn injuries during the night, 10 of whom were adults and five children. Two patients with severe burn injuries have been operated, and the rest discharged. Four patients with breathing difficulty also came to the casualty ward, they said. The St Stephen's Hospital did not report a single burn- related case on Diwali night. "We usually get 15-20 cases every year. But, this time the firecracker ban may have helped reduce the number," a senior official said. However, night-long Diwali revelries, left Delhi polluted in the morning, as the air quality took a sharp plunge and entered the 'severe' zone today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Director Quentin Tarantino has said he knew about Harvey Weinstein's alleged sexual harassment towards a number of women. The 54-year-old filmmaker said he regrets about not doing enough to prevent the sexual misconduct that the females in the industry had to suffer at the hands of the disgraced media mogul. "I knew enough to do more than I did. There was more to it than just the normal rumours, the normal gossip. It wasn't secondhand. I knew he did a couple of these things. I wish I had taken responsibility for what I heard. If I had done the work I should have done then, I would have had to not work with him. "What I did was marginalise the incidents. Anything I say now will sound like a crappy excuse," Tarantino told New York Times in an interview. The director has been Weinstein's frequent collaborator on films such as "Reservoir Dogs", "Pulp Fiction", the "Kill Bill" films, "Inglourious Basterds" and "The Hateful Eight". Tarantino recalled when he was dating actor Mira Sorvino in 1995, she told him about Weinstein's weird behaviour, which included him giving a massage to her without asking, chasing her around a hotel room and even showing up at her apartment in the middle of the night - a story she recently shared with The New Yorker. "I was shocked and appalled back then. I couldn't believe he would do that so openly. I was like: 'Really? Really?' But the thing I thought then, at the time, was that he was particularly hung up on Mira. "She had won accolades for her performance in 'Mighty Aphrodite'. I thought Harvey was hung up on her in this Svengali kind of way. Because he was infatuated with her, he horribly crossed the line." Tarantino said he believed that the problem would fix itself - Weinstein will back off as Sorvino was in a relationship with him. He added over the years he got to know about several female actor friends who told him a troubling story of unwanted advances by Weinstein in a hotel room. When Tarantino confronted the producer, he offered the woman what he described as a weak apology. He also knew actor Rose McGowan had reached a settlement with Weinstein after an episode in a hotel room during the Sundance Film Festival. Tarantino added, "I'm calling on the other guys who knew more to not be scared. Don't just give out statements. Acknowledge that there was something rotten in Denmark. Vow to do better by our sisters. What was previously accepted is now untenable to anyone of a certain consciousness. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madras High Court today ordered the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to file within four weeks a status report on the probe into alleged irregularities in the purchase of bitumen for road laying and maintenance works in Tamil Nadu. A division bench comprising justices M M Sundaresh and M Sundar gave the direction on a public interest litigation seeking a CBI probe after the state government informed that already the DVAC had been ordered to investigate the matter based on a representation by the petitioner. In his PIL, G Balaji, an RTI activist, alleged that state highways department officials in collusion with contractors had "cashed out" Rs 800 crore to 1,000 crore during 2014-16 in the procurement of bitumen by taking advantage of variations in its price. The petitioner charged that bitumen, a major road construction constituent, had become a primary source for the officials to siphon off public funds and sought a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities. Earlier, when the matter came up for hearing, the petitioner's counsel submitted that bitumen prices fluctuate on a monthly basis as fixed by the oil marketing companies. He claimed that the department had to bear additional cost of bitumen if the price goes up above the amount sanctioned. Similarly, if the price falls, the difference should be recovered from the contractors. However, the counsel alleged, the officials collude with the contractors and divert the difference amount to their pockets. Citing some examples, he said in September 2014, price of bitumen was Rs 41,360 per tonne when the estimates were sanctioned for the road works. The price stood at Rs 30,260 in March 2015, when the works were executed and billed, which worked out to a difference of Rs 11,000 per tonne. Submitting some documents, which he claimed, were proof he gathered through RTI applications from the department, the petitioner wanted the court to order a probe by the CBI or any other independent agency. Countering the charge, state Advocate General Vijay Narayan submitted that the entire plea was based on wrong information. Usually the variation in price would be only upward. But by the end of 2015, the bitumen prices slid in tune with the fall in crude prices globally. He said it took two to three months for the government to realise the scenario. By the end of 2015, authorities issued notices to the contractors concerned for recovery of the difference amount and as on August 31 this year, Rs 431 crore had been recovered, the A-G said. He said the state government had ordered the DVAC to probe the allegations of irregularities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India has put in place a stricter regime for trade with North Korea in line with the restrictions imposed by the United Nations. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has come out with a notification to widen the prohibition on direct or indirect import and export from/to North Korea. "The direct or on direct or indirect supply, sale, transfer or export of specified items to North Korea is prohibited," it said. The items include condensates and natural gas liquids, refined petroleum products and crude oil. Similarly, direct or indirect procurement or imports of products including seafood, lead ore and textiles are facing restrictions. The "notification seeks to update the para 2.17 of the foreign trade policy (2015-20, on imports and exports to North Korea, to account for UNSC (United Nations Security Council) Resolutions...," it added. The bilateral trade between India and North Korea declined to $133.43 million in 2016-17 from $198.78 million in the previous fiscal. Minister of State for Law and Justice, P P Chaudhary, today met his Uzbek counterpart to explore areas of cooperation between the two countries, especially the legal and judicial systems. "He (Chaudhary) had a meeting with Minister of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ruslanbek Davletov. The two discussed about their respective legal and judicial systems, ongoing reforms in the legal sphere in Uzbekistan and the recent improvements made in the Indian system of law and justice," an official statement said. Chaudhary, who is also Minister of State for corporate affairs, is on a three-day visit to Uzbekistan to attend the fifth meeting of the Ministers of Justice of (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) member states. "MoS recalled the visits of the Prime Minister of India to Uzbekistan in 2015 and 2016 and their discussions recently at the SCO Heads of States meeting. Both sides agreed for cooperation in the area of training and exchange of experiences," the statement said. The two ministers noted the historical and close relations between India and Uzbekistan while discussing the potential areas of cooperation between the countries, it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BSNL, Kerala circle, today announced the launch of International roaming facility in UAE for its prepaid customers. The facility which would be beneficial to the large number of expatriates from Kerala was extended in association with Etisalat Telecom, Chief General Manager, Kerala circle, P T Mathew told reporters here today. The Circle also came out a new mobile prepaid 'Kerala Plan' at Rs.446. It offers unlimited calls to any network across the country along with 1 GB data per day for 84 days,\ he said. "It is very attractive and competitive when compared to any plans offered by other service providers', Mathew said. On Aadhaar-based re-vertification, out of the One crore mobile customers in Kerala, 19.21 lakh connections have been re-vertified as on date. The aim was to complete the process by January', he said. Mathew said that customer base of BSNL was on increase every year with an addition of nearly 1.50 lakh connection. With regard to switching over to other services, he said an average 24,000 customers port in to BSNL while 12,000 port out every year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pulses industry body IPGA has demanded that the government should supply pulses through ration shops to provide better price realisation to farmers and ensure the country's nutritional security. India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA) has written a letter to Consumer Affairs Ministry seeking inclusion of pulses in the Public Distribution System (PDS) as this would have a beneficial impact on India's farm sector and economy. Under the National Food Security Law, the Centre provides 5 kg of highly subsidised wheat and rice per month at Rs 2-3 per kg to over 80 crore people, costing exchequer about Rs 1.4 lakh crore annually. "IPGA strongly recommends for inclusion of pulses in PDS which would have a salutary effect on demand supply disparities, seasonal deficiency and better price stabilisation all year round -- building a case of adequate supply leading to nutritional security for the country," the association said in the letter. India produced a record 22.95 million tonnes of pulses in the 2016-17 crop year (July-June), which is almost equal to domestic demand. The country imported about 5 million tonnes of pulses last fiscal, but now the government has restricted imports due to bumper production and low realisation to farmers. Listing out the benefits for supplying pulses via ration shops, IPGA said this would act as an incentive for the farmers as the government procurement will ensure appropriate price realisation. "With farmers earning improving, they will be keen on adopting more advanced techniques and better quality seeds that will help them meet the demand of pulses," it said. IPGA said if the government starts supplying pulses under PDS, the lower income group population would be able to consume pulses, helping improve the nation's nutritional security. "WHO recommends 80 gram of protein per person per day. This would mean that every household (generally consisting of 4 people) should consume 3.84 kg of pulses a month. India as of 2015-16, consumes not even half that amount," the letter said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Baghdad court has issued an arrest warrant for the vice president of Iraq's autonomous northern Kurdish region for saying that Iraqi forces had "occupied" the disputed province of Kirkuk this week. However, the warrant against Kosrat Rasul yesterday is unlikely to be executed as the central government in Baghdad has no enforceable authority in the Kurdish-administered north. The court accused Rasul of "insulting" Iraq's armed forces, which is forbidden by Iraqi law. On Monday, Iraq's federal forces, supported by Iranian- sponsored militias, rolled into the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, forcing Kurdish militias, known as the peshmerga, to withdraw after brief clashes. The Kurds took over the city in 2014 when Iraq's army melted away ahead of the Islamic State's blitz across northern and western Iraq. IS has since seen its hold on Iraq and north Syria crumble in the face of relentless airstrikes by the US-led coalition and an array of forces battling it on the ground. At its peak it held a third of both countries. In Kirkuk, residents were coming to terms yesterday with the handover of the city back to Baghdad authorities. Many felt the two leading Iraqi Kurdish parties had betrayed their people and had ordered the peshmerga to pull back with hardly a fight. Jumaa Khalaf said she felt "humiliated" by the two parties over the withdrawal. "They trampled on the dignity of the peshmerga," she said. Many Kurds are wary of the Shiite-led militias that helped Iraqi forces retake the city. The Popular Mobilisation Forces, as they are known, are predominantly Shiite and backed by Iran, and seen by Kurds as agents of Arab- and Shiite-first policy. PMF commanders held a press conference from the centre of Kirkuk on Wednesday, despite orders from Baghdad not to enter the city, further provoking fears of ethnic strife. Yesterday, Associated Press reporters saw only a handful of PMF vehicles among a dominantly federal police and security presence inside Kirkuk. The city felt calm, apart from sporadic reports of looting. The UN said more than 60,000 people fled the city on Monday, fearing clashes and leaving homes empty and unguarded. Later, thousands returned. Another Kurdish resident, Hassan Anwar, said he was disturbed to see photos of Iraqi Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani burned in the city. "I feel like it's my father's photo that's been burnt," he said. The Kurds make up a portion of the multi-ethnic Kirkuk's 1.2 million residents, living among Arabs and Turkmen. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Terming as farce Pakistan's oft- repeated claim that a "freedom movement" was on in Kashmir, Union Minister Jitendra Singh today said it is a "manufactured struggle" and a "mercenary movement" that has graduated into an industry. He said the youths in the Valley have now understood the nefarious designs of the elements, who have been using them as "sacrificial goat" while their own children are lodged in safe havens. "There is no such thing like freedom struggle at all in Kashmir. It is a farce. It is a manufactured freedom struggle. "It is a mercenary movement, which has gradually graduated into anindustry now, in which there are huge vested interests involvedand such people carry out mayhem in the name of freedom struggle," Singh, who is Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region, told reporters here today. He was replying to a question about Pakistan's claim of "freedom movement" in Kashmir. The Minister said the realisation that they were being exploited in the name of struggle has dawned upon the youths and cited the example of a"leading" militant commander being nabbed with the assistance of a woman. "She was among the young women who werebeing exploited by these militant commanders in Kashmir," he said. "The youths of Kashmir have understood that those who are exploitingthem have their children lodged in the safe havens of thecountry and the world and are using them as the sacrificial goat," headded. "There is a lot of awakening in a large section of youths and they wish to be part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's developmental journey in the country," he added. "They want to avail the opportunities available to the youths in other parts of the country. They don't want to miss this bus. They want to be part of this journey," Singh, who is also minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), said. On the violence in connection with alleged braid chopping incidents, the Minister said that there was not a single case with substantial evidence. "There can be mischief behind this... the right thinking citizens will condemn this. We should not jump to conclusion without having any evidence. "We live in evidence-based era. We should not allow it to become a tool for certain politicians or separatists," the Union Minister said. Asked about terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC), he said that Pakistan carries out infiltration activities every year. "Out of 50-60 infiltration bids, 45-50 infiltration bids have been foiled. This speaks about the efficiency and increase in capability ofsecurity forces," he said. The minister said that Jammu and Kashmir police has also come of age, particularly its special operations group. Many of the terrorists have either been nabbed or liquidated with minimum collateral damage possible. "It is a compliment to police and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir," he said About the reported diktat by a Muslim organisation that boys and girls should not study together, he said, "Without getting into the discussion, I can say that in India of 2017, boys and girls can decide for themselves". "I have already said that they are part of the aspirational movement of Modi's new India and therefore they cannot be subjected to any gender bias," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Odisha governor S C Jamir was today discharged from a private hospital after doctors found him fit. Jamir was kept on observation for 24 hours after his admission at the hospital yesterday. Though the doctors at the hospital said that Jamir was admitted due to chest pain, the Governor himself in a video message claimed that he had gone for a normal check up. "It is unfortunate that false has been circulated through media throughout India saying that I had a heart attack. But I want to make it very clear to all concerned that I came to Apollo for a normal check up. Therefore, there is nothing that I had a heart attack. I am perfectly alright, healthy. I will be out of hospital, there is nothing to worry about it," Jamir said in the video released in twitter and facebook by 'We The Nagas', a Dimapur-based organisation. "H.E Governor Dr S C Jamir had been to Apollo Hospital, Bhubaneswar, for regular health check up. He is perfectly fit in all respects and attending normal office work as usual," a communication received from Raj Bhavan said. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had visited Jamir at the hospital. Patnaik wished speedy recovery of the Governor and had a talk with the hospital's cardiac specialist P K Sahu who was treating him. Sahu had yesterday informed that all tests reports of the governor were normal except a mild change in ECG, for which he had been put under observation. Dharmendra said, The Governor is normal and all the medical tests conducted on him have found him in good health. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Veteran actor Kamal Haasan today threw his weight behind the makers of Vijay-starrer 'Mersal', asking those opposing the just-released Tamil movie over references to the GST to "counter criticism with logical response". In a Twitter post, Haasan said: "Mersal was certified. Don't re-censor it." "Counter criticism with logical response. Don't silence critics. India will shine when it speaks," he said. Haasan had a few years ago threatened to leave India in wake of protests against his film 'Vishwaroopam'. References to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 'Mersal' have not gone down well with the BJP. The party objected to what it termed "untruths" about the central taxation regime in the film and demanded that the references be deleted. Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan demanded the removal of the "untruths" about the GST, rolled out by the BJP-led NDA government on July 1, while his party colleague H Raja claimed the film exposed Vijay's "anti-Modi hatred". "The film producer should remove the untruths regarding the GST from the film," Radhakrishnan told reporters in Nagercoil. His remarks came a day after the BJP's state unit made a similar demand, charging the filmmakers with making "incorrect references" about the central taxation regime. Earlier today, superstar Rajinikanth-starrer 'Kabali' director Pa. Ranjith came to the defence of the 'Mersal' crew, questioning the BJP's logic of demanding the cuts. Ranjith said there was no need for removing the scenes on GST as demanded by the BJP. The CPI(M) has described the BJP's criticism an "attack on freedom of expression". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fishermen in Karnataka will hold a convention at Kumta in Uttara Kannada onNovember 19 to press their demands including formulation of a national fishing policy, a senior state fishermen's congress functionary has said. Talking to reporters here yesterday, statefishermen's congress president U R Sabhapathy said an uniform national fishing policy was urgentlyrequired to avoid the existing disparities in policies adoptedby different states. Thecommunity members should also have adequate representation inelected fisheries bodies, he added. At present, each state had its own fisheries policywhich often resulted in friction among fishing communitiesbecause rules were different in states, he said. Sabhapathy also wanted the Centre to consider the possibility of setting up an exclusive cabinet post for fisheries in the Union cabinet. The fishing industry was beingneglected as it was now functioning under the AgricultureMinistry, he said. The long-pending demand to include all fishing communities under scheduled caste category would be pushedforward, he said. He said the November 19 convention was to coincide with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's birth anniversary. Anotherconvention of Congress workers would be held the same dayat Chikkamagalur, he said, adding, Congress vice-presidentRahul Gandhi was expected to take part in both the meets. The Fishermen's Congress would form block level committees in ten districts in the state, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Ram Nath Kovind will be the chief guest at the Jharkhand foundation day main function on November 15, an official release said. It will be a fortnight long celebrations beginning on November 1 and ending with the main function on November 15 at Morahbadi ground here in a grand way, the release said quoting chief secretary Rajbala Verma. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Los Angeles Police Department has opened an investigation into Harvey Weinstein after an Italian model accused the media mogul of rape in 2013. The model told the Los Angeles Times that Weinstein bullied his way into her hotel room and forcibly raped her in the bathroom, reported Variety. "The Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery Homicide Division has interviewed a potential sexual assault victim involving Harvey Weinstein which allegedly occurred in 2013," said LAPD spokesman Officer Tony Im. "The case is under investigation." Over 40 women have come forward to accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct after a New York Times expose revealed that he settled with more than eight women. The NYT story was followed by a more detailed report in the New Yorker. Weinstein has since been fired from the Weinstein Company. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lebanon's parliament has approved a government budget for the first time since 2005, the country's ANI agency reported. For 12 years, political crises and wars have forced Lebanon's state institutions to operate without a budget, an economic aberration that has angered many Lebanese. But after three days of debate, lawmakers yesterday passed the budget -- for the current financial year, not for 2018. Prime Minister Saad Hariri, who called the vote "historic", said the 2018 budget could be discussed as early as next week. ANI did not provide total figures for income or expenditure. Some lawmakers criticised the approval of amounts already spent, describing the debate prior to the vote as a "masquerade" and an attempt to hide financial wrongdoing in a country where corruption is commonplace. The 2005 assassination of former premier Rafik Hariri, widely blamed on the Syrian regime, plunged Lebanon into turmoil, dividing the country between supporters and enemies of Damascus. Repeated crises, notably a 2006 war between Israel and Shiite militant movement Hezbollah, followed by the 2011 outbreak of civil war in neighbouring Syria, further deepened divides and paralysed the government. Civil society groups have described Lebanon's parliament itself as illegitimate, as it has extended its own mandate twice since the last legislative elections held in 2009. Since its devastating 1975-1990 civil war, Lebanon has been weighed down with endemic corruption and a national debt estimated at 140 percent of GDP. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Los Angeles police say they are investigating a possible sexual assault case against Harvey Weinstein, the first involving the producer in the city. Police spokesman Sal Ramirez says the department has interviewed a possible sexual assault victim who reported an incident that occurred in 2013. He says the investigation is ongoing and he could not answer any questions about when the interview or incident took place. Police in New York and London are also investigating the fallen movie mogul over allegations of sex abuse in those cities. "Mr. Weinstein obviously can't speak to anonymous allegations, but he unequivocally denies allegations of non- consensual sex," his representative Sallie Hofmeister wrote in a statement. Weinstein has been accused of sexual harassment or abuse by more than three dozen women, including several top actresses including Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie. Several of the incidents allegedly happened at hotels in Beverly Hills, which does not have an open investigation into Weinstein. He was fired from The Weinstein Co., the film company he co-founded, earlier this month after several harassment incidents were detailed in The New York Times. Additional allegations, including from three women who said Weinstein sexually assaulted them, were included in a subsequent article by The New Yorker. Two of the women, including Italian actress Asia Argento, were named while the third accuser wasn't identified. Argento told the magazine that in 1997 Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on her at a hotel in France when she was 21 years old. Weinstein, 65, resigned from the board of directors of his former company earlier this week. He has not been seen in public since last week. The Oscar winner has been expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Producers Guild of America has started the process of expelling him. Today, the British Film Institute rescinded an honour it conferred to Weinstein in 2002 for his contribution to British cinema. Quentin Tarantino, who has partnered with Weinstein on most of his films from "Pulp Fiction" to "The Hateful Eight" over the past 20 years, told the New York Times today that he "knew enough to do more than I did." Tarantino had heard first hand from his then-girlfriend Mira Sorvino about Weinstein's alleged sexual harassment, and had known about the settlement reached with Rose McGowan, he told the paper. He'd also heard stories from another actress who he declined to name. He said it was impossible that anyone who was close to Weinstein had not heard about at least one incident. He also said he continued to hear stories second and third hand. "I chalked it up to a '50s-'60s era image of a boss chasing a secretary around the desk," Tarantino said. "As if that's O.K. That's the egg on my face right now." Tarantino went on to compare Hollywood's treatment of women to a "Jim Crow-like system that us males have almost tolerated." He called on other men to "vow to do better by our sisters" and not just issue statements. "What was previously accepted is now untenable to anyone of a certain consciousness," Tarantino said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) French President Emmanuel Macron today warned London that agreement on the crucial issue of Britain's EU exit bill was still "a long way off". "We are a long way off on the financial commitments," he said after an EU summit that agreed to start internal work on the bloc's future relationship with Britain after Brexit. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Terming it a successful weapon against the Naxals, the Maharashtra government has extended its policy facilitating surrender by the ultras for two years. The state home department recently approved extension of the 'Aatmasamarpan' (surrender) scheme for Naxals till August 28, 2019, a senior police official said today. Satish Mathur, the state Director General of Police, had submitted a proposal to this effect in June. Following Mathur's proposal, the home department recently issued a Government Resolution (GR) extending the scheme. The GR noted that the policy has proved to be a successful weapon against Naxals in the Gadchiroli and Gondia districts of the state. The Naxal surrender scheme was introduced in 2005 with the aim of rehabilitating and absorbing the ultras in the mainstream of society. The scheme was relaunched with some changes in April 2013. Since then the scheme has been very effective in curbing the influence of Naxals, the official said. Recently, Gomaji alias Arshu Chaitu Jetti, a Naxal leader with a reward of Rs 2.5 lakh on his head, surrendered before the Gadchiroli police. A total of 17 Naxals have surrendered before the district police as of August 2017, the official said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least four vehicles and a railway-track laying machine were set ablaze allegedly by Maoists in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district this evening, police said. The incident happened around 7:30 pm near Kamaloor railway station, where track-laying work was underway on the Kirandul-Visakhapatnam route, a police official told PTI over phone. Around two dozen armed ultras reached the construction site and torched the vehicles and the track-laying machine, he said. The attackers fled after the incident, he said. Bhansi is located around 450 kilometres from Raipur. Security personnel were rushed to the site after the railway staff there informed them about the incident, the official added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With an objective to create more awareness and sensitivity towards Intellectual Property Rights, a programme on Intellectual Property (IP) for MSMEs andstart-ups will be held here on October 26. The programme is a joint initiative of Intellectual Property Office of government of India and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in association with the Department of Industries and Commerce of the Kerala government, an FICCI release said. It would cover topics including registration and commercialisation of IP-Challenges and the Way Forward, IP awareness, protection, enforcement and commercialisation Post National IPR Policy, introduction to IPR and its importance for MSMEs, IP in Sync With Vision of Make-In-India. Senior officials from the central government's IP office, at Chennai, IPR experts from various industries and scholars would attend the programme, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) German Chancellor Angela Merkel has led calls for a cut to EU funding linked to Turkey's membership talks, to signal the bloc's unhappiness at Ankara's crackdown in the wake of a failed coup. In the latest round of a bitter spat between Berlin and Ankara, the powerful German leader said yesterday it was important the EU acted in unity to defend its values, at a summit in Brussels. Turkey, whose application to join the EU is effectively frozen, has alarmed European leaders with its hardline response to a thwarted bid to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last year. More than 50,000 people have been arrested since the coup bid, including several German citizens, drawing strong criticism from Berlin. "I'm going to work for EU pre-membership funding, which we are giving, to be reduced," Merkel said, adding that for her it was a "central demand" that the bloc acted together on the issue. "The changes to the rule of law in Turkey are going in our opinion in a bad direction and we have some major concerns -- and not just because a lot of Germans have been arrested." Merkel caused a stir during her recent reelection campaign with a pledge to try to get EU leaders to terminate Turkey's membership bid. Other EU nations have trod more carefully, noting Turkey's vital importance to the bloc both in tackling the migrant crisis and in fighting Islamist militancy. But several voiced criticism of Turkey at yesterday's meeting, with Belgian PM Charles Michel saying Ankara's membership bid was "frozen, on the point of death". Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Turkey was "a long way from membership and will remain so", but the two Low Countries leaders called for "reorientating" funds rather than cutting them. Rutte said the aim would be "that the money moves away from the government to go towards areas such as migration and Turkish charities". EU member states are waiting for a European Commission assessment of funding for Turkey -- most of which already goes to NGOs or projects -- in early 2018. Europe plans 4.45 billion euros in pre-accession spending for Turkey in 2014-2020, but only 360 million euros have been allocated so far. (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.) With barely a week left for Chhath Puja, the city's Development Minister Gopal Rai today inspected a Yamuna ghat in north Delhi and took stock of preparations for the festival. According to the government, 565 ghats are being set up along the banks of River Yamuna for Chhath Puja, a major festival of people from Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. The development minister, accompanied by senior officers of irrigation and flood control department, DJB and revenue department, inspected Kudesia Ghat at Kashmari Gate here. "Out of 565 ghats, 50 pucca ghats have been constructed for Chhath Puja. The minister has directed the departments concerned to start providing facilities like tents at all ghats from tomorrow," a senior government official said. The official said that a monitoring committee has also been constituted to look after preparations of Chhath ghats. Delhi has around 40 lakh 'Poorvanchali' voters, hailing from eatsern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, who play a key role in elections. Earlier this year, the Aam Aadmi Party government had made a special financial provision in the 2017-18 Budget for setting up sufficient numbers of Chhath ghats across the city. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) K Balakrishna, professor of Geology with the departmentof Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, will be taking part in the coming 37th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ISEA). Balakrishna is among the 60 scientists from the country taking part in the 37-ISEA, a MIT release said. He would stay in Antarctica for about three months beginning November and would be working on the assessment of water quality in and around Bharati Station, Larsemann Hills-East Antarctica, the release said. With this new endeavour, Manipal University would for the first time join the ranks of leading research institutions of the country active in polar research, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Seven agitating staffers of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) have been suspended and arrested for creating ruckus and engaging in violence, a senior government official said today. Nearly one lakh employees of the state-run transport body, mostly bus drivers and conductors, are on an indefinite strike since October 16 midnight demanding a pay hike. Five staffers, including drivers and conductors, were suspended when they forced a senior MSRTC functionary at Saoner depot under Nagpur division to wear bangles, the official said. A case was reported in this regard with the nearest police station and the five were arrested, said the senior official. Two more staffers were suspended and later arrested by police from Ramtek depot in Nagpur when they engaged in violence and threw stones at private buses. "This case, too, was reported to us (MSRTC) as well as the local police station and action was initiated as per the law," said the official. The MSRTC employees are demanding a hike in salary in line with the 7th Pay Commission recommendations. Their strike, which entered the fourth day today, has caused hardships to thousands of long-distance passengers planning to travel to their hometowns for Diwali. The official said the matter has been taken up at the highest level. "The matter is being taken up the highest level. Therefore, I am not in a position to comment when the strike will end." The MSRTC has 17,500 buses in its fleet that make 56,756 trips everyday. The corporation, which has 1,02,980 employees, has an annual turnover of Rs 7,000 crore. The transport undertaking incurs a loss of little less Rs 2 crore per day (pre-strike figure). Asked whether the corporation was in a position to ensure operation of private buses, the official said, "Yes, we could manage to run 26 private buses today. But honestly speaking, these are too little to meet the demand." "In addition, private bus owners had already booked their passengers ahead of Diwali. Therefore, they are transporting their own passengers," said the official. Meanwhile, in Sangli in western Maharashtra, a group of striking employees threw stones at a private vehicle. However, no injuries were reported in the stone-pelting incident. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The nation will pay homage to the policemen martyred in firing by Chinese troops in 1959 and 34,400 others who laid down their lives protecting India's unity, at a special function here tomorrow, the home ministry said today. Home Minister Rajnath Singh will lead the nation to pay homage to 10 policemen besides 34,408 other police personnel, who have sacrificed their lives since independence to safeguard the unity and integrity of the nation. Observed as 'Police Commemoration Day', October 21 commemorates the sacrifices of the 10 policemen while defending India's borders with China in 1959, a statement by the ministry said. The Indian police personnel were responsible for manning the 2,500 mile long border of India with Tibet until the autumn of 1959. On October 20, 1959, three reconnaissance parties were launched from Hot Springs in North Eastern Ladakh in preparation for further movement of an Indian expedition which was on its way to Lanak La. While members of two parties returned to Hot Springs, the third one comprising two police constables and a porter did not return, the statement said. The remaining forces were mobilised next morning in search of the missing personnel. A party of about 20 police personnel led by Karam Singh, a Deputy Central Intelligence Officer (DCIO) rank officer, proceeded on horseback while others followed on foot in three sections. At mid-day, the Chinese Army personnel were seen on a hillock who opened fire and threw grenades at the Indian party, the statement said. Since there was no cover, most personnel were injured. Ten of the brave police personnel attained martyrdom and seven others sustained injuries in the incident. Bodies of the 10 personnel were returned by the Chinese on November 13, 1959, three weeks after the incident. The bodies were then cremated with full police honours at Hot Springs in Ladakh, it said. The annual conference of Inspectors General of Police of States and Union Territories held in January 1960 decided that October 21 would, henceforth, be observed as 'Commemoration Day' in all police lines in the country to mark the memory of these gallant personnel, the statement said. It was also decided to erect a memorial at Hot Springs, and that members of police forces from different parts of the country trek to Hot Springs every year to pay homage to the gallant martyrs. Since independence, 34,418 police personnel have sacrificed their lives for safeguarding the integrity of the nation and providing security to people of this country, the statement said. During the last one year i.e. from September 2016 to August 2017, 383 police personnel have laid down their lives. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Andhra Pradesh government appears unwilling to acquiesce to Odisha's request that work on construction of Polavaram multipurpose project be stopped forthwith till the latter's concerns were addressed. A minister has said the state government has all the required clearances for the multi-purpose irrigation project, accorded national project status by the Centre. "We have all the clearances and we will go ahead with the construction," Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Devineni Umamaheswara Rao asserted. He alleged opposition parties in AP were instigating other states (a reference to Chhattisgarh and Odisha), by raising the Polavaram issue in Parliament, to get the project stalled. On October 10, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wrote a letter to his AP counterpart Chandrababu Naidu requesting that the construction work of Polavaram be stopped immediately till his state's concerns were addressed. In the letter, Patnaik said construction of Polavaram was going on at a rapid pace without correctly assessing the design, flood and backwater extent in Malkangiri district of the state. He also stated that the construction was in violation of Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal Award. "The construction work on the project is going on without any further permission by MoEF&CC (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) as per record available with the government of Odisha. No efforts have been made to resolve the issues relating to Odisha," Patnaik said. When his reaction was sought to this, the AP minister told reporters yesterday that there was no question of stopping the construction. "We want to complete the project by 2019," he added. Rao accused YSR Congress and Congress leaders of instigating the neighbouring states over the project. "Our opposition parties have been trying hard to get the project stalled but we will not let them succeed," he asserted. The dam, being constructed across the Godavari river, has its reservoir spread in parts of Chhattisgarh and Odisha. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stones of five reconstruction projects here and hit out at the Congress, saying he was not allowed to carry out redevelopment work after the 2013 deluge when he was Gujarat chief minister. Offering prayers at the Kedarnath shrine, he said his visit to the Himalayan temple had strengthened his resolve to serve the nation. Serving people was true service of the lord, the prime minister said after offering 'rudrabhiskek' at the high altitude shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Modi, who had visited the shrine in May this year, laid the foundation stones of five major reconstruction projects at Kedarpuri. These include improved facilities for devotees, construction of retaining walls and ghats at the Mandakini and Saraswati rivers, an approach road to the shrine and reconstructing Adi Guru Shankaracharya's tomb which was devastated in 2013. He described the projects as ambitious and expensive but said there would be no dearth of funds to ensure that they are completed in a time-bound manner. As chief minister of Gujarat, he said he had offered to take the responsibility of reconstructing areas surrounding the temple when the tragedy had struck in 2013, killing thousands of people. People from different states had perished and he could not stop himself from rushing to the state after the disaster, he said. "I expressed my wish to carry out reconstruction work at Kedarnath to the then chief minister of the state who agreed in principle. "In my excitement I shared the development with the media and within an hour TV channels flashed it, causing a storm in New Delhi. They (UPA government) viewed the development with a kind of alarm as they thought the Gujarat chief minister will now reach Kedarnath and mounted pressure on the then state government not to agree to my request." The then chief minister had no choice but to issue a statement saying it did not need the help of the Gujarat government, Modi said. "I went back disappointed. But perhaps Baba (Lord Shiva) had decided that the responsibility of doing reconstruction work at Kedarnath should be assigned to no one else but to Baba's son," he said. The chief minister at the time was Vijay Bahuguna, who was with the Congress but is now with the BJP. Modi also got nostalgic remembering the days spent in Garurchatti near Kedarnath before entering politics. "Some acquaintances I met today reminded me of my time spent in Garurchatti. They were important moments of my life. I wanted to settle down permanently in this soil and spend all my life at Baba's feet. But Baba perhaps willed it differently. "He perhaps did not want me to spend all my life at the feet of just one Baba and sent me out to serve 125 crore people of the country as their service is the true service of God," he said. Modi had visited in May when the portals of the Himalayan shrine were reopened for devotees after remaining closed for six months for the winters. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Barack Obama has returned to the campaign trail for the first time in months, railing against the "politics of division" after keeping a low profile and avoiding direct confrontation with his White House successor. Speaking yesterday at a rally in New Jersey to support a Democratic Party candidate for governor, the 56-year-old former president took aim at the fear and bitterness that marked the 2016 campaign which led to Donald Trump's presidency. "What we can't have is the same old politics of division that we have seen so many times before, that dates back centuries," Obama said at the event in Newark for Phil Murphy. "Some of the politics we see now, we thought we put that to bed. That's folks looking 50 years back," Obama added. "It's the 21st century, not the 19th century." Obama was due to appear later yesterday at a Richmond event to support his party's gubernatorial candidate in Virginia. Voters in both states will decide the contests on November 7, one year after Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton and stormed into the White House on a wave of anti- establishment fury. The races are potential indicators of voter sentiment ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, which will be a major test for Trump and his Republican Party. University of Virginia political science professor Larry Sabato said the New Jersey and Virginia governor races are the only "big elections" for 2017. "What's at stake is bragging rights headed into the 2018 midterm elections," Sabato told AFP. Obama has remained largely detached from the political debate since leaving office on January 20, in keeping with presidential tradition. He waded in gingerly in New Jersey, and it was unclear if he would deliver a more emphatic anti- Trump message in Richmond. Trump has meanwhile used his first nine months in the White House to methodically demolish key Obama administration policies. After three months of vacation Obama began writing his memoirs. He has said little in public and granted almost no interviews. The few times Obama broke his silence was to comment on issues of national importance, such as immigration, health care and climate change. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The WHO has administered oral cholera vaccine to over 700,000 people in Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar area, the world's second largest oral cholera vaccination drive by the world health body. The first phase of the campaign to protect the Rohingyas and host communities from the diarrhoeal disease was launched on October 10. It has covered 700,487 people aged one year and above and 179,848 of them are children between one and five, WHO Representative to Bangladesh N Paranietharan said. The second phase is scheduled for early November to give an additional OCV dose to children aged between one and five, for added protection. It is the world's second largest oral cholera vaccination drive by the WHO. "The coverage is commendable as the oral cholera vaccination campaign was planned and rolled out against very tight timelines." "It demonstrates the commitment of the Ministry of Health, Bangladesh, partners on the ground, as well as partners such as GAVI and the International Coordinating Group on vaccine provision, to help secure the health and wellbeing of these immensely vulnerable people," Paranietharan said. "We will organise another round for these children to provide them with a second dose that will better protect them against this dangerous disease, Edouard Beigbeder," the UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh said. The vaccination campaign supplements other preventive measures, such as increased access to safe water, adequate sanitation and good hygiene. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif was today indicted by an anti-graft court in a third case of corruption related to his investments abroad and in other offshore companies. Accountability Court Judge Mohammad Bashir charged 67- year-old Sharif in absentia for holding assets beyond his known sources of income, and read out a charge sheet to his pleader Zafir Khan. It was one of the three cases of corruption and money laundering registered by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against Sharif and his family on September 8. The cases were registered after the Supreme Court disqualified Sharif as prime minister on July 28 in the Panama Papers scandal. Khan on behalf of Sharif pleaded not guilty to the charges. Sharif is in London with his ailing wife Kulsoom, who is suffering from throat cancer and has undergone three surgeries so far. Talking to media in London yesterday, Sharif once again assailed his disqualification and termed his indictment in absence as "murder of justice". He also announced to come back before hearing of October 26. There were also reports that he would come back on Sunday. The court in Islamabad was told that his sons - Hassan and Hussain - were his dependents in 1989 and 1990. However, Sharif submitted a record of assets for Hassan from 1990-1995, the charge sheet read. The charge sheet observed that Sharif had held important positions in public office, including those of the chief minister and the prime minister. The Accountability Court yesterday indicted Sharif in the Avenfield Properties and Al-Azizia Company cases through his pleader, while charges against his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Capt (retd) Muhammad Safdar were framed in the Avenfield reference in their presence. Now, Sharif has been indicted in all the three cases instituted against him. His sons - Hasan and Husain - are also co-accused in all three cases but their trial would be held separately. The Sharif family pleaded not guilty to the charges, claiming that they were denied the fundamental right to a fair trial. Sharif, the former three-time prime minister, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the filing of multiple graft cases against him by the country's anti- corruption watchdog. His lawyer maintained that the multiple cases were "violative of his (Sharif's) fundamental rights" under the constitution as all the cases deal with one accusation about making assets beyond known means of income. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan and North Korea have not been invited to the first 2-day global conference on consumer protection to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here next week, Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said today. As many as 24 Asian nations including Japan, China, South Korea, Afghanistan, Thailand and Myanmar have been invited for the international conference, he told reporters. "We have not invited Pakistan and North Korea for the event after taking views of the external affairs ministry. The event of this kind is being organised for the first time," Paswan said. Being organised in association with UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) with the theme, 'Empowering consumers in new markets', the event will kick off on October 26 at Vigyan Bhavan, he said. The objective of the conference is to share initiatives taken in connection with the implementation of the UN guidelines with regard to consumer protection. The conference will deliberate on various trends and challenges faced by consumers in areas such as e-commerce, inclusion in financial services, education and empowerment, addressing the needs of vulnerable and disadvantages sections, the minister added. The global event has been planned following a suggestion by the UN body which in its recent meeting had emphasised on strengthening regional cooperation on issues related to consumer protection. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) It turned out to be a double whammy for the family of a retired bus driver as his two sons were among the eight killed when a portion of an old building of the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) collapsed here today. A pall of gloom descended on this town and surrounding villages, from where the deceased hailed, even as the trade unions blamed the state government for the tragedy, alleging that it had ignored their concerns about the safety of the over-65-year-old structure. The two brothers -- Prabhakaran and Balu -- had literally followed the footsteps of their father Jambukesan, who had retired about 15 years ago, in their professional life to become TNSTC drivers. Their village Kalahasthinapuram, about 25 kms from here, was shocked by the of their demise. The two brothers had finished their duty last night and were sleeping in the retiring room as they had to report to work early in the morning. In all, fifteen crew members were sleeping in a room on the first floor which collapsed at 3.15 AM, killing eight of them. While four persons managed to escape unhurt, the remaining three received injuries, officials said. Meanwhile, state Handlooms Minister O S Manian and Transport Minister M R Vijayabhaskar visited the villages of the eight deceased. Accompanied by Nagapattinam District Collector C Sureshkumar, they handed over cheques of Rs 7.5 lakh each to the kin of the deceased as announced by the chief minister. Meanwhile, along with various opposition parties, the trade unions too blamed the TNSTC and the government for the tragedy. The TNSTC authorities had ignored the complaints about the "precarious" condition of the building housing the bus depot, trade union leaders here alleged. The main building was built in 1943 by the then leading private bus operator, Sathi Vilas Bus Service. The portion which collapsed was constructed in 1952. The state government took over the bus service in 1972 as part of its nationalisation drive and the buildings constructed by the private operator were used for the administrative wing since then. The officebearers of many TNSTC unions, including the CITU, said the ill-fated building was in a "precarious" condition and that they had submitted representations to the authorities, urging them to refurbish it or construct a new structure. DMK district secretary Nivetha Murugan said the workers had long been complaining that the building was leaking during the rainy season. Echoing similar views, CPI(M) state executive member Shanmugam demanded action against the TNSTC officials. TNSTC workers staged demonstrations at Porayar, Sirkazhi and Mayiladuthurai, demanding justice for the families of the deceased. They also sought demolition of the existing building and construction of a new structure on a war footing to ensure the safety of the employees. Condoling the death of the eight persons in the tragedy, VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan, in Coimbatore, pressed for the formation of a committee to identify the weak buildings housing various government offices across the state and their renovation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Even as the Bombay High Court has recommended setting up a circuit bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Goa, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar today said it is not possible. The Goa bench of Bombay high court earlier this month quashed a notification of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change which said that cases emanating from the coastal state would be heard by the NGT's principal bench at Delhi instead of the NGT bench at Pune. The high court set aside the notification in response to PILs, restoring the jurisdiction of Pune bench over the cases from Goa, and also suggested that a circuit bench of the green tribunal be set up in the state. "Personally, I am not in favour of setting up a circuit bench of NGT in Goa. It is not possible," Parrikar said, speaking to reporters here. Setting up a circuit bench "is not an easy task", he said. "The government has already made its stand clear that Pune was proving to be logistically inconvenient and putting a significant financial strain on the exchequer of the state of Goa," he said. The state government had informed during the hearing before the high court that there was no space for setting up a circuit bench at the old district court building or the Spaces Building at Patto Plaza in Panaji, Parrikar added. Environmental activists had challenged the Union ministry's decision to shift the jurisdiction over Goa cases from the Pune NGT bench to Delhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Smoke from bursting of crackers has not only affected the air quality but also the lungs and hearts of many people in Delhi with a 15 per cent rise in the number of patients visiting AIIMS due to cardio-pulmonary problems. Night-long Diwali revelries left the capital city polluted this morning, as the air quality took a sharp plunge and entered the 'severe' zone, triggering health complications. At the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), there was a rush of patients, complaining of heart and breathing problems, as compared to the average number of people visiting the facility before the festival, doctors said. "There has been a 15 per cent rise in the number of people visiting the AIIMS after Diwali for cardio-pulmonary problems. And, in the next 24-48 hours, more patients can be expected with such health issues," AIIMS Director and noted pulmonolgist Randeep Guleria said. At the Safadrjung Hospital too, many patients turned up, complaining of coughing and respiratory issues. At the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, where 15 cases of burn injuries were reported, four patients with breathing difficulty came to the casualty ward, the hospital authorities said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ramco Systems, an enterprise software provider on cloud and mobile, today announced it has set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in Indonesia under the name PT Ramco Systems Indonesia to address growing momentum in Asia. The Indonesian subsidiary will be Ramco's sixth one in Asia and 24th office, globally. The new office will employ local staff and focus on bringing cloud-based technology to transform Indonesian enterprises in the area of HR, Payroll and Logistics ERP, a company statement here said. As the largest economy in ASEAN, Indonesia has been witnessing good adoption of digital technologies in the enterprise front. According to a recent report, Indonesia is expected to see buoyant demand for enterprise solutions driven by improved infrastructure, stable and growing economy and employable IT workforce. "As one of the fastest growing regions for Ramco, Asia has expanded its footprint into newer markets and strengthened partner ecosystem, substantially. "Our thrust is to bring the best of Innovation, technology and global best practices and combine it with regional nuances to address the business needs in the region. We look forward to becoming, Indonesia's most trusted cloud enterprise software provider," Ramco Systems CEO Virender Aggarwal said. With Singapore as the regional headquarters, and offices in China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Philippines, Ramco Systems in Asia has seen a steady growth for its product offerings - Logistics ERP, HCM and Aviation MRO, the release said. For the year ended March 31, 2017, Asia Pacific region contributed 31 per cent to the overall revenue. The company has an 'Innovation Lab' in Singapore funded by the Singapore Government with anchor partner Air France Industries & KLM Engineering (AFIKLM). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The liberation of Raqqa by the Syrian Democratic Forces with the support from the US-led international coalition is a "critical milestone" in the global fight against the ISIS which is a "brutal terrorist organisation", US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said today. US-backed militias has declared the "total liberation" of the Syrian city of Raqqa, which for more than three years was the de facto capital of Islamic State (ISIS) terror group. The US lead the 73-member Global Coalition that supported this effort, which has seen ISIS's so-called caliphate crumble across Iraq and Syria. "Our work is far from over but the liberation of Raqqa is a critical milestone in the global fight against ISIS, and underscores the success of the ongoing international and Syrian effort to defeat these terrorists," Tillerson said as he congratulated people of Syria and the Syrian Democratic Forces including the Syrian Arab Coalition. "ISIS's loss of Raqqa does not mean our fight against ISIS is over," he said. Tillerson said the Global Coalition will continue to draw on all elements of national power military, intelligence, diplomacy, economic, law enforcement, and the strength of its communities until all Syrians are liberated from the ISIS' brutality and it can ensure that it can no longer export its terror around the world. "The Coalition will continue its relentless campaign to deny ISIS safe haven anywhere in the world, and sever its ability to recruit, move foreign terrorist fighters, transfer funds, and spread false propaganda over the internet and social media. We are confident that we will prevail and defeat this brutal terrorist organisation," he said. Tillerson said while the US continues the fight to ensure ISIS is defeated militarily in Syria, the country and other Coalition members are making every effort to remove explosives left by the terror outfit and take critical humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations. "We are also supporting the efforts of the Raqqa Civil Council and other local Syrian actors to re-establish basic security and deliver essential services to stabilise communities, refurbish schools, and help facilitate the safe and voluntary return home of displaced Syrians," he said. Raqqa was occupied by the Syrian opposition forces in 2013 and was embroiled in a destructive civil war before being seized by the ISIS in January 2014, the time when the city was declared the capital of the terrorist group's so-called "caliphate". During the civil war in Raqqa, the local population lived in a cross-fire of destruction brought about by continuous conflict between the Syrian regime and the opposition. Under ISIS, Raqqa became a magnet for foreign terrorists. Residents were forced to live under a brutal regime that routinely carried out public executions, extortions billed as "taxation," and forced conscriptions, the Pentagon said. In a separate statement, Pentagon said the ISIS used its three-plus year occupation to convert Raqqa into a fortified military prison. The terrorist group used hospitals, mosques, schools and otherwise-protected sites as cover for the planning, execution and support of military operations. The ISIS also committed violations of human rights for which individuals will be held accountable. Raqqa was a key location for the ISIS's planning, financing, execution or inspiration of terrorist activities throughout the world, including attacks in Paris, Brussels, Nice, Manchester, it alleged. The fight to liberate Raqqa commenced with Coalition Strikes against the ISIS in support of the ground assault by Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) June 6. By September 3, the SDF had made significant gains and secured the Ancient Mosque in the old city center. This prevented the mosque from succumbing to the same fate as the Al Nuri Mosque in West Mosul, Iraq, which the terrorists destroyed in June 2017. "An ethnically diverse force with local elements leading the fight, the SDF conducted a highly effective, professional operation in a difficult urban area to free the city," said Coalition director of Operations, Brigadier General Jonathan Braga. "They fought tenaciously and with courage against an unprincipled enemy, taking great care to move the population trapped by Daesh (ISIS) away from the battle area and minimise civilian casualties," Braga said. While symbolic, the SDF's liberation of Raqqa does not mean the end of ISIS terrorism, the Pentagon said. "The military defeat of Daesh is essential, but not sufficient," said Coalition commander Lt General Paul E Funk II. "We are still fighting the remnants of Daesh in Iraq and Syria, and will continue to facilitate humanitarian efforts assisting citizens adversely affected by a brutal occupation, who face a long battle to gain their freedom. A tough fight still lies ahead," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The authorities today imposed restrictions in most parts of the old city here to foil the separatists' plan of staging protests against the braid- chopping incidents in Kashmir. According to the Srinagar district magistrate, restrictions under section 144, CrPC were imposed within the police station limits of Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, M R Guj, Safakadal and partially in Kralkhud and Maisuma. The restrictions were imposed as a precautionary measure to avoid any untoward incident, he said. A police official said there was no major untoward incident reported from anywhere in the Valley during the day. The separatist groups have called for peaceful protests against the braid-chopping incidents in the Valley, which have created a fear psychosis, especially among the women. As the authorities foiled the separatists' plan today, the latter have called for a general strike tomorrow across the state against these attacks on women. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A dual citizen of Israel and Russia has been extradited to the United States to face charges in a money laundering case. Stanislav Nazarov is accused in a scheme to defraud a large reinsurance company in India. Prosecutors say the director of that company was duped through a cyber-phishing scheme into wiring USD 1.4 million to a bank account in the US. Nazarov then allegedly had a portion of that money transferred to him in Israel. He was among a group of 19 people indicted earlier this year in federal court in Washington. His extradition was announced yesterday. Online court records don't list a defence attorney. The FBI's Washington field office is among the law enforcement agencies that investigated the case. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Donald Trump directed his administration to have a strategy on South Asia and the Indo-Pacific region that takes "full advantage" of the US' "very close" ties with India after his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a senior American official has said. The official said the Trump Administration sees a tremendous potential in the bilateral relationship. Modi and Trump met for the first time at the White House on June 26. It is said that the meeting between the two leaders was highly successful. "With the president building on the momentum of Prime Minister Modi's visit to the United States really directed us to ensure that that we had a strategy for Asia and the Indo- Pacific that took full advantage of the tremendous potential of the largest democracy in the world and our very close relationship with India," a senior Administration official told PTI. Following Trump's direction to his national security leadership, top US officials had "looked at the areas where our interests are aligned with India", the official, who wished anonymity, said, adding that there is a "complete confluence of interests". "In every area from diplomatic cooperation, to military cooperation, to economic growth and development, to coping with it with discrete problem sets... We said that we really want to enhance our cooperation with India and to develop a really a true partnership that advances both our interests," the official said. The official said both the South Asia Policy and Indo- Pacific policy took shape in the weeks after the Modi-Trump meeting in the Oval Office. Modi was the first foreign leader who had a dinner hosted by Trump in the White House. Since then, top leaders of the two countries have remained in constant contact with several high-profile meetings and visits following. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had his first meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in September in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. A day later, Defence Secretary Jim Mattis flew to India to meet Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Early this month, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had successful meetings with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. Tillerson will visit India next week and delivered a major India-policy speech on Wednesday. It is also very well possible that Mattis and Sitharaman will meet again soon with the officials working on another meeting between Trump and Modi on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit to be held in the Philippines next month. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sean Penn's lawyers have warned Netflix against releasing a documentary about Mexican druglord El Chapo, which suggests the Hollywood star helped the US Department of Justice (DoJ) capture the drug kingpin. The series "The Day I Met El Chapo: The Kate del Castillo Story" details the episode when del Castillo, a Mexican actress, and Penn secretly met one of the world's most wanted men in October 2015. Penn wrote an article about the meeting for Rolling Stone that was published just a day after Joaquin Guzman Loera, also known as El Chapo, was captured. The actor is said to be upset with the documentary as it apparently implies that he helped the authorities in their capture of El Chapo, reported the New York Times. "It is reprehensible that, in their ongoing, relentless efforts to gain additional attention and publicity, Ms del Castillo and her team (who have zero firsthand knowledge) have sought to create this profoundly false, foolish, and reckless narrative," Mark Fabiani, a spokesman for Penn, said. "The notion that Mr Penn or anyone on his behalf alerted D.O.J. to the trip is a complete fabrication and baldfaced lie. It never happened, nor would there have been any reason for it to have happened." David Broome, who produced the series, said, "We never say in this documentary that Sean Penn is in cahoots with the D.O.J." In a statement, Netflix said: "Penn was given the opportunity on multiple occasions to participate in 'The Day I Met El Chapo' and did not do so. The events surrounding the now-infamous meeting have been well covered, including by Penn himself in Rolling Stone and his many public comments since. The only new ground we're breaking with this series is to give Kate a chance to finally tell her side of this stranger-than- fiction story. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lanka plans to restrict the import of three wheeler taxis, supplied mostly by an Indian automaker, due to their increasing involvement in the fatal accidents, the Transport Minister said today. Sri Lanka has over 1.2 million three wheeler taxis, popularly known as trishaws, plying on its roads which have also become a major self employment avenue. "We have over a million trishaws and our roads cannot take any more," Transport Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told Parliament. "About 18 per cent of the fatal accidents involve a three-wheeler," de Silva said. The three wheelers, popular among younger drivers, are mostly supplied by Indian automaker Bajaj Auto. Due to the high number of road accidents from three wheelers, there has been a growing public demand to restrict their driving licences to those above the age of 35 years. More than 85 trishaw drivers operating in the capital Colombo were killed in the first seven months last year. According to police statistics, about 124 trishaw passengers had been killed in the same period. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India has expressed grave concern over the spike in terror attacks in Afghanistan and demanded that states "hosting" terrorists and their sanctuaries must eliminate them immediately. Condemning the "barbaric" attack on an army camp in Kandahar province in which 43 soldiers were killed, the Ministry of External Affairs said the recent strikes "demonstrate" that safe havens and support systems continue to be available to terrorists. "We strongly condemn the barbaric attack today at the Afghan National Army base in Kandahar province," MEA said in a statement yesterday. It said India is "gravely" concerned at the escalation of terrorist violence against Afghanistan, despite hopes kindled recently by new strategies as well as efforts to bring peace in the country. "Coming on the heels of similar tragedies in Paktia and Ghazni, we share the grief of the families of the victims and the suffering of the Afghan people," the ministry said. In what is being seen as a clear reference to Pakistan, it added, "States hosting the terrorists and their sanctuaries must eliminate them immediately and without distinction." These concerns were also highlighted by the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, the statement said. "The beginning of Afghan-owned and Afghan-led national reconciliation requires an end to violence." It added, "India expresses solidarity with the people and the Government of Afghanistan in these difficult times." In his visit to Kabul earlier this week, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and the top brass of the country's military establishment. Issues relating to defence and security cooperation were discussed during the meetings. At least 43 Afghan soldiers were killed and nine wounded in a Taliban-claimed assault on a military base in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday. The terrorists blasted their way into the compound with at least one explosives-laden Humvee, the Afghan defence ministry said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Suicide bombers struck two mosques in Afghanistan during Friday prayers, a Shiite mosque in Kabul and a Sunni mosque in western Ghor province, killing at least 63 people at the end of a particularly deadly week for the troubled nation. The Afghan president issued a statement condemning both attacks and saying that country's security forces would step up the fight to "eliminate the terrorists who target Afghans of all religions and tribes." In the attack in Kabul, a suicide bomber walked into the Imam Zaman Mosque, a Shiite mosque in the western Dashte-e- Barchi neighborhood where he detonated his explosives vest, killing 30 and wounding 45, said Major General Alimast Momand at the Interior Ministry. The suicide bombing in Ghor province struck a Sunni mosque, also during Friday prayers and killed 33 people, including a warlord who was apparently the target of the attack, said Mohammad Iqbal Nizami, the spokesman for the provincial chief of police. No group immediately claimed responsibility for either attack, the latest in a devastating week that saw Taliban attacks kill scores across the country. In the Kabul attack, eyewitness Ali Mohammad said the mosque was packed with worshippers, both men and women praying at the height of the Muslim week. The explosion was so strong that it shattered windows on nearby buildings, he said. Local residents who rushed to the scene to help the victims were overcome with anger and started chanting, "Death to ISIS, a reference to the Islamic State group which has staged similar attacks on Shiite mosques in recent months. Abdul Hussain Hussainzada, a Shiite community leader, said they are sure that Afghanistan's IS affiliate was behind the attack. "Our community is very worried," Hussainzada told The Associated Press. Dasht-e-Barchi is a sprawling neighborhood in the west of Kabul where the majority of people are ethnic Hazaras, who are mostly Shiite Muslims, a minority in Afghanistan, which is a Sunni majority nation. As attacks targeting Shiites have increased in Kabul, residents of this area have grown increasingly afraid. Most schools have additional armed guards from among the local population. The so-called Islamic State in Afghanistan has taken responsibility for most of the attacks targeting Shiites, whom the Sunni extremist group considers to be apostates. Earlier this year, following an attack claimed by IS on the Iraqi Embassy in Kabul, the militant group effectively declared war on Afghanistan's Shiites, saying they would be the target of future attacks. Several mosques have been attacked following this warning, killing scores of Shiite worshippers in Kabul and in western Herat province. Residents say attendance at local Shiite mosques in Kabul today has dropped by at least one- third. Hussainzada, the spiritual head of Afghanistan's ethnic Hazaras, said the suicide bomber had positioned himself at the front of the prayer hall, standing with other men in the first of dozens of rows of worshippers before exploding his devise. He appeared to be Uzbek, added Hussainzada. Members of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan militant group, who are in Afghanistan in the hundreds, have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State affiliate, known as the Islamic State Khorasan Province, an ancient term for what today includes parts of Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Central Asia. The attack on the Sunni mosque in Ghor province took place in the Do Laina district, according to Nizami, the police spokesman. Nizami says the target apparently was a local commander, Abdul Ahed, a former warlord who has sided with the government. Seven of his bodyguards were also killed in the bombing. In his statement, President Ghani said the day's attacks show that "the terrorists have once again staged bloody attacks but they will not achieve their evil purposes and sow discord among the Afghans." It has been a brutal week in Afghanistan, with more than 70 killed, mostly policemen and Afghan soldiers but also civilians as militant attacks have surged. The Taliban have taken responsibility for the earlier assaults this week that struck on security installations in the east and west of the country. Overnight on Wednesday and into yesterday, the Taliban killed at least 58 Afghan security forces in attacks that included an assault that nearly wiped out an army camp in southern Kandahar province. And on Tuesday, the Taliban unleashed a wave of attacks across Afghanistan, targeting police compounds and government facilities with suicide bombers, and killing at least 74 people, officials said. Afghan forces have struggled to combat a resurgent Taliban since US and NATO forces formally concluded their combat mission at the end of 2014, switching to a counterterrorism and support role. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A suspected Islamic State recruiter has been arrested in the Russian city of Saint Petersburg, officials have said. Tajikistan national "Farkhod Nazarov, suspected of aiding terrorism, has been arrested and will be detained until December 12," said a statement from a court in Russia's second city, scene of a deadly underground train bombing in April. The 33-year-old suspect recruited central Asian targets online "to wage jihad in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan and to organise terrorist acts on Russian territory," according to security sources cited by the local press. Nazarov was arrested on Thursday in the town of Kingisepp, near to the border with Estonia in the Saint Petersburg region. When Russian special forces arrested him he was carrying a pistol, a quantity of drugs and "literature of an Islamist nature", according to Russian media. Since Russia -- a decades-long ally of Damascus -- first intervened militarily in Syria in 2015, it has faced reprisal threats from Islamic State and from the rebel jihadist group Al-Nosra Front, the Syrian affiliate of Al-Qaeda. IS has claimed responsibility for several attacks in Russia. In August, a man stabbed seven people on the street in the Siberian city of Surgut, before being shot and killed. The following week two men stabbed a policeman to death and wounded another in the volatile region of Dagestan in Russia's North Caucasus before he too was shot dead by police. Earlier this month the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the killing of two policemen in Dagestan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Priyanka Chopra has said that people like Harvey Weinstein are not an anomaly to Hollywood, saying women are sexually harassed at the hands of powerful men everywhere. The 35-year-old actor said that this behaviour was not the result of sexual gratification needs, but about having control over people, reported Marie Claire. "I don't think there's 'a' Weinstein. I don't even think there's one Weinstein in Hollywood. There are a lot more men, and not just in India, but everywhere else. Just men trying to take away power (from women). "It is not about sex, it is about power. About putting a woman in 'her lane.' For the longest time women have been told only one of us will survive. Only the best girl will get the job. But that just can't be tolerated anymore," Priyanka told Anne Fulewider in a discussion at 2017 Marie Claire Power Trip. The "Quantico" star compared the film industry to a "big boys' club", where women always live with the fear that one wrong move can cost them their career. "In our business, if you don't stroke someone's ego, or network, you're threatened that you'll not get that movie. Or this 'big boys club' will get together and boycott you. "So, as a woman you feel alone, that my work might get shattered, because this club can just take that away. It's an isolating feeling. The easiest thing to take away from a woman is her work," she said. Priyanka added women have been told that femininity is a weakness since time immemorial and there cannot be a bigger myth. "So what if I'm in heels? So what if I wear a dress? We've been told our femininity is our weakness, but it is not. We can be compassionate. We can be tough. When you open your mouth, you deliver," she said. Recently, many Hollywood stars such as Lupita Nyong'o, Lena Headey, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Cara Delevingne among others have accused Weinstein of sexually harassing them, with Rose McGowan claiming he raped her. A growing number of Indians visiting pilgrimage places are not necessarily going there to seek only religious or spiritual fulfilment, but also look for other experiences and adventures, a survey has revealed. "Most travellers are seeking a holistic experience when they travel to destinations traditionally known for their religious symbolism. They now look for more experiences to club with their pilgrimage to optimise their travel," according to 'Connected Pilgrims Survey' conducted by OYO. The survey was conducted across 11 cities - Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Patna, Bengaluru, Chennai, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad and Kolkata - through detailed in-person interactions with 1,700 respondents. "Travel to religious destinations is among the largest segment of domestic travel business. In the last few years, these destinations have seen a resurgence, particularly as young people visit them for the range of experiences they offer like arts and craft in Pushkar, rafting adventures in Rishikesh, culinary delights of Amritsar," OYO Founder and CEO Ritesh Agarwal said. He said the opportunities at these destinations - both for travellers and service providers - are fragmented, primarily due to infrastructure issues and lack of standardised option. "We have found that Indian travellers are looking for a holistic experience when they travel, even to religious destinations. These pragmatic pilgrims often travel as family -group spanning different age-groups, and therefore, look for a variety of experiences. "Those travelling with friends of the same age-group also often look for interest-based activities to make the holiday memorable," he added. The survey has revealed that about 65 per cent respondents visit a site of pilgrimage for reasons other than religion or spirituality, while 55 per cent travelled to a pilgrimage destination impulsively. Wi-Fi connectivity at accommodation, even at a religious destination, rated as very important by 35 per cent respondents, it said. Further, it said nearly 60 per cent update their social media profiles at least once a day. About 25 per cent pilgrims look forward to shopping an equal number seek club or leisure activities in such trips, it added. It also found that short weekend breaks appear to be the growing norm for pilgrimage travel. "Over 50 per cent stated that their pilgrimage duration would be between 1-2 days," it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The last two of eight prototypes for President Donald Trump's proposed border wall took shape Thursday at a construction site in San Diego. The prototypes form a tightly packed row of imposing concrete and metal panels, including one with sharp metal edges on top. Another has a surface resembling an expensive brick driveway. Companies have until October 26 to finish the models but Border Patrol spokesman Theron Francisco said the last two came into profile, with crews installing a corrugated metal surface on the eighth model on a dirt lot just a few steps from homes in Tijuana, Mexico. As the crews worked, three men and two women, one carrying a large red purse, jumped a short rusted fence from Tijuana into the construction site and were immediately stopped by agents on horseback. Francisco said there have been four or five other illegal crossing attempts at the site since work began September 26. The models, which cost the government up to $500,000 each, were spaced 30 feet (9.1 meters) apart. Slopes, thickness and curves vary. One has two shades of blue with white trim. The others are gray, tan or brown in sync with the desert. Bidding guidelines call for the prototypes to stand between 18 and 30 feet (5.5 and 9.1 meters) high and be able to withstand at least an hour of punishment from a sledgehammer, pickaxe, torch, chisel or battery-operated tools. Features also should prevent the use of climbing aids such as grappling hooks, and the segments must be "aesthetically pleasing" when viewed from the US side. The administration hasn't said how many winners it will pick or whether Trump will weigh in himself. There is currently 654 miles (1,052 kilometers) of single- layer fence on the 1,954-mile (3,143-kilometer) border, plus 51 miles (82 kilometers) of double- and triple-layer fence. "I'm sure they will engage in a lot of tests against these structures to see how they function with different challenges," US Rep Bob Goodlatte, a Virginia Republican who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, said Tuesday after touring the construction site. Trump has asked Congress for USD 1.6 billion to replace 14 miles of wall (22.4 kilometers) in San Diego and build 60 miles (96 kilometers) in Texas' Rio Grande Valley, the busiest corridor for illegal crossings. Here's a rundown of companies building prototypes, their headquarters and value of their contract. Two are making one concrete prototype and another using other materials. (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.) President Donald Trump has created a destructive atmosphere of "chaos politics" with his prolific use of Twitter for policy announcements and incendiary remarks alike, former secretary of state John Kerry has said. In an interview with Swiss public broadcaster RTS in Geneva yesterday, Kerry slammed Trump's frequent and often controversial tweets. "More and more Americans are finding the tweet phenomenon tiring, destructive and interruptive of the genuine kind of dialogue," he said. "I think it creates a chaos politics, and that's not good," he added. Trump has used Twitter as a platform to announce major shifts in both domestic and foreign policy, to criticise allies, taunt US adversaries and threaten North Korea. "It is without precedent, this kind of chaotic presidency. I can't think of any time it has been seen in modern times," the former secretary of state said. Kerry, who served as the top US diplomat for four years under former President Barack Obama, was particularly critical of Trump's tweets publicly chastising current Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Earlier this month, the president for instance took to Twitter to accuse the former ExxonMobil CEO of "wasting his time" trying to negotiate with North Korea. Such tweets are "very, very unproductive, very counter- productive," Kerry said. "I think it is very difficult to be a secretary of state when the president is undermining you very publically, as he has been," he added. (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.) The United Nations has "tremendous potential" but has been underutilised over the years, US President Donald Trump said today as he welcomed chief of the world body to the White House for a meeting. The meeting between Trump and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to focus on Trump's reform agenda, the Iran nuclear deal, Middle East peace prospects and global extremism. "I have to say the United Nations has tremendous potential. It hasn't been used over the years nearly as it should be," Trump told reporters as he met Guterres in his Oval Office. "We have just started," he said, adding that the world body is "almost a power to bring people together" like nothing else. "It hasn't been used. You are starting to really get your arms around it, and I have a feeling that things are going to happen with the United Nations like you haven't seen before," he said. Trump praised Guterres for his efforts to reform the world body. "I am a true believer that we live in a messy world, but we need strong reforms, a modernised UN, we need a strong United States engaged, based on its traditional values - freedom, democracy, human rights, and we need a very solid cooperation between the US and the UN," Guterres said. Trump said in September that the UN had not reached its potential because of "bureaucracy and mismanagement". He had called upon the UN to change "business as usual and not be beholden to ways of the past which were not working". He also suggested the US was paying more than its fair share for UN operations. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Unicef says the children who make up most of the nearly 600,000 Rohingya Muslims who have fled violence in Myanmar are seeing a "hell on earth" in overcrowded, muddy and squalid refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh. The UN children's agency has issued a report that documents the plight of children who account for 58 per cent of the refugees who have poured into Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, over the last eight weeks. Report author Simon Ingram says about one in five children in the area are "acutely malnourished." The report comes ahead of a donor conference Monday in Geneva to drum up international funding for the Rohingya. "Many Rohingya refugee children in Bangladesh have witnessed atrocities in Myanmar no child should ever see, and all have suffered tremendous loss," Unicef Executive Director Anthony Lake said in a statement. The refugees need clean water, food, sanitation, shelter and vaccines to help head off a possible outbreak of cholera a potentially deadly water-borne disease. Ingram also warned of threats posed by human traffickers and others who might exploit children in the refugee areas. "These children just feel so abandoned, so completely remote, and without a means of finding support or help. In a sense, it's no surprise that they must truly see this place as a hell on earth," Ingram told a news conference in Geneva. The report features harrowing colour drawings by some children being cared for by Unicef and other aid groups who are scrambling to improve living conditions in Cox's Bazar. Some of the images show helicopter gunships and green- clad men firing on a village or on people, some of whom are spewing blood. The influx of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar began on Aug. 25 following militant attacks on border guards. Refugees have fled burning villages and provided accounts, like the children's drawings, of security forces gunning down civilians. The UN and humanitarian agencies seek $434 million for the Rohingya refugees, about one-sixth of which would go to Unicef efforts to help children. Uttar Pradesh Minority Welfare Minister Baldev Singh Aulakh today lashed out at Azam Khan for saying the Taj Mahal will be "destroyed" like Babri Masjid "was demolished with dynamite", and accused him of making such statements to create tension between two communities. The minister said that SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav and party chief Akhilesh Yadav should clarify as to why Khan made such remarks. "On what basis Khan has very confidently stated that the Taj Mahal will be blown up when Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has emphatically termed the Taj a national monument, our pride and heritage," the Bilaspur MLA asked. Former minister Khan had on October 18 said, "It is almost definite that the Taj Mahal will be destroyed because whatever (historian) PN Oak wrote in his book, all of that is being implemented by the fascist forces of India and the RSS." Oak had written "there stood a Shiva temple in Ayodhya. If the Babri Masjid could be destroyed because people believe there stood a temple instead, then no place of worship in India is safe", Khan had said. "The kind of atmosphere which was there before the Babri Masjid was demolished with dynamite was created long before the actual event took place. There was a high court and a supreme court stay and the then chief minister had submitted an affidavit to the court. Despite all this, Babri Masjid was demolished with dynamite," he had said. The verbal exchange of tirade between Aulakh and Khan had begun in May when the BJP leader had expressed his resolve to hold a Janta Darbar in a guest house on the premises of the Jauhar University, which is owned by the SP leader. Khan had responded by threatening to blow up the guest house if anyone tried to lay a hand on it. "It was Azam Khan who had threatened to blow up the guest house of his own Jauhar University but had backtracked saying he did not posses dynamite. What Khan says and what he does remain contradictory," Aulakh told PTI over phone. Aulakh said Khan should present evidence if says that a conspiracy was being hatched to "destroy" the Taj. He said the former minister was making such remarks to create tensions between two communities to regain lost power. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US today condemned the terrorist attacks on two mosques in Afghanistan's capital Kabul and Ghor province in which at least 63 people were killed. During Friday prayers, suicide bombers yesterday struck a Shiite mosque in Kabul and a Sunni mosque in western Ghor province. "In the face of these senseless and cowardly acts, our commitment to Afghanistan is unwavering," State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said. The United States stands with the government and people of Afghanistan and will continue to support their efforts to achieve peace and security for their country, she said. In a statement, Nauert strongly condemned yesterday's attacks, as well as the other attacks carried out across the country this week. She hailed the Afghan government and its security forces for their response to the attacks. "We commend the government and security forces of Afghanistan for their response to these attacks, and we offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who were killed," the spokesperson said. In the attack in Kabul, a suicide bomber walked into the Imam Zaman Mosque, a Shiite mosque in the western Dashte-e- Barchi neighbourhood where he detonated his explosives vest, killing 30 and wounding 45, said Major General Alimast Momand at the Interior Ministry. The suicide bombing in Ghor struck a Sunni mosque, also during Friday prayers and killed 33 people, including a warlord who was apparently the target of the attack, said Mohammad Iqbal Nizami, the spokesman for the provincial chief of police. No group immediately claimed responsibility for either attack, the latest in a devastating week that saw Taliban attacks kill scores across the war-torn country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US military says it carried out a drone strike this week against al-Shabab in Somalia, shortly after the extremist group was blamed for the country's deadliest attack. The US Africa Command tells The Associated Press that the strike occurred Monday about 35 miles southwest of the capital, Mogadishu. The US says it is still assessing the results. Saturday's truck bombing in Mogadishu killed more than 300 people and wounded nearly 400 others. The US has carried out several drone strikes in the Horn of Africa nation since President Donald Trump approved expanded military operations against the group this year. Al-Shabab has not commented on the truck bombing, which Somali intelligence officials say was meant to target Mogadishu's heavily fortified international airport. Several countries have embassies there. (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.) The US embassy has warned its citizens in Senegal of a "credible threat" of a terror attack in the capital Dakar, advising them to take special care when visiting places and areas popular with Westerners. The embassy also told its own staff members to stay away from seaside hotels in Dakar. A message, issued on Wednesday to US citizens in the country, warned them "to be vigilant when visiting establishments and staying at hotels frequented by Westerners due to a credible threat related to potential terrorist activity in Dakar". It went on to advise US nationals to "review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings," while banning embassy personnel from staying at the seaside hotels until the first week of December. The Canadian government yesterday issued a similar warning to its nationals in the west African nation. Unlike many of its neighbours Senegal is not known to have suffered from terror attacks. Dakar is set to host several international events in coming weeks, including the International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa on November 13-14. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US "has not seen a significant change" in Pakistan's selective support to terror groups operating from its soil to threaten regional stability in Kashmir, or against American interests and Afghanistan, a top Trump administration official said today. His remarks came amid US officials praising Pakistan for its help in securing the release of a US-Canadian couple abducted by the Haqqani terror network in Afghanistan. Caitlan Coleman, an American citizen, and her husband Joshua Boyle, a Canadian citizen, were kidnapped in 2012 in Afghanistan while on a backpacking trip. Coleman, 31, was pregnant at the time of abduction. All of the couple's three children were born in captivity. "We have not seen a significant change in their (Pakistan's) selective support of terrorist organisations that operate against our national security interests and operate against Afghanistan, or operate in a way that threatens regional stability in Kashmir with India," the official told PTI. "So, we need to suspend judgement and wait to see if there is a change in behaviour," he said, requesting anonymity. Many US officials have said that the release of the American-Canadian family was reflective of the changes in Pakistan's approach. "It is way too early to make any judgement on Pakistan if there has been any change. In what we have communicated to Pakistani leaders is that we will keep our expectations low," the official said, reiterating that the US has not seen any significant change in Pakistan's support to terrorist groups. The Trump administration, the official said, is going to do "anything to incentivise the continued support of terrorist organisations as we have in the past year by allowing Pakistan to enjoy the benefits of a warm relationship and with the US". That "warmth and trust that we had in the Pakistanis was not reciprocated," he said. America's relationship with Pakistan, the official said, has changed and it is unlikely to see the repeat of the past. "It (US-Pakistan relationship) already has changed. It has changed because we are determined to remove any ambiguity about the nature of our relationship with Pakistan by adding a great deal of clarity," the official said. The senior administration official explained that this is a clarity "that no longer permits obfuscation about behaviour that cuts against our interests, a behaviour that is often cloaked in the status of a non-NATO ally". So, for anyone who has questions about the nature of Trump administration's policy towards Pakistan and how that fits in to what it wants to achieve in Afghanistan and broadly across South Asia then they should just go to the speech given by President Donald Trump in August wherein he laid out clear expectations from Pakistan in the fight against terrorism. "He (Trump) held out tremendous possibilities associated with our relationship with Pakistan. But made very clear that we would not be able to realise those opportunities and the potential and the relationship until we until we saw an end to the contradictions in that relationship," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Top US lawmakers, including Indian-Americans, have greeted Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains on the occasion of Diwali and said that the festival of lights sends an important message of setting aside their differences and working together as one. Diwali is a time of spiritual renewal and is celebrated all across the country and around the world by billions of people, said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu lawmaker in the US Congress. Diwali is observed not only as a fun holiday, but as a time to celebrate the victory of light over darkness, truth over untruth and righteousness over wrong. "As we gather for the beautiful Festival of Lights this year, we reflect on the opportunity each of us has to overcome our differences with one another and find ways to be of service to others," Gabbard said. This meaningful holiday celebrates the pursuit of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil, said Congressman Joe Crowley. "It is a time for reflection and renewal, and a time for peace. As people from many backgrounds come together to celebrate Diwali, let us all be reminded of the important message of setting aside our differences and working together as one," he said. This year's Diwali is a wonderful chance to celebrate our community's contributions in business, technology, health care, arts, academics and much more, said Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera. "The Indian-American community represents the best of the American dream and I ask everyone to raise a light in celebration. Over the next decade, I look forward to building Washington as another hub for members of our community," he said. Congresswoman Judy Chu said this joyous occasion marks the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness. "During this time of reflection and renewal, let us also celebrate the rich cultural diversity that strengthens the fabric of our great nation. Saal Mubarak to all," he said. Diwali, the festival of lights, is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance, said Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna. "I am proud of my Hindu faith and wish a happy Diwali to all who are celebrating in California, and across the country. It is important that regardless of religion we all take time to reflect on the light in our lives and what we can do to make that light shine brighter," he said. Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said for Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains here in the US and across the world, Diwali represents a time for giving thanks, and celebrating the triumph of light over darkness as well as good over evil. "This holiday is a time for families to gather, light lamps in the home, and pray for good health and peace. To all those who celebrate, I wish them a safe and happy Diwali," Krishnamoorthi said. Noting that the Festival of Lights marks a long tradition of victory through perseverance the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance, Congresswoman Barbara Lee said that in these challenging times, Diwali offers all an opportunity to celebrate peace with families and communities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two influential US lawmakers have expressed concern over human rights violations in Pakistan's Sindh province, saying disappearances of activists and other atrocities should be a major topic of conversation in all discussions between Washington and Islamabad. In the past year, the UN Human Rights Committee, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the State Department's own Report on Human Rights have all noted serious concerns about extra-judicial and targeted killings and disappearances in Pakistan and, particularly in Sindh, Congressman Brad Sherman said. "Human rights abuses of this type cannot go unanswered. Activists disappear under suspicious circumstances. It is our obligation to speak out and demand accountability," Sherman, the Ranking Member on the Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee and the founder and chair of the Sindh Caucus, said. These disappearances and other violations of human rights should be a major topic of conversation in all bilateral discussions between the US and Pakistan, he said, ahead of the visit of US Defence Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to Islamabad in the weeks to come. At a news conference here, Sindhi Foundation alleged that there has been a spike in enforced disappearances of scores of human rights activists including the well-known leader of the Voice for Missing Persons of Sindh, Punhal Sario. "I fully support your efforts to call attention to these abuses and to demand that they end. I urge Prime Minister (Shahid Khaqan) Abbasi to provide information on the whereabouts of Sario and other disappeared activists, and ensure their immediate release," Congressman Adam Schiff said. Condemning abduction, torture and killing of writers, students and political activists in Pakistan, executive director of Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition Leonce Byimana called upon the US government and other rights groups to denounce the egregious human rights abuses taking place in Pakistan and take a stand against repressive regimes worldwide. Hajan Kalhoro of the World Sindhi Congress alleged that Pakistani security agencies are responsible for these abductions, torture and killings in Sindh as well as Balochistan. "The security agencies' modus-operandi is to abduct, torture and hold activists incommunicado for as long as they see fit. Later, activists are either killed and dumped on the roadside or released after they have been physically and psychologically traumatised," he said. Nabi Bakhsh Baloch, the leader of the Baloch National Movement, told reporters that mass killings, torture and disappearances committed by Pakistani state security forces could not weaken the resolve of Sindh and Balochistan to become free nations. Mumtaz Khan, representative of the struggle of Pakistan- occupied Kashmir (PoK) for rights and freedoms said, "enforced disappearances of political activists by Pakistani security forces are largely linked to the people's opposition to CPEC ($50-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) and Chinese hegemony in the region". Sufi Laghari, Sindh rights activist and founder of Sindhi Foundation, said that the state of Pakistan responsible for the enforced disappearances of youth should one day disappear from the globe as a country. (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.) China has said that US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's assertion to shore up ties with India and his criticism of Beijing smacked of "bias", as a state-run media termed it as an attempt by Washington to lure New Delhi to counter-balance Beijing. Ahead of his first visit to India, Tillerson said the US "will not shrink from China's challenges to the rules-based order and where China subverts the sovereignty of neighbouring countries and disadvantages the US and our friends." "In this period of uncertainty and angst, India needs a reliable partner on the world stage. I want to make clear: with our shared values and vision for global stability, peace and prosperity, the US is that partner," Tillerson had said at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies - a Washington-based think tank. Playing down his criticism of China and remarks to deepen ties with India, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters yesterday that "many media are very interested in the development of relations between India and the US". "We are happy to see the development of relations between these countries as long as they are conducive to the peaceful development of the region and enhancement of relations among the regional countries," he said. On Tillerson's remarks branding China a "predatory rule breaker" specially in the South China Sea and leaving countries in debt, Lu said US should take more objective look at Chinas development. "China steadfastly upheld the international order with the UN at the core and based on the purposes and principles of UN charter we will firmly uphold the multilateralism yet we will also firmly safeguard our own interests and rights," he said. China hopes that Washington can look Chinas development in objective way as well as China role in the international community, Lu said. US should "abandon its biased views on China and work with it towards the same goal to uphold the momentum for a steady and sound China relations," Lu said. "Although the US State Department claims that the US- India relationship is in response to 'negative Chinese influence in Asia', Washington understands that this expression is more political rather than practical," Hu Zhiyong, a fellow researcher at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of International Relations, told Global Times. "The US is surely aware of the fact that Sino-US relations outweigh US-India relations. Tillerson's way of speaking was just to comfort India before Trump's scheduled visit to China in November," said Jiang Jingkui, director of Peking University's South Asian Languages Department. Hu noted that the US policy making in South Asia is cantered on Afghanistan, with the focus more on regional stability rather than simply containing China. For that reason, to effectively safeguard Afghan stability, the US still needs China's assistance, he added. "In Washington's new South Asia policy as sketched out by Tillerson, the US intension of turning New Delhi into a stronghold to counterbalance Beijing could not be more obvious," an article in state-run Global Times said. It is not hard to comprehend such a move, which the US has been practicing for quite some time, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US has initiated an antidumping duty investigations against import of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin from India and China, according to the US Department of Commerce. The probe is being started to determine whether imports of PTFE resin from China and India "are being dumped in the US, and a countervailing duty investigation to determine whether producers of PTFE resin in India are receiving alleged unfair subsidies," the department said in a statement. The PTFE is mostly used as a non-stick coating for utensils. The department has stated that the estimated dumping margins alleged by the petitioner range from 23.4 per cent- 408.9 per cent for China and 15.8 per cent to 128.1 per cent for India. In the antidumping investigations, it said the department would determine whether imports of the resin from China and India are being dumped in the American market at less than fair value. On the other hand, it said, in the countervailing investigation, it will determine whether Indian producers of PTFE resin are receiving unfair government subsidies. If the department establishes that the products are being dumped, they can impose duties on those imports. "In 2016, imports of PTFE resin from China and India were valued at an estimated USD 24.6 million and USD 14.3 million, respectively," it added. Countries initiate anti-dumping probes to determine if the domestic industry has been hurt by a surge in below-cost imports. As a counter-measure, they impose duties under the multilateral WTO regime. Anti-dumping measures are taken to ensure fair trade and provide a level-playing field to the domestic industry. They are not a measure to restrict imports or cause an unjustified increase in cost of products. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US has said it would continue to work with Russia on issues that serves its national security interest, expressing hope that the two countries would team up to confront the Syrian crisis and the North Korean aggression among others. Maintaining that Russian interference would not be tolerated, the White House said yesterday the onus lies with Russia as to what type of relationship they want with the US. "A lot of that depends on Russia, and what type of relationship they want to have, and whether or not they want to be a good actor or a bad actor," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters at her daily conference. "We are going to continue trying to work with them on certain things that are very important, particularly for national security. On things like Syria, North Korea, the US would like to be able to work with them to confront some of those threats." "Some of that will be determined by the actions that Russia takes and how they want to be perceived," she said in response to a question on remarks made by former US President George W Bush in New York this week. In his speech, Bush was critical of President Donald Trump but refrained from naming him. "The Russian government has made a project of turning Americans against each other... Russian interference will not be successful; foreign aggression, including cyber attacks, disinformation and financial influence, should never be downplayed or tolerated," Bush said. Sanders said the Trump administration agrees that Russian interference should not be tolerated. "Do we agree that Russian interference shouldn't be tolerated? Absolutely. And we've said that many times before, and certainly would argue that has been repeated at least a dozen times from this podium," she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The West Bengal government has proposed a meeting on October 25 to take stock of the state's jute situation which is getting murkier. The meeting likely to be headed by a senior official of the agriculture department will be held in presence of the jute commissioner, official sources told PTI. It would be a follow-up of the Group of Minister's meeting held on October 16. This meeting would review procurement situation of gunny bags for the kharif marketing season of 2017-18, the sources said. The other issues on the agenda includes jute situation of the state. West Bengal government was trying to coordinate with central agencies on the problems of jute mills and farmers. Raw jute situation is turning to be alarming for the state government as farmers are allowed to go for distress sale of jute even Rs 700 below minimum support price. According to state government, Jute Corporation of India (JCI) was operating 27 direct purchase centres out of 171 in West Bengal. JCI has purchased just 28,000 bales under MSP out of the total state production of 65 lakh bales in state. The Centre's decision of procuring only low weight bags of 580 g replacing 665 g bags since December 2015 has created lot of problem for the state. It has created surplus TD6 raw jutes while deficit of higher grade jute in the state is making it double whammy for state government. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Days after a court restrained news portal 'The Wire' from publishing or broadcasting reports based on an article published by it regarding a company of BJP chief Amit Shah's son, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said he would neither speak himself about "Shah-zada" not allow others. "Mitron (friends), will not speak about 'Shah-zada', nor will let anyone speak," he tweeted in Hindi, referring to an interim injunction granted by an Ahmedabad court on a criminal defamation case filed against The Wire by Jay Shah, the son of the BJP president. Gandhi also tagged a news report report entitled, "Ahmedabad Court injunction: 'The Wire' barred from writing on Jay Shah". Zada, zade or zadi are Persian suffixes used as part of titles for members of royalty, denoting the sons and daughters of a king. Additional Senior Civil Judge of Ahmedabad (rural) court had granted an injunction on Jay Shah's plea on Monday restraining the defendants from publishing, printing, telecasting, broadcasting or holding debates in any language on the basis of the article published by the news portal, pending hearing and disposal of the matter. The Wire had recently published an article claiming a company owned by Jay Shah saw a huge rise in its turnover after BJP came to power at the Centre in 2014. Following the publication of the article, the Congress party demanded the removal of Amit Shah as BJP president and constitution of a two-member judicial commission of inquiry comprising judges of the Supreme Court to go into his son's business dealings. Both the Congress and Gandhi, its vice president, repeatedly questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "silence" on the issue. Gandhi earlier took a swipe at the BJP and the government over the latter extending legal help to Jay Shah in the defamation case. "The State's legal help for Shah-zada! Why this, why this Kolaveri Da?," he had earlier tweeted. Tushar Mehta, Additional Solicitor General of India, a top law officer of the Centre, will appear for Jay Shah in the defamation case. Bangladesh's embattled former premier Khaleda Zia has surrendered before a local court that granted her bail in graft and defamation cases, a week after it issued an arrest warrant against her. "The bail was granted on conditions that she would inform the court before leaving the country in future," an official of the court told reporters yesterday. He said Zia, 72, also the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), had to give a bond of Taka 100,000 (USD 1211) for obtaining the bail. Surrounded by her party activists, Zia came to the court complex in old Dhaka and surrendered before the judge, a day after she returned home from London after a three-month visit. Court officials and lawyers said she appeared on the dock and sought the bail this morning at the makeshift court set up on Alia Madrasha ground at Bakshibazar in the old city. After granting the bail, the court held a routine hearing wherein she gave an hour long statement claiming her innocence in the graft cases. The judge fixed October 26 as the date for the next hearing. "She also claimed that cases filed against her are false, motivated and imaginarily made up and aimed at harassing her," a defense lawyer said, adding she was allowed to speak as the court accepted her petition to give a statement. Court officials and lawyers said Dhakas Metropolitan Magistrate issued the first warrant as Zia failed to appear in another court over a case accusing her of undermining the Bangladeshs map and national flag. She is being tried for inducting in her 2001-2006 cabinet the people who were opposed to the country's independence and committed crimes against humanity by siding with the Pakistani troops. She obtained the bail against the second warrant issued by Dhakas Fifth Special Judge's Court as she evaded appearance in a case involving her alleged corruption with funds of an orphanage trust named after her husband and slain president Ziaur Rahman. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BERLIN (Reuters) - Daimler lifted the outlook for its trucks division for a second time in three months on Friday while its overall profit fell on costs related to diesel-engine updates, vehicle recalls and restructuring. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) at Daimler Trucks, the group's second-largest unit by revenue, will significantly exceed year-ago levels after jumping by a third to 614 million euros ($725 million) in the July-to-September period, the company said. Daimler and rivals in the truck industry including Sweden's Volvo and Volkswagen have seen rising demand this year for commercial vehicles. In late July, Daimler said it expected EBIT at trucks operations to be flat after previously guiding for profit to fall below 2016 results. "Truck growth is in full swing, and order books are going from strength to strength," said Bernstein analyst Max Warburton who has an "Outperform" rating on Daimler stock. Quarterly truck orders at Daimler surged 47 percent thanks to strong demand in North America and Asia where the German manufacturer is market leader, and increased 11 percent in Europe, according to Warburton. Volvo's shares hit a record high on Friday as it also raised its outlook for truck markets on both sides of the North Atlantic this year and forecast a further strong recovery in 2018. Daimler shares were flat at 68.92 euros as of 1207 GMT. GROUP COSTS BITE Group operating profit at Daimler meanwhile slipped to 3.98 billion euros from 4.04 billion a year earlier, including 523 million euros in one-time costs. Daimler spent 223 million euros last quarter to update over three million Mercedes diesel-engine models in Europe to curb pollution and help avert driving bans. It added another 230 million euros to fund a recall of more than 1 million Mercedes models worldwide to address potential unintended air bag deployments. Besides another 70 million euros for trucks restructuring, Daimler said it also needs to spend 100 million euros to fund a planned reorganisation of its passenger-cars and trucks units. "If special items are excluded, Daimler delivered excellent results, with trucks and luxury cars being the main drivers," said LBBW analyst Frank Biller who has a "Buy" recommendation on the shares. Third-quarter sales of luxury Mercedes-Benz cars rose 7.9 percent to a record 573,026 models, powered by strong demand for sport-utility vehicles such as the GLA and GLC models and the E-Class. That beat the 1.2 percent gain to 499,467 autos at rival BMW, which Mercedes last year eclipsed as the world's biggest premium automaker by sales, and the 3.6 percent rise to 471,850 cars at Volkswagen's Audi brand. The group stuck with its guidance for a significant increase in group EBIT this year and said it expects EBIT at its finance arm to also significantly beat year-earlier levels, having previously guided for earnings to rise only slightly. Separately, Daimler has asked the European Commission to act as principal witness in investigations of an alleged collusion among German carmakers to be exempt from potential fines, finance chief Bodo Uebber said on an earnings call. European Union and German antitrust regulators have been investigating whether Daimler, VW, BMW, Porsche and Audi colluded to discuss prices, suppliers and standards to the detriment of foreign carmakers. "In principle, this is about possible antitrust agreements (among German carmakers) that have been discussed in the media some time ago," Uebber said, declining to be more specific. ($1 = 0.8472 euros) (Reporting by Andreas Cremer; Editing by Maria Sheahan and Elaine Hardcastle) (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Niklas Pollard and Johannes Hellstrom STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Sweden's AB Volvo reported a bigger-than-expected rise in quarterly core earnings on Friday as stronger demand for heavy trucks more than offset costs stemming from strains on its supply chain. Sweden's biggest manufacturer by sales also raised its outlook for truck markets on both sides of the North Atlantic this year and forecast a further strong recovery in sales of commercial vehicles in North America in 2018. "These are blow-out numbers," Handelsbanken Capital Markets analyst Hampus Engellau said. Handelsbanken has a "Buy" recommendation on the stock. Volvo shares gained 6 percent in early business, building on gains of 45 percent this year. Volvo and rivals in the truck industry such as Germany's Daimler and Volkswagen have hit a sweet spot this year with rising or already robust demand in all major commercial vehicles markets. The broad upturn in demand was also in evidence in German auto giant Daimler's quarterly results, also released on Friday, with a double figure rise in deliveries and 32 percent jump in earnings at its trucks division. Yet the buoyant demand has also come at a cost, with strained supply chains leading components maker SAF-Holland to scale back its 2017 margin outlook this month, while Volvo's profitability was dented in the second quarter. Volvo said stretched components supply had continued to have its impact in the third quarter, but with a 13 percent rise in truck deliveries and sharply higher earnings in its construction equipment arm, this was easily shrugged off. Adjusted third-quarter operating profit at Volvo rose to 7.02 billion Swedish crowns ($861 million) from 4.85 billion crowns in the year-ago period and beat a mean forecast of 6.20 billion crowns seen in a poll of analysts. "There are really no negatives here," Engellau said. "Construction Equipment is really strong and the trucks business continues to deliver in a seasonally weak quarter. Also order intake is extremely strong and it seems demand will accelerate even further ahead." Volvo has begun reaping the benefits of a 10 billion crown cost-cutting drive and set a target in August to reach its highest profitability since the sale of its car making arm to Ford nearly two decades ago. Gothenburg-based Volvo said order intake of trucks at the group, which also includes brands such as Mack, Renault and UD Trucks in its stable, grew 32 percent in the quarter, beating the 15 percent rise seen by analysts. ($1 = 8.1513 Swedish crowns) (Reporting by Niklas Pollard and Johannes Hellstrom; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu/Keith Weir) (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US Department of Commerce said on Thursday it had begun an investigation into whether imports of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin from India and China were being dumped on the US market. The department said it was also initiating a countervailing duty (CVD) investigation to determine whether producers of PTFE resin in India are receiving unfair subsidies. These investigations were initiated based on petitions filed by the Chemours Company on September 28. According to the petition filed by Chemors, the estimated alleged dumping margins ranged from 23.4 per cent to 408.9 per cent for China, and 15.8 to 128.1 per cent for India, the Commerce Department said in a statement. It said unfair subsidies to India were substantial enough to investigate. The Commerce Department estimated that in 2016, imports of PTFE resin from China were valued at $24.6 million and India at $14.3 million. The department "will act swiftly, while assuring a full and fair assessment of the facts, to ensure that everyone trades on a level playing field", Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement. On Tuesday, the Commerce Department said it had launched an investigation into whether imports of another resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), from Brazil, Indonesia, South Korea, Pakistan and Taiwan were being dumped in the US market. I was told that Indias President was Pranab Mukherjee and, no, I didnt ask Alia Bhatt. I was quizzing Amazons assistant Alexa on current affairs, after my wife received an Echo Dot as a gift from her US-based aunt. A quick Google search and I had Alexa up and running in no time. But there were a few compromises: I had to sign up for Amazon Prime Music using my US account and had to specify every time that I wanted the weather update for New Delhi, India. The U.S. Department of Commerce said on Thursday it had begun an investigation into whether imports of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin from India and China were being dumped on the U.S. market. The department said it was also initiating a countervailing duty (CVD) investigation to determine whether producers of PTFE resin in India are receiving unfair subsidies. These investigations were initiated based on petitions filed by the Chemours Company on September 28. According to the petition filed by Chemors, the estimated alleged dumping margins ranged from 23.4 percent to 408.9 percent for China, and 15.8 to 128.1 percent for India, the Commerce Department said in a statement. It said unfair subsidies to India were substantial enough to investigate. The Commerce Department estimated that in 2016, imports of PTFE resin from China was valued at $24.6 million and India at $14.3 million. The department "will act swiftly, while assuring a full and fair assessment of the facts, to ensure that everyone trades on a level playing field", Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement. On Tuesday, the Commerce Department said it had launched an investigation into whether imports of another resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), from Brazil, Indonesia, South Korea, Pakistan and Taiwan were being dumped in the U.S. market. China's central bank governor, Zhou Xiaochuan, warned on Thursday of the risks of a "Minsky moment," citing relatively high corporate debt and saying household lending was rising too quickly. On the sidelines of a key, twice-a-decade Communist Party Congress, Zhou pledged to fend off such risks. But what did he mean? DEFINITION The term, coined after American economist Hyman Minsky, refers to a sudden collapse of asset prices after a long period of growth, sparked by debt or currency pressures. In the "The Financial Instability Hypothesis" (1992), Minsky outlined how risks from debt can build up during periods of growth until they become excessive in an economy that otherwise appears to be stable. "In particular, over a protracted period of good times, capitalist economies tend to move from a financial structure dominated by hedge finance units to a structure in which there is large weight to units engaged in speculative and Ponzi finance." OTHER HIGH-PROFILE MENTIONS The term 'Minsky moment' is credited to U.S. economist Paul McCulley, who initially used it during the Russian financial crisis of 1998, around two years after Minsky died. Minksy's theories were again "rediscovered" during the global financial crisis of 2008. In a 2009 speech, current U.S. Federal Reserve chief Janet Yellen, who was then San Francisco Fed president, spoke on the lessons that Minsky offered central bankers, saying "the dramatic events of the past year and a half are a classic case of the kind of systemic breakdown that he - and relatively few others - envisioned." "One of the critical features of Minsky's world view is that borrowers, lenders, and regulators are lulled into complacency as asset prices rise." WHO IS MINSKY Hyman Minksy was born in Chicago in 1919. He earned a bachelor of science in mathematics from the University of Chicago, and master of public administration and a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard. He taught at Carnegie Tech, Brown University and the University of California, Berkley. From 1965 to 1990 he was professor of economics at Washington University in St Louis. He was then a distinguished scholar at Levy Institute from 1990 until his death, aged 77, in 1996. Minsky considered himself to be a Keynesian economist, but differed with mainstream economists on how to interpret the works of English economist John Maynard Keynes. His theories on financial crises did not gain public prominence during his life, but in the aftermath of the global financial crisis they became widely cited. ZHOU'S WARNING "If there are too many pro-cyclical factors in the economy, cyclical fluctuations are magnified and there is excessive optimism during the period, accumulating contradictions that could lead to the so-called Minsky Moment." "We should focus on preventing a dramatic adjustment." HOW MUCH DEBT DOES CHINA HAVE? A lot, but accounting is opaque and relatively little is held by foreign investors who could suddenly flee for the exits. The government says debt levels are generally under control and manageable, and notes the personal savings rate is high. It has embarked on a campaign this year to contain risks from debt, but officials have been careful -- some critics say too careful -- not to tighten the screws too much and hit economic growth. Zhou has said there is no quick fix and it could take years to bring down high debt down to more manageable levels. Corporate debt has climbed rapidly since China unveiled a massive stimulus programme to cushion the economy during the global financial crisis. But much is held by state-run firms. The state also controls much of the banking system and can be heavily influential in financial markets, where the first hints of trouble often arise. The International Monetary Fund said in August it expected China's total non-financial sector debt to rise to almost 300 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) by 2022, up from 242 percent last year. The IMF also warned this year that China's credit growth was on a "dangerous trajectory" and called for "decisive action", while the Bank for International Settlements said in late 2016 that excessive debt growth was signaling a banking crisis in the next three years. Global credit rating agencies S&P and Moody's both downgraded China's sovereign credit rating this year, citing worries about its rapid build-up in debt after years of credit-fueled stimulus used to meet official economic growth targets. S&P said on Tuesday that China has taken only "baby" steps in deleveraging so far and bigger strides are needed. While credit growth is showing signs of slowing, S&P says it is expected to continue outpacing economic growth, leaving China with thinner financial buffers to deal with any crisis. About four years ago, the 3D printing concept took the Indian market by storm. After establishing itself in developed countries, 3D printing emerged as a promising concept in the Indian market. The Indian market was quick to adopt to the new technology. Entrepreneurs saw an opportunity and due to initiatives taken by local assemblers and domestic manufactures, the 3D printers were available at affordable cost to consumers. In a short span, 3D printing presented a wide variety of opportunities ranging from designing studios, engineering companies and manufacturing units. The technology is specifically seen as a cutting edge in fashion and lifestyle, quick prototyping by engineering firms and medical & healthcare research. It would assist in achieving a much quicker product development in industries such as automotive, consumer goods and general engineering. Medical and healthcare industry can improve the quality of treatment and care by utilising patient specific solution. For fashion and lifestyle, the technology is particularly useful because the sector is highly design-orientated and values customisation of products. Designers would not be restricted by the inability of a manufacturing process while conceptualising a design. But the initial euphoria was short-lived. Some operational issues and odd practicalities has slowed down the initial boom and the sector is re-evaluating the market. The capital intensive nature of the industry coupled with high import cost of materials has started posing hurdles. Initially, a lot of design units, especially small mid-sized players, took to the technology but then they started feeling the pinch. They were not ready to put money in prototyping as an investment instrument but saw it as a costly expenditure. But 3D is a technology of the future and is here to stay. People have started realising that this new technology is a solution to many of their problems. Typically, doctors rely on equipment and prosthetic materials which are imported from the west. These equipment are not just costlier but also need several days to be procured as they are customized as per the needs of the patients. With the 3D technology, doctors in India have figured out substitutes that address the needs of patients at cheaper prices -- one-tenth of the original cost -- and in short span of time. While better understanding of the technology has led to better optimisation of the process, materials for 3D printing is now being engineered and locally procured due to which costs have come down drastically. So the technology was at one point being considered uneconomical for mass production, and difficult to be sustained has found its survival amidst innovation and evolution in the domestic market. The changing market trends are motivating manufacturers towards providing customised products. In short, the manufacturing industry is shifting from mass production to mass customization. The 3D printing does not need to aim towards mass production. However, it needs to make sure that the parts are technically and economically feasible for the application they are aimed at. Considering the availability of cheap mass produced items from China, people think that there's an uncertainty around 3D printing in India. India has always been a knowledge based economy that is driven by engineering, innovation and design. It's true that India is a price-sensitive market and cheap imports are in demand. The 3D printing industry is expected to be driven by higher demand for customisation, shorter product development cycles and a local design democratisation. We should make sure that local growth of design and innovation is not hampered by the lack of feasible manufacturing solutions. (The author is Founder, JUST 3D) ETATS-UNIS :: USA- CAMEROON: Why President Biya Addresses in an empty hall in New York ? :: UNITED STATES It will be remembered that Paul Biya is now an unnecessary head of state on the international matters.President Biya's long awaited speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, ended, without the presence of many head of states in the hall. As usual, Paul Biya began by congratulating President Trump, absent in the hall for his victorious ascension into the powers of the the World's most powerful country. He also saluted the contributions of US former Ambassador to Cameroon Michael Stephen Hoza, also absent, and finally congratulated the Secretary General of the UN Antonio Guterres, absent . Biya's speech session seemed to have been boycotted by other Presidents, as the hall was practically empty, with only his train of followers and UN officials present. President Biya used his less than 15 minutes stand on the podium to preach 'Terrorism' and 'Climate Change', forgetting the fire that is burning his house. Its also not the first time Biya has been abandoned apparently snoozing in public. Last year, Paul Biya was seemingly boycotted during the same United nations summit in New York. On that occasion, Paul Biya's spokesman Issa Tchiroma explained that his boss was not boycotted during the conference, but was rather present and appreciated by many head of states Whatever the explanation, this year, Paul Biya have been boycotted by other Presidents, as the hall was practically empty. Therefore, why President Biya, addresses in an empty hall in New York ? This is the question of the week We wish you a good debate and a good Sunday Do not hesitate to send us your questions for the debate. We thank Brice Ndoumen in advance for his contribution | BY Lynchy | CB Exclusive BMF has kicked off 2014 by luring Droga5s award winning creative director Cam Blackley as its new executive creative director. Cam Blackley (far left) heads BMFs creative team, which includes creative founder Warren Brown, Sydney Creative Director Justin Ruben and Melbourne Creative Director Carlos Furnari. Blackley, son of ad legend David Blackley, joins BMF with an impressive pedigree, bringing 20 years experience of outstanding work at leading international creative shops, including Droga5 New York, Publicis London and AMV BBDO London. He joined Droga5 Sydney in April 2008, eventually promoted to creative director. Blackley joins BMF with an impressive pedigree, bringing 20 years experience of outstanding work at leading international creative shops, including Droga5 New York, Publicis London, AMV BBDO London and, most recently, Droga5 Sydney. Over his career, Blackley has worked on a wide variety of brands including: Carlton United Breweries, Kraft, Cadbury, Sainsburys, British Telecom, Tracfone, Virgin Australia, The Economist, Nicorette and ING Direct Bank. While at Droga5 New York Blackley received a coveted D&AD Black Pencil for the internationally recognised The Million for The New York Department of Education. Other notable work includes: The Regulars TVC for Victoria Bitter, which picked up two D&AD Pencils and a Cannes Gold Lion, a beer saving freezer alarm for VB and most recently Boost Moreing for Cadbury Boost Bar that picked up a Yellow Pencil at D&AD in 2013. Cam has produced great work in Australia, London and New York. His ideas are fresh and quirky and have broad appeal, which is exactly the sort of work were known for doing at BMF. Cams leadership skills and understanding of Aussie culture will be a great addition to the BMF team, said BMF creative founder, Warren Brown (above, second from right Enero chairman Matthew Melhuish is pictured far right). Adds BMF CEO, Dominic Stinton (above, second from left): Im delighted Cam is joining BMF. Not only is he a top bloke, but his experience working for different agencies in different markets will bring another fresh perspective to the leadership team, as BMF continues to diversify and create world class work. Says Blackley: This is where I wholeheartedly thank Dave, Nobby and Duncan for more than eight years of mateship and mentorship. But this opportunity was simply too good to pass up. Im really looking forward to getting stuck in with Dom and Warren as partners in crime. Theres a great energy about BMF right now thats very attractive to be a part of, especially with the addition of Carlos in Melbourne to complement Rubes in Sydney. | BY Ricki Green | There are only a limited amount of spots left for this years second Copy School in Sydney, sponsored by NewsMediaWorks, with another world-class line-up of guest creative tutors. Copy School is designed to encourage the best quality copywriting across all media channels and engages some of Australias leading advertising creative directors and copywriters, as well as news media editors, to pass on their knowledge and experience. Copy School, to be held from Monday 27th November to Friday 1st December as five half-day workshops, is seeking up to 20 young copywriters, or those wanting to become a copywriter, to attend the workshop series. The convenor of this Copy School is Phillip Putnam who will host some of the industrys best senior creative talent and a senior newspaper editor. All tutors donate their time to be at the Sydney Copy School, including: Ted Horton chief creative officer Big Red, Melbourne Ralph Van Dyke, founder Eardrum Jonathan Kneebone founder/writer and project director The Glue Society Ben Sampson, creative director The Monkeys Rebecca Currasco, creative consultant Tim Brown, creative partner Disciple Rob Morrison, creative director, Ogilvy, Sydney Alexandra Smith, education editor, The Sydney Morning Herald Roseanna Donovan, creative consultant Copy School will provide participants with a real world brief that will be presented and critiqued on the final morning of the course. The workshop fee is just $250 per student. Copy School will donate the fully tax deductible fee to The Oasis Centre, Salvation Army. Copy School Sydney will be held at Fairfax Media, 1 Darling Island Road, Pyrmont from 9am to 12pm daily. | BY Ricki Green | Last night challenger agency, VCCP Sydney hosted Grow Bold, an exhibition of artwork from renowned photographer Simon Harsent and filmmaker Thibault Upton for aged care organisation Feros Care. The exhibition, which was held last night at the Black Eye gallery in Surry Hills, featured portraits and short-films that captured the stories behind Australians who are defying the stereotypes of aging and disability and instead choosing to grow bold. Amongst those featured were indigenous artists Euphemia Bostock and Danny Eastwood, 81 and 74; sailor Mary Bergstrom, 73; inventor Hans Van der Touw, 85; speed skater, actor, photographer Andrew Vial, 73; karate teachers Kay Melhuish, 77 and John Hamilton, 80; Mardi Gras pioneers Ron Harmer and Richard Winsbury; World Champion quadriplegic surfer Barney Miller and the effervescent party loving Dee Webb, Pamela Carsiniga and Cheng Chuah. The event saw many of those growing bold mixing with the clients, partners and friends of VCCP Sydney. Commenting on the Grow Bold work, VCCP ECD Gary Dawson said: Our eyes were opened up to a world of adventurous, go-getting, forward thinking seniors with an eat life attitude that could put many of us to shame. Their stories are both inspirational and humbling. As Mark Twain once said, Age is a matter of mind over matter. It doesnt matter, if you dont mind. And its this mantra, this philosophy that Feros Care want to promote and help Australians Grow Bold. VCCP Sydney would like to thank: Simon Harsent at The POOL COLLECTIVE Tom at Black Eye Gallery Feros Care Everyone at VCCP Team | BY Lynchy | BBDO Malaysia recently launched part two of their Heels in Steel initiative; the second event since launching in July. The initiative, aimed at sharing the inspirational stories of some of the most influential women working within the marketing industry, featured Nicole Tan, Country Director for Facebook Malaysia. Formerly the head of an advertising agency and with more than 20 years experience in the industry, both in Malaysia and overseas, Tans successful career provided a wealth of guidance for attendees. My advice is to discover what you are good at, what you enjoy, but most importantly, discover what your values are. This means both personal values, and company values too. Its not simply enough to put the posters on walls, its about standing by your own values, despite tough conversations or situations, said Tan. Tan spoke of her experience as she was just starting out in the industry, and how at 17 had set herself the goal or her North Star, as she put it to rise to MD by 35. By committing to her values of showing grit, focusing on impact and being bold, she was able to achieve her career goals. Prior to her move to Facebook, Tan was MD at JWT Malaysia. Farrah Harith McPherson, General Manager at BBDO Malaysia commented, Heels of Steel is an initiative which is a key part of our own values at BBDO. Our goal is to inspire and enable women to pursue their ambitions within the industry, at all levels, and go as far as their talent will take them. By inviting some of the most influential women in the business to share their inspirational stories, we hope to show that success is always achievable, regardless of gender. she concluded. Thursday, October 19, 2017 at 9:28PM Microsoft is looking to improve the capabilities of Cortana on Apples platform with this latest update. The company changed up the look of its artificial intelligence assistant app to make it simpler to supposedly offer a better user experience. Some of the new changes include being able to create reminders on the app in a simpler and faster way as well as getting a new look for the profile and settings page for managing preferences. According to Microsoft, theyve also tweaked performance to make sure there are faster page transitions and app responsiveness. On top of that, the update also brings the usual bug fixes and performance improvements. Source: MacRumors But he said he understood the six month grace period would still apply, despite the ban taking effect from March 1, and he would be seeking an "urgent briefing" from government once the bills were made public. There will still be new films in the festival, of course. Among them are Gaylene Preston's documentary My Year with Helen, (2017) about the bid by Helen Clark, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, to secure the position of Secretary-General of the UN, screening on the opening night; Cannes Film Festival Palme D'Or winner The Square, a satirical black comedy surrounding the publicity campaign for an art installation in a renowned Swedish museum; the Hungarian love story On Body and Soul (2017); and the world premiere of the feature documentary Oyster by Canberra filmmaker Kim Beamish . But there will be a renewed emphasis this year on screening older films. He also held grave concerns about the festival honouring Weinstein, saying the heavyweight producer "was known in the industry as not a pleasant person", the event was likely to be an exercise in sycophancy at a considerable financial cost to a relatively small arts organisation and Weinstein, in any case, was more a businessman than true artist. "The key issue for our members in this dispute is holding onto their existing workplace rights and job security, and there won't be a resolution until management take their harsh cuts off the table. Courts staff deserve far better than this." 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. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has stopped production of all its right-hand drive Chrysler and Dodge models. The vehicles were built at the companys facilities in Windsor and Brampton, Ontario and the cancellation will impact countries including South Africa and Australia. FCAs decision was reportedly made because it simply couldnt justify the costs of building right-hand drive models for only a select few countries. The decision also means both the Chrysler and Dodge brands will leave the South African market entirely. This unfortunate situation has arisen from our principals in the USA no longer building Chrysler or Dodge vehicles in Right Hand Drive configuration, FCA South Africa chief executive Robin van Rensburg told Allpar. As recently as November 2016, Fiat Chryslers Australian division said it was evaluating a business case for right-hand drive versions of the Dodge Challenger and Charger. However, the brands recent announcement means this will no longer happen. PHOTO GALLERY General Motors will resolve ignition switch claims from 49 U.S. states and the District of Columbia with a $120 million settlement. The companys ignition switch saga has already led to the deaths of 124 people and caused 275 injuries. Additionally, GM has previously spent some $2.5 billion in other penalties and settlements regarding the fault. Beyond the monetary settlement, this latest deal will prevent GM dealerships from selling certified pre-owned vehicles with uncompleted recalls, Reuters reports. Furthermore, GM will be ordered to have a team dedicated to improving recall awareness to owners. The carmaker was aware that issues with its ignition switches were a safety defect and could prevent the airbags from deploying in 2004. However, no attempts were made at fixing the issue until almost a decade later. While this settlement will prevent many lawsuits from going ahead, there are still many others relating to the ignition switch recall. PHOTO GALLERY From fictional characters, to people of various backgrounds and interests, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class appeals to all, or so the Germans want us to believe with their newest commercial. The odd spot shows the stylish pickup truck thats based off the Nissan Navara in different environments, from the roughest desert to the most stylish urban setting, where everyone becomes a follower, in the brands own words. Expect to see the first units of the X-Class on the streets of Europe before the end of the year, as order books have already opened. Following its arrival on the Old Continent, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class will then start shipping to other parts of the globe, such as South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand from early 2018, while a year later, the truck will go on sale in Argentina and Brazil as well. In case you missed the news, Mercedes-Benz will not sell the X-Class in the worlds largest pickup truck market, the United States. Depending on the market, customers will have the option of up to four engines at launch, which can be paired to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic transmission driving the rear or all four wheels. Mercedes will launch other powertrains in the near future. VIDEO Minivans, in general, are far from popular these days, but Mercedes-Benz isnt willing to let the B-Class go yet, as theyre working on a new generation of their practical and tall compact car. Spied in motion in Germany, this heavily camod prototype doesnt reveal much of its secrets on the outside, but from earlier sources, we know that it will look similar to the next-gen A-Class hatch. The small minivan is being developed alongside the rest of the brands compact models, with which it shares the same MFA architecture, developed by Daimler. By adopting this platform, the new B-Class is expected to lose weight, and benefit from the same upgraded engines as the upcoming A-Class that will sport a mix of Daimler and Renault-developed petrol and diesel units. Dont expect any radical AMG versions powered by the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine thats expected to make more than 400hp in the next A45, as the B-Class range will be kept simple, although some sort of electrification should be in the cards. While the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatch is expected to make its appearance next spring at the Geneva Motor Show, well have to wait until 2019 for the next B-Class. VIDEO In an exclusive story published on Tuesday, Cartoon Brew reported that Chris Savino had been suspended from Nickelodeon last week due to an internal human resources investigation. Cartoon Brew had learned that the 46-year-old industry veteran had been accused by a dozen women employees at Nickelodeon of inappropriate behavior and harassment. Following the publication of our story, others who had previously worked with Savino, including Bojack Horseman director Anne Walker Farrell, spoke out about earlier incidents of harassment that they had experienced from Savino. Over 200 women in the animation industry published an open letter today demanding an end to sexual harassment in animation studios. The idea for the letter was hatched last week and was partly a response to the Savino situation, which had not been publicly disclosed at the time. The Hollywood Reporter has reported that Nickelodeon Group president Cyma Zarghami also issued a staff memo today following Savinos dismissal that reaffirmed the networks non-negotiable commitment to a safe and professional workplace environment. The full text of Zarghamis letter is below: Photo: Thrill the World All of Kelowna's zombies are being called to gather in Stuart Park on Oct. 28 to dance to Michael Jacksons Thriller. Thrill the World Kelowna is back to pay tribute to the popular album released in 1982. People of all ages are invited to attend the dance. Those looking to practice beforehand can check out the moves by watching this video. Studio9 School of the Arts is hosting the free event. All we ask is that you bring some canned food, peanut butter, pasta and rice or diapers for the Salvation Army Christmas Food Drive, said Michael Guzzi of Studio9. The dance will begin at 3 p.m. on Oct. 28. Those looking to participate can sign up for the event here. Photo: Nicholas Johansen Daniel Ruff is facing second-degree murder charges for the death of his roommate in 2015. The jury in Daniel Ruff's second-degree murder trial is expected to begin deliberations Monday, after Crown and defence wrapped up their cases Wednesday. Ruff, 65, is accused of hitting his roommate of 15 months in the head with a hammer, as 51-year-old Warren Welters lay passed out in his bed. On Wednesday, Ruff took the stand in his own defence and admitted to killing Welters, but said it was in self defence, after Welters attacked him. While Ruff says the two mostly got along, in the months leading up to Welters' death, they had begun fighting more and more about bills. After two and a half weeks of the Crown's case, Ruff was the only witness to testify for the defence. On Monday, Crown and defence are expected to give their closing arguments to the jury, after which the jury will be sequestered for deliberation. Photo: City of Kelowna A new McDonalds may soon be coming to Rutland. A Vancouver real estate company has asked the City of Kelowna for permission to build the restaurant, which development documents indicate will feature a 24-hour drive-thru. If the city OK's the application, the new McDonalds will sit just off Highway 97, at the corner of Old Vernon Road and Rutland Road, next to Kelowna Auction World. For more specifics, including what will be knocked down to make room for the project, check out the full story on Castanet's sister business news website, Okanagan Edge. Photo: RCMP Police are searching for Jenny Lynn Larocque, who's been missing since late September. Police continue to search for a missing 61-year-old Prince George woman who was last seen in Williams Lake. Jenny Lynn Larocque was reported missing on Oct. 3, after she hadn't been seen since Sept. 27. On Oct. 15, Larocque's large dog was found in the Venables Valley area, south of Ashcroft. While the dog had suffered minor injuries, it was in otherwise good health. The following day, with the help of a police helicopter, a police dog unit and Kamloops Search and Rescue, Larocque's dark blue 2014 Jeep Compass was found on a rural road in the area. But, despite days of searching, Larocque has not been found. At this time, police do not believe Larocque has been the victim of foul play. Anyone with information is asked to call Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300, Ashcroft RCMP at 250-453-2216 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Photo: Darren Handschuh A homeless count has found more people living rough in Vernon. Kelly Fehr calls Vernon's homeless situation situation a travesty. The John Howard Society co-executive director says 44 people slept outdoors in Vernon Thursday night. That number is based on the latest homeless count by the Howard Society and Social Planning Council. The bi-annual count found 153 people who identified as homeless. While some stay at shelters, Howard House or addiction recovery centres, there were others with nowhere to go. Last year at this time, there were 33 people who were living rough outside of shelters," Fehr said Friday. But there is some good news. B.C. Housing has authorized an extension of the shelters 23 extreme weather mats to have them open 24 hours a day instead overnight only. The extension takes effect Nov. 1, and Fehr said thats expected to increase usage because homeless people wont have to pack up every morning and find somewhere else to go to stay warm. One area of concern is an increase in the number of homeless women. The women's transition house reported there were 10 homeless women in the city last year, and that number has doubled. We know there is a major need for housing and recovery options for women in our community, so that's what we're working towards addressing, said Fehr. Annette Sharkey, with the Social Planning Council, said the high cost of housing continues to be a major obstacle for many. For people who are marginalized, they get to a place where there really are no options, said Sharkey. A more detailed report on the homeless situation will be presented to city council on Monday. Photo: pixabay The District of Summerland is preparing residents to be in the dark early Sunday morning. A planned power outage will take place from 12:01 a.m. until 6:00 a.m. on Oct. 22nd in the community, excluding the areas of Trout Creek, Front Bench and Canyon Views. Staff will be upgrading electrical switches at the Prairie Valley substation during the outage, replacing the existing porcelain switches with more epoxy ones which are more durable. This will be the second and final planned outage needed this month. The time allotted for the work was deemed the least disruptive to residents by the district. For more information, you can contact Summerland's works and utilities department at 250-494-0431. Drone footage from the northern Syrian city of Raqqa shows the extent of devastation caused by weeks of fighting between Kurdish-led forces and the Islamic State group and thousands of bombs dropped by the U.S.-led coalition. Footage from Thursday shows the bombed-out shells of buildings and heaps of concrete slabs lay piled on streets littered with destroyed cars. Entire neighbourhoods are seen turned to rubble, with little sign of civilian life. The video shows entire blocks in the city as uninhabitable with knocked-out walls and blown-out windows and doors, while some buildings had several stories turned to piles of debris. The stadium that was used as an arms depot and prison by the extremists appears to have suffered less damage compared with surrounding buildings. Long before the ground offensive by the Syrian Democratic Forces began in Raqqa in early June, warplanes pounded the city for months. The U.S.-backed Kurdish-led SDF announced Tuesday they have driven IS militants out of the city after weeks of fighting. The SDF is scheduled to hold a news conference in Raqqa on Friday during which the city will be declared free of extremists for the first time in nearly four years. The SDF will likely hand over authority in the city to the Raqqa Civil Council, which is made up of local officials and tribal leaders and will be in charge of returning life to normal in the city. Photo: Facebook Kamloops has been recognized as the top city in Canada this year for startups. Startup Kamloops, an organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship in the city, was awarded the Startup Community of the Year award at Thursday nights Startup Canada Awards. The award recognizes an organization that has had an extraordinary impact on the entrepreneurial environment in its community. The award ceremony is held each year by Startup Canada, one of the countrys leading asocial enterprise organizations dedicated to supporting and giving a voice to Canadian entrepreneurs. For more on why Kamloops is "punching above its weight" in the startup world, check out the full story on Castanet's sister business news website, Okanagan Edge. There is growing concern over homeless people in Vernon. With several living in Linear Park, the problem is impossible to ignore, but Castanet spoke to some of those living rough, and they say the public has nothing to fear. It's from a couple of people that are really aggressive when they panhandle, and that's what's causing part of that issue of them being scared, said one resident of the homeless camp. We're not violent, we're not hurting anybody. We're just trying to survive," said another man. Annette Sharkey, with the Social Planning Council, said those aggressively asking for money downtown are not necessarily homeless. I really have empathy for the businesses. It's not a good feeling to be afraid to go to work. Not everyone who is homeless has an addiction or is in that desperate lifestyle, said Sharkey, adding some panhandlers have a place to live. The underlying issue is addiction, she said, and as a society we really need to wrap our heads around how we are going to address it.... We do know that addictions lead to desperation and criminal acts. So if we handle addictions differently, if we take the criminal element out of it, that's when you see some real changes." When the homeless camp moved from Polson Park to Linear Park, it shocked a lot of people. It's been an eye opener for the community, said Sharkey. We actually all have the same goal, whether you look at that population with empathy or fear and anger, everybody agrees that it's not OK to have people sleeping outside in our parks.... everyone wants a solution to this problem. Photo: The Canadian Press In this image from video made available by NASA, astronaut Joe Acaba performs a spacewalk outside the International Space Station on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. The 250-mile-high complex is currently home to three Americans, two Russians and one Italian. (NASA via AP) A spacewalking astronaut successfully replaced a blurry camera outside the International Space Station on Friday, but had to contend with a balky jetpack and a frayed safety tether. Both jetpacks and safety ties are crucial for saving a flyaway astronaut. NASA said Joe Acaba was always securely attached to the orbiting outpost and never in any danger during the nearly seven-hour spacewalk. But one of his tethers had to be replaced shortly after he and station commander Randy Bresnik floated outside. Mission Control noticed the red lifeline was frayed and worn. Bresnik went back to the air lock to get Acaba a spare. Then five hours into the spacewalk, Mission Control saw that the right handle on Acaba's emergency jetpack was popped open again. Bresnik once more went to his crewmate's assistance, even offering some tape to keep it down. After consulting for several minutes in Houston, flight controllers declared the jetpack unreliable and ordered Acaba back inside, once he was done greasing the new robot arm on the space station's big robot arm. He finished the lube job, then headed in. Bresnik acknowledged things didn't go as planned, "with all the stuff that happened today and the challenges we had." But he thanked everyone for their hard work and diligence. In the end, only a couple minor chores were left undone. Photo: The Canadian Press Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism. The U.S. budget deficit rose to $666 billion in the just-completed fiscal year, a spike that comes as Republicans are moving to draft a tax code rewrite that promises to add up to $1.5 trillion to the national debt over the coming decade. The sobering deficit numbers, released Friday by the Treasury Department and the White House budget office, followed Senate passage Thursday night of a 10-year budget plan that shelves GOP concerns on deficits and debt in favour of a tax overhaul. Still, House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin insisted Friday on "CBS This Morning:" ''We're Republicans. We're sensitive to the deficit." President Donald Trump and his GOP allies on Capitol Hill promise this year's tax legislation will spark a burst of economic growth and hope it will pay big political dividends for their party. Friday's budget figures represent an $80 billion jump over last year's $585 billion deficit, which itself was way up over the previous year's $438 billion. The administration says the sour deficit report shows a need to pass the tax overhaul measure. "Through a combination of tax reform and regulatory relief, this country can return to higher levels of GDP growth, helping to erase our fiscal deficit," said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. "These numbers should serve as a smoke alarm for Washington, a reminder that we need to grow our economy again and get our fiscal house in order. We can do that through smart spending restraint, tax reform and cutting red tape," said White House budget director Mick Mulvaney. Mulvaney drafted Trump's May budget plan, which promised to balance the budget within a decade, but only through politically unrealistic cuts and rosy assumptions of economic growth. But Trump hasn't promoted the effort, which was quickly shelved by the GOP in Congress. The White House in July revised its short-term deficit outlook significantly to warn of worsening deficits. Since then, a bad hurricane season has forced the government to spend billions in disaster relief. Photo: The Canadian Press Afghan National Amy commandos open fire. Suicide bombers struck two mosques in Afghanistan during Friday prayers, a Shiite mosque in Kabul and a Sunni mosque in western Ghor province, killing at least 63 people at the end of a particularly deadly week for the troubled nation. The Afghan president issued a statement condemning both attacks and saying that country's security forces would step up the fight to "eliminate the terrorists who target Afghans of all religions and tribes." In the attack in Kabul, a suicide bomber walked into the Imam Zaman Mosque, a Shiite mosque in the western Dashte-e-Barchi neighbourhood where he detonated his explosives vest, killing 30 and wounding 45, said Maj. Gen. Alimast Momand at the Interior Ministry. The suicide bombing in Ghor province struck a Sunni mosque, also during Friday prayers and killed 33 people, including a warlord who was apparently the target of the attack, said Mohammad Iqbal Nizami, the spokesman for the provincial chief of police. No group immediately claimed responsibility for either attack, the latest in a devastating week that saw Taliban attacks kill scores across the country. The U.S. government strongly condemned the attacks in Kabul and Ghor, as well as other attacks carried out across Afghanistan this week. "In the face of these senseless and cowardly acts, our commitment to Afghanistan is unwavering. The United States stands with the government and people of Afghanistan and will continue to support their efforts to achieve peace and security for their country," said State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert in a statement. Photo: The Canadian Press The slaying of five dozen people in Las Vegas did little to change Americans' opinions about gun laws. The nation is closely divided on whether restricting firearms would reduce such mass shootings or homicides, though a majority favour tighter laws as they have for several years, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The massive divide on stricter limits remains firmly in place. The survey was conducted from Oct. 12-16, about two weeks after 64-year-old Stephen Paddock fired on a crowded musical festival taking place on across the street from his hotel room, killing 58 and wounding more than 540 before killing himself. It's the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. In this latest survey, 61 per cent said the country's gun laws should be tougher, while 27 per cent would rather see them remain the same and 11 per cent want them to be less strict. That's similar to the results of an AP-GfK poll in July 2016. Nearly 9 in 10 Democrats, but just a third of Republicans, want to see gun laws made stricter. Kenny Garcia, a 31-year-old resident of Stockton, California, and a former gun owner, said he's torn about whether tighter gun laws would lead to a reduction in mass shootings. "That's the hard part," Garcia said. "How do you control something like that when you have no idea where it's coming from, whether you control the guns or not?" Still, he's frustrated by easy availability of some devices such as the "bump stocks" used by the Las Vegas shooter to make his semi-automatic guns mimic the more rapid fire of automatic weapons. "They give people access to these things, then they question after something horrible happens, but yet the answer is right there," he said. "It just doesn't make sense." About half of Americans said they think making it more difficult to buy a gun would reduce the number of mass shootings in the country, and slightly under half said it would reduce the number of homicides. About half felt it would reduce the number of accidental shootings, 4 in 10 that it would reduce the number of suicides and only about a third felt it would reduce gang violence. The Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce presented the 2017 Spirit of Innovation Award on Friday to storytelling platform Pass It Down. Thank you to the Chamber for this opportunity, said Chris Cummings. Thank you to this city. My wife and I moved here two years ago and we feel embraced and at home here because Chattanooga welcomed us with open arms and made it easy to start a company. Pass It Down is a digital biography service that preserves family memories. The service includes story prompts that can be answered in video, audio, text or photo from a phone, tablet or computer. These digital stories then become a customized print book. Pass It Downs greetingStory Memory Boxes include hand-selected questions from the world's top biographers with tips and instructions on the inside to guide friends and family in sharing their stories. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Cummings also unveiled an effort to corral memories about a city or place, to be piloted in Chattanooga. Silicon Valley native Leslie Miley keynoted the Spirit of Innovation luncheon. Dont let the speed of something get in the way, Ms. Miley said. Building a city takes time. Be attentive, go slow, be inclusive. We do better when we work together. As long as youre doing that, youre doing the right thing. Ms. Miley has worked in engineering leadership roles at Slack, Twitter, Apple and Google, and now works with Venture for America to enable Silicon Valley tech professionals to spend a year in other cities such as Baltimore, Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans or Philadelphia, working with venture capitalists and innovation centers or districts on growing their respective tech communities. Spirit of Innovation also honored award finalists Society of Work and The TomorrowBuilding apartments, culminating Startup Week by celebrating the regions most innovative companies. During a festive gala, Covestro was presented with the German Chemistry Award 2017 last night by the VAA, the Managerial Association of the Chemical Industry. Dr. Klaus Schafer, member of the Board of Management at Covestro AG, accepted the award in his function as Labor Director from Rainer Nachtrab, the First Chairman of the VAA. The VAA has been presenting the German Chemistry Award each year since 2008 to companies that apply exemplary and sustainable human resources policies. The jury bases its decision on the results of a regular survey that is conducted among more than 7,000 managers in the chemical-pharmaceutical industry. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Klaus Schafer stressed the need for a good working relationship among all employees: The results for Covestro are primarily based on team spirit and a trusting, respectful work environment. He also expressed his thanks to Covestros employees for the contribution they have made to the companys successful start into independence. The Board of Management member noted that this transition created many changes and challenges that the companys managers and employees had to quickly overcome together. In 2016, the VAA had presented Covestro AG with a special award. The company finished second place last year in the manager survey shortly after being spun off by Bayer. This positive ranking demonstrates that our employees stand fully behind the strategic direction we began two years ago, Dr. Klaus Schafer said. The award illustrates the importance of sustainable HR work for employees trust in their employer. The results of the survey demonstrate to Covestro that it should remain on its current strategic path. In his keynote address, Karl-Josef Laumann, the Minister for Labor, Health Care, and Social Affairs in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, addressed his audience directly. The address honoring the winner was given by Dr. Frank Heinricht, the chairman of the Board of Management of Schott AG, which received the award last year. Dr. Markus Steilemann, Chief Commercial Officer of Covestro and future CEO, also attended the gala held in Colognes Wolkenburg event venue. Many other executives and HR directors from the chemical-pharmaceutical industry also accepted the VAAs invitation to the event. The 78, a 62-acre plot of land south of the Loop and primed for redevelopment, is one option offered to Amazon by the city. It "represents one of the most ambitious and transformative development projects in Chicagos history," the city said, and is the site of a proposed tech incubator from the University of Illinois. (Related Midwest rendering) Chicago and Illinois on Friday revealed 10 Chicago-area sites eight in the city and two in the suburbs pitched for Amazon's planned second headquarters, but disclosed no financial incentives included in the bid to woo the e-commerce behemoth and up to 50,000 jobs. The quest to land the company, which seeks a home for a $5 billion headquarters of up to 8 million-plus square feet, has captivated cities large and small since the Seattle-based company asked for proposals six weeks ago. Advertisement In the Chicago area, the proposed sites are: Lincoln Yards, a development along the Chicago River near Lincoln Park and Bucktown. Advertisement The Downtown Gateway District, which includes space in Willis Tower and redevelopment of the old main post office and Union Station. City Center Campus, a proposed redevelopment of the state-owned Thompson Center in the Loop. The River District, a 37-acre development along the river and Halsted Street. The Burnham Lakefront, a Bronzeville development that includes the Michael Reese Hospital site. The 78, a development planned on 62 acres along the river between the South Loop and Chinatown. Fulton Market district properties controlled by multiple owners. Illinois Medical District redevelopment. The soon-to-be-vacated, 145-acre McDonald's campus in Oak Brook, which the company will leave for Fulton Market. Advertisement More than 260 acres available for development on the longtime Motorola Solutions campus in Schaumburg, where Zurich North America recently built a new headquarters. "They may want to go horizontal, a la Merchandise Mart," Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a Wednesday meeting with the Tribune Editorial Board. "And they may want to go vertical multiple places, all on a tight footprint. My big point to them is, anything you want, in any shape or form, we can do." The deadline for cities to submit bids was Thursday. Amazon has not said what happens next, but Emanuel said he anticipates multiple rounds of Amazon paring down its list of contending cities. New Jersey has offered a $7 billion incentives package, and other states are likely to offer multibillion-dollar packages. Several developers previously confirmed to the Tribune plans to try to bring Amazon to their Chicago sites. Other sites revealed Friday included an option to redevelop the state-owned Thompson Center, a 17-story, Helmut Jahn-designed building on 3 acres in the Loop. Before Amazon's announcement, proposals for the building included preserving the Helmut Jahn-designed tower and building alongside it, or razing the building and replacing it with a supertall skyscraper. Advertisement Any new plan would require Emanuel and Gov. Bruce Rauner to cut a deal allowing greater zoning density for the site, paving the way for the state to sell the property at a higher value. The fast-changing Fulton Market district west of the Kennedy Expressway is also proposed for HQ2, with land owned by multiple landlords offered to Amazon as a campus with several buildings. The neighborhood, long known for meatpackers and food distributors, in recent years has attracted award-winning restaurants, boutique hotels, shops and large offices, including Google's Midwest headquarters in the former Fulton Market Cold Storage building. Southwest of there, the city also proposes the Illinois Medical District. There are several developments planned in the area, including a conversion of the old Cook County Hospital into a hotel and apartments. Handicapping the Amazon headquarters contest has become a cottage industry in its own right and no clear winner has emerged from all the data-crunching. In one such analysis, Chicago didn't even make the Top 10 list. Even before cities and states began announcing they were in the hunt, Moody's Analytics studied how 65 cities with at least 1 million residents measured up against Amazon's requirements. Austin, Texas, took the top spot, with analysts pointing to its already established tech hub, its well-educated workforce, a cost of living lower than Silicon Valley, a high quality of life, good transportation and a business-friendly environment, among other factors. Rounding out Moody's Top 10 contenders, in descending order and excluding Seattle, where it already is based, were Atlanta; Philadelphia; Rochester, N.Y.; Pittsburgh; New York City; Miami; Portland, Ore.; Boston; and Salt Lake City. The Chicago area ranked No. 24. Advertisement Chicago fared better in second place in a study by Anderson Economic Group that looked at 35 U.S. cities that it said met Amazon's requirements. Broad categories it looked at were access to labor and services, traffic congestion and public transit systems, and the cost of doing business. New York City took the top spot. Emanuel emphasized that Chicago has much to offer including airport and public transportation infrastructure, top universities, a large and well-educated labor pool and a relatively affordable cost of living and can be flexible to meet Amazon's real estate needs. "The sites identified in Chicago's bid for HQ2 demonstrate the region's unparalleled potential to support Amazon's future growth," Emanuel said in Friday's news release. "The combination of these prime locations with the country's most educated population, diversified economy and connected transportation system make it clear that Chicago is the ideal city for Amazon's second headquarters as the company continues to expand." Rauner added: "Our state possesses unmatched business, education, technology, logistics, distribution, and academic research assets. These are the core attributes of a community in which Amazon can thrive. More important, they represent a foundation for talent rich, innovative growth for generations to come." A study by World Business Chicago estimated that HQ2 would generate $341 billion in total spending for its ongoing operations over a 17-year period, including $71 billion in salaries and wages. HQ2 would support an additional 37,500 jobs in the region, according to the study. Construction of a new campus would generate $7.4 billion in construction-related spending, according to the study's estimates. Advertisement rori@chicagotribune Twitter @Ryan_Ori With Chicago making a bid, here are some numbers to bring HQ2's potentially enormous impact into perspective. (Jemal R. Brinson / Chicago Tribune) (Tribune graphics) RELATED: [ Bronzeville's Michael Reese Hospital site is latest offering for Amazon's HQ2 ] [ Massive development along Chicago River's North Branch is new option for Amazon HQ2 ] [ What would happen if Amazon brought 50,000 workers to your city? Ask Seattle. ] Linda Sabo from Association House of Chicago is educating people about the Obamacare exchange at City Hall on Oct. 20, 2017. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune) (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune) Choosing the right health insurance plan can be a cumbersome process, and this year's political back-and-forth over Obamacare has made it seem even more confusing. For months, executive orders and congressional debates have swirled around the law, officially called the Affordable Care Act. President Donald Trump has declared the law "dead" but it's still in effect, and open enrollment for plans on the Obamacare exchange begins Nov. 1. Advertisement Most people in Illinois get health insurance through their employers or government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, but this year, more than 350,000 Illinois consumers enrolled in coverage through the Obamacare exchange. Thinking of buying health coverage on the exchange? Here's what you need to know: Advertisement Consumers will have less time to enroll in exchange plans this year. Open enrollment runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15 about six weeks shorter than last year because of a new rule from the Trump administration. The website where people can purchase coverage www.healthcare.gov will also be down for maintenance most Sundays during that time. "We're all humans and we usually wait until the last minute to make decisions," said Stephani Becker, a senior policy specialist at the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law. "Now with this very shortened open enrollment period there's not as much time to wait and think about it. People need to get in early." Before Nov. 1, consumers can create accounts at healthcare.gov, if they don't have them already. That may help speed the enrollment process. Many consumers will still get tax credits and reduced co-pays and deductibles next year. People can make up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level ($98,400 a year for a family of four in 2017) and get tax credits to help offset the cost of premiums. About 81 percent of Illinois residents on the exchange received the credits as of February of this year, according to the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Trump's recent executive order involving the Affordable Care Act does not affect those tax credits. Consumers below certain income levels will also still benefit from cost-sharing reductions reduced deductibles, copayments and coinsurance if they choose silver-level plans. Trump recently announced the government would no longer give insurance companies money to help offset those reductions to consumers, but insurers must continue to offer those reductions to consumers, regardless of whether they get those federal dollars. Illinois consumers will have fewer choices of insurers and some will face higher premiums. Advertisement This year, seven Illinois counties had only one insurer offering plans on the exchange. Next year, that number will rise to 13 counties. Counties limited to one choice of insurer will include Lake, McHenry and DeKalb as well as a number in the northwest corner of the state and southern Illinois. Premiums are rising. Average rates are set to increase by 16 to 37 percent next year for the lowest-priced plans, according to the Illinois Department of Insurance. People who get tax credits likely won't feel the effects of those rate hikes because the amounts of their tax credits will rise with the higher premiums. "People who don't get a subsidy, they're the people that are harmed the most," said insurance broker Robert Slayton, past president of the Illinois State Association of Health Underwriters. Some consumers should consider buying plans outside the exchange. People who make too much money to qualify for tax credits might want to explore options outside the exchange. People can also buy plans outside the exchange, through insurance brokers or directly from insurance companies. Trump recently issued another executive order that would allow consumers to buy short-term insurance plans for longer periods of time and let small businesses band together to offer so-called association health plans. Such plans might be cheaper and cover less than exchange coverage. Advertisement But that executive order has not yet been put into effect. Slayton recommends people buy insurance coverage soon, and not wait until the order goes into effect. "I would absolutely, positively not recommend people wait," Slayton said. "My suggestion for people is sign up for something. If something new comes out, you can always cancel your coverage." It's important to actively shop for a plan. Consumers who have exchange coverage can, in theory, sit back and still have coverage for next year. Even if they don't shop, they will be automatically re-enrolled in their current plans or similar plans. This year, nearly 18 percent of Illinois residents with exchange coverage were automatically re-enrolled, according to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. But that might not be the best idea, said Inna Rubin, manager of health access initiatives at the United Way of Metro Chicago. Insurers, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, are changing many of their plan offerings on the exchange for next year. As a result, if people choose to auto-enroll, they may find themselves with a plan that doesn't cover all their doctors, covers drugs differently or costs more, Rubin said. Also, if people's incomes have changed since last year, that could change the amount of the tax credits they qualify for, she said. Advertisement Plus, for some shoppers, gold-level plans might actually be better deals than silver-level plans because of the way Illinois instructed insurers to handle price increases due to uncertainty over the cost-sharing reductions, Becker said. When shopping, Slayton recommends consumers start by finding plans that include their preferred hospitals and doctors. Help is available. A number of organizations offer trained people, called navigators, who can help guide consumers through the process. The United Way of Metro Chicago, for example, oversees about half of the navigator program in Chicago. People can call and ask questions or visit in person for help enrolling. Consumers can make free appointments online at www.getcovered.illinois.gov, www.liveunitedchicago.org/getcovered or www.ilcha.org/help to see navigators across the state. lschencker@chicagotribune.com Advertisement Twitter @lschencker RELATED STORIES [ Analysis: Single-payer would drastically change American health care; here's how it works ] [ Trump administration slashes funds to promote signing up for Obamacare ] [ Bipartisan plan to curb health premiums gets strong support ] An Illinois builder has received preliminary approval from the Merrillville Plan Commission to build three new houses in the established north side subdivision Lakewood Estates. Prochorus Winters of Nublock Construction in Midlothian, Ill., wants to divide two lots into three, building a house on each new lot. Advertisement The lots are 80-, 90- and 100-feet wide. Winters has completed one of the three houses, a 2,100-square-foot two-story with a basement. Advertisement Commission member Brian Dering said he likes the project, but wanted to make sure the new houses are in keeping with the older, established neighborhood located in the vicinity of 55th Avenue and Chase Street. "I also want to make sure residents there are protected from any drainage issues," Dering said. "I want to make sure drainage is done properly." Planning director Bill Laird said town engineer Robinson Engineering hasn't expressed any concerns with drainage. Winters has said all three houses will have two stories and a basement, but will not be "cookie cutter" homes. Winters still needs final approval for his project. In other matters on Oct. 17, the owners of the Body Max fitness center property on West 79th Avenue withdrew their request to make the property a planned unit development, with storage units installed on the south side of the building and possibly turning the fitness center itself into a climate-controlled self-storage facility at some point. Laird said the owners instead will seek a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals to move forward with the project, which could come before the BZA at its Oct. 25 meeting. Karen Caffarini is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Chicago's hospitality community is banding together this weekend behind two relief causes. From raising money to help a beleaguered Puerto Rico to supporting first responders in Northern California, this is a good weekend for dining out and doing good. 1) Templestowe Pub in Irving Park is rallying neighbors to fundraise for Red Cross Puerto Rico relief efforts. At the so-called We're All in this Together event, attendees will receive one free beer from either Lake Effect and Kings & Convicts breweries, free bites from neighborhood restaurants Angelo's Wine Bar, Brasa Roja, and Pizza y Pan Pa Ya, and raffle and auction prizes. $10 admission; 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21. 3135 W. Montrose Ave., www.tempestowepub.com Advertisement 2) Fires in northern California devastated wine-growing regions in Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and other. With ties to the region, a number of businesses and restaurants are banding together to offer relief via the "Sandwich Angels" campaign in Sonoma. Helmed by former Chicagoan sommelier and chef Meredith Miller Elliot, the grassroots group serves meals to first responders and people in need. Humboldt Park wine spot Rootstock is raising cash donations through the sale of $10 glasses of various red, white and rose wines, plus accepting clothing donations. All Pastoral locations will be accepting donations of food, clothing pet supplies and money, while coffee outfits Sparrow and Metric will donate product to the cause, while wine distributor Candid Wines will ship all donations free of charge to Sonoma. Donations now accepted through Wednesday, Oct. 25, multiple locations. 3) Arts in the Dark is back with music, Halloween candy, performances and a spectacle of a parade. The parade, which starts at dusk, will be led by creative leaders and various cultural organizations and is sure to get you into the Halloween mood. Free, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday. Pre-parade at Buckingham Fountain, Parade is north on Columbus Dr. from Balbo Ave. to Monroe St., artsinthedark.com Advertisement 4) When celebrated chef Gene Kato's Sumi Robata closed over the summer, many in the restaurant community mourned the loss. This weekend, you can relive the magic with a special omakase dinner on both Sunday and Monday, prepared by Kato, at Lakeview restaurant Entente. $100 (non-refundable), 5:00 p.m. and 8 p.m. seatings, on Sunday, Oct. 22 and Monday, Oct. 23. Entente, 3056 N. Lincoln Ave., https://www.eventbrite.com/e/omakase-with-chef-gene-kato-tickets-38869407444 5) Learn the art of cooking the comforting Japanese pancake, okonomiyaki, at the Japanese American Service Commitee. Made with a base of flour, water, eggs, cabbage and green, the homey, rustic okonomiyaki is enjoyed throughout Japan and increasingly in restaurants. $55 to $65, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21, 4427 N. Clark Street, www.jasc-chicago.com gwong@chicagotribune.com jbhernandez@chicagotribune.com Chef/owners of Smyth, John and Karen Urie Shields, receive the phone call to inform them of their restaurant being elevated to two stars by the Michelin Guide on Oct. 20, 2017. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) Smyth, the superb restaurant by John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, was elevated to two stars by the Michelin Guide, which released its Chicago star ratings Friday. In addition, two restaurants Ty Fujimura's Entente and David and Anna Posey's Elske received a Michelin star for the first time. Advertisement "You know, you hope for the best, but you never know," said John Shields. "But to get the call, your heart starts racing a bit. Obviously we're honored; it's unbelievably exciting, and a little surreal." "You know, having one star is fun, too," Shields said. "I guess there's a little more pressure now, but we'll be ready for it." Advertisement Smyth chefs and owners John Shields and Karen Urie Shields listen on Friday as a caller from Michelin shares the news that their restaurant has been elevated from one to two stars. ((Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) ) Overall, Chicago received two three-star awards (for Alinea and Grace, both repeat winners), four two-star awards (repeat winners Acadia, Oriole and Sixteen, in addition to Smyth) and 19 one-star awards. Chicago's overall total of 33 stars, spread among 25 restaurants, fell just short of last year's record haul, when 35 Michelin stars were spread among 26 Chicago restaurants. The big reason for the difference was that two two-star recipients last year 42 Grams and Tru have closed. The closings extended the so-called "two-star curse" in Chicago, as several previous two-star Chicago restaurants (including Avenues, Graham Elliot, L2O and Ria) closed within a year or two after being honored. On the other hand, Acadia and Sixteen have retained their dual stars (despite a chef change at Sixteen), and Grace "lost" its two-star status when it was promoted to three. (Given Smyth's rapid ascension, that restaurant may represent Chicago's best chance for a third one with three Michelin stars.) There was little change at the one-star level, as 17 of last year's 19 recipients retained their star status. The exceptions were Longman & Eagle, demoted to the Bib Gourmand list (the Bibs recognize "very good" restaurants that provide "good value," and are coveted designations in their own right; 54 Chicago restaurants received Bib Gourmand awards this year), and Smyth, which was promoted. "It was a great year for Chicago," said Michael Ellis, international director for the Michelin Guide. "We really were thrilled to find Smyth, an amazing place. John and Karen Shields are creating such unique food; I had a chance to dine there and was amazed." Ellis said it was especially gratifying to be able to promote a restaurant to another star level. "We follow all the twos for (potentially) threes and ones for two," he said. "It's a great feeling of accomplishment when an inspector can propose (an upgrade) and have it confirmed by several other inspectors in subsequent visits. Advertisement "Chicago's dining scene is stronger than ever," Ellis said. "You've got this ecosystem of local suppliers, and a number of chefs evolving. It's a great sign when chefs work in one place and embark on their own enterprise, whether it's Nick Dostal moving up at Sixteen, or Brian Fisher going from Schwa to Entente, or at Elske, where David Posey had been at Blackbird and Anna Posey had been at The Publican." The star recipients, Bib Gourmand winners and scores of other Chicago restaurants and hotels will be published in the Michelin Guide Chicago 2018, which will be in bookstores Oct. 26. How did Phil do? Earlier this week, I pulled out my slightly chipped crystal ball and predicted where Michelin stars would land. I did, well, OK. I correctly picked every three- and two-star recipient, including Smyth's ascension from the one-star ranks. And I confidently declared Elske's first star to be "a no-brainer." Overall, I predicted that 26 Chicago restaurants would receive stars. The actual number was 25. Not too shabby. Advertisement But my fear that Longman & Eagle's demotion would spell doom for sister property Dusek's was unfounded. I incorrectly picked El Che Bar, Kitsune and Temporis as one-star recipients (I stand by my assertion of their worthiness), and I whiffed badly on Entente, which, given my glowing three-star review in April (I called the restaurant "the complete package" and said "every lover of food should lock this address into his or her GPS"), was a glaring oversight. Still kicking myself over that one. Fun fact: Entente chef Brian Fisher, formerly chef de cuisine at Schwa, was the opening chef at the TV-themed popup Saved by the Max (where his food was much more thoughtful and complex than it needed to be). So yes, the chef at Saved by the Max now wears a Michelin star. Go, Bayside! The list Three stars Alinea Grace Two stars Advertisement Acadia Oriole Sixteen Smyth One star Band of Bohemia Advertisement Blackbird Boka Dusek's Board & Beer EL Ideas Elizabeth Elske Advertisement Entente Everest Goosefoot GreenRiver Naha North Pond Advertisement Parachute Roister Schwa Sepia Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. > Spiaggia Topolobampo Advertisement pvettel@chicagotribune.com Twitter @PhilVettel Who will win Michelin stars in Chicago this week? Phil Vettel predicts Michelin awards Chicago restaurants record number of stars in 2016 Phil's 50: Chicago's best restaurants ranked, reviewed and mapped Chicago restaurants awarded Michelin stars One star Two stars Three stars This years crop of Bourbon County beers, tried during a media preview Thursday at Goose Island's barrel warehouse, showed the most consistency of recent years. (Josh Noel/Chicago Tribune) I have had one of the best Bourbon County beers I've had in years. Its name is Reserve Bourbon County Brand Stout. Advertisement At a media preview Thursday night at Goose Island's barrel warehouse, the 2017 Bourbon County family showed itself to be a solid crop, including a new favorite of recent years: Reserve Bourbon County Brand Stout. You probably already know the Bourbon County back story, but if not, here goes: In 1994, then Goose Island brewmaster Greg Hall was at a dinner with Jim Beam master distiller Booker Noe. Hall asked Noe for a few used bourbon barrels to age a beer. That beer, first released in 1995, was Bourbon County Stout. Today that name describes a family of big and boozy barrel-aged beers released each year on the day after Thanksgiving. Advertisement The Bourbon County beers imperial stouts (mostly) aged in bourbon barrels (mostly) have been a bit erratic in recent years, ranging from the fairly consistent excellence of Bourbon County Coffee Brand Stout to last year's polarizing Proprietor's Bourbon County Brand Stout, which was made with chipotle peppers and cacao nibs and aged in bourbon barrels that previously held maple syrup. (I thought it was interesting, even if I don't need more than 6 ounces per year.) This year's crop showed the most consistency of recent years, led by Reserve. Unfortunately, Reserve is also one of the most limited beers in this year's roster, available only in Illinois and Kentucky. But it's well worth hunting down. Goose Island will release six Bourbon County beers this year. (Josh Noel/Chicago Tribune) Here's my rundown in order of how dearly I want to drink each of these beers again: Reserve Bourbon County Brand Stout (14.8 percent alcohol) This is the same base beer as "regular" Bourbon County Brand Stout. You might not know it, though. Reserve is much heartier, thicker and deeper richer notes of oak, char, tobacco and lightly bitter baking chocolate with no boozy burn. Many Bourbon County beers, in recent years, have finished a bit sweet for my liking, but not Reserve. It finishes beautifully dry. The difference? The barrels. Bourbon County Stout is aged in 4- to 7-year-old Heaven Hill barrels. Reserve Bourbon County Stout is aged in 11-year-old Knob Creek barrels. A Goose Island staffer told us that the Knob barrels were still particularly fresh when they arrived. They also have a deeper level of char. The difference is clear. One tip: Do not age Reserve. It's ready to go. It will not improve in the bottle. Advertisement Bourbon County Brand Coffee Stout (12.9 percent) With the exception of Bourbon County's 2015 infection issues, this beer has never really disappointed. Such is the case again in 2017. Made with Intelligentsia's Black Cat espresso the same bean used in the very first Bourbon County Coffee Stout, in 2010 this beer explodes with the expected aroma of rich, roasted coffee. It's there on the palate, too, but surprisingly muted; the finish veers sweeter rather than boldly roasty. Some people will undoubtedly be put off by a dialed-down coffee flavor, but I liked it; nuance seems to be increasingly lost in barrel-aged stouts, so I'm quite happy to have the coffee in this one acting as a complement, rather than as the unequivocal star. This is also the same base beer as Bourbon County Stout, but gets the addition of cold brew. When choosing between the two, I'll take this one every time. Advertisement Proprietor's Bourbon County Brand Stout (14 percent) Does the world really need a bourbon-barrel aged imperial stout made with banana puree, banana essence, roasted almonds and cassia bark? I was skeptical. So very skeptical. But it turns out it does. I'm not sure how much of this beer I'd be able to drink in one sitting this is the embodiment of the "pastry stout" people invoke when describing these sweet, adjunct-heavy beers but for 6 or 8 ounces, it's surprisingly deft. Goose Island brewers have long played with the idea of banana in a Bourbon County beer, but this is the first one to make it to the market. Thank heavens it did: The dominant notes of caramelized brown banana, laced with a touch of cinnamon and other baking spices, pull together surprisingly well. Advertisement As always, Proprietor's will be a Chicago-only release. Bourbon County Brand Stout (14.1 to 14.7 percent) Some years, this beer is rife with notes of vanilla. Those tend to be my favorite. Other years, as in 2016, the berry notes muscle their way to the fore. But often, the chocolate dominates. That's the case this year. The first sip wowed me, but "original" Bourbon County (as people call it) became increasingly reminiscent of chocolate syrup with ensuing sips. Drinking this against Reserve made the sweetness increasingly pronounced. The alcohol burn is impressively low this beer is smooth but a bit more oak, char and barrel character would be welcome. Advertisement Bourbon County Brand Barleywine (14.4 percent) I think Goose Island has lost the thread on Barleywine. At least for my liking. The first couple of years this beer existed, it was perfection sweet, oaky and luxurious, rife with notes of burnt sugar and plump raisin. The beer has turned sharper in recent years, and this year's version continues the theme. Though it's still fairly well executed and still rife with elements of burnt sugar and dried fruit I'd like to transfer some of the sweetness in other Bourbon County beers to this one, which dries out more than I'd like. Barleywine was once a blend of beers aged in second- and third-use barrels, meaning barrels that had previously held only bourbon (second use) and barrels that had previously held both bourbon and Bourbon County Stout (third use). But now Barleywine is exclusively aged in second-use barrels. The result is a more aggressive beer. I miss the old days. That said, I'd still buy a bottle of this and age it for a year. The returns could be impressive. Advertisement Bourbon County Brand Northwoods Stout (12.6 percent) Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. > A guy a couple of seats over said this might have been his favorite on the table. So who knows. There are no right answers here only opinionated taste buds. But to these taste buds, Northwoods which gets a dose of fresh blueberry juice and almond extract is too sweet. Too sconelike. Too much pastry in the pastry stout. However, I think this beer will be a hit. Tastes have skewed sweeter in beer lately, as evidenced by the rise of those fruity hazy IPAs. That crowd, I suspect, will enjoy Northwoods quite a bit. Reserve Bourbon County Brand Barleywine Advertisement We'll never know. jbnoel@chicagotribune.com Twitter @hopnotes When a dish has sweet and zesty elements, as this one does, you need a wine that can bring it all together by complementing some of those flavors and taming others. Here are three wines you can count on to do just that: a white from France, and reds from Oregon and Italy. MAKE THIS Advertisement Apricot pork tenderloin Rub 1 pound pork tenderloin with salt and pepper. Whisk together 1/4 cup apricot preserves, 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, 1 clove garlic, pressed, and 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard. Brush half over the tenderloin; reserve the rest. Brown tenderloin in 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, about 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup each chopped dried apricot and prunes, and reserved marinade. Cover; reduce heat. Simmer until thickest part of meat is pink, 10-15 minutes. Remove cover; raise heat slightly. Cook until pan juices reduce slightly, about 5 minutes. Serve pork thinly sliced, topped with sauce. Makes: 4 servings Advertisement DRINK THIS Pairings by Nate Redner, beverage director of Booth One, as told to Michael Austin: 2014 Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Roche Calcaire Gewurztraminer, Alsace, France: This wine shows aromas of warm spices reminiscent of star anise, clove, black pepper and mace, all supported by rich texture and plenty of fresh acidity on the finish. Notes of poached pear and orange zest will complement the dish's apricot preserves and quell the Dijon mustard spice. 2014 Day Wines Cancilla Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon: Deft and precise, with Old World elegance, this wine is dominated by aromas and flavors of ripe raspberry and juniper. On the mid-palate, cranberrylike tartness will lift the dish's fruit character, while fine tannins will grip and cut the richness of the pork. 2015 Francesco Rinaldi & Figli Roussot Dolcetto d'Alba, Piedmont, Italy: Showing lots of ripe plum and blackberry character, with an ever-so-slight bitterness on the palate, this wine will help balance the sweetness of the mustard. On the finish, notes of anise and almond will bring everything to a nice balance of sweet and savory. food@chicagotribune.com Twitter @pour_man In her essay "Fear," Marilynne Robinson writes of America as a Christian country having lost its way. "My thesis is always the same, and it is very simply stated, though it has two parts: first, contemporary America is full of fear. And second, fear is not a Christian habit of mind," she writes. Advertisement She laments that "some of us" are "associating the precious Lord with ignorance, intolerance and belligerent nationalism." And she ties that growing strain of fear in American society with the increasing grip that guns have. What's especially compelling about those words is that they were published in 2015, before last year's presidential election in which the winning candidate ran on a platform profoundly informed by fear. Advertisement Asked if she wrote that essay while in possession of a crystal ball, Robinson demurred: "Just the usual one of paying a reasonable amount of attention to what I hear and what I see," she said. "I'm 74 years old," she added later in the phone conversation from her home in Iowa City. "I've had a fairly long career as an observer of this country. I don't remember people using fear as an amusement or as a drug of some kind the way that they seem to do now. It scares me. Roosevelt was right. Fear is an appropriate object of fear." Robinson will accept the 2017 Chicago Tribune Literary Prize at a Chicago Humanities Festival event Saturday. She is being honored for her compelling novels of small lives closely examined: "Housekeeping" in 1980, and then the three Iowa novels, "Gilead," "Home" and "Lila," beginning in 2004, each of them examining a town, its residents and the incidents in their lives from a different perspective. But she is also recognized for essays, such as "Fear," observations on religion and American culture that have struck a chord with readers. Her nonfiction books include "The Death of Adam," "Mother Country" and the most recent, "The Givenness of Things." "It's a prize with a very distinguished history," Robinson said. "I'm happy to be on the list of recipients. Literary prizes, you know, I think they're probably as important as any single thing in drawing attention to, for our purposes, to American writers." In announcing the award, the Tribune called Robinson "one of the most revered writers in America." The paper cited her "powerful use of language, with its special cadences" and ability to segue with eloquence "between the magisterial and the quotidian." Chicago Tribune Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Bruce Dold, who will present the award to Robinson, called her "a wonderful fiction writer and a brilliant essayist. She challenges every reader to respect the deep mystery of faith." Back in 2015, President Barack Obama made it clear that he agreed. As president, he went out of his way to sit down to talk with Robinson, with him posing the questions, in a conversation later published in The New York Review of Books. His animating idea, he said at the time, was, "Why don't I just have a conversation with somebody I really like and see how it turns out." Advertisement That 2015 talk holds up as an exchange of ideas, the kind of thing that a humanities festival audience would be thrilled to be on hand for. And probably even more than the Pulitzer Prize for "Gilead" or the fine 1987 film that was made from "Housekeeping," it brought Robinson to the attention of a public beyond the small subset that pays attention to literary fiction and the jousting of ideas. "Christianity is profoundly counterintuitive," is one of the things she told the 44th president. " 'Love thy neighbor as thyself' which I think properly understood means your neighbor is as worthy of love as you are, not that you're actually going to be capable of this sort of superhuman feat. But you're supposed to run against the grain. It's supposed to be difficult. It's supposed to be a challenge." About Obama, she said over the phone, "I was very confident of his graciousness, which is perfect . It's incredibly pleasing to talk to someone who so clearly wants to hear what you have to say." Robinson retired last year from teaching at the Iowa Writers' Workshop, and she has been busy, she said, working on a piece about the Reformation for The New Republic. ("Some of my new theories," she said. "I don't know what they'll think of it, but I sent it to them anyway.") "And then I'm working on an article for The Nation about, you know, immediately contemporary politics, that strange subject," she said. "But beside working on those things, I've also been writing fiction. I don't know how much I have maybe 20 percent of a novel. I don't ever actually count." It's far enough along, she said, where she might show it to her publisher "any day." Advertisement Asked if the book's subject might mean the sort of "Gilead" trilogy will become a "quatrology," she laughed and said, "A 'quartet,' how's that? Ah, well, you know, I think you could say that." She would not go into more detail, but even that much is exciting news to readers who have followed the Iowa books. They began in 2004 with "Gilead," a sort of autobiography from the Rev. John Ames, a congregationalist pastor in the town. "Home," from 2008, examines Jack, the prodigal son of Ames' good friend the Rev. Robert Boughton. And "Lila" (2014) gets inside the head of the title character, Ames' much younger wife. Asked what the allure is of examining one milieu so closely, she said, "I don't know, and that's probably a lot of the allure, you know?" But part of it, Robinson continued, has to do with her respect for this region of the country, which she insists on calling the "Middle West." Why the full name? "There's a way in which so much of the history, the cultural history and other, has been sort of elided out of the larger narrative of American history," she said. "And the elision in that name sort of reminds me of that. "I mean the hard fact is that the Middle West is condescended to. I have experienced this in various circumstances. It is a very great pity because this part of the country has been unbelievably important in the formation of American culture." Advertisement Robinson talked about some of the "enlightened" history of Iowa and her novels perhaps helping, in a way, to reclaim it. "It was unconstitutional in Iowa before it was even a state to have a segregated school, for example," she said. "You know there was never a law against miscegenation, which is important to my novel? There were only two states in the union for which that was true, Maine and Iowa." Further, she said, "the history of education in the state and in the Middle West in general is very strong. But people act as if all real education occurs on the coasts. You know, that's bizarre." As for the term "flyover country," she says, "You can fly over anything." If a new novel is en route, that would be four in, perhaps, 15 years, which amounts to a veritable torrent after the long waiting period between the highly praised "Housekeeping" and "Gilead." Some writers might be tortured by that, but Robinson speaks of it with calm and, perhaps, some of the distance that she says she tried to encourage her writing students to employ. "When I wrote 'Housekeeping,' it's set in a place like the place where I grew up, the northern mountains in the West," she said, in Idaho. "And I set it there really because I had that place to myself. There were no books about it, really. And I could evade the problem of cliche and the problem of thin information and so on that felt so pervasive to me. "And when I tried to write (afterward), I didn't want to repeat that solution. And I didn't feel I knew enough that I could trust I was actually saying what I could defend, rather than simply passing along received information. And received information is almost always very bad. And so I said, you know, that amounts to about 24 years studying. Advertisement "I mean books came out of that, 'Mother Country' and 'The Death of Adam,' right? But they were basically notes on what I was reading, and thinking, and observing and so on. That's a big chunk of life. It kind of takes my breath away that I assumed I would live long enough to make all that worthwhile." Asked if that period was at all frustrating, she said it was quite the opposite. "You know, I enjoyed it," she said. "Just inquiring into things is deeply satisfying to me. "I'm glad that it came to me to write a novel. But I don't sit down to write a novel. You know, if I'm writing a novel it's because some voice is in my head, and I know that it's going to lead me into something with the length and breadth to be described as a novel." The conversation, though, kept coming back to current politics, to some of the ideas outlined in the "Fear" essay and what she called the "impulse toward fearfulness that I do not like to see in the land of the free and the home of the brave," a phrase she used not because it has become a cliche but for its specific meaning. "It just drives me crazy," she said. "Fear is dangerous. Fear is more toxic than any emotion. You cannot be fair to someone you're afraid of. You are never truly kind to someone you're afraid of. ... And so it's profoundly corrosive politically and culturally." Advertisement One of the things that gets corroded, she believes, is the public perception of her faith. She lamented "these people that are running around shrieking about the decline of Christianity they are a great source of the problem. They have made it seem mean, and dingy and judgmental, tribalistic. It's just terrible, and they've monopolized all of the words and all of the categories, you know, and it's just terrible." The word "extremist" comes to mind, and it's one that Robinson has contemplated. "I mean, if they were extremely pious, if they were extremely given to open-handedness, if they were extremely pacifist, you know, that would be one thing," she said. "But they're taking their to-do lists from extreme political movements and so on. That's what they are doing. They are acting out of an extreme politics that is the absolute antithesis of religion." She has her own fears, she said, that we might be living through a kind of unraveling of the American idea. "Yes, it does seem like that to me, and I certainly hope I'm wrong," she said. "I hope I'm just humiliated by the wrongness." She laughed again. If people someday study some of her essays in that vein and hold them up as "an example of how wrong one human being can be," she said, that would be just fine. "From beyond the grave. I will be smiling." Advertisement sajohnson@chicagotribune.com Twitter @StevenKJohnson Chicago Tribune Literary Prize Marilynne Robinson will receive the 2017 Chicago Tribune Literary Prize at 11 a.m., Saturday, in the Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston. For details, including tickets, visit www.chicagohumanities.org. [ RELATED: Marilynne Robinson, acclaimed novelist and essayist, wins 2017 Tribune Literary Award ] [ Trump Twitter museum spotlights 'Daily Show's' inventive satire ] [ 'SNL,' Soviet artists and the dead highlight fall museum season ] Watch the latest movie trailers. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox) Chelsea Manning's lead counsel, Chase Strangio, left, and astrologist Chani Nicholas are among the influential LGBTQ voices speaking truth to power at the Chicago Humanities Festival's "Belief" Fallfest. (ACLU, Isaiah Texas) This fall, the Chicago Humanities Festival's "Belief" series takes on that topic forbidden at the Thanksgiving dinner table and asks, "What do we mean by belief?" At this political moment when "divisive" is the most generous way of putting things there's no time like the present to pose the question. Are there any truths that are actually self-evident? The CHF will use presenters such as Al Gore, Reza Azlan and "hip mortician" Caitlin Doughty to excavate answers to these questions through dialogue with other cultural figures. Advertisement While this year's fest takes the same interdisciplinary approach, one noticeable difference in this fall's programming is its far more rigorous approach to the discussion of LGBTQ issues. This is perhaps the result of criticism CHF received for inviting Caitlyn Jenner to discuss trans issues during this year's Springfest. Because Jenner is a wealthy celebrity with right-wing views, her critics believed that she could not speak to the realities facing most of the trans community, where folks are four times as likely to have a household income under $10,000, according to a study by the UCLA Williams Institute of Law. CHF seems to have listened. This fall's conversations include Chelsea Manning's lead counsel, Chase Strangio in conversation with trans activist Precious Davis; astrologist Chani Nicholas; "Angels in America" playwright Tony Kushner; and "Transparent" showrunner Jill Soloway. By bringing in prominent queer voices from a variety of fields, the fest aims to take a well-rounded approach in addressing everything from the relationship between activism and spirituality to LGBTQ involvement in litigation. Advertisement Strangio, who has been a lawyer with the ACLU for five years, comes to the table with a handful of ideas surrounding belief. "I want to focus on work that changes how we think about trans existence, how important it is to be situating trans bodies as real and whole," he says. "It seems that the biggest impulse is to ignore them. There's the idea that trans bodies are not to be believed." Inspired by his work with the Sylvia Rivera Law Project and his representation of Manning, Strangio wants to use his talk with Davis, "The Legal Fight for Transgender Rights," to shed light on the structures that make trans lives impossible. He also wants to dissuade others from relying on the legal system for change. "If we think lawyers are going to save us, we've already lost." Astrologist Nicholas isn't quite as earthbound in her practice, and instead merges social justice with celestial readings. With over 75,000 Facebook followers, Nicholas calls her popular work "Astrology for radical, political, critical mystics." "I wasn't interested in writing anything untrue to my beliefs. I never thought anyone would like it," she says. "When people want astrology, they want to hear about themselves: 'When am I going to get rich and famous?' 'When am I going to fall in love?' I'm really bored with that." Because her writing did receive such a warm response from LGBTQ folks, Nicholas is often asked why astrology is a spiritual practice so embraced by queer communities. "I think that any oppressed group has the experience of being misnamed or misunderstood," she says. "Astrology is a way of witnessing oneself. It's a tool to distinguish our identities." Advertisement In "The Activist's Astrologer," her CHF conversation with Detroit-based organizer and editor adrienne maree brown, Nicholas hopes to expand on why astrology appeals to those on the front lines of social justice and healing work. "It's a way to find ourselves outside of the oppressive institutions that try to use our lives against us," she says. "Queers can use astrology as a form of personal liberation." Queer spirituality will present itself in a number of other conversations, notably in Soloway's discussion with CHF Artistic Director Alison Cuddy. Soloway, the gender-nonconforming writer whose groundbreaking Amazon series "Transparent" meets at an intersection of queer studies and Judaism, will speak with Cuddy about the evolution of their work. While their characters receive both backlash and praise for their complicated depictions of queer experiences, Soloway aspires to use their role in the media to "upend the patriarchy by shifting the gaze and inspiring protagonism for women, queer people, people of color and their allies." In anticipation of his forthcoming book "The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures," Kushner will play the role of facilitator in his conversation with Jeremy McCarter, author of "Young Radicals: In the War for American Ideals" and co-author with Lin-Manuel Miranda of the best-seller "Hamilton: The Revolution." The duo will discuss the challenge and necessity of depicting American dreamers and radicals. Of course, the concept of belief doesn't begin and end with queer experiences, just as the humanities don't begin and end with the arts. Ultimately, CHF's "Belief" series paints a vast picture of what it means to practice faith, dissect the sciences and engage with histories call it a rainbow of programming. The fall event begins Oct. 28 and continues through Nov. 12 at locations in Evanston, Hyde Park and downtown Chicago. Tickets and wait list information can be found at https://tickets.chicagohumanities.org. Advertisement khawbaker@tronc.com Twitter @roaringgilmore [ RELATED: Kesha swings back with a swagger at the Aragon ] [ It was Bob and Harvey Weinstein against the world. Then they turned on each other. ] [ Mayim Bialik apologizes for Weinstein op-ed: 'I am truly sorry for causing so much pain' ] Watch the latest movie trailers. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox) A few years back when he turned 70, film director David Cronenberg described the process of aging and the physical breakdown that ensues as something akin to "The Metamorphosis," Franz Kafka's novella about a man who awakes one morning to find that he has been transformed into an insect. "You are a new creature," Cronenberg told The Guardian, explaining the shock of finding himself in a body that feels unrecognizable. Advertisement Ironically, Cronenberg a master of body horror and queasy visuals was pondering just this phenomenon as early as his 40s when he made the 1986 horror film "The Fly," in which Jeff Goldblum's scientist experiences a grisly metamorphosis of his own after an experiment goes awry. His physical disintegration is witnessed with disgusted shock by Geena Davis, as his journalist girlfriend. The film screens Tuesday followed by a discussion of its plausibility led by DNA expert Erica Zahnle as part of the Music Box's ongoing cinema science collaboration with the Field Museum. Advertisement This is Goldblum at his Goldblumiest, playing Seth Brundle, inventor of a teleportation device that he says will ultimately be able to transport people or things from one location to another. He first meets Geena Davis' Veronica Quaife (that name!) at a media event where he tells her: "I'm working on something that will change the world and human life as we know it!" What makes The Fly so great and this is something Cronenberg has always understood about the genre is that its also funny. Absolutely skin-crawling. But funny. Brundle himself is ridiculous in manner and affect, and Veronica all but tells him that to his face. Somehow I get the feeling you dont get out much, she says during their first meeting. For a split second Goldblum lets the corner of his mouth curl into a half a smile before its gone: You can tell that? Shes won over eventually, but things take a turn when Brundle teleports himself unaware that a housefly was also in the machine at the time. Soon after, there are changes. And thats where I got confused, Zahnle told me, because he says that he and the fly were mated. So how would that be possible? She did some research on what was going on in 1986 and the human genome wasnt even sequenced yet. (Genomes contain all the genetic material present in an organism.) So I thought the movie had an interesting concept, because we didnt even know about the human or housefly genome yet. We were still under the impression that humans would come out superior once the genomes were sequenced and by superior I mean, have more genes than any other life on earth. We thought the number of genes an organism had symbolized its sophistication. That turned out to be false. "When we actually got the results, scientists were shocked and kind of stunned to find out that corn, for example, has more DNA physically than humans do. So I think it's interesting where they took the plot, based on how little genetic fact that was available in 1986. Everyone thinks, 'Oh, we're so different.' But in reality we actually share something like 50 percent of our DNA with bananas." And when it comes to houseflies, that number is closer to 70 percent. "The genes that we share with them are responsible for embryonic development." So is it possible that a hypothetical teleportation device might somehow confuse human and fly DNA because we have so much of it in common? I mean, that I dont know, Zahnle said. "The problem with humans and flies is that we have 23 pairs of chromosomes and house flies have 6 pairs. So at a cellular level this is where I get confused about the movie. What they're describing is more like a viral infection. A virus will invade a cell and use the host to make copies of itself. So in this case, the human would be the host, the fly would be the virus. That's the only way I could explain it because there's no true splicing going on. There's no exchange of genes. If Jeff Goldblum becomes the fly, why didnt the fly become Jeff Goldblum? What happened? Ive tried logic-ing it out, and I just dont know why Jeff Goldblums character took the brunt of it. Could a human and fly be fused into one organism somehow? "Not to the extent the movie took it. But with genetic engineering, we can select genes and insert them into other organisms' genomes. We do it all the time. Right now there's a hybrid of a tomato that has a fish gene in it." (Though never commercialized, the so-called GMO "fish tomato" contains an antifreeze gene from the winter flounder, in an effort to give the plant a tolerance to frost.) Once Brundles body begins to change, Veronica gets suspicious: Those weird hairs that were growing out of your back? she says. I had them analyzed. Theyre definitely not human. Heres Zahnles take: I was like, Alright: 1986, how would they have done that? And theres actually a technique that uses bristle positioning on the body to tell apart the different species of flies. So I guess it could have been that on the off-chance she took it to an entomologist who would be able to recognize the bristles? Or I guess they could have used mass spectrometry, which is chemical composition but what would the protein composition of a fly be versus a human? I was just wondering, what lab did she take it to? Like, how are they doing these things back in 1986? It would be an easier task in 2017. In contemporary genetic science you would do something called DNA barcoding, where we would just look for this universal gene that tells us, at the species level, what something is. And because the human genome wasnt sequenced in 1986, nor was the housefly, they couldnt do this in 1986. Brundles lab environment was anything but pristine, but Zahnle had another observation. He perpetuates the stereotype most people have of scientists, which is a white middle-aged man working by himself. And thats what Jeff Goldblums character personifies; hes kind of dorky, anti-social, very hush-hush about his research. And at least in the labs that we work in at the Field museum, theres lots of collaboration, lots of women its very different than that. "It still feels primarily white American," she said. "We have quite an international population, but most people that are from the United States tend to be white, and that's something we're trying to address. So one of the things that I've been spearheading are middle school programs and trying to get kids interested at a younger age and from underserved schools and districts. Because there's really, in my opinion, not enough diversity in the program that's made up of kids raised here in the Chicago area." Advertisement It's a strange thing, how movies can spark interest in a subject. "The Fly" isn't just about horror; it's also interested in the way that it gets there. Everything about you is changing. You look bad. You smell bad, Veronica says. After a pause: Ive never been much of a bather, Brundle replies and she just gives him a look. But consider how perfectly weird some of the films latter scenes are, when Brundle uses his fly saliva to maim someone. This is actually how it works when flies eat, vomiting up digestive enzymes in order to break down dissolve solid food. Or in "The Fly's" case, a pesky intruder's hand or foot. "The Fly" screens at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday followed by a discussion with DNA expert and Field Museum scientist Erica Zahnle at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave. For more information, go to www.musicboxtheatre.com/films/the-fly. nmetz@chicagotribune.com Twitter @Nina_Metz [ RELATED: Why TV shows about black Chicagoans by black Chicagoans matter ] [ My worst moment: Ted Danson on the actor's nightmare ] [ My worst moment: 'You're the Worst' co-star Desmin Borges on almost getting fired ] Watch the latest movie trailers. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox) Students visit the new Take a Stand Center at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in Skokie. Take a Stand Center utilizes groundbreaking technology to enable interaction with 13 recorded Holocaust survivors via 3-D holography. (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune) (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune) The seventh-graders from St. Paul of the Cross School in Park Ridge file into the theater, packing every inch of it. As the house lights go down, a hush falls over the room, and the students watch a haunting, seven-minute documentary about Holocaust survivor Fritzie Fritzshall, who lives in the Chicago area. She tells of her family's arrest at gunpoint; the deprivations and degradations of imprisonment in a Jewish ghetto in Czechoslovakia; the horrors of a hellish boxcar journey to the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp; and the unlikely miracle of her survival. Advertisement Then the lights come up a bit, and, all at once, Fritzshall materializes onstage, as if from the ether. "I have so much more to tell you," she says to the crowd. "So please ask me questions." Advertisement Many hands shoot into the air, but Fritzshall isn't really there. Or perhaps it's more accurate to say that a luminescent, three-dimensional likeness of her has begun speaking with the audience. She appears to listen attentively, nods her head in recognition of the inquiries, smiles occasionally, sometimes sounds close to tears and always responds with warmth in her voice and tenderness on her face. Welcome to the future of the preservation of memory, which is playing out for the first time anywhere in the world at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, in Skokie. Starting on Oct. 29, visitors will be able to ask questions of Fritzshall and 12 other Holocaust survivors seven of them from Chicago and environs as part of the museum's $5 million, three-years-in-the-making Take a Stand Center. At its heart is the Abe & Ida Cooper Survivor Stories Experience, a 66-seat theater created by the museum in conjunction with the USC Shoah Foundation in Los Angeles, which developed the groundbreaking technology (called New Dimensions in Testimony). Each of the participating survivors spent several days in a Los Angeles studio answering upward of 2,000 questions about their Holocaust experiences, and related issues, before the unblinking gaze of 50-plus cameras. And now the St. Paul of the Cross students are the first to test the new 3-D theater, as the museum prepares for its opening. The youngsters are not shy about what they want to know from Fritzshall. "What was the hardest part of your experience in the concentration camp?" asks a student (the question conveyed via a museum staff member speaking into a microphone). "I thought I would die when I was walking toward the gas chambers," says Fritzshall's likeness. "I thought I would die when I didn't have enough food. I didn't think I would last another day without food. I thought I would die many times just walking in the camp itself when I heard a shot coming at someone standing next to me. "There was never any certainty when we were in Auschwitz." Advertisement Fritzshall's chilling answer inspires still more raised hands. "What thoughts were going through your mind when soldiers walked in your door and told you you had 15 minutes to pack?" asks another student, basing the question on information from the opening film. "The last days of Passover were still celebrated with my family," explains Fritzshall's figure. "I remember going to bed. I remember the knock on the door. I remember the soldiers standing in front of the door with a rifle pointing at us. I remember standing in front of this door with my mother and her three children around her, myself and my two younger brothers. She was told to gather her things and to march outdoors." Fritzshall's facsimile expounds on life in the fenced-in Jewish ghetto into which her family was herded, and the pain of knowing that no one came to help. "This is something I don't understand to this day," she tells her audience. "Our friends, our neighbors, the community that was not Jewish, at this point walking around the fence, looking at us, sticking out their tongues, commenting and making fun of us, who were their neighbors yesterday. My friend who slept with me in the bed yesterday is out there today making fun of me, her friend. This is something that I never understood." Then another student asks a key question: "What kept you going throughout the Holocaust?" Advertisement The hologramlike Fritzshall gathers her thoughts, then responds. "We lived with hope in the camp," she says of Auschwitz-Birkenau. "If we lost our hope, we would have lost ourselves. So hope was always there. I was pretty sure my mother did not survive, but I was hoping my brothers survived because I had seen them that one time during the time when we were doing slave labor, carrying the rocks, so in my mind, I was always hoping they would survive, and hoping they had survived. "And I think that was one of the reasons that I kept going and wanted to live so badly, hoping that some of us from our immediate family would survive." None besides Fritzshall did. Students from St. Paul of the Cross in Park Ridge visit the new Take a Stand Center at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in Skokie. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune) That the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center should become the first institution in the world to present "fully interactive video biographies in a permanent exhibition space" as USC Shoah Foundation Executive Director Stephen Smith puts it in an email can be credited to remarkable coincidence and herculean effort. Museum board member Jim Goodman long had been interested in holography and had been thinking, "Wouldn't this be great to record not only our survivors but good people who have done good things?" he recalls. Advertisement He traveled around the world exploring the latest technology, pitched the idea to the museum board and one day in 2013 found himself seated next to an intriguing stranger at an event in Washington marking the 20th anniversary of the opening of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. "Of 4,000 people in the audience, this guy is sitting next to me, we start talking, and he says: 'Who are you with?'" remembers Goodman. "I said: the Illinois Holocaust Museum. "And he said: Anything interesting? "So I said I've been working on this hologram idea. "And he said: 'You're kidding? Is this a setup? I'm working on this.' Advertisement "His program was much more sophisticated, with interactive voice recognition technology, where the subjects answered questions." Goodman began telling everyone at the museum about the USC Shoah Foundation venture but faced skepticism. "We all looked at him and said: 'What? How much is it going to cost?'" remembers Fritzshall, the museum's president, in an interview. "And he was like the bulldog." Susan Abrams, appointed the museum's CEO in 2014, already was focusing on "the notion of how will we tell survivors stories for generations to come," she recalls. "So we developed a portfolio of about eight different strategies for how we will tell survivors' stories going forward, when we're not privileged to hear from the survivors." Advertisement In other words, after the last Holocaust survivor has passed away, how will their stories survive? The USC Shoah Foundation's technology offered a potentially mesmerizing answer to that question, perpetuating not only the survivors' testimony but also their facial expressions, tone of voice, body language personal characteristics that render their truths palpably real and compelling. Moreover, the museum and the USC Shoah Foundation proved an elegant match the foundation had the technology and the museum had the audience and, potentially, a theater. A two-dimensional version of a Survivor Stories Theater had been running in a temporary space in the museum since spring 2015. But now the completed and renamed Abe & Ida Cooper Survivor Stories Experience brings the concept to fruition in 3-D (no, you don't wear special glasses), with accompanying galleries to enrich the visit. On this day, Fritzshall's testimony proves riveting to her audience. "Amazing," says a 12-year-old seventh-grader named Laila (St. Paul of the Cross School requested that we not use her surname). Advertisement "I've learned about the Holocaust before from multiple people, but it's such a different experience hearing it from someone who went through it themselves," adds Laila. "Hearing how it affected her life, it affects your life." Peyton Daly, a 13-year-old eighth-grader from St. Juliana School in Chicago, watches Fritzshall with her classmates after the St. Paul of the Cross session. She asks the holographic Fritzshall if she ever tried to escape. At which point Peyton bursts into tears. "I tried to hold it in, but there was a point where I just asked my question, and I couldn't hold it in anymore," says Peyton afterward. "I feel like it was very moving, because I can't imagine this happening to me or any other people around the world. And I just feel like I don't want it to happen to others." Fritzshall's answer to Peyton's question "When we were in Auschwitz, there was no escape for us" stings. Advertisement Says Peyton: "I feel she's such a brave person to be able to sit up there and explain her story to anyone and everyone who was able to listen to the story. "I felt like that person was actually up there," says Peyton, "and I feel like I was actually talking to her." Which is precisely the idea. "They're just the right age," says Anne Hoversen, a St. Paul of the Cross teacher accompanying students to the museum. "You get the child when they're young and encourage them to be the ones in the future to make change. I teach history. I keep telling them: You're the future. Learn well. You make the change." Holocaust survivor Sam Harris looks at a holographic image of Holocaust survivor Fritzie Fritzshall during visit the new Take a Stand Center at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in Skokie. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune) But it's not just children who are the intended audience of the Take a Stand Center. Adults, parents, grandparents, siblings anyone with a stake in humanity has reason to absorb what happens here. After the session in the theater, the students pour into the Goodman Upstander Gallery, where they see a reproduction of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document produced by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris in 1948 establishing "for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected," according to the United Nations. Advertisement From there, the students visit modules where they can watch films on five themes the museum has drawn from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: economic opportunity, equal rights, safe communities, education, and health and environment. The visitors interact with displays of "upstanders" who have championed human rights. When the students flip over small portraits of these heroes, they can read the humanists' words: "It takes no compromise to give people their rights ..." Harvey Milk "When you start a new trial equipped with courage, strength, and conviction, the only thing that can stop you is you." Ruby Bridges "I said to myself, 'Malala, you must be brave. You must not be afraid of anyone. You are only trying to get an education. You are not committing a crime.'" Malala Yousafzai These phrases are inscribed on mirrors, so the visitors literally can see themselves in these words. Advertisement Then the youngsters press ahead to Take a Stand Lab, where they push touch screens to answer questions about themselves, read suggested courses of action and email themselves a "toolkit" on how to speak to elected officials or start a letter-writing campaign or create a petition or otherwise stand up and be heard. Finally, the students pass through the Act of Art Gallery, featuring works on themes of social justice and commentary from the artists who created them. For example: Alongside Won-Chul Jung's "The Testimony" (1998), which features stylized images of Korean women forced to be prostitutes by the Japanese Army during World War II, a plaque contains these words from the artist: "Although the wrinkles in each portrait represent each individual's historical truth emotional scars are untouchable." Clearly, the museum is trying to encourage its visitors kids and adults alike to get involved. "All of us here think our museum is not just about history," says Shoshana Buchholz-Miller, the museum's vice president of education and exhibition and project manager for the Take a Stand Center. "We don't want our visitors to walk away thinking: Oh, what an interesting history lesson. We want them to understand how this applies to them today and to take action based on that." Or, as museum CEO Abrams puts it, "It's about moving people from understanding to inspiration and to action. What we know is that for many of our visitors, that could be a vast and overwhelming (prospect). What can I as a lone individual do? What can I as one young person do? What can I as one person without many resources do?" Advertisement The Take a Stand Lab addresses these questions and visibly inspires the visitors on this morning. An area where guests are invited to take a piece of paper and pencil, write down a pledge and post it for all to see overflows with entries: "I pledge to raise awareness by doing social events." "I have noticed how much gets thrown away from school lunch and I think it should be donated or given to kids that can't/don't have food." "I pledge to not litter and go to church every day." "I pledge to help out people that do not have as much as me." "I pledge to work to raise awareness about mental health and LGBT rights." Advertisement Considering the moral underpinning of the Take a Stand Center which champions human rights that are under siege to this day, in the United States and elsewhere the museum ultimately is doing exactly what it's urging visitors to do: taking a stand. For this, there could be resistance from some quarters. "I'm OK if there's a visitor who thinks: I don't think climate change is real," says project manager Buchholz-Miller. "They can have a discussion about that with whoever they're here with or have a discussion with their family. "I think there's a lot of issues that we profile, so there are issues that people can find that are of interest to them. The actions you take those are neutral as to what your issue is. It's action you can take on whatever side of the fence you're on." CEO Abrams believes that "we are trying to look at current issues with an apolitical point of view. And an example of that would be: We're not especially talking about climate change, (though) we are an institution with an understanding of and respect for science. "But we're looking for individual access to clean water, clean air all of which are part of a healthy human existence." Advertisement Hard to argue with that. Students from St. Paul of the Cross in Park Ridge visit the new Take a Stand Center at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in Skokie. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune) Will any of this make any difference? Will the translucent, talking images of Holocaust survivors and the multiple galleries surrounding the theater change anything in a nation and a world increasingly at war with itself? I understand that not every child that comes here is here because he wants to be there, says Fritzshall in an interview. "He's there because his mother brought him or his school brought him. I understand that we don't touch each child. But I also understand that we plant a seed in some of these children. "And I hope we're planting a seed in what they're going to see in our holography, and that seed will grow. And some of them will want to look into a book, they'll want go to a film, they're going to ask questions. I honestly think that's going to happen." Aaron Elster, a Holocaust survivor and the museums first vice president, speaks eloquently during his own 3-D discourse. And he holds out hope for a world that once betrayed him. We survivors feel that when we are gone, our story is gone, says Elster, in an interview. The holographic project "will continue the existence of our stories of our families," he adds. "Our hope and our prayer is to enlighten people as to the people who stood up and made a difference, versus the bystanders that let things happen. Advertisement The bystanders, some of them are just as guilty as the perpetrators. They couldnt care less. "What am I hoping for?" he asks. "I'm hoping that many, many years from now, people will still be able to speak with me. That I will be able to answer questions for them, that I'll make the Holocaust more than just a story." Thanks to this exhibition, Elster and his fellow survivors will teach generations how to prevent the next injustice, the next genocide. And this critical message will be delivered by individuals who hold unique moral authority to show us the way. 'Take a Stand' at a glance The Take a Stand Center will have a public opening celebration 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie. Museum admission is $15 starting Oct. 29; admission price includes the theater. For more information, 847-967-4800 or www.ilholocaustmuseum.org. Following are highlights of the Take a Stand Center: Abe & Ida Cooper Survivor Stories Experience: Visitors watch a short film on one of 13 Holocaust survivors, then can ask questions of a holographic image of the survivor. Reservations required. Advertisement Goodman Upstander Gallery: Guests explore the stories and lessons of upstanders who have championed humanity, among them Nelson Mandela, Susan B. Anthony, Jane Addams, Malala Yousafzai and Theaster Gates. Take a Stand Lab: Visitors can operate an Interactive Media Kiosk that provides tools for getting involved in social action. Act of Art Gallery: Art works conveying themes of social justice are the last images visitors see in the Take a Stand Center, the pieces accompanied by plaques featuring the words of the artists. Howard Reich is a Tribune critic. hreich@chicagotribune.com Twitter @howardreich [ RELATED: Holocaust museum to bring survivor stories to life ] [ Holocaust film reveals pain of bringing autobiography to screen ] [ Reawakening the ghosts of Skokie ] Watch the latest movie trailers. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox) Artist Hector Duarte helps visitors create their own wire art in his studio during the annual Pilsen Open Studios, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016. (Antonio Perez/ Chicago Tribune) Chicago 15 years ago, Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events designated October as Chicago Artists' Month. They sent a letter to the muralist Hector Duarte to propose the idea that he open up his workshop to the public, located across the street from the National Museum of Mexican Art, and offer him some publicity in their brochure. "Why only me?" Duarte asked, and he suggested inviting other local artists to participate. That's how the annual Pilsen Open Studios festival was born, collaboratively, and this weekend it celebrates its quinceanera. Advertisement Back then and still to some extent, "one did not have the opportunity to exhibit downtown, in the galleries, as legitimate art. They don't accept our art very much because for them it's ethnic art, hood art. They want art that doesn't say anything, art for art's sake," said Duarte, 65. About 15 artists opened their studios the first time, almost 30 the second year, and in their best years have had up to 80 participants, according to organizers. Among them have been high profile artists such as Diana Solis, Salvador Vega, Jeff Maldonado, Rene Arceo, Robert Valadez, Maria Gaspar, Roy Villalobos, Gabriel Villa, Montserrat Alsina, Antonio Martinez, Pablo Serrano, Nicole Marroquin, Carlos Cortez and the late Francisco Mendoza. Advertisement Mark Nelson is one of the organizers that opened his studio Gringolandia consecutively since 2003. Despite what the name implies, his art has a visibly Latin American influence. He lived 20 years in Panama, where he painted an 18-foot mural, before returning to the United States and calling Pilsen home. "As artists we wanted the support of the people and we wanted to give them the experience of seeing how we work. And you realize the diversity of artists. Although most are Latino, not everyone uses the same aesthetic and not everyone makes folk art. The Latin American community is just as complex in styles and philosophies as what you are going to find in the Art Institute," Nelson said. The museum was the fiscal agent the first few years, but the artists have insisted that the two-day event be organized independently and for local benefit. When an artist does not have his own studio, as is common among emerging Latino artists, organizers seek out community spaces to exhibit, such as Mestizarte and Casa Michoacan. Casa Aztlan, a victim of gentrification, was once one of those venues and it's the theme of the publicity for Pilsen Open Studios 2017, coordinated by Teresa Magana. Organizers look to the future with uncertainty because, in the declared "Year of Public Art" by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the community has seen the destruction of their murals by investors who rapidly tear down and renovate buildings. "We always talk about what we're thinking and living, not about how to decorate the living room. All art is political, even the art that has no political theme is political, because it reflects not seeing what is happening around you. Art must be rich in aesthetic expression and at the same time have a message or reflection that contributes something culturally or spiritually," added Duarte. Pilsen Open Studios 2017 -The opening reception is Friday, October 20 at 8 pm at Ollin Studio, 1957 W. 23rd St., with an exhibition of paintings, DJ, mariachi, and appetizers. A donation of $5 is suggested Advertisement -The artists will open their studios on Saturday and Sunday at noon, free admission -The map is at bit.ly/POS-2017 -The museum, 1852 W. 19th St., will lead a tour of Pilsen murals at 2 pm both days -The unveiling of the Paseo Community Garden mural titled "El Abrazo", 944 W. 21st St., will be at 4 pm on Saturday Contact Reporter ALSO Advertisement Mexicans and 'Hispanics', now the largest minority in Chicago Pilsen residents mourn Casa Aztlan 40 years later, UIC students demand more Latinx representation The big, lopsided words written in pencil captured not just the charm and innocence of youth, but a poignant prediction. "The excitement in this book made me feel warm inside," Alice Newton, 8, wrote in a note. "I think it is possibly one of the best books an 8/9-year-old could read." Advertisement Alice was writing about the first few chapters from the manuscript of J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," which had been given to Alice's father, Nigel, the founder and chief executive of Bloomsbury. The young girl's input proved crucial, and Newton approved editor Barry Cunningham's proposal to publish the book that would become the first in the blockbuster series that would sell more than 450 million copies worldwide and be translated into 79 languages. That scene opens "Harry Potter: A Journey Through a History of Magic," a fun, fact-filled book for young readers that serves as preview to the British Library's new exhibition, "Harry Potter: A History of Magic." The exhibit will come to the New-York Historical Society next fall. Advertisement With activities and illustrations from Rowling, Jim Kay and Olivia Lomenech Gill, the book takes readers on a tour through the Hogwarts curriculum Potions, Herbology, Charms, Astronomy, Divination, Defense Against the Dark Arts and Care of Magical Creatures by exploring the subjects in the series, the professors who teach them and some of the historical origins for items and characters. For instance, Nicholas Flamel in the books, the creator of the Philosopher's Stone (or Sorcerer's Stone in the U.S. versions of the books) was a real French scribe who died in 1418 and was believed to be an alchemist. Mandrakes, which second-year students help plant in "Chamber of Secrets," are real, too, but instead of helping restore people and ghosts petrified by a basilisk, mandrakes were believed to be a medieval herbal remedy for headaches, earaches and insanity, best harvested by unearthing the human-shaped roots by attaching "one end of a cord to the plant and the other to a dog." Harry Potter fans of all ages will enjoy the breezy nature of "A Journey Through a History of Magic." The book sheds light on the folklore Rowling incorporated into her series without getting bogged down in dry narrative Professor Binns' History of Magic class it is not. Kay's and Gill's illustrations lend the book vibrancy, helping characters and creatures alike pop out from the pages. Younger readers in particular might enjoy the book's activities, such as making a color-changing potion out of lemon-lime soda, but it might be best to make sure they've read the series first: "A Journey Through a History of Magic" does feature some minor spoilers. For older fans, the book's real magic lies in cataloging items from Rowling's collection. "A Journey Through a History of Magic" features pages upon pages of Rowling's illustrations, handwritten drafts, typed manuscripts, flow charts and scenes that appeared differently in the final published stories. One draft of "Chamber of Secrets" has Harry and Ron Weasley crashing Mr. Weasley's flying Ford Anglia into the lake instead of the Whomping Willow; the names of the Order of the Phoenix and Dumbledore's Army were originally switched; and a manuscript of "Sorcerer's Stone" has Rubeus Hagrid warning Cornelius Fudge who is not only a Muggle but the prime minister of England of the threat of Lord Voldemort. The warning scene would be substantially rewritten with different characters as the first chapter of "Half-Blood Prince." Fudge, of course, was the minister of magic in the final draft. Seeing Rowling's creative process is a treat. Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom are the same respective characters in a 1991 sketch, but fellow Gryffindor Dean Thomas was originally named Gary. And speaking of Gryffindor, "A Journey Through A History of Magic" features handwritten notes on how new students are sorted into houses. Rowling toyed with the idea of a ghost ride, a riddle or statues of the school's four founders coming to life and picking students before she settled on the famed Sorting Hat. Much like tapping the right brick to enter Diagon Alley, "Harry Potter: A Journey Through a History of Magic" brings readers back into Rowling's imaginative world. It's part history, part nostalgia trip. But more importantly, it'll make you want to pick up the books and relive Harry's adventures all over again. Or, as Albus Dumbledore once said, "Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!" Advertisement jmikula@chicagotribune.com Twitter @jeremymikula Harry Potter: A Journey Through a History of Magic By British Library, Arthur A. Levine, 144 pages, $19.99 [ JK Rowling marks 20 years since Harry Potter appeared ] [ Handwritten Harry Potter prequel stolen in burglary ] [ Harry Potter sequel isn't limited by skin color ] People gather for a "Laquan Day" rally in honor of Laquan McDonald, a black teenager who was shot and killed by Chicago Police officer Jason Van Dyke October 20, 2014, outside of Chicago Police Department Headquarters Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) They haven't forgotten. On the eve of the third anniversary of the the controversial police-involved shooting of Laquan McDonald, activists held a protest outside Chicago Police Department headquarters to drive home that point. Advertisement "16 shots and a cover-up," the crowd chanted. The court-ordered release of the video showed police officer Jason Van Dyke repeatedly shooting 17-year-old McDonald as the teen walked away from police with a knife, contrary to what Van Dyke and other officers initially reported. The release set off a wave of protests, further fracturing an already fragile relationship the police department had with the African-American community. Advertisement Van Dyke, who is accused of firing 16 times at the teen, became the first Chicago police officer in more than 30 years to be charged with first-degree murder in an on-duty police fatality. The case is pending. Earlier this year, three current or former Chicago police officers were indicted on charges of conspiring to cover up alleged wrongdoing by Van Dyke. Detective David March and Officers Joseph Walsh and Thomas Gaffney are accused of creating police reports with false information in an attempt to prevent a criminal investigation into the shooting. Citing a lack of trust in the department, Mayor Rahm Emanuel fired Garry McCarthy, who was the top cop at the time. The controversy also cost Anita Alvarez her position as the state's attorney. She lost to Kim Foxx, who touted herself as the reform candidate. But organizers of Thursday's protest have called for further action and want to see Emanuel indicted, according to a news release. People record with their phones during a "Laquan Day" rally in honor of Laquan McDonald, a black teenager who was shot and killed by Chicago Police officer Jason Van Dyke October 20, 2014, outside of Chicago Police Department Headquarters Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune) During Thursday's protests family members of others who were fatally wounded by police gave emotional testimonials to the crowd. "I'm here, and I'm never going to shut up because that was my baby," Panzy Edwards told the crowd. Her 15-year-old son, Dakota Bright, was shot dead in 2012 by Chicago police. In a rare decision, the Independent Police Review Authority in August ruled the shooting was unwarranted. She told the crowd she was waiting to hear what will happen to the officer, but she promised the crowd she wasn't going to back down. Advertisement "I ain't been quiet for 5 years, and I ain't going to be quiet now," she said while wearing a sweatshirt with the word "unwarranted." Dorothy Holmes told the crowd she is still seeking answers about her son's fatal shooting. The 2014 shooting of her son, Ronald Johnson III, 25, was captured by police dashboard video. Though Alvarez declined to seek criminal charges, Holmes said she wants another review of the case. "It's a fight, and we gotta show them that we ain't giving up," she said. Emmett Farmer said that nearly seven years after his son, Flint Farmer, was fatally shot by Chicago police, he was still fighting for criminal charges to be brought against the officer. He urged the crowd to join him in court. Emmett Farmer has been pushing for a special prosecutor to review the case. Advertisement Flint Farmer was unarmed when he was shot and killed by then-Officer Gildardo Sierra in June 2011 in an on-duty incident captured in part by a police dashboard camera. The Chicago Tribune broke the story in the fall of 2011 after learning the Farmer shooting was Sierra's third and second fatal one in a six-month span. Alvarez previously declined to file charges. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > "He got killed unrightfully," Farmer yelled. "We want justice! We want justice for Flint Farmer." "Now," the crowd chanted back. As relatives spoke outside, some of the activists voiced their opinions about a variety of topics during the regular monthly police board meeting, which later ended without incident. Officers lined the room around the meeting. On Friday, activists will hold a public town hall at 7 p.m. at 3658 S. Wentworth Ave. to commemorate McDonald. Advertisement emalagon@chicagotribune.com Twitter @ElviaMalagon RELATED: [ Tribune coverage: The Laquan McDonald shooting ] [ Judge wants to hear from journalist about leaked documents in Laquan McDonald shooting ] [ Chicago cop's lawyer can remain in Laquan McDonald case, judge rules ] [ Crowd marks 2nd anniversary of Laquan McDonald's death ] Karon Cannon, 24, faces felony charges of armed robbery and aggravated battery in the Aug. 7, 2017, robbery of a 70-year-old man at the Sheridan CTA station. (Chicago Police Department ) A 70-year-old man was beaten so severely by a fellow CTA Red Line passenger that he lost the ability to speak, prosecutors said Friday. Karon Cannon, 24, of the 1300 block of West Roosevelt Road, was intoxicated as he rode on a northbound Red Line train about 2:20 a.m. Aug. 7, said Assistant State's Attorney Erin Antonietti. The 70-year-old man was seated one or two seats away from him, she said. Advertisement He was sitting with his head hung down when he felt something touch his pocket, Antonietti said, so he looked up and saw the other man smiling at him. He again felt something touch his leg area, then began to beat the other man in the face and head with his fists, prosecutors said. Advertisement He then took a liquor bottle and hit the man with that, Antonietti said, and afterward took $5 from the man's wallet and left the train. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > Police found the 70-year-old unresponsive and took him to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where he was treated for head injuries. The victim was beaten so severely that he is only now, more than two months later, regaining his ability to speak, prosecutors said. He currently resides in a rehab facility after being hospitalized for several weeks, according to Antonietti. Police arrested Cannon on Wednesday after releasing surveillance images of the suspect in the robbery, which happened around 6 p.m. Aug. 7 on a train at the Sheridan station in the 3800 block of North Sheridan Road in the Lakeview neighborhood. Police previously said the robbery happened at 2:30 a.m. on a train at the Granville station. Cannon told investigators he hit the victim because he was angry, but did not recall how many times he had struck him, Antonietti said. Cannon's defense attorney said Friday that he lives in Chicago with his pregnant girlfriend and his 2-year-old daughter. He works at Bed Bath and Beyond and attends Malcolm X College, the attorney stated Friday. Cannon's attorney said his family has no money for bond. Judge Michael Clancy, citing the violent nature of the crime and the age of the victim, ordered Cannon held on $100,000 bail. He will need $10,000 get out of jail pending trial. Officers were not able to determine the cause of the man's injuries until he regained his ability to speak, police have said. On Oct. 12, he was able to tell investigators about the attack. Detectives reviewed video from the train and released images of a suspect, which led to Cannon's arrest. Shortened version of dashcam video of Chicago police responding to a shooting involving Officer Gildardo Sierra and Flint Farmer on June 07, 2011. (Chicago Police Department) (Chicago Police Department/Handout) A Cook County judge on Friday appeared to be leaning against appointing a special prosecutor in a six-year-old fatal shooting by Chicago police but held off on making a decision. Emmett Farmer, whose son, Flint, died in 2011, contends that the state's attorney's office cannot adequately investigate allegations of officer misconduct due to its close working relationship with police. Advertisement "I empathize with Mr. Farmer," said LeRoy K. Martin Jr., presiding judge of the criminal division. "However, it makes me uncomfortable ... to say that any time there's a police-involved shooting, the state's attorney's office (has) inherently a conflict of interest." Jeanette Samuels, who represents Farmer in his petition for a special prosecutor, noted that State's Attorney Kim Foxx has said multiple times that prosecutors have an innate conflict of interest when investigating police. Advertisement "This was a position that the state's attorney herself took," Samuels told the judge. "She's acknowledged that this exists." Assistant State's Attorney Alan Spellberg conceded that Foxx made those statements on the campaign trail but said that since taking office she has reconsidered that position and instead has made internal changes to the way the office investigates police shootings. Emmett Farmer speaks about a petition that was filed in order to seek a special prosecutor to launch a criminal investigation into the shooting of his son on Aug. 31, 2017. Flint Farmer was fatally shot in June 2011 by then-Chicago police Officer Gildardo Sierra. (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune) Flint Farmer was unarmed when he was fatally shot by then-Officer Gildardo Sierra in June 2011 in an on-duty incident captured in part by a police dashboard camera. Former State's Attorney Anita Alvarez declined to prosecute Sierra. On Friday, Spellberg said Foxx's office took another look at the evidence and still feels it comes up short of a criminal matter. "(The state's attorney) has carefully reviewed the facts of this case," Spellberg said. "The evidence is not available to prove anyone guilty beyond a reasonable doubt." Martin repeatedly pushed Samuels to be more specific about the alleged conflict of interest, noting that such a determination is more commonly made when the office has a close tie to someone involved in a case. "That's her brother-in-law, her cousin's auntie's niece's son," Martin said, citing hypothetical examples of relationships that could meet the standard. "Something I can put my finger on." Martin also pointed out that prosecutors must decline to bring charges when they determine evidence falls short. Advertisement With his lawyer by his side, the elder Farmer asked to speak an unusual request, the judge noted, but one he allowed. Farmer quietly noted that the Independent Police Review Authority, which investigated police misconduct until recently, had found his son's shooting unjustified. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > "It seemed like (Foxx) would see that and consider it," Farmer said. But Spellberg pointed out that statements given by officers during police disciplinary investigations cannot be used against them in criminal proceedings Martin said he would announce his decision Oct. 31. "I tend to be a cautious fellow. I carry an umbrella on a sunny day," the judge said. "Give me a little while to think about it." mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com Advertisement Twitter @crepeau RELATED: [ State's attorney's office objects to special prosecutor in Chicago police shooting ] The parents of a 3-year-old boy allegedly assaulted by his preschool teacher are suing the Chicago branch of the local day care chain, alleging a pattern of abuse condoned by its owner and staff. According to the lawsuit filed Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court, the parents of the child who filed the suit as John and Jane Doe enrolled him at the Belmont Avenue branch of Children's Land in August after staff assured them and the school's handbook assured them they did not use corporal punishment or even timeouts on their charges under any circumstances. Advertisement But within a week, the boy's mother noticed finger-shaped bruises on her child's hip. The next two days, her son begged not to be dropped off and then told his mother he'd been slapped on the leg and put in timeout after expressing that he missed his mother, the lawsuit says. The mother confronted her son's teacher, Svitlana Dovhopiata, who allegedly told her she had been stressed because she was watching 18 3-year-olds the day before, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that is a violation of state law governing day care centers. In Illinois, the student-to-teacher ratio for children that age is 10 children for every teacher, the suit states. Dovhopiata also is being sued. Advertisement The mother then asked to see classroom video from the previous day and saw Dovhopiata "clearly struck another boy hard three times," the lawsuit says. A supervisor, who is not being sued, allegedly told the boy's mother that striking the boy is the only way to control him and that his parents were aware of it. Later in the video, Dovhopiata is seen "violently spanking" another child in her class, the lawsuit says. She is also seen "violently" rocking the plaintiff's son in his cot before dragging him by the wrist to the bathroom, then appeared to hit him as she forced him back into the cot, the lawsuit says. "(The boy) then put his head into his hands and appeared to be in tears," the lawsuit says. Even after viewing the video, supervisors at the school did not remove Dovhopiata, but only put together an "action plan" to address the abuse, the lawsuit alleges. The boy's parents immediately withdrew him from Children's Land. Later that month, police charged Dovhopiata, 29, with two counts of misdemeanor battery against two boys at the school, court records show. The charging documents allege that she "forcefully struck" one of the 3-year-old boys in his midsection and "forcefully" picked up the plaintiff's son by his arms and "then tossed him roughly back down on" his cot. A spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services said the agency is investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect at the daycare center but could not provide any further details. The lawsuit against Children's Land and Dovhopiata and the chain's co-owner Oxana Anisimov alleges multiple counts of battery, assault, negligence and fraud and seeks more than $50,000 in damages. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > George Tychalski, who owns the day care centers with spouse Anisimov and runs the Belmont location, said there was a "small incident" but that hundreds of families still trust them to care for their children. After it happened, Dovhopiata resigned, he said, but he believes all the misdemeanor charges will be dropped. "There was a small incident that became a big problem for the teacher and for us," he said. "There was an incident but it was isolated. Advertisement "We have nothing to hide," he said, noting that all classrooms have three cameras and parents are welcome to watch what goes on in their students' classrooms anytime on a large monitor in the day care center's hallway. Children's Land, which has five locations in the northern suburbs and Chicago, got its start in Glenview at the former site of a day care center where a 16-month-old boy died after allegedly suffering a fractured skull in 2009. Day care worker Melissa Calusinski was convicted of the toddler's murder, a high-profile verdict that was upheld on appeal. The chain is unaffiliated with the prior child care center, a Children's Land spokeswoman has said. Another set of parents removed their daughter from the Wheeling branch of the chain and filed a complaint with DCFS after finding a bruise in the shape of an adult hand on their daughter's neck, the lawsuit alleges. The chain also settled for $50,000 a lawsuit filed by a family whose infant daughter suffered vaginal cuts while at the Glenview location, the lawsuit says. sschmadeke@chicagotribune.com Twitter @steveschmadeke Warning: Video contains graphic language. Video, audio and police reports provide the most complete timeline yet in the death of 19-year-old Kenneka Jenkins in a Rosemont hotels walk-in freezer in September 2017. (Chicago Tribune) Rosemont authorities announced late Friday that they have closed the investigation into Kenneka Jenkins' death and determined it to be accidental, saying there is "no evidence that indicates any other conclusion." However, lawyers for Jenkins' mother say graphic police photographs taken after Jenkins' body was found "raise more questions than answers." Advertisement As part of a release of documents and videos related to the case, Rosemont officials on Friday posted on their website dozens of postmortem photographs of Jenkins taken while her body was still in the hotel freezer where she was found dead. Police showed the photographs to Jenkins' family on Thursday, and Sam Adam Jr., a lawyer for Jenkins' mother Tereasa Martin, called them "graphic and disturbing images (that) inexplicably show portions of Kenneka's body exposed." Advertisement The release from Adam and Martin's other attorney, Larry Rogers Jr., said the photos were "of a personal, private and indecent nature." Jenkins, 19, was found dead in a Rosemont hotel freezer Sept. 10, about 21 hours after she went missing following a party she attended in a ninth-floor room. According to Rosemont police reports, she was found on her side, face down, with her left arm underneath her, her right shoe off and a small cut on her right foot. The photographs show that Jenkins was still wearing the jeans and jean jacket shown in surveillance videos of her walking through the hotel before her death, but the shirt beneath her jacket "was pulled up exposing her breasts," a police report said. "Frankly, the photos depicting how Kenneka was found raise more questions about what happened to Kenneka Jenkins than they answer," Rogers said in the news release. Scientists who have studied hypothermia have described a phenomenon known as "paradoxical undressing," in which people freezing to death remove their clothing. "It is concluded that paradoxical undressing might be explained by changes in peripheral vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels supplying the extremities) in the deeply hypothermic person," scientists wrote in a 1979 journal article. "It represents the last effort of the victim and is followed almost immediately by unconsciousness and death." In announcing in a press release Friday evening that they've closed the case, Rosemont police outlined the scope of their investigation and said they found no evidence that Jenkins was the victim of foul play contrary to the many conspiracy theories that have sprouted on social media. Advertisement "Our detective reported no signs of foul play throughout the whole investigation," said a statement from Police Chief Donald Stephens III. "There is no evidence that Ms. Jenkins was forced to drink alcohol or consume any narcotics while at the hotel." The statement added: "While there were many theories, rumors and much speculation floating around social media regarding the death of Ms. Jenkins, none were supported with facts. While all leads and theories were investigated by our department, what we have reported throughout the investigation and again, today, are facts." Police said their investigation has generated 135 reports and involved interviews with 44 people, including 30 who were confirmed to have been in the hotel room at some point the night of the party. Authorities also viewed dozens of hours of surveillance video; conducted five photo line-ups; performed forensic analyses on four cellphones, including Jenkins'; and submitted three search warrants and four preservation of evidence warrants. The police statement said the "death and circumstances surrounding are especially sad." Reached by phone Friday evening, Martin declined to comment on the photographs and the village's decision to post them on its website. Martin referred calls to her attorneys, who could not immediately be reached. Advertisement In a news release Thursday evening, the lawyers said the death-scene photos were first shown to the family by Rosemont police during a meeting to update the family on the death investigation. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > The lawyers also said Rosemont police had previously denied "numerous requests to review the reports, photographs and videos secured by the department." "Numerous requests for any and all videos and photos showing Ms. Jenkins going into the freezer of her own volition have not been forthcoming, and quite frankly raise more questions than answers as to how and why Ms. Jenkins was found in the condition in which she was located," the attorneys also said. There has been no indication from police that any surveillance video exists that directly shows Jenkins entering the freezer where she was found. But motion-sensor cameras in the kitchen indicate no one else went into the freezer area of the kitchen for days prior to Jenkins entering the kitchen, and no one entered the area after that until the time her body was discovered, according to police reports and surveillance video. The Cook County Medical Examiner's office had already classified Jenkins' death as accidental and caused by hypothermia, with alcohol intoxication listed as a contributing factor. Rosemont police also said in their release Friday that the hotel room where the party took place was booked with a fraudulent credit card and that they believe they have identified two perpetrators who booked the room. Police said they are "affiliated with a gang on the West Side of Chicago whose operations rely heavily on the use of fraudulent credit cards." Advertisement Police said that case is still ongoing. RELATED: [ Kenneka Jenkins' freezer-death timeline comes into focus with audio, video, police reports ] [ Tribune coverage of Kenneka Jenkins' death ] [ Medical examiner: Kenneka Jenkins died from exposure, and her death was an accident ] [ Autopsy and toxicology report on Kenneka Jenkins' death ] A northeastern Indiana man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for causing a library fire by placing a lit, mortar-style firework in a book return chute. Under a plea agreement, 24-year-old Nykolas E. Elkin of Auburn received 12 years in prison Thursday for an arson charge and two years for violating the terms of his probation in another case. He also received a 2-year suspended sentence and 2 years of probation for an unrelated charge of failure to register as a sex offender. The July 2 fire heavily damaged Auburn's historic Eckhart Public Library. Experts have estimated it could take a year of restoration work before the library is ready to reopen. An 18-year-old man was denied bail in a drug deal that went bad and ended with another man being killed at his Bridgeport residence. Shortly after 11 p.m. Sept. 18, Emilio Chavez, 18, made arrangements to purchase cannabis from Joshua Rayborn, 28. After several text messages, Chavez met up with Rayborn at a multi-unit building where he lived in the 2900 block of South Arch Street, prosecutors said. Advertisement Once there, Chavez texted Rayborn to let him know he arrived and was waiting in the common area in the building. Rayborn then walked down the stairs to meet him on the first floor, prosecutors said. While the two were on the first floor, Chavez pulled out a loaded 9 mm handgun and pointed it at Rayborn who dropped the bag of cannabis he had in his hand. Chavez then shot him in the chest, prosecutors said. Advertisement Rayborn managed to try to wrestle the gun away from Chavez, and the gun broke apart during the struggle. The top part of the firearm separated from the bottom half and Chavez picked up one of the portions and started to beat Rayborn with it, prosecutors said. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > After beating Rayborn to the floor, Chavez grabbed the cannabis and the other part of the handgun and fled the scene. A witness who heard noises coming from the stairwell went to the top of the stairs and saw Rayborn lying in the front entrance way and called 911, prosecutors said. He was taken to Stroger Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Chicago police officers recovered several items from the scene including the bottom half of a 9 mm firearm and a magazine. Latent prints were sent for analysis and revealed the prints lifted from the magazine matched a fingerprint card marked Emilio Chavez, prosecutors said. Later, a search of Rayborn's cell phone showed text messages between him and Chavez prior to the slaying. On Wednesday, officers saw Chavez walking up to a silver Cadillac in the 2500 block of South Oak Park Avenue and he was arrested, prosecutors said. A search of the Cadillac revealed the top portion of a 9 mm. At a bail hearing Friday, Chavez was denied bond. A supporter of the Cook County pop tax, left, and a support of its repeal sit next to each another at the Cook County Board finance committee meeting Oct. 10, 2017. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune) Welcome to Clout Street: Morning Spin, our weekday feature to catch you up with what's going on in government and politics from Chicago to Springfield. Subscribe here. Topspin The Cook County soda tax backlash and repeal could make it harder for the county, city and Chicago Public Schools to raise taxes or enact new ones, according to one Wall Street debt rating agency. Advertisement "The political backlash against the unpopular soda tax highlights the practical limitations on raising taxes, even if a government is legally permitted to do so," Moody's Investors Service analysts wrote in a report released Thursday. "This practical limitation is particularly critical for Chicago-area local governments, given the significant revenue needs of Cook County, the city of Chicago, CPS and other entities." Moody's observation came a day after Mayor Rahm Emanuel proposed a 2018 city budget that includes a $1.10-per-month increase in the current $3.90 emergency communications fee that's charged on every land line and cellphone billed to a city address. The mayor's proposal also includes a phased-in 20-cent increase to the current 52-cent tax on all trips using ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. Advertisement Some aldermen who will be called on to vote on those taxes have said the soda tax repeal was on their minds as they weighed the mayor's proposal. "This whole idea of revenue-generating ideas has to stop," 12th Ward Ald. George Cardenas said after Emanuel gave his budget speech. "We have to sit down at a table and talk about cost-cutting ideas." The Moody's analysis noted that after the repeal, the county is looking for ways to plug a resulting $200 million hole in County Board President Toni Preckwinkle's 2018 budget proposal, concluding that budget cuts likely would be the answer. The analysis also noted that there were "unique issues" surrounding the penny-an-ounce tax on sweetened beverages that's now coming to an end Dec. 1. Those included the much-debated public health benefits of the tax, the hefty cost increases for the drinks and the troubled rollout of the tax. "While these challenges would not apply to other types of tax increases, any future tax hikes in the wake of the soda tax repeal will likely be met with some political opposition, exacerbating budget pressures for Cook County and other area local governments," the analysts wrote. (Hal Dardick) What's on tap *Mayor Emanuel has no public events. *Gov. Bruce Rauner will attend a Hispanic state employees conference in Chicago, a community college manufacturing day event in Chicago, an event at the DuPage Children's Museum, and the opening of the new Apple store at Michigan Avenue along the Chicago River. From the notebook *'Catch a wave and you're sitting on top of the world': Email solicitations for political support are frequent, but it's rare that a candidate invites someone out to go to the movies. Still, that's the latest missive from Democratic governor candidate Chris Kennedy. Advertisement "Join us for a night at the movies," the subject line reads in asking people to join Kennedy and wife Sheila for the Chicago premiere of Kennedy sister Rory's new film, "Take Every Wave," at 7 p.m. Friday at Landmark Century Centre Cinema, 2828 N. Clark St. Rory Kennedy is a filmmaker, and her latest work tracks the life and career of big-wave surfer Laird Hamilton. After the screening, the brother and sister Kennedys will hold a question-and-answer session with the audience. Popcorn is extra. (Rick Pearson) *On the Sunday Spin: Tribune reporter Rick Pearson will recap the Aurora University forum of Democratic governor candidates. In addition, he will speak with state Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, Melissa Josephs of Women Employed and Wendy Pollack of the Shriver Poverty Law Center on attempts to override Gov. Bruce Rauner's veto of pay-equity legislation. The "Sunday Spin" airs from 7 to 9 a.m. on WGN-720 AM. What we're writing *Senate committee advances Lausch to be next U.S. attorney in Chicago. *Kennedy assails party leaders with government, elections proposals. *Illinois Supreme Court rules teen cannot be tried by jury in Endia Martin's killing. Advertisement *U. of I., Army Research Lab will join U. of C. in new Polsky Center tower. *Illinois unemployment rate stayed at 5 percent in September. What we're reading *Weather Service forecasts mild winter, jinxing it, probably. *He was the king of late night, but David Letterman doesn't miss it "for a second." *"Hiya, Homer!": Moe's Tavern-themed pop-up bar comes to Lincoln Park for Halloween. Follow the money Advertisement *Track Illinois campaign contributions in real time here and here. Beyond Chicago *Trump chief of staff defends call to Army widow. *Ask Seattle what 50,000 more Amazon workers would mean. *Trump interviews U.S. attorney candidates for New York. *CIA director: North Korea months from perfecting nuclear capabilities. David and Patsy Hogg at their home in Houston. Both are longtime Republicans, although lately they consider themselves first and foremost "Trumpsters." (Michael Stravato / Washington Post) HOUSTON Sitting on Mary Maddox's back porch, which flooded with 22 inches of water when Hurricane Harvey hit nearly two months ago, is a Lady of the Night plant from Puerto Rico that a friend gave her. Ever since Hurricane Maria ravaged the island, she says, she has paused at the blooming plant when she passes it, rubbing a leaf and saying a prayer for those still without water or electricity. Often, the prayer is accompanied by frustration with President Donald Trump, whom she voted for and who visited this neighborhood after Harvey. Advertisement "He really made me mad," said Maddox, 70, who accused Trump of trying to pit those on the mainland against Puerto Ricans, even though they're all Americans. "I don't know," said her husband, Fred Maddox, 75. "I think he's trying." Advertisement He continued: "It's a problem, but they need to handle it. It shouldn't be up to us, really. I don't think so. They're sitting back, they're taking the money, they're taking a little under the table. He's trying to wake them up: Do your job. Be responsible." The divide in the Maddox household is one playing out across the country, as those who voted for the president debate how much support the federal government should give Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory without a voting member of Congress that is not allowed to vote in presidential elections. Some supporters of the president, like Fred Maddox, agree with Trump that Puerto Rico's infrastructure was frail before the storm; that the crisis was worsened by a lack of leadership there; and that the federal government should limit its involvement in the rebuilding effort, which will likely cost billions of dollars. But others, like Mary Maddox, are appalled by how the president talks about Puerto Rico and say the United States has a moral obligation to take care of its citizens. A survey released last week by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that a majority of Americans believe that the federal government has been too slow to respond in Puerto Rico and that the island still isn't getting the help it needs. But the results largely broke along party lines: While nearly three-quarters of Democrats said the federal government isn't doing enough, almost three-quarters of Republicans said it is. It has been two months since Hurricane Harvey hit Texas and Gulf Coast states, and more than a month since Hurricane Maria slammed into Puerto Rico. On Oct. 3 - two weeks after the storm - Trump toured a neighborhood outside San Juan, Puerto Rico, and has repeatedly proclaimed, against much evidence, that his administration had a "tremendous" response to Maria. He gave his administration a "10" during a White House appearance with Puerto Rico's governor this week. "I think we did a fantastic job, and we're being given credit," he said. In fact, conditions remain dire throughout much of the island. Nearly 80 percent of Puerto Ricans still lack electricity, and 30 percent do not have access to clean drinking water. Here in the Maddoxes' neighborhood of Sageglen, by contrast, life is slowly returning to normal. On Sept. 2, just after the storm, Trump briefly toured Sageglen - a middle-class enclave on the southern edge of Houston - and announced in a cul-de-sac piled with Sheetrock debris and trash bags: "These are people that have done a fantastic job holding it together." Advertisement There's still a near-constant sound of construction in the neighborhood, which is filled with ranch-style and modest two-story homes. But there are no longer mountains of debris on the curbs, thanks to the local municipal utility district, which shared the cost of removal with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. There are brand-new cars sitting in several driveways, thanks to car-insurance companies quickly totaling flooded vehicles and local dealers offering flood deals. Those in the neighborhood without flood insurance were able to apply for and receive assistance from FEMA - including the Maddoxes, who recently had $14,000 in federal money land in their checking account. In the nearly two decades that the Maddoxes have lived in their ranch house on Sagelink Circle, they had seen no need for flood insurance. And, after recently helping one of their daughters pay legal fees for a divorce, the couple's savings isn't what it once was. "I'm very appreciative to FEMA. I really, really am," said Mary Maddox, who has been married for more than 50 years and raised five children. "I was just so excited when I saw that they loved us." On a recent afternoon on nearby Sagelink Court, David Hogg stopped by the driveway of his neighbor Donna Ramirez, showing her the latest handful of screws he had collected from the cul-de-sac. Hogg and his wife, Patsy Hogg, have had flood insurance for decades after watching water come dangerously close to flooding the first floor of their two-story home soon after they moved to the neighborhood in the late 1970s. They now pay about $450 per year. Advertisement Ramirez and her husband also said they thought that they had flood insurance on their home, which they bought a year ago, only to learn weeks after the storm that they did not. To Ramirez, the role of the government is to broadly coordinate relief efforts and ensure that insurance companies are fulfilling their obligations to policyholders, but that people should take personal responsibility for their property or look to churches or charities for assistance. "Do other people think that other people should pay for me to fix my house? Because it's not their fault that I flooded," said Ramirez, taking a break from sorting through soggy research documents in her garage. Ramirez, who describes herself as a "throw-the-dice-type voter," said she reluctantly voted for Trump in November - although her support deepened after meeting Trump in her cul-de-sac about a month ago. "In person, he's totally different than on TV, and he gave us just such a feeling of confidence, like we weren't forgotten about," said Ramirez, who has one grown daughter. "He talked directly at a lot of people in the crowd, and his word for me was: 'Don't lose hope, you're going to be all right.' " Ramirez worries that when the government makes money easily available after a natural disaster, there's an opportunity for corruption and a chance that some people will take more than they need. And she thinks that media coverage of the crisis in Puerto Rico has lacked context, especially in reporting that nearly all of the island is still without electricity. Advertisement "Guess what? There's a big chunk of the population that lives without electricity all the time," Ramirez said, saying she was sharing the experiences of a friend who has family on the island. Hogg, 76, nodded his head in agreement: "They never had it. Never had it." "They don't live deprived, because it's a beautiful environment," she continued. "The weather is nice, the climate is good most of the time, so it's different from here . . . It works there because of the climate. It wouldn't work here." About 96 percent of Puerto Rico's electricity customers had service before Maria made landfall, according to federal data; many of the rest had no power because of Hurricane Irma two weeks earlier. Ramirez said the government should encourage those living in the hardest-hit areas to move to the mainland, out of the direct path of hurricanes and into communities with more-reliable infrastructure. "I object. I object. They should stay where they are and fix their own country up," Hogg responded softly, shaking his head, wrongly referring to the U.S. territory as a separate nation. Advertisement David and Patsy Hogg, whose home was flooded by Tropical Storm Harvey, at their home in Houston on Oct. 15, 2017. They live upstairs while the downstairs is being repaired with insurance money. (Michael Stravato / Washington Post) Later in the day, as Hogg and his wife sat in their garage workshop, they again debated where the government's role starts and ends. Patsy Hogg said she's trying to figure out where, exactly, she stands. She's worried about the ever-growing national debt, but she can't stand to see people suffer. Both are longtime Republicans, although lately they consider themselves first and foremost "Trumpsters." Patsy Hogg described meeting the president and his wife, who gave her a hug, as a blessing from God. "We love Trump," she said. "We voted for him. We pray for him every day." The couple agrees that the president needs to be more careful with what he says on Twitter, especially when it comes to Puerto Rico. But David Hogg, a retired electrical engineer who once worked at NASA, also said that Puerto Ricans' "lack of responsibility is not an emergency on my part." The same goes for Texans without flood insurance, he said. His wife frowned, stared at him and asked: "So you have no mercy?" Advertisement "Uh-uh. No mercy," he said. "They should do what I do: Spend the money, get insurance." Patsy Hogg said one of their friends at their Baptist church, a retired single woman, didn't have flood insurance when her two-story townhouse flooded and that FEMA quickly provided her with some money. "I was glad that they did that. That made me feel good," Patsy Hogg said. "She's certainly not destitute, but I'm just really glad that they did that. If that's my tax dollars at work, I'm okay with that." She then came to her husband's defense: "And he's not really as hardhearted as he sounds. He was very glad when he learned that they had given her money." The Maddoxes, who live in the next cul-de-sac over from the Hoggs, were away from home when Trump visited. They struggled to get back into the neighborhood until after his motorcade had left. The couple, both "cradle Catholics" and longtime Republicans, cannot remember a time when they disagreed about politics, like they do now. Mary Maddox has hit the point where she believes Trump needs to be impeached and replaced with someone who will unite and heal the country. Advertisement "I get so disgusted," she said, sitting at her dining room table. "He is like a 13-year-old girl, tweeting and everything. I just want him to act his age and be nice to people and bring the country together. I voted for the man, but I'm just - I want our country to be friendly." Fred Maddox, who is retired from inspecting commercial airline planes, says he doesn't agree with many of the things Trump flippantly says, but he still believes in the president and would vote for him again. He likes having a businessman in office, especially one who's not afraid to speak the painful truth - even if that means publicly calling out Puerto Rican officials during a crisis. "It's time," he said, "we had someone in there to fight for us." Emily Guskin contributed to this report. Video from 2015 shows full speech of Rep. Frederica Wilson at dedication ceremony of new FBI building in Miramar, Florida, named for two slain FBI agents. The speech has drawn attention after White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly criticized her for claiming "she got the money" for the new building. (Sun Sentinel Video) (South Florida Sun Sentinel) The White House's aggressive effort to discredit a Florida congresswoman who criticized President Donald Trump over a military condolence call ran into a new set of problems Friday when a video emerged showing that the chief of staff had made false claims about her. It marked the fifth day of a controversy that has raged since Trump attempted to deflect criticism of his handling of the deaths of four service members in an ambush in Niger. The ensuing debate has focused on attacks against Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., that have proved to be inaccurate but that the White House has refused to back away from, with the latest episode ensnaring Chief of Staff John Kelly, a decorated retired Marine general. Advertisement The escalating political mud fight has overshadowed the grief of Myeshia Johnson and the heroism of her dead husband, Sgt. La David Johnson, who gave his life for his country. Trump aides Friday stood by Kelly's contention that Wilson had boasted about her role in winning funding for a federal building, even after video of her remarks emerged and showed that he was wrong. Advertisement In a rare appearance before reporters a day earlier to defend Trump's calls to grieving military families, Kelly suggested that Wilson was like "empty barrels making the most noise" while recalling her appearance at a 2015 event that he attended to christen a new FBI complex in Miami. Wilson has come under heavy criticism from Trump and his supporters for publicly accusing the president of being insensitive in a phone call to Johnson two weeks ago, after her husband died in the line of duty. But video of Wilson's nine-minute speech at the 2015 event, posted by the Sun-Sentinel of Fort Lauderdale, shows that she spoke solely about her efforts to get the building named after two fallen FBI agents, praised the agents for their service and thanked colleagues in Congress from both parties. Instead of backing down, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders piled on Friday and said Kelly was justified in accusing the lawmaker of grandstanding, despite erring on the facts. "As we say in the South: all hat, no cattle," Sanders said of Wilson, an African-American who is known for wearing brightly colored cowboy hats. Sanders also attempted to shift the debate away from Kelly's inaccuracies to instead focus on his personal integrity. "If you want to get into a debate with a four-star Marine general, I think that that's something highly inappropriate," she said. Wilson, in an interview Friday with The New York Times, brought race into the dispute. "The White House itself is full of white supremacists," said Wilson, who is black, as is the Florida family Trump had called in a condolence effort this week that led to the back-and-forth name calling. In an interview with Fox Business Network taped Friday, Trump accused Wilson of debasing Kelly by suggesting that the chief of staff had defended the president at Trump's insistence, in order to keep his job. Advertisement "When she made that statement, I thought it was sickening, actually," Trump said. He added that Kelly is "doing an incredible job" and said the general, who had listened in on his call with Johnson, was "offended" that Wilson would make it public. "Actually, he said to me: 'Sir, this is not acceptable. This is really not,' " the president said. "Look, I've called many people. And I would think that every one of them appreciated it. I was very surprised to see this, to be honest with you." Critics said the episode reflects Trump's continued efforts to avoid scrutiny of his conduct in office by casting blame elsewhere. The president waited 12 days to comment on the soldiers' deaths before being asked about his silence at a Rose Garden news conference Monday. In defending himself, Trump erroneously accused former presidents of failing to call military families whose loved ones were killed in action. Trump later defended his claim by publicly disclosing that President Barack Obama had not called Kelly after his son, Robert, was killed in Afghanistan. Trump reportedly did not inform Kelly, who has resisted efforts to politicize his son's death, that he would make that information public. Kelly and his wife attended a 2011 event at the White House in honor of Gold Star families and were seated at first lady Michelle Obama's table. "It made me sad, you know what I mean?" said Amy Siskind, a former Wall Street executive who runs a women's empowerment group and compiles a running public list of the erosion of democratic norms in the Trump era. Kelly is "a good man," Siskind said. "He takes a job [as chief of staff] to prevent World War III, but then he lets Trump use his son, unbeknown to him, to make a political point about Obama. And then he went out and defended him." Advertisement Siskind added that Kelly, brought into the White House to help rein in his boss's worst impulses, had compromised himself in trying to stick up for Trump. "Kelly created a big asterisk next to his name," she said. "But how many in the Trump regime have done that?" Wilson, a longtime family friend who helped mentor La David Johnson in a local program, said she listened to Trump's conversation via speakerphone while in a car with Johnson's widow and mother. The congresswoman told reporters late Tuesday that Trump had told Myeshia Johnson her husband "must have known what he signed up for." She later said that Trump did not refer to La David Johnson by name and that the conversation left the widow crying and shaken. Trump lashed out on Twitter the next morning, calling Wilson's account "totally fabricated" and stating that he had "proof." Trump's subsequent revelation that Obama had not called Kelly after his son's death led to Kelly's appearance in the briefing room Thursday. In the Fox interview, Trump insisted that he did speak La David Johnson's name in his conversation with his widow. At the White House, Sanders accused reporters of fanning the flames of a sensational story. "It should have ended yesterday after General Kelly's comments," she said. "But it didn't. . . . It's still the bulk of the coverage on most every TV you turn on and most every newspaper that you open up today." Advertisement She did not mention that Trump had tweeted again about the issue late Thursday, nearly eight hours after Kelly's briefing room appearance. "The Fake News is going crazy with wacky Congresswoman Wilson (D), who was SECRETLY on a very personal call, and gave a total lie on content!" Trump wrote. In his defense of Trump on Thursday, Kelly accused Wilson of "selfish behavior." And he asserted that Wilson, at the 2015 FBI building dedication in Miami, had "talked about how she was instrumental in getting the funding for that building, and how she took care of her constituents because she got the money, and she just called up President Obama, and on that phone call, he gave the money, the $20 million." Wilson denied making such remarks. The Sun-Sentinel video shows that she recounted how she went into "attack mode" to ensure that Congress and Obama expedited a bill to name the building after the two fallen FBI agents in about four weeks. When initially told that such legislation could take as long as a year, Wilson recalled, "I said - I'm a school principal - and I said, excuse my French, 'Aw, hell no, we're going to get this done.' " She spread credit, offering praise for then-House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio. She also praised the two agents, Benjamin Grogan and Jerry Dove, who were killed in a shootout with bank robbers in 1986 in Miami. Peter Feaver, a Duke University political science professor who served as a special adviser at the National Security Council in the George W. Bush administration, said Trump had erred by engaging in the political fight in the first place. Advertisement "Every politically savvy person would have said, 'You can't criticize Gold Star families and have anything good come out - so just don't bother,' " Feaver said. "If they criticize you, just take it." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Oh, my: There's a New Hampshire poll out. As in the 2020 New Hampshire primary. Yes, it's way too early for the poll to mean much. Indeed, in previous cycles I would have just said, "Ignore those polls!" and moved on. Advertisement But this time around, I have to point out that I was dead wrong about the Republican nomination in 2016, perhaps in part because I dismissed early albeit not this early polls showing Donald Trump on top. Now, I don't think that Trump's flukish nomination demonstrated that everything political scientists believed about presidential nominations was wrong. But I do think a little more caution is in order. Advertisement Generally, the problem with early polling is that voters most of whom won't really engage in nomination politics until very close to the election simply don't have strongly held opinions about most politicians. So early polling tends to be little more than an exercise in name recognition. That's no doubt why on the Democratic side Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden are the leaders in this University of New Hampshire survey. Does that tell us anything useful? Well, sure. For one thing, while it's true that advantages in name recognition will dissipate by Election Day as the other candidates run their campaigns, it's also true that initial name recognition is, in fact, a resource some candidates have and some don't. From the point of view of the candidates, it's a resource like any other endorsements, campaign money, electioneering skills, and on and on. Again, it's hardly the most valuable, but it is something. And from the point of view of party actors, name recognition is one of the many things they may take into account when assessing the candidates. In my view, it's one that should receive zero weight: Whatever it's worth in the primaries and caucuses, it's certain that after the convention any nominee will be equally well-known. But the issue isn't what I'd do; it's what actual real-world party actors value, and it's certainly possible some of them do believe that a candidate already known to the public before the campaign has some advantages. In other words, party actors can value anything they want when choosing which candidate to support, and analysis that ignores what they value if it appears to be foolish would not be very good analysis. Speaking of what party actors value: It's hardly good news for Sanders that he reached only 31 percent in the new poll, after winning 60 percent of the Granite State vote in the 2016 primary. Sure, some of that had to do with the two-candidate field then compared with the 12 potential candidates tested here. But that's just another way of saying that we shouldn't think of Sanders as commanding solid support anywhere close to his 2016 primary and caucus results. Advertisement And polls such as this one tend to convince party actors that the strong vote Sanders received during the 2016 process was more a function of the small candidate field rather than an indication of a surge of solid Bernie people. Blooomberg Jonathan Bernstein is a Bloomberg View columnist. He taught political science at the University of Texas at San Antonio and DePauw University and wrote A Plain Blog About Politics. jbernstein62@bloomberg.net The crisis in Catalonia has gone from simmer to steady boil. Spain's government threatens to take emergency steps to end a bid by secessionists in the country's wealthiest province to break away. The Catalan leader behind the separatist drive isn't backing down and warns that regional lawmakers are poised to formally endorse secession. Without a cool-down, a European Union nation of 46 million people could be on a path toward civil conflict. How did the home to sunny Barcelona and the beaches of Costa Brava get into this mess? Breaking away from Spanish rule has been on the minds of Catalans for 300 years. Catalans have their own language and culture, and many don't see themselves as Spanish. Today, the region enjoys a degree of autonomy. But Catalans complain that, as Spain's richest region, they pay to Madrid more in taxes than they get back. On Oct. 1, Catalans overwhelmingly voted in favor of secession. Advertisement Was it really overwhelming? Turnout was just 42 percent. Spain's Supreme Court had previously declared the vote unconstitutional and therefore illegal. As a result, large numbers of Catalan people who oppose independence opted not to vote; they viewed the referendum as a sham. A week after the vote, hundreds of thousands of defiant Catalans filled the streets of Barcelona, demonstrating against independence. Instead of talking, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont have been exchanging threats in a perilous game of brinkmanship. What's at stake? The heart of the Catalan region is Barcelona, the vibrant Mediterranean tourist oasis that's vital to Spain's economic health and national brand. The region also is home to several of Spain's pharmaceutical, chemical and metalworking industries. Take away Catalonia, and Spain loses 20 percent of its economy. Advertisement The Catalans must understand that secession will lead to chaos and, potentially, violence. Rajoy has Spain's constitution on his side, and if the Catalans don't back down, he'll have to enforce the law. However, there remains room for talk. Madrid can still offer Catalans greater autonomy. It's a compromise that avoids conflict, and one that Catalans would be wise to accept. Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook. White House reporter: Sir, is there a policy you'd want to keep in place though? Is there a single (Obama) policy you'd keep in place? President Trump: Well, not too many, I must say. It's the opposite side of the spectrum. Advertisement Rose Garden press conference, Oct. 16, 2017 The closer the Barack Obama Presidential Center comes to fruition, the more it feels like a history museum. Here will be a place on the South Side of Chicago to contemplate a political era that no longer exists. Advertisement Obama's White House successor, President Donald Trump, is taking step after step to repudiate the Obama administration and undo its work. Name an Obama theme or accomplishment and Trump's got it on the chopping block: Obamacare, the Paris climate change agreement, immigration reform, global trade and the regulatory environment for businesses. Trump's aggressive approach to foreign sticky spots is another stark contrast. He put Obama's Iran nuclear deal on probation and confronts North Korea as an active foe, in contrast to Obama's use of "strategic patience" to wait out the regime. Anything else different about Trump compared to Obama? Oh, how about everything. Trump, the renegade Republican impresario, is undisciplined and crass, the emotional and stylistic antithesis of Obama, the eloquent Chicago Democrat and former law professor. For Obama's supporters, friends and former colleagues in Chicago, this is a harsh transition to process. To them, Obama the president was a shining figure of progressive leadership, decency and hope whose legacy is now under assault. It is a war of conflicting philosophies that Trump also chooses to make personal, finding excuses to attack Obama's integrity. Often Trump does so to defend himself against critics. Russia investigation? Obama wiretapped my phones, Trump claimed without evidence. American soldiers die in Niger without immediate public acknowledgment by Trump? Obama didn't console families, Trump said, wrongly impugning his predecessor. Trump's unseemly attitude is a reflection of his character flaws. But his strategy of reversing Obama-era accomplishments speaks to the times. While a switch in party control at any political level brings a new agenda, Washington is so deeply divided that Republicans and Democrats share few ideals and commitments. What one team does, the other is likely to oppose, and then undo as soon as possible. Obama won passage of the Affordable Care Act with zero Republican votes in the House or Senate, resulting in Republicans seeking its repeal. In the Senate, Republicans blocked Merrick Garland, Obama's moderate-to-liberal Supreme Court nominee, to protect the vacant seat that Trump filled with conservative Neil Gorsuch. Estranged from congressional Republicans, Obama also relied on executive orders to pursue his agenda, even when overreaching presidential authority. The problem with that approach, besides flouting the legislative branch, is that it's temporary. What one president decrees, the next can rescind. And so Trump is rolling back Obama achievements by, for example, reversing immigration protections for the Dreamers and repealing carbon emissions rules. In other ways, too, Trump is the anti-Obama: Where the Obama administration appeared ready to give a federal judge oversight of Chicago Police Department reforms, Trump's Justice Department showed no interest. Obama supporters see Trump's actions as an affront, and his personality as an insult. Trump's irresponsible reaction to the Charlottesville neo-Nazi riot caused many people to reflect on how Obama would have responded. We know that many Chicagoans mourn the era that ended on Inauguration Day. But many Republicans felt the same way eight years earlier when Obama took office. That's how democracy goes. As Obama said early in his White House tenure, "elections have consequences, and at the end of the day, I won." Advertisement The universal hope should be that Republicans and Democrats find a way to recapture the spirit that as Americans we have more beliefs in common than those that divide us. Governing would be easier, and maybe so would winning and losing elections. Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook. I believe I've figured out the city's bid submitted to Amazon, all based on past experience: 1. Amazon will receive billions in tax credits, breaks, subsidies, whatever. The city, county and state are all broke, and none of these can balance a budget. Ever. Plus, they're all desperate, so who really cares about losing out on this, right? Advertisement 2. Amazon will receive a hefty break on the real estate needed for its headquarters. Corruption will surely follow in every aspect re: the build-out. 3. And, finally, it will receive all the stuffed pizza the company wants, in perpetuity. The city always offers this. Advertisement It's the only way city officials can get any company to move here. After all, dat's duh Chi-caw-go way. Kevin Bilbro, Chicago Chicago is putting itself in the running for Amazon's new second headquarters. Unfortunately, Chicago is in Illinois, the state that just raised its income tax by a whopping 32 percent. That is on top of numerous tax and fee increases by Chicago and Cook County. With elected officials not satiated, there is talk of many, many, many more tax hikes. It's hard to imagine why Amazon would even come to Chicago except to change planes. Undated official army photo released by the US Department of Defense shows Sgt. La David T. Johnson, 25, of Miami Gardens, Florida, who was killed on October 4, 2017 in southwest Niger. Johnson was among four US soldiers killed earlier this month in Niger, where Islamic State fighters have established a presence. US President Donald Trump told the widow of a soldier killed during an ambush in Niger "he knew what he was signing up for," according to a lawmaker who accused him of insensitivity. Frederica Wilson, a Democratic congresswoman from Florida, said she listened in to part of a group phone call between the president and the grieving family of Sergeant La David Johnson. / AFP PHOTO / US Department of Defense / - / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / US Department of Defense " - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS -/AFP/Getty Images ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (AFP Photo ) Gen. John Kelly's emotional news conference Thursday was aimed at defending President Trump for the misunderstanding that resulted from Trump's phone call earlier in the week with relatives of Sgt. La David Johnson, one of the four U.S. soldiers killed in an Oct. 4 ambush in the African nation of Niger. Kelly, who lost his own son in the war in Afghanistan, gave an eloquent interpretation of what Trump meant to say when Johnson's survivors heard him say that Johnson "knew what he signed up for." Advertisement "He's a brave man, a fallen hero," Kelly said. "He knew what he was getting himself into because he enlisted. There's no reason to enlist; he enlisted. And he was where he wanted to be, exactly where he wanted to be, with exactly the people he wanted to be with when his life was taken." Maybe. I certainly don't question Johnson's bravery, heroism or knowledge of the risks of military service. But as for the claim that he was "exactly where he wanted to be," the history of warfare tells us that those deployed in the field often question why they are where they are. Advertisement Documentarian Ken Burns' recent PBS series "The Vietnam War" features many interviews with veterans, some of whom had enlisted, who were not "exactly where (they) wanted to be" when they came under fire. Even in the ranks, they sensed the futility and strategic ineptitude of the U.S. intervention. Did Johnson and the other three who were killed Staff Sgts. Bryan Black, Jeremiah Johnson and Dustin Wright believe they were on an important mission, protected by proper intelligence, equipment and contingency planning when their convoy was ambushed by an estimated 50 Islamic militants? And, importantly, were they? Were their commanders fulfilling the military's end of the enlistment bargain by not being careless with the lives and safety of those who signed up to defend their country? We'll find out more as the investigation of this tragic loss unfolds. But, as comforting as assumptions may be, we're unlikely ever to know what the fallen heroes were thinking before they died. Dear Tom, I have heard several explanations for Chicago's nickname "The Windy City," but they are all different. What is the real explanation? Advertisement Jimmy Coltier, Chicago Advertisement Dear Jimmy, Chicago is, indeed, a rather windy city, but it certainly isn't the windiest. With an average wind speed of 10.3 mph, Chicago ranks 12th windiest among the nation's major cities. Boston is windiest, with an average of 12.4 mph. A likely source of the nickname is political. Frequent political conventions were held in Chicago in the latter portion of the 1800s, and long-winded politicians were often described as "windy." Rivalry with Cincinnati is also a possible source of the nickname. Chicago surpassed Cincinnati in the 1860s in meatpacking. The Cincinnati press and Chicago Tribune first used the "Windy City" term in 1876. A 39-year-old Aurora man charged with producing child porn through a popular video-sharing app had been working for the Federal Aviation Administration, authorities confirmed. Richard Barnett most recently of Aurora, is accused of hiding behind the username "davidbanks1014" to entice at least four underage girls to make and send photos or videos of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct through the app Musical.ly, federal authorities said this week. Advertisement Barnett started working at the FAA in February as a general avionics inspector trainee, according to two officials with the agency. His department is based at the FAA's regional office in Des Plaines, according to an email from FAA spokeswoman Elizabeth Isham Cory. Barnett's current employment status is unclear, as neither Cory nor spokesman Tony Molinaro could be reached for additional information. Advertisement Barnett was arrested at his home Monday morning on federal charges of producing and transporting child pornography. If convicted of one or both charges, Barnett could be sentenced to between five and 50 years in prison. Attorney Beth Westman Jantz, who is representing Barnett through the Federal Defender Program, said on Tuesday she can't comment on pending cases. When the FBI led a search on his home, law enforcement seized electronic devices and several firearms, they said. Barnett's license to carry a concealed handgun in Texas expired Oct. 4, according to court records. His alleged victims include at least three girls attending an elementary school in Jacksonville, Fla., and a 9-year-old girl in Louisiana. Some of the girls' parents' told authorities the user threatened to "kidnap, rape and kill" the girls if they told anyone what he said, according to the complaint. In at least one case, davidbanks1014 sent photos back to a girl, threatening to share them more publicly if she didn't send him something more sexually explicit. hleone@tribpub.com Twitter @hannahmleone Children climb on a part of a newly-dedicated playground at Blackhawk Park on Aurora's near West Side. (Steve Lord / The Beacon-News ) The school building that once stood at Galena Boulevard and Blackhawk Street in Aurora is gone, but children once again are roaming the grounds. To Paul House, former superintendent of Aurora Christian School, which used the building for 25 years, that's very important. Advertisement "The kids are back!" he said, spreading his arms outward to the bevy of children playing. "And they're having a wonderful time." The kids, along with their parents, Aurora residents, public officials and even the West Aurora High School marching band were part of the recent dedication of Blackhawk Park on the block surrounded by Galena, Blackhawk, New York Street and View Street on the near West Side. Advertisement It's the result of the city of Aurora and the Fox Valley Park District working together to reclaim a site that held a school building for more than 100 years. The new park features modern playground equipment, a large grassy area known as the "great lawn," and a picnic shelter designed to evoke memories of the school building that once stood there. By next year, it also will have a splash pad. The park district said in its brochure welcoming people to the dedication event that the park is "where history and the future have come together in the name of community." The building that once stood on the grounds was built in 1906 as the new West Aurora High School, and it served that purpose until 1953. When the new high school was built, the building served as the West Aurora Junior High School through 1958, when it became Benjamin Franklin High School through 1977. At that point, the West Aurora School District sold the building to Aurora Christian School, which occupied it from 1978 to 2004. Collette House looked at the new park and talked about how during that latter time, the property "was home for so long." The daughter of Paul House, she attended third grade through high school in the old building, then turned around and taught there, too. It was during that time, in 2004, she helped move Aurora Christian into its new campus on the far West Side. She now serves as superintendent of Aurora Christian, just as her father once did. She joked how she still drives down Galena and expects to see the old school building. Advertisement "It's still kind of a shock," she said. "But it's exciting to see it used as a park." Neal Ormond, who went there when it was West Aurora Junior High School, said in remarks in the program that he remembers the school being the center of the community. On Saturday afternoons, kids would gather in the auditorium to see movies and cartoons. "This was before the days of TV, so it felt like the whole West Side was gathered there," he said. "Aurora was a much smaller town then about 40,000 population and the school stood as a symbol of community." The building was vacant from 2004 through 2015. At one time, a developer planned to redevelop the building into condos, but the recession of the late-2000s intervened. The building began to deteriorate beyond redemption. The city of Aurora spent more than $1 million to demolish it in 2015. A year later, it deeded the large grassy lot to the park district, which led meetings and online surveys to determine what to do with it. The name Blackhawk Park was chosen by public vote. Kids' screams and yelps nearly drowned out official remarks at the dedication, but Jeff Long, park district public affairs and communications manager, closed by saying, "Let's enjoy this park for 100 more years." Advertisement slord@tribpub.com Scientel, a wireless telecommunications and systems integration company, wants to build a headquarters with a 195-foot-tall tower on Eola Road. (Steve Lord / The Beacon-News ) The Aurora City Council is set to vote on allowing Scientel Solutions to build a new headquarters on Eola Road, just south of Diehl Road. Scientel, a wireless telecommunications and systems integration company, wants to build a 12,000-square-foot office space, a 3,000-square-foot warehouse building and a 195-foot-tall communications tower on a 2.66-acre site. Advertisement The building would be across the street from CyrusOne, a Dallas-based data processing and storage company that houses data for the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, as well as a number of foreign trading exchanges. Scientel has more than 125 clients across the country with a total of eight offices in the U.S. and Canada. Scientel chose the location, in part, to be as close as possible to the mercantile exchange data storage site. Advertisement But CyrusOne, which is in the midst of an expansion in the city, is concerned that the Scientel tower will interfere with a 350-foot tower it intends to build on its site. City officials approved that tower about a year ago. CyrusOne has suggested Scientel use the CyrusOne tower -- called co-locating in the telecommunications world. "We don't think Scientel has made a good case why they need their own tower and can't do co-location," a CyrusOne spokesman told the city council recently. The planning and development committee of the council has recommended the Scientel plan, but aldermen at the committee of the whole held it for two weeks. Then, it was passed onto the full council for a vote. A spokesman for Scientel said it needs its own tower because its network operations are going to be at the headquarters, and they are tied to the tower. The company has a number of clients, including public safety entities, and needs access to its tower 24 hours, seven days a week, the spokesman said. He likened it to the difference between leasing and owning a facility. One of the reasons Scientel is moving its headquarters from Lombard to Aurora is so it can own rather than lease a building. "From a purely business operations standpoint, having our own tower, our own building, is a next step for us," the spokesman said, adding that Scientel doesn't use the entire spectrum of wireless communications and would not interfere with CyrusOne. The Federal Communications Commission regulates the frequencies and decides if they will interfere. But the City of Aurora has a telecommunications consultant, and he told aldermen his studies indicate the Scientel tower would not interfere with CyrusOne. Advertisement One of the issues some aldermen raised is that when Scientel first came to Aurora, it built a wooden pole on its property to use as a tower without getting prior approval from the city. Ald. Richard Mervine, 8th, pointed out that CyrusOne is a "major player" in the telecommunications world with "a pretty substantial data infrastructure." He said it made strategic decisions based on the city's new telecommunications ordinance, and that if "we're willing to throw that out," it could affect future high tech companies coming to Aurora. "I'm not comfortable with that," Mervine said. "I don't have the trust because of the way they came in." The Scientel spokesman said the pole was for video surveillance equipment because there was illegal dumping at the site. "There was no fiber running through the pole," he said. "We removed the pole right away and just sent people there." The city would grant variances to Scientel for its plan, said Stephane Phifer, planning and zoning director. Scientel hasagreed to move the location of its tower based on what the FCC decides about interference, and to deadlines by which infrastructure and construction must be finished, she said. Advertisement Phifer said when Aurora passed its new telecommunications ordinance, it expected to grant variances because of different developments' circumstances. "We said we would take it on a case-by-case basis," she said. Mervine said the ordinance was intended to bring stability to the corner of Diehl and Eola Roads, and to prevent a bunch of companies and towers popping up. "I know the world is watching," he said. "It's incumbent upon us not to make a mistake as to how we treat existing business." slord@tribpub.com Health benefits for some of the striking workers at Palatine School District 15 have been cut, prompting charges of bully tactics from the employees' union, which claims they should receive health insurance through the end of the month. But district officials said they clearly warned the employees that a strike would result in loss of pay and benefits. The district said that warning came more than a week before about 450 support staff walked off the job Monday. Advertisement Contract negotiations are expected to resume Sunday morning. But on Thursday, the representatives for the Education Support Personnel Association, which represents district support staff, including nurses and aides, cried foul after they began receiving reports from their members that they no longer had health insurance. Union officials say members have already contributed their portion of their health care for October and should have remained covered. Advertisement "They (collectively) spend $40,848 for insurance every two weeks," said Bridget Shanahan, a spokeswoman for the union's parent group, the Illinois Education Association. "That money was stolen from our members. It's extremely disheartening, it's cruel, it's dangerous and it's bullying." But the district said the union misinformed workers about how their insurance program works, and said it clearly communicated in a letter sent before the strike vote that such a move could lead to loss of pay and benefits. "The district told the ESPA members that this would happen if they chose to participate in the strike," District 15 spokeswoman Morgan Delack said. "We made sure they were aware of this. We are very sorry for any issues that may have come up because of lack of information, but we did everything we could to relay the facts to the members." Delack said the district's insurance contracts and policies require that employees work a certain number of hours to be eligible for coverage, and that "those who went on strike no longer meet those eligibility requirements." Included among those who lost their insurance coverage were 168 workers including school nurses and others who provide care to students with significant mental, physical and medical needs who were ordered to return to work Tuesday after a Cook County judge issued a temporary restraining order, deeming their work vital for those students' safety. The union said it intends to fight the order, and a court hearing is slated for Monday. The district said that it is in the process of reinstating insurance coverage for the employees who were ordered back to work by the court, Delack said. But Jacqui Downing, 49, said she learned her coverage was gone when she went to fill a prescription Thursday and found that she was no longer insured. "I started crying," Downing said. Her son, who has cerebral palsy, requires expensive physical therapy twice a week to help him maintain mobility, and Downing said she feared she would no longer be able to afford it. "I mean, I started thinking, my youngest has therapy this afternoon. What do I do, do I cancel it?" Advertisement She said she called the district and learned that as one of the 168 employees ordered back to work, her insurance was being reinstated. In a letter to union officials, an attorney for the district explained that the district was legally obligated to report the striking workers names to their insurance provider, though Delack did not explain how the district is legally required to do so. Shanahan said the district's policy to immediately terminate the health benefits of striking workers is a rule the district made on its own and could have chosen to rescind. mwalberg@chicagotribune.com Twitter @mattwalberg1 One of Illinois largest individual insurance providers, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, is changing most of its plans in light of recent changes to the health insurance market. (Susan Montoya Bryan / AP ) As open enrollment for health insurance begins Wednesday, Nov. 1, and several changes have occurred or been proposed, I decided to check in with two industry experts for their advice on what you need to know. Kathy Lipscomb, health care advocacy consultant at KL Services, LLC in Skokie; and Michele Thornton, Health Insurance Consultant at Thornton Powell Insurance Financial Services in Oak Forest, identified for me some of the most critical issues and uncertainties currently surrounding the health insurance marketplace about which they feel consumers should be most aware. Advertisement Shortened enrollment period For the first time, open enrollment via the health insurance marketplace (www.GetCovered.Illinois.gov, here in Illinois) will last only 45 days: Nov. 1 through Dec. 15. This is a significant change from previous years' enrollment periods, which lasted three months, and almost always included an extension. There are few indications that an extension beyond Dec. 15 will be offered this year. Advertisement Employer insurance impacts Some employers are enrolling employees in health insurance plans earlier and for shorter periods of time this year due to more complex federal rules and uncertainty surrounding future rate hikes. Be aware: Some employers are offering insurance to only those employees who cannot obtain coverage via a spouse's plan. Elimination of subsidies The Department of Health and Human Services announced on Oct. 12 that cost sharing reduction (CSR) payments will be discontinued effective immediately. CSRs are federal government subsidies provided to insurers to reduce the amount low-income consumers pay for deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. A congressional bipartisan agreement was recently announced proposing these subsidies continue for two more years, but a vote has yet to be taken and its prospects for wider bipartisan support are uncertain. This uncertainty is anticipated to significantly increase premiums for plans offered via the exchange. Navigator funding slashed Funding for health care navigators organizations funded by the federal government to assist consumers (free of charge) with finding and enrolling in health plans has been cut by 90 percent. To compensate, the federal government is providing a tool that enables consumers to search for agents and brokers at www.healthcare.gov. Consumers can also search for a marketplace-certified broker by using the finder tool at www.NAHU.org (National Association of Health Underwriters). Major changes to individual BCBS policies One of Illinois' largest individual insurance providers, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, is changing most of its plans. Customers impacted by these changes should have received notification that their policies are being eliminated for 2018. Eliminated plans have been "mapped" to new BCBS plans at the same metal/coverage level and within the same network, however premiums will likely be higher and coverage different. If details on these changes have not yet been received, consumers can find information at www.healthcare.gov (for marketplace customers), via their BCBS online accounts (for direct BCBS customers) or through their insurance brokers. Advertisement Marketplace plans available off the exchange As of this writing, the GetCovered.Illinois.gov website had not yet been updated for 2018 enrollment. However, every health plan offered on the exchange must also by law be offered off the exchange at the exact same price, so research can and should begin now. With a shortened 45-day enrollment period, agents, brokers and the few remaining navigators will be in high demand once enrollment opens. Other non-exchange-based, insurance options The exchanges are not the only way to obtain health insurance. Other options include through an employer, directly with a specific insurance provider, through an insurance broker (be aware some sell only specific insurance company products), through a professional association (nurses, teachers, etc.), via a union affiliation, through an alumni association or via a chamber of commerce membership. Cautions re: 'inexpensive' short-term policies While small business plans might be cheaper for younger, reasonably healthy employees, those with older employees, or with a history of illness, can expect to pay higher premiums and deductibles. As such, the cost of health insurance will not necessarily go down. Also, the short-term policies recently proposed as inexpensive alternatives to ACA coverage have to-date been available only in 90-day increments. The Trump administration is recommending these policies be renewable beyond 90 days. However, such plans usually do not cover pre-existing conditions and often have extremely high deductibles. Advertisement Need help? Send your questions, complaints, injustices and column ideas to HelpSquad@pioneerlocal .com. Cathy Cunningham is a freelance columnist. An Oak Lawn motel that has experienced two ownership changes since 2010 might be going on the market again if the village gets its way. Officials will argue for the revocation of the Miami Inn & Suites' business license at a disciplinary hearing scheduled for Nov. 3, Village Manager Larry Deetjen said Thursday. Advertisement Oak Lawn officials have been critical of what trustees characterized as "a high frequency of undesirable behavior" at the establishment and the ownership's alleged failure to respond to village requests for a sit-down to discuss its concerns. "We've seen a pattern at the Miami that is unacceptable," Deetjen said. "Oak Lawn is a family community with family standards, and I'm disappointed in any event, but we're talking multiple police incidents that have taken place at the Miami." Advertisement Radhe Enterprises Inc., which bought the property early last year at 9041 S. Cicero Ave., asserts that few police calls involve reports of criminal activity. Rather, it argues that upgrades in security and recent changes in the motel's rental policies have made the motel a safer place and illustrate its sincere desire to attract more upstanding clientele. According to a Daily Southtown review of village data, Oak Lawn police have made 25 arrests at the Miami over the past two years, or approximately one per month, with about one-third of the arrests made for alleged crimes committed elsewhere. Oak Lawn police regularly visit the Miami to run the license plates of cars parked in the Miami lot and arrest the owners for outstanding warrants from other jurisdictions, data show. Most of the other arrests at the Miami involved domestic disturbances and people allegedly caught with drugs. In one instance, which occurred early in the current ownership's tenure, police received a tip that a woman was selling heroin out of a room at the motel and set up a drug buy that resulted in her arrest, according to the police report. A few weeks later, police arrested a mother on charges of child neglect after her unsupervised young son was spotted walking naked through the motel parking lot, the report states. The woman told police she left the boy sleeping in the motel room and did not expect him to awaken while she was out running errands for about an hour, according to the report, which notes that she appeared remorseful and admitted to making a mistake. Advertisement In another case involving alleged child abandonment, police responded to reports that a child had been left alone in a motel room. They arrived to find the door to the room open and the child sitting on the bed, the report states. When the mother returned, she told police she'd left the child with a friend while she ran errands. The friend, she told police, was a prostitute who likely had left the child to meet "a male client," the report states. The Department of Children and Family Services investigated the situation and determined that the child could remain in the mother's care, according to the report. She was not charged with a crime. In January, the Miami's housekeeping staff found a loaded handgun inside the nightstand drawer of one of the motel rooms while cleaning it after its occupant checked out. The man who had been renting the room later returned to the motel looking "to retrieve something he had left behind," the report states. When questioned by police, the man would not admit to owning the gun and was not arrested, according to the report. He was, however, told by motel staff that he could never return to the Miami. Police, who confiscated the weapon, later learned that one of its two serial numbers matched a gun that had been reported stolen out of Culver City, Calif., in 1989. Other more recent incidents involved drug overdoses. On July 30, a 56-year-old sheet-metal worker who had been staying at the motel for a few weeks was found dead in his room of an accidental drug overdose. The medical examiner determined the man's death resulted from a lethal combination of cocaine and fentanyl, an extremely potent opioid pain medication that has gained popularity as a recreational street drug in recent years. According to the police report, the man was a known user of crack cocaine but had been legally prescribed the pain medication by a physician. Advertisement It was the third drug overdose death at the Miami since 2013 but the first under the current owners, records show. Less than a month later, police responded to the Miami for another drug overdose call. In this case, the victim, who had heroin track marks on her arms, was alert and awake by the time police arrived, but she was still taken to the hospital for further medical treatment, according to the police report. While the motel's owner and employees acknowledge that the Miami has had its share of incidents over the past two years, they argue that things are moving in the right direction. "We don't want the prostitutes. We don't want the drug addicts. We don't want people dying in our motel," said Debbie Isdell, a longtime front desk employee who has worked under the motel's past three owners. "I just wanted them to give us a chance," she said of Oak Lawn. "We're not as bad as they say." The current owner, Vipul Patel, has made significant improvements, Isdell said. Advertisement She said he employs a security guard on weekends, has taken down bushes around the property to eliminate any blind spots that could obscure possible criminal activity and recently purchased an ID scanner to better identify people who have been banned from the premises and to "make sure we know who's in our place, that we can point them out." A few months ago, Patel set more stringent guidelines about who the motel would rent to and even installed a new sign that reads "safety before money," Isdell said. Motel management would like to rent rooms to flyers laid over at Midway International Airport, out-of-towners here for work or people with relatives hospitalized at nearby Advocate Christ Medical Center, she said. Employees have been instructed not to rent rooms to anybody who blasts loud music, smells like marijuana, is loud and belligerent, or is "weird-looking" or dirty, Isdell said. The motel also tries to limit rentals to couples and families, turning away groups of more than two unrelated people, she said. "Believe me, we push a lot of people away because it's safety before money," Isdell said. Advertisement While she said the Miami always cooperates with Oak Lawn police investigations, she has begun to hesitate before calling the cops to report problems for fear that it'll give the village one more reason to revoke the motel's business license. "How do you feel like you gotta think twice when you want to call the police?" she said. "It's ridiculous." Isdell said the bad publicity generated by the village's recent actions have cost the motel good customers and may jeopardize the owner's ability to make more improvements. "We are not going to have any money to fix it, they're not going to have any incentive to fix it, and I just feel like this has been going on for almost 12 years now, and what is their beef, really?" she said. To her, the Miami's problems are no worse than the issues that pop up from time to time at any budget motel, she said. "We're not the Hilton. We're not the Trump Tower," she said. Advertisement But Deetjen said that while other local motels cater to business travelers and the relatives of extended hospital guests, the Miami attracts seedier clientele. If the Miami really was taking steps to achieve a more family-friendly environment, he said he'd be anxious to see it, but he hadn't witnessed any evidence of that to date. "I've got no information that tells me that's occurring," Deetjen said. Oak Lawn's village manager also dismissed the assertion that the village was targeting the Miami unfairly in an effort to drive out the business. "We're not treating them any differently than we've treated other business establishments in that corridor," he said. The distinction, Deetjen said, was that other local businesses have responded swiftly when approached by village officials about safety and security concerns. Advertisement By contrast, the village has been unable to convene a meeting with the Miami's ownership since early summer, despite multiple attempts to set one up, he said. The parties last met during the final week of June and were supposed to meet again the following week, but a cancellation by Patel and dropped communications have prevented that from happening, emails obtained by the Southtown show. An Oak Lawn police sergeant exchanged multiple emails with a lawyer for the motel in late July and August but was unable to get the Miami's ownership to settle on a date to meet and discuss security enhancements, emails show. In their final exchange Aug. 21, Sgt. Michael Fortuna emailed the lawyer to say he'd responded to a call at the motel the day before that had reminded him to touch base once again about setting up a meeting. "Sorry, they are interested (in meeting), but I think the cost is overwhelming them," the motel's lawyer Julie Kaminski responded. "They keep telling me they want to meet with you to discuss, but then do not give me a day. "I will reach out to them again." Advertisement It's not clear if or when Kaminski responded. When reached for comment Wednesday, Patel said the drop in communication was not intentional and that he was not ignoring the village's inquiries. Rather, he claimed there had been a miscommunication. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > "We were waiting for them," he said. "We emailed them to reschedule, we just thought they were busy." Patel said he wouldn't have put $250,000 into making improvements at the motel only to have his business license revoked over ignoring the village's concerns. He said the changes he'd implemented at the motel in recent months had already resulted in a large reduction in police calls and that he'd love to meet with village officials to work out a solution to appease their concerns about safety. The village, however, is pushing ahead with a license revocation hearing. Advertisement At the Nov. 3 hearing, which is open to the public, attorneys for both parties will present their case before an adjudicator, who will make a recommendation to the Village Board on the appropriate disposition of the case. Recommended remedies may include fines, suspension or revocation of the business's license, according to village code. zkoeske@tribpub.com Twitter @ZakKoeske Panelists at We the People: Making Our Voices Heard in Deerfield are, from left, Northwestern University associate professor of journalism Peter Slevin, Ami Gandhi, director of voting rights and civic empowerment for the Chicago Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, and Jay Young, political director of Common Cause Illinois. (Steve Sadin / Pioneer Press ) More than 130 people took part in "We the People: Making Our Voices Heard" at Deerfield's Christ United Methodist Church on Oct. 17. The event included an advocacy resource fair as well as a panel of speakers. "It serves as an opportunity for groups to come and benefit from the exposure," Pastor Norval Brown said. "When people are exposed, then they can get active and go out and do something." Advertisement Politicians and political campaigns were not part of the fair. "We want to promote civil dialogue," Brown said. Advertisement When the church held its inaugural "We the People" program in March, the idea was to get people talking about issues and becoming more politically active, according to Margaret Lindsay, one of the organizers. Lindsay, a Highland Park resident, said the activity fair was meant to expose people to ways to get involved, in addition to learning about and discussing issues. Representatives of the Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, Citizen Advocacy Center, Common Cause Illinois, the Cook County Clerk, the Lake County Clerk and the League of Women Voters of Deerfield/Lincolnshire offered information to attendees about how their organizations could help people find ways to express their views to government officials and others. "We want people to get involved and make their opinion known," Rosemary Heilemann, a League member, said. Ben Silver, a community lawyer with the Citizen Advocacy Center, said his group helps people with a range of activities, from teaching them how to file a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act to helping with a decision to run for office. Lake County Clerk Carla Wyckoff said she and members of her staff were there to talk to attendees not only about making sure they were registered to vote, but getting involved in the election process. "We are looking for election judges and deputy registrars," Wyckoff said. "There are a lot of ways they can be involved in the process." Two fair participants, the Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, represented by Ami Gandhi, its director of voting rights, and Common Cause Illinois, represented by Political Director Jay Young, were part of the panel. They were joined by Peter Slevin, an associate professor at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Advertisement Slevin talked about the role of the media in the political process. Gandhi spoke about voting rights and Young discussed campaign finance. Slevin stressed the need for accurate reporting as a watchdog on elected officials, and said today's numerous social media platforms can lead to people getting inaccurate information. "Everyone is starting to huddle in their own bubbles and everyone believes their own facts," Slevin said. "We have a president who says what he doesn't like is fake news, and he makes it personal." Slevin said the media must continue to hold all elected officials accountable, from the U.S. president to members of municipal governing boards. Gandhi stressed the importance of sending lawyers to polling places to act as advocates for people who feel their right to vote has been unfairly challenged. Young bemoaned the growing role of money spent on campaigns and how much of it is coming from fewer and fewer people. Young said there are ways through public financing that people with ordinary financial resources can expand the volume of their voice. He said some states will give a multiple of a smaller individual donation to a campaign through public financing. Advertisement Steve Sadin is a freelancer for Pioneer Press. Grant funding has allowed Carpentersville firefighters to acquire new, technologically advanced air packs and masks. More than a year ago, the Carpentersville Fire Department learned it had secured funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant program to replace the decade-old breathing apparatus, which were set to be retired next year. Advertisement Fire Chief John-Paul Schilling said at the village board meeting Tuesday that funding had been received. A total of $262,300, which included the village's required 10 percent match, was used to purchase 36 new air packs as well as masks that contain a built-in thermal imaging camera. That feature, said Schilling, "will speed up rescue efforts." Advertisement "Instead of just one person holding (a device) and directing people, everybody has a view of everything in the room, so the chance of us finding somebody in a rescue situation is greatly enhanced," he said. The new air packs, which allow firefighters to safely breathe in smoky and other hazardous conditions, contain more air. "So the firefighters have more time for fire and search and rescue purposes, but also if they get caught in trouble, there's more time for them to have air to get out," he said. Schilling lauded the committee of fire personnel who spent several months researching and evaluating the different makes and models. The grant, he said, enabled the Fire Department "to defer a known cost coming up for the village." "And it was a great opportunity to move the department forward with something that has a lot more technology," he said. Erin Sauder is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News. Elgin Community College will apply for a $1 million prize awarded by a think tank for achievement, school officials said. The school and the international nonprofit The Aspen Institute announced ECC is one of 150 colleges nationwide eligible for the 2019 Aspen Prize, which is awarded every two years to a school displaying excellence. Advertisement "This recognition, it reflects the outstanding hard work of our faculty, staff and administrators, with the support of our board of trustees," said ECC President David Sam Oct. 18. "We are proud to be selected among the top 150 colleges." According to The Aspen Institute, ECC is the only school among Chicago-area community colleges eligible for this award. The group's College Excellence Program began in 2010 in order to help higher education institutions improve and encourage their approaches to instruction, job opportunities after graduation, equity and completion. Advertisement Sam noted ECC was also eligible for the prize in 2015. Tiffany Yoon, senior program manager for Aspen, said data analysis played a factor in which community colleges were selected. Such factors as headcount, part-time status, median household income, percent of students receiving Pell Grants, retention and graduation rates, among others, were considered. Sam said Aspen officials in particular noticed ECC's figures on its first-year retention rate, its three-year graduation rate and its three-year graduation rate among minority students. The data showed ECC's first-year retention rate is about 69 percent. ECC must submit its application for the award next month in order for it to be vetted, said Sam. Ten finalists will be announced in May. The Aspen Institute will then conduct site visits at those colleges and collect additional data. The $1 million prize, finalists with distinction, and "rising stars" recognitions will then be announced in the spring of 2019. Yoon said winners get to decide how they spend their money. For example, the first-ever Aspen Prize winner, Valencia College (Fla.) in 2011, used it for a scholarship fund to assist students transferring to four-year colleges and universities, she said. The 2017 winner, Lake Area Technical Institute (S.D.), used the prize money for infrastructure upgrades. Sam gave two potential uses for the money tutoring and student life services, particularly those aiding first-year students. "We know that tutoring is very important in the success of students," he said. Advertisement raguerrero@tribpub.com Elgin police are asking anyone who may have recently received unauthorized parking citations on their cars in the downtown area to report the incidents. Police were told by two residents this week that they returned to their vehicles parked on Highland Avenue east of Douglas Avenue to find tow notices on the car. Advertisement Although the stickers included "DNA" on the bottom believed to mean the Downtown Neighborhood Association neither the police department or the neighborhood association printed or placed the stickers, said Deputy Chief of Police Bill Wolf. The stickers warned the residents they had parked for more than two hours and could be towed. Advertisement Elgin does enforce downtown parking time limits, Wolf said. The parking officer did not leave the stickers on the vehicles, however, and the stickers were not enforced by Elgin police. "We enforce the timed parking spots pretty regularly," Wolf said. The cars are believed to have been legally parked when someone posted the stickers, he added. "It was very surprising that someone would go to the trouble to create something like that and put our initials on it. If there is a problem with parking, there is a better way to deal with that," said Jennifer Fukala, director of the Downtown Neighborhood Association. Anyone else who has received the stickers is asked to contact parking control supervisor Brooke Rzeppa at 847-289-2573. Janelle Walker is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News. Two Elgin nonprofits are among five groups that recently received $24,000 each in grants from real estate services company Baird & Warner. "It's pretty exciting we got this," Marklund Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations Vicki Kristof said. Advertisement Marklund serves adults and children who have profound developmental disabilities. It has three residential facilities: Marklund at Mill Creek in Bloomingdale, Marklund Philip Center in Geneva and Marklund Wasmond Center in Elgin. The Elgin facility formerly was Little Angels, and Marklund merged with that organization in November 2016. It is now named after Little Angels founder Juil Patricia "Pat" Wasmond, who died in 2013. Advertisement "We're very, very pleasantly surprised to receive this," PADS of Elgin executive director Sarah Ponitz said of getting the grant. Through its charitable arm, the Good Will Network, Baird & Warner ran an online campaign called "$24K of Solid Good" in August. According to a news release, Baird & Warner broker associates, loan officers and employees nominated 10 finalists, each of which help serve a variety of community needs with a focus on housing, particularly for women and children. The five organizations which received the most votes online received the grants. Kristof said in Marklund's case Geneva real estate agent Larry Smith of Baird & Warner's Fox Valley office in St. Charles nominated the nonprofit. Ponitz said that Don Prigge, who is managing broker at the Baird & Warner Far Northwest Suburban office in Crystal Lake, nominated PADS. PADS of Elgin recently received a $24,000 grant from Baird & Warner. (PADS of Elgin) Kristof said Marklund has 174 people living at its three campuses. Kristof said there is a gap in funding past what the state provides through Medicaid that amounts to an average of $17,000 per person at Marklund campuses. So the money will be enough to cover one-and-half of those gaps. At PADS, for its last fiscal year, the organization served 339 homeless people, Ponitz said. In recent weeks, the shelter not far from Elgin Community College has had from about 35 to more than 50 people sleeping there at night, Ponitz said, and the facility is gearing up for winter. Ponitz said some of the grant money will be used to improve the nonprofits database management systems, and the board is in the process of deciding what it will do with the remainder of the money. In a prepared statement, Jennifer Alter Warden, chief operating officer and executive vice president of Baird & Warner, who leads the Good Will Network's efforts, said,"Baird & Warner has been an advocate of Chicagoland's communities since we made our first transaction in 1855. Our people are committed to helping those in need from every walk of life, and what these organizations do day-to-day is beyond inspiring. We want to honor their efforts in providing shelter with our contribution, as it represents the core values of the Good Will Network." Along with Marklund and PADS of Elgin, the other grant recipients include BEDS Plus Care Inc., which offers shelter, services and programming for the homeless in south suburban Lyons, Stickney, Riverside, Proviso, and Worth townships, Chicago-based housing solutions nonprofit Housing Opportunities for Women and Turning Pointe Autism Foundation of Naperville. Advertisement mdanahey@tribpub.com From left, Michelle Saganich of Elmhurst, Tatiana Jusino of Galewood, Davey Sullivan of Elmhurst and Caroline Fahey of Elmhurst are on stage at an Oct. 15 rehearsal of Is He Dead? ( Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press ) Mark Twain's rediscovered play "Is He Dead?" is the fall production at Fenwick High School in Oak Park. "It's amazing to be able to pull out a show that's over 100 years old and see it go so well," said Roger Finnell, producer and Blackfriars Guild moderator. Advertisement The play is the fictional tale of debt-ridden French painter Jean-Francois Millet as a starving artist in France. Millet fakes his death to boost sales of his art, the cliche that artists' works increase in value after their death. Millet masquerades as a woman to hide his secret but gets the unwanted attention of confused marriage-minded male suitors. "As a teacher of American literature, a Twain piece appealed to me," said director John Schoeph of River Forest, who selected this autumn's production. "I knew Roger Finnell loves farce, so getting him on board didn't take long, especially after he (Finnell) read reviews of the Broadway production." Advertisement The Fenwick High School Blackfriars Guild presentation of "Is He Dead?" is staged on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m., Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 5 at 3 p.m. in the school's auditorium at 505 Washington Blvd. in Oak Park. Fenwick's interpretation of "Is He Dead?" showcases 40 cast and 46 crew members. "I think this was a great choice by John Schoeph to pick one that was funny, relevant and by a famous author," Finnell said. "You can't go wrong with Mark Twain, can you?" "Is He Dead?" features double and triple casting. Millet, played by Tom Latz, a senior from Elmhurst, is in debt to money launderer Andre, played by Spencer Gallagher, a junior, also from Elmhurst. "To be able to put on a Mark Twain show that's very unknown, it's timeless," Latz said. "For great artists such as Twain and Shakespeare, it doesn't matter which era the show is put on. It really shows the genius of Mark Twain." Gallagher's twisted character is the sole villain, he said. "It's fun," added Gallagher, who uses a prop of a walking cane. "I've never done it (play a villain) before." Advertisement Liam Mahon, a senior from La Grange, has the role of Chicago, a colleague promoting Millet's paintings. "He's (Chicago) the businessman of the group," Mahon said. "He's always scheming." Mahon said the script is, "not outdated" and "very funny. "It's a very physical comedy," Mahon said. "I think it's a big responsibility to show people a broader spectrum of what Twain has done. He (Twain) was just so brilliant." Sharing the role of Marie Leroux are Maria Frech, a sophomore from Lincoln Park and Grace Toriello, a senior from Berwyn. "She's (Marie) very trusting of other people," said Toriello. "She's always taking care of her father. I think it's really cool since Mark Twain is such a big name. We're showing something that people haven't seen before." Advertisement For Frech, "Getting one of the main roles as a sophomore is really amazing. I just feel honored to put on this show. Being a part of it is just so awesome." Special reserved seats run $22. Tickets are $16 for adults and $11 for students. The Blackfriars Guild presents three productions annually. Visit www.fenwickfriars.com/student-life/clubs-activities/blackfriars-guild. Karie Angell Luc is a freelance photographer and reporter for Pioneer Press. An Evanston man faces multiple felony weapons and drug charges after a police raid on his home and a Skokie storage locker this week netted a stockpile of drugs and two loaded guns, Evanston police announced in a press release Thursday. As of Friday, Eduardo M. Santana, 40, of the 700 block of Custer Avenue, is being held at Cook County Jail in lieu on a total $300,000 bond, according to the Cook County Sheriff's department. Advertisement Santana is charged with felony armed habitual offender, unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, criminal fortification of a residence, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, unlawful use of a weapon with a defaced serial number and misdemeanor possession of handgun and ammunition without a valid Firearm Owners Identification card, according to the release. Police said that around 3 p.m. Tuesday, detectives from the Evanston Police Department's special operations group executed a search warrant at Santana's home as a result of an ongoing investigation into the sale of narcotics in Evanston, according to the release. Advertisement Santana was arrested at the time the search warrant was executed, police said in the release. And officers recovered 262 grams of cocaine, 15 grams of crack cocaine, nine pills police suspected to be ecstasy, 1 gram of suspected heroin, $3,831 in cash and a loaded Ruger .45 caliber handgun, the release states. Detectives also discovered a police scanner and surveillance cameras showing a live feed inside and outside the residence, police said in the release. Police also said that the door to the residence had been barricaded with metal brackets and wooden planks, according to the release. The next day, another search warrant was executed around 7 p.m., according to the release. This time detectives searched a storage locker rented by Santana at a public storage facility in the 8000 block of McCormick Boulevard in Skokie, the release states. Police reported finding in the storage facility a loaded Walther .380 caliber handgun with the serial number removed, according to the release. Santana is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 20 in Skokie, according to the Cook County Sheriff's department. Brian L. Cox is a freelancer Sarna Goldenberg was raised in Glencoe, then lived in other places, including three years in Japan, before returning to the village approximately two years ago. She and her husband, Steve, have two children, Nora, 8, and Max, 6. For the past 18 months, she has worked as the marketing director for Bernie's Book Bank, a Lake Bluff organization that has distributed more than 10 million books to children in need. Q: How did you get started with Bernie's Book Bank? Advertisement A: It is an incredible organization that provides free books to at-risk children. I just fell in love with the mission and the organization, so it was a no-brainer. Q: Which children receive the books? Advertisement A: Bernie's Book Bank distributes books to at-risk children from birth to sixth grade through low-income health care programs and schools. Each child receives 12 books a year for 12 years. For a lot of these children, they have never owned books before. It is mind-blowing there are children 25 miles from Glencoe that don't own books. Literacy is the foundation of everything in life, and to be able to empower these underserved children through books is life-changing. Q: Why did you switch from the corporate world to the nonprofit world? A: I've been a longtime volunteer at a number of nonprofits, and it was a natural switch as I wanted more of a work-life balance and an opportunity to make a difference. Q: What stands out to you about your time in Japan? A: The culture was such a stark contrast from anything I had ever experienced. Every element of life was completely different. It was a huge learning experience, and it gives you perspective on the world. Q: Do you miss anything about the for-profit world? A: No. Once you have a role that is truly meaningful, there is nothing like it. Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelancer for Pioneer Press. Advertisement Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we get to know and introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago. Check out more online at ChicagoTribune.com/ShoutOut. Three incidents of purchases made with counterfeit money were reported in Glenview over a four-day period, police said. On Oct. 12, an employee of a business in the 1400 block of Waukegan Road told police that someone used a counterfeit $100 bill to buy items, according to a Glenview Police Department report. Advertisement Four days later, on Oct. 16, an employee of a business in the 100 block of Waukegan Road told police that someone used two counterfeit $20 bills to buy items, according to the report. In both incidents, the employees used special pens that identify counterfeit bills, said Glenview Police Department Spokesman Sgt. Jim Foley. Advertisement A resident of the 2400 block of Waukegan Road told police Oct. 16 that someone bought a vehicle with three counterfeit $100 bills, according to the report. The resident's friend noticed that the bills had the same serial number and told the resident to call police, Foley said. When counterfeit bills are reported, Foley said police try to identify a suspect, but no suspects have been identified in the recent cases. Counterfeit cases are investigated by the United States Secret Service, he said. "All we can do on our end is identify a suspect, and if (the secret service) wants to investigate further they let us know," Foley said. "They ask for our reports." akukulka@chicagotribune.com Twitter @Akukulka11 The coal-powered generation station on Waukegans lakefront in July 2013, before it was purchased by NRG Energy. (Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune ) A series of five-day hearings scheduled for next week will determine whether groundwater near coal-powered plants in Waukegan and other Illinois communities has been contaminated and whether those plants' coal ash storage sites are the cause, a spokesman for an environmental group said. The Illinois Pollution Control Board hearings are the result of a complaint filed by the Sierra Club and other environmental groups in October 2012 when the power plants were owned by Midwest Generation, which later declared bankruptcy and was purchased by NRG Energy. Advertisement The complaint alleges that coal ash depositories at power plants in not only Waukegan but Joliet, Pekin and Romeoville have generated levels of various heavy metals and other pollutants that exceed state standards, thus making the water unusable. According to the complaint, some of the pollutants present risks to human health and others are dangerous to aquatic ecosystems if the groundwater spreads to other bodies of water, like Lake Michigan or nearby streams. Advertisement NRG has argued in response that the coal ash ponds at the four stations are in compliance with their U.S. Environmental Protection Agency permits, and that each active pond is lined with a high-density polyethylene liner to prevent the contents from seeping into the soil and groundwater. Monitoring wells have found groundwater on various occasions to test above allowed levels, but NRG argued that those events are "random, inconsistent, historic and do not show a connection to the ash ponds." Midwest Generation had also entered into compliance commitment agreements with the Illinois EPA designed to address the monitoring wells' findings, NRG spokesman David Gaier said in an email. Some of the aspects of those agreements remain in place, including the continued monitoring of groundwater at all four power plants, Gaier said. Land-use controls were also placed on the deeds of the Waukegan, Romeoville and Pekin plants that prohibit the installation of drinking wells. "These agreements, which only affect the plant sites, ensure the proper management of the land in a way that ensures that there are no environmental impacts on the surrounding areas," Gaier said. The questions the Pollution Control Board are charged with answering as a result of next week's hearings are whether there is contamination, and, if there is, whether the coal ash ponds are to blame, said Julio Cesar Guzman, a campaign representative for the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal Campaign. If the coal ash ponds are found to have caused contamination, the next step will be for the board to determine whether NRG is legally liable for that contamination, Guzman said. NRG purchased Midwest Generation in April 2014 after it and its parent company declared bankruptcy, according to court records. But the pollutants could also predate Midwest Generation. Advertisement The question will be when the contamination occurred, and if it predates NRG ownership, whether the company bought the liability along with the power plants, Guzman said. If NRG is found liable something Guzman said the complainants expect to be answered in the next six or so months then the Pollution Control Board will move into the remedy phase, determining whether NRG needs to pay any civil penalties. The Sierra Club and the other environmental groups behind the complaint have also asked the board to require NRG to stop dumping coal ash, to modify its disposal and storage practices and to remediate contaminated groundwater, according to the complaint. The way NRG Energy and Midwest Generation before it handles coal ash in the ponds is "an antiquated and risky process" that can have "dire effects" on local bodies of water, Guzman said. His group wants to see the company change its practices because they have concerns about how effective coal ash ponds are at removing ash from the water before it's dumped into Lake Michigan, he said. The two coal ash ponds at the Waukegan plant meet all current standards, and the company is currently developing designs that will help it meet future requirements, Gaier said. Advertisement "We work very hard to ensure that we comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. Our more than half-billion dollar investment in our Illinois fleet demonstrates our commitment," Gaier said. emcoleman@tribpub.com Twitter @mekcoleman In this file photo, recovery workers with the group BakerRipley assist a homeowner after a 2016 flood in Houston. Members of BakerRipley now are working with a group of volunteers in Barrington to rebuild homes in Houston following Hurricane Harvey. (Courtesy of BakerRipley) Before graduating from Milwaukee's Marquette University High School in 1975, Barrington resident John Dawson always was reminded by his Jesuit priests to serve others in life before serving himself. "They said, 'You are a man for others," Dawson said. "It's always been part of me." Advertisement A home remodeler who is president of Dawson Builders in Barrington, Dawson recently decided to apply that life lesson in a big way after seeing the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey in Houston. Now, he is assembling volunteers from throughout the Barrington area, dubbing the charitable outreach as "Barrington Regional Hurricane Relief," for a trip Nov. 10 through Nov. 19 to Houston, where local volunteers will work to rebuild damaged homes with new drywall, trim and molding after Hurricane Harvey struck the area in late August. Advertisement After connecting with well-known community volunteers, such as Bob Lee, who helped make calls to different community groups in Barrington, Dawson has 35 people signed up to go to Houston, and he has secured pledges from more than 30 local groups that have said they will recruit additional volunteers and help raise funds for the trip, Dawson said. "The goal is getting 70 people to Houston, and any extra funding could buy bedding and carpeting things that make a home," Dawson said. This isn't the first time Dawson has organized volunteer relief efforts following natural disasters. For several years, he led efforts to rebuild homes after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, flooding ravaged Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and a tornado damaged properties in Joplin, Mo. Four years ago, Dawson said, he also started the nonprofit group called Build Team, which sends teams of plumbers, carpenters and other trade workers to help people in the Barrington area with home repairs who can't afford them. With Dawson's latest endeavor, the Barrington Regional Hurricane Relief, some of the tradespeople with the Build Team will be joining him on the trip to Houston. The group of volunteers also is looking for additional helpers to purchase building supplies, such as nails and drywall, and cook meals for the construction workers while in Houston, he said. "We're all staying in a Houston community center that has showers and (we are) sleeping on mattresses on the floor," Dawson said. Advertisement Once there, the volunteers from Barrington plan to work and coordinate relief efforts with members of BakerRipley, a community group in Houston that provides assistance to low-income individuals and families, both Dawson and other volunteers a part of Barrington Regional Hurricane Relief have said. Annise Parker, senior vice president for BakerRipley, said volunteer groups like the one being organized in Barrington provide invaluable contributions to the recovery efforts in Houston. Teams of skilled laborers, such as the ones with Barrington Regional Hurricane Relief, work hard to rebuild homes damaged by natural disasters, which often force residents to live in shelters temporarily, said Parker, who also served as the mayor of Houston from 2010 until 2016. She noted how Hurricane Harvey damaged or destroyed 95,000 homes in Houston. "We have tons of workers across the Gulf Coast, like the Barrington group. We need to make sure we maximize their skills," Parker said. "Groups like Barrington are very valuable to us." Tom Burns, president of the Barrington Area Ministerial Association, which is a coalition of 15 area churches that represent clergy and lay people, is working to recruit volunteers for Dawson's relief efforts. Advertisement The association is tapping into its wide distribution network and asking pastors from its 15 churches to encourage volunteers to travel to Houston or donate money to the Barrington Regional Hurricane Relief, he said. "We try to collectively add value to the community in ways that go beyond anyone of us could do alone," Burns said. Lake Barrington resident Ann Kimberly, who is retired after a career in corporate relations for Allstate Insurance, said she wanted to assist with relief efforts in any way possible. She learned of Dawson and his relief effort after reaching out to local churches and the Barrington Breakfast Rotary Club. "They need able-bodied help, and I'm blessed to be a healthy person," Kimberly said. "I don't know what I'll be doing there. My strong suits are helping in the kitchen, lifting and running errands for building supplies." Geneva resident Chris Reiss heard about the local relief effort from the Rotary District 6440 Disaster Relief group, which organizes recovery efforts for Rotary clubs throughout northeastern Illinois. Advertisement He said he was ready and willing to help the volunteers from the Barrington area after having helped rebuild homes with Habitat for Humanity following Hurricane Katrina and helping build a high school for Mayan students in Guatemala. "I like working with my hands and the social aspect is very good, too. You meet like-minded people," said Reiss, who owns an electronics distribution company. "I've met a lot of good friends doing it." tshields@pioneerlocal.com Twitter @tshields19 Rocco, a K9 officer for the Naperville Police Department, is to receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from Vested Interest in K9s Inc. (Naperville Police Department) K9 Rocco to get protective vest K9 Officer Rocco, a 2-year-old Dutch Shepard who works for the Naperville Police Department, will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from Vested Interest in K9s Inc. Advertisement Rocco's vest was paid for by an anonymous sponsor, and should arrive within eight to 10 weeks. Rocco is trained in narcotics detection, tracking, evidence and article searches, apprehensions and handler protection. His handler is Officer Pete Konow, a three-year veteran of the department. They have been working together since April. Advertisement Park district recognized for art programs The Illinois Association of Park Districts recognized the Naperville Park District for excellence in its community arts programs at its annual awards gala Oct. 13. The park district won second place for providing affordable, high-quality arts programs and public art for the community. The park district offers programs in dance, theater, music, visual art and media, such as pottery, woodcarving and film-making. The district also partners with area businesses to offer free outdoor concerts and theater in the parks during the summer. NCC hosting global conference North Central College's Office of Ministry and Service will host a Q Commons discussion from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, in the theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St., Naperville, to talk about how to be positive and hopeful community leaders. The theme will be "Healing Our Divided Nation," and it will be broadcast in more than 35 states and 15 countries. Q Commons has discussions with nationally recognized and local speakers. National speakers participating will include David Brooks, a cultural commentator for the New York Times; Kara Powell, executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute and expert on how technology affects this generation; and Jason Petty, a hip-hop and spoken word artist popularly known as Propaganda. Advertisement Local speakers are Matt Margaron, director of the nonprofit Young Life; Eddie Bedford, Naperville Township Supervisor and adjunct instructor of kinesiology at North Central College; and Manilyn Gumapas, a senior at North Central and sociology major. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students, faculty and staff. To register, go to www.qcommons.com/naperville. LWV screening 'Equal Means Equal' The League of Women Voters of Naperville will show the documentary, "Equal Means Equal," at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25. The film is described by the group as an "unflinching look at how women are treated in America today." The event is co-sponsored by Will County NOW, and a discussion and question-and-answer session will follow the showing, being held at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. For more information, go to http://lwvnaperville.org. Advertisement A scene from the documentary "Equal Means Equal," which will be screened in Naperville Wednesday by the League of Women Voters of Naperville and Will County NOW. (Heroica Films) Fort Hill hosting fitness talk series Fort Hill Activity Center will launch a series of educational talks on wellness for fitness members and the general public in November. The first talk on the role nutrition plays in peak wellness, led by Candace Lawrence of the Trager Healing Center, will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at the center, 20 Fort Hill Drive, Naperville. The event is free for center members and $5 for nonmembers. Fitness members must register by phone at 630-995-8900. Nonmembers should register online at www.napervilleparks.org. Future topics for 2018 may include financial wellness, emotional wellness, and fitness. The plan is to offer one wellness talk per quarter. U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville, second from left, organized a panel discussion in Naperville this summer to discuss lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. (Gloria Casas/Naperville Sun ) Naperville ranks dead last among large Illinois communities when it comes to creating a LGBTQ-friendly environment. Neighboring Aurora grades among the state's best. A report issued Thursday by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation shows Naperville scored 42 out of 100 points on its annual Municipal Equality Index, a nationwide rating of municipal law and policy based on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer inclusion. Advertisement The educational arm of the nation's largest LGBTQ civil rights organization created the index scorecard in partnership with the Equality Federation Institute to assess LGBTQ equality in 506 cities across the United States, including nine in Illinois. The report shows many cities across the country are picking up the torch in support of LGBTQ people and workers. Advertisement Chicago, for example, came out on top in Illinois, earning the highest score possible of 100. It was followed by Aurora and Champaign, each earning 79 points, and Joliet with 78. The only two Illinois cities scoring below the national average of 57 were Naperville, with 42 points, and Carbondale, with 50. "That doesn't surprise me," said Eva-Genevieve Scarborough, a Naperville resident active in the LGBTQ community. Scarborough said that though she's never had any trouble in the city, that doesn't mean she always feels accepted. "People's first response is where's the diversity (regarding LGBTQ)? You see it on the North Central College campus. In churches, I see a diverse group," Scarborough said. Beyond that, she said, the city appears more homogenous. She suggested it might be time for the LGBTQ community to have more of a voice in city politics. Mayor Steve Chirico said the city strives to be welcoming no matter a person's race, age or gender, which could be a reason Naperville's highest marks in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation report were under the category of creating nondiscrimination laws. Advertisement The city, however, lost points for not having an LGBTQ police liaison or task force in place and for not reporting hate crimes statistics to the FBI in 2015. Chirico said the city has never discussed a task force or liaison because no one has raised the issue, and he's not heard of a hate crime occurring in Naperville. "To my knowledge, we've never had a complaint," he added. Where the community does an "outstanding job," Chirico said, is through the school system. "That's an incubator system" of developing people are who are more tolerant of diversity, he said. Those places where Naperville was lacking, the city of Aurora was strong. Advertisement Not only does Aurora have an LGBTQ police liaison, but the city also established a Human Relations Commission to investigate potential discrimination incidents, Aurora police Chief Kristen Ziman said. Having a police liaison for the LGBTQ community is critical, she said. "Our department should be a reflection of the people we serve," Ziman said. "It's important to have someone you can identify with." Aurora's officer is active with PFLAG, the largest LGBTQ family and ally organization; works with youths through the schools and organizations; and is a popular sought-out speaker on LGBTQ issues, she said. "A lot of times the LGBTQ community feels they don't have a voice," and a liaison gives them that voice, Ziman said. Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin said in a news release that this year's index report paints a vivid picture: "Cities big and small, in red and blue states alike, are continuing our progress toward full equality, regardless of the political drama unfolding in Washington, D.C., and in state legislatures across the country." Advertisement "Today, the (index) serves as a vital tool for business leaders and municipal officials alike when it comes to economic development. CEOs know that in order to attract and retain the best employees, they must grow their companies in places that protect LGBTQ citizens from discrimination and actively open their doors to all communities," he said. The scores for other Illinois cities were Peoria, 67; Springfield, 65; and Rockford, 61. subaker@tribpub.com Twitter @SBakerSun1 Oak Brook officials are hopeful McDonalds property in the village will attract Amazon for its second headquarters. (Chicago Tribune) Oak Brook, Schaumburg and Chicago are all backed in a state bid to land Amazon's second headquarters in the metropolitan area, Oak Brook Village President Gopal Lalmalani said Thursday. Oak Brook worked with Choose DuPage and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity with its bid. Any financial incentives the state agrees to for Amazon would apply to any Illinois municipality that lands the bid, said Valentina Tomov, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce. Advertisement "I think it's better to have the support of the state," Lalmalani said. "Any municipality is able to submit a bid to Amazon, but I feel very good about being part of the bid from the state." Along with rejecting Illinois completely being a possibility, Amazon could choose all three of the municipalities in the state's bid, two of those, or just one. Advertisement Lalmalani said he believes Oak Brook could handle 50,000 employees if Amazon chooses the village. "I don't think they would all come at once," he said. "They could build additional buildings, and we could go vertical. I believe we could handle it." Interest by Amazon in Oak Brook would ultimately depend on the company's ability to purchase property being vacated in 2018 by McDonald's headquarters move to Chicago. "We have 150 acres of property in Oak Brook, potentially in a move-in condition, but we don't own the property," Lalmalani said. Tomov previously said she believes Oak Brook and Amazon are a good fit for each other. "We are very close to a major urban center with great access on highways, are close to the airport and have very friendly business policies with low taxes and no municipal property taxes," she said. While Lalmalani remains hopeful that Amazon brings all, or some, of its new headquarters to Oak Brook, he believes having the company and its up to 50,000 new jobs come to any of the sites would be beneficial. "If Amazon comes to Chicago, it will benefit Oak Brook because we are very close to Chicago, and some of the new employees would take advantage of what we have in Oak Brook, the restaurants and stores," he said. "And Oak Brook offers a great place to live, especially for those who have children and are looking for great schools and low taxes." Advertisement cfieldman@pioneerlocal.com Twitter @chuckwriting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pointed out that there were problems concerning the shared use of the Svalbard Archipelago, Interfax reports. "We believe that the situation with our cooperation on the archipelago could be much more constructive. We believe that all parties must comply with the provisions of the Svalbard Treaty," Lavrov said during a news conference in Arkhangelsk. He said that problems arise with neighbors when requesting authorization for flights of the Arctikugol helicopters as well as sending research expeditions to the archipelago. "We believe the authorisation provision contradicts the Svalbard Treaty," Lavrov said. Russia has sent several official notes to the Norwegian colleagues, asking them to respond to our concerns and to explain how they can be laid to rest. "Unfortunately we have not received any reply to these notes. We see no desire on the part of our Norwegian colleagues to cover their part of the road or at least to launch a dialogue," the minister added. In return, the Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende said that Norway is acting in compliance with every provision of the Svalbard Treaty. "Let me say that within the framework of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council we are concentrating on the matters that unite us," he said. "Speaking about the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway is acting in compliance with every single provision of the Svalbard Treaty. We have a vision that we are committed to, namely, we would like Svalbard to be the most manageable archipelago in the Arctic as well as the best in environmental terms too," the minister noted. Police in Oak Park are searching for several people who attacked a man and stole his car last weekend. According to a police summary, the incident occurred at 7:49 p.m. Oct. 14 in the 100 block of Chicago Avenue. A Chicago resident was sitting inside his 2011 Mercedes parked in the rear of a building when three men approached, police said. Advertisement The driver exited his car and confronted the three men, and a "physical altercation" ensued, police said. One of the men then lifted up his shirt and displayed a black revolver in his waistband, police said. According to police, one of the attackers entered the car and drove off. He drove the car to the front of the building in the 100 block of Chicago Avenue and picked up the other two attackers before fleeing north in the Austin Boulevard alley, police said. Advertisement The man told police his wallet, which contained only cash, and his iPhone were left inside the car when it was stolen. Police tracked the phone, which led them to the car, which was found abandoned in the 1000 block of North Menard Avenue in Chicago. According to police, the three suspects are described as black men, each approximately 20 years old, with each wearing dark clothing and hooded sweatshirts during the incident. Anyone with information can contact the Oak Park Police Department at 708-386-3800. sschering@pioneerlocal.com Twitter @steveschering A judge pushed the jury trial for Darren Vann, who is facing the death penalty on murder charges in the deaths of multiple women, to next fall, almost four years since his initial arrest. Vann's trial was set to begin with jury selection in February, with presentation of evidence beginning in March. But his defense team asked those dates be moved back as they are behind schedule in selecting a jury and still had evidence to go over in the case. Advertisement Lake Superior Court Judge Samuel Cappas granted the request at a hearing Friday. This is a capital punishment case, and "it deserves special accord," Cappas said. Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter asked that it be noted Vann's trial has been postponed multiple times since he was initially charged in October 2014. Advertisement The trail is now scheduled to begin jury selection in September, with evidence starting the following month, court records show. In April, the Indiana Supreme Court turned down Vann's appeal to look at the constitutionality of the state's death penalty statute. Cappas said Vann, 46, would have to appear in court on Nov. 9 so that he could be notified in person of this change. Vann has repeatedly filed waivers so his attorneys could appear on his behalf. When he appeared in court in June, Vann said he didn't want a trial. "Don't say something you can't back up. You say you're gonna give me death. Go ahead and kill me, (expletive)," Vann said at the time. Vann has pleaded not guilty in the deaths of Afrikka Hardy, 19, of Chicago, and Anith Jones, 35, of Merrillville. He has also pleaded not guilty in the murders of five other women: Teaira Batey, 28, of Gary; Tracy Martin, 41, of Gary; Kristine Williams, 36, of Gary; Sonya Billingsley, 52, of Gary; and Tanya Gatlin, 27, of Highland. With the exception of Hardy, whose body was found in a Hammond motel, the bodies were found in abandoned Gary homes. Advertisement His attorneys, Matthew Fech, Gojko Kasich and Mark Bates, previously filed other motions in the case, which Cappas also addressed Friday. The defense asked that the judge not interrupt while attorneys questioned potential jurors in the case. "The defense is not attempting to silence the court in any way, shape or form," Fech said Friday. Fech said, though, that a judge questioning what the attorneys are asking could give jurors a sense the court disapproves of what's being said. The jury selection process can already seem intimidating to jurors, he said. Cappas said he felt the motion was "premature" and the request "goes against the grain of what my job is," he said. "I'm not going to take myself out of the process," he said. Advertisement Cappas added that the attorneys could raise the issue again during jury questioning if they felt it was needed. The defense also asked that neither party be allowed to ask the "magic question," essentially asking jurors if they could set aside any potential biases to be impartial in reaching a verdict. Fech said they need to hear "what the jurors actually think, not what they think the court wants them to say." Deputy Prosecutor Michelle Jatkiewicz countered that "simply because you have an opinion doesn't mean you can't set that opinion aside." "If you don't ask the question, you can't get the answer," she said. Cappas rejected the defense's request. Advertisement "We're going to take some faith that they're going to be honest," Cappas said. rejacobs@post-trib.com Twitter @ruthyjacobs Surveillance footage released by East Chicago police in May showed the homicide suspect in the April fatal shooting of Alonzo Smith. (East Chicago Police ) A man was charged Friday in connection with a fatal shooting in April that left a 69-year-old man dead in East Chicago. Stephen Shelton, 50, was charged with murder in the death of Alonzo Smith, who was shot while waiting for his workplace to open on April 29, court records show. Smith's death was ruled a homicide by the Lake County coroner's office. Advertisement Kim Jordan, who worked with Smith at Wallace Metals in East Chicago, said she was "filled with so much joy" knowing there had been an arrest in the case. "I'm just very happy about that, deeply, emotionally happy," she said. Advertisement Police were called at about 7:40 a.m. April 29 to Chicago Avenue and Carey Street where officers found Smith unresponsive in a Chevy Impala that witnesses said had come out into traffic, hit a truck and come to a stop near a parking lot, court records show. Witnesses told police a man in a mask who walked with a limp had left the scene and put something in a nearby dumpster, according to a probable cause affidavit in the case. The suspect said, "I didn't have nothing to do with it," and walked down an alley, the affidavit states. Police found a silver revolver on top of a garbage bag and a black glove in the dumpster, according to court records. Officers also found a black mask in a nearby back yard and footprints along a residence, the affidavit states. The black fleece ski mask was submitted to an Indiana State Police laboratory and DNA from the mask matched a convicted offender sample in the database from Shelton, court records show. When interviewed at East Chicago Police Departmnet on Oct. 18, Shelton told police he was born and raised in East Chicago and had come back to the area in February after living in Florida, the affidavit states. Shelton also said he was "on federal probation for the charges of felon of possession of a firearm," court records show. Shelton told police he did not know Smith, did not kill him and had not been on Chicago Avenue on April 29, the affidavit states. When police presented the DNA match, Shelton said "he believes someone is setting him up because in the past he has done wrong to many people and they're getting back at him," court records show. Police reviewed surveillance footage of the incident and released a clip in May of a man walking down Chicago Avenue on on the day of the shooting, police said. An autopsy revealed Smith had been shot three times in the chest, arm and shoulder, the affidavit states. Advertisement Smith used to park at work "with his tea and newspaper" waiting until the business opened, the affidavit states. Co-workers told police Smith was "a very giving person" and used to be "known to carry large amounts of money on him," according to court records. Smith worked at Wallace Metals for more than 30 years, court records state. Jordan previously described Smith as a "loyal worker" and whose death was a "tremendous loss." The person who killed Smith "didn't just take Alonzo's life, he affected other people," she said. rejacobs@post-trib.com Twitter @ruthyjacobs Gary Christ's Baptist Church: 4700 E. Seventh Ave. Voices of Praise will perform a concert at 4 p.m. Oct. 29. Guest soloists will be Matthew Glass, Gus Lacy and Rose Simmons. Advertisement Church of Christ (Holiness) USA: 4201 Washington St. The male chorus will celebrate 65 years at 4:30 p.m. Sunday. A Trunk or Treat will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 28 in the church parking lot. The event will include face painting, musical chairs, karaoke and games. First Tabernacle Baptist Church: 643 West 41st Ave. The church will host its Harvest Sunday celebration Oct. 29. The service will start at 11 a.m., and from 1 to 3 p.m. the Tabernacle will host Nature's Helper farmers market. Information: 219-977-9894. Advertisement Grace Missionary Baptist Church: 1505 W. 25th Ave. The church is presenting a program on "Taking Back Our Streets from the Enemy" Leviticus 26:7 at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, featuring Evangelist Frances Taylor, Evangelist Estella Segrest and Brother Joe Bryant. Marquette Park United Methodist Church: 215 N. Grand Blvd. Saturday Outreach Lunch will be at noon the first Saturday of each month. Senior Yoga is at noon Tuesdays and Fridays for $3 and Thursdays for $4, which includes lunch. Sunday School is at 9:15 a.m., and worship service is at 10:15 a.m. Information: 219-938-4106. Mercy Seat MB Church: 2629 W. 23rd Place The 43rd pastoral anniversary of the Rev. Richard L. Gray and first lady Jessie Gray through Sunday. A service will be at 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Information: 219-949-4794. Mt. Calvary Church: 1001 Garfield St. The church will celebrate pastor Carl Frieson's third anniversary at 6 p.m. Nov. 3. Bishop Wallace Johnson will speak at noon Nov. 4, and pastor Shirleen Myers will speak at 3 p.m. Nov. 5. Pastor Greg Frazier will also speak, along with special guests the Rev. Israel Robinson and the New Doves of Harmony. The theme is "Follow the Leader." Information: 219 201-7766. New Revelation Missionary Baptist Church: 3140 W. 21st Ave. The church will be celebrating its 63rd church anniversary during the month of October, ending with an anniversary service on Sunday. Information: 219-949-2225 or newrevelationmbchurch@aol.com. Trinity Baptist Church: 1831-37 Virginia St. October is Women's Month. The church theme for the year is "The Power of Prayer through Evangelism, Discipleship, Worship and Fellowship, Matthew 6: 5-13, Luke 11:1." "Time for Us" will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 28. A seminar will be about issues of senior adult care and options for respite assistance information. Lunch will be provided. Trinity's annual youth summit Be Smart, Be Safe will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Representatives from police, fire and health organizations will discuss issues of students in grades three to seven. Registration for lunch is required. All students are encouraged to bring report cards to church for the first school year Smarty Party. Youth activities include a Praise Dance Ministry performance during morning services Sunday. Trinity United Church of Christ: 1276 W. 20th Ave. The Chakula Thanksgiving Ministry will hold the annual sign-up for Thanksgiving baskets Monday through Nov. 6. The hours are 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Gary residents only. One basket per household. Identification is required. Information: 219-944-0500 or LaToya at 219-381-1789. Somebody's Clothing Closet Ministry will host a coat giveaway from 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 4. Donations of new and gently used coats are needed. Information: 219-292-0342. Hebron Advertisement Hebron United Methodist Church: 202 W. Church St. The Hebron United Methodist Women will host Holly Lane Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 11. The event includes a cookie walk, country pantry, rug table, Christmas decorations and assorted gift baskets. Information: 219-996-7161. Portage St. Peter Lutheran Church: 6540 Central Ave. Trunk or Treat will be held in the church parking lot from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday. Spooky hayrides are free. Food will be for sale at the concession stand. A vendor bake sale will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 4. Vendor spaces are available. Staff report Amy McCormack is inaugurated as Calumet College's first female president. (Suzanne Tennant/Post-Tribune ) In discussing her personality style, Amy McCormack spoke about her father. A longtime listener of the late radio personality Paul Harvey, he was fond of reciting a radio report he once heard that said parents spent only 17 minutes each night speaking with their children. Advertisement It was a statistic he often took to heart, making sure it took the time to bond with his children every day, she said. "It was his prompt and desire to connect with us," she said. Advertisement As the seventh president of Calumet College of St. Joseph, McCormack said she would also take that philosophy when connecting with students and the college community. Calumet College marked a milestone in its history with McCormack's inauguration ceremony Friday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Whiting. She is the school's first female president. She assumed the role in July, succeeding Dan Lowery. McCormack said during her speech that a major priority for the Catholic college under her tenure will be to grow enrollment and establish on-campus housing. Roman Catholic Diocese of Gary Bishop Donald Hying, who officiated a Mass in her honor praised her creativity and energy. "You have a fire, you have an energy, a wisdom, a joy," he said. Established in 1951, Calumet College, had an enrollment of roughly 1,100 students last year. Prior to her current role, McCormack worked as a senior vice president for finance and administration at Dominican University in River Forest, Ill. Advertisement Previously, she also worked as a business affairs vice president and controller for that university. McCormack, a certified public accountant, holds a doctorate in education from the University of Pennsylvania, an MBA from Dominican University and bachelors in accounting from Indiana University. She and her husband, Jeff, live in Oak Forest, Ill. They have two daughters. mcolias@post-trib.com Twitter: @meredithcolias Pastor Kenneth Kelly, of the Metropolitan Baptist Church, stands in front of a building at 837 W. 45th Ave. in Gary that his church hopes to purchase. (Carole Carlson / Post-Tribune) A Gary minister thinks a vacant building west of his Glen Park church would make an ideal outreach center. Pastor Kenneth Kelly's overtures to purchase the structure at 837 W. 45th Ave., however, have been stymied by federal liens against all properties owned by the Gary Community School Corp. Advertisement The district failed to make payroll tax payments in 2012 and 2013. Back taxes, penalties and interest have swelled the IRS debt to $8.4 million, according to Paul Pastorek, chief of staff for the school district's emergency manager. While the emergency manager is empowered by a state law to sell vacant school buildings, the liens make a sale difficult. Advertisement The school district has tentatively retained Laszlo & Associates, a Merrillville accounting firm, to handle negotiations with the IRS. The contract, however, must still be approved by the Distressed Unit Appeal Board, which oversees district spending. A meeting is set for Oct. 31. The IRS tops a list of creditors standing in line to recoup money from the troubled school district that's now run by the state. It makes monthly payments to the IRS, but meanwhile the interest and penalties accrue. Gary's debts are pegged at $108 million. It owes about $40 million in state loans, $40 million in bank loans and it pays on about 20 court judgments each month. "Our great-grandchildren will be celebrating when we pay that off," said Eric Parrish, an accountant for the emergency manager, Gary Schools Recovery LLC. Parrish is constructing the school district's budget. Peggy Hinckley, a retired superintendent who heads the emergency manager team, hopes Laszlo & Associates can broker an agreement with the IRS that will trim the debt considerably. She estimated the process could take 8 to 12 months. It's hoped the IRS will forgive a large portion of the debt. The school district has dozens of closed schools, some drawing interest from prospective buyers, but the liens block the sales. "We aren't in a position today to take action because of the IRS standing," Hinckley told the school board Oct. 10. Pastorek said once an agreement is reached with the IRS and the liens are removed, the district could begin to sell its properties. He said U.S. Rep. Peter J. Visclosky, D-Merrillville, and the Taxpayer Advocate Service, a division of the IRS, were assisting in the talks. Advertisement Meanwhile, Kelly, pastor of the Metropolitan Baptist Church at 4500 Harrison St., has been asking about the vacant building next to his church for two years. "No one has been taking care of it We had saved a couple thousand dollars for it, they said they wanted $2,500." It couldn't be determined what the school district used the small brick building for, but it isn't listed as a school. A sign on the front door indicates it housed a Latin American Community Alliance for Support and Assistance (LACASA) office in recent years. Its front door is busted open and desks, chairs and a dated computer monitor are scattered in a reception area. Kelly said church members are working hard to forge a bond with the community by establishing a block club, cutting grass and removing debris. Opening a community center with after-school tutoring for children, and other activities such as a fitness center, could boost the neighborhood, Kelly said. "This would help serve the community," he said. "It would really be a blessing to us." Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Teaching candidate Brad Mautz is interviewed Wednesday by Yvonne Lucas, center, and Melisha Jones-Anderson during a recruitment fair sponsored by the Gary Community School Corp. at Purdue Northwest in Hammond. (Carole Carlson / Post-Tribune) Brad Mautz doesn't graduate from Northern Illinois University until December, but he already has a teaching job waiting for him in Gary. Mautz, of Chicago, was one of several students who attended a recruitment fair Wednesday at Purdue University Northwest. Advertisement The Gary Community School Corp., under emergency manager Gary Schools Recovery LLC, is recruiting 18 licensed teachers to replace long-term substitute teachers on the school district's roster. Peggy Hinckley, who leads Gary Schools Recovery, said the district established a new partnership with Purdue University Northwest in Hammond to enable the search. "They have December graduates and people looking for teaching jobs. We'd like to capture them, interview them on the spot and offer contracts. We hope they can start second semester," she said. Advertisement Hinckley told the recruits the salary would start at $40,500. "I can sweeten that if you have additional certifications," she said. Gary is paying its long-term substitutes $225 a day, Hinckley said. Not all have backgrounds in the crucial areas they're teaching, she said. Improving student achievement is among the incentives for Hinckley's firm, which has a two-year state contract. Gary Schools Recovery, a subsidiary of MGT Consulting Group, can earn a third year if the General Assembly approves the measure. The company is charged with digging the district out of a deep financial hole and raising achievement levels. Two Gary elementary schools Marquette and Beveridge face state intervention if failing grades aren't improved. The school district is also recruiting qualified tutors to assist students in grades 3-6 in extended day programs in math and English at Marquette and Beveridge. The tutors will receive $20 an hour. The extended day tutoring begins Nov. 1, from 1:45 to 4:45 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays. Hinckley said children who take part will receive dinner at the end of each session. Tutors are required to have a substitute license and 60 hours of college. Advertisement Mautz, 24, said he received a flyer about Gary's teacher recruitment at his school. "It's close to home, it's about an hour away," he said. He said his girlfriend also teaches in Gary at Steel City Charter School. "I went to a suburban school, and I wanted a more urban experience," he said. "I'll have my master's and getting an elementary education endorsement." Mautz was interviewed for 30 minutes by teacher Yvonne Lucas and Melisha Jones-Henderson, human resources director. By the end, he had received an offer. Advertisement Next, he said he's heading to Gary to observe a typical classroom before finalizing his decision. Another teaching candidate, Sheila Carter, returned to Gary from Milwaukee to look after her parents. She said she has experience in several fields. She holds an MBA and an undergraduate degree in social work, in addition to a general education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She also is familiar with Gary, graduating from Lew Wallace High School 30 years ago. Carter, who said she comes from a family of teachers, is filling in now at another school district for a teacher on maternity leave. "Starting in January would be perfect," she said. Advertisement Shavionne Edwards, left, is assisted in filling out a tutoring application by DaMeeka Ware, of the human resources department at the Gary Community School Corp. (Carole Carlson / Post-Tribune) Shavionne Edwards, 21, came to the recruitment fair for a tutoring job. The Purdue Northwest education major and Andrean High grad is on track to earn her teaching degree in 2019. Edwards, of Gary, said she understands the challenges the city's schools are facing. The elementary schools she attended are all closed. "I know there's a negative light on it, but my experiences were phenomenal." Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Julie and Norm Fischer are the owners of The Fischer Group in Crown Point. (Jerry Davich / Post-Tribune ) Norm and Julie Fischer kept finishing each other's thoughts, possibly without realizing how seamlessly they do it. They were talking about their marriage of 25 years, their two successful sons, their creative passions, and their mutual expertise regarding their business, The Fischer Group, in Crown Point. Advertisement While sitting in their modest office, with their little terrier, Max, running around, they weaved together their sentences explaining control systems for centrifugal air compressors, desiccant dryer solutions and energy-efficient technology, among other complex industry concepts. They politely dumbed it down for me. It didn't help. Advertisement Then Julie Fischer reached into her desk to pull out one of those little silica gel packets that come inside packages for new cameras and running shoes. The packet contains desiccant, a common substance used as a drying agent. This prop, she has learned, is the best way to help explain the couple's latest patented invention, the TFG "Bone Dry" Dryer, for which they were recently honored by a Northwest Indiana-based organization. It's a high-tech industrial piece of equipment that removes humidity and other contaminants from the air in three steps. This technology is a cost-cutting, high-efficiency necessity for factories and steel mills across the country. Such companies as General Motors Corporation, Toyota, Ford Motor, Caterpillar, Anheuser-Busch, General Electric, and ArcelorMittal Steel in New Carlisle, Ind., are on the customer list. Their proposal to ArcelorMittal was accepted for three large dryers to be designed, built and installed last year, replacing three inefficient desiccant dryers. The energy saved is in excess of seven million kilowatts per year, the equivalent of $500,000 to $700,000 annually, the company estimates. (Watch a video of Norm Fischer in action inside that ArcelorMittal plant.) "Because we do not use compressed air for our drying process, which is extremely expensive, it provides tremendous energy savings to the customers," said Norm Fischer, 64, who's been an industrial problem-solver for most of his life. "This is our niche in the market," said Julie Fischer. "There are different classes of dry air. Ours can deliver a higher class of dry air with dramatically less energy use than other desiccant dryers." The company's logo shows the skeleton of a fish with the words "Bone Dry!" below it, emphasizing the removal of moisture through an ultra-efficient drying process. Instead of using compressed air for the regeneration process, it uses atmospheric air, which is the free-floating air around us. A packet containing desiccant, a common substance used as a drying agent, illustrates some of what The Fischer Group in Crown Point manufactures. (Jerry Davich / Post-Tribune ) It's much more complex than that, with several years of heady research involved, but the science behind it is above my understanding. After meeting with the couple, I came away just as impressed with their love story and enjoyment of working together each day for 25 years. Advertisement "We genuinely enjoy being with each other," he said, glancing over at her with a smile. They met by sheer chance, or serendipity if you will, when Norm Fischer wanted to find a place to store his boat and someone suggested her father, who had property in DeMotte. They found themselves attracted to each other for quite a while before either of them acted on their feelings. Once they did, they've become inseparable. "Our proudest creation are our two boys," said Norm Fischer, whose 30-something sons are from his previous marriage. "I've raised them as mine," Julie Fischer added, noting that one lives in New York and the other in DeMotte, where she was raised. Norm Fischer, an Ohio native, is a self-taught engineer who didn't graduate from college, and who didn't need to in order to earn a great living. Advertisement "I love what I do, always have," he said. What he does best is create and implement innovative solutions involving complicated control systems and programming for industrial dryers. Julie Fischer felt compelled to learn the industry after falling in love with him. "I wanted to know what I was writing about," she said, adding that handles the company's graphics to educate the workers how to assemble and operate the equipment. The couple, who live in Cedar Lake, serve as an ideal example of the high-caliber, innovative genius that exists in our region, too often without us knowing it. I've passed their building a few dozen times without once wondering what their firm produces or its award-winning technology. On Oct. 26, Fischer will be inducted into the Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana during the organization's 13th annual ceremony at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond. He joins more than 1,000 innovative pioneers inducted before them. "It will be the Nobel evening for Northwest Indiana," said John Davies, the organization's managing director. Advertisement The society is the largest project of the Gerald I. Lamkin Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center at Ivy Tech Community College. "To be recognized by The Society of Innovators is very humbling," Norm Fischer said. "We've never been awarded for anything really," Julie Fischer said. "We just keep working on what we enjoy doing each day." Post Tribune Twice-weekly News updates from Northwest Indiana delivered every Monday and Wednesday > This is the couple's secret weapon: First, finding their niche. Then grinding out the work through part inspiration, part perspiration and a genius stroke of innovation. "Don't look for recognition," he suggests to others who are grinding it out in their own industry. "Looking for recognition will only distract you from your true potential." His advice: Do your homework, set goals, make plans, write them down in a step-by-step list, read your plan every day, and act on it. Spoken like a true engineer. Advertisement "Adjust your plan along the way so that you are always accomplishing the next step," he said. "Everyone has a part to play, and our smallest efforts may end up affecting others in a profound way." "And don't give up," Julie Fischer added. jdavich@post-trib.com Twitter@jdavich U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) drafted a bipartisan letter to U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley regarding the Burmese military's brutal campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya Muslim minority. The Burmese military's systematic campaign of arson, murder, and rape has forced more than 500,000 people to flee from Rakhine state into neighboring Bangladesh. Ambassador Haley, Advertisement In light of the Burmese military's deplorable violence against the Rohingya Muslim minority, we write to reiterate our profound concern and to join you in calling for immediate action. Numerous witnesses report that the Burmese military is systematically burning villages and murdering and raping civilians. As a result, over the past month, more than 500,000 people have fled from Rakhine state into neighboring Bangladesh. We share your assessment that the Burmese government is conducting a "brutal, sustained campaign to cleanse the country of an ethnic minority." We appreciate the work you've done to bring attention to this issue, including your strong statements in recent weeks condemning the violence and calling on "all members of the Security Council to support the Burmese government in ensuring the rights and dignity of all communities in Rakhine State and throughout Burma." Continued strong statements from the United States are crucial, as we continue to bring awareness and leadership to this critical issue. Advertisement We must now implement tangible actions against the Burmese government to end the violence, help the Burmese people, and make clear that there will be consequences for those who commit such atrocities against civilians. Post Tribune Twice-weekly News updates from Northwest Indiana delivered every Monday and Wednesday > More specifically, we join you in demanding that the Burmese government immediately end its ethnic cleansing campaign against the Rohingya; permit safe access to Burma for journalists, humanitarians, and United Nations fact-finding mission personnel; and work to address the root of this conflict by affirming support for the report of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State led by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. We also ask that you call for the removal and prosecution of individuals responsible for these atrocities. Assuming that the Burmese government will not take these steps without significant international pressure, we would like to work with you to suspend all international military weapons transfers to the Burmese military and to impose strong multilateral sanctions against specific senior Burmese military officials associated with the gross human rights abuses. We also ask that you request the United Nations launch an investigation to document human rights abuses that will facilitate holding perpetrators in the Burmese government and its security forces accountable. To accomplish these objectives, we encourage you and Secretary General Guterres to travel to Burma and Bangladesh to bring attention to this crisis. We also ask you to push for a strong United Nations Security Council resolution condemning the ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya. To build on the Department of State's efforts thus far, including excellent work by our embassies in Bangladesh and Burma, we urge President Trump to use existing authorities to appoint a Special Representative and Policy Coordinator, with the rank of ambassador, to coordinate U.S. policy in an expeditious manner and to persuade the United Nations Security Council and individual countries to support these steps we have outlined. In order to avoid any further delays in responding to this urgent situation, the individual's portfolio and experience should enable the Special Representative to focus effectively on this issue and coordinate an interagency, multilateral, and cross-regional approach. Thank you again for your strong statements on this issue. Consistent with the United Nations Charter, U.S. national security interests, and the universal humanitarian principles we support, we stand ready to work with you to implement your call to action. We appreciate your coordination with Congress and encourage you to keep Congress closely informed regarding United States and United Nations efforts as this situation develops. Young is a U.S. Senator representing Indiana. A trade mission to Israel later this year will aim to connect New York businesses with one of the state's largest export markets. Howard Zemsky, president and CEO of Empire State Development, will lead the trade mission to Israel from Dec. 3-7, the agency announced Thursday. The five-day trip is part of Global NY, an initiative designed to promote businesses in international markets and encourage foreign companies to invest in New York. The trade mission will visit Haifa, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Global NY is seeking up to 10 New York businesses to join the delegation. The participating companies will have opportunities to meet with potential business partners or customers, according to Empire State Development. Networking events and sightseeing will be part of the trip. "This upcoming economic development trade mission will reinforce our strong trade relations with Israel, and create opportunities for New York businesses to gain connections and access to this strategic global market," Zemsky said. This will be the second trip to Israel this year for a top New York official. In March, Gov. Andrew Cuomo led a trade mission and unity trip to Israel. The visit followed a rash of bomb threats targeting Jewish community centers in North America, including several in New York. Businesses interested in joining the trade mission should register by Tuesday, Oct. 31. The trip will be funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration's State Trade Expansion Program. The program will reimburse travel expenses air travel and hotel costs and the $750 trade mission fee. For more information about the trade mission, email globalny@esd.ny.gov or call (212) 803-2300. All votes in the CO-3 election won't be counted until the end of this week news President Trump said Monday that he would officially declare America's opioid epidemic a national emergency next week, which would provide an influx of funding and policy initiatives across the country. Few states know the epidemic as viscerally as New Hampshire, which President Trump previously said he won because it was a "drug-infested den." "It's a terrible combination of factors," including the types of drugs that permeate the state, geography and limited addiction resources, said Lisa Marsch, a professor at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine. "My hope is that we can think of a more coordinated and multifaceted approach where we can reduce barriers" to treatment, instead of the "siloed responses that we're seeing." New Hampshire ranks second in overdose death rates across the country, behind West Virginia. But looking only at synthetic opioids like fentanyl, New Hampshire has twice West Virginia's overdose death rate. The prevalence of fentanyl versus other opioids is one factor that makes New Hampshire's crisis different from some other states, said Marsch. She leads a study that is trying to get to the bottom of what's behind the state's epidemic. Because fentanyl is more potent, the risk of overdose is much higher, she said. The high is shorter than other opioids, so users tend to inject it more often, putting themselves at greater risk of life-threatening infections, too. Unlike heroin, illicit fentanyl and its ingredients are largely manufactured in labs overseas, particularly in China. It can be up to 100 times more potent than morphine, and the fentanyl molecule can be tinkered with to create even more powerful drugs and subvert regulation. "We have these highly potent drugs in a context that has very little resources," Marsch said. 'An everyday battle' "I want my kids back," said Caitlyn, a 31-year-old mother of two living under a bridge near the New Hampshire-Massachusetts border who prefers not to use her last name. "I want to get up and go to work every day like every normal human being and not be out chasing the high." She lost custody of her kids because of her addiction, but she is determined to get them back. "I don't need a detox," she said. "I'm looking for a treatment facility, like a residential, where I can go and live at and get my treatment." When CNN spoke to Caitlyn, she was calling long-term rehab facilities, hoping to be admitted. But she was turned down because she was on too high a dose of methadone -- an opioid medication that doctors prescribe for people to wean off street drugs like heroin. Marsch said that New Hampshire residents are suffering while too little is spent on addiction treatment and prevention. The state also lags behind on needle exchange programs and low prescribing rates of an addiction treatment called buprenorphine. Unlike long-term residential treatment, short-term detoxification doesn't necessarily confront the social and behavioral issues surrounding addiction. "And then you leave and you're right back out on the streets," Caitlyn said. "It's still an everyday battle." Location, location, location "Back when I started this business, if you did CPR once a month, that was a lot. Now it's every single day," said Daniel Goonan, fire chief of Manchester, New Hampshire. When CNN spoke with Goonan, there had been a dozen calls related to opioids the night before. "This isn't your father's fire department anymore." Manchester is at the intersection of several major roads and highways, a 30-minute drive from the Massachusetts border. This is one reason why Manchester has more opioid deaths than anywhere else in the state, said Marsch. "Particularly in the southern part of the state, we're right along a main trafficking route" for fentanyl, said Marsch, adding that the nearby city of Lawrence, Massachusetts is a key hub of activity. "There's a really strong business model that incentivizes sales across the border into New Hampshire," she said. "The price that they can get for these drugs in New Hampshire is much higher than it is in Massachusetts." This is presumably because there are reportedly more fentanyl distributors and manufacturers in Massachusetts, Marsch said, and those who transport the drug across state lines can charge more. Opioid use has surged in rural communities like those in New Hampshire. Rates of drug overdose deaths in rural areas surpassed urban areas by 2015, having converged in 2004, according to a report released Thursday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rural areas present many other transportation and economic challenges for people battling addiction, Marsch added. Even if they're lucky enough to get placement in a treatment program, they might deal with a potentially long commute or harsh weather during the winter. This can discourage people who might otherwise seek help. "Some of those who were interested in treatment, they've just kind of given up," Marsch said. A way forward "It's hit us like a ton of bricks in Manchester," Goonan said. Responding to a community in need, last year the Manchester Fire Department opened every one of its fire stations to people struggling with addiction. The 24-hour program allows people to seek help without fear of being arrested. "We were sick and tired of sitting in meetings," Goonan said. "So with the 'Safe Station' program, we just jumped in with both feet." More than 65% of the nearly 2,500 visits they've had have come from outside Manchester, according to Goonan. "The best part about it is they pass no (judgment)," said Benjamin, 27, who arrived at Goonan's station one night, looking for help. He has struggled with addiction for 12 years. "I came back in tonight because I had relapsed, and it was going to be a problem if I didn't do something about it," he said. On Tuesday, the program secured another $150,000 from Governor Chris Sununu. Manchester Mayor Ted Gastas said in a statement that he expects more funding will follow in the future. Like police units and even libraries around the country, the Manchester Fire Department also carries naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, which can quickly reverse a deadly overdose when sprayed into the nose. That gives the drug a "route right to the brain," said Christopher Hickey, the fire department's EMS officer. There are other initiatives popping up around the state, Marsch said, including one program that connects patients in emergency rooms with addiction resources. Another program provides integrated care for pregnant women with addiction, as well as their partners and even their babies after birth. Programs like these, Marsch said, aim to lower barriers to treatment for entire communities in need. "The opioid epidemic is something that could strike anybody, anytime, anywhere," said Hickey. "And no one can ever say, it's not going to be my children because no one knows." Flash European Union leaders on Thursday said they'd re-affirm the Iran nuke deal, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's refusal to recertify the accord. But if Washington pulls out, Iran said it would shred the deal. That leaves the deal in limbo, experts told Xinhua. According to European press reports on Thursday, EU leaders will re-affirm that they are committed to the international accord of world powers. That sits in sharp contrast to Trump's stance on the international agreement. Earlier this month, Trump failed to certify that Iran was playing by the rules stipulated in the international accord on Iran's nuclear program, and contended that the Islamic republic is in defiance of the agreement. Trump has given Congress 60 days to decide whether to reinstate the sanctions on Iran that were lifted under the 2015 accord. Trump's move neither scraps the deal not saves it, and there's a chance the international accord may remain intact. But the deal's future remains uncertain, and some believe it risks falling apart. "The nuclear agreement is in danger of collapsing," Jim Phillips, senior Middle East research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, told Xinhua "The Obama Administration promised too much and delivered too little," he said of the previous administration, which put together the deal. "Then the Democrats in the Senate blocked debate on the merits of the deal and prevented a resolution of disapproval from being voted on, despite the fact that 58 of the 100 senators were opposed to it," he said. Phillips' outlook for the deal's survival is dim. "Congress is likely to re-impose sanctions, but if it doesn't, President Trump is likely to abrogate the nuclear agreement himself," Phillips said. The deal, clinched in July 2015 between Iran and the six countries of Britain, China, France Russia and the United States, plus Germany, after a decade of negotiations, has seen Iran scale down nuclear projects in exchange for international sanctions easing. Others do not necessarily forecast the death of the deal, but say there is much uncertainty on the horizon. "The Iran deal is suffering a lot of duress right now. It is not clear how Trump will handle it because he has delegated the issue to Congress to handle," Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua. "They could seek to impose new conditions, which would be very problematic for the European Union and Iran. Or legislators may be unable to agree, which could end up preserving the status quo," West said. "For right now, it looks like there will be lots of uncertainty for a few months," West said. Meanwhile, Thursday saw what experts said could become a war of words between the White House and Iran, as the Islamic Republic's Ayatollah in a speech called Trump "foul mouthed" and accused him a "pretending to be an idiot." Experts said this may be the opening salvo of a war of words with Trump, as the U.S. president is known to make impetuous, off-the-cuff remarks, especially via social media platform Twitter. Phillips said: "I think U.S.-Iran tensions are rising regardless of what happens with the nuclear deal." Flash The Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark has arrived in Luanda, capital of Angola on Thursday morning, on an eight-day mission to deliver free medical services to the local people. Guan Bailin, Task Group Commander, said this is the first time Peace Ark has visited Angola, and the mission is aimed at enhancing the cooperation between the two countries. The Peace Ark was commissioned in 2008 and has traversed 34 countries, providing free medical services where they arrived, Guan said. In the years between 2010 and 2015, the Peace Ark paid visits to Asia, Africa, the Americas and Oceania. 120,000 people from a total of 29 countries and regions have received free medical and humanitarian services on board. The Peace Ark is 178 meters long, with a total area of 4,000 square meters. It has eight operation rooms, seven healthcare offices and 300 beds. A total of 115 healthcare professionals are on board, mostly from the Naval Medical University, of which 60 percent have senior titles. The Peace Ark, upon completing mission in Angola, will travel to Mozambique, Tanzania and other countries to provide free medical and humanitarian services. Flash Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro slammed on Thursday a "brutal campaign" against his country, orchestrated "from Washington, from Bogota, from Madrid, against the Bolivarian revolution." During the swearing-in ceremony for the new governor of the northern state of Aragua, Rodolfo Marco Torres, Maduro said there was a "global campaign...against Venezuela," accompanied by a "political, psychological, media war" inside the country. After stating that "in Venezuela, we defend ourselves, we tell our truths," he said that foreign powers "lied and attack us." The president referred to Sunday's regional elections, where the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) won 18 governorships, as opposed to five for the opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD). "Not everything that is said around the world about Venezuela can be believed. On the contrary, most of what is said everyday around the world are campaigns to influence, try and isolate and destroy the revolution," said Maduro. He criticized the Lima Group, made up of 12 Latin American nations, who called for an "exhaustive and independent" investigation into the regional elections, held on Oct. 15. According to Maduro, MUD leaders Julio Borges, the president of the National Assembly, and Henry Ramos Allup, a deputy, accepted the election results but the Lima Group was lying about it. "This so-called Lima Group have become nauseous, they do not know what to do (about the government's victory)," he said. Reacting to the news that the five MUD governors had refused to swear an oath to the National Constituent Assembly (ANC), a new legislative body close to the government, Maduro said they would not be allowed to fulfill their roles. "Whoever does not swear an oath and is subordinate to the ANC, will not take their post...they must respect it, this is simple," he added. On Wednesday, the MUD said its governors would swear an oath only "before God and the respective legislative councils." The opposition sees the ANC as an unconstitutional legal body, created specifically by the government to replace the parliament, which is controlled by the MUD. Flash Britain seeks progress on its stalled exit negotiations with the European Union (EU) in the next few weeks, British Prime Minister Theresa May said Thursday. The British side will work with its EU partners to set out ambitious plans of Brexit talks for the weeks ahead during the ongoing two-day EU summit, May told reporters at her arrival of the event. "I particularly, for example, want to see an urgency in reaching an agreement on citizens' rights," the British prime minister added. Citizens' rights remained one of core topics and obstacles in talks between Brussels and London before the negotiations could be moved to the next phrase including trade relations. May sidestepped a question from journalists on whether Britain is willing to compromise in talks and mentioned a previous UK agenda. "I set out a few weeks ago in Florence a very bold and ambitious agenda and vision for our future partnership between the EU and the UK at the heart of that remains co-operation on the key issues and dealing with the shared challenges that we face," she noted. German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned that the Brexit talks progress was still "not sufficient" but "encouraging." "We will continue the talks with a view to reaching the second phase in December," Merkel told reporters. In the meantime, French President Emmanuel Macron said the upcoming EU summit will extend message of unity on Brexit talks. "This European Council will be marked by a message of unity in the Brexit discussion because we are all united on how things stand, the interests and the ambition behind one negotiator," Macron said at his arrival of the summit. The EU leaders gathered here for a two-day summit with topics including migration, security and digital development on the agenda. On Friday morning, leaders are scheduled to discuss Brexit talks. Flash Russia has always favored a civilized way to settle all disputes, including the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, said President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) should not be cornered or intimidated, he said at a meeting of Russian thinktank Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, although Russia condemns Pyongyang's nuclear tests and adheres to UN sanctions. Whether someone likes or dislikes DPRK, it is a sovereign country, Putin noted, according to an official transcript of his speech. "We are firmly convinced that even the most complex knots -- be it the crisis in Syria or Libya, the Korean Peninsula or Ukraine -- must be disentangled rather than cut," he said. Flash Federal judges in U.S. states of Maryland and Hawaii have blocked President Donald Trump's latest travel ban before the controversial order was due to take effect on Wednesday, the third time the administration's proposed travel restrictions have been put on hold by courts. District Judge Theodore Chuang in Greenbelt, Maryland said in a ruling Tuesday that the administration had "not shown that national security cannot be maintained without an unprecedented eight-country travel ban." Trump signed a presidential order late September that would ban most nationals of Syria, Libya, Iran, Yemen, Somalia, Chad and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea from entering the United States. It would also restrict travel by certain Venezuelan government officials and their families. Chuang said Trump's comments as a presidential candidate on Muslims and his tweets related to the ban helped convince him that the newest travel rules are an unconstitutional example of discrimination against Muslims. He also said the government in court had provided no evidence of a threat "justifying a ban on entire nationalities." Chuang's ruling came on the heels of a similar order from District Judge Derrick Watson in Honolulu on the ground of what the federal judge said a violation of immigration law by Trump's ban. Watson said the travel ban, which was designed to be permanent, "plainly discriminated based on nationality," accusing it of "suffering from precisely the same maladies" as the previous versions. "The categorical restrictions on entire populations of men, women and children, based upon nationality, are a poor fit for the issues regarding the sharing of 'public-safety and terrorism-related information' that the president identifies," Watson wrote in his 40-page ruling. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders called the ruling "dangerously flawed" in a statement Tuesday following the Watson's decision. It "undercuts the president's efforts to keep the American people safe and enforce minimum security standards for entry into the United States," Sanders added. The Justice Department said it would quickly appeal. "Today's ruling is incorrect, fails to properly respect the separation of powers, and has the potential to cause serious negative consequences for our national security," spokesman Ian D. Prior said in a statement on the Hawaii ruling. Attorney General Jeff Sessions vowed that the administration would take the case to the Supreme Court to defend what he called "a lawful and necessary order." "We're confident that we will prevail as time goes by in the Supreme Court," he said Wednesday when speaking to the Senate Judiciary Committee. In both Maryland and Hawaii, the judges limited their rulings to travelers from the six Muslim-majority countries on the administration's latest list. Restrictions on travel from the DPRK and Venezuela, both of which are not predominate Muslim, would not be affected. Critics said their inclusion on that list may have been used to avoid discrimination allegations. The latest ban has been the third of its kind Trump has issued since taking office. Several U.S. federal courts overturned all or parts of his first and second travel bans. In January, Trump signed an executive order to suspend the country's refugee program for 120 days and ban travelers from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen for 90 days. The move triggered protests at international airports both at home and abroad. The president issued a revised executive order in March blocking new visas for 90 days for people from six of the seven originally-listed countries, excluding Iraq. The third travel ban were challenged by the American Civil Liberties Union and other civil rights groups and immigrant advocates, as well as multiple states. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in front of the White House on Wednesday in protest at the administration's third travel ban. Flash Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has no plans of lifting martial law in Mindanao in the southern Philippines despite the "liberation" of Marawi City from the clutches of pro-Islamic State (IS) extremists, a government statement has said. Duterte said on Thursday night that the martial law will stay until all terrorist groups in the southern region are neutralized. "When the time came, I declared martial law. Everybody is asking when will it stop? It will not stop until the last terrorist is taken out," Duterte said at a business conference event. Duterte said martial law is needed to guarantee the safety of Filipinos in Mindanao. "He echoed the military and the police's warning that terrorists may continue to retaliate even as the top leaders of the Maute terrorists had been neutralized," Duterte's office said in a statement. The statement further read, "As such the president stressed that martial law would continue to prevail in the region." Duterte imposed martial law on the entire Mindanao region when the Maute and Abu Sayyaf militants took over Marawi on May 23. The conflict dragged on for nearly five months and has so far killed more than 1,000 people, including 163 government forces, and wounded more than 1,700 others. On Tuesday, Duterte declared to have liberated the ruined city from the IS-linked militants. But firefight continued as troops flush out the remaining 30 rebels and try to rescue the remaining hostages. Flash Firefighters have found one more body in a hotel room in a deadly fire that devastated a lakeside hotel in Yangon early Thursday morning, bringing the total killed in the fire to two, the official Global New Light of Myanmar reported Friday. A lakeside hotel is seen on fire in Yangon, Myanmar, Oct. 19, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] However, the nationality and gender of the person could not be immediately determined, the report said. The first guest victim was identified as a Japanese, while of the two injured, one is a firefighter and the other is a woman visitor from China's Macao. The fire started from the fifth floor of the Kandawgyi Palace Hotel, but it was not triggered by explosion which occurred later, said U Htay Lwin, Managing Director of the Htoo Group of Companies, which is the owner of the hotel. A total of 141 guests including 120 foreigners were staying in 96 rooms in the hotel and as the fire broke out, the guests were alarmed and evacuated to nearby hotels. The fire, which almost totally burned down the hotel building, started at about 3:00 a.m. local time when guests were asleep and was brought under control by about 300 firefighters after nearly four hours' fight. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but investigation is urgently underway by the police authorities. The hotel was insured with a total of 1.3 billion kyats (about US$955,800) with two insurance companies and the policy includes public liability coverage for guests. The iconic Kandawgyi Palace Hotel was built in 1979, featuring 10 teak bungalows and it was extended in 1993. AUBURN The candidates for the Cayuga County Legislature District 4 seat had different opinions about the future of two top county positions Thursday. During a televised forum at Cayuga Community College, Chris Petrus and Grant Kyle were asked about the fate of the county administrator position, which has been vacant for most of the year after Suzanne Sinclair's departure. After updating the administrator's job description, a search committee comprised of lawmakers and county employees narrowed a pool of candidates from 60 down to five. Kyle and Petrus agreed the position or one like it is needed. Kyle likened the county to a $150 million business without a leader. "That's kind of the way it is right now," he said. Petrus wants the county to explore elevating the administration to an elective office. Establishing a county executive would require a change to the charter. A county executive would have similar duties as a county administrator. They would oversee the county's day-to-day operations and manage department heads. That change would allow the county Legislature to focus on its oversight role and the budget process, Petrus added. "That will be our form of government it won't be subjected to the whims of the Legislature," he said. The candidates also differed on the status of Cayuga County Legislature Chairman Keith Batman. Jeremy Boyer, The Citizen's executive editor, asked Kyle and Petrus who they would support for chairman if elected to represent District 4, which includes the town of Brutus and village of Weedsport. Petrus, a Republican, said he wouldn't support the current Democratic chairman. He didn't have a specific candidate for chair he would support. He said that would be settled after the election and would be based on who seeks the position from the GOP caucus. Kyle, an unaffiliated voter who caucuses with the Democrats on the county Legislature, praised Batman for including Democrats and Republicans in discussions. "It's not about party, it's about people," Kyle said. Petrus accused Kyle of "sitting on the fence." He noted that while Kyle is an independent, he aligns with the Democrats and has voted with them a majority of the time. "My vote will create a change," Petrus said. The candidates also spoke out about the future of the Cayuga County Office Building. Legislators are considering options for the facility, including constructing a new building or renovating the existing Genesee Street structure. Kyle didn't reveal a preference for either option. He acknowledged that cost would be a factor and that any final determination would be based on a review process. Petrus opposes erecting a new county office building. A new building could cost an estimated $25 million. Renovating the existing facility could cost $11 million. The District 4 race will be decided on Tuesday, Nov. 7. The election is for the remaining two years of a four-year term that expires at the end of 2019. The seat was previously held by Mark Farrell, who was re-elected in 2015. He resigned from the county Legislature in 2016. Kyle was appointed to the vacant seat after Farrell's departure. As the incumbent, Kyle will appear on the Democratic, Independence and Working Families party lines. Petrus has the Republican and Conservative ballot lines. China Aviation Daily | Oct. 20, 2017 Etihad Airways is joining forces with Alitrip, the independent online travel platform of Alibaba Group, to officially kick-off a special online promotional campaign for the upcoming Double Eleven Shopping Festival. During this year's event, Etihad Airways will offer tickets to popular destinations all over the world. Meanwhile, a selection of exciting activities will be launched on Alitrip that will give the audience the chance to experience Etihad Airways' acclaimed service and hospitality for themselves, and to experience an amazing stay in Abu Dhabi on their way to and from China. This is the first time that Etihad Airways have participated in the Double Eleven Shopping Festival since launching a flagship store on Alitrip in February, 2017. The airline will offer competitive fares and multiple benefits exclusively on Alitrip, bringing premium services and innovative best-in-class products to a wider range of Chinese guests. Double Eleven Benefit I: From November 11th 2017, guests can snap up competitive fares to Asia, Africa and Europe on Etihad Airways' flagship Alitrip store. Double Eleven Benefit II: During the period leading up to Double Eleven, Etihad Airways will launch an innovative special-edition product called an "Advance Purchase Cards". This card offers a 10% discount. Guests can get the card by depositing CNY 199 during the pre-sales period. They will then pay the remaining amount on November 11th. Having paid in full, guests can use this card to redeem tickets during the ensuing 12-month period on Etihad's flagship store. To meet the unique demands of different guests, Etihad will offer 200 x CNY 5,000 cards (guest pays CNY 4,500) and 200 x CNY 3,000 cards (guest pays CNY 2,700). Booking Date: October 20th to November 11th, 2017. Double Eleven Benefit III: Etihad Airways will also launch a special campaign - "Travel Globally with a CNY 1 Ticket" on Alitrip. This activity, where winners can travel abroad for just CNY 1, will be held exclusively through lucky draws among Alitrip's tier 2 and 3 members. At the same time, Alitrip and Tmall members of all levels will have a chance to draw prize tickets - only having to pay the tax cost. For these lucky draws, Etihad Airways will offer 20 tickets to Nagoya and 30 tickets to Abu Dhabi. Lucky guests will have the chance to experience a memorable flight on one of the world's leading airlines. Double Eleven Benefit IV: In addition, Etihad Airways will also offer a benefit designed for those guests that have travel plans in the coming three to five months. Guests who are flying with Etihad Airways to 11 specially selected destinations on fixed dates (including Abu Dhabi / Milan / Rome / Istanbul / Zurich / Geneva / London / Maldives / Frankfurt / Munich) can book special tickets by making a deposit between October 20th and November 10th, and then making the final payment on November 11th. Booking Date: October 20th to November 11th, 2017. Reference Price: CNY 3000 (including tax) for Economy Class from Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu to Abu Dhabi. Contributed by Etihad Aviation Group An employee works at the production line of a machinery company in Jinan, Shandong province. The province is adopting new technology to update its traditional industries. [Photo/Xinhua] Industrial value added output witnessed better-than-expected growth in September, as efforts to promote industrial upgrades continued to bear fruit, data showed. The indicator, measuring activities of large-scale enterprises, went up by 6.6 percent in September from a year earlier, compared with a 6 percent increase in August, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed on Thursday. The figure grew by 6.7 percent year-on-year in the first nine months of this year, faster than the 6 percent increase a year ago, data showed. Zhang Yiping, an analyst with China Merchants Securities, said recovery of consumer demand and seasonal rebound of export demand for manufacturing goods in September has led to a better-than-expected recovery in the industrial sector. The manufacturing sector rose by 81 percent in September alone, up by 1.2 percent compared to the previous month, hitting the highest level since 2015, data showed. Efforts to promote industrial upgrades continues to support the expansion of the manufacturing sector, according to Cheng Shi, chief economist at ICBC International. High-tech and equipment manufacturing sectors performed well in the first three quarters, with output up by 13.4 percent and 11.6 percent, respectively, as the country encourages factories to move up the industrial value chain, while reducing low-end manufacturing output. In the meantime, improved production efficiency reflects progress being made in implementing supply-side reform, according to Cheng. Cheng said the economy is expected to continue to receive support from the improvement of industrial sector, after industrial profits have recouped the loss in 2016 in the first half this year. Looking ahead, restrictions imposed on the manufacturing sector in winter, which is seasonal, may drag down the growth pace of the industrial sector a little in October, according to Liang Hong, chief economist with the China International Capital Corporation. "The overall expectation for economic growth in the medium to long run remains positive, because the industrial sector has shown its resilience at the time when capacity cut in August has strengthened due to environmental protection concerns," she said. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On the sidelines of the ongoing 19th CPC National Congress, Xu Heyi, chairman of the state-owned carmaker BAIC Group, said that China branded new energy vehicles (NEV) will be in the upper echelon of the global auto market by 2035. Chinas NEV annual output and sales are likely to reach 3 million by 2020. Green development is what Xu cares most in the report of 19th CPC National Congress. To him, General Secretary Xi Jinpings report place outstanding importance on green development, which will continue to promote the application of NEVs and speed the structural transformation of traditional fuel-powered auto industry. Xu feels so optimistic about the potential of NEV industry that he thinks Chinas NEV annual output and sales are likely to reach 3 million by 2020. In addition to products, BAIC will go global with technology, management and brands as well. Another impressive point in General Secretary Xi Jinpings report is the secretarys illustration on the next step of The Belt and Road Initiative. In the past, we just go global with our products. In the future, we should go global also with our technology, management and brands. In accordance with national strategic layout, BAIC is extending its industry layout into the world and will go global in all directions and finally becomes the international BAIC Group. The cooperation between BAIC and Daimler is a good example. The cooperation extends to NEV segment from traditional auto business and will spur China NEV markets development. Alex Gorsky, global CEO of Johnson & Johnson. [Photo provided to China Daily] Editor's Note: The Communist Party of China is holding its 19th National Congress in Beijing. China Daily asked business leaders from major multinational companies for their views on economic developments here and the country's global leadership role. Alex Gorsky is the global CEO of Johnson & Johnson, the multinational healthcare group based in the United States. What do you feel has been China's biggest achievement during the past five years and its most notable change? The government's achievements in expanding healthcare have been remarkable. Since the launch of (deepened) reforms in 2009, China has substantially increased investment to expand health infrastructure and strengthen its primary-care system. By doing this, it has achieved nearly universal health insurance coverage, reduced the share of out-of-pocket expenses in total health spending and continued to promote equal access to basic services. In the past five years, public hospital reforms have deepened, and this has improved the availability, equity and affordability of health services. Overall, the government has greatly reduced child and maternal mortality rates, and improved the general health and life expectancy of the Chinese people. With further innovation and development, Johnson & Johnson believes China's health service will serve as a model for other countries to follow. What is the biggest challenge China faces and how can the country overcome it? In our sector, one of the biggest challenges we see is the ongoing demographic changes happening inside China. A growing middle-class and a rapidly aging population will put a lot of pressure on the demand for healthcare services and products. This will strain the system but also present significant opportunities for innovation. It can play a key role in promoting more flexible healthcare, which will meet all the needs of Chinese patients and consumers. What are your expectations for the country's economic policies and what key issues will you be watching for? We hope to see a continuing focus on expanding and improving healthcare. This would include the government making further investments in infrastructure, access to basic health services and pursuing innovation. Johnson & Johnson is committed to creating healthy societies wherever we live and work. In China, we are aligning our efforts to support the goals of Healthy China 2030. And our work of creating transformational health solutions is made possible by government initiatives. These will build a robust foundation for innovation, such as Made in China 2025 and Internet Plus. Could China's experiences and practices be used to solve global problems? We are optimistic about the country's progress in building a healthy society. The government's achievements on expanding healthcare reform have been remarkable. These include substantially increasing investment to expanding health infrastructure, strengthening the primary care system and achieving nearly universal health insurance coverage in a relatively short period. What will China be like in five years and what is the country's long-term future? China's economy is undergoing an important stage of structural transformation. Innovation will play a central role in driving long-term growth, so I believe this development will be a positive one for the country's future in the years to come. Johnson & Johnson is convinced a vibrant, innovative China has the opportunity to lead the planet to a healthier future by capitalizing on the health and technology revolution. What factors will boost growth this year and in 2018, and what are the challenges facing China's economy? We applaud the government's efforts in transforming the economic structure and emphasizing the importance of innovation. Initiatives, such as supply-side structural reforms, Made in China 2025 and Internet Plus, are helping to shift the country toward an increasingly service-driven and consumption-fueled model. This will boost innovation. At Johnson & Johnson, we see innovation as a critical driver in promoting long-term economic growth. Leading institutions have forecast that by 2025 innovation will contribute between 2 and 3 percentage points to China's GDP growth. And that will account for between 35 to 50 percent of total GDP growth. This is a huge opportunity for China and companies here. It will also have a ripple effect on the global economy. As a Fortune 500 company, which sectors do you think offer the most opportunities for development? Sustaining investment in innovation is the most important aspect of Johnson & Johnson's strategy. Applied technology is a core element and fundamental. It affects everything we do. If we are not constantly thinking about how concepts, such as augmented intelligence, digitization and the internet of things, affect our businesses, we cannot be successful. One of the true opportunities going forward is the convergence of disciplines through technologies. Another is personalization and customization. There is an expectation from customers and consumers for a very personal approach . . . more an experience, or solution, than a product. China is known as a manufacturing giant, but what will the country's "calling card" be in the future? China is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. It is a seminal hub for things such as connectivity, mobility and the use of cell phones. Innovation requires a healthy ecosystem, as well as a great educational system. A strong intellectual property foundation is crucial, along with a system which encourages publications, studies and research. Finally, making sure that academic centers, venture centers and companies of all sizes work together. In the end, that is what it really takes to create innovation. What we have seen take root in China, with the encouragement of the government, is a system which is more conducive to entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity than many other places in the world. BRUSSELS - The Belt and Road Initiative mirrors the profound transformation of a China that has become more active on the global stage, an Italian scholar told Xinhua in a recent interview. China has played an increasingly important role as a global player when Chinese President Xi Jinping sought for a more assertive and engaged foreign policy, said Francesco Mancini, associate dean and visiting associate professor at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore. Mancini said the Belt and Road Initiative is not only an economic project, but also President Xi's policy framework, stressing that the initiative is a very long-term investment. Mancini also observed a "dramatic reverse" in the foreign policies of the Western powers and China, explaining that while the United States has been closing on itself, China is promoting free trade and multilateral institutions. "President Xi in a well-known speech in Davos at the beginning of the year has underlined that the world must remain committed to developing global free trade and investment, promoting trade and investment liberalization through opening-up, and rejecting protectionism," he said. Mancini also noted that while the current US administration seems inclined to increase its nuclear armament, Xi delivered a clearer message at UN headquarters in Geneva, calling for nuclear disarmament and a world free of nuclear weapons. "These speeches have positioned China not only as a regional player but also a global leader in promoting specific global goals," he said. As regards to regional governance, the visiting associate professor said it will be interesting to see if China would become more engaged in conflict resolution efforts. "This could be a positive development given the retreat of the US and its rather poor political standing in many regions of the world," he said. He also noted that Beijing has created a parallel system of financial institutions, such as Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and BRICS Development Bank. "This has increased investment options for many countries and it has to been seen as a very positive addition to global governance," he said. When it comes to the future of China's foreign policy, Mancini said China is aware that its "amazing development" in the past years has been possible thanks to globalization, adding that this will make China keener to search for win-win strategies rather than confrontational approaches. The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by Xi in 2013, aims to create greater trade, infrastructure and people-to-people links between Asia, Europe and Africa by reviving and expanding the ancient Silk Trade routes. The modern version comprises an overland Silk Road Economic Belt and a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Midea Group, a leading global player in consumer appliances, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, and robot and industrial automation systems, has opened a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, according to a senior research manager with the company. The Emerging Technology Center focuses primarily on artificial intelligence, robotics, chips, sensors and other upcoming technologies, intending to provide technological support as Media transforms itself from a home appliance maker to a high-tech industrial leader, said Xu Chengmao, vice-president of Midea's Corporate Research Center. "We need to invest more in the invisible areas which are emerging sectors with potential markets in the future," said Xu. The technology center is part of Midea's overall expansion in North America which also includes a new customer service center and expanded corporate office spaces. According to Xu, the company plans to invest $250 million in the Silicon Valley center over the next five years. "As one of the leading players in the home appliances sector, Midea will attach great importance to cutting-edge technologies, which is of great importance to the company's future growth," said Xu. Xu made the remarks during a technology forum of the company, where a series of advanced technologies and innovative products were displayed at Midea's research headquarter in Foshan, Guangdong province, on Oct 17-18. "The new technology center will leverage the creative energy in Silicon Valley to help Midea to continue to grow and deliver innovative products to its products," said Xu. The Silicon Valley center is Midea's second research and development center in the United States, following the launch of its America Research Center in Louisville, Kentucky. The company has also established research centers in Japan, Italy and Germany and plans to expand its base to other locations. SOCHI - Russian President Vladimir Putin Thursday called the ongoing 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Beijing "unprecedentedly open" and said Russia has "great cooperation plans" with China. "We are very closely following the CPC congress, which is unprecedentedly open. We see difficulties as well as possibilities," he said at a meeting of the Russian think tank Valdai Discussion Club here. Putin called China a major propeller of the global economy. Although China's GDP expansion slightly slowed to 6.8 percent in the third quarter of 2017, he believes the ongoing structural reform will lead to sustainable growth. "We have great cooperation plans with China in the areas of space, high-tech and energy. These are the bases for the future development of Russia-China relations," Putin said. The Russian president said he and Xi call each other friends publicly as "this corresponds to the level of our personal relationship," while they defend the interests of their own country. "On each issue we are always able to find a consensus and come to an agreement, which turns out to be beneficial to both countries. We are moving forward, instead of going round," Putin said. BEIJING - The first aircraft of the A330neo family has completed its maiden flight, and the new A330 Completion and Delivery Center in Tianjin will be able to deliver the new model in China, Airbus China confirmed on Friday. The first jet in the A330neo family, an A330-900 variant, successfully landed at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in France on Thursday afternoon after its maiden flight, said a press release from Airbus. The A330-900 is expected to be delivered before it conducts 1,100 hours of test flights. Airbus plans for the A330-900 to obtain EASA and FAA Type Certification around mid-2018. The wide-body A330neo family is composed of two models of A330-900 and A330-800 aircraft, with 287 and 257 seats respectively in a three-class configuration. To date, 12 customers worldwide have placed orders for a total of 212 A330neos. On September 20, Airbus opened its A330 Completion and Delivery Center (CDC) in North China's port city of Tianjin, marking the first such center for its wide-body aircraft outside Europe. The CDC is capable of completing and delivering the A330neo aircraft, according to Airbus China As of this August, the Airbus fleet in China had exceeded 1,480 aircraft, including 202 from the A330 family. Matthias Mueller is CEO of Volkswagen AG, the global automaker based in Germany. [Photo provided to China Daily] Editor's Note: The Communist Party of China is holding its 19th National Congress in Beijing. China Daily asked business leaders from major multinational companies for their views on economic developments here and the country's global leadership role. Matthias Mueller is CEO of Volkswagen AG, the global automaker based in Germany. What do you feel has been China's biggest achievement during the past five years and its most notable change? Ambitious targets have been set under the Made in China 2025 program. Like the Industry 4.0 in Germany, the entire manufacturing process, not just innovation, is the guiding principle of this strategy. In all areas addressed by Made in China 2025, we have witnessed impressive progress. In particular, the focus has been on digitalization, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and smart and sustainable mobility. In the auto industry, China's market for new energy vehicles, or NEVs, has skyrocketed. NEV sales have gone from about 10,000 passenger vehicles in 2009 to around 340,000 last year. This trend is being maintained in 2017. What is the biggest challenge China faces and how can the country overcome it? As the government has clearly identified, the environment is one of the biggest challenges facing not just China but the world. To reduce air pollution, all parties should be involved in a joint effort to establish an effective set of regulations, which are strictly implemented. We also see the Paris climate change agreement, to which President Xi Jinping has made a strong commitment, as a historic opportunity for mankind. There is no alternative to strict limits on greenhouse gas emissions. And Volkswagen is determined to use these milestones on the way to zero emissions as a catalyst for market-fueled innovation for our customers. What are your expectations for the country's economic policies and what key issues will you be watching for? Good public policies are critical to shaping the future. Volkswagen Group China aims to be a strong and reliable partner of China's auto industry and society as a whole. It is important for us to have a dependable and predictable regulatory framework, data security, protection of intellectual property and open access to the market. Also, we need a level playing field, and fair and open competition. These are the preconditions of all further high-tech developments. How do you view China's role in the world today? The country remains one of the world's biggest markets for goods and services, and this will only continue to grow as living standards improve. However, China has become much more than just the world's factory and a major market. It is also a large, and rapidly growing, source of ideas and investment. And it is now playing a much bigger role in a wide range of areas, such as regional infrastructure funding and supporting various United Nations activities around the world. Could China's experiences and practices be used to solve global problems? We are experiencing an era of disruption, not just within the automotive industry but society as a whole. Digitalization and connectivity, AI, the rise of self-driving cars, and the spread of e-mobility, as well as globalization and, in reaction, protectionism, are game changers. We view China as an incubator for innovation and new technologies and as a source of solutions, which can be transferred to the world. In this country, the future is now. A defining quality of the government's industrial policy has been its ability to set long-term goals and then meet them. China is undoubtedly a leader in the global switch to new energy vehiclesa market which has attracted the attention of every major auto manufacturer. To transform these challenges into opportunities, a dependable and predictable regulatory framework, data security, protection of intellectual property and open access to the market are needed. What is the most unforgettable experience you have had in China? The country is a fascinating, innovative and forward-looking place. I have traveled across China often and experienced many special moments. On my last visit, I met a group of young Chinese entrepreneurs. It was truly impressive to see their spirit and dedication. What I appreciate is that things develop with breathtaking speed. Faster than anywhere else in the world. The transformation process in our industry is in full swing. E-mobility has a very strong momentum and autonomous driving will take root more firmly in the future. These advances have much greater momentum in China than anywhere else in the world. As a Fortune 500 company, which sectors do you think offer the most opportunities for development? Undoubtedly, the automotive industry is entering a period of revolutionary change. Digitalization, connectivity, electrification, AI and autonomous driving are game-changers. We are already seeing many exciting developments in these areas, from established players, such as Volkswagen, to innovative startups. We believe there are enormous opportunities arising from this disruptive change. But we need to team up with players in other sectors, such as energy suppliers, software developers and innovative startups, to make full use of these new opportunities. What are the most innovative trends and products in China? Increasing connectivity between previously separate parts of our lives has caught my attention here. This is reflected in the evolution of WeChat, from a convenient way for friends to stay in touch, to something more far-reaching, including accessing online services and e-payment. We are steadily moving toward a Smart City in which integrated technology solutions, AI, real-time analytics and smartphones work together to deliver information and services. Indeed, Volkswagen is working with Tongji University in Shanghai on a pilot which will explore this area of (connectivity) when people need itin our homes, cars, shopping, relaxing or at work. A Changan technician tests a car at a production line located in Dingzhou, Hebei province. [Photo/Xinhua] Chongqing Changan Automobile Co announced on Thursday that it will stop selling conventional gasoline cars by 2025, but it will continue to produce hybrid cars, driving electric generators that power electric motors. By then, it plans to invest 100 billion yuan ($15.1 billion) in new energy cars, including launching 21 electric car models and 12 plug-in hybrids, said the carmaker, which is based in the city of Chongqing in Southwest China. Changan President Zhu Huarong said the investment will cover a number of things, ranging from car research and development to making batteries and building charging facilities. The carmaker also announced the establishment of an industry fund, which Zhu said will allow Changan and its partnersincluding Baidu, Bosch and Didi Chuxingto invest in the new energy car sector. Changan sold some 35,000 new energy cars in the first nine months of the year, a 150 percent surge year-on-year. The move came after a senior official at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said in September that China would consider the timetable for a ban on traditionally fueled cars. In the same month, China promulgated a policy that demands carmakers in the country to produce a certain number of new energy cars starting in 2019 while gradually cutting fuel consumption of their traditional cars. PwC's Strategy & Partner Bill Peng said Changan's well-timed plan has set an example and others would follow suit soon, even though when Geely said two years ago that 90 percent of its cars would be new energy cars by 2020, everyone thought the manufacturer was joking. John Zeng, managing director of LMC Automotive Shanghai, said such plans of carmakers are still not so aggressive as many would have thought. "They need to introduce a large proportion of such cars; otherwise, they cannot fulfill China's fuel consumption requirements, which are four liters of gasoline per 100 km by 2025 and three liters by 2030." Yet he agrees that new energy cars are an inevitable trend. Globally, Swedish carmaker Volvo earlier this year announced that it would stop producing internal combustion engine-only cars by 2019 and many other carmakers ranging from Ford to BMW have also released ambitious new energy car plans. "But customers are unlikely to abandon gasoline cars overnight. It will take a long time from now, say at least 2030, for electric cars to really become part of people's daily lives," Zeng said. The Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region has seen rapid growth in its economy and will continue to increase the construction of new infrastructure, senior officials said. Shokrat Zakir, chairman of the regional government, said Xinjiang's GDP increased by 7.2 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2017, higher than the national level of 6.9 percent. Investment in fixed assets, a major gauge of economic vitality, saw a year-on-year rise of 27.8 percent during the period, the highest in the nation, he said, adding that the region's fiscal revenue in the six months was 29.4 percent higher than that in 2016. This year alone, more than 50,000 companies have been established or set up branches in Xinjiang. Moreover, the local tourism industry is embracing a flood of visitorsthe number of travelers to Xinjiang from January to July rose by more than 30 percent compared with the same period last year, according to Shokrat Zakir. The official said that governments in Xinjiang use more than 70 percent of their annual fiscal budgets and financial support from wealthy provinces to fund public sectors and projects boosting employment and education. They have also made efforts to build new infrastructure in transportation, water conservancy, power generation and communications. The disclosures came as he spoke on Thursday afternoon at a meeting of the Xinjiang delegation to the 19th CPC National Congress in Beijing. Sharhat Ahan, a senior official in the regional Party committee, said at the meeting that Xinjiang is taking advantage of its status as the "core zone" of the Silk Road Economic Belt, which will link China with Europe through Central and Western Asia, and has been constructing facilities to foster connectivity with neighboring countries. The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which stretches from southern China to Southeast Asia, and even to Africa, form the Belt and Road Initiative. The grand plan was proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013 and is estimated to benefit about 4.4 billion people in 65 nations. Xinjiang has planned to open more cargo train service linking Urumqi and cities in Central Asia and Europe, he said, adding Urumqi has started building an international logistics service center. Xinjiang will also put more investment in the medical services industry to attract overseas patients. Miao Wei, minister of industry and information technology, is surrounded by reporters at a news conference on Thursday. [Feng Yongbin/China Daily] China's telecom carriers will accelerate the pace of further rate cuts and offer faster internet connectivity as the government takes a "people-centered approach" to provide more cost-effective communications services, according to the country's top telecom regulator. Miao Wei, a congress delegate and minister of industry and information technology, said on Thursday more measures will be introduced to enhance internet speed and trim costs so that telecom providers can gain larger consumer groups with increased internet flow. China boasts the world's largest number of 4G network and fiber optic broadband users, Miao said at a news briefing on the sidelines of the 19th CPC National Congress. In just four years of development, the number of China's 4G users reached 930 million by August, representing 67.2 percent of all mobile service users, he said. The announcement follows a string of actions to reduce telecom costs, most exemplified by the waiving of roaming fees by the country's three carriers, namely China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom, in September. Previously, telecom firms charged between 0.6 yuan ($0.09) to 0.8 yuan per minute for calls made outside subscribers' local service area. Meanwhile, the number of users of fiber optic broadband reached 272 million in the country, taking the world's No 1 spot in terms of the penetration rate, Miao said. "Nearly 55 percent of fixed broadband users can access the network with 50 Mbps or above, which effectively quenches their thirst for voice and video communication that requires larger data transfer flows," the minister said. Telecom sector reform will continue to empower the less affluent population by narrowing the digital gap, said Yang Jie, chairman of China Telecom. "A striking 88 percent of administrative villages now have access to our 4G network, so farmers and villagers can enjoy entitlements such as smooth video streaming, which require much more data traffic," he said. Between 2015 and 2016, tariffs for fixed broadband service were slashed by 86.2 percent and those for mobile services decreased by 64.7 percent. Cheng Yu and Ouyang Shijia contributed to this story Not even the damp and cold of an unseasonably drizzly October morning in Beijing could diminish the stirring sight of the Great Hall of the People. This imposing building, constructed more than 58 years ago, has been the venue for the Communist Party of China's National Congress for decades. It's also a popular tourist attraction when not hosting official State functions, though I had never been there before. Until Wednesday, that is, when I approached the striking edifice from across the Tian'anmen Square, joined along the way by a host of other slightly sodden journalists who had been disgorged from their vehicles on the far side. The hall's impressive bulk loomed over us as we scurried like ants beneath its tall marble columns, forming an orderly line where we would be shielded from the rain. We were soon granted entrance to a foyer where we could properly wonder at the building's cavernous interior. Delegates, ambassadors and members of the media milled around, awaiting the opening of the 19th CPC National Congress, until a high-pitched bell rang to signal that it was time to enter the hall's main amphitheater. As attendees took their seats, I marveled at the immense gallery stretched out before me and had time to wonder at how this huge structure had been built in only matter of months. Then the band struck up a note to bring me out my reverie, and I saw President Xi Jinping enter as the whole room stood and delegates clapped in unison with the music. After the national anthem and a moment of silence, it was time for Xi to deliver a report on behalf of the 18th Central Committee of the CPC. As he spoke, there was a palpable sense of confidence and moment. Because here, over the coming days, the future of China will be discussed, and the country's course plotted for the next five years - if not longer. Shanghai (Gasgoo)-At the beginning of September, Xin Guobin, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said the Ministry has launched the timetable research to stop the production and sales of the traditional fuel vehicles, which sparked strong public discussion. Wang Chuanfu, Chairman of BYD, predicted China would ban the sale of traditional fuel vehicles in 2030. Yesterday, Changan Automobile announced its Shangri-La Plan and will start to ban the sales of traditional fuel-powered vehicles from 2025. If Changans schedule to stop the sale of fuel vehicle in 2025 is carried out by the whole country, China will be the first economic power to ban the traditional fuel vehicles. Germany announced to take similar action from 2030, France and Britain from 2040. India also announced it would ban the sales of traditional fuel-powered vehicles from 2030. When the State Council launched the "Industry Development Plan of Energy Saving and New Energy Vehicles (2012 - 2020)" and made clear that new energy vehicles include pure electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles and fuel cell vehicles, foreign car companies were completely blindsided, especially TOYOTA, GM and other transnational automobile groups which were specialized in hybrid cars. These companies even made public comment as early as in 2007 that they were not optimistic about the potential of electric cars but in favor of developing hybrid cars. However, in 2007, light electric vehicles represented by low speed electric vehicles were rapidly developing in China, spurring the development of domestic battery and motor industry and forming a certain accumulation of technologies. By 2012, the ownership of China's light electric vehicle (electric bicycle, electric motorcycle) exceeded 50 million vehicles. The segments output and sales accounted for more than 90% of the world. China has become the world's largest producer, consumer and exporter of light electric vehicles. As a result, certain industry insiders in China think that our country boasts many advantages over other countries. At present, Chinese new energy vehicle market is almost monopolized by the independent brands which enjoy the preferential policies. Whats more, the dual-credit scheme will also be conducive to the development of domestic new energy vehicle industry. With a promising market and supportive policies, China should be the first country to step into the electric car era. It's easy to be impressed with the material progress China has made in recent years. Having lived in Shanghai and Beijing over five years has meant living in the de facto developed world. These megacities are more advanced than some of their Western counterparts. But looking only at the surface is to miss important parts of contemporary China's story. One of the missing angles is the attitude of the Chinese people. No one would accuse people here of having failed to love their country in the past. One need only look at how millions of Chinese fought against a powerful military machine during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45). But since I've lived in China, I have noticed the growing confidence and optimism among Chinese people of different ages and social strata. It's a sense that after decades of playing second fiddle in the affairs of great nations, China has resumed its place as a world leader. Some may compare this with the ascendancy of China at the height of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), during the reign of the Emperor Qianlong in the 18th century. Qianlong was a capable and cultured emperor who inherited a rich and powerful country. Yet a key difference is that the leaders of China had developed a shortsightedness that can be ascribed, in part, to the severely limited communication technology of the time. When Qianlong came into contact with scientific and technological progress made in other countries, his inward-looking worldview made him incapable of seeing what it meant. As a result, a country that was one of the most advanced and innovative in the ancient world suffered grievously. Fast-forwarding to the 21st century, you again see an ascendant China. But one of the crucial differences is that China's leaders have worked hard to quickly catch up to world leaders in science and technology, and in many cases have equaled or surpassed them. Internationally, China's leaders are reaching out to the world just as some Western countries are turning inward - displaying the type of attitude that once hurt China so much. The Chinese people can point with pride to President Xi Jinping going before the United Nations and pledging 8,000 troops for a permanent standby peacekeeping force, $1 billion for a UN "peace and development fund" and $100 million for an African Union quick-response unit. Support for world efforts to fight climate change and improve infrastructure in other countries boosts China's stature, as well. That type of support is possible thanks to increased prosperity that is the fruit of the hard work and smarts of the Chinese people. China also is working to better the lives of its people, both economically and by tackling the negative side effects - notably pollution - resulting from its meteoric economic rise. As do all emerging powers, China undoubtedly is feeling its way, learning as it goes about the best ways to project its economic power and culture beyond its borders. But it is making enormous efforts, and it can be a great force for progress. The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which opened on Wednesday, is a good time for the country to review the progress of the past five years and set its course for the next five. It is clear that not only the Chinese people but the whole world will be watching. With the implementation of the eight-point code, we all feel that the working methods and attitude of the Party and governmental organs have improved over the past five years, and staff members of these organs have stayed closer to the people. Huang Yibing, researcher at the Party History Research Center of the CPC Central Committee The vocation of special-needs education has developed for more than 30 years. It is urgent to further develop it and continue to reform and innovate, exploring ways to train children with special needs to better serve society. In July, the government released the second round of a three-year plan to promote special education. I believe the development of education for special-needs people will prosper in the future. Yang Xiaoling, deputy head of a special-needs school in Wuhan, Hubei province Beijing Thermal Power Plant, a major heating service supplier for residents in the southeastern area of the city, has been ready to further lower emissions to help blue skies stay longer in winter. If the coal-fired unit does start in some emergency cases, we still can guarantee low emissions, without worrying about pollution from it. Liu Zongfu, deputy manager of Beijing Thermal Power Plant China is building Tianhe-3, the world's first exascale supercomputer capable of making a quintillion (1 followed by 18 zeros) calculations per second. It will be 10 times faster than the current world leader, China's Sunway TaihuLight, and will become an important platform for national scientific development and industrial reforms. Meng Xiangfei, head of the applications department of the National Supercomputer Center I think it is necessary for China to assimilate traditional cultures into ordinary people's daily life. The report of the 19th National Congress specifically pointed out the need to pursue a better life. I think the better life is meeting material and psychological needs. As a publisher, we will accomplish our duty in the new era to contribute to people's beautiful ideals. Xu Jun, general manager of China Book Company in Beijing In the last two years, the State Council and the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China have released many initiatives regarding pediatric medicine, including raising pediatricians' salaries and giving them promotions. These measures have played a definitive role in promoting pediatrics. Jia Liqun, pediatrician in Beijing BEIJING -- A leading US expert on China studies said the ongoing 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China marks a "new historic starting point," believing it will exert influence on China and the world for decades to come. "Xi Jinping set out an audacious, grand vision for China's future development, which, without doubt, is the highlight of the political report," said Robert Lawrence Kuhn, chairman of the Kuhn Foundation, commenting on the report Xi delivered to the 19th CPC National Congress on Wednesday. What impressed Kuhn was the report's "comprehensive scope" and that it "established the policies not only for the next five years, but framed the agenda and set the strategies for the next 30 years." While announcing socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a "new era," the CPC leader envisioned China with "socialist modernization basically realized" by 2035, and then developing into "a great modern socialist country" by the middle of the century with a leading influence in the world. That's why this congress has special significance as it marks the start of a five-year period that is the confluence of the two centenary goals, said Kuhn, who was at the Great Hall of the People as the co-producer and host of "Closer to China with R.L. Kuhn" on China Global Television Network when the report was delivered. "People orientation and rejuvenating the country, in the historic context of China's ancient civilization and long struggle against foreign oppression, form the foundation of the report," Kuhn said. The report also gave Kuhn, author of bestseller "How China's Leaders Think," a sense of how confident the Chinese leader and the country are in socialism and their commitment to deepening reform and strengthening rule of law. From the report, he also saw the "strict governance of the Party by reforming and purifying itself," which he said is "unambiguous." "The anti-corruption campaign not only continues but is enhanced," he added. On the economic front, Kuhn saw the increasing role of innovation, especially in science and technology. Regarding military, he described the content concerning military reform and modernization as "open and specific." From the report, he also saw China's sovereignty as "sacrosanct" and its international engagement as "pro-active, confident and growing." It impressed Kuhn that "the leadership of China, led by Xi, has a profound understanding of the country, its governance, economy and society, and is determined to bring about its great rejuvenation." "Xi gave a realistic appraisal of problems, including social imbalances, economic structure, endemic pollution," while making an "epic narrative of what China has remarkably achieved, what China has yet to do, and what China envisages as necessary to be a great nation," he said. It is on this competence and accomplishment that the political legitimacy of the CPC is founded, said Kuhn. With this political report and the congress, Xi, who is the core of the CPC Central Committee and of the whole Party, sees China as standing at a new historic starting point and that socialism with Chinese characteristics is entering a new era, Kuhn added. 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 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs arranges for more than 50 foreign journalists to visit the exhibition showcasing China's progress in the last five years at the Beijing Exhibition Hall, on Oct 20, 2017.These journalists came to China to report on the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. [Photo by Zhu Xingxin/chinadaily.com.cn] Pan Kegang, the head of the village of Huamao in Guizhou province, was thrilled to share changes in his hometown with General Secretary Xi Jinping face to face on Thursday. "When I presented him a photo in which our village is filled with beautiful scenery thanks to poverty relief efforts and shook hands with him, I felt so excited," said Pan, a delegate to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Xi is general secretary of the CPC Central Committee. Xi applauded poverty alleviation through tourism in the village after seeing the photo and asked Pan to continue with measures to make sure the development is sustainable. Other delegates from Guizhou showed their excitement from meeting and talking with Xi, who attended a panel discussion with them on Thursday. Xi was elected in April as a delegate to the 19th National Congress from Guizhou. The mountainous province is a main battlefield in poverty alleviation because of its large number of poor people. Huang Junqiong, a primary schoolteacher in the Guizhou township of Jianggu, told Xi during the discussion that children in her school have been provided dormitories and nutritious food. "It means they don't need to get up early and spend a long time getting to school," she said. "I was so moved hearing Xi say students in villages should enjoy the same high-quality education as those in cities," she said. "I'm encouraged, because I know he cares about us and pays a lot of attention to rural education." Zhong Jing, a doctor in the village of Longhe, said this week was her fourth time interacting with Xi. "Still, I was excited because I could talk to him about new developments in medical care in rural areas, such as how Chinese traditional medicine has been adopted as a part of treatment," Zhong said. "Xi specifically asked me how much villagers pay in medical insurance a year, and whether the villagers' living environment has changed. The questions made me realize that there is still much work for me to do in rural medical care," she said. Zhong shared her plans on youth cultivation with Xi, "because grassroots work in all areas, including medical care, needs support from young talent", she added. Yu Liufen, a Party chief in the village of Yanbo, said Xi asked her a lot of questions after she spoke about how she helped villagers escape poverty by developing the ham and liquor industries. "The general secretary asked me whether transportation in my hometown had changed, which struck me. In the past, it took me four or five days to reach Beijing because of poor transportation, but this time I only spent five hours on high-speed rail and flying," she said. All the delegates expressed their approval of the report delivered by Xi at the congress's opening session on Wednesday, saying they will make greater efforts in poverty reduction. General Secretary Xi Jinping is given a panoramic photograph of the village of Huamao in Zunyi by the village's Party chief. Xi received it during a panel discussion with delegates from Guizhou province on Thursday at the ongoing 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in Beijing.LAN HONGGUANG / XINHUA Party, nation told to study and spread new judgment, requirements General Secretary Xi Jinping called on the whole Party and country on Thursday to make joint efforts to achieve progress in Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Xi made the remark during a panel discussion with delegates from Guizhou province at the ongoing 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. In April, Xi was elected to be a delegate to the 19th National Congress from Guizhou. Mountainous Guizhou is typical of places that have implemented Xi's thoughts on poverty reduction. The report of the 19th National Congress is a political manifesto and also action guideline for the CPC to lead people across the country to adhere to and develop Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, Xi said. Xi urged the whole Party to study the new judgment of socialism with Chinese characteristics in this new time, the new definition of the country's principal contradiction, the new two-stage plan to make China a "great modern socialist country", and the new requirements of strictly building the Party. According to the report delivered by Xi at the opening session on Wednesday, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era. The report also said that the country's principal contradiction has evolved to be the one between unbalanced and inadequate development and the people's ever-growing needs for a better life. In the report, Xi said that the CPC will basically realize socialist modernization in the first stage from 2020 to 2035 before developing China into a "great modern socialist country" that is "prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful" after another 15 years. The whole Party should launch a massive campaign to study the spirit of the 19th National Congress and publicize the relevant thoughts at government departments, rural places, schools, communities and the military, Xi said. Xi spoke highly of Guizhou's achievements in areas like poverty reduction, ecological protection, infrastructure construction and anti-corruption in the past five years. During the discussion, Xi spoke at length with nine delegates and paid attention to issues like the new rule on farmland contracts, development of rural tourism and medical insurance in rural villages. "If the base is not stable, the earth will move and the mountain will rock," he said while highlighting the importance of building Party organizations at grassroots level. Noting that poverty reduction is the "battlefield" in current circumstances, Xi pledged to promote officials who have dedicated themselves to poverty reduction and contributed to betterment of conditions for the poor. Yang Bo, a village official in Liupanshui, said that after talking with Xi, he has become more confident about leading villagers to get out of poverty. Sun Zhigang, secretary of the CPC Guizhou provincial committee, said that Xi's report has rolled out a visionary blueprint for the Party and country's development and improvement in the next decades. "We are deeply inspired by General Secretary Xi's report," he said, adding that the report could give the people "the strength of belief". Shen Yiqin, Guizhou province governor, said "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" is the biggest highlight of the 19th National Congress and a historic contribution to the Party's development. "General Secretary Xi has assumed the great responsibility of fighting corruption with admirable courage, and such efforts have saved the Party, the military as well as the country," she said. US-based China watchers spoke favorably of the speech by General Secretary Xi Jinping at Wednesday's opening ceremony of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Cheng Li, director of the John L. Thornton China Center of the Brookings Institution, said his key takeaway from the report is the redefinition of the new era and new challenge. Xi, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee as well as the nation's president, spoke about the principal contradiction facing Chinese society as being between unbalanced and inadequate development and the people's ever-growing needs for a better life. Previously, the contradiction had been described as being "between the ever-growing material and cultural needs of the people and backward social production". "China is no longer backward in the mode of production. China, even in innovation, is catching up, in some areas even ahead of the rest of the world," said Li, adding that it's a brilliant way to describe China's position and challenge today. Li said he thinks the redefinition is not only appropriate but also very wise because it uses the terms "unbalanced and inadequate", terms that could refer to many things. Li, an expert on Chinese leadership, called Xi's speech "very comprehensive, very thoughtful and very balanced". Li said foreign observers, especially foreign companies, will note that market access, financial liberalization, fairness and openness in the service sector, trade and investment are all in the report. Jon Taylor, professor of political science at the University of St Thomas in Houston, Texas, said Xi's speech took in China's society and economy and its place in the world. "It had positive energy, emphasizing the role of the Party in fostering China's future development, while also touching on themes of culture, ideology and patriotism," he said. "Xi's speech marked what I would term a new era in Chinese politics. The speech clearly distinguished Xi's leadership and influence on the CPC. More importantly, Xi made it very clear that the Party will maintain a central role in China's development over coming decades." Taylor, an expert on Chinese politics, said Xi's speech sent a signal that "China will continue to pursue a deepening reform agenda and realistically address its problems" and "China has taken the driver's seat in leading the debate on climate change." Xi Jinping (center rear) speaks during a panel discussion with delegates from Guizhou province who attend the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China held in Beijing Oct 19, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] BEIJING - Xi Jinping on Thursday called on members of the Communist Party of China and people of all ethnic groups in the country to advance Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Xi made the remarks during a panel discussion with delegates from Guizhou province who are here to attend the CPC's 19th National Congress. Commending Guizhou's development over the past five years, Xi said socialism with Chinese characteristics has now entered a "new era." He said this is a "major political assessment" as well as a "strategic reflection that affects the whole landscape." "The evolution of the principal contradiction facing Chinese society represents a historic shift that affects the whole landscape," Xi said, echoing a report he made at the opening session of the Party congress when he spoke of "the contradiction between unbalanced and inadequate development and the people's ever-growing needs for a better life." Xi told delegates from Guizhou that efforts must be made to address unbalanced and inadequate development and meet people's ever-growing needs for a better life. He went on to highlight strict Party governance, saying it is the fundamental guarantee for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Party organizations at different levels and all CPC members and officials must uphold the authority of the Central Committee and its centralized, unified leadership, he said. Xi also instructed authorities to organize education and training programs on the guiding principles of the 19th CPC National Congress after its conclusion. Yang Xiaodu, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, answers questions at a news conference on the sidelines of the 19th CPC National Congress on Thursday.[Photo/Xinhua] Hunting down Party officials who hold key positions and have a possibility of promotion but continue to involve themselves in corrupt activities remains the top priority of China's anti-corruption campaign now and in the future, a senior official of China's top anti-graft body said on Thursday. The emphasis will be especially on Party officials who are involved in political and economic corruption at the same time, said Yang Xiaodu, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. "An overwhelming momentum in fighting corruption has been created during the past five years. We now need to seize a crushing victory," Yang said at a news conference on the sidelines of the 19th CPC National Congress. The CPC Central Committee has placed unprecedented importance on improving Party conduct and combating corruption. In addition, many unhealthy trends have been reversed. That is an accomplishment that previously was regarded by many as an impossible mission, he said. During the past five years, 440 officials under the direct management of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, most of whom were at or above ministerial level, have been investigated. It is a rather high proportion, Yang said. Among them were 43 alternate members of the 18th Central Committee and nine members of the CCDI. The Party's determination to fight corruption is "as solid as rock", he added. "We have to admit that the management of the Party had indeed been lax, weak and slack for a period of time, which has given officials opportunities to be two-faced and corrupt," Yang said. The Party has recognized the problems and stepped up efforts to make up for mistakes. "It will be a lot more difficult than before for officials to find loopholes in the system to carry out corrupt activities," he said. Meanwhile, Party officials now have to pass a stricter screening process to be promoted and become delegates to the national Party congress, Qi Yu, vice-minster of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, said at the same news conference. "During the recent election of new city, county and township leaders, more than 9,300 officials were not promoted after failing reviews," Qi said. The qualifications of delegates to the 19th CPC National Congress have all been strictly reviewed. Seven people were removed from the already published list of delegates because problems were found during the final reviews, he added. The Organization Department has also attached importance in enhancing Party organizations in State-owned, non-State owned and foreign-invested enterprises. By the end of 2016, 70 percent of the 106,000 foreign-invested enterprises had established Party organizations. PHOENIX -- Saying the president can't erase facts, a federal judge on Thursday rejected a bid by former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio to have all record of his criminal conviction wiped out. Susan Bolton said she already dismissed the criminal contempt case against Arpaio following the decision by President Trump to issue a pardon. That saved the former sheriff, who had been found guilty, from the possibility of going to jail for up to six months. But Bolton rebuffed Arpaio's claim that the pardon also entitled him to have the entire conviction erased. "The power to pardon is an executive prerogative of mercy, not of judicial record-keeping,'' Bolton wrote, quoting earlier court precedent. "The pardon undoubtedly spared defendant from any punishment that might otherwise have been imposed,'' the judge continued. "It did not, however, revise the historical facts of this case.'' Arpaio, however, is not willing to simply enjoy his freedom. "It's not going to be dropped,'' he told Capitol Media Services. Jack Wilenchik, one of his attorneys, said the relief the sheriff is seeking is important. He said Arpaio intended to appeal his conviction, if for no other reason than Bolton had said he was not entitled to a jury trial. Wilenchik said he believes Arpaio would have won. But now, with the pardon, there's no opportunity to appeal, meaning the record of the conviction remains. And that, he said would be something that could be used against the former sheriff in any future criminal or civil case. The conviction stems from the years' old case filed against Arpaio and the department he led, accusing the agency of having policies of stopping motorists who look like they might be in the country illegally, whether or not they had violated any state laws. Deputies then would hand the people over to federal immigration officials. U.S. District Judge Murray Snow found Arpaio and the department guilty of illegal racial profiling and he ordered it to stop. Snow later concluded the department of violating his orders and referred Arpaio, two aides and a former attorney for charges of criminal contempt. The Department of Justice, then under President Obama, decided to pursue only Arpaio. And Bolton, who handled that case, used his own words and press releases to show he intentionally ignored Snow's orders. But before he could be sentenced, Trump interceded. And Bolton concluded that ended the case. Wilenchik, however, said that's not enough. He said the conviction should be nullified. And Wilenchik said Bolton is misstating his arguments in asking that any evidence of the case against Arpaio be wiped out. "We're not asking to undo facts,'' he said. "We're not asking for expungement,'' Wilenchik continued. "There's no such thing in federal law.'' What Wilenchik said he does want is a recognition that the case is now legally moot. He said it's no different than if someone dies before sentencing or having a chance to appeal. "The whole case gets undone,'' he said, with the conviction nullified. But Bolton said that's not the way things work. She said the right of the president to pardon the former sheriff is different -- and separate from -- what actually occurred in court. More to the point, she said what Arpaio wants ignores the legal nature of a pardon. First, she said, it must be accepted. At that point, Bolton wrote, the defendant is no longer subject to punishment and all of his or her civil rights are restored. "It does not erase a judgment of conviction, or its underlying legal and factual findings,'' Bolton said. In fact, the judge said there is case law showing that a pardon carries an imputation of guilt -- and that acceptance is "a confession of it.'' In this case, Bolton said, Trump issued the pardon and Arpaio accepted it. And as she reads the law, that ends the case, but does not entitle the former sheriff to have his underlying conviction wiped out. That conviction apparently has not dimmed the former sheriff's political pull. On Thursday, when contacted by Capitol Media Services, he was in California, campaigning on behalf of congressional candidate Omar Navarro who hopes to unseat incumbent Democrat Maxine Waters. Tian Xuemei, a delegate to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, salutes journalists after a group interview session on Thursday. Tian serves as a forensic expert in the Ministry of Public Security. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/China Daily] Delegates to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China who represent the legal sector said on Thursday that construction of a judicial system and related reforms will be accelerated and improved. General Secretary Xi Jinping said on Wednesday while delivering a report at the congress's opening session that the Party will establish a central leading group for advancing law-based governance in all areas. The move, with the aim of building the rule of law in the country, is a profound revolution in the country's governance, Xi said. The plan was applauded by law-related delegates. "Building legal structures, I believe, will be further accelerated and pushed forward after the congress," said Zhang Sujun, vice-president of the China Law Society. The group will contribute to establishing a law-based government and also to enhancing legal awareness in public, he said. "The rule of law will play a bigger and more basic role in the governance of the country and the Party after the congress," he added. Jiang Bixin, a delegate and vice-president of the Supreme People's Court, considered the group as the most important step for the central leadership to further implement the rule of law. "If the group is established, it will help us reach more agreements on the rule of law and then integrate more legal efforts across the country," Jiang said. "Meanwhile, the nation can also make policies in line with our judicial building and solve related problems in a timely manner." Song Yushui, a Beijing judge, said she was happy to see that increasing protection of human rights was in the report. "It is a big demand of people and also a key to fulfill the rule of law." In the past five years, more than 3,800 criminal defendants were found innocent because of insufficient evidence or unclear facts, which Song considered the best proof of the country's determination to protect human rights. Xue Jimin, a lawyer from Jiangsu province, said, "Filing a case has not been difficult for people since Chinese courts banned unnecessary barriers to the process through judicial reforms. That also protects human rights in litigation." He said the country built a national system to protect lawyers' rights at the beginning of this year, and so far 321 attorney associations in 31 regions have pushed forward the system. In recent years, the country has also issued several rules to regulate the behavior of lawyers, hoping the industry can effectively enforce the rules, according to Xue. But he added the protection for more than 340,000 attorneys nationwide still needs to be improved, "since the better the environment for lawyers to help people file lawsuits, the more legal services will be given to litigants." He said he is looking forward to seeing more measures to protect lawyers' rights. Chen Min'er, Party secretary of Chongqing, has pledged to resolutely make efforts to keep in line with the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and its general secretary. Chen, secretary of CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, made the vow on Thursday while elaborating on how to translate into actions the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era unveiled by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, in his report delivered at the opening session of the 19th CPC National Congress on Wednesday. "We should unswervingly keep in line with the CPC Central Committee, with Xi Jinping as its core, in regard to thoughts, ideology and actions," Chen said. To remain in line, it is very important to "thoroughly study and smartly use" the new era thought, Chen said in his address during the discussion among the Chongqing delegation, which was opened to the media during the National Congress. Chen also called for "down-to-the-earth efforts" to boost the prosperity of Chongqing and to reinforce benefits to the public wellbeing in order to translate the new era thought into reality. He said efforts should be made to make local residents feel a stronger sense of gain, happier and safer. When answering a media question, Chen also pledged efforts to "wipe out the pernicious influence" brought by Sun Zhengcai and Bo Xilai, both former Party chiefs of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, as well as Wang Lijun, former police chief and vice-mayor. Sun has been expelled from the Party and dismissed from public office for "serious discipline violations", according to the September meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. Chen noted the Party's strong determination in the anti-graft fight, which has been reflected in the report delivered by Xi on Wednesday. Chongqing will further build up the discipline to wipe out such a "pernicious influence", Chen said. zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn Premier Li Keqiang joined on Thursday a group discussion with the delegation of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on the report delivered by General Secretary Xi Jinping at the opening session of the 19th CPC National Congress.Wu Zhiyi / China Daily Many 'historic achievements' fulfilled in past 5 years, Li says Premier Li Keqiang pledged in a panel discussion on Thursday to fully put into practice the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the 18th CPC Central Committee, took part in the discussion among the delegation of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. He vowed to strongly adhere to the CPC Central Committee, with General Secretary Xi as its core, and safeguard its unified leadership. The report Xi delivered to the congress summarized the achievements and experiences over the past five years, setting guidance on securing a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and striving for the great success of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, Li said. The report is also a political declaration and action plan to direct the Party and people of all ethnic groups to move forward the socialism with Chinese characteristics to a new era, he said. "Historic achievements made in the opening-up and reform, as well as socialist modernization since the 18th CPC National Congress, fundamentally stemmed from the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi as its core," Li said, adding that the Central Committee has promoted historic transformation in the courses of the Party and the country. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the latest achievement for the Sinicization of Marxism, is a crucial part of socialism theories and a guiding thought that the Party should uphold for a long term, Li added. Li called for taking development as the basis and key to solve problems in the country, adhering to new concepts of development, deepening the supply-side structural reform and continuously promoting opening-up and reform. He called to further transform the government's functions and stimulate market vitality and social creativity. He said more entities should be encouraged to start up businesses and promote innovation while more jobs, higher-quality education and medical care should be provided. Also on Thursday, another Standing Committee member, Wang Qishan, joined discussions in the delegation from Hunan province. Wang said the Party can achieve one victory after another because it has always integrated basic principles of Marxism with the essence of Chinese traditional culture and local conditions. He called on the delegates to wholeheartedly learn the new era thought and align it with their own work. Another member, Zhang Gaoli, pledged his support for the new era thought in discussions of the Shaanxi delegation on Thursday. Members Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng and Liu Yunshan also pledged their support when they joined panel discussions in their own delegations on Wednesday. huyongqi@chinadaily.com.cn China's eight non-Communist political parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce sent congratulatory messages to the Communist Party of China on the Wednesday opening of its 19th National Congress in Beijing. Excerpts from five of the messages appear below: The Central Committee of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang said in a message that the successful opening of the congress will significantly and profoundly influence the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The RCCK will, in the new era, inherit and carry forward the tradition of unity and cooperation with the CPC, and go forward hand in hand, it said. The Central Committee of China Association for Promoting Democracy said the 19th CPC National Congress is a big political event for people of all ethnic groups in the country, including members of all non-Communist parties and those without party affiliation. The CAPD will stay true to the mission of cooperation and strive for the great victory of socialism with Chinese characteristics, as well as the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation, it said. The China National Democratic Construction Association Central Committee said in a congratulatory message that the Central Committee of the CPC has made remarkable achievements since the 18th National Congress in various fields, including improving people's lives, enhancing national strength and increasing China's global influence. The China Democratic League Central Committee said in a message that it will earnestly perform its functions of political participation, democratic supervision and political consultation, promote scientific and democratic policymaking, making a full contribution to realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. The All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce said the Party and national development have undergone historic changes since the 18th CPC National Congress, and historic achievements have been made in reform and opening-up, as well as in socialist modernization. Socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new phase of development and stands at a new historical starting point, it said in the congratulatory message. Chinese scientists have found evidence that cordyceps militaris, one of the many traditional Chinese medicines widely used for its healing powers, carries anticancer activities by identifying a dual biosynthesis of two anticancer compounds in the fungus. The two compounds are cordycepin and pentostatin. The former was first identified from cordyceps militaris in 1950 but its synthesis mechanism had remained unknown. The latter was first identified from a bacterium and was developed as a commercial drug to treat leukemia and cancers in the 1990s. "For the first time, we decoded the biosynthesis mechanism of cordycepin in the fungus and during the research we discovered pentostatin just by chance," said Wang Chengshu, head of the research team at the Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, a branch of the Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. "These two compounds coexist in fungal cells in the form of protector and protege. That is to say, cordycepin is synthetized with the coupled production of pentostatin to protect the stability of the former," he said. A paper about the team's findings after nearly eight years of research was published on the website of Cell Chemical Biology, an international journal, on Thursday. Cordyceps fungi are popular in China for its widely believed immunity-enhancing and energy-strengthening properties. Their uses in medical treatment dates back to the Compendium of Materia Medica, a book widely deemed the bible of traditional Chinese medicine written in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). "Arguments have been going on for years whether such fungi are antibacterial or anticancer and people use them based on experience in most cases. It's a major progress that our team scientifically proved that cordyceps militaris really carries such properties," said Guo Jinhua, Party secretary of the institute. Students come out of an college entrance exam site in Beijing on June 8, 2017.[Photo/VCG] A new reform system for college entrance exams, also known as gaokao, will be established by 2020, said Chen Baosheng, education minister and a delegate to the 19th CPC National Congress. A pilot reform for college recruitment has been put in place in Shanghai and Zhejiang province this year, Chen told cyol.com on Thursday. The reform gives high-school students extra chances in the college entrance test and more choices in selection of subjects. The new measure will be tested in four other provinces this year before a reform system is to built up nationwide by 2020, Chen said. He said the reform on the gaokao system over the past five years has been the most extensive and challenging one since the resumption of the exam four decades ago. Other efforts to ensure equal access to higher education that have been carried out over the past five years include admitting more students from impoverished or rural areas, and allowing children of migrating populations to sit college entrance tests in the cities where they live, said Chen. HEFEI - A China-developed drought-resistant rice breed and its farming method have been introduced to nine countries, mainly in southeast Asia and Africa, according to an agricultural academy in East China's Anhui province. Dr Wang Shimei, of the Rice Research Institute of the Anhui Agricultural Academy, said the plantation area of the Lyuhan No 1 (Green Drought) rice breed had reached 2.3 million hectares in China. Wang said the breed was first exported in 2009 to Angola. Plantation has reached 10,000 hectares in the country since then. The rice has also been planted in countries such as the Philippines, Cambodia, Pakistan and Cameroon. In Cameroon, the rice yield reached just over 29 kg per hectare this year, as compared with about an average 4.5 kg per hectare of other rice breeds in the country. Wang said agricultural experts from 10 countries, including Egypt and Uganda, came to China in June to study the rice growing technique, hoping it could help improve the yield in their countries, which face severe drought. BEIJING -- China's Internet users have selected nine individuals and one group of people as China's "Good Samaritans" for the third quarter of 2017. The winners were announced and honored Thursday at an event sponsored by Xinhua News Agency. The Good Samaritans include Lin Qihui, who taught himself first-aid and helped save strangers in danger. Yang Jun has spent 13 years setting up charity projects in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and raising funds of more than 10 million yuan ($1.5 million) to help more than 100,000 children from all ethnic groups in the region. Other winners include Li Juan, who was paralysed due to disease, but persevered to start a business, inspiring the people around her. A group of more than 10 divers in Zhuhai city in South China's Guangdong province were honored for their selfless deeds in saving people trapped underwater. Since 2010, the online vote has been held quarterly to promote ordinary people's deeds and inspire others. The ninth international conference on agricultural competitiveness was held in Beijing on Thursday. Sponsored by the editorial office of China Agricultural Economic Review, an academic journal, China Agricultural University, and the International Food Policy Research Institute. The annual conference has acted as a platform for Chinese and international scholars to share the newest academic findings, which may help tackle pressing problems pertaining to China's agricultural and rural development. The theme of conference this year was "Agricultural Competitiveness in China: Assessment, Challenge and Options". This year, the conference received more than 190 paper submissions, among which 69 were accepted for conference presentation. More than 150 participants from 10 countries, such as the United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and Japan, attended the conference to present their research findings. Their presentations were divided into 16 sections, including agricultural policy, poverty and farmland transfer, rural labor and migration, and food consumption, nutrition and health. There also were renowned speakers giving speeches at the opening ceremony. Chen Xiwen, a member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultation Conference and deputy director of the CPPCC Economic Committee, shared his views about the causes of the lack of competitiveness in China's agriculture. These included the rise of factor prices, the decline of energy prices and specific government policies. Fan Shenggen, director-general of the International Food Policy Research Institute, listed some of the challenges faced by global agriculture in his speech and suggested that developing countries, including China, need a new agri-food system that is nutrition and health-driven, productive and efficient, inclusive, business-friendly and environmentally sustainable and climate-smart. To develop such a system, he said developing countries should take measures, such as promoting climate-smart agricultural technologies and using Information Communications Technology (ICT) to link smallholders to urban consumers. China Agricultural Economic Review, launched in 2008 by China Agricultural University and the Emerald Publishing Group in the United Kingdom, is the third social science journal published on the Chinese mainland that is SSCI indexed, according to Su Baozhong, director of the journal's editorial office. The journal has become a bridge connecting agricultural economic research in China and the international academic community and a channel to promote the international reputation of Chinese agricultural economists, he said. Peng Xianghu, a 51-year-old migrant worker in North China's Hebei province, has been admitted to the same university as his 19-year-old daughter and widely praised by netizens for his eagerness for knowledge. "I like acquiring new knowledge and it has always been a disappointment that I missed the opportunity to study at a university," Peng was quoted as saying." Born in 1966, Peng dropped out of a high school in Shahe city of Xingtai, North China's Hebei province, when he was 17 due to his family's poverty, according to a report by Zhengzhou Evening News. After school, he worked in dozens of jobs as a migrant worker, including working in different factories and selling vegetables. Peng worked even harder after his marriage because he had to earn enough money to support his family and pay his three children's tuition fees. "I could only do this kind of physical work because of my lack of knowledge," Peng said, adding that during the past three decades he always dreamed of going to university. Last year, two of his children were going to graduate from universities and the youngest was going to take the college entrance examination. With less of a family burden, he started to borrow books from high schools and took the college entrance examination this year. In September, he successfully enrolled in Hebei University of Environmental Engineering. "I'm proud of my father and he is my model," said Peng Songhua, Peng Xianghu's daughter, who enrolled with him at the same university. The father and daughter have since become well known at the university and praised widely on the internet for Peng's enthusiasm for knowledge. Contact the writer at: zhangyu1@chinadaily.com.cn A Havasupai tribal member arrested last month on animal cruelty charges will no longer face those charges in federal court. In a hearing Friday in Flagstaff, U.S. Attorney Paul Stearns announced that Cecil Watahomigie was convicted on similar charges in tribal court on the Havasupai Indian Reservation on Thursday, which divests the federal government from jurisdiction on the case. Watahomigie was arrested Sept. 19 by the Bureau of Indian Affairs on two misdemeanor charges related to animal neglect and failure to provide medical attention to one of his pack horses. The horse was found to be malnourished, abused and suffering from multiple untreated wounds and open sores. Watahomigie was also charged with a misdemeanor related to the possession of alcohol, which is illegal on the reservation. He was convicted in tribal court on that count as well, Stearns said. At the end of the hearing, the federal government moved to dismiss the entire case. Judge Bruce MacDonald pressed upon Watahomigie to take the governments allegations seriously and to properly care for, feed and water the horses in his care. Watahomigie declined to comment as he left the courtroom after the hearing. For more on the story, see Saturday's Arizona Daily Sun Chinese and French space scientists are working in Beijing on the final assembly of their first jointly developed satellite, which is scheduled to be launched in second half of 2018 to assist in oceanographical research. Based on China's CAST 2000 satellite platform, which has been applied to dozens of satellites successfully, the China-France Oceanography Satellite, known as CFOSAT, will equip two major high-tech instruments French-developed surface waves investigation and monitoring radar and Chinese-developed wind scatterometer. The China National Space Administration said in a news release that the French-developed parts were delivered on time to their Chinese partner in August and the two nations' science teams are working together on the final assembly in Beijing. "After the assembly, we will run a series of tests in different simulated environments similar to those in space in terms of temperature, vacuum and radiation," said Wang Hui, deputy director of the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft Environment Engineering. The satellite is expected to be launched in the latter half of next year in China and will operate in an orbit 500 kilometers above Earth for three years, according to the administration. The satellite is tasked with detecting the wind and waves on the ocean's surface and helping analyze their effect on the air-sea interface, which will enhance what is known about climate change. jiangchenglong@chinadaily.com.cn Sun Zhijun (right), deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, and Xiang Zhaolun (left), vice-minister of culture, answer questions at a news conference at the 19th CPC National Congress on Friday. EDMOND TANG/CHINA DAILY China has achieved greater soft power by developing its cultural industries and promoting international cooperation, while the country has signed more than 300 agreements with nations participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, high-ranking officials said on Friday. Sun Zhijun, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, was one of four officials who spoke at a news conference at the 19th National Congress of the CPC on Friday. He said the country's cultural soft power has substantially increased since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, making vital contributions to the promotion of the causes of the Party and the nation. China ranks first in publications, production and broadcasting of television dramas, and movie screens, Sun said. A survey released in August by the Pew Research Center, showed that China can compete with the United States to be a more favored nation. Sun said such surveys demonstrated that China's overall international influence is getting stronger. According to the Ministry of Culture, China has signed agreements with 157 countries and regions. China has established 30 overseas cultural centers, attracting around 10 million visitors annually. Xiang Zhaolun, vice-minister of culture, said China has signed more than 300 cooperative agreements and action plans on cultural exchanges with countries along the Belt and Road Initiative routes. He said China has established multilateral mechanisms in cultural cooperation under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and through China's exchanges with Arabic and ASEAN countries. "Belt and Road countries have long histories and are rich in cultural relics. We have worked with 15 countries in archaeological findings. Over the past few years, more than 1,000 relics had been displayed in over 20 of these countries," he said. Zhang Hongsen, vice-minister of press, publication, radio, film and television, said China has signed agreements to make movies together with 20 countries, while the country has increasing exchanges in movies with the United States, as well as countries in Europe and Central Asia. Soft power, consisting of attractiveness and influence, has been promoted by China's fast economic growth and increasingly competitive cultural industries in recent years, said Chen Shaofeng, vice-president of the Cultural Industry Research Institute at Peking University. "Cultural centers, performances, popular TV series, movies and fast-growing internet businesses have made our country more attractive around the globe, especially in regions such as Southeast Asia," Chen said. Netherlands asked to assist in repatriation of missing relic Wang Xiaojie (second from right), China Central Television's Beijing bureau chief and delegate to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, answers questions from the media at a news conference on cultural development, Wang is flanked by officials and social organization leaders in culture, arts and media at the media center of the congress in Beijing on Friday. FENG YONGBIN/CHINA DAILY A senior Chinese official has called on the Netherlands to offer "fair judicial support" in a case in which Chinese villagers are seeking the return from a Dutch collector of a stolen ancient Buddha statue with a mummified monk inside. Liu Yuzhu, Party secretary and head of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, told reporters on Friday that both China and the Netherlands are bound by international treaties banning theft, smuggling and illegal excavation of cultural relics. Both governments have the responsibility and obligation to protect cultural relics from unlawful infringement, he said in response to a question raised by a Dutch reporter on Friday in Beijing. The question about the statue came up at an interview organized by the media center of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. The 1,000-year-old statue, with the remains of a monk inside, was in an exhibition last year in the Netherlands and Hungary before villagers in Yangchun, Fujian province, saw media reports about the exhibitions, Xinhua News Agency reported. They believe the statue was stolen from their village temple in 1995. On Friday, Liu said the statue was examined and found to be identical to the stolen relic. After efforts to obtain its return failed, a lawsuit was filed, he said. "We hope to get the fair judicial support of the Netherlands" on the relic's return, Liu said. Liu said China has demonstrated its commitment to protect the world's cultural relics. He said China has conducted 15 joint archaeological projects with nations involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. China also offered assistance to cultural relic repair missions in five of those countries, he said. Also Friday, Xiang Zhaolun, vice-minister of culture, said 100,000 people will receive training during the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20) on intangible cultural heritage. Xiang said the program is being undertaken by his ministry and the Ministry of Education. It offers study opportunities, internships and other training, and 78 universities and colleges are participating, Xiang said. Governmental efforts are being focused on rejuvenating traditional craftsmanship and spreading its use in modern life, Xiang said. Closer political relations boost for both trade and cultural exchanges ANKARA - Turkey's growing ties with China have generated a keener interest among the Turks in learning the Chinese language and culture. "Learning the Chinese language is something that I've wanted before, because I'm interested in Asian cultures," said Elif Aslan, a 16-year-old student of a private high school in Ankara. "Like the Turkish culture, the Chinese culture is also very rich, there are similarities in fact and I like it." Aslan chose to study Chinese as a second foreign language as English is the compulsory foreign language the school requires its students to learn. Turks now can learn Chinese in at least 10 universities across the country, mainly in big cities such as Istanbul and Ankara, as well as in private Chinese language teaching programs. At the Cagri Dil Okulu (Cagri Language School) in Ankara, courses are offered to middle-aged students who can study Chinese by interacting face to face with native Chinese teachers. "We opened these courses some seven years ago. In the beginning, we had three or four students. But since four years ago, there has been an increase of interest in Chinese language, and now we have several classes of 15 pupils each," said Bahar Ozturk, one of the managers of the Cagri Language School. "We have a class full of students who are passing a proficiency test in Chinese," said Ozturk, saying the popularity of this language results from China's growing economic power in the world. "People want to learn Chinese as communication practices in order to go there and get a job there, or start a company and trade with fellow Chinese companies," she said. Since 2012, the China-Turkey relations have been growing steadily and, accordingly, the bilateral trade has witnessed a sharp rise. Regular exchange of visits by officials from the two countries also helped promote the cultural exchange between the two countries, located on the east and the west ends of the Asian continent. China's direct investment in Turkey was valued at $642 million in last year. Turkey, a major regional player and G20 member, is also one of the hubs of the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China due to its geographic location, making it a natural point of confluence on the ancient Silk Road. Another popular place for the Turks to learn Chinese language is the Confucius Institute located in the prestigious Middle East Technical University in Ankara. The institute offers general Chinese language and business courses to both METU students and the public. It aims to introduce the Chinese culture, history, economy, politics and foreign policy to Turkey's academic community as well as to experts from other professions. Du Yun, one of the headmasters of the institute, said there are about 280 students currently learning Chinese at his institute. "And there are another 1,400 primary and middle school students learning Chinese in Ankara at seven teaching sites," Du said. Xinhua (China Daily 10/20/2017 page10) China's naval hospital ship made its first visit to Angola on Thursday to provide free medical services and humanitarian aid, the Defense Ministry said. The CNS Daishandao, also known as Peace Ark, is making the eight-day goodwill visit to the southwestern African country during its first voyage around the continent, codenamed Harmonious Mission 2017. The ship has visited other African countries, include Djibouti, Sierra Leone, Gabon and Republic of Congo. It will visit Mozambique and Tanzania. It will also visit the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in Southeast Asia during its 155-day mission. Director Matthew Vaughn (left), actors Taron Egerton (center) and Mark Strong unravel behind-the-scenes stories at a Shanghai promotional event. [Photo provided to China Daily] One of the most popular Hollywood espionage franchises in China, Kingsmanthe secret spy organization based on the Mark Millar-Dave Gibbons comicis back. The upcoming sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle will hit Chinese mainland theaters on Friday. The first movie, Kingsman: The Secret Service, was a commercial success in China, when it raked in nearly 490 million yuan ($74.5 million) in 2015 and obtained a score of up to 8.4 points out of 10 on the country's popular film review site Douban. For the franchise's director Matthew Vaughn, his expectation is "not to let the Chinese audience down". The new film begins with Kingsman's London headquarters being destroyed by a deranged drug lord, who poisons hundreds of millions of people to force the United States to accept her business as a legal entity. Then Kingsman, in alliance with Statesman, a Kentucky-based spy organization and the US equivalent of Kingsman, and the hooligan-turned-superhero Eggsy Unwin, played by British actor Taron Egerton, team up to stop the criminal. The new movie has a lot of American elements, including cowboy-style Statesman members and the drug lord's Cambodia base that looks like the 1950s US. The sequel has been released in many countries since September. Meanwhile, some movie critics say the American elements may take the shine off the franchise, which once stood out for its focus on British etiquette. "Kingsman is a celebration of British culture. But we thought it would be fun to expand it to the universe," says Vaughn, explaining the featuring of American culture. "In the future we may find another culture to celebrate. It may be China," says Vaughn, also known for Kick Ass (2010) and X-Men: First Class (2011). Wuzhen Theater Festival [Photo/CGTN] When tickets became available two months ago, the 5th Wuzhen Theater Festival sold out 15 of its 24 plays in about an hour. The annual international festival, which kicked off on October 18 and continues until October 29, has gradually become one of the most significant symbols of Wuzhen, a traditional water town in east Chinas Zhejiang Province. The town has a history that traces back 7,000 years. During the 10-day festival, a total of 100 performances from 24 productions and 12 invited countries including Russia, Germany and the UK, will be shown at the seven indoor theaters. Productions are organized into five sections: Classics Revisited, Female Perspectives, Multimedia Productions, Physical Theater, and New Voices. The Wuzhen Theater Festival, jointly founded by the chairman of Culture Chen Xianghong, award-winning playwright and theater director Stan Lai, well-known Chinese actor Huang Lei and highly-reputed experimental drama pioneer Meng Jinghui, is welcoming its fifth year since the first Wuzhen Theater Festival was launched in 2013. In last four years, the festival has been expanding, with a total of 65 plays, 218 performances, 16 theater activities and more than 5,100 carnivals, attracting nearly 100,000 theatergoers and almost a million tourists. Chen Xianghong summarized the past five years as "the renaissance of a town," which has broadened the Chinese vision of plays and presented a window to Chinese theaters on the world stage, making this astonishingly charming water town known to a foreign audience. Because the Wuzhen Theater Festival has attracted a large number of young people and young artists, the town has transformed from a "tourist town" to an "art scene." "It is now hard to imagine Wuzhen without a theater festival," Chen said. The town has become busier in the last four years, with a larger number of theater productions and outdoor carnival events. Two contestants perform poetry reading and Chinese calligraphy at the talent show of the 10th Chinese Proficiency Competition in Kunming, Yunnan province, on Oct 19. [Photo/Xinhua] International secondary school students from 96 countries joined the talent show round of the 10th Chinese Proficiency Competition, a global event held by Confucius Institute Headquarters, on Thursday. Contestants displayed their skills and passion for Chinese music, dance, calligraphy and other artistic forms. The event, organized every year, selects students with outstanding Chinese language ability from around the world to attend the finals in China. From Oct 17 to 28, all the students will be able to participate in a series of cultural activities at Chinese schools, host families and local enterprises besides the formal competitions rounds. Lectures on traditional Chinese medicine were held in Bangladesh from Oct 9 to 10, 2017. [Photo/Chinaculture.org] Lectures on traditional Chinese medicine, part of the "Chinese Culture Talk" series, were held in Bangladesh and Nepal from Oct 9 to 13. The lectures were given by two scholars, Fu Yanling and Zhang Lin, from the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, and professor Lyu Zhong from Hangzhou Huqingyutang Pharmacy. The first event in Bangladesh was held at University of Dhaka on Oct 9. The three scholars introduced the philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as its theory and application in recent years. To help local people learn better, the scholars demonstrated the usage of acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and naprapathy during the event. The lectures were also held at the Chinese embassies to both countries and Nepal's well-known Kirtipur Hospital. Many local doctors showed great interest in traditional Chinese medicine and intended to combine the Chinese therapies with their clinical treatment. The lectures aim to enhance cooperation among countries related to the Belt and Road Initiative and deepen their mutual understanding and relationships. About Chinese Culture Talk Launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Culture, Chinese Culture Talk is a series of lectures on Chinese philosophy, religion, literature, cuisine, medicine and traditional culture-related subjects. It is sponsored by the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Chinese Ministry of Culture. The Ministry of Culture selects three or four groups of young and middle-aged scholars to give lectures abroad every year with Chinese embassies, consulates, China Cultural Centers or local agencies around the world planning and organizing lectures or similar activities. Other ministries and social forces in China also send scholars to lecture abroad. More than 70 activities and lectures have been held in more than 30 countries, including the US, France, Italy, Cambodia and Indonesia. The content varies from philosophy, religion, cultural heritage, literature and art, costume, cooking and Chinese medicine. Celerated film artists Yu Yang (second from left) alongside Xie Fang (second from right) celebrate the filming of the documentary About the Memory of Movies. [Photo provided to China Daily] Filming for a documentary on the history of Beijing Film Studio, About the Memory of Movies, began recently in the Chinese capital. The studio, one of the earliest film companies established by Communist Party of China, was founded in April 1949. And over the past six decades, the studio has produced around 500 feature movies and 400 TV series, including director Xie Tieli's February (1963) and The Rickshaw Boy (1982), adapted from Lao She's classic novel with the same title. The documentary which is expected to feature interviews with more than 50 film artists, is being directed by Li Xin, a veteran filmmaker known for New Star (1986). Song Zhenshan, the head of the studio, says filming for the documentary is expected to take one year. "We are using the best equipment to make the documentary," says Song, adding the crew is using 4k high-resolution cameras and advanced recording techniques to make the film. Yu Yang, an 87-year-old veteran, says: "I spent around two-thirds of my life in the studio. I feel glad to see a documentary being made to celebrate the past." [Photo provided to China Daily] China Post issued a special set of two stamps, each with a face value of 1.2 yuan (18 US cents), on Wednesday to mark the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China being held in Beijing. One stamp is titled Bu Wang Chu Xin (remain true to ones original aspiration), and shows the Monument of People's Heroes at the Tian'anmen Square in Beijing and the Pagoda Mountain in Yanan, the cradle of the Chinese Communist revolution in Shaanxi province. The other is titled Ji Xu Qian Jin (advancing progress), and depicts high-speed railways, rockets and the domestic passenger jet that symbolizes the major economic achievements over the past five years. Wu Shuigen established Shui Gen Ethnic Jewelry Co Ltd in 2010. [Photo provided to China Daily] The Miao ethnic group in Shidong town of Southwest China's Guizhou province celebrates a festival called "sisters' meal" on the 15th day of the third lunar month every year. The dating custom is designed to enable young women to meet their future husbands at a lavish feast, wearing stunning traditional clothing. Although the annual festival is closer to a beauty contest for the local Miao women, Wu Shuigen, a 51-year-old silversmith, sees it as an opportunity to showcase his work. As a national-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor, Wu has made silver jewelry over the past 40 years. His creative designs have made him a celebrity in Shidong. Each year, Wu prepares two or three sets of silver jewelry for young women who wear them to the festival. Each set includes a crown, a necklace and other accessories, which take him three or four months to make. After the festival, the artisan usually gets more attention from potential customers. "It is time-consuming to complete a design by hand. The work is exquisite and requires skillful execution," Wu says. Wu's daughter, Wu Chunxiu, says her father insists that all jewelry has to be checked several times before being sent to the customers, to ensure product durability. Victor Otazu has visited Qinghai province regularly since his collaboration with Chinese researchers started in 2007. [Photo provided to China Daily] Peruvian agriculturist Victor Otazu gives Qinghai province a helping hand with its potato production. Liu Xiangrui reports in Xining. Victor Otazu describes his decade-long collaboration with China as "fruitful". The 70-year-old Peruvian agriculturist was a pathologist for the International Potato Center for years before he retired in 2015. He managed three laboratories that helped identify genes resistant to diseases in the crop. The International Potato Center, headquartered in Lima, is a global research institution that aims to offer sustainable solutions to issues of hunger, poverty and the degradation of natural resources. "One of our activities is to coordinate with and improve research work like potato breeding in different countries," Otazu tells China Daily in Xining, capital of Qinghai province. When a team of researchers from the Qinghai Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences visited the organization in Peru years ago, Otazu first established his links with China. He was invited by the Chinese organization to visit Xining in 2007. He visits the institute every other year and has since served as a consultant. Otazu says Qinghai was not on the "potato map" of China a decade ago. By then China was already a leading potato producing country in the world. There were very few varieties of potatoes in Qinghai earlier. But when he first arrived in Qinghai, he was excited to find that the photos of the highlands there showed certain similarities with places where his experimental stations are located in Peru. He found that the local climate and geological conditions were favorable for potato seed production, because they would prevent the crop from harm by insects and also lower the risk of transmittable diseases. The project in the Qinglong Hutong area in Beijing focuses on eco-friendly urban planning. [Photo provided to China Daily] With bungalows on one side and office spaces on the other, Qinglong Hutong, an alleyway in Beijing, is witnessing a renovation since September. Many other such old alleyways in the Chinese capital have been newly designed in recent times. Some 11,000 people live in and around the Qinglong Hutong area, which has a street named after it, with the alleyways of Cangjingguan and Xilou nearby, as well as the subsidiary Beixiaojie Street. As the host city for the 2018 Beijing Design Week, Copenhagen is bringing its eco-friendly urban planning concept to help rebuild the area. In 2012, Beijing and the Danish capital signed an agreement to help each other in sustainable development. Copenhagen aims to become the world's first "zero-carbon city" by 2025, according to Marc Jorgensen, the urban planning head of Copenhagen. At the Sino-Danish Roundtable on Livable Cities, hosted by Copenhagen city on Sept 24 as part of 2017 Beijing Design Week, Jorgensen suggested that Qinglong Hutong should focus on the development of local heritage and create better public spaces for informal meetings. After a tour of the Qinglong Hutong area, the official and other specialists from Denmark and China discussed the renovation project. Stensgaard Morch, CEO of Copenhagen Municipality, introduced the city's experience in making changes to its architecture to help it become greener. "In 1980, Copenhagen was a totally different city," Morch said. "Now, we have 450 kilometers (of) bike lanes and 62 percent of all trips to work are made on bikes." Li Zhaohong, executive deputy director of the Dongcheng Administrative Committee, presented the Qinglong Hutong Community renovation plan at the meeting. Mads Jensen Moller, CEO of the Danish company Archiland, which is working on the project, said gray, green and bluerespectively representing mobility, soft connectivity and waterwill be the main colors for the renovation. A top wish of the residents, according to a survey by the Dongcheng district, where the area is located, was getting more room for social activities in the narrow lanes that were crowded by cars. Wang Wei, dean of Urban Planning and Design Institute under the Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, says the concept of urban renewal and renovation of the city should follow the larger plan. "Urban context is the collective memory of the city. Urban culture is the soul and the old urban areas are the core of this context," Wang says. Moller has lived in China for four years, including one year in a hutong. He moved back to Denmark with his adopted Chinese daughter in 2011. He sees the old alleyways as a cultural heritage not just of Beijing but the whole world. Moller and his team are bringing in the Danish perspectives of livability to the Qinglong project. But he says the design will also reflect the reality of how people live in this hutong area in Beijing. Moller's team is introducing "Qinglong loop" to support connectivity and the movement of people in the area. Upon the completion of the project in 2020, people will find it easier to commute from different parts of the city to and from the area. "We aim not just to make (a) nice postcard (look of the place). We want to make something that is really perceivable by the residents of the hutong," Moller adds. Qinglong Hutong's process of rebirth has started. Contact the writer at liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn A grand parade is held in Meizhou in South China's Fujian province to escort the golden statue of Matsu to start its tour of Taiwan on Sept 23. [Photo/Xinhua] The Communist Party of China should strive to achieve the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation, General Secretary Xi Jinping said in his report to the 19th CPC National Congress on Wednesday. For more than a century, compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits have shared the pursuit of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. With the task of realizing that goal entering a crucial stage, the Chinese mainland and Taiwan have every reason to deepen their fruitful interaction of the past more than three decades while playing their part in realizing the Chinese Dream. Taiwan compatriots have been and will always be an indispensable part of the rise of the Chinese nation, a centennial pursuit that is gaining momentum thanks to the shining economic performances of the mainland and Taiwan. Summarizing the achievements of the past five years, Xi said: "We have upheld the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, promoted the peaceful development of cross-Straits economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation, and held a historic meeting between the leaders of the two sides." In fact, the mainland remains the largest trading partner and export destination of Taiwan. Last year, cross-Straits trade reached 1.19 trillion yuan ($180 billion), and the bulk of that was Taiwan's exports to the mainland (920.4 billion yuan), which accounted for nearly half of the island's total exports. A massive amount of Taiwan capital and technologies have been invested in the mainland's reform and opening-up drive for over three decades. In the early 1990s both sides reached the momentous 1992 Consensus that centers on the one-China principle and lays the political foundation for cross-Straits exchanges. The resumption of the "three direct links" of trade, transport and postal services after Kuomintang regained the leadership of the island in 2008, along with a series of cooperative deals, marked a new high in cross-Straits ties and helped boost the rise of the Chinese nation. Suffice it to say that the participation of Taiwan compatriots in the mainland's reform and opening-up and cross-Straits stability are vital to the great rejuvenation efforts. Millions of Taiwan compatriots are working and living on the mainland, and more are expected to follow in their footsteps as the mainland is promulgating policies to make it easier for them to do so. They are not just participants in and beneficiaries of the rise of the Chinese nation but also potential contributors to further cross-Straits interaction. That serves as solid evidence of the island's economic and industrial dependence on the mainland market, and of the deepened cross-Straits economic interaction that plays a key part in the island's well-being. Taiwan cannot be absent from the Chinese Dream nor will it prosper without the mainland, as more than three decades of cross-Straits interaction has consolidated the bond between the two sides to a point where any attempt to sever it would backfire. As Xi said in his report, we must "encourage fellow Chinese on both sides to oppose all separatist activities and work together to realize Chinese national rejuvenation". Therefore, the Tsai Ing-wen "administration" in Taiwan should partake in the national rejuvenation process instead of trying to sever the island's ties with the mainland. The author is a professor at the Institute of Taiwan Studies, Beijing Union University. Xi Jinping delivers a report to the 19th CPC National Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Oct 18, 2017. [Photo by Xu Jingxing/chinadaily.com.cn] In his report to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China on Wednesday, General Secretary Xi Jinping dedicated a large chapter to the "Four Greats"great struggle, great project, great cause and great dreamwhich has attracted wide attention. "This great struggle, great project, great cause and great dream are closely connected, flow seamlessly into each other, and are mutually reinforcing," Xi said, stressing that the great new project of Party building plays a decisive role, and all work to advance this project must go hand in hand with and be geared toward the struggle, the cause and the dream. The "Four Greats" stem from China's historical and realistic logic. From the perspective of history, the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has been the shared dream of all Chinese people since the First Opium War (1840-42). And history shows only the CPC leadership can guide China toward realizing socialist modernization, and make it a leading global power again. The many philosophical and political explorations since the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949 show that socialism with Chinese characteristics is the only path that integrates the basic principles of Marxism with China's actual conditions. The reality we see today is the combination of the national conditions and problems, including challenges and risks faced by China. Therefore, China must be prepared for the great battle with many new historical features, as only through a problem-solving approach can it achieve national rejuvenation. The Party leadership forms the nucleus for fulfilling the task of establishing socialism with Chinese characteristics and realizing Chinese people's shared dream of national rejuvenation. China's socialist modernization construction has been greatly successful, and it has already taken a historic leap despite facing unprecedented challenges and obstacles. The great battle with new historical features would be the ideal and scientific response to the changing times. And given that China is committed to establishing socialism with Chinese characteristics, Party-building under the CPC leadership, and maintaining the Party's progressiveness, purity and militancy as well as improving its capability of governing China have become more important than ever. In fact, building the Party in a scientific manner is the political guarantee to achieve the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. Carrying forward the "Four Greats" is a systematic task which requires a top-level design for national development, and the Party leadership has done well to realize China has stepped into risky times with the deepening of globalization, and scientific and technological advancement. The risks humans face today come from multiple sides, from economic and political to cultural, social and ecological fields, all of which are complex and multidimensional. And since even a small problem in one corner of the world can potentially evolve into political risks and threaten political security, China needs to be prepared to face any eventuality, for which it needs a comprehensive national security policy. As such, we need to launch the great battle to prevent major risks and environmental damage, and continue to take targeted measures to help lift people out of poverty. Which means the Party has to meet the challenges the implementation of further reform and opening-up, and the changing external environment, might create. Apart from consolidating public confidence in the path, theory, system and culture of socialism, China also needs to properly handle the relations among reform, development and stability, follow the development theory that best serves people's interests, adhere to the strategic layout of the "Four Comprehensives", and then implement the development concepts of innovation, harmonization, green, openness and sharing to comprehensively foster socialism with Chinese characteristics. The "Four Greats" will be supplementary to the Party's basic line in the new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and illustrate the grand vision of building China into a prosperous, strong, democratic and culturally advanced country. The author is a professor at the School of Marxism and a research fellow at the National Academy of Development and Strategy, Renmin University of China. Given the role it plays in running the country, how the Communist Party of China governs itself is of the utmost importance. That explains why strictly governing the Party is one of the CPC Central Committee's four fundamental strategies and why the pledge was made to persist with the anti-corruption campaign until it attained sweeping victory over this threat to the Party. And, as CPC Central Committee General Secretary Xi Jinping said in his report at the opening of the 19th CPC National Congress on Wednesday, great achievements have been made in honoring that pledge and strictly governing the Party. Even if one didn't know the number of officials that have been and are being investigated, it is not hard to appreciate how different the Party and government officials' working style is now compared with five years ago. One only has to look at how careful they have become when spending public money. However, the figures released at Thursday's news conference, where officials from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection talked about the fight against corruption in the past five years, give substance to the Party leadership's claims of progress in getting rid of the Party's bad apples. More than 8,000 officials at bureau levels and more than 60,000 officials at county level have been given disciplinary penalties. And the fact that 440 officials at or above ministerial levelamong whom 43 were members or alternate members of the CPC Central Committeehave either been indicted or are being investigated for abuses of power, demonstrates how resolute the leadership has been in its efforts to stop the rot. Disciplinary inspections by teams sent by the CPC Central Committee have proved to be an effective tool in uncovering cases of graft and corrupt officials. Meanwhile, China has been working with the international community to hunt down corruption suspects who have fled overseas and seize their illegal assets. And of the 3,453 fugitives who have returned to face justice, 48 were among the top 100 fugitives listed on an Interpol red notice. This has also brought home the fact that there is no safe haven for those who seek to enrich themselves through graft. The intra-Party disciplinary, graft prevention and supervision mechanism that is being formed is putting power in a cage and ensuring that Party members do not dare to, and are not able to, benefit from graft. Delegates to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China receive interview at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday. [Photo/Xinhua] SOME DELEGATES AT the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China have been invited to meet the media when they make their way to and from the meeting halls at the Great Hall of the People. This is the first time the Party Congress has had this arrangement. People.com.cn comments: Jing Haipeng, the astronaut who has been on three Chinese space missions, became the first delegate to meet the media on Wednesday morning. He said that it is a "sacred mission" with "great responsibility" to be elected as a delegate to the 19th CPC National Congress. After him, delegates from various walks of life spoke to the media. The "corridor" for delegates provides reporters with the chance to throw questions at them. Also, the passageway gives some delegates the opportunity to offer their personal points of views on specific questions in an extemporaneous manner. The live broadcasts of the interaction between the media and the delegates on TV and the internet immediately reduce the distance between the public and the meeting. A total of 1,818 overseas journalists have registered to cover the 19th CPC National Congress, a record high, showing the great attention the world pays to this important political event. Openness and transparency are effective public relations strategies that the Party should carry on into the future, so as to foster constructive communication with the public and satisfy the people's needs for information. Such openness and transparency show the Party's confidence in its path and abilities. European Council President Donald Tusk holds a news conference during a European Union leaders summit meeting in Brussels, Belgium, Oct 19, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] BRUSSELS - Member states of the European Union (EU) will pump "sufficient" money into a trust fund to stem illegal migration from North Africa, European Council President Donald Tusk said here on Thursday. He made the remarks at a joint press conference with his European Commission counterpart Jean-Claude Juncker, following a first day meeting of the two-day EU summit, which focused on migration, digital Europe, as well as security and defense. He said EU leaders have agreed on the need to help Italy manage the Central Mediterranean route, which links Libya to Italy and was named as the deadliest route to Europe by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in a study published in September 2017. "We have a real chance of closing the Central Mediterranean route. That is why we decided that member states will provide sufficient finances for the North Africa window of the Trust Fund for Africa, while the Commission ensures that this money is channeled to stem illegal migration," Tusk said. "We should see concrete results within the next few weeks," he added. As Libya is at the forefront of EU's efforts to stem illegal migration in the central Mediterranean route, EU leaders reiterated "the importance of working with the Libyan authorities and all neighbors of Libya to enhance border management capacity," according to the EU summit. EU leaders also underscored the urgency of supporting the development of the local communities in Libya along the migratory routes." To consolidate the declining trend of migrant inflow, the European Council also called on all member states to fully abide by the deal with Turkey. Since the summer of 2015, an unprecedented refugee crisis has been a tough nut to crack for the EU. Thanks to an "aid for return" deal with Turkey in March 2016, the EU boxed in the inflow of refugees via the eastern Mediterranean route, which saw a 98 percent plunge of arrivals. However, the EU still bears the brunt of migratory pressure, particularly from the central Mediterranean route. The IOM, the United Nations Migration Agency, reported Tuesday that 145,355 migrants and refugees had entered Europe by sea up to Oct. 15 this year, with over 75 percent arriving in Italy and the rest landing in Greece, Cyprus, and Spain. Meanwhile, 2,776 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year, according to the IOM. A total of 387,895 migrants and refugees reached Europe in 2016, with a record high fatality of 5,143 in the Mediterranean Sea. WASHINGTON - European Union leaders on Thursday said they'd re-affirm the Iran nuke deal, despite US President Donald Trump's refusal to recertify the accord. But if Washington pulls out, Iran said it would shred the deal. That leaves the deal in limbo, experts told Xinhua. According to European press reports on Thursday, EU leaders will re-affirm that they are committed to the international accord of world powers. That sits in sharp contrast to Trump's stance on the international agreement. Earlier this month, Trump failed to certify that Iran was playing by the rules stipulated in the international accord on Iran's nuclear program, and contended that the Islamic republic is in defiance of the agreement. Trump has given Congress 60 days to decide whether to reinstate the sanctions on Iran that were lifted under the 2015 accord. Trump's move neither scraps the deal not saves it, and there's a chance the international accord may remain intact. But the deal's future remains uncertain, and some believe it risks falling apart. "The nuclear agreement is in danger of collapsing," Jim Phillips, senior Middle East research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, told Xinhua "The Obama Administration promised too much and delivered too little," he said of the previous administration, which put together the deal. "Then the Democrats in the Senate blocked debate on the merits of the deal and prevented a resolution of disapproval from being voted on, despite the fact that 58 of the 100 senators were opposed to it," he said. Phillips' outlook for the deal's survival is dim. MANILA - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has no plans of lifting martial law in Mindanao in the southern Philippines despite the "liberation" of Marawi City from the clutches of pro-Islamic State (IS) extremists, a government statement has said. Duterte said on Thursday night that the martial law will stay until all terrorist groups in the southern region are neutralized. "When the time came, I declared martial law. Everybody is asking when will it stop? It will not stop until the last terrorist is taken out," Duterte said at a business conference event. Duterte said martial law is needed to guarantee the safety of Filipinos in Mindanao. "He echoed the military and the police's warning that terrorists may continue to retaliate even as the top leaders of the Maute terrorists had been neutralized," Duterte's office said in a statement. The statement further read, "As such the president stressed that martial law would continue to prevail in the region." Duterte imposed martial law on the entire Mindanao region when the Maute and Abu Sayyaf militants took over Marawi on May 23. The conflict dragged on for nearly five months and has so far killed more than 1,000 people, including 163 government forces, and wounded more than 1,700 others. On Tuesday, Duterte declared to have liberated the ruined city from the IS-linked militants. But firefight continued as troops flush out the remaining 30 rebels and try to rescue the remaining hostages. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the EU summit meeting in Brussels, Belgium, Oct 19, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] LONDON - Co-founder and former leader of the pro-Brexit United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), Nigel Farage, accused Britain's main opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn of playing "divide and rule" by visiting Brussels Thursday. The Labour politician was in the Belgian capital where he spent an hour talking with Michel Barnier, the chief negotiator tasked with brokering a European Union (EU) divorce deal with Britain. The leaders of the bloc's 28 member states gathered in Brussels for a two-day summit, with British Prime Minister Theresa May among them to press home her bid for a good Brexit deal. In London, some political commentators accused Corbyn's team of virtually gatecrashing the summit to spell out that the Labour party was against a "no deal" scenario, and waiting in the wings to take over the talks. The Daily Telegraph said in a commentary: "If the timing of Corbyn's visit is designed as a deliberate snub to May, as a warning to her that an alternative negotiating team waits in the wings should she fail, then she should not allow such discourtesies to throw her off course." The London-based Leave Means Leave campaign said a meeting between Corbyn and EU leaders before their audience with the prime minister was another calculated snub to Theresa May. In a round of media interviews, Corbyn said Britain failing to reach a trade agreement with the EU would be "catastrophic" for British jobs. He said in an interview with Sky News: "We cannot countenance the idea that we just rush headlong into no deal with Europe. No deal with Europe would be very dangerous for employment and jobs in Britain. The idea of no deal would mean that the World Trade Organisation rules would be implemented straight away in March 2019." The newly-elected UKIP leader Henry Bolton accused the European Commission of having no intention of conducting reasonable negotiations with the British prime minister. In London, meanwhile, there was support for the prospect of a "no deal" with a call to May from the Leave Means Leave campaign to walk away from the talks and quit Europe next March with no deal if trade talks stall. "In the event of no progress at the European Council, the UK should formally declare that it is assuming that we will be subject to World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules from March 30, 2019," said the letter to May. Senior figures from politics, including four former cabinet members, business, economics, law, science and the military have called in a letter for decisive action to dispel the highly damaging levels of uncertainty facing businesses across the country. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said in a media briefing Thursday that Britain would do "very well", even if it has to leave the EU with no trade deal. Speaking in London after a meeting with Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray Caso, Johnson predicted Britain would get a "great deal" in its Brexit negotiations. But he added: "As with any negotiation you've got to be prepared to walk away. We have to prepare for every eventuality... I think we'll do fine." Rick Kimberley, President of Kimberley Farms Inc in Maxwell, Iowa, said China's head of state Xi Jinping's pledge to improve the living standard of its people is commendable, and he welcomes Xi to return to his home and farm again. Xi visited Kimberley's home and farm in 2012. Then Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping (L) talks with farmer Rick Kimberley as they sit in the cab of a tractor in Des Moines, Iowa, Feb 16, 2012 file photo. [Photo/Xinhua] When asked what impressed him most in Xi's report delivered at the opening of the 19th National Congress of the CPC on Wednesday, Kimberley said, "China's desire to improve the standard of living for its people is commendable, as is progress to be more transparent and to be a partner in world trade and economic cooperation." In his report at the crucial twice-a-decade meeting, Xi pledged to build China into "great modern socialist country" by mid-21st century. Xi said that by then China will become a global leader in terms of composite national strength and international influence, with common prosperity for everyone basically achieved and the Chinese people enjoying happier, safer, and healthier lives. He also said China will only become more and more open. "The world is small and its people are interconnected. The more we can engage and cooperate around areas of mutual interest, the better the quality of life for everyone," Kimberley said. For Kimberley, agricultural exchange and cooperation is one of those areas of mutual interest between China and the US. Last month, construction of a China-US Friendship Demonstration farm was started in Luanping county, Hebei province in northern China, which will include an educational agriculture site modeled after a farm near Maxwell owned by Rick and Martha Kimberley and their son Grant. "Iowa and Hebei have a long-standing relationship and the Kimberleys are looking forward to strengthening that relationship," Kimberley, who visited Hebei in mid-September, said. "It is also our desire to strengthen our relationship and friendship with all of China and the people of China," he said. "We would welcome President Xi to return to our home and farm. Again, I would emphasize the importance of agricultural trade as state and provincial relationships can be used as the ballast of overall China and US relations." He added that the US is the breadbasket of the world and a reliable supplier of soybeans, corn, pork, fish, dairy, beef and eggs. "We have a strong relationship with China," he said, adding that the people of Iowa and China enjoy a long-standing relationship that has been forged by mutual cooperation and benefit. "This will continue due in large part to agricultural trade between the countries. The US and China working together can accomplish mutual goals of improved food safety, quality and security," he said. SOCHI, Russia - Russia has always favored a civilized way to settle all disputes, including the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, said President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) should not be cornered or intimidated, he said at a meeting of Russian thinktank Valdai Discussion Club here, although Russia condemns Pyongyang's nuclear tests and adheres to UN sanctions. Whether someone likes or dislikes DPRK, it is a sovereign country, Putin noted, according to an official transcript of his speech. "We are firmly convinced that even the most complex knots - be it the crisis in Syria or Libya, the Korean Peninsula or Ukraine - must be disentangled rather than cut," he said. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that the ongoing 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in Beijing is "unprecedentedly open" and that Russia has "great cooperation plans" with China. Speaking at a meeting of a think tank in the Russian city of Sochi, he said: "We are very closely following the CPC congress, which is unprecedentedly open. We see difficulties as well as possibilities." Putin called China a major driver of the global economy. Although China's GDP growth slowed slightly to 6.8 percent in the third quarter of this year, he believes the ongoing structural reform will lead to sustainable growth. "We have great cooperation plans with China in the areas of space, high-tech and energy. These are the basis of the future development of Russia-China relations," Putin said. The Russian president said he and President Xi Jinping call each other friends publicly as "this corresponds to the level of our personal relationship". "On each issue we are always able to find a consensus and come to an agreement, which turns out to be beneficial to both countries. We are moving forward," Putin said. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said this month that the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership has been operating at a high level and is at its best in history. President Xi chose Russia as the destination of his first trip abroad as head of state in March 2013. Over the past five years, Xi and Putin have had more than 20 meetings on various occasions, including four times this year. Their latest meeting was on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in eastern China's Xiamen in September. Bilateral trade between China and Russia in the first seven months of this year was $46.82 billion, up by 25.5 percent year-on-year, according to the Foreign Ministry. XINHUA - CHINA DAILY Pro-abortion activists have adopted a new legal strategy against pro-life laws in Missouri, challenging them as violations of religious liberty protections. In 2016, a self-avowed Satanist sued the state, claiming its abortion regulations are religious tenets and therefore a violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Missouris Religious Freedom and Restoration Act (RFRA). The case now heads to the states Supreme Court for what could be a final decision. A county court twice last year dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that the plaintiff, identified as Mary Doe, did not have standing and failed to state an actionable claim. The woman was not pregnant when she filed the lawsuit, so the law did not apply to her and did not prevent her from having an abortion. But in a 3-0 decision, the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Western District found some redeeming value in the plaintiffs twisted view of the law and ruled Oct. 3 that the case raises real and substantial constitutional claims only the high court can address. The original complaint, filed last year in Cole County Circuit Court, challenged the states informed consent law and is rife with religious language illuminating the plaintiffs claim that the statute amounts to religious canon. The laws declarations that life begins at conception and abortion terminates the life of a separate, unique, living human being form the Missouri Tenet, the plaintiff claims. She calls the list of compelled actions the Missouri Lectionary: Abortion providers must present women a booklet detailing gestational development, offer an ultrasound and heartbeat monitoring, and make women wait 72 hours before having the abortion. Women are not required to accept the information, ultrasound, or heartbeat monitoring but must acknowledge in writing they received the offer. In earlier complaints, the plaintiff contended enduring the offer is an affront to her Satanic Tenets and violates RFRA because only she has the right to decide when life begins and when to remove human tissue from her body. But plaintiff does not claim a deeply held religious belief against complying with irrelevant and unnecessary regulations, Cole County Circuit Judge Jon E. Beetem wrote in dismissing the RFRA claims. Rather, she claims the regulations are irrelevant and unnecessary because they were motivated by a religious belief she does not share. That logic would strike down a host of laws, Alliance Defending Freedom attorney Kevin Theriot told me. Just because a law is based on a commonly held religious tenet (such as Gods commandment against murder) does not constitute a state establishment of religion. If the plaintiff persisted in her appeals, the case would have ended up before the Missouri Supreme Court regardless of the appeals court decision, according to Theriot. But the appeals court could have followed the two previous judges rulings and dismissed the case. Instead, its unanimous decision to transfer the case lends credence to the religious tenets claim and the Establishment Clause violation, Theriot said. On the bright side: If the Missouri Supreme Court rules the abortion law is indeed a religious tenet, affirming the Satanists religious tenets in the process, it could aid efforts to defund Planned Parenthood as a religious institutionbecause the abortion giants doctrine on human life is drawn from the same canon as Mary Does. Courtesy: WORLD News Service Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com Publication date: October 20, 2017 A North Korean refugee said that children and infants are dying without hope in the country. Grace Jo, 26, is now studying at Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland, but the woman said in an interview this week with Fox News that the world must try to end Kim Jong-uns regime. Grace Jo and her family escaped three times to China, but each time the family was captured and taken back to North Korea. Grace Jos brothers died of starvation and police tortured her father for smuggling in a bag of rice from China. Jo said her family once went 10 days without food before they found six baby mice in a field, which were used to make soup. We almost gave up our life, but it is kind of a miracle, a miracle happened to my family to survive, she said. Grace Jo is a recipient of the North Korean Freedom Scholarship program. The fun helps North Korean refugees pursue higher education and build productive, prosperous lives as new Americans. Grace Jo said the regime in North Korea needs to be taken down, but she said she doesnt support targeted bombing because it could kill innocent people. Other North Korean refugees, such as Korean-American missionary Robert Park, have also said that an attack could kill many Christians. "Please kindly be reminded that a large number of underground Christians are within North Korea. They are the most persecuted religious group in the world, according to international religious freedom watchdogs groups. As I pray your team accepts upon deep reflection, it would be decidedly un-Christian to countenance indiscriminate killings of those who are among the people in the world who suffer the most," Park wrote in an open letter to President Donald Trump earlier this month. Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com Publication date: October 20, 2017 At a rally in the Gaza strip on Thursday, Hamas second highest ranking military leader, Yahya Sinwar, said the terror group has no intention of recognizing Israel; instead, it still intends to wipe out Israel. According to the Israel National News, Sinwar said: "Gone is the time in which Hamas discussed recognition of Israel. The discussion now is about when we will wipe out Israel. No one has the ability to extract from us recognition of the occupation. No one will disarm us. No one can disarm Hamas." Earlier in the week, Jason Greenblatt who is President Trumps special envoy to the Middle East demanded that Hamas disarm, recognize Israel, and follow all other agreements and commitments the Palestinian Authority (PA) has made during the past 25 years. Greenblatt said: All parties agree that it is essential that the Palestinian Authority be able to assume full, genuine, and unhindered civil and security responsibilities in Gaza and that we work together to improve the humanitarian situation for Palestinians living there. The United States reiterates the importance of adherence to the Quartet principles: any Palestinian government must unambiguously and explicitly commit to nonviolence, recognize the State of Israel, accept previous agreements and obligations between the parties including to disarm terrorists and commit to peaceful negotiations. If Hamas is to play any role in a Palestinian government, it must accept these basic requirements." Recently, Hamas and the Palestine Liberation Organization-led Palestinian Authority signed a reconciliation agreement, establishing a united government for the first time in a decade. Israel declared it would not negotiate with the unified Hamas-PLO government. About the Author: Laura Lacey Johnson is an experienced radio broadcaster, television news reporter, and Bible study leader who writes regularly about news, culture, and faith at www.lauralaceyjohnson.com. Photo courtesy: Thinkstock/PeterHermesFurian Publication date: October 20, 2017 A Christian baker who refused to make a cake for a same-sex wedding got a major supporter as his case headed to the US Supreme Court this fall: the Trump administration. The Justice Department backed Masterpiece Cakeshop owner Jack Phillips, arguing in an amicus brief that governments may not . . . truncate the First Amendment by compelling a person to create a piece of artworkparticularly one that violates the artists conscience. The case is the highest-profile clash between religious convictions and LGBT protections since the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in 2015, and will likely impact bakers, photographers, and florists who have challenged anti-LGBT discrimination laws with little success. Saudi Arabias tiny neighbor has publicly declared that freedom of choice is a divine gift and that every individual has the freedom to practice their religion. The statement by Bahrainwhich was witnessed by leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Israelgoes way farther than any similar document that Im aware of, said National Association of Evangelicals board member Johnnie Moore, who observed its signing. Thats partly because it was signed by a head of state, unlike two preceding statements from Morocco and Indonesia affirming religious freedom, which were signed by Muslim scholars. Bahrains declarationwhich also condemns preaching hatred, suicide bombing, sexual slavery, and the abuse of women and childrenwill be drafted into law in December. In the wake of clashes in Charlottesville over whether or not a statue of Confederate general Robert E. Lee should be removed, about a dozen Southern Baptist pastorsincluding convention president Steve Gainesjoined 150 Memphis-area clergy calling for the relocation of a local statue of Nathan Bedford Forrest, a Confederate general and early Ku Klux Klan leader. Meanwhile, Lees former church voted to change its name from R. E. Lee Memorial Episcopal Church to Grace Episcopal Church. Sixty percent of evangelicals polled after Charlottesville by Morning Consult/Politico said that Confederate statues should remain standing (vs. 52% of all Americans); 21 percent said such statues should be taken down (vs. 26% of all Americans). In a Facebook video viewed by more than 1.8 million people, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan sounded Christian. I know, Im not guessing, that my Jesus is alive, the 84-year-old said. So I say to the devil, I know I gotta pay a price for what Ive been teaching all these years. More than 4,000 people commented, many excited about his apparent conversion. But that isnt what happened, experts told CT. Farrakhan wasnt talking about the biblical Jesus, but about his mentor Elijah Mohammad, whom Farrakhan declared was the new savior sent from Allah. And that price hes paying isnt conviction for wrong teaching, but persecution for what he believes is right teaching, said Damon Richardson, a pastor who was raised in the Nation of Islam before converting to Christianity. Experts said Farrakhans confusing use of language is purposeful, meant as a tactic to attract Christians. Just before Labor Day, a federal judge struck down a US Department of Labor mandate that full-time, salaried workersincluding church and parachurch staffwho earn up to $47,476 annually must be paid time-and-a-half for any overtime they work. The department is allowed to have a salary-level test, but the judge decided that this one focused too little on the job duties and too much on the amount paid. The previous limit was $23,660. Labor secretary Alexander Acosta said the adjustment for inflation would leave the number somewhere around $33,000 and promised to look into it very closely. Churches challenge FEMA on flood aid When three churches near Houston sued the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) over denying their applications, President Donald Trump took their side. Churches in Texas should be entitled to reimbursement from FEMA Relief Funds for helping victims of Hurricane Harvey (just like others), he tweeted. Its the agencys practice to withhold grants from churches that have been damagedit did the same after Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy. But a recent ruling from the US Supreme Court stating that a church couldnt be denied a playground safety grant solely because it is a church raised hopes for a favorable ruling. Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here. In June of last year, entrepreneur Elon Musk intrigued the science and technology community with his controversial remarks about the world being a simulation. The odds that were in base reality, he said during the Code Conference interview, is one in billions. In other words, the universe we live in is probably (or is probably like) a sophisticated computer game. This general idea has gained interest ever since the release of the popular film The Matrix (1999)though not with much seriousness. However, through the eyes of many contemporary scientists and engineersperhaps the most respected group of people in our agethe world is looking more and more rigged for life. Even a recent study debunking the theory shows that the idea is serious enough to be more than science fiction. As Musk demonstrated, its certainly not embarrassing to discuss it in public anymore. Oddly enough, this conversation presents a unique opportunity for Christians to present the power and validity of the biblical world-and-life-view. Christian theology is ripe with analogies, metaphor, parable, and symbolismall of which are contingent on the time and language of the day. This figurative speech is the primary mode in which theology works, and this is particularly true with regard to the doctrine of creation. Popular texts like Faith Seeking Understanding (Daniel Migliore) provide several analogies for creation, such as generation, formation, emanation, mind-body relationship, and artistic expression (where creation is like a portrait that God is painting). There seems to be no immediate reason why computer simulation or video game is off the table as another helpful analogy (acknowledging inadequacies). In fact, given todays culture, computer and technological analogies might actually prove to be the most helpful in describing that central topic of systematic theologyGod and creation. Use with caution This is anything but a novel proposal. Countless sermons today utilize metaphors and analogies such as following Gods Twitter by reading the Bible, connecting to Gods Wi-Fi by walking with the Spirit, decoding passages in the New Testament, rewiring our spiritual lives, and so on. Limitations in talking this way are assumed, and thats what allows hearers to get the basic point. If computer science is simply furnishing our generation with new models for describing creation, then it should be welcome. Christianity is particularly robust in its ability to be translated and re-translated. But, if were witnessing another modern attempt at reductionistic metaphysics where everything is forced into an unquestionable, all-encompassing metanarrative, then perhaps it is not so welcome. Especially after the most violent century in human history, it seems the world doesnt need another dose of Darwinism, Marxism, Freudianism, Scientism, or otherwise. It needs Jesus of Nazareth and the gospel incarnated, here and now. As it turns out, this world-beyond-this-world idea also isnt new. For thousands of years, theologians, religious priests, and philosophers have asserted that our immediate, visible, and experienced reality is not all there is. Whether one turns to the ancient Egyptians, Greek philosophers, Indian Brahmins, or medieval scholastics, the universe is always depicted as multi-dimensional in one way or another. This world is not necessarily ultimate or base reality. It wasnt until materialistic modernity that the world became so terribly flat. This is partly why simulation theory is so intriguing today: It is being promoted by the deeply invested, hands-on stalwarts of technological progress. Its also interesting because specialists in this field arent typically encouraged to read religious texts or classic literature for their degree. Article continues below This situation is ironic because it suggests that perhaps secularism and science havent squashed religion after alleven within those domains where it was supposed to. Should the simulation hypothesis continue its trajectory, we can expect some interesting conversations and questions revolving around the nature of this program were living in. Why, then, are we here? Who is the architect or programmer, and does this entity or person or whatever communicate with those inside the simulation? Has the Maker been revealed so that we might gain knowledge? And is there the possibility of a new simulation after this one in which we might take part? As you can already tell, these questions are the bread and butter of classic divinity. If only those outside the believing community might see this. How far down the rabbit hole are you willing to go? In the meantime, it leaves onlookers with several questions. First, doesnt this proposal make religious belief and practice a little bit less irrational than is often assumed in the secular, scientific community? If this world really is a projection of software, its a brilliant piece of work. Solar eclipses. Fire. The smell of pine trees. The change of seasons. Sex. Forgiveness. The taste of fresh fruit. Memory. Why not sing a song to the one who made it all? Get together on Wednesday nights discussing the mighty deeds of God (Acts 2)? This is anything but superstition. Second, will the computer sciences begin to develop this hypothesis, maybe even branching out into theories of origins, anthropology, eschatology, theology proper, and even doctrines of salvation, whatever this might entail? Its not enough to simply say thats not the work of engineers, because if the world is, in fact, a creation, then everything we do we do as creatures within what the Creator has made. Having a theology, even if its primitive, is everyones business. Third, the simulation hypothesis (and its relatives) appear remarkably similar to well-known arguments for Gods existence, particularly the appeal to design and fine-tuning. Listening to rocket-scientists like Musk talk about simulation theory is like listening to Guillermo Gonzalez talk about astronomy and intelligent design. What really is the difference? This universe is (a) created, (b) purposeful, and (c) finiteand all of this can be known by what we see and observe (cf. Romans 1). The limits of our language Addressing these areas will require some serious thought, especially after the linguistic turn of our late or post-modern age. Words are not just passive instruments used to describe or refer but active elements in shaping the world. There is nothing neutral, for example, in speaking of the medieval period as the Dark Ages, or the modern period as the Enlightenment. Talking this way already makes a judgment and creates an impression. Philosophers and linguists have also pointed out that words can act. Saying I do during a wedding ceremony does not simply indicate that a kiss comes next, it establishes a bond between two peopleit creates something new. A more serious concern in this arena is the strange and subtle abolition of metaphorprecisely because this disappearance of figurative speech is so common in scientific, technological, and engineering conversations. A computer is no longer like your brain; your brain is a computer (literally). Your body is not a machine metaphorically, but is a machine (literally). And, as it turns out, Musk and others may actually be saying that the universe is a simulation (literally), and not metaphorically so. Article continues below This collapse of the metaphor into its referent (the assumption that there is no meaningful distinction between the model and what is being modeled) has deeply troubled theologians and thinkers for the past half-century. For Darwin to suggest that everyone was an animal (literally) was troubling enough a century and a half agotoday people have been reduced to neuron-firing automatons. Indeed, the loss of metaphor isnt just an error of language; its indicative of an entire materialistic, reductionistic perspective of creationa perspective that privileges the literal, the measurable, and the propositional. Wendell Berry railed against this reductionistic perspective in his powerful critique Life is a Miracle: An Essay Against Modern Superstition. Decades earlier, Sallie McFague made similar stern warnings in her famous book Metaphorical Theology (1982): Great care must be exercised lest the models by which we structure ourselves and our world tyrannize us, for such models easily become literalized. We live within these models and may forget the tension that is crucial to the proper use of models: people are not their heroes, a society is not an organism, the state is not a machine. All of this means that, while there is something thrilling about the scientific community dabbling in divinity, there is also reason for concern. This is particularly true since the powers that bewhether medical corporations, global technology companies, governments, or otherwisetend to give ear to accomplished scientists a bit more than seminary professors. The True Architect But it is precisely in the theological and biblical world of those seminary professors that the most thorough descriptions of the world can be found. Those descriptions are replete with metaphor. Not a page in the Scriptures suggests otherwise. The earth is Gods temple, and the heavens are where God dwells. The faithful after death go to my Fathers house and that Eden-like garden Paradise. The unfaithful go to that burning, worm-infested compost heap outside Jerusalem, Gehenna. Conversion to this new way of life is being born again. And Jesus, the supreme and perfect metaphor of God, is said to be the logos, that rational principle that stands behind the universe according to the Greeksonly now it radically became flesh and dwelt among us. In fact, the case of the Incarnation is so unique that the tension within the metaphor collapses in on itself (for anyone who has seen me has seen the Father, John 14:9), all of which terminates in worship. This isnt even to mention the architect directly, where things get really creative: rock, fortress, midwife, fresh water, mother hen, thunder. The boundaries between metaphor and reality begin to blur, God is called bridegroom, friend, and lover. And there are titles given to God that are directly true but also carry vividly descriptive power: judge, savior, king. This work in describing God and creation undertaken by the ancient Israelites and the early church continues to this day. And while creation as simulation does not simply lead one to the truth about things, it does add anotherperhaps, neededshade of color to an image that God is painting. Article continues below And this picture being painted is real, we should be reminded. Distinctions within the various dimensions of creation do not trivialize the concreteness of our experience or the value of the observable. If there is anything theologically shocking in the Christ event (and baptism and Communion), it is that God loves matter. This was evident enough even before Christ: grain offerings, the careful construction of the Tabernacle, the divine presence in a burning bush and a whirlwind. This world is God's garden and the Gardener apparently likes to get his hands dirty. This puzzled the Greek thinkers just as it puzzles many of us today. Pondering the depths of metaphor protects, not undermines, this important reality because it keeps tension where we are strongly tempted to reduce the mystery and distort the truth. It is part of the task of the church to exemplify this balance, not least because the body of Christ itself is an imperfect community born of mystery and dedicated to truth. Put in a more technological idiom, despite many hardforks in the blockchurch, faulty code in its ever-developing doctrine, and poor implementation in its apps and user-interface, the theological community of the true Architect just might possess the resources for the needs of the present and of the future. Jamin Hubner is associate professor of Christian studies, director of institutional effectiveness, and part-time professor of economics at John Witherspoon College in the Black Hills. He serves on the executive board of the Canadian-American Theological Association (CATA) and as the general editor of The Christian Libertarian Review. I had the privilege or reading a pre-release version of "God Shines Forth: How the Nature of God Shapes and Drives the Mission of the Church." Here are 20 quotes from the book, which you should pick up. home World Xi Jinping tells Communist Party to promote religion that is 'Chinese in orientation' China's President Xi Jinping has called on the Communist Party to oppose "erroneous" ideology and promote religion that is "Chinese in orientation." In his opening speech at the national congress on Wednesday, Xi outlined his vision for China to become a "global leader" with international influence by guiding not only the country's economy and the internet but also its culture, religion and morals. "The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is no walk in the park or mere drum-beating and gong-clanging," the Chinese president told hundreds of delegates in his three-and-a-half hour address. "The whole party must be prepared to make ever more difficult and harder efforts. To achieve great dreams there must be a great struggle," he continued. He called on party members to oppose "erroneous" ideology and said that religion must be "Chinese and orientation," and must be guided by the party to adapt to socialist society. The national congress, which takes place every five years, was held this year at the Great Hall of the People near Tiananmen Square in Beijing and was attended by more than 2,200 members of the party's elite. According to The Independent, the theme of the congress centered on the idea that the party should remain true to its original aspiration, hold high the banner of socialism, and secure a decisive victory in the battle to build a moderately prosperous society. Xi is expected to be formally granted another five years in power as the party's general secretary within a week. Over the past year, the Chinese president has urged party members to "Sinicise" a or bring under Chinese tradition a the country's ethnic and religious minorities in an effort to prevent religious "extremism." Last week, the party's official People's Daily published an article warning Communist Party officials not to "pray to god" or "fraternize" with religious leaders, reminding them that "Communism begins from the outset with atheism." "Superstition is thought pollution and spiritual anesthesia that cannot be underestimated and must be thoroughly purged," the article said, according to Gospel Herald. The article further noted that although freedom of religion is guaranteed in the constitution, party members must adhere to atheism. In the latest issue of the Party's flagship magazine, Qiuishi Journal, Wang Zuoan, director of the State Administration for Religious Affairs, stressed that party members should be "firm Marxist atheists, obey party rules and stick to the party's faith... They are not allowed to seek value and belief in religion." Xi has previously warned that religious influences could infiltrate the country from abroad. Due to the Chinese government's restrictions on religion, Christian charity Open Doors has ranked the nation as the 39th worst country in the world for Christian persecution. Schlumberger reported a $545 million profit in the third quarter with growing revenues of more than $7.9 billion as the world's biggest oilfield services company continues to outpace the stagnating industry. Schlumberger Chairman and CEO Paal Kibsgaard credited nearly all of the growth to the expanding North American shale market, even though the U.S. oil boom slowed significantly in the third quarter. "We continued to gain market share in both hydraulic fracturing and drilling services despite the decelerating rig count growth," Kibsgaard said. "We also saw strong sequential activity growth in Russia, the North Sea and Asia, while our activity in the rest of the world was largely flat compared with the second quarter." Schlumberger's revenues grew 13 percent versus the third quarter last year and 6 percent sequentially from the second quarter of 2017. Schlumberger posted a net loss last quarter because of one-time charges, but its profits still jumped 19 percent when discounting those isolated costs. Kibsgaard said he's cynical though toward the nation's offshore sector. "In the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, activity continued to weaken in the third quarter, and the outlook remains bleak for this region based on current customer plans," he said. RELATED: Schlumberger boosted by booming U.S. shale fields To continue its onshore U.S. growth, Schlumberger is finalizing its OneStim joint venture with Weatherford International for hydraulic fracturing services that stimulate shale oil and gas wells. They're combining Schlumberger's large fracking fleet and Weatherford technologies used to stimulate multiple horizontal zones within shale wells. Schlumberger owns 70 percent of the JV. North of the border, Schlumberger also is expanding in Canada with its newly announced deal to buy the Canada-based Cenovus Energy's so-called Palliser Block in Alberta for $1 billion in a joint venture with a private Canadian company, Torxen Energy. Torxen will lead the new JV with Schlumberger in acquiring 800,000 acres of oil and gas development rights, existing wells, surface facilities and a pipeline network. The deal gets Schlumberger more involved in exploration and production, although as a non-operating partner. "By leveraging our reservoir knowledge, oilfield services technology and project management expertise, we expect to lower development costs and maximize the value of this asset - in a market where our traditional business model is challenged to deliver the required financial returns," said Patrick Schorn, Schlumberger executive vice president of new ventures. Schlumberger's headcount continues to remain flat at close to 100,000 workers. Fans who are still flying high from the recent Selena Google Doodle have another posthumous accomplishment to celebrate she will be immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next month. Last June, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced the Class of 2017 honorees which include the Queen of Tejano and Eva Longoria, both Corpus Christi natives. On Thursday, the official Selena Facebook page said the "wait is over." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Need some help planning your week? We've gathered a list of activities going on in Houston Oct. 20 through 27. There's plenty to do with the whole family. SEE THIS: Hakeem Olajuwon set to open Red Mango Yogurt Cafe Wings Over Houston, an annual air show at Ellington Field, will take place on Saturday and Sunday Oct. 21 and 22. It will be loud but also, spectacular. Gear up for the The Rockets and the Dynamo. Both teams are playing games at home. CHECK THIS: Twitter reacts to James Harden lookalike Discovery Green, Zoo Boo, and the Texas Renaissance Festival are also great events to spend the weekend with the kids. Costumes are encouraged. Musical performances will be provided by Bruno Mars, Halsey, Evanescence, Primus, and more at various venues around Houston. Check out the gallery above for a list of activities and things to do in Houston for kids, young and old. A grand jury on Friday indicted a former Houston police officer on charges stemming from an off-duty incident in which he shot and wounded a neighbor over an argument about a dog, according to a news release from the Harris County District Attorney's Office. Jason Loosmore now faces a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, prosecutors said. A 29-year-old man residing in Houston has plead guilty to a wire fraud scheme, where he used fake passports to open bank accounts across the greater Houston area, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas. Idowa Olugbenga Temetan, who used the fake name "David Cole" for his scheme, plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and three counts of wire fraud. The passports held photographs of Temetan but used his fake name. He worked with others to lure victims into sending money into these bank accounts, the news release stated. The funds were obtained through various Internet scams, including lottery scams and business investment scams. Checks or wire transfers were sent from the victims' bank accounts to accounts that Temetan or others controlled. Temetan and his co-conspirators would then use the counterfeit passports to retrieve the funds from the bank accounts. Law enforcement has traced at least $4 million to victims, some who reside in Houston, that have been affected by this scheme. Temetan defrauded one victim of $3 million alone. After authorities identified this specific victim, they were able to trace accounts into which the money was deposited. Authorities arrested Temetan in Las Vegas, Nevada while he was withdrawing cash from the account. Upon his arrest, law enforcement also confiscated a passport he was using with the name "David Cole." U.S. District Judge Sim Lake accepted the guilty plea and has set sentencing for Feb. 2018. Temetan could face up to 30 years in federal prison for his crimes and a possible $1 million maximum fine. He is in custody pending a hearing. A man is in custody after throwing rocks and beer bottles at Houston police officers from a Heights-area residence and causing an hours long stand-off with the SWAT team, police said. Officers from the mental health division went to the house in the 4400 block of Marina shortly after 3:15 p.m. as part of a follow-up investigation, Capt. Larry Bainbridge said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Ali Khalili plans to apply for aid from the city of Dickinson to make repairs to his home after it was inundated with water from Hurricane Harvey, but he isn't optimistic his request will be approved. The reason? The 75-year-old's politics, including past boycotts and protests of Israel's policies. A recently passed state law prohibits Texas governmental entities including cities from contracting with or investing certain public funds in companies that boycott Israel. "Anti-Israel policies are anti-Texas policies, and we will not tolerate such actions against an important ally," Gov. Greg Abbott said in a news release earlier this year. Dickinson's application for aid to rebuild homes and businesses requires residents to state that they will not boycott Israel during the term of the agreement, according to a form on the city's website. The ACLU has called the requirement "an egregious violation of the First Amendment." "We were frankly appalled that the city of Dickinson would be imposing a sort of political litmus test on hurricane relief funds," said Brian Hauss, a New York-based ACLU staff attorney. Dickinson's city attorney told KTRK-TV that the city included that provision to comply with the recently passed Anti-Boycott, Divestments and Sanctions law. It's unclear, though, that the city needs to require private citizens not to boycott Israel. Advising cities on how best to comply with the state law has proved challenging, said Scott Houston, general counsel for the Texas Municipal League. The league recommended to cities this fall that they include the language about Israel in written contracts with companies. Whether the definition of companies can be expanded to include private citizens, such as Harvey victims, isn't clear, Houston added. "I don't know what the answer is," Houston said. He added that he defers to local city attorneys to determine if the clause is necessary. Dickinson's mayor and city manager did not respond to requests for comment Friday. Hauss, with the ACLU, said he could not comment on whether Dickinson's interpretation of the law was valid. However, Hauss added, the ACLU views House Bill 89 as unconstitutional as well. "The First Amendment protects Americans' right to boycott, and the government cannot condition hurricane relief or any other public benefit on a commitment to refrain from protected political expression," said ACLU of Texas Legal Director Andre Segura. "Dickinson's requirement is an egregious violation of the First Amendment, reminiscent of McCarthy-era loyalty oaths requiring Americans to disavow membership in the Communist party and other forms of 'subversive' activity." The BDS movement began in 2005 as a nonviolent protest of Israel's treatment of Palestinians. It included a call to boycott and divest from companies that it states are involved in the violation of Palestinian human rights. The movement has brought pushback from members of Congress. Earlier this year, the Israel Anti-Boycott Act was introduced in the House and Senate. Similar measures have been introduced in states including Texas. In a statement, the Houston branch of the Anti-Defamation League, which supports state resolutions opposing BDS, said it was "deeply troubled" to learn about the application in Dickinson. "This requirement is misguided and constitutionally problematic," the statement read. "And reveals an unanticipated and unfortunate consequence of a well-intentioned state anti-BDS law that needs further consideration." Other Texas cities have already taken steps to comply with the state's law, though it hasn't come up in the context of flood relief. Galveston, Austin and San Antonio have put the language in place involving contracts for some public projects, Hauss said. Houston has also required that contractors and suppliers verify in new contracts that they are not boycotting Israel, said Alan Bernstein, a spokesman for Mayor Sylvester Turner. There haven't been any changes in contractors or suppliers since the law was put in place, Bernstein added. While the city of Houston does not have a city-administered Hurricane Harvey relief fund comparable to Dickinson's, Houston's legal department has not advised that the law applies to private individuals, Bernstein said. The ACLU is fighting a similar law in Kansas. In October, the nonprofit filed a lawsuit challenging a Kansas statute that required a math teacher selected to participate in state training to sign a certificate that she would not boycott Israel, Hauss said. The civil rights group has not yet filed a lawsuit in connection with a case in Texas, but is asking residents affected by HB 89 to contact them, Hauss said. As for Khalili, he said a contractor estimated his repairs would reach $30,000. The Dickinson resident of more than 30 years doesn't have flood insurance to foot the bill. Even though he needs the money, Khalili said he would take his chances and cross out the portion of the application agreeing not to boycott Israel. Khalili has participated in demonstrations and boycotts in the past, both related to and unrelated to the BDS movement, he said. He views it as his civic duty. Agreeing to restrict that, Khalili said, "is un-American." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A University of Massachusetts Amherst student has put his computer science degree to use whipping up a Christmas lights display inspired by the hit Netflix series "Stranger Things." Caleb Kussmaul, 20, spent roughly four hours and $20 this week putting together the show's iconic Ouija board wall in his dorm room. In the show, whose second season debuts Oct. 27, the Quija wall was used to communicate with a paranormal world called the Upside Down. HIP POPPED: Internet turns Matthew McConaughey's power stance at the University of Texas into a meme In reality, Kussmaul's homemade Quija wall was created to communicate with Reddit users. Kussmaul rigged up his Raspberry Pi to allow anyone visiting this website to send messages that would be reflected on his Ouija wall, one letter at a time. Now Playing: A 20-year-old college student in Massachusetts has created his own "Stranger Things" Ouija wall that allows anyone to submit messages to it online. Video: Caleb Kussmaul Kussmaul shared his creation on Reddit Thursday afternoon and has since received thousands of messages from people around the world, including France and Germany. He has posted a file containing some of the messages he's received; they include: "will you marry me?" "gonna give you up never gonna let you down" "is your roommate cute" "When will you realize that Democrats don't want Democracy?" "thomas is the one that did it. i am being blamed for something i didnt do. mom please let me come back home. i dont know how to salt my mangos." FIERCE: Photo of girl standing stoically by fire is the latest and greatest internet meme One person even sent Kussmaul's Quija wall the entire text of Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace." "I really, really love the show," Kussmaul told Chron.com Friday morning. "The scene with the Ouija wall was something I thought would be a fun project." He has since posted a rough breakdown of the items needed to recreate the Ouija wall. Kussmaul hopes the project captures the attention of Reddit administrators who just announced a search for an engineering intern. Hurricane Harvey dealt a blow to the Kingwood community, but it is slowly getting back on its feet. Dozens of businesses already have reopened. H-E-B is slated to reopen Jan. 15, according to the Lake Houston Chamber of Commerce, which is leading the #LHABack2Biz campaign, keeping track of which businesses in the Lake Houston area are reopening. Meanwhile, Pholicious, 4521 Kingwood Dr., Suite 240, hopes to reopen in November, and the Hampton Inn, 20515 U.S. 59 North is expected to take six months to reopen. The Texas A&M University System named renowned higher education leader Ruth Simmons the sole finalist for Prairie View A&M's presidency on Thursday. She will become the full president at the board's next meeting. Simmons, who is in her 70s, has been interim president since July and previously had said she was "too old" to consider taking the full-time position. She later set out an ambitious agenda for her time as at the institution's helm last week, pledging to raise money, lift morale, boost residential life and improve coordination between different areas of campus in July. "I am not here to keep a chair warm or to simply temporize as you search for a new president. I am all in," she said in a speech. "I come to Prairie View unprepared to make compromises and unprepared to support efforts that I know run counter to the enhancement of university life." Simmons was the first black president of Smith College, a prestigious women's college in Massachusetts. From there, she hopped to Brown University, serving as the first black president of an Ivy League university for more than a decade before stepping down in 2012. In retirement, she moved to Houston, where her family lives, and she was peppered with job offers. But when A&M Chancellor John Sharp pitched her on Prairie View in Houston's Hobby Airport, she said yes. "I knew Dr. Simmons was the right fit to lead Prairie View when we asked her to serve as interim president," Sharp said in a news release. "I am so excited by the prospect of President Simmons serving our campus for the long-term." Lindsay Ellis writes about higher education for the Chronicle. She'd love to hear from other Prairie View students and faculty on Simmons' transition to the university. You can follow her on Twitter and send her tips at lindsay.ellis@chron.com. Oct. 2 At 1:32 p.m., Officers Guerra and Schwausch were dispatched to 5002 Bellaire Blvd. in reference to a theft in progress. Officers searched the area and located a suspect who had stolen items. The suspect was arrested for felony theft. Oct. 3 At 11:26 p.m., Officer Barrientos responded to a criminal trespass call in the 4300 block of Bellaire Blvd. Upon arrival, Ofc. Barrientos observed a black male wearing yellow coat and pants standing on top of rail road tracks impeding traffic. During the investigation, the male suspect did not comply with Ofc. Barrientos commands and ran away on foot. Ofc. Barrientos was able to place the subject in custody. At 12:35 a.m., Officer Proctor observed a maroon Pontiac G5 with a defective rear license plate light. Officer Proctor initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle at the 5100 block of Bellaire Blvd. and made contact with the driver. After further investigation, the driver was found to be driving with a suspended license and no insurance. The driver also had two active warrants out of the city of Houston. At 12:52 a.m., Officer Proctor placed the driver into custody for DWLI Enhanced and the HPD warrants. Officer Proctor then transported the driver to the Bellaire Jail for booking. At 8:51 a.m., Officer Vorhees conducted a traffic stop on a Jeep for invalid temporary tag in the 5400 block of Bellaire Boulevard. The driver was subsequently found to be operating a motor vehicle while her Texas Driver's License was currently suspended. The driver was arrested and taken to the Bellaire Jail where she was booked for the charge of driving while license suspended/enhanced (Class B Misd) with no insurance. Oct. 4 At 11:30 a.m., Officer H. Lopez was dispatched to the Bellaire Police Department lobby in reference to an identity theft. The victim stated an unknown person obtained her information and used it to cancel her cell phone account. At 9:58 a.m., Officer Vorhees was dispatched to 5020 Bellaire Blvd. to meet with the victim in reference to a burglary of motor vehicle. Upon arrival, Officer Vorhees spoke with victim who stated she had her purse stolen from her vehicle while fueling her vehicle. Officer Carson assisted with this case. At 6:30 p.m., Officer Younger was dispatched to the Bellaire Police Department in regards to an identity theft report. Officer Younger made contact with the victim who advised an unknown suspect opened a Dish Network account using his personal information. At 9:27 p.m., Officer Younger was dispatched to an alarm call at 6701 Chimney Rock Road. Upon arriving Officer Younger logged a plate belonging to an unoccupied 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The Jetta was found to be a stolen vehicle out of Houston. The vehicle was recovered and taken out of the system as stolen. Oct. 5 At 5:05 p.m., Officer D. Clawson responded to an aggravated robbery in the parking lot at 5301 Bissonnet. Between 5 and 5:05 p.m., the victim was walking toward the entrance of the bank carrying a large manila envelope containing cash. The suspects in this case grabbed the envelope from the victim while displaying a pistol pointed at the victim. The suspects then fled the scene in a black newer model sedan. At 4:05 p.m., Officer Marcotte initiated a traffic stop in the 5400 block of Bissonnet on a 1999 Lincoln for displaying a wrong license plate. The driver was found to have a suspended license and the passenger had marijuana in her possession. Both were arrested and charged with the respective offenses. At 7:42 p.m., Officer Marcotte initiated a traffic stop in the 5200 block of Bissonnet on a 2000 Ford Explorer after a witness observed the vehicle to be driving erratically. Officer Marcotte observed it to have severe front end damage and a missing tail light. The driver was found to be intoxicated and a passenger was found to be in possession of possible synthetic marijuana. Both were arrested for their respective offenses. At 2:36 p.m., Officer Schwausch was dispatched to the Bellaire Police Lobby in reference to a theft. The victim stated her political sign was stolen from her yard at 2:43 p.m. on Sept. 27. Oct. 6 At 3:12 p.m., Officer Liccketto was dispatched to the 4400 block of Verone in reference to a burglary of a motor vehicle. The owner of the vehicle left her vehicle locked and secured. The victim returned to her vehicle and found the driver side window broken. The unknown suspect took a backpack containing various items belonging to the victim. At 9:43 a.m., Officer Schwausch conducted a traffic stop and attempted to make contact with the driver at the 7400 block of Ashcroft Drive. When Officer Schwausch attempted to make contact, the driver made statements consistent with a sovereign citizen. After numerous attempts to gain compliance from the driver, he was placed into custody and charged with fail to identify/fugitive and interfering with public duties. At 1:51 p.m., Officer Andrade was dispatched to the 6800 block of IH 610 Northbound in reference to a major accident. One of the subjects involved gave fictitious identifying information, and left the scene. After further investigation, Officer Andrade located the correct identifying information of the suspect which revealed outstanding traffic warrants with the city of Houston Police Department. Officer Andrade filed charges on the suspect for Harris County Class B misdemeanor, failure to stop and give information (fsgi) and class a misdemeanor failure to identify fugitive from justice to be apprehended at a later date and time. At 3:45 p.m., Officer Younger was dispatched to 5311 Bellaire Blvd. in regards to a theft report. Officer Younger arrived at 3:48 p.m. and made contact with store staff who advised two unidentified black males came into the store and stole two IPhones. Oct. 7 At 2 p.m., Officer Carson was dispatched to 5101 Jessamine to meet with victim of a burglary of a motor vehicle. The victim's vehicle was parked at Feld Park. The unknown suspect(s) used unknown tool(s) to pry open the victim's driver door handle to gain entry inside the vehicle stealing a laptop. At 6:26 p.m., Officer Younger was dispatched to the area of 6700 S. Rice Blvd. in reference to a suspect who was acting suspicious. The investigation concluded with the subject being arrest for failure to identify as a fugitive from justice. The suspect was later transported for a 72 hour medical evaluation at NPC Hospital. Oct. 8 At 11:49 p.m., Officer Proctor was patrolling the 4400 block of Bissonnet St. when he observed a silver Hyundai Santa Fe run a red light. Officer Proctor then initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle as it was pulling into the parking lot of a Valero gas station located at 4439 Bissonnet St. Officer Proctor observed the driver's eyes to be bloodshot and detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from the driver's breath. Officer Proctor also discovered the driver had left a 10 year old daughter alone at her residence with nobody to care for her. After further investigation, Officer Proctor found the driver to be driving while intoxicated. At 12:12 a.m., Officer Proctor placed the driver into custody for DWI and child abandonment with intent to return. Officer Proctor then transported her to Bellaire Jail for booking. At 3:07 a.m., Officer Bellard was dispatched to the 6700 block of IH 610 northbound in reference to a citizen following an intoxicated driver. Officer Bellard located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. After further investigation the driver was arrested for driving while intoxicated. At 10:20 a.m., Officer Schwausch was dispatched to 5400 block of Braeburn Drive in reference to a burglary of a motor vehicle that occurred between 8:30 p.m. Oct. 4 and 7:30 a.m. Oct. 5. The vehicle was left unsecured in the driveway and multiple items were taken from the vehicle. At 8:41 a.m., Officer Andrade was dispatched to the 5100 block of Chestnut Street in reference to an identity theft. Officer Andrade met with the victim who stated sometime on Oct. 1, an unknown suspect used his personal identifying information to apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance loan and file a FEMA claim. Oct. 9 At 9:46 p.m., Officer Salinas responded to the Walgreens Pharmacy at 5002 Bellaire Blvd. in reference to a credit card abuse case. The victim stated that between 12:48 and 12:52 p.m., an unknown suspect used the information from his Visa Debit card to make three withdrawals from the ATM located inside the Walgreens Pharmacy. At 12:30 a.m., Officer Proctor was patrolling the 5000 block of Bellaire Blvd. when he observed a silver Dodge Durango bearing an expired temporary Dealer Agent tag. Officer Proctor ran the tag though the TCIC/NCIC database and received a return showing the tag did not display any vehicle information. Officer Proctor initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle at the 5100 block of Bellaire Blvd. and made contact with the driver. Upon further investigation, Officer Proctor determined the driver was driving an unregistered vehicle and the driver had placed a valid registration sticker belonging to a Chevrolet Cobalt on the front windshield of the Dodge Durango. At approximately 0054 hours, Officer Proctor placed the driver into custody for wrong registration insignia and transported him to Bellaire Jail for booking. Houston police officers overwhelmingly voted Joseph Gamaldi as the new president of the Houston Police Officers Union Friday. He defeated his only opponent, Robert D. Torres, 1598 votes to 150, according to Alberto Elizondo, the union's election chair. "I am excited and honored to represent the brave men and women of the Houston Police Department," Gamaldi said, shortly after the results were announced. Gamaldi, a 34-year-old native of Long Island, NY, joined the Houston Police Department in 2008, after spending three years working patrol at the New York Police Department. After joining HPD, Gamaldi became increasingly involved in the Houston Police Officers Union, where he spent five years as 2nd Vice President. He announced his candidacy in mid-September, after current-President Ray Hunt announced he would not be running for re-election. Gamaldi will take over from Hunt in January, at a time when relationships between law enforcement and the public have grown increasingly fraught, and where - in Houston - the department has seen its number of officers decline even as the city continues to expand. During his tenure as one of the union's vice presidents, Gamaldi made in-roads with local media and became a ubiquitous presence on social media, promoting the union and HPD officers on Facebook and Twitter -- and regularly appearing in videos with local animal shelters to urge residents to adopt stray pets. He also created a non-profit, Houston Officers Peer Assistance, to provide 24-7 assistance to Houston police officers in need. In the wake of the murder of five police officers in Dallas in 2016, he helped raise money so the union could purchase 600 heavy vests capable of withstanding bullets from high-powered rifles. Approximately one-third of HPD's 5,125 officers participated in the election, which took place from Oct. 9 to Oct 20. Gamaldi is married to Alexa Gamaldi, a fellow HPD officer. The couple has two daughters. St. John Barned-Smith covers public safety and major breaking news for the Houston Chronicle. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook. Send tips to st.john.smith@chron.com. One man was fatally shot after three armed men stormed his home and held him, his wife and their friend at gunpoint, according to Houston police. The shooting occurred around 1:45 a.m. in the 200 block of Casa Grande Drive in the Greenspoint area in north Houston. Silvano Cortez, 55, died at the scene. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A Dallas lawmaker is receiving backlash for suggesting that sexual assault prevention is "as much the woman's responsibility" as the man's. While speaking to NBC 5, U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Dallas) gave her thoughts on the ongoing conversation about sexual harassment and assault, spurred by the accusations against Harvey Weinstein, a Hollywood film producer and long-time Democratic donor. "I grew up in a time when it was as much the woman's responsibility as it was a man's how you were dressed, what your behavior was," said Johnson. "I'm from the old school that you can have behaviors that appear to be inviting. It can be interpreted as such. That's the responsibility, I think, of the female. I think that males have a responsibility to be professional themselves." Now Playing: Harvey Weinstein Is One of the Richest Men in Hollywood. Here's What We Know About His Money Video: Time Celebrities, people flooded social media with #MeToo to create awareness about sexual assault this week. OPINION: In Weinstein's wake, can Hollywood change? On Twitter, users fired back at Johnson, a 23-year-veteran of the U.S. House. On Thursday, Johnson released a statement clarifying the comments she made with NBC 5. "Sexual assault and harassment has no place in our society. This is something I believe deeply. And at each turn of my professional life, I have made it my mission to fight for women's rights," said Johnson. "I do not blame the victims of sexual assault for the actions of their assailants. I do acknowledge that my comments regarding behavior and attire come from an old school perspective that has shaped how some of us understand the issue, but that does not detract from the fact that criminals need to be held accountable for their actions WEINSTEIN: What's shocking is that it's not shocking "I will never condone those who feel they can abuse the power of their positions to sexually assault and harass women, and I will always encourage victims to come forward so that we can hold these criminals accountable," she said. Since the Oct. 5 New York Times expose on Weinstein, more than 40 accusations of sexual harassment or assault against the Hollywood producer have been unearthed. See the list of women who said they've been sexually harassed or assaulted by Harvey Weinstein. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate AUSTIN -- Medical marijuana dispensaries are moving ahead quickly to begin operations in Texas, with at least three companies now expecting to be open by early 2018. Cansortium Texas, a branch of Miami-based Cansortium holdings, was awarded the state's first medical marijuana license on Sept. 1, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety website. Cansortium Texas will operate the Knox Medical dispensary in Schulenburg. Jose Hidalgo, CEO of Knox, said cannabis is currently being grown at the location in Schulenburg and will be ready for distribution in by the end of the year. "The plants look healthy," Hidalgo said. "They look great, and the cultivation is moving ahead, and we are expecting to harvest sometime in early December." Now Playing: Point of Viewer - Marijuana Studies degree Video: Fox 26 Houston Under the Compassionate Use Act, first signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2015, licensed dispensaries will be allowed to grow and sell medical marijuana to Texans with a rare form of intractable epilepsy. "For those out there who think this is a slippery slope, they have to understand that multiple neurologists need to be involved, and they both have to agree that this is a last resource," Hidalgo said. "It's not even just normal epilepsy, it's intractable epilepsy, which is really serious. The patients that are waiting for this, they really need this medicine." Compassionate Cultivation and Surterra Texas are also awaiting final reviews by the Texas Department of Public Safety before being awarded licenses, as reported by the Austin American-Statesman. The Texas Legislature is requiring DPS to issue at least three licenses, but "no more than the number of licenses necessary to ensure reasonable statewide access" to low-THC cannabis. The dispensaries will only be authorized to market cannabidiol, a type of low-THC cannabis that doesn't produce a high and can treat a number of physical and neurological disorders. There won't be a storefront location where cannabis can be purchased in the state. Rather, the dispensaries will serve as hubs for delivery services across the state to patients and physicians, in accordance with the state law. The companies will also be required to pay a $480,000 fee to get initially licensed in Texas. Then they face a renewal fee of almost $320,000 every two years. Hidalgo said he thinks his company is helping people by being in Texas. "We founded the company to be a patient-centric environment," Hidalgo said. "We're all about helping the patients and providing the most pure and highest quality medicine. We do so in Florida and Puerto Rico, and we're ready to do that in Texas." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Harris County Attorney's Office is suing a Spring area Motel 6 after residents and law enforcement called it a criminal hotspot that has been attracting drugs, human trafficking and violent crime for years. On Wednesday, the Harris County Attorney's Office filed a lawsuit against the location. Unlike the district attorney, which handles prosecution in criminal cases, the county attorney's office can file civil litigation against a location to close down a business with recurring criminal activity. Assistant county attorney Julie Countiss said that the county attorney's office has worked to close other criminally linked locations, such as massage parlors and after hours clubs around the county. Now Playing: Houston has long been known as a major hub for human and sex trafficking. Video: John-Henry Perera STUDY: Why are illicit massage parlors so lucrative in Houston? "It can be anywhere from a few months to a year as far as when a lawsuit is filed until there's a resolution," she said. Illegitimate businesses that are used as fronts for trafficking or attract violent crime typically don't have the correct licenses and permits and can be shut down with more quickly. Legitimate businesses, such as motels may be ordered by court to take steps to address criminal activity, she said. "It depends on how cooperative the question on the other side of the lawsuit is," Countiss said. Last week, Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman announced 44 people had been rounded up in a prostitution sting. In the operation, he said four women suspected of being trafficked, but did not elaborate due to pending criminal cases against the apprehended suspects. Last month, a man was fatally shot in the Motel 6 parking lot following a dispute. Kim Strum organized a meeting for fellow Spring residents to air their grievances about the motel at a forum on Thursday. "I cannot stand by and watch without doing anything," she said. One resident said at the forum said parents who were aware of the crime happening at the motel were not allowing their teenaged children to take on part time jobs in the surrounding shopping plaza, which includes a Target and Best Buy, along with restaurants and other strip malls. Spring High School is located less than a half a mile away across the North Freeway from the shopping center. Although not present at the forum, Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle said he has heard the outcry from the community and has encouraged other county agencies to act. "When there's community outcry, we're able to do something," Cagle said. Unlike Houston, which can establish ordinances to fight crime, the unincorporated parts of the county, such as Spring, need to go through the state legislature to adopt ordinances, he said. At the forum, frustrated residents and parents of missing children complained to law enforcement officers about the perceived slow response to the criminal activity at the motel and asked what they could do to help. Amber Cammack, founder of Houston's Voice for the Missing, said she has had difficulties submitting evidence of human trafficking with law enforcement in Spring in cases of missing children. Assistant chief of the constable's office Michael Combest said residents who see illegal activity happening at the motel need to be good witnesses to be able to support the victim of a crime. He stressed that residents need to call the constable's office to report the activity to be able to start investigating. "We are looking at every piece of evidence," he said. To report any crime to the constable's office, call 281-376-3472. The hit-and-run driver who police say severed the spine of a 50-year-old grandmother after crashing into her truck, leading to her death, has been arrested. Police arrested Aramis Guerra II, 21, last Thursday, almost four months after the June 17 accident took place in Jarrell, Texas, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by Channel 6 News. A giant cheeseburger, a surreal looking fishbowl, and two blue-faced men hugging are just some of the surreal sculptures placed on an Australian beach recently. The sculptures on the beaches of Sydney are part of the Sculpture by the Sea public art exhibition. AUSTIN Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating an undisclosed number of debris removal companies he said "may be overpromising and under-delivering" across battered southeast Texas in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. The promise of investigation to look into companies contracted to haul debris came at the behest of John Sharp, Texas A&M University's chancellor who is overseeing the state's recovery operations. Sharp said in a press release Friday he is concerned some haulers are slow-walking the job. The summers final Live on the Waterfront concert was held Wednesday evening at Prince Arthurs Landing. The popular series in Thunder Bay has completed nine weekly shows that began on July 13. Wednesdays concert was unique as it was held one hour later in the evening to mesh with the 10 p. 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. All-Conference WEC teams The All-Conference teams for the War Eagle Conference have been announced with multiple MMCRU and South OBrien volleyball players making... Crane signs off, for now I miss my ol' buddy, sportscaster Keith Crane on the sidelines. I miss his friendly smile, his dedication to his... AKRON, Ohio - Summit County, Cuyahoga Falls, Stow and Tallmadge are taking the next step in the process of consolidating their public safety dispatch operations. The four communities, along with newcomers Fairlawn, Green and the City of Akron, announced on Oct. 11 their intention to hire MCM Consulting Group, Inc. to advise them on the implementation of the consolidated computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and the possible consolidation of their dispatch operations. The City of Akron, while exploring the possibility of sharing the consolidated CAD system with the participating communities, is not considering a consolidation of its public safety dispatch operations. "Given the changes in dispatching technology, all of our communities are looking at significant future costs to upgrade equipment, and keep it current with advancing technology," said County Executive Ilene Shapiro in a news release. "This joint effort by the communities allows us to share in the cost of planning for our futures both in terms of a new consolidated CAD system, as well as looking further into the consolidation of operations." Summit County will contract with the consulting group for services not to exceed $196,875, with the county paying $53,625, Akron paying $36,000, and the remaining communities each paying $21,450. Per the agreement, the consulting group will help the communities find a consolidated CAD system vendor, negotiate a contract with the selected vendor and help implement the system. For the second phase of the project, the consulting group will help the communities explore the possibility of consolidating their respective dispatch operations, including finding a centralized location for such operations. The process is estimated to take 18-24 months, and the county is expected to own and operate the consolidated CAD system. Want more Akron news? Sign up for cleveland.com's Rubber City Daily, an email newsletter delivered at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. AKRON, Ohio -- Parents, guardians and students who receive Individualized Education Program or 504 services are invited to attend a free Transition Expo Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The event will be held at Ohio Means Jobs, located at 1040 E. Tallmadge Ave. Attendees will be provided with information, tools and resources to navigate through the transition process to post-secondary education, employment and independent living options. More than 50 agencies and support services will be on site for students with disabilities and their families. The event will also include breakout sessions that cover topics such as college accessibility services, guardianship, Medicaid waivers and obtaining SSI/SSDI. The Summit County Transition Team, which includes parent mentors, Summit County school district staff and representatives from Ohio Means Jobs, Summit Educational Service Center and State Support Team, Region 8, collaborated to host the expo. "The expo will be extremely valuable for individuals and their families to attend," Jenine Sansosti, State Support Team, Region 8 director, said in a news release. "The transition from high school to adult life can be intimidating for parents and students alike. The resources and tools shared at the expo will help ensure the transition is smooth." Representatives from local agencies including Hattie Larlham, United Disability Services of Akron, Goodwill Industries, Department of Jobs and Family Services, Ardmore, The University of Akron, Kent State University and others will be in attendance to provide students and families with information on transition services available in the area. Transportation services to the expo are available upon request. For more information about the Transition Expo, visit summitcountytransitionexpo.com. To learn more about State Support Team, Region 8 and additional transition resources, visit sst8.org, or contact Helen Brophy, transition specialist and consultant, at HelenB@sst8.org. Want more Akron news? Sign up for cleveland.com's Rubber City Daily, an email newsletter delivered at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Robbery, Meigs Boulevard: A Chesterland man, 23, was arrested at about 3:30 p.m. Oct. 10 after he stole sunglasses belonging to a Brook Park man, then punched the man in the face. The attacked happened in the victim's driveway. The two men did not know each other. The Chesterland man reached into the Brook Park man's pickup truck to grab the sunglasses. When the Brook Park man objected, the Chesterland man hit him. Police later found the Chesterland man walking on the sidewalk. Criminal damaging, Holland Road: A Brook Park woman, 62, allegedly ripped flowers out of the ground on city property at a gazebo outside the Brook Park service garage, 19065 Holland. A witness saw it happen at about 6:15 p.m. Aug. 8. The woman snatched the flowers after someone told her they were annuals, and that no one was caring for them. Police said they're not sure whether they will file charges. Disorderly conduct, Holland Road: A prisoner in Brook Park jail faces misdemeanor charges after he urinated through his cell bars onto the floor and smeared feces on a wall outside his cell. It happened about 2:20 a.m. Oct. 10. Police said the man was not drunk or high on drugs. He had been arrested earlier for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Grand theft auto, Brookpark Road: An unlocked 2001 Chrysler Town & Country, containing a loaded semi-automatic pistol, was stolen between 10:30-10:50 a.m. Oct. 10 from outside AdultMart, 16700 Brookpark. Grand theft auto, Brookpark Road: An unlocked 2003 Dodge Caravan was reported stolen at about 2:40 a.m. Oct. 8 from the parking lot of Crazy Horse Saloon, 16600 Brookpark. Animal at large, Robert Drive: A dog sneaked out of its house, wandered down the street and fought with a pit bull at about 4:45 p.m. Oct. 4. The pit bull owner broke up the fight and called police. The pit bull sustained bites and cuts and was taken to an animal hospital. The attacker dog was returned to its owner. The city's animal control officer will investigate and decide whether to press charges against the attacker dog's owner, a 36-year-old Brook Park woman. Disorderly conduct-resisting officer, Sheldon Road: A Brook Park man, 26, wanted by police, was arrested at about 4:45 a.m. Oct. 7 inside an apartment in The Acadian, 21458 Sheldon. Someone called police because the man was arguing loudly with another man inside the apartment. Police told the men to quiet down, but they refused. When police learned the Brook Park man was wanted, they tried to arrest him, but the man resisted by pulling away. Police wrestled him to the floor. Theft, Dalebrook Avenue: An Amazon Fire Stick was reported stolen at about 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4 from inside a home. Police believe a guest might have stolen the device because the house was locked and there was no sign of a break-in. Marijuana possession, Interstate 480: A Rockford, Michigan man, 19, was arrested at about 1 a.m. Oct. 7 after police caught him speeding on 480 eastbound near West 130th Street. Officers found a beverage can containing marijuana in the man's car. If you'd like to comment on this story, visit the crime and courts comments section. Are you afraid of ghosts, or just curious? Skeptics and psychics alike are invited to the annual ghost hunt at the Western Heritage Center. The Montana Paranormal Research Society is bringing all the latest equipment to the Western Heritage Center on Oct. 28 to see if they can find the ghost of Priscilla, the kindly librarian, or maybe Tony Boyle, the union boss who died in prison after being convicted of murder. The paranormal investigators will have all their gadgets, including a night vision camcorder, electro magnetic finder, and a parabolic mic. Raising our Spirits: Paranormal Encounters at the Haunted Museum is not for the faint of heart, according to organizer Lisa Olmsted, operations director of the WHC. Lights will be turned off and the Montana Avenue museum will offer three floors of paranormal research. Even though its a fun night, protocol will be followed during the ghost hunt, according to the leader of Montana Paranormal Research Society Dustin Benner. The event is capped at 100 tickets so the museum will not be too crowded during the search. Tickets are $35 and include a glass of beer. For ticket information, go to www.ywhc.org. There will be an opportunity for visitors to share their own stories of paranormal encounters, one of the highlights of the event, Olmsted said. Benner has been chasing ghosts since the late 1990s. Recording video of a ghost is such a rare occurrence, he said hes only scored a handful of video proof of ghosts since 1998. We dont fake anything, he said One of Benners closest encounters with the spirit world was when he worked for the Bozeman School District. He saw a little girl around 10 at night in a dark hallway at Willson School. A week later there was an exhibit from the 1920s of students who had attended Willson School. There she was in one of the pictures wearing a school uniform. That encounter got Benner excited about ghost hunting and he said he spent the next five years video taping dust balls not knowing any better. Some paranormal hot spots at the Western Heritage Center are the conference room in the basement and the exhibit room on the main floor. Curtis Mattox, an investigator with Montana Paranormal Research Society, said late one night during research at the Western Heritage Center, they heard footsteps coming from upstairs, but no one was upstairs. And there was more. One of our investigators set her bottle down on the table and the cap flew off the top, Benner said. There have been stories about the ghost of a young girl walking around the museum, perhaps a patron from the days when the WHC operated as the public library. There have also been sightings of the ghost of an elderly librarian walking around after dark. This was a library, so there are happy stories about these ghosts, Olmsted said. Another fascinating ghost story from the WHC is a paranormal encounter with objects belonging to Tony Boyle, a Montana native who was president of the United Mine Workers Union in the 1960s. Boyle died in prison in 1985 after he was convicted of ordering the murder of one of his rivals, Joseph "Jock" Jablonski, and his family on New Year's Eve in 1969. Curious activity has occurred at the museum with Boyles walking stick and a clock with his image on it. The objects were donated several years ago by a relative. They are usually stored downstairs, but since there has been paranormal activity associated with them, they will be out on display during the event. Kevin Koostra, executive director of the Western Heritage Center, said he is a skeptic. But he was there the night that lights flickered when someone touched Boyle's walking stick, and later when a spotlight was mysteriously pointed at the clock with Boyles picture on it. CLEVELAND -- The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) will oppose a federal initiative aimed at coming up with a quick fix to the competitive problems of old coal and nuclear plants owned by FirstEnergy and other traditional utilities. PUCO on Friday voted to urge the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to reject a request from the Trump administration to quickly issue new rules aimed at helping the old power plants compete against new, ultra-efficient gas turbine power plants. The problem is that nobody knows how much such a radical change to competitive markets would add to customer bills, said PUCO Chairman Asim Haque. Haque said the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) had not conducted any cost analyses. He said PUCO has been working on a cost analysis of such changes with PJM Interconnection, the independent company that manages the high-voltage grid and operates wholesale power markets in Ohio and 12 other states. FirstEnergy and other utilities earlier this year appealed to the White House and to the DOE for an emergency federal order to keep the plants operating. They argued the large coal and nuclear power plants were less vulnerable to disruption -- because they store fuel on-site -- and could therefore add to the "resiliency" of the regional and national power grids. The DOE in September directed the FERC to develop a new market rule within 60 days to require the independent wholesale power market operators like PJM to somehow reflect the value of the old plants in their market rules. The problem is that the competitive markets are geared to finding and dispatching the lowest price power at any given moment. The FERC has been taking written comment from interested parties, with the final deadline for comment coming Monday. That has produced an avalanche of responses, many containing identical language, on behalf of FirstEnergy from local governments and other groups located near FirstEnergy's Davis-Besse and Perry nuclear power plants, and its last large coal plant, the W.H. Sammis plant in Jefferson County near Steubenville. The FERC docket noted that one filing, from the United Way of Jefferson County, had been filed by FirstEnergy itself. The filing disappeared on Thursday. "It was an inadvertent filing error," said Kate Sedgmer, the United Way executive director, in an interview. "That's why we withdrew it. It was not FirstEnergy filing for us. We filed it. We are working today to re-file it." Sedgmer said FirstEnergy representatives had talked to the agency about the issue. "They keep us informed on the issues," she said. "We need the plant. Sammis and its employees are vital to our community, Todd Schneider, spokesman for FirstEnergy, said company representatives have had on-going discussions over the past several months with local governments and agencies about the the complexity of the DOE proposal. "The bottom line is the people in Jefferson County believe that Sammis is an important part of the community and they are willing to take these steps," he said of the filings with the FERC. "They want to do everything they can to help our power plants continue to operate in their communities." The company has also waged a campaign since last spring to convince Ohio lawmakers to create a special subsidy -- paid by customers -- for its nuclear plants. That has not gone well and a scaled down version was recently introduced. CLEVELAND, Ohio - Newswanger Meats in Shiloh, the company at the center of a massive recall of Ohio-raised meat, is back in business with a newly approved water source. At the same time, two of the company's Northeast Ohio customers say they are staying loyal, and a national organization of professional meat processors is asking whether the recall was even justified. "We're still at the beginning stages of gathering information," said Christopher Young, director of the American Association of Meat Processors, "but at this point we feel this was mishandled and an injustice done to Newswanger. We want to push for answers and clarifications." Young's nonprofit trade and advocacy group, based in Harrisburg, Pa., represents 1,300 small to medium processors across the country. Galen Newswanger, manager of the Richland County business, said production resumed Wednesday after the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency officials tested and approved his company's new water source, now delivered by a tanker truck. His staff of six is back processing cows, pigs, sheep and chickens and packaging them for sale. The recall began earlier this month when a water test at Newswanger's by Richland Public Health proved positive for coliform bacteria. Those results, and Newswanger's illegal use of a pond for its water source, prompted the Ohio Department of Agriculture to suggest the recall, which ultimately topped 450,000 pounds, nearly a year's worth of production. ODA officials said the expansion was necessary after they learned that Newswanger's water hadn't been tested since November 2016, when it showed no signs of coliform. Mark Bruce, a spokesman for ODA, said that, although there was no proof that the water used since then was bad, neither was there evidence that the water used during that time was safe. They wanted to act with caution. Newswanger complied with the recall, which mainly affected goods sold in its retail store. Cleveland companies also were affected, including Fresh Fork Market, Brunty Farms and Bluebird Meadow Meats, which sell through local buying clubs, their own stores and farmers markets. No illnesses have been reported. The details of the positive coliform tests are not yet available, nor is the answer of how Newswanger could operate within the approval process for 10 years at the same site, drawing, filtering and chlorinating water from a pond. Newswanger said that the sample from the failed test in early October was drawn from a bathroom faucet, not from the production area, and he was aware of it. "I didn't say anything and I should have," he said. Wes Engelbach, head of sanitation for Richland Public Health, said he's been told to refer all questions about the case to the state agriculture department. But when asked, he confirmed his staff pulled the samples in Newswanger's rest room, and said it is not an unusual testing location. "It just depends on what is available to us," he said. Asked if the faucet was sanitized and the filter removed before testing, as is common practice, Englebach replied, "We're getting into an interview here and I don't want to do that." "Testing water from a men's room should never be a consideration," said Young, of the processors' association. "Coliform comes from the intestines. I can't help but wonder whether the test is suspect, at best . . . They should have come back and taken a proper test." After operating for a decade with a pond water source, Newswanger said he was unaware that standing water is no longer allowable. "I'm trying to figure out how we've been getting approval, if that's the case," he said. "Our understanding is that [Newswanger] believed he had an approved source," said Bruce, the ODA spokesman. "And the actual approval of the source is up to the local department of health." That is Richland County, which has referred such questions back to ODA. Processors must have their water tested twice a year, but Newswanger did not file a mid-year test. Consequently, the recall reached back to the last test, which was taken a year ago. "The onus is on the company to make sure water is tested twice a year. This is not something we track . . . The department is working proactively to help processors to better understand our regulations." Bruce said those regulations are available from the department by email and newsletters, and at several Ohio conferences. "I don't know if there's any direct outreach" to individual processors, he said. In an email to customers this week, owners of meat producer Brunty Farms in the Cuyahoga Valley said they were complying with the recall, but still have trust in Newswanger Meats. "They have done an excellent job meeting the demands of two of the largest producers of pasture-based meat operations in the Northeast Ohio region," said the newsletter. "We have searched far and long for a processor to be able to do this. "We are by no means downplaying the severity of coliform, however, we are frustrated with how this was handled. These are not big companies like the ODA is used to dealing with. These are small farms and family-owned companies, many of which will undoubtedly feel the financial burden of this." Trevor Clatterbuck of Fresh Fork Market, a local food buying club, said he also is participating in the recall, and will continue his relationship with Newswanger. "I have always been impressed with the cleanliness of his facility, the professional attitudes of his employees, and their skill in making sausages and smoking meat," he told his customers. "He is one of the best small processors in the state." Young, of the processors association, said he is hopeful for upcoming talks with the ODA. Newswanger himself said in an interview that he is moving forward. "At this point I'm not interested in arguing it. The decision to do the recall wasn't anybody's but mine. Food safety is still the most important part of any food business." The Plain Dealer has asked ODA for further records regarding the recall. ELYRIA, Ohio - A judge in Lorain County found a Vermilion woman guilty of the shooting death of her husband in their home. Julene Simko, 38, was convicted of aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence in the Nov. 18, 2009 killing of 36-year-old Jeremy Simko. Lorain County Common Pleas Court Judge Mark Betleski handed down the verdict Friday after a two-week trial. Julene Simko told investigators that an intruder shot her husband, and she was charged more than five years after his death Betleski will sentence her at 9 a.m. Oct. 26. Betleski considered the defense's theory that the killing was carried about by an armed intruder, but investigators found no sign of forced entry into the home and the doors were locked that night. "It's not common that we in the court system see break-ins at 6 o' clock in the morning," he said. "If it was a stranger-robber, why leave the gun?" He also said there was no third-party DNA in the home. The curio cabinet that the gun was taken from was only slightly ajar. Betleski said if a stranger broke into the home and found the gun, the cabinet would have likely been wide open and rummaged through. Betleski further noted during the hearing that the couple's dogs would alert if there was an intruder. The Simkos also have a do not trespass sign and security cameras. The state also noted during the trial that the couple had financial problems and was recently denied a loan in the days leading up to the shooting. The judge said that he didn't find a sufficient motive, but also noted that the state is not required to establish one. Simko called 911 about 6 a.m. that day and told a dispatcher she found her husband dead in a second-floor bedroom of their home on North Ridge Road. Authorities found the back door unlocked when they arrived at the home. She told police that she was asleep on the third floor when she heard a sound and went downstairs to find out what happened. She found her husband dead. Prosecutors said Simko shot her husband with a .357 Magnum Smith & Wesson. She went upstairs and fired a shot to the back of his head. Investigators recovered the bullet from the window and they found the gun on the floor by the back door, Lorain County Prosecutor Dennis Will previously said. Simko's attorney Jack Bradley said investigators didn't consider any other suspects in the case and developed tunnel vision. They didn't look at any other possibility other than she killed her husband. Simko slept in a different room because he kept snoring, he said. She heard the sound and went into the pitch-black bedroom and eventually got into bed with her husband. She felt something wet, determined it was blood and got scared, Bradley said during his opening statements. She got a pistol out of the drawer, heard a noise in the hallway and went to the front of the bed. She shot into the hallway to scare off any intruders in the home, Bradley said. If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Friday's crime and courts comments section. BEACHWOOD, Ohio - - Although Jewish people are known for their prominent role in the medical field, past and present, they weren't always welcomed in the profession with open arms. In the early 20th Century, when anti-Semitism was on the rise, Jews were either shunned from medical school or kept to a minimum with quotas, reveals "Beyond Chicken Soup: Jews & Medicine in America," a recently opened exhibit at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage in Beachwood. In some cases, Jewish medical school graduates had to leave the country to train and practice. As a result, Jewish hospitals were created for Jewish doctors to train and pursue their work, and to treat poor Jewish immigrants and other low-income communities. One such hospital was Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Cleveland. The Young Ladies Hebrew Association raised money to open the first building, a nearly 40-bed hospital on East 37th Street in Cleveland in 1903. The East 105th Street building that expanded the hospital and served generations of Clevelanders was closed by its then for-profit owners in 2000. "Even though it was considered a Jewish community hospital, people from across the community were welcome and received care," said Dahlia Fisher of the Maltz Museum. "Even people who couldn't afford medical care were accepted and treated." Beyond Chicken Soup - the name referencing the lighter side of the Jewish contribution to health care - was created by the Jewish Museum of Maryland with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities and Institute of Museum and Library Services. Cleveland is the first stop on its tour. "We accepted it with permission to add Cleveland-centric history and personalities," said Fisher. "When Deborah Cardin from the Jewish Museum of Maryland joined us for the preview she was pleased at how we brought in contributions from the medical community in this area. It gave us the opportunity to remember and honor Mt. Sinai, which is such an important part of Cleveland and its history." Broadly, the multi-gallery exhibit includes medical writings dating back to the sixth century, books, documents, photos and artifacts. One sign, titled, "Jewish Penicillin," recalls that the medieval philosopher-physician Maimonides, apparently way ahead of his time, prescribed chicken soup for symptoms of flu, a soothing remedy that Jewish mothers still stand by. In 2008, any doubts were erased when researchers at the University of Nebraska found that chicken soup slowed the movement of neutrophils that cause inflammation associated with colds and flu, although they were unable to isolate the specific ingredients that caused the reaction. On display is a violin that Morris Abramovitz played to earn money to afford medical school and his receipts for payment to the school. Abramovitz is famous for discovering a method of injecting multiple medications at one time into the body. He emigrated from Lithuania in 1901 and opened a practice in East Baltimore serving the immigrant and sailor populations. The Cleveland-centric area remembers Dr. Marcus Rosenwasser, the first Jewish doctor in Cleveland. His parents settled here in 1862 when he was six. After studying medicine in Europe he returned to Cleveland to practice. Dr. Myron Metzenbaum, born in Cleveland in 1876, created Metzenbaum scissors, still used today and on display in the exhibit. Dr. Victor Vertes of Mt. Sinai enlisted the aid of Mt. Sinai Hospital trustee Marion Levy, a mechanical engineer, to develop a kidney dialysis machine that cut the cost of treatment by 75 percent. Mt. Sinai doctors also developed methods to substantially reduce the time required for such treatments. In 1983 Dr. Wulf Utian and his team, including Dr. James Goldfarb, were responsible for Ohio's first in-vitro fertilization. Three years later they accomplished the world's first surrogate birth. In 1952, Dr. Jac Geller performed the world's first surgical procedure to successfully separate conjoined twins. Dr. Jeffrey Ponsky co-developed the internationally adopted Gauderer-Ponsky method, a minimally invasive surgical technique to deliver nutritional liquids directly into the stomachs of infant and adult patients who cannot take food orally. Dr. Ponsky is the exhibit's local advisory chair. Beyond Chicken Soup isn't meant to be a hall of fame. Rather, according to the museum, it illustrates how the field of medicine has at once been a vehicle for discrimination, acculturation and the strengthening of Jewish identity. The question begs, why over the centuries have so many Jewish people been drawn to medicine? "Because the occupation is portable," said Fisher. "You can take it with you even if you are displaced from your home." But a wall display notes: "It may be time to retire the 'Jewish doctor' stereotype. The percentage of medical school applications has declined, while new immigrants and minority groups are bringing their diverse voices to healthcare in even greater numbers. Today's medical students are building on a legacy left by earlier generations, including Jews, who broke down barriers." Maltz Museum Managing Director David Schafer said the exhibit should appeal to a wide audience. "We hope educators bring students, but others should come, too, because issues of bias and civil rights are always important. Lots of the topics addressed in this exhibit are still relevant today, such as health care access and how do we keep our citizens healthy. There are a lot of golden nuggets in this exhibit that should appeal to many." Maltz Museum is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday. Admission is $12 for adults; $10 for groups of 10 or more; $10 students 12 and older; $5 ages 5 to 11; free for Maltz Museum members. Blues musician Leroy Miller is performing Blues & Brews with Adam Rutt on bass and Michael Staus on drums at the Garage Pub on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. Miller has worked with musicians like John Mayer, Macy Gray and Smash Mouth. He has also toured all over the world as a supporting act for bands such as Aerosmith and the Dave Mathews Band. Now based in Roberts, Miller has been performing at local venues for the last year after performing across the country at venues ranging from The Whiskey A Go-Go in Hollywood to Webster Hall in Manhattan. Miller began performing shows at The Roxy in Hollywood, eventually landing him a record deal with Geffen Records. He released "Nothing Sacred," which was produced by Mike Frasier, who is known for his work with Aerosmith and AC/DC. Miller then signed a deal with Hollywood Records where he co-produced his self titled album "Leroy" with Grammy award winning producer Rob Cavallo mixed by Jack Joseph Puig. Miller's music has been licensed numerous times in film and TV, most notably "Scrubs" on NBC and "Arrested Development" on Fox and Netflix. His music has been featured in films, including "Black Sheep," starring Chris Farley and David Spade and "Driven" starting Sly Stallone. His hits include "Get A Job" and "Good Time," which has gathered more than 10 million views and counting. In 2015, Leroy released his fifth solo album, titled "Off The Rails," for TML Records. A Glendive man was arrested Friday in connection to his fathers killing, four days after telling authorities hed found the 80-year-olds body. Todd C. Fisher, 44, was taken into custody on Friday while at his fathers home at 122 Road 238 in Glendive. The son went to the Dawson County Sheriffs Office at approximately 7 a.m. on Monday to report hed found his fathers body at the home. An autopsy conducted at the Eastern Montana Crime lab in Billings determined the elder Fisher died of a single gunshot wound to the head. The investigation, a joint effort by the Dawson County Sheriffs Office and the Division of Criminal Investigation, is ongoing. Dawson County Deputy County Attorney Brett Irigoin has sealed the affidavit in the case, according to a press release. Additional details may be released when available. No court appearances have yet been scheduled in the case. The Federal Elections Commission will review a complaint by a national Democratic group alleging that Montana GOP Senate candidate Russell Faggs exploratory committee was improper. The American Democracy Legal Fund alleges that Russell Faggs exploratory committee was operating like a campaign for the four months leading up to Faggs official candidacy announcement Oct 14. ADLF had announced Oct. 6 that it had filed its complaint against Fagg. However, the FEC had no record of receiving the complaint until a week after Fagg became an official candidate. The group is asking the FEC to require Fagg to disclose any fundraising or campaign spending that occurred during his exploratory committee phase. The group is represented by Brad Woodhouse, who according to the Center for Responsive Politics, is a former strategist for President Barack Obama and a former communications director for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. He is also past president of American Bridge Political Action Committee, a key funding source for ADLF. Fagg has insisted his exploratory committee passes legal muster. The committee was launched shortly after Fagg announced he was going to retire from his 20 years as a Yellowstone County District Judge. Judicial ethics prohibited Fagg from running for another public office before he retired. The day after retiring, Fagg announced his candidacy. At issue is whether Fagg had made up his mind about running for office before entering the race Oct. 14. Federal elections law allows a person to explore a run for office without meeting the requirements of an actual candidate. However, there are rules for an exploratory run. A person who has decided to run for office cannot operate under the less transparent requirements extended to people who are candidate curious. Exploratory committees dont have to report how much money theyve raised, or how that money is being spent. Candidates have to disclose donations and expenses. The FEC testing the waters rules for exploratory committees dont allow those who are candidate curious to advertise their intention to run for office, or raise money beyond whats needed for an exploratory committee. Telling people youre a candidate is also not allowed; neither is announcing party affiliation. ADLF contends that Fagg crossed the line into candidacy during August. Fagg had an exploratory committee website with criticisms of U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, Faggs would-be Democratic opponent. Fagg was also distributing biographical information about himself. Then a district judge, Fagg was also looking for exploratory committee volunteers and had collected a few endorsements by Republicans. CORNWALL, Ontario To celebrate Small Business Week, the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre (CBEC) and the Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) organized a Bridges to Better Business seminar. The seminar included a morning of workshops designed to promote networking, and to generate new ideas for small businesses looking to grow. The event was held at the Ramada Inn and was well attended with the conference room packed with small business representatives. After lunch, the event was capped off by Ian Portsmouth, the Managing Director at Newcom Business Media Inc., which identifies itself as Canadas premier business-to-business publisher. The keynote sponsor for the event was the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). Portsmouth started his talk by going over the recent history of entrepreneurship in Canada. 1982 was the not so golden age of entrepreneurship, he said. Canada from its founding was about big government and big business. If you told your parents that you wanted to be an entrepreneur, they might frown at that. Portsmouth said that the country has come a long way and that recent years have been a Golden Age for entrepreneurship thanks to things like, advancing technology, outsourcing, globalization, more easily accessible capital and more cultural acceptance. Portsmouth then engaged in an exercise with the guests in the room where he asked them to stand-up and then sit down once he identified what gave their business an edge over their competitors. Most of the room remained standing. He explained that a business not only should be able to identify what their edge was, but also to be able to define it. He gave the hypothetical example of a business that made the claim to excellent customer service, but instead of simply saying that in their company mission statement, they would instead say that their response time was within 40 minutes and that 80 percent of the time their response time was within 30 minutes. Portsmouth outlined five strategies for success that he believed small businesses should employ. These included Be like Advil, in other words provide a better product or service than anyone else and/ or at a better price point. Other strategies included, Steal the Best Ideas, Turbocharge your Team through insentives like profit sharing and open book management, Seek Trusted Advisors and Get Lucky. He then gave some examples from Profit Magazines Profit 500 of businesses who embodied these successful strategies and these included South Dundas own Homestead Organics, which is based in Morrisburg. According to Portsmouth, Homestead Organics has a board of advisors, uses open book management, has profit sharing and employee ownership. Homestead Organics has 25 employees, has a profit margin of $10 to $20 million and has grown 157 percent in the last five years. CORNWALL, Ontario Moses Sanderson, 62, of no fixed address was arrested on Oct. 19, 2017 and charged with threats, assault and breach of probation for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged during a disagreement on a city bus the man struck the driver in the face and threatened her and other passengers. Police were contacted and located the man a short distance away. He was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. THREATS, ASSAULT CORNWALL, Ontario A 32-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on Oct. 19, 2017 and charged with assault and threats. It is alleged on several occasions throughout the month of Oct., 2017 the man threatened his mother and assaulted her. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. During the investigation the man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as it would identify the victim in the matter. BREACH CORNWALL, Ontario Christopher Cordy, 27, of Cornwall was arrested on Oct. 19, 2017 and charged with breach of undertaking for having consumed alcohol and failing to keep the peace. The man breached two probation orders for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged on Oct. 18, 2017 police attended a residence for a disturbance call and found the man in breach of his conditions for having consumed alcohol. On Oct. 19, 2017 the man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. BREACH CORNWALL, Ontario Christina Smoke, 43, of Cornwall was arrested on Oct. 19, 2017 and charged with breach of recognizance for failing to abide by her conditions. On Oct. 19, 2017 the woman attended police headquarters to deal with the matter. She was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. BREACH CORNWALL, Ontario Steven Doychak, 45, of Cornwall was arrested on Oct. 19, 2017 and charged with breaching his undertaking for having consumed alcohol and failing to keep the peace. The man breached a probation order for not keeping the peace. It is alleged on Oct. 19, 2017 police attended a Lesieux Street address for a disturbance and found the man in breach of his conditions for having consumed alcohol. He was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. CORNWALL, Ontario On Thursday, Oct. 19, the Cornwall Community Police Service (CCPS) shot and killed a moose in Cornwall to prevent it from crossing Hwy. 401. According to the CCPS, the Ministry of Natural Resources says that they too would have killed the moose. In speaking with the MNR (the experts on wildlife) on todays date after the second moose was safely escorted out of the city, they advised the tranquillizer gun would not have been an option on October 19th, 2017 and they would have also used lethal force as there was no other option available, The CCPS said in a statement on their Facebook page. CCPS stressed that they did not want to take any life, human or otherwise. They stated that after the moose was killed they tried to contact the Ministry of Natural Resources to have the animal removed so that the meat could be donated. The Ministry could not make it in time so the meat from the animal was donated to a local individual. A man was sentenced Friday to 300 years for killing his wife and two other family members in April 2016. In June, Robert James LeCou, 41, was found guilty in Carbon County District Couty on three counts of deliberate homicide in the deaths of his wife Karen Hill-LeCou, his sister-in-law Sharon Hill-Lamb and her husband Lloyd Lamb. LeCou received a 100 year sentence for each victim and the sentences are to be served consecutively, leaving him with a total sentence of 300 years in prison, according to Carbon County Attorney Alex Nixon. "It was important for not only the victims and also the state, to see that he be punished for each individual," Nixon said. "He deserved to be held accountable for each individual separately." The gap between the guilty verdict and the sentencing is atypical, Nixon said, explaining that District Court Judge Blair Jones had missed time at work for personal reasons but wanted to be the judge to issue the sentence. "He called it one of the most unbelievably vile and unbelievably horrifying offenses he'd seen," Nixon said of the judge's remarks Friday. "The worst homicide he had ever had the chance to be involved with." In April 2016, all three victims were found fatally shot inside Sharon Hill-Lamb's home in Belfry, where LeCou had been living. Hill-Lamb, 72, had been shot in the face four times. Lloyd Lamb, 76, was found dead in his bed from gunshot wounds. Hill-LeCou, the wife of Robert LeCou, was found dead facedown in a bathroom with gunshot wounds. A murder weapon was found, but prosecutors had argued it was Lloyd Lamb's 9 mm handgun that was used. Days after the bodies were discovered, LeCou was found in Washington state, where he had driven in his wife's truck. LeCou will likely end up in Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge, but Nixon said the Montana Department of Corrections still had to make an official decision on LeCou's placement in the prison system. Of the 300 years LeCou was sentenced to, none of it is suspended and he will not be eligible for parole at any time throughout the duration, Nixon said. "It was exactly what we requested," he said. The hearing began at 2 p.m. and concluded shortly after 3 p.m. A combined 11 statements were read aloud in the courtroom Friday, either from family members or by victim witness advocates, according to Nixon. For his part, LeCou "just reaffirmed his claim of innocence, and that was it," Nixon said. If clothes help make the man, dozens of Billings job-seekers will stride confidently into their next interview after Thursdays Suited for Success event. The event is sponsored by the Human Resources Development Council with a lot of help from The Mens Wearhouse national suit drive. This is how I plan to present myself, said Chris Gifford, 33, an Army veteran who hopes to soon land a job as a programmer. HRDC had just outfitted him from the neck down in a new shirt and tie, sweater, slacks and dress shoes all free. How Im dressed will give me confidence. Alex Hansen, a Pathways instructor with Easter Seals and Goodwill, said the giveaway removes another barrier to long-term employment. You cant look like a young professional unless you have a young professionals wardrobe. Donated dress shirts, jackets and slacks, as well as sweaters, shoes and socks were separated by size and hung in HRDCs basement, which is normally a conference room. Four makeshift changing rooms were made available, and HRDC staff showed clients and other job hopefuls the plentiful choices arrayed. Ashley Smith tagged along with her boyfriend, Hayden Bruder, after the couple, who had been living in their car with their cat and its litter box, learned they had just been approved for housing. Smith has experience working in restaurants, and she was grateful that Bruder received a sharp suit Thursday so that he too could be appropriately clothed for his next restaurant interview. Each year during July, The Mens Wearhouse collects new or gently-used dress clothing from its customers. HRDC augments that clothing with other local donations. One anonymous donor gave $500 to allow Liz Harding, HRDCs marketing and public relations specialist, to purchase 20 gift cards to a Billings shoe store. Another donor and friend of Harding, Metro Realtors Tim Mascarena, held a fundraiser that netted HRDC 84 pairs of dress socks. After helping put on about five Suited for Success events in past years, Harding has learned a thing or two. People going home with a new tie sometimes dont know how to tie it; Harding not only had a one-page diagram of how to get the job done, but she sent several men home with a tie shed pre-tied for them. The giveaway began at 9 a.m., and the first customers were Alternatives Inc. program participants. Last year, HRDC, a community action agency that serves low-income clients in five counties, including Yellowstone, gave away nearly 200 outfits to about 100 people. During Thursday's event, 55 men were outfitted with about 325 clothing items or accessories, including belts and ties. This year, HRDC reached out to their neighbor agencies and other groups, including Tumbleweed and Montana State University Billings, whose students sometimes dont have a dressy outfit come interview time. A big part of what we do is employability and training, Harding said, adding that The Mens Wearhouse selected HRDC as its partner because of the agencys programs provide job-ready skills and training to disadvantaged men and women entering or re-entering the workforce. Nationally, The Mens Wearhouse, which has a Billings store at 2350 King Ave. W., reported it received more than 322,000 items, which the company donated to its nonprofit partners. 7 The Same Way We Dig Up Dinosaur Bones, Future Explorers Will Dig Up Fossilized Machines If some kind of apocalypse knocks us back to the Stone Age and we recover enough to start digging up fossils again, then future archaeology is going to be really weird. On a long enough timescale, anything can be swallowed by the Earth and fossilized until we dig it up and stick it in a museum. That includes whatever you're using to read this article right now. Continue Reading Below Advertisement According to scientists writing for The Anthropocene Review, everything that we manufacture, from pens to garage doors to tractors, will eventually be covered up by sand and dirt and become "technofossils." That sounds like a bullshit term made up for a Michael Bay movie, but it's a real concept which kids might learn in third grade one day. Imagine future dig sites where people are using little chisels and brushes to delicately extract your PlayStation, or your phone charger, or your dildo (or your phone charger / dildo). And depending on how far removed our cultural memory is from modern times, they'll probably have no idea what half of this stuff even is. Future museums might look like Ariel's treasure room from The Little Mermaid, with plaques explaining how forks were used for combing hair and cheese graters were defensive weapons. Continue Reading Below Advertisement And this has the potential to get weird. Imagine future scientists digging up the Neon Boneyard, the place where Las Vegas dumps all of its old neon signs. Or thousands of fossilized E.T.: The Video Game cartridges. Channel programs News Park Place President Adams Talks Acquisition Spree, Benefits Of Centralized Sales Force Alec Shirkey Share this Park Place Technologies has been on an acquisition spree over the past two years, purchasing six companies during that time, and the third-party maintenance provider has no intention of slowing its growth streak. The Cleveland-based company, No. 208 on the 2017 CRN Solution Provider 500, has acquired Com-Com, Ardent Support Technologies, Prestige Data Center Solutions, Performance Data, Allen Myland and NCE Group in the months Park Place itself was purchased by private equity firm GTCR in November 2015. "We tended not to do much in the acquisition realm in the last two years. What changed? A lot of it is size," President and COO Chris Adams told CRN. "We've gotten to the size now where we can consume these acquisitions and integrate them into our culture very efficiently. It became very appealing at that point." [Related: Park Place CMO Deutsch On Expanding Her Marketing Team, Improving Company Communication ] Since 2010, Adams said Park Place has experienced a compound annual growth rate of 27 percent. During the early stages of that ascent, the company was wary that dipping its toes into the M&A waters would add risk and possibly dilute its corporate culture. With GTCR's guidance and more financial muscle under its belt, however, the timing was right for a concerted expansion effort. The acquisitions all involved some combination of top-line, geographic and technical benefits, Adams said. The Allen Myland deal completed in August, for example, was done to boost Park Place's high-end enterprise storage support. The Ardent acquisition fell into the same category. NCE, the largest purchase of the bunch, expanded the solution provider's global presence particularly in Europe, which has become the company's fastest-growing market, according to Adams. Park Place has gone from having three U.K.-based employees to 80 to 100 within the past two years, he said. "We're seeing great results over there," Adams said. Another recently acquired company, Singapore-based Performance Data, was done with Asia-Pacific expansion in mind. The growth hasn't been as rapid as what Park Place is enjoying in Europe due to local hiring and relocation restrictions, Adams noted. Ultimately, however, he said he wants to see Park Place employees on every continent so that it can service all of its customers' equipment with in-house employees. Park Place's acquisition push comes during a time of widespread consolidation in the third-party maintenance space. Earlier this year, Curvature and SMS merged to create a $500 million company. CXtec purchased Atlantix Global Systems in August in a move that combined two more members of the 2017 CRN Solution Provider 500. The top four players in the industry have all traded hands within the last two years, Adams noted, which has some of the market's smaller and midsize players keen to join the fray. But as far as Park Place's buying strategy is concerned, he said it has been more strategic than forced. "We don't have to do acquisitions; we want to do them. I'm not sure that's true with all the consolidation," Adams said. "In some cases, there's probably more pressure to grow through acquisition. It's a key objective [for us], but not the primary one. There's probably a lot of pressure to grow. We have the luxury of making smart acquisitions. We're certainly the most active buyer out there, but what we've closed is a fraction of what we look at. We've got a pipeline of opportunity." As the Park Place staff has grown, Adams emphasized the need to maintain a centralized, global sales team that's largely concentrated in the Cleveland area to enable consistent training and to allow the company to effectively adapt to technology changes. Park Place has more than 100 account executives in Cleveland, he said, with another 20 in Denver and 25 to 30 in Europe. That setup naturally involves heavy travel. But the Park Place team feels that the rapid evolution of IT services has made it less of a "steak dinner" industry, as Adams put it, as customers become more concerned with ensuring their data centers are taken care than being wined and dined. Centralizing the sales force has also eased some of the burden placed upon Park Place's four-person integration team. "With a distributed sales force, it's very difficult to keep those people up to speed, whatever that change may be. Even if it's policy and strategy," Adams said. "We can put people in a room on any given day and have a discussion with them. We can train them, teach them and adapt to the market quickly. We feel like the competition generally is outside sales orgs, distributed, and they don't have that luxury. I think you see it in our success with our organic growth rate being so strong." Park Place, like some other large third-party maintenance providers, has strategic relationships with several other solution providers that range from small shops to massive outfits like CDW. The NCE acquisition has increased the total number of those partnerships to 100-plus. The recent growth, however, hasn't affected how Park Place does business with its own channel partners, according to Adams, who once again pointed to the company's centralized sales force as a key factor in mitigating channel conflict. "It's not an easy place in our industry to thrive. Sales organizations that are distributed, they're often willing to compete with that channel partner in a way they'd perceive it as inappropriate," he said. "If they brought a lead, you've got to manage the conflict. We would never tolerate that and we can effectively police it from [Cleveland]. We don't see strain around our channel relationships because of our growth; we primarily see opportunity." Data center News CRN Exclusive: HPE Global Chief Samuels Is Out, Whitman Chief Of Staff Hunter Takes Top Channel Job Steven Burke Share this Hewlett Packard Enterprise Global Channel Chief Denzil Samuels (pictured), who has been with HPE for just nine months, is leaving the company and is being replaced by HPE CEO Meg Whitman's channel-savvy chief of staff Paul Hunter. Hunter, a 15-year HPE veteran with experience as an HPE business unit and channel sales leader in the United Kingdom, takes the helm with HPE in the midst of the massive Next restructuring. HPE President Antonio Neri said in an internal memo that Samuels - a former Salesforce.com and GE Digital channel executive - has decided to leave HPE at the end of the first fiscal quarter Jan. 31 to pursue "other sales-focused opportunities." He said Samuels will help "transition" the Channels and Alliances organization - which was launched last month - to Hunter. [RELATED: New HPE Global Channel Chief Hunter On His Relationship With Meg Whitman, His 'Number One Priority' And The Changing Partner Landscape] "Id like to thank Denzil for his strong contributions to the business in FY17 and for setting up the team for ongoing success," said Neri in the memo. At the same time, he said he was "thrilled" to welcome Hunter, who will assume the position effective immediately. "Partnership is in our DNA and is one of our companys three core values," said Neri. "As we double down on the channel and drive more business through this key route, we would entrust this vital organization only to someone were sure can get the job done." In an interview with CRN, Neri said Hunter - who has worked side by side with Whitman for the last three years - is the right executive to lead the channel sales charge under a new global sales structure.. "Paul has the (channel) DNA and a deep understanding of the business with our channel partners," said Neri, who worked closely with Hunter during the British native's tenure heading up the channel and personal systems business in the United Kingdom from 2009 to 2014. "He knows all the channel partners cold. He knows the CEOs. Ultimately he likes to win with our channel partners which is the core of our strategy going forward." Hunter's chief of staff role, in fact, has put him side-by-side with Whitman in front of all of HPE's top partners around the world. Those relationships with top channel executives along with the confidence of HPE's senior leadership- including Whitman and Neri - will be critical in helping close deals in the sales trenches, said HPE partners. Rick Chernick, the CEO of Camera Corner Connecting Point, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise partner in Green Bay, Wis., No. 323 on the 2017 CRN SP500, said Hunter has the all important relationships within the company to make a difference for partners in the sales trenches. "Paul knows what is going on and what needs to be done," said Chernick. "Being close to Meg for as long as he has is a big plus for the channel. I think he is going to have a lot of success. I am very happy for him." Kelly Ireland, founder and CEO of Orange, Calif.-based CB Technologies, an HPE Platinum partner, said Hunter's chief of staff role provided him with "ample exposure" to the needs of HPE partners and customers. "With his past experience leading the channel in the UK to his years of being exposed to all levels and aspects of customer, distributor and partner relationships, Paul has the broadest breadth of experience that will be invaluable in taking the channel to the next level," she said. Hunter, for his part, pledged to leverage those relationships with Whitman, Neri and the sales leaders to help partners win deals and drive sales growth. "I can help the partners get things done and when there are changes in the company or there are initiatives we want to start I hear them immediately and I have got a seat at the table when we are having discussions about how to go and execute them (with partners)," he said. Hunter said his "number one priority" during the next 120 days will be to get out and meet with partners. Furthermore, he said, partners can count on no sudden changes in HPE's channel strategy or direction. "One of the real advantages of working with HPE is we have been a predictable partner to work with," said Hunter, noting that the company's 2017 partner satisfaction scores are up compared to a year ago. "Actually the first thing I need to do is not change too much stuff. I think there is a tendency when new leaders get appointed the first thing they want to do is go and change a ton of stuff. That will not be my inclination. My inclination will be to build on what is already working." One significant change with Hunter taking the role is he will have responsibility for all route to market programs including ISVs,OEMs and system integrators. That was not the case under Samuels. "That is important because as you know the landscape for partners is changing and partners are changing their business models," said Hunter. "There is no one traditional channel partner anymore. There are partners and they have different business models and what they do for customers is changing and we need to have program capabilities that encompass all types of partners with respect to their specializations." Hunter said he is particularly excited about the Simplivity and Nimble 100 percent channel sales model. "If we are able to do with Simplivity and Nimble what we have done with Aruba that is huge," he said. "The Aruba business has grown by $1.5 billion in two to three years. If you are able to achieve similar growth with Nimble and Simplivity and apply it to our channel that is huge." Hunter said "it is a privilege" to take the top channel job as HPE moves to accelerate partner sales growth under the Next restructuring. He said he couldn't have better training for the new job than working under Whitman. "When I came over (from the United Kingdom three years ago) to be (HPE CEO) Meg's (Whitman's) chief of staff it was training for a future leadership role," he said. "I couldn't have gotten better experience than working with Meg and the leadership team in Palo Alto for three years. That set me up for this role to lead the channel team globally. I am privileged to be doing and am really excited about. It is a good time to be a leader in Hewlett Packard Enterprise.I think it is an exciting time for the partners as well." The full potential for agritourism a combined strategy linking agriculture and tourism has yet to be tapped in many Pacific countries, according to speakers at a workshop organised during the Pacific Week of Agriculture (PWA). Strong growth in tourism offers valuable opportunities for the local industries and rural communities in Pacific Small Island Developing States. The event, New opportunities in the agritourismsector in the Pacific, was organised by the the Vanuatu Government, the Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO), the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), to share lessons learned, examine progress made in serving tourism markets in a number of Pacific countries and assess results of previous support from the organisers to the agritourism sector in the region. Overall, more needs to be done to connect farmers, fishers and other rural actors to market openings offered by tourism and the hospitality trade, the meeting heard. A lot of tourists are looking for an authentic experience that teaches them about the culture they are visiting, said Chris Cocker, Chief Executive Officer of SPTO, which is urging greater innovation in using local products in the tourism sector, and less reliance on imported goods. The Pacific region is undergoing rapid growth as a tourist destination, with an annual rise of 4.3 percent over the past six years and 2 million visitors in 2016. Between 25 and 35 percent of tourist expenditure is on food and a significant increase in the number of local cruises. Since 2014, CTA, PIPSO and partners have been working to highlight the scope for harnessing tourist markets to provide revenues for local farmers and value chain actors in the region. New market opportunities The linkage between agriculture and tourism can open up new market opportunities, and serve as a chance for farmers and fishers to showcase their culture, said Ron Hartman, IFAD Country Director for Indonesia and the Pacific. Progress on developing agritourism in the Pacific has been identified as a priority to support the local agrifood and tourism industries. In Vanuatu, a survey revealed that 60 percent of food consumed by tourists is imported, all of which could have been produced in-country. Outlining a strategy to ensure that even remote island communities could access tourist revenues, the Acting Director-General for Agriculture, Benjamin Shing said it would be a mistake to miss such a valuable opportunity. With the advent of tourism in Vanuatu we noticed that a lot of the food eaten is actually imported from outside, he said. That has a boomerang effect on the tourist dollar. Erratic produce quality and quantity remain key hurdles to overcome, so that Pacific hotels and restaurants have greater incentives to source food products locally, including those from the fisheries sector. Agritourism and the promotion of using local produce can also be a catalyst to promote agrinutrition for local communities, particularly those engaged/connected in some way to the agritourism sector., said Alisi Tuqa, Acting Chief Executive Officer, PIPSO. Policy framework for agro-tourism Despite the challenges, a number of promising approaches are being developed in an effort to forge stronger links between these two important sectors, which together are the main drivers of the economy in many Pacific countries. In Samoa, an agro-tourism policy is aiming for sustainable development, making greater use not just of local food products, but also handicrafts and services. With support from PIPSO, CTA and IFAD, Samoa and Vanuatu have developed a policy framework for agro-tourism ensuring contribution from key ministries, including agriculture, tourism, trade and health and the private sector. Fiji and Solomon Islands are in the process of developing similar policy frameworks. In Fiji, which accounts for 40 percent of Pacific tourism with 1 million visitors each year, chefs are playing an important role in a strategy to offer local dishes in hotels and restaurants. Product quality has improved, but packaging and presentation remain significant challenges, together with better organisation of farmers themselves. Around 80 percent of our producers in Fiji are small-scale, and this is our biggest challenge, said Uraia Waibuta, Deputy Secretary for Agricultural Development at Fijis Ministry of Agriculture. One initiative seeking to involve rural farmers in tourist-related value chains by addressing issues of poor overall quality, supply and distribution involves grouping farmers into clusters. With support from CTA, IFAD and the Pacific Community (SPC), commercial farming company Joes Farms is setting up collection centres in remote locations in Fiji to fetch farmers produce. The items are graded and assessed for quality and food safety, before being delivered to tourist outlets, including hotels, restaurants, cruise ships and yachts. Father Kirby Longo headed to the Boulder River with friends Thursday to celebrate getting most of his personal belongings including his two fishing rods and all of his fishing flies back Thursday morning. Longo said a Butte resident found Longos duffel bag while walking a dog in an alleyway near St. Anns Parish, which Longo joined in July. The resident found Longo at the parish at about 10:30 Thursday and gave him the stolen goods valued at about $3,000. Longo said the thieves had crammed everything they had taken out of the middle console of his Ford Explorer into the duffel bag. Longo said there were CDs and random stuff I didnt know I had. A few things inside the duffel bag were broken. After reading the story of Longos duffel bag containing two fishing rods and flies that had been stolen sometime Tuesday night on The Montana Standards website, former Butte resident Gary Pyfer contacted Longo and promised to send him a new fishing rod. Pyfer lives in Seattle. I called Father Longo and told him the people in Butte are very nice people, you just happened to run into some bad apples, Pyfer told The Montana Standard earlier this week. Ordained June 23, Longo moved to Butte from Billings in July to join Father Tom Haffey at St. Anns Catholic Church on Farragut Avenue. The church rectory has been his home ever since. His SUV was parked near the rectory and ready to go for a planned fishing trip when the vehicle was broken into Tuesday night. Longo said he has received about $150 in donations since the story ran in the Standard. Longo said he plans to contact Pyfer to tell him he doesnt need the fishing rod now that his rod has come back to him. He will donate the $150 to a friend whose jacket was stolen in the theft. The jacket was not recovered. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate With more than 650 people at a Friday event in Greenwich, the Womens Business Development Council marked its 20th anniversary under CEO Fran Pastore, with attendees including U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Rep. Jim Himes and Small Business Administration chief Linda McMahon. Based in Stamford and with branch outlets throughout Connecticut, the Womens Business Development Council provides advice for women entrepreneurs, as well as financing for startups and established firms. Since its inception, WBDC has helped nearly 1,800 businesses launch while assisting another 3,800 companies already in operation. These businesses are not only serving our community they are providing paychecks to families, McMahon said Friday. Launching a business can be a lonely process. It can be hard and confusing and sometimes you wonder if it is worth it. Sometimes you need the help (and) perspective of someone who has your back. Pastore said she and her staffs drive the past 20 years can be summed up in a recent statement by Nitin Nohria, the dean of Harvard Business School, that the greatest dignity we can give to anyone is the gift of economic self reliance as cited by Pastore. I think we can all agree that WBDCs work on behalf of women entrepreneurs has never been more relevant than it is today, Pastore said. When a woman can borrow money for income-generating activities like starting their own business or growing their own business, it can ripple throughout their communities. In his own comments, Blumenthal agreed that the work of WBDC and like-minded organizations has a cascading impact not just in the economy, but in the arenas of womens health, legal rights and other elements of life and society. If anyone believes one (person) cant make a difference, just look at all the things Fran has accomplished, Blumenthal said. As part of its 20th anniversary, WBDC bestowed its Woman with Impact award on three individuals: Dara Lamb, founder of Dara Lamb Custom Clothing; Carla Harris, vice chairman of wealth management at Morgan Stanley and chair of the National Womens Business Council; and Abby Kohnstamm, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Stamford-based Pitney Bowes. WBDC gave its Deb Ziegler Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence to Flavia Naslausky and Camilla Gazal, co-owners of Zaniac Greenwich and Westport, which provides after-school enrichment programs and camps. And it recognized 20 other women business owners closely involved with WBDC over the years, with details of the event online at ctwbdc.org. The luncheon doubled as a WBDC fundraiser, with screens behind the podium flashing donations texted by those in attendance to 1-646-832-4321 via Textgiving.com some of them representing four-figure contributions. Event sponsors included Morgan Stanley, Pitney Bowes and Hearst Connecticut Media Group. Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman BRIDGEPORT A former senior labor relations officer for the city is suing over his termination, alleging it had to do, in part, with controversial raises handed out just before Mayor Joe Ganim returned to City Hall. For four years, from July 2012 until he was fired in July 2016, Thomas Austin was one of the key figures in the city involved in union contract negotiations and other labor matters. According to his lawsuit, Austin was illegally shown the door without being told why. The defendant (the city) has never informed the plaintiff of the reasons for his termination, either before or after, reads the suit, filed by former mayor Tom Bucci, a go-to labor lawyer for disgruntled municipal workers. Austin maintains that he was a classified civil service employee, distinct from non-classified elected officials and political appointees. And, as such, he could only be terminated for cause, giving him a constitutionally protected property right to his position and continuing employment. The city disagrees. Austin was hired when Mayor Bill Finch was in office. Finch lost 2015s Democratic mayoral primary to Joe Ganim, who went on to win that years general election. Ganim was sworn in on Dec. 1, 2015 and, having inherited a budget deficit, began laying off employees, including Finch hires. Austin hung on longer than some. Hes (Austin) really a political appointee and he served at the pleasure of the mayor, City Attorney R. Christopher Meyer said. Austins lawsuit suggests another reason he was let go retaliation for the role he played in raises issued during Finchs final days that Ganim and his aides sought, and failed, to claw back. In the waning days of the Finch administration, the City Council had tabled a new five-year contract with the supervisors, negotiated by the labor relations office, that included two years of retroactive salary increases. Non-union political appointees receive the same benefits as the supervisors union, and some council members wanted to deny Finch and his exiting aides that outgoing perk. But the council had been unaware that under state law, unless that body rejected the deal, the contract went into effect after a few weeks. Ganim challenged that outcome, and the matter landed in court. In March 2016, Superior Court Judge Barbara Bellis upheld the labor pact. As noted in Austins lawsuit, he and then-Deputy Director of Labor Relations Thomas McCarthy a Finch ally who was and is City Council president testified in the case. During the nine-day trial, Deputy City Attorney John Bohannon wove a narrative of a Finch administration desperate to find a way to push the contract through so they could reap the monetary benefits. And Bohannon singled out Austin and McCarthy in particular, both of whom received retroactive raises. Bellis stood up for Austin and McCarthy, stating at the time: The court vehemently finds that (neithers) actions were unfairly influenced by the contract (and) there is no evidence Mr. McCarthy and Mr. Austin were working against the benefit of the city. Regardless, alleges Austins suit, the Ganim administration retaliated by firing him. As for McCarthy, he too no longer works for City Hall. But unlike Austin, McCarthy last year negotiated a severance package with Ganim, whom had campaigned on preventing city employees from also serving on the council. McCarthy had hired Bucci at the time. McCarthy is not seeking re-election and will retire from the council in a few months. No matter what your job is, its likely that a machine will someday do it better. And, for many American workers, that day may come sooner than later. According to a paper published by researchers at Ball State University, roughly half of the jobs American workers perform could be automated in the near future; the study also found low-income work as the category most susceptible to automation. Related: 5 Areas to Automate to Drastically Increase Your Business Productivity While change is inevitable in the more physical professions, its increasingly apparent that knowledge-based jobs -- those requiring some special skills or expertise -- are equally at risk. In fact, some of those positions are already being replaced. The value of hard labor As a college professor, I spend most of my days reading, writing and thinking about theoretical topics. It often feels like my fingers are the only parts of me that get any exercise, so I like to set aside time on the weekends to work in my yard. I recently dedicated an entire day to whipping my front yard into shape. I grunted and groaned as I hauled dirt, hacked away at vines, chopped down trees and shrubs, and mulched. Aside from offering a great workout, those hours of grueling manual chores allowed my mind to wander in sometimes unexpected ways. In the midst of this exhausting work, I started to think about automation. I certainly enjoy working in the fresh air, but Ill admit it would be nice to have someone else -- or something else -- handle the backbreaking labor for me. I could always pay a company to take care of it, but I would spend as much time making sure the job was done right as I would doing it myself. Another option: I could invest some capital into advanced tools capable of handling the job: A few thousand dollars would buy a Honda Miimo, which is like a Roomba for your yard. Fire it up, and you can cut your grass without breaking a sweat. So, the message is clear: Instead of our paying for someone elses labor -- or paying with our own sweat equity -- we can let machines do the hard work for us. The economy employs engineers and entrepreneurs to build these advanced machines, and the upshot is that consumers need not turn to experts to tackle jobs around the house. In fact, Recode has reported that using these machines is more affordable than ever. But there's a problem with this thinking, in that Americans tend to view the elimination of jobs as a negative. One reason for those eliminated jobs -- automation -- even feels like the end of the world as we know it. Picture sci-fi movies and scenes of robots wiping out the human race. In reality, though, the evolution of machines will actually lead to a more prosperous society. While Amazon has started to use thousands of robots to help deal with menial tasks in its warehouses across the country, Quartz reported that the company is still hiring tens of thousands of new workers every quarter. So, highly educated workers will have jobs developing these machines, and less skilled workers will be able to use those machines to boost their productivity. Well get more output per labor unit, forever liberating people from humdrum drudgery. Sounds good to me. Bringing disruption to any industry Rather than a threat, then, the rise of more intelligent machines represents an opportunity to disrupt the economic status quo through automation. Here are three strategies for entrepreneurs who want to shake things up by replacing existing processes with novel new ideas: 1. Think in terms of value rather than cost. Entrepreneurs are successful when theyre able to find new ways of doing things. To successfully replace production processes, you must aim to create value rather than minimize or manage costs. You cant disrupt an industry simply by doing something a little cheaper than competitors -- thats neither a rationale for starting a new business nor a sustainable business advantage, as others will simply do the same thing. Instead, aim to develop completely new ways of doing things. Some people assume companies such as Amazon are successful because theyre able to undercut competitors on price. Yet Amazon has achieved 25 percent year-over-year growth, according to the Motley Fool, because it has created an entirely new way of delivering goods and services to consumers. Likewise, think about who gets the value you create. Entrepreneurs serve themselves by serving others. You profit only if your customers are satisfied, and you have to know who they are if you want to keep them happy. If youre able to identify a market for an innovative product or service and deliver value, people will pay for it. Cost doesnt matter as long as the value you provide is greater. Related: Four Ways To Give Your Customers Value 2. Invent your problem. Entrepreneurs have a tendency to think they need to solve a problem to be successful. That perspective leads many would-be entrepreneurs to seek a problem lacking a solution, but this is a shortsighted approach. If you want to actually disrupt a market, you need to invent a problem that doesnt yet exist. Apple sold more than 211 million iPhones last year, and the iPhone undoubtedly solves plenty of problems on a daily basis. But when Steve Jobs first introduced the product, it didnt solve a problem that anyone could identify. People didnt mind a lack of the internet in their pockets back in 2007 -- it wasnt a problem at that point. Instead, Apple changed the way people behaved by offering unprecedented value. A decade later, most people would be absolutely lost without their iPhone. 3. Ignore whats already being done. Its easy to fall into the trap of examining existing products and processes and trying to brainstorm ways to improve upon them. But instead of creating value, this approach tends to focus more on minimizing costs. When you think like this, youre entering the arena of incumbent firms and trying to beat them at their own game. Do you really think people in those organizations haven't thought about how to improve production processes? Of course they have. Your advantage lies in creating new value, which requires you to focus less on what other companies are doing and more on what could be done instead. When Arianna Huffington wanted to differentiate the Huffington Post from other media outlets, she knew she had to do something truly unique. So, she mastered the art of search engine optimization before anyone else was even thinking about it. While other publishers guessed at reader preferences, the Huffington Post team used data-driven methodology to give readers exactly what they wanted. Its no coincidence that the site remains a media behemoth. Related: 4 Ways Startups Can Harness Innovation and Disruption Automation isnt a new phenomenon, and it doesnt signal the end of work. Elon Musk discussed automation during the 2017 World Government Summit in Dubai, arguing that there are fewer and fewer jobs that a robot cannot do better. But even as Musk pronounced a future where robots will take our jobs, he predicted that this increased automation will help create abundance in our society. The takeaway here is that each innovation increases our labor productivity, meaning we can do more work more efficiently, reaching our desired standard of living along the way. For entrepreneurs, the latest wave of automation presents new opportunities to disrupt the economy and create a brighter future for everyone. And that doesn't sound like any sci-fi movie to me. Related: Robots Do It Better: Why Automation Is Good for Business Human Intuition Is the Future of Innovation and Entrepreneurship 5 Mistakes Sabotaging Your Content-Marketing Success Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. We here at the Citizens Against Virtually Everything are uncharacteristically enthusiastic about the candidacy of Bettina Rodriguez Aguilera for a soon-to-be vacant Florida seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. As you might expect, we CAVEs are usually against most things, especially in the political realm, but this next election cycle is promising to put Florida in the sort of national spotlight it richly deserves. Weve already got that eccentric Central Florida lawyer, Austin Gillespie, who has changed his name to Augustus Sol Invictus. He announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate after being a featured speaker at a neo-Nazi gathering in Charlottesville, Virginia, this summer. Mr. Invictus other claim to fame is animal sacrifice. I sacrificed an animal to the god of the wilderness, he once acknowledged. Yes, I drank the goats blood. Having one candidate of Augustus Sol Invictus caliber is more than enough for most states. But in Florida, hes just an opening act. And lets face it, his chances of being nominated by Republicans to run against Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson, seem, well ... remote. Even in the age of Trump. Which is saying something. But Bettina Rodriguez Aguilera is a different story. She has already been elected by the voters of Doral in Miami-Dade County to be their city councilwoman. And she has some strong ties to the Republican party. Her daughter is the former Republican National Committee Hispanic outreach director and her son-in-law is Vice President Mike Pences deputy chief of staff. Shes not some goat-blood guzzler. Shes a woman abducted by space aliens. At least thats what she said in multiple interviews. She said that when she was 7 years old, she was taken into alien spaceship that hovered off the ground, and that the three space aliens she encountered then have been communicating to her telepathically several times afterward. As you might imagine, this has already come up in her campaign. And to her credit, shes not changing her story. I join the majority of Americans who believe that there must be intelligent life in the billions of planets and galaxies in the universe, she said. We here at CAVE have not developed a position paper on the existence of intelligent life in the universe, but were confident theres not much intelligent life in the U.S. House of Representatives these days. So why not put a woman there who was abducted by aliens? Maybe theyll come back and take the whole Freedom Caucus one day. It shouldnt bother anybody that Aguilera engages in telepathic communication with benign extra-terrestrial beings. That would be a refreshing change of pace from the congressional status quo: engaging in financial communication with terrestrial lobbyists representing pernicious special interests that distort our democracy. And we could use a little Earth First sentiment in Congress. We here at CAVE arent even sure whether Aguilera would break new ground in Florida politics, which may already be influenced by space aliens. Look at our governor, Rick Scott. Hes a cross between a Saturday Night Live Conehead and Bat Boy from the Weekly World News. And has anybody really looked into where Scott came from? One day, he just arrived as a fully formed human being from Texas. Or was it Texas? Next thing you know, hes setting up medical testing clinics that draw biological specimens from human Floridians. Hes out there probing away. Probing, probing, probing. And somehow he became our leader by warning us to be afraid of terrestrial aliens from Central America. Go figure. Aguilera remembers the space aliens who took her on their spaceship as tall, blonde and Christ-like. Two were women and one was a man, she said. Thats more gender diversity than the average congressional working group on womens health issues. And its another reason why we CAVEs think it just might be time for a little space-alien influence in our national politics. So vote for Bettina Rodriguez Aguilera. Shes out of this world. Frank Cerabino writes for The Palm Beach Post. Email: fcerabino@pbpost.com. Mushfig Bayram Forum 18 October 20, 2017 Jehovah's Witness conscientious objector to military service Daniil Islamov has been jailed for six months. And the government has imposed highly intrusive Mourning Regulations ordering among other things: "Crying while grieving for the dead is allowed. But crying and wailing loudly .. is forbidden". Eighteen-year-old Jehovah's Witness conscientious objector to military service Daniil Islamov was on 13 October sentenced to six months jail, Jehovahs Witnesses who wished to remain anonymous for fear of state reprisals told Forum 18. Prisoner of conscience Islamov is the first conscientious objector to have been jailed, and his lawyer is preparing to appeal against the sentnce (see below) Protestant prisoner of conscience Pastor Bakhrom Kholmatov has been moved to a prison about 360 kilometres (about 220 miles) away from his home, and has been placed in solitary confinement. "We do not know when exactly he was put in solitary confinement and when he will be moved to his general regime prison", Protestants who wished to remain anonymous for fear of state reprisals told Forum 18 (see below). The State Committee for Religious Affairs and Regulation of Traditions, Ceremonies and Rituals (SCRA) and the state-controlled Council of Ulems have issued Mourning Regulations imposing a procedure that all ceremonies mourning dead Muslim people and the expression of condolences on this loss must follow. Amongst their highly intrusive regulations is: "Crying while grieving for the dead is allowed. But crying and wailing loudly .. is forbidden" (see below) Asked by Forum 18 if the Mourning Regulations were not both a violation of peoples fundamental freedoms, as well as state interference in peoples very personal emotional matters, Abdurakhmon Mavlanov of the SCRA replied: "I wonder why somebody in Canada should be interested or concerned for religious issues in Tajikistan." He then refused to speak further with Forum 18 (see below). And three actors have been given police permission to wear beards in plays (see below). A Tajik human rights defender who wished to remain anonymous for fear of state reprisals told Forum 18 on 20 October that the "authorities are radicalising Muslims by such actions", noting that "when the authorities attack the hijab and women, local Muslims begin sympathising with the radicals". They also commented that: "This is stupidity! Instead of finding real terrorists they punish innocent people" (see below). Conscientious objector prisoner of conscience jailed Eighteen-year-old Jehovah's Witness conscientious objector Daniil Islamov was on 13 October sentenced to six months jail. Judge Alisher Rafikozda, Chair of Qurghonteppa Military Court in the southern Khatlon Region, sentenced prisoner of conscience Islamov under the Criminal Codes Article 376 Part 1 ("Evasion by an enlisted serviceman of fulfilment of military service obligations by way of inflicting on oneself injury (self-mutilation) or evasion by simulation of sickness or by other deception"), Jehovahs Witnesses who wished to remain anonymous for fear of state reprisals told Forum 18 on 18 October. The Jehovahs Witnesses have been banned in Tajikistan since 2007, military comments at the time suggesting that the ban might possibly be linked to this pacifist community's conscientious objection to compulsory military service. Since 2007 Jehovahs Witnesses have endured raids on their meetings, prosecutions uing police agent provacteurs and torture whil exercising their internationally-recognised right to freedom of religuon and belief (see Forum 18's Tajikistan religious freedom survey http://www.forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=2138). Prisoner of conscience Islamov is the first conscientious objector to have been jailed. Prisoner of conscience Islamov was forcibly conscripted in April 2017, despite heath problems preventing him doing military service even if he wanted to do it, and has since April been detained in a military unit (see F18News 31 August 2017 http://www.forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=2312). In May 2013 the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Committee in its Concluding Observations on Tajikistan (CCPR/C/TJK/CO/2) "reiterates its previous concern (CCPR/CO/84/TJK, para. 20) about the State partys lack of recognition of the right to conscientious objection to compulsory military service, and at the absence of alternatives to military service (art. 18)". It stated that Tajikstyan should "take necessary measures to ensure that the law recognizes the right of individuals to exercise conscientious objection to compulsory military service, and establish, if it so wishes, non-punitive alternatives to military service" (see F18News 31 August 2017 http://www.forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=2312). Immediately after the court hearing, prisoner of conscience Islamov was taken to a temporary detention prison in the south-western town of Kurganteppa [Qurghonteppa] where is still being held. Where he will be taken for the rest of his jail term is unclear. Prisoner of conscience Islamovs lawyer is preparing an appeal against the sentence. Court officials claimed that Judge Rafikzoda was "not available to talk" and his phone was not answered on 18 October. His assistant Izzatullozoda (who would not give his first name) told Forum 18 the prisoner of conscience Islamov will serve his sentence in a general regime prison. He refused to further discuss the case or Tajikistans binding legal human rights obligations in international law with Forum 18, claiming that he does not know the case well. Protestant prisoner of conscience moved further from family, put in solitary confinement Prisoner of conscience Pastor Bakhrom Kholmatov has been moved to Yavan Prison in the southern Khatlon Region, which is about 360 kilometres (about 220 miles) from Khujand in the northern Sogd Region where Pastor Kholmatov and his family live, Protestants who asked not to be named for fear of state reprisals told Forum 18 on 16 October. While on trial and while his appeal was heard (which he lost) he had been held 80 kms (50 miles) from his home (see F18News 31 August 2017 http://www.forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=2312). Prisoner of conscience Pastor Kholmatov was jailed for three years for allegedly "singing extremist songs in church and so inciting religious hatred". The government threatened family members, friends, and church members with reprisals if they reveal any details of the case, trial, or jailing (see F18News 30 July 2017 http://forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=2298). The National Security Committee (NSC) secret police arrested Pastor Kholmatov on 10 April after they raided his Sunmin Sunbogym (Full Gospel) Protestant Church in Khujand, and harassed and physically tortured with beatings its members (see F18News 28 April 2017 http://www.forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=2276). Prisoner of conscience Kholmatov has been placed in solitary confinement in Yavan Prison, the authorities claiming that this is in accordance with the normal procedure in the Code on Execution of Punishments. Article 77 Part 2 states that convicts are placed in solitary confinement for 15 days before being relased into the main prison. "We do not know when exactly he was put in solitary confinement and when he will be moved to his general regime prison" Protestants said. "He will be allowed to receive parcels and visits from his family", and they also said he has his Bible with him and is allowed to read it. Prisoner of conscience Kholmatovs address is: Tajikistan Yavan Ispravitelno-Trudovaya Koloniya, yas. 3/6 6th otryad Bakhromu Khasanovichu Kholmatovu State regulations for mourning the dead The State Committee for Religious Affairs and Regulation of Traditions, Ceremonies and Rituals (SCRA) and the state-controlled Council of Ulems (which controls all permitted public expressions of Islam) have issued Mourning Regulations imposing a procedure that all ceremonies mourning dead Muslim people and the expression of condolences on this loss must follow. The imposition of Mourning Regulations was announced in September 2017 changes to the Traditions Law, which at the same time saw teachers being banned from attending mosques on the Islamic festival Id al-Adha. They and children were forced to attend school, even though the state declared it a holiday. Officials also banned haj pilgrimage returnees from holding celebratory meals (see F18News 12 September 2017 http://forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=2315). The only expressions of Islam allowed are Sunni Hanafi (see Forum 18's Tajikistan religious freedom survey http://www.forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=2138). Independent Tajik news agency Asiaplus reported on 18 October that the authorities had issued 500,000 copies of the Mourning Regulations. "Crying while grieving for the dead is allowed".. Amongst the Mourning Regulations are orders that: - Payment of fees for the work of grave-diggers must be made in the presence of an authorised state official; - Crying while grieving for the dead is allowed. But crying and wailing loudly, casting earth onto ones head, tearing hair out, scratching ones face [all traditional Tajik customs] are forbidden; - Only very close relatives and children of the deceased can stay in the same house with the deceased overnight. Close relatives can only publicly mourn for three days; - Wearing black clothes during mourning is banned; - Using microphones to amplify prayers during burial is banned; - After the burial it is "not recommended" to stay in the house of the deceased for many hours. "I wonder why somebody in Canada should be interested.." Abdurakhmon Mavlanov of the SCRA in Dushanbe refused to comment on 19 October, when asked by Forum 18 if the Mourning Regulations were not both a violation of peoples fundamental freedoms, as well as state interference in peoples very personal emotional matters. "I cannot comment", he said. When Forum 18 repeated the question, he replied: "I wonder why somebody in Canada should be interested or concerned for religious issues in Tajikistan." He then refused to speak further with Forum 18. A Tajik human rights defender who wished to remain anonymous for fear of state reprisals told Forum 18 on 20 October that the "authorities are radicalising Muslims by such actions". They noted that "the authorities say that they are for national values, but these regulations are actually getting rid of Tajik traditions which have existed for centuries". They also commented that: "This is stupidity! Instead of finding real terrorists they punish innocent people". "Total control of Muslim activity" The state has particularly sought to control and restrict all Muslims who exercise their freedom of religion and belief (see Forum 18's Tajikistan religious freedom survey http://www.forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=2138). Mosque demolitions, surveillance cameras, metal detectors, a ban on state employees at Friday prayers, youth activists to prevent prayers not in Hanafi or Ismaili tradition have all been part of the states increasing moves to "establish total control of Muslim activity", human rights defenders have told Forum 18 (see F18News 6 May 2016 http://www.forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=2175). Actors given police permission to wear beards in plays Commenting on the authorities campaign against women wearing the hijab and men wearing beards, the human rights defender noted that a radical group is using the slogan "Wives and mothers protect your honour", and that "when the authorities attack the hijab and women, local Muslims begin sympathising with the radicals". President Emomali Rahmon has been attacking women wearing the hijab as well as men wearing beards from at least March 2015. About the same time, police began forcibly shaving bearded Muslim men throughout the country (see Forum's Tajikistan religious freedom survey http://www.forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=2138). In Spring 2017 officials launched a massive renewed campaign against women wearing the hijab (Islamic headscarf). Victims and human rights defenders complain that women have been questioned, threatened and fined, as have some husbands. Some have lost their jobs or been forced to leave school (see F18News 2 August 2017 http://www.forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=2301). The campaign against hijab wearing women and beard-wearing men continues. Police in the northern city of Konibodom in Sogd Region have given written permission to three actors to wear beards, Radio Free Europe reported on 13 October. Khushnudi Dado, Farrukh Vaitov and Farkhod Tukhtashov of the Musical-Drama Theatre were all permitted to wear beards while performing in the ballet Death of a Usurer. The actors were given permission after police on 7 October stopped and questioned them in a street. Mavlanov of the SCRA told Forum 18 that the SCRA does not give such permission. "We do not give such permission, but in Sogd Region the police gave this permission", he said. Interior Ministry Press Secretary Umarjon Emomali Umarjon Emomali on 20 October told Forum 18 that: "I dont know who made this news [about the actors beards]". Asked why men are pressured not to wear beards, he replied: "We want to be a developed country, we dont want visiting guests to have the wrong impression of us as untidy people". Asked what this has to do with being a developed country, he replied that "we are not against beards but they need to look more cultured and well-groomed". He denied that the state forcing men not to wear beards and women not to wear hijabs violated their fundamental freedoms. (END) More coverage of freedom of thought, conscience and belief in Tajikistan is at http://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?query=&religion=all&country=31. For more background see Forum 18's Tajikistan religious freedom survey at http://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?article_id=2138. A compilation of Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) freedom of religion or belief commitments can be found at http://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?article_id=1351. A printer-friendly map of Tajikistan is available at http://nationalgeographic.org/education/mapping/outline-map/?map=Tajikistan. Twitter: @Forum_18 Follow us on Facebook: @Forum18NewsService All Forum 18 material may be referred to, quoted from, or republished in full, if Forum 18 is credited as the source. http://www.forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=2327 Following The Daily Helmsmanas article aStudent raped twice in 20 days: Alleged assailants remain on U of M campus,a many people expressed opinions on social media. As a disclaimer, I am not writing this to say Nick Wayman is guilty, or that Caroline lied about what happened or even that the university handled the situation terribly. I am here to say that some comments on Twitter were absolutely disgusting, regardless of the situation. Perpetuating rape culture and victim blaming is a huge part of the problem. So here is a breakdown of consent, victim blaming and rape culture. The Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center at the University of Michigan said consent is awhen someone agrees, gives permission or says ayesa to sexual activity with other persons.a It states consent should not be assumed by body language, appearance or non-verbal communication, and alcohol consumption can affect someoneas ability to consent. A According to Tennessee state law, intoxication impacts the ability to consent. aThe definition of mentally incapacitated encompasses the situation where a person is rendered temporarily incapable of appraising or controlling the personas conduct due to the influence of a narcotic, anesthetic or other substance administered to that person without the personas consent, or due to any other act committed upon that person without the personas consent, according to Tennessee Code Ann. A39-13-501. Now that we have looked at definitions of consent, letas look at what it does not say about consent. Consent is not when someone wears, or does not wear, something. Regarding The Daily Helmsman article, one Twitter user posted, aYou donat get in bed with someone half-naked if you donat want anything to happen.a But that is exactly what someone can do. Iam not saying it is what you should do, but someone should not be sexually assaulted based on what they are or are not wearing. Let me repeat that for the ones in the back: wearing underwear to sleep or wearing revealing clothing to a party does not give someone the right to rape you. Drinking a lot of alcohol does not give someone the right to rape you. Being flirty with someone does not give that person the right to rape you. Nothing gives anyone the right to rape you. The Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center said, aIt is important to remember that sexual assault is never the survivoras fault, regardless of whether they may have been intoxicated.a Blaming the assault on the victim for what they were wearing, how they were acting or how much they were drinking is victim blaming. In any case where a rapist is convicted of sexually assaulting a victim, no one should ever say the victim was aasking for it.a Iam positive that if you ask any sexual assault survivor, they will tell you that they were not asking to be raped. According to Southern Connecticut State University and Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence, aRape culture is an environment in which rape is prevalent and in which sexual violence is normalized and excused in the media and popular culture.a We need to hold people who are convicted rapists accountable for their actions. As a society, we are numb to the fact that, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, every 98 seconds, someone is suffering from sexual assault. We need to support victims and make it easier for them to talk about their assaults without placing blame on them. We need to stop appropriating rape culture by normalizing sexual assault. Rape should not be a normal thing in society. We do not need to become numb to the horrors that happen everyday. If you are radicalized, you must bear it. I remember when I captured a Viet Cong flag during one of my first operations in the Mekong Delta in 1967. Capture is loosely used, as I just happened to be the first drafted grunt to find it as the Viet Cong fled left by a unit of the 501st Viet Cong (guerilla) Battalion whom the 3rd /47th Inf Regiment engaged in numerous battles. Their flag, half red and half blue with a yellow star, an identity entrenched in their personal make up, just as it with ISIS and their Black Flag, waving as weve all seen on TV. Banner worship is significant in the radicalized mind. In my case, this fabric symbol wasnt booby trapped, however, the lieutenant of my platoon made me hand the symbol of their radicalization over to him the spoils of rank. This same case of radicalization is evidenced by Secretary Ryan Zinkes display of banner worship. It symbolizes a sultans tent where no shaft of light will penetrate. A fabrication of ones devotion to an ideology hoisted above, for all to acknowledge; and we are paying for it dearly in the land of the rich and flying famous. William Crain Billings With the busy lives that everybody leads and one eye on the clock for when Tesco shuts, you might have failed to notice that Beijing has this week been hosting the 19th Congress of the Communist Party. Some 2,300 unswervingly loyal apparatchiks have gathered to cheer to the rafters President Xi Jinping, the most powerful man in the world. Those last few words may cause some people to demand: but what about Donald Trump? It is true that the leader of the United States commands a much larger nuclear arsenal, and that his country is still richer and stronger than China. But Trump thank goodness is constrained in his excesses by advisers and cabinet members who have thus far prevented him from starting a war. America remains the worlds greatest democracy: its system of checks and balances is (sort of) working. In China, by contrast, there are no checks and balances, and there will be even fewer after this weeks slavish Congress, in which a cult of personality has soared to extraordinary heights. President Xi wields almost absolute authority, amid ever more draconian restrictions on dissent and free speech, even within the Party hierarchy. China needs heroes, he has written, such as Mao Tse-tung. In China there are no checks and balances, and there will be even fewer after this weeks slavish Congress, in which a cult of personality has soared to extraordinary heights. He thus celebrates a predecessor whom almost everybody outside China recognises as the greatest mass murderer of the 20th century, even ahead of Adolf Hitler. The American strategy guru Edward Luttwak warns that China poses a greater threat to world peace than the U.S. because of its leaders lack of accountability. The only institution that retains any influence is the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA). While President Xi talks to the world (without being much believed) about his desire for China to be a good neighbour, part of the fellowship of nations his commanders become ever more hawkish. Hundreds of billions are poured into armies, fleets, missile forces, with the defence budget rising by 10 per cent last year. The country has established its first overseas military base, in the port of Djibouti on the Horn of Africa, and now boasts a navy that sails the Red Sea and the Baltic. Some 60,000 people are employed in military cyber-operations of scary sophistication: four years ago, 140 attacks on U.S. institutions were traced to a single PLA unit in Shanghai. The Chinese own a formidable satellite-killer capability, which could inflict critical damage on American communications. Chinese people seem ready to applaud their armed forces new activism: their big movie hit of 2017 has been Wolf Warrior 2, about a Chinese soldier mowing down his countrys enemies abroad, on a more lavish scale than does Britains James Bond. Here is the Heavenly Kingdom, among the oldest and greatest civilisations on earth, seeking to reassert long-lost might and majesty. Young Chinese are taught that their ancestors possessed a civilised, literate culture five centuries before Julius Caesar invaded Britain. Around the world such thinkers of that era as Confucius or military pundits like Sun Tzu are quoted respectfully to this day. The American strategy guru Edward Luttwak warns that China poses a greater threat to world peace than the U.S. because of its leaders lack of accountability While Europe was still in the Dark Ages, under the Tang and Song dynasties China was a united empire that issued paper money, invented clocks and gunpowder, and built ships that roamed oceans. Emperors created architectural and artistic masterpieces that Europeans scarcely matched even after the dawn of the 15th-century Renaissance. Today, the Chinese reason: why should we continue to follow the dictates and to swallow the insults of the West? The U.S. navy still claims dominance of the Pacific, as it has done since 1945. Both Washington and Tokyo question Chinas right to extend its frontiers in the South and East China Seas. Above all, the West resists Beijings insistence on reclaiming Taiwan, where Chiang Kai-sheks Nationalists established a bastion under American protection after they lost the Civil War to Mao in 1949. The Chinese refer to their century of humiliation which began with the Opium Wars, during which in 1860 an Anglo-French army pillaged one of their greatest artistic masterpieces, the imperial Summer Palace outside Beijing. This symbolic climax of Western barbarianism stands close to the head of a catalogue of historic grievances that feeds Chinas modern sense of victimisation, and which it is determined to repair. Influential academics on both sides of the Atlantic fear that the mounting tensions between China and the U.S. and its allies could lead to conflict a potentially catastrophic war in the decade or two ahead. Trump thank goodness is constrained in his excesses by advisers and cabinet members who have thus far prevented him from starting a war. Chinese president Xi Jinping, pictured left, is not so The latest of such seers is Christopher Coker, Professor of International Relations at LSE. He writes in a new book, The Improbable War: A Sino-American war could prove to be the most ruinous the world has ever witnessed, if not in terms of loss of life, then certainly in terms of the disruption it would cause to the world economy, particularly if the conflict were at least partly conducted in space. And Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies at Kings College London, declares in his new work, The Future Of War, that armed conflict between great powers is almost certain to continue wherever there is a combination of an intensive dispute and available forms of violence . . . at first it may bear little resemblance to our common views of war, but any continuing violence has the potential to turn into something bigger. Freedman means, of course, that a new great power clash is likely to start with an escalating, yet invisible and noiseless, cyber-exchange, which could deliver a pre-emptive strike against the enemys high-tech weapons systems, or even more broadly its civil infrastructure, for instance electricity grids and telecoms networks. In 1991, an American expert on security and cyber-warfare wrote a futuristic novel suggesting the possibility of an electronic Pearl Harbor surprise assault. This has since become technologically more plausible. Almost no nation perhaps not even North Korea is eager to launch a nuclear first strike, justifying annihilatory retaliation. But many Americans, in and out of uniform, are apprehensive about the danger of a cyberwar first strike. Both Chinese and U.S. commanders fear that failure to knock out the others high-tech information and weapons-guidance systems early in a confrontation could fatally weaken the loser if hostilities heated up. Neither China nor Russia has allies, and thus both lack the long experience almost every Western nation enjoys of working with neighbour states, confiding in friendly governments Consider the effect if, for instance, a Chinese cyber-thrust disabled the catapults on a U.S. aircraft carrier: a 12 billion platform would suddenly become impotent. Nobody suggests that either Chinas President Xi at his most authoritarian, or Americas President Trump at his most unstable, seeks a big war. But Christopher Coker is only one of the pundits who urge the peril of reprising 1914, when Austria and Germany precipitated a huge conflagration because they started out with illusions that they risked only a small one, with Serbia. This is a comparison I made myself a few years ago to a delegation of Chinese military men visiting London, who asked if I saw comparisons with 1914, about which I had just published a book. I suggested that the huge irony of what happened a century ago was that if Germany had not gone to war, it could have achieved dominance of Europe within a generation through its industrial and technological superiority. Surely nothing at stake in the South China Sea or with Taiwan, I said to the Chinese, is worth risking all that you have achieved by peaceful means? A Chinese officer, obviously unconvinced, responded: But we have claims! In my own travels in China, I have often been impressed by how much real popular feeling exists, albeit stoked by propaganda, about the separation of Taiwan. Beijing has a case to rule the island, whose right to independence rests solely on the fact that it has existed as a separate society for 70 years because the Americans had the power to make it so. Today, the U.S. can no longer expect to get its own way about absolutely everything, as its relative power declines and that of China increases. Yet few Americans are reconciled to this reality least of all President Trump. China watchers believe that President Xi, his personal power strengthened by this weeks 19th Congress, may start throwing his weight around in ways that could generate a crisis for instance, setting a time limit for the return of Taiwan to Beijings control. In the South China Sea, there are constant tensions and potential flashpoints between the Chinese building new bases in previously acknowledged international or Japanese waters, and American warships and planes asserting rights of navigation. There is a real prospect of Japan not merely rearming but seeking nuclear weapons in response to the threat posed by North Korea, which Beijing seems unwilling or unable to defuse. China is morbidly fearful of regime collapse in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, followed by Korean unification and a U.S.-South Korean army on its Yalu river border. Christopher Coker in his new book argues that China, like Russia, is psychologically crippled by its own firewalls against open debate, and thus finds it extraordinarily difficult to relate to other nations, or to see things from others points of view. Neither China nor Russia has allies, and thus both lack the long experience almost every Western nation enjoys of working with neighbour states, confiding in friendly governments. Beijing sees things through a narrow nationalistic prism which makes it hard for its leadership to guess how an antagonist might act in a confrontation. The same can be said of President Trump, the most historically ignorant man ever to occupy the White House. In January, I compared his personality to that of Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, whose erratic behaviour did so much to cause world war in 1914, and others have since suggested the same match. None of the academics I cite above suggests a major war is inevitable. Some argue that Chinese ambitions are more economic than globally strategic; that the countrys internal difficulties and resource shortages especially of water will constrain its growth and keep President Xi too busy at home to gamble disastrously abroad. Yet the combination of Donald Trumps muddled mix of isolationism and aggression, alongside President Xis unconstrained dictatorship, poses grave dangers to stability and peace. We should not underrate the risk that a Chinese general or admiral might lash out on his own initiative or overplay his hand by firing on U.S. warships or aircraft. In the recent past, there have been episodes in which Chinas commanders have taken dangerous and provocative actions without reference to Beijing for instance, launching a new satellite weapon or testing a stealth aircraft with great fanfare while a U.S. defence secretary was in town. Again and again, escalation has been averted by wise caution mostly on the part of the Americans, but sometimes also on that of the Chinese. Statesmanship, which requires steady diplomacy and constant horse-trading, is indispensable to keep us safe. Yet this is becoming ever harder to come by when the U.S. government is weekly making wastepaper of international agreements and China is flexing its muscles. On one side, we see a rising power impelled by a centuries-old sense of grievance; on the other, the U.S., with a sense of global entitlement no longer compatible with the aspirations and might of others. In 1910, Brigadier Henry Wilson, commandant of the British Armys staff college, told his students there was likely to be a big European war. One of his audience remonstrated, saying that only inconceivable stupidity on the part of statesmen could make such a thing happen. Wilson guffawed derisively: Haw! Haw! Haw! Inconceivable stupidity is what you are going to get. So the world did. And could again. Moving a group of promiscuous party girls into a nunnery was always going to be a recipe for disaster. But viewers of Channel 5's new reality show Bad Habits, Holy Orders have been left 'disgusted' by the antics of the participants, who they deemed to be disrespectful to their holy hosts. A group of five girls move into a convent in Swaffham, Norfolk to go on a spiritual journey, which they hope will help them live more fulfilling lives by taking on vows of obedience, poverty and chastity. But the experiment got off to a shaky start, as the girls got so bored with their new lives that they snuck in a bottle of budget vodka into the nunnery. Another girl was so distracted during morning prayers in the chapel that she started doing her makeup while their rest of the group read from the Bible. Viewers called it 'pathetic' and 'disrespectful' to the nuns. Bad Habits, Holy Orders saw a group of five party girls move into a Norfolk convent to go on a spiritual journey. It didn't get off to the best start as the girls snuck vodka into the nunnery in the first episode Five girls who wanted to turn their backs on lives of heavy drinking, casual sex and overspending spent a month in a nunnery for a spiritual journey. Rebecca Cheng, 19, a nightclub podium dancer from Newcastle, Tyla Edwards, 22, a podium dancer from Leeds, Sarah Lawrence, 19, a club hostess from Surrey, Gabriella Ryan, 21, a lingerie model from London and Paige Wallace, 23, a secretary from Bristol, all moved into the Convert of the Sacred Heart. It proved to be more of a challenge than they expected as they struggled to live without their home comforts. Viewers called the girls 'disrespectful' and 'pathetic' after Tyla and Sarah snuck out of a group shopping trip to buy a bottle of vodka. Viewers were disgusted by the group's behaviour, calling them 'disrespectful' and 'pathetic' One tweeted: 'Watching bad habits and holy orders and these girls are literally the most disrespectful pathetic bunch of girls wow'. 'Sorry, but how... I dont even know what to say, the disrespect is REAL...' another shared. 'So it was a case of the holy spirit catching the illegal spirit..' A third: 'I was just thinking "Aww how lovely to buy the sisters gifts" then they sneak & buy a bottle of voddy'. Tyla said: 'I've got contraband us girls are gonna get absolutely rat a***d tonight. This was such a smart idea. Podium dancer Tyla began applying lip gloss when she became bored during morning prayers in the chapel Sister Linda asked Tyla not to apply makeup in the chapel, as makeup is meant to be banned in throughout the experiment 'I'm so devious.' The nuns had brought the girls to a local charity shop and given them money to treat themselves to help them cope with their lifestyle change. They took the booze back to the convent where they had intended to share it among the other girls - but the nuns quickly worked out their plan. Sister Thomas More told them: 'We've invited you in because we think it's important to help young people and we agreed that there wouldn't be any drinking. Tyla decided to pour the bottle of vodka down the sink after the group apologised to the nuns for betraying their trust 'Remember in the rules and regulations? That's what it says but we trusted you and if we can't trust you over little things then we don't know what's going to happen next. Sometimes we've just got to say we're sorry and move on.' Sarah apologised for her actions and poured the vodka down the sink, while others weren't pleased about being told off. Tyla appeared to be the biggest troublemaker in the group, and earlier on in the episode had to be reprimanded for doing her makeup during morning prayers in the chapel. Sister Linda said: 'When you go to chapel I notice you're putting lipstick on. Can you try not to do that in chapel? I don't know if you're aware of that.' The girls didn't know they would be living in a convent, with many expecting to go on a spiritual retreat in a hot country The group are expected to learn from their time in the convent and turn their lives around, turning their backs on partying The new series is the first of its kind in over a decade, and is the result of a year of negotiations with the Catholic Church in Rome. Moved by her experience, lingerie model Rebecca swears off clubbing on leaving the convent and returns to college to do a healthcare qualification. Another girl takes up volunteering while a third gets a tattoo of a crucifix, according to The Times. Bad Habits, Holy Orders continues next Thursday, at 10pm on Channel 5. Pro-Trump senatorial candidates are jockeying for position. West Coast emigrant Troy Downings campaign is chaired by West Coast Lola Zinke, whos ill-suited to deflect Downing's voting in Montana fewer times than hes wrongfully applied for resident Montana fishing and hunting licenses. East Coast emigrant Matt Rosendale certainly has the strongest Montana GOP support. He's favored by Stephen Bannon and the Robert Mercer organization that motivated targeted voters to vote for Donald Trump. Fourth-generation Montanan, recently district judge Russell Fagg is blaming Sen. Jon Tester for voting against Gorsuch, and voting for the Affordable Health Care Act. The Koch brothers supported Price, Pruitt and DeVos as Cabinet level department heads. The Koch brothers, and Robert Mercer may decide who will defeat Tester. Meanwhile theres growing national consensus that our president does not understand war and peace, government debt, Kremlin support for North Korea, record-breaking wildfires, hurricanes, and the Iran problems. And for many, he has now made health care much less affordable than under the Affordable Care Act. Yet he still refuses to comply with bipartisan a congressional vote to punish Kremlin cyber war operatives, or acknowledge anti-USA Kremlin information warfare, while our weak National Security Agency gets weaker. Bob Williams Stevensville Computers may soon be taking over the world but luckily, they're bringing cake. Pastry chef Dinara Kasko's baking techniques require a little higher-tech than an electric mixer. The Ukrainian cake maker bakes cakes and chocolates in incredible sculptural shapes, and for her latest project, she supplemented her recipe with an algorithm. Using a computer program, Kasko made a giant millennial pink cake filled with mousse, ganache, and berry confit that is mesmerizing the internet. Eat pink: Pastry chef Dinara Kasko made this incredible pink cake in September using a computer to create the molds for each individual pyramid Looks tasty! The inside is filled with Ruby chocolate and meringue mousse, Ruby ganache, a berry confit, and a Ruby biscuit with raspberries. Masterpiece: She was asked by Barry Callebaut, the makers of a new naturally-pink chocolate called Ruby, to make the cake for the debut Pieces in a puzzle: Though it is presented as one cake it is actually made of 81 smaller cakes Earlier this year, the Swiss chocolate company Barry Callebaut debuted a new confection: a naturally pink chocolate called 'Ruby'. Made with ruby cocoa beans, Daily Mail Online found the the sweet has a fruity, sour taste. As part of a debut of the product in Shanghai in September, Barry Callebaut enlisted Kasko to bake something special with the Ruby chocolate. And she certainly delivered. Using a graphical algorithm editor called Grasshopper, she programmed her computer to make 81 small molds for her cake which would later be assembled into one giant geometric dessert. 'The idea was to create a set of elements (cakes) that together would form a single composition,' she wrote on her website. 'As a result, we got [an] algorithmically modeled cake that consisted of 81 individual cakes, every single was unique in shape.' Technical stuff: She used a graphical algorithm editor called Grasshopper to design it From screen to plate: She adjust the algorithm to create the tilted, twisted design Step by step: The model was printed out and poured into silicone Nom nom: The cake was baked in the silicone and then covered in the Ruby chocolate Too pretty too eat! The pieces were then arranged together in an incredible design 'It was a very risky project,' she admitted, 'but it worked well and everything turned out great' Each individual cake is a slightly different shape. They are all pyramids, but they tilt and lean at different angles. When places together, they make a mesmerizing, twisting, turning sheet cake. 'It was a very risky project,' she admitted, 'but it worked well and everything turned out great at the presentation.' A video Kasko created shows the algorithm being made. The model was then printed and poured into silicone to make molds. The cakes were all baked into the molds so they'd be the correct sizes and shapes. She came up with a unique recipe for the occasion, filling each piece with Ruby chocolate and meringue mousse, Ruby ganache, a berry confit, and a Ruby biscuit with raspberries. 'The idea was to create a set of elements (cakes) that together would form a single composition,' she added Eat up: She picked fruit for the inside to complement the taste of the chocolate Chocolate on chocolate: The Ruby chocolate was use for both the outside and the fillings Ta da! She showed her cake at a presentation in Shanghai Something different: The chocolate is made from ruby cocoa beans and tastes fruity and both sour and sweet Each piece was then covered in Ruby chocolate, hardened, and popped out to be put together in time for the presentation in China. When the pink chocolate debuted last month, Chief Executive Officer Antoine de Saint-Affrique told Bloomberg: 'It's natural, it's colorful, it's hedonistic, there's an indulgence aspect to it, but it keeps the authenticity of chocolate. It has a nice balance that speaks a lot to millennials.' The ruby cocoa beans come from Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Brazil and are naturally reddish, without dye. Kasko was one of the first to get to try the creation so she could use it in her cake. 'I was honored to be one of the first who could try the new pink chocolate, work with it, to represent the company at a major event and work together with these talented chefs,' she wrote on Instagram. A young woman who grew up hating being the centre of attention because of how shy she felt has stepped into the world of erotic photography as a model as a way to increase her confidence. Naomi Werrett, 26, has virtually no photos of herself as a teen not only because of how self-conscious she felt in front of a camera but also because of a skin condition on her legs that left her with severe scarring. Speaking to FEMAIL, the Saudi-Arabian born Ms Werrett shared how difficult she'd found her younger years, especially as her family were constantly moving and she was always faced with being 'the new girl'. 'We moved three countries in five years, which is hard on a shy kid,' she said Naomi Werrett, 26, has virtually no photos of herself as a teen not only because of how self-conscious she felt in front of a camera but also because of a skin condition on her legs that left her with severe scarring Speaking to FEMAIL, the Saudi-Arabian born Ms Werrett shared how difficult she'd found her younger years, especially as her family were constantly moving and she was always faced with being 'the new girl' 'If you're not outgoing at school people assume you're "weird", so the name calling starts.' 10 years ago, a 17-year-old Ms Werrett landed in Wellington, New Zealand a move that she said allowed her to find her footing as an individual after years of living in the French countryside. She said because the city and her parents were 'very creative and very accepting' she started to feel more able to express 'her inside'. 10 years ago, a 17-year-old Ms Werrett landed in Wellington, New Zealand a move that she said allowed her to find her footing as an individual 'The only way to face your fears, is to do what scares you. I was scared of cameras, and I was scared of attention,' Ms Werrett said 'I guess you could say I did life backwards. I spent my early teens reading books, cooking, knitting and being with my family and my later teens and early 20s drinking and being semi-rebellious.' While still besieged with shyness, something 'snapped' when she turned 20, and inspired by women she admired on Instagram who were 'confident in their skin', she took the brave step to book a photographer for her first nude shoot. Ms Werrett explained that this was something she 'just did for herself'. 'The only way to face your fears, is to do what scares you. I was scared of cameras, and I was scared of attention. 'But I wanted to be able to look in the mirror and say "I'm actually OK".' The process of combing through 100 unedited photos was incredibly difficult but she said she slowly started to 'appreciate herself' through seeing how she looked through another's eyes. 'I made myself vulnerable to be empowered.' 'I wanted to be able to look in the mirror and say "I'm actually OK" As her confidence grew, Ms Werrett booked more shoots which led to her starting an Instagram account under the adopted pseudonym, Sylvia Gold. The more photos she shared, the more followers she got, and soon her account reached the 50,000 follower mark. Things quickly spiraled, and while there were many messages of support there were inevitably comments from men and women that were hard to handle, she said. As her confidence grew, Ms Werrett booked more shoots which led to her starting an Instagram account under the adopted pseudonym, Sylvia Gold 'People assume that because I am naked I'm a slut. 'I found it hard to get across a message of body positivity because being naked is not sexual my body is sexual when I choose it to be.' Living in a small city didn't help either because she would often be recognised by people who had seen her online. 'I struggled that people knew me as Sylvia but that's not my real name. They knew I was the naked girl but that's not my story,' she said. 'People knew me as Sylvia but that's not my real name. They knew I was the naked girl but that's not my story,' she said Ms Werrett deleted the account after the pressure started to feel like it was becoming too much. Although she stepped back from social media, Ms Werrett continued to model and had begun working with Wellington erotic photographer Carlos De Treend. The artist explained the idea behind his work is to make erotica from a woman's perspective, as a way to celebrate rather than demean the female form. Wellington erotic photographer, Carlos De Treend 'Only a few years ago, it was kind of expected that you would associate erotica with women being submissive. Or women displaying themselves in a way just to satisfy men's desires,' Mr De Treend told The Wireless. 'It was a switch in both my attitude and the way I shot. It felt natural - I want women to take ownership of their sexuality.' Mr Werrett credits Mr De Treend's artistic sensibility and progressive attitude for making her the model, 'or even the person I am today', she told Daily Mail Australia. Mr Werrett credits Mr De Treend's artistic sensibility and progressive attitude for making her the model, 'or even the person I am today' She's since reactivated her social media account Sylvia Gold a move she believes is more on her terms, and one she hopes can inspire those facing similar issues. 'I'm pretty confident now, she said. 'But I don't look in the mirror and go "Holy s*** I'm hot" there's a difference between confidence and arrogance. 'I want people to connect with me through passion and who want to push through the stigma and come out smiling. 'I believe that beauty comes from loving yourself, and loving who you are you are a masterpiece, and life is your gallery,' she concluded. As the the summer holidays edge closer, Australian families are busy planning their next big holiday. And while many prefer to indulge in a little luxury, many opt for a more affordable getaway to avoid breaking the bank. But this doesn't have to be the case. What many don't know is that they could be saving up to 73 per cent on their dream beach holiday simply by booking it for the right time of year. For families who wish to enjoy a holiday in Honolulu, they can pay up to 40 per cent less simply by booking their trip for the third week of February Alternatively those who book Fort Lauderdale or Miami Beach (pictured) for the second week of September will enjoy prices that are 59 per cent and 57 per cent cheaper respectively To help travellers make it to their destination of choice, Booking.com recently created a list (based on top five star resorts) to help travellers find luxury for the best value - from the white sandy beaches of Australia to the panoramic beaches of Bali. Those who are looking to head to the USA are in luck, with the biggest saving available for Daytona Beach, Florida. Those who book accommodation there for the second week of October will find prices are 73 per cent cheaper than the most expensive week of the year. Travellers heading to Indonesia, however, are best booking between the end of January and the end of March Most affordable times to travel to luxury beach locations Daytona Beach, Florida, USA The most affordable week to go is the second week of October with prices 73% cheaper than the most expensive week of the year Cancun, Mexico The most affordable week to go is the second week of September with prices 58% cheaper than the most expensive week of the year Honolulu, Hawaii, USA The most affordable week to go is the third week of February with prices 40% cheaper than the most expensive week of the year. Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia The most affordable week to go is the first week of June with prices 50% cheaper than the most expensive week of the year Gili Trawangan, Bali, Indonesia The most affordable week to go is the third week of March with prices 45% cheaper than the most expensive week of the year Kuta, Bali, Indonesia The most affordable week to go is the third week of February with prices 45% cheaper than the most expensive week of the year Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia The most affordable week to go is the fourth week of January with prices 59% cheaper than the most expensive week of the year Phi Phi Islands, Thailand The most affordable week to go is the fourth week of June with prices 65% cheaper than the most expensive week of the year Advertisement Alternatively those who book Fort Lauderdale or Miami Beach for the second week of September will enjoy prices that are 59 per cent and 57 per cent cheaper respectively. For families who wish to enjoy a holiday in Honolulu, they can pay up to 40 per cent less simply by booking their trip for the third week of February. Travellers heading to Indonesia, however, are best booking between the end of January and the end of March, with Seminyak accommodation 59 per cent cheaper in the fourth week of January and a Gili Trawangan vacation 45 per cent cheaper in the third week of March. Thailand, another popular location for luxury travellers, is most likely best booked between May and the end of June Thailand, another popular location for luxury travellers, is most likely best booked between May and the end of June. An Ao Nang Beach holiday is 61 per cent cheaper during the second week of May, whereas a Hua Hin trip is 40 per cent cheaper during the second week of June. Holidays to both Patong Beach and the Phi Phi Islands are both the cheapest during the fourth week of June, with prices 61 per cent and 65 per cent cheaper respectively. Holidays to both Patong Beach and the Phi Phi Islands are both the cheapest during the fourth week of June, with prices 61 per cent and 65 per cent cheaper respectively Cancun in Mexico is 58 per cent cheaper during the second week of September Interestingly, the best time to go to Ko Lanta in Thailand however is the third week of September, with accommodation a staggering 71 per cent cheaper during this time. Other luxe locations include Boracay in the Philippines, which is 50 per cent cheaper during the first week of December and Cancun in Mexico, which is 58 per cent cheaper during the second week of September. The Gold Coast, Queensland, has 50 per cent cheaper accommodation during the first week of June. A heartbroken mother, who believes GCSE exam stress drove her 15-year-old son - an A* student - to suicide, is speaking out to try and prevent more tragic deaths. Administrator, Emma Oliver, 43, was cooking a Sunday roast, on February 26, when she heard a loud bang, rushed to investigate and found her teenage boy, Daniel Long, on the brink of death. Emma, of Gildersome, Leeds, West Yorkshire, said: 'I'd popped upstairs to Daniel's room, where he was revising, at around 2pm and asked him if he was ok. 'I tapped him on the head and went back downstairs to check on the food. 'But 20 minutes later, I heard a loud bang and ran upstairs, where I saw my boy had tried to take his own life. 'Screaming, I went to get my neighbour and then I performed CPR while she rang 999.' She believes her son's problems started when he became obsessed with revising for his GCSEs in January this year spending four hours a night studying, but still panicking that he would forget everything. Mother Emma Oliver, 43, has spoken out after her son, Daniel Long, took his own life at the age of 15. She believes he was under too much pressure and stress at school while studying for his GCSEs After discovering her son, paramedics said Daniel was still breathing and rushed him to Leeds General Infirmary, where he was put on a life support machine. Meanwhile, Emma phoned Daniel's dad, Andy Long, 38, who she had parted from 10 years earlier, and her daughter, from another relationship, Chelsea Oliver, 23, telling them to get to the hospital. 'Sat by his bedside I really believed he would be OK and would come out of it,' Emma recalled. Sadly, by the Tuesday, doctors told the family Daniel had taken a turn for the worse and was brain dead. 'He was pronounced dead at 12.30pm on February 28,' said Emma. 'We were all devastated.' Emma, of Gildersome, Leeds, West Yorkshire, pictured, has now set up a suicide support group and is urging other stressed children to speak out Emma found Daniel attempting to take his own life and paramedics said Daniel was still breathing and rushed him to Leeds General Infirmary, where he was put on a life support machine. Sadly, by the Tuesday, doctors told the family Daniel had taken a turn for the worse and was brain dead A teacher asked Daniel about his worries, but his concerns still continued to spiral. Emma says she feels let down by the school She has pleased for stressed teens to speak up Emma's parents Liane and Pat with grandson Daniel, then aged five She believes her son's problems started when he became obsessed with revising for his GCSEs in January this year spending four hours a night studying, but still panicking that he would forget everything. Concerned, Emma even spoke to staff at Bruntcliffe Academy in Morley, Leeds, where Daniel, who aspired to be a lawyer, was a student. She said: 'Daniel was a really cheeky chap and happy all the time. He'd love being with his mates and his family, too. 'Then, in January, he started fretting about his GCSEs, telling me he was worried he wouldn't remember it all. 'I said they weren't until June, so he had ages, and he would be fine. 'But, after a couple of days of him being more withdrawn and quiet, and revising all the time, I rang the school and told a receptionist I was concerned. They said they would talk to him.' A teacher then asked Daniel about his worries, but his concerns still continued to spiral. 'I noticed he became really clingy to me,' said Emma. 'Normally he'd be out with friends or in his room, but he would sit with me some evenings, when he wasn't revising, and just put his head on my shoulder. 'We were close, but he had never done anything like that before.' Emma believes her son's problems started when he became obsessed with revising for his GCSEs in January this year Daniel, with his sister Chelsea, would spend four hours a night studying, but still panic that he would forget everything Emma asked the mum of one of his schoolfriends if his group of pals had fallen out. She said they were all still friends, but that some of them had noticed Daniel becoming withdrawn. 'He was revising at the table all the time,' Emma continued. 'I'd say to him, 'Why don't you have a break?' But he'd just shout at me, 'You don't understand, I won't remember it.' 'With my daughter, Chelsea, I'd have to tell her to revise, but with Daniel I'd say, 'Stop revising'.' As his obsession with studying intensified, Daniel even went to school during half term, for extra tuition. 'One night, Daniel broke down crying, panicking about his exams, so, in February, I agreed to get him a maths tutor, to help ease his concerns,' Emma recalled. 'It's so tragic, as he had his first session on the Wednesday and took his own life on the Sunday. 'The tutor said Daniel did really well and wouldn't need as long as we thought he would.' Emma asked the mum of one of his schoolfriends if his group of pals had fallen out. She said they were all still friends, but that some of them had noticed Daniel becoming withdrawn His lungs, kidneys, stomach, pancreas and liver have now all had recipients - as Daniel apparently always wanted to help people Following their devastating loss, Daniel's mum and dad were keen to donate his organs. His lungs, kidneys, stomach, pancreas and liver have now all had recipients. 'Daniel loved helping people, and this was his last act of doing that,' said Emma. After his organs were removed, her son's body was taken to a special cold room, to preserve it, at Martin House Children's Hospice in Wetherby, West Yorkshire, where he lay for three weeks, before his funeral. 'They have a child's room there, so I took in Daniel's favourite photos and bedding,' Emma continued. Emma said she will never come to terms with the fact that Daniel whose inquest at Wakefield Coroner's Court on September 1, recorded a verdict of suicide has gone 'I'd sit with him all day, every day. I'd be the first one in to open his curtains, and the last at night to close them.' For his funeral on March 27, Daniel's body was driven from his family home, past his primary and secondary schools, before going onto his funeral at Rawdon Crematorium. 'His mates would call him "Danny Long Legs" because he was so tall. Even his 6ft 4in coffin was too short for him,' Emma smiled. 'We didn't want it to be a morbid funeral. It needed to be fun and happy, just like Daniel was. 'So, we played the Star Wars theme tune as we entered for the service, and then sang the 'Only Fools and Horses' and 'Benidorm' theme tunes. There were well over 200 people there it was incredible.' Emma said she will never come to terms with the fact that Daniel whose inquest at Wakefield Coroner's Court on September 1, recorded a verdict of suicide has gone. She said: 'Losing Daniel is heartbreaking. When I wake up in the morning, I tell myself he has gone to school early, or in the evening that he is staying out at a friend's, as I can't face the truth, that he has gone. 'My heart knows he has, but my brain won't believe it. 'He was 15-years-old and we lost him because of the pressure of his exams. I don't blame the school, I know the pressures they were under, but I feel let down.' Now Emma, who has started a mental health awareness group online, says other parents have contacted her, also worried about the pressures their children are under at school. 'You have to get them away from the table they are revising at. Do everything you can,' she said. 'We have started a suicide awareness group on Facebook called 'Team Daniel,' to make sure other families don't lose theirs kid like I have. 'Life is quiet and empty without Daniel, but we want to make sure he is not forgotten.' Adam Ryder, principal at Bruntcliffe Academy, said: 'All of us at Bruntcliffe Academy had immense regard for Daniel. None of us really know what was in Daniel's mind when he took his own life in February. 'What we do know is that his loss was felt profoundly across our whole school community, and that if we can play any part in helping to ensure that young people are able to cope better with all the pressures that life can bring then we will be very keen to be involved. 'Our support for Daniel's family in this most important work is unreserved.' Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org. She's had a busy week of engagements this week - but Crown Princess Victoria showed no sign of weariness as she stepped out with Prince Daniel today. The Swedish royal, 40, looked typically elegant in a ruffled lace blouse as she arrived in Solna for a forum on young people's health. She finished off her chic ensemble with tailored grey trousers, which she co-ordinated with a pair of matching heels. Crown Princess Victoria looked typically elegant in a ruffled lace blouse as she arrived for a health forum in Solna with husband Prince Daniel Wearing her brunette locks off her face in a bun, the mother-of-two showed off her radiant complexion as she arrived at the event. Her husband Daniel, 44, meanwhile looked dapper in a navy double breasted suit and blue tie. The royal couple were attending the first ever Pep Forum at the Karolinska Institute, which aims to create discussion about how to improve young people's health. It has been a busy week for Victoria, who met the Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives at an audience at Stockholm's royal palace last night. The Swedish royal, 40, finished off her ensemble with tailored grey trousers, which she co-ordinated with a pair of matching heels On Wednesday, she attended a seminar and reception to help Finland celebrate 100 years as an independent state. Earlier in the week, she joined her parents for a science symposium to mark the 70th birthday of H&M founder Stefan Persson. Victoria juggles royal duties with raising her two children with husband Daniel: Estelle, five, and 19-month-old Oscar. The mother-of-two showed no sign of weariness, despite having a busy week of engagements Victoria and Daniel, 44, were attending the first ever Pep Forum at the Karolinska Institute This Morning viewers were left close to tears as a single 'super dad' who has adopted four disabled children joined Ruth and Eamonn on the show. Ben Carpenter, 33, from Shepley, West Yorkshire, was joined on the show by children Jack, 10, Ruby, 6, Lily, 5 and Joseph, 2, who all have disabilities and stole the nation's hearts with their adorable antics. The little ones ran riot, showing off their best dance moves, crawling along the floor and enjoying a group hug as their father was interviewed by the presenters. In a particularly poignant clip, Ben's eldest son Jack, who wants to be an actor, snuggled up to Ruth Langsford. 'Loving Ben and his beautiful children. Seeing their bond and happy faces are bringing tears to my eyes. What an amazing dad,' wrote one Twitter user, while others hailed him an 'inspiration' and asked why there weren't more fathers like him in the world. Ben Carpenter, 33, from Shepley, West Yorkshire, stole the heart of the nation as he appeared on This Morning with his children Jack, 10, Ruby, 6, Lily, 5 and Joseph, 2, who all have disabilities Ben Carpenter has been called a super dad, a saint and a hero, but to the 33-year-old hes just... dad. After spending years struggling to adopt as a single, gay man, Ben became father to his eldest son 10 years ago and since then, has spent thousands of hours caring for his severely disabled children. Ben told the presenters that although being a single father is challenging, it's also the best thing in the world. The 33-year-old single father was previously named Adopter Champion of the Year after he adopted four disabled children since 2010 - and he hasn't ruled out adopting a fifth child. His eldest son Jack, 10, snuggled up to presenter Ruth on the show, right Twitter users hailed him an 'inspiration' and asked why there weren't more fathers like him in the world 'I'm not not sugar coating it,' he said. 'It comes with stresses and strains but it's the best thing you can ever do.' Ben explained that going into nursery homes in his youth inspired him, adding: 'The love and support has grown with me and my love has grown with the family.' The 33-year-old single father was previously named Adopter Champion of the Year after he adopted four disabled children since 2010 - and he hasn't ruled out adopting a fifth child. Mr Carpenter, of Shepley, West Yorkshire, is currently in London as a VIP guest of the charity First4Adoption which has given him invaluable assistance over the years. Ben Carpenter, pictured with his four adopted children has been described as a 'super dad'. His children, from left Jack, 10, Ruby, 6, Lily, 5 and Joseph, 2 all have disabilities Mr Carpenter said everyone in his home is taught the importance of a 'can do' attitude Mr Carpenter said it took three years to convince authorities he would make a good father What makes his story even more remarkable is that Mr Carpenter doesn't have a partner to shoulder the burden of looking after children Jack, 10, sisters Ruby, seven, and Lily, five, and Joseph, two, who has Down's syndrome. Mr Carpenter said: 'People have called me a saint and say what I do is remarkable but I just wanted to be a dad and adopting is my way of becoming a dad. 'I only ever wanted one child when I started on the process of adoption. 'I am a believer in fate - this is what I was meant to do.' Mr Carpenter's adoption journey began more than 10 years ago when he became one of youngest gay men in the country to adopt a child. It had taken him around three years to convince the authorities that he was serious about adopting and, more importantly, had the maturity and skills to be a good dad. All children have made significant progress since being adopted and have surprised social workers and medical professionals alike. Mr Carpenter said: 'I get called a saint all the time and "how do you do it?" My mum Rita is a huge support to me and my friend Jeanette is an amazing woman and help to me. 'The charity Adoption UK has also been lovely and deserves praise for the work they do and support they provide.' He remains single to this day and doesn't see it as an issue. Mr Carpenter, pictured, is a previous adopter champion of the year as a result of his dedication to his growing family Mr Carpenter said: 'I have never sought a relationship, it never interested me. 'I like to do my own thing. At the end of the day I like a cup of tea and a slice of cake and to not listen to someone snoring!' When he's not looking after the children - which is pretty much 24/7 -Mr Carpenter works to educate other prospective adopters and sits on a local adoption panel. He said: 'I celebrate and promote adoption. It's the most rewarding, satisfying and challenging thing I have done. 'I am not going to sugar-coat it because it's not for the faint-hearted. You have to be 100% committed. If you are considering adopting, make sure you have childcare experience. If you are not already a parent make sure that it's right for you. 'I have always said that adopting a disabled child isn't right for everyone. You have to be totally honest with yourself.' His driving motivation is seeing his children learning new skills and growing in confidence. When he first met Ruby she was hooked up to a feeding machine, couldn't speak and was reliant on a wheelchair. Mr Carpenter said he is glad to have been able to help his family including daughter Lily Mr Carpenter said when he first met his daughter Ruby, pictured, she was hooked up to a feeding machine but has made tremendous progress as she grows up Mr Carpenter said: 'She looked a very sorry little girl. 'She was petrified and shaking and it broke my heart. She is eating and walking now, although she has life-long needs. 'I am quite proud of myself that I have turned her life around. Seeing the changes in her is just outstanding. 'Seeing my children and how they are now is why I get up in the morning. 'In this house we have an "I can do" attitude and we try to teach them as much independence as we can. Disability isn't the be all and end all.' National Adoption Week runs until October 22. She's a well-established face on the New York social scene so it was no surprise to spot Princess Beatrice at the latest high profile event. The Princess of York joined fellow A-listers for the Bumble Bizz dinner in Manhattan on Thursday night. The Queen's granddaughter was sure to make a style statement arriving at the event in an eye-catching metallic skirt. Princess Beatrice dazzled in a metallic skirt for the Bumble Bizz dinner on Thursday night Never one to go over board Beatrice, 29, paired her look-at-me skirt with an elegant black sweater featuring red piping detail which could always be seen on her skirt. In light of the warm October weather Bea, as she is affectionately known, opted for bare legs and could be seen carrying her jacket rather than wearing it. She could be seen holding a small brown leather clutch which featured a pop of colour in the form of a pink zipper and completed her outfit with a pair of black ankle boots. The daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson opted for a glamorous beauty look featuring a smokey eye and a slick of red lipstick. The royal joined other alisters such as (left to right) Karlie Kloss, Priyanka Chopra, Fergie and Whitney Wolfe Herd Beatrice joined stars such as Fergie, Kate Hudson and Karlie Kloss for the dinner event. Priyanka Chopra was also in attendance, stepping out in a maroon mini-dress. Actress Priyanka and Beatrice have something in common, the US actress Meghan Markle. Meghan is best friends with Priyanka and is, of course, in a relationship with Beatrice's cousin Prince Harry and so the pair would have had plenty to talk about at the event held for Bumble Bizz. Actress Priyanka and Beatrice have something in common, the US actress Meghan Markle who is Priyanka's best friend and the girlfriend of Beatrice's cousin Prince Harry Bumble Bizz is a new networking app designed to help women connect with mentors, industry leaders and brands. Earlier this month, Beatrice, who co-runs a charity, Big Change, with Sam and Holly Branson, travelled to Toronto to support her cousin Prince Harry at the Invictus Games. She is also currently patron of nine charities including the York Musical Society and the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre. Beatrice is currently Vice President of Partnerships & Strategy at Afiniti.com, a Washington DC-based computer software company. He is gradually taking on more responsibilities from the Queen. And Prince Charles is clearly taking all his duties in his stride, appearing to be in very good spirits as he met with schoolchildren in Londonderry on Friday. The royal, 68, was seen chuckling away as he met with youngsters in the Northern Irish city, which was affected by flash floods last summer. During his trip, he will meet residents who were caught up in the deluge, which saw homes flooded and cars washed into rivers. Prince Charles looked in very high spirits as he met with schoolchildren in Londonderry today Charles looked dapper in grey suit for the visit, which he paired with a striped tie and purple shirt underneath. He was seen gladly shaking hands with youngsters who lined the streets in anticipation of his arrival. The Prince of Wales will also speak to farmers and business owners affected by the flooding later today, as well as emergency services and volunteers assisting with clean-up efforts. The large storms hit Northern Ireland last August, with two thirds of the areas average rainfall for that month falling within a nine-hour period. The Prince of Wales was certainly in high spirits at the Eglinton Community Centre in Londonderry The Prince of Wales meets well-wishers outside the Eglinton Community Centre in Londonderry Charles was positively giddy during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods The royal, 68, gladly shook hands with youngsters who had lined the streets in anticipation ofr his arrival A gleeful Prince Charles waved to onlookers as he hopped into his car The Prince met servicemen who were involved in helping out during the summer's flash floods Prince Charles greets well wishers during his visit to view the reconstruction work going on after the severe floods in August Prince Charles greets well wishers and a King Charles spaniel during his visit to view the reconstruction work going on after the severe floods Charles is in Northern Ireland to meet those who were affected by flash floods last summer He looked animated as he spoke to a group of schoolchildren, with one boy appearing to ask the royal for an autograph The Prince of Wales speaks to poultry farmers Nicola Hempton, her husband Thomas and their daughter 11-week-old Lyla, during a visit to the YMCA Londonderry at Drumahoe The resulting floods left 120 people in need of rescue and damaged 510 properties. Communities across the border in Co Donegal were also badly affected by the flooding. Charles has previously been outspoken about the devastation caused by flooding, showing his support to victims in Somerset and Aberdeenshire in previous years. His appearance today comes after it was announced last week that the Queen has asked him to lay her wreath at the cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday. The decision is seen as another example of the 91-year-old monarch gradually starting to share out her royal duties with Charles as she gets older. Charles looked dapper in a grey suit, paired with a striped tie and purple shirt underneath The royal greeted well-wishers outside the YMCA Londonderry at Drumahoe and Eglinton Community Centre He was later seen enjoying a cup of tea as he met with residents affected by the flooding The Prince of Wales was seen sharing a joke with a group of residents in Londonderry When Kenan Spencer Witczak was born in February of 2011, doctors told his parents he was healthy. But by the beginning of fall the baby could no longer use his hands, and his mother Natasha Spencer noticed he held his head at an odd tilt. One night in September her son's screaming became so intense that she took him to the emergency room where they live in Chicago. This was how Natasha learned that her child has a rare, fatal illness called Krabbe disease. She can no longer change her son's fate, but she is speaking out in an attempt to change the futures of other Krabbe children. The damage done by Kenan's disease, which destroys nerve cells in the brain, can be reversed if doctors catch the illness early in a baby's life - ideally, within the first month. Natasha now restlessly promotes her son's story and fights alongside alongside a small number of public health officials to make Krabbe testing for newborns routine while she watches her second child inch closer and closer to his death. Natasha Spencer (left) kisses her son Kenan (right). Kenan has a rare, fatal disease that usually kills children before they turn two years old, but he has lived to age six Natasha told the Chicago Tribune that she had a feeling something was off during her pregnancy. But a doctor at her 21-week ultrasound appointment provided her with comforting words, saying: 'That's a beautiful brain.' Doctors continued to confirm her son's well-being after he was born, and Natasha did not suspect anything was wrong until her son suddenly could no longer use his hands at about eight months old. She took Kenan to his pediatrician, who was also concerned by her son's loss of function. The doctor booked an MRI appointment for Kenan, but Natasha ended up taking him to the hospital because of his wailing before the appointment. Natasha told the Chicago Tribune that she remembers thinking, 'I now understand what fear is,' while they were at the hospital. The news she received about her son's prognosis was bad. Kenan's illness is called Krabbe disease, and it causes children to lose their ability to see, hear and swallow Krabbe disease usually kills children before their second birthday. The inherited illness harms the protective coating on cells found in the brain and nervous system. It eventually robs children of their ability to hear, see and swallow. Initial symptoms of babies with the illness include irritability and feeding difficulties, both of which plagued Kenan. Other signs include unexplained crying, fever, delays in milestones, loss of head control, vomiting and muscle spasms. Natasha wrote about the frustration that she felt while doctors explained her son's incurable illness to her on Facebook, saying, 'Little did my frantic mind know that they could see what I couldn't: the road we were about to walk down.' As Krabbe disease progresses, severe symptoms appear. These include seizures, constricted muscles and the loss of the ability to breathe and swallow. Natasha said that when Kenan was nine months old, he experienced trouble feeding. Doctors asked her whether or not she wanted him to have a gastronomy tube, which would deliver food directly to his stomach, bypassing parts of the digestive system. She did not want to think about her son starving to death so she agreed to the tube. Now, though, she wonders about whether or not she did the right thing by keeping her son alive to suffer from Krabbe disease. She wrote on Facebook: 'I often think of the inherent nature of the illness. It does not ask the child to live past the point of non-nourishment. But with a g-tube, we do. 'With that well-intentioned decision, and the next, and the next, he gets to live through the unraveling of his brainstem. Who is the cruel one in this dynamic?' Soon after her son's diagnosis, Natasha traveled to an expert in Pittsburgh who had done research on preventing Krabbe disease. The researcher, Dr Maria Escolar, had previously discovered that transplanting blood from umbilical cords of newborn babies into newborns who had Krabbe disease could allow children with the illness to lead relatively normal lives. The children grew up healthily, though many had to use wheelchairs or walkers and attend speech therapy. Natasha (left) has to constantly monitor her son (right) Kenan's posture. If Kenan sits up straight, he is in danger of letting his airway become blocked WHAT CAUSES KRABBE DISEASE? Krabbe disease occurs when a baby inherits two copies of a mutated gene. Genes tell the body how to produce proteins. When they are altered, the body's proteins do not function properly. Children with Krabbe disease cannot produce enough or any of a crucial enzyme called galactocerebrosidase. Because children with the illness do not have enough of this enzyme, too much of certain kinds of fats called galactolipids build up in their bodies. The accumulation of these fats creates a toxic effect. Most children with Krabbe disease die as a result of respiratory complications, problems that arise because they are immobile or problems caused by decreased muscle tone. In the US about one in every 100,000 people has Krabbe disease. Advertisement But there is a catch: during the study, the transplants had been given to babies with Krabbe within their first seven weeks of life. Dr Escolar's team tested the potential treatment on babies who were already experiencing Krabbe symptoms, and found that it did not work for them. This means that unless the disease is detected right after a child is born, nothing can be done to counter its harsh progression. Natasha learned from Dr Escolar that her son was no longer eligible for a transplant when she traveled to her to learn more about Kenan's disease. Her son was too old to be saved by umbilical cord blood. As Kenan has grown older, his family has had to adjust to living with a child that requires demanding medical attention. If Kenan is positioned upright there is a chance his airway will become restricted so his parents constantly have to keep an eye on his posture. Additionally, his spine as become curved as his illness has progressed. Natasha has to massage her son and apply heating pads to him daily to try to undo the damage done to his muscles. Her son has already lived years longer than his family expected him to, but his sight, hearing and sense of taste have progressively worsened. Natasha has to thread a catheter into her son's throat to clear secretions from it so that Kenan does not choke on them and die. She also has to frequently tap her son's chest with a rubber device that breaks up his congestion. She has slept next to Kenan each night since his diagnosis, and she has to hold her son's jaw in place so that he can breathe for hours at a time, which makes her arm go numb. Kenan's illness also affects his sister Tamsen, who is two years older. Natasha recalled a time when Tamsen was only four when she said: 'When I grow up I won't have him, and that makes me sad.' Natasha told the Chicago Tribune that she is ashamed that her state government has not yet made Krabbe testing for newborns mandatory, as the testing can prove life-saving. A treatment for Krabbe disease exists, but it must be administered soon after a child is born to be effective. By the time Kenan was diagnosed, it was too late for him to receive the treatment. Kenan (center) is pictured here with his mother Natasha (left), his sister Tamsen (top) and his father Dann Witczak (right) Illinois has been trying to implement the testing for about a decade, but numerous hold-ups have stopped newborns from getting screened for the disease. Illinois governor Bruce Rauner told the Chicago Tribune this week that he hopes to have the testing implemented by the end of 2017, but he was not able to give an exact date that the protocol would be put in place. Governor Rauner said: 'I'm committed, our administration is. And we won't give up. We'll get this done.' One of the champions of the cause in Chicago is Dr Barbara Burton, who treats children with Krabbe disease at Lurie Children's Hospital. Dr Burton has been fighting for the testing for years, since the successful umbilical cord blood treatment was discovered. She, like Natasha, has grown tired of the state's excuses for delaying the screening. 'Over and over again, they made us think it was going to happen,' Dr Burton said. On a conference call with Chicago public health officials, Dr Burton expressed her frustration saying: 'It's almost mind-boggling that we're on a call discussing this in 2017 related to legislation passed in 2007.' Illinois has blamed a number of bureaucratic issues on the delay, citing funding as one of the main problems. But Natasha has made it her life's mission to keep other families from having to go through what she has had to cope with since Kenan's diagnosis. She has worked with public health officials in charge of implementing the testing to try to convince them of the urgency with which the screening needs to be put in place. For one meeting with Illinois health officials, she prepared a statement she planned to make to them beforehand. In all caps, she stressed the devastation the officials were enforcing each day they failed to make Krabbe screening a requirement. Part of her statement read: 'YOU ARE TAKING TOO LONG.' A Mexican baby boy weighs the same as a nine-year-old because he is constantly hungry. Luis Manuel, 10 months, from Tecoman in the western Mexican state of Colima, tips the scales at a mammoth 4st 10lbs (30kg). When he was just a month old he had to be dressed in clothes big enough for two year olds, because his waistline expanded 'so fast'. Concerned medics fear the youngster has Prader-Willi syndrome - an incurable disorder that can trigger heart attacks in children. The rare genetic condition causes problems including constant urges to eat food, restricted growth and reduced muscle tone. His poverty-stricken family have launched a fundraising appeal so they can afford medical treatment for their son if the diagnosis is confirmed. It's believed Luis could be the world's fattest baby, however, there are no records to confirm the suspicions. Luis Manuel, 10 months, from Tecoman in the western Mexican state of Colima, tips the scales at a mammoth 4st 10lbs (30kg) Potential treatment Treatment would consist of a series of hormone injections, with each one reportedly costing 404 (10,000 MXN/$530). Luis weighed a healthy 7lbs 11oz (3.5kg) at birth, but rapidly began to put on weight, his mother Isabel Pantoja revealed. Rapid growth She said: 'After only one month we noticed that clothes did not fit him and we had to dress him in clothes for a one-year-old, and even a two-year-old. 'We saw our baby gain weight so fast. Sometimes, he could not sleep because he felt like he was suffocating due to his weight.' Medics have told his parents they fear the youngster has Prader-Willi syndrome - an incurable disorder that can trigger heart attacks in children His poverty-stricken family have launched a fundraising appeal so they could afford medical treatment for their son if the diagnosis is confirmed WHAT IS PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME? Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare genetic condition that causes problems including constant urges to eat food, restricted growth and reduced muscle tone. Other potential issues include learning difficulties, lack of sexual development and behavioral problems such as tantrums or stubbornness. The rare condition, which affects one in every 15,000 children born in England, is caused by a defect on chromosome number 15 - and happens by chance. Because there is no cure, treatment aims to manage the symptoms with parents of sufferers urged to get their children to stick to a healthy, balanced diet. Children with the syndrome can eat up to six times more than children of the same age and still feel hungry. Advertisement Doctors say Luis Manuel is currently the normal weight for a nine-year-old boy even though he is still two months short of his first birthday. Seeking diagnosis He has undergone a series of tests and, although it has not yet been confirmed, doctors believe he might suffer from Prader-Willi syndrome. The genetic disorder is due to a loss of function of specific genes which causes sufferers to feel constantly hungry, often leading to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Doctors believe Luis would be the first ever recorded case of the condition in the city, according to local reports. Concerned parents Mario Gonzalez, the boy's father, is concerned about the potential health implications for his son. He said: 'In some cases, kids have died because of a heart attack due to being so overweight. All help given for him, small or big, is good for him.' The family have opened a bank account to enable well-wishers to donate towards his care and people can also contact Isabel on social media. Mr Gonzalez said the appeal would keep a proper record so people could see their money was being spent on Luis' treatment. Luis weighed a healthy 7lbs 11oz (3.5kg) at birth, but rapidly began to put on weight, his mother Isabel Pantoja revealed A 52-year-old man was forced to have half of his penis amputated after enduring a week-long erection. The unnamed patient, from Taiwan, told doctors that his erection began randomly - and wasn't due to any sexual stimulation. It was only when he felt the pain in his penis became unbearable and felt like it was 'about to explode' that he decided to seek medical attention. Shocked doctors claimed his erection was triggered by bladder cancer - after the man ignored warnings three years previously, local reports claim. Any erection that lasts longer than four hours is deemed a medical emergency, the condition is known as priapism. The unnamed patient, from Taiwan, told doctors that his erection began randomly - and wasn't due to any sexual stimulation. Doctors found it was caused by cancer Dr Wang Hung-jen, head of the hospital's urology department, said the cancer had obstructed the blood vessels in the man's penis Surgeons at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, in south-western Taiwan, found the cancer had spread too far and decided to amputate part of it. The man is now recovering from the agonising operation, and will begin courses of chemotherapy as soon as he is deemed fit enough. Dr Wang Hung-jen, head of the hospital's urology department, said the cancer had obstructed the blood vessels in the man's penis. WHAT IS PRIAPISM? Priapism is a persistent and often painful erection that lasts for several hours. The erection is not necessarily related to sexual stimulation or excitement, and does not subside after ejaculation (when semen is released from the penis). The erection lasts longer than four hours. During this time, the shaft of the penis is rigid and inflexible, but the head of the penis (the glans) is usually soft. The penis is also usually painful or tender. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement What caused it? He also revealed that doctors had spotted early stages of cancer in the man in 2014, and advised him to have his bladder surgically removed. 'But the patient refused because he didn't want to wear a urine bag for the rest of his life,' Dr Wang told local reporters. He led the operation on the unnamed man and cut into both his penis and bladder to try and relieve some of the pain. On whether his patient was likely ever to have sex again, Dr Wang said: "He isn't married and didn't request an evaluation of potential sexual function. The dangers of priapism An erection that lasts any longer than four hours, medically known as priapism, is deemed a medical emergency. In such cases, erections don't subside after ejaculation and aren't always triggered by sexual stimulation, the NHS states. The painful condition, considered rare, can be triggered by anything that disrupts the flow of blood out of the penis - as well as some forms of cancer. Doctors usually recommend the gruesome tactic of using a needle and syringe to drain blood out of the penis for patients. A lack of exercise and a poor night's sleep are a 'double whammy' to those prone to piling on the pounds, a study suggests. In what is believed to be the strongest evidence to date, scientists discovered that both intensify the effects of genetic risk factors for obesity. Not exercising enough equates to weight gain of 1.7lbs (800g) for adults deemed at risk. Similar results were recorded for those who had restless sleep. The findings, derived from assessing 120,000 adults, 'emphasise the importance' of keeping active in those genetically predisposed to becoming obese. In what is believed to be the strongest evidence to date, scientists discovered that both intensify the effects of genetic risk factors for obesity University of Exeter researchers believe their findings may offer hope of personalised obesity interventions. 'Double whammy' effect Dr Andrew Wood, involved in the study, said: 'We wanted to find out if obesity-related genes and activity level have an interactive effect on obesity risk. He described this as like a 'double whammy' effect of being both at genetic risk and physically inactive, beyond the additive effect of these factors'. Professor Timothy Frayling, also involved in the study, said until recently, physical activity and sleep patterns could not be measured accurately. He warned that they often relied on diaries and self-reports, which don't always paint the most accurate results. How was the study carried out? Using data of 120,000 individuals between the ages of 40 and 70, they tested their sleep and exercise hypothesis. Data measuring their total physical activity, bouted activity, sleep duration and sleep efficiency was collected. They computed a genetic risk score for each participant based on 76 common variants known to be associated with elevated risk of obesity. This was analysed in the context of the data and the participants' BMIs. Results found the strongest evidence to date of a modest gene-activity interaction. SLEEP AND ITS IMPACT ON OBESITY Insomnia increases the risk of obesity by affecting our metabolism, according to research in May. Disrupted sleep patterns can also cause us to pile on the pounds by impacting our appetite and exercise response, a Swedish study found. Nights spent tossing and turning may even have an impact on our gut bacteria, which has a known role in metabolism. Study author Dr Christian Benedict, associate professor of neuroscience at Uppsala University, said: 'Since perturbed sleep is such a common feature of modern life, these studies show it is no surprise that metabolic disorders, such as obesity are also on the rise. 'It may be concluded that improving sleep could be a promising lifestyle intervention to reduce the risk of future weight gain.' Advertisement What did they find? For example, for a person of average height (5ft 6in or 1.73m) with 10 genetic variants associated with obesity, that genetic risk accounted for a 7.9lbs (3.6kg) increase in weight among those who were less physically active but just 6.2lbs (2.8kg) among those who were more active. Results were similar in analyses of sleep patterns; among participants with some genetic risk of obesity. Those who woke up frequently or slept more restlessly had higher BMIs than those who slept more efficiently. Professor Frayling said: 'Our results are consistent with previous studies suggesting that low levels of physical activity and sleep accentuate the genetic risk of obesity. 'But our results emphasise the importance of using objective measures and negative control phenotypes to test the specificity of gene-activity interactions. 'We hope these findings will inform clinicians who help people lose or maintain their weight. 'Ultimately, with further research, we may have the scope to personalise obesity interventions.' Further research required He added that the findings could 'contribute to the understanding that obesity is complex and its prevention may look different for different people'. Future research will investigate whether this interaction between genetics and physical activity differs between men and women. It will also study the effects of patterns of activity - for example, whether a consistent level of moderate activity has a different effect. The results were presented at the American Society of Human Genetics annual meeting in Orlando, Florida. People living with arthritis are at greater risk of a deadly lung disease, it has been warned. The 400,000 people with rheumatoid arthritis in Britain, and 50 million in the US, are almost 50 per cent more likely to end up with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to the results of a new study. It has been added by experts to the list of complications, along with heart disease and diabetes, now linked to the painful condition. Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term illness in which the immune system causes the body to attack itself, causing painful, swollen and stiff joints. But the extra problems come from the inflammation it causes in those joints. Arthritis increases the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by 47 per cent, a new study suggests It is this inflammation which is thought to lead to COPD - the umbrella term for diseases from emphysema to acute bronchitis which can cause wheezing and breathlessness so bad that daily activities can become impossible. What did they find? While rheumatoid arthritis sufferers have a 47 per cent greater risk of the lung condition, women with the condition see their danger rise by 61 per cent. These are the findings of a study of almost 25,000 people with arthritis, monitored over a decade by Canadian researchers. Lead author Dr Diane Lacaille, from the University of British Columbia, said: 'These findings are novel because it has only recently been recognised that inflammation plays a role in the development of COPD, and clinicians treating people with rheumatoid arthritis are not aware that their patients are at increased risk of developing COPD.' WARNING TO ARTHRITIS PATIENTS Arthritis sufferers are at greater risk of heart disease and stroke if they take ibuprofen to dampen their pain, a study showed in August. The common painkiller, available in corner shops, supermarkets and petrol stations, had a more profound effect on raising blood pressure than other similar medications. The findings, made by Swiss researchers, added to a growing body of evidence that suggests the cheap pills may have deadly consequences. Scientists warned the results of the trial are worrying for the elderly, considering their higher rates of arthritis and hypertension. The University Heart Centre, Zurich, findings, based on 444 patients, were presented at the European Society of Cardiology congress in Barcelona. Advertisement Olivia Belle, director of external affairs at charity Arthritis Research UK, said: 'As this research shows, rheumatoid arthritis doesn't just affect joints, but can cause lung disease too. 'This research emphasises the importance of getting the inflammation under control as soon as possible.' Sufferers should be 'vigilant' The authors of the study, published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research, say people with arthritis should be vigilant in looking for the first signs of COPD, which is the second most common lung disease after asthma in Britain. Early symptoms, suffered by around 1.2 million people in the UK, include frequent chest infections and chesty coughs, as well as waking up in the night feeling breathless. The researchers followed 24,625 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 25,396 people who were free of the condition to record how many were hospitalised with COPD. Smoking increases the risk of both arthritis and the lung disease, which meant it could distort the findings. Symptoms of COPD include breathing difficulty, cough, mucus production and wheezing However when the results were adjusted, by modelling the additional risk from smoking in both groups, arthritis sufferers were still 47 per cent more likely than the general population to be admitted to hospital with COPD. Why does arthritis cause COPD? While it was once thought COPD was caused by inflammation in the lungs specifically, experts now think inflammation elsewhere in the body could also be a trigger. To prevent that, they say anti-inflammatory drugs should be given to people in arthritis as quickly as possible. Dr Lacaille added: 'Our results emphasize the need to control inflammation, and in fact to aim for complete eradication of inflammation through effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.' A Georgia lawmaker - who is the wife of President Trump's former health secretary Tom Price - has been slammed for suggesting that people with HIV should be quarantined to lower the spread of the virus. Betty Price, a Republican state representative in Atlanta and a trained anesthesiologist, made the staggering claims at a videotaped hearing on Tuesday to discuss healthcare and HIV treatment. Rep Price said: 'My thinking sometimes goes in strange directions, but before you proceed if you wouldn't mind commenting on the surveillance of partners, tracking of contacts, that sort of thing. What are we legally able to do.' She added: 'And I don't want to say the quarantine word, but I guess I just said it. Betty Price, a Republican state representative in Atlanta and a trained anesthesiologist, made the staggering suggestion that HIV patients be quarantined at a hearing on Tuesday to discuss healthcare and HIV treatment. Pictured: Rep Price (center) with her husband Tom Price (left), the former health secretary, being sworn into his role by Vice President Mike Pence in February 'Is there an ability, since I would guess that public dollars are expended heavily in prophylaxis and treatment of this condition. So we have a public interest in curtailing the spread. 'What would you advise or are there any methods legally that we could do that would curtail the spread.' Her words, first reported by a gay-focused website in Georgia, sparked uproar. Georgia ranks fifth among states for new HIV diagnoses. In 2014, 50,000 Georgians were diagnosed with HIV in 2014. In 2015, the state had the highest rate of new diagnoses in the country. According to CDC figures, one in 51 Georgians will contract HIV in their lifetime. The epidemic is particularly severe in Atlanta, which is home to more than half of the state's population. 'Downtown Atlanta['s rate of HIV diagnoses] is as bad as Zimbabwe or Harare or Durban,' said Dr. Carlos del Rio, co-director of Emory University's Center for AIDS Research, said in 2016. Bruce Richman, executive director of HIV activist group Prevention Access Campaign, told Daily Mail Online he and other campaigners are pushing for an apology and - ultimately - Price's resignation. 'Betty Price has no place making decisions that affect the lives of people living with and affected by HIV. She holds abhorrent, stigmatizing and beyond ignorant beliefs that not only destroy lives but impede progress toward ending the epidemic. 'Ms Price, who considers people with HIV as diseased vectors rather than humans, has a reckless and reprehensible approach to public health policy and human rights. It's time to demand her apology and resignation.' Speaking to HIV Plus, Dazon Dixon Diallo, director of the Georgia Coalition to End HIV Criminalization, said Price's words were an indication of the attitude towards people with HIV in the South. 'When we come into spaces like this and we hear questions around how legally far can we go to isolate people or even quarantine people, then it just lets you know that we have a real uphill battle,' Diallo told the magazine. Jeff Graham, executive director of Georgia Equality, told STAT News: 'It's very troubling to hear comments like that. 'It shows the amount of work that still needs to happen to educate elected officials on the reality of the lives of people living with HIV. 'I'm hoping Rep. Price would be open to sitting down, meeting with folks, hearing how those comments sound, and recognizing that's not the direction we need to go in.' DailyMail.com has reached out to Rep Price for a comment. The saga comes just weeks after the CDC declared that people with HIV cannot transmit the virus to sexual partners if they have suppressed their viral load with medication. The statement, made in September, was hailed as a breakthrough against stigma, and an incentive for people to get tested and treated. A person with HIV becomes 'undetectable' when treatment suppresses the virus to a level so low in their blood that it cannot be detected by measurements. Scores of studies on more than 58,000 sex acts have shown that if a person is undetectable and stays on treatment, they cannot pass HIV on to a partner. The strength of this association first became clear a few years ago, and gradually health officials have been acknowledging the results. Bentley's new British boss: Adrian Hallmark, 55, will become the new boss of Bentley Motors from Febuary 2018, it was confirmed A Briton is to take over the driving seat of luxury car-maker Bentley after years of the Volkswagen-owned firm being led by German bosses. Adrian Hallmark, 55, is named today (Friday) as the new chief executive of the Crewe-based luxury car brand, moving from Jaguar Land Rover where he has been group strategy director for the past four years, and in charge of the Jaguar brand for nearly three years before that. Bentley made the official announcement after the news was broken exclusively by This is Money. Former Wolverhampton University student Mr Hallmark will replace incumbent Bentley chairman and chief executive Wolfgang Duerheimer who will retire from the firm. The last British boss of Bentley - which has been owned by under-fire German manufacturer Volkswagen Group since 1998 - was Tony Gott who held the post from 1998 to 2001. Hallmark will be the brand's new chairman and ceo starting on 1 February 2018. The move puts a British Bentley Boy back at the helm of the firm that employs around 4,000 people in Crewe and sells heavily on the Britishness of its vehicles, including the latest Bentley Continental GT. Rumours of the switch first emerged last month in Germanys well-connected Manager Magazin, known to have close connections with the man Volkswagen Group board in Germany. The move is a plum post for engineer and metallurgist Hallmark, who is an acknowledged expert on the luxury and super-luxury car-market and who previously served on the main Bentley board in charge of sales and marketing for six years between 1999 and 2005, playing an integral role in the introduction of the sector-defining Continental GT in 2003. A French and German speaker, he was also executive vice president for Volkswagen of America between 2005 and 2008 and regional director for Volkswagen AG Asia in Asia until October 2009. Adrian Hallmark was previously global brand director and group strategy director at Jaguar Land Rover Wolfgang Duerheimer, who was also ceo of Bugatti, had expressed a desire to quit his posts to VWs top management, according to a German magazine close to the car maker. He will retire from the firm, Bentley confirmed In his latest role, Hallmark joined Jaguar Land Rover as global brand director on 1 December 2010, and from 1 November 2013 took responsibility for a new position as group strategy director. At JLR he held group responsibility for corporate, product, industrial and business strategy, and was a member of Jaguar Land Rover's Executive Committee. He studied both Mechanical Engineering and Metallurgy at the University of Wolverhampton and later went on to complete a Diploma in Management at Henley Management College. Hallmark's career has also encompassed roles at Saab and Porsche. Hallmark will be at the helm of the firm that employs around 4,000 people in Crewe and sells heavily on the Britishness of its vehicles, including the latest Bentley Continental GT (pictured) Commenting on the new appointment, Matthias Muller, chief executive officer of the Volkswagen Group, said: 'I am delighted to welcome Adrian Hallmark back to the Volkswagen Group, and back to Bentley Motors. 'He brings a wealth of international automotive experience coupled with a deep understanding of the Bentley brand and I am confident he will lead this extraordinary British company to even greater success.' Bentley also announced three new board level appointments including another Briton - as part of its leadership shake-up with new board members for engineering; sales and marketing; and people, digitalisation and IT'. Briton, Chris Craft, 58, becomes board member for sales and marketing, succeeding Dr. Andreas Offermann, 60. Mr Hallmark pictured during his previous role at Bentley in charge of sales and marketing for six years between 1999 and 2005 Craft led Porsche Great Britain as managing director and was formerly director of Volkswagen UK, director of Skoda UK and has also held senior management roles during his 24 year career with the Volkswagen Group. Bentley was founded in 1919. After a bidding war with rival BMW in 1998, Germanys Volkswagen Group struck a deal to take over Bentley from Vickers, achieving sole control from 2003. In the past four years, Bentley Motors has sold more than 10,000 cars annually and had and five consecutive years achieving a profit above 100 million. Manager Magazin had reported that outgoing Duerheimer who was is also ceo of Bugatti - had expressed a desire to quit. It is believed to be the first time a Briton has led Bentley for around 20 years since soon after the Volkswagen take-over, and certainly well over a decade. The move is understood to be part of a wider shake-up by the Volkswagen Group as it continues to reshape the business in the aftermath of the dieselgate emissions cheating scandal. Glittering: Shares in Acacia Mining soared GOLD DEAL Shares in Acacia Mining soared after a deal with the Tanzanian government to resolve a long-running dispute. Its owner, Barrick Gold, will hand over a 16 per cent stake in three gold mines, a 50 per cent share of revenues from those mines and a payment of 227.8million. GAMES BOOM Fantasy miniatures maker Games Workshop said its sales and profits are running well above the same period last year, sending shares up 12.1 per cent, or 243p, to 2250p. In July, it reported a 126pc increase in profit to 38.4million, while sales had soared 34 per cent to 158million. HURRICANE HIT Billionaire Jim Ratcliffes firm Ineos took a 44million hit from hurricane Harvey in Texas. The chemicals and oil company made 519m profit during the third quarter, according to unaudited results, compared to 582million in the same quarter the year before. M&S MORTGAGES Marks and Spencer is to start selling mortgages through M&S Bank, which it set up five years ago. NUCLEAR DEAL Swiss firm ABB has won a 98million contract to design, supply and install cables to feed power from the Hinkley Point C plant in Somerset to the grid. CONCRETE SALE Landscaping firm Marshalls has bought concrete maker CPM Group for 38.3million. CHINA GROWTH The economy in China grew at an annual rate of 6.8 per cent between July and September slightly slower than the 6.9 per cent in the previous quarter. PIZZA ACTION Pizza firm Dominos has bought German chain Hallo Pizza for 28.8million. RENTOKIL RISE Pest control specialist Rentokil reported a 13.7 per cent rise in third-quarter sales to 579.5million after a spate of acquisitions. RBS SALE Bailed-out Royal Bank of Scotland may sell its stake in markets business Euroclear, which could net a profit of tens of millions of pounds. AMEX CHANGE The boss of credit card firm American Express Kenneth Chenault, 66, is stepping down after 16 years. GOING OUT Norways Helly Hansen has snapped up British outdoor clothing brand Musto in a deal valued at about 50million. TRUCKING ON First-half profits at Stobart have soared 933 per cent, from 10.8million last year to 111.6million. Singapore billionaire Kwek Leng Beng has made a third bid for Millennium & Copthorne The Singapore billionaire vying to take over Millennium & Copthorne Hotels has made a third bid for the chain. Kwek Leng Beng, the chairman of M&C, which owns about 65 per cent of the group, is trying to buy the remaining share. His first offer, in August, worth 510p per share in cash, was rejected by shareholders outright, while a revised proposal, made in September, was also rebuffed. His third offer, earlier this month, for 545p per share, values the firm at 1.8billion but that has faced criticism by investors, who believe it undervalues the company. International Value Advisers and MSD Partners say the latest offer fails to reflect the underlying value of its assets, which give the firm a book value of 820p per share. They also criticised directors for considering the offer without talking to independent shareholders. Two other City investors, Aberdeen Standard Investments and Fidelity International, also oppose the offer. The London Stock Exchanges boss is leaving after his mega-merger plans were wrecked by an insider trading probe, stubborn Brussels regulators and greedy German politicians. Xavier Rolet championed a 21billion takeover of LSE by Frankfurt-based rival Deutsche Boerse ignoring British critics who warned the deal was against the national interest. LSE eventually pulled out after refusing demands from Brussels competition authorities to sell a key business in Italy. Xavier Rolet, pictured with his wife Nicole at their Chene Bleu vineyard in southern France, is stepping down as boss of the London Stock Exchange Frenchman Rolet, 57, who owns 74 acres of vineyards in Provence, has announced he will leave next year after a successor has been found. The boss has run LSE for eight years and is popular with shareholders, boosting its value from 800million when he took over to nearly 14billion. But the collapse of the Deutsche deal is likely to cast a shadow over his reign. VINTAGE FIGURES 38.4m - Xavier Rolet's pay since taking charge of LSE in 2009 1,575 per cent - R ise in shares since then 4,580 - Cost of wine tasting course at his French vineyard 5.2bn - Daily value of UK trades on LSE 11.4trillion - Funds which rely on the company's indexes Seven - Failed takeover attempts of the exchange in past 17 years When the takeover plans were announced in March last year, analysts gave them a high chance of success and a slick lobbying operation was launched to counter sceptics. But the mood changed dramatically after the Brexit vote, as German politicians demanded the merged firm shift its headquarters to Frankfurt amid a clamour to steal business from the City. Regional prosecutors then launched an insider trading probe into Deutsches boss Carsten Kengeter, over 60,000 shares worth 4.9million which he bought days before the merger was made public. Kengeter denies any wrongdoing and the investigation is continuing. LSE pulled the plug in March, citing unacceptable demands from the European Commission to sell a trading platform in Italy. LSE insiders said that Rolets departure was announced early so that the board has time to consider a successor. BHP boss Andrew Mackenzie has come under attack from vulture hedge fund Elliott The boss of embattled miner BHP Billiton has come out fighting against an attack from vulture hedge fund Elliott. Andrew Mackenzie, 60, said his strategy had the backing of investors and management and he won the support of the company's new chairman. Reports emerged last month that Mackenzie, chief executive since 2013, was given six months to sort out the FTSE 100 firm amid demands from Elliott for a radical shake-up due to alleged under-performance Speaking after BHP's AGM yesterday in London, Mackenzie said: 'I am very confident that I am the right person to lead the next phase of safety and productivity. Clearly I have got a very strong track record of delivering safety and productivity we have effectively doubled the safety and productivity and I believe there is more to come.' Elliott has a 5 per cent stake in the miner and launched its attack in April, demanding BHP drop its dual-listed structure, sell its loss-making US shale oil and gas business, and return more cash to shareholders, It also criticised plans to invest in potash. BHP has since said it will sell the US oil and gas business and has appointed a new chairman, Ken MacKenzie, welcomed by Elliott. Yesterday the new chairman insisted it was 'MacKenzie and Mackenzie' running the firm, not Elliott. Ken MacKenzie said: 'Andrew as CEO has created a simpler company, a more productive company, a stronger company, and he has a well-articulated plan for the future.' Lord Hain has accused HSBC and Standard Chartered of money laundering Two of Britain's largest banks face corruption probes after being accused by former Cabinet minister Lord Hain of money-laundering in South Africa. HSBC and Standard Chartered face investigations over their alleged role in laundering 400million linked to the controversial Gupta family. Labour peer Hain named the pair among several lenders which are alleged to have facilitated a gigantic bribery scandal gripping South Africa. The Guptas are accused of exerting enormous influence on president Jacob Zuma, and undermining the rule of law to make themselves rich, with some of the City's biggest names dragged into the crisis. It has destroyed City spin firm Bell Pottinger, forced out a string of senior staff at accountant KPMG and triggered an apology from consultancy McKinsey. Hain, a former anti-apartheid campaigner born in Kenya, wrote to Chancellor Philip Hammond urging him to investigate. He said a 'transnational money-laundering network' had enabled 'corruption and cronyism, plundering taxpayer resources on an industrial scale'. The peer said: 'Several Standard Chartered US dollar accounts in Dubai were used by the Gupta network to launder the proceeds of their illicit gains.' He added that much of the cash seemed to have passed through the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong. 'In both these jurisdictions, two of the UK's largest financial institutions Standard Chartered and HSBC have their biggest footprints,' Lord Hain said. 'Experts I have talked to cannot see how they will not have been exposed to this network.' Hain also included a list of people and companies linked to the family, and urged UK finance firms to urgently check if they provided any services to them. Hammond said the Government took corruption claims very seriously and that he had passed the letter to the Financial Conduct Authority, Serious Fraud Office and National Crime Agency. In the House of Lords yesterday, Hain also identified Indian lender Baroda Bank as a possible money launderer. He said he had written to European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker about several banks on the Continent which he feared could be involved. The scandal is a fresh blow for HSBC, which is hoping to put a string of corruption cases behind it when new chief executive John Flint takes over next year. Standard Chartered fined 187million in 2012 for breaking sanctions against Iran is also trying to clean up its act. HSBC declined to comment and a Standard Chartered spokesman said: 'We are not able to comment on the details of client transactions but can confirm that, following an internal investigation, accounts were closed by us in 2014.' None of the Guptas, who have denied any wrongdoing, are thought to have opened any accounts in their own names. A Spanish man has been killed after a fragment of stone hit him in Florence's Basilica of the Holy Cross. The famous Italian church, where leading Renaissance artist Michelangelo is buried, has now been closed by police. An official said the 52-year-old tourist was struck by a square piece of stone, around 15 centimetres in diameter, which fell from a height of around 65 feet. A Spanish man has been killed after a fragment of stone hit him in Florence's Basilica of the Holy Cross An official said the 52-year-old tourist was struck by a square piece of stone, around 15 centimetres in diameter, which fell from a height of around 65 feet at the holy site The chunk of stone had supported a beam in the right transept of the basilica, the main Franciscan church in Florence and a tourist hotspot. Along with being the resting place for Michelangelo, other giants in Italian culture such as scientist Galileo Galilei and philosopher and writer Niccolo Machiavelli are buried here. In 2012, a piece of marble fell off Florence's 280 foot-high, 14th century bell tower. There have also been similar collapses at the ancient Roman site of Pompeii. Irene Sanesi, the president of the Opera di Santa Croce which is responsible for running the church, said she was 'distraught' about the man's death. As well as offering her condolences to the victim's family, she insisted that the necessary maintainance and restoration of the church had been 'carried out constantly' over the past few years with the help of Italy's protection agency. She said: 'That is why we are truly stunned and astonished by what has happened.' Ms Sanesi said she did not know when the church would reopen again. Three people, including a Colorado State University student, were killed and one person was wounded Thursday in a pre-dawn shooting outside an apartment complex about a mile west of the campus, police said. The shooting suspect was among those killed. A motive for the 2am shooting in Fort Collins wasn't known. University police ordered students and faculty via text and email to stay inside after shots were heard. The Larimer County coroner's office says Savannah McNealy, 22, of Fort Collins, was among the three found dead. She had been shot multiple times, and her death has been ruled a homicide. Scroll down for video Savannah McNealy was one of three people who died in an early morning shooting near the Colorado State University campus on Thursday The other two victims have not been identified. The shooter is among the dead Pictures from the crime scene show a shotgun on the ground outside the apartment where the shooting happened Bullets holes were also noted on this car in the apartment complex parking lot McNealy was studying liberal arts, art and art history. She also was a designer for CSU Life, a monthly campus publication. The other three involved, whose names have not been released, were not affiliated with CSU, a public university with more than 33,000 students about 65 miles (105 kilometers) north of Denver. City police Sgt. Dean Cunningham said it appeared that the shooter was known by one of the victims. The two other victims will be identified on Friday, the coroner's office said. The injured victim was taken to Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland. A apartment resident who spoke to KOLO said that the injured victim was female. McNealy was an art student who planned to graduate in December. She was from Highlands Ranch, Colorado The cause of the shooting is still under investigation. Residents in the apartment complex say they were woken up by the sound of gunshots and then a woman screaming for help The names of the other two people who died in the shooting will be released on Friday Yellow police tape cordoned off a parking area outside a drab gray apartment building in the City Park neighborhood, a residential area that abuts the university's 590-acre (230-hectare) campus. Many students and faculty live in the neighborhood. Blood pools were seen on one sidewalk in the apartment complex. Investigators seemed to be focusing their efforts on the area of the blood pools and a vehicle in the parking lot. Darren Rutz, a former CSU student who lives near the scene, told The Rocky Mountain Collegian he was awakened by a woman's call for help, followed by gunfire. 'It seemed like quite a few gunshots to me,' Rutz said. After the gunshots were heard, CSU officials sent out a text message to students, warning them to stay inside Grief counselors tended to students and others at an on-campus student center on Thursday Another resident, Matthew Litton, told the Reporter-Herald that he was laying in bed when he heard multiple gunshots. 'I could tell from the consistency of the firing that it wasn't fireworks, it was gunshots. I heard a girl yelling, "Call 911!" After that, I heard one last bang, and then it was quiet,' he said. Litton said he also saw a photo taken by a friend, showing two bodies laying on the sidewalk with a pistol between them. Grief counselors tended to students and others at an on-campus student center. 'We are deeply saddened by this terrible loss to our campus community and will share more information as we have it,' the university said in an email to students and staff. A vigil is set for 4pm Friday to honor McNealy on campus, near Ram Walk, which she helped design. Anyone with information about the shooting is being asked to call Detective Tessa Jakobsson at 970-221-6575. Islamic State militants are capable of orchestrating and carrying out an attack against the United States, possibly downing an airplane, even after being evicted from their self-declared Syrian capital of Raqqa, the CIA director said Thursday. Mike Pompeo said the U.S. is threatened by other militant groups as well. 'IS' capability to conduct an external operation remains. But I wouldn't put them in a singular bucket,' Pompeo said. 'Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula has for a long time had this mission statement, which includes the taking down of a commercial airliner bound for a western country. Certainly, among those would be the United States.' Speaking a day after President Donald Trump's acting homeland security chief invoked the possibility of another 9/11-style attack, Pompeo said America's enemies around the world 'are intent upon using commercial aviation as their vector to present a threat to the West.' Scroll down for video CIA Director Mike Pompeo speaks during the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) National Security Summit in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017 Pompeo said during the meeting the U.S. is going to do everything it can to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table in Afghanistan Pompeo suggested Islamic State militants are capable of orchestrating and carrying out an attack against the United States, despite the group's eviction from Raqqa However, he also worried about a terrorist capability 'we just don't see.' The typically blunt threat assessment came during a wide-ranging discussion at a Washington think tank, in which Pompeo also underscored President Donald Trump's intent to counteract North Korea. He said Pyongyang is only months away from perfecting its nuclear weapons capabilities. 'They are closer now than they were five years ago, and I expect they will be closer in five months than they are today, absent a global effort to push back against them,' Pompeo said. 'From a U.S. policy perspective, we ought to behave as if we are on the cusp of them achieving that objective.' 'IS' capability to conduct an external operation remains. But I wouldn't put them in a singular bucket,' Pompeo said Pompeo spoke just a day after President Donald Trump's acting homeland security chief, Elaine Duke, invoked the possibility of another 9/11-style attack Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti, left, shakes hands with Duke at the G7 Interior Ministers' Meeting in the Ischia island, Italy, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017 On another nuclear concern, Iran, Pompeo stressed that Trump wants to ensure the U.S. foe has no pathway to developing the bomb. To that effect, he said, the Iran nuclear deal President Barack Obama and America's allies negotiated with Iran was insufficient. The notion that the agreement would 'curtail Iranian adventurism or their terror threat or their malignant behavior has now ... two years on, proven to be fundamentally false,' said Pompeo, a former Republican congressman from Kansas who keenly opposed to the seven-nation accord when it was reached. He said the Iran deal put the United States in a better place with respect to inspections of Iranian facilities. But from an intelligence perspective, he said, even more 'intrusive inspection' is needed. 'The Iranians have on multiple occasions been capable of presenting a continued threat, through covert efforts to develop their nuclear program along multiple dimensions ... the missile dimension, the weaponization effort, the nuclear component itself,' he said. Trump has provided the CIA with the authority it needs to track Iran's compliance with the deal, he said. 'The Iranians have on multiple occasions been capable of presenting a continued threat, through covert efforts to develop their nuclear program along multiple dimensions,' said Pompeo Pompeo also worried about a terrorist capability on the United States 'we just don't see' Pompeo also said it's an 'open secret' that Iran has links to al-Qaida. 'There have been relationships, there are connections. There have been times the Iranians have worked alongside al-Qaida,' Pompeo said. 'There have been connections where, at the very least, they have cuts deals so as not to come after each other.' Pompeo and Trump's national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, who also spoke at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies event, both said the U.S. must counter Iran's aggression in the region. They noted Iran's support for the Lebanon's Hezbollah militants, who threaten Israel; backing of Shia militias in Iraq and Syria; cyber activities; ballistic missile efforts; and a long history of proliferation ties with North Korea. Pompeo said Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps controls as much as 20 percent of the Iranian economy. McMaster said the United States needs to raise the cloak on the IRGC's financial network and urge companies worldwide not to do business with it. 'Don't enrich the IRGC,' McMaster said. 'Don't enable their murderous campaign. Don't enable their threat to our friends in the region, especially Israel, but also Saudi Arabia and others.' Pompeo also discussed Pakistan's help in getting an American woman, her Canadian husband and three children released last week from the Haqqani militant network. The couple had been held for five years inside Pakistan, he said. The U.S. government is urging the world airline community to ban laptops from checked luggage because of the potential for a catastrophic fire. Tests show when a laptop's rechargeable lithium-ion battery overheats in close proximity to an aerosol spray can, it can cause an explosion capable of disabling an airliner's fire suppression system. The Federal Aviation Administration said in a paper filed recently with a U.N. agency said the fire could then rage unchecked, leading to 'the loss of the aircraft.' Scroll down for video The U.S. government is urging the world airline community to ban laptops from checked luggage because of the potential for a catastrophic fire. The ban is to be discussed in Montreal this week (picture from a test at the FAAs technical center in Atlantic City, N.J.) The FAA has conducted 10 tests involving a fully-charged laptop packed in a suitcase. A heater was placed against the laptop's battery to force it into 'thermal runaway,' a condition in which the battery's temperature continually rises. In one test, an 8-ounce aerosol can of dry shampoo - which is permitted in checked baggage - was strapped to the laptop. There was a fire almost immediately and it grew rapidly. The aerosol can exploded within 40 seconds. The test showed that because of the rapid progression of the fire, Halon gas fire suppressant systems used in airline cargo compartments would be unable to put out the fire before there was an explosion, the FAA said. The explosion might not be strong enough to structurally damage the plane, but it could damage the cargo compartment and allow the Halon to escape, the agency said. Then there would be nothing to prevent the fire from spreading. Tests show when a laptop's rechargeable lithium-ion battery overheats in close proximity to an aerosol spray can, it can cause an explosion capable of disabling an airliner's fire suppression system (stock) Other tests of laptop batteries packed with potentially dangerous consumer goods that are permitted in checked baggage like nail polish remover, hand sanitizer and rubbing alcohol also resulted in large fires, although no explosions. As a result, the paper recommends that passengers shouldn't be allowed to pack large electronic devices in baggage unless they have specific approval from the airline. The U.N. agency, the International Civil Aviation Organization, sets global aviation safety standards, although member countries must still ratify them. The proposed ban is on the agenda of a meeting of ICAO's panel on dangerous goods being held this week and next week in Montreal. The U.N. agency, the International Civil Aviation Organization, recommends that passengers shouldn't be allowed to pack large electronic devices in baggage unless they have specific approval from the airline (stock) The paper says the European Safety Agency, the FAA's counterpart in Europe; Airbus, one of the world's largest makers of passenger airliners; the International Federation of Airline Pilots' Association, and the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Association, which represents aircraft makers, concurred in the recommendation. The paper doesn't address whether the ban should extend to domestic flights, but points out the risk that baggage containing a large electronic device could be transferred from one flight to another without the knowledge of the airline. The FAA said it believes most devices larger than a smartphone are already being carried by passengers into the cabin, rather than put in checked bags. Rechargeable lithium batteries are used in consumer products ranging from cellphones and laptops to electric cars. Manufacturers like them because they pack more energy into smaller packages, but the batteries can self-ignite if they have a manufacturing flaw, are damaged, exposed to excessive heat, overcharged or packed too closely together. Rechargeable lithium batteries are used in consumer products ranging from cellphones and laptops to electric cars. Batteries can self-ignite if they have a manufacturing flaw or are damaged. The fires can burn up to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit (stock) The fires can burn up to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit, close to the melting point of the aluminum used in aircraft construction. A video of a test in 2014, replicating an luggage hold with 5,000 lithium batteries on fire shows the swift devastation they can cause. Since 2006, three cargo jets have been destroyed and four pilots killed by in-flight fires that investigators say were either started by batteries or made more severe by their proximity. Earlier this year, the U.S. imposed a ban on laptops in the cabins of planes coming into the country from 10 Middle Eastern airports for security reasons. The ban was fully lifted in July after U.S. officials said airports in the region had taken other steps to increase security. An eighth child has been killed after an Ikea dresser that was recalled last year toppled over and crushed him. Jozef Dudek, two, was killed when a three-drawer Malm dresser fell on him in the bedroom of his California home when his parents put him down for a nap in May. The boy was in his bedroom alone when the accident happened and was found trapped under the dresser by his father. He is the eighth child who has died from an incident involving an Ikea dresser and the fourth killed specifically by the Malm product. Jozef Dudek, two, was killed when a three-drawer Malm dresser fell on him in the bedroom of his California home when his parents put him down for a nap in May Jozef is believed to be the first confirmed death since Ikea recalled the dresser last year. News of Jozef's tragic death only came to light this week after the Dudek's family attorney spoke out saying they were 'absolutely distraught' over what happened. He is the eighth child who has died from an incident involving an Ikea dresser and the fourth killed specifically by the Malm product (pictured above) Their attorney Daniel Mann, of Philadelphia's Feldman Shepherd law firm, told The Inquirer that Jozef's parents did not know the Malm dresser had been recalled. 'Jozef's tragic death was completely avoidable,' Mann said. 'What makes this death more heartbreaking is the fact that last year's so-called recall was poorly publicized by Ikea and ineffective in getting these defective and unstable dressers out of children's bedrooms across the country.' The attorney declined to give further details about the boy's death but said his family plan on suing Ikea. Ikea, as well as the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, have confirmed they are aware of Jozef's death in relation to the Malm product. The safety agency said it was investigating. Ted McGee (pictured left with mom Janet) and Curran Collas (right with mom Jackie) were both killed in 2012 and 2014 respectively when they were crushed by Ikea dressers Ikea recalled a total of 29 million items sold in the US last year after the products failed industry safety tests because they could fall over when unattached to a wall Mann's firm has already represented three families of toddlers who were killed when the now-recalled dressers fell on them. Ikea settled with the families for $50 million last year. Ted McGee of Minnesota, Curran COllas of Pennsylvania, and Camden Ellis of Washington died between 2012 and 2014. All three families divided the $50million settlement equally between them. A two -year-old boy from Woodbridge, Virginia, also died in September 2011, while toddlers also died in 1989, 2002 and 2007 in similar incidents. Ikea recalled a total of 29 million items sold in the US last year after the products failed industry safety tests because they could fall over when unattached to a wall. Every time you jet off on holiday, going through airport security just seems to get more and more complicated. But ministers are finally hoping to simplify the process and one idea could see your luggage being checked while you are shopping in duty free. The Government has invited companies and universities to compete for a share of a 3million fund, to develop new ways of detecting explosive devices concealed in electrical items. The aim is to maintain the same level of security, while speeding up the process particularly for families with young children. This means that airport officials could drop the need to remove laptops, phones and tablets from hand luggage. The aim is to maintain the same level of security, while speeding up the process particularly for families with young children (stock photo) The Department for Transport said other options could include the development of portable scanners to screen items at 'other points in the passenger journey' from the check-in desks to the duty-free shops. Security officials or police could impose random checks in the terminal building. Another plan could be boosting the technology at security so electrical devices do not have to be removed and scanned separately. EU rules require laptops and other electrical items to be removed from hand luggage because they can be particularly difficult to screen. Once ready for commercial use, the DfT said the new technologies will 'enhance our ability to prevent terrorist attacks on aviation while improving the experience of passengers'. Security minister Ben Wallace said: 'Aviation security is a government priority and one with an ever changing threat landscape. 'We need to embrace and encourage the talent from industry that will allow us to stay several steps ahead of those who wish us harm.' And Lord Callanan, minister for aviation, said: 'The safety and security of the travelling public will always be our top priority, but we understand that this can sometimes be inconvenient for passengers especially families with young children. 'As technology improves we want to make the aviation experience quicker and easier for all.' It means that airport officials could drop the need to remove laptops, phones and tablets from hand luggage Last night a source stressed that it is likely to take years for any new technology to be introduced. But the commitment to reduce hassle for passengers will be refreshing for many travellers who have endured bigger queues at security and at passport control. In March, the United States banned large electronics in cabins on flights from ten airports in the Middle East and North Africa over fears that explosives could be hidden in them. And rules banning anything bigger than a mobile phone in the cabins of direct flights to the UK were introduced shortly afterwards. They covered journeys from Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia. The US lifted the ban over the summer, while restrictions are gradually being lifted in the UK. Over recent months, Brussels has decided to drag its feet on Brexit negotiations and refuse to discuss anything other than its own agenda. That agenda is, of course, all about money extracting as much as it can out of Britain. All talk about sufficient progress in talks is of course a crude smokescreen to disguise a naked attempt to force the UK into a divorce bill as much as 90billion with nothing in return. That is why the talks have stalled. Brussels has decided to drag its feet on Brexit negotiations and refuse to discuss anything other than its own agenda. Pictured: EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier Of course, in all negotiations theres a moment similar to this when each side tries to figure out how far the other will go, or whether they will capitulate. Weve now reached that crossroads with Brexit. So while Theresa May is right to point out that we must have a proper post-Brexit free trade deal with EU countries, she is also right that no deal is better than a bad deal. Indeed, she has now put flesh on the bones of that statement by making all arrangements for us to depart from the EU on World Trade Organisation terms which would mean having to pay tariffs on goods and services we export to the EU. We are constantly told that such an arrangement would be cataclysmic, a cliff edge and a disaster. Yet the truth is far from that. Yes, we want a free trade agreement which would replicate most current trade arrangements but not at any price. The alternative isnt nothing, its a set of arrangements which will not include a very specific trade deal between the UK and the EU. It would, however, allow for some flexibility on trade tariffs for a period while we continue talks, should we choose to do so. So in truth, its not a deal or no deal, its a free trade deal or a WTO deal. Pascal Lamy, ex-director-general of the WTO, indicated a few months ago that it might be necessary for the UK to depart on WTO terms, with an EU/UK agreement for zero tariffs and access to services. President of the European Council Donald Tusk, (R) and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker speak during a press conference This was because a free trade agreement could take longer to complete and would be best done after the UK had left. So, of course, Britain and the remaining 27 EU countries would make trade arrangements under WTO rules allowing us to lower tariffs. This, in turn, would reduce prices of key commodities particularly clothing and food something that would benefit the poorest the most. This could also mean that British exports would become much more competitive. Meanwhile, the UK would strike bilateral deals with non-EU countries such as the US, Australia, Japan and India. As we took our post-Brexit place as a full voting member of the WTO, we would have the same voting power as the EU and could encourage other countries towards further liberalisation of global trade. The truth is that Britain is a major driver of trade liberalisation and at long last our individual voice would be heard again. And the result would be to make goods cheaper for British households and to create an innovative, dynamic economy. To achieve this, Britain would need to have control of its borders, tariffs and regulatory system from the moment of Brexit. If the UK continued in the European regulatory environment or customs union, then we would suffer because other countries would think we were not serious about free trade. To achieve our aims, five things are vital. First, the UK and EU must have identical regulatory systems from day one of Brexit. Second, our relationship must be based on WTO rules. Third, while we would accept the common external tariff on all imports from outside the EU, we would be free to lower tariffs when and where we choose. Fourth, we should immediately lobby the WTO to liberalise financial and other services something which has seen little progress for 20 years. Fifth, Britain must take the lead in many other areas such as electronic commerce. This should be our ambition, to lead in global organisations setting key standards. President of the European Council Donald Tusk, (R) and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker speak during a press conference This is why it is vital we now show how optimistic we are about the possibilities available to us. For its part, the EU must decide quickly which arrangement for Britain it wants. Theresa May was right when she said the ball was in Brusselss court. They certainly know it, too. But perhaps most important, the EU leaders should stop worrying that Brexit will destabilise the EU it wont. This is because Britain has always been a little exceptional; a very uncomfortable bedfellow in the EU. As more and more powers have accrued to Brussels, the British government has become increasingly awkward. So now that 17million have voted to Leave, instead of spouting nonsense about the UK being given no special post-Brexit deal, Brussels negotiators should see this as the beginning of a new and better arrangement. Crucially, it offers them the chance to move the way they want, with deeper and deeper integration, without the carping from the UK, while keeping hold of a good friend and ally. For Britains part, as an island trading nation, we will want to work closely with our allies and friends but remain free to choose a different course when our interests diverge. That surely is the prize for both sides in these talks. A luxury resort owner in Queensland is at least $1,500 out of pocket after four young guests left a room horrifically trashed. Steve Smith manages the boutique Noosa River Retreat in Noosaville alongside his wife Sandy and reluctantly rented an apartment to the group of young men on September 22. But their one-night stay left him reeling after they racked up damage so significant it required hours of cleaning and forced the cancellation of later bookings. A luxury resort manager in Queensland has been left at least $1,500 out of pocket after four young guests left a room horrifically trashed (pictured is the soiled bedroom with broken lamp and missing cushions) Steve Smith manages the boutique Noosa River Retreat in Noosaville alongside his wife Sandy (both pictured) and reluctantly rented the apartment to the group of young men for the night of September 22 Mr Smith said two 23-year-old's had booked the room online and he had got a bad vibe about their intentions as they checked in. 'I had that gut feeling they wanted the room for party central,' was how he described it to the Sunshine Coast Daily. 'They were definitely party boys and we are a quiet, family resort, where most people are in bed resting and relaxing by 10pm,' he said. After being read the 'the riot act' and provided their keys, Mr Smith told Daily Mail Australia the boys assured him they were just there for 'a quiet Friday night'. But by 7pm he saw them by the barbecue drinking and said by that stage they had 'already made a mess of themselves.' 'They headed out just after 10pm and they were yelling in the carpark and waking guests up, so my wife and I spoke to them again.' But their stay left him less than impressed after they racked up damage so significant it required hours of cleaning and forced the cancellation of later bookings (pictured is the waste and broken glass strewn around the room) Mr Smith said the 23-year-old men had told him they were just going to have a 'quiet Friday night' but the room was wrecked by the following morning, including smashed glass and vomit throughout But despite Mr Smith's repeated warnings to the boys to behave themselves, by morning he discovered the room was wrecked, with glass strewn everywhere and vomit on the floor. 'I started opening the resort about 7am and I noticed the screen and glass doors to their apartment were wide open and alarm bells started going off for me,' Mr Smith said. After checking on the men, he said he could see smashed alcohol bottles, a broken bedside lamp, missing decor and food splattered up the walls. 'They had also pulled the smoke alarm forcefully off the wall so they could smoke,' Mr Smith said. Mr Smith told Daily Mail Australia he saw them cooking and drinking at the barbecue around 7pm drinking and said by that stage they had 'already made a mess of themselves' (pictured is the barbecue that took an hour to clean) The boys avoided cleaning up or taking responsibility for their actions, sneaking out and leaving Mr Smith, his wife and a professional cleaner six hours worth of work (pictured is the broken bedside lamp) A smoke alarm that was screwed into the wall had been forcefully pulled out, with cigarettes found littered around But instead of 'getting up and getting the room cleared up' as he asked them to, the men proceeded to sneak out without cleaning a thing. 'My wife came up to me just after check out at 10am and told me they had snuck around the back and taken off.' This left Mr Smith, his wife and their professional cleaner to fix the mess, which he said took more than six hours of effort. 'The unit just stunk of alcohol and vomit, it was absolutely disgusting,' he said. 'We had tried to get it ready for the next couple who were staying straight after but we ended up having to send them off to another resort and pay the difference in accommodation out of our own pocket.' Mr Smith said the unit smelled of alcohol and vomit and was 'disgusting', with the manager forced to move the couple due to stay that following night to another resort because the room was unsafe for reletting Food was food splattered up the walls of the apartment, with those responsible providing no financial restitution despite a police report being issued The couple have yet to receive financial compensation for the damages, despite contacting the local man involved. 'There has been no offer of restitution from him, his parents or the mate who was there with him.' The total damage included missing items such as wicker baskets, a framed print and cushions, as well as repairs to the smoke detector and damaged walls. Mr Smith said he had filed a police report, but that it was difficult proving wilful damage from accidental damage. 'It's horrific and very upsetting for my wife and myself,' he said. 'We've been in the business a long time and we've never had anything like this happen to us before.' Shakespeares Titus Andronicus contains a rape, mutilation, murder and a scene in which someone inadvertently eats their own children served up in a pie. Not very nice, is it? Wouldnt it be better for young men and women to read Enid Blytons stories of Noddy? That is what some at Cambridge Universitys English faculty seem to think. It has been revealed that students are being given trigger warnings about lectures on Titus Andronicus and other works in case they are upset. The assumption is that young people nowadays, the snowflake generation, are too sensitive to be able to undertake a study of the tragedies of Shakespeare. Flora Spencer-Longhurst as Lavinia in William Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus directed by Lucy Bailey at Shakespeare's Globe London Shakespeares Titus Andronicus contains a rape, mutilation, murder and a scene in which someone inadvertently eats their own children served up in a pie. Not very nice, is it? Wouldnt it be better for young men and women to read Enid Blytons stories of Noddy? That is what some at Cambridge Universitys (pictured) English faculty seem to think It will be interesting to see if other universities follow suit. In Glasgow, students of theology are warned that they might be confronted with the upsetting fact that Jesus was crucified and I want to come back to that in a moment. No doubt those in authority at these universities believe that by protecting young people from tragedy, they are doing them a kindness. The exact opposite is the truth. Students who are given time to watch, read and discuss the tragedies of ancient Greece, or of Elizabethan theatre, above all of Shakespeare, are being offered the chance not just to savour some of the finest works of art ever created but to examine the human condition. Some cloth-eared philistine, concerned with the pastoral care of students, might think it their duty to censor the last scene of Hamlet, in which just about everyone in the Danish court appears to have been poisoned, stabbed or mutilated. But such an act would deprive a student of the chance to undertake one of the greatest moral and aesthetic adventures it is possible to have to know Shakespeares masterpiece, with all its searing questions about who we are and what we are doing on this planet. Not to know Shakespeares tragedies is to miss out on something central not just to academic study but life itself. By protecting students from tragedy, teachers are doing them a grave disservice. Not to know Shakespeares tragedies is to miss out on something central not just to academic study but life itself. By protecting students from tragedy, teachers are doing them a grave disservice Some 2,300 years ago, a doctors son called Aristotle, who had been tutor to the infant Alexander the Great, meditated on the reason we benefit from watching tragedy. It was, he believed, because watching it excites in us two primal emotions fear (of whats about to happen) and pity (for the central character) and then purges us of those emotions in a process called catharsis as the drama reaches its climax. We leave the theatre cleansed and uplifted, with a greater understanding of what it is to be human. Aristotle studied in Athens in the century following the Golden Age, during which perhaps the greatest tragedies ever composed were written and performed. The Greek tragedies by the three great practitioners Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides are still performed today and still electrifying to audiences. They are not for the faint-hearted. When, in Sophocless drama Oedipus Rex, he discovers he has been unable to escape his predicted fate having killed his father and slept with his mother he puts out his own eyes. Medea, in Euripides play of the same name, punishes her unfaithful husband Jason by murdering their children. These dramas were concerned with the deepest questions facing their audience. Where does duty lie: to your family, or the State? Who is responsible for your misfortunes: the gods or yourself? How is it possible to deal with the worst things which fate can throw at you the loss of loved ones, treachery, war, insane love, lust? Today, we use the word tragedy to apply not to plays, but to very sad items in the news. Yet I believe that when we contemplate such tragedies as the Grenfell Tower fire, or the Mexican earthquake, or the refugee crisis in Myanmar, we are undergoing something similar to the experience of seeing a tragedy in a theatre. As mere observers, we can very often not do anything, except send a fiver to Oxfam; but this does not mean that we cannot learn. Fear and pity are part of life. It is up to us whether they make us better or worse people. The Cambridge students who are too nervous to contemplate Othello murdering his wife out of insane jealousy, or Cleopatra holding a poisonous snake to her breast, or Lear, having suffered more than most of us could ever dread doing, entering the stage with his dead daughter in his arms with the words Howl, howl, howl, howl! are missing out. Today, we use the word tragedy to apply not to plays, but to very sad items in the news. Yet I believe that when we contemplate such tragedies as the Grenfell Tower fire, or the Mexican earthquake, or the refugee crisis in Myanmar, we are undergoing something similar to the experience of seeing a tragedy in a theatre They are missing out not on a single useful experience, but on the central experience of human life: at any time, any one of us, as individuals or as a society, might be faced with sorrow which is literally unbearable: the death of a child, or the implosion, as in Syria, of an entire society around our ears. Turn from such appalling scenes and look back to the Greeks, or go back to Shakespeare. You will find that they have been there before you. This brings us back to those theology students of Glasgow, who are warned that they might be upset by the Crucifixion. Is not the central tragedy, the story which has been at the heart of European civilisation since the 4th century, the Crucifixion of Christ? Long ago, when I was on the parent-teacher association of a Church of England school, we used to receive complaints from the more tender-hearted parents about the fact that an image of Christ on the Cross hung in the classrooms Regardless of what people have believed about Jesus, they have been unable to avoid knowing how He died. The image of a young man dying in the most painful and disgusting manner imaginable hangs in churches, schools and houses all over the world. Yet people have found hope in this image, consolation in the belief that Christ has entered into the darkest place of their own sufferings. Even if you do not share this faith, you can see its potency a power which would be completely lacking if Christian buildings removed the distressing pictures of the cross for fear of upsetting the snowflakes. Long ago, when I was on the parent-teacher association of a Church of England school, we used to receive complaints from the more tender-hearted parents about the fact that an image of Christ on the Cross hung in the classrooms. They objected that children were taught the Hail Mary (it was a High Church school) with its imprecation that we should be prayed for now and at the hour of our death. Surely the children were too young to be told about death? In those days, such objections were overruled. Now, I suspect, they would have to be taken more seriously. The nice people who want to protect the young from reality are failing to provide them with the tools with which to face that sad thing which the rest of us call life. Hamlet is upsetting. Sophocless Oedipus Rex is upsetting. The Gospels are upsetting. That is because life is upsetting. Merely to be upset, however, is unworthy of us as human beings. At one of the most dreadful moments of King Lear, in which we have watched untold horror, a son tells his father who has had his eyes gouged out: Men must endure their going hence, even as their coming hither. In other words, we come into this world howling with pain, and we are quite likely to leave it likewise. If we can not endure reading or studying such works, how can we be expected to endure the very real tragedies which afflict our world and to do so with the dignity of those we most admire? The woman who accused Bill Clinton of raping her in the 1970s has lashed out at Monica Lewinsky over her involvement in the #MeToo campaign. Juanita Broaddrick, 74, called out Lewinsky on Thursday after the former White House intern tweeted the #MeToo hashtag to identify herself a victim of sexual harassment or assault. The hashtag has gone viral in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein sex harassment scandal. Lewinsky did not go into details about her experience with harassment. Juanita Broaddrick, 74, called out Monica Lewinsky on Thursday after the ex-White House intern tweeted the #MeToo hashtag to identify herself a victim of sexual harassment or assault Broaddrick criticized Lewinsky for failing to come to her defense when she initially came forward with her accusations against Bill Clinton in the 1990s Broaddrick criticized Lewinsky for failing to come to her defense when she initially came forward with her accusations against Clinton in the 1990s. 'Better late than never Monica Lewinsky's ME TOO. I have always felt sad for you, but where were you when we needed you?' she tweeted. 'Your silence was deafening in the 90's when Kathleen, Paula and I needed your voice.' She was referring to Kathleen Willey and Paula Jones who have also accused Clinton of sexual assault or harassment. Broaddrick has long accused Clinton of forcing himself on her in a Little Rock hotel room while he was campaigning to be the governor of Arkansas. Lewinsky had identified herself a victim of sexual harassment or assault several days ago. The hashtag has gone viral in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein sex harassment scandal Broaddrick (right) has long accused Clinton (center) of forcing himself on her in a Little Rock hotel room while he was campaigning to be the governor of Arkansas. They are pictured here in 1978 around the time she claims to have been raped Clinton's lawyers have called her claim 'categorically false'. Willey claims she was sexually assaulted by Clinton back in 1993 while she was a White House volunteer, while Jones claims he exposed himself to her in a Little Rock hotel in 1991 when he was governor. All three women appeared at a press conference with Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign where they spoke out about the allegations of sexual abuse against Clinton. They were then pictured sitting in the front row as Trump debated his opponent Hillary Clinton in St. Louis, Missouri. Broaddrick, Kathleen Willey and Paula Jones have all accused Bill Clinton of sexual assault or harassment. They appeared at an election debate in support of Donald Trump last year (above) Lewinsky carried on an affair with then-President Bill Clinton while she was a White House intern in the 1990s Broaddrick has previously told of how she met Hillary at a campaign rally when Bill was running for governor just weeks after she claimed the attack took place. She said Hillary walked up to her, grabbed her hand and said: 'We want to thank you for everything that you do for Bill... everything you do for Bill.' Broaddrick said she believes that Hilary's approach was a threat to keep her quiet about the events of a couple of weeks earlier. She said the hard look in Hillary's eyes still haunts her. She first made her claim that Clinton had raped her in 1999, more than two decades after it allegedly happened. A quick-thinking white van man averted disaster by stopping a rampaging bus after its driver collapsed at the wheel. Gary Welsh, 51, raced past the speeding bus before pulling on his handbrake and bringing the single decker to a halt. The bus driver had to have his heart restarted at the scene and is currently in a critical condition having suffered a 'medical episode'. A quick-thinking white van man averted disaster by stopping a rampaging bus after its driver collapsed at the wheel Gary Welsh, 51, raced past the speeding bus before pulling on his handbrake and bringing the single decker to a halt No one else was injured in the incident in Wednesbury, West Midlands, after Mr Welsh managed to bring the vehicle to a halt shortly before 7.30am. The 51-year-old, from Bloxwich, described the moment he decided to chase the driver, originally believing he was trying to drive off after taking his review mirror off in a crash. Mr Welsh said: 'We were driving up the road and the bus driver clipped us and took the mirror off. His head was down and it looked like he was on his phone. 'I honked the horn but he didn't shift and we stopped and Kevin got out. We thought he would stop but he didn't. 'I said to Kevin get back in the van. I thought he had done a runner. 'At first we thought he'd pinched the bus the way he was driving down the road and I thought he isn't going to get away with this. 'I spun the van around and darted down the road. I was in fourth gear so I don't really know what he was doing. Truthfully I thought he was drugged up. No one else was injured in the incident in Wednesbury, West Midlands, after Mr Welsh managed to bring the vehicle to a halt shortly before 7:30am The 51-year-old, from Bloxwich, decided to chase the driver, originally believing he was trying to drive off after taking his review mirror off in a crash 'We had to try and get him so I drove in front of him and put the hand brake on to stop him and he crashed into the back of us. 'We got out and saw he was slumped over the wheel and started to get him out. 'The double door sprung open but the driver's door was locked and we couldn't open it so we forced it open with a crowbar while David held his head up. 'We managed to get him out and lay him on his side. His eyes were wide open but there was no response.' The man had his heart restarted by paramedics and was rushed to Walsall Manor Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition. Emergency services were called to Darlaston Road shortly after 7.30am with ambulance, fire and police services all in attendance. Part of Darlaston Road was shut off while they dealt with the serious collision. It is not clear how many passengers were on the bus. A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: 'Crews were told that having spotted the man suffering a medical episode at the wheel of the bus, a van driver managed to position his vehicle and successfully bring the bus to a stop. Mr Welsh said: 'We were driving up the road and the bus driver clipped us and took the mirror off. His head was down and it looked like he was on his phone' He added: 'I honked the horn but he didn't shift and we stopped and Kevin got out. We thought he would stop but he didn't. 'The bus driver, a man, was found to be in cardiac arrest and on arrival of ambulance staff, police were already administering excellent CPR. 'Ambulance staff took over treatment and the man's heart was successfully restarted prior to departure for Walsall Manor Hospital but he remains in a critical condition. 'West Midlands Ambulance Service would like to praise the van driver for ensuring the bus did not cause further injury, and the police for carrying out early CPR, essential to give the patient the best chance of survival.' A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: 'Police were called to Darlaston Road, Wednesbury at around 7.35am this morning (October 19) to reports of a collision. 'Paramedics are currently treating a man with serious injuries. 'Any witnesses are asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 365 19/10/17.' Advertisement The costs to repair the nation's tallest dam after a nearly catastrophic failure of the spillways will top $500million, nearly double the original estimate of $275 million, a California Department of Water Resources official said Thursday. The $500million figure reflects only the work by the main construction contractor, Kiewit Corp., to repair the spillways at the 770-foot Oroville Dam, said Erin Mellon, a spokeswoman for the state water agency. It excludes the costs of other contractors and the emergency response in the immediate aftermath of the spillway failure, which prompted fears of massive flooding. Scroll down for video Crews work to repair the damaged main spillway of the Oroville Dam Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017, in Oroville, California California officials say repair costs at the nation's tallest dam will be nearly double the original estimate of $275 million In this handout provided by the California Department of Water Resources, water continues to move down the damaged spillway at Oroville Dam with an outflow of 80,000 cubic feet per second The main spillway and emergency spillway suffered significant damage during storms last February, prompting fears of massive flooding The state has also revised plans to shore up the emergency spillway, doubling the amount of concrete it will require Nearly 200,000 were ordered to evacuate, but disaster was averted. Construction crews are excavating unstable dirt, replacing it with concrete and topping it with rebar-reinforced concrete that is anchored into the bedrock. The project has required far more excavation and concrete than expected, said Jeff Petersen, a Kiewit vice president who is directing the project. The state has also revised plans to shore up the emergency spillway, doubling the amount of concrete it will require. Crews are excavating unstable dirt, replacing it with concrete and topping it with rebar-reinforced concrete that is anchored into the bedrock Repairs have required far more excavation and concrete than expected, said Jeff Petersen, a Kiewit vice president who is directing the project Kiewit's 700 workers and subcontractors are on track to finish pouring concrete on the main spillway by Nov. 1 Kiewit was hired in April to lead the repair work through Jan. 1, 2019. The company will rebuild the main spillway, place a 65-foot underground wall to stop erosion on the emergency spillway and lay concrete at least 10 feet thick between the cutoff wall and a concrete weir that holds water in the lake. Barring a major storm or equipment failure, Kiewit's 700 workers and subcontractors are on track to finish pouring concrete on the main spillway by Nov. 1, Petersen said. That will give the surface a month to cure and be ready for use in December. The company will rebuild the main spillway, place a 65-foot underground wall to stop erosion on the emergency spillway and lay concrete at least 10 feet thick between the cutoff wall and a concrete weir State officials hope the Federal Emergency Management Agency will foot up to 75 percent of the repair bill 'I don't want to jinx it, but we're ahead of schedule,' Petersen told reporters during a tour of the jobsite Thursday. The cost for emergency response during the evacuation and its immediate aftermath is estimated between $140 million and $160 million, Mellon said. State officials hope the Federal Emergency Management Agency will foot up to 75 percent of the repair bill, while the rest would likely be borne by State Water Project customers. FEMA has already reimbursed some costs for emergency response, but it's unclear if the agency will fund the long-term repair work. A view of of the heavily damaged spillway at Lake Oroville on April 11, 2017 in Oroville, California Photograph is captured showing a view of the California dam during severe drought in 2014 A view of of the heavily damaged spillway at Lake Oroville on April 11, 2017 in Oroville, California The catastrophe occurred in early February after a massive crater exploded in the dam's spillways after Butte County was hit with heavy rains. Precipitation flooded the spillways and 'an unlined hillside topped by a concrete lip for the first time since the dam opened in 1968,' according to the Sacramento Bee. When the work is complete, the '3,000-foot-long spillway will have concrete slabs thicker than a runway, reinforcement rods and thousands of anchors epoxied at least 15 feet deep into rock,' the Los Angeles Times confirmed of the project. The repairs will make the dam 'significantly stronger than the original 1960s design.' Petersen said of the lengthy construction process: 'This is not a Band-Aid. You might as well do it right.' New Zealanders will vote on legalising cannabis for personal use following a change in government. Prime Minister-elect Jacinda Ardern swept to power after negotiations with the New Zealand First and Green parties were secured on Thursday. A condition of the confidence and supply agreement between Arderns Labour party and the Greens is a public referendum on personal marijuana use in the next three years, according to the New Zealand Herald. Prime Minister-elect Jacinda Ardern swept to power after negotiations with the New Zealand First and Green parties were secured Green Party leader James Shaw said current laws meant the entire drug trade was being controlled by gangs. If you had a regulated market, the same way we do with alcohol and tobacco, you can control the price, advertising, point of sale, quality and run full public health education campaigns. Mr Shaw believed public opinion was in favour of legalising marijuana, and that it should be treated as a health rather than criminal issue. Green Party leader James Shaw said current laws meant the entire drug trade was being controlled by gangs New Zealand First - the other member of the ruling coalition supports a referendum on legalising marijuana. The policies negotiated between the Greens and Labour included significant climate action, an overhaul of the welfare system and an increase in amount spent on conservation. Securing agreements with New Zealand First and the Greens means Ms Ardern will become New Zealand's third woman Prime Minister. The result caps a remarkable revival for Labour since she replaced Andrew Little as leader just 80 days before Thursdays announcement. A woman wearing a black niqab has claimed Islam protects women better than any other system, citing verses from the Quran. Umm Adam appeared in a video for Sydney-based Muslim community television studio OnePath Network titled '7 verses that protect women'. Among the verses cited in the video is one requiring husbands to spend money on their wives, giving them the same living standard as themselves. Scroll down for video A woman wearing a black niqab (pictured) has claimed Islam protects women better than any other system, citing verses from the Quran 'Islam protects women like no other system in place today,' she said, claiming Muslim women are not oppressed. Ms Adam said while some Muslim women are oppressed, 'it has little to do with Islam, and more to do with our lack of Islam'. 'In an Islamic household a man is obliged to provide financially for his wife. He is responsible to provide her food, clothing, shelter, medicine and all necessities to the best of his ability,' she said in regards to the verse about spending on wives. The other verses cited by Ms Adam require husbands to give women their dowry, treat women with kindness, female permission to marry, the right to inherit, and avoiding bitterness in divorce. Umm Adam appeared in a video for Sydney-based Muslim community television studio OnePath Network (pictured) titled '7 verses that protect women' Another states it is unlawful to 'inherit women by compulsion' and Ms Adam notes women should not be married without their permission. OnePath Network was set up in 2014 to counter mainstream media portrayals of Islam, and is based in Sydney. Earlier this year host Malaz Majanni criticised Adelaide-based Sheikh Mohammad Tawhidi, claiming he was not a Muslim leader. Daily Mail Australia contacted OnePath Network for comment. Among the verses cited in the video (pictured) is one requiring husbands to spend money on the wives, giving them the same living standard as themselves Antione Collier, 29, was shot dead at a gas station in Birmingham, Alabama A man who was previously shot 10 times died after two gunmen opened fire in a gas station parking lot. A bystander was left critically wounded. Police said Antione Collier, 29, was shot dead at the Exxon located at 734 Graymont Ave West in Birmingham, Alabama late Tuesday when the deadly incident took place. The unidentified female bystander was hospitalized after she became victim to the attack while standing outside a conjoined pizza parlor. Another victim was said to be injured from flying shattered glass. Local AL.com reported the gunmen unleashed as many as '40 bullets' during the shooting that killed Collier and struck the woman several times. Collier, who was also known by the nickname 'Twin', had reportedly been 'a target' for some time prior to being convicted; but, after being released from prison nearly one year ago, he found himself involved in the wrong crowds again. His heartbroken mother, Kimberly Flowers, previously told the newspaper about her son's past with gang-related violence: 'I'm the mother who hates to answer the phone.' The incident happened at Exxon located at 734 Graymont Ave West on Tuesday night A bystander was left critically wounded, while another was injured from broken glass A local report said the gunmen unleashed as many as '40 bullets' during the shooting that killed Collier and struck the woman several times Flowers said: 'I've cried till I can't anymore ... I think when my health gets better, I wanna speak to young black males about violence.' The unidentified shooters, who were described as two black males, killed Collier while he was walking into the gas station alongside his girlfriend - who was not injured from the event. The men reportedly fled in their vehicle, which has not been tracked, according to police in Birmingham. 'We are looking for an individual or individuals who clearly have no regard for life at all,' said Sgt. Bryan Shelton. The two male suspects reportedly fled in their vehicle, which has not been tracked, according to police 'We are looking for an individual or individuals who clearly have no regard for life at all,' said Sgt. Bryan Shelton 'We have to really consider the thought process that violence is not the answer. 'Resorting to violence doesn't solve anything. It only causes more heartache and pain. It's a difficult time for the families. It's something they'll never forget,' he added. Shelton said the female victim was parked in the parking lot, Good Tyme Pizza, where she was picking up a food order at the unfortunate time. 'It's very critical for her right now, Lt. Sean Edwards said. 'They're working on her right now, and hopefully she'll pull through.' Collier, who was also known by the nickname 'Twin', had reportedly been 'a target' for some time prior to being convicted, his mother and police said In one of the shootings prior to Collier's fatality, he was left hospitalized after being shot in the face at a location near Exxon. He was admitted to a rehabilitation center after and released just months ago, according to AL.com. Authorities believe both shootings may have been drug-related. 'Most of the investigators are familiar with him ... These guys were looking for him. It's obvious they were looking for him. They definitely targeted him,' Edwards said. The incident is currently under further investigation. Anyone with further information is asked to contact local police. The federal judge who held sheriff Joe Arpaio in contempt has refused his request to have ruling against him vacated and a criminal contempt conviction will remain on his record. The threat of jail time was removed when President Donald Trump pardoned Arpaio August 25. But that doesn't mean a ruling of criminal contempt will be removed from his record. 'The pardon undoubtedly spared Defendant from any punishment that might otherwise have been imposed. It did not, however, revise the historical facts of this case,' U.S. District Judge Susan Ritchie Bolton ruled Thursday. GUILTY: Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is surrounded by protesters and members of the media at the the site of the Republican National Convention (RNC) in downtown Cleveland on the second day of the convention on July 19, 2016. President Donald Trump pardoned Arpaio. who was convicted of federal contempt earlier this year, and a federal judge has ruled that the court record will stand She included a citation of a federal court's ruling in her own decision: The power to pardon is an executive prerogative of mercy, not of judicial record-keeping,' She quoted Black's Law dictionary in her ruling, saying the pardon 'releases the wrongdoer from punishment and restores the offender's civil rights without qualification." But she then added a further interpretation in her own words: "It does not erase a judgment of conviction, or its underlying legal and factual findings." In doing so, the judge refused the retired lawman's request to throw out all rulings in the case, including a blistering decision that explained her reasoning in finding him guilty of a crime. Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio walks on stage to deliver a speech on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio The controversial Arizona sheriff had endorsed Trump and appeared at his campaign rallies, and was a favorite of the candidate who mentioned him regularly. Attorney General Jeff Sessions refused to say at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing whether President Trump had asked him to drop the case before the president issued the pardon. Such a request might constitute improper judicial interference. The request denied Thursday by Judge Bolton was aimed at clearing Arpaio's name and barring the ruling's use in future court cases as an example of a prior bad act. Immigrant inmates line up for breakfast at the Maricopa County Tent City jail on March 11, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona. The striped uniforms and pink undergarments are standard issue at the facility. The tent jail, run by Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, houses undocumented immigrants who are serving up to one year after being convicted of crime in the county. Although many of immigrants have lived in the U.S for years, often with families, most will be deported to Mexico after serving their sentences. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) Immigrant inmates are served milk at breakfast at the Maricopa County Tent City jail on March 11, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are the standard daily breakfast at the facility. The tent jail, run by Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, housed undocumented immigrants who are serving up to one year after being convicted of crime in the county Attorney General Jeff Sessions testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017. He refused to say if Trump asked him to drop the case Bolton said pardons don't erase convictions or the facts of cases. She said the pardon issued by President Donald Trump only mooted Arpaio's possible punishments. 'The pardon undoubtedly spared defendant from any punishment that might otherwise have been imposed,' Bolton wrote. 'It did not, however, 'revise the historical facts' of this case.' Arpaio's attorneys appealed Thursday's decision to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. MARSHALLTOWN, IA - JANUARY 26: Sheriff Joe Arpaio (R) of Maricopa County, Arizona endorses Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump prior to a rally on January 26, 2016 in Marshalltown, Iowa. Trump said today he would not participate in the next Republican debate hosted by Fox The conviction stemmed from Arpaio's disobedience of a 2011 court order that barred his traffic patrols that targeted immigrants. Prosecutors had accused Arpaio of prolonging the patrols for 17 months so that he could promote his immigration enforcement efforts in a bid to boost his successful 2012 re-election campaign. Arpaio, who endorsed Trump and appeared alongside him at rallies during the 2016 campaign, has acknowledged prolonging the patrols, but insisted his disobedience wasn't intentional and blamed one of his former attorneys for not adequately explaining the order's importance. Critics say the Aug. 25 pardon removed the last chance at holding Arpaio legally accountable for a long history of misconduct, including a 2013 civil verdict in which Arpaio's officers were found to have racially profiled Latinos in the sheriff's immigration patrols. The sheriff's defiance of the court order is believed to have contributed to his 2016 election loss after serving 24 years as metro Phoenix's top law enforcer. Several legal advocacy groups had requested that the pardon be declared invalid or unconstitutional, arguing that letting it stand would encourage future violations of court orders. Earlier this month, Bolton ruled that the pardon will stand and dismissed the case. Trump pardoned Arpaio on a Friday night when 85-year old was facing up to 6 months in jail. 'Throughout his time as Sheriff, Arpaio continued his lifes work of protecting the public from the scourges of crime and illegal immigration.' 'Sheriff Joe Arpaio is now eighty-five years old, and after more than fifty years of admirable service to our Nation, he is worthy candidate for a Presidential pardon,' Trump wrote in a statement. A search is underway for a young man missing at a NSW Central Coast beach. A Westpac helicopter has joined NSW Police, local lifeguards and marine rescue to look for the man. Police confirmed a 28-year-old man had been missing since Wednesday. The search at North Avoca beach (pictured) began on Thursday and continued on Friday morning A Westpac helicopter has joined NSW Police, local lifeguards and marine rescue to look for the man The search at North Avoca beach began on Thursday and continued on Friday morning. There are concerns for the man welfare, NSW police said. The circumstances surrounding the mans disappearance are not believe not be suspicious. Wet weather conditions around Sydney on Friday may hamper the helicopter search. A search is underway for a young man missing at a NSW Central Coast beach (stock image) Advertisement This is the stunning moment when a Nazi wearing a swastika t-shirt tried to provoke a crowd of anti-white supremacists but found himself being hugged instead. The skinhead, who was punched and pushed and shoved by the furious crowd, was at the University of Florida in Gainesville to support an event hosted by Richard Spencer, the rabble-rouser who popularized the term alt-right. Wading into the 300-strong crowd, the man was greeted with shouts of 'F**k you!' However, despite punches being swung at the man, with some connecting him full in the face, one lone protester intervened and hugged him. Shouting 'Give me a f'in hug', the man then asked, 'Why you don't like me, bro? Huh? What is it? What is it?' The skinhead, later identified as Randy Furniss from Idaho was taken aback, but eventually smiled and allowed the embrace. The crowd momentarily cheered at the unexpected moment, but Furniss was hit again by another black man and escorted away by police as protesters grappled with how best to confront Spencer and his supporters at the contentious campus event. Randy Furniss, wearing red suspenders and a shirt with swastikas, was surrounded by protesters outside the speaking event on Thursday, where a black man hugged him, saying 'Why you dont like me, bro?' Moments later, another unidentified protester punched Furniss in the face, underscoring how protesters grappled with how best to confront Spencer and his supporters at the tension-filled event Furniss is hit in the face by the protester however police said the controversial event was 'extremely peaceful' despite fears of violence Furniss walks away with a bloody lip as demonstrators yell at him outside the location where Richard Spencer was delivering a speech in Gainesville, Florida. Police led him away from the crowd shortly after, but he was not among those arrested Furniss described himself as a white nationalist in an interview with News4Jax prior to the confrontation, saying of non-white people: 'They want what we have... Theyre being raised up and its getting to the point where they want to push us down. Thats not right.' After Furniss was punched in the face, a crowd shouting taunts followed him toward the police barricades, where cops wielding batons escorted him to safety. 'All this for one f**king Nazi?' one bystander asked in surprise, according to Tampa Bay Times reporter Kathryn Varn. The speaking event in Gainesville, Florida on Thursday drew only a handful of Spencer supporters but thousands of protesters, some of whom packed the university auditorium to chant and shout while Spencer spoke. Local bars offered free drinks in exchange for tickets so that Spencer was speaking to mostly empty seats. One bar, Alligator Brewing, said on media: 'For every two tickets you bring in, well trade you for a free Alligator Brewing draft beer. 'Those tickets and reserved spots will be disposed of, leaving two more empty seats at the Philips Centre. 'We unfortunately cant stop him from bringing his hate to Gainesville, but we can empty the room so his disgusting message goes unheard. . 'All this for one f**king Nazi?' one bystander asked in surprise as Furniss was led away from the crowds Furniss described himself as a white nationalist in an interview with News4Jax prior to the confrontation, saying of non-white people: 'They want what we have... Theyre being raised up and its getting to the point where they want to push us down. Thats not right' After Furniss was punched in the face, a crowd shouting taunts followed him toward the police barricades, where cops wielding batons escorted him to safety Furniss is seen above with blood on his face being led away to safety after he was attacked at the rally Furniss, seen above, was at Spencer's first major public appearance since an August rally in Charlottesville, Virginia 'This is our own. This is our community and this is how we're going to shut. him. down.' It was Spencer's first major public appearance since an August rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, which devolved into violent clashes and left one dead. In contrast, police kept tight control over the crowds in Gainesville, and there were no reports of major violence. Police said two were arrested at the event: one security guard 'hired by media' charged with a firearm violation, and another man charged with resisting police without violence. 'There were a few scuffles, but for the most part it was an extremely peaceful event,' said Chris Sims, a spokesman for the sheriff's office. Furniss is seen above in the crowds. Police said two were arrested at the event: one security guard 'hired by media' charged with a firearm violation, and another man charged with resisting police without violence At the Charlottesville rally it devolved into violent clashes and left one dead. However police said it was largely peaceful on Thursday. Furniss is seen above with blood on his face Inside the auditorium, the event started as scheduled, after the crowds had filtered inside through strict screening for weapons and other prohibited items. Spencer began by thanking the some 500 police officers who secured the event, as well as the University of Florida's president for allowing the event to proceed. UF President W. Kent Fuchs has denounced Spencer, but as a public university the school is required to rent space to speakers regardless of their message. Protesters began yelling and chanting when Spencer took the stage, and he criticized them for trying to suppress his speech. The chants included 'F**k you Spencer' and 'Black Lives Matter'. White nationalist Richard Spencer addresses a noisy crowd of protesters at the University of Florida on Thursday People react as white nationalist Richard Spencer, who popularized the term 'alt-right', speaks at in Gainesville, Florida 'Im not going home,' said Spencer, who heads the National Policy Institute, a nationalist think tank. 'We are stronger than you and you all know it!' He appeared to have few supporters in the crowd. About 15 white men, all dressed in white shirts and khaki pants, raised their hands when Spencer asked who identified with the 'alt-right'. Spencer bantered with the chanting crowd for around 20 minutes, before skipping his prepared remarks in favor of a question and answer session from the crowd. The questions ranged from serious to insulting, and included one student who excoriated the protesters for not allowing the peaceful exchange of ideas. Asked about his views on a white 'ethno-state', Spencer spoke favorably of Israel as a model to consider. 'The Jewish state of Israel is not just another country in the Middle East. It is a country for Jews around the world,' he said, adding that he wanted European-descended white people to have the same kind of homeland. The audience booed at the mention of Israel, but it was not clear whether their disapproval was of the country itself or the comparison. A protester marches on the University of Florida outside the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Crowds of Anti-Richard Spencer protesters march on the University of Florida where the Alt-Right leader spoke on Thursday Protesters chanted: 'Not in our town, not in our state, we don't want your Nazi Hate' Crowds of Anti-Richard Spencer protesters march on the University of Florida outside the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts where the Alt-Right leader spoke on Thursday Police established a wide perimeter around the event and had a long list of prohibited items, including weapons, masks, flag poles, shields and water bottles Spencer said that he didn't 'want the world to be an undifferentiated mass of individuals going shopping in a global economy,' also naming Poland, Hungary, and Russia as countries that want to maintain their ethnic identities. Spencer left the campus soon after the event ended, university public safety officials said on Twitter. Police worked to separate those who attended the event as they left the venue from protesters gathered nearby. Anais Edwards, 26, was inside the venue and supported those trying to disrupt Spencer. 'Im really proud of how our community came together. Many of them were willing to stand up and not let him speak,' Edwards said. The university said it did not invite Spencer to speak, but was obligated by law to allow the event. Troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol Quick Response Force line in front of the Phillips Center on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville Thursday Arrested: Sean Brijmohan (left), 28, of Orlando was charged with with carrying a firearm on school property - police said he was 'armed security hired by media'. David Notte (right), 34, of Gainesville was charged with resisting a police officer without violence The school said it would spend more than $500,000 on security, and the National Policy Institute is paying more than $10,000 to rent the facility and for security within the venue. Five people with minor injuries were treated on the scene, police said. The two men arrested were Sean Brijmohan, 28, of Orlando and David Notte, 34, of Gainesville. Police said Brijmohan, who was charged with carrying a firearm on school property, was 'armed security hired by media'. Notte was charged with resisting a police officer without violence, and no further details were immediately available. Young lion triplets have devoured a meaty cake to celebrate their second birthday. Melbourne Zoo brothers Kubwa, Kashka, and Kito were presented with a birthday cake made by keepers on Friday. They stalked the unfamiliar culinary creation, layered with the carnivores' favourite foods of blood, lactose-free milk, chicken and fish before biting into rib-bone candles. Scroll down for video Melbourne Zoo brothers Kubwa, Kashka, and Kito celebrated their second birthday on Friday The 'cake' also feature a large number two made from frozen mincemeat. The three young males, spending their first birthday in Melbourne since transferring from Werribee Open Range Zoo in May, were expected to take hours or even days to polish off the 40kg frozen treat. The trio were the first lion cubs to be born at Werribee zoo in October 2015 the first litter for both their parents, Nilo and Johari. Their meaty birthday cake was layered with the carnivores' favourite foods of blood, lactose-free milk, chicken and fish and complete with rib-bone candles Melbourne zoo director Kevin Tanner said the brothers arrived at a time when young males in the wild would start to venture away from their families. But before they left Werribee, they had a chance to find out what it was like to live with younger cubs as their half-siblings were born in December last year. 'That experience will be very relevant for these young males when in years to come, they may lead a pride and become fathers themselves.' Nicki Minaj is set to take the stand at her brother's child rape trial and tell jurors that the mother of the alleged victim offered to make the charges disappear if the rapper handed over $25million. An attorney for Minaj's 38-year-old brother, Jelani Maraj, told jurors at Nassau County Court in New York on Thursday that the rape charges against his client were all part of an elaborate plot to extort money from Nicki. Maraj is accused of raping his 11-year-old stepdaughter multiple times in 2015 soon after he married her mother Jacqueline Robinson. During the opening arguments on Thursday, Maraj's attorney David Schwartz told jurors that Robinson hatched a plan to marry the accused so she could try and get money out of his famous sister. Nicki Minaj is set to take to the stand at his brother Jelani Maraj rape trial in New York after he was accused of raping his 11-year-old stepdaughter in 2015 He added that Robinson forced the alleged victim and her younger brother to lie to authorities about the rape allegations as part of her extortion plan. Schwartz said Robinson allegedly told Minaj: 'I can make the charges go away for $25million.' It is not clear when Minaj will take to the stand but she will be the defense's star witness, according to TMZ. Prosecutors, however, gave harrowing details of the alleged sexual abuse during their opening arguments, saying Maraj raped the sixth-grader as often as four times a week for eight months. Assistant District Attorney Emma Slane told jurors that the girl's brother, who was then eight-year-old, witnessed some of the abuse. The boy had told child services that his step-father had beaten him after he walked into a bedroom and saw him raping the girl, according to the prosecutor. Maraj was arrested in December 2015 on felony rape charges. He is pictured above arriving at the Long Island court for his rape trial Maraj's defense attorney told jurors at Nassau County Court in New York on Thursday that the child's mother Jacqueline Robinson (pictured together above) hatched a plan to marry the accused so she could try and get money out of his famous sister When Maraj was arrested in December 2015 on the rape charges, his rapper sister posted his $100,000 bond Slane said child services alerted police who then found Maraj's semen on the groin area of the girl's pajama pants. The prosecutor told jurors that Maraj had threatened the girl and told her she would end up in foster care in she told anyone about the abuse. But the defense has claimed that the girl's mother planted Maraj's DNA on the pajamas herself and made sure police found them. 'Why would (Robinson) lie and force her children to lie? I can give you 25 million reasons why,' Schwartz told jurors. 'Jackie became obsessed with Nicki Minaj - getting her hands on her money. 'An evil Jackie targeted him... trying to get him to marry her, and then just four months after they were married, we have this.' Months before his arrest, Maraj married Robinson in a $30,000 wedding that was paid for by his superstar younger sister. Robinson filed for divorce just days before the couple would have celebrated their one-year anniversary. When Maraj was arrested in December 2015, Minaj posted his $100,000 bond. House Speaker Paul Ryan has lampooned President Donald Trump at a charity dinner glittering with the upper crust of New York City's elites. Ryan poked fun at himself, Senate leadership, and even the Catholic church on Thursday night at the Manhattan charity event that celebrates irreverence, but reserved his top jabs for Trump. Ryan quickly reminded the audience that Trump offended some people when he addressed the same crowd the year before. 'Some said it was unbecoming of a public figure and they said that his comments were offensive. Well, thank God he's learned his lesson,' Ryan deadpanned as he delivered the keynote address for the 72nd annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, an event, according to the program, that encourages speakers to 'poke fun at a political issue, an opponent, or themselves.' Ryan poked fun at himself, Senate leadership, and even the Catholic church on Thursday night at the Manhattan charity event that celebrates irreverence, but reserved his top jabs for Trump Ryan delivered the keynote address for the 72nd annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, an event, according to the program, that encourages speakers to 'poke fun at a political issue, an opponent, or themselves' RYAN'S TOP WISECRACKS [Responding to applause] "Please, enough. You sound like the Cabinet when Donald Trump walks into the room." "Everyone will report what happened here tonight differently. Breitbart will lead with 'Ryan slams the president amongst liberal elites.' The New York Times will report 'Ryan defends the President in a state Hillary won.' And the president will tweet, '300,000 at Al Smith dinner cheer mention of my name.'" "I learned how to handle insults. Steve Bannon said I was born in a petri dish at the Heritage Foundation. This is amazing no one knew Steve believed in science." I know last year at this dinner Donald Trump offended some people with his comments, which critics said went too far. Some said it was unbecoming of a public figure and that his comments were offensive. ... Well, thank God he's learned his lesson.' "I'm from Wisconsin. It's a great state to visit in the fall. Looking back, someone should have told Hillary. Speaking of which, I got Hillary's new book. This sums up today's politics perfectly. She took eight months, writing 10 hours a day, to explain what happened in 512 pages. The president explained it in a tweet. Hash tag, I won." "I know why Chuck [Schumer] has been so hard on President Trump. It's not ideological. Chuck is just mad he lost his top donor." "Every afternoon, former Speaker John Boehner calls me up. Not to give advice. Just to laugh." "Every morning, I wake up in my office and scroll Twitter to see which tweets I will have to pretend that I didn't see later." Advertisement He addressed Trump's frequent complaint that he's not getting enough credit. 'The truth is, the press absolutely misunderstands and never records the big accomplishments of the White House,' Ryan said. 'Look at all the new jobs the president has created - just among the White House staff.' Ryan jabbed Trump's lack of accomplishments, the White House's ties to Wall Street and, of course, the president's overactive Twitter account. The event, hosted by New York Archbishop Cardinal Timothy Dolan, drew leaders of finance and politics to a hotel ballroom in Manhattan, where an estimated 815 guests in tuxedos and dinner gowns dined on lobster and black radish salad, tournedo of beef with lacinto kale and 'berries of the forest' cake. 'I don't think I've seen this many New York liberals, this many Wall Street CEOs in one room since my last visit to the White House,' Ryan chuckled as he turned his attention briefly to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Ryan addressed Trump's frequent complaint that he's not getting enough credit. 'The truth is, the press absolutely misunderstands and never records the big accomplishments of the White House,' Ryan said. 'Look at all the new jobs the president has created - just among the White House staff.' He was referencing the departures of key members of staff including (left to right) Reince Priebus, Tom Price, Sean Spicer and Anthony Scaramucci Power Brokers (left to right): Home Depot co-founder Kenneth Langone, hedge fund manager Roberto Mignone, former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Bank of America chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan and former Mutual of America Life Insurance CEO Thomas J. Moran WHO WAS AL SMITH? Smith was the first Catholic to be nominated as a major party presidential candidate. He was elected four times as governor of New York, and was nominated for the presidency by the Democrats in 1928. Smith lost in a landslide to Herbert Hoover, with historians citing his stance against Prohibition and anti-Catholic prejudice as key factors. Advertisement 'I know why Chuck has been so hard on President Trump. It's not ideological; Chuck is just mad he lost his top donor.' Trump attended last year's Al Smith dinner as a featured speaker, and others before than as a prominent New York business leader who donated money to Democrats and Republicans alike. Even with Ryan's light-hearted jabs, this year's affair was decidedly more cordial than last year's, when Trump and Democratic rival Hillary Clinton traded caustic barbs at the charity event meant to raise money for impoverished children. At the time, Trump drew boos when he said of Clinton, 'Here she is tonight, in public, pretending not to hate Catholics.' This year, Trump was the star again, in absentia. Ryan said he checks Twitter every morning 'to see which tweets I will have to pretend that I didn't see later' - a not-so-subtle reference to the president's overactive social media account. A former inmate is suing an Oklahoma jail after he claims he was denied medical care by officials while suffering a 91-hour erection in 2016. Dustin Lance claims his civil rights were violated in the $5million lawsuit he filed on September 18 in Pittsburg County District Court against Pittsburg County Sheriff Chris Morris, the Pittsburg County Board of County Commissioners, three county sheriff's deputies, a nurse and up to 10 other unnamed individuals, Tulsa World reported. The 32-year-old alleges that he suffered permanent injury after staff at the jail did not allow him to seek medical care while he suffered from the erection on December 15, 2016 after taking a pill offered to him by another inmate. He claims that he told jail officials the next day that he was having an issue and suffering in 'unbearable pain' from the erection. Dustin Lance, a former inmate, is suing an Oklahoma jail after he claims he was denied medical care by officials while suffering a 91-hour erection in 2016. (file photo above) Lance alleges that he was mocked repeatedly by staff at the jail and denied medical care until December 19. He was transported to McAlester Regional Hospital around noon that day by jail employees. But doctors at the hospital said they could not treat his condition and said he needed to be transferred to Tulsa to see a urologist, according to the lawsuit. Officials returned Lance back to the jail and then arranged for him to be released on his own recognizance instead of transporting him to a Tulsa hospital, according to the lawsuit. On Tuesday, county officials field a motion seeking to dismiss the case on grounds that it is improperly being brought by someone dead. The 32-year-old alleges that he suffered permanent injury after staff at the Pittsburg County jail (file above) did not allow him to seek medical care while he suffered from the erection on December 15, 2016 after taking a pill offered to him by another inmate Officials cited language in the petition that indicates Lance is deceased and they say a representative of his estate should have brought the suit if in fact he is dead. An attorney who filed the lawsuit, Jon Williford, told Tulsa World that 'Lance had not died and attributed the reference to his client's demise to a 'scrivener's error.'' He said they would amend the lawsuit to remove references to his client's death. Lance was initially behind bars on burglary and possession of controlled dangerous substances charges. Prosecutors later dismissed his case, but refiled a misdemeanor charge of breaking and entering a dwelling without permission. The criminal case is pending in Pittsburg County District Court. A 13-year-old boy has been charged by police after allegedly pointing a toy gun at a bus driver and demanding money before walking away. The incident allegedly occurred shortly after the boy disembarked from a train at Thornlie station at 6.30pm. There was reportedly nobody on board the bus at the time apart from the driver, who is described as a man in his mid-40s. A 13-year-old boy has been charged with after threatening a Perth bus driver with a fake gun The teen is also accused of pointing the fake weapon at transit officers in the same area, according to Perth Now. Police arrested the boy after a short chase on foot and charged him with attempted armed robbery. He has been summonsed to appear in the Armadale Magistrates Court in November. Cassie Sainsbury was set to face her fate inside a Colombian court on Saturday, but could instead be one step closer to freedom thanks to an obscure legal loophole. The 22-year-old is accused of attempting to smuggle almost 6kg of cocaine into Australia and faces up to 30 years behind bars if found guilty of drug trafficking. But while prosecutors are pushing for an adjournment of her case, according to 9 News, such a move could in fact be her ticket to freedom. Accused drug smuggler Cassie Sainsbury (pictured) was set to face her fate inside a Colombian court on Saturday, but could be one step closer to freedom thanks to an obscure legal loophole The 22-year-old (seen her being escorted to court in August) is accused of attempting to smuggle almost 6kg of cocaine into Australia and faces up to 30 years behind bars if found guilty of drug trafficking According to Colombian law, a person must be released from jail under the statute of limitations if their case is not finalised in the courts within a certain period of time - in this case 90 days. They are then 'paroled', with an assessment carried out on whether there is enough merit in the case to bring it before trial. Sainsbury's drawn-out case has been before the courts for 70 days already, based on her plea hearing on August 10. That would mean the former personal trainer from Adelaide could be released from El Buen Pastor prison before Christmas, after spending over six months locked up. But while prosecutors are pushing for an adjournment of her case, according to 9 News, such a move could in fact be her ticket to freedom According to Colombian law, a person must be released from jail under the statute of limitations if their case is not finalised in the courts within a certain time - in this case 90 days (pictured is Cassie in Colombian prison) Sainsbury was arrested in April after she was caught with 5.6 kilograms of cocaine at Bogota Airport, hidden inside 18 separate packages of headphones. She initially told prosecutors she had no idea the headphones were filled with cocaine, but later said she had been blackmailed by an international drug syndicate. In a tell-all interview with 60 Minutes earlier this year she claimed the drug ring had sent her WhatsApp images and texts of her family - saying her loved ones would be killed if she failed to obey their orders. But in a sensational twist, Sainsbury said she could not access the evidence to potentially clear her name, as she had forgotten the password to her phone. Sainsbury was arrested in April after she was caught with 5.6 kilograms of cocaine at Bogota Airport, hidden inside 18 separate packages of headphones President Donald Trump has lashed out at Rep. Frederica Wilson calling her 'wacky' and accusing the Congresswoman of lying about what he said during a Gold Star condolence call. Trump has continued to face backlash for comments he is said to have made on Tuesday when he called the widow of an Army sergeant killed in Niger two weeks ago. Wilson, who was sitting next to Sgt. La David Johnson's grieving wife Myeshia when Trump called, said the President told her that her husband 'knew what he signed up for' by enlisting. 'The Fake News is going crazy with wacky Congresswoman Wilson (D), who was SECRETLY on a very personal call, and gave a total lie on content!' Trump tweeted late Thursday. President Donald Trump lashed out at Rep. Frederica Wilson on Thursday calling her 'wacky' and accusing her of lying about what he said during a Gold Star condolence call Trump (above on Thursday) has continued to face backlash for comments he is said to have made on Tuesday when he called the widow of an Army sergeant killed in Niger two weeks ago Trump's latest comment doubled down on one of his earlier tweets from Wednesday that said Wilson had 'totally fabricated what I said to the wife of a soldier who died in action (and I have proof).' But his claims have been contradicted by Sgt. Johnson's mother, Cowanda Jones-Johnson, who said Trump showed 'disrespect' to the soldier's loved ones as they drove to Miami airport to meet his body. 'President Trump did disrespect my son and my daughter, and also me and my husband,' she said. White House chief of staff John Kelly, a retired general who lost his own son in Afghanistan in 2010, held a press conference on Thursday backing up Trump and saying the conversation should have been 'sacred'. Rep. Frederica Wilson, who was sitting next to Sgt. La David Johnson's grieving wife Myeshia when Trump called, said the President told her that her husband 'knew what he signed up for' by enlisting Trump denied making the insensitive remark to Johnson's widow, tweeting on Wednesday that the congresswoman 'totally fabricated' it President Trump phoned Myeshia Johnson on Tuesday afternoon to give his condolences over the death of her husband Sgt. La David Johnson Johnson, who is expecting the couple's third baby in January, was pictured sobbing as she leaned over her husband's coffin at Miami airport on Tuesday 'I was stunned when I came to work yesterday morning, and brokenhearted at what I saw a member of Congress doing,' Kelly said. 'Absolutely stuns me. And I thought at least that was sacred.' Kelly called the Florida Democrat an 'empty barrel' who 'makes noise,' but he did not deny the lawmaker's account of the phone call, as the president had this week. Sgt. La David Johnson, 25, was among the four US troops who were killed in Niger nearly two weeks ago during an ambush He personally absolved Trump of blame in his call to the Johnson family - a conversation that prompted Wilson to declare that the president had been disrespectful to the grieving family and couldn't remember the soldier's name. 'If you're not in the family, if you've never worn the uniform, if you've never been in combat, you can't even imagine how to make that call,' Kelly said. 'I think he very bravely does make those calls.' Trump has emphatically rejected claims that he was disrespectful. But he started the latest controversy this week when he boasted about his commitment to calling service members' next of kin and brought Kelly into the issue by wondering aloud if President Barack Obama had called the former Marine general after the death of Kelly's son. Kelly confirmed Thursday that Obama had not called him, but he made clear 'that was not a criticism.' 'That's not a negative thing,' he said. 'I don't believe all presidents call. I believe they all write.' The late Army Sgt. La David Johnson is pictured with his mother Cowanda Jones-Johnson, who is backing up Rep. Frederica Wilson's account of a condolence call in which Donald Trump told her the slain solider 'knew what he signed up for' Two men, believed to be brothers, have been rushed to hospital in serious conditions after a drive-by shooting at a tyre store on Friday afternoon. Both men were reportedly found lying in pools of blood in the driveway of Westwood Wheels and Tyres at Ravenhall, in Melbourne's far west. Police arrested a man over the shootings shortly before 4pm on Friday, less than two hours after the incident. The men were rushed to Royal Melbourne Hospital in serious conditions, one battling injuries to his upper and lower body, while the other was only shot in the lower body. A witness from another store in the industrial precinct told Daily Mail Australia there were up to five 'loud bangs', before he looked out to see both men lying in pools of blood. Scroll down for video Two men have been rushed to hospital in serious conditions after a shooting at Westwood Wheels and Tyres store (pictured) in Ravenhall, in Melbourne's far west Police are currently on the scene, while a manhunt is also underway for the gunmen who fled the store in a white vehicle 'I'm next door and I heard four or five gun shots, then I ran outside and heard the guy screaming and saying: "I've been shot, call an ambulance",' Russell McAninly said. 'He said to me: "How's my brother?" And I looked over and he didn't look like he was in a very good state. 'They looked like customers and someone just followed, them into the store - they didn't work there.' Police said the offender fled the scene in a white vehicle and a manhunt was briefly underway. Images from the scene show clothes scattered over the driveway, at the entrance to the store near where the wounded man was found lying. Dozens of police officers have closed off the crime scene and an investigation is now underway. More to come A New Zealand adventurer who has travelled 8000km through Asia and Australia using only manpower is about to complete his incredible year-long journey. Grant Rawlinson is finishing his epic adventure from Singapore after setting off from Coffs Harbour, north of Sydney on Thursday bound for his familys home in New Plymouth on New Zealands North Island. The father-of-two has biked and rowed the entire distance, and before setting off across the Tasman Sea told 1 News he was feeling a bit of nervousness, a bit of apprehension about the final 3000km leg. Scroll down for video A New Zealand adventurer who has travelled 8000km through Asia and Australia using only manpower is about to complete his incredible year-long journey Grant Rawlinson is 24 hours away from finishing his epic adventure from Singapore after setting off from Coffs Harbour, north of Sydney The father-of-two has biked and rowed the entire distance, and before setting off across the Tasman Sea told 1 News he was feeling a bit of nervousness, a bit of apprehension The 42-year-old began the journey in January when he set off from Singapore, where he now lives, and rowed on to Indonesia, then East Timor before making it to Darwin. After making it to Australia he cycled the 4000km from Darwin to Coffs Harbour over 45 days. Despite the gruelling nature of this adventure and others undertaken by Mr Rawlinson including scaling Mt Everest - he said he is definitely not crazy. The 42-year-old began the journey in January when he set off from Singapore, where he now lives, and rowed on to Indonesia, then East Timor before making it to Darwin Despite the gruelling nature of this adventure and others undertaken by Mr Rawlinson including scaling Mt Everest - he said he is definitely not crazy' If youre living your lifes passions, and challenging yourself and living life to the full for me anyway, I dont consider that to be crazy. As if rough swells and thunderstorms werent enough to contend with, his 7m x 1.5m boat is equipped with a pole to fend off nosy sharks. The boat, named Simpsons Donkey, is built from both carbon fibre and fibreglass, and runs on solar panels to power GPS and communications. As if rough swells and thunderstorms werent enough to contend with, his 7m x 1.5m boat is equipped with a pole to fend off nosy sharks Theres a small cabin for Mr Rawlinson to sleep in and get shelter from the elements. Before beginning the journey in January, Mr Rawlinson said he was keen to explore some diverse areas of mother nature and to push [his] limits. Advertisement The Australian car manufacturing industry is no more. Holden on Friday rolled its last Commodore off the assembly line, ending almost 70 years of vehicle production in Australia and more than 50 at its Elizabeth facilities in Adelaide's north. Its demise as a car maker follows similar shutdowns by Mitsubishi in 2008, Ford last year and Toyota earlier this month, with the local industry succumbing to changing market conditions and global economic pressures. Hundreds of workers were on hand to mark the occasion, amid feelings of both sadness and pride. Dozens of Holden tragics gathered outside, paying tribute to the brand they loved. Holden on Friday rolled its last Commodore (pictured) off the assembly line, ending almost 70 years of vehicle production in Australia and more than 50 at its Elizabeth facilities in Adelaide's north Hundreds of workers (pictured) were on hand to mark the occasion, amid feelings of both sadness and pride. Dozens of Holden tragics gathered outside, paying tribute to the brand they loved It's demise as a car maker follows similar shutdowns by Mitsubishi in 2008, Ford last year and Toyota earlier this month, with the local industry succumbing to changing market conditions and global economic pressures (pictured is the last Holden) Managing director Mark Bernhard thanked the workers 'from the bottom of my heart' and said theirs was a special place in the Holden legacy. 'Today is about paying tribute to the generations of men and women across Holden and our supplier network who have given so much to our company,' he said. 'Holden is the icon it is today only because of these passionate people.' About 955 workers stayed to the end and many said it was important to them to see the last car built. Managing director Mark Bernhard thanked the workers (pictured) 'from the bottom of my heart' and said theirs was a special place in the Holden legacy 'Today is about paying tribute to the generations of men and women across Holden and our supplier network who have given so much to our company,' said the managing director (pictured are staff with the last car) About 955 workers (pictured as the last vehicle rolls off the line) stayed to the end and many said it was important to them to see the last car built Assembly line worker Andy Reade said his time at Holden had been a 'fantastic journey' and everyone who worked for the company had great passion and love for the product. 'To stay to the end was just commitment, loyalty,' he said. 'We didn't want somebody else to build that last car. I wanted to build it.' Police officers order cars to be removed from the median outside Holden plant as Holden fans gathered to pay tribute to the brand Assembly line worker Andy Reade said his time at Holden had been a 'fantastic journey' and everyone who worked for the company had great passion and love for the product (pictured are police ordering cars off the median strip outside the factory) Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull acknowledged the closure of Holden was a sad day for the country, but believed the improving economy would allow most workers to find new jobs. 'You can't get away from the emotional response to the closure,' he said. Mr Turnbull also pointed to what Holden said was the 'perfect storm' of economic factors which contributed to its decision in 2013 to quit local production, including a persistently high Australian dollar, increasing costs, a small domestic market and intense global competition. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull acknowledged the closure of Holden was a sad day for the country, but believed the improving economy would allow most workers to find new jobs (pictured are former employees) Mr Turnbull also pointed to what Holden said was the 'perfect storm' of economic factors which contributed to its decision in 2013 to quit local production (pictured are former Holden employees) Former Holden employees are seen walking into Adelaide Oval for a gathering on the last day of production at the Holden assembly plant However, the union described the coalition government's decision to end financial support for car producers as the crucial issue and the 'greatest betrayal of blue-collar workers'. It warned that many of those finishing on Friday would struggle to find new positions. Premier Jay Weatherill also described the closure as a 'massive' hit to the South Australian economy. Estimates put SA job losses at about 2500 directly related to the Holden shutdown, including workers from the auto components sector. Premier Jay Weatherill also described the closure as a 'massive' hit to the South Australian economy (pictured is a former Holden employee followed by a cameraman) Former Holden employees are seen walking into Adelaide Oval for a gathering on the last day of production at the Holden assembly plant in Adelaide AMWU state secretary John Camillo said some would find other full-time work, some part-time or casual positions, and others would be forced to retire. 'And that's the tragedy about what's happening today,' he said. 'When those doors close at Holden, the car industry will close forever.' But Holden said 85 per cent of the 738 workers who left Elizabeth before Friday's closure are in new jobs, study or retirement, and believed there would be a similar result with those who stayed to the end. A former Holden employee shakes hands with a bus driver who delivered him to a gathering on the last day of production at the Holden assembly plant at the Adelaide Oval Across seven decades of building cars in Australia, Holden produced almost 7.7 million cars, the largest of any of the local manufacturers, including 2.3 million Commodores (pictured are police moving cars off the median strip) Across seven decades of building cars in Australia, Holden produced almost 7.7 million cars, the largest of any of the local manufacturers, including 2.3 million Commodores. Before its closure in 2016 Ford had produced 5.9 million vehicles, and Toyota's tally had reached 3.4 million when it locked the gates on his Melbourne manufacturing operations two weeks ago. Why did Holden fail in Australia? When Holden made the decision to quit car manufacturing in Australia in 2013, it said it had been hit by a 'perfect storm' of unfavourable economic conditions. A high Australian dollar, high production costs, a small domestic market and increasing global competition, combined with the coalition government's decision to end financial assistance, simply rendered local vehicle production unviable. The same was true for Ford and Toyota and with Holden's closure on Friday, there is now no longer any local assembly. But the company also had a role to play and, in motoring terms, might be said to have taken its eye off the road long before the economic tsunami swept it away. Crucial to Holden's demise was its failure to properly address the changing nature of the vehicle market in Australia and the surge towards SUVs and small cars as petrol prices rose and buying habits evolved. While it dabbled in other sectors, Holden was, right to the end, known as a large car producer. That was fine for most of its history. Even as late as 2006, sales in the large car sector topped 136,000. But by 2016 that same sector had shrunk to fewer than 40,000. With Holden's existence tied directly to the ongoing popularity of the Commodore, it's hard to believe it didn't see the writing on the wall well before then. Commodore sales were 56,531 in 2006. By 2016, they had fallen to 25,860. To be fair, for Holden to make the necessary changes to help ensure long-term survival would have taken a huge investment and a huge leap of faith. It would also have needed further financial help. Almost every country with a car manufacturing industry offers its manufacturers some level of assistance. Holden made some inroads with the locally built Cruze but it was unable to capture the imagination of the buying public and sold into a sector where there were already two dominant players in Toyota and Mazda. It also introduced the imported Captiva SUV but, while doing reasonably well, it failed to truly challenge its key rivals. As a full importer, the company believes it has a bright future and will continue to sell Commodores in 2018, albeit a fully imported model that doesn't offer a V8 engine. It will probably be the most advanced and sophisticated Commodore the company has ever offered. But it's still hard to see how it will recapture the ground the once roaring lion has lost in recent years. The difference this time will be that thousands of production line workers and those in component companies won't be banking on its success. Source: AAP Advertisement Pictured is the last-ever locally built car in Australia - a red Holden Commodore sedan - from Holden's Elizabeth factory In 1948, when the first locally-built Holden rolled off the production line, Prime Minister Ben Chifley declared 'she's a beauty'. Fifty years later, in 1998, then prime minister John Howard echoed those words and described Holden as a remarkable company which had touched the lives of so many Australians. But sadly, she's a beauty no more. Pictured is an undated photograph of Holden's being test-driven at the Lang Lang proving ground in Melbourne in 2014 Holden on Friday brought an end to local car assembly, closing the final chapter on the nation's auto manufacturing industry with a one last red Commodore sedan (pictured are historic Holdens cruising during a parade through the streets of Elizabeth, Adelaide) The final car, a red Commodore, rolling off the production line at the Holden assembly plant in Elizabeth, South Australia Holden on Friday closed the final chapter on the nation's auto manufacturing industry with a one last red Commodore sedan. The closure of the iconic Elizabeth plant marks the end of an era for the company and for Australia's manufacturing industry. Holden workers say while the final day will be sad, they are proud of the vehicles they've produced. A bouquet of flowers saying 'RIP HOLDENS' is seen outside the Holden plant in Elizabeth, as Holden tragics gathered on the street It draws the curtain on more than 50 years of car building at the factory and on the company's 70 years of vehicle manufacturing in Australia (pictured are historic Holdens on parade) The closure of the iconic Elizabeth plant marks the end of an era for the company and for Australia's manufacturing industry (pictured are historic Holdens cruising during a parade through the streets of Elizabeth, Adelaide) Holden's assembly plant in Adelaide's north will close on Friday with its remaining 955 workers downing tools for the final time (pictured are Holden HR Director Jamie Getwood and Holden Director of Communications Sean Poppitt speaking to media at the Holden plant) Unions, the federal opposition and the South Australian government remain adamant that the company and Australia's car manufacturing industry did not need to close. 'It closed because of the lazy, negligent, disinterest of the right-wing economic rationalists of the Turnbull and Abbott governments,' Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said. 'They goaded the industry into going. As a result, Australia is poorer.' The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union estimates 2500 jobs could be lost across Holden and its supplier network when the plant shuts, but exact numbers are hard to gauge. Unions, the federal opposition and the South Australian government remain adamant that the company and Australia's car manufacturing industry did not need to close (pictured is a tribute sign at the Elizabeth plant) Holden fans Shaun Underwood, Dylan Underwood and Zoe Large are seen as the sun rises over the Holden plant in Elizabeth on Friday Holden cars are seen lined up outside the Holden plant in Elizabeth, Adelaide on Friday, driven by fans of their beloved brand The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union estimates 2500 jobs could be lost across Holden and its supplier network when the plant shuts, but exact numbers are hard to gauge (pictured is the Elizabeth plant) Union state secretary John Camillo said some of those would find other fulltime work, some part-time or casual positions, and others would be forced to retire. 'And that's the tragedy about what's happening today,' he said. 'When those doors close at Holden, the car industry will close forever. 'History will remember this as the greatest betrayal of blue-collar workers.' Holden fan Mark Turner and his HG Premier outside the closing Holden plant in Elizabeth, Adelaide, Friday, October 20 Father and son Lewis Jackson and Martin Jackson with their 1980 VC Commodore are seen outside the Holden plant in Elizabeth The last Holden cars (pictured) will roll off the production line on Friday October 20, 2017, marking the end of a car manufacturing in Australia In 1948, when the first locally-built Holden rolled off the production line, Prime Minister Ben Chifley (pictured) declared 'she's a beauty' Holden communications director Sean Poppitt said everyone who finished up on Friday would leave with their heads held high. 'We are focused on celebrating with Australia, not commiserating,' he said. Ford closed its manufacturing operations in Victoria last year and Toyota followed suit earlier this month. Nissan and Mitsubishi suffered the same fate a number of years ago. But none are likely to have the same impact on the nation's psyche as Holden, so long the dominant force in Australia's automotive landscape. The six people who were killed in a fire that quickly engulfed their Texas home have been identified as a woman and her five children. Family pastor Randy Feldschau identified the dead as 31-year-old Ashley Pickering and her five children, Camden, three; twins Cash and Cavence; four, Serenity; seven, and Cristian, 11. The twins fifth birthdays would have been next week. They died on Wednesday when a fire quickly engulfed their home near Silsbee, Texas. The six people who were killed in a fire that quickly engulfed their Texas home have been identified as a woman and her five children. Pictured is the mother with four of her children They died on Wednesday when a fire quickly engulfed their home near Silsbee, Texas. Pictured are Ashley Pickering, left, and right her oldest daughter Serenity, who was seven Family pastor Randy Feldschau identified the dead as 31-year-old Ashley Pickering (far right) and her five children, Camden, three; twins Cash and Cavence; four, Serenity; seven, and Cristian, 11. Four of the five children are pictured with their mother When the blaze was finally extinguished all six bodies were found beyond recognition, and it is thought the family was sleeping when they were overcome by the heat, flames and smoke. 'It gives the appearance of being a very fast-moving fire,' Hardin County Sheriff Mark Davis said. He said the scene was 'horrific.' Davis said that it is likely all of the victims were asleep when the home went up in flames. Pictured is Pickering with one of her sons Davis didn't initially release their names because officials were still working to notify family members of the deaths. The children's father, who hasn't been named and did not live with the family, was distraught when he arrived at the scene later, Davis explained. 'It's a very emotional task and our hearts, first and foremost, go out to the family,' the sheriff said. 'But we're also looking at our first-responders, especially our firefighters. It's a very difficult situation to be dealing with deaths like this that include so many children.' The cause of the fire is under investigation, but Davis said it doesn't appear to have been deliberately set. Justice of Peace Charles Brewer ordered autopsies to be performed on all six victims Davis told The Houston Chronicle. He said authorities were first notified around 12.15am when a neighbor called 911. At that point flames were already shooting out of the home, which was a small structure at some point converted into a residence. 'We're not seeing anything at this point to give us cause that it's suspicious,' he told The Associated Press. The victims grandparents live in a house in front of the burned home, but it wasn't damaged. Two vigils were held on Thursday night - one at the local high school and one at the Cathedral of the Pines Church in Beaumont. When the blaze was finally extinguished all six bodies were found beyond recognition, and it is thought the family was sleeping when they were overcome by the heat, flames and smoke. Family members are pictured leaving the scene of the fire the next day Two vigils were held on Thursday night - one at the local high school (pictured) and one at the Cathedral of the Pines Church in Beaumont The cause of the fire is under investigation, but Davis said it doesn't appear to have been deliberately set. Two community members are pictured comforting each other at a memorial on Thursday night The two oldest children were students at Silsbee Elementary and Edwards-Johnson Memorial Silsbee Middle School, and the district has released a statement. 'Silsbee ISD is deeply saddened to learn the news of a family in Silsbee that lost their lives in a house fire,' the statement reads. 'News of this nature is not easy by any means, especially in our close-knit community. We offer prayers to those close to the family and our first responders as they cope with this devastating tragedy. 'We have learned two children lost in this fire were students at Silsbee ISD, and our staff will be offering support to the campuses as needed. Silsbee ISD will ensure that our students and staff will be comforted during this difficult time.' Survivors of the Las Vegas massacre have said they are ready for closure but confessed to feeling anxious and engulfed by security fears as they gathered for a benefit concert for the first time since the deadly attack. American country music duo Big & Rich headlined the benefit concert along with Rascal Flatts at the indoor Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday night. The benefit concert was expected to attract 8,000 people, including 2,000 police and other emergency workers. Theresa Almada, 49, drove Thursday evening from San Diego back to Las Vegas to attend the concernt benefiting victims of the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Fans listen to Big & Rich perform during a benefit concert on Thursday honoring first responders and those affected by the recent Las Vegas mass shooting Members of the crowd were emotional as they gathered for the benefit concert for the first time since the deadly attack on October 1 Fifty-eight people were killed and hundreds more were wounded October 1 at the Route 91 Harvest Festival on the Las Vegas Strip. Gunman Stephen Paddock opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay casino-hotel tower, unleashing more than 1,000 bullets into the crowd. Almada was physically unharmed and was able to run back to her hotel, but she said she feels immense anxiety that comes in waves. She gathered at the Thursday night benefit concert with fellow survivors wearing matching orange t-shirts and bracelets. Almada said she hopes she'll feel some sense of closure and can begin to heal from the traumatic experience. 'I don't know if there's a copy-cat person out there but I'm not going to let him do what he did to every single day of my life,' Almada said of Paddock. Susan Pudiwitr, 56, of Las Vegas, who suffered a bullet graze wound on her hip, said she finds comfort being among other survivors but being in a big crowd again makes her think about who's out there, where they are and how she would save her and her friends if the worst happened again. Natalie Pelander embraces Matthew Pelander during the concert in Las Vegas Thursday night Big Kenny (center and John Rich (left) of Big & Rich headlined on Thursday night. performed about 90 minutes before Paddock opened fire on the Route 91 Harvest festival Country music singer Cam was among those to take to the benefit concert stage Ron White had a cigar and drink in hand when he took to the stage on Thursday night 'It's been hard. I don't sleep. I have trouble eating,' Pudiwitr said. Security was also on the mind of headliner John Rich of the country duo Big & Rich. 'It's definitely going to be on your mind. You're going to look at your surroundings through a different lens,' Rich said. 'I mean, how could you not?' Big & Rich performed about 90 minutes before Paddock opened fire for about 10 minutes with country music star Jason Aldean on stage at the time. Rich said he would expect 'drastic' security measures going forward for live concerts, suggesting police snipers should be on hand at outdoor events and not only for those featuring major public speakers. 'You almost have to treat this event as if the president of the United States was attending the event. That level of security might be it. If that's what it takes then that's what it takes,' Rich said. He added: 'I would like for a bad guy to look up and see snipers.' Rich, a gun rights advocate, said he had never heard of 'bump stocks,' which Paddock used to make his semi-automatic guns mimic the more rapid fire of automatic weapons. The benefit concert was expected to attract 8,000 people, including 2,000 police and other emergency workers John Rich (left) of the country duo Big & Rich admitted that security was on his mind when they took to the stage on Thursday night 'To take a semi-automatic weapon and make it fully automatic, it's not good,' Rich said. Big & Rich, whose hits include 'Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)' and 'Lost In This Moment,' had left the festival grounds after their performance the night of the shooting but have taken the tragedy personally. 'Those are our people. That's who we identify with. That's who we make music for, so to see them suffering like that, it's really painful to watch,' Rich said. Boyd Gaming Corp, who was hosting the concert, said security at the benefit concert was 'really robust'. No guns were allowed. The tickets for the concert were free and all were taken. Organizers accepted donations and profit from food and beverage sales will go to a victims' fund. Thursday's show also featured remarks from Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo and Fox News host Sean Hannity who is a friend of Rich. President Donald Trump tweeted his support of the concert, using the hashtag #VegasStrong. The shocking moment a police car rammed into an allegedly stolen car has been caught on camera. The high speed pursuit through Perth's eastern suburbs came to an intense end when the police car crashed into the Ford Falcon on Thursday night, injuring one officer. Security footage shows the allegedly stolen Ford spinning to the centre of the road as the police car collides with the driver's side of the car. Scroll down for video The shocking moment a police car rammed into an allegedly stolen Ford Falcon has been caught on security camera in Western Australia (pictured) The high speed pursuit ended with the police car crashing into the alleged stolen car before the 20-year-old driver fled on foot (pictured) through Perth's eastern suburbs A few seconds later, the driver jumped out of the passenger's side of the car and fled on foot as smoke appeared to erupt from the police car. A number of police officers chased the 20-year-old man while one officer checked the inside of the stolen car. The chase was short lived as the driver was arrested in the yard of a neighbouring property. Western Australia Police told Daily Mail Australia the young driver was caught and taken to Royal Perth Hospital. The chase was short lived as the driver was arrested in the yard of a neighbouring property and taken to hospital while a police officer was injured and treated at the scene The police officer injured in the crash was treated at the scene for minor injuries. The 20-year-old man was charged with a number of offences including driving unlicensed, stealing a motor vehicle and driving recklessly. A 19-year-old female passenger was also charged with stealing a motor vehicle. A 22-year-old man from Mexico has been sentenced to life in prison with a chance for parole after 25 years for fatally shooting another man in Oregon in June 2016. The Oregonian/OregonLive reports that a jury in September found Roger Gastelum-Medina guilty of murder and unlawful use of a weapon. Gastelum-Medina apologized in court for killing 21-year-old Yusuf Sharif. Roger Gastelum-Medina (left), 22, was found guilty of killing 21-year-old Yusuf Sharif in September The shooting occurred following an argument in June of 2016 over money and Gastelum-Medina's belief Sharif was trying to woo his girlfriend 'I just want to say I'm sorry,' he said. 'I'm really sorry for everything.' He is accused of fatally shooting Sharif after an argument. He was arrested the day after the shooting by U.S. marshals. Prosecutor Bracken McKey says Gastelum-Medina had been in the U.S. illegally and has a criminal history that includes a 2015 conviction for methamphetamine possession. According to prosecutors, Gastelum-Medina and Sharif had been acquaintances who had both used and sold methamphetamine together before the 2016 killing. Gastelum-Medina is expected to be deported to Mexico, and will be banned from ever entering the United States again The prosecution in the case asserted that Gastelum-Medina's friendship with Sharif had soured over owned money and the belief that Sharif was trying to woo Gastelum-Medina's girlfriend away from him. On the day of the shooting, according to The Oregonian, Gastelum-Medina spotted Sharif as he was walking down Southwest Blanton Street and 167th Avenue. Driving with friends, Gastelum-Medina got out out of the vehicle and confronted Sharif. Following a brief argument, Gastelum-Medina pulled out a gun and shot Sharif before fleeing the scene. Gastelum-Medina also plead guilty to another felony on Thursday - selling methamphetamine to a minor on the same day as Sharif's killing. The minor was a 16-year-old girl Gastelum-Medina was staying with at the time. Prosecutors later dropped second-degree sexual abuse and third-degree statutory rape involving the same girl as part of a plea bargain. Gastelum-Medina is expected to be deported to Mexico, and Judge Oscar Garcia ordered him not to return to the U.S. if he is. With world-class attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Colosseum, the likes of Paris and Rome seem to have plenty of justification to charge a tourist tax. But the idea of imposing a local levy on hotel rooms, which does not yet exist anywhere in Britain, is now being mooted in the most unlikely of locations - Hull. The East Yorkshire city's council is considering the move as it tries to create a 'world-class visitor attraction' for the five million people who visit each year. People walk past street art in Hull in East Yorkshire, which is the UK City of Culture 2017 Officials want to spend the tax - which also exists in cities such as Florence, Prague and Venice - on marketing to ensure their hotels are full every day. But Paul Vinsen, chairman of Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitality Association, told BBC News that it was a 'very poor idea and I don't think it will work'. He added: 'City of Culture has been incredibly successful and all that good work will go to nothing because when [visitors] come to return they'll find it more expensive.' British Hospitality Association chief executive Ufi Ibrahim told the Hull Daily Mail that a tax would 'harm already hard-pressed Hull hospitality and tourism businesses'. He added: 'Tourists in the UK already pay one of the highest rates of tax in Europe and local tourist taxes would make it even harder for British businesses to compete. Princes Quay shopping centre in Hull, where a tourist tax could be imposed on hotel rooms 'Other European countries which have introduced a tourist tax have a much lower rate of tourism VAT which helps offset any negative impact. Hull's top attractions Streetlife Museum of Transport East Park The Humber Bridge Hull's Old Town Ferens Art Gallery Hull Maritime Museum The Deep Wilberforce House Museum Hull Marina Hull and East Riding Museum Source: TripAdvisor Advertisement 'In addition, a hotel tax would provide sharing platforms, such as Airbnb, with an even greater advantage because visitors do not have to pay VAT on the cost of their stay.' But Councillor Marjorie Brabazon said: 'I don't think paying a small tourist tax like they do in places like Rome and other cities would put people off coming to the city. 'Hull isn't Rome but we do have some beautiful architecture and a lot attractions, such as our museums, which are free.' Any tourist tax - which has also been suggested in both Bath and Wales - would need to be in new legislation approved by the Government before it is implemented. A Hull City Council spokesman said: 'At this moment this is purely an information gathering process. St Stephen's shopping centre in Hull, which is hosting host a year-long programme of culture 'It is good practice for councils to look regularly at ideas that other cities in the UK are considering as part of developing their tourism industry. 'Any relevant information collected will be discussed with partners before any proposals for implementation are presented. 'All final decisions will be taken by the council's cabinet, no decision has been made.' Hull, which won the 'Crap Towns' award in 2003, is this year's UK City of Culture, for which it is putting on a variety of arts and cultural events. Just as Sydney house prices were rumoured to fall come Christmas, the western suburbs have proven otherwise by hitting the $1 million mark. Lakemba, Colebee, Auburn, Condell Park and Chipping Norton homeowners could all be sitting on a gold mine by the beginning of next year as the suburbs experience strong capital growth, realestate.com.au suggests. The 16,000 people living in Lakemba could own million dollar homes by the end of October, with the 11,000 in Condell Park following suit in December. Lakemba, Colebee, Auburn, Condell Park and Chipping Norton homeowners could all be sitting on a gold mine by the beginning of next year as the suburbs experience strong capital growth (stock image) At present the median house price in Lakemba is $988,500, Chipping Norton is $970,500, Condell Park is $970,000, Auburn is $950,000 and Colebee is $941,500. People who call Colebee home can expect to see six zeroes at the end of their house price come January and for Condell Park and Auburn it will be February. 'Somewhere like Colebee is a new estate area which is usually popular among first home buyers but it's just getting too expensive,' realestate.com.au Chief Economist Nerida Conisbee said. 'Sydney is the second most expensive city in the world to live in after Hong Kong. It's an extremely expensive city to live in but the rate of growth seems to be slowing down as investors are pulling back.' At present the median house price in Lakemba is $988,500 (pictured) The median house price in Chipping Norton is $970,500 (pictured) While some may view Sydney's western suburbs as crime-ridden and unsafe, this contradicts Domain's fact and figures on the subject. The Liveability study they completed found similar crime rankings in unlikely areas, such as Mount Druitt and Newtown, Blacktown and Bondi Beach, and Doonside and Millers Point. These areas are usually seen as chalk and cheese from a safety perspective. The media house price in Condell Park is $970,000 (pictured) 'Somewhere like Colebee (pictured) is a new estate area which is usually popular among first home buyers but it's just getting too expensive,' realestate.com.au Chief Economist Nerida Conisbee said The news comes just weeks after Sydney house prices fell for the first time in a year. CoreLogic's head of research Tim Lawless says the decline in the Australia's most expensive housing market was due to the detached housing sector. For the Sydney housing market, concerns around unit oversupply is less evident compared with the Brisbane unit sector, or to a lesser extent with Melbourne, he said. 'Potentially the affordability challenges facing Sydney buyers within the detached housing sector are pushing more demand towards the medium to high density sector, where, based on median values, houses are almost $290,000 more expensive than units,' he said. Video footage of the horrific car crash which saw a Ukrainian heiress mow down dozens of pedestrians and killing five people, shows her running a red light at high speed, crashing into another vehicle. Alyona Zaitseva, 20, is said to have been travelling at more than 60 mph in an area with a maximum limit of 35 mph, in central Kharkiv, Ukraine. CCTV shows a line of cars in a junction getting a green light, when suddenly Zaitseva's Lexus comes speeding in the right-hand corner, smashing into a Volkswagen and spinning into a crowd off-camera. Scroll down for video Video footage shows the moment Alyona Zaitseva comes speeding through a junction and hitting a Volkswagen, which sent her Lexus spinning into pedestrians Zaitseva, the daughter of a multimillionaire energy tycoon, had to be protected by her armed bodyguards as she stepped out of her crashed Lexus and was met by a furious crowd of witnesses. She has been arrested pending a police investigation, and if charged she could face jail for up to ten years. Despite this, she was seen smirking while speaking to a police officer in court today. It has also emerged that the glamorous young woman had a total of eight motoring fines, four of which were for speeding, in the two years of her being a licensed driver. Three out of six seriously injured victims are in comas, said doctors. The victims have been named as mother and daughter Alla Sokol, 46, and Anastasiya Sokol, 19, Elena Usmanova, 25, Nina Kobiseva, 28, and Alexander Evteev, 27. Killer smile: Alyona Zaitseva, the daughter of a multimillionaire energy tycoon, could be seen speaking to police with a smirk on her face outside court today A glamorous 20-year-old heiress has been detained after she 'jumped a red light and rammed into a crowd killing six', say police Shocking images showed bodies lying on the ground after the deadly crash (pictured) Pregnant Zhanna Vlasenko, 30, has suffered 'serious' head injuries and is in a 'severe but stable' condition. Her baby is expected to survive, said doctors. Fears were expressed that the heiress will escape justice because of her father's wealth and influence in Ukraine, where the court system is notoriously corrupt. Her father, energy company multi-millionaire Vasily Zaitsev, did not mention the victims in his only comment on the crash yesterday. He also sought to pin blame on the VW Touareg that Ms Zaitseva hit before her car careered into people waiting at a pedestrian crossing, even though video shows the Touareg driver acting correctly after moving forward on a green light at a junction. 'It is a tragedy for our family,' he said. Not mentioning those killed or wounded, he said: 'My child has not eaten for 24 hours. 'They did not let us see her, she was locked in jail immediately.' 'She was hit, do you understand? Her car was completely destroyed. The car was moving after the hit. 'How was that Touareg driving - it is not clear why it hit her this way?' The car was seen speeding towards the group of people waiting at a pedestrian crossing The car plowed straight into the crowd killing six and injuring dozens more The female driver was arrested by police who said she had not been drinking There was carnage on the streets of Kharkiv, in Ukraine , after her Lexus mowed down people waiting on the pavement at a pedestrian crossing before flipping on its side Local MP and advisor to the Ukrainian Interior Ministry, Anton Gerashchenko, insisted the driver of the other car had acted correctly. And he revealed: 'During last two years, the Lexus driver has been caught eight times by Kharkiv traffic patrol for violating traffic rules.' This involved speeding, jumping red lights, and violating parking rules, he said. But the maximum she was fined for these transgressions was 14. A shocking video of the aftermath of the crash showed bodies strewn on the pavement Alyona Zaitseva's armed bodyguards drove up in two jeeps immediately after the crash and protected her from a furious crowd who witnessed the crash Three of the dead were named as Elena Berchenko, 25, Yury Neudachin, 24, Oksana Nesterenko, 36 Distressing video showed the wounded crying out for help after the deadly crash He demanded new laws to deter dangerous driving and said that when she crashed on Wednesday night, she had been driving at more than 62 mph. And he warned there could be pressure because of her father's sway in Ukraine to keep her out of jail or blame the other driver who, he said, had correctly moved forward on a green light. 'She will have to pay for it with her freedom,' he said. 'The Criminal Code has up to ten years of jail for such cases.' Warning of attempts to avoid the law applying to her, he insisted: 'We will allow no attempts to 'solve the issue' another way.' Ms Zaitseva, the daughter of local energy company multi-millionaire Vasily Zaitsev (right), was uninjured If convicted, the heiress and student Ms Zaitseva (pictured) faces up to ten years in jail The aftermath was described as 'like a war zone' with dead and injured strewn across the pavement. Anna, a flower seller who witnessed the horror, said: 'I saw the moment of the crash, and how the car was spinning. 'Some guys ran up to it and put in back on its wheels. My head is still aching, it was such a horror. 'I have not seen anything like this before. The car did not drive over the people, it just smashed into them.' Another witness Alexandra said: 'I saw the bodies, it was so scary. 'I walk here every day when I go back home from work. 'One hit and five lives finished. They were just lying there. Maybe they walked back home from work like me.' Police are hunting two 'despicable' distraction burglars who tried to steal an Alzheimer's sufferer's life savings. The two men arrived at the 77-year-old's home in Tatsfield, Surrey and told him they were builders who needed payment for work which was never carried out. They took 150 from his wallet before taking him from his home to withdraw his savings from his bank account. Police are hunting these two men after a 77-year-old Alzheimer's sufferer was targeted A neighbour became suspicious and interrupted the crime, but, despite his attempts to detain one of the men, they managed to get away in a black Audi A3. Detective Constable Ben Briselden from Bromley Burglary Squad said: 'This is a despicable and cowardly crime targeting an elderly man trying to steal his life savings.' Police have now released CCTV images of the two men they are trying to find following the burglary on at 2:50pm on October 12. The first suspect is described as an Indian man with short dark hair wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and top with a black Nike Air tick logo across his chest. The second suspect is described as an Indian or Sri Lankan man with short black hair in a bun wearing dark clothing and a thin scarf around his neck. The sickening burglary happened in the Surrey village of Tatsfield, to the south east of London Detective Constable Briselden added: 'We are appealing for information from anyone who recognises the images of the two suspects shown in the footage. 'If anyone has experienced something similar to this we would urge them to come forward. 'I can personally assure you that all information received will be treated in the strictest of confidence and immediately acted upon.' Police are reminding people to always verify the identity of anyone that comes to their door. A spokesman said: 'If they are genuine then they will be able to provide identification. If in doubt do not let them in and call 999.' Anyone that can assist police is urged to contact the police non-emergency number 101, or by tweeting @MetCC. To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org. A truck driver who killed an off-duty firefighter in a deadly crash in 2015 was jailed for at least two years on Friday. Albert Cvetkovski, 44, was found guilty in August of dangerous driving resulting in the death of Drew Cullen, a firefighter and father, on Heathcote Road in Sydney's south. Mr Cvetkovski was found to have been withdrawing from methamphetamine when he crashed into Mr Cullen, but blamed the accident on a pothole, 9 News reports. Albert Cvetkovski, 44, was found guilty in August of dangerous driving resulting in death and was sentenced to two year in jail Drew Cullen (pictured), a firefighter and father, was killed in 2015 after Mr Cvetkovski's 10-tonne truck collided with his vehicle in Sydney's south Drug and alcohol tests found Mr Cvetkovski had a low level of the drug in his system, but Judge Penelope Hock placed little emphasis on that fact during sentencing. She said that the tests were 'not able to say the offender was driving with any impairmentonly that it was possible'. Mr Cullen died almost instantly when the 10-tonne truck veered into his path, as he was travelling home to his partner Susie Smith and their 16-month-old daughter Talia, now three. Tragically, Ms Smith was watching television when she saw pictures from the crash, realising then that her partner was not coming home. Mr Cullen died almost instantly when the 10-tonne truck veered into his path on Heathcote Road The off-duty firefighter was travelling home to his partner Susie Smith and their 16-month-old daughter Talia (pictured together), now three Mr Cullen's partner, Susie Smith, said his death was 'not an accident' after tests found methamphetamine in Mr Cvetkovski's system Ms Smith, a high school teacher, told the court her partner's death was 'not an accident' and that the light sentence would not deter others from risking lives. 'As a high school teacher I'm trying to teach my kids that drugs have impacts whether you're on them or coming down off them, and this was a missed opportunity,' Ms Smith said. 'This was not an accident, we're all human, we all make mistakes, but we don't all drive around with drugs in our system.' Mr Cvetkovski will be eligible for parole in 2020. Radee Labeeb Prince, 38 (pictured), allegedly walked into his former workplace and gathered his former colleagues around him before shooting, according to a witness A witness to the deadly rampage inside a Maryland granite company said the suspect gathered a small group of his coworkers together by saying 'come with me, I want to say something to everybody' before opening fire. Radee Labeeb Prince, 38, arrived at his former workplace of Advanced Granite Solutions very angry, according to the man who worked at the countertop. Then he tried to talk individually to a few employees. 'He talked to me first,' the man told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because he was afraid of retaliation and worried about his family's immigration status. 'Then I saw him talk to another friend. Nobody listened to him, because his reaction was to start a fight.' This telling of events comes on the heels of news that Prince's former boss tried to take out a restraining order because he was so afraid of him - but the judge wouldn't grant it. Prince of Elkton, Maryland, had a history of violence with coworkers, especially when he believed people were talking behind his back, according to court documents. Authorities have not released a motive, but the witness said Prince's aggressiveness had been escalating recently. Scroll down for video Prince allegedly called the witness and a group of coworkers to come around him before he opened fire. Enis Mrvoljak (left), 48, and Jose Hidalgo Romero (right), 34, were killed in the shooting. Two other Advanced Granite Solutions workers remain in critical condition Bayarsaikhan Tudev (second from right), 53, was also killed on Wednesday. His widow (second from left) said her husband was so worried about Prince's temper that he prayed about him Just before the shooting, Prince walked out to his SUV and put on a black jacket, the witness said. Then he walked back inside and stood near a machine where he called the man's name, and asked him and his colleagues to come toward him. 'I was nervous,' the witness said, adding that he believes he was the one Prince was trying to target. The man said once the group gathered around, Prince fatally shot Enis Mrvoljak, 48; Bayarsaikhan Tudev, 53; and Jose Hidalgo Romero, 34. Authorities said he then drove to Wilmington, Delaware, and shot an acquaintance at a used car lot. He was captured after a 10-hour manhunt. Prince faces charges of murder, attempted murder, assault and use of a firearm to commit a felony. At his arraignment on Thursday in Delaware, he pleaded not guilty. According to an affidavit, officers found a .380-caliber semi-automatic they saw Prince throw away while running from them, and they found the same size shells at the Wilmington shooting scene. Police think it's the same gun he used in the Maryland shooting. Investigators say they are aware that employees had complained about Prince's behavior at Advanced Granite Solutions (pictured), as well as at prior workplaces Prince was arrested in Delaware (pictured) on Wednesday night after a massive manhunt. He was fired from JPS Marble and Granite earlier this year after he punched a coworker and threatened other colleagues His former boss became so scared of Prince after he was fired that he tried to take out a restraining order on him. A judge didn't grant it (Pictured, Prince is taken into custody in Delaware) Tudev's widow told the AP that her husband was so worried about Prince's temper that he prayed about him. 'He was always angry,' Gerelmaa Dolgorsuren said her husband told her about Prince. Ron Cherry, an attorney for the company, said he could not answer questions about what happened. But Cristie Kahler, a spokeswoman for the Harford County Sheriff's Office, confirmed that video surveillance footage at the company showed Prince seeming to call a meeting before the shooting. She could not provide further details. Kahler also said that investigators were aware that employees had complained about Prince's behavior at Advanced Granite Solutions, as well as at prior workplaces. He had at least two other violent run-ins with coworkers. In 2014, he put a colleague in a chokehold because he thought he was talking about Prince, a manager told police. Prince dragged the coworker outside and slammed him to the ground, causing him to lose consciousness. He was charged with offensive touching, but the case was dismissed last year. Earlier this year, Prince was fired from JPS Marble and Granite after he punched a coworker and threatened other colleagues, according to court documents. His former boss became so scared of Prince after he was fired that he tried to take out a restraining order on him. A judge didn't grant it. Prince of Elkton, Maryland, had a history of violence with coworkers (Pictured, workers from the Advanced Granite Solutions company console each other on Wednesday) Prince had 43 arrests in Delaware. He has faced charges of being a felon in possession and was ordered to undergo drug and alcohol counseling in recent years (Pictured, unidentified bystanders embrace in Harford County, Maryland, on Wednesday) Police in Delaware have not updated the condition of the victim there, but have said he is expected to survive (Pictured, police investigate the scene of the shooting in Wilmington, Delaware, on Wednesday) On Thursday, authorities identified the wounded in Maryland as Enoc Villegas Sosa, 38, and Jose Roberto Flores Gillen, 37. They remain in critical condition. Police in Delaware have not updated the condition of the victim there, but have said he is expected to survive. Prince was accused last year of punching that man and trying to rob him, said Nicole Magnusson, a spokeswoman for the Delaware Department of Justice. He was charged with robbery and offensive touching, but that case was also dismissed. Prince had 43 arrests in Delaware. He has faced charges of being a felon in possession of a gun, was habitually late paying his rent, was repeatedly cited for traffic violations, and was ordered to undergo drug and alcohol counseling in recent years. A British man has been arrested after police say he robbed a Spanish hotel of 1,500 euros (1,347) while wearing a Star Wars Stormtrooper mask. The 41-year-old allegedly carried out the armed robbery in the village of Mijas, in the southern Spanish province of Malaga. Spanish police have been searching for the suspect since August, and finally tracked him down after comparing CCTV footage of the incident to a recent attempted robbery as part of investigation nicknamed Operation Vader. The 41-year-old British man is accused of robbing a hotel of 1,500 euros (1,347) in the village of Mijas, in the southern Spanish province of Malaga while wearing a Stormtrooper mask The surveillance footage shows the man, threatening a hotel receptionist with a gun while wearing all black clothing and the iconic mask of an imperial soldier of the Galactic Empire in the Star Wars films. The man, wearing gloves and carrying a black bag aimed the gun at the receptionist as he demanded money. Without resisting, the receptionist raises his hands and quickly gives the robber 1,500 euros (1,347) from the till. The robber can then be seen taking the box from the counter and struggling to put it into his backpack. As he attempts to escape, the heavy mask obscures his vision, and he uses the butt of the gun to push it back into place. But then the thief drops the money on the floor and has to stop to pick it up. The situation then becomes more ridiculous as the robber attempts to take the wrong exit and the receptionist has to point him in the right direction. Before leaving, the man approaches the reception desk once more, placing his gun on the counter, within easy reach of the hotel worker. CCTV footage shows the suspect threatening a hotel receptionist with a gun while wearing all black clothing and the iconic mask of an imperial soldier of the Galactic Empire in the Star Wars films. Spanish police have been searching for the suspect since August, and finally tracked him down after comparing CCTV footage of the incident to a recent attempted robbery as part of investigation nicknamed Operation Vader He then rips out the wiring from the telephone to prevent the receptionist calling the emergency services. Once more before leaving, the robber ask for a reminder of the directions out of the building so he can make his mistake. The Spanish Civil Guard had been hunting for man behind the Storm Trooper mask since August. While searching for the suspect, they received a report of a thief attempting to raid a holiday home in the same area. As well as wearing a Stormtrooper mask, the suspect also appeared to be mocking the authorities by wearing a vest with 'Interpol' written on it. Once again he was brandishing a firearm, only this time he did not escape with any money. The residents prevented him from entering the house by barring the door and he eventually gave up. Police studied images and videos from the scene and have now arrested a 41-year-old British man who they suspect of both crimes. The man's name has not been released and it is unclear whether he has been charged. He was remanded in custody while police continue their investigations. David Davis is stepping up preparations for 'no deal' Brexit by briefing the Cabinet on the potential benefits. The Brexit Secretary is said to be planning to deliver an 'upbeat' assessment of how the UK could deal with failure to get a trade agreement. The presentation, expected to happen on Halloween, suggests a shift in the government's approach to the negotiations amid painfully slow progress in negotiations. Mr Davis has repeatedly insisted he wants to reach a deal with the EU and has no intention of walking away from discussions - despite being urged to do so by some hardline Brexiteers. David Davis (pictured in the Commons this week) is stepping up preparations for 'no deal' Brexit with a briefing to the Cabinet on the potential benefits But he has argued that the UK must have an 'insurance policy' in place that allows it to thrive if there is no positive settlement. According to the Times, Mr Davis has ordered officials to plan for a failure to get a trade deal. He is said to be planning to present this scenario to his colleagues on Halloween, in a move that could alarm more Europhile ministers. Home Secretary Amber Rudd said this week that the prospect of 'no deal' Brexit was 'unthinkable', and Chancellor Philip Hammond has said it is 'theoretically' possible planes could be grounded from the day we leave. But others such as Boris Johnson and Michael Gove are much more relaxed about the outcome. It is the first time Mrs May, who has made clear she prefers the option of a trade agreement, has allowed David Davis to make such a presentation. Labour former minister Lord Mandelson said today that a failure to get a deal would be 'disastrous' for the UK and a 'national humiliation'. Former Cabinet minister Owen Paterson has said a no-deal situation is 'inevitable at the moment', but stressed that the UK should not be 'terrified' of this outcome. Referring to trading on World Trade Organisation terms, he said: 'It is an ineluctable certainty we are going to end up with WTO at the end of this anyway.' News of the preparations came as Mrs May received a boost from Angela Merkel today, with the German chancellor saying she had 'no doubt' there will be a 'good result' from Brexit talks. Theresa May held bilateral talks with European Council president Donald Tusk today as she battles to find a way through the Brexit impasse Some Cabinet ministers such as Boris Johnson appear fairly relaxed about the prospect of not getting a trade deal with the EU Mrs Merkel signalled the EU is ready to compromise after the PM used a summit dinner to warn she must be able to 'defend' a divorce bill to the British public. Mrs May issued a blunt message to counterparts that she cannot be pushed much further, after agreeing to make a 20billion divorce payment last month. The 27 other leaders in the room, who had been feasting on pumpkin gnocchi and pheasant, did not respond to the 10-minute intervention, as they have vowed to leave direct negotiations to Eurocrat Michel Barnier. But shortly afterwards Mrs Merkel told a press conference that the talks were 'progressing step by step'. 'If we are all clear in our minds, I have absolutely no doubt that we can reach a good result,' she said. Mrs Merkel made clear that 'both sides have to move.' In a reference to a recent spat between the UK and the EU commission, she said: 'I do not only see the ball with Great Britain. I do see it with Great Britain, but at the same time I also see the ball with us.' Harvey Weinstein threatened to sue the board of a high-profile AIDS charity last year because he thought one of its lawyers was probing his sex life, according to newly obtained documents. Minutes of an amFAR board meeting in October 2016 include details from chairman and shoe designer Kenneth Cole describing his interactions with the Hollywood producer. The charity had hired attorney Tom Ajamie to investigate a controversial financial deal about auction proceeds involving Weinstein and Cole but the movie mogul was outraged when he discovered the investigation was looking into his sex life. Harvey Weinstein (right with amFAR chairman Kenneth Cole) threatened to sue the board of a high-profile AIDS charity last year because he thought one of its lawyers was probing his sex life, according to newly obtained documents 'He called furious and said how dare you after 25 years, tens of millions I've raised, all I've done for amfAR, how dare you stick your lawyers on me to do what they're doing,' the minutes seen by NBC News, summarizing Cole's comments, said. 'Harvey reiterated that it was inappropriate and slanderous and that he would personally investigate each person on the amfAR board and the committee,' the minutes said. 'In typical Weinstein fashion - he exploded with threats,' Cole said in an email to NBC News. 'I don't believe we understood what was really behind his anger at the time and I for one did not know of his predatory activities until they were revealed in media reports. We thought it was Weinstein with his typical angry, litigious response.' Ajamie told the news outlet that he did not send the letter discussed in the minutes and passed along reports of sexual misconduct by Weinstein to the amFAR chairman. Cole, however, said he has no recollection of such a conversation with Ajamie. Kenneth Cole told MailOnline in a statement: 'In regards to the actions of Harvey Weinstein recently revealed in media reports, let me repeat publicly what I have been saying privately: I find his actions deeply disturbing but if there is any good to come out of these revelations it is the start of a thoughtful self-reflection of our society and of our collective behavior. 'Over the last several weeks Weinstein's charitable role in supporting amfAR has become the subject of debate and scrutiny. 'After the New York Attorney General's Office reviewed the transaction between amfAR and Weinstein they declined to pursue an investigation. It did, however, highlight opportunities to strengthen the governance of the organization. 'I am personally committed to implementing the AG's recommendations to ensure that our fundraising policies and procedures are never called into question again.' Minutes of an amFAR board meeting in October 2016 include details from chairman and shoe designer Kenneth Cole (right at an amFAR event last week with talk show host James Corden) describing his interactions with the Hollywood producer This comes in in the wake of allegations that Weinstein committed acts of sexual harassment, assault and rape against more than 30 women. Stars including Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Rose McGowan, and Cara Delevingne - have released detailed statements, describing his alleged advances. Earlier this week, a British woman who worked for Weinstein broke a 25-year silence to accuse the film mogul of raping her in the basement of his London offices. Four women in the US have already accused 65-year-old Weinstein of rape, along with more than 30 who allege sexual harassment or assault by the producer. Last week, Merseyside Police announced they were investigating a separate claim of sexual assault against Weinstein dating back to the 1980s. Weinstein's representatives said 'any allegations of non-consensual sex are unequivocally denied by Mr. Weinstein.' This comes in in the wake of allegations that Weinstein committed acts of sexual harassment, assault and rape against more than 30 women Stars including Gwyneth Paltrow (left), Angelina Jolie (right), Rose McGowan, and Cara Delevingne - have released detailed statements, describing his alleged advances Ajamie's investigation was over $600,000 that was raised at amfAR's gala dinner at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2015 and was given to the American Repertory Theater (ART) at Harvard. Four members of the amfAR board complained to New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman because they say the nonprofit's chairman Kenneth Cole did not consult them before agreeing that the auction could raise money for both amfAR and ART. Cole had agreed that an auction item could raise money for both amfAR and ART, with Weinstein's company pledging to raise $600,000 for both. Cole is said to have given the remaining $600,000 to ART, which had helped Weinstein stage the Peter Pan musical 'Finding Neverland' The item was a private photo shoot with Mario Testino, tickets to the new James Bond premiere next to Daniel Craig, two tickets to the Golden Globes, two tickets to the Golden Globes party and two tickets to the Oscars party and the Oscar weekend. DailyMail.com understands that it went for a total $950,000, of which $350,000 went to amfAR. Cole is said to have given the remaining $600,000 to ART, which had helped Weinstein stage the Peter Pan musical 'Finding Neverland'. Weinstein and other investors owed money to the ART but it could be paid back through charitable donations. The Spanish government is set to dissolve Catalonia's parliament and hold new regional elections in January in its bid to defuse the regional government's push for independence, a representative for the opposition said today. However, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy later refused to confirm this, saying his government will unveil the specific measures agreed with opposition parties during the Saturday cabinet meeting. Just three weeks have passed since the Catalan referendum, but the political crisis is already set to have a severe knock-on effect on the Spanish economy, with experts warning that the final bill could be up to 12billion. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said he will unveil the measures agreed with opposition parties, including a potential Catalan snap election, after tomorrow's cabinet meeting The main negotiator in the opposition Socialist party, Carmen Calvo, said earlier Friday that a snap election in Catalonia had been agreed upon as part of the Socialists' support for the government's plans. Catalonia's government says it has the mandate to secede from Spain after the referendum October 1, and it doesn't want a new regional election. Mr Rajoy, who wants opposition support to be able to present a united front in the crisis, would not confirm this while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a European Union summit in Brussels today. Addressing the unprecedented more to revoke Catalonia's autonomy, Rajoy said that 'the goal is double: the return to legality and the recovery of institutional normalcy.' The measure falls under Article 155 of Spain's 1978 Constitution, but has never been used in the four decades since democracy was restored at the end of Gen. Francisco Franco's dictatorship. Protest: People wait to withdraw money from ATMs at a branch of CaixaBank, in Barcelona, after the bank moved their official headquarters to other locations in Spain The independence referendum and the subsequent political crisis could cost the SPanish economy up to 12billion, depending on how long the crisis lasts Taking over: Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will hold a special cabinet meeting on Saturday where he will trigger Article 155 of the constitution, which suspends Catalan autonomy Article 155 is described as an 'exceptional and extreme measure' which allows the government in Madrid to suspend the rule of regional government. Triggering it could represent a drastic escalation of Spain's worst political crisis in decades which was sparked when Catalonia held a banned independence referendum on October 1. It resulted in a 90 percent 'yes' vote, though turnout was only 43 percent as many supporters of Spanish unity stayed away in a region that is deeply divided on the issue. Spain considers the referendum to be illegal and unconstitutional, and says its results are invalid. Speaking in Brussels today, Mr Rajoy accused the Catalan separatist authorities of acting against the rule of law and democracy and said: 'This is something that goes directly against the basic principles of the European Union.' However long it takes for the nation to solve the issue, it is likely to end up a hefty bill for both sides. Spain's Independent Authority for Fiscal Responsibility estimates that Catalonia crisis will cost between 0.4 to 1.2 points of GDP. This means that if the conflict drags on, the economic loss could be up to 13.4 billion euros. Already, Catalonia is feeling the effects with retail sales dropping by 20 per cent since the referendum, and travel bookings are down 15 per cent, El Pais reports. Demanding freedom: People hold a giant Estelada (pro-independence Catalan flag) reading "Freedom" during candle-lit demonstration in Barcelona on Wednesday Catalonia's separatist leader Carles Puigdemont had until Thursday to withdraw a bid to secede from Spain, but chose instead to threaten the government with a regional parliamentary vote on a formal declaration Strong opinions: Anti-independence protesters demonstrated in Barcelona this week, as the political crisis worsened in a divided Catalonia Meanwhile, some bank customers in Catalonia have been withdrew symbolic amounts of money to protest against financial institutions that have moved their official headquarters to other locations in Spain amid the political crisis. Pro-independence umbrella group Crida Democracia called on consumers late Thursday to put pressure on banks that made the decision. By Friday morning, dozens of people were lining up at a CaixaBank branch in downtown Barcelona, most of them withdrawing 150 or 160 euros from ATMs. The amounts were closest to 155, in reference to Article 155. CaixaBank and Banco Sabadell, the largest Catalan lenders, are among nearly 1,000 financial institutions and businesses that have moved their official registration out of Catalonia in the past few weeks. 'These banks are traitors,' said Oriol Mauri, a 35-year-old owner of a children's game business in central Barcelona. 'They need to see that it's lots of us who are angry.' Mauri, who withdrew 150 euros because the ATM wouldn't allow him to take out 155, said he wasn't worried about businesses fleeing Catalonia. 'I'm not afraid of economic repercussions,' Mauri said. 'Our power as consumers is perhaps the only way to influence and have our voice heard in Europe.' Protests: Anti-separatist Catalans shout slogans as they gather at Barcelona's Catalonia Square to protest the region's impending secession Ana Coll, a 55-year-old pharmacist who withdrew 160 euros, said peaceful street protests haven't been enough to influence decision-makers in Spain and Europe. 'We need to step up our actions and do something that really hurts, and that is targeting the money,' she said. But not everybody saw the measure as tempered and productive. 'This is like shooting yourself in the foot. It's not going to solve anything' said 42-year-old consulting firm worker Oscar Garcia, who compared the action to 'the tantrum of a kid who doesn't get what he wants.' The crisis over Catalonia's quest for independence escalated Thursday, as Spain's central government prepared to start activating Article 155 after Catalan president Carles Puigdemont refused to abandon secession. In his latest display of brinkmanship, Puigdemont sent a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy just minutes before a deadline set by Madrid for him to backtrack on his calls to secede. Puigdemont didn't give in, however, and threatened to go ahead with a unilateral proclamation of independence if the government refuses to negotiate. Spain's government responded by calling Saturday's Cabinet session to activate Article 155. Puigdemont and his aides have so far have ruled out calling a snap vote as a way out of the deadlock. In a sign that an explicit declaration of independence could be his response, as outlined in this week's letter, separatist lawmakers were holding talks about how to call a special regional parliament session as early as next week, far-left CUP party lawmaker Eulalia Reguant told The Associated Press late Thursday. Advertisement These are the drunken scenes as dozens of students went on a pub crawl through the Hanley area of Stoke last night as part of the Carnage UK annual tour. Students from Staffordshire University and Keele University were encouraged to pay 9 to join the pub crawl which was themed as a 'pyjama jump party'. The organisers claim that the Stoke-based students will be among 350,000 third-level revellers attending Carnage events this year across 36 cities. Many of the students staggering around Hanley last night were wearing special Carnage T-shirts which cost 10 each. This year the route of the pub crawl involved five bars and one 'super club'. Although, according to the event's Facebook page, students are advised to 'enjoy Carnage responsibly'. The organisers also stress they encourage sensible drinking. MailOnline has approached Carnage UK for a comment. This chap seems to have tested the tensile breaking point of his 10 tee shirt to destruction much to the consternation of his female companion who appears distressed by the quality of the garment Students from Keele University and Staffordshire University ambled between five bars and a so-called super club last night These are the scenes as dozens of students embark on a drunken pub crawl dubbed Carnage around the Hanley area of Stoke For some of the students, their choice of footwear was less than optimal for a cross-town pub crawl involving six venues Some of the revellers stopped between venues and started dancing on the wet pavements of Hanley in Stoke Students paid 9 for tickets to the event and a further 10 for commemorative t-shirt to remember the historic event During the night, some of the students decided to stop off for a takeaway meal while updating their social media profiles Police were on patrol last night to ensure none of the festivities became too raucous as students staggered to the finish line This girl, centre, took the opportunity to have a cigarette while moving between clubs as others sat on the damp pavement The university students, pictured, seemed unconcerned that many of them were due in for lectures this morning Large numbers of students queued outside the venues chosen by organisers as last night's festivities progressed This girl decided to seek a piggyback from a nearby gentleman so she could continue with the epic late night tour Some 350,000 students are estimated to take part in Carnage events across the country every year This couple walked arm in arm as they approach the next venue on their pub crawl across Hanley in Stoke last night This couple seem to have taken a break and found solace in a doorway while checking an urgent message on their phone Some of the students took advantage of the wide range of different foods available in Stoke late at night Unlike students, who seemed impervious to the rain, the is gentlemen decided a floral umbrella was necessary After a long night on the pub crawl, this couple seem to be assisting themselves up a steep hill and towards their homes Many of the students appeared to be wearing identical-coloured outfits of dark jeans and branded white t-shirts One of the more sensible students brought suitable protection with her on the night out in Hanley to save her from the rain The organisers of last night's event encouraged people attending to wear their pyjamas, such as these gentlemen A 'habitual traffic offender' who had a blood-alcohol level drastically above legal levels when he caused a fiery crash killing two sisters has been jailed for 29 years. Admerson Cleber Eugenio Vicente-Vicente had consumed twice the legal limit when he drove the wrong way down the Interstate-95 in Broward County, Florida, crashing head on into the women. U.S. Air Force sergeant Alexis Musumeci, 24, had recently served in England and had been preparing for a tour in South Korea. A 'habitual traffic offender' Admerson Vicente-Vicente (pictured), who had a blood-alcohol level drastically above legal levels when he caused a fiery crash killing two sisters, has been jailed for 29 years U.S. Air Force sergeant Alexis Musumeci (right), 24, had recently served in England and had been preparing for a tour in South Korea. Brittany Musumeci (left), 23, was a homecoming queen and graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee The rising star servicewoman had hoped her tour in South Korea would land her a prestigious assignment in Japan. Her sister Brittany Musumeci, 23, was a homecoming queen and graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She was also headed to South Korea to be close to her sister, where she would teach both English and the violin. Vicente-Vicente, 26, appeared before a judge in Martin County on Thursday morning to face six charges. Vicente-Vicente told Judge Lawrence Mirman through an interpreter: 'I know I have caused much pain I want to beg [the family] to forgive me. How many times I wake up asking why did they die and not I?' reports the Sun-Sentinal. Records show Vicente-Vicente had had his license revoked for five years in 2015 after a string of traffic offences, including DUI and driving with suspended licence. In two separate blood tests, the offender had blood-alcohol level of 0.169 and 0.170 above Florida's legal level of 0.08 during the September 26, 2015, crash, which happened on the I-95 to Brownard County, according to the arrest warrant. Prosecutors also said he also tested positive for drugs. Vicente-Vicente's brother, Lazaro Vicente-Vicente, pleaded with Judge Lawrence Mirman for a compassionate sentence - saying their father was an alcoholic. Records show Vicente-Vicente had had his license revoked for five years in 2015 after a string of traffic offences, including DUI and driving with suspended licence. Pictured: The family of the two sisters killed listen to testimony The family of Admerson Cleber Eugenio Vicente-Vicente reacts to his sentencing at the Martin County Courthouse 'I want the judge to be compassionate to my brother,' he said. 'He didn't do it on purpose.' Though Vicente-Vicente could have been sentenced to 30 years, 15 years for each victim, but because he made an open plea in court the judge ruled he should receive an incentive. Despite this he called Vicente-Vicente's actions stupid, adding: 'Stupid behavior. All it takes is one idiot to throw a rock in a pond and all the geniuses in the world cannot stop the ripple.' Mirman said he was glad Vicente-Vicente apologized to the family and that he hoped 'perhaps as they go through their life and attempt to put this behind them, maybe that will assist them.' In 2015, Vicente-Vicente had been heading north in the inside southbound lane when the cars collided, investigators said. The sisters' 2007 Toyota Matrix was struck by Vicente-Vicente's 2006 Jeep Cherokee head on at about 9pm. Bianca Alvarez, sister of Brittany Musumeci and Alexis Musumeci walks back to her seat after her testimony during the sentencing of Admerson Cleber Eugenio Vicente-Vicente Mother, Martha Canizares (pictured), said it was 'despair I didn't know was possible' after Florida Highway Patrol knocked on her door that night After flipping, his vehicle came to a stop on top of the hood of the Musumeci sister's car creating a fiery wreckage. Drivers on the I-95 had called 911 to report a red Jeep swerving in and out of lanes. Tragically, both sisters died at the scene, needing to identified by dental records. Vicente-Vicente was critically injured. The women's family described their distress after the accident. Mother, Martha Canizares, said her elder daughter had texted her at about 8pm to tell her they were on their way home. When she later tried to check on them, the call wouldn't connect. At midnight she received a call from Florida Highway Patrol calling it 'despair I didn't know was possible.' Following his 29 year sentence, the traffic offender will be deported back to Guatemala, where he is a citizen. Four of the charges were dismissed for being repetitive. He pleaded no contest to two DUI manslaughter charges. A Bronx-based drug-trafficking gang have been arrested for allegedly shipping $22 million worth of marijuana from California to New York. Prosecutors said more than 6,600lbs of the illegal drugs were sent from a residence in California to points in Manhattan, the Bronx, and New Rochelle, before being transferred to stash houses for distribution to lower level dealers. A joint operation between the DEA, NYPD, IRS and Homeland Security saw arrests made and search warrants executed throughout Wednesday and Thursday. A Bronx-based drug-trafficking gang have been arrested for allegedly shipping $22 million worth of marijuana from California to New York The searches resulted in the seizure of a sawed-off shotgun, three handguns, ammunition, cocaine, large amounts of marijuana and cash, reports NBC New York. Large amounts of drugs are typically moved from one or two larger bases to safe houses dispersed throughout cities. Once the drugs have been stashed they are then distributed to dealers to be sold on the street, causing and contributing to a crime cycle. DEA Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt said: 'Yesterday's arrests were part of "Operation Green Giant," a Strike Force investigation targeting an organization allegedly reaping millions off the sale of marijuana in New York City,' said. Ten people arrested are due to appear in court Thursday, the accused gang members could face lifetime prison sentences if found guilty of federal drug charges. In a crackdown on gang related crime in the Bronx, it was reported on October 11 that a series of arrests on three dozen gang members included drugs, violence and racketeering related charges. Court papers also describe two separate alleged attempts to murder rival gang members in cold blood. Members from gangs named Millbrook Gangstas and Killbrook operated in and around the Mill Brook Houses, a public housing project located in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx, officials said. The hotel room mass murderer Stephen Paddock used to slaughter 58 people in Las Vegas will be locked up indefinitely. MGM Resorts International, which owns the Mandalay Bay hotel on the Vegas strip, said they had no plans to open up the 32nd-floor, $500-a-night Vista Suite to guests in the future. It comes after the firm was ordered not to destroy or change anything that could be classed as evidence in the hotel as part of a civil negligence case launched by a victim of the shooting. MGM Resorts International, which owns the Mandalay Bay hotel on the Vegas strip, said they had no plans to open up the 32nd-floor, $500-a-night Vista Suite to guests in the future. Pictured: An example of one of the suites Paddock, a retired 64-year-old millionaire, wounded over 500 people when he rained a hail of bullets on crowds enjoying the Route 91 Harvest country music festival on October 1. Pictured: The room he used as a sniper's nest It comes after the firm was ordered not to destroy or change anything that could be classed as evidence in the hotel as part of a civil negligence case launched by a victim of the shooting The order to maintain evidence in the suite - number 32-135 - was sought by attorneys representing Rachel Sheppard, a woman from California who was shot three times in the chest but survived Paddock's massacre. Pictured: Mass murderer Stephen Paddock The order covers records kept by MGM Resorts International. Other defendants are the concert promoter, the Texas company that manufactures a device police say the gunman used to make semi-automatic weapons fire almost continuously, and Stephen Paddock's estate. Pictured: The carnage Paddock caused on October 1 The Mandalay Bay has been ordered to preserve photos, surveillance video and gambling records of Paddock. Pictured: An example of the suite Paddock rented Speaking to the Las Vegas Sun, MGM explained: 'This was a terrible tragedy perpetrated by an evil man. 'We have no intention of renting that room.' The order to maintain evidence in the suite - number 32-135 - was sought by attorneys representing Rachel Sheppard, a woman from California who was shot three times in the chest but survived Paddock's massacre. The murderer, a retired 64-year-old millionaire, wounded over 500 people when he rained a hail of bullets on crowds enjoying the Route 91 Harvest country music festival on October 1. Attorney Brian Nettles, representing Sheppard, said it was essential the order was made because Paddock was in the hotel for six days. The Mandalay Bay has been ordered to preserve photos, surveillance video and gambling records of Paddock. A Clark County District Court spokeswoman said Judge Mark Denton approved a temporary order yesterday. Attorney Brian Nettles, representing Sheppard, said it was essential the order was made because Paddock was in the hotel for six days. Pictured: Some of the guns used by Stephen Paddock The order last until October 30, when another hearing is planned. It could either be made permanent or MGM could successfully argue to have it overruled The order covers records kept by MGM Resorts International. Other defendants are the concert promoter, the Texas company that manufactures a device police say the gunman used to make semi-automatic weapons fire almost continuously, and Stephen Paddock's estate. Judge Denton, quoted by News 3 LV, explained: 'There's evidence that's coming out about surveillance cameras that he may have set up himself, evidence about ways that he may have altered his room or that hallway.' The order last until October 30, when another hearing is planned. It could either be made permanent or MGM could successfully argue to have it overruled. Oxford University has been accused of 'social apartheid' after it emerged 13 colleges failed to offer a single place to a black student every year for six years. While just 15 per cent of offers went to Northerners and the overwhelming majority places are handed out to teenagers from the top social classes. Labour former higher education minister David Lammy, who uncovered the figures, tore into Oxford and Cambridge for failing to give places to black and working class children. And he demanded Oxbridge change its admissions procedure to root out its 'systematic bias' and give its coveted places to less privileged talented youngsters. He said: 'This is a social apartheid.' Labour former higher education minister David Lammy said the data lays bare the 'social apartheid' at Britain's two most prestigious universities Mr Lammy added: 'Overall, the picture painted by this data is of two institutions that overwhelmingly draw their students from a privileged minority in the South of England and are complacent at best about taking steps to widen participation and access.' He added: 'Difficult questions have to be asked, including whether there is systematic bias inherent in the Oxbridge admissions process that is working against talented young people from ethnic minority backgrounds.' The data, uncovered after a series of Freedom of Information Act requests, lay bare the privilege and lack to diversity at Britain's two best universities. On race, it reveals that every year from 2010 to 2015 some 13 Oxford colleges failed to give a single place to a black student. During that same period, just three Oxford colleges made an offer to a black student for each of those years. While in Cambridge, just one per cent of offers went to black students from 2010 to 2015. On class, the figures reveal the two universities are plucking more of their students from the upper classes in recent years. In 2015, Oxford gave 83 percent of its places to students from the top two classes and in Cambridge this was 81 per cent. Four Cambridge University undergraduates walk through the town after a May ball. Oxbridge has long been seen as a bastion of privilege and data revealed today reveals that students are overwhelmingly white, southern and from the top two classes This is higher than a decade ago when the figure hovered in the mid 70 per centage points. And the colleges, long seen as bastions of upper class privilege, are also failing to give places to students from parts of the UK outside London and the leafy south-east. Cambridge and Oxford made more offers to applicants from four of the Home Counties of Hertfordshire, Surrey, Kent and Oxfordshire, than the whole of the North of England 2010 to 2015. Nearly half (48 per cent) of Oxbridge places went to people from London and the South East during this period. In stark contrast, at Oxford just 11 per cent of students came from the Midlands, 15 percent from the North and three per cent from Wales. In Cambridge , just 12 per cent of places went to people from from the Midlands, 17 per cent from the North and two per cent from Wales. Speaking to the Guardian, a spokesman for Oxford said fixing the issue would be 'a long journey that requires huge, joined-up effort across society - including from leading universities like Oxford - to address serious inequalities'. He said the university has invested in outreach projects to tackle the problem. A spokesman for Cambridge said its admissions decisions are based on academic considerations alone. Balliol College at Oxford University - where Boris Johnson studied - gave 80% of its offers to students from the top two social classes form 2010-2015 He said: 'We are committed to admitting the best students who will thrive on our courses,' he added, revealing it spends 5 million a year on access measures, which includes work focused with black and ethnic minority students. 'The greatest barrier to participation at selective universities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds is low attainment at school. 'We assess the achievements of these students in their full context to ensure that students with great academic potential are identified,' he said. 'Widening participation further will require government, schools, universities, charities, parents and students to work closely together. We will continue to work hard with all parties to raise aspirations and attainment to improve access to higher education.' Police have offered a quarter of a million dollars for information on a couple who never made it home from a Western Australian prospecting expedition two years ago. Raymond, 47, and Jenny Kehlet, 49, went camping in the barren Mid Western desert, 30 kilometres from Sandstone, a small town 730 kilometres north-east of Perth. Police Minister Michelle Roberts (pictured) hopes the reward will help solve the case and bring the family closure A widespread search was launched in March 2015 after their pet dog showed up at Sandstone caravan park unaccompanied. Mr Kehlet's body was later discovered down a disused mineshaft, two kilometres from the couple's camp, but Mrs Kehlet has never been found. The search area had presented major challenges from the outset according to Police Commissioner Chris Dawson. 'It's about the most remote area you can find on the planet,' Mr Dawson said. Police Minister Michelle Roberts said she hopes the reward would help solve the case and bring the family much needed closure. 'We want to leave no stone unturned when it comes to solving this outback mystery,' she said. 'The offer of a significant reward can make a difference in people coming forward with information.' 'We want to solve this murder. We want to solve the disappearance.' Police have offered $25,000 for information on what happened to the couple two years ago Raymond (left) was killed and Jenny Kehlet (right) went missing after they went prospecting in the barren Mid Western Australia desert in March 2015 Police are hesitant to label Mr Kehlet's death as murder, saying they were skeptical of drawing conclusions without solid answers. 'The death of Ray is being regarded as a suspicious death and homicide squad are involved,' Commissioner Dawson said. 'The circumstances (of the case) are suspicious and there are unexplained matters that we need to give answers to.' He believes there is someone who knows something about what happened to both Raymond and Jenny. Mr Kehlet's body was later discovered down a disused mineshaft, two kilometres from the couple's camp Family members explained the struggle they've faced over past two years in a statement issued on Thursday. 'The last two years have seen our family caught in an agonising and exhausting limbo, desperate for answers and for closure,' the statement read. 'We are thankful that the police are still actively pursuing answers for our family and hope that the offer of a reward may bring together the missing pieces of our family's tragedy.' Barry Chambers was driving back from visiting a friend when he stopped off at the New Mersey Shopping Park branch of McDonald's in Liverpool last month A pensioner has claimed a McDonald's employee spilled boiling tea over him before making the second degree burns worse by putting ice on them. Barry Chambers was driving back from visiting a friend when he stopped off at the New Mersey Shopping Park branch of McDonald's in Liverpool last month. The 58-year-old retired helicopter pilot claims he was offered a scalding cup of tea with a lid that 'hadn't been checked according to procedure' and spilled over his arm. The server then handed Mr Chambers some napkins and ice to put on the burn, which he claims exacerbated the burn as it is 'the worst thing you can do'. The father-of-two claims the burns were so bad that he was still getting the bleeding wound redressed every day at a walk-in clinic a whole month later. He believes he has been scarred for life. Mr Chambers said: 'It's horrendous - a nightmare. My wound is still bleeding nearly a month after the incident - 34 days later. It's just not healing the way it should. 'The burns are second degree, very severe. In truth it's been an absolute nightmare, just horrendous. 'I was just driving back from a friend's house and I thought I'd go through McDonald's drive through for a drink. 'The woman who gave it to me didn't check the lid. They should check the lid to make sure it's on properly but she didn't. 'They call it a "lid test" and apparently all staff are supposed to do one. You just pick the cup up by the lid if you can to see if it's on properly - but she didn't do that and it just popped off and the scalding tea went down my arm. The 58-year-old retired helicopter pilot claims he was offered a scalding cup of tea with a lid that 'hadn't been checked according to procedure' - that spilled over his arm 'The next protocol would have been to get first aid but she just ran off and got some ice and I was just sat in the car burned at that point. 'When she gave me the ice I used it but only realised after that this is the worst thing you can do to a burn. 'Strangely, I couldn't feel much when it happened and I wasn't actually feeling my arm. It was only later on at night that I could feel it. That night it just started leaking blood and becoming painful.' Mr Chambers claims he thought nothing of it at the time, but, when he realised the injury wasn't healing by itself, he went to his local hospital and walk-in clinic to get treatment. Mr Chambers said: 'It just kept oozing blood and water. 'So then I just thought I had to seek medical help and I went to Whiston Hospital and then to my local walk in centre. It's still painful after a whole month.' He claims he received an email where McDonald's denied any liability for the incident, and offered meal vouchers in compensation. He said: 'I emailed McDonald's and they've offered me nothing and they haven't even accepted responsibility. 'The woman who responded to me when I complained by email said that they didn't accept it was their fault. I think they're just denying liability on their part.' Mr Chambers shared pictures of his horrific injuries in a desperate bid to raise awareness about the dangers of hot drinks. The dad-of-two claims burns were so bad that he was still getting the bleeding wound redressed every day at a walk-in clinic a whole month later and believes he has been scarred for life. He is pictured flying a helicopter He said: 'I took to social media to show how the staff had injured me. I posted pictures of my arm. The whole thing has just been a complete nightmare..' A McDonald's spokesperson said: 'The safety and wellbeing of our customers and employees is our first priority and all of our restaurant crew are trained to serve hot drinks in a safe manner. 'We are sorry to hear that Mr Chambers sustained an injury following his visit to our restaurant. 'Having investigated the matter, we're aware that when Mr Chambers received his drink he informed a member of crew he had spilt some and required assistance, in which he was provided with some napkins and ice. 'The team weren't aware of the full extent of Mr Chambers' injuries until the following day when he called the restaurant to make a complaint. 'This was passed on to our Customer Services team who have since been in touch with Mr Chambers. If Mr Chambers is still concerned, we would encourage him to get back in touch with the team.' Meghan Markle's estranged half-sister has set up a GoFundMe page to raise $20,000 for an accessible home as her spinal Multiple Sclerosis progresses. Samantha Markle, who also uses the surname Grant, has limited use of her arms, cannot use her legs and requires an electric wheelchair to get around. The 52-year-old, from Silver Springs, Florida, is hoping the money will help her with a down payment on an accessible home with lower kitchen surfaces, an accessible bathroom and the facilities to get into and out of bed on her own. Meghan Markle's estranged half-sister Samatha (pictured) has set up a GoFundMe page to raise $20,000 for an accessible home as her spinal Multiple Sclerosis progresses Samantha has been estranged from her famous half-sister Meghan (pictured) for nine years who has reportedly not been in touch despite knowing about her MS diagnosis Samantha has been estranged from her famous half-sister Meghan for nine years who has reportedly not been in touch despite knowing about her MS diagnosis. The mother-of-three said in her fundraising post: 'I can't always rely on help, so I'd like to be more self-sufficient by having an accessible environment. 'I really do believe that most disability is defined by the environment and its limitation. 'I am also a vocational rehabilitation counselor, so I know what it takes to help me adapt, I just don't have the financial resources to do it. The 52-year-old, from Silver Springs, Florida, is hoping the money will help her with a down payment on an accessible home with lower kitchen surfaces, an accessible bathroom and the facilities to get into and out of bed on her own. Samantha posted this picture of her dream home with wheelchair-accessible ramps The mother-of-three said in her fundraising post: 'I can't always rely on help, so I'd like to be more self-sufficient by having an accessible environment.' She also posted a photo of her ideal kitchen with low work surfaces The fundraising drive, set up on Wednesday, has so far only raised $20. She also posted a photo of her ideal bathroom 'Please help me achieve my goal, any contribution would be very appreciated and I will also pay it forward!' The fundraising drive, set up on Wednesday, has so far only raised $20. Samantha revealed earlier this year that the last time she saw her half-sister - the siblings share the same father, Thomas Markle - was at her graduation in 2008. She told Australian radio hosts Hughesy and Kate that she was particularly upset that Meghan hadn't acknowledged her medical condition despite being heavily involved with charities. She said: 'It's not about the money, it's more about general consideration and support.' Samantha revealed earlier this year that the last time she saw her half-sister - the siblings share the same father, Thomas Markle - was at her graduation in 2008 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at a Wheelchair Tennis match during the Invictus Games 2017 She added: 'Humanitarianism begins at home. That doesn't mean monetary, it means reaching out.' Continuing, she said: 'I am in a wheelchair and she did meet Harry at the Invictus Games. 'I felt like it was an opportunity to be a voice and bring a lot of awareness to it [disability].' She has previously told reporters that the Queen's grandson would be 'appalled by what she's done'. Samantha also claimed her sister was a 'shallow social climber' who would watch programmes showing the Royal Family as a child and had a 'soft spot for gingers' Close: Meghan posted a picture of herself with her mother, yoga teacher Doria, at her graduation She also claimed her sister was a 'shallow social climber' who would watch programmes showing the Royal Family as a child and had a 'soft spot for gingers'. Samantha is the daughter of lighting technician Thomas Markle Sr, 72, of Los Angeles, California, and his first wife Roslyn. She has a full brother in Thomas Jr and a half-brother named Bobby Lucero, 35, also of Albuquerque, New Mexico, who is Roslyn's son from a subsequent relationship. Meghan, who has been dating Prince Harry since meeting him in Toronto in 2016, is Grant's half-sister from their father's marriage to yoga teacher Doria, 60. I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Helen DeVos, the wife of Amway co-founder Rich DeVos, in Grand Rapids at the age of 90. She was one of those people who had an incalculable impact in building flourishing communities with her generosity and, yes, business acumen. Rich and Helens philanthropy has been estimated to exceed $1.2 billion over the years, a testament to their deep faith and commitment to be responsible stewards of the financial resources God has put in their hands. In large part through the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation, they supported scores of Christian churches and ministries, hospitals, schools and civic projects. This intelligent generosity help to provide a model of philanthropic engagement making West Michigan one of the highest per capita giving communities in the United States. The DeVos family issued a moving statement on the Oct. 18 passing of Helen: While we grieve her passing, we rejoice in her new life in heaven and are grateful for the countless ways she blessed our lives. We are comforted in knowing that she was welcomed home into the loving arms of Jesus. We will never forget her unfailing love, strength and devotion that were truly the heart of our family. Although known for her support of health, arts and education, she was also an early and important driver of the familys Amway business. In an article on the MLive news site, it was recounted that Helen left her teaching job to help Rich and partner Jay Van Andel run their start up out of the basement in their home. DeVos and Betty Van Andel have been described as the hidden partners of the direct sales giant, the article said. In the family, too, she was a driving force. There was no question her role was critical in terms of keeping things going on the family front. She was very much the day-to-day chief operating officer of the family, Dick DeVos told MLive. Among her many honors, Helen DeVos was presented with The Philanthropy Roundtable William E. Simon Prize for Philanthropic Leadership and the Clare Boothe Luce Award from the Heritage Foundation. Funeral arrangements have been posted on the Helen DeVos website. A psychiatrist has been indicted over the attempted murder of her child's father in 2012, according to a report. Dr Pamela Buchbinder has been accused of persuading her bi-polar cousin, Jacob Nolan, to kill Dr Michael Weiss in his Manhattan home. Weiss and Buchbinder were locked in a bitter custody battle for their son, then aged six, when Nolan attacked him with a sledgehammer and knife. Dr Pamela Buchbinder (left) has been accused of persuading her bi-polar cousin, Jacob Nolan (right), to kill Dr Michael Weiss in his Manhattan home Nolan (pictured), who was sentenced to nine and a half years' imprisonment in 2016, had claimed during his trial that he had been manipulated by his cousin so she could cash in on Weiss's $1.5 million life insurance policy Buchbinder is set to be arraigned in Manhattan Supreme Court today charged with attempted murder, burglary and assault, the New York Post has reported. Nolan, who was sentenced to nine and a half years' imprisonment in 2016, had claimed during his trial that he had been manipulated by his cousin so she could cash in on Weiss's $1.5 million life insurance policy. 'They hated each other and in turn she made me hate him,' Nolan said of the relationship between Weiss and Buchbinder. Weiss himself also alleged that Buchbinder was responsible, with his lawyer telling a court she had drawn a map Nolan used to carry out the attempted murder. His legal team also showed Manhattan Family Court photographs claiming to show Buchbinder and Nolan buying a sledgehammer together the night before Weiss was attacked. Weiss recovered from the ordeal and now has full custody of the couple's son. Weiss (pictured) and Buchbinder were locked in a bitter custody battle for their son, then aged six, when Nolan attacked him with a sledgehammer and knife During her cousin's trial, Buchbinder argued against his imprisonment. She told the court: 'I have no personal desire to punish Jake. 'I understand that a long prison sentence will not undo what has happened or restore the sense of security that has been forever taken from me.' The women only noticed the wardrobe mishap when Twitter users flagged it Nine's Livinia Nixon and 7's Jane Bunn wore the same black floral dress on Friday Channel 9 and Channel 7's weather reporters were spotted in the same outfit Competing networks, Channel 7 and Channel 9, have found a new area of rivalry after their respective weather reporters were caught wearing the same dress. Channel 7's Jane Bunn and Channel 9's Livinia Nixon were reporting from Melbourne's Caulfield Racecourse on Friday night, when eagle-eyed journalists spotted the wardrobe mishap. Both reporters were wearing an identical black dress with floral embellishments, only differing in their hair and makeup. While Ms Bunn wore her hair in a sleek side ponytail, Ms Nixon accessorised her outfit with an eye-catching blue headpiece. Channel 7's Jane Bunn (left) and Channel 9's Livinia Nixon (right) were caught wearing the same dress during their weather reports on Friday night Viewers watching from home would have missed the mishap unless they were watching both reports simultaneously. Unfortunately for the women, it seems their fellow media comrades were doing just that. ABC weather reporter Paul Higgins joked about wanting to wear the same dress as the women on Twitter. 'Damn. And I was going to wear that dress on the weather tonight!' Mr Higgins tweeted. ABC weather reporter Paul Higgins joked about wanting to wear the same dress Ms Bunn addressed the saga on Twitter, saying the wardrobe mistake 'had to happen sooner or later' Ms Bunn replied the wardrobe mistake 'had to happen sooner or later'. The weather reporters were trackside at the race and were quick to laugh at their matching ensembles. The honest mistake came just months after Channel 9 suffered media backlash over reporter Amber Sherlock's 'Jacketgate' saga. The honest mistake came just months after Channel 9 suffered media backlash over reporter Amber Sherlock's (pictured centre) 'Jacketgate' saga Extraordinary leaked footage from a 9 News studio showed the host raging at her colleague Julie Snook, after she arrived for a live broadcast wearing a white dress. Ms Sherlock, who was also wearing white - as was guest psychologist Sandy Rea - ordered Ms Snook to change, insisting she put on a different colour jacket. The pair released an awkward statement hours after the footage emerged, with the presenters claiming they had moved on following Ms Sherlock's meltdown. A 96-year-old former guard at a Nazi death camp has been charged as an accessory to murder, as Germany rushes to try to bring suspects to trial before they die. The man, who was 22 at the time of his alleged crimes, is accused of guarding prisoners at the Lublin-Majdanek death camp in Poland, who were believed to have been killed in 1943 and 1944. Frankfurt's prosecutor's office, who has refused to release the identity of the suspected former guard, said in a statement: 'According to the evidence available, the accused knew about the cruelty of the organised mass killings, just like all other members of the SS at the camp. 'He also knew that these people, facing their fate innocently and defencelessly, were killed for inhuman reasons based on race.' The man, who was 22 at the time of his alleged crimes, is accused of guarding prisoners at the Lublin-Majdanek death camp in Poland The suspect also played a role in the 'Erntefest' (Harvest Festival) executions on November 3 1943, which saw at least 17,000 deported Jewish prisoners shot dead after digging their own graves, according to the prosecutors office. They said: 'By being part of a chain of guards and a tower guard, he made a contribution to (the Erntefest) and knowingly and willingly supported the malicious and cruel acts.' The Majdanek camp saw tens of thousands of Jews and other victims killed within its gates. The charges against the 96-year-old have come from evidence collected by the Central Office for the Investigation of Nazi Crimes based on historical documents. Germany has come under fire for not prosecuting those who were in some way responsible but did not take an active role in the killing of six million Jews. Former Auschwitz guard Reinhole Hanning and the 'bookkeeper of Auschwitz' Oskar Groening were convicted of mass murder in recent years. A fishing trawler which capsized and then sank off Queensland's coast has been found. The bodies of the six men believed to have been below deck when the fishing vessel sank could be found when authorities recover the boat on Saturday. A police dive squad joined the search for the missing vessel and the six fishermen on board after it overturned in Bustard Bay near Middle Island on Monday night. The boat was detected by sonar two to three nautical miles off Round Hill Headland, Queensland Police said in a statement. The families of Mr Tonks (top right), Ben Leahy (bottom centre), Adam Hoffman (top left), Adam Bidner (bottom right), Zach Feeney (top centre) and Chris Sammut (bottom left), were told to expect the worst The rescue mission had on Friday entered a 'recovery phase' after the families of the missing fishermen were told the 'window of survivability' had closed. The men's families are now bracing for the likely recovery of their bodies after Queensland Police located the sea cucumber fishing boat on Friday afternoon. The families of Ben Leahy, 45, Adam Hoffman, 30, Eli Tonks, 39, Adam Bidner, 33, Zach Feeney, 28, and Chris Sammut, 34, were told to expect the worst if they were not found by nightfall on Wednesday. Water police will remain at the scene overnight and a full recovery operation will commence on Saturday morning. Sammy McDornan (pictured), the wife of the sole confirmed survivor of a fishing tragedy which is believed to have claimed the lives of six men, has made an emotional plea to find her husband's missing friends Previously the wife of the sole confirmed survivor of the fishing tragedy made an emotional plea to find her husband's missing friends. The soul survivor from the trawler, Ruben McDormand, reportedly said he did not see any of his crewmates emerge from the boat as he clung to its hull but he heard screams from inside. Mr McDornan was saved by a passing yacht around 12 hours after the trawler rolled on Monday night. His wife Sammy revealed her husband was 'very sad and sore, but OK' and said she hadn't given up hope of a miracle. Mr McDoran (pictured) was above deck when the boat capsized about 7.30pm on Monday night, and held on to the hull of the boat until it sunk about midnight. He is so far the only survivor of the tragedy Pictured: Zach Feeney, 28, who was believed to be trapped below deck on the trawler Dianne 'We're really thankful to the people that rescued Ruben and to all the people out searching for the boys and just for everyone's support,' a tearful Ms McDornan said. 'But unfortunately we don't really have any other information. We're so grateful that he's alive. 'But our thoughts are with the boys missing at the moment because they're all like family. So we just need everybody to keep positive for them.' Six fishermen (including crewman Eli Tonks, pictured with his fiance) are believed to be trapped inside their trawler, which sunk off the coast of Queensland on Monday night Skipper Ben Leahy (pictured) is referred to as an experienced fisherman and diver by friends, but he has not been seen since the trawler began to sink about 7.30pm on Monday night 'The family are very upset and shocked about what has happened,' Inspector Darren Somerville said on Wednesday. Wetsuits, diving equipment and personal items have been found washed ashore as authorities scour the debris for a sign of survival. In an emotional tribute to her missing love Eli Tonks, a father-of-two, Canadian woman Ana James said she was holding onto the idea the 39-year-old had found safety. Ms James described Mr Tonks, a 39-year-old father of two, as 'one of the strongest, most kind-hearted people' More than three days after their trawler sank, the six men and the vessel remain missing, with poor weather conditions hampering the search 'Eli is so full of love, compassion and emotion and is one of the strongest, most kind-hearted people,' Ms James told the ABC on Thursday. 'He's a machine. Friends and family know he would not give up without a fight. 'Most of us continue to hold on to hope that he's kicked back on one of the islands with a coconut in hand because that's the kind of guy he is, fearless and capable of anything.' The sea cucumber diver travelled the world with Ms James before they were engaged in a romantic proposal in December last year. Meanwhile, it has been revealed a door that opens outwards may have sealed the fate of the missing fishermen. Members of the Cairns fishing community said if the men hadn't managed to open the door to the boat before the trawler sank, it would be almost impossible to make it out. 'The problem with these boats is the door doesn't open in, they open out,' one told The Australian. 'If you put a car in the water and try to open the door, you can't. You need to smash a window, equalise it and that's the only way you can open the door.' Eli Tonks (pictured) became engaged last year. The 39-year-old is now missing at sea Search and Rescue coordinator Jeff Barnett said on Wednesday afternoon time was running out to find the young fishermen alive. He said as light faded on Wednesday, the operation would soon transition from a search and rescue to a search and recovery. 'The best case scenario is we find six people in a life raft. That's what we're aiming for at the moment. But it's not looking real promising,' he said. 'On advice from our medical team, they tell us towards the end of the afternoon the chances of survival unsupported is negligible.' Chris Sammut, 34, was also on board when the trawler sank, and has not yet been found All six men (including Adam Hoffman, pictured) were believed to be below deck on Monday night when their vessel rolled off the town of 1770 Ferocious winds and high seas have so far hampered the desperate search for the six men. Police called in sonar detectors to help locate the vessel, and specialist divers are believed to be en route from NSW, but as the hours pass, the families of the men are barely holding on. Many of them have taken to Facebook to alert friends and loved ones of the news, while others are pleading for a miracle. 'The boat flipped during the night while most of them were in their cabins,' Heidi Sargeant, sister of Mr Hoffman, wrote on Facebook on Wednesday. 'It sounds like it was unexpected as they didn't manage to get a distress call out. We are hopeful they managed to get out of the boat after it flipped to give them half a chance. Adam Hoffman (pictured with Pauline Hanson) was confirmed as one of the missing men on Wednesday morning Eli Tonks (pictured) is believed to have been below deck as the trawler sank on Monday night 'They were all divers and fit and healthy so if they managed to get out we are hopeful they may still be alive!' Late on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Bidner's mother Kay posted a picture of her son wearing a Superman shirt. 'Time to use your superpowers Adam,' she captioned the photo. Mr Bidner's sister Jodie wrote: 'I need every one's hope and will to help my brother Adam who is currently one of the missing men off his Trawler. 'Adam is strong, stubborn and fit and I'm hanging on to the fact that if anyone is a fighter it's Adam Bidner.' She later added: 'Hang in there bro... we will find you.' Mr Bidner's mother Kay shared a picture of her son wearing a Superman shirt to social media. 'Time to use your superpower Adam,' she captioned the photo. Search and Rescue coordinator Jeff Barnett (pictured) said on Wednesday afternoon time was running out to find the young fishermen alive, and that a recovery operation was already being planned Mr Tonks' mother Jenny posted on Facebook: 'My son and his co-workers... I have no words, we are just waiting.' One of the people aiding the helicopter search is RACQ LifeFlight chief operations officer Brian Guthrie, who went to school with missing skipper Mr Leahy. He said Mr Leahy was a very experienced seaman and diver, and that had given him some hope the men might still be alive. 'He's always been in boats around the water, diving and things like that,' Mr Guthrie told ABC radio on Wednesday. 'He's very experienced in the water and I expect his crew would be exactly the same. If anyone's going to give it their best shot, for the best outcome, these guys would be it.' Mr Bidner's (pictured) sister Jodie wrote: 'I need every one's hope and will to help my brother Adam who is currently one of the missing men off his Trawler' Philip Hammond received a pre-Budget boost today as it emerged that the Government's borrowing hit its lowest level since the financial crisis. Public sector net borrowing stood at 5.9 billion last month - some 700million lower than the same month last year and its lowest September level for a decade. And overall it has dropped by 2.5billion so far this financial year to 32.5billion - its lowest since 2007, according to the Office for National Statistics. The Chancellor is under pressure to find cash in his budget next month to ease austerity and give pubic sector workers a pay rise. Chancellor Philip Hammond, pictured in Westminster earlier this week, received some good news as new figures reveal borrowing is down to its lowest level for a decade The Government are desperate to win over younger voters who deserted them and flocked to labour in the last election - denying the Tories an overall majority. Some Cabinet ministers are said to be pushing for plans to help university students saddled with tuition fee debt. While the Government is facing a growing clamour to find a significant amount of money to plough into a major house building programme. Ministers hope that a bold plan on this front will show they are tackling inter generational inequality which means that for many Britons the dream of owning their own home is being pushed further out of reach. And the Government is also under pressure to reform its controversial Universal Credit benefit rollout. The welfare reform merges six benefits into one and is designed to make the system easier and ensure that work pays. Department for Work and Pensions Secretary David Gauke is under pressure to reform the Universal Credit system amid criticism of the programme's roll-out - any reform is likely to push up its cost (file pic) But it has come in for heavy criticism as critic say the six week lag behind applying for the benefit hand it being paid is pushing people into debt. The government suffered a humiliating symbolic Commons defeat earlier this week after a Labour vote calling for it to be paused won. Senior ministers have hinted the system could be reformed further - which could push up the cost of it. But while borrowing is down Britain is still saddled with a massive debt which stood at 1.785 trillion at the end of September 2017. This is the equivalent to 87.2 per cent of gross domestic product and an increase of 145.2 billion compared to September last year. And some in the Cabinet will point to this sky-high debt and say this means the Government must offer up a cautious Budget and continue to focus on paying down the debt. A female commuter was killed yesterday morning after a tire flew off a pick up truck and crashed into her vehicle. Julieanna Shedawry, from Alpharetta, Georgia, was driving on Georgia 400 near Atlanta when tragedy struck. Police say the large tire unexpectedly flew off the truck being driven by Jorge Herrara before smashing into Shedawry's car. Commuter Julieanna Shedawry (left) was killed yesterday morning after a tire flew off a pick up truck driven by Jorge Herrara (right) and crashed into her vehicle Shedawry, from Alpharetta, Georgia, was driving north on Georgia 400 near Atlanta when tragedy struck She leaves behind a husband and two daughters. Police Sgt. Sam Worsham said the pickup truck was headed north in rush hour traffic at 8am when it lost the wheel and tire. He says the tire bounded over a wall and landed on the windshield of the southbound car. Shedawry, 49, the car's only occupant, died on the scene in suburban Sandy Springs. Police say the large tire unexpectedly flew off the truck being driven by Jorge Herrara before smashing into Shedawry's car Police Sgt. Sam Worsham said the pickup truck was headed north in rush hour traffic at 8am when it lost the wheel and tire News photographs showed the car in the roadway with its windshield and roof partially crumpled in, traffic snarled behind it. Several lanes were blocked both ways at times before all lanes reopened before midday. 'I'm just feeling bad because of the family,' truck driver Jorge Herrara told WSB-TV. News photographs showed the car in the roadway with its windshield and roof partially crumpled in, traffic snarled behind it Several lanes were blocked both ways at times before all lanes reopened before midday 'I am sorry,' Herrara said. 'I'm just on my way to my job. I'm not using drugs, I'm not drunk. I'm not driving fast, just normal to try to get to my job.' 'I drove this truck to North Carolina on Saturday,' Herrara said. 'I don't have weight, I don't have equipment, the truck is really empty and I don't think this is all gonna cause this big problem.' Police said it was a mechanical failure that caused the tire to come off that car and that they are not planning to bring charges against Herrara. The man who shot a father-of-five claims he was tricked into killing him by a woman who wove a 'web of lies' after they met online. Daniel Duhovic, 34, pleaded guilty on Friday to murdering Paul Hogan, 49, on May 24 last year by shooting him at point blank range. The Supreme Court of Victoria was told Duhovic believed Mr Hogan was raping and beating the woman, who he had previously lived with. Daniel Duhovic (pictured), who shot a father-of-five, claims he was tricked into killing him by a woman who wove a 'web of lies' after they met online Duhovic, 34, pleaded guilty to murdering Paul Hogan, 49, on May 24 last year by shooting him at point blank range (pictured) The Supreme Court of Victoria was told on Friday Duhovic believed Mr Hogan was raping and beating one of his female friends (pictured) Duhovic and the woman, who has not been named for legal reasons, exchanged 216 text messages in the day leading up to the murder, as she repeatedly encouraging Duhovic to 'kill it', the court was told. Prosecutor Jeremy McWilliams told the Supreme Court of Victoria the woman - a Chinese national - met both men online and had started a relationship with Mr Hogan. Mr Hogan was engaged to the woman, who was more than 20 years his junior, and had been planning their wedding by organising a marriage celebrant to visit him in the lead up to his death, Fairfax Media reported. The woman is believed to have moved to Australia only two months earlier and had previously been living with Duhovic. The woman told Duhovic via SMS that Mr Logan had beaten, repeatedly raped and slapped her, and had also threatened to rape and kill Duhovic's young daughter, Mr McWilliams said. Duhovic drove to Mr Logan's house to pick her up, and saw the victim arrive in his van, the prosecutor added. Duhovic walked straight up to the drivers' side of the van and 'without speaking, shot Mr Hogan in the face at point blank range', Mr McWilliams said. A passenger sitting in the car was also injured. Duhovic walked straight up to the drivers' side of the van and 'without speaking, shot Mr Hogan in the face at point blank range', Prosecutor Jeremy McWilliams said Duhovic and the woman (pictured), who has not been named for legal reasons, exchanged 216 text messages in day leading up to murder, as she repeatedly encouraging Duhovic to kill 'it' Mr McWilliams told the Supreme Court of Victoria on Friday the woman met both men online and had started a relationship with Mr Hogan Mr Hogan's mother said 'Paul didn't just die, he was stolen from me ... he is never coming back. It was a violent tragic death' A victim impact statement from Mr Hogan's mother, who was present in court, was read out in which she described her loss like a 'cannon' through her chest. 'I live in the past or the future as living in the moment is too painful,' Mrs Hogan said in her statement. 'Paul didn't just die, he was stolen from me ... he is never coming back. It was a violent tragic death.' Defence barrister Philip Dunn QC told the court Duhovic, who practises Buddhism, had a 'rigid moral code' exacerbated by an acquired brain injury from a road accident in his youth. Duhovic had been barraged with messages of a horrific nature before the murder and had been caught up in the woman's 'web of lies', making a 'terrible error of judgment', Mr Dunn said. Justice Jane Dixon said the court needed to send a message that vigilantism and 'taking the law into your own hands' was not acceptable. Duhovic will be sentenced at a future date. The little girl was the daughter of Michael Colebourn, chief executive of Southampton-based marine interiors firm Trimline A mother was allegedly arrested today on suspicion of murdering her three-year-old daughter at the family's 400,000 home. Bethan Colebourn is believed to have lived with her science teacher mother Claire, 35, in a bungalow in the leafy town of Fordingbridge in Hampshire. She was also the daughter of Michael Colebourn, 37, who is the chief executive of Trimline, a highly regarded marine interiors firm based in Southampton. Emergency services rushed to their detached property on the edge of the New Forest following a report of a 'concern for welfare' last night. The young girl was treated at the home and then flown by air ambulance to Salisbury District Hospital in Wiltshire in a life threatening condition. But she later died at the hospital, and Hampshire Constabulary said they have now arrested a 35-year-old woman from Fordingbridge on suspicion of murder. Claire Colebourn, who worked at a Roman Catholic school before becoming a private tutor, was led away by officers from her home. Bethan's aunt Lindsay Colebourn, 35, who lives in Gillingham, Dorset, said today: 'It is obviously a devastating time for everyone. That's really all I can say. As her father, Michael is devastated and is on his way to the family home. It's such a tragic event.' Police near the scene in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, after the alleged murder in a house Emergency services rushed to the home in the leafy town of Fordingbridge last night Police officers near the scene in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, conduct house to house enquiries Police at the scene in Fordingbridge on the edge of Hampshire's New Forest this morning One neighbour said he visited the family's bungalow last Christmas for drinks. He said Mr and Mrs Colebourn were both living there in December, but he has 'not seen much of them since'. He added: 'I cannot believe what has happened. Claire and Michael were nice people, and they had a lovely little girl called Bethan. 'We went there at Christmas for a few drinks, because they know our neighbour - I think they both own horses. Emergency services rushed to a home in the town after a report of a 'concern for welfare' A 35-year-old woman was today arrested on suspicion of murdering a three-year-old girl Police at the scene in Fordingbridge today after the three-year-old girl died in hospital 'They were very nice to us, but we don't really know them very well. I was shocked when I saw the ambulances and police cars outside the house last night.' Profile: High-flying CEO Michael Colebourn Michael Colebourn graduated from the University of Southampton with an accounting and finance degree in 2003 and joined Trimline in July 2015, according to his LinkedIn profile. He is a keen sportsman, playing golf, football, tennis and doing triathlons. The chartered accountant originally joined Trimline as its chief financial officer and has since been appointed chief executive. Trimline renovates 'world class marine interiors' and its website describes the firm as the 'longest established interior refitter in the industry with over 50 years experience'. Its website also says: 'At Trimline our purpose is to create world class marine interiors using innovative approaches combined with traditional principles. 'Everything we do we deliver on time and on budget. Whether you are in need of a full turnkey refurbishment or ongoing maintenance of your fleet, Trimline gets it right every time.' The firm generated revenues of almost 40million in its latest financial year. Advertisement Meanwhile a mother who had met Mrs Colebourn said today: 'I went to a baby group with Claire, she is a lovely woman. 'I started going just before her little girl left, so I didn't know her that well. But I ride my bike past their house a lot and if I ever see her she always says hello to me. 'There are often two cars there. I don't know her husband but I think they are still together.' A 2013 VW Seat Ibiza hatchback was today sat on the home's gravel drive. A female neighbour said Mrs Colebourn, who has short brown hair, is a former teacher who had previously offered private tutoring. A dog trainer who two years ago trained a spaniel owned by the girl's mother speculated that she may have split from her husband recently. The man, who did not want to be named, said: 'She did have a partner when I trained their dog but I'm not sure whether they are still together. I trained their dog a couple of years ago. I didn't have many dealings with them but they were a pleasant family. 'Their little girl was just a baby at the time. I saw the mother, Claire, and the little girl out recently and they looked happy and I said hello.' A dog walker said the red brick, chalet bungalow - which has been cordoned off by police - was shared by a woman and her young daughter. A 35-year-old woman was today arrested on suspicion of murdering the three-year-old girl The girl is believed to have lived with her mother in a bungalow in the leafy Hampshire town The man, who did not wish to be named, said he would often see the girl playing in in a paddling pool in the front garden when he walked past. He said: 'The mother would say hello and I would see the little girl out playing in the summer. She used to be out in their garden in a paddling pool.' He added: 'They have a spaniel and it was vicious - the hardest dog in town. 'The family had to put a mesh sheet on their gate to stop the spaniel getting through and biting or trying to bite people. But they weren't a bad family. 'People in Fordingbridge certainly didn't talk about them as bad people.' Another neighbour described Bethans death as quite sickening. He said: Its a complete tragedy we do not know what happened, there was absolutely no indication that anything was wrong, we didnt know of any issues. Its just thoroughly sad, our sympathies go to the family. It is understood that the arrested woman was also treated at the scene in Fordingbridge The young girl was treated at the 400,000 bungalow and then flown to hospital in Wiltshire Fordingbridge mayor Malcolm Connolly described Bethan's death as 'truly awful'. Speaking at his home in the town, he said: 'It is a tragedy of gigantic proportion, my heartfelt condolences are with everyone concernedd. 'I would just like to say on behalf of the residents of Fordingbridge that we offer our sincerest condolences to those effected by this awful event. 'Things like this don't happen here, this is a lovely, friendly small market village where everyone knows each other and we are all feeling the same sadness and loss. The young girl was treated at the home and then flown by air ambulance to hospital Police at the scene outside the property in Fordingbridge today following the arrest 'I never would have expected this to have happened here, it's truly awful and my thoughts and prayers are with the little girl and her family' A spokesman from South Central Ambulance Service said an adult patient was also treated at the scene but not taken to hospital. She said: 'I can confirm that South Central Ambulance Service was called to an address in Fordingbridge at 6.46pm last night. 'We had two ambulance crews, ambulance officers and an air ambulance on scene assessing and treating two patients. 'One adult patient was assessed and treated at the scene and not taken to hospital and one young child was assessed and treated at the scene and taken to Salisbury District Hospital in a life threatening condition.' The three-year-old girl was allegedly murdered at the family's 400,000 home in Hampshire Police officers attended the scene last night along with South Central Ambulance Service A police spokesman said: 'We were called to an address in Fordingbridge shortly before 7pm yesterday following a report of a concern for welfare. 'Officers attended along with colleagues from South Central Ambulance Service. 'A three-year-old girl was taken to Salisbury District Hospital and was pronounced dead later in the evening. 'Police are making enquiries into the circumstances of the girl's death. A 35-year-old woman from Fordingbridge has been arrested as part of our enquiries.' Advertisement As the popularity of the far-right slowly grows across Europe, these images remind us how Adolf Hitler came to power in a democratic general election, long before he became associated with genocide and World War II. Hitler and the Nazi Party carried out a traditional election campaign and convinced millions of Germans to vote for fascism under the guise of 'rebuilding the nation' in 1932. Soon after winning his desired majority, the government passed an act that gave Hitler the power to change the law without having to go through the German congress, silenced the free press and started his road towards a dictatorship, a Third Reich, and his 'final solution'. Winning power: Hitler and his Sturmabteilung paramilitary group, also known as 'Brownshirts' lead a massive rally of supporters in Nuremberg in 1928. The Sturmabteilung, today often called the 'Brownshirts,' would serve as hired thugs for the Nazi Party, keeping their rallies safe and disrupting the rallies of other parties Campaign trail: Members of Hitler's paramilitary 'brownshirts' sit down with a farmer and his wife and try to persuade them to vote Nazi in Mecklenburg in June 1932 - a month before 14million voted Hitler into power All heil Hitler: Nazi supporters march in celebration after hearing that Adolf Hitler has been appointed Chancellor of Germany, in Berlin, January 1933 In 1932, nearly 14 million Germans voted for Nazis, although the term was not used in the way we know now - associated with Hitler, genocide and World War II - but was simply a shortened version of the Nationalist Socialist German Workers' Party. The images shows Hitler saluting his throngs of supporters as he drives down the streets of Berlin and Joseph Goebbels addressing a massive crowd that has come out to support the Nazi party before the election in 1932. Meanwhile other pictures shows the Nazi party giving voters balloons with tiny swastikas in Berlin 1932 and driving through the streets with anti-Semitic posters in 1930. It's a chilling fact that the rise of German fascism began with a democratic election. In July 1932, people came out in droves and cast their votes to give the Reichstag to the Nazis - and they really believed that they were making the right choice. The Nazi Party succeeded by played on the fears and worried of a nation economically crippled and mentally humiliated after World War I. The starting point: Early in Hitler's political career, a crowd of people fill a Munich beer hall to hear him speak, in 1925 Follow the leader: Adolf Hitler salutes his 'brownshirts' - the paramilitary Sturmabteilung - in Brunswick, Germany, 1932 It's a Nazi party: The National Socialist German Workers' Party headquarters courts voters by passing out balloons decoreted with swastikas in Berlin in 1932 Taking their country back: The 'brownshirts' keep Hitler supporters in line at a Nazi Party rally in Berlin in April 1931 Adolf Hitler and Nazi Party representatives pose together for a photograph while planning their election campaign in 1930 Newly-appointed Chancellor Adolf Hitler appears at the window of the Chancellery to wave to his supporters Nazi party representatives stand outside a polling station during the federal election, holding their placards high in 1932 Two men put up a poster calling on people to vote for Hitler in the 1932 election in Mecklenburg, left, and right, a couple look over the campaign signs that have taken over a street post, including a small swastika up in the corner, in Berlin Winning votes: Adolf Hitler speaks to a crowd, outlining his vision of a fascist Germany and trying to sway voters in Berlin Joseph Goebbels addresses a huge crowd and urges them to vote for fascism under signs that promise to give voters a 'voice' Germany's Communist Party, the KPD, deck out their campaign office with signs warning of the dangers of voting for Hitler. After Hitler came into power, he would get his revenge. He blamed the Reichstag fire on the KPD and purged them with executions during the 'Night of the Long Knives' in 1934 The German National People's Party, who later joined the Nazis, drives through the streets with an anti-semitic poster on their truck during the Reichstagswahl in Germany, 1930 Hitler's little helper: Joseph Goebbels addresses a massive crowd that has come out to support the Nazi Party in Berlin, 1932 In 1919, the country been forced to sign the Treaty of Versailles, including its War Guilt Clause, which put the full blame for the war squarely on Germany's shoulders - along with its expenses. With so much debt to pay off, German money became practically worthless. Five years after the war ended, it took 4.2 trillion German marks to equal the value of one American dollar. People's life savings were so worthless that they burned them as kindling. Hitler and the Nazi Party swore to tear up the Treaty of Versailles, refuse to pay their debts, and take back the land that had been taken from them after the war. The Nazis were more aggressive in their rhetoric than more traditional parties, and as life got harder, their hardline policies started to appeal to the Germans. Adolf Hitler salutes his supporters as he drives down the streets of Berlin, celebrating his announcement that he would be running in the German federal election in 1932 A man steps out of the polling station, having cast his vote. Behind him, a man holds up a poster with Hitler's face Campaign: Political parties set up shop outside of a restaurant, trying to sway the customers' votes in Berlin A woman casts her vote in the election that would ultimately give power to the Nazis, in Brunswick in July 1932 A crowd of supporters swarm around Hitler's car in Weimar, Germany, October 1930 The 'brownshirts' throw a parade, making a show of force to intimidate and sway voters toward Hitler, in Spandau, 1932 A massive crowd of supporters has gathered in Berlin to see the Nazi Party leaders speak in April 1932 In 1924, a war profiteering and corruption scandal in the German government between former Chancellor Gustav Bauer and the Jewish Barmat brothers merchants brought on a whole new wave of anti-Semitism, distrust in the government and a fear of Communism. Although overt anti-Semitism was played down in official Nazi rhetoric in the 1920s, it was never far from the surface, and by 1932, Hitler's extreme German nationalism seemed a means of reviving the economy and restoring the country's greatness. In the July elections, the Nazis won 230 seats in the German Reichstag and became the largest party in the country. By January 1933, President Hindenburg was forced to make Hitler chancellor of Germany and the Third Reich's road to absolute power had begun. The Reichstag Fire which was started by a Dutch Communist one month later followed by the Enabling Act in March gave Hitler the right to make his own laws, and augmented the Nazis' power. With the death of President Hindenburg in August 1934, Hitler established his dictatorial rule and declared himself 'Fuhrer' - the leader of Germany. A fighter pilot had to run for his life when his jet burst into flames just before takeoff. The airman and his co-pilot had to leap out of the cockpit when the plane caught fire on the runway at a Japanese air force base. They were just about to go on a training flight from Hyakuri Air Base in Ibaraki Prefecture in eastern Japan. Shocking video footage shows the moment the F-4 jet was engulfed by thick black smoke at Hyakuri Air Base in Ibaraki Prefecture in eastern Japan But shocking video footage shows the moment the F-4 jet was engulfed by thick black smoke. A pair of men can be seen climbing from the plane and sprinting across the runway with the burning wreckage in the background. It is thought the blaze on Wednesday morning was caused by a malfunction in the landing gear. It is unknown what caused this malfunction but it managed to ignite the fuel. It is believed that there was also leak in the fuel tank which contributed to the plane going up in flames. The airman and his co-pilot had to leap out of the cockpit when the plane caught fire on the runway at a Japanese air force base The blaze was put out after about 20 minutes, but the fighter jet suffered extensive damage The blaze was put out after about 20 minutes, but the fighter jet suffered extensive damage. What looks like a missile mounted under the wing can be seen in footage covered in foam after the blaze was extinguished. No one was hurt as a result of the fire, with both men on board managing to escape. The military base shares the airfield with Ibaraki Airport although no commercial flights were impacted by the fire. All similar jets in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force fleet will now be checked to ensure they are safe. Japanese Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera said: 'It is a serious problem regarding flight safety.' He also added that he was not aware of any similar accidents having taken place in recent times. The Japanese government first purchased McDonnell-Douglas F-4EJ 'Kai' Phantom II jets in the late 1960s. The aging fighter jets are due to be replaced with new Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning IIs. All similar jets in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force fleet will now be checked to ensure they are safe. Pictured: Emergency services at the scene The Hope Diamond. Photo by Chip Clark, courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution. Photo ID 97-35270. The Hope Diamond is one of the most famous gems in the world. It attracts millions of visitors to the National Museum of Natural History each year, making it one of the Smithsonians most popular objects. But what is the history of this famous jewel? How did it come to be the Hope Diamond? The known history of the stone begins with French gem merchant and traveler Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, whose travels through Asia in the 17th century are recorded in The Six Voyages of John Baptista Tavernier (1678), which has been digitized in BHL by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Libraries Program. Title Page. Tavernier, Jean-Baptiste. The six voyages of John Baptista Tavernier. 1678. Digitized by the United States Geological Survey Libraries Program. http://s.si.edu/2wq4rIQ. Born to a cartographer in 1605, Tavernier demonstrated a love for travel as early as his teens. Over the course of nearly forty years, Tavernier embarked on six major trips, or voyages, to Persia and India, covering by his account 180,000 miles. He became a successful jewel merchant and, according to the Smithsonians Mineral Sciences Department website, the first European to describe the diamond mines in India. He first published an account of his journeys in 1676 with Les Six Voyages de Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, with an English translation by John Phillips appearing two years later in 1678. Most likely during his sixth and final voyage to India between 1664-1668, Tavernier obtained a remarkable blue diamond weighing approximately 115 modern metric carats. Dubbed the Tavernier Blue, the stone was certainly mined in India, but the specific mine is not known. Tavernier detailed this diamond in his Six Voyages. Sketch of the Tavernier Blue (Upper Left, A). Tavernier, Jean-Baptiste. The six voyages of John Baptista Tavernier. 1678. Digitized by the United States Geological Survey Libraries Program. http://s.si.edu/2xkH0Vi. In 1668 or 1669 (sources vary), Tavernier sold the diamond to Louis XIV of France for 220,000 livres. According to Francois Farges, curator of minerals and gems at the Museum national dHistoire naturelle, the stone was likely worth twice that amount. Why would Tavernier sell the gem so cheaply? According to Richard W. Wise, author of The French Blue, Tavernier received a patent of nobility, likely as part of the deal, which at the time could be obtained for approximately 400,000-500,000 livres. Additionally, as Wise writes, selling the jewel to the King of France was good publicity for Tavernier. Furthermore, given the economic state of many other European royals at the time, Tavernier was unlikely to receive a better offer. Louis XIV later ordered court jeweler Jean Pittan the Younger to recut the stone to reflect a more European style favoring symmetry and brilliance over size and weight. The resulting 69 carat heart-shaped diamond became commonly known as the French Blue. The diamond later became part of the Order of the Golden Fleece, a emblem of knighthood featuring many precious stones. Color illustration of the Order of the Golden Fleece, containing the French Blue. Courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution. Creator: Pierre-Andre Jacqumin. https://mineralsciences.si.edu/_img/hope/GoldenFleece.jpg. Then, in 1789, France changed. The French Revolution ignited, and in 1791, the French Crown Jewels, including the Order of the Golden Fleece containing the French Blue, were turned over to the revolutionary government and moved to the royal storehouse, Garde-Meuble. The jewels were put on public display until 1792, when the French Blue, along with many other Crown Jewels, were stolen. And here, the French Blue is lost. Fast forward to London, 1812. A jeweler named John Francillon makes a note and sketches of a 45.5 carat blue diamond that he examined by leave of London diamond merchant Daniel Eliason. Known as the Francillon Memo, this is the first reference to the Hope Diamond as it is known today. It was American gemologist and former special agent for the USGS, George Frederick Kunz, who unearthed this important piece of the Hopes provenance when he discovered the Francillon Memo inside a copy of Pougets Traite des pierres precieuses et de la maniere de les employer en parure (1762) whilst browsing in Londons Quartichs bookshop. Today, this memorandum, as well as the Pouget book it was discovered within, are part of the George F. Kunz Collection at the USGS Libraries Program. Containing many rare books on gemology, the folklore of gemstones through history, lapidary arts and archival gem trade records, the Library acquired this significant collection in 1933 after Kunzs death. The copy of Taverniers Six Voyages within BHL is a part of the USGS Kunz Collection. Interestingly, the Francillon Memo was dated September 19, 1812, just two days after the expiration of the statute of limitations for crimes committed during the French Revolution. In other words, France could no longer prosecute for reclamation of the diamond, should they happen to recognize the stone for what it truly was. Whilst the connection between the French Blue and the Hope Diamond has long been suspected, in 2005 scientists at the Smithsonian announced that archival research and computer models had allowed them to conclude that the Hope was almost certainly cut from the French Blue. The gem was most likely recut to hide its true identity. But who directed this to happen? In 2009, Farges and his colleagues published research involving a lead model of the French Blue that suggests it may have been Henry Philip Hope, the diamonds namesake, who privately acquired and directed the stone to be recut sometime between 1792-1812, after which it eventually ended up with Eliason, a client of Hopes family firm. Hope would eventually officially acquire the diamond by 1839, after it was allegedly sold from George IV of Englands collection following his death in 1830 (George IVs ownership of the Hope has never been officially confirmed). In the early twentieth century, after Hopes great-grandnephew, Lord Francis Hope (who inherited the Hope Diamond), sold the stone in the midst of financial difficulties resulting from his lavish lifestyle, the diamond passed through multiple owners before it was finally donated by jeweler Harry Winston to the Smithsonian in 1958. Models of the Hope Diamond in its three known states: Tavernier Blue (top), French Blue (bottom left), and the Hope Diamond (bottom right). Courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution. Creator Stephen Attaway. https://mineralsciences.si.edu/_img/hope/HopeModels.jpg. Thus stands the history of the Hope Diamond, from its appearance in Taverniers Six Voyages to its exhibition at the Smithsonian. Thanks to the USGS Libraries Program, a record of the stones earliest known history is freely available to the world through the Biodiversity Heritage Library. You can view all of the illustrations from Taverniers Six Voyages in the BHL Flickr. About the USGS Libraries Program The USGS Libraries Program, authorized by Congress in 1879, is the worlds largest earth and natural sciences library, providing services, collections, and expertise that are essential to the U.S. Geological Survey mission. The Libraries Program is made up of four branches that provide resources, collections, and services. The library collections include over 1,500,000 volumes, 2.500,000 maps, 30,000 field records, and 500,000 historical photos. Over thirty-six percent of the materials are unique to USGS, or available at ten or fewer libraries in the world. The rare collections can support research in biodiversity, specifically with literature from paleobotany and paleoclimatology as well as some surprising gems from early biological research both in the United States and across the world. Sources Buncombe, Andrew. 2005. Cursed Hope Diamond Was Cut from French Stone, Test Shows. The Independent, February 11. Accessed September 13, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20090331235958/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/cursed-hope-diamond-was-cut-from-french-stone-tests-show-482819.html. Farges, Francois, et al. 2009. The French Blue and the Hope: New Data from the Discovery of a Historical Lead Cast. Gems & Gemology 45, no. 1 (Spring): 4-19. Accessed September 13, 2017. https://www.gia.edu/doc/SP09.pdf. The Public Domain Review. 2017. The Six Voyages of John Baptista Tavernier. Accessed September 13, 2017. http://publicdomainreview.org/collections/the-six-voyages-of-john-baptista-tavernier-1678/. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. 2017. Timeline. Hope Diamond, April 19. Accessed September 13, 2017. https://mineralsciences.si.edu/collections/hope/timeline/1668.htm. Wikipedia. 2017. John Francillon. September 1. Accessed September 13, 2017. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Francillon. Wise, Richard W. 2009. From the Sun King to the Smithsonian The Epic Journey of the Hope Diamond. The French Blue. Accessed September 13, 2017. http://thefrenchblue.com/article1.htm. In a country with a passion for robots and Kung Fu, it's only a matter of time when machines would be taught how to do martial arts. But before that, a commercial from a Chinese robot manufacturer has shown us what a human-versus-machine Tai Chi duel could look like. An incredible video has emerged which shows a robotic arm practising a series of Tai Chi moves with a master. Wax on, was off: A Kung Fu master practises Tai Chi with a robotic arm in a new commercial Everybody is Kung Fu fighting! The robotic arm has seven axes and is extremely nimble The video is an advertisement released by Siasun, a Chinese industrial robot manufacturer. The four-minute-long commercial features Siasun's two new models. Each of them practises its skills with the master one on one. Both models have seven axes, which apparently allow them to lift up, bend down and turn around at ease. Impressive: Produced by Chinese industrial robot manufacturer Siasun, the robotic arm is not likely to do Kung Fu in real life. It's been designed to work on assembly lines with limited space The robot model has seven axes, which apparently allow them to lift, bend and turn easily The two robotic arms demonstrate classic Tai Chi moves with the master, dressed in traditional Chinese clothing. The seven-axis robots are designed to work on assembly lines, according to Siasun, one of China's largest industrial robots suppliers based in Shanghai. The company claimed that these robotic arms were designed especially for factories with limited space and high accuracy requirements. It's unlikely that these robots would be used to do Kung Fu in real life, but Siasun said they could be masters in precision assembly, product packaging, polishing, loading and unloading. Apparently, the Siasun robots are not the only machines that could pull off Kung Fu stunts. Last month, over 1,000 robots and 10 martial artists performed Kung Fu choreography in unison in north-east China's Harbin city. The spectacular performance took place during a national robot competition, according to CGTN. Donald Trump was today accused of peddling 'rubbish' designed to provoke 'hate crime' after he wrongly linked the rise in offences in England and Wales to 'Radical Islamic terror'. The US president sent a tweet referring to figures out yesterday showing crime increased by 13 per cent last year and warning 'We must keep American safe'. But British MPs tore into Mr Trump for talking 'nonsense' and said he is 'spreading fear and xenophobia' by wrongly blaming the rise on terrorism. Others accused him of peddling 'fake news' and pointed out terrorism accounts for a 'tiny' proportion of crime in Britain. Mr Trump wrote on Twitter: 'Just out report: 'United Kingdom crime rises 13% annually amid spread of Radical Islamic terror.' Not good, we must keep America safe!' Labour MP Yvette Cooper, chair of the influential Home affairs Select Committee, hit back saying: 'Hate crime in the UK has gone up by almost 30 per cent and rubbish like this tweet from Donald Trump is designed to provoke even more of it.' Donald Trump tweeted this morning: 'Just out report: 'United Kingdom crime rises 13% annually amid spread of Radical Islamic terror.' Not good, we must keep America safe!' The US president was accused of talking 'nonsense' after he posted the comments online Labour MPs Chris Bryant (pictured right) and Yvette Cooper (pictured left) hit out at Donald Trump over the comments. Ms Cooper said 'rubbish' like the tweet is 'designed to provoke' more hate crime Tory Mp and former chairman of the Foreign Affairs select committee, pictured in Parliament earlier his week, said the comment is 'bizarre' Figures released yesterday revealed that police forces registered 5.2 million crimes in the year to the end of June. But while terrorism has surged, with five murderous attacks across Britain killing dozens and injuring hundreds in the last year, it is a tiny proportion of arrests. The controversy comes after former presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush slammed 'bullying and prejudice' and the lowering of political discourse in thinly-veiled attacks on Mr Trump. Mr Bush took a dig at his outright fabrication style of politics. The bulk of crimes in Britain are frauds, thefts and public order offences which have no link to extremism. Ms Cooper said: ''It is appalling that we have reached the point where inflammatory and ignorant statements from the President of the United States are now seen as normal. DONALD TRUMP'S CONTROVERSIES No-go zones Donald Trump sparked anger in December 2015 when he suggested London has 'no-go' areas where police would not go because they fear for their lives Terror attack: The US President accused Sadiq Khan of overseeing a 'pathetic' response to the London Bridge terror attack this year. Mr Trump misquoted the London Mayor suggesting he had played down the atrocity by telling Londoners there is 'no reason to be alarmed'. State Visit: Donald Trump's planned lavish state visit to the UK has been postponed amid fears it would spark the biggest protests in a generation. Theresa May tried to bolster the special relationship by extending the royal invite soon after he moved into the White House . But MPs queued up to condemn the planned visit and it has now been kicked into the long grass. Travel ban: Donald Trump's Muslim travel ban sparked fury in Britain where MPs queued up to condemn it. In a parliamentary debate in the House of Commons, he was branded a 'buffoon' and a 'wazzock' by MPs because of the proposal. Advertisement 'If we are to properly tackle hate crime and every other crime, we have to challenge this kind of nonsense.' Tory MP Crispin Blunt, former chair of the foreign affairs select committee, said: I think it is a bizarre lack of self-awareness from a supporter of keeping Americans armed to the teeth with wholly predictable consequences.' He urged caution in using the police data as a basis for analysis, and added: However linking overall crime levels to Islamic extremism is utterly bonkers. Fake news, to coin a phrase. Caroline Lucas, co-leader of the Green Party, retweeted Mr Trumps post, and called on the Prime Minister to respond, writing: OK @theresa-may, this is a test. Will you publicly condemn this outright fear-mongering? And Jo Swinson, deputy leader of the Lib Dems, accused Mr Trump of being 'misleading and spreading fear' while Labour MP Stephen Doughty said he is 'talking nonsense'. Mr Doughty, who sits on the Home Affairs Select Committee, told the Mail Online: 'Donald Trump is talking nonsense about issues he doesn't understand.' He added: 'Yet again it is not helpful for the President of the United States to comment with ignorance on security and policing maters in the UK. 'While we have had some very tragic and horrific terror attacks in the last year, this represents a very small proportion of overall UK crime. 'Donald Trump would be better paced looking at issues in his own country such as the huge number of deaths from gun violence which despite repeated atrocities from sandy hook to Las Vegas, the US government have failed to take action on.' Ms Swinson said: 'Stop misleading and spreading fear. 'Hate crime is up and it is fuelled by the kind of populist xenophobia you peddle.' Lib Dem deputy leader Jo Swinson joined in the condemnation of the comments Another pointed out that the US president is peddling 'fake news' by blaming the increase on terrorism Another Twitter user also hit out at Mr trump wading into domestic British affairs Another Twitter user branded the US President an 'irresponsible fear monger' over the comments One Twitter user told of his 'despair' at the US president jumping to the wrong conclusions about the rise in crime And Britons took to Twitter to slam the US president for his inaccurate portrayal of the crime figures - saying they 'despaired' of his intervention. One posted a picture of a panda covering their head with their hands and wrote: 'Where on earth did he get the idea that 'radical Islamic terror' is behind the rise? I despair.' Now Obama takes a swipe at Donald Speaking out: Barack Obama Former US President Barack Obama made a veiled attack on Donald Trump on Thursday as he broke his silence on the nations toxic political climate. He and George W Bush made separate speeches that appeared to rebuke the current president. Neither mentioned Trump by name. Mr Obama, addressing audiences in New Jersey and Virginia where he was supporting Democrat candidates for state governor, urged Americans to reject the politics of division and fear. What we cant have is the same old politics of division that we have seen so many times before that dates back centuries, he told the New Jersey rally. Some of the politics we see now, we thought we put that to bed. Thats folks looking 50 years back. Hours later, in Virginia, he said: If you have to win a campaign by dividing people ... You wont be able to unite them later. Meanwhile, Mr Bush decried bullying and prejudice in a speech in New York on the same day. Americans have seen our discourse degraded by casual cruelty, he said. He added that at times it can seem like the forces pulling us apart are stronger than the forces binding us together. Analysts said the speeches were unprecedented, ending the tradition of former presidents not criticising the incumbent. Mr Trump did not immediately respond to the speeches. Advertisement Another branded him a 'fear monger' while others questioned if the US president is 'lying' to stir up fear. The controversy comes after his two predecessors in the White House both launched attacks on Mr Trump for lowering the tone of political discourse and fuelling hate. Speaking yesterday, Mr Bush said 'bigotry seems emboldened' in today's America. He added: 'Our politics seems more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrication.' And in his first address since leaving the White House, Mr Obama said: 'Some of the politics we see now, we thought we had put that to bed. 'That's folks looking 50 years back. It's the 21st Century, not the 19th Century.' Mr Trump has been embroiled in political rows with British politicians before as a result of his controversial tweets. Earlier this year he repeatedly clashed with Sadiq Khan after he questioned the London Mayor's response to the London Bridge terror attack. Mr Trump branded Mr Khan's response to the atrocity 'pathetic' and misquoted a reassurance the mayor gave to Londoners claiming he was playing down the threat. Responding to the latest comments, Labour MP Chris Bryant said: 'Butt out of it mister president. 'You have more murders in New York or Chicago every year than we do in the whole country so we're not going to take any lessons from you. 'And you clearly don't understand the difference between causation and correlation.' Kevan Jones, Labour MP for North Durham, told the Mail Online: 'This is another example of Donald Trump not letting the facts get in the way of his tweets. 'He should look at the facts before he comments.' Figures released yesterday revealed that police forces registered 5.2 million crimes in the year to the end of June - up 13 per cent on the previous year. But while terrorism has surged over the past year, with five murderous attacks across Britain killing dozens and injuring hundreds, it is a tiny proportion of arrests. Home Office data released last month showed the number of people detained over suspected terrorism increased to 379 - the highest since records began. The bulk of crime relates to frauds, thefts and public order offences which have no link to extremism. Figures released yesterday show the number of violent crimes rose from 1,033,719 cases the previous year to 1,229,260 cases this year. The number of overall crimes reported to police was up by 13 per cent, returning to levels seen before 2007. Public order offences, knife crimes and robbery rose by the highest rate The number of sexual offences reported to police has risen dramatically since 2012 There was an 19 per cent increase in the number of sexual offences recorded in England and Wales, up to 129,700 on the previous year. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data revealed the rise in violence was driven by increases in the violence without injury (21 per cent) and stalking and harassment (36 per cent) sub-categories. The ONS report said: 'Most of this volume increase was thought to result from improved recording practices but it is likely that rises in the most serious categories reflect genuine rises in violent crime. The stats: Which crimes rose by the most? Public order offences - up 43% to 33,082 Knife crimes - up 26% to 36,998 Robbery - up 25% to 64,499 Violence against the person - up 19% to 1,229,260 Sexual offences - up 19% to 129,000 Vehicle theft - up 17% to 427,561 Theft from the person - up 11% to 92,435 Burglary - up 6% to 423,137 Homicide - Down 2% to 664 Advertisement 'These lower volume but serious offences are thought to be generally well-recorded by the police.' Police also recorded an 11 per cent rise in the number of thefts, with the crime continuing to rise over last two years. Forces logged 664 homicides in the 12 months from July 2016, which was a two per cent fall compared with the previous year. However, the ONS said recent trends have been affected by recording of incidents where there were multiple victims, such as 96 cases of manslaughter from the Hillsborough disaster and the recent terrorist attacks in London and Manchester. If cases related to Hillsborough and the terror attacks are excluded, the homicide tally went up by 46, following a 'general upward trend' seen in recent years. There was a 'substantial increase', of 59 per cent, in the number of attempted murder offences registered, which was largely due to terror-related cases. Police-recorded offences are one of two official sources used to analyse trends in crime. The other is the Crime Survey for England and Wales, which gave an estimated total of 10.8 million incidents of crime in the year to the end of June. This figure includes experimental data on fraud and computer misuse offences, and annual comparisons will not be available until January. John Flatley, crime specialist for the ONS, said the figures 'suggest that the police are dealing with a growing volume of crime'. Violence of all kinds has also risen, with the total number of violent offences now at 1.2million The number of knife crimes recorded in England and Wales last year was the highest since 2011 He added: 'While improvements made by police forces in recording crime are still a factor in the increase, we judge that there have been genuine increases in crime particularly in some of the low incidence but more harmful categories.' 'Police figures cannot provide a good measure of all crime in society, since we know that a large volume of it never comes to their attention. 'The recent increases in recorded crime need to be seen in the context of the overall decline in crime indicated by the Crime Survey for England and Wales.' 'The survey remains our best guide to long-term trends for crime as experienced by the population in general.' A British couple have died in a car crash in Portugal after allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road. The unnamed couple were on their way to the airport to catch a flight back to the UK when they suffered a head-on collision with another vehicle, local news report. The 68-year-old driver and his wife, aged 65, died at the scene after the crash took place just before 6am Thursday between Faro and Almancil on a sharp uphill bend on the N125 road. Accident: The British couple, a 68-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman, died in the crash which took place just before 6am Thursday between Faro and Almancil The couple are believed to have been following UK rules of the road and driving on the left-hand side rather than the right, Correio da Manha reports. Their Citroen Elysee saloon crashed head-on into an oncoming pick-up truck, leaving three Portuguese men aged 46 to 67 injured. The men are said to be in a serious condition in Faro Hospital. Local news reports that the crash took place at a curve with limited visibility and that neither driver had the time to swerve. Crash: Firefighters attend the scene where a British couple died in a head-on collision with a pick-up truck after allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road Head-on: Images from the scene shows the car the British couple were travelling in completely smashed, with the pick-up truck suffering less damage Heartbreaking: The 68-year-old driver and his wife, aged 65, were reportedly on their way to the airport after a holiday on the Algarve coast Correio da Manha writes that the couple were from England and had been on holiday in the Algarve. Their bodies had to be cut out of the car, closing the road for three hours. They are believed to have been heading to Faro International Airport where they were to fly back to the UK after their holiday. Investigators will submit a report to a local court. A Foreign & Commonwealth Office spokesperson said: 'Our staff are supporting the family of two British people who have died in Portugal, and remain in contact with the Portuguese police.' Italian Davide Buccheri, 25, was working for asset manager M&G in London as a fund manager's assistant when he targeted the woman, City of London magistrates heard A city worker posted mocked-up pictures of a female intern to porn websites before telling her bosses in a bid to discredit her, a court heard. Italian Davide Buccheri, 25, is accused of carrying out a harassment campaign over seven months while working at M&G, in the heart of the City of London. Prosecutors say he first targeted the woman with 'unwanted romantic advances' when she joined the firm as an intern in September last year. City of London Magistrates' Court heard she complained to M&G's HR department, but the campaign escalated after the woman was offered a post-graduate role at the firm. The court heard that between April 15 and 21 this year, Buccheri took images of the complainant from her social media accounts and downloaded pornographic images of women of similar build from the internet. The pictures were allegedly edited and cropped to make them look like the alleged victim before being put in galleries on porn websites. Prosecutors say the pictures were then revealed to the company's HR department by Buccheri. Officers seized Bucherri's computer and other equipment from his address before they charged him on October 5. Prosecutors said the images were uploaded via an account called 'flyinggerbil' which was traced to his laptop. Buccheri is accused of displaying the pictures alongside other porn stars in a 'planned, sophisticated approach' to cause the woman serious distress On his LinkedIn profile Buccheri says he has worked for the company for one year and one month after he graduated from a 12-month rotational programme. His profile also says he graduated from LSE. Buccheri appeared before magistrates today wearing glasses and dressed in a black suit, white shirt and pale blue tie. He stood in the dock to confirm his name, date of birth, and address in Bologna, Italy. Buccheri pleaded not guilty to a single charge of harassment between September 9 2016 and May 29 2017. The charge states Buccheri 'obtained images from her social media accounts, edited and then uploaded these, along with edited pornographic images of females of similar appearance, to pornographic websites...then informed her employer of the images to discredit her and cause her distress and anxiety'. Chair of the bench Julie Baldwin told Buccheri he faces a one-day trial on December 21 at the same court and released him on conditional bail. A top Corbyn ally received over 200,000 in redundancy payments and a loan to buy a house from the 10-member trade union he used to run, a report has found. Ian Lavery, Labour MP and party chairman, received the generous pay-outs from the National Union of Mineworkers. He was handed 147,000 in redundancy payments after he ceased to be the union's chief - even though he walked straight into a well-paid job as an MP. And he was given a 72,500 loan from the union's benevolent fund to buy a house with his wife. The union also splashed out nearly 40,000 on sending Mr Lavery away to official trips to India, Cuba and Australia. The revelations sparked a number of complaints to the trade union regulator and calls for Jeremy Corbyn to condemn the actions. The regulator's probe into the complaints did not find the MP to have broken any rules. Labour MP Ian Lavery, pictured in Parliament, received a generous pay-out from the NUM when he stepped down as general secretary - even though he walked straight into a well-paid job as an MP But Alec Shelbrooke, Tory MP for Elmet and Rothwell, urged Mr Corbyn to condemn the payouts. He told Mail Online: 'I would call on Jeremy Corbyn to condemn this action as it is clearly against all his socialist principles. 'Or is it a case of as in Animal Farm, all animals are equal but some are more equal than others?' The once-powerful NUM used to wield immense political power, but after its crushing defeat in the miners strikes it has been left with just a small number of members. Mr Lavery, who helped mastermind Labour's election campaign, ran the NUM before he became MP for Wansbeck in 2010. A report by the Certification Office for Trade Unions and Employers Associations shows he received a redundancy pay-out of some 147,424 after he left the union in 2010 - even though he stepped straight into a well-paid job as MP. The regulator found that both the union and Mr Lavery were unable to 'provide documentary evidence' to show that a proper redundancy process was followed. But the regulator decided no further investigation would be ordered into the redundancy payments. It was accepted that the union had overpaid Mr Lavery 30,600 in redundancy money, according to the report. Tory MP Alec Shelbrooke called for Jeremy Corbyn to condemn the payments (file pic) Mr Lavery disputed 10,600 of it - and he volunteered to repay 15,000, the report continued. In a separate complaint, the report found Mr Lavery received a generous loan of some 72,500 from the union's Provident and Benevolent Fund to help him buy a home. The loan was written off in 2007 and Mr Lavery 'appears to have been a beneficiary of this arrangement' the report finds. Mr Lavery and his wife also got to keep 18,000 from an endowment policy taken out on the property. The report states: 'The union was not adequately able to explain why they should have taken full responsibility for the under performance of the endowment policy taken out by Mr and Mrs Lavery. 'In particular, they were unable to explain why no attempts were made to seek compensation from the endowment provider.' The report adds: 'It is far from clear why the union should have made the arrangement with the Provident and Benevolent Fund to write off the whole of Mr and Mrs Lavery's 72,5000 debt to them.' It concludes that the MP and his wife 'may have been over-compensated for the under-performance of the endowment policy'. The claims relate to payments made between 1994 and 2007, and the investigators found that given the 'historical' nature of the allegation they decided not to pursue the matter. Jeremy Corbyn, pictured addressing a meeting of European socialists in Brussels yesterday., has been urged to condemn the pay-outs The report said many trade unions have bought homes for senior officials before, usually the union retains ownership of the property rather than handing over the deeds to the official and their family. It adds: 'The idea of a trade union purchasing in effect a share in its General Secretary's home is a novel one'. The report also said it is unable to say if the 40,000 cost of the foreign trips was 'excessive' or not. The regulator did not find the MP to be at fault. Mr Lavery said: 'Under my stewardship, the union always complied with the rules and the certification officer signed off every year's transactions. 'As the certification officer's report makes clear, no member of the union, past or present, has made a complaint about the financial affairs of the union. He added: 'This report should draw a line under almost two years of allegations and innuendo directed at me and my former colleagues.' The Labour Party declined to comment.' The Australian Parliament is rife with rumours of a steamy affair involving a well known politician and a staffer. The married politician has reportedly been enjoying accompanied late nights at the office for the last eight months, according to the Herald Sun. Canberra's secret is believed to be common knowledge throughout political circles, with some surprised the affair hasn't been leaked sooner as many have allegedly dropped hints on Twitter. The publication suggested the affair contradicts the politician's family values which could be embarrassing at election time. Police believe that the bomb that killed a prominent journalist in Malta as attached beneath her car and triggered remotely with a mobile phone, a government spokeswoman has said Daphne Caruana Galizia, a renowned blogger and fierce critic of the government, died on Monday in a blast that wrecked her car as she was leaving her house in Mosta, throwing debris and body parts into a nearby field. 'Emerging evidences make us think that the bomb was placed under the car and was set off with a remote trigger,' a government spokeswoman said on Thursday, adding that foreign experts would be called on to help identify the mobile phone which was used to detonate the bomb. The murder shocked the Mediterranean island, the smallest nation in the European Union, and Prime Minister Joseph Muscat on Wednesday promised a reward to anyone who came forward with information about the killing. However, Caruana Galizia's three adult sons dismissed the offer, and called instead for Muscat to resign, saying he should take political responsibility for the first such murder of a journalist in Malta since the island won independence in 1964. Daphne Caruana Galizia, a renowned blogger and fierce critic of the government, died on Monday in a blast that wrecked her car as she was leaving her house in Mosta The wreckage of the car of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia lies next to a road in the town of Mosta, Malta, on Monday In a news conference in Valletta, police commissioner Lawrence Cutajar denied British police would join Dutch forensic experts and a team from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in helping with the case Muscat has ruled out quitting and flew to Brussels on Thursday for an EU summit, where his spokeswoman said investigators were making some progress. In a news conference in Valletta, police commissioner Lawrence Cutajar denied British police would join Dutch forensic experts and a team from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in helping with the case. Muscat's spokeswoman earlier said British officers would be involved. Cutajar said no arrests had made so far and added it was too soon to discuss possible motives, telling reporters it would take weeks to collect all the evidence. He also could not confirm reports from a Maltese police source that Semtex explosives were believed to have been used in the killing. The island has seen a number of small bomb attacks in recent years tied to gangland criminals, but the explosives used were relatively rudimentary and did not have the same power as the device that targeted Caruana Galizia. Daphne Caruana Galizia (left), Malta's best-known investigative journalist, was killed on Monday when a powerful bomb blew up her car. Her son Matthew (right) has called on the Prime Minister to resign Galizia, 53, ran a hugely popular blog in which she relentlessly highlighted cases of alleged corruption, often involving politicians from the Mediterranean island of Malta. Police said she was killed as she was driving near the village of Bidnija in northern Malta Caruana Galizia's three sons have refused to endorse the government's million euro reward for information about her death and instead called for the Prime Minister to resign. Galizia, 53, ran a hugely popular blog in which she relentlessly highlighted cases of alleged corruption, often involving politicians from the Mediterranean island of Malta. Police said she was killed as she was driving near the village of Bidnija in northern Malta. A Facebook post from Matthew Galizia, also signed by his brothers Andrew and Paul, said: 'After a day of unrelenting pressure from the President and Prime Minister of Malta for what's left of our family to endorse a million-euro reward for evidence leading to the conviction of our mother's assassins, this is what we are compelled to say. 'We are not interested in justice without change. We are not interested in a criminal conviction only for the people in government who stood to gain from our mother's murder to turn around and say that justice has been served. A Facebook post from Matthew Galizia, also signed by his brothers Andrew and Paul, said: 'We are not interested in justice without change' European Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans take part in a candlelight vigil in memory of Malta's journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in Brussels, Belgium, on Wednesday Muscat defended the failure to solve the rash of car bombings as he left parliament Wednesday evening 'Justice, beyond criminal liability, will only be served when everything that our mother fought for political accountability, integrity in public life and an open and free society replaces the desperate situation we are in.' He added: 'The government is interested in only one thing: its reputation and the need to hide the gaping hole where our institutions once were. This interest is not ours. Neither was it our mother's. 'A government and a police force that failed our mother in life will also fail her in death. The people who for as long as we can remember sought to silence our mother cannot now be the ones to deliver justice. 'The Prime Minister asked for our endorsement. This is how he can get it: show political responsibility and resign. 'Resign for failing to uphold our fundamental freedoms. Resign for watching over the birth of a society dominated by fear, mistrust, crime and corruption. Matthew Caruana Galizia (centre) and Peter Caruana Galizia (second left), son and husband of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, walk past the wreckage of the car bomb Investigators, meanwhile, are looking at similarities with other car bombings in Malta over the last two years - six in all including Caruana Galizia's 'Resign for working to cripple our mother financially and dehumanise her so brutally and effectively that she no longer felt safe walking down the street. 'And before resigning he can make his last act in government the replacement of the Police Commissioner and Attorney General with public servants who won't be afraid to act on evidence against him and those he protects. 'Then we won't need a million-euro reward and our mother wouldn't have died in vain.' Investigators, meanwhile, are looking at similarities with other car bombings in Malta over the last two years - six in all including Caruana Galizia's. None have been solved. Police commissioner John Rizzo told the Malta Independent that it appears that mobile detonated explosives were used in each of the six bombings since the start of 2016, which caused four deaths and two serious injuries. The previous victims were all known to police, the paper said. Malta has a population of 400,000 and is the European Union's smallest state. Pictured, a resident's graffiti in tribute to the fearless journalist Recently, Caruana Galizia's outspoken blog had turned its fire on opposition politicians 'Very few people could construct such a bomb. Instructions may be obtained online but building such a device would still require a certain degree of skill,' Rizzo said. Investigators haven't publicly identified which explosives were used in the journalist's murder, but experts say any military grade explosives, like Semtex, are not available in Malta and would have had to be brought in from abroad. Muscat defended the failure to solve the rash of car bombings as he left parliament Wednesday evening. 'I will continue to defend the institutions and I am a firm believer in the institutions,' he said. Malta has a population of 400,000 and is the European Union's smallest state. Recently, Caruana Galizia's outspoken blog had turned its fire on opposition politicians. 'There are crooks everywhere you look now. The situation is desperate,' she wrote in the last blog published on her site on Monday morning. In another entry last year, she wrote: 'Malta's public life is afflicted with dangerously unstable men with no principles or scruples.' A transgender woman found guilty of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl in a bathroom could face 70 years in jail. Michelle Martinez - known as Miguel before identifying as a female - was convicted of first and second degree sexual abuse of a minor on Wednesday. The young girl had told police that Martinez - from Casper, Wyoming - took her to a bathroom in a home before touching her breasts and genitalia. She then penetrated the girl. Michelle Martinez - known as Miguel before identifying as a female - was convicted of first and second degree sexual abuse of a minor The victim told her mother about the ordeal with Martinez, who was a family friend. She started to cry as she told police that 'it hurt inside.' Nurses at Wyoming Medical Center then found redness and abrasions on the girl's genitalia. The girl told an interviewer from the Children's Advocacy Project that Martinez should be jailed, the Casper Star Tribune reported. Martinez was then found passed out and 'extremely intoxicated' home. She denied the charges and became 'hostile and defensive' when questioned by police. She told the officers that the girl had been 'talking crap' earlier in the day. She also reportedly said the girl was lying and accused her of a 'publicity stunt' when the charges were brought in May. GEN. JOHN KELLY: 'Most Americans don't know what happens when we lose one of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines or coast guardsman in combat. So let me tell you what happens. Their buddies wrap them up in whatever passes as a shroud, puts them on a helicopter as a routine, and sends them home. 'Their first stop along the way is when they're packed in ice, typically at the airhead and then they're flown to usually Europe where they're then packed in ice again and flown to Dover Air Force Base. Where Dover takes care of the remains, embalms them, meticulously dresses them in their uniform with the medals that they've earned, the emblems of their service and then puts them on another airplane linked up with the casualty officer escort that takes them home. 'A very, very good movie to watch is 'Taking Chance' if you haven't seen it, where this is done in a movie, HBO setting. Chance Phelps was killed under my command, right next to me. It's worth seeing that if you have never seen it. So that's the process. 'While that's happening, a casualty officer typically goes to the home very early in the morning and waits for the first lights to come on. And then he knocks on the door. Typically the mom and dad will answer. Wife. If there is a wife this is happening in two different places. If the parents are divorced, three different places. And the casualty officer proceeds to break the heart of a family member. And stays with that family until, well, for a long, long time, even after the interment. So that's what happens. 'Who are these young men and women? They are the best 1 per cent this country produces. Most of you as Americans don't know them. Many of you don't know anyone who knows any one of them. But they are the very best that this country produces. And they volunteer to protect our country when there's nothing in our country anymore that seems to suggest that selfless service to the nation is not only appropriate but required. But that's all right. 'Who writes letters to the families? Typically the company commander in my case as a Marine, the company commander the battalion commander, regimental commander, division commander, secretary of defense, typically the service chief, the commandant of the Marine Corps, and the president, typically writes a letter. 'Typically the only phone calls a family receives are the most important phone calls they can imagine, and that is from their buddies. In my case, hours after my son was killed, his friends were calling us from Afghanistan, telling us what a great guy he was. Those are the only phone calls that really matter. And yeah, the letters count to a degree, but there's not much that really can take the edge off what a family member is going through. 'So some presidents have elected to call. All presidents, I believe, have elected to send letters. If you elect to call a family like this, it is about the most difficult thing you could imagine. There's no perfect way to make that phone call. When I took this job and talked to President Trump about how to do it, my first recommendation was, he not do it. Because it's not the phone call that parents, family members are looking forward to. It's a 'nice to do' in my opinion, in any event. 'He asked me about previous presidents. And I said I can tell you that President Obama, who was my commander-in-chief when I was on active duty, did not call my family. That was not a criticism. That was just to simply say I don't believe President Obama called. That's not a negative thing. I don't believe President Bush called in all cases. I don't believe any president, particularly when the casualty rates are very, very high, that presidents call. I believe they all write. 'So when I gave that explanation to our president three days ago, he elected to make phone calls in the case of the four young men who we lost in Niger at the earlier part of this month. But then he said, you know, 'How do you make these calls?' If you're not in the family, if you've never worn the uniform, if you've never been in combat, you can't even imagine how to make that phone call. But he very bravely does make those calls. 'The call in question that he made yesterday, a day before yesterday now, were to four family members. The four fallen. And remember, there's a next of kin, designated by the individual. If he's married, that's typically the spouse. If he's not married, that's typically the parents, unless the parents are divorced and then he selects one of them. If he didn't get along with his parents, he'll select a sibling. But the point is the phone call is made to the next of kin only if the next of kin agrees to take the phone call. Sometimes they don't. So a pre-call is made: 'The President of the United States or the commandant of the Marine Corps, or someone would like to call. Will you accept the call?' And typically they accept the call. 'So he called four people yesterday and expressed his condolences the best way he could. He said to me, 'What do I say?' I said to him, 'Sir, there's nothing you can do to lighten the burden on these families.' 'Let me tell you what I tell them. Let me tell you what my best friend Joe Dunford told me, as he was my casualty officer. He said, 'Kel, he was doing exactly what he wanted to do when he was killed. He knew what he was getting into by joining that 1 percent. He knew what the possibilities were because we're at war.' And when he died, in the four cases we're talking about, in Niger, and my son's case in Afghanistan, when he died, he was surrounded by the best men on this earth, his friends. That's what the president tried to say to the four families the other day. 'I was stunned when I came to work yesterday morning, and broken-hearted, at what I saw a member of Congress doing. A member of Congress who listened in on a phone call from the President of the United States to a young wife. And in his way he tried to express that opinion, that he's a brave man, a fallen hero. He knew what he was getting himself into because he enlisted. There was no reason to enlist. He enlisted. And he was where he wanted to be, exactly where he wanted to be, with exactly the people he wanted to be with when his life was taken. That was the message. That was the message that was transmitted. 'It stuns me that a member of Congress would have listened in on that conversation. Absolutely stuns me. And I thought at least that was sacred. 'You know, when I was a kid growing up, a lot of things were sacred in our country. Women were sacred, looked upon with great honor. That's obviously not the case anything as we see from recent cases. Life, the dignity of life is sacred. That's gone. Religion, that seems to be gone as well. Gold star families I think that left in the convention over the summer. I just thought that selfless devotion that brings a man or women to die in the battlefield, I just thought that that might be sacred. 'When I listen to this woman and what she was saying, what she was doing on TV, the only thing I could do to collect my thoughts is to go and walk among the finest men and women on this earth. You can always find them. They're in Arlington National Cemetery. I went over there for an hour and a half, walked among the stones, some of whom I put there, because they were doing what I told them to do when they were killed. 'I'll end with this: In October, April of 2015, I was still on active duty. I went to the dedication of the new FBI field office in Miami. And it was dedicated to two men that were killed in a firefight in Miami with, against drug traffickers in 1986. A guy by the name of Grogan, and Duke [sic]. Grogan almost retired, 53 years old. Duke, I think less than a year on the job. Anyways, they got in a gun fight and they were killed. Three other FBI agents were there, wounded. Now retired. 'So we go down, Jim Comey did an absolutely brilliant memorial speech to those fallen men, and to all of the men and women of the FBI who serve our country so well, and law enforcement so well. There were family members there. Some of the children that were there were only 3 or 4 years old when their dads were killed on that street in Miami-Dade. Three of the men that survived the fight were there and gave a rendition of how brave those men were and how they gave their lives. 'And a congresswoman stood up and in the long tradition of empty barrels making the most noise, stood up there in all of that and talked about how she was instrumental in getting the funding for that building, and how she took care of her constituents because she got the money. And she just called up president Obama and on that phone call he gave the money, the $20 million to build the building. She sat down. We were stunned, stunned that she'd done it. Even for someone that is that empty a barrel, we were stunned. But you know, none of us went to the press and criticized. None of us stood up and were appalled. We just said, 'Okay, fine.' 'So I still hope as you write your stories, and I appeal to America, that let's not let this maybe last thing that's held sacred in our society, a young man, a young woman going out and giving his or her life for our country, let's try to somehow keep that sacred. But it eroded a great deal yesterday by the selfish behavior of a member of Congress. So I'm willing to take a question or two on this topic. 'Let me ask you this. Let me ask you this. Is anyone here a Gold Star parent or sibling? Does anyone here know a Gold Star parent or sibling? Okay. You get the question.' REPORTER: 'Thank you, General Kelly. First of all, you have a great deal of respect. 'Semper Fi' for everything you've ever done. But if we could take this a bit further. Why were they in Niger? We were told they weren't in armored vehicles and there was no air cover. So what were the specifics about this particular incident, and why we were there? Why are we there?' GEN. KELLY: 'Well, I'll start by saying there is an investigation. Now, let me back up and say, the fact of the matter is, young men and women that wear our uniform are deployed around the world and there are tens of thousands near the DMZ in North Korea, in Okinawa waiting to go in South Korea, in Okinawa ready to go, All over the United States, training, ready to go. They're all over Latin America. Down there they do mostly drug interdiction working with our partners, our great partners the Colombians, the Central Americans, the Mexicans. You know, there's thousands. 'My own son right now, back in the fight for his fifth tour in against ISIS. There's thousands of them in Europe acting as a deterrent. And then throughout Africa. And they're doing the nation's work there. And not making a lot of money, by the way, doing it. They love what they do. So why were they there? They're there working with partners, local Africans, all across Africa in this case, Niger, working with partners, teaching them how to be better soldiers, teaching them how to respect human rights. Teaching them how to fight ISIS so that we don't have to send our soldiers and Marines there in their thousands. That's what they were doing there. 'Now there's an investigation. There's always unless it's a very conventional death in a conventional war, there's always an investigation. Of course, that operation is conducted by AFRICOM that of course works directly for the Secretary of Defense. There is a, I talked to Jim Mattis this morning, I think he made statements this afternoon. There's an investigation ongoing. 'An investigation doesn't mean anything was wrong. An investigation doesn't mean people's heads are going to roll. The fact is, they need to find out what happened and why it happened. But at the end of the day, ladies and gentlemen, you have to understand that these young people, sometimes old guys, put on the uniform, go to where we send them to protect our country. 'Sometimes they go in large numbers to invade Iraq, invade Afghanistan. Sometimes they're working in small units, working with our partners in Africa, Asia, Latin America, helping them be better. But at the end of the day, they're helping those partners be better at fighting ISIS and north Africa to protect our country so that we don't have to send large numbers of troops. 'Any other someone who knows a Gold Star fallen person. John?' REPORTER: 'General, thank you for being here today. Thank you for your service and for your family's sacrifice. There's been some talk about the timetable of the release of the statement about the I think at that point it was three soldiers who were killed in Niger. Can you walk us through the timetable of the release of that information, and what part did the fact that a beacon was pinging during that time have to do with the relase of the statement? And were you concerned that divulging the information early might jeopardize a soldier's safety?' GEN. KELLY: 'First of all, we're at the highest level of the U.S. government. The people that will answer those questions are the people at the other end of the military pyramid. I'm sure the Special Forces group is conducting I know they're conducting an investigation. That investigation, of course, under the auspices of AFRICOM. Ultimately it will go to the Pentagon.' 'I've read the same stories you have, I actually know a lot more than I'm letting on, but I'm not going to tell you. There's an investigation being done. But as I say, the men and women of our country that are serving all around the world I mean, you know, what the hell is my son doing back in the fight? He's back in the fight because, working with Iraqi soldiers who are infinitely better than they were a few years ago to take on ISIS directly so hat we don't have to do it. Small numbers of Marines where he is, working alongside those guys. That's why they're out there. 'Whether it's Niger, Iraq or whatever. We don't want to send tens of thousands of soldiers and Marines in particular to go fight. 'I'll take one more. But it's got to be from someone who knows all right.' REPORTER: 'General, when you talk about Niger, sir, what does your intelligence tell you about the Russian connection with them and what the stories coming out now?' GEN. KELLY: 'I'm not in a position to know that. That's a question for NORTHCOM or for not NORTHCOM, for AFRICOM or D.O.D. So thanks very much. 'As I walk off the stage, understand there's tens of thousands of American kids, mostly, doing the nation's bidding all around the world. They don't have to be in uniform. You know, when I was a kid, every man in my life who was a veteran World War II, Korea, and there was the draft. These young people today, they don't do it for any other reason than their selfless, sense of selfless devotion to this great nation. 'We don't look down upon those of you that haven't served. In fact, in a way we're a little bit sorry, because you'll never have experienced the wonderful joy you get in your heart when you do the kind of things our servicemen and women do. Not for any other reason than they love this country. 'So just think of that. And I appreciate your time. thank you.' A distraught man was filmed walking into a Taiwan police station carrying a bin bag containing the body of the baby daughter he killed 12 years ago. Officers at the Sanmin First Precinct in south-western Taiwan's Kaohsiung City said they were stunned when the father surnamed Lin, 43, turned himself in to officials. He was carrying a black bin bag containing what he claimed was his month-old daughter who he accidentally killed in 2005. Lin said he had lost his temper and unintentionally struck and killed his newborn daughter 12 years ago because she would not stop crying while being bottle-fed. Officers at the Sanmin First Precinct in south-western Taiwan's Kaohsiung City said they were stunned when the father surnamed Lin, 43, turned himself in to officials while carrying the corpse of his daughter A woman (pictured center), who may have been his wife, was with Lin when he turned himself in to police at the station The bag that Lin was carrying (pictured far left) was set on the ground as he spoke with officials He told police that at the time, he 'panicked' and 'didn't know what to do,' so he placed her body in the bin bag and hid it under his and his wife's bed. He then lied to his wife named Kuo, now 38, claiming that his mother had forcefully taken the child to raise on her own, and that he was unable to get their daughter back. The pair had another daughter two years later - and are believed to have slept in the same bed right above their daughter's rotting corpse for a further nine years until they finally divorced in 2013. According to Lin, he became a migrant worker and started moving from place to place while always bringing his daughter's corpse with him in the same black bin bag. Sanmin First Precinct Chief Huang Yi-chang said the details of Lin's case still remain vague and that police would continue to investigate before potentially announcing a manslaughter charge He was filmed getting out of his car and walking into the police station carrying a black bin bag containing what he claimed was his month-old daughter who he accidentally killed in 2005 Lin said he had lost his temper and unintentionally struck and killed his newborn daughter 12 years ago because she would not stop crying while being bottle-fed. Pictured above, police investigate the bin bag brought in by Lin The man said his guilty conscience, as well as recent news of other Taiwanese parents killing their children, gave him the courage to finally come forwards and turn himself in. Sanmin First Precinct Chief Huang Yi-chang said the details of Lin's case still remain vague and that police would continue to investigate before potentially announcing a manslaughter charge. Huang noted that Lin's firstborn had been classified as a missing person five years ago when she should have reached school age - aged seven in Taiwan - but was not listed at any local primary schools. When the authorities investigated at the time, Kuo told the police that she did not know where her husband had taken their daughter. Good Afternoon, We bring you this newsletter in light of our latest update on our farm processor, Newswanger Meats, who humanely kills, processes, and packages our red meat, including pork, beef, and lamb. Newswanger Meats of Shiloh, Ohio is run by Galen Newswanger and his Mennonite family and community. They have been in business now for over a decade and have done an excellent job meeting the demands of two of the largest producers of pasture based meat operations in the Northeast Ohio region. That alone is no easy task. We have searched far and long for a processor to be able to do this. Galen and his crew push the envelope on new products, are professional on all fronts, and extremely skilled in their profession. They have won many awards for their hams and smoked meats and it's safe to say that Newswanger isn't just cutting edge, they are the edge. Earlier this month the Richland County Health Department (HD) was scheduled to take a water sample from Newswanger Meats. The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) requires this to be done in order to obtain and maintain a meat processing license. This particular test conducted did not pass based on evidence of coliform bacteria. The test was taken from a bathroom faucet, which is not an uncommon area for this particular form of bacteria to be present. The HD inspector that took this sample did not follow procedure by properly sanitizing or flushing the area prior to taking the sample. Additionally, the sample needs to come from a production site in the facility where meat is handled. A bathroom is not an approved source from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Immediately following the positive test several new water samples were taken, were independently tested, and all came back negative. As of yesterday the last official sample, taken and approved by the EPA, tested that the water also came back negative and approved Newswanger meats to start production as of this morning. We are sad to say that even though all of the necessary procedures have been taken, we are currently involved in a voluntary recall. All products processed at Newswanger meats from November of 2016 through October, 4th of 2017 are being urged by the ODA to be returned to their point of purchase. The ODA, due to their outdated policies, must recall back to their last known approved water sample, which was November of 2016. This is hard for us to fully understand as in our business we rely on trust and transparency from our customers. We work extremely hard to bring a premium product to your table. It sometimes takes years for that animal to grow: beef 18-24 months, pork 7-8 months, and lambs 6-7 months. This is all negated by one day at a processing plant based on a suspect water test at best, by an over-zealous ODA. We would also like to make note that water samples are supposed to be taken twice a year. The last water sample taken was November of 2016 and six months from that date would be have been May of 2017. This test was ironically skipped by the HD of Richland County and no course of action was taken from the ODA. We are very aware of bureaucracy and how it works, the ball rolls and the blame is pushed from one agency to the next. However, due to the incompetency of both agencies we are now left with the remnants of a tsunami and what seems like an onslaught of self-righteous, chest-pounding inspectors. We are by no means down playing the severity of coliform, however, we are frustrated with how this was handled and blown way out of proportion. These are not big companies like the ODA is used to dealing with. These are small farms and family owned companies, many of which will undoubtedly feel the financial burden of this. Below is a simple FAQ to help you better digest what you just read: Has anyone reported any illness in the last 11 months consuming Newswanger Meats products or those from any affiliates? No, there has been not one reported illness out of 500,000 pounds of meat that has been issued for voluntary recall by the ODA. This recall was not issued over anyone being ill or any product that was found to be contaminated. What should I do with any meat that is in our freezers? You are urged by the ODA to return meat to your point of purchase. Please keep in mind that there is no middle ground here from the ODA's stand point. Common sense and bureaucracy do not co-exist. There is no reasoning with them, period. However, common sense and opinion tells us that most of meat in question is likely already consumed and everyone is safe. Our opinion only is that we will continue to consume our products with zero concern. If you have meat in your freezers, it is under your discretion to either discard, consume, or return for a full refund. How do I get a refund? All returned products will be recorded and refunds will be issued within 6-8 weeks. We have never been through this before and are allocating plenty of time to work through all of these details. Please return small products to the Countryside Farmer's Market at Howe Meadows or e-mail Melanie, melanie@bruntyfarms.com, to schedule a time for farm drop off. Any sides or whole animal purchases will be replaced with the un-consumed amount of meat as soon as possible. Are you currently out of stock? Yes, currently our freezers are bare. We have had animals killed at another facility this week and they will hopefully be cut and wrapped before the weekend. If not this weekend, it will be done by early next week. Many companies are affected by this and are in dire need of product, but replacing product quickly is not an easy process. We are very fortunate in raising enough animals right now with the anticipation of our butcher shop opening later this year. What about your poultry? All poultry is done in a separate facility. These items are not included in the recall. However, chicken is about sold out. We will be stocked back up on all chicken cuts and whole chickens in a few weeks. You can still order your Thanksgiving turkey here. How do I tell if meat I purchased is of date? There is a ledger above the ODA symbol that has a code. Anything beginning with 16K, 16L, or 17A-17J is involved in the recall. Are you continuing to use Newswanger Meats as your processor? Absolutely. We have been extremely satisfied and will continue to use them. With the addition of our butcher shop this winter we will be doing the majority of this ourselves. One thing we did learn is once the butcher shop is open we will be taking water samples monthly to ensure the safety of our product! Are you alone in thinking that this is unjust and there was incompetence involved? No, we are not. Everyone we have talked to is absolutely baffled and is working diligently to solve this. One particular person that has Newswanger's best interest moving forward is Christopher Young, director of American Association of Meat Processors. Below is his email to the Dr. Wagner, Director of the ODA. Dear Dr. Wagner, I am writing to you in regards to the actions that your agency has taken against Newswanger Meats. I just returned to the U.S. and have been brought up to speed on the water test and subsequent recall that has followed, and was just informed of your new action to ask for a recall extending back to the previous good water test that Newswanger Meats had. I am baffled by the actions that your agency has taken based on a water test that is suspect at best. The proper protocol for taking a water sample was not taken, the sample was not taken in a production area, but instead taken in a men's Bathroom faucet that in itself was not properly prepared before the test was taken. The water test in question was your sole reason to issue a recall and now to extend that recall. The actions of your agency have put the business and lively hood of not only the owners of Newswanger meats in jeopardy but also their employees. I believe you have also put your agency in a bad situation. It is the responsibility of my Association to work to defend our members when we believe regulatory agencies have taken actions that are unwarranted and based on findings that are not accurate. I am writing to you to let you know that I am prepared to take all actions necessary to make sure that Newswanger Meats is not being forced to take actions that we believe are incorrect. I am not writing this as a threat, but I wanted you to know that AAMP is prepared to work with Newswanger Meats and provide them with any resources they need to defend themselves against these actions including legal counsel if necessary. I am hoping that we do not need to get involved beyond this letter to you. I am asking you to review again what has taken place and reconsider the current course of actions that your agency has under taken at the expense of Newswanger Meats. Thank you for your time and further consideration of this matter. Christopher Young Executive Director American Association of Meat Processors 717-367-1168 office chris@aamp.com Who do I contact with questions or concerns? Please contact Melanie, melanie@bruntyfarms.com, with your questions or concerns. You can also leave a message at the office phone, 330-594-7315, and we will return your call as soon as possible. THANK YOU for your support and patience as we work through this! Sincerely from the bottom of our hearts, Jeff and Melanie Brunty A former high school science teacher in Kansas is heading to trial after being accused of having a sexual relationship with a student for six months. Gabrielle Bauman, 24, was accused of having sexual relations with one of her students between November 2016 and May 2017. According to WIBW, she resigned in July after teaching anatomy and biology at Hiawatha High School for just one year. Gabrielle Bauman, 24 (pictured), is accused of having sex with one of her students between November 2016 and May 2017 Bauman has been charged with one count of unlawful sexual relations (Pictured, left, Bauman with former science teacher Chris Vitt) Bauman was a student teacher for one semester and then was hired by the district as an instructor for the 2016-2017 school year, reported Hiawatha World Online. The school board accepted her resignation at the regular July board meeting. Bauman was arrested on August 29 on charges of one count of unlawful sexual relations, a level 5 person felony. The arrest occurred allegedly after a report was made to Hiawatha USD 415 Board of Education administration in mid-June 2017. The school board accepted Bauman's (pictured, center, in green) resignation at the regular July board meeting. She was arrested on August 29 Bauman taught anatomy and biology at Hiawatha High School (pictured), in Hiawatha, Kansas, for one year According to the complaint, the alleged victim was a 'person 16 years or older who was a student enrolled at Hiawatha High School where the offender was employed'. Police 'investigation included the execution of a search warrant and forensic review of several electronic devices by the Hiawatha Police Department's Digital Forensics Unit and the Heart of America Regional Computer Forensic Lab in Kansas City,' Brown Country Attorney Kevin Hill said in a statement. Bauman waved her right to a preliminary hearing on Wednesday. She was then bound over for trial at Brown County District Court. Hill says an arraignment hearing has been set for November 27. Bauman is currently free on $5,000 bond. Arizona Sen. John McCain will continue settling scores in a new tell-all memoir set for release this spring. The longtime senator known for his 'maverick' reputation infuriated President Trump when he cast a 'no' vote for a Senate GOP Obamacare repeal bill and then trashed the process that lead to its hurried development. Then McCain warned this week in a speech of 'half-baked, spurious nationalism cooked up by people who would rather find scapegoats than solve problems" in a clear dig at Trump. His remarks even appeared to compare the threat to fascism and communism when he warned of 'an attachment to any other tired dogma of the past that Americans consigned to the ash heap of history." Now, McCain is toiling away at a memoir, aided by his longtime confidante Mark Salter. Sen. John McCain (L) (R-AZ) returns to the U.S. Senate accompanied by his wife Cindy (R) July 25, 2017 in Washington, has begun work on a tell-all memoir as he battles brain cancer He even changed the title from a sarcastic quip favored by the 2000 GOP nominee to one that reflects the 'just causes' and 'great fights' that McCain has championed over the years. The Restless Wave: Good Times, Just Causes, Great Fights, and Other Appreciations is scheduled to come out in April, publisher Simon & Schuster told The Associated Press on Friday. The publisher quietly signed up the book in February, without any formal announcement. In July, McCain disclosed he had been diagnosed with brain cancer and last month he said the prognosis was very poor. McCain, 81, was re-elected to a sixth term in the Senate in 2016. THUMBS DOWN: The longtime senator known for his 'maverick' reputation infuriated President Trump when he cast a 'no' vote for a Senate GOP Obamacare repeal bill This memoir will be about what matters most to him, and I hope it will be regarded as the work of an American hero, said Jonathan Karp, president and publisher of Simon & Schusters flagship imprint. The book is expected to begin in 2008, when the Arizona Republican lost to Barack Obama in the presidential election, and will include his no-holds-barred opinions on last years campaign and on current events in Washington. McCain has been a sharp critic of President Donald Trump, a fellow Republican, and was a key opponent last summer of GOP efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Earlier this week, McCain denounced half-baked, spurious nationalism cooked up by people who would rather find scapegoats than solve problems, remarks widely taken as criticism of Trump and such allies as former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon. Senator and Presidential nominee John McCain goes back to his political roots and holds a town hall on the Sunday before election day in Peterborough, NH. This was the site of one of his first town halls in his bid for 2000 and 2008. It was also the site of his 100th town hall for the 2008 race. The book is expected to start at his loss to Barack Obama Candid, pragmatic, and always fascinating, John McCain holds nothing back in his latest memoir, according to the publisher. The memoir already has a notable change: The original title was Its Always Darkest Before Its Totally Black, an expression McCain likes to cite. The Restless Wave reunites him with longtime collaborator Mark Salter and with Karp, his longtime editor. The three worked together on McCains million-selling Faith of My Fathers, which came out in 1999, and on such subsequent releases as Worth the Fighting For and Why Courage Matters. In a recent email, Salter told the AP that there was still a ways to go before the books completion, but that McCain was hard at it. The original focus was on international issues, his experiences overseas and movements and people hes supported over the years. Senator John McCain 2000 Presidential Campaign bus in Atlanta, Georgia, February 13, 2000 Rep. John McCain speaking on Contra aid There will still be examples of that in the book, but it will be a little more expansive and reflective about his career and life, the direction of our politics and our leadership in the world, and the causes and values that matter most to him, Salter wrote. The original title was an old joke he employed often over the years. But the Senator thought it was too flip for some of the subjects he now wants to address. For Karp, The Restless Wave is a poignant, painful reminder of a previous book he edited: True Compass, by McCains good friend Sen. Edward M. Kennedy. As with the McCain book, Karp signed up Kennedys memoir before he was diagnosed with brain cancer. Kennedy died in August 2009, just weeks before True Compass was published. Both men represent the best of leadership, Karp said. Both men have been giants of the Senate who demonstrated an ability to work across the aisle in a truly admirable way. Alexandra Stewart, also known as Alexandra Dewsnup, was arrested on Wednesday after being turned in to police by her parents A woman's parents have turned her in to police after recognizing her in surveillance footage robbing an epileptic man as he had a seizure at a Utah 7/11. Alexandra Stewart, who was booked into jail under her maiden name of Dewsnup, was arrested on Wednesday in Salt Lake City. The 28-year-old woman is accused of stealing Dustin Malone's credit card from his wallet as he lay writhing on the ground of a 7/11 on October 4. She was seen on store surveillance footage standing over Justin as he seized, rifling through his wallet as she looked over her shoulder to ensure no one was watching. Another customer is even seen walking by the pair without noticing the theft. Police released the video to the public in the hope of catching his robber earlier this month. Stewart's parents were among members of the public who responded after seeing it to identify her. When questioned, the woman is said to have told police that she was under the influence of Xanax at the time and does not remember carrying out the robbery but admits it is her in the video. Her family has since made contact with the victim and told him she is mentally ill. Scroll down for video Stewart, 28, was filmed on store cameras going through the wallet of Dustin Malone as he lay on the ground having a seizure. His kicking legs are visible above, next to Stewart's feet Not long afterwards, she is accused of attempting to use Malone's credit card to buy clothes online. It is not clear whether her parents, JoDee and Tim, believe she was under the influence of the prescription drug. Neither responded to questions on Friday morning, nor did the suspect's husband. According to NBC Utah, Stewart was previously accused of theft after stealing a co-workers debit card.She pleaded guilty to a reduced charge. On social media, she describes herself as a receptionist for the Department of Health. The woman remains in county jail on a $5,000 bond and faces three charges; violation of parole, theft and possession with intent to sell transfer information of a financial transaction card. All are felonies. Malone is a nursing assistant who suffers epilepsy. He told NBC how he collapsed shortly after walking into the 7/11 on October 4. Police say the woman's mother JoDee and her father Tim McNutt are among those who called them to identify her after seeing the surveillance footage in a public appeal Stewart, a married 28-year-old receptionist, says she was on Xanax at the time of the robbery and does not remember it Victim: Dustin Malone, who suffers epilepsy, said he was horrified after being shown the video by police but says he forgave his robber when her family contacted him to say she was mentally ill The robbery took place at this 7/11 in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 4 'Just as soon as I had walked in the door, I just started getting the tunnel vision and the normal aura, as they call it. The woman claims to work as a receptionist for the Department of Health. She remains in county jail 'I go completely stiff, my eyes go back, I lose consciousness and I collapse,' he said. After the seizure, he realized his license and credit card were missing from his wallet. He was then shown the video by police and was horrified. 'My jaw hit the desk when I saw that. I always said, "nothing ceases to amaze me," and then I saw that video,' he added. Malone has since forgiven his robber, he said, and hopes that she gets the 'help' he believes she needs. He revealed that since the robbery, her family has contacted him to tell him she is mentally ill. 'As a healthcare professional my primary priority is the physical and mental wellbeing of those I come into contact with. She is no exception to that. If she truly wants help I will help her. 'I as the victim have forgiven her and I ask you as a community to do the same,' he told Fox 13. The New South Wales Fair Trading Minister has stepped in to stop baby formula being stripped off shelves and sold with massive mark ups overseas. Minister Matt Kean has announced his office will investigate to ensure Australian parents have access to baby formula. 'I've asked my department to look at exactly what they can do to make sure parents can get this product at a fair price,' Minister Kean told 7 News on Friday. The announcement comes just days after video emerged of 'crazy' shoppers at a Melbourne Coles buying milk formula in bulk. Scroll down for videos NSW Fair Trading Minister Matt Kean has announced his office will ensure Australian parents have access to baby formula Hannah Dixon (pictured) filmed a wild storm of shoppers scrambling for precious tins of baby milk formula described the scene as 'crazy' Shoppers were filmed greedily filling their shopping baskets straight from a trolley stocked with the formula at a Melbourne Coles (pictured) 'It was just chaos, they were going through collecting their items ... just sprinting backwards and forwards,' Ms Dixon said Hannah Dixon filmed the frenzy of about 20 shoppers snapping up tins of formula before staff can even stack it on the shelves on Wednesday. The Asian shoppers told Ms Dixon off for filming the mayhem however she continued to film, shocked they were abusing the system. 'It was just chaos, they were going through collecting their items ... just sprinting backwards and forwards,' Ms Dixon told A Current Affair. 'They seemed to be working together, they all had the same system.' Ms Dixon filmed the huge line of Asian shoppers waiting to fill their baskets with tins of baby formula, telling them she knew it was legal, but 'it was wrong'. 'There were workers telling them to stop running ... it was a hazard to the other customers,' she said. 'I've asked my department to look at exactly what they can do to make sure parents can get this product at a fair price,' Minister Kean said Ms Dixon filmed the huge line of Asian shoppers waiting to fill their baskets with tins of baby formula, telling them she knew it was legal, but 'it was wrong' 'I was shocked at first ... I thought there were people trying to steal things.' A quarter of all Australian baby milk formula is purchased by Chinese agents and sold at pop ups around the nation, or online to China, 7 News reports. Many major supermarkets have been forced to set a limit of four per customer, however crowds of Asian shoppers buy four tins and then return to buy more shortly after. 'It's a massive loop hole they were getting through,' Ms Dixon told the network. Ms Dixon said the shoppers were doing the rounds, buying four tins per the store limit before coming back and buying more There is a nationwide shortage of baby formula prompting supermarkets to set a customer limit Several annoyed shoppers told Ms Dixon she wasn't allowed to film them because she didn't have their permission. 'I understand, it's just wrong,' Ms Dixon said in the video. 'They're just doing the rounds, they're going through checkouts and coming back all over again.' In the video shared to Coles' Facebook page, a Coles staff member can be heard telling Ms Dixon they have a 'four per person limit' and had more formula 'out the back for other customers'. 'You're cheating the system though,' Ms Dixon told the Asian shoppers. Coles said they were committed to ensuring their 'genuine' customers had access to baby formula 'As we are currently experiencing unprecedented demand, we are limiting sales quantities to four units per customer,' Coles wrote 'I know it's legal ... but it's still wrong.' One customer replied to the concerned shopper, telling her she could 'buy as well'. 'They got a lot of supply,' he told Ms Dixon. Coles responded to the video, saying they were committed to ensuring their 'genuine' customers had access to baby formula. 'As we are currently experiencing unprecedented demand, we are limiting sales quantities to four units per customer,' Coles wrote. Facebook users were quick to point out that this behaviour was commonplace across Australian stores 'We're continuing our work to ensure our policies are strictly adhered to store to store.' The shoppers storming the store for milk formula is the latest in a long line of incidents leaving customers furious over the nationwide shortage. Australian customers who need the product have taken to social media saying they can't get milk formula for their babies because of the shoppers stocking up and selling it off shore. Last month 7 News revealed a backyard warehouse in Sydney full of pallets of baby formula tins ready to be sent to China's black market known as 'daigous'. The demand for Australian baby milk formula is high in China because it is believed to be of higher quality. A young woman has died in hospital two days after being hit by an alleged drunk driver on a pedestrian crossing in Queensland. Danica Fullerton, 19, died in hospital two days after being struck by a driver on a pedestrian crossing Danica Fullerton, 19, was struck and dragged by a vehicle as she cycled across a pedestrian crossing on Pettigrew St, in Caboolture, around 8.30pm on Tuesday night. She was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital but tragically died from her injuries on Thursday. The tragedy has shocked her family and friends, with tributes flowing on social media since news of her death. Ms Fullerton's older sister Catherine led heartfelt tributes, saying she had 'lost my best friend'. 'Last night I lost my beautiful sister...my best friend. I am still shocked and so heartbroken,' she wrote. 'You didnt deserve this. I feel like Ive just lost a huge piece of myself. 'I love you and will miss you so much Danica.' The 33-year-old male driver of the ute allegedly returned a blood-alcohol reading of 0.114 per cent. Danica Fullerton (centre) was hit by an alleged drunk driver while cycling across a pedestrian crossing on Tuesday He was charged with driving a motor vehicle while over the middle alcohol limit but not over the high alcohol limit, Queensland police reported. The man is due to appear in Caboolture Magistrates Court on November 29. His charges are expected to be upgraded following Ms Fullertons death. A former adult film star who was ever able to earn the coveted title of 'Playboy' Playmate is lashing out at the magazine for their decision to feature a transgender model as their November centerfold. Jenna Jameson erupted on Twitter just a few hours after French beauty Ines Rau was revealed as the first transgender Playmate, stating: 'So @Playboy just announced it will be featuring its first transgender playmate...' She then added three emojis of a blond woman scratching her head in confusion. 'I have a problem with it just like I have a problem with a transgender competing against biological women in sports,' Jameson later added, despite the fact that the biological females in the pages of 'Playboy' have often undergone performance-enhancing procedures as well before their shoots. The 43-year-old mother-of-two also quickly dismissed the notion that she was a bigot, declaring: 'Just because I don't agree with a trans person being in Playboy doesn't mean I'm "transphobic". People these days with all their "phobics"' That tweet was accompanied by an emoji of a face rolling its eyes. Jameson then spent the next eight hours liking a number of transphobic tweets posted by her fans that were filled with vulgarity, hate speech and hurtful comments about the stunning Rau. Scroll down for video Playboy play-hate: Jenna Jameson (above in 2015) said that transgender women do not belong on the cover or in the pages of 'Playboy' Bad analogy: 'It's just like a 'transgender competing against biological women in sports,' Jameson later added, despite the fact that the biological females in the pages of 'Playboy' have often undergone performance-enhancing procedures Beauty: Ines Rau is the Playmate of the month for November 2017, making the French model the first transgender woman to appear in the magazine's centerfold (Rau above in the magazine) 'Who's clamoring to see that? Is there a market to see a guy with his d*** cut off? #sorrystilladude,' got a like from Jameson after it was posted shortly after midnight. 'Men buy Playboy to look at women in states of undress. Not a dude, pretending to be a woman. That is a freak show,' also earned the Jameson seal of approval. Then there were a number of tweets drawing correlations between transgender people and child sex offenders that filled Jameson with enough happiness to click a like. 'I couldn't careless about trans ppl however i do care that the left are using them to push an agenda that leads onto other things like pedos,' read one of those tweets. Also drawing lots of likes were tweets calling trans people mentally ill, and arguing that heightened suicide numbers are fabricated for the group. Sour grapes: Jameson (above on right in 2003) was never a Playmate One of those tweets that Jenna liked read: 'Suicide rate is up because of alot people are misdiagnosed and they transition and realize too late that they are not trans.' There was also a GIF of Jim Carrey dry heaving in 'Dumb & Dumber' that was left in response to Jameson's transgender tweets that got a like from the retired porn star. Of the more than 20 offensive tweets that James liked, two stood out as particularly hateful and vulgar. 'Stop confusing our children they don't belong period,' wrote one man about transgender people, a tweet which Jameson was the first and only person to like. The second tweet was also only liked by Jenna, and read: 'MEN WANT TO SEE WOMEN, NOT SOME F****Y LITTLE FREAK SEEKING ATTENTION FROM ANYONE.' Seven hours later, Jameson did write in one tweet: 'I love my gay and trans peeps.' Bad look: Jameson then liked a number of vulgar, offensive and hateful tweets containing transphobic comments over the course of eight hours after posting that claim Jameson, 43, was once the 'Queen of Porn' up until retiring in 2008, though in 2013 she began to do web videos. She managed to turn her stardom into an empire that made her a millionaire, and even landed on a 2003 cover of 'Playboy.' That cover was shared with two actresses, while Rau got an eight-page spread to herself in the November/December issue. She is seen in the iconic bunny ears and a white angora sweater in one of the seven accompanying images and wears nothing but a G-string as she poses with a string of lights wrapped around her bare breasts in another photo. And for the centerfold, Rau is photographed completely naked except for a pair of red velvet heels as she lies on the ground, thus covering up everything except for her rear. This all combined to make Jameson's blood run cold, feeling as though her memories had just been sold. 'I think it's setting fire to an iconic brand and pandering to this ridiculous PC world we live in,' said Jameson. Rau also makes it clear that she has no time for her transphobic critics, stating: 'If I want to get a sex change it's between myself and my body. I could hide it, but I don't, because I respect people.' The 43-year-old mother-of-two also quickly dismissed the notion that she was a bigot or 'transphobic' (Jameson above with her youngest son Jourtney) Dare to bare: Rau, 26, bares her breasts in the 8-page spread and for the centerfold is completely naked except for a pair of red velvet heels as she lies on the ground On top of the world: Rau stars alongside Kate Upton and Lily Aldridge in a video for 'Vogue' (above) This is not her first time in 'Playboy' however, with Rau previously appearing nude in a 2014 spread shot by Ryan McGinley that led to her pursuing a modeling career. The 26-year-old has since walked the runway for the likes of Balmain and Hood by Air and recently shot a video for 'Vogue.' Late founder Hugh Hefner covers the November / December issue (above) A shoot for 'Vogue' and walking the runways of Paris were also two accomplishments that proved to be elusive for Jameson. Rau began transitioning with hormonal treatments when she was 16 and had reassignment surgery shortly after that time. Rau also spoke about coming out as transgender after people assumed she was cisgender. 'I lived a long time without saying I was transgender,' Rau said in the pages of the magazine. 'I dated a lot and almost forgot. I was scared of never finding a boyfriend and being seen as weird. Then I was like, you know, you should just be who you are.' She continued: 'It's a salvation to speak the truth about yourself, whether it's your gender, sexuality, whatever. The people who reject you aren't worth it.' Rau then poignantly noted: 'It's not about being loved by others: it's about loving yourself.' Japan's Emperor Akihito is expected to abdicate by March 2019, allowing his son Crown Prince Naruhito to become the new Emperor by April. The 83-year-old, who has ruled over Japan for more than two decades, is expected to become the first monarch to step down in the country for nearly 200 years. The government is now in the final stages of formalising an 18-month plan for when he finally leaves his post, local media claim. In June, Japan's parliament passed a law which would allow Emperor Akihito to abdicate after he has undergone heart surgery and treatment for prostate cancer. Emperor Kokaku was the last Japanese monarch to step down in 1817 - and the move to allow Emperor Akihito the chance to step aside has been met with resistance. Japan's leading government spokesman denied that an 18-month timetable had been drawn up. Japan's Emperor Akihito will abdicate by March 2019, allowing his son Crown Prince Naruhito to become the new Emperor in April 2019 Chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga said: 'We are not aware of the report and there is not such fact. 'We will continue to discuss appropriately and will do our best to carry out the emperor's abdication smoothly.' The Imperial Household agency are thought to be keen on a spring 2019 deadline as many ritual events are scheduled during the autumn and winter months. The emperor himself last year admitted that he feared his age might make it hard for him to keep up his duties. Empress Michiko said in an address on her 83rd birthday that this year's travels around Japan with Emperor Ahikito might be their last. She said that she felt an 'immeasurable sense of peace' that her husband would be allowed to spend quiet days at home once he abdicates. Donald Trump sparked an international row today by linking rising crime in the UK to 'radical Islamic terror'. Stats show that his claim is both right and wrong, in that the number of terror arrests in Britain has increased in the past year, but they are still a tiny proportion of the 5.2million crimes revealed in yesterday's report. Home Office data showing the number of people detained over suspected terrorism increased to 379 last year - the highest since records began. But murders and attempted murders attributed to terrorism represent well under one per cent of the crimes cited in yesterday's report, nearly all of which have no link to extremism. Donald Trump caused uproar with this tweet, linking terrorism to the increase in British crime The president appeared to suggest the increase in overall crime was due to Islamic extremism The sweep of raids following attacks in Westminster, Manchester and London Bridge, coupled with the rising number of threats being thwarted, led to a two thirds increase in suspected extremists being detained. Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has said that, on top of the five high-profile terror attacks which have taken place in Britain, this year, police have foiled six further attacks in the last few months. The report into recorded crime released by the Office for National Statistics yesterday mentioned how terrorism has increased the stats relating to some crime. It stated: 'There was a substantial increase of 59% in the number of attempted murder offences to 426 offences in the latest year. This rise is due largely to the London and Manchester terror attacks, where the police recorded 294 attempted murder offences.' The report also states: 'Of the 664 homicides recorded in the year ending June 2017, there were 35 relating to the London and Manchester terror attacks.' Police made scores of arrests after the Manchester and London attacks, with the number of terror suspects detained last year rising to more than 370 Scotland Yard has beefed up its anti-terror force, but the vast majority of crime in the UK, well under 1%, is linked to terrorism Keith Hunter, of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, also mentioned growing threat from terrorism when discussing the figures. He said: 'There are undoubtedly key pressures on police time coming from rising overall crime levels, more complex crimes being committed, a growing terrorist threat and, more than ever, the police being called on as a last resort when other agencies lack their own capacity.' His comments suggest some increase in non-terrorism crime could be down to police having to spend more of their time monitoring extremists or handling the fall-out of attacks. However, the increases reported in those crimes are a tiny proportion of the overall crime in England and Wales, which increased by 13 per cent. Stats showed the overall level of recording crime increasing by 13% to 5.2million offences The 294 attempted murders and 35 homicides related to terror attacks are small compared to the 235,000 burglaries, 200,000 harassment cases and 370,000 cases of shoplifting which have no link to terrorism at all. The 35 murders by terrorists are also only 5% of the overall 664 killings in England and Wales last year. Many of the offences which showed the largest increases, sexual grooming (up 64%), causing fear or distress (up 59%) and stalking (up 45%) are nothing to do with Islamic extremism. The ONS report stated: 'The 13% increase in police recorded crime from previous year, reflects a range of factors including continuing improvements to crime recording and genuine increases in some crime categories, especially those that are well-recorded.' A plan to quadruple the size of the Alamo with a major restoration project has been attacked by conservatives over worries its history will be sanitized. At a time when Confederate statues are being removed across the country, some Texans are fearing the battle site will become the latest victim of 'political correctness'. Land Commissioner George P. Bush - son of former Florida governor Jeb - is overseeing a 7-year revamp of the shrine where 189 Texas independence fighters were killed by Mexican Gen. Santa Anna's troops in 1836. The site's size would quadruple after excavation and restoration of historical structures, the closing of nearby streets and the building of a more than 100,000-square foot museum to house artifacts and guide visitors through the Alamo's history. At a time when Confederate statues are being removed across the country, some Texans are fearing the battle site (pictured) will become the latest victim of 'political correctness' Land Commissioner George P. Bush - son of former Florida governor Jeb - is overseeing a 7-year revamp of the shrine where 189 Texas independence fighters were killed by Mexican Gen. Santa Anna's troops in 1836. Pictured: A historical drawing of the battle Jerry Patterson, a Republican who was Bush's predecessor as land commissioner, said the issue of slave owners among the Alamo independence fighters is sure to be raised. Alamo commander William Travis owned slaves and Jim Bowie (pictured), his co-commander, traded them Even though the Alamo battle was well before the Civil War, some of the participants were slaveholders. Jerry Patterson, a Republican who was Bush's predecessor as land commissioner, said the issue of slave owners among the Alamo independence fighters is sure to be raised. Alamo commander William Travis owned slaves and Bowie, his co-commander, traded them. 'History's full of warts,' Patterson said. 'There are no men, icons of the past, that will stand up to modern scrutiny.' Pop icon Phil Collins, who spent decades collecting Alamo artifacts, has begun donating most of them to Texas, including a leather pouch belonging to slain defender Davey Crockett, as well as the knife of Jim Bowie, namesake of today's fixed blade Bowie knife. The renovation project calls for the artifacts to be displayed in the new museum. A flashpoint has been the fate of the Cenotaph, a 60-foot granite monument near the Alamo completed in 1940 and engraved with the names of those killed during the battle. The city of San Antonio wants to move it to a site somewhat farther away. But critics fear the Cenotaph will suffer the fate of some Confederate monuments and be banished. Hundreds of protesters showed up at the Alamo last weekend, some wearing colonial costumes and holding signs reading: 'Leave the Alamo Alone.' The ruling Republican Party of Texas was so concerned that its executive committee voted 57-1 in September to urge Bush to keep the focus of the overhaul on the battle itself and calling for more transparency in how the effort is funded. The criticism from fellow Republicans has put the latest political star of the Bush family on the defensive. Pictured: George P Bush with his wife Amanda The ruling Republican Party of Texas was so concerned that its executive committee voted 57-1 in September to urge Bush to keep the focus of the overhaul on the battle itself and calling for more transparency in how the effort is funded. Pictured: The Alamo During the war of independence from Mexico, Texas forces occupied the Alamo (pictured), which had been founded by Spaniards as a Franciscan mission in 1718 but was relocated to its current spot, now in in the heart of San Antonio, America's seventh-largest city, in 1724 Pop icon Phil Collins (pictured), who spent decades collecting Alamo artifacts, has begun donating most of them to Texas, including a leather pouch belonging to slain defender Davey Crockett, as well as the knife of Jim Bowie, namesake of today's fixed blade Bowie knife 'This isn't just some memory that's popular in movies, these were living, breathing people,' said Lee Spencer White, a descendant of Gordon C. Jennings, who at 56 was the oldest defender killed at the Alamo. 'The Alamo's personal.' The criticism from fellow Republicans has put the latest political star of the Bush family on the defensive. The 41-year-old Bush has used funds for his re-election bid next year on a website and radio ads defending the restoration. Though vastly outnumbered by Mexican soldiers, the defenders held out during a 13-day siege before being overrun on March 6, 1836. Pictured, left to right: Patrick Wilson (playing William Travis, Billy Bob Thornton (playing Davey Crockett) and Jason Patric (playing James Bowie) from the 2004 movie 'The Alamo' 'My focus isn't on the politics, it's on preserving the Alamo,' Bush said via email. 'I'm focused on telling the story of the heroic battle for freedom - proudly, purposefully and better than ever before.' Bush's critics say his Hispanic heritage - his mother is Mexican - isn't an issue, noting that many Tejanos - Texans of Hispanic descent - played prominent roles during the Battle of the Alamo. They included Gregorio Esparza, who was given the chance to flee beforehand but stayed and was killed in battle. Still, during the Cenotaph protest, one demonstrator bellowed: 'Vote George P. Santa Anna Bush out of office' to applause. The defenders' bravery became a rallying cry and Texas won independence the following month, then became part of the United States nine years later. Pictured: The Alamo Chapel During the war of independence from Mexico, Texas forces occupied the Alamo, which had been founded by Spaniards as a Franciscan mission in 1718 but was relocated to its current spot, now in in the heart of San Antonio, America's seventh-largest city, in 1724. Though vastly outnumbered by Mexican soldiers, the defenders held out during a 13-day siege before being overrun on March 6, 1836. Their bravery became a rallying cry and Texas won independence the following month, then became part of the United States nine years later. Supporters of the Alamo revamp emphasize that there is good reason to upgrade the site, which is visited by more than 2.5 million people a year. The existing shrine is small and offers relatively little to see. Nearby is what some have called a 'carnival' atmosphere, with Ripley's Believe It or Not!, and other buildings that are being bought up in the renovation. Bush's office is working with a Philadelphia-based historic preservation and architecture firm with the goal of presenting the Alamo's full history. The site's public space would expand from around two acres to 9.5 acres, though public outcry already halted a proposal to build glass walls around the entire area. Santa Anna ordered the original walls around the Alamo torn down after the battle, but remnants remain underground and plans are to excavate and possibly place them under glass for visitors to view. Bush's office is working with a Philadelphia-based historic preservation and architecture firm with the goal of presenting the Alamo's full history. Pictured: The Alamo Supporters of the Alamo revamp emphasize that there is good reason to upgrade the site, which is visited by more than 2.5 million people a year. Pictured: A drawing of the Alamo after it fell to Mexican troops San Antonio has pledged $38 million for the revamp and the Texas Legislature has approved $106.5 million since 2015. The project's total cost could reach $450 million, though much of that may be raised privately. State contracts suggest Bush's office paid nearly $4.9 million on an Alamo renovation master plan, but Bush wouldn't say exactly how much has been spent so far. Exactly what the new Alamo will look like also isn't clear. Artists' renderings were released previously, but Bush's office says those weren't official. Construction hasn't started but is scheduled to finish by 2024, when the Alamo turns 300 at its current location. The controversy is lost on most Alamo tourists, including Sue and Dave Gay who visited recently from Rochester, New York. 'You can't change what it is,' said Sue Gay, a 50-year-old nurse, said of the current Alamo site. 'Just because it's small doesn't make it any less significant.' Ordering an egg and bacon roll with their takeaway coffee could have been the saving grace for one couple who were caught up in a terrifying truck crash in NSW. Retiree Tony Deakin and wife Jenny were caught in the violent firing line of an allegedly stolen semi-trailer which hurtled down the main street of Singleton, NSW last week. The runaway semi-trailer ploughed into a number of cars, cafes and pubs at 100km/h before bursting into flames, leaving behind what resembled the set of a Hollywood war movie. Retiree Tony Deakin (left) and wife Jenny (right) were caught in the violent firing line of an allegedly stolen semi-trailer which hurtled down the main street of Singleton last week The semi-trailer (pictured) ploughed into a number of cars, cafes and pubs at 100km/h before bursting into flames, leaving behind what resembled the set of a Hollywood war movie Mrs Deakin, a childcare worker, survived the horrific crash after being airlifted to hospital in a critical condition as her husband was also rushed to hospital in a critical condition Mrs Deakin, a childcare worker, survived the horrific crash after being airlifted to hospital in a critical condition as her husband was also rushed to hospital in a critical condition. On their way to Newcastle for a medical appointment, the couple aged in their 60s stopped at a cafe along the way but never got a 'drop of coffee'. Seconds after getting into their car, Mr Deakin heard a noise, then saw the truck 'roaring' behind them, according to The Daily Telegraph. 'Then all hell broke loose. It smashed into the back of us and spun us around,' he said. 'We got pushed and we went one side of the big telegraph pole and the truck went the other side of the big telegraph pole. 'We bounced off the wall and came back out off the footpath and then it hit us again. It collected us and spun us around again.' On their way to Newcastle for a medical appointment, the couple aged in their 60s stopped at a cafe along the way but never got a 'drop of coffee' Seconds after getting into their car, Mr Deakin heard a noise, then saw the truck 'roaring' behind them, according to Daily Telegraph 'We bounced off the wall and came back out off the footpath and then it hit us again. It collected us and spun us around again,' he said Another eight people were injured during chaotic crash on George St, Wednesday October 11 The retiree told the publication it was like a 'war zone' and they were lucky not to be dragged with the truck as it burst into flames, however their car was written off. Mrs Deakin had a suspected broken pelvis, but was later discovered to not be fractured while her husband suffered bruising down his body. Another eight people were injured during the chaotic crash on George St, Wednesday October 11. Debbie Anderson, 59, was also taken to hospital following bruising on her arms and legs after getting caught in the shocking crash. Ms Anderson told Daily Mail Australia last week the accident happened so quickly and all she could see was the truck coming towards her. 'The truck drove the red car [into my car], ploughed it like it was ploughing a field,' she said. Mrs Deakin had a suspected broken pelvis, but was later discovered to not be fractured while her husband suffered bruising down his body The retiree told the publication it was like a 'war zone' (pictured) and they were lucky not to be dragged with the truck as it burst into flames, however their car was written off 29-year-old Rod Johnson allegedly stole the semi-trailer full of fertiliser from a petrol station while the driver was paying for fuel more than 100km away from Singleton 'I'd been thrown sideways ... all I could see was dust, I didn't know if it was smoke.' Ms Anderson said she forced her car door open and was then looked after by some people at a nearby cafe until paramedics arrived. 'There was police and people everywhere ... the truck ended up down further probably 100 metres away,' she said. 'It was something you would see in the movies.' 29-year-old Rod Johnson allegedly stole the semi-trailer full of fertiliser from a petrol station while the driver was paying for fuel more than 100km away from Singleton. Police deployed road spikes on the outskirts of the NSW town before the truck rumbled down the main street. Johnson was charged with multiple offences over the incident. JACKSON COUNTY, Mississippi -- Although its focus is as yet unknown, local officials have confirmed the FBI has begun an investigation of activities involving the Jackson County Utility Authority. The JCUA's newest board member, Jerry Munro, said he was aware of the investigation, but was not privy to much in the way of details and had not been interviewed by the FBI. Munro was appointed to the board of directors about six weeks ago as Ocean Springs' representative to the JCUA after Ken Papania was elected an Ocean Springs alderman. "I know (the FBI) has talked to a few of our past employees," Munro said, "but I have not been told anything in any of the (JCUA) meetings. That's all I know -- that they're picking and choosing who they talk to. The whole thing stems, from what I understand, from something to do with people having an issue with how we're run." A source familiar with the investigation said the FBI has impaneled a federal grand jury in the case. "I don't know the details of what the investigation is about," said the source, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the issue, "but I know it's ongoing. I know people have been interviewed and my understanding is some subpeona's have been issued. "But there is a federal investigation. That's an absolute fact." A Jackson County city official also confirmed he was aware of an investigation, but would not comment further. JCUA attorney Jimmy Heidelberg said the FBI has requested information from the JCUA, but he, too, did not know what was at the center of the investigation. "I don't know what the FBI is investigating," Heidelberg said. "You can ask them. They've asked for some information. As far as I know, they haven't told us what they're investigating. They surely haven't told us there's any wrongdoing on the part of the JCUA." A message left by The Mississippi Press at the FBI's field office in Jackson was not returned by Friday afternoon. JCUA board member and former president Marshall Smith was also contacted, but said "I don't know anything about it." The JCUA was created by the Mississippi legislature in 1980 and known initially as the Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional Wastewater Authority." In 2006, the legislature reconstituted the organization as the Jackson County Utility Authority. A seven-member board of directors oversees the JCUA, with one appointee from each of the four municipalities and three members from the unincorporated areas of the county. The JCUA operates autonomously from city or county government. JCUA maintains four wastewater treatment facilities and 34 regional pump stations throughout the county. Jackson County and the four municipalities are charged fees for JCUA's services. Those fees have become a point of contention over the past couple of years -- so much so that last August, the four cities filed suit against the JCUA, claiming breach of contract and accusing the JCUA of improprieties in the wake of what the cities say are rate hikes of more than 200 percent over the course of the past few years. The still-active lawsuit seeks, among other things, monetary damages in the form of refunds of fees paid, a declaratory judgment solidifying the terms of the JCUA contract, breach of contract, and an accounting of JCUA's billings and expenditures. With details of the FBI investigation unavailable at this point, it's unknown if the lawsuit is a factor. First lady Melania Trump gave a shout-out to her new hometown Friday, as she participated in a 100-year-old tradition by donating a gown to the Smithsonian. 'The president, Barron and I love living here and we are so honored to represent this country,' the first lady told a crowd gathered in Flag Hall at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, the museum where her inaugural ball gown will now live. In her speech, which lasted under four minutes, the first lady admitted procuring a ball gown had slipped her mind, so she made 'poor Herve,' designer Herve Pierre, work on a tight two-week deadline to craft the 'gorgeous couture piece.' 'She sent me first a text message and she said, "It's Melania Trump, can I call you?"' the designer recalled to DailyMail.com. 'And I was like "Ohhh!"' he said, making a gasping noise. Scroll down for video First lady Melania Trump briefly spoke at the Smithsonian Friday, as she donated her inaugural ball gown to the National Museum of American History Both designer Herve Pierre (left) and first lady Melania Trump (right) talked about the tight turn-around they had to design what the first lady called a 'gorgeous couture piece' Melania Trump participated in a donation ceremony Friday at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History First lady Melania Trump sees her inaugural ball gown displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History for the first time on Friday First lady Melania Trump stands alongside her inaugural ball gown Friday at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History as it will be on display at the museum starting today First lady Melania Trump (right) donated her inaugural ball gown to the Smithsonian on Friday. She wore it to three inaugural balls in January including the Salute to Our Armed Services Inaugural ball First lady Melania Trump (left) and President Trump (right) dance at the Freedom Ball on January 20, 2017 A bow-tied President Trump (right) dances with first lady Melania Trump (left) at the Freedom Ball as part of the 45th presidential inauguration At the Salute to Our Armed Services Inaugural Ball, first lady Melania Trump (left) danced with a member of the U.S. Marine Corps (right) First lady Melania Trump (left) and President Trump (right) are photographed at the last ball of the night, the Salute to Our Armed Services Inaugural Ball The two got on the phone together and the incoming first lady explained that she needed the dress in under two weeks. 'And I said, "Absolutely,"' he said. 'But of course you panic.' Trump, on teleprompter, but speaking more freely than usual, spoke about how, because her husband was a first-time politician, she was focused on preparing for the new administration and an eventual move to Washington and thus forgot about the dress. 'To be honest, what I would wear to the inaugural ball was the last thing on my mind,' she told the crowd, garnering laughs. The first lady said she had never worked with the French designer before who was seated in the front row for Friday's donation ceremony but had heard of his 'stellar' reputation. 'I wanted someone who would be willing to collaborate with me and Herve exceeded my expectations,' she gushed. 'I have had a passion for design from a very young age and had a very precise idea of what I wanted for such a historic evening.' 'When sitting down with Herve I had to discuss my vision, I expressed a desire to have modern, sleek, light, unique and unexpected,' the first lady added. Pierre echoed the first lady when he talked about the experience. 'It was a wonderful collaboration,' he said, saying their discussions were a 'true conversation' because 'we have the same vocabulary, we have the same passion for fashion.' 'We have a lot of pressure, but it was an easy process, really,' Pierre told DailyMail.com. Trump said she realized it would be a 'daunting task' for the designer, to create something that was mesmerizing 'and will be part of our nation's story and forever history.' But he said eventually his panic turned to purpose. 'It doesn't really help you to panic because at one point you have to be proactive and you have to jump into the task that you are doing,' he said, adding, 'Actually sometimes when you are under pressure that way you are also very creative.' The first lady agreed. 'I was so pleased with our end result and it is now my hope that this piece is one of the many great beginnings to our family's history here in Washington, D.C.,' she said. Melania Trump wore the gown to three inaugural balls, dancing with her husband at each and a member of the military at the final ball, dedicated to U.S. troops. A Perth man is facing five years in jail after allegedly stealing $425 Gucci sunglasses from a duty-free shop at Bali's international airport. Thomas Harman spent five days holidaying on the Indonesian island before preparing to fly back to Australia on July 30. While at the airport officials allegedly caught the 31-year-old walking out of a store with the sunglasses, which he had yet to pay for, reported Perth Now. Thomas Harman (pictured right) spent five days holidaying on the Indonesian island before preparing to fly back to Australia on July 30 While at the airport (pictured) officials allegedly caught the 31-year-old walking out of a store with the sunglasses, which he had yet to pay for He was arrested and has been sitting in Kerobokan prison for the past two-and-a-half months awaiting sentencing. Mr Harman's lawyer said that while he doesn't deny taking the sunglasses, he said it was mistake because the man was nervous about flying back home. 'He said that every time he flies he feels nervous. That's why he took the glasses unconsciously,' Mr Siregar said. Mr Harman's lawyer said that while he doesn't deny taking the sunglasses (pictured), he said it was mistake because the man was nervous about flying back home 'After the incident, he apologised and said that he felt remorse as he did it unconsciously. He also tried to pay for the glasses. 'However the shop manager refused as the manager said that company regulations must be followed and they should proceed with the legal process,' he said. The penalty for theft such as this one could land the 31-year-old in jail for up to five years. Sixteen North Carolina high school students escaped injury after their school bus caught fire. Officials say the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) bus was traveling from South Mecklenburg High School on Thursday when the driver smelled smoke around 3.30pm. Bus No 364 then burst into flames near the intersection of Eastway Drive and Central Avenue, CMS said in a statement. Emergency responders said one person was treated for smoke inhalation at Carolinas Medical Center, but no injuries were reported. Scroll down for video A school bus burst into flames while carrying 16 students from South Mecklenburg High School in North Carolina on Thursday Officials say the bus driver smelled smoke around 3.30pm before the bus went up in a blaze Emergency responders said one person was treated for smoke inhalation at Carolinas Medical Center, but no injuries were reported Terrifying video shot just minutes after the students escaped shows the entire front half of the bus completely engulfed in flames. Student Timoni Rushing told WSOC-TV that the school bus was making clicking noises and broke down just a few minutes before the fire. 'And that's when the front just exploded,' Rushing said. Rushing said the bus driver managed to get the bus to restart and kept driving before the engine burst into flames. 'Well actually looked like it was about to explode. We didn't know,' Rushing said. CMS credited the bus driver's 'quick response' to the fire, stating: 'While in transit, the driver smelled smoke, immediately stopped the bus, evacuated all students safely and notified emergency services.' One students told WSOC-TV that the school bus was making clicking noises and broke down just a few minutes before the fire A replacement bus was dispatched to pick up the students and continue the route. Aerial shots showed the front of the bus completely charred Officials say an investigation will include a review of the inspection and maintenance records of the bus. The bus was reportedly last inspected two weeks ago A replacement bus was dispatched to pick up the students and continue the route. 'Even if they have to get new buses, that's something they should be thinking about,' parent Temoe Cooper told the news station. Aerial shots of the bus after the fire shows the entire front of the bus destroyed and charred from the fire. The CMS statement said transportation officials with the school system will conduct an investigation which will include a review of the inspection and maintenance records of the bus. According to WSOC-TV, the bus was last inspected two weeks ago. In the 'Weeds': Kimberly Quach, 48, a San Diego mother-of-two, has been charged with allegedly selling marijuana and pills at her daughter's private Catholic high school and running a drug den out of her home A San Diego mother-of-two has been charged with allegedly selling marijuana and pills to students at her daughter's private Catholic high school and running a drug den out of her home. Kimberly Quach, 48, was arrested on September 28 and booked on dozens of felony counts, including providing marijuana to a minor over the age of 14; employing a minor to sell or carry marijuana; selling or providing the drug Suboxone to a minor and selling or providing Xanax to a minor. Suboxone is a controlled substance used to treat opioid addiction, while Xanax is a popular anti-anxiety medication. Other charges against Quach include child abuse, theft by false impersonation and operating a drug den. According to police, the incidents that landed Quach behind bars occurred between January 1 and the day of her arrest last month. Quach has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her and remained jailed Friday at the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility in Santee on $200,000 bail. Her next court appearance is scheduled for November 29. If convicted, she could face more than 60 years in prison. Cathedral Catholic High School Principal Kevin Calkins sent an email to parents notifying them of Quach's arrest on drug charges. Scroll down for video Kimberly Quach, 48, is pictured wearing a Cathedral Catholic High School shirt alongside her daughter in her cheer uniform Quach's daughter is a senior at Cathedral Catholic High School (pictured), which is a private institution where tuition costs $16,500 a year Officers working the case believe there are CCHS students who may be witnesses or who may have information that would assist their investigation, the letter read in part. Court documents cited by the San Diego Union-Tribune state that Quach's suspected drug-dealing activities went beyond her daughter's school and also targeted high school students in La Jolla, California. The 48-year-old woman is accused of employing a teenager to sell marijuana to her peers. According to a search warrant, Quach taught the girl how to collect money from customer in cash and through online transactions. The 48-year-old woman (pictured with her children) is accused of employing a teenager to sell marijuana to her peers Police believe Quach ran a drug house out of her $1.3million home in San Diego (pictured), where detectives later found marijuana plants and growing equipment Police launched an investigation into Quach after parents found Suboxone pills in their child's room and contacted the authorities. Court filings suggest that Quach's $1.3million home on Aster Meadows Place in San Diego, where she lived with her fiance and two children, was well-known among local teens as a place where they could buy and smoke marijuana, and drink alcohol. When police searched the four-bedroom, three-bath property, they reportedly found marijuana plants drying on tables, planters and grow lights. Quach's daughter is a senior at Cathedral Catholic High School, where tuition costs nearly $16,500 a year. Do-gooder: Quach (left and right) serves as vice president of a non-profit foundation that raises money for at-risk students. She is a graduate of San Diego State University Quach, pictured with her daughters and their father (far right), could be looking at more than 60 years in prison, if convicted According to her LinkedIn page, Quach serves as vice president of a non-profit foundation that raises money for at-risk students. Prior to that, the San Diego State University graduate had worked in property management and real estate. This is not Quachs first run-in with the law: 10News reported she was arrested two years go on charges of theft. She ended up pleading guilty to writing bad checks and stealing more than $950 from an old friend. A fearless female soldier put her martial arts training to good use when she fought off dozens of Jewish ultra-Orthodox anti-draft protesters during a rally in Jerusalem. Off-duty soldier Nomi Golan fended off a baying crowd of protesters, demonstrating against the arrest of two yeshiva students who refused to show up to the military recruitment office. Using a series of expert karate kicks and chops, Golan held back the violent rabble who were preventing a car from driving up a street. Scroll down for video Fearless female soldier Nomi Golan put her martial arts training to good use when she fought off dozens of Jewish ultra-Orthodox anti-draft protesters during a rally in Jerusalem The video shows the group of men spit and swear at Golan, calling a 'shiksa' (a non-Jewish woman) as well as w****. Golan is return flicks out with a series of kicks aimed at head and knee to push the protesters back, as well as kung-fu chops aimed at those spitting at her. While ultra-Orthodox students are exempt from compulsory military service, they must still present themselves to the army with a letter from their school - which some still refuse to do. IDF soldiers are taught the Israeli fighting method of Krav Maga, which uses elbows, knees and locks to inflict as much damage on enemies as possible. The Washington Post reports that her subsequent interview in Hebrew with local media revealed she had stopped to help the car pass through the protest. The video shows the group of men spit and swear at her, calling a 'shiksa' (a non-Jewish woman) as well as w**** Using a series of karate kicks Golan held back the violent rabble who were preventing a car from driving up a street She said her was to approach the protest's leaders and tell them to back off. 'They attacked me, so as a soldier, a civilian, an old woman, young or no matter what role I or what I was wearing, I defended myself as I would in any other situation,' she said, according to the Facebook page First Report, quoted by the Post. During such angry ulta-Orthodox protests, young men block roads and spit and curse at passing motorists to draw attention to their anger over military service. IDF soldiers are taught the Israeli fighting method of Krav Maga, which uses elbows, knees and locks to inflict as much damage on enemies as possible While ultra-Orthodox students are exempt from compulsory military service, they must still present themselves to the army with a letter from their school - which some still refuse to do With the exception of Israeli Arabs and the ultra-Orthodox, all men and women are required to serve in the army at the age of 18. This has caused tension in recent years as there are those who feel they should serve and shoulder the countrys burden too. Some yeshiva students have been instructed not to respond to call up papers or even request the exemption as is required from the ultra-Orthodox Jews, which is where the source of protest stems. Fox News has been forced to apologize after profiling a Trump-loving veteran who has since admitted to fabricating his entire military record. Earlier this month, Fox News profiled John Garafalo, a decorated Vietnam War veteran and glass artist who crafted a presidential seal forDonald Trump. Fox reported that Garafalo, 72, was a member of the first US Navy Seals team and received two purple hearts along with more than a dozen medals during his service. Navy veteran, John Garafalo (pictured), 72, has admitted to lying about military record after Fox News aired a segment (pictured) Fox News was forced to retract its story on John Garafalo on Friday morning after airing a segment on him on October 8 But on Friday, the news network was forced to amend its story after it was revealed that Garafalo had doctored nearly all of his military history. 'All of Garofalo's claims turned out to be untrue,' Fox's correction stated on its website. 'The fact is that he did not serve in Vietnam. He was never a U.S. Navy SEAL. Even though he showed us medals, Garofalo was not awarded two Purple Hearts or any of the other nearly two dozen commendations he claimed to have received, except for the National Defense Service Medal.' Garafalo said he served as one of America's first Navy Seals and received two purple hearts for his service The Navy Times was the first to report the fiction after a former Navy Seal and members of Garafalo's own family came forward to reveal the truth. Garafalo did serve in the military, enlisting in the Navy and serving from Sept. 6, 1963, to Sept. 6, 1967, where he worked on an aircraft carrier near Rota, Spain. Speaking with the military publication, Garafalo expressed remorse for his actions, apologizing for the lies he's told for years. 'It got bigger and bigger,' Garofalo told Navy Times in a telephone interview. 'What I did I'm ashamed of, and I didn't mean to cause so much disgrace to the SEALs.' Fox News said it would run an on-air correction on Sunday, according to The Washington Post. The segment, originally airing on October 8, garnered over 1.5 million views when Fox posted the story on its Facebook page. Garafalo has presented his hand crafted presidential seals to former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan. Pyongyang does not plan to hold any talks with Washington about its nuclear program, a senior North Korean diplomat said on Friday. Possessing nuclear weapons was a matter of life and death for North Korea, said Choe Son-hui, director-general of the North American department of North Korea's foreign ministry. The United States would 'have to put up' with North Korea's nuclear status, Choe told a non-proliferation conference in Moscow, RIA reported. Possessing nuclear weapons was a matter of life and death for North Korea, said Choe Son-hui, director-general of the North American department of North Korea's foreign ministry. Pictured above, North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un This week, North Korea's deputy UN ambassador declared that Pyongyang would not put its nuclear arsenal nor ballistic missile program on the table unless President Donald Trump and Washington drop their 'hostile' stance 'This is a matter of life and death for us,' Choe said. 'The current situation deepens our understanding that we need nuclear weapons to repel a potential attack.' 'We will respond to fire with fire.' This week, North Korea's deputy UN ambassador declared that Pyongyang would not put its nuclear arsenal nor ballistic missile program on the table unless Washington drops its 'hostile' stance. And Kim's regime has made no secret of its efforts to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting US mainland cities or bases in the Pacific, conducting regular tests. CIA director Mike Pompeo said on Thursday that Kim's regime is 'on the cusp' of getting a nuclear missile capable of striking US targets. Kim's regime has made no secret of its efforts to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting US mainland cities or bases in the Pacific, conducting regular tests Pompeo that President Donald Trump is determined to prevent North Korea from making the breakthrough 'whether it happens on Tuesday or a month from Tuesday'. Both Pompeo and US National Security Adviser HR McMaster said Trump would still prefer to use sanctions and diplomacy to force Kim to come to the table to discuss disarmament. But, speaking to a Washington policy forum, both also warned that the use of US military force remains an option to prevent Pyongyang from acquiring a long-range nuclear missile. 'They are close enough now in their capabilities that from a US policy perspective we ought to behave as if we are on the cusp of them achieving that objective,' Pompeo said. CIA director Mike Pompeo (pictured) said on Thursday that Kim's regime is 'on the cusp' of getting a nuclear missile capable of striking US targets Pompeo said US intelligence had kept close tabs on the North Korean program in the past, but that its missile expertise is now growing too quickly to be sure when it will succeed. 'But when you're now talking about months our capacity to understand that at a detailed level is in some sense irrelevant,' he said. 'The president's made it very clear,' he added. 'He's prepared to ensure that Kim Jong-Un doesn't have the capacity to hold America at risk. By military force if necessary.' Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged world powers on Friday to get behind a joint Russian-Chinese roadmap for settling the crisis over North Korea's weapons program. Speaking at a conference on non-proliferation in Moscow, Lavrov said that the break-up of a deal on Iran's nuclear program would send an alarming message about international security mechanisms, and could impact the situation on the Korean peninsula. A hero schoolboy made a desperate dash to get his mother so she could hold his dying twin after he was hit by a bus. Luke Chandler, aged 13, raced to find his parent to make sure his twin Christian was able to see his mother in his final moments. The tragedy occurred on Monday as the pair of brothers rode their bikes to school. Pictured: Luke, left, rushed to help his twin Christian, right, who was fatally hit by a bus Their devastated uncle Samuel Brooks has paid tribute to Luke's bravery and is fundraising for a funeral for Christian. He said: 'On Monday my 13 year old Nephew, Christian, was run over by a bus on his way to school. 'His twin brother, Luke, watched this happen. He held Christian's hand and tried to stop the bleeding while he was trapped. 'He raced home to fetch his mom and had a blood transfusion at the side of the road while waiting for the air ambulance. He suffered extensive injuries but was still conscious at this time and held his Mom's hand.' Tragically he described how Christian was flown to Birmingham Children's Hospital but died due to his injuries in the helicopter. He said: 'His heart couldn't cope with the blood loss.' Young Christian has left behind twin Luke and three other siblings. Their devastated uncle Samuel Brooks has paid tribute to Luke's bravery and is fundraising for a funeral for Christian (far left, with twin Luke and brothers Oliver and Joshua) Mr Brooks said: 'Due to the sudden nature and the fact we don't have much money between us, I'm asking for help so we can arrange a funeral that he deserves. 'Please donate anything that you can, we are eternally grateful for the help.' Speaking to MailOnline, Mr Brooks said: I just want to say how brave Luke was, he really was a hero. Without him, Christian wouldnt have seen his mum before he died. He had that piece of mind to run back home to get her while he was trapped under a bus. They were really close, they did everything together and went everywhere together. They had an unshakeable bond, I dont think anyone will understand unless they were a twin. Their bond was beautiful, they used to get upset if they were ever separated for a night. He said: Luke has been so brave and has been taking it day by day but he is absolutely broken by it. He said he wished he jumped in front of the bus so they could have died together. We are arranging counselling. His actions were heroic. He added: 'Without Luke, Christian wouldn't have seen his mum one more time, his mum wouldn't have been able to comfort him. 'He's 13 and he had the presence of mind to go back to get his mum, so Christian didn't die without seeing her.' He added: 'Christian couldn't move or talk but when he saw his mum, he raised his arm for her. 'What Luke did was very heroic, he was there until the very end and he did the best he could.' The bus had been travelling from Wellington along Haybridge Road in Hadley on Monday morning. Police have appealed for witnessed to come forward, asked to call police on 101, quoting incident 99s of 16 October. Doctors fear an eight-week-old baby who suffered catastrophic brain injuries may never be able to see or walk again. The newborn, Nathaniel, was airlifted to hospital in Perth after a Triple Zero call earlier this month. When he arrived, doctors found the child had no brain activity and they feared he would not survive. Scroll down for video An eight-week-old baby has regained consciousness after suffering a 'catastrophic brain injury' The extent of Nathaniel's brain damage will not be known until he recovers further, but recent tests show his eyes are not responding to light Nathaniel was airlifted to hospital in Perth after a Triple Zero call from his 24-year-old father (pictured) earlier this month 'The word we kept hearing over and over was catastrophic, catastrophic brain injury,' Nathaniel's great-aunt Cheyenne Taylor told Seven News. Nathaniel was flown to Princess Margaret Hospital after his 24-year-old father called emergency services saying he was unresponsive. His mother, 20, was not present at the time. The eight-week-old suffered the injuries between October 7 and October 9 at the family's home in Narrogin. His aunt says he has bleeding on his brain, and despite his ventilator being switched off last week, Nathaniel is still surviving. 'We were told five minutes to an hour and he kept going,' Ms Taylor said. 'He's now opening his eyes, wriggling around.' 'The word we kept hearing over and over was catastrophic, catastrophic brain injury,' Nathaniel's great-aunt Cheyenne Taylor (pictured) told Seven The extent of his brain damage will not be known until he recovers further, but recent tests show Nathaniel's eyes are not responding to light. The eight-week-old also has two spinal fractures but is now feeding through a tube. Police have questioned both his parents over the incident, but no one has been charged. They have confiscated their phones and the two are not allowed to contact each other while investigations take place. Police have questioned both his parents over the incident, but no one has been charged A three-year-old boy has been rushed to hospital with burns to the 'outside and inside' of his body after his bottle of Paw Patrol bath foam exploded in his tub A three-year-old boy has been rushed to hospital with burns to the 'outside and inside' of his body after his bottle of Paw Patrol bath foam exploded in his tub. The youngster, from Londonderry, in Northern Ireland, is now being treated at Belfast Royal Hospital for Sick Children after the incident last night. He remains in the intensive care unit and his condition has been described as 'critical'. His concerned aunt wrote about the painful event on Facebook in a warning to other parents. She said: 'Our nephew was in the bath tonight with this Paw Patrol Foam Soap and it exploded. 'He's been rushed to the hospital and has to go to the Royal. Please please keep him in your thoughts and prayers, he's only three.' Paw Patrol is a popular Nickelodeon show about the adventures of six rescue dogs. You can buy Paw Patrol bath foam from a number of high street stores and supermarkets. The youngster, from Londonderry, in Northern Ireland, is now being treated at Belfast Royal Hospital for Sick Children after the incident last night A spokesperson for the children's network said it had launched an investigation into the product. However, it could not confirm whether it would be taken off shelves. They said: 'We are terribly sorry to hear about this dreadful incident and we are gathering more information about the licensed product involved.' LUCEDALE, Miss. -- A 34-year-old Lucedale man has been found guilty for touching a child for lustful purposes and three counts of sexual battery, according to Assistant District Attorney Cherie Wade. William Lee Whittaker, II, 34, was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Dale Harkey to 30 years day for day in the Mississippi Department of Corrections, without possibility of parole or early release. He was also assessed a $15,000 fine. Whittaker was accused of sexually abusing a female child from the age of three from August 2011 until September 2014. The George County Sheriff's Department investigated this case. According to Jackson County District Attorney Tony Lawrence, there is zero tolerance for abusing children. "This child victim showed amazing courage in explaining what happened to her, first to law enforcement and then to the citizens on the George County Jury," Lawrence said. "When a child is harmed by an adult, that child carries that pain with them for the rest of his or her life. I have said it many times before and I say it again, we will not tolerate crimes being committed against children. I hope this 30 years day for day sentence renews the often repeated message - leave our children alone," Lawrence said." Luis Toledo (pictured above), 35, has been accused of murdering his wife and her two children. He confessed to killing 28-year-old Yessenia Suarez on Thursday A husband accused of murdering his wife and two stepchildren broke down and admitted killing her in an interview with investigators. But Luis Toledo, 35, from Deltona, Florida, claims his stepchildren, Thalia Otto, 9, and Michael Otto, 8, who he raised with wife Yessenia Suarez, were murdered by his neighbor, Tyshawn Jackson. He alleged Jackson used an axe. In an audio (taken October 23 2013) played to jurors Thursday, he broke down to investigators about 28-year-old Suarez, who was allegedly having an affair and sought a divorce, as he said: 'It was an accident with my wife,' according to ClickOrlando.com. In the recording played Thursday he told officials: 'I got so tired of her grabbing at me. She fell down on the floor. Looking at me.' He said he karate-chopped her in the throat: 'She couldn't breathe. She's not breathing. She's not breathing. She died looking at me.' The family were reported missing from their Deltona home on October 23, 2013. Their bodies have never been found. Scroll for video Yessenia Suarez, 28, was murdered by her husband Luis Toledo after a jealous rage, he confessed to investigators and said: 'she died looking at me' Toledo has also been accused of killing his two stepchildren Thalia Otto, 9, (L) and Michael Otto, 8, (R), however he claims his neighbor Tyshawn Jackson killed them with an axe In an audio (taken October 23 2013) played to jurors Thursday, he broke down to investigators (pictured above) about Suarez, who was allegedly having an affair and sought a divorce, as he said: 'It was an accident with my wife' Toledo told officials that his marriage was spiraling out of control and how he even installed a tracking device on her phone so he could read her messages, according to WFTV9. He claims he went to his wife's workplace at American K9 in Lake Mary, the day before the family disappeared, so he could confront her and her coworker, who he suspected she was having an affair with. He said he became very upset when they denied it. 'You and Kevin can have each other,' Toledo said in the recording. 'I left. I drove to the cemetery for a while.' Toledo said he visited the cemetery where his parents were buried so he could reflect and think and says he returned home and slept in his car. He said when he woke up his wife and children were gone: 'I went into the house, like I realized that the house was empty. Nobody was there. I said damn she [Suarez] didn't even wake me up,' Toledo told detectives. Tyshawn Jackson (pictured above) testified Monday and denied killing the two children He said he karate-chopped her in the throat: 'She couldn't breathe. She's not breathing. She's not breathing. She died looking at me,' (pictured above) Suarez' body (C) Michael' body (L) and Thaila's body were never discovered but the family was reported missing from their Deltona home on October 23 2013 The investigator asked him how the children died. He continued to argue his neighbor Jackson was to blame: 'He hit them with an axe. With an axe.' Jackson testified Monday that he helped Toledo move Suarez's car to a parking lot in Seminole County, however he denied killing the children. He told deputies that Toledo asked him to follow him to Lake Mary where Toledo allegedly dumped Suarez' car after trying to wipe it down, reported the Orlando Sentinel. During more of the recording played to the jury, detectives probed Toledo about his children: 'You miss them?' 'Would you trade places with them?' Toledo softly nodded. Toledo claims he invited Jackson over to play video games. After he had 'accidentally' killed Suarez his stepchildren woke up and saw their mother so he asked Jackson to take the children away. Jackson apparently took the kids into the bathroom but Toledo suddenly heard: 'pow, pow, pow,' which is when he followed Jackson in and claims he found him there with an axe. He said Jackson struck the children with it: 'He hit them with an axe. I didn't even know what side he hit them with. There was blood everywhere.' Despite Toledo's claims that Jackson (pictured above testifying) killed his stepchildren prosecutors have previously stated he played no role in the actual murders Toledo said he felt Michael's head and he could feel pieces of his skull and that he saw Thalia in her last few moments: 'I saw my daughter take her last breath,' according to Wesh. He said after the tragic ordeal Jackson disposed of the bodies. Toledo allegedly helped Jackson put Suarez's body in the trunk of her car but Jackson carried the children himself. Prosecutors have previously stated Jackson played no role in the actual murders. During the recording played to the jury the detective continued to show photos of Toledo's family to him but he merely responded: 'Can't stay up anymore. I need some rest.' Toledo said his neighbor killed Thaila (L) and Michael (R) and claims he found Jackson with an axe in the bathroom: 'There was blood everywhere,' he said Toledo (pictured above with an investigator) told officials that his marriage was spiraling out of control and how he even installed a tracking device on his wife's phone so he could read her messages He refused to answer authorities when they asked: 'Do you know what happened to your family?' Prosecutors said Toledo changed his story after detectives confronted him about blood being found at the family home and in Suarez's car. A DNA expert spoke to the jury on Tuesday claiming that Thalia Ottos DNA was found in Suarez' closet and on a car trunk mat which Toledo got rid of. Felicita Perez, Suarez's mother and the children's grandmother, were present for the trial on Thursday as they sat there distraught listening to the recording. Michael and Thalia's biological father, Michael Otto, sat behind them as he dropped his heads in his hands crying. Trial will resume Monday with a special witness from out of state being brought in. Jurors will also hear more recordings between Toledo and detectives, as well as two forensic specialists. A 10-year-old boy from California is on a mission to improve the lunch experience of first-graders at his school by playing music for his classmates. Fifth grader Nathan Zhang has been playing piano since he was five, and has become an internet sensation after his school district posted a video of him gracing the cafeteria at Theodore Judah Elementary School in Folsom with his musical talent. The piano virtuoso chooses to stay inside as his class goes outside for recess, and plays classical music for first-graders while they eat lunch. Nathan Zhang, 10, became an internet sensation after his Folsom school district shared a video of him playing classical music to first graders during their lunch hour 'I've always enjoyed performing in front of people,' Nathan told ABC. 'I think adding some music into their lunchtime would be very good for them.' He added that he hopes playing classical music to first-graders would help 'popularize it'. Nathan is already a successful musician, and has even performed at the famed Carnegie Hall in New York after he won an online contest, as reported by ABC. The talented boy also plays the violin, but prefers to focus on the piano. Instead of going outside for recess, the fifth-grader stays in the cafeteria at Theodore Judah Elementary School in Folsom (pictured) and plays the piano as first-graders eat lunch The fifth-grader also plays the piano and has performed at the famed Carnegie Hall in New York after he won an online contest 'His gift is not just playing the piano, but it's his heart,' said principal Canen Peterson (pictured) The school's principal told ABC that although Nathan is making headlines for his musical talent, there's more to the talented 10-year-old. 'His gift is not just playing the piano, but it's his heart,' said principal Canen Peterson. Nathan's lunchtime concerts have been going on for about a month, and he told ABC he plans to keep playing. The two women who were caught on video trashing a 7-Eleven after employees accused them of shoplifting have been identified by Philadelphia police. Lashae Whitaker, 20, and Tiera Brown, 28, were at the 7-Eleven in the 5000 block of Frankford Avenue when employees of the store locked them inside. Police said an employee claimed to have caught the women shoplifting on September 30. So when Whitaker and Brown returned to the store on October 1, an employee locked them inside and called police. Scroll down for video Lashae Whitaker (left), 20, and Tiera Brown (right), 28, were at the 7-Eleven in the 5000 block of Frankford Avenue when employees of the store locked them inside In the video that was taken from outside of the store, the women can be heard yelling at the employees who were blocking the door. It's unclear if they knew why they were being held captive, but Brown can be heard saying: 'I've got kids. I've got to go. I've never done nothing to y'all.' Meanwhile, Whitaker is seen violently kicking the door twice in an attempt to get out. As the confrontation continues, you can hear someone yelling repeatedly: 'You can't leave!' Whitaker then runs around the store knocking merchandise off shelves. At one point, Whitaker can be seen fighting with a male employee. Men outside the store can be heard cheering for the women to fight with the employees. Police said an employee claimed to have caught the women shoplifting on September 30. So when Whitaker and Brown (pictured) returned to the store on October 1, an employee locked them inside and called police Whitaker starts to fight with a man who does not appear to be an employee. She then starts taking things off the shelves and hurls them at the man and the employees She then starts fighting with a man in the store who doesn't appear to be an employee. The women plead with the employee standing in front of the door as one of the men outside says: 'Let them out, man, this is America. The cops ain't coming.' But when a police officer arrives, the door is unlocked and Whitaker tries to walk out but the officer pushes her back into the store. She then yells and tries to hit the cop, who then puts her in a headlock and tackles her to the floor as Brown attempts to intervene. Whitaker is eventually handcuffed and walked out of the store. Brown was also taken into custody. At least four more officers arrived on the scene. A police officer shows up (left) and stops the woman from leaving. When he tries to cuff her she tries to hit him and they start to brawl (right) The officer slams the woman to the ground but she fights back The other woman tries to intervene as the officer pins her friend to the ground Brown has since been released, but she faces charges that include simple assault, reckless endangerment, and making terroristic threats. Whitaker remained in custody on Thursday at Riverside Correctional Facility, according to court records. She faces charges that include attempted arson, causing a catastrophe, and inciting a riot. Her bail was set at $20,000. Whitaker's lawyer, Max Kramer, told The Inquirer that police used unnecessary force to subdue his client. 'He manhandles her. You can't see everything that's going on,' Kramer said. 'The cops and my client get into this scuffle. The cop floors her and he, like, slams her to the ground.' Brown's attorney, David Walker, agreed with Kramer that the store employees were wrong. They pointed out that neither woman faces theft charges. Whitaker remained in custody on Thursday at Riverside Correctional Facility, according to court records. More officers were seen in the video arriving to the scene. Whitaker was then handcuffed and taken out the store A 32-year-old man who lied and forged his way into high-level medical positions in the Northern Territory has been handed a prison sentence of four years. Nicholas Crawford pleaded guilty to ten offences in the State's Supreme Court on Thursday, including obtaining benefit by deception and false entry in a register, Nine News reports. He also confessed to uttering, aggravated assault and supply of a schedule two drug; offences he committed throughout 2014 and 2015. Crawford became employed by Darwin recruitment agency Health Care Australia in April 2014 after lying about his qualifications and work history on his resume. Scroll down for video Nicholas Crawford (pictured) lied and forged his way into high-level medical positions and was sentenced to four years jail on Thursday He then unlawfully entered himself as a high-level agency nurse on a national database, which contains information on nurses available for shifts at short notice. Royal Darwin Hospital contacted him on May 3 for an agency nurse shift in the Emergency Department from 3pm to 9.30pm. During the shift he performed various nursing duties on several patients. After providing more false documents, he continued to fill shifts and treat a number of patients from May 2 to June 29. He pleaded guilty to obtaining benefit by deception, false entry in a register, uttering, aggravated assault and supply of a schedule two drug Crawford administered a 34-year-old intensive care patient with 2.5mg of morphine intravenously, and 10mg of endone orally, on June 21. He was told not to work at the hospital again after failing in his attempt to administer a five-year-old boy with severe disabilities an antibiotic intravenously. Other staff noticed he was struggling and had to assist him complete the task. The event left the boy's mother traumatised, with her now refusing to put her son in the care of agency nurses. 'I despise Nicholas Crawford. I don't even know him but I despise him...His fraudulent and despicable actions will forever haunt me,' she said in a victim statement. The serial liar also deceived his way into a job a trainer job with Fox Education and Consultancy. He traveled to remote communities from July 2014 to January 2015 for the position, to teach and mentor Indigenous staff. Meanwhile, he committed offences in Queensland and Western Australia, before finally being caught out in May 2015. He performed various nursing duties on several patients throughout 2014 and 2015 when he posed as an agency nurse Acting Justice Dean Mildren accepted defense submissions that Crawford was motivated by a 'confused and complicated desire for respect and recognition.' The judge described the offences as 'selfish, conscious fraud' and handed down a reduced sentence of four years jail, backdated to August last year and suspended after 18 months. Crawford is expected to be on probation in about four months. One woman is dead and seven others are in hospital in Poland after a man attacked them with a knife at a shopping mall. A 27-year-old man has been detained after the attack in the south-eastern city of Stalowa Wola. The man, who police believe was mentally unwell, entered Vivo shopping centre at around 3pm local time and started stabbing people in the back. He is a resident of Stalowa Wola believed to be named Konrad according to local reports. This man, dressed in a grey sweatshirt, was detained by police outside the shopping centre A 27-year-old man has been detained after eight people were stabbed at a shopping mall in Stalowa Wola, Poland on Thursday Witnesses rushed to help people who were stabbed by the knifeman at the Stalowa Wola shopping mall Eight people, including the woman who died, were taken to hospitals in Stalowa Wola, Tarnobrzeg and Sandomierz. Two teenagers are reported to be in a critical condition. Police commandant Krzysztof Pobuta said: 'The detained man was unable to explain his motives and didn't know why he did it. 'I see that he is in the middle of a deep mental breakdown. We do not know yet what is going on.' Commander Pobuta added that communication with the attacker was very difficult. 'I think this man is in a state of depression, hence his actions,' he said. Police officer Anna Klee was quoted by the PAP news agency as saying the weapon was a knife and a 50-year-old woman died in the hospital. 'He was attacking people from behind, hitting them with the knife,' Klee told PAP. Witnesses described him as a 'madman' who was 'stabbing blindly' at other shoppers in the mall, RMF24 reported. A witness called Urszula told local media: 'I saw the first victim attacked just two metres from where I was standing. One witness said: 'The man, dressed in a grey sweatshirt, came through the the main entrance with two knives and blindly attacked the next victim in silence.' Another who works at the shopping centre said: 'It was one big slaughterhouse. The whole gallery was in blood, it looked terrible.' Witnesses described him as a 'madman' who was 'stabbing blindly' at other shoppers in the mall The attacker who is from the Rozwadow suburb of the city is said to have been treated for schizophrenia in the past and, according to locals, was a keen footballer who had applied to join the army. A former friend said: 'The guy is generally cool. I knew him, remember how we went to school every day by bus. 'We played football on the same level. 'This week I talked to him in Biedronka [a supermarket]. In 2014 we applied for military service, to be professional soldiers. I'm shocked.' Another local said the man was suffering from Schizophrenia, a claim supported by investigators who say the man had been treated for psychological problems. 'It looked as though the boy who was attacked had some sort of epileptic attack. 'I heard a girl standing next to him scream. I wanted to run to him, help him, but I noticed that blood was starting to flow from his neck. 'At this point, somebody ran up to us and told us to leave. We started running.' The knifeman was eventually subdued by a security guard and other customers of the shopping center, who held him until police arrived. The motive for the attack was not immediately clear. Police say the attacker, who had no prior arrests, stabbed his own back in the attack, by acting 'irrationally'. A breathalyzer test revealed that the man was not under the influence of alcohol when the attack occurred. Police took samples of his blood to test for other substances. A lorry driver tried to smuggle three children and two adults into the UK in a tiny compartment beneath his truck. Border Force staff found four family members - a mother and her three children aged six, three and two - and another man in the coffin-like hideaway. Officers at the Coquelles Eurotunnel terminal in France had to prise open the container to free the stowaways. A Bulgarian lorry driver made a secret compartment beneath this truck to smuggle migrants into the UK Bulgarian lorry driver Rosen Nikolov has been jailed for four years after a judge heard how he had put their lives in peril for his own greed. The 27-year-old had flown from Sofia to Luton days earlier and registered a flat-bed lorry in his name before driving it to France. It was on the return journey in September that customs officers noticed the lorry had been altered, and discovered the illegal entrants crammed into the space. Prosecutor Abigail Husbands told Canterbury Crown Court the secret compartment attached to the chassis had been sealed from the outside, but they managed to prise it open. She added officers struggled to force an opening of 40cm by 100cm, and then saw two children before hearing the cries of youngest. She said the mother and children were from Iraq, and the man - who was not known to the woman - was from Afghanistan. Five people, two adults and three children, were hidden in this sealed compartment in France Nikolov's lawyers said he was 80,000 in debt and agreed to transport the five for 1,000 a person. He added: 'He did not realise that there were children, and feels extremely sorry now for what he did.' The judge, Recorder Jonathan Higgs QC, told the lorry driver, who was appearing by prison video link: 'This is an extremely serious crime. It is the commercial exploitation of extremely vulnerable people.' He said people like Nikolov had 'fed off the vulnerable for his own financial gain', and that the lorry driver had endangered the lives of the five. The mother and children, who were not named, are believed to still be in France. Mexican actress Kate del Castillo has bluntly revealed that during the filming for her documentary 'The Day I Met El Chapo' she had sex with Sean Penn, even revealing that she fell for him. In the Netflix film, the actress describes the Hollywood star seducing her. 'I enjoyed it and dont regret it I fell my friend, what can I say?', she bluntly says in the documentary. Speaking on Friday on Good Morning America to promote the documentary, she contradicted herself however, saying: 'I never fell for him, we had sex. Sorry but we are both adults, single, and something was going on but that was it, it was business'. 'He said, "That moment when you touched my chest I knew something would happen between us",' on their way to home to Los Angeles after the pair met the famed drug lord. She also calls the Oscar winner charming, charismatic and fun in the documentary. But whatever there was between the two ended when she stormed out a restaurant upon reading a draft of Penn's Rolling Stone article about El Chapo and she hasn't seen the actor since. Images from 'The Day I Met El Chapo' showing just how close Sean Penn and Kate del Castillo got during the arrangement for both of them to meet the drug king pin Del Castillo describes how she fell for Penn while dealing as Penn's middle man for the interview with Rolling Stone that would run in the days after El Chapo's capture The actress says rather than sleeping with Penn, people just assumed she had sex with El Chapo, however in her GMA interview she insinuated that that never happened, adding that she feared being 'raped' by the infamous drug lord during their rendezvous. When asked why she waited to say something about being intimate with Penn she said: 'Nobody asked me, and it was so stupid they were all thinking I had something to do with El Chapo and nobody asked me and I'm not bragging.' And while Del Castillo admits she had sex with Penn, she claimed Friday morning that that was it, there was no relationship that followed. However during the documentary gives their time together more emotional heft than just sex. She explains that what they had went through at the time, after meeting El Chapo, that they did get close. 'When we got back (from meeting him) we were very moved so made sense that something would happen' she says in the three-part documentary. 'I enjoyed it and dont regret it I fell my friend, what can I say?' she added, contradicting her Friday GMA stance. Mexican actress Kate del Castillo (left) says she and Sean Penn had sex while she was filming her documentary about meeting El Chapo The drug kingpin had agreed to be interviewed by Penn in a meeting that was set up by del Castillo. The actress, who had been secretly conversing with El Chapo for months, had gotten Penn involved because she was making a film about the infamous drug lord But the good feelings did not last. As Sean kept pushing her to get in touch with El Chapo whenever he needed, she started fighting and yelling at him. And while she says she wanted to remain on good terms with her famous fling, Penn didnt show her the final Rolling Stone piece until four days before it was published. And when he did, she was furious. She says in the film that the article wrongly makes it seem like she was infatuated with him and claims El Chapo even sent her flowers, which never happened. Penn showed her the final draft at the famous Sunset Towers hotel in Hollywood, at a table of famous people. She stormed out and never saw Penn again. Meanwhile Penn and his team have tried repeatedly tried to block the documentary from going forward. Penn's team last week fired off a letter to Netflix to pull the film saying 'that blood will be on their hands if this film causes bodily harm,' to their client, according to the New York Times. Penn is particularly concerned that the documentary, in which he does not appear, implies that it was he who helped authorities at the Department of Justice in their capture of El Chapo. Del Castillo opened up about sex with Penn during filming of her documentary out on Netflix. They haven't seen each other since she stormed out of a restaurant when shown a draft of his Rolling Stone interview Del Castillo admits that during filming she felt like she and Penn were in a very delicate situation while meeting with El Chapo, so much so that she felt their lives were in each others hands in the face of the notorious drug king pin. She also says she was scared for her life when El Chapo escorted her to her room one evening saying she was afraid 'He might rape me or kill me.' Del Castillo, Penn and two producers met with the drug kingpin back in October 2015 at a secret location organized by El Chapo. Mexican authorities raided the site soon after they met, but El Chapo had already fled. Three months later after the meeting, El Chapo was captured during a shootout that killed five of his associates. Penn's infamous interview was published a day later in Rolling Stone. El Chapo was extradited to the US in January. The drug kingpin had agreed to be interviewed by Penn during the meeting that was set up by del Castillo. Del Castillo, who had been secretly conversing with El Chapo for months as she was planning on making a film about the infamous drug lord. It was the first and only interview the Sinaloa cartel leader granted after escaping from a maximum security prison through a tunnel just months earlier. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab (pictured) filed a lawsuit against the Federal Bureau of Prisons and U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Wednesday The Nigerian man who tried to blow up a transatlantic flight with a bomb sewn into his underwear on Christmas Day 2009 has filed a lawsuit, complaining about his treatment at the federal supermax prison where he is serving four life sentences. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, 30, claims his constitutional rights are being violated, as well as his rights under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, behind bars at the federal supermax prison in Florence, Colorado. The 73-page lawsuit claims that the convicted terrorist is being mistreated by guards and fellow prisoners, who keep him locked up in solitary confinement and taunt his Muslim faith. As soon as he arrived at Florence in 2012, he was placed in the heavily-restricted 'H-unit' where prisoners live alone in single cells. Because of his alleged connection to al-Qaeda, Abdulmutallab was given 'Special Administration Measures' (SAMs) restricting his contact with people both inside and outside the prison - for fear that he may try to inspire future attacks. As part of the SAMs restrictions, Abdulmutallab was put in long-term solitary confinement as soon as he arrived at the facility, for an indeterminate amount of time, the lawsuit states. In the lawsuit, Abdulmutallab complains about his treatment at the federal supermax prison in Florence, Colorado He was also cut off from the outside world, until last year when the restrictions were loosened so that he could call his sister. But he wants to be approved to talk to his nieces and nephews as well. The lawsuit argues that his First Amendment right to free speech is being violated because he can't communicate with the outside world. He claims his calls to family don't risk 'death or serious bodily injury to persons' or property. 'Prison walls do not form a barrier separating prison inmates from the protections of the United States Constitution,' the suit says. These SAMs restrictions also apply to his contacts inside the prison, where he has not been allowed to interact with other Muslim prisoners. The so-called 'underwear bomber' was arrested on Christmas Day 2009, after trying to blow up a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit Abdulmutallab's lawyers argue that the SAMs 'severely restrict his ability to practice his religion' since he isn't able to take part in group prayer with other Muslim inmates. He also wants the prison to hire an Imam to lead the Muslim inmates' prayers. During prayer hours, he says claims guards let 'white supremacist' inmates into the special security unit to 'curse, yell, scream, and say things that are religiously insulting and offensive to Muslims.' He claims that his prayer rug has also been defiled by guards, as well as his copy of the Qu'ran, which was covered in a stick liquid and has had some pages ripped out. He also accuses some guards of showing him pornography during prayer times. Abdulmutallab says that he isn't allowed to pray with other prisoners and he's force-fed non-halal food by guards Abdulmutallab says the prison has refused to serve him halal food, and when he went on hunger strike, they shoved a tube down his esophagus and force fed him the food that goes against his religion. The lawsuit says that the force-feedings have been 'excessively and unnecessarily painful, abusive, dangerous, and degrading.' During one force-feeding, Abdulmutallab says they stuck the feeding tube down his windpipe instead of his esophagus, causing 'the nutritional supplement liquid to enter his lungs' and make him feel 'like he was being drowned'. After going on hunger strike, Abdulmutallab says he was transferred to the most solitary area of the prison, known as Range 13. Range 13 is a wing of the prison with four cells that are only used by two inmates at a time. The inmates are not allowed to speak with each other, and human contact - even with guards - is rare. The suit cites an ADX psychologist who testified earlier this summer that Range 13 is 'a form of torture on some level'. The lawsuit seeks injunctions that would allow Abdulmutallab more freedom inside the jail to interact with other prisoners, contact people in the outside world and practice his religion. Smiling: Abdulmutallab, front left, poses with anti-war campaigner Brian Haw in front of Britain's Parliament with a group of fellow pupils from Lome's International School, Togo in 2001 'Prisoners retain fundamental constitutional rights to communicate with others and have family relationships free from undue interference by the government,' his attorney Gail Johnson told the Denver Channel. 'The restrictions imposed on our client are excessive and unnecessary, and therefore we seek the intervention of the federal court.' Abdulmutallab planned to blow up Northwest Airlines Flight 253 from Amsterdam to Detroit on Christmas Day 2009 with a bomb sewn into his underwear. The bomb failed to explode but did scorch him. Experts later said that the bomb failed to explode because it had 'degraded' over the two weeks Abdulmutallab wore the pair. He was sentenced to four life in prison sentences plus 50 years, without the possibility of parole, in 2012. EU anti-trust regulators have raided the offices of automaker BMW in Munich, the company said, in a fresh blow to the German car industry already hit by the Dieselgate scandal. The European Commission, which refused to confirm the company targeted, said it 'can confirm that as of October 16, 2017 its officials carried out an unannounced inspection at the premises of a car manufacturer in Germany.' The inspection was related to 'concerns that several German car manufacturers may have violated EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices,' a statement said. EU anti-trust regulators have raided the offices of automaker BMW in Munich, the company said, in a fresh blow to the German car industry already hit by the Dieselgate scandal 'The inspection is linked to complaints against five auto companies that were reported in the media last July,' BMW said in a statement that confirmed the raids. News weekly Der Spiegel reported in July that German carmakers Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, BMW and Daimler secretly worked together from the 1990s on car development, construction and logistics - including how to meet increasingly tough diesel emissions criteria. Both buyers and suppliers of the auto giants suffered from the under-the-table deals, the magazine alleged. Wolfsburg-based VW, along with Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler, was among the first to hand over details of the alleged broader collusion between the five firms to competition authorities, reported Spiegel, saying it had seen a relevant VW document. News weekly Der Spiegel reported in July that German carmakers Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, BMW and Daimler secretly worked together from the 1990s on car development, construction and logistics (File photo) For the world's largest carmaker Volkswagen, the diesel emissions scandal alone has already cost tens of billions of euros since 2015. In a separate cartel case, Daimler suffered a billion-euro fine from Brussels last summer for fixing truck prices with competitors. In theory, the European Commission or Germany's federal competition authority could fine firms 10 per cent of annual revenue - or close to 50 billion euros ($58.3 billion) across all five car companies, based on 2016 sales. In September, Volkswagen said it is taking another $3 billion charge to fix diesel engines in the United States, lifting the total bill for its emissions-test cheating scandal to around $30 billion. The German group is struggling to put the two-year-old 'Dieselgate' scandal behind it, and working to transform itself into a maker of mass-market electric cars. Last year, VW agreed with U.S. authorities to spend up to $15.3 billion to buy back or fix up to 475,000 2.0-litre polluting diesel cars. Dr Ovais Badat, 42, obtained cocaine by writing out fake prescriptions before supplying to an ADHD patient A top psychiatrist who invited a female patient to his hotel room where he plied her with champagne and drugs from his "Man Tin" has been jailed for two and a half years. Dr Ovais Badat, 42, obtained cocaine by writing out fake prescriptions before supplying to an ADHD patient. During a week-long trial at Bristol Crown Court, Kerry Barker, prosecuting, said the father-of-two met Laura Lister through a friend. She offered to do administration work for him and he invited her to meet him at a Holiday Inn in January 2015 when he was carrying out work for Children in Need. According to the Bristol Post, Mr Barker said: 'He provided from his bag bottles of champagne and a tin entitled Man Tin in which there was a large lump of cocaine and various pills. 'They joked about Laura being a patient of the clinic. They drank the champagne.' Ms Lister discussed ADHD with Badat, who is a former employee of the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust in Bristol, before taking cocaine. She awoke and felt ill, hungover and was vomiting after suffering a bad reaction. Before she left the premises, Badat gave her some more cocaine and some blue ADHD pills. Ms Lister said she would not go to authorities, but when she was contacted by a manager at the ADHD service clinic she told them what happened after becoming concerned about Badat's behaviour. Avon and Somerset Police launched an investigation and found he would write prescriptions under the name of 'Ebrahim Fulat' - a fake patient - and was seen collecting them on CCTV. He denied wrongdoing but was convicted of one count of supplying a controlled drug, one count of fraudulently making false prescriptions, one count of fraud and one count of possessing ketamine and jailed for two-and-a-half years at Bristol Crown Court yesterday. Defending his client, Stuart Stevens said there was a 'lot of good in this man despite his failings' and said he has now 'lost his career' as a result, according to the newspaper. Badat will also appear in front of the General Medical Council. DI Simon Brickwood, of Avon and Somerset Constabulary, told the MailOnline: 'Following a trial at Bristol Crown Court, 41-year-old Ovais Badat, of Gloucester, was found guilty of one count of supplying a controlled drug, one count of fraudulently making false prescriptions, one count of fraud and one count of possessing ketamine. During a week-long trial at Bristol Crown Court, Kerry Barker, prosecuting, said: 'He provided from his bag bottles of champagne and a tin entitled "Man Tin" in which there was a large lump of cocaine and various pills' 'Badat, a former employee with the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, was convicted following a police investigation which began in 2015. 'He is a predatory drug addict who supplied cocaine to a vulnerable woman and made out false prescriptions which he used to illegally obtain medication from a pharmacy in Hengrove. 'His actions were wholly dishonest and a significant breach of trust. 'He underestimated the strength and determination of those around him and I'd like to pay tribute to everyone who supported our investigation. 'He had a position of high standing within his field and this added weight to the intimidation witnesses felt. I hope this positive outcome will provide courage for those who find themselves in a similar position, but are unsure whether they will be believed or supported by their employers and the criminal justice system. 'I'd also like to thank Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust for their support and co-operation throughout.' A man who fired a shot at anti-Nazi protesters following a speech at the University of Florida by white nationalist Richard Spencer has been charged with attempted murder. Two men who allegedly urged him to shoot face the same charge. A Gainesville Police Department report released on Friday said that Tyler Tenbrink, 28, William Fears, 30 and his brother, 28-year-old Colton Fears, all from Texas, were arrested on attempted homicide charges following an appearance by Spencer on campus. Three men were arrested on attempted murder charges after firing a gun at a group of protesters (pictured: (Lto R) Tyler Tenbrink, 28; Colton Fears, 28; and his brother William Fears, 30) The men had gone to the University of Florida to hear a speech by white nationalist Richard Spencer (Pictured October 19, 2017) Hours before the shooting, all three men had spoken with the media in support of Spencer's speech and white nationalism. The three were in a vehicle Thursday immediately after Spencer's speech and began making Nazi salutes and shouting Hitler chants at a group of people holding anti-Nazi signs near a bus stop, Gainesville Police Officer Ben Tobias said. One person in the group of about six people struck the back window of the men's vehicle with a baton, police said. Tenbrink, a convicted felon, showed a handgun after exiting the car while one of the Fears brothers shouted 'Im going to f*****g kill you', police said. 'Colton Fears and William Fears were also yelling, "Kill them" and "Shoot them,"' the police report stated. All three men had spoken with the media in support of Spencer hours before the alleged shooting Self-described white nationalist Colton Fears, of Pasadena, Texas, speaks to members of the media as demonstrators gather near the site of a planned speech by Richard Spencer William Fears (white shirt) and Colton Fears were seen being escorted away from the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts while being shouted at by protesters Tenbrink fired a single shot, police said, missing the group and striking a nearby building. He is also being charged as a felon in possession of a firearm, police said. The men fled the scene and headed north on Highway 75, police said. Just before 9pm an off-duty Alachua County Sheriff's deputy who had worked the Spencer event earlier saw the men's vehicle. Another bystander said they memorized the license plate number of the car and shared it with police. 'I am amazed that immediately after being shot at, a victim had the forethought to get the vehicle's license number,' Tobias said. 'That key piece of information allowed officials from every level of multiple agencies to quickly identify and arrest these persons. This was an amazing team effort by everyone involved.' A group of officers called in stopped the vehicle and took the men into custody. Protesters chant and carry signs against white nationalism at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida Tenbrink (pictured), 28, are in the Alachua County Jail on charges of attempted homicide in connection with a shooting at a bus stop Tenbrink admitted that he was the shooter, according to the police report. Before Thursday shooting, the three men said that they were 'pushing back' against the left and exercising their right to free speech. 'It's always been socially acceptable to punch a Nazi, to attack people if they have right-wing political leanings,' William Fears told The Gainesville Sun. 'Us coming in and saying we're taking over your town, we're starting to push back, we're starting to want to intimidate back. We want to show our teeth a little bit because, you know, we're not to be taken lightly.' Colton Fears, of Pasadena, Texas, center, walks behind Florida Highway Patrol troopers 'We don't want violence... we don't want harm. But at the end of the day, we're not opposed to defending ourselves.' 'This is a mess. I'm disappointed in the course of things,' Tenbrink told the Sun before firing the shot. 'It appears that the only answer left is violence, and nobody wants that.' It was Spencer's first major public appearance since an August rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, which devolved into violent clashes and left one dead. Spencer began by thanking the some 500 police officers who secured the event, as well as the University of Florida's president for allowing the event to proceed. He appeared to have few supporters in the crowd. About 15 white men, all dressed in white shirts and khaki pants, raised their hands when Spencer asked who identified with the 'alt-right'. UF President W. Kent Fuchs has denounced Spencer, but as a public university the school is required to rent space to speakers regardless of their message. Protesters began yelling and chanting when Spencer took the stage, and he criticized them for trying to suppress his speech. The chants included 'F**k you Spencer' and 'Black Lives Matter'. The South Korean embassy in London has issued a warning to its citizens about the possibility of racist attacks in the UK after a student was attacked by a bottle in Brighton last weekend. Yshung Kim, 20, was hit in an unprovoked attack in Brighton on Sunday night. Sussex police have arrested two teenage boys aged 16 and 17 in connection with the attack. Police have arrested two suspects aged 16 and 17 and they are currently searching for a third suspect who is described as a white teenage girl of slim build with long dark hair and wearing a dark jacket and trousers along with a pair of light coloured shoes, right Mr Kim suffered facial injuries including a broken tooth as a result of the attack. Officers are still searching for a white teenage girl, described as being of slim build, long dark hair and wearing a dark jacket and trousers with light coloured shoes. Detective Inspector Simon Morgan of Sussex Police said: 'We want to hear from anyone who saw the assault, which happened in busy North Street and also anyone who saw a group of youths acting aggressively at this location or in Churchill Square on Sunday night. 'We are aware there is a video of the incident which has been posted on Facebook and if anyone who has seen it has any information, please contact us.' Chief Inspector Chris Veale said: 'We are treating this as a hate crime as we believe the victim was targeted due to his ethnicity. Brighton is a welcoming diverse city and we are appalled at this attack on this young man. Such incidents can cause significant distress to victims and local communities and I would like to reassure those affected that we take this type of crime extremely seriously and are doing all we can to identify and arrest the suspect.' The 17-year-old is from Burgess Hill and is suspected of racially aggravated harassment with fear of violence. The 16-year-old from Haywards Heath was arrested on suspicion of committing grievous bodily harm with intent. He is believed to have had a tooth broken and 10 others dislodged and had to have emergency dental treatment. Britain There is no law restricting the wearing of garments for religious reasons. However in March 2007 the education ministry published directives allowing directors of public establishments and denominational schools to ban the niqab veil. Judges have on occasion refused to hear veiled women because they could not verify their identity. Netherlands The legislation, which has passed the lower house and now has to be approved by the Senate, bans the wearing of burkas, helmets and face masks on public transport as well as education, healthcare and government buildings. The bill was proposed by Interior Minister Ronald Plasterk last year, as he believed clothing that covered the face hindered communication in public services and could pose a security threat. Violations could result in a fine of up to 410 euros. Germany Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere has proposed a partial burka ban. De Maiziere, one of Merkel's closest allies, said the ban would cover 'places where it is necessary for our society's coexistence' including government offices, schools and universities, courtrooms as well as demonstrations. France The first European country to ban the full-veil in public spaces with a law 'banning the hiding of the face in public spaces', with a law that took effect in April 2011. The European Court of Human Rights upheld the burka ban in 2014, rejecting arguments that outlawing full-face veils breached religious freedom. The law has resulted in around 1,500 arrests in the past five years, and violations can result in fines of up to 150 euros. Earlier this year, several French towns sought to ban burkinis, the full-body Islamic swimsuit. The move was successfully challenged in all but one case on the island of Corsica. Belgium The wearing of the full veil is governed by a June 1, 2011 law. It prohibits 'appearing in places accessible to the public with a face masked or hidden, in whole or in part, in such a way as to be unidentifiable'. Exceptions exist, in particular where the workplace requires the face to be hidden, or for the carnival season. Violations can result in fines and/or up to seven days in jail. Bulgaria In September, Bulgarian lawmakers approved a law that bans wearing in public clothing that partially or completely covers the face, with exceptions for health or professional reasons. Initial violations result in a fine of roughly 100 euros, while subsequent violations are fined the equivalent of 750 euros. Italy There is currently a debate over a 1975 law aimed at protecting public order that makes it illegal to cover one's face in public places and the provision applies to the veil, as well as motorcycle helmets and other masks. The anti-immigrant Northern League presented in October a draft law in the Lombardy region around Milan that would ban the burka, niqab and burkini. A region in the Italian Riviera is to ban women from wearing the Islamic niqab in hospitals and public offices. Officials in the northern region of Liguria announced plans to enforce the ban in what is described as an attempt to defend women's freedom. Switzerland Switzerland's lower house narrowly approved in September a draft bill on a nationwide burka ban, but the measure remains far from becoming law. In the southern Tessin region however, the burka has been forbidden since July 1 and violators face a minimum fine of 100 Swiss francs. Norway Education Minister Torbjorn Roe Isaksen said in October that the government was seeking regulations prohibiting the full-face veil in schools and universities. Scandinavian neighbours such as Denmark and Sweden have allowed schools, administrations and companies to decide the issue for themselves, while there is no ban in Finland. Others Three other countries that have not banned the burka are among those closest to the Middle East or North Africa - Greece, Portugal and Spain. Morocco has banned the production and sale of burqa full-face Muslim veils for security reasons. While there was no official announcement by authorities in the North African nation, the reports said the interior ministry order would take effect this week. The ban has been imposed due to reports felons have been using the garment to help carry out their crimes. William Paton has been cleared of raping a woman after they met on a boozy night out in London A businessman has been cleared of the hotel room rape of a drunken woman he met during a trip to London. Privately-educated graduate William Paton, 30, was accused of taking advantage of the 26-year-old City worker on March 4 last year. A jury failed to reach a verdict in relation to the case and today prosecutors announced they would not be seeking a retrial. Paton, of Newton Mearns, East Renfrewshire, is a mathematics graduate of the University of Strathclyde and was attending a black-tie event at a City of London livery company at the time. His family run a nationwide company involved in the insurance and maintenance of taxis and private-hire vehicles. He always denied one count of rape and protested his innocence throughout the week-long trial, insisting the complainant had consented to sex. Both Paton and the complainant told the court they had little recollection of the evening, but the woman claims she woke up at the Holiday Inn in Whitechapel to find the defendant having sex with her. The woman said she woke up with Paton at the Holiday Inn in Whitechapel (pictured) and couldn't remember what happened Prosecutor Jonathan Loades earlier told the jury that after the lunchtime celebration, the woman continued drinking at The Dickens Inn, near Tower Bridge She told the jury; 'I freaked out. I did not know if it was real or not and I remember crying in the toilet. I scared myself that I could drink that much.' She told the court she was 'eight out of ten' on a scale of inebriation, having started on cranberry juice at noon and progressing to brandy and coke and wine. Paton told the jury he had little recollection of the evening, but stressed: 'I would never, ever take advantage of a woman. There's absolutely no way that I would rape any woman.' During the trial, the court had heard the graduate had travelled down from his home in East Renfrewshire to attend an event hosted by a City of London livery company - a trade association - and met the woman while out drinking afterwards. The woman then met Paton at The Dirty Martini in Bishopsgate, Central London, the jury heard The pair continued partying at White's strip club in Aldgate before going to Paton's hotel in Whitechapel, East London, where they were filmed on CCTV Agreeing she was 'binge drinking' that day, the woman said earlier in court: 'I think a lot of people do at my age, I don't think I'm alone there. Before this happened and I was out I never wanted to go home. I just wanted to enjoy myself.' Paton had said the woman was happily dancing with him during the evening and also embraced him, but the woman insisted she had no memory of the defendant. Describing the alleged rape, his alleged victim told the court: 'I did not know if it was real or not and I remember crying in the toilet. I scared myself that I could drink that much.' Prosecutor Jonathan Loades told the jury that after the lunchtime celebration, the woman continued drinking at The Dickens Inn, near Tower Bridge, then met Paton at The Dirty Martini in Bishopsgate, Central London. She told the jury she regrets not catching the train opposite the bar and returning home to her long-term boyfriend. The pair continued partying at White's strip club in Aldgate before going to Paton's hotel in Whitechapel, East London, where they were filmed on CCTV. Two of Italy's wealthiest regions are seeking greater autonomy in a pair of referendums to be held on Sunday, with Catalonia's secessionist ambitions in Spain looming large over the debate. While the presidents of Lombardy and Veneto in northern Italy are campaigning on the economic benefits of loosening Rome's grip, identity politics also plays a role - particularly in Veneto, heir to the once-vast Venetian Republic. There, a political fringe has never given up on secession even though it has been long abandoned by the governing Northern League party. Both Veneto president Luca Zaia and his Lombard counterpart Roberto Maroni emphasise the legal nature of the referendums, which were approved by Italy's constitutional court. Veneto president Luca Zaia (right) and his Lombard counterpart Roberto Maroni (left) are holding referendums seeing greater autonomy in Italy on Sunday A giant poster on Sunday's referendum on whether to demand greater autonomy hangs on side of a building in Milan, Italy In contrast, the October 1 Catalan independence referendum was declared illegal and vigorously opposed by the central Spanish government in Madrid. The autonomy drive is a powerful threat to Rome's authority. Together, Veneto and Lombardy account for 30 per cent of Italy's GDP and almost a quarter of the nation's electorate. Both regions are run by the anti-migrant, anti-Europe Northern League, which has found allies for autonomy in other centre-right parties like former premier Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia and the populist 5-Star Movement. They hope to spread the autonomy model to other Italian regions. In Veneto, the secessionist fringe appeals to a common identity: a shared Veneto dialect, traditional poor man's fare like polenta, and a self-image of hard-workers whose family-run businesses helped power Italy's post-war economic boom. There is also the proud history of the Venetian Republic, which for more than 1,000 years dominated a vast territory comprising Veneto, parts of Lombardy and much of the eastern Mediterranean. One Veneto separatist group, Plebescito.eu, is vowing to resume the independence campaign once Sunday's referendum has been held. Another party, Veneto Independence, was behind a failed attempt to gain constitutional court approval for a Veneto referendum on independence. While the presidents of Lombardy and Veneto in northern Italy are campaigning on the economic benefits of loosening Rome's grip, identity politics also plays a role - particularly in Veneto, heir to the once-vast Venetian Republic Together, Veneto and Lombardy account for 30 per cent of Italy's GDP and almost a quarter of the nation's electorate Playing on an identity as Italy's underdogs, they note widespread scepticism of the autonomy referendums elsewhere in Italy and among the centre-left, with critics arguing that the non-binding vote carries no legal weight, is not needed to trigger autonomy negotiations and is a costly waste of resources. For backers of the referendums, such put-downs are part of elite, centrist decision-making in Rome that ignores the periphery - sentiments echoed elsewhere in the Catalonia referendum, in the US election of Donald Trump and in Britain's vote to leave the EU. The date of the referendum is laden with symbolism: October 22 is the 151st anniversary of the 1866 Veneto Plebiscite, a popular vote that united Veneto with Italy. Modern-day separatists see that vote as invalid, due to low turnout. Even Mr Zaia's official video poses the question in stark nationalist terms: 'I choose Veneto. I choose liberty.' The Veneto autonomy drive is strongly motivated by a sense of injustice at having to share tax revenues with Italy's poorer south and envy at the relative prosperity in the neighbouring regions of Trentino-Alto Adige and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, which are among five regions made autonomous under Italy's 1946 constitution in recognition of their unique status. While Trentino-Alto Adige is largely German-speaking, Friuli-Venezia Giulia was recognised for its position bordering then-Yugoslavia as a Cold War hedge. Catalonia's secessionist ambitions in Spain are looming large over the debate. Pictured above, pro-independence supporters holding Catalan flags take part in rally near the Parliament, in Barcelona, Spain, on October 10 However, Veneto historian Giuseppe Gullino challenges the notion of Veneto identity, saying attempts to leverage the Venetian republic ignore that much of it lay outside present-day Italy, sweeping into Istria, past the Ionian islands and Crete and all the way to Cyprus. 'There is a pride in the history, which in some way was great,' Mr Gullino said. 'Although Venetians appreciate history, they don't study it.' Betting on significant yes votes, Mr Zaia and Mr Maroni plan to launch talks with Italy's premier on 23 areas that are now the responsibility of the state, including security, migration, education and environmental policies. They also want a greater share of the tax revenues, citing Lombardy's net contributions to the central government of 54billion euro (48billion), and Veneto's of 15.5billion euro (13.9billion). Observers say they are unlikely to be taken seriously unless they get a huge majority of votes, something like 60% or 70%, on a strong turnout. Any sense that Rome is dismissing the autonomy demands could play into the hands of the independence parties. 'Those who want separatism from the Italian state are in a minority,' said constitutional expert Luca Antonini of Padova University's law school. 'However, if the idea of autonomy is betrayed by the central government, it will feed the push for independence.' The Malaysian government and an US-based ocean exploration company are on the verge of a 'no find, no fee' agreement as the search for MH370 restarts after more than three years. Ocean Integrity told CNN that the terms of a deal have yet to be finalized, contradicting an earlier statement by Australia's Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester. 'Ocean Infinity are not yet able to confirm the final award of a contract to help in the search for MH370, but good progress has been made,' company spokesperson Mark Antelme told CNN in an email. The Malaysian government and an US-based ocean exploration company are on the verge of an agreement to resume the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 People stand next to a piece of suspected plane wreckage which was found off the coast of southern Thailand in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, January 24, 2016 'We remain optimistic that we will be able to try and help provide some answers to those who have been affected by this tragedy,' Antelme said. The Malaysian government later reiterated the point, releasing a statement saying that negotiations are still ongoing. 'At this juncture, the Malaysian Government has yet to arrive into an agreement with Ocean Infinity for the search of MH370,' Malaysia's Civil Aviation Department said. On March 8, 2014, MH370 vanished without a trace as it was en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, carrying 239 people on board. The plane has yet to be recovered, with only small pieces of debris surfacing periodically. Australia, China and Malaysia called off their search for the plane in January after searching for three years Earlier Friday, Chester released a statement explaining that Kuala Lumpur had 'accepted an offer' that showed the country's 'commitment to find MH370.' The search for MH370 has been the most expensive in aviation history, costing an estimated $200 million, according to CNN. Australia carried out an initial search for the aircraft, with estimates showing that the plane likely vanished around its territorial waters. On March 8, 2014, MH370 vanished without a trace while carrying 239 people The plane carried mostly Malaysian and Chinese passengers, but individuals from 14 different countries were also on board MH370. Earlier this year, Malaysia, Australia and China announced that they would suspend their search for the plane, dashing the hopes for definitive answers for anguished family members. Chinese citizen Steve Wang, whose mother was on MH370, told CNN that the prospect of a third party continuing the search was 'definitely good news.' 'I hope the investigative team can release all the information and data they've gathered throughout the whole process and make sure to pass all the information to that firm, which will be taking over the search,' he said. In its final report published earlier this month, Australia said that it was 'almost inconceivable' that the plane has yet to be found given the time, energy and money that has been invested in the search. A former sheriff's office employee in the Florida Panhandle has been arrested on a charge of first-degree murder in the death of a private investigator. Ashley McArthur, 40, was arrested Thursday after police found the body of 33-year-old Taylor Wright in a wooded area in Cantonment, Florida. Wright was a private investigator and former police officer in Jacksonville, North Carolina. She had been missing since September 7 when her Pensacola roommate reported her missing. McArthur previously worked as a crime scene technician for the Escambia County Sheriff's Office, the Pensacola News Journal reported. A spokesman for the department said that she worked for them from June to November 2006 and resigned voluntarily. Ashley McArthur, 40 (left), has been arrested for murder in the death of 33-year-old private investigator Taylor Wright (right), who went missing from Pensacola, Florida more than a month ago. Pensacola Police Department spokesman Mike Wood said that the women knew each other, but he would not elaborate. Deputies in Escambia County, Florida found Wright's body in a wooded area off Britt Road around noon on Thursday. Public records show McArthur has gone by the last name Britt in the past. It's unclear if the street and her former last name are at all connected. Pensacola Police Department spokesman Mike Wood said that after Wright went missing, they didn't suspect foul play. Investigators found the body of Wright (above) in a wooded area in Contanment, Florida on Thursday A police spokesman says the two women knew each other, but didn't go into detail about how. Wright appears to have been the mother of at least one child, according to photos on Facebook 'Based upon what we we were told, we did not immediately believe there was any foul play in the disappearance,' he said. 'But our detective kept plugging away at it and found inconsistencies, and soon we had the entire division working on this case.' Wood says that officers were deliberately given false statements early on in the investigation but didn't elaborate. Bond was set at $1million during McArthur's first court appearance. She has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder and is due back in court next on November 19. The Pensacola Police Department and Escambia County Sheriff's Office continue to investigate the murder. Wright worked for the Jacksonville Police Department on two separate occasions for a total of three years. The first time was from January 2008 to August 2009 and the second time was from July 2012 to December 2013. 'Officer Taylor Wright was a brave and spirited young officer, who we were happy to rehire to service when she returned to the area in 2012,' JPD Deputy Chief Timothy A. Malfitano said. 'She was a loved and valued member of our law enforcement family. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Taylor's family and friends.' Twitter has been accused of giving the green light to anti-Semitism after refusing to remove a tweet branding Jews 'absolutely vile' because it was 'not abusive'. The post, which referred to orthodox Jews in an area of north-east London, read: 'Drove through Stamford Hill today. F*** me the gaffs[sic] riddled with full blown Jews. Absolutely vile.' A local community leader who reported the message to Twitter but was told it would not be taken down as there was 'no violation of rules regarding abusive behaviour'. The tweet, which referred to orthodox Jews in an area of north-east London, was posted by 'part-time disk jockey' Thomas Andrews Stamford Hill is home to more than 20,000 Haredi Jews, the largest orthodox community in Britain The anti-Semitic tweet was posted by 'part time disk jockey' Thomas Andrews at 8.40pm on October 14 and reported to Twitter at 9.03pm. Other users branded the message 'vile' and subsequently attacked the social media giant's decision not to remove it. Labour MP John Mann claimed Twitter's decision not to remove the post showed it had 'absolutely no interest' in clamping down on hate speech. He told MailOnline: 'Twitter has got no interest whatsoever in moderating this kind of content. This company repeatedly allows offensive and bullying materials.' Mr Mann announced he would be pushing for a change in the law to make social media giants liable for hate speech hosted on their networks. 'I will be proposing in the New Year a change in the law to make Twitter liable for these kinds of vile comments,' he said. 'Rightly, newspapers and the broadcast media can held to account but Twitter can't be.' Following the storm of criticism from members of the public Mr Andrews deleted the post and made his account private, tweeting an apology at 10.21pm. Following the storm of criticism from members of the public Mr Andrews deleted the post and made his account private, tweeting an apology at 10.21pm This read: 'I apologise for this tweet. It was extremely naive and disrespectful of me. I wasn't aware of the area's culture but have since seen sense.' Stamford Hill is home to more than 20,000 Haredi Jews, the largest orthodox community in Britain. Twitter's actions were condemned by the Campaign Against Antisemitism, who accused of letting hate speech run 'out of control'. Dr Daniel Allington, Head of Online Monitoring and Investigations, told MailOnline: 'Once again, utterly brazen antisemitism has been given the green light on Twitter. 'Twitter claims that every report of racist abuse is reviewed by a highly-trained team, but it seems to have no clear understanding of the difference between free speech and hate speech.' Dr Allington, from Leicester University, said a brief Twitter search would uncover the huge amount of anti-Semitic material tolerated by the social media giant. He added: 'In seconds, you can find tweets filled with anti-Jewish propaganda, including material originally produced by the Nazis. 'The problem is out of control - it's no wonder that governments around the world are now telling Twitter that it will face enormous fines unless it cleans up its act.' Twitter, when given a chance to defend its policy on hate speech, said: We do not comment on individual cases for security reasons. Local community leader Shulem Stern, who reported the message to Twitter, was told it would not be taken down as there was 'no violation of rules regarding abusive behaviour' It comes days after CEO Jack Dorsey admitted in the company is not doing enough to protect its users from sexist and racist abuse. Hackney Downs councillor Michael Desmond said: 'Hackney is a borough where people from all religions and none get on and live together in harmony. 'Racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia should not be allowed on social networks. 'Twitter's judgment seems inconsistent and insensitive: I suggest they tweet themselves: "must do better".' Labour peer Lord Mandelson claimed voters did not realise Brexit meant quitting the EU - but it was revealed that he made the warning himself just days before last years referendum (file pic) Lord Mandelsons claim Brexit could be cancelled because voters were not told the truth about leaving the European Union was today exposed as a sham. The former EU commissioner, who is in line to receive an annual pension of 35,000 from Brussels, said nobody had warned before the referendum how Britain would leave the single market. He argued that as new facts are coming to light people could change their minds about leaving. But his argument immediately unravelled as it emerged that he had warned himself that Britain would have to leave the single market just days ahead of the vote last June. Speaking on BBC Radio 4s Today programme yesterday, Lord Mandelson said: As the Brexit process continues, new facts are coming to light about all this that no one could have known at the time of the referendum. We now know there will be a very big divorce bill to pay, no one talked about that at the time of the referendum. The government has announced since the referendum that we would leave the single market, nobody said that at the time. Pushed on whether he would back a second referendum, Lord Mandelson said: Im not going that far this morning. But he added: I want to listen to the public and hear what the public have to say about this. 'Frankly, I think they are viewing this whole situation with a growing alarm because they are now waking up to things and learning things, finding facts that are at last being revealed. I think as the evidence mounts we should rethink our approach to leaving the European Union and how were going to implement the referendum decision. 'And if the public chooses to take a different view then we in Parliament should listen to them. However, a fortnight before the referendum in June 2016, Lord Mandelson made the very argument that they country would leave the single market if it backed Brexit. After then German finance minister Wolfgang Schauble said that remaining in the single market wont work, the Labour grandee said his comments finally knock on the head the leave campaigns claim that we can leave the EU and still enjoy the benefits of the single market. Theresa May, pictured in Brussels today, secured a concession from the EU who have agreed to start internal talks on a post-Brexit trade deal - although this falls short of Britain's demand to move on fully to trade talks He added: We cannot leave the club and continue to use its facilities. Being outside the single market wold be a hammer blow to the UK economy. Our future trade [would] be hit and our manufacturing sector, which relies on the single markets free movement of goods and people, [would] be at risk. This is the cold reality of Brexit that the British people must face. If we leave we lose the economic gains of being the worlds largest free-trade zone, putting jobs and livelihoods at risk. Lord Mandelson yesterday warned that it would be a national humiliation if the Government failed to negotiate a free trade deal with the EU. It would wipe out all the rights to trade we currently have in the European Union. It would wipe out all the preferential access that our goods and services currently enjoy, he said. It would be an economic disaster for Britain. It would be a national humiliation. Criticising Mrs Mays stance that no deal is better than a bad deal, he said: Do you think its a clever negotiating tactic to say if we dont get what we want then we are going to blow our brains out? Do you think that is smart? Jeremy Corbyn, pictured having a selfie with Slovenian MEP Tanja Fajon in Brussels yesterday, was told by Lord Mandelson that he mus appeal to the centre-round in order to win an election The Labour peer urged Jeremy Corbyn to reach out to centrist voters if he wants to win a majority at the next general election. The former cabinet minister - a long-time critic of the Labour leader - acknowledged that the prospects for the party were now very strong. He said Mr Corbyn now faced a choice as to whether he wanted to consolidate his sectarian support on the left or widen his appeal to voters. The Tories are giving him and the Labour Party victory on a plate at the next election, it seems to me. What sort of victory he gets depends on him and what he does now, he said. I think he has a choice. In the party, he can go for total ideological control of Labour, or he can opt instead for unity right across Labour's broad spectrum. In the country, he can either consolidate his sectarian support on the left and amongst the young voters, or he can additionally embrace more centrist and older voters. This is what will make the difference between a slender victory for the Labour Party or a substantial working majority. The outspoken mayor of Puerto Rico's capital city is giving President Donald Trump the lowest score possible for the federal response to Hurricane Maria. Trump gave his administration the highest commendation for its storm recovery response on Thursday during a meeting with the U.S. territory's governor, Ricardo Rossello. 'I'd say it was a ten.' he said, later claiming, 'I think we did a fantastic job.' This morning, San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz panned the response on CNN, saying on New Day, 'If it is a "ten" out of a scale of 100, of course. 'It is still a failing grade,' she added. Cruz gave the administration a 'one.' She noted that many people are still without electricity - 78 percent, according to CNN - drinkable water and rooftops. Scroll down for video Carmen Yulin Cruz, the outspoken mayor of Puerto Rico's capital city is giving President Donald Trump the lowest score possible for the federal response to Hurricane Maria Trump gave his administration the highest commendation for its storm recovery response in Puerto Rico on Thursday during a meeting with the U.S. territory's governor, Ricardo Rossello Trump's assessment of his administration's handling of the crisis came during a long question and answer session with reporters before a private meeting with Rossello, a Democrat, on Thursday. The president doubled down on his controversial claim that federal emergency managers can't be in the territory forever. Trump also said that Congress and Puerto Rico will need to come up with a plan to address the substantial debt the island was in before it was wrecked by two catastrophic storms. 'I will say that I have given my blessing to Congress and Congress is working with you and your representatives on coming up with a plan, and a payment plan, and how it's all going to be funded. Because you are talking about some substantial numbers and I guess you knew that,' Trump stated. Asked by a reporter how he thought the administration was handling it, Trump replied, 'I'd say it was a ten. I'd say it was probably the most difficult.' 'I think it was worse than Katrina. It was in many ways worse than anything people have ever seen.' An official death toll claims 48 people lost their lives in Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Those numbers have been questioned by storm watchers who say it's probably higher than what was reported. Rossello said Thursday in his meeting with Trump that 250,000 homes had been lost and more than 42 roads were completely destroyed. The energy grid is a mess, he said, and needs to be lifted back up - 'something that needs to start happening now.' 'This is not over. Not over by a long shot,' Rossello stated. 'The response is there. Do we need to do a lot more, of course we do, and I think everybody over here recognizes there's a lot of work to be done in Puerto Rico,' he said at another point. He praised the Republican president and his administration for its hands-on approach to the crisis in a break with Cruz, who is also a Democrat. 'You responded immediately, sir,' Rossello said after Trump prodded him to agree that the administration was doing a great job. Destroyed buildings are viewed from the air during recovery efforts four weeks after Hurricane Maria struck on October 18, 2017 in-flight over Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is suffering shortages of food and water in areas with only 19.10 percent of grid electricity restored FEMA Administrator Brock Long jumped in to explain that his agency has been working disasters in 20 different states and has registered 4 million Americans for aid. Long said that's more registrations than the government logged during Hurricanes Katrina, Wilma and Sandy, combined. 'It's been an tremendous effort,' he asserted. Trump flew to Puerto Rico earlier this month to see the devastation firsthand. Both his trip and the administration's response to the crisis have been met with criticism, especially from Cruz. She said Friday on CNN that while FEMA has 'stepped up their game' in the last week 'it still isn't enough.' 'I think the president lives in an alternative reality world that only he believes the things that hes saying,' she contended in a New Day interview with Alisyn Camerota. 'People are still, like you said, without electricity. We knew it was going to take a long time for that to happen, but the basic services are still not there yet, and there doesnt seem to be any, any sight of how its supposed to go.' Pushed to give the administration a grade for its storm response in Puerto Rico, she said without hesitation, 'One.' 'On,' she repeated. 'The administration has been unresponsive. They go back and forth. The president first says Katrina was a real disaster and yesterday says, this is worse than Katrina.' The president and the San Juan mayor have hurled insults at each other on national television and on Twitter. Trump said Cruz had been 'very, very nice at the beginning' then 'all of a sudden she went a little bit on the nasty side.' 'And I guess she is running for office and it turns out I was right. Isn't that a shock?' he said during an interview with Fox News during his time on the disaster-stricken island. Cruz fired back at him in a Univision interview where she wore a 'nasty' t-shirt. 'What is really nasty is that anyone would turn their back on the Puerto Rican people,' she added. Anyone who would attack a person 'claiming lack of drinking water, lack of medicine for the sick, and lack of food for the hungry... has problems too severe to be explained in an interview,' she argued. A few days prior the two had sparred over Trump's assault on her as a poor leader. He had also suggested that Puerto Rican's are lazy in the Twitter tirade. '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,' Trump said. '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.' U.S. President Donald Trump, with Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello and First Lady Melania Trump, sits down to a briefing on hurricane damage, at Muniz Air National Guard Base in Carolina, Puerto Rico, October 3 Cruz said then that Trump 'continues to tweet in his hate all over the place, and rather than offering comforting words. If you can't be a president, be an executive. Make sure that all ducks are straight in a row and you're getting things done.' Trump most recently took arrows for his proclamation that the residents of Puerto Rico will ultimately be responsible for rebuilding their island. 'We cannot keep FEMA, the Military & the First Responders, who have been amazing (under the most difficult circumstances) in P.R. forever!' the president tweeted. This time Rossello responded and said, The U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico are requesting the support that any of our fellow citizens would receive across our Nation.' Rossello and Trump have been collegial to each other throughout the storm recovery process, with Trump saying of Rosello in a tweet just before his day-long visit: 'The Governor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo Rossello, is a great guy and leader who is really working hard. Thank you Ricky!' Trump said Thursday in his Oval Office meeting that he and Rossello 'have gotten to know each other extremely well over the last couple of weeks.' 'And I can tell you, you are a hard working governor. It's a tough situation. So much has to be rebuilt, even from before,' Trump said. Trump said the federal government would be as helpful as it can but 'at some point FEMA has to leave, first responders have to leave, and the people have to take over. 'At a certain point, we have to leave the various locations that we're in,' he said. 'You know, at some point, no matter where it is, whether it's Texas or whether it's Florida, it ends.' Moments later, Trump said of Puerto Rico, 'This instance, it's a more difficult situation. But I think the governor understands that FEMA, the military, first responders cannot be there forever. And no matter where you go, they cannot be there forever.' Rossello said, 'That is the importance of the short-term and long-term packages that will be in Congress, right? We're going to need some resources.' 'You know, the President has been clear on stating that no U.S. citizen will be left behind. We will be working. And this is the way we work towards making a better America and a better Puerto Rico,' Rossello stated. The funeral took place this afternoon of an 11-year-old boy who died following what is believed to have been a mauling by the family's Alsatian dog. Ryan Busa, from Newtonabbey, County Antrim, was found 'covered in blood' from cuts at his home around noon on October 14. Children from his primary school in Glengormley stood with parents, relatives, teachers and neighbours outside the family home in Queens Avenue today where the tragedy occurred. Mourners lined the street as his small white coffin was taken to Carnmoney Cemetery. The funeral took place this afternoon of an 11-year-old boy who died following what is believed to have been a mauling by the family's Alsatian dog Ryan Busa, from Newtonabbey, County Antrim, was found 'covered in blood' from cuts at his home around noon on October 14 Children from his primary school in Glengormley stood with parents, relatives, teachers and neighbours outside the family home in Queens Avenue today where the tragedy occurred Mourners lined the street as Ryan Busa's (pictured) small white coffin was taken to Carnmoney Cemetery this afternoon Mourners were out in droves today to pay their respects to the 'adorable' little boy Ryan had been rushed to hospital after the incident where he died shortly after. A resident who lives near the scene said she saw the youngster 'covered in blood' as he was carried out of his house on a stretcher and treated by paramedics. His school paid tribute to the 'adorable' pupil earlier this week and said 'a little light has gone out'. Forensics attend the scene at Queen's Avenue in Newtownabbey after Ryan was killed Flowers left at the scene by mourners as forensics attend Queen's Avenue in Newtownabbey Locals have described the area as a 'generally quiet' estate. Above, police at the scene earlier this week A statement from his school, given to The Sun Online, read: 'The Principal, Staff, Board of Governors & Children of Ashgrove Primary School are greatly saddened by the tragic loss of one of our adorable P7 pupils. 'A little light has gone out; he will be greatly missed.' Police are still in the area of Glengormley where the incident happened, which locals have described as a 'generally quiet' estate. The BBC has reported that the 'police line of inquiry is that the family's German Shepherd may have killed the 11-year-old boy around midday'. A 38-year-old man who is believed to be the boy's father, Polish-born Marek Busa, is assisting with police inquiries, according to The Sun. A post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course. Neighbours in the area of County Antrim where the 'shocking' incident took place said they saw the youngster 'covered in blood' as he was taken out of his home on a stretcher Noreen McCelland, a Socialist Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) councillor in the area has been at the scene for several hours today. She told Belfast Live: 'This is tragic news. I am sure the whole community is grieving and the family, I'm sure, are distraught. 'There are just no words. The local community will be trying to take in this dreadful news.' She claims distraught neighbours had watched as the child was taken out of the house by paramedics on a stretcher. 'They said there was a lot of blood. It is just horrible, a terrible tragedy. How do you deal with something like that. 'Everyone is really upset. We don't know yet what has happened.' Forensic teams were seen entering the family home earlier this week as they investigate the circumstances of the boy's death. People have taken to social media to express their shock and sadness. One Twitter user called Leah wrote: 'Utterly heartbreaking news from Glengormley this evening.' Democratic Union Party Senior Parliamentary Assistant Phillip Brett wrote: 'Huge shock and sadness across Glengormley today following this tragic news. Police investigation underway.' A 'Love Antrim' account wrote: 'Sad news that young boy has died in Glengormley. PSNI arrested a man in connection with his death. Thoughts and go out to family & friends.' Newtownabbey's Glengormley Integrated Primary School posted: 'Oh my goodness. How tragically sad. Feeling already numb and shocked without even knowing any more.' Lisa Mason wrote on Facebook: 'I know the whole community will be shocked and grieving! Queens Park really had become an estate that families felt safe in and has been a close knit community Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends closest to the young boy' A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesman said: 'Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of an 11 year old boy at a house in the Queens Avenue area of Newtownabbey on Sunday, October 15. 'There are no further details at present.' Phillip Andrew Ilg, 56, (pictured above) died after being hit by Paige Elizabeth Narveson, 16, seconds after she used Snapchat while driving A teenage driver was using Snapchat just 50 seconds before crashing into a cyclist and killing him. Paige Elizabeth Narveson, 16, of Southern Minnesota drove into 56-year-old Phillip Andrew Ilg on June 17 and has been charged with reckless driving and criminal vehicular homicide. According to a juvenile delinquency petition Narveson's Ford Explorer, which was traveling around 60mph on State Highway 25, was driving west when she hit the man, CBS News reports. Forensic examination of her phone showed she had been using Snapchat just before the crash. Onlookers at the scene told officials that Narveson swerved over the fog line and onto the hard shoulder before smashing into the cyclist. Pictured here is the scene of the crime that occurred on Highway 25 Saturday June 17 Paige Elizabeth Narveson was driving 60 mph when she crashed into 56-year-old Phillip Andrew Ilg (pictured right) Narveson told police that the collision happened because she merely looked down and away from the road for just a second, claiming it 'just happened'. According to a survey conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, millennials, roughly between the ages of 19 and 24 are more likely to admit they read or send texts while driving. They are also more likely to think texting while driving is acceptable and less likely to support laws against distracted driving. Phillip Andrew Ilg (L) is pictured here with his wife (R) Karen Ilg in her Facebook profile photo Horrified witnesses watched children dice with death on the narrow ledge of a railway viaduct. Three youngsters, thought to be aged around 11 or 12, were spotted shuffling along the Old Colwyn archways in North Wales at around 50ft above the road below. Craig Sheehan, who spotted the trio on Wednesday, said: 'It's a miracle no one fell. 'Between 4.30pm and 5pm, a group of schoolchildren climbed up the bank towards the train track, and then proceeded to cross the archways, across a small six-inch ledge. Three youngsters, thought to be aged around 11 or 12, were spotted shuffling along the Old Colwyn archways 'The incident attracted a crowd of people, and cars slowed down to watch. 'People were shouting at them to get down. In the end they calmly did so, with no apparent awareness of the danger they had placed themselves in.' In light of the heart-stopping event, police have now stepped up patrols in the area. Sgt Tom Prytherch said: 'This a particularly dangerous incident which could have caused serious injury or death and also posed a danger to other members of the public. 'This has been added to our local patrol plan for officers to check.' He said the pictures of the youngsters have been forwarded to British Transport Police. The children were hanging on to the bridge at a height of around 50ft The six-arched limestone viaduct, which marks the eastern end of the promenade in Old Colwyn, was built in 1847. Councillor Cheryl Carlisle said: 'This shocking incident. We have repeatedly asked Network Rail to fence this area off safely, as the old, broken fencing was an accident waiting to happen. 'The fencing was finally replaced, after years of lobbying, but it is obviously not high or strong enough. 'We will again go back to Network Rail to ask for urgent safety works, and will also work closely with police to get the safety message across in our local schools.' The pictures of the youngsters have been forwarded to British Transport Police A Network Rail spokesman said: 'Trespassing on the railway is extremely dangerous and puts lives at risk. It can cause disruption to train services directly affecting people going about their daily lives, such as getting to and from work, visiting family and travelling to hospital appointments. 'Working with Arriva Trains Wales and British Transport Police, we do all we can to minimise disruption to passengers and we would urge people to stay off the railway and infrastructure. 'Our engineers will be visiting this site tomorrow to make an assessment.' Harry Fisher, 28, was stopped in June while driving a Mercedes through Strood, Kent, alongside his accomplice Zak Lal, 32 An art connoisseur drug dealer was caught with a stolen 1 million Sir Stanley Spencer landscape when police raided his flat. Harry Fisher, 28, was stopped in June while driving a Mercedes through Strood, Kent, alongside his accomplice Zak Lal, 32. Officers discovered a kilogram of cocaine, 30,000 in cash and a knife in Lal's pocket. When officers raided Fisher's home in Kingston, Surrey, they found the British painter's landscape Cookham From Edgefield hanging on a wall five years after it was stolen from a gallery. Alongside the painting was 450,00 worth of cocaine and 15,000 ecstasy tablets. When officers raided Fisher's flat they found the British painter's landscape Cookham From Edgefield(pictured) hanging on a wall five years after it was stolen from a gallery The privately owned painting was stolen by an opportunist thief from The Stanley Spencer Gallery Cookham in April 2012 and has now been returned. Sir Stanley, described as one of the 20th century's most important artists, was born in 1891 and lived and worked in Cookham, Berkshire. He was once dubbed 'the divine fool of British art', and is considered one of the 20th Century's most influential UK artists. While Cookham From Edgefield was valued at 1million, works by the painter have sold for upwards of 5m such as Sunflower and Dog Worship which fetched 5.4m. Zak Lal, from Rochester in Kent, admitted a charge of possession of an offensive weapon At Kingston Crown court Fisher pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and acquiring criminal property. Lal admitted a charge of possession of an offensive weapon. Lal, of Rochester, Kent, was found to have 2,000 in cash and a selection of cheap mobile phones during a search of his family home. Today Fisher was jailed for eight years and eight months whilst Lal was handed five years and eight months behind bars. Detective Inspector Andy Whitewood, of the Met's Organised Crime Command, said: 'These two men were caught in possession of a considerable amount of class A drugs as the result of a proactive investigation targeting high end, organised drug supply. 'A search of Fisher's address revealed a stolen 1m painting, this demonstrates the link between drugs trafficking and serious, acquisitive crime. A spokesman for the Stanley Spencer Gallery said: 'The Stanley Spencer Gallery volunteers are immensely grateful to the various police sections who have contributed to the recovery of this remarkable painting which was stolen from us more than five years ago' Stanley Spencer, 1891 - 1959 Spencer studied at the prestigious Slade School of Art in London. He was known for depicting biblical scenes painted to make it appear as if they happened in Cookham, where he spent much of his life. Spencer referred to his home, which is next to the River Thames, as 'the village from heaven'. He was diagnosed with cancer in December 1958 and died a year to the month later. Spencer is buried in Cookham Cemetery. Advertisement 'I am pleased to say that the painting has now been returned to the art gallery from where it was stolen. 'The guilty pleas entered by both men were due to the weight of the evidence against them and are a testimony to the depth of the investigation. 'The sentences handed to these defendants should act as a deterrent to anyone else involved in the supply of illegal drugs.' A spokesman for the Stanley Spencer Gallery said: 'The Stanley Spencer Gallery volunteers are immensely grateful to the various police sections who have contributed to the recovery of this remarkable painting which was stolen from us more than five years ago.' Two more US government workers have been confirmed to be victims of invisible 'sonic' attacks in Cuba, the United States said Friday, raising the total to 24. The tally has inched upward since the US first disclosed in August that embassy workers and their families in Havana had been harmed by unexplained, mysterious incidents affecting their health. The Trump administration later said it had determined the incidents were 'specific attacks' that are ongoing, but investigators have not yet identified a weapon or a culprit. It has been suggested that an unspecified covert acoustic device was responsible for the diplomats' ailments. Scroll down for video Two more US Embassy workers have been confirmed to be victims of invisible 'sonic' attacks in Cuba, the United States said Friday, raising the total to 24 The disclosure that 24 people have been harmed suggests that nearly half the American government workers serving in Cuba have been attacked. The US had roughly 50 personnel posted to the Embassy in Havana until earlier this month when, in response to the attacks, the State Department pulled out roughly 60 percent of the staff. Yet some of the victims were spouses of US. workers, and several were temporary workers who rotated in to Cuba for short-term stints. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the two additional victims 'do not reflect new attacks.' 'The assessments are based on medical evaluations of personnel who were affected by incidents earlier this year,' Nauert said. Nauert said the most recent attack is still believed to have been near the end of August. A US official told The Associated Press previously that attack occurred August 21. The official wasn't authorized to disclose the exact date and requested anonymity. 'Our personnel are receiving comprehensive medical evaluations and care,' Nauert said. 'We can't rule out additional new cases as medical professionals continue to evaluate members of the embassy community.' This image provided by Chris Allen shows the view in Havana, Cuba, from his hotel room - room 1414 at Hotel Capri in April 2014. The tourist from South Carolina believe he, too, may have been sickened by the attacks The United States 'can't rule out additional new cases as medical professionals continue to evaluate members of the embassy community,' Nauert added. The attacks started last year and affected American diplomats, intelligence officials and their spouses in Havana. They began in staffers' homes in Havana, but the AP disclosed in September that they later occurred in hotels as well. The attacks in hotels began after the US complained to President Raul Castro's government, and Cuban security officials dramatically increased patrols around the US workers' homes, officials said. Cuba has vehemently denied any knowledge or involvement in the attacks, emphasizing its eagerness to cooperate with the investigation being led by the FBI. The United States hasn't blamed Cuba or any other actor of perpetrating the attacks, but has faulted Castro's government for failing to stop them, arguing it's Cuba's responsibility under international law to protect foreign diplomats on its soil. 'I do believe Cuba's responsible. I do believe that,' President Donald Trump said last week. 'And it's a very unusual attack, as you know. But I do believe Cuba is responsible.' A few Canadians were also affected by the attacks, which caused a variety of physical symptoms. The US has said that vestibular, cognitive, vision and other problems have been reported by the victims, with some experiencing memory and balance issues, headaches and ringing in the ears. The union that represents American diplomats has said some have been diagnosed with permanent hearing loss and mild traumatic brain injury, known as concussions. Some of the cases involved mysterious, blaring sounds that led to investigators to consider whether a sonic weapon was involved. The AP last week released a recording of what some American workers heard. Brandon Wall, 22, is accused of using broken glass to carve a profane word onto a woman's stomach A 22-year-old man in Utah has been accused of carving a profane word into a woman's stomach. Brandon Lee Wall allegedly used broken glass to cut into the woman's skin on September 24 in Cedar City, Utah. The woman told police this week that he had climbed on top of her and sat on her while he carried out the act. It is not clear what prompted the alleged attack or what word he is alleged to have spelled out on her flesh. On Monday, the woman phoned police after another alleged incident during which she Wall threatened her. When police arrived, she showed them her stomach and the scar, they said. Wall, who had fled the scene, was later arrested and was booked in to county jail. No details about the victim were given in her police report, which was obtained by St George News. She had told police Wall had once lived with her and helped look after her because she was sick. The man's girlfriend is standing by him. She did not respond to questions about his arrest on Friday. The pair share a young daughter. Wall has been charged with second-degree felony aggravated assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Nickelodeon has fired one of its star animators over claims he sexually harassed women. Chris Savino was suspended on Wednesday after the first claims were published by Cartoon Brew. On Thursday night, Nickelodeon announced his firing and said it was looking into alleged victims' claims. In a statement to DailyMail.com, a spokesman said: 'Chris Savino is no longer working with Nickelodeon. 'We take allegations of misconduct very seriously, and we are committed to fostering a safe and professional workplace environment that is free of harassment or other kinds of inappropriate conduct. Loud House creator Chris Savino has been suspended amid claims he sexually harassed women over a decade 'The Loud House, which is currently in its second season, will continue to air on Nickelodeon and be in production. Season three is scheduled to premiere in early 2018.' None of his alleged victims have identified themselves publicly but they anonymously shared their complaints with Cartoon Brew. They told how he bombarded female colleagues with sexual text messages and tried to sabotage their careers if they ever rejected his advances. One artist, who declined to be named, recalled how Savino used the guise of work to obtain a female colleague's personal contact information then bombarded her with unwanted text messages in 2013. 'He got her personal contact information under the guise of helping her develop the project off hours. 'He presented himself as a mentor. He then proceeded to send her unwanted text messages that were lewd and sexual in nature on more than one occasion. 'When she turned down his advances, her development project was let go. He is a classic case of a predatory male using his status and power over a female subordinate,' the source said. Initially, Viacom, Nickelodeon's parent company, would not confirm his suspension. In a vague statement that was issued in response to queries, the company said it investigated any claims of harassment that have been filed by employees. 'Viacom is committed to the safety and well-being of our employees, and to fostering a workplace free from harassment. 'As a matter of policy, we do not comment on specific employee matters, but we take all allegations of this nature very seriously, investigate them thoroughly and take any necessary actions as a result,' a spokesman said. Before creating Loud House in 2016, Savino worked as an animator on The Powerpuff Girls and My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. Savino created Loud House for Nickelodeon in 2016 but has worked in the animation industry for years longer Loud House's mostly female cast (above). None have come forward to accuse Savino of any harassment Loud House's cast includes 37-year-old Jessica DiCicco (left) and 23-year-old Liliana Mumy who shot to fame as a child in the Cheaper By The Dozen films (right). Neither is implicated in the Savino allegations He has not given any comment since his suspension was reported. Loud House's cast consists largely of women including Jessica DiCicco and Catherine Taber. Most are now in their thirties or forties though some are in their early twenties. None have commented on Savino's suspension. The Powerpuff Girls was aired by the Cartoon Network between 1998 and 2005. Savino worked alongside its creator Craig McCracken until he left the show after the first four seasons. Savino oversaw the final two. The Cartoon Network did not respond to questions surrounding Savino's suspension on Wednesday. It is the latest in a wave of developments gripping the film and TV industry since the avalanche of allegations against Harvey Weinstein emerged earlier this month. An executive from Amazon's Studios has also resigned over claims he was complicit in sexual harassment at the company. Roy Price had been placed on administrative leave last week after claims he ignored Rose McGowan when she said she had been raped and sexually harassed a lesbian producer of one of Amazon's shows. House of cards: Roy Price, the former head of Amazon Studios, resigned on Tuesday amid accusations he sexually harassed staff. Harvey Weinstein (right) has been fired by The Weinstein Company and may face criminal charges over claims he raped and sexually assaulted women over the last 20 years According to Isa Hackett, Price told her: 'You will love my d***' when they worked together in 2015. Weinstein has gone AWOL since making a brief and bizarre appearance in Los Angeles last week outside his daughter's home. More than 50 women claim he sexually harassed or assaulted them during a reign of terror over Hollywood. They include Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Rose McGowan, Ashley Judd and Asia Argento along with dozens of lesser known film industry experts. Their on-the-record allegations, which had long been held as an open secret in Hollywood but were not publicly reported, have sent a ripple effect through the film and TV industry. They have also spawned the hashtag 'Me Too' which women are using on social media to share their own experiences of sexual harassment or abuse. A 15-year-old girl was viciously assaulted by a gang of up to 200 schoolchildren after she tried to protect her friend from bullies. Shania Greenhall, from Leeds, was beaten with a ratchet as children fired fireworks at her and three friends in a field near a school on Wednesday. The violence only ended after a shocked woman came out of her house and dispersed the group. Shania Greenhall (pictured with her mother) was beaten with ratchet as children fired fireworks at her and three friends on a grassy area near a school on Wednesday Shania was beaten with ratchet as children fired fireworks at her and three friends on a grassy area (pictured) near a school on Wednesday Shania suffered a black eye, lumps and bruises all over her head, arms and shoulders and scratch marks on her back. She had to have her head glued together after being hit with a ratchet. Her three friends were also attacked but escaped with minor injuries. The kind woman who stopped the attack took two of the girls into her home until they were collected after getting split up from their friends in the panic. Shania's aunt Yvonne Mayne was horrified by her injuries when collecting her. 'Her face was just swollen all over,' said Ms Mayne, also from Leeds. 'It is disgusting what they have done. All she was trying to do is protect a friend who was being bullied by these girls. 'They were not expected to be so many but I was told there were around 200 there. 'The boys and girls all started attacking four 15-year-old girls, hitting with weapons and there were even boys setting fireworks off at them. Shania (left) suffered a black eye, lumps and bruises all over her head, arms and shoulders and scratch marks on her back. She had to have her head (right) glued together after being hit with a ratchet 'Shania thinks one them was hitting her with a ratchet. It is just so dangerous. It could have been so much worse. Their behaviour is vile. 'The girls were not expecting so many people to be around and they know they should not have gone but what happened to them is disgusting. They should not be allowed to get away with it.' Shania was taken by her mother Donna and Ms Mayne to Leeds General Infirmary later that evening. She thankfully escaped any serious injuries and is now recovering at home. Shania was taken by her mother Donna and Ms Mayne to Leeds General Infirmary later that evening. Pictured: Her injuries The family are now hoping that those responsible will be brought to justice following the attack. The assault happened near Bishop Young Church of England Academy in Seacroft. The school says none of their students have been identified as being involved in the incident by police. Paul Cooper, Bishop Young Church of England Academy, said: 'I have been made aware of an incident at around 7pm on Wednesday. This is not a school issue as the incident took place on a public highway. The assault happened near Bishop Young Church of England Academy in Seacroft 'It is a police matter and we have had no information from them that any of our students has been involved. We will work with police should we need to.' A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: 'An incident has been reported on Wednesday 18 October at 8:08pm involving the assault of a 15-year-old girl. 'Police are due to speak with the girl and her family. 'Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact the police via 101 quoting crime reference number 13170488050.' Elizebeth Friedman, a scholar raised by Indiana Quakers, became one of the founders of modern government intelligence agencies Elizebeth Friedman was a smart, young Quaker mother of two from rural Indiana. A literary and Shakespeare fanatic, she envisioned a quiet life for herself raising her son and daughter in Washington, DC and writing childrens books. However - because of her sharp wit and knack for catching patterns - she worked to save America from Nazi spies, helped pioneer the doctrine of code-breaking, and changed the course of the 20th century, according to a new book about her life, The Woman Who Smashed Codes. Because of her rare and coveted skills, she became the first-ever female cryptologist, and was commissioned by the US Government to intercept radio transmissions of the enemy during World War I and II and translate their encrypted messages. When the wars ended, she turned her attention to organized crime, taking down global heroin rings and even testifying against Al Capone's gang. Her story has been lost in the fabric of time, and many of her accomplishments throughout the World Wars were credited to FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. Boxes filled with letters, papers and books chronicling her legacy have sat largely untouched at a private library for the last century only to be discovered by Jason Fagone , author of the new novel detailing Elizebeths life. Mr Fagone, who has spent the last two years digging into Elizebeths life, told DailyMail.com: Its one of these remarkable American stories. It was clear to me after looking through her records that it was also the story of the birth of American intelligence. Theres this hidden woman at the root of our intelligence community I thought that was worth telling. She worked to save America from Nazi spies, helped pioneer the doctrine of code-breaking, and changed the course of the 20th century Because of her rare and coveted skills, she became the first-ever female cryptologist, and was commissioned by the US Government to intercept radio transmissions of the enemy during the World Wars and translate their encrypted messages Author Jason Fagone, who has written a new book about Elizebeth's work, writes on twitter that Elizebeth left behind hundreds of code sheets, such as this one, and worked with only 'pencil, paper, and her mind' Mr Fagone, whose work has appeared in The New York Times, Huffington Post, and Esquire, began researching the history of the National Security Agency after Edward Snowden exposed government surveillance programs in 2013. He found that the foundation of the NSA was credited to William Friedman, an expert in code-breaking, who worked side-by-side with his wife Elizebeth. Getting to the documents that tell the Friedman's story wasn't easy literally or figuratively. They are kept within the depths of the private library at the George C Marshall Foundation in Lexington City, Virginia. An archivist took Mr Fagone into the belly of its headquarters through a room decorated lavishly with oil painting, a large metal door with an industrial lock, then another interior door guarded with gated bars, and into a spacious vault. 'I just thought "Oh, my god,"' Mr Fagone said. Elizebeths husband William, considered the godfather of the National Security Agency, had left behind boxes as far as the eye could see. Elizebeth had 22 boxes that get significantly less attention than her husbands chronicling her entire life, though suspiciously absent is any evidence of her work from 1939 to 1945. That just screams out World War Two, Mr Fagone continued. I just looked at folder one in box one and started reading her letters it was clear to me that there was an amazing untold story there. Elizebeths story begins at a library in Chicago in 1916, where she had gone to admire a rare first edition of Shakespeares First Folio from 1623. She was a literary fanatic having received her degree in English at Hillsdale College in Michigan two years earlier. She mentioned to the librarian that she was looking for a job in the area, preferably something involving literature or research. The librarian knew just who to call. Elizebeth was contracted by millionaire George Fabyan, right, who turned his expansive Illinois compound, called Riverbank, into a scientific laboratory Within the hour, an eccentric millionaire named George Fabyan arrived at the library in a limousine, and brought Elizebeth with him to his mansion in the Illinois plains: Riverbank. It was half a rich mans pleasure palace and half a scientific lab, Mr Fagone said. Fabyan was convinced of a conspiracy theory that Shakespeare was not the actual author of his plays but rather, one of his proteges, Francis Bacon, was the man behind them. He was like the Trump of his day - if instead of thinking that TV ratings were the most important thing in the world, Fabyan though discovering secrets was the most important thing in the world,' Mr Fagone said. 'He was obsessed with discovering the secrets of nature and thats how he spend a great deal of his fortune. He was a multi-millionaire, and instead of buying lavish vacations or fancy artwork he build a scientific laboratory at his country estate in Illinois. Fabyan was convinced of a conspiracy theory that Shakespeare was not the actual author of his plays but rather, one of his proteges, Francis Bacon, was the man behind them Fabyan employed scientists and literary experts to help him expose his theory on Shakespeare, which actually gained some traction in its day. He believed that Bacon had hidden secret messages encoded in Shakespearean plays to reveal himself as the true author. This was how Elizebeth found her knack for reading between the lines piecing together and decoding information. Fabyans Shakespeare theory, however, she thought was nonsense. Fabyan also employed William Friedman, a young geneticist who was also a Quaker, to work at Riverbank. Soon, he and Elizebeth fell in love Fabyan and the people who believed this were seeing what they wanted to see. Soon after she was hired to decode these "messages," she looked around and said, "All of these people are crazy,"' Mr Fagone said. She found solace in a young schoolteacher and geneticist named William, however and the two soon fell in love. They were the two sane people in this crazy community, Mr Fagone said. Though Fabyans wacky theories never paid off, they did open Elizebeths eyes to her keen ability to patch together patterns. It sparked her lifelong interest in secret writing and codes and ciphers because she wanted to know how to find patterns that arent really there. Here first experience was in finding false patterns, so she wanted to find true patterns, Jason said. In 1917, the nation spiraled into World War I fairly unprepared. The FBI was in its infancy, having been founded less than ten years beforehand. The NSA and CIA didnt exist and the United States military was desperate to find ways to defeat the enemies abroad. William and Elizebeth were employed by Fabyan to find secret messages in Shakespeare plays in what turned out to be a fruitless conspiracy theory. The couple bonded over their shared belief that everyone at Riverbank was 'crazy' Writer Jason Fagone, left, spent the last two years researching Elizebeth's life for his new book, The Woman Who Smashed Codes: A True Story of Love, Spies, and the Unlikely Heroine Who Outwitted America's enemies They had been able to intercept some radio transmissions from overseas, but they were all jumbled and encrypted. The messages were a win but their meanings were a mystery. After catching wind of a group in rural Illinois who were researching code-cracking, they began to mail the messages to Riverdale. To the average eye, they looked like utter nonsense. They were five letter blocks of completely unrelated letters. But to Elizebeth, they were a puzzle that her mind had been trained to solve. Shed essentially be looking at a sheet of gobbledygook. Just a sheet of five letter blocks of nonsense marching down the page and shed have to find a way in find a way of recognizing hidden patterns in that message, chopping up parts, counting the letters, whirling them all around and arranging them into words that made sense. Thats what she taught herself how to do, Mr Fagone said. She was like a King Midas of codes, he added. During the World Wars, encrypted messages from enemy forces were intercepted by the US Government and sent to Elizebeth for decoding The ciphers would often be completely scrambled, or hidden within seemingly normal images, like the music notes seen here Mr Fagone posted a photo of the library vault in Virginia where the extensive documents from Elizebeth are safely kept When the war ended, William and Elizebeth moved with their newborn daughter to Washington, DC. As they began their family, Elizebeth thought shed be taking on the role of a housewife leading a quiet life cleaning, cooking and caring for the children. But the US Government had other plans. Shed become such an irreplaceable asset to the resistance that they needed her help fighting crime at home. According to Mr Fagone, Elizebeth wrote: Men keep showing up on my doorstep and the only way for me to make them go away is to say yes and solve these puzzles for them. He added: Part of the problem for Elizebeth was that she was so good at what she did her skills were so exceptional and unusual that she became indispensable and men kept showing up at her doorstep all her life asking her to do things and she never really felt free to say no. So, she said yes and spent the majority of the 1920s and 1930s combating rum runners and alcohol smugglers during prohibition. When it ended, she went after drug rings. When the war ended, William and Elizebeth moved with their newborn daughter to Washington DC. As they began their family, Elizebeth thought shed be taking on the role of a housewife leading a quiet life cleaning, cooking and caring for the children. However the US Government had other plans Working with the Treasury Department, Elizebeth built up a team of code-breakers. She would intercept radio messages, much like she did during the war, learn everything about them then relay the information to the military who would infiltrate and arrest the criminals. When the Second World War gripped the nation in the 1940s, her skills at intercepting and decoding radio messages became even more crucial. Mr Fagone explained: After Hitler invaded Poland, Nazi spies began spreading out from Germany into the Western Hemisphere. Particularly theyd spread into South America, which was neutral, and they were carrying the same kinds of radio equipment and using the same kinds of codes as the rum runners. During the course of the war, she decoded more than 4,000 Nazi messages, and worked with the military to expose and destroy Nazi spy rings even solving three crypto-machines, the highest level of complex coding devices used by German forces. And yet no one knew who she was. Director of the FBI J. Edgar Hoover was proudly reporting to the nation that he was working closely with the FBI to take down Nazis and Hitlers forces and took the credit for keeping the nation safe. Though Elizebeth's work went relatively unknown throughout her life, she expressed in letters later on that her one true hope was to reunite her family - who all worked with government agencies around the world J. Edgar Hoover was out bragging in public that he and the FBI had done all of this code-breaking and that they had saved America from this Nazi spy invasion and it just wasnt true,' Mr Fagone said. At the time, women were hardly considered capable of attending college let alone running a coding team within the Treasury Department. Elizebeth persisted nonetheless with her thankless work never one to take the limelight. Even if she had wanted to speak out about her accomplishments she wouldnt be allowed to all of her work during World War II was considered Top Secret Ultra classified. Mr Fagone says her letters later in life reveal some of her frustration with the situation but ultimately, all she wanted was to have her family all together. Her daughter went on to work for the Censorship Bureau in Panama and her son and husband both worked with the US Army. In The Woman Who Smashed Codes: A True Story of Love, Spies, and the Unlikely Heroine Who Outwitted Americas Enemies Mr Fagone hopes to finally be able to tell Elizebeths story. His favorite quote from her writings is one he believes truly encapsulates her fearless determination: If I may capture a goodly number of your messages, even though I have never seen your code books, I may still read your thoughts. The White House unloaded on Rep. Frederica Wilson for 'grandstanding' at an FBI building dedication ceremony even though video of the event shows she did not take credit for getting funds for it as White House chief of staff John Kelly claimed. White House chief of staff John Kelly blasted Wilson in an emotional statement at the White House Thursday, denouncing her as an 'empty barrel' in an anecdote that began coming apart hours after he told it. Video of the event shows that while she talked up her own efforts to name the building after two fallen agents, she did not do what Kelly claimed. The White House said it was 'inappropriate' to criticize Kelly, and brought up his status as a retired four-star general. 'Gen. Kelly said he was stunned that Representative Wilson made comments at a building dedication honoring slain FBI agents about her own actions in Congress including lobbying former President Obama on legislation,' White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Frida. Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., talks to reporters, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Wilson is standing by her statement that President Donald Trump told Myeshia Johnson, the widow of Sgt. La David Johnson killed in an ambush in Niger, that her husband 'knew what he signed up for.' She stayed away from Washington and wouldn't respond after getting trashed by chief of staff John Kelly 'As General Kelly pointed out if you're able to make a sacred act like honoring American heroes all about yourself, you're an empty barrel. If you don't understand that reference, I'll put it a little bit more simply. As we say in the South, all hat, no cattle.' 'If you want to go after General Kelly, that's up to you,' Sanders warned reporters. 'But I think that if you want to get into a debate with a four-star Marine general, I think that that's something highly inappropriate.' Told that video of the speech shows Willson 'effusively praising' the FBI agents and not taking credit for the funds, Sanders refused to back down. 'She also mentioned that and she also had a few comments that day that weren't part of that speech and that weren't part of that video that were also witnessed by many people that were there,' she said. 'What General Kelly referenced yesterday. Exactly what he said there was a lot of grandstanding, he was stunned that she had taken that opportunity to make it about herself.' She said Kelly wouldn't come out to explain, having addressed the matter 'pretty thoroughly,' then played the military card. The White House chief of staff, Kelly, pictured, and the Florida congresswoman are wrapped up in a mushrooming dispute over the president's condolence call earlier this week to a soldier's family that Wilson says was inappropriate 'If you want to go after General Kelly that's up to you, but I think that that if you want to get into a debate with a four-star Marine General, I think that that's something highly inappropriate,' she said. That line drew immediate derision from the press online. One journalist, CNN's Jake Tapper, recommended Ken Burns' documentary on Vietnam for anyone who doesn't think generals should get questioned. 'I specifically said and I'll repeat it again that General Kelly was stunned, that she made comments about herself and that was the point of what he said. That was what took place here yesterday and we still stand by those comments,' Sanders said. Trump gushed about Kelly in a new interview that airs Sunday on Fox Business Channel. President Trump hailed Kely as a 'very elegant man' 'He is a very elegant man. He is a tough, strong four-star Marine. You're a four-star Marine, you've got something special to start off with, OK? ... He was so offended, because he was in the room when I made the call and so were other people. And the call was a very nice call. He was so offended that a woman would be -- that somebody would be listening to that call,' Trump said. 'Actually, he said to me 'Sir, this is not acceptable. This is really not.' 'And he knew -- I was so nice. Look, I've called many people. And I would think that every one of them appreciated it. I was very surprised to see this to be honest with you,' he said. Trump also volunteered that he mentioned Sgt. Johnson's name when he called his widow, although he did not use Johnson's name in the telling. 'And by the way, I spoke of the name of the young man and I -- it was a really -- it's a very tough call. Those are the toughest calls,' he said. 'These are very, very hard calls. They're sad. And sometimes, you know, the grieving is so incredible. But he's just an elegant man and a wonderful man and he's doing a fantastic job as chief,' Trump said. Asked about Wilson's comment that Kelly was trying to keep his job, Trump responded: 'He doesn't need this job. In fact, he didn't really want this job. He was so happy, you know, he's a military guy. He was doing this incredible job on the border and elsewhere.' 'And it's not that he wanted it. Actually, he would have preferred doing and staying where he was,' Trump said of Kelly 'And it's not that he wanted it. Actually, he would have preferred doing and staying where he was. He's a man that felt it would be important for the country. He does it for the country. He's not doing it for what he wants. He does it for the country.' The president added, 'He's a very unusual man. So when she made that statement, I thought it was sickening, actually.' Kelly, himself a Gold Star father, went after Wilson, who had listened in on a phone call President Trump placed to the widow of La David Johnson, who was killed in action in Niger, and said the president made her feel disrespected. He denounced the lawmaker, without mentioning her, as he told the story a building dedication he attended in Miami where a new FBI building was named after two agents who died in a gun battle. Kelly was steaming at the lawmaker for listening in on President Trump's call to the widow of a fallen soldier Wilson said she went into 'attack mode' to get the building named, but didn't take credit for getting funding for it as Kelly said she did CUTS LIKE A KNIFE: The White House hit Wilson for 'grandstanding' at the event The FBI South Florida field office became a political hot potato after a flap over its naming ceremony 'And a congresswoman stood up and in the long tradition of empty barrels making the most noise, stood up there in all of that and talked about how she was instrumental in getting the funding for that building, and how she took care of her constituents because she got the money,' Kerry said, in obvious disgust. 'And she just called up president Obama and on that phone call he gave the money, the $20 million to build the building. She sat down. We were stunned, stunned that she'd done it. Even for someone that is that empty a barrel, we were stunned. But you know, none of us went to the press and criticized. None of us stood up and were appalled. We just said, 'Okay, fine.'' Congresswoman Frederica Wilson says John Kelly lied about her behavior at the dedication of an FBI building in her district. 'You know, I feel sorry for Gen. Kelly. He has the sympathy for the loss of his son. But he can't just go on TV and lie on me,' Wilson said Friday on CNN During her remarks, she acknowledged 'my colleagues in Congress' and asked some of them to stand. She even acknowledges it was the FBI's idea mentioning Republicans and Democrats who assisted. Within her state, she called Republican Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart someone 'who has always advocated for the issues that impact our community.' She hailed fellow lawmakers, saying they 'all helped move this bill.' She made no mention of funding, the building being already funded and on the eve of rededication. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders stood by the account at Friday's White House press briefing, calling Wilson who is known for her cowboy hat fetish 'all hat and no cattle.' She maintained Kelly's recollection, which she indicated wasn't necessarily based on the speech. In her own telling during the speech, Wilson said the FBI approached her office, telling her there were just four weeks to name the building in advance of the dedication. This photo provided by the U.S. Army Special Operations Command shows Sgt. La David Johnson, who was killed in an ambush in Niger. President Donald Trump told Johnson's widow, Myeshia Johnson, that her husband 'knew what he signed up for,' according to Wilson, who said she heard part of the conversation on speakerphon 'One problem: the FBI wnats to name this gorgeous edifice at the same time, she said 'Everyone said that's impossible. I said I'm a school principal. And I said, excuse my French, aw hell no. We're gonna get this done. Immediately, I went to attack mode,' she continued. She went to then-House Speaker John Boehner. 'I said Mr. Speaker I need your help. The FBI needs your help and our country needs your help ... He went into attack mode and in two days pulled it out of committee, brought it to the floor for a vote.' 'I dashed it over to the Senate and put our senators on notice ... They hotlined it to the Senate floor in just two days. and guess what the president signed the bill into law this past Tuesday April 7, 2015 with a bang, bang bang.' She also recounted the heroism of the two agents the building was being named after, Benjamin Grogan and Jerry Dove, who died in a 1986 shootout with bank robbers near Miami. Kelly, in his emotional statement, misstated Dove's name as Duke Thursday. At the Miami event, former FBI Director James Comey - who Kelly praised Thursday for having giving moving remarks at the event - shared credit with Wilson. 'Rep. Wilson truly did the impossible, and we are eternally grateful,' Comey said. Wilson says John Kelly lied about her behavior at the dedication of an FBI building in her state and made a 'racist' charge against her in the process. Wilson says she wasn't a Member of Congress when the money for the building was secured, so she couldn't have 'bragged' about bringing home the bacon like Kelly said she did. 'You know, I feel sorry for Gen. Kelly. He has the sympathy for the loss of his son. But he can't just go on TV and lie on me,' Wilson said Friday on CNN. The Florida Democrat also accused Kelly of using a 'racist' epithet against her during a White House news conference on Thursday afternoon, where he compared her to an 'empty barrel.' Wilson said that after looking it up in the dictionary, she had concluded that 'empty barrel' is a 'racist term.' A Sun Sentinel article from the day of the dedication said her heroics in the naming episode were backed up by another person who was present at the ceremony, James Comey, then the FBI director. 'Rep. Wilson truly did the impossible, and we are eternally grateful,' the news publication quoted Comey as saying. Kelly, a retired general whose own son died in combat, was in the room with Trump when the president called the grieving family on Tuesday. He suggested yesterday that Trump spoke the words in question to the Johnsons - it's the sentiment behind the statement that's being misconstrued. Denouncing Wilson as 'selfish' in an emotional statement for listening in on the presidential condolence call in the first place, Kelly smacked the Florida lawmaker for her conduct a 2015 memorial service for two slain FBI agents in Miami-Dade. 'And a congresswoman stood up, and in the long tradition of empty barrels making the most noise, stood up there and all of that and talked about how she was instrumental in getting the funding for that building, and how she took care of her constituents because she got the money, and she just called up President Obama, and on that phone call he gave the money -- the $20 million -- to build the building,' Kelly said. 'And she sat down, and we were stunned. Stunned that she had done it. Even for someone that is that empty a barrel, we were stunned,' he added. Kelly himself a Gold Star parent following his son's 2010 death in Afghanistan delivered the shocking statement from the White House briefing room. He appeared on camera to provide testimony about the mechanics of how the military transfers the remains of the fallen and of how he learned his own son had been killed in action. Kelly also said that he looked gloweringly on Wilson's behavior now and at the FBI ceremony. Wilson told a reporter afterward that the White House official was just trying to protect himself. 'John Kelly's trying to keep his job,' Wilson told Politico. 'He will say anything. There were other people who heard what I heard,' she said, in reference to the president's condolence call. Speaking from Florida, Wilson teed off on Trump, calling him a 'jerk' and a 'liar.' She accused Kelly of lying, too, in a subsequent appearance on CNN. The CSforAll Consortium announced commitments from over 170 organizations this week to develop and support computer science programming and train teachers, the latest in a series of recent efforts to promote STEM education and computing. Just last month, the White House released a memorandum instructing the U.S. Department of Education to direct up to $200 million a year for the next five years toward STEM and computer science. In relationship to the White House announcement, a collection of tech and education companies pledged $300 million to funding computer science programming. The CSforAll Consortiums slate of new commitments, announced at this years summit in St. Louis, came from companies, universities, national nonprofits, cities, school districts, and state departments of education. These initiatives vary widely in scope, but many are directed toward addressing persistent challenges in the fieldlike teacher-training pathways and professional development, curriculum resources, and accessible out-of-school time programs. Major announcements highlighted by the organization include: The Girls Scouts of the USA will introduce computing programs serving 400,000 girls ages 12-18 annually (Earlier this year, the Girl Scouts announced that they would offer badges in cybersecurity .) The Alliance for California Computing Education for Students and Schools is launching a CSforCA campaign to bring computer science education to 6 million students across the state. Public universities across the country, including the University of Texas at Austin, City University of New York, and Michigan State Universitys college of education, will expand computer science development for pre-service and in-service teachers. CSforAll has posted a list with details of all of the commitments on their website. The consortium, a national organization launched by New Yorks CS4All nonprofit and orginially funded by the National Science Foundation, includes members from industry, nonprofits, government, and educational organizations The organization has focused on efforts that will cause systemic change, said Ruthe Farmer, chief evangelist at the CSforAll Consortium. Farmers goal is a 360=degree surround computer science environment for students. That includes a supportive school environmentwith a principal that embraces computer science education and counselors that get students into those coursesbut also extracurricular programs that are accessible for all children. Thats why integrating computer science into long-established and geographically widespread youth programs, like Girl Scouts, is so important, she said. Its really unlikely that a kid is going to be in a coding club for eight straight years. But theyre going to be in Girl Scouts, or Boys and Girls Club. Its the only thing that parallels the school system for an extended period of time. These youth programs also already reach millions of children across the country, including those in underserved or rural areas. Attending a Girl Scouts meeting doesnt present any of the same financial, geographic, or cultural barriers that are often embedded in coding camps or computer science clubs, said Farmer. Advocates need to find ways to bring computer science to kids where they already are, she said, not the other way around. Anytime youre asking the kids to come to you, you lose the very kids that need it the most. See more: A 14-year-old schoolboy killed two classmates after pulling out a gun and opening fire during playtime, according to reports. The boy injured four other students during the shooting at the private Colegio Goyases school in Goiania, central Brazil. The teenager, who hasn't been named, is believed to have suffered bullying because 'he didn't use deodorant', according to reports. One student who witnesses the shooting told local TV Anhanguera: 'He just starting shooting at everyone in the class. I held my friend's hand. I didn't know what to do.' The private Colegio Goyases school in Goiania, where the boy went on a shooting rampage Another pupil, aged 15, told Brazil's G1 website: 'He suffered bullying, people called him smelly, because he didn't use deodorant. 'In the break between lessons, he pulled out the gun from his rucksack and started to shoot. He didn't choose his targets. Everybody started running out of the classroom.' The two children he killed were today named as Joao Vitor Gomes e Joao Pedro Calembo. The four injured include three girls and a boy. The shooting happened at around midday today after the bell had rung signalling a break between lessons and the teacher had left the room. The school in a opulent area of Goania is frequented by children from wealthy families. Military police coronel Anesio Barbosa da Cruz told Brazil's G1 website the boy, whose parents are military policemen, was in custody. He added: 'Preliminary information suggests that he suffered bullying, it became too much, he took the weapon from his home and he opened fire.' Joseph Fritzl is serving life after raping his daughter more than 3,000 times in a dungeon he built at his home in Austria Josef Fritzl - who fathered seven children by raping his captive daughter in a dungeon - had a secret basement in a guesthouse he used to own. Construction workers unearthed hidden areas while measuring the property in the lakeside town of Unterach am Mondsee in Austria. Fritzl ran the Seestern before leaving in 1996 for Amstetten, where he would rape daughter Elisabeth more than 3,000 times in a sound-proofed dungeon. An anteroom with a staircase leading nowhere was discovered behind a wall during the inspection, which was required due to the former guesthouse never receiving a building permit. It is now rented by a man known only as Helmut L, who said: 'There are cavities everywhere in the house.' The property burned down twice during Fritzl's stay, leading police to investigate him as a suspected arsonist. Fritzl ran this guesthouse before leaving in 1996 for the property where he would commit his horrific crimes According to local media the Seestern was never properly inspected by police even after they learned about Fritzl's crimes in his next property. Fritzl's house in Amstetten was bought by Herbert and Ingrid Houska for only 160,000 (143,581). An anteroom with a staircase leading nowhere was unearthed in the property, which reportedly has cavities everywhere They renovated the building, which includes multiple flats, and have rented out all 10 of the spaces. Herbert Houska said he saw the refurbishing of the house was like burying a coffin. Construction workers discovered a secret basement at the Seestern, which the Fritzls used to run 'The sarcophagus of Amstetten is gone,' he said. 'I think really something beautiful has emerged and the past has been buried. Fritzl changed his name in May to avoid being identified by other inmates while he is serving life for rape and murder 'Many residents congratulate me and are happy. 'It is time to finally look forward.' Only the basement of the complex where Elisabeth was held is not in use as the Amstetten authorities filled it in to prevent it from becoming a shrine to other perverts. When Fritzl owned the house none of the tenants knew about the tragedy that was playing out beneath them in Fritzl's self-constructed dungeon. The guesthouse is located in the lakeside town of Unterach am Mondsee near the north-western city of Salzburg Property developer Richard Osborn, 73, was accused of being a paedophile by his neighbour following a bitter land row A millionaire property developer has told how he became a pariah after a former friend put up posters in their village falsely claiming he was a dangerous paedophile. Richard Osborn, 73, had been friends with Mark Phillips, 50, for three decades, but they became embroiled in a bitter two-year row over a plot of land. That led to a court battle and the feud continued afterwards. Mr Osborn, a father of two and grandfather, said it came to a head last year when Mr Phillips and his wife Samantha, 50, anonymously made the horrific allegations as an act of revenge. He said residents now cross the road when they see him and he is scared to go out to restaurants in the wealthy commuter village of Warlingham, Surrey, where he has lived for 37 years. The retired businessman claimed his health has also suffered as a result and that he has had three strokes. He brought libel and harassment proceedings against Mr and Mrs Phillips, who own a car dealership. Mr and Mrs Phillips' Surrey Car Dealership (pictured) paid damages after putting up posters falsely claiming Mr Osborn was a paedophile Last Monday, at the High Court in London, the couple withdrew their allegation, apologised unreservedly, and agreed to pay damages understood to be 50,000 and his legal costs. The couple, who live 350 yards from Mr Osborn, have now put their five-bedroom house, which has a Range Rover and a Mercedes in the gated drive, on the market for 1.2million. Mark Phillips, 50, and his wife Samantha Phillips made the accusations against their former friend as an act of revenge Speaking at his 1.5million home in the village, Mr Osborn said: Its been horrendous, an absolute nightmare. They might only have been allegations, but those are what stick. Theres seven restaurants in the village and I dont go to any of them now. I dont feel I can. I dont want someone shouting out something horrible and I dont want to run into [Mr Phillips] and for it to kick off. People walk on the other side now people Ive known for years. I feel Im being avoided. Mr Osborn, who drives a 60,000 BMW and also owns a home in Thailand, said he first met Mr Phillips, then 16, when the teenager offered to wash cars at the second-hand dealership he ran in South Norwood, south London. He saw Mr Phillips as a protege and later let him take over the car business while he focused on building his property empire. Mr Osborn said that as their fortunes grew they became good friends and would spend time together at Christmas and in the pub, and would attend each others family funerals. But the neighbours close friendship was torn apart five years ago because of a disagreement over a small plot of land Mr Osborn owned next to the Phillipses car dealership. Mr Osborn said Mr Phillips had been parking cars on the 250sq ft area of land. The dispute over the precise location of the boundary of the land was settled at Croydon County Court in 2014. Mr Osborn said it had been resolved in his favour. Pictured is Mr Osborn's home in Warmlington, Surrey, a village he has lived in for 37 years After that case, the war of words between the neighbours intensified with both claiming they had reported each other to the police for harassment. Then, one evening in May 2016, A4 posters branding Mr Osborn a dangerous paedophile and giving his address began to appear. He said the posters were put up across the village including on the green, outside a pub, and near the primary school. Mr and Mrs Phillips, who lived 350 yards from Mr Osborn, have put their home on the market for 1.2million following the dispute It later emerged that the culprits were Mr and Mrs Phillips. Police handed out a community resolution order, used for crimes where first time offenders have expressed genuine remorse. Mr Phillips said he had been provoked by his former friend. Were not horrible people, he said. It was a mistake, we all make mistakes in life. It was stupid, I apologised for it, but he wanted more. The father-of-one denied it was anything to do with the dispute over the plot of land but refused to say any more. New photos and details are expected to be released in the death of a 19-year-old woman whose body was found in a four-star-hotel hotel freezer last month. The attorneys for the family of Chicago teen Kenneka Jenkins said police told the teen's mother and sister that more information would be released to the public and the family on Friday 'with the exception of a few select photographs they wished to share with the family before they were released.' Attorneys say those photos 'are graphic and disturbing images and inexplicably show portions of Kenneka's body exposed'. 'The photos shown to [Jenkins's mother] depict how Kenneka was found after being in a freezer for more than 20 hours,' attorney Sam Adam Jr said in a statement. New photos and details are expected to be released in the death of 19-year-old Kenneka Jenkins, from Chicago, whose body was found in a four-star-hotel hotel freezer last month Attorneys said photos would be released to the family and the public 'with the exception of a few select photographs' because they 'are graphic and disturbing images and inexplicably show portions of Kenneka's body exposed' (Pictured, Kenneka in the hotel kitchen) Jenkins had gone to a party on September 8 at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel & Conference Center in Rosemont (pictured). Friends lost track of her and the family reported the teen missing the following day Jenkins had gone to a party on September 8 at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel & Conference Center in Rosemont. Friends lost track of her and the family reported the teen missing the following day. After an 11-hour search, hotel staff found Jenkins inside a walk-in freezer early September 10. Jenkins's death was ruled accidental, and the Cook County medical examiner determined the cause to hypothermia from cold exposure with alcohol intoxication listed as a contributing factor. There has been much speculation surrounding the circumstance of Jenkins's death with some believing foul play was involved despite Rosemont police categorizing its investigation as noncriminal. According to Rosemont police reports, she was found on her side, face down, with her left arm underneath her, her right shoe off and a small cut on her right foot. She was still wearing the jeans and jean jacket she is seen wearing in surveillance video as she walks through the hotel before her death. However, the shirt beneath her jacket 'was pulled up exposing her breasts,' the police report said. After an 11-hour search, hotel staff found Jenkins inside a walk-in freezer early September 10. Jenkins's death was ruled accidental, and the Cook County medical examiner determined the cause to hypothermia from cold exposure (Pictured, Jenkins is seen struggling to maintain her balance in the hallway of the hotel) According to Rosemont police reports, she was found on her side, face down, with her left arm underneath her, her right shoe off and a small cut on her right foot (Pictured, Jenkins is seen struggling to maintain her balance in the hallway of the hotel) When found, she was still wearing the jeans and jean jacket seen wearing surveillance video. However, the shirt beneath her jacket 'was pulled up exposing her breasts,' the police report said (Pictured, Jenkins is seen leaving the elevator) Jenkins was filmed by friends partying in the hotel room (left) and in an elevator (right) hours before she died 'Frankly, the photos depicting how Kenneka was found raise more questions about what happened to Kenneka Jenkins than they answer,' attorney Larry Rogers Jr said in the news release. The lawyers also said Rosemont police denied 'numerous requests to review the reports, photographs and videos secured by the department'. Rosemont police did not respond to a request for comment about the lawyers' claims. Police have already released extensive surveillance video from the hotel, and more than 200 pages of police reports, reported the Chicago Tribune. There has been no indication from police that any surveillance video exists that directly shows Jenkins enter the freezer where she was found. However, motion-sensor cameras in the kitchen indicate no one else went into the freezer area of the kitchen for days prior to (and after) Jenkins entered the kitchen, until the time her body was discovered, according to police reports and surveillance video. The Ukrainian heiress who killed five and injured six in a horror crash was tonight detained for two months to stop her fleeing the country before her trial. Alyona Zaitseva, 20, burst into tears as she was detained despite an extraordinary appeal to allow her multi-millionaire father to compensate her victims and their families. Shocking video footage shows the sickening moment her Lexus ploughed into a crowd after she drove through a red light and hit another vehicle at 63mph in central Kharkiv. The Ukrainian heiress who killed five and injured six in a horror crash was tonight detained for two months to stop her fleeing the country before her trial Alyona Zaitseva, 20, burst into tears as she was detained despite an extraordinary appeal to allow her multi-millionaire father to compensate her victims and their families The glamorous oligarch's daughter was seen in tears alone in the courtroom cage at the start of a legal process which could see her jailed for a maximum ten years after a crash which left a street in the Ukrainian city looking like a 'war zone' with bodies strewn on a pavement. In an extraordinary message from the dock to the bereaved and injured, the weeping heiress said: 'I am sorry that this situation happened and people suffered. 'This is the only that truly concerns me now. I am hoping that families will allow my parents to help them because this is the worst that could happen. All my thoughts are about it.' Her lawyer Yulia Kozyr - famous for representing prominent people accused of corruption in Kharkiv - had sought house arrest for her. But a judge ruled that she must remain in a detention prison for two months pending a criminal investigation into alleged dangerous driving causing deaths and injuries. Ms Zaitseva (pictured entering court) has declined so far to give testimony on the horrific accident, citing the 63rd article of the Ukrainian constitution People lay flowers and light candles at the scene of a fatal road accident in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv The pile of flowers at the scene of the crash grew as mourners laid tributes The damaged car at the scene of a road accident in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv The Lexus was smashed up after the crash which killed five and injured six The scene of a fatal road accident in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, Ukraine The court was told that a urine test revealed she had taken cannabis. But a blood test showed her clear of alcohol and drugs so further analysis was ordered. Ms Zaitseva has declined so far to give testimony on the horrific accident, citing the 63rd article of the Ukrainian constitution, permitting her not to incriminate herself. Earlier a video appeared to show her smirking in court flanked by policemen. Separate footage suggests she had been racing another car moments before colliding with a VW Touareg, then spun out of control and overturned, ramming into the pedestrians. The latest new video from Vecherny Kharkiv newspaper shows how victims were killed and then thrown around 70ft along the pavement by the force of the impact. A local MP claimed she had been driving at more than 60mph in her Lexus in an area with a maximum limit of 35 mph, and revealed she had eight previous motoring fines, including four for speeding, two this year. Anton Gerashchenko, also an advisor to the Ukrainian Interior Ministry, said: 'We had a blood and urine test, and opiates were found. 'This will be a significant factor that will influence the court's decisions. 'There will be a second examination. She could either smoke marijuana, or use something else. 'This factor will complicate the protection of the girl.' He has already publicly called for her to be jailed and warned that her wealthy and powerful family could exert influence to pin the blame elsewhere. Ahead of the court case, spokesman for the regional prosecutor also expressed the fear that the family could use its wealth to leave Ukraine if the third year sociology student was freed ahead of trial. In an extraordinary message from the dock to the bereaved and injured, the weeping heiress said: 'I am sorry that this situation happened and people suffered.' She said: 'I am hoping that families will allow my parents to help them because this is the worst that could happen. All my thoughts are about it.' Alyona Zaitseva wept as she was detained and media took photos of her Video footage shows the moment Alyona Zaitseva comes speeding through a junction and hitting a Volkswagen, which sent her Lexus spinning into pedestrians 'First of all, this is a case of major public attention for our city,' said Vita Dubovik. 'Secondly, (we have to consider) the number of victims. And thirdly, we are fully aware of what kind of family this is. They have all the means to just disappear from the country.' Among the dead are a mother and daughter Alla Sokol, 46, and Anastasiya Sokol, 19, who will be buried on Saturday. Pregnant Zhanna Vlasenko, 30, has suffered 'serious' head injuries and is in a 'hard but stable' condition. Her baby is expected to survive, said doctors. Killed in the crash was Alexander Evteev, 27, from Kharkiv, husband of injured Oksana, 27. She is in a 'grave' condition as is her sister Diana, 20. Both underwent major surgery overnight for head, chest and abdominal injuries. A woman who died was named as Nina Kobiseva, 28, from Tishenovka village in Kharkiv region, and another fatality was named as Elena Usmanova. Yury Neudachin, 29, from Kharkiv, was in a 'grave condition', and Oksana Nesterenko, 36, was also in intensive care. Anna Komar, 25, from Kremenchug, was in a stable condition. Irina Lodyanaya, deputy doctor in chief of Kharkiv Regional Clinical Hospital, said pregnant Ms Vlasenko is 'in a grave but stable condition. 'There is no threat to the baby. The baby is stable, the mother is in medical coma but it won't hurt her baby. We need to keep watching.' Killer smile: Alyona Zaitseva, the daughter of a multimillionaire energy tycoon, could be seen speaking to police with a smirk on her face outside court today A glamorous 20-year-old heiress has been detained after she 'jumped a red light and rammed into a crowd killing six', say police Ms Zaitseva's father Vasily Zaitsev did not mention the victims in his only comment on the crash caused by what eye witnesses saw as his daughter's reckless driving. He also sought to pin blame on the VW Touareg that Ms Zaitseva hit before her car careered into people waiting at a pedestrian crossing, even though footage appears to show the driver of this car acting correctly after moving forward on a green light at a junction. 'It is a tragedy for our family,' he said. 'She had been driving for two years and never had any violations' - a claim contradicted by a local MP who is also an Interior Ministry advisor. 'The girl was sober. There was another girl, her friend.' Not mentioning those killed or wounded, he said: 'My child has not eaten for 24 hours. 'They did not let us see her, she was locked in jail immediately.' 'She was hit, do you understand? Her car was completely destroyed. The car was moving after the hit. 'How was that Touareg driving - it is not clear why it hit her this way?' Gerashchenko, revealed: 'During last two years the Lexus driver has been caught eight times by Kharkiv traffic patrol for violating traffic rules.' This involved speeding, jumping red lights, and violating parking rules, he said. But the maximum she was fined for these transgressions was 14. He demanded new laws to deter dangerous driving and said that when she crashed on Wednesday night, she had been driving at more than 100 kilometres and hour (62 mph). And he warned there could be pressure because of her father's sway in Ukraine to keep her out of jail or blame the other driver who, he said, had correctly moved forward on a green light. 'She will have to pay for it with her freedom,' he said. 'The Criminal Code has up to 10 years of jail for such cases.' Warning of attempts to avoid the law applying to her, he insisted: 'We will allow no attempts to 'solve the issue' another way.' The appalling carnage must become 'a silent call for consciousness to all those who speed up' when the light goes yellow or red. Anna, a flower seller who witnessed the horror, said: 'I saw the moment of the crash, and how the car was spinning. 'Some guys ran up to it and put in back on its wheels. Shocking images showed bodies lying on the ground after the deadly crash (pictured) 'My head is still aching, it was such a horror. I have not seen anything like this before. The car did not drive over the people, it just smashed into them.' Another witness Alexandra said: 'I saw the bodies, it was so scary. I walk here every day when I go back home from work. 'One hit and five lives finished. They were just lying there. Maybe they walked back home from work like me.' Vladimir, who received a light head injury after being knocked unconscious, said: 'When I came round I saw all those people who were less lucky than me. I have a scratch and concussion. 'I came back here again just to have a look. I remember I was crossing the road on green light, I was with a friends, we were walking to the metro station. 'Then tyres screeching, metal grinding sound. I saw something flying right into my face. Next moment - my friend helps me to stand up, a piece of metal hit me into the face.' It was revealed that Ms Zaitseva's elder brother Dmitry Zaitsev is an ex-deputy prosecutor of Cherkassy region in Ukraine. He is described as 'hiding in Moscow' after being ousted when former president Viktor Yanukovich was ousted from power in Ukraine's 2014 revolution. It has also emerged that the glamorous young woman had a total of eight motoring fines, four of which were for speeding, in the two years of her being a licensed driver. The car was seen speeding towards the group of people waiting at a pedestrian crossing The car plowed straight into the crowd killing six and injuring dozens more The female driver was arrested by police who said she had not been drinking Three out of six seriously injured victims are in comas, said doctors. The victims have been named as mother and daughter Alla Sokol, 46, and Anastasiya Sokol, 19, Elena Usmanova, 25, Nina Kobiseva, 28, and Alexander Evteev, 27. Pregnant Zhanna Vlasenko, 30, has suffered 'serious' head injuries and is in a 'severe but stable' condition. Her baby is expected to survive, said doctors. Fears were expressed that the heiress will escape justice because of her father's wealth and influence in Ukraine, where the court system is notoriously corrupt. Her father, energy company multi-millionaire Vasily Zaitsev, did not mention the victims in his only comment on the crash yesterday. He also sought to pin blame on the VW Touareg that Ms Zaitseva hit before her car careered into people waiting at a pedestrian crossing, even though video shows the Touareg driver acting correctly after moving forward on a green light at a junction. 'It is a tragedy for our family,' he said. There was carnage on the streets of Kharkiv, in Ukraine , after her Lexus mowed down people waiting on the pavement at a pedestrian crossing before flipping on its side Not mentioning those killed or wounded, he said: 'My child has not eaten for 24 hours. 'They did not let us see her, she was locked in jail immediately.' 'She was hit, do you understand? Her car was completely destroyed. The car was moving after the hit. 'How was that Touareg driving - it is not clear why it hit her this way?' Local MP and advisor to the Ukrainian Interior Ministry, Anton Gerashchenko, insisted the driver of the other car had acted correctly. And he revealed: 'During last two years, the Lexus driver has been caught eight times by Kharkiv traffic patrol for violating traffic rules.' This involved speeding, jumping red lights, and violating parking rules, he said. But the maximum she was fined for these transgressions was 14. A shocking video of the aftermath of the crash showed bodies strewn on the pavement Alyona Zaitseva's armed bodyguards drove up in two jeeps immediately after the crash and protected her from a furious crowd who witnessed the crash He demanded new laws to deter dangerous driving and said that when she crashed on Wednesday night, she had been driving at more than 62 mph. And he warned there could be pressure because of her father's sway in Ukraine to keep her out of jail or blame the other driver who, he said, had correctly moved forward on a green light. 'She will have to pay for it with her freedom,' he said. 'The Criminal Code has up to ten years of jail for such cases.' Warning of attempts to avoid the law applying to her, he insisted: 'We will allow no attempts to 'solve the issue' another way.' The aftermath was described as 'like a war zone' with dead and injured strewn across the pavement. Three of the dead were named as Elena Berchenko, 25, Yury Neudachin, 24, Oksana Nesterenko, 36 Distressing video showed the wounded crying out for help after the deadly crash Anna, a flower seller who witnessed the horror, said: 'I saw the moment of the crash, and how the car was spinning. 'Some guys ran up to it and put in back on its wheels. My head is still aching, it was such a horror. 'I have not seen anything like this before. The car did not drive over the people, it just smashed into them.' Another witness Alexandra said: 'I saw the bodies, it was so scary. 'I walk here every day when I go back home from work. 'One hit and five lives finished. They were just lying there. Maybe they walked back home from work like me.' Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders suggested Friday that because Presidents George W. Bush and President Barack Obama didn't say President Trump's name, they weren't criticizing him during speeches yesterday. 'I'm not sure of the last time they spoke, but our understanding is that those comments were not directed towards the president,' Huckabee Sanders told a reporter who had asked about Trump's relationship with Bush. She expanded her answer to encompass Obama as well. 'And, in fact, when these two individuals, both past presidents, have criticized the president they have done so by name and very rarely do it without being pretty direct,' she pointed out. 'As both of them tend to be.' 'So we'll take them at their word that their actions and comments weren't directed at the president,' Huckabee Sanders said. Scroll down for video White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Friday that Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama weren't criticizing President Trump in speeches they gave yesterday, because they didn't utter his name Both President Obama (left) and President George W. Bush (right) reentered the political fray yesterday, speaking about the toxic political climate and the return of divisive politics, points that looked to be a rebuke of President Donald Trump On Thursday, Bush and Obama were, coincidentally, both back on the political stage, with President Bush speaking to a foundation audience in New York and his Democratic successor speaking at two rallies for Democratic gubernatorial candidates in New Jersey and Virginia. Both men, from opposite political persuasions, talked about today's toxic political climate while preaching tolerance and togetherness as a way to climb out of the hole. At his George W. Bush Institute event, the former Republican leader talked of the threats to democracy abroad and here at home. He spoke of political discourse being 'degraded by casual cruelty.' Despite being the most recent GOP president before Trump took office, Bush reportedly cast a vote for Hillary Clinton, likely inspired by Trump's treatment of brother Jeb Bush, who also ran for the Republican nomination in 2016. Trump joyfully jabbed 'Jeb!' through those early months, tanking his candidacy by labeling the former Florida governor as 'low energy.' During Bush's speech yesterday, the ex-president hinted at the underlying cause of why he believed Trump's base voted for the man, suggesting the 'American dream of upward mobility' is now seemingly out of reach for those left behind by a modern economy. This, Bush believed, was the root cause for the deepened discontent and sharpened political divide. 'Bigotry seems emboldened,' Bush said. 'Our politics seem more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrication.' When asked about those particular lines at the White House today, Huckabee Sander deflected the blame off of Trump, hitting the media instead. 'I think if anybody is pushing a lot of fabricated things right now I think that would be coming from the news media and we would certainly agree with that sentiment,' Trump's spokeswoman said. When a reporter tried following up about the 'bigotry' charge Huckabee Sanders didn't answer, having already moved on. During his two appearances Thursday, for New Jersey governor candidate Philip D. Murphy and Virginia governor candidate Ralph Northam, Obama talked about old-style politics being dredged back from the dead. 'What we can't have is the same old politics of division that we have seen so many times before that dates back centuries,' Obama said at the event for Murphy. 'Some of the politics we see now, we thought we put that to bed.' 'That has folks looking 50 years back,' he added. 'It's the 21st century, not the 19th century, come on!' Trump has consistently harped on bringing back a better America from the past hence his campaign motto, 'Make America Great Again!' while touting policy prescriptions like building a wall to keep illegal immigrants out, banning Muslims from entering the United States and telling transgender troops they can no longer serve. The most political trouble Trump got himself in came in August when he suggested that 'both sides' were responsible for racial violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, when a group of white supremacists took over the town and counter-protesters showed up to reject their message. Both Bush and Obama entered the fray in the aftermath of Charlottesville too, issuing statements against racism and hate. Bush, in another nod to what Trump could have handled better, brought up these issues in New York as well. 'Our identity as a nation unlike many other nations is not determined by geography or ethnicity, by soil or blood,' he said. The phrase 'blood and soil' had been the white supremacists chant in Charlottesville. 'This means that people of every race, religion and ethnicity can be fully and equally America,' Bush said. 'It means that bigotry or white supremacy in any form is blasphemy against the American creed,' the former commander-in-chief said to great applause. 'And it means that the very identity of our nation depends on the passing of civic ideals to the next generation,' he said. A male body was found in a Long Island woodland in what investigators say may be a gang-related death. Police searched a heavily wooded 27-acre preserve in Roosevelt, about 20 miles east of Brooklyn, for two days before they found the body on Friday, CBS Local reports. A source told CBS that the MS-13 gang, which has allegedly been responsible for more than 20 deaths across Long Island in the past two years, might be responsible. Police were led to the scene by a tip from a person of interest in a federal investigation. The body of a male individual was found in a 27-acre woodland preserve in Roosevelt, Long Island, New York on Friday Police continue to search the scene, potentially for more human remains The individual told Homeland Security officials that a body might be found in the preserve near West Greenwich Avenue and Wilbur Lane, ABC7 reports. The body has not been identified. 'We dont know who this person is right now, so we dont know anything about his past or who hes associated with,' Detective Steven Fitzpatrick said at a news conference. Police are still searching the area, potentially for more remains. One detective broke his ankle while conducting a search. It was not clear how long the body had been on the site, police said. One woman told NBC New York that she believes that police were looking for her son, who she believes was disappeared by MS-13. Authorities plan to continue searching the area over the following days. Ms-13 is a notorious Central American street gang famed for its heavily tattooed members and torturing its victims. As well as shootings, MS-13 is known to kill its victims with baseball bats and machetes. Police and federal investigators believe they have a presence in 40 states as well as Mexico, Canada and Spain. The White House is refusing to say Friday who authorized the deployment in Niger that left four U.S. soldiers dead. Both the president and his spokeswoman, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, ducked questioned on the matter on Friday. President Donald Trump ignored a reporter who asked him quite pointedly about it in the Oval Office. Huckabee Sanders told reporters that until a Pentagon review is completed, 'We're not going to weigh in any further.' Although President Obama deployed troops to Niger three years ago, the special forces mission was not disclosed and it is unclear who was in office when it began. The White House is refusing to say who authorized the deployment in Niger that left four U.S. soldiers dead. Both the president and his spokeswoman, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, ducked questioned on the matter on Friday Four Green Berets (top row L to R) US Army Staff Sgt. Bryan C. Black; Sgt La David Johnson; (bottom row L to R) Staff Sgt. Dustin Wright, and Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson were allegedly caught by surprise and killed by some four dozen militants linked to ISIS. Defense Secretary James Mattis is said to be dismayed by the slow pace of information on the ambush that took place on Oct. 4. But a CNN report said that he had not specifically ordered the investigation to be expedited. THE UNANSWERED QUESTIONS OVER THE HEROES KILLED IN NIGER Who ordered the deployment of Green Berets to Niger and when? What is their mission? What intelligence was there before the October 4 ambush? Why was the patrol not being monitored from the air? Was Sgt Johnson killed in the firefight? Why were the bodies of the other dead taken by private contractor? Why did it take 48 hours to find the body of Sgt Johnson? Advertisement According to Huckabee Sanders, the White House is waiting to make further comment on the deadly incident until it is completed. What is known is that a dozen U.S special forces were traveling in unarmored trucks 120 miles north of Niger's capital when they were ambushed by militants, believed to be linked to ISIS, earlier this month. Four of them were killed: US Army Staff Sgt. Bryan C. Black; Sgt La David Johnson; Staff Sgt. Dustin Wright, and Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson. Lingering questions remain about the mission weeks later. Trump waited until Monday to comment on the matter. And he only remarked on it then because a reporter asked him about it during an impromptu news conference. He incorrectly stated in his remarks that Obama 'didn't make calls' to fallen soldiers' families, setting off a national controversy that has not ended. On Friday, reporters continued to press the administration for answers, asking Trump in the Oval Office about the ambush, then pressing his spokeswoman at her daily news conference. Huckabee Sanders said she could not provide additional details, including who ordered the operation. 'As I've said there's a process when an American is killed in action there is a full review that takes place and before we start jumping to any conclusions we want to make sure that is completed fully and we'll have those details for you at that time,' she stated. Batting down another reporter, Huckabee Sanders said, 'Again I'm not going to get into any of the details at this point. You may be able to talk with those at the Department of Defense and they can answer anything further, but where we are in the process until the review is complete, we're not going to weigh in any further.' AMERICA'S 'SHADOW WAR' AND SOME VERY MURKY DEALINGS: HOW ISIS AMBUSH RAISES SERIES OF QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT ELITE WARRIORS ARE DOING IN NIGER Niger is an African country bordered by Libya, Nigeria and Algeria that has become a key battleground in the fight against the Islamic State and Al Qaeda. Both terrorist organizations are using it as a transit route for money and soldiers from the Middle East to Africa. US troops have been there since 2013 assisting the French military and today 800 soldiers are based there, the majority helping with construction projects. But until now there had been no appreciation that Special Forces are deployed and that their lies are at risk - and that they are operating in such dangerous conditions. It is also unknown whether the Special Forces were deployed under the Obama or Trump White Houses, and if so, at what level authorization was given. Here we examine what is known - and unknown - and the pressing questions the Pentagon and White House are now facing. October 4: the ambush Between eight and 12 American soldiers were with around 35 Nigerien troops on a mission near Tongo Tongo, close to Niger's border with Mali. The group met with elders in a village and collected some supplies and as they were returning to base they were ambushed by 50 militants from ISIS in the Greater Sahara. Another version of the story is that between eight and 12 American and Nigerien forces went into the village and they were the ones who came under fire. CNN quoted an official as saying that the ambush happened when two groups of US soldiers were separated, which he called their 'most vulnerable point'. What is clear is there was a firefight and that the US soldiers were not equipped to take on their adversaries as their pick-up trucks were not armored. As the attackers began firing they blew up the American soldiers' trucks and they took cover and returned fire. Why did the French not fire? A French military aircraft was on the scene in 30 minutes but did not open fire - conflicting accounts say because they risked hitting the Americans or because Niger does not allow air strikes. By the end of the fighting three soldiers, Staff Sgts. Bryan Black and Jeremiah Johnson, and Dustin Wright were known to be dead. Two other American soldiers were reportedly seriously wounded with gunshot wounds. But one of the Green Berets was missing, a Congressional source told NBC News on Friday - Sgt La David Johnson. The bodies of all the dead soldiers apart from Sgt Johnson were recovered soon after after a search by the Us, French and Nigerien military. The Washington Post said that they were taken away by private contractor Berry Aviation, not by military specialists. Was the intel correct? CNN reported that in advance of the trip military intelligence agencies had said it was 'unlikely' that the troops would face enemy forces. US Africa Command spokesman Army Col. Mark Cheadle said: 'This was not expected. 'Had we anticipated this sort of attack we would have absolutely devoted more resources to it to reduce the risk and that's something we are looking at right now'. ABC News said that Army Special Forces have carried out 29 previous missions like this one over the past six months with no issues. A soldier on the mission told CNN he had become suspicious about the villagers when they kept delaying them. He said some of them began to 'suspect that the villagers may have been complicit in the ambush'. Two days to find the hero's body It took 48 hours for Sgt Johnson's body to be recovered - and a day later, on October 7, his body was returned to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware and he was named by AFRICOM as a casualty. President Trump does not release a statement offering his condolences to their families which had been drafted by his staff. Last week, on October 12, Defense Secretary James Mattis said he wanted to 'completely reject' the idea that the recovery of the bodies was slow. He said that the ambush happened in 'an area where the enemy has not operated before' Secretary Mattis said: 'We will look at this and say was there something we have to adapt to now? Should we have been in a better stance? We're not complacent. We're going to be better.' A president's phonecall fuels the fire Nearly two weeks after the soldiers died the President makes his first comments on the tragedy after being asked at a Rose Garden press conference: 'Why haven't we heard anything from you so far about the soldiers that were killed in Niger?' The President says 'I felt very, very badly about that' and says he has contacted the families of all four men. He also says that President Obama did not contact the families of fallen soldiers, igniting the row that would blow up as the week went on. The Department of Defense says it is conducting a review into what happened in Niger and the Pentagon's Africa Command says it has sent a team of investigators to the country. That evening he makes a call to Sgt La Johnson's widow, and starts a firestorm of controversy over what he said and whether it should have been revealed. The next day Senator John McCain says 'no' when asked if the Trump administration is being upfront about what happened in Niger. The head of the Armed Services Committee says he will issue subpoenas if necessary to find out what happened. And on Thursday Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, the director of the Joint Staff, defended the delay in finding Sgt Johnson. He said: 'A lot of men and a lot of women searched very hard to find (him), and it took us a little while to do that. We didn't leave him behind, and we searched until we found him'. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said: 'We haven't gotten a complete picture of what happened. We need that'. New details emerge about 'massive intelligence failure' Secretary of Defense James Mattis provided a Capitol Hill briefing about the deadly ambush in Niger that took the lives of four U.S. troops and the emerging details describe a chaotic encounter with inadequate support. Mattis briefed Armed Services Chairman Sen. John McCain, who was so upset by the lack of information that he threatened to issue a subpoena. A congressional source briefed on the mission called it a 'massive intelligence failure,' NBC reported. A 12-man force of Green Berets fell under fire by up to 50 ISIS-linked forces, according to early accounts described by the Pentagon. It has now emerged that after the ambush happened, it wasn't until 48 hours after the attack that the body of Sgt. La David Johnson was recovered. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, walk outside McCain's office on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) The patrol took place without U.S. air surveillance. The force had light 'technical' vehicles, but the vehicles were not heavily armored. The force got lured into an ambush by fighters on motorcycles Mattis and Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona spoke privately at the lawmaker's Capitol Hill office on Friday. Emerging from the meeting, the defense secretary pledged better lines of communication with Congress. After a rescue involving French aircraft it emerged that one soldier was missing, the aide told the network. 'Movements and actions to try and find him and bring him back were considered. They just were not postured properly [to get him].' according to the account. Mattis was emphatic in comments Thursday about the raid, and defended the conduct of both the U.S. military and its allies. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis walks up stairs as he arrives on Capitol Hill for a meeting with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, to discuss the ambush that killed four soldiers on an operation in the African nation of Niger, Friday, Oct. 20, 2017 in Washington 'The U.S. military does not leave its troops behind and I would just ask that you not question the actions of the troops that were caught in the firefight and question whether or not they did everything they could in order to bring everyone out at once,' Mattis said in comments to reporters Thursday. The mission has come under fire more than two weeks after U.S. forces came under an ambush from ISIS-linked fighters, with powerful lawmakers calling for more information on what went wrong. 'We, in the Department of Defense, like to know what we are talking about before we talk and so we do not have all the accurate information yet,' Mattis said. After the meeting with McCain, Mattis pledge better communication. "I felt we were not getting a sufficient amount of information and we are clearing a lot of that up now," McCain said. A Massachusetts mother claims staff at a group home for children assaulted her seven-year-old daughter this week by shaving her head without her consent. According to Denise Robinson, her daughter Tru had long hair before a clinician at Little Heroes Group Home in Dracut took her to a salon where she was given a buzz cut. A photo of Tru taken after her trip to the salon shows the seven-year-old with her head shorn, holding a flower in her hand. Unsanctioned haircut: Denise Robinson's daughter, Tru, is pictured on the left with her long curly hair intact. This week, a staffer at her group home had her head shaved (right) Ms Robinson (right) says no one from her child's residential program had called her to get her permission before taking the 7-year-old to a salon The girl's mother says staff at the residential program where her daughter has been staying told her the child's hair had to be cut because of a hygiene issue, but Robinson rejects that reasoning. There was no hygenical reason to shave my childs head. No lice, no bed bugs, no Rasta locks, Robinson said. According to Robinsons attorney, Richard Kendall, a volunteer at the hair salon told Tru, who is biracial, that by shaving her head, her hair would grow back straight. I find that appalling, the lawyer told CBS Boston. DailyMail.com on Friday contacted Kendall asking for a comment on this case and was awaiting a response. According to its website, Little Heroes is a co-ed intensive group home for boys and girls ages five to 11 who have social, emotional, behavioral or mental health problems. It is operated by the Justice Resource Institute a not-for-profit organization that provides outpatient specialty mental health services to disadvantaged communities. According to Robinsons attorney a volunteer at the hair salon told Tru, who is biracial, that by shaving her head, her hair would grow back straight Robinson enrolled her daughter in the program because she reportedly has severe emotional challenges, and the girl has been splitting her time between the group home in Dracut and her family home. Robinson says when she saw her seven-year-old this week, she was shocked to find her long, curly hair gone. She says no one called her to ask her permission to give Tru a haircut, and she got no notice after the fact. I am very upset. And I'm not going to stop being upset because I feel like my child was assaulted and violated, she told the station NECN. The program has released a statement to local news outlets explaining that decisions regarding grooming are based on a variety of factors, including hygiene. Staff at the residential program where Tru has been staying allegedly told her mother the child's hair was cut because of a hygiene issue. Robinson says there was nothing wrong with her hair (pictured left and right before the haircut) Officials at Little Heroes declined to go into the specifics of this case, citing state and federal privacy laws, only saying that a review of the circumstances is underway to determine what occurred and, if necessary, appropriate action will be taken. Robinson is planning to sue the program and wants her daughter moved out of the facility, reported WCVB. At this time of year, the rolling acres of Cirencester Park are at their most sublime. There are broad avenues, miles long, fringed with autumn colour and 18th-century follies. At the Gloucestershire estates heart lies a gracious, classical stately home shielded from the town by the tallest yew hedge in England. It is hard to imagine a more peaceful and privileged spot. Unfortunately, such blessings are not enough to shield the inhabitants from family strife, both silly and serious. A few days ago, for example, Sara, Countess Bathurst, launched a tirade on social media when she saw a rogue hot air balloon full of tourists hovering nosily outside her bathroom window. It is hard to imagine a more peaceful and privileged spot than Cirencester Park (above) in Gloucestershire. Unfortunately, such blessings are not enough to shield the inhabitants from family strife, both silly and serious Less amusingly, the Bathurst family are in the middle of a vitriolic battle between Allen, the 9th Earl Bathurst, 56, and his elderly American stepmother Gloria, the Dowager Countess, who lives on the 15,000-acre estate. She is the widow of Allens late father the 8th Earl, Henry Barmy Bathurst, who died six years ago. The pair have come to blows metaphorically at least over everything from parking to polo. Now, the latest round of this upper-crust ding-dong concerns the estimated 13 million-worth of heirlooms inside Cirencester Park, which boasts in particular a notable Regency portrait of the Duke of Wellington valued at 6 million. The Bathurst family are in the middle of a vitriolic battle between Allen, the 9th Earl Bathurst (above, with his wife, Sara) and his elderly American stepmother Gloria, the Dowager Countess, who lives on the 15,000-acre estate. She is the widow of Allens late father the 8th Earl, Henry Barmy Bathurst, who died six years ago This latest twist in a family as colourful and folly-filled as their grounds has pitched two sets of trustees at loggerheads in the High Court. In short, those acting for the Earl are understood to be trying to keep the Dowager Countess out of the stately home. No wonder locals see the travails of the Bathursts as their own real-life version of Downton Abbey, except that Maggie Smiths icy Dowager Countess Grantham is regarded as considerably more easy-going than their own Dowager Countess Bathurst. So acidic are relations between Gloria and her exasperated stepson that the extraordinarily detailed family history on Cirencester Parks website manages to omit even a single mention of her. The Bathurst family has its origins in Sussex, but the estates and castle there were lost during the Wars of the Roses. Since the early 18th century, when an earlier Allen Bathurst created the finest forest landscape in England, the power base has been in Gloucestershire. So acidic are relations between Gloria (above) and her exasperated stepson that the extraordinarily detailed family history on Cirencester Parks website manages to omit even a single mention of her But this base is now being rocked to its foundations by a power struggle which ended up in the High Court last week. The court heard that the Dowager Countess had tried to gain entry into the big house on the flimsy pretext of making an inventory of its contents, amid claims she knew she was not welcome. It was stated that the relationship between stepmother and stepson was not cordial. It was further said by the Earls side that she knew she wasnt welcome, and was trying to trample her way into her stepsons personal life anyway. At the heart of the dispute lies the fact that in 1963 the estate was split in two, with the current Earls half in trust. The other half, also in trust, went to the Dowager Countess for the rest of her life after the death of the 8th Earl. Unfortunately for Allen, the current Earl, the provision for his stepmother included the use and enjoyment of the contents of his house an asking-for-trouble kind of clause given that she wasnt living in the house any longer. An affable yet exasperated-sounding Lord Bathurst, speaking for the first time about the case, told me this week that his fathers will was a little impractical in many ways, particularly concerning the family chattels. I grew up here, and these things are my fathers, were left to me and will be my sons. The Earl, a friend of Prince Charles, has two children by his first marriage Benjamin, Lord Apsley, 27, and Lady Rosie Bathurst, 25. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Allen is just beginning to think about handing over some of the responsibilities of the estate to his son. No wonder locals see the travails of the Bathursts as their own real-life version of Downton Abbey, except that Maggie Smiths icy Dowager Countess Grantham (pictured) is regarded as considerably more easy-going than their own Dowager Countess Bathurst He is keenly aware of his place in the ancient lineage of the family. We are only custodians, and we want people to share and see these things [in the house]. Unfortunately, such largesse does not extend to his stepmother allegedly barging in at all hours trying to make her own lists of knick-knacks and objets dart, which appears to be the accusation that is being laid against her. The Earl is eager to point out that his stepmother is hardly in a two-bed. She has a lovely Cotswold farmhouse, and other properties and land [around 3,000 acres] of which she is the principal beneficiary or owner. My father was persuaded to leave half the estate to her. But not least because she was an American citizen, a codicil was added for tax reasons which means [her half] is in trust and will revert to the family after she dies. The arrangement depends on her goodwill to work. He says the fund of which his stepmother is the beneficiary has rent paid in exchange for the chattels. In other words, she is being paid by her stepson to let him enjoy the family heirlooms in peace. But only after an extensive inventory of all the goods was taken on behalf of the trust which runs her half of the estate. It was very intrusive, says the Earl bluntly. They opened every drawer and cupboard, and it took days. Even when it was over, it seems, there were further ructions. Having run her eye over the list of baubles in the big house where she was once chatelaine, the Dowager, according to the Earl, believes some things are missing, though she wont be specific about what, and has tried to gain access [to the house]. If she said what she thought was missing, I could find out what had happened to it, or whether there had been any mistakes, he adds. At 89, it seems remarkable the old girl has not lost her appetite for a fight. The question is how much this unedifying scrap is actually about the odd vase or cutlery drawer, and how much its about typically dysfunctional step-relations. The latest round of this upper-crust ding-dong concerns the estimated 13m-worth of heirlooms inside Cirencester Park, which boasts in particular a notable Regency portrait of the Duke of Wellington valued at 6m (above) The Earl is in no doubt: I think it is step-relationships. I was 15 or 16 when my father married her, and I was becoming independent. My parents had divorced. Life at home was not exactly easy. The feeling one gets from talking to him is that little has changed in the intervening 40 years. If she had friends to stay and said they wanted to come round and see the Duke of Wellington picture [Cirencester Parks jewel], I would be perfectly happy. But she cant just barge in and turn the place upside down again. Before her union with the 8th Earl, Gloria was married to a widower, solicitor David Rutherston, and inherited four stepchildren. Today, one of them, Max Rutherston, is an Asian art dealer in London. This week, he told me he agrees with the Earls theory on step relations, which he says were not easy for him either. He says: This [latest row] is all a repeat of what we went through. I havent spoken to her for 40 years and I dont want to. For her part this week she put the phone down with a no comment, thank you the Dowager seems to believe that some items are missing, and says she should be able to take her own inventory of pieces which she has the legal right to use and enjoy. So it is that two expensive QCs have been hired to wade through these familial resentments and jealousies. The contents of Cirencester Park are certainly worthy of a stately home. Alongside antique furniture, vases and silverware are the main event, the paintings. There are so many family portraits by the 17th-century artist Sir Peter Lely that the Earl says jovially: Dont ask me how many there are because I dont know. They have good value but as they are of family, the first Earl Bathurst, for example, they would lose impact anywhere other than here. There is, however, one picture that would be important anywhere, and that is the Duke of Wellington on his mount Copenhagen by Sir Thomas Lawrence [the great Regency portrait painter]. Its almost life-size; the hall was enlarged to fit it in. The third Earl Bathurst was the Duke of Wellingtons Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, and it was he who received the news of victory at the Battle of Waterloo. If this were a one-off spat between the Earl and his stepmother, one might expect it to be settled with dignity retained on both sides. Except this isnt the first public row between them. In 2013, the Dowager Countess evicted doctors and nurses from Cirencester Hospitals free car park she owns the land on which it stands in spite of her stepson asking her to see sense. It was intensely embarrassing for him since he was president of the Cirencester Hospital League of Friends. After a hiatus of a few years, she turned the car park into a pay and display. And, in 2011, another row blew up when she said she wouldnt renew the lease of Cirencester Park Polo Club, which sits on her portion of the estate. It is the oldest polo club in Britain, and Prince Charles, William and Harry have often played there. She said it had become too commercial and she wanted it to return to a gentlemans polo club, in spite of the fact that her husband had been the clubs president and had only been dead for a month when she withdrew her permission. Eventually, she relented, or as her stepson says, was overruled by her own trustees. He called it a glitch in the clubs history. A couple of years ago, the Dowager Countess was the victim when it emerged in court that shed had 500,000 worth of goods including a very simple Picasso sketch, antique vases and silver and pewter plates stolen by a showjumper-turned-housekeeper called Kim Roberts. Roberts had taken a painting stolen from the Countess to a dealer for valuation. Unfortunately for her, he recognised it and rang the Dowager to let her know a strange woman was trying to flog her picture. Roberts was sentenced to three years in prison. That was not the only domestic drama to have befallen the family. In 1997, the current Countess, Sara, befriended a young man called Oliver Lomasney, whom she saw begging outside Tesco in Cirencester. She found him accommodation and a job; they were photographed together for the press, with her saying good-hearted things like everyone deserves a chance. But he repaid her kindness by running off with a 16-year-old pupil from Cheltenham Ladies College, with whom he went to live in a tent and later fathered a child. Eventually, he was convicted of a violent assault on an ex-wife in 2007, and again for an attack on another girlfriend in 2014. In the 2014 case, the judge warned women to stay clear of him. That ought to have been quite enough scandal for one family, but now the Bathursts find themselves in the headlines once more. The judgment in the High Court case between the Earl and his stepmother has been reserved. It is expected in December, once the judge has decided if the use and enjoyment of paintings and other artefacts gives the Dowager Countess the right to visit the stately home and inspect its contents. Until then, it seems, the uneasy stand-off will continue on the estate that makes Downton Abbey look positively boring. South Carolina principal Akil Ross has been named the 2018 National Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The annual honor goes to a school administrator who is driving change in his or her school. Ross learned that he had won the award during a surprise assembly on Friday morning at his school, Chapin High School in the Lexington-Richland school district. Gov. Henry McMaster and state schools Superintendent Molly Spearman were among the state and local leaders who attended the event. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos called in during the ceremony to congratulate Ross. She thanked him for his exemplary leadership, for challenging his students and staff to be the best they can be, his strong and compassionate leadership, and for being a champion for change. Ross has been principal of the award-winning Chapina 9th -12th grade school with 1,315 studentsfor seven years. The school boasts a 96 percent graduation rate, and Ross has challenged his staff to get the graduation rate to 100 percent. Ross was one of three finalists for the award. Akil Ross accomplishments illustrate just how important it is to invest in leadership as a means of improving student learning, JoAnn Bartoletti, the director of the National Association for Secondary School Principals, said in a statement announcing the award. We are honored to recognize him as a powerful multiplier of effective practice and as a model of compassionate school leadership. Lexington-Richland schools Superintendent Stephen Hefner also praised Ross. He is a great visionary, an extraordinary leader, a highly-skilled manager, and a phenomenal culture builder, Hefner wrote in a statement released before the ceremony. He is an excellent representative of our profession and will be a most effective spokesperson for public education on the national level. Ross thanked his teachers, to whom he said he was indebted. This is the best faculty that could be assembled, he said, asking students to give their teachers a round of applause. He also thanked his administrators and students. Although the award may have his name on it, it belonged to Chapin High School, he said. Photo caption: Akil Ross, the principal of Chapin High School in South Carolina, was selected as the 2018 National Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Photo courtesy the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Swedish film star Dolph Lundgren Film star Dolph Lundgren has said that Russia is 'lucky to have' its president Vladimir Putin. The Swedish actor, 59, said the Kremlin premier was 'a good president' because he 'keeps an eye on goddamned order'. He added that he believed Hollywood had started using more Russian villains in films because the US always needs someone to play 'the bad guy'. Lundgren, who has played Russian characters in the past including Soviet boxer Ivan Drago in Rocky IV, told Swedish publication Cafe: 'In the past, it's been the Iranians, ISIS [Daesh], or East Germans, but now the Russians are making a comeback. ' Speaking about Russia's leader he said: 'I think Putin's good as president. 'It's good that he looks after his country, because if there was some weakling in his place, who knows how things would end up.' Lundgren has praised Putin in the past. Speaking to Russian media last year the actor said: 'Your President Vladimir Putin seems like a calm, collected, mature politician, and someone who always has a plan.' He has joined other actors including Steven Seagal and Gerard Depardieu in making positive comments about the Russian leader. The BBC is inundated by nearly 1,000 complaints every working day, it has emerged. The shocking figures come against the backdrop of a furious battle by the Corporation to keep details under wraps. They lay bare the level of dissatisfaction over issues such as left-wing bias, offensive content and inaccuracy. The shocking figures come against the backdrop of a furious battle by the Corporation to keep details under wraps The flood of complaints means the BBC gets nearly 17 times the number sent to Ofcom about all the other TV and radio broadcasters in the UK combined. The watchdog received 14,959 complaints in the year to October, amounting to 57 every working day. BBC bosses have defied orders to publish regular details of complaints which would put it on an equal footing with all the other UK broadcasters. Its refusal has angered Ofcom and campaign groups, who say the BBC must be more transparent. Yesterday Colin Browne, chairman of lobby group Voice of the Listener and Viewer, added: It is unfair on the licence feepayer that this information is not available. Its a case of transparency. The volume of objections only emerged in the Complaints Framework and Procedures section on the BBC website. The 46-page document is effectively a guide to making complaints about programmes. It does not specify a timeframe but reveals that the BBC gets more than a million comments and enquiries a year. Around a quarter are from disgruntled viewers and listeners, meaning an average of 988 complaints every working day. The Corporation would not give a breakdown but last week Ofcom chief executive Sharon White said three out of ten of the complaints it receives about the BBC centre on bias and inaccuracy. This month, the watchdog told the Corporation to disclose almost the same level of detail about complaints as Ofcom publishes about other broadcasters. Channel 4, ITV, Five and Sky disclose complaint numbers and have detailed information about objections to their programmes published every two weeks Channel 4, ITV, Five and Sky disclose complaint numbers and have detailed information about objections to their programmes published every two weeks. Ofcom also issues full details of any investigations. But the publicly funded BBC insists on keeping that information secret. Just one figure a month is published on its website, showing the number of complaints for all programmes combined. Ofcom has said the BBC only has to publish exact numbers for programmes with 100 or more objections. But the Corporation has defied the order, claiming it would be too expensive and time-consuming. However, BBC bosses will have to obey Ofcoms order if they want to avoid a major legal battle. Watchdog insiders have made it clear they are prepared to go to court over the matter. Complaints about other broadcasters can be taken straight to Ofcom. It is the same for newspapers where readers can go to independent regulator IPSO, which routinely discloses the figures. But complaints about the BBC must be made to the Corporation to be dealt with by bosses. If the matter has not been resolved, it goes to the BBC board. Ofcom only gets involved if the complainant is unhappy with the boards investigation. A BBC spokesman said: Public satisfaction remains high and while were already transparent about complaints and publish data every month, complaint levels are often inflated by orchestrated political campaigns. A Florida teacher was arrested Thursday after she was accused of having sex with a 15-year-old female student. The Seminole County Sheriff's Office charged Jaclyn Truman, 30, with lewd and lascivious acts on a minor between 12-16 years of age, while she was a substitute teacher at Hagerty High School. Earlier this month, the victim disclosed to police that she and Truman were involved in a sexual relationship last year. Jaclyn Truman, 30, was arrested and charged with lewd and lascivious acts on a minor between 12-16 years of age for allegedly having sex inside a Florida high school with a female student last year The victim told authorities that she and Truman had sexual contact 5-10 times from March to May 2016 at the school. Truman recently worked as a sign language teacher at Lake Howell High School. But at the time of the alleged acts, she was working as a substitute teacher at Hagerty High School. On Thursday, Truman resigned from her position at the school and turned herself in to police the same day, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Police conducted a recorded interview with Truman who is cooperating with the investigation. Based on that interview and the victims statement, Truman was booked in to the John E. Polk Correctional facility on two counts of lewd acts on a minor. Her bond was set at $40,000. Investigators said they are looking into the possibility that there may be other victims. Truman recently worked as a sign language teacher at Lake Howell High School. But at the time of the alleged acts, she was working as a substitute teacher at Hagerty High School (pictured) According to the Sentinel, Truman started working for Seminole County Public Schools in 2005 as an instructional assistant at Lyman High School. In 2008, she became a teacher at Lyman, where she worked until 2013. Two years ago, Truman returned to the district as a substitute teacher. Michael Lawrence, the Seminole County Public Schools spokesman said the school district performed a background check on her before hiring her as a full-time teacher. He said Truman had a clean record and no reports of prior incidents. Any day now, in an anonymous crematorium, a door will slide open and Ian Brady will at last disappear into the fires of hell Any day now, in an anonymous crematorium, a door will slide open and Ian Brady will at last disappear into the fires of hell. Then, after his body has been incinerated at 1,000c, his ashes will be disposed of in a manner that causes minimal distress to the few surviving relatives of his victims. It will be done in a discreet location to avoid it becoming a ghoulish shrine for his sick admirers. This is not the grotesquely melodramatic send-off the Moors Murderer had tried to orchestrate. In May, as he lay dying of lung disease, in Ashworth high security hospital, on Merseyside, 79-year-old Brady summoned his solicitor, Robin Makin, to his bedside and, during a private, two-hour conversation, left instructions for a thunderous funeral ceremony. It would see him depart the world he mocked and despised to the haunting tones of Hector Berliozs Symphonie Fantastique, a macabre composition in which the troubled 19th-century French composer imagined his own funeral as a satanic orgy haunted by demons and witches. It has long been rumoured that Brady also asked for his ashes to be scattered on Saddleworth Moor, where he and Myra Hindley buried at least three of the five children they abducted, defiled and murdered, so that he and the innocents they preyed upon would be forever enjoined. Though Mr Makin insists there has never been any likelihood of this happening, in the Manchester area where the murders were committed, the suggestion has understandably sparked outrage and revulsion. And inevitably it has caused yet more distress to the child victims families. Indeed, as the brothers of Lesley Ann Downey and John Kilbride (whose bodies were the first to be found, 52 years ago this month, in shallow graves dug in the sodden peat) told me, having had their grief exacerbated by Bradys sadistic mind-games for half a century, it is a scenario just too hideous to contemplate. My little sister didnt get to choose how she was buried, so I cant see why that evil swine should have any say in what happens to him, said ten-year-old Lesley Anns brother, Terry West, as he tended her grave, with its heart-shaped headstone. If I had my way, I would just flush his ashes down the toilet. It has long been rumoured that Brady also asked for his ashes to be scattered on Saddleworth Moor, where he and Myra Hindley buried at least three of the five children they abducted, defiled and murdered As Lesley Anns family point out, she found rest only after being interred three times first on the moors, where a police officer spotted her tiny hand poking up through the ground; then in a grave which had to be exhumed and relocated because it was repeatedly desecrated. Twelve-year-old John Kilbrides brother, Terry, shares Mr Wests sentiments. Only the method of disposal varies. Hed prefer to drive along the motorway and chuck the ashes out of the car window. Were that not permissible, then hed have them scattered within the grounds of Gartree, the Leicestershire prison where Brady was held before being declared insane and transferred to hospital. This is how murderers were interred in bygone days, though then they were buried after being hanged, of course. Despite the longstanding stories about his wishes about the Moor, it is believed Brady in fact asked Mr Makin to ensure he was cremated in his home city of Glasgow, and have his cinders cast into the Clyde. North of the border, this prospect has provoked a similarly fierce reaction. According to one report, when Mr Makin approached Glasgow council, he was rebuffed in choice language. When the solicitor allegedly threatened to sue the authority, he was invited to go ahead with the threat, but did not. Disposing of Brady in a decent and lawful manner, as he must be, no matter what evils he committed, has proved difficult Attempts to have the cremation in Lytham St Annes, a few miles along the coast from Blackpool, where Brady and Hindley enjoyed seaside day-trips, are also said to have been rejected. The local authority, Fylde Council, says it has not been approached, but were a request to be made, its crematoria would not be made available. This unseemly impasse is reminiscent of that which occurred 15 years ago, after the chain-smoking Hindley died from respiratory failure, aged 60, in a Suffolk hospital, having been taken there from prison. About 20 undertakers refused to handle her remains, forcing the prison service to hire funeral directors 200 miles away who agreed to help on condition that their name was never made public. Yet it only took a few days to dispose of Hindley, whose ashes were scattered before a small gathering of family members and friends, in Stalybridge Country Park, a beauty spot she frequented as a teenager, a few miles from the infamous moors. Disposing of Brady in a decent and lawful manner, as he must be, no matter what evils he committed, has proved considerably more difficult. His body has been lying in a mortuary the location of which the Press is not permitted to disclose for five months. It is only now, following a High Court ruling last week which settled protracted discussions involving his solicitor, three local authorities, Merseyside Police (concerned about the potential for public disorder) and the mortuary, that things can proceed. While the remains of Myra Hindley, pictured right, were disposed of in days it has been considerably more challenging to rid the world of Ian Brady's corpse For the murdered childrens families, the mercy is that Brady will not be dispatched to Berliozs disturbing fanfare. Nor will there be any ceremonial scattering, be it on the moors he used as his grisly burial ground, or in any of his other haunts. However, since the parties fighting over his dead body were represented in court by top barristers, and we can expect Mr Makins fees to have been funded via legal aid (as always when he has represented Brady), we can be sure it has cost taxpayers many thousands of pounds. Of course, it has also kept Brady whose hunger for headline-grabbing notoriety was an essential part of his character firmly centre-stage, long after he ought to have been consigned to the darkest corners of history. As Terry West surmised this week, such was his twisted psyche that this might have been his ulterior motive for demanding a funeral service guaranteed to cause a furore. Whatever the truth, one can imagine Brady beyond the grave, rubbing his scrawny hands together and sneering as he surveys the chaos and distress he has sown. However, High Court judge Sir Geoffrey Vos blamed Mr Makin for creating the five-month stalemate. As Bradys executor, the Liverpool-based solicitor assumed responsibility for disposing of his remains, but would not assuage the groundswell of emotion by revealing how he proposed to do so, arguing that his secrecy was justified in the light of public interest. He thus declined to tell the coroner who conducted the inquest. This concerns mortuary officials in Tameside and Oldham (whose areas cover the moorland where the bodies were buried) and Sefton (the location of Ashworth Hospital). Though Mr Makin finally offered, through his barrister, to disclose certain details of Bradys funeral plans to Sir Geoffrey during the court hearing, the judge said this would not suffice. Ian Brady is pictured back at Saddleworth Moor with police looking for the bodies of victims Removing the solicitors responsibility for the cremation and allocating it to Tameside, the judge said the council, and its co-claimant, Oldham, had been right to seek to ensure Bradys remains were disposed of without causing justified public indignation or unrest. In a strongly-worded ruling, he also criticised Mr Makin. While not doubting his trustworthiness, he said Bradys solicitors secrecy was unwarranted. Had he discussed the matter openly with the claimants . . . and given clear undertakings that he was not intending to scatter the deceaseds ashes in their areas, these proceedings might have been avoided, he said. Even now, he has refused to say what he intends to do with the ashes if he is allowed custody of them . . . I do not think that Mr Makin can be entrusted with the ashes for disposal. To do so, he added, would be dangerous and inappropriate. Commenting on Bradys choice of music, the High Court judge added: I have no difficulty in understanding how legitimate offence would be caused to the families of the deceaseds victims once it became known that this movement had been played at his cremation. I decline to permit it. I propose to direct that there be no music and no ceremony. He made an order preventing the media from reporting the cremation, or any details relating to it, until a week afterwards. The extraordinary case has not only cast Mr Makin in an unfavourable light. It has inevitably led some to question why he was determined to see Bradys wishes delivered to the letter. So what do we know of this robust lawyer? His father, Rex, who died this year aged 91, was one of the North-Wests most celebrated and colourful solicitors. He arranged the first contract between The Beatles and their manager, Brian Epstein, and is credited with dreaming up the phrase Beatlemania. He gave legal advice to a host of Scouse stars including John Lennon, Ken Dodd, Carla Lane and Anne Robinson, and worked on the Hillsborough and Heysel stadium disasters. Now 54, Makin Jr could never hope to emulate such an extraordinary career. However, he doesnt shy away from difficult cases, often representing fellow solicitors involved in litigation and he also has high-profile clients. For example, he represents Ralph Bulger, whose two-year-old son James was lured away from a shopping precinct by two schoolboys perhaps the most murder shocking case of the Nineties and when the opportunity to act for Brady arose, 25 years ago, he grasped the poisoned chalice. He had no obligation to do so, and other solicitors might not have engaged with such a vile man, who was patently remorseless and beyond redemption. Shortly after Bradys death, however, Mr Makin gave an interview to the BBCs Nicky Campbell, in which he endeavoured to explain why he took the task. Im doing my job, he maintained. As somebody once said: Somebody has to do it. Ive tried to act for him appropriately and professionally, and deal with really quite interesting and complicated matters in a unique situation, and so there were a lot of challenges. Doubtless so, yet as the exchange progressed, Campbell pointed out that he was serving a psychopath so devoid of pity that he had written to Winnie Johnson, the ailing mother of the unfound Moors Murder victim Keith Bennett, feigning to offer her hope that he might yet help her recover his remains. No, I think that is the interpretation of the matter, Mr Makin replied, suggesting Brady had never possessed the crucial information, and that the child murder victims mother had misinterpreted media reports raising her expectations and hopes. Asked whether Brady had any redeeming features, and whether was any warmth between them, the lawyer said: Well, I think we had a pretty good rapport. I saw him quite a lot over the last nine months and I had a rapport and understanding with him. Campbell pressed him. When you hear people saying, This was a disgusting, evil human being, how do you react? Well, I think the situation is actually quite complicated, said Mr Makin. I think it would be interesting to look and understand quite how the mental illness developed and how he committed these really most horrendous crimes. The development of the human brain and why some develop in certain ways, cultural influences and so forth is why people can end up doing such things. There were lots of opinions as to whether his condition was treatable or untreatable, but undoubtedly he was an unusual person with mental health issues. Unusual? Thats hardly the word Terry Kilbride the father of Bradys little victim John would choose. In justifying his decision to act in accordance with Bradys wishes, Mr Makin who did not respond to a request for comment might argue that he had no choice in the matter because he was obliged to do so. Yet John Ainley, who represents the Bennett family, says his fellow solicitor should have exercised his discretion on such a delicate issue so as not to offend peoples sensitivities. Though they will not be told the full details of Bradys instructions until probate is granted, and his will becomes a public document, the Moors Murders families have learned enough in the past few days to be certain that his funeral would have caused them offence. The judges ruling came as monumental relief. Mr Kilbride, 63, who suffers a debilitating respiratory illness, is liaising with Tameside Council on the relatives behalf, and met officials to voice their collective wishes. Afterwards, he told me he felt a lot better about things, and was confident it would be conducted with due restraint. He had also been reassured by the proposed methods of disposal of the ashes. During the coming days, we shall learn precisely how Ian Bradys remains were dispatched. Many will no doubt argue that the sewer is too good for him. But perhaps we should be thankful for the fact that he wont be serenaded by a satanic anthem, and be scattered over the moors where he took those pitiable children. Emperor Akihito and his wife Empress Michiko pictured in Takaoka, Toyama, Japan Emperor Akihito of Japan is expected to abdicate in 18 months, it was claimed yesterday. It will be the first time a Japanese monarch has stepped down for 200 years. Crown Prince Naruhito, 57, is expected to ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne in April 2019, after his 83-year-old father abdicates. Akihito is said to be the 125th monarch to occupy the throne. The first, Emperor Jimmu, is traditionally believed to have founded the Japanese monarchy upon his accession in 660BC. The government is in the final stage of formalising the schedule, according to local media reports. In June, Japans parliament passed a law allowing Akihito to abdicate and the government needs to hammer out the details including the timing. Emperor Akihito's son Crown Prince Naruhito, 57, is expected to ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne in April 2019 But Yoshihide Suga, Japans chief cabinet secretary, denied the claims that an 18-month timescale has been drawn up. We are not aware of the report and there is not such fact, he said. We will do our best to carry out the emperors abdication smoothly. Akihito has had heart surgery and treatment for prostate cancer. He said last year that he feared age might make it hard for him to fulfil his duties. Pregnant Emma Szewczak-Harris pictured with her husband A heavily pregnant British woman has said she was refused treatment at a hospital until she could prove she was born in the country. Emma Szewczak-Harris, 26, from Cambridge, added her Polish-born husband's surname to her own when they married. But when bosses at Addenbrooke's Hospital spotted her signature on an official form, they sent a letter accusing her of 'failure to provide proof of identification and residence' with the implied threat that she would not get treatment. Cambridge graduate Mrs Szweczak-Harris, who is eight months pregnant, said today that it was 'a disgrace' that she was targeted because of her half-Polish surname. She added: 'I've absolutely no idea why I received it other than my surname. 'My husband is very angry about it - This makes us feel like second-class citizens. 'As I'm pregnant, I'm going to the hospital a lot at the moment, but no one has at any point asked for my credentials which - as a born and bred Brit - are completely sound. 'I'm stumped and angry that women in my condition, who are anxious enough as it is, should be made to worry about their access to care.' The letter sent to Mrs Szweczak-Harris, dated October 12 from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is headed 'failure to provide proof of identification and residence'. It reads: 'You recently attended an appointment at Addenbrooke's Hospital and did not bring with you the required documents that would enable us to properly assess whether you are eligible for free NHS treatment, in line with Department of Health regulations.' The letter goes on to say she must provide the relevant documents by October 30, with the implicit threat that treatment might be withheld. The letter sent from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to Mrs Szewczak-Harris Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge where Mrs Szewczak-Harris says she was denied treatment Mrs Szweczak-Harris said: 'After 26 years of living in the country and using the NHS, I've never had my identity policed until now. 'Am I going to go into labour and then be denied treatment? 'I went through everything and there's nothing in my letters saying I shouldbring documentation.' A spokesman for Addenbrooke's said the letter was 'part of a pilot scheme to stop overseas patients getting certain types of free healthcare on the NHS' and that non-emergency maternity patients were asked in appointment letters to bring the proof of residence. According to campaign group Docs Not Cops, from next Monday all NHS trusts in England will be forced to check the residency and immigration status of patients and demand upfront payment for care from those who can not prove their eligibility. Mrs Szewczak-Harris pictured on her graduation day Addenbrooke's is one of 20 hospitals that have piloted the scheme over the past year. A spokeswoman for Docs Not Cops said: 'Emma's experience serves to highlight the fact that the introduction of immigration checks has made racial profiling an NHS policy.' A Cambridge University Hospitals spokesman said: 'The Department of Health has asked the trust to pilot a scheme to allow us to better monitor and collect payment from overseas patients who are not eligible for free NHS treatment. 'This brings us into line with national NHS guidelines and how many other trusts operate. 'From August 1, 2017 all non-emergency patients in maternity and urology have been asked in their appointment letters to provide two forms of identification when they attend - one to prove identity and one as proof of residence. Once you have provided this information you will not be asked again. 'If a patient is not eligible for free NHS care, they will be charged for any treatment we give to them and, from October 23, there is a statutory requirement to withhold treatment where clinical staff assess if this routine aspect of their care can wait until they return to their home country.' Britain is locked in an extraordinary dispute with a Libyan militia over moves to extradite the brother of the Manchester suicide bomber so he can face trial in the UK. Hashem Abedi, 20, is accused of playing a key role in the outrage, which left 22 people dead, including seven children. He is said to have helped brother Salman, 22, buy materials for the device he detonated at a concert on May 22. Hashem Abedi, 20, is accused of playing a key role in the outrage, which left 22 people dead, including seven children. He is pictured following his arrest in Tripoli Britain had an extradition agreement with Libya but it collapsed when Colonel Gaddafi was overthrown in 2011 and the country remains divided. Hashem Abedi is currently being held in a prison in the Libyan capital Tripoli by the Special Deterrence Force (SDF), a unit that tackles terrorism and crime. It says plans are under way to have him prosecuted in Libya. UK officials want him tried in Britain. There are fears if he was prosecuted in Libya his evidence may not be admissible in UK courts if he had been tortured, for example. That would make it harder to bring to justice others believed to have helped Salman Abedi. Hashem is said to have helped brother Salman (above), 22, buy materials for the device he detonated at a concert in Manchester on May 22 A Government spokesman said yesterday: We will do everything in our power to make sure that anyone believed to be responsible for the attack is brought to justice in the UK. This was an evil and callous attack, the victims and their families deserve and demand justice. Hashem Abedi was arrested in Tripoli along with his father, Ramadan, 51, after the bombing. Their father, Ramadan, was a senior member of a group linked to Al Qaeda and banned by Britain. He fled the Gaddafi (above) regime in the 1990s and sought asylum in the UK Libyas chief investigator said at the time they believed he played a key role in the attack. All the signs point to Hashem being directly involved and collecting the materials for the bombing, said the prosecutor. The SDF, which runs the jail where Abedi is being held, said he had confessed both he and his brother were members of Islamic State and he knew all the details of the plot. Their father has since been released after no evidence was found connecting him to the bombing. He was a senior member of a group linked to Al Qaeda and banned by Britain. He fled the Gaddafi regime in the 1990s and sought asylum in the UK. Salman and Hashem, who were both born in Britain, travelled to Libya together on April 15 this year before Salman returned to carry out the attack. Hashem was said to have confessed to Libyan militia that he and his brother had been radicalised via the internet while living in the UK. It was not clear what conditions the confession was made under. A Libyan security official at the prison said his impending trial is moving ahead. He said: It is highly unlikely Hashem will be handed over to Britain at this time or after the trial is completed. Police chiefs were urged last night to abandon silly stunts and get officers back on the beat. They were told their increasingly bizarre gimmicks are undermining the job of tackling crime. Officers were criticised for garishly painting their nails, posing for photos in bumper cars and stroking puppies for stress relief. Police were told their increasingly bizarre gimmicks, such as posing in bear masks, are undermining the job of tackling crime Others posed in bear masks and, in one force, drug squads insisted on asking cannabis growers if they were victims of slavery. Yet shocking figures out this week showed that almost every type of crime is up, with knife offences alone rising by a quarter. Nine out of ten home burglaries are unsolved. They have forgotten what their purpose is, said Mick Neville, a retired senior Scotland Yard detective. Too many modern chief constables have got more degrees under their belts than arrests. The people in charge have simply not done the job. 'The reason they do not investigate crime is they have never done it themselves. They are looking for cheap wins. Tory MP Peter Bone accused the police of playing games. He added: Most people think police should be out on the beat catching criminals and deterring crime, not doing silly stunts. Police in Cardiff wore high heels as part of a campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse With limited resources I am sure police officers would rather be out catching criminals than taking part in a publicity stunt. In Avon and Somerset, police went out on patrol wearing neon nail varnish to raise awareness of modern-day slavery. The force posted images of officers pampering themselves with the catchline Lets Nail It. When the campaign provoked an angry backlash the force encouraged people who were criticised to report comments as a hate crime. The event took place days after 21 Humberside Police officers were pictured enjoying the dodgems at Hull Fair. Poppy Day? There's no staff A major Remembrance Day parade is under threat after police said they could no longer afford to marshal it. Organisers will now have to find 800 to pay for a private traffic management company or cancel the annual march to honour the fallen. Jock Bryson, 82, who organises the poppy appeal in Melton Mowbray, Leics, said: I feel disgusted that people went to war and gave their lives and now, all of a sudden, as we approach the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, the police are saying they are not going to help us. Police insisted budget cuts and reduced numbers meant officers had to be deployed where risk is greatest. Advertisement The force spent at least 40,000 in wages to send 40 staff to cover each day of the nine-day event. Last week the Humberside forces chief revealed it had been hauling constables out of back offices to man police cars and tackle a surge in 999 calls. Male officers from South Wales Police as well as the forces police and crime commissioner posed in womens shoes yesterday to highlight the issue of domestic violence. It was also revealed this week that stressed-out officers are recovering from tragedies by cuddling puppies. A clinic in Hackney, East London, is offering support to those who helped tackle the Grenfell inferno and recent terror strikes in the capital. On Monday, the Metropolitan Police Service admitted that tens of thousands of crimes would no longer be investigated. The force said cases worth less than 50, or where there is no CCTV, would not be probed unless a suspect is identified. Earlier this week chief officers met in London to discuss the disturbing increase in crime and the toll it was taking on their staff. They are desperate to persuade the Government to pump more cash into the front line to tackle violence, complex offences and new threats. One chief officer said: Many police chiefs feel trapped in a corner. They have no money and a lot to tackle on their patches. In many cases these gimmicky events dont cost much and are an easy way of showing something is being done. Police paint nails 'in fight against slavery' By Tom Payne for the Daily Mail Police officers painted their nails in a stunt to highlight the evils of modern-day slavery. Avon and Somerset Constabulary's campaign Let's Nail It! saw officers wearing nail varnish on patrol Male and female staff were encouraged to wear garish neon nail varnish while on patrol to raise awareness of people-trafficking in nail bars. Officers excitedly tweeted about pampering themselves before shifts, and posted photos of their lurid nails while they were on patrol. But the Avon and Somerset Police campaign was roundly criticised by charity bosses, politicians and members of the public via social media as a spectacular waste of time. The force said it was disappointed about the criticism and urged anyone who felt victimised by such comments to report them as hate crimes. Cannabis farmers are asked: are you slaves? Suspected cannabis farmers may be given a get-out-of-jail card when police ask them if they are slaves. Figures show there has been a huge surge in suspected forced labour used to feed the nations 1billion cannabis habit. But anti-drugs campaigners are concerned crime lords could deliberately mislead well-meaning police to get off the hook. One said that asking anyone here a slave? was an open invitation for criminals looking for lenient treatment. The fact police ask the question emerged during a series of raids by more than 50 officers on cannabis farms in and around Gloucester earlier this week. They seized drugs worth more than 750,000 in the culmination of an eight-month undercover inquiry. Investigators, who arrested ten men, suspect the network was overseen by Albanian drug gangs responsible for trafficking victims into the UK. Inspector Jason Keates, who led the operation, warned colleagues to be alert for signs those involved are slaves. Are they in clothing that doesnt look appropriate? Are they anxious? Does it appear the things they are saying are scripted? These are signals, he said. Anyone found in the cannabis factories will be arrested. In custody they will be given the opportunity to claim they are victims of modern-day slavery. But David Raynes, of the National Drug Prevention Alliance, said police must protect victims without helping criminals. It is perfectly proper for police to ask about slavery but perhaps they could be more circumspect, he added. They might want to establish where people are from, how they arrived in the UK and if someone else paid for them. Of course, if they are well briefed they will answer as you might expect. To a certain extent it could be seen as a get-out- of-jail card. But it is also sensible for law enforcement to want to know who they are dealing with. Advertisement Tory MP David Davies said the initiative was unlikely to catch any offenders. Harry Fletcher, of the Voice 4 Victims charity, added: Modern slavery must be eradicated but the way to do that is to put priorities into catching gangmasters and traffickers, rather than engaging in odd gimmicks. Defending the initiative, Chief Inspector Mark Edgington said: Some people will disagree with the campaign, which is their prerogative, but the campaign has worked as its got people talking. The cash-strapped force has recently shut its burglary unit, which solved only 7,623 of 70,522 break-ins between 2011 and 2016. Chief Constable Andy Marsh last month admitted the force was at a tipping point. It has had to make 65million of cuts since 2010 and is dealing with large numbers of officers off sick. The nail campaign was launched by the charity Unseen, which works to tackle modern-day slavery. It encourages people to paint their nails in a bright colour and share a photo of them sticking two fingers up to slavery in nail bars. Avon and Somerset wrote on its Facebook page: Were bending our uniform rules today so officers can wear nail varnish in support of #LetsNailIt for Anti-Slavery Day. Heres ACC Nikki Watson, PC Joe Iles and PCSO Beth Crowley sporting some colourful claws. Well share more pics ... throughout the day. Wed love to see yours too. However members of the public were unimpressed. Jamie de Rooy said: Sorry, but havent you anything better to do? Like oh, I dont know, catching some criminals? Lester Solway added: How about nailing some criminals, more PC nonsense. Around 13,000 people are thought to be victims of slavery in Britain. Nail bars are allegedly a hot-spot for victims of trafficking and people are warned to look out for workers who could be there under duress. Signs include nervousness, poor English and reluctance to handle money. Avon and Somerset has dealt with 60 allegations of modern slavery in the past year. In its Twitter statement it said: We were disappointed to read some of the comments on our #AntiSlaveryDay tweets yesterday. 'Our aim was to encourage people to look out for signs of modern slavery and understand how to report it. 'Nail bars are at risk of modern slavery so some officers were pictured with painted nails on Anti-Slavery Day to raise awareness of an issue they care about. If anyone found these comments offensive, please report them to Twitter. If you feel you were targeted and the victim of a hate crime, please report this to us. We take this issue extremely seriously. Chemist who lost his faith in the police has to hire a security man instead to protect his shop By Tom Witherow A chemist's plagued by lawless teenagers is spending 1,200 a month on a former Royal Marine to protect staff. Here comes The Fuzz... Officers in bear masks By Andy Dolan Posing in teddy bear masks in Sainsburys, these police support staff are supposed to be on duty. But the happy pair werent the only officers who found time to relax at work their colleagues were taking part in more than a dozen community tea parties. Images of staff tucking into cupcakes at supermarkets and community centres were shared on Twitter by Warwickshire Police chiefs. The photo of the two members of Nuneatons safer neighbourhood team wearing the bear masks, had the caption: Police community support officers enjoy a teddy bears picnic on their own in Sainsburys. Chiefs later insisted that the pair were on duty and not taking part in the tea and cake sessions to mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week. Officers tweeted the hashtag CakeNotHate alongside their images of what a spokesman said had been an opportunity to talk to the public about hate crime in an informal setting. Chief Inspector Daf Goddard said: We encourage our officers to use social media to engage with the public. This can sometimes be used for serious issues and it can sometimes be used in a more lighthearted way. We fully support the use of social media as a tool to break down some of the barriers that exist between the police and the public and involve them in day-to-day policing. Building these relationships is central to community policing and a vital tool in helping us to protect our communities from harm. The force has lost 138 officers to budget cuts since 2010. Advertisement The manager of Pharmacy World took the drastic action after his workers endured three months of abuse and attacks. Richard Lyness lost faith in the police because officers took ten days to respond to one incident when the youths shouted racist abuse, exposed themselves and stole from his shop. On the occasions the yobs were arrested, he said they were back on the streets of Stockton-on-Tees, Co Durham, within hours. The long-running battle came to a head after his staff were blockaded in their shop in daylight and, in a separate incident, fireworks were thrown at a family. Ive lost faith in the police to protect my customers and my staff, he said. People are scared to come in and get their flu vaccination. I was threatened by one of the lads who said that he was going to smash my car up while my wife and young son were in it. He then pulled his trousers down and exposed himself. When it was particularly bad I rang 999 three times and they didnt come out at all. It took ten days. A lot of people in the area are scared to come forward in case they get targeted. Mr Lyness said the 25-strong gang of eight to 18-year-olds was notorious for harassing residents, smashing windows and taking drugs. He said police failed to take adequate action: These are crimes. All they did was take a statement and say we take this very seriously, blah, blah, blah. Ive had people coming into the shop telling me theyve been throwing fireworks at them, including a woman with a child. The police are arresting them and as soon as they get released they come back and do it all again. The security guard, who gave his name as Scott, works at the pharmacy seven days a week, in the afternoons and evenings. The 30-year-old said: You can chase the youths off and shout at them but they keep coming back. I served in the Royal Marines for nine years. Last year I was at Royal Ascot protecting the Queen, I never thought I would be called in to protect a chemist. Chief Inspector Marc Anderson, of the Stockton neighbourhood policing team, said his team met Mr Lyness yesterday to discuss his concerns. He added: A number of targeted patrols has been deployed to this area over the last few weeks to deal with the issues highlighted. Secretary of Defense James Mattis provided a Capitol Hill briefing about the deadly ambush in Niger that took the lives of four U.S. troops and the emerging details describe a chaotic encounter with inadequate support. Mattis briefed Armed Services Chairman Sen. John McCain, who was so upset by the lack of information that he threatened to issue a subpoena. A congressional source briefed on the mission called it a 'massive intelligence failure,' NBC reported. A 12-man force of Green Berets fell under fire by up to 50 ISIS-linked forces, according to early accounts described by the Pentagon. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis walks up stairs as he arrives on Capitol Hill for a meeting with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, to discuss the ambush that killed four soldiers on an operation in the African nation of Niger, Friday, Oct. 20, 2017 in Washington It has now emerged that after the ambush happened, it wasn't until 48 hours after the attack that the body of Sgt. La David Johnson was recovered. The patrol took place without U.S. air surveillance. The force had light 'technical' vehicles, but the vehicles were not heavily armored. The force got lured into an ambush by fighters on motorcycles. There was no U.S. quick-reaction force on standby available to rescue the troops if they came into harm's way. Mattis and Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona spoke privately at the lawmaker's Capitol Hill office on Friday. Emerging from the meeting, the defense secretary pledged better lines of communication with Congress. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, walk outside McCain's office on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Defense Secretary James Mattis, center, listens as Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., left, speaks to members of the media after their meeting Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) McCain has threatened a subpoena, frustrated with what he says is a slow response for information from the Trump administration. McCain said, "I felt we were not getting a sufficient amount of information and we are clearing a lot of that up now." Earlier this week, McCain said he would hold up Trump's nominees for key Defense Department posts until the administration delivers details about its new strategy for the war in Afghanistan. It is unclear if the U.S. force was intentionally delayed in a village they were visiting. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis answers a question about the ambush of U.S. troops in Niger before a meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman at the Pentagon, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Defense Secretary?James Mattis (R) delivers remarks to reporters about recent U.S. troops killed in Niger as he welcomes Israel's Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman and his delegation for meetings at the Pentagon in Washington, U.S. October 19, 2017 After a rescue involving French aircraft it emerged that one soldier was missing, the aide told the network. 'Movements and actions to try and find him and bring him back were considered. They just were not postured properly [to get him].' according to the account. Mattis was emphatic in comments Thursday about the raid, and defended the conduct of both the U.S. military and its allies. 'The U.S. military does not leave its troops behind and I would just ask that you not question the actions of the troops that were caught in the firefight and question whether or not they did everything they could in order to bring everyone out at once,' Mattis said in comments to reporters Thursday. The mission has come under fire more than two weeks after U.S. forces came under an ambush from ISIS-linked fighters, with powerful lawmakers calling for more information on what went wrong. 'We, in the Department of Defense, like to know what we are talking about before we talk and so we do not have all the accurate information yet,' Mattis said. After the meeting with McCain, Mattis pledge better communication. "I felt we were not getting a sufficient amount of information and we are clearing a lot of that up now," McCain said. President Obama's Attorney General Loretta Lynch met with members of the House Intelligence Committee Friday, Fox News reported. Lynch was on the Hill to discuss Russian meddling in the election but sources told Fox that the ex-attorney general was likely queried about her infamous tarmac meeting with former President Bill Clinton. That gathering cast a cloud over the executive branch's investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails and compelled FBI Director James Comey to hold an unprecedented presser, to say the FBI recommended that the former secretary of state not be charged. Scroll down for video Former Attorney General Loretta Lynch was seen on Capitol Hill Friday. She was talking to members of the House Intelligence Committee, which is one of the committees investigating Russia's role in the 2016 election Loretta Lynch, spotted on Capitol Hill, was also likely asked about a meeting she had with Bill Clinton on an airport tarmac amid the Justice Department's investigation into Hillary Clinton's private email server Loretta Lynch was likely asked about her infamous meeting on a tarmac with former President Bill Clinton, which occurred while the Justice Department was still investigating his wife's emails Fired FBI Director James Comey (pictured) testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee in June explaining that he decided to hold a press conference on the Hillary Clinton email case because of Attorney General Loretta Lynch's tarmac meeting with Bill Clinton Attorney General Loretta Lynch headed the investigation into Hillary Clinton's (pictures) emails through 2016. There were reportedly faked emails from the Russians that suggested Lynch, a fellow Democrat, was trying to bury the probe Lynch is supposed to speak to Congressional investigators on the Senate side as well. In June, when Comey publicly sat before the Senate Intelligence Committee, to testify about his firing by President Trump, which he said was because of the FBI's Russia probe, the ex-FBI leader also explained how Lynch's behavior compelled him to make certain decisions in the handling of the Clinton probe. The tarmac meeting was the final straw. Comey said he decided he needed to hold a press conference and announce that the FBI would recommend to the Justice Department that no charges be filed to 'protect the credibility of the investigation.' Prior to that, he was bothered when Lynch told him to call the Clinton investigation a 'matter' instead of an actual criminal probe, which it was. 'At one point, the attorney general had directed me not to call it an investigation but instead to call it a matter, which confused me and concerned me,' Comey testified. 'That was one of the bricks in the load that led me to conclude I have to step away from the department if we're to close this case credibly.' At the press conference, Comey received criticism from Democrats for saying Clinton was 'extremely careless' in her handling of her emails while secretary of state, though noted his agency wasn't recommending she be charged with a crime. During his testimony, Comey denied that he made his decision to hold the press conference because he feared emails reportedly faked by the Russians would come out. In May, CNN reported that faked emails existed between Democratic National Committee chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and a political operative that suggested Lynch would make the FBI's investigation into Clinton go away. The Senate Judiciary Committee has asked Lynch to disclose any conversations she might have had with the Clinton campaign or the DNC about the FBI's investigation. Lynch will be the latest Obama administration official to talk to lawmakers looking into Russia's meddling in the 2016 election and if there was any collusion with President Trump's campaign. In the past she's said she's regretted not thinking about the optics when meeting with President Clinton on that tarmac in Phoenix. Last December she called it 'painful' that it raised questions about the integrity of the Justice Department, CNN reported. On the Hill Friday, the ex-attorney general refused to answer questions, said Fox. The network said she ignored three queries: whether she instructed Comey to call the Clinton email investigation a 'matter,' whether she sought permission from the White House to hold the tarmac meeting with Bill Clinton and finally, if she was able to address any parts of Comey's testimony from June. Lynch opted to not answer any of the three. California Becomes First State to Allow 'Nonbinary' Gender on Birth Certificates California Governor Jerry Brown this weekend signed the Gender Recognition Act into law, allowing state residents to choose or change gender on a birth certificate to be female, male, or nonbinary. It is the first state do so, and is the third, along with Oregon and Washington, D.C., to allow gender neutral drivers licenses. While the bill applies to new birth certificates, it also eases the restrictions on birth certificate and drivers license changes, eliminating the requirement that a gender change applicant have undergone any treatment prior to the change. Here's a look at the new law. Nonbinary Recognition In regard to gender changes, the Gender Recognition Act would authorize petitioners "to attest, under penalty of perjury, that the request is to conform the person's legal gender to the person's gender identity and not for any fraudulent purpose," and courts would be allowed to change gender by court judgment to female, male, or nonbinary. (There would be separate procedure for petitioners under 18 years old.) The bill would allow an applicant for an original driver's license or renewal of a driver's license to choose a gender category of female, male, or nonbinary, and require the Department of Motor Vehicles to provide a process for amending a gender category. As noted above, the Act will "delete the requirement that a person have undergone any treatment to seek a court judgment to recognize a change of gender" on either document. LGBTQ Leadership State Senator Toni Atkins, a Democrat from San Diego, co-authored the bill, and said it will "eliminate unnecessary stress and anxiety for many Californians, and it exemplifies the leadership role that our state continues to take in LGBTQ civil rights." "I want to thank Gov. Brown," Atkins said in a statement, "for recognizing how difficult it can be for our transgender, nonbinary, and intersex family members, friends, and neighbors when they don't have an ID that matches their gender presentation." The majority of the Act's provisions will take effect in September 2018. Related Resources: An eminent theatre director was allegedly ousted from his own company after he told a colleague that if he were younger he would have approached her like a rat up a drainpipe. Max Stafford-Clark, 76, left Londons Out of Joint theatre company last month after he reportedly made inappropriate and sexualised comments towards three women. The members of staff said they were left feeling objectified and in shock at his behaviour. Max Stafford-Clark, 76,(pictured with third wife Stella) left Londons Out of Joint theatre company last month after he reportedly made inappropriate and sexualised comments towards three women, including Gina Abolins(right) Gina Abolins, 29, a production assistant, told the theatre companys board in July that the director, who uses a wheelchair, said to her: Back in the day, Id have been up you like a rat up a drainpipe. She claimed Mr Stafford-Clark asked her to try on a bikini and encouraged her to have casual sex so she could tell him about it. Miss Abolins told The Guardian she felt bullied and objectified by the directors lewd comments and claimed he exerted his power in a crude manner. Mr Stafford-Clark married his third wife Stella in 2010 and has a daughter, Kitty, from his second marriage. He has used a wheelchair and walking stick since 2006 when he suffered a stroke. He explained to Miss Abolins that he could not do what he wanted with her because of his disability. She claimed he added: Now Im a reformed character. My disability means Im practically a virgin again. Mr Stafford-Clark(pictured at the Out Of Joint theatre company) married his third wife Stella in 2010 and has a daughter, Kitty, from his second marriage Miss Abolins made a formal complaint to the company in July. She was given leave and the director was suspended during an investigation. When he announced his retirement Mr Stafford-Clark claimed he was leaving to focus on his freelance career. At the time, the theatre company praised him for his fantastic commissions and bold revivals on social media, while others hailed his achievements as one of Britains most eminent directors. Miss Abolins, who joined Out of Joint in 2016, said she was left feeling upset, frustrated and a little angry when his behaviour was not mentioned in the announcement that he was leaving. Two other women described their experiences with Mr Stafford-Clark. Steffi Holtz, 25, who was an assistant for the director, said she was left in absolute shock at an alleged lewd comment. She also said he touched her on the bottom, commenting on her nice a***. Playwright Rachel De-Lahay told The Guardian that Mr Stafford-Clark asked her about losing her virginity. She said she was angry with herself for answering the inappropriate question. In a statement, Mr Stafford-Clarks spokesman apologised on behalf of the director and said his disinhibited behaviour was a result of his stroke. He said: Mr Stafford-Clarks occasional loss of the ability to inhibit urges results in him displaying disinhibited and compulsive behaviour and his usual (at times provocative) behaviour being magnified, often causing inappropriate social behaviour. A spokesman for Out of Joint(pictured) said: Out of Joint is a responsible employer taking our duty of care, and that of maintaining confidence, extremely seriously' Whilst this is an explanation it isnt an attempt to dismiss his behaviour and he apologises for any offence caused. A spokesman for Out of Joint said: Out of Joint is a responsible employer taking our duty of care, and that of maintaining confidence, extremely seriously. In any environment, providing a forum for calling out inappropriate conduct is key, or it risks going undetected. We admire, support and act swiftly, and effectively, to protect those who bravely use their voice to report wrongdoing concerns. The director, who was the longest-serving artistic director of Londons Royal Court theatre, co-founded Out of Joint, a small touring company, with producer Sonia Friedman in 1993. He started his career at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh and also co-founded the Joint Stock Theatre Company in 1974. Under Mr Stafford-Clarks leadership, Out of Joint has championed playwrights such as Caryl Churchill, April De Angelis and Richard Bean, and enjoyed sold-out runs at the National Theatre. Cassie Sainsbury could serve a maximum of six years in a Colombian jail. A plea bargain was made shortly after she arrived at a Bogota court for what was expected to be a pre-trial hearing. The newly-appointed judge is considering the deal made between the prosecution and Sainsbury's lawyers, The Herald Sun reported. Sainsbury could be released in as little as three and a half years if the surprise deal is accepted. The judge hearing the case earlier granted a request from Sainsbury's lawyer, Orlando Herran, to close the hearing to all media. Cassie Sainsbury pictured arriving in Bogota Special Circuit Court on Saturday for a hearing closed to the media Accused drug smuggler Cassie Sainsbury (pictured) arrived at a Colombian court on Saturday Resembling the first plea bargain - rejected after Sainsbury repeatedly changed her story - the deal was presented yesterday in the Bogota Special Circuit Court. The sentencing hearing will take place on November 1, but a source within the court said the judge has given it his approval. If Sainsbury, 22, takes courses or works within the jail she could be set free within three and a half years with good behaviour. The 22-year-old is accused of attempting to smuggle almost 6kg of cocaine into Australia and faces up to 30 years behind bars if found guilty of drug trafficking. If Sainsbury's (pictured) drug trafficking case had been adjourned until next month she could have been set free due to Colombian law limiting court cases for those in custody to 90 days The 22-year-old (seen here being escorted to court in August) is accused of attempting to smuggle almost 6kg of cocaine into Australia and faces up to 30 years behind bars if found guilty of drug trafficking Prosecutors had a number of options, including a new plea deal, but if they had pushed for an adjournment of her case she could have been freed. According to Colombian law, a person must be released from jail under the statute of limitations if their case is not finalised in the courts within a certain period of time - in this case 90 days. They are then 'paroled', with an assessment carried out on whether there is enough merit in the case to bring it before trial. Sainsbury's drawn-out case has been before the courts for 70 days already, based on her plea hearing on August 10. Prosecutors pushed for an adjournment of her case but such a move could have been her ticket to freedom According to Colombian law, a person must be released from jail under the statute of limitations if their case is not finalised in the courts within a certain time - in this case 90 days (pictured is Cassie in Colombian prison) That meant the former personal trainer from Adelaide had a chance of release from El Buen Pastor prison before Christmas, after spending over six months locked up. Sainsbury was arrested in April after she was caught with 5.6 kilograms of cocaine at Bogota Airport, hidden inside 18 separate packages of headphones. She initially told prosecutors she had no idea the headphones were filled with cocaine, but later said she had been blackmailed by an international drug syndicate. In a tell-all interview with 60 Minutes earlier this year she claimed the drug ring had sent her WhatsApp images and texts of her family - saying her loved ones would be killed if she failed to obey their orders. But in a sensational twist, Sainsbury said she could not access the evidence to potentially clear her name, as she had forgotten the password to her phone. Sainsbury was arrested in April after she was caught with 5.6 kilograms of cocaine at Bogota Airport, hidden inside 18 separate packages of headphones A university boss and his secret lover pilfered more than 500,000 from its coffers in a years-long fraud. Robert Smedley, 52, the pro-vice chancellor of Edge Hill University in Lancashire, created a 53,000-a-year role for Christopher Joynson without telling his employers they were in a relationship. He then rubber stamped almost 514,000 of consultancy payments to his 34-year-old lover for work that was never carried out. The cash was paid to two bogus firms set up by Joynson, who made fake email addresses in his dementia-suffering grandfathers name to try to fool bosses into believing they were legitimate. Christopher Joynson, left, was given a 53,000-a-year job by his lover Robert Smedley, right, who did not tell employers they were in a relationship However the scam unravelled when the universitys finance chief spotted the payments and confronted Smedley, who was also dean of the faculty of education, a court heard. He resigned from the university, based in Ormskirk, 11 days later. Joynson quit the following month. When police raided Smedleys home, in upmarket West Kirby, Wirral, they discovered Joynson had been living with him. They found Valentines cards the couple had sent to each other, and analysis of their bank accounts revealed Joynson had paid Smedley 106,000 for renovation work on the property. He had transferred almost 100,000 to his lover during his employment at the university. Smedley claimed this money was rent and denied any dishonest behaviour. In regard to the consultancy payments to former primary school teacher Joynson, he claimed the work was carried out legitimately. But he refused to answer questions about the pairs relationship or why Joynson shelled out for building work on his home. Joynson also denied any dishonest behaviour and claimed the university were aware of his twin roles as a staff member and consultant. He too refused to admit the pair were lovers. But a jury at Liverpool Crown Court dismissed their accounts and yesterday found Smedley guilty of five fraud offences and Joynson of four fraud charges. Judge Brian Cummings QC warned the pair they faced substantial prison sentences when they are sentenced on October 30. Jacob Dyer, prosecuting, told the court that at the time of the fraud Smedley held the third most senior role at the university. The scam began in September 2009 when Joynson invoiced the university for 5,250 of project work he supposedly carried out while working full time at a school in Leicester. Liverpool Crown Court heard that Smedley scrapped the requirement for a police background check because his lover had two cautions dating back to 2001 By then Smedley had known Joynson for at least nine months and had managed to create a job of partnership development officer for him at Edge Hill. Smedley removed the requirement for a CRB police background check because he was aware Joynson had two police cautions dating back to 2001. Although Joynsons starting salary was 35,646, by 2014 it had risen to 53,566 despite other staff raising concerns he wasnt properly qualified. At the same time, Joynson invoiced the university for thousands of pounds of fictitious master classes at schools across the UK, which were rubber stamped by Smedley instead of being sent to the university finance department. In total, Joynson received around 500,000 between September 2009 and June 2014 via two firms he set up. His combined income from his salary and the consultancy was around 132,000 a year. Mr Dyer said: Once Joynson was employed, this consultancy work was never authorised by anyone other than Smedley. There was a clear conflict of interest, given their relationship. The vice-chancellor and deputy vice-chancellor were not aware of any relationship at all ... prior to the receipt of Smedleys resignation. Edge Hill University declined to comment until after sentencing. It is nearly twenty years to the day since she was convicted of killing a baby boy. Now former nanny Louise Woodward has been pictured strolling hand-in-hand with her own young child. In recent photographs taken over two separate days the 39-year-old was seen taking her daughter, three, to nursery in a sleepy village near Bridgnorth, Shropshire. In one set of photos she was seen cautiously holding on to her child as the pair went to safely cross a road. And the youngster toddled about happily as she held on to a little plastic butterfly as Woodward held on to her schoolbag. Louise Woodward pictured taking her daughter, three, to nursery in a sleepy village near Bridgnorth, Shropshire Woodward, who now goes as Mrs Elkes after taking her husband's name, is seen holding on to her daughter as they cross the road In 1997 Woodward made headlines around the world after she killed American infant Matthew Eappen while working as an au pair for his family at their home in Newton, Massachusetts. The baby died of brain injuries just 10 weeks after she started the job. Prosecutors alleged Matthew had shown classic symptoms of shaken baby syndrome, but the defence team argued the death had been caused by an injury the baby sustained weeks before. During her trial Woodwards expressionless demeanour led to vitriolic criticism about her supposed coldness and lack of emotion. She was initially jailed for second-degree murder on October 30 but after an appeal, her conviction was swiftly reduced to involuntary manslaughter and she was released after serving 279 days in jail. She has maintained her innocence ever since and her claims were backed by experts. Woodward, pictured aged 19, wipes her eyes as she gives evidence at her trial in Massachusetts in October 1997. She was initially jailed for second-degree murder but her conviction was swiftly reduced to involuntary manslaughter Infant Matthew Eappen is seen sitting in a high chair in this undated family file photo. He died just 10 weeks after Woodward began working with the f The youngster toddled about happily as she held on to a little plastic butterfly Now Woodward has embraced family life after marrying her businessman husband Anthony Elkes in 2013 and now works as a dance teacher. Before her child was born Woodward, now known as Mrs Elkes, told The Daily Mail: 'I know there are some people waiting for me to have a baby so they can say nasty things. 'It upsets me but that is not going to stop me leading my life. 'I am innocent. I have done nothing wrong. 'I am entitled to enjoy my life. I am not going to apologise for being happy.' Nearly one in four homes sold through Help to Buy has a lease as developers cash in on the Governments flagship mortgage scheme. The Help to Buy equity loan scheme uses taxpayers cash so families can secure a mortgage on a new-build property. Almost 135,000 newly-built houses and flats have been sold through the programme since its launch in 2013, with the Government issuing 6.7billion of loans so far. But 24 per cent of these homes were sold with a lease meaning the buyer does not own the property outright and has to pay an annual ground rent to the freeholder. Nearly one in four homes sold through Help to Buy has a lease as developers cash in on the Governments flagship mortgage scheme. The Help to Buy equity loan scheme uses taxpayers cash so families can secure a mortgage on a new-build property. (File photo) Critics describe it as a racket, accusing developers of profiteering on the back of taxpayer funds. Developers often sell leasehold contracts to investors and some ground rents are set to double every decade. Campaigners say onerous leases can leave families trapped as prisoners in homes with spiralling bills that are almost impossible to sell at a reasonable price in future. Help to Buy allows families to purchase new-build homes worth up to 600,000 with deposits of only 5 per cent. The Government provides a loan of 20 per cent or 40 per cent in London and gets the equivalent proportion of the sale price when the property is sold. It is feared that the taxpayer will now lose out because if property prices fall the Government will not get all its money back from the loans costing taxpayers a fortune. When Help to Buy started four years ago, just 5.7 per cent of houses sold through the scheme had leases but the proportion has tripled since then. The figure was 7.9 per cent in 2014, 10.4 per cent in 2015, 14.8 per cent last year and 17.2 per cent in the first half of this year. Figures from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) show 134,558 properties have been sold through Help to Buy. Of these, 32,266 or 24 per cent have leases, including 91.2 per cent of flats, which are traditionally leasehold, and 11.9 per cent or 13,508 of houses. Critics describe it as a racket, accusing developers of profiteering on the back of taxpayer funds. Developers often sell leasehold contracts to investors and some ground rents are set to double every decade. (File photo) Theresa May last week pledged to plough another 10billion into the scheme, which will assist a further 135,000 families in purchasing a home by 2021. Katie Kendrick, of the National Leasehold Campaign, said the Government should ensure that the additional cash is not used to fund more leasehold homes. Young families and first-time buyers have become trapped as prisoners in their own homes by oppressive leasehold contracts designed by greedy developers and freeholders, she said. People buy a home thinking they own it, yet in the eyes of the law they are only a tenant. Leasehold tenure needs to be assigned to the history books and abolished once and for all for both flats and houses. Tory MP Andrew Selous said it was wholly unacceptable for developers to sell new houses on a leasehold basis. It is plain wrong, he said. What is going on at the moment offends me enormously. The developers should be ashamed of the way they are behaving. Campaigner Sebastian OKelly, who runs the Leasehold Knowledge Partnership, said: Its outrageous that taxpayers are fuelling the profits of housebuilders who are creating such onerous contracts on their leases that the properties are then difficult to sell on in future. Why on earth are taxpayers funding this racket? A DCLG spokesman said: This Government is committed to tackling unfair practices in the leasehold market. We recently consulted on a range of measures including seeking views on removing support for the sale of new build leasehold houses through the Help to Buy equity loan. The department is carefully considering the responses. A prominent Jeremy Corbyn supporter who appeared on stage with John McDonnell and Diane Abbott has publicly apologised after being accused of sexual harassment. Self-proclaimed Left-wing 'intellectual' journalist Sam Kriss, 27, is a leading figure in radical circles and has boasted online of his feminism. But he has fallen from grace amid claims he groped a fellow activist. It was also claimed that the Marxist ex-public schoolboy tried to take her back to what he said was his 'massive house' only for the woman to point out that the 1.5million property is owned by his parents. Self-proclaimed Left-wing 'intellectual' journalist Sam Kriss, 27, was accused of sexual harassment Kriss has published an apology. Writing on social media earlier this week, the woman said she was speaking out following comments Kriss made online that she said were critical of feminists. She wrote that he 'repeatedly groped me, twisted my neck to forcibly kiss me, ignored any attempt I made to stop him, and refused to 'let me' drink non-alcohol'. She recounted that the events she described started during a theatre visit. 'Once we were inside, Sam began forcing his tongue into my mouth. I said to him, jokingly, but also seriously, 'I don't think we should kiss here'.' She said his attempt to twist her head towards him 'physically hurt'. She said she wanted to get away but was frightened of his power, saying 'he circulates around Momentum'. To be polite, she went to the pub after the play, but claims he publicly groped her. She wrote: 'I felt as if trapped in some sort of hyper heterosexist hellscape.' She said 'various manoeuvres to get me to go home with him began'. This was when he boasted about his parents' house, she claimed, even bragging that when they died, he'd inherit it. He then pursued her to a bus stop, and on to her bus, she said, 'forcibly snogging' her and 'grabbing at my breasts'. He responded by writing: 'Today an allegation of sexual harassment and aggression was made against me. My behaviour was absolutely unacceptable, beneath both me and especially the person involved, and there's no excuse. I've apologised privately to her, and I'm apologising, publicly, now. Sam Kriss with John McDonnell, the socialist shadow chancellor 'I'd like to add some context to the events described, which I hope will make them more explicable if not more excusable. We had an existing sexual relationship. I wasn't fully aware of how unwelcome my advances were. I crossed a line from persistence to aggression; I'm fully responsible, and I'm sorry. 'After the incident, she continued to message me amicably for months, including suggesting that we might meet again, until other divisions became apparent.' Online magazine Vice says it has no plans to commission Kriss again. He boasted about going to the Labour conference in Brighton last month but rising Labour MP Jess Phillips tweeted: 'His admission of sexual assault means he belongs in prison.' Kriss went to 20,000-a-year University College School in Hampstead, north London. The house he bragged about in nearby Willesden Green is owned by his father Stephen, 61, a consultant at Highgate Private Hospital, and mother Ondine, 57, a company secretary. Last night a close relative, who asked not to be identified, said: 'This is very very unfair. Obviously people are really enjoying it and it's turned into a witch hunt.' Last night sources confirmed Kriss had been suspended from the Labour Party. In a first look from the point of view of El Chapo's 'amigo' Kate del Castillo it becomes clear why Sean Penn may fear for his life after the release of her three part Netflix series. The series out Friday, 'The Day I Met El Chapo,' del Castillo describes how she began speaking with the dangerous drug king pin, and how it was during the very meeting with him that Penn suddenly sprang an interview on Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman for Rolling Stone magazine. During an intense meeting, while sitting at the table amongst the then fugitive's closest associates in the Sinaloa mountains, del Castillo says she, and Guzman, believed they were there to discuss a movie about him, but that Penn sprang a request for an interview on behalf of the magazine. Guzman's lawyer, Andres Granados, is featured prominently throughout the Netflix series. He says in on camera interviews that he never trusted Penn and had advised his boss as much. The series argues that the meeting with Guzman, and the conversations leading up to an interview with Rolling Stone- ultimately led to the capture of the cartel lord. Fateful photo: This was last time the public would see Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman (center) as a free man. Kate del Castillo (right) was preparing to run a film about his life, but Sean Penn (left) had plans for a Rolling Stone interview Del Castillo says it was during this interview with Rolling Stone that Guzman would admit he was a drug dealer The Mexican authorities had del Castillo and Penn under surveillance as soon as they landed in Mexico Granados also says he relayed his concerns to del Castillo: 'I told her look I don't really trust gringos especially if they want to meet Mr. Joaquin Guzman.' It was a week between Guzman agreeing to meet with both Penn and del Castillo before the meeting would take place. He was on the run after his latest prison break, which had embarrassed the Mexican government. Every caution was taken to arrange for the clandestine meeting. Guzman had ensured that del Castillo had a single burner phone to speak with him, and only him on. Del Castillo shared these amazing images of herself under surveillance at a Mexican airport Everyone attending the meeting with Guzman was instructed to leave behind their belongings with the exception of Penn according to del Castillo Guzman's attorney says from what he understood Penn did not check his bags, as del Castillo did Once she boarded the plane with Penn, she texted Guzman they were taking off, and he said they would not speak again till they were in person. 'At that time he was the most wanted man by two governments, and we were the only people that had a chance of meeting him face to face,' del Castillo says on camera. However when they arrived at the airport in Mexico, the Mexican government had them under surveillance. They were being monitored. In amazing images shown in the series, an under surveillance del Castillo and Penn are seen walking through the airport. The Mexican National Security 'were monitoring everything Kate, Sean and Guzman were doing,' according to an expert in the documentary. Del Castillo says Penn sprang the intention for an interview for Rolling Stone on her only once they were face to face with El Chapo She says Penn never said anything about a magazine interview during her conversations leading up to the meeting with Guzman Guzman's attorney says several times in the documentary that he did not trust Penn, and told his boss as much Del Castillo says Guzman's lawyer instructed them before leaving the airport on a very long journey to their final destination: 'He told us to leave behind our phones and everything we had brought.' 'And we did, expect Sean who had a small suitcase he had brought along.' Attorney Granados also says on camera 'From what I understand Sean Penn hadn't checked his bags because Mr. Guzman never asked. He simply trusted the people who were coming.' But after they arrived in Mexico at the airport, they were able to fool the authorities, as 'El Chapo's people are professionals in that area,' according to an expert in the series. The cartel had arranged for several different women who were used as decoys for del Castillo to throw anyone following them off- sent out in cars in different directions. Increadible footage shows snippets of the Rolling Stone interview with Guzman speaking to the camera about his freedom following his escape from prison and the cartels of Mexico Del Castillo and Penn had sex some time after meeting El Chapo, but the relationship fizzled after she grew angry at him over his piece in Rolling Stone Del Castillo explains she thought if Penn was to help her bring her film about Guzman to Hollywood, it was important that he meet the cartel leader as well. She thought to herself about the meeting 'It could change our lives or end our lives.' After being whisked away by cars followed by security they would be brought to a cleared field with two Cessnas where they would board one of them, piloted by one of El Chapo's son. Once they had arrived at the meeting location, under the cloak of darkness, Guzman gave her a hug, and said 'Welcome my friend.' She says once they were sitting at the table, with his son and his close associates Penn's intentions for a Rolling Stone interview became suddenly clear, and Guzman grew agitated. 'No one ever told me, or Sean never told me he wanted to do an interview for a magazine.' Her own lawyer speaking on camera in the documentary says: 'I believe she was duped by Sean Penn this could have resulted in her being killed.' Then Penn, according to del Castillo, started to grow more ambitious asking her to translate to Guzman if he can stay a few days to interview him. When the drug lord gets irritated, an aggressive Penn asks if it would work if he come back to interview with him in eight days. Del Castillo says she translated for Guzman who told her: 'He says he will only see you with me,' that second meeting never happened. Penn had sprung the intentions on interviewing Guzman for Rolling Stone only once he had gotten a seat at his table in Sinaloa Guzman was captured just days before the Rolling Stone interview came out, here in a photo form 2016 being transported by authorities Instead however, after the meeting, Penn with the backing of Rolling Stone, later asks Guzman for an interview on video, again via del Castillo. He eventually obliges to that request. It is in that video that Guzman is speaking to the camera about the cartels, about being on the run, and as del Castillo says 'and for the first time admitting that he was a drug dealer.' In the video, Guzman says 'The day I no longer exist drug trafficking will not decrease in any way,' he also makes sure to begin it with that this video is exclusive to Kate del Castillo and Sean Penn. Experts in the documentary say the biggest mistake was Guzman recording that video, and 'staying in touch with them after he had shared his table.' After he was captured in the early days of 2016, the governor of Sinaloa, Mario Lopez Valdez, gave a press conference saying it was a meeting with an actress and producers that allowed them to finally capture Guzman. Her attorney Harland Braun says it would be easy for someone in the cartel to think she set him up. 'It put us all at risk, saying it was out fault, or because of us,' she says on camera. Just before he was captured, whatever there was between Penn and del Castillo ended when she stormed out a restaurant upon reading a draft of Penn's Rolling Stone article about El Chapo. Early in the series she says she fell for Penn. 'I enjoyed it and dont regret it I fell my friend, what can I say?', she bluntly says in the documentary. She says in the series that the article wrongly makes it seem like she was infatuated with him and claims El Chapo even sent her flowers, which never happened. Penn showed her the final draft at the famous Sunset Towers hotel in Hollywood, at a table of famous people. She stormed out and never saw Penn again. Meanwhile Penn and his team have tried repeatedly tried to block the documentary from going forward. Penn's team last week fired off a letter to Netflix to pull the film saying 'that blood will be on their hands if this film causes bodily harm,' to their client, according to the New York Times. Penn is particularly concerned that the documentary, in which he does not appear other than in television interview clips, implies that it was he who helped authorities at the Department of Justice in their capture of El Chapo. Patients in hospitals will be asked where they have lived for the last six months as part of a crackdown on health tourism. From Monday, hospitals will be obliged by law to identify and charge upfront any overseas patient who is not entitled to free NHS care. Staff have been told to ask the question of every patient starting a new course of treatment either in a clinic or on a ward. Patients in hospitals will be asked where they have lived for the last six months as part of a crackdown on health tourism They are instructed to avoid discrimination and quiz patients from all backgrounds and nationalities, even though the majority will be UK residents. Meanwhile, patients at some hospitals are being told to bring driving licences, passports, bank statements or energy bills to prove they are eligible for NHS care. Letters have gone out to them ahead of their appointments explaining they must provide evidence of being lawfully resident in the UK. Document checks are being carried out at 20 NHS trusts as part of a three-month pilot, which if deemed a success will be rolled out nationwide. One of the trusts involved is Kings College Hospital in South London, where checks are being undertaken in the orthopaedics and ophthalmology departments, two of its busiest. Proof of identity includes a passport, driving licence or ID card while proof of address can be a utility bill, bank statement or mortgage statement, provided it is dated within the last six months. Those who have recently been living abroad will be told to provide documents proving they are entitled to free NHS care, such as an EHIC insurance card from an EU country. Hospitals which fail to identify and bill overseas patients will be financially penalised, with money withheld from them by the local NHS trusts which control their budgets. Announcing the rules, Mr Hunt said: We have to recognise that our cherished NHS is a national, not international, health service paid for by taxpayers. Hospitals which fail to identify and bill overseas patients will be financially penalised, with money withheld from them by the local NHS trusts which control their budgets. Pictured: Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt So at a time when we are working to make the most of every taxpayer pound that funds the NHS, we cannot afford to offer free healthcare to overseas visitors. Just as we pay for healthcare when visiting other countries on holiday, its only fair that overseas visitors pay for their care to help protect NHS finances. I committed to help trusts speed up the process, and thats why from Monday, new laws will ask all organisations providing NHS treatment to ask if patients are eligible for free non-urgent treatment, and to charge upfront those who arent. Safety comes first in an emergency, everyone will still have access to urgent care; no one will be denied that. We are also mindful of our humanitarian duty and our duty to public health; some vulnerable groups wont be subject to the rules and other services like A&E, primary care and care for those with infectious diseases, will remain free. The changes will mean NHS staff can dedicate more of their time to actually treating patients rather than chasing money their organisation is owed and that money will go directly back into the NHS, so it can continue to provide world class healthcare long into the future. Patients will not be routinely quizzed or charged upfront in A&E units or GP surgeries, as these are currently free for all. But those attending maternity units will be questioned, although treatment will not be withheld if patients arent entitled to free NHS care and refuse to pay upfront. Guidelines sent to hospitals state that they should ask baseline questions of every single patient, in every single department. This starts with, Where have you lived in the last six months? If patients state the UK, no further action will be taken. If they have been living overseas, staff must ask, Do you have a EHIC or other document to show that youre entitled to free NHS care? Hospitals will be closely monitored by the Department of Health and NHS Improvement, the financial watchdog, to check they are identifying and charging an adequate number of overseas patients, based on their location and size. If they are deemed to be falling short, they will have money withheld from Clinical Commissioning Groups, health trusts with control over local NHS budgets. But Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association, said: Charging overseas patients is obviously not the right priority for the NHS at present. Compared to the funding gap facing the NHS as a whole, the amount of money spent treating people who arent eligible for care is very small. New charges and checks will increase workloads, and no doubt oblige many people who are in fact eligible to present ID or other proof before they can access care. Another barrier to accessing services is not what patients need. Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the British Medical Associations Council, added: It is important that those accessing NHS services are eligible to do so, especially at a time when the NHS is under intense pressure and struggling to cope with patient demand. However, the current charging proposals lack clarity around how and when overseas patients should be charged which does run the risk of causing confusion and an additional administrative burden within NHS Trusts. 'It is vital that patients do not face bureaucratic or financial obstacles that prevent acutely sick and vulnerable individuals from seeking necessary treatment. Waving goodbye to your loved ones at an airport terminal can be an expensive business. But drivers hoping to save money by using quick drop-off points instead of short-term parking are also being stung by rising fees. They are being charged up to 35p a minute just to pick up or drop off their passengers. Five of the UK's 20 busiest airports have increased so-called 'kiss and fly' drop-off fees, while more than half have raised standard parking prices. An investigation by the RAC found that London Stansted (pictured) is now the most expensive airport for those wanting to drop off a loved one at the terminal An investigation by the RAC found that London Stansted is now the most expensive airport for those wanting to drop off a loved one at the terminal. Last year it shared the top spot with Luton airport, with both charging 3 for ten minutes. But Stansted has pulled ahead and now charges 3.50 for ten minutes or 35p a minute. The RAC described the fees as 'eye-watering'. It said motorists will view the increases as 'another way of making money out of them' and advised drivers to 'keep goodbyes to a minimum'. Liverpool John Lennon Airport requires 3 for 20 minutes at its express drop-off, while Glasgow airport has also done away with free drop-offs, and demands 2 for ten minutes. Birmingham Airport operates a premium drop-off facility which also charges 2 for ten minutes, while Edinburgh charges a relatively cheap 1 for five minutes for drivers prepared to give the most fleeting of farewells. The RAC praised seven airports for keeping free drop-off points Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, Manchester, Belfast City and Jersey. But parking your car in short-stay car parks is also becoming more expensive. The RAC found that 11 of the top 20 airports have put up the price of parking this year. Drivers arriving at London Luton are charged the most in the UK at 7 for 40 minutes, according to the report, unchanged from last year. Liverpool John Lennon Airport requires 3 for 20 minutes at its express drop-off London Stansted increased its levy by 50p to 5 for half an hour, while Birmingham increased the charge from 4.70 to 4.90 for one hour. At Manchester it costs 4, which is up 50p. Heathrow increased its short-term charge by 20p to 3.80 for 30 minutes, while London Gatwick increased its half hour fee by 30p to the same amount. Cardiff Airport and Southampton Airport have recently abandoned free pick-up parking for 20 minutes and ten minutes respectively. Now there is a 1 charge for ten minutes at both. Only Leeds Bradford and Liverpool John Lennon Airport offer free pick-up parking with one hour at Bradford and 40 minutes at Liverpool. RAC spokesman Pete Williams said: 'The eye-watering drop-off and pick-up costs at some airports are likely to be viewed by drivers as another way of making money out of them, particularly in instances where public transport ... simply isn't a viable option. RAC spokesman Pete Williams said: 'The eye-watering drop-off and pick-up costs at some airports are likely to be viewed by drivers as another way of making money out of them'. Pictured: London Stansted 'Drop-off charges are the biggest bone of contention as for many they appear severe when they are simply pulling up for less than five minutes and often don't even get out of the car themselves.' A spokesman for trade association the Airport Operators Association said income from parking supports investment in facilities and allows airports to keep other charges low. Representatives for Stansted and Luton said the airports offered a variety of options, and that charges were a consequence of managing a busy area. A two-year-old who locked himself inside his family's vehicle was saved in the nick of time by local Florida law enforcement. Apollo Rubin had been shopping with his family in Orlando, Florida, when the boy snatched the keys from his mother and locked himself inside. 'Went to shut the door. Apollo grabbed the key from (my wife's) hand as she shut the door,' said Ken Rubin to News 6. Apollo Rubin, two, had been shopping with his family in Orlando, Florida, when the boy snatched the keys from his mother and locked himself inside 'Went to shut the door. Apollo (bottom right) grabbed the key from (my wife's) (right) hand as she shut the door,' said Ken Rubin (left) to News 6 Filming the whole altercation on his phone, Ken watched as officials tried to keep the boy calm as they attempted to jimmy the door 'We heard the click when Apollo hit the lock on the fob.' But luckily a nearby Orlando police officer her their pleas for assistance. 'I said 'Hey, we locked our kid in the car. Can you give us a hand?' He called the fire department, which had a long Slim Jim,' the father added.. Filming the whole altercation on his phone, Ken watched as officials tried to keep the boy calm as they attempted to jimmy the door. Firefighters were forced to act fast when, after 30 minutes, the boy became drenched in his own sweat They had to break a window in the rear of the family's SUV, quickly grabbing the boy from inside the vehicle Firefighters were forced to act fast when, after 30 minutes, the boy became drenched in his own sweat. 'Well the next thing that's going to happen is he's going to be passed out and we don't want that,' the firefighter said. They had to break a window in the rear of the family's SUV, quickly grabbing the boy from inside the vehicle. Examined by paramedics, the boy appeared to be uninjured as he posed with firefighters who responded to the scene Examined by paramedics, the boy appeared to be uninjured. And while extremely grateful to the police and firefighters who helped them, Apollo's parents hope their story serves as a testimony to the dangers of leaving a child in an automobile unattended. "Orlando Police Department and fire department both showed up right away on the spot and helped us out, so we're very grateful they were there to help us and they're our heroes for the day," Ken Rubin said. Authorities say Daishonta Marie Williams, 29, admitted to assaulting her child's teacher A Pittsburgh mother who was charged after being accused of assaulting her 10-year-old daughter's school teacher has admitted to the crime. Local police say Daishonta Marie Williams, 29, revealed during questioning, 'I ain't gonna lie, I did it,' when speaking of the fiery attack that took place at an intersection on the West End Bridge Wednesday. Williams was arrested Thursday after she hurled a brick into the face of Janice Davis Watkins, 46, as form of revenge for her confiscating her child's cell phone during class. During the incident, the furious mother reportedly pulled Watkins out of her vehicle and beat her in the assault authorities described as 'horrifying.' Williams, a resident of Pittsburgh's North Side, has been charged with aggravated assault and stalking. Police are also searching for a man believed to have taken part in the physical attack alongside Williams. Janice Watkins, 46, is a teacher at a PreK-8 school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was assaulted on Wednesday by the parents of a fourth-grade student Watkins is out of the hospital and recovering on Thursday, just hours after Williams physically took her anger out on her in the middle of the busy intersection. The cell phone confiscation incident happened at Pittsburgh King PreK-8 School, where Williams's daughter attends the fourth grade. The young student also allegedly retaliated by biting the teacher, KDKA-TV reported. The school district has a 'no cell phone' policy that forbids students from bringing them to school. The shocking incident took place on Wednesday, when Watkins confiscated a cell phone from a girl in fourth grade at the Pittsburgh King PreK-8 School Courtesy of WPXI Soon after learning of the event, Williams and another male who is believed to be the father came to the school and confronted Watkins. They allegedly threatened to 'get even.' When Watkins drove to a local clinic to get the bite wound examined, the parents followed her vehicle. Pittsburgh Police say that at approximately 3:15pm, Watkins pulled up to the intersection of Route 65 and the West End Bridge. Moments later, a black SUV pulled up beside her. That's when Williams threw a brick into Watkins' face. Watkins was then allegedly beaten by two other men. 'She said, 'I put my window down and the woman threw a brick through my window,' and hit her in her face,' said Betty Davis, Watkins' mother. 'And that's when she said, 'I told you I would get you,' and [Watkins] said, 'I didn't realize it was two other people,' but she said she felt something hit her in the back and it was two men.' Pittsburgh Police say that at approximately 3:15pm on Wednesday, Watkins pulled up to the intersection of Route 65 and the West End Bridge (above). Moments later, a black SUV pulled up beside her. The assailants got out of the SUV and assaulted her Williams (pictured) said that she assaulted Watkins because she learned that the teacher allegedly choked her daughter 'If somebody put their hands on your child, what would you do?' Williams said in an interview 'As soon as she hit the red lights, they got out,' Gerald Watkins, the victim's son, said. 'They threw a brick through her car. They pulled her out and assaulted her.' Immediately after the assault, the perpetrators took off. Watkins, heavily bleeding and dazed from the attack, dialed 911 immediately afterward. The assailant said that she attacked Watkins because she 'choked' her daughter earlier at the school (seen above) She was treated in a local hospital for a lost tooth and facial injuries. Williams said that she assaulted Watkins because she learned that the teacher allegedly choked her daughter. 'If somebody put their hands on your child, what would you do?' Williams told WPXI-TV. 'I didn't technically follow her out the school. I waited for her to pull out and I followed her to the stop light.' 'I'm not denying that my daughter bit her, but my daughter would never attack someone unless she felt threatened,' Williams said. She said that she planned to turn herself in to police. 'I regret the way I went about the situation, but as a mother, you're not going to put your hands around my child's neck,' Williams said. Watkins' son was outraged by the attack. 'It's just ridiculous and it's horrible,' said Gerald Watkins. 'That's the way they teach their children to solve differences. 'There's 102 ways that you can deal with this situation and violence is not one of them.' Digital crypto-currencies like Bitcoin were predicted 18 years ago, an interview from 1999 has revealed. Nobel Prize winning economist Milton Friedman envisaged a future where electronic money would be used to make transactions between anonymous parties online. The renowned economist made the claims during an interview filmed by the National Taxpayers Union Foundation. MILTON FRIEDMAN Milton Friedman was one of the most influential economists of the 20th century. Born on July 31, 1912, Friedman studied at Rutgers University, where he majored in mathematics and economics, graduating in 1932 He headed the Chicago School of Economics, a group of economic thinkers associated with the work of the faculty at the University of Chicago. He was a strong advocate of economic liberty, free markets and free enterprise, and opposed the interventionist Keynesian economic policies of the US government in the 1960s. He received a Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1976 for his work. He died on November 16, 2006, three years before Bitcoin's release in 2009. Advertisement Footage of the conversation has re-emerged periodically on the internet ever since and has recently been shared widely again. Bitcoin was launched in 2009 by a person or group of people operating under the name Satoshi Nakamoto and then adopted by a small clutch of enthusiasts. As the market matured, the value of each Bitcoin grew. At its height, it has reached in excess of 1,800 ($2,400). Friedman, noted for his forward thinking on economic issues, made his prediction about the rise of crypto-currencies a full decade before this. Speaking in the footage, he said: 'I think that the internet is going to be one of the major forces for reducing the role of government. 'The one thing thats missing, but that will soon be developed, is a reliable e-cash, a method whereby on the internet you can transfer funds from A to B, without A knowing B or B knowing A. 'The way I can take a $20 bill, hand it over to you, and then theres no record of where it came from.' Friedman was one of the most influential economists of the 20th century, receiving a Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1976. Digital crypto-currencies like Bitcoin were predicted 18 years ago, an interview from 1999 has revealed. Nobel Prize winning economist Milton Friedman envisaged a future where electronic money would be used to make transactions between anonymous parties online. Bitcoin was launched in 2009 by a person or group of people operating under the name Satoshi Nakamoto and then adopted by a small clutch of enthusiasts. As the market matured, the value of each Bitcoin grew. At its height, it has reached in excess of 1,800 ($2,400) He headed the Chicago School of Economics, a group of economic thinkers associated with the work of the faculty at the University of Chicago. Friedman studied at Rutgers University, where he majored in mathematics and economics, graduating in 1932. He was a strong advocate of economic liberty, free markets and free enterprise, and opposed the interventionist Keynesian economic policies of the US government in the 1960s. He died on November 16, 2006, three years before Bitcoin's release in 2009. From Fukushima in Japan to Sellafield in the UK, the world is home to a number of sites that are contaminated with radioactive waste and require clean-up. The current techniques available to do this are expensive and time consuming but a new 'super hero' robot could help to cut both costs and time. The robot, called Avexis, is designed to fit through a 100mm access port in the flooded reactors at the Fukushima site, to locate and analyse melted fuel. Many areas around Fukushima are still being decontaminated, 58,000 people are still displaced from their homes and the local food industries have been crippled. Its designers hope that the robot will be ready to deploy at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear power plant by February 2018. Scroll down for video From Fukushima to Sellafield, the world is home to a number of sites that are contaminated with radioactive waste and require clean-up. The current techniques available to do this are expensive and time consuming but a new robot could help to cut both costs and time AVEXIS 150 Avexis is designed to fit through a 100mm access port in the flooded reactors at the Fukushima site, to locate and analyse melted fuel. The bot features optical spectroscopic techniques, advanced radiation detection methods and sensor technologies. Together, these will be used to create 3D maps of the environment at nuclear sites. Avexis will be used at both Fukushima, and Sellafield - a nuclear fuel reprocessing and nuclear decommissioning site in Cumbria. Its designers hope that the robot will be ready to deploy by February 2018. Advertisement Avexis has been designed by engineers from the University of Manchester, who were awarded 1.6 million ($2.1 million) in funding from Nasa in March. The bot features optical spectroscopic techniques, advanced radiation detection methods and sensor technologies. Together, these will be used to create 3D maps of the environment at nuclear sites. Dr Phil Martin, principal investigator, said: 'This is an exciting project bringing together a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers to develop a really innovative system for remote characterisation of a range of nuclear environments which should lead to big improvements in the decommissioning process.' Avexis will be used at both Fukushima, and Sellafield - a nuclear fuel reprocessing and nuclear decommissioning site in Cumbria. The robot, called Avexis, is designed to fit through a 100mm access port in the flooded reactors at the Fukushima site, to locate and analyse melted fuel Dr Paul Mort from Sellafield Robotics, said: 'Characterisation of materials is of critical importance on the Sellafield site. 'Improved understanding of what materials are and where they are in our facilities offers considerable benefits when we are planning and carrying out decommissioning activities. 'A technology that is cheap and able to be remotely deployed simply and quickly to inspect materials in-situ, will make it safer for humans and give an opportunity to get better data to make more informed decisions. Avexis has been designed by engineers from the University of Manchester, who were awarded 1.6 million ($2.1 million) in funding from Nasa in March THE FUKUSHIMA DISASTER In 2011, a 10-metre-high tsunami that killed nearly 19,000 people crashed into Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant. This lead to several meltdowns, allowing harmful radioactive fuel rods and debris to escape from contained areas. Six years after the disaster, researchers are still struggling to clean up fuel in the waters of the wasting reactors. It's estimated that plant officials have only located 10 per cent of the waste fuel left behind after the nuclear meltdowns. And the damaged plant is believed to be leaking small amounts of the radioactive waste into the Pacific Ocean, which could be travelling as far as the west cost of the US. Researchers are now pinning their hopes on the remote-controlled sunfish robot to locate the lost fuel in order to work out the safest way to remove it. An aerial view of the reactors of the tsunami-stricken Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant stand in Okuma, Fukushima Advertisement 'This technology would have far reaching applications on site and has the potential to improve productivity, thereby reducing decommissioning timescales and costs.' The robot is currently in its third phase of testing, and it is scheduled to be ready to be deployed in Fukushima by February 2018. Avexis comes just months after Japan called for smarter robots to deal with the Fukushima nuclear disaster site, after probes sent in kept failing. The bot features optical spectroscopic techniques, advanced radiation detection methods and sensor technologies Avexis will be used to create 3D maps of the environment at nuclear sites, including Fukushima and Sellafield The radiation levels at the site are so high that previous clean-up bots have struggled to withstand conditions within the reactor for long. A probe failed its mission in March after it was blocked by debris within the reactor, likely a mixture of melted fuel and broken pieces of the plant. And two previous robots have also failed on missions after one got stuck in a small gap and another was abandoned after failing to find any fuel after six days. Advertisement An incredible piece of artwork created from one of the last surviving ships to make it out of Pearl Harbour is forming the backdrop for a new artificial reef. Virgin entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson backed the project, which saw an 80 foot (25 metre) steel sculpture of a Kraken mounted to the rusting Kodiak Queen, a former US Navy Fuel Barge, and sunk to the ocean floor. Stunning images of the vessel and voyage to the bottom of the sea, taken by the former marine mechanic who dreamt up the project, have revealed its breathtaking journey. An incredible piece of artwork created from one of the last surviving ships to make it out of Pearl Harbour is forming the backdrop for a new artificial reef The Kodiak Queen forms the centrepiece of a unique new dive site called The Maverick BVI Art Reef, located just off Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). The historic vessel, known during the war as YO-44, was primed to be scrapped for metal before Owen Buggy found it and saved it from its demise. Mr Buggy envisioned sinking the ship as an artificial reef and started doing some research. He quickly discovered the Kodiak Queen wasn't a normal fishing trawler but instead a piece of World War Two history. A former Virgin employee, Mr Buggy contacted his old boss Sir Richard Branson, who decided to purchase the ship and back the scheme. In a written statement, Sir Richard said: 'This charitable project combines art, ocean conservation, world history, marine science, economy, education and most importantly - play. Virgin entrepreneur Richard Branson backed the project, which saw an 80 foot (25 metre) steel sculpture of a Kraken mounted to the rusting Kodiak Queen, a former US Navy Fuel Barge, and sunk to the ocean floor The historic vessel, known during the war as YO-44, was primed to be scrapped for metal before Owen Buggy found it and saved it from its demise Like thousands of other anonymous Navy vessels which served in peace and in war, she performed the everyday mundane tasks that keep a fleet afloat Sir Richard Branson attended the sinking ceremony in April where he broke a bottle on the hull, just like a traditional ship launch 'Ive always found I learn best when Im playing. 'This reef will allow people to experience the wonder of the ocean and its species up close, while having the time of their lives. 'That way, what they learn will stay with them and affect them deeply, and hopefully turn into more action to conserve the ocean. THE KODIAK QUEEN AT PEARL HARBOUR The Kodiak Queen, known as YO-44 during World War Two, is a US Navy Fuel Barge launched in September of 1940. Like thousands of other anonymous Navy vessels which served in peace and in war, she performed the everyday mundane tasks that keep a fleet afloat. But the humble ship was there on one important day, in a battle which changed the course of world history. The YO-44 was in the attack on Pearl Harbour, and lived to tell the tale. The Kodiak Queen, known as YO-44 during World War Two, is a US Navy Fuel Barge launched in September of 1940. The humble vessel was in the attack on Pearl Harbour, and lived to tell the tale The ship is believed to one of just five surviving ships which were at the infamous battle. Just before 8am on the morning of Sunday, December 7, 1941, hundreds of Japanese fighter planes descended on the naval base, near Honolulu, Hawaii. It was a devastating surprise attack by Japanese forces, which managed to destroy or damage nearly 20 US naval vessels, including eight enormous battleships, and over 300 planes. More than 2,400 Americans died in the attack, including civilians, and another 1,000 people were wounded. It changed the course of World War Two, with President Franklin D Roosevelt asking Congress to declare war on Japan the day after the attack, bringing the US into the conflict for the first time. Advertisement The Kodiak Queen forms the centrepiece of a unique new dive site called The Maverick BVI Art Reef, located just off Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands 'I'm sure it will be one of the most unique dive sites in the world.' Sir Richard attended the sinking ceremony in April where he broke a bottle on the hull, just like a traditional ship launch. It is hoped the submerged ship will kick-start a thriving reef ecosystem through innovative and effective coral restoration techniques. Mr Buggy envisioned sinking the ship as an artificial reef and started doing some research. He quickly discovered the Kodiak Queen wasn't a normal fishing trawler but instead a piece of World War Two history. Here the boat is tugged to the drop site A former Virgin employee, Mr Buggy contacted his old boss Sir Richard Branson, who decided to purchase the ship and back the scheme. Here is it pictured before being sunk It is hoped the now submerged ship will kick-start a thriving reef ecosystem through innovative and effective coral restoration techniques. The ship is pictured here from the rear before being sunk Mike Cochran, a historian, had previously stumbled across the ship in 2012 when sailing the BVI. Mr Cochran's interest in historical artefacts led him to put together a webpage dedicated to the history of the ship. This image shows the ship as it begins to sink The project will also help to rehabilitate heavily over-fished marine population. A special focus will be on bringing back vulnerable species of Grouper, such as the Goliath Grouper. Mike Cochran, a historian, had previously stumbled across the ship in 2012 when sailing the BVI. Mr Cochran's interest in historical artefacts led him to put together a webpage dedicated to the history of the ship and to make a call-out to the world to preserve this piece of history. The humble ship was there on one important day, in a battle which changed the course of world history. The YO-44 was in the attack on Pearl Harbour, and lived to tell the tale. It is hoped that sinking it, pictured here, will ensure its legacy lives on The ship is believed to one of just five surviving ships which were at the infamous battle. Just before 8am on the morning of Sunday, December 7, 1941, hundreds of Japanese fighter planes descended on the naval base, near Honolulu, Hawaii. Here it is seen moments before being totally submerged Mr Cochran assembled all the information he could about the ship in hopes someone, like Mr Buggy, would stumble across the website and be inspired. Here it is seen inundated with water, moments from sinking After finding the website, Mr Buggy put together an initial document to present to his Sir Richard on how much impact the project could have. This image shows the final moments of the sinking of the ship He assembled all the information he could find in hopes someone, like Mr Buggy, would stumble across the website and be inspired. After finding the website, Mr Buggy put together an initial document to present to his Sir Richard on how much impact the project could have. Sir Richard called on help from a new foundation he was forming called Unite BVI, whose aim is to have a positive impact in the area. Sir Richard called on help from a new foundation he was forming called Unite BVI, whose aim is to have a positive impact in the area. This image shows divers exploring the now submerged Kodiak Queen Construction on the artwork element of the project began in January, before the sinking ceremony in April. Here the Kraken sculpture is seen on the ocean floor The project will also help to rehabilitate heavily over-fished marine population. A special focus will be on bringing back vulnerable species of Grouper, such as the Goliath Grouper Construction on the artwork element of the project began in January, before the sinking ceremony in April. Project workers will now begin work, including coral grafting, to ensure a unique ecosystem can thrive at the site. The Maverick Art Park reef and eco-dive site should become fully self-supporting by 2018. A portion of dive tourism proceeds will go to reef health maintenance, marine science research and education and community programs for children in the BVI. Since the sinking, visitors have begun to explore the unique ecosystem on offer. The Maverick Art Park reef and eco-dive site should become fully self-supporting by 2018. This image shows one of the first dive teams on the day of the sinking If your dog loves a good nap, then there's a chance that it's also better at learning new skills, according to a new study. Researchers have found that letting dogs sleep helps them to consolidate new memories just like humans. The findings could shed light on how similar the process of ageing in dog brains is to that in human brains. Scroll down for video If your dog loves a good nap, then there's a good chance that it's also better at learning new skills, according to a new study. Researchers found that letting dogs sleep helped them to consolidate new memories just like humans (stock image) THE STUDY In their study, the researchers asked 15 dog owners to bring their pets in for three separate sessions. The dogs, which represented a variety of breeds, first slept while researchers recorded their baseline brain activity. Next, the dogs were randomly assigned to practice commands they already knew in Hungarian, or to learn those same actions, but in unfamiliar English. After each session, the dogs were allowed to sleep, while the researchers recorded their brain activity. After the nap, the dogs learning English commands did another session to show how well they'd retained the training. The scans revealed that dogs with more frequent sleep spindles during their naps were better learners than dogs with fewer sleep spindles. Advertisement Researchers from Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest used EEG monitors to analyse dogs' brain activity while they slept. Their analysis revealed that the dogs showed short burst of activity, called sleep spindles, during non-rapid-eye-movement sleep. The frequency of these sleep spindles was also linked to how well a dog retained new information it had learned before its nap. Speaking to Live Science, Ivaylo Iotchev, co-lead author of the study, said: 'It's the first time that we can actually show this in a dog.' While previous studies have looked at brain activity during sleep in mice, this is one of the first to analyse dogs. In their study, the researchers asked 15 dog owners to bring their pets in for three separate sessions. The dogs, which represented a variety of breeds, first slept while researchers recorded their baseline brain activity. Next, the dogs were randomly assigned to practice commands they already knew in Hungarian, or to learn those same actions, but in unfamiliar English. After each session, the dogs were allowed to sleep, while the researchers recorded their brain activity. The dogs were randomly assigned to practice commands they already knew in Hungarian, or to learn those same actions, but in unfamiliar English. After each session, the dogs were allowed to sleep, while the researchers recorded their brain activity PUPPY DOG EYES ARE FOR HUMAN BENEFIT Dogs really do put on their puppy eyes to pull on our emotional heartstrings, new research has found this week. Experts found that pet pooches raise their brows when they are being looked at, making their eyes look bigger, as well as pulling a number of other expressions. Our manipulative four legged friends do not respond with more facial expressions upon seeing tasty food, however. This suggests that they change facial expressions to communicate and not just because they are excited. Advertisement After the nap, the dogs learning English commands did another session to show how well they'd retained the training. The scans revealed that dogs with more frequent sleep spindles during their nap were better learners than dogs with fewer sleep spindles. Beyond dogs, the findings could have implications for humans. People with depression tend to have more sleep spindles than average, and those with schizophrenia have less. So understanding these activity bursts may shed light on similarities in brain dysfunction between dogs and humans, according to the researchers. Dr Iotchev added: 'The next step is, we will look at a huge sample of dogs to see how sleep spindles change with age.' The state of Maryland has granted Elon Musk permission to begin tunneling beneath Baltimore, bringing his radical plans for a high-speed transportation system between New York and Washington D.C. closer to reality. On Twitter, Maryland governor Larry Hogan revealed the administration supports the construction of a line that would connect Baltimore City to D.C, and said he thinks the Hyperloop is coming to Maryland. The state has issued a conditional utility permit for the project, allowing the firm to dig a 10.3 mile tunnel under part of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, according to LA Times. Scroll down for video On Twitter, Maryland governor Larry Hogan revealed the administration supports the construction of a line that would connect Baltimore City to D.C, and said he thinks the Hyperloop is coming to Maryland MUSK'S BORING PLAN Elon Musk has outlined how his Boring Company will work, claiming: Tunnelling costs must be reduced by a factor of more than 10 Key to this is smaller tunnels that can be dug more quickly Will work to increase the speed of the Tunnel Boring Machine Envisions a new breed of smaller, more powerful TBMs with triple the power of current machines that can tunnel continuously Advertisement Musk first revealed his plan for a system that could ferry passengers from NY to DC in just 29 minutes back in July, when he tweeted that hed been given verbal government approval for the underground tunnel. At the time, he said it will run via Philadelphia and Baltimore, and use his Hyperloop technology. If completed, it would become the world's longest tunnel. Now, the CEO has secured permission for the first section of the system. There will undoubtedly be many other hurdles before the tunnel comes to life, including environmental reviews and obtaining approval from other administrations. But, Governor Hogans support marks the first step in the process. Our administration is proud to support The Boring Company to bring rapid electric transportation to MD connecting Baltimore City to DC, the Maryland governor tweeted. And, in a video accompanying a second post, in which he wrote, Get Hyped, the governor can be heard responding to a question about the Boring Companys Hyperloop, saying, I think its coming to Maryland, and its going to go from Baltimore to Washington, so get ready. The state has issued a conditional utility permit for the project, allowing the firm to dig a 10.3 mile tunnel under part of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, according to LA Times The state of Maryland has granted Elon Musk permission to begin tunnelling beneath Baltimore, bringing his radical plans for a high-speed transportation system between New York and Washington D.C. closer to reality The governor also shared photos of himself alongside SpaceX and Boring Company execs, at the site where the tunneling is set to begin. The system , which will begin with two 35-mile tubes between Baltimore and Washington, will be treated like a utility, officials told the LA Times, and will largely run beneath existing state highways. While it remains unclear what other steps have been taken ahead of the digging, officials say it will be done in an environmentally sound and safe fashion, LA Times reports. Elon Musk has revealed a plan to build an underground tunnel to transport passengers between New York and Washington DC in just 29 minutes TIMELINE OF MUSK'S BORING CO. December 2016: Elon Musk tweets 'Traffic is driving me nuts. Am going to build a tunnel boring machine and just start digging...'. 'It shall be called 'The Boring Company. January 2017: Musk confirms the plan is real, and says he plans to begin digging in LA in a month or so. February: Musk reveals first image of whats thought the be a tunnel boring machine, and image of large pit near SpaceX headquarters April: Musk reveals image of the first Boring Company tunnelling machine, and shows how it would work May: Video shows the machine has begun digging, revealing its named Godot, and shows off the underground busses pedestrians will ride in June: Elon Musk says hes had promising conversations with LA mayor Eric Garcetti about the tunnelling plan - Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel also revealed that month he is in talks with Musk about a kind of tunnel project June 29: Musk reveals Godot boring machine has completed the first tunnel beneath LA July: Musk claims hes received verbal government approval for a Hyperloop connecting New York to Washington DC August: Boring Company granted permission to dig two-mile test tunnel beneath LA public roads October: Musk says second tunnel Line-Storm is nearly ready, as Maryland governor Larry Hogan reveals the state has granted permission to the Boring Company to dig a 10,3 mile tunnel beneath Baltimore Advertisement If the plan comes to life, Musk's East Coast Hyperloop tunnel would be far longer than the current record holder, the Gotthard Base Tunnel, a railway line that runs through the Swiss Alps and opened in 2016, measuring 35.5 miles. The announcement comes just as the tech boss revealed his Boring Companys second tunnel-digging machine is nearly ready. Musk tweeted yesterday that the new contraption will be named 'Line-Storm' after the 1915 poem by famed American writer Robert Frost. The Boring Company was granted permission to dig outside of its own property for the first time just two months ago. WHAT IS HYPERLOOP? Hyperloop is a proposed method of travel that would transport people at roughly 700mph between distant locations. It was unveiled by Elon Musk in 2013, who at the time said it could take passengers the 380 miles (610km) from LA to San Francisco in 30 minutes - half the time it takes a plane. It is essentially a long tube that has had the air removed to create a vacuum. The tube is suspended off the ground to protect against weather and earthquakes. As several firms vie to create the first operational Hyperloop, Elon Musk's vision of a radical transport system that could ferry passengers above land at 760 miles per hour continues to inch closer to reality Advertisement In August, it was reported that the firm will build a two-mile-long test tunnel in Los Angeles, after the City Council voted four to one in favour of his ambitious plans. The extension will run 13.5 metres (44 feet) under public roads around the SpaceX headquarters, and is the first time the Boring Company has been allowed to dig outside it's property line. This dry run will make sure plans actually work - if it doesn't, the city can request the tunnel is filled with concrete or soil. The company assured citizens that if the soil moves by as little as half an inch, work will stop immediately. Many have speculated that Musk will use his Boring Company to build tunnels for Hyperloop transportation systems - either for other firms or his own venture. Critics have slammed the plan as completely unrealistic as it would require a mass of permits and huge disruption as hundreds of tunnels and access 'lifts' are dug. Pictured is the first image released of the Boring Company's tunnelling machine When he first revealed the plan in a white paper developed with his team at SpaceX, in 2012, he said he would let others build the system. 'I don't have any plan to execute because I must remain focused on SpaceX and Tesla,' he said in a conference call at the time. But in August it appeared Musk would build his own hyperloop tunnel system in a bid to speed up adoption of the radical travel technology he invented. According to reports from a 'person close to Musk,' it appears the billionaire will build the whole system himself. Musk also hinted at it, replying to a tweet about the issues facing the various Hyperloop plans by saying 'I guess a proof of concept is needed.' Many people would shiver at the thought of a spider crawling along their arm, or a snake slithering up their leg. But in western, industrialized countries, especially in middle Europe, most people have never come across a poisonous spider or snake in the wild. Now, researchers may know where this fear comes from - we're born with it. Even babies fear images of spiders and snakes, and researchers say the reaction could have been embedded in the brain for an evolutionarily long time due to the coexistence of these potentially dangerous animals with humans and their ancestors for more than 40 to 60 million years. Even babies fear images of spiders and snakes, and researchers say the reaction could have been embedded in the brain for an evolutionarily long time, due to the coexistence of these potentially dangerous animals with humans and their ancestors HOW THEY DID IT Researchers with the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI CBS) in Germany and the Uppsala University in Sweden conducted a study which found that even in infants, a stress reaction happens when they see a spider or snake. They showed 16 6-month-old infants two sets of items: a card containing 8 photographs each of spiders and flowers, and the other consisiting of 8 photographs each of snakes and fish. Each items had the same corresponding color, that is, the same colored flower corresponding to the same colored spider, for example. The researchers then measured pupil dilation of the infants, finding that their pupils enlarged signficantly when seeing the snakes and spiders versus the flowers and fish. This is a distinct signal that they felt stressed looking at these animals. Advertisement The fear of spiders, arachnophobia, can develop into anxiety which limits a person's daily life. Some people can't even enter a room unless it's been declared 'spider free,' if the fear is severe. In developed countries, one to fiver per cent of the population are affected by a real phobia of spiders or snakes. Until now, researchers with the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI CBS) say that it wasn't clear where this widespread anxiety stems from. While some researchers assume that we learn this fear from our surroundings when we're children, other say that it's innate. However, previous studies on this topic are flawed in that they were conducted with adults or older children - making it hard to determine which behaviors were learned and which were innate. These sorts of studies with children only testes whether they spot spiders and snakes faster than harmless animals or objects, not whether they show a direct physiological fear reaction. So researchers at MPI CBS in Leipzig, Germany and the Uppsala University in Sweden conducted a study which found that even in infants, a stress reaction happens when they see a spider or snake. When babies saw a spider (second row) instead of a flower (first row) of the same size and color, their pupils enlarged significantly (red versus green curve). This is a distinct signal that they felt stressed looking at these animals They found that this happens in infants as young as six months-old, when they are still very immobile and have not had much opportunity to learn that these animals can be dangerous. 'When we showed pictures of a snake or a spider to the babies instead of a flower or a fish of the same size and color, they reacted with significantly bigger pupils,' says Stefanie Hoehl, lead investigator of the underlying study and neuroscientist at MPI CBS and the University of Vienna. 'In constant light conditions this change in size of the pupils is an important signal for the activation of the noradrenergic system in the brain, which is responsible for stress reactions. 'Accordingly, even the youngest babies seem to be stressed by these groups of animals.' The researchers concluded that the fear of snakes and spiders is of evolutionary origin, and similarly to primates or snakes, mechanisms in our brains allow us to identify objects and to react to them very quickly. When babies saw a snake (second row) instead of a fish (first row) of the same size and color, their pupils enlarged significantly (red versus green curve). This is a distinct signal that they felt stressed looking at these animals This inherited stress reaction predisposes us to learn these animals as dangerous or repulsive, and when this accompanies other things it can develop into a real fear or phobia. 'A strong panicky aversion exhibited by the parents or a genetic predisposition for a hyperactive amygdala, which is important for estimating hazards, can mean that increased attention towards these creatures becomes an anxiety disorder,' says Hoehl. In addition, it's known from other studies that babies don't associate pictures of rhinos, bears or other theoretically dangerous animals with fear. The researchers assume that the reason for a fear reaction upon seeing snakes and spiders is because they coexisted alongside humans and their ancestors for more than 40 to 60 million years - and therefore much longer than with today's dangerous mammals. For modern risks such as knives, syringes or sockets, the same is likely true . From an evolutionary outlook, they've only existed for a short, and there's been no time to establish reaction mechanisms in the brain from birth. 'Parents know just how difficult it is to teach their children about everyday risks such as not poking their fingers into a sockets,' Hoehl said with a smile. Advertisement The basic igloo is, of course, made from carefully crafted snow blocks. But, thanks to the advent of technology, holiday-makers can experience a rather more luxurious version in Finland. Levin Iglut Golden Crown has created 24 glass equivalents in Lapland, Finland's northernmost region, allowing guests to star-gaze without stepping outside. Cosy: Levin Iglut Golden Crown offers 24 glass igloos in Lapland, Finland's northernmost region Location: The stunning complex is approximately 10 kilometres away from the Levi ski resort Split into two classifications, premium and superior, the former costs from $472 per night (358), while the latter - billed as ideal for honeymooners - starts at $390 per evening (295). Each of them features electrically heated non-fogging glass, air conditioning, a small kitchen, shower and toilet. They also boast a Wi-Fi connection and motorised beds, which can be adjusted to the desired position for watching the Northern Lights or sleeping. The premium igloos offer a touch of luxury and are situated in a prime location on the side of the fell with an unobstructed view of the valley. Wow-factor: Lucky guests will get to witness the world-famous Northern Lights in toasty environs Snug: The properties boast electrically heated non-fogging glass and air conditioning. Unsurprisingly, the venues have received widespread praise on TripAdvisor Capped by completely see-through domes, they each allow tourists to star-gaze at the Arctic sky from the comfort of their beds. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the venues have received widespread praise on TripAdvisor, where it boasts a 4.5 average over 158 reviews. One guest, fyiNYC, wrote: 'Like Being in the Bridge of a Star Wars Spaceship. 'The glass igloos are an engineering marvel. Like Doctor Whos Tardis, they seem larger on the inside than the outside.' The stunning complex is approximately 10 kilometres away from the Levi ski resort. Modern: The igloos also boast a Wi-Fi connection and motorised beds for maximum comfort Technical brilliance: One TripAdvisor reviewer described the igloos as 'an engineering marvel' Judi Dench would like her future contracts to include a clause stipulating that she will refuse to work with grumpy co-stars. 'I don't want to work with anyone who hasn't got a sense of humour,' she insisted, with a hint of merriment behind those blue eyes. 'It's essential! I simply am not interested in working with them if they're miserable by nature. 'It's like the froth on the top of Guinness. You have to have the froth, and then you get to the real thing. Dame Judi Dench plays the imperious Princess Dragomiroff in the new film version of Murder on the Orient Express 'You discover people through larks,' the actress told me, while explaining why she has worked with Kenneth Branagh ten times over the years. 'I always get into trouble with Ken and I like that!' The two pillars of the British acting establishment are together again in the Fox 70mm extravaganza of Agatha Christie's Murder On The Orient Express. Branagh directs, and also plays the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot; while Judi plays the imperious Princess Dragomiroff. In the film, the Princess arrives with her personal maid (played by Olivia Colman) and two Shih Tzus. 'She's horrible to Olivia. She's a very autocratic princess. So bossy. And Russian. She's just rude; and you wouldn't want to work for her,' Judi said when we met in Soho. I've seen some footage, and I can't get enough of the moment when the Princess snaps at a waiter in the dining car: 'Order me the fish!' (It's all in the delivery.) In the film, the Princess arrives with her personal maid (played by Olivia Colman) and two Shih Tzus Of her role and on-screen relationship with Colman, she said She's horrible to Olivia. She's a very autocratic princess. So bossy. And Russian. She's just rude; and you wouldn't want to work for her 'We had the most glorious time,' she said, of her time on set with co-stars Johnny Depp, Derek Jacobi, Penelope Cruz, Daisy Ridley, Josh Gad, Willem Dafoe, Michelle Pfeiffer and dancer Sergei Polunin, as well as newcomers Lucy Boynton and Tom Bateman. Gad, who was in the original Broadway company of Book Of Mormon, was 'the naughtiest', she added. 'Not only that: he stayed in the hotel I use when I am up in London. He's ruined my reputation!' One reason why everyone got on so well, she told me, was because filming took place in the interior of a luxury train. 'You had to be part of the company, because nobody could get off!' Branagh directs the 20th Century Fox production, and also plays the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot Judi had worked with Cruz once before (on Nine); with Depp twice (on one of the Pirates Of The Caribbean movies, Stranger Tides; and Chocolat); and too many times to count with Jacobi. She knew Tom Bateman, too, from Branagh's theatre company. The director claimed that some of the cast were scared of meeting the acting legend. 'She's a dame, and they thought she was royalty. That was usually before they met her.' She laughed when I relayed this information. 'I don't know why I should get that reputation I've never been grand in any way. 'I don't think there's anyone I've ever worked with, in 60 years, who would say that I've ever been very grand, or frightening.' And then she guffawed. 'Well, I like to frighten Daniel Craig. And Pierce Brosnan,' she said, of the actors she worked with in the 007 films when she played spy chief M. Kenneth Branagh and British actress Judi Dench pose on the red carpet upon arrival to attend the 2016 Olivier Award s(left) and launching 'Plays At The Garrick' in 2005 The pair attending the London Critics' Circle Film Awards at the May Fair Hotel in Janurary 2016 'I used to frighten the bejeezus out of them. But apart from that...' Judi's affection for Branagh is obvious. They first worked together in the early Eighties, on a production of Henrik Ibsen's Ghosts for the BBC. It was directed by Elijah Moshinsky, and also starred Michael Gambon, Natasha Richardson and Freddie Jones. 'We got into trouble straight away,' she recalled. 'Elijah said: 'I want to see this incredible tension.' And so we all tried to act tense.' They were seated around a dinner table; potatoes were being served; and instead of asking for one spud, Gambon announced: 'I'll have the usual eight.' 'We were weeping,' Judi recalled. 'Elijah said: 'Thank you Miss Dench, thank you Mr Branagh, thank you Mr Gambon' and asked us to leave for the day. 'I knew I could always work with Ken after that.' Simon Russell Beale is reuniting with director Sam Mendes to appear in an epic drama that chronicles the rise and fall of one of the worlds leading banks. The award-winning actor, who can be seen from today giving a powerful portrait of sadistic Soviet security chief Lavrenti Beria in Armando Iannuccis dark satire The Death Of Stalin, will be part of an ensemble of virtuoso actors recruited to play various roles in the British premiere of The Lehman Trilogy. Its the story of three cattle-farming brothers from Bavaria who settled in Alabama and launched what was to become, for over a century, one of Americas leading banking houses. Simon Russell Beale (left) is reuniting with director Sam Mendes (right) to appear in an epic drama that chronicles the rise and fall of one of the worlds leading banks Beale confirmed to me that he will portray Henry, the eldest Lehman brother who was the first to leave Europe, in 1850, to make a new life in America. To start with, the siblings sold cotton, before branching out into coffee, sugar and petrol, and banking. The Lehman Trilogy, by Stefano Massini and originally staged in Milan, was spotted by Mendes two years ago; and he and his partners at Neal Street Productions arranged for playwright Ben Power to adapt it into English. Beale took part in a plain read-through of the script and the work was quickly embraced (as I revealed last month) by the National Theatre. They will partner with Neal Street to develop the three plays, to be shown across one night. A further reading will be held in the next few weeks. Rehearsals are scheduled to start in mid May. And the production will run in the NTs Lyttelton auditorium from next July. The Lehman Trilogy, by Stefano Massini and originally staged in Milan, tells the rise and fall of one of the world's most famous investment banks Beale observed that as the Lehman family grew, they became power brokers in New York and beyond: helping to fund railways, cinema chains (including one-time celebrated Hollywood studio RKO) and all manner of other ventures. They became symbols of U.S. success. Its quite romantic about the American Dream, the actor said. These three boys from Bavaria came over with nothing! Caro Newling, a partner in Neal Street Productions with Mendes and Pippa Harris, said no other casting had been done yet; but told me Mendes and the National were seeking an ensemble of virtuoso actors. Beale and Mendes have been collaborating for more than two decades, working together at the Donmar, the National, the Old Vic, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Beale and Mendes have been collaborating for more than two decades, working together at the Donmar, the National, the Old Vic (Beale pictured in The Cherry Orcard there), and the Brooklyn Academy of Music Beale is a huge name in the theatre world, but his appearances on the cinema screen are rare. Even though his performance in The Death Of Stalin is one of the years best, he barely registers on the poster. But Beales acting is the hottest in the movie. Hed like to do more film work but admitted he often feels scared when it comes to motion pictures. The technique of film acting is a great mystery to me. I dont know how they do it. He said he enjoyed filming with Michael Palin, Steve Buscemi, Andrea Riseborough, Jason Isaacs and the rest of the Stalin cast. They were a good bunch some of us are still in touch. In the meantime, hes in the cast of ITVs Vanity Fair, alongside Olivia Cooke and Suranne Jones. A busy Mendes will take Jez Butterworths acclaimed play The Ferryman to Broadway (most likely Autumn 2018) as long as producers can find a theatre. Sophie Okonedo has landed a plum role in the Hollywood reboot of Hellboy Hellboy's calling Sophie Sophie Okonedo has landed a plum role in the Hollywood reboot of Hellboy. The actress, who won a Tony award for her performance in A Raisin In The Sun on Broadway, and was an Oscar hopeful with the film Hotel Rwanda, will play mystic Lady Hatton: in-house psychic at the Osiris Club, the happening place for all things supernatural in London, where Hellboy (the crime-fighting, cigar-chomping demon beast created by comic book artist Mike Mignola) has been summoned. Okonedo, who was on stage here earlier this year in Edward Albees The Goat, Or Who Is Sylvia?, will begin shooting soon, with David Harbour playing Hellboy, and Milla Jovovich as Nimue the Blood Queen. In September of next year (as I noted here a few months back), Sophie will star with Ralph Fiennes in Antony And Cleopatra on the Olivier stage at the National Theatre. Brian Gleeson who was so good in Mother! and the underappreciated Logan Lucky will join Okonedo in Hellboy; as will Alistair Petrie (he played Sandy Langbourne in The Night Manager). Ron Perlman played Hellboy in the films made by Guillermo del Toro. Watch out for... John Kander, the composer who partnered the late lyricist Fred Ebb on Chicago, Cabaret and other great musicals. Kander has been guiding British producer Jack Maple as he prepares to bring a rare revival of Kander and Ebbs The Rink into Southwark Playhouse from May 24. The original 1984 Broadway show starred Chita Rivera as the owner of a decaying roller rink on Americas East Coast, who reunites with her estranged daughter (played by Liza Minnelli in New York). It ran in London three decades ago, when there were problems with the shows structure and book by Terrence McNally. But Maple told me Kander and McNally are very keen to get this one right. Director Adam Lenson and choreographer Fabian Aloise plan dance workshops to give the show new life. Meera Syal will play the third and final Miss Hannigan in the production of the musical Annie Meera Syal, who will play the third and final Miss Hannigan in the production of the musical Annie thats at the Piccadilly Theatre. Miranda Hart played the part when it opened in May. Ms Syal, who is also a celebrated writer, takes over from Craig Revel Horwood from November 27, and will stay with the show until its final performance on February 18. She will start work soon with Annie director Nikolai Foster and choreographer Nick Winston. Nicholas Hytner and Nick Starr, who ran the National Theatre. They opened their new Bridge Theatre to the public on Wednesday night and its a hit. Great space, good leg room, flowers in the gents (no idea about the ladies!) and when the bar mucked up an interval drink order, they left a charming note and a chocolate brownie. The show Young Marx, starring Rory Kinnear was still being worked on by Mr Hytner. Thats what previews at new theatres are for. Mel Giedroyc will play Shakespeares great comic heroine Beatrice in a modern-day version of Much Ado About Nothing set in a spa hotel in Sicily, where Beatrice is the satisfaction manager. Its good to remind people that theres more to Giedroyc than The Great British Bake Off. Much Ado will be directed by Simon Dormandy and run at the Rose Theatre, Kingston from April 13. Emma Rice, soon to depart Shakespeares Globe, is joining producers David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers, and the Old Vic, to bring back her hit take on Noel Cowards Brief Encounter. The Kneehigh Theatre show will run at The Empire, in the Haymarket, from March 2. (It plays Birmingham Rep from February 2, and the Lowry in Salford from February 19.) He's no stranger to thrills and spills when it comes to his off-screen antics. But Gerard Butler apparently got more than he bargained for when he recently received an accidental overdose of bee venom to treat some soreness incurred during the filming of his latest movie Geostorm. The 47-year-old 300 actor spoke to Lorraine on her talk show about the uncomfortable incident. Whoops! Gerard Butler apparently got more than he bargained for when he recently received an accidental overdose of bee venom to treat some soreness incurred during the filming of his latest movie Geostorm The need for pain relief surfaced while he was filming Geostorm, as the fit actor had to wear a very uncomfortable space suit for five weeks of 'zero gravity' shooting, which meant he had to be suspended at awkward angles for hours on end. 'I had heard of this guy that injected bee venom,' remembered the Hollywood heartthrob, 'because apparently it has many anti-inflammatory compounds.' 'So he gives me a shot and I go thats interesting. Then he gives me 10 shots,' explained the Scottish star, 'then I have the worst reaction and I kind of enter this anaphylactic shock!' 'It was terrible; creepy crawlies all over me, swelled up, hearts going to explode,' described Gerard, before revealing that 'he game me 10 times too much!' Opening up: The 47-year-old 300 actor spoke to Lorraine on her talk show about the uncomfortable incident Trouble: 'So he gives me a shot and I go thats interesting. Then he gives me 10 shots,' explained the Scottish star, 'then I have the worst reaction and I kind of enter this anaphylactic shock!' Indeed, the same supply was actually supposed to be administered over 10 weeks. While he did recover, apparently his experience didn't deter him from trying the questionable treatment again. 'Four days later I decided to do it again because I think maybe I just took too much,' he admitted. Graphic: 'It was terrible; creepy crawlies all over me, swelled up, hearts going to explode,' described Gerard Unfortunately he once again had to go to the hospital after having a reaction, and now must be very careful around the winged insects. The story comes after he recently had to be taken to the hospital for a scary motorbike accident that he says could have 'taken him out.' That accident luckily only resulted in a few broken bones in one of his feet and a torn meniscus. He threw a hissy fit after Sophie Monk booted him from the mansion on Thursday night's episode of The Bachelorette. But that now iconic moment of television almost never came to fruition, with Blake Colman revealing he almost quit the series when he found out Sophie was starring. Speaking to Nova 100s Chrissie, Sam & Browny on Friday, Blake explained he had initially thought Sophie was only on the show to boost her fame. 'I thought she might have just been on it to boost her career': Bachelorette reject Blake Colman reveals he almost QUIT the series after finding out Sophie Monk was starring in the series Blake revealed he had been scouted on Instagram by producers, who asked him to be on The Bachelorette. 'I got contacted and I thought, hey this could be pretty cool, you know meet a cool chick and then it was shown that Sophie was going to be on,' he explained. 'I literally was about to email back saying sorry I dont want to do it because I thought she might have just been on it to boost her career.' Wanted to be her best friend: Blake had a change of heart after seeing Sophie give an interview about why she was going on the series But Blake had a change of heart after seeing Sophie give an interview about why she was going on the series. 'It wasnt until I saw her on The Project and her response to some of the questions about the perfect date and what shes looking for that really made me think otherwise,' he said. 'She was looking for a best friend so yeah I went along with it and I was like mate hopefully I can be that best friend.' Didn't audition: Blake revealed he had been scouted on Instagram by producers, who asked him to be on The Bachelorette Couldn't believe it: A disbelieving Blake swore as he was broken the news, questioning why he was being sent home But Blake didn't get the chance to become Sophie's best friend, being booted by the blonde bombshell on Thursday night's episode. A disbelieving Blake swore as he was broken the news, questioning why he was being sent home. After Sophie explained she hadn't felt Blake had backed her during home visits, the 29-year-old 'investor/entrepreneur' hit back. 'Seriously, she gives me that bullsh*t answer?' Blake was not happy about his elimination 'Seriously, she gives me that bullsh*t answer?' He snapped. 'The fact that, like, apparently I didn't protect her. Yeah, that's just BS. Best guy for her is in this limo on his way home. She's just got the second-best guys in the house now.' Meanwhile since being kicked off the show Blake has updated his Instagram bio, adding contact details of his talent manager. He welcomed his first child Willow Wendy Wood into the world almost two weeks ago with fiance Snezana Markoski, 37. And on Friday, Sam Wood took to Instagram Stories to gush over his little bundle of joy. Cradling the bub as she slept, the 37-year-old was seen rubbing his nose against hers. Dotting dad: On Friday, Sam Wood took to Instagram Stories to gush over his little bundle of joy 'Cannot believe how much I love this little human,' he captioned the Boomerang clip. Wearing a black T-shirt, Sam flaunted his bulging biceps. Willow was seen wrapped up tightly in a pink and white blanket for the chilly Melbourne morning. Couldn't be happier: 'Cannot believe how much I love this little human' Fast asleep, Sam couldn't keep his eyes off his daughter. The day before, Snezana's daughter Eve posted the latest picture of her new baby sister. Captioning the shot 'Cute' along with the hashtag 'big sister', the newborn was photographed gazing up and looking directly into the lens. Big sister: The day before, Snezana's daughter Eve posted the latest picture of her new baby sister Can you see the resemblance? Fans were quick to flood the comments section with congratulatory messages with many noting the resemblance between the 12-year-old and her new sister Fans were quick to flood the comments section with congratulatory messages with many noting the resemblance between the 12-year-old and her new sister. Sam and Snezana met on the 2015 season of The Bachelor and got engaged in December later that year. After announcing their pregnancy news back in May, the pair welcomed Willow into the world Sunday 8th October. She's newly single following her short-lived dalliance with her CBB co-star Sam Thompson. And Amelia Lily proved she hadn't a care in the world when she attended the Jane Norman Christmas Collection launch party at Vanilla in London on Thursday night, celebrating the launch of her new fashion range. The Celebrity Big Brother star, 23, was embracing the festive season in a navy minidress embellished with sparkling sequins. Scroll down for video Partying in style: Amelia Lily proved she hadn't a care in the world when she attended the Jane Norman Christmas Collection launch party at Vanilla in London on Thursday night, celebrating the launch of her new fashion range Amelia showed off her shapely legs in the thigh-grazing little number, which she set off with a pair of red heels. The former X Factor starlet styled her blonde locks in loose curls and kept her make-up simple and natural. Amelia has confessed that since leaving the house she doesn't even speak to the Made In Chelsea hunk, 25, and doesn't even know if they're still friends. Glamorous: The Celebrity Big Brother star, 23, was embracing the festive season in a navy minidress embellished with sparkling sequins Best foot forward: Amelia showed off her shapely legs in the thigh-grazing little number, which she set off with a pair of red heels Describing their relationship to New! magazine, she revealed: 'Absolutely nothing. We don't speak. Everything's fine but I guess it was just the wrong timing. He's a lovely guy though.' Although they didn't work out as lovers, the reality star revealed she hoped they would remain friends when their brief romance came to an end. Asked if they were friends, she said: 'I don't know! I think so. As far as I'm aware we are. Looking good: The former X Factor starlet styled her blonde locks in loose curls and kept her make-up simple and natural Hands on hips: The blonde beauty was working her magic in front of the cameras 'Like, he's really busy being back in Made In Chelsea and I'm really busy doing my thing. But I always said I would have time for him in my life.' Amelia and Sam met on Celebrity Big Brother in August and promised to see where their relationship could go once they left the house. At first it seemed promising, with the pair spotted together on several occasions, but eventually the relationship between the Northern songstress and London-based reality star fizzled out. Show of support: Celebs Go Dating's Lady Nadia Essex was in attendance Sending a message: The bubbly blonde donned a 'Champagne' embellished top During his time in the house, Sam had panicked about his blossoming feelings for Amelia. The star took to the Diary Room to confess he wanted their romance to 'slow down', and admitted he has 'so much to sort out' after the show with his ex-girlfriend, Tiffany Watson. He said: 'You know, she says she can't wait for me to meet her parents... and I sit there like, yeah, I will meet them and try to get them to like me, as you never know what will happen in the future.' She's keen on flaunting her enviable figure. And Charlotte McKinney proved on trend as she was spotted in a cropped white tee and form-fitting RASK jeans in New York City on Thursday. The blonde bombshell, 24, paired the casual chic look with a black leather biker jacket placed on her petite shoulders. Stunner: Charlotte McKinney, 24, was spotted in a cropped white tee and form-fitting RASK jeans in New York City on Thursday Daring to impress, the bikini aficionado let her toned tummy take center stage as the T-shirt stopped above the navel. Charlotte slid her gorgeous gams into a light blue denim pair of pants that had high style cuffs edging at her ankles. Throwing caution to the wind, the Florida native went virtually make-up free with just a hint of eyeliner and a touch of berry lip. She went with nary an accessory as she stomped around in black high heels and carried a sophisticated black leather tote. Bombshell: The blonde bombshell paired the casual chic look with a black leather biker jacket placed on her petite shoulders The Wilhelmina repped model kept her trademark golden tresses long and loose as they cascaded over the biker jacket. While the burger bombshell is known for her killer curves and seductive gaze, she admitted that she doesn't feel good when she misses a workout during an interview with Dailymail.com 'I have to workout, almost everyday,' McKinney, who shot to stardom after appearing in a Carl's Jr. commercial, explained of squeezing in workouts on her busy schedule. Strut: Daring to impress, the bikini aficionado let her toned tummy take center stage as the T-shirt stopped above the navel Charlotte's body rocketed her to stardom, earning her the attention of Esquire magazine in 2015 after she'd racked up hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers for her sultry selfies. Since then she's become a model for Guess Jeans and has also made her mark on the screen, appearing in spring's reboot of Baywatch and this fall's sci-fi thriller Flatliners. Next up, Charlotte will be appearing in the upcoming film Literally, Right Before Aaron, which she says was directed by her friend, Ryan Eggold. They are both former stars of The Bachelor franchise. And Sam Wood and Matthew 'Matty J' Johnson went into battle during Fitzy & Wippa's popular 'Rap Up Of The Week' segment on Friday. The reality stars rapped quips about show hosts Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli, with Matty almost proposing to girlfriend Laura Byrne in the process. Scroll down for video So close! The Bachelor's Matthew 'Matty J' Johnson did the 'Rap Up Of The Week' with Fitzy & Wippa on Friday, almost proposing to girlfriend Laura Byrne in the process In a highlight from the playful battle, Matty, 30, burst out with a rhyming couplet hinting he was ready to ask Laura, who won the show's latest season, to marry him. 'I hope Laura's listening, there's a question I must ask / Announcing this on radio is a very big task,' he began. 'I love you forever and your heart I must carry / So Laura...' he continued, then paused for dramatic effect. 'I hope Laura's listening, there's a question I must ask / Announcing this on radio is a very big task,' he began 'I love you forever and your heart I must carry / So Laura...' he continued, then paused for dramatic effect 'Do you want a puppy?' he finished, with the studio erupting into shrieks and laughter. Earlier in the battle, Sam Wood, who recently became a father for the first time to daughter Willow, took a glaring dig at his Bachelor successor. 'Matty J couldn't find love the first time around / he was crawling through the gutters like a dog from the pound,' he rapped. 'Matty J couldn't find love the first time around / he was crawling through the gutters like a dog from the pound,' he rapped 'Laura B took pity, marriage was the prediction / But does she know about your criminal convictions?' he joked. Earlier in the show, Sam fawned over the recent arrival of Willow with his fiancee Snezana Markoski. 'She's absolutely perfect,' he told the hosts. She recently joined the cast of Home and Away. And Sam Frost appeared to be fitting in nicely with the ladies of the long-running soap on Wednesday. The 28-year-old shot scenes with Ada Nicodemou, Emily Symons, Georgie Parker and Raechelle Banno as the stylish cast appeared to be heading to a special event. Scroll down for video All the girls are out! Sam Frost and Ada Nicodemou show off their cleavage in sexy low-cut frocks as they glam up for scenes with the other Home And Away ladies Gorgeous: Sam looked stunning in a blue and white striped strapless dress One of the gang: Sam appeared to be fitting in nicely with the ladies of Home and Away during filming on Wednesday The first-time actress looked comfortable and relaxed as she filmed the upcoming episode with her co-stars. Dressed in a knee-length dress that showcased her lithe figure and a hint of cleavage, the blonde beauty carried a cream clutch that matched her stilettos. She was joined by series favourite Ada Nicodemou, 40, who flaunted her assets and petite frame in a navy blue mini and denim jacket. Girls trip: The 28-year-old shot scenes with (from left) Ada Nicodemou, Emily Symons, Georgie Parker and Raechelle Banno as the stylish cast appeared to be heading to a special event Special event: The first-time actress looked comfortable and relaxed as she filmed the upcoming episode with her co-stars Chic: Dressed in a knee-length dress that showcased her lithe figure, Sam carried a cream clutch that matched her stilettos Seasoned: Georgie Parker, 52, who plays Roo Stewart, cut a more casual figure in flat sandals and a patterned shift dress Seasoned actress Georgie Parker, 52, who plays Roo Stewart, cut a more casual figure in flat sandals and a patterned shift dress. Emily Symons, 48, who plays long-running character Marilyn Chambers, appeared her bubbly self in a multi-coloured frock paired with an oversize bright pink purse. The baby of the bunch, Raechelle Banno, 24, who plays Olivia Fraser Richards, looked glamourous in a cream asymmetrical top and black pencil skirt. Effervescent: Emily Symons, 48, (right) who plays long-running character Marilyn Chambers, appeared her bubbly self in a multi-coloured frock paired with an oversize bright pink purse. Youngest: The baby of the bunch, Raechelle Banno, 24, who plays Olivia Fraser Richards, looked glamourous in a cream asymmetrical top and black pencil skirt Former Bachelorette star Sam recently admitted in an interview with Who her typical attire of skimpy bikinis on set is slowly helping to boost her overall confidence. 'I am comfortable in my body, but I'm quite shy about showing it,' she remarked. 'I'm just going to have to challenge myself and go, "Alright Sam, you've got to push through this barrier and not be shy about showing my body,"' she offered. Evolving: Former Bachelorette star Sam recently admitted in a recent interview her typical attire of skimpy bikinis on set is slowly helping to boost her overall confidence Ganges with Sue Perkins (BBC1) Rating: Why are Britains Lefties so terrified of admitting that they want to believe in God? Comedian Sue Perkins was exploring Indias most sacred river, awed by the spiritual power of the landscape in documentary The Ganges (BBC 1), but mortified at the idea that her pals at home might think shed got religious. She ended the first episode insisting: Im not a religious person. I may not believe in gods and goddesses, but this pilgrimage has genuinely touched me. Yet five minutes earlier she had been telling a child: God is everywhere. She was overcome with emotion at meeting saintly hermits and holy men. In such a divine place, it must be exhausting to cling to atheism so hard. The problem for professional luvvies like Sue is that she must abide by the Laws of the Hampstead Dinner Party at all times. And rule number one is that all religion is an unscientific con-trick (except for Islam, which is multicultural and lovely). Television programme: Ganges with Sue Perkins. Picture shows Sue Perkins at the source of the Ganges Ganges with Sue Perkins. A shot from episode one showing the presenter with Baba Ramdev at Patanjal Sue obeyed rule number two as well: always remind everyone that you despise Donald Trump. She got a couple of good digs in. But Trump wont be watching, and the rest of us can probably guess her views on The Donalds presidency. What a shame she couldnt surrender to the magic of India and leave her political hang-ups far behind. There were moments when she was overwhelmed by the East. Sue is one of those people who cant help adopting the accents of the people she meets. I have come 5,000km to see Ganga, she said, sounding like Peter Sellers and waggling her head unconsciously. She is an arch and self-conscious commentator, constantly searching for jokes. Sometimes it feels as if shes not trying to be witty, just defensive. She admits that her mind is full of chattering chimps, endless psychobabble, and seemed quite relieved when altitude sickness in the Himalayas left her too exhausted to talk. But her reflex jibes were needed when she visited a factory run by a swami (a Hindu sage) who claimed to reject all wealth while running a multi-billion-pound business policed by a private army of gunmen. She called him equal parts mad monk and Bond villain. The knee-jerk jokes were dropped when Sue movingly explained that, six months before the expedition, her beloved father had died. She had been unable to grieve in Britain and was desperately hoping that in India she would find ways to cope with the pain. That same grief for a lost father underpinned every part of the natural world documentary H Is For Hawk: A New Chapter (BBC 2) Rating: Cambridge academic Helen Macdonald published a bestseller three years ago, describing how an obsession with falconry helped her survive her own fathers unexpected death. She trained a goshawk at the time, the hardest of the British birds of prey to rear. Now she wanted to do it again, but this time with the help of friends, instead of in total solitude. Macdonald is a poet. Cambridge academic Helen Macdonald published a bestseller three years ago, describing how an obsession with falconry helped her survive her own fathers unexpected death She captures the lethal, ethereal beauty of these birds: Half dragon, half leopard... spooky, pale-eyed, feathered ghosts that lived and killed in woodland thickets. But she also conveys the devastation of losing a parent. Grief broke me, she says simply. I didnt know who I was any more. I fled from humanity. Falconry soothed her, she explains, because it was all about things that can fly away choosing to come back to you. This heartfelt documentary was gorgeously filmed, but might have been better as a shorter, 30-minute film. Sometimes the best poems are the brief ones. She's known as a fashion maven. So perhaps it was no surprise that Sofia Vergara headed out for a shopping expedition on Thursday in tony Beverly Hills. The 45-year-old Hot Pursuit star kept things chic for her outing. Scroll down for video On the move: Sofia Vergara headed out for a shopping expedition on Thursday in tony Beverly Hills On top, the mother of one opted for a black partially sheer blouse, which revealed her black bra underneath. Down below, distressed jeans with several rips showcased her lengthy legs. She cuffed her pant legs, perhaps to show off her stylish strappy black platform heels, which added a few inches to her 5ft7in frame. Peek-a-boo: On top, the mother of one opted for a black partially sheer blouse, which revealed her black bra underneath Keeping it casual: Down below, distressed jeans with several rips showcased her lengthy legs Walking tall: She cuffed her pant legs, perhaps to show off her stylish strappy black platform heels, which added a few inches to her 5ft7in frame Meticulous make-up: Upon removing her sunglasses, she revealed a smoky eye and subtle blush to accompany her eye-popping slick of dark crimson lipstick A black Hermes tote, heart charm necklace and some mirrored aviator shades rounded out her accessories. Her famous brunette tresses were silky smooth and styled down. Upon removing her sunglasses, she revealed a smoky eye and subtle blush to accompany her eye-popping slick of dark crimson lipstick. All smiles: While she seemed happy enough, flashing several grins throughout her trip, it seems her shopping spree may not have netted any goods, as no bags could be seen upon her exit from several different stores While she seemed happy enough, flashing several grins throughout her trip, it seems her shopping spree may not have netted any goods, as no bags could be seen upon her exit from several different stores. Regardless, it's no wonder she's spending some time shopping, as she clearly has the funds. The Modern Family star was recently named the highest-paid television actress for the sixth year in a row with earnings of $42 million in just 12 months. No dice? She didn't appear to be interested in any of this store's wares Over 25 years ago she starred in one of the most sultry scenes in film history. And Sharon Stone just gave fans a serious flashback of that iconic moment. The 59-year-old actress was a part of the Women's Brain Health Initiative conversation event in Beverly Hills on Wednesday. Iconic: Sharon Stone recreated her infamous Basic Instinct scene at the Women's Brain Health Initiative conversation event in Beverly Hills on Wednesday As she was a part of a panel which saw her sitting with legs crossed atop a stool, she had many in the audience recalling her infamous Basic Instinct scene. She proudly put her knockout legs on display in the clinging LBD along with a matching pair of leather heels. Over the number, she rocked a stylish black Paule Ka trenchcoat featuring a white lining. Still stunning: The 59-year-old actress was a part of a panel which saw her sitting with legs crossed atop a stool Gorgeous: She proudly put her knockout legs on display in the clinging LBD along with a matching pair of leather heels She accessorized with designer aviator specs and a black leather bag. Her platinum pixie cut was elegantly disheveled as she addressed the audience alongside fellow veteran actress Melanie Griffith. Sharon let her evergreen looks shine with complimentary make-up topped off with a swipe of shiny pink lip. Back in 1992 the talented actress starred in erotic thriller Basic Instinct alongside Michael Douglas. Still stylish: Over the number, she rocked a stylish black Paule Ka trenchcoat featuring a white lining Keeping it safe: She avoided a wardrobe malfunction while exiting the video Her interrogation scene where she crosses and uncrosses her legs has become one of the most iconic moments in film history. It is even still talked about to this day and cemented Stone as a Hollywood sex symbol. Basic Instinct writer Joe Eszterhas once called Sharon 'the greatest American sex symbol since Marilyn Monroe' and the 'ripest of ripe peaches, the apotheosis of the curvy, beauty pageant blond.' News / National by Stephen Jakes People's Democratic Party Vice President Sikhumbuzo Ndiweni has applauded coalition members for comming together to for the Rainbow Coalition.He said PDP formally committed itself to joining the People's Rainbow Coalition in Harare where its President, Lucia Matibenga signed on its behalf."To the PDP this was a very important event in more ways than one: The Party stamped its authority as the authentic People's Democratic Party which should not be confused with the "Biti Gang", empty and denud3d as they are. The signing ceremony sent a very strong message against sellout attempts to auction PDP to the merchants of divisions bent on destabilising other political formations. The Party should continue to build its structures and gear them to go into the trenches for membership drive, recruitment and voter registration as it sets the pace for the electoral tempo and readying ourselves for victory in the polls," he said."The People's Rainbow Coalition is no doubt the only credible vehicle through which the nation is going to be unified and national elections won by the opposition. The People's Rainbow Coalition was mandated to be the winning Team destined to take power in Zimbabwe and implement a plethora of new and progressive policies for a new Zimbabwe including the frozen Devolution of Power. Our Candidate, Joice Mujuru and her team of Leaders alerted the nation to the host of challenges lying ahead and impressed upon all parties and Zimbabweans across the broad spectrum to give support and campaign extensively for the overthrow of Zanu PF dictatorship. Our Presidential Candidate will soon be taking her team to the grassroots to canvas for a landslide victory for the People's Rainbow Coalition.""We acknowledge that resources mobilisation is a key ingredient in our long walk to total emancipation. As such candidates will need to be credible and visible on the ground so that they explain the Coalition's vision for the future through a well articulated People's Rainbow Coalition Manifesto."He said the People's Rainbow Coalition lists for candidates will be transparently handled by the relevant body and committee mandated to do that duty."The People's Rainbow Coalition colours, logo, slogans, flags will soon be unveiled so that people get used to them on time. This will enable the leadership to unpack the People's Rainbow Coalition policies, design the road map and point out clear directions for the people to follow towards a victorious end. We invite all those who love to see victory for democracy in Zimbabwe to attend the grand launch ceremony of the PRC in Bulawayo at the White City Stadium on the 3rd of November, 2017," he said. He claimed he had strong feelings for Sophie Monk during his time on The Bachelorette. But after his unceremonious exit on Thursday night, Blake Colman revealed on Studio 10 the following day that he never loved Sophie. When asked by co-host Sarah Harris if he was in love with Sophie, the 29-year-old entrepreneur tried to avoid the question and instead blamed the fast-paced experience on his outlandish exit. Shock twist! After his unceremonious exit on last night's episode, on Friday, Blake Colman revealed on Studio 10 that he never loved Sophie 'I'm not going to say I fell in love with her, but I was falling for her,' said Blake. 'A week in the house is like a month in the house. So you spend that long trying to fall for a girl and when everything started happening really really fast, then my emotions started getting involved really quickly.' 'Hence my crazy harsh exit and I know half of Australia hates me right now,' he continued. His defense: 'A week in the house is like a month in the house. So you spend that long trying to fall for a girl and when everything started happening really really fast, then my emotions started getting involved really quickly' And when asked about what happened to Jarrod's infamous love sprout, Blake revealed he and some of the other boys would be releasing a video detailing what exactly went down in the coming weeks. On Thursday night's episode, the Perth native made a dramatic exit after not receiving a rose. Taking Blake outside to privately explain her decision, Sophie said she didn't feel as though he 'had her back'. Not the right guy: Taking Blake outside to privately explain her decision, Sophie said she didn't feel as though he had her back Firing up, Blake didn't seem to agree, opting for 'ciao' and compilation of swear words as he departed. 'I've told you I've had your back,' he hit back, before adding: I don't really have anything else to say, hey. Have fun with the other boys. Ciao. The remaining suitors include Apollo Jackson, 24, Jarrod Woodgate, 31, and rumoured winner, Stu Laundy, 44. The Bachelorette finale week airs next Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30pm on Ten. While Karl Stefanovic watches his post-Lisa Wilkinson ratings dwindle, ex-wife Cassandra Thorburn is flourishing. Having settled into her new '$7 million' home in June and stunning in her first red carpet appearance since her split this month, the 44-year-old is on a roll. Just like her turn on the red carpet, the mother-of-three once again looked radiant as she stepped out to buy some bread for the kids in Neutral Bay a few days ago. She's on a roll! Cassandra Thorburn steps out looking radiant again while picking up bread for the kids as her ex-husband Karl Stefanovic endures week from hell Her month is going better than her ex-husband's, who watched his Today co-host of ten years jump ship to Channel Ten, due to a pay parity dispute this week. Cassandra strolled down the street without a care in the world, cutting a slender figure in a grey T-shirt and slim jeans. But nothing exemplified her carefree attitude more than her Adidas slide sandals. She was spotted leaving a wholefoods store with a coffee in hand, before swinging by Baker's Delight for a twelve-pack of rolls. Cassandra's delight! The mother-of-three looked radiant as she stepped out to by some bread for the kids in Neutral Bay Looking good! Cassandra strolled down the street without a care in the world, cutting a slender figure in a grey T-shirt and slim jeans Meanwhile on Friday, former husband Karl appeared downcast as he brought in the bins at his Mosman home. While he grappled with bringing in the trash container, his former colleague Lisa was the toast of the town, hosting a Moet and Chandon event at the Opera House. A fortnight ago, Cassandra made her first red carpet appearance since her twenty-one year marriage to Karl ended in September last year. Dressed in a bright pink number, the 44-year-old flashed a hint of cleavage as she posed for the cameras at the Women of the Future awards. 'I felt really good to be stepping out to support other women at the Women of the Future Awards,' she told Fairfax at the event. Taking out trash: Former husband Karl appeared downcast as he brought in the bins at his Mosman home New lease on life! A fortnight ago, Cassandra made her first red carpet appearance since her twenty-one year marriage ended in September last year Never been better: 'I felt really good, she told reporters, 'it also felt fitting because I am looking towards my future as a single, confident, mother-of-three' (pictured with ex Karl) 'And it also felt fitting because I am looking towards my future as a single, confident, mother-of-three.' 'It was a celebratory day for me. I am excited to start a new chapter. Her ex-husband's former work colleague Lisa Wilkinson also attended the same gathering. Still friends? Her ex-husband's former work colleague Lisa Wilkinson also attended the same gathering Not taking it anymore! The week after, Lisa spectacularly quit the Today show reportedly to take a stand at Nine's refusal to offer her the same money as Karl The week after, Lisa spectacularly quit the Today show reportedly to take a stand at Nine's refusal to offer her the same money as Karl. In June, Cassandra moved into a waterfront mansion located in Cremorne with the former couple's three children - Jackson, 17, Ava, 12, and River, 10. Cassandra and Karl purchased the pricey three-level property last year for $8 million in the months prior to announcing their split. Advertisement The Block contestants have come a long way since they first began taking on TV's biggest renovation challenge. And with auction day fast approaching, the Blockheads' houses appear set to pull in the big bucks. From luxurious master bedrooms and whimsical children's rooms, to sleek and stylish bathrooms and spacious, well-landscaped backyards, Daily Mail Australia takes a look inside the impressive renovation masterpieces. Every room reveal ever! Daily Mail Australia look back at every Room Reveal on this season of The Block There have been plenty of blood, sweat, tears and tantrums as five teams - Josh and Elyse, Ronnie and Georgia, Sticks and Wombat, Clint and Hannah and Jason and Sarah - battled it out for glory on the show. But with the renovation results speaking for themselves, we delve into the properties in Melbourne's Elsternwick to check out the transformations that have made viewers' jaws drop this season. JOSH AND ELYSE Kitchen/ Living and Dining Josh and Elyse stood out from the pack with their Hamptons-style kitchen as they were the only couple to feature an orientation that provided an unobstructed view of their backyard. The judges praised the couple for giving the kitchen a social feel and were also impressed by the caesarstone benchtop, expanded hidden butlers pantry and its overall luxurious marble look. Josh and Elyse's living room, which was described as 'high end with a classic twist' had an exposed fireplace and an 'outstanding' concrete slab, which was enough for the couple to tie for first place. Coastal luxe: Josh and Elyse stood out from the pack with their Hamptons-style kitchen which had a social feel Spacious: The living room and kitchen area tied in together nicely 'High end with a classic twist': The young couple's living room had an exposed fireplace and an 'outstanding' concrete slab Scenic: Josh and Elyse were the only couple to feature an orientation that provided an unobstructed view of their backyard Master Bedroom The young couple also showed off their top-notch skills in master bedroom week and their offering was deemed the best of the pack. It featured a gorgeous blush pink colour palette to achieve their 'timeless elegance' and Josh and Elyse chose to move the placement of the door to create open-space sanctuary. As well as the spacious bed with a pink bedhead, the sprawling space also contained a daybed with drawers, a sitting area and a walk-in robe with plenty of storage. An elegant ensuite with freestanding bath and double shower was the cherry on top of a space that already had the 'wow factor.' Suite life! Josh and Elyse chose to move the placement of the door to create open-space sanctuary Multi-purpose: As well as the spacious bed with pink bedhead, the sprawling space also contained a daybed with drawers and a sitting area Pretty in pink: The master bedroom featured a gorgeous blush pink colour palette to achieve their 'timeless elegance' 'Wow factor': An elegant ensuite with freestanding bath and double shower was the cherry on top Kids Bedroom/ Guestroom/ Redo bedroom When it came to the rest of the bedrooms, Josh and Elyse also put in their best efforts and went for a 'rustic surf feel' for their kids bedroom, which was styled like a mini-apartment. For their guest bedroom, the duo made their blue velvet bedhead the focal point while Josh flaunted his carpentry skills by adding panels to the lower half of the walls. Proving they're a force to be reckoned with, Josh and Elyse tied for the number one spot for their efforts in the 'redo' bedroom with a space that was glamorous, sophisticated and utilised an original colour palette. Kidding around: Josh and Elyse went for a 'rustic surf feel' for their kids bedroom which was styled like a mini-apartment Fit for visitors: The couple made their blue velvet bedhead the focal point in the guest bedroom while Josh flaunted his carpentry skills by adding panels to the lower half of the walls Unique: Their 'redo' room was glamorous and sophisticated and utilised an original colour palette. Anything but a bedroom/ Hallway and laundry /Studio For their 'anything but a bedroom' space, Josh and Elyse opted to create a zen-like office space which had plenty of timber shelving and a cleverly positioned desk. Elsewhere, their hallway dazzled with a massive chandelier and high ceilings but judges were concerned their laundry didn't have ample storage space. Josh and Elyse's studio space was flawlessly styled and split a bedroom and lounge room area with the use of a nib wall. Anything but a bedroom: Josh and Elyse opted to create a zen-like office space which had plenty of timber shelving and a cleverly positioned desk Spacious! Josh and Elyse's hallway dazzled with a massive chandelier and high ceilings Only one thing missing: Judges were concerned the laundry didn't have ample storage space Perfect look: Josh and Elyse's studio space was flawlessly styled Two for one: They split a bedroom and lounge room area with the use of a nib wall Bathroom / Backyard Josh and Elyse chalked up another win for their bathroom by incorporating a circular bath - the first one ever on 13 years of The Block. They also brought their A-game when it came to their backyard and won the week with an area that contained an in-ground pool, a barbecue and a spacious sitting area. Rounding it out! In their bathroom, Josh and Elyse became the first team to incorporate a circular bathtub Backyard bliss: Josh and Elyse won backyard week with an area that contained an in-ground pool, a barbecue and a spacious sitting area Relaxing: A comfortable sitting area lined the poolside area in Josh and Elyse's backyard Perfect for summer: The in-ground pool was a top-notch addition to the backyard space Jaw-droppingly good: Josh and Elyse brought their A-game when it came to their backyard and house overall RONNIE AND GEORGIA Kitchen/ Living and Dining In Ronnie and Georgia's house, the couple opted for an industrial chic look for their kitchen and coughed up cash for a porcelain splashback and downwards inductor. But it was the living and dining area where they really stepped things up. They tied for first place with a spacious room that oozed sophistication and style. Killing it in the kitchen! Ronnie and Georgia opted for an industrial chic look for their kitchen and coughed up cash for a porcelain splash back and downwards inductor Elegant: Their spacious living room oozed sophistication and style and helped the couple tie for first place Looking good: Real estate photos of the space show an sophisticated living room with fireplace Master Bedroom The controversial couple also garnered praised for their plush master suite which was accentuated by feminine pale pink and charcoal colour palette. Ronnie and Georgia added a hallway entry for dramatic effect and were complimented by the judges for their ensuite with double shower and fancy toilet. Nailed it! The controversial couple also garnered praise for their plush master suite Beautiful: The room was accentuated by feminine pale pink and charcoal colour palette Added extra: Ronnie and Georgia were complimented by the judges for their ensuite with double shower and fancy toilet Guestroom/ Kids Bedroom/ Redo bedroom Their kids room was styled with a rose gold bed and mesh curtains, ceiling wallpaper and Mrs Mighetto prints, all of which helped them nab the number one spot for the week. The duo's winning streak continued when it came to their guest bedroom in which they opted for dark timber floorboards, a colour palette that tied in with the rest of the house and attention to detail when it came to cornices and the ceiling rose. Winning the trifecta of bedroom weeks, Ronnie and Georgia took home a win for their redo room which they transformed using a floral feature wall to create an opulent, romantic space. Winning! Their kids' room was styled with a rose gold bed with mesh curtains, ceiling wallpaper and Mrs Mighetto prints and nabbed them the number one spot for the week Guest star: Ronnie and Georgia opted for dark timber floorboards and a colour palette that tied in with the rest of the house in their guest bedroom Blooming beautiful! Their 'redo' room made their floral feature wall the star What a transformation: The floral feature wall created an opulent, romantic space Anything but a bedroom / Hallway and laundry/ Studio When it came time to get creative in their 'anything but a bedroom' space, Ronnie and Georgia decided to create a dark sitting room with a pop of colour thanks to the orange velvet lounge but have since updated several style elements. In their hallway, the couple added a Victorian arch to their Federation home, but were criticised for a lack of ironing board storage in their laundry. Chalking up another win, Ronnie and Georgia created a minimalist office space in their studio. Going to the dark side: Ronnie and Georgia chose an all-black sitting room for their 'anything but a bedroom' space and added a pop of colour with an orange lounge Tweaks: New real estate photos show subtle changes such new armchairs and a different mirror have been added Attention to detail: In their hallway, the couple added a Victorian arch to their Federation home Enough room? The couple were criticised for their lack of storage in the laundry Another win: Ronnie and Georgia created a minimalist office space in their studio for which they were rewarded Bathroom /Backyard Meanwhile, Ronnie and Georgia's bathroom featured a monochrome colour palette with touches of gold to effuse a sleek and stylish vibe. Holding its own against the house's impressive interior, the backyard was a lush outdoors escape with the 'Ten Tonne Tessie' swimming pool as its main feature. Making a splash! Ronnie and Georgia's bathroom drew upon a monochrome colour palette Attention to detail: Touches of gold to effused a sleek and stylish vibe Outside hero: The backyard was a lush outdoors escape with the 'Ten Tonne Tessie' swimming pool as its main feature Lush: Ronnie and Georgia's backyard had a swimming pool, sitting area and fireplace Luxe living: The controversial couple have made a vast improvement on the space with their renovation STICKS AND WOMBAT Kitchen/ Living and Dining Aussie larrikins Sticks and Wombat have a penchant for timber and it definitely showed in the kitchen and living area. As well as featuring wood throughout their design, which provided a 'raw luxury' feel, the space contained a secret whisky bar. Complementing the timber coffee table and dining table were furnishings such as black cabinetry, a leather couch and leather ottoman. However, ahead of auction they made the decision to soften the room by restyling the room with less of a reliance on the wood. Knock on wood: Sticks and Wombats' penchant for timber was put on display in their kitchen and living areas That extra touch! Complementing the timber coffee table and dining table were furnishings such as black cabinetry, a leather couch and leather ottoman Less timber: Ahead of auction they made the decision to soften the room by restyling the room with less of a reliance on the wood What a a difference: The changes will hopefully open up the room to a whole new market Master Bedroom In the master bedroom the timber resurfaced again as the boys delivered a 'light and bright' suite. The extremely spacious walk-in wardrobe made a welcome addition to the room, while the stunning ensuite was also well-regarded. The wood's back! The timber resurfaced in the master bedroom as the boys delivered a 'light and bright' suite Room to move: The extremely spacious walk-in wardrobe made a welcome addition to the master bedroom, while the stunning ensuite was also well-regarded Guestroom/ Kids Bedroom/ Redo bedroom Channelling their inner child, Sticks and Wombat made jaws drop in their kids bedroom by adding a rock climbing wall and double-decker beds. The praise kept coming for their guest room into which they had incorporated a fireplace as well as polished timber floorboards. In their 'redo' room, the pair got in touch with their feminine side to deliver a room filled with pink hues and fluffy cushions. Two of a kind! Sticks and Wombat incorporated double-decker beds in their kids' room Rock star! Channelling their inner child, Sticks and Wombat made jaws drop in their kids bedroom by adding a rock climbing wall Going all out: Meanwhile, the guest bedroom featured impressive floor boards and a fireplace Still loving wood: The guest room also featured polished timber floorboards Going soft: In their 'redo' room, the pair embraced their feminine side to deliver a room with pink hues and fluffy cushions Feminine: In the room, a pastel pink and grey colour scheme was used Anything but a bedroom / Hallway and laundry/Studio Sticking to the wooden theme, Sticks and Wombat added timber shelving in their 'anything but a bedroom' space, which they turned into a study. Their hallway and laundry area was spectacular and they pinched victory with their soft and feminine transformation. Timber was utilised in their studio as well, with Sticks and Wombat complementing their timber panelling with a navy blue and grey colour scheme. New office: Sticking to the wooden theme, Sticks and Wombat added timber shelving in their 'anything but a bedroom' space Impressive! Their soft and feminine hallway and laundry area was spectacular Winning style! The Aussie larrikins pinched victory with their transformation which wowed the judges It's back again! Timber was utilised in their studio as well, with Sticks and Wombat complementing their timber panelling with a navy blue and grey colour scheme Bathroom /Backyard In their bathroom, the duo created an oasis of tranquility decked out with a luxurious free-standing bath tub as well as a dramatic ceiling light. The boys went big in the backyard and made a gigantic shipping container pool their main feature. Zen: In their bathroom, the duo created an oasis of tranquility decked out with a luxurious free-standing bathtub as well as a dramatic ceiling light What a makeover! The boys went big in the backyard and made a gigantic shipping container pool their main feature Plenty of room! Stick and Wombat's backyard was spacious and lush oasis Spectacular: The boys from the country made their mark with an impressive transformation in a short space of time Entertainer's paradise: There is lots of room to enjoy the outdoors with an outside dining table and deck What a space! Lovers of the outdoors would not be disappointed spending time in the backyard CLINT AND HANNAH Kitchen/ Living and Dining Clint and Hannah were also going all out with their best work and delivered a kitchen with a monochrome colour palette that included sophisticated touches such as wine storage. Separated by an added nib wall, the couple's living and dining area contained a feature fireplace as one of their main assets. Black and white: Clint and Hannah delivered a kitchen with a monochrome colour palette that effused sophistication Add-ons: The kitchen space featured extra touches such as wine storage Lit up: The living and dining area contained a feature fireplace as one of their main assets Splitting up: The couple's living and dining area was separated by a nib wall Privacy: Those eating at the dining table will be separated from those relaxing in the living room Making changes: New photos show slight tweaks to the space since the first room reveal including a larger lounge Master Bedroom Opting to go in a bold direction for their master bedroom, Clint and Hannah used floral wallpaper on their feature wall. The bedroom gave off a feminine vibe with its strong use of pink hues and a hanging ceiling light added a dramatic effect. Flower power! Clint and Hannah used floral wallpaper on their feature wall and a hanging ceiling light had a dramatic effect Bold direction: The bedroom gave off a feminine vibe with its strong use of pink hues Soft: The pink and gold hues effused a subtle, feminine feel Guestroom/ Kids Bedroom/ Redo bedroom The pink colour scheme continued in the kids bedroom which was described as 'playful' thanks to its fun styling and eye-popping wallpaper. Slightly more sleek was the couple's guest bedroom - it contained a stylish bedhead, nice textured accessories and the judges loved the cornice and ceiling rose. In the 'redo' room, Hannah and Clint were on a tight budget and went for a flatpack black wardrobe to save money but in new photos, it seems they've swapped it for a white version. Fun times! The pink colour scheme continued in the kids bedroom which was described as 'playful' A bit different: New photos show the couple have dialled the pink back in the room For the grown-ups: The guest bedroom contained a stylish bedhead, nice textured accessories and the judges loved the cornice and ceiling rose Take two! On a tight budget, Hannah and Clint went for a black flatpack wardrobe for their 'redo' bedroom Fixing their issues: It seems Hannah and Clint swapped the wardrobe for a white version before auction Anything but a bedroom / Hallway and laundry/Studio Hannah and Clint's sitting room took out number one place in the 'Anything but a bedroom' week after the couple turned the room into an adult escape with details including a $4000 fireplace. Their hallway featured a gorgeous pendant light and respected the heritage elements of the house, while the laundry contained a surprising amount of storage. Hannah and Clint produced their best room of the competition, creating a studio that contain an openness and mid-century style of the room. Top of the class: Hannah and Clint's sitting room took out number one place in the 'Anything but a bedroom' week after the couple turned the room into an adult escape with details including a $4000 fireplace Walking in: Their hallway featured a gorgeous pendant light and respected the heritage elements of the house Room to move: The laundry was also praised for being surprisingly spacious Personal best: Hannah and Clint produced their best room of the competition in the studio, with a space that contained an openness and mid-century style Bathroom /Backyard Despite experiencing dramas that threatened to derail their bathroom being completed in time, Hannah and Clint delivered a modern bathroom which contained a shower and black-coated free-standing bath tub. Plagued by money woes, the couple decided against including a pool in the backyard and instead incorporated a hot tub and generous decking area. Overcoming adversity: Despite struggles, Hannah and Clint delivered a modern bathroom Beautiful: The bathroom contained a shower and black-coated free-standing bath tub Making the most of it: Plagued by money woes, the couple decided against including a pool in the backyard and instead incorporated a hot tub Stunning: The spacious area features generous decking area, fire pit and comfortable sitting area JASON AND SARAH Kitchen/ Living and Dining Married couple Jason and Sarah presented one of their most spectacular renovations in kitchen week, with a space that wowed with a marble benchtop and metallic finishes. A large blue velvet couch was the main attraction in their roomy living area, which also contained a fireplace with a sliding door and a spacious wooden dining table. Wow factor: Married couple Jason and Sarah presented one of their most spectacular renovations in kitchen week Looking good: The space wowed with a marble benchtop and metallic finishes Feeling blue: A large blue velvet couch was the main attraction in their roomy living area, which also contained a fireplace with a sliding door and a spacious wooden dining table Changing it up: Since the room reveal, it looks like Jason and Sarah have opted for a lighter-coloured couch and made a few tweaks Master Bedroom The couple notoriously became the first Block team to score zero when they failed to finish their master bedroom on time. When it was finally completed, the room looked to be an absolute delight after the couple used a mixture of gold, blue and grey to style the space, while their matte black cabinetry provided plenty of storage. Finally finished! When Jason and Sarah completed their master bedroom, it was a delightful transformation that used a mix of gold, blue and grey Guestroom/ Kids Bedroom/ Redo bedroom In the kids' bedroom, the couple went for a whimsical theme and their animal print wallpaper was a standout element. Jason and Sarah took risks in their guest bedroom and incorporated a dramatic feature wall as well as adding an ensuite that served two bedrooms. Elsewhere in the house, the pair created a luscious vibe in their 'redo' bedroom which relied heavily upon the midnight blue hue. The kids are alright! The couple went for a whimsical theme and their animal print wallpaper was a standout element for the children's room Bold move: Jason and Sarah took risks in the guest bedroom and incorporated a dramatic feature wall Nice colour! The pair created a luscious vibe in their 'redo' bedroom which relied heavily upon the midnight blue hue Feeling the blues: The choice of colour created luxurious feel in their room Anything but a bedroom / Hallway and laundry/ Studio For their wildcard room, the couple were another team who decided to go for a sitting room, which was described as a 'parents' retreat' that made use of a mustard yellow leather lounge and flat screen TV. Garnering some of their biggest compliments was Jason and Sarah's high-ceiling hallway, while their laundry also earned praise for its beautiful basin and stunning tiling. Meanwhile, Jason and Sarah's studio was praised for its scale, styling and versatility. Lounging around: For their wildcard room, the couple were another team who decided to go for a sitting room which was described as a 'parents' retreat' that made use of a mustard yellow leather lounge and flat screen TV Aiming high! Garnering some of their biggest compliments was Jason and Sarah's hallway which featured a high ceiling Compliments galore: Their laundry also earned praise for its beautiful basin and stunning tiling Multi-purpose: Jason and Sarah's studio was praised for its scale, styling and versatility Bathroom /Backyard In their bathroom, Jason and Sarah made the surprising move of flipping their floor plan and then impressed with a new take on Moroccan tiles. Outside, the couple - who had been struggling with their budget for much of the competition - couldn't afford to include a pool but made up for it with their spacious and well-styled backyard with a luxurious outdoor kitchen. Flipping the switch: Jason and Sarah rearranged their bathroom floor plan To the floor: The couple also impressed with a new take on Moroccan tiles in their bathroom Spectacular space: Outside, the couple - who had been struggling with their budget for much of the competition - couldn't afford to include a pool She sensationally quit her job as host of the Today show this week over pay parity, before quickly being hired by Channel 10 for a $2 million hosting gig on The Project. And Lisa Wilkinson looked happier (and better) than ever as she attended Moet & Chandon's World's Largest Champagne Tasting at the Sydney Opera House on Friday. The 57-year-old tried several different types of tipple as she toasted Global Champagne Day with the famous brand. Cheers to me! Lisa Wilkinson jokes about her 'interesting week' as she makes her first red carpet appearance after quitting the Today show The gathering's official MC, she guided attendees through a tasting of Moet & Chandons greatest champagnes, such as Imperial and Grand Vintage. Welcoming 800 guests to the day's festivities, she poked fun at the week's controversial events, saying: 'My name is Lisa Wilkinson and I am from... nowhere at the moment.' She touched on her own 'interesting week' after cheekily asking guests 'hows everyones week been?' Having a ball: The 57-year-old tried several different types of tipple as she toasted Global Champagne Day with Moet & Chandon Tipple: The gathering's official MC, she guided attendees through a tasting of Moet & Chandons greatest champagnes, like Imperial and Grand Vintage She proceeded to make another crack, telling the crowd 'Moet & Chandon is synonymous with royal jubilees, coronations, celebrations and new job opportunities.' 'Sorry, I couldnt help myself,' she added with a laugh. Lisa's dress for the event may have been more than just a fashion statement, with white traditionally worn by suffragettes protesting for the right to vote in the early 1900s. Hillary Clinton famously wore white as a nod to the early feminists when accepting the Democratic presidential nomination last year. Happy as a clam: Lisa is clearly enjoying her time off More than just a fashion statement? Her dress for the event may have been more than just a fashion statement, with white traditionally worn by suffragettes protesting for the right to vote in the early 1900 Lisa accessorised her statement dress with metallic accessories, wearing pointy toe stilettos and carrying a clutch. Meanwhile on the other side of town, her former Today colleague Karl Stefanovic appeared downcast while bringing the bins in at his Mosman home. While Lisa dazzled, a tired looking Karl returned to his multi-million dollar home accompanied by girlfriend Jasmine Yarbrough. Bottoms up! Lisa took several sips of champagne during the day's event Looking a bit of all white! Lisa stunned in her white lace frock at the event Lighting up the stage: The TV host couldn't hide her high spirits at the event Downcast day: Meanwhile, across town her former co-host Karl Stefanovic was seen bringing in the bins in the rain Long week? A tired looked Karl returned to his multi-million dollar home accompanied by girlfriend Jasmine Yarbrough The model turned shoe designer quickly dashed inside, leaving Karl with the unpleasant task. Braving the rain in his sharp blue suit, the Today presenter grappled with the trash receptacle, dragging it off the street. Dashed inside: But the model quickly ran inside leaving her boyfriend to perform the unpleasant chore Centre of attention: Lisa's recent split with the Nine Network over gender pay parity has made global headlines, including the UK's BBC News and The New York Times Her time to shine: Friday saw Lisa's first red carpet appearance since party ways with Nine Breaking records: The 57-year-old toasted Global Champagne Day the famous brand at the Opera House Golden girl: Lisa accessorised her statement dress with metallic accessories, wearing pointy toe stilettos and carrying a clutch Didn't lose any sleep: Lisa looked well rested and fresh faced as she stepped out at the event Lisa's recent split with the Nine Network over gender pay parity has made global headlines, including the UK's BBC News and The New York Times. Nine's CEO Hugh Marks gave his version of the dispute on Wednesday, telling The Daily Telegraph the network walked away from Lisa because she has 'commercial contracts' with rival companies restricting their complete access to her. He also revealed he went 'to incredible amount of trouble to build' a $1.8 million package for the TV star, but Lisa demanded $2.3 million - $300,000 more than co-host Karl Stefanovic. Say cheese: Lisa posed for photos alongside one of the event's organisers 'My name is Lisa Wilkinson and I am from... nowhere at the moment': Welcoming 800 guests to the day's festivities, she poked fun at the week's events 'I hate the fact we have to compare her with Karl but with him we have those rights (to complete access). With Lisa, we do not': Nine's CEO Hugh Marks gave his version of the dispute on Wednesday 'I hate the fact we have to compare her with Karl but with him we have those rights (to complete access). With Lisa, we do not,' he remarked. Lisa is the editor-at-large of Huffington Post Australia - a competitor of Nine's digital news sites - and The Telegraph claimed that deal had 'caused increasing friction'. The deal mean that Lisa wasn't able to contribute to Nine's digital sites the same way as the network's other stars, Marks argued. Caused friction at Nine? Lisa is the editor-at-large of Huffington Post Australia - a competitor of Nine's digital news sites Marks told The Daily Telegraph Lisa's Huffington Post deal 'restricts [Nine's] ability to engage with her digitally'. Lisa will start her new job on The Project early next year, hosting the show on Sunday nights and starring on the panel alongside Carrie Bickmore, Waleed Aly and Peter Helliar during the week. Famke Janssen starred in four installments of the X-Men franchise as Jean Grey. But when producers rebooted the comic book series for 2016's X-Men: Apocalypse, Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner was cast in the role. 'I didnt give up, they gave up on me. Theres a big difference,' Janssen, 52, told UsWeekly. 'They gave up on me': Fanke Janssen, 52, has blamed sexism and ageism for producers' decision to drop her from the X-Men franchise after starring in four films as Jean Grey The Dutch-born former model, who went on to star in TV's the Blacklist, is blaming sexism and ageism for being cast aside. 'Its like what happens in life. You get, well not to me thankfully. But people, just like men trade women in for a younger model version. Its like that,' she said. Janssen previously has spoken about how her male co-stars Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan have been brought back for cameos alongside the younger versions of Magneto and Professor X. But women, she asserted, aren't offered the same opportunity, something she puts down to attitudes towards older actresses. 'Men trade women in for a younger model version': The Dutch model and actress starred in four X-Men films; she's pictured with James Marsden in 2003's X2 Different rules: Janssen, second from left, front row, says co-stars Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart have continued to make cameos in X-Men films. The cast is pictured in Cannes in 2006 The actress spoke to the magazine while at the Skin Cancer Foundation Gala in new York on Tuesday. She arrived for the charity fundraiser showing off her stunning long legs in a thigh-skimming black dress. The patterned number offered a hint of cleavage and featured cold shoulder sleeves. The natural beauty wore her long raven locks loose and added shiny black shoes and carried a black clutch. They're the Bachelor and Bachelorette rejects who confirmed their relationship in February this year. And after doing two months of long distance, Noni Janur and Sam Johnston, 29, have been spending the last few weeks reunited in Los Angeles. Adding a photo to her growing holiday album on Friday, the 27-year-old flaunted her pert derriere in a racy swimsuit snap. Bach bum! On Friday, Noni Janur added a racy picture of her surgically enhanced derriere during her trip to LA to visit boyfriend Sam Johnston Wearing a red G-string two-piece, the stunner posed with her back facing the camera. 'Now on duty #thuglife', she captioned the cheeky shot. Showcasing her enviable and incredibly bronzed hourglass physique, Noni was quickly inundated by fans with many compliments. Loved up: Posting another shot earlier in the day, the reality star smiled in a selfie alongside her boyfriend of eight months Sam Posting another shot earlier in the day, the reality star smiled in a selfie alongside her boyfriend of eight months. Arriving in the United States two weeks ago, Noni opened up about the struggles of long distance. 'Long distance is definitely not the easiest but you make it a hell of a lot easier @samueljohnston,' she wrote on an earlier picture. Opening up: Arriving in the United States two weeks ago, Noni opened up about the struggles of long distance Making it work: 'Long distance is definitely not the easiest but you make it a hell of a lot easier @samueljohnston' It's in the works: Speaking to NW earlier in the year, Noni said she'd like to move over to the US to be with her beau once her visa is approved Speaking to NW earlier in the year, Noni said she'd like to move over to the US to be with her beau once her visa is approved. 'I've wanted to move over to LA too, but it's really hard obviously with visas and stuff,' she said. 'We've talked about it and Sam's said "once I get my permanency, we can just get married and you can come over".' She is one of the hardest-working Australian models. And Shanina Shaik sizzled in Miami as she joined Caroline Lowe, Olivia Culpo and Daniela Braga for a beach photo shoot. The 26-year-old was spotted in the popular tourist destination on Friday, where she turned heads in a skimpy two-piece. Scroll down for video Smoking hot: Shanina Shaik sizzled in Miami as she joined Caroline Lowe, Olivia Culpo and Daniela Braga for a beach photo shoot The brunette knockout cut a casual figure alongside her fellow models, wearing her hair in a topknot with designer sunglasses shielding her eyes from the sun. She was joined by IMG Models signee Caroline Lowe, Miss Universe 2012 winner Olivia Culpo and Brazilian bombshell Daniela Braga. The bevy of beauties flaunted their enviable figures as they shot fun scenes on the sand and water for a camera crew. Effortless: The brunette stunner cut a casual figure alongside her fellow models, wearing her hair in a topknot with designer sunglasses shielding her eyes from the sun Girls trip: She was joined by IMG Models signee Caroline Lowe, Miss Universe 2012 winner Olivia Culpo and Brazilian bombshell Daniela Braga Knockouts: The bevy of beauties flaunted their enviable figures as they shot fun scenes on the sand and in the water for a camera crew Daniela and Caroline were spotted on their phones between work breaks, as Shanina and Olivia looked towards the Atlantic Ocean. The only stunner who posted footage from their day of shooting was Olivia, who shared video to her social media accounts with the caption: 'Girls weekend!' She also tagged models Devon Windsor and Hannah Ferguson. Tech savvy: Daniela and Caroline were spotted on their phones between work breaks, as Shanina and Olivia looked towards the Atlantic Ocean Sociable: The only stunner who posted footage from their day of shooting was Olivia, who shared video to her Instagram with the caption, 'Girls weekend!' Shanina, who celebrated one million followers on Instagram on Wednesday, is the newest face of Khloe Kardashian's Good American brand. 'As a woman who is a true mix of cultures, it has always been important to me to celebrate diversity and inclusivity,' she stated of her association with the denim line. 'I am so thrilled and honored to be part of the Good American family, which strives to make all women feel beautiful, strong and confident #goodsquad,' she continued. Sizzling: The 26-year-old was spotted in the popular tourist destination on Friday, where she turned heads in a skimpy two-piece She's been a top model since the 1990s. And Helena Christensen proved see was still on top of her game as she stunned in a skimpy black dress in New York on Thursday. The 48-year-old knock out revealed her enviable figure in the see through gown for the star studded Eternity Calvin Klein advertising campaign dinner. Stunner: Helena Christensen, 48, stunned in a skimpy black dress in New York on Thursday Daring to impress, the Danish supermodel let her beautiful decolletage take center stage as her ensemble was made of black lace. Her gorgeous gams turned heads as they stole the spotlight on the red carpet. Throwing caution to the wind, the brunette bombshell went virtually makeup free with a subtle neutral palette and a bright berry lip. Daring: Daring to impress, the Danish supermodel let her beautiful decolletage take center stage as her ensemble was made of black lace Giving face: Throwing caution to the wind, the brunette bombshell went virtually makeup free with a subtle neutral palette and a bright berry lip Her enviable trademark dark tresses were left long and loose as they cascaded over her petite shoulders. Helena lives in New York City with her 16-year-old son Mingus, who she shares with ex Norman Reedus, of The Walking Dead fame. The celebrity duo were together for 5 years from 1998 to 2003 and now co-parent Mingus, who was born in 1999. Monochrome maven: Model Liya Kebede stunned in leather trousers and a matching jacket teamed with a white poloneck Double trouble: She and Jake Gyllenhaal practiced their best sultry model pouts at the event Studly: Jake cut a dapper figure in a grey suit teamed with a simple black top Suits you: The 36-year-old actor flashed a wide grin as he posed at the bash Loving life! The Donnie Darko star burst out laughing as he posed alongside Liya The former Victoria Secret model, who shot to fame alongside Tyra Banks and Cindy Crawford, has proudly watched her teen son follow in her model footsteps, recently walking for Calvin Klein during New York Fashion Week. Jake Gyllenhaal made an appearance as he cut a dapper figure in a grey suit. His sister, Maggie, astounded the fashion gods once again in a unique sartorial wonder that had onlookers questioning their existence. Desiree Grubar and Kyle MacLaughlin pulled up the rear as a dashing couple in sophisticated black. Step back: Maggie Gyllenhaal astounded the fashion gods once again in a unique sartorial wonder that had onlookers questioning their existence Classy: Desiree Grubar and Kyle MacLaughlin pulled up the rear as a dashing couple in sophisticated black She's the former Playboy bunny model who now spends most of her time on a remote farm in northern NSW. And Nicola Robinson has certainly been getting in touch with the local wildlife, sharing a video of her getting VERY up close and personal with a rodent on Friday. The wife of controversial Paleo chef Pete Evans shared a video of a small critter crawling underneath her sweater. Look away if you're squeamish! Skin-crawling moment Pete Evans' wife Nicola Robinson lets a rodent crawl underneath her sweater In the video posted to her Instagram story, Nicola holds up a sweater-clad arm and on first appearance nothing is out of the ordinary. But soon the sleeve began to move, with a large rodent eventually sticking his head out curiously. While such close contact with a rodent would leave most people shuddering, Nicola appeared not bothered. Saying hello: Soon the sleeve began to move, with a large rodent eventually sticking his head out curiously Braless tea rituals and naked horse whispering: Pete and wife Nicola practise a Paleo lifestyle on their NSW farm Zen: Nicola sits braless as she practices a solemn meditative tea ceremony The New Zealand-born beauty also previously posted a snap celebrating the rat skeleton she had found in her home, writing that she had been 'strangely amused by your seemingly cosy home, as it really is a pretty sweet mix of old & new'. Other photos posted to both Nicola and Pete's Instagram accounts show off the couple's new age lifestyle. Earlier this year, the former model posted a series of revealing snaps of her and her husband posing naked as they spent time with their horses. During an appearance on Sunrise last month, Pete revealed the couple were 'usually' naked on their farm. She's not shy! The former model recently posted a naked photo taken as she hung out with her horse Getting in touch with nature: Nicola, who previously revealed her horses sing to her, also shared a snap of husband bonding with the animals Tree change: In 2015, Nicola and Pete traded in their Bondi Beach lifestyle for a farm in northern NSW 'That's the beautiful thing about having a farm, why do you need to wear clothes?' He explained. Nicola, who describes herself as a 'moon gazing farm girl' and 'nutritional mermaid', also stunned social media in 2015 when she revealed she was celebrating her dog's monthly cycle. Nicola and Pete began dating in 2012 and married in 2016, with the glamour model reportedly introducing the celebrity chef to the Paleo lifestyle. Changed his diet: Nicola and Pete began dating in 2012, with the model believed to have introduced the chef to Paleo That's different! The New Zealand-born beauty also previously posted a snap celebrating the rat skeleton she had found in her home Father of two: Pete shares two daughters - Chilli and Indii - with his ex-wife Astrid Edlinger, who he split from in 2011 The celebrity chef has also courted controversy for his health views, previously claiming that dairy products could remove calcium from bones and fluoride in tap water was harmful. Meanwhile wife Nicola has advised Instagram followers to make their own toothpaste and earlier this year had her 'toxic' breast implants removed. The former lingerie model previously revealed she had undergone three boob jobs by the age of 21. Explant: Nicola earlier this year had her 'toxic' breast implants removed He began dating shoe designer Jasmine Yarbrough a few months after announcing he was ending his 21 year marriage with Cassandra Thorburn. And it seems Karl Stefanovic's brother Peter certainly approves of his sibling's new girlfriend. A snap of the trio cuddling up while attending a charity bash surfaced on Instagram on Friday. Brother's seal of approval! Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough cuddle up with a smiling Peter at the charity bash luncheon 'Great day yesterday @sylviajeffreys for @youngcareoz @peter_stefanovic @jasyarby,' they captioned. Sitting together at the event, Peter stood between the loved-up couple with his arms around their shoulders. For the lunch, Jasmine sported a black and white polka dot blouse that featured a large bow on her collar. Chic: For the lunch, Jasmine sported a black and white polka dot blouse that featured a large bow on her collar Making an entrance: Charity Ambassador Sylvia Jeffreys also attended the event The blonde had her shoulder-length locks left out and sported a radiant glow. The two brothers were both dressed in suits and accessorised with ties. Charity Ambassador Sylvia Jeffreys also attended the event with her husband Peter. Sticking together: After a big week that saw former co-host Lisa Wilkinson walk away from her job after an alleged pay disparity, the remaining Today show team were all in attendance as well The TV journalist donned a form-fitting red mid-length frock that showcased a hint of leg with its split. Ensuring all eyes were on her slim physique and bold ensemble, she added simple gold strappy sandals. After a big week that saw former co-host Lisa Wilkinson walk away from her job after an alleged pay disparity, the remaining Today show team were all in attendance as well. Split: Last September, Karl and his wife Cassandra Thorburn revealed they had separated after 21 years of marriage Last September, Karl and Cassandra revealed they had separated after 21 years of marriage. After meeting Jasmine at a boat party in December, the pair began dating. On Thursday, it was also reported that Karl Stefanoic had purchased his new abode in Mosman, rumoured to be worth $7 million. Opinion / Columnist Albert Nyathi, Jah Prayzah and Derrick Mpofu are all based in Harare and going great musically. When I was in Harare last week on arts business, I somehow managed to cross their paths.Jah Prayzah had the Kutonga Kwaro album launch and Derrick Mpofu had a show at Theatre in the Park. One thing for sure there is no doubt that Jah Prayzah is the king of local music at the moment.One would have thought that the absence of Davido who pulled out at the last minute would affect the event. But no, the Harare International Conference Center (HICC) was a hive of activity. Until I watched Dereck Mpofu, the Jah Prayzah gig was the only thing to talk about.There is not much I can say about Derrick in terms of his character or history. But he can sing. I got two invites to his show before Albert Nyathi dragged me there. I reluctantly agreed even though Arsenal was playing at the same time as Mpofu's show. So here is my quick review of the show.Mpofu oozes talent. He had the audience eating out of his palm. I honestly did not know Derrick up until I heard him sing Mariii, which was a sing-along during his show. Maybe I need a new relationship with radio as it is then that I learnt that he was actually an amazing artiste. My friends here in Bulawayo actually know his music. I was proud of my Bulawayo roots, he is so far our realistic hope for a big star.Maybe it's true that one should move to Harare to make it. It's our own New York City, where dreams come true. But that's not the amazing thing about Derrick. I was especially amazed by the chemistry he shares with Albert Nyathi.He has musicalised Albert Nyathi's poem My Daughter. He makes Nyathi's timeless classic Senzeni Na? Way too cool. Derrick is currently on tour in Switzerland with Albert Nyathi and Oliver Mtukudzi. Even though Bulawayo is not as kind when it comes to local artistes, I pray he comes home to bless us.In a related issue. I had a spat with Vuka Vuka breakfast show host Babongile Skhonjwa last Friday. It was not my proudest moment as it happened on social media. For that, I apologise to those who follow me. But for the good of art, the beef will only end in a singing contest on Friday 27 October at Bulawayo Theatre.Many things have been said about the show, some positive and some negative. I am going through with this, not just as a way of defending who I am but also for art's sake. Remember art should always be the winner. I hope to see all of you at the theatre. Tickets are going for $3 advance and $5 at the door. Contact me on bifa24@gmail.com or 0772214373. Until next week, be safenkuenkala Victoria's Secret Angel Stella Maxwell flashed her black bra and panties at the Alice McCall SS/18 launch in West Hollywood on Thursday. The 27-year-old Lions Model paired her sheer lace Alice McCall maxi-dress with a matching leather motorcycle jacket and booties for the fashion festivities at Chateau Marmont. That same evening, the Belgian-born Brit shared a behind-the-scenes video from the La Jolla set of her futuristic shoot with photographer Mariano Vivanco. Scroll down for video Lingerie model: Victoria's Secret Angel Stella Maxwell flashed her black bra and panties at the Alice McCall SS/18 launch in West Hollywood on Thursday Earth Angel: The 27-year-old Lions Model paired her sheer lace Alice McCall maxi-dress with a matching leather motorcycle jacket and booties for the fashion festivities at Chateau Marmont In it, Stella ducked and dodged a drone while wearing a Dundas blue-sequin catsuit and Giuseppe Zanotti booties selected by stylist Anna Trevelyan. Maxwell's spread will be in the 150th anniversary edition of Harper's BAZAAR, and she'll next appear in the VS Fashion Show taking place November 28 in Shanghai. Noticeably missing was the University of Otago grad's girlfriend Kristen Stewart, who spoke out against sexual harassment at Tuesday's Elle Women in Hollwood Event. 'I know a lot of these women,' the 27-year-old Cesar Award winner said onstage the Four Seasons Hotel. Sneak peek: That same evening, the Belgian-born Brit shared a behind- the-scenes video from the La Jolla set of her futuristic shoot with photographer Mariano Vivanco 'Attack of the drones!' In it, Stella ducked and dodged a drone while wearing a Dundas blue-sequin catsuit and Giuseppe Zanotti booties selected by stylist Anna Trevelyan Final shot: Maxwell's spread will be in the 150th anniversary edition of Harper's BAZAAR, and she'll next appear in the VS Fashion Show taking place November 28 in Shanghai 'I would say let's be aware of this on every level. I can tell you that those girls are as duct-taped as one could possibly be, because they're in fear of getting their next job.' The 5ft9in blonde and the Twilight alum confirmed their romance in December, but the sapphic pair were first spotted partying together at the Met Gala in May 2016. Instead, Stella cozied up to Tallulah Willis at the Alice McCall presentation, who flaunted her taut tummy in a grey Pony cropped T-shirt. 'I know a lot of these women': Missing was the University of Otago grad's girlfriend Kristen Stewart, who spoke out against sexual harassment at Tuesday's Elle Women in Hollwood Event Solo mission: The 5ft9in blonde and the 27-year-old Cesar Award winner confirmed their romance in December The eccentric 23-year-old daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis also sported high-waisted blue jeans, a grey faux fur jacket, and teal reptilian cowboy boots. Stella also posed with the woman of the hour, pink-clad designer Alice McCall, who rested her hand on Maxwell's pert posterior. Performer Rainey Qualley, The Mistletoe Promise's Jaime King, and Famous in Love's Georgie Flores also enjoyed the sunset-lit rooftop soiree. Hey girl! Instead, Stella cozied up to Tallulah Willis at the Alice McCall presentation, who flaunted her taut tummy in a grey Pony cropped T-shirt Midriff: The eccentric 23-year-old daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis also sported high-waisted blue jeans, a grey faux fur jacket, and teal reptilian cowboy boots Handsy: Stella also posed with the woman of the hour, pink-clad designer Alice McCall, who rested her hand on Maxwell's pert posterior Ladies night: Performer Rainey Qualley (M), The Mistletoe Promise's Jaime King (2-R), and Famous in Love's Georgie Flores (R) also enjoyed the sunset-lit rooftop soiree The 38-year-old mother-of-two donned a plunging black gown while the 27-year-old Rendezvous songstress got leggy in a b&w romper for the party. Like several of the partygoers, Rainey is nepotistically-privileged having been the daughter of Andie MacDowell and Paul Qualley. Also attending the Alice McCall bash were Kelsey Grammer's 25-year-old daughter Greer as well as stylists Lindsey Dupuis and Brit Elkin. Cityscape: The 38-year-old mother-of-two donned a plunging black gown while the 27-year-old Rendezvous songstress got leggy in a b&w romper for the party Warming her pipes: Like several of the partygoers, Rainey is nepotistically-privileged having been the daughter of Andie MacDowell and Paul Qualley Last week she appeared at a high-profile charity walk. And Renee Zellweger was back in front of the cameras again on Thursday when she attended a premiere for her new movie Same Kind Of Different As Me. The 48-year-old Jerry Maguire star looked incredibly youthful in her black strapless number, which showed off her admirably toned arms. Ready for her close-up! Renee Zellweger was back in front of the cameras again on Thursday when she attended a premiere for her new movie Same Kind Of Different As Me The knee length garment featured a fitted bodice with multicolored, stylized flowers, a design which appeared to also be present in the lining. Glossy black pointed toe heels rounded out her classically chic look. Her golden tresses were messily parted in the middle and pulled back into a loose ponytail. Ageless: The 48-year-old Jerry Maguire star looked incredibly youthful in her black strapless number, which showed off her admirably toned arms Minimal eye make-up, blush and rose lipstick ensured the blue-eyed beauty was ready for her turn on the red carpet. While she appeared quite happy at the premiere, public appearances are actually quite rare for the Academy Award-winning actress. Keeping it simple Minimal eye make-up, blush and rose lipstick ensured the blue-eyed beauty was ready for her turn on the red carpet All smiles: While she appeared quite happy at the premiere, public appearances are actually quite rare for the Academy Award-winning actress That made her appearance at LA's Walk to Defeat ALS in Exposition Park last Sunday even more meaningful. Before the one-mile walk the Chicago beauty posed for pictures, looking laid-back in distressed jeans, a faded USO ballcap and long-sleeved tee shirt. The ALS Association hosts the LA walk once a year to fundraise and bring awareness to the plight of ALS sufferers. The organization consists of several nationwide chapters and 'is the only organization leading the fight to discover a cure for ALS from all angles.' They are parents to adorable 18-month-old daughter whom they are always seen out and about with. But Chrissy Teigen and John Legend got to enjoy some one-on-one time on their latest outing. The A-list couple were in attendance at the Los Angeles opening night of Turn Me Loose on Thursday night. On the town: Chrissy Teigen and John Legend were in attendance at the Los Angeles opening night of Turn Me Loose on Thursday night Chrissy, 31, looked absolutely stunning in a nude-colored midi dress as she supported her 38-year-old husband who is a co-producer of the play. The frock featured a feathered lining at the end of the sleeves as well as along the thigh-high split which showed off her legs. She kept the dress together with a gold chain belt as the teamed the look with nude stilettos. Happy couple: Chrissy, 31, looked absolutely stunning in a nude-colored midi dress as she supported her 38-year-old husband who is a co-producer of the play Her brunette tresses were worn down in a middle-part as it was tucked behind her ear. She let her natural looks show with complimentary make-up on her face topped off with nude lip. John looked appeared in a patterned navy blue suit featuring burgundy lining. He teamed the blazer and jacket combination with a crisp white dress shirt and burgundy Gucci brogues. Stunning: The frock featured a feathered lining at the end of the sleeves as well as along the thigh-high split which showed off her legs Gorgeous: She let her natural looks show with complimentary make-up on her face topped off with nude lip John is co-producer of the play which is a comedic drama about the life of comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory. Gregory passed away at the age of 84 back in August. Having launched her new clothing collection with Revolve last week, Chrissy revealed she often dresses in outfits that John will like. 'I kind of know what sets him off...' she told E! News. 'I know if we're going on a little date he'll want to touch my back so I'll wear something backless or I'll wear something leggy.' Tremendous trio: The two were joined by Joe Morton at the gala 'He's very much into skin but in a discrete way he's not like, "Ooooh those boobies!"... Thank God, he's not an ass guy! Like he's never like, "Damn that a**!"' The pair met on set of John's music video for Stereo in 2007, and became engaged four years later. They tied the knot in Lake Como, Italy in September 2013, and went on to welcome their first child - a daughter, Luna - in April 2016. Malin Akerman walked the red carpet at an event in New York Thursday night with her new fiance Jack Donnelly. The Billions actress, 39, revealed a week ago that she had accepted a proposal from the British actor who is eight years her junior. The couple put on a loved up display as they arrived at the Vanity Fair And Saks Fifth Avenue 2017 International Best-Dressed List Party, Engaged: Malin Akerman walked the red carpet at an event in New York Thursday night with her new fiance Jack Donnelly, a British actor eight years her junior Akerman, who has a four-year-old son from her marriage to musician Roberto Zincone, wore her signature blonde hair styled in wispy curls. She rocked a very plunging black jacket decorated with colorful planet and star motifs by Cinq a Sept. She added skinny black leggings that emphasized her fabulously long legs and stepped out in black ankle boots. Dazzling: Akerman wore her signature blonde hair styled in wispy curls. She rocked a very plunging black jacket decorated with colorful planet and star motifs by Cinq a Sept Looking fabulous: She added skinny black leggings that emphasized her fabulously long legs and stepped out in black ankle boots Former Gossip Girl star Kelly Rutherford, 48, showed up in blue jeans paired with a shimmery gold smock. The sleeveless top highlighted her blonde hair that she wore back from her face in a sophisticated updo. On hand, too, was actress Bridget Moynahan, 46, in a dramatic red dress dotted with horses and a black bib over the bodice. She added a black jacket that she wore draped over her shoulders. Shiny star: Former Gossip Girl star Kelly Rutherford, 48, showed up in blue jeans paired with a shimmery gold smock and white pumps Stylish: The sleeveless top highlighted her blonde hair that she wore back from her face in a sophisticated updo Gorgeous: Bridget Moynahan, 46, wore a dramatic red dress dotted with horses and a black bib over the bodice. She added a black jacket that she wore draped over her shoulders Joining in the fun was John Mellencamp's model nephew Ian, 34, who arrived with Jasmine Grimaldi, 25, the illegitimate daughter of Prince Albert of Monaco, on his arm. Also on the guest list was British socialite and heiress Daphne Guinness, 49. Minor royalty: Joining in the fun was John Mellencamp's model nephew Ian, 34, who arrived with Jasmine Grimaldi, 25, the illegitimate daughter of Prince Albert of Monaco, on his arm It's been over ten days since his St Barths getaway with girlfriend Chloe Green. And so-called 'Hot Felon' Jeremy Meeks looked a bit lonely as he stepped out in Calabasas on Thursday afternoon. The 33-year-old took a stroll by himself wearing a casual outfit of jeans and a T-shirt. Solo: 'Hot Felon' Jeremy Meeks looked a bit lonely as he stepped out in Calabasas on Thursday afternoon TMZ reported during the summer Jeremy had filed for separation from Melissa Meeks, who'd been married to him eight years and who has a seven-year-old son by him. Photos emerged in June of Jeremy and the Topshop heiress Chloe, 26, locking lips on a yacht off the Turkish coast - to the heartbreak and wrath of his loyal, long-suffering wife. Chloe posted an Instagram photo of herself and Jeremy captioned: 'Just the beginning...We appreciate all the love and the hate,' before making her account private, and Jeremy's deleted photos on his Instagram that'd featured Melissa. Ripped: The 33-year-old took a stroll by himself wearing a casual outfit of torn jeans and a T-shirt DailyMail.com ran pictures early in July of his return to his Manteca, California house, where cigarette-gripping Melissa appeared to argue with him from the porch. Melissa soon told The Mail On Sunday that she intended to divorce Jeremy, and she tore into Made In Chelsea starlet Chloe for her part in the marriage's rupture. What sort of woman would do something like this to another woman? My marriage wasnt perfect but I thought it could be saved, until this happened,' Melissa fumed. Where is she? It's been over ten days since his St Barths getaway with girlfriend Chloe Green (pictured together in late September in Monaco) 'Of course Im angry at her. What she did is unforgivable. And Im angry at him too. What they did destroyed my entire world,' said the nurse, who's five years Jeremy's senior and who's got an 11-year-old son from a previous relationship. Did either of them think about the children and how this will affect them? Theyre the innocent victims in this,' Melissa noted, adding for good measure: 'And so am I.' On October 5, TMZ reported Jeremy had finally filed for divorce, with an eye to joint custody of Jeremy Jr. After a string of far less renowned mugshots, Jeremy began his latest justice system imbroglio back in 2014, resulting in the mugshot that made him a star. The Stockton Police Department had embarked on a gang sweep that June, bringing Jeremy in for five weapons offences and two gang membership offences. He was finally sentenced in February of 2015 on one of the gun charges, and was released from prison last March, remaining under house arrest until last July. She was presented with an extravagant second engagement ring by her husband Oliver Curtis after he was released from prison in July. And on Friday, PR queen Roxy Jacenko proudly flaunted the diamond sparkler as she kicked back holiday in Singapore with her husband. In a photo posted to jeweller Nicholas Haywood Jewellery Concierge's Instagram page, Roxy's well-manicured hand and stunning ring were seen in a close-up photo. What a ring! PR queen Roxy Jacenko flaunted her $450,000 diamond ring while on holiday in Singapore with husband Oliver Curtis on Friday Her ring is valued at around $450,000 according to a respected member of the National Council of Jewellery Valuers- an amount which is more than double the cost of her original 2010 engagement ring from Oliver. Fans of the jewelry designer complimented the exquisite piece, including one who wrote: 'Nailed it NICHOLAS!' Another simply commented: 'yes please' In the photo Roxy also sported a rose gold Audemars Piguet watch- worth upwards of $30,000. The 37-year-old's well manicured hand modelling the ring in a snap on the Nicholas Haywood Jewellery Concierge's Instagram account Living it up! The couple left Sydney for Singapore on Thursday, travelling in Singapore Airline's first class suite, valued at $8,000 The PR queen is staying at the luxurious The Fullerton Hotel in Singapore, enjoying a child-free getaway with Oliver. The couple left Sydney for Singapore on Thursday, travelling in Singapore Airline's first class suite, valued at $8,000. 'See you later Sydney,' the mother-of-two captioned the photo, shared to her 199,000 Instagram followers. Since arriving, Roxy has enjoyed some time by the pool working on her tan. Poolside perfection! Roxy put on a VERY busty display as she showcases her slender frame in a tiny bikini during lavish Singapore retreat with Oliver Curtis The fitness fanatic stripped down to a two piece bikini, flaunting her busty display and slender frame reclining in a pool chair. The Instagram post, likely captured by Oliver also features a glimpse at Singapore's picturesque skyline. Roxy wrote in the caption: '@fullertonbayhotel Fridays (sic).' She's been rocked by persistent rumours that she has split from her boyfriend of three years, Corey Gamble. But Kris Jenner proved she is still very much with the music executive, as the couple attended a Tommy Hilfiger event at Poppy club in West Hollywood on Thursday. The 61-year-old momager showcased her age-defying physique in racy thigh-high boots and a sharp tailored blazer as she cosied up to her beau, 33. United couple: Kris Jenner proved she is still very much dating boyfriend Corey Gamble, as the couple attended a Tommy Hilfiger event at Poppy club in West Hollywood on Thursday The Keeping Up With The Kardashian matriarch showed off her incredible figure in black skintight leggings and a scoop neckline top. Styling her glossy dark hair in her trademark tousled crop, the mum-of-six framed her features with dramatic mascara and nude lipstick. Letting her chic monochrome look do all the talking, Jenner accessorised with some decadent diamond drop earrings and a dazzling brooch. Corey, meanwhile, kept his look casual in white shirt and black chinos, which he teamed with black leather trainers. Looking good: The 61-year-old momager showcased her age-defying physique in racy thigh-high boots and a sharp tailored blazer Taking centre-stgae: The Keeping Up With The Kardashian matriarch showed off her incredible figure in black skintight leggings and a scoop neckline top Their outing comes just hours before sources claimed the momager had split up with Corey. 'Kris is ready to call it quits with Corey,' a source told In Touch. 'You can hear it in her voice that she is done.' MailOnline has contacted a representative for Kris for comment. Meanwhile back in March, Radar Online claimed that Kris had dumped Corey because he was taken up too much of her time. It was added she wanted to focus on her family and business. 'She needed to put her family before her own needs and wants,' the insider added. Glam: Styling her glossy dark hair in her trademark tousled crop, the mum-of-six framed her features with dramatic mascara and nude lipstick Kris started dating Corey in November 2014 after the breakup of her marriage to Bruce, now Caitlyn, Jenner. But then a source told TMZ that the report was '100% not true' and that the San Diego native was still happy with Gamble. 'Kris just really wants to focus on the show right now to ensure that her family stays on air,' the insider told the gossip website. 'A lot of people in her inner circle think that Corey was nothing but a rebound from Caitlyn anyways!' Dapper: Corey, meanwhile, kept his look casual in white shirt and black chinos which he teamed with black leather trainers Social butterfly: Kris and Corey mingled with designer Tommy Hilfiger on the night Kris and Corey, a road manager with Justin Bieber's manager Scooter Braun, reportedly met in Spain at Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci's 40th birthday in August 2014. In January another source told Radar Online that Kris and Corey were preparing to tie the knot. The website claimed that the Kardashian matriarch was having paperwork drawn up including 'an ironclad prenup for him to sign.' However, during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in February, Kris hinted that walking down the aisle wasn't something she planned on doing. 'You know, I've done that twice, and it didn't work out so well,' she told the daytime talk show host. 'So I don't know. You never know. I just think as long as things are going so well, why ruffle it up?' Preened to perfection: Letting her chic monochrome look do all the talking, Jenner accessorised with some decadent diamond drop earrings and a dazzling brooch Amber Tamblyn is not taking her husband David Cross' side in an online feud with comedian Charlyne Yi. Yi accused Cross of mocking her with what she claims were racist remarks a decade ago. And now the Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants actress has defended Yi with a series of tweets on Thursday, and stated that she did not want to be held accountable for her husband's actions. Not standing by him: Amber Tamblyn is not taking her husband David Cross' side in an online feud with comedian Charlyne Yi (pictured in May) 'I spoke to @charlyne_yi and her feelings/safety are all that matter to me,' Amber began, 'Were good. I owe you nothing, Twitter. Youre lucky to have me.' She then went on to respond to a commenter: 'Ill say it again. I spoke to Charlyne. I believe her. Im about HER feelings/emotional health right now, not Twitters. That okay with you?' Amber concluded that evening with a tweet: 'I will say this for the last time. Do not hold women accountable for the actions, decisions or words of their partners. Dont. Do it.' Sticking up for Yi: The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants actress has defended Yi with a series of tweets on Thursday, and stated that she did not want to be held accountable for her husband's actions Meanwhile on Tuesday, Cross took to social media to deny being a racist and bully. The 53-year-old actor was accused via Twitter by actress Yi, 31, of making racists remarks toward her. Yi tweeted Sunday about meeting Cross about a decade ago. Twitter defense: Cross, shown in January 2016 in New York City, took to Twitter on Tuesday to deny being a racist and bully 'I think about the first time I met David Cross ten years ago & he made fun of my pants (that were tattered because I was poor). Dumbfounded I stared at him speechless and he said to me 'what's a matter? You don't speak English?? Ching-chong-ching-chong',' Yi tweeted to her roughly 27,000 followers. The Steven Universe voice actress followed that up with a tweet reading: 'Then after he saw I was offended he asked me if I was going to fight with him karate in a southern accent. Then a few years later he was re-introduced to me after my comedy show with his girlfriend at the time & he said 'Hi nice to meet you'.' Yi minutes later tweeted that she knew Cross wasn't joking at the time. 'I will say this: - I can tell the difference between this man making a joke vs condescending me. Surprise accusation: The Arrested Development star took to Twitter in response to a tweet by actress Charlyne Yi accusing him of making racist remarks when they met 10 years ago First meeting: Yi, shown in June in Los Angeles, took to Twitter on Sunday and shared her first meeting with Cross claiming the comedian mocked her pants and said 'ching-chong' at her 'This happened 10 years ago and I sure as hell hope he's changed (or at the very least, he's scared enough to not be his racist self).' Yi added that the incident left her near tears. 'HOWEVER it is very uncool that a 40+ man was being racist towards me, being a young 20 year old woman who was clearly on the verge of tears from his first racist comment,' she posted. First time: The House actress took to Twitter on Sunday and recounted her first meeting with Cross Karate challenge: Yi tweeted that after Cross realized she was offended he asked her if she was going to fight him with karate A Twitter user later asked Cross if he would like to respond to Yi's allegation. 'Very much. I have reached out to her to clear this up. I've reached out to others who were there when we met as well to get verification,' he tweeted. The Arrested Development star later posted a note 'to any and all' on the matter on Twitter. Fan favorite: Cross, shown in October 2006 in New York City, said the accusation by Yi took him by surprise and was 'deeply upsetting' 'This accusation from Charlyne took me by surprised (sic) and was deeply upsetting. I would never intentionally hurt someone like that,' Cross tweeted to his roughly 116,000 followers. 'I do not remember doing this when I met her. I do remember meeting her though. She was the then girlfriend of a good friend of mine and we were about to start working on a movie together. 'I am NOT accusing Charlene (sic) of lying and I'm truly sorry if I hurt her, it was never my intention to do that,' he added. Reached out: The Kung Fu Panda star tweeted that he reached out to Yi to 'clear this up' Cross said he doesn't recall their meeting the same way Yi does and claimed he reached out to her in an effort to resolve the discrepancy. 'Anyway, I can't believe I have to write this but I am not a racist nor a bully and loathe them in real life. #Rashomon,' Cross wrote at the end of his note. Rashomon was a reference to the 1950 Japanese film by Akira Kurosawa that offered contradictory viewpoints of the same story. Truly sorry: Cross in a lengthy note he posted on Twitter said he was 'truly sorry' if he hurt Yi and said he didn't remember their meeting the same way she does along with a '#Rashomon' Yi in follow-up replies said she didn't want to be introduced by Cross at a later Girlfest event due to the incident. 'Like I said before, it's been a decade and I hope he's changed by now,' she also tweeted about Cross who voices the Master Crane character in the Kung Fu Panda franchise. Cross can be seen later this year in the historical drama The Post about the publishing of the Pentagon Papers. Not joking: Yi insisted in a tweet that Cross was not making a joke when they met The film stars Tom Hanks as late The Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee and Meryl Streep as newspaper publisher Katharine Graham. The Post is due out on December 22 in limited release followed by a wide release on January 12, 2018. Cross has been married since October 2012 to actress Amber Tamblyn, 34, and they welcomed daughter Marlow Alice Cross in February. He's come under intense scrutiny since Lisa Wilkinson's shock departure from the Today show on Monday night. But it didn't stop Karl Stefanovic, 43, stepping out with girlfriend Jasmine Yarbrough, 33, on Friday, as the pair dined at Sydney's exclusive Rockpool Bar and Grill. The lovebirds were dressed to impress but forgot to bring an umbrella for Sydney's wettest day in months. End of a tough week? Karl Stefanovic and girlfriend Jasmine Yarbrough brave the rain as they step out together for lunch at an exclusive Sydney restaurant The remaining Today show host cut a dapper figure in a tailored navy blue suit and black shoes. Underneath, Karl wore a white shirt with two buttons undone that exposed his bare chest. By his side was his former model girlfriend, who followed the memo by wearing a dark green blazer and pink pants with black stripes running down the leg. Forget something? The lovebirds may have been dressed to impress, but they forgot to bring an umbrella for Sydney's wettest day in months Looking sharp: The remaining Today show host cut a dapper figure in a tailored navy blue suit and black shoes She also wore a crisp white shirt with a high collar that was buttoned up, and a pair of white loafers. The shoe designer looked effortlessly beautiful with only a light application of make-up, and her short blonde locks let down. Karl was seen loading up the boot of a car with some luggage, including shoes from Jasmine's design range Mara & Mine. He then carried a small suitcase and a suit bag, as the pair walked through the Sydney city centre. Turning up the style! Jasmine followed the memo by wearing a dark green blazer and pink pants with black stripes running down the leg Stunning: The shoe designer looked effortlessly beautiful with only a light application of make-up, and her short blonde locks let down Representing the brand! Karl was seen loading up the boot of a car with some luggage, including shoes from Jasmine's design range Mara & Mine Something to smile about? Karl appeared to be in good spirits despite his long-term on-screen partner Lisa leaving the Nine Network, after they shot down her demands for a smaller pay gap with him Karl appeared to be in good spirits despite his long-term on-screen partner Lisa leaving the Nine Network, after they shot down her demands for a smaller pay gap with him. On arrival at Rockpool Bar and Grill, the pair bumped into former Prime Minister John Howard - much to Karl's delight. He offered the former Liberal politician a handshake, but Jasmine appeared to be too busy on the phone for an introduction. Last September, Karl and Cassandra Thorburn revealed they had separated after 21 years of marriage. After meeting Jasmine at a boat party in December, the pair began dating. Not impressed? On arrival at Rockpool Bar and Grill, the pair bumped into former Prime Minister John Howard - much to Karl's delight. He offered him a handshake, but Jasmine appeared to be too busy on the phone for an introduction Showing how it's done: The former Prime Minister came equipped with a black umbrella They have entered the world of the 1970s mafia for their latest roles in Martin Scorsese mob drama The Irishman. And Joe Pesci and Ray Romano showed their dedication to their roles as they channelled their inner gangsters during filming for the crime drama in New York City on Thursday. Legendary actor Joe, 74, who won an Academy award for his portrayal of psychopathic mobster Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas, looked every inch the crime boss as he was led away in handcuffs by what appeared to be two special agents. Scroll down for video Mafia don: Joe Pesci and Ray Romano showed their dedication to their roles as they channelled their inner gangsters during filming for Martin Scorsese crime drama The Irishman in New York City on Thursday Wow factor: Ray Romano, 59, pulled a series of animated expressions as he rocked a heavy side-parting, spectacles and braces for his scenes as mob lawyer Bill Bufalino The Home Alone star, who plays Sicilian born mafioso Russell Bufalino in the Netflix drama, was a force to be reckoned with as he sported a steely stare, slicked back locks and dark shades, paired with a vintage check suit jacket, red tie and high-waisted trousers. The acting legend pulled a defeated expression as he was shoved into a waiting police car during the tense scenes. He was joined on-set by on-screen brother Ray Romano, who looked almost unrecognisable as he transformed into mob lawyer Bill Buffalino. The Everybody Loves Raymond actor, 59, pulled a series of animated expressions as he rocked a heavy side-parting, spectacles and braces for his scenes. Steely: Legendary actor Joe, 74, who won an Academy award for his portrayal of psychopathic mobster Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas, looked every inch the crime boss as he was led away in handcuffs by what appeared to be two special agents Bundled in: The Home Alone star, who plays Sicilian born mafioso Russell Bufalino in the Netflix drama, was a force to be reckoned with as he sported a steely stare, slicked back locks and dark shades, paired with a vintage check suit jacket, red tie and high-waisted trousers No nonsense: He was joined on-set by on-screen brother Ray who looked almost unrecognisable as he transformed into Bill Work it: The starwas clearly in character as he gesticulated and folded his arms menacingly while clad in a navy blue suit, with a geometric print tie The star, who was spotted getting a quick make-up touch-up, was clearly in character as he gesticulated and folded his arms menacingly while clad in a navy blue suit, with a geometric print tie. Joe was later seen having a chat with iconic director Scorsese, 74, while clad in a baggy chocolate suit. This is the pair's fourth film collaboration. Scorsese looked delighted to be working with his old friend again and looked stylish in a navy blue suit jacket and jeans. He also sported a mysterious bandage on his right hand. Similar: Joe later changed into a chocolate suit as he got into character as Russell (right) Icon: Director Martin Scorsese was seen on set clad in a grey blazer Old friends: This is the fourth collaboration between Pesci and Scorsese Chatty: Joe was later seen having a chat with iconic director Scorsese, 74, while clad in a baggy chocolate suit Double trouble: Ray wore two sets of shades on set of the soon to be hit Method actor: Ray was the epitome of shady lawyer as he strutted around set The film is based on real-life hitman Frank 'The Irishman' Sheeran- written about in the book I Heard You Paint Houses. The Charles Brandt written book centers around the mysterious disappearance of mob boss Jimmy Hoffa. Hoffa was a working-class icon who turned the International Brotherhood of Teamsters labor union into a nationwide movement before falling from grace and going to jail for racketeering. He was pardoned by President Richard Nixon and was making his comeback when he was summoned to a meeting with two mafia dons on July 30, 1975. The 62-year-old arrived at 2pm and after waiting for half an hour called his wife and told her he would wait a few minutes more. Charismatic: Joe shot some animated stares as he practiced his scenes What happened? Martin sported a bandage on his right hand as he crossed the road He was reported missing that evening, with police finding his car at the restaurant, unlocked with a pair of white gloves neatly folded on the backseat. His disappearance became the subject of much speculation, with Giacalone and Provenzano denying scheduling a meeting with Hoffa and found not to be near the restaurant that afternoon He was declared legally dead in 1982. In the book, Mafia killer Sheeran revealed to Brandt that he had fired two shots into the back of his dear friend's head. According to Sheeran, Hoffa was later cremated at a funeral home with mob connections. The film also stars Robert De Niro, 74 and Al Pacino, 77 - the former he has joined forces with Scorsese, 74, on Casino in 1995, GoodFellas in 1990 and Raging Bull in 1980. Cheery: Despite the apparent injury, Martin looked in great spirits Thoughtful: Joe looked intent as he discussed a scene with a co-star Joe also appeared with De Niro the same trio of Scorsese films. It also stars Harvey Keitel, Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin and Jack Huston. Keitel and Paquin are also reuniting on a movie project for the first time since 1992's The Piano, which netted then child star Anna an Oscar at age 12. Scorsese was attached to direct The Irishman from as far back as 2014 when Pacino confirmed that the film was in development. He said that it would be Scorsese's next project after Silence. Originally, the movie was looking to shoot in 2016 with Steve Zaillian penning the adaptation, but it was pushed back. Mystery: The film is based on real-life hitman Frank 'The Irishman' Sheeran- written about in the book I Heard You Paint Houses. The Charles Brandt written book centers around the mysterious disappearance of mob boss Jimmy Hoffa (above) In May 2016, it was announced that the film's rights would be offered at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, while Mexican producer Fabrica de Cine had offered $100 million to finance the film. He later dropped out thanks to the movie's constantly climbing budget which led to the distributing company, Paramount, dropping their involvement. Netflix then bought the film for $105 million and agreed to finance the film's hefty $125 million budget with a release date set for next year. It's rumoured that Pesci turned down the offer to be in the movie 50 times before agreeing to take part. The movie is set to wrap filming in December 2017. Opinion / Columnist Only a Mugabe apologist and sycophant would pretend that Mugabe is a democratic."Remember Mugabe is trying to save his legacy and he wants to be viewed as someone democratic," wrote Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo, "a leading academic and researcher", we are told.Mugabe's legacy is already well documented and set in stone; he is a corrupt, incompetent and murderous tyrant who destroyed a promising nation's economy and denied millions of his people their freedoms and basic human rights to gratify hid insatiable greed for power and wealth."Remember Mugabe has state machinery behind him, and he is still a democratic elected President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, so any attempt to cause chaos on the congress or even before will be viewed by analysts, SADC and AU as attempt coup," you continue. This too is nonsense.Mugabe has kept the war veterans in the security sector, in the civil service and the Jabulani Sibanda and Chris Mutsvangwa rogues because he needed them to bolster his position and grip on power. It is only in the last three years that he has made a concerted effort to get rid of these men and women; they can see what he is up to and they have all said no. Mugabe does not have control of the Army, Police, CIO or the war veterans.In June 2013 SADC leaders told Mugabe to his face that Zimbabwe's planned elections must be postponed until the democratic reforms, to ensure free and fair elections, are implemented."Of course, they (elections) can be postponed," Dr Ibbo Mandaza explained in a recent interview with Violet Gonda. "In 2013 the Maputo Summit, in June 2013, before the elections, the Maputo Summit was all about having the elections postponed the SADC summit."I went there. I was there at the Summit and Mugabe pretended to agree to a postponement of the elections. If you recall, the postponement was based on the need to reform at least electoral laws."And after that Summit, Morgan Tsvangirai, Tendai Biti, Welshman Ncube, all of them were called to a separate meeting by the Heads of State of SADC in the absence of Mugabe, that same evening. And they were told; I was sitting there outside the room with Mac Maharaj; they were told 'if you go into elections next month, you are going to lose; the elections are done'."And we came back on a Sunday and that Monday we had a SAPES Policy Dialogue to discuss the Summit and lo and behold, whilst we were discussing it, the court papers arrived calling the MDC to court to show reason why the elections should be postponed. Mugabe had done a volte-face against the decision of the Summit. Mugabe went on TV and threatened to leave SADC 'who is SADC, we can leave SADC anyway'."And so, under some pretext of a court application by Jealousy Mawarire, which others claim was really a ZANU PF ploy, the elections were held. And 3 or 4 days before the election Morgan Tsvangirai was lamenting that he had evidence that the election was already rigged. But they were warned like they are being warned again now. But blindly, they cannot make any excuses now, they going into elections again."SADC leaders wanted the elections postponed precisely because they knew, with no reforms, Mugabe would rig the vote. But when Tsvangirai and company ignored their advice not to contest the elections, there really was nothing else SADC leaders could do to stop the flawed elections going ahead.When Tsvangirai later complained that the elections were rigged, SADC leaders completely ignore him because they had warned him that was going to happen and he would not listen. By the same token when Mugabe claimed he had been democratically elected SADC leaders ignored him too, because they are not stupid, they know he rigged the vote!SADC leaders are aware that Zanu PF is already rigging next year's elections. They can see how the regime is making heavy weather of the ongoing BVR exercise, for example. There is no way the regime is going to produce a verified voters' roll in time for the elections, although this is a legal requirement. This is a calculated ploy by the regime to hide some of its vote rigging activities.The AU election observer team specifically noted the failure to produce a verified voters' roll as a serious irregularity is the July 2013 elections. The regime is doing the same thing again.If Mugabe believes he can once again blatantly rig next year's elections and get away with it, he had better think again!SADC leaders are painful aware of Zimbabwe's economic meltdown which has forced unemployment to soar to 90% plus; forced basic services like clean running water, education and health to collapse; forced 72.3% of country's population to live on US$1.00 or less a day. SA and Botswana have seen more and more Zimbabweans crossing the border, many illegally, in search of work, to access health and education facilities especially the ruling elite.SADC KNOW another rigged election in Zimbabwe will be a hammer blow to the already very weak economy. Zimbabwe is tittering on the edge of total economic collapse and political instability another rigged elections could be the final push. SADC leaders know an unstable Zimbabwe will drag the rest of the region with it. They know they must act and know exactly what they have to do.SADC leaders will not accept the results of Zimbabwe's next year sham elections! They have warned both Mugabe and Tsvangirai about the need to implement the reforms but neither of the two leaders would listen, now SADC leaders have to put their foot down and stop the rot!"Remember Mugabe always takes people by surprise, and he always keeps his cards close to his chest, and this has made Mugabe to be what he is today. So, for now this will be a crucial congress to Zanu PF and the whole country," continued Tinashe.Mugabe can scheme all he likes, he cannot write history; he is an incompetent, corrupt and murderous tyrant not a democrat and he will not get away with rigging next year's elections. She may have been in the front row to watch the Lakers game, but Gal Gadot couldn't resist stealing the spotlight herself. The Wonder Woman star turned heads as she flashed a peek of cleavage in a semi-sheer top, while cheering on the Lakers against the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday. Clearly in great spirits, the 32-year-old flashed a wide smile courtside as she chatted away to pals at the Staples Center. Taking centre-stage: Gal Gadot, 32, turned heads as she flashed a peek of cleavage in a semi-sheer top, as she watched the Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers play on Thursday The mum-of-two ensured she turned heads in her plunging top, which she teamed with skintight black Frame jeans. Injecting a dose of sophistication to the look, Gal wrapped up in a luxurious nude trench coat and added black leather horsebit loafers. Sticking to a chic monochrome look, the brunette beauty rocked a stylish leather cross-body bag. Scraping her glossy dark hair back into a sleek ponytail, the actress showcased her striking features with minimal make-up. Lovcing life: Clearly in great spirits, the The Wonder Woman star flashed a wide smile courtside as she chatted away to pals at the Staples Center Monochrome maven: The mum-of-two ensured she turned heads in her plunging top, which she teamed with skintight black Frame jeans Connections: She beamed as she sat next to director Patty Jenkins (right), who she worked with on Wonder Woman Gal's outing comes after she recently responded to critiques who claimed she wasn't 'curvy' enough to play Wonder Woman in the latest Rolling Stone magazine. 'Listen, if you want to be for real, then the Amazons, they had only one boob,' she said, alluding to a theory in Greek mythology. 'So what are you talking about here? Me having small boobs and small ass? That will make all the difference.' In the magazine, she also joked about the difficulties she faced when filming action scene re-shoots for the superhero movie while pregnant with her second child. Chic: Injecting a dose of sophistication to the look, Gal wrapped up in a luxurious nude trench coat and added black leather horsebit loafers Having a whale of a time: The actress later posed alongside Israeli billionaire media mogul Haim Saban Mane attraction: Scraping her glossy dark hair back into a sleek ponytail, the actress showcased her striking features with minimal make-up The actress admitted she was initially reluctant to share the news that she was expecting with the cast and crew. She said: 'I didn't want attention. The default should be that women get the job done, but there's a long way to go and a lot of reprogramming that needs to be done to both genders. 'We cut open the costume and had this green screen on my stomach. It was funny as hell Wonder Woman with a bump.' Enjoying the view? She seemed to be in great spirits as she watched the action unfold Just hanging out! Gal shared this snap, captioning it: 'Basketball time' In the new issue of Rolling Stone - for which she wears the superhero's signature wristlets - Gal also revealed her and her younger sister were taught 'to believe that we're capable, to value ourselves' as they grew up in Rosh Ha'ayin, a small city in the center of Israel. Gal now lives in LA with her family - Alma, six, six-month-old daughter Mya, and her husband Yaron Versano, who she married in 2008. Her new movie Justice League will be released on November 17. Defiant: Gal's outing comes after she recently responded to critiques who claimed she wasn't 'curvy' enough to play Wonder Woman in the latest Rolling Stone magazine He's endured a tough week after his on-screen partner Lisa Wilkinson left his side in dramatic fashion on Monday night. But Karl Stefanovic, 43, ended the week on a high after a chance meeting with former Prime Minister John Howard - even if his girlfriend Jasmine Yarbrough, 33, didn't appear too impressed. The pair headed to Rockpool Bar and Grill in Sydney's city centre on Friday, where they bumped into the 78-year-old who was just leaving. Not impressed? Karl Stefanovic gushes over John Howard after bumping into him while his girlfriend Jasmine Yarbrough is too busy taking a phone call Karl swiftly moved in for a handshake with the former Liberal politician, who greeted the Today show host with a beaming smile. However, Karl's former model girlfriend didn't appear to be star-struck by the encounter, as she gazed off into the distance while taking a phone call. Jasmine eventually put the phone away, but didn't seem to be introduced to the former PM who was exchanging pleasantries with Karl. Preoccupied? The pair headed to Rockpool Bar and Grill in Sydney's city centre on Friday, where they bumped into the 78-year-old who was just leaving Chance encounter: Karl swiftly moved in for a handshake with the former Liberal politician, who greeted the Today show host with a beaming smile Karl appeared to be in good spirits despite enduring a difficult week, in which Lisa quit the Nine Network after they shot down her demands for a smaller pay gap with him. The remaining Today show host cut a dapper figure in a tailored navy blue suit and black shoes. Underneath Karl wore a white shirt with two buttons undone that exposed his bare chest. Left hanging? Jasmine eventually put the phone away, but didn't seem to be introduced to the former PM who was exchanging pleasantries with Karl In a good mood: Karl appeared to be in good spirits despite enduring a difficult week, in which Lisa quit the Nine Network after they shot down her demands for a smaller pay gap with him By his side was his shoe designer girlfriend, who followed the memo by wearing a dark green blazer and pink pants with black stripes running down the leg. She also wore a crisp white shirt with a high collar that was buttoned up, and a pair of white loafers. John was dressed in a black suit and tie and was seen heading into the soggy weather in the company of a male counterpart. See you next time! John, Karl and Jasmine all left the exchange with a smile on their face before heading their separate ways Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky are known for their respective successful acting careers. So it was only a matter of time before the Hollywood power joined forces, with the pair starring in upcoming film 12 Strong. Speaking to PopSugar about his experiences filming racy scenes alongside his real-life wife, Chris said: 'She did very well. It was great; she's fantastic.' 'We didn't have to form any chemistry or bond': Hollywood power couple Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky have joined forces in the new movie, 12 Strong 'We didn't have to form any chemistry or bond; that came pretty easily and naturally, as you could expect.' The trailer for the war film was uploaded by Warner Bros. Pictures on Youtube this Thursday, gaining over one million views in 15 hours. Based on the first Special Forces team deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11, t he 34-year-old Australian plays Captain Mitch Nelson, opposite Elsa who plays his wife. Happy family: The couple, who share three young children in real life, share a brief on screen kiss in the first frames of the trailer The couple, who share three young children in real life, share a brief on screen kiss in the first frames of the trailer. However, the drama quickly ensues when news footage shows a plane flying into one of the Twin Towers in New York. Before Hemsworth and troops are deployed into the war zone, she tells him: 'I don't care how long your gone, as long as you come back.' Acting: Before Hemsworth and troops are deployed into the war zone, she tells him: 'I don't care how long your gone, as long as you come back' As the he fights in Afghanistan alongside local fighters against the Taliban, Captain Nelson faces many challenges, including travelling horse back with his soldiers. Eager to get himself and his men home to their wives and children, he says: 'I made her a promise, I'm coming home.' 12 Strong is slated for release in cinemas in January 2018. She was the face of Outnet's Autumn/Winter campaign, rocking a slew of snaps in designer gear with fellow glamour girl Missy Rayder. And Amber Valletta continued to pull her weight in promoting the brand, as she appeared at an Outnet event in Los Angeles on Thursday. The 43-year-old actress and model showed off her incredible legs in a black sequin bandeau dress, which she teamed with waved blonde tresses. Scroll down for video Sparkle queen: Model and actress Amber Valletta, 43, rocked a bandeau sequin dress as she led the stars at the Outnet fashion even in Los Angeles on Thursday The Revenge star rocked a sensational ensemble, showing off her decollatage in the fitted dress adorned with black sequins. Allowing it to make a statement, Amber kept accessories to a minimum by rocking black strappy heels and a simple silver chain necklace. Amber was announced as one of the faces of the Outnet campaign in July, rocking a slew of glamorous looks that would be available for discounted prices. Fashion friends: Amber (far right ) was seen posing with Outnet's Andres Sosa and actress Jaime King (far left) Stripe-tastic: Jaime rocked a black and red striped full-length dress Fabulous: Vogue art director Erica Pelosini embraced her high fashion knowhow in an ivory blouse and frilled green leaf skirt Blondes have more fun: Amber also posed with producer Crystal Lourd, who rocked sensation gold heelsw Edge: Elsa Dahan teamed a revealing black mesh vest with oversized charcoal jeans Stylish trio: Amber also posed with Kate Less (far left) and Cassandra Grey (centre) Amber posed with an array of stars at the event, including the head of Outnet himself Andres Sosa, who seemed to be in good spirits as he posed with the glamorous ladies in attendance. One such glamorous lady was Hart of Dixie star Jaime King, who went for a full length black and red striped dress that showed every inch of her fabulous physique. Vogue art director Eric Pelosini showed off her high fashion knowhow in a stylish cream blouse and frilled green skirt, while Elsa Dahan chose a revealing black vest with mesh detailing, balanced out by oversized grey jeans. Man of the hour: Andres posed with Jaime King Fashion face: Amber has been the face of Outnet's new Autumn/Winter campaign Power pair: Cassandra covered up in all-black for the fashion event Style besties: Erica posed with H by Halston frontman Cameron Silver, who stood out in a royal blue suit Summer chic: Ali Wise embraced the LA summer in a yellow floral dress PR guru Ali Wise chose to embrace the endless LA summer, in a full length yellow floral dress, which the star teamed with gold strapped heels. Cameron Silver, frontman for H by Halston, similarly stood out in a royal blue suit, and posing with Erica the duo seemed to make the perfect fashion pair. Amber was also seen posing with Violet Grey founder Cassandra, who seemed to be in good spirits after the tragic passing of her husband Brag, CEO of Paramount Pictures, of cancer in May. She is no stranger to grabbing attention when she steps out. But Tara Reid turned heads for the wrong reason on Thursday as she accidentally flashed as she clambered out of a sports car. The American Pie actress, 41, was all dressed up in a very short hot pink mini-dress for a date night with businessman beau Ted Dhani - but showed a tad too much as she tried to get out of the flashy Rolls Royce as they arrived at Catch. Scroll down for video Whoops! Superslim Tara Reid turned heads for the wrong reason on Thursday as she accidentally flashed as she clambered out of a sports car Dressed up to the nines, Tara donned a high neck vibrant mini-dress featuring an array of cut-out panels reaching from the neckline down to her hips. And accentuating her endless legs in the thigh-skimming piece, she teamed it with a pair of platform black sandals, accessorising with a matching patent clutch. She was joined by her handsome beau, who cut a dapper figure in a black bomber jacket and top hat. Besotted: The American Pie actress, 41, was all dressed up in a very short hot pink mini-dress for a date night with businessman beau Ted Dhani Turning heads! The actress, 41, slipped into a fuchsia-coloured satin frock for the occasion, arriving at Catch restaurant in a flashy Rolls Royce - but showed too much as she climbed out Leggy! Dressed up to the nines, Tara donned a high neck vibrant mini-dress featuring an array of cut-out panels reaching from the neckline down to her hips Tara's new boyfriend is a successful tech entrepreneur, and the pair have kept their blossoming relationship relatively low-key, claiming that they were 'casually dating' when news emerged of their romance last month. The pair sparked romance rumours when he accompanied her to pal Christina Milian's birthday party in late September. At the time they were said to be enjoying casually dating, a source divulged to Page Six. It's something of a comeback for the star, who currently has nine movies on the way and three in pre-production. Glam: Accentuating her endless legs in the thigh-skimming piece, she teamed it with a pair of platform black sandals, accessorising with a matching patent clutch Moreover, the Sharknado actress has just landed a movie opposite John Travolta that will film in Europe early in the new year. Her comeback has emerged after a tough summer, with Tara admitting in July that she has felt bullied many times throughout her career - especially after being branded 'scary skinny' by online trolls. The Sharknado star revealed she tired of being body shamed, telling E! News, she's 'just a thin girl' in a new interview promoting her film Worthless. 'I've definitely felt bullying in my life. With... just different things in my life,' she said. Sky high! Accentuating her endless legs in the thigh-skimming piece, she teamed it with a pair of platform black sandals, accessorising with a matching patent clutch The American Pie actress continued: 'People always say I don't eat. I eat all the time.' 'They call me scary skinny. You're my friend; everyone knows I eat more than anyone. I'm just a thin girl,' she asserted. The former teen star says she hopes her new movie, Worthless, which follows the actions and consequences of a bully, will strike a chord with people who have been through something similar. Power couple: She was joined by her handsome beau, who cut a dapper figure in a black bomber jacket and top hat 'The body shaming that is going on right now is to a degree that is so bad for girls and I really relate to that and I understand that so this movie meant a lot to me.' And she believes that the rise of bullying online is making the problem even worse. She added: 'Bullying is such a big deal these days and it's something I very much personalized with. 'In my life, I've had a lot of bullying and I know what that feels like and how much it hurt. Catch: Tara's new boyfriend is a successful tech entrepreneur, and the pair have kept their blossoming relationship relatively low-key, claiming that they were 'casually dating' when news emerged of their romance last month 'What people don't realize is that there's so much kinds of bullying: Social media bullying, cyber bullying, physical bullying, mental bullying, there's different kinds and today it's so bad that people are committing suicide and overdosing.' She says she hopes her new film will help put a face on the problem and encourage people to think differently. 'I think this movie could affect a lot of people and really think twice before you have something negative to bully on someone,' she told the network. 'One word can change someone's life.' He is a beloved member of the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel, and despite simultaneously working on its American counterpart in Los Angeles, has never missed a show. But all that is about to change as Bruno Tonioli will be absent from the Strictly Come Dancing live show for the first time in 13 years this Saturday. The flamboyant Italian choreographer, 61, will miss the week five show due to a 'busy work schedule'. Scroll down for video Strictly absent: Bruno Tonioli will be absent from the Strictly Come Dancing live show for the first time in 13 years this Saturday. On Thursday he tweeted a picture of himself (above) watching the hit Broadway musical Hamilton On your own: The flamboyant Italian choreographer, 61, will miss the week five show due to a 'busy work schedule', leaving Craig Revel-Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Shirley Ballas (above) to judge as a trio A BBC spokesman told Mail Online: 'As was always the plan, Bruno Tonioli is not on the judging panel this weekend due to a very busy work schedule. 'He will be back as normal for our Halloween special and the rest of the series. A source told the website Bruno couldn't move his commitment, saying:'They've known for some time but it's a new situation for them to be in with a judge down.' The popular judge will however not be replaced, with head honcho Shirley Ballas, along with Craig Revel-Horwood and Darcey Bussell judging as a trio. Jiving off: A BBC spokesman told Mail Online: 'As was always the plan, Bruno Tonioli is not on the judging panel this weekend due to a very busy work schedule. 'He will be back as normal for our Halloween special and the rest of the series' Charismatic: A source told the website Bruno couldn't move his commitment, saying:'They've known for some time but it's a new situation for them to be in with a judge down' Bruno juggles his judging responsibilities on Strictly with his job as a panellist on the US version of the hit show Dancing With The Stars alongside former head judge Len Goodman, which airs at the same time as the British show. This involves him travelling to Los Angeles every week where he spends three days before flying back to film Strictly on the Saturday. The resilient star has followed this gruelling schedule for 12 years. All eyes will be on Alexandra Burke and her partner Gorka Marquez this week, after they secured a near perfect 39 points with their jive to Tina Turner's Proud Mary. Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins and her professional partner Brendan Cole were sent packing last week after their jive to Marry You by Bruno Mars failed to ignite the scoreboard. LA weekly: Bruno juggles his judging responsibilities on Strictly with his job as a panellist on the US version of the hit show Dancing With The Stars alongside former head judge Len Goodman, which airs at the same time as the British show She has undergone an extensive makeover, from new blonde locks to an extremely intimate procedure, in a bid to move on from her broken marriage. And Melissa Meeks, the estranged wife of 'Hot Felon' Jeremy Meeks, certainly oozed confidence as she arrived at a London airport ahead of a business meeting. The mother-of-three, 38, who was left heartbroken when photos surfaced of former felon Jeremy, 33, canoodling on a yacht with British billionaire heiress Chloe Green, 26, put on a brave face as she kicked off the new chapter in her life. Fresh start! Newly madeover Melissa Meeks, the estranged wife of 'Hot Felon' Jeremy Meeks, certainly oozed confidence as she arrived at a London airport ahead of a business meeting Slipping her toned legs into a pair of casual jeans and boots, she dressed the ensemble up in a plunging black top, showing off a glimpse of her enviable curves. And with her new golden tresses perfectly blow-dried, the fresh-faced nurse certainly turned heads as she made her way through the terminal, rocking her new look. At the beginning of October Melissa, a natural brunette, stepped out with newly blonde locks in Los Angeles at the end of an extensive makeover, which included eyebrow and eyelash treatments, a cryotherapy session, and even a 'vaginal tightening' performed by a plastic surgeon. She also had her eyebrows microbladed during a treatment favored by stars such as Madonna and Bella Thorne, which makes the brows look neater and fuller. Former flames: The mother-of-three, who stayed with felon-turned-model Jeremy throughout his stint in prison, put on a brave face as she kicked off the new chapter in her life His new muse: Melissa, 38, was left heartbroken when photos surfaced of former felon Jeremy, 33, canoodling on a yacht with British billionaire heiress Chloe Green, 26 (pictured above) Meanwhile, Jeremy and Chloe took their controversial romance a step further last month, when he met her mum aboard a luxury yacht in Monaco. At the beginning of the month they were forced to deny engagement rumours, after she flashed a huge rock on her wedding finger in a series of confusing snapchats. but made sure she kept her ring finger hidden. The duo have since been spotted on a series of sun-soaked holidays together, even appearing together at various public events, cementing their relationship status. Moving on: Slipping her toned legs into a pair of casual jeans and boots, she dressed the ensemble up in a plunging black top, showing off a glimpse of her enviable curves Colouring him right out of her hair! Melissa, a natural brunette, stepped out with newly blonde locks in Los Angeles at the end of an extensive makeover, which included eyebrow and eyelash treatments, a cryotherapy session, and even a 'vaginal tightening' performed by a plastic surgeon Despite the shockwaves their romance caused after the couple were spotted canoodling on a yacht in Turkey while Jeremy was still married to mother-of-three Melissa Meeks, the duo's relationship appears to be going from strength to strength. Jeremy began August by publicly parading his romance with heiress Chloe as they enjoyed carnival during a sunny Barbados holiday, his estranged wife Melissa Meeks appeared to take their continuous insensitivity in her stride as she took to Instagram to show off her sizzling physique soon after. The brave nurse appeared to be beginning a post break-up body make-over, posing in her underwear as she showed off her already enviable figure. Moving on: Jeremy's estranged wife Melissa took to Instagram to show off her sizzling physique last month as she appeared to be beginning a post break-up body make over last month Official: Jeremy posted his first public snap with new girlfriend Chloe, heiress to billionaire father Sir Phillip Green's retail fortune, at the Barbados carnival in August Dressed in a black thong, the nurse proudly displayed her toned derriere and flat stomach, teasing a glimpse of her red lace bra. 'Day 1. Week 1. #letsseehowthisgoes', she captioned the racy snap. And Melissa garnered an influx of supportive messages from followers, who slammed the actions of Jeremy- who Melissa stayed with during his lengthy prison stint. And despite staying maintaining a largely dignified silence over her estranged husband's actions, in July Melissa gave a rare insight into her life post-Jeremy Meeks, as she took to Instagram in a lengthy tirade. The mother-of-three, who shares a seven-year-old son with the 33-year-old felon turned model, let rip just days after he continued to parade his romance with Chloe. Taking to Instagram, the nurse shared a snapchot which read: 'I fed mouths that talked sh** about me. I wiped tears from the same people that caused mine. Picked up people that tried to knock me down. Did favours for those who couldn't do sh** for me. Been there for the ones that left me. Crazy? Maybe.' Mingling with the A list: The model mingled with the likes of superstar rapper Nicki Minaj in Cannes in May- when he reportedly met Chloe Proving she was taking the high road, the brave beauty concluded: 'But I don't lose myself in the hatred of others. I continue to be me because I can't change who I am. Life ain't easy but through the bullsh** I remain solid. Because I know god got big plans for me.' 'Saw this and felt how REAL it was, so I wanted to share it... #haveablessedday #remember #keepitsolid', she captioned the picture. And as Chloe and Jeremy engaged in another public round of PDA, wife Melissa finally removed reference to Jeremy on her Instagram bio. Previously describing herself as 'Wife to Jeremy Meeks' along with a ring emoji, the pretty nurse removed reference to him, keeping the remainder of the bio as 'Blessed beyond belief.. Dedicated to everything I do... Me and my Fam'. Jeremy sent shock waves across the internet when pictures emerged of him kissing Chloe Green on a yacht in Turkey in June. Famous friends: Jeremy mingled with socialite Paris Hilton as he modelled for Philip Plein The duo reportedly met during the Cannes Film Festival in May, where Jeremy was modelling for Phillip Plein. And in July Jeremy filed for legal separation from mother-of-three Melissa, who he shares her youngest son with. He was married to the nurse, who stayed with him throughout his stint in prison, for eight years. No longer 'Wife of Jeremy Meeks': After they filed for separation, Melissa finally removed reference to Jeremy on her Instagram bio She later told the Mail of her devastation, admitting that her husband had been seduced by the glamour of his newfound modelling career. I know it takes two to tango but she knew he was married. To me, thats unforgivable. My whole world has been torn apart by this. What do I tell our children? My heart is broken. What sort of woman would do something like this to another woman? My marriage wasnt perfect but I thought it could be saved, until this happened. Of course Im angry at her. What she did is unforgivable. And Im angry at him too. What they did destroyed my entire world. Life of luxury: Meeks sent tongues wagging after pictures emerged of him kissing British Topshop heiress Chloe Green on a yacht in Turkey in June Did either of them think about the children and how this will affect them? Theyre the innocent victims in this. And so am I. Melissa is mother to his biological child Jeremy Jr, seven, and Robert, 11, Melissas son from a previous relationship. She also has a daughter, 16-year-old Ellie, and says both stepchildren consider Meeks a father figure. Meeks and Chloe, who is heir to her father Sir Philip's billions, were pictured sharing the intimate kiss aboard a 112,000-a-week yacht in Bodrum. At the time he was still with his wife of eight years, who was seemingly unaware of his new romance until pictures surfaced. And fans quickly turned on the duo, accusing Chloe of breaking up a marriage. Chloe was soon forced to delete her Instagram, after followers trolled a gloating post she shared as she snuggled up to married Jeremy. However she since returned to the social media site, changing her settings to private. Meeks too has edited his account, deleting all photographs of him and Melissa, which has not gone down with the fans who fell in love with his good looks after his California mugshot went viral in 2014. Staying mum: Melissa has stayed quiet on her heartbreak, concentrating on raising her three children (pictured with Bobby and Jeremy junior this month) Meeks, whose looks have earned him a huge fan base, made his first official modelling appearance at New York fashion week this year, and has certainly turned his life around in an impressive way since his release from prison. However his journey to stardom hasn't been all smooth-sailing, after he was recently barred from entry to the UK after arriving at London's Heathrow airport from New York. The California native shot to fame in 2014 when the Stockton Police Department posted his mugshot on their website, following his arrest for gang activity and a misdemeanour charge of resisting/obstructing justice. The photo promptly went viral, with internet users dubbing him 'the hottest convict ever'. She confirmed her controversial new romance on Instagram last month, amid reports of his violent past. But Kerry Katona appeared care-free as she enjoyed a coffee date with her new beau James English in London. The former Atomic Kitten star, 37, beamed as she put on an amorous display with her new comedian boyfriend. Scroll down for video Loved up: Kerry Katona appeared care-free as she enjoyed a coffee date with her new beau James English in London Dressed in a pair of relaxed ripped jeans and loafers, the mother-of-five injected a splash of designer with a Gucci belt and t-shirt emblazoned with the words 'Common sense is not that common'. Completing her ensemble, Kerry added a casual navy blazer, adding a further touch of glitz with a Louis Vuitton weekend bag and wearing her blonde hair in a pixie crop. She ambled towards the coffee shop arm-in-arm with her hunky beau, sharing a besotted smooch with the stylish comedian. And he appeared equally besotted with his new flame, dressing up in a leather jacket and fitted khaki t-shirt for their day date. Puckering up! The former Atomic Kitten star, 37, beamed as she put on an amorous display with her new comedian boyfriend Last month she made a very public reveal of her new romance as she took to Instagram to share a sweet snap with new beau James English. The songstress could not stop beaming as she posed for a selfie with her hunky new boyfriend - who she was first seen with publicly during a PDA-packed meet at an airport last month. Sharing the snap with her 88,700 followers, the stunning star was beaming in the image - released shortly after news arose that he had a violent past. Relaxed: Dressed in a pair of relaxed ripped jeans and loafers, the mother-of-five injected a splash of designer with a Gucci belt and t-shirt emblazoned with the words 'Common sense is not that common' Chilled: Completing her ensemble, Kerry added a casual navy blazer, adding a further touch of glitz with a Louis Vuitton weekend bag and wearing her blonde hair in a pixie crop. Close: She ambled towards the coffee shop arm-in-arm with her hunky beau, sharing a besotted smooch with the stylish comedian Kerry accused her estranged boxer husband George Kay of spitting in her face and displaying 'controlling' behaviour. But it appears James also has a violent past, as it has emerged the Scottish comedian once assaulted a woman and spat in her face. News emerged last month, detailing how Kerry's new boyfriend once assaulted a woman and spat in her face in a McDonald's bust-up. Throes of love: And he appeared equally besotted with his new flame, dressing up in a leather jacket and fitted khaki t-shirt for their day date Going public: Last month she made a very public reveal of her new romance as she took to Instagram to share a sweet snap with new beau James English Public: The songstress could not stop beaming as she posed for a selfie with her hunky new boyfriend - who she was first seen with publicly during a PDA-packed meet at an airport last month The shamed 32-year-old actor pled guilty to the assault during a furious bust-up at a McDonald's in 2015. In April, James was initially charged with punching Michelle McArthur, 33, on the head and pulling her hair to the extent of an injury. But that was later deleted from the charge - and instead he pled guilty to assault and spitting in her face during the brawl in November 2015. Cracking up! Kerry appeared highly amused by a joke hew new beau told her Past: News emerged last month, detailing how Kerry's new boyfriend once assaulted a woman and spat in her face in a McDonald's bust-up Controversial: The shamed 32-year-old actor, who was pals with slain gangster Euan 'EJ' Johnston, pled guilty to the assault during a furious bust-up at a McDonald's in 2015 James, who appeared on the reality show Glow last year, which was dubbed as 'Scotland's answer to TOWIE', had his sentence put back for a year for good behaviour when he appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court. James was also friends with gangster Euan EJ Johnston and was previously questioned by police as a potential witness over two gang killings. Detectives probed him in the hope that he could give information on the murders of his uncle Billy Bates and barman Tam Cameron. Dodgy past: In April he pled guilty to assault and spitting in a woman's face during the brawl in November 2015 Connections: James was also friends with gangster Euan EJ Johnston and was previously questioned by police as a potential witness over two gang killings POI: Detectives probed him in the hope that he could give information on the murders of his uncle Billy Bates and barman Tam Cameron The pair, who met at one of her Atomic Kitten gigs earlier this year, have reportedly been enjoying private dates in Scotland. Kerry's PDA-packed outing with James comes a month after the mum-of-four announced she and husband George Kay were splitting, after three years of marriage. The couple, who share daughter Dylan-Jorge, 3, had been due to enter Channel 5's Celebrity Big Brother - but 'domestic issues' saw them pulling out. Kerry previously split with George in October 2015 after thirteen months together and a month later appeared in court accusing him of beating her up at their home, after allegedly arming himself with a Taser-style device and a knife. The couple share 3-year-old Dylan-Jorge, and Kerry also shares Molly, 16, and Lilly-Sue, 14, with former Westlife star and ex-husband Brian McFadden, as well as Heidi, 10, and Max, 9, with ex husband and cabbie Mark Croft. Moving on: Kerry's PDA-packed outing with James comes after the mum-of-four announced she and husband George Kay were splitting, after three years of marriage New beau: Kerry previously split with George in October 2015 after thirteen months together and a month later appeared in court accusing him of beating her up at their home She played legendary Queen Victoria in the popular ITV period drama. But Jenna Coleman, 31, cut a far more casual figure as she was spotted in North London on Tuesday. The British actress headed for a coffee date with her on and off screen love Tom Hughes, 31, who played Prince Albert in the eight-part series which concluded in October, with a Christmas special to follow. Scroll down for video Understated: Jenna Coleman, 31, cut a far more casual figure as she was spotted in North London on Tuesday Clad in an all black ensemble and trendy olive trench coat, Jenna oozed understated elegance, injecting a touch of designer with a Chanel cross-body bag. Opting for minimal make-up, the natural beauty perched a pair of shades atop her head, carrying a bag of healthy groceries. She was joined by casually-clad Tom, who coordinated with his flame in an olive beanie and navy puffa jacket. The duo enjoyed a coffee stop before leaving in their smart mini cooper to continue with their daily errands. Down time: The British actress headed for a coffee date with her on and off screen love Tom Hughes, 31, who played Prince Albert in the eight-part series which concluded in October, with a Christmas special to follow Day out: The duo enjoyed a coffee stop before leaving in their smart mini cooper to continue with their daily errands The couple have been together for two years and recently sparked engagement rumours after Jenna stepped out with a sparkling gold ring on her wedding finger. The photocall comes as the second series of Victoria draws to a close on October 15 with a Christmas special set to follow. Speaking about it to Town & Country magazine for their Autumn edition, Jenna spoke about the impassioned forthcoming scenes with Tom. Relaxed: She was joined by casually-clad Tom, who coordinated with his flame in an olive beanie and navy puffa jacket Understated: Clad in an all black ensemble and trendy olive trench coat, Jenna oozed understated elegance, injecting a touch of designer with a Chanel cross-body bag The second season of the royal drama began as Victoria and Albert welcomed their first daughter, also named Victoria, in 1840. But things are far from easy for the new parents - presumably thanks to the notoriously volatile Queen who made no secret of the fact that she didn't enjoy being pregnant, giving birth or breast feeding; nor did she think newborns were in any way attractive. 'Victoria would fly off the handle in these fits of rage and passion, whereas Alberts fire was a lot colder and more enduring. Theyd chase each other from room to room,' Jenna told the publication. Jenna prepared for the role of the monarch by reading the diaries that were kepot by the Queen and her husband. 'Albert wrote something like, "I have two choices here: I either lock the door on her and let her cry her heart out till shes exhausted, or I join in, but then it gets too heated and I feel sorry",' Jenna explained. The real deal: The couple have been together for two years and recently sparked engagement rumours after Jenna stepped out with a sparkling gold ring on her wedding finger She is the daughter of pop superstar Annie Lennox. But Tali proved she has well and truly stepped out of her mother's shadow with her latest campaign, which sees her star in a sizzling Agent Provocateur advert. The 24-year-old oozed sex appeal as she writhed around in lacy lingerie with fellow model Solveig Mork for the enticing video. Scroll down for video Saucy: Tali Lennox proved she has well and truly stepped out of her mother Annie's shadow with her latest campaign, which sees her star in a sizzling Agent Provocateur advert Teasing a peek of her cleavage, Tali wore a lacy cut-out bra, which she teamed with suspenders and semi-sheer briefs. Styling her glossy raven locks in polished waves, the model added a vampy edge to her look with a sexy slick of burgundy lipstick. She enticed viewers as she posed sultrily with Danish beauty Solveig, who at one point slowly peeled off her sheer nightie. Brand boss Sarah Shotton said Tali has the perfect face and body to help boost sales. X-rated: The 24-year-old oozed sex appeal as she writhed around in lacy lingerie with fellow model Solveig Mork for the enticing video Ready for her close-up: Styling her glossy raven locks in polished waves, the model added a vampy edge to her look with a sexy slick of burgundy lipstick She said: 'It's always great working with super-sexy, kick-ass ladies who are totally on brand. Loved working with you, Tali Lennox. You are the perfect AP girl.' Tali returned the praise, writing: 'The dreamiest of days getting to work with you. Thank you!' Tali follows in the footsteps of Daisy Lowe with the campaign, which was shot by Amanda Charchian for the brand's Autumn/Winter lookbook. It comes two years after her mother Annie revealed she was quitting the modelling industry as she was sick of worrying about her weight. Lovely in lace: Teasing a peek of her cleavage, Tali wore a lacy cut-out bra, which she teamed with suspenders and semi-sheer briefs Raunchy: She enticed viewers as she posed sultrily with Danish beauty Solveig, who at one point slowly peeled off her sheer nightie 'I mean, the money's great, if you can make it. But the scrutiny of it, and the feeling of, you know, "Am I thin enough?" All of that made her feel unhappy,' Annie told Yahoo News in 2015. 'She still does a bit of modelling, but she said to me, "When people ask me what I do, and I say I'm a model, I feel devalued. I don't like it." So, I really need to do something else.' Just months later, Tali tragically lost her boyfriend Ian Jones, 32, in a devastating kayak crash in upstate New York. And Tali has bravely opened up about the tragic incident that happened on the Hudson River by Mills Mansion, a historic home near Staatsburg, when their tandem kayak overturned. Big shoes to fill: Tali follows in the footsteps of Daisy Lowe with the campaign, which was shot by Amanda Charchian for the brand's Autumn/Winter lookbook At the time, it was reported that a very strong current in the river was thought to have been a factor in the fatal accident. During the harrowing ordeal, Tali was picked up by a passing boat after being separated from Ian in the water and was left uninjured by the accident. Now speaking to ES Magazine in this week's edition, the British model reflected on harrowing period of her life, calling it 'surreal' as she dealt with the grief and sudden loss of her long-term love. She began: 'It's so surreal when something like that happens. So real and so surreal at the same time. Someone that you can be around all the time... in my case, it was my best friend. His family were basically my family in New York. 'I spent all my time with them. And then suddenly he's not there. It's completely bizarre to me.' This Indigenous Woman Is Campaigning To Be The President Of Mexico Maria de Jesus Patricio Martinez is a Nahua woman from Jalisco and a practitioner of traditional indigenous medicine. This week, she began her campaign for the Mexican presidency in the southern state of Chiapas, backed by Mexicos National Indigenous Congress and the Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN). She is the first indigenous woman to ever run for the presidency, and is competing with 85 other candidates in the lead up to the election in July 2018. Better known in Mexico as Marichuy, Patricio is campaigning in order to draw attention to the issues that affect the most marginalized in Mexican society: the indigenous, poor, and female. In a political sphere often tainted by corruption, she has also pledged to refuse any money from the government for her campaign. According to Regeneracion, she spoke of electoral reform in Palenque earlier this week. "The electoral system is not made so that we, the people below, govern," she said. "The laws and institutions of the state are made for those above, for the capitalists and their corrupt political class, resulting in a big illusion." ADVERTISEMENT In an interview with The Guardian earlier this year, Patricio explained her vision for Mexico. Its part of the same problem. The government, the army, the police, the narcos, they all facilitate the exploitation of our natural wealth. They all want to scare our people and make those of us who oppose their capitalist projects disappear," she said. We have to tear up the roots of whats hurting Mexico. This country needs healing. Over 25 million Mexicans (21.5% of the population) identify as indigenous, but since their independence, the country has had only one indigenous president, Benito Juarez, in 1858. Since 1994 the EZLN, often referred to as the Zapatistas, has been in a declared war against the Mexican state, taking control of some villages in Chiapas in response to the original signing of NAFTA. In recent years, the Zapatistas have focused on non-violent civil resistance. The EZLN does not describe itself as socialist or communist, but aligns itself with the wider anti-neoliberal social movement, seeking indigenous control over their local resources. The EZLN is also well known for its socially-inclusive structure, including the high levels of participation of women. With the backing of this influential group, Patricio has gained a significant following among rural and indigenous Mexicans. 2018 will mark the first Mexican presidential election that has permitted independent candidates, and in order to make it onto the ballot on election day, Patricio will need to gather 866,593 signatures, representing 1 per cent of the electorate, from voters in at least 17 states. She has a long road ahead of her, but, by giving voice to the voiceless, she is already on her way. ADVERTISEMENT Header image by PetrohsW (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons\ More from BUST Women Are Disproportionately Affected By Natural Disasters, And Heres Why Meet The Badass Latina Artists Behind The New Latin Wave OUR President Beyonce Drops Single To Aid Puerto Rico After Hurricane Devastation Molly McLaughlin is a travel and culture writer currently based in Mexico City. Her work has appeared in publications including Lonely Planet, Refinery29 and Ms. Magazine. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram at @mollysgmcl. He usually spends his weekdays filming This Morning. But Phillip Schofield swapped the ITV studios for the outdoors as he starred in a We Buy Any Car advert in London on Friday. Throwing himself into the action, the 55-year-old presenter was seen rescuing a cat from a tree as the cameras rolled. Scroll down for video The silver fox saves the cat! Phillip Schofield swapped the ITV studios for the outdoors as he helped out with a We Buy Any Car advert in London on Friday Cuddling the adorable kitten to his chest, the father-of-two seemed in his element as he filmed the scenes. Looking every inch the superhero, Phillip raced towards the tree with the ladder in hand and with no regard at all for his personal safety, bounded up into the branches. Safely back on the ground, the silver fox was seen handing the cute kitty back to its delighted owners. Branching out: Throwing himself into the action, the 55-year-old presenter was seen rescuing a cat from a tree as the cameras rolled Like the cat who got the... dreamy presenter: Cuddling the adorable kitten to his chest, the father-of-two seemed in his element as he filmed the scenes Puss in cahoots! The cat was an actor and performed very well on the day Climbing the career ladder: Phillip threw himself into the action for the adorable advert Phillip's companions are usually less furry, as he sits alongside Holly Willoughby on This Morning, with the presenting pair recently losing the plot over a nickname Holly has for Phil. Explaining that he had needed to get out of his taxi and jump on a motorbike in order to get to work on time that morning, Phil revealed that he had taken a selfie of himself on the back of the bike. As the image flashed up of Phil in a crash helmet, Holly made a somewhat odd remark. 'Aww, look at your little specimen head in a helmet,' she said. Live by the cat, die by the cat: Looking every inch the hero, Phillip raced towards the tree with the ladder in hand and with no regard at all for his safety, bounded up into the branches Paws for thought: Phillip had bounded up the ladder with abandon before heading back to the ground with the cat safely in his arms Just look at me meow! Phillip managed to descend the ladder without holding on This was met with laughter from herself and from Phil and the camera crew, with viewers at home left slightly perplexed. 'Shut your face up!' Phil chuckled. Phil encouraged his co-host to actually explain the joke, to which she elaborated that his mother once told her that when he was born the doctor called his head 'the perfect specimen'. Don't get me rung: Phillip looked steely-eyed as he grabbed the ladder and made his way Cat's the way to do it! Phillip looked calm and confident as he strolled onto the set 'The only reason I say your specimen head is when you were born, the nurse said to your mum, "it's the perfect specimen head",' she said. 'It's because if they hadn't said that, they would have shrieked,' Phillip added with a smirk. It was supposedly a near-miss for Phil, who had been stuck in a traffic jam that morning. Ready for the apaws: Safely back on the ground, the silver fox was seen handing the cute kitty back to its delighted owners who clapped in delight 'That was the closest I've ever been to missing the start of the show,' he said. Phil has presented This Morning on a weekly basis since 2002 - making Thursday's near/miss quite the milestone. He revealed that the bike that saved him was actually intended for Good Morning Britain host Ben Shephard, but that it was re-routed to urgently collect Phil. Puss in biker boots: Phil shared a picture of himself arriving to work on a motorbike, with Holly remarking that he looked like a 'little specimen head' Take a break! Between takes, Phillip got his caffeine fix as he enjoyed a hot beverage on the set Figure of a hero! The television host cut a slim figure in a form-fitting pink shirt teamed with black straight-legged trousers It's the journey: Men on the ground lent a helping hand to ensure Phillip didn't fall from the ladder Camera rolling: The film crew looked excited to be part of the adorable advert He's a hero! The This Morning presenter boldly made his way down the ladder with the kitten in his arms Beaming! The television sensation couldn't contain his delight when he cuddled the cat Chirpy! The cat looked equally pleased to be rescued from the tree for the adorable advert Meow! The little ginger pussy cat looked bright eyed and bushy tailed for his TV debut Advertisement The Real Housewives Of Orange County star Kelly Dodd has finally sold her multi-million dollar beachfront mansion in Corona Del Mar, California. Kelly - who last month announced her split from her husband Michael Dodd - netted $5 million for the property, according to The Los Angeles Times. The spectacular five bedroom, five and a half bathroom home is complete with unparalleled views of the nearby beach. Movin' out: The Real Housewives Of Orange County star Kelly Dodd has finally sold her multi-million dollar beachfront mansion in Corona Del Mar, California The haul: Kelly - who last month announced her split from her husband Michael Dodd - netted $5 million for the property, according to The Los Angeles Times Its living space is spread across an impressive 4,370 square feet. The reality star, who listed the property last September for $6.25 million, later reduced the cost to $5.7 million, Realtor.com reported this June. Though situated along the Pacific Ocean, Kelly explained in a tour of her home that the home's interior was actually inspired by Miami Beach. Vista: The spectacular five bedroom, five and a half bathroom home is complete with unparalleled views of the nearby beach Luxurious: Its living space is spread across an impressive 4,370 square feet Hiking it down: The reality star, who listed the property last September for $6.25 million, later reduced the cost to $5.7 million, Realtor.com reported this June 'I like to say my inspiration was more like Miami, just going and seeing white clean, white surfaces. I like to go into a space and go, "Wow, it's relaxing!"' she told E! during her home tour. Kelly and her estranged husband Michael spent over a year remodeling the home after they bought it in 2014, according to E!. The beautiful home has a spacious patio directly facing the beach, hardwood floors, a lavish kitchen. Decor: Though situated along the Pacific Ocean, Kelly explained in a tour of her home that the home's interior was actually inspired by Miami Beach The look: 'I like to say my inspiration was more like Miami, just going and seeing white clean, white surfaces,' she told E! while touring them around her home Done up: Kelly and her estranged husband Michael spent over a year remodeling the home after they bought it in 2014, according to E! That kitchen is actually just part of a 'great room,' which as Kelly described it to E! includes 'a bar, I have my dining room, I have, you know, my TV here, my kitchen - so it makes it really easy to entertain.' All those room she described are attached into one massive sprawling complex. Kelly explained that 'the best part of this room is my doors' - a set of wide, sliding panes that open onto the elegantly furnished veranda overlooking the Pacific. The patio couch: The beautiful home has a spacious balcony directly facing the beach, hardwood floors, a lavish kitchen Connected: That kitchen is actually just part of a 'great room,' which as Kelly described it to E! includes 'a bar, I have my dining room, I have, you know, my TV here, my kitchen - so it makes it really easy to entertain' Letting the light in: Kelly explained that 'the best part of this room is my doors' - a set of wide, sliding panes that open onto the elegantly furnished veranda overlooking the Pacific Gorgeous: 'When I moved into this house, obviously, the view is the most important thing of the home, I think,' she said, explaining the decision 'for a huge pocket door to go into the wall, and really just take advantage of the view' Matter of taste: The reality TV personality explained of her kitchen decor: 'I don't like stainless steel, so I have everything covered, so you don't know what it is' 'When I moved into this house, obviously, the view is the most important thing of the home, I think,' she explained, 'and I'm thinking: "Gosh, if we have this view, it would be so nice for a huge pocket door to go into the wall, and really just take advantage of the view."' The reality TV personality explained of her kitchen decor: 'I don't like stainless steel, so I have everything covered, so you don't know what it is.' But Kelly says the real pride and joy of her home is her huge walk-in closet and her bathroom. Swanky: But Kelly says the real pride and joy of her home is her huge walk-in closet and her bathroom Opulent: The reality star said she was so happy with the dramatic transformation the rooms made via the renovation What a locale: From the house, viewers and guests can look out at palm trees lining the local beach The reality star said she was so happy with the dramatic transformation the rooms made via the renovation. 'My closet to me was my dream, I built it exactly the way I wanted it,' she explained. Kelly joined the cast of The Real Housewives Of Orange County in 2016. Upscale: Kelly's furniture includes an intricately designed chandelier hanging over a matching white dining table They went public with their romance last month and have seemed positively inseparable ever since. And Scott Disick, 34 and girlfriend Sofia Richie, 19, were spotted out and about in New York on Thursday night after jetting back from a romantic mini-break in Venice, Italy. The up-and-coming model looked chic in an asymmetrical LBD and floor-sweeping cream coat as she and her much older man soaked in the nightlife until 4am. Scroll down for video Inseparable: Scott Disick , 34 and girlfriend Sofia Richie, 19, were spotted out and about in New York on Thursday night after jetting back from a romantic mini-break in Venice, Italy Although Sofia is two years away from the legal drinking age, she and Scott enjoyed an evening of partying at Up and Down and 1OAK. Reality figure Scott mixed patterns in an acid washed jacket and plaid shirt as he lead his love into the club by the hand. Later Sofia was seen heading out of the club donning the same jacket, feeling the fall chill in the air. Party time: Although Sofia is two years away from the legal drinking age, she and Scott enjoyed an evening of partying at Up and Down and 1OAK Party animals! The up-and-coming model looked chic in an asymmetrical LBD and floor-sweeping cream coat as she and her much older man partied until 4am The duo have just got back from a romantic trip to Venice, Italy. Sofia had been in Venice for an appearance at Milan's Vittorio Emanuele store to launch the new Adidas Originals Iniki Runner colorway. Earlier this month TMZ reported that Scott's ex Kourtney Kardashian, 38, had 'no problems' with him dating someone else, 'because if he's happy she's happy,' a source claimed. Stand by me: Reality figure Scott mixed patterns in an acid washed jacket and plaid shirt as he lead his love into the club by the hand Jet set life! The duo have just got back from a romantic trip to Venice, Italy where Sofia appeared at Milan's Vittorio Emanuele store for a launch party Kourtney, who shares children Mason, seven, Penelope, five, and Reign, two, with her long term ex, isn't bothered about his relationship with Sofia 'because she thinks it's genuine and feels good that he's moving on'. The same can't be said for Sofia's father Lionel, however, with the legendary musician, 68, admitting he was 'in shock' over his youngest child's choice of 'sex addict' boyfriend. Lionel told US Weekly: 'I'm scared to death, are you kidding me? Have I been in shock?! I'm the dad, come on.' She's no stranger to turning heads as a beauty queen and jet-setting model. And Olivia Culpo ensured all eyes were well and truly on her as she put on a sizzling display during a beach shoot in Miami, Florida, on Friday. The beauty, 25, showed off her flat abs in a tropical-print bikini with retro appeal, while turning around to offer onlookers a glimpse of her peachy thong-clad posterior. Scroll down for video Flower power: Olivia Culpo ensured all eyes were well and truly on her as she put on a sizzling display during a beach shoot in Miami, Florida, on Friday Cheeky! The beauty, 25, showed off her flat abs in a tropical-print bikini with retro appeal, while turning around to offer onlookers a glimpse of her peachy thong-clad posterior The former beauty queen also displayed her chest with a top that dipped low to reveal maximum cleavage as she larked around in the waves. Olivia was all-smiles during the shoot as she flaunted her envy-inducing figure and head to toe tan in the skimpy swimsuit. She adjusted her bottoms before chatting with the other girls on the beach shoot. Bronze, not burnt! Olivia made sure to pile on the SPF, seen spraying her body with sunscreen Top model! The former beauty queen also displayed her chest with a top that dipped low to reveal maximum cleavage Out and a-pout! The brunette beauty tied her hair back into a sleek bun while accentuating her natural glow with well groomed brows, fluttering eyelashes and a pink pout The brunette beauty tied her hair back into a sleek bun while accentuating her natural glow with well groomed brows, fluttering eyelashes and a pink pout. The former Miss Universe accessorized with round statement earrings while keeping a white cover-up slung low on her arms. Olivia made sure to pile on the SPF, seen spraying her body with sunscreen. Making a statement! The former Miss Universe accessorized with round statement earrings while keeping a white cover-up slung low on her arms In bloom! The brunette flaunted her fabulous figure and head-to-toe tan in Olivia's stunning friends, models Devon Windsor and Daniela Braga, also looked sexy in their swimwear. Brazilian beauty Braga wore a flirty blush colored one-piece with ruffled shoulder straps and back. Turning around, the 5ft11 figure gave onlookers and eyeful of her toned backside with the suit's skimpy cut across the bottom. Fab friends: Olivia's stunning friends, models Devon Windsor and Daniela Braga, also looked sexy in their swimwear Slide on through: Daniela Braga sported a pink one-piece with crystal shades and Versace slides as she strutted around during the shoot Peachy view: The 5foot11 figure gave onlookers and eyeful of her toned backside with the suit's skimpy cut across the bottom Beach babe: Devon looked happy and relaxed as she made her way out of the ocean after cooling off with a well-earned dip She rounded out her look with pink crystal shades and Versace slides. Devon showed off her long and lean legs in a black tie-up bikini with scalloped trim. The IMG darling tucked her gorgeous blonde tresses under a chic cream hat while accessorizing with plenty of bangles and a stylish watch. Fun in the sun! The trio of models were joined by Devon's sister Alex, center-left Model moment! Devon showed off her long and lean legs in a black tie-up bikini with scalloped trim during the stunning shoot Work it! Olivia looked happy to be cooling off from the heat of the Miami sunshine Next, the ladies made their way to the ocean for some splashing around. Olivia displayed her peachy posterior as she grabbed Devon by the hand and jumped in the ocean with enthusiasm. Venturing waist deep, Olivia held her arms in front of her body as she struck a pose. Go for it! Olivia grabbed Devon by the hand and jumped in the ocean with enthusiasm Sisterly love! Devon braced herself for the chill of the ocean as she made her way into the ocean with sister Alex, who sported a chic bandeau and sunglasses Devon braced herself for the chill of the ocean as she made her way into the ocean with sister Alex, who sported a chic bandeau and sunglasses. After getting enough waves, the up-and-coming actress relaxed on a daybed, letting the sunshine dry her. Then, Olivia hopped up, put on a pair of cut-off shorts, and disappeared into the shade. Sunshine day! After getting enough waves, the up-and-coming actress relaxed on a daybed, letting the sunshine dry her Day at the beach! After getting enough of the sun and sand, Olivia put on a pair of cut-off shorts and headed off On Thursday, the beauty gallivanted around the beach with models Shanina Shaik, Caroline Lowe, and Daniela Braga. The model wore a red two piece as she and her friends shot fun scenes on the sand and water for a camera crew. Olivia graces the silver screen in several new and upcoming features. The musical thriller American Satan was released last week on October 13 and the Bruce Willis action flick Reprisal is in post-production. Lights, camera, action! The girls were hard at work during their beach shoot Flawless: The beauty was seen shopping with Devon at Beach Bunny Swimwear in Miami She's been hard at work shooting her forthcoming Netflix series for the past two months. But Emma Stone filmed her most bizarre scenes to date as she kissed a co-star and played chess with a purple koala puppet in New York's Washington Square Park on Friday. The Oscar-winning actress, 28, seemed deep in concentration as she battled out against the furry friend while filming in the fall sunshine. Scroll down for video Surreal: Emma Stone filmed her most bizarre scenes for Maniac to date as she kissed a co-star and played chess with a purple koala puppet in New York's Washington Square Park on Friday Affection: The Oscar-winning actress, 28, planted a kiss on her cast-mate as they shot scenes for the forthcoming Netflix series in the fall sunshine The La La Land star wore her platinum blonde hair down and had wrapped herself in a bronze-colored overcoat that fell past her knees. When she sat at the chessboard, she stared intently at the pieces, resting her rumpled maroon handbag on her lap and folding her arms over it. The actress' eye-catching costume included pinstriped trousers, which were hemmed around mid-calf to reveal blue print socks and walnut brown boots. Workaday: Emma - the world's best-paid actress of the past year - seemed deep in concentration as she meandered around the set of her latest project Autumnal: The La La land star wore her platinum blonde hair down and had wrapped herself in a bronze-colored overcoat that fell past her knees She looked determined as she scooped up her bag and headed off. At one point, before she left the table entirely, she was seen bending down nearly to eye-level with the puppet, glaring furiously at it. The puppet's expression appeared slightly alarmed in that snapshot and wasn't looking at Emma. Keeping it safe: When she sat at the chessboard, Emma rested her rumpled maroon handbag on her lap and folded her arms over it Striking: The star's eye-catching costume included pinstriped trousers, which were hemmed around mid-calf to reveal blue print socks and walnut brown boots Emma - the world's best-paid actress - was glimpsed with a smile on her face as she walked through the park, a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses on her face. Maniac, a dark comedy, is created and directed by Cary Fukunaga and is based on a three-year-old Norwegian sitcom of the same name. The original half-hour series centers on the fantasy life of a mental patient called Espen. On the go: The actress looked determined as she scooped up her bag and headed off Tense moment: At one point, before she left the table entirely, she was seen bending down nearly to eye-level with the puppet, glaring furiously at it Laugh a minute: The star seemed in good spirits as she chatted to her friend next to her pal Signature smile: Emma had a big grin on her face as she walked through the park, a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses on her face Emma and Jonah Hill head up the cast of the new version. Patrick Somerville is writing the Netflix edition, which is scheduled to be released in 2018. Jennifer Aniston's actor husband Justin Theroux will have a recurring part, as Deadline reported in August. Earlier this month, it emerged that another of the recurring players will be none other than iconic Oscar-winner Sally Field. Source material: Maniac, a dark comedy show, is created and directed by Cary Fukunaga and is based on a three-year-old Norwegian sitcom of the same name Not-so mellow yellow! Emma seemed in good spirits as she raced around the set in her coat Making moves: The star seemed in a hurry to shoot her next scenes as she raced around Megan McKenna has quit The Only Way Is Essex to take a break from the drama following the ongoing drama surrounding her relationship with Pete Wicks. The 24-year-old reality star has been embroiled in a heated row with her ex-beau amid claims she cheated on him with her former love Harry Eden, yet she has defiantly hit out at the accusations - insisting she was 'single' at the time. In a shocking statement released to The Sun, the ITVBe favourite said: 'Ive absolutely loved my time on TOWIE, although this series has been emotionally draining so I need a break from all the drama and lies.' Scroll down for video Over? Megan McKenna has quit The Only Way Is Essex following the ongoing drama surrounding her relationship with Pete Wicks Megan has recently embarked on a chart-topping solo career, the start of which was closely documented on her reality show There's Something About Megan. The Essex native insists her departure will see her focus on her music rather than the endless dramas she is involved in on the show. She continued: 'My music is really important to me and I just want to focus as much of my time on that as possible but Id like to think I might return at some point. Id like to thank everyone at Lime Pictures and ITV for their ongoing support.' A spokesperson said: 'We have mutually agreed with Megan that its time for her to take a break from the show. We extend our 'open door policy' should Megan want to return assuming its relevant for the stories and people were following at the time.' The end of the line? The 24-year-old reality star has been embroiled in a heated row with her ex-beau amid claims she cheated on him with her former love Harry Eden, yet she has defiantly hit out at the accusations - insisting she was 'single' at the time Belting out: Megan climbed the slippery showbiz ladder after her first attempts at stardom when she tried her luck on BGT in 2009 (pictured on the show) Prior to finding her big break on TOWIE, Megan appeared on Ex On The Beach, Britain's Got Talent, The X Factor and Celebrity Big Brother in her bid for stardom. Megan climbed the slippery showbiz ladder after her first attempts at stardom when she tried her luck on BGT in 2009. Years before her starring role in TOWIE, she appeared on the show in 2010 while auditioning to appear in Jess Wright's now-defunct girl group LOLA before a year later trying her luck at the 2011 Open Mic UK Singing Competition. She went on to enjoy two turns on Ex On The Beach, one in 2015 and one last year - in the same year as she starred on Celebrity Big Brother shortly before becoming a full-time TOWIE cast member in March. Hurt: She went on to enjoy two turns on Ex On The Beach, one in 2015 and one last year - in the same year as she starred on Celebrity Big Brother shortly before becoming a full-time TOWIE cast member in March While she is undoubtedly delighted at how her star has risen, Megan appears to have had enough after the latest dose of romantic drama served up on the show. As she has been hit with the speculation about Pete, his friends backed up the allegations that Megan cheated on him before they split by divulging details of an after party at which she reportedly shared a bed with 'new flame' Harry. Speaking to MailOnline, sources close to heartbroken Pete, 28, revealed: 'He had people telling him that they'd spotted [Megan and Harry] out together several times and even shared a bed at an after party. Fuming: 'Pete has no proof that Megan cheated on him and wants to believe their relationship was genuine, but he has friends telling him it's been going on for months he is struggling to think anything else' Gone: She continued: 'My music is really important to me and I just want to focus as much of my time on that as possible but Id like to think I might return at some point. Id like to thank everyone at Lime Pictures and ITV for their ongoing support' 'Pete has no proof that Megan cheated on him and wants to believe their relationship was genuine, but he has friends telling him it's been going on for months he is struggling to think anything else.' This information comes as Megan vehemently denied any allegations of cheating on her TOWIE co-star, via her representatives. 'Megan NEVER cheated on Pete or sexted with anybody whilst they were in a relationship, unlike Pete,' they told MailOnline on Thursday. 'Megan has not been meeting up with Harry for months the first time they met up was last week when Megan was single. They had no contact at all whilst Megan was in a relationship with Pete.' Whether she's on the red carpet or just out-and-about, Kate Mara is always chic as can be. The House Of Cards darling put on a leggy display during the 80th anniversary celebration for Physician's Formula at Beauty & Essex in Los Angeles on Thursday night. Kate, recently wed to Jamie Bell, looked glam in floral Marc Jacobs that featured a thigh-skimming hem and high neckline. Scroll down for video Legs get going! Kate Mara made a leggy display in floral Marc jacobs during Physician's Formula 80th anniversary celebration Thursday night in Los Angeles The 34-year-old glowed while posing in front of a glittering backdrop and metallic balloons. Kate emphasized her leggy look with snakeskin heels, adding several extra inches onto her petite 5foot3 form. The House Of Cards standout pinned her golden brown locks into a chic half bun, letting her rich ombre hang long and loose. Kate lined her eyes with sultry brown shadow while accentuating her natural glow with contoured cheeks and peachy-pink lips. Slithering chic! Kate emphasized her leggy look with snakeskin heels, adding several extra inches onto her petite 5foot3 form Golden rule! The House Of Cards standout pinned her golden brown locks into a chic half bun, letting her rich ombre hang long and loose Feeling rosy! Kate posed in front of a wall of pink and creme roses before playing around with the glittering balloons and decor Well wishes: The bonafide New York royal captioned the gram 'Happy 80th #PhysiciansFormula' along with the tag '#Since1937' and the red balloon emoji While chatting with E! News at the event, she revealed that the brand's liquid lip color is one of her go-to items, explaining it's perfect because 'It's natural and keeps your lips moist.' Later, Kate posed in front of a wall of pink and creme roses before playing around with the glittering balloons and decor. The American Horror Story: Murder House actress also shared a fun Boomerang of the party's luxe decor. Party time! The Netflix favorite played with the balloons and backdrop in a fun Boomarang posted to her Instagram Sparkling surroundings! The American Horror Story: Murder House actress enjoyed the party's luxe decor on her social media Sealed with a kiss! While chatting with E! News at the event, Kate revealed that Physician's Formula's liquid lip color is one of her favorites because 'It's natural and keeps your lips moist' She captioned the gram 'Happy 80th #PhysiciansFormula' along with the tag '#Since1937' and the red balloon emoji. Actress Michelle Monaghan was also there for the 80th anniversary celebration, looking white hot in a ruffling jumpsuit by designer Reem Acra. The 41-year-old stunner displayed her slim figure in a chic one-piece which featured a strapless bodice adorned with a black bow and belled bottoms. The Path actress rounded out her look with a black envelope clutch. Elegant: Actress Michelle Monaghan looked white hot in a ruffling jumpsuit by designer Reem Acra at the 80th anniversary celebration Belle of the ball! The 41-year-old stunner displayed her slim figure in a chic one-piece which featured a strapless bodice adorned with a black bow and belled bottoms Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. actress Chloe Bennett also appeared at the event, where she offered an eyeful of front with a plunging suit worn sans shirt. The Chicago born beauty teamed her look with romantic waves and a feather necklace dangling low into her cleavage. She added pointy nude heels as her final touch. Chest is best! Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. actress Chloe Bennett offered an eyeful of front in a plunging suit worn sans shirt during the anniversary event Social media persona Arika Sato made an appearance in a formfitting nude number. The USC alum let her bleach blonde locks drape over her crystal adorned bust while a tight taupe skirt hugged her bottom half. Physician's Formula has been a longtime favorite of makeup artists and cosmetic enthusiasts alike. For their 80th anniversary, the octogenarian cosmetics line released a limited edition collection, available both online and in shops. She is known for turning heads in curve-hugging gowns on the red carpet. But Sofia Vergara sported a more casual ensemble when she headed to a physical therapy session in Santa Monica, California, on Friday. The actress, 45, was seen power walking to her appointment in a form-fitting all-black ensemble. Scroll down for video Out and about: Sofia Vergara sported a casual ensemble when she headed to a physical therapy session in Santa Monica, California, on Friday The Modern Family star slipped into workout leggings and a long-sleeve sweater, teaming her low-key look with high-top Nike sneakers. Sofia kept her dark locks in natural waves, while wearing subtle make-up with a dark berry pout. The comedic actress was seen putting on a pair of aviator sunglasses as she toted two oversize designer handbags. Keeping it casual: The actress, 45, was seen power walking to her appointment in a form-fitting all-black ensemble Sofia seemed to be in a hurry as she walked inside the medical building. The Colombian-born beauty is best known for her role as Gloria Pritchett in the ABC hit show Modern Family. The TV star was recently named the highest-paid television actress for the sixth year in a row with earnings of $42 million in just 12 months. She has been busy filming the forthcoming season of Modern Family in Lake Tahoe, California. Girl on the go: The Modern Family star slipped into workout leggings and a long-sleeve sweater, teaming her low-key look with high-top Nike sneakers In 2015, Sofia married True Blood actor Joe Manganiello, 40, in Palm Beach, Florida. Sofia recently hit headlines for a court battle over frozen embryos with her ex-fiance Nick Loeb. In August, the starlet eventually won the case, which did not allow Loeb to plant the embryos into a surrogate. Sofia and Nick started dating in 2010, and subsequently got engaged in 2012 before splitting in 2014. He has made no secret of his quest for eternal youth. And Human Ken Doll Rodrigo Alves' latest mission comes in his determination to achieve the hairline of a teenage boy by undergoing a gruelling hair transplant with his doctor to the stars, Dr John Kahen in Beverly Hills on Friday. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline about the work, he admitted his latest aim in life is to replicate Australian model Jordan Barrett - as he has undergone his hair transplant and recent eye colour-changing surgery to look like the model. Scroll down for video Literally hair raising! Human Ken Doll Rodrigo Alves' latest mission comes in his determination to achieve the hairline of a teenage boy by undergoing a gruelling hair transplant with his doctor to the stars Dr John Kahen in Beverly Hills on Friday Rodrigo, who has spent a whopping 400,000 on plastic surgery over the years, is a natural under the knife so seemed unfazed as he underwent the procedure which involved him having 3,000 hairs grafted onto his head. Speaking to MailOnline, he said: 'This is a very lengthy procedure. It takes hair from the back and inserts follicles on the front lowering my hairline to look like a teenager. I want the hairline of a teenage boy. 'Teenage boys have a full hairline but from 28 it starts to recede. 3,000 hairs have been taken from the back of my head onto my temples and hairline I want my head to look smaller. I don't accept the natural aging process. Who's who? Fresh out of his teens - and still certainly boasting a wondrous hairline - is 20-year-old Jordan (right), who has caught the eye of Rodrigo (left) as he yearns for his looks Suffering to be beautiful: Rodrigo said: 'I don't care because that's what I want. People are gonna go wow' Rodrigo, who has spent a whopping 400,000 on plastic surgery over the years, is a natural under the knife so seemed unfazed as he underwent the procedure 'Dr John is adding stem cells to my head in a seven hour procedure. He's made holes in my scalp for the follicles. Two years ago I had my first one. I will have the hairline like a female as they have lower hairlines. 'I don't care because that's what I want. People are gonna go wow. There is a very famous actor that is getting a transplant but he wears a wig.' Fresh out of his teens - and still certainly boasting a wondrous hairline - is 20-year-old Jordan, who has caught Rodrigo's eye as he yearns for his looks. Working it: The Australian fashion model (pictured in New York last month) has received attention from around the world for his chiselled features, smouldering gaze and toned body Pouting up a storm: Rodrigo frequently shares selfies with his 340,000 Instagram followers Dapper: The star of the upcoming show Plastics of Hollywood is often flanked up as many as five bodyguards (pictured in California this week) He said: 'Oh I'd love to look like Jordan! I brought his picture to the doctors!' The Australian fashion model has received attention from around the world for his chiselled features, smouldering gaze and toned body. He's won various accolades for photoshoots and catwalks, including Model of the Year as awarded by Models.com last year. Vlog o'clock: Rodrigo treated his social media followers to constant updates during the procedure Big commitment: Rodrigo explained that the gruelling process - which he has had done twice before already - would take seven hours Success: On Instagram Rodrigo said: 'It is a big day today when I have my hair line lowered and my entire hair boosted with [stem cell] injections and 3000 grafts of hair implanted by the best hair implant and restoration doctor in the world Dr John Kahen' (right) Doctor's orders: Rodrigo looked relaxed and excited as he headed to his appointment today Meanwhile the Brazilian-born Ken Doll was left furious on Sunday night when he was branded a 'monster' live on Italian TV. Speaking to MailOnline, he revealed he had the panellist kicked out of the studio for her comments - explaining he would 'not tolerate that sort of verbal abuse' after being heavily bullied in his youth. He had been filming his part on the Domenica chat show in Italy when the incident took place - leaving him in a fierce rage. All set: The Brazilian-born TV presenter had plugs of plasma and hair injected into his hairline to fill it out Phwoar: Rodrigo isn't Jordan's only fan, as the Aussie mannequin stormed the runway in Paris Fashion Week (pictured) last month in front of reams of fashion followers Hunk: Jordan has won various accolades for photoshoots and catwalks, including Model of the Year as awarded by Models.com last year The television personality revealed he had been discussing his new hand-painted contact lenses with host Barbara D'urso, when a panelist on the show suddenly interrupted to brand him a 'monster', live on air. Admitting the incident had left him 'shocked', Rodrigo explained to MailOnline that he managed to keep his emotions in check - but was quick to have her removed from the premises by his five body guards. He said: 'I wasn't prepared to be insulted live at such big live show. I kept cool, but I asked the production team to ask that woman to leave, so that I could carry on doing my job.' Sought after: The Byron Bay-born heartthrob has modelled for world-renowned fashion houses such as Versace, Tom Ford and Balmain, so it's no wonder Rodrigo has focused on Jordan to shape his surgery goals Strong: The Ken Doll says he wants to break the taboo about plastic surgery in society The Ken Doll added that he felt disrespected by the comments, as his main aim is to break the taboo about plastic surgery in society. He said furiously: 'My overall message is that in life we can be anything we want with willpower and determination, regardless of whether you have plastic surgery or not.' Confessing he refuses to let people speak down to him after being bullied in his youth, he continued: 'Growing up I was bullied and discriminated due to the fact that I was fat, ugly and misshapen, and I couldn't do anything about it. 'Nowadays I'm a tough cookie. and I won't tolerate that sort of verbal abuse about my appearance.' He made his mark-and his fortune-thanks to the hit Hollywood dramedy Entourage. But it seems Kevin Dillon, 52, may be running a bit low on funds as of late, which is affecting his ability to pay his daughter's private school tuition. According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, the actor is claiming that he cannot afford to pay for the tony private institution located in Calabasas for his daughter Ava, who is about to enter 6th grade. Trouble brewing? It seems Kevin Dillon, 52, may be running a bit low on funds as of late, which is affecting his ability to pay his daughter's private school tuition The request for payment comes from ex Jane Stuart, to whom he already pays $3,174 a month in child support and $7,214 in monthly spousal support. According to Dillon, he is currently living off of his savings and unable to muster any further remunerations. Apparently the conflict emerged when Stuart claimed Ava needed to continue her school in Calabasas, where the little girl has grown up. However Dillon believes that a public school in Malibu, which received a gold medal ranking by U.S. News and World Report, would be an acceptable and much cheaper alternative. Legendary: He made his mark-and his fortune-thanks to the hit Hollywood dramedy Entourage Stuart countered that Dillon is not familiar with his daughter's 'needs' and that said public school has had issues with drugs and carcinogens located on campus. Dillon and Stuart reportedly settled on the terms of their divorce back in June after a nasty back and forth over the formal separation date. Stuart filed for divorce in June 2016, claiming they split in May, however Dillon argued their separation happened in October 2008. Apparently the conflict emerged when Stuart claimed Ava needed to continue her school in Calabasas, where the little girl has grown up (Ava and Kevin pictured in 2011) The date of the split is particularly significant as according to his ex, Dillon earned 'more than $16M' for his role in Entourage, which started in 2004. Jane, who married Kevin in Las Vegas in 2006 and shares daughter Ava with him, also claimed he 'kept her in the dark over his finances'. While things may have gotten even uglier, at least Dillon's career is once again showing signs of life, as the former Platoon actor is supposedly busy shooting the star studded comedy The Buddy Games with Josh Duhamel and Olivia Munn, among many others. Sad: Stuart filed for divorce in June 2016, claiming they split in May, however Dillon argued their separation happened in October 2008 Calvin's Canadian Cave Of Cool Manifesto I forever stand vigilant to protect this planet from the myriad of forces that are always against us. Be it the octopus, zombies, aliens or the robots my team of human agents, and our feline allies, circle the globe in a never ending struggle for human freedom. I learn all I can on every subject that interests me. I especially enjoy ancient history because in the past there are valuable lessons to be found. Also, if I ever get my time machine to work properly, it would be good to know a bit about possible destinations and what to expect when I get there. I greatly appreciate beautiful design. Be it manufactured or found naturally I am fascinated by the process of invention. I am attracted to the unique, the strange, the haunted. I like to share what I find on this blog. And not let us forget the 'Cephalopod Menace' who, if allowed to, would wrap their tentacles around all that is good and pure in this life and crush it until it remained no more. They are creatures of pure spite. Hate is all they know. Death is all they do. They are our most ruthless and determined enemy. So we fight. Selena has the celebrity contacts, the cat is ruthless and without pity, Roosevelt's ghost has the experience and I do the wetwork. Fighting for the future of the planet doesn't have to be a chore, however. We can take the time to appreciate all that is cool in this world even as we cut the octopus into bite sized chunks. This is the reason there has always been and must forever be, a Cave of Cool. Be sure to wipe your feet before you enter. Rosneft announced on Wednesday it had signed production sharing agreements for five oil blocks in Iraqi Kurdistan The Iraqi oil ministry reacted angrily on Thursday after Russian energy giant Rosneft signed a production sharing deal with the authorities in the autonomous Kurdish region without its approval. The agreement came hot on the heels of Baghdad's recapture from Kurdish forces of five oil fields in disputed territory outside the autonomous region in retaliation for an independence vote last month. "This department and the Iraqi federal government are the only two bodies with whom agreements should be reached for the development and investments in the energy sector," the ministry said in a statement, without mentioning Rosneft by name. Oil Minister Jabbar al-Luaybi condemned the "irresponsible announcements coming from certain officials in Iraq or abroad, or from foreign companies about their intention to conclude deals with parties in Iraq without the federal government being aware." Rosneft said it would pay up to $400 million (340 million euros) for 80 percent in the venture as part of the deal with the Kurdish Autonomous Region of Iraq "The federal government and the oil ministry are the only bodies responsible for developing oil and gas strategy and authorised to sign agreements with foreign countries and companies," he said. Rosneft announced on Wednesday it had signed production sharing agreements for five oil blocks in Iraqi Kurdistan. The state-controlled giant said it would pay up to $400 million (340 million euros) for 80 percent in the venture as part of the deal with the Kurdistan Regional Government, although up to half the sum could be paid in crude from the blocks. Rosneft boss Igor Sechin on Thursday insisted that the company strictly followed the law and said that "if there are problems between the government of Iraq and Kurdistan then they need to solve the problems themselves." "I am not a politician, my job is to produce oil," Sechin, a top ally of President Vladimir Putin, was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies. A joint exploration programme and pilot production is to start next year. If successful, Rosneft said it would start full-field development of the blocks in 2021. Recoverable oil reserves at the five blocks are around 670 million barrels, Rosneft said, calling the estimate "conservative". Rosneft and Iraqi Kurdistan are already cooperating on crude purchases and sales, but the new deal "will allow us to talk about full-fledged entry of the company in one of the most promising regions" of the developing global energy market, Rosneft said. Nigeria's military and government maintain that Boko Haram is a spent force as a result of sustained counter-insurgency operations against them since early 2015 At least three soldiers were killed when Boko Haram fighters ambushed a military convoy in northeast Nigeria, security and civilian sources told AFP on Thursday. The attack, which happened on Wednesday near the town of Damboa, on the edge of Boko Haram's Sambisa Forest enclave in Borno state, is the second against the military within a week. Last Friday, one soldier was killed and nine others were wounded as the jihadists overran a military base in the town of Marte, near the shores of Lake Chad. They then fled with arms and ammunition. A senior military officer said the attack, which happened early on Wednesday, targeted a convoy travelling between Damboa and state capital Maiduguri. "We lost three soldiers in the ambush by Boko Haram terrorists. "The terrorists in large number opened fire on the convoy of the commanding officer of 81 Battalion... Five other troops were injured in the intense battle that broke out when soldiers engaged the attackers." The officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to talk to the media, said the arrival of reinforcements forced the rebels to retreat. A commercial bus driver who was caught in the ambush gave a similar account. "I was one of those trailing behind the military convoy when Boko Haram opened fire and soldiers responded with fire," said Sani Mato by telephone from Maiduguri. "The soldiers were able to repel the attack but lost three men. Five were also injured." Roads to and from Maiduguri are nominally open to traffic but in reality, vehicles require a military escort because of the risk of attack. Nigeria's military and government maintain that Boko Haram is a spent force as a result of sustained counter-insurgency operations against them since early 2015. Deadly attacks have dropped in recent weeks, which security sources attribute to renewed military offensives after the end of the rainy season in September. But suicide bombings remain a threat, particularly to civilians at "soft" targets such as mosques, markets and camps for those displaced by the conflict. On October 12, five people were killed in a suicide attack in the remote village of Belbelu, near Kayamla, in the Konduga area of Borno state. At 37, Jacinda Ardern is set to become New Zealand's youngest leader since 1856 New Zealand's prime minister-elect Jacinda Ardern promised "a government of change" as she met with leaders of her centre-left Labour Party Friday to prepare to take power after a stunning election win. The charismatic 37-year-old received a standing ovation from the Labour caucus after forging a coalition with minor parties on Thursday to clinch victory in the September 23 election. "This will be a government of change, it will be a government we can be proud of," she said. "We have been gifted by the people of New Zealand an opportunity, and it is for us to make the most of that." Ardern expressed confidence her new government would see out its full term, despite long-standing tensions between junior coalition partners the Greens and New Zealand First (NZF). No caption NZF leader Winston Peters and the Greens have a rocky history, which descended into name-calling earlier this year when the environmentalists said the 72-year-old's anti-immigration rhetoric was racist. Ardern insisted Friday that the three groups could work together and said she had faith in Peters, an outspoken maverick whose 40-year career has been punctuated by controversy. She said Peters, whose declaration of support for Ardern on Thursday tipped the election her way, successfully joined a Labour-led coalition in 2005. "Labour has been in an agreement with NZF before... Mr Peters and New Zealand First were a party of their word, that provided stability and we delivered," she told Radio New Zealand. - 'Straight to the grindstone' - Ardern, who took over the Labour leadership less than three months ago and is now set to become New Zealand's youngest leader since 1856, said she was still processing her meteoric rise. "I probably need a bit of time for quiet reflection before it all sinks in, but for now it's straight to the grindstone," she told TV3. The new leader said she had received congratulations from Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Britain's Theresa May and Canada's Justin Trudeau. Outgoing prime minister Bill English conceded defeat on Thursday But she kept the celebrations low-key on Thursday night after ending Labour's nine years in the wilderness. "I headed straight back to my studio apartment in Wellington and had a pot of noodles," she said. Ardern denied her government was "a coalition of the losers" considering the outgoing National Party claimed 44.4 percent of the vote, well above Labour (36.9), NZF (7.2) and the Greens (6.3). "Obviously I'd characterise that as unfair... We've formed a coalition government based on the majority of votes," she said. Ardern expects to allocate ministerial portfolios and release detailed policies next week, as well as implement a 100-day plan of high-priority reforms. These include slashing immigration numbers by up to 30,000 places a year, clamping down on property sales to foreigners and setting a goal of zero carbon emissions. Coalition parties will also push their own pet reforms, including a Greens plan to hold a referendum by 2020 on legalising cannabis for personal use. - 'Rocky road?' - The markets reacted negatively to the centre-left coalition, with the benchmark NZX-50 index down 2.9 percent and the New Zealand dollar off 1.7 percent. Capital Economics analyst Paul Dales said policies such as reducing migration and running tighter fiscal policy were "less growth friendly" than those of the outgoing National Party. TD Securities strategist Annette Beacher said the new government could also increase taxes and spending, threatening to end a recent run of budget surpluses. Ardern acknowledged that there were signs of an impending economic slowdown but said it would be attributable to international factors, not her government. Ardern was applauded as she held her first caucus meeting as prime minister-elect "We will potentially have a rocky road in front of us," she told Newshub. "If you have an economic outlook that's affected by international markers then it's your job to manage them, but we can't always control what we face. No one blamed the National government for the GFC (Global Financial Crisis), for instance." Ganesh Nana, chief economist at financial consultancy BERL, said market fears were overstated. "We probably have to tell the finance markets to chill a little bit, take their morning medication and just realise that the sun still will rise in the east and set in the west," he said. Former US president Barack Obama took aim at the fear and bitterness that led to his successor Donald Trump's election, at an event in New Jersey that marked his return to the campaign trail Barack Obama returned to the campaign trail on Thursday, railing against the "politics of division" after keeping a low profile and avoiding direct confrontation with his White House successor since leaving office. Speaking at a rally in New Jersey to support the Democratic Party candidate for governor, the 56-year-old former president took aim at the fear and bitterness that marked the 2016 campaign which led to Donald Trump's presidency. "What we can't have is the same old politics of division that we have seen so many times before, that dates back centuries," Obama said at the event in Newark for Phil Murphy. "Some of the politics we see now, we thought we put that to bed. That's folks looking 50 years back," Obama added. "It's the 21st century, not the 19th century." Obama later appeared at an event in Richmond to support Ralph Northam, his party's gubernatorial candidate in Virginia, at which he obliquely criticized the way Trump gained the White House. "If you have to win a campaign by dividing people, you're not going to be able to govern them. You won't be able to unite them later," Obama said. "We are at our best not when we are trying to put people down, but when we are trying to lift everybody up," he said. Voters in both New Jersey and Virginia will decide the contests on November 7, one year after Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton and stormed into the White House on a wave of anti-establishment fury. The races are potential indicators of voter sentiment ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, which will be a major test for Trump and his Republican Party. University of Virginia political science professor Larry Sabato said the New Jersey and Virginia governor races are the only "big elections" for 2017. "What's at stake is bragging rights headed into the 2018 midterm elections," Sabato told AFP. Obama has remained largely detached from the political debate since leaving office on January 20, in keeping with presidential tradition. Trump has meanwhile used his first nine months in the White House to methodically demolish key Obama administration policies. After three months of vacation Obama began writing his memoirs. He has said little in public and granted almost no interviews. - Test for Trump - US President Donald Trump has made dismantaling key Obama-era policies on healthcare, the environment and immigration a cornerstone of his young administration The few times Obama broke his silence was to comment on issues of national importance, such as immigration, health care and climate change. In New Jersey, Murphy is the clear frontrunner to succeed Republican Governor Chris Christie, a Trump ally whose popularity has plummeted to record lows. New Jersey "is a runaway win for the Democrats, so Virginia is the only competitive contest. Obama is needed much more in Richmond than Trenton," said Sabato, referring to the capitals of the two states. Virginia is a pivotal state and the only southern US state that Clinton won in 2016. Its importance is amplified by its proximity to the capital Washington. "If the GOP loses in Virginia, Trump will be widely blamed since he is so unpopular in a state carried by Hillary Clinton," Sabato said. Should Republicans win Virginia's governorship, "then Trump will not be viewed as such a liability for the GOP in 2018." In Richmond, Obama backed Northam, the state's lieutenant governor who was credited Wednesday with a slight lead over Republican Ed Gillespie in a Quinnipiac poll. More than six hours ahead of the event in Richmond, student Lucas Anderton was in the queue for tickets. "It's important for me, he's my hero and so it's nice to see him out in the battle again," Anderton said. "I am hoping that he does something to speak to the African-American population, I really do, because we are in need of a strong leader," said Nancy Atkins, who was waiting to enter the venue ahead of Obama's Richmond speech. "We need a Martin Luther King to step up, and I can see the former president Obama as being that leader," Atkins said. Well aware of the vote's importance, Trump has backed Gillespie and accused Northam of "fighting for the violent MS-13" Hispanic gang, as well as "sanctuary cities" that offer shelter to illegal immigrants. Gillespie, a former advisor to president George W. Bush who has become a millionaire lobbyist, has so far kept cautious distance from the mercurial Trump, whose backing recently failed to ensure the election of his pick in a Republican Senate race in Alabama. Director Quentin Tarantino told The New York Times that he had known about disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein's behavior long before investigations by that paper and the New Yorker which prompted a flood of further allegations Quentin Tarantino has admitted knowing for decades about Harvey Weinstein's alleged sexual misconduct, confessing in an interview published Thursday to feeling ashamed that he did not stop working with the mogul. The explosive admission to The New York Times came with allegations of assault and harassment mounting against the disgraced Hollywood tycoon as Los Angeles police announced they were investigating a sixth sex attack allegation. "I knew enough to do more than I did," Oscar-winning Tarantino, 54, told the paper of his friend and mentor, citing several episodes involving prominent actresses. "There was more to it than just the normal rumors, the normal gossip. It wasn't secondhand. I knew he did a couple of these things." Weinstein, 65, is accused of decades of sexual abuse and harassment by around 40 actresses, including stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Mira Sorvino, Tarantino's ex-girlfriend. The veteran producer, who resigned from the board of The Weinstein Company this week, having already been sacked as its co-chairman, has so far denied all allegations of forcing himself on his accusers. Tarantino said in the Times interview that he had heard about Weinstein's behavior long before investigations published in that paper and the New Yorker which prompted a flood of further allegations. - 'Excuse' - "I wish I had taken responsibility for what I heard. If I had done the work I should have done then, I would have had to not work with him," Tarantino said. Sorvino, who dated the director in the mid-1990s, told him Weinstein had made unwanted advances while another actress made similar allegations years later that Tarantino also knew about, according to the Times. The director said he was also aware that Weinstein had settled with the actress Rose McGowan. "What I did was marginalize the incidents," Tarantino said, admitting that he had dismissed them as "mild misbehavior." "Anything I say now will sound like a crappy excuse," added the filmmaker, who won best screenplay Oscars for black comedy western "Django Unchained" in 2013 and cult favorite "Pulp Fiction" in 1995. Weinstein and Tarantino have worked closely for decades since the producer distributed "Reservoir Dogs," in 1992. The pair also collaborated on "Pulp Fiction," the "Kill Bill" films, "Inglourious Basterds" and "The Hateful Eight." The Los Angeles Police Department told AFP detectives had interviewed a "potential sexual assault victim involving Weinstein" which allegedly occurred in 2013. The opening of a probe in Los Angeles follows two sex crime investigations launched by police in New York, with London's Metropolitan Police also pursuing allegations made by three women. The new case takes Weinstein's potential legal woes to a new level as it falls within the 10-year statute of limitations for the crime that existed at the time of the alleged incident, according to the Los Angeles Times. Until now, most of the accusations Weinstein faced were more than a decade old. - 'Without warning' - The Italian actress and model's lawyer Dave Ring said in a statement that she had told detectives Thursday how movie producer Weinstein raped her in a hotel room near Beverly Hills in 2013. "My client is grateful to all the courageous women who have already come forward to finally expose Weinstein," said Ring, vowing to share information about the case at a news conference planned for Friday. "These women may not have realized it, but they gave my client the support and encouragement to hold Weinstein accountable for this horrible act." The alleged victim, then 34, told the Los Angeles Times the incident occurred at the Mr. C Beverly Hills hotel after she attended the 8th annual Los Angeles, Italia Film, Fashion and Art Fest in February 2013. He showed up "without warning" in the lobby and asked to come up to her room, she told the newspaper. She said she offered instead to meet him downstairs, but added that he was soon knocking on her door. "He... bullied his way into my hotel room, saying, 'I'm not going to (have sex with) you, I just want to talk,'" the mother-of-three is quoted as saying. "Once inside, he asked me questions about myself, but soon became very aggressive and demanding and kept asking to see me naked. He grabbed me by the hair and forced me to do something I did not want to do. He then dragged me to the bathroom and forcibly raped me." She said she was too afraid to report Weinstein, instead telling a priest, a friend and a nanny what had happened, but decided to come forward at the request of her children. Freed Canadian hostage Joshua Boyle and one of his children walk outside the Boyle's family home in Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada, on October 14, 2017. A North American family who were kidnapped by a Taliban faction in Afghanistan were held for five years in Pakistan before their release last week, CIA director Mike Pompeo said Thursday. The account is at odds with the Pakistani military's version of events, which said it rescued the couple and their three children born in custody after a tip-off that the family had been moved into Pakistan's semi-autonomous tribal areas from across the border in Afghanistan, where they were captured in 2012. "We had a great outcome last week, when we were able to get back four US citizens, who had been held for five years inside of Pakistan," Pompeo told a Washington policy forum. The amount of time US citizen Caitlan Coleman and her Canadian husband Joshua Boyle spent on either side of the lawless Afghan-Pakistan border is significant for US authorities. Washington suspects Pakistan of collusion with the Haqqani group, a hardline Taliban faction that targets the US-backed government in Kabul and is thought to have held the hostages. Pakistani officials secured the family's release last week, just ahead of a key visit next week by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during which he is expected to pressure Islamabad. Some US and Canadian officials have cast doubt on whether the family was rescued, hinting in North American media that the recovery was more of a "negotiated handover." "I think history would indicate that expectations for the Pakistanis willingness to help us in the fight against radical Islamic terrorism should be set at a very low level. Our intelligence would indicate the same," Pompeo said. "I think we should have a very real conversation with them about what it is they're doing and what it is they should do and the American expectations for how they should behave," he said. US President Donald Trump wants to convince Afghan Taliban rebels that they have no hope of military victory and should try to negotiate a peace deal with Kabul. But, Pompeo said, there is no chance the Taliban will do this if their fighters continue to enjoy the benefits of a safe haven on the Pakistan side of the border. Emperor Akihito stunned Japan last year by announcing he wanted to take a back seat after nearly 30 years on the Chrysanthemum Throne Japan's Emperor Akihito will step down on March 31, 2019, a report said Friday, the first imperial retirement in more than two centuries. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will meet top officials and members of the royal household next month before announcing the date, the Asahi Shimbun reported, citing unnamed government sources. Akihito's eldest son, 57-year-old Crown Prince Naruhito, will ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne the next day on April 1, the paper said. The popular 83-year-old Akihito shocked the country last year when he signalled his desire to take a back seat after nearly three decades, citing his age and health problems. There have been abdications in Japan's long imperial history, but the last one was more than 200 years ago. Akihito's unexpected move presented a challenge since there was no law to deal with an emperor retiring from what is usually a job for life -- and it reignited debate about allowing women to ascend the traditionally male-only throne. In June, the parliament passed a one-off rule allowing the ageing emperor to step down but the Asahi report is the first time a precise date for the abdication has been mooted. "It is an immeasurable relief to me that his majesty ... can now have days of rest as he reaches an advanced age," Empress Michiko, who turned 83 Friday, said in a statement. The status of the emperor is sensitive in Japan given its 20th century history of war waged in the name of Akihito's father Hirohito, who died in 1989. Some worried that changing the rule to allow any emperor to abdicate could put Japan's future monarchs at risk of being subject to political manipulation. "Nothing has been decided on this issue," a spokesman for the Imperial Household Agency told AFP, declining to comment further. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a speech during an event marking 50 years of Israeli settlements in the Jordan Valley on October 19, 2017, near the Maale Efraim settlement in the occupied West Bank Israel has been promoting the idea that its ties with Arab countries are improving, and some experts say there are signs that shared concerns over Iran are indeed nudging them closer. Formal recognition of Israel by Arab states does not seem likely anytime soon, but behind-the-scenes cooperation has opened up in various areas, a number of experts and officials say. Significant rapprochement would constitute a departure from the decades-old policy of Arab countries refusing to deal with Israel until an independent Palestinian state is created. But in the latest sign of mutual interests, both Israel and Saudi Arabia congratulated US President Donald Trump last week after his speech in which he declared he would not certify the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. "I think there are two issues that the president was concerned with and we're all concerned with, and coincidentally on this, Israel and the leading Arab states see eye-to-eye," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this week. "When Israel and the main Arab countries see eye-to-eye, you should pay attention, because something important is happening." Last month, Netanyahu described relations with the Arab world as the "best ever", though without providing any details. Leaders of Arab countries have not publicly made similar comments, though that does not necessarily mean they dispute Netanyahu's claim. They face sensitivities within their own countries, where the Jewish state is often viewed with intense hostility. Since Israel was established in 1948, only two Arab states -- Egypt and Jordan -- have signed peace deals with the country. But as the Middle East's most powerful military with respected intelligence capabilities and a close bond with the United States, Israel is potentially a key ally against Iran for Arab states. Israel has long viewed Iran as its number one enemy, while Sunni Arab nations such as Saudi Arabia are regional rivals of the Shiite country. "(Relations are still) under the radar and unofficial because the culture of the Middle East is sensitive" to this matter, Israeli Communications Minister Ayoub Kara, a Netanyahu ally, told AFP. - Trump's visit - Due to the concealed nature of any improved relations, pointing to exactly what Israel and Arab countries may be cooperating on is difficult. Occasional examples have become public, such as when Israel announced in 2015 it would open a mission in Abu Dhabi as part of an international green energy body -- its first official presence in the United Arab Emirates. Israeli public radio reported last month that a Saudi prince visited the country secretly and met with Israeli officials about regional peace. The visit was never confirmed. Uzi Rabi, a Tel Aviv University professor who specialises in Saudi Arabia, said there seemed to be "coordination" on issues including seeking to limit the spread of Iranian influence in the region. It may also include cyber-security coordination, he said. "There are Saudis meeting Israelis everywhere now, functioning relations based on shared interests," Rabi said. The United States has also sought to promote links between Israel and the Arab world, with Trump's administration hoping to leverage regional interests to reach an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal. Trump visited the Middle East in May, travelling from Saudi Arabia to Israel in a rare direct flight between the two countries. "There is tremendous will, really good feeling, towards Israel," Trump said of Saudi Arabia upon arrival in Israel. "What's happened with Iran has brought many other parts of the Middle East towards Israel." But even if ties are warming, many analysts question whether major steps are possible without a peace deal that would end Israel's 50-year occupation of Palestinian territory. - Outside in - Israeli relations with Gulf Arab states are not totally new. In the 1980s, for example, Saudi billionaire arms dealer Adnan al-Khashoggi, a key player in the region, was said to have had a relationship with then-defence minister Ariel Sharon, said Gil Merom, a specialist in political relations at the University of Sydney. But the ties seem to have become less covert. For years, politicians have discussed the so-called "inside out" theory, whereby Gulf Arab states would recognise Israel in exchange for the creation of an independent Palestinian state. This was the basis of a 2002 Saudi-led peace plan which was never implemented. But increasingly Israeli officials talk about the "outside in" idea -- Arab states recognising Israel ahead of potential Palestinian independence. There is no sign Arab states would go along with any such plan. Kristian Ulrichsen, a professor focused on Gulf affairs at Rice University in the United States, said the basis of ties between Israel and Arab countries was common enemies. "For several of the Sunni Arab states in the region, particularly in the Gulf, there is a growing sense that the major contemporary faultlines in the region now revolve around the perceived threat from Iran and militant Islamism," he said. "And on both these issues there is a certain convergence of interest with Israel," he told AFP. "I do expect economic and security ties to become more open in the months and years ahead." They once dreamt of becoming engineers, teachers or other professionals, but for tens of thousands of Syrian students those hopes were cut short by the war in their homeland They once dreamt of becoming engineers, teachers or other professionals, but for tens of thousands of Syrian students those hopes were cut short by the war in their homeland. While some have managed to rebuild their lives overseas and others remain stranded in refugee camps, there are those who transformed themselves in the chaos of the conflict into fighters or journalists. Here are the stories of two of them: - Delbrin Sadeq, a chemist battling IS - A year before jihadists from the Islamic State group turned Raqa into their Syrian capital, Kurdish student Delbrin Sadeq was studying pure and applied chemistry at the city's university. "When IS arrived in 2014 and forced women to wear black, I left Raqa," the 26-year-old told AFP. Sadeq then traded books for bullets as she took the decision to sign up with the all-female Women's Protection Units (YPJ) and fight alongside male comrades from the Kurdish People's Protection Units. The YPJ was involved in some of the fiercest battles against IS as the Kurds fought a life-or-death struggle to keep the jihadists at bay. Eventually the Kurdish fighters became the spearhead of a US-backed force to oust IS from its strongholds -- with Raqa the ultimate goal. After four months of ferocious urban combat Sadeq and her comrades finally took full control of Raqa on October 17. "It was only the battle to recapture the city that brought me back," Sadeq said. The university where she studied was the scene of fierce fighting. As Sadeq toured its bombed-out buildings, her hair in plaits and a gun slung over her shoulder, the rifle-carrying rebel reminisced about her past life. "When I walk around here now I believe I can still see my classmates," she said. "I don't know what happened to them, but I hope they are well." Despite the pain she feels for everything that she lost, Sadeq is adamant that she does not regret her fate. "I like military life, I will not quit it as long as there is a war going on," she said. As for her studies, if she gets the chance Sadeq would start again. "If I could resume my studies while remaining a fighter, I would do that," she said. "Life continues and education continues." - Ahmad Khatib, engineer to reporter - Ahmad Khatib was a third year civil engineering student at Tishreen University in the coastal city of Latakia when the revolt against President Bashar al-Assad's rule broke out across Syria in March 2011. "It was my uncle who inspired me because he was an engineer but he always said I should study journalism," Khatib, 28, told AFP. "I told him that the media in Syria was under tight control, and that is why I chose civil engineering." It would take the heady days of protests against Assad and the bloodshed of Syria's ensuing civil war to eventually push Khatib into journalism. Security forces found out about his involvement in the early demonstrations against the regime and in November 2011 he was arrested at a checkpoint while travelling in the northwestern Idlib province. "I was in detention for 22 days in Idlib then sent before a court in Damascus on accusations of 'undermining the authority of the state'," Khatib recounted. "They wanted to torture me into admitting that I was an armed rebel, but I wasn't." Eventually he was released and handed a pass that was supposed to let him travel through regime checkpoints. But when he tried to use it to return to university pro-regime militiamen confiscated the document and warned him to quit university and never show his face again. Left devastated by seeing his dream of becoming an engineer shredded, the straight-A student rejected the chance to take up arms and instead turned to reporting the horrors engulfing his homeland. "I started off by watching YouTube videos to learn how to film as at that point we were only using mobile phones," he explained, recalling his joy when he acquired his first handheld camcorder. "I filmed protests and fighting, and then started doing reports on the humanitarian situation," Khatib recalled. "Being a reporter is the most beautiful aspect of the revolution. We showed Assad's crimes to the whole world." Now this self-trained journalist has definitively swapped his goal of designing roads and bridges for his new passion of telling the story. "If the war finished then I would like to sign up for a journalism course." Under the controverisal scheme private education companies take over the day-to-day running of schools like the Cecelia Dunbar school, about 30 kilometres from Monrovia On a weekday morning in Cecelia Dunbar school, a bumpy hour's drive from Liberia's capital, a group of seven-year-olds concentrate on their maths lesson, seated at individual wooden desks. Children at schools like Cecelia Dunbar read and count at a level improved by 60 percent from a year ago -- proof, according to the government and private education companies, that a bold experiment for one of the world's worst education systems has succeeded. "The approaches that each of the providers are bringing in are showing results," said Christina PioCosta-Lahue, the managing director of Rising Academies Liberia, which operates 29 schools on the government's behalf under the Partnership Schools Programme launched last year. "A student in first grade (six to seven years old) has made two years of progress in reading," PioCosta-Lahue said. Liberia's infrastructure and its education system were ravaged by 1989-2003 back-to-back civil wars and a subsequent deadly Ebola outbreak which closed schools for months. Last year, the UN children's agency ranked the small west African nation worst globally in terms of access to primary education, on a continent whose education systems are already the worst-performing worldwide. A lack of text books, school sanitation, public transport and parents keeping children out of school to earn or help them work are common. The government and private firms therefore celebrated a random control trial conducted by US development thinktank the Centre for Global Development (CGDEV) which found that beyond the improved literacy and numeracy, pupil enthusiasm has also measurably lifted. However, critics remain sceptical that such initiatives can overhaul national education standards, whether in Liberia or in Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda where similar schools operate. - Sustainable? - More African children are in school than ever before and more than a fifth of the continent's children are currently privately educated, a number that is likely to rise, according to a report released by education-focused consultancy Caerus Capital in April. The main change at Cecelia Dunbar has been in teacher training, monitoring and accountability, saids principal Jacob Haiwulu. Poverty forces many children to pull out of school "They carry out evaluations for our students and provide training for teachers," Haiwulu said, referring to the partner compnay. "You always have a target to achieve." The CGDEV study found that while students in partnership schools enjoyed better quality education with more teachers per pupil, the schools had higher costs and some pupils were reassigned to government schools to keep class sizes capped. "The program has yet to demonstrate it can work in average Liberian schools, with sustainable budgets and staffing levels, and without negative side-effects on other schools," it noted. Liberia's main teachers' union, whose leadership has opposed the programme from the start, says the money flooding into these schools was bound to bring results, pointing to their fruitless campaigns for more resources. - Deeper roots - But teachers in government schools say the main problem with Liberia's schools has more familiar roots: poverty and corruption. William V.S. Tubman High School in central Monrovia is one of the country's best, equipped with a few computers, a canteen and bathrooms: facilities lacking in the vast majority of state and privately-run schools. But even here teachers struggle to get to class on time as they moonlight to supplement meagre salaries. "You can't support your family with $240 (a month) in Liberia," history teacher Boniface Colley told AFP. "It is also the management of the little resources that we have, we have problems with managing and allocating it correctly," he said, alluding to waste and endemic graft in the government. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's administration has made efforts to lift "ghost" workers, including teachers, off the state payroll. "We have a lot of resource constraints ... so we look for international organisations to help us service the needs of our citizens," Gbovadeh Gbilia, Deputy Minister for Planning, Research, and Development, told AFP. A support worker who regularly visited William V.S. Tubman said poverty affected students' ability to learn and to stay in school. Girls began dropping out once they began menstruating, embarrassed to come to class without sanitary pads, while others quit school after pregnancies became too obvious. More than 30 percent of Liberian girls have a child before the age of 18. Boys were often too hungry to concentrate as they couldn't afford to eat in the canteen after coming to school without breakfast, the worker said on condition of anonymity. Alassis Goldore, the principal of William V.S. Tubman, said the civil wars have scars that were sometimes hidden. "It requires much more resources to replenish or replace these things that were destroyed," he said. United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit. KELECHI GERALD NWOZUZU, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Defendant-Appellee. No. 15-2793-cv Decided: October 10, 2017 PRESENT: REENA RAGGI, PETER W. HALL, SUSAN L. CARNEY, Circuit Judges. FOR APPELLANT: Kelechi Gerald Nwozuzu, pro se, Jamaica, New York. FOR APPELLEE: Natasha W. Teleanu, Christopher Connolly, Assistant United States Attorneys, for Joon H. Kim, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, New York, New York. Plaintiff Kelechi Gerald Nwozuzu, proceeding pro se, sues the United States under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), 28 U.S.C. 26712680, alleging false imprisonment for two periods of immigration detention between 2005 and 2012. Nwozuzu here appeals the dismissal of his complaint for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(1). On appeal from such a dismissal, we review a district court's legal conclusions de novo, see Haber v. United States, 823 F.3d 746, 751 (2d Cir. 2016), and its factual findings for clear error, see Cortlandt St. Recovery Corp. v. Hellas Telecomms., S.a .r.l, 790 F.3d 411, 417 (2d Cir. 2015). In so doing, we take as true the complaint's material allegations and draw all reasonable inferences in the plaintiff's favor. See Mantena v. Johnson, 809 F.3d 721, 727 (2d Cir. 2015). In applying these standards here, we assume the parties' familiarity with the underlying facts and procedural history of the case, which we reference only as necessary to explain our decision to affirm. The FTCA waives the government's sovereign immunity in actions for money damages arising out of injury, loss of property, personal injury or death caused by the negligent or wrongful act or omission of a government employee while acting within the scope of his office or employment, under circumstances where the United States, if a private person, would be liable to the claimant in accordance with the law of the place where the act or omission occurred. Fountain v. Karim, 838 F.3d 129, 135 (2d Cir. 2016) (quoting 28 U.S.C. 1346(b)(1)). The FTCA's waiver of sovereign immunity is inapplicable, however, to [a]ny claim based upon an act or omission of an employee of the Government, exercising due care, in the execution of a statute or regulation, whether or not such statute or regulation be valid 28 U.S.C. 2680(a). Exercising due care implies at least some minimal concern for the rights of others. Myers & Myers, Inc. v. U.S. Postal Serv., 527 F.2d 1252, 1262 (2d Cir. 1975) (citing Hatahley v. United States, 351 U.S. 173, 181 (1956)). The district court concluded that the FTCA's waiver of sovereign immunity did not apply to Nwozuzu's false imprisonment claims because government officials acted with due care in interpreting the derivative citizenship statute as requiring lawful permanent resident (LPR) status, which Nwozuzu lacked. See 28 U.S.C. 2680(a). In urging error, Nwozuzu contends that the government did not act with due care because it should have known that he had acquired United States citizenship from his parents without regard to LPR status. The argument fails because it was only in 2013 that this court determined, contrary to the Board of Immigration Appeals, that an alien, specifically, Nwozuzu, could obtain citizenship pursuant to the previous derivative citizenship statute, 8 U.S.C. 1432(a) (Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 321(a)), despite lacking LPR status. See Nwozuzu v. Holder, 726 F.3d 323, 334 (2d Cir. 2013). Before that decision, this court had expressed strong reservations about such a predicate requirement, but had left the question unresolved. See Ashton v. Gonzales, 431 F.3d 95, 9899 (2d Cir. 2005) (disagreeing with government's argument that statute required LPR status, but stating that proper interpretation of INA 321(a) is a question we need not reach); id. at 99 (We have no doubt from the structure and context of 321(a) as a whole that a child who acquires lawful permanent residency would certainly satisfy 321(a)' s requirements, and we do not rule out that some lesser official objective manifestation might also be sufficient.); see also Nwozuzu v. Holder, 726 F.3d at 333 (recognizing that Ashton strongly suggested statute did not require LPR status). Meanwhile, at the time of Nwozuzu's second detention, other circuits had determined that the statute did, in fact, require LPR status. See, e.g., United States v. Forey-Quintero, 626 F.3d 1323, 132627 (11th Cir. 2010); Romero-Ruiz v. Mukasey, 538 F.3d 1057, 1062 (9th Cir. 2008). In light of such legal uncertainty when Nwozuzu was detained as to whether derivative citizenship could be acquired even absent LPR status, the district court properly concluded that the government acted with due care in interpreting that statute as inapplicable to Nwozuzu due to his lack of LPR status and in interpreting 8 U.S.C. 1226(c) to mandate detention. We have considered Nwozuzu's remaining arguments and conclude that they are without merit. Accordingly, we AFFIRM the judgment of the district court. FOR THE COURT: Catherine O'Hagan Wolfe, Clerk of Court FOOTNOTES . Nwozuzu was detained pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1226(c), which mandates the detention of certain aliens with criminal convictions. . Former INA 321(a), the derivative citizenship statute in effect when Nwozuzu's parents naturalized, provided that [a] child born outside the United States of alien parents becomes a citizen of the United States upon fulfillment of, inter alia, the following conditions: (1) The naturalization of both parents; and (5) Such child is residing in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence at the time of the naturalization or thereafter begins to reside permanently in the United States while under the age of eighteen years. 8 U.S.C. 1432(a) (1994) (repealed 2000). Turkish officials have promised to relocate the historic monuments of Hasankeyf before the town is flooded as part of a hydroelectric dam project At first glance all is as normal in the Turkish town of Hasankeyf, which has seen the Romans, Byzantines, Turkic tribes and Ottomans leave their mark in over 10,000 years of human settlement. The Tigris River languidly flows through the historic centre of the town in southeast Turkey's Batman province, souvenir sellers offer their wares to a handful of tourists and the famous vista of minarets, the citadel and ruins of a bridge take the breath away. But within the next few years, this scene is likely to be no more, with the historic centre of Hasankeyf set to vanish forever under the floodwaters from the Ilisu Dam project. Turkish officials argue that the dam's hydroelectric power station will provide electricity and irrigation essential to the development of the Kurdish-dominated southeast. The historic edifices will be moved in a hugely ambitious programme that has parallels with the shifting of key archaeological sites from the Pharaonic era in Upper Egypt when the Aswan dam was built in the 1960s. The caves in the cliffs overlooking Hasankeyf, which has been home to Romans, Byzantines and Turkik tribes over 10,000 years of human settlement But some local residents fear the inundation of Hasankeyf will wreak untold damage on the region that will not be avoided purely by shifting the monuments to new areas. "There is no going back," said Arif Ayhan, a member of the Association for Trade and Tourism in Hasankeyf. "The people could have been listened to, at least, and not ignored," he added. "People here feel passed over by the state. It's us who are the victims." Bazaar trader Mehmet Emin Aydin said: "We will try to fight as long as we can, so that the beauty and history of this city will not be destroyed." - 'Insufficient consultation' - With the construction of the dam and hydroelectric plant now almost complete, the flooding process will begin on December 31 to create the lake that will eventually submerge Hasankeyf, according to the state-run Anadolu news agency. Tourists in the caves at Hasankeyf. Turkish authorities have said they will rehouse residents displaced by the dam project The drive to relocate historic monuments has already begun, with the authorities in May moving a 15th-century tomb on a wheeled platform from its location in the town to a new site two kilometres (1.2 miles) away in a painstaking five-hour journey. The tomb of Zeynel Bey -- a key figure in the early Islamic Ak Koyunlu tribe, one of many fighting for supremacy in Anatolia before the rise of the Ottomans -- has been moved to the site of a planned open-air museum on the shore of the new lake. Striking in its cylindrical structure, the tomb is topped by a dome and still has extremely unusual glazed tiling on its exterior walls. Authorities plan to fill the new "archaeological park" with nine more monuments from Hasankeyf by the end of the year and hope it will become a major tourist attraction. The 15th-century tomb of Zeynel Bey was transfered to a new "archeological park" in May, a move that infuriated critics who say the dam project will destroy one of the oldest human settlements ever discovered But the movement of the tomb has only exacerbated the worries of critics who fear that the dam project is being carried out with scant regard for the town's heritage. Europa Nostra, a cultural heritage NGO, said the moving of the tomb had been "carried out with insufficient consultation with the local and scholarly communities" warned that similar monuments were "highly endangered". "The foreseen flooding of Hasankeyf would destroy evidence for one of the oldest organised human settlements ever discovered," it said, adding that "we deeply deplore" the decision to build the dam. Another controversy erupted in August when local activists posted footage showing Turkish engineers removing rocks from the cliff face overlooking Hasankeyf, alleging that dynamite had been used and historic caves damaged. Mehmet Ali Aslan, a Batman province MP from the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), chained himself to a rock to protest the demolition, saying "I could not believe my eyes" when he saw the footage. But the province's governor, Ahmet Deniz, said the rocks had been removed because they posed a danger and categorically denied that dynamite had been used. - 'Hands off Hasankeyf' - Turkey's Ilisu dam project The construction of the Ilisu dam, which lies south of Hasankeyf in the Dargecit district of neighbouring Mardin province, was launched by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan while he was prime minister in August 2006. He said at the time that the project showed "the southeast is no longer neglected" and vowed it would bring "big gains" for locals. The dam is part of Turkey's Southeast Anatolia Project, which aims to harness the power of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers to revive a region whose development has been set back by the more than three-decade insurgency of the Kurdistan Workers' Party. The project has been shadowed by controversy from its inception. In 2009, Swiss, Austrian and German export guarantee agencies withdrew a pledge for 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion) of loan guarantees, saying Ankara had failed to give reassurances on the protection of the environment and cultural heritage. Turkey claimed that the decision was "political" and pressed ahead with the project using financing from domestic banks. The issue in Hasankeyf is wrought with sensitivity, and French photographer Mathias Depardon was detained on May 8 while working on a report in Hasankeyf for National Geographic magazine. French photographer Mathias Depardon was detained by Turkish authorities in May while working on a report on Hasankeyf for National Geographic magazine, and held for a month He was released after a month in custody, but it was never clear if his detention was linked to the initial accusations of "propaganda for a terror group" -- a reference to outlawed Kurdish militants -- or his interest in Hasankeyf. The state has vowed to rehouse those uprooted by the project, with 710 new homes built in the upper parts of the town. But this is scant consolation for some locals. "I do not need anything from the state, just that they leave their hands off beautiful Hasankeyf," said local resident Ayvaz Tunc. "I only ask that Hasankeyf remains as it is in all its splendour. I want the tourists to come, I want to live here. I do not want the city to be swallowed up under the waters." Most of the world's best quality jadeite is mined in Hpakant -- a once lush region that has been carved into a barren moonscape At least five people were killed and 20 injured after Myanmar police opened fire on an armed mob of jade seekers that tried to enter a mine in the far north, state media reported Friday, the latest deadly incident in a murky multi-billion-dollar industry. The violence erupted after police blocked around 50 jade scavengers from accessing an industrial plot owned by "111 Company" in Kachin State's Hpakant -- the hub of a lucrative trade beset by worker unrest, deadly landslides, corruption and drug abuse. An hour later, "nearly 600 people returned and attacked the police, burning dump trucks and destroying a backhoe," the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported. "As police were attacked with knives, police opened fire to drive back the attackers," the state mouthpiece said. "Five people were killed and 20 people and five police officers were injured," it added. Two locals in Hpakant told AFP Friday the toll was higher, with at least seven killed at the scene and three more having died in hospital. Most of the world's best quality jadeite is mined in Hpakant -- a once lush region that has been carved into a barren moonscape by industrial firms linked to Myanmar's junta-era elite. The vast majority of the stone is shipped to neighbouring China where there is a seemingly insatiable demand for the green gemstone which is considered lucky. In recent years poor workers from across Myanmar have poured into Hpakant to scour the rubble for any hunks of stone passed over by the mining giants. The work is laden with danger in an area frequently hit by deadly landslides during the monsoon season, with one of the worst incidents in 2015 leaving more than 100 dead. Clashes are also common with security forces trying to keep itinerant workers off company land. Aung Min, a local resident of Hpakant, said the firm that owned the mine where the bloodshed took place is known as one of the biggest and most powerful in the industry. "The jade searchers were wrong to enter the company's land but the company's response was really strong," he added. "The jade searchers went after police with digging tools but the police had guns." While the mining firms are raking in huge sums from the lucrative trade, there has been little trickle down benefit to local communities ravaged by the environmental degradation. In a 2015 report, advocacy group Global Witness estimated that the value of Myanmar jade produced in 2014 alone was $31 billion and said the trade might be the "biggest natural resource heist in modern history". The shadowy industry has also fuelled unrest between Myanmar's powerful military and ethnic rebels in insurgency-torn Kachin, both of whom are believed to profit from the trade. Drug abuse is rampant among miners with cheap heroin and crystal meth easily accessible because of proximity to the notorious Golden Triangle region. Nationalist rhetoric may have only limited appeal among today's more educated and informed Chinese citizens The Shanghai site of the first Chinese Communist congress 96 years ago might be expected to draw admiring crowds as the party gathers in Beijing for its 19th such meeting. But despite a nationwide propaganda blitz for China's most important political gathering, only a few scattered elderly comprise the noon rush at what is now a small museum, and visitor Cai Tian thinks he knows why. "These days, most people don't pay much attention to this, just the older ones," said Cai, a 46-year-old Shanghai accountant. "Today's people aren't so nationalist. They are thinking more about their jobs or personal lives." The twice-a-decade meeting in Beijing will further enshrine the leadership of President Xi Jinping, who has launched an unprecedented push for a stronger China since taking over in 2012, stirring worries over resurgent nationalism. His rallying cry has inspired patriotic rappers, film-makers and state-run media. But analyses of Chinese public opinion suggest nationalist rhetoric has only limited appeal among today's more educated and informed citizens, while stability-obsessed authorities are wary of stoking nativist flames that could burn the party itself. After peaking with the 2008 Beijing Olympics, nationalist sentiments have actually declined, according to a study of Chinese opinion surveys by Harvard University academic Alastair Johnston. "On a number of measures, levels of Chinese nationalism have stagnated or dropped since around 2009, even as annual economic growth rates have declined somewhat," said the study released this year. "Moreover, it is clear that younger respondents are less nationalistic than older ones." - Filling the vacuum - Since launching economic reforms that introduced market forces and foreign capital four decades ago, the Communist Party has occasionally leaned nationalist to fill the ideology vacuum, especially in times of trouble such as the 1989 Tiananmen protests crackdown. Xi has accelerated this, calling for a "great rejuvenation" of the Chinese people -- which he hammered home during his congress speech on Wednesday -- while imposing new restrictions on foreign companies, organisations and media. Chinese offshore territorial claims and a tense border standoff with India this summer have added to "rising nationalism". "Wolf Warriors 2", a flag-waving action movie about Chinese commandos battling Western baddies, shattered national box-office records in August. The twice-a-decade party congress in Beijing will further enshrine the leadership of President Xi Jinping Internet trolls -- some believed to work for the state -- attack those who make perceived slights against the country. "Yet all these efforts have so far not produced the envisioned result: a broad societal consensus on China's future path," said a survey of internet discourse released this month by the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS). The survey concluded that despite heavy censorship, a range of diverse viewpoints have been let loose as China has opened up. "Strikingly, no unified ideology predominates in China's online forums where views on politics, economics or society are intensely disputed," said the study, which added that official warnings about "'hostile enemy forces' do not seem to have permeated social media debates." That could change if China experiences an economic downturn, war or other radicalising event that forces a tougher government line, analysts warn. Xi's government is better-equipped than ever to orchestrate this through a sophisticated arsenal of social-media accounts and other digital tools to reach millennials, while increasing suppression of unapproved views. Even some Chinese rappers have gained notice with pro-China rants. Under Xi, the party's "more accessible style" could mean that "popular nationalism in China may begin to rise again as the effects of this propaganda campaign become felt," the MERICS study said. The repercussions could be global, with China increasingly assertive abroad and more willing to promote a "Chinese way" in international affairs at a time when Western liberalism appears in retreat. "For Western liberal democracies, a gradual build-up of Chinese nationalism may turn out to be very challenging on a global scale," MERICS said. - Double-edged sword - China occasionally allows nationalist-tinged protests, including violent demonstrations against the US and NATO after the 1999 bombing of China's embassy in Belgrade during the Balkans conflict, and periodic brief outbursts against old rival Japan. College students waving national flags as they watch the opening of the Communist Party Congress in Huaibei in China's east But eventually authorities step in, apparently out of fear that the passions could spiral out of control and somehow challenge the party. China "recognises the double-edged nature of nationalism and tries to keep it in check," said Kaiser Kuo, who hosts the "Sinica Podcast" on Chinese current affairs on SupChina.com. Last year after a Hague tribunal rejected certain South China Sea territorial claims by Beijing, demonstrators who blamed Washington protested at KFC restaurants in several Chinese cities. That sparked an online public backlash against "irrational patriotism", and party-state media outlets soon also told protesters to pack it in. Says Kuo: "Surely most millennials recognise that (China's) prosperity resulted from its engagement with and participation in global systems, and in large measure from repudiation -- not embrace -- of traditionalism and rigid ideology." Reviving the once-great Japanese economy is the key domestic battleground of Sunday's election, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe touting his trademark 'Abenomics' policy as the best way to secure the country's future Like every day for the past 40 years, Kunihiko Kato dusts down the shelves at his electrical goods shop and meticulously lays out his selection of batteries. But the customers have long since gone as Japan's economy languishes. "We used to sell a lot of TVs, but now..." tails off the 76-year-old glumly, as he recalls Japan's world-beating "bubble" economic boom in the 1980s. "We have been going downhill for a long time," Kato tells AFP. Reviving the once-great Japanese economy is the key domestic battleground of Sunday's election, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe touting his trademark "Abenomics" policy as the best way to secure the country's future. Abe says his "Abenomics", a combination of ultra-loose monetary policy and big fiscal spending, has resulted in strong growth and solid business confidence in the world's third-largest economy. On the face of it, the Japanese economy is in relatively robust health, enjoying its longest period of expansion in more than a decade, with low unemployment and the stock market at a 21-year high. But this masks a seemingly unwinnable fight against deflation and a mountain of debt twice the entire economic output of the country. And at Kato's shopping area in Tokyo, there is precious little sign of the benefits of "Abenomics". One shop owner, 67-year-old Kozo Ito, says that visitors to the "Shotengai" -- or traditional Japanese shopping street -- think there is a bank holiday because so many shops are shuttered. "I tell them: 'No, they have just shut down'," he says. Like Kato, Ito reflects wistfully on the post-war boom times that extended into the 1970s and 1980s. Ito tells AFP that he now makes in one month what he used to make in a day at his butcher's shop, opened by his father in the year he was born. He snorts at the idea that "Abenomics" has improved lives for ordinary people. "I don't feel it's real. There is a widening gap between workers at big companies and those on temporary contracts." - 'I miss those days' - Throughout the street, elderly shopkeepers told AFP the same story, of a steady decline, reflecting a pattern seen in the wider economy. Michiko Hachiman, 72, said her clothes shop used to be packed in the evenings but complained that young people cannot afford her boutique offerings, preferring to pick up fashion items at cheaper stores. On the face of it, the Japanese economy is in relatively robust health but this masks a seemingly unwinnable fight against deflation and a mountain of debt twice the entire economic output of the country "On a good day, when I was just married, we had lots of customers here in the evening because there were many meat and deli shops. I miss those days but they will not come back," she said. She said the effects of "Abenomics" were not trickling down to street level. "The economy might be good for big companies but they are keeping all the profits and aren't sharing them with the employees, right? She said her sons "don't really see their pay rising for all their hard work." Hachiman put her finger on another key election battleground -- in fact the reason Abe called the vote -- a lack of support for childcare provision that is keeping many young women out of the labour force. Young people nowadays simply cannot afford to have children, she argued. Despite the economic expansion, median household income stood at 4.28 million yen ($38,000) in 2015, according to the latest available figure, a drop of 20 percent compared to two decades ago. - 'If not now, when?' - Abe has vowed to use part of a planned sales tax hike to make some childcare facilities free of charge, arguing that a declining working-age population faces having to support a rapidly ageing society. His main opponent, popular Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike, has called for a freeze in the sales tax hike, arguing it could throttle growth. Despite economic expansion, median household income stood at 4.28 million yen ($38,000) in 2015, according to the latest available figure, a drop of 20 percent compared to two decades ago Yuichiro Yanai, an economist at Barclays, noted Japan had a rare opportunity to raise taxes, given a strong economy, low unemployment and solid government. "If not now, then when?" said the economist, adding that there was a clear need to swell the coffers. Abe says he will start a "productivity revolution" through measures ranging from deregulation to tax reform in order to boost people's income. But for Kato, the electrical goods shop owner, these are nothing but empty slogans. "We may not be making enough efforts on our own... but they can't say how they (the reforms) could reach us," he said. "It always sounds like somebody else's business to me." No caption East Timor's new government has suffered a major setback after opposition parties vetoed its policy programme, a blow that could see the impoverished young democracy return to the polls. The Fretilin party, which won the July election by a narrow margin, did not receive enough votes to govern alone and has formed a minority coalition government with the Democratic Party. With only 30 seats in the 65-seat house, the government relies on confidence and supply from other parties in parliament. Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri said the defeat in parliament on Thursday was "poison to my government". "I asked everyone to remain calm, I will go to you and talk to you," Alkatiri said in tears following the vote. The bill outlined the government's five-year strategic plan for the impoverished young democracy and included initiatives to improve health, infrastructure and better access to clean water. East Timor analyst Damien Kingsbury, from Australia's Deakin University, said if the government failed to pass the bill again the country could return to the polls. Election officials counting votes during East Timor's July election which led to a minority coalition government "The president has two choices he has either to call for a majority in parliament to choose a new leader and appoint a new prime minister or the country goes to election, probably January next year. That would seem the most likely outcome at this stage," Kingsbury told AFP Friday. Opposition parties, including the CNRT, PLP and Khunto, have said the current minority government was unconstitutional and its programme unrealistic. Nurima Ribeiro Alkatiri, from Fretilin, vowed the government would push ahead with its work. "We are going to continue to work even though the opposition doesn't believe in our programme," Alkatiri told AFP. East Timor, a former colony of Portugal, was invaded by Indonesia in 1975 before it gained independence in 2002 after UN sponsored referendum. Indian commuters drive amid heavy smog in New Delhi on October 20, 2017 New Delhi was shrouded in a thick toxic haze Friday after a night of frenzied Diwali fireworks sent the air quality plummeting despite a ban on their sale aimed at thwarting a repeat of last year's 'airpocalypse'. India's Supreme Court had banned the sale of firecrackers ahead of the Hindu festival of lights to prevent a repeat of last year's post-Diwali air pollution crises that left Delhi's 20 million residents gasping for weeks. But late Thursday the readings for PM10 pollutants hovered around 1,100 microgram per cubic metre in some parts of the city -- 11 times above the prescribed air quality levels of World Health Organisation. PM10 particles measure less than 10 microns or 10 millionths of a metre -- several times thinner than a human hair. Air quality data from the state-run Delhi Pollution Control Committee showed pollution levels in a crowded neighbourhood hit 1,179 around midnight as firework displays reached a crescendo. Residents of Delhi, rated the most polluted city by WHO in 2014, showed little consideration for the ban, purchasing crackers illegally or using those bought earlier. The levels had subsided through the night but were still "severe" in several districts across the capital Friday afternoon. India's Nobel peace laureate Kailash Satyarthi said he was pained by Delhi's nonchalant attitude. "Delhiites continue to choke on pollution. It is a reflection of our dismissive & disrespectful attitude towards society, law & justice. When will we learn," he wrote on Twitter. - Delhi's woes - The spike in levels came on a day when a report in the Lancet medical journal said pollution had claimed as many as 2.5 million lives in India in 2015, the highest in the world. Globally the number of deaths due to environmental pollution stood at nine million - three times more than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined, the study said. Delhi's air quality typically worsens at the onset of winter, due to pollution from diesel engines, coal-fired power plants, industrial emissions and atmospheric dust. Levels of PM2.5 -- the finer particles linked to higher rates of chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and heart disease -- have soared since the beginning of this month when millions of farmers in the city's north burn post-harvest crop residue. The court on October 9 had banned sale of firecrackers across the city in anticipation of last year's catastrophic levels of pollution. But it did not put any restrictions on the bursting of fireworks. Last year's Diwali festivities took pollution levels to a record high -- the worst in nearly two decades -- forcing the government to shut schools and close down a coal-fired power plant. On Tuesday an environmental watchdog ordered the shutting down of all diesel generators and the city's lone coal-fired power plant as part of a slew of measures to curb pollution. Experts however say the air quality will remain considerably cleaner this year, thanks to a favourable wind system. "The wind system will not allow stagnation of smoke over the city. We will have better air this time," said Gufran Beig, chief scientist at India's state-run System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is not expecting a breakthrough in the stand-off between Qatar and Saudi Arabia as he travels to the region The United States will again try to resolve a Gulf crisis that Washington has alternatively fueled or tried to soothe, as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson heads back to the region. The top US diplomat did not himself hold out much hope of an immediate breakthrough in the stand-off between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, but the trip may clarify the issues at stake. "I do not have a lot of expectations for it being resolved anytime soon," Tillerson admitted on Thursday, in an interview with the Bloomberg news agency. "There seems to be a real unwillingness on the part of some of the parties to want to engage." Nevertheless, President Donald Trump's chief envoy is to leave Washington this weekend for Saudi Arabia and from there head on to Qatar, to talk through a breakdown in ties. Trump, having initially exacerbated the split by siding with Riyadh and denouncing Qatar for supporting terrorism at a "high level," has predicted the conflict will be resolved. Tillerson, a former chief executive of energy giant ExxonMobil, knows the region well, having dealt with its royal rulers while negotiating oil and gas deals. But the latest diplomatic spat is a tricky one, pitching US allies against one another even as Washington is trying to coordinate opposition to Iran and to Islamist violence. - Major air base - Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut diplomatic relations with Qatar in June, accusing it of supporting terrorism and cozying up to Iran. The sides have been at an impasse since then, despite efforts by Kuwait -- and a previous unsuccessful trip by Tillerson in July -- to mediate the crisis. The blockade has had an impact on Qatar's gas-rich economy, and created a new rift in an already unstable Middle East, with Turkey siding with Qatar and Egypt with the Gulf. Iran, Washington's foe, only stands to benefit from a split in the otherwise pro-Western camp, and US military leaders are quietly concerned about the long-term effects. Trump, after initially vocally support the effort to isolate Qatar despite its role as a military ally and host of a major US airbase, has not called for a negotiated resolution. Tillerson says there has been little movement. "It's up to the leadership of the quartet when they want to engage with Qatar because Qatar has been very clear -- they're ready to engage," he said. "Our role is to try to ensure lines of communication are as open as we can help them be, that messages not be misunderstood," he said. "We're ready to play any role we can to bring them together but at this point it really is now up to the leadership of those countries." Simon Henderson, a veteran of the region now at the Washington Institute of Near East Policy, said the parties may humor US mediate but won't want to lose face to each other. "Tillerson will say: 'Come on kids, grow up and wind down your absurd demands. And let's work on a compromise on your basic differences'," he said. Riyadh's demands of Qatar are not entirely clear, but it has demanded Qatar cool its ties with Iran, end militant financing and rein in Doha-based Arabic media like Al-Jazeera. "I haven't seen Qatar make any concession at all other than to say negotiation is the way out of this," Henderson said. "The problem is that people, mainly the Saudis and the Emiratis, don't want to loose face. It needs America to step in, but to save face, they should try to make this a Gulf-mediated enterprise with American support." Kuwait has tried to serve at a mediator, with US support, but the parties have yet to sit down face-to-face. After his visit to Riyadh and Doha, Tillerson is to fly on to New Delhi in order to build what he said in a speech this week could be a 100-year "strategic partnership" with India. Tillerson will stop in Islamabad to try to sooth Pakistani fears about this Indian outreach, but also pressure the government to crack down harder on Islamist militant groups. Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) is set to have his signature ideology of 'new era thought' inscribed in the Chinese Communist Party's constitution next week, symbolising his ascent to a position within the party reminiscent of that of Mao Zedong (R), the founder of modern China As the Chinese Communist Party gathers for its most defining congress in decades, a new catchphrase is echoing through Beijing's cavernous Great Hall of the People: Xi Jinping's "new era thought". The catechism is being reverentially uttered by almost every one of the more than 2,300 delegates to the five-yearly congress -- from the country's premier right down to village secretaries. It is more than mere lip service. Next week, the CCP's general secretary may have his name -- and signature ideology -- inscribed in the party's constitution -- symbolising his elevation to the pinnacle of Chinese power. Currently, the document names only two Chinese luminaries: modern China founder Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping, the architect of the country's economic reforms. Xi's predecessors, Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin, both had their own ideas written into the constitution, but without their names attached and only at the end of their respective 10-year terms. Xi, who is expected to earn a second term as the party's chief by the end of the congress, is set to get the same honour after only five years. The new concept's full name, as reported by the official Xinhua news service, is a mouthful: "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era". Xi's six comrades in China's all-powerful seven-member Politburo Standing Committee extolled the concept during the congress, according to Xinhua reports Thursday and Friday. The new thought is "an important component" of Chinese socialism, Premier Li Keqiang told a panel Thursday, according to Xinhua. Zhang Dejiang, the head of China's rubber-stamp congress, called it "the biggest highlight" of the congress "and a historic contribution to the Party's development". - 'Concentration of power' - Xi's new "thought" places a heavy emphasis on the party's role in governing every aspect of the country from the economy to what people are writing on social media. He is saying "we want to improve the quality of life, but we can only do it if we have a greater concentration of power, especially in the core leadership of the Communist Party", said Kristin Shi-Kupfer from Germany's Mercator Institute. Its rollout is a clear signal that Xi is the most powerful leader in a generation, said Hu Xingdou, professor of economics at Beijing Institute of Technology. The leader's rapid ascension into the party's hall of fame is because "he won the people's support through his anti-corruption campaign and at the same time consolidated power", Hu said. Xi is already expected to use the congress to stack the top echelons of party leadership with loyalists. But adding his name to the party's commandments would show that "he has turned the page" on Chinese history, said David Kelly, director of research at Beijing-based consultancy China Policy. "It's his assertion that 'on my watch, we became a major power,' which is something Mao could not claim," he said. - 'Feeling of warmth' - While "Xi thought" may not end up in the constitution, it has certainly entered the party's vocabulary. When the concept was mentioned, eastern Zhejiang province party chief Che Jun said he was immediately filled with "a feeling of strong familiarity, warmth, and a sense of approval". At the meeting of the Tibet delegation, regional governor Qi Zhala raved about Xi's "long-term guiding ideology for our party". Not everyone, however, appears so enamoured with Xi's new thought. Hu Chunhua, party chief of the Guangdong delegation, did not mention Xi's name even once during his region's meeting. Hu, who oversees a southern economic powerhouse that includes the prosperous port of Shenzhen, has been considered a rising star within the party, with many analysts tipping him for a seat on the Politburo Standing Committee. "In the context of so much genuflection," Kelly said, Hu's silence shows that Xi still has a long way to go before he reaches the level of adulation enjoyed by Mao. During the Cultural Revolution, "nothing could be said without invoking the Chairman. He was the Caesar and the Pope." Hurricane Harvey battered Texas and parts of Louisiana in late August, causing severe damage to property Total insured market losses from hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and two earthquakes in Mexico this year came to around $95 billion, reinsurance group Swiss Re announced Friday. The Zurich-based company estimated its own pre-tax claims burdens from three hurricanes and two quakes at some $3.6 billion (3.05 billion euros) in the third quarter. The world's second largest reinsurer behind Munich Re based on assumed premiums cautioned that the estimates "are subject to a higher than usual degree of uncertainty and may need to be subsequently adjusted as the claims assessment process continues." "The most recent natural catastrophes have been extremely powerful," CEO Christian Mumenthaler said in a statement. Hurricane Harvey battered Texas and parts of Louisiana in late August, causing severe damage to property and paralyzing the country's fourth-largest city, Houston, with major flooding. In September, Hurricane Irma struck the Florida Keys archipelago and Hurricane Maria slammed into Puerto Rico. Two powerful earthquakes hit Mexico in September, leaving hundreds dead. "Swiss Re estimates the total insured market losses of the industry caused by these events to be approximately $95 billion," it said. The group said that approximately $175 million of its own claims burden, which is net of retrocession and before tax, was related to the quakes. Chief financial officer David Cole, said: "Swiss Re maintains a very strong capital position and high financial flexibility to support our clients' needs, respond to market developments and execute on our capital management priorities" despite the challenges posed by recent events. Another Swiss group, Zurich Insurance, said Thursday it expects to receive around $700 million in insurance claims net of tax related to hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria in the third quarter. Sector number three Hannover Re said Thursday it expected premiums to rise in the wake of the recent spate of natural disasters as reinsurers underwrite large-scale liability risks, purchasing policies from multiple insurers to spread risk, share premiums and limit total potential losses. Map of northern Iraq showing the province of Kirkuk and the 3 provinces that make up Iraqi Kurdistan Iraqi forces clashed with Kurdish peshmerga fighters Friday and retook control of the last sector of the disputed province of Kirkuk, with a general killed in the fighting, security sources said. "Police, counter-terrorism units and the Hashed-Shaabi (paramilitary forces) have retaken the Altun Kupri region," 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Arbil, capital of autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan, the Joint Operations Command (JOC), which groups Iraqi forces, said in a statement. The security source, who asked for anonymity, said: "There were clashes but they managed to launch the assault... and hoist the flag on the municipality building." A Kurdish general, Ghazi Dolemri, was killed in the fighting, a source close to the fighting said, while a senior peshmerga official in southern Arbil said Kurdish fighters were confronting Hashed units advancing on Sirawa, five kilometres (three miles) north of Altun Kupri. Journalists at the scene said the peshmerga were firing mortars and the two sides exchanging automatic weapons fire. The peshmerga planted explosives that damaged one of the main bridges linking Kirkuk to their regional capital Arbil over the Little Zab river, according to a local security source. In Baghdad, Haydar Hamada, a spokesman for Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, said Iraqi forces would keep up operations to restore the authority of the state. The agricultural region of Altun Kupri, which means "golden bridge" in Turkish, is inhabited by Kurds and also has a Turkmen community, and it covers an area of 520 square kilometres (200 square miles). Since Sunday, federal forces backed by allied paramilitary units have driven Kurdish peshmerga fighters out of Kirkuk as well as disputed areas of Niniveh and Diyala provinces. The advance has been mostly without resistance, with the peshmerga pulling out under an agreement between some Kurdish leaders and Baghdad. Abadi ordered the operation to establish central authority three weeks after the Kurds held an independence referendum in their three-province autonomous region as well as the disputed areas in defiance of Baghdad. CHI Memorial Convenient Care locations in Signal Mountain, and LaFayette, will host drive-through flu vaccine clinics on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 8 a.m. - noon. Regular flu vaccines will be available, as well as the high dose vaccine for those age 65 and older. Most insurance companies will pay 100% of the cost. The vaccine is $25 for those who dont have insurance. No appointment is necessary to receive the flu vaccine. You must be fever free to get the vaccine. Anyone who gets the flu shot will be asked to wait about 15 minutes after receiving the shot to make sure there are no adverse reactions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone age 6 months old and older get a flu vaccine each year. CHI Memorial Convenient Care Signal Mountain will offer the flu vaccine to people age 16 and older. The practice is at 238 Taft Highway, Suite 170, Signal Mountain, Tn. 37377. CHI Memorial Convenient Care LaFayette will offer the flu vaccine to people age 5 and older. The practice is at 615 East Villanow Street, LaFayette, Ga. 30728. For more information on the 2016-2017 flu season, visit the CDCs frequently asked questions webpage. Iraqi government forces celebrate as they take the Havana oil field in the disputed northern province of Kirkuk from the Kurds on October 17, 2017 The speed with which Iraqi troops this week overwhelmed Kurdish forces in oil-rich Kirkuk, days after ousting the Islamic State group, marks a radical change in the balance of power, analysts say. For 14 years since the US-led invasion, the Kurds had taken advantage of the weakness of the federal army to slowly chip away at territory they had long claimed outside their autonomous region in northern Iraq. But in a lightning operation this week, Baghdad's forces swept through almost all of the territory the Kurds had gained, including Kirkuk's key oil fields, virtually confining them to their original three provinces. The Kurds' precipitous withdrawal from thousands of square kilometres (miles) of cherished territory highlighted the newfound prowess of the Iraqi army -- rearmed, retrained and battle-hardened during three years of fighting against the Islamic State (IS) group. US-led coalition Colonel Ryan Dillon said federal government forces had proven their mettle in the nine-month battle for |Iraq's second city Mosul that culminated in the jihadists' defeat in July. He said it had been "some of the most difficult combat fighting... in decades," and had proven that the army was a "very capable fighting force". "Some have even said that they are one of the premier security forces now in the region." - Painful rebirth - But it has been a long road back. Humiliated in the US-led invasion of 2003, Iraq's army was then disbanded by the occupation administration which branded it a symbol of the repression of Saddam Hussein's regime. The new army that the coalition slowly formed was dogged by the problem of "ghost soldiers" who existed only on paper and who auditors found made up more than half of its payroll. Its failings became all too clear when IS militants swept through northern and western Iraq in 2014 seizing a third of the country. Seven army divisions simply collapsed -- their soldiers discarding their weapons and uniforms, and abandoning their positions in the cities of Mosul, Tikrit, Kirkuk and Ramadi. "In 2014, the Iraqi armed forces suffered from weak morale, corrupt and nepotistic leadership, and lack of purpose," said Emile Hokayem, senior fellow for Middle East security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Members of the Iraqi government's elite Counter-Terrorism Service receive training from instructors of the US-led coalition in Baghdad on March 20, 2016 "The massive reforms undertaken since... as well as a massive US effort to arm and support the Iraqi security forces, have generated a more disciplined and more cohesive force that has shown military ability across the battlefield." New Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi secured the return of Western military trainers and advisers who had left in 2011. Since 2015, they have trained 119,000 security personnel, according to the US-led coalition. Those have included 43,900 federal troops, 20,700 federal police and 14,400 elite Counter-Terrorism Service members. Jeremy Binnie, Middle East and Africa editor at Jane's Defence Weekly, said the federal armed forces had obviously benefited from the huge Western investment in training. "At the same time, the Iraqis have probably made some improvements in terms of the Iraqis addressing key problems such as corruption, poor logistics and low morale." - Kurd military ethos changed - The Kurdish peshmerga too have received Western training -- some 22,800 of them -- but they have not had the same level of battlefield experience as federal forces during the fightback against IS. Despite their once fearsome reputation as hardened guerrilla fighters, the peshmerga did not play a leading role in the campaign. They did not take part in the battle for Mosul, halting their advance some 30 kilometres (20 miles) east of the IS bastion. Nor did they take part in last month's recapture of Hawija, the last town in Kirkuk province held by IS. Hokayem said the Kurds had also been plagued by a divided political leadership which had taken opposing sides over the fateful decision to hold last month's independence referendum that triggered Baghdad's punishing riposte. Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga take part in a gathering in regional capital Arbil September 20, 2017 to urge people to vote in last month's fateful independence referendum "The peshmerga were not defeated militarily; instead they collapsed because of their fragmentation and lack of political cohesion," he said. "Today's peshmerga face a hardened, motivated, better-equipped and larger force, and lack the cohesion and fierceness of their predecessors." Hokayem said the age-old image of the peshmerga guerrilla, clad in chequered keffiyeh headscarf and traditional shalwar baggy trousers, braving appalling conditions to fight for his mountain homeland was now outdated. "This in part is due to the stability and economic development of the Kurdistan region of Iraq since 2003: this has affected the military ethos of the Kurdish community," he said. A Syrian youth uses his cell phone to film destroyed vehicles and buildings in Raqa on October 20, 2017 The Kurdish-led force that expelled the Islamic State group from Syria's Raqa hailed a "historic victory" Friday in the devastated city and vowed to hand power to a civilian administration. Three days after fully retaking the northern city, once considered the inner sanctum of the jihadists' now moribund "caliphate", the Syrian Democratic Forces held an official ceremony in a stadium to mark their win. But the group stopped short of transferring authority to the Raqa Civil Council because it said ordnance needed to be removed before the city could be left in civilian hands. SDF spokesman Talal Sello, speaking in front of a modest crowd of fighters and council members, said this week's victory against IS was dedicated to "all humanity". For three years, Raqa saw some of IS's worst abuses and grew into one of its main governance hubs, a centre for both its potent propaganda machine and its unprecedented experiment in jihadist statehood. On Friday SDF fighters stood guard on rooftops overlooking a city reduced to a grey wasteland of crumbling concrete buildings and dusty roads lined with the wrecks of cars. Danger lurks underfoot. "The streets and alleyways of Raqa are filled with mines" planted by IS, said RCC co-chair Laila Mustafa. A Syrian fighter stands guard on a rooftop in Raqa on October 20, 2017 after the city's recapture from the Islamic State group After losing a string of major strongholds in Iraq and Syria, the "state" the jihadists proclaimed in 2014 has shrunk to barely a tenth of its original size and the loss of Raqa has hammered yet another nail in its coffin. At the ceremony in a stadium where jihadists made a desperate last stand earlier this week, Sello vowed the US-backed SDF would soon transfer power. "After the end of clearing operations... we will hand over the city to the Raqa Civil Council," he said. - Huge reconstruction effort - He said the SDF would maintain its presence in the area and reiterated the Kurdish-Arab alliance's support for a federal system in Syria, something the regime in Damascus has so far opposed. A woman cries as she looks at her house in Raqa on October 20, 2017 after Kurdish-led forces expelled the Islamic State group from the city The US-led coalition against IS hailed the capture of Raqa, along with the former jihadist bastion of Mosul in Iraq, as "turning points for the terrorist organisation whose leaders grow ever more distant from a dwindling number of terrorist adherents". "Raqa was a key location for Daesh's planning, financing, execution, or inspiration of terrorist activities throughout the world, including attacks in Paris, Brussels, Nice, Manchester and many others," it said, using an Arabic acronym for IS. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Raqa's fall meant that the devastating November 2015 attacks in Paris had "not gone unpunished". "I was very moved by this victory -- which has not been achieved definitively, but is under way -- because everyone knows that it was from Raqa that the orders came, the decisions were made, the perpetrators of the attacks in France came," he said. "So the crimes of the Bataclan have not gone unpunished," he said, referring to the venue where IS jihadists massacred 90 concert-goers in November 2015. Heavily damaged buildings are seen in Raqa on October 20, 2017 after US-backed forces expelled the Islamic State group from the city Raqa was heavily damaged during more than four months of fighting, which the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said left more than 3,200 people dead, including 1,130 civilians. Ahmed al-Ali, a 31-year-old member of the RCC's reconstruction committee, expressed shock at discovering the extent of the destruction. "Today is the first time I've come to the city since its liberation," he told an AFP reporter. "I haven't managed to get to my house on Al-Qitar street. I'd pay half a million dollars just to see its door," he added, breaking into tears and walking away. - Deir Ezzor violence - One of his colleagues, Mahmud Mohamed, admitted that his idea of what reconstruction would entail changed the second he entered Raqa. Kurdish women fighters of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces gather for a victory celebration in the former Islamic State group bastion of Raqa on October 19, 2017 "When we came into the city, the plan changed completely. What I had imagined..." the 27-year-old paused. "It's so much worse." The mood was sombre among council members as they sat quietly on plastic chairs while SDF fighters danced and sang noisily behind them. Several representatives of Raqa tribes, on entering the stadium and seeing the SDF forces dancing, refused to attend the ceremony and waited outside. The Syrian regime has remained conspicuously silent over one of the most high-profile victories against IS, focusing on its own Russian-backed offensive in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor. Some of the SDF fighters who fought in Raqa have already redeployed to Deir Ezzor to join a rival US-backed offensive in the province, a spokesman said. At least 16 civilians including several children were killed in air strikes in Deir Ezzor on Thursday believed to have been carried out by Russian jets, the Observatory said. Some of them were trying to cross the Euphrates river near Albu Kamal, on the Iraqi border, one of IS's last remaining strongholds, the monitor said. No caption Turfed out three years ago by Kurdish forces, Iraqi oil workers are donning their overalls and inspecting equipment as they look to get down to work at installations snatched back by Baghdad. Iraqi forces this week reclaimed a string of major oil fields around the city of Kirkuk that the Kurds seized in 2014 during the chaos of the Islamic State group's rampage across the country. The fast-paced Iraqi advance -- and the precipitous Kurdish collapse -- saw the central government recapture a key source of revenues and dealt a body blow to Kurdish dreams of independence after a controversial referendum last month. At a sprawling refinery, a group of employees from Iraq's state-owned North Oil Company told AFP they were "conducting an administrative inventory to understand the condition of the equipment" after three years under Kurdish control. Technicians looked for any damage, but there does not to be much as the installation was seized without much of a fight. - 'Test run' - When Kurdish peshmerga forces took control back in 2014 of the Bai Hassan and Havana fields, officials from the state firm were ordered to pack up and head to their offices in Kirkuk. Now the company is looking to pick up where it left off as quickly as it can and "hopes to restart production Saturday evening or Sunday morning", a representative told AFP, declining to give his name. "This will be a test run to restart the refineries and the gas compressors that should allow us to reach an output of 50,000 barrels a day," he said. A member of the Iraqi government forces stands guard in a humvee turret ot the Bai Hassan oil field west of Kirkuk after Baghdad seized it back from Kurdish control. That is only a fraction of the overall riches reclaimed by Baghdad. The six fields taken back around Kirkuk should produce some 340,000 barrels daily. While getting production restarted should not prove too big a problem, he insisted, the major issue ahead will be how to pump the oil to the Turkish port of Ceyhan for export. From the 1980s until the arrival of IS in 2014, Baghdad was sending up to 400,000 barrels of black gold to Turkey each day through a 970-kilometre (600 mile) pipeline via the Faysh Khabur border crossing. Map of Iraq showing oil fields and pipelines. A significant proportion of Iraq's oil is located in and around autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan and the province of Kirkuk But then the jihadists seized almost of all of the territory that the pipeline crossed -- and a rival Kurdish pipeline constructed in 2013 became the main route carrying oil abroad from Kirkuk. Now -- although government forces have pushed back IS to claim most of the lost ground -- looting and fierce fighting have left the Iraqi pipeline inoperable. Even if workers manage to fix the pipe itself relatively quickly, remedying damage done to the pumping stations is a far greater task, said the North Oil Company representative. It could take technicians two years just to procure replacement parts that are only manufactured abroad. - Appeals to oil firms - Even ahead of the seizure of Kirkuk, the authorities asked three state-owned firms to "come up urgently with a mechanism to repair and renovate" the pipeline running to Turkey. Now, in a bid to give its battered finances a boost as fast as possible, Baghdad has also appealed to British giant BP to "quickly make plans to develop the Kirkuk oil fields". An Iraqi oil worker checks pipelines at the Bai Hassan oil field west of Kirkuk after it was reclaimed by government forces. The Iraqi oil ministry signed a consultancy contract with BP in 2013 to help the state-owned North Oil Company to develop the Havana and Baba Gurgur fields. But it was never implemented as Baghdad lost control of the fields to Kurdish forces the following year. And as it looks to get its own facilities up and running again -- the central government looks keen to lay down new rules in Iraq's oil sector. After its seizure of Kirkuk, Baghdad on Thursday condemned a $400-million (340 million euro) production sharing agreement the Kurds inked with Russian giant Rosneft, insisting it has to okay all deals from now on. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly pointed to terror attacks in Europe as evidence of the risk from jihadist groups in the United States US President Donald Trump linked a jump in reported crime in Britain to terrorism Friday, again wading deep into a sensitive political debate on the other side of the pond. "Just out report: 'United Kingdom crime rises 13% annually amid spread of Radical Islamic terror.' Not good, we must keep America safe!" Trump said. The early morning tweet came as Britain's statistical office reported a rise in reported crime in England and Wales in the first six months of the year. The report stated that much of the increase may be due to changes in the way crime statistics are recorded. Trump has repeatedly pointed to terror attacks in Europe as evidence of the risk from jihadist groups in the United States. At home he has championed a ban on travelers from several predominantly Muslim countries. But his pronouncements on terrorism in Britain have strained ties with London and put a planned state visit to Britain on ice. Last month Prime Minister Theresa May publicly rebuked Trump for speculating on the causes of a botched London train bombing. Trump also prompted fury for criticizing London's Muslim mayor Sadiq Khan, after a June attack at London Bridge. Some members of Parliament reacted angrily to Trump's latest foray into British political debate. Conservative Nicholas Soames -- Winston Churchill's grandson -- described Trump as a "twerp" and suggested he focus on fixing US gun laws. Labour's Chris Bryant tweeted "Can you please stick out of our business with such divisiveness? You clearly don't understand the difference between causation and correlation." After a milestone win in Syria's Raqa, the US is warning that the war against the Islamic State group is far from over The United States praised local Syrian forces Friday for a "milestone" victory in driving the Islamic State group from Raqa, but warned the war against the jihadists is far from over. IS had controlled the northern Syrian city since early 2014 and considered it to be the inner sanctum of its claimed "caliphate." US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, a combination of Kurdish and Syrian Arab fighters, wrested control of Raqa this week after four months of fighting. "The liberation of Raqa is a critical milestone in the global fight against ISIS," the State Department said in a statement congratulating the SDF and other forces. But the "loss of Raqa does not mean our fight against ISIS is over," it added, using an alternate acronym for the jihadist group. "The global coalition will continue to draw on all elements of national power -- military, intelligence, diplomacy, economic, law enforcement, and the strength of our communities until all Syrians have been liberated from ISIS brutality and we can ensure that it can no longer export its terror around the world." The US-led coalition of nations that has been providing air support and training to local ground forces also sent congratulations. "We are still fighting the remnants of (IS) in Iraq and Syria, and will continue to facilitate humanitarian efforts assisting citizens adversely affected by a brutal occupation, who face a long battle to gain their freedom," Lieutenant General Paul Funk, who heads the coalition, said in a statement. "A tough fight still lies ahead." A man awaits treatment at the Secondary Hospital in Lome's Be district after he was shot in the leg when police and troops cracked down on a protest this week French President Emmanuel Macron was on Friday urged to step in to help find a solution to an increasingly violent power struggle between Togo's opposition and the government. Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets since late August calling for the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbe, whose family has been in power for over 50 years. But the protests in the former French colony have turned bloody, with more than a dozen deaths recorded in the capital Lome and the second city of Sokode, in the north. In the last two days, the opposition coalition said seven people have been killed in clashes between gangs of youths and the security forces, with dozens more injured. Opposition leader Tikpi Atchadam said West African leaders were doing nothing to help The leader of the Panafrican National Party (PNP), Tikpi Atchadam, told Radio France Internationale that west African leaders were doing nothing to help. "We believe that President Macron will intervene. We are waiting," he said in an interview. Atchadam, who has spearheaded the protests, said Guinea's President Alpha Conde, who is currently head of the African Union, "tried to meet us." "He even sent his plane to get us and it was the day before our departure that the arrests (of opposition supporters) started," he added. - 'Ghost town' - On Friday, the city of Sokode was a "ghost town", according to several sources contacted by AFP. "There isn't a shop open in Sokode or any council service," said one resident on condition of anonymity. "Since yesterday (Thursday), soldiers have been firing with real bullets and conducting punitive expeditions in houses," said Ouro Akpo Tchagnaou, from the National Alliance for Change. Tchagnaou, who represents the ANC in the area, said it was a similar situation in other towns across the north, which has traditionally been supportive of the Gnassingbe family. Amnesty International and other observers have testified to the use of "militiamen" in Lome to conduct beatings, reviving memories of the regime of Gnassingbe's father. General Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled Togo with an iron fist from 1967 to 2005, used similar tactics to enforce law and order. Togo's security minister, Colonel Yark Damehame, has denied claims of beatings, accusing protesters of being responsible for the violence. Since late August, about a dozen people have been killed, including several teenagers and two soldiers who were lynched, and nearly 200 others injured. - Low priority - On Wednesday, Benin's President Patrice Talon made a low-key visit to Lome for the second time in a week to talk to Gnassingbe, according to Togolese presidency sources. The European Union delegation, the embassies of France, the United States and Germany plus the United Nations on Friday said they were following events in Togo "with concern". "We deplore the acts of violence, provocation and intimidation of recent days and the loss of life," they said in a joint statement, calling for calm and talks between the two sides. France's foreign ministry put out a similar statement on Thursday. But Gilles Yabi, a political analyst specialising in West Africa, said any intervention from Paris looked unlikely. "I'm not sure that the Togo issue is really a priority for France," he told AFP. "Until recently the French government was very close to the Gnassingbe regime for years." Yabi added that public support for political reform is high, making it unlikely that "Paris will take a stronger and more direct position." Gnassingbe currently holds the rotating presidency of the West African bloc ECOWAS, which makes any regional initiative against him "a bit complicated", said Yabi. "There are a lot of talks but what message are his African counterparts sending him? Can they really ask him to step down at the end of his current term of office?" he added. Gnassingbe has promised a referendum on constitutional reform in the coming months but the opposition has objected because a proposal to limit presidential terms is not retroactive. That means the president, who has won three contested elections in 2005, 2010 and 2015, could stand in 2020 and 2025 and be in power until 2030. Edoh Komi, a Christian pastor from Togo's Martin Luther King Movement (MMLK), said a referendum was "inappropriate" at the current time and "suicidal". He urged the government to abandon the plan, adding: "It's certainly true that the referendum is legal and constitutional but it can't resolve the crisis in Togo." bur-ek-cl-spb/phz/boc Publishing giant Pearson has apologized for offensive material in a nursing textbook Publishing giant Pearson has apologized for material in a nursing textbook which has been criticized as culturally and racially offensive. The objectionable section in the textbook was brought to the attention of the publisher by an uproar on social media this week. The Pearson Education book, "Nursing: A Concept-Based Approach to Learning," contains a page on "Cultural Differences in Response to Pain." It purports to provide advice to nurses on how different ethnic or religious groups may react to pain. Arabs and Muslims "may not request pain medicine but instead thank Allah for pain if it is the result of a healing medical procedure," the book says. "Chinese clients may not ask for medication because they do not want to take the nurse away from a more important task," it says. As for Blacks, they "often report higher pain intensity than other cultures" and "believe suffering and pain are inevitable," it says. Jews, according to the book, "may be vocal and demand assistance" and "believe pain must be shared and validated by others." Tim Bozik, president of global product development at Pearson, apologized in a video posted on YouTube. "I want to apologize," Bozik said. "In an attempt to help nursing students think through the many facets of caring for their patients we reinforced a number of stereotypes about ethnic and religious groups," he said. "It was wrong. "We should have been more thoughtful about the information we put into our curriculum," he said. Bozik said the company had removed the page from e-versions of the textbook and current and future editions. He said the company was also looking at ways to recall the existing edition with the offensive material. A German-made Israeli Navy Dolphin 2 class submarine arrives at Haifa's military port on January 12, 2016 Germany has resumed negotiations towards selling Israel three submarines after a three-month pause in talks following concern in Berlin over a corruption investigation, Israeli officials said Friday. In July, Germany had put off the signing of a memorandum of understanding following the arrest of several Israelis on suspicion of offences including bribery and money laundering around the deal to buy the Dolphin submarines from German industrial giant ThyssenKrupp. The corruption investigation, which is still ongoing, involves officials from the Israeli security establishment, as well as people working locally for ThyssenKrupp. While Germany stressed on Friday that an agreement had not been finalised and signed, Israeli officials implied it was a done deal. "The Germans have given their approval to the deal," an Israeli official familiar with the issue said on condition of anonymity. According to the Israeli official, Germany had conditioned the deal on there being no corruption on the behalf of the Israeli decision-makers and senior officials involved. Housing Minister Yoav Gallant, who was a senior commander in the Israeli navy, "welcomed the German approval" to allow the purchase of the three submarines. In a tweet, Gallant said the three new submarines would replace three old ones in a decade and bring the number of new submarines at Israel's disposal to six. Germany, however, stressed that the deal on the three submarines "is not yet signed." "We had other talks about it, but a deal was not made until now," a spokesman for the German government told AFP. The submarines ordered by Israel are likely to be equipped with nuclear missiles but are primarily intended for spy missions off Iran or to attack that country in case of nuclear war, according to foreign military experts. A file photo taken on September 14, 1982 shows the destruction caused by a remote-controlled bomb that rocked the office of the Christian Phalange Party in Beirut, killing 24 people including president elect Bashir Gemayel A Lebanese supporter of the Syrian regime was convicted in absentia on Friday over a 1982 bombing that killed 23 people including Lebanese president-elect Bashir Gemayel. Seen as a hero by many Lebanese Christians but hated by many in Lebanon for his cooperation with Israel, Gemayel died in a massive September 14, 1982 blast at the headquarters of his Christian Phalange Party in the Ashrafiyeh neighbourhood. Habib al-Shartouni, a member of the Damascus-backed Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP), was found guilty of planting the bomb. The Court of Justice sentenced him to death for "premeditated murder", an AFP correspondent at the courthouse said. His alleged co-conspirator, SSNP security official Nabil Faraj al-Alam, was also sentenced to death on the same charge, but according to Lebanese media he is believed to have already died in 2014 in Brazil. Shartouni was arrested in 1983 but was mysteriously released from prison in October 1990 during a Syrian-led offensive that ousted former prime minister Michel Aoun. Gemayel, a warlord adored by many in his community, was killed just 20 days after his election as president in the weeks following Israel's invasion of Lebanon. Many see him as a traitor for his cooperation with Israel, with which Lebanon is still technically at war. Lebanon's late president-elect Bashir Gemayel appears in a file picture taken on January 01, 1975 Gemayel's widow Solange and other supporters gathered outside the court following the verdict and chanted "Bashir lives in us". SSNP supporters also gathered nearby to condemn the verdict, calling Shartouni a "hero" and brandishing photos of Gemayel with Ariel Sharon, Israel's defence minister at the time. A year before the bombing, Bashir's four-year-old daughter Maya was killed in a car bombing targeting her father. Shortly after his assassination, pro-Israeli Christian militias carried out a massacre of hundreds of men, women and children in the Palestinian refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila in southern Beirut, surrounded by Israeli forces. An Israeli commission of inquiry later found that Sharon had been "indirectly responsible" for the killings. Lebanon's 15-year war pitted Palestinian militias and their largely Muslim supporters against Christians who opposed the presence of Palestinian forces there. Gemayel was a scion of an influential Maronite Christian family that shaped the contemporary history of Lebanon. His eldest brother, Amine, succeeded him as president. Another brother, Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel, was also killed in 2006 in a series of attacks targeting anti-Syrian political figures. A year later, former prime minister Rafiq Hariri was killed by a massive blast that left a total of 23 dead, including MP Bassel Fleyhane, and wounded 220 others. The Syrian regime, accused of being behind the blast, was forced to withdraw its troops from Lebanon, ending a 30-year presence. Nine months into his presidency, US President Donald Trump has shown little interest in Africa and Ambassador Nikki Haley's trip is a first opportunity for his administration to shape its policy toward the continent US Ambassador Nikki Haley will be the highest-ranking administration official to visit Africa next week when she travels to South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia. Haley will meet with officials from the African Union in Addis Ababa on Monday before traveling on to Juba and Kinshasa for talks with leaders and to meet with UN peacekeepers, said a US statement. Haley "will witness firsthand the UN operations working to address conflict and devastation in these countries, including visits with UN peacekeeping missions and sites of other UN agencies providing life-saving humanitarian aid," said the statement on Friday. President Donald Trump announced Haley's visit to Africa last month during a meeting with African leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York. Trump told the African leaders he was "deeply disturbed by the ongoing violence in South Sudan and in the Congo" but said peace and prosperity would come through an African-led process. Haley, he said, would discuss conflict resolution and "most importantly, prevention" during her trip. Nine months into his presidency, Trump has shown little interest in Africa and Haley's trip is a first opportunity for his administration to shape its policy toward the continent. The 45-year-old former governor of South Carolina has emerged as a leading voice on US foreign policy, at times outshining US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. - High stakes - Haley's visit to South Sudan comes as regional leaders have launched a new peace initiative aimed at kick-starting the effort to end the nearly four-year war that has left tens of thousands dead and millions uprooted. The United States is South Sudan's biggest aid provider and a key supporter of its 2011 independence from Sudan. Last month, Haley told the Security Council that the regional effort was the "last chance" for peace in South Sudan and said leaders should get behind the initiative. In the DR Congo, the United States has joined calls from the Security Council for Kinshasa to announce a date for elections in the vast resource-rich African country. Elections were supposed to take place this year under a transitional deal aimed at avoiding bloodshed after President Joseph Kabila refused to step down when his second and final term ended in December 2016. But the DR Congo's electoral commission is facing logistical hurdles and this month said it would need another 504 days to prepare for the vote, which means the elections would not be held before early 2019. South Sudan and the DR Congo host two of the biggest and costliest UN peacekeeping missions. During negotiations this year, Haley was a driving force behind a $600-million cut to the peacekeeping budget and has vowed to review each UN mission to look at further savings. Some 14,000 peacekeepers have been deployed to South Sudan and 18,000 blue helmets are tasked with protecting civilians in the DR Congo. TUES/24 East Brainerd Council Meeting 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Car Barn: 6721 Heritage Business Court Speaker: Steven Wagner, Erlanger Children's Hospital $12. TUES/24 Grand Re-Opening of Food City 5 - 5:30 p.m. Food City: 7804 E. . THUR/26 Reality Check - East Ridge High School (contact me to assigned time 7:15 - 11 a.m. East Ridge High School: 4320 Bennett Rd. Reality Check teaches 9th graders budgeting and emphasizes the connection between education and income by allowing students to role-play as heads of household while trying to provide for their families on a set budget. To volunteer please contact chumble@chattanoogachamber.com . THUR/26 Enterprise Gateway Council Meeting 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Hospice of Chattanooga: 4411 Oakwood Dr. $10. THUR/26 Ribbon Cutting for Inspire Chiropractic 4:30 - 5 p.m. Inspire Chiropractic: 5906 Main St., Ste 112 THUR/26 Business After Hours Sponsored by The Red Bank Council 5 - 7 p.m. The Red Bank Community Center: 3620 Tom Weathers Dr. Business After Hours brings an average of 100 business people together for networking and refreshments. Business After Hours in October is Sponsored by The Red Bank Council. There will be a Silent Auction to benefit the Family Justice Center, which provides assistance to victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. FRI/27 Ribbon Cutting for CHANEYspeaks.com 12 - 2:30 p.m. CHANEYspeaks.com: 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd. US producer Harvey Weinstein stands accused by around 40 actresses of sexual misconduct ranging from harassment to assault and rape Could Harvey Weinstein go on trial for sexual assault, rape or harassment? Experts assess his mounting legal woes with around 40 actresses publicly accusing the disgraced Hollywood mogul. New York police are pressing two sex crime investigations, London police are pursuing allegations from three women and Los Angeles detectives have interviewed an Italian actress alleging she was raped in 2013. Legal eagles say the 65-year-old, twice married father of five could potentially go on trial in civil or criminal courts, and is likely to be hit by out-of-court settlements that could see the mogul declare bankruptcy. - Could Weinstein be charged? - The allegations against Weinstein range from harassment to sexual assault and rape. The producer insists that all sexual relations were consensual. Many of the accusations date back 10 to 20 years, and as such could be subject to statute of limitation laws, which would prevent prosecution, although these vary in different US states. In New York, there is no statute of limitations on rape in a criminal court, but lesser sexual assault offenses cannot be prosecuted after five years have elapsed. Manhattan detectives are investigating alleged forcible oral sex in 2004, an offense serious enough to potentially still be prosecuted. The Los Angeles investigation of the alleged rape of an Italian actress in a hotel room near Beverly Hills in 2013, is also recent enough to be prosecuted. The trouble is finding enough evidence to bring charges and be reasonably confident of securing a conviction, says criminal lawyer and ex-prosecutor Michael Weinstein (no relation). "You need a credible victim and you need evidence," he says. And preferably from the day, or the day after. "Either a first-hand account of what happened, or a text message, email message which describes the inappropriate behavior." - What are the obstacles to criminal prosecution? - Manhattan's district attorney Cyrus Vance, whose sex assault case against IMF boss Dominique Strauss-Kahn collapsed in 2011 when his accuser changed her story, decided in 2015 against prosecuting Weinstein. An Italian model wore a wire in which the producer admitted to harassment, but Vance decided the evidence was insufficient and the model not credible enough. The difficulty of persuading a jury that sexual assault took place "beyond a reasonable doubt" was underscored this year at the trial of disgraced comedian Bill Cosby, which ended in a hung jury in Pennsylvania. On the other hand, there is "a lot of public pressure in these cases," to bring charges, says Ann McGinley, law professor at the University of Nevada. - Civil suits? - The burden of proof is less onerous in civil suits, says New York sexual harassment lawyer Bryan Arce. O.J. Simpson was acquitted of double murder at his criminal trial in 1995, but was later ordered in civil court to pay $33.5 million in punitive damages over the double murder of his wife and her friend. But even civil suits are subject to statutes of limitations. Even in rape cases, suits must be brought within five years in New York. Victims can seek damages for loss of earnings, loss of career, emotional distress and punitive damages for malicious intent and egregious behavior. While amounts vary, they rack up into millions, McGinley said. "I consider it highly likely that there will be civil lawsuits filed against him, I also consider likely that they will be settled," she told AFP. Fox News paid out millions to settle allegations against its late former boss Roger Ailes and star presenter Bill O'Reilly. - How might Weinstein pay up? - According to The New York Times, Weinstein has already reached eight private settlements with women. The amounts involved were not disclosed. But if civil suits snowball, Arce warns Weinstein could protect himself by claiming "some sort of bankruptcy." "The floodgates have now opened," he said. "There is only so much money to go around... at that point that's when you claim bankruptcy." Whatever the outcome, none of it is good for the former Hollywood boss. "The story is not going to end well for him," concluded Weinstein, the lawyer. "We look forward to resuming our operations as soon as conditions permit," Chevron said of Kurdistan Chevron said Friday it "temporarily" suspended operations in Kurdistan in Iraq, an oil-rich region at the center of a conflict between Baghdad and Kurdish forces. "We continue to monitor the situation in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq," said a spokeswoman for the US oil giant in an email message. "We remain in regular contact," she said. "We look forward to resuming our operations as soon as conditions permit." Iraqi forces this week reclaimed a string of major oil fields around the city of Kirkuk that the Kurds seized in 2014 during the chaos of the Islamic State group's rampage across the country. Baghdad has asked British giant BP to "quickly make plans to develop the Kirkuk oil fields." Tensions between the two sides remain elevated, with the Iraqi oil ministry reacting angrily to a production sharing agreement signed between Russian energy giant Rosneft and the authorities in the autonomous Kurdish region without Baghdad's approval. Rosneft said it would pay up to $400 million (340 million euros) for 80 percent in the venture as part of the deal with the Kurdistan Regional Government, although up to half the sum could be paid in crude from the blocks. No caption US President Donald Trump jettisoned his past criticism of the United Nations Friday, as he lavished praise on the organization's Secretary General. Hosting Antonio Guterres in the Oval Office, Trump described said the pair were "friends" and embraced efforts at reform. "You have done a very, very spectacular job at the United Nations," Trump said. "You need talent, and he's got the talent." "I have to say the United Nations has tremendous potential. It hasn't been used over the years nearly as it should be," Trump said. Trump added that he has "a feeling that things are going to happen with the United Nations that we haven't seen before." The meeting was expected to focus on UN reform. "I'm a true believer that we live in a messy world but we need a strong, reformed and modernized UN," Guterres said. "We need a strong United States engaged, based on its traditional values -- freedom, democracy, human rights," he added, in what could be perceived as a barbed remark. During Trump's maiden speech to the UN General Assembly in September, Trump distanced himself from a vision of US policy that promotes liberal values abroad. He instead appealed for "each nation to use sovereignty as the basis for mutual cooperation. This was the UN chief's first full formal meeting with Trump at the White House after a brief encounter with the US president in April. During that visit to the White House, Guterres met with US national security adviser HR McMaster and dropped by the Oval Office, but there was no joint appearance with Trump. Guterres held a bilateral meeting with Trump during the UN General Assembly session in New York last month during which the US president also led a high-level meeting on UN reform. UN sources said they expected the Middle East peace process, North Korea, the Iran nuclear deal to be among the issues raised. Guterres is also concerned by US threats to cut funding to the world body. The Trump administration recently announced it was pulling out of UNESCO for alleged "anti-Israel" bias. Afghanistan attack Nearly 60 people were killed when suicide bombers blew themselves up in two separate mosque attacks in Afghanistan on Friday, officials said, capping a bloody week in the war-torn country. In the first attack, on a Shiite mosque in the Afghan capital Kabul, at least 39 people including women and children were killed and 45 others wounded when a suicide bomber exploded his device as worshippers gathered for evening prayer. "Unfortunately this evening a suicide bomber detonated himself among the worshippers inside a mosque in Dasht-e-Barchi neighbourhood of Kabul city," Kabul police spokesman Abdul Basir Mujahid told AFP. Interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish confirmed the attack toll on Twitter. "I was in the mosque bathroom when I heard a blast. I rushed inside the mosque and saw all the worshippers covered in blood," Hussain Ali told AFP. "Some of the wounded were fleeing. I tried to stop someone to help me help the wounded but everyone was in a panic. It took ambulances and the police about an hour to reach the area." Social media users launched an online campaign calling on people to donate blood for the wounded being treated at two hospitals. Police initially said a gunman entered the Imam Zaman mosque in a heavily Shiite neighbourhood in the west of the city and opened fire on worshippers. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the grisly attack but recent assaults on Shiite mosques in Afghanistan have been carried out by Islamic State militants, who belong to the rival Sunni branch of Islam. In the second assault, a suicide bomber detonated himself in a Sunni mosque in the impoverished and remote central province of Ghor, killing at least 20 and wounding 10, Danish said. A senior local police commander who is believed to have been the target of the attack in Dolaina district was among the dead, district governor Mohsen Danishyar told AFP, although there was no immediate claim of responsibility. Danishyar put the death toll as high as 30. - Multiple attacks - The attacks cap one of the bloodiest weeks in Afghanistan in recent memory, with more than 120 people already killed and hundreds more wounded in four separate Taliban attacks on police and military bases. Including Friday's victims at the two mosque attacks, the death toll for the week now stands at more than 180. In three of the Taliban attacks the assailants used bomb-laden Humvees stolen from Afghan government forces to blast their way into targets, as militants step up direct attacks on security installations. Afghanistan attack The last attack on a Shiite mosque in Kabul happened on September 29 as Muslims prepared to commemorate Ashura, one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar. Six people were killed when a suicide bomber posing as a shepherd blew himself up near Hussainia mosque, one of the biggest Shiite centres in the city, as worshippers gathered for Friday prayers. An attack on another Shiite mosque in the city on August 25 killed 28 people and wounded around 50 others. Four attackers who set off explosions and fired gunshots laid siege to the mosque in the north of the capital for four hours as dozens of men, women and children had gathered for Friday prayers. In recent years, the Taliban and Islamic State jihadists have repeatedly targeted the minority Shiite community, who number around three million in overwhelmingly Sunni Afghanistan. str-mam-us-emh-amj/amz A patrol of the Bangladeshi contingent of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) wait under a tree on October 15, 2017 At least 26 people were killed during clashes in a southeast region of the Central African Republic where the government has struggled to assert its authority, the UN's peacekeeping force in the country said Friday. Another 11 people were wounded in the violence on Wednesday, which came ahead of a visit by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to the country next week. The clashes occurred in the town of Pombolo, in a region where tensions have flared between Muslim and Christian militias since May in which dozens of civilians have been killed. Seraphin Embondza, commander of the UN's MINUSCA mission in the country, told the UN radio station Guira FM that the wounded had not yet been evacuated from the town, where no UN troops had been stationed. The Central African government on Friday called on MINUSCA to show "a deeper engagement and re-evaluate its methods for intervening in order to protect civilians," after troops arrived in the area Thursday. One of the world's poorest nations, the Central African Republic has been struggling to recover from a three-year civil war between the Muslim and Christian militias that started after the 2013 overthrow of leader Francois Bozize. The United Nations maintains some 12,500 troops and police on the ground to help protect civilians and support the government of Faustin-Archange Touadera, who was elected last year. UN chief Guterres is expected to arrive on Tuesday in a visit aimed at drawing attention to a "forgotten crisis" and its heavy toll on aid workers and UN peacekeepers. "The level of suffering of the people but also the trauma suffered by aid workers and peacekeepers are deserving of our solidarity and heightened attention," Guterres told AFP and Radio France Internationale in an interview on Wednesday. Some UN officials have raised alarm over indications of genocide in the country. Guterres said there was "ethnic cleansing" in many parts of the country. Protestors carry a portrait of Philando Castile on June 16, 2017 in St Paul, Minnesota A fundraiser in memory of a US man fatally shot by police is paying for the meals of impoverished students at the school where he was a food worker. Philando Castile was killed last year by a police officer in the state of Minnesota during a traffic stop, shot after informing the officer that he was legally carrying a gun. Castile, a food supervisor at JJ Hill Montessori Magnet School in the state's capital St Paul, was known to personally pay for lunches for students who could not afford them, according to US media. An online fundraiser in Castile's name to cover impoverished students' lunch debts had by Friday morning raised nearly $90,000. Castile's mother Valerie helped deliver the first payment to her son's former school earlier this week. "I met many of Philando's students, and watched them hug... his mother," organizer Pamela Ferguson said on the fundraiser's web site. The overwhelming response prompted Ferguson to expand the goal of the campaign to create a permanent fund for impoverished students at other Minnesota schools. "I am amazed at how willing people are to help kids get a truly GOOD lunch," she wrote. Castile's death outraged the nation, and was one of several high-profile incidents of African Americans killed by police. His girlfriend Diamond Reynolds published live Facebook video of the aftermath of the shooting, as Castile bled to death in his car with officer Jeronimo Yanez still pointing his gun. Castile's family was paid a $3 million settlement, but Yanez was acquitted of second-degree manslaughter. "Philando's story breaks my heart into a million pieces," donor Susan Daley wrote on the fundraiser's web site. "Thanks for offering this way to show our support and try to help heal the deep wounds." An Egyptian policeman stands guard on Cairo's landmark Tahrir Square on January 25, 2017, during celebrations marking the sixth anniversary of the 2011 uprising that overthrew former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak Egypt on Friday released an Irish citizen who spent four years in jail over accusations he took part in August 2013 clashes with police, a security official said. Ibrahim Halawa, who has an Egyptian background, was arrested in Cairo after the fighting between police and supporters of former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi who were protesting his July 2013 ouster by the military. An Egyptian court in September acquitted Halawa and 51 co-defendants, including three of his sisters, who were released while on trial in November 2013 before they travelled back to Ireland. The security official told AFP that authorities had "verified that (Halawa) was not wanted in connection with any other case, and that no arrest warrant had been issued against him, so he was released". Halawa posted on Facebook: "Finally the day where I can see the sky without bars, smell fresh air, walk freely and smile deeply from the bottom of my heart. But I miss one thing and it's being home." Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said he was "delighted" to hear of Halawa's release. "The government is helping to bring him back to Ireland, to reunite him with his family and allow him to get back to his life," he said in comments carried by Ireland's national broadcaster RTE. Since Morsi's ouster, Egyptian authorities have carried out a sweeping crackdown against supporters and members of the toppled president's Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist movements. Has Washington's narrow focus on the Islamic State group distracted it from the threat of wider war? The US-led campaign against the Islamic State group has scored a key victory, but Washington's narrow focus on the jihadists may have distracted it from the threat of wider war. Political fault lines are ripping open across the region, even as the United States heralds the fall of the former IS bastion of Raqa in Syria, a major milestone in wiping out the jihadist's supposed "caliphate." Critics say that thanks to America's concentration on IS and its reluctance to engage in the broader regional chaos, Washington is losing leverage and influence. And experts like veteran US diplomat Jim Jeffrey warn that Iran and other regional players have been preparing battlefields of the future while the US tackles IS. "The United States government is obsessed with this fight," Jeffrey, now a fellow of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, told a forum this week. "In our pitches to the Kurds and to Baghdad it was: 'We have the common fight against ISIS," he said. "That was very real and very urgent and very important in 2014 and 2015. Nobody's listening to it now," he added, pointing to other regional security concerns. Turkey, he said, is looking south, concerned about President Bashar al-Assad, Russia and the rise of the YPG, the US-backed Syrian Kurdish militia that took part in the Raqa fight. Meanwhile, Israel is looking north, worried the Iran-backed Lebanese militia Hezbollah will turn its attention south as its role shoring up Assad's regime becomes less urgent. Iraq's former ambassador to the United States, Lukman Faily, said local leaders had understood IS was on the back foot since it lost Fallujah in July 2016. "Politically, every stakeholder thought 'OK, I need to consolidate my base for the day after'," he said, citing Iraqi Kurdistan's independence referendum as one result. "Unfortunately, from a US perspective, maybe from some other regional perspectives, they kept talking about the wrong priorities," he said. - Iranian advances - Security forces in Arbil stand guard as Iraqi Kurds demonstrate amid escalating crisis with Baghdad US President Donald Trump recently announced a new strategy to counter Iran's ambition to dominate the region, but within days the Iraqi government had seized oilfields in Kurdish hands -- a move some saw as a victory for Tehran's subversive influence in Baghdad. The US had urged Kurdish leader Massud Barzani to call off an independence referendum right up to the last minute -- to no avail. Washington had backed the region since the early 1990s when the Kurds sought protection from then Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's regime, and it had influential US friends. Kurdish forces were vital in the earlier stages of the war against IS, but as fighting continued US-backed Iraqi forces gained strength. Oil fields and pipelines in Iraq. A significant proportion are in and around Autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan After Barzani ignored US pleas not to split the coalition by staging his vote, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi ordered federal forces to take the oil city of Kirkuk. - 'Looking around confused' - Trump's most senior advisers disagree they have taken their eye off the bigger picture. As proof of a strategy, they point to Trump's speech last Friday broadly outlining an integrated diplomatic, military and economic push to isolate Iran. CIA director Mike Pompeo said this week that, from an intelligence perspective, the US has remained alert to the broader region. "We have not lost sight of any of those threats. We have the capability of walking and chewing gum," he said. "We're incredibly focused on the (counter-terrorism) mission more broadly, not just ISIS," he said. "And we've spent a lot of resources on that, make no mistake about it, but we've not lost sight of any of the other risks that are posed to the United States of America." As to Kurdistan, National Security Adviser HR McMaster admitted "the situation in northern Iraq" is "complicated." What Trump "wants to see emerge is a stable Iraq but a stable Iraq that is not aligned with Iran." But for the administration's critics, a goal is not a plan. "It's the Iranians, it's Assad, it's the Russians. The United States is kind of looking around confused and its default is the ISIS fight," Jeffrey warned. "Iran and its friends have a plan. The United States does not." Former actress Heather Kerr (R), accuses disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct at a press conference where she is joined by her attorney, Gloria Allred (L) A former actress became the latest woman to publicly accuse disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct Friday, telling reporters he exposed and forced himself on her. Heather Kerr, now 56, who appeared on 1980s US sitcom "The Facts of Life," claims Weinstein attacked her during a private meeting when she was an aspiring actress in her 20s. "He asked me if I was good. I started to tell him about my training and my acting experience and he said, 'No. I need to know if you're good,'" Kerr, who now lives in Washington state, told a news conference. "He said that if he was going to introduce me around town to directors and producers he needed to know if I was any good. He kept repeating that word." Kerr described Weinstein's "sly, sleazy smile" as she offered to provide a reel of her acting work, a sick feeling growing in her stomach. "The next thing I knew, he unzipped his fly pants and pulled out his penis," she said, adding that Weinstein forced her hand onto it. "I was frozen with fear, trying to remain calm, trying not to freak out, because after all, there was nobody else in the office," she said. She pulled her hand away "as casually as possible," but Weinstein told her that "this is how things work in Hollywood," and that all actresses who'd made it did it this way. Weinstein spelled out his plan, she told reporters, starting with him having sex with her, and then introducing her at parties to other men with whom she needed to sleep. Consoled by her attorney Gloria Allred, Kerr broke down in tears after revealing she quit acting soon after, convinced that no one would believe her if she reported what had happened. "Harvey, you -- and others like you -- are done. Women won't take it anymore," Allred said. "We are taking our power back and we will never allow things to go back to where they were when you and others abused women and made it clear to them that they had to put out or they were out." More than 40 women -- many of them now high-profile actresses -- have accused Weinstein of sexual harassment, assault or rape. He is being investigated by detectives in Los Angeles, New York and London. Tyler Tenbrink, left, and friend William Fears were arrested along with Fears' brother Colton following a shooting on Thursday Three men were arrested after a shooting following white supremacist Richard Spencer's controversial speech at the University of Florida, police said Friday. Spencer, leader of the so-called "alt-right" movement -- encompassing white supremacists, neo-Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan -- appeared Thursday on campus in Gainesville, in the north of the state. Just over an hour after his speech ended, three of Spencer's followers stopped their car in front of a group of anti-racism protesters at a bus stop, police said in a statement. Authorities said they then threatened the protesters with Nazi salutes, chanting slogans about Hitler, before one of them, 28-year-old Tyler Tenbrink, pulled out a gun and shot at the group. The bullet hit a nearby building. Tenbrink was arrested along with brothers William and Colton Fears, aged 30 and 28 respectively. The three were charged with attempted murder. Self-described white nationalist Tyler Tenbrink, of Houston, Texas, is handcuffed by Florida Highway Patrol troopers at the University of Florida "This incident and how quickly it was handled displays the true teamwork that went into yesterday's Unified Command Center activation," said Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell. Spencer, who helped organize a white supremacist rally that erupted in deadly violence in Charlottesville earlier this year, was shouted down by hundreds of protesters Thursday -- forcing him to leave the stage at the University of Florida without delivering his planned speech. Fearing a repetition of Charlottesville, Florida governor Rick Scott had declared a state of emergency Monday to beef up security ahead of Spencer's arrival -- which also sparked a street protest of around 1,500 people. Only around 30 supporters of the controversial white nationalist made it into the auditorium, massively outnumbered by protesters who chanted "No more Spencer!" The Nursing and Allied Health Division at Chattanooga State offers monthly information sessions for students interested in the health care professions. The sessions are held at the main campus; some sessions are required for program admittance while others are strongly encouraged. Visit the Nursing and Allied Health website at http://www.chattanoogastate.edu/nursing-allied-health for important details about program specifics, information sessions and admission requirements. Program directors will explain the process for applying, what to expect once admitted, discuss job opportunities, and answer questions. The following program sessions are scheduled during November: Nov. 1: Emergency Medical Services, CBIH-109, 10 a.m. Nov. 1: Occupational Therapy Assistant, HSC-2088, 5 p.m. Nov. 2: Physical Therapist Assistant, HSC-2029, 3 p.m. Nov. 2: Dental Assisting, HSC-2028, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 3: Health Information Management, HSC-2106, 10 a.m. Nov. 6: Nuclear Medicine, CBIH-109, 5 p.m. Nov. 9: Radiologic Technology, HSC-2060, 5 p.m. Nov. 13: Dental Hygiene, HSC-2031, 2 p.m. Nov. 14: Nursing, HSC-1087, Choice of 9 a.m. & 5 p.m. Nov. 15: Emergency Medical Services, CBIH-109, 10 a.m. Nov. 15: Respiratory Care, HSC-2117, 12 p.m. Nov. 29: Emergency Medical Services, CBIH-109, 10 a.m. Peshmerga fighters take aim from their position at the Altun Kubri checkpoint, 40kms from Kirkuk, on October 20, 2017 The United States called Friday for Iraqi federal forces to limit their "movements" in areas claimed by both them and the country's Kurds to avoid more violence between Washington's allies. Iraqi forces clashed with Kurdish units in the northern province of Kirkuk on Friday, part of a largely bloodless operation that saw them retake swathes of disputed territory from the Kurds in a matter of days. Both federal and Kurdish forces have been key US allies in the war against the Islamic State group, but a common jihadist enemy did not erase long-running territorial and financial disputes between the two sides. "In order to avoid any misunderstandings or further clashes, we urge the central government to calm the situation by limiting federal force movements in disputed areas to only those coordinated with the Kurdistan Regional Government," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement. As Kurdish authorities have vehemently criticized Iraqi operations in the disputed areas, the statement effectively amounts to a call on them to cease. The US also urges "all parties to cease all violence and provocative movements, and to coordinate their activities to restore calm," Nauert said. Iraqi Kurdish forces gained or solidified control over a number of disputed areas in the course of the three-year war against IS, which saw federal troops flee their posts in the north during the initial jihadist onslaught in 2014. But a non-binding referendum on independence held by the Kurds last month provided the excuse and the winding down of major operations against IS the opportunity for Baghdad to make good its losses. The US opposed the independence referendum, as did Baghdad and various neighboring states. But while the US appears likely to have given at least tacit approval to the Iraqi operation, the statement also made clear that federal forces regaining control of disputed territory does not end the debate over the status of these areas. "The reassertion of federal authority over disputed areas in no way changes their status -- they remain disputed until their status is resolved in accordance with the Iraqi constitution," Nauert said. US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis met with Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham after the Republican lawmakers expressed frustration about the lack of details of an ambush in Niger that left four US soldiers dead Defense Secretary Jim Mattis visited Congress on Friday to assure Senator John McCain that lines of communication were open, amid demands the Pentagon reveal more about a Niger ambush that killed four US servicemen. Tempers have flared in recent weeks between President Donald Trump's administration and lawmakers frustrated about the lack of clarity regarding the clash with suspected jihadists in an area where an Islamic State group affiliate operates. McCain, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, has repeatedly called for details from the Pentagon about the ambush, including why the body of one slain soldier was not immediately evacuated. "I felt that we were not getting sufficient amount of information and we are clearing a lot of that up now," McCain, standing alongside Mattis at the senator's congressional office, told reporters after their closed-door meeting. The Pentagon boss followed McCain's lead. "We can always improve on communication, and that's exactly what we'll do," Mattis said. The McCain-Mattis meeting came as questions mounted in US media about what happened on October 4, and criticism over Trump's handling of the aftermath. Mattis, a former US Marine general, said Thursday that the body of Sergeant La David Johnson was "found later" by non-US forces following the ambush. The Pentagon has initiated an investigation into the deadly encounter. "The president, the Department of Defense, and frankly the entire country and government want to know exactly what happened," White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. "We won't rest until we get some answers," she added. "And when the time is appropriate, we'll talk about the details of the investigation." - Unexpected - The US military was not expecting hostile action when its troops came under attack as they conducted training operations with Nigerien forces. It fell to French forces conducting anti-jihadist operations in the region to provide air support after the ambush. On Thursday, Mattis made remarks about the deadly incident that signaled there were sensitivities about the circumstances. "The US military does not leave its troops behind, and I would just ask that you not question the actions of the troops who were caught in the firefight and question whether or not they did everything they could in order to bring everyone out at once," Mattis said. Trump has faced criticism for not immediately publicly addressing the attack, then falsely claiming Barack Obama and other former US leaders did not call the families of fallen soldiers. The attack came less than a month after Trump placed travel restrictions on citizens from Chad, a Niger neighbor with extensive history of counterterrorism cooperation, entering the United States. At the time of the ambush, Chad was in the midst of a monthslong withdrawal of hundreds of its troops from Niger, where they were part of the coalition fighting Boko Haram extremists. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order allowing the Air Force to bring up to 1,000 pilots back to active duty as it grapples with an aviator shortage, the Pentagon said Friday. The Air Force has complained for years that it is struggling to retain pilots, who are often lured away by better-paying commercial airlines. Additionally, pilots often choose to leave the military due to the strains of extended deployments overseas. The US Air Force is trying to tackle a shortage of more than 1,000 pilots, many of whom are lured away by commertical airlines 'We anticipate that the secretary of defense will delegate the authority to the secretary of the Air Force to recall up to 1,000 retired pilots for up to three years,' Commander Gary Ross, a Pentagon spokesman, said in a statement. Previously, the Air Force had been limited to recalling 25 pilots. 'The pilot supply shortage is a national-level challenge that could have adverse effects on all aspects of both the government and commercial aviation sectors for years to come,' Ross said. President Trump with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Friday; The Air Force has complained for years that it is struggling to retain pilots, who are often lured away by better-paying commercial airlines The Air Force welcomed the new rule, but said it could not provide details until it received guidance. 'As the Air Force pursues a variety of initiatives to counter the shortage, it will take care to balance new accessions with voluntary programs for retired and senior pilots to ensure the service maintains a balance of experienced aviators throughout the coming years,' Air Force spokeswoman Erika Yepsen said. General Stephen Wilson, vice chief of staff of the Air Force, told lawmakers this year that the service is short of 1,555 pilots and 3,400 aircraft maintainers. The Air Force has already boosted pay and incentives to its fliers and reached out to airlines to come up with solutions to the pilot shortage. Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today: 1. IMPACTING THE POCKETBOOK After approving the president's $4 trillion budget plan, GOP senators begin efforts to enact the first tax overhaul in three decades by the end of the year. A cyclist pedals through the morning smog a day after Diwali festival, in New Delhi, India, Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. Environmental pollution - from filthy air to contaminated water - is killing more people every year than all war and violence in the world. One out of every six premature deaths in the world in 2015 - about 9 million - could be attributed to disease from toxic exposure, according to a major study released Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017 in The Lancet medical journal. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) 2. CHIEF OF STAFF SHIELDS COMMANDER IN CHIEF John Kelly speaks about the reality and pain of war sacrifice, praising those who serve and summoning the 2010 death of his own son to defend President Donald Trump against accusations of insensitive outreach to a grieving military family. 3. WHAT VIEW FROM ABOVE REVEALS OF SYRIAN CITY Drone footage from Raqqa shows bombed-out shells of buildings and heaps of concrete slabs lying piled on streets littered with destroyed cars. Entire neighborhoods are seen turned to rubble, with little sign of civilian life. 4. WORSE THAN WAR AND VIOLENCE Environmental pollution was the cause of one in six premature deaths in the world in 2015 - about 9 million - a new major study says. 5. MILLIONS AND MILLIONS The number of U.S. adults without health insurance is up nearly 3.5 million this year, as rising premiums and political turmoil over "Obamacare" undermine coverage gains that drove the nation's uninsured rate to a historic low. 6. POTUS 44 BACK IN SPOTLIGHT Former President Obama says Democrats should reject politics of "division" and "fear" as he drums up support for the party's gubernatorial candidates in Virginia and New Jersey. 7. THE SHOW MUST GO ON Some survivors are ready for closure, but feel engulfed by anxiety and security fears as they attend a country music concert benefiting victims of the Las Vegas mass shooting, the deadliest in modern U.S. history. 8. READYING FOR SEPARATION Prototypes for President Donald Trump's proposed border wall, which must be completed by Oct. 28, are being built at a construction site in San Diego, just a few steps from homes in Tijuana, Mexico. 9. WON'T MARGARINE DO? French pastries, and butter, have become so popular abroad that the increased demand has caused a mini shortage of the dairy product in French supermarkets. 10. DODGERS CRUSH CUBS Enrique Hernandez hits three home runs as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Chicago Cubs 11-1 to reach the World Series for the first time since 1988. White House Chief of Staff John Kelly speaks to the media during the daily briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) Natalie Pelander embraces Matthew Pelander during a benefit concert honoring first responders and those affected by the recent Las Vegas mass shooting, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017, in Las Vegas. The two had friends who were injured in the mass shooting in Las Vegas. Some survivors of the mass shooting said they were ready for closure, though they confessed feeling engulfed by anxiety and security fears while gathering in a large group for the first time since the attack. (AP Photo/John Locher) Former President Barack Obama, right, speaks during a canvasing event for New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial nominee Phil Murphy, left, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) This Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017 frame grab made from drone video shows damaged buildings in Raqqa, Syria two days after Syrian Democratic Forces said that military operations to oust the Islamic State group have ended and that their fighters have taken full control of the city. (AP Photo/ Gabriel Chaim) A border wall prototype stands near the border with Tijuana, Mexico, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017, in San Diego. Companies are nearing an Oct. 26 deadline to finish building eight prototypes of President Donald Trump's proposed border wall with Mexico. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., walks from the chamber to his office during a long series of votes at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - The city of Des Moines is acknowledging that a former police officer falsely told investigators she warned an unarmed man who approached her patrol car to "get back" before she fatally shot him. Video and audio recordings of Vanessa Miller's patrol car show she didn't warn 28-year-old Ryan Bolinger before firing her weapon in 2015, The Des Moines Register reported . Miller acknowledged the disparity as part of a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Bolinger's family. Miller was following Bolinger after he behaved erratically near another officer's traffic stop. Bolinger exited his vehicle and approached Miller. She said the look on Bolinger's face indicated he intended to harm her, leading her to shoot him through the closed driver's side window of her vehicle. "I was very certain that I was yelling at him to get back," Miller said in a deposition tied to the pending lawsuit. "Obviously, in the audio, there's not that. And my only explanation for that is that it either - I just physically could not get it out of my mouth. In my head, I was screaming at him to get back." Miller, who resigned from the department in July 2016, wasn't disciplined because of her misstatement to investigators, according to Des Moines Police Sgt. Paul Parizek. "Cognitive distortions, including memory, are common in high-stress situations," Parizek said. The city's attorneys said the circumstances of the shooting made making a warning unfeasible, "The facts of the speed of the event, what Miller perceived, and the fact that she was behind a closed window, make such a warning unfeasible," city attorneys said. Miller also was cleared of any police department policy violations, and a grand jury didn't find a basis for criminal charges. Bolinger's family is suing the city for wrongful death, alleging the police department was negligent in training and supervising Miller. The lawsuit is schedule to go to trial in January 2018. ___ Information from: The Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com KINGSLAND, Ga. (AP) - A U.S. Navy spokeswoman says drug overdoses are suspected in the deaths of two submarine sailors whose bodies were found in the same Georgia house four days apart. Navy Cmdr. Sarah Self-Kyler said Wednesday that military investigators and civilian police are awaiting results of toxicology tests. Both sailors were stationed at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base on the Georgia coast and were found dead in a home off-base in the neighboring city of Kingsland. Self-Kyler says 25-year-old Petty Officer 1st Class Brian Jerrell's body was discovered Oct. 12 at the home of a friend. That friend, 26-year-old Petty Officer 2nd Class Ty Bell, turned up dead in the same house Monday after he failed to report for duty. Kingsland police did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment. Margo Price, "All American Made" (Third Man Records) Margo Price extends her deep country roots in new directions on "All American Made," her sophomore album which adds tads of Memphis soul and dabs of gospel and even reggae to her solid East Nashville foundations. Price's personal story and struggles were deeply and movingly part of 2016 debut "Midwest Farmer's Daughter" and the themes on this record include the travails of the working class - especially women - and their place in the country's big picture. This cover image released by Third Man Records shows "All American Made," by Margo Price. (Third Man Records via AP) Her takes on romance and daily living are far from one-sided, as she admits causing pain ("Weakness") as much as suffering it ("Don't Say It") and the fact that she's a working mother has an understandable effect across several songs, including "Pay Gap" and "Nowhere Fast." Willie Nelson guests on the towering "Learning to Lose" and the contrast between her pure voice and his venerable tones makes for a gripping combination on a song whose premise applies to both of them - "Everywhere I turned/The cards were stacked against me." The heart-wrenching title track closes the album amid a cacophony of sound bites from the likes of Bill Clinton as Price lays out her experiences with "the good, the bad and the ugly" in America and how she "can't help being stuck." The country music establishment - and the prejudices of its traditional radio format - can be difficult for adventurous artists to conquer, even if they veer just slightly from the limiting norms. The first-rate songwriting, mostly in collaboration with husband Jeremy Ivey, and the great performances on "All American Made" can help Price break even further through any barriers - real or artificial. LOS ANGELES (AP) - Democrats are at war with themselves in California, where restless activists are challenging party leaders to resist all things President Donald Trump and move further left on health care, the minimum wage and populist issues. The conflict could complicate Democratic hopes of winning as many as nine congressional seats in the state, a cluster that would go a long way toward helping the party grab the House majority in next year's midterm elections. The Republican civil war has been on full display, with forces aligned with former White House adviser Steve Bannon challenging the GOP establishment and incumbent lawmakers. In California, where Democrats control all levers of power in state government and no Republican has won a statewide election since 2006, the party is feuding over who is doing a better job resisting Trump. FILE - In this Aug. 29, 2017, file photo, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., speaks at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco. Democrats are at war with themselves in California, where restless activists are challenging party leaders to resist all things President Donald Trump and move further left on health care, the minimum wage and populist issues. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File) Republicans see a political advantage, arguing Democratic candidates will barrel too far left to win right-leaning seats currently held by the GOP. "You take what is a very unlikely scenario of victory and make it an impossible scenario of victory," said former Orange County Republican Chairman Scott Baugh, who is considering a challenge against 15-term GOP Rep. Dana Rohrabacher. Democrats counter that whatever discord exists is a symptom of unprecedented energy that will help them next year, but acknowledge they're in new territory. "I've never seen the type of grassroots political activity I've seen since the election," said Mike Levin, one of several Democrats - all of whom back single-payer health care - vying to face vulnerable GOP Rep. Darrell Issa in San Diego's northern suburbs. "I've grown up here and I think we're just going to have to wait and see. All I can do is talk about our priorities." The headline-grabbing challenge to the Democratic establishment from the left is in the Senate race. State Senate leader Kevin de Leon is running against five-term Sen. Dianne Feinstein, pressing for fiercer resistance to Trump. Backers of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders have fumed that the Democratic-controlled state legislature balked at embracing single-payer health care this year, while an activist backed by Sanders' loyalists almost captured the state Democratic Party's top job. Hillary Clinton handily won California's Democratic primary last year, but even state politicians who embraced her, like de Leon, now sound more like Sanders. For decades, older and more centrist liberals like Feinstein, 84, and Gov. Jerry Brown, 79, have dominated the landscape, creating a backlog of Democrats eager to climb the electoral ladder. Trump's presidency has shocked the immigrant-friendly, majority-minority state, and liberals have tough demands. "People are saying, 'why are you fighting Democrats, you really should be fighting Republicans?' In California, that's not the case," said Eddie Kurtz, president of the liberal group The Courage Campaign. California's unusual open primary in which all candidates run on a single ballot has frustrated some liberals because it can favor more centrist candidates like Feinstein. This allows the state's dwindling number of Republican voters to join moderate Democrats and ensure Feinstein makes the November runoff with whoever challenges her from the left. In California's 2016 runoff for Senate, both candidates were Democrats. A similar situation could help California Democrats in 2018 because Republicans may stay home without candidates at the top of the ticket. But while there may be little danger to Democrats' Senate prospects in California, some Republicans argue that down-ballot challengers aren't helping themselves by veering left. Four of the targeted GOP House members' seats, including Issa's, stretch into once-famously conservative Orange County, which Clinton became the first Democrat to carry in a presidential race last year. California's competitive House districts are clustered in the affluent but rapidly diversifying suburbs between Disneyland and downtown San Diego and in its agriculture-heavy central valley. At the northern end of that valley, in the politically moderate suburbs of Sacramento, one of the state's few vulnerable Democrats in Congress, Rep. Ami Bera, is being challenged by a 30-year-old lawyer and Sanders supporter, fellow Democrat Brad Westmoreland, as well as a Republican former Marine. At a forum last month attended by six Democratic challengers in the 10th District to the south - a seat held by Republican Jeff Denham - several candidates repeatedly echoed themes from Sanders' 2016 outsider campaign. "If you work for a wage or a salary, you are getting railroaded by the economic system that has taken hold over the last 40 years," said candidate Mateo Morelos Bedolla, who faulted national Democrats for focusing too much on presidential fundraising while the party "abandoned" working people. Liberals argue that candidates backing a true progressive agenda will do well, regardless of the district in which they run. Indeed, that argument could be stronger in a state like California. National Nurses United, one of the strongest backers of Sanders' presidential candidacy, is already supporting Democratic challengers in three of the targeted congressional districts. Single-payer is "a litmus test" for the union, said its political director, Kenneth Zinn. "We have a growing mass movement of people who are not content to have elected leaders adopt half-measures that do not accomplish the goal" of providing health care for all, Zinn said. ____ The story has been corrected to reflect that Scott Baugh is considering a challenge to Rep. Dana Rohrabacher but has not announced his candidacy. MILAN (AP) - The Maltese authorities faced mounting pressure Thursday to ensure an independent investigation into the slaying of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galiza, who was known for her fearless reporting into corruption in the small Mediterranean island nation. The 53-year-old slain journalist's three grown sons called on the Maltese prime minister to resign, saying Joseph Muscat should take political responsibility for "failing to uphold our fundamental freedoms" by not rooting out corruption. And a group of U.N. human rights experts demanded that the government of Malta "honor its commitment to a prompt, independent investigation" into her assassination Monday in a powerful car bomb. Candles, notes and paper cuttings lie next to the Love Monument in St. Julian, Malta, Tuesday Oct. 17, 2017 the day after the killing of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The Maltese investigative journalist who exposed the island nation's links to offshore tax havens through the leaked Panama Papers was killed Monday when a bomb exploded in her car. (AP Photo/ Rene Rossignaud) Muscat, in Brussels for a European Union leaders' summit, did not respond directly to the family's call for his resignation, but he denied their allegations that Malta is a mafia state. "Definitely not. I don't want to be rushed into commenting the comments and statements of a son who is in mourning," Muscat told reporters. "If I had found my mother butchered in a bomb attack, probably I would have said worse." Muscat has denounced the assassination and has proposed a reward to find her killers. He pledged to leave "no stone unturned" in the investigation, which is being assisted by the FBI, Scotland Yard, Europol and Dutch forensic experts. Caruana Galizia was one of Muscat's harshest critics, revealing connections by his wife and members of his government to shell companies in Panama. The Muscats have denied the allegations. Caruana Galizia was also strong in her criticism of the opposition. In a Facebook post, the sons, Matthew, Andrew and Paul Caruana Galizia, said they weren't endorsing Muscat's call for a reward, saying "we are not interested in justice without change." "We are not interested in a criminal conviction, only for the people in government who stood to gain from our mother's murder to turn around and say that justice has been served," they said. Her sons wrote that identifying their mother's assassins was not enough. Corruption on the Mediterranean island nation also needed to be rooted out. The U.N. experts said in a statement that the family's concerns about the independence of the investigation "should be taken seriously." "We are pleased that the Maltese authorities have initiated an investigation into the murder," they said. "We now urge a prompt, thorough and independent public inquiry and investigation, followed by a full judicial process to hold all the perpetrators to account." On Thursday, some 200 journalists held an event in support of the slain journalist. A group representing journalists - the Institute of Maltese Journalists - has filed a court case seeking to ensure source confidentiality on all data that is lifted from Caruana Galizia's computers and mobile phones during the investigation. Investigators, meanwhile, were looking at similarities with other car bombings in Malta over the last two years - six in all including Caruana Galizia's. None have been solved. Former police commissioner John Rizzo told the Malta Independent that it appears that mobile detonated explosives were used in each of the six bombings since the start of 2016, which caused four deaths and two serious injuries. The previous victims were all known to police, the paper said. "Very few people could construct such a bomb. Instructions may be obtained online but building such a device would still require a certain degree of skill," Rizzo said. Investigators haven't publicly identified which explosives were used in the journalist's murder, but experts say any military grade explosives, like Semtex, are not available in Malta and would have had to be brought in from abroad. Muscat defended the failure to solve the rash of car bombings as he left parliament Wednesday evening. Including the last six, there have been over 30 in the last 15 years on the island. "I will continue to defend the institutions and I am a firm believer in the institutions," he said. ___ Lorne Cook contributed from Brussels. This undated photo shows Daphne Caruana Galizia, a Maltese investigative journalist who exposed her island nation's links with the so-called Panama Papers. The Maltese reporter who was killed on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 by a car bombing in Malta spared no vested interest in her crusade to root out corruption. (The Malta Independent via AP) People hold flowers and candles during a vigil outside of EU headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017 for journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Daphne Caruana Galizia, a Maltese investigative journalist who exposed the island nation's links to offshore tax havens through the leaked Panama Papers, was killed Monday when a bomb exploded in her car. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans holds a candle during a vigil outside of EU headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017 for journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Daphne Caruana Galizia, a Maltese investigative journalist who exposed the island nation's links to offshore tax havens through the leaked Panama Papers, was killed Monday when a bomb exploded in her car. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) People hold flowers and signs during a vigil outside of EU headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017 for journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Daphne Caruana Galizia, a Maltese investigative journalist who exposed the island nation's links to offshore tax havens through the leaked Panama Papers, was killed Monday when a bomb exploded in her car. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) WASHINGTON (AP) - A Senate panel on Thursday narrowly backed the nomination of a North Carolina attorney to fill the nation's longest judicial vacancy over the objections of Democrats, black lawmakers and some civil rights groups. The Judiciary Committee voted 11-9 to recommend the nomination of Thomas Farr to the full Senate. If confirmed, he'll serve on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, a post vacant for nearly 12 years. Farr was hired by North Carolina GOP leaders to defend congressional and legislative boundaries approved in 2011 that helped expand Republican majorities. The labor and constitutional law attorney also helped defend a wide-ranging, 2013 voting law in the state that required photo identification to vote, reduced the number of early voting days and made new voter registration more difficult. North Carolina Republicans said that requiring voter ID would increase the integrity of elections. But the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the state provided no evidence of the kind of in-person voter fraud the ID mandate would address. The Richmond, Virginia-based court said the law was enacted with intentional bias against black voters. The Congressional Black Caucus said, "We cannot state forcefully enough our opposition to the nomination of Thomas Farr." Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, the panel's top Democrat, said Farr has a long record of defending discriminatory voting laws. Farr also was nominated for the position by President George W. Bush, but he did not get a committee vote before Bush left office. President Barack Obama nominated two black female attorneys to fill the vacancy, but neither received a hearing or a vote, and they were opposed by Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C. They would have been the first African-Americans to serve in the 143-year history of the judicial district. "The nomination of Thomas Farr to this judgeship adds insult to injury," said Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina told the committee that Farr had letters of recommendation from across the political spectrum and a "well-qualified rating" from the American Bar Association. "It's unfortunate that, when we get to this committee, some of the discourse that would tear down the stellar reputation of Tom Farr," Tillis said. Final TNReady testing data is in and Cleveland City Schools has as a district, a combination of overall and subgroup achievement measures, a final accountability score of 2.51, placing it in the upper half of the "Achieving" designation, indicating the district is meeting growth expectations on average. Districts statewide were placed in either In Need of Improvement, Progressing, Achieving, or Exemplary. Dr. Russell Dyer, director of schools, said, I am proud of the job our administrators, teachers, and school staff have done this past year to ensure students are learning at high levels. Its a team effort and I appreciate our school board, staff, families, students, and community for pulling together to move students forward. We will continue to focus our efforts this year to meet the ever-changing needs of our students. Diving deeper into the data, students in grades 3-5 moved up more than 10 percentile points in their state ranking in both ELA and Mathematics. Michael Kahrs, director of Student Management, said, Improvements like these from our students definitely point to the tireless, professional efforts of teachers, administrators, and parents to ensure students receive the absolute best instruction possible. The data reassures us where our successes were, but ultimately helps us identify and improve areas for improvement. At the middle and high school levels, results were mixed with Graduation Rate and ACT Composites as standouts. Because data is delayed for Graduation Rate and ACT Composites, 2015/16 scores are used in the states calculations. In grades 6-8, English Language Learners were a standout, significantly raising their ranking within the state. Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Jeff Elliott, attributed district successes to dedicated teamwork and a focus on diverse, student learning experiences. With our systems emphasis on innovative learning experiences around revised curriculum standards, I am excited to see Cleveland students continue to showcase high levels of academic achievement and growth in the future. More detailed files and information are available on the states assessment website. LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) - Authorities have arrested a man suspected of fatally shooting three people earlier this month in a popular downtown area of a Kansas college town. Lawrence police said in a news release that the U.S. Marshals took 20-year-old Anthony Laron Roberts Jr. into custody in Kansas City, Missouri, on Wednesday, one day after two others were charged with less serious offenses. Missouri court records show that extradition was ordered after a hearing Thursday in Kansas City. The shooting happened early Oct. 1 as people were leaving bars, concerts and other events on the main downtown Lawrence street. About 100 people witnessed the shooting, which police said was caused by an earlier altercation. This undated photo provided by the Jackson County Detention Center in Jackson County, Missouri shows Anthony Laron Roberts Jr. Roberts is suspected of fatally shooting three people Oct. 1, 2017 in a popular downtown area of Lawrence, Kan. Lawrence police said in a news release that the U.S. Marshals took 20-year-old Anthony Laron Roberts Jr. into custody in Kansas City, Missouri, on Wednesday, Oct. 18. (Jackson County Detention Center via AP) Charges were filed last Friday against Roberts but not announced until he was arrested. He faces one count of first-degree murder in the death of Leah Elizabeth Brown, 22, of Shawnee, and two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of Tremel Dupree Dean, 24, of Topeka; and Colwin Lynn Henderson, 20, of Topeka. He also was charged with one count of attempted second-degree murder in the wounding of a man who was among two shooting victims to survive. None of the victims were students at the University of Kansas. Cheryl Wright Kunard, public information officer for the Douglas County, Kansas, prosecutor's office, had no information about whether he has an attorney, noting that he hasn't yet appeared in court there. No details have been provided about the motive. The charging documents say only that Brown was killed in the "commission of" the other killings. Also jailed in the shooting is 22-year-old Ahmad Malik Rayton, who is charged with attempted second-degree murder and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon. Dominique Jaquez McMillon, 19, is charged with aggravated assault and battery. Bond is set at $1 million for Rayton and $25,000 for McMillon. Police say the investigation is ongoing. WASILLA, Alaska (AP) - It was an odd day for one Alaska animal control officer who took a call about an alligator outgrowing its bathtub. KTUU-TV reports that a Wasilla resident called 911 this week after realizing that the more than 4-foot-long (1.2-meter-long) alligator named Allie couldn't live in a tub anymore. Rescue group Valley Aquatics took Allie in. Valley Aquatics owner Sheridan Perkins says Allie is a 3-year-old American alligator. This undated photo provided by the Wasilla, Alaska, Police Department shows a more than 4-foot-long (1.2-meter-long) alligator named Allie that couldn't live in a tub in a Wasilla home anymore. Rescue group Valley Aquatics took Allie in. Valley Aquatics owner Sheridan Perkins says Allie is a 3-year-old American alligator, and has thought about re-homing Allie in Florida. (Wasilla Police Department via AP) Perkins says she has thought about re-homing Allie in Florida. The alligator is Wasilla's second run in this year with a large reptile. In May, a 17-foot (5.2-meter) python named Sam went missing for several days before reappearing in his home's living room. He returned through the door his owner left open for him. ___ Information from: KTUU-TV, http://www.ktuu.com Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about Friday: 1. CHIEF OF STAFF COMES TO TRUMP'S DEFENSE John Kelly accuses a Democratic congresswoman of politicizing what he calls a "sacred" presidential effort to console the grieving loved ones of a slain soldier. A group of elderly people talk about the political situation in Catalonia, near a building with Spanish flags fixed on balconies at the Oriente square in Madrid, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017. Spain's government on Thursday immediately rejected a threat by Catalonia's leader to declare independence unless talks are held, calling a special Cabinet session for the weekend to activate measures to take control of the region's semi-autonomous powers. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) 2. US ASSESSES THREAT FROM ISLAMIC STATE GROUP The militants are capable of orchestrating and carrying out an attack against the U.S., even after being evicted from their self-declared Syrian capital of Raqqa, the CIA director says. 3. CRISIS OVER CATALONIA ESCALATES Spain's central government prepares the unprecedented step of stripping the wealthy region of some of its self-governing powers after its leader refuses to abandon secession. 4. FINANCIAL TOLL FROM FIRES HITS $1B The wildfires that devastated California this month caused at least $1 billion in damage to insured property - and that number's expected to rise, officials say. 5. POST-'MARIA,' PUERTO RICO STILL STRUGGLING A month after the storm, roughly 80 percent of the island's customers remain without power, and another 30 percent are without water. 6. WHAT REGULATORS WANT KEPT OFF PLANES The U.S. urges the world airline community to ban large, personal electronic devices like laptops from checked luggage because of the potential for a catastrophic fire. 7. 'HELL ON EARTH' FOR YOUNG REFUGEES UNICEF says the children who make up most of the nearly 600,000 Rohingya Muslims who have fled violence in Myanmar are being pushed into crowded, muddy and squalid camps in neighboring Bangladesh. 8. WHERE POLLUTION RANKS AMONG WORLD'S DANGERS Environmental pollutants kill at least 9 million people and cost the world $4.6 trillion a year, a toll exceeding that of war, smoking, hunger or natural disasters. 9. POPULAR PASTIME HAS UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES Across the U.S., people in cities and suburbs are raising backyard chickens - leading to a soaring number of illnesses from poultry-related diseases. 10. WHICH TRUMP FAMILY MEMBER IS LOOKING AHEAD The face of the president's nascent re-election bid is a rising star in his orbit: daughter-in-law Lara Trump. In this Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017 photo, Iolana Keith, of Des Moines, Iowa, feeds chickens in the backyard with her mom, Tanya Keith, in Des Moines. The trend of raising backyard chickens is causing a soaring number of illnesses from poultry-related diseases. For Tanya Keith, the nine hens and a rooster that she keeps behind her home in Des Moines provide fresh eggs and lessons for her three children about where food comes from. But even as her kids collect eggs and help keep the six nesting boxes tidy, she warns them not get too affectionate. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) TOKYO (AP) - Japanese automakers have confirmed use of Kobe Steel products affected by fake inspection data, but say they have found no safety concerns so far. Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Corp. issued statements late Thursday outlining preliminary findings from checks of materials and parts from Kobe Steel. Japanese media cited officials from other automakers making similar announcements. The investigations by automakers, aircraft manufacturers and other customers of Kobe Steel follow the company's disclosure that inspections data on a slew of products was faked or manipulated. The extend of the problem is unclear because both Kobe Steel has not identified the customers affected by name, and it is still investigating the problem. However, it has said data on aluminum plates, copper pipes and molds and steel wire rods used in vehicle tires and engines are among the products whose data did not match specifications or was false or insufficient. The problem had persisted for a decade, possibly much longer, Japanese media have reported, citing unnamed former Kobe Steel employees. Toyota said in a statement that it had confirmed that aluminum plates used in hoods, rear hatches and other components of its vehicles from Kobe Steel met requirements for strength and durability based on data from the company that was "furthest outside of Toyota's specifications." It said it was still investigating non-aluminum products from Kobe Steel. Honda said aluminum panels were the only products bought directly from Kobe Steel. It found they met all of its safety standards. It said it was still checking on other parts obtained through suppliers. Many Kobe Steel customers have said they are checking into the problem. So far, none have confirmed any specific safety risks. However, earlier this week the European Aviation Safety Agency recommended companies suspend use of Kobe Steel products when possible while they review their supply chains to identify "suspected unapproved parts" from the company that may have used. BEIJING (AP) - In this summer's "Wolf Warrior II," Chinese action star Wu Jing portrays a tough super-patriot who rescues both fellow countrymen and oppressed Africans with help from the People's Liberation Army. Audiences loved what became China's biggest-grossing movie ever. Some reportedly sang the national anthem as the movie closed on an image of a Chinese passport and the words, "Please remember, at your back stands a strong motherland." This red-blooded nationalism has been channeled skillfully by President and ruling Communist Party leader Xi Jinping as he seeks to strengthen the party's role in Chinese life and shepherd the country's rise to prominence at a time when the United States and others in the West are seen to be in retreat. In this Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017, photo, video showing Chinese President Xi Jinping handling an assault rifle is shown at an exhibition highlighting China's achievements under five years of his leadership at the Beijing Exhibition Hall in Beijing. Xi is channeling a red-blooded nationalism as he seeks to strengthen the Communist Party's role in Chinese life and assert Beijing's rise as a global superpower. Xi's muscular foreign policy could become even more assertive following this month's party congress, where he's expected to get a second five-year term as party secretary general. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Xi's muscular foreign policy could become even more assertive following this month's congress of the ruling Communist Party, where delegates will agree to support his policies and endorse his second five-year term as party secretary general, observers say. "Xi's on a roll," said June Teufel Dreyer, professor of political science at the University of Miami. She predicted he would continue expanding China's influence by gradually increasing pressure on other countries, a tactic seen in Beijing's steady island-building efforts in the South China Sea, for instance. In an address Wednesday to the congress' opening session, Xi reiterated that China pursues an "independent foreign policy of peace" and maintains a defensive military posture. However, he also warned other countries not to underestimate China's willingness to stand up for itself. "No one should expect China to swallow anything that undermines its interests," Xi told delegates at Beijing's hulking Great Hall of the People. For years, after its emergence from hard-line Marxism in the late 1980s, China stuck to reformist leader Deng Xiaoping's dictum to "keep a low profile and bide one's time, while also getting things done." That began to change after the last decade's global financial crisis, from which China emerged relatively unscathed, and the country's foreign policy has since shifted into high gear under Xi. China has succeeded in leveraging its booming economy and mountain of foreign currency holdings to influence other nations and further its global ambitions. A key watershed came this year, when the People's Liberation Army began manning China's first overseas base in Djibouti, reversing decades of rhetoric eschewing such facilities as imperialist Cold War holdovers. The overall goal seems clear: Restore China to its traditional role as East Asia's leading nation and a global economic and cultural force. Xi said as much in his opening address on Wednesday when he outlined a vision of raising China's international stature. By 2050, Xi said, China would be "a global leader in terms of composite national strength and international influence." "Xi presents very bold visions for where China should be headed and what China must become," said Jingdong Yuan, an Asia-Pacific security expert at Australia's University of Sydney. A more forceful post-congress approach could include expanding China's role in international bodies and new China-sponsored initiatives such as the Asian Infrastructure Development Bank. China could also become more assertive in regional hot spots such as the South and East China Seas and its contested border with India. Perhaps no strategy reflects Xi's vision more clearly than the "Belt and Road Initiative" launched around the time of Xi's elevation five years ago. The massive undertaking seeks to link China to Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Africa, Europe and beyond with a sprawling network of roads, railways, ports and other economic projects valued in the hundreds of billions of dollars. The goal is to make China an indispensable economic partner with expanded political influence, while offering new opportunities for Chinese businesses weighed down by overcapacity and shrinking markets at home. To do this, China has refined its diplomacy to take advantage of favorable global trends while not going so far that it would damage relationships with its neighbors and the United States, Yuan said. In some areas, China has proved unyielding. Beijing, for instance, angrily rejected last year's ruling by an international tribunal in The Hague in a Philippine case that invalidated most of China's territorial claims in the contested South China Sea. It has also taken a hard line against South Korea's deployment of a U.S. anti-missile system that Beijing calls a security threat. South Korea has been vilified in Chinese state media, with Chinese group tours banned and South Korean businesses in China hit hard. However, the pragmatic approach more often wins out. Beijing has largely resisted the urge to fire back when U.S. President Donald Trump lambasts China for not doing enough on North Korea or allegedly cheating at trade, instead offering measured responses. Xi, meanwhile, pulled off a successful visit to Trump's Mar-a-Lago Florida estate that was heavy on the sort of positive optics Beijing prefers. Trump is now due to travel to Beijing in November. In China's latest border standoff with India, Beijing agreed to a mutual pullback of forces just days ahead of a China-hosted summit of large developing economies attended by both Xi and his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi. Beijing has also softened its approach to charm Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, offering him infrastructure investment and military assistance against Muslim rebels, while agreeing to allow Philippine fishermen to return to their traditional grounds in Scarborough Shoal, which China seized in 2012. The approach seems to be working. The results of a recent Pew Research Center survey show two-thirds of Filipinos believe strong economic relations with China are of greater importance, as opposed to 28 percent who say getting tough with China over territorial disputes is more important. When last asked the question in 2015, Filipinos were divided almost evenly on what was more important. Domestic politics also play a role in the shape of Chinese foreign policy. Leaders have traditionally used nationalism to blunt opposition and discontent, said Yinan He, an expert on Chinese foreign policy at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. If Xi fails to win total backing for his appointments and policies at the congress, "he may continue to unleash foreign assertiveness, and may even seek out conflicts with certain countries that can arouse patriotic support at home," He said. An elderly couple rests under a screen showing Chinese soldiers posing with the Communist Party flag at an exhibition highlighting China's achievements under five years of his leadership at the Beijing Exhibition Hall in Beijing Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017. Xi is channeling a red-blooded nationalism as he seeks to strengthen the Communist Party's role in Chinese life and assert Beijing's rise as a global superpower. Xi's muscular foreign policy could become even more assertive following this month's party congress, where he's expected to get a second five-year term as party secretary general. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) In this Aug. 20, 2017, photo, cinema workers wait for customers in front of a poster for the movie "Wolf Warriors II" in Yichang in central China's Hubei province. In this summer's "Wolf Warrior II," Chinese action star Wu Jing portrays a tough super-patriot who rescues both fellow countrymen and oppressed Africans with help from the People's Liberation Army and became China's biggest-grossing movie ever. This red-blooded nationalism has been channeled skillfully by President and ruling Communist Party leader Xi Jinping as he seeks to strengthen the party's role in Chinese life and shepherd the country's rise to prominence at a time when the United States and others in the West are seen to be in retreat. (Chinatopix via AP) A visitor looks at models of Chinese tanks near portraits of Chinese President Xi Jinping at an exhibition highlighting China's achievements under five years of his leadership at the Beijing Exhibition Hall in Beijing Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017. Xi is channeling a red-blooded nationalism as he seeks to strengthen the Communist Party's role in Chinese life and assert Beijing's rise as a global superpower. Xi's muscular foreign policy could become even more assertive following this month's party congress, where he's expected to get a second five-year term as party secretary general. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) A visitor looks at models of Chinese tanks at an exhibition highlighting China's achievements under five years of his leadership at the Beijing Exhibition Hall in Beijing Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017. Xi is channeling a red-blooded nationalism as he seeks to strengthen the Communist Party's role in Chinese life and assert Beijing's rise as a global superpower. Xi's muscular foreign policy could become even more assertive following this month's party congress, where he's expected to get a second five-year term as party secretary general. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Visitors take photos near models of Chinese ballistic missiles and aircraft carrier an exhibition highlighting China's achievements under five years of his leadership at the Beijing Exhibition Hall in Beijing Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017. Xi is channeling a red-blooded nationalism as he seeks to strengthen the Communist Party's role in Chinese life and assert Beijing's rise as a global superpower. Xi's muscular foreign policy could become even more assertive following this month's party congress, where he's expected to get a second five-year term as party secretary general. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) BARCELONETA, Puerto Rico (AP) - Electrical linemen descend from helicopters, balancing on steel girders 90 feet high on transmission towers in the mountains of central Puerto Rico, far from any road. At the same time, crews fan out across the battered island, erecting light poles and power lines in a block by block slog. A month after Hurricane Maria rolled across the center of Puerto Rico, the power is still out for the vast majority of people on the island as the work to restore hundreds of miles of transmission lines and thousands of miles of distribution lines grinds on for crews toiling under a blazing tropical sun. And it won't get done soon without more workers, more equipment and more money, according to everyone involved in the effort. In this Friday, Oct. 13, 2017 photo, a resident tries to connect electrical lines downed by Hurricane Maria in preparation for when electricity is restored in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. A month after the storm rolled across the center of Puerto Rico, power is still out for the vast majority. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) "It's too much for us alone," Nelson Velez, a regional director for the Puerto Rican power authority, said as he supervised crews working along a busy street in Isla Verde, just east of San Juan, on a recent afternoon. "We have just so many, so many areas affected." The office of Gov. Ricardo Rossello said Thursday that about 20 percent of the island has service and he has pledged to get that to 95 percent by Dec. 31. For now, though, most of the island's 3.4 million people suffer without air conditioning or basic necessities. Many have resorted to using washboards, now frequently seen for sale along the side of the road, to clean clothes, and sleeping on their balconies and flocking to any open restaurants for relief from daytime temperatures above 90 degrees. "I thought we would we have power in the metro area by now," said Pablo Martinez, an air conditioning technician, shaking his head in frustration. Hurricane Maria, which caused at least 49 deaths on the island, made landfall on the southeastern coast near Yabucoa as a Category 4 storm, with maximum sustained winds of about 154 mph (248 kph). It passed out of the territory about 12 hours later near Barceloneta in the north, still with sustained winds of about 115 mph (185 kph). The onslaught was sufficient to knock down hundreds of transmission towers and thousands of distribution poles and lines. The storm's path was ideal for taking down the entire grid. Most of Puerto Rico's generating capacity is along the southern coast and most consumption is in the north around San Juan, with steel and aluminum transmission towers up to 90 feet (27 meters) tall running through the mountains in the middle. At least 10 towers fell along the most important transmission line that runs to the capital, entangling it with a secondary one that runs parallel and that lost about two dozen towers in a hard-to-reach area in the center of the island. "It reminds me of a fireball that just burned everything in its path," said Brig. Gen. Diana Holland, commander of the Army Corps of Engineers unit working to clear debris and restore the grid, with nearly 400 troops on the ground. The storm also struck at a terrible time. The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority filed for bankruptcy in July. It has put off badly needed maintenance and had just finished dealing with outages from Hurricane Irma in early September. "You stop doing your typical deferred maintenance, and so you become even that much more susceptible to a storm like Maria and Irma coming and blowing down your towers, water coming up in your substations and flooding them," said Tom Lewis, president of the U.S. division of Louis Berger, which has been supplying generators in Puerto Rico to clients that include the Federal Emergency Management Agency. "Everything becomes that much more sensitive to any kind of damage whether it be from wind or water." PREPA Director Ricardo Ramos said the authority is working with the Army Corps of Engineers and contractors to bring in more "bucket trucks" and other equipment. It already has about 400 three- to five-member repair crews and is trying to reach 1,000 within three weeks with workers brought in from the U.S. "With this number of brigades we will be able to advance much more rapidly," Ramos assured reporters during a recent news conference. PREPA brought in a Montana company, Whitefish Energy Holdings, to help its crews restore the transmission and distribution lines across the island. It has a rolling contract and can bill up to $300 million for its work, said Odalys de Jesus, a spokeswoman for the power authority. It is a huge job for a young company, formed in 2015. Whitefish CEO Andy Techmanski said previous work restoring transmission lines damaged by wildfires in the western U.S. has prepared them for the Puerto Rico contract. "We don't like easy," he said during a break at one of the company's base camps near Barceloneta. The camp buzzes with activity as helicopters come and go, taking linemen and equipment to the mountain towers, the pilots deftly navigating the lines and mountains to lower men and equipment to the steel-and-aluminum girds high above the trees. Whitefish had about 270 employees in Puerto Rico as of midweek, working both on transmission and distribution. It expects the number to double in the coming weeks if it can find sufficient lodging and transport to the island. Other contractors working in Puerto Rico include Fluor Corp., which was awarded a $336.2 million contract from the Army Corps of Engineers for debris removal and power restoration, and Weston Solutions, which is providing two generators to stabilize power in the capital for $35 million. Their efforts are to restore the system that was in place before the storm, not to build a better one, at least not yet. Gov. Rossello says the island needs to overhaul its power grid, make it less vulnerable and look at alternative sources. He welcomed a proposal by Elon Musk, CEO of electric-car company Tesla, to expand solar energy and has raised the issue of longer-term improvements with Washington. House Speaker Paul Ryan seemed to express at least a willingness to consider helping Puerto Rico build back better when he visited the island this month. "If you going to put up a power line let's put up a power line that can withstand hurricane-force winds," he said. "It makes no sense to put temporary patches on problems that have long term effects." Techmanski said Whitefish was making progress on the line that carries about 230,000 volts to San Juan from the Aguirre power plant in the south, which will vastly increase the amount of power reaching the capital. "We're getting it done," he said. But when asked about the goal of getting 95 percent of power back by the end of the year, he wasn't sure: "It is very optimistic at this point." ___ Associated Press writer Danica Coto contributed to this report. ___ This story has been corrected to reflect that Tom Lewis is president of the U.S. division of Louis Berger, not president of the Louis Berger Group. In this Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 photo, Whitefish Energy Holdings workers stand on towers to restore lines damaged by Hurricane Maria in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico. Whitefish CEO Andy Techmanski said Whitefish was making progress on the line that carries about 230,000 volts to San Juan from the Aguirre power plant in the south, which will vastly increase the amount of power reaching the capital. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) In this Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017 photo, Ezequiel Rivera works with the Electric Energy Authority to restore distribution lines damaged by Hurricane Maria in the Cantera community of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The office of Gov. Ricardo Rossello said Thursday, Oct. 19 that about 20 percent of the island has service and he has pledged to get that to 95 percent by Dec. 31. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti) In this Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 photo, a helicopter from Whitefish Energy Holdings flies to power line towers for repairs after the passing of Hurricane Maria in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico. The storm's path was ideal for taking down the entire grid. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) In this Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 photo, Whitefish Energy Holdings workers restore power lines damaged by Hurricane Maria in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico. Whitefish CEO Andy Techmanski said previous work restoring transmission lines damaged by wildfires in the western U.S. has prepared them for the Puerto Rico contract. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) In this Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017 photo, a resident walks by Electric Power Authority worker Ezequiel Rivera restoring distribution lines damaged by Hurricane Maria in the Cantera community of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Without air-conditioning, many residents have resorted to using washboards to clean clothes and sleeping on their balconies for relief from daytime temperatures above 90 degrees. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti) In this Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 photo, power lines lay broken after the passage of Hurricane Maria in Dorado, Puerto Rico. A month after the storm rolled across the center of the island, power is still out for the vast majority of people as the work to restore hundreds of miles of transmission and distribution lines grinds on. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) In this Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 photo, power lines stand at an angle surrounded by vegetation that was torn down by Hurricane Maria in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico. Hurricane Maria's onslaught was sufficient to knock down hundreds of transmission towers and thousands of distribution poles and lines. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) MANILA, Philippines (AP) - Three Russian navy ships arrived in the Philippines on Friday and two others are coming to deliver donated military equipment in the country's third naval visit under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has vowed to diversify the country's ties away from the United States and toward China and Russia. Three Russian anti-submarine ships docked in Manila in time for Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu's coming visit to the country, said Rear Admiral E. Mikhailov, the task force commander. Two other vessels will be arriving Saturday at the port of Subic Bay northwest of Manila to unload donated military equipment, the Philippine Navy said in a statement. Shoigu will be joining next week's meeting of 10 Southeast Asian defense ministers with counterparts from other countries including the U.S., Russia and China. The Navy said the donated equipment would be handed over to Duterte, who earlier said Russia would provide 5,000 assault rifles. "I am assuring you that we will do our best to make this port call a significant contribution to the strengthening of friendly ties and cooperation between our two nations in the interest of security and stability in the region," Mikhailov said. ___ This story has been corrected to show not all of the ships are docking in Manila. SAN ANTONIO (AP) - Remember the Alamo? A new Texas battle is brewing over how best to do so. Land Commissioner George P. Bush is overseeing a 7-year revamp of the shrine where 189 Texas independence fighters were killed by Mexican Gen. Santa Anna's troops in 1836. The site's size would quadruple after excavation and restoration of historical structures, the closing of nearby streets and the building of a more than 100,000-square foot museum to house artifacts and guide visitors through the Alamo's history. The project has raised the ire of some conservatives, who worry that the Battle of the Alamo will be sanitized by "political correctness" at a time when Confederate monuments are being removed across the country. Even though the Alamo battle was well before the Civil War, some of the participants were slaveholders. FILE - In this Feb. 23, 2016, file photo, guests visit the grounds of the Alamo in San Antonio. Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush is overseeing a 7-year, $450 million revamp of the Alamo, where 189 independence fighters were killed in 1836. That includes restoration of historical structures and building a new museum and visitors' center. But some conservatives worry that the importance of the battle for the Alamo will be marginalized by "political correctness," with the overhaul sanitizing less-desirable aspects of participants' history, including that some were slaveholders. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File) A flashpoint has been the fate of the Cenotaph, a 60-foot (18.29-meter) granite monument near the Alamo completed in 1940 and engraved with the names of those killed during the battle. The city of San Antonio wants to move it to a site somewhat farther away. But critics fear the Cenotaph will suffer the fate of some Confederate monuments and be banished. Hundreds of protesters showed up at the Alamo last weekend, some wearing colonial costumes and holding signs reading "Leave the Alamo Alone." The ruling Republican Party of Texas was so concerned that its executive committee voted 57-1 in September to urge Bush to keep the focus of the overhaul on the battle itself and calling for more transparency in how the effort is funded. "This isn't just some memory that's popular in movies, these were living, breathing people," said Lee Spencer White, a descendant of Gordon C. Jennings, who at 56 was the oldest defender killed at the Alamo. "The Alamo's personal." The criticism from fellow Republicans has put the latest political star of the Bush family on the defensive. The 41-year-old son of former Florida governor and presidential candidate Jeb and Mexican-born mother Columba, Bush has used funds for his re-election bid next year on a website and radio ads defending he restoration. "My focus isn't on the politics, it's on preserving the Alamo," Bush said via email. "I'm focused on telling the story of the heroic battle for freedom - proudly, purposefully and better than ever before." Bush's critics say his Hispanic heritage isn't an issue, noting that many Tejanos - Texans of Hispanic descent - played prominent roles during the Battle of the Alamo. They included Gregorio Esparza, who was given the chance to flee beforehand but stayed and was killed in battle. Still, during the Cenotaph protest, one demonstrator bellowed: "Vote George P. Santa Anna Bush out of office" to applause. During the war of independence from Mexico, Texas forces occupied the Alamo, which had been founded by Spaniards as a Franciscan mission in 1718 but was relocated to its current spot, now in in the heart of San Antonio, America's seventh-largest city, in 1724. Though vastly outnumbered by Mexican soldiers, the defenders held out during a 13-day siege before being overrun on March 6, 1836. Their bravery became a rallying cry and Texas won independence the following month, then became part of the United States nine years later. Supporters of the Alamo revamp emphasize that there is good reason to upgrade the site visited by 2.5-plus million people a year. The existing shrine is small and offers relatively little to see. Nearby is what some have called a "carnival" atmosphere, with Ripley's Believe It or Not!, and other buildings that are being bought up in the renovation. Bush's office is working with a Philadelphia-based historic preservation and architecture firm with the goal of presenting the Alamo's full history. The site's public space would expand from around two acres to 9.5 acres, though public outcry already halted a proposal to build glass walls around the entire area. Santa Anna ordered the original walls around the Alamo torn down after the battle, but remnants remain underground and plans are to excavate and possibly place them under glass for visitors to view. Pop icon Phil Collins, who spent decades collecting Alamo artifacts, has begun donating most of them to Texas, including a leather pouch belonging to slain defender Davey Crockett, as well as the knife of Jim Bowie, namesake of today's fixed blade Bowie knife. The renovation project calls for the artifacts to be displayed in the new museum. Jerry Patterson, a Republican who was Bush's predecessor as land commissioner, said the issue of slave owners among the Alamo independence fighters is sure to be raised. Alamo commander William Travis owned slaves and Bowie, his co-commander, traded them. "History's full of warts," Patterson said. "There are no men, icons of the past, that will stand up to modern scrutiny." San Antonio has pledged $38 million for the revamp and the Texas Legislature has approved $106.5 million since 2015. The project's total cost could reach $450 million, though much of that may be raised privately. State contracts suggest Bush's office paid nearly $4.9 million on an Alamo renovation master plan, but Bush wouldn't say exactly how much has been spent so far. Exactly what the new Alamo will look like also isn't clear. Artists' renderings were released previously, but Bush's office says those weren't official. Construction hasn't started but is scheduled to finish by 2024, when the Alamo turns 300 at its current location. The controversy is lost on most Alamo tourists, including Sue and Dave Gay who visited recently from Rochester, New York. "You can't change what it is," said Sue Gay, a 50-year-old nurse, said of the current Alamo site. "Just because it's small doesn't make it any less significant." In this March 6, 2013 file photo, Dan Phillips, a member of the San Antonio Living History Association, patrols the Alamo during a pre-dawn memorial ceremony to remember the 1836 Battle of the Alamo and those who fell on both sides, in San Antonio. Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush is overseeing a 7-year, $450 million revamp of the Alamo, where 189 independence fighters were killed in 1836. That includes restoration of historical structures and building a new museum and visitors' center. But some conservatives worry that the importance of the battle for the Alamo will be marginalized by "political correctness," with the overhaul sanitizing less-desirable aspects of participants' history, including that some were slaveholders. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File) This undated historical image courtesy of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission shows Alamo Chapel. Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush is overseeing a 7-year, $450 million revamp of the Alamo, where 189 independence fighters were killed in 1836. That includes restoration of historical structures and building a new museum and visitors' center. But some conservatives worry that the importance of the battle for the Alamo will be marginalized by "political correctness," with the overhaul sanitizing less-desirable aspects of participants' history, including that some were slaveholders. (Courtesy of Texas State Library and Archives Commission via AP) This undated historical image courtesy of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission shows the drawing "Siege of the Alamo, March 6th, 1836." Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush is overseeing a 7-year, $450 million revamp of the Alamo, where 189 independence fighters were killed in 1836. That includes restoration of historical structures and building a new museum and visitors' center. But some conservatives worry that the importance of the battle for the Alamo will be marginalized by "political correctness," with the overhaul sanitizing less-desirable aspects of participants' history, including that some were slaveholders. (Courtesy of Texas State Library and Archives Commission via AP) FILE - In this Feb. 24, 2016, file photo, a member of the San Antonio Living History Association stands on the grounds on the Alamo as he waits to take part in a reenactment to deliver William B. Travis' "Victory or Death" letter, in San Antonio. Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush is overseeing a 7-year, $450 million revamp of the Alamo, where 189 independence fighters were killed in 1836. That includes restoration of historical structures and building a new museum and visitors' center. But some conservatives worry that the importance of the battle for the Alamo will be marginalized by "political correctness," with the overhaul sanitizing less-desirable aspects of participants' history, including that some were slaveholders. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File) This undated historical image courtesy of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission shows "The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas." Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush is overseeing a 7-year, $450 million revamp of the Alamo, where 189 independence fighters were killed in 1836. That includes restoration of historical structures and building a new museum and visitors' center. But some conservatives worry that the importance of the battle for the Alamo will be marginalized by "political correctness," with the overhaul sanitizing less-desirable aspects of participants' history, including that some were slaveholders. (Courtesy of Texas State Library and Archives Commission via AP) ISLAMABAD (AP) - A Pakistani court has indicted former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a third case of corruption after an official probe concluded he concealed assets abroad. Mohammad Bashir, a judge at the Accountability Court, read charges against Sharif during Friday's hearing. Zakir Khan, a lawyer for the 67-year-old Sharif, entered a plea of not guilty. Sharif is present in London, where his wife is being treated. In this June 15, 2017 photo, Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif waves outside the office of the Joint Investigation Team, in Islamabad, Pakistan. A Pakistani court on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017, indicted Sharif as well as his daughter and son-in-law on corruption charges stemming from documents leaked from a Panama law firm. (AP Photo/B.K. Bangash) The same court a day earlier had indicted Sharif in two cases of corruption stemming from documents leaked from a Panama law firm. Sharif, who thrice served as a prime minister, was removed from office by Supreme Court in July after authorities concluded he concealed assets abroad. Sharif has denied charges and he plans to return home next week to face trial. What does Shakespeare have to say about contemporary American politics? Find out when the UTC Patten Series brings Shakespeares Measure for Measure to the UTC Fine Arts Center stage. But before the show, participate in a discussion of the shows themes and how they reflect the current political climate. Measure for Measure will be performed Oct. 25-27 at 7:30 p.m. at Fine Arts Center, Roland Hayes Concert Hall. Purchase tickets at https://www.utc.edu/fine-arts-center/tickets.php Review for the show: Hailing from such prestigious UK companies as Shakespeares Globe, the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, the five actors of Sir Patrick Stewarts celebrated theater company Actors From The London Stage bring Shakespeare to life for three evenings at the UTC Fine Arts Center as one of this seasons Patten Performances. The three nights of Measure For Measure are part of a week-long residency at UTC, which is designed to promote a campus-wide dialogue inspired by the works of William Shakespeare. Believed to be written around 1603 and first performed in 1604, Measure for Measures themes of justice, mortality and mercy in Vienna, and the dichotomy between corruption and purity resonate still today: Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall. While mercy and virtue predominate (the play does not end tragically), the play focuses on justice overall. The play follows an out-of-control attempt by the Duke of Vienna to clean up long-term, rampant corruption and vice in Vienna by mysteriously vacating his position and leaving oversight of the city to an overly-zealous judge. "Actors have a personal connection with dramatic texts, which is distinctive and different from the scholars," said Founding Director Sir Patrick Stewart. "Our program gives the actor a unique platform from which to explore with professors and students what he or she does and why it is done. That exciting exchange is what Actors From The London Stage would like to bring to your campus. Before seeing the production of Measure for Measure on campus and discovering Shakespeares exploration of the exploitation of power, the public may join in a discussion of what this play might reveal in an investigation of the current political climate. The discussion will be at Granfalloon at 400 E. Main St,, #120 at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24. The discussion will be led by Dr. Bryan Hampton, Dorothy and James D. Kennedy Distinguished Teaching Professor and Associate Department Head of English. Dr. Hampton will provide a summary of the play and help unpack its meaning. Dr. Michelle D. Deardorff, Adolph S. Ochs Professor of Government and Department Head of Political Science and Public Service, will explore the implications of this play to the contemporary American political climate. This discussion is free and open to the public. MEXICO CITY (AP) - Researchers trying to catch and enclose the last survivors of the vaquita porpoise species captured a calf but released it because it was too young to survive without its mother. Mexico's Environment Department said veterinarians determined the calf was too young and experts said it was showing signs of stress after capture. The experts with Mexican-led international effort known as VaquitaCPR still saw hope in the calf's capture. "The successful rescue made conservation history and demonstrates that the goal of VaquitaCPR is feasible," said Environment Secretary Rafael Pacchiano. "No one has ever captured and cared for a vaquita porpoise, even for a brief period of time. This is an exciting moment and as a result, I am confident we can indeed save the vaquita marina from extinction." FILE - In this July 8, 2017 file photo, a young woman with the World Wildlife Fund carries a papier mache replica of the critically endangered porpoise known as the vaquita marina, during an event in front of the National Palace in Mexico City calling on the Mexican government to take additional steps to protect the world's smallest marine mammal. An international team of researchers captured the first endangered vaquita porpoise in the Gulf of California in an ambitious effort to catch and enclose the few remaining members of the species, but said on Thursday, Oct. 19, that they had to release the calf because it was too young. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File) Lorenzo Rojas, the lead scientist on the effort, said "while we were disappointed we could not keep the vaquita in human care, we have demonstrated that we are able to locate and capture a vaquita." A photo released by the Environment Department showed the calf swimming in a pen surrounded by team members. The statement did not say how long it was in captivity. The U.S. Navy trained dolphins to help find vaquitas and research boats are searching their habitat, the Gulf of California. It was unclear if the dolphins were even needed; the team said "scientists spotted several vaquitas using visual search methods and acoustic monitoring." The vaquita population has dropped to less than 30 because of illegal nets set for the totoaba fish, whose swim bladder is prized in China. After a health evaluation and the taking of some tissue samples, the calf was returned to the area where it was captured and where several other vaquitas had been sighted. The team did not say whether it had rejoined its mother. The effort started Oct. 12 in the Gulf, also known as the Sea of Cortez, and will continue. Once caught, the vaquitas are to be held in protected floating pens with hopes they will reproduce and could eventually be re-released into the wild. LOS ANGELES (AP) - Another influential entertainment organization said Friday it would consider booting disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein as another woman accused the Oscar winner of sexual abuse. The Television Academy, which bestows Emmy awards, said a disciplinary hearing set for November could lead to termination of his membership. Weinstein, accused of sexually harassing and abusing numerous women over decades, has been fired from The Weinstein Co., a TV and movie film production company he co-founded with his brother Bob. He has been expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Producers Guild and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. FILE - In this Nov. 25, 2013 file photo, producer Harvey Weinstein attends a screening of "Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom" in New York. Los Angeles police said Thursday Oct. 19, 2017, that it is investigating a possible sexual assault case involving Harvey Weinstein that involves alleged conduct from 2013. The department released few details about the inquiry other than to say it has interviewed a potential victim and its inquiry is ongoing. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP, File) He now faces criminal inquiries in three cities after an Italian actress told Los Angeles detectives that Weinstein raped her in a hotel room in 2013. Attorney David Ring, who represents the 38-year-old actress, said Friday that she provided graphic details to police about the incident that occurred while she was in the city for the Los Angeles, Italia Film, Fashion and Art Fest. The actress, who has not been named, met Weinstein in Rome previously and spoke with him briefly at the film festival before he arrived uninvited at her hotel room. Weinstein bullied his way in and raped her, Ring said. "Her greatest regret is opening that door," Ring said. "She had no idea what was coming." Police confirmed Thursday they are looking into the woman's allegations. Ring said the rape has had a "humongous impact on her life." While she's relieved to have reported it to police, she is also "extremely scared," he said. The actress has had no interaction with Weinstein since the night in 2013, Ring said. He said his client never received a settlement and wasn't sure yet if she would sue Weinstein. Sallie Hofmeister, a representative for Weinstein, said in a statement that Weinstein "unequivocally denies allegations of non-consensual sex." The Los Angeles investigation comes after announcements last week by police in New York and London that they are taking a new look at allegations involving the Oscar-winner. On Friday, a former actress said Weinstein ruined her career ambition after he exposed himself to her during a 1989 business meeting in his office. Heather Kerr said he told her to sit on the couch and repeated saying she needed to be "good" if she wanted to succeed. He then pulled down his zipper, exposed himself and forced her to touch his genitals, she said. Kerr said she backed away, left the room and hurried out of the building. After some theater work, she quit acting. "I felt so powerless," she tearfully recalled. "I didn't think anyone would believe me. I was nobody. Why would they?" Kerr, whose acting credits in the 1980s include the TV shows "The Facts of Life" and "Mama's Family," spoke at a news conference with attorney Gloria Allred. More than 40 women have accused Weinstein, 65, of harassment or abuse. Actresses Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Lupita Nyong'o have all accused Weinstein of harassment, while actresses Asia Argento and Rose McGowan said he raped them. Nyong'o accused Weinstein of several incidents of harassment in an op-ed piece published by The New York Times on Thursday, including a 2011 incident in which she said the mogul tried to give her a massage at his Connecticut home. She refused, instead giving the mogul a massage and leaving when he said he wanted to take off his pants, Nyong'o wrote. Also on Thursday, a group of about 30 staffers for The Weinstein Company stated in a letter published online by The New Yorker that they didn't know they were "working for a serial sexual predator." The employees say they knew of Weinstein's "infamous temper" and that he could be "manipulative," but didn't know "that he used his power to systematically assault and silence women." Representatives for Weinstein and The Weinstein Company didn't immediately return a request for comment on the letter Friday. The stories of harassment and abuse dating back decades has led to the downfall of a producer who once ruled Hollywood's awards season with a string of contenders including "Shakespeare in Love," for which he shared an Oscar, and films such as "The King's Speech" and "Silver Linings Playbook." Since The New York Times published its initial expose on Oct. 5, honors conferred on Weinstein by Harvard University and the British Film Institute have been rescinded, and several Democratic lawmakers have donated political contributions they received from Weinstein to charity. Heather Kerr, right, a former actress who alleges that entertainment mogul Harvey Weinstein sexually abused her in 1989, wipes her eye as her attorney Gloria Allred speaks at a news conference in Los Angeles Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Amanda Lee Myers) Attorney David M. Ring, left, answers questions during a news conference in downtown Los Angeles on Friday, Oct, 20, 2017, about his client, an Italian actress who has accused Harvey Weinstein of rape. Ring said it has had a "humongous impact on her life" and she is extremely scared. Ring also told reporters that his client met Weinstein briefly at the L.A. Italia film festival in 2013 and he then bullied his way into her hotel room. (AP Photo/Brian Melley) BRUSSELS (AP) - Brexit is Europe's big worry, but it wasn't the only problem the leaders of the 28 - on the way to becoming 27 - European Union nations grappled with during their latest summit. Here's a look at some of the topics the leaders tackled at meetings that ended Friday: BREXIT BURNOUT British Prime Minister Theresa May departs an EU summit in Brussels on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. European Union leaders gathered Friday to weigh progress in negotiations on Britain's departure from their club as they look for new ways to speed up the painfully slow moving process. At center is EU Chief Brexit Negotiator Michel Barnier and at right is Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert) British Prime Minister Theresa May came to Brussels trying to reinvigorate her country's divorce talks with the EU. May's fellow leader's said she's made progress, but they still want more "meat" - especially about how much Britain expects to pay to leave the bloc. They also appeared to resist May's push for speedier talks on post-Brexit trade. Their refrain: "Unity" in the face of a fractured Britain. ___ TAXING INTERNET GIANTS France came to the summit blazing to force internet giants to pay more taxes. But resistance from EU countries that serve as tax shelters for tech companies like Apple dampened the idea. The EU leaders agreed to push for "an effective and fair taxation system fit for the digital era," but said it should be an international system, not just European. That's sure to slow and weaken movement toward France's goal. ___ TURKEY TROUBLES The rocky relationship between Turkey and the European Union hit another milestone. EU leaders revealed they are studying whether and how to cut pre-membership funds pledged to Turkey. EU leaders are angry over alleged human rights abuses in Turkey and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's hostile rhetoric about Europe. The EU earmarked 4.5 billion euros ($5.3 billion) for Turkey in 2014-2020. ___ SPAIN'S SEPARATISTS Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy made it to the two-day summit even as his government prepared to revoke some or all of the areas in which the Catalonia region enjoys autonomy. Rajoy expects to announce details of the unprecedented move he is making while Catalan leaders threaten to break the region away from Spain. The EU firmly refused to intervene in the standoff. While Rajoy won unconditional support from France's president, leaders of other countries stayed largely mum on the subject - perhaps hoping the separatist spirit in Catalonia doesn't spread to other independence-minded regions. ___ COUNTERING TRUMP ON IRAN The 28 EU leaders reached unusually easy unanimity on the Iran nuclear agreement: They embraced the deal in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's denunciations of it. That's in part because the nuclear accord allowed renewed trade with Iran - a longtime European trading partner - in exchange the country curbing its nuclear activities. The EU also fears growing global tensions and argues that abandoning the Iran deal now could torpedo efforts to negotiate with North Korea over its nuclear ambitions. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy speaks during a media conference at the conclusion of an EU summit in Brussels on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. European Union leaders gathered Friday to weigh progress in negotiations on Britain's departure from their club as they look for new ways to speed up the painfully slow moving process. (AP Photo/Olivier Matthys) British Prime Minister Theresa May, right, and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker attend a breakfast meeting at an EU summit in Brussels on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. European Union leaders gathered Friday to weigh progress in negotiations on Britain's departure from their club as they look for new ways to speed up the painfully slow moving process. (Julien Warnand, Pool Photo via AP) German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, joins other EU leaders for a breakfast meeting during an EU summit in Brussels on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. European Union leaders gathered Friday to weigh progress in negotiations on Britain's departure from their club as they look for new ways to speed up the painfully slow moving process. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, Pool) Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni attends a breakfast meeting at an EU summit in Brussels on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. European Union leaders gathered Friday to weigh progress in negotiations on Britain's departure from their club as they look for new ways to speed up the painfully slow moving process. (Julien Warnand, Pool Photo via AP) French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a media conference at the conclusion of an EU summit in Brussels on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. European Union leaders gathered Friday to weigh progress in negotiations on Britain's departure from their club as they look for new ways to speed up the painfully slow moving process. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert) European Council President Donald Tusk listens to questions during a media conference at the conclusion of an EU summit in Brussels on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. European Union leaders gathered Friday to weigh progress in negotiations on Britain's departure from their club as they look for new ways to speed up the painfully slow moving process. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a media conference at the conclusion of an EU summit in Brussels on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. European Union leaders gathered Friday to weigh progress in negotiations on Britain's departure from their club as they look for new ways to speed up the painfully slow moving process. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert) European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker listens to questions during a media conference at the conclusion of an EU summit in Brussels on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. European Union leaders gathered Friday to weigh progress in negotiations on Britain's departure from their club as they look for new ways to speed up the painfully slow moving process. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) French President Emmanuel Macron prepares to address a media conference at the conclusion of an EU summit in Brussels on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. European Union leaders gathered Friday to weigh progress in negotiations on Britain's departure from their club as they look for new ways to speed up the painfully slow moving process. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert) Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte speaks during a media conference at the conclusion of an EU summit in Brussels on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. European Union leaders gathered Friday to weigh progress in negotiations on Britain's departure from their club as they look for new ways to speed up the painfully slow moving process. (AP Photo/Olivier Matthys) BRUSSELS (AP) - NATO says its ambassadors will hold talks with Russia's envoy next week in a rare meeting of the NATO-Russia Council. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's office said Friday that the meeting at NATO Headquarters in Brussels is scheduled for Oct. 26. Developments in Afghanistan, the situation in Ukraine and reducing the risks of clashes and accidents during military exercises or border surveillance are expected to be discussed. NATO-Russia Council agendas have been notoriously difficult to establish. One reason is Russian reluctance to talk about Ukraine. Russia seized Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014. The talks come amid heightened tensions. NATO has stationed 4,000 troops in the Baltic countries and Poland in response to fears of Russian aggression. Moscow says the Western military alliance is closing in on its borders. Senate GOP backs budget, clears way for tax overhaul WASHINGTON (AP) - Republicans must now shift their focus to enacting President Donald Trump's sweeping tax plan, a far heavier lift than the $4 trillion budget plan they've muscled through the Senate to lay the groundwork for the first tax overhaul in three decades. The GOP on Thursday narrowly backed the budget plan, a prerequisite to major tax legislation. The Senate methodically worked through a pack of amendments, with Republicans rebuffing Democrats' successive attempts to reshape the blueprint and derail the tax cuts in the Senate. The final vote was 51-49 with deficit hawk Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky the lone opposing GOP vote. Republicans will have a far harder time approving a complex plan to bring steep tax cuts, especially for corporations, and overhaul the nation's tax system, which has sharply divided House Republicans on regional fault lines. Trump, who made revamping the tax system a campaign pledge, told reporters Thursday that the budget "will be phase one of our massive tax cuts and reform." Enacting a tax overhaul by year's end is a prime goal of Trump and the Republicans, who are looking for accomplishments following an embarrassing drought of legislative achievements and the collapse of several Obamacare repeal attempts. Republican lawmakers publicly admit that failure on taxes would be politically devastating with control of the House and Senate at stake in next year's midterm elections. ___ Evoking slain son, Kelly defends Trump on condolence calls WASHINGTON (AP) - He started by describing the reverent handling of America's war dead, bodies packed in ice and shipped home in the dark to an Air Force base in Delaware. From that opening, White House chief of staff John Kelly delivered a raw and searing monologue Thursday about the reality and pain of war sacrifice, praising those who serve and summoning the 2010 death of his own son to defend President Donald Trump against accusations of insensitive outreach to a grieving military family. In an unannounced appearance at the White House, Kelly, a retired three-star general whose son was killed while serving in Afghanistan, dressed down the Democratic congresswoman who had criticized Trump for comments she said he had made in a condolence call to the pregnant widow of a Green Beret killed in Niger. Kelly called Rep. Frederica Wilson of Florida an "empty barrel" who "makes noise," but he did not deny the lawmaker's account of the phone call, as the president had this week. Throughout his remarks, Kelly lamented what he said was lost respect for military service, women, authority and more. "I was stunned when I came to work yesterday morning, and brokenhearted at what I saw a member of Congress doing," Kelly said. "Absolutely stuns me. And I thought at least that was sacred." ___ US-backed Syrian force expected to declare victory in Raqqa BEIRUT (AP) - A U.S.-backed Syrian force is expected to declare victory in the northern city of Raqqa days after it said it cleared it from members of the Islamic State group. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces is scheduled to hold a news conference at noon Friday during which the city will be declared free of extremists. The SDF is also expected to hand over authority in the city to a local council and a 3,000-member police force made up mostly of residents of Raqqa province. The fall of Raqqa marks a major defeat for IS, which has seen its territories steadily shrink since last year. IS took over Raqqa, located on the Euphrates River, in January 2014, and transformed it into the epicenter of its brutal rule. ___ 10 Things to Know for Today Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today: 1. IMPACTING THE POCKETBOOK After approving the president's $4 trillion budget plan, GOP senators begin efforts to enact the first tax overhaul in three decades by the end of the year. 2. CHIEF OF STAFF SHIELDS COMMANDER IN CHIEF John Kelly speaks about the reality and pain of war sacrifice, praising those who serve and summoning the 2010 death of his own son to defend President Donald Trump against accusations of insensitive outreach to a grieving military family. ___ Iraqi and Kurdish forces exchange fire at border ALTUN KUPRI, Iraq (AP) - Iraqi and Kurdish forces are exchanging fire at the border between federal and Kurdish lands, days after Kurds withdrew from disputed territories across northern Iraq. Iraqi artillery forces shelled Kurdish military positions north and south of the town of Altun Kupri. Thick smoke could be seen rising from a checkpoint just north of the town. Kurdish forces responded with rocket fire. Kurdish authorities have sent reinforcements to the front lines. An Associated Press team saw a convoy of 50 armored vehicles arriving at the Kurdish side of the front. Iraq's federal authority claims Altun Kupri for itself as it is part of the areas acquired by the Kurds in 2014, when Iraqi soldiers gave up their posts in the face of an Islamic State group advance. ___ Study finds pollution is deadlier than war, disaster, hunger NEW DELHI (AP) - Environmental pollution - from filthy air to contaminated water - is killing more people every year than all war and violence in the world. More than smoking, hunger or natural disasters. More than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. One out of every six premature deaths in the world in 2015 - about 9 million - could be attributed to disease from toxic exposure, according to a major study released Thursday in the Lancet medical journal. The financial cost from pollution-related death, sickness and welfare is equally massive, the report says, costing some $4.6 trillion in annual losses - or about 6.2 percent of the global economy. "There's been a lot of study of pollution, but it's never received the resources or level of attention as, say, AIDS or climate change," said epidemiologist Philip Landrigan, dean of global health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, and the lead author on the report. The report marks the first attempt to pull together data on disease and death caused by all forms of pollution combined. "Pollution is a massive problem that people aren't seeing because they're looking at scattered bits of it," Landrigan said. ___ Make China Great Again! Xi leads China into muscular new era BEIJING (AP) - In this summer's "Wolf Warrior II," Chinese action star Wu Jing portrays a tough super-patriot who rescues both fellow countrymen and oppressed Africans with help from the People's Liberation Army. Audiences loved what became China's biggest-grossing movie ever. Some reportedly sang the national anthem as the movie closed on an image of a Chinese passport and the words, "Please remember, at your back stands a strong motherland." This red-blooded nationalism has been channeled skillfully by President and ruling Communist Party leader Xi Jinping as he seeks to strengthen the party's role in Chinese life and shepherd the country's rise to prominence at a time when the United States and others in the West are seen to be in retreat. Xi's muscular foreign policy could become even more assertive following this month's congress of the ruling Communist Party, where delegates will agree to support his policies and endorse his second five-year term as party secretary general, observers say. "Xi's on a roll," said June Teufel Dreyer, professor of political science at the University of Miami. She predicted he would continue expanding China's influence by gradually increasing pressure on other countries, a tactic seen in Beijing's steady island-building efforts in the South China Sea, for instance. ___ Bangkok returns to mourning colors, but what of the future? BANGKOK (AP) - Tucked in his cramped clothing stall in an enormous Thai mall, Pirumchai Asiram sits on a plastic chair flanked by two worlds - bright, vibrantly colored shirts and dresses to his right, neat stacks of somber apparel in blacks and whites to his left. Ask him which sells better, and he'll smile. "Not these," he says emphatically, pointing to the loud clothing. "These brighter things we sell for foreigners. Thai people, they don't wear this kind of design since the king passed away." Walk the bargain clothing stalls in MBK Center and you'll hear quite a bit of this. At the Orchid clothing store, vendor Arunee Narasri reports shops selling up to 10,000 Thai baht (more than $300) a day in bargain black clothing. Supak Sonpech, who sells black-and-white college uniforms, says it has become everyone's go-to purchase: "When I go out to buy clothes now, I don't look at anything but black and white." And as the clothing stalls of MBK Center go, so goes the Thai capital. The muted colors of mourning have settled over Bangkok once again in recent weeks as the country marks a year since the death of its beloved monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and prepares for the national spectacle of his cremation next week. Walking once-color-drenched streets evokes the moment when the Technicolor-soaked land of Oz ebbs back into the blacks and grays of Kansas. ___ Survey: US uninsured up 3.5M this year; expected to rise WASHINGTON (AP) - The number of U.S. adults without health insurance is up nearly 3.5 million this year, as rising premiums and political turmoil over "Obamacare" undermine coverage gains that drove the nation's uninsured rate to a historic low. That finding is based on the latest installment of a major survey, released Friday. The Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index asks a random sample of 500 people each day whether they have health insurance. The survey found that the uninsured rate among adults was 12.3 percent during the period from July 1-Sept. 30, an increase of 1.4 percentage points since the end of last year. The increase in the number of uninsured is more striking because it comes at a time of economic growth and low unemployment. The annual sign-up season for subsidized private insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act starts Nov. 1, but it may not make much of a difference. President Donald Trump has stopped federal payments that reimburse insurers for lower copays and deductibles that the Obama-era law requires them to provide to people with modest incomes. His administration slashed the advertising budget for 2018 sign-ups, cut the length of open enrollment in half, and sharply reduced federal grants to groups that help consumers navigate the process. ___ Attorney to detail another rape allegation against Weinstein LOS ANGELES (AP) - Harvey Weinstein is now facing criminal inquiries in three cities after an Italian actress told Los Angeles detectives the disgraced film mogul raped her in a hotel room in 2013. Police confirmed Thursday they are looking into the woman's allegations, and her attorney said he would give additional details about them at a news conference outside a downtown Los Angeles courthouse on Friday afternoon. The unidentified woman is an Italian model and actress, according to an announcement of attorney David M. Ring's press conference. In addition to talking to detectives, the woman and Ring spoke to the Los Angeles Times on Thursday, telling them Weinstein bullied his way into her hotel room, refused to leave and raped her. Sallie Hofmeister, a representative for Weinstein, said in a statement that Weinstein "unequivocally denies allegations of non-consensual sex." The Los Angeles investigation comes after announcements last week by police in New York and London that they are taking a new look at allegations involving the Oscar-winner. New York police are taking a fresh look for complaints involving Weinstein and the department has encouraged anyone who may have information about abuses by the producer to contact the department. London police are investigating allegations of sexual assault against him made by two women. NYON, Switzerland (AP) - Roma faces punishment from UEFA over racist chants by fans at a Champions League game at Chelsea this week. UEFA said on Friday it opened a disciplinary case over "racist behavior (monkey chants)" during the 3-3 draw in London on Wednesday. Television pictures appeared to show the target of abuse was Chelsea defender Antonio Ruediger, who is black. The Germany international joined Chelsea from Roma in the offseason after two seasons in Italy. Roma's Edin Dzeko, unseen in the pictures celebrates with his teammates after scoring during the Champions League group C soccer match between Chelsea and Roma at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) UEFA's disciplinary panel will judge the case on Nov. 16. In cases of racist abuse, UEFA has ordered a section of a club's stadium to be closed for a Champions League game. Repeated offenses have seen games ordered to be played in an empty stadium. Chelsea visits Rome for the return match on Oct. 31. The incident happened during a UEFA campaign with discrimination monitoring group Fare to promote diversity and tolerance at games. CAIRO (AP) - Egypt released early Friday an Irish-Egyptian man detained for four years on charges related to a 2013 Muslim Brotherhood protest in Cairo, his lawyer said. Ibrahim Halawa's release, announced by Irish lawyer Darragh Mackin, came about a month after an Egyptian court acquitted him of charges including murder, arson and illegal possession of weapons. Halawa was tried along with nearly 500 defendants who received sentences up to life in prison in a mass trial that was slammed by rights groups as unfair. Amnesty International welcomed Halawa's release as a "resounding victory" in a statement. "He should never have been jailed in the first place," said the group's North Africa Campaigns Director, Najia Bounaim. Also, Maya Foa, director of the U.K.-based rights organization Reprieve, said Halawa's release was "long overdue" and urged the Egyptian government to halt mass trials. Irish officials welcomed the news as well, saying the government is working on returning the 21-year old Halawa to Ireland. He is from Dublin. "We are helping him to get back to Ireland to be reunited with his family and get on with his life and his studies," Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said. "He's receiving full consular assistance at the moment." Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said "all appropriate ongoing support that Ibrahim requires in the period ahead will be available to him." Halawa was arrested at the age of 17, along with his three sisters, in August 2013. He is the son of a senior member of the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist group that swept to power in elections after the 2011 uprising but is now outlawed as a terrorist organization in Egypt. His arrest took place days after security forces violently broke up a sit-in by supporters of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, who hailed from the Brotherhood and had been overthrown by the military the previous month after mass protests against his divisive, one-year rule. Halawa's sisters were freed later in 2013, after which they left Egypt. They have been campaigning for his release since. Following Morsi's ouster, Egyptian authorities launched a severe crackdown on Brotherhood members and supporters, arresting thousands of Islamists, as well as a number of secular and liberal activists. ___ Associated Press writer Danica Kirka in London contributed to this report. LOS ANGELES (AP) - E!'s long-running series, "Fashion Police," will come to an end next month with a special finale featuring its late host and co-creator Joan Rivers. The series began in 1995 and became a staple on the red carpet at major awards shows with Rivers commentating on celebrity looks. It continued after Rivers' 2014 death with her daughter, Melissa, as a co-host. The network says "Fashion Police: The Farewell" will look back at memorable moments from the show's 22-year run and include surprise celebrity guests. Footage from an unaired 80's themed episode featuring Joan Rivers will also be shown. FILE - This Feb. 21, 2013, file photo shows comedian Joan Rivers, left, and her daughter Melissa Rivers in New York. E!'s long-running series, "Fashion Police," will come to an end next month with a special finale episode on Nov. 27, 2017, featuring its late host and co-creator Joan Rivers. (Photo by Dan Hallman/Invision/AP, File) "Fashion Police: The Farewell" airs on Nov. 27. GENEVA (AP) - Beaten finalist Juventus topped the Champions League prize money table in receiving 110.4 million euros ($130.4 million) from UEFA last season. Leicester edged title-winning Real Madrid for second place in the list UEFA published on Friday because the English champion banked a bigger share of broadcasting rights money. British and Italian TV deals were more valuable than the Spanish rights, and were shared between fewer clubs than Spain's five in the competition. Juventus' Mario Mandzukic, center, celebrates after scoring during the Champions League group D soccer match between Juventus and Sporting Lisbon, at the Allianz stadium in Turin, Italy, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017. (Alessandro Di Marco/ANSA via AP) Leicester, which was eliminated in the quarterfinals, got almost 81.7 million euros ($96.5 million) from UEFA and Madrid earned just over 81 million euros ($95.7 million). Of 32 group-stage teams, Basel's 16.3 million euros ($19.3 million) was the lowest share of almost 1.4 billion euros ($1.65 billion) in the UEFA prize fund. Europa League winner Manchester United topped the second-tier competition's money table with 44.5 million euros ($52.6 million), more than double any other club. The Europa League prize fund was 423 million euros ($500 million). United's share barely beat the lowest-earning English club in the Champions League, Tottenham, which did not advance from the group stage. However, the London club also played briefly in the Europa League and so banked almost 46 million euros ($54 million) in total. UEFA awarded a basic fee of 12.7 million euros ($15 million) to each of the 32 Champions League teams, plus bonuses for results and a share of TV rights money known as the market pool. That complex formula gave clubs a share of broadcast deals covering their home country and allowed domestic champions to earn more than second- to fourth-place teams. UEFA and the European Club Association have agreed on a new cash distribution model for the 2018-21 seasons when revenues are expected to rise significantly. The new formula will better reward teams that advance deeper into the competition, and is weighted to favor clubs that won European titles since UEFA launched club competitions in 1955. The UEFA-ECA deal also guarantees four Champions League group-stage places to the four most successful leagues - Spain, England, Germany and Italy. It means Juventus - which also topped the 2013 prize money list as a quarterfinalist - likely needs to win the title to repeat atop the table from next season. ___ Online: http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Download/competitions/General/02/51/12/21/2511221_DOWNLOAD.pdf In a Hamblen County case involving a trust for a severely disabled child, the Tennessee Supreme Court held that Tennessee law authorized the trustee to sign an agreement requiring the trust to arbitrate claims against the broker who managed the trust funds. Arbitration is a process where parties agree to have their disputes decided by an independent third party instead of by a judge or jury. The Supreme Court sent the case back to the trial court to determine which claims in the lawsuit need to be arbitrated. The beneficiary of the trust, Alexis Breanne Gladden, was hospitalized with a fever as an infant, and a delay in administering antibiotics caused complications. After a long hospitalization and multiple surgeries, including several amputations, Alexis ended up significantly disabled. Alexiss mother, Shauna Gladden, filed a lawsuit on Alexiss behalf against the hospital and doctors, and ultimately received several million dollars in settlement money. The court required Ms. Gladden to set up a trust for the settlement money to pay for Alexiss care over her lifetime. Over $2.5 million in settlement funds were placed in the trust for Alexis. Several years later, investment broker Wunderlich Securities, Inc. was hired to manage some of the trust funds, and Wunderlich employee Albert Alexander, Jr., was hired to serve as the trusts financial advisor. Cumberland Trust and Investment Company was named as the trustee. Cumberland signed an account agreement with Wunderlich for Wunderlich to invest funds for the trust. The agreement required the trust to arbitrate any disputes with Wunderlich. In 2011, the circuit court appointed Alexiss maternal grandfather, Wade Harvey, Sr., as Alexiss guardian. Almost a year later, Mr. Harvey filed this lawsuit on behalf of Alexis, against Cumberland, Mr. Alexander, and Wunderlich. After Mr. Harvey was appointed as Alexiss guardian, he discovered the trust funds had been drastically depleted. Before 2008, the trust had well over $2 million. After that time, Mr. Harveys lawsuit alleged, the defendants depleted the trust funds by spending the money on many things unrelated to Alexiss care, including a large five-bedroom house and seven acres of land. By the time the lawsuit was filed, Mr. Harvey said, the trust had less than $200,000, and he did not have enough money to take care of Alexiss needs. The lawsuit accused Mr. Alexander of breaching his fiduciary duty to Alexis by having an inappropriate relationship with Alexiss mother, Ms. Gladden, which led to the unscrupulous spending of trust funds that were supposed to be for Alexiss care. In turn, Mr. Harveys lawsuit claimed, Wunderlich and Cumberland breached their fiduciary duties to Alexis by failing to monitor Mr. Alexanders behavior, failing to safeguard the trust funds, and failing to act in the best interest of the beneficiary, Alexis. The lawsuit sought over $3 million in damages. Citing the arbitration clause in the contract between the trust and Wunderlich, the defendants filed a motion to require Mr. Harvey to arbitrate the claims in the lawsuit, rather than have them decided by a judge or a jury. The trial court granted the motion. In the meantime, Alexis died, and Mr. Harvey was substituted as the plaintiff. Mr. Harvey was given permission to appeal the trial courts ruling. The court of appeals reversed. It held that the trustee Cumberland did not have the authority to bind the trust beneficiary to arbitrate the claims in the lawsuit. On appeal, the Tennessee Supreme Court reviewed the history of trusts and Tennessee trust law. For many years, the Court explained, states have given trustees greater authority to perform their duties in managing trust funds and assets. Tennessees legislature, the Court said, enacted laws that give trustees broad authority to fulfill their duties. The Court held that Tennessee trust laws give trustees the power to enter into arbitration agreements, so long as doing so is not prohibited under the document that set up the trust. It found that the trust document in this case did not prohibit the trustee, Cumberland, from entering into the arbitration agreement with Wunderlich. In this case, the Court explained, the lawsuit was brought by the trust beneficiary, not the trust. The arbitration requirement was contained in the contract between the trust and Wunderlich, so the question was whether the trust beneficiary was bound by the arbitration requirement in the agreement between the trust and Wunderlich. One of the cornerstones of arbitration is that the parties must agree to arbitration and cannot be forced to arbitrate. However, the Court said that a third-party beneficiary who did not sign a contract with an arbitration provision may nevertheless be required to arbitrate claims, under the legal principle that a party who seeks the benefit of a contract must also bear its burdens. The Court held that, in this case, the trust beneficiary would be required to arbitrate any claims against Wunderlich in which the beneficiary sought to enforce the account agreement between Cumberland and Wunderlich. Any claims that did not seek to enforce the account agreement, however, would be decided by a judge or a jury, not by an arbitrator. Under these principles, the Supreme Court reversed the court of appeals denying arbitration, and vacated the trial courts order requiring arbitration of all of the trust beneficiarys claims. The case was sent back to the trial court to determine which of the beneficiarys claims had to be decided by an arbitrator. To read the unanimous opinion in Wade Harvey ex rel. Alexis Breanna Gladden v. Cumberland Trust and Investment Company, et al., authored by Justice Holly Kirby, go to the opinions section of TNCourts.gov. WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump is misrepresenting a report on British crime statistics by blaming an uptick in police-reported incidents on "Radical Islamic terror." Britain's Office for National Statistics this week reported a 13 percent crime increase from the previous year in England and Wales. The report says the uptick "reflects a range of factors," including an increase in incidents, improvements to how crimes are recorded and more victims coming forward. The report does not mention Islam. Early Friday morning, Trump tweeted: "Just out report: 'United Kingdom crime rises 13% annually amid spread of Radical Islamic terror.'" It was not clear what source Trump was quoting, as that line does not appear in the report. ANDERSON, S.C. (AP) - A man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing his mother in South Carolina, more than six years after her death. The Anderson Independent Mail reported 53-year-old John Wesley Coker on Thursday entered an Alford plea to an involuntary manslaughter charge. An Alford plea does not admit guilt, but concedes there is enough evidence for a conviction. Investigators said 71-year-old Linda Clark was found dead in her apartment in Anderson in July 2011. Coker called 911 and told officers he returned home to find his mother dead and the home ransacked. Prosecutors said there was not enough evidence in 2011 to charge Coker. Anderson County Sheriff Sgt. Todd Owens said DNA testing later revealed his DNA was under his mother's fingernail. Coker was charged with murder earlier this year. ___ Information from: Anderson Independent-Mail, http://www.andersonsc.com BATAJNICA, Serbia (AP) - Russia formally handed over six MiG-29 fighter jets to Serbia Friday, part of an arms delivery that has the potential to accentuate tensions in the war-weary Balkans. The ceremony at a military airport close to the Serbian capital, Belgrade was attended by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. "Thank you for these beautiful gifts," Vucic told Shoigu at the ceremony, which was accompanied by an air show and attended by tens of thousands of visitors. MiG-29 jet fighters of Russian aerobatic team Strizhi (Swifts) perform during ceremony in Batajnica, military airport near Belgrade, Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. Russia has formally handed over six MiG-29 fighter jets to Serbia, part of an arms delivery that could worsen tensions in the war-weary Balkans. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) "These planes are not a threat to anyone, but show that no one can attack Serbia unpunished," he said. Moscow is handing over the MiGs for free, but it is estimated that the overhaul of the second-hand aircraft will cost Serbia about 200 million euros ($235 million). The fighter jets are to enter service next year. Shoigu said after arriving in Belgrade that the jets will provided a "safe-shield and the guarantee of Serbia's security and independence." Russia has also promised the delivery of 30 battle tanks and 30 armored vehicles to Serbia, which was at war with neighbors Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo in the 1990s during the bloody breakup of the former Yugoslavia. Serbia has been on the path to join the European Union, but under pressure from Moscow has slid toward the Kremlin and its goal of keeping the countries in the Balkan region out of NATO and other Western bodies. Serbia, which claims military neutrality, is a member of NATO's outreach Partnership for Peace program and has held military exercises with both the Russians and the Western military alliance. The air show that marked the liberation of Belgrade in World War II by the Red Army and Yugoslav troops also featured the Russian aerobatic team Strizhi, an anti-terrorist drill and a parade of Serbia's elite infantry units. MiG-29 jet fighters of Russian aerobatic team Strizhi (Swifts) perform during ceremony in Batajnica, military airport near Belgrade, Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. Russia has formally handed over six MiG-29 fighter jets to Serbia, part of an arms delivery that could worsen tensions in the war-weary Balkans. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) MiG-29 jet fighters of Russian aerobatic team Strizhi (Swifts) perform during a ceremony in Batajnica, military airport near Belgrade, Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. Russia has formally handed over six MiG-29 fighter jets to Serbia, part of an arms delivery that could worsen tensions in the war-weary Balkans. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) NEW YORK (AP) - Shares in Axon, the maker of Taser stun guns, are down more than 5 percent after the company revealed that it failed to respond to a series of letters from regulators regarding its financial filings. The company said Friday that an email spam filter had sorted the correspondence out of new CFO Jawad Ahsan's regular inbox and that there were no other Axon officials copied in on the emails. In a response late Thursday to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Axon Enterprises Inc. cited "miscommunication issues." It said it only recently became aware of the inquiries and was now trying to resolve the matter. FILE - This Nov. 14, 2013, file photo, shows a Taser X26 on display. Shares in Axon Enterprises, the maker of Taser stun guns, have fallen more than 6 percent after the company admitted it had not replied to Securities and Exchange Commission inquiries due to "miscommunication issues." In a filing with the SEC on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017, Axon said it had just become aware of the inquiries from the agency and was working to resolve the matter. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File) The first SEC letter, dated Aug. 10, requested a response from Axon within 10 days. It is common for the SEC to ask questions or request additional information from companies about regulatory filings. The second letter, dated Sept. 5, set a Sept. 19 deadline for Axon to respond. On Sept. 20, the SEC sent a final letter to Axon, saying it was terminating the review and would "take further steps as we deem appropriate." The agency declined to comment on Friday. The three letters sent by the SEC can be seen on the agency's website. Axon, which is based in Scottsdale, Arizona, changed its name from Taser International in April. The Television Academy released the following statement Friday on Harvey Weinstein, following a meeting by the group's Board of Governors on Thursday night in Los Angeles: "Sexual harassment in any form is abhorrent and totally unacceptable. Television is a collaborative industry and we fully support those who have been affected by these allegations. The Television Academy stands united with those throughout the industry condemning such behavior in the strongest terms. "The Television Academy's Board of Governors met this evening. In accordance with the Academy's established procedures, it was overwhelmingly decided to initiate disciplinary proceedings concerning Academy member Harvey Weinstein; such proceedings could result in action up to and including termination of Academy membership. Per the Academy's bylaws, a hearing has been set for early November." Sister sentenced: Alexandra Cataldo, 59, has pleaded guilty to neglecting her 65-year-old brother, Leonard, and was sentenced to three years of probation and community service A Massachusetts woman has pleaded guilty to neglecting her 65-year-old brother and allowing him to live in what police described as 'horrifying' conditions. Alexandra Cataldo, 59, was sentenced on Wednesday to three years' probation and 500 hours of community service after pleading guilty to permitting abuse or neglect of an elderly person. She was also barred from acting as a caregiver to another person or animal in the future. Police say Cataldo's older brother, Leonard Cataldo, was found in their Haverhill apartment lying on the floor covered in human waste in February 2016, reported The Eagle Tribune. The man weighed less than 80lbs, and nurses had to cut off his hair swarming with insects. Another brother, Mark Cataldo, was also charged and is due in court on November 9, at which time he is also expected to take a plea deal. Alexandra and Mark Cataldo said through attorneys that they wanted to help their brother Leonard, but he repeatedly refused it. House of horrors: Paramedics responded to the family's apartment on Winter Street in Haverhill, Massachusetts, where they found Leonard Cataldo lying on the floor covered in urine, feces and insects His brother and sister were arrested on February 6, 2016, after paramedics responded to the trio's $800-a-month home on Winter Street in Haverhill for a report of a man suffering from flu-like symptoms. First responders entered the two-bedroom apartment and were overwhelmed by an unbearable odor of human waste. Leonard's brother Mark Cataldo (pictured) is expected to also plead guilty in the case in November According to a police report, most surfaces inside the cluttered unit were covered in a thick layer of dust, dirt, mold, cobwebs and insects. Upstairs, the EMS workers found Leonard Cataldd lying in a fetal position. His dirty pants were around his ankles, and he was covered in feces, urine and bugs, according to police. When he was taken to Holy Family Hospital, nurses observed that his bones were visible through his skin, he had open wounds and lesions, his feet were filthy and his toes and knuckles were black. By the time Leonard Cataldo was found in this state, he had not eaten in five days and could no longer get to the bathroom by crawling across the floor, as he had been doing for the last two months, forcing him to relieve himself on the carpet next to his twin bed. He had shared the squalid apartment with his siblings for five years, the last two of which he had spent confined to the second-floor bedroom. Leonard Cataldo is now living in a nursing home. BEIRUT (AP) - A court in Lebanon sentenced in absentia on Friday two Lebanese citizens to death over the 1982 assassination of President-elect Bashir Gemayel, a move praised by his family and supporters, judicial officials said. More than three decades after Gemayel was killed in a powerful explosion in Beirut, the case still sharply divides Lebanese - some see him as a national hero while others say he was an Israeli agent. The assassination came at the height of the country's 15-year civil war and Israel's invasion of Lebanon. According to judicial officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, Habib Tanious Shartouni and Nabil Farah al-Alam, both members of the pro-Syrian Syrian Social Nationalist Party, were sentenced to death. Gemayel was killed along with and 23 supporters at the right-wing Christian Phalange Party headquarters in the east Beirut neighborhood of Ashrafiyeh on Sept. 14, 1982, barely two weeks before he was due to take office. Gemayel, 34 at the time, was allied with Israel. His death prompted the Israeli army to storm and occupy Muslim west Beirut and Gemayel's right-wing Phalange militiamen to break into the Palestinian refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila on the outskirts of Beirut, killing hundreds of unarmed Palestinian refugees and Lebanese Muslims. "Today, Bashir and the September 14 martyrs, regained some of their rights because the loss of Bashir and his comrades cannot be compensated," Gemayel's wife, Solange, told reporters outside the courthouse shortly after the verdict was read. Wide celebrations were underway by Gemayel's supporters in Ashrafiyeh's main square, near the site of the bombing. Near the courthouse, SSNP supporters protested the verdict, saying that Shartouni, one of the two sentenced to death, should be honored for fighting "Israel's project in Lebanon." Days after Gemayel was assassinated, Shartouni was detained and held until 1990, when he was set free after the Syrian military moved into Lebanon's Christian heartland and removed then-prime minister Michel Aoun from areas he controlled in east Beirut. Aoun is today the Lebanese president. Shartouni has been at large since he broke out of prison on Oct. 16, 1990. Though his whereabouts remain unknown, some local media have quoted him in interviews as saying he killed Gemayel and that at some point he lived in Syria. An interview with him was published on Thursday in the daily Al-Akhbar in which he is quoted as saying he does not regret his act. Al-Alam - who allegedly instigated Shartouni to carry out the bombing - is believed to have died in Latin America in 2014 but Lebanese authorities have tried him in absentia, saying they have no evidence he is dead. After Lebanon's civil war ended in 1990, a general amnesty was issued for all crimes except for those that were referred to the Supreme Judicial Council, which handles political and state security crimes. WARSAW, Poland (AP) - A man with a knife stabbed people Friday at a shopping mall in southeastern Poland, killing one person and injuring nine others, police said, ruling out terror or political motives for the attack. The alleged attacker, a 27-year-old local Polish man, stabbed people at the VIVO! mall Friday afternoon in the town of Stalowa Wola. He was detained by shoppers and handed over to police when they arrived, Anna Klee, the regional police spokeswoman in Rzeszow, told the PAP news agency. "He was attacking people from behind, hitting them with the knife," she told the PAP, adding that a 50-year-old woman who was attacked died later in the hospital. Police and firefighters' cars and trucks stand in front of the VIVO! shopping mall where a 27-year-old man attacked people with a knife killing one person and injuring several others in Stalowa Wola, southeastern Poland, on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Rafal Baran) Eight people were taken to hospitals in Stalowa Wola, Tarnobrzeg and Sandomierz, most with serious wounds, including the woman who died, regional police chief Krzysztof Pobuta told reporters. One other person had lighter injuries and another was being treated for shock. "There's no terrorist or ideological context for the attack, it's rather his poor psychological condition," Pobuta said. Regional governor Ewa Leniart said four of the injured had undergone surgery and two of them were in critical condition. She said five women and four men between 50 and 18 had been stabbed. The man "acted irrationally, could not explain the motives for his actions," National Police spokesman Mariusz Ciarka said, adding that a breathalyzer test showed he was sober and blood tests were being done to check whether he was under the influence of any other substances. A search of the alleged attacker's home revealed medical documents saying he was a psychiatric patient, Ciarka said. Regional prosecutor Adam Cierpiatka said the detained man will be questioned Saturday and could face charges of murder and multiple counts of attempted murder. Prime Minister Beata Szydlo returned from a European Union summit in Brussels, calling the attack "very sad news" through a spokesman. She said the authorities will extend full assistance to the victims and their relatives. NEW YORK (AP) - Parents of small children have long been hearing about the perils of "screen time." And with more screens, and new technologies such as Amazon's Echo speaker, the message is getting louder. And while plenty of parents are feeling guilty about it, some experts say it might be time to relax a little. Go ahead and hand your kid a gadget now and then to cook dinner or get some work done. Not all kids can entertain themselves quietly, especially when they are young. Try that, and see how long it takes your toddler to start fishing a banana peel out of the overflowing trash can. FILE - In this Friday, Oct. 21, 2011, file photo, a child plays with an iPad in his bedroom. Parents of small children have long been hearing about the perils of "screen time." And with more screens, it's only getting worse. But working, taking care of children and remembering to eat is exhausting. Parents need those minutes of quiet. So maybe it's time to relax a little. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File) "I know I should limit my kid's screen time a lot, but there is reality," said Dorothy Jean Chang, who works for a tech company in New York and has a 2-year-old son. When she needs to work or finds her son awake too early, "it's the best, easiest way to keep him occupied and quiet." Screen time, she says, "definitely happens more often than I like to admit." She's not alone. Common Sense Media, a nonprofit group focused on kids' use of media and technology, said in a report Thursday that kids aged 8 and under average about 2 hours and 19 minutes with screens every day at home. That's about the same as in 2011, though it's up from an hour and a half in 2013 - the last time the survey was conducted - when smartphones were not yet ubiquitous but TV watching was on the decline. While the overall numbers have held steady in recent years, kids are shifting to mobile devices and other new technologies, just as their parents are. The survey found that kids spend an average of 48 minutes a day on mobile devices, up from 15 minutes in 2013. Kids are also getting exposed to voice-activated assistants, virtual reality and internet-connected toys, for which few guidelines exist because they are so new. MIXED MESSAGE Some parents and experts worry that screens are taking time away from exercise and learning. But studies are inconclusive. The economist Emily Oster said studies have found that kids who watch a lot of TV tend to be poorer, belong to minority groups and have parents with less education - all factors that contribute to higher levels of obesity and lower test scores. For that reason, it's "difficult to draw strong conclusions about the effects of television from this research," Oster wrote in 2015. In fact, the Common Sense survey found that kids whose parents have higher incomes and education spend "substantially less time" with screens than other children. The gap was larger in 2017 than in previous years. For more than a quarter century, the American Academy of Pediatrics held that kids under 2 should not be exposed to screens at all, and older kids should have strict limits. The rules have relaxed, such that video calls with grandma are OK, though "entertainment" television still isn't. Even so, guidelines still feel out of touch for many parents who use screens of various sizes to preserve their sanity and get things done. After all, what's the point of putting on an episode of "Daniel Tiger" so you can do laundry if the nation's pediatricians insist you sit with your kid while she's watching it? "My kids are not any more or less crazy than your average toddlers because we watch a little TV," said Jenny Hopf, a mother of two who co-founded Momidarity, an online video service for moms to connect with each other. "When used at the right time, it's a lifesaver." Jen Bjorem, a pediatric speech pathologist in Leawood, Kansas, said that while it's "quite unrealistic" for many families to totally do away with screen time, balance is key. "Screen time can be a relief for many parents during times of high stress or just needing a break," she said. EVERTHING IN MODERATION Bjorem recommends using "visual schedules" that toddlers can understand to set limits. Instead of words, these schedules have images - of dinner, bed time, reading or TV time, for example. Another idea for toddlers? "Sensory bins," or plastic tubs filled with beads, dry pasta and other stuff kids can play around with and, ideally, be just as absorbed as in mobile app or an episode of "Elmo." Of course, some kids will play with these carefully crafted, Pinterest-worthy bins only for a few minutes. Then they might start throwing beans and pasta all over your living room. So you clean up, put away the bins and turn on the TV. In an interview, Oster said that while screen time "is probably not as good for your kid as high-quality engagement" with parents, such engagement is probably not something we can give our kids all the time anyway. "Sometimes you just need them to watch a little bit of TV because you have to do something, or you need (it) to be a better parent," Oster said. A Gleaming New Apple Store Has Officially Opened On The Riverfront Today an ultra-modern new Apple store opened right on the Chicago River, replacing the company's flagship store on the Magnificent Mile. The 20,000-square-foot property takes advantage of its riverfront location at 401 N. Michigan Ave. with floor-to-ceiling walls that allow shoppers to take in the view. The store is hosting a grand opening tomorrow. But Apple would prefer you don't call this space a store but their preferred nomenclature: town square. This riverfront location is certainly a space to promote the company's brand of corporate, creative chic. Apple will be bringing in musicians, app developers, graphic designers and photographers into the new space for sessions and performances. It calls the new building "a space for the next generation of creative pioneers to come together, connect, and share their talent." The building was designed by Foster & Partners, the London-based architectural firm that also designed Apple's Cupertino headquarters. Its roof resembles a laptop. The space looks a lot like your typical Apple store, but on a grander scale. And Crain's points out there are a lot more warm wood details than your average mall location. And in keeping with its town square theme, the front of the store has a flatscreen for events along with wood-and-leather cubes for seating. There's also a "boardroom" in the back that is free for anyone to use. Outside is a courtyard open to the public. The riverfront location of this retail store is right on trend, as Chicago tries to woo tech companies and mixed-use development to the banks of the Chicago River. The property is valued at $71.4 million, which makes it the fourth most expensive retail space in Chicago history, Crain's reports. Chicago investment firm Walton Street Capital purchased the property along with a neighboring office, betting that the space will be wildly successful. BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The hostile audience drowned out white nationalist Richard Spencer with anti-Nazi chants. They booed him off the stage under the watchful eye of police officers in riot gear. In other words, Spencer sees his speech Thursday at the University of Florida as a smashing success. "I'm very happy with what happened in the sense of the (public relations) victory," he told The Associated Press on Friday. "But at the same time, it's a little frustrating and a little sad that I wasn't able to talk to people." Protesters demonstrate ahead of white nationalist Richard Spencer's speech at the University of Florida, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017, in Gainesville, Fla. Spencer's National Policy Institute is paying to rent space for the speaking event. (AP Photo/Jason Dearen) Once an obscure figure in a fringe movement, Spencer has become a household name thanks in part to his infamous "Hail Trump!" toast, a videotaped punch to his head and the bloodshed at a Virginia rally where he was a headliner. But his notoriety, amplified by social media and mainstream news coverage, far exceeds his modest following of tiki torch-bearing racists and anti-Semites. Protesters vastly outnumbered Spencer's supporters at the University of Florida on Thursday, his first campus appearance since the deadly clash at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August. A woman was struck and killed by a car that plowed into a crowd of counter protesters after authorities broke up the "Unite the Right" rally. In Florida, police flooded Gainesville after the governor declared a state of emergency ahead of Spencer's event. Facing a massive backlash after the Charlottesville violence, Spencer and other leading figures in the "alt-right" movement have portrayed themselves as champions of free speech and victims of political correctness. Over the past six months, Spencer's supporters have sued three universities for refusing to let him speak there. A lawyer aligned with Spencer has threatened to sue others. Oren Segal, director of the Anti-Defamation League's Center on Extremism, said campus speeches are a "tried-and-true tactic to get attention" for Spencer and other far-right figures. "He's choosing the places that will elicit a visceral reaction, perhaps some sort of legal battle. And he embraces that because he knows it's going to underscore his ideology," Segal said. Spencer popularized the term "alt-right" to describe a movement that's a loosely connected mix of racism, white nationalism and anti-immigration views. He has advocated for an "ethno-state" that would be a "safe space" for white people. Last November, after Donald Trump's election, Spencer hosted a conference in Washington that ended with audience members mimicking Nazi salutes after Spencer shouted, "Hail Trump, hail our people, hail victory!" In January, Spencer was in Washington for Trump's inauguration when a masked man punched him in the head during a videotaped interview, footage that quickly spread on the internet. Buoyed by a wave of publicity, Spencer announced plans for a college tour earlier this year. Spencer said he thought the tour would be "easy" and he could simply "call people up and I would come and speak to students." "There are roadblocks at every place along the way," he said Thursday. In April, Auburn University tried to cancel his speech, but a federal judge ruled in Spencer's favor after a lawyer sued the school on behalf of Cameron Padgett, a Georgia State University student who booked a room for Spencer. More recently, Padgett and another surrogate tried to book events for Spencer at Ohio State University, Michigan State University, Penn State University, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, the University of Cincinnati and Louisiana State University. So far, only the University of Florida and the University of Cincinnati agreed to let him speak. LSU President F. King Alexander cited the Charlottesville violence in explaining why Spencer wasn't welcome. "LSU is not changing policies but rather following the law, which allows us to protect our students from imminent threats of violence," Alexander said in a statement over the summer. Spencer's allies recently sued Michigan State and Penn State in federal courts, accusing them of violating Spencer's First Amendment rights. Michigan-based attorney Kyle Bristow, who helped draft the lawsuits, said they don't want to become "First Amendment martyrs" but feel unfairly targeted after Charlottesville. He pointed to the takedown of The Daily Stormer, a neo-Nazi website that has struggled to stay online since it mocked the woman killed in the car attack. "Once Charlottesville happened, corporate America and the government began to crack down on the alt-right," Bristow said. "The First Amendment isn't changed because of one protest or one rally. Everybody has a right to exercise free speech." Protesters confront a man wearing a shirt with swastikas outside a University of Florida auditorium where white nationalist Richard Spencer was preparing to speak, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017 in Gainesville, Fla. (Will Vragovic/Tampa Bay Times via AP) STORRS, Conn. (AP) - A Georgia woman accused of stealing more than $773,000 from the University of Connecticut by hacking into the school's vendor-payment system is in custody. Police say 38-year-old Muthini Nzuki of Kennesaw, Georgia, diverted 32 payments meant for computer vendor Dell into her personal accounts between April 13 and May 22. Nzuki was arrested in August after returning to Georgia from an overseas trip. She was extradited to Connecticut this week and was being held on $1 million bond pending a Friday court hearing on charges including first-degree computer crime. It's unclear if she has a lawyer. A UConn spokeswoman says recovering the lost funds will be worked out between the school's billing vendor and Dell. Police say the billing system has no way to verify changes made to a vendor's profile. California billionaire Tom Steyer announced Friday that he will dump at least $10 million into a national television advertising campaign calling for President Donald Trump's impeachment. In the ad, Steyer argues Trump should be ousted from office because he has edged the country toward nuclear war, obstructed justice at the FBI and threatened to shut down news organizations he does not like. He urges viewers to call their members of Congress and tell them to bring articles of impeachment. 'People in Congress and his own administration know this president is a clear and present danger who is mentally unstable and armed with nuclear weapons,' Steyer says in the ad. 'And they do nothing.' Steyer plans to spend eight figures to air the television ads nationally, but he would not give an exact amount. His investment comes as he considers running against U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a fellow Democrat, and as Democrats in Washington argue over whether efforts to impeach Trump are smart or worthwhile. 'If Democrats want to appease the far left and their liberal mega-donors by supporting a baseless, radical effort that the vast majority of Americans disagree with, then have at it,' said Michael Ahrens, a spokesman for the Republican National Committee. Republicans will focus on 'issues voters actually care about,' such as the economy and cutting taxes, he said. 'People in Congress and his own administration know this president is a clear and present danger who is mentally unstable and armed with nuclear weapons,' Steyer says in the ad The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Steyer also said he will spend seven figures on an accompanying digital ad campaign. An impeachment resolution brought last week by Democratic U.S. Rep. Al Green of Texas died before coming up for a vote. Green has vowed to try again. But Democrats such as House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California think impeachment attempts are not worthwhile because they will fail in the Republican-led Congress and could energize GOP voters heading into the next election. Steyer has poured his wealth into a variety of political efforts, mostly focused on stopping climate change. ST. LOUIS (AP) - Protesters asking a federal judge to regulate St. Louis police conduct have described being beaten and pepper-sprayed during recent demonstrations, but police defended their efforts to disperse sometimes unruly crowds. At issue is a lawsuit that the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri filed over what it calls "unlawful and unconstitutional action" during the demonstrations that followed the acquittal last month of former police officer Jason Stockley in the 2011 killing of Anthony Lamar Smith, a black motorist. The ACLU wants a preliminary injunction that would immediately regulate police activity during protests before the underlying lawsuit is heard, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Recent demonstrations were mostly peaceful, with a few instances of businesses windows being broken and items thrown at police. Some bystanders and at least two journalists were caught up in arrests, especially on Sept. 17, when more than 120 people were taken into custody in downtown St. Louis. Those arrests came after police used a process known as "kettling" to box in demonstrators and others. FILE - In this Sept. 17, 2017 file photo, police gather as demonstrators march in response to a not guilty verdict in the trial of former St. Louis police officer Jason Stockley in St. Louis. Stockley was acquitted in the 2011 killing of Anthony Lamar Smith, a black motorist following a high-speed chase. A federal judge is hearing from police and St. Louis protesters before deciding whether to grant a request to regulate police conduct. At issue is a lawsuit that the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri filed over what it calls "unlawful and unconstitutional action" during the demonstrations that followed the acquittal of a former police officer in the killing of a black man. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File) St. Louis police Lt. Timothy Sachs said the crowd was given multiple warnings to disperse and told they could be arrested or subject to crowd control methods such as pepper spray. Witnesses described being beaten and pepper-sprayed by police even when restrained with zip ties or complying with police orders. One protester named in the suit, Alison Drieth, said it felt like her face was "melting" after she was sprayed near City Hall. But police witnesses said that they saw no inappropriate use of force. The police officials said people may have been sprayed while restrained if they were kicking at police or otherwise resisting the arrest. Overseeing the case is U.S. District Judge Catherine Perry, who has described some of the testimony she heard this week as "very, very concerning." But Perry also has questioned whether solutions proposed by the ACLU suit would require her to "micro-manage things." Testimony will continue Monday morning with at least one more police witness and legal arguments from both sides. Lawyers have yet to argue their case in person in front of Perry, but the ACLU says in court filings that police improperly declare crowds to be unlawful assemblies and order them to disperse and the rules for doing that are unconstitutionally vague. Lawyers for the police say that the ACLU's underlying lawsuit is likely to fail and that a preliminary injunction would prevent police from "acting quickly and decisively to prevent and quell violence and property damage committed by persons during protests." ___ Information from: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, http://www.stltoday.com HOUSTON (AP) - Damaged courtrooms. Delays in trials. Backlog of cases. A lack of jurors. Hurricane Harvey's winds and cataclysmic rainfall have slowed criminal cases in Houston and other Texas communities where heavily damaged courthouses forced officials to move court proceedings into whatever space was available, including shuttered shorefronts and even a cafeteria. Defense attorneys and prosecutors are worried what that could mean for victims and for jailed defendants waiting for their day in court. In Houston, the nation's third largest city, there are 40,000 such cases pending at any one time. In this Oct. 19, 2017 photo, two workers remove equipment that is being used to clean up and dry the $13 million Harris County Jury Assembly Building in Houston, which is located underground and was flooded during torrential rainfall after Hurricane Harvey made landfall. Harris County's criminal courthouse, located across the street, also suffered heavy damage during Harvey and will be closed for up to a year. (AP Photo/Juan Lozano) "It is a challenge in a hurricane-ravaged, ground zero place to find a building still standing and available to be able to hold court," said Pam Heard, the district clerk in Aransas County, a Gulf Coast community where Harvey made landfall as a Category 4 storm on Aug. 25 about 180 miles (290 kilometers) southwest of Houston. The storm displaced thousands of residents and destroyed more than a third of the county's buildings, including its courthouse, which could take two years to rebuild. Until then, a soon-to-be-refurbished hardware store will have to do. In Harris County, home to Houston and Texas' busiest court system, Harvey's torrential rains flooded the 20-story criminal courthouse's basement and caused water damage on the upper floors. The damage forced nearly 40 felony and misdemeanor courts to relocate to three different buildings - and it could be up to a year before the courthouse reopens. The result so far: Criminal jury trials delayed by nearly two months, cramped working conditions for hundreds of employees, including judges sharing courtrooms, and courts relocated to buildings that are too small or not designed to hear criminal cases. The Harris County District Attorney's Office had to relocate its 700 employees from the courthouse to 10 different sites in the county. "We're just having to make the best of it, make adjustments when we see things aren't working," said Susan Brown, the administrative judge of Harris County's criminal district courts. Officials have tried to manage the influx of people at temporary courtroom locations by having fewer court dockets per week and scheduling these court hearings in the morning and afternoon. Normally, dockets are only held in the morning, she said. Misdemeanor jury trials resumed this week after a temporary jury assembly area was set up in a county building's cafeteria. Jury trials in felony cases were to resume Monday, but there will only be two courtrooms available to try cases with defendants in custody instead of the nearly 40 that could be normally used, Brown said. The lack of jury trials for two months in the nation's third most-populous county is "a big deal," said Houston defense attorney Julio Vela. "We're all kind of waiting and watching to see if there is any delayed justice," Vela said. After Harvey hit, the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals issued a joint order asking all courts in the state to temporarily suspend all deadlines and procedures in criminal and civil cases. The order is in place through Wednesday. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said her office is aware of the concerns and has taken proactive measures, including dismissing several hundred low-level cases and, in certain types of cases where the threat to the public in minimal, agreeing to personal recognizance bonds that allow defendants to not pay bonds in exchange for a promise to appear in court. "There are still a lot of people in our jail and we need jury trials to resume," Ogg said. In Orange County, about 110 miles (177 kilometers) east of Houston near the Texas-Louisiana border, jury trials remain on hold after its courthouse was damaged, forcing courtrooms to be relocated to different buildings. If repairs take a long time, officials will look at finding a temporary building so jury trials can resume, according to Orange County Judge Stephen Carlton. In Aransas County, Heard said she doesn't know if enough people will show up once jury duty resumes in January because so many people were displaced by the storm. "It's not like anybody would be doing anything to avoid jury duty. They are just plain old not here," she said. Longtime local attorney Terry Collins said it could take years before the county and its legal system get back to normal. Collins is currently living in an RV with his wife in front of his law office after their home was destroyed by Harvey. "There is concern (about) clients not getting justice in their cases because of the delay in the system and the process being disrupted," Collins said. Heard, the local court clerk, said judges are aware of these concerns and are hearing motions from defendants in custody about reducing bonds or granting personal recognizance bonds so they can be free while waiting for their cases to be resolved. "Everything that we have to do for the courts, we're getting it done, not under ideal conditions," Heard said. "But we're able to operate and the courts continue." ___ Follow Juan A. Lozano on Twitter at www.twitter.com/juanlozano70 This August 2017 photo shows the Aransas County Courthouse in Rockport, Texas, and was among the buildings that received significant damage from Hurricane Harvey. (Rachel Denny Clow/Corpus Christi Caller-Times via AP) This Oct. 16, 2017 photo shows various large tubes that are part of equipment being used to clean up and dry the $13 million Harris County Jury Assembly Building in Houston, which is located underground and flooded during torrential rainfall after Hurricane Harvey made landfall. Harris County's criminal courthouse, located across the street, also suffered heavy damage during Harvey and will be closed for up to a year. (AP Photo/Juan Lozano) CAIRO (AP) - Militants killed 14 policemen and wounded eight in a shootout during a raid Friday on a militants' hideout southwest of Cairo, an Egyptian security official said. The exchange took place in the al-Wahat al-Bahriya area in the Giza governorate, about 135 kilometers (84 miles) from the Egyptian capital, after security services received information on the militants' location, the official said. The police also deployed aircraft to confront the militants, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to reporters. After nightfall, the clashes were still ongoing, Egypt's state TV reported on its official website. State-run MENA news agency also reported the attack but provided a lower death toll, saying three policemen were killed. The agency, citing an unnamed security official, said that a number of militants were killed but gave no further details. Several Egyptian media outlets also reported the deadly shootout. No militant group immediately claimed involvement in the firefight. Egypt's Grand Mufti Shawki Allam condemned the killing in a statement. Egypt has been struggling to contain an insurgency by Islamic militants led by an affiliate of the Islamic State group, centered mostly across the Suez Canal, in the northern region of the Sinai Peninsula, but attacks on the mainland have also recently increased. The country has been under a state of emergency since bombings and suicide attacks targeting minority Coptic Christians killed scores earlier this year. Those attacks were claimed by the Islamic State group. WASHINGTON (AP) - A former high-ranking Salvadoran official is asking the Supreme Court to block his extradition to Spain. The former official has been indicted in connection with the killing of Jesuit priests, most of them Spaniards, in El Salvador in 1989. Seventy-six-year-old Inocente Orlando Montano (Een-o-SEN-teh Or-LAHN-do Mon-TAH-no) was once El Salvador's vice minister of public security. He has been in U.S. custody for more than four years. He says he should not be turned over to Spain because he had no role in the killings of six priests and two employees at a Jesuit university in San Salvador. He also says he is ill and has never set foot in Spain. A United Nations commission has said Montano took part in a meeting that led to the killings. ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) - Right next to Arlington National Cemetery, which draws about 4 million visitors a year, is a national memorial to military women. It draws about 200,000 visitors a year. The 33,000 square-foot (3,066 square-meter) memorial, known formally as the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this weekend with a series of events. Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Arlington is seen in Arlington, Va., on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. The memorial is located next to Arlington National Cemetery but is not part of the cemetery itself. The national memorial to military women is celebrating its 20th anniversary. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Among those attending events this weekend is Rosemary Bryant Mariner, 64, a retired Navy captain who was one of the first women to earn her wings as a naval aviator in 1974. She's now a resident scholar at the Center for the Study of War and Society at the University of Tennessee. When she was breaking barriers, she said, feminism was in force and "we thought the doors were going to swing wide open." Instead, progress has come only in fits and starts. Not until 2016 did then-defense Secretary Ashton Carter remove all restrictions on women's service in the military, making women eligible for all positions in all branches, including combat and special operations forces. Asked about her thoughts on another potential milestone - a first female Navy SEAL - Mariner said it should be based on an individual's ability and aptitude. "If that person is qualified and wants to do that, I think it's great," she said. "We'll get there." Roughly 3 million women have served in the U.S. military throughout its history, some going back to the Revolutionary War. A goal of the memorial is to have all 3 million included its official register, a database that includes facts about all of the individual women and their service. "The database is truly our treasure. It's the heart of our memorial," said the memorial foundation's spokeswoman, Marilla Cushman, who retired from the Army as a lieutenant colonel after a 25-year military career. So far, though, only about 269,000 women are registered. Women can register themselves through a form on the memorial's website. Family members can also register a woman. The registry is not online out of privacy concerns; visitors must come to the memorial to view it. Cushman encouraged all female veterans to register. She said family members light up when they enter the memorial and retrieve information about their loved ones. Conversely, visitors are disappointed when they look up a family member only to find they aren't included. "It's their opportunity to take their rightful place in history, and it will be there for generations to come," she said. Though the memorial is located next to the cemetery, and its Classical Revival architecture makes it blend seamlessly with the cemetery, it is not part of the cemetery. It is actually part of the National Park Service. The Park Service is responsible for maintaining the exterior of the memorial, but a nonprofit foundation is responsible for funding day-to-day operations, including the exhibits in the education center and the registry. Cushman said the foundation has "financial challenges, like all nonprofits." Some supporters of the memorial say the challenge is even more stark, and that the memorial, without public funding, faces a real risk of ceasing operations. A fundraising campaign launched late last year by a group called AcademyWomen on fundrazr.com has so far raised more than $110,000. The goal is $1.5 million. Katherine Sharp Landdeck, an associate professor of history at Texas Woman's University who has researched women's military history, said the memorial fills a valuable role. "The story of women serving in the American military gets forgotten," she said. "The memorial is a gathering place where people can see what these women have done." ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - Former White House adviser Steve Bannon on Friday depicted former President George W. Bush as bumbling and inept, faulting him for presiding over a "destructive" presidency during his time in the White House. Bannon's scathing remarks amounted to a retort to a Bush speech in New York earlier this week, in which the 43rd president denounced bigotry in Trump-era American politics and warned that the rise of "nativism," isolationism and conspiracy theories have clouded the nation's true identity. But Bannon, speaking to a capacity crowd at a California Republican Party convention, said Bush had embarrassed himself and didn't know what he was talking about. Steve Bannon, a former White House adviser to President Donald Trump, speaks at the California Republican Convention in Anaheim, Calf., on Friday Oct. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) Bannon said Bush has no idea whether "he is coming or going, just like it was when he was president." "There has not been a more destructive presidency than George Bush's," Bannon added, as boos could be heard in the crowd at the mention of Bush's name. The remarks came during a speech thick with attacks on the Washington status quo, echoing his call for an "open revolt" against establishment Republicans. He called the "permanent political class" one of the great dangers faced by the country. A small group of protesters gathered outside the hotel where Bannon spoke, chanting and waving signs - one displaying a Nazi swastika. The protesters were kept behind steel barricades on a plaza across an entrance road at the hotel, largely out of view of people entering for the event. No arrests were reported. Bannon also took aim at the Silicon Valley and its "lords of technology," predicting that tech leaders and progressives in the state would try to secede from the union in 10 to 15 years. He called the threat to break up the nation a "living problem." He also tried to cheer long-suffering California Republicans, in a state that Trump lost by over 4 million votes and where Republicans have become largely irrelevant in state politics. In Orange County, where the convention was held, several Republican House members are trying to hold onto their seats in districts carried by Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential contest. "You've got everything you need to win," he told them. He ended his speech with a standing ovation. Bannon is promoting a field of primary challengers to take on incumbent Republicans in Congress. But in California, the GOP has been fading for years. The state has become a kind of Republican mausoleum: GOP supporters can relive the glory days by visiting the stately presidential libraries of Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon, but today Democrats control every statewide office and rule both chambers of the Legislature by commanding margins. Not all Republicans were glad to see Bannon. In a series of tweets last week, former state Assembly Republican leader Chad Mayes said he was shocked by the decision to have the conservative firebrand headline the event. "It's a huge step backward and demonstrates that the party remains tone deaf," Mayes tweeted. California Republicans have bickered for years over what direction to turn - toward the political center or to the right. Bannon also argued that the coalition that sent Trump to the White House, including conservatives, Libertarians, populists, economic nationalists, evangelicals, could hold power for decades if they stay unified. "If you have the wisdom, the strength, the tenacity, to hold that coalition together, we will govern for 50 to 75 years," he said. Most of the state's governors in the 20th century were Republicans, and state voters helped elevate a string of GOP presidential candidates to the White House. But the party's fortunes started to erode in the late 1990s after a series of measures targeting immigrants, which alienated growing segments of the state's population. In 2007, then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger warned party members that the GOP was "dying at the box office" and needed to move to the political center and embrace issues like climate change to appeal to a broader range of voters. In 2011, a state Republican Party committee blocked an attempt by moderates to push the state GOP platform toward the center on immigration, abortion, guns and gay rights. The decline continued. Republicans are now a minor party in many California congressional districts, outnumbered by Democrats and independents. Statewide, Democrats count 3.7 million more voters than the GOP. Political scientist Jack Pitney, who teaches at Claremont McKenna College, said he doubted the speech would color the 2018 congressional contests, which remain far off for most voters. More broadly, he said Bannon's politics would hurt the GOP, including among affluent, well-educated voters who play an important part in county elections. "Inviting him was a moral and political blunder," Pitney said in an email. Steve Bannon, a former White House adviser to President Donald Trump, speaks at the California Republican Convention in Anaheim, Calf., on Friday Oct. 20, 2017. Bannon wants to oust Republican senators he feels are disloyal to President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) Sandra Vonderloh, 18, of Anaheim protests outside of California Republican Convention in Anaheim, Calf., on Friday Oct. 20, 2017. Protesters have gathered outside a Southern California hotel where former White House adviser Steve Bannon is expected to give the keynote speech at a state Republican convention. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) Nicholas Maldonado, 23, of San Pedro, protests outside of California Republican Convention in Anaheim, Calf., on Friday Oct. 20, 2017. Protesters have gathered outside a Southern California hotel where former White House adviser Steve Bannon is expected to give the keynote speech at a state Republican convention. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) Steve Bannon, a former White House adviser to President Donald Trump, speaks at the California Republican Convention in Anaheim, Calf., on Friday Oct. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) Steve Bannon, a former White House adviser to President Donald Trump, speaks at the California Republican Convention in Anaheim, Calf., on Friday Oct. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) Steve Bannon, a former White House adviser to President Donald Trump, speaks at the California Republican Convention in Anaheim, Calf., on Friday Oct. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) MEXICO CITY (AP) - Gunmen in Mexico have killed a mayor in the western state of Colima and wounded another in the neighboring state of Michoacan. The Colima state prosecutors' office says Mayor Crispin Gutierrez Moreno of the town of Ixtlahuacan was shot dead Friday as he drove on a highway. In Michoacan, state police say Jose Misael Gonzalez, mayor of the town of Coalcoman, was shot in the shoulder early Friday. He was in stable condition. Gonzalez participated in a 2013 vigilante movement that largely kicked the Knights Templar drug cartel out of the state. Dozens of mayors have been shot to death in Mexico in recent years, often by drug gangs or corrupt police. Community Marks 3rd Anniversary Of Laquan McDonald Shooting With 'Laquan Day' Protests By aaroncynic in News on Oct 20, 2017 3:59PM Its been three years since Chicago Police officer Jason Van Dyke shot and killed Laquan McDonald, and community members and activists once again gathered in front of Chicago Police Headquarters on 35th and Michigan to mark the day, remember he and others who have been killed by police, and call for an end to police brutality and gun violence. McDonald was shot 16 times on Oct. 20, 2014 by Van Dyke, who now faces first-degree murder charges. The subsequent release of dashcam footage showing the officer shooting McDonald as he walked away while holding a knife sparked a wave of protests, cost both former Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy and former Cook County States Attorney Anita Alvarez their jobs, and sparked calls for the resignation of Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Additionally, three other officers were indicted on charges of conspiring cover up possible wrongdoing by Van Dyke by falsifying information on police reports. For two hours, community members, many of whom had relatives or close friends killed by police, shared their stories, with the crowd breaking into chants of 16 shots and a cover up and no justice, no peace several times. "I'm here, and I'm never going to shut up because that was my baby," said Panzy Edwards, the mother of Dakota Bright, a 15 year-old boy shot and killed by Chicago Police in 2012. "I ain't been quiet for five years, and I ain't going to be quiet now. They killed my son, said Emmett Farmer, whose son was shot and killed by former officer Gildardo Sierra in 2011. Flint Farmer was the third person shottwo of whom diedby Sierra in a six month span. He got killed unrightfully, said Emmett, speaking of Flint, who was unarmed when he was shot. We want justice for Flint Farmer, he said, asking attendees to fill a courtroom for a hearing on Friday after States Attorney Kim Foxx objected to appointing a special prosecutor to investigate possible criminal charges against Sierra. Anita Alvarez, she said it was justifiable, said Dorothy Holmes, whose son Ronald Johnson was shot and killed by police in 2014. Alvarez, who was Cook County States Attorney declined to press criminal charges, with the office saying that the prosecution could not establish beyond a reasonable doubt that Hernandez's actions were not reasonable. Authorities argued that Johnson had a gun, though dashcam footage did not back that allegation up. Police produced a weapon they alleged belonged to Johnson which had his DNA on it but no fingerprints. The family and their legal team have said that the weapon couldve been planted. In my eyesight it was a murder cover up, said Holmes. Its a fight, and weve gotta show them we aint giving up...he didnt have a pricetag on his life. You took a whole human being away from a mother and a father away from his kids. At the conclusion of the rally, attendees released hundreds of balloons to represent the victims of gun violence throughout Chicago. We release these balloons not just for Laquan but everyone that we have lost to gun violence, social injustices, just life, said a speaker. Every life lostwe release these balloons for them. Balloons released for victims of gun violence #LaquanDay pic.twitter.com/ZnrFbAe2re Aaron Cynic (@aaroncynic) October 20, 2017 A community town hall discussion is planned for Friday evening at the Progressive Baptist Church on 37th and Wentworth, and a 6:30 p.m. protest is planned to take place at Mayor Rahm Emanuel's house. Tom Begaye (pictured) of Waterflow, N.M. Begaye, pleaded guilty to murder and sexual assault in the death of 11-year-old Ashlynne Mike in August A man who raped and killed an 11-year-old girl on the Navajo Nation last year has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility parole on Friday as part of a plea deal. Tom Begaye was handed down the sentence at the U.S. District Court in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the rape and murder Ashlynne Mike in May 2016. Authorities say Begaye lured Mike and her brother into his van before killing the girl and allowing the boy to escape. The brother notified police but an Amber Alert didn't go out until the next day. Her body was later found in an area near the Arizona-New Mexico border. The death led to pending legislation that would expand Amber Alerts into the Navajo Nation and other tribal lands. Following the verdict, Ashlynne's mother Pamela Foster called Begaye a 'monster' who stole her child. 'I have tried to get up each day on a positive note, and this is not possible because I still miss my sweet baby,' Foster said. A man who raped and killed 11-year-old Ashlynne Mike (pictured) was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility parole Pamela Foster, foreground, and Gary Mike, center background, parents of Ashlynne Mike Friday, are pictured on October 20, 2017 outside court Begaye pleaded guilty in August, telling prosecutors that he hit the child in the head with the crowbar twice after sexually assaulting her. Ashlynne's father, Gary Mike, said the verdict has brought closure to the case and justice for his daughter. 'We all know that this person is guilty,' he said. 'He finally admitted it today.' Under the plea agreement, Begaye faced a mandatory life sentence without parole. Navajo Nation president Russell Begaye says he told prosecutors that the tribe would have supported the death penalty for the convicted killer. Russell and Tom Begaye are not related. Navajo Nation president says he would have supported the death penalty for Begaye 'This particular case I was surprised, actually,' Russell Begaye said. 'I was thinking the U.S. attorney general would say yeah, this one deserves the death penalty.' Tribes for decades including the Navajo Nation have almost always rejected the death penalty aside from cases where children and police officers are victims. A defense lawyer for Begaye said at his client's sentencing hearing that his client is intellectually disabled and was regularly beaten as a child. Lawyer James Loonam said Friday that Tom Begaye did not offer that information as an excuse for Begaye's actions but as insight. Begaye did not speak during Friday's hearing. UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The process of integrating leftist rebels into Colombian society after more than 50 years of war isn't going well and could impact the peace agreement, the U.N.'s deputy human rights chief said Friday. Andrew Gilmour, who visited Colombia last week, warned that if rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, don't become part of Colombian society "there is a strong chance that they will go back to something worse." He told a small group of reporters that he has seen in Africa and elsewhere that when fighters aren't reintegrated "the peace itself is not sustainable." Gilmour said it was too strong to say that the rebels would return to war, but he said "there's a momentum that can be lost" and they could turn to drug trafficking and other criminal activity. After years of thorny negotiations, FARC rebels reached an agreement with the government last year to transition into a political party. The peace deal ended more than half a century of war that caused more than 220,000 deaths and displaced nearly 6 million people. Gilmour said the Colombian government should be saluted for the progress that has been made. "I think it has been a success but there are very serious challenges," he said, citing the integration of fighters, an increase in the killing of human rights defenders, including activists and community leaders, and the need for accountability for past crimes. Gilmour said the FARC rebels have demobilized and given up their weapons "but they have not found alternative means of income for them and their families." He said government institutions are not moving into areas which the FARC controlled for decades, and as the rebels vacate them "there is a danger that unless the state moves in to fill that vacuum then the vacuum gets filled by highly undesirable elements." He cited people involved with illegal mining and other extractive industries and drugs. During his trip, Gilmour said, he went to the mountains and saw village leaders who said FARC fighters were coming back "but we have nothing for them." The fighters come from rural areas, he said, but there were no seeds and tools. Finding economic opportunities for perhaps 10,000 fighters "should not be beyond the bounds of what is basically a developed country and economy," Gilmour said. WASHINGTON (AP) - A dual citizen of Israel and Russia has been extradited to the United States to face charges in a money laundering case. Stanislav Nazarov is accused in a scheme to defraud a large reinsurance company in India. Prosecutors say the director of that company was duped through a cyber-phishing scheme into wiring $1.4 million to a bank account in the U.S. Nazarov then allegedly had a portion of that money transferred to him in Israel. He was among a group of 19 people indicted earlier this year in federal court in Washington. His extradition was announced on Friday. Online court records don't list a defense attorney. The FBI's Washington field office is among the law enforcement agencies that investigated the case. WASHINGTON (AP) - Losing real estate in the Middle East will not sharply affect Islamic State militants' ability to inspire attacks against the West or burrow footholds from the Philippines to Africa, which has forced the U.S. to spread its resources thinly around the world, the nation's top counterterrorism official said Friday. IS is an "adaptable" organization that knew it would lose cities in Syria and Iraq, Nicholas Rasmussen, the National Counterterrorism Center director, said. He spoke after Kurdish-led forces declared victory over IS in Raqqa, the former Syrian "capital" of its self-proclaimed caliphate where militants terrorized the population for four years. In an interview on on C-SPAN's "Newsmakers" that airs Sunday, Rasmussen said ISIS these days mostly inspires individuals overseas to act in the name of the group. In this way, it differs from al-Qaida, which runs a clandestine network that carefully vets members. The Islamic State sets low barriers for entry. "If you say you're ISIS and you want to act on ISIS' behalf, you're in," Rasmussen said, saying the group's ability to inspire individuals won't dry up because of battlefield losses. In the U.S., the greatest threat from IS isn't sleeper cells, but individuals inspired or motivated by the group's ideology, he said. He said extremists remain preoccupied with aviation, "part of the terrorist problem set that I think gives me the most concern every day." Rasmussen said the group can still operate in a degraded form. "Our assessment is that there is still a command-and-control apparatus at senior levels of ISIS," Rasmussen said. It has been forced to relocate, making it harder for the group to communicate with overseas affiliates and colleagues worldwide. But it has created an organizational bureaucracy, including a sector guiding global operations. "We have made that less effective, but we have not eliminated it," Rasmussen said. One of IS' priorities is creating a presence in West Africa, where an ambush killed four U.S. soldiers two weeks ago. No extremist group has claimed responsibility for the deadly ambush. Rasmussen said IS has worked to use the existing terror platform created by Boko Haram, another Islamist extremist organization already present throughout West Africa. IS's push into the region doesn't directly threaten the U.S. homeland, but Rasmussen said Washington worries the group will carve out a haven there and replay its campaign in Iraq and Syria. "Control of territory would, over time, give the organization the ability to carry out more ambitious attacks that might ultimately threaten U.S. interests," he said. The U.S. has about 1,000 troops in that part of Africa to support a French-led mission to disrupt and destroy extremist elements. The U.S. provides aerial refueling, intelligence and reconnaissance support, and ground troops to engage with local leaders. IS's global reach makes it a challenging adversary, forcing the U.S. to spread its diplomatic, military and intelligence resources "more thinly" around the world than in the past, Rasmussen said. It is moving into northern Africa, joining forces with extremists operating in places such as Libya, Algeria and Morocco, he said. While these groups are seen as local, not transnational threats, Rasmussen said: "You don't have to look too closely at a map to see that north Africa edges up pretty close to Europe." He recently returned from a trip to Southeast Asia where Philippine troops have been crushing a final stand by the last dozens of pro-Islamic State group militants in a southern city. Still, he said threat there is escalating. "There's certainly a capacity within Southeast Asia for extremism to manifest itself into terrorism and if IS taps into that successfully, it could create a regional threat of the sort we haven't seen in the last several years," Rasmussen said. HAVANA (AP) - Cuba presented to the public on Friday a statue of independence hero Jose Marti donated by the Bronx Museum of the Arts in a gesture of international friendship that comes at a low point in relations between the two countries. The 16-foot bronze statue is a replica of one that portrays Marti, wounded, on a rearing horse in New York's Central Park. It was funded with a $2.5 million campaign by the Bronx Museum and arrived in Cuba on Oct. 3. It was set on a black marble base outside the Museum of the Revolution, facing out toward the Bay of Havana. School children look at a bronze statue immortalizing Jose Marti donated by the Bronx Museum of the Arts, after it's unveiling in Havana, Cuba, Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. The statue is a replica of a statue that has been in New York's Central Park since the 1950's. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) Eusebio Leal, Havana's city historian, presented the statue to the local and international press in a preview ahead of its formal January inauguration. "What meaning does it have? It reaffirms that, leaving aside deviations, beyond erratic policies, beyond those who try to destroy bridges and destroy the communication that exists between the nations and between men, (there is the belief that) respect for the rights of others means peace." The campaign was launched at the height of the warming between the U.S. and Cuba that began under President Barack Obama in December 2014. Relations have plummeted since the election of President Donald Trump, who has pledged to re-impose strict limits on U.S. travel to Cuba and has cut staffing of the U.S. Embassy here by more than half. The Trump administration accuses Cuba of responsibility for what it calls unexplained attacks on its diplomats that have left 24 with a variety of health symptoms. Cuba denies any involvement with what it calls alleged incidents, saying the U.S. has failed to cooperate with its investigation. Cuba accuses Trump of politicizing the unexplained incidents as an excuse for cutting back relations with Cuba. "Peace is the only path," Leal said. "There is no other because, on the contrary, we'll be ready, like Marti, to die for what we believe." Marti was fatally shot in 1895 as he fought to win Cuban independence from Spain. He is perhaps the most sacrosanct figure in Cuban history, respected for his eloquent poetry and essays and his sacrifice for Cuban independence. He also spent 15 years in exile in the United States, making him a potent symbol of U.S./Cuban relations. ____ Andrea Rodriguez on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ARodriguezAP ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Women say they were branded and traumatized by doctors in a secretive group, and state officials will review why authorities didn't act sooner on the women's reports, a spokesman for Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Friday. State officials will examine whether the women's complaints warrant an investigation now, the Democratic governor's spokesman Richard Azzopardi said. The action comes after The New York Times reported on complaints about a group affiliated with the self-help organization NXIVM, which is based in suburban Albany and has chapters across the country. NXIVM, on its website, calls the women's complaints "lies." In a complaint filed with the state Department of Health over the summer and shared with the Times, a woman said Dr. Brandon Porter, of the Albany suburb Clifton Park, did studies on behalf of NXIVM's personal development program. In one study, she said, Porter connected her to brainwave monitoring equipment and without warning showed her film clips depicting extreme violence including gang rape. She said she has been haunted by the images for almost a year. Other women complained to the health department that Dr. Danielle Roberts, a family doctor in Clifton Park, used a surgical device to burn brands on women's lower abdomens during their initiations into a secret sorority within NXIVM. Porter resigned his position as a general practitioner at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany after the Times story was published, a hospital spokesman said. Roberts didn't respond to a phone message Friday, and Porter's phone number is unlisted. The Times said neither doctor responded to repeated inquiries seeking comment. The Times story said several former NXIVM members described the painful initiation into a secret sisterhood within the self-help group. One said she was told she would get a small tattoo but instead was held down by three women while a 2-inch-wide (5-centimeter-wide) symbol including NXIVM founder Keith Raniere's initials was seared into her skin. She said group members were sworn to secrecy. NXIVM posted a statement on its website saying a media outlet had incorrectly linked it to a "social group." It called the allegations "lies" and "a criminal product of criminal minds." In an investigative story by the Albany Times Union in 2012, critics described NXIVM as a multilevel marketing business and Raniere as a cult leader who has drawn more than 10,000 followers to his self-improvement philosophy. The New York Times said Raniere and other NXIVM officials didn't respond to repeated requests for comment. NXIVM's website says its mission is to "help transform and, ultimately, be an expression of the noble civilization of humans." SAO PAULO (AP) - A 14-year-old student opened fire inside a classroom in the central city of Goiania on Friday, killing two classmates and wounding four, police in Brazil said. Lt. Col. Marcelo Granja of the Goiania police department said the shooting occurred at Colegio Goyases, an upscale private school. The teen was taken into custody. Granja said the shooter is the son of a police officer who used his father's .40 caliber pistol. A student who escaped the shooting unhurt told the G1 news portal that the suspect was bullied and called "stinky" because he never used deodorant. The student said that during a break between lessons the shooter pulled out the gun from inside his backpack and started shooting at random. Everybody started running out of the classroom." Police inspector Luiz Gonzaga Junior told G1 that a school teacher helped prevent "an even bigger tragedy. "He had more ammunition," Gonzaga Junior said. "He told us he was planning to kill everyone in the classroom including himself. The teacher approached him and persuaded him to put the gun down." Witnesses quoted by G1 said there were about 30 students in the classroom at the time of the shooting. "He told us he knew where his parents kept the gun. He hid it in his backpack and took it to school," Gonzaga Junior said. MEXICO CITY (AP) - Mexico's government fired the top electoral-crimes prosecutor Friday for revealing an investigation that opponents say suggested possible corrupt financing for the ruling party. Government critics called it the latest attempt by the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, to insulate itself from corruption probes. The Attorney General's Office said in a short statement that electoral-crimes prosecutor Santiago Nieto was fired for violating agency rules but didn't specify which rules. An official with the office said Nieto had revealed information about an ongoing investigation. The official was not authorized to be quoted by name and didn't say what the investigation was about. Criminal investigations are not public in Mexico. But opposition parties said Nieto was fired because he was investigating whether bribe money paid by Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht had made its way into PRI campaign coffers. Nieto had made the revelation in an interview published Wednesday by the newspaper Reforma. In it, he said there was "information" suggesting that Odebrecht may have paid money into an account controlled by the former head of the national oil company, who at the time in 2012 played a role in President Enrique Pena Nieto's campaign. Nieto told Reforma that official, Emilio Lozoya, had sent him a letter demanding his name be cleared. Lozoya has denied allegations of any misconduct involving Odebrecht, whose officials have acknowledged paying bribes for contracts in several Latin American countries. The alleged transfer of about $3.14 million from Odebrecht front companies to offshore accounts linked to Lozoya were first reported in August by the nonprofit group Mexicans Against Corruption and Impunity, based on banking records and published statements by a former Odebrecht official. The opposition National Action Party, the PAN, said it opposed Nieto's firing and would fight it in the Senate. On his Twitter account, Nieto wrote that he would also take the issue to the Senate, which must ratify the firing. "It is unacceptable that this firing comes amid a deep investigation of alleged bribes paid by Odebrecht to the former head of Pemex, Emilio Lozoya, during the 2012 presidential campaign," the PAN wrote in a statement. "This firing is not an isolated case, given that it comes amid the return of the worst anti-democratic, authoritarian practices by this government." In an unusual move, even one of Mexico's top business groups, the Mexican Employers' Federation, called the firing "an attack on the rule of law, justice and democracy in Mexico." "We call on the Senate to use its powers to reverse the decision," the federation wrote. In September, the PAN accused the PRI of trying to anoint then-Attorney General, Raul Cervantes - a former PRI legislator - as chief prosecutor for the next nine years, which could have effectively shielded the PRI from investigation even if it loses the July 1, 2018 presidential elections. The PRI eventually backed off and Cervantes presented his resignation as attorney general. While dogged by corruption accusations, the government has made some headway in detaining several former PRI state governors accused of corruption. CLEVELAND (AP) - A Cleveland police officer charged with the sexual battery of a 13-year-old boy when she was a teacher's aide at an elementary school before becoming an officer has pleaded not guilty. A Cleveland Municipal Court judge on Friday ordered Officer Maria Velez to have no contact with the student and set bond at $10,000. A prosecutor had asked for the no-contact order. An arrest warrant alleges Velez contacted the boy after learning of the investigation and asked him to lie to detectives. Defense attorney Daniel Misiewicz (meh-CHEV'-its) declined to comment after court Friday. The case sent to a Cuyahoga (ky-uh-HOH'-guh) County grand jury to determine how it will proceed. The 24-year-old Velez was suspended without pay from the police department after her arrest Thursday. Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said his Government is working to reunite Ibrahim Halawa with his family after he was freed from jail in Egypt. The 21-year-olds release comes a month after he was acquitted of all charges related to a mass Muslim Brotherhood protest in Cairo in 2013. Really, really delighted to hear that Ibrahim Halawa has been released from prison, the Taoiseach said. Nosayba, left, and Somaia Halawa, sisters of Ibrahim Halawa, on Grafton Street in Dublin's city centre (Brian Lawless/PA) Taoiseach Leo Varadkar reacts to Ibrahim #Halawas long awaited release pic.twitter.com/LGoD3dvVas Ed Carty (@EdCartyPA) October 20, 2017 Hes receiving full consular assistance at the moment. We are helping him to get back to Ireland to be reunited with his family and get on with his life and his studies. Arriving for the second day of the European Council summit in Brussels, Mr Varadkar said: He spent far too long in an Egyptian prison. He also appealed for the familys wishes for privacy to be respected. Fantastic news, Ibrahim has finally been released from prison. We will now begin to make arrangements to bring him home... Posted by Ibrahim Halawa on Thursday, October 19, 2017 Mr Halawa, from Firhouse in Dublin, was jailed in 2013 after being arrested in a mosque amid protests over the removal of the then Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi. He was one of almost 500 people in a protracted mass trial. He was released from prison at 11pm Irish time on Thursday. Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said: I am delighted that Ibrahim has finally been released after his long and difficult ordeal, and that he will soon be able to return home and be reunited with his family. I know that Ibrahim and his family have asked for privacy during this time and I hope that this will be respected. Ibrahim has been through a lot, and I think we all need to give him the time and space that he needs. Min @simoncoveney welcomes the release of Ibrahim Halawa in Cairo. Full statement https://t.co/YI0HZGo2By pic.twitter.com/BRzmg6JicP Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) October 20, 2017 On behalf of the Government, I want to make clear that all appropriate ongoing support that Ibrahim requires in the period ahead will be available to him. Mr Coveney said he expected Mr Halawa would return to Ireland on Sunday or Monday. The minister said he first needed to secure an immigration stamp from the authorities. In order to do that he needs to turn up in person at the immigration ministry, Mr Coveney told RTE Radio One. The timing and problem with that is we are in the Egyptian weekend, which is Friday and Saturday. That office is not open on a Friday and has very limited opening on a Saturday so we are obviously working to get him home as quickly as possible but it will be either Sunday or Monday by the time he is home, I suspect. Behind U Of I 's Grand Plan To Lure Students To South Loop, Not Silicon Valley By Emma G. Gallegos in News on Oct 20, 2017 4:10PM A rendering of the Discovery Partners Institute (The Related Companies) A project aimed at putting Illinois on the map in the tech world was announced by Gov.Bruce Rauner and Mayor Rahm Emanuel Thursday afternoon. The University of Illinois plans to lead the way in creating a new $1.2 billion innovation center that will be built on an empty plot of land in the South Loop. The plan is short on details but big on a vision of turning Chicago into a major tech hub. Emanuel told a crowd at a press conference yesterday: "I see this as a big win for the city of Chicago and a big loss for the West Coast." The innovation center will be known as the Discovery Partners Institute. Rauner says U of I graduates 10 percent of all computer science majors in the country, but the state loses them to tech companies in Silicon Valley and other states, according to the News-Gazette. The aim of DPI is to reverse that brain drain. "What if we formed more collaboration with those universities and created a dense network of students, faculty and research; and encouraged them to form businesses, connect them to the university, and give them the rights and ability to take their research and their technology and commercialize them, and develop products? Rauner said, in an interview with the Tribune last week. "We thought that would be a major magnet to keeping and growing the Illinois economy." The plan is to hire on 90 faculty members, luring world-class entrepreneurs with lucrative start-up packages. The center would ultimately aim to serve 1,800 graduate and undergraduate students a year from the U of I system, as well as students from the University of Chicago and Northwestern. U of I President Tim Killeen said he envisioned it a little like a study abroad program. Students would take off a semesteror fourwhile working at the institute's research labs, businesses and startups in the city. "It's an attempt to really take advantage of the assets that the state and the city have to accelerate economic development and to provide opportunities for our students to stay in the state and for innovations to flow into our economy," Killeen said. How this vision will actually come together is a little unclear. So far the innovation center does have a location. The Related, which also unveiled plans for its riverside mega-development on an empty South Loop lot, said that it would be donating a key piece of that 62-acre lot known as The 78 (so named for its plan to be the 78th neighborhood in Chicago). It currently occupies the east bank of the Chicago River between Roosevelt Road and 18th Street. There will also be a river walk, residences and commercial space planned for the location. The project is envisioned as a public-private partnership, though where the money is coming from both the public and private sides isn't yet clear. That's led to some skepticism about the project. Rauner told the crowd yesterday, "We havent started any really focused fundraising yet. Right now we're laying out the vision." The governor did say that public funding for the project will come from the sale of the James R. Thompson Center in the Loop, though that sale has been stalled. A timetable for the project is expected to be announced next year. This is the week to buck the trend in Fantasy Premier League. Alvaro Moratas hamstring injury against Manchester City, and subsequent reports coming out of the Spain camp, saw managers galore dump the 10.2million Chelsea forward from their make-believe teams. He returned to action against Roma in the Champions League in midweek but his ownership has yet to experience a resurgence with six goals, two assists and 49 premierleague.com fantasy points to date, is Morata the man to give you the edge in your mini-league as others cut bait? Hot-shots feel the cold (PA Graphics) Press Association Sport has combined data on each players overall selection percentage with how his popularity is changing over time to produce a heat score ranging from 100 to -100 and Moratas -49.3 is coldest in the league. Just ahead of him is Sergio Aguero (-41.8), also absent recently after a car crash but an unused substitute in Manchester Citys last two games meaning a return is presumably imminent. Dele Alli (-28.1) has also cooled off after being overshadowed by Tottenham team-mates Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane, but it is only two games since the England playmaker recorded a pair of assists in the win over West Ham. The Manchester divide has shifted firmly the way of City, with United trio Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Paul Pogba and Eric Bailly all among the 10 coldest players while their near neighbours dominate the hot list. City on fire (PA Graphics) Pep Guardiolas league leaders have four players in the top 10 of the heat index, including three of the top four as Gabriel Jesus leads the way at 56.3. Raheem Sterling, with six goals from midfield including four in as many games, is second on 41 and after Kane (39.5), David Silva and his six assists are at 35.9. Leroy Sane is seventh but interestingly, FPL managers are still resisting the allure of Kevin De Bruyne despite his thrilling performance and two assists against Stoke last time out. Bargain watch Burnley's Stephen Ward in action The two names between Silva and Sane in our top 10 come from the cheaper end of the scale but think carefully about your next move in the transfer market. Stephen Wards 43 points at only 4.6m represent extraordinary value but a look at another Press Association statistical tracker suggests it may not last. Simulations based on bookmakers odds average out to a projected haul of only 2.41 points for Burnley across their next three fixtures, against City, Newcastle and Southampton. The projections give them less than a three per cent chance of beating City, and an 11.5 per cent shot of avoiding defeat, while Citys attack has the potential to decimate any fantasy defence maybe wait a week before adding to Wards heat score of 24.6. Sixth-placed Tammy Abraham (22.3) has home games against Leicester and Brighton to come as he seeks to build on his brace against Huddersfield the trip to Arsenal in between is less appealing, but there is reason for optimism over the 5.6m striker. Nicola Sturgeon has vowed to press on with plans to explore a citizens income scheme for Scotland while acknowledging it might turn out not to be feasible. The First Minister said it would be wrong to be close-minded about different approaches to benefits in the face of rapid economic and digital change. The Scottish Governments plan to fund research into the possibility of a Scottish scheme has been criticised as unaffordable by the Scottish Conservatives. Sturgeon pressed ahead with a trial of citizen's income despite briefings showing it would cost 12.3bn a year:https://t.co/brXJtWoI8B pic.twitter.com/qGOOIIF7lM Scottish Conservatives (@ScotTories) October 18, 2017 Earlier this week, the party suggested spending on benefits could have to rise by 12.3 billion to cover the costs of such a move a claim dismissed as wrong and hysterical by the SNP. Ms Sturgeon reinforced her pledge to explore a basic income scheme made in her programme for government last month during a speech at a conference on inclusive growth in Glasgow. Inspiring morning at @scotgov #inclusivegrowth conference. Real international recognition that Scotland is leading by example on this agenda Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) October 20, 2017 She said: Despite the fact that this has some critics, we are going to work with interested local authorities to fund research into the feasibility of a citizens basic income scheme. I should stress our work on this is at a very early stage. It might turn out not to be the answer, it might turn out not to be feasible. But as work and employment changes as rapidly as it is doing, I think its really important that we look and are prepared to be open-minded about the different ways in which we can support individuals to participate fully in the new economy. Nicola Sturgeon Speaking to reporters after the event, Ms Sturgeon added: Weve heard the IMF today talk about the opportunities but also the challenges of the digital transformation. If countries are serious about leaving nobody behind in these transformations, we have to be open-minded to new approaches, so a citizens basic income might turn out not to be the right answer here, but I think it would be wrong to be close-minded. Thats why were funding this research so that we can better inform the decisions we take. Ms Sturgeon also announced a public consultation on plans for a national investment bank for Scotland, another key plank of her programme for government. FM @NicolaSturgeon launches consultation on a Scottish National Investment Bank at #InclusiveGrowth conference with @DerekMackaySNP pic.twitter.com/WVxMqPIjTR First Minister (@ScotGovFM) October 20, 2017 Benny Higgins, chief executive of Tesco Bank, has been appointed to head up the banks development and views are now being sought from the public on the detail of the plans. Ms Sturgeon said: The council of economic advisers identified a national investment bank as an important means of delivering infrastructure development, finance for high-growth businesses and strategic investments in innovation. Our programme for government committed to the establishment of such a bank and I am delighted that Benny Higgins is leading the implementation work. Today, we are launching a consultation on the details of how best the bank can achieve those aims and support Scotlands economy. The Prince of Wales has offered to help ensure families and business owners in Northern Ireland hit by the summers flash floods do not get penalised by insurance companies. He flew into the north west of the region on Friday to offer his support to those caught up in Augusts deluge. Homes were flooded, cars washed into rivers and infrastructure badly damaged in the sustained downpour. Prince Charles has arrived in Northern Ireland, where he is meeting communities affected by flooding in the North West in August @PA pic.twitter.com/z3N3vwPrAu Siobhan Fenton (@SiobhanFenton) October 20, 2017 Charles called into Eglinton Community Centre on the outskirts of Derry to meet local residents some of whom remain in temporary housing. Paul Miller, who owns a local shop, said he and other local business owners told Charles they were worried about the implications the flooding could have on insurance. He said: We said to the Prince, insurance companies have walked away from us and they seem to be getting away with it. He said he knows just the person to ring and hell look into it for us. Mr Miller added: I asked him to come to the pub with us after, for a pint. But I dont know if he will. Charles On arrival in Eglinton, Charles looked at a display of photographs taken in the immediate aftermath of the flooding, showing homes ruined and businesses destroyed. Gladys McElhatton, a local resident who has been unable to return to her home, said: Prince Charles was so lovely. He came over and shook all our hands. Its great that he came here and that it shows hes still thinking about us and what happened to us with the flooding. The Prince also visited the YMCA Londonderry at Drumahoe where he met members of the farming community, volunteers, emergency services and officials assisting with clean-up efforts. The Prince of Wales during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods He was charmed by 11 week-old Lyla Hempton who was just three weeks old when the floods destroyed her parents poultry farm. Her mother Nicola Hempton said: All the chickens were killed and the houses damaged. We are having to rebuild everything. We are still waiting for insurance. Until then we cant rebuild. She added: Prince Charles asked about the baby and about what happened with the chickens. It was lovely to meet him. It was very good of him to come. Prince Charles speaks to poultry farmers Nicola Hempton, her husband Thomas and their daughter 11-week-old Lyla during his visit to Northern Ireland The Prince, who enjoys fishing, was presented with some fully dressed salmon flies and shrimp patterns as a thank you for his support. Charles had cleared his diary for the day to travel to the region after hearing many homes and businesses were still struggling with repairs. The Mayor of Derry however refused to meet him during the visit. Sinn Feins Maoliosa McHugh said he would not meet the Prince due to his role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Parachute Regiment. The large storms hit Northern Ireland on August 22, with 63% of the areas average rainfall for that month falling within a nine-hour period. The resulting floods left 120 people in need of rescue and damaged 510 properties. Communities across the border in Co Donegal were also badly affected by the flooding. A 1 million painting stolen five years ago was discovered in a drug dealers den alongside his lucrative stash of cocaine and ecstasy, police said. The work, by Sir Stanley Spencer and titled Cookham from Englefield, was taken from the Stanley Spencer Gallery, Berkshire, in 2012. Its whereabouts remained a mystery until police arrested Harry Fisher, 28, on June 15, after finding a kilogram of cocaine and 30,000 in cash in his Mercedes. Two jailed for drugs supply and 1m stolen painting recovered #Kingston https://t.co/1kDRrboZmw pic.twitter.com/s6ZiIyuCcN Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) October 20, 2017 On searching Fishers flat in Kingston-upon-Thames, west London, officers found the artwork next to three kilograms of cocaine and 15,000 ecstasy tablets. A further raid on his family home in Fulham found more Class A drugs, making a total street value of 450,000, and 40,000 in cash. The Metropolitan Police said the defendant, of Seven Kings Way, Kingston, was jailed for eight years and eight months at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, having pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, acquiring criminal property and handling stolen goods. Also sentenced was his passenger at the time of the arrest, 32-year-old Zak Lal, of Columbine Road, Rochester, Kent, who admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, acquiring criminal property and possession of an offensive weapon. The 1m painting stolen five years ago which was discovered in a drug dealer's den alongside his lucrative stash of cocaine and ecstasy He was jailed for five years and eight months at the same hearing, police said. The painting has now been returned to the Stanley Spencer Gallery. A spokesman said: The Stanley Spencer Gallery volunteers are immensely grateful to the various police sections who have contributed to the recovery of this remarkable painting which was stolen from us more than five years ago. Described by the gallery as one of our greatest British artists, Sir Stanley often used the Berkshire village of Cookham as inspiration for his work during a 45-year career. He died in 1959. The painting was taken from the Stanley Spencer Gallery in Berkshire Detective Inspector Andy Whitewood, of the Mets organised crime command, said: These two men were caught in possession of a considerable amount of Class A drugs as the result of a proactive investigation targeting high end, organised drug supply. A search of Fishers address revealed a stolen 1m painting, this demonstrates the link between drugs trafficking and serious, acquisitive crime. I am pleased to say that the painting has now been returned to the art gallery from where it was stolen. The sentences handed to these defendants should act as a deterrent to anyone else involved in the supply of illegal drugs. The sister of freed Irishman Ibrahim Halawa has said her family can finally start to live life again. Mr Halawas eventual release after four years in custody in Egypt came a month after he was acquitted of all charges related to a mass Muslim Brotherhood protest in Cairo in 2013. Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said his government is working to reunite him with his family. Ibrahim Halawa's sister finally 'able to sleep' after brother's prison release Taoiseach Leo Varadkar reacts to Ibrahim #Halawas long awaited release pic.twitter.com/LGoD3dvVas Ed Carty (@EdCartyPA) October 20, 2017 He is expected back in Ireland in the coming days. Mr Halawa, from Firhouse in Dublin, was jailed in 2013 after being arrested in a mosque amid protests over the removal of the then Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi. He was one of almost 500 people in a protracted mass trial. The 21-year-old was released from prison at 11pm Irish time on Thursday. Gerry Adams TD: "Delighted that Ibrahim Halawa is free. Saoirse!!"@LNBDublin pic.twitter.com/Tc4FzdzAhE An Phoblacht (@An_Phoblacht) October 20, 2017 His three sisters, Somaia, Fatima and Omaima, were also arrested during the crackdown on the 2013 protest but later released on bail and returned to Dublin. They were acquitted following trial in absentia. Somaia Halawa spoke of her familys joy. Yesterday was a day I cant describe, we were all over the moon, she said. Finally we were able to sleep for the first time in four years. Delighted 2 confirm Ibrahim Halawa has been released, being supported by family+Embassy. Some formalities still required before flying home Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) October 19, 2017 I was able to finally continue my life normally, I was able to laugh without trying to pretend I am okay, trying to pretend everything was okay when it was not. She hailed Mr Varadkar and Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveneys efforts to secure her brothers release. They worked so hard towards getting him released, she told BBC Radio Ulster. Giving his response to the development as he arrived for the European Council summit in Brussels, Mr Varadkar said: Really, really delighted to hear that Ibrahim Halawa has been released from prison. Hes receiving full consular assistance at the moment. We are helping him to get back to Ireland to be reunited with his family and get on with his life and his studies. He spent far too long in an Egyptian prison. He also appealed for the familys wishes for privacy to be respected. Mr Coveney said he expected Mr Halawa to return to Ireland on Sunday or Monday. Oct 20 (Reuters) - Losses from Hurricane Maria and other recent natural disasters, including hurricanes Irma and Harvey, the Mexico City earthquake and other events, have led global insurers and reinsurers to issue profit warnings. Below are statements from insurers and reinsurers in the wake of the catastrophes (in alphabetical order): AIG American International Group Inc said it expected to book pre-tax catastrophe losses of about $3 billion in the third quarter mainly related to hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and additional catastrophe losses, including earthquakes in Mexico, of about $150 million. ALLSTATE Allstate Corp, the second-largest U.S. homeowners' insurer based on premiums collected, estimated pre-tax catastrophe losses of $593 million, net of reinsurance recoveries, for August. ARCH CAPITAL Arch Capital Group Ltd estimated preliminary after-tax losses between $285-$345 million from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, the Mexican earthquakes, and other more minor global events. ARGO GROUP Underwriter Argo Group International estimated preliminary pre-tax catastrophe losses of $85-110 million from hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria as well as the earthquake in Mexico City. ASPEN INSURANCE Aspen Insurance Holdings estimated about $310 million in pre-tax losses related to hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and $50 million from other events, the largest of which relate to weather-related losses and the Mexican earthquakes. AXIS CAPITAL Axis Capital Holdings Ltd said its initial estimate of net financial impact from catastrophe losses in the quarter ended Sept.30 was $578 million. The estimate included losses from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria and the earthquakes in Mexico. BEAZLEY Lloyd's of London insurer Beazley said losses from hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and a series of earthquakes in Mexico would reduce its 2017 earnings by about $150 million. CHUBB U.S. property and casualty insurer Chubb Ltd estimated after-tax losses of up to $1.28 billion from hurricanes Harvey and Irma. It expects insured losses of about $520 million from Harvey and $640 million to $760 million from Irma after tax. The world's largest listed property and casualty insurer estimated the maximum net insurance and net reinsurance losses related to Hurricane Maria would be about $200 million after tax for the third quarter. EMC INSURANCE EMC Insurance Group estimated third-quarter catastrophe and storm losses at about $29.4 million. EVEREST RE Everest Re Group Ltd estimated pretax catastrophe losses of $1.2 billion, with a net economic impact of $900 million after taxes from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria and the earthquakes in Mexico. HANNOVER RE German reinsurer Hannover RE said it could miss its 2017 profit target because of claims from the natural disasters, its first such warning since the 2008 financial crisis. Hannover RE does not expect its earnings per share to increase in 2017 due to payouts related to damage done by hurricanes which hit the United States. HCI GROUP HCI Group's principal operating subsidiary, Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance, a provider of home insurance in Florida, issued a preliminary estimate indicating its losses related to Hurricane Irma would be $100-$300 million. HISCOX Lloyd's of London underwriter Hiscox Ltd estimated it would face net claims totalling about $225 million from Harvey and Irma. LANCASHIRE Lancashire Holdings said it estimated that its losses from hurricanes in the Caribbean and southern United States and earthquakes in Mexico would be between $106 million and $212 million. LLOYD'S OF LONDON Lloyd's of London expects net losses of $4.5 billion from hurricanes Harvey and Irma, which analysts said would eat into the insurer's capital and hit its profitability. Lloyd's 80-plus syndicates have already paid out more than $160 million in claims from Harvey and more than $240 million from Irma. MAIDEN HOLDINGS Maiden Holdings Ltd said it expected a net impact from Harvey on its third-quarter results of $6-$18 million and $2-$13 million from Irma. MAPFRE Spain's Mapfre SA said the size and frequency of hurricanes in the Caribbean and earthquakes in Mexico would imply a net cost of between 150-200 million euros ($177- $237 million) on its attributable result for the year. MS&AD INSURANCE Japan's MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings Inc estimated up to 110 billion yen ($978.65 million) in incurred losses related to the hurricanes and earthquakes in the Americas and said it was reviewing its FY2017/18 earnings forecasts. MUNICH RE Germany's Munich Re warned it could miss its profit target this year, the first major reinsurer to flag a hit to earnings from damage caused by hurricanes Harvey and Irma. PROASSURANCE CORPORATION Proassurance Corp estimated net pretax losses from hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria to be about $7.5 million. QBE INSURANCE GROUP Australia's biggest insurer, QBE Insurance Group, revealed a $600 million earnings hit on its business from hurricanes in the Atlantic and earthquakes in Mexico. RENAISSANCERE RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd said its initial estimates pointed to $625 million of "net negative impact" from hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and the Mexico City earthquake. RLI CORP Specialty insurer RLI Corp said it expects third-quarter pretax losses of $30-$40 million from Harvey and Irma, net of reinsurance. RSA INSURANCE British motor and home insurer RSA said its UK business would see catastrophe losses from the U.S., Caribbean and Mexico, affecting September results in the marine and international portfolios. SCOR French reinsurer Scor estimated a 430 million-euro ($505.94 million) impact from hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and the Mexico earthquake. Scor had said earlier that hurricanes Harvey and Irma were expected to count as an earnings event rather than a capital event in the third quarter. SWISS RE Swiss Re, the world's second-largest reinsurer, estimated its claims burden from hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria in the United States and from two earthquakes in Mexico at roughly $3.6 billion in the third quarter. TALANX German insurer Talanx warned it may miss its profit target for 2017 as its reinsurer Hannover Re is being hit by major claims from a series of hurricanes and an earthquake in Mexico. TRAVELERS Travelers Cos Inc, the No. 2 U.S. commercial property and casualty insurer, recorded $700 million in catastrophe losses from the destruction wrought by hurricanes Harvey and Irma. UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS Universal Insurance Holdings Inc estimated gross losses from Hurricane Irma, from Florida and other southeastern U.S. states, will be $350-$450 million. The company added that because of its property and casualty unit's "substantial" reinsurance programme, its expected net pretax losses relating to the hurricane were $35 million. VALIDUS Insurer and reinsurer Validus Holdings Ltd estimated net losses from hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and the Mexico City earthquake of $412.7 million. ZURICH INSURANCE GROUP Zurich Insurance Group said that Farmers Re faced a hit of no more than $20 million in the second half from catastrophes such as hurricanes Irma and Harvey. The insurer estimated that hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria would trigger around $700 million in claims in the third quarter net of reinsurance and before tax. ($1 = 0.8499 euros) ($1 = 112.4000 yen) (Compiled by Noor Zainab Hussain in Bengaluru; editing by Jason Neely) BEIJING, Oct 20 (Reuters) - China's outstanding household consumer loans surged nearly 30 percent by end September from a year earlier, data showed on Friday, a day after its central bank governor issued a strong warning about the risks of rapidly rising debt. A central bank report also showed a sharp jump of nearly 23 percent in property loans in the same period, suggesting authorities will be in no rush to remove tough cooling measures imposed over the past year to rein in soaring home prices. On Thursday, People's Bank of China Governor Zhou Xiaochuan issued a stark warning about asset bubbles in the world's second-largest economy, which has posted more robust growth this year driven by government spending and record bank lending. Speaking on the sidelines of a twice-a-decade Communist Party Congress, one of the most pivotal events in the country, Zhou said China will fend off risks from excessive optimism that could lead to a "Minsky Moment", referring to a sudden collapse in asset prices after long periods of growth, sparked by debt or currency pressures. While China's debt has built up rapidly in recent years, much is held by firms under state control. The government and China bulls argue that its debt levels are generally manageable, given that levels of sovereign and household debt are much lower than in advanced economies, while savings rates are far higher. The central bank report on Friday, however, suggested consumers are quickly catching up in the debt race, and much of the credit growth appears linked to the property market. Outstanding household consumer loans in both yuan and foreign currencies totaled 30.2 trillion yuan ($4.56 trillion) by end September, jumping 29.1 percent from a year earlier. In the first nine months of this year, China's banks issued 5.1 trillion yuan of new household consumer loans. Analysts suspect funds from some of these consumer loans are flowing illicitly into the property market and stock market. China recently launched probes into consumer loans that are being misused for home purchases, warning they cannot be used to "fuel property bubbles". Despite intensifying property curbs and higher mortgage rates, Chinese banks issued 4.4 trillion yuan ($664.70 billion) of property loans in the first nine months of this year, more than the 4.32 trillion issued in the same period last year. The figures include individual mortgages and loans for property development. As a result, outstanding yuan-denominated property loans rose 22.8 percent by end-September from a year earlier to 31.1 trillion yuan, the central bank said. Outstanding individual mortgage loans rose 26.2 percent to 21.1 trillion yuan. The central bank didn't disclose the value of new mortgages issued in the first three quarters. China will release its latest home price data on Monday. Restrictions on home buying have seen prices level out and even soften slightly in top cities in recent months, but there are signs that speculators are now moving into smaller cities and towns with fewer controls. Economists say surging house prices will also start to weigh on consumer demand as homeowners divert more of their income to servicing their mortgages. While China's per capita disposable income rose at the fastest pace in 2 years in the first nine months of this year, spending growth slowed to the weakest on record. ($1 = 6.6195 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Yawen Chen and Elias Glenn; Editing by Kim Coghill) By Francois Murphy and Shadia Nasralla VIENNA, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Austria's president gave the green light to conservative leader Sebastian Kurz on Friday to form a government, but Kurz gave little away about his coalition plans, leaving a tie-up with the far right the most likely outcome. Kurz's People's Party (OVP) secured 31.5 percent of the vote in Sunday's parliamentary election, winning by a clear margin but falling well short of the majority needed to control parliament in the affluent Alpine republic. "I would like to build a government that has the courage and determination to bring real change to Austria," Kurz, 31, told reporters after meeting President Alexander Van der Bellen, who will oversee the process. Kurz campaigned on a platform that combined a hard line on immigration similar to that of the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) with traditional conservative principles like slimming down the state and cutting taxes. He said he would start by holding talks with all parties in parliament although only two of them, the Social Democrats (SPO) and FPO, have enough seats to give him a majority if they go into coalition with the OVP. "I will now get straight to work and hold the first discussions, definitely in the coming days, and possibly even today," Kurz said, adding that after those initial discussions he might launch formal coalition talks with one party. Kurz went to Brussels on Thursday to assure European Union leaders of his support, allaying concerns that Austria country would become a dissonant voice in the EU with the anti-immigrant far right likely to enter its government. It became clear after neighbouring Germany's election last month that it was headed towards a three-way "Jamaica" coalition - so called because the parties' colours match that country's flag. Austria's political future could be colourful too. Using the same principle and some creative licence, Austria's next government could be dubbed "Botswana" or "Islamic State". Two other options, "Haiti" and "Albania", appear to be off the table, at least for the time being. THOUSANDTH OF A THOUSANDTH In Austria as in Germany, each party is traditionally associated with a colour - black for Kurz's OVP, red for the centre-left SPO and blue for the far-right FPO. Botswana (black and blue) remains the most likely option, given that Kurz and the head of the Social Democrats, outgoing Chancellor Christian Kern, have often clashed and Kurz called an end to their coalition, forcing Sunday's snap election. Kurz has said he would prefer to form a stable coalition but not ruled out a minority, monochrome government (Islamic State). He has accused his rivals of holding talks on an SPO-FPO, "red-blue" coalition (Haiti). But FPO leader Heinz-Christian Strache poured cold water on the idea of a "coalition of losers" in an interview with tabloid Oesterreich. Asked if Kern had been voted out as chancellor, Strache said: "In my opinion, yes." He added that people had voted for change and Kurz had a mandate to try and form a government. "If he were to invite us (to hold coalition talks), we would accept the invitation," he said, adding that in such a case the FPO would not hold parallel talks with the SPO. Strache hosted Kurz at his home for dinner this week, their first one-on-one meeting, he said. The chances of a red-blue alliance are "a thousandth of a thousandth", Kern told reporters at an EU summit in Brussels, but he added that his party was still open to talks. A black-red coalition (Albania) has not been completely ruled out. Kurz has hinted at being prepared to consider it if Kern is replaced as leader by Defence Minister Hans Peter Doskozil. Strache also focused his criticism on Kern rather than the SPO as a whole. (writing by Francois Murphy; editing by Mark Heinrich) BERLIN, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Germany hopes to resume its mission training Kurdish Peshmerga fighters in northern Iraq on Sunday, provided the conflict between the Kurds and the Iraqi government does not worsen, a German defence ministry spokesman said on Friday. Germany suspended its training assistance last week citing the increased tensions between Baghdad and the Kurds after the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region in northern Iraq voted in a non-binding referendum for independence. Germany, along with other Western nations, joined Baghdad and Iraq's neighbours in opposing the referendum, partly due to concerns that it would distract from the fight against Islamic State militants, in which the Kurds have played a key role. "If there is no serious changes on the ground, it's highly probable that the training will resume on Sunday," the German defence ministry spokesman said. The spokesman said Germany took the decision to resume the training after consultations with the Kurdish and Iraqi parties and with the United States. He was speaking on the day when Iraqi forces completed their push to take back control of the contested province of Kirkuk from the Kurds, who had moved into the area in 2014 to prevent Islamic State seizing the oilfields. Germany has provided 32,000 assault rifle and machine guns, as well as other weapons valued at around 90 million euros since 2014. About 150 German soldiers are providing training to the Kurdish Peshmerga fighters for their combat against Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq. (Reporting By Riham Alkousaa; Editing by Gareth Jones) By Babak Dehghanpisheh BEIRUT, Oct 20 (Reuters) - A week after U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a blistering speech about Iran's Revolutionary Guards, the most powerful military and economic force in the Islamic Republic has shown it has no intention of curbing its activities in the Middle East. In defiance of other world powers, Trump chose in a speech last Friday not to certify that Tehran is complying with a pact to curb Iran's nuclear work and singled out the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), accusing Tehran of destabilising the region. A senior IRGC commander said after the speech Trump was "acting crazy" and was following U.S. strategy of increasing "the shadow of war in the region". Iran's Shi'ite militia proxies have made formidable military gains in recent months in Syria as well as Iraq, stretching from northern Iraq to a string of smaller cities and this week, after the Trump speech, re-captured the oil-rich city of Kirkuk. "In the short-run clearly Trump has increased the power and aggressiveness of the IRGC," said Abbas Milani, the director of the Iranian Studies programme at Stanford University. "The IRGC can't back down from a street fight. Their domestic and regional prestige is predicated on the fact that they fight a good fight and they don't back down." The day after Trump spoke, the head of the Guards' al Quds overseas operations, Major General Qassem Soleimani, travelled to Iraq's Kurdistan region. He held talks about the escalating crisis between Kurdish authorities and the Iraqi government after a Kurdish independence referendum. The niece of the late Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani, Alaa Talabani, told the al Hadath TV channel that Soleimani met with members of her family on Saturday. He had come to pay respects to Jalal, a former Iraqi president and founder of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) party who died this month. Other Iraqi and Kurdish officials told Reuters Soleimani held meetings with Kurdish leaders to persuade them to retreat from Kirkuk ahead of the Iraqi army push into the city. "I don't deny that Mr. Qassem Soleimani gave us the advice to find a solution to Kirkuk," she said. "He said Kirkuk should return to the (Iraqi) law and constitution and to have an agreement about Kirkuk and give up the intransigence about the referendum which was a decision not thought out." LIGHTNING ASSAULT Within days, Iran's mostly Shi'ite allies in Baghdad launched a lightning assault, pushing Kurdish fighters out of disputed territories such as Kirkuk and consequently strengthening Iran's hand in Iraq. Commanders of the Kurdish forces, known as the Peshmerga, have accused Iran of orchestrating the Shi'ite-led Iraqi central government's push into areas under their control, a charge senior Iranian officials have denied. A video posted by the Kurdish Rudaw channel online on Wednesday showed an Iraqi Shi'ite militiaman loyal to Iran hanging a picture of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the Kirkuk governorate office. Iran, which has a large Kurdish minority, has reason to be wary of Iraqi Kurdish independence. It fears it might encourage its own Kurds, who have also pushed for separatism. After the independence vote in Iraqi Kurdistan on September 25, videos posted online showed hundreds of people celebrating in the streets in the Kurdish areas of Iran. FRONT-LINE PLAYER Regional analysts say the emergence of Iran in Iraq, Syria, Kurdistan and Lebanon, where it wields influence through its allied Shi'ite Lebanese Hezbollah militia, means Tehran has become a front-line player in the region which Washington could not afford to ignore. "Trumps stupidity should not distract us from Americas deceitfulness ... If the U.S. tears up the (nuclear) deal, we will shred it," said Khamenei. "Americans are angry because the Islamic Republic of Iran has managed to thwart their plots in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and other countries in the region." Speaking after Trump's speech, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the Guards' aerospace division, said: "From the start of the Islamic revolution ... (presidents) have increased the shadow of war in the region ... "Dear brothers and sisters today Trump is acting crazy to gain concessions through this method." The ramping up of tension could put the two countries on a collision course in the Gulf where clashes have only been narrowly avoided in recent months. Small boats from the Revolutionary Guards' navy veered close to U.S. naval vessels in the Gulf at least twice this year, prompting the U.S. military to fire warning shots and flares. In August, an unarmed Iranian drone came within 100 feet (31 meters) of a U.S. Navy warplane, risking a crash, according to a U.S. official. Some recent naval showdowns between Iran and the United States took place near the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway where up to 30 percent of global oil exports pass annually. During the presidential campaign last September, Trump vowed that any Iranian vessels that harassed the U.S. Navy in the Gulf would be "shot out of the water". POTENTIAL FLASHPOINT The Guards could also target U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria through tens of thousands of loyal Shi'ite militia fighters without directly acknowledging a role in any attacks. "The IRGC can claim ignorance of Shi'ite militia attacks against the U.S. military," said Ali Alfoneh, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council who has done extensive research on the Guards. In early October, an American soldier was killed in Iraq by an explosively formed penetrator, or EFP, a type of roadside bomb which was often used by Iran's Shi'ite militia proxies in Iraq, according to the U.S. military. "This is the first time that we've seen it used in this area," U.S. Army Colonel Ryan Dillon, a coalition spokesman, said. Dillon said the U.S. military has not yet concluded who carried out the attack. Dozens of American soldiers in Iraq were killed and injured by EFPs used by militia groups linked to Iran after the 2003 invasion of Iraq by U.S. forces, according to the U.S. military. Asked about the threat posed by Shi'ite militias allied with Iran in Iraq and Syria, particularly after Trump's speech, Dillon said: "We're always assessing the threats no matter where they come from. During certain announcements or certain dates or when certain events happen, we make proper adjustments." Trump's new plan, observers say, will also weaken a group that had made progress in curbing the Guards' political and economic ambitions in recent years: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and the pragmatist politicians in his cabinet. Since becoming president in 2013, Rouhani and members of his cabinet repeatedly pushed back against the Guards' economic influence and involvement in political matters. Now, Rouhani's push against the Guards has been tempered because of the hardening in Trump's approach to Tehran, regional observers said. "What this has done is that even those who were critics are now defending the Revolutionary Guards," said Nasser Hadian-Jazy, a political science professor at Tehran University. (Reporting By Babak Dehghanpisheh and additional reporting by Maher Chmaytelli in Erbil, editing by Nick Tattersall and Peter Millership) Kenneka Jenkins Death Scene Photos Are 'Indecent,' Lawyer Says By Emma G. Gallegos in News on Oct 20, 2017 8:11PM Kenneka Jenkins / Facebook The lawyers for the family of Kenneka Jenkins said that police photos of the 19-year-old at the scene of her death in a hotel freezer raise more questions about her death. Rosemont police said that they plan to release photos of Jenkins today, but they already released some particularly sensitive photos to the family yesterday, according to the Sun-Times. Family attorney Larry Rogers Jr. described them as "of a personal, private and indecent nature." "Frankly, the photos depicting how Jenkins was found raise more questions about what happened to her than they answer," said Rogers, in a statement after seeing those photos. "The pictures are graphic and disturbing images and inexplicably show portions of her body exposed." According to a Rosemont police report, Jenkins was found with the jeans and jean jacket that she had on in surveillance videos from the Crown Plaza Hotel. But when her body was discovered in the hotel freezer, the shirt underneath her jacket "was pulled up exposing her breasts." She was lying on her side, face down, with her right shoe off and a small cut on her foot. Her death was ruled an accident by hypothermia by the Cook County medical examiner, and police have tried to tamp down rumors that foul play was involved. By Jonathan Saul and Tom Arnold LONDON/DUBAI, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Qatar's diplomatic crisis is holding up the sale of a shipping company it part owns, one of the latest signs of an emerging corporate fall-out that Doha is facing after Arab countries cut relations in June, sources familiar with the matter said. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed diplomatic, trade and transport ties with Qatar in June, accusing it of supporting terrorism - a charge Doha denies. The dispute has hit Qatar's financial sector, with banks in neighbouring Arab states withdrawing billions of dollars from Qatari lenders. Now there are signs that deal-making in the region is also running into difficulties. Qatar was the biggest shareholder in Gulf container line United Arab Shipping Company (UASC), followed by Saudi Arabia. UASC merged with Germany's Hapag Lloyd in May, to create the world's fifth biggest container group. Dubai-based United Arab Chemical Carriers (UACC) - in which UASC held the biggest stake - was to be sold as part of the terms of the merger. But four finance sources say the cut in trade ties between Qatar and Saudi Arabia is holding up the sale of UACC, which is estimated to have a company valuation of $200 million. For Qatar, the sale of UACC is the responsibility of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). But for any sale to go ahead, the UACC board would need to discuss the matter together with Saudi partners, and that is not happening, the sources said. "The sale of UACC is now in the hands of QIA," one source said. "There is no indication of any movement towards a sale as there is no dialogue between the Qataris and the Saudis." Another source added: "Until the sale is done, UACC cannot start on any new projects or buy any new ships. At the moment, everything is on hold and the focus (for UACC) is on cost savings." NO INTEREST Two possible buyers who emerged before the diplomatic crisis have since shown no interest. No other buyers are in sight, the sources said. Qatar holds 14.4 percent in the merged Hapag Lloyd group via QIA's subsidiary Qatar Holding Germany, while Saudi Arabia, through its Public Investment Fund (PIF), has a 10.1 percent stake, Hapag Lloyd filings show. PIF did not respond to requests for comment, while QIA, UACC and UASC all declined to comment. It was not possible to determine the exact shareholdings in privately-held UACC that are controlled by Qatar and Saudi Arabia. A Hapag Lloyd spokesman said: "The UACC sales process is in the hands of the Qataris and the Saudis and was already agreed in the business combination agreement." The spokesman said that under the terms of the merger the sale of UACC should be finalised by December 2018 with the proceeds going to Hapag Lloyd. The finance sources said for now Qatar was stuck with UACC, which will mean tying up capital until it can find a buyer. "There is no sense that the Saudis are involved at the moment, leaving Qatar to have to deal with it," the first source said. The sources said there was no clear sense of when a sale could be completed given the diplomatic standoff. Kuwaiti and U.S. attempts to ease the row have yielded little progress. Completion of the merger between Hapag Lloyd and UASC had been held up for months until funding snags were overcome and the deal was completed, which also slowed the sales process for UACC, sources said. Proceeds from the sale of UACC were meant to have been used to pay down some of Hapag Lloyd's debt. TOUGHER MARKET The sources said efforts to sell UACC were also complicated by weak conditions in the chemical tanker market. In May, sources told Reuters that Gulf-based bidders had emerged for UACC, but no sale resulted. At the time, potential suitors included Saudi shipping company Bahri and national shipping and logistics group Qatar Navigation, also known as Milaha. Asked last month if Milaha could be interested in acquiring UACC, the company's president and chief executive, Abdulrahman Essa al-Mannai, declined to comment on specific deals. "We continue to pursue the right investments that will help us realise our long-term plan," Mannai told Reuters. Hisham al-Nughaimish, vice president, commercial and operations of oil business with Bahri, said last month, "to my knowledge, we are not interested". In other signs of the corporate impact of the rift, sources told Reuters last month that Qatars Doha Bank had cut around 10 jobs in the UAE and planned to put some staff in the region on unpaid leave. Qatar Insurance said last month it was closing its branch in Abu Dhabi because it could not to renew its business licence due to the crisis. In August, Milaha said it was shifting its regional trans-shipment hub from Dubai to the Omani port of Sohar. (Additional reporting by Alexander Cornwell in Doha, Reem Shamseddine in Riyadh and Arno Schuetze in Frankfurt; editing by Giles Elgood) By Ayman al-Warfalli BENGHAZI, Libya, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Authorities in eastern Libya will circulate their own coins for the first time to ease shortages of money, a central bank official said on Friday, in another sign of disunity in the country that has two rival governments in east and west. The new coins, made in Russia, will join Russian-made paper currency that has already been issued in the eastern half of the country, which is outside the control of the U.N. recognised government based in Tripoli in the west. Libya, once one of the richest countries in Africa, has faced a sharp decline in living standards since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising toppled dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The two rival governments and an array of armed groups are vying for control. While the U.N.-backed government in Tripoli has struggled to control territory and make an impact, the east of the country has a separate cabinet with a prime minister and a local branch of the central bank. The new coins worth one Libyan dinar - about 75 U.S. cents at the official rate but less than 12 cents on the black market - would be valid from Nov. 2, replacing banknotes that are mostly worn out, said Ramzi al-Agha, head of the liquidity committee at the eastern central bank branch. The coins are copper coloured, weigh slightly more than a two-euro coin or a new British pound and feature a picture of a plant native to eastern Libya's Green Mountains, with the words "Central Bank of Libya". The shipment of coins had arrived via the port in the main eastern city of Benghazi which authorities just reopened after a three-year closure due to fighting. Libya's economy has deteriorated rapidly in recent years as conflict and anarchy have hit oil exports that provide nearly all its income. People queue at banks to get banknotes which are in short supply while living standards plummet and prices surge. The central bank offices in Tripoli in the west and Bayda in the east both say they are acting neutrally to relieve the crisis. The bank headquarters in Tripoli has in the past criticised the issuance of bank notes in the east. Nobody was available for comment at the Tripoli bank on Friday, a holiday in Libya. (Reporting by Ayman al-Warfalli; writing by Ulf Laessing; editing by Peter Graff) By Hamid Shalizi KABUL, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Suicide bombers attacked two mosques in Afghanistan on Friday, killing at least 72 people including children, officials and witnesses said. One bomber walked into a Shi'ite Muslim mosque in the capital Kabul as people were praying on Friday night and detonated an explosive, one of the worshippers there, Mahmood Shah Husaini, said. At least 39 people died in the blast at the Imam Zaman mosque in the city's western Dasht-e-Barchi district, interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, but a statement from the group did not provide evidence to support its claim. Shi'ite Muslims have suffered a series of attacks in Afghanistan in recent months, many of them claimed by the Sunni Muslim militants of IS. Separately, a suicide bombing killed at least 33 people at a mosque in central Ghor province, a police spokesman said. The attack appeared to target a local leader from the Jamiat political party, according to a statement from Balkh provincial governor Atta Mohammad Noor, a leading figure in Jamiat. No one immediately claimed responsibility. (Additional reporting by Jalil Ahmad Rezaee in Herat; Writing by Josh Smith; Editing by Catherine Evans and Andrew Heavens) A floor mosaic from one of Roman Emperor Caligula's opulent private ships, which was stolen after World War II, is on its way back to Italy from the United States where it has been recovered from a private collection. A floor mosaic from Roman Emperor Caligula's opulent private ship, which was stolen after World War II, is on its way back to Italy from the United States The first century AD marble, serpentine and porphyry mosaic came from one of Caligula's ceremonial vessels, which was found at the bottom of Lake Nemi, near Rome, in the 1930s. The artifact, stolen from Italy's Roman Ship Museum after the war, was seized by the New York district attorney's office from the collection of Helen Fioratti. She and husband, Italian journalist Nereo Fioratti, purchased the piece more than 45-years-ago from an aristocratic family that lived on the lake. 'They thought they owned it. We thought they owned it. Everyone thought they owned it,' she said to NBC News of the confusion of ownership. While it was unknown to the woman how much they paid for the piece, they assume that it cost them thousands of dollars and was a 'completely innocent' purchase. The Italian military police's Art Recovery Unit was responsible for seizing the ship piece, and Fioratti believes a recent magazine feature is what alerted authorities to its whereabouts. The first century AD marble, serpentine and porphyry mosaic came from one of his ceremonial vessels, which was found at the bottom of Lake Nemi, near Rome. The artifact, stolen from Italy's Roman Ship Museum after the war, was seized by the New York district attorney's office from the collection of Helen Fioratti 'We had our apartment featured a long time ago in Architectural Digest and I'm sure there was a photograph of the table in front of the sofa,' she added. The piece was ceremonially returned to the Italian government based in New York. 'The United States have today given back to Italy several archaeological treasures that came from clandestine digs or thefts in our country,' Culture Minister Dario Franceschini told a news conference in New York on Friday. 'The United States have today given back to Italy several archaeological treasures that came from clandestine digs or thefts in our country,' Culture Minister Dario Franceschini told a news conference in New York on Friday 'They will all be returned to the places from where the criminals took them,' he said. According to the Manhattan district attorney's office, no criminal charges have been filed against Fioratti. Among other Roman-era items recovered was a vase from the Puglia region dating to around 350 BC, which found its way to the New York Metropolitan Museum, and two amphorae from the 4th or 5th century BC. The vase was taken from an illegal dig in the 1980s. The artifacts presented at the news conference also included Roman coins, books and manuscripts. Caligula, whose real name was Gaius Julius Caesar, was emperor between AD 37 and AD 41. Historical accounts describe him as an insane, violent and sadistic man who ordered killings at a whim. Legend has it that he planned to make his horse Incitatus a consul. The tile is believed to be part of one of two of the emperor's lavish ships. The tile is believed to be part of one of two of the emperor's lavish ships. Over 230ft long and 65ft wide, the ships had difficulty navigating through the volcanic waters of Lake Nemi and would eventually sink there The marble flooring was found during excavations between 1928 and 1932 Following WWII and the end of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, it is believed the tiles were looted from the museum they were housed in and eventually made their way back to the aristocratic family on Lake Nemi Referred to as 'floating palaces' by the Museum of Roman Ships - home to pieces of the ships - the boats were said to be home to parties that took place over several days. Over 230ft long and 65ft wide, the ships had difficulty navigating through the volcanic waters of Lake Nemi and would eventually sink there. The marble flooring was found during excavations between 1928 and 1932. Following WWII and the end of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, it is believed the tiles were looted from the museum they were housed in. And for Fioratti, the idea of people not being as interested in the piece as they were when it was in her home, was too much for the dealer to bear. 'I don't know if anyone is going to see it as much as they did in my place. I had people who were interested in antiquities admiring it in my home all the time. Now it will be in a museum with a lot of other things,' she added. By Michael Georgy and Ahmed Rasheed SULAIMANIA/BAGHDAD, Oct 20 (Reuters) - A senior Iranian military commander repeatedly warned Kurdish leaders in northern Iraq to withdraw from the oil city of Kirkuk or face an onslaught by Iraqi forces and allied Iranian-backed fighters, Kurdish officials briefed on the meetings said. Major-General Qassem Soleimani, commander of foreign operations for Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, travelled to Iraq's Kurdistan region to meet Kurdish leaders at least three times this month before the Baghdad government's lightning campaign to recapture territory across the north. The presence of Soleimani on the frontlines highlights Tehran's heavy sway over policy in Iraq, and comes as Shi'ite Iran seeks to win a proxy war in the Middle East with its regional rival and U.S. ally, Sunni Saudi Arabia. Soleimani met leaders from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), one of the two main Kurdish political parties in northern Iraq, in the city of Sulaimania the day before Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi ordered his forces to advance on Kirkuk, according to a PUK lawmaker briefed on the meeting. His message was clear: withdraw or risk losing Tehran as a strategic ally. "Abadi has all the regional powers and the West behind him and nothing will stop him from forcing you to return back to the mountains if he decides so," the lawmaker quoted Soleimani as telling the PUK leadership. The Iranian general evoked late Iraqi president Saddam Husseins massive attack on a Kurdish rebellion in 1991, when almost the entire Kurdish population fled northern Iraq to the mountains, the PUK lawmaker said. "Soleimani's visit ... was to give a last-minute chance for the decision-makers not to commit a fatal mistake," said the lawmaker, who like others interviewed in this story declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue. Commanders of the Iraqi Kurdish forces, known as the Peshmerga, have accused Iran of orchestrating the Shi'ite-led Iraqi central government's push into areas under their control, a charge senior Iranian officials have denied. But Iran has made no secret of its presence in Iraq. "Tehran's military help is not a secret anymore. You can find General Soleimani's pictures in Iraq everywhere," said an official close to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. "Now, beside political issues, Kirkuk's oil is a very key element for Iran, which is an OPEC member. Control of those oil fields by Iran's enemies would be disastrous for us. Why should we let them enter the oil market?." "THERE WILL BE CONFLICT" Kirkuk fell to Iraqi government forces on Monday. Their offensive followed a referendum last month in which the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region voted to secede from Iraq against Baghdad's wishes. Kurds have sought an independent state for almost a century, after colonial powers divided up the Middle East after the fall of the Ottoman Empire and left Kurdish-populated territory split between Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria. But Iraq's two main Kurdish parties have been at odds over both the referendum and the approach to the crisis in Kirkuk, which the Kurds consider to be the heart of their homeland. The PUK, a close ally of Iran, accused its rival, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), of putting the Kurds at risk of military intervention and isolation by pushing hard for the vote, which won wide approval for independence. Soleimani has been allied to the PUK for years, but the referendum has drawn him even closer to Kurdish politics and expanded Iran's reach in Iraq beyond the Baghdad government. The Iranian general is no stranger to conflicts in Iraq, which fought an eight-year war with Iran in the 1980s. He has often been seen in footage from the frontlines, and Iran has long helped Baghdad to carry out its military strategy through paramilitary Shi'ite militias which it funds and arms. Before the referendum, Soleimani suggested to Kurdish leaders that holding a vote on secession -- which Iran feared would encourage its own Kurdish population to agitate for greater autonomy -- would be risky. "The Iranians were very clear. They have been very clear that there will be conflict, that these territories will be lost," said one prominent Iraqi Kurdish politician who met Soleimani ahead of the Sept. 25 referendum. On Oct. 6, barely a week after the vote, Soleimani attended the funeral of PUK leader Jalal Talabani. Again, he wanted to make sure even his closest Kurdish allies understood the dangers of not withdrawing from Kirkuk, officials said. A senior Iranian diplomat in Iraq and an official in Iran close to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's office said Soleimani met with Kurdish leaders after Talibani's funeral and urged them to withdraw from Kirkuk and in exchange Tehran would protect their interests. Soleimani met with one of Talabani's sons, Bafel, a few days after his father was buried, one of the PUK officials said. "Soleimani said Abadi should be taken very seriously. You should understand this," the official said. An Iranian source in Iraq said Soleimani was in Kirkuk two nights before the Iraqi government offensive for "a couple of hours to give military guidance." Iraqi intelligence sources said Tehran sent a clear signal to the PUK. "We understand from our sources on the ground that neighbouring Iran played a decisive role in making the PUK chose the right course with Baghdad," one Iraqi intelligence official told Reuters. KURDISH DIVISIONS Tensions over the referendum and Kirkuk have deepened divisions between the two main political parties in northern Iraq. The KDP accused the PUK of betraying the Kurdish cause by capitulating to Iran and striking a deal to withdraw. "The Talabani clan were behind the offensive on Kirkuk. They asked Qassem (Soleimani) for help and his troops were there on the ground," said a source close to Massoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Regional Government and head of the KDP. "It is becoming clear that Iran is directing the operations to destroy the KDP." The PUK strongly denies this. Talabani's son Bafel accused the KDP of missing a zero-hour chance to avoid losing Kirkuk by failing to reach a deal over a military base which Iraqi government forces had demanded to take back. "Unfortunately we reacted too slowly. And we find ourselves where we are today," Bafel told Reuters. Two other Kurdish political sources gave a similar account. Iran and Soleimani offered early assistance to northern Iraq's Kurds in the fight against Islamic State, a rallying point for the Kurdish community. But after the devastating loss of Kirkuk, Iraqi Kurds have been left disillusioned. "They (both PUK and KDP leaders) just make decisions on their own and play with peoples lives. In the end, we pay the price," said pensioner Abdullah Ahmed in Sulaimania. "This is a disaster for everyone. Everyone was united against Daesh (Islamic State). Now they are back just looking out for themselves." (Additional reporting by Dmitry Zhdannikov in London and Parisa Hafezi in Ankara; Editing by Nick Tattersall) By John Irish and Yara Bayoumy PARIS/WASHINGTON, Oct 20 (Reuters) - The United States must step up its support for a planned African force to fight Islamist militants in West Africa otherwise it could fail, leaving French troops to carry the burden alone, France's defence minister said on Friday. France intervened in Mali to ward off an offensive by Islamist militants that began in 2012 and 4,000 of its troops remain in the region as part of Operation Barkhane where they work alongside 10,000 U.N. peacekeepers in Mali. France and West African countries are pushing for the creation of a regional force known as the G5 Sahel. Washington provides bilateral assistance, intelligence and training for regional security operations, but it is cool towards the African force and has pushed back against U.N. support for it. "In the Sahel, France is deploying in a high-intensity environment, with tremendous support from the United States. We are immensely grateful for that support," Parly said in a speech at a Washington think tank monitored in Paris. "But much more needs to be done. We can't be, and don't want to be, the praetorian (guards) of sovereign African countries. They must be made able to defeat terror on their own," she said during a visit for meetings with her American counterpart James Mattis and White House National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster. "I would be happy if you could help spread the word in the Beltway," she said in a reference to the U.S. government. Parly said the G5 Sahel force was meant to bolster the security capacity of Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali and Mauritania, which are all former French colonies. French officials see the success of the G5 Sahel as a long-term exit strategy for Paris. For decades, France has mounted military operations in its former African colonies but in recent years it has looked to spread the cost. Until now the G5 force has only received a quarter of its estimated 423 million euro budget, according to a report by the U.N. Secretary General, who said financing the operation would "remain a significant challenge" for several years. "It will start its first operations soon. It needs support. The U.N. wants to give support. I hope everyone can become convinced that a robust U.N. assistance is necessary," Parly said. French defence officials say they expect the first G5 patrols to begin this month and hope that will provide momentum ahead of a donor conference in December. Parly said that militants could flourish if financial backing for the G5 was not forthcoming. Her visit also aimed to ascertain the political fallout from an ambush in Niger in early October that saw four U.S. special forces soldiers killed by jihadists. U.S. troops called in French fighter jets for air support and French helicopters to evacuate several wounded soldiers. (Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg) CAIRO, Oct 20 (Reuters) - At least sixteen police officers were killed in a shoot-out during a raid on a suspected militant hideout in Egypt's Western desert, two security sources said on Friday. The sources said authorities were following a lead to an apartment thought to house eight suspected members of Hasm, a group which has claimed several attacks around the capital targeting judges and policemen since last year. The number of dead was expected to rise, the sources said. The suspected militants tried to flee after the exchange of fire there, the sources said, and continued to fire at a second security unit called in for backup from atop neighboring buildings. The sources said the suspected militants also used explosive devices in the attack. Two security sources said 8 security personnel were injured in the clashes, while another source said that four of the injured were police officers and four others were suspected militants. Egypt accuses Hasm of being a militant wing of the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist group it outlawed in 2013. The Muslim Brotherhood denies this. An Islamist insurgency in the Sinai peninsula has grown since the military overthrew President Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood in mid-2013 following mass protests against his rule. The militant group staging the insurgency pledged allegiance to Islamic State in 2014. It is blamed for the killing of hundreds of soldiers and policemen and has started to target other areas, including Egypt's Christian Copts. (Reporting by Ahmed Mohamed Hassan; Writing by Nadine Awadalla; Editing by Toby Chopra) By John Lloyd Oct 20 (Reuters) - In the Oct. 15 Austrian elections, the 31-year old head of the conservative Austrian Peoples Party took his formerly languishing party to victory and secured the chancellorship for himself. Sebastian Kurz is on course to be the youngest leader in the developed world. His first big decision will be whether or not to form a coalition with the far-right Freedom Party, which came in a virtual tie for second place with the center-left Social Democrats. Kurz said in post-election interviews that his government would be "pro-European" and intolerant of any anti-Semitism, with which the Freedom Party has been strongly associated - though now softened by its present leader, Heinz-Christian Strache, who has shifted from general xenophobia to a focus on opposing Muslim migration. Kurz wants stronger borders and drastic reductions in immigration. He agrees with Strache that "several hundred people have made their way from Austria to fight and murder for the Islamic State ... (there is) no place for radical thought and political Islam." Kurzs win is remarkable for his youth and his refurbishment of a fading party, but its in tune with the rest of a rising anti-European Union mood in Middle Europe. That mood is likely to be strengthened in the outcome of this weekends elections in the Czech Republic. There the ANO ("Yes") center-right party is the likely winner. Its leader, the billionaire industrialist and media owner Andrej Babis, 63, would be the natural choice as prime minister - assuming that legal action threatened against him doesnt halt his rise. At a conference in Prague last month in which I participated, Babis said that "Europe is failing on security" and that, if the 17 countries using the euro (the Czechs do not) integrate further - "we will be out. We do not need further integration." Babis knows his fellow citizens: only small minorities are enthusiastic Europeans, or wish their country to join the common currency zone. A swing against the European Union was not what the end of communism in the region was supposed to ordain. The Czech Republic, like the other former Communist states, sloughed off the Soviet yoke in the late 1980s with an affirmation of freedom. In Czechoslovakia (as it then was), the stubborn dissident writer Vaclav Havel invoked "the power of the powerless" - and in 1989, a few years after being released from powerless detention in prison, won power as president of his country. Havel saw the central European states as returning to their natural European home, after decades of icy post-war imprisonment in the Soviet bloc. But that home has become one of disputes and mutual disappointment, not of amity. Freedom from communism has, indeed, meant the creation of electoral democracy, of varying degrees of strength and transparency. But its also meant corruption in politics and business - bribery was pervasive in the Communist era, but relatively small scale compared to today - periods of high unemployment, a growing suspicion of the European Union as an alien force (though a careful retention of its subsidies) and a strong dislike of immigration, which has meant closed borders and a refusal to participate in the EUs migrant resettlement program. In the Czech Republic, a new ferociously anti-immigrant and anti-Islam party, headed by Tomio Okamura, a citizen of half-Czech and half Korean-Japanese ancestry has leapt to fourth place in the opinion polls. Central Europe is now deeply and popularly conservative. Austria, geographically part of it even if it escaped the Soviet embrace, is now more politically in tune with its neighborhood than it has ever been. Indeed Kurz spoke in a Financial Times interview of his wish, if and when chancellor, to be a "bridge" between the post-communist states and the EU - while sharing many of the formers concerns. Building that bridge is going to be a tough job. The countries in which Havel placed so much importance as an enthusiastic addition to Europe - the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia - no longer find much common ground, except in agreeing to keep out immigrants. Babis says the group, known as the Visegrad Four, is no longer useful. All of its member states have become more closed and hostile to the EU, but in different ways. Poland differs most strongly in one sense: in a generally pro- Moscow grouping, it is unremittingly hostile to Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom Jaroslaw Kaczynski, head of the ruling Law and Justice Party, blames for the death of his brother Lech, with other members of the Polish elite, in a plane crash in Russia. Under Kaczynskis guidance, the Polish government has sought ever-greater control over the justice system and the media, all the while attacking liberal institutions and framing the EU as an external and unwelcome influence which must be defied. Hungary, with the authoritarian Viktor Orban at the head of a rightist government, combines strong antagonism to the EU, a close relationship with Vladimir Putins Russia and a paranoia which has given rise to a clamorous campaign with anti-Semitic undertones centered on the figure of the liberal, Jewish Hungarian-born billionaire George Soros, who funded many of the institutions and rising politicians in post-Soviet Hungary - including Orban himself. Soros largest contribution, the creation of the highly regarded Central European University, is now under threat of closure. The veteran Hungarian-Austrian journalist Paul Lendvai, author of a new, fiercely critical biography of Orban, told me that the Hungarian prime minister "is deeply cynical and very skillful. He has imposed his power everywhere. The left is split and demoralized; the only opposition he fears is from Jobbik" - a far-right anti-Semitic, anti-immigrant, anti-Romany party that is now, like the Austrian Freedom Party, softening its image to seek a possible future place in a coalition. The Middle Europeans have, in part, done what the democratic world urged them to do: they have developed an independent politics. But increasingly, their dominant political sentiment is antithetical to, even contemptuous of, the liberal, pro-integrationist ideals of the European Union. These ideals, which Havel would have recognized, are now best expressed by President Emmanuel Macron of France. But, as German Chancellor Angela Merkel, once the EUs undisputed leading actor, begins what is billed as a long negotiation to form a governing coalition after her failure to win an outright majority in Germanys recent election, she can no longer offer the Frenchman the support on which he counted. The EU is now caught between a Brexit-ing Britain - with which negotiations are not going well - and an increasingly disenchanted group of Middle Europeans. The relief with which the defeat of the far-right in France and the Netherlands was greeted earlier this year was premature. A determination to close borders, to oppose more powers for Brussels and reluctance to accept its authority grows and spreads - and renders the European dream of unity, for the moment, impossible. (Reporting by John Lloyd) Armed militants killed at least 30 policemen in a shootout during a raid on a suspected militant hideout in Egypt's Western desert, security sources said on Friday. Suspected militants were also killed and security forces are combing the area, a statement by the Interior Ministry said. Egypt is facing an Islamist insurgency concentrated in the Sinai peninsula from two main groups, including an Islamic State affiliate, that has killed hundreds of security forces since 2013. Armed militants killed at least 30 policemen in a shootout during a raid on a suspected militant hideout in Egypt's Western desert (stock image) Islamist militants have launched several major attacks, most recently targeting churches in Cairo and other cities with the loss of dozens of lives. The security sources said authorities were following a lead to a hideout deep in the desert thought to house eight suspected members of Hasm, a group which has claimed several attacks around the capital targeting judges and police since last year. A convoy of four SUVs and one interior ministry vehicle was ambushed from higher ground by militants firing rocket-propelled grenades and detonating explosive devices, a senior source in the Giza Security Office said. The number of dead was expected to rise, two security sources said. Two security sources said eight security personnel were injured in the clashes, while another source said that four of the injured were police and four others suspected militants. Suspected militants were also killed and security forces are combing the area, a statement by the Interior Ministry said (stock image) Egypt accuses Hasm of being the militant wing of the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist group it outlawed in 2013. The Muslim Brotherhood denies this. The Islamist insurgency in the Sinai peninsula has grown since the military overthrew President Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood in mid-2013 following mass protests against his rule. The militant group staging the insurgency pledged allegiance to Islamic State in 2014. It is blamed for the killing of hundreds of soldiers and policemen and has started to target other areas, including Egypt's Christian Copts. By D.B.S. Jeyaraj President Maithripala Sirisena held successive discussions with two Tamil delegations in Colombo on Thursday (19) on the issue of Tamils detained in various prisons under the Prevention of Terrorism Act(PTA) in general and the hunger strike undertaken by three such detainees at the Anuradhapura Prison in particular. The focus at both discussions was more on the situation regarding the three prisoners on hunger strike as much as concern expressed with regard to their physical condition. Three Tamil men, 30-year-old Mathiyarasan Sulakshan from Karanavaai, 40-yr-old Rasathurai Thiruvarul from Velanai and 28 year old Ganeshan Tharshan from Nawalapitiya who were detained at the Anuradhapura Prison commenced a hunger strike on September 25. They were all former members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). All three had been indicted in the Vavuniya High Court but the Attorney-General had suddenly transferred the case to the Anuradhapura High Court. Thiruvarul, Sulakshan and Tharshan embarked on a hunger strike demanding that their case be transferred back to the Vavuniya High Court. Their physical condition began deteriorating as a result of the strike. On Sept. 29 Ganeshan Tharshan was taken to the Apura prison hospital. Then on October 5 Mathiyarasan Sulakshan and Rasathurai Thiruvarul were warded there as well. On Oct. 9 all three were transferred to the Anuradhapura General Hospital as their health had deteriorated drastically, so much so that on October 15 the trio were transferred to the Intensive Care Unit(ICU) of the hospital. Unconfirmed reports say the three have been brought back to the Anuradhapura prison hospital now and are in a stable condition. President Sirisenas first meeting at 12 noon was with family members of the three prisoners on hunger strike. Rasathurai Thiruvaruls wife, Mathiyarasan Sulakshans mother and aunt, Ganeshan Tharshans mother and brother were among the relatives who met the President. Sulakshans sister Krishanthy a first year student at the Jaffna Varsity was not part of this delegation as she was a member of the Jaffna varsity student group which also met the President on the same day. The family member group was accompanied by two members of the Tamil Eelam Liberation Organization(TELO). One was ex-Jaffna district MP and present Northern Provincial councillor M.K Sivajilingam. The other was former Batticaloa district MP and ex-Eastern Provincial Councillor Govinthan Karunakaram. Northern Governor Reginald Cooray The Presidents meeting with family members of the prisoners who were on a hunger strike was arranged by Northern Province Governor Reginald Cooray on a request made by Sivajilingam. Governor Cooray was also present at the meeting. Among others present at the meeting were Law and Order Minister Sagala Ratnayake, Rehabilitation and Prisons Reform Minister D.M.Swaminathan, State Minister for Defence Ruwan Wijewardene, Deputy Minister of Justice and Buddha Sasana Sarathie Dushmantha, Defence Secretary Kapila Waidyaratne, Secretary to the President Austin Fernando and key officials from the Attorney-Generals Department. The second meeting the President had was with the Jaffna Varsity students and it started at 1.30 p.m. It was also facilitated by Northern Province Governor Reginald Cooray, who was also present. The same set of ministers, deputy ministers and key officials who were present at the earlier meeting took part in this one too. The Varsity delegation was led by the Jaffna University Students Union (JUSU) president Krishnameenan and its Secretary Jackson. Sulakshans sister Krishanthy was also part of the group. Earlier the Jaffna Varsity Arts Faculty had launched a fast unto death campaign unilaterally. However the JUSU stepped in and got it deferred. According to informed sources President Sirisena had listened to representations made by the two delegations with great empathy. He also listened with interest to requests made about releasing all the prisoners under an amnesty.However, he seemed troubled and offended at one point when the outspoken Sivajilingam reportedly said People are saying if Mahinda Rajapaksa could release 12,000 ex-tigers why cant Maithripala Sirisena release a hundred ex - tigers? The President however assured these delegations that he would arrive at a concrete decision regarding the case involving the three ex-LTTE cadres next week. He said that both Justice Minister Thalatha Atukorale and Attorney-General Jayantha Jayasuriya were out of the country and were scheduled to return only on Monday (23). He said he would discuss the matter in detail with them first and thereafter with the Cabinet of ministers before giving his decision. President Sirisena said he would take a positive decision by Wednesday (25). When family members said that the condition of the prisoners on a hunger strike could worsen and could end in a fatality, the President assured them saying nothing of that sort would happen. The President told family members that he had instructed prison and hospital authorities in Anuradhapura to ensure that the condition of the three prisoners who were engaged in the fast does not deteriorate to a life-threatening level. Complicated and Controversial Matter The case concerning Rasathurai Thiruvarul, Mathiarasan Sulakshan and Ganeshan Tharshan is a complicated and controversial matter. In order to understand its complex ramifications a brief re-run into some of the war related events of 2009 is required. The LTTE during its long war with the Sri Lankan armed forces had at times been able to capture alive members of the Police ,Army.Navy and Air Force. A contingent of such defence services personnel were kept as prisoners by the Tigers in the Thiruvaiyaaru area of Kilinochchi in 2008. When the battle for Kilinochchi was raging and the army began edging closer, the LTTE shifted the prisoners further north to Murasumottai near Paranthan. Though the army tried very hard to reach Kilinochchi town the LTTE with its trench and bund defensive strategy managed to hold them off for many months. However the situation changed dramatically when the 58 division led by Gen. Shavendra Silva advanced from west to east along the Poonagary- Paranthan road axis and reached Paranthan on December 31st 2008. With the fall of Paranthan the LTTE had to move out of Kilinochchi which was seized by the Army on Jan 2nd 2009. Likewise the LTTE had to withdraw from the Kilaly - Muhamalai-Nagarkovil defence line within the Jaffna peninsula also. This led to the re-taking of Elephant pass by the armed forces on Jan 7th 2009. This dramatic reversal of the military balance in January 2009 compelled the LTTE to retreat hastily from the Kilinochchi regions into the North - eastern Mullaitheevu districts littoral and hinterland regions. The defence services members incarcerated by the tigers as Prisoners of war were also relocated into Mullaitheevu district. The prisoners comprising Eighteen persons from the Navy and Eight from the Army were moved to a tiger base in a place called Vannipunam in the Vallipuram Grama Sevaka division within the Puthukkudiyiruppu AGA division of Mullaitheevu district. It was in Vallipunam that 61 schoolgirls were killed on August 14th 2006 in aerial bombardment. The schoolgirls between 14 to 18 had been forced by the LTTE to attend a first aid training camp at Vallipunam. The Govt maintained that the Air Force had bombed a LTTE training camp. The rapid advances made by the 58 and 53 divisions from different directions towards the Devipuram area in Puthukkudiyiruppu made the Vallipunam tiger base quite vulnerable.The LTTE therefore decided to vacate Vallipunam and withdraw further. The question of the Navy and Army prisoners loomed large. It was then that the dreaded LTTE intelligence chief Shanmugalingam Sivashanker alias Pottu Ammaan issued the order to execute the prisoners detained at Vallipunam. The captured navy and army personnel were under the authority of the LTTE intelligence division. Incidently the beleaguered LTTE also killed or forced to commit suicide, several seriously injured tiger cadres in those times because they could not provide adequate medical treatment. Likewise transporting and detaining the defence personnel captives was also a problem for the retreating Tigers.Thus 26 prisoners comprising 18 Navy and 8 Army personnel were executed in cold blood in Vallipunam. Their bodies were dumped in a pit and set on fire.Later it was filled with sand. This had reportedly happened on January 16th 2009. LTTE Intelligence Chief Pottu Ammaan The Tamil prisoners on a hunger strike are allegedly part of the LTTE squad which detained the 18 Navy and 8 Army personnel as prisoners and then executed then in cold blood on the orders of Pottu Ammaan. (The LTTE intelligence chief reportedly killed himself on May 18th 2009 in Mullivaaikkaal but his body was not found). Protracted investigations by various intelligence organs of the State as well as probes by the Police Terrorism Investigation Division(TID) have reportedly uncovered information of the trios alleged complicity in the killings. Furthermore it is said that Sulakshan, Thiruvarul and Tharshan have also tendered confessions to a magistrate while in custody. In addition three other ex-LTTE members with first hand knowledge of the incident have agreed to become state witnesses. It is on the basis of all these that the Attorney - General has seen it fit to indict the three for the alleged murder and for allegedly aiding and abetting the murder of 18 Navy and 8 Army personnel on or about the 16th of January 2009. Rasathurai Thiruvarul, Mathiyarasan Sulakshan and Ganeshan Tharshan surrendered to the army in May 2009 and were initially detained at Omanthai. Thereafter they were reportedly taken to Colombo and Boosa and brought back to the North again. After intensive interrogation an indictment (2491/13)was filed at the Vavuiya High court in July 2013 against Mathiyarasan Sulakshan and Ganeshan Tharshan. Rasathurai Thiruvarul was not charged initially. Almost four years later an amended indictment was filed in June 2017. In the amended indictment Rasathurai Thiruvarul was named as first accused with Sulakshan and Tharshan as second and third accused respectively. 67 Witnesses were also listed. Most of the listed witnesses were members of the Army,Navy, Police and Prisons Dept officials. However among the witnesses listed in the indictment are three Tamil youths. According to the indictment they are Sinnarasah Ganeshkumar of Navakiri in Putur, Aarumugam Jyotheeswaran of Lindula and Vanniyasingham Sujeevan of Kumarapuram, Paranthan.All three are former members of the LTTE who were detained for some years after May 2009 and released after undergoing rehabilitation. It is believed that the testimony of these three witnesses could strengthen the prosecutions case against Thiruvarul,Sulakshan and Tharshan. The trio of Sulakshan, Thiruvarul and Tharshan have been detained for more than eight years since 2009. They were transferred to Anuradhapura jail after the Vavuniya prison riots in 2012. Their case became rather a protracted exercise after the original indictment was filed in 2013. The case was taken up many times and postponed for many reasons including lack of translated documents, unavailability of witnesses, absence of key officials etc. During this period Mathiyarasan Sulakshan engaged in several hunger strikes demanding that he be released or brought to trial. Each time the hunger strike would be ended after receiving assurances from Govt ministers,officials or Tamil political leaders. Up Country Tamil From Nawalapitiya Mathiyarasan Sulakshan and Rasathurai Thiruvarul are Jaffna Tamils while Ganeshan Tharshan is an up country Tamil hailing from Nawalapitiya in the Central province. Thiruvarul is from Ward 6 in Velanai west. Velanai is one of the Islands off Jaffna falling under the Kayts constituency. Mathiyarasan Sulakshan is from Karanavaai north in the Vadamaratchy sector of Jaffna. According to relatives Sulakshans father Arlvarpillai Mathiyarasan was a minor politician who served as an elected member of the Vadamaratchy South West Pradeshiya Sabha for many years. He passed away in 2015. Apparently Sulakshan too is highly political and possesses leadership skills. He was in the forefront of several non - violent agitations while in prison. The Tamil media in Sri Lanka and abroad has been giving much prominence to Sulakshan alone in this matter. The Police TID has since January this year been arguing that cases featuring sensitive testimonies of ex-LTTE witnesses should be heard in southern courts. In the case of Thiruvarul-Sulakshan - Tharshan witnesses did not turn up when the matter was taken up at Vavuniya on August 1st 2017. Counsel from the A-G dept then stated that the case needed to be transferred to a court in the south to enable the attendance of witnesses. The case was put off by three weeks. When the case was taken up at the Vavuniya high court in the third week of August , Sulakshan,Thiruvarul and Tharshan began a fast unto death campaign demanding that their case should be heard in Vavuniya and not transferred to another court in the South. However when the case was heard in Vavuniya before High court judge Balendra Sashi Mahendran, witnesses failed to turn up. Judge Sashi Mahendran who is highly respected in judicial circles was the chairman of the three bench trial - at - bar which heard the schoolgirl Vidya Sivaloganathan rape and murder case in Jaffna. When state counsel said that the case may have to be transferred outside Vavuniya to ensure witness attendance Judge Sashi Mahendran took positive action to remedy matters. According to Lawyer Anton Punithanayagam who has been appearing for the three suspects at the Vavuniya courts , Vavuniya High court judge B.Sashi Mahendran had said that he would not let matters drag on like this and would take steps to expedite the case. Thereafter the judge had fixed three successive days in September for the case to be heard. The dates were September26th, 27th and 28th respectively. Letters were sent out by courts to all 67 witnesses informing them that they should be present in court during those days. But what happened was that just one week before the case was to be heard again in Vavuniya , the Attorney-General Jayantha Jayasuriya transferred the case to the Anuradhapura High Courts, Anton Punithanayagam told me over the telephone.The A-G is authorised under the PTA to transfer cases from one court to another added lawyer Punithanayagam. Vavuniya High Court Judge Sashi Mahendran Sulakshan, Thiruvarul and Tharshan who started a hunger strike in August had abandoned the fast after three days upon hearing that the Vavuniya High court judge Sashi Mahendran had assured the case will be heard in full in September. But when they heard that the A-G had transferrred the case to Anuradhapura the trio launched a hunger strike again from September 25th. This move by the three has met with tremendous support from the Tamil people at large particularly the student community of Jaffna and Baticaloa varsities. Several Tamil politicians and MPs have also extended support. There is a rising tide of opinion within the Tamil community which voted overwhelmingly for President Maithripala Sirisena in the Jan 2015 polls that the Nallaatchi Arasaangam (Good Governance Govt) is not playing fair by them. So great is this sentiment that even the Tamil National alliance(TNA) boycotted the Presidents visit to Jaffna on October 13th. A protest Hartal saw the North being at a stand-still. An amusing sideshow was the unorthodox interaction between President Sirisena and a group of black flag waving protesters in Jaffna. There have been many instances in Sri Lanka where cases against members of the armed forces have been transferred out from the North and East to courts in the south. This has been done in the interests of the accused based on the principle of presumption of innocence unless or until proven guilty. In some of these cases Sinhala speaking juries have let the accused go scot free despite evidence to the contrary. In this instance the same consideration does not seem to have been extended to the accused. The case concerning Tamil speaking accused has been transferred to Anuradhapura where the language of the courts is Sinhala. This will cause many problems to the three mono lingual Tamil accused. For one thing they may find it exceedingly difficult to obtain proper legal representation. Their present lawyer Anton Punithanayagam told me over the telephone that he would not continue if the case was to be heard in Anuradhapura. Mr. Punithanayagam said that the case had been assigned to him by the Center for Human Rights and Development (CHRD) headquartered in Bambalapitiya. What is the reason for the Attorney - Generals controversial decision to transfer this particular case from Vavuniya to Anuradhapura? According to informed legal sources the A-G is very keen that justice should be done in this case as 18 Navy and 8 Army personnel have been executed in cold blood and their bodies burnt. Even though confessions have been obtained from the three accused the A - G is not sure whether they will be adequate to prove guilt beyond a shadow if doubt in a court of law. Confessions made to authorities while being detained or under interrogation are admissible under the PTA but not so in normal law. There have been precedents where judges have disregarded confessions obtained under duress and granted the benefit of the doubt to the accused. Besides the government has taken a policy decision to repeal and replace the draconian prevention of terrorism act(PTA) in due course. Evidence By Three Former Tiger Witnesses As such the A - G is relying very much on the evidence to be given by the three former tiger witnesses. According to knowledgeable legal circles the witnesses in question are extremely worried and anxious about giving evidence in open court in Vavuniya. Since this case concerns what may very well amount to a war crime committed by the tigers the potential witnesses fear for their physical safety and security if the case is heard at a court in a Tamil area. They feel that they would be safer in a court situated in a Sinhala majority area. One of the witnesses Vanniyasingham Sujeevan has left Sri Lanka already and indicated that he would be willing to return voluntarily and testify in a Sinhala area court. However exaggerated or imaginary these fears may be the sentiments cannot be discounted by the A- G. The Attorney-General needs these witnesses to testify voluntarily to clinch his case. Hence the decision to transfer the case to Anuradhapura. However sources stated that the Attorney - General would have no objection to the case being heard in Vavuniya if his key ex-LTTE witnesses are ready to give evidence there. For this guarantees of full security have been given. If the would be wtnesses accept such guarantees and are prepared to give evidence in Vavuniya the A-G too is ready to conduct the case in Vavuniya. Otherwise he will continue with the case in Anuradhapura. A source close to Mr.Jayasuriya said Jayantha is an upright, honourable lawyer with experience as a prosecutor in the International criminal tribunals of Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. He must have agonized a great deal before transferring the case to Apura. He would have done it only because he had no choice in the pursuit of justice. The indictment of Rasathurai Thiruvarul, Mathiarasan Sulakshan and Ganeshan Tharshan is a politically volatile issue. The LTTE has been implicated in a case where 26 members of the armed forces held prisoners have been executed in cold blood. This charge if proved beyond doubt would amount to a war crime Opposition Leader Rajavarothayam Sampanthan TNA leader and Leader of the Opposition Rajavarothayam Sampanthan moved an adjournment motion in Parliament on October 17th. The motion was seconded by M.A. Sumanthiran MP. Mr. Sampanthan while speaking in support of the motion took up the issue of Tamils being in prison for alleged LTTE links even now. Sampanthan also referred to the transfer of the case in question from Vavuniya to Anuradhapura. The veteran MP From Trincomalee who is also a lawyer explained in detail the consequences of such a transfer. This is what Mr. Sampanthan said. An unnecessary complication has been created by the transfer of some cases from Vavuniya to Anuradhapura. If witnesses needed protection, such protection could have been provided without the cases being transferred. The accused in the cases to be transferred from Vavuniya where the Language of the Courts is Tamil to Anuradhapura where the Language of the Courts is Sinhala are from the North-East and are Tamil speaking and not proficient in Sinhala. Their cases being transferred to Anuradhapura where the Language of the Courts is Sinhala is a denial of their constitutional right to have their Cases heard in Tamil a language which they can understand. In a criminal prosecution the rights of an Accused person are fundamental. He has a right to fully comprehend the evidence and the Case presented against him. By such transfer the Accused is also denied the opportunity and the right to Legal Assistance of his choice. These and other factors could prejudice a fair trial. The proposed transfer reflects a measure of insensitivity to the fundamental rights of an accused person. The Prisoners have been continuously carrying on a Fast against such transfer. This situation needs to be addressed on an urgent basis. TNA spokesperson and Jaffna district parliamentarian MA Sumanthiran who seconded Sampanthans motion also spoke about the issue of releasing Tamil prisoners. Incidently Sumanthiran had arrived from a trip to New Delhi on that day and driven straight to Parliament to second and speak on Sampanthans adjournment motion. Sumanthiran had left the previous week as part of the Sri Lankan delegation led by Fisheries minister Mahinda Amaraweera to discuss the Indo - Lanka fishing dispute with Indian officials. Before leaving for India, Sumathiran had met with President Sirisena, Justice Minister Thalatha Atukorale and Attorney - General Jayantha Jayasuriya when the Justice Ministry Oversight Committee report was formally handed over to the President. Sumanthiran had raised the issue of the three fasting prisoners with the President on that occasion and urged that the case be transferred back to Vavuniya. Prisons Reforms Minister D.M. Swaminathan After Sampanthan and Sumanthiran spoke, Law and Order Minister Sagala Ratnayake, Rehabilitation and Prisons Reforms Minister D.M. Swaminathan and Deputy Justice Minister Sarathie Dushmantha also spoke during the adjournment motion debate. Mr. DM Swaminathan emphasised strongly that the physical health of the prisoners on a hunger strike was fine and there was nothing to fear. Sarathie Dushmantha said he would convene a high level meeting to discuss the situation. However he later shelved the idea because President Sirisena himself had two meetings with Tamil delegations and said he would take a decison by October 25th. The indictment of Rasathurai Thiruvarul, Mathiarasan Sulakshan and Ganeshan Tharshan is a politically volatile issue. The LTTE has been implicated in a case where 26 members of the armed forces held prisoners have been executed in cold blood. This charge if proved beyond doubt would amount to a war crime. However the case must be conducted in a manner that would demonstrate to the world at large that the judicial process is working fairly and freely. For as the British Lord Chief Justice Hewart ruled in a landmark case in 1924 It is of fundamental importance that justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done. As such the onus is on the government to ensure that justice should be done and seen to be done by persuading the Attorney - General to re-transfer the case to Vavuniya and extend full protection to all witnesses testifying in the case. D.B.S.Jeyaraj can be reached at dbsjeyaraj@yahoo.com Syria's Disappeared: Film Screening And Discussion By Sponsor in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 20, 2017 5:00AM Disappeared people in Syria wrote their names in blood on these scraps of fabric in hopes that their whereabouts would become known. Richard Ansett for the Sunday Times Syrias Disappeared: Film Screening and Discussion Public Program October 24, 2017 7 P.M. Congregation Beth Shalom 3433 Walters Avenue Northbrook, IL 60062 Even as the Syrian conflict rages, a legal case is being built against officials of President Bashar al-Assads government, who are accused of committing crimes against humanity and war crimes. Through personal testimonies and unprecedented access to Syrian regime documents, the documentary film tells the stories of survivors of torture, families of the dead and missing, and regime defectors risking their lives to expose the truththe torture and murder of civilians on an industrial scale. The Museums goals to elevate the voices of victims, empower them to seek justice, and help secure accountability are part of the work of the Ben Ferencz International Justice Initiative in the Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide. Speakers Naomi Kikoler, Deputy Director, Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide Mazen Alhummada, Syrian survivor of detention and torture Sara Afshar, Director, Syria's Disappeared Event Chair Lily and Harry Zoberman Get tickets today. Learn more about the work of the Simon-Skjodt Center by connecting with them on Twitter. Co-presented with: Congregation Beth Shalom. This post is brought to you by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. A dazzling fireball lit the skies in Sri Lanka last Wednesday, (18). The light was visible from most regions in the country. Eye witnesses in the southern regions had seen the shooting star that blazed across the sky as bright as daylight with a sizzling sound. The Dailymirror spoke to Astronomy experts in SL to gain more insight into the occurrence. Prof. Chandana Jayaratne - Director of Astronomy and Space Science Unit, University of Colombo Undoubtedly it was a meteoroid. According to reports so far, a dazzling and smoking fire ball had been seen around 8.35 pm or 8.40 pm on October 18, moving from west to east in the night sky. It had been moving at a speed of about 65 -70 kmph and we guess it would have been around 10 - 50 cm in diameter, Prof Jayaratne explained. The elements on a meteoroid can be identified by carefully observing its colour. This meteoroid was more yellowish with hues of green and blue, which indicated this as a stony iron-fortified meteoroid. Simply put, it must be a type of iron or stone. The meteoroid had blown up with a loud bang in the air, apparently above 50 - 200 km from sea level. This estimate was drawn by calculating the difference between the sight and the sound of explosion, he explained. Prof Jayaratne warned citizens of touching any debris left from the explosion since they might be highly radio active or poisonous. If any debris was found, he advised to shelter it with a wash basin or some other suitable- cover to prevent the debris coming into contact with water and inform Astronomy and Space Science Unit in Colombo University immediately. But he said finding debris from an explosion of a stony meteoroid is rare. The giant fire ball was seen and the noise of its explosion was heard by many residents in the southern parts of Sri Lanka, mostly in Galle and Matara districts including Pitabeddara, Akuressa, Deniyaya, Pitiduwa, Habaraduwa, Weligama, and Hambantota. It has been visible from areas including Colombo, Hanguranketha, Matale and even Nuwara Eliya. The giant fire ball was seen and the noise of its explosion was heard by many residents in the southern parts of Sri Lanka, mostly in Galle and Matara districts The meteoroid had appeared to be moving horizontally, after it rushed in from a great height, he said. Explaining the probable causes of how the meteoroid appeared here, he said the collision of two neutron stars in space has nothing to do with this incident. Even though we are moving closer to the comet Hale- Bopp these days, it is most unlikely this meteoroid originated from the comet; it is too big, Prof Jayaratne opined.He also informed that a meteor shower will be visible near the Orion Constellation from October 20 to 22. It is definitely a meteoroid According to what we gathered from local media, this is definitely a meteoroid. A similar occurrence had taken place in Russia in 2013. Saraj Gunasekera, Senior Research Scientist - Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Sciences, Moratuwa, said. Clarifying the misleading news in the social media and gossip sites, he said there is no relationship with the collision of two neutron stars in space with this meteoroid. He requested eyewitnesses to send any genuine video footage they may have with them to the Arthur C. Clarke Institute to analyze them and submit a scientific explanation. This meteoroid was dark and as such it is of a kind that is difficult to observe hovering in space and foretell its time of arrival. However, the level of brightness and explosion makes this meteoroid special, he said. A web site named Space Weather reported there were 1847 potentially hazardous asteroids near Earth on October 20, 2017. An asteroid called 2017 TD5 with a diameter of 36 miles was predicted to pass Earth on Oct 18, missing it just by 11.2 LD (Lunar Distance or earth - moon distance). There was another much bigger Asteroid, 2006 TU 7 with a 148 mile diameter. Scientists noted that 2017 TD 6 - an asteroid was forecast to move much closer to Earth on October 19, missing Earth by 0.5 LD. It is possible that the same asteroid hit Sri Lanka on Oct 18. scintist Gunasekera said. What happened back in 2013 in Russia? A small asteroid exploded over the city of Chelyabinsk, Russia, on Feb. 15, 2013. The shock wave it generated shattered glass and injured about 1,200 people. Some scientists think the meteor may have briefly outshone the sun. The blast was stronger than a nuclear explosion, detected by monitoring stations situated as far away as in Antarctica. The incident was another reminder to space agencies about the importance of monitoring small bodies in space that could pose a threat to Earth. -(https://www.space.com/33623-chelyabinsk-meteor-wake-up-call-for-earth.html) According to space scince literature available online, this meteor was known as a superbolide, a super bright meteor. It exploded at a height of 20 km above Earth releasing 500 kilotons of energy. Scientists were surprised to find a 650 kg meteorite (rock) from Lake Chebarkul in the debris after the explosion The Chelyabinsk air burst seconds the Tunguska Event in 1908, the explosion of a 50 - 100 m wide fireball above the remote Taiga Forest in Siberia, flattening about 80 million trees near the Tunguska River. The area was uninhabited. The Tunguska event is considered to be the most powerful meteoroid explosion in history that produced 185 times more energy than the Hiroshima atomic bomb. What is a meteoroid? According to NASAs website, asteroid and meteoroids are types of space rocks. An asteroid is a small rocky body orbiting the sun. NASA explains that most asteroids in our solar system are found in the main asteroid belt, a region between Mars and Jupiter. But they can also hang out in other locations around the solar system. For example, some asteroids orbit the sun in a path that takes them near Earth. NASA clarifies that when two asteroids smash into one another, small pieces break off and those are called meteoroids. If the meteoroid enters Earths atmosphere, it vapourises and turns into a meteor (a small rock) known as a shooting star. The leader in Sri Lankas lubricant market, Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC, saw its earnings for the quarter ended 30th September (3Q17) narrowing 34 percent year-on-year to Rs.892.9 million, the interim financial accounts showed. This is the fourth consecutive quarter the company reported depressed profits. The lubricant sales for the period fell 12 percent YoY to Rs.2.8 billion. The company is said to have increased the prices of its product portfolio. Also, the intense competition in the market place seems to be affecting its performance. The earnings per share (EPS) for the period deteriorated to Rs.2.74 from Rs.4.17. The company declared a third interim dividend of Rs.2.50. Meanwhile, for the first nine months of the year, the companys net profit fell 28 percent YoY to Rs.2.7 billion on sales of Rs.8.2 billion, down 10 percent YoY. Chevron Lanka opened a state-of-the art lube blending plant in December, 2014. The company this August exported its first consignment of Havoline engine oil to Pakistan eying for greater economies of scale. The company also exports its products to Maldives. Chevron Ceylon Limited owns 51 percent of the shares in the firm, with the rest of the shares distributed widely among minority shareholders. The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka hosted a delegation from the Guangzhou municipal government headed by Tu Hongze, Vice Counsel. The delegation is on a fact finding visit to the island to evaluate the possibility of enterprises from Guangzhou formally known as Canton, investing and trading with Sri Lanka. The delegation was met and briefed on investment opportunities by a team of the BOI consisting of Nilupul De Silva, Director (Promotion), Dilip Samarasinghe, Director (Media and Publicity) and Vipula Jayasinghe, Senior Deputy Director (Promotion China Desk Officer). The visit was co-ordinated by Shanika Dissanayake Sri Lankas Consul General in Guangzhou. Tu, the leader of the delegation spoke of the importance of Guangzhou in China. The city is 3rd largest in China after Beijing and Shanghai, with a very large land area and gross domestic product of US$300 billion. Tu stated that if Guangzhou were to have been a separate state, it would have the 14th largest economy in the world, underscoring its immense contribution to Chinas economic growth. Furthermore Guangzhou is an integral component to Chinas programme of economic integration of the Asia, Middle East, Africa and Europe regions, known as the One Belt One Road programme. Hence companies from Guangzhou have engaged in investing over US$1,700 million in approximately 60 countries. Many of these projects are in the area of Tourism and the leader of the delegation stated that he was keen to see more Sri Lankan visitors to China while expecting the growth of Chinese tourists arrivals to Sri Lanka continue. Tu stated We are looking at opportunities. We have learnt a lot from the presentation done by the BOI and are keen to send the message that Sri Lanka is an ideal tourism destination which combines beaches, nature and historical sites. He added, We are from the government of Guangzhou and we think of Sri Lanka as a beautiful country that is worth visiting. Whilst this is first our visit to Sri Lanka, it has provided an opportunity for us to study the business climate of the country, we are also appreciative of the fact that there are very close ties between the governments and the peoples of Sri Lanka and China. Tu added, The Chinese government is keen to do the large projects in Sri Lanka and is looking at investment opportunities notably in the tourism sector. Currently there are 1.4 million tourists travelling annually from Guangzhou and I am confident that in the future there would be more who will opt for Sri Lanka as a holiday destination. I also believe that this is the ideal time to engage in investment in Sri Lanka and with Free Trade Agreements that Sri Lanka has entered into with India, Pakistan and in future with China, in addition to the return of the EU GSP Plus facility, thanks to enhanced market access, Sri Lanka will become a very attractive destination for future investments. The most prestigious event of the leostic year 2017/18 of the Leo Club of University of Colombo, the third Annual Installation Ceremony was held recently at the New Arts Theatre of University of Colombo. After registering around 100 attendees, the arrival of the dignitaries was marked with the chief guest of the occasion, First Vice District Governor Lion Sarath Wijechandra MAF JP, and his spouse Lion Jayanthi Wijechandra, guest of honour District President 306 C1 Leo Pasindu Bhanuka Premaratne, District Chairman for Leos Lion Usitha Deerasinghe MAF, Immediate Past District President Leo Dilruk Tissera and PMDP, PDP and Past International Advisory Panellist Lion Tuan Roshan Latiff, Parent Lions Club President Lion Anushi Gamage and other district officials gracing the occasion. The newly elected Vice President Leo Dushmantha Abeywickrama warmly welcomed the gathering. Next on the agenda was a summarized video clip played in the audience regarding all the projects carried out in the year 2016/17. Afterwards, former President Leo Migara Dinendra addressed the gathering by making it as an opportunity to thank and appreciate his executive board and fellow members for the immense support and contribution given for a successful past year and paid his heartiest congratulation to the incoming club president 2017/18. Then the new members were inducted by Premaratne and Wijechandra installed the new office bearers consisting editors, directors and assistant directors and the executive board for the leostic year 2017/18. Then the occasion was enlighten by lighting the traditional oil lamp by all the dignitaries and subsequently the new club President Leo Tharindu Jayasinghe addressed the assembly. The We believe initiative of the new club president was proclaimed as his vision for 2017/18. He uses this theme because as a leader he believes that he can uplift society by cropping the leadership skills among his followers. He also mentioned his year plan in this occasion. He has planned to continue some signature projects such as Arogya, Together as Human, Be their Vision and some award-winning projects such as Rang Dey, Upbeat Aspiration, Abhimanaka Abhimuwa and joint project with Leo Club of Lindsey Girls School. Eventually, he elaborated his wide and methodical administration plan to the gathering. Thereafter, Deerasinghe expressed his greetings over the new driving regime of the club and especially notified the importance of leadership for a successive year ahead. Meanwhile, Premaratne spotted and appreciated the innovative concept of e-directory presented by the club, which was experienced for the first time in his past six years of leoisim and ultimately Wijechandra perorated the audience expressing enthusiasm on developing a massively successful club under his guidance. Finally the vote of thank was given by the new club Secretary Leo Thanusha Munasinghe and the installation ceremony was effectively departed with warm felicitation for the new regime of year 2017/18. A Cabinet decision to take over 16 tanks from the Trincomalee Oil Tank farm has not been carried out as the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) have been prevented from taking them over, the report of parliamentary committee on Public Accounts ( COPE) which was presented to Parliament said yesterday. The report submitted by COPE Chairman Sunil Handunetti to the House said the CPC officials who visited the tank farm had been prevented from entering it by certain forces despite a prior notice given to Indian Oil Company officials. Meanwhile the report said losses from the hedging deal which was originally thought to be Rs 10 billion had now arisen to Rs 14 billion in 2016. The Tourism Development Authority had paid Rs 7,382,305 as a part of the interest of a loan of Rs 100 million issued to a private hotel by the Bank of Ceylon in 2014, the report notes. The COPE has found that a sum of Rs 11,089,228 out of Rs 29,195,802 that had been allocated to renovate 30 rooms of a holiday bungalow belonging to the Authority had been drawn without any work done. A sum of Rs 10,196,000 had been paid to a supplier of stones without approval. A sum of Rs 3,226,950 had been paid to suppliers by authority without adhering to the regulations. Even though the kalpitiya intergrated tourism project commenced in 2008 on an estimated cost of Rs 5521 million to construct holiday resorts with 4,000 rooms and infrastructure facilities and the work was to be completed in five years, not a single room had been constructed despite an expenditure of Rs 88,797,590 as at Dec 31, 2014. The Mattala International Airport had been running at a net loss of Rs. 2,105,298,382 in 2013, Rs 2,729,201,680 in 2014, Rs 3,099,230,580 in 2015 and Rs 1,546,931,328 in 2016. It has been revealed that seven foreign institutions have sent proposals to develop the the airport. These include Sakurai Aviation TLD, omega global with Claymore Hill Advisory and Aviation Resource Group International, Care Aviation Ltd and Diesel and Motor Engineering PLC and Sierra Networks Put Ltd. The CWE had incurred a loss of Rs 39 million in 2014 by purchasing 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 draughts boards. The CWE has received only Rs 257,667,217 of Rs 870,963,097 given to the Lanka Sathosa. An amount of Rs 260 million given as loans by the Peoples Bank to a customer had been written off in 2011, the COPE report said adding that the amount was 51 percent of loans written off by the bank during that year as non performing loans. The Sri Lanka Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation spent Rs seven million as an initial step to introduce ten new products to the market during a ceremony by the name of Isiwara Osu launch in 2015. Out of the expenditure borne on this event, 71 per cent had been spent on publicity. Out of the ten products only one was new and other nine were old products as per the report. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana) The New York-based Human Rights Watch has made a submission to the 77th Working Group of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child focusing on the use of educational facilities by the military during the armed conflict in Sri Lanka. This submission relates to Articles 28 and 38 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and focuses on the protection of students, teachers, and schools during armed conflict. In its 2010 Concluding Observations under the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict, this Committee called upon Sri Lanka to: a) Immediately discontinue military occupation and use of the schools and strictly ensure compliance with humanitarian law and the principle of distinction and to cease utilizing the primary section of V/Tamil MV school and the Omanthai Central College in Vavuniya to host separatees; and (b) Ensure that school infrastructures damaged as a result of military occupation are promptly and fully restored.[1] As of August 2017, Sri Lanka was contributing 456 troops and 21 military experts to United Nations peacekeeping operations around the world. Sri Lankas peacekeeping troops are deployed in the Central African Republic, Lebanon, and South Sudan. All three of these countries have endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration, an inter-governmental political commitment that provides countries the opportunity to express political support for the protection of students, teachers, and schools during times of armed conflict; the importance of the continuation of education during armed conflict; and the implementation of the Guidelines for Protecting Schools and Universities from Military Use during Armed Conflict. As of October 2017, 69 countries have endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration, but not Sri Lanka. Sri Lankas troops deployed on peacekeeping missions are required to comply with the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations UN Infantry Battalion Manual (2012), which includes the provision that schools shall not be used by the military in their operations.[2] Moreover, the new 2017 Child Protection Policy of the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations, Department of Field Support, and Department of Political Affairs also notes: United Nations peace operations should refrain from all actions that impede children's access to education, including the use of school premises. This applies particularly to uniformed personnel. Furthermore, recognizing the adverse impact of the use of schools for military purposes, in particular its effects on the safety of children and education personnel, the civilian nature of schools, and the right to education, United Nations peace operations personnel shall at no time and for no amount of time use schools for military purposes.[3] Earlier, in June 2015, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2225 (2015) on children and armed conflict, which: Expresses deep concern that the military use of schools in contravention of applicable international law may render schools legitimate targets of attack, thus endangering the safety of children and in this regard encourages Member States to take concrete measures to deter such use of schools by armed forces and armed groups.[4] Human Rights Watch recommends to the Committee that it ask the government of Sri Lanka: -On what date did the military use of the primary section of V/Tamil MV school and the Omanthai Central College in Vavuniya cease? -On what date were restoration efforts completed to restore damage caused by the military use of the primary section of V/Tamil MV school and the Omanthai Central College in Vavuniya? -On what date were students able to commence studies at the primary section of V/Tamil MV school and the Omanthai Central College in Vavuniya, following their use for military purposes? -Are any schools, anywhere in the country, currently being used, held, or occupied for military purposes? -What steps has Sri Lanka taken in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2143 (2014) and 2225 (2015) to deter the use of schools for military purposes? -Are protections for schools from military use included in any policies, rules, or pre-deployment trainings for Sri Lankas armed forces? Human Rights Watch asks the Committee to: Congratulate Sri Lanka for attending the Buenos Aires Safe Schools Conference in March 2017. Call upon the government of Sri Lanka to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration, and take concrete measures to deter the military use of schools, including by bringing the Guidelines for Protecting Schools and Universities from Military Use during Armed Conflict into domestic military policy and operational frameworks. Vacations are often exciting and fun. But there is always a chance that something will go wrong, leaving one stuck in an unfamiliar place with no support structure. This is when the benefits and security of travel insurance kick in, offering up no fuss pay outs for hotel rooms in case of missed flights, lost luggage, or anything else, and even medical care when the need arises. Further, it is important to note that in-demand tourism destinations worldwide, such as those in Schengen zones, require travel insurance when applying for tourist visas, so it is always better to be prepared to ensure a higher likelihood of success. To make the process of securing travel insurance more convenient and cost effective, Findmyfare offers a fast and easy solution to help capture the best travel insurance quotes available online today. Simply visit www.findmyfare.com/travel-insurance and input some basic information into the online form and within a matter of moments access to some sensational travel insurance offers, including the ability to finalise its purchase immediately will be made available. At the same time, beyond the hassle-free and easy-to-use convenience of booking all ones travel needs using Findmyfares website, there is the added advantage that findmyfare.com offers many installment plan options. These are immediately converted online itself without the additional step of needing to call the bank. This is applicable to many local and international banks in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, booking through www.findmyfare.com also provides access to a number of unprecedented options not available anywhere else, including the ability to reserve seats or cancel bookings. This is along with a range of unbeatable travel and hotel deals on offer virtually everyday. Since its launch in 2012, findmyfare.com has become Sri Lankas ultimate one-stop travel shop, providing the best travel deals available in the market-place. The findmyfare.com website allows customers to search, compare and book affordable flights and hotels around the world. The company was also the very first in Sri Lanka to provide an online reservations system that enabled customers to confirm bookings without submitting a credit card payment. All the features of the findmyfare.com website are also designed to make the process of researching, choosing and paying for a holiday as simple, easy and convenient as possible. A schoolgirl, studying in grade ten of a government school in the Kekirawa Educational Zone, who had vomited in the class room after coming to school on an empty stomach, was said to have been falsely accused of being pregnant by the school principal who then threw her out of school. The student, who comes from a very poor family, is sometimes forced to attend school on an empty stomach as there is nothing for her to eat at home. On one such day she had felt faintish and had vomited. This was noticed by her classmates who immediately assumed that she was pregnant and had brought this to the notice of the school principal. Without making any inquiries of her own the school principal had taken a hasty decision to throw her out of school after informing her parents that their daughter was pregnant. The school girls parents, having reservations about the assumption made by the school principal, had borrowed Rs 500 and taken their child to the Dambulla Base Hospital, where she was examined by two doctors, an Obstetrician and a Gynaecologist, who informed the girl's parents that she was not pregnant. They also reported that she had not been a victim of abuse or rape. The hospital authorities had proceeded to inform the Child and Women's Bureau of the fact. The schoolgirl continues to remain in hospital on the instructions of the director of the hospital for her to get over the mental trauma she had undergone. When attempts were made by the paper to obtain a statement from the school authorities with regard to what had taken place, the school principal had stated over the phone that the student's behaviour had not been satisfactory and therefore they had taken a decision to expel her from the school. She had also said that past records had revealed that there had been acts of misconduct on her part in the past as well and that her parents had removed her from the school as a result. (K K Ariyadasa) From Left to right : Miss, Thien from Myanmar. Ronnie from the Philippines, David from Sri Lanka and Miss Meghla from Bangladesh. Speaking on Youth involvement in ending violence against children. Faith leaders and youth advocates joined by child-rights activists from 15 countries issued a call in Colombo to end violence against children in the Asia Pacific during the October 16 launch of a Global Campaign by the international aid agency, World Vision titled It takes a world to end violence against children. More than 150 participants joined from multiple global faith networks, regional bodies, Governments, NGOs and youth leaders. Dr. Rinchen Chophel, Director General of the South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children, challenged child-rights activists and agencies to unite. The time of working in isolation in compartments is over, announced the medical doctor trained in international humanitarian law. This campaign may have a big approach, but it needs to be meaningful to small constituents, he said. Chief Guest Chandrani Senarathne, Secretary of Sri Lankas Ministry of Women and Child Affairs said that the violence against children included all forms of physical, sexual and mental violence. We know the goal to end violence against children may sound too ambitious, after all we are not only aiming at reducing violence, but actually saying ENDING Violence against children! And, we believe it can be done in this generation, she said. Youths nominated to attend from Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Philippines, Bangladesh and Myanmar shared their experiences living through and advocating against violence, encouraging leaders to do more. I feel so sad that there are many girls or children like me who are victims of child marriage and other forms of violence. It took me a lot of courage to speak up. If I had not spoken to my teacher, I wouldnt be here today. Thats why I encourage youths to share their views and feelings, said Meghla Akter from Bangladesh. Faith network panellists included: Brahmachari Darshan Chaitanya from the Hindu Organisation Chinmaya Mission. Daniel Selvanayagam, World Visions Senior Director of Operations for East Asia, cited research from the US-headquartered Pew Centre of how more than four out of 10 countries had an official State or preferred religion, and more than eight out of 10 individuals globally identified with a faith. Ven. Galkande Dhammananda from the Buddhist Walpola Rahula Institute based in Colombo; Atallah Fitz Gibbon from the UK-headquarted humanitarian organization, Islamic Relief Worldwide, and; Moses Akash De Silva, an orphan-turned-pastor with the Sri Lankan non-profit, Voice for Voiceless Foundation. Facilitator and reverend, Christo Greyling, World Visions Director of Faith Partnerships for Development, opened the panel by striking a note of honesty. I can only speak for Christianity, but we have to be honest that sometimes faith leaders are part of the problem [of perpetuating violence against children], he told the audience. For any child who has been hurt by a faith leader, I apologise to you. Children may have a biological father and mother, but they belong to all of humanity, added Brahmachari Darshan Chaitanya from Chinmaya Mission. Religious leaders play a great role in changing the thinking and behaviours to end violence against children. We are all responsible for their well being. Daniel Selvanayagam, World Visions Senior Director of Operations for East Asia, cited research from the US-headquartered Pew Centre of how more than four out of 10 countries had an official State or preferred religion, and more than eight out of 10 individuals globally identified with a faith. Whatever the news headlines may have you believe, we are a people and polity driven by faith, not violence, he said. The event concluded with all participants signing a personal pledge that concluded, It takes a world to end violence against children and I want to be a part of that. World Vision is rolling out the campaign with partners across 17 Asian countries with a focus on ending child marriage, sexual abuse, child trafficking, child labour, physical violence in schools and the home, and corporal punishment. Participating countries include: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Mongolia, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation committed to helping children enjoy life in all its fullness. In the Asia Pacific region, World Vision works in 17 countries in nearly 600 project areas. It serves 1.25 million children who are sponsored by donors, along with their families and communities. Students of the University of Jaffna have started a boycott for five days over the solution suggested by President Maithripala Sirisena during a discussion held regarding the political prisoners. The students had decided to boycott lectures till October 25. The fourth year examinations, which were scheduled to be held today, were also cancelled by the University administration due to the boycott. The Jaffna University Students Federation called a discussion this morning regarding the Presidents solutions on political prisoners. Following the discussion the students decided to boycott lectures. The President had assured to provide a solution by October 25 and the Students Federation had decided to continue their action until that day. The Union also said, if the President failed to provide a permanent solution, the students would continue their protest as hunger strike. (Romesh Madushanka) Kong Xiangkai, the 75th generation in the lineal descent of Confucius, attends the annual ceremony marking the birth of Confucius on Aug. 28, 2017. [Yang Yunpeng/China.org.cn] Kong Xiangkai, director of the management committee of Quzhou Southern Confucius Ancestral Temple and the 75th generation in the lineal descent of Confucius, has been keeping Confucianism relevant today through the annual ceremonies commemorating the birth of the great philosopher and educator. Kong revived the commemorating ceremony to mark the birth of Confucius in 2004 after the tradition lapsed for more than 50 years in Quzhou, a city in China's southeastern Zhejiang Province. He said the ceremony was revived in order to inform more people about Confucius and Confucianism, which has been influential for more than 2,700 years. "In the fast-changing society nowadays, people have no time to comprehend and learn his ideas," he said. "Only by such ritual and ceremonial observance can we have a chance to remember him and find value in his teachings." Kong said he believes the sense of tradition and the ritual ceremonies can help people today to feel Confucianism's role as a crucial component in modern life. Kong said many Chinese still practice Confucius teachings and virtues without knowing the origin. For instance, an uneducated woman living in rural areas will avoid sitting on a piece of paper with words written on it; Chinese kids are told not to converse while eating and not to speak while in bed. These are all mentioned in "The Analects," a collection of sayings and ideas attributed to Confucius and his disciples. For Kong, these are important because the respect for others and good manners constitute the most basic Confucius virtues. With the annual ceremonies, Kong hopes more of these virtues will become widespread. Experiencing the lively activities and the solemn atmosphere of the ceremony firsthand could be a better way to learn about Confucius and his great philosophies than in a classroom, Kong said. Bel Lassen, the first inspector general in the field of Chinese language teaching at the Ministry of Education of France, has been engaged in Chinese teaching in France for more than three decades and was invited to attend the ceremony held in Quzhou this September. "When it comes to China, the first person coming to the mind of a Frenchman is Confucius," he said."Confucius has been an icon and his philosophy has constituted the corner stone of China's culture." Commenting on the ceremony, Matt Hamilton, chairman of the board for the Confucius Institute at the University of Oklahoma who attended the ceremony in Quzhou, said it was a grand gathering and one of the ways to revive and apply Confucianism in modern China. "His ideas, such as treating everyone with decency and humanity, are anuniversal truth and principles that I wish more people to follow," he said. Over the past two decades, China has tried to increase the influence of Confucius and his teachings abroad as it actively established Confucius Institutes in foreign countries. "Confucius is very well felt and perceived in the United States," said Hamilton. "Confucius Institutes in the United States enable young students to have the opportunity to learn about Chinese language and culture." Official data indicates that China has set up 512 Confucius Institutes by the end of 2016 in collaboration with around 140 countries and regions. "Many foreigners are learning about Confucius' ideas, making it even more necessary for us Chinese to learn about him," Kong said. Leads, a registered charity, is at the threshold of moving to 35 years of service in Touching Lives, Transforming Communities and Building the Nation of Sri Lanka. By the communities for the communities is the philosophy Leads follows as communities are guided towards discovering their own potential in seeking their own solutions through participatory development in achieving self-sufficiency. The organisation targets and seeks groups that would fall into the category of the most vulnerable and marginalized. Leads held its annual general meeting recently at its Colombo office auditorium in the midst of members, partners and well-wishers. The annual report together with the audited set of accounts was presented to all present. The expansion of the child protection initiatives to the Northern Province by invitation by the Probation Commissioner and the Northern Provincial Council, Leads being invited by UNICEF to be a key partner for psycho-social support for children in the May 2016 Flood Relief Response, conducting childrens consultations in all nine provinces on the status of alternative care and conducting the process of articulating the civil society organisations alternative report on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child were some of the highlights for Leads during the 2016/2017 financial year. Board Chair Yu Hwa Li appreciated the efforts of the CEO and partner liaison staff on enhancing the brand image and profile of Leads, particularly at a time where international donor interest is reducing. He also extended his appreciation to the local corporates for the significant partnerships established in this financial year. Leads began its work in 1979 as a relief agent. On March 25, 1983, Leads was formally established to implement programmes that will alleviate human suffering and promote wholeness. In 1985, the agency received charity status by incorporation through an Act of Parliament and was registered as an NGO with the government. Presently Leads functions as a registered social service, charitable organisation, with an audited statement of accounts for each year. Leads Chief Executive Officer Roshan Mendis stated, Sri Lanka is a land of contrasting realities. Sri Lanka was well positioned as we drew to a close the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. Sri Lanka was able to achieve the MDG target of halving poverty, seven years ahead of the 2009 deadline of 2015 both at the national level and also in the urban, rural and estate sectors. On a promotional visit on enhancing Sri Lankas exports to the EU under GSP Plus concessions and the investment potentials at large, Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe met the Chamber heads in Milan this week. Having a meeting with Daniela Cavagna, the President of Small Industry Chamber known as the CNA Milan, he explained the vast opportunities available for their members particularly on transferring technology to Sri Lanka through exchanging industry and exporters delegations in future. It was agreed to exchange tailor made sector information of Sri Lanka prior to such visits. Also, the minister met with Dr. Fabrizio Sala, the Vice President of Regione Lombardia, a regional trade chamber had a lengthy discussion on plethora of potentials of Sri Lanka in both trade and investments and the services sectors including air travel. At this meeting he mentioned that Sri Lanka is the gate way to the Asian and the world specially having the opportunity to supply for 4.5 billion market surrounded by in the region by utilizing the tariffs concessions available under various FTAs and schemes like GSP Plus that Sri Lanka is the member or the beneficiary. He further mentioned that Sri Lanka is the only country that has got the opportunity at a time to enter the markets such as EU, the USA, China and India at the same time on duty concessions basis. On the same day the minister visited and met Dr. Pietro Sala, Vice President of Assolombarda Confindustria Milano and Dr. Federico Bega, Head of Strategic Areas of the Milan Chamber of Commerce and Industries and the Promose of Milan. In that meeting minister explained in detailed on the new political culture and the new democratic era being created in Sri Lanka after coming in to power a unity government focusing on good governance and policy reforms. He went on sharing that the details on the industrial parks that are being initiated in Sri Lanka aiming country-specific industries like from Japan and other Asian investors to Sri Lanka and invited Italian technology in the areas of electrical and electronic sectors and boatbuilding industry. He also explained the huge opportunities created to Italian and European importers under GSP Plus concessions mainly in apparel, and fisheries imports. Booming industry of tourism in Sri Lanka and related investment opportunities also discussed aiming regular and long term promotional programmes in this Italian market. During the day the minister had the opportunity also to meet an industrial pioneer, Luciano Fantuzzi, President of Fantuzzi Group and his consultant Michael Drewitt to discuss over transformation of heavy machinery technology to Sri Lanka on joint venture basis. The minister is also expected to address the Sri Lanka business forum in Milan, tomorrow arranged by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Italy, EDB, in association with Associazione Italiana Commercio Estero called AICE in Milan. Minister Senasinghe was accompanied in these series of meetings by Daya S.J Pelpola (PC),Sri Lankas Ambassador to Italy, Jeevani Siriwardena, DG/EDB and Somasena Mahadilulwewa, Minister (Commercial) of the Embassy. Macksons Marketing Director Aqla Mizver Sajjaad receives the Export Award in the presence of EU Sri Lanka National Project Coordinator Trade-Related Assistance Dr. Dayaratna Silva, South Asia Gateway Terminals IT General Manager Upul Jinadasa and the Colombo Plan Secretariat Senior Programme Officer Dr. Thomas Scaria Sri Lankas favourite brand of household paint, Multilac received a Silver award for the Industry Sector at Export Awards 2017, held by the National Chamber of Exporters, recently. Macksons Paint Industries (Pvt.) Ltd Director Marketing Aqla Mizver Sajjaad received the award at the gala event held at The Hilton Colombo. Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe was the chief guest. The occasion also marked the 25th year of the award that recognizes the excellence of Sri Lankan exporters who market locally manufactured high-quality products globally, bringing in valuable foreign exchange for the country. Multilac exports paint and surface coating solutions to India, the Maldives, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Australia, the Seychelles, Vietnam, Malaysia, Madagascar, Pakistan, Myanmar, the Congo and Trinidad and Tobago. Their extensive export range includes decorative and weather resistant paints, water proofing, wood care products and auto paints. Multilac Colourbank, Multilac Platinum, Ital Wood, Multilac Auto, Micron and Mitsuko are some of the popular brands marketed by the company. Macksons Holdings Managing Director Mizver Makeen commented, Winning an Export Award once again is a significant achievement which we are proud of, as it demonstrates our commitment to our nation. More importantly, it showcases the quality of our products that have been successful in the international arena, which is much more competitive. Multilac is among the first three global paint companies to receive the prestigious certificate for conformity as a safe paint from IPEN America. This global recognition strengthens Multilacs ability to seek export markets, proving that the companys product range adheres to international standard for lead safety. Multilac is the first and only paint brand in South Asia to be certified Lead Safe by IPEN America. The company was recently invited to participate in the Master Builders Association Trade Night 2017 held in Australia, where they were able to introduce its innovative products to Australian Master Builders. Multilac has a dealer network of over 4,000 in Sri Lanka and has been at the helm in the paint and surface coatings industry for over 35 years and its a 100 percent Sri Lankan-owned and operated paint company. It is the only paint brand in Sri Lanka to obtain the three stars of Green Label Certification issued by Green building Council, CIOB Green Mark Certifications conform by Ceylon institute of builders and Lead Safe Certification from IPEN America. Multilac has received the Quality Management System (QMS), Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) and the ISO 9001:2000 and 14001:2015 certifications. It has international know-how and global technology partners such as BASF, BAYER, DOW, Samsung, Huntsman and Croda and many more. Today Consumers are proud to be associated with Multilac and takes pride in using a heritage brand recognized globally from our motherland. While pledging to defeat the new proposed Constitution, the grandson of the first Executive President of Sri Lanka Pradip Jayawardena said he has decided to contest the upcoming local government polls from the SLFP because he is not satisfied with the United National Party (UNP) conduct. Mr. Jayawardena said yesterday at a press briefing that his grandfather introduced the present Constitution because there was a credible reason to introduce it but said there was no such need to bring in a new constitution today. When asked why he decided to contest from the SLFP not with the UNP, he said even the JR Jayawardena came into politics from the communist party in 1941. I have a problem understanding what the UNP is doing now, because the UNP is the inheritor of this Constitution and inheritor of the Presidential System. The UNP the one should be defending the President System. But today they try hard to break it, he said. Mr. Jayawardena who is the SLFP organizer for the Gampaha said he would contest for the Colombo Municipal Council in the upcoming local provincial election. When asked whether former President Mahinda Rajapaksa asked him to join the Joint Opposition, he said Mahinda Rajapaksa had requested him to contest from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna but said he would contest under the SLFP. Defending the Executive Presidential system, Mr. Jayawardene said that there is a myth amongst some people that late JR introduced the 1978 constitution to enjoy excessive powers himself. The truth is that JR first proposed and called upon for the creation of an Executive in 1966 in the best interest of Sri Lanka. His nother attempt was in 1971 at the Constituent Assembly created by Sirimavo Bandaranayake. He said if the late JRs proposal was adopted in 1971, Ms. Bandaranayake would have become the first Executive President of Sri Lanka and not his grandfather. Commenting on the draft new Constitution proposals which are now out in the open Mr. Pradip Jayawadene says it is quite clear that the clauses relating to unitary state and Buddhism are being tampered with. Though we are told nothing will be changed, we must ask the question, if there is no change why touch them at all? If we make the so-called changes, where would they lead us to? asks Mr. Jayawardene. What is the basis and what are we trying to archive from the new Constitution. In 1972, we wanted to create a republic. In 1978, we wanted to change the Parliament system and the presidential system. Whether it was good or bad, it was reasonable. What is the reason of a new Constitution? he queried. In 1995, former President Chandrika Bandaranayake sought to convert Sri Lanka in to a federal state proposing our country to be redefined as a Union of Regions. This is Federalism. In 1995, JR who was in retirement, read the entire proposal and the same morning called Ranil Wickramasinge, leader of the UNP and then Leader of the Opposition and asked him to immediately oppose the proposed Federal package. Today we are playing with the Constitution again. The interim report of the steering committee wants to remove the word 'Unitary' and replace it with the Sinhala word Ekeeya Rajyaya and the Tamil word Orumiththa Naadu. It is also proposed that the Presidential system is abolished. We have already devolved power to the provinces through the 13th Amendment. The President and his representative, the Governor, is the only safeguard we have against secession. As we all know Varatharaja Prerumal already tried it once and failed because of the Executive Presidency. It is now too late to abolish the Executive Presidency. If we abolish it and centre's executive power around the PM, the executive would no longer be independent and comes under pressure of party politics. We know that MPs can be swayed due to many influences. They can then threaten the PM as his survival is dependent on them he said. (Darshana Sanjeewa) Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana Islamabad (dpa) A Pakistani anti-graft court indicted former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter and his son-in-law on corruption charges on Thursday. The indictment comes after a probe into allegations emanating from last years leaked Panama papers. Judge Mohamed Bashir read out charges against Sharif on three counts in a hearing in Islamabad. Sharif, who stepped down as premier on July 28 after Pakistans Supreme Court ordered his removal following an investigation against his family, was not present in the court. His daughter and heir apparent in politics, Maryam Nawaz, and her husband pleaded not guilty. The allegations against the thrice-elected leader, three of his children and his son-in-law date back to his previous stints in power in the 1990s. Sharifs two sons did not appear before the court. They are British nationals and argue Pakistani laws are not applicable to them. LAHORE AFP Oct19, 2017 -Pakistan on Thursday extended the detention of the chief suspect in the 2008 Mumbai attacks for a month, government officials said. Firebrand cleric Hafiz Saeed, who heads the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) group and has a $10 million US bounty on his head, has been under house arrest since January following a government crackdown on the outfit. Hafiz Saeeds detention has been extended for a period of one-month, a senior government official told AFP on condition of anonymity. He said the detention was extended by a three-member review board of Lahore High Court headed by Judge Yawar Ali. JuD, listed as a terror outfit by the United Nations, is considered by the US and India to be a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the militant group blamed for the attack on Indias financial capital which killed more than 160 people. India has long seethed at Pakistans failure either to hand over or prosecute those accused of planning the Mumbai attacks. The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), a ruling party ally, is now up in arms against the manner in which the government enacted the Provincial Councils Elections (Amendment) Act that provides for postponing the elections to the provincial councils which was due this year. However, the SLMC is also among the parties that voted in favour of it in Parliament. Party Leader and Minister Rauff Hakeem told the Daily Mirror his party had disagreements with the process adopted by the government to enact this legislation. He said the government smuggled in provisions, entirely different to the content of the original Bill placed on the Order Paper during the third reading or the Committee Stage. We voted for something during the Second Reading and for another during the Third Reading, he said. The Minister said the government, in the enactment of the 19th Amendment, did away with the provision to bring in Urgent Bills. He said the purpose of this was to allow people to have sufficient time to challenge any Bill in the Supreme Court for constitutionality. This is one reason why the Government of Good Governance needs to adhere to the time-honoured processes which have been followed in this House. It is a matter of regret for me that such a process was not followed sufficiently in this case, he said. (Kelum Bandara) Oops....! We couldn't find that... 404 error Unfortunately the page you were looking for could not be found. It may be temporarily unavailable, moved or no longer exist. Check the URL you entered for any mistakes and try again. Alternatively, search for whatever is missing or take a look around the rest of our site. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was brought into force by the UPA government after detailed discussions in Parliament committees, in which lawmakers, scholars and activists were involved. The Act laid down that all rural households whose members volunteer for unskilled manual labour will get 100 days wages at official cost. There is a reservation of 33 per cent for rural women, including for those who look after the small children of labourers and those trained to provide first aid in case of minor injuries. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2015, he dismissed MGNREGA as a monumental blunder. Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje wanted this rural uplift policy to be reduced to an ordinary scheme. But the enormity of rural poverty and lack of work led to a rethink in the NDA about the importance of MGNREGA. But even now the Union government despite several promises has gone in for a major fund crunch in the schemes budget. Despite the Centres claim that this years MGNREGA budget allocation is the highest ever, almost 88 per cent of the funds have been exhausted just halfway through the financial year. As of next week, only Rs 6,000 crore of the Rs 48,000 crore budget allocation for 2017-18 will be left for the implementation of the act over the next six months. The November-March period is when the work demand under MGNREGA begins to peak. The ministry of rural development has asked the finance ministry for an additional Rs 17,600 crore as part of the supplementary demand, which will be placed before the Winter Session of Parliament in December. But the additional grant sought, if approved partly or entirely, will come in by early January 2018. There is no surety that they will be fully cleared by the finance ministry. In the last financial year, of the Rs 15,000 crore that the rural development ministry sought in supplementary demands, the finance ministry cleared only Rs 9,000 crore. More than 100 farmers from Tamil Nadu protested in Delhi in March-April 2017. Photo: Reuters Ministry officials have pointed out that the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Kerala have exhausted their budget for the entire year owing to the increase in demand for rural works due to drought or delayed rainfall. With Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh needing more funds, only Rs 6,000 crore will remain in the budget. Several districts of MP have declared drought and a similar calamity is likely in UP as September rains were poor. Meanwhile, delays in the payment of wages continue to exacerbate the crisis. Only 40-45 per cent wages for a month reach from the banks to the rural poor in the months when await their due. Since the rural poor have little staying capacity and cannot afford to wait for weeks, if not more than a month for payment for their work, they are often forced to seek work elsewhere at lower wages. Therefore, poor implementation of the MGNREGA is lowering the chance of benefits to the rural poor in a country where, according to eminent scholar Jean Dreze and Nobel laureate Amartya Sens calculations, rural poverty would have been 33.8 per cent in 2009-2010. Incidentally, the proportion of the population below the poverty line among the multi-dimensionally poor, in 2005-06 was 53.7 per cent. Other economists have even more grim statistics. The MGNREGA is plagued by fund shortage, delays and inadequate supervisory staff. Ironically there has been much debate and concern about Goods and Services Tax (GST). A small fraction of that bedevilled taxation scheme, including the inclusion/exclusion of petrol and diesel, is a matter of considerable debate. Yet, the huge numbers of rural poor do not excite such interest or sympathy. Surely, this is an upside down rural support policy. It is ironic that Mahatma Gandhis name was added to NREGA. Gandhi, had he been alive, would have organised yet another march in support of the rural poor. But neither the Indian state nor the civil society appears to be adequately concerned about the lives and the tribulations of the rural poor and their households. This massive chunk of the rural population is, in any case, getting only 100 days work per family per year! 276 killed. More than 300 injured. More than 100 missing. These are the figures from the single deadliest attack in Somalia's history. When the numbers are piling up like a heap of garbage, any discourse on it, especially on social media, is conspicuous by its absence. As Michel Foucault argues, "discourses are practices which systematically form the objects of which they speak". However, so far is Somalia from our conventional imagination that even the idea of an intervention in it by parties with vested interests looks grossly distant and obscure. How does one search for humanity in the face of disaster? It won't be off the mark to say that if one doesn't get moved by the numbers of bodies, there is no reason why its nature of brutality should have any impact on us. Our world of middle class aspirations can only think within the bubble of homogenous capital created by high capitalism. The war-torn Somalia can never rankle our superior consciousness. We don't aspire to be a Somalian, do we? With all our fetish for a lifestyle amidst skyscrapers, glitzy malls and a bumper pay scale, Somalia almost sounds as a perfect antithesis to the idea of an "American Dream". Our empathy can only be to a lifestyle that we aspire to live. Not for those who have fallen way behind in the race of Social Darwinism. As Ambedkar said in some context with his characteristic ungracious harshness, "even our empathy is casteist". It is important to draw attention to how we, the middle class of India deal with casteism, as our understanding of the world is a linear natural progression of the same. For a deeply caste-ridden society like ours, untouchability has always been its cardinal feature. The core of this phenomenon is how we perceive "dirt" in general. For cementing the symbolism of "white" or "light skin" as one of purity, the filth or dirt of darkness needs to be highlighted beforehand. "Dirt" over here is psychological, something that is pitted against the attributes of light skin like novelty, ingenuity and confidence. Dark skin, as Sudhir Kakar would argue, is nothing but an outer manifestation of inner dirtiness and hence remains untouchable. Keeping this in mind, our egalitarian projection in the public can never meaningfully intervene in the disparagement of the private. Africans obviously a monolith in the middle class psyche are a logical extension of our home-grown perception of white and dark skin. "We don't aspire to be a Somalian" can easily be rephrased as "We don't aspire to be a dark skinned person". With our framework to visualise the outside world remaining the same, we neither have the earnestness nor the competence to realise the dynamics of shifting boundaries, overlapping cultures or peculiar ethnicities. To see this in a global context, our incapability to register what Tabish Khair calls "the new xenophobia" lies at the root of the problem. The Somalians can never get the empathy they desperately require as they, along with a large swathe of underdeveloped population, have been subsumed in the deeply fractured language of finance capital. The impact it has on the perception of strangerhood cannot be missed. They find themselves in a helpless situation wherein their "body" remains intact but their differences of identity get uniformly ironed out. Assimilating them in this politically loaded narrative makes it even more xenophobic than the old variety that thrived on physically eliminating the "other". In this sense, our fear of the stranger, in this case the Somalian victims, stems from our own complicity in reifying their strangerhood. Alien lives, alien cultures and bodily existence whose worth is limited only to numbers. Photo: Reuters As Emanuel Levinas would argue, "Violence is any action which we endure without at every point collaborating in it". When are we going to talk about this invisible, abstract violence that we perpetrate, that runs parallel to our quest of being part of this homogenising capital? The current anti-refugee sentiment exacerbates this normalisation of violence. Their supposed monstrosity and the destabilising effect their presence will have on our "civil culture" erases the more fundamental issue of the indifference to their daily plight. This is what psychologists like to call the "contagion anxiety". The feeling that our proximity to someone who is facing the horrors of disaster might get transferred into our own body and mind in some way. Internet as a medium which already gives you enough bouts of anxiety and pressure is conveniently kept aside from accessing such sombre stories. Globalisation, driven by the power of internet, only brings us closer to our aspirations. The nameless and faceless who suffer are an aberration in our quest for meritocracy and progress. The parallels between a certain Akhlaq who was butchered in broad daylight and the current Mogadishu episode are hard to miss. Alien lives, alien cultures and bodily existence whose worth is limited only to numbers. The world of finance capital is nothing but a world of numbers after all. If being indifferent to Akhlaq was a failure of our idea of citizenship, our lack of reaction to Somalia speaks volumes about our mental psyche amidst the "development" obsession espoused by high capitalism. Our idea of the everyday has no place for a Somalia as it is ridiculously out of sync with the rapidity of the "newness" around us. Constant innovations, development models negate the possibility of there being a parallel, sordid history for this every day. While Delhi-NCR may be celebrating a relatively quiet Diwali, thanks to the Supreme Court ordering a ban on firecracker sales in the region, neighbouring Uttar Pradesh faces no such restrictions. It certainly hasn't been a profitable festival of lights for firecracker traders in the capital, and outside Delhi-NCR it is much worse. Demonetisation and GST have hit their business hard: a 28 per cent GST on firecrackers has meant a massive drop in sales. Amid these woes, firecrackers and GST and demonetisation have found common ground. Literally. A Hindustan Times report talks about the unique firecrackers that are in rage in Uttar Pradesh. Notebandi Anars, GST Kaala Saanp, and much more have given quite the political flavour to Diwali this year. GST and demonetisation-themed firecrackers at a shop in Allahabad. (Sheeraz Rizvi / HT photo) Thats not all. A number of firecrackers have also been named after politicians like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, HT reported. Crackers with names like Yogi Chetavani Chatai, Akhilesh bomb (with the tagline Dikh Raha Hain Dum), and Chamakta Sitara Anar with a photograph of Rahul Gandhi, are available everywhere in the state (with the exception of Noida and Ghaziabad, of course). Just like the demonetisation drive and the GST rollout, however, these specially branded firecrackers are far from cheap. Bombs, rockets, chakris and anars with political themes are really alluring. I managed to convince my parents to go for one box of Notebandi anars costing Rs 5,000. I am sure it will stand out this Diwali in my locality as each one is supposed to last for at least three minutes, said Rahul Saxena, a student of Allahabad Degree College. The report mentioned the exorbitant prices of these political firecrackers. The Yogi chetavani chatai, for example, costs an astounding Rs 22,000. Sure, it comprises 15,000 pieces of crackers, and is 80metre long, but it is a lot to pay for fireworks that just have UP chief ministers face on it. Similarly, the GST Kaala Saanp costs Rs 15,000. Flash The number of visits from China to Abu Dhabi reached 242,000 from January to August, making China the largest source of tourists in the city, Abu Dhabi's tourism department said Thursday. Saif Saeed Ghobash, director of Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, said that in the first eight months the number of visits by Chinese tourists to Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, increased by 68 percent year on year. Ghobash revealed the figures in Shanghai at "Abu Dhabi Week in China," the first promotional activity between the city and China. Leisure and business trips from China to Abu Dhabi have soared since visa policies were eased at the beginning of the year. The government of Abu Dhabi said that the city is expected to welcome around 600,000 visits from China in 2021. To attract more Chinese visitors and meet their demands, many tourist attractions in the city have been improving their services, such as providing Chinese-speaking tour guides and promoting China UnionPay, the country's largest bank card payment processor. You are here: Home Flash European Council President Donald Tusk on Thursday ruled out EU intervention in the Catalonia situation, stressing that there is "no space" for the bloc to do that. Speaking at a press conference following the EU summit's first-day meeting, Tusk said he didn't expect a "wide discussion or debate" on the Catalonia situation. "We have all our own emotions, opinions, assessments, but formally speaking, there is no space for EU intervention here," he stressed. The two-day EU summit kicked off on Thursday as the tension between Madrid and the Catalan region seemed to reach breaking point. Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont failed to give a clear answer to the Spanish government on whether he had declared independence on Oct. 10, before the government deadline of 10:00 a.m. (0800 GMT) on Thursday expired. In response, Spain's cabinet will hold a special session Saturday to approve the suspension of Catalonia region's autonomy, and impose the central rule. The topics for the ongoing summit include migration, security, digital development, and Brexit talks. Catalonia's situation is not on the agenda of the summit. Flash Letters written by former U.S. President Barack Obama in 1980s to his college girlfriend were made public on Thursday by a private research university, revealing a young man grappling with his place in the world. The nine full letters, sent by young Obama to Alexandra McNear, are now part of the collection of the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library at Emory University in metropolitan Atlanta, the southeastern U.S. state of Georgia, according to an article titled "Love, Barack" by Laura Douglas-Brown, posted Thursday on the Emory's website. The 30 pages of letters are available to scholars and students by appointment, and there will be an opportunity to view facsimiles of the letters on Friday, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Woodruff Commons of the Rose Library, it said. Beautifully composed, the letters "reveal the search of a young man for meaning and identity," Rosemary Magee, Rose Library director was quoted as saying. "While intimate in a philosophical way, they reflect primarily a college student coming to terms with himself and others." "In fact, they show the same kind of yearnings and issues that our own students face - and that students everywhere encounter," Magee said. "Thus they will serve as sources of both inspiration and reassurance to people of all ages and backgrounds." Spanning 1982 to 1984, the letters were written after Obama, who began his college career at California's Occidental College, transferred to Columbia University in New York City. In page after page of neat script -- written on lined yellow paper, typing paper, pages torn from spiral notebooks and even an index card -- the future president poured out his thoughts and feelings to McNear, a fellow student from Occidental to whom he had grown even closer when she spent the summer of 1982 in New York. The nine letters in Emory's collection pick up on Sept. 26, 1982, when both were back in classes at their respective schools on opposite coasts, and continued through April 14, 1984, when their romance has cooled to friendship and Obama has finished college and was working at Business International, "with everyone slapping my back" but no passion for the job. After 16 years leading the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce, President Timothy Hulbert has reached an agreement with the board of directors to step down after a new president has been hired. The agreement calls for a new chamber leader to be hired by Oct. 15, 2018, and Hulberts last day will Dec. 31, 2018. That, he said, will allow him to help the new hire transition into the job. Its a very important transition for the chamber and we want it to be as smooth and easy as possible, Hulbert said. One of the greatest experiences in my life has been to serve the chamber as its chief steward for the past 16 years and I want it to succeed. I love it here. Hulbert, 65, said he will likely do some consulting work and plans to remain in the area after he leaves the chamber. Currently, the plan is move the transition along, Hulbert said, after that, contract consultant work for a small number of clients. Hulbert made the announcement to members of the chambers membership in a written statement on Friday. I announce to you all with some pride in mutual achievement and some deep sadness, that it is time for me to step down from my chamber position, he wrote. Its time. Thank you all for allowing me the high honor to serve. When his resignation is effective, Hulbert will have spent 29 years leading chambers including 12 years as head of the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, in Troy, New York, and 17 years at the helm of the Charlottesville chamber. Its hard to think of any one individual who cares more for our community and who has done more for it than has Tim, said Dan Jordan, president emeritus of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which owns and operates Monticello. During my tenure at Monticello, he helped us on many occasions and never with any hesitation, Jordan recalled. I admire how Tim could shift the credit he was due to other people and especially to board members and staff. Jordan said that one aspect of Hulberts tenure at the chamber was an effort to include minority businesses. I always admired Tims ability to focus on what is best for the community and Tims long-time commitment to diversity should be mentioned," he said, "especially in these troubled times. During Hulberts tenure, the chamber reached out to minority members and businesses by partnering in the Charlottesville Business Womens Roundtable, the Chamber Business Diversity Council and the Greater Charlottesville Area Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization that seeks to expand the number of jobs in the area in order to help create wealth to help people out of poverty. The chamber also supported efforts to build the John W. Warner Parkway, develop a 50-year water supply plan, open the Downtown Mall to traffic at Fourth Street and increase funding and support for early childhood education. Tim is one of the most decent persons you could ever meet. He has also been an effective advocate for chamber initiatives, both here and in Richmond, said Del. David J. Toscano, D-Charlottesville. The Meadowcreek Parkway may never have been build without Tims marshaling of political support to get it done. Toscano also praised Hulberts efforts with the Greater Charlottesville Area Development Corporation to expand job opportunities for area residents whose incomes are below the median. His work through the Orange Dot project to help create jobs for local residents who have not had much opportunity shows both his interest in helping others and the chambers commitment to economic opportunity, Toscano said. Tim has reached a milestone in his service to our community. His leadership will be missed, Jordan said. I hope Tim will remain in our community. He still has plenty of gas in the tank and a lot to offer us. Hulbert told the chamber board and membership that he plans to remain active. Im not retiring from life or enterprise, he wrote. I will pursue new and exciting professional opportunities in communications, strategy, advocacy and community and governmental relations, here in Charlottesville, across Virginia and other places, to be determined. Stay tuned. A survey sponsored by National Geographic shows that Charlottesville ranked third among U.S. cities for happiness based on lifestyle and environment, finishing behind Boulder, Colorado and Santa Cruz, California. The survey was taken in 190 metropolitan areas between 2014 and 2015, well before Charlottesville gained national and international notoriety associated with a July march by the Ku Klux Klan and the Aug. 12 Unite the Right rally sponsored by Nazi- and white supremacist-affiliated groups. The Aug. 12 rally resulted in the death of 32-year-old Heather Heyer and dozens of injuries when a car plowed into a crowd of counter-protesters. The survey and index was created and carried out by National Geographic, Gallup and New York Times best-selling author and National Geographic explorer Dan Buettner. The cities were ranked based on the National Geographic/Blue Zones Index, which was developed to measure happiness based on civic engagement, walkability and healthful food options. Boulders access to nature at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, and sense of community, were contributing factors to its residents happiness. National Geographic wrote about the survey in its November issue and on its website, Nationalgeographic.com Research indicates that the [variables] of place play an important role in whether locals feel happy, according to the story, written by George Stone, editor of National Geographics Traveler magazine. Stone wrote that Buettners research tracked factors that are statistically associated with doing well and feeling well; these include feeling secure, taking vacations, and having enough money to cover basic needs. GAINESVILLE, Fla. A man who fired a shot at anti-Nazi protesters following a speech at the University of Florida by a white nationalist has been charged with attempted murder, police in Gainesville said Friday. Two men who allegedly urged him to shoot face the same charge. A Gainesville Police Department report released on Friday said that Tyler Tenbrink, 28; William Fears, 30; and his brother, 28-year-old Colton Fears, all from Texas, were arrested on attempted homicide charges following an appearance on campus by white nationalist Richard Spencer. Hours before the shooting, all three men had spoken with the media in support of Spencer's speech and white nationalism. William Fears told The Gainesville Sun that he believed James Fields, who is accused of driving his car into a crowd of protesters at the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville on Aug. 12 and killing Heather Heyer, wasnt unjustified. Its always been socially acceptable to punch a Nazi, to attack people if they have right-wing political leanings, Fears told The Gainesville Sun. Us coming in and saying were taking over your town, were starting to push back, were starting to want to intimidate back. We want to show our teeth a little bit because, you know, were not to be taken lightly. We dont want violence; we dont want harm. But at the end of the day, were not opposed to defending ourselves. According to the Miami Herald, Tenbrink and William Fears were spotted at the Charlottesville rally. The three were in a vehicle Thursday immediately after Spencer's speech and began making Nazi salutes and shouting Hitler chants at a group of people holding anti-Nazi signs near a bus stop, Gainesville Police Officer Ben Tobias said. One person in the group of about six people struck the back window of the men's vehicle with a baton, police said. Tenbrink, a convicted felon, showed a handgun after exiting the car while the Fears brothers encouraged him to shoot, police said. "Colton Fears and William Fears were also yelling, 'Kill them' and 'Shoot them,'" the police report stated. Tenbrink fired a single shot, police said, missing the group and striking a nearby building. He is also being charged as a felon in possession of a firearm, police said. The men fled the scene and headed north on Highway 75, police said. Just before 9 p.m. an off-duty Alachua County Sheriff's deputy who had worked the Spencer event earlier saw the men's vehicle. A group of officers called in stopped the vehicle and took the men into custody. Tenbrink admitted that he was the shooter, according to the police report. Police say two of the three have connections to "extremist groups." GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Richard Spencer came to the University of Florida hoping to spread his white nationalist ideas, but his speech was instead quickly drowned out Thursday by a hailstorm of chants, shouting and mockery. At one point, Spencer said, "You know that what I am saying here will change the world." At another point, he described the audience as a mob. People chanted, "Black lives matter!" and "Go home, Spencer!" "Are you adults?" Spencer asked. "It doesn't look like it." Spencer called the crowd "shrieking and grunting morons." They responded by chanting, "Let's go, Gators!" The public university spent an estimated $600,000 on security for the event. More than 500 law enforcement officers were deployed, a state of emergency was declared, and many students avoided classes, and campus, entirely on Thursday. With an intense police presence - snipers were positioned on the rooftops of nearby buildings, hundreds of uniformed state troopers stood at attention behind barricades - the protest outside the speech proved peaceful. The event was Spencer's first public speech on a college campus since he led torch-bearing followers through the University of Virginia in August, the start of a weekend of clashes between white nationalists and white supremacists and counterprotesters that turned deadly in Charlottesville the next day. Spencer's efforts to speak at UF had been closely watched, and bitterly debated - a sign not only of how raw the tensions over race and culture remain, but of the intensity of the fight over free speech on college campuses. The campus of 52,000 students had been eerily quiet Thursday morning, with a heavy police presence, barricades and road closures, but by early afternoon, crowds of protesters gathered to counter Spencer's appearance. "We have a duty to fight for our freedom," a woman in an orange tank top shouted, leading a group of marchers who repeated her words in unison. There was a brief scuffle when protesters turned on a man wearing a shirt that was branded with a swastika, and he was marched out of the crowd. But, mostly, people chanted in unison: "Not my town, not my state, we don't want your Nazi hate!" When an airplane carrying a banner that read "Love Conquers All! Love will prevail!" flew overhead, the crowd erupted in cheers. Before he spoke inside a heavily secured performing arts center, Spencer answered questions at an often contentious press conference. He said it was "absolutely right" that the university and state expected to spend more than $600,000 on security. "This is the free speech issue of our day." Asked whether he was a racist, he said he was not a racist in a "cartoonish" sense but that, "Yes, race is real, race matters and race is the foundation of identity." Eight-hundred tickets were handed out for the event, but the lower level of the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts looked to be only about half filled moments before Spencer began his speech. A theater manager said there were about 400 people inside, including media. The protest and chants in the auditorium began as soon as the event began and continued until Spencer finally walked off stage 90 minutes later. People came for many reasons. "I came here to support Spencer because after Charlottesville, the radical left threatened my family and children because I was seen and photographed in Charlottesville," Tyler TenBrink, 29, said. "The man's got the brass to say what nobody else will." Crew Kinnard, 58, a nurse from Gainesville, came to hear what Spencer had to say "because I want to know what I'm arguing against. "I want to know what logic and what information he might be using. It breaks my heart that this is happening in the 21st century, but we all have freedom of speech." Emmanuel Kizito, a 20-year-old political science major at UF, sat near the back of the auditorium with a group of black students. He said he "came to witness Spencer's violent rhetoric and to indict the University of Florida . . . who emboldened his ideals by allowing him to speak." Asked if he was worried about violence or if he thought the event could be dangerous, he replied, "as a black man, everywhere in America is dangerous for me." After Spencer's speech ended, the few supporters who did show up began to trickle out, and the crowd of protesters started shouting. One man emerged from behind the police line only to be sprayed in the face with something, witnesses said. Police began escorting others. "Nazi scum!" protesters screamed as one man in a white polo shirt and a slicked down side part emerged from the theater, and state troopers formed a cordon between him and the protesters and helped him move out down Hull Road. The crowd followed, chanting and surrounding them. In a telephone interview after the speech, Spencer described the appearance as "frustrating and exhilarating at the same time." "I'm inspired that we persevered against totally thuggish behavior," he said. "Screaming at the top of your lungs is the same as trying to bar the door." Spencer called his appearance a "very big win for us and a very big loss for the University of Florida and Antifa." Zachary Bautista, a University of Florida medical student, said he views the protest as part of a larger series of demonstrations related to hate and injustice across the country. There was the women's march against Trump and racism in Washington. There were the marches against racial inequality in Missouri. Now, it's Gainesville's turn, he said. "Having the presence of someone like Richard Spencer here is a call to action for us," Bautista, 23, said. "This is our opportunity to let everyone know we don't agree with this. We want everyone to know we want equality and opportunity and for everyone to get along." Police on Thursday fenced off a vast parking lot adjacent to the artcomplex. Campus police, officers from the Florida Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies, took up positions around the campus and the designated protest zone Thursday morning. Both Spencer and his opponents praised the law enforcement response. All major roads leading to the event were blocked by dump trucks or other large vehicles. Outside the barriers, a sign listed dozens of prohibited items: no firearms, tasers, fireworks, torches, masks or chains; no wagons or pull carts; no pets, no drones, no skateboards or laser pointers. Police made two arrests. A 28-year-old man from Orlando, Florida, was arrested for carrying a firearm on school property. And a 34-year-old man was charged with resisting arrest without violence. Gov. Rick Scott, R, declared a state of emergency days before the speech. University officials sent out cautionary emails about "the event," as they called it, urging students to avoid the area and denouncing the "hateful rhetoric" of the National Policy Institute. And protesters converged, blitzing social media. No Nazis at UF urged solidarity on social media, and offered detailed plans and shuttle rides to get as close as possible to the closed-off area. Mike Ryan-Siminovich, 39, a stay-at-home dad from Gainesville, was trying to find tickets to see Spencer's speech. His plan was to attend the event and then walk out when Spencer started speaking to "demonstrate my contempt for his odious views." Ryan-Siminovich said he acknowledged that Spencer's right to speak was protected by the First Amendment. "A roomful of angry liberals shouting at him does more to promote his ideas than people walking out in contempt does," he said. Spencer's supporters had been planning, too. On the Daily Stormer, Andrew Anglin advised people to dress inconspicuously ("if you've got Nazi tattoos, cover them up"), avoid the designated protest area ("TRAP ZONE") and try to get a ticket to the speech. Spencer is trying to keep the momentum going for his movement by appealing to college students, "trying to get young disaffected whites interested in white nationalism," as well as getting media attention, said Marilyn Mayo of the Anti-Defamation League's Center on Extremism. Facebook is one of major tech companies in US. San Francisco: Nearly two dozen major companies in technology and other industries are planning to launch a coalition to demand legislation that would allow young, illegal immigrants a path to permanent residency, according to documents seen by Reuters. The Coalition for the American Dream intends to ask Congress to pass bipartisan legislation this year that would allow these immigrants, often referred to as Dreamers, to continue working in the United States, the documents said. Alphabet Incs Google, Microsoft Corp, Facebook Inc, Intel Corp, Uber Technologies Inc, IBM Corp, Marriott International Inc and other top U.S. companies are listed as members, one of the documents shows. Intel, Uber and Univision Communications Inc confirmed their membership, but the other companies did not immediately comment. It is possible that plans to launch the group could change. Were pleased to join with other organizations in urging Congress to pass legislation to protect Dreamers, Intel spokesman Will Moss said in a statement. Matthew Wing, a spokesman for Uber, said, Uber joined the Coalition for the American Dream because we stand with the Dreamers. Weve also held town halls, provided legal support and launched an online Dreamer Resource Center for any of our drivers. The push for this legislation comes after President Donald Trumps September decision to allow the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to expire in March. That program, established by former President Barack Obama in 2012, allows approximately 900,000 illegal immigrants to obtain work permits. Some 800 companies signed a letter to Congressional leaders after Trumps decision, calling for legislation protecting Dreamers. That effort was spearheaded by a pro-immigration reform group Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg co-founded in 2013 called FWD.us. Many of the companies that endorsed that letter are named as joining the new coalition. The group has planned to take out ads in news publications, though this is subject to change, according to an email last week seen by Reuters. Dreamers are part of our society, defend our country, and support our economy, said one of the coalition documents, which is being shared by the group to recruit additional companies. A signup form for the group said 72 percent of the top 25 Fortune 500 companies employ DACA recipients. Trump campaigned for president on a pledge to toughen immigration policies and build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. He has left the fate of DACA up to Congress. Action may come in December, when Congress must pass a spending bill to keep the U.S. government open. Democrats have considered insisting on help for the Dreamers as their price for providing votes that may be required to prevent a government shutdown. No politician wants to go home for the holidays and read stories about how this is going to be DACA recipients last holidays in the U.S., said Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us, in an interview earlier on Thursday. He declined to comment on the new coalition. You will see this continue to escalate until the end of the year, he said. Sebi has imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on Dhongde for trading in tshares M&M as a designated employee during the restricted periods. New Delhi: Capital markets regulator Sebi has imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on Vijay Anant Dhongde for trading in the shares Mahindra & Mahindra as a designated employee during the restricted periods. It could not immediately be ascertained however whether Dhongde is still an employee at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd (MML) as there is no specific mention about his current status in the Sebi order. The regulator had conducted a probe into the alleged irregularity in trading in MML shares during November-December 31, 2013 for possible violations of the Sebi's norms after the auto maker itself informed to the markets watchdog about the violations by its employee. The probe found that Dhongde had traded in the shares of MML when the trading window was closed for declaration of unaudited financial results of the company for the quarter ended on December 31, 2013. He had traded in the scrip for over Rs 9 lakh and entered into opposite transaction within six months following the prior transaction. As per Sebi norms, opposite transaction refer to selling or buying any number of shares within 6 months following the prior transaction. Dhongde sold 1,000 shares each on November 20, 2013, November 28, December 9, December 20, and December 30. He took a reverse position on December 31, for 1,000 shares a day after he had sold 1,000 shares i.e. on December 30. 2013. The difference between the selling price on December 30, 2013 and purchase price on December 31, 2013 which can be termed as profit on this transaction is Rs 25,000. "I find that the noticee being the designated employee of the company had transacted in the shares of MML during the window closure period and also had entered into opposite transaction within six months from the prior transaction which was in complete violation of...the Model Code of Conduct specified in...the PIT (Prohibition of insider trading) Regulations," Sebi General Manager and Adjudicating Officer D Sura Reddy said in an order passed on October 18. Accordingly, Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) had impose a penalty of Rs 1 lakh on the notice -- Dhongde. An RTI query has revealed that the Reserve Bank of India never issued any directions regarding mandatory linking of Aadhaar and bank accounts. (File Photo) Mumbai: Amidst banks and the government urging people to link their Aadhaar with bank accounts by December 31, an RTI query has revealed that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) never issued any directions in this regard. In reply to an RTI query filed by MoneyLife, the central bank said it "has not issued any instruction so far regarding mandatory liking of Aadhaar number with bank accounts." The RBI was responding to a specific query made for availing copy of the file along with file notings regarding mandatory linking of Aadhaar number with bank accounts. In a notification dated June 1, 2017, the government had said that bank accounts not linked to Aadhaar will be declared inoperable post December 31. The RTI query also explicitly asked if the apex bank had taken permission from the Supreme Court for mandatory linking of bank accounts with Aadhaar. The RBI replied saying it has not filed any petition before the SC. Aadhaar has been a huge point of debate in recent times and its validity has been questioned by many. The Supreme Court has restricted its usage for six schemes (banking services not being one of them). The apex court is also due to hear petitions questioning the validity of Aadhaar. Mumbai: Retirement body Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to go completely paperless by August, 2018, in line with Prime Minister Modis Digital India initiative. This will put an end to all the paperwork hassle one has to undertake while changing jobs, checking the PF balance, redeeming the PF, etc. It will also reduce chances of corruption and public harassment. The EPFO has in fact already launched a host of online services like EPF withdrawals. "The EPFO has set a target. We have decided to make electronic paper-free organisation by next the Independence Day where all services will be provided electronically (through online or mobile handsets)," Central Provident Fund Commissioner V P Joy had said after flagging of a Trinaga Yatra. Here are the major benefits that EPFO guarantees to its subscribers: 1) Both the employer and employee contribute 12 per cent of basic salary towards EPF. While 12 per cent of an employees basic salary goes towards the EPF kitty, 8.33 per cent of the 12 per cent of the employers contribution is invested in the EPS or pension scheme. The balance 3.67 per cent goes to the EPF kitty. 2) The employee is earns interest on the PF accumulation which is exempt from income tax. EPF account continues to earn interest even if it has been inoperative for more than three years. 3) Under the Employees Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme, an insurance coverage up to Rs 6 lakh can be claimed by survivor of deceased member. 4) On the eve of Diwali, EPFO rolled out the linking of Aadhaar with UAN for "better and speedy EPFO services" to members. This makes transferring PF while switching from one company to another gets easier now. Form 11 that will now replace Form 13 in all cases of auto transfer. EPFO accounts must be linked with Aadhaar card by December 31, 2017, as mandated by the government. 5) EPFO subscribers can also avail the website and the app for checking their PF balance. They can withdraw PF for the purchase or construction of house, repayment of house, illness, higher education, marriage etc. The pictures featuring Karan Johar, Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan shared on Twitter and Instagram. Mumbai: Karan Johar took a risk of sorts by breaking his tradition of casting big names like Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Kajol, casting fresh faces Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra in Student of the Year. The gamble paid off with the film becoming a success and most importantly gifting three more stars to the industry. 'Student of the Year' completed the milestone of five years on Thursday and with the festival of Diwali currently underway, the team got together for a dual celebration. The four stars recreated their Disco Deewane step, Karan gave The 5 year Speech and the team cut the Student of the Year cake. All the four celebrities also posted touching messages on their social media handles on the completion of the milestone, thanking each other for their respective contribution in the journey. Love you @karanjohar my father my friend.. thank you for making this day happen! Couldn't have asked for a better opening to my story :) Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) October 19, 2017 And to the best boys ever! @S1dharthM @Varun_dvn so happy we started off together and were totally clueless together love you both Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) October 19, 2017 Thank you guys have seen the trends and the love world over it's a very special days today. 5 years but I'm still a student @karanjohar Varun Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) October 19, 2017 #5YearsOfSOTY #5YearsOfVarunDhawan thank you will work harder. You guys have stood with me from the begin thank you https://t.co/s9s9PSLES6 Varun Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) October 19, 2017 We shot Radha on the first day & I remember how nervous @varun_dvn, @aliaa08 & me were. SOTY will always be special. Thank You @karanjohar pic.twitter.com/tnJ8poFkG4 Sidharth Malhotra (@S1dharthM) October 19, 2017 Even Karans twins Yash and Roohi joined in the celebrations where they were obviously the centre of attraction, with Ayan Mukerji also being spotted. Varun also shared a picture with Roohi, calling her the 'most beautiful girl in the room.' Loveeeee with the most beautiful girl in the room pic.twitter.com/acKrudipej Varun Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) October 19, 2017 Sridevis daughter Jhanvi and Shahid Kapoors brother Ishaan Khatter are reportedly going to be to be launched in a similar grand manner with the Sairat remake, and it would be interesting to see if they can replicate the success of the 'Students.' The Hindi remake of hit Telugu film, Pelli Choopulu is finally in place. It has been learnt that actor Jackky Bhagnani will be reprising the role of Vijay Deverakonda in the original and the film will be shot in Gujarat! Confirming the news, Jackky shares, I am pretty excited to be a part of the film. I saw the original and absolutely loved it. I have been shooting for the film since 40 days and we have almost wrapped up the shoot. While the original film was completely shot in Hyderabad, the Hindi remake will be made in Ahmedabad. Jackky says, Changes have been made to adapt the script to the new sensibilities. However, the soul of the film will remain intact and the fun quotient will be the same. Jackyy also reveals that it has been quite a fun experience shooting for the film as has getting into the skin of his character. I met chef Sid of The Spitfire BBQ Truck, on whom the lead character is loosely based. I was trying to get into his head, he adds. The untitled romantic comedy is being directed by Nitin Kakkar and is a production of Phantom Films. KOCHI: The special investigation team probing the actress assault case held a meeting on Thursday ahead of preparing a supplementary chargesheet against actor Dileep. The meeting was chaired by ADGP B. Sandhya, who has the overall charge of the investigation. The meeting took place amidst reports that Dileep, one of the prime accused in the case, presented a set of medical documents to show that he was under treatment in a hospital on the day of the abduction and assault of the actress. The probe team believes that it was a conscious attempt by him to mislead the investigation. During interrogation, he told the police that he was under treatment in a private hospital for a week beginning from February 14. He also presented the relevant medical documents. Cops connected with the probe say that he only visited the hospital during the day and was never admitted for treatment. The police also said that he procured the relevant documents from the doctor sometime later. The police buttress their claim by citing that the actor was present at a few film locations during these days. Dr Hyder Ali, who treated Dileep in these days, told reporters that the actor was under his treatment from February 14 to 18, but was not admitted as an inpatient. According to the doctor, Dileep used to visit the hospital in the morning to take the medicines and returned a couple of hours later. Paramedical staff were also regularly sent to his residence to give him medication every evening.The illness and treatment of Dileep have emerged even as the SIT is mulling naming the actor as the first accused in the supplementary chargesheet in the case. The SIT is considering to make the actor the first accused on the ground that he hatched the entire conspiracy and hired the goons to commit the crime. Most of the family audience might be familiar with Karthika of Karuthamuthu, the dark-skinned girl who passes through difficult situations due to her skin colour. The serial that has received a mixed response from viewers has got its Telugu version. Titled as Karthika Deepam in Telugu, Premi Viswanath, who initially played Karthikas character in Malayalam, reprises her role in it. The soap opera has started broadcasting on Maa TV. Premi, who is busy with the fourth schedule of Karthika Deepam says, We all are hopeful. The promo has received good response from the crowd. People have already started recognising me. The serial broadcasts from Monday to Saturday. In Telugu, it is a different production team. My characters name is Deepa and the male lead is Karthik, she adds. Premi says she never expected a call from the Telugu industry. They had watched Karuthamuthu. Although they organised an audition there for the female lead, they couldn't find a person who would look good in black makeup. Hence, they zeroed in on me, says the actress. But, Premi was a little hesitant to take up the project due to language barriers. When they called me, I wondered how I would work there as I don't know Telugu. That was the first thing I told them, but then they assured me that I could catch up with the language in three months, she adds. Even in Malayalam, when the makers first contacted me, I said I didn't know acting, she laughs. And, Premi started acting in Karthika Deepam straight away. The Telugu industry is a new experience for her. Malayalam and Telugu are two entirely different industries. In Malayalam, we try to complete the project within a minimum budget whereas in Telugu, they invest a lot of money into making. Be it sets or equipment, it is luxurious, says Premi. Meanwhile, she has been part of two Tamil movies. After the Karuthamuthu serial, I did the movie Kathirikka Vendakka. Now, I am doing Netholi, in which I play a rough and tough police officer. Will she come back to Malayalam? Yes. I want to do more good projects in Malayalam, she signs off. Rating: CAST: Vijay, Samantha Akkineni, Kajal Aggarwal, Nithya Menen, SJ Suryah DIRECTION: Atlee Amidst all hullabaloo and uncertainty, 'Mersal' finally hits the theaters this Deepavali. The story has an age-old formulaic pattern followed from MGR period, where lookalikes swap places to avenge their detractors, with Atlee taking a contemporary issue for Vijay. Does it live up to the expectations? 'Mersal' begins with much fanfare when police Rathnavel (Sathyaraj) arrests Dr. Maaran (Vijay) for a murder and is then taken away to jail to the sounds of a weeping crowd. Its very reminiscent of Rajinikanths scene in 'Sivaji.' After a few minutes, we learn that Maaran is known as 5 rupees doctor who wants to serve his people by charging just Rs 5 from his patients. It is shown that Maaran is also a powerful magician and the narration is such that it makes us believe that he is on a killing spree, only to expose the real murderer Vetri (Vijay again) during the interval block, a rather predictable twist. And Vetri slaughters an Indian doctor in Paris on a grand stage in front of hundreds in the guise of a magic trick. Why? Then the story goes to flashback mode again, where we are introduced to Thalapathy (Vijay) who is a village head and do-gooder in Madurai and lives happily with his wife Aishwarya (Nithya Menen in a meaty role) and little son Maaran. Now enters Daniel Arogyaraj (SJ Suryah) a wicked and greedy doctor and all hell breaks loose for Thalapathy. Tragedy strikes when Thalapathi and his wife, who gives birth to a second child, die due to a conspiracy by cut-throat Daniel. Now, one can connect the dots. three decades later the sons are on the revenge mode with emphasis more on cleaning up the corruption in the medical system. Theres nothing new by way of plot, but Atlee cleverly uses the charm and terrific screen presence of Vijay and presents it in an engaging manner. We are reminded of many revenge sagas where the hero played a triple role like 'Aboorva Sahodarargal', 'Moondru Mugam', Vijayakanths 'Ramanaa', where he exposes derelictions in private hospitals and how they extract huge money from the poor using their ignorance. It is Atlees packaging that includes keeping Vijays real life stance (aspiring to get into politics) that works to a great extent. 'Baahubali' writer KV Vijayendra Prasad has been credited for additional screenplay and it shows where a newborn raises his hand akin to Baahubalis. It is Vijays show all the way and he hasnt disappointed his fans, playing perfectly to the gallery. Among the three Vijays it is Thalapathy who impresses a lot, with his flawless comic timing. The actor also proves his mettle in emotional scenes when he breaks down at the hospital. Samantha Akkineni as Tara and Kajal Agarwal as Anu Pallavi in extended cameos are the routine dumb Tamil screen heroines, and it is a slightly plump yet pretty looking Nithya Menen who steals the show with her alluring feat. Theres nothing exceptional in SJ Suryahs menacing act. Sathyaraj is just about adequate. Why do you need veterans like Vadivelu and Kovai Sarala for this movie? And where were all the villagers on the fateful night when Thalapathy and his pregnant wife Aishwarya struggle for their life? On the technical front, GK Vishnus glossy visuals add to the grandiosity. AR Rahman pitches his best to elevate the proceedings. Aalaporaan Tamizhan has already become a huge hit. The film is unduly lengthy (2hrs 50 min) which could have been trimmed for a slicker experience. Tokyo: The world's most prestigious award for pioneers in environmental science was given to Hans Joachim Schellnhuber this week in Tokyo. He is Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), a member of the Leibniz Association. The Blue Planet Prize, coming along with 50 million yen, honors outstanding thinkers who help to meet challenges of planetary dimensions. It is awarded by the Asahi Glass Foundation and handed over in presence of Japan's Imperial Prince and Princess. Schellnhuber received the prize for establishing a new field of science, Earth System Analysis, and introducing most influential concepts including the notion of tipping elements in the climate system. The second recipient is Gretchen Daily of Stanford University, USA, who was honored for her research about biodiversity and natural capital. "Professor Schellnhuber pioneered a new field of climate science," said Yoshihiro Hayashi, Chairman of the Blue Planet Prize Selection Committee and Director General of the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo. The Director of PIK provided "groundbreaking interdisciplinary science," Hayashi said. Furthermore, "one of his greatest successes was communicating the magnitude of the challenge of climate stabilization to a broad public as well as decision-makers," he added, calling Schellnhuber "the father of the 2 degrees limit for global warming". On the same note, the official declaration by the Blue Planet Prize organizers says: "His activities eventually created a torrent of measures against global warming worldwide, resulting in the 2-degree guardrail agreed upon by more than 190 countries at the UN climate summit COP21. Professor Schellnhuber and PIK have played a central role in this field for many years." "I believe that the two recipients are leading us to a new era of tackling environmental issues," commented Hiroyuki Yoshikawa of the Blue Planet Prize Committee in his speech. He is a Special Counselor to the President of the Japan Science and Technology Agency, member of the Japan Academy, and a former President of both the Science Council of Japan and the University of Tokyo. The committee includes internationally renowned scientists such as Nobel Laureate Ryoji Noyori who met Schellnhuber on the eve of the prize ceremony. Strong messages from Japan's Prime Minister Abe and the Imperial Prince Akishino "This prize is said to be the Nobel Prize for environmental research," said Japan's minister of the Environment, Masaharu Nakagawa, in a personal meeting earlier this week. He thanked Schellnhuber "for helping with the long-term strategy of our country. We're in the midst of a broad change." Schellnhuber has visited Japan on a number of occasions for talks with high-ranking officials in the past years. Stabilizing the climate "is a global challenge which requires concerted action by all countries," Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in a message congratulating the awardees. "My government remains committed to climate action." Marking the outstanding significance of the event for Japan, His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino attended the ceremony. "In recent years, we humans have pursued the progress of science and technology" - yet precisely by this way of economic development, "the ecosystems have been affected," said the Prince. He specifically mentioned the increase of dangerous weather extremes. "We need a correct understanding of the human effect on the environment - as well as actions. It is hence satisfying that the laureates have developed the science as well as they have sounded the alarm." In a congratulatory message His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Charles, emphasized that Schellnhuber's work is important to persuade the world to counter climate change, and to save the planet for our children and grandchildren. "Germany and Japan must take the lead in this race against global disaster" Previous recipients of the prize include the godfather of climate modelling, Syukuro Manabe, from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, Norway's former Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland, and Charles Keeling from the University of San Diego, California, who gave his name to the famous Keeling curve of atmospheric CO2 concentration measurements. "The sun first rises in the East," said Schellnhuber at the ceremony. "Philosophers in China and Japan have deliberated upon the harmony between nature and humanity for many centuries." Today, scientists around the world, including those at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research that Schellnhuber founded in 1992, are successfully investigating the nonlinear dynamics of the complex climate system, and religious leaders like Pope Francis - whose green Encyclical Schellnhuber had the honor to present to the world in 2015 - joined in the call for avoiding dangerous climate change. "Yet man-made climate change has roared on, since policy has largely failed us," said Schellnhuber. Now, on the basis of the Paris Agreement to limit temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, a great transformation of the global economy is required. "Germany and Japan must take the lead in this race against global disaster," Schellnhuber said. "They shall become closest partners in sustainable innovation - for the sake of our two nations and for the sake of our Blue Planet." Living near an abundance of trees makes adults less stressed by strengthening an area of the brain that controls emotional processing. (Photo: Pixabay) A new study now says that moving closer to secluded forests is good for the brain. German researchers are the first to uncover that living on the edge of a forest boosts brain power. According to researchers, living near an abundance of trees makes adults less stressed by strengthening an area of the brain that controls emotional processing. The amygdala, an area of grey matter vital for processing anxiety, was more robust in the people involved in the study. Scientists have long suggested living near forests is good for you, but the findings are the first to provide physical evidence. City dwellers are at greater risk of psychiatric illnesses such as depression, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia than those who reside in the country. A number of factors including, noise, pollution and the high number of people in the small space of a city can also contribute to chronic stress. Speaking about it, lead author of the study Dr Simone Kuhn of the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, said that studies of people in the countryside have already shown living close to nature is good for their mental health and wellbeing. They, therefore decided to examine city dwellers. Co-author Ulman Lindenberger, of the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin went on to add that their study investigated the connection between urban planning features and brain health for the first time.' The researchers, however, added that the findings published in Scientific Reports need to be confirmed with further studies. Joanie Simpson, experienced chest pains after her nine-year-old dog, Meha, died in May 2016. (Representational Image/ Pixabay) Joanie Simpson, a healthy woman of 62, literally suffered a heart break after the death of her beloved Yorkshire terrier. Joanie Simpson, experienced chest pains after her nine-year-old dog, Meha, died in May 2016. When she was airlifted to the hospital, doctors told her that the devastation she experienced following Mehas death nearly killed her. She was diagnosed with the potentially-fatal Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or 'broken-heart syndrome'. Her story, that has since then been published in the New England Journal of Medicine, exemplifies the physical damage that overwhelming sadness can do to one's body in the wake of a loss. Mehas death from congestive heart failure devastated Simpson and a few days after the dogs demise, Simpson woke up with a back ache and chest pains, and she went to a local emergency room. Simpson was then airlifted to Hermann Memorial Hospital in Houston, where she was taken to the cardiac catheterization lab at Hermann Memorial, and physicians inserted a tube into her heart via her groin. They expected to see blocked arteries, but x-rays showed them something different, Dr Abhishek Maiti, who treated Simpson, told the Post. They checked the arteries but all of them were crystal clear. Simpson was then diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The condition imitates a heart attack and happens when an overwhelming amount of hormones stress the heart. The sensation creates spasms, and 'broken heart syndrome' can be fatal. Simpson was treated with an angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and a beta-blocker. Once she was stable again doctors explained her condition to her and what had happened. She said it 'made complete sense.' Simpson had to stay in the hospital for two days following her diagnosis, and she now has to take two heart medications. But she is otherwise healthy. Even though Meha's death could have killed her, Simpson said she plans to get another dog in the future. The Koramangala police have arrested two people, including a fake journalist, on charges of drug peddling and seized one kg of charas worth Rs 3 lakh from the accused. BENGALURU: The Koramangala police have arrested two people, including a fake journalist, on charges of drug peddling and seized one kg of charas worth Rs 3 lakh from the accused. The arrested have been identified as Rakesh, 26, and Amul Hasan, 23, both hailing from Mangaluru. Rakesh was a high school dropout and worked as a construction worker in Mangaluru while Hasan, a journalism graduate, had come to the city about three years ago in search of a job.According to the police, they received a tip off that two people were trying to sell drugs near BBMP Park in Koramangala. A police team rushed to the spot and nabbed them after finding that they were in possession of one kg of charas. When the police searched both, they found a Press identity card with Hasan. When grilled thoroughly, he admitted that he had created the card to cheat people, while claiming to be a reporter of All India News 24x7, a fictitious media house. Investigations revealed that Hasan had not got any job and thus called Rakesh, who was in Mangaluru, to join him so that they both can make money by selling drugs. Hasan, a drug addict from college days, revealed that he got charas from one, Devdas, of Bidar. Efforts are on to nab Devdas, the police added. BTech grad held: In another drug peddling case, the Koramangla police have arrested Pratik Tiwari, 25, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, along with two others. He had completed BTech and was pursuing MBA. A drug addict himself, he used buy ganja from the other two accused and sold it to students and IT professionals. Police have seized 20 kg of ganja from the accused. Five people, including three of a family, died and three others were injured when a speeding SUV rammed into a bus shelter at Hosapalya near Kudur in Ramanagar district on Thursday evening. BENGALURU: Five people, including three of a family, died and three others were injured when a speeding SUV rammed into a bus shelter at Hosapalya near Kudur in Ramanagar district on Thursday evening. The deceased have been identified as Kemparaju, 38, his daughter Sowmya, 11, and two-year-old son Sanjay, while the two others are Navneeth, 21 and Sanjan Kumar, 21, who were in the SUV. According to the police, Kemparajus family, which lives in Sunkadakatte, was going on a bike to Mayasandra near Kunigal to celebrate Diwali. Around 5.30 pm they had stopped at a bus shelter to have snacks. A speeding SUV mowed them down and hit the bus shelter. All the injured were rushed to a nearby hospital, where the five were declared brought dead. Kemaparajus wife Mamatha, 30, is said to be critical while two other students, who were in the SUV, have also sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment. The four students are said to be from Jharkhand and studying in Bengaluru. They had rented a car and were driving themselves. We are yet to get more details about them as the two students, who survived the accident, are not in a condition to speak. It is yet to be ascertained whether the driver was drunk, the police added. Kudur police have registered a case. Similar incidents have been reported from some other parts of the Valley where braids of more than 150 women and girls have been cut by unknown assailants during the past month. (Photo: Representational/File) Srinagar: The vigilantism over alleged braid chopping is Kashmir has gone wrong again, rather taken a bizarre turn. On Friday, a mob tried to set a mentally deranged person to fire on suspicion of him being a braid chopper in north-western town of Sopore. In Srinagar, a worshipper was beaten up mercilessly during a visit to famed Hazratbal shrine on the banks of the Dal Lake. Similar incidents have been reported from some other parts of the Valley where braids of more than 150 women and girls have been cut by unknown assailants during the past month. The police and witnesses said that a mob caught hold of the mentally deranged person and thrashed him severely on suspicion of being a braid chopper in Sopores Pothkhan, Nowpora area on Friday. The victim who was later identified as Waseem Ahmed, a resident of Sharakawara village of Baramulla district, was surrounded by a mob of about 800 people which after beating him to the pulp tried to set him on fire, said Sopores Superintendent of Police, Harmeet Singh. The officer said that Ahmed was rescued by the police and taken to a Srinagar hospital in critical condition. The police said that it has registered an FIR and identified some people involved in the attack with the help of videos that have gone viral on social media. We will make arrests soon, he said. Following the incident, clashes erupted between irate crowds of youth and the security forces. The latter fired teargas canisters to disperse stone-throwing mobs in the area. In Srinagars Hazratbal area, a mob tried to lynch a person after accusing him of being a braid chopper. The police said that he had come to Hazratbal to offer fajr (dawn) prayers at the famed shrine but was mistaken as a braid chopper by the locals and beaten up mercilessly. The mob also tried to kill him by drowning him in the Dal Lake, the police said. A day earlier, a Special Police Officer who was on a visit of the area to meet his brother, a student of Kashmir University, at his rented accommodation was also beaten up by a mob on suspicion of being braid chopper. There have been fresh protests across the Valley over the alleged braid chopping acts and the polices failure to arrest the culprits. At places, these protests turned violent after which the police and central paramilitaries used tear smoke and swung bamboo sticks to quell the stone-throwing mobs. The police and central paramilitaries enforced a lockdown in seven police station areas of summer capital Srinagar on Friday to prevent such protests for which a call had been issued by an alliance of separatist leaders. The Citys historic Grand Mosque was at dawn surrounded by dozens of gun-wielding policemen and CRPF jawans to prevent worshippers from entering it for the Friday congregation. The Chief cleric and separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who delivers customary sermon in the mosque on Fridays was placed under house arrest. The increasing incidents of braid chopping has triggered a wave of terror among the Valleys women and girls. The victims have said that unknown assailants cut their hair after knocking them unconscious with some spray. Many people accuse the police of being behind these incidents or, at least, shielding the culprits. Inspector General of Police, Munir Ahmed Khan, strongly denied the charge and said that Special Investigation Teams (SITs) have been set up to probe the incidents and 24x7 helplines were started in all the ten districts of the Valley earlier to enable people seek its help in preventing their re-occurrence. The police also announced a reward of Rs. 600,000 for credible information leading to arrest of the person behind braid chopping. However, the authorities are clueless and no formal arrests have been made, so far. The police said that not only have vigilante mobs thrashed innocents mistaking them for braid choppers which has resulted into the death of, at least, one person, the situation has been seized by some people to settle personal scores. The alliance of key separatist leaders - Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik, has called for yet another shutdown in the Valley on Saturday against the growing menace of braid chopping, reiterating that it was a deliberate attack on the dignity of women in Kashmir. It termed it as an Indian ploy to target the women in the Valley through specially trained persons. The alliance, however, appealed the people not to thrash any suspects and instead hand them over to mosque committees. Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, had last week said that braid-chopping incidents were attempts to create mass hysteria and undermine the dignity of women in the State. Braid chopping incidents are attempts to create mass hysteria and undermine the dignity of the women in the State. Government will ensure steps are taken to find the motives behind these, she said after chairing a meeting of officials here. Earlier she had issued strict instructions to the divisional administration and the police to arrest the culprits found involved the braid chopping incidents in the State. The man had gone to meet the village head to avail a government scheme. (Photo: ANI) Bihar Sharif: A man was forced to lick his own spit in Bihar's Nalanda district as punishment for trying to enter the home of an influential man of a village allegedly without permission. A case was registered today against the perpetrators of the crime after a video on the incident went viral on social media. The sordid incident took place at Azadpur village under Noorsarai police station area on Thursday. The 54-year-old man named Mahesh Thakur, a barber, had tried to enter the house allegedly without knocking on its door on Wednesday evening. A panchayat sabha was called in the village the next day by the mukhiya Dayanand Manjhi and it decided on the punishment in which the man was forced to spit and then lick it for his alleged misdeed. Thakur's misery did not end there as he was then beaten by women with their slippers in full public view. Nalanda, which is about 70 km from capital Patna, is the home district of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. After the video on the incident went viral, Nalanda district magistrate Thiyagarajan S M and superintendent of police Sudhir Kumar Porika on Friday ordered registration of FIR against eight people. The accused included Manjhi and a village influential man Dharmendra Yadav, who is the kin of the person in whose house Thakur had tried to enter allegedly without permission, and the FIR was registered on the basis of the statement of the victim. No arrests have been made so far as the accused are absconding, the SP told reporters. The DM and SP said that conflicting information emerged after talking to villagers about the incident. While some said that Thakur tried to enter into the house at a time when only women family members were present, some others said that he had gone to seek 'khaini' (tobacco) from the house owner not knowing that he was not at home. Noorsarai Office in-charge has been entrusted with the probe into the incident and to catch the accused, the SP said. In Lutyens' Delhi, the Raisina Hill complex, which includes the iconic North Block and South Block buildings and the monumental Rashtrapati Bhavan, were wrapped in a misty cover even till 10:30 am. (Photo: PTI/Representational) New Delhi: Mist and shallow fog hung low in the air in parts of national capital, a day after Diwali, as visibility dropped significantly in the morning while the mercury settled at 20.5 degrees Celsius. According to the MeT Department, the visibility reported at 8:30 am was 500 m and it improved as the day progressed. "Mist and shallow fog were seen at many places in the morning. The smoke from the Diwali festivities on Friday night, added to the fall in visibility level," he said. In Lutyens' Delhi, the Raisina Hill complex, which includes the iconic North Block and South Block buildings and the monumental Rashtrapati Bhavan, were wrapped in a misty cover even till 10:30 am. Read: Cracker ban goes up in smoke, pollution engulfs Delhi on Diwali As the sun shone bright, the visibility improved to 1500 m at 11:30 pm. The relative humidity level at that time was 54 per cent. However, at 8:30 am, the relative humidity level stood at 89 per cent. The maximum temperature is likely to settle at 36 degrees Celsius later in the day. The Met department has forecast a clear sky on Saturday with mist or shallow fog expected in the morning. The maximum and minimum temperatures on Saturday are likely to hover around 36 and 19 degrees Celsius respectively, the weatherman said. On Friday, the maximum and minimum temperatures were recorded at 36.3 and 19.4 degrees Celsius respectively. Chennai: DMK working president M. K. Stalin has accused the State government of hiding the truth on dengue deaths in Tamil Nadu. "Since those who were affected by dengue and the number of people who died due to it is high, they (the State government) is not disclosing the details and hiding the truth," Mr. Stalin told reporters here. He took potshots at the AIADMK government, describing it as "dengue regime," and said, "I have already said that the dengue problem will be over only if the dengue regime is out," he said. Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami recently slammed Stalin for his remarks saying that the leader of the Opposition in the Assembly was levelling such allegations "wantonly in a planned fashion," to "denigrate this government." Palaniswami had also said the state government was working at full swing to halt the spread of dengue and eradicate it besides hitting out at the DMK for seeking to politicise the issue. The ambulance was carrying the baby from Permbavoor Taluk hospital to Ernakulam Medical College at a critical stage for emergency medical care. (Photo: ANI) Kochi: Police booked a driver on the charges of blocking the way of an ambulance that was carrying a new born baby to a hospital. The incident took place on October 18. The booked car driver, Nirmal Jose, in his statement to police said that he was trying to pilot the ambulance. #WATCH: Car driver booked for allegedly refusing to make way for an ambulance speeding through #Kerala's #Perumbavoor carrying a new-born. pic.twitter.com/wy5TPY47Sa ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2017 Jose is accused of driving his SUV ( KL 17 L 202) in front of an ambulance that was bringing a new-born baby who was suffering from breathing problems. The ambulance was carrying the baby from Permbavoor Taluk hospital to Ernakulam Medical College at a critical stage for emergency medical care. Ambulance driver Madhu complained that Jose did not give room for the ambulance to overtake his car in a stretch running up to 4km, causing a delay of almost 15 minutes. (ANI) Thiruvananthapuram: A fresh petition filed by Sarita S. Nair, solar scam convict, repeating her earlier allegations, including rape, is likely to pave the way for registration of rape case against former chief minister Oommen Chandy and others even before the state government issues any formal orders on the basis of the judicial commission report. Sources said that the fresh letter is also suspected to be a ploy as the formal orders on the basis of the solar commission report was getting delayed owing to legal issues. Sarita submitted the 17-page letter to chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan through a messenger on Thursday seeking a probe by a special team into the sexual assaults she faced. She alleged that though she had filed two complaints in this regard during the term of the previous UDF government, no actions were initiated. Mr Vijayan forwarded the fresh letter to state police chief Loknath Behera. As per norms, the police are bound to register a case as soon as an information regarding a sexual assault against a woman is received. According to legal sources, since the alleged sexual assault was a few years ago, it would be nearly impossible to get any medical evidence. However, if the police get evidence to prove the presence of the accused at the alleged spot of sexual assault at the said time, the police may be able to even chargesheet the accused. But when it comes to legal scrutiny, the crucial factors would be the behaviour of the victim before and after the alleged sexual assault, especially her relationship with the accused. Sarita's earlier statement in an interview that she was offered Rs. 10 crore by a CPM leader for naming Mr. Chandy may also weaken the fresh rape allegations. Meanwhile, ADGP K Padmakumar sent a letter to the government the other day alleging that Sarita raised baseless allegations against him as he had initiated a probe against her earlier. The government had decided to take action against Padmakumar on the basis of the solar commission report. The movie directed by Atlee was released on October 18, coinciding with Diwali festival. (Photo: File) Nagercoil (TN): The BJP on Friday took objection to what it termed as "untruths" regarding the GST in the just-released Tamil movie "Mersal", starring popular actor Vijay, and wanted dialogues on the central taxation to be deleted. "The film producer should remove the untruths regarding GST from the film," Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan told reporters in Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu. He said wrong information should not be spread through cinema and actors should not confuse people using the medium and try to derive political mileage. Senior BJP leader H Raja also slammed the references to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the movie in his Twitter handle and said it only exposed the lack of knowledge of economics. Hitting out at the references, state BJP state unit president Tamilisai Sounderrajan had told reporters in Chennai on Thursday that "Incorrect references have been made in 'Mersal' about GST ... celebrities should desist from registering wrong information among people." Fans of the popular actor should not support such incorrect references, she said and favoured removal of the dialogue referring to the central taxation, rolled out in July. "What do they (the filmmakers) know about GST and its economics... such incorrect references should be removed from the film," she added. The movie directed by Atlee was released on October 18, coinciding with Diwali festival. NAGAPATTINAM: Eight crew members of the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) were killed and three others were injured when the roof of a 74-year-old building collapsed on them at the TNSTC depot at Porayar in Nagapattinam district in the wee hours of Friday. Shocked district police officers told DC that the deceased and the injured were drivers and conductors and were fast asleep after their overnight duty when the terrible roof crash occurred in the old building. The deceased were identified as S. Muniappan, J. Prabhakaran, and his brother J.Balu, G. Ramalingam, P. Manivannan, R. Chandrasekaran, M. Anbarasan, and T. Dhanapal. The injured Venkatesh, Senthilkumar, and Premkumar were admitted to the Government hospital in nearby Karaikal. According to locals, the building was constructed in 1943 and was tottering without proper maintenance and renovation, leading to Friday's tragedy. Nagapattinam collector Sureshkumar, state handlooms and textiles minister O.S. Manian and others inspected the accident site. The relatives of the deceased and injured attempted to lay siege to the cars of both the district collector and the minister, which caused tense moments for some time. Sensing the situation was turning worse, both of them managed to leave the place. Members of the TNSTC unions staged a demonstration in front of TNSTC depots in different places across Tamil Nadu, to condemn the loss of human lives and the administrations negligence that led to the collapse in the first place. Many state transport corporation bus depots across the state remain unkempt for decades, they pointed out. Expressing deep grief at the deaths, BJP's Rajya Sabha member L.Ganesan said that the state government should take immediate steps to ensure such tragedies did not recur. Ganesan told newsmen at Tiruchy on Friday that proper renovation works of the TNSTC buildings as well as bus depots should be taken up to ensure the safety and security of the traveling public as well the employees of the TNSTC. Later, P. Shanmugham, state executive committee member of the CPI (M), appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to sanction `20 lakh each to the next-of-kin of the eight staff members of the TNSTC killed in the building crash in Porayar. He urged the state government to repair all dilapidated TNSTC buildings on a war-footing across the state. Hyderabad: The Hyderabad High Court on Friday issued notices to the state governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana directing them to reveal whether they had awarded any compensation to the families in cases of unnatural deaths and suicides that have taken place in prisons across both states. A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ramesh Ranga-nathan and Justice M. Ganga Rao was dealing with a suo motu PIL with regard to unnatural deaths and suicides in prisons. The High Court had taken up the case following a request from the Supreme Court in September this year that all high courts take suo motu cognisance of such deaths and award compensation to the families. The Apex Court bench comprising Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Deepak Gupta asked the chief justice of each high court to register a suo motu public interest petition with a view to identify the next of kin of the prisoners who have died an unnatural death as revealed by the National Crime Records Bureau during the period between 2012 and 2015. The Supreme Court noted that as many as 651 custodial deaths were reported between 2012 and 2015 across the country and out of 651 deaths 328 are suicides. The High Court has granted two weeks to both state governments and their authorities concerned to file their affidavits. Thiruvananthapuram: Haritha Keralam Mission is not replicating the waste management service provider model of Thiruvananthapuram, which according to some working in the field is a cause for concern. In the new model, the local body will provide a consultancy fee to the Haritha Sahaya Sangham, the waste management agency which has been entrusted with supporting the Haritha Karma Sena. This is unlike the Thiruvananthapuram model in which the service provider needs to earn revenue from the campaign. Their success would mean the campaigns success as well. There are waste management experts who feel that the fixed payment model which is about to be adopted might dull the campaign vigour and performance of the Haritha Sahaya Sangham. However there are checks and balances to ensure that the consultancy would not be tardy, says Haritha Keralam Mission vice-chairperson T. N. Seema. The consultancy will be signing an agreement with the local body. If there are any issues, the local body can take necessary action, she says. The guidelines issued by the Mission say that the local body can penalise if there are complaints about the consultancy or Haritha Karma Sena. There are fears that consultancies favoured by the ruling party would monopolise the waste management field. However Seema says, Haritha Keralam Mission will be bringing more service providers on board, as at present there are just 7 consultancies empanelled by Suchitwa Mission. There is no question about it getting limited to a few consultancies as it would not be possible for one to handle so many panchayaths and municipalities. Moreover we need more consultancies who can train the Haritha Karma Sena in different waste technologies. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Minimum Wages Committee on Thursday decided to submit a proposal hiking the wages of nurses and other staff working in private hospitals. The decision was taken despite dissent from the private hospital managements. The revised wages of nursing staff and other hospital staff had been finalised after grading the hospitals on the basis of their bed strength. Sources said following the decision, nurses working in private hospitals would be entitled to a hike ranging Rs 15,000 to Rs 17,000 across all categories. "Nurses are expected to get 150 per cent increase," said Jasminsha, leader of United Nurses Association. Other hospital staffers are likely to get a hike of Rs 6000 to Rs 10,000 across the board. The proposal submitted by the committee would be published as a draft report. Subsequently, suggestions and complaints would be invited from the stake holding parties. Complaints and suggestions would then be heard by Minimum Wages Advisory Board. The government is likely to issue the final notification on hiking the wages within three to four months. While the government was firm on implementing the minimum wages announced for all categories of employees as decided by the meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinaryi Vijayan in July, the private managements had remained non-committal citing huge financial burden. While the hike announced for different categories range from 75 to 150 per cent, most hospital managements had stated that they could only afford 25 to 30 per cent hike. However, the government had made it clear that there was no question of reconsidering the agreement arrived at earlier. The government had reached an agreement with the private hospital management to implement Supreme Court directive of Rs 20,000 minimum salary for nurses in the state. Mangaluru: Angered by the state government's decision to ban the made snana ritual, which sees devotees rolling on plantain leaves carrying leftovers of meals at temples, in its Anti- Superstition Bill, the coastal tribal community of Malekudiya has threatened to keep away from the annual Champa Shasti celebration in Kukke this year. The Malekudiya tribals play an important role in the annual festival, which will be held this year on November 24 at Kukke Subrahmanya. Prominent community leader, Bhaskar Bendodi, has written to the Muzrai Minister warning it will not participate in the festival should the government ban madey snana in the new legislation it plans to bring in soon. "Madey snana is a tradition which must continue. We strongly oppose the governments decision to ban it," Rajya Adivasi Budakattu Hitharakshana Vedike president, Bhaskar Bendodi told the Deccan Chronicle. Recalling that the state high court had given a historical order in support of madey snana on December 24, 2014, he said it had since then been only stayed by the Supreme Court. How can the state government ban the practice when the case is still pending before the court?" he demanded, adding, If the government does not allow madey snana we will stay away from all the rituals of the temples, building the chariot and the Pancha Parva celebration (at Kukke). Pointing out that only the Malekudiya community had the legal right to build the chariot and participate in the Pancha Parva celebration,he warned that its decision to stay away could put the government in a fix. The state governments move to ban made snana is the latest in the battle to put an end to the practice, which has for long been criticized by progressive thinkers. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Inquiry Commissioner and Special Court (Vigilance) here on Thursday rejected a petition for vigilance probe against former home minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and two others in connection with alleged irregularities in the implementation of e-beat system in state police. Former state police chief K. S. Balasubramanian and IG Thiruvananthapuram-range Manoj Abraham were the other respondents in the petition. Former vigilance director Jacob Thomas had ordered a quick verification on a petition filed by activist Paichira Navaz alleging corruption to the tune of Rs. 2.3 crore in entrusting the work for setting up e-beat system in the state to a Bengaluru -based firm. But the quick verification did not find any corruption on the part of the former minister or the others accused. Mr Navaz, meanwhile, filed a petition before the vigilance special court citing delay in completing the quick verification. The court rejected the petition after consider the quick verification report of the vigilance wing. The petitioner alleged that the Bengaluru-based company was paid the entire amount for the project even when only 20 per cent of the work was completed. He also alleged that the firm was a fictitious one. MALAPPURAM: Two young men drowned in Kadalundi River near Vallikkunnu on Thursday after their heavy loaded boat capsized. Police and the Fire Force fished out bodies of Vinesh, 30, and Nikesh, 26 after the tragic incident took place near Kadalundi Railway Bridge by 1 pm. A team of five friends was returning after visiting a small island, including the two who came to take part in Vavulsavam at a local temple as part of Deepavali celebrations. Parappangadi Police said the small fibre boat which can carry six persons trapped in an intense undercurrent due to its proximity to the sea. The bodies were handed over to families after autopsy at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. Hubballi: From seers to peers of the political class- that's a transition many religious leaders in Karnataka are looking to achieve, ahead of the 2018 Assembly polls and 2019 parliamentary elections. Not that the seers have been politically inactive. They have never shied away from taking a stance on issues concerning the community at large or joining ecological movements. But they no longer appear to be content with remaining on the sidelines. Inspired by the BJP's decision to make Yogi Adityanath, Mahant of Gorakhnath Math in Gorakhpur, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, several are now preparing to take the plunge into active politics and contest the 2018 Assembly polls. And they are hoping the BJP will fulfill their stirring political ambitions. Many have already approached it for a ticket to contest the coming elections, while others are preparing to take the independent route, if thwarted. Talk of the BJP giving a ticket to Madara Chennayya Swamiji from the reserved constituency of Chitradurga for the next Lok Sabha elections, has only fanned their ambitions further. Basavanand Swamiji of Sri Guru Basava Mahamane in Managundi village of Dharwad taluk has also launched a poll campaign after writing to BJP national president, Amit Shah seeking a ticket for the election. Although visually impaired, he dreams of transforming the political system and has begun sounding out local leaders, who are against Labour Minister, Santosh Lad, for their help in taking on him in the Kalghatagi Assembly constituency. In addition, Ramaruda Swamiji of Bagalkot has meanwhile, written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a ticket from the Bilagi constituency. "Bilagi has not seen much development. I have appealed to BJP leaders to stop encouraging family politics here and give me a ticket instead. Moreover, around 50 per cent of the people in the constituency are devotees of my mutt. I will contest as an independent e if I don't get a BJP ticket," the seer asserts. Pranavanand Swamiji of Sharanabasaveshwar Mutt in Aremallur village of Haveri district, too is also keen on contesting. Known for his hardcore Hindutva views, the seer has also launched a signature campaign to persuade the BJP leadership to give Sriram Sene leader, Pramod Mutalik a ticket in the polls. Hyderabad: TS TD working president A. Revanth Reddy, who has decided to join the Congress, on Wednesday criticised his party colleagues, especially AP ministers and MLAs, for hobnobbing with TS Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and getting favours. He refused to confirm that he was quitting the TD but dropped hints saying, There are no parties in TS, only pro-KCR and anti-KCR groups. What is wrong in having relations with the Congress? That is the only political alternative. He asked why AP mi-nisters and TD legislators had to enthusiastically applauded Mr Rao at the wedding of Mr P. Sriram, the son of AP minister Pari-tala Sunita, in Ananta-pur district recently. Rubbishing the claim that it was part of protocol, he asked why AP CM Naidu did not get the same reception when he attended the wedding of TD leader Sitakkas son in Hyderabad. He said Ms Sunita and AP minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu had taken favours from Mr Rao. Sriram and TD MLC P. Kesavs son-in-law are running a bar in Hyderabad, and they got a licence from the TS government to set up a beer manufacturing unit near the city, he said. He said Mr Rama-krishnudu had got the favour of a Rs 2,000-crore contract from the Telangana state government. Hyderabad: TS Telugu Desam working president A. Revanth Reddy who has reportedly decided to join the Congress was accused of betrayal by his party colleagues on Friday. The partys TS unit president L. Ramana had convened a meeting of the politburo and central committee here primarily to discuss the issue of Mr Revanth Reddy leaving the party. Mr Revanth Reddy also decided to attend the meeting. On spotting him, TD leaders began grilling Mr Revanth Reddy about his plans to join the Congress, meeting AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi in Delhi and accusing AP ministers of getting favours from the TS government. Mr Revanth Reddy did not respond to them and said, As working president I am not supposed to be answerable to you. Whatever my decision is, I will explain to the party president (AP Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu) after he returns from his foreign trip. Angered by his response, TD leaders Motkupally Narasimhulu and Aravind Kumar Goud walked out, saying no purpose would be served by staying on. The meeting was abruptly adjourned as no other issue was discussed. Earlier, there were heated exchanges between Mr Revanth Reddy and Mr Narasimhulu, with the latter asking him on whose authority he had met Mr Gandhi. Mr Revanth Reddy retorted by asking him who had permitted him to talk about an alliance with the TRS. Mr Narasimhulu, speaking to mediapersons later, said Mr Revanth Reddy was responsible for the plight of the TD unit in the state. It was because of his involvement in the cash-for-vote scam, because of his mistakes as a leader that 12 TD MLAs deserted the party. The 22 per cent vote share of the party had fallen to 7 per cent because of him, Mr Narasimhulu said. He is a blackmailer and wants to ditch the party. He is a traitor of the TD and he needs to be suspended forthwith, Mr Narasimhulu said. Mr Aravind Kumar Goud said there was no point in discussing party strategies in the presence of Mr Revanth Reddy. There is a statement attributed to Lenin in Russia before the Bolshevik revolution, when the Czars held power - that the greater the number of churches, the worse the condition of the people. The meaning is quite clear: The rulers promoted church-building to divert the attention of the populace from lifes torments resulting from misrule. This is something for the people of Uttar Pradesh to think about too. With the state having been handed over to a Hindu monk-politician of the communal variety to administer, conditions of everyday life have deteriorated rapidly in the recent period. This has not stopped Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, personally, from foregrounding the mythology around Lord Rama and Ayodhya. Recently a plan was unveiled to build a massive statue of the warrior Rama on the banks of the Saryu river in Ayodhya. That was topped in a sense on Wednesday when the river bank was converted into a reception site for Lord Rama returning from Lanka upon vanquishing Ravana, after which the celebration of Diwali followed. Around 400 models and artistes from Delhi and Mumbai, and Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Indonesia, were mobilised by the state to participate in a religio-cultural extravaganza, with the CM playing the master of ceremonies, and his ministers and the governor paying dutiful obeisance to actors in role playing Rama, Sita and Lakshman, as they dropped from the skies in helicopters. The Lord Rama resides in the hearts of his devotees. Diwali, the gorgeous festival of lights, is celebrated in India not only by Hindus but by many people of other faiths - making it in some ways a national festival of sorts. There were indeed periods when Mughal emperors sanctioned state festivities on the day of Diwali. Our present-day rulers, however, stage this grand celebration stuff with an eye on the vote of people of the majority community through the fabrication of religious fervour when there is not much they have offered by way of governance. India is not the Hindu counterpart of the so-called Islamic Republics, which, in any case, are not multi-religious societies like ours. It is a secular republic by definition, which arose out of deep contemplation and debate. The state cannot be a part of religious activities in India. Praises of divinity in any form, through routes followed by devotees of any faith, must necessarily be the province of individuals and civil society entities, and not the government. The UP Chief Minister has disregarded this necessary attribute of our democracy. He has laid himself open to people of non-Hindu faiths pressing a demand to be shown the same consideration by the government. As a party, the BJP needs to reflect on the use of religious symbols for politics. A great deal has been written and discussed about preserving intangible cultural heritage, though not nearly enough. Unesco defined it in their 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage as follows: Intangible Cultural Heritage means the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills as well as the instruments, objects, artifacts and cultural spaces associated therewith that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognise as part of their cultural heritage. This intangible cultural heritage, transmitted from generation to generation, is constantly recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment, their interaction with nature and their history, and provides them with a sense of identity and continuity, thus promoting respect for cultural diversity and human creativity. The recently-concluded annual IIC Experience Festival of the Arts presented by India International Centre, New Delhi, was again a superb contribution to sharing and celebrating aspects of both strong and fragile cultural heritage ranging from film to food, classical and folk visual and performing arts. A hallmark of current IIC director Air Marshal (Retd) Naresh Vermas focus has been amplifying the international component. An understanding of the intangible cultural heritage of different communities helps with intercultural dialogue, and encourages mutual respect for other ways of life. This Unesco premise was definitely fostered through the Italian embassys film festival journeying through its cities, the food festival covering Asia from Israel to Thailand stopping over in Bihar. Justin McCarthys new ensemble works in Bharatanatyam were a highlight that I unfortunately missed because of my own performance commitment in Bengaluru. Pierrots Troupe bravely performed Mohan Se Mahatma to mark the Champaran Satyagraha with director M. Syeed Alam stepping in to replace a mahatma of theatre, our dearly beloved and too-soon-departed Tom Alter. Without doubt, celebrating cultural heritage is an important factor in maintaining cultural diversity in the face of growing globalisation, but what prompted me to reflect on the indomitable spirit of intangible culture was the engaging folk dance and music performance from Cambodia. It is impossible to think of Cambodian dance without reflecting on the devastation of their population, along with their culture, in the not so distant past. In my early years in India in the 1970s, I was friends with a fellow foreign dance student from Cambodia. The difference was that, after arriving in India to add classical Indian dance to his Khmer classical court dance foundation, he found himself with no home to return to and no way to know if any of his family were surviving the genocide of the Killing Fields. We all know that culture thrives in peacetime, but how is the wealth of knowledge and skills transmitted from one generation to the next when to have any knowledge at all, even to wear glasses, prompts a death sentence? When I met Phen Phan (if I remember correctly), my Cambodian dancer friend years later in Washington at his dance performance, I was able to get some understanding of the effort to reconstruct their classical dance heritage. Ninety per cent of the professionally-trained dancers and teachers died along with almost two million out of a population of seven or eight million. The survivors have worked to rebuild a truly fragile cultural heritage post 1979. Dancers who were experts in particular roles of their highly sophisticated ritual and court dances were now in the position of each being a knowledgeable blind man reconstructing an elephant together. It is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit that they have successfully rebuilt so much. The dancers and musicians who shared a well choreographed folk dance and music presentation most likely lost their grandparents, who would have taught them directly if they had lived. The Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh trains children in dance in a nine-year course starting at the age of seven or eight. Thinking of Cambodian dance, I automatically visualise the 1,000-year-old Angkor classical court tradition, so it is good to know that folk traditions are also encouraged and included in the dance training curriculum. It was clear that the dancers had the solid classical training that values the constant flow of energy to the extremities, seeing the fingers bent back to form a crescent and the toes delicately flexed. The folk dance repertoire is created and choreographed to reflect regional life in the Cambodian countryside. Dances included a charming group composition with coconut shells used like manjiras, a Komeng Provence choreography performed annually to a cave spirit with the boys dancing while playing mouth organs, an umbrella dance and concluding with an entertaining dance holding Cambodian and Indian flags. Interspersing the dance items were musical presentations with unique Khmer pedestal-like drums, two and three stringed instruments (tro) a bamboo xylophone (roneat) shaped like a boat and Khloy flute which shares it use of the pentatonic scale with many world folk music traditions. The appeal of these attractive folk dancers was the reassurance that, whether in a village square or a proscenium stage, the identity of Khmer culture survives in its dance. The fragility with strength of intangible culture was brought home to me during a university ethnomusicology class when the professor stated that there were only three people in the world who could play the Burmese harp and then, after a dramatic pause, added that there have never been more than three people who could play this court instrument. Whether thriving or endangered, celebrating, appreciating and supporting traditional performing arts is something that separates us from a loss of identity in the service of corporate globalisation. Kudos to IIC for its core commitment and support. In the second quarter of 2016, Indias economy seemed to be near a point of inflection as the decline of growth was bottoming out. But suddenly on November 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose to go where angels would fear to tread. He ordered the precipitous withdrawal of 86 per cent of the cash, calling to demonetisation. Almost a year later, aftereffects are still being felt. The Indian economy is still plunging. After adjusting for the 2.2 per cent additional GDP growth bonus the government gave itself by national accounting legerdemain, growth must be around 3.5 per cent. It was entirely his decision. There was no discussion. Who would he discuss with anyway? The few, like the previous RBI governor, Raghuram Rajan, advised against it. Why did he do it? The answer is hubris. The word hubris is described in the dictionary to simply mean excessive pride or self-confidence; arrogance But it really means much more than that. In classical Greek ethical and religious thought hubris or hybris meant an overweening presumption suggesting impious disregard of the limits governing human action in an orderly universe. It is the sin to which the great and gifted are most susceptible, and in Greek tragedy it is usually the heros tragic flaw. In the Greek tradition the sin of hubris was punishable by a super Olympian law to which even Zeus had to submit. Aeschylus in his epic poem Persians about the defeat of King Xerxes great Persian army in 480 BC by a much smaller Greek force wrote: For when misfortunes fraudful hand/ prepares to pour the vengeance of the sky/ what mortal shall her force withstand? The sin of hubris has been a continuing theme that has captured the imagination of historians, philosophers and theologians alike. The Biblical saying pride cometh before the fall applied equally well to Ravan, the great king of the rakshasas, whose long years of penance secured him the favour of Brahma, who rendered him invulnerable to the gods and demons alike. We know what happened to him. We, lesser Hindus, also know that it is not necessary to be a tyrant to attract the malefic attentions of the gods. Bali, the celebrated daitya, rose to such an eminence that Indra and the other gods had to seek the interference of Vishnu, who once again obliged devas by consigning Bali to patala or the netherworld. Bali, like Ravan, was guilty of hubris. Shortly after John F. Kennedy became President of the United States, a plan was made to oust Fidel Castro, Cubas charismatic El Commandante. The plan called for a landing in Cuba of a force of Cuban emigre fighters armed and trained by the CIA. This force was then meant to storm its way in land releasing in its wake a popular upsurge that would topple Castro, just like he did the dictator Fulgencio Batista. A President in waiting was even kept ready in Florida. The invasion was a spectacular failure. Most of the invaders were killed before they even waded ashore as US warships watched helplessly. Kennedy realised that he was led up the path and rejected the CIAs urgent pleas for US air support and abandoned the landing force to its fate. The few who survived ended up in Cuban jails. When asked what went wrong Kennedys national security adviser, McGeorge Bundy, replied: Hubris! In February 1961, Robert McNamara, a brilliant Harvard MBA and former president of the Ford Motor Company, took over as US defence secretary. He took with him an equally brilliant team of systems analysts who were to transform the way the US fought its wars in the future. The generals at the Pentagon were ready to snow McNamara under tonnes of detail to go about with business as usual. The briefing presentations went on forever and the new defence secretary studied each slide intently. He was quiet till he reached slide 700 and something when he cried, Stop!, and pointed out that this slide contradicted slide 50 or something seen the previous day. The brass lost the match at that moment and McNamara and his whiz kids took full control of the Pentagon. The systems analysts quantified everything. Every weapon system ordered was subject to a cost-benefit analysis. Even military results were quantified in terms of area pacified and body count. When the US went into Vietnam these two result goals took an entirely different and sinister meaning. Area pacified became area cleared of all Vietnamese, innocent or otherwise, and body count became just the production of dead bodies. Since the dead tell no tales they were all supposed to be either Vietcong or North Vietnamese Army. When Clark Clifford, who took over from McNamara as defence secretary, totalled up all the body count figures of the war, he found that they had exceeded all intelligence estimates of enemy combatants by over half! When he asked why are we then still fighting?, Lyndon Johnson knew that he too was led up the path. In 1993, I met Robert McNamara at a seminar organised by Harvards John F. Kennedy School of Government to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the US defeat. I asked him as to how he got it so wrong? He replied with one word: Hubris. In 1987 Indian troops went into Sri Lanka at the invitation of the two warring parties to impose an agreement midwifed by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. When the LTTE reneged on it, the then Indian Army Chief, Gen. Krishnaswamy Sundarji, assured the government that he would be able to eliminate or disarm the LTTE in just a few weeks. We know what happened. It is a sad chapter in the Indian Armys history. It even cost Rajiv Gandhi his life. The question that baffles is how is it that the Indian Army ended up fighting a group that was fostered and supported by the Indian government? And what made the Indian Army think that it will be able to wipe out its onetime protege in just weeks, if not days? Hubris? With the war on Iraq not going quite as easily as anticipated, the invasion of Iraq became Donald Rumsfelds war. According to Seymour Hersh, writing in the New Yorker: Rumsfeld insisted on micro-managing the war. Rumsfelds faith in precision bombing and his insistence on streamlined military operations has had profound consequences for the ability of the armed forces to fight effectively overseas. The war went awfully wrong for both the Iraqi people and the US. According to classified US military documents released by WikiLeaks in October 2010, Iraqi and coalition military deaths between January 2004 and December 2009 were 109,032. Of this 66,081 were civilians, 15,196 were host nation combatants, 23,984 were enemy combatants and 3,771 belonged to the US military. On the first night of the war a CNN military analyst, obviously ecstatic with the hi-tech communications system that gave the decision-makers in the Pentagon and White House a continuous stream of video data on the progress of the war, called it Gods view of the war. That God, if there be one, should have been thought to have such a still limited and linear view of unfolding events itself is testimony to the arrogance of people in Washington. War has now taken a long-term residence in Iraq. It took the US a good part of a decade, several thousand dead and more than a trillion dollars up in smoke. What happened? Hubris. The acquittal of Talwars, for now, held for murdering their daughter and their domestic help spells a lot of relief for them, their family members and also well-wishers. However, the questions that this case has brought into limelight cannot be ignored. Would the case have received the same attention had a movie linked with it, that is Talwar, not been made? How can it not be ignored that the parents had been viewed as the main accused for almost a decade for double murder. Yes, credit also needs to be given to their supporters who chose to pursue the case in their defence. And this raises yet another question. What about the persons held on charges of suspicion, who do not have means and resources to legally fight against charges levied against them? Despite their being innocent, a significant percentage of jail inmates are behind bars most probably because they cannot afford to appeal for justice. And herein one is compelled to deliberate on limitations placed before most citizens with respect to constitutional rights guaranteed to each Indian. Herein, Talwars acquittal also confirms the point that so far they had been held on mere ground of suspicion and not because of there being adequate evidence on the charges levied against them. How can it be ignored that there lies a major difference between words guilty, suspected/alleged criminals and innocent person. Perhaps, the respected judicial and legal fraternity as well as political and social community needs to give greater importance to interpretation of these words. In certain cases, it takes little time to try and brainwash people about suspected and/or innocent persons being guilty of charges levied against them by a section of community. What else do recent cases of lynching people in the name of cow suggest? In cases of cow-lynching, it did not take long for targeted persons suspected to be viewed as guilty. Without giving them and the legal process any time to investigate charges against them, they were punished as deemed fit by elements targeting them. Please note, mere suspicion laid ground for targeted persons being killed or brutally treated by those who chose to take law and order in their own hands. There have also been cases of persons assumed as terrorists and killed without their being sufficient evidence against them. Several cases have hit headlines of this action having been indulged in for the sake of promotion. India alone is not home to mere suspicion being responsible for individuals being viewed as terrorists. In most cases, suspicion is build either on basis of religion and/or race of the one accused. The crime has little or no connection with charges levied against the one viewed as guilty. The case of the school-boy Ahmed Mohammed may be recalled (September 2015). Living in Texas, US he took to school, a digital clock he had made from a pencil case. The teachers suspected this to be a bomb and the teenager was arrested. Of course, luck and circumstances, took little time to turn the tide in this boys favour. But had a white, non-Muslim boy indulged in similar action, his digital clock would not have probably been viewed as bomb and he would not have been labelled as a terrorist. The latter point is supported by white citizens in the US having indulged in serial killings on quite a few occasions. The latest example is that of Las Vegas. The criminal, a white American has not been called a terrorist. Of course, a few questions have been raised on why has he been spared the terrorist-tag? What an irony, a young school-boy was instantly viewed as a terrorist with a bomb, without there being any evidence against him. But a man is still not being considered a terrorist even though the serial killings committed by him may be viewed as pointers in this direction. He is not even being suspected as a terrorist. There is nothing new about bias of this nature in America. Bias, resting on the basis of colour and religious identity of the accused, lays ground for suspicion and the accused being instantly viewed as guilty. The same is also responsible for tags such as terrorist and criminal being linked with their identity. Sadly, this trend prevails in India. Mere suspicion does not take long for targeted persons character defamation, their being accused as guilty, thrashed, arrested and even killed by aggressive elements. Perhaps, it is time some attention was paid to action being taken regarding cases build on ground of mere suspicion, without any reliable evidence justifying the charges laid against accused persons. Suspicion, as Talwars case indicates, deprived them of their professional, economic and social stature for almost a decade. These cannot be replaced. There should be a precedent so that authorities as well as aggressive elements are compelled to exercise restraint from taking action against accused persons merely on ground of suspicion backed by flimsy or no evidence. Suspicion leading to trauma or life cannot be dismissed as a minor issue. Picture of a prototype of US President Donald Trump's US-Mexico border wall being built near San Diego, in the US.(Photo: AFP) San Diego: The last two of eight prototypes for President Donald Trump's proposed border wall took shape Thursday at a construction site in San Diego. The prototypes form a tightly packed row of imposing concrete and metal panels, including one with sharp metal edges on top. Another has a surface resembling an expensive brick driveway. Companies have until October 26 to finish the models but Border Patrol spokesman Theron Francisco said the last two came into profile, with crews installing a corrugated metal surface on the eighth model on a dirt lot just a few steps from homes in Tijuana, Mexico. As the crews worked, three men and two women, one carrying a large red purse, jumped a short rusted fence from Tijuana into the construction site and were immediately stopped by agents on horseback. Francisco said there have been four or five other illegal crossing attempts at the site since work began September 26. The models, which cost the government up to $500,000 each, were spaced 30 feet (9.1 meters) apart. Slopes, thickness and curves vary. One has two shades of blue with white trim. The others are gray, tan or brown in sync with the desert. Bidding guidelines call for the prototypes to stand between 18 and 30 feet (5.5 and 9.1 meters) high and be able to withstand at least an hour of punishment from a sledgehammer, pickaxe, torch, chisel or battery-operated tools. Features also should prevent the use of climbing aids such as grappling hooks, and the segments must be "aesthetically pleasing" when viewed from the US side. The administration hasn't said how many winners it will pick or whether Trump will weigh in himself. There is currently 654 miles (1,052 kilometers) of single- layer fence on the 1,954-mile (3,143-kilometer) border, plus 51 miles (82 kilometers) of double- and triple-layer fence. "I'm sure they will engage in a lot of tests against these structures to see how they function with different challenges," US Rep Bob Goodlatte, a Virginia Republican who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, said Tuesday after touring the construction site. Trump has asked Congress for USD 1.6 billion to replace 14 miles of wall (22.4 kilometers) in San Diego and build 60 miles (96 kilometers) in Texas' Rio Grande Valley, the busiest corridor for illegal crossings. Washington: CIA director Mike Pompeo on Friday warned that North Korea is on the cusp of a being able to hit the US with a nuclear missile, media reports said. They are close enough now in their capabilities that from a US policy perspective we ought to behave as if we are on the cusp of them achieving their objective of being able to strike the United States, Mr Pompeo told a national security forum in Washington. They are so far along in that, its now a matter of thinking about how do you stop the final step, he said. We are at a time where the President has concluded that we need a global effort to ensure Kim Jong-un doesnt have that capacity, he added. While he stressed that Washington preferred diplomacy and sanctions, military force was still an option. Pyongyang has claimed that it already has the capability to strike mainland. Mr Pompeo warned that Pyongyangs missile expertise was now advancing so quickly that it was hard for US intelligence to be sure when it would succeed. When youre now talking about months our capacity to understand that at a detailed level is in some sense irrelevant, he said. President Donald Trumps National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster, who also attended the conference, said the US was in a race to resolve the crisis. We are not out of time, he told the forum, organised by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank. But we are running out of time, he said. Mr Trump and Kim have been engaged in a dramatic war of words in recent months after Pyongyang conducted several missile tests. Kandahar: Militants launched two separate attacks on Afghan security installations killing dozens of soldiers on Thursday, the latest in a series of devastating assaults this week that have left more than 120 people dead and underscored spiralling insecurity. At least 43 Afghan soldiers were killed and nine wounded in a Taliban-claimed assault on a military base in southern Afghanistan which saw the insurgents blast their way into the compound with at least one explosives-laden Humvee a tactic used in three separate attacks this week the defence ministry said. A security source in Kandahar put the toll at 50 dead and 20 wounded. But the real figure is likely to be higher because Afghan officials habitually understate the actual number of casualties. The militants razed the base in the Chashmo area of Maiwand district in Kandahar province to the ground, according to the ministry. Unfortunately there is nothing left inside the camp. They have burned down everything they found inside, defence ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri said. Just two soldiers were known to have survived unscathed, with six unaccounted for, the ministry said, underscoring the shocking casualties that Afghan security forces have faced in their struggle to beat back the insurgents. More than 10 militants were killed, it added. US aircraft carried out an airstrike during a counter-terror operation in Maiwand on Thursday, a spokesman for US Forces in Kabul said, though he did not specify whether the target was insurgents at the base. A senior security official said the exact number of casualties was unknown but that security forces at the scene had removed at least 30 bodies. (Photo: Representational/PTI) Kabul: A suicide bomber killed at least 30 people inside a Shiite mosque in the Afghan capital Kabul on Friday night, a security official said, the latest in a string of violent attacks on the countrys Shiite minority. The attack occurred at Imam Zaman mosque in the western Dasht-e-Barchi part of Kabul, as Shiite worshippers gathered for prayers. A senior security official said the exact number of casualties was unknown but that security forces at the scene had removed at least 30 bodies. Afghanistans Shiite population has been heavily hit this year, with at least 84 people killed and 194 wounded in attacks on their mosques and religious ceremonies, according to a United Nations report released last week. Among those were at least two attacks on mosques in Kabul in August and September. Virendra Sharma tabled his Early Day Motion 'Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919' earlier this week and has attracted five additional signatures from British MPs so far. (Image: Twitter) London: One of Britain's senior-most Indian-origin MPs has tabled a parliamentary motion, calling for Prime Minister Theresa May to apologise for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar during the Raj in 1919. Virendra Sharma tabled his Early Day Motion (EDM) titled 'Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919' earlier this week and has attracted five additional signatures from British MPs so far. "This was an important moment in the history of Britain in India. Many suggest it was the beginning of the end, a moment that finally emboldened the Independence Movement. It must be commemorated, and the British government should make clear its repudiation of such a barbaric act," said the Labour Party MP for Ealing Southall. The massacre took place in Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar over Baisakhi in April 1919 when troops of the British Indian Army under the command of Colonel Dyer fired machine guns at a crowd of people holding a pro-independence demonstration. It claimed thousands of lives and injured thousands others. The EDM calls on the House of Commons to recognise the importance of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre as a turning point in the history of the British Empire in India. The EDM notes that as the centenary of the event is approaching, it is appropriate to commemorate it. It also recognises that former British Prime Minister David Cameron referred to the massacre as a "deeply shameful act" during a visit to India. It urges the government to ensure that "British children are taught about this shameful period and that modern British values welcome the right to peaceful protest; and further urges the government formally to apologise in the House and inaugurate a memorial day to commemorate this event". EDMs are formal motions tabled in the House of Commons as a means of drawing attention to a particular issue or cause. Quetta: Unidentified men threw a grenade into a labourers' hostel in the Pakistani port of Gwadar wounding 26 of them, police said today, in an attack likely to raise concern about security for the Pakistani section of China's Belt and Road initiative. There was no claim of responsibility for the attack, one of three on Thursday in the gas-rich south western province of Baluchistan, a key section of the plan for energy and transport links connecting western China with the Middle East and Europe. "The labourers were having dinner at the hostel when motorcyclists attacked them with a grenade," police official Imam Bakhsh said. Separatist rebels in Baluchistan, fighting against what they see as the unfair exploitation of the province's resources, have for years attacked energy and infrastructure projects, including the Gwadar deep-sea port on the Arabian Sea. Separatist fighters and terrorists also operate in Baluchistan, which shares borders with both Afghanistan and Iran. Security officials have said that terrorists trying to disrupt construction of the Chinese economic corridor through Pakistan have killed more than 50 Pakistani workers since 2014. Pakistan has assured China that it can provide security for the $57 billion worth of projects that it plans. In the other attacks, a grenade attack at a food court in the town of Mastung, 55 km (35 miles) from the provincial capital of Quetta, wounded 15 people, a police official said. In the third attack, gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire at paramilitary soldiers killing one and wounding four in the west of the province. On Wednesday, a suicide car-bomber rammed a police bus in Quetta killing five policemen and two passers-by. The Pakistani Taliban claimed that attack. A suicide bombing claimed by ISIS at a Sufi Muslim shrine in Baluchistan this month killed 22 people and wounded more than 30. Islamabad: Pakistans ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter and son-in-law were indicted on Thursday by an anti-graft court in a corruption case related to the Avenfield property in London. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had registered three cases of corruption and money laundering against 67- year-old Sharif, his family members and finance minister Ishaq Dar in the accountability court in Islamabad on September 8. The cases were registered weeks after the Supreme Court disqualified Sharif as prime minister on July 28 in the Panama Papers scandal. The accountability court indicted Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Capt (retd) Mohammad Safdar in the London properties reference even though Sharif and lead defence counsel Khawaja Haris are both out of the country. Sharif is in London with his ailing wife Kulsoom, who is suffering from throat cancer and has undergone three surgeries so far. Maryam and Safdar were present in the court during today's hearing. All three accused pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to a court official. Dar has already been indicted and his trial has begun. Sharif and his sons Hassan and Hussain are likely to be indicted in the other two references later on Thursday. At the start of the hearing by Judge Muhammad Bashir, the defence filed application to postpone the indictment as Sharif was absent due to illness of his wife. The defence team also argued that head of Sharifs legal team Harris was out of country due to an emergency and in his absence Sharif should not be indicted. But the court rejected the application after hearing the argument. The second lawyer from Sharifs legal team, Ayesha Hamid, filed an application seeking a delay in the indictment until the apex court decides on a petition filed by Sharif against the filing of multiple corruption references against him by NAB. The court rejected this application as well. Sharif's legal team then filed a third application in the accountability court and asked that all three cases should be changed into a single case. The court has reserved its decision on the application. During the proceedings, the judge thrice stopped hearing and went to his chamber to contemplate on the different applications. Sharifs family alleges that the cases are politically motivated. Maryam, in informal chat with reporters, said that it was for the first time that Sicilian mafia was appearing in the court. She was referring to a term used against Sharif and his family by the Supreme Court bench which disqualified him. The attack continued for more than 24 hours into Wednesday evening. (Photo: AP) Kabul: The Taliban have killed at least 58 Afghan security forces in a wave of attacks across the country overnight, including an assault that nearly wiped out an army camp in southern Kandahar province, officials said Thursday. The attack on the army camp took place late on Wednesday and involved two suicide car bombs, said spokesman Dawlat Wazir. It set of hours of fighting, killing at least 43 soldiers. Nine other soldiers were wounded and six have gone missing, Wazir said, adding that 10 attackers were killed. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in a media statement. Read: 43 soldiers killed in Taliban attack on army camp in southern Afghanistan Elsewhere in Afghanistan, a Taliban ambush in the northern Balkh province late Wednesday killed six policemen, according to Shir Jan Durani, spokesman for the provincial police chief. And a Taliban attack on police posts in western Farah province, also late Wednesday, killed nine policemen, said police chief Abdul Marouf Foulad. He said 22 insurgents were killed in the ensuing gun battle. Afghan forces have struggled to combat a resurgent Taliban since US and NATO forces formally concluded their combat mission at the end of 2014, switching to a counterterrorism and support role. The Taliban unleashed a wave of attacks across Afghanistan on Tuesday, targeting police compounds and government facilities with suicide bombers, and killing at least 74 people, officials said. Among those killed in one of the attacks was a provincial police chief. Scores were also wounded, both policemen and civilians. Afghanistans deputy interior minister, Murad Ali Murad, called Tuesdays onslaught the biggest terrorist attack this year. Over the past two years and after the withdrawal of most foreign combat troops, the Taliban have stepped up attacks and spread from their southern heartland across the country. Attacks in the north have also increased. In such a climate, the Kabul government has dismissed peace talks with the Taliban but CIA Director Mike Pompeo said on Thursday that the United States is going to do everything it can to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table in Afghanistan. However, for that to happen, Pakistan must first deny the militants a safe haven on its soil, said Pompeo. For talks to move ahead, the Taliban must have no hope of winning on the battlefield in Afghanistan, and that means making it no longer possible to cross the Afghan-Pakistani border and hide inside Pakistan. That strategy was outlined by President Donald Trump this summer as part of his approach to ending the 16-year war, in addition to an incremental increase in US forces there. Pompeo said in a speech at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington think tank, that the US is going to do everything we can, to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table in Afghanistan, with the Taliban having zero hope that they can win this thing on the battlefield. US officials have long accused Pakistan of turning a blind eye or assisting the Afghan Taliban and the allied Haqqani network. Pakistan routinely denies colluding with the militants. Our leader, Omar Khalid Khorasani, was wounded in one of the recent drone strikes in Afghanistan. He was wounded badly, and today he was martyred, Asad Mansoor, a Jamaat-ul-Ahrar spokesman, said by telephone. (Representational Image | Photo: AFP) Lahore: The leader of Pakistani militant group Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, who planned some of the deadliest suicide bombings in Pakistan over the last year, died on Thursday of wounds sustained in a US drone strike in Afghanistan, a spokesman said. Our leader, Omar Khalid Khorasani, was wounded in one of the recent drone strikes in Afghanistan. He was wounded badly, and today he was martyred, Asad Mansoor, a Jamaat-ul-Ahrar spokesman, said by telephone. The killing comes ahead of American Secretary of State Rex Tillersons visit next week and is likely to further ease tensions between the often-wary allies, as Islamabad has been asking Washington for years to target militants who attack inside Pakistan and then hide over the border in Afghanistan. A splinter group of the Pakistani Taliban, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar has in the past also backed Middle East-based Islamic State and has increasingly targeted religious minorities in Pakistan. The group claimed responsibility for last years Easter Sunday bombing in a public park that killed 70 people, many of them Christians, in the eastern city of Lahore. No one should expect China to swallow anything that undermines its interests, says Xi. (Photo: AP) Beijing: In this summer's "Wolf Warrior II," Chinese action star Wu Jing portrays a tough super-patriot who rescues both fellow countrymen and oppressed Africans with help from the People's Liberation Army. Audiences loved what became China's biggest-grossing movie ever. Some reportedly sang the national anthem as the movie closed on an image of a Chinese passport and the words, "Please remember, at your back stands a strong motherland." This red-blooded nationalism has been channelled skilfully by President and ruling Communist Party leader Xi Jinping as he seeks to strengthen the party's role in Chinese life and shepherd the country's rise to prominence at a time when the United States and others in the West are seen to be in retreat. Xi's muscular foreign policy could become even more assertive following this month's congress of the ruling Communist Party, where delegates will agree to support his policies and endorse his second five-year term as party secretary general, observers say. "Xi's on a roll," said June Teufel Dreyer, professor of political science at the University of Miami. She predicted he would continue expanding China's influence by gradually increasing pressure on other countries, a tactic seen in Beijing's steady island-building efforts in the South China Sea, for instance. In an address Wednesday to the congress' opening session, Xi reiterated that China pursues an "independent foreign policy of peace" and maintains a defensive military posture. However, he also warned other countries not to underestimate China's willingness to stand up for itself. "No one should expect China to swallow anything that undermines its interests," Xi told delegates at Beijing's hulking Great Hall of the People. For years, after its emergence from hard-line Marxism in the late 1980s, China stuck to reformist leader Deng Xiaoping's dictum to "keep a low profile and bide one's time, while also getting things done." Read: Uphold Communist Party leadership, oppose all actions against it: Xi Jinping That began to change after the last decade's global financial crisis, from which China emerged relatively unscathed, and the country's foreign policy has since shifted into high gear under Xi. China has succeeded in leveraging its booming economy and mountain of foreign currency holdings to influence other nations and further its global ambitions. A key watershed came this year, when the People's Liberation Army began manning China's first overseas base in Djibouti, reversing decades of rhetoric eschewing such facilities as imperialist Cold War holdovers. The overall goal seems clear: Restore China to its traditional role as East Asia's leading nation and a global economic and cultural force. Xi said as much in his opening address on Wednesday when he outlined a vision of raising China's international stature. By 2050, Xi said, China would be "a global leader in terms of composite national strength and international influence." "Xi presents very bold visions for where China should be headed and what China must become," said Jingdong Yuan, an Asia-Pacific security expert at Australia's University of Sydney. A more forceful post-congress approach could include expanding China's role in international bodies and new China-sponsored initiatives such as the Asian Infrastructure Development Bank. China could also become more assertive in regional hot spots such as the South and East China Seas and its contested border with India. Perhaps no strategy reflects Xi's vision more clearly than the "Belt and Road Initiative" launched around the time of Xi's elevation five years ago. The massive undertaking seeks to link China to Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Africa, Europe and beyond with a sprawling network of roads, railways, ports and other economic projects valued in the hundreds of billions of dollars. The goal is to make China an indispensable economic partner with expanded political influence, while offering new opportunities for Chinese businesses weighed down by overcapacity and shrinking markets at home. To do this, China has refined its diplomacy to take advantage of favorable global trends while not going so far that it would damage relationships with its neighbors and the United States, Yuan said. In some areas, China has proved unyielding. Beijing, for instance, angrily rejected last year's ruling by an international tribunal in The Hague on a Philippine case that invalidated most of China's territorial claims in the contested South China Sea. It has also taken a hard line against South Korea's deployment of a US anti-missile system that Beijing calls a security threat. South Korea has been vilified in Chinese state media, with Chinese group tours banned and South Korean businesses in China hit hard. However, the pragmatic approach more often wins out. Beijing has largely resisted the urge to fire back when U.S. President Donald Trump lambasts China for not doing enough on North Korea or allegedly cheating at trade, instead offering measured responses. Xi, meanwhile, pulled off a successful visit to Trump's Mar-a-Lago Florida estate that was heavy on the sort of positive optics Beijing prefers. Trump is now due to travel to Beijing in November. In China's latest border standoff with India, Beijing agreed to a mutual pullback of forces just days ahead of a China-hosted summit of large developing economies attended by both Xi and his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday offered prayers at the Kedarnath shrine and said the visit had strengthened his resolve to serve the nation. Serving people was true service of the lord, the prime minister said after offering 'rudrabhiskek' at the high-altitude shrine. Modi, who had visited the shrine in May this year, also laid the foundation stones of five major reconstruction projects at Kedarpuri. These include improved facilities for devotees, construction of retaining walls and ghats at the Mandakini and Saraswati rivers, an approach road to the shrine and reconstructing Adi Guru Shankaracharya's tomb which was devastated in the 2013 deluge. He described the projects as ambitious and expensive but said there would be no dearth of funds to ensure that they are completed in a time-bound manner. As chief minister of Gujarat, he had offered to take the responsibility of reconstructing areas surrounding the shrine when the tragedy had struck in 2013, killing thousands of people, Modi said. The then Uttarakhand chief minister had also agreed in principle. "But the then government at the Centre apparently had reservations about it. I had to return, however, perhaps Baba (Lord Shiva) had decided that the reconstruction around Kedarnath will be done by Baba's son only," he said. Modi visited Kedarnath in May when the portals of the Himalayan shrine were reopened for devotees after remaining closed for six months for the winters. Over 100 caregivers based in western Wisconsin gathered at 29 Pines in the town of Wheaton on Wednesday evening. After dinner, the nurses, educators, doctors, CNAs and home caregivers listened to three speakers, one of whom was former Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin Martin Schreiber. Schreiber has become an activist for those affected by Alzheimers disease, especially the victims caregivers. Speaker Moira Kneer, community outreach coordinator at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, said average caretakers in Wisconsin are 50 years old, female, nonprofessional and unpaid family members. Every caregiver is hit with what I call an Oz moment, Kneer said. We say, What was your tornado? An illness, a fall, a death? Kneer addressed the unique needs of being a caregiver, and the emotional toll an illness can take on people who care for the sick. Were not good at crying in the Midwest, Kneer said to laughter from the room. Were strong. Kneer recommended caregivers take time for themselves, practice journaling or meditation and realize caregiving doesnt necessarily mean constant activity. When was the last time you just sat down and held your (charges) hand, she said. Inspiring the Caregivers Soul was held at 29 Pines in Eau Claire on Wednesday, hosted by HSHS Sacred Heart HospitalEau Claire. Even though the district hospital has launched the Pradhan Mantri Janaoushadi programme and opened generic medical outlets in its campus, the doctors have not stopped giving the patients prescriptions and asking them to go to private medical stores. When asked about this discrepancy the hospital authorities admit that there are certain 'teething problems' that they are trying to overcome and soon the Janaoushadi program and generic medical stores will become fully functional. "Then this practice of issuing 'chits' for private medical stores will stop," a doctor said. When DH did a 'reality check' to ascertain the truth in the allegation of patients that the 'chit' system was still in practice, the allegation turned out to be true. Standing at the exit of the hospital this reporter found scores of patients heading towards private medical hospitals with prescriptions. Lakshamma, the mother of a patient with kidney stones said that she came to the hospital believing that all the medicines given to her son would be free under the PM Janaoushadi scheme. But the doctors gave her a prescription for some injectibles to be bought at private medical stores outside. "I had to spend Rs. 1000 on those medicines," she lamented. Further probe into the matter revealed that the actual MRP on the injectible was Rs 240. But the private medical store had charged Lakshamma Rs 970 for it. Most patients like Lakshamma who spoke to this reporter expressed their helplessness in such a situation where they have to care for their dear ones who are ill and can't question a doctor's opinion on the matter. "A government hospital doctor had said that my aunt requires this medicine immediately," said Anand another aggrieved family member of a patient. "How can I question his decision? I have to get the medicines even if they are expensive outside," he added. About two months ago Health Minister Ramesh Kumar who visited the hospital had announced that the goverment would make all medicines required by the hospital available at all times and that poor patients need not spend a single pie for their treatment there. He had specifically instructed the hospital's doctors to cease issuing 'chits' for medication to be bought outside. He had even warned them of penal action if the chit system continues. All this has turned into a big hoax felt the patients. Meanwhile, before the hospital opened nine private pharmacies and three private diagnostic centres opened nearby. They are all doing roaring business now. The district health officer Dr Ravishankar has assured to look into the matter. India on Friday said that it shared with the US commitment to a rule-based international order. Two days after the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson accused Beijing of undermining rules-based international order and sought greater India-US cooperation to counter China's hegemonic aspirations, New Delhi welcomed his statement. A statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that the US Secretary of State had made a significant policy statement on India-US relations and its future. "He (Tillerson) brought out its various strengths and highlighted our shared commitment to a rule-based international order, " said Raveesh Kumar, MEA spokesperson. Kumar added that New Delhi appreciated his positive evaluation of the relationship and shared his optimism about its future directions. Tillerson will visit New Delhi next week to meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. He will also call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "We look forward to welcoming him in India next week for detailed discussions on further strengthening of our partnership," said the MEA spokesperson. Uttar Pradesh Minority Welfare Minister Baldev Singh Aulakh today lashed out at Azam Khan for saying the Taj Mahal will be "destroyed" like Babri Masjid "was demolished with dynamite", and accused him of making such statements to create tension between two communities. The minister said that SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav and party chief Akhilesh Yadav should clarify as to why Khan made such remarks. "On what basis Khan has very confidently stated that the Taj Mahal will be blown up when Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has emphatically termed the Taj a national monument, our pride and heritage," the Bilaspur MLA asked. Former minister Khan had on October 18 said, "It is almost definite that the Taj Mahal will be destroyed because whatever (historian) PN Oak wrote in his book, all of that is being implemented by the fascist forces of India and the RSS." Oak had written "there stood a Shiva temple in Ayodhya. If the Babri Masjid could be destroyed because people believe there stood a temple instead, then no place of worship in India is safe", Khan had said. "The kind of atmosphere which was there before the Babri Masjid was demolished with dynamite was created long before the actual event took place. There was a high court and a supreme court stay and the then chief minister had submitted an affidavit to the court. Despite all this, Babri Masjid was demolished with dynamite," he had said. The verbal exchange of tirade between Aulakh and Khan had begun in May when the BJP leader had expressed his resolve to hold a Janta Darbar in a guest house on the premises of the Jauhar University, which is owned by the SP leader. Khan had responded by threatening to blow up the guest house if anyone tried to lay a hand on it. "It was Azam Khan who had threatened to blow up the guest house of his own Jauhar University but had backtracked saying he did not posses dynamite. What Khan says and what he does remain contradictory," Aulakh told PTI over phone. Aulakh said Khan should present evidence if says that a conspiracy was being hatched to "destroy" the Taj. He said the former minister was making such remarks to create tensions between two communities to regain lost power. Prime Minister Theresa May said Friday that Britain would only agree a detailed financial settlement for Brexit once its future relationship with the EU was agreed. "The full and final settlement will come as part of the final agreement that we're getting in relation to the future partnership," she told reporters at a Brussels summit. "I think that's absolutely right... I think that can only be done in that particular context." She spoke as EU leaders agreed to begin preparations for the next stage of Brexit talks on trade and a transition, even if they said there had not been enough progress on the divorce terms to formally move forward. Britain's financial obligations to the bloc when it leaves in March 2019 is one of the main sticking points. "I have said that nobody need be concerned for the current budget plan, that they will either have to pay in more or receive less as a result of the UK leaving, and we will honour the commitments we have made during our membership," May said. "There has to be detailed work on those commitments. We're going through them line by line and will continue to go through them line by line. The British taxpayer wouldn't expect its government to do anything else." In a speech in Florence last month, May promised to maintain Britain's contributions for two years to complete the current EU budget period, totalling around 20 billion euros ($24 billion). But this falls short of the EU's estimate of the bill, which European Parliament chief Antonio Tajani said this week was closer to 50 or 60 billion euros. "I've also said in the past that if there are particular projects or programmes that we wish to continue to be a member of then of course we would look at paying relevant costs in relation to that," May added. The crisis in the Telangana unit of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) deepened on Friday with senior leaders demanding an explanation from working president A Revanth Reddy about his meeting with Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi. The senior leaders staged a walkout from the Politburo meeting exposing two different opinions about the partys future course of action regarding electoral alliances. We did not expect Revanth Reddy to attend today's meeting. But he came, very shamelessly. When asked about his meeting with Rahul Gandhi, he refused to answer, senior leader Motkupalli Narsmihulu said. Motkupalli told reporters that he also asked Reddy why he targeted TDP leaders from Andhra Pradesh after returning from New Delhi. Another leader, Aravind Kumar Goud, said Reddy has to explain why he is hell-bent on selling party cadre to the Congress. Along with him, he is planning to take the cadre to the other party. We will explain everything to the national president after he returns from his foreign trip, Goud said. The meeting was cancelled after senior leaders staged a walkout. On the other hand, Reddy's supporters, who accompanied him to the party headquarters here, said they have to rethink over continuing in the TDP if party chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu tries to warm up to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). Reddy symbolises the anti-KCR (TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao) sentiment. If Naidu has plans to join hands with the TRS, then we will all come out of the TDP, a young supporter said. They alleged that Motkupalli is a TRS agent. However, a faction of Reddy's supporters from his constituency, Kodangal in Mahbubnagar district, said that they prefer joining the TRS. These supporters say that Reddy cannot take them for a ride and that they are free to choose their future. Students of St Hugh's College yesterday voted to remove the Nobel Peace Prize laureate's name from the junior common room with immediate effect. "Suu Kyi's inability to condemn the mass murder, gang rape and severe human rights abuses in Rakhine is inexcusable and unacceptable. She has gone against the very principles and ideals she had once righteously promoted," the college resolution read. "We must condemn Aung San Suu Kyi's silence and complicity on this issue and her condonation of the human rights offences is her own land," it notes. Suu Kyi had graduated from St. Hugh's in 1967 and was granted an honorary doctorate from the university in 2012. The JCR resolution by undergraduates at her former alma mater becomes the latest move against the de-facto leader of Myanmar by UK institutions to revoke honours bestowed upon her in the wake of the Rohingya crisis, which has displaced tens of thousands from their homes as they flee to safety across the border to Bangladesh. Last month, a portrait of the leader hanging prominently at the entrance of St Hugh's College was moved into storage. While the move was not overtly linked to the Rohingya crisis, it is widely believed that the allegations of ethnic cleansing in Myanmar were behind the decision to remove the portrait. At the beginning of this month, Oxford City Council voted unanimously in favour of revoking the Freedom of Oxford granted to Suu Kyi in 1997 for her "long struggle for democracy". A cross-party motion was unanimously passed by the council, which said it was "no longer appropriate" for her to hold the honour. The city council will hold a special meeting to confirm the honour is removed on November 27. The City of London Corporation has also been debating revoking Suu Kyi's Honorary Freedom, bestowed upon her earlier this year. A Bangladeshi-origin corporation member, Munsur Ali, recently instructed the committee in charge of overseeing applications for honours to examine whether the honour could be removed. The Myanmar leader has faced increasing international criticism over her perceived failure to take action against reports of the Myanmar Army's repression of the Rohingyas. Suu Kyi, who spent years under house arrest in Yangon (Rangoon) as a campaigner for democracy while Myanmar was ruled by a military dictatorship, had been widely respected as a figurehead of human rights and freedom as she went on to lead her National League for Democracy party to victory in open elections in November 2015. But now her failure to act decisively against a military crackdown on Rohingyas has become the focus of worldwide attention. The students at the prestigious Oxford University college where Myanmar's de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi studied have voted to remove her name from the title of their Junior Common Room for her inability to condemn severe human rights abuses against Rohingyas in Myanmar. A Bengaluru college was accused on Friday of promoting dowry in its study material. St. Joseph's Arts and Science College, Shanti Nagar, was at the centre of a social media storm after a page from the chapter on dowry appeared on Facebook, and was reposted by many on Twitter. The college, however, said the chapter was not from a prescribed textbook. "In fact, we have no prescribed textbook for sociology," a college official said. "The students read reference material." Dowry is considered a heinous criminal act by the Supreme Court and the government and attracts penalty and imprisonment. However, in some places, the age-old 'tradition' of a bride's father showering the groom's family with gifts of money, precious metals and even property continues. In a Facebook post, Rithika Ramesh shared a page of a B.A. student's sociology study material, which shows not one, but at least seven advantages to the dowry system. Some of those benefits it lists are: 1. Dowry makes possible the marriage of ugly girls, who would otherwise not get any groom. 2. It's a good bait for getting attractive, handsome and sometimes unwilling men to get married. 3. It may help get a footing for self-employment and can provide a fresh start for the couple. 4. Dowry helps poor but meritorious boys to pursue further education. 5. It increases the love and affection a bride enjoys from her in-laws and husband. 6. Paying dowry helps girls climb the social ladder by getting high-value grooms. 7. It helps maintain harmony in the family. But property, however, should not be given in dowry. A detailed summary can be read in the post below: The post has garnerd a strong response, with most comments lamenting the state of affairs and wondering how society is to go forward if this is being taught in colleges.A small history of Dowry-related crimes:Setting aside the so-called "benefits" of Dowry, let us quickly glance over a small fragment of what can happen and has happened over the years when something as "simple" as a 'gift' presented to the groom caused despair to catch hold of families:1. Suicides 2. More suicides 3. Gore galore 4. Delayed justice (although a case can be made that this is not exclusive to dowry cases)5. Murdering one's own children 6. Burglary 7. Absolute destruction of a woman's modesty In February this year, reports of a Maharashtra school teaching the 'reasons' behind dowry had come to light. (This is an updated version of a story posted on Thursday.) India has put in place a stricter regime for trade with North Korea in line with the restrictions imposed by the United Nations. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has come out with a notification to widen the prohibition on direct or indirect import and export from/to North Korea. "The direct or on direct or indirect supply, sale, transfer or export of specified items to North Korea is prohibited," it said. The items include condensates and natural gas liquids, refined petroleum products and crude oil. Similarly, direct or indirect procurement or imports of products including seafood, lead ore and textiles are facing restrictions. The "notification seeks to update the para 2.17 of the foreign trade policy (2015-20, on imports and exports to North Korea, to account for UNSC (United Nations Security Council) Resolutions...," it added. The bilateral trade between India and North Korea declined to USD 133.43 million in 2016-17 from USD 198.78 million in the previous fiscal. A suicide bomber killed at least 30 people inside a Shi'ite mosque in the Afghan capital Kabul on Friday night, a security official said, and a separate bombing killed at least another 20 at a mosque in the middle of the country. The Kabul bombing is the latest in a string of violent attacks on the country's Shi'ite minority. The attack occurred at Imam Zaman mosque in the western Dasht-e-Barchi part of Kabul as Shi'ite worshippers gathered for prayers. A senior security official said the exact number of casualties was unknown but that security forces at the scene had removed at least 30 bodies. Afghanistan's Shi'ite population has been heavily hit this year, with at least 84 people killed and 194 wounded in attacks on their mosques and religious ceremonies, according to a United Nations report released last week. Among those were at least two attacks on mosques in Kabul in August and September. A separate attack on a mosque in the central province of Ghor was also reported on Friday. Iqbal Nezami, a spokesman for the Ghor provincial police, said at least 20 people were killed in the bombing that appeared to target a local leader. The targeted official was a top local political and military leader of the Jamiat political party in Ghor, and was killed along with as many as 30 other worshippers, according to a statement from Balkh provincial governor Atta Mohammad Noor, a leading figure in Jamiat. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for either attack. One of Britain's senior-most Indian-origin MPs has tabled a parliamentary motion, calling for Prime Minister Theresa May to apologise for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar during the Raj in 1919. Virendra Sharma tabled his Early Day Motion (EDM) titled 'Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919' earlier this week and has attracted five additional signatures from British MPs so far. "This was an important moment in the history of Britain in India. Many suggest it was the beginning of the end, a moment that finally emboldened the Independence Movement. It must be commemorated, and the British government should make clear its repudiation of such a barbaric act," said the Labour Party MP for Ealing Southall. The massacre took place in Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar over Baisakhi in April 1919 when troops of the British Indian Army under the command of Colonel Dyer fired machine guns at a crowd of people holding a pro-independence demonstration. It claimed thousands of lives and injured thousands others. The EDM calls on the House of Commons to recognise the importance of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre as a turning point in the history of the British Empire in India. The EDM notes that as the centenary of the event is approaching, it is appropriate to commemorate it. It also recognises that former British Prime Minister David Cameron referred to the massacre as a "deeply shameful act" during a visit to India. It urges the government to ensure that "British children are taught about this shameful period and that modern British values welcome the right to peaceful protest; and further urges the government formally to apologise in the House and inaugurate a memorial day to commemorate this event". EDMs are formal motions tabled in the House of Commons as a means of drawing attention to a particular issue or cause. Chinas threat China has been a factor in India-Japan relations, especially since India-US ties started to transform. Chinas role in the Korean peninsula, where it has assisted the North Korean regime, targets Japan. It is imperative for Japan to look for partners even as it relies on the US security umbrella. Clearly, there is a consensus in Japan over developing its relations with India comprehensively. Modi has seized the opportunity now available to make Japan an important provider of high technology and investments. As North Koreas nuclear weapon and missile tests and the irresponsible behaviour of its regime attract international attention, India needs to draw attention to Chinas dubious role in assisting the strategic programmes of Pakistan and North Korea to check India and Japan (and indirectly the US) respectively. China holds the key to restrain both but is not doing so. Given that India and Japan must bear the brunt of an aggressive China acting directly and through proxies, their cooperation would be in mutual interest. It would help them face a China that is unwilling to follow international norms, as shown by its conduct in the South China Sea. If the India-Japan engagement helps to meet the Chinese challenge, in Myanmar, which is most important to Indias security in the north-east and for connectivity, China has made great inroads. As the world isolated the Myanmar military after it cracked down on the democratic parties in the late 1980s, China embraced it. If through the CPEC China seeks a firm grip on the Gwadar port in Pakistan, in Myanmar it has traditionally sought access to the Bay of Bengal via the Irrawaddy Corridor. Thus, Modi has done well to nourish Indias ties with Myanmar and has not been fixated on human rights, important as they are. (The writer is retired secretary, Ministry of External Affairs) Six weeks ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Myanmar on his way back from Xiamen, China, where he participated in the BRICS summit. Within days of his return to India, he received Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Ahmedabad. Myanmar and Japan are geographically, and in terms of their development status -- at two extremities of Indias engagement with south-east Asia and countries further to the east. While the nature and form of Indias bilateral relationships are radically different with the two countries, there is a common thread that underpins the two relationships: both countries are vital to India, although in different ways, in handling an increasingly assertive, even aggressive, China.Indias relations with Myanmar and Japan fall within the ambit of Modis Act East policy, which seeks to impart greater energy, vigour and purpose to the Look East approach adopted in the 1990s. Over the past two decades, Indias ties with the region, particularly with south-east Asia, have evolved qualitatively. Significantly, this process has coincided with Chinas rapid and comprehensive rise. The ASEAN countries, Japan, South Korea and the South Pacific states including Australia and New Zealand have viewed Chinas growth as an economic opportunity but are, at the same time, worried that China may become coercive and, therefore, a threat.These security apprehensions, among other issues, have led them to want, apart from a continuing and strong US presence in Asia-Pacific, greater Indian involvement in the region. Over the past two decades, Indias response has been graduated and positive. Modi has sought to move quickly ahead and comprehensively take relations with Japan, ASEAN and South Korea to a higher plane. He has devoted personal attention to building a rapport with the Japanese leadership. He has attended all three summit-level interactions with ASEAN leaders held since he took office and is due to attend the next one in the Philippines in November. This will be an important occasion for ASEAN as it will mark the golden jubilee of its establishment. It will also be an important year for India and ASEAN, for formal ties were established between the two 25 years ago.Speaking at the India-ASEAN summit in Myanmar, Modi emphasised Indias historic links with the region. He said, ancient relations of trade, religion, culture, and traditions tied the two together. Unlike his predecessors, Modi has strongly celebrated the cultural and religious aspects of the interaction. Thus, he has emphasised the Buddhist connection. This is a correct approach, for it strikes an evocative chord. The Rama Katha is also a bond with some south-east Asian countries where it is part of a living cultural tradition. It has through the centuries acquired local flavours which may in some ways shock many Indians but it denotes an enduring link nevertheless.Security and commerce are the other areas of Indias contacts with south-east and east Asia. Interaction between the defence forces of many countries of the region and India and between the intelligence services has intensified. Cooperation now embraces maritime security and counter-terrorism. Trade and investments have grown substantially over the past two decades. A negative for relations is Indias poor implementation of projects. This problem continues despite the endeavours made by the Modi government. It adversely impacts the countrys interests, especially as China implements projects in time.At the last India-ASEAN summit in Vientiane in September 2016, Modi said that Indias ties with ASEAN are a source of balance and harmony in the region. Nothing could be a clearer expression of Indias intention to respond to the regions call for greater engagement as China seeks to knit the region through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). By keeping away from the BRI summit in Beijing, India reinforced the message that it will not play second fiddle to China.The region is also conscious that like India, the US, the European Union and Japan have reservations on BRI. They have stressed transparency and mutual advantage and the US, like India, has also cautioned that the planned roads and routes need to respect territorial integrity the reference is to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor which passes through Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. For the first time, the countrys largest cattle fair, to be held in Pushkar from Monday, will not witness the trade of horses this year. An order from the Rajasthan government has banned the entry of horses during the mela, set to be held between October 23 and November 4, due to a spurt in glanders disease. In the past couple of months, four dozen horses have died due to glanders disease in Dholpur and Udaipur districts. Apart from camel and cattle, horses, too, have been a unique feature at the Pushkar cattle fair. Every year, thousands of horses, particularly the Marwari and Kathiawari breeds, attract visitors and buyers at the fair. Breeders from Punjab, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra visit the mela to sell and buy Indian breeds. The state animal husbandry department has appealed to breeders and equine keepers to abide by the orders. The restriction has been imposed keeping in mind the safety of other animals. Till the time authorities are not certain that the disease is under control, horses will not be permitted at the fair, Ajay Kumar Gupta, director, animal husbandry department, told DH. According to the department, the latest outbreak is a result of mules being used in brick kilns at Uttar Pradesh. The mules were brought to Dholpur, where the first case was reported and which later spread to Udaipur and Rajsamand. Down in the dumps The news of the ban on horses has left traders as well as tourists in low spirits. Every year, I visit India in October or November, with the idea of celebrating Deepavali and attending the fair at Pushkar. But this time, without the horses, it wont be the same. We love the Marwari horses, and it is a delight to see this breed at the fair ground in Pushkar every year, said Simon W. Simon and his wife, natives of Finland, are regular visitors to the fair. The next time an attractive stranger entices you with an innocuous hello, how are you on Twitter or Facebook, step back and press that pause button. You could be the next victim of sextortion, a racket that preys on unsuspecting male social media users, who are hoodwinked to perform sexual acts before a webcam or mobile camera and later blackmailed for money. The worldwide surge in sextortion cases has hit India too, but the cyber crime police are yet to get cracking. Reason: threatened with exposure of their explicit videos on YouTube and other platforms, the victims prefer shelling out huge extortion money in dollars rather than lodge complaints. Heres how this sinister scam unfolds: Posing as a female, the scammer gets into the victims social circle as a friend or a mutual follower. The scammer then invites the victim to a private chat, which quickly moves from casual to intimate. Once the scammer gains the victims confidence, the latter is enticed into a video chat. To convince the victim that everything is happening in real time, a suitable, pre-recorded/stolen video footage of a female (matching the scammers profile picture) is played. The victim is then asked to play along. This way, the victim is duped into stripping and acting inappropriately in a sexually explicit manner on webcam. Unknown to the victim, the scammer records the entire footage and plays it back to the victim. The victim is then blackmailed with the threat that the footage would be sent to his friends and family via social networking platforms unless the victim pays up. Investigation so far indicates that these scams mostly originate from Morocco, Ivory Coast or the Philippines. The scamsters are often male, posing as female with footage of scantily-clad pretty chat partners sourced from the Internet. There are also softwares that enables a small degree of interaction so long as the other person only asks for simple tasks such as wave to me, touch your nose or blow me a kiss. Sextortion victims, mostly male, rarely approach the cyber crime police to lodge complaints. Cyber law consultant, Na Vijayshankar said such cases are not being studied systematically by the department here. A few individual cases were reported in Chennai and Hyderabad. If a few cases are consolidated, NGOs can take the lead to respond appropriately, he said. Anecdotal evidence has surfaced indicating marital problems sparked by such cases in Bengaluru. An IT executives accidental discovery of her husband sharing her pictures in a sexual chat with an online friend eventually led to the couples divorce. DH News Service Obama Judge Tells Trump Administration to Abort Illegal Mother's Baby Contact: Liberty Counsel, 407-875-1776, Media@LC.org; Press Kit WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- An Obama-nominated federal judge ordered the U.S. government to pay for an undocumented illegal immigrant teenager's abortion at taxpayer expense in Texas. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered the government to transport the teenager to have the abortion or allow her guardian to transport her "promptly and without delay." The Justice Department has appealed the case, asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to suspend Judge Chutkan's ruling regarding the 17-year-old, who crossed the border from Mexico. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has now implemented a new policy under President Trump which discourages abortions among undocumented minors residing in federally-funded shelters. The policy prevents pregnant, unaccompanied minors in shelters from seeking abortions and instead directs them to crisis pregnancy centers where they are encouraged to forgo the abortion. The new Trump administration policy is a stark contrast to the pro-abortion Obama administration, which mandated that unaccompanied immigrant and refugee children be given access to abortions at taxpayer-funded shelters. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which filed a restraining order on the girl's behalf, claims the new federal government policy is blocking the girl from getting an abortion. U.S. Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler previously refused to grant the ACLU's request, stating the restraining order should be filed in a different court. "U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan's ruling that the U.S. government facilitate and fund an abortion for an illegal immigrant is outrageous," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. "This outrageous opinion sets a dangerous precedent to make the United States a sanctuary for the killing of unborn children at taxpayer expense. The Trump administration has implemented a new policy which protects the life and dignity of a young mother and her child. This is in stark contrast to Obama, who encouraged abortions for immigrants at taxpayer-funded shelters. There is no constitutional right for a pregnant minor to illegally cross the U.S. border and get an elective abortion while in federal custody at the expense of taxpayers. Shame on this judge for thinking she has the power to force taxpayers to fund the brutal killing of unborn children," said Staver. Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics. The United States is pushing for a four-nation mechanism with India, Japan and Australia for security cooperation on the Indo-Pacific a move which is likely to irk China. The proposal for a quadrilateral security dialogue and a mechanism for cooperation in Indo-Pacific is likely to be discussed next week, when External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will host the US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, in New Delhi, sources told DH. Sources added that New Delhi was not in principle opposed to the proposal for an India-US-Japan-Australia quadrilateral dialogue and security cooperation mechanism for Indo-Pacific region, but may seek more discussion to set the modalities. Ahead of his visit to New Delhi, Tillerson on Wednesday sought greater cooperation between India and the US for a free and open Indo-Pacific and to counter the hegemonic aspirations of China. He accused China of undermining the rule-based international order. We ought to welcome those who want to strengthen the rule of law and further prosperity and security in the region. In particular, our starting point should continue to be greater engagement and cooperation with Indo-Pacific democracies, Tillerson said in a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC. We are already capturing the benefits of our important trilateral engagement between the US, India and Japan. As we look ahead, there is room to invite others, including Australia, to build on the shared objectives and initiatives, he said. His speech, titled Defining our relationship with India for the next century and responses to the questions from the audiences were put up on the website of the US State Department. He accused Beijing of taking provocative actions in South China Sea. India on Friday welcomed the statement of American Secretary of State and said that it shared with the US the commitment to a rule-based international order. He (Tillerson) brought out its various strengths and highlighted our shared commitment to a rule-based international order, Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson of the MEA, said. Sushma, Tillerson and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono last month held the second India-US-Japan trilateral dialogue on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. DH News Service Swaraj, Tillerson and Japanese Foreign Minister, Taro Kono, last month held the second India, US-Japan trilateral dialogue on the sideline of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. They discussed the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region underpinned by a resilient, rules-based architecture that enables every nation to prosper. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Shinsuke Sugiyama, and Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, Frances Adamson, held the third India-Japan-Australia trilateral dialogue in Canberra earlier this year with focus on cooperation among the three nations in Indo-Pacific. Since 2015, Japan's Maritime Self Defence Force has been participating in Malabar Naval Exercise, which was earlier a bilateral war drill by Indian and American navies. The last Malabar Exercise by the navies of India, US and Japan was held in Bay of Bengal in July this year. Australia is also keen to participate in the naval war-drill. The navies of US, Japan and Australia last month held a trilateral submarine drill off the southern coast of Japan. Ahead of his proposed visit to Islamabad on an invitation by Pakistan army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, Afghanistan President M Ashraf Ghani is likely to visit New Delhi next week. Ghanis visit will also coincide with that of US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson who would land in India as part of his five-nation tour. During his visit, the Afghan President would meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj would also call on him. Though Ghani and Tillerson will be in New Delhi at the same time, diplomatic sources did not confirm if they would meet to discuss the new US policy of Afghanistan which President Trump announced in August. Tillerson will be in India after stopping over at Islamabad and will call on Modi and Swaraj. Earlier this week, Modi dispatched his National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to Kabul to invite Ghani for a visit. Ghanis visit comes amidst intense diplomatic engagement between the two countries. Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah was in India from September 28-30, where he and Prime Minister Modi witnessed signing of an agreement to train Afghani police in India. Sushma met Ghani on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 21 and hosted Afghan foreign minister in Salahuddin Rabbani early last month. A 40-year-old loader died when a service lift crushed his head following a technical snag on Friday morning, police said. The accident occurred around 9 am at a Big Bazaar outlet in West Bengalurus GT World Mall, close to the Magadi Road police station. Srinivas was busy loading items into the lift that was to be taken to the upper floors. The lift reached the first floor and stopped. He came out of the lift, closed the grille and put his hands through it to reach the outside switches as those inside were not working. He managed to press the switch to reach the upper floor but his hands got stuck and the lift started moving up. The lifts door frame crushed his head, killing him instantly, police quoted eyewitnesses as saying. Srinivas was a contract loader at Big Bazaar and lived in Bhuvaneshwari Nagar, KP Agrahara, with his wife and two sons. Police have opened a case of causing death due to negligence and are investigating as to who is responsible for the tragedy. Srinivass family cried foul after talking to his colleagues who said the lift was not maintained properly and had technical glitches which were not attended to since it was a service elevator. DH News Service Three men barged into the office of a 35-year-old woman who claimed to be a human rights activist and assaulted her on Thursday evening. The victim Mahalakshmi T, a resident of Chollurpalya, has lodged a complaint with the KP Agrahara police. According to the police, the incident took place at Magadi Road near Vijayanagar and the police suspect that the assault was over a financial row. The injured Mahalakshmi said two youths identified as Rohith and Naveen had failed to return the money they had borrowed from her. Whenever she demanded the money back, they threatened to bump her off. On Thursday, around 4 pm, the two, along with another associate, came to her office and attacked her with an iron rod. They warned her that they had the support of a local corporator (Srilatha) who would even bail them out if they committed any crime. After the assault, Mahalakshmi called for an ambulance and got herself admitted to a private hospital. She then informed the police and moved to K C General Hospital for documenting her injuries to enable further legalities, the police said. The police said they are trying to verify if she was an activist or if she ran a chit fund business and cheated people. Based on her complaint, a case of attempt to murder was registered and the police are looking out for the three men whom they have identified from the CCTV footage in Mahalakshmis office. DH New Service This domain was recently registered at Namecheap.com. Please check back later! Artwork and wine benefit Oregons fish and wildlife The 2017 winning artwork of Ferruginous Hawk by Craig Fairbert of Wisconsin is featured on the label of Duck Ponds Conservation Cuvee Lot 5. Thursday, October 19, 2017 SALEM, Ore - Enjoy fish and wildlife art, wine and music at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Art Show and Duck Pond Cellars Conservation Cuvee Lot 5 wine release party. This free, family-friendly event is Saturday, Nov. 4 from 1 p.m. 4 p.m. at Duck Pond Cellars, 23145 Hwy 99W, Dundee. Artwork submitted by artists competing for ODFWs 2018 Habitat Conservation, Upland Game Bird, and Waterfowl Stamp contests will be displayed. ODFW will announce the winning entry from each contest which is then used to produce collector stamps and other promotional items with proceeds benefitting Oregons fish and wildlife. Visitors can vote on their favorite artwork for the Peoples Choice Award, enjoy live music by Nathan Bottsford, and sample complimentary tastings of Lots 4 and 5 of the Conservation Cuvee. At the art show, Trevor Chlanda, winemaker for Duck Pond Cellars will release Conservation Cuvee Lot 5 with the label featuring the 2017 winning artwork of Ferruginous Hawk by Craig Fairbert of Wisconsin. Conservation Cuvee Lot 5 is the fifth in a series of Duck Pond Cellars specialty wines that benefit Oregons wildlife. The winery crafts unique blends of Pinot Noir and donates $5 for each bottle sold to ODFWs Conservation Program. To date, Duck Pond has donated more than $26,000 which is used to benefit species of greatest conservation need in Oregon. Conservation Cuvee can be purchased at Duck Pond Cellars or through the winerys website. I was excited for the opportunity to craft the Lot 5 Conservation Cuvee, Chlanda said. The partnership we have with ODFW is dear to our entire team, and being able to support the work the agency does is incredible, he continued. This small lot Pinot Noir was crafted using fruit from 12 blocks in our family-owned vineyard in Southern Oregon. The cuvee is a fine example of an Oregon Pinot noir. Its delicate, and yet is generous in the aromas and flavors of cherry blossom, raspberry, and strawberry with hints of sandalwood and spice on the finish, Chlanda noted. Please dress warmly as the event will be held in the winerys production cellar. Check Duck Pond Cellars website for more information on their conservation efforts. More information on ODFWs stamp art: Habitat Conservation Stamp This stamp and art prints feature wildlife identified in the Oregon Conservation Strategy as species of greatest conservation need such as the Kit Fox, Western Painted Turtle, Chinook Salmon and many others. Revenue helps restore habitats essential to declining or at-risk species native to Oregon. Purchase a Habitat Conservation Stamp or art print. Waterfowl Stamp This year, artists were asked to feature Ring-necked Duck, Ruddy Duck, Bufflehead, or Harlequin Duck in their natural habitat. Sales of this stamp fund waterfowl management projects such as population surveys, banding, and wetland management and enhancement. For example, beginning in 2018, wetland rejuvenation and enhancement projects at Klamath and Fern Ridge Wildlife Areas will get underway. These projects were funded in part by sales of the Waterfowl Stamp. Purchase a Waterfowl Stamp. Upland Game Bird Stamp Artists were asked this year to showcase Blue Grouse in its natural habitat. The sale of upland game bird stamps funds game bird research, surveys, habitat improvement and conservation projects. Stamp sales are also used to purchase birds for 11 youth upland hunts around the state, to promote game bird hunting opportunities, and to support the Upland Cooperative Access Program in the Columbia Basin. Purchase and Upland Game Bird Stamp. ### Subscriber content preview MILAN (AP) Falling masonry in one of Florence's most famous churches killed a 52-year-old tourist from Spain on Thursday, the Italian news agency ANSA reported. The tourist and his wife were visiting the Basilica of Santa Croce, one of the Renaissance city's top tourist attractions, where such Italian luminaries as Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei and Niccolo Machiavelli are buried. . . . Confirmation that Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief, Kevin Boxer Moran will come to Donegal next week to visit areas hit by recent flooding and meet with various groups, including coastal communities, to discuss local flood prevention measures and coastal erosion has been welcomed by Donegal Dail Deputy, Pearse Doherty. Welcoming the Ministers acceptance of his invite, Deputy Doherty said: I very much welcome the Ministers confirmation that he intends to make an official visit to Donegal next week to meet with various community groups, local residents and businesses to discuss local projects which have been identified as being required in order to prevent future flooding and coastal erosion in those communities. The Ministers decision follows a commitment which he made to me some time ago whereby he pledged to come to the county to engage with a number of local communities with the view to progress important projects in areas throughout the county," Deputy Doherty commented. These include the the issue of coastal erosion at Maghery and Magheraroarty, as well as flood prevention measures which have been mooted for the Finn Valley region, such as in Castelfinn and Lifford. I understand that the Minister will also visit Killybegs next week as part of his visit to the county and I, along with other Deputies, will also be accompanying the Minister during his visit. I am pleased that Minister Boxer Moran has accepted my invitation and to fulfill his commitment which he previously made to me to come to the county and meet with these various groups in order to hopefully bring these much needed projects forward," he added. I now very much look forward to welcoming the Minister to the county next Monday and Tuesday, and I intend to continue to work closely alongside all of the various community groups and stakeholders in an effort to ensure that these communities receive the support and investment which they need in order to safeguard them from future floods and adverse weather going forward. Pramerica officially opened its new 42 million state-of-the-art campus in Letterkenny today, in what was called an important milestone in the life of the company. Pramerica Systems Ireland opened in Letterkenny with eight employees in 2000, and has grown to become the largest employer in the northwest, with more than 1,500 people on staff. The new, 130,000-square-foot campus is located at Letterkenny Business and Technology Park. Ciaran Harvey, senior managing director, said the company employs people from 35 different nationalities and provides more than 200 professional services across business and technology areas. Pramerica Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial Inc., which has its headquarters in the United States. Barbara Koster, senior vice president and chief information officer for Prudential Financial, was among those who addressed this mornings opening. This investment underscores our commitment to the Letterkenny community and to Ireland, Ms. Koster said. This new campus ensures that the immensely talented people who work here have every resource they need to provide excellent service to the customers they support. The exceptional community backing we enjoy here only adds to the success. Later this evening, Ms. Koster will be one of the 2017 recipients of Donegal County Councils Tip ONeill Irish Diaspora Awards, in recognition of her support for Ireland. In a video played at the opening, the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, TD, congratulated the company and Ms. Koster, and explained that he was unable to attend the opening because he was in Brussels at a European Council meeting. Mr. Varadkar called Pramerica a fantastic example of what a world-class, well-educated workforce can achieve in a regional location. Pramericas continued commitment to its Letterkenny base is a vote of confidence in the entire north west city region, including Derry, the taoiseach said. Pramerica also announced at the opening that they are donating 10,000 to North West Special Olympics, continuing a tradition of support for the organisation that began when Pramerica opened the Letterkenny office in 2000. See Mondays Donegal Peoples Press and Donegal Democrat for more. Though he has worked just two different jobs for the Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission in almost 15 years, Scott Farmer believes his versatility will help him in his new role. I think Im a pretty well-rounded person, the new SEARP&DC executive director said. Its difficult to be good at everything, but I think Im knowledgeable in several different subjects to where I can try to find out what I need to know in certain things. Farmer sharpened his jack-of-all-trades approach through his college years and his roles as regional planner and community development director at SEARPDC. Originally studying history and political science at the University of Alabama, he switched to a focus on regional and urban planning and geography after realizing he could major in geography. Ive always grown up loving maps, he said. Id look at atlases whenever I was 4 or 5. My dad told me whenever I was 5 years old, I could probably deliver mail. Summer jobs with the universitys cartography department opened Farmers eyes to the roles regional planning councils play in local government. While specific activities vary from agency to agency, regional planning commissions like SEARPDC help local governments obtain state and federal funding and provide other technical support roles like redistricting and mapping help, Farmer said. One of my summer roles was to work in the Alabama-Tombigbee Regional Council, which is in Camden, he said. That summer I drove through all the areas of the state because we were creating a GIS (geographic information system) database, sort of a mapping database for their agency. I got to see sort of the structure of a regional commission and really enjoyed a lot of the variety that it had. Before he earned his masters degree in geography, Farmer had a job offer to work with SEARPDC. He accepted it and has encountered much of the variety that appealed to him during that summer in western Alabama. Being here this long you hear whats going on in other departments, he said. Even after elections sometimes different leadership comes in, and it can change things. It can be challenging, but thats the fun part. You get to educate, and thats what Im here for. The diversity will help him as he transitions to the role of executive director. We do know, at least on some macro level, what everybody does, he said. Ive got a little bit of a learning curve to learn about Head Start, senior employment, Wiregrass Transit and what goes on administratively here, but I know enough to sort of know what the main goals are and objectives are for each program. Farmer takes over for Tom Solomon, who retired in September after many years of service to SEARPDC. Farmer said he learned great techniques for management from Solomon and hopes to emulate those moving forward. Tom was really good about letting you work and sort of figure things for yourself sometimes, he said, noting the approach allows employees to grow. He would always check on you to see if you were doing OK, but I never felt like he was over us. Farmer said federal and state regulations often limit what programs can accomplish, but he noted SEARP&DC will always look for new ways to benefit the seven counties Covington, Coffee, Dale, Barbour, Houston, Henry and Geneva it serves. The agency has been here almost 50 years, and the agency has changed a lot during that time. We just need to be forward-thinking, he said. Domestic funding has become a little more difficult. There used to be a lot more grant money available out there. You got to be creative. Are there ways to combine different programs together? You cant just concentrate on one silo. A Florida resident who rode out Hurricane Irma in a Dothan motel is using her crocheting skills to return the kindness she and her husband experienced while in the Wiregrass. Barbara and Gary Roth of Ellenton, located near Bradenton, evacuated in the days before the powerful hurricane made landfall. Their chance meeting with Dothan residents Linda and Hugh Overton at a Tallahassee McDonalds led the Roths to Dothan. The Roths were only in Dothan a few days, but it left an impression. We really connected, said Linda Overton, a volunteer board member with the local Salvation Army. Theyre just so grateful. The Roths left their home on Sept. 7 and spent hours in traffic as they made their way north unable to find any hotel rooms or gas for their vehicle. They stopped at a McDonalds and were looking at a paper map when Linda Overton spotted them and offered help. She made a few phone calls and found a room in Dothan. The Roths followed the Overtons, who had been on vacation in Florida, from Tallahassee to Dothan. During their stay at Adams Inn, Barbara Roth began to crochet a blanket to pass the time and decided to give the blanket to someone in Dothan who could use it as a thank you to the community. But she didnt stop there. Along with a monetary donation to the Salvation Army, Roth shared the experience with members of a ministry at Parrish United Methodist Church, where the Roths worship. The ministry crochets blankets, which are then prayed over by the congregation. And two weeks ago, Linda Overton received a box containing three blankets, including the one Roth started while in Dothan. When I opened this, it excited me, Overton said. I just think theyre so beautiful. As a note attached to each blanket states, the congregation at Parrish United Methodist Church prayed for healing where there is illness, peace in the face of fear, guidance to cope with uncertainty, and strength where there is weakness. The blankets, just big enough to cover someones lap, will be given to people who have Alzheimers disease, an illness that claimed Linda Overtons mother. More blankets are expected in the future, Overton said. This is a true case of paying it forward and trying to make life a little bit nicer for somebody else, she said. As the winter sets in, more people start drying their clothes indoors. However, as the Asthma Society of Ireland has warned, that many of the 12,207 asthmatics in Louth could be damaging their health by doing so. Research has shown drying wet clothes indoors can raise moisture levels by up to 30%. Moist environments encourage the growth of mould which can release seeds called spores, explains Averil Power, CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland. These often invisible spores can trigger breathing problems in people with asthma and other respiratory conditions. The Asthma Society of Ireland has teamed up with Dyson Ireland to alert at risk asthmatics to the importance of managing their indoor air quality. People whose asthma is more likely to be triggered by fungal and mould spores include: Babies and children Elderly people People with existing skin problems such as eczema People with a weakened immune system People with severe asthma Where possible dry your washing outside, or in a tumble dryer in a well-ventilated indoor space away from bedrooms and living areas Power recommends. The Asthma Society has also issued the following tips to help protect against mould in their homes. Try not to dry clothes indoors, store clothes in damp cupboards or pack clothes too tightly in wardrobe; Ensure your house is well-ventilated by opening windows regularly; Use extractor fans or open windows to increase ventilation from showers, appliances and cooking; Wash mould off hard surfaces using a water, vinegar and soap mix; Consider using a purifier with a built-in air quality sensor to remove allergens and pollutants from the air; Consider using a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture; Keep air conditioner and heating filters clean and dry; Fix leaks and moisture problems and keep things dry and clean in places where mould tends to grow such as showers and under sinks For more information, check out www.asthma.ie for Asthma Friendly Homes guidelines, sponsored by Dyson. The Asthma Society of Ireland also offers a free Asthma Adviceline where you can speak on the phone with an asthma nurse specialist about making your home asthma friendly or any other issues. Freephone 1800 44 54 64 to book an appointment. Yes, you can transfer your domain to any registrar or hosting company once you have purchased it. Since domain transfers are a manual process, it can take up to 5 days to transfer the domain. Domains purchased with payment plans are not eligible to transfer until all payments have been made. Please remember that our 30-day money back guarantee is void once a domain has been transferred. For transfer instructions to GoDaddy, please click here. All small to medium business owners have been there. The point where they find themselves wearing multiple hats due to a lack of resources. They are not only the owner, but also the sales person, the marketing person, the human resources person, and IT support. This frequently leaves business owners stretched thin, to the point that theyre too busy worrying about how to keep their business running, rather than actually running their business. Sounds all too familiar? Its only expected to worsen, particularly in the IT department, which has become more than just plugging in and setting up a few new computers and email accounts. Driving this change for SMEs is the increasing and ongoing necessity of investing in technologies that help improve business efficiency. Gartner estimates IT spending by Australian businesses will reach A$85 billion in 2017 alone. Small businesses in Australia need to invest in technology to capitalise on this business opportunity and improve their strategy and management, supply chains, sales and distribution, and customer experience. Research shows that by improving technology use, the Australian small business community could unlock $49.2B over the next 10 years. The reality of IT work Outsourcing the IT workload to a managed service provider (MSP) may just be the benefit that business owners need. Not only does it mean one less thing on your plate, it also means you have expert help and advice for all technology-related concerns, including business-threatening events. This might consist of crucial disaster recovery solutions, which continuously back up all business files to either an external hard-drive or the cloud. In the event of a disaster, such as a fire, business continuity technology ensures all important computer files are not lost and can be recovered almost instantly. Ransomware attacks and security breaches are becoming so common these days that the question is no longer whether a business will be attacked, but when. The recent State of the Channel Ransomware Report by Datto revealed 86 percent of MSPs cited small business clients were victims of a ransomware attack within the last two years and that no industry, operating system or device is immune from an attack. The report also indicated that when it comes to ransomware awareness, only 38 percent of small business clients are highly concerned about the business threat of ransomware. MSPs can help prevent cyber attacks by taking a multilayered approach that combines anti-virus software, ensuring software patches are up to date, and having a backup and disaster recovery (BDR) solution, among other preventative measures combined with company training and employee education. Sixty percent of ANZ MSPs revealed in the Datto ransomware report that BDR is the most effective ransomware protection. 96 percent of MSPs reported that clients have fully recovered from ransomware attacks with BDR solutions in place. Managed service providers can also assist with initiating new projects and implementing new technologies, to help businesses improve efficiency and stay ahead of the curve. This may include deploying the most appropriate, secure network systems that enable staff to work remotely, as Australians adopt increasingly agile work practices. When its time to ask for help As part of its Summary of IT Use and Innovation in Australian Businesses, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that the most commonly implemented management practice by businesses during the 2016 financial year was contracting external IT consultants. Outsourcing IT is not as costly as most people think, especially if the work involved is reasonably straight forward. Though costs may vary depending on the services that are delivered, Kaseyas 2016 MSP Global Pricing Survey showed one-third of respondents pay under $1,000 a month for managed services ($12,000 per year) a fraction of the yearly salary of an IT professional. For businesses that are in the initial growth phase, outsourcing IT to a MSP is clearly the most economical option. Not only are any IT issues resolved by skilled experts, it frees up critical time for business managers to concentrate on growing the business. However, as a business grows and its IT needs become more complex, there may come a time when a company might want to consider bringing IT back in-house to keep costs under control. Ultimately, technology will continue to become more complex and essential to business growth for SMEs. Working with a trusted managed service provider can save small- to medium-sized businesses from unnecessary headaches and disruption, and allow them to develop their core business operations. About the author James Bergl is Regional Director, ANZ with Backup and disaster recovery vendor Datto. 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The SACC's Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana wrote in The Daily Maverick on Oct. 13, 40 years after the banning of 18 Black Consciousness organizations and the ecumenical Christian Institute. "As a nation today, we are where the apartheid regime was in the late 1980s, a junk economy, a securocratic State, assassinations by the day, social unrest and loss of public trust in the government. "It is a government that says in true Botha-Vorster language that priests must confine themselves to the altars and pulpits of their churches and not engage on matters of life that are governed by politicians. Deja vu," rued Bishop Malusi. October 19, 1977 or Black Wednesday, marks the day, when those 18 Black Consciousness organizations, two black newspapers were closed and an editor banned by the government along with the white editor of the Daily Dispatch. BEYERS NAUDE The one organization that did not seem to quite fit the bill was the multi-racial Christian Institute, an ecumenical organization founded by Rev. Beyers Naude, vocal in its anti-apartheid theological stance. Its founder Naude had a five-year banning order slapped on him. This was a type of house arrest effectively prohibiting him from leaving Johannesburg, attending any gathering where more than one person was present. Under it he had to report to a designated police station once a week. He was only allowed to attend church services. The bannings came 16 months after black youths had risen in the townships against the apartheid government. Black Wednesday became a setback from which the Black Consciousness movement never recovered. South Africa's apartheid government constantly proclaimed its ideology as "Christian-National" and for the first time it acted against a Christian organization. In the sixties many anti-apartheid groups had been banned. Naude a former moderator of the white Southern Transvaal white Dutch Reformed Church left the church in 1963. "In two memorable services... he announced his decision and delivered his farewell sermon on the theme 'We must show greater loyalty to God than to man,'" a member of the congregation Hennie Serfontein remembered. He also put documents related to the top-secret power behind the throne, the Broederbond, into the hands of journalists Charles Bloomberg and Serfontein, leading to expose after expose. Until 1977 the Christian Institute funded by churches in The Netherlands, Scandinavia, Germany and Switzerland played an important role in bundling the ecumenical power of the churches in South Africa. In this role it was ahead of Europe at the time. In the seventies it started to pave the way for interfaith cooperation against apartheid in South Africa. Shortly after setting up the Christian Institute, Naude in 1965 in its monthly newsletter Pro Veritate started to make the case that the time for a confessing church had arrived in South Africa, based on a German model under Nazi Germany. Although the banning also meant that Naude was not allowed to give interviews or be quoted, he continued to do so for foreign journalists. He also set up a network to help support families of black detainees using his extensive international contacts. In 1982 while still banned he played a key role behind the scenes in getting the World Alliance of Reformed Churches declare apartheid a heresy. In a letter address to the WARC President James McCord and smuggled out of South Africa and read to the assembly, Naude accused the WARC of being too reticent in dealing with the whites-only Afrikaans churches. He argued for a "status confessionis," which was overwhelmingly accepted and the white churches were suspended from WARC. In 1982 Naude's banning order was renewed for another five years and then surprisingly lifted in late 1984. DESMOND TUTU The following year he took over as the SACC general-secretary from Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Under Tutu's tenure as the first black general secretary from 1978 onwards, the SACC had 20 member churches, representing about half of the South African population. Under Naude's leadership from 1985-1988, the SACC became the voice of the opposition and South Africa had a full-on Church-State conflict as anti-apartheid meeting were held in churches. (Photo: WCC / Peter Williams) Vancouver, Canada, 1983, 24 July - 10 August, World Council of Churches 6th Assembly. Bishop Desmond Tutu of the South African Council of Churches. It was also a time that two States of Emergency that banned virtually all opposition to apartheid. But after 1994 when Nelson Mandela became president the churches were coopted into governmental support and fell silent for nearly two decades. Writing in the Daily Maverick last week Bishop Malusi explained that it is five months since a report called the Unburdening Panel was released on State capture of South Africa by foreigners with massive sums of money. "This in simple terms amounts to the power elite taking over the governmental systems and is morally and constitutionally wrong," said the bishop. Drawing on the past he continued: "Before 1994, not many professional politicians were the hope of a South Africa for all. It was trade unions and civil society organizations, and religious organizations, especially the SACC, the Muslim Judicial Council and Jews for Justice, that stood up as organized structures of apartheid resistance. That is the other story of our hope." (Photo: Peter Kenny / Ecumenical News) Rev. Frank Chikane in Benoni, South Africa on June 17, 2017. South Africa's churches are again under government attack. In August Rev. Frank Chikane, Naude's successor as SACC general-secretary before he went into government post-1994, said, "The president attacks me in ANC NEC meetings because I turn the churches against him." Chikane is once more a clergyman and is now the vice-president of the SACC. Bishop Mpumlwana issued an appeal, "The Christian churches have a duty, and so have all other religious faiths, to generate hope for the people in despair, and a sense of the positive alternative. "We must ensure that never again shall the country surrender public values to the whims of politicians regardless of party or the leadership thereof." The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced a new investment of $1.7 billion for K-12 education over the next five years, with the bulk of the funding aimed at existing traditional public schools that show progress in improving educational outcomes, the development of new curricula, charter schools focused on students with special needs, and research and development for scalable models that could inform best practices. Bill Gates, the billionaire co-founder of the foundation, delivered the news in a speech Thursday at the Council of Great City Schools annual conference in Cleveland, where he spoke about the foundations work in education over the past 17 years, which has drawn both praise and harsh criticism. The preview of the philanthropys new priorities in education ended months of speculation following the appointment of new leadership in late 2016 and continued scrutiny of its K-12 priorities. If there is one thing I have learned, Gates said, it is that no matter how enthusiastic we might be about one approach or another, the decision to go from pilot to wide-scale usage is ultimately and always something that has to be decided by you and others in the field. (Education Week receives financial support from the Gates Foundation for coverage of continuous improvement strategies in education, and has received grant funding in the past for coverage of college- and career-ready standards implementation. Education Week retains sole editorial control.) In outlining the foundations work to date, Gates singled out the creation of smaller, more personalized high schools, support for teacher-evaluation models, and funding for the development and implementation of the Common Core State Standards . He also noted academic improvements in New York, Washington, and Los Angeles, among others, from the foundations programming. But Gates acknowledged the foundation chose to pivot to other initiatives once it became clearer there were limits to sustaining and scaling up those earlier reforms. Schools that track indicators of student progresslike test scores, attendance, suspensions, and grades and credit accumulation improved high school graduation and college success rates, Gates said. Gates listed five key shifts for the foundation over the next few years: 1. The foundation will no longer directly invest in new initiatives based on teacher evaluations and ratingssomething the foundation had spent more than $700 million on by late 2013but will continue to gather data on the impact of the reforms. 2. It will focus on locally-driven solutions that networks of schools will identify as working well with more potential to improve, with a focus on those that use a continuous improvement methodology that relies on data and feedback to incrementally reach set outcomes. 3. It will help to develop curricula and professional development models aligned to state standards, despite the political fallout that accompanied the adoption of the common core in some states. 4. It will do more in support of high-quality charterswith an emphasis on efforts that improve outcomes for special needs students, especially those with mild-to-moderate learning and behavioral disabilities. 5. It will make more funding available for innovative research to accelerate progress for underserved students. About 60 percent of the $1.7 billion will go toward the development of new curricula and networks of schools that work together and use data to identify local problems and solutions. About 25 percent will go toward what Gates termed big bets that could revolutionize education through research and development in the next 10-15 years, citing it as an area severely underfunded compared to other sectors in the U.S. economy. The remaining 15 percent will be for charter schools, Gates said. Gates cited the CORE Districts in Californiacomprised of eight of the largest school districts in the stateand the LIFT Network in Tennessee, which includes educators from rural and urban districts across the state, as models ripe for funding. The foundation hopes to support about 30 of these networks, and will start initially with high needs schools and districts in six to eight states. In general, with philanthropic dollars, their percentage on charters is fairly high. We will be a bit different, because of our scale, we feel we need to put the vast majority of our money into these networks of public schools, Gates said to the loudest applause during the speech. In a brief question-and-answer session, Gates explained that those eligible could be a large singular district that serves the majority of a region, or a consortium of districts using an intermediary overseeing the funding. Gates cautioned that people wanting to reform education shouldnt fool themselves that every model is scalable, explaining at one point that, solutions to these problems will only endure if they are aligned with the unique needs of each student and the districts broader strategy for change. A Change in Approach? Megan Tompkins-Stange, a public policy professor at the University of Michigan who has extensively researched education philanthropy and profiled the Gates Foundation in her book, Policy Patrons, said she was somewhat surprised that Gates said the foundation should serve more as a catalyst of good ideas than an inventor of ideas. To me, it says that he and the Gates Foundation leadership has perhaps listened to some of the criticism of their more top-down, outside expert-driven approach to philanthropy in education, said Tompkins-Stange, who watched the speech online. I could not have predicted the new approach they would take would heighten the focus on communities having more autonomy. Pedro Noguera, a professor of education at the University of California, Los Angeles, whose research focuses on how schools are influenced by social and economic conditions, said that the focus on continuous improvement might be welcomed by educators. But like Tompkins-Stange, he echoed that the details of how the money is allocated will dictate if the foundation is pivoting strongly to a softer approach and if theres simply a new flavor of the month in which to put their dollars. Especially in high-need communities, it takes a lot of money and people to sustain change. I continue to hope these are not investments in just one single strand, that if it doesnt pan out, they move on, Noguera said. Hopefully they are learning from past efforts to more smartly leverage change. 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The real reasons of his death are not yet clear. Knight shot to fame when he appeared in the third season of Project Runway and became quite popular in the fashion fraternity. He had recently checked into a Georgia hospital where he died. The 39-year-old had earlier revealed that he was suffering from a medical condition called IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). This was taking a major toll on his health. In July he had written to fans on Facebook about his condition and said that he had been suffering from it for the past five years. The food that he eats does not get absorbed and he also has a leaky gut in his intestines and toxins from food leak out to his blood stream which could lead to critical conditions, he had explained. Michael Anthony Knight was born in Nuremberg, Germany in 1978.He spent his childhood in Montgomery, Alabama. In 1996 after he received his diploma from Washingtonville Senior High School, he started his freshman year of college at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. In 2001, he was awarded with the Bachelor of Science degree in Apparel Design and Merchandising by the university. The fashion buff became a part of the fashion industry after he started interning with Wilbourn Exclusives and then became a Fashion Stylist in the music industry in 2002. Long time ago he participated in "Project Runaway", in 2010 and debuted his Fall/Winter 2010 line at Charleston Fashion Week in Charleston, South Carolina. Knight, in fact had launched his own line of clothes and lingerie.His men's and women's lingerie label was called Kitty & Dick. He also created his own unisex fragrance brand, MajK in 2008.The news of his death was officially posted by Jerris Madison and editor of Obvious Magazine and a very close friend of Knight. The Instagram post read, "We are still processing the untimely death of our son, brother, friend, and uncle." Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has now found himself at the center of a criminal investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department following a rape complaint filed by a 38-year-old Italian actress. The actress filed a formal police complaint with the LAPD on Thursday, Oct. 19, alleging that she was brutally raped by Weinstein in 2013 even after she begged him to stop. "The Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery Homicide Division has interviewed a potential sexual assault victim involving Harvey Weinstein which allegedly occurred in 2013," LAPD Officer Sal Ramirez said in a statement on Thursday, according to Deadline. "The case is under investigation." Weinstein's representatives have denied the rape allegations but if the producer is found guilty of the charges, he could be facing a maximum sentence of eight years behind bars under state law. The alleged victim has not yet been identified but was described as a popular figure in Italy, who has worked in several Italian films and has also been featured on the cover of Vogue Italia. The actress, who was 34 at the time of the incident, shared horrifying details of her encounter in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. According to the actress, the incident took place at the Mr. C Beverly Hills hotel following the 8th annual Los Angeles, Italia Film, Fashion and Art Fest in February 2013. The actress said that she had previously been introduced to Weinstein through a common friend and at that time, the producer invited her up to his hotel room, but she politely declined the proposition. This time, the actress alleged, Weinstein, unexpectedly showed up at her hotel and asked if he could come up to her room, but she refused and offered to meet him in the lobby. The actress pointed out that the producer paid no heed to her refusal and found him knocking on her door shortly after. "He ... bullied his way into my hotel room, saying, 'I'm not going to [have sex with] you, I just want to talk,'" the woman told the publication, before adding that once he was inside the room he started showing signs of aggression and repeatedly asked to see her naked. The encounter supposedly lasted for about 45 minutes. The actress is the latest woman to come forth with her story of sexual assault at the hands of Weinstein. Multiple women, including actresses like Angelina Jolie, Ashley Judd, Lena Headey and Gwyneth Paltrow have accused the producer of sexual misconduct and sexual harassment following an expose by the New York Times published on Oct. 5. Luxembourgs Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said that the European Union cannot ignore the reality of what is happening in Catalonia as the Spanish government is moving towards suspending the regions autonomy. The government in Madrid is looking to trigger Article 155, a constitutional process that will take away Catalonias regional autonomy. The Spanish government is readying to instruct the Senate to trigger constitutional mechanisms for doing so. In the absence of a response, the government understands that the requirement has not been responded to and will go ahead with Article 155 of the Constitution, said government spokesman Mendez Vigo. Article 155 is the most controversial article of the constitution and it has never been implemented in the 39 years that it has been in effect. Mr. Bettel said that although the issue was not on the agenda of the summit that began in Brussels on Thursday (19 October), he expected that the Spanish leaders would speak about that point. The EU has generally been trying to avoid any public intervention in the crisis over Catalonia, emphasizing that it is a purely internal matter. Mr. Bettels comments are, however, a sign of an increasing tension among the European leaders. I think that the move of Catalan politicians to give the feeling that they dont care about the law in organizing a referendum wasnt a great idea, he said. Every sign of just showing that one is stronger than the other is not the best solution, he said. There is a law, and there is still a law to be respected, and there is a constitution, and the constitution should be respected too. European leaders have so far been pushing for a political solution to resolve the tensions between Barcelona and Madrid. Lecturer transports Exeter primary school back to ancient Greece to meet the original superheroes Children at a primary school in Exeter were transported back to the ancient world this week and learnt how to write the name of their school in ancient Greek, thanks to a visiting lecturer from the University of Exeter. Dr Nicolo DAlconzo captivated the year 4 children by explaining how modern super-heroes such as Batman, Spiderman and Wonderwoman had a surprising amount in common with ancient Greek heroes. The University lecturer told them how in ancient Greece children also liked stories, some of which were written down by Homer, about superheroes. They included Odysseus, a hero who defeated a series of monsters, including the huge one-eyed Cyclops, and only escaped from the monsters cave by clinging to the belly of a giant sheep. Like Batman, Odysseus did not have super powers, but his ingenuity and intellect meant that he routinely triumphed over monsters and villains. Dr DAlconzo, also told the children the story of an antecedent of Spiderman called Arachne. She was a talented weaver of thread who was transformed into a spider. The lecturer in ancient Greek literature is one of a number of members of the University of Exeters classics department to give talks in Exeter schools. Dr Sharon Marshall, who lectures in Latin at the University, has been running a Latin teaching project in a number of Devon schools. In February next year, in conjunction with a national initiative called Advocating Classics Education, the University of Exeters Classics department will hold a day-long event for local secondary schools at the University to introduce children and their teachers to the literature and history of the ancient world. It will include a demonstration children can take part in on how to create a Greek phalanx with shields, interactive workshops on Roman drama, and a talk by the Guardians chief culture writer and celebrity classicist Charlotte Higgins. Dr DAlconzo addressed 90 year-four children who have been studying ancient Greece this term. Hannah McCarthy, a year 4 teacher at Stoke Hill junior school, said: Weve been teaching the Greeks this term and hearing from an expert on ancient Greece really brought the subject to life. Comparing our superheroes and their superheroes really brought it down to a level the children understood. The academic told the 8 and 9 year olds about the Amazons fierce female fighters who had much in common with Wonderwoman. Achilles was in many ways similar to Superman, the expert in ancient Greek stories explained. Achilles was invincible but had one weakness his heel. His mother had dipped Achilles as a baby into the magical waters of the River Styx to make him invulnerable. However, she held him by his heel and it was left unprotected. Superman was just as brave and invulnerable as Achilles. But he had a weakness too. When exposed to Kryptonite he was weakened and transformed him into a quivering wreck. Dr DAlconzo said: Deep down the ancient Greeks were very similar to us when it comes to passion for superheroes. I was impressed how much the children knew about the Greeks. They did most of the talking. The children at Stoke Hill junior school also heard how the Greek alphabet is similar to our own and that the word alphabet is based on the first two letters of the Greek alphabet Alpha (a) and Beta (b). The Stoke Hill pupils learnt a word in ancient Greek used by Homer to describe Odysseus meaning multi-talented, or multi-skilled. Hi Friends, I have a top score in PTE (was thinking of Australian PR when I gave this exam) Can someone please let me know if I can use my PTE score for applying for Canadian PR as well ? Thanks in Advance, Raj This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate TILDEN Where high-game fences encircle semi-arid South Texas ranches with views extending forever over a low mesquite treeline, theres a strange battle brewing about what lies beneath the loamy soil. Old lignite mining rights that date back to the 1950s and 1970s are resurfacing and reasserting themselves in the Eagle Ford Shale, a field that makes 1.2 million barrels of oil per day. The San Miguel Electric Cooperatives longtime lignite mine, which supplies the fuel for its nearby power plant, wants to expand its footprint in McMullen County. In its path: ranchers who dont want a strip mine to take over their property, and part of a 1,110-mile pipeline network that transports natural gas liquids from the Permian Basin and the Eagle Ford Shale oil fields. The lawsuits are starting. The Wheeler family in McMullen County has sued San Miguel Electric Cooperative and hopes to get the old lignite lease on its ranch land declared invalid by the courts. The first lease dates to 1954 a mineral lease to strip mine coal and lignite on more than 2,300 acres. It was amended in 1975, and according to court documents, doesnt have a term. It was supposed to be perpetuated by payment of nominal annual consideration, though no consideration was paid for the original lease. No mining has happened there before. The ranch includes a home, water wells, a game management preserve, roads and stock tanks and a part of the pipeline. The family argues in the lawsuit that the electric cooperative has waited an unreasonable amount of time to develop the property and that the lease essentially prevents them from using their land forever unless and until SMEC elected to mine or release it. In an easement on the Wheelers ranch, Denver-based DCP Midstream has part of its Sand Hills pipeline network. The pipeline moves natural gas liquids produced in the Permian Basin in eastern New Mexico and West Texas, and South Texas Eagle Ford Shale, to the Gulf Coast markets and to Mont Belvieu. The network is expected to have the capacity to transport 365,000 barrels per day by the end of the year, according to company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. DCP in court documents said that in order to relocate the pipeline segment thats on the Wheelers ranch, it would have shut off the flow of natural gas liquids moving through the pipeline, acquire a new right-of-way and install a new portion of the line disrupting its operations and those of its customers who ship natural gas liquids through the line. DCP argues in court documents that when it acquired the pipeline easement, there were no mining operations on the land, no permits to mine or applications to mine, and it had no knowledge of any intent to mine the property. The San Miguel Electric Cooperatives legal argument is this: According to the 1975 lease, the lessee and only the lessee has the exclusive right to possess and consume the earth for lignite mining and all other surface uses are subordinate and must yield. The owner has a right to use or rent the surface for grazing as long as it doesnt interfere with mining. San Miguel wants the pipeline moved. The San Miguel power plant is south of Christine in Atascosa County and is the source of 20 percent of the electricity for the South Texas Electric Cooperative, which serves 241,000 customers in 42 counties. The electric cooperative was formed in 1977 and surface mining started in 1980. (A predecessor company had secured the 1950s-era lignite lease). The mine produces about 3.5 million tons of lignite per year. The San Miguel lignite deposit is ancient plant matter buried between clay, mud and volcanic ash laid down during the late Eocene more than 33 million years ago. The lignite resources for South Texas have been estimated to be around 6 billion short tons, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Lignite, often called brown coal, is the lowest grade of coal and produces less energy and more carbon pollution than harder, black coal. The lignite deposit lies in the same region where the Eagle Ford Shale discovery well in 2008 set off a historic drilling boom across dozens of counties stretching from the border near Laredo to the College Station area. Attorneys for the Wheeler family, DCP and San Miguel Electric Cooperative declined to comment. Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot. In North Dakota, where theres long been both oil production and coal mining, regulators have recognized that the industries could come into conflict, said Owen Anderson, professor at the University of Texas School of Law. A regulatory body is set up to address that exact problem, Anderson said. In Texas, though theres also the possibility of a clash between coal and the oil industry, theres no formal regulatory process to settle disputes. Anderson and other oil and gas attorneys consider the McMullen County dispute an unusual one. At first blush this seems easy, Anderson said. The coal lease or the coal rights were prior in time. Its of record. The (pipeline) easement is built later. So the coal operator wins. However, that the agreement was a no-term lease might imply that the work should be done in an reasonable amount of time, Anderson said. Oil and gas law also has the accommodation doctrine, first adopted in a 1971 case between an oil company and a farmer. It requires oil companies accommodate the surface uses of the property where reasonably possible. Oil wells can sometimes be located in a part of a ranch that wont disturb existing surface uses, though. Strip mining, by definition, is not compatible with much else, and San Miguel Electric Cooperative is candid about that in its court documents. It says its mining process requires almost complete destruction of the surface of the mined land. The cooperative argues that the area where the pipeline crosses the lease sterilizes 1 million tons of lignite, about enough to provide six years of power to Tilden, the tiny, unincorporated town thats the seat of McMullen County where the lawsuits are filed. jhiller@express-news.net | Twitter: @Jennifer_Hiller This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate TV news anchorwoman Michele Marsh, who left San Antonio in 1979 for a groundbreaking career in New York, died this week. She was 63. Marsh, who worked at KSAT here, was one of the few women in the late 70s and 80s who broke into the mostly all-male club of evening anchors in the nations No. 1 TV market. A Wednesday New York Times article reported she was at her home in South Kent, Conn., at the time of her death Tuesday. The cause, according to Marshs son, John Paschall, was complications of breast cancer. During her time as KSATs main co-anchor in the late 1970s, Marsh, then in her 20s, made an almost immediate splash. RELATED: WOAI-TV anchor welcomes first baby She became so popular that guards were assigned to fend off her admirers, the Times noted. KENS-TV anchorwoman Deborah Knapp, another veteran of local television news, remembered her as a real pro and go-getter. I worked with Michele at KSAT my first year out of college, until I went to KENS 5, Knapp said via text message. Even though we were so young, she was a true professional. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Knapp recalled that Marsh anchored the 5 or 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts. After Marsh graduated from Northwestern University, the Detroit native started her news career at WABI-TV in Bangor, Maine, where, according to the Times, she ran the teleprompter with her toes while on the air. RELATED: Where are they now? San Antonio's ex-TV anchors, hosts share updates Back then, Marsh also was a hit with the younger set. She told The Bangor Daily News in 1976 that she had gotten fan mail from little boys who say, Lets run off together, my father owns an ice cream truck. Maine was the home state of another San Antonio TV news veteran, former KSAT anchor Don Colson. In fact, Colson may have been instrumental in KSATs hiring of Marsh. I was home in Maine on vacation. Saw Michele on WABI-TV. I called her and asked her to send a tape. History, he recalled in a Facebook message. Colson said he was Marshs co-anchor for most of her KSAT tenure. I liked her a lot. She was great to work with and a good friend, said Colson, who anchored at KSAT until 1979, jumped to KMOL for a time, then finished out his career at Marshs old station in Bangor. Never, ever heard anyone say a bad word about Michelle, he said. Much too young. Im a better man because Michelle was my friend. RELATED: '60 Minutes' star embraces life in the Texas Hill Country After New York beckoned, Marsh spent 17 years at the citys CBS flagship station, WCBS, alternating between jobs as an anchor and correspondent, depending on the ratings. After what the Times called a housecleaning in 1996, when she was one of seven anchors and reporters dismissed by the station, she was hired by WNBC. She left after losing her anchor post in 2003. Marsh was married twice. Her first marriage, to Nathaniel Price Paschall, ended in divorce. In addition to her son, she is survived by her second husband, P. H. Nargeolet. Marsh was an Emmy winner and a groundbreaker, the Times reported, one of a handful of women who had by 1980 swept into anchor positions at all five of the New York stations that had late-night news programs. On Twitter, the reaction to Marshs death by former New York co-workers and fans was both extensive and heartfelt. RELATED: Jimmy Kimmel chokes up over shootings, drawing best S.A. rating Her former WCBS co-anchor Mike Schneider said she was a true professional and a joy to work with. Longtime WCBS traffic anchor Tom Kaminski tweeted that she was a big star in New York in the 80s and 90s. San Antonio viewers also remembered Marsh. Local cartoonist and former KSAT intern Bill Field, 54, wrote an R.I.P post on Facebook. She was the first female local anchor that I remember, and the first anchor that I noticed (for) delivery and showmanship, Field said via Facebook message. She was the definition of professional. jjakle@express-news.net About three-dozen people with the Catholic group America Needs Fatima gathered just outside the Barshop Jewish Community Center on Thursday night to protest the production of An Act of God. The protesters stood at the corner of Wurzbach Parkway and NW Military Highway prayed, played bagpipes and carried signs reading Jesus is being blasphemed in this theater and Blasphemy is a sin. Act of God, which is being staged by the Sheldon Vexler Theatre inside the Jewish Community Center, is an irreverent piece in which God offers an update to the Ten Commandments. Cesar Franco, a representative of the group, said that they were there to offer reparations to God for the plays blasphemy. Were here to apologize to God publicly, said Franco, who said though he has not seen the play, he had read portions of the script and had found it offensive. The group also protested the San Pedro Playhouse (now known as The Playhouse San Antonio) staging of Corpus Christi a few years ago. That play depicts Jesus and his apostles as gay men. The group is devoted to fighting blasphemy in America, Franco said. Written by former Daily Show scribe David Javerbaum, the one-act opened on Broadway in 2015 with The Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons as God. Since then, it has been staged across the country, and a production is in the works in Mexico City. Most productions have been free of controversy, though a staging by the Pittsburgh Public Theater in June drew protesters who prayed and carried a banner reading Blasphemy is not culture. That was an anomaly, Javerbaum said in a recent interview with the Express-News. It has drawn almost no protests, he said. I expected and was hoping for them. Ken Frazier, who runs the Sheldon Vexler Theatre, said in an interview prior to opening night that he knew his decision to stage the play would raise some eyebrows, so he reviewed it with his staff as well as Saul Levenshus, the president and CEO of the Jewish Community Center. He asked me, Is this play smacking religion? And my answer was no, Frazier said. Franco was not certain if the group would protest other performances of An Act of God. Actors in the show were not available for comment. But after the play, the shows stage manager Melissa Cunningham said she had overheard a patron say the play was the best example of free speech she had ever seen. Frazier agreed with the sentiment. It gives affirmation to what this country is about, he said. dlmartin@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Mark Mulligan / Houston Chronicle Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Reshma Kirpalani, MBR / TNS Show More Show Less 3 of 3 MARK RALSTON, Contributor / AFP/Getty Images Show More Show Less The deadline for Texans from counties hit by Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath to register for federal disaster relief has been extended a month. The Federal Emergency Management Agencys new deadline for registering for the funds is Nov. 24. The extension also gives more time to take out low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration for losses not compensated by insurance. The City Council on Thursday voted unanimously to approve a massive incentives package for a local credit union that had explored leaving San Antonio but will now build a new headquarters at The Pearl. The once-controversial plan to give Credit Human, known from its 1935 inception until last fall as San Antonio Federal Credit Union, some $8.8 million in city and county incentives had stoked criticism from within the council and out. But in sparsely populated council chambers Thursday, the arguments against the package were tepid, at best. Ultimately, the package of tax abatements and rebates totaling $5.9 million passed 10-0. (Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran was absent for the vote.) The approval came in the same week that the Bexar County Commissioners Court approved its incentives package, paving the way for a 10-story LEED-certified building that will house 435 current employees of the financial institution, which has also agreed to add an additional 50 new positions at its new, midtown headquarters. Mayor Ron Nirenberg applauded the package, saying development continually pushing outward is unsustainable and that this deal helps to develop a community connected to needed services, from transportation to parks. If we are to build a sustainable community, we have to make sure were building live-work-play options throughout our city, he said, noting that housing incentives that have been given in the area were by right, meaning that theyre available to any development that meets certain criteria. In this case, this area of the city that is being incentivized for job growth has not seen it, which is why I think its something worth celebrating. The package approved by the council is a decade-long, 100 percent tax abatement in addition to a five-year tax rebate with a total value capped at $5.9 million. The tax rebate doesnt affect the general fund, officials said, because its covered with funds from the Midtown TIRZ, an area that captures the incremental increase in tax revenue and reinvests it to promote growth within its boundaries. In addition to the 10-story tower, the project includes an adjacent six-story mixed-use office building that will pay 100 percent of its city property taxes to the TIRZ. The net benefit to the city, Economic Development Director Rene Dominguez told the council, is about $7.7 million over the next two decades. Councilman John Courage said hed originally scoffed at the deal but changed course as he learned more about it. Credit union representatives had suggested that they might move the companys headquarters to Schertz or New Braunfels as they planned to consolidate employees in a larger space. Like some of my colleagues, I was pretty skeptical of providing incentives for this project. I said to myself, Well, you know, if they want to move to Schertz, so what? The 435 people who work there will just commute to Schertz and we dont have to worry about $5 or $6 million worth of incentives, he told Dominguez from the dais. The more you explained the project, and the more I think we discussed it, there certainly are values of keeping it in San Antonio, and the idea of the kind of building, the structure, thats going to be built is impressive, and Im glad to see that. Councilman Roberto Trevino, whose district includes the headquarters project, said it will lead to a much-needed investment in nearby streets and sidewalks, and a small park along Broadway and East Grayson. The approval of this incentive package, which keeps Credit Human in San Antonio, has truly set the bar for economic development in the urban core, he said in a news release. Credit Human is now positioned to make a serious investment in our infrastructure, but most importantly, our residents. He and others championed the financial institutions mission of working with underserved segments of the community. The project also retains hundreds of jobs in San Antonio and moves them to the urban core. Trevino applauded Credit Humans commitment to implementing commuter programs that address urban sprawl and traffic, promoting workforce development and using sustainable construction materials and methods. Incentivizing good, multigenerational projects with good actors like Credit Human is good business, he said. This is doing the right thing for the right reasons with a positive benefit. jbaugh@express-news.net | Twitter: @jbaugh This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate When a burglar broke into Tinker Schultzs home in 2015 she had no idea how to react. First of all, I acted like a dork. I didnt know where my keys were. I couldnt find my glasses, she recalled. Her home security provider said the cops would be there in two minutes. I thought to myself but in two minutes he could slash my throat. From that uncertainty and panic came I-Watch San Antonio District 5, a calculated and proactive operation that monitors crime in her West Side neighborhood and takes action against it. The following day she immediately asked San Antonio police what more she could do in response to the incident. One officer suggested she start a neighborhood watch. The next month, her National Night Out event led to the start of Prospect Hills Neighborhood Watch. Her group began with participation from District 5 Councilwoman and neighbor Shirley Gonzales, as well as people from 14 neighborhoods, she said. That response showed her there was a void in crime watch. We thought whatever organization we have to take care of this isn't doing it, but lets do it ourselves and get trained properly on how to record and report this, she said. More Information Fighting crime with tips from I-Watch San Antonio File a right of entry and waiver with the city's Graffiti Abatement Program. This allows the city to remove reported graffiti quickly without needing the property owner's permission. Keep your yard clean. Report suspicious and after-hours loitering to SAPD's non-emergency number at 210-207-7273 or submit a tip via 411. Be considerate of people acting strange in public. They may need to be connected with SAPD's IMPACT and HOPE teams. Secure your home and belongings. Don't leave anything out of value and install a home alarm system, even if it's not connected to a monitoring company. See More Collapse During a neighborhood walk with SAPD Chief William McManus, she helped lead a citizens on patrol program for her area a few months later. Dont let this be a flash in the pan, she recalled the chief saying. So we havent! With neighborhood meetings dwindling in attendance, they soon realized that they were more effective being a liaison of sorts between residents, police, the city and various outreach organizations. The group evolved into the registered community organization and nonprofit it is now, dedicated to curtailing crimes related to graffiti. With the help of her husband Ray, Tinker Schultz patrols almost nightly the streets of District 5. They lookout for graffiti, suspicious activity and call anything they see to a number of police lines, such as their San Antonio Fear Free Environment officer, the non-emergency line, or even SAPDs IMPACT and HOPE teams. A SAFFE officer works with residents to focus on crime in a certain part of the city. IMPACT, short for The Integrated Mobile Partners Action Team, and HOPE, Homeless Outreach Positive Encounters, each take their own approach to tackling chronic homelessness. When a resident calls I-Watch San Antonio asking for help, they now go to that persons home instead of calling a meeting. We bring SAPD and SAFFE officers to a house thats having the trouble, Tinker Schultz said. We call it neighborhood training. Gonzales said Thursday that as District 5 is poised to receive two more SAFFE officers as well as regular patrol officers, violent crimes continue to rise. We really need the whole community to get together to help us with issue, Gonzales said. As the I-Watch duo attuned their senses to the symptoms of crime, they quickly noticed something heading their way: graffiti. One tag stood out in particular, a tag that read West Weed. While various markings were often spotted, the couple noticed the tag making its way down Ruiz and Martinez streets from downtown. Eventually, it spread to Lanier and beyond. It was so obvious to us, Tinker Schultz recalled. We noticed the people following, then the crime. Making a connection With the help of her husband, Ray Schultz, the two quickly began working to find what exactly the correlation was between graffiti and crime. The graffiti was always facing the street, Tinker Schultz said. The tagging would be non-stop. To them, it appeared as though it was a calling card of sorts. A way of letting others know that this area was now theirs. Ray Schultz began last year by grabbing what public data he could about crime in his area. From a list of police calls for service to a community crime map on SAPDs website, Schultz plotted and narrowed down the information to months at a time. What's different about what Ray and Tinker are doing is that they are using a very specific data driven approach, Gonzales said. Using a mapping tool and a few spreadsheets later, he created a visual of the problem areas around him and found graffiti and crimes centering around one type of business: convenience stores. While most gas stations owned by larger businesses were mostly untouched by graffiti, they noticed that the mom-and-pop owned stations next door would be littered with tags. There would be ... lots of graffiti, trash and people loitering that shouldnt be there, coming and going after hours, or staying behind if it was open 24 hours, she recalled. The Schultzes began an experiment with an umbrella of 107 convenience stores to focus on within District 5 to see if cleaning the graffiti and trash while helping the homeless would make any difference. They put together a guide in an envelope for store owner to clean up their shop and immediate surroundings. The package even contains the necessary paperwork to connect the homeless who frequent the gas stations with helpful outreach organizations. As Ray Schultz was pulling together the data, he realized that tagging abated via calls to the citys 311 line for graffiti were not being reported to police via their 411 tip line. I thought OK, so there should be a lot of graffiti crime, he recalled. Ray Schultz discovered that there had been around 6,000 calls for graffiti abatement by the city in District 5. But when he compared it to law enforcement data that tracks graffiti in the area, the number was much smaller. There were only six or some small number of calls in the area, he said. When he approached a deputy chief about the disconnect, he was told that the citys 311 line was not connected with SAPDs 411 tip line. Its up to the person reporting the graffiti to call both numbers, he said, which everyone the duo talks to is encouraged to do. In order for graffiti to have any weight as a problem with area authorities, it has to be called in via the 411 tip line, Ray Schultz said. That way theres a lot of pressure to put more effort on it, Tinker Schultz said. It takes a village While the experiment with convenience stores has yet to reach full circle, the Schultzes consider it a victory when graffiti is cleaned and gas stations are working to keep their locations free of trash build up. We tell them that their neighbors are required to keep their lawns cut and property clean, Schultz said. We simply want them to be a good neighbor and do the same on their grounds as well. A few stores have been resistant to their efforts. The crime watching duo believes people are hesitant to accept their help either because theyre afraid of the backlash from the people causing problems or because its just too much effort. Gonzales said one of the most helpful groups has been Haven for Hope's ambassadors group, which has worked with I-Watch to abate graffiti and clean up area homes. The duo has often worked with Code Enforcements graffiti abatement program to constantly keep the recurring tags at bay. I think that that makes for a stronger commitment when you have more people involved, Gonzales said. Its organizing efforts such as this that has earned them the trust of neighbors, officials, and area organizations such as West End Hope in Action and Prospect Hills. On top of patroling District 5, Tinker Schultz said there are now nine, soon to be ten, captains from other neighborhoods on the Northwest and East sides of San Antonio. That's how we started growing, block to block, Schultz said. Other people in other ares of the city are having the same issues. Gonzales said that trust amongst neighbors is one of the most important parts of making such an organization work. That trust was evident as Ray Schultz looked down a list of tips he received from area neighbors and business. Several people were worried about a suspected drug house, while another business had reported that a homeless camp had been set up nearby. Its absolutely the best approach, for neighbors to get to know each other and trust each other, and to call when they see something suspicious, she said. Its a much more proactive approach and hopefully sustaining over time. jbeltran@express-news.net | Twitter: @JBfromSA | Staff Writer Emilie Eaton contributed to this story. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Reports of a gun being fired in a dorm started the chain of events that ended with a Seguin teenager being arrested on charges of killing a Texas Tech officer, according to newly released documents. Hollis Reid Daniels III, 19, has been charged with capital murder in the Oct. 9 shooting of officer Floyd East. If convicted, he faces life in prison or the death penalty. In a recently released search warrant, Lubbock police indicated the welfare check that sent officers to Daniels room that night stemmed from reports that a gun was fired in his room in Talkington Hall. Police were also told drugs were being sold out of the room, according to the warrant. Three officers, including East, responded and made contact with Daniels. Officers handcuffed him after they discover the prescription anxiety pill Xanax and another quantity of unknown tablets, the warrant said. Police took him to the campus police station, where he was searched and placed in the same room where East was filling out paperwork, officials said. He was not handcuffed at the time. Daniels somehow gained access to the gun and shot East before fleeing, authorities said. He was arrested soon afterward near the the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum. Daniels roommates allegedly told police after the shooting that Daniels was constantly smoking marijuana and using Xanax, while also dealing drugs, according to the documents. A search of Daniels room after the shooting turned up two laptops, a ledger, a diary, a pipe, white pills in a baggie and a digital scale, as well as a shell casing. Police also searched his car and discovered a prescription bottle and a bag of small drug baggies, according to the warrant. Hes also been charged with possessing a .45-caliber pistol that had been reported stolen just hours before to the shooting. Daniels is being held on a $5 million bond. fsabawi@mysa.com | Twitter: @FaresInSA This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Texas Department of Public Safety troopers opened fire in an attempt to end a vehicle pursuit that began in Atascosa County and ended on U.S. 281 in San Antonio late Wednesday. Atascosa County Sheriff David Soward said deputies there initiated the chase around 10:15 p.m. when they tried to stop 28-year-old Luis Garcia of Houston, who was driving a pickup truck with a flatbed trailer with faulty taillights. RELATED: 22-year-old arrested in 2016 'Freddy Krueger' mass shooting at S.A. Halloween party Soward said Garcia, who had a passenger in his vehicle, 24-year-old Antonio Lopez, fled authorities and began driving recklessly, crossing over medians, making several U-turns and even attempting to drive into pursuing deputies. "He was putting a lot of people in danger for a head on collision," he said. "There was definitely a public safety issue based on the way he was driving." Now Playing: Lt. Jason Reyes, a spokesman for Texas DPS, said the Atascosa County Sheriff's Office initiated the chase around 10:15 p.m., Oct.18, when they tried to stop a driver for traffic and equipment violations. Video: San Antonio Express-News The chase wound through Poteet, Texas, and eventually headed north on U.S. 281. Once the chase crossed into Bexar County, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers took the lead in the pursuit. About a mile north of Medina River, DPS troopers fired shotguns at the suspect's tires in an effort to stop him, according to Soward. Lt. Jason Reyes of the Texas Department of Public Safety, however, said the troopers used standard issue pistols and rifles. The gunfire caused Garcia to crash on U.S. 281. Both Garcia and Lopez fled on foot and were soon apprehended. The duo was transported to University Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Reyes said troopers have yet to determine whether either of them were "grazed" by a bullet in the shooting. RELATED: SAPD: Woman airlifted to hospital after wrong-way crash on Loop 1604 According to the Texas Department of Public Safety's guidelines, troopers may fire upon moving vehicles only when they believe a driver is engaged in activity that warrants the use of deadly force, and any passengers in the vehicle are aiding the driver in such activities. Shooting at moving vehicles is only permissible when doing so doesn't present an "unreasonable risk of injury" to a passenger or third-party not involved in the criminal activity. Reyes said Garcia's actions "warranted the use of deadly force" and that the troopers were justified in opening fire on him on a major highway. He said there were no civilians in the area, and no witnesses have come forward to law enforcement. Authorities determined the pickup truck Garcia was driving had been reported stolen in Pleasanton, Texas, on Monday. Garcia now faces charges of evading arrest and detention, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and unlawfully carrying a weapon. He was booked into the Bexar County Jail Thursday morning. The Texas Rangers are currently investigating the chase. Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com Caleb Downs is a breaking news reporter for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here.| cdowns@mysa.com | Twitter: @calebjdowns San Antonio Democrats are bracing for a political bloodbath. Trey Martinez Fischer, the pugnacious former state representative, is lining up supporters for a likely primary bid against his District 116 successor, Diana Arevalo, according to multiple sources. After 16 years in the House, Martinez Fischer, 47, gave up his House seat last year to launch an unsuccessful Senate race against fellow Democrat Jose Menendez. Arevalo, 35, is the former secretary of the Bexar County Democratic Party and served in Barack Obamas White House in the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs. She bested Martinez Fischer protege Martin Golando last year in District 116, a district that includes the West and Northwest Sides of San Antonio. A primary battle between Arevalo and Martinez Fischer would create a dynamic rarely seen in politics, with a former lawmaker who voluntarily gave up their seat coming back to reclaim that seat from a member of their own party. If its reminiscent of anything, it would be Jay Leno giving up The Tonight Show, then taking it back from Conan OBrien. The likelihood of a District 116 faceoff puts Democratic members of the San Antonio House delegation in a bind. It forces them to choose between a current colleague and an old friend whose parliamentary skills often helped outnumbered Democrats block the more divisive elements of the GOPs agenda. If all things were equal, many of those Democrats would automatically lean with Martinez Fischer. But things arent equal, and some Dems privately express discomfort at the thought of breaking with an incumbent who they believe has done nothing wrong in her first year in office. Martinez Fischer has contacted various lawmakers and community leaders in recent weeks to gauge their thinking on a possible primary race. Most of the people contacted believe that he is nearly certain to run. During an interview for this column, however, the former representative was guarded about his plans. I think that I have the experience and passion to remain in public service, Martinez Fischer said, whether that be statewide or running for an office here in San Antonio. My heart is still in public service, and I think I have something to offer when it comes to being an effective voice. Martinez Fischer added: As I continue to visit with colleagues and supporters and families, I know that there is a timeline that tells me if I make a decision it will be soon. The filing period for the March 6 primary begins on Nov. 11 and ends on Dec. 11. Martinez Fischer was dubbed the Prince of POO during his House tenure because of his ability to employ points of order to stall the passage of objectionable bills. He did it in 2009 with Voter I.D., in 2011 with a sanctuary cities ban and in 2015 with open carry. Martinez Fischer said he isnt prepared to critique Arevalos job performance in the House. Im happy to do it, if appropriate, at the right time, he said. For her part, Arevalo declined to speculate on Martinez Fischers intentions. I am running for re-election because my constituents want me to, Arevalo said. An X-factor in this race would be the role of Annies List, an Austin-based organization that supports progressive women in political campaigns. Patsy Woods Martin, the executive director for Annies List, said she received a text from Martinez Fischer either early this week or late last week, asking to visit with her. Woods Martin said that Annies List is committed to Arevalo in the primary, regardless of her competition. Woods Martin added that its too soon to know how much money the organization would commit to Arevalos campaign. Local Democrats will remember that Annies List provided $68,000 in cash and more than $36,000 in in-kind contributions to Tina Torres during her ultimately unsuccessful District 117 primary race against Philip Cortez. Cortez, a Democrat state rep who has served with both Martinez Fischer and Arevalo, said he isnt sure how he would respond to an Arevalo-Martinez Fischer contest. I dont know, Cortez said, after a long pause. Right now, what Im focused on is taking a look at my own re-election. As far as a possible race between Trey and Diana, I would have to visit with both of them and see if this can be worked out. At the moment, its hard to envision a resolution. The Prince of POO wants his throne back, and Arevalo has worked too hard to give it up without a fight. ggarcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @gilgamesh470 Though once common when San Antonio was a Native American settlement and later a frontier village under Spanish rule, there now are a small number of jacales one-room structures made of timber and other natural materials that remain intact as reminders of the citys origins. The San Antonio Conservation Society has taken a lead in documenting and preserving jacal structures, including three that are still standing on historic ranches in South Bexar County. One belongs to the family of Blas Herrera, a rancher and scout during the Texas Revolution who warned people in San Antonio of the approach of Mexican Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna in 1836. Another was on the ranch of Juan Ignacio Perez, a military officer under Spanish rule who had family ties to one of the first privately owned ranches in Texas and became a prominent political figure. The small houses are early Texas vernacular structures built without formal plans, using native materials and variations of wattle-and-daub structures found in Mexico and the U.S. Southwest. Similar structures, dating up to 6,000 years or more, have been found in Central Europe, Western Asia and North America, according to a 2010 nomination of the Ruiz-Herrera Ranch to the National Register of Historic Places. The word jacal is rooted in the Aztec-Nahuatl word xahcalli, referring to huts built prior to European settlement. The building technique was used by Spanish and Tejano settlers in Texas. Of at least five variations known to have existed in the San Antonio area, two have survived: a palisadoed construction with abutting vertical poles, and use of vertical corner poles connecting horizonal strips of wood known as laths. Both types had a chimney and steep gabled thatch roof. Walls were often covered with plaster. Often used as temporary dwellings until a more permanent stone structure could be built or used as cabins in the country by settlers with sturdier homes in the village, a jacal of the 1800s could be a pleasing place to stay. When kept in good repair and whitewashed with lime inside and out, the jacal was a comfortable, attractive home that could last for decades, stated the 2010 nomination document, submitted by the Conservation Society. Blas Maria Herrera, born in San Antonio, is sometimes compared to Paul Revere because he served with the Texian rebels in the December 1835 Battle of Bejar, then rode up from Laredo in mid-February 1836 to warn of Santa Annas approaching forces. He was the son-in-law of Francisco Ruiz, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, having married Maria Antonio Ruiz in 1828. Herrera and his wife had a dairy farm, horses, oxen and swine on at least 800 acres part of an 1838 land grant awarded to Francisco Ruiz for more than 4,600 acres. They raised at least 10 children. Historical researchers believe that a circa-1830s jacal on the property was the familys primary residence. In between the horizontal laths that made up the walls of the structure were layers of adobe mortar mix with river gravel, sandstone chunks, horse hairs and even cut strips of prickly pear cactus for texture. The nomination statement noted that the fingerprints of the person responsible for applying the adobe can still be seen in one of the walls. As with many one-room jacals, the structure is believed to have had a cloth partition, creating the effect of two rooms. The house originally was 25 long and 17 feet wide, and it had a small addition used for cooking. Researchers have noted that discarded lumber from the Alamo, either from the post-battle era of 1836-1837 or U.S Army reconstruction starting in 1846, may have been used on the gabled ends of the structure. A second jacal on the Ruiz-Herrera Ranch is believed to have been built in the 1840s, measuring 27 feet long and 16 feet wide, but it has had multiple additions and alterations, along with deterioration and termites. In 1984, during a field survey for the proposed Applewhite Reservoir, archaeologists found part of a Spanish colonial gate at the ranch that may have been at the Alamo or another local mission. Part of it was on exhibit at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin. The conservation society allocated funds in 2009 to stabilize, repair and restore the older jacal and rebuild its fireplace. Another jacal is in southwestern Bexar County, at the Perez Rancho Site in the citys Medina River Natural Area. Like Herrera, Juan Ignacio Perez married into prominence in 1781 nuptials with Clemencia Hernandez, a granddaughter of Andres Hernandez, founder of one of the provinces first privately owned ranches, which once spanned across more than 20,000 acres. In 1804, Perez purchased from the Menchacas, another prominent local family, the comandancia todays Spanish Governors Palace. A Canary Islander descendant and Spanish royalist, Perez was a cavalry captain in the decisive Battle of Medina, which ended the first Texas revolution in 1813, a leading cattleman in the area and interim governor in 1816 and 1817. He died in 1823 and was buried with military honors after a service at Mission Concepcion, leaving his oldest son 490 acres. The son, a Mexican loyalist, fled during the 1835-1836 Texas Revolution. In 1851, the Texas Supreme Court upheld the familys ownership of land north of the Medina but not to the south. The original jacal on the ranch site, which also is on the National Register and includes a primary dwelling, river crossing and family cemetery, was only 15 feet by 10 feet. The sites 2014 register nomination described the jacal as in fair to poor condition, having been struck by a tractor in 2007 and vandalized before security fencing was installed. The Perez jacal, sometimes called the goat herders shack, is thought to be one of at least four jacales that once stood on the ranch, where cattle, horses and sheep roamed. Although its age has been hard to pinpoint, archaeological artifacts around it may tie it to the late 1700s. A 2010 report by the Center for Archaeological Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio noted a large number of bones associated with wild game that may have been eaten by ranch workers who occupied the jacales. The conservation society has said there are seven known jacales that still exist in some form in Bexar County, including one on the West Side on property owned by the San Antonio River Authority and another near downtown that belongs to University Health System. The society has been working with those entities and private property owners to preserve, protect and stabilize jacal structures. But dairy is part of the states identity, ag groups say By Diego Flammini News Reporter Farms.com If the president of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) gets his way, state license plates would no longer feature the slogan Americas Dairyland. License plates in Wisconsin have had the dairy-themed slogan since 1940. But its time for a change, according to WMC president Kurt Bauer, who suggested using the states official slogan, Forward. I think its time that we consider removing Americas Dairyland from our license plate in favor of something more contemporary, Bauer said on Oct. 17, according to WMTV. But has there been an industry thats shown more progress than agriculture? People would be hard pressed to find one, says Mike North, president of the Dairy Business Association. At the end of the day, the dairy industry is as much about technology as any other, he told Farms.com today. If you look around Wisconsin dairy farms, theres robotic milkers all over and massive uses of technology on the farm. Forward progress has a big impact on the dairy industry and farming in general. With an annual economic impact of about $43 billion, Wisconsins dairy industry is only second in the U.S. to that of California, where dairy farming contributes about $65 billion to the state economy each year. But Wisconsin is the top-cheese producing state. Green Bay Packer fans are affectionately known as Cheeseheads for wearing cheese-shaped hats to games. And the dairy industry is part of states identity. Weve earned this position of Americas Dairyland and were very proud of it, Patrick Geoghegan, a spokesperson with the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, told WMTV. I see my role on the panel as a way of contributing to the grains industry and I think it will also benefit me personally by providing me with a good overview of the industry, Mr Lamond said. Additionally, the MegaWide HC2 feed system has a larger diameter roller baffle system; twin-rotor feed system for more uniform hay intake and processing; a self-cleaning drop floor that allows the operator to remove plugs from the cab; and a third drive roll that eliminates belt slippage when baling heavy, wet silage bales and reduces premature wear on belts and drive rolls. South Africa President Jacob ZumaThe UK Serious Fraud Office may review whether HSBC and Standard Chartered helped launder money linked to a South Africa corruption scandal, the BBC reported Thursday. A member of the House of Lords said the banks may have handled as much as 400 million ($527 million) in money linked to graft. In a letter to the UK Treasury, Lord Peter Hain said the banks may inadvertently have been conduits for laundered money. A scandal in South Africa is unfolding about alleged links between President Jacob Zuma and the Gupta family. The Gupta brothers Ajay, Atul, and Rajesh control the Sahara Group. It has interests in technology, mining, media, travel, and energy. Lord Hain wrote to UK Chancellor Philip Hammond, relaying information from a whistleblower. Lord Hain said the banks maybe inadvertently have been conduits for the corrupt proceeds of money, the BBC said. The whistleblower apparently named 27 people linked to the alleged graft and about a dozen companies. The Treasury referred Lord Hains letter to the Financial Conduct Authority and the SFO. The BBC quoted a Treasury spokesman as saying: We take allegations of financial misconduct very seriously, and have passed Lord Hains letter on to the Financial Conduct Authority and relevant UK law enforcement agencies, including the National Crime Agency and Serious Fraud Office, to agree the right action. In South Africa, President Zuma and the Guptas strongly deny wrongdoing and say they are victims of a politically motivated witch-hunt, the BBC said. A spokeswoman for the FCA told the BBC her agency has contacted HSBC and Stanchart and would consider carefully further responses received. The SFO hasnt commented. Standard Chartered told the BBC: We are not able to comment on the details of client transactions, but can confirm that following an internal investigation accounts were closed by us in 2014. Both banks are based in London. They havent published official statements or released other public disclosures about the report. Lord Hain grew up in South Africa and campaigned against apartheid. He said South African whistleblowers told him HSBC and Standard Chartered, together with Indias Baroda Bank, must have been conduits for the corrupt proceeds of money stolen from their taxpayers and laundered through Dubai and Hong Kong, according to the Telegraph. A copy of Lord Hains letter is here (pdf). ____ Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog. Three former senior employees of the F.H Bertling group who pleaded guilty to overseas bribery were given suspended jail sentences Friday in London. Joerg Blumberg, Dirk Juergensen and Marc Schwieger were each given a 20 month sentence, suspended for two years, and a 20,000 ($26,000) fine. They were also disqualified from being company directors for five years. Sentencing was at the Southwark Crown Court. F.H Bertling Limited and six individuals, including the three sentenced Friday, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to make corrupt payments to an agent of the Angolan state oil company, Sonangol. The bribes paid from 2004 to 2006 helped Bertling win and keep a freight and forwarding contract worth about $20 million. Schweiger, a German national living in Uganda, was the manager responsible for the Africa market when the bribery. Blumberg worked as Group CFO. And Juergensen was the Managing Director of the UK subsidiary F.H. Bertling Ltd. Blumberg and Juergensen are German nationals living in Germany. All three pleaded guilty in March this year. In September last year, two other Bertling employees pleaded guilty. Jose Morreale, 62, and Stephen Emler, 49, are scheduled to be sentenced in September 2018. A sixth individual, Ralf Petersen, also pleaded guilty but is now deceased, the SFO said. F.H. Bertling Limited pleaded guilty in August. The company is a UK-based subsidiary of the Germany-headquartered Bertling Group. The group provides global logistics services through 65 subsidiaries in 35 countries with over 1,100 employees. A final defendant, Peter Ferdinand, 78, was acquitted by a jury at Southwark Crown Court on September 21, according to the SFO. He was formerly a managing director of F.H. Bertling. He said hed left the company before the corrupt payments occurred. At Fridays sentencing, Judge Jeffrey Pegden said:Each defendant] played a significant role in the fraudulent activity, which required discussion and planning and was pursued for a year in total for the companys financial gain. The SFO investigation started in September 2014. ____ Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog. The Betrayal, like the 5th book, Echoes of Time, is dual-time, with chapters set during WWII and the present day. The events I describe during the Occupation are based on fact, but the characters are fictional. The Betrayal The first inspiration for this story was the deportation of Jews from Guernsey by the Germans during WWII. There was only a handful on the island and not long after the Occupation in 1940, they were singled out for more onerous treatment than other islanders. Eventually they had businesses and property confiscated before, in 1942, being sent to concentration camps. None returned. It is now considered a shameful blot on the islands history, but the then local government was powerless to resist their German masters. On a brighter note, the second inspiration was the artist Renoir. He spent the summer of 1883 in Guernsey painting numerous versions of a particular bay, Muelin Huet, amongst others. At least one of these paintings is in a museum. I joined these two known events to produce The Betrayal. Leo Bichard is a prominent businessman whose French grandmother was a Jew, although both his parents were Christians. His family have never mentioned their ancestry but, unfortunately for Leo, someone tells the Germans, and he is deported with other Jews to concentration camps and does not return. A matter of days before the Germans arrive, Leo sends his beloved wife, Teresa, and child to England and he stays to defend his property and stand alongside his fellow islanders. However, the Germans soon impose severe restrictions on the population and Leo is forced to close his business and months later his house is taken over by soldiers and he has no choice but to live with his housekeeper in her small cottage. When Teresa returns after the war, she finds her home wrecked and the familys valuables, including an extensive art collection, missing. One of those was a treasured family painting by Renoir. Learning she is a widow, she returns heartbroken to live with her family in England. In 2010 Nigel and his twin Fiona, locals who have lived in London since university, return to Guernsey and buy a long-established antiques shop. A year later, during a refit, they find a hidden stash of paintings, including what appears to be a Renoir. Days later, Fiona finds Nigel dead, an apparent suicide. Refusing to accept the verdict, a distraught Fiona employs a detective to help her discover the truth. Searching for the true owner of the painting brings Fiona close to someone who helps to heal her broken heart. But there are important questions to answer before she can lay her brother's ghost to rest Who betrayed Leo? Who knew about the stolen Renoir? And are they prepared to kill again? http:/myBook.to/TheBetrayal Anne Allen lives in Devon, by her beloved sea. She has three children and her daughter and two grandchildren live nearby. Her restless spirit has meant a number of moves which included Spain for a couple of years. The longest stay was in Guernsey for nearly fourteen years after falling in love with the island and the people. She contrived to leave one son behind to ensure a valid reason for frequent returns. By profession Anne was a psychotherapist but long had the itch to write. Now a full-time writer, she has written The Guernsey Novels, five having been published and the sixth, The Betrayal, is due out 20th October 2017. Peter Dinklage has become a dad for the second time. Peter Dinklage The 'Game of Thrones' actor and his wife Erica Schmidt - who already have five-year-old daughter Zelig together - have become parents for the second time after welcoming their new arrival into the world, according to Us Weekly magazine. The notoriously private couple have yet to announce the news themselves, and the publication did not include an exact birth date for the new tot. As of the time of writing, the baby's name and gender are also unknown. Peter, 48, and Erica, 42 - who tied the knot in 2005 - did not confirm the pregnancy in an official announcement either, and instead let fans know they were expecting when Erica showed off her burgeoning baby bump during the opening night of 'All the Fine Boys', an off-Broadway show which the playwright wrote and directed. Meanwhile, in 2011, shortly before their daughter's birth, the 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' actor paid tribute to his wife during his acceptance speech when he picked up the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Tyrion Lannister in 'Game of Thrones'. He said: "I love you, Erica. You're amazing." And the following year, the couple had one of their first nights out since becoming parents at the Golden Globe awards. Speaking at the time, Peter laughed: "Everything's fine - so far. She's a baby. Crying never killed anyone. Well, maybe that's not true." Josh Brolin has hinted Anthony and Joe Russo will be done with the Marvel Cinematic Universe after 'Avengers 4'. Josh Brolin The two brothers helmed 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier', 'Ant-Man' and 'Captain America: Civil War' before being handed the job of directing the next two 'Avengers' blockbusters and are currently working on the third epic instalment 'Avengers: Infinity War'. Brolin - who is set to star as the mad titan Thanos - has hinted the Russos will no longer be part of the MCU after the fourth movie. In an interview with Collider, the 49-year-old actor said: "I think that they're in a position very openly and raw-ly where they're like, 'We would never do this again. This is a one-time deal. To put this many successful actors together is such a pain in the ass, but it's been worth it. We're doing two movies. One back to back and this is it for us. Then we'll go off in another direction.' "But this is a very, very, very ambitious project that I think is going to pay off in a big way." 'Avengers: Infinity War' will see the hero squad - Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), Vision (Paul Bettany), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) - join forces with the Guardians of the Galaxy. The two teams will have to work together to fight Thanos, with some help from newcomers Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), Spider-Man (Tom Holland), Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) and the screen debut of Captain Marvel (Brie Larson). Brolin - who is also starring alongside Ryan Reynolds as Cable in 'Deadpool 2' - said playing Thanos was one of the "greatest experiences" he has had. He said: "When playing a character like this it's like there's something - I don't know any other way to put it, it really turned out to be one of the greatest experiences I've had. I'm still not done, but it's been incredible to be able to work with the Russos, to be able to work with these guys. "I had no idea. It's just a different type of acting, but when they showed me a little six-minute teaser of a scene that I had done, I was so blown away by how next-level this digital process is and how real it feels. "I don't know how I could be anything but happy. If everybody hates me at the end of it, I don't know, will it be worth it if it's a great movie? Maybe." Meghan Markle has a "remarkable and generous spirit". Meghan Markle That's according to her fashion designer friend Misha Nonoo, who the 'Suits' star thrust into the limelight when she wore one of her creations - a white Husband shirt - when she and Prince Harry made their first public appearance together, and Misha is aiming to be as "philanthropic" as her pal. She said: "I had no idea she was going to wear it. It was a beautiful surprise and I was touched. The exposure has been incredible. "I love her to death. She is the coolest girl in the world. "We were seated next to one another at a lunch and we got along like a house on fire. "She has the most remarkable and generous spirit. I aspire to be as philanthropic as she is, and to have as much of an impact as her." The pair bonded over many topics, including Meghan's work for World Vision Canada - a cause which aims to change a child's life and community for good, and who she is an ambassador for - and their love of dogs. She explained: "We really bonded over that to begin with -- and we both love dogs, too. We have been very close ever since." The British-raised designer is thought to be the person who introduced Harry to the actress, but is remaining tight-lipped on such speculation. When asked if she was Harry and Meghan's matchmaker, she laughed and told the London Evening Standard newspaper: "I really can't answer that." Prince William will attend the Pride of Britain Awards. Prince William Kensington Palace has confirmed the Duke of Cambridge will appear at the ceremony on October 30 at Grosvenor House in London's Park Lane, where he will present a hat-trick of accolades, the Emergency Services award, and two Special Recognition prizes. A tweet on the official Kensington Palace Twitter account read: "The Duke of Cambridge will attend @PrideOfBritain Awards on Monday 30th October. "HRH will meet some of this year's @PrideofBritain Award winners and present the Emergency Services and two Special Recognition Awards. (sic)" TV presenter Carol Vorderman will host the event, and she is "delighted" that William - who served as an air ambulance pilot for two years - will be attending the ceremony. She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "I'm delighted Prince William will join us. He certainly knows the challenges paramedics face on a daily basis." It's the first time William will attend the Pride of Britain Awards, following in the footsteps of his father, Prince Charles, who previously admitted the event's winners make him "proud to be British". He said: "Good deeds, selfless acts and inspirational stories all too often go unseen and it is incredibly humbling to see the sheer determination and incredible journeys of these heroes. "The Pride of Britain Awards remind us of the compassion, decency and courage which still exists in every corner of the land. "It is a wonderful way to celebrate those who make us proud to be British. "Prince Charles launched the Prince's Trust Young Achiever of The Year category at Pride of Britain 2001 and has kindly supported and been involved with the Awards every year since." Queen Elizabeth was reunited with her former horse yesterday (19.10.17). Queen Elizabeth The 91-year-old royal came face-to-face with her equine Knock Castle after her four-legged friend was a part of the parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery at London's Hyde Park. A tweet on the Royal Family Twitter account read: "Following the Parade, The Queen meets Left Section Commander Captain Emma Hollywell, who reunites HM with her horse 'Knock Castle'. "Knock Castle was given to the Troop by HM in August & is being retrained from racing to be in the @KingsTroopRHA.(sic)" Knock Castle appeared to be well behaved, but in August the queen was reunited with a pony who previously tried to bite her. She met up with mischievous Shetland pony Cruachan IV once again while on holiday at her Scottish residence of Balmoral, but managed to see the funny side. The equine made a noise, and Elizabeth said: "Oh, we know where you are." Elizabeth came face-to-face with Cruachan IV again while meeting 2nd Battalion Royal Highland Fusiliers, who count the pony as their mascot. In 2014, the horse tried to bite the queen but she managed to avoid any injury, and Cruachan IV seems to have calmed down now. The monarch is known to be a huge horse racing fan and attends the Royal Ascot race meeting on an annual basis. In 2013, the queen was named Owner of the Year at the Racehorse Owners Association Awards. It came after her horse Estimate won the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, the first time a reigning sovereign had won the prize in the race's 207-year history. Gucci president and CEO Marco Bizzarri recently unveiled details of the companys new ten-year culture of purpose sustainability plan with commitments to join the Fur Free Alliance eliminating animal fur from its products beginning early next year and contributing Euro 1 million as a founding partner of UNICEFs Girls Empowerment Initiative.The announcement came on the occasion of the International Day of the Girl on October 11, on which the 2017 Kering Talk was organized at the London College of Fashion, according to a press release from international luxury group Kering. Gucci president and CEO Marco Bizzarri recently unveiled details of the company's new ten-year 'culture of purpose' sustainability plan with commitments to join the Fur Free Alliance eliminating animal fur from its products beginning early next year and contributing Euro 1 million as a founding partner of UNICEF's Girls' Empowerment Initiative.# The plan is focused on three pillars: environment, humanity and new models.Gucci is committed to reducing its environmental impact and guaranteeing the traceability of 95 per cent of its raw materials. It recognises the value of its employees and is dedicated to responsible and innovative management of the supply chain, gender equality, diversity and inclusion. It is also developing new solutions by applying technical innovation to improve efficiency in its production and logistics. (DS) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India The African Development Bank (AfDB) and its partners have launched a specialized training programme for entrepreneurs and start-ups in the textile, apparel and accessories (TA&A) sector in Africa. The training is part of AfDBs Fashionomics Africa initiative aimed at increasing Africas participation in the global textile industry supply chain.The project phase kicked off in Addis Ababa on October 4 in partnership with the Hub of Africa Fashion Week (HAFW) 2017 event and global non-governmental organisation Hivos International, according to an AfDB press release. The African Development Bank (AfDB) and its partners have launched a specialized training programme for entrepreneurs and start-ups in the textile, apparel and accessories (TA&A) sector in Africa. The training is part of AfDB's 'Fashionomics Africa' initiative aimed at increasing Africa's participation in the global textile industry supply chain.# This initial phase targeted the Ethiopian Fashion Designers Association (FDA) as well as designers, fashion entrepreneurs and students attending the HAFW. Sixty-four out of the 95 participants were women.Other sessions will also take place in Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Cote dIvoire.The aim is to prove that successful African TA&A entrepreneurs can compete on the world stage if offered the right investment, resources and training, said Basil Jones, gender programme and policy lead coordinator at AfDB.Through Fashionomics Africa, the African Development Bank aims to support the growth of the African textile and fashion sectors. (DS) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India Bemis Associates, bonding innovation and design partner to leading intimates, lifestyle, luxury and sportswear brands, has unveiled Sewfree Elevation, a new adhesive for heat-sensitive fabrics which provides best in class stretch and recovery, without compromising the hand feel of luxury fabrics such as lace. It allows factories to assemble garments faster.Bemis has also unveiled its first intimates collection, the Lingerie to Live In, in partnership with Hong Kong-based intimates manufacture, Clover. Lingerie to Live In Collection is Bemis first intimates collection of bonded bras, panties, and mens boxers. Bemis Associates, bonding innovation and design partner to leading intimates, lifestyle, luxury and sportswear brands, has unveiled Sewfree Elevation, a new adhesive for heat-sensitive fabrics which provides best in class stretch and recovery, without compromising the hand feel of luxury fabrics such as lace. It allows factories to assemble garments faster. # Sewfree Elevation and the Lingerie to Live In were introduced at Interfiliere Shanghai, organised during October 10-11, 2017.Bemis first intimates collection, Lingerie to Live In, was shown as full garments and as deconstructed applications, allowing designers to touch and feel exactly how Sewfree elevates both fit and function in next-to-skin clothing. The applications displayed were designed to address the limitations of traditional construction and prove that Sewfree not only provides tangible benefits to the consumer, but also improves manufacturing efficiencies during production.We collaborate with Bemis, the inventor of Sewfree bonding, exclusively both for their innovative bonding solutions as well as their understanding of the Chinese consumer, said Jane Yip, chief technical officer of Clover. Its our honour to be producing Bemis Lingerie to Live In which will allow the creativity and efficiencies afforded by the technology to really shine.Intimates in China have moved from basic apparel to highly-regarded fashion staples, and new local brands are prompting Chinese women to rethink the meaning of comfort related to intimates, said Steve Howard, Bemis president and CEO. We want to help Chinese designers and innovators in this space to maximise their potential by using the most effective, high-quality technology in their apparel, while avoiding counterfeit bonding products falsely positioning themselves as Sewfree.Bemis newest technical innovation, Sewfree Elevation, has been formulated specifically for heat-sensitive fabrics. It provides best in class stretch and recovery, without compromising the hand feel of luxury fabrics such as lace. In addition to a better fit and wearing experience, Sewfree Elevation allows factories to assemble garments up to 52 per cent faster.Women around the world are investing in clothing that delivers on comfort and style the same goes for their intimates drawer, said Lacey Johnson, Bemis Global Brand Manager. Our research in the Chinese market led us to two specific areas of improvement when it comes to the design of bras and underwear fit and breathability. Our new collection shows designers how to build a better bra from a technical standpoint and how to layer in inspiration from the runway.As a result of its imaginative design ideas, innovative Sewfree product applications, and deep consumer expertise, Bemis was awarded the esteemed Jurys Favourite Interfeel Award. The jury, comprised eight trend-focused bodyfashion industry leaders, present this award to only one Interfiliere exhibitor each year to honour a best-in-class display of creative ideas and fashion-forward technology in the intimates space. SV Fibre2Fashion News Desk India TOKYO, JAPAN -- (Marketwired) -- 10/19/17 -- Appier, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) company, announced today that LIFULL Co., one of Japan's largest real estate and housing information services, is implementing Aixon, Appier's AI-based data intelligence platform, to enhance its online marketing and new business development. LIFULL has committed to be the best life-event data solution company in the world as part of its three-year mid-term business plan and this includes adopting the latest AI, robotics and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. The Aixon implementation will help LIFULL integrate and analyze the vast online and offline real estate databases managed by its Group Data Strategy Unit to generate keen customer insights. Aixon offers companies the ability to unify data across different formats and combine it with data from Appier's CrossX AI database, which comprises rich anonymized ownership and usage information across billions of devices in Asia. Aixon helps marketers analyze this data using AI to predict customer behavior. It also allows them to export and integrate customer insights with their own customer relationship management (CRM) systems, or to take action on Aixon's predictions using programmatic advertising platforms such as Appier's CrossX Programmatic Platform. LIFULL will be using Aixon to drive more effective online marketing programs leading to enriched long-term relationships with its customers. LIFULL also plans to use the Aixon platform to develop new innovative businesses. "In order to expand the scope of our business, data usage is key. For example, one of our biggest challenges is trying to figure out what insights we should take from the vast amounts of CRM data and how we should go about using them," said Masahito Noguchi, Chief Data Officer of LIFULL. "LIFULL has a great team with a lot of knowledge. We have decided to introduce Appier's prediction tool Aixon because we believe its analysis and prediction features will be helpful when analyzing our CRM data. I am looking forward to seeing what insights Aixon will provide us with." "LIFULL is a truly innovative company which recognizes the role that AI can play in supercharging its business. We're delighted to have been selected to partner with them in their mission to use AI to drive impactful online marketing and create new business models. We look forward to working closely with LIFULL to ensure that Aixon meets their needs," said Chih-Han Yu, Chief Executive Officer, Appier. About LIFULL LIFULL Co., Ltd. (TSE First Section: 2120) is a company that operates real estate and housing information services. It was established in 1997 based on an aspiration to change the real estate industry. Its main service is the operation of LIFULL HOME'S, a website providing real estate and housing information, which provides the industry's most extensive library of property information in Japan.* LIFULL has been expanding its domains from its mainstay housing business, to peripheral areas including nursing care, interior, and insurance. The company has expanded LIFULL HOME'S overseas and is operating Trovit, one of the world's largest aggregation sites. LIFULL has operations in 57 countries. LIFULL Group's corporate message is 'Make every LIFE FULL'. LIFULL provides "LIFE solutions" that will offer security and pleasure to people around the world. *Sankei Medix survey (January 26, 2017) About Appier Appier is a technology company which aims to provide artificial intelligence (AI) platforms to help enterprises solve their most challenging business problems. Appier was established in 2012 by a passionate team of computer scientists and engineers with expertise in AI, data analysis and distributed systems. Appier serves around 1,000 global brands and agencies from offices in 14 markets across Asia, including Taipei, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Osaka, Sydney, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Hong Kong, Mumbai, New Delhi, Jakarta, Seoul, and Bangkok. For more information please visit www.appier.com. For media enquiries, please contact Appier Email Contact AS Tallinna Vesi's operational results for the first nine months of 2017 are consistently good. Positive development trends are seen in the drinking water and wastewater quality indicators, as well as in customer service quality standards. Reliable water supply and wastewater service It is imperative that we continue to provide an uninterrupted water and wastewater service to our customers. We continue to be committed in our performance to maintain and reconstruct the networks, and improve the water and wastewater treatment processes. In the 3rd quarter, we commissioned a new water pipe, which can provide an alternative supply to nearly 100,000 people in Tallinn. The alternative supply pipe is one of the most important investments of the last decade in securing uninterrupted water supply service to the city. ASTV also opened a new public water tap on the cycle and pedestrian track on Jarvevana Road in order to improve the availability of pure drinking water for public. As a testament to the timely investments made in our assets, the leakage level in the distribution network has dropped very low - the 9 months average being only 13.52%. Drinking water quality remained excellent during the first 9 months of 2017. In total, we took 2,225 samples from the consumers' taps, and carried out 18,330 water analyses during the first three quarters of the year. Similar to the previous year, nearly all of the samples or 99.91%, were compliant with the stipulated requirements. Only two samples exceeded the allowed limits. We always react to such cases promptly, and if necessary complete additional maintenance work on the network, as we remain committed to keeping the promise of creating better life with pure water. All results of water quality tests are up on our webpage. AS Tallinna Vesi does not compromise on safety or protecting the environment. Our final effluent was once again 100% compliant with the applicable permit requirements during the 9 months of 2017. Maintaining the quality of final effluent is essential to the continued security of the Baltic Sea, and therefore we continue to seek possibilities to improve our treatment process even further. High customer service standards Another key indicator, directly affecting customers, is the duration of interruptions to water supply. We have managed to reduce the average interruption time even further over the 9 months of 2017, bringing the average time down to just 3 hours and 15 minutes. A research agency Kantar Emor conducts regular customer satisfaction surveys for AS Tallinna Vesi. In the 9 months of the year, the customer satisfaction index reached 4.2 points on a 5-point scale, which is once again an excellent result. The number of customer interactions related to blockages or stormwater discharge issues has reduced significantly compared to the same period of 2016, and the number of customer interactions concerning water pressure has reduced as well. We have also managed to keep our other promises made to customers. One of our objectives is to improve our customers' awareness of the environmental aspects concerning water supply and wastewater disposal services. For this purpose, we welcomed a large number of interested visitors during the Open House Day event at Ulemiste Water Treatment Plant in September and we will also be launching our annual awareness campaign in the 4th quarter of 2017. Operational indicators for the first 9 months of 2017: Indicator Unit 2017 2016 9 9 months months -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Drinking water -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Compliance of water quality at the customers' tap % 99.91% 99.91% Water loss in the water distribution network % 13.52% 15.39% Average duration of water interruptions per property in h 3.26 3.51 hours Wastewater -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of sewer blockages No 520 503 Number of sewer bursts No 109 73 Wastewater treatment compliance with environmental % 100.0% 100.0% standards Customer Service -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of written complaints No 29 29 Number of customer contacts regarding water quality No 177 108 Number of customer contacts regarding water pressure No 240 247 Number of customer contacts regarding blockages and No 812 909 discharge of storm water Responding written customer contacts within at least 2 % 99.9% 99.0% work days Number of failed promises No 3 4 Notification of unplanned water interruptions at least 1 h % 98.7% 98.4% before the interruption Riina Kai AS Tallinna Vesi Chief Financial Officer Ph: (+372) 62 62 262 riina.kai@tvesi.ee Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de DENHAM (dpa-AFX) - Intercontinental Hotels Group plc. (IHG.L, IHG) reported that its RevPAR for the third-quarter increased by 2.3% and net rooms growth of 4.1% was strongest since 2010. Keith Barr, Chief Executive of InterContinental Hotels Group, said, 'Franchise Plus', our franchising solution for Holiday Inn Express in China, is gaining momentum with 6 hotels now open and a further 58 in the pipeline, including 19 signings in the quarter. We expect a further ramp up in activity over the next 12 months.' In Americas, RevPAR was up 0.8% in third-quarter. In the US, RevPAR was up 0.4% in the latest-quarter with performance in the quarter impacted by several events. Hurricanes Harvey and Irma had a mixed impact; displacement activity together with the relief and reconstruction efforts benefitted franchise business; but performance across the managed estate was negatively impacted by the cancellation of group bookings at some hotels. In Europe, RevPAR was up 7.1% in third-quarter. The UK delivered third-quarter RevPAR growth of 4.0% with brands driving outperformance in both London, up 3%, and the provinces, up 5%. RevPAR growth in Germany of 3% reflected a more moderate trade fair calendar as expected, and continued strong corporate and leisure demand drove mid-single digit RevPAR growth in Russia. In Asia, Middle East & Africa, RevPAR was up 0.6% in the third-quarter. Outside the Middle East, RevPAR grew 4%. India RevPAR growth of almost 10% continued to be driven by tourism, whilst Australasia and Southeast Asia were both up mid-single digits. In Japan, flat RevPAR reflects weak transient demand and disruption from a typhoon in September. In the Middle East, RevPAR declined 6% due to the timing of Ramadan, and the ongoing impact of low oil prices, high supply growth and government austerity measures. In the Greater China, RevPAR was up 7.8% in the quarter. The growth of 9% in mainland China was helped by weak comparables driven by one-off events in tier 2-3 cities in the quarter last year. Tier 1-3 cities all delivered high single digit RevPAR growth benefitting from strong corporate and meetings demand. Hong Kong RevPAR was down 1%, impacted by renovations at one property, whilst 15% RevPAR growth in Macau reflects improving leisure demand and the ongoing ramp up of one new hotel. Looking ahead, despite macro-economic and geopolitical uncertainties around the world, the company said it remains confident in the outlook for the remainder of the year. Separtely, InterContinental Hotels Group said that Elie Maalouf, IHG's Chief Executive Officer for the Americas, is to be appointed as an Executive Director. He will join the IHG Board, with effect from 1st January, 2018. Elie has been a member of IHG's Executive Committee, since joining the company in February, 2015. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de MILAN, October 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The King of Morocco, Mohammed VI, made this statement a few days ago, in Parliament in Rabat for the inauguration of the new legislative year: Morocco needs "a new model of development," because the current one is "unfit to meet" the needs of our people, and the authorities must act accordingly. "Morocco has made big progress, which has been globally acknowledged all around the world," the King said. "Nevertheless, the national development model is nowadays unable to meet the expectations and the growing needs of citizens, to reduce disparities by category and territorial differences and to achieve social justice." He then "urged the Government, Parliament and all of the Institutions and Instances involved, each one in his area of responsibility, to rethink our model of development to reconcile it with the deep evolution that is going on in the Country." Mohammed VI underlined that Moroccan people "need fair and efficient justice, high levels of education, good quality health services, and a public administration unrelated to any connection." The King stressed the need for "the effective implementation of all the development projects planned and ready to start and, at the same time, search for effective and achievable solutions to the real problems of the citizens-- to give the right answers to their reasonable questions and legitimate expectations." This can be read in the release published on the Government's official website . The King continued, "In parallel, it is important to strictly and continuously follow the development of social and welfare programs, and to check all the works in progress with regular and complete evaluations". According to the King, the progress that Morocco achieved has not "involved all of the citizens," especially "the youth, that represent more than one third of the population and are suffering from social exclusion and unemployment. The youth population are a new key player, which have a significant influence on the national stage" the King argued, "and these problems are inseparable from those of growth, investment and employment." "Nowadays," the King added, "Moroccans need balanced and fair development, assuring the dignity of everybody, employment and welfare. This will benefit young people. They need a development, which will help to establish a climate of peace and stability, encouraging successful inclusion in social, professional and family life." DGAP-Ad-hoc: Aroundtown SA / Key word(s): Capital Increase Aroundtown SA ANNOUNCES CAPITAL INCREASE OF UP TO 75 MILLION SHARES 19-Oct-2017 / 17:44 CET/CEST Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. *THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF APPLICABLE LAWS OR REGULATIONS* *Disclosure of inside information according to Article 17 MAR* *AROUNDTOWN SA ANNOUNCES CAPITAL INCREASE OF UP TO 75 MILLION SHARES * *Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, 19 October 2017, 17:40 CEST* The Board of Directors of Aroundtown SA ("*Aroundtown*" or the "*Company*") resolved today to increase the Company's total share capital from EUR 8,726,064.20 by EUR 750,000 through an issue of up to EUR 9,476,064.20 new ordinary shares (the "*New Shares*") with a nominal value of EUR 0.01 each, against cash contributions, by exercising the authorized capital of the Company which will increase the current amount of 872,606,420 shares (the "*Existing Shares*") to up to 947,606,420 shares. The New Shares will carry dividend rights for dividends in respect of fiscal year 2016 and onward and will rank pari passu with the Existing Shares. The New Shares will be offered to institutional investors by means of a private placement outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the "*Securities Act*") and in the United States only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers ("*QIBs*") within the meaning of and in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act in compliance with any applicable securities laws. The Existing Shares and the New Shares have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act. The Company has agreed with the accompanying investment banks to abstain from issuing any new shares within a period of 75 days. The Board of Directors will specify the number of shares to be placed by separate resolution. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the capital increase primarily to fund the Company's growth strategy. *About the Company* Aroundtown SA (trading symbol: AT1 on the regulated market (Prime Standard) of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange) is a specialist real estate company with a focus on value-add and income generating properties primarily in the German/NL real estate markets. Aroundtown SA (ISIN: LU1673108939) is a public limited liability company (_societe anonyme_) established under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, registered with the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register (_Registre de Commerce et des Societes Luxembourg_) under number B217868, having its registered office at 1, Avenue du Bois, L-1251 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. *Contact * Timothy Wright T: +352 285 7741 E: info@aroundtownholdings.com www.aroundtownholdings.com *Disclaimer * This announcement may not be published, distributed or transmitted, directly or indirectly, in the United States (including its territories and possessions), Canada, Australia or Japan or any other jurisdiction where such an announcement would be unlawful, or to, or for the benefit of, U.S. Persons. The distribution of this announcement may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession this document or other information referred to herein should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This publication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities of Aroundtown in the United States, Germany or any other jurisdiction. Neither this announcement nor anything contained herein shall form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any offer or commitment whatsoever in any jurisdiction. The securities of Aroundtown may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the benefit of, U.S. Persons, absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "*Securities Act*"). The securities of Aroundtown have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act. This publication is not an extension of an offer in the United States for securities of Aroundtown. An offer for the sale of Convertible Bonds is not being made within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, persons located or resident in the United States or to, or for the benefit of, U.S. Persons. In the United Kingdom, this document is only being distributed to and is only directed at persons who (i) are investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended) (the "*Order*") or (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc.) (all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant Persons"). This document is directed only at Relevant Persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not Relevant Persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons. In member states of the European Economic Area ("*EEA*") which have implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a "*Relevant Member State*"), this announcement and any offer if made subsequently is directed exclusively at persons who are "*qualified investors*" within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive ("*Qualified Investors*"). For these purposes, the expression "*Prospectus Directive*" means Directive 2003/71/EC as amended, including by Directive 2010/73/EU, and includes any relevant implementing measure in the Relevant Member State and the expression "*2010 PD Amending Directive*" means Directive 2010/73/EU. No action has been taken that would permit an offering of the securities or possession or distribution of this announcement in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Persons into whose possession this announcement comes are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions. This information contains forward-looking statements that are based upon current views and assumptions of the Aroundtown management, which were made to its best knowledge. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the earnings position, profitability, performance or the results of Aroundtown or the success of the housing industry to differ materially from the earnings position, profitability, performance or the results expressly or implicitly assumed or described in these forward-looking statements. In consideration of these risks, uncertainties and other factors, persons receiving these documents are advised not to unreasonably rely on these forward-looking statements. Aroundtown does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking statements and to adjust them to any future results and developments. 19-Oct-2017 CET/CEST The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.dgap.de Language: English Company: Aroundtown SA 1, Avenue du Bois 1251 Luxembourg Luxemburg Phone: +357 2420 1312 E-mail: info@aroundtownholdings.com Internet: www.aroundtownholdings.com ISIN: LU1673108939, XS1508392625, XS1227093611, XS1336607715, XS1403685636, XS1449707055, XS1532877757, XS1540071724, XS1586386739, XS1649193403, XS1634523754 WKN: A2DW8Z, A1871P, A1Z07A, A18V71, A180VY, A1839S, A1899S, A19A2V Indices: SDAX Listed: Regulated Market in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Stuttgart; Paris, Luxemburg SDAX End of Announcement DGAP News Service 620695 19-Oct-2017 CET/CEST (END) Dow Jones Newswires October 19, 2017 11:44 ET (15:44 GMT) LINCOLN Wheels up. Sen. Bob Krist embarked Wednesday on his 2018 gubernatorial campaign, piloting a turbo-prop aircraft that took him soaring west on a bright October morning to launch his independent bid. At stops from Scottsbluff back to Lincoln, the Omaha state senator pointed to high property taxes as the issue concerning most Nebraskans and suggested that it's time to "start to rebalance" the load shared by property, sales and income taxes. But Krist also cited his legislative record and centered on the nature of his gubernatorial bid, pledging to provide "independent leadership" not beholden to partisanship or political party interests. And, he said, he would "like to restore separation of powers" in state government, promising to work cooperatively with the Legislature and "stay out of the election of state senators." Nebraska's nonpartisan Legislature has turned more partisan in the last few years, Krist said, while Gov. Pete Ricketts has provided endorsements and campaign funding for challengers to some incumbent senators who have not fallen in line with his wishes. Krist has changed his party registration from Republican to nonpartisan and will avoid a GOP primary confrontation with Ricketts next May by forming a new party which probably will be named Nebraskans United to offer Nebraska voters an independent choice a year from next month. The nine-year legislative veteran can gain access to the general election ballot next year through a petition process that requires about 5,000 signatures gathered statewide. "The Republican Party has tried to kick me out and take my card away two or three times," Krist said, because of its displeasure with his independent nature and performance as a state senator. Krist made media-centered stops in Scottsbluff, North Platte, Lexington, Holdrege and Lincoln during the initial phase of a two-day campaign tour, touching down at wind-swept airports across the state. A 21-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force with more than 15,000 hours of military flight time, Krist piloted a Merlin 111B turbo-prop aircraft on Wednesday's tour. During his first stop, at the Cappuccino and Company coffee shop in Scottsbluff, Krist introduced himself to western Nebraskans, suggesting that "what you see is what you get." "Do I have all the answers?" he asked. "I do not. But I have a lot of ideas." At North Platte, he said his initial campaign tour will allow voters to "put a face to the name." Krist said his nine years in the Legislature give Nebraskans "a voting record to measure," one that includes efforts to protect health and human services and enact prison reforms. "People and property taxes are my priorities, in that order," he said. "And I am a fiscal conservative." "I'm not a stranger to bucking the system a little bit," he added. "I've never stayed completely in the box." Krist said he is "passionate about the nonpartisan Legislature" and that he as governor would be "accessible to senators and talk to them about their ideas" early in the legislative process. At one stop, Krist suggested that "we are starting to emulate the Kansas model and that is not where we want to go" in terms of state tax and budget policy. During a live television interview at the NTV studio near Kearney, Krist said his candidacy "offers Nebraskans another choice" next year. Ricketts is a slam dunk to win the Republican nomination for a second four-year term. Democrats have not yet fielded a candidate. Krist said he is not close to naming a lieutenant governor running mate. LONDON, October 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The structure of the Chinese steel sector has changed fundamentally over the last 18 months, as supply reform has been pushed through.This will continue to have a significant impact on pricing and profitability of the domestic industry. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/536199/CRU_Logo.jpg ) As the steady-state profitability of the domestic market lifts, the incentive to seek sales overseas will fall and we expect carbon steel exports from China to drop.Importantly, the price of these exports will be closely linked to the higher domestic prices, therefore, they will be priced higher relative to costs compared with recent years. We believe this situation will benefit steelmakers everywhere, as capacity utilisation of the industry lifts and profitability improves. Improved Chinese industry health to spread? We believe that closures in the Chinese steel sector have fundamentally changed the structure of the industry and, as discussed in our previous two Insights of this series, we expect this will lead to higher margins on steel sales and, more specifically, a stronger domestic market. But what does this mean for exports of steel, export prices and, more importantly, for steel makers elsewhere in the world? The strength of the domestic market: a key determinant of exports Analysis previously carried out by CRU has shown that there are three key determinants of exports from a country. These are: Strength of domestic market; Cost competitiveness; Strength of destination markets. Our analysis indicates that the primary determinant is 'strength of the domestic market'. The other 2 factors become important when a significant shift occurs, such as in 2014 when steel demand and prices in the USA were very strong, which pulled in imports, but also lifted scrap prices. In turn, higher scrap prices conferred a cost advantage on Chinese steelmakers delivering into the South East Asia region. In response, during the year, Chinese exports ramped up by more than 50%, with increased exports to the USA, but primarily to South East Asia. Read the full story: http://bit.ly/Chinese-steel-exports Read more about CRU: http://bit.ly/About_CRU About CRU CRU offers unrivalled business intelligence on the global metals, mining and fertilizer industries through market analysis, price assessments, consultancy and events. Since our foundation in 1969, we have consistently invested in primary research and robust methodologies, and developed expert teams in key locations worldwide, including in hard-to-reach markets such as China. CRU employs over 250 experts and has more than 10 offices around the world, in Europe, the Americas, China, Asia and Australia - our office in Beijing opened in 2004. When facing critical business decisions, you can rely on this first-hand knowledge to give you a complete view on a commodity market. And you can engage with our experts directly, for the full picture and a personalised response. CRU - big enough to deliver a high quality service, small enough to care about all of our customers. Orders of $5.7 billion for the quarter, up 2% sequentially and 18% year-over-year on a combined business basis* Revenue of $5.4 billion for the quarter, down 1% sequentially and flat year-over-year on a combined business basis GAAP operating loss was $122 million for the quarter decreased 17% sequentially and decreased 22% year-over-year on a combined business basis Adjusted operating income (a non-GAAP measure) was $240 million for the quarter, up 105% sequentially and down 13% year-over-year on a combined business basis GAAP net loss per share of $(0.24) for the quarter which included $0.29 per share of adjusting items Basic loss per share were $(0.24) for the quarter, adjusted basic earnings per share (a non-GAAP measure) were $0.05 Cash flows used in operating activities were $(195) million for the quarter. Free cash flow (a non-GAAP measure) for the quarter was $(405) million On July 3, 2017, we closed our previously announced transaction to combine the Oil Gas business of General Electric Company ("GE Oil Gas") and Baker Hughes Incorporated ("Baker Hughes"). The Company presents its financial results in accordance with GAAP which includes the results of Baker Hughes and GE Oil Gas from the transaction closing date of July 3, 2017. However, management believes that using additional non-GAAP measures on a "Combined Business Basis" will enhance the evaluation of the profitability of the Company and its ongoing operations. Combined business results combine the results of GE Oil Gas with Baker Hughes as if the closing date had occurred on the first day of all periods presented. The business combination impacts only the Oilfield Services and Digital Solutions segments. Accordingly, no reconciliation is presented for our other segments, Oilfield Equipment and Turbomachinery Process Solutions. All combined business results presented in this News Release are unaudited. Such combined business results are not prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X. See Exhibit 99.2 in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 20, 2017, which includes a reconciliation of the combined business information contained herein from financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Baker Hughes, a GE company (NYSE:BHGE) ("BHGE" or the "Company") announced results today for the third quarter of 2017. Three Months Ended Combined Business Basis Variance September 30, June 30, September 30, Year-over- (in millions except per share amounts) 2017 2017 2016 Sequential year Orders 5,722 5,590 4,831 2% 18% Revenue 5,375 5,412 5,375 (1)% Operating loss (122 (147 (156 17% 22% Adjusted operating income (non-GAAP)* 240 117 275 105% (13)% Net loss attributable to BHGE (104 N/A N/A N/A N/A Adjusted net earnings (non-GAAP) attributable to BHGE* 23 N/A N/A N/A N/A EPS attributable to Class A shareholders (0.24 N/A N/A N/A N/A Adjusted EPS (non-GAAP)* attributable to Class A shareholders 0.05 N/A N/A N/A N/A Cash flow used in operations (195 N/A N/A N/A N/A Free cash flow (non-GAAP)* (405 N/A N/A N/A N/A *These are non-GAAP financial measures. See section entitled "Charges and Credits" for a reconciliation from GAAP. "The combination of GE Oil Gas and Baker Hughes closed on July 3, and we are pleased with our progress during our first operating quarter. Despite the continuing challenging environment, we delivered solid orders growth and secured important wins from customers, advanced existing projects and enhanced our technology offerings in the quarter. We also achieved key integration milestones and made significant progress working as a combined company. I am now more convinced than ever that we combined the right companies at the right time," said Lorenzo Simonelli, BHGE chairman and chief executive officer. "In our Oilfield Services segment, we continue to see growth driven by our well construction business in North America. While the North America rig count is up more than 40% year-to-date, we saw a deceleration in the quarter with the US Land rig count up 6% versus the end of the second quarter. International activity remains muted with rig count flat year-to-date. "In our Oilfield Equipment segment, the subsea market continues to be challenging. Activity remains low and price continues to be pressured. We expect tree awards in 2017 to be up versus 2016, but still significantly below peak levels seen in 2013. We continue to expect the subsea market to be very challenged in the short term with little sign of any significant recovery in 2018. "In our Turbomachinery Process Solutions segment, the LNG market continues to be over-supplied in the near term with gas prices pressured in most markets. The long-term value proposition for LNG remains positive and we have an industry-leading portfolio in the segment with strong manufacturing and service capabilities. Downstream markets continue to evolve. In refining, large, complex refineries should gain an advantage in a more competitive, oversupplied landscape. However, costs and refining margins continue to delay some projects. In petrochemicals, we see healthy end-market demand. Cost advantaged supply bases continue to drive projects forward, particularly in North America and the Middle East. "In our Digital Solutions segment, we see end markets for our measurement and controls-based portfolio slowly returning to growth. Aviation and industrial markets continue to be robust but are partially offset by declines in the power market. Oil and gas end markets are beginning to stabilize, and we expect them to return to growth over the medium term. Our Digital offerings in software and digital services continue to gain traction in the marketplace. "We expect the overall oil and gas environment to remain challenging for the rest of the year. We have seen some improvement in activity but we have not seen meaningful increases in customer capital commitments. Oil prices remain volatile and, as a result, our customers remain cautious. We continue to support our customers through innovative solutions and solid execution and are focused on integrating and driving the best of both legacy businesses," Simonelli said. Quarter Highlights Customer Contract Wins Across BHGE BHGE signed its first fullstream agreement with Twinza Oil Limited to support an offshore project in Papua New Guinea. BHGE will provide drilling services for the appraisal well and development phases of the project, with an agreement to supply gas processing, compression, turbomachinery, controls, subsea equipment and installation services post-Final Investment Decision (FID). BHGE was selected because of its unique ability to provide a fully-integrated service and equipment offering, modular state-of-the-art approach, high-tech solutions and systems 'that talk to each other' for optimization. By working with BHGE, the customer is able to greatly synergize project execution and reduce integration risk. BHGE secured several major contract awards in its Oilfield Services segment during the quarter, including the largest single order on record for its HPump surface pumping systems with a customer in the Permian Basin. The Company also won several notable deepwater Completions contracts, including two for top-tier, high-end technologies and services in new oil- and gas-rich fields. Additionally, BHGE won a large, multi-year drilling contract in the Middle East. For its Oilfield Equipment business, BHGE received a major subsea contract to provide engineering, fabrication and construction of a subsea construction system and to support the installation, commissioning and start-up operations for phase two of the Zohr Gas Field. The contract award demonstrates BHGE's commitment to helping secure Egypt's energy future through the development of local talent and efficiency-driven solutions. In its Turbomachinery Process Solutionssegment, BHGE secured its third contract for the Coral South LNG development in Mozambique. BHGE will provide boil-off gas (BOG) and booster compressors capable of operating at temperatures as low as -180 degrees Celsius and will be used to re-liquefy excessive BOG evaporating out of the LNG storage tanks. Separately, the Company received its first contract in Sub-Saharan Africa to provide asset performance management software services to reduce unplanned outages and trips by 20 percent for LNG trains. In the Digital Solutions segment, BHGE secured its largest-ever digital contract with an important international customer of approximately $300 million, which includes an asset performance management solution based on the Predix platform. Technology and Innovation BHGE continues to differentiate itself with leading technology. This quarter it introduced IntelliStream upstream enterprise software, built on asset performance management software and the Predix platform, which assists in optimizing production and reducing non-productive time through a single system. The software, which provides analytic-driven insights and continuous learning across reservoirs, wells, networks, facilities and people, continues to gain interest in the marketplace. BHGE is expanding its power generation applications below the 20-megawatt power range. The Company will supply a cogeneration power plant in Malaysia with its NovaLT16 gas turbine generator. This will help its customer increase energy efficiency and lower CO2 emissions by 54,000 tons per year. Executing for Customers BHGE achieved a key milestone in the module-assembly process to support an expansion project in Kazakhstan. To help maximize engineering and delivery speed and minimize installation risks at the customer's site, BHGE is developing complex module sections in its own yard. In August 2017, BHGE quickly and accurately completed the stacking-procedure for the first of five large, industrial modules, each ~3,700 tons, in approximately 14 hours. BHGE's advanced drilling technology continues to be a key differentiator, particularly in the Marcellus and Utica basins in the Northeast US. Applying its AutoTrak Curve high-build rotary steerable system, Talon high-efficiency PDC drill bits, tailored drilling fluids and enhanced solids removal techniques, BHGE is helping operators reduce well costs and improve performance, while setting footage-drilled records. Consolidated Results by Reporting Segment Consolidated Orders by Reporting Segment Three Months Ended (in millions) Combined Business Basis Variance September 30, June 30, September 30, Year-over- Consolidated segment orders 2017 2017 2016 Sequential year Oilfield Services 2,635 2,530 2,448 4 8 Oilfield Equipment 760 797 524 (5 45 Turbomachinery Process Solutions 1,410 1,589 1,218 (11 16 Digital Solutions 917 674 641 36 43 Total 5,722 5,590 4,831 2 18 Orders for the quarter were $5,722 million, up 2% sequentially and up 18% year-over-year. This sequential increase is driven by service orders, which were up 5%, and partially offset by equipment orders, which were down 1%. The 18% year-over-year growth is mainly driven by a 32% increase in equipment orders and an 11% decrease in service orders. The Company's equipment book-to-bill ratio in the third quarter was 1.1. Backlog grew in the third quarter, which ended at $20.9 billion, an increase of $0.3 billion or 1% from the second quarter of 2017. Equipment backlog was $5.7 billion, up $0.2 billion, or 3%, sequentially. Services backlog was $15.2 billion, up $0.1 billion, or 1%, sequentially. Consolidated Revenues by Reporting Segment Three Months Ended (in millions) Combined Business Basis Variance September 30, June 30, September 30, Year-over- Consolidated segment revenue 2017 2017 2016 Sequential year Oilfield Services 2,635 2,528 2,426 4 9 Oilfield Equipment 600 688 829 (13 (28 Turbomachinery Process Solutions 1,511 1,589 1,480 (5 2 Digital Solutions 629 607 640 4 (2 Total 5,375 5,412 5,375 (1 Revenue for the quarter was $5,375 million, a decrease of $37 million, or 1%, sequentially. Compared to the same quarter last year, revenue was flat. The sequential decrease in revenue was driven primarily by lower revenue in longer-cycle businesses as Turbomachinery Process Solutions and Oilfield Equipment were down 5% and 13%, respectively. This was partially offset by an increase in shorter-cycle businesses with Oilfield Services and Digital Solutions both up 4% sequentially. Year-over-year, Oilfield Services was up 9% and Turbomachinery Process Solutions was up 2%, offset by a decrease in Oilfield Equipment of 28% and Digital Solutions of 2%. Consolidated Operating Income (Loss) by Reporting Segment Three Months Ended (in millions) Combined Business Basis Variance September 30, June 30, September 30, Year-over- Segment operating income (loss) 2017 2017 2016 Sequential year Oilfield Services 75 27 (40 F F Oilfield Equipment (43 15 61 U U Turbomachinery Process Solutions 210 134 258 57 (19 Digital Solutions 87 50 109 74 (20 Total segment operating income 329 226 388 46 (15 Corporate (89 (109 (113 18 21 Inventory impairment (12 (4 (24 U 50 Restructuring, impairment other charges (191 (126 (388 (52 51 Goodwill impairment (17 NA 100 Merger and related costs (159 (134 (2 (19 U Operating loss (122 (147 (156 17 22 Adjusted operating income* 240 117 275 105 (13 *Non-GAAP measure (see Table 1a in the section entitled "Charges and Credits" for a reconciliation from GAAP) "F" is used in most instances when variance is above 100%. Additionally, "U" is used in most instances when variance is below (100)%. On a GAAP basis, operating loss for the third quarter of 2017 was $122 million, which includes additional amortization of intangibles as a result of purchase accounting for pre-merger Baker Hughes. Operating loss decreased 17% sequentially and 22% year-over-year. Total segment operating income was $329 million for the third quarter of 2017, up $103 million, or 46%, sequentially, and down $59 million, or 15%, year-over-year. Adjusted operating income (a non-GAAP measure) for the third quarter of 2017 was $240 million and excludes adjustments totaling $362 million before tax, mainly related to restructuring charges and merger and related costs. A complete list of the adjusting items and associated reconciliation has been provided in Table 1a in the section entitled "Charges and Credits" for a reconciliation from GAAP. Adjusted operating income for the third quarter was up $123 million, or 105%, sequentially driven by shorter-cycle businesses, partially offset by the Oilfield Equipment business. Adjusted operating income was down $35 million, or 13%, year-over-year driven by Oilfield Equipment and Turbomachinery Process Solutions, partially offset by growth in Oilfield Services. Corporate costs were $89 million in the third quarter of 2017, compared to $109 million in the prior quarter and $113 million in the third quarter of 2016. The sequential decrease in corporate costs of $20 million was primarily due to synergy savings realized in the quarter. Other Financial Items Income tax expense was $93 million for the third quarter. The tax expense was due primarily to the geographical mix of earnings and losses, which resulted in taxes in certain jurisdictions that exceeded the tax benefit from the losses in other jurisdictions, that could not be realized within the quarter due to valuation allowances provided. Over time, the Company expects the tax rate to normalize as its earnings and losses profile shifts amongst the US and international jurisdictions. Cash flows used by operating activities were $(195) million for the third quarter of 2017. Free cash flow (a non-GAAP measure) for the quarter was $(405) million. Free cash flow included approximately $400 million of merger and restructuring related cash payments. A reconciliation from GAAP has been provided in Table 1c in the section entitled "Charges and Credits." Capital expenditures, net of proceeds from disposal of assets, were $210 million for the third quarter of 2017, including $83 million of merger-related capital expenditures. Depreciation and Amortization for the third quarter of 2017 was $380 million. Results by Reporting Segment The following segment discussions and variance explanations are intended to reflect management's view of the relevant comparisons of financial results on a sequential or year-over-year basis, depending on the business dynamics of the reporting segments. Oilfield Services Three Months Ended Combined Business (in millions) Basis Variance September 30, June 30, September 30, Oilfield Services 2017 2017 2016 Sequential Year-over-year Revenue 2,635 2,528 2,426 4% 9% Operating income/(loss) 75 27 (40 F F Operating income/(loss) margin 2.8 1.1 (1.6 1.7pts 4.4pts Oilfield Services (OFS) revenue of $2,635 million for the quarter increased by $107 million, or 4%, sequentially. The sequential increase in revenue was driven by increased activity in North America and the Middle East partially offset by decreased activity in Latin America. North America revenue was $1,045 million, an increase of 5% sequentially, as a result of improved activity in the U.S., most notably onshore. International revenue was $1,590 million, an increase of 3% sequentially, primarily driven by increased activity in the Middle East, Europe and Asia and partially offset by weaker volume in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. From a product line perspective, the sequential growth of 4% in OFS was driven primarily by Completions, Artificial Lift and Drilling Services. This growth was partially offset by lower volume in the Rod Lift Systems business. Segment operating income before tax for the quarter was $75 million, which included increased intangible amortization from the purchase accounting valuation. Operating income for the third quarter of 2017 was up $48 million, or 178%, sequentially, primarily driven by increased volume and cost productivity. Oilfield Equipment (in millions) Three Months Ended Variance September 30, June 30, September 30, Oilfield Equipment 2017 2017 2016 Sequential Year-over-year Orders 760 797 524 (5)% 45% Revenue 600 688 829 (13)% (28)% Operating income/(loss) (43 15 61 U U Operating income/(loss) margin (7.2 2.2 7.4 (9.4)pts (14.6)pts Oilfield Equipment (OFE) orders were up 45% year-over-year, with equipment orders up 69%, mainly driven by higher orders in the Subsea Production Systems and Wellstream businesses. Services orders increased by 3% driven by the Pressure Control business, slightly offset by weaker orders in the Rig Drilling Systems business and fewer upgrades. OFE revenues of $600 million for the quarter decreased $229 million, or 28%, year-over-year. The decrease was driven by lower throughput as a result of decreasing backlog in the Subsea Production Systems business, as well as lower convertible orders across the Drilling Systems and Services and Offshore businesses. Segment operating loss before tax for the quarter was $43 million, down year-over-year. The loss was primarily driven by lower volume and unfavorable foreign currency movements in long-term contracts, partially offset by cost deflation. Turbomachinery Process Solutions (in millions) Three Months Ended Variance Turbomachinery Process September 30, June 30, September 30, Solutions 2017 2017 2016 Sequential Year-over-year Orders 1,410 1,589 1,218 (11)% 16% Revenue 1,511 1,589 1,480 (5)% 2% Operating income 210 134 258 57% (19)% Operating income margin 13.9 8.4 17.4 5.5pts (3.5)pts Turbomachinery Process Solutions (TPS) orders were up 16% year-over-year. Equipment orders were up 79% driven by the New Units business, partially offset by equipment orders that serve the downstream market. Service orders were down 10% primarily driven by lower volume in the transactional services business, as well as the upgrades business. TPS revenues of $1,511 million for the quarter increased $31 million, or 2%, year-over-year. The increase was driven by fulfillment on long-term service contracts as well as gas and steam turbine installations, partially offset by lower volume in the Flow Process Technologies business. Segment operating income before tax for the quarter was $210 million, down $48 million, or 19%, year-over-year. The decline was driven primarily by unfavorable equipment mix. Digital Solutions Three Months Ended Combined Business (in millions) Basis Variance September 30, June 30, September 30, Digital Solutions 2017 2017 2016 Sequential Year-over-year Orders 917 674 641 36% 43% Revenue 629 607 640 4% (2)% Operating income 87 50 109 74% (20)% Operating income margin 13.8 8.2 17.0 5.6pts (3.2)pts Digital Solutions (DS) orders were up 43% year-over-year, primarily due to a large order for Predix software. Excluding the large digital order, orders were down 5% year-over-year, primarily driven by lower order intake across the Pipeline and Process Solutions business which moved to Digital Solutions from pre-merger Baker Hughes, as well as lower order intake in the Measurement Sensing business. DS revenues of $629 million for the quarter were down 2% year-over-year, mainly driven by decreased volume in the Pipeline and Process Solutions business, partially offset by an increase in the Inspection Technologies product line. Segment operating income before tax for the quarter was $87 million, up 74% sequentially and down 20% year-over-year. The sequential increase was driven primarily by improved cost productivity and strong operational execution, as well as normal seasonality within the business. The year-over-year decline was mostly driven by an unfavorable product line mix. Charges Credits Table 1a. Reconciliation of GAAP and Adjusted Operating Income/(Loss) Three Months Ended Combined Business Basis (in millions) September 30, 2017 June 30, 2017 September 30, 2016 Operating loss (GAAP) (122 (147 (156 Change in control charges 82 Merger-related costs 39 98 2 Integration costs 38 36 Litigation settlements 67 41 Restructuring 191 59 364 Inventory impairment 12 4 24 Total operating income adjustments 362 264 431 Adjusted operating income (non-GAAP) 240 117 275 Table 1b. Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Net Income/(Loss) Three Months Ended (in millions) September 30, 2017 Net loss attributable to BHGE (GAAP) (104 Total identified items 362 Tax on total identified items (23 Total adjustments, net of income tax 339 Less: adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interests 212 Adjustments attributable to BHGE 127 Adjusted net income attributable to BHGE (non-GAAP) 23 Denominator: Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding basic (millions) 428 Adjusted earnings per Class A share-basic and diluted 0.05 Table 1c. Reconciliation of Cash Flow From Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow Three Months Ended (In millions) September 30, 2017 Cash flow from operating activities (GAAP) (195 Add: cash used in capital expenditures, net of proceeds from disposal of assets (210 Free cash flow (non-GAAP)* (405 Free cash flow is defined as net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities less expenditures for capital assets plus proceeds from disposal of assets. Financial Tables (GAAP) Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income (Loss) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (In millions, except per share amounts) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenue 5,375 3,024 11,496 9,753 Costs and expenses: Cost of revenue 4,355 2,294 9,159 7,440 Selling, general and administrative expenses 792 475 1,750 1,476 Restructuring, impairment and other 191 77 292 452 Merger and related costs 159 2 310 10 Total costs and expenses 5,497 2,848 11,511 9,378 Operating income (loss) (122 176 (15 375 Other non operating income (loss), net (3 6 65 18 Interest expense, net (42 (21 (75 (74 Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in loss of affiliate (167 161 (25 319 Equity in loss of affiliate (13 (13 Provision for income taxes (93 (70 (122 (132 Net income (loss) (273 91 (160 187 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to GE Oil Gas pre-merger 96 109 255 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests (169 (5 (165 (68 Net income (loss) attributable to BHGE (104 (104 Per share amounts (for the period from July 3, 2017 to September 30, 2017): Basic and diluted loss per Class A common share (0.24 (0.24 Cash dividend per Class A common share 0.17 0.17 Special dividend per Class A common share 17.50 17.50 Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) (In millions) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and equivalents 4,777 981 Current receivables, net 5,194 2,563 Inventories, net 5,309 3,224 All other current assets 1,301 633 Total current assets 16,581 7,401 Property, plant and equipment less accumulated depreciation 6,255 2,325 Goodwill 20,395 6,680 Other intangible assets, net 6,826 2,449 Contract assets 2,761 1,967 All other assets 1,992 899 Total assets 54,810 21,721 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable 3,203 1,898 Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt 1,866 239 Progress collections 1,543 1,596 All other current liabilities 2,120 1,201 Total current liabilities 8,732 4,934 Long-term debt 3,039 38 Liabilities for pensions and other postretirement benefits 1,262 519 All other liabilities 1,629 1,375 Equity 40,148 14,855 Total liabilities and equity 54,810 21,721 Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended September 30, (In millions) 2017 2016 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income (loss) (160 187 Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (165 (68 Net income after noncontrolling interests 5 255 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 716 439 Working capital and other operating items, net (1,306 (889 Net cash flows used in operating activities (585 (195 Cash flows from investing activities: Expenditures for capital assets (417 (330 Proceeds from disposal of assets 76 21 Net cash received from acquisitions (3,365 (1 Other investing items, net (173 (36 Net cash flows used in investing activities (3,879 (346 Cash flows from financing activities: Dividends paid (76 Distributions to noncontrolling interest (122 Contribution received from GE 7,400 Other financing items, net 1,010 229 Net cash flows from financing activities 8,212 229 Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents 48 (122 Increase/(decrease) in cash and equivalents 3,796 (434 Cash and equivalents, beginning of period 981 1,432 Cash and equivalents, end of period 4,777 998 Supplemental Financial Information Supplemental financial information can be found on the Company's website at: investors.bhge.com in the Financial Information section under Quarterly Results. Conference Call and Webcast The Company has scheduled an investor conference call to discuss management's outlook and the results reported in today's earnings announcement. The call will begin at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time, 8:30 a.m. Central time on Friday, October 20, 2017, the content of which is not part of this earnings release. A slide presentation providing summary financial and statistical information that will be discussed on the call will also be posted to the Company's website and available for real-time viewing at investors.bhge.com. The conference call will be broadcast live via a webcast and can be accessed by visiting the Events and Presentations page on the Company's website at: investors.bhge.com. An archived version of the webcast will be available on the website through November 20, 2017. Forward-Looking Statements This news release (and oral statements made regarding the subjects of this release) may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (each a "forward-looking statement"). The words "anticipate," "believe," "ensure," "expect," "if," "intend," "estimate," "project," "foresee," "forecasts," "predict," "outlook," "aim," "will," "could," "should," "potential," "would," "may," "probable," "likely," and similar expressions, and the negative thereof, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There are many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are also affected by the risk factors described in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-216991), filed by the Company with the SEC and declared effective on May 30, 2017; the Company's subsequent quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2017; and those set forth from time to time in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The documents are available through the Company's website at: www.investors.bhge.com or through the SEC's Electronic Data Gathering and Analysis Retrieval ("EDGAR") system at: www.sec.gov. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement. Our expectations regarding our business outlook and business plans; the business plans of our customers; oil and natural gas market conditions; cost and availability of resources; economic, legal and regulatory conditions, and other matters are only our forecasts regarding these matters. These forward-looking statements, including forecasts, may be substantially different from actual results, which are affected by many risks, along with the following risk factors and the timing of any of these risk factors: Integration activities the ability to successfully integrate Baker Hughes with GE Oil Gas, including operations, technologies, products and services. Economic and political conditions the impact of worldwide economic conditions; the effect that declines in credit availability may have on worldwide economic growth and demand for hydrocarbons; foreign currency exchange fluctuations and changes in the capital markets in locations where we operate; and the impact of government disruptions. Dependence on GE any failure by GE to supply products and services to us in accordance with applicable contractual terms could have a material effect on our business. Orders and Backlog our ability to execute on orders and backlog and convert those orders and backlog to revenue and cash. Oil and gas market conditions the level of petroleum industry exploration, development and production expenditures; the price of, volatility in pricing of, and the demand for crude oil and natural gas; drilling activity; drilling permits for and regulation of the shelf and the deepwater drilling; excess productive capacity; crude and product inventories; liquefied natural gas supply and demand; seasonal and other adverse weather conditions that affect the demand for energy; severe weather conditions, such as tornadoes and hurricanes, that affect exploration and production activities; Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries ("OPEC") policy and the adherence by OPEC nations to their OPEC production quotas. Terrorism and geopolitical risks war, military action, terrorist activities or extended periods of international conflict, particularly involving any petroleum-producing or -consuming regions; labor disruptions, civil unrest or security conditions where we operate; potentially burdensome taxation, expropriation of assets by governmental action; cybersecurity risks and cyber incidents or attacks; epidemic outbreaks. Baker Hughes, a GE company (NYSE:BHGE) is the world's first and only fullstream provider of integrated oilfield products, services and digital solutions. We deploy minds and machines to enhance customer productivity, safety and environmental stewardship, while minimizing costs and risks at every step of the energy value chain. With operations in over 120 countries, we infuse over a century of experience with the spirit of a startup inventing smarter ways to bring energy to the world. For more information on Baker Hughes, a GE company visit: www.bhge.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171020005209/en/ Contacts: Baker Hughes Investor Contact: Philipp Mueller, +1 281-809-9088 investor.relations@bhge.com or Media Contact: Stephanie Cathcart, +1 202-549-6462 stephanie.cathcart@bhge.com or Melanie Kania, +1 713-439-8303 melanie.kania@bhge.com Antibe Therapeutics Inc. ("Antibe" or the "Company") (TSXV: ATE, OTCQB: ATBPF) will be attending the 2017 CPhI Worldwide conference next week in Frankfurt, Germany. CPhI Worldwide is the world's largest pharma trade show and considered the leading international pharmaceutical business and networking event. The event will be held on October 24th - 26th and will host over 42,000 pharma industry professionals from over 150 countries. Antibe will be meeting with several regional pharmaceutical companies to discuss potential out-licensing opportunities of ATB-346 in advance of clinical results from the on-going Phase 2b GI safety study a data read-out remains on schedule for Q1 2018. Dan Legault, Antibe's CEO, remarked, "Securing additional regional licensing deals for ATB-346 will provide further validation of Antibe's H 2 S technology and supports our goal of unlocking the most value for shareholders. In addition, this partnering activity provides an important source of non-dilutive funding for development of our pipeline of novel NSAIDs. With Phase 2b GI safety data only months away, we have been entering discussions with several parties who have expressed an interest in our lead drug, ATB-346." Although it is Antibe's goal to execute one or more regional licensing deals in the next six months, there can be no assurance that any partnering discussions will materialize into a successful transaction. In addition, the Company has granted BND Projects Inc. 30,000 options for investor relations services and 7,500 options to an external consultant. Each option has an exercise price of $0.085, being the 5-day volume weighted average price of Antibe's shares, vests quarterly starting on the date of the grant, and will expire October 20, 2020. About CPhI CPhI drives growth and innovation at every step of the global pharmaceutical supply chain from drug discovery to finished dosage. Through exhibitions, conferences and online communities, CPhI brings together more than 100,000 pharmaceutical professionals each year to network, identify business opportunities and expand the global market. CPhI hosts events in Europe, Korea, China, India, Japan, South East Asia, Istanbul and Russia, and co-locates with ICSE for contract services, P-MEC for machinery, equipment technology, InnoPack for pharmaceutical packaging and BioPh for biopharma and Finished Dosage Formulation: for every aspect of the finished dosage supply chain. For more information visit: www.cphi.com. About Antibe Therapeutics Inc. Antibe develops safer medicines for pain and inflammation. Antibe's technology involves linking a hydrogen sulfide-releasing molecule to an existing drug to produce a patented, improved medicine. Antibe's lead drug ATB-346 targets the global need for a safer, non-addictive drug for chronic pain and inflammation. ATB-352, the second drug in Antibe's pipeline, targets the urgent global need for a non-addictive analgesic for treating severe acute pain, while ATB-340 is a GI-safe derivative of aspirin. www.antibethera.com. Antibe's subsidiary, Citagenix Inc. ("Citagenix"), is a leader in the sales and marketing of tissue regenerative products servicing the orthopedic and dental marketplaces. Since its inception in 1997, Citagenix has become an important source of knowledge and experience for bone regeneration in the Canadian medical device industry. Citagenix is active in 15 countries, operating in Canada through its direct sales teams, and internationally via a network of distributor partnerships. www.citagenix.com. Forward Looking Information This news release includes certain forward-looking statements, which may include, but are not limited to, the proposed licensing and development of drugs. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking, including those identified by the expressions "will", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "propose" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in this news release. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in this news release include, but are not limited to, the Company's inability to secure additional financing and licensing arrangements on reasonable terms, or at all, its inability to execute its business strategy and successfully compete in the market, and risks associated with drug and medical device development generally. Antibe Therapeutics Inc. assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171020005190/en/ Contacts: Antibe Therapeutics Inc. Dan Legault, 416-473-4095 Chief Executive Officer dan.legault@antibethera.com The "Governance, Risk and Compliance The Isle of Man Insurance Industry" report has been added to Research and Markets' offering. The 'Governance, Risk and Compliance The Isle of Man Insurance Industry' report is the result of extensive research into the insurance regulatory framework in Isle of Man. It provides detailed analysis of the insurance regulations for life, property, motor, liability, personal accident and health, and marine, aviation and transit insurance. The report specifies various requirements for the establishment and operation of insurance and reinsurance companies and intermediaries. The report brings together research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on prevailing insurance regulations, and recent and upcoming changes in the regulatory framework, taxation and legal system in the country. The report also includes the scope of non-admitted insurance in the country. Key Highlights Insurance industry of the Isle of Man is regulated by the IOMFSA. Non-admitted insurance is not permitted in the Isle of Man insurance industry. Composite insurance license is issued in the insurance industry of the Isle of Man. There are no premium taxes on insurance contract in the Isle of Man. Motor third-party liability and social security insurance are compulsory classes of insurance in the Isle of Man. Key Topics Covered: 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 What is this Report About? 1.2 Definitions 2 GOVERNANCE, RISK AND COMPLIANCE 2.1 Legislation Overview and Historical Evolution 2.2 Latest Changes in Regulations 2.3 Legislation and Market Practice by Type of Insurance 2.4 Compulsory Insurance 2.5 Supervision and Control 2.6 Non-Admitted Insurance Regulations 2.7 Company Registration and Operations 2.8 Taxation 2.9 Legal System 3 APPENDIX For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/cjgtxx/governance_risk View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171020005359/en/ Contacts: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 Related Topics: Insurance PAL: Asia's First Airline, the Philippines' Pride MANILA, Philippines, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Philippine Airlines (PAL) is the national flag carrier of the Philippines and Asia's first airline. As PAL continues to strengthen its brand story of delivering heartfelt customer service, it launches a new Brand Equity campaign poised to win over foreign leisure travellers from international markets with the theme: "Experience the Heart of the Filipino". With a rich 76-year history,PAL boasts of many 'firsts' - including being the first airline in Southeast Asia to cross the Pacific on July 31, 1946, the first to operate to Europe via a DC-4 service to Rome and Madrid, and the first to introduce the world's first fully-flat sky beds aboard the B747 jumbo jets, among many others. Today, PAL has the largest fleet among other PH carriers with a total of 83 aircraft at present and is expecting delivery of two Boeing B777s within the year, six Airbus A350s starting June 2018, 21 Airbus A321NEOs starting first quarter 2018, and 10 more Q400 Next Generation turboprops. The airline will continue reconfiguring its Airbus A330s into tri-class layout. PAL carried a total of 13.4 million passengers last year, a 12.6 percent uptick from 11.9 million passengers served in 2015. 5-Star by 2020 Philippine Airlines is in the midst of its journey towards becoming the country's five star full-service legacy carrier at par with the world's largest carriers. To reach this goal, it has embarked on both inflight and on-ground service enhancements together with the introduction of its distinct service philosophy "Heart of the Filipino" embodying the nation's culture of warmth, care and trademark hospitality, that is now being recognized by the world. Airline ratings firm Skytrax ranked PAL as "6th Most Improved Airline" in its most recent world airline awards, considered the 'Oscars' of the aviation industry. Industry online publication Smart Travel Asia also named PAL as the 4th Best Airline Worldwide in Cabin Service". Experience the Heart of the Filipino The campaign, which kicks off with a digital video on PAL's Youtube Page here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_-B_jBovVc showcases the best of the Philippines and celebrates the best of Filipino values on which PAL was built, known as Buong-Pusong Alaga or "The Filipino Touch". This unique brand of hospitality that's proactive and selfless, and a disposition and attitude that's resilient and always cheerful, is what sets Philippine Airlines apart from its competition as the airline with MoreHeart. Looking Forward The Philippine national flag carrier is charting its course in aviation history as the longest-running Asian airline which continues to innovate amidst the highly competitive industry landscape. Asia's first airline continues to devote its efforts towards meeting customer needs by sustaining fleet modernization, flight route network expansion and service innovation. It remains focused on achieving its goal to be a five-star airline by year 2020. Know more about Philippine Airlines at philippineairlines.com or fb.com/flyPAL. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/584808/FINAL_SINULOG__003.jpg SEATTLE, WA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/20/17 -- CFN Media Group ("CannabisFN"), the leading creative agency and media network dedicated to legal cannabis, announces publication of an article discussing Future Farm Technologies Inc.'s (CSE: FFT) (CNSX: FFT) (FFT.CN) (OTCQB: FFRMF) acquisition of an industrial hemp farm and how it fits into the company's broader cannabis industry strategy. The 'Other' Cannabis Industry Many investors are familiar with the cannabis industry, which analysts believe will exceed $50 billion in size by 2026. In Canada, several early licensed producers of medical cannabis have become so-called unicorns with market capitalizations in excess of $1 billion. While the industry has tremendous growth potential, investors shouldn't ignore the cannabis industry's close cousin -- the hemp and hemp-based cannabidiol (CBD) industries. Hemp is a member of the Cannabis Sativa family, but unlike marijuana, it contains less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Despite its lack of psychoactivity, and being widely cultivated prior to the 1930s, the plant was banned by the U.S. government as part of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 and later by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Several states began to legalize hemp production in 2013 amid the liberalization of cannabis laws. The Hemp Business Journal projects that the total retail value of hemp products sold in the U.S. will increase from $688 million in 2016 to more than $1.8 billion by 2020, representing a 22% compound annual growth rate. While personal care represents the largest segment, with $163 million in sales, hemp-based CBDs have already grown to $130 million -- or 19% of the market -- and achieved a 53% compound annual growth rate. Future Farm's New Acquisition Future Farm Technologies aims to become a leader in the rapidly growing hemp-based CBD industry through its proprietary cannabinoid extraction technology and its recent deal to grow industrial hemp. The company recently entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Derek Ross of Cannatech LLC to acquire a 120-acre licensed industrial hemp farm in Amity, Maine. The farm recently completed the harvest of its first crop, which is being prepared for further processing into high-grade hemp-based CBD oil. The two companies entered into a joint venture to continue operating the farm whereby Future Farm owns an 80% interest. "This strategic acquisition puts Future Farm in the CBD business in a big way and opens the door for growing, researching, developing, and selling premium hemp and CBD oil, which contains a broad range of cannabinoids used to treat a growing population of CBD oil consumers," said Future Farm CEO Bill Gildea. "We are pleased to be working with Derek and his team of experienced growers and we look forward to adding value by installing new state of the art CBD oil extraction equipment on-site to meet the increasing demand for CBD oil." The newly acquired hemp farm complements the company's existing extraction facility, which uses a proprietary closed loop liquid phase system to efficiently and cleanly extract oils from the hemp plant. The deal ensures a steady supply of material for Future Farms oils business. Looking Ahead Future Farm Technologies Inc.'s acquisition of an industrial hemp farm represents its latest foray into a rapidly growing segment of the cannabis industry. Earlier this year, the company also acquired the exclusive rights to a patented, augmented-reality technology in the cannabis industry that it plans to leverage to develop an ad-tech product known as the CannaCube Live platform for dispensaries to market to consumers. In addition, the company continues to operate its legacy Controlled Environment Agriculture and LED lighting businesses that deliver cost-effective growing solutions to both cannabis and traditional agriculture companies. Please follow the link to read the full article: http://www.cannabisfn.com/future-farm-builds-vertical-supply-chain-acquisition/ About CFN Media CFN Media (CannabisFN) is the leading creative agency and media network dedicated to legal cannabis. We help marijuana businesses attract investors, customers (B2B, B2C), capital, and media visibility. Private and public marijuana companies and brands in the US and Canada rely on CFN Media to grow and succeed. Learn how to become a CFN Media client company, brand or entrepreneur: http://www.cannabisfn.com/featuredcompany Download the CFN Media iOS mobile app to access the world of cannabis from the palm of your hand: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cannabisfn/id988009247?ls=1&mt=8 Or visit our homepage and enter your mobile number under the Apple App Store logo to receive a download link text on your iPhone: http://www.cannabisfn.com Disclaimer: Except for the historical information presented herein, matters discussed in this release contain forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Emerging Growth LLC, which owns CFN Media and CannabisFN.com, is not registered with any financial or securities regulatory authority, and does not provide nor claims to provide investment advice or recommendations to readers of this release. Emerging Growth LLC may from time to time have a position in the securities mentioned herein and may increase or decrease such positions without notice. For making specific investment decisions, readers should seek their own advice. Emerging Growth LLC may be compensated for its services in the form of cash-based compensation or equity securities in the companies it writes about, or a combination of the two. For full disclosure please visit: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/ CFN Media Frank Lane 206-369-7050 flane@cannabisfn.com With its provider-friendly pricing model, Zilkr affords customers the opportunity to participate in the burgeoning API economy with minimal investment and a shared risk. SANTA CLARA, California, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Based on its recent analysis of the North American communications platform as a service (CPaaS) industry, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Zilkr with the 2017 Enabling Technology Leadership Award. Zilkr is one of a small number of vendors that enable service providers to bridge the gap between their existing voice and messaging services and the application programming interface (API)-driven CPaaS services. Zilkr's cloud-based platform delivers a full CPaaS service to providers as an overlay on top of the provider's communications infrastructure, thus enabling carriers to deliver a full CPaaS solution to businesses. Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/586956/Zilkr_Award_Logo.jpg Zilkr's platform also appeals to service providers committed to a "cloud-first" approach with their service offerings. These providers would prefer to partner with a company such as Zilkr to provide a CPaaS platform, rather than setting up additional infrastructure. "Zilkr's innovative approach to CPaaS deployment is highly differentiated from that of the majority of CPaaS providers. Most competitors deliver end-to-end solutions that comprise the telephony network as well as the API integrations," said Michael Brandenburg, Industry Analyst. "Zilkr uniquely combines telecom carriers' robust network capabilities with its own agile, cloud-based platform to bring compelling CPaaS solutions to end customers." Overall, Zilkr delivers highly innovative solutions and fosters innovation throughout the communications provider ecosystem. Zilkr operates as an agile startup, with not only the ability to quickly bring new services and capabilities to its portfolio, but also to respond quickly to the needs of its provider customers. Zilkr can continuously update and enhance its service without having a material impact on the provider's infrastructure. Zilkr can collaborate directly with a particular application vendor to ensure that embedded communications features work within specific applications. Zilkr bills providers for its service based solely on the usage of the provider's customers. Unlike some of its competitors, Zilkr does not require a significant investment on the part of the provider. Zilkr instead offers a utilization-based business model with monthly fees based on the average number of daily transactions that run through its service. The pricing model is particularly compelling to telecom carriers and Zilkr finds that even the most conservative of service providers are willing to consider adding CPaaS solutions into their offerings using Zilkr cloud services. "Beyond CPaaS, Zilkr enables service providers to participate in the broader API economy. With a CPaaS solution in place, a provider's communications services can be leveraged as a component of the larger integration platform as a service (IPaaS) market," mentioned Brandenburg. "While CPaaS is narrowly focused on the programmatic automation of communication elements, IPaaS incorporates 'mash-ups' across the wide spectrum of cloud-based applications. Zilkr's CPaaS overlay allows end customers to either directly connect CPaaS to these applications, or bridge communications into a larger IPaaS strategy." "Businesses recognize that a strong cloud Communications solution must be two-way, with the ability to integrate back into a service provider. Enabling this with technology and managed services is our core mission. We are deeply appreciative of this recognition by Frost & Sullivan, a recognized leader in the analyses and understanding of UCaaS and Telco API markets," said Omar Paul, Zilkr's CEO. Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that strives to be best-in-class in three key areas: understanding demand, nurturing the brand, and differentiating from the competition. Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry. About Zilkr Zilkr brings app functionality to phone numbers by enabling service providers to deliver integration-friendly communication solutions to businesses through an API platform and Apps marketplace that works seamlessly with existing communications networks. Zilkr is headquartered in Austin, TX. Please contact us for more information - contact@zilkr.io About Frost & Sullivan Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact: Ana Arriaga P: 210.247.3823 F: 210.348.1003 E: ana.arriaga@frost.com AerCap Holdings N.V. ("AerCap") (NYSE: AER) today announced the delivery of a new Airbus A350-900 to Air Mauritius, the first of two new A350 aircraft deliveries on long-term lease from AerCap's order book with Airbus. A second A350-900 aircraft is scheduled for delivery to Air Mauritius in November 2017. AerCap has one of the largest Airbus A350-900 portfolios with a total of twenty-six owned and on order, delivering through 2019. AerCap President and Chief Commercial Officer Philip Scruggs said, "AerCap is proud to deliver the first of two new A350 aircraft to Air Mauritius and to celebrate this delivery coinciding with the airline's 50th year anniversary. The aircraft will form the main pillar of Air Mauritius' long-haul fleet renewal strategy, supporting further network expansion and connecting Mauritius to the world with an aircraft which offers superior passenger comfort and cutting edge on-board technology. We wish our long-time friends and partners at Air Mauritius every success as they continue to grow their business." About AerCap AerCap is the global leader in aircraft leasing with, as of September 30, 2017, 1,506 owned, managed or on order aircraft in its portfolio. AerCap has one of the most attractive order books in the industry. AerCap serves approximately 200 customers in approximately 80 countries with comprehensive fleet solutions. AerCap is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (AER) and has its headquarters in Dublin with offices in Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Shannon, Fort Lauderdale, Singapore, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi, Seattle and Toulouse. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain statements, estimates and forecasts with respect to future performance and events. These statements, estimates and forecasts are "forward-looking statements." In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "might," "should," "expect," "plan," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "predict," "potential" or "continue" or the negatives thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements and are based on various underlying assumptions and expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. As a result, we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate or correct. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future performance or events described in the forward-looking statements in this press release might not occur. Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results and we do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, we do not undertake any obligation to, and will not, update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For more information regarding AerCap and to be added to our email distribution list, please visit www.aercap.com and follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/aercapnv. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171020005301/en/ Contacts: AerCap Holdings N.V. Media Relations: Gillian Culhane, +353 1 636 0945 Vice President Corporate Communications gculhane@aercap.com or Investor Relations: Brian Canniffe, +353 1 418 0461 Head of Investor Relations bcanniffe@aercap.com WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Americans' approval of Congress has fallen to its lowest level in well over a year, according to the results of a new Gallup poll released on Friday. Just 13 percent of Americans approve of the way Congress is handling its job, down from 16 percent last month. Eighty percent of Americans disapprove of the way Congress is handling its job. Approval of Congress is now at its lowest level since July of 2016 and just a few percentage points higher than the record low of 9 percent seen in 2013. Gallup noted Americans of all political stripes hold Congress in similarly low regard, as just 18 percent of Republicans, 14 percent of Democrats and 10 percent of independents approve of the job lawmakers are doing. Republican approval has fallen sharply since spiking to 50 percent in February as the GOP took control of the presidency and both houses of Congress. 'Americans' approval of Congress has historically lagged that of other major institutions, but Americans' views of the legislative branch have been particularly low since the late 2000s,' said Gallup analyst Justin McCarthy. 'The impact of specific congressional actions may also not do much to improve the way Americans view Congress,' he added. 'Partisan differences on individual issues have grown over time, making any legislative action unlikely to please even a slim majority of Americans.' The Gallup poll of 1,028 adults was conducted October 5th through 11th and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de MUNICH (dpa-AFX) - The European Commission confirmed Friday that as of 16 October 2017 its officials carried out an unannounced inspection at the premises of a car manufacturer in Germany. The Commission noted that the inspection was related to Commission concerns that several German car manufacturers may have violated EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices. The Commission officials were accompanied by their counterparts from the German national competition authority. BMW was the target of the inspection, the Wall Street Journal reported citing a person familiar with the matter. Meanwhile, the Commission noted that Inspections are a preliminary step in investigations of suspected anti-competitive practices. The fact that the Commission carries out inspections does not mean that the inspected companies are guilty of anti-competitive behaviour, nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself. The Commission respects the rights of defence, in particular the right of companies to be heard, in antitrust proceedings. There is no legal deadline to complete inquiries into anti-competitive conduct. Their duration depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of each case, the extent to which the companies concerned co-operate with the Commission and the exercise of the rights of defence. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de GUILDFORD, SURREY -- (Marketwired) -- 10/20/17 -- ANGLE plc (AIM: AGL) (OTCQX: ANPCY) AIM:AGL OTCQX:ANPCY For immediate release 20 October 2017 ANGLE plc ("the Company") Annual Report and Accounts and Notice of AGM ANGLE plc (AIM:AGL OTCQX:ANPCY), a world-leading liquid biopsy company, announces that its AGM will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday 31 October 2017 at ANGLE plc, 10 Nugent Road, the Surrey Research Park, Guildford, GU2 7AF. The Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 April 2017, posted to shareholders on 6 October 2017, together with the Notice of the Company's Annual General Meeting ("AGM") are available for download on the Company's website, www.angleplc.com. For further information ANGLE: ANGLE plc +44 (0) 1483 343434 Andrew Newland, Chief Executive Ian Griffiths, Finance Director finnCap Ltd (NOMAD and Joint Broker) Corporate Finance - Adrian Hargrave, Simon Hicks, Kate Bannatyne Corporate Broking - Alice Lane, Nikita Jain +44 (0) 207 220 0500 WG Partners (Joint Broker) Nigel Barnes, Nigel Birks, Andrew Craig, Chris Lee +44 (0) 203 705 9330 FTI Consulting Simon Conway, Mo Noonan, Stephanie Cuthbert +44 (0) 203 727 1000 Kimberly Ha (US) +1 212 850 5612 Notes for editors About ANGLE plc www.angleplc.com ANGLE is a world-leading liquid biopsy company commercialising a disruptive platform technology that can capture cells circulating in blood, such as cancer cells, even when they are as rare in number as one cell in one billion blood cells, and harvest the cells for analysis. ANGLE's cell separation technology is called the Parsortix system and it enables a liquid biopsy (simple blood test) to be used to provide the cells of interest. Parsortix is the subject of granted patents in Europe, the United States, Canada, India, China, Japan and Australia and three extensive families of patents are being progressed worldwide. The system is based on a microfluidic device that captures live cells based on a combination of their size and compressibility. Parsortix has a CE Mark for Europe and FDA authorisation is in process for the United States. ANGLE has established formal collaborations with world-class cancer centres. These Key Opinion Leaders are working to identify applications with medical utility (clear benefit to patients), and to secure clinical data that demonstrates that utility in patient studies. Details are available here http://www.angleplc.com/the-company/collaborators/ The analysis of the cells that can be harvested from patient blood with ANGLE's Parsortix system has the potential to help deliver personalised cancer care offering profound improvements in clinical and health economic outcomes in the treatment and diagnosis of various forms of cancer. The global increase in cancer to a 1 in 3 lifetime incidence is set to drive a multi-billion dollar clinical market. The Parsortix system is designed to be compatible with existing major medtech analytical platforms and to act as a companion diagnostic for major pharma in helping to identify patients that will benefit from a particular drug and then monitoring the drug's effectiveness. As well as cancer, the Parsortix technology has the potential for deployment with several other important cell types in the future. ANGLE stock trades on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol AGL and in New York on the OTC-QX under the ticker symbol ANPCY. For further information please visit: www.angleplc.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange END Contact: RNS Customer Services 0044-207797-4400 rns@londonstockexchange.com http://www.rns.com MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 10/20/17 -- Geomega Resources Inc. ("GeoMegA" or the "Corporation") (TSX VENTURE: GMA) announces that shareholders have approved all resolutions put forth at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Annual Meeting") held in Montreal, Quebec, on Thursday, October 19, 2017, Gilles Gingras, Kiril Mugerman, Mario Spino and Kosta Kostic were elected to serve as directors of the Corporation (the "Board"). In addition, the Corporation announces the re-appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP as auditors for the ongoing year, re-approval of the 10% rolling stock option plan, approval of a distribution of Kintavar Exploration shares in the form of return of capital and approval of the patent ownership and royalty agreement with the Corporation's Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Pouya Hajiani. Subsequent to the Annual Meeting, the directors renewed Kiril Mugerman as President and Chief Executive Officer, Pouya Hajiani as Chief Technology Officer, Alain Cayer as Vice President of Exploration, Ingrid Martin as Chief Financial Officer and nominated Ingrid Martin as Corporate Secretary. "On behalf of the Board of Directors and management, I would like to thank Patrick Godin, Denis Hamel and Paul-Henri Couture, who have not run for re-election, for their years of service and devotion to the Corporation. I would also like to welcome Kosta Kostic to the Board of Directors of the Corporation. Mr. Kostic, a Partner and Member of McMillan LLP's National Capital Markets and M&A Group, brings a lot of experience in the corporate finance, securities and mergers and acquisitions matters. His expertise in both the mining and technology sectors will be a major asset to the Board of Directors and the Corporation as we continue developing the rare earth elements separation technology and the Montviel project." commented Kiril Mugerman, President and CEO of GeoMegA. With the departure of Patrick Godin and Denis Hamel from the Board of Director of Innord, Mario Spino was appointed as a director of Innord. In addition to this, the Corporation has entered into an agreement to issue shares for debt with the current and several of the previous directors of the Corporation and with the CFO of the corporation, Ingrid Martin. This agreement is considered a "related party transaction" under Regulation 61-101 respecting Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (Quebec) ("Regulation 61-101") and the corresponding Policy 5.9 of the TSXV; however, the agreement with the insiders is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under Regulation 61-101 in accordance with sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of said Regulation 61-101. The exemption is based on the fact that neither the market value of the agreement with the insiders nor the consideration paid therefor exceeds 25% of the Corporation's market capitalization. The Corporation did not file a material change report at least 21 days prior to the agreement since it was not determined at that moment and the Corporation wished to close the agreement on an expedited basis for sound business reasons. In consideration for settlement of a net debt of $85,347, GeoMegA will issue a total of 948,299 common shares at a deemed price of $0.09 per share. The settlement is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("the Exchange"). The Corporation will issue the shares pursuant to the settlement once the issuance has been approved by the Exchange. Two previous directors of the Corporation have waived their accumulated director's compensation owed for a total of $52,500. Stock Option Grants Pursuant to the Corporation's Stock Option Plan, a total of 945,000 stock options at an exercise price of $0.09 per option have been granted to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Corporation and its subsidiaries. These options may be exercised for a period of 5 years after the grant date and they vest gradually over a period of 24 months from the day of grant, at a rate of 1/4 per six-month period, in accordance with the terms of the stock option plan of the Corporation. About GeoMegA (www.geomega.ca) GeoMegA is a mineral exploration and evaluation company focused on the discovery and sustainable development of economic deposits of metals in Quebec. GeoMegA is committed to meeting the Canadian mining industry standards and distinguishing itself with innovative engineering, stakeholders' engagement and dedication to local transformation benefits. 78,258,049 common shares of GeoMegA are currently issued and outstanding. About Innord Inc. Innord is a private subsidiary of GeoMegA of which GeoMegA owns 96.1%. The goal of Innord Inc. is to develop and optimize the proprietary separation process of rare earth elements based on electrophoresis, for which it holds all the rights. Electrophoresis is the migration of charged species (ions, proteins, particles) in solution in the presence of an electric field. Innord has filed patents in Canada and the United States to protect its novel separation process and is looking to file in other jurisdictions. Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information and statements may include, among others, statements regarding future plans, costs, objectives or performance of the Corporation, or the assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. In this news release, words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "estimate" "target" and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, such future performance will be achieved. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, including additional closings of the private placement referred to above, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Corporation will derive. Forward-looking statements and information are based on information available at the time and/or management's good-faith belief with respect to future events and are subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond the Corporation's control. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those described under "Risk Factors" in the Corporation's annual management's discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2017, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com; they could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. The Corporation does not intend, nor does the Corporation undertake any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements contained in this news release to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except if required by applicable laws. Contacts: Kiril Mugerman President and CEO GeoMegA 450-641-5119 ext.5653 kmugerman@geomega.ca WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyongo is the latest among a series of celebrities to accuse Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment. More than 40 women have accused the Hollywood film producer of sexual misconduct, including in rape, groping, and harassment, though he has 'unequivocally denied' any allegations of non-consensual relationships. The fresh allegation surfaced on Thursday when Lupita Nyongo revealed her experience in a New York Times article. Nyongo said that while attending the screening of a film in Weinstein's home in Connecticut in 2011, she was lured into his room under false pretenses. Nyongo, who was a drama student at the time of the alleged incident, said she was forced to massage him. All the rooms in his house were soundproof, which seems 'strategical,' according to her. Nyongo recollects that in her encounters with Harvey, she found him to be 'pushy and idiosyncratic more than anything'. 'He was definitely a bully, but he could be really charming, which was disarming and confusing,' the actress said in the article. Born in Mexico City to Kenyan parents, she is the first African actress to win an Oscar. Nyongo won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in her first feature film role in the historical drama '12 Years a Slave' in 2013. Meanwhile, Los Angeles police have begun investigation into a possible sexual assault case against Weinstein, the first involving the producer in the city. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de PUNE, India, October 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The report"Geotextile Marketby Material Type (Synthetic, Natural), Product Type (Nonwoven, Woven, Knitted), Application (Road Construction and Pavement Repair, Erosion, Drainage, Railway Work, Agriculture), and Region - Global Forecast to 2022" published by MarketsandMarkets', the market is expected to be valued at USD 5.76 Billion in 2017 and is likely to reach USD 9.35 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 10.2% from 2017 to 2022. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 ) Browse209 Market Data Tables and56 Figures spread through102Pages and in-depth TOC on"Geotextile Market" http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/geotextiles-market-492.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report The rising demand of geotextiles due to superior properties and low cost, high demand in road construction, and growing infrastructure activities in emerging economies are the key factors driving the growth of the geotextile market globally. Synthetic geotextile is the fastest-growing material type segment of the geotextile market. Based on material type, the synthetic geotextile segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2017 to 2022. Synthetic geotextile is widely utilized in the construction industry, majorly for separation and filtration applications. Within the synthetic geotextile segment; polypropylene and polyester (PET) are the preferred materials in the construction industry mainly due to the material being comparatively cheaper than other raw materials. Nonwoven geotextile is the fastest-growing product type in the geotextile market. Based on product type, the nonwoven geotextile segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2017 to 2022. Nonwoven geotextiles are a preferred material for various application segments of geotextiles as they are capable of withstanding harsh conditions and challenging construction loads. Get PDF Brochure @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=492 Road construction and pavement repair is the fastest-growing application segment of the geotextile market. Based on application, the road construction and pavement repair segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2017 to 2022. Geotextiles help enhance the performance as well as the life of the road. Thus, there is a high demand for geotextile in this segment. Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing regional segment of the geotextile market. The geotextile market in the Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. China, India, Japan, and South Korea are the key countries contributing to the high demand for geotextiles in the Asia Pacific region. Availability of cheap labor and raw materials has resulted in Asia Pacific to be the preferred region for expansion by various leading manufacturers across the globe, thus making the region to be fastest-growing geotextile market. Some of the leading players operating in the Geotextile Market include Koninklijke TenCate (Netherlands), Low & Bonar (UK), Fibertex Nonwovens (Denmark), Thrace Group (Greece), Huesker (Germany), Berry Global (US), DuPont (US), Strata Systems (US), Leggett & Platt (US), Officine Maccaferri (Italy), GSE Environmental (US), Kaytech (South Africa), Mattex (Saudi Arabia), NAUE (Germany), Propex Operating Company (US), Carthage Mills (US), and Asahi Kasei Advance Corporation (Japan), among others. Inquiry before Buying @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=492 Browse Related Reports Technical Textile Market by Product (Fabric, Unspun Fiber, Yarn-type Products), Technology (Nonwoven, Fabric, Weaving, Knitting, Spinning), Fiber (Synthetic, Natural, Specialty), Application (Mobiltech, Indutech, Sportech, Others), Colorant (Dye, Pigment), Fabric - Global Forecast to 2020 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/technical-textile-market-1074.html Geofoams Market by Type (EPS geofoams, XPS geofoams), by Application (Roadways, Building & Construction), and by Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World) - Global Forecast to 2020 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/geofoams-market-193832866.html Know More About our Knowledge Store @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Knowledgestore.asp About MarketsandMarkets' MarketsandMarkets' provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 5000 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets' for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets' are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets' now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets' is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Rohan MarketsandMarkets' INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit Our Blog @ http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/chemical Connect with us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets OTTAWA (dpa-AFX) - A passenger has filed a lawsuit against Canadian budget airline Sunwing Airlines for serving him cheap sparkling wine instead of champagne on board a flight, according to media reports. The Canadian passenger, Daniel MacDuff, reportedly boarded his Sunwing flight to Cuba in February, on a flight package that advertised a complimentary on-board champagne toast. Instead, he was served only sparkling wine in a plastic cup. MacDuff has accused Sunwing of misleading market practices in violation of the Quebec Consumer Protection Act after the airline had promoted a 'Champagne service.' He is said to be seeking punitive damages for the alleged wrongful practice, as well as compensation for the price difference between the cheaper sparkling wine and Champagne. However, Sunwing reportedly said that the use of 'champagne service' and 'champagne vacations,' in their advertising was meant to describe the level of service of the travel package, rather than the type of in-flight drinks served. Sunwing said it believed the lawsuit to be 'frivolous and without merit.' The court will decide at a hearing in March whether the lawsuit can proceed. However, Sunwing has changed its online advertising. Its website now specifies that passengers will receive a 'complimentary glass of sparkling wine' on flights. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. BRUSSELS, BELGIUM -- (Marketwired) -- 10/20/17 -- ZTE Wireless & Services User Congress 2017 was held in Brussels, Belgium. At the congress, Michael Howard, Executive Director & Advisor of IHS Markit, delivered a speech at the topic of "Mobile Operators: Evolving SDN/NFV Plans in Preparation for 5G." As the keys to 5G network innovation, SDN and NFV will be deployed by service providers that control 61% of global telecom CAPEX to upgrade legacy networks, surveyed by IHS. Michael said that 5G core will use open source software and hardware and software acceleration techniques, features control and user plane separation (CP/UP) and mobile edge computing (MEC), and is reprogrammable. According to the survey of IHS, PaaS-based network slicing and IoT applications as well as mobile core VNFs will be the key points of operators' planning and deployment. ZTE service-oriented 5G Cloud Native solution, Cloud ServCore, leverages flexible modularized architecture. The system is highly scalable, programmable and automated. (It addresses the needs of all connections and all services in 5G era, and also meets fast deployment and individualized customization demands of vertical industries and IoT services. ZTE Carrier DevOps Builder uses enhanced carrier-grade Docker technologies to achieve visual design and agile operation and maintenance (O&M) of microservice-based network slices DevOps leverages big data and AI technologies to provide closed-loop intelligent analysis, automated design, automated development, automated deployment and automated O&M. Michael also mentioned that 70% of carriers plan to deploy the Central Office Re-Architected as a Data Center (CORD). ZTE Cloud DC solutions uses SDN and NFV technologies to provide upper layer applications with the cloud environment supporting rapid deployment, convenient O&M and flexible elasticity. In addition, this solution complies with the ETSI standard architecture and is enhanced based on OpenStack, to provide carrier-grade highly-reliable and high-performance assurance. ZTE Cloud DC solution is widely used and fully approved in massive fields such as telecom, education, medical, finance, and government. At this congress, ZTE demonstrated 5G-oriented network evolution and cloud infrastructure services. So far, ZTE has deployed more than 240 SDN/NFV commercial and POC offices around the world, and its vIMS/vEPC solutions have been in large-scale commercial use. ZTE Media Contact: Shi Yuqing Shi.yuqing1@zte.com.cn MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 10/20/17 -- Critical Elements Corporation (the "Company" or "Critical Elements") (TSX VENTURE: CRE)(OTCQX: CRECF)(FRANKFURT: F12) is pleased to announce the filing on SEDAR of a National Instrument ("NI") 43-101 technical report representing the qualifying report for the recently-announced Feasibility Study at the Rose Lithium-Tantalum Project located in James Bay, Quebec. Highlights of the Feasibility Study, previously reported by Critical Elements on September 6, 2017, are as follows: -- Average annual production of 186,327 tonnes of chemical grade lithium concentrate -- Average annual production of 50,205 tonnes of technical grade lithium concentrate -- Average annual production of 429 tonnes of tantalum concentrate -- Expected life of mine of 17 years -- Average operating costs of $66.56 per tonne milled, $458 (US$344) per tonne of concentrate (all concentrate production combined) -- Estimated initial capital cost $341.2 million before working capital -- 100% equity basis for project -- Average gross margin 63.6% -- After-tax NPV of $726 million (at 8% discount rate), after-tax IRR of 34.9% and price assumption of US$1,500 per tonne technical grade lithium concentrate, US$750 per tonne chemical grade lithium concentrate, US$130 per kg tantalum pentoxide -- Anticipated construction time to start of production of 21 months A copy of the technical report, which was filed on October 20, 2017, will be available on the Critical Elements' website at https://www.cecorp.ca/en/rose-43-101/. Qualified Persons for NI 43-101 compliant report The feasibility study was prepared in accordance to 43-101 standards by WSP, Bumigeme Inc, InnovExplo Inc., and MRB & Associes. InnovExplo Inc. was responsible for the resource estimate and the mine plan, Bumigeme Inc was responsible for the mineral processing, WSP was responsible for the environmental study, the project infrastructure, the market study, the financial modelling, and the report intergration, MRB & Associes was responsible for adjacent properties. The qualified persons for the study are: InnoExplo Inc ; -- Pierre-Luc Richard, P.Geo, geologist -- Patrick Frenette, Eng, mining engineer Bumigeme; -- Florent Baril, Eng, metallurgical engineer WSP; -- Eric Poirier, Eng, electrical engineer -- Olivier Joyal, geologist -- Philippe Rio Roberge, Eng, civil engineer Others; -- Vincent Jourdain, PhD Eng, geology engineer Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian Securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "scheduled", "anticipates", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "scheduled", "targeted", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information contained herein include, without limitation, statements relating to mineral reserve estimates, mineral resource estimates, realization of mineral reserve and resource estimates, capital and operating costs estimates, the timing and amount of future production, costs of production, success of mining operations, the ranking of the project in terms of cash cost and production, permitting, economic return estimates, power and storage facilities, life of mine, social, community and environmental impacts, lithium and tantalum markets and sales prices, off-take agreements and purchasers for the Company's products, environmental assessment and permitting, securing sufficient financing on acceptable terms, opportunities for short and long term optimization of the Project, and continued positive discussions and relationships with local communities and stakeholders. Forward-looking information is based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Although Critical Elements has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from expected results described in forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: Critical Elements' ability to secure sufficient financing to advance and complete the Project, uncertainties associated with the Company's resource and reserve estimates, uncertainties regarding global supply and demand for lithium and tantalum and market and sales prices, uncertainties associated with securing off-take agreements and customer contracts, uncertainties with respect to social, community and environmental impacts, uncertainties with respect to optimization opportunities for the Project, as well as those risk factors set out in the Company's year-end Management Discussion and Analysis dated August 31, 2016 and other disclosure documents available under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and Critical Elements disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is described in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contacts: Investor relations: Jean-Sebastien Lavallee, P. Geo. Chairman and CEO 819-354-5146 jslavallee@cecorp.ca www.cecorp.ca Paradox Public Relations 514-341-0408 RBR Capital Advisors Unveils Detailed Plan for Refocusing Credit Suisse to Create Substantial Value for Shareholders EQS Group-News: Dynamics Group AG / Schlagwort(e): Unternehmensrestrukturierung/Stellungnahme RBR Capital Advisors Unveils Detailed Plan for Refocusing Credit Suisse to Create Substantial Value for Shareholders 20.10.2017 / 20:40 Media Release, October 20th, 2017 RBR Capital Advisors Unveils Detailed Plan for Refocusing Credit Suisse to Create Substantial Value for Shareholders Swiss investor highlights persistent underperformance driven by conglomerate structure as well as outdated IT infrastructure and believes plan has potential to double Credit Suisse's share price Believes Credit Suisse should concentrate on wealth management including the Swiss Universal Bank while splitting-off investment banking and asset management into independent companies New technology platform for SKA 2.0 to be built from scratch to jump forward into digital age Kusnacht/Zurich, 20 October 2017 - Rudolf Bohli, Principal of RBR Capital Advisors AG (RBR), an investment manager based in Kusnacht/Switzerland, today described in detail a plan for creating substantial shareholder value at Credit Suisse Group AG (CSGN:VX) ("Credit Suisse" or "the Company"), at the Robin Hood Investors Conference in New York. RBR's plan, which addresses the two key issues RBR sees as driving Credit Suisse's underperformance - its conglomerate structure and outdated IT infrastructure - is also described in an open letter to shareholders and a presentation, both available at www.pureswissbanking.com. "Credit Suisse is a hidden jewel - with terrific people and well recognized, global brands," said Rudolf Bohli, Founder and CIO of RBR. "It is unfortunate that the Company's great potential is being held back by its complex and inefficient conglomerate structure and a sub-par IT platform. Now is the time for Credit Suisse to rethink the outdated model of a financial supermarket." RBR noted in its analysis that Credit Suisse generates returns on equity that are substantially lower than its peers and substantially lower than focused financial services companies across the globe. "Given our thorough analysis of Credit Suisse and our deep historical appreciation of the Company and its brands, we are confident that our proposals will deliver significant value for shareholders," Bohli continued. "Our plan has the potential to double Credit Suisse's share price within an 18-24 month timeframe. We look forward to continuing constructive discussions with the Company and other shareholders in the coming months around how to best unlock value at Credit Suisse." Addressing the conglomerate structure: Establish three independent pure play companies RBR proposes focusing Credit Suisse on businesses it is well-known for and where it can deliver true added value by separating its complex and costly conglomerate structure into three independent pure play entities, each designed to be focused and efficient and to be domiciled in jurisdictions that provide competitively favourable regulatory and capital environments. In particular, RBR suggests that Credit Suisse should: * Concentrate on SKA 2.0 - A world-class wealth manager and Swiss Universal Bank, domiciled in Switzerland, servicing clients with independent advice and best-in-class products * Split off First Boston 2.0 - An independent investment bank, structured as a partnership and domiciled in London or New York * Split off a leading independent Swiss asset manager The core of RBR's plan is to merge and concentrate the Swiss Universal Bank, Wealth Management International and Wealth Management Asia, creating a powerhouse recognized for its ability to serve private clients on a global basis. Further, the investment banking activities should not only be separated but also moved to a new jurisdiction to alleviate onerously high Swiss capital requirements. RBR believes the market would reward each of the focused companies with premium valuations because of the opportunity the new structure afforded them. Whatever synergies or cross-selling that may be available to conglomerates are far out-weighed by the regulatory, capital and organizational complexities such a structure inherently requires. Ultimately, RBR believes that a stand-alone Wealth Management / Swiss Bank would be more valuable than the entire Credit Suisse Group today. Addressing the outdated IT infrastructure: Digitalization at the heart of SKA 2.0 - the bank for the 21st century Credit Suisse's current IT infrastructure is not client-focused and relies on old technology. It is crucial that the proposed core entity SKA 2.0 abandons the IT legacy of the current Credit Suisse and terminates further investments into the existing antiquated system. Instead, Credit Suisse should create a new solutions services platform from scratch - one that is tailor-made to help the Company evolve into a banking pioneer in the digital age. RBR believes there is an opportunity drawing upon the latest innovations in back-office and client-facing technology to create a bank for the 21st Century. Ultimately, Credit Suisse should become a truly digitalized bank. Once this infrastructure is designed, all operations should be transferred onto the new framework. For media inquiries: Switzerland Dynamics Group AG Philippe Blangey +41 43 268 32 30 +41 79 785 46 32 prb@dynamicsgroup.ch USA/UK Sloane & Company Dan Zacchei / Joe Germani +1 212 446 1882 or +1 212 446 1899 dzacchei@sloanepr.com jgermani@sloanepr.com About RBR Capital Advisors RBR Capital Advisors AG, founded in 2003, is an investment management boutique specializing in investments in continental European equities, including long-short and long-only strategies. We are committed to generating double-digit returns for our investors in the equity markets with a commensurate amount of risk taken. We achieve this through our rigorous, robust and time-tested bottom-up research approach which involves several hundred company management meetings per year. We believe that entrepreneurial freedom and passion for what you do brings the best out in people. We set very high standards for what we do and as a consequence we align ourselves with our investors: our own money is invested alongside client assets. Our strengths have been externally recognized in a number of industry award nominations, in particular for long-term performance, such as EuroHedge and HFM Awards. We are proud of our long-term track record - but we remain hungry to perform. This is not a solicitation or an offer to subscribe. Ende der Medienmitteilung 621095 20.10.2017 AXC0274 2017-10-20/20:40 Validated Ultra-High Purity. Maximum Productivity.' QUAKERTOWN, Pennsylvania, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Global Technologies' companies, QuantumClean and ChemTrace , will exhibit at SEMICON Europa 2017 at Munich's Messe Munchen from November 14 - 17 (booth B1-1749). "Our semiconductor cleaning, coating and analytical testing centers help our customers REDUCE cost-of-ownership. Analytically validated ultraclean parts result in FASTER chamber recovery and LONGER Mean Time Between Cleans. Optimized cleaning methods and proprietary recoating technologies EXTEND part life. Fast part turnaround times REDUCE inventory costs. We are the only firm to offer ultra-high purity chamber part cleaning validated by a Certificate of Analysis from an accredited laboratory - ChemTrace", explains Scott H. Nicholas, President and CEO. "ChemTrace offers rigorous quality assurance standards and are independently ISO 17025 certified. We validate cleanliness on thousands of semiconductors parts, annually. Also, ChemTrace performs microcontamination analysis of wafers, cleanroom materials, ultra-pure water, high-purity and complex chemicals", states Surjany Russell, Director of Sales. We welcome your visit to the QuantumClean and ChemTrace booth to learn more on how our service offerings can bring improvement to your operation by solving critical process chamber manufacturing challenges. About Quantum Global Technologies, LLC ChemTrace and QuantumClean are divisions of Quantum Global Technologies, LLC headquartered in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA. QuantumClean is the global leader in sub-10nm outsourced process tool chamber parts cleaning and coating services, tool part life extension and process tool part optimization solutions to the semiconductor wafer fabrication, OEM and OPM industries. Founded in 2000, QuantumClean operates innovative Advanced Technology Cleaning Centers built on the premise of providing customers process improvement through consistently cleaner partsthat exceed industry standards. These solutions dramatically reduce our customers' total cost-of-ownership. With 1,300 employees in 18 facilitieslocated in 8 countries, QuantumCleanprovides unsurpassed cleaning capability and convenience worldwide. quantumclean.com For over 20 years, ChemTrace has provided independent and analytical verification of process tool chamber part cleaning effectiveness. Recognized as the leading reference analytical testing laboratory for the semiconductor, solar and related industries, ChemTrace has the solutions for FAB, OEM and OPM's critical cleaning issues and requirements. With more than 100 employees in 5 labs located in 3 countries, ChemTrace offers unsurpassed microcontamination analysis. chemtrace.com Media Contacts QuantumClean: Meg Cox, +1-215-892-9300, info@quantumclean.com ChemTrace: Robin Puri, +1-503-251-0979, info@chemtrace.com QuantumClean, ChemTrace, Advanced Technology Cleaning Centers, ATCC, Process Improvement through Consistently Cleaner Parts, Single Part Chemical Clean and SPCC are all registered trademarks of Quantum Global Technologies, LLC. ACS, Atomically Clean Surfaces, Alternative TWAS, Analytical & Engineering Services, C-Coat, Cleancoat, Cleaning, Coating & Testing Center of Excellence, Environmentally Clean Process, ECP, Final Surface Finish, FSF, QGT, M-Coat, PartSmart, PT3, QualClean,Selective Deposition Removal, SDR, Service Request form, SRF, Solution Based Chemistry, TechBriefs, The Perfect Order, The Perfect Qual, The Perfect Process Transfer, Tight-Coat, V-Clean, VeriClean, Waterless Acid, Y-Coat, Z-Coat, Smart, Lean, Clean and Green, Center of Excellence and Validated Ultra-High Purity. Maximum Productivity are all trademarks of Quantum Global Technologies, LLC. Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/587678/Quantum_Global_Technologies_LLC_Logo.jpg Edgewater Networks, Inc., the industry leader in Network Edge Orchestration, announced today that it is an event sponsor of the BroadSoft Connections 2017 user conference, which takes place October 22-25 at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort Spa in Phoenix, AZ. During the event, Edgewater Networks will feature demonstrations of the latest end-to-end network interoperability capabilities, including Zero Touch Provisioning, UC Analytics from the core to the endpoint, SD-WAN optimized for BroadSoft, and much more. Continuing a long-standing partnership with BroadSoft, Edgewater Networks has completed another level of BroadCloud certification, this time for local survivability which is critical for business continuity for SMB and Enterprise customers. BroadSoft's PacketSmart is available on all EdgeMarc Intelligent Edges. All elements of the Network Edge Orchestration are now available as part of BroadCloud and purchasable through authorized distribution. "BroadSoft Connections is an invaluable opportunity for us to interact with our customers and demonstrate our interoperability with the entire UC vendor ecosystem," said John Macario, Senior VP of Marketing and Strategy for Edgewater Networks. "BroadSoft is laser focused on fostering rapid innovation for the telecommunications industry and BroadSoft Connections is a time we join together to demonstrate best-in-class solutions that meet the requirements of today's businesses." BroadSoft Connections is an annual event that brings together hundreds of service providers, industry leaders, and influencers to explore innovative cloud communications, collaboration, and contact center solutions. Edgewater Networks will be available to meet with partners, customers, and attendees at booth E4. To schedule a meeting in advance to speak with an expert, click here. About Edgewater Networks Founded in October 2002, Edgewater Networks is a market leader in enabling IP-based voice, video and data services. Service providers and enterprises of all sizes use Edgewater Networks solutions to simplify customer premise configurations for quick and smooth installations, reduce time to market and deliver rapid return on invested capital. The company helps customers deliver intelligence at the network edge with its Network Edge Orchestration platform that includes the EdgeView Service Control Center, EdgeMarc Intelligent Edges, and the QuickConnect Interoperability Lab. To learn more, please visit www.edgewaternetworks.com or follow us on Twitter at @ewn_inc. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171020005761/en/ Contacts: Edgewater Networks John Macario, 408-351-7265 Senior VP of Marketing and Strategy jmacario@edgewaternetworks.com DUBLIN, IRELAND -- (Marketwired) -- 10/20/17 -- On 21 September 2017, CRH plc announced that it had reached an agreement to acquire Ash Grove Cement Company ("Ash Grove"), a leading US cement manufacturer headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, for a total consideration of US$3.5 billion. On 5 October 2017, having received an unsolicited, preliminary, non-binding competing acquisition proposal, Ash Grove extended the period for obtaining shareholder approval for the transaction until 5:00 p.m. (New York time) on October 20, 2017. As announced by Ash Grove today, CRH has now received Ash Grove shareholder approval for the proposed acquisition at a total consideration of US$3.5 billion. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in late 2017 or early 2018. Further details will be provided as part of CRH's Trading Update on Tuesday 21 November 2017. For further information contact CRH plc at +353 1 404 1000 Albert Manifold Chief Executive Senan Murphy Finance Director Frank Heisterkamp Head of Investor Relations This document contains inside information and has been issued pursuant to Article 2.1(b) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1055. The date and time of this statement is the same as the date and time that it has been communicated to the media. Registered Office: No 12965. Registered Office: 42 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2, R02 R279, Ireland Contacts: RNS Customer Services 0044-207797-4400 rns@londonstockexchange.com http://www.rns.com Horizon Robotics, a Chinese Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup, raised a new funding of undisclosed amount. The round was led by Intel Capital, with participation from Harvest Investments and existing shareholders Morningside Venture Capital, Hillhouse Capital, Wu Capital and Linear Ventures. In conjunction with the funding, Daniel McNamara, corporate vice president and general manager of the Programmable Solutions Group at Intel Corporation, will join Horizon Robotics board of directors. Led by Dr. Kai Yu, Founder and CEO, Horizon Robotics is delivering core embedded AI technology and system solutions to equip more than 1,000 categories of devices, such as autonomous vehicles and smart cameras with brains for intelligent capabilities from perception and interaction to understanding and decision-making. The company, which expects that its A-plus series funding round will total approximately US$100m upon closing, will use the funds to accelerate its technology and product R&D and business deployment as it further develops its integrated, embedded AI solutions for applications such as autonomous driving and smart cities. FinSMEs 20/10/2017 Madison Reed, a San Francisco, CA-based prestige hair color brand, closed a $25m financing round. The round was led by Comcast Ventures with participation from previous investors Norwest Venture Partners, True Ventures and Calibrate Ventures. The company intends to use the funds to expand the current business, as well as expand its physical presence: Madison Reed Color Bars currently in New York City and San Francisco will open in 25 locations by the end of 2019. Founded in 2013 by Amy Errett, CEO, Madison Reed is a beauty company which uses technology in conjunction with a team of licensed colorists to enable women to find their perfect color and deliver salon-quality hair color for under $25. Its conditioning, multi-tonal formula is made without ammonia, parabens, resorcinol, PPD, phthalates, and gluten. The entire color and hair care line is enhanced with argan oil, keratin, and ginseng root to protect and pamper hair. Products can be found online, on mobile, and through select retailers including Sephora, QVC and Ulta Beauty. FinSMEs 20/10/2017 PayKey, an Israeli developer of a mobile app which enables bank customers to transfer money to friends in chat apps, raised $10m in funding. The round was led by MizMaa, with participation from SBI Group, Digital Ventures, SixThirty and FinTech71. The company intends to use the funds to further develop its service and expand its business reach. Led by Daniel Peled, CEO & Co-Founder, Offer Markovich, CTO & Co-Founder, and Omer Paz, COO, PayKey provides a patent-pending keyboard app that adds optional banking icons to the bottom of the screen during conversations in Facebooks Messenger, WhatsApp and Twitter. The company, which has already signed commercial deals with banks including Westpac, Turkeys Garanti Bank and Bank Leumi, had raised $6m in November 2006. FinSMEs 20/10/2017 Mumbai: Air India unions are likely to meet next week in the national capital to discuss their strategy amid the government going ahead with the disinvestment process. Sources say efforts are on to bring all staff unions of Air India including those of the pilots and engineers on one platform and workout a strategy to deal with the situation arising out of the government's decision to offload its stake in the flag carrier. "In the last few months, several Air India unions have held discussions at an individual level with the management on the issue of disinvestment. But now there is need for all unions to come together and talk to the government in one voice on airlines privatisation," said a leader of one of the largest unions at Air India. Air India, which has over 20,000 employees on its roll, has as many as six recognised unions, representing ground and commercial staff, pilots, cabin crew and engineers, among others, besides, several unrecognised unions. To revive the loss-making state-run carrier, which also has a debt burden of over Rs 50,000 crore, the government has decided to go for its strategic disinvestment and the modalities are being worked out by a Group of Ministers headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. "We are going to talk to all the unions and bring them on one platform to prepare a common strategy while we sit with the management on the issue of disinvestment next time. We are planning to call a meeting of all these unions next week," the source said. Significantly, seven Air India unions have already expressed their opposition to the airlines privatisation. On 28 June, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) had given in-principle approval for strategic disinvestment of Air India and five of its subsidiaries. The government has already invited applications for engaging up to two advisers, a legal adviser and asset valuer for the strategic disinvestment of Air India and its subsidiaries/ joint venture. Mumbai: There has been a sharp decline among Indians seeking jobs in two top destinations -- the United Kingdom by 42 percent and US by 38 percent - attributed mainly to the political situations there, a new survey by top global jobs portal Indeed has revealed. Similarly, there has been a fall in the number of Indians wanting to work even in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 21 percent, based on searches on Indeed, as per the survey results for 2016-2017 released here on Wednesday. The report said that the prospects of Brexit could be a deterrent for Indian jobseekers in the UK, as other countries like Germany and Ireland have witnessed a 10 percent and 20 percent respectively increase during the same period. Indeed India Managing Director Sashi Kumar said as one of the world's largest hubs for IT talent, India has historically seen a steady outflow of IT professionals to countries like USA, UK and Australia. "The new data shows an apparent reversal of that trend. The steadily growing Indian economy coupled with political uncertainties abroad has persuaded highly skilled Indian talents to stay back and find jobs here, which in turn has fostered a thriving 'start-ups' scene," said Kumar In fact, he said the research shows an overall five percent decline in Indians looking to move abroad for job opportunities, while there has been a whopping 25 percent increase in people from UK seeking jobs in India, and a 170 percent increase in job-seekers from Asia-Pacific region to India. He attributed the growing popularity of India as an 'employment destination' to initiatives like 'Make In India' and ease of doing business, and the latest figures indicate a trend of people working in UK and Asia-Pacific regions willing to return to India. Despite the declining figures, the USA still remains the top choice with 49 percent of people searching for job opportunities there, followed by UAE (16 percent), Canada (nine), UK (five), Singapore (four), Australia (three), Qatar (two), Bahrain and South Africa (one percent each). In 1960, there were around 12,000 Indian immigrants to the USA, which increased to 2.4 million by 2015, making Indians the second largest immigrant group in the US after Mexicans. There are around 1.50 million Indians living in the UK, making them the largest single ethnic minority group, accounting for nearly one-quarter of the total ethnic minority population in that country. Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday urged the central government to exempt handmade products from Goods and Sales Tax (GST) regime. "As handmade products are produced by millions of artisans across the country, imposition of GST on them is having an adverse effect on their livelihood. The GST Council should exempt them from the new tax regime at its next meeting," said Siddaramaiah in a letter to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Terming the burden of GST on artisans and rural households a critical issue, the Chief Minister said the Council should deliberate on it on priority and provide relief to them (artisans). Under the GST, handmade products are taxed between 5-28 percent since the new tax regime was introduced on 1 July across the country though majority of them (goods) are produced in the rural and informal sector by millions of people. The letter was written on a representation from the Gram Seva Sangh committee to the Chief Minister, seeking GST exemption on handmade goods made and marketed by producer cooperative societies and their federations in the country. The committee consists of noted activists Ashish Nandy, Uzramma and Shyam Benegal among others. "Exemption from GST will not only benefit a large segment of our rural population, but also give a boost to rural employment and sustainability," asserted the letter. State Agriculture Minister Krishna Byre Gowda is Karnataka's representative on the federal GST Council, headed by Jaitley as its Chairman. "The representation requires urgent consideration and a positive resolution," added the letter. On the Chief Minister's assurance of the state's support to the artisans' demand for zero percent GST on handmade products, noted Kannada theatre artist and social activist Prasanna broke his six-day 'satyagraha' (hunger strike) here on Thursday evening by sipping tender coconut milk. There has been an important development in the Malayalam actress assault case. Recent police investigations have reportedly revealed that actor Dileep tried to forge medical certificates to set up an alibi. According to reports by The Hindu, medical documents were fabricated to prove Dileep was in hospital on February 17, the day the actress was abducted and assaulted in Kochi. Hours after this alleged attack, Dileep said to have urged a hospital in Aluva to make certificates to prove that he was hospitalised from February 14 to 21. The hospital authorities have already given their statement admitting that the actor himself asked for the forged documents, as reported by The Hindu. The police officers believe this hospital alibi is a key factor in Dileep's defence to justify his innocence, and if the police finally debunk it, the South actor could be in deep trouble. The latest development came after several reports suggested that the Special Investigation Team (SIT), handling the actress attack case, have decided to produce Dileep as the prime accused in the case when an additional charge sheet is made. Police arrested Dileep on charges of conspiracy in July and since then has spent 85 days in judicial remand but was released on bail on fifth attempt earlier this month. The leading actor happens to be the 11th accused in the actress attack case, as per the existing charge sheet filed before his arrest in July. Pulsar Suni, who allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted the actress in a moving car, is the prime accused so far. However, the investigating team plans to submit that Suni and the other perpetrators had no personal enmity towards the actress, like Dileep had. According to the charge sheet, the actor allegedly hired Suni, masterminded and paid for the attack. Police sources believe this will make him the prime accused. To make the situation worse, all charges against Suni and the others, including gang rape, are also applicable to Dileep, if SIT can prove him the main conspirator. Lets face it: 2017 has been a thoroughly mediocre year at the movies. A stray indie like Newton and the sheer spectacle of Baahubali 2: The Conclusion apart, most of 2017s releases can safely be filed under the header Toilet: Ek Prem Katha; because even though the toilet is where most of the years films belong, our love affair with the movies will never end. We dont know how long itll be before the next truly good film will come along, so what better time to catch up on some forgotten gems, some guilty pleasures, or even some perception-changing cinema, than now, when the future appears bleakest? Here, then, in no particular order, are 23 films to keep you occupied for the next 12 weekends. 1. Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar If Hansal Mehta hasnt yet gotten over the whole fiasco surrounding Simran, he should just revisit his own Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar, for some soul-searching and solace. And so should you. A stellar cast (with Manoj Bajpayee, Tabu, Saurabh Shukla and the likes), Vishal Bharadwajs nascent, still-evolving music and its entertaining, dark humour, Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar is about the dichotomy of two Indias, about how innocence and villainy are just a matter of where you stand and where youre looking from. 2. Buried Ryan Reynolds stuck in a coffin. That is all this film is, and yet, its so much more. The film is about literal and metaphorical constraints, and its a wonder that with no visual relief at all, the film still manages to hold you by the scruff of your neck all through. This is cinema that pushes the limit through sheer irony. Be warned it is claustrophobic and itll keep your heart pounding. 3. Lucia India is obsessed with its film stars. In Lucia, director Pawan Kumar takes this trope and packages it with *lazy writing alert* Inception-level mind trickery. Lucia may be the first crowd-funded Kannada film, but thats not why you should watch this. Few low-budget films can manage this level of kitschy audacity, while also being thoroughly entertaining at the same time. 4. Inside Llewyn Davis Music, love and the love for music; this may not be the Coens best film, but theres such humour, such irony and such bittersweet emotion in this little gem, that its hard to get out of your system once you watch it. Oscar Isaac turns in a winning performance, as you spend some time with him in a wintry week in New York of the '60s. Oh, and theres a cat as well. Enough said. 5. Fandry Before there was Sairat, there was Fandry. The former may have catapulted Nagraj Manjule and 'Zingaat' to national fame, but Fandry had far more incisive social commentary, masked with the trademark black comedy that Manjule seems to revel in. A crisp, funny and devastating piece of art, Fandry also happens to have the best use of the Indian national anthem in our cinema. That moment in which it chimes in, bang in the middle of a scene, is so cinematic, so contextual, it puts the act of playing the national anthem in theatres to absolute shame because what does that national anthem really mean to the disenfranchised Indian? 6. 22 Female Kottayam The year 2017 saw filmmakers aggressively chase the revenge-for-rape theme, with films like Kaabil, Mom, Maatr, Bhoomi. But to watch something that marries this theme with style, technique and genuine intrigue, watch Aashiq Abus 22 Female Kottayam a sleek little thriller that will hook you, hurt you and then leave you with perverse gratification. 7. Bound It doesnt matter what their genders and first names are the Wachowskis have always made thrilling cinema. Bound is their first feature, a small, low-budget affair that makes up for its lack of scale with edgy thriller writing. It takes you by surprise more than once, both in terms of plot, and in terms of how it treats the lesbian romance at the core of the film. 8. From Dusk Till Dawn Vampire films may not be everyones genre, but Robert Rodriguezs pulpy treatment of Quentin Tarantinos outrageous script (not to mention the latters terrific turn as an actor in the film) make this one of the most entertaining, un-vampire movie-like vampire movie that you could watch. George Clooney and Harvey Keitel smash some memorable lines out of the park. Call me barking mad, but From Dusk Till Dawn is the most twisted kind of feel-good movie you can watch. 9. Memento Before Nolan bent space/time, he just had regular old fun on the edit table. Memento is still, for me, his best work; because no matter how many times you watch the film, the non-linear narrative puts you in the shoes of the amnesiac protagonist every single instance. Like him, your memory is also searching its own darkest recesses, and like him, you cant wait to get to the end. Except, there is no end, is there? 10. Predestination This Australian time travel thriller is like Chris Nolan on some cheap Hollywood smack, obtained right off the street. Packing in much, scarcely giving you time to think, and creeping you out quite a few times, this is a film that you cant look away from even when you want to. 11. Ugly Anurag Kashyap is known for dark cinema, but Ugly is best described by its title. Humankind can be truly ugly at its core, and I suspect thats the reason behind its nomenclature. You see the most grotesque facets of life in the most real situations, and Ugly gets it bang on. Before you watch the film, though, you must watch a five-minute prologue to it, which is available on YouTube. It puts the film into context in the most heart-breaking way, making the experience of watching the film even more intense. 12. Visaranai In India, if youre poor, then youre f***ed. Highly acclaimed and for good reason, Visaranai is a difficult film to watch, for both physical as well as emotional reasons. Migrant labourers from Tamil Nadu, working in Andhra Pradesh, but belonging only to their own poverty get embroiled in a situation not of their own making hurting them (and you, the viewer) in more ways than one. If youre watching Visaranai, then youre living a life of privilege that you just havent fully acknowledged. 13. Kaante You will, at some point, need the comfort of campy Bollywood to soothe your senses. I dont know if Quentin Tarantino liked this Reservoir Dogs rip-off as much as the internet says he did, but Kaante is still smashing good fun. Frequent claptraps, big stars doling out theatrics, Sanjay Gupta diving into his colour filter cabinet for something thats a little less green than Jazbaa and a little more red than Kaabil all this and more lead to this gangland flick being a fun watch almost every time, though the film does exhaust you towards the fag end. 14. 3 Deewarein When youre watching this Nagesh Kukunoor film for the first time, it takes you by surprise with how it goes from being a jail drama to a jail-break thriller to a whodunit. Clever writing and terrific performances apart, theres subtle commentary being made about plenty of issues, including marriages and the justice system. 15. Ek Hasina Thi Revenge is a dish best served in cinema. Everyone fantasises about getting back at that one person who did that one thing to you that you cant get over, but theres scarcely little you can actually do about it. Sriram Raghavans thriller is one of those films that let you experience the joy of revenge within the confines of your own head. Its sharp, engaging and reminds you of a time when Ram Gopal Varma had an instinct for backing the right talent. 16. Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu A mish-mash of a number of Hollywood rom-coms, Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu often feels contrived and un-Indian, but it is also a film that has genuine feel-moments like few others. The film is driven more by the characters than the plot, and it is that rare love story that makes you feel good about the fact that *spoiler* the guy and girl dont end up together. 17. Luck By Chance Movies about the movies are always fun, and Luck By Chance is what we have against La La Land and Zoya Akhtar did it first. The film may not resonate with you as much as it would with someone who has actually come to Mumbai from afar to make it in showbiz, but there are few Hindi films that make you love the movies as much as this one does. Of course, it helps that some of our biggest, brightest stars keep popping up through the film. 18. 13B Save for Ram Gopal Varma, who is still searching for his mojo in the wreckage of his recent filmography, Indian cinema just doesnt do horror that well. In that regard, Vikram Kumars 13B is a thoroughly under-rated and strangely satisfying horror film. A family moves into a new home, where strange things begin to happen. Yawn. But wait, theres also a strange twist with a daily soap and an age-old murder. The film is bleak and bizarre, but also rather intriguing. You cant quite tell, but it also seems to be a subtle sarcastic dig at the horror genre in general. 19. Angry Indian Goddesses Every time Ive suggested this film to someone, Ive gotten a dismissive reaction. Nobody, not even some real angry Indian goddesses I know, seem to be interested in watching a film with this title. But it is an important film, because it is yet another take on femininity and consent. It traverses the graph from warm and funny to dark and hurtful effortlessly, and has some good music and fine performances to hold it together. If there is one recent film about feminism that you must watch, it is this one. 20. Kammatipaadam Dulquer Salmaan nails his role in one of the most original and important gangster films India has produced, and it also reinforces Rajeev Ravi as one of the most exciting filmmakers to look out for. Theres caste, economics, urbanisation, and so much more. From a technical standpoint, whats most interesting is how Rajeev Ravi who has long collaborated with Anurag Kashyap as a cinematographer directs films that dont always rely on conventional styles to make a good-looking film. 21. Man On Wire The Walk, starring Joseph Gordon Levitt, was a dramatised tale about high-wire artist Philippe Petit, but Man On Wire, a documentary on Petit, is infinitely more engaging. The film chronicles how Petit walked a tightrope between two towers of the World Trade Center in 1974, and its amazing how Hollywoods might couldnt convert the incredible true story into an engaging piece of cinema. 22. 13th Ava DuVernay is a bold, original voice in the fight against racism and sexism in pop culture today, and her Netflix documentary 13th named after the Thirteenth Amendment to the US Constitution gives you a gritty insight into how race has never stopped being an institutional problem in the US, apart from being a social one. 23. Anomalisa An animated dramedy for adults, Anomalisa is a difficult film to describe. Charlie Kauffmans take on loneliness and love makes you forget that its an animated film rather soon, because one of cinemas most original voices deconstructs some of humankinds deepest fears. It is a crushing, enlightening tale on the workings of the heart, and it also happens to have one of the most real love-making scenes in cinema. Oh, the irony. London: Harry Potter fans owe a debt of gratitude to Alice Newton. Alice was 8 years old when her father, a Bloomsbury Publishing executive, brought home a new manuscript for her to read. The excitement in this book made me feel warm inside, she scrawled in a note to her dad. I think it is probably one of the best books an 8/9 year old could read. Based on this glowing review, Bloomsbury published Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, launching a literary juggernaut that brought magic to a generation of children. Alices penciled note is part of the British Librarys new exhibition, 'Harry Potter: A History of Magic'. The show, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of the publication of JK Rowlings first book, is an unabashed celebration of the stories and their antecedents. There are some rich historical traditions behind the magic in the Harry Potter stories, which JK Rowling was aware of, said Alexander Lock, one of the exhibit curators, who added that he was impressed with Rowlings ability to layer information and offer depth. They go into the stories and make them so rich. The exhibit, which opens on 20 October, includes Rowlings outline for the book, her personal drawings of characters and a map of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It also looks at magic and the nature of belief, revealing that many of the things Harry Potter fans thought were imaginary were actually based in fact or folklore. It includes rare books and manuscripts from around the world, together with cauldrons, broomsticks, crystal balls and potion manuals that offer insight into Rowlings inspiration and how the books came to be. Ive taken liberties with folklore, Rowling says in a video that opens the show. The show is divided into rooms based on the subjects studied at Hogwarts, the setting for Rowlings novels following the adventures of Harry, the orphan who learns at age 11 that he is a wizard. Sections include Potions, Herbology, Divination, Care of Magical Creatures and Defense Against the Dark Arts. Each section touches on the legends and beliefs that Rowling wove into her stories, with historical objects illustrating the scholarship behind the narrative. The potions section, for example, features a Bronze Age/Iron Age Battersea Cauldron on loan from the British Museum. It sits beneath cauldron light fixtures that flicker in the subdued light and offer the viewer a chance to get into the Halloween-like aura of it all. There is also a discussion of alchemy, the medieval forerunner of chemistry, and features the Ripley Scroll, a six-meter (yard) long manuscript from the 1500s that describes how to make a Philosophers Stone. Nearby is the tombstone of Nicolas Flamel, a real alchemist who features as a character in Rowlings first book, and various witch accoutrements. An astronomy display includes a celestial globe made in 1693 as well as 21st-century augmented reality technology supplied by Google Arts & Culture to help visitors examine the ancient constellations that gave their names to key Harry Potter characters, such as Sirius Black and Draco Malfoy. Being hosted at the British Library meant the exhibition featured some amazing books on palmistry, tea leaf reading and, of course, witches. Tanya Kirk, another co-curator, said working on the exhibit gave her a whole new appreciation of witches. I think all of the things I learned about witches is that they get quite a bad rap through history, and it was quite hard to find positive accounts, she said with a laugh. The Harry Potter books have done a lot to change that. The exhibition runs from 20 October, 2017 to 28 February, 2018 and has already sold some 30,000 tickets the highest amount of advance tickets ever sold for a British Library exhibition. It will then travel to New York to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone, the books title in the United States. Tamil superstar Vijay's latest film Mersal was unarguably the most awaited release this year. And it quite stood to the entire buzz around the film. The film, as expected, has set the cash registers ringing after its release on Wednesday. Not just that, the cash has flown in such surplus amount that the Vijay-starrer has reportedly become Tamil Nadu's all-time biggest opener, even surpassing Rajinikanth's Kabali. There were many factors behind the film's glorious feat at the box-office A. The film was shouldered on none other than Vijay 'Ilayathalapathy' B. It was made at a whopping budget of Rs 130 crore C. It had the biggest release so far in 3292 screens worldwide, which is way more than that of major money-spinners like Baahubali 2: The Conclusion or SPYder. The fruits of the makers' labour and the audience connect with Vijay have all come in unison to steer the film to a fabulous weekend collection. Ramesh Bala, noted film trade analyst, posted on Twitter: On #Diwali day (Oct 18th) #Mersal has beaten #Kabali 's record to emerge New All-Time No.1 Day 1 Opener in TN.. pic.twitter.com/eDwkReJLkQ Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) October 20, 2017 He also posted the box-office collections of Day 1 of Mersal (18 October): #Mersal Day 1 WW BO: All-India - 31.50 Cr Overseas: Rentrak - 5.50 Cr Non-Rentrak - 6.50 Cr Total - 43.50 Cr Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) October 20, 2017 He even provided the breakup of the overseas collection: He further provided the film's Day 2 collection (As on 19 October): #Mersal 's Day 2 (Today - Oct 19th) Chennai city gross: 1.47 Cr.. All-time 2nd Best after #Vivegam 's Day 2 Gross - 1.51 Cr Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) October 19, 2017 Directed by Atlee, Mersal stars Vijay in a triple role and he will be seen romantically paired with Kajal Aggarwal, Nithya Menen and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. SPYder villain SJ Suryah will be seen in an antagonistic role in this film as well. Also read: Mersal: 10 thoughts we had while watching the first day, first show of Vijay's latest entertainer The other films that released this festive season include the Rohit Shetty horror-comedy Golmaal Again starring Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Parineeti Chopra, Tusshar Kapoor, Kunal Kemmu, Arshad Warsi and Shreyas Talpade. Film analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted saying this franchise of Golmaal has already set the box-office on fire. It has been released in more than 4232 screens worldwide. Serpentine queues... Packed morning shows... House Full boards... #GolmaalAgain opens to a TERRIFIC response... Boxoffice is on taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) October 20, 2017 #GolmaalAgain screen count... India: 3500+ Overseas: 732 - widest release ever for #Golmaal franchise Worldwide total: 4232+ screens taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) October 20, 2017 The other film to release this Diwali is Aamir Khan-Zaira Wasim starrer Secret Superstar. Adarsh said, in spite of a mild box-office performance on Diwali, the film is expected to catch up because of the strong word-to-mouth publicity of the film, something similar to Khan's previous Taare Zameen Par. Expectedly, #SecretSuperstar has started slow... Exactly like #TaareZameenPar [2007] But word of mouth is super-strong... taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) October 19, 2017 While these films Mersal, Golmaal Again and Secret Superstar will make their fortunes as per the weekend's performance at the box-office, David Dhawan's three-week-old romcom Judwaa 2 has emerged as a superhit. The film continues to grow stronger even after three weeks of its release. Judwaa 2 stars Varun Dhawan (in a double role), Jacqueline Fernandez and Taapsee Pannu in lead roles. Adarsh tweeted: Priyanka Chopra has called out sexism and sexual harassment in both Hollywood and Bollywood at the Marie Claire Power Trip talk session. The Indian actor, who has successfully transitioned to Hollywood said, "There is not just 'a Harvey Weinstein' in Hollywood, there are many. It happens everywhere." Her statements come in the aftermath of the exposure of Hollywood producer Harvey Weinsteins history of sexual harassment and abuse towards female actors and colleagues. "It is not about sex, it is about power. About putting a woman in 'her lane.' For the longest time women have been told only one of us will survive. Only the best girl will get the job. But that just can't be tolerated anymore. Look around this room, full of incredible women who have fought (to get everything that they want)," said an outspoken Priyanka Chopra in her discussion with Anne Fulewider. When asked if there is a Harvey Weinstein in India, Priyanka said, "I don't think there's 'a' Weinstein. I don't even think there's one Weinstein in Hollywood. There are a lot more men, and not just in India, but everywhere else. Just men trying to take away power (from women)." Priyanka who is currently shooting for the third season of the American television show Quantico openly referred to an unfair system of hierarchy and exclusivity in show business. In our business, if you don't stroke someone's ego, or network, you're threatened that you'll not get that movie. Or this 'big boys club' will get together and boycott you. So, as a woman you feel alone, that my work might get shattered, because this club can just take that away," said the 35 year old actor. Priyanka Chopra joins a slew of Hollywood actors like Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Lawrence, Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie in speaking up against sexual harassment by industry bosses, revealing the shocking levels of prevalence of exploitation. Priyankas next Hollywood project is A Kid Like Jake with Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) and Claire Danes (Homeland). She had made her Hollywood debut in Baywatch earlier this year. After the screening of his film Zoo at the MAMI film festival, director Shlok Sharma finds himself surrounded by fans and budding filmmakers who want advice in equal measure. His feature film Haraamkhor starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Shweta Tripathi, earned critical acclaim in India and abroad. But not many know that it took four years for the film to hit screens, and that he made Zoo in that interim period using an iPhone. Fresh off the screening of this film in Mumbai ans Busan, he talks to Firstpost about making this short film. Zoo brings together three different plotlines, of a rapper duo struggling to produce art whilst dealing whilst balancing school and dealing with their parents' disapproval; of a young man heavily into the business of peddling drugs, who quits the business but finds that his young friend who he lives with has taken up the job; of a young woman with a drug addiction and crippling sense of guilt stemming from something she did to her best friend. Sharma says that he didn't intend to make a film about rap. "I just happened to come across these two, and was fascinated by their music and lives. I actually made this film because I was frustrated with having to sit with one finished film [Haraamkhor] for four and a half years. I wanted to get out of this rut, and I realised that I would have to pull myself out of it," he explains. Finding a fancy camera or big actors were simply not criteria he considered when he began making this film. For him, actors who can perform are the main requirement, and he considers it his own downfall if his actors fail. He says that he wanted to tell a good story with a limited budget. "I've never attended film school; everything I learnt was on the sets, and while making this film too, I felt as though I was a student. This was a micro-budget film, smaller than Haraamkhor. One of the challenges was to ensure that it doesn't look like a film with small funding," he says. When he watched Tangerine, a film shot solely using an iPhone, he decided to adopt the same technique. One of the attendees pointed out that although well-written and etched out, none of the characters in Zoo are distinctly likeable. When asked if he likes anti-heroes and characters with shades of grey, Sharma says, "I find it interesting to see and understand characters with shades of grey. In reality, no one is perfect; everyone has their faults. So the film only reflects this." The characters are also realistic when it comes to their portrayal and their responses to situations. Sharma credits this to the fact that he bases a lot of his characters on people he meets and stories he encounters. "I always try to take from the life around me rather than borrowing from other films," he says, adding that the non-actors in the film, especially, had distinct personalities which they lent to the narrative. When it comes to working with actors and non-actors, his approach does not differ. But he does recount that he had to be more understanding of the unseasoned ones, especially the rap artists, because they were not used to being on set. "They're not used to giving multiple takes, like say Shweta, so they would run away from the set when they got bored. I had to sit them down and tell them they can't do that!" he recounts. During the process of making this film, Sharma spent a lot of time with these rappers from Dharavi, even living in their homes. "You'll understand their context only when you speak with them. They may have smiled and laughed on stage, but the truth is that their reality is very dark. When it comes to the scene where that rapper drinks phenyl, urban audiences who are well-to-do will feel shocked, because for us, suicide is a very serious problem that is motivated by serious negative factors, such as depression. But people from the community that these rappers belong to may consider suicide as a last resort if they get beaten up at home, or if they have a fall-out with a parent. We may not think of these are legitimate reasons," he says, talking about how it is not easy to live their lives. Despite only being teenagers, these rappers Yoku and Prince Daniel, have a well-informed worldview and a deep understanding of politics and society. Prince spoke about how they began wrapping because they were influenced by the English songs they would hear being played by DJs in the neighbourhood. "The purpose of rap is to ask questions that no one else is, to knock on the doors where the nawabs sit," said Prince, when asked why they practice this art form. Undoubtedly, music was one of the top priorities when Sharma was making this film. He explained that much attention was given to the sound design and production, so that the mood of each scene could be different and distinct from the next. There were also the challenges of maintaining the lighting and exposure, as the iPhone is not as sensitive as a film camera. Though this film may be considered 'small' in the conventional sense of filmmaking, it does have the backing of Phantom Film's Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane, both of whom are producers for it. Still, it has been funded entirely by Sharma using the money he earned by making short films and ad films. He also says that Kashyap and Motwane gave him creative autonomy. "I have worked under Anurag. I always ask him if I can add his name to my films, and he is always supportive. Vikram is one call away. Whenever I am stuck, I ask him to help," he explains. You can tell that the film is effective, because the meaning of the title becomes evident once the stories have been revealed completely. All the characters seem to be trapped by the consequences of their actions, as well as the situations they find themselves in. "The title is a reference to the fact that we live in big buildings with grilled windows. We talk about living independently, but we are still caged," concludes Sharma. The Los Angeles police is investigating a possible sexual assault case against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein the first one involving him in the city. According to police spokesman Sal Ramirez, the department has interviewed a sexual assault victim. "The Los Angeles Police Department's robbery homicide division has interviewed a potential sexual assault victim involving Harvey Weinstein which allegedly occurred in 2013," officer Drake Madison said. "The case is under investigation." The woman at the center of the case was not identified by the police, but several media outlets reported that she was an Italian model and actress. Ramirez says the investigation is going on and he could not answer any questions about when the interview or incident took place. The Los Angeles Times said police interviewed the woman for more than two hours on 19 October regarding the alleged assault that took place at a hotel. Five other women have accused the disgraced movie mogul of rape or sexual assault. Authorities in New York and Britain have already launched probes into those claims. "Mr Weinstein obviously can't speak to anonymous allegations, but he unequivocally denies allegations of non-consensual sex," his representative Sallie Hofmeister wrote in a statement. Weinstein has been accused of sexual harassment or abuse by more than three dozen women, including several top actresses like Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow. Several of the incidents, according to the victims, happened at hotels in Beverly Hills, which does not have an open investigation into Weinstein. -Nyong'o adds her experience- Actor Lupita Nyong'o is the latest actor to speak against Harvey Weinstein for his alleged harassment of women spanning over three decades. In an op-ed for The New York Times, the 34-year-old actor penned her harrowing experience of meeting the media mogul many a times and how he threatened to ruin her Hollywood career before she even began. Nyong'o writes she first met Weinstein in 2011, when she was a student at the Yale School of Drama. She said she was forced to enter his bedroom after a lunch meeting at a hotel, where he insisted on giving her a massage. "I thought he was joking at first. He was not. For the first time since I met him, I felt unsafe. I panicked a little and thought quickly to offer to give him one instead: It would allow me to be in control physically, to know exactly where his hands were at all times. "I began to massage his back to buy myself time to figure out how to extricate myself from this undesirable situation. Before long he said he wanted to take off his pants. I told him not to do that and informed him that it would make me extremely uncomfortable. He got up anyway to do so and I headed for the door, saying that I was not at all comfortable with that," she said. Weinstein called Nyong'o "stubborn" and the actor was unsure about how to process the incident. "I reasoned that it had been inappropriate and uncalled- for, but not overtly sexual. I was entering into a business where the intimate is often professional and so the lines are blurred." Months later, Nyong'o again had another encounter with the producer. During a dinner meeting, she recalled Weinstein telling her, "Let's cut to the chase. I have a private room upstairs where we can have the rest of our meal." The actor was stunned and told him off, saying, "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." When Nyong'o politely declined his offer, she said, his demeanour changed and their meeting was cut short abruptly. The actor said she did not meet Weinstein until September 2013 for the Toronto premiere of 12 Years a Slave, her first feature film. "At an after-party, he found me and evicted whoever was sitting next to me to sit beside me. He said he couldn't 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," she said. Towards the end, Nyong'o said Hollywood needed to become a community where a woman can speak up about abuse, not suffer another abuse by not being believed. -Tarantino regrets- Director Quentin Tarantino has said he knew about Harvey Weinstein's alleged sexual harassment towards a number of women. The 54-year-old filmmaker said he regrets about not doing enough to prevent the sexual misconduct that the females in the industry had to suffer at the hands of the disgraced media mogul. "I knew enough to do more than I did. There was more to it than just the normal rumours, the normal gossip. It wasn't secondhand. I knew he did a couple of these things. I wish I had taken responsibility for what I heard. If I had done the work I should have done then, I would have had to not work with him. What I did was marginalise the incidents. Anything I say now will sound like a crappy excuse," Tarantino told New York Times in an interview. The director has been Weinstein's frequent collaborator on films such as Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, the Kill Bill films, Inglourious Basterds and The Hateful Eight. Tarantino recalled when he was dating actor Mira Sorvino in 1995, she told him about Weinstein's weird behaviour, which included him giving a massage to her without asking, chasing her around a hotel room and even showing up at her apartment in the middle of the night - a story she recently shared with The New Yorker. "I was shocked and appalled back then. I couldn't believe he would do that so openly. I was like: 'Really? Really?' But the thing I thought then, at the time, was that he was particularly hung up on Mira. "She had won accolades for her performance in Mighty Aphrodite. I thought Harvey was hung up on her in this Svengali kind of way. Because he was infatuated with her, he horribly crossed the line." Tarantino said he believed that the problem would fix itself - Weinstein will back off as Sorvino was in a relationship with him. He added over the years he got to know about several female actor friends who told him a troubling story of unwanted advances by Weinstein in a hotel room. When Tarantino confronted the producer, he offered the woman what he described as a weak apology. He also knew actor Rose McGowan had reached a settlement with Weinstein after an episode in a hotel room during the Sundance Film Festival. Tarantino added, "I'm calling on the other guys who knew more to not be scared. Don't just give out statements. Acknowledge that there was something rotten in Denmark. Vow to do better by our sisters. What was previously accepted is now untenable to anyone of a certain consciousness. -Tatum turns away- Actor Channing Tatum has decided to pull the plug on his upcoming movie financed by the The Weinstein Company (TWC) amid the Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment scandal. The project would have marked his directorial debut. Tatum was initially set to helm the film along with Reid Carolin and he was also expected to star in it, reports deadline.com. Based on Matthew Quick's young adult book called Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock, the plot was based on a troubled teenager who deals with sexual abuse and plans to kill himself and his best friend. "The brave women who had the courage to stand up and speak their truth about Harvey Weinstein are true heroes to us. They are lifting the heavy bricks to build the equitable world we all deserve to live in," Tatum posted on his Instagram account. "Our lone project in development with TWC - Matthew Quick's brilliant book, Forgive Me Leonard Peacock - is a story about a boy whose life was torn asunder by sexual abuse. While we will no longer develop it or anything else that is property of TWC, we are reminded of its powerful message of healing in the wake of tragedy. "This is a giant opportunity for real positive change that we proudly commit ourselves to. The truth is out - let's finish what our incredible colleagues started and eliminate abuse from our creative culture once and for all," he added. The Weinstein Company also lost their projects at Amazon. The company was supposed to develop a series starring Robert De Niro and Julianne Moore and another titled The Romanoffs. However, Amazon decided to call off the former and move forward with the latter, but without TWC involvement. (With inputs from agencies) What is a big movie without a controversy? Vijay starrrer Mersal is this Diwali's big south-Indian movie release, however Bharatiya Janta Party's state unit in Tamil Nadu has taken serious offence to a reference in the film. BJP's state unit on Thursday took objection to incorrect references on the Goods and Services Act (GST) in Atlee's latest directorial venture Mersal and has asked the filmmaker to remove that particular part from the movie, reports PTI. BJP state unit president Tamilisai Sounderrajan recently said in a press conference that the incorrect references on GST is misleading and generating wrong information. She also asserted that the filmakers are not enough learned to make such passing comments on a topic as serious as GST. She also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced no corruption charges and was working round the clock for peoples welfare. Incorrect references have been made in Mersal about GST (Goods and Service Tax)... celebrities should desist from registering wrong information among people. What do they (the filmmakers) know about GST and its economics... such incorrect references should be removed from the film, she said. Though Sounderrajan accepted the fact that she herself has not watched the film yet she has received a number complaints from individuals who found the statements related to the economy and taxing wrong in the film. "I have not seen the film. But, people who saw the film were offended by the incorrect statements on GST and digital payments, which are policy decisions taken by the Union government, after a lot of study. I understand the film has compared the 7% GST in Singapore as against 28% here. The two cannot be compared and this will send out a wrong opinion," Sounderrajan was quoted as saying by Times of India. Meanwhiel, PMK youth wind leader and Lok Sabha MP Anbumani Ramadoss questioned the situation by saying that the film had been certified by the Censor Board, constituted by the Central government. Mersal is Altee's second venture with Vijay after Theri. The music in the film is given by AR Rehman. A few minutes before the interval to the long-drawn out first half of Mersal, I fully understood its story as another name flashed into my mind: Apoorva Sagodharargal (Appu Raja in Hindi). That wonderful Kamal Haasan film told a tale of two brothers Appu, a dwarf who avenges his parents deaths by murdering their killers, and his twin Raja, who is blamed for the murders; the brothers later unite to jointly take down their arch nemesis. In Mersal, Appu is seen in the character of Vettri, a magician, while Raja here, is the good doctor Maaran (both roles played by Vijay; who also plays Vettri and Maarans slain father, Thalapathy). The villains in Mersal happen to be doctors. Since there are only two of them in this film, as opposed to the four in Appu Raja, director Atlee adds a few more to Vettris clean-up mission. The large blanket disguising this Appu Raja inspired tale is a takedown of the flaws in the Indian medical system. Watch Mersal to learn how Singapores GST percentage facilitates free medical care in that country and how ours doesnt (although it would be better to have some citizen of Singapore clarify this point). Mersal takes ages to establish all of the above, and not without some confusion. Atlee uses new tricks to convince us that Mersal is an original story, but the similarities to Kamal Haasans film are one too many to miss. So if theres a circus in Appu Raja, theres a magicians den in Mersal. Appu and Vettris modus operandi in killing the bad guys is the same everyday objects, propelled by physics, become dangerous weapons (an arrow there, a sharp bottle here). Mersal has a lengthy flashback (Vijay playing the father, Thalapathy, and romancing Nithya Menen) which wouldve been a great differentiator if only it werent a lead-up to the twins-seeking-vengeance plot. SJ Suryah in Mersal replaces Nagesh from Appu Raja. If Gauthami plays the daughter of one of the offenders in Appu Raja, then in Mersal, Kajal Aggarwal is interning under one of the villainous doctors. Samantha Ruth Prabhus track marks a small departure; Mersal has her playing the love interest of Vijays Dr Maaran avatar. Its a reciprocal relationship, unlike Appus unrequited love in the Kamal Haasan film. But Mersal is not the first film of Atlees to have been inspired by older, iconic ones. All three films the director has made thus far draw heavily from other movies. Lets start with Raja Rani, which starred Nayanthara and Arya as a couple stuck in a loveless marriage. Both of them carry the wounds of failed romances. That was the only difference in premise between Raja Rani and Mani Ratnams 1986 classic Mouna Ragam. In Mouna Ragam, Revathy is heartbroken after Karthiks death and is unable to accept Mohan as her husband. In Raja Rani, Aryas girlfriend meets with an accident while Nayantharas lover Jai heeds his fathers demand and breaks off his relationship with her. These flashbacks apart, the marital equation between the couple non-consummation of the marriage, living in disharmony, pitched ego battles, and trying to figure out the future in Raja Rani serves as a reminder of Mouna Ragam. Its interesting that Atlee assisted director Shankar, but still chose to build on a Mani Ratnam film for his directorial debut. Atlee jumped genres with his second film, but not before tipping his hat to another Mani Ratnam production, Kshatriyan (Ratnam wrote and produced the film, K Subash directed it). Vijaykanths act as a celebrated police officer was reprised by Vijay in Theri. Theri worked in boosting Vijays already soaring mass hero image. Bhanupriyas role in Kshatriyan was played by Amy Jackson in Theri, Revathys role was reprised by Samantha, and instead of Thilakan, Theri had Mahendran. The villain-hero clash in Theri was as intense as Kshatriyans. If Vijaykanth had three kids in Kshatriyan, Vijay had one daughter, and the pairs antics carry forward much of Theris first half. If Theri cemented Vijays mass appeal, it also helped position him as the replacement for MGR. Indeed, in Mersal, the MGR references are many. And while Mersal is a triumph for Vijay be it in terms of his acting prowess, screen presence or hitting the right notes for the mass audience what does it really say for the young filmmaker at its helm? Mersal has a Murugadoss-meets-Shankar style of filmmaking but without their level of clarity. A story must rise above its inspiration, if any. I left the Mersal screening with a renewed sense of awe for Appu Raja, and how Kamal Haasan had been able to bring in multiple genres in one film to create a blockbuster entertainer. Imitation may be the best form of flattery, but some masterpieces are perhaps better left untouched. After Deepika's strong words on Twitter against those who vandalised the Padmavati inspired rangoli at a Surat mall, the Surat police have arrested five men including four of Karni Sena and one from Vishwa Hindu Parishad. As The Hindu reported, the police had lodged an FIR against the vandals on Oct 16. It has also been reported that the clue for the arrest was taken from a video recorded on the very day of the incident where the vandals were shouting 'Jai Shri Ram' and damaging the rangoli. We have arrested five persons, four of them belonging to outfit Karni Sena and one from the VHP. More persons are likely to be arrested as the video footage recovered by us shows 8-10 persons involved in the activity, said Surat Commissioner of Police Satish Sharma. I also want to make it clear that the police will deal with strictness against any such action. Freedom of expression is everyones right in a democracy, but vandalism will not be allowed, he then further added. The arrested men are identified as Vikramsinh Sekhawat, Shambhusinh Rathod, Narendra Chaudhary, Shailendra Rajput and Sanjaysinh Gohil. The arrest has been made under various sections of Indian Penal Code including 141, 149 (unlawful assembly), 451 (trespassing) and 427 (mischief causing damage). This Wednesday Deepika wrote a tweet to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani, where she said, "Absolutely heart breaking to see the recent attack on artist Karan and his artwork! Disgusting and appalling to say the least! This has to stop now and action must be taken @smritiirani." allow them to take law into their own hands & attack our freedom & right to individual expression time & again!? pic.twitter.com/jlR5p3seds Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) October 18, 2017 Twitterati also reacted to the incident and criticised the deed. And they deface the image of their queen who they claim to worship https://t.co/bdkDJv0z7r Shobha Sant (@ShobhaIyerSant) October 18, 2017 Why?? What pleasure do they derive by destroying someone's artworks? What's happening India? https://t.co/gpPxy6X6iO Simi Garewal (@Simi_Garewal) October 18, 2017 This is not the first time that Padmavati has run into a controversy. The shoot of the movie and the crew was also attacked severely in Rajasthan a couple of months back by Karni Sena. Last month, the outfit also burnt posters of the film claiming that the movie is distorting the history and legacy of the Rajputs. Padmavati sees Deepika Padukone Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in the title roles. It is all set to release on December 1. Georgia fashion designer Mychael Knight, who was a finalist on the popular TV competition show Project Runway, died Tuesday at age 39. Knight died outside Atlanta surrounded by family and friends, said friend Jerris Madison, the editor and photographer of Obvious Magazine, a fashion, lifestyle and cultural publication. An official cause of death has not been released, but Knight had extensively shared his five-year struggles with irritable bowel syndrome, writing in now-deleted Facebook posts that he suffered chronic abdominal pain, a leaky gut, extreme fatigue and exhaustion. He was innovative, unapologetic, kind and giving, Madison said of Knight. He made sure that anybody who was in his core circle, his family, his friends, didnt have to want for anything. He was just an amazing man. Knight appeared on Season 3 of Project Runway, which aired on Bravo, finishing fourth that year. He returned for Project Runway All-Stars, finishing eighth on the show that now airs on the Lifetime network. We are saddened to hear about the passing of a member of the Project Runway family, said Lifetime spokeswoman Dee Perez in a statement. Its a loss of a great talent and we wish his family peace and solace during this difficult time. Knight spent his childhood in Montgomery, Alabama, but graduated from Washingtonville Senior High School in Washingtonville, New York, in 1996. Later that same year, he began his freshman year of college at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. In 2001, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in apparel design and merchandising. After completing his undergraduate studies, Knight broke into the fashion industry in Atlanta by working as an intern at Wilbourn Exclusives in 2001 before becoming a fashion stylist in the music industry in 2002. In 2006, Knight became a contestant for Project Runway, and went on to win that seasons fan favorite award. The next year, he introduced his label, Mychael Knight, on BETs Rip the Runway and he designed a line of custom tees for the Starbucks Corp. In 2008, Knight launched Kitty & Dick, his lingerie label for men and women, and his unisex fragrance, MajK. Madison said Project Runway definitely helped expand Knights brand, which caught the eye of celebrities like Toni Braxton, Sheri Shepard and Eva Marcille, who ultimately became his clients. His name was still on peoples minds, Madison said. The industry is very competitive, but he continued to do it his way. Madison said Knight, who had been living in Los Angeles, was always sharp and chic in his personal style and that carried over into his collections. He died doing what he loved, Madison said. And you can see that in his final collection presented (last month) at New York Fashion Week. It was amazing. The industry has lost a true innovator. Mychael was just getting to that point where people were saying Hey, I remember this guy. He was about to be huge and really wanted to capitalize on affordable sportswear for women of all sizes. In addition to his parents, Michael Sr and Pamela Knight, Knight is survived by two sisters. Mychael meant everything to us and we loved him dearly. He was generous and so full of life. This is how we choose to remember his legacy, the family said in a statement. Funeral arrangements were pending. The Babysitter takes the essence of Home Alone and mixes it with glamourised slasher genre-elements. Its arrival at the doorstep of horror-comedy, featuring young adults, seems like an afterthought. One hand of mine was enough to count the number of scenes that made my mouth drop to a smile. The smiles, too, werent wide. They were, in fact, shorter than I expected them to last. The dull variety of horror comedies that releases week after week in Tamil and Telugu has made my heart stronger. That has helped me digest garbage wrapped in shiny paper. Indian horror comedies try to balance laughs with a heavily creamed ghost that goes on slapping the comedian, for no particular reason. Well, Hollywood, on the other hand, constantly explores various methods to extract humor from its materials. The go-to horror comedy film for any 90s kid would be Scary Movie. 7 out of 10 urban 90s kids would have watched at least one of the films from the Scary Movie series. Sadly, even Hollywood isnt making any of those today. Its just interested in making the superhero movies where extraordinary humans fly and save the world from imaginary villains. The times of the Scary Movie series are behind us now. Weve only got the wings of nostalgia to take us to that period. McGs The Babysitter has committed a crime by revealing its key plot points in the trailer. How are the scares going to kick me off my chair if I know when and where theyre coming? So, even though, the story is getting built up in the first twenty five minutes, there are no ghastly factors waiting for me in the corner of the Netflix screen. When the film focuses on the 12-year-old Cole (played by Judah Lewis) enjoying his company with his sitter, Bee (a stunning Samara Weaving), Im biting my nails for the scene in which she puts two knives in a mans skull to appear. This is what the trailer made me do. The camaraderie between the two is easily noticeable in the beginning, especially in the scene where Cole cries to Bee about feeling weird. Hes the only 12-year-old kid to have a sitter look after him; naturally, he thinks hes missing something. We arent told what the issues are exactly. We dont need to know about them either because thats not what the film is about. But whats the point of it all when the large share of the meat revolves around chases and killings, I ask myself. That particular scene would have worked wonders in a coming-of-age drama. In this film, it doesnt serve any purpose. Home Alones Macaulay Culkin had a genuine look of innocence on his face and when he planned a series of attacks against the intruders (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern), the audience was on his side. Culkin was a sweet little kid with two thieves wanting to gain entry into his house, whereas Lewis is the boy who needs to act on his feet to get away from a group of mad killers. Killers are more dangerous than thieves, arent they? The character Lewis plays in The Babysitter is older than Culkins in Home Alone. Hence, Lewis gets to indulge in teenage romance. Also, since the Netflix film has violence as its main stay, blood rushes out like juice from a switched-on broken mixer. Hollywood isnt different when it comes to answering the calls of male fantasies. While Indian filmmakers carve out spaces for item numbers and put women in bikinis, Hollywood goes a step further by making two women kiss. Havent men stated that they love to watch some girl-on-girl action? 1998s Wild Things is still remembered for its famous threesome sex scene (Denise Richards, Neve Campbell, and Matt Dillon). The Babysitter might find a similar place in the Hall of Internet if the clip featuring Samara Weaving and Bella Thorne releases on YouTube, or other such sites. The film bats for womens fantasies in this department poorly by making Robbie Amells character run around shirtless. Men get to ogle at a sensual kiss, and all women get is a shirtless man? Thats not right, McG! The really funny scene in the movie that stuck to me was: What happens when you kill someone, asks Weaving. Andrew Bachelor, who plays John, says, They lose, like, all their Instagram followers! Maybe, if the film had more of such pop culture filth, itd have made a rightful case for a flavorful watch. For now, its just a weird mix of cheap thrills and Samara Weavings gorgeousness. The Babysitter can be streamed on Netflix India. Washington: Melania Trump is donating her inaugural ball gown to the First Ladies Collection at the Smithsonian Institution. The first lady is handing over the vanilla silk, off-the-shoulder gown during a ceremony on 20 October in Washington. The gown also featured a slit skirt, ruffled accent trim from the neckline to the hem and a claret ribbon around the waist. Mrs Trump worked with designer Herve Pierre on the gown. Pierre is also scheduled to attend the event at the National Museum of American History. The Smithsonian says the First Ladies Collection has been one of its most popular attractions for more than a century. Mrs Trumps gown will be added to the exhibit that features 26 dresses, including some worn by Jacqueline Kennedy, Laura Bush and Michelle Obama, along with other items. Unhappy with the acquittal of Nupur and Rajesh Talwar for the double murder of Aarushi and Hemraj, the latter's family members have said they might move the Supreme Court. The Allahabad High Court had acquitted the Talwar couple last week, bringing to an end their four-year imprisonment. But Hemraj's family wants to appeal against the verdict in the Supreme Court, said a report in The Quint. Samir Singh, an employer for Hemraj's son-in-law, has been helping the family with the legal battle. He said they want to "put things behind them". "Hemrajs son Pranjal was about the same age as Aarushi when the incident happened. The family never got to see Hemraj's body; the Ekta Samaj conducted the cremation. Hemrajs family did not get the closure they need," he was quoted as saying in the report. He added that the family is very emphatic that Hemraj died while working for the Talwars and they feel justice has been denied. The family is looking for compensation from the Talwars since Hemraj was not paid for three months," Singh added. He has also arranged for a Supreme Court lawyer, who has agreed to fight the case pro-bono. "It is a fight for poor people. Hemraj's family never wanted the Talwars to go scot-free. We will continue the fight," advocate Naresh Yadav, who has been fighting on behalf of Hemraj's family, told Deccan Chronicle. The Allahabad High Court overruled the trial court judgment in the twin murder case of Aarushi and Hemraj and acquitted the Talwar couple, saying no conviction can stand on the basis of mere suspicion. The judges said that the CBI failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the Talwars are guilty. "The chain of evidence they have showcased is inconclusive," it said. Fourteen-year-old Aarushi was found dead at the Talwars' Noida residence in May 2008. The needle of suspicion had initially pointed at 45-year-old Hemraj, who had gone missing, but his body was recovered from the terrace of the house two days later. After BJP president Amit Shah's son Jay Shah filed a defamation case against The Wire for publishing a report on alleged financial irregularities in his company, an Ahmedabad court on Monday barred the news website from writing any more articles on his businesses, The Indian Express reported. The report noted that the court took the decision to protect Jay's right to live with dignity. Nevertheless, the injunction was issued without hearing the arguments of the news website. The injunction issued to The Wire stated: "Pending hearing and final disposal of the interim injunction, defendants are restrained by order ad-interim injunction from using and publishing or printing in any electronic, print, digital or any other media, or broadcast,telecast, print and publish in any manner including by way of interview, holding TV talks, debate and debates, news items, programs in any language on the basis of the article published in The Wire (dated 8/10/2017) either directly or indirectly on the subject matter with respect to the plaintiff in any manner whatsoever." Additional Senior Civil Judge BK Dasondi of Ahmedabad rural court defended the injunction and was quoted by The Indian Express as saying, "It is mandatory for this court to issue notice of such application to the opposite party (The Wire). But in the present case, it appears that if an immediate remedy is not given to the applicant, there is a chance of publishing the news, for which the present plaintiff has filed the suit. However, The Wire, in a press release, said that it will challenge the "gag order". The news website also added that Jay's lawyers had not substantially highlighted any untruth or factual errors in the report. On 8 October, Jay had filed a criminal defamation case in a metropolitan court in Ahmedabad against news portal The Wire over a report, which claimed his firm's turnover grew exponentially after the party came to power in 2014. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate SK Gadhvi had ordered a court inquiry into the matter under CrPC section 202 (to inquire into the case to decide whether or not there is sufficient ground for proceeding). In his application, Shah had prayed for "criminal action against the respondents for defaming and tarnishing the reputation of the complainant through an article, which is scandalous, frivolous, misleading, derogatory, libelous and consisting of several defamatory statements". The seven respondents in the case are the author of the article Rohini Singh, founding editors of the news portal Siddarth Varadarajan, Sidharth Bhatia and MK Venu, managing editor Monobina Gupta, public editor Pamela Philipose and the Foundation for Independent Journalism, the non-profit company that publishes The Wire. The case had been filed under IPC sections 500 (defamation), 109 (abetment), 39 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt) and 120 B (criminal conspiracy). Shah had said the news portal first published an article, which was later "edited and reworded" to the current form. "The accused conspired to get a fabricated, reworded and edited version of the defamatory article to be published in place of the original version," he had said. Claiming there was a "predetermined conspiracy hatched to defame" him, Jay said he was given "unreasonable time to respond" and no further inquiry based on his response was made. Jay had said the article did not reflect the loss that his company incurred in FY 2015-16, and that the net profit and gross turnover for the said financial year was "wilfully and malafidely" delinked into two different unconnected paragraphs. The Wire had said in its report that a company owned by Jay saw a huge rise in its turnover after the BJP came to power in 2014. However, Shah rejected the charge, insisting that the story was "false, derogatory and defamatory". A political storm erupted after the article titled 'Golden touch of Jay Amit Shah' was published. The Congress demanded an inquiry into the matter and ouster of Shah, while the BJP called the article defamatory. With inputs from PTI Patna: At least one person died and 25, including 20 policemen, were injured when police opened fire on an angry mob protesting the murder of a local businessman in Bihar's Samastipur district on Friday. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered a probe by Tirhut range Deputy Inspector General as additional forces from adjoining Muzaffarpur have been rushed amid tensions still running high in the area. Talking to CNN-News18, Samastipur superintendent of police Deepak Ranjan claimed no one was killed in the police firing and the deceased became a victim of mob violence. A local drug dealer Janardan Thakur was shot dead on Thursday evening when he was returning back home from his shop after performing Diwali Puja. As the news of the murder spread, a large number of locals gathered near Tajpur and stopped traffic on National Highway 28 shouting slogans against the lacklustre approach of the local police. When policemen tried to clear the jam, protestors resisted and both sides engaged in pitched battle. Protestors targeted a local police station and torched around 20 vehicles including police vans compelling policemen to open fire in which a local resident Jitendra died on the spot and five others were injured. About 20 policemen were also injured in stone pelting. Additional Director General, law and order, Sanjeev Kumar Singhal told newsmen in Patna that the situation was being monitored from headquarters and section 144 has been imposed in the disturbed area. New Delhi: The CBI has written to the government for reconsideration of its 2005 decision and allow the agency to file a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court in the Bofors case challenging quashing of a FIR in the alleged scam, officials said. In a letter to the Department of Personnel and Training, the CBI conveyed that it wanted to file the SLP challenging the Delhi High Court order of 31 May, 2005 quashing all charges against Europe-based Hinduja brothers in the Bofors case. Government officials said the CBI was in favour of filing the SLP in 2005 but the then UPA government did not give its nod. Legal experts feel that the agency will have to do a lot of explanation for condoning the elapsed time period of over 12 years. The then Delhi High Court judge RS Sodhi had on 31 May, 2005, quashed all charges against the Hinduja brothers, Srichand, Gopichand and Prakashchand and the Bofors company and castigated the CBI for its handling of the case saying it had cost the exchequer about Rs 250 crore. Before the 2005 verdict, another judge of the Delhi High Court, Justice JD Kapoor (since retired) on 4 February, 2004, had exonerated late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in the case and directed framing of charge of forgery under Section 465 of the IPC against the Bofors company. On Wednesday, the CBI had said it would look into the "facts and circumstances" of the Bofors scam mentioned by private detective Michael Hershman, who alleged that the then Rajiv Gandhi-led Congress government had sabotaged his investigation. Hershman, who is the president of the US-based private detective firm Fairfax, claimed in television interviews recently that Rajiv Gandhi was "furious" when he had found a Swiss bank account "Mont Blanc". Hershman, who was here last week to address a conference of private detectives, also alleged that the bribe money of the Bofors gun scandal had been parked in the Swiss account. Authorities imposed curfew-like restrictions in parts of Srinagar on Friday to prevent separatist-called protests against growing incidents of braid chopping in Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmiri separatists such as Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and others have been placed under house-arrest as well, according to Times Now. #BREAKING | Curfew like restrictions in old Srinagar city; separatist leaders including Syed Ali Gilani, Mirwaiz Umar put under house arrest TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) October 20, 2017 "Restrictions under section 144 of CrPc will remain in force in Khanyar, Rainawari, Nowhatta, MR Gunj, Safa Kadal, Kralkhud and Maisuma. The restrictions have been imposed to maintain law and order in the city," a police officer told IANS. Joint resistance leadership (JRL) comprising Geelani, Farooq and Malik have called for the protests on Friday, after prayers are held. Shops, public transport, other businesses and educational institutions remained closed in all seven areas placed under restrictions. Attendance in government offices and educational institutions were also affected due to the prohibitory orders. Private transport in uptown areas of Srinagar and inter-district transport were found moving normally. Mysterious braid chopping incidents are being reported in the Valley in the past few days which the police say are thieves and other criminals taking advantage of the fear psychosis. With inputs from IANS tech2 News Staff OnePlus does not seem to be happy with the popularity of OnePlus 5 and might be planning to launch another variant of the phone. According to rumours, the phone was expected to launch on 15 November 2017. Carl Pei, the co-founder of OnePlus suggested in a tweet that the company may launch the OnePlus 5T. The tweet in question is a statement by Pei that OnePlus 5 was more popular than the company anticipated. Guess the OnePlus 5 was more popular than we thought... \_()_/ Carl Pei (@getpeid) October 16, 2017 According to a report on Gizmochina, the OnePlus 5 is not available for sale in a number of markets across the globe except China and India. It is likely that the company has stopped the production of OnePlus 5 so that it can divert its supply lines and manufacturing units to manufacture the rumoured OnePlus 5T. The device is expected to comes with a 6-inch bezel-less design display with 18:9 aspect ratio. If that happens then it will be the first phone by OnePlus to have a full-screen design. As reported previously, the smartphone does not pack a physical home button on the front of the display. OnePlus 5T is also reported to come with a square-shaped fingerprint sensor on the rear side of the phone and pack the same dual-camera setup as OnePlus 5. OnePlus 5 has 16 MP and 20 MP dual cameras on the rear side and a 16 MP selfie shooter on the front. The company is expected to add optical image stabilisation on the device. According to the report, OnePlus 5T will come without a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, the device is expected to be priced at 3,000 Yuan (around Rs 29,463). One thing to note here is that the company has not announced anything about the rumoured OnePlus 5T at the time of writing. New Delhi: The festive fervour gripped the nation on Thursday as people celebrated Diwali, often referred to as the festival of lights by lighting diyas' (earthen lamps), paying obeisance to Goddess Lakshmi, distributing sweets, and well, bursting crackers. In Delhi, the cracker-bursting was relatively subdued as compared to previous years, thanks to a temporary ban imposed by the Supreme Court on selling and bursting of crackers. However, the revelers in the adjoining townships of Delhi such as Noida, Gurgaon and Faridabad paid little heed to the apex court's writ and environmentalists' concerns. At 10 pm., in Mandir Marg in Delhi, the PM 2.5 concentration was 390 units against the prescribed 60 units, while PM 10 was 480 against the prescribed 100. However, the nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide concentrations at 50.84 and 31.20 respectively were well under the prescribed limits. Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with soldiers in Gurez valley of Jammu and Kashmir near the Line of Control (LoC), telling them how he gets energised by spending time with the Armed Forces which he called "my family". He offered sweets and gifts and exchanged greetings with them, appreciating the sacrifices of armed forces in protecting the country. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath celebrated Diwali at the Tikonia Vantangiya Dalit colony in Gorakhpur. He gifted the children dresses, school bags, sparkling lights (firecrackers) and sweets. Greeting the people of Uttar Pradesh, Adityanath said that Diwali not only symbolises Lord Ram's return from exile but also the return of good and just times. In Amritsar, fireworks display and the newly-installed LEDs lighting marked the celebrations of Diwali and "Bandi Chhor Diwas" as thousands of devotees flocked to the Golden Temple complex. However, the duration of fireworks display was shortened owing to environmental concerns. The Diwali day coincides with the returning of Guru Hargobind to Amritsar after being released along with 52 princes from imprisonment by the Mughal emperor Jahangir from Gwalior prison in 1619. The guru and the princes arrived in Amritsar during Diwali festivities. Since then, the Bandi Chhor Diwas and Diwali celebrations coincide at the Golden Temple complex. Elsewhere in Punjab, markets wore a festive look on the occasion of Diwali but traders said sales were down owing to the GST (Goods and Services Tax) introduced recently and the restrictions imposed on the bursting of crackers. West Bengal plunged into religious fervour with simultaneous Diwali and Kali Puja celebrations. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee greeted people on the twin festivals. People across the state exchanged sweets and savouries with friends, neighbours and relatives. The festival saw the mingling of a sizeable population of non-Bengali communities (Marwari, Gujarati, Bihari) and Bengalis across the state to celebrate Diwali. Ululations (high pitched vocal sounds) and peals of bells resonated across temples and residences observing Kali Puja, adding to the festive spirit. People hit the streets in their best ethnic wears, making way through various marquees and stopping for a bite. In Odisha, heavy rainfall on Thursday dampened Diwali celebrations and the festive spirit, forcing the people to stay indoors. A 54-year-old man in Nalanda district, Bihar was allegedly forced to spit and then lick his saliva off the ground as punishment for entering the the village sarpanch's (head) house without knocking. Nalanda: Man made to spit & lick as punishment for entering Sarpanch's house without knocking,was also beaten by slippers by women #Bihar pic.twitter.com/WTM31aLMVq ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2017 Mahesh Thakur, the victim, was also beaten with slippers by women. A video also surfaced which showed the man being beaten by at least two women. Incidentally, it took place in Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar's home district. Thakur had reportedly gone to sarpanch Surendra Yadav's house on Wednesday night for tobacco, according to The Times of India. However, according to another report in India Today, he had gone to his house to avail a government scheme. The victim belongs to the barber community and runs a shop in the Ajaipur village of Noorsarai block in Nalanda. "On the act of Thakur, a panchayat was called today (Thursday) afternoon by Dharmendra Yadav where the victim was beaten with slippers by several women," the Nalanda district magistrate (DM) Thiyagarajan said, as per The Times of India report, adding that a police officer was sent to the spot gather an account of the incident. The administration has ordered a police investigation with a report out in two days. Reacting to the incident, Bihar cabinet minister Nand Kishore condemned it and promised the culprits will be brought to the hook. Speaking to ANI, Yadav said, "I totally condemn this act and such incidents will not be tolerated in the state. We will take strict action against the culprits. The people of the state should trust BJP and its members. We will see to it that incidents like these never happen again". Terrorists hurled a grenade at the house of PDP MLA Mushtaq Ahmad Shah on Friday at Tral in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, according to reports. #FLASH J&K: Terrorists hurl grenade at the house of MLA Mushtaq Ahmad in Tral. No injuries/loss of life reported. ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2017 However, no injuries have been reported because his family members were not in the house. Security forces reached Ahmad's house after the attack and launched a search operation. "Militants also fired at the guard post outside the legislator's house. The fire was returned. No damage has been reported so far," police said. This comes after three civilians were killed and 30 others injured when militants hurled a grenade at the cavalcade of Jammu and Kashmir minister Naeem Akhtar in Tral on 21 September. A woman was among the three civilians killed, while the injured included 21 civilians, seven CRPF troopers and two local policemen. The militants carried out the grenade attack near the main bus stand in Tral. Akhtar escaped unhurt from the attack and told PTI, "Innocent Kashmiri blood has been shed. They (militants) have chosen the eve of Islamic New Year to carry out this cowardly attack. Those who carried out the attack are friends of neither Kashmir nor of Islam." With inputs from agencies Jammu: Terming as farce Pakistan's oft-repeated claim that a "freedom movement" was on in Kashmir, Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Friday said it is a "manufactured struggle" and a "mercenary movement" that has graduated into an industry. He said the youths in the Valley have now understood the nefarious designs of the elements, who have been using them as "sacrificial goat" while their own children are lodged in safe havens. "There is no such thing like freedom struggle at all in Kashmir. It is a farce. It is a manufactured freedom struggle. "It is a mercenary movement, which has gradually graduated into an industry now, in which there are huge vested interests involved and such people carry out mayhem in the name of freedom struggle," Singh, who is Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region, told reporters on Friday. He was replying to a question about Pakistan's claim of "freedom movement" in Kashmir. The minister said the realisation that they were being exploited in the name of struggle has dawned upon the youths and cited the example of a "leading" militant commander being nabbed with the assistance of a woman. "She was among the young women who were being exploited by these militant commanders in Kashmir," he said. "The youths of Kashmir have understood that those who are exploiting them have their children lodged in the safe havens of the country and the world and are using them as the sacrificial goat," he added. "There is a lot of awakening in a large section of youths and they wish to be part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's developmental journey in the country," he added. "They want to avail the opportunities available to the youths in other parts of the country. They don't want to miss this bus. They want to be part of this journey," Singh, who is also minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office, said. On the violence in connection with alleged braid chopping incidents, the minister said that there was not a single case with substantial evidence. "There can be mischief behind this... the right thinking citizens will condemn this. We should not jump to conclusion without having any evidence. "We live in evidence-based era. We should not allow it to become a tool for certain politicians or separatists," the Union minister said. Asked about terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control, he said that Pakistan carries out infiltration activities every year. "Out of 50-60 infiltration bids, 45-50 infiltration bids have been foiled. This speaks about the efficiency and increase in capability of security forces," he said. The minister said that Jammu and Kashmir police has also come of age, particularly its special operations group. Many of the terrorists have either been nabbed or liquidated with minimum collateral damage possible. "It is a compliment to police and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir," he said About the reported diktat by a Muslim organisation that boys and girls should not study together, he said, "Without getting into the discussion, I can say that in India of 2017, boys and girls can decide for themselves". "I have already said that they are part of the aspirational movement of Modi's new India and therefore they cannot be subjected to any gender bias," he said. Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday celebrated Diwali with troops posted along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Gurez Sector and lauded the soldiers for their sacrifice saying he considers them his family. In an unannounced visit, Modi arrived at Gurez on Thursday morning to celebrate Diwali with the army and BSF soldiers posted along the Line of Control (LoC), officials said. He spent two hours with the soldiers in Gurez valley, which is shouting distance of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and has witnessed many gunfights with infiltrating militants in the past 27 years. This is the fourth successive Diwali that the prime minister has celebrated with jawans on the border. Chief of the Army Staff General BS Rawat and other senior army officers were present on the occasion. Modi offered sweets and exchanged greetings with the jawans, the officials said. Addressing the jawans, he said like everyone else, he too wishes to spend Diwali with his family. Therefore, he had come among the jawans of the armed forces, whom he considers to be his "family", he said. Modi said he gets new energy when he spends time among the jawans and soldiers of the armed forces and appreciated their penance and sacrifice, amid harsh conditions. The prime minister said that he had been told that the jawans present at the gathering regularly practice yoga. He said that this would definitely enhance their abilities, and give them a sense of calm. He said jawans, who leave the armed forces after completing their duty tenure, can become excellent yoga trainers subsequently. The prime minister spoke of the new resolve that each Indian citizen must make for 2022, the 75th anniversary of independence. He also encouraged the jawans to innovate, so that their routine tasks and duties become easier and safer and mentioned how best innovations are now being recognised and awarded at the Army Day, Navy Day, and Air Force Day. Modi said the Centre is committed to the welfare and the betterment of the armed forces, in every way possible. In this regard, he mentioned the implementation of 'One Rank, One Pension', which had been pending for decades. "Protecting the motherland, far from your loved ones, displaying the highest traditions of sacrifice, all soldiers at the nation's borders, are symbols of bravery and dedication," Modi said. "I have an opportunity to spend the festival of Diwali with you. The presence of brave soldiers at the border, on this festive occasion, lights the lamp of hope, and generates new energy among crores of Indians," the prime minister wrote in the visitors' book. "To accomplish the dream of 'New India', this is a golden opportunity for all of us to work together. The army too is a part of it," he added. Modi later tweeted about his visit to Gurez. "Glad to have celebrated Diwali with our brave Army and BSF Jawans in the Gurez Valley, Jammu and Kashmir," he tweeted. Glad to have celebrated Diwali with our brave Army and BSF Jawans in the Gurez Valley, Jammu and Kashmir. pic.twitter.com/ebCM4JO6jc Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 19, 2017 "Spending time with our Forces gives me new energy. We exchanged sweets & interacted. Happy to know the Jawans practice Yoga regularly," he said. "Our Forces protect our Motherland with utmost valour, displaying highest traditions of sacrifice and dedication," he said in another tweet. Arsenals Jack Wilshere will get a chance to prove himself in the Premier League, manager Arsene Wenger said after the midfielder impressed in Thursdays 1-0 Europa League victory over Red Star Belgrade. Wilshere, who spent last season on loan at Bournemouth before sustaining season-ending leg injury in April, returned to action for Arsenal in their Europa League opener against FC Cologne in September. The England international has been in good form in his three Europa League appearances but is yet to play in the league and Wenger says the 25-year-old has now earned his chance. He will get a chance in the Premier League, dont worry about that, Wenger told reporters after the match. I think at the moment its going like that. He got a big kick in the first half on his ankle but he managed to get through the 90 minutes and games of that intensity will, of course, help him a lot. Frenchman Olivier Giroud scored an overhead kick to win the match for Arsenal and Wenger says the 31-year-old striker had predicted that he would score. At some stage he came to the touchline and told me, We will score,' Wenger said. He knew more than I did. Thats Olivier Giroud. He keeps belief when it is tough. Thats why he scores at moments you didnt expect him to score. Wenger also praised defender Mathieu Debuchy, who returned to first-team action for the first time since November 2016. I am pleased for him that he survived 90 minutes without any setbacks, Wenger added. Overall it was a positive performance for someone who has been out for such a long time. Arsenal, currently sixth in the league, now turn their attention to Sundays trip to Everton. Jaipur: The Vasundhara Raje government has passed an ordinance which seeks to protect both serving and former judges, magistrates and public servants in Rajasthan from being investigated for on-duty action without its prior sanction. The Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Ordinance, 2017, promulgated on 7 September, also seeks to bar the media from reporting on accusations till the sanction to proceed with the probe is obtained. "No magistrate shall order an investigation nor will any investigation be conducted against a person, who is or was a judge or a magistrate or a public servant," reads the ordinance which provides 180 days immunity to the officers. If there is no decision on the sanction request post the stipulated time period, it will automatically mean that sanction has been granted. The ordinance amends the Criminal Code of Procedure, 1973 and also seeks curb on publishing and printing or publicising in any case the name, address, photograph, family details of the public servants. Violating the clause would call for two years imprisonment. The Solicitor-General Ranjit Kumar has resigned from his post, media outlets are reporting. Just In: Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar resigns on 'personal grounds' The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) October 20, 2017 Kumar spoke to CNN-News18 and said that he has resigned due to personal reasons. He said that he has family issues to attend to and had to resign because he couldn't give time to as required by the office of the Solicitor-General. The channel reported that the Additional Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta is now the front-runner for the post as he has already been leading the arguments in many cases with great political implications. Another reason which could be behind the resignation is that the Modi government wants a new legal team which has more teeth and is more discreet. The report also expected that the notification appointing the new Solicitor-General will also appoint two new Additional Solicitors-General as well. Kumar was appointed as the Solicitor General in June 2014, reported News18. He had been a counsel for the Gujarat government and amicus curiae in several cases in the Supreme Court. Among the cases he represented was the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case. Kumar had also represented then Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa in the disproportionate assets case pending in a Bangalore court. He had replaced senior advocate Mohan Parasaran, who had tendered his resignation after the BJP-led NDA government took charge, according to The Indian Express. Kumar becomes the second top law officer to quit in the space of just a few months after Attorney-General Mukul Rohatgi had stepped down from his post. His three-year tenure was supposed to come to an end on 19 June and he had asked the Central government not to consider him for reappointment or an extension as the countrys top law officer. Rohatgi had said that he had written to the government in May conveying his desire to discontinue as Attorney-General and return to private practice. Rohatgi had said that he had a fantastic relation with the prime minister, law minister and bureaucracy during the tenure. "Even if I return to private practice, my services will be available to NDA government, BJP and its leaders as and when needed," he had said. With inputs from agencies Editor's note: Uttar Pradesh had been in the grips of a healthcare crisis long before Gorakhpur and Farrukhabad put the spotlight on the state's ailing public health system. The state's infant mortality rate is comparable to that of strife-torn African nations. There is one doctor for every 19,000 people; according to WHO, there should be one for every 1,000. This is the fourth of a four-part series that explores the state's policy-paralysis and places it against the larger backdrop of a systematic public health failure. Farrukhabad: As government hospitals in Uttar Pradesh fail to cater to the state's massive population, private clinics have found a way to thrive: Pay the hospital staff to get patients. For a commission, security guards, ambulance drivers, chemists, nurses, compounders and even doctors working at the government hospital goad and coerce visiting patients to go to a private clinic instead. This reporter witnessed these proceedings first-hand at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) District Hospital in Farrukhabad. More than 150 private clinics have set up shop within a 300-metre radius of the hospital. At around 2 am on 6 September, a 16-year-old girl was rushed into the hospital's emergency ward with burn injuries. The lone doctor on duty, Dr Akhilesh Agarwal, threw a perfunctory glance at her, did first-aid and asked the nurse to discharge her. As her harried and confused father was trying to make sense of this treatment, the ambulance driver Shan Mohammad stepped in and recommended Farrukhabad City Hospital to him. He casually said they would get better treatment there. Unsure if he should accept an ambulance driver's suggestion, the father turned to the doctor. Dr Agarwal put over the private hospital, saying how it has better doctors and is air-conditioned, and suggested that the girl be taken there as her condition was critical. Heeding his opinion, the jittery father requested the ambulance driver to take them to that hospital. Shortly after the ambulance left, Dr Agarwal came out of the emergency ward and made a call. Within the earshot of this reporter, he hurriedly said on phone that he was sending a patient and that his share be given to the ambulance driver. The nexus Unaware he was speaking with a journalist, a doctor working with a private hospital in the region spilled the beans on how this nexus works. Dr Vijay Singh of Kailash Hospital said whichever employee of a government hospital brings them a patient gets a spot fee of Rs 1,000-Rs 2,000. Besides, they also earn a 25-30 percent commission on the patient's final bill after he/she is discharged. And the payments are always made in cash. The system he described is an elaborate one. The ambulance drivers get a call regarding a patient and while on the way to the government hospital, they try convincing the patients family to go to a private hospital instead. If the family insists on going to the government hospital, the doctors and other employees at the hospital do the private clinics' bidding. Referral gone wrong In July and August this year, 49 infants died at RML District Hospital, of which 19 died during or soon after the delivery. In media reports published soon after the deaths were reported, the hospital blamed most of the deaths on the babies' delayed arrival to the hospital despite being critical. However, this reporter witnessed how RML District Hospital's staff persuaded an expectant mother to go to a private clinic for childbirth. Kusum Singh's family rushed her to the government hospital when she developed labour pain. However, the hospital's security guard Vikas Kanaujia talked them into going to privately-owned Shishu clinic instead. Speaking with Firstpost, Kanaujia said he does this at the behest of the doctors, who give him a share of the commission they get from the private hospital. He said every staff member involved in sending a patient to a private clinic gets a share of the money. In the case of the pregnant woman, he said the hospital's sole paediatrician Dr Kailash Dulani was to get the commission. A ward boy at Shishu Clinic confirmed to this reporter on the condition of anonymity that Kanaujia was paid Rs 1,200 for referring the woman. He said Kanaujia refers patients to them regularly. Kusum gave birth to twins at Shishu Clinic, run by Dr Alka Jain, and was discharged. Three days later, the babies had to be rushed to the RML District Hospital as they developed breathing problems. The newborns' grandfather had faith in the government establishment, which is why he chose it over any private clinic for treatment. At the hospital, this reporter saw first-hand Dr K Bose persuading the family to take the infants to Shishu Clinic. He told the family the clinic had better facilities, was cheaper and they should get the babies admitted there to save them. Unwilling, the family pleaded to have them admitted at the district hospital, but to no avail. The family then took the newborns to Shishu Clinic, where they were denied treatment. The beleaguered family went back to RML District Hospital, which eventually admitted the babies after much begging and pleading. A day later, the twins died owing to multiple organ failure. A source at Shishu Clinic told Firstpost neither hospital wanted to admit the babies as they didn't want their blood on their hands. Denial and cognizance Regardless of the statement of RML District Hospital's security guard and Shishu Clinic's wardboy, its owner Dr Jain vehemently denied that her clinic has ever paid any commission for such referrals. She said she is a doctor of repute and it's only natural if someone suggests her clinic to those who might be looking. Dr BB Pushkar, the chief medical superintendent of RML District Hospital, told Firstpost the hospital management has heard about this nexus of government hospital and private clinics. He said the management was planning to investigate the matter to get to the bottom of the rumours. UP health minister Siddharth Nath Singh refused to comment on the issue. Read Part 1: Chronic shortage of doctors, overdose of apathy have left govt hospitals comatose Read Part 2: UP healthcare crisis Part 2: With only 78,000 doctors for 21 crore people, state has turned playground for quacks Read Part 3: Per-capita health expenditure of India's most populous state is half the national average (Saurabh Sharma is a Lucknow based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters. He tweets @saurabhsherry) Just nine days after the Maharashtra government ordered a SIT investigation into the deaths of over 30 farmers due to pesticide poisoning in Yavatmal and adjoining districts, the state government may also ban five major pesticides for 60 days. The five pesticides that have come under the scanner are Profenophos 40% + Cypermethrin 4% EC, Fipronil 40% + Imidacloprid 40% EC, Acephate 75% SC, Difenthiron 50% WP and Monochrotophos 36% SL, Hindustan Times reported on Friday. The report said that the agricultural department has invited suggestions and objections before implementing the order. However, the idea of a mere 60-day ban over the five controversial pesticides could come under scrutiny. "This ban won't work as people at the ground level are not aware which of the pesticides will be banned," Paromita Goswami, a tribal activist in Maharashtra's Chandrapur district told Firstpost. The activist said that the limited period of the ban does not deter the farmers from using the pesticides once again. "A complete withdrawal of all pesticide products in the market is needed. The government must also seize and dispose all these products. If this does not happen, then farmers will continue using the same pesticides even after the ban is lifted," Goswami said. Akshay Chakravarthy, an entomologist at the Indian Institute of Horticulture Research, too was not enthusiastic about a two-month ban, adding that the government must rather ban them for a longer period of time. "The government must ban these pesticides for at least six months, conduct a pilot study on these plots of land to investigate the problem and then take a final decision," Chakravarthy said. Firstpost did not succeed in contacting the state agriculture department to know the reason behind keeping the ban limited to just two months. Government apathy Goswami claimed that the authorities at the state as well as the district level were not helping distressed farmers over the issue. "It has generally been case-by-case fire-fighting. The local patwari does the panchnama. Police registered a case of accidental death. But this wont help the farmers. What is the SIT doing? There is an absolute dereliction of duty by the state government and a criminal negligence on the part of district administration," Goswami, the founder of Shramik Elgar Prathisthan, a union of rural workers, said. She said that one of the members of her union, Sainath Madavik, died on 16 October due to pesticide poisoning. The pesticide that led to Madaviks death was Hamla 550, a brand produced by Gharda Industries. On 11 October, the state government booked the company for culpable homicide. Notably, Hamla 550 contained Fipronil 40% + Imidacloprid 40% EC, one of the five pesticides that the Maharashtra government may soon ban. Illiteracy among the tribal community and poor farmers was a major reason for the deaths, believed the tribal activist. "As all product labels are in the English language. So it is the responsibility of the extension officers to teach them about the dos and don'ts regarding the chemicals. But I never saw the farmers being guided by these officers," she said. Hazardous chemicals While all five pesticides are quite dangerous when not used judiciously by farmers, Monochrotophos has been considered to be the most lethal of them. "Monochrotophos has high toxicity and leaves residues, which badly affects the eggs of birds. These are birds, which generally help farmers in agriculture and horticulture. This chemical affects the natural environment as its residues remain in soil and soil water. It has been banned across the world," Chakravarthy said. According to the IIHR scientist, arbitrary use of pesticides coupled with a long period of exposure to them will be harmful in the long-run for farmers. "It is a gradual process. When farmers use contaminated containers for drinking water or farming processes, there is a high chance for poisoning. However, till a man directly consumes the pesticide, it wont be an instant death," he said. Chakravarthy believed that the ignorance of farmers was also to be blamed for the latest tragedy in Yavatmal, adding that they need to take precautions to stay safe. "Farmers need to wear protective gloves and masks while spraying these pesticides. They need to follow specific guidelines on the exact amount of chemical and water that is required for crops," he said. If the guidelines are not followed, then it will not only affect farmers but also those consuming food in faraway places like Mumbai, the horticulture scientist said. "If the residue of these pesticides remain in the food that we eat, then people may suffer from cancer, liver problem, skin diseases and eyesight problems," said Chakravarthy. Are there alternatives to these pesticides? Chakravarthy answered in the affirmative. Bio-pesticides, which emerge from micro-organisms, and botanical insecticides like neem extract are some of the alternative chemicals that can be used, the entomologist said. Adding that there are various control mechanisms to keep a check on pests, Chakravarthy said, "If we nip these pests and insects from the plants in the initial stage itself, then there wont be a need for such harmful pesticides." Never before has the rift between United Jehad Council (UJC) led by Syed Salahuddin and the face of Al-Qaeda in Kashmir, Zakir Musa, been so visible and ominous as it is today. The name of Musa, who became a household name in Kashmir after parting ways from Hizbul Mujahideen and subsequently being nominated as the head of the Kashmir unit of Al-Qaeda, is often invoked in protests and slogans are raised in his favour on almost every other occasion. Be it a protest over braid chopping or funeral of a militant, Musa has struck a chord with people that makes him relevant to the prevailing discourse on Kashmir. On Thursday evening, the UJC, an umbrella group of more than 40 militant outfits operating out of Pakistan, issued a statement asking people to be vigilant and cautious, about the design of the agencies, who, according to the umbrella group, are "playing a dangerous game in the name of Islamic State and Al Qaeda using the facade of Zakir Musa. Syed Sadakat Hussain, a spokesperson for the United Jehad Council said in a statement to local news agency in capital Srinagar that Indian Intelligence Agencies are busy in hatching conspiracies and are trying to use the paid agents and stooges to weaken the ongoing Freedom Struggle in Kashmir and trying hard to give the Islamic State and Al Qaeda colour to indigenous movement of Kashmir." "A new Ikhwan is being created for the past several months in the name of Islamic State and Al-Qaeda using the facade of Zakir Musa. Paid Indian agents are being recruited for this brigade. They are being hailed by Indian media and impression is given these paid agents are the real heroes of Kashmir Freedom Struggle, he said. Musa was named the head of Ansar Ghazwat-Ul-Hind, an offshoot of al-Qaeda, for the Valley in late July this year, after he parted ways with the Hizbul Mujahideen, comprising mostly of local Kashmiris, and threatening to behead the Hurriyat leaders in the main city centre of Srinagar, Lal Chowk, who describe the ongoing crisis in Kashmir as a political struggle. At that time Syed Salahuddin, the head of United Jihad Council, had said that there is no scope or room for any international organisations like Islamic State and Al Qaeda, we dont need them nor is there any necessity for their presence. The fresh statement has put the Hizbul in a tight spot, with the popularity of Musa group', as it is widely known in Kashmir, increasing manifold while the man leading the group himself has caught public imagination, especially among the youngsters. So is Musa taking away the limelight from Hizbul? While the heads of security agencies in Kashmir have often stressed on the fact that Al Qaeda and Islamic State have no presence in Kashmir, the rise of Musa in the popularity graph is dispelling many myths and demolishing the narratives of convenience. Should there be a rethink? The number of militants aligned to Musas group is not more than 12 and they have not carried out any major attack, according to police sources, but the scale of his popularity is moving from one high to another. If you want to witness it yourself, go and attend the funeral of the next militant killed either in north or south Kashmir. Go and watch the protests that follow, the madness that unfolds, the slogans that rhyme with the name Musa', it is all surreal. So much so that after a braid chopping incident recently in Srinagar and the subsequent protests, the protesters ended up raising Musa Musa, Zakir Musa slogans. Politically conscious of their struggle getting wrongly bracketed with the so-called Islamism, Kashmiris loath the very name of Musa in private conversation and what he has come to preach. And many people have also openly opposed his idea of Caliphate'. The graph of his popularity is so strong and consistent that his way of speaking up against the traditional ways of separatist politics and Kashmiri militant outfits, who have time and again distanced themselves from the global pan Islamic militant outfits, has only soared his ratings. Till now, the war of words has never been so open between the UJC and Zakir Musa group as it is today. The UJC has indirectly, if one goes by their press statement, branded Musa as an Indian agent, a phrase used for mainstream politicians in valley. Director General of Police, S P Vaid told The New Indian Express that Musa is "following radical militant outfits like Islamic State and Al Qaeda is dangerous. Musa isnt close to us or working with us at all. As far as I know, I dont think he is close to any of our agencies. If he comes in front of us, we wont spare him. For us, anybody who holds a gun and opens fire at us is a terrorist, Vaid told The New Indian Express. The fresh war of words also comes at a time when the Hizb and Lashkar have faced the wrath of the operation all-out launched by the Indian army in Kashmir in which Musa's group also has lost few comrades and the two outfits' backs have been broken. More than 160 militants have been in valley this year, the highest in almost a decade. Inspector General of Police Munir Khan recently told Firstpost that the progress by the army in curbing the infiltration on the LoC next year as snow melts will help the force in tackling the militants in hinterland. Musa has not yet responded to the allegations of the UJC. Given his past behaviour, he may not react at all. Whatever happens in the coming weeks and months in the valley will set the agenda for counter insurgency operations. But how will the fresh remarks against Musa play in the valley, and will it have an impact on the ground, only time will tell. Kolkata: The value of declared assets of BJP has increased from Rs 122.93 crore in 2004-05 to Rs 893.88 crore in 2015-16 while that of Congress has risen from Rs 167.35 crore to Rs 758.79 crore, according to the NGOs Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Election Watch. The value of assets of Trinamool Congress has seen a jump from Rs 0.25 crore to Rs 44.99 crore during this 11-year period, according to the figures released by ADR and Election Watch at a press conference, quoting declarations by the parties before the Election Commission. The total value of assets of CPM has increased during the period by 383.47 per cent from Rs 90.55 crore to Rs 437.78 crore, ADR national coordinator Anil Verma said. "The increase in value of assets of CPI has been the lowest, from Rs 5.56 crore to Rs 10.18 crore," he said. The value of assets of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has gone up from Rs 43.09 crore to Rs 559.01 crore and that of Nationalist Congress Party from Rs 1.6 crore to Rs 14.54 crore, Verma said. Verma said that declarations under 'other assets' are not easily verifiable. "While details are specific under fixed assets, loans and advances, FDR/deposits, TDS and investments, details are not available about assets under the heading 'other assets'. "The increase in assets of the seven national parties from 2004-05 to 2015-16 has had the highest rise under 'other assets' among all asset heads -- from Rs 108.655 crore to Rs 1605.114 crore," Verma said. "BJP has the highest capital at present after declaring Rs 868.889 crore, followed by Rs 557.38 crore of BSP and Rs 432.64 crore of CPM," Verma said. Patna: RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Thursday said Lord Ram will punish the BJP as it has been doing politics in his name. "It is wrong and unethical to play politics in the name of Lord Ram," the former Bihar chief minister told the media on the occasion of Diwali. Lalu Prasad also attacked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for allegedly doing "political drama" in the name of Ram. Lalu Prasad said everyone was free to practise his or her religion and offer prayers. "But BJP leaders, particularly Yogi, have been doing political drama. People understand this drama in the name of religion." He said he was sure the BJP would be punished by Lord Ram for misusing his name for political gains. "The BJP-led central government has made life difficult for the poor due to domenetisation. Poor people are struggling for survival. For this Lord Ram would finish off the RSS and the BJP because Lord Ram is in the heart of all the people in the country." Bengaluru: Karnataka PCC chief G Parameshwara on Friday said non-declaration of chief ministerial candidate before Assembly polls will not have any impact on the party prospects as it has not been the convention even at the time of Devaraj Urs. "In Karnataka, at no point of time Congress has ever declared a chief ministerial candidate. Even in the times of Urs - one of the tallest Congress leaders, we never declared chief ministerial candidate before polls," he told PTI in an exclusive interview. Ahead of the 2018 polls, the BJP has already announced state party president BS Yeddyurappa as the chief ministerial candidate. Parameshwara said though it could be a convention in Karnataka, there are exceptions as well, like Amarinder Singh and Virbhadra Singh, who were declared chief ministerial candidates before Punjab and Himachal Pradesh elections. Replying to a query, Parameshwara said he does not feel sidelined after the high command announced that it would contest the Assembly polls under the leadership of Siddaramaiah. "Party president is supreme when the party is in Opposition, but when it is running the government, the onus lies on chief minister to deliver programmes of the party. So, he is in a better position to lead the party on or before the polls," he said. Moreover, Parameshwara said the ultimate authority lies with the High Command which would, as per convention, approve the chief minister's name as recommended by the Congress Legislative Party (CLP). "If CLP elects Siddaramaiah and high command approves it, we will accept it. High command is supreme for us. There will absolutely be no problem," he said. Asked whether he is satisfied with Siddaramaiah's performance as the chief minister, Parameshwara said whether somebody likes it or not, he deserves all the credit. "Shouldn't I be giving credit to Siddaramaiah's government? I, myself was a part of the government as the home minister for 20 months. Can I now say he doesn't deserve the accolades? No I cannot do that," he said. About allegations against Karnataka party incharge and MP KC Venugopal in connection with the Kerala solar scam, and its impact on poll prospects, Parameshwara said he is not a contestant, but a strategist. "If he (Venugopal) is an electoral contestant, then, yes, let the entire BJP leadership go and defeat him. He is a strategist giving us suggestions to win the election. We know to handle bad press and BJP tirade," he added. Also, people have rejected these allegations against Venugopal as they elected him twice after his name surfaced in the solar scam, Parameshwara said. Moreover, these are mere allegations which have not been proved so far and he is not the only one, but 20 others who are facing allegations, he said. Venugopal in April 2016 had filed a criminal case against prime accused in the solar scam, Saritha S Nair, and two TV Malayalam news channels at a court in Kochi, alleging they hatched a conspiracy to defame him by airing a news item in the media. And the main roads of Ayodhya Were scattered with flowers And the perfume of incense By the rejoicing citizens; And massive trees, tall as torches, Turned night into day; And there was noisy joy At the crossroads And the city of Ayodhya, teeming with crowds.... I was reminded of the above lines, discovered in an internet-less world almost a quarter of a century ago from a translation of Valmiki's Ramayana, and used as the quote to begin a chapter titled 'Ayodhyakand' of my book The Demolition: India At The Crossroads. The lines were used by the sagely poet to depict imagined scenes in the mythological city on the day Lord Ram and his retinue, including Sita, triumphantly returned home after having vanquished Ravana. On Wednesday, a new version of the Ramlila was enacted, replete with a new and unprecedented mix of mythology and politics. Unparalleled because this was the first time that a Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh so unabashedly used state infrastructure to display personal religiosity. Even the previous BJP chief minister, Rajnath Singh, who ruled the state a decade and a half ago, did not demonstrate such gumption. But Yogi Adityanath did not test legal injunctions, and official functions were way away from the disputed site. His visit to the shrine too was deemed personal, demonstrating that the entire event was little but a calibrated strategy aimed to convey a sense of make-belief. For the moment, Adityanath had brought back the Ram Temple debate into the nation's spotlight without attracting censure from the courts. Wednesday's scenes were extraordinary because the record-breaking event was mounted a day prior to the mythical return of the prince of Ayodhya, scheduled so because Adityanath had a date with divinity and followers on Diwali day at his Gorakhpur mutt. Wednesday's celebrations were also laced with irony because the bar which was bettered was previously set by the now-fallen Gurmeet Ram Rahim. In a theatre that is largely based on the fertile imaginations of writers down the ages, this fact opens up myriad ways to script the next episode. There, however, is no denying that Adityanath stole the unexpressed imagination of people to light lakhs of diyas. He knew that images of the lamps, set against the banks of the river, with temples as a backdrop, were emotive enough to shower religious blessings on him and secure political support. Wednesday's event, and the excitement which spilled over into Thursday, coupled with the project to erect a gigantic statue of Lord Ram, will be sufficient to deflect attention from the seemingly impossible task of beginning construction of a Ram Temple at the disputed site in the near future. From the yet unattainable temple in Ayodhya, the faithful can now be rallied with a new battle cry: Pseudo-secularists have a problem with Diwali celebrations in Ayodhya and erecting a state of Lord Ram there. A new goal has been raised most skillfully. Without going into details, suffice to state that legal complications and a multitude of parties from both sides will not make the path to build a temple easy. An inability to make progress on the temple would have discredited BJP and Adityanath. The statue is thus this "alternate project", while celebrating Diwali a day before Diwali is showcased as an "achievement". Significantly, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister's presence in the temple town underscores the duality of the BJP, more specifically the Narendra Modi-Yogi Adityanath combine. While the prime minister stuck to his routine of visiting defence outposts and spending time with soldiers his "family" on icy heights, the chief minister stuck to the basics, his as well as his party's. For him, his helicopter ride is limited to the pushpak viman to cart Ram Lila artistes to Ayodhya. Despite the impression gaining ground that Adityanath's heart is not really into the back-bending governance schedule, and though he's being seen as someone who frequently goes incognito, to tend to his priestly duties at the Gorakhpur mutt, Adityanath is showcased as a "Hindutva icon" in other states. The Sangh Parivar has advertised Adityanath in Kerala and Gujarat. In Kerala, his principle objective was to sharpen inter-community polarisation, while in Gujarat he was tasked with raking up the images that the original 'Hindu Hriday Samrat' once used to. It suggests that till the time BJP believes that Modi's 'Vikas Purush' countenance will fetch dividends, the previous facade shall be donned by Adityanath. After Adityanath became the surprise pick to head the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, the supposition was that he would have two avenues to choose from: He could either be the Hindutva hardliner ready to take over the mantle from Modi at some point in time when it is necessary; or he could model himself on Modi, leave his rabid hardliner image behind, and reinvent himself as a messiah of development, a path that Modi himself promised to show the electorate during the campaign. With the successful event in Ayodhya, Adityanath has settled the matter: His government will focus little on development matters, and instead stick to the cultural nationalist agenda. The task in the temple-town is not really about development or improving the lot of the people, but it's all about creating infrastructure to promote religious tourism. This remains the primary objective, though Adityanath has been distributing acceptance letters to applicants for grants under the PM Awaas Yojana, and handing out letters providing free electricity connections under the recently launched Saubhagya scheme. These programmes were organised just to justify Adityanath's trip to Ayodhya as official. The Diwali bash in Ayodhya has cemented Adityanath's position in the pantheon of BJP leaders, but only as rabble-rouser. Evidence of this is the recognition of his "skills" by the Sivakasi cracker industry movers. A picture from Allahabad has been doing the rounds, and has various brands reflecting the mood of the times like every year. 'GST Kaala Saanp', 'Notebandi phus phus anars', 'Akhilesh bomb' with the tagline 'Dikh Raha Hain Dum', 'Chamakta sitara anar' with a photograph of Rahul Gandhi, 'Dharam se gire Modi rocket', 'Sabke man ko bhaye Priyanka fuljhari' these are some of the latest firecrackers in shops this year. But it's the one with Adityanath's picture that is indicative of the Uttar Pradesh chief minister's prowess: 'Yogi chetavni chatai', it says. Indeed, Adityanath's entire political message seems to be just one word: Warning! But because he has refused to become politically ambidextrous like Modi did with Hindutva and the development narrative, Adityanath's acceptability in a wider constituency will be always in question. At the moment, however, he is being seen as a fall-back option by the leadership. Mumbai: The lone MNS corporator in the BMC who did not cross over to the Shiv Sena has alleged that he was "indirectly offered money" to switch sides and demanded a probe by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) into the recent defection by six MNS corporators. However, Dilip Lande, who was among the six corporators who left the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), rejected the charge levelled by Sanjay Turde and said they were ready for a probe. He also threatened to sue Turde, who made the allegation in a letter written to the ACB on 18 October, nearly a week after six of the seven corporators of the Raj Thackeray-led MNS joined the Shiv Sena. Turde said one of the then MNS corporators approached him on 12 October and "indirectly offered money" to switch sides. He also claimed that they promised him that such a move would boost his political career. "On the sidelines of a ward council meeting on 12 October, Dilip Lande called me at around 1 pm and enquired whether I would want to join the Shiv Sena. "He told me that six corporators have decided to join the Shiv Sena and if I do so, then I would never fall short of money, besides it will give a boost to my political career," Turde alleged in the letter. "I suspect that in this process there must have been illegal financial transactions involving huge amounts. Therefore, I request that a detailed investigation be conducted into it," the corporator from ward number 166 in Kurla said. When contacted, Lande said Turde was contradicting his own statement and that he would sue Tarde for "defaming" him and his party. "A few days back, Turde told reporters that he was not offered any money and now he is contradicting himself and making allegations that he was offered money. "I too request the ACB or any other agency to conduct a probe and when I come clean, I will sue him for defaming me and my party," Lande said. On 15 October, MNS chief Raj Thackeray had alleged that the Uddhav Thackeray-led party played "dirty politics of money" by paying Rs 5 crore to each of the corporators who switched sides. Meanwhile, BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, in a video message, on Friday said he would meet the officials of the ACB and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and seek an investigation into the alleged "bribe case". Jai Ho Foundation, a city-based NGO, had earlier written a letter to Maharashtra Lokayukta demanding a probe into the matter. AP Tech giant Google has briefed the House and Senate intelligence committees ahead of two 1 November hearings that will examine Russian efforts to influence US elections through social media. Officials from Google talked to investigators behind closed doors in recent weeks as part of the committees' probes into Russian meddling in last year's election, according to people familiar with the briefings. The people declined to be named because the meetings were private. The panels have recently focused on the spread of false news stories and propaganda on social media and have pressured Google, along with Twitter and Facebook, to provide any evidence of Russian efforts to intervene on their platforms. Facebook recently provided three congressional committees with more than 3,000 ads they had traced to a Russian internet agency and told investigators of their contents. Twitter also briefed Congress last month and handed over to Senate investigators the profile names, or ``handles,'' of 201 accounts linked to Russians. While both of those companies have made public statements about their efforts to discover those accounts, Google has declined to publicly confirm reports that it has also discovered Russia-linked ads on its platforms, such as Google Search and YouTube. It is unclear what Google discussed with the investigators, or whether the company turned over any information. Google has also declined so far to say whether it will attend the 1 November hearings. The Senate and House intelligence panels have invited Facebook, Twitter and Google to testify at separate hearings that day. Republican Rep. Mike Conaway of Texas, the head of the House investigation, said last week that he expects all three companies to attend. PTI Search engine giant Google has emerged as the most authentic brand in the country, followed by Microsoft, Amazon, Maruti Suzuki and Apple, according to New York-based global communications firm Cohn & Wolfe. Sony, YouTube, BMW, Mercedes Benz and British Airways are the other brands to feature in the top 10. The communications firm, part of WPP group, noted that Indian consumers are becoming more positive in their perceptions of brand authenticity. About 67 per cent of Indian consumers are more likely to buy from brands perceived as authentic, it said in its 2017 Authentic Brands Study for India, a part of a global consumer survey on the role of authenticity in business. It observed that in India, 37 per cent of respondents perceived brands to be open and honest compared to a global average of 22 per cent. Similarly, 38 per cent of consumers surveyed in India agreed that brands take full responsibility for their actions, compared to the global average of 25 per cent. "Brands that behave and communicate with authenticity will build better relationships with customers and deliver improved user experiences. To differentiate their offerings and grow market share, our research shows that brands in India need to focus on the three drivers of authenticity ? reliable, respectful and real," Cohn & Wolfe Asia Pacific President Matt Stafford said. E-commerce giant Amazon is ranked as the worlds most authentic brand, followed by Apple, Microsoft, Google and PayPal. Technology brands comprise 70 per cent of the top 10 most authentic global brands. The study is based on a combination of primary and secondary research, including surveys on more than 1,400 brands conducted in May and June this year, with over 15,000 respondents in 15 markets -- Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. AFP Scientists at Japans space agency have discovered a huge moon cave that could one day house a base that would shelter astronauts from dangerous radiation and wild temperature swings, officials said Thursday, 19 October. Data taken from Japans SELENE lunar orbiter has confirmed the existence of the 50 kilometre (31 miles) long and 100 metre wide cavern that is believed to be lava tube created by volcanic activity about 3.5 billion years ago. The major finding was published this week in US science magazine Geophysical Research Letters. Weve known about these locations that were thought to be lava tubesbut their existence has not been confirmed until now, Junichi Haruyama, a researcher at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, told AFP on Thursday. The underground tunnel, located under an area called the Marius Hills, would help protect astronauts from huge swings in temperature and damaging radiation that they would be exposed to on the moons surface, he added. We havent actually seen the inside of the cave itself so there are high hopes that exploring it will offer more details, Haruyama said. The announcement comes after Japan in June revealed ambitious plans to put an astronaut on the Moon around 2030. That was the first time the agency had said it aimed to send an astronaut beyond the International Space Station. The idea is to first join a NASA-led mission in 2025 to build a space station in the moons orbit, as part of a longer-term effort by NASA to reach Mars. The US also announced the country is committed to send astronauts to the moon. We will return American astronauts to the moon, not only to leave behind footprints and flags, but to build the foundations we need to send Americans to Mars and beyond, US Vice President Mike Pence said this month. China and India are also developing their space programmes. In November, Chinas Shenzhou-11 spacecraft returned to Earth, bringing home two astronauts from the rising powers longest-ever orbital mission. Beijing has also unveiled illustrations of a Mars probe and rover it aims to send to the Red Planet at the end of the decade. NASA and other global space agencies are working hard on sending astronauts to Mars by the 2030s. tech2 News Staff In another incident of discrimination, a Tesla worker has filed a lawsuit against the electric car maker alleging harassment. Jorge Ferro, one of the employees at Tesla spoke against the discrimination that he faced at the workplace. Jorge Ferro said that he was taunted for being gay and threatened with violence. His complaint against these acts to the manager too couldn't bring any change in the situation. In a statement to The Guardian, Ferro claims that his batch was taken away by an HR representative for having an 'injury' that prevented him from working at the company. The company defended itself against the charges stating, 'There is no company on earth with a better track record than Tesla' as reported by The Guardian. According to the report, three other black men working at Tesla filed a lawsuit against racial abuse and harassment that they faced while working at the company. Jorge Ferro started working as an assembly line production worker at Tesla's manufacturing plant in Fremont, California in 2016. A series of statements issued by the company mentions the allegations as 'Unmeritorious'. Tesla recently fired 400 employees including associates, team leaders and supervisors under its company-wide annual review system. The company stated in a statement said that the employees were fired based on their performance and productivity. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission will host an open house Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Huntsdale State Fish Hatchery. The hatchery is at 195 Lebo Road, Carlisle. Bureau of Hatcheries Director Brian Wisner will make a presentation, and a presentation will also be made to former Huntsdale State Fish Hatchery Manager Jim Wetherill. Self-guided tours of the facility will be available. Activities include amphibians and reptile display, habitat management displays, casting area, fish prints, stocking truck with viewer's platform, boating safety information and fish feeder truck. Light refreshments will be for sale, and fishing licenses and commission history books will also be for sale. Spawning demonstrations will be held at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., and trout stocking will take place at Yellow Breeches Creek at 3:45 p.m. General public parking for the open house will be at the Penn Township Fire Company on Pine Road off of Centerville Road (take the Newville exit off of I-81 and turn on to Centerville Road). A shuttle bus will then provide transportation from the parking lot to the hatchery. Vehicles displaying a person-with-disability placard should drive directly to the Visitor's Center entrance for wheelchair accessibility. AFP Samsung on Wednesday announced it is upgrading its Bixby digital assistant and making it available for a range of connected devices, setting up a clash with Amazon's Alexa and others competing for leadership in artificial intelligence. The South Korean electronics giant, which is the world's biggest smartphone maker, launched Bixby last year but only for its own flagship Galaxy handsets. The new Bixby 2.0 will be open to developers in a move to put the personal assistant on more devices, the company announced at its developer conference in San Francisco. "Bixby 2.0 will be ubiquitous, available on any and all devices," said Eui-Suk Chung, Samsung executive vice president, in a blog post. "This means having the intelligence of Bixby, powered by the cloud, act as the control hub of your device ecosystem, including mobile phones, TVs, refrigerators, home speakers, or any other connected technology you can imagine." The move puts Samsung and Bixby squarely in competition with Alexa, the artificial intelligence program powering Amazon's connected speakers and on many third-party devices including appliances and cars. Also competing in the space are Google and Microsoft, which have their own digital assistants that can be used for smart homes and connected vehicles. While the first iteration of Bixby drew mixed reviews, Chung said the 2.0 version will be "a powerful intelligent assistant platform that will bring a connected experience that is ubiquitous, personal, and open." He called Bixby 2.0 "a fundamental leap forward" for digital assistants. "Today's assistants are useful, but ultimately still play a limited role in people's lives," Chung said. "People use them to set timers and reminders, answer trivial questions, etc. We see a world where digital assistants play a bigger role, an intelligent role, where one day everything from our phones, to our fridge, to our sprinkler system will have some sort of intelligence to help us seamlessly interact with all the technology we use each day." When Bixby was introduced, it was billed as a system to control nearly all tasks in smartphone applications to make the devices simpler to control. Samsung last year bought Viv, an artificial intelligence startup with co-founders who were part of the team that built virtual assistant Siri, used in Apple devices. Speaking at the WSJD Live conference this week, Samsung Next president David Eun said, "When we think about Bixby, we don't think about it as a voice gateway on a single device. We think of it as a service across all devices in the home TVs, appliances, even cars." Richmond (US): Barack Obama has returned to the campaign trail for the first time in months, railing against the "politics of division" after keeping a low profile and avoiding direct confrontation with his White House successor. Speaking at a rally in New Jersey to support a Democratic Party candidate for governor on Thursday, the former president took aim at the fear and bitterness that marked the 2016 campaign which led to Donald Trump's presidency. "What we can't have is the same old politics of division that we have seen so many times before, that dates back centuries," Obama said at the event in Newark for Phil Murphy. "Some of the politics we see now, we thought we put that to bed. That's folks looking 50 years back. It's the 21st Century, not the 19th Century." Obama was also scheduled to appear at a Richmond event to support his party's gubernatorial candidate in Virginia. Voters in both states will decide the contests on 7 November, exactly one year after Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton and stormed into the White House on a wave of anti-establishment fury. The races are potential indicators of voter sentiment ahead of the 2018 mid-term elections, which will be a major test for Trump and his Republican Party. University of Virginia political science professor Larry Sabato said the New Jersey and Virginia governor races are the only "big elections" for 2017. "What's at stake is bragging rights headed into the 2018 midterm elections," Sabato told AFP. Obama has remained largely detached from the political debate since leaving office on 20 January, in keeping with presidential tradition. He waded in gingerly in New Jersey, and it was unclear if he would deliver a more emphatic anti-Trump message in Richmond. After three months of vacation, Obama began writing his memoirs. He has said little in public and granted almost no interviews. The few times Obama broke his silence was to comment on issues of national importance, such as immigration, health care and climate change. Beijing: China on Thursday asked the US to shed its "biased views" and work with Beijing to uphold the momentum for a steady and sound relations, a day after the top American diplomat lashed out at the Chinese model of funding infrastructure projects and developmental activities. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang also said that Beijing is "happy" over the development of ties between India and US as long as they are conducive to regional peace. In a major India-policy speech on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had highlighted the need for collaborating with New Delhi on offering alternative model of financing infrastructure projects and economic development to that of China whom he described as "predatory economics". He had lashed out at the Chinese model of funding infrastructure projects and developmental activities, saying it does not create jobs and results in enormous levels of debt. Playing down Tillerson's criticism of China and his remarks to deepen ties with India, Lu told reporters in Beijing that the US should take a more objective look at China's development. "China steadfastly upheld the international order with the UN at the core and based on the purposes and principles of UN charter we will firmly uphold the multilateralism yet we will also firmly safeguard our own interests and rights," he said while responding to a question on Tillerson's remarks. The US diplomat had branded China a "predatory rule breaker" specially in the South China Sea and leaving countries in debt. China hopes that Washington can look China's development in an "objective way" as well as China's role in the international community, Lu said. The US should "abandon its biased views on China and work with it towards the same goal to uphold the momentum for a steady and sound China relations", Lu said. "We are happy to see the development of relations between these India and the US as long as they are conducive to the peaceful development of the region and enhancement of relations among the regional countries," he said. Tillerson's strong comments coincided with China's once-in-a-five-year congress of the ruling Communist Party of China which is set to endorse a second term for President Xi Jinping. On 17 October, a top official of the CPC told media in Beijing that Chinese firms have invested about $560 billion in different countries abroad most of it was stated to project financing. "Between 2013 and 2016 Chinese companies have invested about $560 billion overseas, paid over $100 billion in various kind of taxes to the host countries and created millions of jobs for the local communities," Tuo Zhen, spokesman of 19th Congress of the CPC said, refuting reports that China has been bringing its own workers and not hiring locally to execute several infrastructure projects that China is funding under the more than $50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). New Delhi: The India-Russia annual joint military exercises called INDRA is set to begin on Friday, officials said on Thursday. This year, all three services are involved in the 10-day exercises being conducted in Russia. The indigenously built Indian Naval ships INS Satpura and INS Kadmatt on Thursday reached Vladivostok Port. The rest of Indian contingent comprising of army and air force personnel had reached Vladivostok on Wednesday in IL-76 aircraft of the Indian Air Force. The Defence Ministry, in a statement, said the INDRA-2107 will be "a landmark event in the history of Indo-Russian defence cooperation". Scheduled to be conducted at the 249th Combined Army Range Sergiyevisky and in the Sea of Japan near Vladivostok, it is the first tri-service bilateral exercise between the two countries. In its previous nine editions, INDRA has been conducted as a single service exercise alternately between the two countries. The Indian contingent is comprising 350 personnel from army, 80 from air force, two IL 76 aircraft and one Frigate and Corvette each from the navy. Russia will be represented by approximately 1,000 troops of the 5th Army, marines and ships of Pacific Fleet and aircraft from Eastern Military District, an official release said. "INDRA-2017 will serve towards strengthening mutual confidence and interoperability as well as sharing of the best practices between the armed forces of both the countries," the statement said. "The joint tri-service exercise will be a demonstration of the increasing commitment of both nations to address common challenges across the full spectrum of operations," it added. Lahore: Mumbai attack mastermind and banned Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed's house arrest was on Thursday extended for another 30 days by a Judicial Review Board of Pakistan's Punjab province. However, the board refused to allow the same in the detention of his four aides. The 30-day detention will be applicable from 24 October. Saeed's aides Abdullah Ubaid, Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdul Rehman Abid and Qazi Kashif Hussain may walk out free on the expiry of their 25 September detention order if they are not detained in any other case. Saeed and his four aides were presented before the provincial judicial review board on Thursday amid high security in the Lahore High Court. A good number of his supporters were present at the court's premises who showered rose petals on him and his aides. Police, however, stopped them from chanting slogans in favour of their leader. The three member Punjab Judicial Review Board comprising Justice Yawar Ali (head), Justice Abdul Sami and Justice Alia Neelam held the hearing. A court official told PTI after the hearing that the Home Department of Punjab government had sought three months extension to the detention of Saeed and others under public safety law. "The judicial board after listening to the arguments of the governments law officer did not entertain his request and only granted 30-day extension to Saeeds house arrest in Lahore," he said. The board also could not be convinced about keeping Saeeds four aides in detention beyond the expiry of 25 September detention order for a month and dismissed the governments plea for further extension to their detention, he said. The government may arrest Saeed's four aides in any other case on expiry of their detention period in last week of this month, the official added. Under the law, the government can detain a person for up to 90 days under different charges but for an extension to that detention it needs approval from a judicial review board. Last Saturday, the Punjab Home Department had withdrawn its request from federal judicial review board to seek extension to detention of Saeed and others under "Anti-Terrorism Act". According to the Home Department, the government did not require extension of Saeed and his four accomplices under the Anti-Terrorism Act any more. Explaining as to why the government withdrew its application seeking extension to detention of Saeed and others, the Punjab government said since it has extended the detention of Saeed and four others for the last week of this month under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance 1960 it does not require to have their house arrest extended under the anti-terror law. On 31 January, Saeed and four others were detained by the Punjab government for 90 days under preventative detention under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. However, the last two extensions were made on the 'public safety law'. The Jamat-ud-Dawah (JuD) has already been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the United States in June 2014. The JuD chief carries a reward of $10 million announced by the US for his role in terror activities. Islamabad: Pakistan's anti-graft court on Thursday indicted ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter and son-in-law in a corruption case related to the Avenfield properties in London. The case was one of the three cases registered by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on 8 September against 67-year-old Sharif, his children and son-in-law in the Accountability Court in Islamabad. The cases were registered weeks after the Supreme Court disqualified Sharif as prime minister on 28 July in the Panama Papers scandal. The accountability court indicted Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Captain (retired) Mohammad Safdar in the London properties reference even though Sharif and lead defence counsel Khawaja Haris are both out of the country. Sharif was indicted in the presence of his representative Zafir Khan. Sharif was also indicted in Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metal Establishment corruption but he pleaded not guilty through his representative Zafir Khan. His sons Hasan and Husain are co-accused in both Avenfiled flats and Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metal Establishment references but their trial would be held separately as they have refused to appear in the court so far. Sharif's daughter has been charged with being the beneficial owner of the Avenfield flats, while her spouse Safdar as an accomplice. He is also accused of not declaring these "assets" at the time of election in 2013. The court adjourned the hearing in the Avenfield flats reference case till 26 October, when formal trial would start. Meanwhile, the court adjourned hearing in the Flagship Investments case, the third case filed by NAB against Sharif and his sons, till Friday. The court is expected to indict Sharif in this case also, though he is still in London and is sure to miss the hearing. But his legal team and representative will attend the hearing, according to his party officials. Sharif, talking to media in London, once again assailed his disqualification and termed his indictment in absence as "murder of justice". He also announced to come back before hearing of 26 October. There were also reports that he would come back on Sunday. Sharif is with his ailing wife Kulsoom, who is suffering from throat cancer and has undergone three surgeries so far. Earlier, at the start of the hearing, the defence filed application to postpone the indictment as Sharif was absent due to illness of his wife. The defence team also argued that head of Sharif's legal team Khawaja Harris was out of country due to an emergency and in his absence Sharif should not be indicted. But the court after hearing the argument rejected the application. The accountability court also rejected another application by Sharif to stop trial until a decision by the Supreme Court where Sharif has filed a petition to convert three corruption cases into one case as they all deal with the same issue of income beyond known means. The court, however, rejected the application after arguments by defence and prosecution lawyers. Sharif's team then filed a third application in the accountability court and asked that all three cases should be changed into a single case. The court also rejected it after hearing arguments. The hearing started at around 9 am and went on till after midday. The judge stopped the hearing thrice and went to his chamber to contemplate on the different applications. Maryam in a chat with reporters said that it was for the first time that "Sicilian mafia" was appearing in the court. She was referring to a term used against Sharif and his family by a Supreme Court bench which later disqualified Sharif and ordered cases against the family. "It is for the first time that first, a decision was given (about disqualification of Sharif) and now trial is being held," she said. Sharif, his ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and independent lawyers had objected to the use of phrase by the Supreme Court, saying mafia groups are seldom held accountable or appear before courts with free will. Sharif once again missed the hearing as he has not returned from London. But his daughter and son-in-law were present in the court, said Minister of State for Information Mariyum Aurangzeb. "He (Sharif) has faced courts and he believes in rule of law. He will soon come back to face the cases," she said. Earlier, the court had announced to indict the accused on 9 October 9 but postponed it till 13 October as Sharif was not present. The court during the hearing on 9 October decided to separate the trial of Husain and Hasan from Sharif and his daughter and son-in-law. It also ordered to start the process of declaring proclaimed offender to Sharif's son Husain and Hasan for failing to appear before the court. Heavy security arrangements were made to deal with any untoward situation. Unlike the previous hearing on 13 October when lawyers created chaos, the situation was totally different, peaceful and smooth. The cases are based on the 28 July verdict by the Supreme Court which disqualified Sharif and ordered to launch three corruption cases against him and his family and one case against finance minister Ishaq Dar. Dar has already been indicted and his trial has begun. Quetta: Unidentified men threw a grenade into a labourers hostel in the Pakistani port of Gwadar wounding 26 of them, police said on Friday, in an attack likely to raise concern about security for the Pakistani section of Chinas Belt and Road initiative. There was no claim of responsibility for the attack, one of three on Thursday in the gas-rich southwestern province of Balochistan, a key section of the plan for energy and transport links connecting western China with West Asia and Europe. They labourers were having dinner at the hostel when motorcyclists attacked them with a grenade, police official Imam Bakhsh told Reuters. Separatist rebels in Balochistan, fighting against what they see as the unfair exploitation of the provinces resources, have for years attacked energy and infrastructure projects, including the Gwadar deep-sea port on the Arabian Sea. Islamist militants also operate in Balochistan, which shares borders with both Afghanistan and Iran. Security officials have said that militants trying to disrupt construction of the Chinese economic corridor through Pakistan have killed more than 50 Pakistani workers since 2014. Pakistan has assured China that it can provide security for the $57 billion worth of projects that it plans. In the other attacks, a grenade attack at a food court in the town of Mastung, 55 kilometres from the provincial capital of Quetta, wounded 15 people, a police official said. In the third attack, gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire at paramilitary soldiers killing one and wounding four in the west of the province. On Wednesday, a suicide car-bomber rammed a police bus in Quetta killing five policemen and two passers-by. The Pakistani Taliban claimed that attack. A suicide bombing claimed by Islamic State at a Sufi Muslim shrine in Baluchistan this month killed 22 people and wounded more than 30. Islamabad: Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif was on Friday indicted by an anti-graft court in a third case of corruption related to his investments abroad and in other offshore companies. Accountability Court judge Mohammad Bashir charged 67-year-old Sharif in absentia for holding assets beyond his known sources of income, and read out a chargesheet to his pleader Zafir Khan. It was one of the three cases of corruption and money laundering registered by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against Sharif and his family on 8 September. The cases were registered after the Supreme Court disqualified Sharif as prime minister on 28 July in the Panama Papers scandal. Khan on behalf of Sharif pleaded not guilty to the charges. Sharif is in London with his ailing wife Kulsoom, who is suffering from throat cancer and has undergone three surgeries so far. Talking to media in London on Thursday, Sharif once again assailed his disqualification and termed his indictment in absence as "murder of justice". He also announced to come back before hearing on 26 October. There were also reports that he would come back on Sunday. The court in Islamabad was told that his sons Hassan and Hussain were his dependents in 1989 and 1990. However, Sharif submitted a record of assets for Hassan from 1990-1995, the chargesheet read. The chargesheet observed that Sharif had held important positions in public office, including those of the chief minister and the prime minister. The Accountability Court on Thursday indicted Sharif in the Avenfield Properties and Al-Azizia Company cases through his pleader, while charges against his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Captain (retired) Muhammad Safdar were framed in the Avenfield reference in their presence. Now, Sharif has been indicted in all the three cases instituted against him. His sons Hasan and Husain are also co-accused in all three cases, but their trial would be held separately. The Sharif family pleaded not guilty to the charges, claiming that they were denied the fundamental right to a fair trial. Sharif, the former three-time prime minister, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the filing of multiple graft cases against him by the country's anti-corruption watchdog. His lawyer maintained that the multiple cases were "violative of his (Sharif's) fundamental rights" under the constitution as all the cases deal with one accusation about making assets beyond known means of income. Penela (Portugal): Raging forest fires in central Portugal . have killed at least 43 people, most of whom burnt to death in their cars, and injured scores of others, the government said on Sunday. The blazes sparked by arsonists have been fanned by strong winds from Hurricane Ophelia. Nearly 600 firefighters and 160 vehicles were dispatched late Saturday to tackle the blaze, which broke out in the afternoon in the municipality of Pedrogao Grande, before spreading fast across several fronts. Unfortunately this seems to be the greatest tragedy we have seen in recent years in terms of forest fires, a visibly moved Prime Minister Antonio Costa said. The number of fatalities could still rise, he said at the Civil Protection headquarters near Lisbon. The priority now is to save those people who could still be in danger. Portugal was sweltering under a severe heatwave Saturday, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in several regions. Some 60 forest fires broke out across the country during the night, with around 1,700 firefighters battling to put them out. Secretary of State for the Interior Jorge Gomes said 43 people burned to death, mostly trapped in their cars engulfed by flames in the Leiria region. At least 59 were injured. The flames spread with great violence, moving out on four fronts, Gomes said. It is difficult to say if they were fleeing the flames or were taken by surprise. Dry thunderstorms could have been the cause of the fatal blaze, according to the prime minister. A number of villages were affected by the main fire and evacuation procedures had been put in place for some of them, Costa added. Officials were not immediately able to comment on the extent of the damage. Spain dispatched two water-bombing planes on Sunday morning to aid the Portuguese fire service on the ground, Costa said. He also declared three days of national mourning for the victims of wildfires. My thoughts are with the victims in Portugal, EU commission head Jean-Claude Juncker tweeted. I commend the bravery of the firefighters. EU civil protection mechanism activated & will help. President Marcelo Rebelo went to the Leiria region to meet families of the victims, sharing their pain in the name of all the Portuguese people, he said. Firefighters did all they could when faced with the blaze, he added. Dozens of people who fled their homes were taken in by residents of the nearby municipality of Ansiao. There are people who arrived saying they didnt want to die in their homes, which were surrounded by flames, Ansiao resident Ricardo Tristao said. Portugal was hit by a series of fires last year which devastated more than 100,000 hectares (1,000 square kilometres) of the mainland. Washington: A North American family who were kidnapped by a Taliban faction in Afghanistan were held for five years in Pakistan before their release last week, CIA director Mike Pompeo said Thursday. The account is at odds with the Pakistani military's version of events, which said it rescued the couple and their three children born in custody after a tip-off that the family had been moved into Pakistan's semi-autonomous tribal areas from across the border in Afghanistan, where they were captured in 2012. "We had a great outcome last week, when we were able to get back four US citizens, who had been held for five years inside of Pakistan," Pompeo told a Washington policy forum. The amount of time US citizen Caitlan Coleman and her Canadian husband Joshua Boyle spent on either side of the lawless Afghan-Pakistan border is significant for US authorities. Washington suspects Pakistan of collusion with the Haqqani group, a hardline Taliban faction that targets the US-backed government in Kabul and is thought to have held the hostages. Pakistani officials secured the family's release last week, just ahead of a key visit next week by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during which he is expected to pressure Islamabad. Some US and Canadian officials have cast doubt on whether the family was rescued, hinting in North American media that the recovery was more of a "negotiated handover." "I think history would indicate that expectations for the Pakistanis' willingness to help us in the fight against radical Islamic terrorism should be set at a very low level. Our intelligence would indicate the same," Pompeo said. "I think we should have a very real conversation with them about what it is they're doing and what it is they should do and the American expectations for how they should behave," he said. US president Donald Trump wants to convince Afghan Taliban rebels that they have no hope of military victory and should try to negotiate a peace deal with Kabul. But, Pompeo said, there is no chance the Taliban will do this if their fighters continue to enjoy the benefits of a safe haven on the Pakistan side of the border. U.S. Marshals arrested Thursday a man charged in a January bank robbery in Carlisle. Terrell Lamont Waters, 44, of Harrisburg was arrested around 4:30 p.m. Thursday in the 300 block of South 13th Street by members of the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, according to a news release from the service. We place a high priority on fugitive cases in which the use or threat of violence against innocent victims occurs, said U.S. Marshal Martin Pane, who led the arrest. We will continue to work with our partners in the law enforcement community to ensure our communities throughout Pennsylvania are more secure. Carlisle police in April obtained an arrest warrant for Waters, charging him with robbery, illegal firearm possession and other offenses. Waters is accused of robbing the Members 1st Federal Credit Union at 814 W. High St. in the borough on Jan. 20 with two other people. At the time of the robbery, Waters was serving a period of state parole supervision for a 2013 conviction for robbery and illegal firearm possession. The Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole issued an arrest warrant charging Waters with absconding from supervision. Washington: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will embark on a crucial trip to India and Pakistan next week as part of his week-long five-nation tour that would also take him to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Switzerland. Tillerson will make Saudi Arabia his first stop on the week-long tour beginning tomorrow. He will take part in the inaugural Coordination Council meeting between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The Secretary will also meet with to Saudi leaders to discuss the conflict in Yemen, the ongoing Gulf crisis, Iran and a number of other important regional and bilateral issues, State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said. Tillerson will then travel to Doha, where he will meet with Qatari leaders and US military officials to discuss joint counter-terrorism efforts, the ongoing Gulf dispute and other regional and bilateral issues, including Iran and Iraq, she said in a statement. Nauert said Tillerson will then make his inaugural visit to South Asia as Secretary of State, reaffirming the Trump Administration's comprehensive strategy toward the region. In Islamabad, he will meet with senior Pakistani leaders to discuss America's continued strong bilateral cooperation, Pakistan's critical role in the success of US president Donald Trump's South Asia strategy and the expanding economic ties between the two countries, she said. The exact dates of his visits to Islamabad and New Delhi are yet to be announced. In New Delhi, Tillerson will meet with senior Indian leaders to "discuss further strengthening of our strategic partnership and collaboration on security and prosperity" in the Indo-Pacific region, Nauert said. "The Secretary's visit to India will advance the ambitious agenda laid out by President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the prime minister's visit to the White House in June," she said. Tillerson, in the first major foreign policy speech on 18 October, said the US is India's "reliable partner" at the world stage in this period of uncertainty and angst, sending a strong signal to side with India amidst China's "provocative actions" in the region. In the speech, he said the emerging Delhi-Washington strategic partnership stands upon a shared commitment upholding the rule of law, freedom of navigation, universal values and free trade. In Geneva, Tillerson will meet with the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, International Organisation for Migration, and the International Committee of the Red Cross to discuss a number of the current global humanitarian crises. Analysts can hardly complain of a lack of material from the United States on its South Asia policy. In recent weeks, at least three senior officials have given their take on different aspects of the administration's views. Secretary of Defence James Mattis had earlier expounded on the regional policy that frames the Afghanistan strategy that lies ahead. General Joseph Dunford provided the military and technical aspects of the strategy on the ground. And now, it is Secretary of State Rex W Tillerson, who provided the State Departments views on how the India-United States relationship should shape up in the coming years. In terms of the general sprinkling of quotable quotes, it was hard to beat. The allusion to India and the United States being the "two bookends of stability" will probably be a point of reference for years to come for scholars studying the bilateral relationship. Second, was the repeated references to the India-Pacific as the most consequential part of the globe in the twenty-first century, and the role of the two nations in defending a "rules-based order", and preventing the ingress of 'predatory economics'. That's a call out against China in 'font size 72'. The question, of course, is whether India wants to label and package China as a target of India-United States collaboration. New Delhi has been sending out mixed signals, which is a good thing when dealing with a highly complex country. While encouraging Chinese investors to enter India and signing off a raft of deals, India has made no secret of its opposition to the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Nor has it made a secret of its strategy in opposing Chinese influence. After all, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a pointed visit to Vietnam, prior to attending the G-20 summit last year. The offer of "Brahmos", Indias first long-range cruise missile to Hanoi, was probably the most significant signal of an increased Indian assertiveness in the region. The trouble, however, is that Beijing has a far larger purse. China responded by promising Bangladesh with loans worth about $24 billion. That made India's own credit line of $2 billion look downright paltry. Then, of course, was the Doka La incident. If China wanted India to fall into the United States' lap, it made an extremely good job of it. However, now that President Xi Jinping has crossed the high watermark of power set by even Chairman Mao, it is possible that he may be more open to overtures of friendship from New Delhi if South Block so decides. A third aspect of Tillerson's speech was the bump up given to connectivity in the region. This will fall on willing ears in South Block, even if the wake up was rather late in the day after all, the China-Pakistan corridor has been around for nearly fifteen years. The United States investment in Nepal for infrastructure projects is certainly a first and bodes well for stopping further Chinese strides into that Himalayan country. In May, Nepal signed in into the massive One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative, with deals that included two Special Economic Zones, a new international airport, and hydropower projects. The World Bank has estimated that Nepal needs some $13 billion infrastructural investment to maintain its present economic growth, and clearly this is all to the good for Kathmandu. What is potentially dangerous for India and for Kathmandu too is the likely link up to the Qinghai Tibet Railway and the Beijing Lhasa Expressway. An opening in a once unassailable Himalayan wall into India will require a seminal shift in Indian strategic thinking, not to mention, a huge shift in the direction of infrastructure and accompanying defence requirements. That leads directly to the fourth aspect outlined by Tillerson. After outlining the diverse aspects of strategic convergence between the two countries, he emphasised the need to build India's security capacity, to fulfil the diverse roles expected of it. That's the now familiar "buy our weapons" dialogue which is increasingly a common factor in relations with countries, good or bad. It was only recently that after isolating Qatar with strongarm tactics and a ganging against it, that President Donald Trump authorised sales of nearly $21 billion to the country. First, you make a war. Then you provide the toys for the military. That familiar US policy, backed as it always has been with a strong military-industrial complex, is out to the fore under Trump. In India however, a business savvy prime minister and his team want a far more substantial slice of "Make in India" and technology transfer than now apparent. This has been a recurring problem in India-US relations, though in all fairness, there is the equally perplexing problem of the ability of Indian Defense establishments to absorb that technology. New Delhi has already crafted its "Strategic Partnership" model for twinning Indian industry with foreign firms to win defence contracts. While the move is a landmark one, it still has plenty of room for improvement. One is to allow smaller firms to enter a market that is now completely in favour of the big players. The defence technology provisions are to be discussed further at the highest levels. However, this is likely to prove a deal breaker, if both sides don't do their homework. A fifth aspect was intriguing. While pointing out the importance of the trilateral relationship between the United States, India and Japan, Tillerson also opened the possibility of including Australia as part of an evolving "Security architecture" to keep the India-Pacific Ocean as part of the "global commons". Setting aside the complicated strategic language, what it means is that the United States is not ready to give up the domination of the seas that it has enjoyed for the last several decades. References to protecting the sea as part of a "global commons", means that it is however no longer sure of being able to able to do it alone. Australia has had a strong and steady relationship with the United States. Not so much with India. It has hesitated in the past at too close a defence relationship, participating only once in the Malabar naval exercises, which began as a United States-India exercise in the early 1990s. It has since expanded with the inclusion of Japan. Australia has now shown a strong interest in joining these, with a specific request prior to the July 2017 exercises. It seemed, however, that India was equally wary of antagonising China, and agreed to only an observer status. India has begun a Maritime dialogue with China in February 2016, and both have been part of anti-piracy operations as independent navies. In November, both will be part of the International Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise. Given the multiplicity of events where both navies operate, it would seem but a short step into a joint naval exercise. But in strategic terms, it is rather a giant leap forward and would be possible only if China can accept India on its own terms as a responsible and status quo power in the Indian Ocean. As yet, it shows no signs of doing that. A United States-backed security architecture will then inevitably follow if Beijing chooses to continue its zero-sum games in the Indian Ocean region. The sixth aspect of considerable interest to Indian policy-makers and analysts alike was the United States policy on Afghanistan. Pakistan was hardly referenced in the speech, apart from a dire warning to countries supporting terrorism. Unlike earlier statements from the Secretary of Defense and General Dunford, Tillerson appeared remarkably even-handed on Pakistan, even going so far as to say that it was an "important partner" to the United States. He restricted himself to only reiterating the essence of the Afghanistan strategy in response to questions. This relative passing over of the Pakistan question need not be made much of. Though it is true that the State Department has always been a little indulgent on Pakistan, Tillerson was presenting a far larger canvas for consideration of Indian policy-makers. The challenge for Indian analysts and policy-makers is to explore this enticing if dangerous landscape, and look for opportunities and be fully aware of potential dangers. An old Chinese saying applies. It is easy to dodge a spear from the front, but really impossible to do the same with an arrow from behind. Once Non-Alignment provided the solution to this quandary. Today, that luxury is no longer available. Possibly its no longer needed. It's time to stand up and be counted. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's speech, where he laid down some of the most important markers for India-US relationship, was remarkable for its clarity, vision and matter-of-fact bluntness that are rarely seen in the world of high diplomacy and statecraft. His public address at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington on Wednesday would comfortably go down as an epochal moment in bilateral ties. It was a treatise of American commitment towards India that would stretch for, in Tillerson's words, at least a 100 years. The expanse of time is significant. It indicated that the US sees long-term potential in bilateral ties and believes that a sustained, enduring and close strategic partnership between the world's oldest and the world's largest democracy would be a force for global good. Tillerson mentioned the words '100 years' three times during the course of his address describing the modalities of the relationship, the way it would pan up and eventually shape the global future. The vastness and breadth of his vision may have a rare appeal for India which suffers from commitment issues from the time of Chanakya and values fiercely its strategic autonomy even under the stewardship of a prime minister who isn't allergic to closer ties with the US. However, contrary to the general impression, Tillerson's address wasn't just fulsome praise. It was also a blunt assessment about the difficulties that mark the relationship, including a stifling business climate in India and American reluctance in sharing cutting-edge military technologies. This rare honesty prevents the speech from degenerating into a volley of encomiums and makes it an important US foreign policy document. Arguments have been made that Tillerson's precarious position in the Donald Trump administration diminishes the value of the speech and reduces it to a rhetorical goodwill. This is a misreading of the situation. Tillerson's address wasn't an extempore Twitter post but the considered expression of an institutionalised relationship that is underwritten by shared values and mutual interests. It'll be worthwhile taking a closer look at the speech and read between the lines. Before getting into his theme of the evening a free and open India-Pacific Tillerson placed the tie within the context of closer "defence ties", coordinated "counter-terrorism efforts", "expanding energy cooperation" and clarified that "Trump administration is determined to dramatically deepen ways for the United States and India to further this partnership." The mention upfront of 'strategic partnership' is deliberate. It institutionalises the relationship (given the fact that the two nations are not treaty allies), makes it more open to assessment and creates space for upgradation, if need be, in the future. He also laid out the need for US, India, Japan and Australia (democracies in the Indo-Pacific region) to form a 'quad' to take on the maritime security challenges and nudged India repeatedly to make Australia a part of New Delhi's strategic convergence moves. The reason was clear: The largest vessels from American, Indian, and Japanese navies demonstrated their power together in the Indian Ocean for the first time, setting a clear example of the combined strength of the three Indo-Pacific democracies. We hope to add others in coming years. He also said that India, who is the major defence partner of the US, will get access to military technology to rev up its capabilities and be ready for taking on the role of a 'supercop' in the region. While this was an indication that the US is ready to suit its action to words, it also was a way of pressurising India to "do more," a constant theme in the Trump administration. Tillerson's references to Pakistan were interesting. He censured Pakistan severely, while also keeping open a window of opportunity for mending of ties. Indian policy makers would have noted it, but they would be wise not to read too much into it. There is a feeling in India that Trump is falling prey to Pakistani baubles and fake promises, but there is a distinction between US policy statements and Trump's impromptu Twitter posts. Tillerson's comments suggest a more consistent approach to Pakistan policy than is being currently understood. Tillerson then delved into the theme of his address, "But another more profound transformation that's taking place, one that will have far-reaching implications for the next 100 years: The United States and India are increasingly global partners with growing strategic convergence." And thus starts the most extraordinary part of the speech where he savaged China's One Belt One Road (OBOR) plans, stated that South China Sea cannot fall prey to Chinese hegemony and suggested (albeit vaguely) an alternative model for development of Indo-Pacific region. "The emerging Delhi-Washington strategic partnership stands upon a shared commitment upholding the rule of law, freedom of navigation, universal values, and free trade. Our nations are two bookends of stability - on either side of the globe - standing for greater security and prosperity for our citizens and people around the world." The US secretary of state repeatedly stressed on the nature of the bilateral ties that it is a "strategic partnership" underwritten by many verticals and the words stem from a US belief that India punches way below its weight in exercising influence in a fluid India-Pacific region. This has been a constant theme with the Trump administration. It perhaps stems from the realisation that in order to contain the rise of China, the US could do with some help from India. The world's largest democracy after all is a natural counterbalance to China in almost every sphere from political system, to a more open, pluralistic and heterogeneous society. Tillerson's indictment of China was severe, and it came just hours after President Xi Jinping warned nations against adopting a 'Cold War-era mentality'. The message perhaps hit home. "China, while rising alongside India, has done so less responsibly, at times undermining the international, rules-based order even as countries like India operate within a framework that protects other nations' sovereignty. China's provocative actions in the South China Sea directly challenge the international law and norms that the United States and India both stand for." It is hard to find a more direct accusation. International references to South China Sea generally avoided the mention of China while dropping heavy hints about its coercive actions. The clear indictment of China could be linked to the ongoing Communist Party Congress in Beijing, where Xi is widely expected to consolidate further his power. Though Xi pointed out again during Wednesday's opening address that China believes in "peaceful rise", not many would be willing to buy that assurance. More so, when the prospect of a more powerful Xi looms at the anvil. Tillerson's statement makes it clear that the US attaches no importance to Xi's assurance. He also said that while the US values China's friendship, "we will not shrink from China's challenges to the rules-based order and where China subverts the sovereignty of neighboring countries and disadvantages the US and our friends." This should make it clear that the US played more than just the role of a by-stander during the Doka La conflict. As this Firstpost article had argued, a low-key approach from Washington was perhaps at India's behest because New Delhi didn't want to internationalise a localised conflict. Tillerson's comments indicate that if Doka La incident were to be repeated, the US might take a more proactive role. This impression is corroborated by the comments that follow soon after. "In this period of uncertainty and somewhat angst, India needs a reliable partner on the world stage. I want to make clear: with our shared values and vision for global stability, peace, and prosperity, the United States is that partner." China's rise, as indicated by Xi Jinping earlier in the day that "China will never pursue development at the expense of others' interests, but nor will China ever give up its legitimate rights and interests. No one should expect China to swallow anything that undermines its interests" raises concern about the its revanchist position on territorial sovereignty. Tillerson's assurance is meant to address India's security and sovereignty concerns vis-a-vis China. The US recognises that much of India's insecurity arises from its power imbalance with China, and addressing that insecurity is vital to persuade India to adopt a more proactive role in ensuring a "free and open India-Pacific". The US secretary of state's comments give us a window into the way American policy on India has developed over the years. There is now an increasing recognition in US State department that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's foreign policy has moved from idealism to a more realistic approach. If India can get over its Chinese insecurity, a closer strategic relationship moored on defence and economic ties in possible. "It is indeed time to double down on a democratic partner that is still rising and rising responsibly for the next 100 years. But above all, the world and the India-Pacific in particular needs the United States and India to have a strong partnership." In the course of his speech and the Q&A session that followed, Tillerson uttered the word 'partner' 34 times, and except one (where he referred to Australia), the other 33 instances referred to India. This single statistic is enough to prove the emerging dynamic of India-US bilateral relationship. "India and the United States must foster greater prosperity and security with the aim of a free and open India-Pacific," said Tillerson, adding: "The India-Pacific including the entire Indian Ocean, the Western Pacific, and the nations that surround them will be the most consequential part of the globe in the 21st century." We now come to the strategic reasons that necessitate a closer bilateral relationship. Tillerson lays down the reasons why this is the "most consequential part of the globe" in next few sentences, and explains that a greater India-US collaboration is needed to prevent India-Pacific region becoming "a region of disorder, conflict, and predatory economics." The final two words leave no space for doubt about US anxiety over China's debt-trap diplomacy, where countries are co-opted into Chinese sphere of influence by way of huge infrastructure projects bankrolled by Chinese money at terms that leave these nations firmly into China's debt-trap. Tillerson, later, goes on to lay down an alternative model of development, that tallies with India and Japan's efforts in this regard. Any assessment would remain incomplete if the irritable remain unaddressed. On a day, news emerged that US firms have approached USTR against India's medical price control measures, Tillerson revealed frustration about India's business environment. US is likely to discover, as it grows closer, that India's democracy and bureaucratic approach to policy changes prevents quick resolution. But this is a double-edged sword. When India's policy moves are implemented, these are more stable compared to its peers. Tillerson tapped the right buttons. Now, that the sizzle is here, time for the steak to arrive on table. It could take some time though. Ksenia Sobchak is many things socialite, journalist, Instagram star with 5.2 million followers, reality television presenter, covergirl on Glamour Russia, editor-in chief of L'Officiel Russia but no one expected her to announce her decision to run for Russian president, most likely against incumbent Vladimir Putin. The move would likely boost public interest in the race, but could further fragment the nation's beleaguered Opposition. "My name is Ksenia Sobchak. I am standing for president," she wrote in an open letter released in Vedomosti newspaper, to announce her campaign on Wednesday. Ksenia a frequent guest at international celebrity parties, who has modelled for Playboy, and has multiple projects to her name is the daughter of the late St. Petersburg mayor Anatoly Sobchak, widely known as Putin's mentor. On the other hand, Sobchaks mother Lyudmila Narusova sits in the Upper House of Russian Parliament. The 35-year-old studied at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, a training ground for diplomats that teems with children of the elite. She announced her intention to become a candidate in March's election in a YouTube video, arguing that Russia has grown tired of its current political elite and needs a change. 'Will fight for greater opportunities for women' Sobchak said she wants to reform the education and judicial systems in Russia, and said she also wanted greater opportunities for women in the country. "Almost 500 strenuous professions in Russia are officially closed for women. But even among the rest of careers, women's salaries are almost 30 percent lower than men's. Only some 5 percent of the country's most important companies are headed by women," she had claimed, according to RT. As per The Moscow Times, she projected herself as a "pro-business, pro-rights" candidate and spoke against gender and sexual discrimination. "I decided to exercise that right (to run for president) because I am against all of those (candidates) who usually exercise that right," she said. "When I was 18 and was studying in university, Vladimir Putin became president of Russia. Children who were born that year will go and vote themselves this year. Just think about that." Foray into politics Sharp-tongued and witty, Sobchak has often been critical of the Russian government. She joined anti-Kremlin protests in Bolotnaya Square, Moscow, in 2011-2012 but has largely avoided criticising President Vladimir Putin. She said she risked a lot by joining anti-Kremlin rallies. "My name is Ksenia Sobchak and I have something to lose," she said to boos from the crowd at the 2011 Moscow rally. She was detained by the riot police along with Opposition leader Alexei Navalny at a Moscow rally in May 2012 but was released without charge. She also frequently dropped in on a protest camp in a Moscow park the same month, sometimes in full make-up en route to the television studio. Her strong online presence she now has 1.66 million followers on Twitter and 5.2 million on Instagram gave the protests a social media megaphone. In a recent interview to Glamour Russia, she called being president "a top level art project", adding that she feels her showbiz career will help with her political bid. Voting for her would be "a legal and peaceful opportunity to say enough," she wrote. Russia's 'Paris Hilton' Initially compared to Paris Hilton on account of being a tanned blonde socialite who dabbled in showbiz, the 35-year-old Sobchak has built a successful career as a television host. She started out as a presenter on Dom-2, the low brow Russian equivalent of Big Brother, where contestants have to form couples and discuss relationships around a campfire. She also starred in her own reality show Blondinka v Shokolade which roughly translates to 'Blonde in Chocolate'. The show portrayed her as a glamourous yet accessible socialite who went shopping or spoke to friends over the phone, according to DW. The show drew flak for her frequent swearing. Sobchak later went on to host Russia's Next Top Model as well. Capitalising on her image, she released books featuring style tips and launched a perfume called Married to a Millionaire. In 2011, Forbes magazine estimated her earnings at $2.8 million, and this year it ranked her Russia's 10th best-paid celebrity, with $2.1 million. Like many Russian stars, she earns a large chunk of her income by hosting corporate events and weddings. As an MC at lavish weddings and birthdays, Sobchak rubs shoulders with the often-secretive ultra rich in Russian society, including oil and communications tycoons. In 2013, she married the film and theatre actor Maxim Vitorgan. Her friends reportedly include fashion designer Ulyana Sergeenko, model Natalia Vodianova, film director Renata Litvinova, and Elena Perminova, the model wife of Alexander Lebedev, whose family controls Britain's Evening Standard newspaper. Vladimir Putin's reaction Sobchak hasn't directly criticised Putin yet. Speaking to TV broadcaster Rain, she had said she informed Putin in advance about her intention to run, adding that it seemed to her that he hadn't liked her decision. The Kremlin said she is eligible to contest. When rumours of Sobchak's possible run for presidency started spreading, Putin told Vedomosti newspaper in September, "I have always had respect for (Ksenia's) father and regard him as an outstanding figure in modern Russian history... He was an honorable man, and played a great role in my life." However, Putin also said "personal matters can play no significant role when running for presidency" as is this case, adding that Sobchak's potential political career "depends on the political programme she offers". "Every citizen in accordance with the law has the right to run as a candidate. Sobchak is no exception," he had said. Sobchak's family and Putin have shared a close relationship. Putin even stood beside Sobchak and her mother at the graveside after her father Anatoly died of a heart attack in 2000. Sobchak has made no secret of her close ties to Putin, though the family denies rumours that he is her godfather. Some pundits, however, said Sobchak's candidacy should please the Kremlin, helping counter growing voter apathy without posing a threat to Putin. Andrei Kolesnikov, an expert with the Carnegie Moscow Center, warned that Sobchak's bid would further fragment and weaken Russia's Opposition. Opinion polls show Putin, who has dominated Russian politics for nearly two decades, will comfortably win a re-election if, as most observers expect, he decides to seek a fourth term. When rumours about Sobchak's intentions first appeared recently, Russia's most popular Opposition leader Alexei Navalny warned her on YouTube that she would play into the Kremlin's hands if she enters the race. Navalny is currently serving a 20-day jail term for organising an unsanctioned protest. Navalny has also declared his intention to enter Russia's presidential race, even though a criminal conviction that he calls politically motivated bars him from running. The 41-year-old anti-corruption crusader has organised a grassroots campaign across Russia to support his nomination. It has organised waves of protests this year, piling pressure on the Kremlin. "They need a cartoonish liberal candidate at a time when they don't want to allow me to enter the race," Navalny said in a warning to Sobchak. Sobchak has rejected Navalny's criticism, saying that if he is allowed to run, she would consider withdrawing her candidacy in his favour. She has cast herself as a "candidate against all", appealing to broad public dismay with Russia's tightly-controlled and corrupt political system. Many Russians derided Sobchak's move, saying the poll which is expected to see the participation of usual suspects like Gennady Zyuganov, the veteran leader of Russia's Communist Party was becoming ever more farcical. "I don't want to vote 'against all', I want to vote for Navalny," said one tweet. Others said it was hard to take the announcement seriously. "If this is Operation Successor, then it's a bold move," quipped Vadim Volkov, a 39-year-old manager. "It is hard to speak about this without a smile," he told AFP. Like other self-nominated candidates, Sobchak needs to gather 300,000 signatures to get registered for the race. Those nominated by parties represented in Parliament don't need to do that. The candidates haven't reached the formal registration stage, so there is no exact count of their number yet. Sobchak wouldn't discuss possible sources of funding for her campaign in a nation as vast as Russia, but her high-level connections in Russia's business world could help her bid, it is believed. With inputs from agencies On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson spoke about the relationship between India and US where he called for the two countries to expand strategic ties. He also pointedly criticised China, which he accused of challenging international norms needed for global stability. Tillerson's remarks on relations between the world's two largest democracies, ahead of his first trip to South Asia as secretary of state, risked endearing Washington to one Asian power while alienating another. Tillerson said the world needed the US and India to have a strong partnership. He said the two nations share goals of security, free navigation, free trade and fighting terrorism in the Indo-Pacific, and serve as "the eastern and western beacons" for an international rules-based order which is increasingly under strain. He also had a discussion with John J Hamre, CEO for the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Here is the full text of the statement given by Tillerson at the Center for Strategic & International Studies in Washington, DC on 18 October, 2017 as well as the discussion which followed: Secretary Tillerson: Well, thank you so much, John, and it is a real pleasure to be back in the building. And I was asking John if the building was meeting all the expectations that we had when this project was undertaken, and I see so many faces in the room that were a big part of bringing this to a reality. I think he told me theres four simultaneous events going on today, and I said, Perfect. Thats exactly what we had in mind. So I also want to thank many of you in the room for the 11 years, great years I had serving on the board of trustees here, and your mentorship of me. And I learned so much during the time I was here in those engagements. And I thank John for his friendship. He was a dear friend throughout that time. And it really has been important to my ability to do what Ive been asked to do to serve the country. So again, it is a real pleasure to be here, and thankful for the opportunity to be back in this building. So first, let me wish everyone a happy Diwali to all our friends in the United States, in India, around the world who are celebrating the Festival of Lights. Generally, fireworks accompany that. I dont need any fireworks; Im getting too many fireworks around me already. (Laughter.) So well forgo the fireworks. My relationship with India dates back to about 1998, so almost 20 years now, when I began working on issues related to Indias energy security. And Ive had many trips to the country, obviously, over those many years. And it was a real privilege to do business with the Indian counterparts then, and its been a great honor this year to work with the Indian leaders as Secretary of State. And I do look forward to returning to Delhi next week for the first time in my official capacity. This visit could not come at a more promising time for U.S.-Indian relations and the U.S.-India partnership. As many of you know, this year marks the 70th anniversary of relations between our two countries. When President Truman welcomed then-Prime Minister Nehru on his visit to Washington, he said, and I quote, Destiny willed that our country should have been discovered in the search for a new route to yours. I hope your visit, too, will be in a sense of discovery of the United States of America. The Pacific and the Indian Oceans have linked our nations for centuries. Francis Scott Key wrote what would become our national anthem while sitting aboard the HMS Minden, a ship that was built in India. As we look to the next 100 years, it is vital that the Indo-Pacific, a region so central to our shared history, continue to be free and open, and thats really the theme of my remarks to you this morning. President Trump and Prime Minister Modi are committed, more than any other leaders before them, to building an ambitious partnership that benefits not only our two great democracies, but other sovereign nations working toward greater peace and stability. Prime Minister Modis visit in June highlighted the many areas of cooperation that are already underway in this new area of our strategic relationship. Our defense ties are growing. We are coordinating our counterterrorism efforts more than ever before. And earlier this month, a shipment of American crude oil arrived in India, a tangible illustration of our expanding energy cooperation. The Trump administration is determined to dramatically deepen ways for the United States and India to further this partnership. For us today, its plain to see why this matters. India represents the worlds largest democracy. The driving force of our close relationship rests in the ties between our peoples our citizens, business leaders, and our scientists. Nearly 1.2 million American visitors traveled to India last year. More than 166,000 Indian students are studying in the United States. And nearly 4 million Indian Americans call the United States home, contributing to their communities as doctors, engineers, and innovators, and proudly serving their country in uniform. As our economies grow closer, we find more opportunities for prosperity for our people. More than 600 American companies operate in India. U.S. foreign direct investment has jumped by 500 percent in the past two years alone. And last year, our bilateral trade hit a record of roughly $115 billion, a number we plan to increase. Together, we have built a sturdy foundation of economic cooperation as we look for more avenues of expansion. The announcement of the first Global Entrepreneurship Summit ever to be hosted in South Asia, to take place in Hyderabad next month, is a clear example of how President Trump and Prime Minister Modi are promoting innovation, expanding job opportunities, and finding new ways to strengthen both of our economies. When our militaries conduct joint exercises, we send a powerful message as to our commitment to protecting the global commons and defending our people. This years Malabar exercise was our most complex to date. The largest vessels from American, Indian, and Japanese navies demonstrated their power together in the Indian Ocean for the first time, setting a clear example of the combined strength of the three Indo-Pacific democracies. We hope to add others in coming years. In keeping with Indias status as a Major Defense Partner a status overwhelmingly endorsed last year by the U.S. Congress and our mutual interest in expanding maritime cooperation, the Trump administration has offered a menu of defense options for Indias consideration, including the Guardian UAV. We value the role India can play in global security and stability and are prepared to ensure they have even greater capabilities. And over the past decade, our counterterrorism cooperation has expanded significantly. Thousands of Indian security personnel have trained with American counterparts to enhance their capacity. The United States and India are cross-screening known and suspected terrorists, and later this year we will convene a new dialogue on terrorist designations. In July, I signed the designation of Hizbul Mujahideen as a Foreign Terrorist Organization because the United States and India stand shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. States that use terror as an instrument of policy will only see their international reputation and standing diminish. It is the obligation, not the choice, of every civilized nation to combat the scourge of terrorism. The United States and India are leading this effort in that region. But another more profound transformation thats taking place, one that will have far-reaching implications for the next 100 years: The United States and India are increasingly global partners with growing strategic convergence. Indians and Americans dont just share an affinity for democracy. We share a vision of the future. The emerging Delhi-Washington strategic partnership stands upon a shared commitment upholding the rule of law, freedom of navigation, universal values, and free trade. Our nations are two bookends of stability on either side of the globe standing for greater security and prosperity for our citizens and people around the world. The challenges and dangers we face are substantial. The scourge of terrorism and the disorder sown by cyber attacks threaten peace everywhere. North Koreas nuclear weapons tests and ballistic missiles pose a clear and imminent threat to the security of the United States, our Asian allies, and all other nations. And the very international order that has benefited Indias rise and that of many others is increasingly under strain. China, while rising alongside India, has done so less responsibly, at times undermining the international, rules-based order even as countries like India operate within a framework that protects other nations sovereignty. Chinas provocative actions in the South China Sea directly challenge the international law and norms that the United States and India both stand for. The United States seeks constructive relations with China, but we will not shrink from Chinas challenges to the rules-based order and where China subverts the sovereignty of neighboring countries and disadvantages the U.S. and our friends. In this period of uncertainty and somewhat angst, India needs a reliable partner on the world stage. I want to make clear: with our shared values and vision for global stability, peace, and prosperity, the United States is that partner. And with Indias youth, its optimism, its powerful democratic example, and its increasing stature on the world stage, it makes perfect sense that the United States at this time should seek to build on the strong foundation of our years of cooperation with India. It is indeed time to double down on a democratic partner that is still rising and rising responsibly for the next 100 years. But above all, the world and the Indo-Pacific in particular needs the United States and India to have a strong partnership. India and the United States must, as the Indian saying goes, do the needful. (Laughter.) Our two countries can be the voice the world needs to be, standing firm in defense of a rules-based order to promote sovereign countries unhindered access to the planets shared spaces, be they on land, at sea, or in cyberspace. In particular, India and the United States must foster greater prosperity and security with the aim of a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Indo-Pacific including the entire Indian Ocean, the Western Pacific, and the nations that surround them will be the most consequential part of the globe in the 21st century. Home to more than three billion people, this region is the focal point of the worlds energy and trade routes. Forty percent of the worlds oil supply crisscrosses the Indian Ocean every day through critical points of transit like the Straits of Malacca and Hormuz. And with emerging economies in Africa and the fastest growing economy and middle class in India, whole economies are changing to account for this global shift in market share. Asias share of global GDP is expected to surpass 50 percent by the middle of this century. We need to collaborate with India to ensure that the Indo-Pacific is increasingly a place of peace, stability, and growing prosperity so that it does not become a region of disorder, conflict, and predatory economics. The worlds center of gravity is shifting to the heart of the Indo-Pacific. The U.S. and India with our shared goals of peace, security, freedom of navigation, and a free and open architecture must serve as the eastern and western beacons of the Indo-Pacific. As the port and starboard lights between which the region can reach its greatest and best potential. First, we must grow with an eye to greater prosperity for our peoples and those throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans. By the year 2050, India may boast the second largest economy in the world. Indias population with a median age of 25 is expected to surpass that of Chinas within the next decade. Getting our economic partnership right is critical. Economic growth flows from innovative ideas. Fortunately, there are no two countries that encourage innovation better than the United States and India. The exchange of technologies and ideas between Bangalore and Silicon Valley is changing the world. Prosperity in the 21st century and beyond will depend on nimble problem solving that harnesses the power of markets and emerging innovations in the Indo-Pacific. This is where the United States and India have a tremendous competitive advantage. Our open societies generate high-quality ideas at the speed of free thought. Helping regional partners establish similar systems will deliver solutions to 21st century problems. For that to happen, greater regional connectivity is essential. From Silk Routes to Grand Trunk Roads, South Asia was for millennia a region bound together by the exchange of goods, people, and ideas. But today it is one of the least economically integrated regions in the world; intra-regional trade has languished sitting at around 4 or 5 percent of total trade. Compare that with ASEAN, where intra-regional trade stands at 25% of total trade. The World Bank estimates that with barriers removed and streamlined customs procedures, intra-regional trade in South Asia would nearly quadruple from the current $28 billion to over $100 billion. One of the goals of greater connectivity is providing nations in the Indo-Pacific the right options when it comes to sustainable development. The Millennium Challenge Corporation is one model of how we can achieve it. The program is committed to data, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making to foster the right circumstances for private investment. Last month, the United States and Nepal signed a $500 million compact agreement the first with a South Asian nation to invest in infrastructure to meet growing electricity and transportation needs in Nepal, and to promote more trade linkages with partners in the region, like India. The United States and India must look for more opportunities to grow this connectivity and our own economic links, even as we look for more ways to facilitate greater development and growth for others in the region. But for prosperity to take hold in the Indo-Pacific, security and stability are required. We must evolve as partners in this realm too. For India, this evolution will entail fully embracing its potential as a leading player in the international security arena. First and foremost, this means building security capacity. My good friend and colleague Secretary Mattis was in Delhi just last month to discuss this. We both eagerly look forward to the inaugural 2+2 dialogue, championed by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, soon. The fact that the Indian Navy was the first overseas user of the P-8 maritime surveillance aircraft, which it effectively fields with U.S. Navy counterparts, speaks volumes of our shared maritime interests and our need to enhance interoperability. The proposals the United States has put forward, including for Guardian UAVs, aircraft carrier technologies, the Future Vertical Lift program, and F-18 and F-16 fighter aircraft, are all potential game changers for our commercial and defense cooperation. The United States militarys record for speed, technology, and transparency speaks for itself as does our commitment to Indias sovereignty and security. Security issues that concern India are concerns of the United States. Secretary Mattis has said the worlds two greatest democracies should have the two greatest militaries. I couldnt agree more. When we work together to address shared security concerns, we dont just protect ourselves, we protect others. Earlier this year, instructors from the U.S. and Indian Armies came together to build a UN peacekeeping capacity among African partners, a program that we hope to continue expanding. This is a great example of the U.S. and India building security capacity and promoting peace in third countries and serving together as anchors of peace in a very tumultuous world. And as we implement President Trumps new South Asia strategy, we will turn to our partners to ensure greater stability in Afghanistan and throughout the region. India is a partner for peace in Afghanistan and we welcome their assistance efforts. Pakistan, too, is an important U.S. partner in South Asia. Our relationships in the region stand on their own merits. We expect Pakistan to take decisive action against terrorist groups based within their own borders that threaten their own people and the broader region. In doing so, Pakistan furthers stability and peace for itself and its neighbors, and improves its own international standing. Even as the United States and India grow our own economic and defense cooperation, we must have an eye to including other nations which share our goals. India and the United States should be in the business of equipping other countries to defend their sovereignty, build greater connectivity, and have a louder voice in a regional architecture that promotes their interests and develops their economies. This is a natural complement to Indias Act East policy. We ought to welcome those who want to strengthen the rule of law and further prosperity and security in the region. In particular, our starting point should continue to be greater engagement and cooperation with Indo-Pacific democracies. We are already capturing the benefits of our important trilateral engagement between the U.S., India, and Japan. As we look ahead, there is room to invite others, including Australia, to build on the shared objectives and initiatives. India can also serve as a clear example of a diverse, dynamic, and pluralistic country to others a flourishing democracy in the age of global terrorism. The sub-continent is the birthplace of four of the worlds major religions, and Indias diverse population includes more than 170 million Muslims the third-largest Muslim population in the world. Yet we do not encounter significant number of Indian Muslims among foreign fighters in the ranks of ISIS or other terrorist groups, which speaks to the strength of Indian society. The journey of a democracy is never easy, but the power of Indias democratic example is one that I know will continue to strengthen and inspire others around the world. In other areas, we are long overdue for greater cooperation. The more we expand cooperation on issues like maritime domain awareness, cybersecurity, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, the more the nations in the Indo-Pacific will benefit. We also must recognize that many Indo-Pacific nations have limited alternatives when it comes to infrastructure investment programs and financing schemes, which often fail to promote jobs or prosperity for the people they claim to help. Its time to expand transparent, high-standard regional lending mechanisms tools that will actually help nations instead of saddle them with mounting debt. India and the United States must lead the way in growing these multilateral efforts. We must do a better job leveraging our collective expertise to meet common challenges, while seeking even more avenues of cooperation to tackle those that are to come. There is a need and we must meet the demand. The increasing convergence of U.S. and Indian interests and values offers the Indo-Pacific the best opportunity to defend the rules-based global system that has benefited so much of humanity over the past several decades. But it also comes with a responsibility for both of our countries to do the needful in support of our united vision of a free, open, and thriving Indo-Pacific. The United States welcomes the growing power and influence of the Indian people in this region and throughout the world. We are eager to grow our relationship even as India grows as a world leader and power. The strength of the Indo-Pacific has always been the interaction among many peoples, governments, economies, and cultures. The United States is committed to working with any nation in South Asia or the broader region that shares our vision of an Indo-Pacific where sovereignty is upheld and a rules-based system is respected. It is time we act on our vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, supported and protected by two strong pillars of democracy the United States and India. Thank you for your kind attention. (Applause.) Mr Hamre: Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Were going to move this down so people over here can see. Weve got a blocking vector. Thank you for really a very interesting speech. One particular phrase really caught my attention. Id like to just drill in a little bit on it, and I had the luxury of seeing it last night, so this is why I wrote it down. (Laughter.) We need to collaborate with India to ensure the Indo-Pacific is increasingly a pace a place of peace, stability, and growing prosperity so that it does not become a region of disorder, conflict, and predatory economics. Very interesting expression. Would you what do you see as being the example of predatory economics that we should be alert to ourselves between us? Secretary Tillerson: Well, I think everyone is aware of the huge needs in the Indo-Pacific region among a number of emerging economies, a number of fledgling democracies for infrastructure investment, and it is important that those emerging democracies and economies have alternative means of developing both the infrastructure they need but also developing the economies. We have watched the activities and actions of others in the region, in particular China, and the financing mechanisms it brings to many of these countries which result in saddling them with enormous levels of debt. They dont often create the jobs, which infrastructure projects should be tremendous job creators in these economies, but too often, foreign workers are brought in to execute these infrastructure projects. Financing is structured in a way that makes it very difficult for them to obtain future financing, and oftentimes has very subtle triggers in the financing that results in financing default and the conversion of debt to equity. So this is not a structure that supports the future growth of these countries. We think its important that we begin to develop some means of countering that with alternative financing measures, financing structures. And during the East Asia Summit Ministerial Summit in August, we began a quiet conversation with others about what they were experiencing, what they need, and were starting a quiet conversation in a multilateral way with: How can we create alternative financing mechanisms? We will not be able to compete with the kind of terms that China offers, and but countries have to decide: What are they willing to pay to secure their sovereignty and their future control of their economies? And weve had those discussions with them, as well. Mr Hamre: Secretary, just thats that really helps open up a new understanding, that we all have to develop. And if I could just ask, this seems to be an asymmetry because you ran a big corporation. For you to raise capital for a major project, youd have to go to public markets, the discipline of a public market, and yet you were competing against state-owned enterprises that could turn to a central bank and get a no-interest loan or maybe just a grant. I mean, this is a profound asymmetry that we have to deal with. It may go beyond just new financing instruments. How are you thinking about it? Secretary Tillerson: Well, I think, in many respects, it is the case that has to be made to these countries that need the infrastructure financing that they really have to think about the long-term future of how do they want their country and their economies to develop. And in many respects, those were similar to the kinds of discussions and arguments that we would make back in my private sector days, that here are all the other benefits you receive when you allow investment dollars to flow to you in this way: You retain your sovereign control, you retain complete control over the laws and the execution within your country. And that should have significant value to them as theyre thinking about the future. And so it is while it is on a direct competitive basis, its hard to compete with someone whos offering something on financial terms that are worth a few points on the lending side, but we have to help them put that in perspective of the longer-term ability to control their country, control the future of their country, control the development of their economy in a rules-based system. And thats really what were promoting is you retain your sovereignty, you retain your commitment to a rules-based order, we will come with other options for you. Mr Hamre: Great. Thank you. And I apologize. Ambassador Singh is here. He is running a very dynamic embassy. I want to make sure that you knew he was here, and Im going to ask a question he would ask, but hes not going to get to (laughter) and that is: I was in India in August and great enthusiasm in India about a growing relationship, but real frustration with the way in which we restrict India getting access to technology and this sort of thing. What what would this is the ambassadors question: So how are you going to fix that? Secretary Tillerson: Well, just so you know, hes not shy. Hes asked the question. (Laughter.) So I mean, weve had discussion about it, and I touched on it briefly in the prepared remarks in designating India as a major defense partner and Congresss affirmation of that. I think as everyone appreciates, the U.S. has the finest fighting military force on the planet, first because of the quality of the men and women in uniform all-volunteer force, but theyre also equipped with the greatest technologies and weapons systems that are unmatched by anyone else in the world. So thats an enormous advantage to our military strength, so we dont provide that lightly, and thats why we have such rigorous review mechanisms when we get into technology transfer. But having said that, our most important allies and partners have access to that, and India has been elevated to that level. And thats why I touched on a couple of systems that are not offered to everyone. The Guardian UAV system is an extremely technological piece of kit that we now are making available, and were in discussions with India about other high-level weapons systems. And as I said, its all to improve their capabilities to play this important security role that we know that they want to play in the region. So were continuing to work through those systems in a very deliberate way while protecting Americas competitive advantage in this area. Mr Hamre: I dont know how close you all listen, but the Secretary had a remarkable invitation, which is for the U.S. and India to jointly take a larger leadership role together in Southeast Asia. It was quite an important statement. You also indicated that there would have to be an evolving architecture of coordination. You hinted that it could revolve around expanding the U.S.-Japan-India trilateral. You indicated maybe Australia. Does is that going to be the architecture of Americas engagement in this new strategy? Secretary Tillerson: Well, I think as you heard me say and if you think about the map the Indo-Pacific all the way to the Western Coast of the United States, and thats the part of the map were dealing with India, this very significant and important democracy, pins one side of that map; Japan, another very important and strong democracy that we have very strong security relationships with, pinning this side of the map. But theres an important part of the South Pacific that also we think needs an important pinpoint as well. Australia, another very strong and important strategic partner, ally to the U.S., has fought in every war and has fought alongside us. In every battle weve ever fought, the Australians have been there with us. So we think there are some useful conversations to have in the current trilateral relationship, which is very strong and effective the India-Japan-U.S. relationship. So were going to continue to explore how do we strengthen that architecture that really is it is about this Indo-Pacific free and open policy that we have, and how do we pin that in the proper places with our strongest, most important allies, and how do we strengthen those in this multi-party arrangement. India-Australia relations, how can they be strengthened? It has to be in everyones interest, obviously. India has to see it in their interest. Japan has to see it in their interest. But it is going to be an evolving process as to how we create the security architecture which keeps this free and open Indo-Pacific region, creates the opportunity for nations to protect their own sovereignty, to have the opportunity to conduct their economic affairs without being threatened by others. And thats really what the architectures design is intended to do. Mr Hamre: Im going to turn back to you as an energy guy. And last week last month, I should say, we had the Indian minister responsible for renewable energy was here, and this is a big push for India. Now, youre not the Secretary of Energy, but you know a lot about it. How do you think we could expand cooperation on energy issues with India? Secretary Tillerson: Well, there I know there are any number of active programs within India. India has huge energy needs, not just from the direct supply of energy but also the infrastructure to distribute that energy and get it into so that all Indians have access to that, both for their personal quality of life but also to support economic growth and expansion. And I know CSIS has some particular programs that are exploring that as well, and those are all, I think, important avenues and mechanisms. The U.S. has a very important energy posture in terms of the technology thats been developed here across the entire slate of energy choices from conventional to renewables and other forms of energy, and I think thats the value of the relationship is within the U.S. business community and our entrepreneurs and our innovators, we have a large slate of opportunities we can offer in partnering with India to meet those needs, and we want to were encouraging that. Again, we think the work that CSIS is doing is valuable in that regard as well to create those relationships to provide that. Its another area of opportunity for U.S. businesses. Mr Hamre: As our Indian friends complain rightly about the restrictiveness of technology, American companies complain about how hard it is to do business in India. How is that conversation going to enter into your discussions? Secretary Tillerson: It has its ups and downs. And in the 20 years Ive dealt with India, I encountered these same frustrations. I think India has undertaken a number of important reforms, and we want to acknowledge that. I think its important that those efforts and that momentum be sustained. Its easy to take a few actions, you get a few reforms in place, and then say okay, were done, lets sit back. Youre never done. Youre never done. And thats my message to India: Youre never done. Because the world around you is not sitting stagnant, and you have to continue to put in place the necessary conditions that is attractive, first, to Indian business, just your own internal business entities, but also then make it attractive for foreign investors to come to India and grow that economy. I think an one of my interesting early experiences with India was in the 90s India undertook very, very little foreign direct investment. It was a very closed system. They didnt encourage companies to go out and invest overseas. And one of my first interactions was to facilitate the purchase of ONGC Videsh Limited, which is a very important Indian national oil company, acquiring 20 percent Sakhalin-1 project in Russia. And I put those parties together for a lot of reasons that served the interest of the people I represented at that time. But it was an interesting discussion. I had a lot of conversation with the Indians in that process because they were not used to investing overseas. That resulted in me going to a business conference in Goa. A couple of years later they asked me to come over to meet with Indian businessmen that were being encouraged to invest overseas. Again, it was kind of a new thing for them. And I remember the last we had a panel discussion, a lot of great questions. The last question I got, one of the Indian businessmen said, If theres one thing that we should always make sure we keep in our mind in investing overseas, what is it? And I said to him, Its very simple. Choose your partners wisely. Because in any venture you are going to have partners, and who you choose is going to determine your success. Ive carried that same most-important element in any relationship. Ive always viewed that. And thats the way we view the Indian-U.S. relationship now: Choose your partner wisely. We think we have wisely chosen a partner in India for the strategic relationship, but I think that process I have watched over the 20 years of India investing abroad helps India understand the conditions necessary to be successful back home, because when you have to encounter it as a foreign direct investor, suddenly you understand whats important to success. You take that back home, and that helps you with your reforms back home. We encourage India to continue the pathway towards reforms. Theres much more that needs to be done to really enhance the full economic value of what India has to offer. Question: I have about four or five questions that are all kind of clustered around the same issue, and thats about the complex power geometry in this region. Weve India historically had close ties with Russia. China had close ties with Pakistan. We had we tried to keep ties with both India and Pakistan. Its a lot more complicated environment now. Could you just give your thoughts about India in this power geometry? Secretary Tillerson: Well, our my view, and I think it is the collective view within the U.S. Government as well, is as China has risen over the last 20-plus years now to take its rightful place as an economic power in the world, moving hundreds of millions of their people out of poverty into middle-class status, India too has been rising. And I commented on this again in the remarks. As we watch how these two very large nations are taking their place rightful place in the global economy, theyve gone about it in different ways, and I touched on that. And I think thats why the U.S. now sees this as an important point in thinking about the next century of our relationships. Were going to have important relationships with China. Well never have the same relationship with China, a non-democratic society, that we can have with a major democracy. And so I think what has evolved, and I would have to let the Indians Indian Government speak for themselves, but I think as India has gone through this process of rise, it too has taken account of the circumstances around it and its own history of relationships, and how have those relationships served their advancement and how have they not served their advancement. And I think as a as the worlds largest one of the worlds largest democracies, the worlds largest democracy, it has said, I want to be a partner with another democracy; I dont want to partner with these other countries that do not operate with the same values. I think at the end of it, this relationship is built on shared values. Thats what has brought us together. Two very large important democracies want to share the same future and we have a shared vision for the future. And I think thats whats changed over the last couple of three decades. Theres been a real accounting, as I have observed it a real accounting has been taken by the Indian Government of its past experiences and its decided, this is where we want to go. Mr Hamre: Secretary, its I know its not precisely the reason for your trip, but I think we have several questions. Id have to ask you about Myanmar. You know theres been an incredible humanitarian crisis with the Rohingya. Could you just share us your perspective on this? Secretary Tillerson: Well, were extraordinarily concerned by whats happening with the Rohingya in Burma. Ive been in contact with Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the civilian side of the government. As you know, this is a power-sharing government that has emerged in Burma. We really hold the military leadership accountable for whats happening with the Rohingya area. Whats most important to us is that the world cant just stand idly by and be witness to the atrocities that are being reported in the area. What weve encouraged the military to do is, first, we understand you have serious rebel/terrorist elements within that part of your country as well that you have to deal with, but you must be disciplined about how you deal with those, and you must be restrained in how you deal with those. And you must allow access in this region again so that we can get a full accounting of the circumstances. I think any of us that read this recent story in The New York Times, it just had to tear your heart out. It just had to break your heart to read this. So we have been asking for access to the region. Weve been able to get a couple of our people from our embassy into the region so we can begin to get our own firsthand account of what is occurring. Were encouraging access for the aid agencies the Red Cross, the Red Crescent, UN agencies to so we can at least address some of the most pressing humanitarian needs, but more importantly, so we can get a full understanding of what is going on. Someone if these reports are true, someone is going to be held to account for that. And its up to the military leadership of Burma to decide what direction do they want to play in the future of Burma because we see Burma as an important emerging democracy. But this is a real test. Its a real test of this power-sharing government as to how theyre going to deal with this very serious issue. So we are deeply engaged. Were engaged with others and were going to be engaged at the UN, ultimately, with the direction this takes. Mr Hamre: Again, several questions: Were dealing with Afghanistan and Afghanistan has complex geography, complex geopolitics, I should say, as well. The Indians have had a strong interest in what happens in Afghanistan, as does Pakistan, part of the backdrop here. Afghanistan what are you going to be doing there? Secretary Tillerson: Well, you heard the Presidents announced his new policy towards and its the South Asia strategy. Afghanistan is what people tend to focus on. But one of the differences in how we approach the challenge there, and its why it took a little longer for us to fully develop the policy, is we do see it as a regional issue. Its not solely an Afghanistan issue. And you solve Afghanistan by addressing the regional challenges. And Pakistan is an important element of that. India is an important element of how we achieve the ultimate objective, which is a stable Afghanistan which no longer serves as a platform for terrorist organizations. Our policy, quite simply, on terrorism is that we will deny terrorists the opportunity, the means, the location, the wherewithal, the financing, the ability to organize and carry out attacks against Americans at home and abroad, anywhere in the world. Well, clearly the threat to that policy finds its locus in many ways in Afghanistan. And so, to the extent we can remove that as an opportunity for terrorism in Afghanistan, the greatest beneficiaries are going to be Pakistan and Afghanistan. And Indias important role is in providing development assistance to Afghanistan as they move forward to create better economic conditions that provide for the needs of a very diverse ethnic group of people in Afghanistan. So it is about a commitment, a message to the Taliban and other elements that were not going anywhere. And so well be here as long as it takes for you to change your mind and decide you want to engage with the Afghan Government in a reconciliation process and develop a form of government that does suit the needs of the culture of Afghanistan. And to the Afghan Government, they have to be committed to being open to addressing the full needs of the very ethnically diverse culture that exists in the country and its own history as well. And we think that is achievable and we can have a stable, peaceful Afghanistan. And when that happens, a big threat is removed from Pakistans future stability as well, which then creates a better condition for India-Pakistan relationships. So we see it as not just one issue, but a means of stabilizing the entire region. And we intend to work closely with India and with Pakistan to, we hope, ease tensions along their border as well. Pakistan has two very troubled borders two very troubled borders. And wed like to help them take the tension down on both of those and secure a future stable Pakistan Government which we think improves relations in the region as well. Mr Hamre: Secretary, Im I know Im running close up to the deadline I was given by your horse holders, but let me ask several questions were dealing with development, and I guess the question Id like to pose to you is: Weve got a very capable new administrator for USAID. I know you personally have been quite involved in aid and development-related issues through the years. What do you see as the relationship between the State Department and USAID going forward? How are you thinking about it? Secretary Tillerson: Well, we I think its no different than has traditionally been the roles of the two organizations. State Department develops foreign policy, it develops the strategies and the tactics, and an important element of our execution of foreign policy is development aid and assistance, whether it be in direct humanitarian assistance, food programs to address dire needs, disaster response, or whether its in developing democratic capacity and institutional capacity. So USAID is an important enablement tool of the foreign policy. They dont make policy, but they are critical to our execution of foreign policy. And thats really where we want that expertise to reside, and I view them as in many using lingo of my prior life, they are a center of expertise when it comes to aid and development programs. Nobody does it better than they do; not just directly, but they have tremendous organizational and convening capacity to work through other multilateral organizations. Whether its UN organizations, NGOs, direct in-country capability, they are really the experts in the world for doing that. They have the relationships, they have the contacts, they have the process, they have the procedures and theyre vital to our execution of foreign policy. And therefore, they become integral to how we develop foreign policy, how we test its viability, and then how we lay out the plans, the strategy and the tactics for executing against that policy. So thats thats the relationship and one of the things we want to be sure is that everyone understands their roles and everyone understands whats not their role. On the State Department side, our expertise is the analysis, the assessment, the development of foreign policy, the carrying of the diplomatic integration of all of that. USAID, though, they are really the experts and that were the State Department doesnt have that expertise. It really resides over there. Mr Hamre: One last I got a sign that said, Last question. Let me ask this last question and in recent years, most secretaries of state have been policy people, theyve spent their life in the policy world. But frankly, through the history of the department, weve had a great number of businesspeople that have been in. What is the how do you think about the way that you can work with the private sector in advancing American diplomacy and American values around the world? Secretary Tillerson: Well, I think one of the things thats important for us is to make sure that we are we have great clarity around what our policies are, what our strategies, what our tactics are so that investors, the business community, can at least make their assessment as theyre trying to make decisions about their own business conduct, private enterprise, whether its investment, foreign direct investment that they want to make, or whether its partnerships theyre creating for investment here in the U.S. It goes back to my earlier comment: Choose your partners wisely. One of the things I think is important for us in the State Department to do is to be able to ensure we can provide clarity to the business community and to investors as to what the relationship is with a particular country, how we view the risk, the stability of that country. Those were things that were important to me in making decisions when I was in the private sector. It is a risk management decision. So how can we help everyone understand what the risks are in this country, but also what the vectors are? Do we think the vectors going in the right direction, or we have concerns that things could go in the wrong direction, and then the business leaders can make their own decisions about what they choose to do. Mr Hamre: I think you all can see why I was so lucky for 11 years to have Secretary Tillerson on my board. Hes a wise and thoughtful man. Would you please thank him with your applause? Secretary Tillerson: Thank you. (Applause.) The entire text of the speech and the discussion has been taken exactly as provided by the US State Department and has not been edited by Firstpost. Washington: Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called on Wednesday for US and India to expand strategic ties. He also pointedly criticised China, which he accused of challenging international norms needed for global stability. Tillerson's remarks on relations between the world's two largest democracies, ahead of his first trip to South Asia as secretary of state, risked endearing Washington to one Asian power while alienating another. Tillerson said the world needed the US and India to have a strong partnership. He said the two nations share goals of security, free navigation, free trade and fighting terrorism in the Indo-Pacific, and serve as "the eastern and western beacons" for an international rules-based order which is increasingly under strain. Both India and China had benefited from that order, but Tillerson said India had done so while respecting rules and norms, while China had "at times" undermined them. To make his point, he alluded to China's island building and expansive territorial claims in seas where Beijing has long-running disputes with Southeast Asian neighbours. "China's provocative actions in the South China Sea directly challenge the international law and norms that the United States and India both stand for," Tillerson said in an address at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank. He also accused China of economic activities and financing that saddles developing countries in the region with enormous debt. China responded with a statement saying it "contributes to and defends the rules-based world order" and seeks to advance international cooperation through the United Nations. It also hopes for a "healthy and sound" China-US relationship. "We will never seek hegemony or engage in expansion, never pursue development at the expense of others' interests," said the statement issued by the Chinese embassy in Washington. A senior State Department official told reporters that the speech was intended to map out a strategy for US-India relations for the next century, in which the region's leading democracies also including Japan and Australia blunt China's growing influence and challenges to the rules-based order. The official was not authorised to speak by name and requested anonymity. Tillerson said the US seeks constructive relations with China but "won't shrink" from the challenges it poses when it "subverts the sovereignty of neighbouring countries, and disadvantages the US and our friends." US-India relations have generally prospered in the past decade, in part because of their shared concerns about the rise of China whose leader Xi Jinping told a ruling communist party congress on Wednesday that it was time for China "to take centre stage in the world and to make a greater contribution to humankind." While President Donald Trump has looked to deepen cooperation with China on addressing the nuclear threat from North Korea, he's sought a much closer relationship with India, which also shares US worries on Islamic extremism. "In this period of uncertainty and angst, India needs a reliable partner on the world stage. I want to make clear: with our shared values and vision for global stability, peace and prosperity, the United States is that partner," Tillerson said. Tillerson said the US wants to improve India's military capabilities, it has offered to sell it unarmed Guardian surveillance drones, aircraft carrier technologies and F-18 and F-16 fighter aircraft, he said. He said the US and India were leading regional efforts on counter-terrorism. He said they were "cross-screening" known and suspected terrorists, and later in 2018 will convene a new dialogue on terrorist designations. In July, the US sanctioned Hizbul Mujahideen, a Pakistan-based rebel group that fights against Indian control in the divided Himalayan region of Kashmir. Tillerson called Wednesday for Pakistan "to take decisive action against terrorist groups based within their own borders that threaten its own people and the broader region." Last week, Pakistan, acting on US intelligence, secured the release of a US-Canadian family held by a Taliban-linked group for five years, a rare boost for a relationship snared on Islamabad's links to militants in Afghanistan. On Wednesday, Vice President Mike Pence spoke with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and thanking him for Pakistan's help. Pence called it an "important development in its support for US strategy against terrorism in the region, but highlighted that cooperation against militant groups must be continued and sustained," a White House statement said. President Donald Trump on Thursday gave his administration ten-out-of-ten for its response toward Hurricane Maria, a hurricane that hammered Puerto Rico exactly one month ago, as 80 percent of the US island remained without power. Meeting Puerto Rico's governor Ricardo Rossello in the Oval Office, Trump acknowledged the massive scale of the rebuilding effort, but defended his administration's response. "We have provided so much, so fast, we were actually there before the storm hit," Trump said. "They got hit dead center." As well as ravaging the electricity grid, the storm knocked out bridges, closed roads and made clean water for drinking, cooking and bathing scarce. Asked how he would rank the administration's response out of ten, Trump responded "I give ourselves a ten." "We have done a really great job." When Trump asked Rosello "did we do a great job?" the governor said that Trump had met all of his requests. But he added that much more needed to be done to avoid a humanitarian disaster. He said the authorities aim to have about 30% of the island back with power by the end of the month, and 50% by the middle of next month. But he warned that without hope, Puerto Ricans who have the right to live in the continental United States would flee the island in large numbers, feeding an economic crisis. "What's going to keep the people there and keep this going is knowing that we have the backing of the White House and knowing that we're going to have the backing of Congress," he said. They need to know, he said, "that we can have the resources appropriate" to deal with the storm. "US citizens of Puerto Rico can come out of this catastrophe stronger than ever before." 'Not their fault' Trump had previously raised concerns on the island by warning that federal aid for Puerto Rico will not be open-ended. But he indicated Thursday that a mixture of grants and loans could be found to rebuild, in particular, the electricity grid, which was in poor shape before the storm. The federal government would have to be paid back before private bondholders, he added. "We're helping a lot," Trump said. "We're doing that because we have an obligation to Puerto Rico, to humanity, to ourselves." Trump also rowed back on some comments that appeared to blame Puerto Ricans for their plight. "It's not the people's fault, they lost their house, they were devastated," he said. "A person loses his or her house and then they can't go to work. If you lose your house, you know, it's hard to go and be a policeman, you are trying to have your family live." Raqa (Syria): US-backed forces who captured Raqa from the Islamic State group prepared Thursday to hand the Syrian city over to a civilian authority, with some of their fighters already headed to the next battle. Inside the city, positions that had long been manned by fighters of the Kurdish-Arab Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were abandoned, though some remained in the central Al-Naim square, dancing and ululating as they celebrated their victory. The SDF battled for more than four months, with US-led coalition support, to capture the city that was once the de facto Syrian capital of IS's self-styled "caliphate". They announced the end of combat on Tuesday, though operations to clear explosives and seek out sleeper cells were ongoing. Raqa's capture leaves the jihadists with little remaining territory in Syria, most of it in neighbouring Deir Ezzor province, where some SDF fighters were already headed to carry on the campaign. "Some of the forces withdrew, others will remain in the city until we finish the minor combing operations, then the city will be handed over to the civil council," said SDF commander Rojda Felat. "After the end of military operations, a large part of the forces have moved out of Raqa to other areas, including Deir Ezzor," added Mustefa Bali, spokesman for the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), the main component of the SDF. SDF spokesman Talal Sello said two days of mopping-up operations had so far uncovered no additional IS fighters, but that interrogations of those who were captured or surrendered during the battle were ongoing. "SDF intelligence is investigating them, including a number of foreigners," he told AFP. The city's capture Tuesday came after the SDF seized IS's last two main positions, the municipal stadium and national hospital, in quick succession. Both sites have been heavily mined and remain to be cleared, SDF commanders said. "There are bodies inside the hospital itself that we haven't yet removed because of the mines," said commander Clara Raqa. Responsibility for the city, which lies in ruins and empty of civilians, will be assumed by the Raqa Civil Council, a body of local officials formed six months ago. The official handover is expected to come as early as Friday, but the body has already spent months working on reconstruction plans. They will inherit responsibility for a ghost town that lacks basic services and infrastructure. On the city's streets on Thursday, blankets that had been hung in front of windows to shield residents from the view of snipers fluttered in the wind, but there was no movement otherwise. A few scrawny cats and dogs picked their way over the rubble that is strewn across the city, up to 80 percent of which was described as uninhabitable by the UN last month. Raqa 'liberated by free women' In Al-Naim square, fighters of the Kurdish Women's Protection Units (YPJ), the female branch of the YPG, gathered to hold a press conference celebrating their contribution to the city's capture. Some of the battle's commanders were female, a point of pride for Kurdish forces, particularly given IS's infamous oppression of women. "Raqa was liberated by the will of free women," the YPJ said in a statement. SDF flags now cover Al-Naim, where the jihadists once displayed the severed heads of their enemies. In the centre of the square, a large yellow flag has been raised, featuring a photograph of jailed Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan. Ocalan heads the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has waged a decades-long insurgency in Turkey, where it is considered a "terrorist" group. He is idolised by many in the YPG, which Ankara says is the Syrian branch of the PKK. IS captured mostly Sunni Arab Raqa in 2014, and under its rule the city became infamous for gruesome abuses and as a planning centre for attacks abroad. Its loss deals a major blow to the jihadists' dreams of statehood, and comes after their July defeat in Iraq's second city Mosul, their other major urban stronghold. In Syria, they are now confined largely to Deir Ezzor province, where they are under attack by both the SDF and Russian-backed government forces. In neighbouring Iraq, they hold only a small stretch of the Euphrates valley adjoining the Syrian border, a far cry from their peak in 2014, when their "caliphate" was approximately the size of Britain. PITTSBURGH Police have filed new and unrelated rape charges against a man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend, a University of Pittsburgh student who was found dead earlier this month in her off-campus home. Police charged 21-year-old Matthew Darby Thursday with raping a teenage girl just days before the Oct. 8 death of Alina Sheykhet. Darby is charged with criminal homicide in Sheykhet's death and was arrested last week in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Police allege Darby broke into Sheykhet's home and beat her to death. She had recently filed a protection from abuse order against him. Darby has pleaded not guilty to charges he raped another ex-girlfriend earlier this year in Indiana County. Darby's attorney David Shrager says he's reviewed the allegations and calls them "serious." He hasn't been able to discuss them with Darby, who's awaiting extradition to Pittsburgh. Life-size human forms lined a rooms perimeter at the Camp Hill Borough Building on Thursday night for the Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland & Perry Counties 2017 Candlelight Vigil. Posted on each of the 13 Red Ladies were a photo and a gold-tone plaque. These told the stories of 13 women in Cumberland and Perry counties who were killed by domestic violence between 1994 and 2016. I found theres no way to talk about this without going into dark territory, the agencys executive director Barbara Kohutiak told the 100 or so attending the vigil. There were 1,000 victims of domestic violence last year in Pennsylvania 102 lost their lives through domestic violence in Pennsylvania last year. For the candlelight vigil, family members of all ages stood next to the red ladies that represented their loved ones. This was preceded by DVSCP board members Jodi Bezanilla and Karen Longenecker reading the names, ages, and a brief description of each of the 13 victims highlighted on Thursday. The late Kim A. Houser-Keefer was represented on Thursday by her mother, Glenda Houser, and her daughters, Sarah Junkins, 24, and Hannah Keefer, 18, all of New Cumberland. Houser-Keefer was killed at age 32 by her ex-boyfriend on May 17, 2005. She was shot in the parking lot of Highland Elementary School while picking up Hannah, then only 6, from school. Junkins was then 12. Time doesnt make the pain go away, but it makes it easier, said Houser, who was busy raising her granddaughters after her daughters murder. (Domestic violence) can happen to anyone. Its nothing to be ashamed of. Junkins, motivated by her mothers memory, works in the victims service department of the Cumberland County District Attorneys Office. Theres help out there. (Victims) are not alone, she said. The evenings featured speaker was a domestic violence victim who asked not to be identified for safety reasons. She left her abusive marriage this year after 27 years. I felt like it was time (to go), she said. It made me feel good to know that Im stronger, that Im a woman who can do things. Im doing good. I made the decision to change my life. One day I woke up and said to myself, you know, some day Im not going to be here and what will my kids do then? Hampden Township Police Chief Steven Junkin, vice president of Cumberland County Chief of Police, said he and other police from municipalities in Cumberland County were there to show our support solidarity for domestic violence victims, their families, and the people who cant come here tonight. Junkin said he and other police remained standing during the ceremony to symbolize respect. Cumberland County First Assistant District Attorney Jaime Keating also attended Thursdays event. Its good to be out on a night like tonight because it brings (the issue) to the forefront. Were here to help people, he said. Keating said it appears that domestic violence has been on the increase, but that change is in the air, too. Theres a change in our legislation and a change in our cultures attitude about domestic violence. It is making a difference, he said. Kohutiak said she sees hope despite dismal statistics. Gov. Tom Wolf signed a bill last year making choking a legal felony. A bill in the works by state Sen. Thomas Killian would require all perpetrators to surrender their weapons within 24 hours after a protection from abuse order is authorized. However, Kohutiak also viewed the situation with a dose of stark realism. I dont think Im going to see domestic violence totally eradicated in my lifetime, she said. South Koreans recommended the government Friday continue building two stalled nuclear reactors that the new president had wanted to shutter, after months of deliberation on the issue that divided South Korea over the future of its key energy source. A state commission that surveyed a panel of 471 citizens said a little over half of them still wanted South Korea to rely less on nuclear energy, even after South Korea resumes constructing the unfinished Shin Kori-5 and Shin Kori-6 reactors. Kim Ji-hyung, head of the commission, said 59.5 percent of the panel supported resumption while 40.5 percent voted for discontinuation. President Moon Jae-in made campaign promises to shut down the two reactors in southeastern Korea but he had vowed to accept the results of the commission's public survey. Moon's government still plans to gradually phase out nuclear energy and transition to renewables and natural gas. It has scrapped plans to build additional nuclear power plants and vowed not to extend licenses of existing ones. Moon's push to phase out nuclear energy is a departure from previous governments that tried to boost the industry as a new export industry. Nuclear energy provides about a third of energy needs in the resource-poor Asian country and used to be a source of pride. South Korea is one of the few exporters of nuclear technology in the world. Public trust toward the nuclear industry has eroded, however, since Japan's Fukushima nuclear meltdowns and the discovery that domestic reactors were built with fake components. A recent earthquake centered near South Korea's nuclear reactors also caused alarm. People who want the reactors built worry that halting their construction will increase energy expenses and lead to power shortages. The decision to go ahead with the two plants is a temporary boon to the government's monopoly operator of the nuclear power plants and the nuclear industry. But the survey's result does not reflect overriding trust on the nuclear industry. The panel of citizens recommended that even if South Korea resumes construction, it should strengthen safety standards, come up with ways to deal with spent nuclear fuel and root out corruption in the nuclear industry. They also recommended the government raise investment in renewable energy. The Michigan Supreme Court on Friday rejected an appeal by a big-box retailer in a tax dispute in the Upper Peninsula, a brief but significant order that will have consequences for local governments around the state. Big-box stores have been reducing their tax bills for years by convincing the Michigan Tax Tribunal that their stores are so large and unique that they should be assessed at much less than the cost of construction. The loss of revenue has led to budget cuts in many communities. The Supreme Court heard arguments last week by lawyers for Menards and the city of Escanaba. But in a two-sentence order, it declined to take the case, which means a 2016 appeals court decision in favor of Escanaba will stand. The case now will return to the Tax Tribunal for more work. The appeals court rejected Menards' valuation approach and ordered the Tax Tribunal to allow the parties to present more evidence and come up with a property value. Groups representing local governments predict they'll now fare better at the Tax Tribunal. "No longer can big-box stores obtain unfair and substantial tax reductions based upon unrealistically low artificial values, while our other taxpayers contribute based upon the value of their properties," said Stephanie Simon Morita, an attorney who wrote a brief on behalf of the Michigan Municipal League. Local tax revenue has been reduced by at least $100 million statewide since 2013 because of big-box appeals, according to the Michigan Association of Counties. Menards had argued that the appeals court exceeded its authority during its review of Tax Tribunal decisions. In the state Capitol, meanwhile, legislation has been introduced to tilt the scale to local governments in commercial property valuations. Japan's industrial standards agency searched offices of metals maker Kobe Steel on Friday as investigations into falsified data on its products widened. The exact extent of the problem is unclear because Kobe Steel has not identified by name the customers affected. It is still investigating the problem. "These exceptions are extremely regrettable," said the trade and industry minister, Hiroshige Seko. "Most manufacturers are really exerting themselves to ensure their products are of the highest quality." The admissions of misconduct by Kobe Steel and other manufacturers are raising worries over the impact on Japan's image as a top quality manufacturer. The investigations by regulators and by automakers, aircraft manufacturers and other customers of Kobe Steel followed the company's disclosure earlier this month that inspections data on a slew of products was faked or manipulated. Company officials told reporters that Japan Quality Assurance inspectors were conducting investigations at a copper plant in Hadano, outside Tokyo. A Kobe Steel vice president, Naoto Umehara, said Friday the company has found new cases of cover-ups and data falsifications. He said copper tubes from Kobelco & Materials Copper Tube Co. under investigation may have violated the industrial standards law. "Our credibility has been hurt badly," Umehara said. The company also reported it had found data manipulation and incomplete measurements for steel panels at another Kobe Steel subsidiary that persisted until last month, after the company had already begun probing the problem. In another case discovered just this week, a whistleblowing employee reported a cover-up to internal inspectors, the company said. It said the violations of company rules would be treated with severity and that it will set up a panel of outside experts to fully examine the cause and seek preventive measures. Seko told reporters the government was prepared to intervene and urged the company to put priority on confirming the safety of its products. "We want them to move quickly in identifying the cause of the problem and putting preventive measures in place," Seko said. Meanwhile, the Environment Ministry said it was investigating environmental impact data from Kobe Steel for a coal-fired power plant in the city of Kobe in western Japan. Major Japanese automakers and other companies have confirmed they have used Kobe Steel products affected by fake inspection data, but say they have found no safety concerns so far. The 112-year-old manufacturer has said data on aluminum plates, copper pipes and molds and steel wire rods used in vehicle tires and engines are among the many products whose data did not match specifications or was false or insufficient. The problem began more than decade ago, possibly much earlier, Japanese media have reported, citing unnamed former Kobe Steel employees. Toyota said in a statement late Thursday that it had confirmed that aluminum plates used in hoods, rear hatches and other components of its vehicles from Kobe Steel met requirements for strength and durability based on data from the company that was "furthest outside of Toyota's specifications." It said it was still investigating non-aluminum products from Kobe Steel. Honda Motor Corp. said aluminum panels were the only products it bought directly from Kobe Steel. It found they met all of its safety standards but said it was still checking on other parts obtained through suppliers. Many Kobe Steel customers have said they are checking into the problem. So far, none have confirmed any specific safety risks. However, earlier this week the European Aviation Safety Agency recommended companies suspend use of Kobe Steel products when possible while they review their supply chains to identify "suspected unapproved parts" from the company that may have used. In a separate quality scandal, Nissan Motor Co. said Thursday it was suspending shipments of new cars to the Japanese market after finding that uncertified staff had been inspecting cars made at its domestic plants even after the company discovered the problem. The admission that the problem continued at four Nissan plants even after the company announced it had resolved the problem drew a rebuke from government spokesman Yoshihide Suga, who chastised Nissan for betraying its customers' trust. "We hope the company will do all that it can to prevent the problem from spreading further," he said. Nissan has ordered a recall of about 1.16 million vehicles made between January 2014 and September 2017 for re-inspections. The company has said the problem does not affect vehicles it exports and the suspension of shipments is only for the domestic market. The company has said it expects the halt to last about two weeks while it puts preventive measures in place. In the future, only certified technicians will be allowed to conduct final inspections, it said. ___ Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi contributed. Consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble Co , which recently declared victory against hedge-fund manager Nelson Peltz's attempt to muscle his way onto the board, reported tepid sales that missed Wall Street estimates. The company has been trying to revive stagnant sales, one of the key issues Peltz had with P&G in his contentious and very public fight for a board seat, which he lost by a hair. The Gillette razor maker's shares were down about 1.2 percent in premarket trading on Friday, after being up nearly 9 percent this year. Peltz pushed for a re-organization that P&G said would lead to a break-up of the company and said P&G's "suffocating bureaucracy" was causing it to lose market share, especially at its more profitable businesses. P&G argued that it whittled down its portfolio to 60 brands, many of them world-wide popular names, and lopped off several business units to streamline and Peltz's suggestions did not move the needle in terms of what the company was already doing. At an annual general meeting earlier this month, preliminary votes showed that Peltz lost his bid by a slim margin. Peltz has said he would contest the vote and would not concede until an independent arbiter had certified the votes. On Friday, P&G reported higher sales of beauty and home care products, but another weak performance in its grooming business eroded some of that growth. Sales in the grooming business fell more than analysts' had anticipated despite P&G cutting prices on tough competition from upstarts like Dollar Shave Club. "Grooming was especially weak," RBC Capital markets analyst Nik Modi said noting that the business had seen sales declines for three quarters and missed his own estimates of a 2 percent decline. This tapered sales growth, which just rose 1 percent to $16.65 billion in the first quarter, and missed analysts' expectations of $16.69 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. The company, however, said it was maintaining its full-year organic sales and adjusted profit forecast. But it also said it expects $300 million of commodity costs impacts for the year from the hurricanes that battered the southern U.S. Net income attributable to the company rose 5 percent to $2.85 billion or $1.06 per share in the first quarter ended Sept. 30. The company saw a bright spot at sales in its beauty business, which rose 5 percent, on the rising demand of ultra-premium SK-II skincare products in China. Strong demand for Tide detergents and Febreze fragrances boosted sales at its Fabric and Home Care business by 2 percent. Excluding items, the company earned $1.09 per share, beating analysts' average estimates by 1 cent. (Reporting by Siddharth Cavale in Bengaluru; Editing by Bernard Orr) The last two of eight prototypes for President Donald Trump's proposed border wall took shape Thursday at a construction site in San Diego. The prototypes form a tightly packed row of imposing concrete and metal panels, including one with sharp metal edges on top. Another has a surface resembling an expensive brick driveway. Companies have until Oct. 26 to finish the models but Border Patrol spokesman Theron Francisco said the last two came into profile, with crews installing a corrugated metal surface on the eighth model on a dirt lot just a few steps from homes in Tijuana, Mexico. As the crews worked, three men and two women, one carrying a large red purse, jumped a short rusted fence from Tijuana into the construction site and were immediately stopped by agents on horseback. Francisco said there have been four or five other illegal crossing attempts at the site since work began Sept. 26. The models, which cost the government up to $500,000 each, were spaced 30 feet (9.1 meters) apart. Slopes, thickness and curves vary. One has two shades of blue with white trim. The others are gray, tan or brown - in sync with the desert. Bidding guidelines call for the prototypes to stand between 18 and 30 feet (5.5 and 9.1 meters) high and be able to withstand at least an hour of punishment from a sledgehammer, pickaxe, torch, chisel or battery-operated tools. Features also should prevent the use of climbing aids such as grappling hooks, and the segments must be "aesthetically pleasing" when viewed from the U.S. side. The administration hasn't said how many winners it will pick or whether Trump will weigh in himself. There is currently 654 miles (1,052 kilometers) of single-layer fence on the 1,954-mile (3,143-kilometer) border, plus 51 miles (82 kilometers) of double- and triple-layer fence. "I'm sure they will engage in a lot of tests against these structures to see how they function with different challenges," U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte, a Virginia Republican who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, said Tuesday after touring the construction site. Trump has asked Congress for $1.6 billion to replace 14 miles of wall (22.4 kilometers) in San Diego and build 60 miles (96 kilometers) in Texas' Rio Grande Valley, the busiest corridor for illegal crossings. Here's a rundown of companies building prototypes, their headquarters and value of their contract. Two are making one concrete prototype and another using other materials. CADELL CONSTRUCTION CO., Montgomery, Alabama. ($344,000 for concrete wall, $320,000 for other wall) Its tan concrete wall is thick at the bottom and narrows considerably toward the pointed top. The other, also tan, has metal poles on the bottom, a metal plate in the middle, and concrete block on top. The general construction company founded in 1983 says its projects include U.S. embassies in Beijing and Kabul, Afghanistan, terminals at Houston's George Bush International Airport and renovations to the Denver Mint. W.G. YATES & SONS CONSTRUCTION CO., Philadelphia, Mississippi. ($453,548 for concrete wall, $458,103 for other wall) Its models are a darker brown than other prototypes and topped by round beams. Its concrete panel has a plain face; its metal one has a corrugated surface. The 53-year-old company has worked in a wide range of projects, including a Toyota plant in Blue Springs, Mississippi, a county jail in Olmito, Texas, a marine terminal in Jacksonville, Florida, and a power plant near Panama City, Florida. ___ Two companies are building concrete walls. FISHER SAND & GRAVEL CO., Tempe, Arizona. ($365,000 contract) It's the only prototype to be built entirely on site - as opposed to being hauled in. Its tan surface gradually narrows toward the top, like a long triangle. Part of conglomerate Fisher Industries, the company produces sand, gravel and other products for roads, dams and large public works projects. The company is active is 12 western states. TEXAS STERLING CONSTRUCTION CO., Houston. ($470,000 contract) The gray surface of the U.S. side is stamped with patterns of different-sized bricks, like a driveway or sidewalk at an upscale home. There is a steel plate on top with prongs that feature at three metal spikes, resembling an agave plant. Parent company Sterling Construction Co., founded in 1991, specializes in water and transportation projects, including highways, bridges, ports, light rail, wastewater and storm drainage systems. It is active in Texas, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, California and Hawaii. ___ Two companies were selected to build walls made of materials other than concrete. KWR CONSTRUCTION INC., Sierra Vista, Arizona. ($486,411 contract) Its gray metal columns are topped with a large metal plate. The small, Hispanic-owned company counts the Homeland Security, Defense and Interior departments among its largest customers. ELTA NORTH AMERICA INC., Annapolis Junction, Maryland. ($406,319 contract) Its solid metal wall features six light blue squares with white trim on the bottom third, topped by dark blue beams and metal plates. ELTA is a large Israeli defense contractor owned by state-run Israel Aerospace Industries. The company, which makes radar and other gear, opened its new U.S. headquarters in Maryland in May. Gen. Kelly, chief of staff for Trump, was forced into the spotlight this week after the president came under fire for his condolence call to the pregnant widow of a slain soldier, in which he reportedly said her husband knew what he signed up for...But when it happens, it hurts anyway. Trump made the comments during a five-minute phone call to Myeshia Johnson, the wife of U.S. Army Sgt. La David Johnson, according to Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.), who criticized the president during an interview with a local news outlet. Johnson was among four service members who died in Niger during an ambush. Kelly lost his son, Second Lt. Robert Kelly, in 2010 during an ambush in Afghanistan and explained during an impromptu press conference what the process is like for the loved ones of those killed overseas. His response today was partially prompted by reports that President Obama did not call Kelly after his son died, which Kelly defended. A casualty officer typically goes to the home very early in the morning and waits for the first lights to come on, he said. And the casualty officer proceeds to break the heart of a family member and stays with that family until, well, for a long, long time. Even after the internment. More from FOX Business A fiscal year 2018 budget blueprint passed the Senate late Thursday, bringing the Republican Party one step closer to its goal of passing tax reform by years end. ....This now allows for the passage of large scale Tax Cuts (and Reform), which will be the biggest in the history of our country! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 20, 2017 However, the GOP still has a myriad of challenges and variables to overcome in its journey to implement comprehensive tax reform. Heres where the effort stands now, with the budget nearly completed. Budget and tax reform The budget is a critical piece of the tax reform puzzle because it provides both a revenue line and a reconciliation mandate for the tax reform package. The new Senate measure allows for $1.5 trillion over 10 years in debt-financed tax cuts. Additionally it permits Republicans to pass the package using the fast-track process known as reconciliation, which would forbid a filibuster from Democrats and sanction approval with only a simple majority of votes. The two chambers still need to agree on a final budget resolution between their two different versions of the measure. The House blueprint calls for revenue neutral tax reform. Timeline The GOP still aims to have the legislation completed by the end of the year, with House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) saying last week that he would keep lawmakers working through Christmas to complete tax reform, if necessary. Once the final budget resolution is passed, the House Ways and Means Committee can introduce the tax reform legislation into the chamber, where it will be up for debate and votes. Multiple House sources speculated to Fox News on Thursday night that House Republicans may try to advance the package before Thanksgiving. Ryan said he expects the GOP to move the bill over to the Senate sometime in November. Unanswered Questions While the overall themes of the tax reform package have been outlined by White House officials and GOP lawmakers, the fine details have yet to be ironed out. There is still disagreement among the GOP about whether to eliminate state and local tax (SALT) deductions, which would hurt higher-income earners in highly taxed states like California, New York and Connecticut. The White House has come out in favor of removing SALT deductions, however lawmakers from both sides of the aisle in the affected states are staunchly opposed. The GOP has also yet to decide on exactly what income levels would correspond to the three tax brackets laid out by the party of 12%, 25% and 35%. The Republican Party has also floated the possibility of a fourth bracket, or a surtax, on the highest-earning Americans, which has also yet to be detailed. On Friday morning, Speaker Ryan said this would in fact be included in the framework, but he declined to reveal the rate. Variables The GOP is worried about a few wildcard variables that could impact the advancement of its tax reform package, including the health of some lawmakers in the party. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz) and Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) have been suffering from health issues throughout recent months. Additionally, the Alabama special election on Dec. 12, for Sen. Luther Stranges seat, could tip the balance in the chamber. A recent Fox poll showed the Republican candidate Roy Moore and his Democratic opponent Doug Jones, are tied. The GOP currently holds 52 seats in the Senate. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) voted against the budget measure, but has said, so long as the tax reform package is consistent with the presidents promise of not increasing taxes on middle-income earners, he cannot see [himself] not voting in favor of it. Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyongo is the latest celebrity to detail her experience being sexually harassed by disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein following a litany of allegations that include rape and sexual assault. The 12 Years a Slave star detailed her experience in a lengthy op-ed to The New York Times, the same outlet that initially wrote an expose that brought Weinsteins abuse to the forefront of the public conversation. In it, she details meeting Weinstein while she was still a student at the Yale School of Drama in 2011. After meeting at a social event, Weinstein invited her to a screening of a movie at his private residence in Connecticut, not too far from the Yale campus. After having lunch with him and meeting his young children, they entered his private screening room with a large group. Eventually, he asked her to go to a bedroom with him and propositioned her for a massage. "I thought he was joking at first. He was not." The star says she rationalized obliging because massages were something that happened frequently in her acting program to help students understand the mind/body/emotion connection. However, when he insisted on taking off his pants despite her protest, the star insisted that she leave. After winning her over with a chaste group meeting where Weinstein allowed her to bring two male friends, her guard softened and she agreed to attend another public screening with him months later. Afterward, she was taken to a restaurant thinking it would be a group outing. However, it turned out to be just the two of them. Thats when Weinstein made a blunt proposition. Lets cut to the chase. I have a private room upstairs where we can have the rest of our meal, Nyongo claims she was told. She refused and they left the restaurant without eating. When she asked if they were OK, Weinstein gave an ominous reply. I dont know about your career, but youll be fine, he reportedly said. It wasnt until she became an Oscar winner in 2014 that Weinstein apologized for his behavior and agreed to show her the respect she deserves. Still, the actress, director and producer says she turned down all future projects from The Weinstein Co. Nyongo joins the chorus of voices from women in Hollywood who have shared similar experiences with Weinstein, including reports of massage propositions, unwelcome nudity and threats against their career if they refuse. Famed Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino says he knew about the sexual allegations against Harvey Weinstein and regrets not doing more. I knew enough to do more than I did, Tarantino said Wednesday in an interview with The New York Times. There was more to it than just the normal rumors, the normal gossip. It wasnt secondhand. I knew he did a couple of these things. Harvey Weinsteins alleged history of sexual assault was brought to light earlier this month in articles by The New York Times and The New Yorker that rocked Hollywood. After the exposes were published, a flood of women in the industry shared their own stories of unwanted advances from the movie producer, including Rose McGowan and Mira Sorvino. Tarantino said he knew about both. HARVEY WEINSTEIN SEX SCANDAL: DETAILING THE ALLEGATIONS The director was dating Sorvino in 1995 when she told him about her encounter with Weinstein, The Times reported. He said he was shocked and appalled, when he first heard. I couldnt believe he would do that so openly. I was like: Really? Really?' But he said he thought that because he was dating Sorvino, the issue was resolved. Im with her, he knows that, he wont mess with her, he knows that shes my girlfriend, he said he thought of Weinstein at the time. In The New Yorker article, Sorvino said Weinstein, started massaging my shoulders, which made me very uncomfortable, and then tried to get more physical, sort of chasing me around. She reportedly left the hotel room after saying it went against her faith to date married men. HARVEY WEINSTEIN BEING INVESTIGATED BY LAPD FOR ALLEGED 2013 RAPE IN A HOTEL ROOM Despite hearing story after story through the years, Tarantino said he didnt consider the big picture and continued to make movies with Weinstein, The Times said. What I did was marginalize the incidents, he said. Anything I say now will sound like a crappy excuse. Some of the stories were rumors, Tarantino said. But others were reportedly from women who came to him directly and he wished hed taken responsibility for what hed heard back then. I chalked it up to a 50s-60s era image of a boss chasing a secretary around the desk, he said. As if thats O.K. Thats the egg on my face right now. BILL CLINTON ACCUSER BROADDRICK SLAMS LEWINSKY OVER #METOO TWEET Tarantino described Hollywood as operating under an almost Jim Crow-like system that us males have almost tolerated. We allowed it to exist because thats the way it was, he said. But moving forward, he said that kind of behavior can no longer go on and men needed to do better by our sisters, The Times reported. But despite their history of making movies together, Tarantino said he doesnt know why Weinstein did what he did, but that it was time for him to face the music. A former star of "Property Wars" pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two other charges involving furniture stores he owns and operates in the Phoenix metro area. Federal authorities say Scott Menaged also pleaded guilty Tuesday to aggravated identity theft and money laundry conspiracy. He's scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 27. Prosecutors say Menaged could be facing at least a 10-year prison sentence and having to pay more than $2.1 million in restitution to banks. Menaged was arrested in May in a case investigated by the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Homeland Security. Prosecutors say Menaged and three other defendants fabricated receipts of purchases at Furniture King stores and used the information of recently deceased people for bank credit applications. The Discovery Channel show ran for two seasons and focused on a group of buyers who competed to outbid each other on foreclosed homes in the Phoenix area. The final episode aired in 2013. The Associated Press contributed to this report. "[B]lood will be on their hands." That's what Sean Penns lawyers are saying about Netflix in regard to their release of a documentary series about drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman which, they warn, could put the Academy Award-winning actor in danger. Theodore J. Boutrous Jr., Penns lawyer, wrote a letter to Netflix explaining that the release of The Day I Met El Chapo: The Kate del Castillo Story could potentially put Penn in danger because the series implied the actor helped the Department of Justice apprehend the notorious head of the Sinaloa drug cartel, The New York Times reported. Boutrous told the streaming service in the letter, blood will be on their hands if this film causes bodily harm. SEAN PENN TELLS CHARLIE ROSE HE REGRETS EL CHAPO INTERVIEW The series, which was released Friday, focused on del Castillo, a Mexican actress, and Penns October 2015 meeting with Guzman. Penn wrote an article for the Rolling Stone detailing the interview, which was facilitated by del Castillo. The essay was published a day after the drug lord was recaptured in Mexico. Penn claimed he had nothing to do with Guzmans recapture. While promoting the documentary series, del Castillo told Good Morning America Friday that she had sex with Penn during the filming. I never fell for him. We had sex. Were both adults, single, and something was going on, but that was it. It was business, del Castillo told Good Morning America. Last year, Penn told Charlie Rose that he met the drug lord in a place nowhere near where he was captured. He also told Rose the accusations that he helped in Guzman's capture were incorrect and could put him in danger. It is reprehensible that, in their ongoing, relentless efforts to gain additional attention and publicity, Ms. del Castillo and her team (who have zero firsthand knowledge) have sought to create this profoundly false, foolish and reckless narrative, Penns spokesman told The New York Times. COULD SEAN PENNS EL CHAPO INTERVIEW MEAN TROUBLE FOR THE ACTOR? The notion that Mr. Penn or anyone on his behalf alerted DOJ (Department of Justice) to the trip is a complete fabrication and boldfaced lie. It never happened, nor would there have been any reason for it to have happened. Netflix responded that Penn was given the opportunity on multiple occasions to participate but he did not. Netflix reiterated the documentary does not reveal any new information but gave del Castillo her chance to tell her side of the story. AMES, Iowa No. 22 Iowa State returns to Hilton Coliseum on Saturday when the Cyclones host TCU during Family Weekend in Ames. First serve between ISU and TCU will be at 1 p.m., with Cyclones.TV Powered by Mediacom televising the match. Tickets to the match can be purchased online, here, or prior to the match at the Hilton Coliseum Ticket Office at the lower southwest corner of Hilton. Saturday night's match will be televised on Cyclones.TV Powered by Mediacom and on the Cyclones.TV web player. For more info about Cyclones.TV, click here. Live stats will be provided by Iowa State, here. Fans can also receive updates on Iowa State Volleyball's social media channels: @CycloneVB on Twitter, and @IowaStateVB on Instagram. The ISU block smothered West Virginia on Wednesday night en route to a 3-1 win. The 13-4 Cyclones recorded 19.5 total blocks on the match, their most in a match since 2007, with Grace Lazard pacing the effort with 11 blocks. In the attack, Alexis Conaway and Jess Schaben each recorded 18 kills. ISU is 8-2 against TCU since the Horned Frogs joined the Big 12, 4-1 inside Hilton Coliseum. TCU, who has made the NCAA Tournament the last two seasons, got its lone win in Ames last season in five sets. However, the Frogs are currently at the bottom of the Big 12 with a 9-10 overall record, and 1-6 in league play after falling to Oklahoma in straight sets on Wednesday. The Frogs have a variety of options at the net, led by 2016 All-Big 12 honoree Anna Walsh. The Frogs will play as many as seven freshmen during a given match. The owners of a southwest Colorado pizza restaurant said they will take down bathroom signs that shows a man lifting a womans skirt, the Durango Herald reports. HomeSlice Pizza owners Cory and Lynn Kitch said the signs are not offensive and do not promote sexual assault as critics claim. The Kitches said they are taking down the signs to prevent their employees from receiving any more backlash. Two signs have been at one of HomeSlice Pizzas locations in Durango since it opened four years ago. But after they went viral on social media, the restaurant owners and employees came under fire. Several comments were left on HomeSlices Facebook page seeking confirmation the signs were real and to pressure the owners to take them down. Lynn Kitch said told the newspaper in an email that the business and its employees have been harassed and cyberbullied after the photo gained more attention. I understand that some people have deep rooted emotional issues stemming from sexual impropriety, and for that I have compassion, Lynn Kitch wrote in an email to the newspaper. I would invite them to deal with their pain in a more productive manner than projecting their anger on a bathroom sign, or a pizza restaurant, or certainly a restaurant employee. The Kitches said they will auction off at least one of the bathroom signs and donate the proceeds to Durango-based Sexual Assault Service Organization. This article originally appeared on Fox31. A henna artist from Idaho is using her talents to help children with cancer. Dana Bellefeuille, with Henna and Cake, a skin care service in Coeur dAlene, helped 7-year-old cancer patient Alex feel like a real-life princess when she drew a henna crown on her head, Fox 28 reported. Alex shaved her head after she was diagnosed with leukemia. Henna is a dye made from the henna plant. Artists use the dye on skin to create temporary tattoos. Its a very healing art, Bellefeuille told the news outlet, adding that being able to use her artistic talent to help Alex was a touching and emotional experience. Bellefeuille also said she was glad to bring somebody whos going through the hardest days of their lives a little bit of joy. Bellefeuille drew Alexs henna crown for free, according to Fox 28. The statistics on opioid abuse, overdoses and drug-related deaths in the U.S. are staggering. More people are dying from drugs than automobile accidents, and opioids like heroin and fentanyl killed more Americans last year than the entire Vietnam War. At the local level, the ravages of the crisis are even more shocking than the horrific and ever-increasing numbers. In many cities, addiction drama has jumped out of screens and news outlets and taken over familiar streets, neighborhoods, homes we know. Manchester, New Hampshire is one of the places where opioid abuse has changed the landscape. Nearly everyone in this small city has a family member or friend who ODd or knows someone who does. First responders have seen their call volume rise dramatically, but firefighters, for example, arent chasing more fires. Theyre getting multiple calls a day for an unresponsive person, which is code for someone deep in the clutches of an overdose. Last month was our highest month with overdoses, Fire Chief Dan Goonan told Fox News. We had 118 and we had 11 deaths. ... Its not really getting better. I think were trying to tread some water here and do the best we can with the resources we have. Fox News visited with Goonan one year ago to take an in-depth look at the opioid crisis. In the fall of 2016, in the late swirl of the presidential campaign, Manchester was already in the throes of an epidemic. Local police were teaming up with the Drug Enforcement Agency to try and track drugs from the buyers to the suppliers and get them off the streets. So far, the strategy hasnt shown significant results and the workload has gotten heavier. Weve formed a strike force here and were pushing cases down to the source the folks who are actually the command and control. The ones who are making decisions that are really affecting life in New Hampshire thats who were targeting, said the DEAs Jon DeLena, assistant special agent in charge of Northern New England. Overdoses are now common on the streets of Manchester, even in the light of day. Lawmakers who didnt appreciate President Donald Trump calling the state a drug-infested den are forced to admit they need federal help and complain its not coming fast enough. This week, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu announced $150,000 in state funds would be funneled to two local rehab programs: Safe Station, run by the fire department, and Serenity Place, which not only treats addicts but employs some of those in recovery. A bunch of bureaucrats and the governor arent going to solve the drug crisis, Sununu told Fox News, but folks on the frontlines of this, folks in recovery actually telling their stories and giving examples of what works and doesnt work thats how you really start making a difference. The executive director of Serenity Place, Stephanie Bergeron, said New Hampshire has been hard hit and a lot of promises were made. But, she said, I dont think were seeing much and if anything is happening were just not aware of it yet. Really, right now if it werent for private donors we certainly wouldnt be doing Safe Station, Im pretty certain of that, Goonan added. His department created Safe Station last year because it was getting so many calls on overdose victims that it barely could keep up. The idea was addicts could walk into any firehouse and get an evaluation and referral to a program before it was too late. Since its launch, Safe Station has helped more than 2,500 people, 62 percent of them traveling to Manchester from other parts of the state. There are some success stories, like a man named Denis we met last year. Hed lost his estranged wife to a drug overdose, lost his home and lost custody of his son. He found the strength to kick opioids and then found treatment and counseling to prevent a relapse. Now Denis works full time as a chef and driver for Serenity Place and tries to encourage others to get help. People need hope, Denis told Fox News. If they feel like nothing they do matters or if theres no way out of it, then theres no reason to change but if people provide them hope and a realistic way to get out of that lifestyle, you know they will go for it. Next week Trump will declare the opioid epidemic a national crisis. That wont be news to the people of Manchester, but it will be a much awaited step forward. A Florida nursing home that charged one of its residents who died when Hurricane Irma created sweltering conditions at the facility has blamed an automatic payment system for the error, and claims that the family has been refunded. The relatives of Albertina Vega, who was a resident at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills, said they were shocked to see the bank withdrawal and subsequent overdraft fee on her account, The Sun Sentinel reported. Vega, who was 99 at the time of her death, was charged $958 on what would have been her 100th birthday. Carmen Fernandez, a relative, said she saw the charge and fee when she went to close the womans account, the news outlet reported. INSURER ALLEGEDLY SENDS COVERAGE DENIAL LETTER TO 9-MONTH-OLD WITH BRAIN CANCER How are they going to charge a dead person? Fernandez told The Sun Sentinel. How is she going to pay that? I was enraged. They let her die and then they bill her. This was someone who was like a mother to me. Vega was one of the 14 residents who died when the facilitys central air conditioning failed during the hurricane. She was living on the second floor of the nursing home, which did not have air conditioning for three days, the news outlet reported. Hollywood police and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement launched an investigation into the deaths, but Fernandez wonders if Medicaid has also been billed for Vegas care, or if the other victims have received similar bills. The states Agency for Health Care Administration would not comment on the incident, but said the facility was suspended from the Medicaid program in September, according to The Sun Sentinel. Fernandez said she filed a complaint with the bank manager, while a spokeswoman for the nursing home said the billing was part of an automated system that was beyond the facilitys control. Unfortunately, in this familys case, this was an automatic deduction, Alia Faraj-Johnson told The Sun Sentinel. Due to circumstances beyond the facilitys control and their lack of access to what they need the computers in the system the withdrawal automatically occurred. A former Oklahoma inmate is suing for $5 million in a lawsuit that claims prison officials let him suffer in unbearable pain, after being denied treatment for an erection that lasted 91 hours. Dustin Lance claims in a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Muskogee that he suffered permanent injury in December 2016 when Pittsburg County jail officials ignored his pleas for medical help, Tulsa World reported. Lance claims in the lawsuit that he took a pill offered to him by another inmate and let jail staff know the next day that he was reeling from unbearable pain being caused by the erection. WOMAN DIAGNOSED WITH 'BROKEN-HEART SYNDROME' AFTER LOSS OF BELOVED DOG Instead of helping Lance, the suit claims, jail officials mocked him and did not transport him to a local hospital until four days after he swallowed the pill. When the hospital indicated Lance needed to be transferred over to a urologists office for treatment, he was returned to the jail and was arranged to be released on his own recognizance due to medical issues, Tulsa World reported. The lawsuit names police, government and medical individuals. Lance is facing a misdemeanor charge of breaking and entering a dwelling without permission in a separate criminal case. Doctors were expecting to treat a Texas woman who was mourning the death of her beloved Yorkshire terrier for a possible heart attack, only to discover that her symptoms were actually due to a broken heart. Joanie Simpson, whose 2016 medical ordeal was detailed in the New England Journal of Medicine, was diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a condition commonly associated with the loss of a spouse or child. The symptoms can mimic those of a heart attack and is also referred to as broken-heart syndrome, The Washington Post reported. The condition is most common in women ages 58 to 75, and can cause weakening of the left ventricle, according to Harvard Medical School. For Simpson, who at the time was stressed due to her sons impending back surgery, her son-in-laws unemployment and a property sale, it was the loss of the dog named Meha that sent her over the edge. The kids were grown and out of the house, so she was our little girl, Simpson, 62, told The Washington Post. FLORIDA NURSING HOME BILLS RESIDENT WHO DIED DURING HURRICANE IRMA But when the dog was diagnosed with congenital heart failure, Simpson decided it was best to have her euthanized. She canceled the appointment when the dog seemed to bounce back to health, but Meha died the next day. It was such a horrendous thing to have to witness, Simpson told The Washington Post. When youre already kind of upset about other things, its like a brick on a scale. I mean everything just weighs on you. Sometime after Mehas death, Simpson woke with back pain that traveled to her chest and went to an emergency room near her Houston home. She was then airlifted to the Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute Texas Medical Center, where doctors discovered her arteries were clear, indicating her illness was not a heart attack. She was diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and released after two days, and continues to take two heart medications daily, The Washington Post reported. She said she was not surprised by the diagnosis after it was explained to her. It is heartbreaking. It is traumatic. It is all of the above, Simpson said of owning a pet. But you know what? They give so much love and companionship that Ill do it again. I will continue to have pets. Thats not going to stop me. Researchers at New York University's Langone School of Medicine said in an interview that people who've temporarily died are aware that their life has ended, and might be able to hear a doctor announcing their death. Scientists at the New York City school told The Independent newspaper that theyre studying patients who've suffered cardiac arrest but have been revived. These doctors say some survivors recall vivid conversations that went on around them even several minutes after they were pronounced dead. The paper defined death as the stage where the heart no longer beats and blood flow to the brain cuts off. Live Science reported that the cerebral cortex also slows down instantly and within two to 20 seconds flatlines. You lose all your brain stem reflexes, Dr. Sam Parnia, director of critical care and resuscitation at the school, told the paper. Your gag reflex, your pupil reflex, all that is gone. The evidence reportedly suggests a surge of brain activity immediately after a near-death experience. "What tends to happen is that people who've had these very profound experiences may come back positively transformed they become more altruistic, more engaged with helping others. They find a new meaning to life having had an encounter with death," Parnia said. "But there isn't like a sudden magical enhancement of their memories," he added. "That's just Hollywood jazz." I dont believe in coincidences. Not when it comes to crimes. Especially when they involve political corruption. No such thing as a coincidence. Doesnt exist. Yet, we are led to believe it was merely a coincidence that Bill Clinton just happened to be on the tarmac of an Arizona airport at the same time as then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch. We are supposed to accept that their private meeting on board Lynchs plane had nothing whatsoever to do with the criminal investigation of Hillary Clinton which the A-G was overseeing at the time. Right. They just schmoozed about grandkids and what-not. I guess it was also just a coincidence that a few days after the furtive tarmac meeting the decision was announced that criminal charges against Clinton, the Democratic nominee for president, would not be filed, notwithstanding compelling evidence that she repeatedly violated the Espionage Act by storing highly classified documents on her private, unauthorized and unsecured email server in the basement of her home. Sure. Makes perfect sense. To a naive, gullible fool. Maybe it was purely a coincidence that there was another FBI investigation going on involving Russias corruption-fueled purchase of U.S uranium assets and which also happened to implicate the Clintons, but was kept hidden from Congress and the American people by Lynch and her predecessor, Eric Holder. Hmm And perhaps it was simply an odd coincidence that the investigation of this uranium bribery, extortion, money laundering and kickback case was supervised by then-FBI Director Robert Mueller, his successor James Comey, and then-U.S Attorney Rod Rosenstein, all of whom appear to have covered it up but are now directly involved in the Trump-Russia probe. Strange confluence of people and events, eh? I dont buy any of it. Not for one minute. And not entirely because I dont believe in coincidences. It is because all the above-mentioned people are known to trifle with the law or ignore disqualifying conflicts of interest. They seem to be without principles --devoid of the kind of scruples that should guide people in service of our government. Mueller is serving as special counsel in the Trump-Russia case. He reports to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein who appointed him. Yet both Rosenstein and fired FBI Director James Comey are witnesses in the case, since Rosenstein recommended to President Trump that Comey be fired. It is well established that Comey and Mueller are long-time friends, allies and former partners. How can Mueller be fair and impartial given these glaring conflicts of interest? He cannot. And he should recuse himself. Rosenstein should also step aside in overseeing the case. He cannot be prosecutor and witness simultaneously. Their conflicts are compounded by recent reports that all three men were involved in the Russian uranium case which was kept hidden from Congress. How can Americans have confidence in the outcome of the Trump-Russia case if they engaged in a cover-up of the Clinton-Russia case? Which brings us to Hillary and Bill. The Clinton name is synonymous with scandal. The sleazy Whitewater land deals, an illicit affair with a young White House intern that led to impeachment, deceptions following the Benghazi murders, Travelgate, cattle futures, suspected slush funds, evidence of perjury, the list is seemingly endless. Through it all, the ability of the Clintons to evade indictments would make Houdini proud. They are escape artists of the highest order. Loretta Lynch should never have presided over the Hillary Clinton email case. She owed her career to none other than Bill Clinton who nominated her to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York which nicely positioned her for elevation to Attorney General a few years later. She should have recused herself from the Hillary probe from the outset, but did not. Only when the ethically-challenged tarmac meeting took place did she step aside. Belatedly. Supposedly. I have my doubts. On Friday, Lynch met behind closed doors with the House Intelligence Committee. Too bad the public was deprived of witnessing an attempt to elicit the truth. But secrecy is endemic in Washington, which is precisely why it is so easy to obscure the truth when power corrupts. Lynch was likely asked to explain the full content of the infamous tarmac conversation with Bill Clinton that lasted approximately 30 minutes. Did Clinton remind Lynch of how much she owed him? Are we to believe that he never broached the potential indictment of his wife with the very person who could decide her fate? It is likely Lynch was asked by the Intel Committee if she ever directed Comey to mischaracterize the Clinton email case as a matter instead of what it truly was, a criminal investigation. Was Lynch downplaying the case because she planned to scuttle any criminal charges? Did she assure anyone in the Clinton orbit that prosecution would never happen, incriminating evidence be damned? Finally, why did Lynch allow Comey to usurp the power of the Attorney General in announcing that no criminal charges would be forthcoming against Clinton? It was bad enough that Comey misinterpreted the law on intent and gross negligence, but Lynch appears to have allowed her office to acquiesce in Comeys decision. Why? Since Fridays hearing was secretive, we may never learn the answers to serious questions that appear to involve lawlessness and rampant corruption. Instead, we are left to wonder whether it was all just a confluence of fantastic coincidences. Editor's note: The following column is adapted from a post which originally appeared on AEIdeas.org, the blog of the American Enterprise Institute. It is hard to imagine that our national descent into political contempt could get any worse than it did this week, when Congresswoman Frederica Wilson accused President Trump of disrespecting the pregnant widow of a fallen soldier during a condolence call, telling her that her husband knew what he signed up for. It should have been obvious to all Trump probably flubbed what was intended as a compliment, praising his courage for volunteering to serve in a vocation he knew could cost him his life. When I was a speechwriter for President Bush, he often praised our troops for volunteering for military service knowing all the risks and dangers that come with wearing our nations uniform. We should have all assumed that Trump was trying to do the same thing, and that it just didnt come out right. Now, we know that is the case, as Gen. John Kelly himself a Gold Star father confirmed it in a moving statement in the White House press briefing room Thursday. We have now arrived at the day where the presidents efforts to console grieving families who lost loved ones in a time of war is considered fair game for political attacks. You can see Gen. Kellys remarks at the top of this column. They are worth watching in full. Trump was under no obligation to make that call. General Kelly advised him not to. But the president wanted to do it anyway. And with unexpected humility, knowing he had never worn the uniform, he asked a close adviser who had worn the uniform what he should say and then tried to say it. His motive was to praise a hero and comfort a grieving family. That this congresswoman (who boycotted Trumps inauguration and has called for his impeachment) would publicize and politicize what the president said in private to this Gold Star family is reprehensible. It marked a new low one that was exceeded only by her response to Gen. Kellys comments declaring that she was now a rock star because she was being talked about from the White House podium. If that did not make her motives clear, I dont know what would. Also shameful was the media feeding frenzy, with reporters unquestioningly reporting her comments and then calling other Gold Star families to see if Trump had insulted them as well. And then there was the reaction of the The Resistance which was epitomized by former Hillary Clinton spokesman Brian Fallons tweet: Kelly isnt just an enabler of Trump. Hes a believer in him. That makes him as odious as the rest. Dont be distracted by the uniform. Kelly is a decorated veteran who lost a son in service to our country. But dont be distracted by all that. Trump hate is simply blinding to some. This is not to suggest that Trump is blameless in this affair. The charge that he had insulted a Gold Star family would not have been believable if he had not previously insulted a Gold Star family during the 2016 campaign (a moment that Gen. Kelly referred to in his statement Thursday) or declared that John McCain was not a hero because he had been captured [while serving our country in Vietnam]. He should not have publicly questioned how his predecessors expressed their condolences to grieving families (though, again, he was inarticulately repeating what Gen. Kelly had told him that President Obama did not call him when his son was killed in action). And rather than returning fire at Rep. Wilson on Twitter, Trump should have taken the high road and simply said, I was trying to praise his courage, and I blew it. He seems congenitally incapable of admitting a mistake. There are no heroes in this entire episode, except the ones who seem to have been forgotten in the political melee: the four brave Americans who gave their lives on the battlefield. Many have been mourning the fact that political contempt has infected every aspect of our lives, including sports. But we have now arrived at the day where the presidents efforts to console grieving families who lost loved ones in a time of war is considered fair game for political attacks. How much hate must someone have in their heart to presume that the president would pick up the phone to call a grieving widow and intentionally insult the memory of her lost loved one? At some point we have to pull up out of this downward spiral of mutual contempt before its too late. Occasionally you know that you are watching history being made. October 5, 2017 was such a day for me. On that day, Vice President Mike Pence stood before the space shuttle Discovery and called to order the first meeting of the renewed National Space Council. Historians of tomorrow will regard the meeting at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museums Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center as the beginning of Americas return as the leader in mankinds race to explore outer space. The meeting was of course historic in the literal sense. This was the Space Councils first meeting in nearly 25 years, since the Clinton Administration disbanded it in 1993. But this months meeting was especially significant for another reason. It signaled a serious change in the way the United States approaches and interacts with space. In addition to attendees from government agencies such as National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, and others, the room at was filled with key people from private enterprise who are currently working to break out and lead the world in space activity. During the council meeting, Ozmen described a future where you could travel anywhere on the globe in 45 minutes or less. The council heard from leaders at Elon Musks SpaceX and Jeff Bezoss Blue Origin, both of which are pioneering reusable rocket technology that will help greatly reduce the cost of getting into outer space. Fatih Ozmen, the CEO of Sierra Nevada Corporation, spoke about his companys Dream Chaser space vehicle, which is designed to launch from a rocket, perform a mission in space, then return and land on any runway that can accommodate a large passenger airplane. The vehicle can be used more than 15 times, which represents a huge step forward for regular space flight, space tourism, and potentially high-speed travel here on earth. During the council meeting, Ozmen described a future where you could travel anywhere on the globe in 45 minutes or less. The private sectors investment in space is extremely important. Private innovation will help launch us out of the old, government bureaucracy-led model, which has become inundated with red tape, risk aversion and politics, and into a more dynamic era thats driven by competition, technology, and enterprise. From his chairmans seat on the National Space Council, Vice President Pence has the opportunity to help unlock NASA, reform decades-old flight regulations, and make it possible for the private industry to achieve breakthroughs that will fundamentally change life on earth. I am especially excited about Vice President Pences recognition that it is important to put Americans back on the Moon and that going to the Moon is about more than just landing there. He said, We will return American astronauts to the Moon, not only to leave behind footprints and flags, but to build the foundation we need to send Americans to Mars and beyond. The Vice President correctly described the Moon as a stepping stone for America to reach the real potential of space. In addition to going to Mars, that potential includes asteroid mining, zero-gravity manufacturing, deep space travel, advances in propulsion systems, and other breakthroughs which could propel human beings into a wide-open future. During his inaugural address, President Donald Trump pledged that America would once again look to the stars and unlock the mysteries of space. This first meeting of the National Space Council was an important step to accomplishing the Presidents goals. The councils next job will be to fully analyze our current policies on space and make recommendations to President Trump on how to move forward. Based on what I saw earlier this month, America will soon be leading the world in space travel and inspiring a new generation of Americans to explore the stars. The North County Board of Education met in regular session Thursday evening and heard an audit report from Fick, Eggemeyer & Williamson. Keith Slusser, a partner with Fick, Eggemeyer & Williamson, discussed the independent auditor's report. He said the district received an unqualified opinion. Its the kind of opinion you want to receive. It sounds bad, but that means we had no departures to qualify the opinion with so its clean audit, said Slusser. Overall, the assets of the district is $16 million and this number is up $3.5 million from last year. Slusser said that is because there were two things that happened during 2017. They issued $7 million in refunding bonds that they are sitting on to pay off a future bond so that shows as an increase to their capital. We also spent down about $3.6 million in our capital projects fund, as we are spending down other bond proceeds, Slusser said. If we combine those together we get to about our $3.5 million change. The other funds, the general fund and special revenue fund, during the year just about broke even. Slusser said on the reports, the board could see what they have in the general fund and the debt service fund. The investments in the debt service fund is $7.1 million which he has talked about for future refunding. Then you have about $1.9 million left in the capital projects fund, which is properly earmarked for other projects, Slusser said. "Some changes I talked about earlier were under capital projects. You can see the $3.6 million that we spent in that fund and in the service fund you can see we issued the $7 million in bonds. Slusser said had they paid the debt off in the same year or had refunded in the same year, they would have $7 million going out and $7 million coming in, so two years when they refund this, its going to look really bad in the debt service fund. That is because we are going to be paying off and its going to look like we lost $7 million, but that is because we had $7 million in income in the current year, said Slusser. In the long-term liabilities you can see we started the year with $22.6 million of capital obligations, borrowed $7 million, paid $1.5 million and we are at $28 million of total bonded debt at the end of the year. Slusser said the report also shows the maturity schedules for the 2009, 2013 and 2014 bonds. The 2014 bond is what will be refunded with the $7 million and the total interest on the 2014 bond is $4.3 million. The total interest on the 2016 bond is $1.4 million, so by refunding that bond you saved taxpayers $2 million, Slusser said. Looking at the budgets, in the general fund we originally budgeted $11.4 million of expenditures and we ended up at $10.5, so in the general fund we ended with less than what we originally budgeted, so that is a positive thing to note. Slusser said they had to do a single audit this year if there is more than $750,000 in federal expenditures. He said they audited the food service cluster and there were no findings on the single audit this year. The year before that we did Title I, so it becomes a situation where if something is over $750,000 you have to do it at least once every three years, Slusser said. So we kind of alternate back and forth to keep stuff fresh. So if for some reason your Title I money drops below $750,000, the new would just stick with the food cluster. Slusser said the report on internal control had a finding in there and its related to the investments, which the board was made aware of last year. He added since they were not in compliance with Missouri statute with what they are invested in and they are technically allowed by state statute. There are obviously extenuating circumstances that you really dont get into in the auditing world, said Slusser. When youre writing something up, you cant say if we cash it in now we are going to lose all this money. Slusser said they had a prior deficiency with the food service program, where they tested 20 of them two years ago and found 10 of the applications were wrong. This year we tested 40 of them and they were all perfect, said Slusser. Other than that we submitted the single audit and I dont think there are any more requirements. The board all agreed that Fick, Eggemeyer & Williamson did a good great job with this years audit. The reason we do a good job is because of the staff, Slusser responded. We send stuff ahead of time and they pull everything we need before we show up. They deal with excessive emails before I show up and when we show up that day we can cram through everything we need. Slusser said if they showed up and didnt have anything beforehand it would take longer and the staff would be asking more questions. He added they do a lot of work at the office and by time they get there all they need to do is look at invoices. Its all stuff we cant do remotely and it helps expedite the process, said Slusser. Its 100 percent on the staff, its not anything special we do. Editor's note: The following column first appeared in The Washington Times. As weve all been understandably focused on Hollywoods Weinstein dumpster fire, a number of stories have emerged exposing the lefts continuing culture war, despite its meltdown in the film industry. The Harvey Weinstein saga is but one symptom of a dangerous and destructive, yet smug and sanctimonious, liberal establishment. While they butcher American culture, civil society and history, how better to keep us normals from interfering than by blaming their victims for societys ills? Cases in point from the last week, reminding us there are many fronts in our fight to save this nation from the bullies of the pompous left: Dr. Pamela Gaudry was a passenger on a Delta flight that also carried one of our fallen soldiers. Upon landing, the captain announced that the body of Army Staff Sgt. Dustin Wright, who was killed on Oct. 4 in Niger, was on board and asked everyone to stay seated. After Dr. Gaudry organized a few other passengers to join her in singing the national anthem, she was stopped by a flight attendant who, according to a Facebook video posted by the doctor, told her it was against policy to sing the anthem on the plane. The chief flight attendant came back to my seat and she kneeled down and she said, It is against company policy to do what youre doing, Dr. Gaudry said in the video. And I said, The national anthem? And theres a soldier onboard? And she said, Yes, you cannot sing the national anthem. It is against company policy. Delta has told reporters there is no such policy. The New York Post also reported that Dr. Gaudry was told singing The Star Spangled Banner would offend other passengers on the plane. The airline is investigating the matter. In the meantime, Dr. Gaudrys video has gone viral, and the physician told Fox News that Delta called to apologize and Sgt. Wrights family called to thank her. Also last week, the Biloxi, Mississippi, school board pulled the American classic To Kill a Mockingbird from its curriculum because, according to the school board president, There is some language in the book that makes people uncomfortable, the Sun Herald reported. The book, Harper Lees Pulitzer-Prize winning novel, is an American masterpiece about the trial of a black man as it explores rape, racism and inequality in the Depression-era South. While the Biloxi school board did not specify which language made people uncomfortable, the N-word is used over 50 times, within character conversations. The newspaper that broke the story learned about the decision from a reader. Sun Herald received an email from a concerned reader who said the decision was made mid-lesson plan. The students will not be allowed to finish the reading of To Kill a Mockingbird due to the use of the N-word. I think it is one of the most disturbing examples of censorship I have ever heard, in that the themes in the story humanize all people regardless of their social status, education level, intellect, and of course, race. It would be difficult to find a time when it was more relevant than in days like these. And then theres Halloween. The latest issue of a magazine run by Ohio State University students features a flow-chart designed to help students determine whether their Halloween costume is racist, the watchdog group Campus Reform reported. Is it politically charged? the chart asks of costume ideas that pertain to something serious. If yes, the magazine is interested only in whether [it] makes fun of Donald Trump, in which case the chart advises the reader to DO IT. The costume police, we do learn, are totally OK with a student wearing cultural headgear, but only if youre a person of color. The scheme of liberal political correctness was never about genuinely making American culture more gallant, it was about inculcating everyone into believing that American culture was diseased and needed to be fixed. When, in fact, it was the liberal agenda itself that needed a deflection. We see how well that worked in Hollywood. Those victimized are not just vulnerable women, but men and children as well. Yet, the obsession curated by liberal leadership like Hillary Clinton, Weinstein and leftist politicians and activists everywhere was that Republicans and Donald Trump were the demons. On Twitter, cultural critic Kurt Schlichter put it perfectly, No wonder these Hollywood hacks spend so much time screaming about Trump. Theyre consumed by guilt over their own complicity so they strike out at somebody who theyll only get praise for challenging while leaving others in their own business to keep being victimized. Cowards. The left is sure they can quash the social compact and idea of America itself by convincing a portion of the public that being offended is the standard by which we can and should censor and punish. The national anthem is racist, literature highlighting how far weve come as a nation is offensive, and even choices people make for costumes are rife with white supremacy and hatred. They say. As liberals insist we look away, they continue to destroy peoples lives. Its taking work and courage, but we must continue to expose the liberal machine controlling both Washington, D.C., and Hollywood as the dangerous hypocrites and liars they are. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan took jabs at both Republicans and Democrats Thursday night at the annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation dinner in New York City but some of his pointed barbs took aim at President Trump. I know last year at this dinner Donald Trump offended some people with his comments which critics said went too far, Ryan joked. Some said it was unbecoming of a public figure and that his comments were offensive Well, thank God hes learned his lesson. The event, which raises money for Catholic charities, brings in some of the nation's biggest political heavyweights each year. Last year, then-candidates Trump and Hillary Clinton took swipes at each other, to some controversy. The dinner encourages speakers to "poke fun at political issue, an opponent or themselves," according to its program. Ryan also poked fun at Gov. Chris Christie, R-N.J. The speaker explained that he loved October, calling it his favorite time of the year. Then he joked: Deer season is on, the leaves are changing, the beaches are empty. Or as Chris Christie calls them, perfect. Turning his address towards Democratic leadership, Ryan said, A lot of people ask me what its like to work on a daily basis with an abrasive New Yorker with a loud mouth But once you get to know him, Chucks [Schumer] not all that bad. I know why Chuck has been so hard on President Trump. Its not ideological, Chuck is just mad he lost his top donor, Ryan said of Trump, who in past years donated to the Democratic Party. Next taking aim at Hillary Clinton, he told the audience that he bought her new book, What Happened. This sums up todays politics perfectly, Ryan said. She took 8 months, writing 10 hours a day, to explain what happened in 512 pages. The president explained it in a tweet. Hashtag, I won. He later mocked former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, who had a prominent and influential role within the Trump administration. Ryan said that since Bannon resigned from office, hes now second in line of succession. The speaker then quipped that Bannon said Ryan was born in a petri dish at the Heritage Foundation. This is amazing no one knew Steve believed in science. Before he finished on a more serious note, mentioning the recent hurricanes, wildfires and the massacre in Las Vegas, Ryan also said he was learning that becoming Speaker of the House is a stepping stone to becoming ex-Speaker of the House. At last year's dinner, Trump was jeered when he quipped that Clinton was "so corrupt she got kicked off the Watergate Commission." Clinton shot back, saying she understood Trump was leery of teleprompters because they can be difficult to follow, and "I'm sure it's even harder when you're translating from the original Russian." But an outburst came from the audience when Trump brought up Clinton's emails, which were leaked by Wikileaks. He claimed she was "pretending not to hate Catholics," in an apparent reference to 2011 emails from a Clinton campaign spokeswoman that mocked Catholics and evangelical Christians. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Senate Republicans narrowly passed a $4 trillion budget plan Thursday, taking their first big step toward a tax reform package promised by President Donald Trump. Approval of the nonbinding plan allows the Senate to use a special process known as "budget reconciliation" that would forestall a Democratic filibuster. "Tonight we completed the first step towards replacing our broken tax code by passing a comprehensive, fiscally responsible budget that will help put the federal government on a path to balance," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. "We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to replace a failing tax code that holds Americans back with one that works for them." The Senate plan, approved on a 51-49 vote, calls for $473 billion in cuts from Medicare over 10 years and more than $1 trillion from Medicaid. If fully implemented, the plan would cut spending by more than $5 trillion over the next 10 years, with an average of approximately $540 billion per year over the life of the plan, according to a Congressional Budget Office estimate. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., was the only Republican to vote against the bill, joining all 46 Democrats and two independents. "We cant spend our way to prosperity," Paul said in a statement. "I will fight for the biggest, boldest tax cut we can pass, but I could not in good conscience vote for a budget that ignores spending caps that have been the law of the land for years and simply pretend it didnt matter." Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss., returned to Washington after receiving treatment for urological problems to vote for the measure. Other Republican moderates -- including Sens. John McCain of Arizona, Bob Corker of Tennessee, and Susan Collins of Maine -- backed the effort. Tax reform, always a top item on the GOP agenda, has taken on even greater urgency with the failure of the party to carry out its longstanding promise to dismantle former President Barack Obama's signature health care law. Republicans have said failure on taxes would be politically devastating in next year's midterm elections when control of the House and Senate are at stake. The House passed its version of the budget plan last week. It calls for tax cuts that don't add to the deficit and would pair the tax rewrite measure with $200 billion in spending cuts over the coming decade. Both plans include a provision to permit oil and gas exploration in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., blasted the GOP framework as "nasty and backwards." "It shifts the burden from the wealthy and puts it squarely on the back of the middle class, and blows a hole in the deficit to boot," Schumer said in a statement. "I think it will go down in history as one of the worst budgets Congress has ever passed." Fox News' Chad Pergram and the Associated Press contributed to this report. A federal appeals court in Washington ruled Friday to temporarily block a pregnant teenager who entered the United States illegally from having the abortion she is seeking. The three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia gave the government until Oct. 31 to release the 17-year-old into the custody of a so-called sponsor, such as an adult relative in the United States. If that happens, she could obtain an abortion. If she isn't released, the case can go back to court. The teen, who goes by "Jane Doe" in court documents and whose country of origin has been withheld, crossed into the U.S. in September and learned she was pregnant while in custody. A lower court ruled earlier this week that she should be able to obtain an abortion Friday or Saturday, but the government appealed. The teen is currently being held at a Texas detention facility. Court documents indicate that she is 15 weeks pregnant. Texas law forbids abortions later than 20 weeks into a pregnancy. Federal health officials said in a statement Friday after the ruling that for "however much time" they are given they "will protect the well-being of this minor and all children and their babies" in their facilities. Susan Hays, legal director of the Texas group Jane's Due Process, which works with pregnant minors seeking an abortion and had offered to help pay for the teen's abortion, said the court appeared to be "punting" the final decision on whether the teenager would be entitled to an abortion. Brigitte Amiri, the ACLU lawyer who represented the teen in court, said in a statement after the ruling that the group is "investigating all avenues to get justice for her." "Justice is delayed yet again for this courageous and persistent young woman. She continues to be held hostage and prevented from getting an abortion because the Trump administration disagrees with her personal decision," Amiri said. "Our client and women across this country should be able to access a safe, legal abortion without federal officials stepping in to interfere." During arguments at the appeals court Friday morning, Amiri told the judges that all the government needs to do is "get out of the way." But Trump administration lawyer Catherine Dorsey told the judges that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which is responsible for sheltering children who illegally enter the country unaccompanied by a parent, has a policy of "refusing to facilitate" abortions and that releasing the teen would require arranging a transfer of custody and follow-up care. The possibility of the teen being released to a sponsor was raised at the court hearing. Judge Brett Kavanaugh, who was appointed by George W. Bush, suggested that releasing the teen to a sponsor would seem to be the best option. That, he said, would get the teen out of the facility where she is being held, allow her to obtain an abortion and leave the government out of it. Brigitte Amiri, a lawyer for the ACLU representing the girl, said a sponsor hadn't yet been found and that the process could take months. At least one potential sponsor has fallen through. In a two-page order, Kavanaugh and Judge Karen Henderson, both of whom were appointed by Republican presidents, joined to say that if a sponsor is found by Oct. 31 and the teen released, the government agrees she "will be lawfully able, if she chooses, to obtain an abortion on her own pursuant to the relevant state law." The third judge on the panel, Judge Patricia Millett, who was appointed by a Democrat, President Barack Obama, would have allowed the girl to obtain an abortion as the lower court ruled earlier this week. Millett wrote that the girl "has already been forced by the government to continue an unwanted pregnancy for almost four weeks, and now, as a result of this order, must continue to carry that pregnancy for multiple more weeks." Fox News' Jake Gibson and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Florida Democratic Rep. Frederica Wilson, in the midst of a public feud with the Trump administration over the treatment of a Gold Star family, said the White House itself is full of white supremacists. In an interview with The New York Times on Friday, Wilson pushed back against comments made by White House chief of staff John Kelly during a Thursday press briefing in which he criticized Wilsons involvement in a personal call President Trump made to the family of fallen Army Sgt. La David Johnson. Johnson was one of four Americans killed in an ambush in Niger on Oct. 4. In the call, the president told Johnsons widow that her husband knew what he signed up for, Wilson claimed. But Trump said that Wilson "totally fabricated" what he told Myeshia Johnson, the soldier's widow. WHITE HOUSE DOUBLES DOWN ON JOHN KELLYS 'EMPTY BARREL' SLAM: 'ALL HAT, NO CATTLE' Kelly said he was broken-hearted by Wilsons involvement in the call. During his remarks, Kelly also criticized Wilson by recalling her comments during the 2015 dedication of a FBI field office in Miramar, Fla. He said Wilson talked about how she was instrumental in getting the funding for that building, and how she took care of her constituents because she got the money, and she just called up President Obama, and on that phone call, he gave the money, the $20 million, to build the building, and she sat down. And we were stunned, stunned that she'd done it," Kelly said of Wilson's remarks during the event. "Even for someone that is that empty a barrel, we were stunned." But video of that event, released on Friday, showed that Wilson did not actually talk about the buildings funding, but instead spoke of her own efforts getting legislation passed that named the building after the fallen agents it was dedicated for. I feel very sorry for him because he feels such a need to lie on me and Im not even his enemy, Wilson said of Kelly, according to The Times. I just cant even imagine why he would fabricate something like that. That is absolutely insane. Im just flabbergasted because its very easy to trace. Wilson didnt label Kelly a racist in the piece but did claim that others in the White House are. They are making themselves look like fools. They have no credibility, she said. They are trying to assassinate my character, and they are assassinating their own because everything they say is coming out and shown to be a lie. The White House didn't back down from Kelly's comments during a Friday afternoon press briefing. Kelly, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said, absolutely stands by his criticism. As Gen. Kelly pointed out, if you're able to make a sacred act like honoring American heroes all about yourself, youre an empty barrel, Sanders said. If you don't understand that reference, I will put it a little bit more simply. As we say in the South: all hat, no cattle. The firm behind the controversial anti-Trump dossier has gone to court in an attempt to block a House committee subpoena for the companys banking records, two days after Fusion GPS representatives took the Fifth on Capitol Hill. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., had issued a subpoena on Oct. 4 for those TD Bank records. But, according to documents reviewed by Fox News, Fusion is seeking a "temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction" to block the release of those records. Fusion's filing in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia claimed that complying with the subpoena would "deny Plaintiff and its clients their rights to free speech and expressive association as guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution." However, committee Republicans say Fusion is not a media organization and not entitled to the same protections. Fusion has refused to tell congressional committees who paid for the dossier or reveal its sources. The move comes after two top officials from the political research firm invoked their Fifth Amendment right and refused to answer questions Wednesday before the same House panel on Capitol Hill. TRUMP DOSSIER FIRM'S 'SMEAR' TACTICS REVEALED Fusion GPS co-founder Peter Fritsch and top lieutenant Thomas Catan both took the Fifth on every question posed. A source close to the matter told Fox News that Democratic staffers in the hearing were aggressive and ran interference to protect Fusion GPS, often interrupting questions by Republican members on the committee. Lawmakers for months have been trying to investigate the origin of the salacious anti-Trump dossier, which claimed the Russian government had compromising material on the current president. It was provided to journalists and the FBI last year, when he was still a Republican candidate. Fusion GPS, though, has fought to keep details of the document private. Fusion lawyer Joshua Levy on Wednesday avoided using the term "taking the Fifth" and emphasized that his clients exercised their constitutional rights. No American should experience the indignity that occurred today, Levy said Wednesday. No American should be compelled to appear before a congressional committee just to invoke constitutional privileges. Another co-founder, Glenn Simpson, is under subpoena for a later date. Levy, in a recent letter, noted that Simpson spoke recently to the Senate Judiciary Committee but asked that the company be excused from testimony before Nunes panel as sought by the subpoenas. Former Attorney General Loretta Lynch met with members of the House Intelligence Committee on Friday as part of the probe looking into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Lynch is one of several former Obama officials who have been called to Congress for closed-door questioning over the Russia accusations. But sources close to the investigation told Fox News that questions over her infamous tarmac meeting with President Bill Clinton also may have been on the agenda. That June 27, 2016 meeting with Clinton on an airport tarmac in Phoenix raised questions about whether Lynch or the Justice Department could be impartial in the Hillary Clinton email investigation. Days after the tarmac meeting, then-FBI director James Comey called Hillary Clintons actions extremely careless but did not seek criminal charges. Lynch ignored three questions from Fox News Catherine Herridge Friday morning on Capitol Hill, in reference to those issues. The first was whether Lynch instructed Comey to call the Clinton email probe a matter versus an investigation, as he claims. Lynch also ignored questions on whether she sought permission from anyone in the White House before the tarmac meeting, and whether she could address any of the issues raised by Comey during his appearance before the Senate Intelligence Committee earlier this year. In his closely watched Senate testimony that otherwise was devoted to discussing the circumstances of his firing by President Trump, Comey said the tarmac meeting was a "deciding factor" in his decision to act alone to update the public on the Clinton probe. "Her meeting with President Clinton on that airplane was the capper for me, and I then said, you know what, the department cannot, by itself, credibly end this, Comey told the committee. "There were other things, significant items," Comey added, citing how "the attorney general directed me not to call it an investigation and call it a matterwhich confused me." The tarmac meeting has become a subject of scrutiny once again, as conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch confirmed the FBI has located 30 pages of documents related to the meeting. The meeting also was referenced in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing earlier this week, when Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., asked Attorney General Jeff Sessions if there was a phone call between Lynch and the White House on whether Lynch should have taken the meeting with former President Clinton. Sessions responded to Graham by saying any inquiries on the matter should be made to the deputy attorney general. Fridays closed-door appearance also was a potential venue for questions on unmasking. Samantha Power, Obamas ambassador to the United Nations, recently told the House Intelligence Committee that other people made a rash of so-called unmasking requests in her name. Her testimony is they may be under my name, but I did not make those requests, Rep. Trey Gowdy, a member of that committee, said of Power during an interview with Fox News on "Special Report with Bret Baier." Power is among the Obama administration figures who made requests to identify Americans whose names surfaced in foreign intelligence reporting, known as unmasking. Last month, Fox News reported that Power was unmasking at such a rapid pace in the final months of the Obama administration that she averaged more than one request for every working day in 2016 and even sought information in the days leading up to Trumps inauguration. Fox News' Catherine Herridge contributed to this report. A chaotic process is underway in Maine as officials try to figure out whether to implement a ballot decision that would drastically change the way voters choose candidates for public office. Voters approved the change by 52 percent last November, calling for a ranked-choice voting system for most state and federal elections. Maine would become the first state in the nation to implement the system, which works like this: In races with three or more candidates, voters rank their choices. If no candidate gets more than 50 percent of first-ranked votes, the candidate with the fewest number one rankings is eliminated. Ballots that had ranked the eliminated candidate as the top choice are then assigned to their second choice, with the process repeating until one candidate has a majority of votes. Its complicated -- and also could be legally problematic. In May, the Maine State Superior Judicial Court issued an advisory opinion saying that ranked choice voting would violate the state constitution, which requires electoral winners to be decided by a plurality. The object must always be to ascertain the will of the people,' the court wrote. Nonetheless, when a statute including one enacted by citizen initiative conflicts with a constitutional provision, the constitution prevails. However, this violation would only apply to state-level elections, not federal ones; the law involves voting for both. The court said the state could vote to repeal the law or work on introducing a constitutional amendment to allow for it. Because the courts ruling was just an advisory, it does not stop the law from going into effect. The state legislature has tried -- and failed -- on three separate occasions to figure out what to do with the law ahead of the June 2018 primary elections, with supporters of ranked-choice voting calling for a constitutional amendment. Our legislators were elected last November on the same ballot as ranked-choice voting, Kyle Bailey, a spokesman for the Committee on Ranked Choice Voting, told the Portland Press Herald earlier this year. They have a duty and a privilege, a responsibility to carry out the will of the people. On Monday, the states Legislatures Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee held a public hearing on a bill to implement the parts of the law that did not violate the constitution while delaying others. But lawmakers reportedly failed to reach a consensus on the bill, which opponents said would cause mass confusion if voters elected federal officials one way, and state officials another way. Instead, committee lawmakers gave recommendations that the state legislature is expected to consider during a special session beginning Oct. 23. If no decision is reached by June, ranked-choice voting will be implemented for the 2018 primary and general elections. However, any state election results based off this system could be subject to a constitutional challenge in court. Though Maine would be the first to use this system in statewide elections, several municipalities currently use RCV to decide local elections. Cities in California including Berkeley and San Francisco as well as in Minnesota, Maryland, Maine and Colorado use RCV for mayoral and other citywide elections. Melania Trump is embracing a more active and public schedule as first lady but she still runs one of the leanest East Wing operations in recent history. According to a Fox News analysis of White House personnel reports, Melania Trump has significantly reduced the number of aides on the first lady's office payroll in comparison to her predecessor, Michelle Obama. During then-President Barack Obamas first year in office, 16 people were listed working for Michelle Obama, earning a combined $1.24 million a year. This year, just four people were listed working for Melania Trump as of June. Their salaries totaled $486,700. Melania Trump staff salaries Lindsay B. Reynolds -- $179,700.00 -- assistant to the president and chief of staff to the first lady Stephanie A. Grisham -- $115,000.00 special assistant to the president and director of communications for the first lady Timothy G. Tripepi -- $115,000.00 special assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff of operations for the first lady MaryKathryn Fisher -- $77,000.00 deputy director of advance for the first lady Source: June 2017 report to Congress on White House personnel The details are contained in an annual report the White House sends to Congress showing the names, positions and salaries of all its personnel. Both the Obama and Trump administrations acknowledged several additional staffers beyond those listed in the report with the term first lady in their titles. But even counting all those employees -- 24 for Michelle Obama and nine for the current first lady -- Melania Trump's office is relatively small. It's an approach her spokeswoman says is intentional. As with all things that she does, she is being very deliberate in her hiring, focusing on quality over quantity, communications director Stephanie Grisham said in an email. It is important to her that the team is a good fit for what she wants to accomplish as first lady, and that everyone works well together. She also wants to be mindful and responsible when it comes to taxpayer money. MELANIA TRUMP SLAMS IVANA FOR CALLING HERSELF FIRST LADY While the 2009 annual report listed 16 staffers for Michelle Obama, her press secretary said at the time the staff actually included 24 people. A 2009 FactCheck.org story said Obamas 24 aides might have broken records. That may indeed be the largest of any first lady, but Hillary Clinton, with 19 staffers, and Laura Bush with at least 18 and perhaps more, werent far behind, FactCheck.org said. Michelle Obama staff salaries Susan S. Sher -- $172,200.00 -- assistant to the president and chief of staff to the first lady Jocelyn C. Frye -- $140,000.00 -- deputy assistant to the president and director of policy and projects for the first lady Camille Y. Johnston -- $102,000.00 special assistant to the president and director of communications for the first lady Melissa E. Winter -- $102,000.00 special assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff to the first lady David S. Medina -- $90,000.00 deputy chief of staff to the first lady Catherine M. Lelyveld -- $84,000.00 director and press secretary to the first lady Frances M. Starkey -- $75,000.00 director of scheduling and advance for the first lady Trooper Sanders -- $70,000.00 -- deputy director of policy and projects for the first lady Jennifer R. Goodman -- $62,000.00 deputy director of scheduling and events coordinator for the first lady Alan Fitts -- $60,000.00 deputy director of advance and trip director for the first lady Dana M. Lewis -- $60,000.00 special assistant and personal aide to the first lady Semonti M. Mustaphi -- $52,500.00 associate director and deputy press secretary to the first lady Kristen E. Jarvis -- $50,000.00 special assistant for scheduling and traveling aide to the first lady Tyler A. Lechtenberg -- $45,000.00 associate director of correspondence for the first lady Joseph J. Boswell -- $40,000.00 executive assistant to the chief of staff to the first lady Deilia A. Jackson -- $36,000.00 deputy associate director of correspondence for the first lady Source: July 2009 report to Congress on White House personnel Grisham told Fox News this week there are nine people working in the East Wing under Melania Trump, a few more than listed in the annual report. According to those personnel reports, Melania Trumps staffers include a chief of staff, a communications director, a deputy chief of staff and a deputy director of advance. Michelle Obamas staff included those same positions and a slew of others: additional press aides, a director of policy and projects, a personal aide, a traveling aide and a director of correspondence. Michelle Obamas office did not return a request for comment. But the larger staff is likely due in part to Michelle Obama entering the East Wing with a more aggressive agenda and embracing initiatives like her Let's Move! child obesity campaign. During the first few months of the Trump presidency, Melania Trump and son, Barron, remained in New York as he finished the school year. But she has noticeably ramped up public activity in recent weeks, including hosting a roundtable discussion on the opioid crisis and traveling with her husband to tour the destruction of hurricanes and meet with the victims of the Las Vegas massacre. She is more like a Pat Nixon or a Bess Truman than a Hillary Clinton or a Michelle Obama, Andrew Och, a first lady historian who was a producer for the C-SPAN's First Ladies: Influence and Image series, said of Melania Trump. Och noted that there is no formal job description for a first lady and each one defines their role. Melania Trump, he said, does not come from the world of politics and clearly does not feel the need for the larger staffs that her predecessors have had. The first ladys office isnt the only place in the White House where the Trump administration has trimmed staff positions. When the White House personnel report was released in June, Forbes reported 110 fewer employees under Donald Trump than Barack Obama and said the projected four-year savings resulting from the cuts could be more than $22 million. 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Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America 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 At least 152 Afghans sent to the U.S. for military training since 2005 have gone absent without leave and the situation is unlikely to improve soon, according to a watchdog report released Friday. According to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, 13 of the 152 who had gone AWOL were still at large as of March 7 of this year. Seventy of the 152 had fled the United States; 39 gained legal status in the U.S.; and 27 were arrested, removed or in the process of being removed from the U.S. Three no longer were AWOL or returned to their training base in the U.S. "There are so many problems here, its hard to know where to start," Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said in a statement. "This is bad for national security, bad for Afghan military readiness, and bad for U.S. taxpayers." AWOL Afghans are considered a security risk in the U.S. because they have military training and are of fighting age, and relatively few are ever arrested or detained. Nearly all the Afghans who fled since 2005 were officers. Most were what the military calls "company grade" officers, meaning they were at the rank of lieutenant or captain. The prevalence of this group to abandon training posts is "particularly alarming," the report said, given the officers' important role in maintaining the overall readiness of the Afghan military. The Afghans have fled from posts across America, including Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, where they are required to take English-language training; Fort Rucker, Ala.; Fort Benning, Ga.; Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and Fort Huachuca, Ariz. The report cited numerous bureaucratic impediments to catching AWOL Afghans. They are required to provide limited biographical and background information while in the U.S., which can make it difficult to track them down, it said. Also, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents cannot take any action to locate a missing Afghan trainee until the departments of Defense and State take certain actions to revoke the individual's official status. This delays the start of an ICE investigation in which time is of the essence, the report said. Most training is done in Afghanistan, but selected Afghans are brought to the U.S. each year for training and education opportunities that cannot be offered in their home country, the report said. The AWOL problem is one of many that have dogged the U.S. effort to make the Afghan military capable of defending itself. As of July, the U.S. has spent $68 billion to train and equip the Afghan army, air force, commandos and other security forces. Though the report only reviews data through March of this year, inspectors noted that the State Department reported that four AWOL Afghan trainees were caught by Customs and Border Protection in Washington state in August. In response to the report, the State Department told the inspectors that the number of AWOL cases was "unacceptably high." Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, sent a letter to Defense Secretary Jim Mattis asking for additional details. "The majority of these Afghan military trainees have been located, but the fact that any of them remain unaccounted for is deeply concerning and it's important we get more information on how this happened and what's being done to locate these individuals," she wrote. In a letter of his own, Grassley asked Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke to explain disagreements with the report's recommendations on information-sharing among departments. The worst years for the AWOL problem were 2009, 2015 and 2016 years that coincided with higher reported levels of violence in Afghanistan, the report said. Although the report had no figures for the period after March of this year, it said the Defense Department reported "a significant up-tick in absconders" among Afghan Air Force trainees in the U.S. this year. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his team running the Russia collusion probe are being accused by fellow attorneys of employing aggressive and questionable tactics in past cases, potentially putting a dent in his straight-shooter image. As the investigation heats up and key players like former White House chief of staff Reince Priebus and press secretary Sean Spicer are interviewed by investigators, several attorneys with experience in federal cases spoke out with their concerns this week. Harvey Silverglate, a criminal defense attorney in Massachusetts, wrote an opinion piece accusing Mueller of once trying to entrap him when Mueller was acting U.S. attorney in Boston. I have known Mueller during key moments of his career as a federal prosecutor, Silverglate wrote for WGBH News. My experience has taught me to approach whatever he does in the Trump investigation with a requisite degree of skepticism or, at the very least, extreme caution. According to Silverglate, Mueller once sent someone into Silverglate's office offering to give false testimony for a client. Silverglate said he turned the offer down and noticed the man was wearing a wire. Years later I ran into Mueller, and I told him of my disappointment in being the target of a sting where there was no reason to think that I would knowingly present perjured evidence to a court, Silverglate wrote. Mueller, half-apologetically, told me that he never really thought that I would suborn perjury, but that he had a duty to pursue the lead given to him. A spokesman for the special counsels office declined to comment. Sidney Powell, a former federal prosecutor, also took aim at Andrew Weissmann, the prosecutor tapped by Mueller to help lead the investigation, in a piece this week titled, Judging by Mueller's staffing choices, he may not be very interested in justice. Powell accused Weissmann, once the director of the Enron Task Force, of prosecutorial overreach in past cases and said it could signal whats to come for President Trump and his associates in the Russia probe. What was supposed to have been a search for Russias cyberspace intrusions into our electoral politics has morphed into a malevolent mission targeting friends, family and colleagues of the president, Powell wrote in The Hill. The Mueller investigation has become an all-out assault to find crimes to pin on them and it wont matter if there are no crimes to be found. This team can make some. Powell cited several cases where Weissmann won convictions that were later overturned. Powell, who also spoke to Fox News last month, was so outraged after one case involving Weissmann that, in 2012, she filed a formal complaint of prosecutorial misconduct with the Texas bar and the DOJs Office of Professional Responsibility. The complaint alleged witness threatening, withholding exculpatory evidence, and the use of false and misleading summaries. After reviewing the complaint, the Obama administrations OPR found no ethical violations. MUELLER TEAM UNDER FIRE FOR BRASS-KNUCKLE TACTICS IN BID TO SQUEEZE MANAFORT In her op-ed, Powell criticized Weissmann over the FBIs raid of the home of Paul Manafort, Trumps former campaign chairman. Muellers rare, predawn raid of Manaforts home a fearsome treat usually reserved for mobsters and drug dealers is textbook Weissmann terrorism, she wrote. While Muellers team is facing scrutiny for its tactics and handling of past cases, federal scrutiny of Manafort predates the Mueller investigation. He had been investigated by the feds due to his past dealings in Ukraine, for which he didnt file as a foreign agent until June 2017. Mueller later incorporated that investigation into his Russia probe. A recent NBC News report also claimed Manafort has stronger ties to a powerful Russian oligarch than previously known. The intensity of the current focus on Manafort was widely seen as a potential effort by Muellers team to pressure him into providing information on others, possibly Trump himself, in the Russia probe. Fox News Alex Pappas and Christopher Wallace contributed to this report. The spotlight should be on the fallen soldiers who gave their lives for this country. Instead, weve all been plunged into another anguished round of finger-pointing, blame-shifting and all-around nastiness that is nothing short of sad. Everyone is caught in the media crossfire and the deaths of brave Americans have become politicized. Now theres no denying that President Trump opened the door at his Monday news conference when he was asked why he hasnt spoken publicly about the four soldiers killed in Niger. He turned that into a suggestion that Barack Obama and other presidents rarely or never called the families of the fallen, triggering vehement denials from former Obama aides. The president may not have intended to pick this fight, but the next day he questioned whether Obama had called John Kelly, now his chief of staff, after he lost a son in Afghanistan in 2010. (Obama had not, but invited Kelly, who became a Marine general, to a breakfast for Gold Star families.) Kelly has always been private about the pain of that loss. So now the media had a full-fledged Trump controversy, perfect fodder for cable segments and hot takes online. Never mind that, with few exceptions, the press provided scant coverage of the deaths in Niger. How many Americans even know why we have troops in Niger? But now its a Trump story, and its dominating the entire week. The presidents call to the widow of Sgt. La David Johnson became the next flash point. Cowanda Jones-Johnson told the Washington Post that Trump "did disrespect my son." Democratic congresswoman Frederica Wilson, who heard the call, has been all over TV vehemently attacking the president. She says he told Jones-Johnson that her son "must have known what he signed up for." The White House defended the call, with Sarah Huckabee Sanders calling the congresswomans conduct "appalling and disgusting." She added that it's "a disgrace of the media to try to portray an act of kindness like that and that gesture, and try to make it into something that it isn't." An emotional Kelly came into the briefing room yesterday and said he was "stunned" and "broken-hearted" to hear Wilsons "selfish" criticism of a presidential call that he thought was a fine attempt to say that Johnson died among the best in the country, that this was what he signed up for. "I thought at least that was sacred," said Kelly, adding that he sought solace during a stroll at Arlington National Cemetery. Obviously, in this climate, the disputed call is news. But let's say Trump stumbled during the call, or meant to say that anyone who goes into the armed forces knows there are risks and we are grateful for his service. Is the press really whipping itself into a frenzy over how the president made a call that is so difficult to make, trying to comfort a mother who has suffered the ultimate loss? By the same token, it was news when the Post interviewed Chris Baldridge, the father of an Army sergeant killed in Afghanistan, who said Trump offered to send him a personal check for $25,000but that the money never arrived. The check was apparently sent after the Post story was published. But with journalists calling every Gold Star family they can reachand CNN putting on a grief-stricken relative who didnt get a Trump callI have to ask: What other president has been held to this standard? I'm with General Kelly on this point: the men who died in Niger were heroes. The behavior of just about everyone else in this melodrama has been less than heroic. President Trump is known for giving his political opponents and critics nicknames, especially on social media. Read on for a list of Trump's most iconic nicknames. Wacky Omarosa Omarosa Manigault-Newman lasted one year in the White House, and her departure has been anything from cordial. In particular, Manigault-Newman has been under fire from the Trump administration for secretly recording the chief of staff John Kelly in the Situation Room, raising national security concerns. She's since released some of the tapes. Trump, in a series of tweets, called Manigault-Newman "wacky" and a "lowlife." "Wacky Omarosa, who got fired 3 times on the Apprentice, now got fired for the last time. She never made it, never will. She begged me for a job, tears in her eyes, I said OK," Trump said. "People in the White House hated her. She was vicious, but not smart. I would rarely see her but heard really bad things." "Nasty to people & would constantly miss meetings & work. When Gen. Kelly came on board he told me she was a loser & nothing but problems. I told him to try working it out, if possible, because she only said great things about me - until she got fired!" Trump said. "While I know it's 'not presidential' to take on a lowlife like Omarosa, and while I would rather not be doing so, this is a modern day form of communication and I know the Fake News Media will be working overtime to make even Wacky Omarosa look legitimate as possible. Sorry!" he continued. Slippery James Comey Trump dubbed former FBI Director James Comey the "worst" in history while blasting his new tell-all book, "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership." In a series of tweets, Trump also nicknamed the former FBI chief "Slippery James Comey." Slippery James Comey, a man who always ends up badly and out of whack (he is not smart!), will go down as the WORST FBI Director in history, by far! Trump tweeted. Trump fired Comey in May 2017, citing the ex-director's handling of the FBIs investigation into Hillary Clintons email practices. Trump also called Comey a slimeball and suggested the former FBI director deserved jail time for mishandling the Clinton email probe. Animal Assad In the aftermath of a suspected chemical attack in Syria, Trump blasted Syrian President Bashar Assad and warned that those responsible would pay a big price. Trump also nicknamed the Syrian president Animal Assad. Many dead, including women and children, in mindless CHEMICAL attack in Syria. Area of atrocity is in lockdown and encircled by Syrian Army, making it completely inaccessible to outside world, Trump alleged in a tweet. President Putin, Russia and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad. Big price to pay. Open area immediately for medical help and verification. Another humanitarian disaster for no reason whatsoever. SICK! Trump also blamed former President Barack Obamas foreign policy decisions for Animal Assad. And in a later tweet, Trump warned Russia against shooting down any missiles the U.S. would fire at Syria in retaliation for the purported attack, saying the country shouldnt be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it! Little Rocket Man Trump has never really had kind things to say about North Korea leader Kim Jong Un referring to him on Twitter as a maniac a whack job" and "rocket man" which is a President Trump original," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told Fox News. Trump tried out the "rocket man" nickname at the 2017 United Nations General Assembly. He's also tried out the moniker on Twitter. "The Chinese Envoy, who just returned from North Korea, seems to have had no impact on Little Rocket Man. Hard to believe his people, and the military, put up with living in such horrible conditions. Russia and China condemned the launch," he tweeted. In addition, Trump has called the North Korean leader a "sick puppy." Lamb the Sham Ahead of a tight special House election in Pennsylvania, Trump visited the Keystone state to stump for Republican Rick Saccone and hit Democrat Conor Lamb. Trump accused Lamb of saying nice things in order to get elected in Trump country, but promised those at a rally that the Democrat is not going to vote for us if elected. And the president dubbed the 33-year-old Marine Lamb the Sham. Lamb the Sham. Lamb the Sham. He is trying to act like a Republican. He won't give me one vote, Trump said. Trump also said he is better looking than Lamb. Sloppy Steve Steve Bannon used to be in the presidents good graces, but the pair has had a very public falling out. Bannon, the former White House chief strategist and ex-Breitbart executive, was quoted in a blistering tell-all book, painting the presidents son in a negative light. Trump heavily rebuked Bannon in a public statement, saying Bannon lost his mind after he was fired from the White House. Steve was rarely in a one-on-one meeting with me and only pretends to have had influence to fool a few people with no access and no clue, whom he helped write phony books, Trump said. Ahead of the release of the controversial book by Michael Wolff, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, Trump slammed both the author and Bannon on social media giving Bannon his nickname. Look at this guys past and watch what happens to him and Sloppy Steve, Trump warned. Trump reiterated the Sloppy Steve nickname in other tweets, including one which he praised the Mercer family wealthy conservative mega-donors for having dropped the leaker known as Sloppy Steve Bannon. Pocahontas The president reused one of his favorite nicknames for Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., while he honored Navajo code talkers at the White House in November. At the event held to honor the Native Americans who used their native language during World Wars I and II to help the U.S. Trump mocked Warren as Pocahontas. Trump has often criticized Warren, specifically over her claim to be of Native American heritage. Shes got about as much Indian blood as I have. Her whole life was based on a fraud, Trump told The New York Times in May 2016. Warrens potential Native American heritage was first questioned during her 2012 Senate run. Trump also calls Warren goofy. Dicky Durbin Trump made waves when he referred to Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., as Dicky Durbin online. Senator Dicky Durbin totally misrepresented what was said at the DACA meeting. Deals cant get made when there is no trust! Durbin blew DACA and is hurting our military, said Trump in a tweet. Durbin was part of a group of lawmakers who visited Trump at the White House in January to discuss immigration reform. After reports surfaced that Trump referred to certain nations as s---hole countries at the bilateral meeting, Durbin accused the president of saying things that were hate-filled, vile and racist. Trump has admitted to using tough language at the meeting but denied certain remarks attributed to him. Sneaky Dianne Feinstein A transcript of a Fusion GPS official's August interview with the Senate Judiciary Committee was unilaterally released by the committees ranking member, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. The release of the bombshell interview drew ire from some Republicans, including the president and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa. In a tweet following the release, Trump blasted the 84-year-old senator and called her Sneaky Dianne Feinstein. The fact that Sneaky Dianne Feinstein, who has on numerous occasions stated that collusion between Trump/Russia has not been found, would release testimony in such an underhanded and possibly illegal way, totally without authorization, is a disgrace, Trump tweeted. Must have tough Primary! Jeff Flakey Like Trump and Sen. Bob Corker, Trump and Republican Sen. Jeff Flake have been feuding for quite some time. In announcing his retirement from the Senate, Flake slammed both the Republican Party and Trump. Flake was also caught on a hot mic saying if the GOP becomes the party of Roy Moore and Donald Trump, were toast. That comment gave Trump the opportunity to dub the Arizona senator Jeff Flakey. Sen. Jeff Flake(y), who is unelectable in the Great State of Arizona (quit race, anemic polls) was caught (purposely) on mike saying bad things about your favorite President. Hell be a NO on tax cuts because his political career anyway is toast, Trump tweeted. Al 'Frankenstien' After Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., was accused of kissing and groping Los Angeles radio host Leeann Tweeden during a USO tour in 2006, Trump blasted the lawmaker on Twitter. "The Al Frankenstien picture is really bad, speaks a thousand words. Where do his hands go in pictures 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 while she sleeps?" Trump wrote, including an apparent misspelling of "Frankenstein." "And to think that just last week he was lecturing anyone who would listen about sexual harassment and respect for women. Lesley Stahl tape?" Liddle' Bob Corker The feud between Trump and Sen. Bob Corker has been going on for some time, but the Tennessee senator finally got a nickname. The Failing [New York Times] set Liddle Bob Corker up by recording his conversation. Was made to sound a fool, and thats what I am dealing with! Trump tweeted on Oct. 10. Corker slammed Trump in an interview with the newspaper and said the president is so reckless that he might be on the path to World War III. A transcript from the interview revealed that Corker acknowledged the conversation was on the record. Wacky Congresswoman Wilson Trump and Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., became locked in a public feud involving a Gold Star family earning the Florida congresswoman her nickname. The Fake News is going crazy with wacky Congresswoman Wilson (D), who was SECRETELY on a very personal call, and gave a total lie on content! Trump tweeted. Wilson accused Trump of making insensitive remarks to the pregnant widow of one of the four American soldiers killed during an attack in Niger. The White House, including chief of staff John Kelly, has ardently defended the presidents comments. Jerry Moonbeam Brown Trump hasn't seen eye-to-eye with California Gov. Jerry Brown, a Democrat, throughout much of his time in office but the president was especially critical after Brown pardoned 56 convicted felons, including five ex-convicts facing deportation. Trump blasted the pardoning on Twitter, calling the governor Jerry Moonbeam Brown. Is this really what the great people of California want? Trump said. Trump cant take full credit for Browns nickname. The Moonbeam moniker was given to the governor first in the 1970s by a columnist who said Brown was garnering the "moonbeam vote," or the younger, more idealistic voters in his gubernatorial campaign, according to The New York Times. The nickname continued as Brown pressed for California's space programs. Crazy Joe Biden It all started when former Vice President Joe Biden addressed an anti-sexual assault rally in Florida and cited lewd comments Trump made about women in the infamous Access Hollywood tape more than a decade ago. Biden, who has crusaded against sexual assault and harassment, said, If we were in high school, Id take him behind the gym and beat the hell out of him. A few days later, Trump lashed out on Twitter, nicknaming the former senator Crazy Joe Biden. Crazy Joe Biden is trying to act like a tough guy. Actually, he is weak, both mentally and physically, and yet he threatens me, for the second time, with physical assault, Trump said on March 22. He doesnt know me, but he would go down fast and hard, crying all the way. Dont threaten people Joe! In the past, Trump has referred to Biden on social media as our not very bright vice president. Little Adam Schiff Trump accused Rep. Adam Schiff of leaking confidential information from closed committee hearings and called for him to be stopped. The president also referred to the Democrat from California as Little Adam Schiff. Little Adam Schiff, who is desperate to run for higher office, is one of the biggest liars and leakers in Washington, Trump said in a tweet, comparing him to former FBI Director James Comey, former National Intelligence Director James Clapper and former CIA Director John Brennan. Adam leaves closed committee hearings to illegally leak confidential information. Must be stopped! Schiff is the ranking minority member on the House Intelligence Committee which released a controversial memo that detailed alleged improper surveillance techniques used in the Russia investigation. Schiff was critical of the memos public release supported by Republicans calling it misleading and undermining of the probe. Crooked Hillary Throughout the presidential campaign, Trump would often hit his opponent, Hillary Clinton, with criticisms on social media. Trump gave her the nickname Crooked Hillary, usually when he mentioned her use of a private email server during her tenure as secretary of state. The first time Trump tweeted about Crooked Hillary was in April 2016. Sometimes Trump switched it up and would call the former first lady Lyin Hillary. Wild Bill Clinton While criticizing former FBI Director James Comey's memoir, Trump referenced the now-infamous meeting between former President Bill Clinton and Loretta Lynch on a Phoenix airport tarmac in June 2016. The meeting was questioned because the then-attorney general was leading the investigation into Hillary Clintons email scandal. Comey throws AG Lynch under the bus! Why cant we all find out what happened on the tarmac in the back of the plane with Wild Bill and Lynch? Trump said. Was she promised a Supreme Court seat, or AG, in order to lay off Hillary. No golf and grandkids talk (give us all a break)! Lynch has said she and Clinton discussed only innocuous things on the tarmac but acknowledged that her speaking to the former president raised concerns in peoples minds about whether or not there was going to be any impact on the email investigation. Cheatin Obama Trump praised his own approval ratings on social media while taking a jab at former President Barack Obama. The president said the honest polling of Rasmussen shows his approval rating at 50 percent, which is higher than Cheatin Obama at the same time in his Administration. The April 2 Rasmussen poll showed 50 percent of likely U.S. voters approved of Trump. However, 49 percent disapproved. Little Marco The rhetoric among the Republican presidential contenders hit a different kind of low as Florida Sen. Marco Rubio went after Trump for having small hands and Trump started to call the senator Little Marco. The two also discussed the size of Trumps hands and other things during a GOP debate in March 2016. Trump first tweeted the Little Marco nickname in February 2016. Lyin Ted Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Trump didnt start out as enemies during the 2016 campaign, but the two Republican contenders were soon at each others throats. Trump dubbed Cruz Lyin Ted when he went after him for his immigration policies in a campaign ad in March 2016. Low Energy Jeb Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush also got a Trump nickname when he was a 2016 Republican presidential contender Low energy Jeb Bush. Despite the exclamation point in Bushs campaign logo, Trump started to use the nickname to criticize his opponent during the campaign. Trump told Business Insider that there wasnt a backstory to the nickname, he just seemed like a low energy person to Trump. 1 for 38 When Ohio Gov. John Kasich attempted to team up with Cruz during the Republican primary to deny Trump the partys nomination, Trump took to Twitter to dole out a new nickname. And Kasich became 1 for 38. Trump assigned Kasich the name because he won only one state in the primary and lost the others, Trump said in a statement in August 2016. Eventually Kasich would also be referred to as 1 for 42 by the eventual president. Crazy Bernie Sen. Bernie Sanders, the white-haired Independent socialist who became a progressive icon during the 2016 election, earned himself the nickname Crazy Bernie from Trump. Trump first tweeted about Crazy Bernie in May 2016 when he criticized Crooked Hillary for looking very bad against Sanders. Crying Chuck After Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, N.Y., criticized Trump for firing F.B.I. Director James Comey, Trump hit him right back with an original nickname. Cryin Chuck Schumer stated recently, I do not have confidence in him (James Comey) any longer. Then acts so indignant, he tweeted on May 9, 2017. Schumer shed some tears when he discussed Trumps immigration ban earlier in 2017. But Schumer wasnt crying after Trump agreed to the Democrats short-term debt-limit increase and Hurricane Harvey aid. Crazy Jim Acosta Trump had a surprising tweet of gratitude Tuesday morning for CNNs White House correspondent, Jim Acosta while also bestowing a nickname on his media adversary. Even Crazy Jim Acosta of Fake News CNN agrees: Trump World and WH sources dancing in end zone: Trump wins againSchumer and Dems cavedgambled and lost. Thank you for your honesty Jim! Trump tweeted. Trumps tweet referenced Acostas earlier social media post. The president and his administration has often slammed Acosta and CNN for coverage they deem unfair or fake news. Trump has also kicked Acosta out of the Oval Office. Sleepy Eyes Trump has thought NBC reporter Chuck Todd has looked sleepy long before the election or campaign. He first dubbed Todd sleepy in a 2001 tweet, but upgraded his nickname to Sleepy Eyes by 2012. And in 2018, at a campaign rally for a Republican congressional candidate, Trump slammed the NBC anchor as a son of a b-----. Trump mentioned a 1999 "Meet the Press" appearance when he discussed North Korea. Its 1999, Im on 'Meet the Press,' a show now headed by sleepy-eyes Chuck Todd, Trump said. Hes a sleeping son of a b----, Ill tell you. Dumb as a Rock Mika From writer Toure to National Review, Trump has called many things dumb as a rock. But Mika Brzezinski, co-host of MSNBCs Morning Joe earned the nickname in July after she and Joe Scarborough criticized the president. Crazy Joe Scarborough and dumb as a rock Mika are not bad people, but their low rated show is dominated by their NBC bosses, he tweeted. Too bad! His attack on the news anchor continued, as he called her low I.Q. Crazy Mika and said she was bleeding badly from a face-lift when she came to Mar-a-Lago around New Years Eve. Psycho Joe In a Twitter rant about his dislike of MSNBCs Morning Joe program, Trump dubbed host Joe Scarborough Psycho Joe. Crazy Megyn Trumps comments about then-Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly were often criticized and deemed misogynistic by critics. During their feud, Trump took to calling Kelly Crazy Megyn. Little Jeff Zucker Trump criticized CNN in an April tweet and called its president Little Jeff Zucker. Check out the fact that you cant get a job at ratings challenged [CNN] unless you state that you are totally anti-Trump, the president alleged on social media. Little Jeff Zucker, whose job is in jeopardy, is not having much fun lately. They should clean up and strengthen CNN and get back to honest reporting. Fox News' Matt Richardson and The Associated Press contributed to this report. North Koreas nuclear tests are not only raising fears around the world, they are causing the peak under which the bombs are being detonated to suffer tired mountain syndrome. Analysts are seeing signs that Mount Mantap, the 7,200-foot-high peak under which the tests are conducted, is suffering from the geologic malady, the Washington Post reported. During a massive detonation that triggered a 6.3-magnitude earthquake, the mountain visibly shifted. Since then, the region, which is not known for natural seismic activity, has had three more quakes. What we are seeing from North Korea looks like some kind of stress in the ground, said Paul G. Richards, a seismologist at Columbia Universitys Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. In that part of the world, there were stresses in the ground, but the explosions have shaken them up. Chinese scientists have raised the alarm that additonal nuclear tests could cause Mount Mantap to collapse and release the radiation from the blast. North Korea has conducted six nuclear tests since 2006, all of them under Mount Mantap at a site known as the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility. Using satellite images, intelligence analysts and experts keep tabs on movement at the three entrances to tunnels for signals that a test is imminent. After the latest test, on Sept. 3, dictator Kim Jong Uns rogue regime claimed it had set off a hydrogen bomb and that it had been a perfect success. Analysis group 38 North published images that showed more numerous and widespread disturbances at the site of the test than before, the BBC reported. 38 North said the pictures showed landslides as well as numerous areas of gravel and stone fields that were lofted by the tremors. Lofting occurs when shockwaves force material to be ejected from the ground, and the material falls back down in the same place. This story originally appeared in the New York Post. Arizona State University researchers have analyzed minerals around the supervolcano at Yellowstone National Park and have come to a startling conclusion. It could blow much faster than previously expected, though any talk of it potentially wiping out life as we know it is incorrect. According to National Geographic, the researchers, Hannah Shamloo and Christy Till, analyzed minerals in fossilized ash from the most recent eruption. What they discovered surprised them the changes in temperature and composition only took a few decades, much faster than the centuries previously thought. We expected that there might be processes happening over thousands of years preceding the eruption, said Till said in an interview with the New York Times. NASA WANTS TO PREVENT THE YELLOWSTONE SUPERVOLCANO FROM DESTROYING THE US Despite some sensationalist claims seen in the media, the supervolcano is not expected to erupt anytime soon and if it did, the events would not be catastrophic. "There's no reason to think it could impact mass transport the way the Iceland eruption did nor would it have any effect on crops," Till told Fox News. "There is no evidence to suggest it could destroy mankind." The supervolcano last had a major eruption about 630,000 years ago, Till added. Prior to that, the last major eruption was 1.3 million years ago, per a report from ZME Science. A smaller eruption, the most current on record, occurred 70,000 years ago. The researchers looked for the events that led up to the last major eruption 630,000 years ago and noted that if the supervolcano were likely to erupt, it would likely be of the smaller variety, similar to the one that happened 70,000 years ago. "It would most likely be one of the smaller ones," Till said, while adding, "If we were looking for warning signs, that's what would we be looking for." The new discovery, which was presented in August after a previous version of the study, comes after another study in 2011 which found the magma reservoir in Yellowstone has moved considerably, gaining about 10 inches in seven years. "It's an extraordinary uplift, because it covers such a large area and the rates are so high," the University of Utah's Bob Smith, an expert in Yellowstone volcanism, told National Geographic six years ago. 'UFO' SPOTTED OVER YELLOWSTONE VOLCANO? The super volcano is one of the best monitored volcanoes in the world, being monitored constantly in real-time by The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. Currently, it has a reading of green, indicating no threat is imminent, Till added. Despite the concerns about an eruption happening relatively soon, Shamloo told The Times that more research needed to be done before a definite conclusion could be drawn. In June, the supervolcano was hit with more than 400 earthquakesin one week, though researchers cautioned it was nothing nothing to be alarmed about. For its part, NASA is working on a way to prevent the supervolcano from destroying mankind, including trying to cool the magma before it spills over. Follow Chris Ciaccia on Twitter @Chris_Ciaccia This story has been updated from Oct. 12 because the original findings of the research were misstated. The story has been updated to reflect these changes. Twitter is making a host of changes to its rules in an attempt to boost safety for the sites users. Far too often in the past weve said wed do better and promised transparency but have fallen short in our efforts, it said, in a blog post Thursday. Starting today, you can expect regular, real-time updates about our progress. As part of its revamped safety rules, Twitter is expanding its definition of non-consensual nudity to err on the side of protecting victims and include content where the victim may not be aware that the images were taken. The revamped rule will come into force on Oct. 27. LAWYER TAKES ON GOOGLE, FACEBOOK, TWITTER OVER TERROR VIDEOS In November, Twitter will also implement new rules to tackle abusive display names, hateful imagery and hateful symbols. This means that this content will no longer be permitted in avatars and profile headers, it said. Additionally, the social media giant will launch new technology to help it prioritize violation reports. Other changes planned for November include emailing account owners when they are suspended for abuse violations. 'THE SINS OF SILICON VALLEY': BACKLASH MOUNTS AGAINST GOOGLE, FACEBOOK AMAZON In December, the company plans to overhaul its review process for witness reports of violations. This, Twitter says, will help it take smarter, more aggressive action from witness reports. The company will also expand its efforts to clamp down on people using the platform to make unwanted sexual advances. Jason Mollica, a digital media expert and professor at American University in Washington, D.C told Fox News that the new rules cannot come soon enough. "It's a good step," he said, in a phone interview. "Putting these rules into place does help in many ways but they should have been stronger from the start." The move to bolster Twitters safety rules comes just days after CEO Jack Dorsey said in a tweetstorm that the company is not doing enough to protect its users. FACEBOOK, GOOGLE, TWITTER: HOW TECH GIANTS ARE INVOLVED IN THE RUSSIA INVESTIGATION Dorsey made the pledge in a series of tweets last week following a boycott organized by women supporting actress Rose McGowan after she said Twitter temporarily suspended her account for posting about the alleged misconduct of film producer Harvey Weinstein. The movie mogul was fired earlier this month by the company he co-founded amid accusations that he sexually harassed or sexually assaulted women. Dorsey acknowledged Twitter hasn't been doing enough to ensure voices aren't silenced on the service despite policy changes made since 2016. The Associated Press contributed to this article. Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers This is a rush transcript from "Your World," October 20, 2017. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) REP. FREDERICA WILSON, D-FLORIDA: You mean to tell me that I have become so important that the White House is following me and my words? This is amazing. It's amazing. That is absolutely phenomenal. I have to tell my kids that I'm a rock star now. (END VIDEO CLIP) NEIL CAVUTO, "YOUR WORLD" HOST: All right. I don't know about a rock star, but the feud between that Florida Democratic congresswoman, Frederica Wilson, and the White House, it does continue. It's something that I did raise with VA Secretary David Shulkin. Take a look. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) DAVID SHULKIN, U.S. SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS: I'm focused on veterans' issues. And I don't have a lot of time for the politics. But I can tell you this. I spend time with the president. And this is a president who is deeply concerned about those that we put in harm's way, cares a lot about veterans' issues. And I know his heart is to try to provide comfort to those who have had absolutely the worst thing happen, which is to have lost a loved one, a spouse or a child. And these four brave soldiers, American heroes, really don't deserve to be politicized in this environment. CAVUTO: She referred to herself and the attention it's gotten, sir, as becoming a rock star. I have become a rock star now. What did you think of that? SHULKIN: Well, look, this is not about her. This is not about the individual people that are that we're talking about. This is about people, less than 1 percent of our country, the bravest, the best that we have that who have gone off and now lost their lives defending our country. And the families are grieving. And my focus is on those that have given the ultimate sacrifice and those that continue to defend our country. And those who want to make themselves rock stars, I just really don't have to -- I can't pay attention to that right now. CAVUTO: Switching to what you're trying to do right now at the VA, sir, and, of course, the thousand people who have lost their jobs as you have been cracking down on abuse or laziness or ineptitude and all that stuff, still, Senator John McCain has been among those urging still more oversight of the VA, its finances, et cetera. What do you think of that? SHULKIN: Well, the VA has a lot of issues, and we're hard at work at fixing them. But we're not a perfect organization. And we actually look forward to working with Congress, not only in finding the solutions, but in oversight, because we want to be addressing these problems and addressing them aggressively. Senator John McCain has been a champion of the Choice Program. We just put out a new way of revamping the Choice Program that we think is going to save taxpayers money, give veterans more choice, and take the red tape out of the system. And we look forward to working with Senator McCain and all of Congress in a bipartisan way to get this done. CAVUTO: Still, a lot of people look at the continued staff shortages, beyond just those that you terminated, sir, and they say that -- especially some of the various union groups representing these workers -- is that this is on you. I believe it was David Cox, the president of the American Federation of Government Employees, who said -- and I quote -- "Congress has given the secretary the money to fill these positions, and he's not filling these positions." What do you say? SHULKIN: Well, I just don't think that David Cox has his facts straight. We're absolutely filling all of our positions. We desperately want to get the most talented health care professionals to come and serve at VA. There's no hiring freezes in the field. We have some hiring freezes in the corporate offices here in Washington because we want to decrease the amount of administrative oversight and put more money into hiring the right people to take care of our veterans. And so we would rather have the union helping us find those individuals, rather than going out and spending their time picketing and doing activities that frankly are not helping very much. CAVUTO: I think even your critics would commend you for the efforts to turn around what has been almost an impossible task over at the VA, so much so that you're presumably the top candidate to head the Health and Human Services Administration, Tom Price recently resigning. Are you interested in that job? If it were offered, would you take it? SHULKIN: I came to Washington to help fix the situation with our veterans. It's something I'm passionate about. I'm committed to VA. I want to see this through. And we have a lot of work to do at VA, and that's where 100 percent of my focus is going to remain. CAVUTO: But Health and Human Services needs a lot of help, too, right? SHULKIN: Well, listen, health care is important for Americans. I have spent my career doing that. But I like to finish jobs that I start. CAVUTO: All right. There's jobs that have to be done in both counts, to your point. But one of the things that came up with HHS, as you know, is A, you're a doctor, B, the president is looking at revamping ObamaCare, the Affordable Care Act. He apparently nixed what had been a possible solution bandied about by a Republican senator and Democratic senator to keep funding these insurance companies that provide benefits to those who can't afford them. Just from the position of a doctor, and not whether you would ever take that job, how do you feel about that? SHULKIN: Well, I think the number one issue is access. Americans, particularly those that are of need of the greatest help, need access to health care. And there's no reason why we can't make affordable health care available for all Americans. I think that's what we're trying to do. I'm convinced that we need to do this on a bipartisan basis. We need to involve the industry itself in the solutions. And I think the president is driving us towards finding a solution that works for all Americans. CAVUTO: As you know, sir, Tom Price got in a lot of trouble over taxpayer- financed trips and charter flights and the rest. Sure enough, when your name was bandied for this, they dug up a taxpayer- funded trip you took with your wife took to Denmark and England, presumably to discuss veterans' health issues, which you did. But, again, they said you took a lot of personal travels while there. You just want to settle it once and for all? What happened? Is it a big deal? Explain. SHULKIN: Well, first of all, I did nothing at all wrong. And I look forward to getting a full investigation to let everybody understand that. We met with five of our allies, the people who fight alongside us in our wars on veterans' issues. There was no private jets. We flew commercial. We did work first and on weekends and after-hours, we enjoyed some of the sights on our money, not the taxpayer money. This is consistent with every single rule and everything that was done appropriately. And so I want to get back to focusing on what matters to this country, what matters to American veterans, and the distractions and politics in Washington have no interests to me. I'm a physician. I came here to fix issues. And Washington can do whatever games it does. I'm staying focused on fixing issues for veterans. CAVUTO: Yes, I looked into that trip as well, sir. And I did see that you did attend all of these various veterans' health issues events. So, I guess it says something of the toxic nature of Washington. And here you are someone who was approved for your position 100-0. I mean, that's pretty tough to do. But it is indicative of where we stand right now in Washington. So have you had your fill of it? In other words, given what you deal with and whether people like you or dislike you, that it's this toxic and that this would be this the kind of thing that would come up should you entertain other possibilities, other Cabinet positions? SHULKIN: Yes, look, there's no question it shouldn't be this hard to come and to serve your country, to leave the private sector. But what keeps me going every day is the work that we're doing to fix the issues in this country. I do believe we're making progress. And there's no doubt you need a thick skin to work in Washington. And you have to stay focused on the issues, and you have to believe in what you're doing. And I do believe that we're working to make a difference. And I'm committed to seeing this through, so that we can have a sustainable system who -- for those who raise their hand to defend our country for generations to come. CAVUTO: So, finally, on that point, sir, that means that you think there's a valid role for VA hospitals, for Department of Veteran Affairs, and that just giving them a pass or card to go to a private facility, that doesn't cut it. They need the special care that a VA hospital facility can provide, that that's unique to their experiences. SHULKIN: You know, Neil, I came into Washington from the private sector with an open mind on this issue. And I'm thoroughly convinced that the VA system is essential for the national security of this country, that when you raise your hand to go off and defend the country, you have to know that there are people and organizations there when you come back that are there for you and committed to you for the rest of your life if you need them. And so I believe this system, which has had lots of problems, sometimes spanning back decades, needs to be fixed and it needs to be here for generations to come. (END VIDEOTAPE) CAVUTO: All right, VA Secretary David Shulkin. END Content and Programming Copyright 2017 Fox News Network, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Copyright 2017 CQ-Roll Call, Inc. All materials herein are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of CQ-Roll Call. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. The president of a Cleveland college came under fire for his tepid response to a flier found on campus that urged LGBTQ people to commit suicide. Cleveland State University students were outraged the school's president, Ronald Berkman, did not condemn the content of the flier but said the poster was protected under the First Amendment, FOX8 reported. The flier, which was found last Thursday posted on one of the buildings on campus, showed a silhouette hanging from a rope. The flier read: Follow your fellow f----ts. The poster also had statistics of the rate of suicide in the LGBTQ community. The bottom of flier read: Fascist solutions. Cleveland.com reported police were investigating who posted the fliers. Berkman released a statement Monday regarding the flier, stating the school was "committed to upholding the First Amendment." "CSU also is committed to upholding the First Amendment, even with regard to controversial issues where opinion is divided, Berkman's statement read. Berkman issued another statement Tuesday, stating he did not fully express his personal outrage over the poster and invited students to a forum Wednesday to discuss the concerns on campus, FOX8 reported. OHIO MAN CHARGED IN 4 SLAYINGS STILL HELD WITHOUT BOND At the forum, students told Berkman they viewed the flier as a death threat. "The impact that was made especially toward black and queer students on this campus how a lot of us feel unsafe and how you handled the situation you could have handled it a lot better," a student told Berkman at the forum, FOX8 reported. BATTLEFIELD CROSS RETURNED TO OHIO CEMETARY AFTER REGRETTABLE MISINTERPRETATION' Berkman said he condemned the poster but reiterated that hate speech was protected under the First Amendment. "You designate a group to meet with the chief diversity officer and vice president of student affairs and you tell us what it is we need to do for you to feel comfortable and safe on campus," Berkman told the audience. He apologized for not condemning the posters more sternly. A few students left the forum, some reportedly cursing at Berkman, while others stood outside the auditorium and protested the event, WKYC reported. "I'm a rock star now." That's how a Florida Democrat has reacted to her recent notoriety after becoming tangled in a controversy over her account of President Donald Trump's condolence phone call to a U.S. Army widow. "You mean to tell me that I've become so important that the White House is following me and my words?" U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson asked reporters Thursday. "This is amazing. That's amazing. I'll have to tell my kids that I'm a rock star now." Later Thursday, President Trump accused Wilson of lying in her account of the phone call between Trump and the widow of a U.S. service member who was recently killed in Africa. The same tweet also asserts that news organizations have been going crazy with U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilsons version of the story. The Fake News is going crazy with wacky Congresswoman Wilson(D), who was SECRETLY on a very personal call, and gave a total lie on content! The presidents tweet came hours after Chief of Staff John Kelly made an emotional speech at the White House, saying he was stunned to learn that Wilson had been listening in when the president spoke with Myeshia Johnson, widow of U.S. Army Sgt. La David Johnson -- one of four American soldiers killed in Niger nearly two weeks ago. Wilson, a Democrat, was with Johnson's family when Trump called to offer condolences. The congresswoman said Trump had told the widow that "you know that this could happen when you signed up for it ... but it still hurts." Johnson's aunt said Trump showed "disrespect" to the soldier's loved ones. Wilson on Thursday said Trump disrespected Johnsons widow with his comments during the phone call. In comments to the White House press corps, Kelly defended Trump and said he was "stunned" by the criticism of Trump's condolence call to the sergeant's family. Kelly accused Wilson of "selfish behavior." Kelly also told reporters that the president had expressed his condolences "in the best way that he could." Wilson gave a cryptic response when Miami television station WSVN-TV caught up with her Thursday, repeating a phrase she said her mother told her when she was a child. Wilson said: "The dog can bark at the moon all night long but it doesn't become an issue until the moon barks back." The Associated Press contributed to this story. Leftist protesters interrupted a College Republicans meeting Sunday night in the library at the University of California, Santa Cruz, calling members fascists, racists and white supremacists during a lengthy demonstration that ended in three arrests. WARNING: VIDEO CONTAINS GRAPHIC LANGUAGE Though the College Republicans initially offered to speak to the protesters, those demonstrating refused to leave and demanded instead the Republicans end their meeting. One person in attendance, a Democrat, stood up, however, and defended his right-leaning fellow students. I immediately stood up and confronted them, Phil Leonard told Fox News. I was the only one to stand up and confront them. The schools director of news and media relations, Scott Hernandez-Jason, expressed disappointment in the episode. Its unfortunate and disappointing that a few students disrupted their meeting and refused repeated requests to leave, Hernandez-Jason told Fox News in an email. UC Santa Cruz vigorously supports our students rights to peacefully and lawfully assemble. The demonstration came about when a far left activist found out the College Republicans were meeting on the ground floor of the library in a small rectangular room with one entrance and bad cell service and posted the details to a UCSC Facebook group with nearly 20,000 members, Leonard said. They put out a dog whistle for any crazy or deranged person to stop white supremacy, Leonard said. A core group of three protesters, joined by a few others, showed up, shouting chants such as No Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA! Leonard said one protester looked at him and told him: Your existence is a disturbance to every marginalized person in this country. You dont know who youre talking to, he said he responded. First of all, Im a registered Democrat. Ive never voted for a Republican in my life, and Im here speaking for ideas which is what youre supposed to do at a college. Leonard, a fourth-year politics major, said he started going to College Republican meetings last May when he was working on a piece for his moderate campus publication, City on a Phil, and he started bringing Democrat friends along with him. Leonard said the behavior particularly affected him because hes Jewish, and he immediately connected the actions of the protesters seeking to shut down free speech -- with the actions of the Nazis. Thats literally how fascists think, he said. This kid is literally a fascist. Soon, students studying in the library began to complain. A librarian entered and, at one point, asked the College Republicans to leave in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. The group refused, however. One protester bolted from the room and started running up and down the library stairs shouting about Nazis and white supremacists. I didnt know who that nutty chick was, but her fliers were all over the school, so when I said her name, she flipped out, Leonard said. She flipped out even more when I told her I voted for her [for the Student Union Assembly election]. When the librarian returned with her boss, the protesters accused her of being a white supremacist. The campus police were eventually called, but the demonstrators still refused to stop the disruption. A black officer showed up and the protesters responded by explaining racism and white supremacy to him, Leonard said. Almost all the people in the library, mostly liberal at this point, started getting upset with them, and laughing at them and telling them to leave, Leonard said. The whole school and the whole library turned against them. Despite attempts by the police to negotiate a peaceful conclusion, Leonard said the protesters insisted on being arrested. They got their wish. The trio of students were arrested for disturbing the peace, failure to disperse, unlawful assembly and trespassing, Hernandez-Jason said. Leonard posted video of the incident to the same UCSC Facebook page the protest organizer originally used to plan the demonstration. Other campus groups, many of them liberal, put out statements condemning the actions of the disrupters, Leonard said. If there was a social stigma against College Republicans, that stigma is gone now, Leonard said. Basically everything the protesters wanted, the exact opposite happened. A woman in Utah turned herself in to police after she was caught on video going through a mans wallet -- and taking his credit card -- while he was having a seizure in a 7-Eleven convenience store. Alexandra Dewsnup, 28, was arrested on charges of unlawful possession of a credit card and felony theft and booked in the Salt Lake County Jail, Fox 13 reported Wednesday. Surveillance video from Oct. 4 showed Dewsnup standing near the register of the 7-Eleven rifling through the victims wallet while he was lying on the floor having a seizure. GRAND THEFT AVOCADO: 3 ARRESTED IN $300K CALIFORNIA THEFT She continued to search the wallet before taking out one of the mans credit cards and stuffing it under her arm. She then put the wallet back in his pocket and walked away. Police said the stolen credit card was later used to buy something online, according to Fox 13. Dewsnup reportedly turned herself in and told investigators that she'd taken Xanax at the time of the robbery, but held herself accountable for her actions. Some of her relatives were among the people who sent tips to police, the report added. JURY DELIBERATING IN MILITARY EQUIPMENT THEFT CASE The man, Dustin Malone, told the news station he has epilepsy, which triggers the seizures, but he doesnt typically have them in public. I go completely stiff, my eyes go back, I lose consciousness and I collapse, Malone said. He said he called the police after he came out of the seizure and discovered hed been robbed. Malone, a certified nursing assistant, said, Nothing irritates me more, as a health care provider, than people who victimize other people. The mother of a high school student in California was arrested last month for allegedly selling various types of drugs to underage teenagers. Kimberly Quach, 48, is believed to have had a teenager sell drugs on her behalf to students in the Carmel Valley and La Jolla areas, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported. The San Diego police opened an investigation after a students parent reportedly found the drug Suboxone in their daughters room, as well as text messages from Quach indicating that shed sold it to the teen. Police searched Quachs home and found marijuana drying out as well as the supplies needed to grow the plant, The Tribune reported. In the search warrant affidavit, authorities described the home as a place students knew they could drink alcohol and get or use the drugs they wanted. SITTER WHO FED XANAX TO TODDLER WHO LATER DIED GETS PRISON It is known at the school that if you need anything, you can have Quach buy it for you, an investigator wrote in the affidavit. Quach was arrested on Sept. 28 and faces several charges, including employing a minor to sell or carry marijuana, furnishing marijuana to a minor over the age of 14, child abuse, theft by false impersonation, and selling or providing a minor with both Suboxone and Alprazolam (Xanax), The Tribune reported. The crimes allegedly happened from Jan. 1 through the day she was arrested. Quach reportedly pleaded not guilty. Cathedral Catholic High School (CCHS), the school Quachs high-school-age child attends, as well as other schools in the area, are reportedly part of the police investigation. CCHS emailed parents of students at the school notifying them of the arrest and their involvement, Fox 5 reported. 30 MEMBERS OF NINE TREY GANGSTERS INDICTED IN ATLANTA ON DRUG AND MURDER CHARGES Police are also investigating a potential guest list of a party Quach had at her house and are questioning students whose names are on it, Fox 5 reported. A mother of one of the students said it was a wakeup call when police contacted her. "It's scary. It opens up conversations with our children which we should be having with them all of the time," the mother said. "These kids have cars and more freedom. I don't see my senior as much as I did when she was a sophomore." Quach remains in jail at the Las Colinas Detention Facility in Santee and her bail has been set at $200,000, according to police. A federal appeals court heard arguments Thursday from activists seeking to overturn California's 145-year ban on commercial sex. A three-judge panel of 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco did not issue a ruling, but heard oral arguments from plaintiffs who say the current law violates the right to engage in consensual sex, as described in a 2003 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that revoked criminal laws against gay sexual acts, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. "I believe people in this country have the right to act this way and to make a living this way," attorney Louis Sirkin told a judicial panel, KTVU-TV reported. California banned prostitution in 1872, defining every common prostitute as a vagrant subject to a $500 fine and six months in jail. The law slightly changed in the 1960s, the Chronicle reported, by branding prostitution or soliciting prostitution as disorderly conduct, punishable with a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. The legal challenge was brought by three ex-prostitutes, a would-be client, and ESPLER (Erotic Service Providers Legal, Educational and Research Project). They received good news Thursday after the 9th Circuit judges hinted that some scrutiny of the law was needed. Why should it be illegal to sell something that its legal to give away? Judge Carlos Bea asked, as the Chronicle reported. Judge Consuelo Callahan seconded, saying prostitution like gay sex had been subject to moral disapproval. Because the Supreme Court case dealt with individual rights, the right to prostitution could be a natural extension of Supreme Court precedent, she said. Deputy Attorney General Sharon OGrady fired back at the suggestion, saying the difference between the legalization of prostitution and gay sexual activity was the commercial aspect ... the commodification of sex. The state is not telling anyone who they can sleep with, she said, but noted that banning prostitution was an easy place to draw the line" to protect against violence, drug use and trafficking. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White rejected the challenge last year, saying the 2003 Supreme Court ruling was concerning intimate personal relationship and did not apply to commercial sex, adding that California justified the law against prostitution as a deterrence to violence against women, sexually transmitted diseases and human trafficking, according to the Chronicle. There is no timeline for a decision on the matter. After raising both middle fingers and proclaiming "I hate you," a convicted cop killer was executed in Alabama on Thursday night -- while the outcome of his lawsuit against the states execution method was still pending. Torrey Twane McNabb, 40, killed Officer Anderson Gordon in 1997 when he shot the Montgomery police officer five times as he sat in his patrol car, authorities have said. Anderson had arrived at the scene of a traffic accident that McNabb allegedly caused while fleeing a bail bondsmen. McNabb was one of several inmates involved in an ongoing lawsuit challenging the humaneness of the states lethal injection procedure. They argue that a sedative called midazolam does not reliably render a person unconscious before subsequent drugs stop their lungs and heart. The plaintiffs point to an execution last December, during which an Alabama inmate coughed and heaved for the first 13 minutes of the execution. McNabbs attorneys had requested a stay, arguing that it would be wrong to carry out the execution while the lawsuit remains unresolved. The state argued that the inmates were unlikely to prevail because the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed other executions, including four in Alabama, to proceed using midazolam. The U.S. Attorney General's office argued that McNabb had presented no new evidence to justify a stay. The U.S. Supreme Court delayed the execution for several hours to consider McNabb's request for a stay, but ruled that the execution could go forward. As the procedure began, McNabb raised his middle fingers before becoming still. He was pronounced dead at 9:38 p.m. local time, authorities said. According to AL.com, the dead police officer's family issued a statement after the execution. "Over 20 years ago we lost a companion, a father a brother and a friend who only wanted to make a difference in his community. Brother, who we affectionately called him, worked to make a difference in his community until his life was taken from him," the statement read. "Though this has been a difficult day for the Gordon family, we also continue to pray for the family of Torrey McNabb." McNabb used his last statement to tell his mother and sister that he was unafraid and he cursed at the state, saying "I hate you ... I hate you." The Associated Press contributed to this report. A Democratic Socialist student group at an Iowa college appeared to make death threats on Twitter against capitalists and President Trump -- the latter message drawing the attention of the Secret Service. COMRADES: stay away from needle drugs! The only dope worth shooting is in the oval office [right now], Iowa State University's Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter tweeted in September. The Secret Service told Fox News it was aware of the comment. This month, YDSA tweeted to encourage the hanging and extermination of all capitalists." After the message drew complaints, Iowa State defended the group on Twitter, saying the tweet was protected speech, according to screen shots of the tweets taken by Campus Reform. The left has done a good job radicalizing juggalos, weebs, furries, but I will not rest until hXc stands for hang+Xterminate capitalists, the club wrote Oct. 4 in a since-deleted tweet. Juggalos, weebs, and furries are slang for different types of fan groups, while hXc is a slang term that typically means hardcore. When a student brought the tweet to the universitys attention, Iowa State responded via Twitter that the socialist clubs words falls under free speech with a link to available resources if any students feel threatened or harassed. The university did not immediately respond to a request for comment. One conservative student said the socialist group has called for capitalists to be hanged before, adding members of his campus organization have felt uneasy and threatened because of YDSA. As the president of our [Turning Point USA] chapter Ive been repeatedly harassed for my position and my views online and in person from time to time, Benjamin Whittington told Turning Point News. We held a debate with them last semester and their reaction was less than stellar. Vice Chairman of the ISU College Republicans, Taylor Collins agreed with Whittington. If you idolize murderous figures such as Marx, Lenin, and Stalin, people shouldnt be surprised when those same people condone violence, Collins said. These indoctrinated students are just using the tools of the figures they have been taught to worship throughout their education here at Iowa StateThis is just another example of the dangers progressive education is having on our youth and its very troubling my own university will not [condemn] it. The group has also tweeted capitalism is violent and has several tweets supporting communism. The Young Democratic Socialists club is in good standing with the university as an officially registered student organization with around 30 members, according to its website. The group is dedicated to political education, activism, community organization, and volunteer work centered around the ideals of democratic socialism and achieving social justice. YDSA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The picturesque Northern California wine country of Napa, Sonoma, Solano, Lake and Mendocino counties are currently under threat from the wildfires scorching the region. As of Thursday, Oct. 19, wildfires have burned over 245,000 acres across California, are responsible for at least 42 fatalities and have destroyed more than 6,900 structures, according to CalFire. While damages from the wildfires continue to be assessed, at least 57 wineries have been caught in the flames. Forty-seven wineries of the Napa Valley Vintners have reported some degree of damage to their vineyards and just a handful experienced significant property loss, according to a Napa Valley Vintners press release on Wednesday, Oct. 18. At least three wineries in Mendocino and seven wineries in Sonoma have also reported damage, according to a Fortune article that listed wineries that have announced damages publicly. Northern California experienced warm weather in late summer and early fall, which hastened the ripening process and brought about earlier-than-usual harvests. Both Sonoma and Napa Valley report that about 90 percent of the grapes were picked prior to when wildfires began on Oct. 8. Napa Valley wineries that are able to assemble crews and safely get to their vineyards are continuing to harvest grapes. While there have been numerous reports highlighting the wildfire devastation to the iconic Northern California wine country, the majority of the wineries have not reported any damages. Vineyards often act like fire breaks. This is likely the reason for why only a limited number of wineries have been destroyed or significantly damaged in the fires surrounding them, according to a recent update from the University of California at Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology. Furthermore, most of the grapes were harvested before the fire; therefore, the risk of smoke taint for this harvest will be limited, according to the update. Smoke taint occurs when there is a substantial increase in the levels of certain aroma compounds, such as free guaiacol and 4-methylguaiacol, in wine made with smoke-affected fruits. These compounds are present in wood smoke and result in high levels of overpowering smoky and cold ash flavors in wine. While grapevines are very resilient and do not burn easily, grapes with heavy exposure to smoke are at risk of smoke taint, according to the update. "The risk of smoke taint increases with continual exposure or repeated exposures to heavy smoke. So any exposure to heavy smoke, has the potential to be problematic," the update reads. There is no carry over to the next season for grapes and vineyards that were impacted by smoke taint. Although, studies are currently underway to determine the amount of smoke exposure needed to cause smoke taint. It is projected that the grapevines will fully recover if they did not actually burn, but the yield may be impacted, the UC Davis update said. Furthermore, there are several treatments that can reduce the effects of smoke taint, according to the update. "We do not expect a significant economic impact on Northern Californias wine regions due to the fact that only a small percentage of wines may be affected by the fires and smoke," the update reads. The affected counties produce a relatively small percentage of the grapes in California. However, the wines from Sonoma and Napa are the most valuable and draw many visitors, contributing about $3.8 billion a year to economic activity. "It is really, really difficult to predict what the impact might be until the wine has been made," Anita Oberholster, professor of Viticulture and Enology at the University of California at Davis and update contributor, told AccuWeather. Following weeks of wildfires ravaging California, winds weakened then rain and cooler conditions brought a brief reprieve this week. A Florida teacher was arrested Friday after she was accused of having a sexual relationship with a female student last year. Jaclyn Truman, 30, allegedly had a two-month relationship with a 15-year-old female student last year while Truman was serving as a long-term substitute teacher at Hagerty High School in Seminole County, Fla., the Orlando Sentinel reported. RICHARD SPENCER ENDS UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA SPEECH EARLY TO BOOS, PROTESTS The student told deputies form the Seminole County Sheriffs Office she and the Truman had sex multiple times in the high school from March to May 2016, WFTV reported. A report was filed on Oct. 4 and Truman was placed on leave from Lake Howell High, where she was then teaching, after Child Protective Services called the school, WFTV reported. The educator resigned from her position at the school Thursday and turned herself in to police the same day, the Orlando Sentinel reported. Officials said Truman was cooperating with the investigation. FLORIDA NURSING HOME BILLS RESIDENT WHO DIED DURING HURRICANE IRMA Truman was charged with two counts of lewd acts on a minor student and was placed in the Seminole County Jail. Her bail was set at $40,000, the sheriffs office said. Bob Kealing, the Seminole County Sheriffs Office spokesman, said Truman taught at a few schools in the Seminole County school district. Michael Lawrence, the Seminole County Public Schools spokesman, said a background check was done before Truman was hired full-time and the check came back clean. The violent MS-13 gang has been linked to a wave of recent killings in New York's Long Island suburbs. That's why police believe that human remains found in one location could lead to more grisly discoveries. Police in Nassau County on Long Island say they have found several spots in a 27-acre park in the hamlet of Roosevelt that may be gravesites for the gang's victims. The process is slow due to the terrain and growth, Detective Lt. Stephen Fitzpatrick of the Nassau County Police Department Homicide Squad told reporters. Fitzpatrick said one set of male human remains has been found, but has not been identified. He would not reveal how long the remains have been in the area. MS-13 GANG MEMBERS IN NEW YORK HACKED TEEN TO DEATH TO BOOST 'STATURE,' POLICE SAY There are a couple other spots that we have interest in and we will look at them slowly but surely, he said, noting that one detective broke his ankle while searching. Fitzpatrick added that police dogs have had positive responses to areas they were interested in. Police said they received a tip about the remains from the Department of Homeland Security. Members of the MS-13 gang, which originates from El Salvador, have been charged in recent killings in Long Island immigrant communities. More than 20 killings in Long Island have been blamed on the gang since the start of last year. MS-13 'INITIATION KILLINGS': LURED TO A PARK BY GIRLS AND HACKED TO DEATH WITH MACHETES As of last September, police estimated that there are around 400 MS-13 gang members operating in Suffolk County and more than 320 of them were arrested with the help of immigration agents, the New York Times reported. The county has taken in 4,728 minors who came by themselves from Central America since October 2013 to June 2017, the newspaper also reported, citing federal data. A 2-year-old boy in California is reportedly the eighth child to be killed by an Ikea dresser that was recalled in June 2016. The familys lawyer told ABC News that the boy, Jozef Dudek, died in May when the three-drawer dresser tipped over during his naptime. It fell over on top of him, attorney Daniel J. Mann said. He said the boys family was devastated. The furniture item can be unstable if it is not anchored to a wall, the report said. Swedish retailer Ikea told ABC, "Our hearts go out to the affected family, and we offer our sincere condolences during this most difficult time." The company reportedly went on to say, the initial investigation indicates that the chest involved in this incident had not been properly attached to the wall. A company spokeswoman said it was unclear how many of the recalled dressers were still in use. The company has been criticized for not getting word out about the recall, but it countered that it publicized the recall online, in national advertising and social media. A Staten Island house was defaced with anti-Semitic graffiti the second hateful attack on the property this month. Debra Calabrese said her 17-year-old son found the slur k, and a swastika spray painted in black on the familys garage at around 5 a.m Wednesday. It feels like a nightmare, not real, said Calabrese, who is Jewish. Its one thing when someone says something, but to vandalize my property like this is a whole new level. Two weeks ago, hooligans also threw rocks at the familys residence but no windows were broken. Rocks were also thrown at another Jewish neighbors home, she said. Calabrese, her two sons and teen daughter have been living in their Rossville residence for 14 years, and said their home has never been attacked like this before. These are probably stupid kids doing something for kicks, the homeowner said. They dont realize the toll it takes on a family. The mom of three plans to keep the slur and hate symbol up for now to make sure the neighborhood knows she wont stand for this. We dont want this to be pushed aside, she said. Were not going to just take this down and pretend like nothing happened. Calabrese said shes working with police on the case and neighbors whose surveillance cameras may have caught the vandals in action. New York City is like the melting pot, I dont understand, Calabrese said. We should all live together. This shouldnt happen. The NYPD confirmed the Hate Crime Task Force was investigating. Click for more from the New York Post. Two hikers whose bodies were found in Joshua Tree National Park earlier this week were killed in a murder-suicide, investigators said Friday. The San Bernardino Sheriff's Department Morongo Basin station said in a statement that Joseph Orbeso, 22, shot and killed his girlfriend, 20-year-old Rachel Nguyen, before turning the gun on himself. The bodies of Nguyen and Orbeso were found locked in an embrace Monday, nearly three months after the couple were last seen hiking in the park on a day when temperatures topped 100 degrees. San Bernardino sheriffs spokeswoman Cindy Bachman told the Los Angeles Times that a gun was recovered from where the bodies were found. The couple's car was discovered near a trailhead July 28, the day after they were last seen alive. The sheriff's department statement said the bodies were found in "a steep canyon to the far north of the Maze Loop Trailhead." Authorities said they did not report the gunshot wounds when the bodies were found because the coroner had yet to formally identify the bodies and confirm the injuries. An air and ground search for the missing couple involved 250 law enforcement officers and volunteers, as well as dog and horse teams. The search was scaled back in August as no sign of the couple emerged. A motive for the shooting is not known. With a name like Redneck Revolt, one paramilitary group named in a lawsuit filed in the wake of the deadly Charlottesville protests sounds like the classic alt-right, gun-toting militia many blame for the August incident that sparked a national debate on race and guns. But Redneck Revolt is a sometimes-armed militia that left-wing protesters have apparently started calling on for security, and critics say it represents a growing group of heat-packing, far-left social justice warriors who are willing to take on personal risk to defend those in our community, according to the groups website. The lawsuit, brought by The Georgetown Law Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection (ICAP), could shine a light on groups like Redneck Revolt by lumping them in with not only admitted fascist groups like Vanguard America, but also the conservative militias whose leaders say they came to safeguard participants in the Aug. 11 Unite the Right rally that exploded into violence. "All it takes is one jumpy person pulling a trigger." Left-wing protester Many fear the bitter climate surrounding race, free speech and politics, combined with the presence of guns, is creating a combustible situation and the potential for deadly violence to break out at events featuring protesters, counter-protesters and self-appointed amateur armed guards. "If you get into an arms race with a bunch of scared people who have little or no experience of gun violenceIm talking about antifascists as well as the alt fascists, were scared tooyoure creating an extremely volatile situation," a counter-protester who claimed to have been at Charlottesville told the website CrimethInc. "All it takes is one jumpy person pulling a trigger." The more prominent defendants targeted in the suit include Unite the Right organizer Jason Kessler and a handful of fascist groups that attended. But ICAP is also taking aim at left-leaning paramilitary organizations that turned out that day, militias that claim their members were only on scene to keep the peace. "Private armies" caused "irreparable and incalculable injuries" to the city as well as various local businesses and neighborhood groups, the lawsuit claims. Damages include loss of revenue and a general negative association with businesses in the city, the plaintiffs argue. The suit suggests these unauthorized militias undercut the local government's "authority to protect public safety, and aims to "prevent defendants from returning to Virginia organized as military units and engaging in paramilitary activity." Redneck Revolt and other armed militias that were present say they were keeping the peace regardless of who they were defending. Christian Yingling, a defendant and commanding officer of an organization called Pennsylvania Light Foot Militia, argued in a lengthy Facebook post that his group, which he said was there to provide security for Unite the Right protesters, coordinated with the Charlottesville Police Department prior to the event. Not only did police know they were coming with weapons to defend participants, Yingling wrote, police escorted us personally to the park... the Charlottesville police told us it was perfectly fine for us to be there, and perfectly legal for us to be armed." The Charlottesville Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. New York Light Foot militia commander George Curbelo, also named in the suit, posted a photo to Facebook that he said proves his militia was escorted by members of law enforcement, and that his group was in Charlottesville as a neutral, non-violent group. No one seems to be disputing that members of groups like The Light Foot militias, the Virginia Minutemen and Redneck Revolt were legally carrying firearms. The dispute is whether they made things safer, or more dangerous. Members of Redneck Revolt have said they were sought by counter-demonstrators to provide safety. Yet, the groups relationship to the left-wing protesters appears to be absent from ICAPs suit. "Just as they had anticipated and indeed desired, these [white-nationalist] groups encountered significant resistance from counter-protestors within the so-called Antifa and other movements," the lawsuit states. It goes on to suggest that those counter-protesters "fought back with comparable intensity, though without the hallmarks of private armies that characterized the Alt-Right Defendants contributions to the days violence." While there is no evidence of any Redneck Revolt members being involved in violence, the lawsuits suggestion that the left was without a private army of its own - especially since Redneck Revolt is named as a defendant seems a glaring omission. Redneck Revolt's website describes it as "a pro-worker, anti-racist organization that focuses on working-class liberation from the oppressive systems which dominate our lives, inspired in part by violent abolitionist John Brown. The mission statement goes on to say, In states where it is legal to practice armed community defense, many branches choose to become John Brown Gun Clubs, training ourselves and our communities in defense and mutual aid." Redneck Revolt boasts more than 40 chapters nationwide, and various branches have reported membership increases since the Charlottesville incident. Attempts to reach the groups communication arm were unsuccessful. One member of Redneck Revolt, who was not in Charlottesville and asked not to be identified, told Fox News "we're not Antifa... we're not going to be hitting people." Yet at rallies including one in Phoenix earlier this year, members have threatened the property of people who merely attempt to video or photograph them. Like some of their conservative counterparts, Redneck Revolt has apparently captured the attention of the FBI. According to one law enforcement source, warnings have been distributed to agencies across the country regarding their group and others. In an e-mail to Fox, a spokesperson for the FBIs national press office suggested they couldnt comment on the existence of such a bulletin, before adding that the bureau does not track membership in domestic extremist groups as membership in a group is not illegal The FBI may only initiate an investigation based upon information or allegations that an activity constitutes a federal crime or a threat to national security. A self-described Redneck Revolt member who said he was in Charlottesville for the protests told the "Feminist Killjoys, PhD" podcast that while there may be historical parallels with organizations like the Black Panthers, the presence of armed leftists on the streets of an American city [preserving and protecting] human life... was kind of a historical shift." In a podcast on Redneck Revolts website, another alleged member who was on the ground in Charlottesville admits that the use of firearms was a point of serious debate, but that when we came up to the day, the extremity of the situation was realized by all involved. "I don't think it's ludicrous that if white supremacists are carrying guns that anti-fascists might want to carry guns, too." Mark Bray, Dartmouth professor Folks realized that there needed to be armed security because the fascists were absolutely coming in swinging, he said, adding that members were showered with gratitude by the protesters they came to defend. Left-wing groups carrying legal guns at demonstrations have is a notion thats seeing some support in academia. "I don't think it's ludicrous that if white supremacists are carrying guns that anti-fascists might want to carry guns, too," Mark Bray, a visiting Dartmouth professor and author of "ANTIFA: The Anti-Fascist Handbook," told a New York gathering in September. Dwayne Dixon, who is listed as a faculty member on the UNC Chapel Hill Asian Studies Department, is allegedly a member of Redneck Revolt, and was arrested in August for bringing a gun to a public place in anticipation of a white supremacist rally in Durham an event that never wound up happening. Dixon did not respond to Fox News requests for comment. But in an interview with a local newspaper, he said he acted out of "real concern about a kind of tone that I had never heard by citizens of this city." He added that he was not trying to "play Rambo." ICAPs lawsuit doesnt attempt to separate militia groups by their alliances, saying all of the armed groups terrified local residents and caused attendees to mistake them for authorized military personnel. Richard Cohen, president of the Southern Poverty Law Center, a group often derided for harboring a bias for left-wing groups, reportedly also disagrees with the tactics of armed militias. We just dont need volunteers with guns coming to public rallies, Cohen said in an interview. Its a recipe for disaster." A woman is in custody after police say she threw a brick at a Pittsburgh teacher because she didnt like how her daughter was treated at school. Police said a man and a woman in a black vehicle followed teacher Janice Davis-Watkins after she left Pittsburgh King PreK-8 school Wednesday afternoon. When the 46-year-old teacher was nearing an intersection in her car, the suspects approached her, police said. She rolled down her window and the woman threw a brick at her, police say. The impact from the brick knocked out a tooth, police said. After the attack, police arrested Daishonta Marie Williams, 29, and charged her with aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, stalking and terroristic threats. Police told the Pittsburgh Gazette that Williams had threatened the teacher earlier in the day after she was called in for a parent-teacher conference. The teacher accused Williams daughter of biting her after a dispute over a cellphone, and the student said Davis-Watkins choked her, the website said. Cellphones are forbidden in the school district. After the meeting, Williams said the teacher was going to get it later, according to the Gazette. Davis-Watkins was released from the hospital Thursday, but will have further tests done for continuing medical issues, Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers President Nina Esposito-Visgitis told Fox News. Of course, all she could talk about was her students, Esposito-Visgitis told Fox News after speaking to the teacher. The Pittsburgh Public Schools released a statement saying it was concerned that a teacher was attacked. The individuals responsible must be held accountable for such horrifying behavior, the statement said. Alabama authorities are searching for the person who committed a "sickening'" and "disturbing" crime after a pelican was discovered dead, with black electrical tape bound around its beak and rope wrapped around a wing and its feet. The states Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries agents were investigating the pelicans death after the bird was found in Baldwin County, according to a Facebook post this week. The Alabama Ecological Services Field Office posted pictures of the dead bird with a caption asking for any information regarding the "disturbing crime." COP KILLER EXECUTED IN ALABAMA DESPITE LAWSUIT OVER LETHAL INJECTION Not only is this a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It's also a sickening thing to do, the caption stated. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it is illegal to take, buy or sell the animals. Any person who violates the act could receive a fine up to $500 or six months behind bars. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A man in Pennsylvania was arrested after he reportedly admitted to selling heroin in a hospital the day his newborn daughter was born. Greensburg police were tipped off to the illegal activity on Thursday after they pulled over a car that had heroin and drug paraphernalia inside, according to Fox 5 DC. People in the car reportedly told authorities that they had just bought the drugs from Cody Hulse, the newborns 25-year-old father, who was at Excela Health Westmoreland hospital. TRAIN SEVERS LIMBS OF WOMAN, 1-YEAR-OLD SON IN GEORGIA Police found Hulse in the babys room at the hospital and he admitted to dealing the drugs, CBS Philly said. He reportedly had 34 bags of heroin and other drug paraphernalia in his pocket at the time, police said. The babys mother reportedly told authorities she didnt know her boyfriend was selling drugs, Fox 5 DC reported. Hulse was arraigned in court on Friday and charged with heroin delivery and endangering the welfare of children. Police in Tampa, Fla. believe the killing of a 20-year-old autistic man Thursday night is linked to two other suspicious deaths in the same neighborhood. Anthony Taino Naiboa's family said he was taking a bus home from work and had gotten off at the wrong stop in the Seminole Heights neighborhood. They said he was about to walk home when someone shot him. Naiboa's death was the third murder to take place in Seminole Heights in the previous 10 days. On Oct. 9, Benjamin Mitchell, 22, was shot to death about 100 yards from where Naiboa's body was found. On Oct. 13, the body of 32-year-old Monica Caridad Hoffa was found in a vacant lot. At a news conference Friday, interim Tampa police Chief Brian Dugan said it was "clear to me" that all three deaths were connected. Police have warned neighborhood residents not to walk alone at night. And they've asked residents to leave porch light and other external lights on at night. "Now we have someone terrorizing the neighborhood," said Dugan, who asked the public to examine surveillance video of a man seen walking in the area when Mitchell was killed. Naiboa's mother, Maria Rodriguez, told Fox 13 that she became worried when her son wouldn't answer his phone Thursday night. "I kept calling and calling. No answers, it went straight to voicemail," she told the station. Dugan said officers patrolling the area Thursday night heard the shots that killed Naiboa and rushed to the scene, only to find him dead. "You can imagine the frustration of these officers to hear gunshots and not be able to find this person," the interim chief said. "[The victim] was in the prime of his life and was taken instantly." Investigators have few leads. Officers have blanketed the neighborhood, are talking to residents and showing them the video of the man walking. "I'm convinced we are going to catch this person," Dugan said. It's frustrating and it makes me angry they are able to vanish so quickly." The FBI and the Hillsborough and Pinellas county sheriff's officials have pledged support to the investigation. Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-8477 (TIPS). The Associated Press contributed to this report. Click for more from Fox13News.com. At least 152 Afghans sent to the United States for military training during the course of the war against the Taliban have gone AWOL, and the problem, which worsened last year, is unlikely to improve soon, U.S. inspectors said Friday. AWOL Afghans are considered a security risk in the U.S. because they have military training and are of fighting age, and relatively few are ever arrested or detained, according to a report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. The relatively high AWOL rate among Afghan trainees, particularly since 2015, also has undermined the combat readiness and morale of Afghan military and police units, the report said. The AWOL rate among Afghans is far higher than for other foreign national trainees. Of 2,537 Afghan trainees brought to the U.S. since 2005, 152, or 6 percent, have gone absent without leave, the report said. The rate for trainees from all other countries in that period was less than 1 percent. Nearly all the Afghans who fled since 2005 were officers. Most were what the military calls "company grade" officers, meaning they were at the rank of lieutenant or captain. The prevalence of this group to abandon training posts is "particularly alarming," the report said, given the officers' important role in maintaining the overall readiness of the Afghan military. The Afghans have fled from posts across America, including Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, where they are required to take English-language training; Fort Rucker, Alabama; Fort Benning, Georgia; Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Fort Huachuca, Arizona. The report cited numerous bureaucratic impediments to catching AWOL Afghans. They are required to provide limited biographical and background information while in the U.S., which can make it difficult to track them down, it said. Also, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents cannot take any action to locate a missing Afghan trainee until the departments of Defense and State take certain actions to revoke the individual's official status. This delays the start of an ICE investigation in which time is of the essence, the report said. Most training is done in Afghanistan, but selected Afghans are brought to the U.S. each year for training and education opportunities that cannot be offered in their home country, the report said. The AWOL problem is one of many that have dogged the U.S. effort to make the Afghan military capable of defending itself. As of July, the U.S. has spent $68 billion to train and equip the Afghan army, air force, commandos and other security forces. The report reviewed data only through March of this year. But in asserting that the problem remains of concern, inspectors noted that the State Department reported that four AWOL Afghan trainees were caught by Customs and Border Protection in Washington state in August. "Far more Afghan trainees have gone AWOL in the United States than trainees from any other nation, and the likelihood of Afghan trainees to go AWOL has increased in recent years as the security situation in Afghanistan has continued to deteriorate," the report said. In response to the report, the State Department told the inspectors that the number of AWOL cases was "unacceptably high." Investigators' interviews with Afghans currently in the U.S. for training and with some who were granted asylum after going AWOL in previous years show that they feared for the safety of their families in Afghanistan after receiving threats from the Taliban for cooperating with Americans. The report said that as of March 7, 13 of the 152 who had gone absent without leave since 2005 were still at large. Seventy of the 152 had fled the United States; 39 gained legal status in the U.S.; and 27 were arrested, removed or in the process of being removed from the U.S. Three no longer were AWOL or returned to their training base in the U.S. In response to the report, Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., sent a letter to Defense Secretary Jim Mattis asking for additional details. "The majority of these Afghan military trainees have been located, but the fact that any of them remain unaccounted for is deeply concerning and it's important we get more information on how this happened and what's being done to locate these individuals," she wrote. McCaskill is the top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The worst years for the AWOL problem were 2009, 2015 and 2016 years that coincided with higher reported levels of violence in Afghanistan, the report said. Although the report had no figures for the period after March of this year, it said the Defense Department reported "a significant up-tick in absconders" among Afghan Air Force trainees in the U.S. this year. Trainees are selected by the Afghan ministries of defense and interior based on qualifications set by U.S. officials in Afghanistan. "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Those powerful words were uttered by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in his first inaugural address as he took office as the 32nd president during one of the most challenging times in the nations history. His remarks came in the throes of the Great Depression, when Americans were losing jobs at a record pace, families were unable to afford food and banks were closing in a panic that was spreading across the United States. FDR's words prefaced his actions to stabilize the U.S. economy in its darkest days. But even as the nation was recovering from the Great Depression, FDR faced another crisis. America had stayed out of World War II until the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, forcing forced his hand. America declared war. Paul Sparrow, director at the Roosevelt Library and Museum in Hyde Park, New York, recalled the powers of persuasion FDR used so effectively, particularly in his fireside chats on the radio just six months after the U.S. entered the war. Sparrow called it a brilliant piece of political persuasion since "it reassured them, but he was also not pretending it wasn't going to be difficult, he wasn't creating a false sense of hope for them, he was saying here's the situation. He was very specific about it and again, it was one of those things where at the point of great trepidation in this country, he provided encouragement and a sense of accomplishment." FDR's charisma, leadership and confidence overshadowed a challenge most Americans didn't even know he faced. In 1921, when he was 39, Roosevelt was diagnosed with polio, making him the first president with a significant physical disability. Many believe coping with that made him a stronger person and president despite the fact that he went to great lengths to hide the disability. But Sparrow said he did so with good reason. "I think prejudice against people with disabilities has decreased significantly since then, when there was almost an assumption if you had a physical disability, you might also have a mental disability." The only American president ever elected four times was a defining figure in American history. Franklin Delano Roosevelt died just under three months into his fourth term at the age of 63. In those years he saw many successes as well as failures. But he lived by his own words, "It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another, but above all try something." Several Michigan teens are accused of killing a construction worker on his way home from work after they tossed a huge rock from an interstate overpass that crashed through the windshield of the car the father of four was traveling in. Law enforcement sources said the alleged rock-throwers, who were arrested Friday, threw the rock as a prank, WXYZ-TV reported. Kenny White, 32, of Mount Morris, was killed Wednesday night when the rock broke through the windshield of his friends car on I-75 in Genesee Countys Vienna Township, about 80 miles north of Detroit. White was sitting in the passenger seat. His friend was a co-worker at his job at a construction site. The station reported rocks were also tossed at four other vehicles, causing damage. White was a father of four, the youngest a five-year-old, FOX66 Flint reported. I pray for their souls because they obviously aint got one that they can do something this malicious, Whites step-mother Jennifer Waskowski told the station. The family created a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses, according to the station. The uncle of a 6-year-old autistic boy drowned the child in a bathtub Monday, then dumped his body in a dumpster at the Seattle-area apartment complex, authorities said. Andrew Clayton Henckel, 19, visiting from Kerrville, Texas, was babysitting Dayvid Pakko on Monday, according to court documents. The boy was reported missing Monday afternoon. Charging documents say the child's body was found around 2 a.m. Tuesday in the dumpster in Lynnwood, a northern Seattle suburb. Henckel, who is 6-foot-4 and 180 pounds, grabbed the 48-pound boy and plunged him face-first into the tub, holding him under water until he stopped struggling, court documents said. Henckel then wrapped the body in a blanket, put it in a box and placed it in a dumpster, documents said. The court documents don't specify a motive. Rachel Forde, a Snohomish County public defender who appeared with Henckel at his first appearance Wednesday, said Henckel is on the autism spectrum. Forde urged the judge not to hold Henckel based solely on his statements to police, pointing out that individuals with his disability are easily susceptible to suggestion and authority figures. Henckel's family has retained a private attorney, Forde said Thursday. Henckel is being held on $1 million bail. The Seattle Times reported that, according to documents, Henckel left the area when the boys body was found in the dumpster. It appeared that police interest in the dumpster was quite obvious, yet Andrew walked away at that precise moment in time, the document reportedly stated. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Escaping North Korea is a journey that is almost always a perilous one thousands of miles on buses or motorcycles or sneaking on foot through mountains and valleys amid falling snow or torrential rain in the desperate quest to evade border police and reach the frontier of a new life. Some pay a broker to traffic them out, some are too poor and bear the burden alone, and some are granted temporary visas to work in China but never return to their native land. So how many North Korea defectors are there, and where do they go? Since the hostilities of the Korean War ended in 1953, an estimated 300,000 North Koreans have defected from the tightly controlled hermit country. According to statistics from the Human Freedom Initiative at the Bush Institute, there is approximately 225 North Korean refugees that have been directly granted asylum in the United States since the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004. This was signed into law under President George W. Bush in an effort to promote freedom and human rights to those fleeing the dictatorship. A further 250 North Koreans have arrived since as legal immigrants, after spending time in South Korea and receiving citizenship there. There are believed to be several hundred although less than 1,000 illegal North Korean immigrants also residing across the United States. The European Alliance for Human Rights in North Korea surmises that there are at least 1,400 in Europe, with the highest number some 600 reportedly in South West London. However, most defectors stay much closer to home. Most defectors head to China, but if they are caught there, they will likely be returned to North Korea, where they are punished harshly. Therefore, many either live their lives under the radar or make the harrowing trip to South Korea. There, North Korean defectors are welcomed by the government, Vernon Brewer, founder and president of World Help, a Christian humanitarian organization that supports the defectors, told Fox News. South Korea longs for reunification and sees the suffering North Koreans as their neighbors. South Korean law grants those from the North automatic citizenship following a mandatory three-month transition that involves debriefing and education to prepare them for their new lives in a much more open society. Official statistics published by the Ministry of Unification have documented just over 30,000 defectors since 1998. That year, at the height of the starvation and famine that claimed over one million lives in the North, the government registered 302 males and 116 females a total of 947 North Korean defectors. By 2008, the number of males had dropped slightly to 608 while the number of females had jumped dramatically to 2,195, bringing the overall to 2,803 and 78 percent female. These numbers have declined in subsequent years as a result of stricter border patrols and inspections having been put in place by the Kim Jung-un regime, along with rising broker costs. Last year, South Korea documented 302 male and 1,116 female defectors 1,418 in total, and 79 percent female. So far in 2017, the ministry has recorded 593 defectors 85 percent of who are female. Overall, just under one quarter of the total defector numbers are minors: 8,839 of the total to-date are male, and 21,541 are female. China, which also borders North Korea, is host to the majority of defectors. Although official statistics are hard to come by and many are deported back to their origin if discovered, an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 refugees from the country are believed to have crossed into China illegally more than 70 percent of which are female. The rise in female defectors to both South Korea and China, experts have conjectured, is likely because of the notion that it is easier for women to flee undetected and face less scrutiny from authorities than their male counterparts. However, women are routinely subjected to gross human rights violations such as sex trafficking and forced into prostitution for survival, and without proper documentation, have little resources to turn to. MILLIONS OF AMERICAN LIVES COULD BE AT STAKE AS NORTH KOREA THREATENS TO ATTACK POWER GRID OPERATION BIBLE SMUGGLING: HOW CHRISTIAN TEXTS INFILTRATE NORTH KOREA DEFECTORS FROM NORTH KOREA DESCRIBE CONCENTRATION CAMP, DAILY LIFE WHAT DOES BUSH THINK ABOUT TRUMP'S HANDLING OF NORTH KOREA? Defectors also flee using obscure routes to other Asian countries in the region including Mongolia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan and Laos but these are often used as transit points before moving to a third country such as South Korea. But in comparison to those fleeing other deeply oppressive or war-torn countries, defectors from North Korea remain relatively quiet. The regime punishes the families of anyone who defects at the time of their defection, explained Todd Nettleton, Chief of Media Relations and Message Integration for the Voice of the Martyrs USA, an NGO that aids refugees and defectors. If they were to comment publicly and further embarrass the regime, they know their families would be punished further, possibly even executed or sent to a labor camp. Punishment often extends for up to three generations after the defection. We have the type of defectors that believe they must speak out so their fellow nationals can know life is better and free on the other side. Then, there are those that dont want to be heard for fear of their familys safety, Brewer said. The latter tend to be defectors who have seen firsthand more government surveillance and punishment or who have been outside North Korea for a number of years. Yet some analysts predict that deserter numbers are set to rise and then fall in the coming months. As economic conditions worsen due to tough economic sanctions imposed over the summer, there will likely be a surge of defectors followed then by a steep decline as Pyongyang cracks down hard to limit information outflows to the outside world, noted Harry Kazianis, Director of Defense Studies at the Center for the National Interest. Defectors have told me on many occasions that new smuggling routes out of the country will open up, however in just a few months, are shutdown thanks to informants. It is a constant game of cat and mouse. President Donald Trumps new travel ban proclamation, which came into play on Thursday, included North Korea for the first time. North Koreas inclusion is viewed by many as largely symbolic, as so few manage to safely leave the worlds most closed country as it stands, let alone be granted passage to the United States. An AP Fact Check finds that U.S. President Donald Trump erred by suggesting in an early morning tweet that a 13 percent increase in crime in the United Kingdom is linked to terrorism. Trump's tweet says a "just out report" indicates crime in the United Kingdom rose 13 percent amid the spread of what he calls "radical Islamic terror." Figures released Thursday do show that police in England and Wales registered 5.2 million criminal offenses in the 12 months through June. That's a 13 percent increase over the previous year. But the Office for National Statistics says terror attacks in London and Manchester that killed 35 people account for less than 1/100th of a percent of the total in the report. The report did not include Scotland and Northern Ireland, which are also part of the UK. German security officials accused Tehran of trying to develop nuclear-tipped missiles on the same day President Trump decertified the Iran nuclear deal. After FoxNews.com exclusively reported that Iran's regime made over 30 attempts in 2016 to buy nuclear and missile technology in Germany, security officials in the country told the Berlin-based Der Tagesspiegel paper: Iran has clearly not given up its long-term goal to become a nuclear power that can mount nuclear weapons on rockets. The security officials added, "Despite the nuclear agreement, Iran has not given up its illegal activities in Germany. The mullah regime also made efforts this year to obtain material from [German] firms for its nuclear program and the construction of missiles." The Tagesspiegel article reported that Security experts say Iran is very interested in equipment to extend the range of missiles. Disagreements within the mullah regime, explained security sources, [resulted] in the decline in attempts to acquire nuclear technology. State President Hassan Rouhani wants to slow down [the atomic program], however, the Pasdaran, the paramilitary Revolutionary Guards, want to continue the nuclear program at all costs. The new German security revelations appear to undercut the German government's contention that Iran has reversed its policy to develop a nuclear weapons device. German diplomats told FoxNews.com last week: "We have no indication of Iran violating its JCPOA commitments." The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is the 2015 agreement reached with Iran to curb its nuclear ambitions. The diplomats added, "We remain worried by Iran's missile program." Germany along with France, the U.S., UK, China, Russia and the EU reached the deal with Iran's regime in 2015. The outgoing German Social Democratic foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel has pushed for revived business relations with Tehran. Major German companies--Siemens, Mercedes-Benz, the Munich gas company Linde--are active in Iran. The Trump administration last week imposed a terror designation on Iran's Revolutionary Guards, which runs and owns a substantial part of Iran's economy. There were multiple things to blame for the October ambush in Niger that left multiple U.S. service members dead, including insufficient training and preparation as well as the teams deliberate decision to go after a high-level Islamic State group insurgent without proper command approval, the Pentagon has said. Four U.S. soldiers were killed in October 2017 by Islamic militants who attacked their convoy in Africa with rocket-propelled grenades and heavy machine guns. The body of one soldier was not found for two days. The Pentagons report, released on May 10, took three months to complete, spokeswoman Dana White said in a statement. Defense Secretary James Mattis found institutional and organizational issues, not isolated to this event that must be addressed immediately by the Department of Defense, she said. However, no amount of investigation or corrective action will ease the agonizing grief that the families of our fallen must feel, White said. The Department hopes that the families will take pride and comfort in knowing as this investigation makes clear that their loved ones fought and died bravely in defense of our Nation, its people and the values we hold dear. From President Donald Trumps calls to the families of the deceased to the White Houses delayed response to the ambush, details about the attack have drawn intense scrutiny and criticism. Read on for a look at what happened in Niger. Who were the Americans killed? Sgt. La David Johnson, 25; Staff Sgt. Bryan Black, 35; Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson 39; and Staff Sgt. Dustin Wright, 29, were killed in the attack. The bodies of some of the Americans killed were recovered by a U.S.-contracted helicopter, a U.S. official previously told Fox News. Sgt. Johnson's body wasn't found until two days after the attack as he and some Nigerien soldiers were separated from the others during the battle, the Pentagon said. According to the report, the four killed gave their last full measure of devotion to our country and died with honor while actively engaging the enemy. It said none were captured alive by the enemy and all died immediately or quickly from their wounds. What did the Pentagon say happened? The Pentagons summary lays out a confusing chain of events that unfolded on Oct. 3-4, ending in a lengthy, brutal firefight as 46 U.S. and Nigerien forces battled for their lives against more than 100 enemy fighters. Amid the chaos, the report identified repeated acts of bravery as the outnumbered and outgunned soldiers risked their lives to protect and rescue each other during the more than hour-long assault. Military officials found that the U.S. forces didnt have time to train together before they deployed and did not do pre-mission battle drills with their Nigerien partners. And the report found that there was a lack of attention to detail and lax communication about missions that led to a general lack of situational awareness and command oversight at every echelon. According to the report, the Army Special Forces team left their camp on Oct. 3 to go after an Islamic State leader who was suspected of involvement in the kidnapping of an American aid worker. But the team leader and his immediate supervisor submitted a different mission to the higher command, saying they were going out just to meet tribal leaders. That less-risky mission was approved, and when the team got to the location, the insurgent wasnt there. Senior commanders, unaware of the teams earlier actions, then ordered the troops to serve as backup for a second teams raid, also targeting the leader. That mission was aborted, however, when weather grounded the second team. The original group was then ordered to another location to collect intelligence on the insurgent, which they did without problems. It was on their way back to the home base when they stopped for water at the village of Tongo Tongo, about 120 miles north of Nigers capital. There, the group was ambushed by Islamic State-linked militants armed with rocket-propelled grenade launchers and small firearms. The Pentagon said it could not conclude that the village willingly (and without duress) aided and supported the militants in the attack. What else should you know? The report included multiple recommendations to improve mission planning and approval procedures, re-evaluate equipment and weapons requirements and review training that U.S. commandos conduct with partner forces. Mattis has directed Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, head of U.S. Africa Command, to take immediate steps to address shortfalls and has given senior leaders four months to complete a review and lay out a plan for additional changes. Why were troops in Niger? U.S. forces have been in Niger for more than 20 years and a joint special operations task force was created by the U.S. in 2008. In 2011, U.S. and French forces set up a counterterrorism force in the country, led by the French, with 4,000 troops and 35,000 Nigerien troops. There were 800 U.S. troops in Niger and 6,000 U.S. troops within 53 countries in Africa, Gen. Joe Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said last year. But the presence of American soldiers in Niger reignited a debate about the Authorization for Use of Military Force a public law enacted after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. At issue is whether the law gives the president the authority to take action against all terrorist organizations, not just Al Qaeda and the Taliban. What was the White House's response? The White House has been widely criticized for its response to the attack especially in the delay in acknowledging the ambush. President Trump, too, was criticized for his public feud with a Democratic congresswoman and Sgt. La David Johnsons widow. Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., accused Trump of making insensitive remarks to Myeshia Johnson. Trump has denied Wilsons allegations, but the mother of the deceased soldier has backed up Wilsons claims. White House chief of staff John Kelly said he was "heartbroken" that Wilson used the conversation she overheard to attack Trump. Kelly, whose Marine son died in Afghanistan, added that the president did the best he could in the situation. Because of the White Houses response to the attack, its been called the presidents Benghazi by some Democrats, referencing the controversial attack in 2012 that left four American service members dead. Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson and The Associated Press contributed to this report. A longer-than-expected meeting with local tribal leaders in Niger may have given militants critical extra minutes to prep the ambush attack that left four American troops dead earlier this month, two U.S. officials told Fox News on Friday. Defense Secretary James Mattis was set to meet with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., on Capitol Hill on Friday afternoon to discuss the incident, the officials said. Mattis' visit comes one day after McCain threatened to subpoena top Pentagon officials over their response to the attack. Asked by Fox News on Thursday if the administration has been forthcoming about the attack, McCain replied, of course not and added, it may require a subpoena. It was not immediately clear why American forces and Nigeriens arranged the Oct. 4 meeting, but the founder of a non-profit group told Fox News the area of the attack was volatile. All [Non-government organizations] pulled out of the area [where the attack took place] a few months ago, impl. project's Justin Richmond said. Theres literally no one there with a sustained presence, which opens the door for terrorist groups to move in the area, he added. The French and Malian forces pushed [Al Qaeda-linked] Ansur Dine and Macina Liberatino Front out of Mali and into western Niger. NIGER AMBUSH DETAILS SCARCE AS MCCAIN SUGGESTS NEED FOR A SUBPOENA Pentagon officials still suspect an ISIS-linked group is behind the attack, but are not ruling out any Al Qaeda affiliated organizations. A dozen U.S. Army soldiers, mostly Green Berets, along with 30 Nigeriens, had traveled 125 miles north from their base at Nigers capital, Niamey, in unarmored trucks on a routine mission and to meet with local village elders in Tonga Tonga, near the border with Mali. After the meeting with the village elders ended, the U.S.-led patrol was ambushed by roughly 50 militants. French aircraft were overhead within 30 minutes, however, they did not fire because they couldn't positively identify who was who on the ground. AMBUSHED US TROOPS WEREN'T COVERED BY DRONE, OFFICIALS SAY A senior defense official told Fox News the U.S. troops were fired on once they were already in their vehicles. The vehicles then scrambled to get off the X -- escaping the ambush site using evasive driving maneuvers -- and a gunfight ensued. Mattis said Thursday the attack is still under investigation, and the Pentagon has dispatched a general officer to Niger to probe what happened. Fox News Lucas Tomlinson contributed to this report. Polish police have ruled out terrorism at the motive behind a knife attack that left one woman and seven other people injured at a shopping mall on Friday. A 27-year-old man, who was arrested after stabbing several people at VIVO shopping mall in the southeastern town of Stalowa Wola, was not motivated by terrorist or ideological context, police said. It is rather his poor psychological condition, police chief Krzysztof Pobuta told reporters, adding that the attacker was not able to explain his motives after his arrested. The attacker which some local press identified only as Konrad K. reportedly started stabbing people from behind before several shoppers and a bodyguard were able to tackle him to the ground until police arrived, the Mirror reported. "He was attacking people from behind, hitting them with the knife," Anna Klee, the regional police spokeswoman in Rzeszow told PAP news agency. Police said the Polish man wasnt drunk when he started his attack and that blood tests are underway to determine if he was under the influence of drugs. Eight people were taken to nearby hospitals. A 50-year-old woman died from her injuries, police said. Regional governor Ewa Leniart said four of the people injured have undergone surgery and two of them are in critical condition. She said five women and four men between 50 and 18 were hurt in the attack. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday reportedly said that the worst mistake hes made in the last 15 years was in trusting the West. Putin spoke with a Germany-based academic during a televised discussion in southern Russia. The academic asked about what mistakes Moscow may have made when dealing with the West, and Putin responded, We trusted you too much. You interpreted our trust as weakness and you exploited that. Reuters reported that Putin appeared visibly angry at times when talking about post-Soviet leadership. Unfortunately, our Western partners, having divided the USSRs geopolitical legacy, were certain of their own incontestable righteousness having declared themselves the victors of the Cold War,' Putin said, according to Reuters. They started to openly interfere in the sovereign affairs of countries and to export democracy in the same way as in their time the Soviet leadership tried to export the socialist revolution to the whole world. Putin said the U.S. betrayed Russia in the 1990s. He said Moscow gave Washington unprecedented access to its secret nuclear facilities. Citing the rise of violent crime in the United Kingdom, President Trump on Friday urged Americans to stay vigilant on this side of the Atlantic as jihadis continue exporting terror to the West. Just out report: 'United Kingdom crime rises 13% annually amid spread of Radical Islamic terror.' Not good, we must keep America safe! Trump tweeted. Trump's message comes a day after the UK's Office of National Statistics published new data showing a surge in violent crime, including knife attacks and sexual offenses, during the past 12 months. As of the end of June, police in England and Wales registered 5.2 million offenses, a number that was up 13 percent over the previous 12 months, according to The Guardian. While the increase has mostly been attributed to the jump in sex and knife crimes, Trump may have focused his comment on the substantial increase of attempted murders, which rose about 59 percent in the last year. ONS said that rise is due largely to the London and Manchester terror attacks, where police recorded 294 attempted murder offenses. Todays figures suggest that the police are dealing with growing volume of crime, John Flatley, the head of crime stats at ONS, said in a Thursday statement. While improvements made by police forces in recording crime are still a factor in the increase, we judge that there have been genuine increases in crime particularly in some of the low incidence but more harmful categories. The ONS report is one of two official sources used to analyze trends in crime, the Press Association reported. The other is the Crime Survey for England and Wales, which gave an estimated total of 10.5 million crimes in the same time frame as the ONS report. Annual comparisons aren't available until January. The recent increases in recorded crime need to be seen in the context of the overall decline in the crime indicated by the Crime Survey of England and Wales, Flatley said. The trend of rising violent crime is not unique to the UK. Across Europe, the total number of intentional homicides which include deaths that are the result of a terror attack was at 4,528, a 4.3 percent rise between 2014 and 2015. Updated figures are expected to be released next year. In Germany, intelligence officials said in October the number of potential Islamic terrorists had risen to 1,870. The German BfV, the domestic security agency, defines these people as radical extremists it believes are willing and able to carry out an attack -- but who cant be arrested because they haven't yet committed a crime, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday. Agency officials said, in addition to these potential attackers, they worry about an increasingly desperate ISIS terror group turning to radicalized children to carry out their attacks. We have to keep an eye on this risk and find a fitting concept to combat it, BfV chief, Hans-Georg Maassen, said in a statement Thursday. Page Content Amusement Center License An annual fee for an amusement center license is charged for each coin-operated amusement device located in the center. Amusement center licenses expire one year from the date of issuance. A fee is charged for issuing a replacement license for one that is lost, destroyed, or mutilated. The fee is payable to the city upon approval of the license by the chief of police. No refund of license fees will be made. To pick up a license, visit the Special Collections Section at 1500 Marilla Street , 2DS, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. or call (214) 670-3438. Payments can be mailed to City of Dallas, Dallas, Texas 75277. For additional information, please refer to Chapter 6A Amusement Centers. To print an application, refer to : Amusement Center Application.pdf Alcoholic Beverage Local Fee A bi-annual local fee is charged to businesses engaged in retail beer and/or liquor sales or wholesale beer distribution approved by the state. To remit fees contact the Special Collections Section of Dallas Water Utilities at 1500 Marilla Street , 2DS, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. , call (214) 670-3438, or email to dwubeerliquor@dallascityhall.com . Payments can be mailed to City of Dallas, Dallas, Texas 75277. To view the current approved fee schedule, refer to: Alcoholic Beverage Fee Schedule. For additional information, please refer to: Chapter 6 Alcoholic Beverages or TABC Guide for Tax Assessor-Collectors. Visit the Alcohol Beverage Program Billiard Hall License An annual license fee of per regulated billiard table is charged to businesses operated for profit and an additional occupation tax per table (whether coin-operated or not ). Payments can be mailed to City of Dallas, Dallas, Texas 75277. For more information, contact the Dallas Police Vice Control Division at (214) 671-3230 To pick up a license, visit the Special License Section of Special Collections at 1500 Marilla Street, 2DS, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. or call (214) 670-3438. For additional information, please refer to: Chapter 9A Billiard Halls. To print an application, please refer to : Billiard Hall Application.PDF Coin Operated Machines An annual license tax is charged for each state-taxed coin-operated machine in the City of Dallas. To obtain a decal, visit the Special License Section of Special Collections Section at 1500 Marilla Street, 2DS, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. or call (214) 670-3438. Payments can be mailed to City of Dallas, City Hall, Dallas, Texas 75277. For additional information, please refer to Chapter 44-32 Occupation Tax on Coin-Operated Machines. To print an application, refer to: Coin Operated Machines Application.PDF Dance Hall License An annual license fee is charged to businesses operating a place where dancing is permitted (contingent on approval from Dallas Police Vice Control Division). Payments can be mailed to City of Dallas, City Hall, Dallas, Texas 75277. For additional information, please refer to Chapter 14 Dance Halls or contact the Dallas Police Vice Control Division at (214) 671-3230. To pick up license, visit Special Collections at 1500 Marilla Street , 2DS, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. or call (214) 670-3438. To print an application, refer to: Dance Hall Application.PDF Precious Metal Vendor A license is required for vendors of precious metals. An annual fee is charged per precious metal vending location. To obtain an application for a Precious Metal Vendor License, call the Dallas Police Department (214) 670-8320 located at 1840 Chestnut. To pay for an approved license, visit Special Collections at 1500 Marilla 1500 Marilla Street , 2DS, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. or call (214) 670-3438. Payments can be mailed to City of Dallas, City Hall, Dallas Texas 75277. For additional information, please refer to: Chapter 39B Regulated Property Purchase and Sale. To print an application, refer to: Regulated Property Dealers Application.pdf Sexually Oriented Business License An annual license fee is charged to businesses that are primarily sexually oriented. Applications must be approved by the Dallas Police Vice Control Division. Special Collections collects fees and issues licenses. For additional information, please refer to: Chapter 41A Sexually Oriented Business or contact the Dallas Police Vice Control Division at (214) 671-3230. To pick up a license, visit Special Collections at 1500 Marilla Street , 2DS, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. or call (214) 670-3438. Payments can be mailed to City of Dallas, Dallas, Texas 75277. To Print an application, refer to: Sexually Oriented Business Application.PDF Liens Lien Payoff Requests: Special Collections process the following liens: Paving, Demolition, Heavy Clean, Litter Clean, Secure Closure, Vegetation Removal, Weed,Mow/Clean, Site Clearance, and Civil Penalties. Please submit all lien payoff requests or release of lien requests to: DWULiens@dallascityhall.com Lien Payments can be mailed to : City of Dallas, Special Collections, P O Box 139076, Dallas, Texas 75313 Lien Disputes: To dispute a lien, please contact Code Compliance at (214)671-9391 or email: revenue-collections@dallascityhall.com Monday- Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. New U.K. Treasury chief Jeremy Hunt has reversed most of an economic package announced by the government just weeks ago, including a planned cut in income taxes. Hunt said Monday he was scrapping almost all the tax cuts announced last month by the Conservative government of Prime Minister Liz Truss, and also signaled that public spending cuts are on the way. It was a bid to soothe turbulent financial markets spooked by fears of excessive government borrowing. The move raises questions about how long the beleaguered prime minister can stay in office, though Truss insisted she has no plans to quit. She vowed to lead the Conservatives into the next general election, but many in the party want her gone. At least one of the two people who fled from an accident on Interstate 95 that temporarily stalled highway traffic and led to lockdowns at several Stafford County schools was in custody Thursday evening, police said. According to Virginia State Police Sgt. Les Tyler, a 2000 Mitsubishi ran into the back of a tractor-trailer about 11:30 a.m. on northbound Interstate 95, about a mile north of the Centreport Parkway exit in Stafford. The Mitsubishi driver and a passenger fled from the accident and ran into the woods, Tyler said. The driver of the tractor-trailer was taken to an area hospital, where he was treated and released. Stafford deputies, state troopers and police dogs from both departments spent much of the early afternoon searching for the Mitsubishi occupants and much of the search was concentrated on the area of the Thomas Jefferson townhouse complex in southern Stafford. At one point a picture of a young man was released on social media by the Sheriffs Office, but the mans name was not released and no charges had been announced as of Thursday evening. Tyler said the incident was still under investigation and he was not sure when an arrest would be announced. Northbound I-95 was shut down for about 45 minutes, Tyler said. The center and left lanes were reopened to traffic about 12:15 p.m. In what the Sheriffs Office called a precautionary measure, Drew Middle School and Conway and Falmouth elementary schools were on full or partial lockdowns as a large police presence searched for the suspects. There was no indication that the schools were actually in any danger, police said. Bright green duckweed no longer blankets parts of the historic Rappahannock Canal in downtown Fredericksburg. Water rushing in from the Rappahannock River once the repaired intake pump was installed earlier this week helped push an overabundance of the aquatic plant to the sides of the nearly 1.8-mile-long canal. At this time of year, it will eventually die off and sink below the waters surface, said Dave King, Fredericksburgs director of public works. Our goal is to work with Clarke Environmental to do a pretreatment of duckweed so, hopefully, it wont repopulate like it did last summer. Harold Bannister, president of the Fall Hill Avenue Neighborhood Association, complained to City Council at its Aug. 8 meeting about the proliferation of duckweed in the canal and added that mosquitos were chewing up people using the path alongside it. He said the association wanted the city to develop a plan for controlling the duckweed and other harmful plants in the canal and on its banks, and to monitor the canals mosquito population to see if it is carrying diseases. The canal is a historic landmark that wed like to keep, but we dont want it to be a health hazard, Bannister said at the meeting. Duckweed floats on or just below the surface of still or slow-moving fresh water, and can be beneficial. Waterfowl like to eat it, and it absorbs nitrogen that might otherwise pollute waterways such as the Rappahannock. But too much of a good thing is not a good thing. When it covers the entire canal, it can lower the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, said King. Thats bad for the fish and other aquatic life in the canal. Duckweed, which thrives in slow-moving or stagnant water, became an issue largely because of problems with the canals intake pump and the aeration system. The pump was sent to Richmond to be overhauled last spring, and the $30,000 job took longer than expected because parts had to be ordered from Europe. It didnt help that last summer was relatively dry, and there was barely any rain in the past four weeks. We kept asking, How soon can we have this pump back? King said. It arrived about a week ago, and city staff immediately got it into the intake well on the Rappahannock. Within two days, the water levels in the canal were back to normal, King said. That helped a lot, he said. It forced some of the water back toward the upper end of the canal. That movement has shifted and moved the duckweed. City staff also identified and replaced some of the broken plastic pipes in the aeration system, which got rid of additional duckweed and restored levels of dissolved oxygen in the water, he said. Were trying to find all the pipes that need to be repaired, said King. Some sections can be done in-house. Were looking at bringing in the contractor that installed and manufactures the pipe to go into the canal and repair some of the plastic pipe. Were trying to accomplish that over the next few months. He said that the city responded to residents complaints about the mosquitoes along the canal by hiring Clarke Environmental to trap and test the pesky insects in that area in September. No mosquito-borne viruses such as West Nile were discovered, and the company said that the mosquito population wasnt any higher along the canal than anywhere else in the city. The company said that mosquitos typically breed in standing water in such places as clogged gutters or small containers in residents yards. Now the city is encouraging people to tip, toss or cover containers holding standing water. The Rappahannock Canal is a remnant of the original canal used by boats from 18351855 to bypass rapids on the Rappahannock River. It used to get much of its water from above the Embrey Dam, but that intake was cut off when the Army Corps of Engineers blew up the Embrey Dam in 2004 to allow fish to migrate past the fall line. The Corps installed and turned over to the city aeration and pumping systems to keep the canal full and its water oxygenated, but there have been malfunctions over the years. King met with the Corps on Aug. 23 to inspect the canal, and was told that theres a good possibility that the city could qualify to partner with the Corps on a possible project to improve the canal. We need to send a letter of intent for a feasibility study, King said. Currently, staff is meeting to discuss what they want to Corps to assist us with. Were looking over options for what wed like to see them pursue in a feasibility study. Privacy Overview This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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 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. utter ********. in israel right now there are palestinians serving in parliament. palestinans have the vote. you think that happened in south africa under apartheid? you have swallowed palestinian propaganda hook, line and sinker. no, we dont believe it because it isnt true. yes, there are a few who have lived there for a long time. there are also lots of palestinians in israel who never left, who are still there and have been members of the community for generations. nobody has said that. let me repeat: NOBODY HAS SAID THAT. NOBODY has said these people dont exist, or dont have a history, or arent people, EXCEPT YOU. of course they have an identity, and a culture, and a history. its arab identity, arab culture, arab history. it cannot possibly be palestinian history because palestinian history didnt start until 1920 and when it did it was the jewish homeland. nobody in the world gets more free passes for doing ****** up **** than islam. but jews are always the most frequent target of racial and religiously based prejudice. it was said before, if we disarmed the palestinians today we would have peace tomorrow. if we disarmed the israelis today we would have genocide tomorrow. A Pinch of Salt: The election is over, I think, so what now? National Food Day will be celebrated at the Corvallis Farmers Market Saturday, Oct. 21, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at First Street and Jackson Avenue. Highlights of the event will be free Farmers Market tokens for children to spend at their favorite market booths and a community Apple Crunch for everyone who is at the market. This celebration is one among hundreds taking place across the U.S. on the seventh national Food Day. Children 12 and under will be eligible to receive two free Farmers Market tokens (a $4 value), while supplies last. Tokens will be distributed at a Food Day table under the tent at First Street and Jackson Avenue, where there will also be face painting and art activities for kids, and customers can try food samples and pick up information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The community Apple Crunch will take place at 10:30 a.m. It will be signaled by bells ringing throughout the Farmers Market. Each market customer will receive a locally grown apple to bite into at the end of the countdown. They will be joined by millions of people around the country who will crunch into an apple on Food Day. The Apple Crunch originated in New York City in 2012, with approximately 400,000 New Yorkers biting into a locally grown apple at the same time. For more information, see www.sustainablecorvallis.org. Published statements by a Benton County official regarding school mental health services paid for by the countys local option levy have raised questions about how far the money goes. In a story in last Sundays Gazette-Times, County Commissioner Anne Schuster was quoted as saying: It helps fund one mental health counselor at every Benton County school. Schuster made a similar statement in an Oct. 5 guest opinion piece urging voters to approve Measure 2-110. Its true that every public school in Benton County offers mental health counseling services thanks in part to levy funds, but its not the case that each school has a full-time counselor on staff. According to Benton County Health Department Director Mitch Anderson, the levy provides $123,744 for school mental health services during the current school year. Thats enough to pay for the equivalent of 1.75 full-time mental health counselors to serve Benton County students in 20 public schools. However, that money is leveraged in several ways to provide additional services, Anderson said. Benton County has $82,500 in state funding that it combines with levy funds in a single $206,244 contract with Trillium Family Services. The state money is enough for an additional 1.2 FTE, for a total of 2.95 full-time mental health counselors. Trillium, in turn, has obtained matching funds from the Corvallis School District (the countys largest) to pay for an additional 0.9 FTE. In addition, Anderson said, having those mental health services available in the schools has enabled Trillium to bill private insurance and the Oregon Health Plan for some outpatient services, further expanding the staff available in the schools. For the 2017-18 school year, insurance billings are paying for 6.95 full-time-equivalent counselors. Altogether, then, the levy directly funds 1.75 FTE mental health counselors but could be said to help fund a total of 10.8 mental health counseling providers across all public schools in Benton County. Schuster said she didnt intend to imply that every school in the county has a full-time mental health counselor, but she understands how her remarks could be construed that way. The important point, she said, is that mental health services are available at all schools, thanks in no small part to levy funding. They do have someone coming in to every Benton County school, Schuster said. Those who forget history or fail to recognize what history teaches will both repeat failures and live under a false sense of righteousness. The history of the United States is short. We tend to want to make our history look better than it really is. Slavery did not start in the United States and it continues (in various forms) in parts of the world today. We need to recognize that and work to change the current world. We can only do that if we remember the past. Some would deny the Holocaust and remove all reference to it. Just like slavery; we need to remember what it was and how it happened so we do not follow in those footsteps. Oregon State University is now dealing with history of individuals who did great things for the college. They lived when the approach to human rights was different. We need to recognize there has been a change, and keeping their names alive will remind us of our past and how men went beyond that past. If we change the name of a building for these individual, do we need to change the names of individuals who denied women suffrage or oppressed Native Americans? People want to change history so they can feel better about themselves. History is something we must remember so we will not make the same mistakes. Any university needs to acknowledge the past and not try to sweep it away by changing a name. John Todd Corvallis (Oct. 14) Sam van Teijn, public safety officer for Linn-Benton Community College, has had plenty of experience dealing with earthquakes. It's part of the package when you grow up in Japan. Even there, however, where drills are practiced regularly, a quake can take you by surprise. He remembers walking with a group of fellow schoolchildren when a temblor hit and "knocked us over like bowling pins." Still, van Teijn said, the best way to stay safe is to practice safety procedures. And practice. And practice again. "You develop muscle memory," he said. "It works." To that end, LBCC was among agencies participating Thursday morning in the Great Oregon ShakeOut, a voluntary statewide earthquake drill. Scientists say Oregon is overdue for a massive earthquake expected to strike the Cascadia subduction zone, which runs right off the Oregon coast. The quake could come tomorrow, in 50 years, or even later, but given seismic history, it's a "when" and not an "if." ShakeOut procedures call for participants to drop in place; cover themselves by crawling under a sturdy desk or table, or with their arms over their heads if no shelter is readily available; and hold on until the shaking stops. The idea is to make it through the initial temblor, then get outside and as far away as possible from anything that might fall from above or roll into you during an aftershock, such as cars in a parking lot. At LBCC on Wednesday, office staff in Takena Hall crouched under desks or stood in doorways during the drill although Lynn Cox, associate dean of student affairs and the Takena Hall building manager, reminded them afterward that doorways are not considered the best option. "They're not as safe as we used to think," she said. Better: "Getting under the desk." Cox said she recognizes not everyone is physically able to crawl under a desk just for practice, so she doesn't require that, even in a drill. But she does encourage people to at least be aware of their surroundings, just in case. LBCC has a Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan that is updated every five years. The most recent, presented Wednesday to the college's Board of Education as a review item, showed earthquakes as the top natural hazard threat to campus. (Winter storms had the highest probability, however.) The plan calls for doing seismic assessments on various buildings, particularly the Calapooia Center, the Activities Center, the Service Center and Red Cedar Hall, also known as the former Health Occupations building. It also calls for securing hazardous materials on campus, developing a strategy to prioritize any necessary seismic retrofits on various buildings, and prioritizing buildings that have had seismic work for student use. When a quake hits, however, people will have little time to react. And the sensation a quake produces, especially if someone has never been through one before, is dizzying and disorienting, van Teijn said. That makes drills even more important, so people will know instinctively what to do, and even what not to do. At LBCC, for instance, the kitchen has a sensor that shuts off the gas if seismic activity is detected. That means no one has to spend time during a quake hunting for a kill switch. "They didn't know that, unfortunately," van Teijn said of college kitchen staff members he debriefed after Wednesday's drill. "They do now." Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021. Bad Godesberg statistics : Fewer crimes and break-ins recorded Bad Godesberg An annual meeting with the Bonn police chief and the district mayor of Bad Godesberg revealed a positive trend of a reduction in crime statistics. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken Crime has decreased in nearly every category in Bad Godesberg. Comparing this year to the same period of time last year, police noted a reduction of around 500 cases, from 4,700 to 4,200. The official statistics will not be released until the coming year, but Police Chief Ursula Brohl-Sowa had some of the numbers along when she met with the District Mayor of Bad Godesberg, Simone Stein-Lucke on Thursday. The number of home break-ins has decreased by twenty percent. There were fewer cases of burglary, assault, bike theft and vandalism. Brohl-Sowa and the head of the Bad Godesberg police department Ralf Rheidt attribute the sinking numbers to police presence and intervention. We will continue on in this way because we believe it is useful and it is very important, said Brohl-Sowa. The strategy also accounts for one statistic rising and that is narcotics violations. The police chief said that the more active police are in this area, the more violations they find. There were nearly 300 violations, most of them involving cannabis. One strategy police have used to ensure more security is banning identified repeat offenders from certain parks and public areas in the summer months. They are currently looking at whether a ban from the Christmas market would also make sense. Despite the large fluctuation of young people who attend school in Bad Godesberg, the situation has altogether become more calm, reports Rheidt. There are around ten to 20 repeat offenders, and they come from other districts. Through police controls, law enforcers say they are aware of which people are hanging out together and at which times, and there is nothing which would be comparable with a gang. Nationwide, Bonn has moved from number one for home break-ins in 2013 to somewhere in the middle field. In 52 percent of cases, burglary attempts were foiled and the police chief praised residents for well-securing their homes. Another positive statistic was the number of traffic accidents which decreased from 140 last year to 113 this year. Sentencing in Siegaue case : Man who raped camper gets eleven and a half years Bonn Following the rape of a young camper near the Sieg River in Bonn, a 31-year-old man was found guilty and sentenced to eleven and a half years in prison. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken Before the sentencing began, there was a crowd of people at the door to the courtroom. In addition to a large number of spectators, there were countless camera teams and photographers trying to find regret, remorse or any kind of emotion on the face of Eric X. The 31-year-old was led to his place in the courtroom in handcuffs. The rape occurred on the night of April 2 this year, and there were robbery charges as well. Prosecution had called for a 13-year sentence for the defendant. During the court case, the 31-year-old man from Ghana had called the woman he raped a prostitute. Although he disputed his guilt, investigators found his DNA on the victim. The woman and her boyfriend from Freiburg had been camping in a tent near the Sieg River in Bonn, an area called the Siegaue. Wielding a saw as a weapon, he first demanded money and valuables and then forced the 23-year-old woman outside the tent, where he raped her. Her 26-year-old boyfriend alerted police from inside the tent after she had asked him to do that rather than putting up a defense. Because the 31-year-old denied the charges, the couple was forced to testify, reliving what had happened. The judge called this an extra burden for the pair. The consequences of the night have been immense for the victims: Anxiety, limb pain caused by drug treatment and even suicidal thoughts had plagued the rape victim. Eric X. fled to Germany as an asylum seeker after having passed through Libya and Italy. On March 3, he landed in a shelter in Sankt Augustin and received a deportation notice on March 23. After having filed a complaint a day later, the proceedings were suspended. He must sit out at least half of his sentence in Germany and then it would be decided as to whether he is deported to his home country. The attorney for Eric X. said his client wanted to file an appeal. World Climate Conference 2017 : Prominent visitors coming to Cop 23 in Bonn Bonn Two weeks before the start of the climate conference, preparations are full swing ahead. Some well-known names will be coming to Bonn to appear at the Cop 23. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken The world climate is something that concerns everyone and Al Gore was an early champion for protecting the climate. In 2007, the former U.S. Vice President was awarded with a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in climate protection. He is one of the prominent visitors expected in Bonn for the World Climate Conference 2017. American actor Leonardo DiCaprio has been engaged for many years expressing his concern about climate change and he is also expected to appear at the Cop 23 in Bonn. He has been an outspoken supporter of the Paris climate agreement. French President Emmanuel Macron will also come to Bonn for the conference and Governor Jerry Brown of the U.S. state California will be another prominent visitor to the conference in Bonn. Germanys Environmental Minister Barbara Hendricks will also be on board the Train to Bonn come November 4th as she travels from Berlin with the German delegation. She is not expecting an emotional showdown like in Paris. We are not negotiating an international agreement. This time its about the interpretation and design of the Paris agreement, she said. February 25, 1944 October 17, 2017 Dianne was born to Raymond and Ellen Schmidt in Albany on February 25, 1944, and went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 17, 2017. Dianne grew up on the family farm on Knox Butte and attended Albany Union High School, graduating in 1962 as salutatorian of her class. During this time she met her future husband, Melvin (Mel) Hurley. They were married on June 25, 1965. After spending three years in California where Mel earned his baccalaureate degree, they returned home to Oregon and moved to McMinnville. While there, Dianne served as an X-ray Technician and had her two sons, Patrick and Stephen. She later moved to Mt. Angel with her husband and they finally moved to Salem where they lived until her passing. Dianne loved genealogy and was known as the family historian. She would spend hours researching and visiting places of family significance. She traced her family back through the Civil War, Revolutionary War and to their first arrival a few years after the pilgrims. She passed on the rich heritage of pioneers, war heroes and circuit riders (her great grandfather was one) as well as a legacy of her own. Dianne loved to serve, especially one on one. From teaching Sunday school to serving eight years on the Alzheimers board, Dianne loved people and devoted herself to making others lives better. Dianne was also an accomplished artist who loved to draw and paint with watercolors. Much of her life is captured in the pictures that she painted. Dianne was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She is survived by her husband Mel; brother Larry (Wilma); sister Darlene (Dick); sons Patrick (Tara) and Stephen (Buffi); and grandchildren, Abigail, Aidan, Emma, Caleb, and Paige. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 28 at Salem Evangelical Church. Assisting the family is Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service. xspraise at 20-10-2017 09:11 AM (5 years ago) (m) A Nigerian man was beaten to pulp and arrested for allegedly killing another Nigerian mans wife in Brazil over unpaid debt. According to Eze King Fortune, the suspect who is a Yoruba man stormed the home of an Igbo man to collect about 3000 Reais (1000 dollars i.e over N360,000) he was being owed. But he couldnt find his debtor at home because he reportedly went to pick up his kids from school. A Nigerian man was beaten to pulp and arrested for allegedly killing another Nigerian mans wife in Brazil over unpaid debt. According to Eze King Fortune, the suspect who is a Yoruba man stormed the home of an Igbo man to collect about 3000 Reais (1000 dollars i.e over N360,000) he was being owed. But he couldnt find his debtor at home because he reportedly went to pick up his kids from school. Rather than wait for him, the man allegedly shot his debtors wife three times killing her instantly. The suspect was beaten and also apprehended by fellow Nigerians and residents before authorities arrived the scene. Watch Video below; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xt8q-z6YuQs Rather than wait for him, the man allegedly shot his debtors wife three times killing her instantly.The suspect was beaten and also apprehended by fellow Nigerians and residents before authorities arrived the scene. Post Reply I am Victor, I write reportage on sport news and latest metro happenings in Nigeria. Posted: at 20-10-2017 09:11 AM (5 years ago) | Hero clarajancita at 20-10-2017 02:38 PM (5 years ago) (f) Some suspects who allegedly wear black clothes and enter people's homes to suck their blood, have been killed by an angry mob. The Malawian Police on Friday confirmed that eight people accused of being vampires were killed by angry mob. Some suspects who allegedly wear black clothes and enter people's homes to suck their blood, have been killed by an angry mob. The Malawian Police on Friday confirmed that eight people accused of beingwere killed by angry mob. According to Reporters, Police Spokesperson Ramsey Mushani told dpa on Friday that the killings, which took place in Malawis south, are based on the belief that vampires dressed in black enter the homes of sleeping residents to suck their blood. Mushani said the latest killing occurred on Thursday in the southern city of Blantyre when a group of angry residents accused an epileptic man of being a vampire and then killed him, The spokesperson said thirty-one people have been arrested on charges of murder, assault and arson due to the mob killings. UN and the U.S. embassy in Malawi issued warnings to foreigners visiting southern Malawi. Myths and superstitions are deeply entrenched in the nation of 17 million people where almost 40 per cent of adults are illiterate, according to the UN. It was reported that no fewer than 100 riot officers were drafted into the region in response to the killings, but terrified armed mobs continued hunting for vampires on the streets and set-up road blocks. According to Reporters, Police Spokesperson Ramsey Mushani told dpa on Friday that the killings, which took place in Malawis south, are based on the belief that vampires dressed in black enter the homes of sleeping residents to suck their blood.Mushani said the latest killing occurred on Thursday in the southern city of Blantyre when a group of angry residents accused an epileptic man of being a vampire and then killed him, The spokesperson said thirty-one people have been arrested on charges of murder, assault and arson due to the mob killings. UN and the U.S. embassy in Malawi issued warnings to foreigners visiting southern Malawi.Myths and superstitions are deeply entrenched in the nation of 17 million people where almost 40 per cent of adults are illiterate, according to the UN. It was reported that no fewer than 100 riot officers were drafted into the region in response to the killings, but terrified armed mobs continued hunting for vampires on the streets and set-up road blocks. Post Reply I am a metro reporter on Gistmania, I have been publishing news materials for over 5 years Posted: at 20-10-2017 02:38 PM (5 years ago) | Hero ENDEAVOUR ACHIEVES FIRST GOLD POUR AT HOUNDE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE AND BELOW BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS First gold pour achieved ahead of schedule, marking the successful completion of construction of Hounde in less than 18 months and under-budget Commercial production is expected to be declared in the coming weeks as the nameplate capacity of the crushing, milling and CIL circuits has already been reached and performance trial testing will soon commence Mining activities are progressing well with nearly 3-months of feed already stockpiled and positive grade reconciliation against the resource model being achieved Exploration drilling has discovered several high-grade satelite mineralizations, for which results are expected to be published in the coming weeks View News Release in PDF Format Abidjan, October 19, 2017 - Endeavour Mining Corporation (TSX:EDV)(OTCQX:EDVMF) ("Endeavour") ("the Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed its first gold pour at its new Hounde Gold Mine in Burkina Faso on October 18, 2017, ahead of schedule and below budget. The first pour yielded approximately 980 ounces of gold. Sebastien de Montessus, President & CEO, stated: "We are proud to have successfully completed this major milestone ahead of schedule and below budget, with an exceptional safety record of over 6.5 million hours without a lost time injury. The addition of Hounde will significantly improve Endeavour's portfolio quality as it is expected to double the group's cash flow generation once fully ramped-up. As we approach commercial production, I would like to acknowledge the hard work of our in-house construction team for successfully delivering Hounde and for their focus on diligently pushing forward our high-quality project pipeline. Most of the team has already transitioned to the Ity CIL project in Ivory Coast where construction is well underway." Image 1: Endeavour's CEO and COO holding the first gold bars with the Hounde team As previously announced, the first ore was introduced into the processing plant on September 25, 2017. Since that date, Endeavour has successfully processed approximately 65,000 tonnes of ore. Commercial production is expected to be declared in the coming weeks as the nameplate capacity through the crushing, milling and CIL circuits has already been reached and performance trial testing will soon commence. Mining activities at the Main Vindaloo open pit are progressing well with nearly 3-months worth of feed already stockpiled and positive grade reconciliation against the resource model being achieved. The current stockpile totals 620,000 tonnes at 2.9 g/t containing 57koz, inclusive of 130,000 tonnes at over 5.0 g/t. Resettlement compensation for communities living near the high-grade Bouere and Dohoun satellite deposits has commenced, with mining activities scheduled to commence in late 2018. Exploration drilling, which resumed in early 2017 following a two year period of inactivity, has confirmed the occurrence of high-grade mineralization at the nearby Kari Pump and other targets, with the initial results expected to be published in the coming weeks. ABOUT THE HOUNDE PROJECT Once in production, Endeavour's 90%-owned Hounde Project will become the Company's flagship low-cost mine, ranking amongst West Africa's top tier cash generating mines, with an average annual production of 190,000 ounces at an All-In Sustaining Cost ("AISC") of US$709/oz over an initial 10-year mine life based on reserves. In its first four years, the average annual production is expected to be 235,000 ounces at an AISC of US$610/oz. The project is an open pit mine with a 3.0Mtpa gravity circuit / Carbon-In-Leach plant. Construction began in April 2016 with an initial capital cost estimated at $328 million, inclusive of $46 million for the owner-mining fleet. QUALIFIED PERSONS Jeremy Langford BEng(Mech)hons, Endeavour's Chief Operating Officer - A Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy - FAusIMM, is a Qualified Person under NI 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release. ABOUT ENDEAVOUR MINING Endeavour Mining is a TSX-listed intermediate gold producer, focused on developing a portfolio of high quality mines in the prolific West-African region, where it has established a solid operational and construction track record. Endeavour is ideally positioned as the major pure West-African multi-operation gold mining company, operating 5 mines across Cote d'Ivoire (Agbaou and Ity), Burkina Faso (Karma), Mali (Tabakoto), and Ghana (Nzema). In 2017, it expects to produce between 500koz and 530koz at an AISC of US$855 to US$900/oz, following the full-year deconsolidation of the discontinued Nzema mine. Endeavour is currently building its Hounde project in Burkina Faso, which is expected to commence commercial production in Q4-2017 and to become its flagship low-cost mine with an average annual production of 190koz at an AISC of US$709/oz over an initial 10-year mine life, based on reserves. The development of the Hounde and Ity CIL projects are expected to lift Endeavour's group production to +900kozpa and decrease its average AISC to circa $800/oz by 2019, while exploration aims to extend all mine lives to +10 years. CONTACT INFORMATION Martino De Ciccio VP - Strategy & Investor Relations + 44 203 011 2706 mdeciccio@endeavourmining.com DFH Public Affairs in Toronto John Vincic, Senior Advisor (416) 206-0118 x.224 jvincic@dfhpublicaffairs.com Brunswick Group LLP in London Carole Cable, Partner +44 7974 982 458 ccable@brunswickgroup.com Corporate Office: 5 Young St, Kensington, London W8 5EH, UK This news release contains "forward-looking statements" including but not limited to, statements with respect to Endeavour's plans and operating performance, the estimation of mineral reserves and resources, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of future production, future capital expenditures, and the success of exploration activities. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "expected", "budgeted", "forecasts", and "anticipates". Forward-looking statements, while based on management's best estimates and assumptions, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks related to the successful integration of acquisitions; risks related to international operations; risks related to general economic conditions and credit availability, actual results of current exploration activities, unanticipated reclamation expenses; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; fluctuations in prices of metals including gold; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, increases in market prices of mining consumables, possible variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes, title disputes, claims and limitations on insurance coverage and other risks of the mining industry; delays in the completion of development or construction activities, changes in national and local government regulation of mining operations, tax rules and regulations, and political and economic developments in countries in which Endeavour operates. Although Endeavour has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Please refer to Endeavour's most recent Annual Information Form filed under its profile at www.sedar.com for further information respecting the risks affecting Endeavour and its business. AISC, all-in sustaining costs at the mine level, cash costs, operating EBITDA, all-in sustaining margin, free cash flow, net free cash flow, free cash flow per share, net debt, and adjusted earnings are non-GAAP financial performance measures with no standard meaning under IFRS, further discussed in the section Non-GAAP Measures in the most recently filed Management Discussion and Analysis. APPENDIX 1: HOUNDE FIRST GOLD POUR PICTURES Image 2: Hounde's first gold pour Image 3: Hounde's first gold bars English Dutch Lochem, 20 October 2017 Management Change ForFarmers United Kingdom ForFarmers announces that Iain Gardner, member of the ForFarmers Executive Committee and Chief Operating Officer ('COO') responsible for ForFarmers United Kingdom ('UK'), is stepping down on 31 December 2017. Steven Read, also member of ForFarmers' Executive Committee and currently Director Supply Chain, is appointed as his successor. Iain Gardner has been with ForFarmers for 29 years. Since the acquisition of BOCM PAULS by ForFarmers in July 2012, he was a member of the Executive Committee of ForFarmers, responsible for ForFarmers UK. At the time of the acquisition the agreement was made that Iain Gardner would step down when the appropriate time would arrive. 'Iain Gardner has been instrumental in leading the organisation to become the leading feed company in the United Kingdom. In the past 4 years, he has implemented the Horizon 2020 strategy, integrated several acquisitions and laid the foundations of many transformational projects to prepare the organisation for future challenges. We thank him for his commitment and contribution', states Yoram Knoop, CEO of ForFarmers. Steven Read has been with ForFarmers for 31 years. As Supply Chain Director, Steven Read is currently responsible for Purchasing and Formulation and for Manufacturing & Logistics and based in Lochem (the Netherlands). Yoram Knoop comments: 'Steven is the natural and logical person to be appointed COO of ForFarmers UK, given his broad experience and successful implementation of changes in the ForFarmers organisation and that fact that he has previously been part of the UK senior management team for many years.' An external search for the successor to Steven Read has been initiated. Note to the editor: For additional information: Caroline Vogelzang, Director Investor Relations and Communications T: 0031 573 288 194, M: 0031 6 10 94 91 61 E: caroline.vogelzang@forfarmers.eu Company profile ForFarmers N.V. ('ForFarmers', Lochem, the Netherlands) is an internationally operating feed company that offers total feed solutions for conventional and organic livestock farming. ForFarmers gives its very best "For the Future of Farming": for the continuity of farming and for a financially secure sector that will continue to serve society for generations to come in a sustainable way. By working side-by-side with farmers ForFarmers delivers real benefits: better returns, healthier livestock and greater efficiency. This is achieved by offering tailored and Total Feed solutions and a targeted approach with specialist and expert support. With sales of approximately 9.3 million tons of feed annually, ForFarmers is market leader in Europe. ForFarmers has 2,273 employees and production facilities in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the United Kingdom. In 2016, revenues amounted to over 2.1 billion. ForFarmers N.V., Postbus 91, 7240 AB Lochem, T: +31 (0)573 28 88 00, F: +31 (0)573 28 88 99 info@forfarmers.eu, www.forfarmersgroup.eu/en Callands first-generation farmer Robert Mills was asked twice over the weekend if he had a speech prepared. He didnt. He never expected that hed even be nominated for the Swisher Sweets Sunbelt Expo Southeast Farmer of the Year. Compared to the other contestants on the stage, he thought he didnt stand a chance. The whole time I was standing on stage with the other nine farmers, I was thinking about how disappointed everybody else was going to be when I didnt win, Mills said. Imagine his surprise when his name was called as the winner, and 45 seconds later, he had to give a speech. The first thing that came to mind was the Future Farmers of America Creed, so he recited its first paragraph. I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years, he began. FFA and that creed inspired him to become the farmer that he is today. The ceremony was held in Atlanta, and standing among the crowd was Pittsylvania County Economic Director Matt Rowe, who said he was incredibly proud to have been there. We just happened to be in the area, and we were happy to go and support him, Rowe said. Mills won the Virginia Farmer of the Year Award in August, nominated by Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent Stephen Barts. Mills is the third overall winner that Virginia has had in the 28 years the competition has been running, according to Swisher Sweets International tobacco company based in Jacksonville, Florida. My whole five-minute speech was not about us, was not about our farm, it was about the people in the room, Mills said. I hope I encouraged them to follow their heart and follow your dream. Briar View Farm grows four different types of tobacco, both organic and traditionally farmed, raises an Angus-cross beef herd and breeding cattle, as well as pullet chickens for Perdue Farms on the 2,244 acre farm that Mills now owns. He also added: I cant stress enough how much I want to use this platform to build and inspire young people. Among Mills many activities is his membership with the Pittsylvania County Farm Bureau, a board member seat with the Tobacco Commission and is an advisory board member for the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Mills will receive a $15,000 cash award in addition to the $2,500 he claimed as the state winner from Swisher International. He also will receive the use of a Massey Ferguson tractor for a year from Massey Ferguson North America, a $500 gift certificate from the Southern States cooperative, a Columbia jacket from Iveys Outdoor and Farm Supply, a smoker-grill from Hays LTI, and a Henry Golden Boy American Farmer Tribute Edition rifle from Reinke Irrigation. I was so proud to come back to Callands because my community has been so supportive of me and my family, Mills said, his voice full of emotion. We wouldnt have been able to accomplish anything like this if we lived anywhere else in Virginia. TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2017 - Canadian Arrow Mines Ltd. (TSX.V:CRO) - ("Canadian Arrow") announces that a definitive arrangement agreement (the "Agreement") has been signed with Tartisan Resources Corp. (CSE: TTC) - ("Tartisan") whereby Tartisan will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Canadian Arrow Mines Limited ("Canadian Arrow") by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") in accordance with the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) in exchange for common shares in the capital of Tartisan.Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, Tartisan would issue to Canadian Arrow Mines Ltd. shareholders one common share of Tartisan for every 17.5 common shares of Canadian Arrow, resulting in the issuance of approximately 8,000,000 common shares of Tartisan. Additionally, Tartisan would issue up to 4,500,000 common shares of Tartisan to settle Canadian Arrow debt pursuant to debt conversion agreements with various Canadian Arrow creditors. Certain lock up provisions are included in the Debt Conversion Agreements. Tartisan has also agreed to pay the transaction related expenses of Canadian Arrow.The proposed transaction provides Canadian Arrow shareholders with liquidity, sustaining capital and an opportunity to participate in the potential upside of Tartisan.The board of directors of Canadian Arrow (the "Canadian Arrow Board") has approved the Arrangement and the entering into of the Arrangement Agreement and has determined to recommend that shareholders of Canadian Arrow vote in favour of the Arrangement. Completion of the Arrangement is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List), the approval of holders of not less than 66 2/3% of the holders of Canadian Arrow Shares voted at a special meeting of Canadian Arrow shareholders that will be called to approve the Arrangement (the "Special Meeting") as well as majority of the minority approval as required under applicable Canadian securities laws. The Arrangement is also subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Canadian Securities Exchange and all applicable regulatory authorities, as well other conditions typical for a transaction of this nature.The terms of the Arrangement will be summarized in an information circular of Canadian Arrow (the "Circular") that is anticipated to be mailed to the shareholders of Canadian Arrow in connection with the Special Meeting which is expected to be held in early January 2018. Canadian Arrow has received from Harris Capital Corporation an opinion that the Arrangement consideration is fair, from a financial point of view, to the shareholders of Canadian Arrow, and retained Fogler Rubinoff LLP as its legal counsel. Robert M. Isles is acting as legal counsel to Tartisan. A copy of the Arrangement Agreement, the Circular and related documents will be filed with the Canadian regulatory authorities and will be available for review under Canadian Arrow's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.The Agreement contains customary non-solicitation provisions which are subject to Canadian Arrow's right to consider and accept a superior proposal subject to a matching right in favour of Tartisan. In the event that the Arrangement is not completed as a result of a superior proposal or for other certain specified circumstances, Canadian Arrow will pay Tartisan a termination fee of $100,000.The Arrangement constitutes a "business combination" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") for Canadian Arrow as Canadian Arrow is indebted to certain of its directors and such indebtedness will be settled through the issuance of common shares of Tartisan in connection with the closing of the Arrangement. The indebtedness of Dean MacEachern is approximately $9,000, the indebtedness of Kim Tyler is approximately $5,000 and the indebtedness of George Pirie is approximately $20,000. Although Canadian Arrow does not consider the amounts of such indebtedness to be material the fact that such indebtedness is being satisfied through the issuance of common shares of Tartisan in connection with the completion of the Arrangement means that the Arrangement is considered to be a Business Combination for the purposes of MI 61-101. Canadian Arrow is relying on the formal valuation exemption in section 4.4(a) of MI 61-101, on the basis that no securities of Canadian Arrow are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange or other specified markets. Canadian Arrow will seek the requisite approvals of the Arrangement from its shareholders at the Special Meeting. If the Arrangement is completed, the common shares of Canadian Arrow will be delisted from the TSX Venture Exchange. None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and any securities issued in the Arrangement are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon available exemptions from such registration requirements pursuant to Section 3(a)(10) of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable exemptions under state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. About Tartisan Resources Corp. Tartisan Resources Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company focused on project generation of precious and base metal properties. Tartisan owns a 100% stake in the Don Pancho Zinc-Lead-Silver Project just 9 km from Trevali's Santander Mine and owns a 100% stake in the Ichuna Copper-Silver Project contiguous to Buenaventura's San Gabriel Property. Tartisan Resources portfolio also includes an equity stake (6 million shares and 3 million warrants @ 40 cents) in Eloro Resources Ltd. (TSX.V:ELO). Tartisan Resources Corp. common shares are listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange and is a Member of the CSE Composite Index (CSE:TTC). There are currently 73,052,443 shares outstanding (90,145,827 fully diluted). About Canadian Arrow Mines Limited Canadian Arrow is an experienced exploration and mine operating team that is focussed on acquiring and developing economically viable nickel sulphide deposits near existing infrastructure. Canadian Arrow operates in north-western Ontario, near the towns of Kenora and Dryden. The company's main asset is the Kenbridge Nickel Project, a nickel-copper sulphide deposit containing over 98 million lbs of nickel in Measured & Indicated Resources. The deposit is equipped with a 620m shaft and has never been mined. Additional information about Canadian Arrow can be found at the company's website at www.canadianarrowmines.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Forward Looking Information Certain information contained in this news release constitutes forward looking information. All information other than information of historical fact is forward looking information. The use of any of the words "intend", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should", "would", "believe", "predict" and "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking information. This information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward looking information. No assurance can be given that this information will prove to be correct and such forward looking information included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. The forward looking information provided in this news release is based upon a number of material factors and assumptions including, without limitation: (a) that the Arrangement will be completed in the timelines and on the terms currently anticipated; (b) that all necessary CSE, TSXV, court and regulatory approvals will be obtained on the timelines and in the manner currently anticipated; (c) that all necessary Shareholder approvals will be obtained; and (d) general assumptions respecting the business and operations of both Canadian Arrow and Tartisan, including that each business will continue to operate in a manner consistent with past practice and pursuant to certain industry and market conditions. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of risks, uncertainties and assumptions are not exhaustive. The forward looking information included in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and is made as of the date of this news release. Neither Canadian Arrow nor Tartisan undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward looking information except as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE U.S. SOURCE Canadian Arrow Mines Ltd. Contact Mr. Dean MacEachern, CEO and a Director of the company, at Mr. Dean MacEachern, CEO at (705) 673-8259 (deanmaceachern@hotmail.com) The District says it will pump $3 million into housing and retail projects in Wards 7 and 8 to help close the citys long-standing grocery gap.Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) this week awarded $2.1 million to the Jair Lynch group, which is redeveloping the shopping center at Pennsylvania and Branch avenues SE near the Maryland border, and $880,000 to the South Capitol Affordable Housing project located at Atlantic and South Capitol streets SW.It is the most recent effort by the mayor and D.C. Council Member Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7), a potential challenger to Bowser in 2018, to bring grocery stores to Wards 7 and 8, which have three supermarkets between them.Everybody wants the same things no matter where they are living in the city, said Brian Kenner, the deputy mayor for planning and economic development.Even as D.C.s economy has boomed and grocery stores in gentrifying neighborhoods have proliferated, the dearth of grocery stores in its poorest wards has remained consistent. A study found that nearly 70 percent of the citys supermarkets in 2016 were concentrated in its wealthiest, predominantly white neighborhoods. The remainder were in majority black wards with lower incomes. In Wards 7 and 8, there are 50,000 people for every grocery store. While congressional Republicans and President Donald Trump have been seeking major cuts in federal funding of Medicaid, 26 states this year expanded or enhanced benefits and at least 17 plan to do so next year, according to a report released Thursday.The increased benefits were largely for mental health and substance abuse treatment, but states also added telemedicine and dental care, according to the report by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the National Association of Medicaid Directors. (Kaiser Health News is an editorially independent program of the foundation.)The number of states adding benefits was the highest in at least a decade, according to the 50-state survey. Last year, 21 states expanded benefits.Just six states moved to cut Medicaid benefits in fiscal 2016.Oregon last year became the first state to provide coverage for oral contraceptives prescribed by a pharmacist, rather than a doctor, with its Medicaid program, the report said.Use Our ContentThis KHN story can be republished for free (details).Four states Louisiana, Virginia, South Dakota and New York added cancer screening benefits such as paying for genetic testing for the BRCA breast cancer gene mutation.Medicaid, the state-federal health insurance program for the poor, covers nearly 75 million people and is one of the largest programs in state budgets. States generally add benefits to Medicaid during strong economic times.States added the benefits while Congress debated making significant changes to the program, including ending the open-ended federal spending that has been a staple of the program since its beginning in 1966. The Republican efforts, including bills to replace the Affordable Care Act, have withered after stiff opposition from advocates and Democrats and three moderate Republicans in the Senate.Medicaid also faces uncertainty as the Trump administration weighs whether to allow states for the first time to require non-disabled, adult enrollees to work in order to qualify for benefits. At least six states have such a request pending with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and a decision is expected before end of the year.Robin Rudowitz, associate director for the Kaiser Family Foundations Program on Medicaid and the Uninsured, said states are adding benefits to respond to the national opioid abuse problem as well as to continue the trend to give enrollees who are elderly or have serious health problems the ability to remain in their homes longer instead of going to nursing homes. She said more states have been expanding benefits for several years coming out of the Great Recession, which ended in 2009.We are seeing the delayed effects of the improving economy enrollment growth is going down and states are increasing provider [reimbursement] rates and restoring and adding benefits, she said.Even while Maine, Indiana, Kentucky and other states want to add an adult work requirement to Medicaid, which will make it harder for some people to qualify, some of these same states and others are enhancing benefits, she said.All of this is happening against a backdrop of major uncertainty about what is going to happen at the federal level, Rudowitz said.After three years of supersized enrollment growth that peaked in 2015 as a result of most states expanding coverage under the ACA, Medicaid enrollment growth slowed to 2.7 percent nationally in fiscal year 2017, which ended Sept. 30, down from 3.9 percent the year before, according to a second Kaiser report also released Thursday.Overall Medicaid spending increased 3.9 percent in 2017, up from 3.5 percent in 2016. States reported that increase reflected higher spending on such things as prescription drugs and long-term care services.The states share of Medicaid spending grew by 3.5 percent also in 2017 but is expected to go up 6 percent in 2018. That increase is mostly a result of states starting to pay 5 percent of the cost of new enrollees covered under the ACA expansion. The federal government paid the full costs for those enrollees through 2016.The survey was conducted by analysts at the Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Management Associates. Alaska has long been overwhelmed by reports of children in danger. Toddlers who are bruised, burned or beaten. Little ones wandering outside while parents lose themselves in drinking and drugs. Children victimized by sexual predators.Especially at risk are Alaska Native children.Now the state and Alaska tribes are preparing to try something that has never been done before.They want to turn the responsibility of protecting Alaska Native children over to Native people themselves: tribe by tribe, village by village, duty by duty.They hope the child welfare system will transform into something better if tribal services operate parallel to state services. That is what happened with health care when Alaska tribal organizations took over U.S. Indian Health Service hospitals and clinics. And the tribal organizations will be able to serve non-Native children too.An essential step was formalized Thursday in Anchorage on the opening day of the Alaska Federation of Natives annual convention.At a long table set up in front of the main stage at AFN, Gov. Bill Walker, a state commissioner and representatives of 17 tribal organizations big and small signed an umbrella agreement known as a compact. It provides a framework for tribal authority in an area that has been state government's responsibility. The document inks in a partnership between the state and tribes. It sets general terms including requirements to keep children's cases confidential and the types of duties that can be taken over.The moment will be remembered for decades, said Richard "Chaylee Eesh" Peterson, president of the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska."We are getting recognized for our sovereign ability to take care of ourselves," Peterson said Wednesday at an AFN tribal leaders conference, where the effort was presented.More than 3,000 Alaska children are in state foster care or otherwise in state custody for their own protection.About 57 percent of them are Alaska Native, almost triple the proportion of Native children overall in Alaska, said Valerie "Nurr'araaluk" Davidson, commissioner of the state Department of Health and Social Services and a member of Bethel's tribe, Orutsararmiut Native Council.It was Davidson -- the former general counsel for the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium -- who first raised the idea of a compact, like the tribal health agreement signed in 1994."If I may be so bold, it is about time," Davidson said at AFN to big applause.Negotiations between the state and a number of tribes began in April and just wrapped up this month -- a seven-month process.Already 11 tribal organizations work through the state to receive federal dollars that pay for some efforts to keep children safe, such as tribally licensed foster homes.AFN took a direct role. Its general counsel and executive vice president, Nicole Borromeo, helped lead the effort. A group of state officials, tribal leaders and attorneys met repeatedly at AFN's headquarters.Change will happen slowly, said Christy Lawton, director of the state Office of Children's Services.Tribes initially will be allowed to take on small, specific roles such as finding relatives of Native children or supervising visits with children. Tribal organizations also will get a chance to see if they can help the many families reported for abuse or neglect whose cases don't rise to the level that the state investigates, Lawton said.Eventually some tribes -- if they so desire -- will take on most if not all the duties, Lawton said: investigations of reports of child abuse and neglect, foster care, working with troubled parents, adoptions. News of the looming public pension crisis has become ubiquitous in recent years. But far less noticed or publicized is a similar phenomenon taking place with health-care plans for public employees. Theres been a steady movement in many states to shift ever-larger portions of monthly premiums to the employees themselves. Deductibles have also gone up, as have copayments.Because of all the attention paid to the problems in pension plans, says Wendell Potter, a former health insurance executive who has dealt extensively with insurance in the public sector, this issue hasnt gotten nearly as much attention as it deserves. Yet its very, very important.The backstory here wont surprise anyone. When health-care costs go up -- as they have for years --insurance rates go up. States are left facing higher bills, but they dont want to raise revenue or cut spending to pay for them. Result? The states pass a larger and larger portion of the tab on to their employees.Consider New Jersey. In 2011, the state dramatically changed the way employee premium costs were calculated, moving from a system in which an average employee paid 3.6 percent of premium cost, according to NJ Spotlight, to a sliding scale based on salary. Employees now pay anywhere from 3 percent of their premiums for family coverage (for employees who make less than $25,000 in salary) to a whopping 35 percent (for employees who make over $110,000).Another example comes from Delaware. Beginning in July 2016, the state upped employees share of their premium coverage by about 7 percent. The actual dollar equivalent ranges depending on the plan, but it can run as high as an extra $230 a year.Then theres Kentucky. According to the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, there were particularly large shifts from the state to its employees between 2008 and 2011, when Kentucky increased the required contribution by some 55 percent. Subsequently, the state implemented major increases in deductibles, further increasing employee out-of-pocket costs.Its worth pointing out that theres a great deal of variation in this field. States have been wildly different in their approach to how much employees pay, says Richard Cauchi, program director of health for the National Conference of State Legislatures. Some states have had a tradition for many decades of paying as close to 100 percent of the cost as is feasible. And other states have straightforwardly said its an expectation that an employee will pay a substantial amount.New York City falls far at the generous end of the spectrum in its health care benefits. The largest city in the country has historically not asked employees forcontributions to health care premiums. One reason for this, says Carol Kellerman, president of the Citizens Budget Commission, is that the public employee labor unions are very powerful in New York City and they are very influential. Theyve made this an extremely important item.Other highly unionized cities and states havent been as successful. But according to Steven Kreisberg, director of research and collective bargaining for the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees: "If workers continue to have the freedom to use collective bargaining [for health care benefits], theyre able to protect those benefits.Even when employees share of their health care premiums havent risen by a large percentage, the impact on their out-of-pocket costs can be dramatic. A periodic 1 or 2 percent increase adds up to a tidy sum over time. To make matters worse from the point of view of the employees, even if their required contributions hadnt increased at all, the ballooning cost of health care in general has made it harder and harder to pay.Milliman, which is among the world's largest providers of actuarial and related products and services, assembled data for Governing by studying state employee health plans for 30 states. It found that the overall insurance premium growth increases in some states were dramatic, even in just the one-year time frame from 2016 to 2017.West Virginia, for example, saw its total premiums rise by 15 percent in 2017. Ohio experienced a 13 percent increase; Idaho, 12 percent; Iowa, 10 percent; and Oklahoma and Washington each saw premium costs increase by 8 percent.The increases in premiums tend to be far higher for family plans than for individual plans, says Richard Ward, senior vice president of the national public sector health practice for Segal Consulting. Theyve been increasing the cost to families, not individuals, based on policy decisions that consider the obligation to the employee as opposed to the employees family. In other words, states dont feel like they owe as much to an employees spouse and children.Some states and cities are attempting to keep their health-care costs down by instituting wellness programs, such as smoking cessation efforts. But its unclear how much benefit these programs will have, particularly in the near term. Those things have had varying degrees of success, says Neil Reichenberg, executive director of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources. But every year the costs go up. So at the end of the day for state and local governments, it filters down to the budgets. And that means looking at how they can shift costs, whether to employees or elsewhere. Gov. Gary Herbert says it is unethical for the attorney general to represent both him and the Legislature when the two are in conflict, as they are currently on whether Herbert overstepped his authority in setting rules for the 3rd Congressional District special election.So he said Thursday that he actually applauds legislative leaders for deciding to sue over the matter seeking to force release of a secret attorney generals opinion about the election so it may give certainty and clarification of the law.It doesnt mean were not working well together. It means theres an honest difference of opinion, the governor said during his monthly news conference on KUED-TV.I dont care whats in the opinion. Its just an opinion. It may be good. It may not be good Herbert said, adding that no one outside the attorney generals office knows what it says, and which side it favors.What we are concerned about is under our constitution, the attorney general is required to be my legal counsel, Herbert said, adding he consulted with the office as he planned the procedures and timelines for the election to replace former Rep. Jason Chaffetz because the law was silent on them. Legislators wanted him to call a special session so they could enact rules.Another decades-old law requires the attorney general, as part of his regular duties, to prepare and provide written legal opinions requested by the Legislature. Lawmakers did just that on the election question, but Attorney General Sean Reyes chose not to release the opinion after the governors office raised questions about conflict of interest, and the Utah State Bar said a 50-50 chance exists that release might violate ethics rules. Fatigue is bad for any work environment. But for police, the stakes are much higher. Officers have to respond to late-night calls, make split-second decisions and de-escalate tense situations -- sometimes in the middle of a 16-hour shift.A small but growing body of research links long hours and officer fatigue to a host of public safety issues. Fatigue may do more than affect the way officers perform routine tasks such as maneuvering a patrol car -- recent evidence suggests it can influence their ability to exercise good judgment. Yet many law enforcement agencies maintain lax policies governing just how long officers can work, and some fail to track extra hours at all. Only a third of law enforcement agencies in the most recent federal Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics survey reported limiting how many overtime hours sworn personnel could work, and barely half placed a ceiling on off-duty employment. Thats a big problem, says Karen Amendola, the Police Foundations chief behavioral scientist. If you put a lot of tired cops into a very sensitive situation, a lot could go wrong.Fatigues effects are most prominent in routine situations that otherwise arent stressful for police, according to Lois James of Washington State University, who studies sleep deprivation and policing. From an officer safety perspective, there are serious consequences of fatigue, James says. One such result might be impaired performance while driving late at night. But researchers at Washington State also found that inadequate sleep may heighten pre-existing implicit biases. They monitored the sleep of 80 police officers and presented them with a series of tests. Officers who slept less were significantly more likely to associate African-Americans with weapons. study of the Phoenix Police Department, published in, compared officers working 10-hour shifts with those who worked more than 13 hours. Longer shifts didnt result in fewer arrests or field interrogations, nor did they hinder pass rates on shooting tests. But the number of complaints made against those in the 13-hour group was significantly higher than for the 10-hour officers. recent audit of the King County, Wash., Sheriffs Office further associated overtime with a litany of personnel problems. Working only one additional hour of overtime per week increased the chances that an officer would be involved in a use-of-force incident the following week by 2.7 percent, and increased the odds of ethics violations by 3.1 percent.These issues certainly arent unique to police -- a large body of research has noted that safety risks and health problems are worsened by long working hours for truck drivers, pilots and other professions.But current pressures mean some police officers are working increasingly longer hours. Some agencies face staffing shortages resulting from budget cuts or baby boomer retirements. An audit of the San Jose, Calif., Police Department, for example, found average officer overtime had doubled since 2008 as the agency struggled to fill vacancies. Additionally, a large number of law enforcement agencies have received funding allocated for overtime to combat the opioid epidemic.Scheduled shifts are lengthening, too. Police Foundation surveys suggest most departments still utilize eight-hour shifts, but more are moving to longer ones. A study by the group found that 10-hour shifts yielded the highest quality of work life, and officers slept a half hour longer than those on eight-hour shifts. But police on 12-hour shifts were shown to be sleepy on the job, with lower levels of alertness.Some overtime work is unavoidable. Officers need to make off-duty court appearances, complete arrests late in their shifts, fill in to cover absences or assist with crowd control. But the extra hours arent usually distributed evenly among the entire workforce. News reports frequently single out individual officers whove accumulated staggering amounts of overtime, sometimes more than doubling their salaries.Overtime restrictions that do exist are often lenient -- some departments allow 18 work hours over a 24-hour period. Many dont even monitor overtime at all. Amendola of the Police Foundation recommends that law enforcement agencies limit officers to no more than 14 hours per day and mandate rest periods between long shifts. The policies are generally about what unions want or what agencies want, but its not based on science, she says. Another recommendation from a National Institute of Justice-funded study calls for agencies to incorporate officers input into shift scheduling. Older officers in particular have been found to be less fatigued when theyre able to choose their own shifts.Off-duty employment can take a further toll on officers, but most police departments dont track basic information about that either, says Seth Stoughton, a University of South Carolina law professor and former police officer who recently surveyed departments practices . Most departments permit police to work for private employers in a law enforcement capacity, which provides them additional income at a rate often exceeding what theyre paid as public employees. Half the local departments Stoughton reviewed, though, lacked any limits on how many hours officers could work on- and off-duty. And of those with policies, few restricted officers to less than 16 hours a day. Its very easy for agencies to underestimate the risk of officers working long hours, Stoughton says.There are no state or federal mandates regarding police work length, and police associations mostly havent adopted model policies. Part of that likely stems from different needs and capabilities of departments, as smaller ones with fewer officers may find it more difficult to fill shift absences without imposing significant overtime. In any case, unions generally oppose restrictions on hours worked. (The Fraternal Order of Police did not respond to requests for comment on this issue.)Dangers are especially apparent for cops working graveyard shifts. A few years ago, in Henderson, Nev., police officers crashed their patrol cars in three separate overnight accidents during a relatively short period. That prompted Wade Seekatz, now a captain with the department, to explore potential solutions. The result was four quiet rooms scattered around the city, outfitted with hand-me-down recliners from the fire department, where officers are permitted to nap on their lunch breaks. (They are required to keep their cellphones turned on.)We expect officers to come to work rested and prepared, Seekatz says. But there are those times outside of our control when they hit a wall. The rooms afford officers some privacy and may prevent the kind of adverse publicity that the Richmond, Ind., police department saw earlier this year when photos of a pair of officers sleeping in their cruiser went viral on social media. If you have a 24-hour operation, then you have officers who are sleeping on duty, Seekatz says. Theyre human beings. On Friday, in the morning, at Government House, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC and Mrs Kaye de Jersey hosted morning tea for finalists of the 2017 Premier of Queenslands Export Awards and Trade and Investment Queensland Commissioners, where the Governor addressed guests. Read the Governor's speech to the Morning Tea for Premier of Queensland's Export Awards and Trade and Investment Queensland Commissioners here In the afternoon, in Capalaba, the Governor, with Mrs de Jersey, officially opened the Myhorizon Community Centre and addressed guests. Read the Governor's speech at the official opening of the Myhorizon Community Centre here Description GIS - 20 October, 2017: The newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of France to Mauritius, Mr Emmanuel Cohet, expressed interest to inspire from the concept of smart cities in Mauritius and work together towards creating a new synergy in the fields of digital economy; climate change; and reinforced cooperation in cultural and academic spheres including training. The newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of France to Mauritius, Mr Emmanuel Cohet, expressed interest to inspire from the concept of smart cities in Mauritius and work together towards creating a new synergy in the fields of digital economy; climate change; and reinforced cooperation in cultural and academic spheres including training. This was at the fore of discussions, during a courtesy call Ambassador Emmanuel Cohet paid on the Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, External Communications and National Development Unit, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, on 18 October 2017 at the New Treasury Building in Port Louis. Other issues on the agenda pertained to the reinforcement of bilateral relationships and consolidation of the strong bond of kinship between the two countries especially in the context of the 50 years of independence of the Republic of Mauritius in 2018. In a statement, the French Ambassador conveyed his appreciation regarding his fruitful and cordial meeting with Prime Minister Jugnauth and underlined that both parties spoke of deepening and expanding economic collaboration as well as chart out avenues of cooperation in different sectors while integrating Reunion Island as a partner. Ambassador Cohet presented his credential letter to the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim last week. Diplomatic ties between Mauritius and France date as back to 1972. Description GIS - 20 October, 2017: The Ministry of Ocean Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Research and Education with the Scottish Association for Marine Science. The Ministry of Ocean Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Research and Education with the Scottish Association for Marine Science. The main objective of the MoU is to foster a close working relationship in order to provide expertise and guidance on the development of research and education to support the growth of the Blue Economy. Another of its objectives is to cooperate in securing funding to support relevant research in marine science, fisheries, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, satellite technology, and marine renewable energy, including sustainable coastal ecosystem-based management and resource use. Description GIS 20 October, 2017: The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Danny Antoine Rollen Faure, will be on a State Visit to Mauritius from 26 to 29 October 2017. During the visit, the President will pay a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim and meet the Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, External Communications and National Development Unit, and Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth. He will also participate in a Business Forum, and effect a visit at the Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site and Le Morne Cultural Landscape, among others. Furthermore, two Memoranda of Understanding between the two countries will be signed in the presence of the President of Seychelles. The first one pertains to cooperation in the Health sector for the provision of medical personnel, the exchange of experience and technical assistance, while the other one concerns the twinning between Rodrigues and the Island of La Digue with a view to promoting and strengthening cultural ties, exchanging experience and best practices in various areas, including marine, education, fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, technology and investment promotion. Mr Danny Antoine Rollen Faure graduated with a Degree in Political Science in Cuba and was first appointed as Minister for Education in April 1998. From 2001 to 2009, he was assigned several ministries, including Education and Youth, Finance, Trade, and Industries. He has also overseen the implementation of the first generation of reforms under the macro economic reform programme which started in October 2008, and continues to direct the second generation of reforms as part of the on-going economic programme. Mr Faure was appointed Vice-President in July 2010, holding Ministerial portfolios for Finance and Trade, Public Administration, and Information Communication Technology and was sworn in as President of the Republic of Seychelles on 16th October 2016. If a citys staff can put together a budget with input from multiple departments, with feedback from citizens, complete with performance metrics and data visualization, OpenGov will have gotten what it wants.And so OpenGov has acquired another government-serving tech company, Peak Democracy of Berkeley, Calif.OpenGov built its reputation upon a wave of open data hype, but lately it has been trying to move beyond that. Its expanded its offerings from a couple of products to eight in a matter of two years. Those products include the companys root focus open data as well as performance metrics, budget-building and collaboration tools.But most of that was internally focused. The company was, in effect, setting up a portfolio of functionality designed to help government work better with itself. Peak Democracys function has always been to help government work better with the citizens it serves.Peak Democracy is older than OpenGov, but smaller. Robert Vogel and Mike Cohen started it a full decade ago, in 2007, and the whole time they have offered cities a way to collect citizen feedback with an emphasis on informed opinions, diverse perspectives and civil discussion. The crews core product is called Open Town Hall. They have 110 local government customers, mostly cities.Zac Bookman, OpenGovs chief executive officer, thinks that civic engagement can be worked into virtually every product his company offers.Our mission is broad, and its to power more effective and accountable government, and their product set fits into each of our three product lines, and as you look into the products, you think, Wow, how could it not be enhanced and differentiated with the Open Town Hall product? he said.The company is talking a lot about the potential of civic engagement when it comes to budgeting in particular. They arent quite dipping their feet into the experimental notion of participatory budgeting where citizens get a decisive say in what goes into the budget but theyre searching for something akin to it.Expectations are key to that process, said Vogel. If citizens go into the process knowing the city will listen to them, but that they arent directly setting the budget themselves, it could give government workers a way to better incorporate its constituents priorities into the spending.A city can say, Look, we hear you. And were not making it up, its right here on the website, heres what you said, and heres how we used it to influence the budgeting process, Vogel said. Its very transparent.The idea is to create a complete ecosystem of products that opens communication channels between city and citizen throughout the process: A citizen can give feedback throughout the budget-building process, the city can incorporate that and then show them how their ideas were worked in, then it can create performance goals and measure how well its spending is accomplishing its desired results. Citizens can inform themselves with data as they participate in the process.It all fits in pretty well with what Sara Dechter, comprehensive planning manager at the city of Flagstaff, Ariz., wants to do. Her city has been using both Peak Democracy and OpenGov for a couple years each, and shes been looking for ways to use both for the same purposes: Informing citizens about what the city is doing and getting them engaged with the process.In her line of work, thats a challenge. She works in a part of governance planning for the citys future where public information either comes out so often citizens stop paying attention or so infrequently that citizens have a hard time staying engaged with it. Before she started her job, she said, her department managed to get citizens involved in the process and giving feedback until a big project was completed.It all fizzled away as soon as that project was done, Dechter said.Thats why she wanted to start using Peak Democracy. By offering a static website where citizens can comment on ongoing issues, the city could draw citizens in during the in-between moments and ask for feedback before a city has already committed to doing something. In a way, it draws the city into some of the standards that have become common in the technology industry get user feedback when a thing is being built, not after.We want to create a feedback loop thats much more iterative and valuable, she said.Thats important for a city like Flagstaff. Its not a big city, and Dechters department is herself and a half-positions worth of work. Maybe an intern. Its not easy to follow what the big cities are doing with data and technology.Really small teams need really smart platforms to help us get things done and help us aspire to do a lot better, she said.And they do help in some concrete ways, she said. For example, the city used Open Town Hall on a recent affordable housing project where neighbors were gathering up opposition to a development near them. Thats a cycle cities across the country see again and again. It even has a nickname: Not in My Back Yard, or NIMBY.But the conversation changes when you bring in people from across the city to talk about an affordable housing development, and not just the people who will live next to it.What could have been just a NIMBY issue became a much more valuable conversation about where our affordable housing is going to be, Dechter said.Though nothing has changed with either product yet the companies have integration work ahead of them Dechter said shes interested to see how they can support each other. For her part, she has confidence in both companies abilities to help customers like her.These are two of the best companies weve been working with in terms of customer service, Dechter said. Theyre there to help us troubleshoot, theyre there to help us think about the problems. Its more than just technical support.OpenGov didnt disclose terms of the acquisition, but Bookman said the company will bring in the entire Peak Democracy team. Both Peak Democracy co-founders will stay on to help with integration, sales and marketing, product work and customer success. NYC Launches New Muni Tech Program Chicago Launches Redesigned Website Aimed at Being More Accessible Facebook Hackathon Uses Seattle's Vast Open Data for Civic Tech Projects The U.S. Senate has introduced legislation that if passed would mark the federal governments first major effort to increase transparency for online political advertising.The bill is called the Honest Ads Act, and it is a bi-partisan effort introduced by Sens. Mark Warner, D-Va., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and John McCain, R-Ariz. A press release from Sen. Warners office said the lawmakers introduced the bill in order to help prevent foreign interference in future elections and improve the transparency of online political advertisements.Online political advertising represents an enormous marketplace, and today there is almost no transparency. The Russians realized this, and took advantage in 2016 to spread disinformation and misinformation in an organized effort to divide and distract us, Warner said in the release. Our bipartisan Honest Ads Act extends transparency and disclosure to political ads in the digital space. At the end of the day, it is not too much to ask that our most innovative digital companies work with us by exercising additional judgment and providing some transparency.Indeed, Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election has been a topic of much discussion in Washington, D.C., with targeted ads on platforms like Facebook and Twitter constituting one small part of a campaign that also allegedly involved massive propagation of made-up news stories and even meddling with members of the Trump campaign. Russian officials have denied any such coordinated effort took place within that countrys government, and President Trump has downplayed the impact of Russian involvement. Facebook announced in September that it would turn the contents of more than 3,000 ads purchased by a Russian agency over to Congress.If passed, the Honest Ads Act would strengthen disclosure requirements for political ads online by adding paid Internet and digital ads to the Campaign Reform Act of 2002s definition of electioneering communications, require digital platforms with at least 50,000,000 monthly viewers to maintain a public file of all electioneering communications purchased by a person or group who spends more than $500 total on ads published on their platform, and online platforms to make all reasonable efforts to ensure that foreign individuals and entities are not purchasing political advertisements in order to influence the American electorate.In the U.S. House of Representatives, companion legislation was introduced by Reps. Derek Kilmer, D-Wash., and Mike Coffman, R-Colo. The Honest Ads Act has quickly drawn praise online by transparency advocacy groups such as the Sunlight Foundation and others.New York City launched a new municipal tech engagement program this week that offers the city as a testbed for local and global technologists, from startup level to mature, to solve some of its communities' issues.Called NYCx , it will offer two series of projects: Co-Lab Challenges working with residents on neighborhood concerns; and Moonshot Challenges, which ask participants to "think big" in answering citywide needs.The first of these challenges, a citywide Connectivity Challenge, asks designers to create a low-cost, quickly-installable, high-speed broadband solution that could be tested on Governors Island and potentially scaled out across the city.Three winners will each receive $25,000 to build and vet their solutions in collaboration with island and city officials, with the possibility of a city contract for wider deployment.Chicago has launched a redesigned website that tech officials hope will be more mobile-friendly and also generally more accessible for the public.Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced the new site Thursday, Oct. 12 in a tweet noting that its purpose is to improve usability and accessibility." Chicagos new site is part of a design trend for municipal governments as they move away from text-dense websites to cleaner, easier to navigate designs with less words, more quick links to the most popular services and a prominent search bar.To strengthen user accessibility even further, the city has also launched an accompanying survey so that residents can tell the city what they like, what they dont like and features theyd like to see changed. The questions within are largely focused on whether users were able to easily find the information that drove them to the site in the first place. Chicago CIO Danielle DuMerer had this to say of the new site in a tweet : We updated http://cityofchicago.org to be mobile responsive and accessible. More changes to come with your input.Taking advantage of Seattles longtime proactive approach to releasing data, the citys Facebook engineering hub recently held a civic hackathon for its staff and representatives from other local tech companies such as Amazon, according to GeekWire The hackathon focused on using the vast open data sets that Seattle has made available to the public in the service of solving civic challenges with machine learning. Winning projects included tech that scans crowded parking lots for available spaces in order to cut down on the time meandering drivers spend searching, as well as another platform that simplifies the process of finding a local building contractor.These are impressive projects by hackathon standards, made possible by a couple of factors: Seattles status as a tech hub; and the local governments aggressive approach to releasing its open data.Seattle has taken care to craft an open data policy that works for its residents, maintaining privacy while making the large volume of information it collects accessible in a way that fosters transparency, improves the community, and encourages the many technologists who live in that city to turn the data into civic tech projects. A significant part of these ongoing efforts came in 2016, when the city called for all data to be open by preference , which means after privacy and security have been accounted for, the citys preference will be to publish all of its data. Every last set is i ncluded in this policy (TNS) -- ANTIOCH Frustrated at the citys negative image, city officials and staff have been quietly working on a marketing campaign that will promote positive news while reducing negative news.While the efforts arent new, the campaign to push a positive image of the city has taken a creative turn recently.One of the citys new efforts www.antiochonthemove.com came up suddenly in late July as a destination for community news and events, specifically promoting positive news about the city of Antioch.We are a big city and most of the news media are attracted to negative news, but we know there are way more positive stories coming out of Antioch than negative, said Lizeht Zepeda, program manager for the Economic Development Department.The marketing campaign is an early effort by the city to control the citys narrative and will soon be followed by a $100,000 proposal for a public relations firm to rebrand the city.The $5,000 purchase order assigned to the project was never made public, due to a 2014 administrative memo that increased the amount of money city staff could spend without a an open bidding process.Adding to the obscurity of publicly available information was that the website was registered to a company that is used to keep the websites owners identities private. The site has a .com address, rather than a .gov, which would indicate it is a government-owned website.A public records act request returned most of the publicly available information, and after an additional, in-person request, the city made documents such as the purchase order public.Zepeda said the vendor the city contracted with, Nancy Mai Cagadoc of Brentwood-based Dualhare Inc., purchased the domain name and was planning on transferring it to the city. Cagadoc did not return calls seeking an interview for this article.Councilman Lamar Thorpe was surprised to hear that the website was commissioned by the city of Antioch, saying it was news to him, but supported the effort as an improved community newsletter.The trend toward local governments becoming their own news publishers has increased in recent years as the number of journalists employed around the country continues to dramatically drop.Andrew Seaman, ethics chairman for the Society of Professional Journalists labeled the content propaganda in an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune over San Diegos positive news website.Zepeda said that the inspiration for the website came about after the city received several unsolicited proposals for media relations.On April 6, the city received its first unsolicited proposal, which came from the Burkholder Media Group, a local company owned by Oakley resident Mike Burkholder, who is also the author and publisher of EastCountyToday.net I think that all governments can do a better job of putting out their information in a format that is easier for people to find, Burkholder said. I dont think it should be 100-percent one way or another (positive or negative information). I think it should be real information that is useful to anybody.The offer wouldnt be Burkholders first proposal to a local government agency: In February, Burkholder proposed a similar arrangement to the Antioch Unified School District for $53,900 a year. Burkholders media relations company, Mike & Mike Media, has also done work for the Antioch Police Activities League and photography work for current police chief Tammany Brooks After meeting with Burkholder, Zepeda said they received two more unsolicited proposals after which Zepeda recommended Dualhare for the work, she said.City officials did not vote and were not briefed on the website, Zepeda said, and had only found out about it at the end of September when the public records act request was returned to the East Bay Times.Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock referred many questions to city manager Ron Bernal, who has not responded to requests for comment, but said that Cagadoc had done some social media work for her in the past and likes the positive content, Cagadoc was creating.Mayor Sean Wright compared the citys efforts to cleaning up a house before a visitor comes over by putting the best foot forward.As part of the citys push toward a positive image, Wright said that City Council members agreed to remove crime narratives from the city managers weekly reports after the 2016 election.Were not yelling, heres the bad information, were just doing what the other cities are doing, Wright said. Antioch would like to be more positive. It doesnt mean there arent things we need to work on and fix, but if we want our home values to go up and we want the view to change, we need to focus on the positives. (TNS) Many Columbia County, Ga., homeowners acknowledged the good news Wednesday their homes are no longer at high risk for flooding, but likely wont see savings on their insurance bills until 2019.Firefighter Bryant Wolf said he and his wife almost backed away from buying their parents home in the Bridlewood subdivision when they learned flood insurance his parents never had to buy would cost him at least $3,000 a year.Sometime after 1992, the address was added to a map of areas at high risk of flooding by a nearby, but a typically dry, drainage ditch that feeds into Jones Creek. Wolf said Wednesday it had been removed.Its a big relief, he said. Im going to keep flood insurance, but a reasonable premium.The maps being updated for the first time since 2007 use much better mapping thats accurate to within two feet and greatly improved water collection and movement data that has eliminated some 6,000 acres of land from high-risk flood zones, said Haydn Blaize, floodplain unit manager for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.A handful of the 77 homeowners whose properties turned up at higher risk on the new maps also attended a Wednesday workshop in Grovetown.But its important to remember the maps dont guarantee that a home wont flood, Blaize said.One thing we want to emphasize, whether a home is in or out of a high-risk zone, nature is not going to read this map, he said.The maps look at areas within a square mile of major creeks, streams and other waterways in terms of their risk of seeing a 100-year flood, he said. Dam breach analysis is a separate consideration under DNRs safe dams unit.Joe Holley, city engineer for Grovetown, said Grovetown saw 28 dwellings be removed from high risk areas. Harlem Public Works Director Robert Fields said 13 undeveloped parcels in the Hardy Station subdivision near Euchee Creek are no longer considered high risk.Harlem homeowner Jorge Rodriguez said his rural home near a pond was moved out of the ponds flood risk area and he hopes to save on flood insurance. Before it was in the flood plain; now its not, Rodriguez said.Richard Baldwin, a land surveyor, said his Sumter Landing home was moved a few feet away from the flood zone. With fewer Columbia County areas at risk, fewer homeowners will need the elevation certificates he prepares to help them lower an insurance bill, Baldwin said.While the maps have been created, they now go for a 90-day comment period and an appeals process. Blaize said successful appeals are rare but must show scientific proof with data thats better or more current than what DNR used. According to a projection at the open house, the appeals period runs through the summer of 2018, with insurance changes and new permitting available in the spring of 2019.Reach Susan McCord at (706) 823-3215 or susan.mccord@augustachronicle.com.2017 The Augusta Chronicle (Augusta, Ga.)Visit The Augusta Chronicle (Augusta, Ga.) at chronicle.augusta.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (TNS) Local health and emergency officials reported a heavier turnout at this years drive-thru flu vaccination clinic in Morgan County, even as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported only sporadic influenza activity in Alabama and most of the country.Leeah Harcrow, clinical nurse coordinator for the Morgan County Health Department, reported 268 flu shots were administered during the clinic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at the Morgan County Fairgrounds. That is up from the 127 shots given the prior year.Harcrow attributed the turnout to increased promotions through local media outlets and more public awareness of the program, which restarted last year after a multi-year hiatus.Hopefully, well get to do this every year and have a bigger turnout each year, she said.Organized by the Morgan County Health Department and the Morgan County Emergency Management Agency, the clinic is designed to provide the public access to influenza vaccine and demonstrate how emergency personnel would respond in the event of a widespread influenza outbreak requiring mass inoculations.The Alabama Department of Public Health recommends pregnant women, children over the age of 6 months, people over the age of 50, health-care workers, and anyone with a chronic disease should get an influenza vaccine annually.Flu season generally starts in October and runs through February or May.While the flu is not generally fatal for healthy adults, it can lead to life-threatening problems such as pneumonia, especially in people with weakened immune systems or chronic disease.People who are not in high-risk groups can reduce the odds of spreading the virus to at-risk people by getting the vaccine, according to the CDC.For many at Thursdays drive-thru clinic, it was about the convenience.You dont have to wait in a doctors office. Its wonderful to be able to drive through without even having to get out of your car, said Laura Hydrie, a Decatur resident who said she gets the vaccine every year.For others, including Alma Roman of Decatur, it was their first flu vaccine in years.I just dont want to get sick. Ive had the flu before and didnt feel good, she said.Calhoun Community College students were part of the clinic. Steven Holaway, a nursing instructor at Calhoun, said students are studying emergency management this semester, making the clinic a good educational opportunity. It also gave them a chance to practice the skills and give back to the community, he said.Candace Adkins, an emergency preparedness nurse at the Morgan County Health Department, said simultaneous exercises were held by several of the 183 members of the North Alabama Health Care Coalition, which includes hospitals, doctor offices, home health systems, schools and other agencies.That included a clinic at the Lawrence County Health Department.While getting a flu vaccination can reduce a persons chances of contracting the virus, it is not a guarantee. That is because the virus is prone to gradual and occasionally sudden genetic changes that fool the bodys immune response.Even if someone with a flu vaccine contracts the virus, having the vaccine tends to make the illness less severe, Harcow said.For those who missed the clinic, leftover shots are available at the Morgan County Health Department. The shots are $5 each and free for people with Medicare or Medicaid.Additionally, the Limestone County Health Department is planning a similar clinic from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Athens Sportsplex.2017 The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.)Visit The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.) at www.decaturdaily.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (TNS) -- U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., wants to stop the Federal Communications Commission from downgrading its broadband standards for rural areas.Earlier this year, FCC said it is considering a downgrade of its current minimum home high-speed broadband standard of 25 megabits per second download speed and 3 megabits per second upload speed. That standard was set in 2015, but now FCC wants to allow internet service providers to promote slower internet speeds to customers by setting the new high-speed standard at 10 mbps download speeds with only 1 mbps upload speeds.This comes at a time when FCC is taking a closer look at whether mobile technology is enough to suit broadband needs in an average household.However, Sen. Schumer argued that this would be a disservice to rural businesses and communities in upstate New York, who need high-speed connectivity to be profitable and contribute to the economy. Even mobile internet speeds, which can be spotty in more remote areas of the state, would not be enough to make up for lower broadband standards, he added.Too many rural areas in upstate New York do not have reliable access to high-speed broadband, the Senate minority leader said during a conference call Wednesday. Its a real, real detriment to upstate New York.Sen. Schumer sent a letter to FCC commissioners Wednesday urging them to reverse their decision.He also noted that this could affect federal efforts to get every household in the country connected to high-speed broadband. Of the federal governments $1 trillion infrastructure funding package, $20 billion would be dedicated to this goal.The payback would be enormous because we would have so much productivity, Sen. Schumer said.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo launched a similar program for New York state a few years ago. The $500 million program, split into three phases, awards grant funding to internet infrastructure projects across the state. The third and final round of funding is slated to be announced later this year.Earlier this year, Sen. Schumer joined other lawmakers from New York state in successfully persuading FCC to allocate rural broadband grants to local internet providers, such as Westelcom. After the U.S. Census Bureau designated Watertown and Fort Drum as an urbanized area a few years ago, FCC said it could no longer provide the area with the funding it provides to providers in rural areas.Westelcom is one of the north countrys largest internet providers through fiber-based broadband, and its services are used particularly for health care facilities and telemedicine networks. Without the rural designation, Westelcom would have lost nearly 96 percent of its anticipated revenue. GIVES A PAPER TRAIL SIMPLE RECOUNTS (TNS) -- Saline County Clerk Jamie Allen is excited about this year's election with new voting machines."It is so easy to use this equipment," she said. "It's user-friendly for voters, workers and ourselves."She expects workers in her office will be able to tally the votes earlier on election night, rather than finishing at 1:15 a.m. the next day, as in past years.Allen walked through the voting process earlier this week.Voters already will be familiar with the first steps.She said a poll worker will scan the barcode on the back of a driver's license or other form of identification, or enter it manually on a poll pad, which is essentially a computer tablet.Voters will sign on the screen of the poll pad, rather than in the paper poll book.The poll pad prints a receipt with a number on it. The number doesn't identify the voter but indicates which of the 74 ballot styles the voter will need for this election. For example, people voting at Cambria Township will need one of five different ballot styles, depending on their school district; there are multiple school districts represented in the township, Allen said.Every district will have a school board election and Central Kansas Extension District 3 election. With the receipt, there won't be any confusion about which ballot to use.Allen feeds a blank ballot into the ExpressVote, one of the new machines, and scans the check-in receipt, which pulls up the proper ballot on the screen.Allen makes her selections on a touch screen. She can write in a name, if she wishes. If she leaves out a race or if she votes for too many candidates, the ExpressVote displays a warning on the screen.Every ExpressVote machine is ADA compliant, she said, which was not the case with the previous machines.When she's done, the ExpressVote prints out the ballot, showing her choices.She takes the ballot over to the DS200, another new piece of equipment, and feeds her ballot into the machine. If, on the way, she sees a mistake, she can "spoil" that ballot and start again.The DS200 thanks her for voting and counts the votes. The ballots are stored in the machine until the polls close."Everybody has a paper trail," she said.If there are any issues or questions, the paper ballots can be run through the DS200 again to be recounted.The new machines not only will make elections easier for the voter, they should pay for themselves eventually, Allen said.The new machines cost $514,000, and purchasing 65 more poll pads cost another $62,000.The blank ballots cost 7 cents apiece; the old preprinted ones cost 26 cents. Since the new ballots are blank, if all of the ballots aren't used in this election, they can be used in the next one.In addition, the county has taken on programming the machines. In previous years, the vendor did the programming.Allen anticipates the new machines also will make advance voting faster and easier. In the general election last November, she said, 500 people voted in fours hours the day before the election.Advance voting will begin Tuesday at the clerk's office. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and voting will be available until noon Nov. 6.The election will be Nov. 7. Growing Demand Investing in Veterans Looking Ahead As technology continues to speed ahead, many state and local governments are challenged with an impending shortage of IT talent to fill key positions in areas like cybersecurity. At the same time, CIOs at all levels of state and local government name cybersecurity as their No. 1 priority. To address this challenge, a growing number of states are taking a new approach: investing in veterans returning from active duty to take part in specialized cybersecurity training and fill the growing staffing gap.Cybersecurity repeatedly stands out as a top priority for state and local IT leaders, yet in a nationwide survey by the Center for Digital Government,* 93 percent of states reported cybersecurity as a current workforce gap. Numbers are similarly high for cities and counties.Many states have partnered with local colleges and universities to offer cybertraining or internship programs as a way to attract and filter employees to public-sector roles. Case in point: In Maine, interns take on key IT projects, like writing code and conducting industry research on cutting-edge business solutions. According to state CIO Jim Smith, about 70 percent of interns go on to become full-time employees with the state.A growing number of states are starting to tap a new talent pool to fill staffing needs related to cyber. Its an approach that makes a lot of sense: A wealth of cybertalent exists among military veterans returning from active duty.Virginia is looking to veterans to fill its approximately 36,000 open cybersecurity positions. The Cyber Vets Virginia initiative is open to service members transitioning from the military, as well as their spouses and National Guard members, and offers free cybertraining for about 200 participants in the state. Through the program, veterans can train with top corporations like Amazon Web Services, Cisco, Yyotta and Fortinet.The state also offers apprenticeships and sponsors the Virginia Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program, which awards cybereducation funds to students committed to working in a state agency or institution. Virginia is also among select states partnering with the SANS Institute to offer a free online aptitude course called CyberStart to help drive students to cyberpositions.Karen Jackson, Virginias secretary of technology, notes that reaching out to veterans is just one piece of the staffing puzzle. We have to continue to be creative and create more opportunities to get people into the cyberpipeline. People coming out of the military generally have some kind of IT experience, she said. Now we want to take a continuum put in place programs that cast the net even wider to those who dont already have an IT background.In Washington state, officials are also looking at veterans as ideal candidates for cyberjobs. The state has partnered with the University of Washington to offer scholarships to veterans seeking cybersecurity degrees, and the Washington International Trade Association offers opportunities for veterans to retrain themselves for cyberwork in the public or private sector. The state also partners with local colleges on online certification programs that could help jumpstart a veterans retraining for a position in the cybersecurity field.Our veterans make great employees because they understand discipline and technology theyve learned in the military, said Washington Chief Information Security Officer Agnes Kirk. She also pointed out that many veterans find the transition to the public sector easier than to the private sector because of the work-life balance offered. The private sector has a bit of a reputation for chewing through their IT people, she said. Its a different mindset. Its hard to learn a new business that way.Colorado recently launched a Veterans Transition Program, a paid internship for veterans with backgrounds in cybersecurity or threat intelligence seeking training for the next phase of their career. The state has partnered with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and veterans organizations to fill 10 internship positions. The program is designed to help veterans with military experience make a smooth transition to a cybersecurity career.As chief information security officer at the Colorado Governors Office of Information Technology, Deborah Blyth points out that while its hard to compete against the private sectors high salaries, public service is often a good match for veterans. They are great candidates to come to state governments. These are individuals who like to be in positions where they feel like theyre making an impact and dont want to move around. They are coming out of the military with skills and knowledge that translate to my environment, but their resume doesnt draw that line of distinction, she said. I think theyre a perfect fit, and I can train them in the pieces that are unique to my environment.While the trend of investing in veterans to fill cyberpositions is growing, many agree that its just one element of the solution to the larger challenge of nurturing cybersecurity talent in the numbers that the field needs. The entire bubble keeps getting bigger. There are supposed to be about 1.6 million open cyberjobs by 2020, said Jackson. The problem is that the need is growing much faster than we can impact the supply.While pointing veterans toward cyber doesnt solve the whole problem, its an effective way to make a dent. Theres no one solution to fix a problem, said Kirk. Retraining our veterans is a super-important aspect. It could make a significant difference. We owe our veterans the opportunity to have great paying jobs and take advantage of things theyve learned, and these are great programs. Its a win-win.*The Center for Digital Government is part of e.Republic, Government Technologys parent company. Hey, Naidu Sacrificed Diwali For State Welfare! Perhaps nobody can beat Telugu Desam Party president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu in gaining the political mileage by making tall claims about his commitment to the welfare of the people and development of the state. This has once again been proved by his comments made at a meeting of the Telugu NRIs held at Des Moines in the United States on Thursday. At a time when the people of the entire state are celebrating Diwali along with their family members, I have come to the US to attract investments for our state. At a time when I am supposed spend time with my grandson happily at my residence in Hyderabad, I am spending my time with you here, Naidu said. And the chief minister went on to claim that it was because of his efforts that so many Telugu engineers were able to settle down in the US and become prosperous. There were only 30 engineering colleges in Andhra Pradesh when I first became the chief minister. I got the number increased to over 300, providing educational opportunities to many young engineering students. And, they were all able to come to the US for higher studies and settle down here. Now, you are all in good position. Dont forget the mother land and the state that brought you to this stage, he said. Naidu asked them to become industrialists and businessmen so that they could invest their money in Andhra Pradesh. Do networking among yourself and bring back wealth to the country, he said. Reddy vs Velama in Telangana in 2019 elections! The Reddy community in Telangana is understood to have finally found a fighter in the form of Telangana TDP working president and Kodangal MLA A Revanth Reddy, who came out openly against a section of the Seemandhra TDP leaders for surrendering to TRS president and chief minister KCR. Though KCR has been targeting the Reddy community, particularly Congress leaders like Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy and K Jana Reddy, nobody dared to come forward to launch a counter-attack. Even when KCR has started wooing the Kamma community by secretly lobbying with the Seemandhra TDP leaders, the Reddys of Telangana had no clue as to how they should react. But now with Revanth attacking his own party leaders for succumbing to KCR for their business interests and indirectly disclosing his plans to join the Congress party, the Reddy community has gained strength. Former Sangareddy MLA Toorpu Jayaprakash Reddy alias Jagga Reddy has called for the unification of all the Reddys of Telangana to fight against the KCR government, which is trying to suppress the Reddys with the help of Kamma community. Several Reddys, who have been with the TRS and the TDP till now, might join the Congress party to consolidate the vote bank. In the coming days, there is every possibility of a caste polarisation in Telangana and by 2019, it will be a straight Velama vs Reddy fight in the elections. Revanth Unmoved, Chaos In TDP! The meeting of the TTDP politburo held at NTR Trust Bhavan in Hyderabad on Friday turned out to be a fiasco with party working president A Revanth Reddy remaining silent on the allegations levelled by his party colleagues that he was going to join the Congress party. First of all, the Telangana TDP leaders did not expect that Revanth would attend the meeting and they thought they would adopt a resolution recommending issuance of a show-cause notice to him on the latest developments. But when Revanth came to the meeting, the Telangana TDP leaders did not understand what to do. Finally, a couple of seniors like Mothkupalli Narasimhulu and Aravind Kumar Goud started attacking Revanth and sought his explanation as to whether he had met Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and other senior Congress leaders in Delhi and whether he had taken permission of party president N Chandrababu Naidu before meeting them. They also questioned as to why he had made derogatory remarks against Seemandhra TDP leaders like Yanamala, Kesav and Paritala. Revanth remained silent for most of the time and said Mothkupalli had no right to question him as he was the partys working president. He sought to know whether Mothukupalli had taken permission from Naidu before talking about the alliance with the TRS. I dont need to give you any explanation. Whatever I want to say, I will tell party president directly, he said. Peeved at Revanths stubborn attitude, Mothkupalli and Goud walked out of the meeting, which ended abruptly. Telangana TDP leader Ravula Chandrasekhar Reddy said it was just an informal meeting and that the Telangana TDP legislature party meeting would be held on October 26 to discuss the issues to be raised in assembly session. What qualifies as sexual assault or harassment? That question has been implicit in many of the posts resulting from the me, too meme circulating on social media in the wake of the sexual assault allegations against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein. The meme, posted by actress Alyssa Milano, asks women to repost with Me, too if they have been sexually harassed or assaulted, with the goal of illustrating the scope of the problem. The numbers have been stunning nearly 1 million Twitter retweets in the first 48 hours and 12 million posts on Facebook in less than 24 hours. Equally sad and revealing is the number who preface their revelations with, I dont know if this counts ... Women have been taught for so long that boys will be boys, that we struggle to define what constitutes sexual assault, sexual harassment and sexual discrimination. Sexual discrimination and verbal harassment are so common that most women have come to see them as an inevitability annoying parts of everyday life that simply have to be dealt with. Therein lies the difficulty of explaining to men how ingrained these things are in womens daily lives, how they disempower us and why it matters. The place we hold in society, on any given day and in any given situation, varies for women as it does for men. But in general, men expect to be treated with respect. For women, thats always a question mark. In general, being ignored, disregarded or openly ridiculed in professional settings, along with unequal pay and promotion, we file under sexual discrimination. Improper remarks, denigrating names, overt visual examinations of our bodies and unwanted touching falls under the general category of sexual harassment. We think of sexual assault as everything from fondling to rape. There is also an entire spectrum of experiences women have that dont fit into these categories but that have an equally large impact. The incident that haunted me the most happened in broad daylight in my own neighborhood when I was 13 or 14. He was a guy from school, older and bigger than I. I didnt know him that well, and I didnt like him much, seeing the way he threw his weight around. It was a snow day, and I had gone for a walk. Under the guise of play, he pushed me over and pinned me down in the deep snow. He pressed down with his full weight on top of me, grinning. When I couldnt roll him off, I told him to get off, furious and frustrated. He laughed as I struggled, holding me down long enough to realize I wouldnt be able to get up until he let me. I never forgot the powerlessness and vulnerability that I felt in that moment. He did let me up, but the message was clear: I didnt assault you, but I could have. Im stronger than you, so I can do anything I want. I may have told my family that he pushed me down, but I never told them the way it made me feel the sickening undertext behind that use of physical force. Years later, when I was young reporter, I went to cover a feel-good employee event at a major local company that had been the focus of critical reporting by the newspaper. When the public relations manager introduced me to the CEO, he was openly hostile. She writes features, not that negative stuff, the PR person said. Shes one of the good ones. And in the middle of this public celebration, in front of his junior executives and whatever rank-and-file employees happened to be watching at the time, the CEO of this major corporation, with an acid smile, reached over and patted me on the head before turning swiftly and walking away. I was literally frozen with shock and fury. I had never been so publicly disrespected, with so few options as to how I could respond. If I had slapped his hand or his face, I would have been seen as overreacting, even assaulting this powerful man. Anything I said or did would be a reflection on my employer. I felt like I couldnt do or say anything, because I was there in a professional capacity, because I wanted to handle it with dignity, and because it was a benign gesture, although poisonous in intent. That happened decades ago, but I still get angry when I think about it. Where do I file that? It doesnt completely fit into any of these categories, yet it was the most demeaning thing that ever happened to me in my professional career. Likewise, pinning me down in the snow wasnt a sexual assault, but that left me with an indelible sense of vulnerability. There was the male relative who told me when I was in college that Id better watch my weight, because nobody would hire me if I was fat. The male friend a married man who used an opportunity when I was upset to make a pass at me. What counts? It all counts. Anything that makes people feel threatened, powerless or less than worthy based on gender or race or sexual orientation is wrong. Its not just the big and obvious incidents, but the daily indignities and gender-based slights that combine to make people feel inferior or oppressed. Call it whatever you like. Just stop doing it. U.S. House The U.S. House was not in session this week. U.S. Senate In addition to roll-call votes this week, the Senate also passed a resolution, condemning the brutal and senseless attack at a country music festival in Las Vegas on Oct. 1; and passed the Child Protection Improvements Act, to establish a voluntary national criminal history background check system and criminal history review program for certain workers who have access to children, the elderly, or the disabled. VATICAN AMBASSADOR: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Callista Gingrich to serve as ambassador to the Vatican. The vote, on Oct. 16, was 70-23. YEAS: Richard Burr (R), Thom Tillis (R). DEFENSE OFFICIAL: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of David Joel Trachtenberg to serve as Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense. The vote, on Oct. 17, was 79-17. YEAS: Burr, Tillis MEDICARE RESERVE FUND: The Senate has approved an amendment to a bill setting out a government budget for fiscal 2018 and suggested budget levels for 2019 through 2027. The vote, on Oct. 18, was 89-8. YEAS: Burr, Tillis MEDICAID SPENDING: The Senate has rejected an amendment to a bill setting out a government budget for fiscal 2018 and suggested budget levels for 2019 through 2027. The amendment would have increased Medicaid spending by $1 trillion and increased taxes by a similar amount. The vote, on Oct. 18, was 51-47. NAYS: Burr, Tillis MEDICARE AND TAXES: The Senate has rejected an amendment to a bill setting out a government budget for fiscal 2018 and suggested budget levels for 2019 through 2027. The amendment would have increased taxes by $473 billion, with the funds to be used to avoid $473 billion in cuts to Medicare spending. The vote, on Oct. 18, was 51-47. NAYS: Burr, Tillis TAX CUTS FOR FAMILIES: The Senate has passed an amendment to a bill setting out a government budget for fiscal 2018 and suggested budget levels for 2019 through 2027. The amendment would establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund to be used to lower taxes on families with children. The vote, on Oct. 18, was unanimous, with 98 yeas. YEAS: Burr, Tillis DEDUCTING LOCAL TAXES: The Senate has passed an amendment to a bill setting out a government budget for fiscal 2018 and suggested budget levels for 2019 through 2027. The amendment would reduce the ability of taxpayers to deduct their state and local taxes from their federal income tax. The vote, on Oct. 19, was 52-47. YEAS: Burr, Tillis SIMPLIFYING TAXES: The Senate has passed an amendment sponsored to a bill setting out a government budget for fiscal 2018 and suggested budget levels for 2019 through 2027. The amendment would establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund to be used to make the tax system simpler and fairer for all Americans. The vote, on Oct. 19, was unanimous, with 98 yeas. YEAS: Burr, Tillis PAYMENTS TO RURAL COUNTIES: The Senate has passed an amendment to a bill setting out a government budget for fiscal 2018 and suggested budget levels for 2019 through 2027. The amendment would establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund to be used to permanently authorize the payment in lieu of taxes program, by which rural Western counties with large amounts of federal land receive federal funds as compensation for the federal land being non-taxable. The vote, on Oct. 19, was 58-41. NAYS: Burr, Tillis HOUSE BUDGET PLAN: The Senate has passed an amendment to a bill setting out a government budget for fiscal 2018 and suggested budget levels for 2019 through 2027. The amendment would make changes to the bill in order to authorize enforcement of the budget plan by the House. The vote, on Oct. 19, was 52-48, YEAS: Burr, Tillis BUDGET BILL: The Senate has passed a bill setting out a government budget for fiscal 2018 and suggested budget levels for 2019 through 2027. The budget would authorize negotiations with the House on tax reform legislation, include $621.5 billion of military spending in fiscal 2018, replace the Affordable Care Act and increase state control of Medicaid. The vote, on Oct. 19, was 51-49. YEAS: Burr, Tillis 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. I often get asked what type of fly line to use at our area reservoirs and in my opinion everyone should have two lines; a floating line and a sinking line. But there are so many different types of sinking lines that people often get confused. Remember, you can make a floating line sink, but you cant make a sinking line float. For our area reservoirs, if I could only have one sinking line it would be an intermediate sink in a camo color. During the summer this will keep it just off of the weed beds and in the fall when the fish are cruising the shallows, you arent too deep. However, it wont get you deep enough during the heat of the summer when the fish can be 10 to 15 feet deep. But the rest of the year it works great. Fish can see above their heads, but cant see below their bodies. If your presentation is a bit high, they may see it and come to investigate, but if it is below them, they will probably miss it altogether. So for our area reservoirs, start with an intermediate sinking line. During the spring and fall, trout typically head into shallower water in search of food, especially once the water temperatures dip below their optimum temperature of 55 to 63 degrees. Also, in the spring and fall, chironomids can make up as much as 80 percent of the fish in our high desert reservoirs, and those flies are fished with strike indicators and floating lines. WILDHORSE The lake still has more algae than normal for this time of year but fishing is very good here as shore anglers report good fishing for trout in the Hendricks Arm on both sides of the highway. Fish are averaging 14 to 17 inches with the occasional fish between 20 and 24 inches. From Hendricks to the dam, the water is clearer than the southern two thirds of the lake. Penrod arm is also fishing well as is the area on the west side of the lake near the hot springs. Boaters are also doing well, though no report on how the canyon by the dam is fishing. Minnow imitators with black or blue over white or silver should work as well as fire tiger patterns. Fishing Bait fishermen should use the usual worms or PowerBait for trout. While most fly rodders report good luck with leeches, especially when fished under an indicator (bobber), they also should be trying the standard fall reservoir patterns: scuds, damselfly nymphs, and blood midges. Chironomid patterns should also be near the top of the list for flies. Wildhorse was stocked last week with approximately 20,000 trout bringing this years total to almost 148,000 fish. SOUTH FORK RESERVOIR Surface water temperatures have dropped into the low to mid 50s, depending upon where on the lake you are and time of day and there is still a lot of algae in the lake. It is supposed to disappear with the cooler temperatures, but it has been hanging on and next weeks highs are still forecast to be in the low to high 60s! Fishing has just been fair. The few trout being caught are averaging between 13 and 17 inches. With the colder weather fly rodders should start changing tactics. As the weed beds die off, fish leech and scud patterns off the edges of the weed beds. Other flies to try include hares ears, scuds, copper Johns, prince nymphs, damsel nymphs, blood midges and of course wooly, crystal and seal buggers. Bass fishing is also slowing down, but what it lacks in numbers it makes up for in size as large bass are on the prowl fattening up for winter. Bass anglers should be targeting south facing shorelines where the sun will have the most exposure heating up the water. South Fork was stocked last week with approximately 10,000 trout bringing this years total to almost 68,000 fish. JIGGS/ZUNINO RESERVOIR Fishing from shore continues to improve and anglers are catching 12 to 14 inch fish with a few 19 to 20 inch fish thrown in for good measure. Worms fished below a bobber or PowerBait suspended off of the bottom should produce fish, though PowerBait has been doing better than worms from most reports. Black and gold or green and gold spinners and rooster tails should also be effective, while fly rodders should be using leeches, blood midges, snail patterns, small nymphs and wooly buggers. Please return any black bass or blue gill back to the lake to help with rebuilding the warm water fishery here. WILSON RESERVOIR The water level is at a seasonal 50 percent of capacity, but fishing has been good. Water is clear and trout are moving into shallower water near the boat ramp or along the north shore near the cabin. The usual PowerBait or worms work well. Gold, green and yellow, or black and yellow spinners are still working. Fly fishermen should be using chironomids, mayfly nymphs and emergers, or black crystal buggers for best results. Expect bass numbers to go down with the cooler temperatures. Wilson was stocked a couple of weeks ago with 17,000 fish, bringing this years total to 45,000 trout. RUBY LAKE NWR Very little change here as bass fishing has slowed considerably due to the cooler temperatures with surface water temperatures here in the 40s. Best fishing for bass is late afternoon when the water temperatures are at their warmest. Like other bass waters, even though bass fishing is slow, this is a good time of year for larger bass. Dark plastic four to six inch grubs with sparkles in them seem to be the presentation of choice. Colors include blue, dark red, dark green, purple and motor oil. Fishing in the ditch for trout has been good for trout. Fly rodders should try the usual assortment of nymphs under an indicator as well as wooly, seal and crystal buggers. Scuds, midges, pale morning duns, small blue winged olives and damselfly nymphs are all worth a try. Of course the usual small hares ears, PTs, copper Johns and buggers are all staples in the ditch. Spin fishermen should try small minnow imitators and gold spinners. The collection ditch is artificial lures only and no wading is allowed. Unit 21 was recently stocked with approximately 1000 fish and the South Lakes was stocked with 7300 fish. JAKES CREEK/BOIES RESERVOIR The weeds are dying off, and while shore fishing is getting easier, a small boat or float tube will give you an advantage. Trout fishing is picking up while bass fishing is slowing down due to cooler water temperatures. Dark soft plastics in blue or black with sparkles were working for bass. Worms and PowerBait are popular here as are black or olive woolly buggers, prince nymphs, PTs and hares ears. Fish the edges of the dying weeds with scuds or leech patterns. COLD CREEK RESERVOIR Water temperaturess are sitting in the low 50s. The water level at the reservoir has dropped slowly over the summer months and is sitting at approximately 80 percent of capacity. Anglers will do well on night crawlers, Mepps, Panther Martins and Cast Masters for trout. Bass have been moving but are not extremely active yet. Trout fishing has been good using common nymph and emerger patterns as well as buggers. Cold Creek Reservoir was recently stocked with approximately 1,600 trout. CAVE LAKE Fishing at Cave Lake has been productive with the recent drop in temperatures. Anglers are catching summer carryover trout and fall stocked trout. Most fish being caught are 10 inches to 12 inches with the occasional 14+ inch rainbow. Water temperatures are in the low 50s. PowerBait, nightcrawlers, mealworms, Mepps, and Panther Martins should do well on Cave Lake. For fly rodders: hares ears, pheasant tail nymphs, prince nymphs, small crystal buggers and Cave Lake specials are all good flies. Cave was recently stocked with approximately 4000 fish, bringing this years total to a little over 30,000 trout. COMINS LAKE Rainbow trout and some bass are being caught with several anglers picking up brown trout recently. Anglers have been catching trout on a little bit of everything including, Powerbait, nightcrawlers, Panther Martins, Mepps, and Cast Masters. Flyfishers can use a variety of nymphs including scuds, chironomids, zebra midges, pheasant tails. Wooly buggers should also be on the menu. Anglers can expect to catch 12-plus-inch trout with some trout being over 19 inches. Please return any black bass back to the lake while the bass fishery rebuilds. ILLIPAH The water levels have rebounded nicely after spring/ summer draw down. Surface water temps are currently setting around the high 40s to low 50s depending upon where on the lake you are and time of day. Anglers have been catching mostly rainbow trout but several brown trout have shown up in creel surveys. Best fishing for browns would be first thing in the morning or late in the evening. Anglers should continue to do well using Powerbait, nightcrawlers, Panther Martins, Cast Masters, and Mepps. Fly fishermen should be using wooly or crystal buggers, chironomid patterns, copper Johns and blood midges. Illipah was recently stocked with 7600 fish, bringing this years total to more than 15,000 trout. WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR The road is rough so care should be taken driving here. Crappie like structure so fish near submerged brush, willows and rocks. Fishing for crappie has been good, so the lake is worth a try if you happen to be in the area. White jigs fished under a bobber near structure such as the riprap on the dam may be productive. Crappie fishing has been good and if the weather holds, should continue to be good for a bit. ANGEL LAKE Fishing is good with the trout trying to fatten up for the long winter under the ice. The fall has some of the best fishing at Angel Lake, especially for fly fishermen, though there may be some skim ice on the water in the morning. As of the writing of this report, Angel Lake was predicted to get some snow on Friday, but with the warm weather predicted for the next week, expect fishing to continue to be good. Dress in layers here as the lake is at 8,400 feet of elevation with cold mornings and warm sunny afternoons. Bait anglers have seen fishing slow as trout are keying on aquatic insects. Fly rodders have had success using small elk hair caddis, hopper or yellow stimulator with an olive or peacock soft hackle dropper below, though any dropper fly with green or peacock herl will work. Small spinners and rooster tails should also be effective, just give them enough time to sink to the level the fish are at. Spin anglers can put a fly behind a bobber for casting and have better luck that way. ALPINE LAKES As of the writing of this report, there was snow predicted for much of the Ruby Mountains on Friday, Oct 20. So anglers will need to prepare to get to the lakes through snow. Expect ice in the mornings on some of the lakes, especially those with northern exposures. It wont be long before they are iced over, though with the warmer weather predicted next week, they should still be fishable.. The same presentations and techniques that work at Angel all work well up here. Remember the further you get from the trailhead, there is less fishing pressure therefore the better the fishing is. Many local fly fishermen like flies with yellow or red in them such as small humpies or stimulators. However, take a supply of small black flies such as black Adams, beetles, ants, chironomids and Griffiths gnats. When nothing else seems to work, turn to the small black flies. Expect changing weather conditions in the high elevations and dress accordingly. Be prepared to spend the night. STREAMS Most area streams are near normal for flows for this time of year, with northern Nevada streams just a bit above and central Nevada streams just a bit below. Lamoille Creek is flowing at 5 cfs, Bruneau River at 27 cfs, Jarbidge at 6.5 cfs and the east fork of the Owyhee near Mountain City is flowing at approximately 14 cfs. The Owyhee is very low and fish are hanging in the pools. East central Nevada streams: Cleve Creek is flowing at 6cfs and Steptoe at 4 cfs, This is a good time of year to target brook and brown trout as they are very active as many are in spawning mode and very colorful. Dead drifting worms on a light wire hook through the pools and runs can be productive. Very small panther martins and rooster tails in the pools will also work. Fly rodders can still expect dry flies to work, starting with small stimulators and elk hair caddis. Terrestrials such as hoppers, beetles and ants will also produce fish. Swinging soft hackle nymphs in the runs or at the bottom and tops of pools can be very productive. GREENSBORO Greensboro College says it will build an outdoor theater along the planned path of the Downtown Greenway and name it for a former college president. The college announced Friday that it intends to build the outdoor theater on property a gift from a local foundation in the Westerwood neighborhood. The colleges theater program uses the warehouse on the site for classes and storage. Greensboro College didnt announce a timetable for the project and said in a news release that it is seeking donors. But the college does have a name for the planned venue: the Williams Terrace Theatre, which will honor former Greensboro College president Craven Williams and his wife, Judith. Craven Williams became president in 1993 and served 16 years longer than all but three leaders in the colleges 171-year history. Williams oversaw a period of campus and enrollment growth but stepped down in 2009 in the midst of a financial crisis at the college. During his tenure, according to the college, Williams first pitched the idea of converting the former cotton and tobacco warehouse property to an outdoor performance venue for the colleges growing theater program. The college shelved plans for the project when the recession hit, but the college has leased the old warehouse building for the past nine years for stagecraft classes and a scene shop. In the interim, the colleges finances have improved, its theater program kept growing, and city leaders rolled out the Downtown Greenway project, scheduled to be completed in 2020. The 4-mile walking and bike trail will run along the old A&Y rail line on the east side of the Greensboro College campus. The 501 Guilford Ave. property sits about a block north of the main campus along the planned path of the greenway. The property was a gift from the Michael W. Haley Foundation, which has owned the site in the Westerwood neighborhood since 2008. A former Greensboro resident, Haley owned 60 McDonalds franchises in North Carolina and South Carolina until he sold them in 1993. Haley also is a past president of the Ronald McDonald House Charities in North Carolina. In a statement, Haley said he is pleased with the progress of Greensboro College and impressed with the caliber of theatre productions they offer. I am also pleased that we have an appropriate way to honor the colleges leadership of Judith and Craven Williams. The 3.75 acre tract, including the building, is valued at about $632,000, according to Guilford County tax records. More than 100 people lined Ramsey Street in Fayetteville Monday to pay respects to a pair of Special Forces soldiers who were stationed at Fort Bragg. Their bodies had been flown to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, then driven to a Fayetteville funeral home. Staff Sgts. Bryan C. Black and Jeremiah W. Johnson were two of four Green Berets killed in an ambush in the obscure African country of Niger Oct. 4. Their courage and sacrifice were honored by ordinary residents of Fayetteville, a city that glories in its long association with the U.S. Army and many of its most distinguished units. The tragedy in Niger shocked many Americans, who knew little about U.S. military activities there and never expected to hear about the loss of four highly skilled soldiers. It was a sobering reminder that troops serve our country in many corners of the world where the fight against terrorist groups continues with no end in sight. They deserve our thanks and admiration. Unfortunately, they and their families suddenly were thrust this week into yet another political maelstrom whipped up by the president of the United States. Asked Monday why he had not made any public comments about the deaths in Niger, President Trump said hed written to the soldiers families and planned to call them. Then he made an astonishing statement: If you look at President Obama and other presidents, most of them didnt make calls, he said. A lot of them didnt make calls. I like to call when its appropriate. That was untrue, and Trump later modified his remarks about Obama: I dont know if he did, he said. I was told he didnt often, and a lot of presidents dont. They write letters. President Obama, I think, probably did sometimes and maybe sometimes he didnt. Thats what I was told. All I can do is ask my generals. He returned to the subject Tuesday, telling a Fox News Radio interviewer that Obama never called Gen. John Kelly, Trumps chief of staff, after Kellys son was killed in Afghanistan in 2010. Trump added: For the most part, to the best of my knowledge, I think Ive called every family of somebody thats died ... The Associated Press, The Washington Post and other media organizations quickly found several families of fallen servicemen who were not called by Trump. This isnt an exercise that demands a scorecard or that should provoke a petty political dispute. Soldiers have lost their lives under most American presidents, and surely all presidents have reached out to the families of many in their own way. For some Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson the rolls of the dead must have seemed overwhelming. They could personally contact the families of only a relative few. Some did so memorably. For example, President Richard Nixon wrote this to the parents of a soldier killed in Vietnam: Of all the hardships of war, the cruelest are the losses of men such as your son. The only consolation I can offer is the profound respect of the nation he died to serve, and the humble recognition of a sacrifice no man can measure and no words can describe. In 2011, Obama changed a policy of not sending condolences to families of service men and women who committed suicide while deployed to combat zones a compassionate revision that surely provided comfort for loved ones whose grief was just as great as any Gold Star familys. Trumps unfortunate and ill-informed attempt to disparage the efforts of his predecessors did him no credit, nor did it honor the soldiers who serve our nation in dangerous, far-off corners of the world every day. With so many military men and women in harms way in South Korea, Afghanistan and places we may not realize, the president should focus his efforts on preventing the next war, not picking political fights. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate GREENWICH The YWCA Greenwich hosted a public workshop Friday to teach community members the signs of domestic violence, the towns second most investigated crime. While the organization has trained many professionals and other individuals in targeted forums, this was the first comprehensive Domestic Violence 101 presentation it has hosted for the public. Being that October is DV Awareness Month, we liked the idea of inviting people to come together for a deeper conversation to complement the general awareness raising we do such as the Purple Purse Campaign, Silent Witness Project and other ways we work to bring DV into the spotlight and shared consciousness, said Meredith Gold, director of Domestic Abuse Services for the YWCA Greenwich. We were hoping to really explore the underlying patterns and dynamics of intimate partner violence and create a dialogue where community members could ask questions and share experiences. About 30 individuals from local mental health groups, nonprofits, Town of Greenwich departments, religious institutions and the YWCA Greenwich attended the workshop. Gold, with YWCA Prevention and Outreach Coordinator Leslie Coplin and Community Educator Yajaira Gonzalez, outlined what to look for in an abusive relationship. Domestic violence is a continuous pattern of control of partner by another, which may include emotional, verbal, financial and legal abuse, as well as physical harm. The term intimate partner violence refers to domestic violence specifically between individuals who are or have been married, dating or have a child in common; whereas domestic violence may refer more broadly to abuse among family members of several generations or people who live together. With workshop participants, Gold produced a chart that illustrated that the risks of staying in an abusive relationship are many of the same risks as leaving. Ending an abusive relationship can be dangerous and should be considered and planned carefully, Hold said. In Connecticut, an average of 15 to 20 people die each year in domestic violence-related homicides. This is very serious, Gold said. The YWCA Greenwich provides free and confidential counseling, crisis intervention and community education about domestic violence. It has a 24 hour hotline (203-622-003) to connect victims or concerned community members to service providers and also offers shelter to victims in a secure location. Gold said she hoped an introduction to their resources and staff through the workshop might allow more victims to seek support. It can be very intimidating for someone to break the silence and reach out for help, she said. It might make that process a little more comfortable if people know us by name and face, and can see how compassionate, dedicated and non-judgmental our team is. emunson@greenwichtime.com; Twitter: @emiliemunson This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Sometimes its the list your town or city doesnt make that Trumbulls Tim Herbst says sets him apart from his gubernatorial rivals Joe Ganim and Mark Lauretti. Both Ganims and Laurettis cities were placed on a credit downgrade watch list this week. Bridgeport and Shelton were among 26 municipalities flagged by Moodys because of the domino effect of the states 110-day budget impasse, which the ratings agency said has cost $928 million in state aid to local governments. Trumbull, where Herbst has been first selectman since 2010, averted a potential change to its credit rating. Herbst said thats a credit to his fiscal management of the town, from passing retirement reforms to fully fund the towns pension system to imposing a mandatory rainy day fund minimum that is equal to 10 percent of the towns annual budget. He was critical of both neighboring mayors, especially his fellow Republican gubernatorial candidate Lauretti, who has long maintained that Sheltons lower tax rate makes it more competitive than Trumbull. I think this credit downgrade shows the danger when someone is a one-trick pony, Herbst said. People need to know why Mayor Lauretti professes that Shelton has low taxes. They dont maintain a healthy fund balance. They do not fund their public schools like Trumbull does. They dont pave roads and invest infrastructure like Trumbull does. They dont invest in their parks and open space like Trumbull does. Lauretti, whose 26 years in office makes him Fairfield Countys longest-serving mayor or first selectman, downplayed the Moodys forecast as speculative and said it only matters when bonding for projects. I dont have to defend everything that a novice says,Lauretti said. Besides, who cares? I could care less than that. I havent bonded in four years. My debt is so low it makes peoples heads spin. Herbst also took a swipe at Ganim, a Democrat who reclaimed the mayors office in the states largest city in 2015 after a prison stint for corruption and is exploring a run for governor. I think there are things he might have done differently in his first term, Herbst said. I think that was a missed opportunity to really bring the types of pension and health care reforms that would have put the city on more solid footing. Ganim said he was puzzled by Herbsts comments and cited his successful efforts this year to get legislation passed allowing Bridgeport to bond its unfunded pension liabilities. Youre talking about Bridgeport? Ganim said. This is a good chance to highlight the fact that Bridgeport is restructuring our pension obligations that will save the city close to $60 million over the life of pension bonds. Ganim said Bridgeport has become a magnet for commercial investment that is helping to grow the citys grand list by $2 billion and cited a $675 million privately funded MGM casino proposal as another sign of progress. He attributed the Moodys report to the states protracted budget mess. I talked to Moodys. I talked to Standard & Poors. I talked to Fitch, Ganim said. This is a warning to cities and towns because of the states finances. Its not a political volley at a local level. I think Bridgeport is in as strong a financial position as it can be. Herbst even managed to bring Dave Walker, the former U.S. comptroller general and governors race adversary, into the debate over credit ratings. Walker, a Republican, had previously blamed Ganim for the slow real estate market for his home in Bridgeports Black Rock neighborhood. Our fiscal health is superior, and I can guarantee you that if David Walker purchased a home in Trumbull rather than Bridgeport, he wouldnt have trouble selling it and he would get a better return on his investment, Herbst said. Walker was dismissive of Herbst. Ive done an extensive financial analysis on the state and a number of cities within the state, and theres no question that Shelton is in a much better financial position and competitive posture than Trumbull, Walker said. Bridgeport is a challenged city, and my platform for governor includes a range of steps to turn around Connecticut and revitalize its cities, including Bridgeport. Danbury, where longtime GOP Mayor Mark Boughton is running for re-election and weighing a third run for governor, was also excluded from the list. Is it fodder? I think its just symptomatic of a state budget process thats just completely run amok, Boughton said when asked if he would use the negative outlook against Ganim or Lauretti. Having said all that, its not good to be on that watch list. http://twitter.com/gettinviggy; nvigdor@hearstmediact.com; 203-625-4436 ELKO About 15 representatives from Australia-based mining services companies visited Elko on a trade mission to the West in mid-October. The Nevada Governors Office of Economic Development, Queensland government and Austmine an industry association serving Australias mining equipment, technology and services sector teamed up to introduce the group to possible business opportunities in Nevada. Its basically building relationships, said Robert Trzebski, chief operating officer of Austmine, a nonprofit membership organization. We would like the relationship between Nevada and Australian suppliers to be continuous . How can we possible work together in the future? For Nevada mining companies and communities, business relationships with Australians could deliver dollars while providing needed equipment and services, said Jarad Van Wagoner, GOED deputy director of international trade. He said a goal would be for the foreign companies to settle in Nevada then offer products and services in and out of state. Generally, its good for the economic development to bring those outsiders in, Van Wagoner said. The companies that Austmine represents specialize in technologies that save money and increase productivity in mining. Among those visiting Nevada were representatives from 16 companies such as a heavy equipment fabricator, oil cleaning company, escape technologies provider, consulting group, contractor, asset health manager and fleet manager. Austmine represents about 450 companies and hosts conferences and trade missions in countries including the U.S., Canada, Russia and Ghana to explore growth opportunities. We try to build relationships across the globe, Trzebski said. For many, its the first time in Nevada. Reconnaissance. The fact-finding and relationship-building itinerary featured mine tours and networking events Oct. 15-20. The mission kicked off in Utah with a meeting among Rio Tinto Kennecott mine leaders. In Nevada, the group toured Newmont Mining Corp.s Long Canyon, and Barrick Gold Corp.s CodeMine and Turquoise Ridge site. The trade mission itinerary also included visiting Reno, where participants met Nevada Mining Association members and staff. Not on the agenda was a spontaneous trip to the ghost town of Metropolis after the group heard about it from Wells City Manager Jolene Supp over lunch at Luthers Bar & Grill in Wells. She touted the areas development and lifestyle opportunities, and described rural Nevadas culture. Its so rural out here, and thats a good thing, Supp said. We are looked at as being a little redneck around here and forceful at times. During an industry round table at the Elko Conference Center, the Australians introduced themselves to guests from area mining companies, including Newmont, Kinross Gold Corp., Jerritt Canyon Gold, KGHM and Elko Mining Group. From an economic development perspective, these operators and others might not get enough credit for the work they do in the state, said Sheldon Mudd, GOED mining industry specialist. Theyre here and every year, theyre putting millions of dollars into projects, he said. The event allowed the existing companies to discuss challenges and share ideas on how prospective businesses could engage with the local sector, said Javier Jativa with Trade and Investment Queensland, a statutory body of the Queensland State Government in Australia. The visitors asked established operators about topics such as workforce training, public perception of foreign goods and services, and how to best serve Nevada mines. The response from those at the round table seemed to form the consensus that to enter the local market, new companies would have to provide excellent price, stellar customer service, and a product or service that truly fits the needs of their clients. Only then would a business relationship last. GOED will host a group from Canada for a similar tour in late October. Correction: This article has been changed to reflect an accurate yearly estimate of existing mining companies' investments in Nevada projects. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate GREENWICH Between aerial and jazz classes, Kiersten Yusi sat on a bench at the Western Greenwich Civic Center, smiling politely and carefully considering each reporters question thrown her way. But her nervous energy betrayed her. Talking would never live up to being back on the dance floor. And soon enough, she got her wish crunching, kicking and pirouetting through the night. In the studios long-paneled mirrors, she watched herself. Was her head cocked at just the right angle? Her knee pulled taut? Her fingers relaxed, despite the strain of movement? Like two inflamed charcoals, her eyes flickered with intensity as she tried to tighten her motions while still leaving room for expression. Since Yusi first wandered into the dance world at 12 years old, she has trained at the Dance Pointe in Greenwich. Unlike a good number of dancers, who start classes as toddlers, Yusi came to the performing arts relatively late and by accident. Her friend talked her into trying hip-hop; soon, she was hooked. When she walked into the studio, something really bizarre happened, said Melissa Truelove, owner of the Dance Pointe. Her presence, and her focus, and her dedication came through from the very first head movement of her warm-up. Five years later, Yusi dances 11 hours a week and is a jack of all trades. On top of company rehearsals, she trains in jazz, aerial, contemporary and ballet. She even takes a class specifically on leaps and turns. A Greenwich High School senior, Yusi is applying to college, and shes bent on joining a dance program. She envisions a life in the profession, first performing with a company and then owning her own studio. At the Dance Pointe, Yusis star has been on the rise since day one. Staff recognized her spark right away, and during her second year there, she was cast as the lead in an annual recital. She had no idea that she just had it, Truelove said. If she knows now, you couldnt tell. Dressed in a no-frills exercise outfit in her studios basement, Yusi held herself with the grace and humility of a teenager who has no conceit. Her manner is casual laughing when its natural, speaking with an up-tempo lilt and shes just as willing to acknowledge her weaknesses as her strengths. When asked what kind of dancer she is, Yusi didnt pause. Shes a jumper and turner, and her favorite style is modern because of the power that goes into it. But she cant pull off the more languid movements of adagio, she lamented. She stretched her arm in front of her, like in a combination her port-de-bras motions arent quite fluid enough, and her fingers are too tense, she said. Yusi hopped into a much larger pond than her studio a few weeks ago during a convention in New York City, where she tried out for some of the nations top college dance programs. She traveled to the city by herself, just as she has often done for classes at Broadway Dance Center. But this time was different, because this time she was getting judged. She was surprised by how her nerves spiked as adjudicators circled the room, picking apart her technique. Growing up in Greenwich, Yusi has had very little exposure to dancers outside of the area. And the auditioning process is almost completely new to her, she added. It was very interesting to see talent outside of my studio, Yusi said. At the convention, scouts searched for next years incoming class; they will release their decisions in a few days. Yusis top choices are the Fordham/Alvin Ailey BFA Program, the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and University of Massachusetts--Amherst. Im not going to sleep for the next week. Yeah. Shell get in. Shell get in, Truelove said. Meanwhile, Yusi is taking her first stab at choreography for Stamfords DanceFest in January. She has staged the piece for 10 dancers, and shes imagining three-quarter sleeve leotards with red high-low skirts for costumes a simple look, so it doesnt take away too much from the movement, she said. She purposefully chose music without lyrics, so she could focus on the beat. I feel that listening to the percussion really helps me think of movement, she said. Originally, Yusi struggled with whether to put herself in the dance, but Truelove encouraged her to allow others to realize her vision. If she were on that stage, it would be hard to look at anyone else, Truelove admitted. Yusi is also gearing up for her third summer in Europe with the Dance Pointe, when they perform in Germany and Switzerland for two weeks. While abroad, she will celebrate her 18th birthday. Truelove thinks of dance as learning how to learn, and Yusi said the art form has taught her so much about herself by exploring both her body and mind. It allows you to discover who you are with your movement, and to me, its like a language, she explained. As someone who has watched Yusis every step, Truelove knows theres much more in store for her student, far beyond Greenwich town limits. I really want her to fly, she gushed. Centroamericano, a new variety of coffee plant, hasn't sparked the buzz of, say, Starbucks's latest novelty latte. But it may be the coolest thing in brewing: a tree that can withstand the effects of climate change. Climate change could spell disaster for coffee, a crop that requires specific temperatures to flourish and that is highly sensitive to a range of pests. So scientists are racing to develop more tenacious strains of one of the world's most beloved beverages. In addition to Centroamericano, seven other new hybrid varieties are gradually trickling onto the market. And this summer, World Coffee Research - an industry-funded nonprofit group - kicked off field tests of 46 new varieties that it says will change coffee-growing as the world knows it. "Coffee is not ready to adapt to climate change without help," said Doug Welsh, the vice president and roastmaster of Peet's Coffee, which has invested in WCR's research. Climate scientists say few coffee-growing regions will be spared the effects of climate change. Most of the world's crop is cultivated around the equator, with the bulk coming from Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia and Ethiopia. Rising temperatures are expected to shrink the available growing land in many of these countries, said Christian Bunn, a postdoctoral fellow at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture who has analyzed the shift in coffee regions. Warmer air essentially "chases" coffee up to cooler, higher altitudes - which are scarce in Brazil and Zimbabwe, among other coffee-growing countries. Temperature is not climate change's only projected impact in coffee-growing regions. Portions of Central America are expected to see greater rainfall and shorter dry seasons, which are needed to harvest and dry beans. In Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, rainfall is projected to decrease, potentially sparking dry periods. These sorts of changes will pose problems for many crops. But coffee is particularly vulnerable, scientists say, because it has an unusually shallow gene pool. Only two species of coffee, arabica and robusta, are currently grown for human consumption. And farmers traditionally haven't selected for diversity when breeding either plant - instead, essentially, they've been marrying generations of coffee with its close cousins. As a result, there are precious few varieties of arabica that can grow in warmer or wetter conditions. In addition, diseases and pests that might be exacerbated under climate change could knock out entire fields of plants. A disease of particular concern - coffee leaf rust, or "la roya" in Spanish - devastated coffee plantations across Central America in 2011. It effectively halved El Salvador's coffee output and cost the region an estimated 1.7 million jobs. Coffee farmers could see their livelihoods threatened, noted Aaron Davis, a British coffee researcher, because coffee trees are perennials with a 20- to 30-year life span: If a field is damaged by a bad season, farmers aren't necessarily in a position to immediately replant it. And because coffee takes three years to mature, farmers face several years without income after new trees are planted. "Under all these scenarios, farmers pay the biggest price," Davis added. While few experts expect these factors to drive coffee to extinction, they could severely reduce the global supply - and increase the hardship for coffee farmers. "The major concern of the industry is that the quantity, and even the future, of good coffee is threatened by climate change," said Benoit Bertrand, an agronomist with the French agricultural research group CIRAD and one of the world's most respected coffee breeders. "So the question becomes: How can we address this with new technology and new innovations?" Despite coffee's global popularity, few growers have risen to the challenge. There has historically been no real market for improved coffee plants, Bertrand and Davis said: Unlike such major commodity crops as corn or soybeans, coffee is grown primarily by small farmers with low margins who can't shell out for the latest seed or growing system. As a result, coffee is coming late to the intensive breeding programs that have revolutionized other crops. But in the past 10 years, interest around plant improvement has exploded, driven in part by the growth of the specialty coffee market. Plant breeders have begun cataloguing the hundreds of strains of arabica in existence and cultivating them in different growing areas. They've also begun to experiment with robusta, which grows in higher temperatures and fares better against diseases but often tastes bitter. There is some hope that new varieties of robusta, or robusta/arabica crosses, could capture that resilience without the bad flavor. Lately, there has been a particular surge of interest in a type of plant called an F1 hybrid, which crossbreeds two different strains of arabica to produce a unique "child" plant. They can be made from any of the hundreds of varieties of arabica and bred for qualities such as taste, disease resistance and drought tolerance. Because they are the first generation, F1 hybrids also demonstrate something scientists call "hybrid vigor" - they produce unusually high yields, like a sort of super plant. Since 2010, eight such F1 hybrids have been released to the commercial market. Bertrand is currently testing a class of an additional 60 crosses with the support of World Coffee Research. The researchers say that the top two or three - which are expected to become available to farmers as soon as 2022 - will offer good taste, high yields and resilience to a range of coffee's current and future woes, from higher temperatures to nematodes. "These hybrids deliver a combination of traits that were never before possible in coffee," said Hanna Neuschwander, the communications director at World Coffee Research. "It's the traits that farmers need with the traits that markets demand. People used to think the two were mutually exclusive." But the hybrids' success remains largely untested at scale. Of the eight F1 hybrids on the market at present, only one - Centroamericano - has been planted in any significant volume, Neuschwander said. The variety is currently growing on an estimated 2,500 acres in Central America; for context, the U.S. Agriculture Department reports that Honduras alone grows coffee on more than 800,000 acres. Farmers who have planted the new trees are seeing success. Starbucks has sold coffee made from F1 hybrids as part of its small-lot premium brand. Last spring, a batch of Centroamericano grown on a Nicaraguan family farm scored 90 out of 100 points in that country's prestigious tasting competition, which some in the industry heralded as a major victory. But the path to adoption will be steep. Breeders have developed these plants, Neuschwander said, but many areas of the world don't have the seed industries and infrastructure in place to actually distribute them. That's particularly true in the case of F1 hybrids, which - thanks to their particular genetics - can only be grown from tissue samples. F1 hybrids are also expensive - as much as 21/2 times the cost of conventional plants. That puts them well outside the range of most smallholder farmers, said Kraig Kraft, an agroecologist and technical adviser with Catholic Relief Services' Latin America division. Kraft, who has worked with World Coffee Research to test F1 hybrids in Nicaragua, said that in his region, at least, only midsize and large plantations have switched to them. "I think our position is that we need to really understand the requirements for all farmers to be able to use these new technologies," Kraft said. "My concern is that small farmers don't have access to the capital to pay for these investments." Even if they did, however, some experts caution that the new coffee varieties are only a piece of a much larger adaptation process. To cope with the effects of climate change, farmers may need to adopt other agricultural practices, such as shade-farming, cover-cropping and terracing, said Bunn, the researcher. In some regions, those practices won't be economical. And in that case, policymakers should focus on helping farmers transition to other crops or other livelihoods altogether, researchers stress. "People sell [F1 hybrids] as a silver bullet," Bunn said. "To be clear, those plants are indispensable, and I don't question the value of the work . . . but we need more to adapt to climate change. And we need to accept the hard reality that some places will need to move out of coffee production." Video: The race to save coffee URL: . http://wapo.st/2gRYKOA Embed code: This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate When the posters went up a third time, it happened in broad daylight, midmorning on a Thursday. Rabab Abdulhadi saw the move as increasingly bold and deeply unsettling. There was her face, and the names of her students, again plastered all over campus below these words: "TERRORIST SUPPORTERS." Abdulhadi is San Francisco State University's sole Arab, Muslim professor teaching about Arab and Muslim issues. She is a frequent target of right-wing groups because of her criticism of Israel. While there is no evidence that the posters' message has any validity, Abdulhadi was incensed, and she looked to the university to do something about it. University administrators, however, said the posters' makers were entitled to free speech. "I am 100 percent in favor of the First Amendment," said Abdulhadi, a short 62-year-old with cropped hair and an Arabic accent. "It's a question of when does speech become an incitement to violence?" The nation's college campuses are facing growing pressure to redefine the limits of the First Amendment in an age of resurgent white supremacists: rallies featuring clashes between far-right and far-left groups; pleas for inclusiveness and equality and against racism; and a desire for so-called safe spaces. Demands for free speech often become secondary to concerns about safety and hate and victimhood, even as those terms are increasingly difficult to define. That conflict was on display Thursday when hundreds of protesters at the University of Florida drowned out a speech by white nationalist Richard Spencer, prompting him to leave the stage early. More News SFSU officials condemn posters targeting professor It hasn't always been this way. During the Vietnam War, for example, it was more often the students who were pushing administrators for greater freedom of speech. But today's college students, as well as many professors, have grown increasingly intolerant of views they find offensive, said Geoffrey Stone, a professor of law at the University of Chicago. It's a trend that he said has picked up in the past few years, and there are a range of factors at play. For one, colleges are more diverse, giving greater voice to minority students who suffer discrimination. Social media also has made hateful speech far more pervasive. More than half of today's students say that it's important to be part of a campus community where they are not exposed to intolerant or offensive ideas, according to asurvey by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education. The results were even more pronounced for those who aren't white: More than three-quarters of black students and more than two-thirds of Latino students agreed with that idea. The notion that hate speech should be suppressed is increasingly prevalent. Only about a third of students in the survey said hate speech should be protected by the First Amendment. Almost half say it should not protect hate speech at all. While some hate speech - typically that which involves a direct threat or incitement to violence - is illegal, most, including vocal racism and personal insults, is not. Even so, fliers and chalkings reading "hate speech is not free speech" have become a common sight on quads and campus bulletin boards this year, as they are at San Francisco State, even as campus administrators gently push the opposite line. Suzanne Goldberg, a law professor and Columbia University's vice president for university life, sent a message to the campus community urging respect for a planned speech by a controversial figure - far-right British activist Tommy Robinson, who argues that mass immigration has led to "the fall of Europe." While the university's values reject white supremacism and anti-Muslim sentiments, "it is foundational to Columbia's learning and teaching missions that we allow for the contestation of ideas," Goldberg wrote. "This includes expression of ideas that are deeply unpopular, offensive to many in our community, contrary to research-based understandings, and antagonistic to University tenets." Robinson's video talk was interrupted anyway, as students shouted and held signs that said "White silence = compliance" and "United against Islamophobia." At San Francisco State, the free speech debate has centered on a long-brewing contest of campus activism between what could be loosely called the "pro-Palestine" camp and the "pro-Israel" camp. What has long been a hot-button issue on that campus has escalated, with filed grievances, a lawsuit and donors threatening to withhold funds. The "terrorist" posters by the David Horowitz Freedom Center - an outside group known for assailing students and academics who criticize Israel - is only the latest in a string of events that have raised questions about what speech is protected and what isn't. Last June, three Jewish students and three Jewish community members sued university administrators and Abdulhadi, who sponsors a Palestinian student group and teaches classes on Arab identity, accusing them of fostering anti-Semitism on campus. The lawsuit filed by the Lawfare Project, an organization self-described as "the legal arm of the pro-Israel community," focuses heavily on campus speech - equating anti-Israel rhetoric with anti-Semitic rhetoric and arguing that there should be no place for anti-Semitism on a university campus. One of the key incidents the lawsuit cites is a 2016 speech by a hard line Israeli politician, an event quickly shouted down by pro-Palestinian activists. "Contemptible speech and expression at SFSU often makes Plaintiffs feel uncomfortable and vulnerable," the lawsuit says. The plaintiffs don't want to suppress "this vile speech," it says. "They simply want to be guaranteed the same inherent rights to speak, listen and assemble" that other members of the campus are afforded. The challenges for university administrators have yielded no consensus on solutions, particularly as they face pressure from donors over what pro-Israel groups have increasingly branded as the campus's "Jewish problem," and from Palestinian students who accuse administrators of pandering to Islamophobia. "We talk a lot about how we want our students to feel happy, safe and well when they're at college. So I think in some ways we've set up this idea that it's a safe space," said Mary Ann Begley, San Francisco State's dean of student affairs. "Maybe what we haven't done as well is, when these tough conversations happen, how we're going to have those conversations and how we're going to heal as a community." The question of what qualifies as hate speech has compounded the argument over whether it should be tolerated. The posters that San Francisco State administrators considered protected were seen as incitement in the eyes of Abdulhadi and her supporters. The Jewish plaintiffs in the lawsuit argue that the anti-Israel chants that drowned out the Israeli politician were anti-Semitic; Abdulhadi's students, in turn, say that branding the critics of Israel's human rights abuses as anti-Semites is, itself, inherently Islamophobic and anti-Arab. It's unclear where exactly the university stands. University president Leslie Wong, who is named in the lawsuit, said in a recent interview that anti-Semitism on campus has been "the biggest issue over the past few years." But he declined to comment further because of the impending lawsuit. Wong launched a task force to address issues of "campus climate," including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. He said administrators are also talking to students about the meaning of free speech. It might be an uphill battle. The prevailing opinion among the most vocal members of both camps seems to be that offensive speech or actions qualify as hate speech and that hate speech is something to be regulated. For example, Jacob Mandel, a recent San Francisco State graduate and one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, described the university's decision to forge a relationship with a Palestinian university, al-Najah, as threateningenough to warrant mention in his lawsuit against the university, alleging anti-Semitism. "Once I found out that the university had established a relationship with al-Najah, I felt nervous and scared," he said. Ollie Benn, the executive director of Hillel, a campus Jewish organization, described the anti-Semitism as part of the campus atmosphere. "Unless a student sort of declares that they're anti-Israel, they're sort of shunned from participation in discussions of social justice and things that have nothing to do with the Middle East," said Benn, who is not a plaintiff but is quoted in the lawsuit in support of its claims. A 22-year-old member of the General Union of Palestine Students (GUPS) said the same is true for her when certain speakers like the Israeli politician come to campus. "It's triggering for us," said the student, who also thinks that other symbols of "violence" - including U.S. military members and Trump administration officials - should be excluded from campus. "In what sense should we allow an administration that is racist, that has set bans on our communities, to be allowed into campus," said the student, who asked that her name be withheld because she fears ending up on a poster like the one that targeted Abdulhadi and her classmates. Abdulhadi says it's an imbalance of speech, rights and resources that justifies one side's arguments and not the other's. Only one type of hate speech, she argues, appears to pose a red line for administrators, and it's anti-Semitism, not Islamophobia. "Any time you say 'anti-Semitism,' whether it is real or fake - like the kid who called [in bomb threats to] all the JCCs - people get scared. It has a chilling effect," Abdulhadi said. The university says that it treats both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia as problematic issues that warrant attention and that it seeks to provide scarce resources to all departments. Abdulhadi says she believes that anti-Semitism exists; sometimes she has to correct students to say "Israel," and not "the Jews" when they're talking about the Jewish state. But she maintains that there is an imbalance in whose freedom of speech is allowed. "When we talk about freedom of speech - not everybody's freedom of speech is equally accessible because we don't all come from equal places," she said. "We are being silenced." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate HOUSTON - Sitting on Mary Maddox's back porch, which flooded with 22 inches of water when Hurricane Harvey hit nearly two months ago, is a Lady of the Night plant from Puerto Rico that a friend gave her. Ever since Hurricane Maria ravaged the island, she says, she has paused at the blooming plant when she passes it, rubbing a leaf and saying a prayer for those still without water or electricity. Often, the prayer is accompanied by frustration with President Donald Trump, whom she voted for and who visited this neighborhood after Harvey. "He really made me mad," said Maddox, 70, who accused Trump of trying to pit those on the mainland against Puerto Ricans, even though they're all Americans. "I don't know," said her husband, Fred Maddox, 75. "I think he's trying." He continued: "It's a problem, but they need to handle it. It shouldn't be up to us, really. I don't think so. They're sitting back, they're taking the money, they're taking a little under the table. He's trying to wake them up: Do your job. Be responsible." The divide in the Maddox household is one playing out across the country, as those who voted for the president debate how much support the federal government should give Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory without a voting member of Congress that is not allowed to vote in presidential elections. Some supporters of the president, like Fred Maddox, agree with Trump that Puerto Rico's infrastructure was frail before the storm; that the crisis was worsened by a lack of leadership there; and that the federal government should limit its involvement in the rebuilding effort, which will likely cost billions of dollars. But others, like Mary Maddox, are appalled by how the president talks about Puerto Rico and say the United States has a moral obligation to take care of its citizens. A survey released last week by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that a majority of Americans believe that the federal government has been too slow to respond in Puerto Rico and that the island still isn't getting the help it needs. But the results largely broke along party lines: While nearly three-quarters of Democrats said the federal government isn't doing enough, almost three-quarters of Republicans said it is. It has been two months since Hurricane Harvey hit Texas and Gulf Coast states, and more than a month since Hurricane Maria slammed into Puerto Rico. On Oct. 3 - two weeks after the storm - Trump toured a neighborhood outside San Juan, Puerto Rico, and has repeatedly proclaimed, against much evidence, that his administration had a "tremendous" response to Maria. He gave his administration a "10" during a White House appearance with Puerto Rico's governor this week. "I think we did a fantastic job, and we're being given credit," he said. In fact, conditions remain dire throughout much of the island. Nearly 80 percent of Puerto Ricans still lack electricity, and 30 percent do not have access to clean drinking water. Here in the Maddoxes' neighborhood of Sageglen, by contrast, life is slowly returning to normal. On Sept. 2, just after the storm, Trump briefly toured Sageglen - a middle-class enclave on the southern edge of Houston - and announced in a cul-de-sac piled with Sheetrock debris and trash bags: "These are people that have done a fantastic job holding it together." There's still a near-constant sound of construction in the neighborhood, which is filled with ranch-style and modest two-story homes. But there are no longer mountains of debris on the curbs, thanks to the local municipal utility district, which shared the cost of removal with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. There are brand-new cars sitting in several driveways, thanks to car-insurance companies quickly totaling flooded vehicles and local dealers offering flood deals. Those in the neighborhood without flood insurance were able to apply for and receive assistance from FEMA - including the Maddoxes, who recently had $14,000 in federal money land in their checking account. In the nearly two decades that the Maddoxes have lived in their ranch house on Sagelink Circle, they had seen no need for flood insurance. And, after recently helping one of their daughters pay legal fees for a divorce, the couple's savings isn't what it once was. "I'm very appreciative to FEMA. I really, really am," said Mary Maddox, who has been married for more than 50 years and raised five children. "I was just so excited when I saw that they loved us." - - - On a recent afternoon on nearby Sagelink Court, David Hogg stopped by the driveway of his neighbor Donna Ramirez, showing her the latest handful of screws he had collected from the cul-de-sac. Hogg and his wife, Patsy Hogg, have had flood insurance for decades after watching water come dangerously close to flooding the first floor of their two-story home soon after they moved to the neighborhood in the late 1970s. They now pay about $450 per year. Ramirez and her husband also said they thought that they had flood insurance on their home, which they bought a year ago, only to learn weeks after the storm that they did not. To Ramirez, the role of the government is to broadly coordinate relief efforts and ensure that insurance companies are fulfilling their obligations to policyholders, but that people should take personal responsibility for their property or look to churches or charities for assistance. "Do other people think that other people should pay for me to fix my house? Because it's not their fault that I flooded," said Ramirez, taking a break from sorting through soggy research documents in her garage. Ramirez, who describes herself as a "throw-the-dice-type voter," said she reluctantly voted for Trump in November - although her support deepened after meeting Trump in her cul-de-sac about a month ago. "In person, he's totally different than on TV, and he gave us just such a feeling of confidence, like we weren't forgotten about," said Ramirez, who has one grown daughter. "He talked directly at a lot of people in the crowd, and his word for me was: 'Don't lose hope, you're going to be all right.' " Ramirez worries that when the government makes money easily available after a natural disaster, there's an opportunity for corruption and a chance that some people will take more than they need. And she thinks that media coverage of the crisis in Puerto Rico has lacked context, especially in reporting that nearly all of the island is still without electricity. "Guess what? There's a big chunk of the population that lives without electricity all the time," Ramirez said, saying she was sharing the experiences of a friend who has family on the island. Hogg, 76, nodded his head in agreement: "They never had it. Never had it." "They don't live deprived, because it's a beautiful environment," she continued. "The weather is nice, the climate is good most of the time, so it's different from here . . . It works there because of the climate. It wouldn't work here." About 96 percent of Puerto Rico's electricity customers had service before Maria made landfall, according to federal data; many of the rest had no power because of Hurricane Irma two weeks earlier. Ramirez said the government should encourage those living in the hardest-hit areas to move to the mainland, out of the direct path of hurricanes and into communities with more-reliable infrastructure. "I object. I object. They should stay where they are and fix their own country up," Hogg responded softly, shaking his head, wrongly referring to the U.S. territory as a separate nation. - - - Later in the day, as Hogg and his wife sat in their garage workshop, they again debated where the government's role starts and ends. Patsy Hogg said she's trying to figure out where, exactly, she stands. She's worried about the ever-growing national debt, but she can't stand to see people suffer. Both are longtime Republicans, although lately they consider themselves first and foremost "Trumpsters." Patsy Hogg described meeting the president and his wife, who gave her a hug, as a blessing from God. "We love Trump," she said. "We voted for him. We pray for him every day." The couple agrees that the president needs to be more careful with what he says on Twitter, especially when it comes to Puerto Rico. But David Hogg, a retired electrical engineer who once worked at NASA, also said that Puerto Ricans' "lack of responsibility is not an emergency on my part." The same goes for Texans without flood insurance, he said. His wife frowned, stared at him and asked: "So you have no mercy?" "Uh-uh. No mercy," he said. "They should do what I do: Spend the money, get insurance." Patsy Hogg said one of their friends at their Baptist church, a retired single woman, didn't have flood insurance when her two-story townhouse flooded and that FEMA quickly provided her with some money. "I was glad that they did that. That made me feel good," Patsy Hogg said. "She's certainly not destitute, but I'm just really glad that they did that. If that's my tax dollars at work, I'm okay with that." She then came to her husband's defense: "And he's not really as hardhearted as he sounds. He was very glad when he learned that they had given her money." The Maddoxes, who live in the next cul-de-sac over from the Hoggs, were away from home when Trump visited. They struggled to get back into the neighborhood until after his motorcade had left. The couple, both "cradle Catholics" and longtime Republicans, cannot remember a time when they disagreed about politics, like they do now. Mary Maddox has hit the point where she believes Trump needs to be impeached and replaced with someone who will unite and heal the country. "I get so disgusted," she said, sitting at her dining room table. "He is like a 13-year-old girl, tweeting and everything. I just want him to act his age and be nice to people and bring the country together. I voted for the man, but I'm just - I want our country to be friendly." Fred Maddox, who is retired from inspecting commercial airline planes, says he doesn't agree with many of the things Trump flippantly says, but he still believes in the president and would vote for him again. He likes having a businessman in office, especially one who's not afraid to speak the painful truth - even if that means publicly calling out Puerto Rican officials during a crisis. "It's time," he said, "we had someone in there to fight for us." - - - Emily Guskin contributed to this report. To the editor: When the Representative Town Meeting is given no choice, the RTM has no choice. On Monday, Oct. 23, the RTM will consider the Board of Education request to allow the $37 million New Lebanon School project to proceed without receipt of the hoped-for $23 million reimbursement from the state (under its Diversity Grant Statute). Frankly, the state grant for New Lebanon now is just a chimera. Without a state budget, it cannot happen. Even with a state budget, our governor has said that he would oppose the grant. Although possibly Greenwichs case for reimbursement may have some legal support, there simply remains no way that a bankrupt state would provide a grant of this magnitude to the states wealthiest town. Members of the BOE have said that there is no alternative. Really? When receipt of state funding was seen possible, there was a rationale to seek a new school that would be larger than required by the local community. Now, without state funding, this rationale falls away, and more importantly, the cost to the town would become substantially higher. There is an alternative. The chair of the New Lebanon School Building Committee, Steve Walko, himself told the RTM in September 2016 that the school could be fully renovated, right-sized and brought up to Greenwich standards for $25-$27 million. Why is this option not now back on the table? The expressed rationale for proceeding is that a delay in starting construction would engender likely cost increases. But no doubt any cost increases due to a delay would be far less than the $7-10 million to be saved by a full renovation and expansion of the school, rather than the current plan, which is too large and expensive. Moreover, given the $800 million of capital investment (estimated by the BOEs Facilities Master Plan) to be required in our schools over the next 15 years, we need to be especially smart about how and where we commit capital for our schools. BOE Chair Peter Sherr knows this. He was the only member of the BOE not to support its recent request of the RTM. Peters fellow BOE candidate, and my fellow RTM member, Jason Auerbach, knows this as well and plans to vote no. Recommend that all RTM members also vote not to support the BETs release of the funding condition for the New Lebanon project prior to the receipt of the grant from the state. Andy Duus RTM member Republican nominee to the BET One lane of Interstate 80 eastbound reopened at about 12:45 p.m. Thursday after being closed for more than 24 hours while crews cleaned up chemical spill between Halleck and Wells. The second lane is expected to reopen tonight. "Expect some minor delays around the crash site," said Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper James Stewart. Boyd Ratliff, district engineer for Nevada Department of Transportation District 3, said freezing overnight temperatures complicated cleanup of the ammonium bisulfite. That chemical spill took longer to cleanup than anticipated, he said. They were fighting it all night. To moderate the exodus of travelers who have been waiting in Elko, flaggers will direct traffic leaving town to meter it out so we dont have the logjam getting out on the interstate, Ratliff said. Please continue to be patient. Haiti - FLASH : Very soon offices in the diaspora to obtain and renew a CIN Mildrede Beliard, the Director of Communication and Cooperation of the National Office of Identification (ONI), has been on a mission to the United States since Wednesday to carry out a preliminary assessment for the implementation of a program for the registration of the Diaspora Haitians in the Civil Registry so that they can obtain their National Identification Cards (CIN) and renew the CINs which expire on 31 December 2017. During her mission, she will also meet with Diplomatic Representatives and members of the community to discuss with them the best strategy to set up by November the offices of renewal of the CIN issued between 2005 and 2007. In New York Beliard was received by the Consul General of Haiti Wilson Gregoire Brutus who is very interested and very concerned by this program to which he has already dedicated a space and made all the necessary arrangements to facilitate the technical operations in order to make this service operational as quickly as possible for the Haitian diaspora in New York. After New York, Beliard went to Washington and then to Florida. ONI reminds Haitian citizens that the National Identification Card is compulsory among other things to obtain a passport, carry out banking transactions, take legal actions, buy property, work in a public or private institution... HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Politics : President Moise holds talks with Cardinal Chibly Langlois Thursday in the Diocese of Les Cayes, President Jovenel Moise, met with His Eminence Cardinal Chibly Langlois, with the aim of promoting the Sectoral States General, a priority of the Government, aimed at creating a climate of stability in the country and moving it along the path of modernity and sustainable development. This meeting is part of a series of talks initiated by President Moise with the vital sectors of the Nation in order to identify the real problems of the country to facilitate the actions of the State likely to recompose the social fabric of the country. The Head of State has exposed to the Cardinal some of his priorities, including the fight against corruption and the improvement of the living conditions of the most vulnerable. These exchanges enabled Cardinal Chibly Langlois to better understand and understand the policy of the Moise-Lafontant Administration, which intends promote an endogenous development to permanently change the image of the country and put it on the map of investors. In the framework of this same initiative, the Head of State also held the same day in the Diocese of Jeremie, with Monseigneur Gontrant Decoste, at the premises bishopric. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Social : Mass of requiem in memory of Pierre Denize, message from the PNH DG Thursday, during the Mass of Requiem in memory of Pierre Denize https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22280-haiti-social-death-of-pierre-denize-former-director-general-of-the-pnh.html celebrated in the amphitheater of the National Police School https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22443-haiti-news-zapping.html Michel-Ange Gedeon, the Director General of the National Police of Haiti in his address to the assembly declared : Message by Michel-Ange Gedeon : "Ladies and gentlemen, Police officers, Relatives, friends and former collaborators of the deceased, As you know, the funeral took place on Saturday, October 7 in Florida https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22345-haiti-social-funeral-of-pierrot-denize-moving-funeral-oration.html . It is true that a delegation from the PNH had made the trip to pay a well-deserved tribute to one who was one of the first leaders of the PNH. It is equally true that a good fringe of the institution would have liked to gather together in simplicity but in love and fraternity, in memory of this man who left his fingerprints on the PNH. It was for them that we made this Mass sing. This ceremony means that one becomes professionalised by squeezing the ranks by sticking together the elbows even in the misfortune and especially in the vicissitudes and tribulations of life. Pierrot Denize will remain alive among us through memories buried in the wave of time, he will still be among us as long as the various directives governing the functioning of the police institution will bear his name. To immortalize his memory, from today and by decision of the Commander-in-Chief of the PNH, your servant, the library of the National School of Police will be baptized: Bibliotheque Pierre Denize and it is only justice. Death is an evil common to all, according to Goethe, but the mystery of love is greater than the mystery of death. Let us love one another. My dear friends, let us leave, let us leave here with the renewed feelings of love and fraternity and swear to perpetuate the work of Pierrot for a Professional police and respectful of the human rights" See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22443-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22345-haiti-social-funeral-of-pierrot-denize-moving-funeral-oration.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22280-haiti-social-death-of-pierre-denize-former-director-general-of-the-pnh.html HL/ S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Canada : Towards a partnership with Hydro Quebec International ? Thursday in the margins of the 9th Caribbean Forum on Renewable Energies that ends this Friday in Miami, Florida https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22449-haiti-politics-9th-caribbean-forum-on-renewable-energy.html Evenson Calixte, Energy Technology Advisor to President Moise met with a representative of Hydro Quebec International. This fruitful meeting was an opportunity for the interlocutors to explore the possibility of obtaining from Hydro Quebec International formal technical assistance in the construction, management and maintenance of micro-hydroelectric plants in order to improve the supply energy sector across the Haitian territory. This is part of the Head of State's initiatives to set up new dams and to repair existing hydropower plants so that the Haitian state can optimize its energy production capacities, while increasing the share of renewable energies to allow a wide range of citizens to benefit from electricity. Let's recall that in order to expand the supply of electricity in Haiti, discussions are also under way with the authorities of the United Arab Emirates to finance micro-network and off-grid projects in Haiti. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - FLASH : US and IOM Support Border Police Unit A motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle handover ceremony was held this week at the Police Academy in the presence among others of Haiti National Police Director General, Michel-Ange Gedeon; Director of Haitis Border Police, Marc Justin; U.S. Charge dAffaires, Robin Diallo; IOM Chief of Mission in Haiti, Fabien Sambussy and Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) Director, Nicholas Hilgert to give 10 motorcycles and 3 quads to the Border Police. "The United States is proud to partner with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to support the establishment of Haitis Border Police. We have also identified other areas of cooperation with IOM to ensure key services in the operation of the Haitian National Police Academy continue," said U.S. Charge dAffaires, Robin Diallo. This contribution of US $ 644,943 from INL (International Narcotics and Law Enforcement) will allow the purchase of vehicles and other logistical needs for the Border Police. "The Border Police will prevent and respond to transnational organized crime. We start at the Northeast region with the goal of having a presence on the entire border line, "said Border Police Director Marc Justin. IOM with additional support from INL will undertake other activities to support the Haiti National Police Academy and training efforts. The US contribution will also support the National Police Academy in training police students and will complete the procedures necessary to select 1,300 officers from the 29th and 30th promotion. "IOM sees the border through the (human) migratory prism but does not forget that the human prism is intimately linked to all types of trafficking, whether it be drug trafficking, arms, smuggling or trafficking in persons. The presence of a police unit at the boundary trained and in number, is also a source of optimization of the incomes of the State while being a guarantee of security for the migrant populations or living in border areas. Better management of the border is also an optimization of customs revenues, "said Fabien Sambussy, Chief of Mission at IOM in Haiti. He added: "Despite the departure of MINUSTAH, the United Nations remains present in Haiti and IOM will continue to support the efforts of the police. It is today a first step in the deployment of the Border Police and I hope that with the support of our current and future partners, we will be able to complete the Border Police strategic plan." HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Resumption of mobilization Moise Jean Charles, the leader of the Platform of the radical opposition "Pitit Dessalin" announced in a press conference the resumption of the mobilization of the coalition of the democratic organizations of the opposition, Tuesday October 24 in order to force the President Jovenel Moise to leave power. The President of the Cuban Parliament receives Youri Latortue This week in Havana, Esteban Lazo Hernandez, the President of the National Assembly of Popular Power (ANPP) received his Haitian counterpart Youri Latortue, in the Capitol building of the Cuban Parliament. Lazo Hernandez reiterated Cuba's desire to maintain and increase its collaborative relations with Haiti and recalled some examples of collaboration in the areas of health and education. Hearing of the DG of the Airport Authority Me Ocname Clame Dameus, the Port-au-Prince Government Commissioner, heard Irving Mehu, the Director General of the National Airport Authority (AAN), around the US $ 43 million that would have been allotted during the transitional government, for the rehabilitation of the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in an "opaque" manner according to the allegation of the Deputy of Kenscoff Alfredo Antoine https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22384-haiti-news-zapping.html French adoption organizations in Haiti On Wednesday, representatives of three French organizations accredited in Haiti for adoption (COFA Lyon, Lumiere des enfants and Agir pour l'enfant), who are currently doing a mission in Haiti, met with Arielle Jeanty Villedrouin, of the Institute of Social Welfare and Research (IBESR) on the cooperation between France and Haiti on the adoption and protection of children. USA, Donation of educational materials for the blind On Thursday, the United States Government, through the Office for Security Co-operation (SCO), donated a batch of Braille teaching materials to the Haitian Society for the Blind (SHAA). The US Agency for International Development (USAID) supported SHAA with the Inclusive Reading for All Project (RAPID). For a better involvement of women in political life On Thursday, at the initiative of the Ministry of Women's Affairs and Women's Rights and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) Senator Dieudonne Luma Etienne, the only woman sitting in the Senate, participated in a dialogue between the Political Parties and Women's Organizations where she called for greater involvement of women in political life and national governance and the elimination of various taboos and gender stereotypes in order to achieve a social and political affairs in the country. HL/ HaitiLibre Published on 2017/10/20 | Source Added episode 3 captures for the Korean drama "Avengers' Social Club" (2017) Advertisement Directed by Kwon Seok-jang Written by Hwang Da-eun, Kim Yi-ji Network : tvN With Lee Yo-won, Ra Mi-ran, Myung Se-bin, Lee Jun-young, Jang Yong, Choi Byung-mo,... 20 episodes - Wed, Thu 21:30 Also known as: "Buam-dong Revenge Social Club", "Avengers Social Club" and "Revenge Social Club" ( , bok-su-ja so-syeol-keul-leob) Synopsis This webtoon adaptation tells the story of three women from different walks of life - the daughter of a chaebol, an ahjumma in a fish market, and a housewife - come together to enact revenge. Broadcast starting date in Korea : 2017/10/11 More UK remains top volume market for Oz By Michelle Perrett The UK is the top export market for Australian wine with 28% of volume, new data from Wine Australias Export Report has revealed. The UK topped the list of markets by volume for the 12 months ended to 30 September 2017 followed by the United States at 23%; mainland China at 17%; Canada at 8% and Germany at 5%. Interestingly, the UK did not top the board for Australian wine exports by value. Mainline China topped the list with 30% of value share. This was due in part to the reduced tariffs through the ChinaAustralia Free Trade Agreement that has seen exporters now shipping directly to mainland China instead of Hong Kong. China was followed by the United States at 19% share; the UK at 14%: Canada at 8% and Hong Kong at 5%. Red wine continued to dominate exports, contributing 74% of export value. Red wine was also the standout growth category for table wine, growing by 16% to (AUS) $1.8 billion. Exports of white wine also grew but at a much lower rate of 2% to (AUS) $546 million. In the period, it said Australia exported wine to 124 countries and the value of exports increased in 82 of them. Export value grew 13% to $2.44 billion and volume grew by 9% to 799 million litres. The average value of bottled exports increased by 1% to $5.53 per litre and the average value of bulk exports increased by 3% to $1.00 per litre. Established and new-to-market exporters are sharing in this strong export growth, said Andreas Clark, CEO of Wine Australia. Wine Australia said that 80% of exported to the UK and Germany was shipped in bulk containers. Warnings posted on Reno roads after 4 horses skilled RENO (AP) Four horses have been struck and killed by vehicles in Reno since the beginning of October. The Reno Gazette-Journal reports that city officials on Tuesday said theyve posted signs warning drivers to slow down and keep an eye out for horses. Since mid-August, the Reno Police Department has received 13 calls related to horse and vehicle disturbances. The road that all four horses were hit on has a speed limit of 45 mph, but officials are advising drivers to slow down to 35 mph. Councilwoman Naomi Duerr said officials plan to keep the warnings in place for about 30 days while the staff determines what to do about the crashes moving forward. More than 1,300 apply for victim aid in Las Vegas LAS VEGAS (AP) A state crime fund that helps victims with medical bills, funerals and counseling has received applications from 1,300 people related to the Las Vegas mass shooting. Nevadas Victims of Crime program, which dates back to the 1980s, received 3,000 applications during the most recent budget year and paid out more than $13 million to victims. Program manager Rebecca Salazar says the fund has about $12 million and can handle the unprecedented demand of applications related to the shooting. Salazar told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that shes also working with her counterparts in California so that states program can assist relatives of California residents killed in the Oct. 1 attack at a country music concert. More than half the 58 people killed were from California. State to spend $1M on opioid incinerators, anti-abuse plan CARSON CITY (AP) State officials are committing more than $1 million to fight prescription opioid abuse in Nevada. The Assemblys Interim Finance Committee on Thursday unanimously approved the five-point plan to combat prescription drug abuse that includes incinerators to dispose of drugs and treatment programs. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports Attorney General Adam Laxalts office put forward the initiative. Laxalt said in a statement that one Nevadan dies daily from a drug overdose and the initiative will help the state face the epidemic and prevent more overdoses. The plan calls for five drug incinerators to be installed around Nevada, outfitting first responders with medication that reverses opioid overdoses, and a full-time investigator on an FBI opioid task force. The plan is being paid with a $5.3 million settlement with Volkswagen to settle allegations that the carmaker cheated on emissions tests. Charges against physician whittled from 400 to 22 HAMILTON, Mont. (AP) A southwestern Montana physician who lost his license for allegedly overprescribing pain medication faces trial next week on 22 felony counts, including two charges of negligent homicide for the overdose deaths of two patients. Jury selection began Thursday in the case against Chris Christensen of Florence. Opening arguments are scheduled to start Monday. The Ravalli Republic reports Ravalli County prosecutors on Thursday consolidated 388 criminal counts of distributing dangerous drugs down to 11 one for each person involved. District Judge Jeffrey Langton has ruled that jurors wont hear that Christensen lost his medical license in Montana, but they can hear that he surrendered his license in Idaho in 2001 after at least five patients died and six were hospitalized due to drug overdoses. Prosecutors argue that proves Christensen was aware of the risks associated with over-prescribing. OHA Board Rebuffs Efforts to Appoint a Middleman for Charter Schools Grant Trustee Kelii Akina praises Board for exercising leadership over finances UPDATE October 19, 2017: Today the full OHA Board of Trustees gave final approval to the action the Resource Management Committee took last week. No change. That action was to order that no middleman will be used in the distribution of the funds awarded for 17 Hawaiian focused charter schools over the next two years. The OHA Trustee Board has ordered its CEO to administer these funds directly to the schools and not to take any portion out of the $3 million over the next two years for overhead, thus providing greater funds for the schools. PBN Oct 20, 2017: "Kanu o ka Aina Learning Ohana was receiving about $150,000 a year in administrative fees to administer our charter school funds previously." News Release from Office of Trustee Kelii Akina, October 11, 2017 HONOLULU, HI- The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Resource Management Committee today voted against appointing a middleman to disburse a $3 million grant to Hawaiian focused charter schools over two years. In a 6-0 vote (Trustees Dan Ahuna, Lei Ahu Isa and Robert Lindsey were excused), the Resource Management Committee opted to instead give the grant funds directly to the charter schools, instead of to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement for administration purposes. Of concern to several Trustees was the fact that OHA Administration had not obtained approval from the Board before awarding the grant to CNHA. In response to a motion made at todays meeting to award grant administration to CNHA, the Trustees entertained an amendment to instead have OHA administer the grant in-house so that the funds could go directly to the charter schools. According to Trustee Akina, This issue was not about who receives the grant but the fact that the OHA Administration exceeded its authority in communicating a grant award. I commend my fellow Trustees for restoring the proper balance of authority within OHA. It is tragic that the failure to seek Board approval embroiled OHA in a conflict within the Hawaiian community, Trustee Akina continued. Personally, I believe OHA owes an apology to CNHA, which has appeared to have acted in good faith. I am saddened that, through no fault of its own, CNHA was caught up in a failure of OHA. OHA must now focus on two immediate objectives. First, ensure that grant funds for Hawaiian-focused education are effectively distributed to the charter schools. Second, OHA Trustees must take steps to assert Board leadership over the finances of the organization. Ultimately, steps must be taken to restore the credibility of OHAs grants administration. The RM Committee action will now proceed to the Board of Trustees for ratification on October 19. #### DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this news release are the personal views of Trustee Akina and may not reflect the views of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs or its Board of Trustees. Kelii Akina, Ph.D., is a community leader who is known for the phrase he has coined, "E Hana Kakou" - Let's work together! Over the past several years as a public policy adviser at the legislative, congressional and international levels, Dr. Akinas mission has been to preserve the Aloha Spirit by which native Hawaiians and people of all races are welcomed and encouraged to work together for a better future for all Hawaiis keiki. He is president and CEO of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, a nonprofit, independent public policy think tank. * * * * * HAWAI`I CHARTER SCHOOLS WIN CNHA LOSES AT OHA From FreeHawaii.Blogspot.com October 12, 2017 The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Resource Management Committee today voted against appointing a middleman to disburse a $3 million grant to Hawaiian focused charter schools over two years. In a 6-0 vote (Trustees Dan Ahuna, Lei Ahu Isa and Robert Lindsey were excused), the Resource Management Committee opted to instead give the grant funds directly to the charter schools, instead of to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement for administration purposes. Of concern to several Trustees was the fact that OHA Administration had not obtained approval from the Board before awarding the grant to CNHA. In response to a motion made at todays meeting to award grant administration to CNHA, the Trustees entertained an amendment to instead have OHA administer the grant in-house so that the funds could go directly to the charter schools. According to Trustee Akina, This issue was not about who receives the grant but the fact that the OHA Administration exceeded its authority in communicating a grant award. I commend my fellow Trustees for restoring the proper balance of authority within OHA. The RM Committee action will now proceed to the Board of Trustees for ratification on October 19. * * * * * OHA Board approves $3 million to go directly to charter schools News Release from OHA HONOLULU (October 19, 2017) The OHA Board of Trustees today approved distributing $3 million directly to Hawaiian-focused charter schools over the next two years, changing the way OHA provides its longstanding support to the schools to maximize the amount of funds that go to the students. More than a decade ago, the leaders of the charter school community first came to OHA to ask for our kokua because of the substantial financial challenges they faced, said OHA Chair Colette Y. Machado. Todays board action represents the continuation of our longstanding commitment to these schools, and most importantly to their keiki. These schools are educating our next generation of Native Hawaiian leaders who will guide our lahui into the future, said OHA Chief Executive Officer/Ka Pouhana Kamanaopono Crabbe. Providing more funds directly to these schools and students will help ensure that our alakai (leaders) of tomorrow are grounded in both traditional and western perspectives. Since 2006, OHA has provided $18.6 million to support 17 Hawaiian-focused charter schools located throughout the state. These schools provide innovative culture-based education to more than 4,200 students, nearly three quarters of whom are Native Hawaiian. For the last eight years, OHA contracted with a third-party entity to administer OHAs funds to each of the schools. The third party entity has historically retained a fee to cover the administrative cost related to distributing the funds, and ensuring compliance and reporting from the schools. The OHA boards decision today eliminates the use of the third-party entity and directs the OHA administration to directly disburse funds to each of the 17 schools, meaning that the administrative fee will be distributed to the schools. The board approved providing $1.5 million for each of this school year and next school year. The 17 Hawaiian-focused charter schools are: Hakipuu Learning Center, Kaneohe, Oahu Halau Ku Mana, Makiki, Oahu Ka Waihona o ka Naauao, Waianae, Oahu Kamaile Academy, Waianae, Oahu Ke Kula o Samuel M Kamakau, Kaneohe, Oahu Malama Honua, Waimanalo, Oahu Ka Umeke Kaeo, Hilo, Hawaii Kanu o ka Aina, Waimea, Hawaii Ke Ana Laahana, Hilo, Hawaii Ke Kula o Nawahiokalaniopuu, Keaau, Hawaii Kua o Ka La, Pahoa, Hawaii Waimea Middle School, Waimea, Hawaii Kawaikini, Lihue, Kauai Kanuikapono, Anahola, Kauai Ke Kula Niihau o Kekaha, Kekaha, Kauai Kula Aupuni Niihau A Kahelelani Aloha, Kekaha, Kauai Kualapuu Elementary, Kualapuu, Molokai Coverage: Related: Most of the nine workers were Japanese citizens in their 20s, who were in Australia on 417 working holiday visas. They performed various cooking and waiting duties at the two restaurants. They were underpaid a total of $59,080 over a period of four months in 2015, or a flat rate of $8 to $11 an hour for all hours worked. Under the Restaurant Industry Award 2010 at the time, the employees were entitled to minimum hourly rates of up to $18.47 and penalty rates ranging from $26.03 to $46.18 for weekend and public holiday work. Other loadings and allowances were also underpaid. In 2015, the Fair Work Ombudsman asked Ishiyama and his company to provide pay records for the two restaurants; there was then a campaign targeting Gold Coast restaurants and fast food outlets. Inspectors warned them not to fabricate time-and-wages records if they didnt exist. The Fair Work Ombudsman discovering some underpayments in the records provided. Inspectors educated Ishiyama on his obligations under workplace laws and his company made back-payments to employees. The company then provided records purporting to show that all employees were now being paid correctly, after the owner had been educated of his obligations. With the help of some workers, Fair Work inspectors followed up on the company and discovered it had provided false records on two occasions. Judge Vasta described the exploitation of the workers as certainly deliberate. He imposed near-maximum penalties were imposed for the very serious record-keeping violations. The Respondent was warned not to make false records, but did any way and those false records gave quite an improper picture of what was happening. Judge Vasta noted the significant scale of the underpayments totalling almost $60,000 across a timeframe of just four months. Ishiyamas company has now back-paid the workers wages in full and Judge Vasta has also ordered the company to back-pay the employees more than $8,000 in outstanding superannuation. A welcome decision Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says any businesses found to be breaching record-keeping laws run the risk of receiving even higher penalties in the future. Using false records in attempt to get away with underpaying workers is an insidious practice. Without adequate records it can sometimes be difficult for Fair Work Inspectors to accurately calculate a workers entitlements, Ms James said. We welcome the courts decision -- it is a reflection of the serious nature of this behaviour, she said. Ms James says she is increasingly concerned about the number of employers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who are underpaying workers from within their own ethnic communities. The objective of the listing is to reduce state ownership and broaden the domestic ownership base of the company. The Finnish government has announced it is exploring the possibility of listing the wholly state-owned importer, exporter and producer of strong alcoholic beverages, Altia, on the Helsinki Stock Exchange. The state must offer its companies natural development paths so that it can support their growth. The plans to reduce state ownership in Altia have been approved by the Finnish Parliament. It is important for the company to have a broad domestic ownership base, Mika Lintila (Centre), the minister responsible for ownership steering, says in a press release issued on Tuesday, 17 October. The government assures that it would retain at least a 33 per cent stake in the company. Altia, it adds, also has no intention to divest its production facility in Koskenkorva, Southern Ostrobothnia. The assurances did little to alleviate the concerns of several Members of the Parliament on Tuesday. The Left Parliamentary Group, for example, issued a public statement questioning the rationale of selling an asset that is generating income for the government. Jari Myllykoski (Left Alliance) argued that while the objective of broadening the domestic ownership base of the company is commendable, the decision to realise state-owned assets by means of listing is yet another example of the governments privatisation ideology. This was to be expected after the government created a bundle of special-purpose companies, also known as the sales department for state-owned assets, he commented. Both the Centre and Left Alliance also called attention to the importance of Altia to the agricultural and industrial make-up of Finland. Altia is a notable buyer of home-grown barley. Can we be fully certain that itd continue to buy from domestic contract farmers instead of abroad also as a listed company? asked Myllykoski. The governments ownership steering department is to present its report on the possible listing by mid-2018. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Roni Rekomaa Lehtikuva Source: Uusi Suomi The export-oriented technology firms surveyed by the newspaper indicated their willingness to agree on wage increases of 0.40.7 per cent. Finnish medium-sized technology firms widely recognise that freezing wages for another year would reduce the work motivation of employees but remind that the room for wage increases is very limited, reports Kauppalehti . The firms warned that raising wages by more than one per cent would especially erode the competitiveness of businesses that derive the majority of their revenues from exports. Any disruptions to production, they added, would also increase the risk of losing export orders to rival companies. Juha Makitalo, the chief executive of Finn-Power, a manufacturer of sheet metal processing machinery that is about to re-locate its production facility from Kauhava to Seinajoki, also pointed out that the prices of raw materials have spiked by almost 33 per cent over a short period of time. Earlier wage moderation has been helpful. Itll also continue being an important competitive asset for us relative to, for example, our German competitors, he commented to Kauppalehti. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Mikko Stig Lehtikuva Source: Uusi Suomi The Society for Range Management will host its 71st annual meeting, technical training, and trade show Jan. 28-Feb. 2 at The Nugget in Sparks. The event features producers, land managers, scientists, educators, students and conservationists, offering a chance to learn about the newest research, management strategies, and ideas for the future of the rangelands. Empowerment through Applied Science is this years theme. Our goal is to bring together ranchers, land managers, and scientists, so we all understand the benefits of science and management and put them into action for sustainable rangeland resources, said Ryan Shane, meeting co-chair. And we are pleased to announce that Larry Selzer, president and chief executive officer of The Conservation Fund, will be participating in the Plenary Session during the annual meeting. Selzer leads an executive team that charts The Conservation Funds strategy as it pursues its mission of better integrating environmental protection with economic vitality. He has brought an entrepreneurial spirit to conservation, inspiring and equipping fund staff and partners to explore new, more effective conservation solutions in which more Americans can participate. He has launched efforts to restore and manage working forests, design and implement mitigation solutions, seed small green business, and engage more diverse communities in conservation. We will also be holding a Producers Forum during the meeting, said Mark Freese, who is co-chairing the meeting with Shane. The Producers Forum will consist of one-and-a-half days of symposia and panel discussions on applying the art and science of range management in the Great Basin. The Producers Forum will include presentations by the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative, Herd Quitter Kit Pharo, and University of Nevada Professor Dr. Barry Perryman. A panel discussion including ranchers and land management agency staff will discuss collaborative process, results-based grazing, and cooperative monitoring. Several technical tours are planned. A tour of the Carson and Walker River watersheds will include: a look at their history, geology, and ecology, including historic land uses; Native American traditional uses; future desired condition; and how collaborative conservation planning for the bi-state and greater sage grouse was used to tie it all together. The tour on wild horse and burro management will ensure an understanding of the various aspects of their management by hiking in a herd management area and touring an inmate training facility. On the wildlife and agriculture tour, guests will visit ranches during winter calving season to view bald eagles and many other bird species in one place. Finally, the targeted grazing tour will highlight targeted grazing applications for vegetation, weed and fuels management. Participants will discuss recent precedent-setting decisions by the Bureau of Land Management and hear what lies ahead. Social events are also planned, including ski days, tours of Virginia City and Lake Tahoe, the Brenn Hill and Andy Nelson concert, fun run, and a Basque Heritage Dinner. We have nearly 100 people contributing to the effort of organizing and hosting the event, Shane said. Nevada has a reputation of hosting very successful and memorable meetings and we aim to maintain our reputation this time around. If you would like to join the team and contribute, please contact Amy Ruhs, volunteer coordinator, at 775-293-2017 or amy.ruhs@nv.usda.gov. Exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities are available. Meeting registration, and exhibitor, and sponsorship packages are available on the SRM 2018 annual meeting website at annualmeeting.rangelands.org. For questions or information about the trade show, contact Tim Rubald at 2t@charter.net or tim@rubaldandassociates.com, or text to 775-790-0035. For information about sponsorships, contact Tye Morgan at tmorgan.srm2018@gmail.com. Shotgun and some of the drugs seized in the Offaly raid Gardai have busted a suspected wholesale drug distribution network in the Midlands run by an eastern European gang. The operation, which led to the seizure of more than 1m worth of drugs as well as a firearm and ammunition, was carried out early yesterday morning. Gardai raided a property in the Geashill area of Offaly following a lengthy intelligence- led operation. Cocaine The drugs recovered included a large amount of herbal cannabis and cocaine as well as suspected amphetamine. A 34-year-old Polish man was arrested in relation to the raid and is being held under drug trafficking legislation at Tullamore Garda Station. The firearm recovered was a sawn-off shotgun, while shotgun cartridges and ammun- ition believed to be for a 9mm handgun were also found. A source said that the raided house is suspected of being used as the distribution centre for an eastern European organised crime gang that supplies drug dealers throughout the Midlands. "Gardai suspect that this house is at the centre of this organised criminal group's network, where large amounts of drugs, as well as firearms and ammo, are stored," the source said. "From the drugs seized, gardai believe that it is more of a wholesale operation and that the crime gang move significant amounts of drugs to street dealers throughout the Midlands." The controlled substances recovered were sealed in large plastic bags and were in the process of being moved on, gardai believe. As part of the raid, a shed and nearby land were searched in the Geashill area, while the arrested man was detained at the scene. The operation was carried out by the Laois/Offaly divisional drugs unit, assisted by local officers from Tullamore Garda Station. A garda spokesman said the raid was "part of an ongoing investigation into organised criminal activity in the Midlands". Searches at the property continued throughout yesterday to determine if any further controlled drugs or firearms were being stored there. The 19-year-old was repeatedly punched in the face at the Fettercairn Luas stop in Tallaght before her attacker fled Gardai are hunting a man who repeatedly punched a teenager in the face during a late-night attack. The 19-year-old woman was set upon near a Luas stop in what appeared to be a completely random and unprovoked assault. The attack happened in the Tallaght area as the girl returned home after spending the evening with a friend. Hospital She was approached by the man, who is described as being in his late 20s, and repeatedly punched. Her face was cut and bruised, but she did not require hospital treatment. A source said gardai were trying to establish a motive for the assault on Tuesday and were in the process of identifying the attacker. "It has to be established if this was a failed robbery or if we have some individual on the streets randomly attacking people," said the source. "Either way, it's worrying and efforts are being made to identify the suspect." CCTV images from the Luas stop will be reviewed in the hope that the thug was captured on camera. It is believed he fled in the direction of the Cookstown Industrial Estate. Pictures of the victim show her with a cut lip and bruising on her forehead. "Officers from Tallaght Garda Station are investigating and no arrests have yet been made," said gardai. The victim's sister posted a message on social media, warning people to exercise caution in the area late at night. "My 19-year-old sister was attacked walking home from a friend's house a couple of mins from her house," the post read. "For no reason whatsoever, some absolute scumbag up to no good decided he'd beat up a young girl. Careful "He was in his late 20s. Everyone needs to be so careful when out at night, thank God she's safe now and it didn't come to anything worse." Separately, gardai are investigating an incident in which a delivery driver was attacked by a gang of teenagers in Tallaght. The victim was punched in the face and knocked to the ground before the youths stole his 40 delivery fee in the attack, which occurred in August. It is believed up to six people aged between 15 and 18 were responsible for the assault and robbery. The tents erected along the banks of the Royal Canal Some of the worst-hit victims of the housing crisis are being forced to live in tents along the banks of the Royal Canal. Three Polish men, who have lost their rental homes, are among the inhabitants of about 14 tents currently erected at the rear of Mountjoy Prison. They told the Herald they feel invisible in an Irish society that wanted their work in the good times - but turned a blind eye when they fell on hard times. Tadeusz Iguatowicz, Adam Kakowczyk and Sebastian Sobok were part of the flush of Polish workers who came to Ireland during the boom in search of a better life. Peril However, rising rents have seen them end up in peril. Mr Iguatowicz has a serious heart condition but refuses to leave the streets because he cannot find a hostel that will allow him to keep his beloved dog, who is all he has since his wife died in Poland six years ago. "The maximum the hostels will allow you to have is a goldfish," he said. He ended up homeless after renting a place for seven years while claiming disability allowance - but fell behind in rent after he applied for jobseeker's allowance as he wanted to work. Also on the housing list for nine years was Mr Kakowczyk (30), who has a job and is saving money in the hope of affording rent. He came to Ireland at the age of 17 as a butcher's apprentice, and also worked as a hostel receptionist. He lost those jobs during the recession and has been homeless since 2009. Mr Kakowczyk is angry at the housing situation - but says he still loves this country. Mr Sobok, who suffers from epilepsy, has a job in a processing plant but also lives along the canal. He points out that he cannot live in a hostel because, as a night worker, he needs to sleep during the day but hostels do not allow this. With him on the canal yesterday was his girlfriend, Anna Szymanska, who suffers from depression and has previously attempted suicide. She is currently living in a hostel and blames herself for her own homelessness, saying she had "bad relationships". "It is very difficult," she said of her current life. She has lost hope of getting housing here but says there is nothing left in Poland to go home for since her parents are dead. Ucoms mobile customers will benefit from the best internet roaming rate of 8 AMD/MB when travelling to Georgia, Egypt or the UAE Ameriabank Launches Google Pay and Google Wallet Support for Card Users in Armenia Karen Vardanyan donated 112 million drams for the medical equipment for National Center for Infectious Diseases. UCOM HAS INTRODUCED FUTURE NETWORK WI-FI 6E ROUTERS Statement by the Spokesperson on the conflict resolution and reconciliation efforts Foreign Minister of Armenia to participate in the Fifth Paris Peace Forum Armenia: EU and Armenia Hold annual Dialogue on Human Rights Todays Shushi, Occupied and Cleared of Armenians, is a Real Example of Turkish-Azerbaijani Policy of Ethnic Cleansing of Artsakh Ookla, the the global leader in internet testing and analysis has awarded Ucom Sweden will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan Google Ad Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol Armenia and Azerbaijan to do so without delay An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan". UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022 Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces Vikings' descendants backup Armenians (video) Norwegians are building a ship of exactly the same size (20 meters) as the Armenian Cilicia. The building technology is a bit different. Norwegian ship will be lighter than the Armenian one. Clastat will appear in the open see in September, 2018. "I have studied the project very carefully: our trip, every detail about which we did not even think. They have advantages over us. We cannot conduct archaeological expeditions in Cilicia; our ship is rebuilt due to the manuscripts," said Karen Balayan, Captain of Cilicia The descendants of the Vikings are going to repeat the Armenians' work and navigate with Clastat through the waters in Europe, including Scandinavian countries. "Eight captains will be changed in three years. I am invited to be the captain of the ship for a stage. Norwegians are people of the sea and when they invite a captain from the mountainous country, then it is a sign of their respect," said the Armenian capitan modestly. Karen Balayan has no doubt that his and Norwegians' trip will be successful, as they are professional and responsible people. He received the offer in September at an international conference of captains held in Tonsbers, Norway. The conference was attended by Ghuka Chabashi, Istanbul University professor, whose team of archaeologists is now excavating vessels found in the port of Theodosius. The Turks recovered one of the ships, having the shovels as Cilicia. Karen Balayan remembered that during Cilicia's voyage the shovels broke; he warned his Turkish college about that. "I said that storms are even more dangerous in small seas, and that they should be careful. I explained him that the construction of the shovels should be changed. The Turkish Professor said that he would take it into consideration and change it." Though repaired, it stands on the shore of Lake Sevan. Karen Balayan said instead of the ship Cilicia"It is expensive to sail, the staff of Cilicia big, and sailing with them is also connected with the finances. Calling the 100 tone crane is expensive, as well; so we decided not to spend money." They also thought about bringing Cilicia to Sevan in the tourist season. However, the 2-month-long season will not provide with enough income to cover costs, especially with revenue. They are ready to start cooperate with investors. ABINGDON, Va. An Abingdon man told ABCs 20/20 that his wife, accused of donning a clown costume and gunning down his then-wife in Florida in 1990, has been falsely accused. ABCs nationally televised news magazine series will report tonight on the arrest of Sheila Keen-Warren, 54, who was charged in late September with first-degree murder in the death of Marlene Warren, 40, in Palm Beach County. The show features an interview with 65-year-old Michael Warren, who married Sheila Keen in 2002. He was married to Marlene Warren at the time of her death. This is very serious and very unfair, Michael Warren told 20/20. He denies any involvement in Marlene Warrens death. On May 26, 1990, a person dressed in a clown costume, offering flowers and balloons, shot Marlene Warren on the doorstep of her home. She died two days later a tragedy that paralyzed the Wellington, Florida, community where safety and security were taken for granted, according to a news release from ABC. Police have investigated the case for nearly three decades, and arrested Keen-Warren last month near her home in Washington County, Virginia. Shes currently being held without bail in Florida, and prosecutors say they are seeking the death penalty. For tonights show, ABC News filmed interviews in Florida and Virginia, according to Elizabeth Russo, who handles public relations for 20/20. The show also interviewed the victims mother and stepfather, Shirley and Bill Twing of Las Vegas, Nevada. ABC Correspondent Deborah Roberts interviewed Deborah Offord and Barbara Castricone, who say there is a strong possibility the shooter bought the clown costume at their shop, the release states. The hour also includes interviews with law enforcement, neighbors and reporters who covered the crime. Rocky and Brook Blevins, who have lived near the Warrens in their Washington County neighborhood, were also interviewed for the 20/20 episode. Keen-Warrens attorney, who 20/20 said declined comment, maintains his clients innocence, and detectives are still investigating whether anyone else is culpable. 20/20, which is anchored by Elizabeth Vargas and David Muir, airs tonight at 10 p.m. on ABC. I am writing to express the Virginia Coal & Energy Alliances position supporting the actions of Scott Pruitt, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, regarding the Clean Power Plan and the devastating impact it could have had on the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Rick Perry, Secretary, Department of Energy regarding coal-fired and nuclear base-load power plants. Scott Pruitt, the administrator of the EPA did a big but little-known favor for states like ours that use coal to generate electricity. His recent decision to repeal the Clean Power Plan lifted a massive regulation from Virginias economy, sparing our industries and households the effects from a weakened power grid, higher power prices and the loss of good-paying jobs. The Clean Power Plan, or CPP, is a prime example of good intentions gone awry. The idea, hatched in the Obama administration, was to reduce emissions that contribute to global warming. But the solution was to force into retirement many of the power plants that supply almost a fifth of Virginias electricity and without delivering any significant environmental benefits. This is one early retirement plan that would not work for Virginia. Thats because fewer coal plants mean less reliability. Together with the struggles of nuclear power, the result would have made Virginias electricity grid precariously dependent on natural gas-fired plants and intermittent energy sources to provide affordable, around-the-clock electricity. Earlier regulation had already shut down enough power plants nationwide to supply power to 40 million homes. The CPP would have shuttered many more. Altogether, about one-fourth of the entire coal fleet would close by 2020, with the great majority of these plants forced off the grid by regulations. That would leave coal-state power grids close to threadbare and more vulnerable to storms and outages. Granted, these are low-probability events, but they are high impact events, too. Ships seldom sink, and planes rarely crash. But when they do, our concern is with the impact, not the probability. The CPP was based on wishful thinking about the ability of renewable power to fill the gap left by coal plant closings. Despite the growth in wind and solar energy, they still supply only 7 percent of the power Americans use. And even when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing, its not always possible to carry renewable power from sunny and windy regions to parts of the country where it is needed. Worse, the CPP would have raised electricity costs. The Supreme Court stayed the regulation, faulting Obamas regulators for ignoring them. Estimates vary, but some economists (Energy Ventures Analysis) concluded that constructing new infrastructure to replace the retired coal plants would cost $64 billion on top of rising wholesale electricity costs that utilities would eventually pass on to households. The decline of coal-based power plants (according to the Energy Information Administration) would lead to further declines in coal production, contributing to as many as 225,000 lost jobs from the mines and plants to the railroads, barges and ports. The loss of these high-wage jobs would have been especially damaging in coal-dependent states like Virginia, where, according to the EIAs Electric Power Monthly, about 24,700 jobs rely on coal. Environmental activists will hammer Administrator Pruitt for rolling back climate change action. But the most surprising fact about the CPP is how trivial its environmental benefit would be: a reduction of 0.018 degrees. The CPP would have had a much bigger impact on the economy than it ever would have on climate change. The Department of Energy is trying to forestall further weakening of the nations power grid. Energy Secretary Perry has asked federal regulators to assign higher values to coal and nuclear power plants in recognition of their reliability. That should help to reduce further closures of power plants that can quickly and constantly generate power when needed. Activists now claim the recent hurricanes that wracked Virginia shores show the effect of climate change. But these storms also dramatize the vulnerability of Virginia power grids. Improving the environment is a worthy goal; lets do it without making grid reliability worse. Zaruhi Mejlumyan - the prize-winner of the Free Mass Media 2017 From the psychological pressure to the real danger of life, these are the challenges that are forced to be overcome by the Free Mass Media prize winners. The prize is awarded for the efforts invested in strengthening the freedom of the press, despite the pressure and financial difficulties. On October 18, the solemn ceremony of awarding the Free Mass Media 2017 prize was held in Kiev. Hetsq's journalist Zaruhi Mejlumyan is one of those who received the prize of the Fritt Ord (Oslo) and ZEIT-Stiftunghas (Hamburg) Funds. Russians Anton Naumlyuk and Sergey Jholkin, journalists of Azerbaijani Meidan TV, were also awarded. Journalists of the Azerbaijani Meidan TV know the worth of free speech very well. It is equal to the personal freedom; you either leave the country, or you get arrested. Anton Naumlyuk works in Crimea, and as surprising as it may seem, the Ukrainian human rights activists nominated his candidacy. He mainly sheds light on the political trials. He said that he tried to work according to journalists' objective principles; he could write that Crimea was taken by Russia but he could not speak about returning the lands to Ukraine, as in that case he would be imprisoned on charges of separatism. There are two examples when this legal norm was put into force. Sergey Jholkin delivers his message through cartoons. No incidents should be dropped out in order to have impressive cartoons. Putin in his cartoons is quite different from others, there he is short and looks depressed. He thinks that such Putin is more comprehensible for the people. What can effect the journalist's activities? Jholkin assured that there was no external factor, only the internal, hoping that one day even the internal factor will not exist. Zaruhi Mejlumyan agreed with him. She thought that journalism could undergo changes and become the real fourth force. The ceremony of distribution of prizes Free Mass Media-2017 was preceded by a two-day conference, attended by last year's participants. Alexey Shalaysky, who works in the prize-winner of 2016, the Ukrainian periodical "Our Groshi", presented how the journalist was being given bribes so that not to publish the information on corruption. There had been so many suggestion of that kind that the journalists had a discussion on what amount of money to suggest, so that no one could pay it. "Of course, there are corrupted journalists, but our prize is so high that no one can buy us," said the Ukrainian journalist. To remind, A1+ was awarded with the prize in 2011. Jews and cancer... I received this information from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) and pass it along to you in part: "This is about the three cancers Jews need to worry about most, and how to reduce the risks." (As if Jews don't have enough to worry about.) "Specifically, Jews are at elevated risk for three types of the disease: melanoma, breast cancer and ovarian cancer. The perils are particularly acute for Jewish women. The higher prevalence of these illnesses isn't spread evenly among all Jews. The genetic mutations that result in higher incidence of cancer are concentrated among Ashkenazim, Jews of European descent. 'Ashkenazim are a more homogenous population from a genetic point of view, whereas the Sephardim are much more diverse,' said Dr. EPHRAT LEVY-LAHAD, director of Medical Genetics Institute at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem. But there is some hope. Susceptible populations can take certain precautions to reduce their risks, Recent medical advance have made early detection easier, significantly lowering the fatality rates from some cancers. And scientist are working on new approaches to fight these pernicious diseases, especially in Israel, where Ashkenazi Jews make up a larger proportion of the population than in any other country. Understanding risk factors and learning about preventative measures are key to improving cancer survival rates. Here's what you need to know: Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer. (What makes Jews more likely to get skin cancer than others?) It's a combination of genetics and behavior, according to Dr. HARRIET KLUGER, a cancer researcher at Yale University. On the genetics side, Ashkenazi Jews are significantly more likely to have the BRCA-2 genetic mutation that some studies have linked to higher rates of melanoma. The other factor, Israel's abundant sunshine, (and Florida) exacerbates the problems of sun-sensitive Jews of European origin. That's why Arabs and Israeli Orthodox Jews, whose more conservative dress leaves less skin exposed than does typical secular attire, have a lower incidence of the cancer. (Stay out of the sun, cover up more and have your skin tested once per year!) Breast cancer is already more common in developed, Western countries than elsewhere, likely because women who delay childbirth until later in life and have fewer children do not enjoy as much of the positive, cancer risk-reducing effects of the hormonal changes associated with childbirth. Ashkenazi Jews in particular have a significantly higher risk for breast cancer. They are about three times as likely as non-Ashkenazim to carry mutations in the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes that lead to a very high chance of developing cancer. Based on family history, including on the father's side, the chances could be even higher. (Get a mammogram at least once per year!) Of the three 'Jewish' cancers, ovarian cancer is the deadliest. Linked to the two BRCA mutations common among Jews, ovarian cancer is both stubbornly difficult to detect early and has a very high late-stage mortality rates. (Women should be screened for the mutations by age 30, so they know their risks.)" I suggest you show this article to your doctor and see what he has to say. I honestly don't have any particular knowledge on the subject of cancer and I plan to show this article to my doctor as well. It couldn't hurt! Remembering Jewish history... Sept. 30 was the birthday of Eliezer "Elie" Wiesel, noted Holocaust Survivor, award-winning novelist, journalist, human rights activist, and Nobel laureate. He died at his home in Manhattan on July 2, 2016. He was active in many causes, Jewish and non-Jewish. "The whole world knew what was happening in the concentration camps but did nothing," he explained. "That is why I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation." Learn and laugh... There will be a Central Florida Jewish Book Festival on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the JCC. Learn and Laugh with Jewish authors at the literary event of the year, co-presented by the Writer's Block Bookstore and The Roth Family JCC. There will be complimentary babysitting at the JCC for children 2-12; advanced registration is required and is done at the time tickets are purchased. General Admission (open seating) is $10 per talk; VIP Reserved Seat in First 2 Rows, $50 for all three talks, plus a meet-and-greet from 2:45 p.m. 3:45 p.m. with the authors. For more information, contact ROBBY ETZKIN, executive director, by phone at 407-621-4031 or by email at robbye@orlandojcc.org Movies at the JCC... On Sunday, Oct. 22, known as "Cinema Sundays," the JCC 39ers will be showing the film "The Boy in Blue," featuring Nicholas Cage and Christopher Plummer. The movie starts at 2 p.m. in the Senior Lounge of the JCC. Refreshments will be available. More JCC 39ers... On Monday, Oct. 23, at 1 p.m., there will be a program titled "Match The Faces." Those attending are asked to bring a photo of themselves (18 years or younger). There will be prizes for correct guesses. (Although I was always a great beauty, I refuse to bring a photo... NO WAY! NO HOW!) 50 Plus FYI EXPO... The 50 Plus FYI Network, Orange County Commission on Aging, Seminole County Triad and Senior Resource Alliance present the "50 PLUS FYI EXPO," hosted by the City of Winter Park, on Saturday, Oct. 21, (tomorrow) from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Winter Park Community Center, 721 W. New England Ave, Winter Park. Folks attending will have the chance to speak with experts about services and products for seniors. The Company Players will perform, as will jazz legend JACQUELINE JONES and guitarist FRED P. HODES. There will be food trucks and door prizes. Admission is free and parking is free. Health screenings are free and there will be free seminars! (Wow, seniors! This sounds fantastic!) Shout-Out... Robby Etzkin DANIELLE CHASTEN, a shift manager at Panera Bread on Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, is simply the best! She makes every customer feel special... so special that I plan to return to Panera Bread again and again and again and... One for the road... Izzy is sitting in shul one Shabbes morning when he falls asleep and starts to snore. The shammes quickly comes over to him, taps him softly on his shoulder and says, "Please stop your snoring, Izzy, you're disturbing the others in the shul." "Now look here," says Izzy, "I always pay my shul subscription in full so I feel I have a right to do whatever I want." "Yes, I agree," replies the shammes, "but your snoring is keeping everybody else awake." Nicolae Botezatu, sitting, with the rest of the cast of Romania's Jewish State Theater last year. BUCHAREST, Romania (JTA)-When the roof of the Jewish State Theater collapsed during a 2014 snowstorm, its director reluctantly knew it was finally time to abandon the century-old building in this capital city. Maia Morgenstern did not take the decision lightly. Following years of neglect by authorities, the Bucharest Jewish community had fought for decades to keep the storied theater afloat. The Jewish State Theater had been a major cultural institution for Central European Jews prior to the Holocaust. Later, during communism, it was the Romanian Jewish community's only independent institution. The ornate theater downtown flooded severely following the storm, destroying the wiring. "It was obvious we couldn't stay," Morgenstern, a well-known actress in Romania and the theater's director since 2012, recalled last month during an interview. So they didn't. Morgenstern-who is best known internationally for playing Mary, the mother of Jesus, in Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" - and the theater's 20-some employees packed up the surviving sets, costumes and gear. But the story of Bucharest's Jewish State Theater didn't end there. Instead, the Yiddish troupe's members leveraged their forced exile to raise awareness of the need to preserve the four-story building. How did they accomplish this? "We just took the costumes and relocated across the street," Morgenstern said, gesturing toward an empty lot. For weeks on end in early 2014, the performers put on free shows once or twice a day out in the open, in the freezing cold. The actors' devotion and talent did not go unnoticed. Despite bone-chilling cold, the shows attracted media and spectators. That, in turn, drew attention to the theater's uncertain future, despite vague assurances from city officials that it would reopen at some point. The increased exposure, Morgenstern said, put pressure on officials to solve the problem of the dilapidated theater, which was founded in the eastern Romanian city of Iasi and moved into the Bucharest building in 1941. For example, the decision to perform outside the ruined theater did not sit well with the mayor's office, Morgenstern said. "They asked twice if we don't mind to stop performing," she recalled. But Morgenstern, 55, persisted, citing her employees' salaries, which are paid by the state. (Morgenstern earns about $13,000 annually, a figure she revealed earlier this year to protest low wages in Romania's cultural sector.) "So if we get paid, we need to perform," she said. "And if the state doesn't give us a theater, we'll perform in this field. "It wasn't like we were protesting or anything," she added with a smile. Immediately following the collapse, city officials told the media that the building would be repaired. Behind the scenes, however, a blame game was being played: Local officials and a contractor entrusted with preserving the building argued over each other's responsibility and that of the theater. The sum required for restoring the theater, which was last renovated in 1956, was staggering at nearly $3 million. It made a huge dent in the municipal budget, which is so overstretched that even celebrations of Romania's national day are canceled occasionally for lack of funds. As city officials debated the problem, Morgenstern's team leveraged her celebrity status and the media's interest in the colorful spectacle outside the building to pressure City Hall. "This show is meant to be a warning to public opinion, but also for the authorities," said a statement announcing the open-air production in February 2014 of "Mazl Tov... And Justice For All!"-a musical comedy about the role of humor in Jewish tradition featuring Yiddish and Romanian songs. "Do not let a theater with a unique tradition and identity disappear from Europe's cultural landscape because of carelessness." And disappear it didn't. Last year, the Jewish State Theater-boasting a shiny new metal roof, reinforced foundations and a new wooden floor-reopened in time to host Romania's first international Yiddish theater event, with troupes appearing from Canada, the United States, Israel and Germany. City officials said they had worked tirelessly from the get-go to resolve the issue. While that may be true, Marcel Draghici, the theater's longtime executive producer, believes the outdoor performances "are part of the reason we reopened last year," he told JTA. Putting on a major production in an empty and frozen field was certainly a challenge, added Draghici, who like most of the theater's employees is not Jewish. "But, in a way," he said, "it felt like we were connecting to the old history of Jewish theater, which was often performed outside in shtetls, without theater houses." The theater performs mostly in Yiddish now before a predominantly non-Jewish crowd. And while the actors take special language courses, they don't always understand the exact meaning of the words they recite on stage, several of them said. Though speaking in Yiddish can lead to thespian complications, the language barrier was a boon during the communist dictatorship of Nicolae Ceausescu, who ruled Romania with an iron fist until his overthrow and execution in 1989. "Because we were talking Yiddish on stage, we could say things that weren't allowed to be said in Romania," Rudi Rosenfeld, 75, a Jewish actor who has been involved in the theater since the late 1940s, told The New York Times earlier this year. "The audience had headphones on and our colleagues were translating into Romanian, but they would skip the sensitive parts." Morgenstern was among several dozen Jews who gathered at the theater and stayed there during the chaotic days of the bloody revolt against Ceausescu in which security police killed dozens of protesters. "It was my second home," she said. "We went there because it offered us a sense of safety." The only time that Yiddish was not permitted at the theater was during World War II, when the pro-Nazi regime of Ion Antonescu allowed the institution to remain open, even as preparations were made for the murder of half of Romania's Jewish population of 800,000. Today, with Romania's post-Holocaust Jewish population at about 10,000, non-Jews account for the majority of the thousands of people who come to the Jewish State Theater to see its productions-a varied repertoire ranging from classics by Avrom Goldfadn and Sholem Aleichem to irreverent satires by the Israeli cinematographer Hillel Mittelpunkt. And though they don't speak a word of Yiddish, some of the regulars prefer performances in that language. "I follow the subtitles in Romanian," said Elena Albu, a 23-year-old university student who comes to the theater at least twice a year. "But I prefer to go to the Yiddish productions because it's like reconnecting to the rich culture this city and country lost." In 1993, Harris Rosen adopted Tangelo Park, a poor, predominately African American neighborhood not far from the I-Drive tourist corridor that made him rich, 2011. An historical exhibition recounting more than 100 years of Jewish community life in Central Florida couldn't take place without honoring the machers and mensches of the community. The heavy hitters. The movers and shakers. The deep pockets. Or, in other words, the successful individuals who have made it a priority to give back as much, if not far more than they have received. The criteria used to select these generous philanthropists was simple and straightforward. Gifts to local agencies and organizations had to be single commitments of $1 million or more. They could not be a cumulative giving record of more than $1 million. They did not have to be gifts to Jewish organizations. Any $1 million gift within the broad Central Florida community counted. Otherwise, there would be hundreds, if not thousands of individuals listed who have made charitable giving a lifetime commitment. So who are some of these amazingly generous, and at times surprising individuals and families you'll come across at Kehillah: A History of Jewish Life in Greater Orlando? First try to answer these questions: 1. Who has made the largest charitable gift in the history of Jewish Orlando AND Florida Hospital? 2. Who is as well known for her fashion statements as she is for her philanthropy? 3. Who has resurrected poor neighborhoods, built Jewish community centers, and donated millions to earthquake relief? 4. Who bugged Central Florida so much he not only made millions, he gave millions back to his congregation, the University of Florida, the Dr. Phillips Center AND The Orlando Science Center? 5. Who made kids' dreams come true at a village that became a world? Other notable philanthropists whom you'll meet include: Jeff and Rita Adler, who made the first $1 million gift to Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando for the 2000 capital campaign to dedicate the JCC Early Childhood Learning Center. The Adlers have also made $1 million gifts to Congregation Ohev Shalom and are major patrons of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Marion and Joe Brechner, who endowed the University of Florida with the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information, Brechner Eminent Scholar and the Marion Brechner First Amendment Project, gifts totaling over $3 million. Jerry Roth, who has given generously to both The Roth Family JCC (named in his family's honor) and UCF. The Florida Hospital Ginsburg Tower is one of many charitable contributions of Alan Ginsburg. Phil and Harvey Kobrin, brothers who donated part of their grandparents' Maitland grove for construction of the Jewish Community Campus. Harvey and his late wife, Nancye, donated $1 million to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Orlando, and more recently, the Kobrin Family Foundation gave a $1 million gift to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Of course this is not nearly a conclusive list. If you want to learn more about the many Jews who have helped make Greater Orlando the thriving metropolis it is today, visit Kehillah: A History of Jewish Life in Greater Orlando, a collaborative exhibition presented by its host institution, the Orange County Regional History Center, and the Greater Orlando Jewish Community. The exhibit will be on display from Nov. 12, 2017 through Feb. 20, 2018. Answers: 1. Alan Ginsburg 2. Harriett Lake 3. Harris Rosen 4. Chuck Steinmetz 5. Henri Landwirth. For over a decade and a half, Brundibar was the performance that almost happened. A large file folder, still held by the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center, documents the history. In 2001, Tess Wise, the Holocaust Centers founder and then-executive director, had a big vision: she was planning to bring an Israeli childrens choir to Orlando to perform this historic opera. The contents of the folder reveal how it almost happened, and how it didnt. Emails and receipts show that the space was booked at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center. Press releases were sent to the Orlando Sentinel. Everything seemed in order, but things fell through, mostly because of finances; Brundibar couldnt happen, not that year. It would be 16 years before Brundibar would come to the Orlando stage, but this lost dream has been realized; in partnership with Opera Orlando and Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, two of Orlandos cultural beacons, the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center is thrilled to host a performance of this powerful childrens opera. The commemoration and performances will take place on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 2 p.m. at the Rosen Jewish Community Center at 11184 S. Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32836. A special talk from American composer Lori Laitman will be presented on Thursday, Nov. 2, at 6 p.m. at the Holocaust Center. Visitors to the Thursday evening program will hear about not only the process of creating the composition, but about its significance. Executive Director of the Holocaust Center, Pam Kancher, is extraordinarily grateful for this partnership. We are thrilled to fulfill the dream of our founder and Holocaust Survivor, Tess Wise, by bringing Brundibar to our community. We are so grateful for the significant partnership with Opera Orlando and the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras, without whom we would not be able to present this incredible project. Brundibar was written by Czech composer Hans Krasa for a 1939 competition whose winner would never be declared. When Germany invaded the present-day Czech Republic, Krasa was imprisoned in Terezin. It was here that he decided to stage the unperformed opera, casting the camps children in the roles. The opera tells the story of two children who must raise money to buy milk for their sick mother, but are repeatedly thwarted by Brundibar, the town bully. But through teamwork and by standing up to injustice, they defeat Brundibar. Terezin was considered the model camp; when the Red Cross, concerned that the concentration camps were not the paradise of Hitlers propaganda, visited the camp in June of 1944 they were treated to a performance of the opera. Brundibar, for those imprisoned in Terezin, became a metaphor for Hitler. Maybe that was not what Krasa had intended originally, but there, performed inside the concentration camp, when the children came together with their fists raised in the air as they marched against Brundibar in unison, the powerful metaphor was unmistakable. Even still, this proved to be too subtle for the audience of foreign dignitaries and Nazi officers who later celebrated its performance. The opera was performed 55 times by the children in the camp. For them, the music and story were a source of inspiration and hope; it was a much-needed escape from the daily fears and suffering that came with surviving in the camp. It was not the only way that children found escape. Vedem, Czech for in the lead, was the project of about a hundred boys who lived in a single house of the camp. Featuring poetry, literary reviews, jokes, and essays, it was circulated in secret. The boys knew that its discovery would result in their death. It was never found, and miraculously, over 700 pages survived the war. In 2010, American composer Lori Laitman drew from the poetry written in the magazine, alongside contemporary libretto written by David Mason, to create an oratorio by the same name. Sung by a youth choir, Vedem is a story of resilience, resistance, and survival. In memory of the children of Terezin, it is now a tradition for Brundibar to be performed by an all-youth cast. Through these performances, young artists will be able to explore the themes of inclusion, perseverance, and teamwork. Robin Jensen, Music and Education Director of Opera Orlando who will be preparing the Opera Orlando Youth Company for the performance, believes that this is an incredible way for the companys aspiring young artists to learn about these powerful lessons from history and how theyre still relevant. The performances of Brundibar and Vedem will cause our cast to imagine themselves in the same situation as the children imprisoned in the concentration camp, explained Jensen. They will be challenged by this but Im confident that their hearts will grow while they gain a personal understanding of this once terrible reality. Were grateful to both the Holocaust Center and the Youth Orchestra for this collaboration and giving our company this opportunity. The young orchestra players will also be given a chance to engage with the power of the music. The FSYO Symphonic members and I are happy to be part of this project of remembrance and were honored to use our talents to keep the voices of the original performers alive, said Hanrich Claassen, FSYO Symphonic Orchestra Conductor and Music Director. For information about sponsorships and tickets, visit holocaustedu.org. For the third straight year, students at the Jewish Academy of Orlando are performing at least two grade levels ahead of their peers nationwide. These results are based on the average total scores in each class. The test scores, from April 2017, were taken using the nationally recognized Iowa Test of Basic Skills (commonly known as the "Iowa Assessments.") The Iowa Assessment is a nationally standardized achievement test for K-12 students, allowing schools to compare their students' scores to national norms in Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science. The Iowa Assessments rank the students' scores by grade level equivalents. As a general guide, a score of 7.9 for a 5th grader means the student is testing on an achievement continuum at a level equivalent to a 7th grader in their ninth month, or also reads they are 2 years and 9 months ahead of their current grade level. "We are always thrilled to see our students' scores, but we are not surprised," said Alan Rusonik, who is beginning his fourth year of Head of School. "Jewish Academy of Orlando has a history of ranking top in the nation." A large number of private schools in various states utilize this test to measure grade-level performance. Further, the IOWA test instrument is often paired with an IQ instrument such as WISC-IV or the CogAT for entrance into gifted and talented programs and National Honor Society. "We challenge every student to the best of their ability. Differentiated learning," Rusonik explained, "adjusts learning, projects, homework and classwork to meet the needs of each individual student. Through differentiated learning, our teachers may increase the speed at which a student covers the material. This could include opportunities for instruction years beyond their current grade level with advanced material." Teaching to the test is not the practice of the Jewish Academy of Orlando. "We use this test for a variety of reasons, one of which is to measure our student body performance against national norms. It also serves as one of many indicators teachers use to gauge how well students have learned benchmarks at each grade level," says Rusonik. "These tests also allow us to understand where we need to refine and review our accelerated curriculum." To further support Jewish education and your local Jewish day school, or for any questions, please contact Alan Rusonik, Head of School, at 407-647-0713. On Monday evening, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m.Chabad of Greater Orlando will have an open meeting about Medicare. Titled Understanding All Aspects of Medicare, Ashley Bracha Leibowitz will talk about and answer all questions about the Medicare and the Open Enrollment period. This meeting will be beneficial to those who are about to join Medicare, have family who need to understand Medicare or are presently enrolled. Chabad of Greater Orlando is located at 708 Lake Howell Road. Any questions call Ruth Ort at 407-960-1080. (J. The Jewish News of Northern California via JTA)-A kosher winery in Northern California sustained widespread damage from a wildfire still raging along the southern part of the Silverado Trail in Napa County. Ernie Weir, owner of Hagafen Cellars, the North Bay's only kosher winery, said Wednesday that all employees are safe and the main winery building is intact, but that the fire destroyed fencing, all of the agricultural equipment, a guest house, nearly an acre of Cabernet Sauvignon vines and all of the property's trees. "What this all will mean for vintage 2017 is yet to be determined," he wrote in an email. Weir said he is "reasonably certain" that the winery will be able to recover from the destruction "and continue" in business. The winery was founded in 1979. As wildfires continue to rip through the North Bay Area, the Jewish community is reaching out to help those most affected by the devastation-including Jewish families who have been evacuated, some of whom have lost their homes. There have been 17 confirmed deaths, dozens of injuries, and more than 2,000 homes and structures destroyed. The majority of the fatalities are from Sonoma County, where the city of Santa Rosa sustained heavy damage. Rabbi Mendel Wolvovsky of Chabad of Sonoma has been fielding calls from members of his community and with his wife, Altie, has been visiting those affected. They are making the rounds of nearby shelters that are housing people displaced by the blaze and handing out home-cooked meals. "There are people in our community who have lost their homes, who have lost everything they have," he told J. "We have been visiting with them, comforting them, seeing what they need, making sure everyone has proper housing." "A lot of Jews live in the Fountaingrove neighborhood," he said, referring to an area of Santa Rosa that has been heavily damaged. Congregation Beth Ami in Santa Rosa is canceling its Sukkot celebration planned for Wednesday evening, and instead will hold a healing service at 6 p.m. in the synagogue. Four member families have lost their homes in the fires, according to an email sent to the community. The B'nai Israel Jewish Center in Petaluma is holding a joint Simchat Torah celebration Thursday at 6:30 pm. with Congregation Ner Shalom of Cotati. In an email sent to the general community, Rabbi Ted Feldman of B'nai Israel noted that several Ner Shalom families have taken shelter in the B'nai Israel building, not knowing whether their homes are still standing. "This is a good time to bring our communities together to celebrate Simchat Torah and express our yearnings for healing in these difficult moments," he wrote. "Even if Simchat Torah has not been on your agenda, I would propose your participation as an opportunity to help find each other's strength as our community members struggle." The Jewish institution most affected so far by the wildfires was the Reform movement's Camp Newman in Santa Rosa, where most of the buildings were reported destroyed on Monday afternoon. On Wednesday, the staff tried again to reach the property and assess the damage, but could not get near enough to tell. "We couldn't get within five miles of the property," said communications director Alaina Yoakum. "The fires are still very active, and the roads are blocked." This Friday night, a number of congregations in the Bay Area and Los Angeles will be holding what they are calling Camp Newman Pop-Up Shabbat services. "We told the clergy we reached out to that it can be whatever they want it to be," Yoakum said. "Many will sing 'Hashkivenu,' which is about spreading a shelter of peace over us. I think that's so beautiful, a temporary shelter of peace over the community. "It's a testament to the love in our community, their willingness to come together to support and help one another. I'm sure camp music will be playing this Friday in all corners of the Bay Area." (JNS.org)A global observance of Shabbat with hundreds of special events being held in local Jewish communities around the worldincluding new events in Togo, Mozambique and Venezuelais slated for Oct. 27-28. Locally, Sarah Gittleson of SPARK/JOIN Orlando will be hosting a Challah Bake on Thursday, Oct. 26, at the JOIN House, 109 Water Oak Lane, Altamonte Springs. (Seats are limited to 30 participants, so pre-registration is required. If the event is sold out, please put yourself on the waitlist. Register at thechallahclub.eventbrite.com) Rabbi Gabi Gittleson of JOIN is encouraging people to create their own Shabbat experiences, using the Shabbat Project platform. Please go to Shabbat.com to read more about the project. The worldwide observance day, started by The Shabbat Project, brings Jews together to keep a single Shabbat. It began as a local South African event in 2013, initiated by South African Chief Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein, who proposed the idea of hosting a communal Shabbat experience. Over the past few years, it has been nothing short of thrilling and deeply inspiring to witness Jews come together across every conceivable dividelanguage, culture, ethnicity, geography, observance, Goldstein said in a statement. For the first time this year, the cities of Lome (Togo) and Maputo (Mozambique) are hosting Shabbat Project events, as are Larnaca (Cyprus), Asuncion (Paraguay) and Venezuela. They are joined by nearly 160 cities in Israel and more than 500 cities in the U.S. A combined 1 million Jews in 1,152 cities in 95 countries are expected to take part in events this year, according to the Shabbat Project. Sydney, Australia, will usher in Shabbat at an open-air musical event overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge. In Brazil, Recifes Kahal Zur Israel synagoguethe oldest synagogue in the Americas, erected in 1636is opening its doors for a series of events. The South African cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg are hosting dark tisch, a Friday night celebration held in total darkness. WASHINGTON (JTA)-Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer renewed his call for President Donald Trump to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem after the president said he wanted to wait to give his relaunched peace push a chance. "President Trump's recent comments suggest his indecisiveness on the embassy's relocation," Schumer, D-N.Y., said Tuesday in an email to JTA. "As someone who strongly believes that Jerusalem is the undivided capital of Israel, I am calling for the U.S. Embassy in Israel to be relocated to Jerusalem. Moving the embassy as soon as possible would appropriately commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of Jerusalem's reunification and show the world that the U.S. definitively acknowledges Jerusalem as Israel's capital." Trump in an interview last week with Mike Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor turned TV personality who is known for his pro-Israel activism, said the time was not ripe to move the embassy. "I want to give that a shot before I even think about moving the embassy to Jerusalem," Trump said, referring to his efforts to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. Trump had promised while campaigning to move the embassy, but in June he waived a 1995 law mandating the movie, as every president has done before him. The Zionist Organization of America also decried Trump's walk-back from his campaign pledge. "While the ZOA understands that President Trump has not yet made a final decision on the embassy move, the deferral of a decision to move the embassy in accordance with his pre-election pledges-pledges which were repeated by his spokesmen Jason Greenblatt and current Ambassador to Israel David Friedman just before the election and also by spokesman Kellyanne Conway after his election-sends a message of weakness, and a message that the U.S. fears Palestinian violent reaction," ZOA's president, Morton Klein, said in a statement Monday. Chabad Centers of Metro Orlando will recount 2000 years of Jewish history through the lens of six epic debates that rocked the Jewish world and still resound powerfully today. Beginning at the end of October, at six locations throughout Orlando, Chabad will be offering a new six-session course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI), titled Great Debates in Jewish History. Please visit http://www.myJLI.com for location, dates and times. In commemoration of 70 years since archeologist Eleazar Sukenik purchased the first Dead Sea Scroll in November of 1957, the community is invited to examine and unlock the stories of these ancient manuscripts and what their texts reveal about the heated dispute between the Dead Sea Sect and the Jewish establishment. Judaism welcomes debate and discourse, Rabbi Sholom Dubov of Chabad of Greater Orlando, told The Heritage.This JLI course invites participants to gain fascinating insight into six mega-debates that have split the Jewish community throughout our historyand some of these matters continue to be debated today! Great Debates in Jewish History raises such questions as: Why were the authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls opposed to rabbinic interpretation? What motivated the rebels at Masada? And what is the Jewish perspective on taking up arms in situations where defeat is inevitable? What role does nationalism play in Judaism? Are faith and reason mutually exclusive? What motivated the anti-Maimonideans in banningand even burningsome of Maimonidess works? And is religion designed to be a private and personal experience, or one to be proudly paraded in the public domain? Our goal is to invite participants to seek out the rationale behind both sides of each debateeven sides they may disagree with, explained Rabbi Mendy Bronstein, of Chabad of Altamonte Springs. In doing so, we hope to unite the community around the very issues that have divided us for so long, Like all JLI programs, this course is designed to appeal to people at all levels of knowledge, including those without any prior experience or background in Jewish learning. All JLI courses are open to the public, and attendees need not be affiliated with a particular synagogue, temple, or other house of worship. Interested students may visit http://www.myJLI.com for registration and for other course-related information. WASHINGTON (JTA)The Supreme Court is back in session with a full bench of nine justices, so expect more momentous decisions after nearly a year of caution. Now that the high court is back to its previous equilibriumfour solid liberals, four solid conservatives and one wavering conservativeexpect all eyes to be focused on the waverer, Anthony Kennedy. And after a relatively quiet season, owing to the absence of a ninth justice following the death in February 2016 of Antonin Scalia, a conservative icon, Jewish groups are on alert as well. The new judge, Neil Gorsuch, appears to be comfortably slipping into Scalias slot. So far, the Federalist Society would approve, said Marc Stern, the general counsel for the American Jewish Committee, referring to Gorsuch, who joined the court in April as its previous season, and the leading conservative legal group. Presidents and their staffs now more closely vet judges, Stern said, and surprises are much less likely. The judges now have known tendencies, its much more institutionalized, he said. The return to a conservative majority, with Kennedy an occasional swing vote, worries liberal Jewish groups and heartens right-leaning ones, mostly Orthodoxespecially in the case of a baker who refused to sell a wedding cake to a gay couple. Civil liberties groups are also closely watching a case of what they see as gerrymandering by the Republican-led State Legislature in Wisconsin. Heres a look at some of the cases and where Jewish groups are. Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission Jack Phillips, a Colorado baker, refused to bake a wedding cake for Charlie Craig and David Mullins in 2012, saying that to do so would violate his religious beliefs. The couple took him to the states Civil Rights Commission, which ruled that he could not turn away gay couples. A state court upheld the ruling; now its at the Supreme Court. Last month, a prominent ally joined Phillips: the Trump administration. Jewish groups are filing friend-of-the-court briefs on both sides of the case, with an array of Orthodox groups siding with Phillips. The Anti-Defamation League and the Reform movement are siding with the couple. ADL has already been involved with the case at the state level. In a statement to JTA, the group said it urged the court to reject arguments that religious or moral disapproval is a legitimate basis for discrimination against minority groups. The National Jewish Commission on Law and Public Affairs, a group helmed by the father-daughter legal team of Nathan and Alyza Lewin that often represents Orthodox groups, is backing the baker. It cites in its amicus brief Talmudic prohibitions on assisting others in carrying out avodah zarah, or prohibited acts. The personal duty to avoid meaningful participation in another persons religiously prohibited behavior is, under Jewish Law, a primary obligation and not merely a form of secondary observance, the brief says. The Orthodox Union and Agudath Israel of America, which signed on to the Lewins brief, have also joined other separate friend-of-the-court briefs in a reflection of the importance of the case for the Orthodox. For a religious minority community, the Masterpiece case is a big case, said Nathan Diament, the Orthodox Unions Washington director. Theres a way to balance religious liberty and LGBT rights that doesnt have to end in culture wars. Oral arguments, the equivalent of tea leaves for Supreme Court watchers, have yet to take place, so it may be too early to speculate on how the court will split. One possible clue: Kennedy wrote the decision in 2015 that codified gay marriage as legal. Gill v. Whitford Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg says this case, involving redistricting, is among the most important facing the court this session, and an array of Jewish civil liberties group that signed on to an amicus brief agree. The case addresses redistricting by the Wisconsin State Legislature in 2011 that created a situation in which, the ADL said in a statement to JTA, Republicans would be able to maintain a 54-seat majority (of the 99 Assembly seats) while only garnering 48 percent of the statewide vote, while Democrats would have to get 54 percent of the vote to capture a majority of the seats. That poses a threat to American democracy, according to a brief filed on behalf of a number of civil liberties groups, three of them Jewish: the ADL, the American Jewish Committee and the National Council of Jewish Women. Severe partisan gerrymanders cannot be resolved by the democratic political process, because the very nature of the problem is that severe partisan gerrymanders subvert the democratic political process, the amicus brief reads. Without this Courts intervention and setting of limits on severe partisan gerrymandering, our system will devolve into precisely what our Founders declared our independence from: government administered by an entrenched ruling class, rather than by the consent of the people. Stern of the AJC said a far-reaching ruling could finally crack the epidemic of gerrymandering, which has plagued Democratic-led states as well, like California and Maryland. It is the blockbuster case that will affect the nature of American democracy for the foreseeable future, he said. Court watchers say the four liberal judges will likely remove redistricting powers from the legislature, while the four solid conservatives will uphold the legislatures right to go about its business without federal interference. Oral arguments took place last week, but Kennedythe swing votedid not show his hand. International Refugee Assistance vs. Trump This case addresses President Donald Trumps two executive orders earlier this year placing a temporary ban on entry to refugees and to citizens of six Muslim majority countries. Trump in September added Venezuela and North Koreanon-Muslim majority countriesto the travel ban. That led the court to remove the case from its schedule and ask the litigants to consider whether the case is now moot because the case for religious discrimination appears to have diminished. The government is arguing that the case is indeed no longer relevant. The plaintiffs, including HIAS, the leading immigration advocacy group in the Jewish community, say they still want their case in court, arguing that even if religious discrimination is no longer the issue, the status of refugees remains very much relevant. In an amicus brief filed before the courts removal of the case, the ADL, the Reform movement and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, the umbrella body for Jewish public policy groups, made the protection of refugees central to their arguments against the ban, in particular citing the tragic results of European Jews being turned away before the Holocaust We turned our backs on the St. Louis, a ship with nearly 1,000 Jews fleeing Nazi Germany, condemning hundreds of them to their deaths; we passed laws that overtly excluded and discriminated against the Chinese; and we rounded up more than 100,000 Japanese Americans and interned them in prison camps in the 1940s, the brief says. In each instance, when we later realized that we had strayed from our principles, we were left to apologize to the people who had suffered, or to their descendants, or to the memory of those who perished without descendants, in each case promising to learn from our mistakes and not to repeat them. On Sunday, Nov. 5, Temple Israel Sisterhood, together with friends and community members, will head south to Pompano Beach for a day of adventure and camaraderie. There will be bagels, snacks and water to nosh on, and a comedy video and movie to watch while driving down. It always makes for a very pleasant and fast ride. You can arrange to meet your south Florida family and friends at the Food Court, for additional enjoyment. First stop will be the famous Festival Flea Market where everyone can shop 'till they drop. The second stop will be at Glick's Kosher Market in Delray Beach. It is exciting to see the terrific variety of Kosher Foods they have available for you to take home. You can stock up on your favorite things (don't forget to bring a cooler for refrigerated items). The cost is $45 per person and gentlemen are invited as well as ladies in the community to go with us. The bus will leave promptly at 8 a.m. from the parking lot at the Jewish Academy (behind the JCC on Maitland Avenue). Participants should arrive 30 minutes before departure to put away coolers and get settled in your seats. Approximate return time will be 8 p.m. Call Phyllis Kamenoff at 407-389-0828 to make your reservation, if you would like to join us. WASHINGTON, D.C.President Trump announced on Oct. 12 that the United States will withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural Organization because of its anti-Israel bias. The withdrawal will take effect on Dec. 31, 2018 but the U.S. may remain involved as a nonmember observer state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the U.S. decision to leave UNESCO brave and moral. He said he has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to also prepare for Israels withdrawal. UNESCO has a record of fostering anti-Semitism, including the decision to include Palestine as a member in 2011, though Israel and its allies are far outnumbered by Arab countries and their supporters. While the U.S. stopped funding UNESCO after it voted to include Palestine as a member, the State Department has maintained a UNESCO office at its Paris headquarters and sought to weigh in on policy behind the scenes. The withdrawal means the U.S. will halt the debt it has run-up since it stopped funding the organization in 2011 to protest the admission of the Palestinian Authority as a full member. By the end of 2017, the unpaid U.S. bill will amount to $550 million. The Trump administrations proposed budget for the next fiscal year contained no provision for the possibility that UNESCO funding restrictions might be lifted. UNESCO has a history of anti-Semitism and an irrational bias against Israel, said Mat Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, president of Christians in Defense of Israel, and founder and president of Covenant Journey. It is about time we withdrew. President Trump is sending the message that there are consequences for UNESCOs actions. Finally, we have a president who will stand with Israel and who is willing to take action, said Staver Two Republican state lawmakers in Wisconsin last week introduced legislation to prohibit businesses from engaging in boycotts of Israel as a condition of any state contract. In recent years, more than 20 U.S. states have passed legislation condemning BDS or prohibiting government business with entities that boycott Israel, with additional statesincluding Wisconsinexpected to follow before the end of the year. Released by State Sen. Leah Vukmir and State Rep. Dale Kooyenga, the bill is currently being circulated among both chambers for co-sponsors. The measure states that it prohibits any state agency or other body in state government and any local governmental unit, including a special purpose district, from adopting a rule, ordinance, policy, or procedure that involves the state agency or local governmental unit in a boycott of Israel or a person doing business in Israel or in a territory under Israeli jurisdiction. It also requires contracts for materials, supplies, equipment, and services between state purchasing agents and nongovernmental entities to include a provision that the nongovernmental entity is not currently participating, or will not for the duration of the contract participate, in a prohibited boycott. Vukmir said in a statement, Boycotts of Israel must be fought because they do not just attack the Jewish state. This propaganda campaign is also the basis for newly emboldened and destructive anti-Semitic attitudes. Israel stands as the only democracy in the Middle East, offering a voice not only to the Jewish citizens of Israel, but to all citizens of Israel regardless of their age, race, sex or religion, Kooyenga said. This bill demonstrates that Wisconsin is serious about standing with Israel, as our republic has since Israels founding nearly 70 years ago. Peggy Shapiro, Midwest director of the pro-Israel education organizationStandWithUs, recalled that she met wit Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisc almost two years ago, and she was adamant about protecting IsraelWisconsins relationship, and making suretaxpayers were not complicit in acts of anti-Semitism. oday, tandWithUs is very proud to see Wisconsin engage in a bipartisan rejection of anti-Semitism and discrimination against Israel, Shapiro told the Haym Salomon Center. Joining StandWithUs and other groups to advance anti-BDS legislation in Wisconsin is the self-described largest pro-Israel organization in the country, Christians United for Israel (CUFI). With the backing of its nearly 3.6 million members, the groups lobbying arm, the CUFI Action Fund, said it played a significant role in bringing this issue to the forefront. CUFI members across the country are fed up with BDS and excited to act to stop it, said CUFI board member David Brog. In Wisconsin, our local leaders were able to join with the Jewish community to make a powerful pro-Israel team and secure the introduction of a strong anti-BDS bill. We look forward to working with our partners to ensure that this bill becomes law and Wisconsin becomes the 23rd state to stand up to BDS. The BDS campaign against the Jewish state began in 2005, claiming to be a form of non-violent resistance against Israels so-called settler colonialism, apartheid and occupation over the Palestinian people. A study conducted last year by the anti-Semitism watchdog group AMCHA Initiative examined more than 100 public and private colleges and universities from January to June of 2016. It found that 287 anti-Semitic incidents occurred at 64 schools, compared to 198 occurrences during the same period the previous year, reflecting a 45-percent increase. The study revealed a rapidly growing correlation between anti-Semitism and BDS activism. Paul Miller is president of the Haym Salomon Center news and public policy group Haym Salomon Center. Follow him on Twitter: @pauliespoint and @salomoncenter. Last month, former CIA officer Valerie Plame crossed a line on social media even the mainstream liberal media couldnt ignore. Plame gained fame due to her unmasking at a time when her husband was a prominent critic of the George W. Bush administrations Iraq War policy. But her status as a liberal icon took a hit when she retweeted an anti-Semitic polemic that claimed Jews were responsible for pushing the U.S. into wars in the Middle East for Israels sake. Plame defended the piece before eventually issuing a weasel-worded apology that further damaged her reputation. But the interesting aspect of this incident was the way some critics of Israel sought to disassociate their slanders of supporters of the Jewish state from the sort of anti-Semitic invective Plame had promoted. The Washington Posts Molly Roberts whined that Plames open hate discredited an otherwise reasonable argument about Israel and its friends playing the puppet master on unsuspecting Americans. While almost all of the attention devoted to anti-Semitism in the weeks since the Charlottesville incident has been devoted to hate from neo-Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan, Roberts was unhappy that the attention devoted to Plame changed the narrative to one about the intolerant left and because it undermined her desire to have a debate about the outsize role Israel plays in American foreign policy. But the problem is that those who single out Israel and its supporters in this fashion inevitably traffic in age-old anti-Semitic themes that cannot be disguised as scholarship or legitimate debate. What Roberts seems to want is a rehashing of The Israel Lobby thesis promoted by authors John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt a decade ago. They claimed Israel and its supporters, especially the AIPAC lobby, were buying the votes of members of Congress to do Israels bidding against the best interests of Americans. As it happens, Walt resurfaced this week with an article in The Forward in which he claimed history proved us right in the authors smears of the pro-Israel community. Pointing to the growing anti-Israel sentiment on the left, Walt thinks his stand is somehow vindicated. But The Israel Lobby thesis was based on two big lies. One was that in Walt and Mearsheimers telling, the effort to impose the pro-Israel agenda on the nation was depicted as a conspiracy so vast that it contradicts the authors premise that it was a minority manipulating a majority. Since most Americans support Israel and view it as a fellow democracy with common values under attack by forces that opposed those principles, the claim that the Jewish tail was wagging the American dog is absurd. Second, the nature of Walt and Mearsheimers arguments hinged on anti-Semitic stereotypes about Jews buying influence or manipulating unsuspecting gentiles. The focus on the lobby as the greatest force in U.S. politics was also a distortion that ignored the work other more powerful lobbies. Singling out Israel and its supporters in this manner betrayed an agenda that was built on prejudice, not a defense of American interests. While Walt continues to deny the anti-Semitic nature of his work, it is telling that in his Forward article he cites, among other things, the rise of Jewish Voice for Peace, a group that engages in openly anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist incitement, as proof his stand was correct. He and Roberts ignore the reality of the conflict in which a Palestinian political culture rejects peace on any terms, while Israels destruction is the only genuine obstacle to its resolution. The context for this effort is important because while most Jews are still focused on President Donald Trumps wrongheaded comments about Charlottesville, the Democratic Party is becoming increasingly hostile to Israel. After eight years during which President Barack Obamas efforts to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government only worsened the conflict with the Palestinians, and his appeasement of Iran drove Sunni Arab states into the arms of the Israelis, talk of a suppressed debate about the Jewish states disproportionate influence is ridiculous. But now that we have a president who, despite other obvious faults, isnt obsessed with the idea of saving Israel from itself or in empowering an Iranian regime that is as much of a threat to the U.S. and the Arab states as it is to Israel, as Obama was, its unsurprising that some on the left want to revive this dishonest discussion. In the 10 years since The Israel Lobby was first published, a rising tide of anti-Semitism has swept across the globe, fueled in part by smears of Israel and Jews like those Walt helped spread. That is an indictment of his work, not a vindication. Those who want to besmirch Israels supporters as undermining U.S. interests without being rightly labeled as anti-Semites are fooling no one. Jonathan S. Tobin is opinion editor of JNS.org and a contributor to National Review Online. Follow him on Twitter at: @jonathans_tobin. In recent weeks, we have once against seen a flare up around the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), otherwise known as the Iran Deal, this time over whether President Trump will recertify the deal, as he is required to do every 90 days. Two years later after the signing of the JCPOA, it almost feels like we are back where we started. But we are not. Not at all. And that is the real issue. Indeed, two years later, we can argue about Iranian compliance and inspections regimes. We can dither about domestic political processes. But what we cannot argue about is the staggering loss of life in the Middle East, due to Irans belligerence. What we cannot argue with is the ascendance of a hateful, violent ideology that literally assures further violence. What we cannot argue with is the creeping normalization of an abnormal regime whose values clash, not with Western values, but with human values. And that is what we should be talking aboutHow do we stop Irans reign of terror in its tracks. ADL cares about how the international community engages with Iran, because of our century-old mission: to fight anti-Semitism, promote Jewish security, and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. In terms of loss of life, Iran is directly responsible for the prolonging of the Syrian Civil War that killed nearly half a million people and dislodged over 11 million people, the largest refugee crisis since World War II. The unrepentant support of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for the brutal dictator Bashar Assad sustained a ruler who employed barrel bombs to murder his own citizens; who gassed dozens of people to death in a manner that evoked Saddam Hussein; whose troops committed horrific human rights violations that spurred worldwide revulsionexcept in Tehran where he was hailed as hero. Just last week, a senior Iranian parliamentary delegation visited Damascus and praised Assad for defeat[ing] plans by the axis of America, the Zionist regime and their regional allies. It is inarguable that the Iranian regime single-handedly propped up a ruthless autocrat who literally has ground his own country to dust. But this should not surprise us. Iranian-backed Shiite militias in Iraq used equally ruthless tactics to murder as many as 500 American servicemen deployed to Iraq to help rebuild a broken nation. Iranian-backed Shiite militias in Yemen have used equally reprehensible tactics to wreak havoc on that country and spark a violent civil war. And Israeli officials believe that the Iranian-backed Hezbollah terror organization in Lebanon has gained control over elements of the countrys military. You dont need to be a social scientist to see a pattern. But beyond the terror that Iran already has spread across the Middle East, it is undeniable that they promise to wreak even more violence in the years ahead. Iran continues to threaten to obliterate Israel, engages in extreme anti-Americanism and anti-Israelism, refuses to surrender its belligerent ballistic missile program, is the worlds foremost sponsor of terrorism, engages in state-sponsored anti-Semitism, and commits a litany of egregious human rights violations against Bahai and other vulnerable minority communities including women, LGBTQ, the press, bloggers and political activists. Each one of these offenses alone should compel us to action, but collectively it should shock all of us out of our complacency. Should President Trump decide to decertify the JCPOA, the spotlight will be on Congress to take action on Iran. This will provide an important opportunity to turn attention to the most urgent questionhow do we stop Irans reign of terror in its tracks. This can and should be done while ensuring the JCPOA is fully enforced in collaboration with our allies in the international community. Steps Congress can take include: International leadership to hold the Iranian regime responsible for its deplorable human rights record. Targeting Irans continued support for international terrorism, including arming and training Hezbollah. Sanctions against the IRGC are an important part of this effort. Committing to working with world leaders to enact tougher sanctions on Irans continued building and testing of their illicit ballistic missile program. Engaging with Israel on the so-called Syrian ceasefire, in order to more fully address Israels security concerns regarding Irans growing presence in Syria. This does not mean taking steps that would derail the JCPOA. There are compelling security and diplomatic reasons, well- articulated by experts such as Amos Yadlin, that a reimposition of sanctions and an unraveling of the deal would not only have a negative impact on Americas international leadership and foreign affairs priorities, but could bring immediate threats from Iran. But there is an opportunity now to reset the terms of this debate. We need to resist the call for war but launch a campaign for peace with Iranand call on the country to foster peace for its minorities, make peace with its neighbors, and support peace for the entire region. When Iran is prepared to take these steps, that will be a conversation worth certifying. Jonathan A. Greenblatt is CEO and National Director of the Anti-Defamation League. NEW YORK (JTA)Stephen Bannon, whose anti-globalist insurgency at Breitbart News was interrupted briefly by his tenure as chief adviser to the Leader of the Free World, has always been adamant that his right-wing news site and worldview is neither anti-Semitic nor racist. When he referred to Breitbart as a platform for the alt-right, Bannon didnt mean, he insisted, that he personally supported the white supremacists and racists who attached themselves to his populist nationalist movement. Are there some people that are anti-Semitic that are attracted? Maybe, he told Mother Jones in July 2016, a month before he was tapped to lead Donald Trumps presidential campaign. But thats just like, there are certain elements of the progressive left and the hard left that attract certain elements. Truth be told, the evidence that Breitbart News is anti-Semitic has always been weak. Bannon and Breitbart often deal in tropes that set ones anti-Semitism detectors a-tinglingmongering of global economic conspiracies, creepy talk about dangerous elitesbut stop short of singling out Jews. And they can point to the sites reliably pro-Israel reporting, which is often to the right of mainstream Jewish groups on some Israel issues. Its through that framing of Breitbart that I read the lengthy expose in BuzzFeed that purports to lay bear how one of Breitbarts estwhile starsthe far-right provocateur Milo Yiannopoulossought the help and blessings of white nationalists and neo-Nazis while laundering their input and participation in the enterprise. Based on emails and other documents obtained by BuzzFeed, the article features correspondence between Yiannopoulos and charmers like Andrew weev Auernheimer, described as a system administrator of the neo-Nazi hub the Daily Stormer; Devin Saucier, who helps edit the online white nationalist magazine American Renaissance under the pseudonym Henry Wolff; and Curtis Yarvin, purveyor of the fringe anti-democratic neoreactionary movement who has argued that neither Nazism nor slavery were as bad as they have been depicted. The documents show that Yiannoplous sought input from all three men for an article he was writing that would explain the emerging alt-right to a general audience while staking Breitbarts claim as the news site most congenial to its jumble of ideas. But they werent just interview subjectsYiannopoulos and his co-author sent them drafts of the article for their approval, with the implicit understanding that while the published version would be racially charged, it would be careful to dissociate Breitbarts version of the alt-right from the movements racist and anti-Semitic fellow travelers. Published in March 2016, the resulting article, An Establishment Conservatives Guide to the Alt-Right, was certainly racially charged: It describes the movements natural constituency as mostly white, mostly male middle-American radicals, who are unapologetically embracing a new identity politics that prioritizes the interests of their own demographic. Yiannopolous and his co-author are careful to distinguish the alt-rights community of the more reasonable white identitarians from the real racists and bigots The latter, they explain, represents old-school white supremacy and invokes Hitler as a role model. Members of the alt-right, by contrast, focus more on building communities and lifestyles based around their values than plotting violent revolution. Feel better about the alt-right? Theyre not Nazis and raciststhey just want to preserve their white identity in the face of mass immigration and liberal political correctness. Or, as Yiannopoulos writes, They want to build their homogeneous communities, surebut they dont want to commit any pogroms along the way. This, mind you, is the version of the article Bannon was happy to publish, as emails between him and Yiannopolous attest. They indicate that Bannon considered Yiannopolous a protege of sorts, calling the younger man a war correspondent in Bannons assault on the establishment and engineering his rise as a Yippie-ish nemesis of feminists, Muslims, Black Lives Matter activists, women in tech and social justice warriors. Its not clear how much Bannon knewor wanted to knowabout the ways the article was vetted by the very groups he says will be washed out of the alt-right. But it appears other editors at Breitbart made sure Yiannopolous and his stable of writers and sources didnt cross over from white identity politics to overt racism and anti-Semitism on its site. The documents obtained by BuzzFeed show Breitbart editor-in-chief Alex Marlow editing out of Yiannopolouss work what BuzzFeed describes as anti-Semitic and racist ideas and jokes. There are two ways to look at the evidence in the BuzzFeed story. The more charitable is to regard Bannon, Marlow and other Breitbart editors as gatekeepers trying to keep the loonies and bigots out of a movement they consider reasonable and well-intentioned. After all, as Bannon is known to ask, doesnt the left work hard at keeping the communists and anarchists and anti-Zionists out of its own mainstream? According to this reading, Bannon might be compared to William F. Buckley, who used his own platform at the National Review to purge the conservative movement of its anti-Semites and Birchers and other lunatics. But the more apparent portrait is of a budding media empire that seems intent on growing its own market share, and political power, by courting some of the coarser and most hateful elements on the American rightor turning a blind eye to the staffers doing the dirty work. It shows its one-time star literally seeking the approval of the farthest of the far right, even as he and they agree that Breitbart risks too much in acknowledging their influence. That was the conclusion conservative blogger Ben Shapiro reached when he resigned from Breitbart in March 2016. Breitbart has become the alt-right go-to website, with Yiannopoulos pushing white ethno-nationalism as a legitimate response to political correctness, and the comment section turning into a cesspool for white supremacist meme-makers, Shapiro wrote, referencing the Establishment Conservatives Guide. Earlier this year, Yiannopolous resigned from Breitbart after a video emerged in which he seemed to condone pedophilia. Bannon is out of the White House and back at Breitbart, plotting what he calls a day of reckoning for the Republican establishment. When he left, President Trump wished him well, tweeting, Fake News needs the competition! Newly appointed Denmark Ambassador hands credentials to Serzh Sargsyan Newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Denmark to the Republic of Armenia Ruben Madsen (residence in Kiev) presented his credentials to Serzh Sargsyan. Congratulating the Ambassador on assumption of office, Serzh Sargsyan expressed the hope that Ambassador Madsen will put his professional skills and long experience at the service of Armenia-Denmark relations and will play a significant role in the activation of bilateral ties. The parties pointed out that in the 25th year of establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Denmark, they could not still say with certainty that the full potential of bilateral relationship has been tapped in spite of the recent activity in interstate relations. Noting that the Armenian-Danish relations had been forged long ago, Ambassador Madsen emphasized that the historically deeply rooted ties obliged both sides to pay more attention to the strengthening of interaction. The Ambassador assured that during his term of office he would spare no effort and energy to promote the strengthening and deepening of Armenia-Denmark relations. The interlocutors took the opportunity to touch upon the prospects for the development of EU-Armenia relations and, in this context, the forthcoming Brussels Summit, at which a comprehensive and enhanced partnership agreement is to be signed. Ambassador Ruben Madsen stressed that Denmark stands for closer relationship with the European Unions neighbors, including Armenia. Serzh Sargsyan highlighted the role of inter-parliamentary diplomacy in the development of relations between the two countries. During the meeting, Sargsyan and Ambassador Madsen exchanged views on the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Trump administration is pressuring Israel for further delays in the construction of Jewish homes in Judea and Samaria, according to apparently reliable media reports. If true, friends of Israel have good reason to be concerned. Ynet, the news site of the Israeli daily newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, reported Sept. 25 that at the request of the Trump administration, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed a meeting of the government committee responsible for construction in the territories. The meeting is necessary to proceed with construction projects that are in various stages of completion. The actual delay of the meeting is not the biggest problem, assuming that the meeting is held sometime in the weeks ahead. But the principle at stake is a very big problem. The reason, according to Ynet, is that Trump administration envoys will be meeting soon with Palestinian Authority (PA) officials. In other words, the administration is falling into the old Obama-era pattern of trying to appease Palestinian leaders by demanding unilateral Israeli concessions. This administrations rhetoric on these issues is, of course, a welcome change from that of its predecessor. Friends of Israel appreciate the fact that the Trump administration has, for example, declined to embrace Palestinian statehood as the only solution to the conflict. And clearly the administration has refrained from picking the kind of ugly public fights with Israel over Judea and Samaria construction that President Barack Obama and company were constantly provoking. But if public quarrels have simply been replaced with private pressure, thats not really much of an improvement. We all remember the Trump-Netanyahu press conference back on Feb. 15, when the president said, I would like you to hold back on settlements for a little bit. Many of us immediately asked: Why? Jewish settlements in the historic Jewish homeland are legal, peaceful, and deeply anchored in the Judeo-Christian heritage that is cherished by Israelis and Americans alike. Moreover, settlements have nothing to do with the Israeli-Arab conflict. The Palestinians and other Arabs were making war on Israel long before there were any settlements. They were waging that war before the Jewish state even existed. The idea that holding back on settlements would somehow promote peace is, to put it politely, nonsense. We expected the new administration would understand those basic facts. And what exactly is a little bit? Weeks? Months? Years? How long should basic Jewish rights be held back in order to appease a PA regime that glorifies terrorists and incites its people to hatred and violence against Jews? On March 31, there was more worrisome news. The Israeli daily Haaretz reported that Netanyahu told is security cabinet that in response to the presidents requests, Israel would curb construction in Judea and Samaria. Henceforth it would be restricted to existing settlement boundaries or adjacent to them. An unnamed White House official confirmed to Haaretz that President Donald Trump is demanding that Israel take his concerns into consideration. The official said, While the existence of settlements is not itself an impediment peace, further unrestrained settlement activity does not help advance peace. The White House official is wrong. Accelerated Jewish construction in the territories would, in fact, help advance peace. It would send a message to the PA that it cannot succeed in terrorizing Israel into retreat and submission. It would force the PA to face the fact that Israel will not agree to the mass expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Jews from Judea and Samaria. And forcing the Palestinians to face reality is the only chance for making them give up their violence and extremism, and finally make peace with Israel. The Trump administrations pressure on Israel to restrict Judea and Samaria construction therefore is both wrong as a matter of principle, and harmful to the possibility of achieving authentic peace. Candidate Trump was right to criticize the Obama policy of publicly pressuring Israel; but if President Trump is continuing any of that policy behind closed doors, its just as bad. Stephen M. Flatow, a vice president of the Religious Zionists of America, is an attorney in New Jersey. He is the father of Alisa Flatow, who was murdered in an Iranian-sponsored Palestinian terrorist attack in 1995. Walking through central London last week, and with a spare half hour on my hands, I decided to pay a quick visit to the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. Inside, I spent most of my time intently studying a painting that I could not recall having seen before: The Philosopher, a 1645 canvas by the Italian painter Salvator Rosa. Rosa depicts a stern young man with flowing black locks and undistinguished clothing holding a stone tablet that bears the Latin inscription, Aut tace aut loquere meliora silentio. In English, it means, Either be silent, or say something better than silence. Like any writer who spies a good quote, I made a note of this stoic and elegant maxim, resolving to use it when a suitable occasion arose. I didnt expect that to happen just five days after I saw the painting, still less that I would invoke it in the context of a discussion centered on disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. But when a friend emailed me a link to a piece on Weinstein by Mark Oppenheimer, a writer for the Jewish magazine Tablet, the first thing that came into my head was Salvator Rosas maxim. This piece is an arch-example of why silence, in a philosophical sense, is sometimes necessary, and why excessive, ill-informed chatter steers us toward prejudice instead of reason. Oppenheimers thesis, such as it is, states that Weinsteins unwanted sexual advances upon women were indicative ofin the delightful phrase coined by Tablets editorsa specifically Jewy perviness. Unlike other serial offenders against women who are non-Jews, like Roger Ailes or Bill OReilly, Weinstein is said to display a particularly Jewish, and deeply pathetic, psychosexual neurosis. Whereas the no-nonsense gentiles do their business and then carry on, Weinstein is driven by a desire to perform for his victims, by committing sexual acts while they are compelled to watch. Since Freuds time, psychologists have debated why some humans are aroused by exhibitionism, with some arguing that its origins are entirely sexual, while others counter that non-sexual causes need to be taken into account. I dont claim to be an expert on this literature, but Id be very surprised if any of it links this particular sexual fetish to Jewish males specifically. But none of that matters to Oppenheimer, who rests his entire case on Philip Roths 1967 novel, Portnoys Complaint. The pre-eminent text of delinquent Jewish sexual deviance, its a novel that many of us, myself included, embraced during adolescenceamid warnings from our elders, largely ridiculed, that Roths creation, Alexander Portnoy, was a gift to the anti-Semites out there. Writing as if he is the very first person to have made these sorts of connections, Oppenheimer provides a pedestrian account of Portnoys kinky dalliances with women both real and imagined and then stretches them to Weinstein. His message is simply this: Jewish men who engage in sexual harassment do so because they are burdened with a power that they cant handle, and are therefore propelled into, as Oppenheimer says of Weinstein, a revenge-tinged fantasy of having risen above his outer-borough, bridge-and-tunnel Semitic origins. It is this collision of inner weakness and hunger for power that is, apparently, the Jewish element informing Weinsteins deviance. I dont propose for a moment that this highly speculative, deeply silly theory is worthy of serious consideration. But if Oppenheimer has made a singular contribution with this offering, it is the addition of a new caricaturethe Jewy Pervto the gallery of Jewish sexual delinquency designed and maintained by anti-Semites. A few weeks ago, I wrote in this column, in the wake of the neo-Nazi violence in Charlottesville, about an extraordinary outburst of sexual jealousy by white supremacist Christopher Cantwell, who railed against President Donald Trump for having given his daughter to a Jew, Jared Kushner. Oppenheimers portrait of Weinstein belongs firmly in this category of bigoted fantasy: but whereas for the Nazis, Jews (like blacks) are ruthless sexual exploiters of fair white women, in the universe of Brooklyn hipsters, Jews are motivated to do the same by a grasping, unpleasant psychic frailty. I cant quite decide which stereotype is worse, but at least Oppenheimer has now done what Cantwell will never do, by issuing an apology for his piece. To my mind, the apology doesnt make much differencethe piece remains online, and the subsequent apology makes no mention of the old-school anti-Semitism Oppenheimer so joyously revivedbut its something. The next time a prominent Jew becomes enmeshed in a public scandal about sex (or money, for that matter), perhaps he will heed Salvator Rosas maxim by keeping his mouth firmly shut. Ben Cohen writes a weekly column for JNS.org on Jewish affairs and Middle Eastern politics. His writings have been published in Commentary, the New York Post, Haaretz, The Wall Street Journal and many other publications. The Canadian government has announced that it will correct a memorial plaque at its new National Holocaust Monument, which spoke of the millions of men, women and children during the Holocaustbut neglected to mention Jews. Unfortunately, Canadian Minister of Heritage Melanie Joly has compounded the original error, by announcing that the new plaque will acknowledge the six million Jews, as well as the five million other victims, that were murdered during the Holocaust. But there is, in fact, no historical basis for that five million figure. Still, it keeps cropping up, cited by people who apparently assume its true just because a lot of other people keep saying it is. After critics blasted the Trump administration for neglecting to mention Jews in its January 2017 statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, White House spokesperson Hope Hicks said that the administration was trying to be inclusive of all those who suffered. She then provided a link to a Huffington Post UK article titled The Holocausts Forgotten Victims: the 5 Million Non-Jewish People Killed by the Nazis. A busy White House spokesperson doesnt have time to start researching Holocaust statistics. Evidently she assumed that a reputable news outlet would not run such an article without basic fact-checking. Also understandable. But she was mistaken. The author of the article in question was Louise Ridley, an assistant news editor atHuffPost UK who specializes in media, social affairs and gender, according to her tag line. In the article, Ridley described some of the groups that were persecuted, in differing degrees, by the Nazis, such as gays, Roma (Gypsies) and the disabled. Her list also included communists, Jehovahs Witnesses, trade unionists, and resistance fighters. She also pointed out that the Nazis murdered several thousand priests, and millions of Polish civilians and Soviet prisoners of war. In fact, the total number of non-Jews killed by the Hitler regime far surpasses five million. But none of that was part of the Holocaust. The Germans murdered a lot of innocent people, for a variety of reasons. But the only ones who were targeted for complete annihilation, and whom the Nazis hunted down, in country after country, for the sole purpose of murdering them, were the Jews. The term Holocaust was coined to refer to that specific historical event. Dont blame Louise Ridley or Hope Hicks for the confusion. It was actually Simon Wiesenthal, the famed Nazi-hunter, who was first responsible for spreading the five million figure. Confronted many years ago by Holocaust historian Yehuda Bauer, Wiesenthal said that he invented the idea of five million non-Jewish victims because he thought it would help get non-Jews more interested in the Holocaust. One can understand Wiesenthals concern. But he chose the wrong way to address it. The Presidents Commission on the Holocaust, appointed by Jimmy Carter in 1978 and chaired by Elie Wiesel, specifically warned against any attempt to dilute the Jewish nature of the Holocaust in the name of misguided universalism. But the Wiesenthal formulation appealed to White House aides who liked the idea of making the Holocaust more ecumenical, even at the price of historical accuracy. As a result, Carters October 1979 executive order establishing the US Holocaust Memorial Councilwhich then created the US Holocaust Memorial Museumreferred to the Holocaust as the systematic and State-sponsored extermination of six million Jews and some five million other peoples by the Nazis and their collaborators during World War II. Professor Walter Reich, former executive director of the US Holocaust Museum, has written the following: would not run such an article without basic fact-checking. Also understandable. But she was mistaken. The author of the article in question was Louise Ridley, an assistant news editor at HuffPost UK who specializes in media, social affairs and gender, according to her tag line. In the article, Ridley described some of the groups that were persecuted, in differing degrees, by the Nazis, such as gays, Roma (Gypsies) and the disabled. Her list also included communists, Jehovahs Witnesses, trade unionists, and resistance fighters. She also pointed out that the Nazis murdered several thousand priests, and millions of Polish civilians and Soviet prisoners of war. In fact, the total number of non-Jews killed by the Hitler regime far surpasses five million. But none of that was part of the Holocaust. The Germans murdered a lot of innocent people, for a variety of reasons. But the only ones who were targeted for complete annihilation, and whom the Nazis hunted down, in country after country, for the sole purpose of murdering them, were the Jews. The term Holocaust was coined to refer to that specific historical event. Dont blame Louise Ridley or Hope Hicks for the confusion. It was actually Simon Wiesenthal, the famed Nazi-hunter, who was first responsible for spreading the five million figure. Confronted many years ago by Holocaust historian Yehuda Bauer, Wiesenthal said that he invented the idea of five million non-Jewish victims because he thought it would help get non-Jews more interested in the Holocaust. One can understand Wiesenthals concern. But he chose the wrong way to address it. The Presidents Commission on the Holocaust, appointed by Jimmy Carter in 1978 and chaired by Elie Wiesel, specifically warned against any attempt to dilute the Jewish nature of the Holocaust in the name of misguided universalism. But the Wiesenthal formulation appealed to White House aides who liked the idea of making the Holocaust more ecumenical, even at the price of historical accuracy. As a result, Carters October 1979 executive order establishing the US Holocaust Memorial Councilwhich then created the US Holocaust Memorial Museumreferred to the Holocaust as the systematic and State-sponsored extermination of six million Jews and some five million other peoples by the Nazis and their collaborators during World War II. Professor Walter Reich, former executive director of the US Holocaust Museum, has written the following: And so the executive order... officially defined the Holocaust in a way that realized Wiesels great fearthat the Holocaust would be defined as an event in which eleven million people, six million Jews and 5 million non-Jews, had been killed, and that the crucial distinction between the planned and systematic extermination of all Jews on racial grounds, and the killing of civilian non-Jews on, say, political groundsin response to resistance, or because of acts of collective reprisal or brutalitywould be lost. Simon Wiesenthal picked a number of non-Jewish victims that was high enough to seem substantial, but still a little less than the number of Jewish victims. He thought that this formulation would still keep Jews as the primary focus. Evidently he didnt realize how easy it would be for someoneeven an American or Canadian government officialto slide down the slippery slope from a Holocaust of Jews and non-Jews, to a Holocaust without Jews at all. Its just not that far from a Holocaust of everybody, to a Holocaust of nobody in particular. This domain has expired. If you owned this domain, contact your domain registration service provider for further assistance. If you need help identifying your provider, visit https://www.tucowsdomains.com/ After planning to launch into the Gujarat assembly elections all cylinders blazing and then at one point abandoning the fight altogether, the Aam Aadmi Party has finally decided to make it a limited foray. There are a number of reasons why AAP will enter the electoral fray in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shahs home state. But trying to form the next government in the state is not one of them. And in doing that, the party is showing signs of wisening up and learning from its recent electoral losses. AAP has its eyes set on the next Lok Sabha polls and assembly polls in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka that precede the general election. To begin with, the AAP brass simply wants to keep its flock together for that. The local unit of the party has been raring for a fight for more than three years and not contesting the elections would mean disappointing the cadres in Gujarat to the extent of losing a sizeable portion. Two, AAPs bargaining position vis-a-vis other parties in a future coalition will be decided by the number of seats it can win in the Lok Sabha elections. Though the party has always positioned itself as equidistant from both the BJP and the Congress, AAP will be willing to join an anti-BJP coalition in 2019 or whenever the next Lok Sabha polls take place. And the indication for that came from none other than Delhi chief minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal at Congress leader Manish Tewaris book launch last fortnight. Whether opposition parties will come together or not, that is arithmetic. That is also necessary in electoral politics but a churning is taking place. The coming election will not be opposition versus BJP. It will be BJP versus the rest of the country, Kejriwal said at the function where he shared the stage with BJPs Yashwant Sinha and Tewari. AAP and its tallest leader are beginning to realise and profess that politics is the art of the possible. In the realm of the possible, AAP believes it can cash in on the anti-incumbency against the ruling BJP there, target specific groups -- like the Dalits, Muslims, farmers and Patidars -- and poll enough votes to stay in contention for being a national party. To be able to focus on Gujarat, it has decided to stay away from Himachal Pradesh, where elections will be held in November. AAP is in power in Delhi, the principal opposition in Punjab and polled 6.3% votes in Goa in February. (To be recognised as a national party by the Election Commission, a party needs to have secured six per cent of the votes polled in four states whether in the general election or the assembly election and won four seats to the House of the People). Though it wont change much on the ground unless it wins seats in the assembly, unlike Goa where it drew a naught, crossing the magic mark of six% will help AAP cross a psychological barrier and serve as a booster for its cadres. AAP leaders privately admit that the debacles in Goa and the Delhi municipal polls earlier this year saw several party volunteers leave. So far, AAP has just declared 21 seats in the state where it will field candidates. The eventual number will be close to 50. AAP strategists feel the party can dent the Congress and try and wean away some of the anti-BJP votes from the party that has played opposition in Gujarats bipolar polity for over two decades now. The Congress has already begun accusing AAP of dividing the anti-incumbency vote in Gujarat with its state in-charge Ashok Gehlot saying in a recent interview that AAP should withdraw from the contest and not divide Congress votes in the countrys interest. But AAP rejects the suggestion as undemocratic. The Congress did not act as an active opposition for 22 long years and allowed the state to slip under the BJP, says Harshil Nayak, party spokesperson. AAPs support in the last two years to issues concerning the farmers and marginalised communities and the agitations we organised have brought the anger against the BJP to a boil. Contesting Gujarat will help the AAP shed its image of an urban governance party. If it feels it can attract certain sections of voters, it should test the waters in the elections, says political analyst Abhay Dubey of Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), a Delhi-based advocacy group. Two surveys by CSDS have pointed out that the Congress is closing in on the BJP but the gap has not gone down drastically except among the Muslims and Dalits. jatin.gandhi@hindustantimes.com SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The harpsichord in Bachs Andante (Sonata in G) lends itself to one of the most endearing listening experiences, especially when alone in a large gallery of photographs that carry the weight of a personal history. The music aligns itself to the formidable power of 20th century Spanish photographer Jose Suarezs images, when viewed in the context of the Galician way of life. Arguably the largest retrospective of his work, the Instituto Cervantes in New Delhi has put on exhibit 159 photographs, 111 documents & publications, 7 audiovisual montages and 5 three-dimensional objects in an exhibition titled, Jose Suarez, 1902-1974: Lively eyes that think. Suarez was close to the European avant-garde movement of his time and this informed his photographic approach distinctly. He never distanced himself from formalism in his aesthetic, yet documented rather simply, the communities he lived and travelled within. The exhibition, on show until December 10, is divided chronologically into three sections, The 30s, Exile (1936- ca. 1956) and The Return (1959 onwards), each marking significant events in Suarezs life. In the 1930s, he studied law in Salamanca and stayed close to the Spanish intellectuals, making closely considered and observed portraits of them. In this series is a pensive portrayal of essayist & philosopher Miguel de Unamuno in 1934, where one feels certain that Unamuno was contemplating the depth of the sea from atop the Castilian plains. Even in his photograph of the prolific Latin American sculptor, Lorenzo Dominguez, Suarez uses the harsh sun to highlight Domiguezs facial outlines next to a bust probably sculpted by him. This distinct employment of form is recurrent even in his famous series, Marineiros, in which he photographed the Galician peasant community and the fishing community. His cinematic use of the low angle was employed in several portraits in this series, leading one to think of a similar kind of visual approach in some of the Neorealist films in the 1950s. Much like a visual, ethnographic study of the community, though not left untouched by Suarezs aesthetic, he used the afternoon sun to make striking images of the fishermen, their faces covered in fishing nets symbolic of how what they do is inseparable from who they are. As one observes his years in exile when he left Spain because of the Civil War, it is apparent that this period sparked a search for self, especially in his journeys to Latin America (including Brazil) and Japan. In Japan, theres a noticeable distance that Suarez kept from his subjects, observing the scenes and the way of life there like a curious outsider, yet not being unaffected by the philosophy that would move him deeply in the years to come. Suarez even went on a pilgrimage to Mount Fujiyama and made a photograph from the top of the peak, signifying the end of his journey there in a most endearing manner. Returning to Spain in the late 50s, Suarez visited La Mancha in the south of Madrid and photographed its white, built landscape with peoples ephemeral appearances in them. He even photographed a bullfight in an unusual manner, one such image subtly conveying the horror of a knife stuck in a bulls body. Suarez, however, was not excited by what he saw. I went (there) in search of Don Quixote but found only Sancho Panzas, he famously wrote. The oppressive regime had loosened its hold on Spain, but not without denying cultural expression and freedom. Heartbroken, he left for Japan again, where he met the acclaimed director Akira Kurosawa on the sets of The Bad Sleep Well. In his personal notes, he wrote of the encounter, To watch a director immersed in his work saves any kind of interrogation, especially when we are already familiar with the atmosphere of a film studio. So familiar that suddenly, we become aware of our mission and try to go unnoticed. On his return to Spain some years later, Suarez found only solitude by his side and little recognition. His fragile health wasnt helping his frustration and he committed suicide in 1974, having attempted it once before. He had on himself, the manuscript of the prologue that Unamuno had written for his first book. A modest note that requested his burial in an unpainted wooden casket in a common grave was left behind. There was no mention of any camera. A new biography of Leonardo da Vinci has raised a puzzling anomaly in a rediscovered painting that is estimated to fetch $100m (75m) at auction next month. The Salvator Mundi (Saviour of the World) portrays Jesus gesturing in blessing with his right hand while holding a crystal orb in his left hand. Declared authentic just six years ago, it is to be sold on 15 November by Christies New York, which describes it as one of fewer than 20 known paintings by Leonardo, and the only one in private hands. But in a forthcoming study, Leonardo da Vinci: the Biography, Walter Isaacson questions why an artistic genius, scientist, inventor, and engineer showed an unusual lapse or unwillingness to link art and science in depicting the orb. He writes: In one respect, it is rendered with beautiful scientific precision But Leonardo failed to paint the distortion that would occur when looking through a solid clear orb at objects that are not touching the orb. Solid glass or crystal, whether shaped like an orb or a lens, produces magnified, inverted, and reversed images. Instead, Leonardo painted the orb as if it were a hollow glass bubble that does not refract or distort the light passing through it. He argues that if Leonardo had accurately depicted the distortions, the palm touching the orb would have remained the way he painted it, but hovering inside the orb would be a reduced and inverted mirror image of Christs robes and arm. It is all the more puzzling, he notes, as Leonardo was at that time deep into his optics studies, and how light reflects and refracts was an obsession. He filled his notebooks with diagrams of light bouncing around at different angles, he says, wondering whether Leonardo chose not to paint it that way, either because he thought it would be a distraction or because he was subtly trying to impart a miraculous quality to Christ and his orb. After research, some of the worlds foremost experts confirmed the Leonardo attribution in 2011, when Luke Syson, the then National Gallery curator, included the painting in his blockbuster Leonardo exhibition. But other leading scholars have doubts. Frank Zollner, of the University of Leipzig, wrote in an art journal in 2013 that the painting could be a high-quality product of Leonardos workshop or even a later follower. Isaacson is particularly interested in research by Michael Daley, the director of ArtWatch UK, who said this week: There isnt enough to claim its a Leonardo. His figural development was towards greater naturalism and complexity of posture heads turning this way, shoulders turning the other way, with twists and movement. The Salvator Mundi is dead-pan flat, like an icon, with no real depth in the modelling. Another unexplained peculiarity is that the figure itself is heavily and uncharacteristically cropped. Daley also pointed out that optical deflections appear in an engraving by Wenceslaus Hollar, the 17th-century etcher, from Leonardos original composition, dismissing the suggestion that Leonardo knew all about the optics, but just decided not to bother. "Salvator Mundi," an ethereal portrait of Jesus Christ which dates to about 1500, the last privately owned Leonardo da Vinci painting, is on display for the media at Christie's auction in New York. (Reuters File Photo) Isaacson said: When you balance the evidence for and against then that is a valid point, that Hollar would not have distorted the robes if they hadnt been in the original painting If you look at the Hollar engraving and, if it is much different, that counts against [this painting] being the original. In studying optics, he spoke to numerous science experts. Asked whether he would invest in the painting if he had $100m, Isaacson said: The preponderance of the experts is that it is authentic, and so I would but that doesnt mean that Id be absolutely sure. A Christies spokesperson said: Leonardos paintings are known for their mystery and ambiguity . He was intimately familiar with the technicality and qualities of optics and light. If he had recreated the image with optical exactitude, the background would have been distorted. It is our opinion that he chose not to portray it in this way because it would be too distracting to the subject of the painting. Paramount Pictures has bought the rights to Isaacsons book and Leonardo DiCaprio plans to make a biopic inspired by it. (Published in arrangement with The Guardian) Its hard to imagine that any artist would take on the daunting task of re-inventing some of Vincent Van Goghs most iconic self-portraits and paintings. But in a new exhibition opening Friday in Amsterdam, one of Chinas best known contemporary artists, Zeng Fanzhi, has done just that, and in a unique fusion presents a series of striking paintings that lend fresh energy and vibrancy to the Dutch artists works. Many of the works by Vincent Van Gogh have become so iconic that you always feel that you know them, and we tend not really to look at them anymore, said Axel Rueger, the director of the Van Gogh museum. That an artist really dares to enter into that confrontation again, and look at Vincents work afresh, and ... do his own thing with it. That is for us of course, really interesting and really inspiring, he told AFP at a press preview on Thursday. - Shared spirit - For the exhibition Zeng Fanzhi/Van Gogh which runs until February 25, the Chinese artist has recreated six masterpieces by the Dutch master, adding his own distinctive brushstrokes, and even imbuing the new works with Chinese calligraphy and handwriting. The effect is startling. In Zengs re-imagining of a 1889 self-portrait, Van Gogh in a blue furry hat, his ear bandaged and a pipe in his mouth, still stares from the canvas somewhere into the distance. But Zeng has overlaid the portrait with a dizzying swirl of bold, rich lines. Its both instantly recognisable, and yet completely new. Van Gogh and I differ a lot in many ways. There is 100 years of time between us, Zeng told AFP, adding he had long been inspired by the troubled Dutch painter, who killed himself aged 37 in 1890 after a short-lived, but prolific career. Im a contemporary artist and Van Gogh is a post-impressionist artist. So we have totally different backgrounds and we express also other things, other feelings, he added, speaking through a translator. But while each artist has his own character he acknowledged they may have a similarity of spirit, speaking of his inner excitement as in a burst of work he produced the large paintings in just a couple of years. Zeng, whose 2001 painting The Last Supper sold for $23.3 million in 2013 making him one of Chinas top-selling living artists, has also recreated a huge canvas depicting Van Goghs famous Wheatfields. - Deep connection - You can see how he recreates Van Goghs work and makes it his own, said the exhibitions curator Maite van Dijk. Its an artwork in itself ... its a very, very powerful, very, very striking painting, she told AFP, adding she was struck by the emerging dialogue between the two men through their artworks, which had enabled her to re-explore Van Goghs own emotions. Van Gogh said in his letters that he wanted to put soul in his art, to communicate with his art and what we see here is still the desire to communicate, but with various levels and various meanings, she added. Born in 1964 in Wuhan in Hubei province, Zeng lives and works in Beijing. But his work has been exhibited in many of the worlds top museums, and in this new exhibition he is the first living Asian artist to hang alongside Van Gogh in Amsterdam. It was a chance visit by Van Dijk to Zengs Beijing studios which led to the collaboration. Hanging on the wall was a 2009 oil painting by Zeng of his boots, which recalled a similar series of Van Goghs paintings of his own shoes. It was a perfect match, said Van Dijk. The museum always tries to show that Van Gogh is still relevant to modern and contemporary artists, said director Rueger, adding Zengs work showed a very deep connection with the Dutch masters work. Follow @htlifeandstyle for more A no means no? Not to Tisca Chopra it doesnt. The actor landed herself in the soup after penning her thoughts on sexual harassment for The Print. The actor wrote women who get assaulted by men are just as much to blame as their attackers. The publication reached out to actors, film critics and other people from Bollywood to know their views on the currently trending #metoo movement on social media. #Metoo was started as a reaction to 40 women (including several actors) in Hollywood who revealed they were sexually harassed by producer Harvey Weinstein. Women all over the world began sharing their own stories of harassment and abuse to bring to light the sheer number of people who have gone through it. A tentative no, a polite no, a no that means maybe and worst of a no that means yes.. just push me more and I will relent..? https://t.co/7mm4FZUBeT Tisca Chopra (@tiscatime) October 18, 2017 While Swara Bhaskar, Kalki Koechlin asked for more conversations on sexual harassment, Tisca had a completely different stance on the matter. Im going to be very categorical when I say that women are just as much to blame, because they put themselves in those vulnerable positions. Why do these women go to hotel rooms? Do they not fear for their personal safety? Have they not heard of peoples reputations, and why do they engage with those men?, she wrote. Being a woman, I would say that first of all, protect yourself. Dont put yourself in that position. The more women start saying flat-out nos, the more these men will understand that this is not the way, this is not going to work, she said. What is happening in Hollywood is largely 30 years of somebody becoming a blatant predator. People, by and large, say chance maaro, how can it hurt to ask. Unless somebody says no, and the kind of no you say, and the manner in which you say it should convey that it is completely unacceptable to even ask this question, she added. She even advises women to not take short-cuts, Dont let your career hang in the balance. Work hard on your acting, take a little longer to build your career, dont take any shortcuts, she said. Of course, Twitter is furious at her now. Some are calling out her idea of a flat out no what could that really mean. Oh my God! How dumb are you? A no means no. Nothing else, one said. What the f***? No means No. Please do not Bollywoodise consent, another wrote. Some even tagged her in explainer videos on consent and assault. Check out a few tweets: Pray, where is this 'safe' place?At the office?In cars? Inside homes?Y go anywhere at all since I fear for my safety?Assault cn happn anywhr Ishmeet Nagpal (@IshmeetNagpal) October 18, 2017 No man has the right to touch a woman even if she's standing naked at 3am in the park or in the middle of the street. The only person at fault is the person who assaults. Simple.https://t.co/1SsMXq5LB1 Saniya Sayed (@Ssaniya25) October 20, 2017 Tisca Chopra started blaming victims instead. Maybe to stay in good books of filmmakers, hoping for a role atleast as supporting artiste https://t.co/6h9m47cF5Z NoToSilence (@akdwaaz) October 17, 2017 It's never too late to speak up. Sexual assault and harrasment is not a matter to be taken lightly. Think before you speak, please. MS (@Realsinham) October 17, 2017 Get ur facts right ..this kind of victim blaming is why they didnt come out earlier in such big numbers in the first place.. sreekala (@hypatia12) October 20, 2017 This is the mentality that allows people in power to continue behaving however they please. Put some responsibility where it belongs. Gauri (@gauri_1993) October 20, 2017 So basically 'men will be men' but women are to blame still. @tiscatime shame on you! That's all I can say https://t.co/3Z6Ppaopi4 Mantally-the-sick (@tvphangurl1) October 19, 2017 Come on tisca, victim shaming really? thought u had some brain cells. Venus (@venusforever) October 19, 2017 Whaaat? Saying 'NO' prevents sexual assault? If only every rape survivor knew! Danny (@danny6393) October 19, 2017 Oh mannn, I really liked @tiscatime :/ Guess it was my fault when I was 12, or 14, or every day since...in supermarkets and so on.. Ish (@Ishy93) October 19, 2017 However, Tisca wasnt the only one blaming the victims in The Prints piece. Actor Bhairavi Goswami too criticised women for coming out with their stories after 10-30 years. Are we going to deny the fact that that both men and women have consensual sexual relations to further their career, then scream rape after 10 years? To defend women saying they were scared is preposterous. These arent uneducated tribal people from a tiny village off the grid. They maybe from smaller towns but now they live in Mumbai, party seven days a week, indulge in substance abuse, alcohol, and sex games, and the media says these poor innocent virgins were scared. Does the media understand the long-term ramifications of making a joke out of sexual harassment?, she wrote. Sigh. Heres that explainer video on consent once again. Follow @htshowbiz for more Air India unions are likely to meet next week in the national capital to discuss their strategy amid the government going ahead with the disinvestment process. Sources say efforts are on to bring all staff unions of Air India including those of the pilots and engineers on one platform and workout a strategy to deal with the situation arising out of the governments decision to offload its stake in the flag carrier. In the last few months, several Air India unions have held discussions at an individual level with the management on the issue of disinvestment. But now there is need for all unions to come together and talk to the government in one voice on airlines privatisation, said a leader of one of the largest unions at Air India. Air India, which has over 20,000 employees on its roll, has as many as six recognised unions, representing ground and commercial staff, pilots, cabin crew and engineers, among others, besides, several unrecognised unions. To revive the loss-making state-run carrier, which also has a debt burden of over Rs 50,000 crore, the government has decided to go for its strategic disinvestment and the modalities are being worked out by a Group of Ministers headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. We are going to talk to all the unions and bring them on one platform to prepare a common strategy while we sit with the management on the issue of disinvestment next time. We are planning to call a meeting of all these unions next week, the source said. Significantly, seven Air India unions have already expressed their opposition to the airlines privatisation. On June 28, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) had given in-principle approval for strategic disinvestment of Air India and five of its subsidiaries. The government has already invited applications for engaging up to two advisers, a legal adviser and asset valuer for the strategic disinvestment of Air India and its subsidiaries/ joint venture. This month listening to Manmohan Singh describe Pranab Mukherjee as the better qualified candidate for the post of Prime Minister, I remembered something else he had said. History will be kinder to me than the media, he had proclaimed in his quintessentially soft-spoken manner. I think we dont have to wait for the passage of significant time to accept that he had a point. While there were many things to be greatly disappointed in his government for and as its leader the buck stopped with him perhaps we were far too stingy in our praise for what he got right. Above everything else I think he was that rare entity in Indian politics a genuinely democratic leader who made space for some dissent and did not personalise media criticism of him. As the second tenure of the UPA descended into chaos and corruption scandals I was among the many journalists who became unsparing in my criticism of his leadership. But not once did he hold that against me or anyone else or clamp down on information routes or reporting access to officials in the Prime Ministers office. Through the worst things we said about him we accused him mostly of not standing up to the corrupt in his cabinet as well as the overweening interference from his party he continued to be unfailingly civil if we happened to meet him at public events. This is the true test of press freedom how politicians behave when the media is rough on them. On reflection, Manmohan Singh did not get enough credit from us for largely preserving the institutional autonomy of a free press at least at an individual level. Of course, institutionally, the Congress is yet to wipe its record clean of the stains of the 1970s Emergency. And books and films have been banned on the Congress watch, making it just as culpable as other political parties. Its also true that Singh was not as personally open to the media as the contemporary information age demands he did press conferences but avoided interviews and that is certainly a flaw. But, what sets him apart among politicians of his ilk is that he never turned hostile to journalists even when we were brutal in our critique. His authentic liberal instincts perhaps something to do with the fact that he was an academic and technocrat more than a conventional politician are distinctly different from both the main leaders of his own party as well as the ruling BJP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi, for instance, seem to share a mistrust of the English-speaking media, albeit for different reasons and in different ways. Both believe the media has been less than fair to them and both appear to take criticism very personally. Once you have been critical of either leader on an issue, chances are that they will cease to speak to you. Unlike in the case of Manmohan Singh, in both their cases, this aversion to the media does not spring from diffidence; it comes from a skepticism bordering on near-dislike. And with both Modi and the Gandhi family, those around them take their cue from the top and tend to shut down channels of communication to the media as well. By contrast, during Manmohan Singhs tenure, we were able to report on the government in a way that we were not able to report on his party. There were two moments when Singh should have resigned for the sake of personal redemption. One, when he surrendered to party duress on inducting compromised DMK ministers into his cabinet against his preference and two, when Rahul Gandhi tore up an ordinance his government had cleared while he was away in the United States. Yes, the ordinance was unforgivable and was designed to save lawmakers convicted of corruption like Lalu Prasad Yadav. But by protesting in public and while the PM was on foreign soil, Gandhi sorely undermined Manmohan Singhs authority. Had Manmohan Singh asserted his independence and authority forget history even the present would have been more than kind to him. To that extent he permitted and enabled some elements of the scathing appraisal he was subjected to. But, with all the flaws of his tenure, we also owe it to him to revise our report card on him. He deserved a better score than we gave him. Barkha Dutt is an award-winning journalist and author The views expressed are personal SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry against government teachers is facing a tough time due to non-availability of official documents. The task is daunting given that neither teachers have submitted documents nor the district education officers have service book records. In the last two months, the SIT inquiry led to court cases against two government teachers in Haridwar, one in Dehradun, police complaints against four teachers of a Doon school and departmental investigation against seven Shiksha Mitras. In all these cases, the documents provided by the teachers were found to be from unrecognised universities. There are 168 complaint cases, a majority (80) of them from Haridwar. Even after resolving about 20 such cases, the SIT is finding it tough to go about with probe. The documents are not made available because of which there are hurdles in making inquiries in the cases, SIT in-charge Shweta Chaubey told Hindustan Times. The SIT is looking into appointments of government school teachers which took place between 2014 and 2016. This is limited to primary and junior school education. But, the team is right now working only on complaints received so far. School education minister Arvind Pandey had ordered all district education officers to maintain service books, but even officers are facing a tough time in doing so. No record was made in past at the district-level and the teachers are also not making their documents available. Ideally, the service book should be maintained. But, it couldnt be maintained because of various reasons. Now, the teachers are not furnishing details to us. It will take time, a district education officer said. But director general, school education, Alok Shekhar Tiwari refuted the claim. The documents are being provided to the SIT. Yes, theres issue in maintaining service books at district level as the designated officers have moved on and have been replaced by others. We are trying to get the documents. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A steel tycoon offered funding under his business groups corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative for five reconstruction works whose foundation stone was laid by the Prime Minister at the Kedarnath shrine on Friday. JSW Group chairman Sajjan Jindal, a middle-aged person wearing a black jacket, accompanied Narendra Modi during his visit to the shrine. Thankful to Lord #Shiva for giving us this opportunity of rebuilding #Kedarnath and preserving its rich religious heritage (sic), Jindals official twiter handle @sajjanjindal59 tweeted. Sajjans twitter bio mentions his hobbies, ranging from mountaineering to flying. The Kedarpuri town, which encompasses the shrine, was devastated by flash floods in June 2013. The JSW Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Uttarakhand government for the works, including construction of residences for local priests and a museum of Adi Shankaracharya. According to the JSW website, the company is a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate, with presence in India, US, South America and Africa. The company is part of the OP Jindal Group with strong footprints in core economic sectors, namely, steel, energy, infrastructure, cement, ventures and sports. OP Jindals younger son Naveen Jindal is also a steel tycoon and a former Congress lawmaker. Naveen Jindal is facing charges in the coal scam that allegedly took place during the Congress-led UPA government. Unlike Naveen, Sajjan has reportedly cordial relations with the BJP. He was in news for his secret meeting with the then Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif held earlier this year in Islamabad. Officials said Sajjan would put in up to Rs 150 crore CSR funds for the Kedarnath reconstruction works. During his address, Modi acknowledged the JSWs contribution and sought help from other corporate groups. Uttarakhand cabinet minister Prakash Pant, who was at Kedarnath, said the PM wanted public participation in the works. It is not a big deal for the union government to pump money on its own. But the PM perhaps intends more public participation so that a sense of ownership (to complete works) comes from individuals, Pant told HT. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Congress was left fuming on Friday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought to take credit for the reconstruction work carried out at flashflood-hit Kedarnath town. Without naming the Congress, Modi said he had offered to reconstruct Kedarnath but the UPA government rejected the proposal despite the then Uttarakhand CM Vijay Bahugunas approval. Bahuguna, who was not present at Kedarnath when Modi made the statement, preferred to remain silent. An angry Congress asserted that had its government not done anything at the shrine town; the PM could not have even landed on the holy land. In the assembly polls, the Congress won the Kedarnath segment despite the drubbing at the hands of the BJP. The huge helipads were constructed in Kedarnath so that the PM and other dignitaries could land. The road to the shrine was reconstructed so that lakhs of pilgrims could visit. Millions of tons of debris was cleared so that valley looks clean, former chief minister Harish Rawats spokesperson Surendra Kumar said. Kumar alleged Modi, who was the Gujarat chief minister in 2013, was only concerned about the pilgrims from his state. The main opposition party also criticised the Prime Minister for talking about toilets from the temple premises. Later, Rawat himself lead the attack on Modi, saying there was nobody to stop if anyone wanted to help. The PM should ask Vijay Bahuguna and not the then UPA government (on permission for carrying out reconstruction works)It is sad that the PM used Kedarnath shrine for political means. Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Kedarnath in Uttarakhand on Friday. (PTI) Incidentally, the Congress had replaced Bahuguna with Rawat as the former faced criticism for his failure to handle the situation arising after the 2013 flashfloods. The PM laid foundation stones of those works which were already going on since the Congress regime. Whats new in it? Congress legislator Manoj Rawat asked. Meanwhile, the Trivendra Singh Rawat-led BJP government took a swipe at the Congress, saying why it should claim credit for works carried out in the shrine town or rest of the valley. The state government is merely a nodal agency. There is hardly any contribution of former Congress government in Kedar valley. The then UPA government also didnt took any concrete interest. And now after Modijis visit they want credit but for what? Cabinet minister Prakash Pant told Hindustan Times. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Women in rural Uttarakhand brave wild animals to get fodder from forests for their bulls and buffaloes every morning, further deepening states alarming human-leopard conflict. These women, who make up most of the victims of the conflict, say they are aware of the risk, but have no choice. Ghaas to chahiye hota hai. Ghaas nahi layengey to humarey janwar kya khayengey? (We need grass. If we wont collect it then what will our cattle eat?) Uma Devi told Hindustan Times as she recovered from injuries she recently sustained from a leopard attack. Doctors at the surgical ward of the district hospital in Almora said she is lucky to escape death. Uma Devi (34) was attacked on October 8 when she rushed to help Pooja Devi, another woman of her Pilkha village, some 20 km from Almora. Twenty-two-year-old Pooja was attacked by the leopard when she strayed away from the group to collect more grass. Both the women survived the attack as a few men gathered and shooed the animal away. But not everyone is as lucky. Over 600 people have been killed and 3100 injured in leopard attacks since the inception of the state in 2000. On an average 35 people fall prey to leopards every year. Officials claim nearly 50% of the victims are women while 20% are children and remaining 30% are men. Almora and Pauri districts are worst hit by the human-leopard conflict. Over 150 leopards have been declared man-eaters since the formation of the state. Of them nearly 40 were captured and about the same number was shot dead. Life for women in hills is extremely difficult. Most of them do farming along with taking care of their household works. They also take care of their domesticated animals and provide for their food just as they do for their families, said shooter Joy Hukil, who is a resident of one of the worst-hit districts, Pauri. Hukil so far killed 20 man-eater leopards at the behest of the state administration. To prevent women risking their lives, forest department conducts sensitisation meetings across the state, cautioning villagers against venturing into dense forest. States chief wildlife warden Digvijay Singh Khati said, We ask them (villagers) not to risk their lives, but they are dependent on forest for the collection of grass for their animals. In the absence of an alternative, the women continue to tread the hazardous path. Geeta Bisht, a 33-year-old woman from Pilkha village, was busy feeding her buffaloes and bullocks when HT reached the village. It was almost lunch time but she had to feed the animals first. We need at least 10-12 kilogram of grass each day for big animals like bullocks and buffaloes. To collect it we have to spend at least 5-7 hours in the forest every day, she said, adding the animals are integral to their life. Echoing her view, 45-year-old Damyanti Devi of Barkot village in Kaljikhal block of Pauri district explained, We need bullocks to plough our fields and buffaloes for milk. To feed them, we have no other option but to collect grass from the forests. Green grass grows in the forest between June and December. And for remaining months, farmers keep a portion of their farm land reserve for growing grass. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON It was Delhis cleanest Diwali in three years following a Supreme Court ban on sale of crackers in the national capital region (NCR) but pollution still soared as many residents went ahead with their fireworks. The air quality began to worsen Friday morning. By 11 am, the overall PM 2.5 in Delhi hit severe levels, with a reading of 574 ug/m3, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). PM 10 also touched critical levels of 517 ug/m3. Of the eight monitoring stations in Delhi listed with SAFAR, seven of them had air quality that had reached severe levels, bad enough for Delhis Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) - measures to combat air pollution - to kick in. Lodhi road had the worst numbers, where PM 2.5 peaked at 905 ug/m3 and PM10 hit 676 ug/m3. Dhirpur, was the only station that recorded PM 2.5 levels below 400 ug/m3, and PM 10 levels below 350 ug/m3. Dhirpur had the lowest reading of the finer and more dangerous pollutants, at 396 ug/m3, and also the lowest levels of the larger PM 10, at 342 ug/m3, making the air quality in the area very poor. According to data and monitoring by SAFAR and the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi on Thursday had an air quality index (AQI) of 319, which falls in the very poor category. During this level of air quality, people are asked to avoid all outdoor physical activities and stay indoors as much as possible. However, this was much better than 2016 when AQI on Diwali was 431 and 343 in 2015. In the early hours of Friday, the day after Diwali, the AQI for Delhi was 340. In 2016, the AQI of the day after was 445 while in 2015 it was 360. Even though firecrackers were burst in most parts of the city, the volume was much less due to lack of easy availability. While some people claimed to have travelled out of the city to buy the rockets and sparklers, many others said they used last years stock. On Diwali night on Thursday, a huge spike in air pollution was noticed at different spots in the city. Anand Vihar, the most polluted spot in Delhi, had the highest PM10 reading at 2402 microgram per cubic metre, according to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee real-time monitoring. At 11pm in RK Puram, PM10 read 1179 while PM2.5, the finer particulate matter, was 878 microgram per cubic metre, the highest across all DPCC stations this Diwali. The permissible limit of PM10 and PM2.5 are 100 and 60 microgram per cubic metre. In Punjabi Bagh, PM10 reached 1600 microgram per cubic metre at midnight while at Mandir Marg it touched 1046 microgram per cubic metre at 1am. However, after a spike in readings, nearly all real-time pollution data on the DPCC was either unavailable or kept showing old readings till 4am. According to the Central Pollution Control Boards SAMEER app, between 11pm and 4am when highest level of pollution is usually expected, Delhi and NCR mostly had very poor air quality. Only Anand Vihar had an AQI of 403, in severe category. The Supreme Court on October 9 had banned sale of firecrackers in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) till October 31. However, there was no such order against buying and bursting and Delhi is solely responsible for the air it breathes due to the current weather conditions. A forecast released by SAFAR on Monday had stated that the air quality in Delhi this year will be directly proportional to firecrackers burst and vehicular emissions within city limits. The report said prevalent weather conditions will not allow polluted air from neighbouring states to reach Delhi until at least October 21. The forecast took three scenarios into account. If the city bursts the same amount of firecrackers as last year, the pollution level would be higher than 2014 and 2015 but less than 2016. If the number of crackers sees a 50% reduction, the pollution would be less than 2014 but greater than 2015. If no firecrackers are burst, Delhi would have been the cleanest Diwali since 2013, it said. Moisture in Delhi is increasing and the temperature is dropping. This may increase the holding capacity of the emissions from firecrackers. An anti-cyclonic circulation may lead to slowing down of surface winds which in turn would lead to stagnation of local pollution, SAFAR had predicted. On Tuesday, the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) implemented a series of measures, such as imposing a ban on diesel generator sets and temporarily shutting down the Badarpur thermal power plant, to curb pollution levels in the national capital region during the winter. The Supreme Court-mandated panel has warned that further steps, including effecting a fourfold hike in parking fees and shutting down polluting industries, will be implemented if the air quality degrades from very poor to severe in the coming days. Diwali had triggered the worst smog in 17 years last year, forcing the Delhi government to shut down schools and construction sites. It was Delhis worst Diwali in three years in terms of air quality as a deadly cocktail of harmful pollutants and gases engulfed the city in thick smog. SAFAR had said that the air quality was not only severe but had plunged to its worst in three years mainly due to low wind movement and falling boundary layer that traps pollutants close to the surface. In 2015, even though the air quality was better than 2016, pollution levels soared about 23 times in some areas, according to real-time readings. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A quiet and promising evening gave way to thick haze and noise as Delhi celebrated Diwali on Thursday night, dashing the hopes of cracker-free festivities, following a Supreme Court ban on the sale of firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR). The online indicators of the pollution monitoring stations in the city glowed red, indicating a very poor air quality as the volume of ultra fine particulates PM2.5 and PM10, which enter the respiratory system and manage to reach the bloodstream, sharply rose from around 7 pm. Real time pollution data appeared alarming. The Delhi Pollution Control Committees (DPCC) RK Puram monitoring station recorded PM2.5 and PM10 at 878 and 1,179 micrograms per cubic metre at around 11 pm. Read more | Air pollution in Delhi: Breathing capitals deadly air is robbing you of 6 years of life The pollutants had violated the corresponding 24-hour safe limits of 60 and 100 respectively by up to 10 times. While it is difficult to quantify the immediate effect of the ban on firecrackers, residents across the national capital felt the beginning was promising with neighbourhoods reporting much lesser noise and smoke till about 6 pm, compared to the previous years. But as the festivities picked up, the faint echo of crackers started growing louder. According to the SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research), the 24-hour rolling average of PM2.5 and PM10 were 154 and 256 micrograms per cubic metre respectively at around 11 pm. It has forecast that the pollution levels will peak between 11 pm and 3 am. The situation was similar, if not worse, in the neighbouring regions of Delhi such as Gurugram, Noida and Ghaziabad, where crackers were burst as usual, raising question marks on the efficacy of the administration in enforcing the apex courts ban. However, the SAFAR has also predicted a relatively cleaner post-Diwali air due to favourable meteorological conditions, which are helping prevent the smoke-filled air from the agricultural belt of Haryana and Punjab from entering the national capital. A very poor air quality index (AQI) essentially means that people may suffer from respiratory illnesses on a prolonged exposure to such air. If the air quality dips further, the AQI will turn severe, which may trouble even those with sound health conditions and seriously affect those with ailments. The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Prevention and Control Authority (EPCA) is empowered to enforce the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat air pollution in Delhi-NCR. Measures under the GRAPs very poor and severe categories, which include a ban on diesel generator sets, came into effect on October 17 and they will remain in force till March 15. They are largely unseen, unsung and discriminated against. That is why there was such surprise when domestic workers actually protested in the NCR a while ago they are meant to serve silently and ask for no rights. This has largely been due to the lack of proper legal safety nets. Now the labour and employment ministry is set to give legal status to domestic workers by formulating a national policy that will ensure that they get minimum wages and equal remuneration. When this comes into effect, it will cover 47.5 lakh domestic workers. The policy will expand the scope of legislation, policies and programmes which will give domestic workers rights that are present in laws meant for other categories of workers. Domestic helps will then be registered as workers with the labour department. Part-time and full-time workers, employers and placement agencies will be clearly defined and institutional mechanisms set up to cover social security, terms of employment, grievance redressal and conflict resolution for domestic workers. Placement agencies have often shortchanged both the worker and employer for profits. Domestic workers are often not given the full picture of the terms of their employment and vice versa. In some cases, unable to meet the expectations of the employer, the domestic worker is subjected to humiliation and abuse. He or she has little recourse to the law or indeed power to secure justice. Employers often make household help work long hours, shortchange them on salary and food and do not afford them any leave. They are coerced into doing jobs for which they are not qualified by employers who are able to blackmail or threaten them. In a few cases, domestic workers have suffered grievous mental and physical harm at the hands of employers. The policy will also promote pensions, health insurance and maternity benefits. The domestic worker today has no security of employment and certainly no fallback in case of a sudden inability to work. The question of old age pension is left very much to the discretion of the employer. Many Indians tend to treat domestic help as inferior and not worthy of rights even though their homes are run by them, their food cooked by them and their children looked after by them. Such attitudes take a long time to change. But if the law weighs in on the side of domestic workers strongly, they will at least get a fair deal for the often strenuous work they have to do. It will be become that much more difficult to treat them as wage slaves who are expected to be at the beck and call of employers round the clock. As political roller coasters go, there is none as steep and unpredictable as the one shared by the United States and Iran. Consider how the relationship has changed in the past three years. A consortium of nations, including the US, had come to an agreement on Irans nuclear status in 2015 that put the countrys rogue programme on hold for eight years. The newly elected Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, came to power strongly supporting better relations with the West and had offered to continue negotiations on the future of the agreement. But the new US president, Donald Trump, came to power expressing strong reservations about the nuclear deal and Iran in general. Last week Mr Trump, overruling his own cabinet and ignoring most of Washingtons strategic community, refused to certify that Iran was in compliance with the terms of the agreement. This has now opened the door for the US Congress to impose even more stringent sanctions against Iran if it wishes. Mr Trump has called for the other countries that negotiated the deal to make it more stringent and more dependent on Iran changing its support for insurgencies and terror groups. Iran has publicly rejected the idea. The US presidents decision was flawed at a number of levels. By ripping apart an existing agreement, Mr Trump has ensured there is no incentive for Iran to consider further negotiations as he has signalled the US will not honour such texts in any case. At a time when a moderate like Mr Rouhani had come to power, the arbitrariness of the act only strengthens the hands of hardliners in Iran who believe developing a nuclear arsenal is the countrys best security bet. The timing of his announcement could not be worse. Irans geopolitical standing could not be better. The Islamic States collapse has meant Iranian-backed regimes are now dominant in Iraq and Syria. Tehrans bitterest opponent, Saudi Arabia, is on the back foot as its famed oil power has been defanged by shale oil and gas and the violent civil war within the Sunni world. There is little incentive for Iran to stop its more unsavoury actions when things are going so well. The US president has torn apart a source of stability in the world system without offering a clear alternative. While Iran is hardly a saint in the international system, it can only be hoped that saner minds will prevail elsewhere in Washington and put any further sanctions on hold. Diwali this year saw an array of Bollywood superstars parading their brightest and most stylish outfits. This years seemingly never-ending celebrity bashes saw incredible style, with guests so done-up, the word glamourous doesnt even do them justice. Actor and fashionista Sonam Kapoor, as always, somewhat stole the show in her two very different, very chic Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla ensembles, whilst others, like actor Alia Bhatt, remained more low-key in an elegant Raw Mango ensemble. Weve got a refresher for you right here. Scroll down to see our favourite looks from Diwali 2017: We loved Alias oh-so-sleek sage green salwar suit with palazzo pants by Sanjay Garg of Raw Mango. What better way to show your support for the handloom industry than to wear handwoven ensembles during Indias biggest and most-celebrated festival? Its no surprise that Sonam Kapoor killed it with her grand Diwali look in not one, but two splendid Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla outfits: An effortlessly stylish A blue and beige lehenga and a high-shine sari paired with a heavily-embellished blouse. All we have to say is: Enchantress. Actor Shilpa Shetty showed us how to ace a desi look like a pro with her orange and red handwoven sari by Raw Mango. Perfect for the festive season. Celebrations like Diwali are made for beauties like actor Kareena Kapoor Khan. She was the epitome of regal style in her ethereal Tarun Tahiliani ensemble. Kareena, just doing Kareena things. 100%. Actor Sonakshi Sinhas Diwali-ready ensemble was a bit of everything: Its floral, its white, its rich, its all-sparkle-everything. And Sona rocks it, per usual. Clearly, Diwali is quite a festive occasion for actor Jacqueline Fernandez. We get her bright and traditional outfit is fab, but look at the excitement in the Sri Lanka beautys eyes. Pure joy! Red + lehenga = one timeless way to bring in Diwali. Did you expect anything less than this head-turning Anamika Khanna ensemble that included an embroidered blouse, a cape jacket and a lehenga from actor Katrina Kaif? We especially love that emerald necklace on her. Sonali Bendre gets that a gal can be comfy and glam at the same time. Were digging her Benarasi-esque Manish Malhotra lehenga in bright colours. Follow @htlifeandstyle for more About 13 fire related incidents were reported in the city on Thursday, the Diwali night. The ill-equipped and understaffed fire department was working round the clock on Diwali as people burst crackers beyond the permitted three hours 6:30pm to 9:30 pm as decreed by the Punjab and Haryana high court. The Supreme Court had also banned sale of fire crackers in Delhi-NCR till November 1 but the people got crackers from outside and some had stocks from last year. According to fire department officials, no injury was reported in any of the fire incidents. Most of these incidents took place between 6pm and 9pm, fire department officials said. There were two major fire incidents in the city. Fire was reported at a cotton warehouse in Sanjay Gram and a furniture warehouse in Sector 5 on Thursday evening. Two warehouses caught fire on Diwali night and we havent ruled out the possibility of the fire being caused due to bursting of firecrackers. Investigations are ongoing and we are assessing the damages to find any evidence to determine the source of the fire, IS Kashyap, fire safety officer, said. Kashyap said the fire department is verifying from owners of the two warehouses if they had procured a no objection certificate and also received a fire safety clearance. According to fire department officials, five fire tenders each from Bhim Nagar and Sector 29 fire headquarters were pressed into service to douse the flames at both warehouses. It took firefighters nearly 40 minutes to bring the fire under control in both places. Fire officials said the objects at the warehouses were highly flammable, there was little else they could do aside from containing the fire. The other incidents included a Tata Nano and Maruti Suzuki Swift being gutted in Sector 54, a storage room behind a temple near HUDA City Centre metro station catching fire and an electrical unit catching fire opposite an apartment in DLF Phase-1. Last year, eight incidents of fire were reported. No injuries took place in any of the incidents. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Television Academy says it has voted to begin disciplinary proceedings against disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein. The academys board of governors issued a statement Friday declaring that sexual harassment in any form is abhorrent and totally unacceptable. The academy, which bestows the Emmy awards, said a hearing has been set for November to consider action up to and including termination of academy membership. Weinstein has recently been accused of multiple acts of sexual harassment and assault spanning decades. He has been fired from The Weinstein Co., a TV and movie film production company he co-founded with his brother Bob. He already has been expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Producers Guild and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. Follow @htshowbiz for more Sean Penns lawyers have warned Netflix against releasing a documentary about Mexican drug lord El Chapo, which suggests the Hollywood star helped the US Department of Justice (DoJ) capture the drug kingpin. The series The Day I Met El Chapo: The Kate del Castillo Story details the episode when del Castillo, a Mexican actor, and Penn secretly met one of the worlds most wanted men in October 2015. Penn wrote an article about the meeting for Rolling Stone that was published just a day after Joaquin Guzman Loera, also known as El Chapo, was captured. The actor is said to be upset with the documentary as it apparently implies that he helped the authorities in their capture of El Chapo, reported the New York Times. It is reprehensible that, in their ongoing, relentless efforts to gain additional attention and publicity, Ms del Castillo and her team (who have zero firsthand knowledge) have sought to create this profoundly false, foolish, and reckless narrative, Mark Fabiani, a spokesman for Penn, said. The notion that Mr Penn or anyone on his behalf alerted DOJ to the trip is a complete fabrication and baldfaced lie. It never happened, nor would there have been any reason for it to have happened. David Broome, who produced the series, said, We never say in this documentary that Sean Penn is in cahoots with the DOJ In a statement, Netflix said: Penn was given the opportunity on multiple occasions to participate in The Day I Met El Chapo and did not do so. The events surrounding the now-infamous meeting have been well covered, including by Penn himself in Rolling Stone and his many public comments since. The only new ground were breaking with this series is to give Kate a chance to finally tell her side of this stranger-than-fiction story. Follow @htshowbiz for more Oscar-winning actor Lupita Nyongo is the latest to write about her own sexual harassment at the hands of producer Harvey Weinstein. She recounts four instances in The New York Times op-ed when she met Harvey before she became a star and won the Academy Award and one after it. Nyongo begins her piece by sharing how she has found courage in the voices of women who are talking about how they were sexually harassed and assaulted by the disgraced producer and that she wasnt alone in her experiences. I have felt sick in the pit of my stomach. I have felt such a flare of rage that the experience I recount below was not a unique incident with me, but rather part of a sinister pattern of behaviour, she wrote. She then recounted how she met Harvey for the first time in Berlin in 2011 when she was still a student at the Yale School of Drama. I exchanged contacts with him in the hopes that I would be considered for one of his projects. I wanted to keep things professional, so I made a point of referring to him as Mr. Weinstein. But he insisted that I call him by his first name. In this first encounter, I found him to be very direct and authoritative, but also charming. He didnt quite put me at ease, but he didnt alarm me, either, she wrote. Lupita Nyongo with her Academy Award for 12 Years A Slave. The next time they met, Harvey had invited her to his home in New York to watch a film with his family. They, however, went for a lunch first where it really bothered him how she wasnt drinking alcohol and pushed her repeatedly for it. You are going to drink that, he insisted. I smiled again and said that I wouldnt. He gave up and called me stubborn. I said, I know, she wrote. Then they went to his home where they she was introduced to his staff and his family, including his children. They began watching the movie but 15 minutes into it, he said he wanted to show her something in her bedroom. She resisted and told him that whatever it is, it could wait until after the movie, but he wouldnt budge. Harvey led me into a bedroom his bedroom and announced that he wanted to give me a massage. I thought he was joking at first. He was not. For the first time since I met him, I felt unsafe. I panicked a little and thought quickly to offer to give him one instead: It would allow me to be in control physically, to know exactly where his hands were at all times. Before long he said he wanted to take off his pants. I told him not to do that and informed him that it would make me extremely uncomfortable. He got up anyway to do so and I headed for the door, saying that I was not at all comfortable with that. If were not going to watch the film, I really should head back to school, I said, she added. She then met him again on a dinner after a Broadway show but was allowed to bring her two male friends with her. Harvey behaved well that night which led her to believe that may be he now respects their boundaries. Lupita Nyong'o speaks onstage during the 2017 Global Citizen Festival in Central Park. (AFP) He again invited her for a screening in New York a few months later, which is when he revealed his intentions with her. They were having lunch when he made the proposal. 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. 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. I was silent for a while before I mustered up the courage to politely decline his offer. You have no idea what you are passing up, he said. With all due respect, I would not be able to sleep at night if I did what you are asking, so I must pass, I replied, she added. Scared for her career, Lupita asked him if all was well between them. I dont know about your career, but youll be fine, he said. The last time they met was after she won the Academy Award for 12 Years A Slave. At an after-party, he found me and evicted whoever was sitting next to me to sit beside me. 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, she wrote. Weinstein resigned from his position at The Weinstein Company earlier this week as sexual assault and harassment accusations against him piled up. So far, as many as 40 women have said that he harassed them, six even accusing him of rape. Follow @htshowbiz for more Actor Lindsay Lohan, who earlier defended accused rapist Harvey Weinstein, says she didnt receive any public support from most women in America when she was in an abusive relationship with former fiance Egor Tarabasov. While over three dozen Hollywood actresses have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct, Lohan took to Instagram on Wednesday to clarify why she stood behind the movie producer, reports usmagazine.com. Whatever anyone says, I am FOR #womenempowerment #strongwoman #BESTRONG #karma will always takes its toll #womensrights A post shared by Lindsay Lohan (@lindsaylohan) on Oct 18, 2017 at 2:40pm PDT Whatever anyone says, I am for women empowerment as if most women in America cared how I was abused by my ex fiance When not one person stood up for me while he was abusing me, Lohan wrote alongside a screenshot from the movie Parent Trap. The Mean Girls star accused Tarabasov last year of attempting to strangle and kill her. You could only imagine what it feels like to come out as a strong woman, but acknowledge this, we all make our own choices and wake up in our own beds in the morning. I prefer to go to my home and wake up alone. Be strong let us not blame anyone as karma will always takes its toll, she added. Follow @htshowbiz for more Quentin Tarantino has admitted knowing for decades about Harvey Weinsteins alleged sexual misconduct, confessing in an interview published Thursday to feeling ashamed that he did not stop working with the mogul. The explosive admission to The New York Times came with allegations of assault and harassment mounting against the disgraced Hollywood tycoon as Los Angeles police announced they were investigating a sixth sex attack allegation. I knew enough to do more than I did, Oscar-winning Tarantino, 54, told the paper of his friend and mentor, citing several episodes involving prominent actresses. There was more to it than just the normal rumors, the normal gossip. It wasnt secondhand. I knew he did a couple of these things. Turning one of the biggest Oscar players in history into a hall-of-fame pariah, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted overwhelmingly to immediately expel Weinstein on Oct. (NYT) Weinstein, 65, is accused of decades of sexual abuse and harassment by around 40 actresses, including stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Mira Sorvino, Tarantinos ex-girlfriend. The veteran producer, who resigned from the board of The Weinstein Company this week, having already been sacked as its co-chairman, has so far denied all allegations of forcing himself on his accusers. Tarantino said in the Times interview that he had heard about Weinsteins behavior long before investigations published in that paper and the New Yorker which prompted a flood of further allegations. - Excuse - I wish I had taken responsibility for what I heard. If I had done the work I should have done then, I would have had to not work with him, Tarantino said. Sorvino, who dated the director in the mid-1990s, told him Weinstein had made unwanted advances while another actress made similar allegations years later that Tarantino also knew about, according to the Times. This combination of pictures shows US producer Harvey Weinstein (L); (1st row from L) US actress Rose McGowan, US actress Angelina Jolie taken on in New York City, Italian actress Asia Argento, US actress Gwyneth Paltrow, US actress Ashley Judd, (2nd row fromL) French actress Lea Seydoux, US actress Mira Sorvino, US actress Rosanna Arquette, US actress Louisette Geiss, British actress Kate Beckinsale, (3rd row fromL) Television reporter Lauren Sivan, US actress Jessica Barth, US producer Elizabeth Karlsen, French actress Emma De Caunes, and French actress Judith Godreche, all of who have accused Weinstein of sexual harassment. (AFP) The director said he was also aware that Weinstein had settled with the actress Rose McGowan. What I did was marginalize the incidents, Tarantino said, admitting that he had dismissed them as mild misbehavior. Anything I say now will sound like a crappy excuse, added the filmmaker, who won best screenplay Oscars for black comedy western Django Unchained in 2013 and cult favourite Pulp Fiction in 1995. Weinstein and Tarantino have worked closely for decades since the producer distributed Reservoir Dogs, in 1992. The pair also collaborated on Pulp Fiction, the Kill Bill films, Inglourious Basterds and The Hateful Eight. The Los Angeles Police Department told AFP detectives had interviewed a potential sexual assault victim involving Weinstein which allegedly occurred in 2013. The opening of a probe in Los Angeles follows two sex crime investigations launched by police in New York, with Londons Metropolitan Police also pursuing allegations made by three women. The new case takes Weinsteins potential legal woes to a new level as it falls within the 10-year statute of limitations for the crime that existed at the time of the alleged incident, according to the Los Angeles Times. Until now, most of the accusations Weinstein faced were more than a decade old. - Without warning - The Italian actress and models lawyer Dave Ring said in a statement that she had told detectives Thursday how movie producer Weinstein raped her in a hotel room near Beverly Hills in 2013. My client is grateful to all the courageous women who have already come forward to finally expose Weinstein, said Ring, vowing to share information about the case at a news conference planned for Friday. These women may not have realized it, but they gave my client the support and encouragement to hold Weinstein accountable for this horrible act. The alleged victim, then 34, told the Los Angeles Times the incident occurred at the Mr. C Beverly Hills hotel after she attended the 8th annual Los Angeles, Italia Film, Fashion and Art Fest in February 2013. He showed up without warning in the lobby and asked to come up to her room, she told the newspaper. She said she offered instead to meet him downstairs, but added that he was soon knocking on her door. He... bullied his way into my hotel room, saying, Im not going to (have sex with) you, I just want to talk, the mother-of-three is quoted as saying. Once inside, he asked me questions about myself, but soon became very aggressive and demanding and kept asking to see me naked. He grabbed me by the hair and forced me to do something I did not want to do. He then dragged me to the bathroom and forcibly raped me. She said she was too afraid to report Weinstein, instead telling a priest, a friend and a nanny what had happened, but decided to come forward at the request of her children. Follow @htshowbiz for more CIA director Mike Pompeo on Thursday said, apparently inaccurately, that US intelligence agencies had concluded that Russian interference did not affect the outcome of the 2016 US presidential election. In fact, US intelligence agencies in January said that they had made no assessment one way or the other on the impact of Moscows hacking and propaganda campaign but its report stated that Russias aim was to try and help then-Republican candidate Donald Trumps election chances. Yes. Intelligence communitys assessment is that the Russian meddling that took place did not affect the outcome of the election, CIA director Mike Pompeo said. Pompeo, a former Republican congressman and Trump ally, was asked at an event in Washington if he could say with absolute certainty that the election results were not skewed as a result of Russian interference. Pompeo replied: Yes. Intelligence communitys assessment is that the Russian meddling that took place did not affect the outcome of the election. The top Democrat on the US House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, Adam Schiff, criticized Pompeo for his remark. I was deeply disappointed to learn that CIA Director Pompeo today asserted that the intelligence community had found that Russian interference in our election did not affect the outcome. In fact, the Intelligence community made no such finding, nor could it, Schiff said in a statement that noted the January assessment. This is not the first time the Director has made statements minimizing the significance of what the Russians did, but it needs to be the last, Schiff said. The agency later issued a statement that appeared to walk back Pompeos remark. The intelligence assessment with regard to Russian election meddling has not changed, and the Director did not intend to suggest that it had, said Dean Boyd, the director of the CIAs office of public affairs. Russia has repeatedly denied US intelligence agencies conclusions that Moscow meddled in the election and Trump has denied any collusion between his campaign and Russian officials. Committees in both the US Senate and the House are investigating as is a special counsel, former FBI director Robert Mueller. The probes have cast a shadow over Trumps presidency, especially after Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey was fired by Trump in May. In an interview with NBC after Comeys removal, Trump admitted that he was thinking about this Russia thing when he decided to fire Comey. Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh filed his nomination papers from Arki Vidhan Sabha constituency in Solan district on Friday morning. Virbhadra was accompanied by his wife and former MP Pratibha Singh and son Vikramaditya Singh. The family reached the sub-divisional magistrates office at Arki at 11.30am where Congress workers were present to welcome them. He submitted his papers to returning officer Isha Thakur. I had announced that I will be contesting from a seat where the Congress has not been able to win for the past two decades, Virbhadra told reporters at Arki. The BJP has been winning Arki for the past two elections. He is hopeful that Vikramaditya will get to contest from Shimla Rural, which he represented. There was speculation that he would contest from Theog after sitting MLA Vidya Stokes offered him the seat and opted out of the elections. But after a meeting on ticket allocation in Delhi on Wednesday, the Congress decided to field Virbhadra from Arki. Talks are on to decide on the party candidate for Theog and Shimla Rural. They are among the nine seats whose candidates are yet to be named. The Congress has declared the names of 59 of the 68 candidates. A meeting stretching for four hours and a half between students and the administration of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute on Friday failed to break the deadlock at the institution where students are boycotting classes since Tuesday. The boycott of classes at the Centre-funded film school started after the administration decided on Monday to rusticate 14 female students and filed police complaints against 10 male students for refusing to relocate to their designated rooms following the authoritys decision to segregate hostels on the basis of gender. During the meeting on Friday, attended by director Debamitra Mitra, the dean of students and heads of various departments, the students told the administration that they would agree to segregation of hostel on the basis of gender only after their other demands were met. We have been raising various issues for months but the authorities always neglected those. We have submitted our charter of demands stating that we would agree to hostel segregation after these demands are met. Revoking the rustication of 14 students tops our list of demands, Debottam Basu, a member of the students association, told HT. The demands include cancellation of curtailment of certain aspects in their syllabus, no cut in academic budget, increase in filmmaking budgets, improvement of hostel facilities and no launching of new courses without increasing faculty and facilities. The authorities, however, seem to be in no mood to consider their offer. They are trying to dictate terms. How can the students dictate the authorities about how to run the courses and the institution? If we are to follow what they say, what is the need of us at all? Let the students run the institution, the SRFTI director told HT. She said that she will discuss with other members of the administration the students demands when the institute opens on Monday, but does not hope reach any solution anytime soon. Im not very optimistic about the outcome of the meeting we had today, she said. The Union ministry of electronics and information technology has set up an internal committee to advise the government on a policy on artificial intelligence (AI). Top sources said that the expert committee will advise the IT ministry on the most apt technologies for India. The governments main focus is to reduce cyber attacks with AI. The main policy will be drawn up once the committee gives its report. Sources said that the committee is expected to give its report soon. Whenever the government has consulted with top tech companies, we have seen that their biggest involvement is with AI. We also want to take advantage of this technology and so a policy will be formed to ensure that it is properly leveraged, said an official in the know of the matter. Senior sources at the IT ministry pointed out that officials from Union home and finance ministries are also involved in the consultations. AI is also widely seen as a major challenge in generation of employment as many companies are likely to depend more on it to cut down on human resources. A subject that has cropped up every time that IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has met top tech companies. The artificial intelligence market is estimated to touch $153 billion in 2020 and expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 45.4% from 2016 to 2022. The government has recently drawn up a seven-point strategy that would form the framework for Indias strategic plan to use AI. The strategy includes developing methods for human machine interactions; ensuring safety and security of AI systems; creating a competent workforce in line with AI and R&D needs, understanding and addressing the ethical, legal and societal implications of AI, measuring and evaluating AI technologies through standards and benchmarks, among others. AI can benefit various government agencies in their functioning. But at the same time we have to ensure that an indigenous workforce to develop AI is created, said another official. Globally too, there is a growing interest in AI. In 2016, the White House initiated work on Preparing for the future of artificial intelligence; in the UK, the House of Commons committee on S&T looked at robotics and artificial intelligence while in 2017, the State Council of China started work on the next generation artificial intelligence development plan. Twitter users say Kerala Tourism run by the states government is teaching a lesson to its Uttar Pradesh counterpart on how to do its job. The Kerala Tourism department has thanked the Taj Mahal for inspiring millions to discover India amid controversies triggered by Bharatiya Janata Party leaders questioning the origin and heritage of the monument of love. God's Own Country salutes the #TajMahal for inspiring millions to discover India. #incredibleindia pic.twitter.com/TXqSXQ9AYQ Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) October 18, 2017 Controversial BJP MLA Sangeet Som recently said the Taj Mahal was built by someone who wanted to wipe out Hindus, adding to a row over the iconic monument that draws crores of rupees in annual revenue. His remarks come days after the Taj Mahal, considered one of the seven wonders of the world, wasnt mentioned in an Uttar Pradesh tourism booklet and received no fresh funds in the state budget. Many people were disappointed when Taj Mahal was removed from Indian history. What history are you talking about? The creator of the Taj Mahal (Mughal emperor Shah Jahan) imprisoned his own father. He wanted to wipe out Hindus from Hindustan, Som can be heard telling a crowd in a video. Shah Jahan never imprisoned his father Jehangir. It was Shah Jahans son, the sixth Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who placed him under house arrest at Agra Fort. Kerala tourism , way to go....teach them how we promote India...One India. Well done Kerala Tourism for this big hearted approach Sunny (@Sunny61422482) October 20, 2017 Love this fr d brilliance and giving the right message to those stupid forces trying to create Divide on name f historic places #TajMahal Ali (@ali2705) October 20, 2017 Hats off kerala tourism,,, and its for u #ooppi sidhique (@6iamsid) October 19, 2017 Hahahahahahaahaha. Nicely played Kerala. Nicely played. Gaurav (@gauravgjain) October 19, 2017 Another BJP leader, Vinay Katiyar, added to the row by saying that the moon-white marble mausoleum stands at a site where a Hindu temple dedicated to god Shiva once stood. The Kerala Tourism handle did not refer to the controversial remarks by BJP leaders in its tweet. The Taj Mahal is Indias top tourism destination but has received a barrage of negative comments from top BJP leaders, including chief minister Yogi Adityanath who in June said the ivory-white marble mausoleum didnt represent Indian culture. The 17th century structure has also seen a steady decline in footfall in recent years and is battling mounting pollution. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Lalu Prasad said he would organise another grand rally in Patna to unite opposition parties against the alleged failures of the NDA governments at the Centre and in Bihar. We will hold a grand rally against anti-people policies of the state and central governments. The date of the rally will be finalised after consultation with party leaders, Prasad told reporters on Diwali day (Thursday). Prasad had on August 27 organised Desh Bachao, BJP Baghao rally at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, which was attended by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, rebel Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav and senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad among others. Reacting to Prasads announcement, Union minister Giriraj Singh described the RJDs grand rally plan as just another gimmick. Lalu organises rallies just to make people laugh. There is nothing more to it, Singh said. Having lost power in the state and facing probe by CBI and Enforcement Directorate into various corruption charges, Prasad and his family members celebrated the festival of lights in a subdued manner. Many RJD leaders and party workers did visit 10, Circular Road residence of Prasads wife Rabri Devi in Patna to extend Diwali greetings, there was little for them to cheer about. Prasad, however, looked upbeat and did not shy away from taking potshots at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for politicising the Diwali festival by organising a big event at Ayodhya. Politicising a festival is wrong. The BJP is now cheating gods. Nobody has stopped people from performing pujas and rituals, he said, adding that Lord Rama would himself teach a lesson to the BJP. Lord Rama resides in the heart of all people of the country. The BJP will pay a price for cheating gods, Prasad said. In his witty ways, Prasad also slammed demonetisation, saying that Goddess Lakshmi the deity of wealth and prosperity had left the country because of the currency recall drive undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year. They have destroyed wealth and prosperity in households by forcing people to deposit all their savings in banks by pushing demonetisation. Now, see, there is all round depression and poverty in the country, Prasad said. The intent of RJD chiefs statement was to describe demonetisation as a wrong move and how ordinary people of the country had lost their savings due to swapping of currency. I appeal to the people of the country not to get mislead by the RSS and Modi, he said. Meanwhile, RJD insiders said Prasads plan for another rally was aimed at keeping his MLAs intact and prepare for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The party insiders also felt that the RJD chief wanted to galvanise his party workers from early next year as he was apprehensive that assembly elections in Bihar could be held simultaneously with Lok Sabha polls in 2019. Organising a rally is a best way to keep the partys rank and file busy. Even MLAs want to remain busy so that they could remain close to the people of their constituencies, said a senior party leader.. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday visited the Himalayan shrine of Kedarnath ahead of its closure for the next six months. This is his second visit to the shrine this year. Modi was accompanied by Uttarakhand chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and other state and central government officials. The priests at the Lord Shiva shrine and the locals welcomed the Prime Minister. The temple was decked up with yellow flowers. After offering prayers, Modi began addressing people gathered at the temple. Below are the highlights : 11:50 am: PM says reconstruction of Kedarpuri, with improved facilities for devotees, will be expensive but there will be no dearth of funds. 11:40 am: PM invites tourists to explore the Himalayas, says the hills have so much to offer- for spiritual pursuits, for the nature lover, for those interested in adventure, water sports. It is the responsibility of us all to protect the environment. If we protect the environment, it will protect us in return: PM 11:36 am: Have to develop strategy that inculcates discipline among tourists. Uttarakhand should become the most favoured tourist destination: PM Modi Modi says discipline is in the blood of people here in Uttarakhand where at least one person from each family is a soldier. 11:35 am: Govt is taking initiative that ensures that the youth of the area doesnt leave the area. Centre taking steps to ensure that resources of the mountains are pooled in for development of only the mountains: Modi: PM 11:34 am: Were building modern infrastructure in Kedarnath but the traditional soul will be preserved and will ensure environment laws are not flouted: PM 11:25 am: I urge corporate world to take up CSR activities to help in the restoration work of Kedarnath: Modi 11:20am: Through the development we are doing in Kedarnath, we want to show how an ideal Tirth Kshetra should be. 11:15am: When floods of 2013 occurred I was not PM, I was Gujarat CM. I offered to help in rebuilding but Centre became nervous, says Modi. 11:10am: I have resolved to devote myself to fulfilling dream of a developed India by 2022, says the Prime Minister. 11:05am: Modi wishes Gujarat a happy new year. 11am: PM Modi begins addressing people outside temple The Madras High Court set aside on Friday government orders banning two Tamil books written by K Senthil Mallar with a condition that provoking contents in the books be altered or deleted. A full bench, comprising Justices MM Sundresh, Pushpa Sathyanarayana and R Mahadevan, passed the order while disposing two pleas by the author of the books Meendezhum Pandiyar Varalaru and Venthar Kulathin Irupppidam Ethu? challenging the government ban orders dated May 30, 2013 and August 19, 2015. The government had banned the books under section 95 of the CrPC, fearing they could incite violence and promote ill-will among various communities. The bench said the petitioner cannot call himself the voice of his community. The notification or de-notification of a caste from the schedule or another category are within the domain of the Union ministry of social justice and empowerment, it said. The decisions are still taken on the basis of social and economic factors by the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Backward Classes. The court referred to several portions in the books, which were allegedly in the nature of spreading hatred and disharmony and posing a threat to public order and security of the state. When the court cited the portions, the petitioner agreed to make certain alterations in the books. As most of the changes suggested by the court were also accepted by the government, the bench said: Under such circumstances, the impugned orders are liable to be set aside, provided that the petitioner complies with the references and bibliography as pointed out by the Public (SC) Department, in addition to altering/deleting provoking contents. One person killed and 25 others, including policemen, were injured when police opened fire on a crowd protesting against the murder of a businessman in Tajpur police station area of Samastipur district of north Bihar, about 70 km north east of state capital, Patna, on Friday. Over 20 vehicles, including a police van, were set on fire by the rioting mob. Senior police officials have rushed to the spot. Additional forces have been deployed in view of the volatile situation, which the SP claimed was under control. Security forces have done flag march in the area, said the SP, Deepak Ranjan. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ordered probe by Tirhut divisional commissioner and range DIG of Darbhanga as additional forces from adjoining Muzaffarpur district were rushed to the tense area. ADG (headquarters) Sanjeev Kumar Singhal told HT that the situation was being monitored from the headquarters and Section 144 had been imposed on the affected area. Top officials of the district administration were camping at Tajpur in view of the tension Police sources said that a medicine trader, Janardan Thakur ,was shot dead on Thursday evening when he was returning home from his shop after performing Diwali Puja. As the news of the murder spread on Friday morning, shops downed their shutters and a large number of locals gathered near Tajpur and stopped traffic on National Highway 28, shouting slogans against the local police for failing to arrest the medicine traders murderers and to recover a minor girl, abducted on Monday. When the police reinforcement arrived, the mob attacked the SP also, resulting in police firing. However, after the firing, hell broke loose and the mob went on the rampage. Protestors alleged the police fired more than 20 rounds, killing local resident Jitendra Kumar and injuring many others. Protesters then attacked local police station and torched around 20 vehicles, including a police van and a truck. On the other hand, police said that clashes ensued when the policemen tried to clear the protesters from the area. Around 20 policemen were injured in stone-pelting. The SP, Deepak Ranjan, claimed no one was killed in police firing and that the deceased died in mob violence. Ten persons were detained in stone pelting case. The police also carried out searches in the area to identify and arrest the anti-social elements present in the mob who attacked the policemen. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON India has not invited Pakistan and North Korea to attend the first global conference on consumer protection to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi next week, consumer affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said. The two-day Regional Conference on Consumer Protection will be held on October 26-27 and will see the participation of 23 countries, besides India, which is organising the event at the request of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). We have not invited two countries North Korea and Pakistan for the conference even though they fall in the region of the countries we are inviting to the conference. We have invited others including China, Paswan said on Friday. He, however, did not elaborate on the reason behind not inviting the two countries. Ministry sources said the list of countries first sent to the government included the two names. In the backdrop of the United Nations Revised Guidelines on Consumer Protection (UNGCP) 2015, the ministry of consumer affairs, food and public distribution and UNCTAD will organise the conference with the theme, empowering consumers in new markets at Vigyan Bhavan, ministry officials said. The objective of the conference is to share initiatives taken in connection with the implementation of the UN guidelines with regard to consumer protection. Three weeks after the headmaster of a tribal residential school in Odishas Koraput district was arrested on charges of impregnating a minor tribal girl, the victims family is facing social boycott. Early this month, the victims father lodged an FIR accusing the headmaster of the government residential school of forcing his daughter into a physical relationship with him. The victim is a standard 9 student. Doctors ruled out abortion as the child is five months pregnant. Amid their troubles, villagers have been demanding a community feast as a purification ritual since the girl was impregnated before marriage. I am a daily labourer. The community feast would cost me at least Rs 30,000. How can I arrange such a big amount. Besides, I need money for regular health check up of my daughter, said the victims father. He said the district administration is yet to provide him any assistance. District welfare officer of Koraput Jagannath Soren said a committee that inquired into the case found that apart from the headmaster, the matron of the hostel is also involved. We are concerned about the problems the family is facing. The district administration may give some assistance to her family, he said. The DWO said the departmental probe committee found it as a case of illicit relationship on the part of the headmaster and not that of sexual assault. As there was no sexual assault, we cant recommend financial assistance. The district collector may decide on that, he said. As per Odisha Victim Compensation Scheme, 2017, a rape victim is entitled to get a financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh. Crime against women is high in Odisha. According to a figure provided by the states police in its website, 2,144 rape cases were reported during the year 2016. The number was 2251 in 2015 and 1,978 in 2014, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Former president Pranab Mukherjee said on Friday he rejected Parliament attack convict Afzal Gurus mercy petition on advice from the government as he could not have assumed the role of the court which had already considered the death sentence at various stages. Mukherjee, who is against the continuation of the death sentence, also insisted that it was for lawmakers to amend the law and abolish capital punishment, which is in the Indian Penal Code. During his tenure from 2012 to 2017, Mukherjee rejected 30 mercy pleas. Before a mercy petition comes to the President, it passes through various stages and different actions had already been taken. The President goes by the advice of the government, he told HT in an interview. If the government advises rejection of the mercy petition, the President naturally will go by that. The President cannot assume the role of the court which had already considered the death sentence at various stages. A trial court sentenced Afzal, then studying medicine, to death on December 18, 2002, for his role in the terror attack on Parliament on December 13, 2001. The Delhi high court later confirmed the sentence, which was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2004. The sentence was to be carried out on October 20, 2006 in Delhis Tihar Jail, but a mercy petition by the family to the President stayed it. Guru was finally hanged in Tihar Jail on February 9, 2013 after Mukherjee rejected his mercy petition on February 3 that year. I did not believe in keeping the files without taking any action. I disposed them off and accepted the governments recommendations to reject mercy petitions except in 1 or 2 cases where I discussed with the then home minister and both of us agreed on commuting the death sentence. Rest all, I confirmed, he said. Speaking about Kashmir, he said the situation definitely requires undivided attention of all those concerned. We were able to manage the situation during UPA-I and UPA-II. Similarly, this government is also making efforts. Let us see how the situation develops and how problems are resolved. More than often the secessionist elements take advantage by constantly launching agitations but we shall have to resolve the issue with the cooperation of the people and the government in Jammu and Kashmir, he added. Asked about the revival of Congress, he said the party has the capacity to face the situation, tackle adversities and come out with ideas and principles. ...whenever there is crisis the party had the capacity to overcome that. I have no doubt that Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders and workers will be able to overcome the crisis and Congress will play its own role. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Tamil Nadu unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party is angry at regional superstar Vijay for his movie that ridicules crucial policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The anger comes against the backdrop of another prominent film actor, Kamal Haasan, taking aim at the BJP. At contention is particularly portions where Mersal which was Vijays biggest Diwali release mocks the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Digital India campaign. Scenes that convey wrong impression about GST and Digital India should be removed, said state BJPs chief TN Soundarrajan on Friday. Tamil films and politics share a close relationship, with the states most prominent figures such as former chief minister J Jayalalithaa having first shot to fame as actors. The GST is the biggest overhaul of Indias indirect taxation system but has largely been blamed by economists and Modis critics for having crippled businesses with its arduous and confusing filing system. Mersal has been running to packed theatres. Another BJP leader, youth wings SG Suryah, said a scene where Vijays character compares India to Singapore is inaccurate. In the scene, Suryah tweeted, Vijays character says Singapore has 7% GST and people get free medical treatment, but Indians do not get it despite paying 28% GST. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A BJP woman leader was arrested on charges of taking bribe to save a mobile snatcher from going to jail, soon after chief minister Yogi Adityanath took note of the complaint made by the accuseds mother on Friday. Sarita Singh, member of BJPs Maganagar Adyaksha, Rahul Srivastavs team, was booked under various sections of IPC and was sent to jail on a complaint made by Prabha Pandey, relative of Reeta Pandey, who is mother of Harshit Pandey, who was arrested for mobile-snatching. Reeta, a resident of Awas Vikas Colony, gave Rs 50,000 as bribe to Sarita after the latter convinced her that she would use political clout to save her son from going to jail. She also used Gorakhnath temple worker, Dwarika Tiwaris name to take the victim into confidence for extorting the money. However, when Harshit was sent to jail despite the deal, his mother demanded the sum back from Sarita, but the latter didnt pay the amount back, following which Reeta visited Gorakhnath temple to meet the chief minister who immediately directed the SSP to take action against the fraudulent leader. Cantonment SHO Manoj Pathak said Harshit had confessed to his involvement in three mobile snatching cases, including one on October 3. He was arrested on October 13. Earlier, in a stern message against graft, Adityanath had appealed to people to record statement of officials who demands bribes to get their work done and bring it to the notice of the government for necessary action. Sarita Singh, who had served as a leader in BJP Mahila Morcha (womens wing), was planning to fight the election for corporators post from Mahadev Jharkhandi ward No. 20. Her husband Mahipal Singh works in railway cooperative bank. The Babysitter Director - McG Cast - Judah Lewis, Samara Weaving, Robbie Amell, Bella Thorne, Leslie Bibb, Ken Marino Rating - 3.5/5 A few years ago - back in 2009 - a film called Jennifers Body arrived in theatres, and only a couple of weeks later, after having failed to make much of an impression, it vanished into thin air. Not many have invoked its name in the decade that has passed. Fewer have seen it at all which is as strange now as it was back then. Youd think a movie starring Megan Fox as an evil jock concubine who eats men (literally) would have found an audience at home. But no. But theres a reason why Jennifers Body has suddenly risen from the dead, and sauntered its way into this review. Im a fan, but thats beside the point. However, while watching the utterly bonkers new Netflix Original film, The Babysitter, only one film came into my mind, repeatedly, like a long-forgotten nightmare back for seconds: Jennifers Body. On the surface, both films are coming-of-age stories that feature hot girls the sort that only seem to exist in the movies, all blonde and no brains making a pact with the devil to further their evil careers or whatever. Which is, essentially, the central premise of The Babysitter. If Ron Weasley were tasked with describing the movies main character, Id be willing to wager some premium butterbeer, hed call him a specky git which is a far more loaded description than it seems. Besides the obvious image that it paints of a weak-kneed pre-teen whos probably very good at school, but just as bad at evading bullies, it places the subject into a very specific position in the high school social structure. And thats where Cole (Judah Lewis), our main man, finds himself. Hes bullied, routinely, often with eggs we see it happen several times in the first few scenes and he doesnt seem to have too many friends. He basically only hangs out with a girl from his neighbourhood, whos just as awkward as he is, so thats not going to be of any help. But and this is one of the movies many unique takes on the several tropes it subverts he doesnt really want to move up in life, he doesnt necessarily want respect. He just wants to be left alone. He is, as his babysitter, Bee (Samara Weaving), describes him, an innocent. And it is this very innocence that unfortunately makes Cole the perfect candidate for the Satanic ritual Bee is planning that evening, when Coles parents would be away for their scheduled monthly sex sessions at the nearby Hilton. She arrives on time, and like the movie, settles comfortably into a very quirky albeit considerably foul-mouthed tone, nailed in a couple of pitch-perfect scenes, by Brian Duffields pop-culture obsessed screenplay. Its filled with deeply satisfying geeky references (The Godfather Part II, Star Trek, all hilariously name dropped) and genuine moments of warmth. Soon, though, its time for Cole to go to bed. And when the clock strikes 10 (or 11, I dont remember, but it sounds more ominous this way), Bees friends one from each high school clique come knocking on the door. Theres the jock (Robbie Amell), the cheerleader (Bella Thorne), the token black guy (King Bach), an Asian goth chick (Hana Mae Lee) and a nerd (Doug Haley). They begin a game of truth or dare as you do and very soon, one of them is being sacrificed at the altar of Satan, with two knives sticking out of his head, and a steady stream of his blood being chugged out of ornate chalices. Trouble is, Cole heard the ruckus and witnessed all of it. And thats the precise plot development that hurls us headfirst into a deliriously over-the-top cat and mouse tale thats not only a pastiche of several horror movie staples, but a surprisingly sure-footed one, directed, of all people, by McG. And to be quite honest, I didnt think he had it in him. Nothing he has ever done before two Charlies Angels movies, Terminator Salvation, a Luc Besson hack job, and having his authority utterly undermined by Christian Bale ever suggested that his finest hour would be a teen horror comedy. At 85 minutes, it moves at a clip; theres barely a moment that goes by in which someone isnt having their head caved in, their boob shot at, or their skull sliced open. Not, understandably, something most sane moviegoers would be into. But were hardly talking about a sane picture here. The Babysitter has all the makings of a cult classic - but so did Jennifers Body. Anyone game for a double feature? Watch the Babysitter trailer here Follow @htshowbiz for more The author tweets @RohanNaahar ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop Terming the ongoing strike of the employees of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) illegal, the Bombay High Court on Friday directed them to resume work immediately. In a late evening order, Justice S K Shinde also directed the committee, set up by the state government to look into the employees issues, to submit its interim report by November 15 and the final report on December 21. Over one lakh MSRTC employees went on an indefinite strike on Tuesday, demanding a salary hike in accordance with the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission. The court was hearing two PILs, including one filed by city resident Jayant Satam, seeking that the strike be declared illegal and the staff be asked to resume work. The strike is illegal and they (MSRTC staff) are directed to resume work with immediate effect, the court said. The government cannot remain a mute spectator on the strike. This is affecting the public at large, especially during the festive season, it added. The court was informed that a committee had been set up to resolve the issue. Noting that the government and the MSRTC needed to sit together to resolve the issue, the court posted the petitions for further hearing to January 10. The bench was informed by the MSRTC that despite three committees set up in the past, the problem pertaining to the salary of the employees had not been sorted out. The transport corporations lawyer further said that while the central government was funding a bullet train and many other development projects, the state government was hesitating to support the MSRTC. The two petitions were filed on Wednesday, highlighting the hardship the passengers were facing, especially in the rural areas where MSRTC buses are often the only public transport facility, due to the strike ahead of Diwali. Nearly 65 lakh people travelled by MSRTC buses every day, the petitions said. We are relying on a government notification and (earlier) court orders, wherein it is specifically held that employees working in essential services for the public at large, cannot go on strike. Here, the 98% MSRTC employees are very much aware that it is the Diwali season and that lakhs of people use their services to go to their home towns, but still they have announced the strike, the petitioners lawyer, Pooja Thorat, said. She added that while the MSRTC employees demands were legitimate, the manner in which they went on strike just before the festive season was not appropriate. It was mostly a safe and sound Diwali for residents as not many cases of burns due to cracker bursting or fire were reported. Barring two major incidents of burns due to cracker bursting, not many cases were reported across Noida hospitals. Many said the number was lower due to the Supreme Courts ban on the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR. At ESIC Hospital in Noida, one major burn case was reported. A 35-year-old woman was admitted with 45% burns. The Noida-based woman had been admitted to our emergency section on Thursday night. As she had 45% burns on her hands, we referred her to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. Besides her, we didnt get any other case of cracker burn, said Dr Nilima, director, ESIC Hospital. At Metro Hospital in Sector 12, a 34-year-old man was admitted on Thursday night with 30% burns to his hands, which was caused by bursting of crackers. The patient was a resident of Mayur Vihar and was admitted to our hospital for 30% burn in his hands. He is under treatment in our hospital and is said to be out of danger, said Chhaya Malhotra, spokesperson, Metro Hospital. At Jaypee Hospital in Sector 128, a total of three patients were treated for minor burn injuries. Three male patients came to our out-patient department with minor eye injuries caused due to crackers. They were given first-aid and discharged. Last year, we had two serious cases of burns, said Poornima, spokesperson, Jaypee Hospital. At District Hospital in Noidas Sector 30, two persons were treated for minor burns on Friday morning. There were two patients with minor burn injuries on their hands and they were immediately treated, a doctor at the emergency section of the district hospital said. VB Joshi, spokesperson, Kailash Hospital, said, Compared to the last Diwali, when we had over 30 patients with burn injuries, this year we didnt admit even a single patient. Five to six patients with minor burn injuries were treated. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A 12-year-old girl was charred to death after she accidentally fell into a hot silo in a bitumen-concrete mixing plant at Chhajarsi village in Noidas Sector 63. Within seconds after falling into the hot silo, containing molten tar and concrete, the girls body turned into a lump of molten flesh. Her remains was taken out from the silo with the help of an earthmover. After the incident, locals staged a demonstration near the hot mix plant alleging that it was being illegally operated in the area and is a source of noise and air pollution in the locality. The plant does not have any well demarcated boundary wall, the locals said. According to the police, the incident took place on Friday morning when the girl had gone to fetch cow dung for performing Govardhan puja at her residence. The victim has been identified as 12 year-old Kritika Mishra, a resident of Chhajarsi and a student of class 8 at a local private school, Akhilesh Pradhan, the station house officer of Phase 3 police station, said. Kritika lived with her grandparents, mother and a younger brother in a rented accommodation in Chhajarsi. Her grandfather Anil Kumar Dwivedi said that Kritika and her younger brother Himanshu, 7, had gone to fetch cow dung for performing Govardhan puja. I had just come back from work, when my grandson Himanshu came running and informed us that Kritika had slipped into a hot silo in the hot mix plant. We immediately rushed to the spot to rescue her, but by then, she had been charred to death, Dwivedi said. The victims father had died in 2009 and she had since been living with her grandparents. Around 8.30am on Friday, Kritika and Himanshu were walking on a mound alongside the plant when she accidentally slipped into the silo containing molten tar. Locals tried to enter the silo using a ladder, but the temperature inside was too high for anyone to enter it. Finally, the girls body was recovered using an earthmover, her uncle Rohit Dwivedi said, adding that she was a bright student. PK Garg, project engineer, Noida authority, told Hindustan Times that the plant has been seized after the accident. Garg said, All workers and plant operators had already fled the spot by the time we reached. They had not sought approval of the authority before the plant went into operation. We will inspect whether the plant operators had obtained clearance from the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Based on the complaint of her parents, we have registered a case under section 304A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code against the plant owner, Pramod Gupta. The girls body has been sent for postmortem examination and further investigations are on in the matter, Pradhan said. Residents did burst crackers this Diwali on Thursday but not as many as last year it seems. The recent Supreme Court ban on the sale of firecrackers helped reduce the pollution levels in Ghaziabad and Noida. Although the recordings of particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5 were lower than those of last years, these were many times higher than the permissible limits in both Noida and Ghaziabad. In a recent meeting held in Delhi, three areas Bhiwadi in Rajasthan, Anand Vihar in Delhi and Ghaziabad in UP were declared areas with high levels of air pollution. In Ghaziabad, the PM10 reading was 632 micrograms per cubic metre (g/m) while PM2.5 was recorded at 346 g/m, as per data available at Vasundharas online monitoring station on Friday. The limits for PM10 and PM2.5 are 100 g/m and 60 g/m, respectively. In 2016, when pollution levels rose to dangerous levels, following which the Supreme Court intervened, the PM10 level in Ghaziabad rose to dangerously high levels, recorded at 910 g/m and 720 g/m at Vasundhara and Model Town monitoring stations, respectively. This Diwali, my family celebrated without many problems. I must say that this is due to the Supreme Court ban on sale (of firecrackers) and the directions must be implemented for a longer duration. Last year, the situation was very bad; my elderly parents and children could not venture out of our home for nearly a week, said Vikrant Sharma, an environmentalist and a resident. The PM10 level recorded last year was the highest since 2013, when it was recorded at 900 g/m. The PM10 level was at 427 g/m and 410 g/m in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Residents of Kaushambi locality woke up to a smog-covered skyline on Friday, as the PM10 and PM2.5 were recorded at 782 g/m and 416 g/m, respectively, at 8.45am. However, the level of the pollutants declined steeply as the day progressed and by 4pm, PM10 was at 398 g/m and PM2.5 was 114 g/m. Residents were worried and apprehensive that conditions similar to 2016 will prevail. However, with temperature still high, the pollution levels came down and even the smog did not sustain, unlike in 2016, said VK Mittal, president of Kaushambi Apartment Residents Welfare Association (KARWA). A reverse trend was witnessed in Noida. According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) data, the PM10 level stood at 169 g/m and PM2.5 level stood at 299 g/m at 9.15am on Friday. The readings of PM10 and PM2.5, however, increased to 458 g/m and 464 g/mby 11.30am and was at 438 and 448, respectively, by 4pm. On the other hand, the pollution control board officials said that the situation will improve soon. In 2016, the post-Diwali recordings of PM10 and PM2.5 for Noida were at 750 g/m and 575 g/m, respectively. Things are going to improve each day due to the persisting climatic conditions. Last year, there was a lot of moisture in the air that held the suspended particulate matter for long. But it is hotter this time around, which will help the particles settle quicker, said BB Awasthi, regional manager for UP pollution control board, Gautam Budh Nagar. He added that the Supreme Court ban paid off as there was a reduction in the bursting of crackers in Noida. The air quality is far better than the previous Diwali, which is evident from SAFAR recordings. Echoing similar views, the president of the federation of Noida residents welfare associations, NP Singh, said, The Supreme Court ban provided a big relief to the citizens. There was hardly any air and noise pollution. Bursting of crackers must be banned completely on all festivals and other social events. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The recent ruling by Supreme Court to ban the sale of crackers in Delhi-NCR came as a relief for those who are prone to or are suffering from respiratory illnesses, as the air was less toxic this Diwali. Expressing its concern over rising pollution in Delhi-NCR, the SC on October 9 had banned the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR till November 1. Although people in Delhi-NCR did burst crackers on Diwali, the magnitude of pollution was restrained due to the blanket ban on the sale of crackers. Noida residents welcomed SCs move as they claimed the ban helped in reducing the toxic air, which usually engulfs Delhi-NCR on Diwali night. My mother is almost 70 years old and is an asthma patient. Thanks to the SC ban, fewer crackers were burst and she did not have much trouble breathing. This is a welcome change from last year, said Sanjeev Kumar, a resident of Sector 51. An asthma patient, Haji Mohammad Shafi (62), a resident of Dankaur, Jewar, claimed the air quality was much better this year due to cracker ban. I did not feel any uneasiness while breathing on Diwali night. Last year, the condition was poor despite Dankaur being located on the outskirts, said Shafi. Suresh Tiwari, the general secretary of Sector 20 RWA, also welcomed the move saying the ban on crackers allowed residents to venture into the park in the morning hours. Last year, the condition was so pathetic that residents had to avoid strolling in the public parks for one week after the festival. However, the condition is much better this time and we did not have problems taking a stroll, Tiwari said. Even hospitals in Noida claimed they received fewer patients who complained of respiratory issues due to cracker bursting. We received only three-four cases of patients who complained of respiratory issues. Last year, the count was 24, said VB Joshi, spokesperson, Kailash Hospital, Noida. We received six to seven patients who complained of respiratory issues, which is down from 18 cases last year, said Chhaya Malhotra, spokesperson, Metro Hospital. Experts believe that people with pulmonary issues are prone to get ill due to the incessant bursting of crackers. Any person with pulmonary issues, be it in any age group, is more prone to dangers as due to the bursting of crackers, the presence of pollutants in the air is more. Even those without pulmonary issues are affected by bursting of crackers, which can affect their respiratory system and can also have long-term effects such as heart attack, said Dr Mrinal Sarkar, department of pulmonary and critical care, Fortis Hospital. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON After continued protests by residents of Arun Vihar over multiple incidents of robbery in their neighbourhood, the police arrested two men on Wednesday evening who were part of a group allegedly involved in series of robberies in Noida. Hindustan Times ran a report on October 3 about a group of robbers that had been targeting houses in Arun Vihar in September . The report mentioned how the victims had handed over ample evidence to the police, including CCTV footage, picture, cell-phone and the licence plate of the vehicle belonging to the robbers. After continued pressure from residents of Arun Vihar, the police finally managed to nab the alleged culprits during vehicle checking on Wednesday evening. As per Senior Superintendent of Police Love Kumars directions, we had set up a check post near Cambridge School trisection in Sector 27. We managed to nab two people involved in a series of robberies across Delhi-NCR and seized a stolen Red WagonR, Anil Kumar Shai, station house officer, Sector 20 police station, said. According to the police, the two arrested men are Aashu alias Aashish and Mazhar Khan, both residents of Trilokpuri in Delhi. They were arrested sections 392, 380 and 454 of the Indian Penal Code. They had been involved in thefts and robberies in Delhi-NCR over a long period of time. They were wanted in three registered cases of theft, robbery and house break-ins at Sector 20 police station. The two men admitted to stealing 50-60 vehicles in Noida itself. They claimed that they used to sell the stolen vehicles to Mulla Ji in Meerut for 5,000 each, Shai said. Read I Cyber crime shoots up by 265% in Noida, Greater Noida Police seized 9,200 and a Red WagonR, bearing the registration number WB 02AG 5365, from the duo. Even the car in which they drove to the point was stolen and the FIR on the theft was filed at our police station, Shai said. The CCTV footage provided by residents of Arun Vihar show that the same Wagon R had been used by the accused in two other robberies in sectors 28 and 29 in September. Police said that two more men belonging to the same group are absconding and they are trying their best to nab them. Two robbers named Rashid and Kaalu are absconding, but they will be nabbed soon, Shai said. Following the ban on the sale of crackers by the Supreme Court, the Gautam Budh Nagar police came down hard on those selling fireworks on Diwali in the district. Two persons were arrested on Thursday and crackers worth Rs5 lakh were recovered from their possession. The police teams raided several marketplaces including the Atta market, Brahmaputra market in Sector 28, Sector 63 market, Kasna market, Shahberi market in Bisrakh and Sadarpur market from Thursday to keep a tab on the sale of crackers. We received information about the sale of crackers in the Shahberi market. Acting on the information, we conducted a raid on Thursday morning and confiscated seven bags of crackers from the two people, said Ajay Kumar Sharma, station house officer of Bisrakh police station. Firecrackers worth over Rs5 lakh were seized from the duo. The arrested persons were identified as Parvez and Mohammed, residents of Bisrakh. They were booked under relevant provisions of Explosive Act 1984, an officer said. They may have sold some of the stock, but most of it was confiscated, the police said. Both of them were produced at the district court in Surajpur and sent to jail, the police said. Sources said that some were selling crackers in Kasna, Surajpur, Ganga Market, Jaipuria Market, Mamura market, Sector 12-22 market and Atta market, but had to shut shop as the police were keeping a constant watch on the marketplaces. On Monday, the police had arrested a 30-year-old man from Phase-2 area of Noida for storing crackers worth Rs3.5 lakh at his residence, to sell them. After the ban, the district administration cancelled as many as 87 applications seeking temporary licences to sell crackers. In a pre-emptive step to stop toxic smog from engulfing Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), the Supreme Court imposed a ban on the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, which comprises comprise Delhi and parts of Haryana, UP and Rajasthan, ahead of Diwali. The phenomena of NRI marriages brought with it the inevitable problems of limping marriages, where a person is considered married in one country and divorced in another. When faced with domestic violence, a woman will pick up her children and go back to her home country where she has family to support her. The husband in the meantime gets an ex-party decree of divorce and the custody of the children. This makes the mother an abductor of her own children in the eyes of a foreign court. . But is she an abductor under the Indian law? Not yet, but if Indias proposed move to sign the Hague Convention goes through she will not only become a child abductor but will also be denied the protection of the Indian courts which she now has. The signing of the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction will enable the government to force children away from their mothers and immediate family, and be sent to a foreign country without considering whether this is in the best interest of the child. This thoughtless move flies in the face of the professed policy of the Indian government to empower women. Today they at least have the protection of Indian courts, but if the Hague Convention becomes law, they will lose that protection. Many mothers, who flee to India with their children, often are either abandoned or face domestic violence. The convention shows no recognition of the role domestic violence plays in compelling a mother to go back to her country of origin. If India adheres to the provisions of the convention, the woman, just to be with her children, will be forced to go back to a violent relationship. Japan did not sign the convention till 2013. The decision to sign the convention with reservations required developments in their domestic laws. The courts in Japan are obliged to consider whether the abuse towards the parents who abduct their children could psychologically harm them upon returning to the marriage. Japan has shown awareness of domestic violence while signing the convention through the Act on Implementation of Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. In a battle for custody of minor children, the courts in India look at what is in the best interest of the child. In a transnational marriage, the courts will not only look at the fact that a foreign court has given custody to the father but also whether it is in the interest of the child to go back to the father when the mother is in India. The inevitable argument of the father is that he has a higher standard of living; that the child will have a better life. Some get carried away by such arguments but the courts look at all other factors, including the fact that the mother is unable to return because of the violence she faces and the fact that the child has a settled life in India. This is a healthy approach which does not confuse economic comforts alone with well-being. The argument in favour of signing the convention has been that it will benefit mothers as well when fathers abduct children. However this disguises the fact that most times it is mothers who take their children out of a foreign country when faced with domestic violence. The law commission found that 68% of the time the parent taking the child was the woman, out of which 85% were the prime caregivers. The numbers are too large to ignore. We cannot ignore women who have faced any harassment at the hands of their partners and expect them to go back to live with them or leave their children in such an environment. After all, the focus of any custody law should be the best interest of the children, which would hardly be fulfilled if the child is separated from the primary caregiver. There is growing international pressure to sign the document from some countries like the US. Ironically, the US is one of the countries that refused to sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, as it did not meet its country-specific settings. While that may be true, something similar should be acceptable for India. No doubt there are cases where the parent residing in the foreign country has legitimate custody claims. However, by signing the Hague Convention, we will be compelled to recognise a foreign judgment regardless of the justness of the decision on custody under Indian law, or whether it was delivered ex-parte. Today an Indian court will not send a child back to a foreign land unless it is in the interest of the child. In 2016, the ministry of women and child development took the decision to not sign giving reasons such as the practical reality of child-custody claims by the NRI parent against the Indian-resident parent. The reason for a possible change in stand is not yet known to the public. It could possibly be the lobbying by rich NRI husbands, which has ultimately succeeded. This is not an arrangement that India should agree to keeping in mind the practical realities, such as the prejudice in foreign courts, and plight of mothers returning to India with their children. The child should have access to both parents, but not at the expense of the safety of the mother who is forced to leave. Efforts must be made to negotiate with the foreign government on a case-to-case basis, and not simply label a parent as a child abductor. This is possible only if both the parties want the best interest of the child and not the mere physical location. Indira Jaising is a senior advocate, Supreme Court The views expressed are personal Navigating the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century requires flexible and creative thinkers who can adapt to an increasing pace of change. Mainstream education system in India is not creating such thinkers. The problem is as much about how students are taught, as much as it is about what is being taught. We need to teach students in the same way as we want them to act; creatively, collaboratively, constantly iterating and driving to output with structure and logic. And we need to teach them content that helps them interpret many of the new challenges. Teaching computational thinking (CT) answers both challenges. Computational thinking is the thought processes involved in formulating a problem and expressing its solution(s) in such a way that a computerhuman or machinecan effectively carry out. Its constructivist, play-based approach to teaching and the CT content are what our schools need for developing 21st century learners who will not only become better job seekers but also job makers. We believe that introducing CT education early on would be game-changing in Indian schools. Indias education system has struggled to teach both foundational and as well as higher-order thinking skills, and CT education at early ages could be a highly effective way of trying to fill these gaps. While other interventions are also touted for addressing such gaps, we believe CT education is particularly important for the Indian context. Catching up with the global trend Educational agencies around the world are now recognising the potential of CT education. In the largest global curriculum change in the past decade, CT is being introduced to children as early as in kindergarten and primary school. Finland, which leads on traditional education benchmarks, is reinventing itself by integrating CT across existing subjects. As automation and productivity increases are replacing execution-oriented jobs, and other countries are moving ahead, India cannot afford to fall behind. Developing students thinking skills A quality CT course is not just about learning a programming language. In these classrooms, learning is project-based and teachers are facilitators. They focus on getting students to work in groups and reflect on their own thinking processes. Teaching coding and CT from an early age is important, as the benefits of developing higher order thinking skills are greater in earlier ages. Adaptable to low resource settings Contrary to popular belief, schools can deliver a well-designed CT course even in low resource environments. Much of the core of such courses do not even require computers. A movement called CS Unplugged includes several activities and lessons on how to teach computational concepts and ways of thinking without any technology. These activities try to get students to understand fundamental concepts in an intuitive way. For example, to teach students about sequence in algorithms, a teacher might ask students to write out the steps to making an ice-cream sundae. The thinking required to instruct someone to make this sundae is the same step-by-step thinking needed to design algorithms. At higher levels, where devices can enhance the learning by making the concepts come alive, one lab equipped with 20 to 30 low-cost tablets or laptops per school could be adequate. Allowing for different paces of learning Interactive coding courses that have access to devices can allow students move at their own pace. Teachers are encouraged to group students by ability and students do much of their learning by doing, and so can take more or less time as needed. An implicit route to better teaching The majority of students in India do not experience interactive and best practice teaching. There have been many calls over the years to improve teaching quality and make learning more child-centric. The 2005 NCERT guidelines have tried to make child-centred and constructivist pedagogy the norm in all subjects. However, it is difficult to change the way teachers currently teach. Coding and CT education is new to many schools, and so teachers are often looking to learn how to teach it. Teacher training on coding education becomes an excellent opportunity to promote child-centred learning. Since coding and computational thinking courses for this age group are project-based and naturally interactive, a child-centred pedagogy is more likely to actually happen in the classroom. Our own research also shows that when teachers experience teaching in a more interactive manner in one subject, they often transfer those habits into other subjects. Computational thinking education in India is feasible India has started to recognise the importance of equipping the countrys future generation with CT skills. There are budding programmes across a spectrum of delivery formats: hardware-driven, software-driven, in-school, after-school and in boot camps. The central governments policy think-tank NITI Aayog recently launched Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs) in schools across India with a vision to Cultivate one Million children in India as Neoteric Innovators. The government is providing the hardware infrastructure to foster makers for 500 schools to begin with. Several organisations have developed programmes and curricula and are currently piloting them in schools across the country. For example, curricula like that of CSPathshala has created an open-source curriculum for grades 1-8 which is being piloted in over 100 schools this year. Andhra Pradesh has been experimenting with the Google Code to Learn course in over 300 of its residential and tribal schools. However, the overall scale of these programmes is still a drop in the ocean compared to the 1.2M schools in the country. The way forward If we are to truly get quality CT education into every school in India, we will need to convince state governments to adopt it as a core part of the curriculum. The key to this lies in taking an experimental approach that encourages many more prototypes to emerge, linked together by a structured evaluation framework that build evidence for what works. The cultural and physical diversity of India requires that the essence of computational thinking education be adapted to multiple contexts. Governments will engage when they see evidence of outcomes and a pragmatic path to implementation. Much like what computational thinking education teaches us, now is the time to build on the various small-scale initiatives to test, debug and create for scale. Ultimately, if campaigns such as Make in India are to succeed, we need more creators in India. Hence, serious investment reform in how we develop our human capital is required. A good computational thinking education initiative can be the catalyst for that change. Gaurav Gupta is partner and regional director for Asia, Dalberg Advisors. Dayoung Lee is senior project manager, Dalberg Advisors The views expressed are personal Already facing financial crisis, the ongoing strike by workers of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has resulted in huge financial losses for the MSRTC at a time when it could have recovered some of its losses due to the heavy passenger rush during Diwali. The MSRTC, which is already reeling under a financial crisis, has incurred losses worth Rs 75 crore with Pune division alone losing on a revenue of Rs 1 crore per day since the strike began. With the administration failing to pacify the workers, the strike completed three days on Thursday with negotiations underway between protestors and the government. MSRTC spokesperson Abhijeet Bhosale said that the total losses incurred by MSRTC due to the ongoing strike have reached Rs 75 crore on Thursday. When contacted, MSRTC Pune divisional controller, Shrinivas Joshi told Hindustan Times that during the Diwali festive season, the revenue earned by MSRTC is around Rs 1 crore each day. "Since the strike began, MSRTC has lost this revenue of Rs 1 crore per day. Also, the ticket cancellations have been large in number. Till Wednesday night, a total of 14 lakh tickets have been cancelled," he added. With the strike entering the third day, there was no relief for MSRTC commuters who continued to wait helplessly for the bus service to resume. The six-hour-long negotiations between state transport minister Diwakar Raote and the unions on Wednesday night also failed to yield any results. Sources informed that the administration had proposed a hike of Rs 4000 to Rs 7000, which the unions were unhappy about. With commuters being severely affected, state transport minister Diwakar Raote met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday to discuss the issue. The Maharashtra State ST Kamagar Sanghatana (MSSKS), supported by six other labour unions, is leading the agitation, which entered its third day on Thursday. The unions are demanding a salary revision based on the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission. Box: With what came as a relief to some passengers, a total of eight buses were allowed to ply from the Bhor bus depot on Thursday morning. This came after members of Shiv Sena Pranit ST Kamgar Sanghatana took the initiative and allowed eight buses to ply from Bhor. The Punjab government has decided to hand over the probe into the killing of RSS leader Ravinder Gosain in Ludhiana to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh issued orders in this regard today while announcing a Rs 5 lakh compensation for the deceaseds family and a government job for one of his progeny. Gosain lost his wife to cancer some years ago and is survived by four children. Orders regarding an NIA probe were issued by the chief minister on the request by an RSS delegation that met him at his residence on Thursday, an official spokesperson said. The chief minister acceded to their request taking into account the international ramifications of the case, he added. Investigations into similar incidents in the past suggest that the handlers of the assailants were operating from foreign soil, said the spokesperson, adding that Singh felt that with the NIA stepping in, there would be better coordination between the central agencies and the state police. Two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants had shot dead RSS leader Gosain in Kailash Nagar in Ludhiana on Tuesday. Sharing the delegations concern over the brazen killing, the chief minister strongly condemned the act, saying there was no place for such violence in the state. Asserting that his government would not tolerate such lawlessness, Singh said it was taking all measures to prevent such targeted killings. Singh assured the delegation that the state police was working hard to solve all the previous similar cases and that he had issued directions for expediting the investigations. No effort would be spared to catch the culprits and bring them to book in cases of targeted killings, which were clearly aimed at destabilising the state and destroying its peace, said the chief minister. Malayalam actor Dileep, who is a key accused in the abduction and assault on an actress in February, could be headed for trouble. According to a report in The Hindu, the actor allegedly produced forged documents to mislead investigators. During interrogation, the actor had claimed that he had been unwell and was undergoing treatment for fever at a private hospital in Aluva for a week from February 14. As proof he had furnished a set of documents regarding the treatment administered by the hospital. However, a follow-up investigation by the special investigation team (SIT) showed that while the actor did visit the hospital that day, he did not get admitted. He attempted to create an impression that he was hospitalised when the crime was committed. He had procured these documents, including a medical certificate from the same doctor, sometime later, the investigators were quoted as saying. The investigators added that they had got evidence that he had visited other film locations during that period. Further, they recorded the statement of the doctor and nursing staff at the hospital who had treated Dileep. In their defence, the hospital said that they had handed over whatever details of the treatment that was administered to him. They added that Dileep was never admitted but was treated as an outpatient. He used to visit the hospital every morning to take medicines and returned a couple of hours later. A paramedical staff was regularly sent to his residence to give a shot every evening, they said. The fresh input came even as the SIT was holding a meeting on Thursday about naming Dileep as the first accused in the supplementary chargesheet, the report added. Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop Mersal, one of the biggest releases of 2017, has been in the news as it has been surrounded by controversy. Weeks before the release of the film, on October 18, the Tamil Nadu Producers council were on a strike against double taxation in the state and had stopped any new Tamil film from releasing in the theatres for two weeks. At that time, it was unclear if the film would make its Diwali release date. However, the strike ended just on time, but the problems continues. Here are five controversies that have plagued the film. 1.A petition was filed against the filmmakers by producer A Rajendran over the films title. He had stated that he had acquired the rights to use Mersalaiyitten much before the Mersal team had. There was an interim ban on using the film title for any marketing purposes, however, the Madras High Court dismissed the petition on October 6. 2. Even 24 hours before its release, audiences and trade analysts were unsure if the film would make it on time as the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) refused to certify the film without a nod from AWBI (Animal Welfare Board of India). The censor board announced that they needed an NOC from the AWBI, just a week before the films release. It was speculated that the filmmakers had used a few animals in the shoot without the required permits. The certificate arrived just a day before its scheduled release date. 3.Fans of actor Vijay had erected big cutouts of the star outside theatres in Bengaluru. One such theatre happened to be Sampige Theatre in Malleshwaram. This was where pro-Kannada organisations attacked individuals who they believed were fans of Vijays. A video on Facebook shows one of the theatres as being vandalised by members of the pro-Kannada organisation who called for a ban on the film in the state. There are also reports that Sa Ra Govindu, Karnataka Film Chamber Of Commerce President, was leading the protest outside the theatre. It is unclear as to how this situation arose as there were no problems in other parts of Bengaluru. One theatre in Mysuru, however, was forced to stop the screening of the film. 4. Bharatiya Janata Partys Tamil Nadu state unit President, Tamilisai Sounderrajan came out against Vijays film. She said, Scenes that convey wrong impression about GST and Digital India should be removed. This was in reference to a line in the film, in which Vijay questions why when a country like Singapore, which levies lower GST than India is able to afford free healthcare services for all its citizens. Now, speculations are rife that the producers might remove the controversial portions and recirculate the new cut of the film. However, no official statement has been issued about the same as of now. 5. Doctors in Tamil Nadu are boycotting the film stating that Mersal portrays them in a negative light. This is led by the state chapter of Indian Medical Association (IMA). Some doctors are also reportedly sharing links to the film online and urging fellow doctors and medical staff to watch/download it illegally, stated a report in the Times of India. IMA president, Dr TN Ravishankar was quoted as saying, We decided not to approach the media or court for relief. We will only be giving more publicity for the movie. Instead, if we spread the movie links on webpages, it will hit their collections. I hope they will realise then. Even as the filmmakers are dealing with the controversies, it has received decent reviews and has become the second highest-grossing film on day 1 after Baahubali 2 in the country. Trade analysts have also taken to Twitter to speculate that this kind of attention will spread positive word of mouth. Follow @htshowbiz for more. ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop A video clip of Aamir Khan talking about superstar Rajinikanths much-anticipated film 2.o has surfaced on Twitter. In this, Aamir Khan reveals in the interview that director Shankar had offered him the film. No, it is not Akshay Kumars role, but Rajinis. Aamir explains how 2.0 is going to be a blockbuster. He said, I am a big fan of Shankar and I am a big fan of Rajini ji and Shankar offered me that film. Super duper hit film hai wo (It is a super hit film). It is a blockbuster. It is going to break all records. #Rajini Sir call me & told me 2 do his role n #2Point0 But I couldn't c myself n role f Rajini It wil create History pic.twitter.com/LZuJOPrjQn Rajinikanth fans (@Rajni_FC) October 19, 2017 Aamir also explained to host Komal Nahta that Rajinikanth himself thought that he was not well and suggested to Shankar that Aamir should do the film. Aamir said, Rajini sir called me and said please do the film. So why did he not do the film? The Thugs of Hindostan actor explains, It is a super script. It is going to do very well. But whenever I used to shut my eyes, I used to see Rajini sir in that role. I couldnt see myself. Emotionally, I couldnt do that role. When I used to think of the film, or scene I saw Rajini sir. So then I told Shankar that I will not be able to do the film. Only Rajini sir can do this. He is irreplaceable. Aamir also spoke about how the prequel Robot starring Rajinikanth was imprinted in his mind and he loved it. This also happens to be the reason why Aamir cannot imagine anyone in the role. Rajinikanths 2.0, in the meantime, is set to release during the Republic Day weekend in 2018. Before that, a grand music launch is being organised on October 27 at Burj Park in Dubai. The film also stars Amy Jackson in a pivotal role. The music for this film is composed by AR Rahman. Follow @htshowbiz for more. ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop A Baghdad court on Thursday issued an arrest warrant for the vice president of Iraqi Kurdistan on charges of provocation against Iraqs armed forces, the judiciary said. Kosrat Rasul had referred to the Iraqi army and federal police as occupation forces in a statement on Wednesday, the court said. In the statement, Rasul, who is also vice president of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), one of the two main Kurdish parties, criticised his own group for not having resisted the entry of Iraqi federal forces into the disputed northern city of Kirkuk on Monday. The court considers these comments as provocation against the armed forces, under Article 226 of the penal code, an offence which can carry a jail term of up to seven years or a fine, said a judiciary spokesman. Rasul, who is close to Iraqi Kurdish leader Massud Barzani, entered Kirkuk with his peshmerga fighters on Sunday but pulled out without a fight. Barzani, who is head of the PUKs rival the Kurdistan Democratic Party, on Thursday denounced the warrant as a political decision that clearly shows the reality of Baghdads authoritarianism. The judiciary in the Iraqi capital last week also ordered the arrest of three senior Kurdish officials responsible for organising a September 25 independence referendum in defiance of Baghdad. Iraqs supreme court had ruled the vote unconstitutional and ordered it called off. The arrest warrants are likely to prove toothless as Baghdads security forces do not operate inside Iraqi Kurdistan, but they could stop the officials leaving the northern region. Barack Obama returned to the campaign trail on Thursday, railing against the politics of division after keeping a low profile and avoiding direct confrontation with his White House successor since leaving office. Speaking at a rally in New Jersey to support the Democratic Party candidate for governor, the 56-year-old former president took aim at the fear and bitterness that marked the 2016 campaign which led to Donald Trumps presidency. We are at our best not when we are trying to put people down, but when we are trying to lift everybody up, Obama said. What we cant have is the same old politics of division that we have seen so many times before, that dates back centuries, Obama said at the event in Newark for Phil Murphy. Some of the politics we see now, we thought we put that to bed. Thats folks looking 50 years back, Obama added. Its the 21st century, not the 19th century. Obama later appeared at an event in Richmond to support Ralph Northam, his partys gubernatorial candidate in Virginia, at which he obliquely criticized the way Trump gained the White House. If you have to win a campaign by dividing people, youre not going to be able to govern them. You wont be able to unite them later, Obama said. We are at our best not when we are trying to put people down, but when we are trying to lift everybody up, he said. Voters in both New Jersey and Virginia will decide the contests on November 7, one year after Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton and stormed into the White House on a wave of anti-establishment fury. The races are potential indicators of voter sentiment ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, which will be a major test for Trump and his Republican Party. University of Virginia political science professor Larry Sabato said the New Jersey and Virginia governor races are the only big elections for 2017. Whats at stake is bragging rights headed into the 2018 midterm elections, Sabato told AFP. Obama has remained largely detached from the political debate since leaving office on January 20, in keeping with presidential tradition. Trump has meanwhile used his first nine months in the White House to methodically demolish key Obama administration policies. After three months of vacation Obama began writing his memoirs. He has said little in public and granted almost no interviews. Test for Trump The few times Obama broke his silence was to comment on issues of national importance, such as immigration, health care and climate change. In New Jersey, Murphy is the clear frontrunner to succeed Republican Governor Chris Christie, a Trump ally whose popularity has plummeted to record lows. New Jersey is a runaway win for the Democrats, so Virginia is the only competitive contest. Obama is needed much more in Richmond than Trenton, said Sabato, referring to the capitals of the two states. Virginia is a pivotal state and the only southern US state that Clinton won in 2016. Its importance is amplified by its proximity to the capital Washington. If the GOP loses in Virginia, Trump will be widely blamed since he is so unpopular in a state carried by Hillary Clinton, Sabato said. Should Republicans win Virginias governorship, then Trump will not be viewed as such a liability for the GOP in 2018. In Richmond, Obama backed Northam, the states lieutenant governor who was credited Wednesday with a slight lead over Republican Ed Gillespie in a Quinnipiac poll. More than six hours ahead of the event in Richmond, student Lucas Anderton was in the queue for tickets. Its important for me, hes my hero and so its nice to see him out in the battle again, Anderton said. I am hoping that he does something to speak to the African-American population, I really do, because we are in need of a strong leader, said Nancy Atkins, who was waiting to enter the venue ahead of Obamas Richmond speech. We need a Martin Luther King to step up, and I can see the former president Obama as being that leader, Atkins said. Well aware of the votes importance, Trump has backed Gillespie and accused Northam of fighting for the violent MS-13 Hispanic gang, as well as sanctuary cities that offer shelter to illegal immigrants. Gillespie, a former advisor to president George W Bush who has become a millionaire lobbyist, has so far kept cautious distance from the mercurial Trump, whose backing recently failed to ensure the election of his pick in a Republican Senate race in Alabama. President Xi Jinpings political doctrine has been distilled into Xi Jinping Thought, state media reported on Thursday, the latest indication that the Chinese leaders political theories will be added to the Communist Party of China (CPC) charter. Xi Jinping Thought has 14 principles, agency Xinhua reported, quoting top Chinese leaders as saying that Xis thoughts are the highlights of the ongoing 19th national congress of the CPC. The inclusion of Xis theory will further consolidate the leaders position and it will be the first time that a Chinese leaders political ideas would have been added to CPC charter by name since Deng Xiaoping and Mao Zedong. The Xinhua report said the CPC has created what is being called the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The Thought is the biggest highlight of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and a historic contribution to the Partys development, Zhang Dejiang, one of the top Chinese leaders and member of the elite seven-member standing committee of the CPC politburo said at a panel discussion on Wednesday. This important thought represents the latest achievement in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context, and is an important component of the system of theories of socialism with Chinese characteristics, Yu Zhengsheng, another standing committee member, said. The report listed 14-point fundamental principles of the thought, ranging from ensuring Party leadership over all work to promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Theres been no official announcement yet about Xis thoughts being included in the charter but official news agency Xinhua would not have carried the report without sanction from CPC authorities. If the amendment is put in place, it would be the latest sign of President Xis rapid rise in the 1.4 billion country as one of the strongest Chinese leaders in decades. He took over CPC chief in 2012. Xi is already the CPC general secretary, the chairperson of the Central Military Commission and the core of the party, which he was anointed as in October last year. He also heads an economic group overseeing reforms and is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The CPC has often been accused of forwarding and promoting jargon but that they didnt stop state media from widely publicising Xis thoughts when they were first put forward in 2015. So far, the CPC charter only has Mao Zedongs Thoughts and Deng Xiaopings Theory included in it by their names. CIA chief Mike Pompeo has said a US-Canadian couple kidnapped by militants in Afghanistan had been held for five years inside Pakistan before being freed, contradicting the Pakistan Armys claim that the hostages were rescued shortly after entering the country from Afghanistan. The couple had been held for five years inside Pakistan, Pompeo said on Thursday during a wide-ranging discussion at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, a Washington-based think-tank. His remarks contradicts the Pakistan Army which had said in a statement that the hostages were captured by terrorists from Afghanistan during 2012 and kept as hostages there. Caitlan Coleman, an American citizen, and her husband Joshua Boyle, a Canadian citizen, were kidnapped in 2012 in Afghanistan while on a backpacking trip. Coleman, 31, was pregnant at the time of abduction. All of the couples three children were born in captivity. The Pakistan Army statement issued on October 12 did not identify the group which had held the family captive, but the US leadership have blamed Haqqani Network as the perpetrators. After the recovery of hostages, the Pakistan military officials emphasised the importance of co-operation and intelligence sharing by Washington. The success underscores the importance of timely intelligence sharing and Pakistans continued commitment towards fighting this menace through cooperation between two forces against a common enemy, the Army statement said. The operation came at a time when Pakistan is trying to rebuild bilateral ties frayed after President Donald Trump accused the country of sheltering terror groups. Trump, in August, had accused Pakistan of harbouring agents of chaos and terror and the very enemy US forces have fighting in Afghanistan for the past 17 years. Last week, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif had said his country was ready for a joint operation with the US to destroy the Haqqani Network if it provides evidence about the presence of safe havens of the dreaded terror outfit in Pakistan. The Haqqani network has carried out a number of kidnappings and attacks against US interests in Afghanistan. The group is also blamed for several deadly attacks against Indian interests in Afghanistan, including the 2008 bombing of the Indian mission in Kabul that killed 58 people. US officials believe Pakistans spy agency ISI maintains close ties with the Haqqani Network and provides safe havens to its top leadership. I think history would indicate that the high expectations for the Pakistanis willingness to help us in the fight against radical Islamic terrorism should be set at a very low level, the CIA chief said. President Trump has made it very clear that we are going to do everything we can to bring the Taliban to the negotiation table. To do that, you cannot have a safe haven in Pakistan. The intelligence is very clear, he warned. Pompeo said to achieve the objective that the president has set forth in Afghanistan, the capacity of terrorists to cross along the Afghan border and freely hide in Pakistan is prohibited in our capacity to deliver that and so mission is to ensure that safe haven does not exist. An Indian-origin baggage handler at Heathrow and his colleague have been convicted of being part of a plot to smuggle cocaine that included collecting a bag containing 3 kg of high-purity cocaine that arrived on a flight from Brazil. Dev Anand, 24, and Vaughn Henry, 46, were part of the plot that was busted by officers of Britains National Crime Agency (NCA) in February this year. After their conviction in the Birmingham crown court, they will be sentenced on November 3. NCA said Henry was sent pictures of the bag by London-based drug trafficker Grattan Samuels, 23, who was in contact with other criminals and organised the importation. Anand then picked up the bag from the flight and gave it to Henry to store in his staff locker until his shift finished. That evening Henry handed the bag to taxi driver Adnan Ahmed Malik, 24, who was waiting outside the airport. Maliks job was to transport the drugs to Birmingham, but before he could set off, NCA officers moved in and arrested him and Henry. (From left) Vaughn Henry, Dev Anand, Grattan Samuels and Adnan Ahmed Malik. (via NCA) Samuels and Anand were arrested by the NCA in April, after WhatsApp messages and photos on Henrys phones linked them to the importation. They pleaded guilty to conspiring to import drugs, while Samuels also admitted a separate charge of conspiring to acquire a firearm. Colin Williams of NCA said: Henry and Anand used their privileged access to Heathrow for criminal purposes, offering a crucial service to drug traffickers and bypassing border controls. People like Henry and Anand who use their employment to engage in organised criminality can expect our full attention. American Internet retailers have withdrawn from sale a Halloween costume representing the clothes of Anne Frank, the celebrated Jewish teen who died in a Nazi concentration camp. For $25 (excluding shipping), your child can play the role of a World War II hero on Halloween, said an ad for the costume. It featured a blue dress buttoned in front and a green beret, representing girls fashion from the 1930s and 1940s, said an ad accompanied by the image of a smiling brown-haired girl with a hand on her waist. The Anti-Defamation League saw nothing to smile about. In a climate of escalating worldwide anti-Semitism, the costume sold on Amazon as a WWII evacuee costume and elsewhere as an Anne Frank costume is unconscionably insensitive to Holocaust survivors and their families, said the ADL, which fights anti-Semitism. ADLs branch in the city of St Louis added: We learn from Anne Franks life and death to honour her and prevent future atrocity. We dont exploit her. Faced with the controversy, several distributors pulled the costume from their online displays, and at least one issued an apology. The entrance of the Anne Frank Center USA in New York City. (AFP File Photo) The Diary of Anne Frank is one of the most-read books in the world. The German-born, Jewish teenager kept the intimate memoir while hiding in an Amsterdam attic in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands until her capture in 1944. Frank died of typhus in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp sometime in early 1945, aged 15, just before the camps liberation by British troops. On what earth do people think it's ok to sell an Anne Frank Halloween costume? pic.twitter.com/reVWTze0di NowThis (@nowthisnews) October 20, 2017 Its not the first time that costumes for Halloween, a major US festival celebrated each October 31, have sparked controversy. Two years ago, US retailers WalMart and EBay withdrew an Israeli soldiers outfit and an Arab nose after criticism. Iraqi forces clashed with Kurdish fighters Friday and retook control of the last sector of Kirkuk province in northern Iraq under the control of the Kurds, a security official said. The army, police and counter-terrorism forces entered the centre of the Altun Kupri region, just 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the Iraqi Kurdish capital of Arbil, said the source, asking not to be named. There were clashes but they managed to launch the assault... and hoist the flag on the municipality building. McDonalds has apologised after a customer in Bangkok complained about finding what appeared to be cockroach legs floating in his coffee. The customer, who uses the name Nostalgic Eik on Facebook, posted a photo of his cup of coffee which showed what he described as cockroach legs floating on top. The post made on Tuesday went viral, with more than 1,700 shares and more than 14,000 reactions by Friday. On Thursday night, McDonalds Thailand posted a statement on Facebook to apologise for the incident and assured customers its employees would follow the global fast food chains safety standards. The statement in Thai said the concerned outlets manager had apologised to the customer about the incident and provided a fresh cup of coffee, according to Channel News Asia. McDonalds said staff members at the outlet had opened the coffee maker to check it in line with food safety standards. The machine was later taken away for an inspection. The customer had asked a staff member to replace the coffee as he believed the cockroach legs might have been in the cup before the drink was poured. But when the employees poured another cup, it seemed that they found more cockroach legs in the coffee. I felt even more terrible, Nostalgic Eik wrote in a post on McDonalds Thailands Facebook page. Pakistani journalist Zeenat Shahzadi, who disappeared in 2015 while working on the case of an Indian national detained by security agencies, has been recovered by security forces, officials said on Friday. Retired justice Javed Iqbal, head of the missing persons commission, confirmed Shahzadis return while speaking to BBC Urdu. According to him, the 24-year-old was recovered close to the border with Afghanistan on Wednesday night. Iqbal said some non-state actors had kidnapped her, adding that tribal leaders in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa played an important role in her recovery, Dawn reported. The freelance reporter, who used to also refer to herself as a human rights activist, had been working on the case of Mumbai resident Hamid Ansari, who had disappeared in Pakistan in November 2012. Ansari had allegedly travelled to Pakistan to meet a Pashtun girl he had befriended online. With the help of social media, she was able to contact Ansaris mother in India and filed a case with the Supreme Court on her behalf. Later, Pakistani authorities admitted that Ansari was in jail on espionage charges. He is yet to be released. Soon afterwards, Shehzadi was allegedly detained by security agencies and questioned about Hamid. Later that year, she disappeared en route to work As Pakistans Hindus celebrated Diwali, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said in a message that his government is committed to protecting the rights of minorities and promoting a society free from any discrimination. The government of Pakistan is committed to the welfare of the minorities and safeguarding their fundamental rights, Abbasi said in his Diwali message. He called on religious leaders to play their role in promoting interfaith harmony. I sincerely wish that may the festival of lights bring happiness and peace in the lives of all those who are celebrating this day, he said in the message on Thursday while extending greetings to Hindus across Pakistan and abroad. Abbasi said, Let us never forget that no religion teaches hatred and violence. Indeed, every religion stands for promoting peace, harmony and love for humanityWe remain committed to promote a society free from any discrimination based on caste or creed. A majority of Pakistans Hindu minority lives in southern Sindh province, where a holiday was declared for the community. Most Hindus celebrated the day with visits to mandirs, which were specially illuminated for the occasion. Mazars too were busy as many Hindus pray at these graves of saints alongside Muslims on special days. Member of parliament Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, who is patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council, told the media that Hindus across Pakistan had celebrated Diwali without any tensions. At the same time, he said he had written to the prime minister about incidents of Hindu women being kidnapped and forcibly converted to Islam. The other issue that was highlighted, he said, was the Hindu Marriage Act that has been passed by the Senate but still has some loopholes for the conversion of Hindus to Islam. Students at the Oxford college where Myanmars state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi studied have become the latest group to strip her of an honour bestowed on her years ago for her alleged defence of the handling of the Rohingya issue by Yangon authorities. Students of St Hughs College have voted to remove her name from its junior common room because her response to the crisis is "inexcusable", according to the JCR committee. The college earlier removed a portrait of the Nobel Peace Prize winner. The Oxford City Council earlier voted to strip her of the Freedom of the City title, as other organisations in the UK followed suit amid growing official and non-official concern over the Rohingya issue. In its motion, the St Hugh's JCR committee said its junior common room would be "unnamed" with immediate effect: "We must condemn Aung San Suu Kyi's silence and complicity on this issue and her condonation of the human rights offences in her own land. "In doing so, she has gone against the very principles and ideals she had once righteously promoted." Suu Kyi graduated from St Hugh's College in 1967 and was granted an honorary doctorate from Oxford University in 2012. The Theresa May government has strongly criticised Yangon's handling of the Rohingya issue, and raised aid targeted to refugees in Bangladesh. Nearly 600,000 Rohingya refugees have fled to Bangladesh after a crackdown was launched by the Myanmar Army following an attack blamed on Rohingya militants in late August. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Is US first lady Melania Trump using a body double? Social media is abuzz with conspiracy theories because of a pair of sunglasses and the way her nose looks. The theories began when actress and comedian Andrea Wagner Barton shared a video and images of Melania standing next to her husband Donald Trump as he addressed the media about hurricane relief for Puerto Rico. Bartons Facebook post has been shared nearly 1.4 lakh times and the video has garnered over 13 million views. In a series of tweets, user @JoeVargas also questioned the use of the imposter in place of Melania. This is not Melania. To think they would go this far & try & make us think its her on TV is mind blowing. Makes me wonder what else is a lie, read the tweet that has been retweeted nearly 70K times. This is not Melania. To think they would go this far & try & make us think its her on TV is mind blowing. Makes me wonder what else is a lie pic.twitter.com/JhPVmXdGit BuyLegalMeds.com (@JoeVargas) October 18, 2017 The footage shows the first lady sporting huge black sunglasses and a fake nose. Conspiracy theorists have zeroed in on Trump making a suspicious comment about his wife. Trump says, My wife Melania, shes right here during the conference, to convince the media it was her. CNN.com, in a report, quotes an employee and a former US Secret Service agent who has previously served the first family. Mrs Trumps lead agent is a woman ... and she happens to look a little like her, but physically, she is much shorter, Jonathan Wackrow said. The lead agent has been on Trumps protection team since the President took office and has spent time on a previous assignment with the Obama family, which made her a good fit for Melania Trump, Wackrow said. Fact-checking website, snopes.com, slammed the rumour and shared a combination picture of Melania from the Facebook video and the original October 13 video on CNN.com, from the same day. Melanias face, in the Facebook video, appears to be slightly shrunken, distorted, and rounder. The video being circulated on social media was captured by filming a television screen showing the CNN report. When compared to the actual video, it becomes apparent that the visual was caused by the TV screen and not a faux first lady, reports snopes.com. A combo of Melania Trump from the widely circulated Facebook video (left) and the original video on CNN. (snopes.com) Several other pictures from the day of the conference are also available on Getty Images and the Associated Press, many of which feature the first lady without the sunglasses, making the decoy Melania claims appear feeble. A United States Secret Service agent speaks with US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump in Beltsville on October 13. (Associated Press) A body-language expert also negated the body double theories. Her stature and facial gestures, like her slightly pursed lips and her nodding at her husband, are consistent with what weve seen before, Joe Navarro, who has worked with the FBI for 25 years, told Vogue. Non-verbally, theres nothing out of the ordinary about her behavior. The FLOTUS is very stoic by nature, which can make her more vulnerable to this kind of speculation, said Navarro. It was not long before Twitter was filled with Decoygate memes. Take a look at the funniest ones: This is not Melania. To think they would go this far & try & make us think its her on TV is mind blowing. Makes me wonder what else is a lie pic.twitter.com/NCYIJfeVhx Patrick Monahan (@pattymo) October 18, 2017 It is I, the real Melania, reporting for duty. pic.twitter.com/6NBMSF7TVV Kashana (@kashanacauley) October 18, 2017 Me: conspiracy theories are stupid Twitter: Donald Trump is going around with a fake Melania stunt double Me: pic.twitter.com/9UdkMWWdVG regina phalange (@rhcphaley) October 18, 2017 Me: I'm a rational human being who only deals with FACTS Twitter: The White House is using a Melania Trump body double Me: pic.twitter.com/L6JK8kzlxB Sam Stryker (@sbstryker) October 18, 2017 After initially thinking it was a joke but then spending a few hours in a thread that says Trump has replaced Melania with a double pic.twitter.com/mPOLwLrK3q TechnicallyRaarrrghh (@TechnicallyRon) October 18, 2017 Internet: The White House is using a body double for Melania Me: Yeah oka- pic.twitter.com/Dqwzo2RazZ (@iconicguido) October 18, 2017 The greatest aircraft carrier battle of all time devolved into a one-sided slaughter in which Japanese attackers served as little more than targets. Vector 245 degrees, distance 60 miles. The message from USS Essexs combat information center crackled through the radio of Air Group 15 commander David McCampbell. He was leading 10 Grumman F6F-3 Hellcats of VF-15 at 25,000 feet, looking to intercept another approaching swarm of Japanese attackersone of the many desperate raids the enemy would fling at the U.S. Navy west of the Mariana Islands on June 19, 1944. Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitschers Task Force 58 (TF-58)a huge armada of 15 fleet aircraft carriers and escorting battleships, cruisers and destroyershad closed on the Marianas a few days earlier. The flattops carried more than 900 warplanes: Hellcats, Grumman TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bombers, new Curtiss SB2C-1 Helldivers and a few of the old, reliable Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless dive bombers. In the van of this great fleet was a landing force of eight escort carriers, transports and escort vessels, intent on seizing Japans mid-Pacific bastionsSaipan, Tinian and Guam. The Japanese had controlled Saipan, Tinian and Rota since 1914, and the American territory of Guam since the December 1941 invasion. More than 600 Japanese aircraft were based on the four islands, along with a garrison of some 62,000 troops. The strategic Marianas were just 1,300 miles south of Japans Home Islands. Their seizure would leapfrog Allied forces past Japanese bases in the Caroline Islands and flank the occupied Philippines to the west. Thus it seemed extraordinary that units of the Imperial Japanese Navy were so slow to react to the Marianas menace. TF-58 began the pre-invasion pounding of Saipan and Tinian and the reduction of their air defenses on June 11, but it was not until the 13th that Vice Adm. Jisaburo Ozawa sortied the Japanese Combined Fleet from bases in Borneo, 1,000 miles distant. By then Japanese air strength in the Marianas had been mauled on the ground or in the air (more than 120 aircraft destroyed in two days), and U.S. Marines had landed on Saipan on June 15. Still, a few remaining serviceable Japanese planes from the Marianas and others flying from distant bases sought to interfere, only to be summarily dispatched by vigilant TF-58 air patrols. Ozawas task force numbered nine carriers and escorts, with about 450 aircraft. But the problems of defending far-flung islands, as well as years of attrition among its veteran aircrews, had left the Combined Fleet at a disadvantage in numbers and quality. As the Japanese groped their way toward Mitschers fleet, they were sighted and shadowed by patrolling U.S. submarines. The battles that ensued on June 19-20 involved hundreds of aircraft in what most consider historys greatest carrier-versus-carrier engagementbefore or since. Commander McCampbells 10 Hellcats identified Essexs radar plot at a distance of two miles 5,000 feet below themsome 50 Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero (or Zeke) fighters and Yokosuka D4Y1 Judy dive bombers. It was but one of many raiding forces intent on the destruction of the American carriers. McCampbells after-action report described the engagement: Immediately upon sighting the enemy formation a high speed closing approach was initiated by nosing over and converting altitude advantage to speed. The initial attack was commenced in the form of a high-side, high-speed run, by sections in formation, while four planes retained altitude and acted as top cover according to doctrine. My first target was a Judy on the left flank and approximately half way back in the formation. It was my intention, after completing this run on the plane, to pass under it, retire across the formation and take under fire a plane on the right flank with a low side attack. These plans became upset when the first target blew up, practically in my face, and caused a pullout above the entire formation. I remember being unable to get to the other side fast enough feeling as though every rear gunner had his fire directed at me. My second attack was made on a Judy on the right flank, which burned fiercely and fell away out of control. My efforts were directed towards retaining as much speed as possible and working myself ahead and into position for an attack on the leader. A third pass was made from below rear on a Judy which was hit and smoking as it pulled out and down from the formation. Retirement was made up and to the side which placed me in position for an above, rear run on the Japanese leader, closely formed with his port wingman, the other wingman trailing somewhat to the right rear. After my first pass on the leader with no visible damage observed, my pullout was made below and to the left. Concentrating on the port wingman, my next pass was an above rear run from 7 oclock, causing the wingman to explode in an envelope of flame. Breaking away down and to the left placed me in a position for a below rear run on the leader from 5 oclock. I worked on his tail until he burned furiously and spiraled downward out of control. During my last bursts on this formation leader I experienced gun stoppages. After charging his guns and noting that VF-15 had decimated the formation, McCampbell pursued a second, lower formation of Japanese dive bombers: A Judy that apparently had been leading, offered itself as a target. I made a modified high side run and only my starboard guns fired which threw me into a violent skid and an early pullout was made after a short burst. Guns were charged twice again and since my target had pushed over and gained high speed, a stern chase ensued. There were short bursts of my starboard guns alone before they ceased to fire. The Judy pulled up into a high wingover before plummeting into the sea. Neither the pilot nor the rear-seat man attempted to parachute. While witnessing this crash I attempted to clear the gun stoppages without success and assumed that all ammo had been expended. The VF-15 Hellcats had broken that attack, downing 21 enemy aircraft with three probables. Dave McCampbell had destroyed five himself. One Hellcat pilot was missing in action. Circling to the north, avoiding the AA umbrella that the warships had spread over the fleet, McCampbell witnessed a Japanese bomb hit South Dakota. It resulted in some 30 casualties, but the battleship ploughed forward majestically. One very vivid picture stands out in my mind, McCampbell recalled, that of many fires and oil slicks closely strung in nearly a direct line along the track of the enemy raid for a distance of 10-12 miles on the water. After landing, refueling and rearming, the VF-15 pilots took to the air again. On his second sortie McCampbell claimed two more kills near Guam. The carrier Lexington also had its Hellcats in the thick of the fight over the fleet. Lieutenant Alex Vraciu of VF-16 was elated to find so many targets: This is going to be a cinch, I thought, and still lots more were around. They were like a swarm of bees; they were so thick against the water below. I felt like a kid with a plate of cookiesafraid someone else was going to take some even though I had all I could stuff. Vraciu caught two of his victims near a U.S. destroyer that held its AA fire as he downed both attackers. All flamed like gasoline-soaked tissue, he recalled. Inside a furious 30-minute period Vraciu downed six Judys. Ensign Walter Albert, also of VF-16, was in his first air battle. He pulled alongside a Japanese bomber, wanting to make sure of his target. Sure enough I spotted his tail hook, he reported.Then I saw the rear gunner with his gun poking out at me. But he didnt shoot. He just folded down that gun, pulled the canopy shut over him and shrank clear out of sight. I guess he was scared to death. Then I eased back on his tail andb-r-r-pdown went the plane. Albert also destroyed a Nakajima B6N2 Jill torpedo bomber within minutes of his first victory. Lieutenant Zenji Abes flight from the carrier Junyos 652nd Kokutai (air group) was typical of the attacking Japanese units. His group contained both the new D4Y1 Judy and a few older Aichi D3A2 Val dive bombers escorted by Zeros. The 400-mile flight was intended as a oneway mission, to attack the American fleet and then land on Guam. We were pursued persistently by four Grummans, Abe related, and I lost all of my subordinate planes in my sight and was alone. I escaped from their attack by taking advantage of scattered clouds and the superior speed of the D4Y. I ran out of fuel and could not avoid a forced landing on Rota. Abe survived, but the Pearl Harbor veterans aircraft was destroyed in subsequent strafing attacks, and he was stranded on Rota until the end of hostilities. A flight from Hornets VF-2 patrolling near Guam encountered many more approaching Zeros and Vals, low on fuel. VF-2s Hellcats engaged the orphans and downed 20 along with several probables. Ensign Wilbur B. Webb was credited with six Vals destroyed and two probables, though his F6F-3 took considerable punishment from the rear gunners. Webb recovered aboard Hornet, but his Hellcat was so badly damaged that it was jettisoned. At dusk the 13-hour onslaught against TF-58 finally subsided. Essex had launched a final flight of Hellcats led by VF-15s Commander Charles W. Brewer. Airborne for his second time that day, Brewer encountered final stragglers from the Japanese attackers seeking haven on Guam. He led his unit into the traffic pattern for Orote airfield and began picking off Zeros. Brewer had just flamed his fifth fighter of the day, and his wingman, Ensign Thomas Tarr, had downed another, when a flight of Zeros from higher altitude shot down and killed both men. The remaining VF-15 pilots claimed eight more victories. As the historic battle of June 19 ended, TF-58 had taken some physical punishment but remained intact. It had lost 18 fighters, 12 bombers and 27 airmen, a few to Navy flak. However, the Japanese had lost an astounding total of 429 aircraft, including attackers from Ozawas force and land-based planes from Rota and Guam. In the VF-16 ready room on Lexington, Lieutenant Ziegel W. Neff reported his encounters to intelligence officers. He had downed a Jill around noon 60 miles from the task force and then, on a second mission in midafternoon, he bagged a lone Aichi E13A1 Jake floatplane and a pair of Zeros. Neff famously commented, Hell, this is like an old-fashioned turkey shoot. Barely 100 aircraft returned to the Japanese fleet. The loss of so many carrier aircraft and crews was not the only disaster for the Combined Fleet. U.S. submarines Albacore and Cavalla, shadowing the Japanese, scored fatal torpedo hits on the carrier Taiho (Ozawas flagship) and Pearl Harbor veteran Shokaku. Believing that he still had substantial air assets available in the Marianas, Ozawa (who had transferred his flag to the heavy cruiser Haguro) ordered the few remaining carrier planes and the shore-based survivors to have another go at TF-58 on June 20. Once again the Japanese lost many aircrews, with negligible results. Vals, Jakes, Kates, bomb-carrying Zeros, Jills and even twin-engine Mitsubishi G4M2 Betty bombers attacked in small gaggles or singly. Few could penetrate the defensive screen of anti-aircraft fire and F6Fs. Japanese pilots who avoided being torn up by flak or mauled by Hellcats made for Guam and Rota, only to find that the runways had been cratered by prior attacks. Crashed aircraft soon littered the airfields. By mid-afternoon on the 20th, two Enterprise Avengers scouting far to the west located the balance of Ozawas fleet, and Lieutenants Robert Nelson and James Moore radioed the location. It was near 4:30, late in the day for a strike of some 250 miles distance, but Mitscher began launching his bombers and fighters. The strike force, numbering some 227 aircraft and heavily weighted to Hellcats carrying 500-pound bombs, bore west across the Philippine Sea toward a lowering sun. With only 75 minutes until sunset, the probability of the strike force returning in the dark raised the anxiety level throughout TF-58. Daytime carrier operations were dangerous, but night operations, especially in a war zone, were particularly perilous and rare. Only a few of TF-58s air groups had practiced night landings. The Americans sighted the Japanese fleet two hours and 300 miles later. Cumulus cloud buildups in the dusk made the approach more difficult. Some of the Helldivers went for the nearest ships, four fleet oilers, while the rest of the strike force concentrated on the carriers and warships surrounding them. Japanese fighters quickly appeared, as Lt. Cmdr. James D. Ramage, CO of VB-10, recalled:David J. Cawley [rear-seat gunner in the SBD] informed me of several Zekes on our port quarter. Each time they would commence a run our Air Group Commander [William R Killer Kane] would nose into them with the F6Fs. The Japanese would break off the attack, apparently deciding to wait until our most vulnerable time, the point of roll into the attack. As Ramage began his dive on the carrier Junyo, he heard Cawley firing his twin .30-caliber guns. I looked over to the right and within five feet of me, passing below, was a Zero. The dive brakes had thrown him off his aim. My dive was a good standard 70-degree attack. At about 5,000 feet I opened up with my two .50-caliber machine guns, the tracers going directly into the forward elevator. The carrier was steaming directly into the wind. Allowing for wind and target motion, I moved the pipper to just ahead of the bow of the carrier and released at 1,800 feet. Ramages division of Dauntlesses, Avengers of VT-10 and Hellcats of VF-10 dived together toward the twisting Japanese ships. Don Gordon of VF-10 strafed Junyos port catwalk and saw three hits. As we departed at very low altitude,he reported,I saw a Zero heading in the opposite direction about 500 feet above us. I pulled up with my wingman for an upside down overhead. It worked. My wingman fired when I did. The Zero blew apart and we completed our loop through the debris to rejoin the formation for the long ride home. Four TBMs from Belleau Woods VT-24 were the only Avengers carrying torpedoes. Led by Lieutenant George P. Brown, they dived through a blizzard of flak and fighters as they fanned out to bracket another Japanese carrier. The VT-24 fliers had to pass over the escorts blazing AA batteries to get within torpedo drop range of Hiyo. Browns Avenger was hit and seen to be on fire, but Hiyo took at least one torpedo and later sank. The returning strike force, minus several planes that were lost in the raid, straggled through the darkness, homing on a signal from TF-58. Like kindred lost souls, aircraft of various units gathered together, gaining comfort in numbers. Some planes had better range than others, and some exercised better fuel economy measures. A few pilots who were low on fuel elected to ditch together. Finally, finding TF-58 turned out to be easy. Per orders from Admiral Mitscher, the lights of the many ships plus some star shells fired by escorts made the fleet visible for 30 milesa risky move given the possibility of Japanese submarines in the area. Fighters and bombers swarmed like bees returning to the hive, but crash landings were common and carrier decks were fouled for precious minutes. As their tanks ran dry, pilots landed on any carrier available. Lieutenant Commander Ramage of Enterprise brought his Dauntless down on Yorktown, where a plane director signaled him to fold his wings. (Avengers and Helldivers could fold their wings, but not the old SBD.) Some of the airmen, including Commander Kane, CO of Air Group 10, ditched near destroyers. Returning to his carrier the next day, he admitted, Everyone was running out of gas but I ran out of altitude. He had flown into the water and had two black eyes and 13 stitches in his head. Before the chaotic night ended, 79 aircraft had been lost: 17 in combat and the rest in the ocean or in carrier crash landings. Herculean search-and-rescue operations began immediately and extended west along the track of the attack even to the area vacated by the Japanese fleet. In a final accounting, the Navy had lost 16 pilots and 33 enlisted air crewmen. Ensign Cyrus S. Beard, of VF-50 from the carrier Bataan, downed two Zeros over the Japanese fleet and damaged another as he fought to protect his flight of Avengers. He summed up the historic action:Like 200 other guys I was a brand new ensign facing my first fleet action, combating the extreme in every way: heavy opposition, long range and no gas, bad weather, confusion, and a return at night for a carrier landing. Fortunately I made it back with only a few bullet holes, and my reactions were like every other pilotscared as hell! For the Japanese navy, the First Battle of the Philippine Sea had been a virtual coup de grace to its once dominant carrier aviation force. TF-58s long-range strike had sunk Hiyo and damaged Zuikaku, Junyo and Chiyoda, two cruisers and the battleship Haruna. Two fleet oilers had also been sunk and one damaged. Of the carriers air complements, only 35 aircraft survived the battle from an original force of some 470. For the remainder of the war that once superb Japanese carrier air arm could only be used as a decoy. In the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea, the decisive October 1944 struggle off Leyte, the Japanese could muster just 116 carrier aircraft. Zuikaku, Chitose, Chiyoda and Zuiho would all be sent to the bottom. But it was not Ozawas strategy in the epic June 19-20 air battles that had virtually eliminated Japans naval air arm as a force in the Pacific War, so much as the wishful assumptions on which it was based. The fatal wounds to Japans carrier aviation were largely self-inflicted. The Japanese fleet commanders made overly optimistic estimates based on pure conjecture: They assumed the land-based air units on Guam and Rota had somehow survived and were a viable offensive force; they imagined that their air attacks of June 19 had sunk up to four American aircraft carriers; and despite the lack of available fighters to defend the Combined Fleet, they did not distance themselves from TF-58 on June 20, but lurked in the Philippine Sea in hopes of a ship-to-ship engagement. Thus through the closing months of the war, the surviving land-based, largely inexperienced Japanese aviators were obliged to employ a terrifying new tactic: kamikaze assaults. John W. Jack Lambert has written extensively about World War II air combat. Additional reading: Clash of the Carriers: The True Story of the Marianas Turkey Shoot of World War II, by Barrett Tillman. Originally published in the November 2011 issue of Aviation History. To subscribe, click here. Voughts versatile Kingfisher served as a gun spotter, patrol plane, anti-submarine scout, utility transport and trainer, but downed aircrews remembered it best as an angel on floats Legendary World War I ace Eddie Rickenbacker owed his life to a Vought OS2U Kingfisher. After the B-17 in which he was flying ditched in the Pacific in 1942, Rickenbacker and other survivors spent more than three weeks in life rafts. With all hope seemingly lost, Kingfisher pilot Lieutenant William F. Ealie spotted Rickenbackers raft on November 12 and picked up the starving, dehydrated men. It was but one of many instances when airmen were plucked from the sea and returned to safetysometimes after water taxiing for long distancesby Kingfishers during the war. And it was a far cry from the role originally envisioned for the rugged floatplane. In 1919 U.S. Navy experiments had established that the accuracy of battleship gunfire beyond 10 miles increased by 200 percent if aircraft were used to pinpoint targets. By 1925 aerial gun spotting was an essential element of fleet battle doctrine, and all 18 of the Navys battleships had been fitted with catapults to launch float-equipped observation planes. Floatplanes also became standard equipment aboard Navy cruisers during the 1920s, used chiefly as long-range scouts rather than gun spotters. Battleships and cruisers had originally carried the same types of two-seat floatplanes, Vought UOs and O2Us. As newer hangar-equipped heavy cruisers reached service during the early 1930s, however, the Naval Bureau of Aeronautics (BuAer) began issuing distinct requirements for two types of floatplanes: observation-scout (OS) for battleships and scout-observation (SO) for cruisers. Requirements for a new SO type circulated by BuAer in 1933 resulted in the selection of the Curtiss SOC-1 as the fleets standard cruiser floatplane in 1935. With SOC-1 production underway, BuAer finally turned to the problem of finding a modern replacement for the aging fleet of Vought O3U-1s and -3s then serving aboard battleships. In addition, more floatplanes would soon be needed to equip two new battleships. The first OS requirement, announced in early 1936, called for a two-seat aircraft, convertible to either wheels or floats, with a loaded weight not exceeding 5,550 pounds, a wingspan of no more than 36 feet, a maximum range of 1,000 miles and the ability to fly off a P-6 catapult at about 60 mph. Folding wings were not specified. BuAer awarded development contracts in May 1936 to the Chance Vought Division of United Aircraft and to the Naval Aircraft Factory (NAF), both of which were to build a single biplane prototype. Although the Navy was then in the process of acquiring monoplane torpedo- and scout-bombers to reequip carrier squadrons (Douglas TBD-1s and Vought SB2U-1s), BuAer officials remained skeptical that a monoplane could achieve the low takeoff speeds necessary for catapult operations. Voughts XOSU-1 prototype, an O3U-3 incorporating a flap system that allowed slightly higher takeoff weights, appeared in late 1936. Following brief trials conducted at NAS Anacostia, Md., officials determined that the XOSU-1 did not offer a sufficient improvement in performance over existing O3Us to merit further development. The XOSN-1 was ready to fly from NAFs Philadelphia plant in early 1937. Though it was a biplane, it was also the first floatplane to be skinned entirely in aluminum. Large automatic slats incorporated into the upper wings leading edges were designed to lower catapult takeoff speeds, and an I-strut system eliminated the need for interplane bracing wires. While the XOSN-1 showed a 40-percent improvement in range over the O3U-3 during early testing, its general performance was marginally less than that of an SOC-1 with the same 550-hp Pratt & Whitney R-1340 power plant. In the spring of 1937, aiming for an OS design with better development potential, BuAer authorized construction of two more prototypes, a monoplane proposed by Vought as the XOS2U-1 and a biplane from Boeings Stearman Division, the XOSS-1. But this didnt solve the immediate problem: Even if a decision between the two competing prototypes could be made by late 1938 or early 1939, production aircraft would not enter service aboard battleships until sometime in 1940. As a stopgap measure, BuAer ordered 83 SOC-3s from Curtiss in May 1937. When they were delivered in 1938 and 1939, 40 aircraft were earmarked for duty within the four battleships divisions. The engineering team at Vought, led by designer Rex Beisel, worked nonstop on its XOS2U-1, progressing from a detailed design to a completed prototype in less than a year. Rolling out of Voughts Stratford, Conn., plant, the XOS2U-1 made its first flight with wheels on March 1, 1938, then completed factory testing with floats by the end of May. That same month Stearmans XOSS-1 prototype underwent initial flight-testing from the companys plant in Wichita, Kan. Powered by an R-1340, the XOSS-1 emerged as an all-metal biplane, very similar in general layout to the XOSN-1. Required takeoff speeds were achieved via Junkers-type trailing-edge flaps that ran the full span of the upper wing. All three of the OS prototypes arrived at NAS Anacostia during the summer of 1938 and commenced competitive trials in September. Whereas the XOSN-1 and XOSS-1 biplanes both demonstrated incremental improvements over the O3U series, the XOS2U-1 established a new state of the art in floatplane design. To save weight and simultaneously reduce fuel consumption, Beisel had decided early in the project to power his prototype with a 450-hp Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior instead of the bigger R-1340 Wasp used by his competitors. With 30 percent less wing area, 22 percent less horsepower and 15 percent less gross weight, Beisels pioneering concept outperformed the competition in every flight category speed, ceiling and rangewhile posting a comparable takeoff speed (55.6 mph). The XOS2U-1s wide operating speeds were made possible by utilizing a broadchord wing design that incorporated large full-span trailing-edge flaps for slow flight, with spoilers on the upper wing surfaces to provide roll control. It was also the first American military aircraft of any type to employ spot-welding in its primary airframe components, a structural technique that would be seen again in the design of Beisels V-166B project, the legendary XF4U-1 Corsair prototype. During the course of operational trials, the only changes made to the XOS2U-1 airframe were the addition of a third strut to the main float afterbody and a small step incorporated into the bottoms of the wingtip floats. The OS competition officially ended in May 1939, when Vought was declared the winner and awarded a production contract for 54 OS2U-1s. Deliveries of all production models to the Navy were completed between May and November 1940. Departing from the tradition of naming its floatplanes Corsairs, Vought dubbed the new type Kingfisher. The OS2U-1s first operational deployment commenced aboard USS Colorado in August 1940. Production versions, in addition to being armedwith one fixed .30-caliber machine gun synchronized to fire through the propeller, a flexible .30-caliber mounted in the rear cockpit and provision to carry two 116-pound bombsalso came with R-985-48 engines and a radio DF loop. In December 1939, before the first OS2U-1s had been delivered, BuAer awarded Vought a second contract to manufacture 158 more aircraft as the OS2U-2, which differed from the -1 in having armor protection, self-sealing fuel tanks, an R-985-50 and fittings to carry two 325-pound depth charges. New combat requirements for virtually all American-made military aircraft, especially in terms of protection and firepower, had been prompted by intelligence reports of air combat in Europe and the Far East. U.S. naval planners were also becoming increasingly concerned about the potential threat to American shipping lanes posed by hostile submarines, with the result that 113 of the OS2U-2s delivered from November 1940 onward were completed as landplanes, to equip the newly created Inshore Patrol Squadrons on both coasts of the continental U.S. Even so, the -2 landplanes were accompanied by 70 extra sets of Edo floats, in case they were needed for shipboard duties. In October 1940, as part of the Two-Ocean Naval Expansion Act, Vought received a contract to produce 1,006 more Kingfishers as the OS2U-3. The new version included better armor protection, increased fuel capacity and R-985-AN2 or -AN8 engines, depending on the production batch. Delivery of production OS2U-3s began in July 1941, with the final example coming off the assembly line in September 1942. All Navy battleships were reequipped with OS2Us during 1941, and by the end of the year some 446 OS2U-1s, -2s and -3s were active in Navy ship and shore squadrons, with another 90 awaiting assignment to the fleet. Even before the U.S. entered World War II, BuAer had been facing a dilemma: Voughts capacity to produce additional OS2U-3s for the future needs of the fleet would largely be negated by plans to place the new F4U-1 in large-scale production (585 Corsairs were initially ordered). Thus in January 1941 BuAer gave the Naval Aircraft Factory a contract to produce the OS2U-3 under license as the OS2N-1. Three hundred of these were built between April and October 1942. An improved variant of the Kingfisher, the OS2U-4, with higher-aspect-ratio wings and an R-1340 engine, was tested in 1942 but never placed in production. During 1942 100 of the OS2U-3s built under the Navy contract were lend-leased to Great Britain and several other foreign nations. In all, 1,519 OS2U/OS2N variants had been delivered by the time production ceased in late 1942. As a consequence of the Imperial Japanese Navys devastating air attack on Pearl Harbor, the battle line, centerpiece of the U.S. Navys tactical doctrine in the Pacific, ceased to exist as an effective fighting force. With it disappeared the OS2Us primary role as a gunspotter. Once the Navy had regrouped to the extent of launching offensive operations against Japan, major sea engagements between ships, such as the battles of the Coral Sea and Midway, were fought principally by aircraft carriers that were out of sight of one another. In a strategic reversal, battleships functioned mainly in a support role. Ironically, when the only true action between American and Japanese battleships did take place, in the Battle of Surigao Strait in October 1944, radar-controlled gun directors largely supplanted aerial gun spotting. Despite the demise of the battle line, the Kingfisher saw wide use in a variety of operational roles throughout WWII. During 1942 and much of 1943, Naval Aviation was chronically short of new aircraft. While OS2Us and OS2Ns were comparatively slow, they possessed excellent range and could carry up to 650 pounds of bombs or depth charges and most important, they were available. Inshore Patrol Squadron Kingfishers flew hundreds of hours of anti-submarine patrol sorties off American coasts. With a full load of fuel and one depth charge, OS2Us and OS2Ns could typically cover an offshore patrol radius of about 350 miles. On July 15, 1942, near Cape Hatteras, N.C.supported by gunfire from USS Unicoitwo OS2Us attached to scouting squadron VS-9D4 depth-charged and sank the German submarine U-576. Within the same time frame, 18 OS2N-1s equipped Marine squadron VMS-3 to fly armed anti-submarine patrols close to the U.S. Virgin Islands. In the western Aleutian Islands, bomb-armed Navy Kingfishers attacked Japanese-occupied shore installations. An OS2U-3 even scored an air to-air kill in February 1945, when its pilot shot down a Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero near Iwo Jima. In addition to serving on battleships, float-equipped OS2Us were used in scout and utility roles aboard the carriers Saratoga, Wasp and Hornet during 1942, and were attached throughout the war to all eight of the Navys heavy seaplane tenders and several Barnegat-class small seaplane tenders. Due to a trainer shortage, many OS2Us and OS2Ns went directly to NAS Pensacola and NAS Jacksonville, where they served as a step-up from primary to intermediate flight training in spite of not being equipped with dual controlstestimony to the planes docile handling. From beginning to end, Kingfishers remained the main type of float-equipped aircraft used to transition new Navy pilots in catapult launch and recovery operations. In mid-1942, when service trials unexpectedly revealed that the new Curtiss SO3C-1 cruiser floatplane was too underpowered for normal catapult operations, OS2Us and OS2Ns were assigned to heavy and light cruisers to make up the shortfall. And to increase the scouting radius of convoys operating without the benefit of cruiser protection, five Fletcher-class Navy destroyers commissioned in 1942 and 1943 were equipped with catapults so they could carry Kingfishers. Two of those ships, with their floatplanes aboard, subsequently deployed to the Pacific for escort duties and served until late 1943, when the scheme was deemed impractical and all five destroyers were converted back to a standard configuration. In combat operations, the presence of a large unprotected aviation fuel tank above the main deck proved to be too great a hazard. Between 1942 and 1944, the Navy transferred 53 float-equipped OS2U-2s and -3s to the U.S. Coast Guard. During the wars first year, Coast Guard Kingfishers augmented the Inshore Patrol Squadrons by flying armed anti-submarine patrols along the coasts, but from 1943 onward they were dedicated primarily to maritime search and rescue. Fifty-two of the lend-leased OS2U-3s joined the Royal Navy as the Kingfisher I and saw extensive wartime service as floatplane scouts, attached to catapult-equipped merchant cruisers and light cruisers. Another 18 went to the Royal Australian Air Force, where they were used for offshore patrol, plus 15 to Chile, six each to Mexico and Uruguay, and three to the Dominican Republic. In addition to their new wartime duties, Kingfishers retained their status as the Navys standard battleship floatplane. The four new South Dakotaclass battleships commissioned during 1942 and the four Iowa-class battleships that joined the fleet in 1943 and 1944 were equipped with Kingfishers, and they also formed the initial floatplane complement aboard the two battlecruisers commissioned in mid-1944, Alaska and Guam. The OS2Us gun-spotting prowess achieved renewed significance when Kingfishers were called upon to direct gunfire during the shore bombardments that preceded the amphibious assaults of the Pacific island-hopping campaign. In the midst of these operations, float-equipped Kingfishers launched from battleships also flew countless sorties to rescue downed aircrews. On April 30, 1944, while piloting an OS2U-3 from the battleship North Carolina near Truk Lagoon, Navy Lieutenant John A. Burns saved 10 airmen in one day by loading them onto the wings and taxiing over to the submarine Tang. Late in 1944 battleships and cruisers began replacing their Kingfishers with single-seat Curtiss SC-1 Seahawks, the fleets new floatplane scout. But some ships carried their old OS2Us or OS2Ns right up to the wars end. Once released from frontline duties, many Kingfishers were used as utility hacks and target tugs, and to retrieve practice torpedoes. All had been removed from active service by the end of 1946. No examples of the OS2U or OS2N are known to be flight-worthy today, although at least eight survive on static exhibit. The OS2U-3 on display at the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola was restored after being acquired from the Uruguayan navy in 1971. An OS2U-3 salvaged from the Canadian wilderness in 1963, after being rebuilt by volunteers from Vought Aeronautics, now resides on a catapult aboard the battleship North Carolina in Wilmington. In Mobiles Battle Memorial Park, an exMexican navy Kingfisher can be seen in the aircraft pavilion near Alabama. The National Air and Space Museums Udvar-Hazy Center currently displays an OS2U-3 obtained from Navy storage in 1960. Another OS2U is reportedly undergoing restoration at the Yanks Air Museum in Chino, Calif. Three facilities outside the U.S. are said to have a Kingfisher on exhibit: Whale World in Albany, West Australia; the Museo Nacional Aeronautico y del Espacio in Santiago, Chile; and the Museo de la Revolucion in Havana, Cuba. U.S. Navy veteran E.R. Johnson is a pilot, aviation author and major in the Arkansas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. His latest book is United States Naval Aviation, 1919-1941: Aircraft, Airships and Ships Between the Wars, which he recommends for further reading, along with William T. Larkins Battleship and Cruiser Aircraft of the United States Navy 1910-1949. Click here to build your own OS2U Kingfisher. Originally published in the November 2011 issue of Aviation History. To subscribe, click here. News, events, history, and other mid-week tidbits. Tuesday, October 25, 4:30 7 p.m. Orr Area EMS Open House Brats and burgers will be served. Event includes a new ambulance tour and blood pressure screenings. For more info: 218-780-3798. Orr Fire Hall 4540 Lake St., Orr Tuesday, October 25, 12 6 p.m. Essentia Health Job Fair Talent recruiters and department managers will be on-site at Essentia Health-Virginia. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to attendnurses, nursing and clinical assistants, surgery technicians, radiology technicians, respiratory therapists, human resource professionals, and those interested in environmental services or nutrition services. Essentia staff will greet candidates, conduct an initial screening and filter them to appropriate hiring managers for interviews. Select candidates will be verbally offered a position before leaving. Candidates are asked to bring a resume, but its not required. Attire is business casual. For more info: www.essentiacareers.org. 901 9th St. N., Virginia Somaia is the sister of Ibrahim Halawa, a young man from the south side of Dublin who had been held in pre-trial detention for four years between the Egyptian prisons, Tora al-Marg and Wadi el-Natrun, while his trial was postponed 28 times. Then, on September 18, Ibrahim was found not guilty of the 15 charges against him, included among these were murder and participating in anti-military political protests. As a result, for four years, a possible death sentence hung over his head. So, as we spoke in the living room of the Halawa household in Firhouse, ten days later, Somaia's primary feeling was of relief, albeit with a certain degree of anxiety. Knowing that he has endured an appalling, traumatic experience, Somaia voiced her concern in regards the gradual process of rehabilitation. "We are negotiating with him where he would like to go once free," she says. "Maybe somewhere close to the beach, so he isn't around too many people. It's important for him to get away. Whether Ireland, or not, he is not coming straight home here. He's not mentally ready to meet people. Over the last 40 years, Jah Wobble has remained at the cutting edge of music. Whether laying down throbbing basslines with Public Image Limited, or ploughing his own eclectic furrows in various guises, he has continued to push the boundaries. The Manchester resident is Ireland-bound this month with his Invaders Of The Heart, who have just unleashed their latest opus The Usual Suspects a cogent reworking of some career-spanning cuts. I have a really hot band at the moment, states Wobble when queried on the background to the project. People at the shows come up to me and say, I want to buy exactly what you have done on the stage tonight. So that was the idea of it, to capture one of our two-hour sets. There are some new songs too, because were always doing new things anyway. The legendary bassist is enjoying a new flush of creativity, born it seems from the chemistry in the current line-up. His next collection will be a collaboration with Youth of Killing Joke fame. Forget Beezer and Bunty, this is the one Christmas annual you absolutely have to have... As Noddy Holder is want to say, Its Chhhhhhhrrrrrrrisssssssstttttttmassssssss!!!! A must for any self-respective festive stocking, Kevin Barry and Olivia Smith have just unleashed the third edition of their sumptuous Winter Papers anthology of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, photography, visual arts and, well, whatever youre having yourself! _image2_ Advertisement The full line-up of contributors is: Darran Anderson Kevin Barry Sara Baume Claire-Louise Bennett Tara Bergin Blue Raincoat Theatre Company Blindboy Boatclub June Caldwell Vahni Capildeo Garrett Carr Pat Collins Joanne Betty Conlon Dorothy Cross Donal Dineen Nicole Flattery Kevin Gildea Michele Horrigan Siobhan Kane Emma Kelly Roisin Kelly Cristin Leach Paul Lynch Susan MacWilliam Ian Maleney Eimear McBride Mary Morrissy Peter Murphy Megan Nolan Hugh OConor Brid ODonovan Glenn Patterson Anakana Schofield Stephen Sexton Olivia Smith Amelia Stein Jessica Traynor William Wall We cant even begin to tell you what a great read it is Staying in over the weekend? Here's what Netflix has to make it worthwhile. This article can only be read with a Premium Account Please Log In or Subscribe to continue reading This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Hurricane Harvey battered the energy sector along the Texas Gulf Coast, exposing weaknesses with petroleum storage tanks that frame the Houston Ship Channel. The most common problems were roof failures, but there were also drainage issues, unmoored tanks and overflows. While an epic catastrophe like Harvey is bound to create such problems, these above-ground storage tanks still experience emissions releases and other failures during even the finest of weather. Energy companies are taking new steps to avoid and prevent leaks, emissions and spills. Anglo-Dutch oil major Royal Dutch Shell, for instance, said it recently started using flying drones to help monitor its tanks. Now, Phillips 66 wants to put the drones inside the tanks. The Houston refiner is partnering with the Boston startup Square Robot for robotics that can inspect tank floors and survey and map out any obstacles while they are filled with oil, gasoline or other petroleum products. The idea is to identify weaknesses and take measures to upgrade or replace tanks before the tanks fail and release vapors and spills. "Ensuring the integrity of our equipment is one of our top priorities, and we are always looking for innovative new technologies to help us achieve this," said Todd Denton, Phillips 66's general manager for midstream operations. "Our collaboration with Square Robot presents a unique opportunity to develop technology that will enable us to maintain our equipment and minimize disruption to our customers." Square Robot's founders mostly came from Boston's Bluefin Robotics, which develops underwater robots and vehicles for military and personal uses. Square Robot, however, is trying to advance that technology by submerging robots in petroleum and using the partnership with Phillips to develop, improve and fine-tune its products. The first robots with Phillips 66 are expected to enter service in mid-2018. And that's not a moment too soon, considering how rapidly storage tanks are built in the Houston area. As the region has evolved into a petroleum and petrochemical exporting hub, the region's crude storage capacity has more than doubled in just six years from 21 million barrels to 56 million barrels, according to a recent report from Morningstar. Additional capacity of 21 million barrels is planned or under construction. Some of the fastest-growing tank farms, for instance, are Enterprise Products' Echo terminal by the Sam Houston Tollway and Texas 3, the Enterprise hydrocarbons terminal in East Houston by the Houston Ship Channel, and Magellan Midstream's East Houston terminal, which suffered a sizable gasoline spill during Harvey near Galena Park. In addition, at least 15 projects to expand or construct pipelines have been proposed to carry oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids from Permian Basin to Houston, Corpus Christi and Beaumont. And all of those liquids will need temporary storage. So there's plenty of opportunities ahead for robots to dominate the inspections market for all of these above-ground tanks. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Bertha Neal-Eley was the facility manager for a Houston insurance company when Hurricane Ike hit nearly a decade ago. The storm damaged the roof of her company's six-story office building in Upper Kirby, flooding the firm. That's when Neal-Eley, now president of the International Facility Management Association's Houston chapter, realized the importance of preparing for natural disasters. "You've got to have a contingency plan," Neal-Eley said Thursday as more than 4,000 facility managers from around the world attended the management group's annual convention in Houston. After a trio of major hurricanes this year - Harvey in Texas, Irma in Florida and Maria in Puerto Rico - many attendees were interested in how they could keep buildings secure and businesses running, organizers said. Some 40 percent of small businesses never reopen after a major disaster, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. That's why it's important for businesses to get back to work quickly. "If you don't get back up and running after 30 days, your employees go to other places or your customers go away," said Jim Wills, managing director of ServiceMaster, an international restoration company. Facility managers oversee the maintenance and operation of commercial buildings, such as hospitals, hotels, condos, convention centers, concert halls and airports. Historically, facility managers had more of a cleaning and caring role over their buildings. However, as natural disasters have become more destructive and costly, facility managers are playing an increasing role in preparing companies and their buildings for hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes and tornadoes. That shift was evident at this year's convention. On the trade show floor, vendors hawked sit-stand office desks, state-of-the-art towel dispensers and electric car-charging stations. But several also showcased disaster-preparedness tools, like evacuation stair chairs, mobile security camera systems and backup generators. "This is a very apropos topic right now," said Laurie Gilmer, vice president of Facility Engineering Associates. Gilmer works in Santa Rosa, Calif., where wildfires have destroyed thousands of homes and businesses. Her office was spared, but two hotels across the street and a nearby winery burned down. Gilmer and her colleagues have worked remotely for the past two weeks, she said. "Some of these disasters have been so unusual in the extent and breadth of their impact," Gilmer said. "People are now thinking it could happen at their doorstep." During Harvey, facility managers were instrumental in getting businesses back up and running, Neal-Eley said. One facility manager for a Houston energy company had to transfer more than 500 employees to another building when their office building in the Energy Corridor flooded. Another had to figure out how 130 employees could work from home when their three-story office building downtown burned to the ground. "We stepped up and did our job," Neal-Eley said of her 360 members in Houston. Even the International Facility Management Association, whose headquarters are in Memorial City, had to mobilize disaster plans. Its 60 local employees worked from home and maintained their operations through Harvey. During recent hurricanes, the association's online forums lit up with advice from facility managers in Houston and Florida. The group held several seminars this year, encouraging facility managers to formulate plans before the next big disaster. Companies should determine a chain of command and how they will communicate with employees. Businesses should also figure out ways employees can work remotely if they can't get back into their office building. Diane Levine, president of Long Beach, Calif.-based Workplace Management Solutions, conducted a simulation with attendees during her seminar. Facility managers had to cope with power outages and structural damage to their office building after a mock earthquake. In addition to physical threats to buildings, facility managers must also be vigilant of increasing cybersecurity threats, which have affected companies like Target and Equifax, Levine said. "Business resilience is going to be more and more important," she said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Craig Ceccanti probably owes his mom royalties. It was her insistence on a family outing - to a painting class where Ceccanti and his brother augmented their abilities with beer - that spurred a multistate franchise that grosses $35 million annually. "I can't repay my mom enough for taking me to that stupid painting class," says Ceccanti, co-founder and CEO of Pinot's Palette, a wine and painting company that boasts 140 franchised locations. Inspiration fermented for five years, however, before Ceccanti began his business masterpiece. Bringing it to fruition, he says, was his experience at Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business, where he earned an MBA and learned how to turn ideas into reality. He exemplifies the new generation of Rice Business grads, beneficiaries of a two-decade effort to build a nationally recognized department with a strong entrepreneurial focus. Forward-looking deans got the program accredited in 1998. They built a 167,000-square-foot building and increased enrollment, winning accolades and attracting faculty from other prominent schools. Once an afterthought at a school better known for undergraduate liberal arts, Rice Business is now a regular on national best-of lists. Over the past decade its alumni have created 240 businesses, raised $4 billion in funding and hired 7,787 employees. More than four out of five of the companies are still open. Not surprisingly, energy dominates the field, according to the school's recent survey of 400 alumni, with 33 companies raising $3 billion and creating jobs for 4,704 people. But there are also companies in health care, consulting, consumer goods, financial services and other sectors. This entrepreneurial ecosystem "pleasantly surprised" Dean Peter Rodriguez when he joined the school 15 months ago as the university's first-ever Hispanic dean. One out of every six Rice Business graduates in the past 10 years went on to found a company. In the coming years, Rodriguez says, a strong entrepreneurship program will be ever important as younger MBA students are less enchanted with the grueling Wall Street lifestyle or the anonymity of working for a global giant. "What students want from business schools are the options to lead to a career that they will find gratifying," he said in a recent interview. Launched in 1977 Rice launched its graduate business program in 1977, but it didn't begin to blossom until 1997. Under then-Dean Gil Whitaker's eight-year tenure, the number of graduating students doubled to roughly 240 each year. The school became accredited and established its Executive MBA, a weekend program for working execs. Also during this time, the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship was founded. Since debuting the Rice Business Plan Competition in 2001, the annual student startup competition has grown to the richest and largest, hosting graduate students from around the world. Rice Alliance managing director Brad Burke credits it with bolstering the school's entrepreneurial bona fides. Sean Self, an engineering undergrad in the early 1990s, recalled his friends in the business program saying their money would have been better spent elsewhere. Yet by the time he returned to Rice for his own MBA in 2004, the school had built new facilities and hired new faculty. Self, who was working for a company that sells surgical products, ultimately used marketing tips taught in the program to help sell that company. A few years later, he opened Nimbic Systems, which makes a device that can protect hospital patients by blowing a gentle stream of air over an incision during surgery to prevent bacteria from entering. The device has been used in more than 5,000 surgeries. Self expects sales this year of about $400,000. Around the time Self graduated, Rice Business was in another expansion period. Former Dean Bill Glick, who led the school from 2005 to 2016, boosted the number of graduates to 300 a year. Much of that growth resulted from the addition of a part-time Professional MBA program in 2006 for workers who want to earn a degree without giving up their job. It now attracts about 180 students a year, and its revenues helped Rice Business add additional faculty. Glick also built a Ph.D. program, which Rodriguez said signaled a stronger seriousness about research. Among the newer faculty is Yael Hochberg, previously of Northwestern University, whose academic research includes entrepreneurial topics such as venture capital and accelerators. "There was a long time when nobody at a business school was going to have a professor in entrepreneurship," Rodriguez said. "The view was, entrepreneurs are born not made. This is not an academic discipline. It's a temperament. It's a tolerance for risk. It's a sense of skills that's developed by actually doing this." That began to change with professors Al Napier and Ed Williams, both recently retired, who were entrepreneurs and tenured faculty members in other fields and most of their teachings came from hands-on experience. Hochberg, in contrast, studies entrepreneurship in more of an academic setting, a further evolution in the faculty skillset. State programs ranked Rice Business snagged its first major national recognition in 2010, when it was included on Bloomberg Businessweek's list of best MBA programs. More recently, Rice bested some notable local competitors on Bloomberg Businessweek's Best Business Schools 2016 ranking. Its full-time MBA ranked No. 8 compared with Texas A&M (No. 18), University of Texas (No. 21) and University of Houston (No. 75). The U.S. News Best Business Schools 2018 list shuffles that a bit, with UT ranked No. 17, Rice No. 29, A&M No. 38 and UH No. 93. The growth continues. Rice's MBA programs have 676 students enrolled in the graduating classes of 2018 and 2019 despite other options that are now available locally. Texas A&M's Mays Business School, for instance, has about 95 students enrolled in its Professional MBA program in Houston and about 90 in its Executive MBA program here. About 125 more students are enrolled in a full-time program in College Station. UH likewise offers MBA programs, with 480 students enrolled, and boasts a large, local campus. "Our students are able to take advantage of a very large and dedicated business faculty more so than satellite programs that aren't based in Houston," said Dalia Pineda, director of graduate admissions and recruitment for the C.T. Bauer College of Business. When looking specifically at graduate entrepreneurship programs, U.S. News ranked Rice at No. 11, not far behind No. 9 UT. Rice Business' MBA entrepreneurship program has remained in the list's top 15 since 2011. Princeton Review has placed it in the top 10 since 2010 and currently has it No. 3. "I think the Jones School is attracting more entrepreneurial minded MBA students than it used to 10 years ago," said Burke, of the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship. "So more students come to the Jones School because of its reputation in entrepreneurship." A core discipline Not all students enroll with entrepreneurial dreams, but many discover an interest at Rice. Graduates like Jay Zeidman and Kevin Green praise the education they received, the fellow students who inspired them and the "amazing network" of business opportunities it provided after the degrees are handed out. Entrepreneurship will be a pillar for the next decade at Rice Business. Dean Rodriguez would like to see twice as many students start companies immediately after graduating. He wants to make entrepreneurship a core discipline of the MBA program, similar to accounting or finance. Already, 70 percent of all MBA students take a course in entrepreneurship. Rodriguez also wants to connect more closely with the local startup community, perhaps developing a national expertise in startup funding, venture capital or angel investment networks. Rice Business is planning a student venture fund. "If they go out of here and they start a company, now they understand how the capital, the investment side, works," Burke said. "And they're better able to solicit and receive capital for their startup because now they understand the other side of the equation." Ambitious goals The school also is accumulating success stories. Pinot's Palette started in Montrose with about $15,000 provided by Ceccanti and co-founders Charles and Beth Willis. They painted the walls themselves and used home speakers to provide music. Marketing was trial and error. "There were many nights, I remember, Charles and Beth would go and sit in class like a customer just so it didn't seem so empty," Ceccanti said. Business started picking up after Pinot's Palette was mentioned in the online newsletter Tidbits. The founders secured a $100,000 line of credit to open a second location. A man in Katy began hounding them, weekly, to open a franchise store. In addition to its current 140 franchise locations, 35 more are in the process of opening. It's experimenting with other crafting classes, including an ugly sweater workshop at its Memorial City location in November. Ceccanti said his goal is for the company to gross $70 million within the next three years and $250 million in the next decade. "Never in a million years would I have thought that I'd be in a business like this - or owning a business," said Ceccanti, also an adjunct professor at Rice Business and president of Rice Entrepreneurs Organization. "My dreams were to be an IT director of some sort. So it's a bit of a fairy tale for me." TransCanada has inked a lease expansion that solidifies its position as the biggest tenant in Bank of America Center, a building poised for updates as its namesake tenant prepares to depart in 2019. The Canadian pipeline company will boost its space by three floors, or nearly 50 percent, in the downtown building at 700 Louisiana. The company, which acquired Houston-based Columbia Pipeline Group in 2016, has leased an additional 82,916 square feet for a total of 260,000 square feet, according to PM Realty Group. Consolidating employees into Bank of America Center will enable TransCanada to accommodate future growth and enhance employee productivity, according to Louis Rosenthal, a broker with JLL who represented the company along with Bruce Rutherford. TransCanada took over the space of two companies that relocated to higher floors within the building. Alvarez & Marsal, a consulting firm represented by JLL's John Burke and Louis Rosenthal, extended its lease and expanded to 49,508 square feet. Arnold & Porter, a law firm represented by Kevin Saxe of CBRE, signed a direct lease with the landlord for 21,290 square feet on floors 40 and 41. John Spafford of PM Realty Group represented the ownership, a group led by Houston-based M-M Properties, in the leases. The deals bring the 56-story neo-Gothic-style tower to 91 percent leased. Other large tenants include Piper Jaffray, Mayer Brown and Baker McKenzie. Bank of America, which leases 165,000 square feet through late 2019, will be consolidating its downtown operations to 800 Capitol upon the building's completion in 2019. The bank will also move its name to 800 Capitol. The next name for 700 Louisiana has not been determined, according to PM Realty Group. Developed as Republic Bank Center by Hines, the building was constructed around the two-story Western Union building on the northeast portion of the block in 1983. A recent refinancing, arranged by HFF, will enable the owners to open the long-closed 20,000-square-foot Western Union building and incorporate a new restaurant into the space. Plans are also in the works to develop future amenities in the 10,000-square-foot banking hall along Capitol, according to Spafford. The building is near Jones Hall and other arts venues. "This building has always been able to attract a prestigious roster of tenants; the challenge is to be able to anticipate the evolving expansion needs of our tenant base and to plan accordingly," said Ken Moczulski, founder and CEO of M-M Properties. The building's 91 percent occupancy compares with 84.4 percent for Class A buildings overall, according to PM Realty Group. The 1.2-million-square-foot building, designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee, competes with downtown's newest buildings as well as trophy towers from the 1980s such as JPMorgan Chase Tower, Wells Fargo Plaza and Heritage Plaza. "We think the planned modifications to the Western Union building and to the banking hall will continue to maintain the building's status as a tier 1 option," Spafford said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A suspected robber was injured late Thursday during an armed robbery in a southwest Houston apartment with two small children inside. The alleged robbers - described only as men - arrived about 11 p.m. at the Landmark at City Park complex, in the 2200 block of West Orem, said Ken Nealy, a detective with the Houston Police Department. They knocked on the door of an apartment. A family of two adults and two children were inside. Authorities have not identified any of the family members. After the door was opened, the robbers entered the unit. They started taking belongings from the family. Police did not specify how long the robbers were in the apartment but Nealy added it was for "an extended amount of time." At some point, a relative of the family spotted the robbers inside the home and called police. As police arrived, the robbers started shooting at the apartments' occupants. During the gunfire, at least one robber was injured. Once they heard police sirens, all three robbers tried to leave the complex in a car. In their haste, they appeared to have lost control; their car slammed into the front sign for the apartments, Nealy said. Police later arrested three men who they think were involved in the robbery. A fourth suspect - the injured robber - was taken to an area hospital in an unknown condition. Nealy did not specify early Friday if there were four suspects was in the apartment or if the fourth man was waiting for the other men outside. Police believe there may have been more people involved who haven't been taken into custody, Nealy said. Leadership in the arts often is underrated. As a behind-the-scenes person, a manager's job is never obvious to the general public, nor does it invite praise the same way an onstage performance does. But Dean Gladden, managing director of the Alley Theatre, has been cast in an unexpected feature role: as the mastermind behind solving the logistical, financial and contractual challenges after the flooding of the theater's basement level, which led to damages that may run up to $15 million. We spoke with Gladden to find out the theater's tick-tock on Hurricane Harvey. He shared what actions the company had to take to debut "Describe the Night" - on time at the University of Houston - and to stay afloat. Q: Tell us what you saw after the hurricane's worst night of rain. A: We saw how high the water was. It was like, "holy smokes." We've never seen anything like that. Even when (2001 Tropical Storm) Allison was here, the streets never looked like that. The water was just down below, and it came from the tunnels. It wasn't above ground - it didn't crest. The next day, (HGO Managing Director) Perryn Leech and I decided to take his SUV and go in together. We picked up (Alley) general manager, Ten Eyck Swackhamer. We went down to the Neuhaus Theatre and walked down a couple steps. The water was just a few steps down. It was shocking. Then, we went to the level above the stage and got on the catwalks to look down. It was up to the fifth row. That was disturbing. Then we went over to the dressing rooms, looked down at them and we could see the old high water mark. This was a foot above. More Information The Alley plans to be back in its downtown home in time to stage its next production, "A Christmas Carol, " which opens Nov. 17. For tickets, or to donate, visit alleytheatre.org. See More Collapse A: What was your first reaction? Q: The highest priority was, how do you get the water out? We had someone in immediately. Then I called up Andrew Davis (UH dean of the College of the Arts) and he was very supportive. He said, absolutely, we'll work with you guys. We talked to Rob Shimko, head of UH's theater department, who then rescheduled some stuff so we could get in. I sent out a call to all our trustees, looking for a space for offices. We had no computers, no servers because the electricity was off. One of the board members got back to me, Mike Loya, president of Vitol, which ships oil tanks. They had penthouse offices. They were great for rehearsals, but not offices. We could move in our costume shop. Houston First gave us their offices. That was our crisis center. We had meetings everyday at 1:30 p.m. with 20 people, a crisis team so we all would know what's going on at the same time. Q: But everything on the administrative side was still stranded in a building without power. A: Then we decided to make Friday our move out day, so we'd set times so people could go up and move everything out that they need. Everybody drove up to the ramp to the 13th floor, and walked up in the dark to the 18th floor and carried their things back down. They took all the servers out, took the computers out. Q: So can you walk me through a typical day for your job? A: You just go from one thing to another. Your phone is ringing all day, you're answering emails all day, you're talking to people. Tomorrow morning I start at 8 a.m.; I'm talking to BBC, then I'm back in the office dealing with the move-in; then at 10 a.m., I'm moving with all the groups to Houston First. Then our finance guy is meeting with the banks to give us a loan after the insurance money falls out, so we have adequate cash. Oh, my gosh, what else am I doing? It's just so weird. A: And this is all so the company can get back to being operational? Q: There's something really inspirational about the fact that we can get up a play in such a short amount of time, even amidst all of this. That's the human spirit - the great story of pulling through and making it all happen. Yes, it's home to the fighting Texas A&M Aggies. But there's plenty to do in Bryan-College Station beyond Kyle Field -- especially this weekend, when five-count-'em-five former presidents (and their secret service staff) swoop through town for the One America Appeal Relief Concert. A handful of hip, modern hotels have joined the scene in the past year or so, and dining options may surprise even the staunchest foodie. Pondering a weekend trip? Consider this your short and sweet cheat sheet to the area. LODGING The George: The latest addition to College Station's boutique hotel boom within the still-under-construction Century Square mixed-use development is a stone's throw from Texas A&M's campus. Midcentury style furnishings mingle pops of color for a hip vibe. Even standard rooms are a sizeable 400 square feet. There's also an on-site restaurant, whiskey bar, outdoor pool and free WiFi and breakfast. Frooms from $214 per night. 180 Century Court, College Station, 844-599-3871; thegeorgetexas.com Cavalry Court: Across the way from the George in Century Square, the 141-room hotel was inspired by old-school motor courts. Rooms -- centered around a courtyard with pool, cabanas, firepits and pavilion -- have a retro-military design with sliding barn doors and full-size Smeg refrigerators. Complimentary continental breakfast is served at the Canteen, which also has a full dinner menu and bar. The hotel also is pet friendly and offers free WiFi. Rooms from $169 per night. 200 Century Court, College Station, 979-485-5586; cavalrycourt.com. The Stella Hotel: The new 176-room Stella anchors the Lake Walk Town Center of Atlas, the commercial district of the Traditions Club and Community near College Station. Modern guest rooms come with Frette linens and bathrobes. On-site amenities include two pools (one with a bar), a fitness room, complimentary bikes and paddleboards, farm-to-fork restaurant Campfire and craft-cocktail bar Hershel's. Rooms from $149 per night. 4100 Lake Atlas Drive, Bryan, 979-773-1001; thestellahotel.com. LaSalle Hotel: A lovely option in historic downtown Bryan. The 55-room hotel has super comfortable beds and sizeable rooms. Other perks include complimentary made-to-order hot breakfast and popcorn. Be warned: The LaSalle is adjacent to an active railroad track, and that horn blares loudly, almost comically so. The front desk can provide earplugs at check in. Rooms from $119 per night. 120 S. Main, Bryan, 979-822-2000; lasalle-hotel.com. DINING Madden's Casual Gourmet: Tucked inside the Old Bryan Marketplace, Madden's is about as fancy as it gets in Bryan-College Station (which is to say not uber-fancy, though expect white tablecloths). Starters might involve a brie grilled cheese on house-milled bread with a currant-pinot noir jam, while entrees include blackened mahi mahi with fried mac 'n' cheese and a grilled, dry-aged pork chop from Compart Family Farms. There's also an expansive wine list. Open for lunch Mondays through Saturdays, dinner Thursdays through Saturday and brunch Saturday. 202 S. Bryan Ave., Bryan, 979-779-2558; maddenscasualgourmet.com. Dixie Chicken: Vintage photos, taxidermy, bric-a-brac, neon beer signs and raucous behavior are all part of the fun at "the Chicken" on Northgate, where Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett used to perform as students back in the day. It's a bar serving cheap, ice-cold beer primarily, but food -- think burgers, fries, bar snacks and, well, chicken -- is available to soak up the booze. Open daily 11 a.m.-2 a.m. 307 University Dr., 979-846-2322; dixiechicken.com. The Village Cafe & Art979 Gallery: Works by local artists decorate the wall in this cute, all-day downtown Bryan cafe. It's a great spot for a coffee, but you can also order from a full food menu at the counter. Dishes range from breakfast paninis and salads to sandwiches, wraps and delicious pizzas made with from-scratch dough. Many ingredients are sourced from nearby farms. Beer and wine, too. 210 W. 26th, Bryan, 979-703-8514; thevillagedowntown.com. A FEW THINGS TO DO George Bush Presidential Library and Museum: On the Texas A&M campus, the museum explores the life and work of America's 41st president (and current Houstonian). Permanent exhibits tell stories through photos, documents, videos, artifacts, interactives and replicas of the Oval Office and Situation Room. The latest temporary exhibit celebrates the historic ranches of Texas and their ability to adapt through changing natural and business environments. 1000 George Bush Drive W., College Station, 979-691-4000; bush41.org Shop, sip and stroll: Downtown Bryan is a charming pocket to explore for an afternoon. Stores are a mix of antique (Corner of Time), resale (Alice's Attic), contemporary (Hemline) and the sort of curated, shabby-chic hybrid markets (Market 1023, Old Bryan Marketplace) that are becoming more prevalent these days. Unwind with a glass of wine at Downtown Uncorked or, if you're staying the night, try one of dozens of craft beers with a side of live music at Revolution Cafe & Bar. downtownbryan.com. Messina Hof: In the Brazos Valley just outside of Bryan proper, the 40-year-old winery and resort has a tasting room/shop (which once housed the all-girls school Ursuline Academy), wine bar and The Vintage House Restaurant. Hour-long public tours are offered regularly for $15. Consult website for schedule. 4545 Old Reliance, Bryan, 979-778-9463; messinahof.com. As people in the Houston have transitioned from rescue and recovery to damage assessment and rebuilding, as people put their lives back together, a word has crept into more common usage: "resilience." With experts recommending public policies and ordinary folks buying out Sheetrock at hardware stores, it is an appropriate moment to understand what the idea of resilience really means. We all know this region cannot be made totally flood-proof. So what is resilience? Billions of dollars are flowing to rebuild the region and many hundreds of hours spent in dreary conference rooms by professionals, researchers, policy experts, civil servants and politicians to change infrastructure planning, development patterns and construction techniques. Let's pause to clearly articulate how we should approach making the region more resilient to prepare for the next catastrophic storm that we all know is coming. As a concept, resilience is as broad and open to interpretation as other terms like "sustainability," "affordability," "urban" or even "natural." A frequently cited definition of resilience by researchers from Columbia University and the University of Rochester describes it as "a dynamic process encompassing positive adaptation within the context of significant adversity." An adviser to the World Bank interprets it to mean, "the ability of people, communities, governments and systems to withstand the impacts of negative events and to continue to grow despite them." The United Nations defines resilience as "the ability of a system, community or society exposed to hazards to resist, absorb, accommodate to and recover from the effects of a hazard in a timely and efficient manner, including through the preservation and restoration of its essential basic structures and functions." However, in the context of Harvey, how do Houstonians approach creating a more resilient Houston, especially as the region decides how and where we want to rebuild? Xiangcheng Xing The forensic approach One approach to rebuilding a more resilient Houston is to look at what happened in a forensic manner. The process would identify the relevant interconnected systems that were in place before Harvey, analyze how those systems interacted with one another and pinpoint which ones were incapable of withstanding such a massive shock and which ones were able to adapt and recover. Once the strengths and weaknesses of the systems and their interactions are understood, it would be possible determine what steps need to be taken to ensure future outcomes are significantly improved. By understanding both the larger context and finer details of what happened, experts from across the region can work to devise strategies that help better adapt Houston to future catastrophes. The systems that led to Harvey's outcome exist in various forms and span multiple scales. Physical systems range from the region's vast networks of flood-control infrastructure down to the gypsum board used for walls across the city. Regulatory systems encompass everything from regional development policies (or lack thereof) to how many parking spaces are required for each bedroom in a residential dwelling. Energy systems link the vast wind farms of west and north Texas to the electric plug placed a few inches above the floor. Technological systems can be as complex as the most advanced supercomputers used by sophisticated weather forecasting software or as basic as the two-cycle outboard motors powering the flat-bottomed fishing-cum-rescue boats. Political systems include not only politicians and civil servants that exist across all levels of governments, but also the citizens, lobbyists and special-interest groups that influence the decisions those public officials make. And social systems create the vast networks of personal connections that link all of these other systems together. Though the Houston region depends on these and many other systems, such as food, water, communication and financial systems, for its standard of living and economic performance, without careful planning, any and all of these systems are vulnerable to the types of shocks Harvey represents. While the unprecedented amount of rainfall during Harvey created an almost inconceivable shock that would overwhelm the most robust system, how these systems jointly responded to that shock led to disastrous conditions that so many across the region endured. Numerous experts who worked within and studied these systems in the Houston region before Harvey had already identified many of their strengths and weaknesses and had clear ideas about how to make the city more resilient before the storm itself. That knowledge is why many of the recommendations that followed the storm were so specific, so quickly: Many of the underlying causes of the disaster were identified before it even happened. Yet, as with any complex system, not all the reactions and outcomes of the disaster could be fully anticipated. For example, technology and communication systems played a significant role in allowing for a much more resilient rescue and recovery response. Social media platforms and apps expanded communication networks far beyond overwhelmed 911 channels to allow first responders to identify more stranded victims faster. Xiangcheng Xing Groups like Sketch City created numerous digital tools for volunteers throughout Houston to remotely and very quickly organize relief efforts and compile essential information for storm victims. Political systems adapted when public officials invited the community to assist with rescue efforts which led the "Cajun Navy," guided by a slew of volunteers, to significantly buttress overwhelmed official search and rescue resources. And social systems reacted as the close personal ties within the food and beverage industry allowed a dedicated group of volunteers to create an impromptu commissary that fed hundreds of thousands displaced people across the region. Ultimately, as the city begins to understand exactly what happened before, during and after the storm, countless more examples of unexpected reactions will emerge. A thorough forensic understanding of how all these systems positively and negatively reacted then becomes the basis for devising the strategies necessary to create a more resilient Houston. Experts, public officials, business and community leaders and residents can use that understanding to determine and agree upon the most efficient and effective solutions to "resist, absorb, accommodate to and recover from the effects of a hazard." Each future shock whether cataclysmic or not leads to additional insight and continual refinement of these systems. These iterative improvements then contribute to more robust systems that create a more resilient Houston. The outcomes approach An alternative approach to creating a more resilient Houston is based on a similar comprehensive understanding of these same systems, but looks to the future rather than the past for solutions. Rather than devising solutions based on the flaws and strengths of individual systems, the alternative approach would begin by identifying an ideal yet achievable outcome of such a catastrophic event and work backward to devise what solutions would achieve that goal. Both methodologies begin with a very basic question, but differ slightly but profoundly on exactly what that question is. While the first methodology begins with, "What happened?," the second starts with, "What do we want to happen?" This second approach could begin with broad perspectives. A basic answer to the question "What do we want to happen?" could look past answers for each individual system and start with a single answer of "No loss of life and minimal damage to property." In other words, Houstonians would have hunkered down for Harvey and then gone back to their normal lives with little to no recovery or rebuilding. While "no loss of life" would be an unquestioned goal, "no loss of property" is open to a broad spectrum of interpretations from removing structures from the most flood-prone areas to using construction techniques that allow waters to enter and recede from structures with little to no damage or any other number of combined solutions. The second question can also be applied to each system to identify intended goals. Do we want to minimize or eliminate the threat of rising waters or have structures that can withstand floodwaters with little to no physical damage? Do we want a city surrounded by open prairies, forests, and wetlands that can absorb as much water as possible before it reaches the city? Xiangcheng Xing Should we require every individual property owner to have the necessary flood protection in place to protect their own property? Do we expect major roadways to remain open during an epic storm like Harvey, or is it reasonable for roads to become impassable temporarily? Do we want to pay for large-scale buyouts of properties before they flood again or pay for improved construction techniques that harden structures against rising floodwaters? Questions like these can help people across Houston imagine an optimal outcome of a storm like Harvey that experts would use to devise strategies for protecting the region. Reaching a common consensus on the interpretation of "loss of property" would require not only experts who understand the complexities of all the systems but also engagement of people who live in the region. Not only can a broader base of creative solutions be explored by allowing all Houstonians to participate in conversations on how to rebuild, but Houstonians would be more likely to support solutions that they were engaged in developing. Each of these approaches present a practical framework for how to achieve a more resilient Houston. Both require a thorough understanding of the numerous complex systems that protect the city. One approach looks at how to refine, reshape or completely restructure those systems to reengineer a more resilient city. The other reimagines how residents expect those systems to perform to redesign a more resilient city. Either approach would require significant efforts from a broad constituency, but one allows for more fundamental engagement by the people who will ultimately be impacted by the changes required to create a more resilient Houston. Therefore, Houstonians should decide which approach they want to pursue. That decision represents the first step in creating a more resilient Houston. Jose Solis is the founder of Big and Bright Strategies, which specializes in sustainability, risk mitigation and project management for architectural and planning projects. Xiangcheng Xing, who illustrated this article, is a graduate student at Rice Architecture. This article originally appeared on OffCite, a publication of the Rice Design Alliance, a community engagement program of Rice Architecture. Bookmark Gray Matters. It leads to additional insight and continual refinement. Exactly 146 candles flickered in the darkened room as a bell tolled once for each of them. Each candle represented a life lost to domestic violence in 2016, and FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center in Humble held a vigil Wednesday, Oct. 18, as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. "The youngest was 15, killed and sexually assaulted by her 15-year-old boyfriend," said Judy Cox, executive director of FamilyTime. "The oldest was 92, shot by her husband, who also shot her daughter, aged 74, before he killed himself." Cox said both cases happened in Harris County. Four of the 146 deaths occurred in Humble and 28 were in Harris County. Forty percent of those killed had made attempts to end their relationships or were in the process of leaving. Sixty-eight percent of the perpetrators used a firearm, and 77 percent killed their partners in their home, Cox said. Through September of this year, FamilyTime has sheltered 490 clients but has turned away 668 because it lacked the space. In July, Cox spoke with Humble City Council about finding three to five acres to build a new facility because the needs of the current shelter, which houses 20 adults and 14 children, have grown over the years. "FamilyTime needs your support to continue providing resources, advocacy, counseling and shelter," Cox said. "By offering these services, many will be able to reclaim their lives and complete their journey from victim to survivor. Harvey has been a really tough on all of us." The organization's primary building and thrift shop were not affected by the flooding, but there was some damage to the shelter and the Dayton office was flooded. But the main thing affecting the nonprofit, Cox said, is being forced to cancel the purple ribbon luncheon, a major fundraiser. The annual gala is still scheduled in January and FamilyTime is hosting a raffle with $10 tickets. The top prize is a 50-inch television, the second-place prize is a pair of Texans tickets and the third-place prize is a Christmas wreath. For more information about FamilyTime, visit familytimeccc.org. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) Three men from the Houston area were arrested after a shot was fired at a group of people following the appearance of white nationalist Richard Spencer at the University of Florida, police said. Two of the suspects are from Pasadena and one is from Richmond. A Gainesville Police Department report released on Friday said that Tyler Tenbrink, 28, of Richmond; William Fears, 30; and his brother, 28-year-old Colton Fears, both from Pasadena, were arrested on attempted homicide charges. Hours before the shooting, all three men had spoken with the media in support of Spencer's speech and white nationalism. CANCELLED: White nationalist claims Texas A&M violated First Amendment right The three were in a vehicle Thursday immediately after Spencer's speech and began making Nazi salutes and shouting Hitler chants at a group of people at a bus stop, the police report states. Now Playing: Protesters disrupted a speech by white nationalist Richard Spencer at the University of Florida on Thursday, shouting Go home Nazis . Spencer had helped to organise Augusts white supremacist and Neo-Nazi rally in the US city of Charlottesville, Virginia, which led to a deadly-clash with counter protesters. Fearing fresh confrontation at this latest event, Floridas governor declared a state of emergency in the area around the university in Gainesville. I mean I respect the right to free speech, obviously because of the First Amendment, but I think its important to demonstrate that we dont tolerate that type of rhetoric, said demonstrator Haseen Alam. We will not deal with this crap, added fellow protester Ethan Beverley. This is not tolerated. We had a war, we already fought Nazis. Why would people be out here trying to support this? WATCH: Boos and chants drown out white nationalist Richard Spencer at University of Florida. Read more: https://t.co/Slv3ZdmxZG pic.twitter.com/KBz5YJl0Eb NBC News (@NBCNews) 19 octobre 2017 Hundreds of police worked to separate Spencers supporters from demonstrators at the university which said it did not invite him to speak, but was obliged by law to allow the event. Protests were mostly peaceful but there were a few scuffles that left five people with minor injuries, the university said in a statement. The Charlottesville violence on Aug. 12 had fuelled a national debate on race, and Republican President Donald Trump came under fire for blaming both sides for the melee. An outspoken supporter of Trump during the 2016 campaign, Spencer rose from relative obscurity after widely circulated videos showed some Trump supporters giving Nazi-style salutes to Spencer during a gathering in Washington to celebrate the Republican candidates win. Trump condemned the meeting. The death in Charlottesville, home to the flagship campus of the University of Virginia, occurred as counter-protesters were dispersing. A 20-year-old man who is said by law enforcement to have harboured Nazi sympathies drove his car into the crowd, killing a 32-year-old woman. with Reuters Video: Euronews One person in the group struck the back window of the men's vehicle with a baton, police said. Tenbrink, a convicted felon, showed a handgun after exiting the car while the Fears brothers encouraged him to shoot, police said. "Colton Fears and William Fears were also yelling, 'Kill them' and 'Shoot them,'" the police report stated. Tenbrink fired a single shot, police said, missing the group and striking a nearby building. He is also being charged as a felon in possession of a firearm, police said. 2016 OUTRAGE: Speech sparks protests at Texas A&M The men fled the scene and headed north on Highway 75, police said. Just before 9 p.m. an off-duty Alachua County Sheriff's deputy who had worked the Spencer event earlier saw the men's vehicle. A group of officers called in stopped the vehicle and took the men into custody. Tenbrink admitted that he was the shooter, according to the police report. Police say two of the three have connections to "extremist groups." ___ Follow Jason Dearen on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JHDearen Fox News ran a story on Oct. 8 about a decorated Vietnam War Navy SEAL and glass artist who created an enormous presidential glass seal he hoped to give to President Donald Trump. On Thursday, 11 days later, the network retracted the story after being told the Trump supporter never served in Vietnam at all, much less earned commendations for his service. In the segment, John Garafalo said he served in the Vietnam War with the U.S. Navy SEAL team. Fox News reported that he also received two Purple Hearts and about two dozen other medals for his service. The man's claimed record turned out to be a fabrication. It was first discovered by former Navy SEALs. Both these SEALs and family members of Garofalo contacted Fox News about the story, according to the Navy Times. Don Shipley, a retired SEAL, told the Navy Times that he contacted Fox on Oct. 9, the day after the story ran. But the story was still on the news outlet's Facebook page on Thursday, Oct. 19. By then it had amassed 1.5 million views. Fox published a correction on Thursday. "All of Garofalo's claims turned out to be untrue," Fox's correction stated. "The fact is that he did not serve in Vietnam. He was never a U.S. Navy SEAL. Even though he showed us medals, Garofalo was not awarded two Purple Hearts or any of the other nearly two dozen commendations he claimed to have received, except for the National Defense Service Medal." "Fox News not withdrawing that story has drove me nutty," Don Shipley, a retired SEAL who tracks down and exposes bogus military service claims and was the first to obtain official records disputing Garofalo's story, told the Navy Times. A Fox spokesperson told the Navy Times it would run an on-air correction on Sunday. In the retracted segment, Fox News reporter Bryan Llenas repeatedly praised Garofalo for his service. ALSO Trump gives Puerto Rico response a grade of 10 out of 10 "Garofalo is used to working under pressure," Llenas said. "The Vietnam War veteran served seven years as a member of the nation's first Navy SEAL team. He was awarded 22 commendations, including two purple hearts." "You are a hero," Llenas told him. "God bless John Garofalo," another anchor said. "We certainly hope maybe the president is listening." Shipley said he reached out to Llenas via Facebook, telling him that Garofalo was not a Vietnam War veteran. "You can turn this story around," he told Llenas, according to the Navy Times. In its correction, Fox News said that, "Over the last two weeks, we've worked with Garofalo's family and the National Personnel Records Center to get to the bottom of a military past that Garofalo had claimed to be covert." Garofalo served in the Navy from Sept. 6, 1963, to Sept. 6, 1967, according to military records obtained by the Navy Times. He told the newspaper he's been lying about being a Vietnam veteran and a Navy SEAL for years. "It got bigger and bigger," Garofalo told the newspaper a telephone interview. "What I did I'm ashamed of, and I didn't mean to cause so much disgrace to the SEALs." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Amid shattered buildings and ruined lives, a hurricane strips away the veneer of normalcy that conceals uncomfortable truths. Hurricane Harvey showed us, for example, that the two aging reservoirs on Houston's west side are inadequate to protect the heart of the city lying downstream. The storm exposed gaps in the Houston Fire Department's rescue training and equipment. It eliminated any doubt about the need for stricter limits on development in flood-prone areas. Harvey's floods also illustrated a structural problem, often glossed over in ordinary times, that cries out for attention in a crisis. The dominant role of so-called "special districts" in the region's vast unincorporated areas deprives millions of residents of the responsive, transparent local government they deserve. As the Chronicle's James Drew reported this week, residents of the Timarron Lakes neighborhood in The Woodlands are convinced that their municipal utility district's inattention to a faulty drainage system led to the flooding of 100 homes during Harvey. After a May 2016 flood, residents had asked the MUD board to install a culvert they believed would ease the problem. The board declined. "The District's existing drainage improvements are designed to accommodate 100-year storm events as required by Harris County," said a statement written by the district's engineer and attached to an email sent to Timarron Lakes resident Frank Gore. "These (requested) potential drainage improvements would only engage during an event greater than a 100-year storm, which is beyond the District's current design standard." If you cut through the jargon, the message seems to be: "You're asking us to do something that exceeds our minimum requirements, and we're not willing to do it." I'm not qualified to say whether the improvements sought by residents would have prevented or reduced the flooding of homes in Timarron Lakes. But surely the residents deserved better answers than they got. Drew's article demonstrates why MUDs - entities invented by lawyers and developers in the 1970s to facilitate the efficient development of empty fields and prairies - are a poor substitute for true local government, particularly when urgent needs arise. A MUD's elected board members theoretically serve the same role as City Council members, and no doubt many of these volunteer public servants perform their duties diligently. But the close ties between MUDs and the developers of the communities they serve, as detailed in a series of articles by Drew, raise obvious questions about where their loyalties lie. The Woodlands, at least, has an option not available to many of the region's other suburban communities. A deal it struck with the city of Houston to forestall annexation gives The Woodlands the authority to incorporate, and the township board is seeking proposals from companies to conduct a study of potential incorporation. City governments, of course, have an imperfect record of responding to residents' concerns. But city council members, particularly in single-member district systems, are more accountable to voters than board members of entities with such obscure-sounding names as "Harris-Montgomery Counties Municipal Utility District 386," the district that serves Timarron Lakes. MUD board members are not required to live in the districts they serve. Board meetings often take place outside the community, sometimes in the offices of the MUD's attorneys. This hardly facilitates engagement with residents. Incorporation would create a better system to respond to problems like those in Timarron Lakes, said Gordy Bunch, the chairman of The Woodlands Township board. "It does highlight some of the inequities of not being a city," said Bunch, noting that the fragmentation of authority among the 11 MUDs serving The Woodlands makes regional coordination difficult. Gore, the Timarron Lakes resident who pleaded in vain for help from the MUD board, said he favors incorporation: "The big problem is with all this segmented government, you never get to one particularly responsive or responsible authority for everything." The Woodlands, with a population of about 110,000, would be the largest community by far to incorporate in Texas. The new city would face the challenge of assuming the debt and facilities of its 11 MUDs and setting a uniform tax rate; it could also choose to leave some or all of the districts intact. But at least The Woodlands, unlike many of the area's suburban communities, doesn't have to get permission from an adjacent city to incorporate. As the process moves forward, the leaders who favor incorporation can point to the Timarron Lakes experience - flooded houses, unanswered questions, frustrated residents - as evidence of the need for change. Facing enormous home repair bills after Hurricane Harvey flooded their Katy home, Cynthia and Gene Krueger received a pleasant financial break. Earlier this month, the Katy ISD school board voted to reappraise all storm-damaged properties in its district, including the Kruegers' two-story house. With their $311,000 home value certain to be lowered to reflect the damage incurred during Harvey, the Kruegers can expect to pay hundreds of dollars less in property taxes this year - money that can now go toward renovating their gutted first floor. "That will, for us, be a big help," Gene Krueger, 52, said Wednesday during a break from sanding kitchen tile adhesive. The devastation wrought by Harvey and subsequent flooding has school boards across the Houston area debating whether to follow Katy ISD's lead in ordering reappraisals, moves that could bring tens of millions of dollars in tax relief to property owners as they recover from the storm. The boards in the Spring Branch and Conroe school districts have already approved reappraisals, and the Lamar Consolidated board voted late Thursday to approve reappraisals. Houston ISD and others are also contemplating the move. "This is the right thing to do," Spring Branch ISD Trustee Katherine Dawson said recently. "I think it really just reflects our core values, because we're all about collective greatness and being there for our community." For the average homeowner, a property reappraisal would likely save hundreds of dollars, while owners of larger residences and businesses could save thousands. In Houston ISD alone, a reappraisal could provide tax relief to an estimated 105,000 property owners, many of whom lost countless personal items and remain unable to return to their homes. Property appraisals are typically issued at the beginning of each year, but state law allows taxing authorities, such as school districts, to reappraise storm-damaged properties immediately after a natural disaster. Using the new, lower post-storm valuation, taxing authorities then prorate the amount of property taxes owed in 2017. School districts levy the largest local taxes in the state, accounting for roughly 40 percent to 60 percent of property taxes, depending on location. Several other local taxing authorities have ordered reappraisals, including Fort Bend and Montgomery county governments. The city of Houston and Harris County have not voted on whether to reappraise. The Texas House and Senate unanimously passed separate bills earlier this year that would have required reappraisals following natural disasters, but the bills stalled and never became law. Not without cost For school districts, the reappraisals carry two significant costs - which could prevent Houston ISD from providing its property owners with tax relief. A reduction in property values means less tax revenue for school districts, some of which are already financially strapped because of a decline in state funding and rising employee costs. Houston ISD, for example, used $106 million in "rainy day" funds to balance its $2 billion budget this year. School districts also have to cover the cost for county appraisal districts to reappraise storm-damaged homes. In Harris County, each property reappraisal is expected to cost $25 to $30. Rene Barajas, Houston ISD's chief financial officer, told state legislators last week that the district "probably won't do a reappraisal" after initial projections showed it would cost $40 million in lost property taxes and $10 million in appraisal district bills. But district officials said Thursday that Barajas' initial estimates were high, and further research shows the cost to perform appraisals would actually be $2.6 million to $3.2 million. An estimate on the property tax loss wasn't immediately available. Houston ISD Board President Wanda Adams said trustees haven't made a final decision on whether to order a re-appraisal. She plans to meet with district officials Friday to discuss the topic. "Until I hear from them, I really can't say what we'll do," Adams said. State stepping in? Houston-area districts that have already ordered reappraisals said they expect the Texas Education Agency to reimburse them for much of the costs.Katy ISD officials said they're planning for the state to cover two-thirds of lost property taxes. As a result, the district expects to pay $1.5 million to $3.5 million out of its own pocket, Superintendent Lance Hindt said. Conroe ISD board members expect state help as well, reducing the estimated out-of-pocket cost from $1.4 million to $350,000. Houston ISD officials said they didn't know yet whether the state would help the district financially with reappraisal costs. For some districts, the loss in property values could reduce the amount of funds owed to the state under the so-called "recapture" law, which is designed to balance funding between property-wealthy and property-poor districts. Jack Barnett, spokesman for the Harris County Appraisal District, said it's too still early to provide an estimate of the storm's impact on property values. He advised property owners to take photos of storm damage and keep repair estimates and invoices in case local school districts order reappraisals. "We're still trying to gather information and still have appraisers out in the field looking at properties," Barnett said. "This is something new for us. We have never done a disaster reappraisal." A data science center will likely come to Houston after all - it will just be run by Cougars rather than the University of Texas System. University of Houston leaders announced Thursday - months after the UT System axed an ambitious proposal for land in the Bayou City - that it hopes to offer data science certificates and programs as early as next fall. The UH institute, to be located in a research and engineering building opened on the main campus last year, will apply data science analysis to fields such as infrastructure, security and health care. Its presence also will bolster other programs, university leaders said. "The purpose of the institute for data science is to inject data science into the DNA of UH, in every academic program," said Andrea Prosperetti, a National Academy of Engineering member who joined UH in 2016 and will serve as the project's head. "Even poets should learn about data science." UH's announcement comes as U.S. graduate business programs are investing more heavily in the field. At least 211 data analytics and information management programs exist in the U.S., up from 178 in March, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council. Proponents of data science laud the field's potential impact on industries such as energy and oil, where companies have turned to data mastery as a cost-savings technique to avoid, for example, drilling in bad wells. Two university officials said planning began before UT's plans were made public. UT System regents never formally approved a data center for the 300-plus acres that it purchased in southwest Houston for hundreds of millions of dollars without disclosing an explicit purpose for the property. UT Chancellor William McRaven announced the project in 2015, surprising lawmakers and UH regents, who feared that the land buy would adversely affect UH, UH-Downtown and Texas Southern University. McRaven scuttled UT's project in March after lawmakers and UT's own regents criticized its high spending and lack of specific plan. Documents later revealed that a UT advisory group for the property proposed developing a data science center focusing on medicine, energy and education. Partnership plans Unlike the UT System, UH doesn't have access to the multibillion permanent university fund that funds the University of Texas at Austin and system administration to launch such a project. Amr Elnashai, UH's vice chancellor and vice president for research and technology, said UH's research division will fund launch projects for the institute at $500,000 per year for two years to start. Additional funding from the provost's office will support faculty hires and administrative costs, he said. Officials said tuition revenue, particularly from a one-year master's program, would be a separate revenue stream. Certificate programs and potentially graduate programs could begin as early as next fall. An undergraduate program may take several years to begin, Prosperetti said. "The bottom line is that we intend to put in whatever is needed," Elnashai said, acknowledging that UH's budget is dependent on state lawmakers' allocations every two years. Partnerships with industry could fund professorships and scholarships, too, Prosperetti said. Still, a prominent supporter of the UT System's plan said Thursday that it would be difficult for any single institution to match UT's proposal. "Could UH take it to the same level UT could? I think the answer is no," said David Wolff, the chairman and president of Wolff Companies who tried to rally lawmakers, UT alumni and other Houston leaders to favor the UT System's idea earlier this year. "But UT is sort of hog-tied right now because of the opposition they got when they came in town." Wolff said collaboration between institutions would create the best center "for the good of the city." Elnashai said UH wants to form such partnerships. Elnashai said he has strong relationships with engineering leaders at UT-Austin and Texas A&M University. A draft proposal for UH's projects said it would encourage partnerships with local community colleges, other UH campuses and the local four-year universities, including Rice University, Texas Southern University and the University of St. Thomas. "There is no reason why we shouldn't be collaborating with them," Prosperetti said of UT. The UT System declined to comment on overlap between the institutions' plans or whether it would collaborate with UH on data science research. Growth of programs Data programs have become increasingly present in academic offerings around Houston in recent years. UH started a new master's program in statistics and data analysis this year within its math department, and its computer science master's program offers a track in data analytics. Courses include machine learning, artificial intelligence and data mining. Rice University started a $43 million institute in data science to focus on urban flooding, air quality and education policy, and the University of Houston-Downtown offers a master's in data analytics. In his annual State of the City address in May, Mayor Sylvester Turner asked UH, Rice and Texas A&M to work with UT to take on a task force's recommendations for how to use the UT's land, near the Texas Medical Center. "If Houston wants to remain a global leader in energy, aeronautics, health care and education, we also need to be a leader in data science. And the world's premiere data science center needs to be and must be right here in the city of Houston," Turner said at the time. A draft report on UH's data science institute said UH would aim to work with the city and other regional entities "to contribute to the full exploitation of the major possibilities offered by data science" in emergency services, urban planning and other fields. Turner's office did not respond to a request for comment Thursday on if and how the city would support UH's center. Environmental Protection Agency Chief Scott Pruitt gave a succinct message to oil and gas industry leaders Thursday night: The Trump administration's agency will be nothing like the last. President Donald Trump and his cabinet members are "focused on results and that's been the primary focus of my first months at the EPA," Pruitt said. "We're establishing metrics and benchmarks and performance standards in key areas of what we do." Pruitt spoke Thursday night during the Texas Oil and Gas Association's annual Lone Star Energy Forum in The Woodlands, answering questions for about 30 minutes from the association's president, Todd Staples. As an example of quick action, he pointed to the San Jacinto Waste Pits. After years of waiting for the area to be cleaned up, Pruitt said, he came in mid-September and promised an answer by Oct. 14. On Oct. 11, the EPA approved a plan to permanently remove tons of toxics from the waste pits. 'Getting back to basics' Prior to his discussion Thursday night, Pruitt said he met with community members and environmental advocates about the San Jacinto Waste Pits. He said they were thanking him for acting quickly. "We're getting back to basics, focused on our core mission, focused on results," he said. Earlier in the day, about a dozen environmental advocates gathered at the old Brady's Landing restaurant to protest Pruitt's appearance at the association's meeting. Pruitt, they said, should take a "toxic tour" of their neighborhoods, rather than speak to oil and gas leaders. During Thursday's talk, Pruitt talked about working with Trump - whom he called a courageous man of action - as well as his plans to act faster on Superfund site and permitting decisions. Staples questioned Pruitt about the clean power plan, which Pruitt decided to withdraw earlier this month. Pruitt said he believed the last administration used it to start a war on coal or fossil fuels. "I don't believe it's the role of the EPA to pick winners and losers," he said. "I don't think it's the role of the EPA to say here's what you should choose they should use all forms of electricity based upon what? Stability and costs." Pruitt said the agency is evaluating its options to replace the plan under current law, but cannot do anything Congress has not already authorized it to do. "Our job is to follow the law, we can't make it up," he said. "That was novel to the last administration, it's fundamental to this administration." This has caused regulatory and financial uncertainty both in the energy and health care sectors, he said. "The greatest impact on the low percentage of growth is regulatory uncertainty because you have regulators acting in ways that's untethered to statute," he said. Partnerships sought He also noted his agency's commitment to a transparent rule-making process that involves the public and not the courts. Pruitt also spoke about the importance of partnership between all environmental stakeholders, including the energy industry. "We've been told as a nation that true environmentalism is do not touch," Pruitt said. "That's simply false as a country we've always been about using the natural resources that God blessed us with to feed the world, to power the world, to grow our economy." This will be done with future generations in mind, he said, ensuring the safety and health of U.S. citizens as they are used. He noted energy industry leaders care about the water they drink and the air they breathe. "Are there bad actors out there? Absolutely," he said. "We're going to prosecute bad actors, but we shouldn't start by saying (certain people) don't care about these issues. You do." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON - The Trump administration had no answers Thursday to key questions two weeks after an ambush in the African nation of Niger killed four U.S. soldiers, prompting demands in Congress for details, complaints of Pentagon stonewalling and a comparison to the 2012 Benghazi attack. The White House defended itself, saying an investigation would eventually offer clarity. Among the unresolved inquiries: Why were the Americans apparently caught by surprise? Why did it take two additional days to recover one of the four bodies after the shooting stopped? Was the Islamic State responsible? The confusion over what happened in a remote corner of Niger, where few Americans travel, has increasingly dogged President Donald Trump, who was silent about the deaths for more than a week. Asked why, Trump on Monday turned the topic into a political tussle by crediting himself with doing more to honor the dead and console their families than any of his predecessors. His subsequent boast that he reaches out personally to all families of the fallen was contradicted by family members, some of whom had not heard from Trump at all. McCain talks subpoena The deadly ambush in Niger occurred Oct. 4 as Islamic militants on motorcycles, toting rocket-propelled grenades and heavy machine guns, seized on a U.S. convoy and shattered the windows of their unarmored trucks. In addition to those killed, two Americans were wounded. No extremist group has claimed responsibility. The attack is under official military investigation, normal for a deadly incident. The Wall Street Journal reported the FBI has joined the investigation. What is abnormal, according to Sen. John McCain, the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is the Trump administration's slow response to requests for information. He said Thursday it may take a subpoena to shake loose more information. Sen. Bob Corker, the Tennessee Republican who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said members of Congress have been provided with some information about the attack, "but not what we should." At the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis pushed back, saying it naturally takes time to verify information about a combat engagement. He promised to provide accurate information as soon as it's available, but offered no timetable. "The loss of our troops is under investigation," he said. "We in the Department of Defense like to know what we're talking about before we talk." Mattis did not offer details about the circumstances under which the Americans were traveling but said contact with hostile forces had been "considered unlikely." That would explain why the Americans, who were traveling in unarmored vehicles with Nigerien counterparts, lacked access to medical support and had no immediate air cover, although Mattis said French aircraft were called to the scene quickly. He said contract aircraft flew out the bodies of the three Americans shortly after the firefight. Locals found Johnson's body and returned it Oct. 6. It's not clear why Johnson was not found with the three others Oct. 4. Awaiting verification Dana W. White, a spokeswoman for Mattis, said Johnson had become "separated." Speaking at a news conference with her, Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, director of the Joint Staff, said he knew more about what had happened to Johnson but was not willing to share it. He said U.S., Nigerien and French forces remained in the area searching for Johnson until he was found, so it would be wrong to say he was "left behind." Mattis said the U.S. has about 1,000 troops in that part of Africa to support a French-led mission to disrupt and destroy extremist elements. He said the U.S. provides aerial refueling, intelligence and reconnaissance support. "In this specific case, contact (with hostile forces) was considered unlikely, but the reason we had U.S. Army soldiers there and not the Peace Corps, it's because we carry guns." McKenzie said last week that U.S. troops in that area had done 29 similar missions over the previous six months without encountering enemy forces. Underlining how the attack and its response have rattled the White House this week, Trump's national security adviser, Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, also joined the defense. He said Thursday that it would be wrong for the Pentagon to provide details of the tragedy before it had fully verified them. "Answers that are provided, oftentimes, short of that full investigation, turn out in retrospect to have been inaccurate and just cause more confusion," McMaster said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON Texas U.S. Sen. John Cornyn is holding up the confirmation of a controversial White House budget official to ensure more disaster relief for Texas, according a senior aide in his office. The move has angered Christian conservatives who support the nomination of Russell Vought to be Mick Mulvaney's right hand man at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Vought, a conservative activist, was recently criticized by Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders for his views that Muslims have a "deficient theology" and "stand condemned" because they do not accept Jesus Christ as the son of God. FreedomWorks Vice President of Advocacy Noah Wall released a statement Friday attacking Cornyn, accusing him of "putting his earmarks before the fiscally conservative Trump nominee." A Cornyn aide said the hold - an unusual Senate maneuver - is only to ensure that Mulvaney comes through with the money. "Senator Cornyn has no concerns with this nominee personally and has been supportive of him to date," said the aide, speaking on background. "However, promises were made from OMB to fully support Texans as they continue to recover from Hurricane Harvey and he's going to make sure those promises are kept." Cornyn himself confirmed the hold, which he put in place earlier in the week, in a tweet Friday responding to a report in the online news site Axios, which first reported the hardball move. "Solely to ensure the next #Harvey aid request from OMB will satisfy Texas's needs IDed by @GovAbbott @tedcruz & me..." Cornyn wrote. Senate rules grant all senators wide latitude in placing holds on presidential nominees. As the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, Cornyn also has considerable influence over the floor schedule. The Cornyn aide said Trump and Mulvaney were made aware of Cornyn's hold, which he will drop when he's sure the next aid package will satisfy Texas's needs. The dustup came to light a day after Trump agreed to a new storm relief package with money earmarked specifically for people hit by Hurricane Harvey. The unspecified sum is expected to come before Congress in November, meaning Vought's nomination might have to wait another month. The money Texas is seeking would be in addition to $36.5 billion in general disaster aid that the Senate was poised to approve next week for Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and other areas hit by natural disasters. Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas lawmakers in Washington signed a letter earlier this month seeking $18.7 billion in funding specifically for relief and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey. Cornyn said he met Thursday with Trump and Mulvaney and obtained a "commitment" for additional aid aimed at Texas. He did not mention any conditions tied to Vought's confirmation. Axios said it was not clear how Cornyn phrased his demand, but that "his message has been heard loud and clear by top Trump administration officials." The pending disaster aid package was approved by the House last week after Abbott accused the Texas delegation of getting "rolled" by not securing more money specifically for the victims of Harvey, which struck the Gulf Coast in August, before subsequent hurricanes that hit Florida, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Texas lawmakers said that though the bill provided money for all the areas hit by natural disasters, including the California wildfires, at least $15 billion could be claimed by Texans, who were the first to be hit and file claims through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Abbott also was assured by House Speaker Paul Ryan and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy last week that Congress would soon pony up more money specifically for Texas, where damages are expected to top $100 billion. So far, the state has benefited mainly from a $15.25 billion emergency appropriation that Congress approved in September. Cornyn and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz also praised Friday's announcement by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that they are allocating an additional $57.8 million to help Texas recover from Hurricane Harvey. The new grant is provided through HUD's Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery Program. Combined with grants already allocated to Texas from disasters that occurred in 2015 and 2016, HUD's support of long-term disaster recovery in the Lone Star State now totals more than $371 million. Briefing Texas reporters Thursday, Cornyn said it is important for the Texas delegation the largest Republican delegation in Congress to keep up the pressure. "I don't want the federal government to kick the can down the road, because as time goes by there are other competing demands, as we have seen with other hurricanes and natural disasters," Cornyn said. "I don't want people to forget about Hurricane Harvey and the state of Texas." AUSTIN U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions praised Texas lawmakers and Gov. Greg Abbott for taking a tough stance against illegal immigration and defended a controversial state law that outlawed sanctuary cities. In a speech to law enforcement officials Friday, Sessions commended the state for passing Senate Bill 4. The law gives police officers greater freedom to ask people about their immigration status, and mandates cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The law went into effect Sept. 1, but parts of it are remain tied up in the courts. The Department of Justice filed a brief earlier this month in favor of the law. "I am confident that Texas will prevail in court," Session said. "But I would urge every so-called sanctuary jurisdiction to reconsider their policies." Vowing to get rid of what he called the most "generous immigration laws in the world," Sessions outlined the Trump administration's immigration policies, released earlier this month. They include funding of the border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, a crackdown on the influx of Central American minors and limits on funding to "sanctuary cities." Trump last month put an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which gave young immigrants brought to the country illegally by their parents a work permit and a reprieve from deportation. "It's the kind of bold agenda that the American people have been waiting for," Sessions said. "It is reasonable and it will work." Sessions said those policies are necessary to carry out law and order in the country. He highlighted several crimes involving immigrants living in the country illegally, including the 2011 death of Houston police officer Kevin Will. Johoan Rodriguez, who was not a legal citizen, was intoxicated and drove his vehicle through a police barricade, killing Will. Rodriguez was sentenced to 55 years in prison. "Officer Will's last words were telling someone to get out of the way of the car," Session said. "He died protecting innocent people." The sound of dozens of protesters in front of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas echoed through the room as Sessions delivered his speech. Some held signs of Sessions dressed as a Klansman They also laid down a sheet made out to look like a white robe and hood, and protesters stomped on it. Lizeth Urdiales, 22 of Austin, was recovering from surgery, but wanted to support her friends and family at the protest. "I'm just here participating and taking it slow, but also doing what I can," she said. With everything that Ive been through, I wanted to make sure I did everything I could to be here for my friends and my family and my community. Its important for all of us to take up that opportunity. Urdiales said she does not agree that the U.S. immigration system is as "generous" as Sessions claims. "I know what its composed of and what its like to go through," she said. "The U.S. policy is complicated to exclude countries with black or brown people. Astrid Dominguez, immigrants' rights strategist for the ACLU of Texas, said in a statement that Sessions' remarks were fraught with scare-mongering, misinformation and scapegoating. "In fact, the only undisputable statement Mr. Sessions made today was that law enforcement is not the problem," she said. "He is the problem. Governor Abbott is the problem. President Trump is the problem." Paul Cobler contributed to this report. Alejandra Matos covers politics, immigration and education policy for the Houston Chronicle. Follow her on Twitter and send tips to alejandra.matos@chron.com. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump agreed Thursday to a new storm relief package with money earmarked specifically for people hit by Hurricane Harvey, according to Texas U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. An unspecified sum, which is expected to come before Congress in November, would be in addition to $36.5 billion in general disaster aid that the Senate was poised to approve late Thursday night or early Friday for Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and other areas hit by natural disasters. Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas lawmakers in Washington signed a letter earlier this month seeking $18.7 billion in funding specifically for relief and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey. But the pending $36.5 billion package, which was approved by the House last week, addresses communities affected by all the recent hurricanes and wildfires, including Texas. Cornyn, the second-ranking Republican in the Senate, said he met Thursday with Trump and budget director Mick Mulvaney and obtained a "commitment" for additional aid aimed at Texas. "It's clear to me that Texas needs additional federal help for rebuilding needs," Cornyn said. Last week's House vote came after Abbott accused the Texas delegation of getting "rolled" by not securing more money specifically for the victims of Harvey, which struck the Gulf Coast in August, before subsequent hurricanes that hit Florida, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Texas lawmakers said that though the bill provided money for all the areas hit by natural disasters, including the California wildfires, at least $15 billion could be claimed by Texans, who were the first to be hit and file claims through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The legislation now being cleared in the Senate is intended to replenish FEMA's disaster funds, which have been seriously depleted by the string of recent disasters, as well as provide money for the flood insurance program, which is nearly $30 billion in debt. Cornyn said that while Texans can benefit from the current legislation, much more is needed. "The problem ... is the vast majority of people who suffered flood losses were not even covered by flood insurance," he said. "So this is just the tip of the iceberg." Abbott also was assured by House Speaker Paul Ryan and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy last week that Congress would soon pony up more money specifically for Texas, where damages are expected to top $100 billion. So far, the state has benefited mainly from a $15.25 billion emergency appropriation that Congress approved in September. Cornyn said that Trump and Mulvaney agreed to the additional money for Texas, though he provided no specific dollar figure. "The president strongly indicated his preference that a second appropriation request in November will include funds specifically to aid Texans recovering from Harvey," Cornyn said. He said Congress also is looking long term at flood and storm control projects like the proposed "Ike dike" coastal barrier around Galveston. Other U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects have been on the books for decades, but remain unbuilt because they were never funded. "A lot of the flooding in Houston in particular would have been mitigated if some of these important Corps of Engineers projects had actually been built," he said. Despite the administration's new commitment, Cornyn said, it remains important for the Texas delegation the largest Republican delegation in Congress to keep up the pressure. "I don't want the federal government to kick the can down the road, because as time goes by there are other competing demands, as we have seen with other hurricanes and natural disasters," Cornyn said. "I don't want people to forget about Hurricane Harvey and the state of Texas." Almost two months have passed since the historic rains of Hurricane Harvey. And while the water has receded, frustrations are rising among homeowners in and around some areas of Texas. Families whose homes flooded when the Army Corps of Engineers released water from the Barker and Addicks reservoirs virtually all say the same thing: They did not think they were at risk of flooding; and few question whether the Army Corps of Engineers did the right thing. But many are questioning whether the government will do right by their sacrifice. The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that "private property [shall not] be taken for public use, without just compensation." The facts are not in dispute. The Army Corps willfully flooded the private property of a few to benefit the greater public. The only question is whether homeowners will have to extract "just compensation" through the judicial system or whether Congress saves homeowners years of emotional and financially expensive litigation to secure their just compensation. I call upon our Houston congressional delegation and Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz to immediately support legislation declaring the Army Corps' decision a "taking" under the Fifth Amendment and craft a just solution to this injustice. Additionally, local taxing entities must recognize the burden faced by flooded property owners. It is unreasonable and unjust to expect property owners to pay taxes calculated on property values that are no longer accurate. Here again, property owners are protected under the law. Current law provides a mechanism for taxing entities to instruct appraisal boards to reassess property values. Local taxing entities can and should do right by Harvey victims by immediately reappraising property impacted by Harvey. Some taxing entities have already done so. I will work alongside local governments and schools by supporting the use of Texas' Rainy Day Fund to mitigate lost tax revenue resulting from reduced property values. I commend our federal elected officials who have responded with much needed federal aid. We all appreciate and will hold them accountable to their commitment to fight for more. We must come up with better solutions at the local level to expedite the completion of federally funded projects while we wait for the federal government to act. A perfect example is Project Brays where the Texas Water Development Board, a state agency, just announced a $47 million interest-free loan to the City of Houston. The city will give the money to the Harris County Flood Control District to complete construction of bridges along Brays Bayou to mitigate flooding. When the Army Corps of Engineers, a federal agency, delivers funding, the money will be given back to the city to repay the loan. It may sound complicated but this is exactly the type of government cooperation and "outside the box" solutions we need. There are other projects demanding our immediate attention as well. We must fortify existing reservoirs and dams and start planning now for the construction of a third reservoir. In fact, there are many infrastructure projects throughout Texas that need to be addressed and we should consider all ideas to mitigate or prevent future disasters. These are but a few things federal, state and local governments should do to respond to Harvey. But we must also plan for the next disaster with the benefit of knowing what we now know. Texas is a state that has always risen to the challenge. We learn from experience. And we understand the difference between spending tax dollars for the sake of saying we did something versus wisely investing our resources to protect life and property. Few tolerate the former; Harvey proved we must do the latter. It is time for us to tap that same spirit and invest state and federal dollars to save life and treasure before the unthinkable happens again. Huffman, R-Houston, represents Senate District 17, which comprises Brazoria, Fort Bend and Harris counties. While DACA has claimed the loudest role in a game of immigration-policy chess, less talked about is U.S. Customs and Border Protection's effort to hire 5,000 new agents. With recruitment efforts spanning NASCAR and bullfighting events, the agency hopes to increase the number of agents by 25 percent. But when two out of three Border Patrol applicants fail their polygraph tests, and with harsh workplace environments in desert or brush, hiring new agents can be difficult, according to report in the Los Angeles Times. Yet, with rigorous vetting, proper training and the genuine intent to serve and protect, the agency will augment border protection with the best men and women for the job. Right? Perhaps. But only if the agency recognizes the room for improvement. In 2012, after returning to the U.S. from a trip to Europe, I presented my Canadian passport to a U.S. Border Patrol officer. "Oh, you're Canadian," he said. "Do you know what we do to Canadians?" A strange question, I thought, but respectfully answered, "No, I don't." His reply - "We lynch them." Of important note: I am a black woman. My husband, who is white and American, grabbed my hand beneath the counter and squeezed as I tried to breathe normally. When the agent stamped our passports, he looked at my husband and said, "Welcome home." In 2015, during a family holiday within the state where I live and work, I was locked in a cell at a roadside stop for not carrying the paperwork that identified me as a lawful resident of the U.S. Before I was placed in a cell, I heard my case agent call his supervisor: "Says she's Canadian. LPR card. At her house. Austin." When he hung up, I also heard the exchange between him and the agent who stood over me: "What do we do with her?" The other agent replied, "It's up to us. Since we have her, we get to decide." Surely, there were rules to follow. Surely, a government position with an average salary of $75,000 and a 55-day basic training program would rely on some protocol. But I was mistaken. I've learned my stories aren't unique. Admittedly, fast-changing and complicated policies can make things challenging for Border Patrol and customs agents - as might have been the case when specialized nurses were denied entry to the U.S. because of an obscure amendment. But agents are also empowered to use their best judgment - as was the case when a group of women traveling to the U.S. from Montreal to attend the Women's March was denied entry for virtually no reason. It's true that U.S. immigration officials can admit whomever they deem worthy, but Border Patrol agents' subjective decisions threaten the safety of people on either side. If life-threatening decision-making has been hefted onto these men and women who agree to serve and protect, perhaps they need more than 55 days of training. If U.S. Customs and Border Protection touts the protection of all Americans as one of its core values, the agency, itself, might reflect that inclusivity - and recruitment efforts should better reach out to a broader demographic. And if the agency wants to help the American public to feel safe, it should refrain from telling lawful residents they can be lynched. This spring, after a three-day vacation out of the country, I slid my passport and permanent resident card across the counter to a cheerful agent as we re-entered the U.S. We exchanged witty banter about our brief holiday, and our daughter said something that made us all laugh. As passports were stamped, I breathed a sigh of relief. The agent smiled and waved at us as we walked away. A good person doing a good job. We want to trust that the government selects the best candidates for this dangerous job. We want to trust that 55 days of training are enough to protect these brave men and women who've signed up to secure the borders. And we want to trust that Customs and Border Patrol agents are truly committed to protecting the law-abiding American public. But until we are assured our protection isn't tied to an agent's whim, and until we are assured that every agent will deem all families worthy of protection, many of us will hold our breath - each time we enter the U.S. Lise Ragbir is director of the Warfield Center Galleries at the University of Texas at Austin. There are few political documents more elegant and refined than the U.S. Constitution. And there are few more convoluted and rambling than the Texas version - only Alabama and Oklahoma have longer state constitutions. Voters are being asked to consider seven amendments to our document on the November ballot, all of which had to be approved by two-thirds of the Legislature during the spring session. These amendments offer minor changes and, unlike in past years, there's no major opposition or debate. Nevertheless, we cast a skeptical eye on these offers by the legislative supermajority, and ask voters to do the same. State of Texas, Proposition 1: For This amendment would allow the Legislature to exempt partially disabled veterans and surviving spouses from paying property taxes on a home received from a charity at less than the market value. An exemption has already been granted when homes are given for free, and this opens the door to some cost sharing. Voters should be frustrated that the legislative analysis does not estimate the eventual cost of this tax cut - you will have to wait for the actual bill. Nor do we need more holes poked into our already broken property tax system, which will shift the burden onto other homeowners. But these Texans sacrificed their bodies for our national defense, and they and their spouses deserve to live without worry of losing their homes to tax bills that bear little relation to what folks can actually afford. The Legislature should be working to ensure that everyone can share in that piece of mind. State of Texas, Proposition 2: Against Consider it a form of post-traumatic stress. Any time banks ask for looser rules, we get flashbacks to the 2008 economic crisis. Financial institutions granted bad loans, good loans - some even made fake loans - knowing that the instruments would eventually be wrapped into a package and sold off. If the debt went bust, some other sucker would be stuck holding the bomb. The global economic system ended up as the big loser in that game of hot potato. Now the Texas Legislature is asking voters to tear down some regulations that help keep lenders in line. We recommend voting against. We've yet to hear a convincing reason to change the state's status quo on home-equity borrowing. Why should certain fees be exempted from a cap on costs? Why should lenders be allowed to grant advances on a home equity line of credit on an over-leveraged loan? Why should Texas permit the refinancing of home equity loans into another sort of loan that still has a lien on property but offers fewer consumer protections? All these alterations seem designed to shift the balance away from homeowners and towards the banks - away from caution and towards recklessness. State of Texas, Proposition 3: Against The governor selects hundreds of unpaid appointees to serve on state boards and commissions, most of which run for four- or six-year terms. But if the term expires and no replacement is appointed, that volunteer is allowed under the state's "holdover" provision to remain until the slot is filled. This amendment to the state Constitution would force out the incumbents even if there's no new appointees and render the positions vacant. We have no quarrel with the current "holdover" rule and recommend voting against. Altering this system risks turning appointed positions into tug-of-wars between interest groups or proxy battles for greater political fights. For example, after the lobbying outfit Empower Texans ran afoul of the Texas Ethics Commission, the group tried to pressure the governor into replacing qualified commissioners whose terms had expired. Keeping those holdovers offers a sense of stability. The last thing Texans need are empty seats or more opportunity for political chaos. Rep. Jason Smith stopped in Texas County last week, to talk with students at Success Schools. In addition to being asked about what it was like to be a Member of Congress, one student asked Smith why he would care about visiting such a small school. I grew up going to a school just like this, and I want all of you to know that you are just as important as the kids who go to bigger schools, said Smith. I am proof that you can grow up to be whoever you want to be. When asked to give the students advice, Smith shared his three Hs to live by: Be hungry for what you want, be humble and be honest. Smith also discussed the importance of local control of schools. Missouri educators are the best people to make curriculum decisions for Missouri students. We dont need the federal government stepping in at every turn, said Congressman Smith. The stop at Success R-VII was one of many the Congressman planned for his week at home in Missouri. Smith visited a total of 15 counties before returning to Washington to continue his work fighting for a fairer, flatter tax code for Missourians, stopping regulations from government bureaucrats and reducing the overall size and scope of the federal government. Its always great to be back home and spend time with folks in our area, said Congressman Smith. Sleeping on the floor of my office in D.C. can get old, but Im ready to get back and keep fighting for the folks of southeast and south central Missouri as Congress works to deliver on President Trumps legislative agenda. Before leaving, the third-graders gave Smith pictures they colored of the Missouri state flag. 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. POOL New / Reuters This week's European Council summit in Brussels brought a degree of welcome relief for our beleaguered Prime Minister. Compared to dealing with her own Cabinet, where constant sniping, back-stabbing and regular attempts to depose her as Prime Minister have become the norm, it must have been nice to spend some time abroad with foreign leaders who don't treat her with barely-disguised contempt. On the contrary, many of the noises from European leaders at this Council summit have been rather friendly. But we shouldn't mistake these friendly noises for any desire amongst EU leaders to let the UK 'have their cake and eat it'. The kind words and talk of progress have a strategic element to them that must be acknowledged: EU leaders know the Prime Minister is negotiating with them from a position of weakness. They know this weakness increases the chances of the UK crashing out of the EU without a deal. And whilst a no-deal Brexit would be a catastrophe for the UK, it wouldn't be good for the EU either. No-one other than the most fanatical Eurosceptic head-bangers wants a no-deal outcome. So, EU leaders knew how important it was to offer some encouragement to Theresa May at this summit in order to shore up her ability to negotiate with them, and that's exactly what they've given her. Advertisement Before we get too carried away with these positive noises, however, it is important to take a step back and assess where we are and what progress has actually been made on Brexit. Repeatedly, we have been told by Brexit supporters that getting a deal with the EU would be simple. Liam Fox said it would be the "easiest deal in human history". David Davis said the UK could negotiate a free-trade area "massively greater than the size of the EU" before we even leave the bloc in March 2019. And yet here we are, 6 months and counting since the negotiations started, with concrete progress on the three initial divorce issues (citizens' rights, the Irish border and the financial settlement) seemingly as far away as ever. For all the warm words, the Council has refused to sign off on sufficient progress on any of these issues at this summit, meaning December is now looking like the earliest point at which we can move on to trade talks. And this was supposed to be the easy bit! As Angela Merkel pointed out today, negotiating the UK's future relationship with the EU is set to be much more complicated. Even if the EU does agree to talking trade from December, that leaves less than a year before a deal has to be in place, in order to leave enough time for full ratification by the European Parliament and the 27 member states. That's not much time to sort out a full trading relationship, new customs arrangements, security cooperation, mutual standards of recognition, financial services, aviation, arrangements for the transfer of nuclear waste...along with hundreds, possibly thousands of other issues, both large and small, that no-one has even thought of yet. The looming risk is, of course, the possibility of a disastrous no-deal Brexit. This risk grows greater with every day that passes without progress, as at some point a dispute over seemingly minor issues could snowball into something larger, and the UK could end up crashing out of the EU without a deal. As has been repeatedly highlighted by businesses, trade unions, industry groups, most politicians and campaign groups like Open Britain, this would be a nightmare scenario for our country. It would mean huge economic damage, the immediate imposition of punishing tariffs, massive tailbacks at ports and border entry points, legal limbo for millions of EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens in the EU and probably the grounding of flights between the UK and the EU, at least temporarily. Leave supporters often like to use the analogy of buying a house as a way of explaining why threatening no deal is necessary. You wouldn't start negotiations with an estate agent over buying a new house, they say, by admitting you're not willing to walk away. Well, perhaps not, but the problem with Brexit is that we've already sold our house, so if we do walk away we'd be left homeless. Advertisement I was 25 when a married executive producer took my hand and tried to talk me back to his hotel room. He was a big deal in Hollywood. I was his young, ambitious production coordinator, who also happened to be a long way from home. Even so, I made my excuses and left. Another statistic. Another #MeToo. It wasn't the first time a male boss had tried to blur the lines between colleague and plaything, and it certainly wouldn't be the last. But what about the other Harvey Weinstein-sized elephant in the Green Room? What about the culture of bullying that is rotting away the foundations of an industry that I loved and worked in for sixteen years? This may sound controversial but however uncomfortable I was made to feel by certain male producers and actors, I never felt more degraded and humiliated than by my own female counterparts. Put another way, if harassment is the gatekeeper then bullying is the keymaster. The two are inextricably linked, and it is a problem that is inherent in every production office from the UK to Hollywood. In the same way that actresses suffer horrific sexual harassment to carve out a career for themselves, production staff are enduring months and months of verbal abuse to achieve the same objective. Advertisement To work as a freelancer in film and TV you have to be tough, smart and savvy. Your reputation is key. There are hundreds of unemployed crew just waiting for their chance to nudge you out of the line. In this warped environment rejecting your producer's advances is a big deal but so is speaking up about your line producer's filthy temper. Filming schedules are tight. A good crew likes to move together from film to film. It's a win-win for the freelancer as you spend more days in work than not but if you rock the boat and get labeled as a trouble-maker then Theresa May isn't the only one being handed her P45. I started out as a runner working on a low-budget British movie. No pay, just 'expenses only', and I was often putting in a 16-hour day for the price of my bus fare home and that all-important credit on my empty CV. On the very first day my production manager called me a 'fucking idiot' in front of the entire office for not faxing a document quickly enough. I can still remember the hornet's sting of humiliation even now. For the next three months she never once used my real name. I was always just 'fucking idiot' to her. My second female boss was in TV. She didn't see the point of me at all. I didn't dress well enough or take the right drugs, which automatically disqualified me from the best gigs. She used to enjoy walking up to whoever I was chatting to at the time and purposely invite them to some industry party. As for me, I didn't even warrant the footnote of a simple 'hello'. I stayed in that job for nearly three years and never said a word. Advertisement Last but not least was the filming job two years ago. By then I was running my own production services company with an ex-BBC colleague. We were hired as location fixers for an American show shooting in Europe. Once the producers arrived it was pretty clear that they didn't have a clue what to film. Most of my suggestions and recced locations were rejected. The only place they were interested in was a large, very famous department store because the presenter, who incidentally they were all terrified of, insisted on shooting there. Despite my best efforts the store had already declined a filming permit. Instead of accepting this, the female producer took me to one side and screamed and screamed at me to 'make it happen or else!' I remember looking at this woman at the time and thinking, 'I don't need this. I have two beautiful children at home that I'm missing like crazy. My life is too short.' It turns out I was right. I was diagnosed with cancer the following year. The shoot wrapped and I resigned from my company soon after. My days in the film and TV industry were done. When I look back over my former career I often marvel at what I put up with. From the A-list celebrity who chucked a plate of food at me, to the male actor who insisted on patting my bum every time I walked past. I was like an abused puppy going back for more. But there were so many good reasons to stay as well. My job allowed me to travel around the world, make life-long friends and I've yet to find anything that compares to the magic of walking onto a film set at Shepperton or Pinewood. I struggle to find comparisons of similar incidents in others industries, yet I'm sure they exist. And why were my female bosses always the worst perpetrators of the verbal abuse? Perhaps it's their way of offsetting the sexual harassment of their male producers? Perhaps it's chronic insecurity? After all, film and TV production is still very much a man's world. A recent statistic revealed that women only make up 27% of film crews. I may have left the industry but I still carry around my stories. The other day my eldest daughter (6) announced that she wanted to be an actress so I sat her down over a chocolate milkshake to share some of the abbreviated 'highlights' of mummy's former profession. Advertisement She wants to be a vet now. Over the weekend I watched with growing horror as the "#MeToo" campaign revealed the number of people who have been subject to sexual harassment and assault at the hands of men. With a cascade of celebrities disclosing their stories about the abhorrent Harvey Weinstein, it's easy to comprehend at least that victims of such abuse exist. It is all the more unsettling when you realise that victims are much closer to home. As my social media feeds filled up with more and more brave admissions from friends, family members and colleagues of "me too", it soon became apparent that the victims of sexual harassment and assault exist much closer to home. This most recent breaking of the silence around this widespread issue has reinforced how the attitudes making sexual abuse acceptable to perpetrators are attitudes that pervade the way men behave. So normalised has harassment and assault become that it often goes unspoken of. As a result, many people (including myself) have woken up to the fact that victims of sexual violence are people we actually know saying, "I just didn't know". Considering that the group of people on the receiving end of harassment and abuse includes pretty much all women, there is no excuse for this kind of ignorance. Of course the victims are people we know - we all know women. Maybe part of my own unwillingness to realise the extent of this issue has been precisely because it is so close to home. Foolishly - but humanly - it can feel better to remain in ignorance of those things which hurt us, and it took me a number of years to awaken to the fact that this is something I've been personally subject to as well. As a gay man, I've been quick to recognise the occasions where I've been verbally or physically assaulted by other men on the basis of my sexuality. That's homophobic abuse. It took me much longer to realise that sexual comments, groping by strangers in nightclubs, and threats or enactments of sexual force were actually sexual assault, and not just a normal part of socialising in certain environments. Advertisement But the fact is, sexual assault IS ubiquitous in the gay scene. So normal has it been in my experience to be treated as a sexual object by other gay men, I rarely questioned it. I've even thought I should've felt flattered by it, that is it was desirable - laughing it off despite the sick feeling in my stomach, or the sense of disgust that comes with your bodily integrity being violated. Whilst the silence of the abused protects the abuser, it shouldn't be the responsibility of the victim to have to stand up and say "me too". It shouldn't be for women to have to tell their stories in order to right the wrongs of the behaviour of men. This double injustice is simply not OK - it is those who perpetrate abuse who are responsible for stopping it from happening. The discourse that says we must empower women to refuse the unwanted sexual advances of men is a disturbing oversight of the real priority - stopping the need to so frequently defend against male behaviour in the first place. Why is it that the onus is on the victim to say "this is not OK"? Of course we are all responsible for our own behaviour and how we respond to challenging situations, and should someone be unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of harassment and abuse then it is better that they have the skills to prevent the worst from happening. But in the causal chain of events, prevention is better than cure, and men have to step up and take responsibility. Ensuring that sexually harassing and abusive behaviour doesn't happen in the first place also involves tackling perspectives that see it as OK for men to treat others as sexual objects. In this sense, responsibility for sexual violence also lies with those who are complicit with the attitudes that cause it. For example, what about the men who knowingly keep silence for peers who view and treat women as sexual objects for their own use? In the case of Weinstein, so much effort has been made to criticise powerful women in show-business for not speaking out about the way they had been treated, yet the powerful men who surrounded him are left unexamined. Advertisement What about the pervading culture in the gay community that makes the assumption that simply entering a gay bar is to make an open invitation for sexual advances from anyone and everyone? All of us men have a responsibility to speak out - not only if we (or someone we care about) has experienced sexual assault, but when we have played our part in propping up the attitudes that cause this end product. For things to really change, we need to see a hashtag that admits "me too" not to being a victim of sexual abuse, but to complicity to sexual objectification, harassment and assault. "Me too" to being part of the slippery slope towards sexual violence that begins with the sexualisation of children or making remarks about someone's body that were never asked for. How about "me too - I am guilty of touching any part of another person's body without permission"? "Me too, I remained silent about male colleagues harassing women at work"? Don't you think the time is long overdue for all men consider the roles we play in keeping sexual abuse alive? tuan_azizi via Getty Images In recent years I have grown accustomed to the emails legitimately soliciting new business such as appeared in my inbox this morning. Included under the spectrum of cold calling", I received a request for car insurance, people offering to redo my website, and community updates. Not only do surveys suggest that a majority of people want to receive promotional email, but the reality is that I have on occasion found benefit from this type of marketing. Admittedly, I did not receive the enviable offer of sale that Brian Cox recently received for a 720hp marine engine, but just a month ago I received an email that not only led me to a better web host but I was spared the many hours of shopping around. Despite the good types of junk mail, I also receive more than my fair share of scams which can be exhausting to weed through. The most famous of scams in recent years is that of the Prince of Nigeria, a style of advanced fee fraud (AFF) previously known as the Spanish Prisoner scam which originated in the 19th century. Predating the Internet, these Prince of Nigeria fraudsters, also known within Nigeria as 419-ers (referring to 419 of the Nigerian Penal Code), began their operations with the postal system in the late 1970s. And although originating in Nigeria, today these sorts of scams are divided between various countries from western European nations, South Africa, Hong Kong, Libya, and beyond. Advertisement The scam typically goes this this: a great deal of money is to be rewarded the person writing you, but because of a problem with x situation, the money cannot be transferred. This is where you, dear reader, come in: if only you could receive these funds for this "prince" so that you too can be wealthy. Sound good? Well, it's not that great since the rest of the deal involves your having to first produce money to gain access to the "treasure". This part involves a money transfer such as Western Union since the fraudsters want to guarantee their anonymity while leaving you no possibility of recuperating any money defrauded. The reality is that online scams today target vulnerable people, the vast majority of whom are elderly (one in 18 American elderly fall victim to such fraud annually). According to the British presentation at the International Conference on Advance Fee (419) Frauds in 2002, only 1% of the millions of people who receive 419 e-mails and faxes were reported as fraud victims. The annual losses for the United States from this alone fall in excess of $100 million with losses of more than $1.5 billion internationally. So when flat hunting recently, I received this message on Facebook: My name is Mr. Thomas Terry and I'm a 39 years old, I am an aircraft engineer and so I spend most of the time moving from one country to another. Two years ago, my wife Sarah and I decided to buy this flat... I am a very nice and loving person who understand. [M]y wife and I moved to Virginia U.S.A. eight months ago due to a four/ five years contract work which I got with Southwest Airline....I made arrangements with my best friend Dave to live in the apartment...Unfortunately, he recently got transferred to France for work. The message was way too elaborate with details irrelevant to someone attempting to rent their home. It was also factually inaccurate. For instance, people don't say "Virginia U.S.A." (not even foreigners living in the "U.S.A."). Southwest Airlines is headquartered in Dallas, uses only one type of airplane, the Boeing 737, thus it depends upon mechanics, not engineers, to service its planes. Advertisement Yet, with the housing crisis in cities like London, Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam, such a scheme could provide tempting to people searching for a flat. After I learned that "Michael" targeted several flat hunters from a Facebook group I was in, I read up on these tactics on 419eater.com, a site devoted to scamming the scammers, and I pondered how to "scam" Michael. First, I wrote "Michael" back to see about viewing his "flat". He said I would have to wire him through Western Union 300 to leave as a key deposit and then send me the key. I asked why and he told me that the deposit was to "make sure you are really serious about renting the home." This made no sense. Also, if he had bought a home in town, couldn't he just have a friend show me the flat? No, his friend (remember Dave?) lives in Montpellier. Oh, what a coincidence: I happen to know many people in Montpellier as I studied and lived there. Why not meet my friend who can hand him the money for the keys?... What, too complicated? And on it went. A few days later, I pretended to wire the money to an address he gave me in Montpellier, reporting back that Western Union said the address as "locked". He then supplied me another address within seconds. I would persistently repeat the alternatives such as my "friend" in Montpellier and Michael would refuse saying, "that is too complex." (Yeah because what he proposes isn't?) I then made him wait another two days and announced that I had transferred the money successfully to him. I gave him the Western Union code which I made up and of course he could not track online. He then sent me a series of angry messages among which was, "Fuck you, Julian Vigo!" I have an urge to write when I am triggered by something that angers me. Last weekend, after a hard exercise session, over a congratulatory coffee in the cafe for surviving the hour, I had a conversation that left me with a sense of disquiet all week. The conversation was, in a nutshell, that ADHD was not up to the teachers to manage but the parents. The other party to this conversation, a teacher, stated that ADHD would not exist if she were their parent, and "why can't the young people just organise themselves or the parents take responsibility and do it for them." I did declare my interest in this area, in that I have a son with amongst other things, a very high level of ADHD. I suggested that she read my book on the subject, 'Loving Eric'. I was annoyed and yet I wondered why I let myself get drawn into a defence of ADHD individuals and their parents, why I let my anger simmer. I explained that ADHD did exist, and that, as a parent you can organise your child's bag, but this does not mean that they necessarily arrive at school with it or even leave the house with it! Living with a child with ADHD was not just having them for a lesson but lasted all day, night, weekends and holidays..it is at times thoroughly exhausting!!! In my role as a counsellor I have often been in the therapy room with individuals who have ADHD (undiagnosed or not). The experience can be uncomfortable. The energy can be transmitted from their body onto mine. I am normally calm, but after 30 minutes with a young person with ADHD in a small room, I feel frantic and fidgety. My brain feels busy, I feel the urge to move. This, I can only assume, is a snapshot of how they must feel at school. Advertisement The school system keeps on asking these young people to do what they are unable to do. They must sit still, not fidget, not talk, concentrate, be organised, be on time. One young man described lessons as feeling as if they went on for several hours, knowing that this was not true, but he had no sense of time. When I asked him what he was good at he seemed amazed, because school for him and many others like him, is just a process of having his failings highlighted. Why are these children not helped more? They are all too often singled out as the 'naughty children' ; always sent out of class, in trouble , excluded because the system that educates our young cannot adapt to help them. Why is medication sometimes refused? Well, the medications prescribed are often stimulants, many amphetamine based. The young person can worry about losing their identity, the parents about the child's health. Before and during usage the heart of the individual has to be checked, blood pressure, weight ,height monitored because the appetite can be suppressed, the heart amongst other things, affected i.e "palpitations, tachycardia, vascular disorders" can occur in 1 - 10% of people (1). Ritalin is a controlled drug and Japan even prohibits entry with it (2) . So why on earth would you want your child to take it? Initially, I really didn't. But I am so glad now that I did, because it has made such a massive difference in enabling my son to access education by maintaining concentration and focus. Another trigger for writing this blog, was hearing a talk by Jessica McCabe called "Failing at Normal: An ADHD Success Story." I was moved to tears by her. The analogy she used for describing living with ADHD, is one that I shall remember. She said it was like having 30 television channels in her head, at the same time but that someone else has the remote control. Advertisement I hope that people can be more curious about why young people do what they do. Asking an individual why they do things in a non judgemental way can help us to walk in their shoes and understand life form their perspective. This then informs us about how to assist rather than punish. I challenge anyone to sit and really talk to these individuals, in a small room and not feel the energy emanating from them. Hopefully this will then make more people ask the question, 'How can we help?' They cannot adapt sufficiently to calm their brains without help, but surely we can change the environment for them with a bit of imaginative thinking. And another thing... stop blaming the parents!! Blame simply means that we fail to act within our sphere of influence. References https://www.drugs.com/sfx/methylphenidate-side-effects.html Our son Brody isn't your neurotypical 5-year old. Cognitively, due to a learning disability, he is much younger. At 2-years old, our daughter Sydney, is cognitively older than her brother. Both of our children are very different. Both are very beautiful. And both are very much loved. To Syd, Brody is Brody. She accepts him for who is he - her brother. And in a world where we really should just embrace differences and celebrate them, that's a beautiful thing. Because sadly this isn't always the case. Advertisement When she was younger, I heard the phrase "big little sister/brother" thrown about by fellow parents of children with disabilities. And now she is a little older, I've begun to know exactly what they meant. Because a big little sister is exactly what Syd has become - and an awesome one at that. Somebody once shared a great quote with me that I can relate to. It was made by the movie star, Sally Phillips, whose eldest son Ollie has Down's Syndrome. She said: "The siblings of special needs children are quite special. Absolutely accepting and totally loving, from birth, someone who is different mentally, and has a different way of seeing the world, is a wonderful trait. It's a trait I wish there was another way of getting, but there isn't. And it does involve a degree of not having it fantastically easy". Advertisement Because you see, that's exactly it. Being a big little sister is an amazing thing. But it can't always be easy. I imagine that there will be times when she wants to do things and we can't. I imagine that there will be times when she'll see the world treat Brody differently and she'll struggle to understand and will feel upset and angry. I imagine that there will come a time why she wonders why they don't go to the same school. And I'm waiting for the day she asks why he doesn't talk back or play with her quite the way a typical child would. But let me tell you this. I know that no child will ever "get" Brody more. I know that no child will quite fight for him like she will. And I know that no child will love him quite as much for who he is. Her brother. Brody. Whilst she has taught him lots, he is teaching her too and he will help to shape who she becomes. A caring and accepting person. What a wonderful gift. Advertisement Juanmonino via Getty Images Ofsted stated segregation in a Birmingham Islamic faith school left girls 'unprepared for life in modern Britain'. On which research did Ofsted's Amanda Spielman make this statement? Let me inform Amanda I have spent some of my education in segregated schools as I am an immigrant. I am now a secondary school science teacher who covers her head in accordance with her religion. I organise numerous activities whilst being part of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women's Association, UK. Only yesterday I organised an event involving raising awareness of the poppy appeal in allegiance with the Royal British Legion. Last year I organised a charity walk raising money for the 'War Child' charity. Visiting sick children in hospitals and giving them presents at the occasion of Christmas is a regular occurrence. Most women who are part of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women's Association help out in such events throughout the country. We as a community are guided by our spiritual leader, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, who regularly reminds us of the true teachings of Islam which are devoid of violence and extremism. Advertisement Am I not upholding British values? Do I look like I am "unprepared for life in modern Britain"? Of course not! I immigrated to England because I was not allowed to practice my religion freely in Pakistan. After my immigration, I call England my home. I love England. It gives me so much security and allows me to practice my own religion without any fear. My beautiful religion Islam teaches exactly this, to love my country and remain loyal to my country. Islamic values are not very different from British values. As a teacher I try my utmost to ensure my pupils gain British values and become good citizens of the UK. Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths is part of the British values. I myself encourage mutual respect in my pupils as is expected of teachers. Islam is not different from British values. Islam tolerates and allows everyone to practice their own religion without fear. Advertisement Surely the whole point of a faith school is for children to grow up in an environment which adheres to their religion. I understand sex discrimination is an important law and when exercised appropriately is a necessity to ensure men and women are treated equally. The faith school stated boys and girls were treated equally despite being segregated. Segregation does not hinder education, so why should schools be given lower Ofsted ratings if they chose to segregate pupils? Segregation certainly didn't hinder my education. I am a qualified science teacher with a Masters in education, planning on completing a doctorate in education. The Rohingya Muslim minority in Burma have been described as one the most persecuted minorities in the world by the United Nations. There are 1.1 million Rohingya Muslims living in Burma who have had to flee for their lives due to the ill treatment from the Myanmar government under the leadership of Aung San Suu Kii. There has been minimal international media attention of the Rohingya crisis despite the fact that if this tragedy was happening in the west it would be featured on every major news outlet as breaking news. There have been very few international leaders who have spoken out against the silent genocide apart from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who has been actively calling for more action to be taken. Having been writing on the plight of the Rohingya throughout the years, I decided to collaborate with renowned journalist and activist CJ Werleman to launch a social media campaign video for international leaders to speak up against the injustices that are occurring against the Rohingya. To remain silent is to remain indifferent to the suffering of the persecuted which is why in my capacity as a journalist and Universal Peace Federation Ambassador for Peace I decided to openly speak out with the hope that more will be done for the Rohingya community. Advertisement The reaction from pro- Aung San Suu Kii supporters were baffling denying the genocide altogether and instead launching a discriminatory backlash against the Rohingya who are not even given the basic right to citizenship in Burma. There are unprecedented human rights violations that have been inflicted on the Rohingya Muslim minority in Burma leading to more than 500,000 Rohingya refugees seeking refuge in refugee camps in Bangladesh. Rohingya refugees have been through some of the most harrowing experiences facing mass killings, gang rapes, beheadings and watching their loved ones being killed in front of them. Myanmar's military assault on innocent civilians has resulted in more than 400 innocent civilians men, women, elderly and even babies being driven out of the country on a mass scale, with their homes being burnt by the army. Aung San Suu Kii continues to deny the burning of homes and human rights violations against the Rohingya community despite there being increased evidence and statements from the refugees themselves. Many refugees have walked for days through jungles and conflict zones and many of those who have made it to the border camps in Bangladesh are severely wounded and in need of urgent medical assistance. There is a growing humanitarian crisis in the overstretched border camps in Bangladesh where water, food rations and medical supplies are running out of stock. There are also increased fears that many Rohingya refugees may be stuck in conflict zones. Advertisement More harrowingly, the UN has reported that many aid agencies have been blocked from assisting Rohingya refugees in delivering food supplies, water and medical assistance. The deprivation of humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya community is a denial of their basic human rights. For the Myanmar government to deny participation in inflicting oppression against the Rohingya community is absurd when there is clear evidence of the mounting human rights violations against them. Aung San Suu Kyi, has built an increasingly antagonistic relationship with humanitarian organisations in the country accusing aid workers helping 'terrorists' when in reality it is the government of Myanmar that is terrorising innocent civilians at the hands of their own political agenda. By Gus Rossi Over the past several years the International Telecommunication Union, a United Nations agency specializing in information and communication technologies, has been discussing new ways to regulate internet services and applications. These apps include favorites like Skype, Signal, Line, Telegram, and Vimeo -- essentially most popular over-the-top (OTT) and streaming applications. These discussions will have serious consequences for both how you use the internet and your internet freedom. How we govern streaming services closely affects how we govern the internet itself. Expect this transformative internet governance conversation to escalate in the ITU and other arenas as we approach the ITUs 2018 Plenipotentiary Conference, or Plenipot." Recently, the ITU Council Working Group on International Internet-related Public Policy Issues (CWG-Internet) held an open consultation on OTTs. It was one of the most popular open consultations in the history of the organization. Public Knowledge, together with our friends from IDEC of Brazil, submitted comments to the consultation. In addition, Public Knowledge President and CEO Gene Kimmelman spoke at an ITU event last month in Geneva, Switzerland to represent civil society in a discussion about different contributions to the open consultation. Genes message was simple and straightforward. First, he questioned the ITUs role in discussing internet governance related issues, as the ITU does not have the mandate or the technical capacity to do so. Second, he tackled the three questions that dominate the OTT governance conversations: the level playing field question, the free rider question, and the same service, same rules question. Lets address each of these three questions in turn to examine why we shouldnt treat OTT services the same as legacy network services. 1) Is there a level playing field between legacy video and OTT services? One of the most frequently asked questions in OTT governance debates is whether there is a level playing field between OTTs and the legacy voice, SMS, and especially video services provided by network operators and broadcasters. We believe the question is fundamentally misguided. There cannot be, and there should not be, a level playing field between OTTs and network operators simply because OTTs and network operators are in two distinctly separate markets that ought to be regulated in very different ways. On the one hand, network operators are often a monopoly (natural or not) that owns the network, or are granted exclusive control of a scarce public resource (through spectrum licensing, access to public rights-of-way, and so on). Regulation should guarantee those network operators are not allowed to unfairly abuse their privileged position, for example, by restricting the ability of consumers to use the OTT services of their choice, like Netflix. On the other hand, OTTs operate in what can be a more competitive environment, and rely on the network access to expand the opportunities and offers for consumers. Consumers freely access their choice of OTTs through the access they purchase from network operators. Here is the "level playing field" fallacy: The legacy services that network operators provide have the advantage of policies and economic conditions that produce monopolies and promote monopoly dominance over all services that are accessed through their network. OTTs are successful not because of existing market conditions, but despite them, thanks to the innovation allowed by the end-to-end principle that governs the internet. OTT markets can become concentrated and may pose regulatory and competition challenges of their own, but these challenges cannot be answered through facile comparisons to last-mile network operators. 2) Should OTTs contribute to sustaining network infrastructure? The free rider question refers to the idea that edge providers -- the OTTs -- should contribute to sustaining the infrastructure of the network, essentially allowing network operators to charge OTTs to reach consumers, which establishes a paid prioritization of internet traffic. This is also a misguided question. First, it omits the role of users, who pay network operators specifically to access OTT applications. It also ignores what open networks create -- including new content, applications, services, and devices for consumers. This leads to increased end-user demand for broadband, which drives network improvements, which in turn lead to further innovative network uses. This virtuous cycle depends on edge providers like the next Hulu being able to easily enter the market, driving end-user demand and increasing innovation. Absent a ban on paid prioritization and other harmful behaviors from network operators, edge providers will not be able to freely enter the market in the same way. Instead, they will have to use their scarce resources simply to have access to the fast lanes to remain competitive against incumbent businesses. The best way to guarantee that all stakeholders in the internet ecosystem prosper and thrive is to dismiss the free-riding fallacy, ban paid prioritization, and encourage an environment in which consumer choice and innovation drive up the demand for internet services. 3) Should we apply the same rules to similar services? Regarding the same service, same rules proposition, we warn against false equivalences. Most OTTs complement rather than replace legacy services. For example, the most successful video-on-demand OTTs do not offer linear programming, and therefore should not be subject to the same rules as cable or air TV channels. In addition, OTTs do not benefit from the structural advantages of vertical integration that the services provided by network operators enjoy. Lets look at the Public Switched Telephone Network (PTSN) as an example. Right now, PSTN service is part of the mobile phone plan that most subscribers purchase, which is itself a distinct advantage. PSTN traffic, too, is treated differently than data traffic on mobile carriers networks. But even if one day the PTSN might transform into an application that runs over the internet, that does not mean it would become just another application like Viber, FaceTime, or Skype. The PSTN has its own numbering system and phone numbers that require international cooperation between governments and many private entities. Emergency calling depends on the PSTN. Businesses can give out phone numbers without worrying about whether their customers have some special app or particular level of expertise to contact them. The PSTN is useful because it is a decentralized, international, nonproprietary, universal means to establish voice calls between any two places on earth. Although instant messaging, email, video streaming, and non-PSTN voice communication are all important applications, none of them are as clearly affected with the public interest as the PSTN, and this is true whether or not the PSTN corresponds to a separate physical network. Consumers dont have the luxury of choosing exactly what goes into their telecommunications package because network operators benefit from vertical integration. In contrast, OTTs are simply not universal, are not automatically integrated into the network, are not by default available in the devices that connect to the network, and are not encouraged, supported, and mandated by public policies and regulations. This means that OTTs miss out on the advantages of vertical integration -- the very advantages network operators get. And some network operators are even offering their own OTT services: In Mexico, Televisa launched its new over-the-top service, Blim, which centers on streaming original and archival video content to Mexico and the rest of Spanish-speaking Latin America. Claro (America Movil) provides both music streaming and video through Claro Musica and Claro Video. OTT services are so different from legacy network services that we shouldn't apply the same rules to both. Conclusion The discussion over the regulation of OTTs is fundamentally a discussion of how to regulate the internet, which directly impacts net neutrality, freedom of expression, consumer rights, and innovation. Furthermore, we believe that there are public interest reasons to consider obligations on OTT providers, like accessibility, freedom of expression, and affordability. But we dont think that OTT services should be regulated as network operators, as they are different actors in a very different market. We support the Open Internet values that have allowed OTTs to thrive and consumer choices to be multiplied. We believe that policymakers should seek to guarantee an enabling framework that perpetuates that the internet remains as an open space for innovation and entrepreneurship, for which advancing the values of net neutrality and permissionless innovation is fundamental. The ITU isnt the only forum where the OTT governance debate is taking place. From Argentina to Colombia, Brazil and India, various regulators and legislators are debating the three misguided OTT governance questions. This poses a real danger to the future of a free and open internet. At Public Knowledge, we are tracking the OTT governance debate closely. This month we will be going to Argentina for the ITUs World Telecommunication Development Conference. We are not alone in this fight, but we are counting on public engagement to keep the internet open and neutral for all. Source: https://www.publicknowledge.org/news-blog/blogs/the-itu-is-trying-again-to-govern-the-internet Superior Court Briefs: Oct. 16 - Oct. 19 Cases heard before Judge John Agostini on Monday, October 16. Kurt Vosburgh, 53, of North Adams had not guilty pleas entered on his behalf on single counts of assault with intent to rob and assault and battery on a pregnant victim. He was released on $1,000 bail. The charges stem from an incident in North Adams on June 9, 2017 and involved a 38-year-old woman. Devyn Banister, 24, of Pittsfield pleaded guilty to a single count of motor vehicle homicide while under the influence of alcohol and operating negligently. He was ordered to serve three and a half to seven years at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Cedar Junction. It is recommended that the sentence is served at the Berkshire County House of Correction. Banister was operating a motor vehicle on West Housatonic Street in Pittsfield on December 8, 2016 which struck 74-year-old Arthur Meyrick. Meyrick died on January 28, 2017 from injuries sustained in the accident. A single count of motor vehicle homicide while under the influence of drugs and operating negligently was dismissed by the state. Robert Donnelly III, 34, of North Adams had not guilty pleas entered on his behalf on single counts of possession of heroin - his second offense - possession of cocaine with intent to distribute - his second offense - and possession of a Class E substance. He was released on $1,000 bail. The charges stem from an incident in North Adams on August 14, 2017. Cases heard before Judge John Agostini on Tuesday, October 17. Simone Farnum, 39, of Pittsfield had not guilty pleas entered on her behalf on single counts of distribution of heroin - her second offense - conspiracy to violate drug laws to wit distribution of heroin, distribution of cocaine - her second offense - and conspiracy to violate drug laws to wit distribution of cocaine. She was released on personal recognizance. The charge stems from the sale of heroin and cocaine in Pittsfield on August 17, 2017. Patrick Wright Jr., 36, of North Adams had a not guilty plea entered on his behalf on a single count of unarmed robbery. He was released on $1,000 cash or surety bail. Wright is accused of taking money from a 37-year-old woman in North Adams on August 22, 2017. Cases heard before Judge John Agostini on Wednesday, October 18. Gregory Frye, 45, of Pittsfield pleaded guilty to single counts of illegal possession of a firearm - his second offense - and armed career felon. He was ordered to serve six to nine years at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Cedar Junction on the armed career felon charge and given concurrent five to seven years on the other charge. Frye was in possession of a firearm when he was arrested in Williamstown for a parole violation on January 9, 2017. A single count of illegal possession of a loaded firearm was dismissed by the state. Cases heard before Judge John Agostini on Wednesday, October 19. Tracey Santiago, 28, of Pittsfield pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to violate drug laws, two counts of distribution of heroin, and a single count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute. She was ordered to serve 225 days - time served - of a two-year sentence at the Berkshire County House of Correction and placed on two-years probation. Santiago sold heroin and conspired with others to sell heroin in Pittsfield between February 27, 2017 and March 8, 2017. City Planner CJ Hoss explains the process to the City Council's Finance Committee on Tuesday. Pittsfield Establishes Community Preservation Act Budget PITTSFIELD, Mass. The Community Preservation Committee expects a $420,000 budget for fiscal 2018. The Community Preservation Act was accepted by voters last November and city officials have been establishing the process since then. The act calls for a surcharge on property tax bills of 1 percent, with the first $100,000 value being exempted. That money goes into a fund, which is controlled by a locally created Community Preservation Committee, to use on affordable housing, parks and open space, historic preservation. Residents will see that surcharge in the final two quarterly bills this fiscal year, with the four annual bills being split into just two. Next year, the surcharge will be spread out over the entire year. On Tuesday, the City Council's Finance Subcommittee approved the estimated $420,000 budget, though the timing of the income and application process means it is unlikely that much, if any, money gets dispersed before July. "This is already a conservative amount based on fiscal '17 assessed values. We also rounded that number down," City Planner CJ Hoss said, later adding that when it comes to expenses, "In May, June, as the council is going through the budget process for FY19, you'll get something more definitive with collections and proposed projects." Councilors pressed Hoss and Community Preservation Committee Chairman James Conant on how community groups and others apply to receiving funding for projects. While the process is open for any group to apply for funding, even the application has not been designed yet. Hoss plans to make it well known when the committee will begin accepting them. "Civic groups will have to step up and actually apply for projects," Hoss said. The committee has already held one outreach session as it plans out its guiding principles for using the funds. Hoss said he plans to release a survey in the coming weeks and then hold more community meetings. The funding can be used in a fairly broad set of ways, money can be saved up over years or can be spent at once. But a minimum of 10 percent is required to go into each of the categories. The group is looking for input on how the committee should prioritize the spending. From there, an application and eventual review process will lead to the determination of which projects receiving money, and how much. That recommendation goes to the City Council for final approval. "We don't foresee us doing large scale projects per se, but partner with projects," Conant said. The state matches the city's contribution to those funds, but that won't happen until November 2018. The state's match has been coming from an annual allocation from a trust fund. As more and more cities and towns adopt the act, the money gets spread thinner. Just last summer those advocating for the act were expecting a 30 percent match but now the match is looking to be closer to 12 percent. The Selectmen are responding to complaints of activity and roll-offs loaded with trash at the former Curtis Fine Papers mill. Adams Investigating Operations at Former Curtis Paper Town officials asked that residents come to them with complaints before making accusations on Facebook. ADAMS, Mass. After complaints erupted about the former Curtis Fine Papers mill reached the Selectmen, town officials decided to send multiple departments to inspect alleged unpermitted operation. Chairman John Duval said both the health and building inspector will visit the property after hearing complaints Wednesday from residents who demanded town action on alleged zoning and board of health violations at the 115 Howland Ave. mill. "There are town entities that can deal with this and I will call them tomorrow so they can address your concerns," Duval said. "I am not saying I don't agree but I need proof. Again, this is the way to do it and now you have our attention." The controversy was sparked last week when residents took to social media with concerns that some sort of business was still active at the mill. Residents noticed trash containers full of debris and some even suggested that the town was leasing the property. The Board of Health on Tuesday had already determined it would look into the debris that was pictured on social media. Last year, the town pulled the operating permits for MJD Real Estate's permit and began the process of taking the property for back taxes. Owners Norman Dellaghelfa Jr. and Roberta Dellaghelfa, who used the facility for their trucking business, owe the town more than $450,000 in taxes. MJD purchased the property for $15,000 from the defunct paper company in 2009. Resident Linda Cernik said it appears as though the property is still being used for business purposes and she has seen freight trucks on and off the property. "The property is still being used for freight transportation and that special permit was revoked ... so how is that property still being used without a special permit?" Cernik asked. She said her second concern was the storage of large trash roll-offs on the property that she considered a health hazard and possibly a violation of the town's zoning bylaws. "The property is a disaster ... what I saw was horrific," she said. "There are over 12 containers filled with mattresses and couches those are combustible materials. They have been there since August and it seems like a landfill which I don't think they are permitted for." Resident Scott Cernik said there also seemed to be an automotive garage operating on the property without a permit. He asked why the town has not enforced its zoning bylaws since the activity at the mill has been known. "It blew up on social media because there is such a concern in this community," he said. "Past board members just passed it off but everyone knows about this." Linda Cernik thought it was unfair to taxpayers if the owners could deny the town taxes for years and still operate without repercussions even though their permit has been revoked. The Cerniks also asked to get the state Department of Environmental Protection involved with the belief that possible contamination could lead to health hazards or fires. Selectman Joseph Nowak said the board has acted on what has made known to them and that he, personally, has referred complaints to the building inspector in the past. Linda Cernik admitted to trespassing on the property and said much of the activity is in the back of the building. Nowak said he was unaware of activity in the back and thought sounded like the owner may be trying to keep something secret. Duval said when things come before the town they are acted upon and that any concerns should have been brought up with the health and building departments. He said he was disappointed the situation took off on social media before it was brought to the town. "I think it got out of hand ... and if you want something changed in this town, this is the way to put it on our agenda," Duval said. "Saying things on social media won't get you too far, and your questions can be answered here ... that is why you elect us." Duval thanked the Cerniks for coming forward. He also asked that they produce written statements to be passed off to the health and building departments In other business, Adams-Cheshire Regional School District Superintendent Robert Putnam updated the board on the school year so far. Putnam said the district's turnaround plan was yielding results and he was optimistic about its future. However, he said the district is fighting against a sharp decline in population it has 98 fewer students than it did last year. "The numbers have gone down ... the decline in enrollment is more pronounced than in previous years and it is no doubt due to the closure of Cheshire School," Putnam said. "The only response we can have as a district is to improve our educational outcomes and introduce new programs so we can win students back." Nowak said the enrollment decrease is worrisome and hopes the tension between the two towns and the district dissipates. "I can see the situation in Cheshire and they are left with some bad feelings," he said. "I hope this wound heals and that Cheshire will become an integral part of our school system that it always has been." Selectwoman Christine Hoyt, who attended a recent School Committee at which enrollment was discussed, said larger trends were at work and the entire county is decreasing in population. "When you look back at the last four years, there are 30 less kids in each of the grades because of population loss throughout the county," she said. "So it is a countywide issue." Nowak, who substitute teaches in the district, said he was optimistic about the school district's trajectory and that everyone in the district was giving 100 percent. "I can feel the energy in the school," he said. "All in all, I have a positive feeling about the way the district is going." Putnam also told the Selectmen that the committee forming to amend the district agreement would hold a joint meeting with the School Committee in early November. "This is one of the things I noticed when I first got here," he said. "I noticed the agreement was typed on an actual typewriter. It was perhaps a little old." Hoyt will serve on the agreement committee along with a Finance Committee member. The town is in need of two at-large members and Duval asked whoever interested to contact the town administrator's office. Town Manager Jason Hoch speaks to the Finance Committee about plans to relocate the town's police station to a site on Simonds Road. Williamstown Finance Endorses Police Station, School Regionalization Elisabeth Goodman was elected to chair Williamstown's Finance Committee. WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The Finance Committee on Wednesday heard about three projects that town voters will be asked to support at special meetings over the next few weeks. The committee voted unanimously to support the plan of local school officials to expand the Mount Greylock Regional School District and the proposed purchase of a Simonds Road property for a new police station questions likely to be posed to the town at a special town meeting on Nov. 14. And the committee discussed a Fire District plan to purchase a Main Street parcel for a new fire station. That proposal will come to a vote on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at a special district meeting at 7 p.m. at Williamstown Elementary School. Town Manager Jason Hoch explained what will be asked of town meeting voters in regard to the former Turner House for veterans on Simonds Road (Route 7). The town has a negotiated price of $300,000 for the property, where it hopes to renovate the existing structure and expand it to create a new home for the Williamstown Police Department. The current digs, at Town Hall, are cramped and inadequate, creating safety concerns for the town's police force. The town has looked at several options over the years. When operators of Turner House announced their intention to cease operation, Hoch identified the site as a good fit for the public safety facility. On Wednesday, he explained how he hopes to be able to complete the $5 million renovation and expansion without impacting the town's property tax rate. "That is able to be achieved by using a little money strategically from stabilization without gutting it, taking a portion of the utility savings from the [town landfill] solar project, which are not insignificant and knowing that, in 2025, we have the elementary school [construction] bond coming off the books," Hoch said. "We use those other pieces to get to 2025 and then flat-line the budget at that point." The town already has studied whether it would be more cost effective to build a new station than to renovate and expand and found that the latter approach would save between $1.5 million and $2 million. Part of the reason for the planned addition to the former veterans home is that parts of a police station like dispatch need to be in a structure that is seismic proof, Hoch explained. Although the purchase and sales agreement with Turner House was finalized in the spring, Hoch needs the town's OK to allocate $300,000 from its $1.6 million stabilization account to acquire the property. Earlier Wednesday, he reached an agreement with an owner's project manager to guide the project, he told the Fin Comm, and he expects to be able to put it to bid by January 2018. As part of his discussions with potential managers, Hoch said he received feedback that his $5 million estimate for the project's budget is reasonable in today's market. "We should be fully designed and priced by February," he said. And May's annual town meeting likely will be asked to fund the remainder of the $5 million project. Much like the police station, the expansion of the Mount Greylock region has been talked about for years. In 2013, the junior-senior high school district conducted a yearlong study involving town and school officials from Lanesborough and Williamstown to see whether it should expand to include its two "feeder" elementary schools. That effort was put on hold to focus on the addition/renovation project at Mount Greylock when the district was invited into the Massachusetts School Building Authority's program, but regionalization talk revived last year. In the spring, the effort shifted from Mount Greylock to the school committees in Lanesborough and Williamstown, which developed a plan along the same arguments pitched in 2013 but with a different funding formula for the two preK-6 schools. Instead of combining the budget for elementary education in the two towns and apportioning it based on school enrollment, each elementary school's operating expenses will be assessed to the respective member towns. For Williamstown, that means instead of seeing a spike in its preK-6 cost, the assessment will remain largely the same as it would have been without regionalization. The spike under the 2013 plan was created by the fact that Lanesborough has a smaller pupil population, therefore fixed costs (like the building principal) are spread over fewer children and the per-pupil cost is higher. If both elementary schools budgets were combined (as they would have been in 2013), some of that higher per-pupil cost would have been shifted from Lanesborough to Williamstown. In fact, the cost of preK-12 education for the two towns will be slightly lower under full regionalization, officials project, because of the $191,000 projected revenue from the commonwealth's regional transportation aid. Currently, Mount Greylock receives that aid; Lanesbeorugh and Williamstown, as single-town districts, do not. The $191,000 is partially offset by a projected $70,000 cost to bring union contracts at the three schools into alignment. A study by outside school finance experts determined it would have cost $70,000 in fiscal 2018 to do that alignment, Williamstown School Committee Chairman Joe Bergeron told the Fin Comm. Also of interest to the finance panel: The current shared services agreements between Williamstown, Lanesborough and Mount Greylock, who share a central office under the "Tri-District" umbrella, save local taxpayers about $400,000. The problem is that the Tri-District is cumbersome, inefficient and a deterrent to attracting qualified administrators, Bergeron said. "By saving all the money and creating all the pathways for communication between the districts, we created a governance complexity that is challenging," he said. "I haven't spoken to a past superintendent or a superintendent in another part of the state who thinks we have a desirable job for a superintendent to thrive in." Bergeron was joined in the Board of Selectmen's meeting room by Tri-District interim Superintendent Kimberley Grady and Lanesborough School Committee Chairwoman Regina Dilego. All three school committees in the Tri-District have endorsed regional expansion, and the Williamstown Fin Comm added its support on Wednesday. The Fin Comm took no position on the Fire District proposa l, although a key member of the panel expressed his support. The committee heard a short presentation from John Notsley, the chairman of the three-person Prudential Committee that oversees the Fire District, a separate taxing authority apart from town government. Voters in the district will be asked at next Tuesday's special meeting to approve the $400,000 purchase of the so-called Lehovec property on Main Street (Route 2) next to the new Aubuchon Hardware. It is the same property that the voters twice were asked to acquire in 2013. At two separate special Fire District meetings, the majority of voters favored acquisition, but the vote feel short of the two-thirds majority needed for passage. Fin Comm member Dan Gendron Wednesday said he was vehemently against the proposal four years ago but supports it now. A couple of things have changed since then. The Fire District and town tried but failed to find a property that would work for a joint fire-police public safety building, an approach encouraged by Gendron and others at the time. And the Lehovec site seems less attractive now that the town's Zoning Board of Appeals has denied the special permits sought by a prospective hotelier. "It's not the loss of [current property] tax revenue that concerned me," Gendron said Wednesday. "It's that we don't have a lot of property in the town that is zoned commercial. It's the lost opportunity to get a business on the site that would be more valuable. "That said, I do want to say that I'll support this [on Tuesday]." Like the town's plan to acquire the Turner House site, the Prudential Committee will ask to purchase the Lehovec property from its free cash and stabilization funds, which are more than adequate to cover the cost. Therefore, if voters OK the purchase on Tuesday, there would be no immediate impact to the Fire District share of the property tax bill. Notsley said the district is a couple of years away from having a proposal to seek bonding for construction on the site and that that his committee is committed to working with the town and its Finance Committee to discuss funding. In 2013, the district had a rough estimate of $9 million for the cost of the project. Since the Fire District and town finances are separate and each sets its own tax rate, the Finance Committee has no official role in the process and declined to take a vote one way or the other on the matter. But no one on the panel expressed any objection on Wednesday. Fin Comm member Elaine Neely went so far as to note that Gendron's concern about the loss of potential commercial property should be alleviated by the fact that current fire station on Water Street would be put on the market if and when the district moves its operation to Main Street. In other business on Wednesday, the Fin Comm elected Elisabeth Goodman as its chair, replacing Michael Sussman, who continues on the panel. The Board of Selectmen on Monday is scheduled to set the warrant for the Nov. 14 special town meeting, which will include the school regionalization question, the Turner House acquisition and several proposed zoning bylaw amendments. Destination Williamstown Names New Director WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. Destination Williamstown has appointed Kate Abbott to serve as its director. Abbott will lead the content and growth of Williamstowns digital presence for arts, events and all things interesting in and around the Northern Berkshires. She is stepping in as outgoing DW curator Sandra Thomas moves on to help lead Martys Local, a local food distribution company linking farms and food producers with grocery stores, co-ops, chefs, schools, hospitals and other markets. "We are so grateful to Sandra for her work in shaping Destination Williamstown. The site would not be what it is without the entrepreneurial gumption and deep understanding of such a driving force in our community," said Carol Stegeman, chair of the DW board of directors. "Handing the reins to someone as plugged-in and energetic as Kate makes all the sense in the world." iciHaiti - Economy : Ministry of Tourism welcomes new Sunrise Airways link Wednesday, at the Orlando International Airport, Colombe Emilie Jessy Menos Minister of Tourism welcomed the launch of the new link of the Haitian airline Sunrise Airways connecting Port-au-Prince to Orlando (Florida, USA) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22437-haiti-economy-sunrise-airways-begins-flights-to-orlando.html "The Haitian Government congratulates the courage of the owner of the Sunrise Airways. This initiative to open a new airfield for the Haitian community in this region will have a positive influence on the tourism industry in general," Minister Menos said in a press conference. She encouraged the diaspora to come and visit the country saying, "This opportunity offered by Sunrise Airways reduces the distance between you and the homeland." Philippe Bayard, Chairman and CEO of Sunrise Airways, while welcoming "of this dream came true" has solicited the support of all members of the Haitian community of Orlando, to support his company. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22437-haiti-economy-sunrise-airways-begins-flights-to-orlando.html IH/ iciHaiti The content you are trying to view is exclusive to our subscribers. To unlock this article: Modern water demands help irrigation technology program thrive at Central Valley college Sacramento, California - Technology has changed the way farmers irrigate their crops in the Central Valley, a region that produces a quarter of the nations food. One local community college is responding by teaching students how to design and create irrigation systems, while filling a gap in the local industrys workforce. Modesto Junior Colleges Irrigation Technology program is the first of its kind in the state. It offers both an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree and an Irrigation Technology certificate providing students the opportunity to learn the skills they need to work in agriculture water management. The population continues to increase as does the water needs for the state of California and the nation, said Steve Amador, the programs faculty advisor. The water resources that we have now are continually being taxed more and more, so theres really a lot of interest in conserving water and doing things the right way. The Irrigation Technology program started as the demand increased for the one irrigation class offered to MJC science students. So we decided to start an irrigation degree, an A.S. degree, added Amador. We decided to build some facilities, look for some money for student travel and really just expand and promote the program. The program is funded by a Strong Workforce Program regional investment administered through the California Community College Chancellors Office and a three-year grant from the National Science Foundation. The first graduates completed the program earlier this year. I was proud that we had 24 who were irrigation majors, said Amador. Some of them finished and received degrees and some of them have a few more classes to take. We were at 95 percent full-time employment or summer internships in the irrigation field. One of those graduates is Ryan Lehikainen. I was going to school for ag business. Irrigation has always been an issue in California, so I took a class to get some knowledge of irrigation. It sparked my interest. The program that Mr. Amador has at MJC really caught my eye and I decided spend another semester at MJC to get that degree. Lehikainen, a Modesto native, was brought on as an intern at the Central Irrigation Company and after graduation, was hired as a full-time irrigation designer. The systems we design are designed to meet the evapotranspiration (the combination of evaporation and transpiration from plant material) rates of the plant. So each plant has a different water requirement that makes sense, explained Lehikainen. An almond tree each day during the summer requires .28 inches of water a day to sustain healthy growth and a healthy nut. So the system we design is designed to give exactly .28 inches of water to that tree in a specific area. Central Irrigation Companys owner Keith Yamamoto explained the importance of MJCs program. Theres a huge need in the middle for someone who is technologically savvy, who has an understanding for engineering, but didnt have the means or desire to go on to a large four-year university. Irrigation designers use software such as AutoCAD and dont necessarily need an engineering degree. Whats also important is you have to have some common sense how things work, and also understand ag and the area. Its very important that you can relate what you learn and apply it to the field, said Yamamoto. MJCs program not only offers the A.S. degree, but also provides a way for current irrigation technicians to increase their worth with their current employers. According to Amador, I have several students who work for irrigation companies and come in and take a couple of classes, get a certificate and go back to get a raise or more responsibility at work, whatever the case may be. Programs such as MJCs Irrigation Technology Program fills a workforce gap in an industry that it vital to the countrys food supply. After playing a role in the creation of the $200-million Strong Workforce Program, the Summit has helped to support the programs implementation, highlighting programs successfully engaging and maintaining relationships with employers. Expanding and improving these types of workforce programs through the California Community Colleges will be one of the topics at the California Economic Summit, which will be held in San Diego on November 2-3. The Summit will also drive a broad effort to strengthen rural communities through infrastructure and job creation programs in regions which have struggled with higher rates of poverty, higher concentrations of minimum wage workers, and lower broadband connectivity than anywhere else in California. Secretary of State Tillerson Travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, India, and Switzerland Washington, DC - U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will travel to Riyadh, Doha, Islamabad, New Delhi, and Geneva October 20-27. In Riyadh, Secretary Tillerson will take part in the inaugural Coordination Council meeting between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The Secretary will also meet with various Saudi leaders to discuss the conflict in Yemen, the ongoing Gulf dispute, Iran, and a number of other important regional and bilateral issues. Secretary Tillerson will then travel to Doha, where he will meet with Qatari leaders and U.S. military officials to discuss joint counterterrorism efforts, the ongoing Gulf dispute, and other regional and bilateral issues, including Iran and Iraq. Secretary Tillerson will then make his inaugural visit to South Asia as Secretary of State, reaffirming the Administrations comprehensive strategy toward the region. In Islamabad, the Secretary will meet with senior Pakistani leaders to discuss our continued strong bilateral cooperation, Pakistans critical role in the success of our South Asia strategy, and the expanding economic ties between our two countries. The Secretary will build on the positive conversations he and the Vice President have had with Prime Minister Abbasi. In New Delhi, Secretary Tillerson will meet with senior Indian leaders to discuss further strengthening our strategic partnership and collaboration on security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The Secretarys visit to India will advance the ambitious agenda laid out by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi during the Prime Ministers visit to the White House in June. In Geneva, the Secretary will meet with the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, International Organization for Migration, and the International Committee of the Red Cross to discuss a number of the current global humanitarian crises. Congratulations to New Zealand on Formation of Next Government Washington, DC - The United States congratulates New Zealand Labour Party Leader Jacinda Ardern as she forms the next coalition government in New Zealand. The U.S.-New Zealand relationship is strong and New Zealand is one of our closest friends and partners. We look forward to working with New Zealands new government and continuing to cooperate on our shared interests in the region and worldwide. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free 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 The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Oscar-winning actor Lupita Nyongo has joined the growing list of stars to accuse disgraced movie boss Harvey Weinstein of harassment. Nyongo, who won Best Supporting Actress for 12 Years A Slave, said on Thursday she was a drama school student when the predator lured her to his room under false pretences. She wrote in The New York Times, the newspaper that published the initial bombshell report on Weinstein, that she was invited to his family home in Connecticut on the premise of watching a film shortly after they met in 2011. But she said shortly after it started he insisted in front of his children that she follow him and she was led to his bedroom. Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Show all 42 1 /42 Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Harvey Weinstein Harry Weinsteins reputation as one of Hollywoods leading executives was long cemented in stone. The acclaimed movie mogul, who produced Oscar-winning films Shakespeare in Love, The English Patient, and The Artist, clocked up box office successes and accolades aplenty. But this has quickly changed since a chorus of women have come forward to accuse the Hollywood producer of sexual harassment and assault. Since the New York Times bombshell report disclosed sexual harassment and rape allegations against the film mogul dating back decades, Weinstein has been fired from his namesake company, expelled from the Oscars and has had his wife leave him. Weinstein has apologised for having caused a lot of pain but has denied all allegations of nonconsensual sex. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Annabella Sciorra The Sopranos actor alleged Weinstein raped her after shooting The Night We Never Met, a 1993 movie that Weinstein produced. Similar to the stories told by other women, Weinstein drove the actor home, only to reportedly burst into Sciorra's apartment and start unbuttoning his shirt. He shoved me onto the bed, and he got on top of me, Sciorra said. I kicked and I yelled. Weinstein then allegedly locked her arms and forced sexual intercourse on her. After the incident, Sciorra found it increasingly hard to get work, many filmmakers saying 'We heard you were difficult', something the actor claims was because of the 'Weinstein-machine'. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Natassia Malthe The model and actress, who has appeared in around 50 films, said she met Weinstein at a BAFTA after party in 2008 while she was working as a spokeswoman for LG. She told a press conference in New York that she felt pressured into telling Weinstein she was staying at the Sanderson Hotel after being put on the spot. Malthe, now 43, said after her shift on February 10 she went back to her room and went to sleep, but was awoken by "repeated pounding" on her door, from someone yelling: "Open the door Natassia Malthe, it's Harvey Weinstein." Feeling humiliated, she said she opened the door. She alleged Weinstein began implying sex would get her a role in an upcoming film while semi-undressed and then he began to masturbate. "I was sitting on the bed talking to Harvey when he pushed me back and forced himself onto me. It was not consensual. He did not use a condom," she said. AP Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Sean Young The actor, best known for her role in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, said that Weinstein exposed himself to her in the early 1990s, when she was starring in the Miramax-produced Love Crimes - a production company that Weinstein headed at the time. "I personally experienced him pulling his you-know-what out of his pants to shock me," she said. "My basic response was, 'You know, Harvey, I really dont think you should be pulling that thing out, its not very pretty.'" Young never worked with Weinstein again after the incident. Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Mimi Haleyi Mimi Haleyi said she was assaulted by Weinstein in what appeared to be a child's bedroom in his New York City apartment in 2006 when she was in her 20s. She said she was aspiring to work in television and film production when she was first introduced to him at the London premiere of The Aviator around two years earlier and he helped her get experience on the set of a TV show being produced by The Weinstein Company. But, she added, he repeatedly hassled her and even tried to force himself through her front door in an effort to get her to join him on a trip to Paris. At one point he allegedly forcibly performed oral sex on an aspiring production assistant while she was on her period. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lupita Nyong'o In an op-ed for The New York Times, the Oscar-winning actor said she was invited to Weinsteins family home in Connecticut on the premise of watching a film shortly after they met in 2011. But she said shortly after it started he "insisted" in front of his children that she follow him and she was led to his bedroom. The Kenyan-Mexican actress, now 34, said she felt pressured into giving him a massage after he offered her one. "Before long he said he wanted to take off his pants," she wrote."I told him not to do that and informed him that it would make me extremely uncomfortable. He got up anyway to do so and I headed for the door, saying that I was not at all comfortable with that." Over the years that followed, he continued to get in touch, Nyong'o said, and when she declined another proposition she felt her career was threatened. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lena Headey Writing on social media, the Game of Thrones actor claims she first met Weinstein at the Venice Film Festival in 2005 where, after taking her for a walk by the water, he made some suggestive comment and gesture. Headey claims she bumped into Weinstein years later where he kept asking her questions about her love life. She alleges that, when Weinstein invited her to his hotel room to show her a script, the "energy shifted. The actor notes how, after saying she was not interesting in anything but the work, Weinstein was furious, apparently marching her back to a lift, "grabbing and holding tightly to the back of [her] arm." She claims that, after paying for her car, he whispered in her ear: "Don't tell anyone about this, not your manager, not your agent. Headey finished the post, writing: I got in the car and I cried. Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lucia Evans The actor told The New Yorker that after a meeting to discuss casting her in various projects, Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex on him. I said, over and over, I dont want to do this, stop, dont. She added: Hes a big guy. He overpowered me. I just sort of gave up. Thats the most horrible part of it, and thats why hes been able to do this for so long to so many women: people give up, and then they feel like its their fault. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Laura Madden Madden, a production assistant who worked at Miramax for a decade, told the Times that Weinstein allegedly prodded her for massages at hotels, a common theme among the sources the Timess reporters spoke with. On one occasion, she claims she locked herself in his hotel bathroom, sobbing Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Ashley Judd Judd recounted for the Times how Weinstein allegedly harassed her while she was filming Kiss the Girls in 1996, inviting her to his hotel room and asking her for a massage, then inviting her to watch him shower. Judd first went public with the allegations in a 2015 interview with Variety during which she discussed the experience without naming the producer involved. She described Weinsteins alleged behaviour as coercive bargaining; I said no, a lot of ways, a lot of times, and he always came back at me with some new ask, she told the Times AFP/Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Rose McGowan McGowan reportedly reached a previously undisclosed $100,000 settlement with Weinstein in 1997, over an incident that occurred in a hotel room Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Mimi Haleyi Mimi Haleyi said she was assaulted by Weinstein in what appeared to be a child's bedroom in his New York City apartment in 2006 when she was in her 20s. She said she was aspiring to work in television and film production when she was first introduced to him at the London premiere of The Aviator around two years earlier and he helped her get experience on the set of a TV show being produced by The Weinstein Company. But, she added, he repeatedly hassled her and even tried to force himself through her front door in an effort to get her to join him on a trip to Paris. At one point he allegedly forcibly performed oral sex on an aspiring production assistant while she was on her period. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Emily Nestor Nestor had been temping at the Weinstein Company for only one day in 2014 when Weinstein allegedly offered to boost her career in return for sexual favours, according to the Times. She declined and reportedly complained of his behaviour to colleagues, who later passed the information on to senior executives. An internal Weinstein Company document cited by the Times describes Nestors encounter with Weinstein as follows: She said he was very persistent and focused though she kept saying no for over an hour Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Ambra Battilana In March 2015, Battilana, an aspiring model and actress, was reportedly summoned to Weinsteins office on a Friday night to discuss her career. According to a police report cited by the Times, Battilana claimed she was assaulted by Weinstein, who grabbed her breasts after asking if they were real and put his hands up her skirt. Weinstein later claimed that Battilana had set him up, according to colleagues of his who were interviewed by the Times. The Manhattan District Attorney, Cyrus Vance, later declined to press charges, and according to the Times, made a payment to Battilana. On 5 October, the International Business Times reported that after Vance dropped the charges, he received $10,000 from Weinsteins lawyer Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lauren OConnor Lauren OConnor, an employee of the Weinstein Company, penned a memo to executives alleging a toxic environment for women at the company. The memo cited numerous incidents of Weinstein harassing or coercing women who worked for him. She expressed fear that Weinstein was using her and other female employees to facilitate liaisons with vulnerable women who hope he will get them work. That same year, Weinstein allegedly reached a settlement with OConnor Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Kate Beckinsale The actor, who starred in the Weinstein Company films Serendipity and The Aviator, alleges that she was invited to Weinsteins hotel room at the age of just 17. When she approached the door, the producer reportedly greeted her dressed in just a dressing gown. I was incredibly naive and young and it did not cross my mind that this older, unattractive man would expect me to have any sexual interest in him, she wrote on Instagram. After declining alcohol and announcing that I had school in the morning I left, uneasy but unscathed. Theo Wargo/Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Gwyneth Paltrow The actor alleges that after he cast her in the title role of the film Emma when she was 22, he took her to his hotel room, placed his hands on her and suggested massages. I was a kid, I was signed up, I was petrified, Paltrow told the New York Times. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Asia Argento Italian actress Asia Argento has alleged that in 1997 Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on her as she repeatedly told him to stop. When I see him, it makes me feel little and stupid and weak, Argento told The New Yorker. After the rape, he won. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Cara Delevigne The British model and actress penning an Instagram post claiming that Weinstein had ordered her to kiss another woman in his hotel room, and tried to kiss her on the lips. AFP/Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Ashley Judd Ashley Judd said she rebuffed Harvey Weinsteins unwanted sexual advances by offering to consent only after she had won an Oscar. When she was initially invited to a meeting with Weinstein, Judd said, she was surprised to learn the producer was in his hotel room - a tactic that recurs in other womens accounts. Echoing the accounts of other women, Judd said Weinstein suggested she give him a massage and then invited her to watch him shower. After a volley of nos she said she would only after she wins an Oscar, fleeing after making the comments. Reuters/Mike Segar Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Judith Godreche French actress Judith Godreche said when she was 24 Weinstein invited her to his hotel room and asked to give her a massage. The next thing I know, hes pressing against me and pulling off my sweater, she told the New York Times. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Mira Sorvino The Oscar-winning actor said she found herself in a hotel room with Weinstein in 1995 where he started massaging my shoulders, which made me very uncomfortable, and then tried to get more physical, sort of chasing me around. According to an interview in The New Yorker Weinstein subsequently arrived at her apartment late at night and she had to call a friend to come over to pose as her boyfriend in order to get Weinstein out of the house. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Katherine Kendall The actress said Weinstein undressed and chased her around a living room when she was just 23. She subsequently felt that telling others meant Ill never work again and no one is going to care or believe me, she told the New York Times. WireImage Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Tomi-Anne Roberts As an aspiring actress and working in a restaurant in New York, Tomi-Ann Roberts encountered Weinstein who encouraged her to audition for one of his films back in 1984. She subsequently went to meet him and found him naked in the bath and invited her to get naked and get into the bath with him, she told the New York Times. She said she left feeling manipulated. Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Myleen Klass It has also been alleged that the disgraced film producer propositioned Myleene Klass with a sex contract at Cannes Film Festival in 2010. One of the singer and television personalitys friends reportedly told The Sun, Klass had told Weinstein to f*** off. Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Sophie Dix Sophie Dix, best known for her role as Captain Sadie Williams in Soldier Soldier, described her encounter with Weinstein when she was 23 as the single most damaging thing thats happened in my life. She told The Guardian Weinstein had pushed her to her bed and was tugging at her clothes. She rushed to the bathroom to escape, but when she came out she found him standing there masturbating. I quickly closed the door again and locked it, she said. Then when I heard room service come to the door I just ran. Rex Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lea Seydoux The actor and director claims she had to fight off Weinstein after he brought her to his hotel room during what she remembers to be 2012. He suddenly jumped on me and tried to kiss me. I had to defend myself. Hes big and fat, so I had to be forceful to resist him. I left his room, thoroughly disgusted, she wrote in The Guardian. AFP/Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Claire Forlani British actress Claire Forlani wrote on Twitter that she had evaded Weinsteins advances on five occasions at the age of 25. At meetings with the Hollywood a-lister, she says massage was suggested, and that Weinstein had boasted of all the women hed had sex with. Mark Douet Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Florence Darel French actress Florence Darel claimed Weinstein relentlessly pursued her in the mid 1990's and propositioned her while Eve Chilton, his wife at the time, was in the hotel room next door. I was astonished, she told People magazine. When you have someone so physically disgusting in front of you, continuing and continuing as though this was all perfectly normal What happened to me may not be illegal but it was inappropriate. Very inappropriate. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lysette Anthony Lysette Anthony, who starred as Marnie Nightingale in Hollyoaks, has claimed Weinstein raped her in the late 1980's after turning up to her London home in the late 1980s. She described the disgraced film producers alleged attack as pathetic and revolting and said it left her feeling disgusted and embarrassed. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Dawn Dunning Dunning said she met Weinstein in 2003 when she was 24-years-old and the disgraced film producer suggested she have a threesome with him and someone else. She told the New York Times Weinstein got angry when she refused. Youll never make it in this business, she said he told her as she left. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Rosanna Arquette Rosanna Arquette was already well known for her role in Desperately Seeking Susan, when she said she met Weinstein at his hotel to pick up a script in the early nineties. Weinstein was dressed only in a dressing gown, and tried to put her hand on his erect penis. Speaking to the New York Times, Arquette said as she left she told him: I will never be that girl. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Emma de Caunes Caunes, a French actor, claimed Weinstein took her to his hotel room in 2010 supposedly to retrieve a book he was making into a film, but once there he went into the bathroom. De Caunes said he then emerged naked, with an erection and told her to lie on the bed. She fled the room. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Zoe Brock Model Zoe claimed that she had to lock herself in a bathroom at Weinsteins hotel in 1997, after the mogul had sent all of the assistants out of the room, and then appeared naked. I was alone with Weinstein, she told ITVs This Morning programme. He very quickly left the room and came back naked. He chased me naked. Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Jessica Barth Actress Jessica Barth described an encounter with Weinstein in 2011 in an interview with The New Yorker in which she said Weinstein veered between offering her roles in films and demanding a naked massage. She alleges the producer said to her: So, what would happen if, say, were having some champagne and I take my clothes off and you give me a massage? When she tried to leave, he then promised to give her the number of a female executive at the company. He gave me her number, and I walked out and I started bawling, Barth said. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Romola Garai The actress told The Guardian she felt violated after she went to a meeting with Weinstein at the age of 18 and he met her in his hotel room wearing nothing but a dressing gown. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Heather Graham Graham claimed that during a casting opportunity in the early 2000's Weinstein had told her he had an open relationship with his wife. He could sleep with whomever he wanted when he was out of town. I walked out of the meeting feeling uneasy, Graham told Variety. There was no explicit mention that to star in one of those films I had to sleep with him, but the subtext was there. Graham was never hired to work in a Weinstein film. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Jessica Hynes Spaced and W1A star Jessica Hynes tweeted about an encounter with Weinstein earlier this week, but subsequently deleted the tweet. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lucia Evans The actor told The New Yorker that after a meeting to discuss casting her in various projects, Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex on him. I said, over and over, I dont want to do this, stop, dont. She added: Hes a big guy. He overpowered me. I just sort of gave up. Thats the most horrible part of it, and thats why hes been able to do this for so long to so many women: people give up, and then they feel like its their fault. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Louisette Geiss The former actress said she met Weinstein to pitch a film script she was working on. During the meeting, Weinstein allegedly went out and reappeared naked and got into a jacuzzi where he masturbated in front of her and said he would make the script into a film if she stayed and watched. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Liza Campbell Liza Campbell, a British writer and artist, alleged that Olympically ugly Weinstein asked her to join him in the bath and began getting undressed at a hotel. In a piece for The Times, Campbell claimed she was forced to sprint to the door to escape. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Louise Godbold Writing in a blog post, Louise Godbold, a non-profit director in Los Angeles, said her encounter with Weinstein took the form of an office tour that became an occasion to trap me in an empty meeting room. She said then Weinstein was begging for a massage, his hands on my shoulders as I attempted to beat a retreat. The Kenyan-Mexican actor, now 34, said she felt pressured into giving him a massage after he offered her one. Before long he said he wanted to take off his pants, she wrote. I told him not to do that and informed him that it would make me extremely uncomfortable. He got up anyway to do so and I headed for the door, saying that I was not at all comfortable with that. Over the years that followed, he continued to get in touch, Nyongo said, and when she declined another proposition she felt her career was threatened. Nyongo said she had blamed herself and attempted to forget about her experiences but has felt sick in the pit of my stomach since dozens of women came forward to accuse him of sexual assault and harassment. She said she is now speaking out to end the conspiracy of silence. Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie are among the actors to accuse Weinstein of sexual harassment, while Rose McGowan said he raped her. Weinstein has unequivocally denied allegations of non-consensual sex. Police in London, Los Angeles and New York are investigating the 65-year-old. PA Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free 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 The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Quentin Tarantino has admitted he was aware, for decades, about Harvey Weinstein's alleged misconduct towards women. The director said he failed to act in order to protect women despite knowing about several instances of alleged sexual assault, stating: "I knew enough to do more than I did." In a new interview Tarantino, who worked with Weinstein on some of his best known films including Pulp Fiction, said he regretted not taking action with the knowledge he had. "There was more to it than just the normal rumours, the normal gossip," he told the New York Times. "It wasn't second hand. I knew he did a couple of these things. "I wish I had taken responsibility for what I heard. If I had done the work I should have done then, I would not have had to work with him." Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Show all 42 1 /42 Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Harvey Weinstein Harry Weinsteins reputation as one of Hollywoods leading executives was long cemented in stone. The acclaimed movie mogul, who produced Oscar-winning films Shakespeare in Love, The English Patient, and The Artist, clocked up box office successes and accolades aplenty. But this has quickly changed since a chorus of women have come forward to accuse the Hollywood producer of sexual harassment and assault. Since the New York Times bombshell report disclosed sexual harassment and rape allegations against the film mogul dating back decades, Weinstein has been fired from his namesake company, expelled from the Oscars and has had his wife leave him. Weinstein has apologised for having caused a lot of pain but has denied all allegations of nonconsensual sex. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Annabella Sciorra The Sopranos actor alleged Weinstein raped her after shooting The Night We Never Met, a 1993 movie that Weinstein produced. Similar to the stories told by other women, Weinstein drove the actor home, only to reportedly burst into Sciorra's apartment and start unbuttoning his shirt. He shoved me onto the bed, and he got on top of me, Sciorra said. I kicked and I yelled. Weinstein then allegedly locked her arms and forced sexual intercourse on her. After the incident, Sciorra found it increasingly hard to get work, many filmmakers saying 'We heard you were difficult', something the actor claims was because of the 'Weinstein-machine'. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Natassia Malthe The model and actress, who has appeared in around 50 films, said she met Weinstein at a BAFTA after party in 2008 while she was working as a spokeswoman for LG. She told a press conference in New York that she felt pressured into telling Weinstein she was staying at the Sanderson Hotel after being put on the spot. Malthe, now 43, said after her shift on February 10 she went back to her room and went to sleep, but was awoken by "repeated pounding" on her door, from someone yelling: "Open the door Natassia Malthe, it's Harvey Weinstein." Feeling humiliated, she said she opened the door. She alleged Weinstein began implying sex would get her a role in an upcoming film while semi-undressed and then he began to masturbate. "I was sitting on the bed talking to Harvey when he pushed me back and forced himself onto me. It was not consensual. He did not use a condom," she said. AP Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Sean Young The actor, best known for her role in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, said that Weinstein exposed himself to her in the early 1990s, when she was starring in the Miramax-produced Love Crimes - a production company that Weinstein headed at the time. "I personally experienced him pulling his you-know-what out of his pants to shock me," she said. "My basic response was, 'You know, Harvey, I really dont think you should be pulling that thing out, its not very pretty.'" Young never worked with Weinstein again after the incident. Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Mimi Haleyi Mimi Haleyi said she was assaulted by Weinstein in what appeared to be a child's bedroom in his New York City apartment in 2006 when she was in her 20s. She said she was aspiring to work in television and film production when she was first introduced to him at the London premiere of The Aviator around two years earlier and he helped her get experience on the set of a TV show being produced by The Weinstein Company. But, she added, he repeatedly hassled her and even tried to force himself through her front door in an effort to get her to join him on a trip to Paris. At one point he allegedly forcibly performed oral sex on an aspiring production assistant while she was on her period. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lupita Nyong'o In an op-ed for The New York Times, the Oscar-winning actor said she was invited to Weinsteins family home in Connecticut on the premise of watching a film shortly after they met in 2011. But she said shortly after it started he "insisted" in front of his children that she follow him and she was led to his bedroom. The Kenyan-Mexican actress, now 34, said she felt pressured into giving him a massage after he offered her one. "Before long he said he wanted to take off his pants," she wrote."I told him not to do that and informed him that it would make me extremely uncomfortable. He got up anyway to do so and I headed for the door, saying that I was not at all comfortable with that." Over the years that followed, he continued to get in touch, Nyong'o said, and when she declined another proposition she felt her career was threatened. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lena Headey Writing on social media, the Game of Thrones actor claims she first met Weinstein at the Venice Film Festival in 2005 where, after taking her for a walk by the water, he made some suggestive comment and gesture. Headey claims she bumped into Weinstein years later where he kept asking her questions about her love life. She alleges that, when Weinstein invited her to his hotel room to show her a script, the "energy shifted. The actor notes how, after saying she was not interesting in anything but the work, Weinstein was furious, apparently marching her back to a lift, "grabbing and holding tightly to the back of [her] arm." She claims that, after paying for her car, he whispered in her ear: "Don't tell anyone about this, not your manager, not your agent. Headey finished the post, writing: I got in the car and I cried. Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lucia Evans The actor told The New Yorker that after a meeting to discuss casting her in various projects, Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex on him. I said, over and over, I dont want to do this, stop, dont. She added: Hes a big guy. He overpowered me. I just sort of gave up. Thats the most horrible part of it, and thats why hes been able to do this for so long to so many women: people give up, and then they feel like its their fault. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Laura Madden Madden, a production assistant who worked at Miramax for a decade, told the Times that Weinstein allegedly prodded her for massages at hotels, a common theme among the sources the Timess reporters spoke with. On one occasion, she claims she locked herself in his hotel bathroom, sobbing Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Ashley Judd Judd recounted for the Times how Weinstein allegedly harassed her while she was filming Kiss the Girls in 1996, inviting her to his hotel room and asking her for a massage, then inviting her to watch him shower. Judd first went public with the allegations in a 2015 interview with Variety during which she discussed the experience without naming the producer involved. She described Weinsteins alleged behaviour as coercive bargaining; I said no, a lot of ways, a lot of times, and he always came back at me with some new ask, she told the Times AFP/Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Rose McGowan McGowan reportedly reached a previously undisclosed $100,000 settlement with Weinstein in 1997, over an incident that occurred in a hotel room Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Mimi Haleyi Mimi Haleyi said she was assaulted by Weinstein in what appeared to be a child's bedroom in his New York City apartment in 2006 when she was in her 20s. She said she was aspiring to work in television and film production when she was first introduced to him at the London premiere of The Aviator around two years earlier and he helped her get experience on the set of a TV show being produced by The Weinstein Company. But, she added, he repeatedly hassled her and even tried to force himself through her front door in an effort to get her to join him on a trip to Paris. At one point he allegedly forcibly performed oral sex on an aspiring production assistant while she was on her period. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Emily Nestor Nestor had been temping at the Weinstein Company for only one day in 2014 when Weinstein allegedly offered to boost her career in return for sexual favours, according to the Times. She declined and reportedly complained of his behaviour to colleagues, who later passed the information on to senior executives. An internal Weinstein Company document cited by the Times describes Nestors encounter with Weinstein as follows: She said he was very persistent and focused though she kept saying no for over an hour Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Ambra Battilana In March 2015, Battilana, an aspiring model and actress, was reportedly summoned to Weinsteins office on a Friday night to discuss her career. According to a police report cited by the Times, Battilana claimed she was assaulted by Weinstein, who grabbed her breasts after asking if they were real and put his hands up her skirt. Weinstein later claimed that Battilana had set him up, according to colleagues of his who were interviewed by the Times. The Manhattan District Attorney, Cyrus Vance, later declined to press charges, and according to the Times, made a payment to Battilana. On 5 October, the International Business Times reported that after Vance dropped the charges, he received $10,000 from Weinsteins lawyer Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lauren OConnor Lauren OConnor, an employee of the Weinstein Company, penned a memo to executives alleging a toxic environment for women at the company. The memo cited numerous incidents of Weinstein harassing or coercing women who worked for him. She expressed fear that Weinstein was using her and other female employees to facilitate liaisons with vulnerable women who hope he will get them work. That same year, Weinstein allegedly reached a settlement with OConnor Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Kate Beckinsale The actor, who starred in the Weinstein Company films Serendipity and The Aviator, alleges that she was invited to Weinsteins hotel room at the age of just 17. When she approached the door, the producer reportedly greeted her dressed in just a dressing gown. I was incredibly naive and young and it did not cross my mind that this older, unattractive man would expect me to have any sexual interest in him, she wrote on Instagram. After declining alcohol and announcing that I had school in the morning I left, uneasy but unscathed. Theo Wargo/Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Gwyneth Paltrow The actor alleges that after he cast her in the title role of the film Emma when she was 22, he took her to his hotel room, placed his hands on her and suggested massages. I was a kid, I was signed up, I was petrified, Paltrow told the New York Times. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Asia Argento Italian actress Asia Argento has alleged that in 1997 Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on her as she repeatedly told him to stop. When I see him, it makes me feel little and stupid and weak, Argento told The New Yorker. After the rape, he won. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Cara Delevigne The British model and actress penning an Instagram post claiming that Weinstein had ordered her to kiss another woman in his hotel room, and tried to kiss her on the lips. AFP/Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Ashley Judd Ashley Judd said she rebuffed Harvey Weinsteins unwanted sexual advances by offering to consent only after she had won an Oscar. When she was initially invited to a meeting with Weinstein, Judd said, she was surprised to learn the producer was in his hotel room - a tactic that recurs in other womens accounts. Echoing the accounts of other women, Judd said Weinstein suggested she give him a massage and then invited her to watch him shower. After a volley of nos she said she would only after she wins an Oscar, fleeing after making the comments. Reuters/Mike Segar Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Judith Godreche French actress Judith Godreche said when she was 24 Weinstein invited her to his hotel room and asked to give her a massage. The next thing I know, hes pressing against me and pulling off my sweater, she told the New York Times. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Mira Sorvino The Oscar-winning actor said she found herself in a hotel room with Weinstein in 1995 where he started massaging my shoulders, which made me very uncomfortable, and then tried to get more physical, sort of chasing me around. According to an interview in The New Yorker Weinstein subsequently arrived at her apartment late at night and she had to call a friend to come over to pose as her boyfriend in order to get Weinstein out of the house. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Katherine Kendall The actress said Weinstein undressed and chased her around a living room when she was just 23. She subsequently felt that telling others meant Ill never work again and no one is going to care or believe me, she told the New York Times. WireImage Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Tomi-Anne Roberts As an aspiring actress and working in a restaurant in New York, Tomi-Ann Roberts encountered Weinstein who encouraged her to audition for one of his films back in 1984. She subsequently went to meet him and found him naked in the bath and invited her to get naked and get into the bath with him, she told the New York Times. She said she left feeling manipulated. Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Myleen Klass It has also been alleged that the disgraced film producer propositioned Myleene Klass with a sex contract at Cannes Film Festival in 2010. One of the singer and television personalitys friends reportedly told The Sun, Klass had told Weinstein to f*** off. Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Sophie Dix Sophie Dix, best known for her role as Captain Sadie Williams in Soldier Soldier, described her encounter with Weinstein when she was 23 as the single most damaging thing thats happened in my life. She told The Guardian Weinstein had pushed her to her bed and was tugging at her clothes. She rushed to the bathroom to escape, but when she came out she found him standing there masturbating. I quickly closed the door again and locked it, she said. Then when I heard room service come to the door I just ran. Rex Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lea Seydoux The actor and director claims she had to fight off Weinstein after he brought her to his hotel room during what she remembers to be 2012. He suddenly jumped on me and tried to kiss me. I had to defend myself. Hes big and fat, so I had to be forceful to resist him. I left his room, thoroughly disgusted, she wrote in The Guardian. AFP/Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Claire Forlani British actress Claire Forlani wrote on Twitter that she had evaded Weinsteins advances on five occasions at the age of 25. At meetings with the Hollywood a-lister, she says massage was suggested, and that Weinstein had boasted of all the women hed had sex with. Mark Douet Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Florence Darel French actress Florence Darel claimed Weinstein relentlessly pursued her in the mid 1990's and propositioned her while Eve Chilton, his wife at the time, was in the hotel room next door. I was astonished, she told People magazine. When you have someone so physically disgusting in front of you, continuing and continuing as though this was all perfectly normal What happened to me may not be illegal but it was inappropriate. Very inappropriate. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lysette Anthony Lysette Anthony, who starred as Marnie Nightingale in Hollyoaks, has claimed Weinstein raped her in the late 1980's after turning up to her London home in the late 1980s. She described the disgraced film producers alleged attack as pathetic and revolting and said it left her feeling disgusted and embarrassed. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Dawn Dunning Dunning said she met Weinstein in 2003 when she was 24-years-old and the disgraced film producer suggested she have a threesome with him and someone else. She told the New York Times Weinstein got angry when she refused. Youll never make it in this business, she said he told her as she left. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Rosanna Arquette Rosanna Arquette was already well known for her role in Desperately Seeking Susan, when she said she met Weinstein at his hotel to pick up a script in the early nineties. Weinstein was dressed only in a dressing gown, and tried to put her hand on his erect penis. Speaking to the New York Times, Arquette said as she left she told him: I will never be that girl. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Emma de Caunes Caunes, a French actor, claimed Weinstein took her to his hotel room in 2010 supposedly to retrieve a book he was making into a film, but once there he went into the bathroom. De Caunes said he then emerged naked, with an erection and told her to lie on the bed. She fled the room. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Zoe Brock Model Zoe claimed that she had to lock herself in a bathroom at Weinsteins hotel in 1997, after the mogul had sent all of the assistants out of the room, and then appeared naked. I was alone with Weinstein, she told ITVs This Morning programme. He very quickly left the room and came back naked. He chased me naked. Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Jessica Barth Actress Jessica Barth described an encounter with Weinstein in 2011 in an interview with The New Yorker in which she said Weinstein veered between offering her roles in films and demanding a naked massage. She alleges the producer said to her: So, what would happen if, say, were having some champagne and I take my clothes off and you give me a massage? When she tried to leave, he then promised to give her the number of a female executive at the company. He gave me her number, and I walked out and I started bawling, Barth said. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Romola Garai The actress told The Guardian she felt violated after she went to a meeting with Weinstein at the age of 18 and he met her in his hotel room wearing nothing but a dressing gown. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Heather Graham Graham claimed that during a casting opportunity in the early 2000's Weinstein had told her he had an open relationship with his wife. He could sleep with whomever he wanted when he was out of town. I walked out of the meeting feeling uneasy, Graham told Variety. There was no explicit mention that to star in one of those films I had to sleep with him, but the subtext was there. Graham was never hired to work in a Weinstein film. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Jessica Hynes Spaced and W1A star Jessica Hynes tweeted about an encounter with Weinstein earlier this week, but subsequently deleted the tweet. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lucia Evans The actor told The New Yorker that after a meeting to discuss casting her in various projects, Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex on him. I said, over and over, I dont want to do this, stop, dont. She added: Hes a big guy. He overpowered me. I just sort of gave up. Thats the most horrible part of it, and thats why hes been able to do this for so long to so many women: people give up, and then they feel like its their fault. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Louisette Geiss The former actress said she met Weinstein to pitch a film script she was working on. During the meeting, Weinstein allegedly went out and reappeared naked and got into a jacuzzi where he masturbated in front of her and said he would make the script into a film if she stayed and watched. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Liza Campbell Liza Campbell, a British writer and artist, alleged that Olympically ugly Weinstein asked her to join him in the bath and began getting undressed at a hotel. In a piece for The Times, Campbell claimed she was forced to sprint to the door to escape. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Louise Godbold Writing in a blog post, Louise Godbold, a non-profit director in Los Angeles, said her encounter with Weinstein took the form of an office tour that became an occasion to trap me in an empty meeting room. She said then Weinstein was begging for a massage, his hands on my shoulders as I attempted to beat a retreat. He said that he was aware of the settlement between actress Rose McGowan and the film mogul, and said his then-girlfriend Mira Sorvino told him about an incident where Weinstein reportedly made unwelcome advances and touched her. "I couldn't believe he would do that so openly," Tarantino said. "I was like: 'Really? Really?' But the thing I thought then, at the time, was that he was particularly hung up on Mira. I thought Harvey was hung up on her in this Svengali kind of way.Because he was infatuated with her, he horribly crossed the line." The New York Times broke the original story which reported incidents spanning almost three decades of alleged sexual harassment, assault, and rape. On 19 October the Los Angeles Police Department announced it was opening an investigation into whether Weinstein raped an Italian model - who has not been named - in 2013. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up An LAPD spokesperson told the Los Angeles Times: "The Los Angeles Police Department's robbery homicide division has interviewed a potential sexual assault victim involving Harvey Wesintein which allegedly occurred in 2013. The case is under investigation." Last week a statement from Weinstein's spokesperson Sallie Hofmeister said: "Mr Weinstein obviously can't speak to anonymous allegations, but he unequivocally denies allegations of non-consensual sex." Pop-punk is back and Sum 41 have a new album on the way to prove it. On the heels of their sold-out Alexandra Palace show, the bands frontman Deryck Whibley talks to Annabel Nugent about the bands early success, doing shots with Tommy Lee and finding his way back to health and sobriety Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our Now Hear This email for free 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 IndyEats email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Its that time of year Ben & Jerrys flavour gurus have swapped their chefs whites for pointy hats and long black cloaks, and got busy over their cauldrons to whip up the Wichs Brew Hot Chocolate, creeping into Ben & Jerrys Soho scoop shop. Its concocted from a blend of deepest darkest Chocolate Fudge Brownie and topped with cream, a Son of a Wich and Halloween sprinkles. The ghoulish guys at Ben & Jerrys have stocked their Soho scoop shop with plenty more treats too. Theyll be serving up jet-black waffle cones and topping their creepy creations with sprinkles fit for the most devoted Halloween obsessives. Bamboo and charcoal make up Ben & Jerry's black cone (Ben & Jerry's) (Ben & Jerry's) Anyone dressed suitably spookily will be rewarded with a free black waffle cone and a scoop of their choice from Saturday, 28 October onwards leading up to the big day. Folks at Ben & Jerrys have always been Halloween junkies As well as the exclusive Halloween menu, this year theyre bringing the party to London, with dedicated headstones around their Soho home honouring flavours they have loved and lost, from White Russian to Economic Crunch. Ben & Jerrys is inviting fans to join them this October to raise a mug to the start of the spooky season and the demise of their Summer in Soho, which will shut its doors for the moment on Tuesday, 31 October. The Wichs Brew Hot Chocolate and other Halloween treats will be on sale at Ben & Jerrys, 74 Wardour Street, London, W1F 0TE, from 20th October until 31st October. 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 display on Googles brand new phone isnt as vibrant as it should be, some users are saying. The Pixel 2 XL, which was released this week, has sparked a number of complaints because its screen looks slightly more muted than the screens of some other handsets on the market. Google believes the display shows a more natural and accurate rendition of colours, but some users consider it to be a significant shortcoming of the phone. How to improve your phone's battery life Show all 9 1 /9 How to improve your phone's battery life How to improve your phone's battery life Limit notifications Notifications are incredibly useful, but they also drain battery life and not all of them are actually necessary. Switching off notifications for certain apps can help your phones stamina. On Android, head into Settings, hit Apps and select those you dont need to be notified by. On iOS, go to Settings and then Notifications. How to improve your phone's battery life Disable auto-sync Certain apps, such as email and social networks, constantly run in the background even when youre not using them. This is so you see updated information and updates when you do open the apps, but the benefits can be offset by the amount of battery life auto-sync can eat up. On Android, you can turn off auto-sync by going to Settings, Accounts and hitting the menu button. On iOS, go to Settings, General and Background App Refresh. However, since auto-sync is genuinely useful, wed recommend disabling it when you know youre going to be running low on battery life, rather than switching it off all the time. How to improve your phone's battery life Switch off location services GPS is a huge drain on your phones battery, as more and more apps use your location data to work out where you are, and shape your experience according to that information. Unless youre using a Maps app, you can get by without it. To turn off GPS on Android, go to Settings and Location. On iOS, go to Settings, Privacy and Location Services. How to improve your phone's battery life Lower brightness Your phones display is responsible for the biggest impact on your battery life, but its easy to limit how much energy it uses up. Auto-brightness is convenient, but often sets the screen brightness to a much higher level than it needs to be. Turning auto-brightness off, setting your displays brightness to a lower level and adjusting it when you need to is much more sensible. How to improve your phone's battery life Uninstall apps you dont need Some apps drain more battery life than others, and its worth working out which ones you can do without. Facebook, for instance, is known to have a big impact on your phones battery, and you can eliminate this by deleting the app and using the social network in your web browser instead. On Android and iOS, you can see the apps and processes that are affecting your battery by going to Settings and Battery. From there, work out what you can delete or replace with a less-demanding alternative. How to improve your phone's battery life Cut your assistant off Virtual assistants are becoming increasingly capable, and therefore increasingly important in tech companies eyes. Not all consumers share the enthusiasm of Google and Apple though, and rarely - if ever - use Google Assistant and Siri. Whether you use them or not, by default the two assistants are always listening out for their trigger words, and this uses up battery life. On Android, you can switch this off by going to Settings, Google, Search, Voice and Ok Google detection. On iOS, go to Settings, Siri and Allow Hey Siri. How to improve your phone's battery life Stop vibrating Vibrate is a great middle-ground between a potentially disruptive ringtone and total, uncertain silence, but it also uses up the most battery life of the three options. You can go a step further by also disabling tap feedback, which can be reassuring, but is ultimately unnecessary. How to improve your phone's battery life Turn off connections If youre connected to a Wi-Fi network, switch your mobile data off, and vice versa. Similarly, remember to turn off Bluetooth and NFC when youre not using them. How to improve your phone's battery life Airplane mode Airplane mode isnt just for when youre on an aeroplane. If you know youre not going to have or wont need signal or a Wi-Fi connection for a good amount of time, its worth enabling Airplane mode. Otherwise, your phone will use up battery life by pointlessly trying to connect to a network. The Pixel 2 XL has a 6-inch, 2,880 x 1,440 P-OLED display, which is both large and impressively sharp. However, colours dont look as saturated on it as they do on some other phones screens. They look cooler, which some users like and other users dont. It's a contentious issue, which is splitting opinion. The people complaining about it say it looks lifeless and tinged with blue, and that it compares poorly to other handsets, such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 8. At the same time, a consistent criticism of Samsungs phones over the years has been that their displays are so saturated they make the subjects of pictures and videos look unnatural. The Pixel 2 XL even offers a Vivid Colours option, which boosts saturation by 10 per cent. However, thats not been enough for some users. Google has acknowledged their complaints, and says it will consider introducing extra display colour options through a software update. We designed the Pixel 2 to take advantage of multiple facets of the innovative new POLED technology, including QHD+ resolution with 538 pixels per inch as well as a wide color gamut, the company told 9to5Google. One of our design intents was to achieve a more natural and accurate rendition of colors. We know that some people prefer more vivid colors, so weve added an option to boost colors by 10% for more saturation. Well continue to pay close attention to peoples responses to Pixel, and we will consider adding more display color options through software if that makes the product better. The Pixel 2 XL is the more impressive of Google's two new phones, and is available from 799. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter 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 Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Men are more open than women to threesomes but are also more likely to be disappointed, according to a sociologist who has researched the sexual activity. Dr Ryan Scoats, who works at Birmingham City University, was inspired to investigate threesomes by his own three-way experiences because he wanted to understand other peoples perspectives. I was surprised by how little threesomes were talked about in academic literature considering the wealth of literature on things like anal sex, swinging, open relationships, he told The Independent. "Being that a PhD should be about expanding knowledge and understanding I felt that the topic of threesomes gave me the greatest scope to do this." Recommended Tinder for threesomes makes it easier to sleep with colleagues Dr Scoats delved into the phenomenon at what seems like a turning point, as the stigma surrounding it falls away. The prevalence of porn and relationships which deviate from the monogamous norm mean have helped to normalise behaviour like threesomes, Dr Scoats suggests. A separate 2016 survey of 274 heterosexual people aged between 18 to 25 published in the 'Archives of Sexual Behaviour' showed that almost a quarter of men and eight per cent of women have had a threesome, while 82 per cent of men and 31 per cent of women are interested in hooking up in a trio. In one part of his study, Dr Scoats spoke to 30 male students: a third of whom had threesomes by their second year of study and six who had more than one. Another test involved him speaking to a number of women. Perhaps unsurprisingly, young people are more likely to engage in three-ways than older people, as they are at a stage in their lives when they are interested in exploring their sexuality. However, Dr Scoats was surprised to find that some people had threesomes at the age of 15, 16 and 17. To me this suggests that it is important to educate young people in how to navigate these sexual experiences in a positive way, because some of them are going to do them anyway, he says. Men are often motivated to indulge in threesomes in order to gain sexual experience and to say that they have had one, he added, while women are more diverse in their reasons. Some of the women he interviewed used threesomes to explore their sexuality, to make their partner happy, and to seize the opportunity to sleep with a specific person. But he noticed a trend that men tended to be more disappointed in their experiences, thinking they were not as good as they had expected, whereas women tended to feel that they had been better than they would have imagined them being. The research also revealed that as homophobia has diminished, men appear to be more comfortable having sex in the presence of other men, although a lack of data makes it difficult to compare this to anything stresses Dr Coats. For a long time women have not faced the same sort of stigma as men for engaging in sexual acts with and or around other women, in fact, it is sometimes a cultural expectation, he said. Thus this lesser stigma allows women more opportunity to engage in FFM threesomes should they so wish. Men see it as a bonding experience, rather than a homosexualising experience, he suggests. This bonding was also usually not at the expense of the woman - although on occasion it was. Related to this, the women I spoke to frequently appeared to feel free to pursue the types of sex they wanted to, and were comfortable in saying no to things that they didnt want- they demonstrated a lot of sexual agency. The overarching theme of my findings would be that threesome sex is very similar to two person sex in that people do it for all sorts of reasons, and have both positive and negative experiences, he added. Likewise, the people that have threesomes are from all walks of life, and are just regular people. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter 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 Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A car for the head There are all sorts of charges which attach to a vehicle that is imported from Japan. Apart from the shipping charge, there are port fees, import duty 10 per cent of the price, plus VAT in all the costs. Also a car that is under ten years old needs an IVA/MOT test fee. Not to mention UK registration fees and a number plate. It is much less bother to buy direct from an import company which has done all the hard work. I think a Subaru Legacy 2.0 BP5 Spec-B at 6,495 from a specialist in the UK would be ideal. A car for the heart I know that Phil is after an older BMW 5 Series, but there is a strong re-import market for luxury cars from Japan. Vehicles exported there are right hand drive, which is a good start, but they are also high specification and exclusively petrol powered, usually with the largest available engine. Not only that, vehicles in Japan are very well looked after and the mileages accrued are fairly modest. I found a 2000 Mercedes-Benz S320 with 34,000 miles at 6,996. The specialist importer also has a 2002 S500 model at 7,995 with a years MOT. If you would like James Ruppert to help with your car choice, email james@freecarmag.com. For more motoring views visit freecarmag.com 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 }} Its nicknamed the old lady of Threadneedle Street, but the Bank of Englands top roles, and its two most important committees, are almost entirely filled by old(ish) white men. There are 21 positions on the Financial and Monetary Policy committees. All the members of the home team, four of whom sit on both, are from that group. As for the external membership, the FPCs membership is all male, and just one of them is non white. The MPC is monochrome, with just one woman, down from two. That makes Nicky Morgan, the first female chair of the Treasury Select Committee, cross, and rightly so. So shes written to the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, to ask what hes doing about it. Sadly, Mr Hammond might not be the most sympathetic of ministers for her to have to approach, at least if there is even a smidgeon of authenticity in the reports about his comments concerning female train drivers. However, they were rather obviously leaked by his extremist Brexiteer colleagues, whose relationship with the truth is somewhat flexible. So we have to take that story with a pinch of salt. Perhaps there is a chance for him to redeem himself here. The Treasury hires the top executives at the Bank and appoints nearly all of the members of its top committees too, so the buck stops with Mr Hammond. The Bank itself is responsible only for the chief economist (MPC) and the executive director, financial stability (FPC). While it should be noted that neither Andy Haldane nor Alex Brazier contribute to their respective committees' diversity, elsewhere there is evidence that the Bank is doing better. Its performance in staff surveys when questions about diversity are asked have improved, for example, and, crucially, it has set itself targets aimed at broadening the range of people who join it. At the entry level, it hires from a much wider spread of universities than previously. Measures such as making use of blind recruitment panels have helped with correcting unconscious biases that recruiters might have. The Bank's governor, Mark Carney, spoke earlier in the year of the importance he places on improving diversity, and not just because it is the right thing to do, or because the millennials who will make up the next generation of leaders expect it. A diverse workforce will help the Bank to avoid the tendency among its people to slip into groupthink, a dangerous thing for a central bank charged with ensuring financial, monetary and economic stability. An organisation reliant on the brains of its people will do a better job if it can secure the broadest possible spread of perspectives. Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year. The standard complaint that the Treasury might come back with, at this point, is that it isnt always very easy to find the right people for top jobs in a finance and economics, because the pool of candidates from which it has to hire is overwhelmingly white, and male. And able bodied. That, however, will never change until someone takes a lead. If the Treasury wont do that, and set an example with the Bank, why should anyone else? Perhaps its time to second some of the people involved in recruitment there to the Bank for lessons in the value of modernity. The Chancellor himself might benefit from spending a week or two there as well, although given the firefighting he's engaged in thanks to the behaviour of his colleagues, he can probably be excused. 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 }} In the spring of 2016, I was interviewing the writer Neil Gaiman in London just ahead of the Sky Arts broadcast of an anthology series of films based on his short fiction. Discussing the stories chosen for adaptation, Gaiman expressed some pleasant surprise that the producers had not gone for what he thought were the more obvious ones, with neat endings, but had instead gone, in Gaimans words, for stories that were more ambiguous; that dont all come with closure. He said the stories in question were Robert Aickman-esque: the sort of tales that leave you feeling faintly disturbed or feeling you may have been lied to, that dont necessarily providing you with full explanations. This especially excited me because, just a couple of months before, I had discovered Robert Aickman myself, via some recently released (and very handsomely packaged) Faber & Faber collections of his short fiction. Id been aware of his name but not, as far as Id been aware, read any of his work, until I came across the short story The Hospice in Ann in Jeff Vandermeers hefty anthology of strange fiction (which I heartily recommend), The Weird. Robert Aickman on Narrowboat cruising along the Stourbridge Canal in 1961 (Alamy) Between reading that and interviewing Gaiman, Id ripped through the first two Aickman collections Id got my hand on, Dark Entries and Cold Hand In Mine. And Id discovered as I exhort you to do now a new favourite author. Isnt he wonderful? Gaiman had enthused when I informed him Id just started reading Aickman. Its as if you watched a magic trick being done, and at the end of it youre not even sure what the trick was. Recommended Neil Gaiman on what American Gods fans can expect from season 2 All you know is that there are now four aces on the table that you dont think were there at the beginning, and you cant quite get it out of your head. Which pretty much nails Aickmans style. He didnt really write ghost stories, though sometimes he did. What he did write was what he called strange fiction, reminiscent of the short stories of Shirley Jackson, American author of The Haunting of Hill House and The Lottery. Like the best Jackson stories, Aickmans fiction is often ambiguous. There are unreliable narrators, a sense of creeping unease, a subtle increase in atmospheric pressure around you as you read, like a storm approaching. You finish a story and sometimes youre not quite sure how it ended like youve just woken from a dream. But its richly satisfying for all that. Its the journey that counts, not always the destination (though many of Aickmans stories do finish in a completely normal fashion). Aickman gets the Neal of approval (Faber & Faber) (Faber & Faber) Robert Aickman was born in London in 1914, and perhaps had weirdness in his DNA. His maternal grandfather was Richard Marsh, a writer who died in 1915 and who in 1897 had published an occult thriller called The Beetle lost to relative obscurity now, but at the time on a par in popularity with another book published the same year: Dracula. He had a strong interest in the supernatural and was a member of the Society for Psychical Research, taking part in a well-documented research project into the notorious Borley Rectory, believed to be one of the most haunted houses in the UK. But Aickman was also a noted conservationist, co-founding the Inland Waterways Association which aimed to preserve and revitalise the countrys canal network. He also had a keen interest in culture and opera, serving as chairman of the London Opera Society in the 1950s and 1960s. But its for his short fiction that hes best remembered. He started writing in the 1950s and produced almost 50 finely-crafted stories, published throughout his life until his death in 1981. Two years before, in 1979, he had been diagnosed with cancer and declined conventional medical treatment, instead consulting homeopathic practitioners. He died in February 1981 in the Royal Homeopathic Hospital in London. Aickman was always a huge influence on me, Gaiman told me. I remember discovering him fairly young, and youre lucky when you discover a weird author like that at a young age. I remember the sadness with which I discovered aged, about 24, that I was actually reading a posthumous Aickman collection. What should you read to get a flavour of Aickman? Well, any of the currently available collections will provide the requisite unease for the Halloween season: Dark Entries; Cold Hand in Mine; The Wine-Dark Sea and The Unsettled Dust. Theres a feeling of building menace, which sometimes dissipates but leaves a strange aftertaste. This is true of the aforementioned The Hospice, in which a traveller with car trouble seeks shelter in a strange place: part hotel and part prison or asylum where vast piles of food are laid before the residents each night and they go to bed chained by their ankles. Theres almost a sense of satire in stories like that, and Growing Boys, in which a mother at the end of her tether has to cope with two sons who take on literally monstrous proportions. The stories of Aickman have their spiritual successors not only in the work of Gaiman, but TV series such as Charlie Brookers Black Mirror and the oeuvre of The League of Gentlemen, including the very Aickman-esque Inside No 9. Reece Shearsmith, one quarter of the League as well as one of the creative brains behind Inside No 9 is a huge Aickman fan, as is Jeremy Dyson, the non-acting member and co-writer of the League team, along with Andy Nyman, of stage show Ghost Stories now a movie starring Martin Freeman which is garnering rave reviews. Dyson, currently on set with Mark Gatiss, Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, filming the new series of The League of Gentlemen, will join horror writer (and friend of Aickman) Ramsey Campbell next month for an event at the British Library entitled Even Stranger Things: A Night for Robert Aickman, with appearances from Aickmans agents and Richard T Kelly, who oversaw the recent re-release of Aickmans story anthologies. Theyll be talking about Aickman, his influence on them, and reading from their favourite of the writers stories. Dyson says: Robert Aickman was a presence right through my younger years. He edited the Fontana Book of Ghost Stories collections in the 1970s which I used to get bought for me as birthday presents from the age of about eight. Then I rediscovered him in the late 1980s, and I know Mark Gatiss had the same sort of experience around the same time. It almost seems like Aickman is the best kept secret of British fiction. His reputation does seem to grow year upon year, says Dyson, but he is terribly underrated by the literary establishment. If he wasnt English if he was South American, say hed be feted by the literary mainstream. But the establishment does treat anything it views as genre writing with a whiff of snobbery, which is absurd. Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Show all 27 1 /27 Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Best Heidi Klum on a brown horse dressed as the Anglo-Saxon noblewoman Lady Godiva at her 2001 Halloween party PA Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Worst Kate Moss dressed up as Cara Delevingne, joined by Rita Ora at Fran Cutler's Halloween party in 2014. Getty Images Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Worst Beyonce Knowles (or Bee) in a well, bee outfit, hiding her baby bump in 2011. Rex Features Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Best Brooke Shields as Addams Family's Uncle Fester with daughters Rowan and Grier. PA Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Worst Lily Allen as sort of a green insect at the UNICEF Halloween Ball in London in 2013. Rex Features Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Worst Katy Perry arrived at Kate Hudson's Halloween party dressed as a Cheeto in 2014. Getty Images Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Best Kim Kardashian shared this image of herself and daughter North West with Joyce Bonelli and her son, dressed up as Anna Wintour, Grace Coddington, Karl Lagerfeld and Andre Leon Talley, four key names in the fashion industry. Rex Features Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Best Model Heidi Klum always wins 'best Halloween outfit'. Last year she dresses as a spectacular, colourful butterfly. Getty Images Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Best Jessica Alba attended Kate Hudson's Halloween party in 2014 as Slash. Getty Images Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Best Clara Paget, Suki Waterhouse and Gala Gordon at the Unicef Halloween Ball in London in 2014. Getty Images Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Best Rande Gerber and Cindy Crawford as Cher and Gregg Allman in 2014. Rex Features Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Best Fashion designers Melissa Odabash and Julien Macdonald at the Unicef Halloween Ball in London in 2013. Getty Images Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Best Alessandra Ambrosio dressed as the Queen of Hearts in 2013. Rex Features Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Worst Debbie Harry dressed up as a showgirl in a feathered leotard in 2012. Rex Features Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Best Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber dressed up as Guns N Roses members Slash and Axl Rose in 2013. Rex Features Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Best Sandra Bullock took her inspiration from Mexico's Day of the Dead for her costume to attend a party with her son Louis in 2013. Rex Features Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Worst Miranda Kerr dressed as a particularly sexy ringmaster in 2011. Rex Features Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Best Jamie Hince and Kate Moss dressed up as Morticia and Gomez Addams in 2012. Rex Features Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Best Gwen Stefani dressed as Sandy from Grease in 2012. Rex Features Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Worst Singer Fergie dressed as a little pageant queen in 2011. Rex Features Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Best Kate Beckinsale and husband Len Wiseman dressed up as Frankenstein and his bride in 2010. Rex Features Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Worst Kelly Osbourne and her then boyfriend Luke Worrall as eggs and bacon in 2009, ready for an English breakfast. Rex Features Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Best Kate Moss didn't adopt one character, but the result of combining a top hat, sheer spiderweb lace dress and black lingerie suited just perfect for her New York party in 1997. Rex Features Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Worst Paris Hilton in a Miley Cyrus-inspired costume for a Halloween party in LA in 2013. Rex Features Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Best Lindsay Ellingson as Mad Men's Betty Draper. Rex Features Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Worst Nick Grimshaw dressed as pal Rita Ora, who looks rather confused about her daring pink outfit Rex Features Best and Worst celebrity Halloween outfits Best Stephen Fry as a ghostly captain Getty Images Aickmans stories are also the gift that keeps on giving, says Dyson. When you come back to him at different stages of your life, the stories seem to rewrite themselves and take on a different perspective. Reading Aickman at the age of 50 is different from reading Aickman at 20. The stories get under your skin. Some are more overtly traditionally ghost stories than others, and some are more opaque. And what I love is that sometimes the protagonist has this weird experience and just drives away from it unharmed and sometimes they dont, but you never really know how a story is going to end up. Even Stranger Things: A Night With Robert Aickman, takes place at the British Library on 10 November 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 }} Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was killed by a car bomb this week, was a leading investigative journalist in Malta celebrated for her dedication to exposing corruption. Galizia fearlessly took on politicians of all stripes, weeding out wrongdoing within her countrys political and criminal justice systems. The 53-year-olds personal blog, Running Commentary, was as one of the most popular websites in Malta, receiving as many as 400,000 visits a day almost equal to the Mediterraneans population of 420,000. She gained acclaim across the world for her role in exposing the Panama Papers scandal. Galizia was the first to break the news of the involvement of prominent Maltese politicians in the exploitation of offshore tax regimes. Her work on the explosive tax evasion case, which involved some of richest and most powerful people in the world, is what prompted political news website Politico to hail her as a one-woman Wikileaks, crusading against untransparency and corruption in Malta. Born Daphne Anne Vella in 1964 to Michael Alfred Vella and Rose Marie Vella nee Mamo, the writer studied at St Dorothys convent in Mdina and St Aloysius College in Birkirkara before attending the University of Malta and graduating with a degree in archaeology in 1997. She went on to marry Peter Caruana Galizia in 1985 and had three sons: Matthew Mark John, who grew up to follow in his mothers footsteps as a journalist, Andrew Michael Louis and Paul Anthony Edward. A candlelight vigil in Sliema held in tribute to the late journalist (Getty) Galizia began working as a journalist shortly after her marriage in 1987, becoming a regular columnist with The Sunday Times of Malta and later, an associate editor and columnist for the Malta Independent, to which she contributed a weekly column for the past 20 years.. She made it her mandate to thrust cronyism that is accepted as something normal [in Malta] into the spotlight. I cant bear to see people like that rewarded, she said. The journalist was unrelenting and fierce in her criticisms, often branding politicians crooks and liars. While many have hailed Galizia as a hero, the journalists tireless efforts to shine a light on disorder earned her many enemies. John Dalli, a former European commissioner that she helped to take down in a tobacco lobbying scandal, went so far as to label the journalist a terrorist. The writer was also a forceful critic of Maltas Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat, who she regularly lambasted on her website. Muscat was quick to condemn the journalists killing, calling it a political murder. Everyone knows Ms Caruna Galizia was a harsh critic of mine, both politically and personally, but nobody can justify this barbaric act in any way, he said. Still, Galizias three sons have demanded that Mr Muscat step down, writing on Facebook: The police may or may not find out who ordered the assassination of our mother, but as long as those who led the country to this point remain in place, none of this will matter. They said that the only way forward would be for the Prime Minister to resign for watching over the birth of a society dominated by fear, mistrust, crime and corruption. Opposition leader Adrian Delia, who also frequently found himself in Galizias line of fire, called the journalists death a total collapse of the rule of law and demanded an independent investigation into her killing. Galizia had been sued more than once for libel over allegations she had made in her blog, including by Mr Muscat, who had been in the process of suing her at the time of her death and Mr Delia, who had sued over stories linking him to a prostitution racket in London. Galizias son Matthew was on the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists team that won the Pulitzer Prize for its work on the Panama Papers case. He said he was certain she was assassinated because she stood between the rule of law and those who sought to violate it, like many strong journalists. But he added: She was also targeted because she was the only person doing so [in Malta]. This is what happens when the institutions of the state are incapacitated the last person left standing is often a journalist. Which makes her the first person left dead. In fact, Galizia had filed a police report two weeks before her death saying she had been receiving threats. And in her last blog post, believed to have been written just before she left her house moments before her death, the journalist issued a now haunting warning in her final line. There are crooks everywhere you look, she wrote. The situation is desperate. Desperate enough for someone to plant a bomb on her vehicle, a Peugeot 108. It exploded with such force it was sent flying over a wall and into a field, where its burnt-out frame was found. An outpouring of support and calls for justice reverberated across Europe in the wake of her death. In Sliema, near the capital of Valetta, thousands came together on Monday to honour Galizia with a silent candlelit vigil. Even the Holy See was touched by her death, with Pope Francis penning a rare letter offering his condolences to Galizias family an uncommon gesture after the death of a private citizen. The Pope said he was saddened by the tragic death and said he was praying for the journalists family, as well as the Maltese community at this difficult moment. The Malta Independent published an empty front page with a single black ribbon in the centre and a pledge to continue her legacy on the day her next column would have run. Your pen has been silenced, the tribute read. But your voice will live on. Daphne Caruana Galizia, journalist, born 26 August, 1964, died 16 October 2017 Sign up for a full digest of all the best opinions of the week in our Voices Dispatches email Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter 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 Voices Dispatches email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Skeletal remains uncovered from a ritual platform in the Peruvian highlands at the site now known as Pacopampa show that people buried there suffered violent injuries, likely as part of ceremonial rituals, according to an archaeological study published earlier this month. The scientists behind the discovery wrote that it looks like individuals suffered ceremonial blows to the head that fractured their skulls -- perhaps willingly -- though those blows likely didn't kill them. "Given the archaeological context (the remains were recovered from sites of ceremonial practices), as well as the equal distribution of trauma among both sexes and a lack of defensive architecture, it is plausible that rituals, rather than organized warfare or raids, caused most of the exhibited trauma," the authors wrote. The question that remains is why. A diagram of Pacopampa, the site where the bodies examined here were discovered. (Nagaoka et al, PLoS One, 2017) Looking for signs of violence One of the ways that present-day archaeologists try to understand ancient cultures is by looking for signs of violence. Knowing how people were injured or killed reveals conflict with other societies as well as religious and societal behavior. Researchers have been able to learn much about the early civilizations that populated the Andes by studying the violence that occurred there. In the remains of people from certain ancient Peruvian civilizations, like the Chinchorro (who lived near the coast from 7,000-1,600 BCE), signs of violence on skeletal remains seem to be the result of conflict. (Nagaoka et al, PLoS One, 2017 (Nagaoka et al, PLoS One, 2017) Conflict-related trauma tends to be much more common in men than women. It also tends to be clustered on the left side of the head, and individuals may have fractured forearms associated with attempts to block weapons. There are signs of human sacrifice dating back as far as 5,000 BCE on the coasts of Peru. In the Central Andes, archaeologists knew that construction of public architecture indicating signs of organized societies began as far back as 3,000 BCE. But there has been less evidence of violence found to help shed light on behavior. These discoveries at Pacopampa provide new data. Buried individuals with signs of trauma. (Nagaoka et al, PLOS ONE, 2017) Excavations at Pacopampa began in 1939 and the researchers behind this study have been examining the site for their present research since 2005. From 2005 to 2015, they discovered the remains of 104 people, 66 adults and 38 children, which date back to time periods known as the Middle (1200-800 BCE) and Late (800-500 BCE) Formative Periods. Seven of the adult individuals, shown in the photo collage above, were all recovered from the same ceremonial platform of the site and showed signs of trauma to the head, limbs, and elbows. Most of the injuries found in these individuals were to the skull. These sorts of injuries "suggest intention and repeated blows to have been the cause, rather than accidents," the authors wrote. There were signs of healing as well, which implies that individuals didn't necessarily die from these injuries, even if they were severe. Researchers don't think conflict is what caused the skull trauma here. Pacopampa is a ceremonial and not a defensive site, and these bodies weren't found in living quarters, which would be expected if the individuals had been killed in raids. Plus, there weren't defensive wounds on these bodies. The limb injuries were likely associated with falls throughout life. (Nagaoka et al, PLoS One, 2017 (Nagaoka et al, PLoS One, 2017) Because these particular individuals were buried in places connected to religious rituals, the researchers wrote that ceremonial activity is a likely explanation for their trauma. As for the reason why, the researchers can only speculate. Social tension related to food resource shortages led to social stratification and ritual violence in some early civilizations in the Central Andes, the authors wrote, but it's not clear that resource shortages affected Pacopampa at the times these individuals lived. Skeletal remains didn't show signs of nutritional shortages. There are some indications that elite individuals in society identified with predatory animals with fierce characteristics, especially big cats like jaguars. The "controlled practice of violence" may have been a way for elites to show their dominance. Over time, the injuries that these individuals suffered became more severe, potentially reflecting stratification between social classes. Ritual violence did include human sacrifice in later eras, so researchers wrote the the ritual violence here may reflect the emergence of a hierarchical society. In the early stages, ritual violence associated with the dominance of elites resulted in injury that grew more intense as time went on and that hierarchy was more clearly defined -- eventually reaching the point where such rituals ended in death. Read more: How much the best paid workers in 20 professions earn Seven outdated mens style rules that you can now ignore 16 skills that are hard to learn but will pay off forever Read the original article on Business Insider UK. 2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter. Sign up for a full digest of all the best opinions of the week in our Voices Dispatches email Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter 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 Voices Dispatches email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Paleontologists in Germany have discovered 9.7 million-year-old fossilised teeth that a German politician has hailed as potentially rewriting" human history. The dental remains were found by scientists sifting through gravel and sand in a former bed of the Rhine river near the town of Eppelsheim. They resemble those belonging to Lucy, a 3.2 million-year-old skeleton of an extinct primate related to humans and found in Ethiopia. However, they do not resemble those of any other species found in Europe or Asia. Scientists were so confused by the find they held off from publishing their research for the past year, Deutsche Welle reports. Herbert Lutz, director at the Mainz Natural History Museum and head of the research team, told local media: "They are clearly ape teeth. Their characteristics resemble African finds that are four to five million years younger than the fossils excavated in Eppelsheim. This is a tremendous stroke of luck, but also a great mystery." At a press conference announcing the discovery, the mayor of Mainz suggested the find could force scientists to reassess the history of early humans. Ancient mystery of how the Egyptians built the Great Pyramid of Giza solved "I don't want to over-dramatise it, but I would hypothesise that we shall have to start rewriting the history of mankind after today," he said. Axel von Berg, a local archaeologist, said the new findings would amaze experts. With the first paper on the research having just been published, the real work to unlock the mystery is only just beginning, Dr Lutz said. Although there is abundant fossil evidence that great apes were roaming Europe millions of years ago, there has been no confirmed cases of hominins species closely related to humans on the continent. Archaeological treasures of ancient Greece Show all 9 1 /9 Archaeological treasures of ancient Greece Archaeological treasures of ancient Greece This golden death mask was discovered in the ruins of ancient Mycenae in 1876 by Heinrich Schliemann after he went looking for the palace of Agamemnon, a central figure in the Trojan War. It has since dated the mask to an even earlier period Ian Johnston Archaeological treasures of ancient Greece This extraordinary bronze sculpture, known as the Artemision Jockey, dates from around 140BC Ian Johnston Archaeological treasures of ancient Greece This incredibly life-like bronze statue of the Roman Emperor Augustus has been dated at between 12BC and 10BC, partly because he wears a ring showing he had become Pontifex Maximus, a title he assumed in 12BC Ian Johnston Archaeological treasures of ancient Greece A scene from a battle in the Trojan War in black-figure technique. The scene, from Homers the Iliad, probably shows fighting around the body of Patroklos, whose death moved Achilles to rejoin the fighting in decisive fashion Ian Johnston Archaeological treasures of ancient Greece A gravestone from about 425BC showing a woman called Ampharete with her grandchild. I hold here the beloved child of my daughter, which I held on my knees when we were alive and saw the light of the sun, and now, dead, I hold it dead, a carving on the stone says Ian Johnston Archaeological treasures of ancient Greece The Parthenon Temple in Athens was built in the fifth century BC to replace an early structure destroyed by the Persian army in 480BC. It was decorated with sculptures showing Olympian gods, giants, Amazons, a fight between Centaurs and human Lapiths, what is believed to have been a religious procession in honour of the goddess Athena, and other scenes Ian Johnston Archaeological treasures of ancient Greece Figures known as caryatids on the porch of the Erechtheion, another temple on the Acropolis in Athens. Ian Johnston Archaeological treasures of ancient Greece A Centaur and a human in a fight scene taken from the Parthenon temple by Lord Elgin in the early 1800s and now on display in the British Museum. The figures heads are in Athens Ian Johnston Archaeological treasures of ancient Greece A wall painting from a house in Akrotiri, Santorini, which was covered with ash from a volcanic eruption in about 1,500BC. It shows swallows swooping among clusters of red lillies Ian Johnston The current scientific consensus proposes that modern humans evolved out of east Africa somewhere between 400,000 and 200,000 years ago, before dispersing around the world as recently as 70,000 years ago. The teeth will be on display from the end of October at a state exhibition, before heading to Mainzs Natural History Museum. The region where the find was made has been an attraction for fossil hunters for almost 200 years. 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 BBC has sparked outrage after it asked in a poll whether the widely discredited and hugely controversial practice of gay conversion therapy should be banned. Conversion therapy a treatment which aims to reduce or stop same-sex attraction or suppress a persons gender identity is yet to be banned in the UK but has been described by the NHS and more than a dozen major medical groups as unethical and potentially harmful. In a poll on the BBC Radio Kent Twitter page, people were asked: Should gay conversion therapy be banned? Recommended Queer cinema still finds it hard to be honest about sex and misogyny Members of the public were given two options: Yes, it should be banned or Its an acceptable practice. The poll elicited an angry reaction, with one person asking: Should racist attacks be banned? Should domestic abuse be banned? What kind of question is this? It doesnt need answering. It IS wrong. The tweet followed an appearance by TV presenter and doctor Ranj Singh, who told the stations breakfast show that the practice was akin to psychological abuse. Responding, another person wrote: Torture is akin to Physical abuse.... should we ban Torture? See how stupid that sounds? Some mocked the question by making their own polls (Twitter) Others called for the broadcaster to apologise, while one wrote: I voted no Id love to be converted to a gay... it sounds pretty darned wonderful! Is gay conversation therapy horrific homophobic abuse? another person asked in their own Twitter poll, giving two options: Yes and Still yes. NHS England, NHS Scotland and leading health groups including the Royal College of GPs signed a joint memorandum of understanding in 2014 pledging their opposition to conversion therapy. Recommended US votes against UN resolution condemning gay sex death penalty But a 2009 survey of 1,300 mental health professionals found more than 200 had offered some form of conversion therapy. Mr Ranj later tweeted: To be clear: gay conversion therapy doesnt work & is harmful. Its abuse & needs to stop. Lets just support people to be who they are! After The Independent contacted the BBC for comment, the corporation said it had removed the poll. A spokesperson said: "The discussion on Radio Kents Breakfast show was prompted by the condemnation by psychotherapist bodies this week of the controversial practice. "We were asking our listeners whether it should actually be made illegal. But we accept that the poll was not the most appropriate way of dealing with this sensitive issue." 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 }} A woman who was catfished ended up finding love with a man whose photos were used to scam her. Emma Perrier, who lives in London, had come out of a relationship in 2015 when she met a man called Ronnie on the dating app Zoosk. She found it difficult to meet people as she worked long hours in a coffee shop in the city and avoided clubs and bars - so opted for online dating, according to The Atlantic describes. Shortly after joining the site, Ms Perrier matched with dark-haired Italian Ronaldo "Ronnie" Scicluna, who according to his profile, was a 34-year-old electrician living in the West Midlands. Yet when the couple chatted, she was surprised to find he did not speak Italian. Alarm bells rang again when the pair had still not met in person, despite speaking online for six months. Using an app to track down the original source of the photos Ronnie had used on his dating profile, she found out they actually belonged to a Turkish model called Adem Guzel. She then found his social media accounts and his model-management website. It turns out Ronnie was actually Alan Stanley, a 53-year-old shop decorator from the Midlands. In September 2016, Ms Perrier messaged Mr Guzel and the pair ended up chatting. Soon, their relationship blossomed into a long-distance romance. Even after Mr Stanley admitted he had stolen Mr Guzels pictures to pose as Ronnie, Ms Perrier continued to speak to him online. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 15 November 2022 Lesley Sutcliffe shelters from the rain next to a life-sized replica of the innermost coffin of King Tutankhamun by artist Amanda Stoner as it goes on display inside a traditional red telephone box which has been converted into a museum, in Barnsley, South Yorkshire PA 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 She eventually cut contact with him at the beginning of 2017, when her relationship with Mr Guzel got serious. When Mr Guzel arrived in London in April, Ms Perrier met him at the airport. Three minutes later, I felt like I [had known] her a long time, Guzel told the Atlantic. The couple are still together and Mr Stanley says he is in a new relationship with a woman younger than Emma. Speaking to The Atlantic about why he invented Ronnie to dupe Ms Perrier, he said he was lonely and lacked confidence. I wasnt feeling the most attractive of people, I might say. You know, I always struggled with self-confidence and ... I was going through a messy separation and I was just feeling like I needed somebody to talk to, he said. 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 }} An American woman who was unable to enter the UK to be with her husband, a Royal Navy pilot, has finally had her visa application accepted, ending more than five months of uncertainty for the couple. Marianne Rawlins and Commander Simon Rawlins married in the US in April, but the couple became separated a month later when Commander Rawlins received orders to return to the UK. Ms Rawlins, a US citizen, submitted a visa application, but eventually became concerned after several months hearing no word on when she would be able to join her husband. Commander Rawlins wrote a letter to The Telegraph to draw attention to the issue, and Ms Rawlins subsequently told the paper she had been left homeless and with few possessions, after having sent most of them to the UK ahead of joining her husband. But the Home Office has confirmed she may now join her husband in Britain. In a statement the department said: We have received all the information we requested to process Mrs Rawlins application and we have today issued her visa. We have also contacted her to apologise for any inconvenience. Ms Rawlins said she was very grateful for a wave of support the couple had received, but had previously expressed frustration that the uncertainty had rendered her a prisoner in my own country. She said she had seen people from other countries have their visas processed within weeks, and said officials in Britain were numb to the idea that this actually affects lives. Speaking to The Telegraph she said: Agreeing to move to the UK was a difficult decision for me because my family in the US is very small and incredibly close, she added. I was willing to make these sacrifices because Simons job as a Royal Navy pilot is etched into the very fibre of who he is. When he got his orders to move to the UK...I never imagined the visa component would be this difficult. He is completely alone. He doesnt want to decorate the house without his wife, so he sits in his empty home, surrounded by boxes filled with wedding gifts that are still wrapped. Commander Rawlins is reportedly nicknamed Top Gun, and has clocked up a record number of flying hours in Afghanistan. He detailed some of his exploits in an interview with The Telegraph, describing aerial manoeuvres he used while fighting, including flying his Harrier jet upside down, while flying up the side of a mountain at more than 500mph in a bid to scare off Taliban fighters. 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 }} Angela Merkel has given hope there will eventually be success in Brexit negotiations, raising the possibility of trade talks between the EU and UK starting in December. The German Chancellor rebuffed suggestions that talks might collapse, saying they were making progress step by step. But her positive note was balanced by the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte who said the EU27 still need more meat on the bone of Britain's exit payment promise. They were speaking after Theresa May issued a direct plea to leaders to clear the way for a deal which she can sell to British voters. Amid growing pressure from hardline Eurosceptics in her own party to prepare for a no-deal Brexit, the Prime Minister told leaders of the remaining 27 states that they face a clear and urgent imperative to give new impetus to stalled negotiations. In an early-hours press conference following the dinner, Ms Merkel said: I have no doubt that if we are all in clear minds... we are going to achieve a good outcome. As far as I am concerned, I don't hear any reason to believe that we are not going to be successful. Brexit: the deciders Show all 8 1 /8 Brexit: the deciders Brexit: the deciders European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier Getty Brexit: the deciders French President Emmanuel Macron Getty Brexit: the deciders German Chancellor Angela Merkel Reuters Brexit: the deciders Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker EPA Brexit: the deciders The European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt Getty Brexit: the deciders Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May Getty Images Brexit: the deciders Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond PA Brexit: the deciders After the first and second appointed Brexit secretaries resigned (David Davis and Dominic Raab respectively), Stephen Barclay is currently heading up the position PA Ms Merkel said she was highly motivated to work on a new mandate for chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier which might permit trade talks to begin in December, but warned the second stage of talks would be more complicated than the first. On the divorce issues dealt with in the first stage, there was by and large general agreement on the future status of the Irish border and headway was being made on expats' rights after Brexit, but Ms May made no specific new offer on Britain's financial settlement, she said. Mr Rutte explained that Ms May's promise in a speech in Florence last month that the UK would honour financial commitments made as an EU member needed a more concrete footing. The offer made by Ms May in Florence is believed to amount to around 18 billion, while Brussels is understood to be seeking something closer to 53 billion. Theresa May: No Brexit breakthrough on the cards Ms Merkel and French president Emmanuel Macron made a public show of support for the Prime Minister on the first day of the council, engaging her in prolonged conversation on their way into the summit chamber. However, the EU27 will declare at the European Council in Brussels on Friday that insufficient progress has been made in withdrawal negotiations for trade talks to begin as Britain wants, with several leaders making clear they want more clarity about how much the UK is willing to pay in its Brexit divorce bill. But they are expected to offer Ms May a glimmer of hope by agreeing to start internal scoping work on their trade stance ahead of a possible green-light for the second phase of negotiations, dealing with trade and the transition to Brexit, at their next gathering on December 14-15. 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 refused to put a figure on Britains Brexit divorce bill during the first phase of secession negotiations as EU leaders warn she will need to make a concrete offer in order to make progress. Speaking at the European Council summit in Brussels the Prime Minister told reporters that the figure for the liabilities bill estimated to be at least 20 billion would only be named at the very final stages of talks. EU leaders and negotiators however say those final stages will only be reached once the divorce bill is finalised continuing the deadlock between the two sides. Ms May had said in her Florence speech earlier this month that the UK would cover its costs in the current EU budget round and that no member state would lose out, but the PM has irked EU leaders by refusing to put a figure on this commitment. Ive been very clear all along as the UK has, all along throughout this, that the full and final settlement will come as part of the final agreement that were getting in relation to the future partnership. I think thats absolutely right, she said at a press conference near the end of the European Council meeting on Friday. The EUs negotiators have repeatedly insisted on settling the issue of the divorce bill, as well as that of Northern Ireland and EU citizens rights, before any trade talks can begin. UK officials had hoped that national leaders might be persuaded to change this mandate at European Council, but far from softening a line, national leaders have been even more explicit. Theresa May: No Brexit breakthrough on the cards Speaking at the summit, Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte said: I suspect that if they want progress, the British Government will have to tell us at the very least if they dont give us a number how they think they will be able to get to a number, together with Europe. Otherwise well keep going round in circles. European Commission chief negotiator revealed at the end of the last round of talks that the divorce bill had not even been fully negotiated on during that week because of the complete breakdown in progress on the issue. Brexit: the deciders Show all 8 1 /8 Brexit: the deciders Brexit: the deciders European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier Getty Brexit: the deciders French President Emmanuel Macron Getty Brexit: the deciders German Chancellor Angela Merkel Reuters Brexit: the deciders Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker EPA Brexit: the deciders The European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt Getty Brexit: the deciders Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May Getty Images Brexit: the deciders Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond PA Brexit: the deciders After the first and second appointed Brexit secretaries resigned (David Davis and Dominic Raab respectively), Stephen Barclay is currently heading up the position PA There was some good news for the UK at the summit, however, after European Council president Donald Tusk announced that the EU would begin internal preparations for trade talks so it could be ready to negotiate with Britain once the deadlock was broken. Brexit conclusions adopted. Leaders green-light internal EU27 preparations for 2nd phase, he said. Negotiators are yet to schedule further rounds of talks ahead, with more dates expected to be announced soon and conducted ahead of the next European Council summit in December. 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 }} Work on settling Britain's financial obligations to the EU when it leaves is not even halfway done, the French president has said. Emmanuel Macron said Britain was far from what was needed for settling its financial settlement which is estimated to be at least 20 billion. A lot is in the hands of Theresa May, Macron said in a news conference at the end of a European Council summit in Brussels. "If, as Prime Minister May said in Florence, we want to make sure that no-one will have to pay more or receive less, and if we want to make sure the UK will comply with all its commitments made as a member of the EU ... I would say we are far from having reached the necessary financial commitments before we can open phase two. "I can only underline how much work needs to be done." "I would say we are far from having reached the necessary financial commitments before we can open phase two," he added. "We are not halfway there." 'No decisive progress' on Brexit, says EU negotiator Michel Barnier Mr Macrons comments echo those of other national leaders who have expressed concern at the lack of progress on the divorce bill. Dutch PM Mark Rutte also said at the summit in the British side wanted progress it would have to move towards coming up with a number. But Theresa May said this morning that a final agreement on a figure could only come as part of the final deal. Ive been very clear all along as the UK has, all along throughout this, that the full and final settlement will come as part of the final agreement that were getting in relation to the future partnership. I think thats absolutely right, she said at a separate press conference at the summit. Tusk: Reports of a deadlock have been "exaggerated" and talks should reach second phase in December The divorce bill has the main sticking point of talks because the EU says it will not discuss future trade relationships without it being settled, and the UK says it cannot be settled without discussing the future relationship. There are some mixed messages coming out of the EU side at the summit, however. Angela Merkel struck a more positive on arrival, saying she was optimistic of a move to trade talks by December. Brexit: the deciders Show all 8 1 /8 Brexit: the deciders Brexit: the deciders European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier Getty Brexit: the deciders French President Emmanuel Macron Getty Brexit: the deciders German Chancellor Angela Merkel Reuters Brexit: the deciders Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker EPA Brexit: the deciders The European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt Getty Brexit: the deciders Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May Getty Images Brexit: the deciders Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond PA Brexit: the deciders After the first and second appointed Brexit secretaries resigned (David Davis and Dominic Raab respectively), Stephen Barclay is currently heading up the position PA Council president Donald Tusk on Friday also told reporters he did not believe there was a "deadlock" in negotiations, contradicting a statement by Commission chief negotiator Michel Barnier. At the same press conference, Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker stood by the description of a 'deadlock', however. 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 }} Reports that Brexit talks between Britain and the EU are deadlocked have been "exaggerated", the president of the European Council has said. Donald Tusk told reporters at the European Council summit in Brussels that there had been progress in talks, even though sufficient progress had not been reached to move to trade negotiations. But European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker stood by the urgent description of the situation, first used by his chief negotiator Michel Barnier and coined at the end of the last round of talks this month. Mr Tusk told reporters in Brussels at a press conference to mark the end of the summit: "After Prime Minister May's intervention last night and our discussion about Brexit this morning my impression is that the reports of the deadlock between the EU and the UK have been exaggerated and while progress is not sufficient it doesnt mean theres no progress at all." Mr Barnier had used the term "deadlock" three times in a press conference at the conclusion of the last round of talks, specifically in reference to the divorce bill. Contradicting Mr Tusk and defending his negotiator, Mr Juncker told journalists: "In my rhetoric I would have used the word deadlock four times, not three times with the British press you have to be as superficial as the British press is." But Mr Tusk said: "I want to be the positive motivator for the next five or six weeks because our ambition is to achieve the final of the fist phase in December. For this we need, maybe a more positive narrative. "You can describe our negotiations in a very different words, but my feeling today ... I feel that for sure both sides present only good will and this is why maybe in my rhetoric I am maybe a little bit more optimistic than Michel Barnier, but I am also in a different role." Mr Tusk matched some action to his words by granting a tiny concession to the UK allowing the EU side to internally prepare for trade talks with Britain, should that stage of negotiations be reached. Mr Juncker also used the press conference to state that no British negotiator had yet explained what "no deal" means though he said the EU understood perfectly well. He insisted the UK would be in for a "collective education" were it to go down the no deal route in talks. Ms May this morning admitted there was "some way to go" in negotiations, again refusing to put a figure on Britain's divorce bill that other leaders say must be settled before trade negotiations can begin. She said a "final settlement" would come as part of a "final agreement". Brexit: the deciders Show all 8 1 /8 Brexit: the deciders Brexit: the deciders European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier Getty Brexit: the deciders French President Emmanuel Macron Getty Brexit: the deciders German Chancellor Angela Merkel Reuters Brexit: the deciders Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker EPA Brexit: the deciders The European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt Getty Brexit: the deciders Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May Getty Images Brexit: the deciders Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond PA Brexit: the deciders After the first and second appointed Brexit secretaries resigned (David Davis and Dominic Raab respectively), Stephen Barclay is currently heading up the position PA The PM had played down hopes of a breakthrough as she arrived at the summit yesterday, arguing that it was an opportunity to "take stock". She was ultimately not allowed to negotiate face-to-face with EU leaders on Brexit, but was permitted to say her piece in an address over dinner on Thursday evening. The next round of talks has not yet been scheduled but both sides say they are aiming to make sufficient progress in negotiations before the European Council summit in December this year the next opportunity for the EU27 to judge whether it is time for trade talks. 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 }} The Women and Equalities Minister has urged Jeremy Corbyn to condemn remarks made by Labour MP Clive Lewis. The Norwich South politician was caught on camera saying Get on your knees b**** to an actor at an event organised by Momentum, alongside the Labour Party conference last month. The comments were said to have been made in jest but provoked widespread criticism from across the political spectrum. In a letter to the Mr Corbyn, equalities minister Justine Greening said: "The recent use of language by Clive Lewis MP was totally and utterly unacceptable in the world of the 'kinder, gentler politics' you claim to support. "Senior women in the Labour Party have understandably condemned his words, and as leader of the Labour Party, you should too." She continued: "As Members of Parliament we should be setting an example to the country and this sexist, misogynistic language needs to be stamped out and that starts with you calling it out. "Will you now step forward and condemn the sexist language of Clive Lewis, and the unacceptable attitudes that lie behind it, and set out how you plan to tackle misogyny in the Labour Party?" Mr Lewis has since issued an apology, saying: I apologise unreservedly for the language I used at an event in Brighton last month. It was offensive and unacceptable. But there was further criticism on Friday afternoon as chief executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Rebecca Hilsenrath, said: "This is entirely extraordinary language on the part of an elected politician. Clive Lewis jokes "get on your knees bitch" to a man in panel event "Clive Lewis' words are highly derogatory, offensive and completely inexcusable, and we, and the women in Mr Lewis' constituency, have every right to expect our MPs to behave in a more professional manner. "We need to see firm, robust and prompt action on the part of the Labour Party to make clear that there is no place for misogyny in the party." Outrage from MPs also continued. Fellow Labour politician Stella Creasy tweeted: "It's not OK. Even if meant as a joke, reinforces menace that men have the physical power to force compliance." Tory MP Mims Davies said: "Astounding inappropriate language from [Clive] Lewis I think Jess Phillips needs to get you on an URGENT training course. This must stop." Labour Conference 2017 in pictures Show all 14 1 /14 Labour Conference 2017 in pictures Labour Conference 2017 in pictures Britain's opposition Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn delivers his keynote speech at the Labour Party Conference in Brighton Reuters/Toby Melville Labour Conference 2017 in pictures Senior members of Britain's opposition Labour Party listen to Leader Jeremy Corbyn deliver his keynote speech at the Labour Party Conference in Brighton Reuters/Peter Nicholls Labour Conference 2017 in pictures Diane Abbott receives a standing ovation during Jeremy Corbyn's speech at the Labour Party conference BBC Labour Conference 2017 in pictures Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn addresses delegates on the final day of the Labour Party conference on September 27, 2017 in Brighton Leon Neal/Getty Images Labour Conference 2017 in pictures Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn stands with Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Rebecca Long-Bailey (left) and Shadow Secretary of State for Education, Angela Raynor after speeches in the main hall, on day three of the annual Labour Party Conference on September 26, 2017 in Brighton Getty Labour Conference 2017 in pictures Angela Rayner, Shadow Education Secretary, addressing the Labour Party annual conference at the Brighton Centre, Brighton PA Labour Conference 2017 in pictures The mayor of London Sadiq Khan delivers a speech at the Labour Party Conference in Brighton, Britain Reuters Labour Conference 2017 in pictures Dennis Skinner addressing the Labour Party annual conference at the Brighton Centre, Brighton PA Labour Conference 2017 in pictures John McDonnell MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer Labour Party Conference, Day 2, Brighton Rex Labour Conference 2017 in pictures Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer John McDonnell (C) speaks with Labour party's leader Jeremy Corbyn (L) ahead of making a speech on the second day of the Labour Party Conference AFP/Getty Images Labour Conference 2017 in pictures Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn addresses supporters during a momentum rally on the first day of the Labour Party conference Getty Labour Conference 2017 in pictures Jeremy Corbyn listens to speeches in the main hall on the first day of the Labour Party conference Getty Images Labour Conference 2017 in pictures Labour Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott addresses delegates in the main hall on the first day of the Labour Party conference on September 24 Getty Labour Conference 2017 in pictures Jeremy Corbyn addresses a rally ahead of the Labour Party Conference in Brighton Reuters Earlier, The Independent reported that a someone in the audience said: This is meant to be a safe space, thank you. But later it was claimed the remark was made as a gag. Ash Sarkar, editor at left-wing media outlet Novara Media, said on Twitter: I was hosting, and it was a joke you dingbat. A Labour Party spokesperson said: The Labour Party condemn the language used by Clive Lewis. It was completely unacceptable and falls far short of the standard we expect of Labour MPs." 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 }} The Government has been accused of creating a dangerous blind spot over the scale of attacks on NHS staff after it revealed it no longer collects information on hospital assaults. Ministers admitted for the first time that they will rely on an optional staff survey to tot up the number of attacks - a move branded totally inadequate by nursing leaders. Physical assaults on NHS staff rose by 4 per cent from 67,864 in 2014/15 to 70,555 in 2015/16, according to NHS Protect, which collected data on attacks until it was quietly axed earlier this year. Recommended Government backs tougher sentences for assaults on emergency workers One A&E nurse told The Independent that she had seen a colleague stabbed in the neck with a pair of scissors and on another occasion a drunk patient had torn out his IV drip and sprayed blood at nurses while screaming abuse. It comes as MPs were set to debate plans for tougher sentences for attacks on all blue-light workers, which has received Government backing. The backbench bill, brought by Labour MP Chris Bryant, would double the maximum sentence for attacks on emergency staff such as on-duty police, prison officers and firefighters from six months to a year. Kim Sunley, from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said that relying on the NHS Staff Survey would make it difficult to measure the bills impact. She said: This creates a dangerous blind spot for ministers hoping to tackle the increasing number of assaults in the NHS. It is totally inadequate to rely on optional surveys, especially if the law is being tightened. The official body, before it was disbanded, warned Ministers the level of assaults was rising. It should not have been removed and the Government must take their role more seriously. This bill represents a vital step towards achieving that, but without the ability to fully monitor the figures, it will be difficult to quantify the scale of the problem, or the effectiveness of any new law. Her concern was echoed by Mr Bryant, whose private members bill will receive its second reading in the Commons on Friday. The Rhondda MP told The Independent: This doesn't fit with the governments support for my bill. We can legislate as much as we want but if we cant make hospitals and clinics a safe place to work and we dont even check whether they are a safe place for people to work then we will let down our emergency workers. Nikki Williams, who has been an A&E nurse for eight years, said verbal abuse and assaults were commonplace but many NHS workers did not pursue justice because they believed the police would not take their complaint seriously. She said: These things happen all the time, not just at weekends. People sometimes say to me I have chosen this because I chose to work in A&E but nobody should expect to go to work and be abused all the time. Its not right. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 15 November 2022 Lesley Sutcliffe shelters from the rain next to a life-sized replica of the innermost coffin of King Tutankhamun by artist Amanda Stoner as it goes on display inside a traditional red telephone box which has been converted into a museum, in Barnsley, South Yorkshire PA 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 The move was revealed by Health minister Philip Dunne in response to a parliamentary question. A Government spokesperson said: "NHS staff work incredibly hard in a high-pressure environment - it is completely unacceptable for them to be subject to aggression or violence and employers should have no hesitation in involving the police. "We continue to collect data on physical assaults against NHS staff through the annual NHS staff survey, with trusts also collecting data at a local level, and we are making crucial legal changes to ensure those who are violent face the full force of the law. 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's former director of communications said the Government is in a weakened position in Brexit negotiations because it invoked Article 50 too early. Katie Perrior, who resigned from Downing Street after the Prime Minister called a snap general election earlier this year, suggested triggering the legislation in March meant Britain had to accept a timetable for talks from the European Union (EU). European leaders have insisted key issues including citizens rights, are negotiated before trade discussions can commence. But talks have remained at an impasse and trade has not yet been addressed. Recommended EU agrees to begin preparing for Brexit trade talks "We of course accepted the Europeans schedule on the negotiation talks," Ms Perrior told ITV's After the News programme. "We probably should have gone in much harder in the beginning." She added: "We probably should have taken much more time at the beginning to trigger Article 50 and taken things much more slowly than we have. Her remarks came before Theresa May admitted there was "some way to go" in negotiations with the EU. The 27 nation bloc have also said not enough progress has been made to begun formal trade talks, but they did say they would begin preparing for them with the UK, by starting internal discussions on the issue. Until then, formal discussions in Brussels with the UK will continue to focus on the Britains financial settlement also known as the divorce bill. The issue of citizens rights and the border with Northern Ireland will also be up for discussion. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 15 November 2022 Lesley Sutcliffe shelters from the rain next to a life-sized replica of the innermost coffin of King Tutankhamun by artist Amanda Stoner as it goes on display inside a traditional red telephone box which has been converted into a museum, in Barnsley, South Yorkshire PA 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 German Chancellor Angela Merkel has insisted the negotiations will eventually succeed. As far as I am concerned, I dont hear any reason to believe that we are not going to be successful, she said. I have no doubt that if we are all in clear minds we are going to achieve a good outcome. 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 }} Bernie Sanders has announced he will not be attending the Womens Convention next week after the event sparked fierce criticism for choosing a man as the key speaker. The former presidential candidate said he would be going to hurricane ravaged Puerto Rico where around one million citizens are currently without water and three million without access to power. The Womens Convention, a three-day event in Detroit which will take place from 27-29 October, is the first big event since Januarys Womens March which saw millions of people across the country protest against Donald Trumps presidential victory. The convention prompted outrage on social media after it announced the Vermont senator had been booked as its opening night speaker last week and critics argued a woman should have been selected for the slot. "Sorry. I'm not attending a women's convention where the opening night speaker isn't a woman," one Twitter user said, sharing photos of Senators Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris and Amy Klobuchar. She added: "Perhaps consider these choices next time." Whats more, 1,312 people signed a petition to remove Mr Sanders from opening the Womens Convention. The petition, created by Amanda Hambrick Ashcraft, said: "Bernie's voice, and the voices of ALL men, women, non-conforming, non-binary, cis, and transgender people who share a passion for the unity principles of the Women's March are needed and necessary voices for this movement. "We want them at the convention. We want them listening. We want them leading. We want to learn from them, be challenged by them, changed and ignited by them. We even want them speaking at the Convention -- just not opening it. ... Having a man's face only continues the invisible presence, work and voices of women." "I want to apologize to the organisers of the Women's Convention for not being able to attend your conference next Friday in Detroit," Mr Sanders said in a statement. "Given the emergency situation in Puerto Rico, I will be traveling there to visit with San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz and other officials to determine the best way forward to deal with the devastation the island is experiencing." He offered the group his best wishes for a very successful conference in his statement. On Tuesday, the convention released a statement to say Mr Sanders would not be opening or headlining the convention and instead talking in a panel discussion. They announced Senator Debbie Stabenow would kick the night off. 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 "We know that it has been a painful week for women across the nation," the statement read. "We realise that we added to that pain when we announced Senator Sanders as a speaker at the Women's Convention and that our announcement gave the impression that he is occupying a central role at the convention." A number of women will be speaking at the event such as Democratic representative, Maxine Walters, community organiser and CNN contributor Sally Kohn, Piper Perabo, a political commentator, The Young Turks reporter Nomiki Konst, co-executive director of the Indivisible Project Leah Greenberg, Michigan Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan state Representative Stephanie Chang, Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams and even more. The Womens March co-president, Tamika Mallory, described Mr Sanders as a fierce champion of womens rights and an individual who has boosted female voices throughout his career of public service in the initial announcement for the event and hailed him as the right candidate. The convention has since said it was a shame Mr Sanders would not be able to join but said they totally understood why the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Puerto Rico is an imperative matter. A month since the category four storm swept the island with winds of up to 155mph, much of the countrys infrastructure remains in tatters. The convention "aims to have participants leave inspired and motivated, with new connections, skills and strategies for working towards collective liberation for women of all races, ethnicities, ages, abilities, sexual identities, gender expressions, immigration statuses, religious faiths, and economic statuses," according to its press release. 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 Sheriff has claimed a Breitbart article claiming an illegal immigrant was arrested in connection with the deadly fires in northern California is false and misleading. Sonoma County Sheriff Robert Giordano discussed the false claim published in the far-right publication, which is run by President Donald Trumps former chief strategist Steve Bannon, at a press conference on Tuesday. There is a story out there that hes the arsonist in these fires, Sheriff Giordano said at a press conference on Tuesday. Thats not the case. Theres no indication hes related to these fires at all ... I wanted to kill that speculation right now, so we didnt have things running too far out of control. He said Californias Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is carrying out an investigation to work out how the fires started and it was not clear whether it was even arson. They have not released a cause. We dont know if these fires were arson or caused by another source, he said in a statement. At least 42 people have died since a cluster of deadly wildfires devastated northern California and ravaged the states celebrated wine country. Tony Lopez, a reporter at CBS news, also weighed in on the furore, saying: Rumour control: a man arrested for starting a small fire in Sonoma Co is NOT connected to the large deadly wildfires in Wine Country. The article published in Breitbart, an online news site which has been nicknamed Trumpbart for its favourable coverage of President Trump, writes the suspect was arrested Sunday on suspicion of arson in wine country fires that have killed at least 40 residents. Although it is accurate that a homeless illegal immigrant was arrested for starting a small fire at a park in Sonoma on Sunday, Sheriff Giordano insisted the suspect had no connection whatsoever to the bigger and of course deadly fires which erupted last Sunday. Jesus Fabian Gonzalez, a homeless man "known to deputies," had started a fire to keep warm, according to Mr Giordano. He said the man was witnessed walking away from a small fire on Sunday afternoon holding a fire extinguisher and lighter. After law enforcement pressed him about whether he had started the fire, he is believed to have said he started it to warm himself up. 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 According to Mr Giordano, the fire was so minor and small that a deputy managed to put out most of it before firefighters arrived to the park. Despite the fact there is no evidence which connects Mr Gonzalez to the deadly fires, he is currently being detained in Sonoma Country prison on a $100,000 bond. The article said the suspect was put on hold by ICE, the largest investigative agency in the Department of Homeland Security, which is correct but according to Giordano, that is the standard protocol. This is by no means the first time Breitbart has been involved in such a controversy. The publication has published a number of falsehoods, conspiracy theories, and deliberately misleading stories. The site was declared the platform for the alt-right - a political movement which has been accused of racism, anti-Semitism, and misogyny and of sharing an ideology with far-right parties such as the French National Front - by Mr Bannon in 2016. The Independent contacted a representative of Breitbart for comment. 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 federal appeals court has opened the door to legalising prostitution in California. The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco recently allowed a legal challenge to the statewide ban on prostitution to proceed. The ruling overturns a lower courts decision to toss the case out last year. During the Thursday hearing, conservative Judge Carlos Bea wondered aloud: Why should it be illegal to sell something that its legal to give away? Recommended The first sex doll brothel has opened in Germany The case was originally filed in 2015 by three unidentified former sex workers, one potential client and the San Francisco-based Erotic Service Provider Legal, Educational and Research Project (ESPLERP). The plaintiffs argue that the 145-year ban unfairly deprives consenting adults of the right to private activity, criminalises the discussion of such activity, and unconstitutionally places prohibitions on individuals right to freely associate. Sex for sale: The truth about prostitution in Britain Show all 2 1 /2 Sex for sale: The truth about prostitution in Britain Sex for sale: The truth about prostitution in Britain 90119.bin Getty Sex for sale: The truth about prostitution in Britain 90117.bin Getty ESPLERP president Maxine Doogan claimed being associated with prostitution today is akin to a social death. Our hope is to see this bad law struck down, so that consenting adults who choose to be involved in prostitution are simply treated as private citizens again, and are afforded all the privacy and constitutional rights thereof, she said. Louis Sirkin, an attorney for the plaintiffs, cited a Supreme Court decision that struck down gay sex bans as evidence for their case. The 2003 ruling, in Lawrence vs. Texas, found that consensual sexual conduct was part of the personal and private life of the individual, and protected by the due process liberty right. Queer Muslim sex worker on her everyday life: 'I'm a science experiment' The plaintiffs in this case, Mr Sirkin argued, are voluntary individuals who want to engage in sexual activity, according to CBS News. The case revives a long-running argument in which both sides invoke protecting vulnerable sex workers. Proponents of decriminalising sex work argue that an ancient, consensual activity should be allowed and that making it illegal hurts marginalised members of society. Opponents warn that removing criminal penalties would embolden pimps and validate abuse of women. Numerous civil rights and LGBT advocacy organisations have supported the case, arguing in a court filing that sex between consensual adults should not be illegal. They also argued that gay and transgender people are disproportionately affected by the prohibition because they are more often targeted for prosecution whether or not theyre actually engaged in sex work and that women selling sex are arrested more than men buying it. We see this is as an important issue both as a matter of liberty and as a matter of equality, said Amanda Goad, an LGBTQ rights staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of California. Theres a huge difference between consensual sex work and exploitative sex trafficking I think were all agreed that sex trafficking is a big problem that shouldnt be acceptable by any stretch. What were saying needs to be decriminalised here is voluntary work, Ms Goad said, arguing that criminalisation harms sex workers because you cant really go to the police when youre feeling unsafe, you cant do anything about an exploitative workplace or wage theft. The state, meanwhile, argued that the ban did not restrict consensual sex itself, but the sale and purchase of it. Deputy Attorney General Sharon OGrady, the attorney for the state, argued that banning commercial sex helped protect against violence, drug use, and trafficking as well. The state is not telling anyone who they can sleep with, Ms OGrady said. Backing Californias argument are a number of anti-sex trafficking organisations that argued in a court filing that prostitution is inherently harmful and is integrally connected to sex trafficking, drugs, brutal physical violence, rape, and murder. The filing warns that legalising prostitution would empower pimps and traffickers. Lisa Thompson of the National Centre on Sexual Exploitation, which joined that filing, called prostitution a raw manifestation of male sexual entitlement. To the extent that this is permitted by law, they enshrine a right to buy human beings, Ms Thompson argue in an interview, warning of gender-based sexual exploitation that would allow men to prey on women who have acute vulnerabilities. California outlawed prostitution in 1872, with a law defining every common prostitute as a vagrant. Current California law defines prostitution as a misdemeanour punishable by up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine. A 2008 ballot measure to decriminalise prostitution in San Francisco failed by almost 60 per cent of the vote. But the state has already removed criminal penalties for juvenile sex workers, passing a law that forbids police officers from arresting minors for prostitution or soliciting with intent. Backers argued that the law would stop penalising young victims who are exploited by traffickers, but law enforcement opponents warned it would make it more difficult to separate sex workers from their pimps and get them help. Prostitution is illegal in every other US state, aside from a few counties in Nevada. Legislators in Hawaii also introduced a bill to decriminalise it in February. 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 }} An 11-year-old boy has been kicked out of his Cub Scouts den after asking his state Senator some pointed questions about gun control and minority communities. Ames Mayfield of Broomsfield, Colorado, decided to do some research on Senator Vicki Marbles before she visited his Cub Scouts den, his mother says. He arrived at the meeting with three questions typed up, printed out, and ready to ask his Senator. "I was shocked that you co-sponsored a bill to allow domestic violence offenders to continue to own a gun, Ames told Ms Marble, in a video posted to YouTube by his mother. Why on earth would you want someone who beats their wife to have access to a gun?" Recommended Boy Scouts to admit girls in historic rule change He rattled off a few statistics before an adult cut him off, saying: OK, Ames, that is a really thorough question. Now, Ames and his mother, Lori Mayfield, say he's been asked to leave the den. "I am really heartbroken that my Den leader, which I really felt like I had a pretty good relationship with, decided to kick me out," Ames told 9News. 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 Boy Scouts of America Denver Area Council did not say why Ames was asked to leave, but told the Denver Post that they were evaluating the matter closely". Marketing director Nicole Cosme added that the Boy Scouts is a wholly nonpartisan organization and does not promote any one political position, candidate or philosophy. Ames has been offered membership in other Boy Scout dens, Ms Cosme said. Trump tells Boy Scouts: "We could use some more loyalty" Ames's mother, however, said he was fond of his current den leader, and was just three months away from advancing to the Boy Scouts. More importantly, she added, it raised questions about what values the Cub Scouts were teaching. I felt my son followed directions. He asked hard questions, but he was not disrespectful, she said. In fact, even the congresswoman said she didnt blame Ames for the tough line of questioning. It wasnt much different from the questions I normally field in other meetings, Ms Marble told the Post. The invitation to meet with the scouts was never intended to cause friction and controversy. At the October 9 meeting, Ames also asked Ms Marble about controversial comments she had made in 2013 about mortality rates among black people. At the time, she said there were "problems in the black race related to life expectancy, including sickle-cell anaemia and diabetes. Although Ive got to say, she added. Ive never had better barbecue and better chicken and ate better in my life than when you go down South and you, I mean, I love it. Everybody loves it. At the Cub Scouts meeting, Ames asked the Congresswoman why she had blamed black people for poor health and poverty because of all the chicken and barbecue they eat. I didnt, that was made up by the media, Ms Marble responded. So, you want to believe it? You believe it. But thats not how it went down. Shortly thereafter, Ames was asked to leave his den, his mother said. She is currently looking for a new den for him to join. At least one person appears to be a fan of Amess questions, however. Former Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords tweeted a link to his story on Thursday, adding: This is exactly the kind of courage we need in Congress. Ames, call me in 14 years. Ill campaign for you. 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 woman was almost three times over the alcohol limit when her car crashed into a mother of six on her way home from visiting her premature newborn twins in hospital, investigators said. Alexia Cina's car "collided head on" with 37-year-old Katie Evans after crossing the center median of the Golden Valley Road in Santa Clarita, according to sheriffs of the Californian city. Ms Evans was pronounced dead at the scene, the force said in a statement on Facebook. They added that Toxicology reports revealed the 21-year-old "had a blood alcohol content of .21", the legal limit is .08. Alcohol containers were also found in the vehicle, they said. Katie leaves behind her husband Jacob Evans, her children Spencer (12), Travis (11), Nathaniel (9), Gideon (2) and her premie twin girls Hannah and Sarah, Ms Evans friend Natalie Mortensen wrote on a fundraising page that has been set up for the victims family. Katie couldn't go a day without visiting her brand-new twin girls in the hospital. She was a devoted mother, sister and wife and will be immensely missed." She added that Evans' husband Jacob had been left to care for the six children by himself. 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 "There will be many childcare costs as well as unforeseen expenses. The fundraising page had raised more than $300,000 at the time of publication. In a recent interview with The Signal newspaper, Mr Evans said he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love in the wake of the tragedy. The public is offering so much already, he said last week. It is a huge wonderful blessing that we have such a wonderful community. Were struggling just to sort through the offers (of help) that weve had. 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 }} Los Angeles police say they are investigating a possible sexual assault case against Harvey Weinstein the first involving the producer in the city. Police spokesman Sal Ramirez says the department has interviewed a possible sexual assault victim who reported an incident that occurred in 2013. He says the investigation is ongoing and he could not answer any questions about when the interview or incident took place. Police in New York and London are also investigating the fallen movie mogul over allegations of sex abuse in those cities. Mr Weinstein obviously can't speak to anonymous allegations, but he unequivocally denies allegations of non-consensual sex, his representative Sallie Hofmeister wrote in a statement. Mr Weinstein has been accused of sexual harassment or abuse by more than three dozen women, including several top actresses including Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie. Several of the incidents allegedly happened at hotels in Beverly Hills, which does not have an open investigation into Weinstein. Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Show all 42 1 /42 Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Harvey Weinstein Harry Weinsteins reputation as one of Hollywoods leading executives was long cemented in stone. The acclaimed movie mogul, who produced Oscar-winning films Shakespeare in Love, The English Patient, and The Artist, clocked up box office successes and accolades aplenty. But this has quickly changed since a chorus of women have come forward to accuse the Hollywood producer of sexual harassment and assault. Since the New York Times bombshell report disclosed sexual harassment and rape allegations against the film mogul dating back decades, Weinstein has been fired from his namesake company, expelled from the Oscars and has had his wife leave him. Weinstein has apologised for having caused a lot of pain but has denied all allegations of nonconsensual sex. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Annabella Sciorra The Sopranos actor alleged Weinstein raped her after shooting The Night We Never Met, a 1993 movie that Weinstein produced. Similar to the stories told by other women, Weinstein drove the actor home, only to reportedly burst into Sciorra's apartment and start unbuttoning his shirt. He shoved me onto the bed, and he got on top of me, Sciorra said. I kicked and I yelled. Weinstein then allegedly locked her arms and forced sexual intercourse on her. After the incident, Sciorra found it increasingly hard to get work, many filmmakers saying 'We heard you were difficult', something the actor claims was because of the 'Weinstein-machine'. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Natassia Malthe The model and actress, who has appeared in around 50 films, said she met Weinstein at a BAFTA after party in 2008 while she was working as a spokeswoman for LG. She told a press conference in New York that she felt pressured into telling Weinstein she was staying at the Sanderson Hotel after being put on the spot. Malthe, now 43, said after her shift on February 10 she went back to her room and went to sleep, but was awoken by "repeated pounding" on her door, from someone yelling: "Open the door Natassia Malthe, it's Harvey Weinstein." Feeling humiliated, she said she opened the door. She alleged Weinstein began implying sex would get her a role in an upcoming film while semi-undressed and then he began to masturbate. "I was sitting on the bed talking to Harvey when he pushed me back and forced himself onto me. It was not consensual. He did not use a condom," she said. AP Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Sean Young The actor, best known for her role in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, said that Weinstein exposed himself to her in the early 1990s, when she was starring in the Miramax-produced Love Crimes - a production company that Weinstein headed at the time. "I personally experienced him pulling his you-know-what out of his pants to shock me," she said. "My basic response was, 'You know, Harvey, I really dont think you should be pulling that thing out, its not very pretty.'" Young never worked with Weinstein again after the incident. Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Mimi Haleyi Mimi Haleyi said she was assaulted by Weinstein in what appeared to be a child's bedroom in his New York City apartment in 2006 when she was in her 20s. She said she was aspiring to work in television and film production when she was first introduced to him at the London premiere of The Aviator around two years earlier and he helped her get experience on the set of a TV show being produced by The Weinstein Company. But, she added, he repeatedly hassled her and even tried to force himself through her front door in an effort to get her to join him on a trip to Paris. At one point he allegedly forcibly performed oral sex on an aspiring production assistant while she was on her period. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lupita Nyong'o In an op-ed for The New York Times, the Oscar-winning actor said she was invited to Weinsteins family home in Connecticut on the premise of watching a film shortly after they met in 2011. But she said shortly after it started he "insisted" in front of his children that she follow him and she was led to his bedroom. The Kenyan-Mexican actress, now 34, said she felt pressured into giving him a massage after he offered her one. "Before long he said he wanted to take off his pants," she wrote."I told him not to do that and informed him that it would make me extremely uncomfortable. He got up anyway to do so and I headed for the door, saying that I was not at all comfortable with that." Over the years that followed, he continued to get in touch, Nyong'o said, and when she declined another proposition she felt her career was threatened. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lena Headey Writing on social media, the Game of Thrones actor claims she first met Weinstein at the Venice Film Festival in 2005 where, after taking her for a walk by the water, he made some suggestive comment and gesture. Headey claims she bumped into Weinstein years later where he kept asking her questions about her love life. She alleges that, when Weinstein invited her to his hotel room to show her a script, the "energy shifted. The actor notes how, after saying she was not interesting in anything but the work, Weinstein was furious, apparently marching her back to a lift, "grabbing and holding tightly to the back of [her] arm." She claims that, after paying for her car, he whispered in her ear: "Don't tell anyone about this, not your manager, not your agent. Headey finished the post, writing: I got in the car and I cried. Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lucia Evans The actor told The New Yorker that after a meeting to discuss casting her in various projects, Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex on him. I said, over and over, I dont want to do this, stop, dont. She added: Hes a big guy. He overpowered me. I just sort of gave up. Thats the most horrible part of it, and thats why hes been able to do this for so long to so many women: people give up, and then they feel like its their fault. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Laura Madden Madden, a production assistant who worked at Miramax for a decade, told the Times that Weinstein allegedly prodded her for massages at hotels, a common theme among the sources the Timess reporters spoke with. On one occasion, she claims she locked herself in his hotel bathroom, sobbing Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Ashley Judd Judd recounted for the Times how Weinstein allegedly harassed her while she was filming Kiss the Girls in 1996, inviting her to his hotel room and asking her for a massage, then inviting her to watch him shower. Judd first went public with the allegations in a 2015 interview with Variety during which she discussed the experience without naming the producer involved. She described Weinsteins alleged behaviour as coercive bargaining; I said no, a lot of ways, a lot of times, and he always came back at me with some new ask, she told the Times AFP/Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Rose McGowan McGowan reportedly reached a previously undisclosed $100,000 settlement with Weinstein in 1997, over an incident that occurred in a hotel room Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Mimi Haleyi Mimi Haleyi said she was assaulted by Weinstein in what appeared to be a child's bedroom in his New York City apartment in 2006 when she was in her 20s. She said she was aspiring to work in television and film production when she was first introduced to him at the London premiere of The Aviator around two years earlier and he helped her get experience on the set of a TV show being produced by The Weinstein Company. But, she added, he repeatedly hassled her and even tried to force himself through her front door in an effort to get her to join him on a trip to Paris. At one point he allegedly forcibly performed oral sex on an aspiring production assistant while she was on her period. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Emily Nestor Nestor had been temping at the Weinstein Company for only one day in 2014 when Weinstein allegedly offered to boost her career in return for sexual favours, according to the Times. She declined and reportedly complained of his behaviour to colleagues, who later passed the information on to senior executives. An internal Weinstein Company document cited by the Times describes Nestors encounter with Weinstein as follows: She said he was very persistent and focused though she kept saying no for over an hour Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Ambra Battilana In March 2015, Battilana, an aspiring model and actress, was reportedly summoned to Weinsteins office on a Friday night to discuss her career. According to a police report cited by the Times, Battilana claimed she was assaulted by Weinstein, who grabbed her breasts after asking if they were real and put his hands up her skirt. Weinstein later claimed that Battilana had set him up, according to colleagues of his who were interviewed by the Times. The Manhattan District Attorney, Cyrus Vance, later declined to press charges, and according to the Times, made a payment to Battilana. On 5 October, the International Business Times reported that after Vance dropped the charges, he received $10,000 from Weinsteins lawyer Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lauren OConnor Lauren OConnor, an employee of the Weinstein Company, penned a memo to executives alleging a toxic environment for women at the company. The memo cited numerous incidents of Weinstein harassing or coercing women who worked for him. She expressed fear that Weinstein was using her and other female employees to facilitate liaisons with vulnerable women who hope he will get them work. That same year, Weinstein allegedly reached a settlement with OConnor Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Kate Beckinsale The actor, who starred in the Weinstein Company films Serendipity and The Aviator, alleges that she was invited to Weinsteins hotel room at the age of just 17. When she approached the door, the producer reportedly greeted her dressed in just a dressing gown. I was incredibly naive and young and it did not cross my mind that this older, unattractive man would expect me to have any sexual interest in him, she wrote on Instagram. After declining alcohol and announcing that I had school in the morning I left, uneasy but unscathed. Theo Wargo/Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Gwyneth Paltrow The actor alleges that after he cast her in the title role of the film Emma when she was 22, he took her to his hotel room, placed his hands on her and suggested massages. I was a kid, I was signed up, I was petrified, Paltrow told the New York Times. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Asia Argento Italian actress Asia Argento has alleged that in 1997 Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on her as she repeatedly told him to stop. When I see him, it makes me feel little and stupid and weak, Argento told The New Yorker. After the rape, he won. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Cara Delevigne The British model and actress penning an Instagram post claiming that Weinstein had ordered her to kiss another woman in his hotel room, and tried to kiss her on the lips. AFP/Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Ashley Judd Ashley Judd said she rebuffed Harvey Weinsteins unwanted sexual advances by offering to consent only after she had won an Oscar. When she was initially invited to a meeting with Weinstein, Judd said, she was surprised to learn the producer was in his hotel room - a tactic that recurs in other womens accounts. Echoing the accounts of other women, Judd said Weinstein suggested she give him a massage and then invited her to watch him shower. After a volley of nos she said she would only after she wins an Oscar, fleeing after making the comments. Reuters/Mike Segar Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Judith Godreche French actress Judith Godreche said when she was 24 Weinstein invited her to his hotel room and asked to give her a massage. The next thing I know, hes pressing against me and pulling off my sweater, she told the New York Times. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Mira Sorvino The Oscar-winning actor said she found herself in a hotel room with Weinstein in 1995 where he started massaging my shoulders, which made me very uncomfortable, and then tried to get more physical, sort of chasing me around. According to an interview in The New Yorker Weinstein subsequently arrived at her apartment late at night and she had to call a friend to come over to pose as her boyfriend in order to get Weinstein out of the house. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Katherine Kendall The actress said Weinstein undressed and chased her around a living room when she was just 23. She subsequently felt that telling others meant Ill never work again and no one is going to care or believe me, she told the New York Times. WireImage Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Tomi-Anne Roberts As an aspiring actress and working in a restaurant in New York, Tomi-Ann Roberts encountered Weinstein who encouraged her to audition for one of his films back in 1984. She subsequently went to meet him and found him naked in the bath and invited her to get naked and get into the bath with him, she told the New York Times. She said she left feeling manipulated. Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Myleen Klass It has also been alleged that the disgraced film producer propositioned Myleene Klass with a sex contract at Cannes Film Festival in 2010. One of the singer and television personalitys friends reportedly told The Sun, Klass had told Weinstein to f*** off. Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Sophie Dix Sophie Dix, best known for her role as Captain Sadie Williams in Soldier Soldier, described her encounter with Weinstein when she was 23 as the single most damaging thing thats happened in my life. She told The Guardian Weinstein had pushed her to her bed and was tugging at her clothes. She rushed to the bathroom to escape, but when she came out she found him standing there masturbating. I quickly closed the door again and locked it, she said. Then when I heard room service come to the door I just ran. Rex Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lea Seydoux The actor and director claims she had to fight off Weinstein after he brought her to his hotel room during what she remembers to be 2012. He suddenly jumped on me and tried to kiss me. I had to defend myself. Hes big and fat, so I had to be forceful to resist him. I left his room, thoroughly disgusted, she wrote in The Guardian. AFP/Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Claire Forlani British actress Claire Forlani wrote on Twitter that she had evaded Weinsteins advances on five occasions at the age of 25. At meetings with the Hollywood a-lister, she says massage was suggested, and that Weinstein had boasted of all the women hed had sex with. Mark Douet Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Florence Darel French actress Florence Darel claimed Weinstein relentlessly pursued her in the mid 1990's and propositioned her while Eve Chilton, his wife at the time, was in the hotel room next door. I was astonished, she told People magazine. When you have someone so physically disgusting in front of you, continuing and continuing as though this was all perfectly normal What happened to me may not be illegal but it was inappropriate. Very inappropriate. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lysette Anthony Lysette Anthony, who starred as Marnie Nightingale in Hollyoaks, has claimed Weinstein raped her in the late 1980's after turning up to her London home in the late 1980s. She described the disgraced film producers alleged attack as pathetic and revolting and said it left her feeling disgusted and embarrassed. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Dawn Dunning Dunning said she met Weinstein in 2003 when she was 24-years-old and the disgraced film producer suggested she have a threesome with him and someone else. She told the New York Times Weinstein got angry when she refused. Youll never make it in this business, she said he told her as she left. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Rosanna Arquette Rosanna Arquette was already well known for her role in Desperately Seeking Susan, when she said she met Weinstein at his hotel to pick up a script in the early nineties. Weinstein was dressed only in a dressing gown, and tried to put her hand on his erect penis. Speaking to the New York Times, Arquette said as she left she told him: I will never be that girl. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Emma de Caunes Caunes, a French actor, claimed Weinstein took her to his hotel room in 2010 supposedly to retrieve a book he was making into a film, but once there he went into the bathroom. De Caunes said he then emerged naked, with an erection and told her to lie on the bed. She fled the room. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Zoe Brock Model Zoe claimed that she had to lock herself in a bathroom at Weinsteins hotel in 1997, after the mogul had sent all of the assistants out of the room, and then appeared naked. I was alone with Weinstein, she told ITVs This Morning programme. He very quickly left the room and came back naked. He chased me naked. Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Jessica Barth Actress Jessica Barth described an encounter with Weinstein in 2011 in an interview with The New Yorker in which she said Weinstein veered between offering her roles in films and demanding a naked massage. She alleges the producer said to her: So, what would happen if, say, were having some champagne and I take my clothes off and you give me a massage? When she tried to leave, he then promised to give her the number of a female executive at the company. He gave me her number, and I walked out and I started bawling, Barth said. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Romola Garai The actress told The Guardian she felt violated after she went to a meeting with Weinstein at the age of 18 and he met her in his hotel room wearing nothing but a dressing gown. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Heather Graham Graham claimed that during a casting opportunity in the early 2000's Weinstein had told her he had an open relationship with his wife. He could sleep with whomever he wanted when he was out of town. I walked out of the meeting feeling uneasy, Graham told Variety. There was no explicit mention that to star in one of those films I had to sleep with him, but the subtext was there. Graham was never hired to work in a Weinstein film. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Jessica Hynes Spaced and W1A star Jessica Hynes tweeted about an encounter with Weinstein earlier this week, but subsequently deleted the tweet. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lucia Evans The actor told The New Yorker that after a meeting to discuss casting her in various projects, Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex on him. I said, over and over, I dont want to do this, stop, dont. She added: Hes a big guy. He overpowered me. I just sort of gave up. Thats the most horrible part of it, and thats why hes been able to do this for so long to so many women: people give up, and then they feel like its their fault. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Louisette Geiss The former actress said she met Weinstein to pitch a film script she was working on. During the meeting, Weinstein allegedly went out and reappeared naked and got into a jacuzzi where he masturbated in front of her and said he would make the script into a film if she stayed and watched. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Liza Campbell Liza Campbell, a British writer and artist, alleged that Olympically ugly Weinstein asked her to join him in the bath and began getting undressed at a hotel. In a piece for The Times, Campbell claimed she was forced to sprint to the door to escape. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Louise Godbold Writing in a blog post, Louise Godbold, a non-profit director in Los Angeles, said her encounter with Weinstein took the form of an office tour that became an occasion to trap me in an empty meeting room. She said then Weinstein was begging for a massage, his hands on my shoulders as I attempted to beat a retreat. He was fired from The Weinstein Co., the film company he co-founded, earlier this month after several harassment incidents were detailed in The New York Times. Additional allegations, including from three women who said Mr Weinstein sexually assaulted them, were included in a subsequent article by The New Yorker. Two of the women, including Italian actress Asia Argento, were named while the third accuser wasn't identified. Argento told the magazine that in 1997 Mr Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on her at a hotel in France when she was 21 years old. Myleene Klass describes how Harvey Weinstein offered her a sex contract in 2010 interview Mr Weinstein, 65, resigned from the board of directors of his former company earlier this week. He has not been seen in public since last week. The Oscar winner has been expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Producers Guild of America has started the process of expelling him. On Thursday, the British Film Institute rescinded an honor it conferred to Mr Weinstein in 2002 for his contribution to British cinema. Quentin Tarantino, who has partnered with Mr Weinstein on most of his films from Pulp Fiction to The Hateful Eight over the past 20 years, told The New York Times Thursday that he knew enough to do more than I did. Tarantino had heard first hand from his then-girlfriend Mira Sorvino about Weinstein's alleged sexual harassment, and had known about the settlement reached with Rose McGowan, he told the paper. He'd also heard stories from another actress who he declined to name. He said it was impossible that anyone who was close to Mr Weinstein had not heard about at least one incident. He also said he continued to hear stories second and third hand. I chalked it up to a '50s-'60s era image of a boss chasing a secretary around the desk, Mr Tarantino said. As if that's OK. That's the egg on my face right now. Mr Tarantino went on to compare Hollywood's treatment of women to a Jim Crow-like system that us males have almost tolerated. He called on other men to vow to do better by our sisters and not just issue statements. What was previously accepted is now untenable to anyone of a certain consciousness, Mr Tarantino said. AP 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 federal judge has shot down former Sheriff Joe Arpaio's bid to sweep his criminal record clean. Arpaio, the controversial former lawman in Arizona's Maricopa County, was granted a pardon by President Donald Trump on 25 August. He had been found in criminal contempt after a five-day bench trial earlier this year and faced the possibility of up to six months in jail. After the pardon, Arpaio petitioned the court to clear his record and prevent the ruling from being used in future litigation. The case raised the novel question of how far a presidential pardon actually reaches. In her ruling, US District Judge Susan Bolton said the pardon only freed Arpaio from possible punishment. In a four-page order offering a check on the president's executive power, Bolton wrote that a pardon could not erase the facts of the case. The power to pardon is an executive prerogative of mercy, not of judicial record-keeping, Bolton wrote in a four-page decision. To vacate all rulings in this case would run afoul of this important distinction. The Court found Defendant guilty of criminal contempt. Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Show all 30 1 /30 Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Threatening to shut down Twitter after being fact-checked After the president tweeted that voting by post would be "substantially fraudulent", Twitter attached a warning label to his tweet and referred readers to a site which explained how the claim was "unsubstantiated". Trump then said Twitter was "stifling free speech" and that he may have to shut it down, something which he would not have the power to do AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Flippantly dismissing a serious allegation of sexual assault When author E Jean Carroll accused Trump of raping her, the president responded: Number one, shes not my type. Number two, it never happened. It never happened, OK?" AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Insulting the Mayor of London as he landed in London Just before touching down at Stansted Airport for his state visit, Trump took time out to @ the London mayor Sadiq Khan on twitter. He said that Khan has done a "terrible job"as mayor and that he is a "stone cold loser" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Taking plenty of "Executive Time" The president's official schedule sets aside the hours from 8 to 11am daily for "Executive Time". Further intermittent periods of "Executive Time" are scheduled throughout any given day, ranging from 15 minutes to 3 hours. His duties in these hours have not been officially disclosed, though Axios reports that he spends them watching TV, reading the newspapers and tweeting Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Shutdown the government for over a month in an effort to secure funding for his wall With Mexico declining to pay for the wall, the president has faced difficulty in raising the required $5bn at home. Due to his demand that the money for the wall be included in the budget, and Congress's refusal, the government partially shut down on 22 December 2018. It remained shut for over a month, the longest period in history Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Joking about the Nazi occupation of France to President Macron In this tweet from 13 November 2018, the president mocks Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of a "true, European army" by invoking the conflict between France and Germany in the world wars Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Railing against the Mueller investigation The president has repeatedly claimed that the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, is a "rigged witch hunt" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting a US intelligence report on Russian meddling in the presence of Vladimir Putin In the press conference that followed his landmark meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Trump stated that he saw no reason why Russia would have meddled in the 2016 US election. This contradicted a 2017 report by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence that found evidence of Russian interference in favour of Trump Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting his contradiction of a US intelligence report on Russian meddling Following furious backlash in the US, the president claimed that he meant to say that he saw no reason why it would not have been Russia who meddled in the 2016 US election. As to why he would have intended to use such bizarre phrasing, he did not comment Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Colouring in the US flag wrong The president coloured in the US flag wrongly during a visit to a children's hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He added a blue stripe where in tradition, and statute, there have been only white and red stripes AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing a Secretary of State over Twitter The president announced on Twitter that he was appointing Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State, much to the surprise of then Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Quoting a catchphrase from a reality TV show when discussing police brutality While addressing the issue of black athletes not standing for the national anthem in protest of police brutality, the president made reference to his catchphrase from reality TV show "The Apprentice": you're fired! Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Calling African nations "S***hole Countries" Ever one for diplomacy, the president reportedly referred to African nations as "s***hole countries". Asked to confirm this when meeting with Nigeria's President Buhari, Trump stated that there are "some countries that are in very bad shape". Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Defending Russian President Vladimir Putin Trump appeared to equate US foreign actions to those of Russian president Vladimir Putin, saying: There are a lot of killers. You think our countrys so innocent? Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Asking for people to 'pray' for Arnold Schwarzenegger At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump couldnt help but to ask for prayers for the ratings on Arnold Schwarzeneggers show to be good. Schwarzenegger took over as host of The Apprentice which buoyed Trumps celebrity status years ago Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Hanging up on Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull Early in his presidency, Trump reportedly hung up the phone on Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull after the foreign leader angered him over refugee plans. Mr Trump later said that it was the worst call he had had so far Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... The 'Muslim ban' Perhaps one of his most controversial policies while acting as president, Trumps travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries has bought him a lot of criticism. The bans were immediately protested, and judges initially blocked their implementation. The Supreme Court later sided with the administrations argument that the ban was developed out of concern for US security Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Praising crowd size while touring Hurricane Harvey damage After Hurricane Harvey ravaged southeastern Texas, Trump paid the area a visit. While his response to the disaster in Houston was generally applauded, the president picked up some flack when he gave a speech outside Houston (he reportedly did not visit disaster zones), and praised the size of the crowds there AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... 'Little Rocket Man' During his first-ever speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump tried out a new nickname for North Korea leader Kim Jong-un: Rocket Man. He later tweaked it to be little Rocket Man as the two feuded, and threatened each other with nuclear war. During that speech, he also threatened to totally annihilate North Korea Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Attacking Sadiq Khan following London Bridge terror attack After the attack on the London Bridge, Trump lashed out at London Mayor Sadiq Khan, criticising Khan for saying there was no reason to be alarmed after the attack. Trump was taking the comments out of context, as Khan was simply saying that the police had everything under control Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming presenter Mika Brezinkski was 'bleeding from the face' Never one not to mock his enemies, Trump mocked MSNBCs Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski, saying that she and co-host Joe Scarborough had approached him before his inauguration asking to join him. He noted that she was bleeding badly from a face-lift at the time, and that he said no MSNBC Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming the blame for Charlottesville was on 'both sides' Trump refused to condemn far-right extremists involved in violence at 'the march for the right' protests in Charlottesville, even after the murder of counter protester Heather Heyer AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Retweeting cartoon of CNN being hit by a 'Trump train' Trump retweeted a cartoon showing a Trump-branded train running over a person whose body and head were replaced by a CNN avatar. He later deleted the retweet Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Tweeting about 'slamming' CNN Trump caught some flack when he tweeted a video showing him wrestling down an individual whose head had been replaced by a CNN avatar. Trump has singled CNN out in particular with his chants of fake news Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing head of the FBI, James Comey Trumps firing of former FBI Director James Comey landed him with a federal investigation into Russias meddling in the 2016 election that has caused many a headache for the White House. The White House initially said that the decision was made after consultation from the Justice Department. Then Mr Trump himself said that he had decided to fire him in part because he wanted the Russia investigation Mr Comey was conducting to stop Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Not realising being president would be 'hard' Just three months into his presidency, Trump admitted that being president is harder than he thought it would be. Though Trump insisted on the 2016 campaign trail that doing the job would be easy for him, he admitted in an interview that living in the White House is harder than running a business empire Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Accusing Obama of wiretapping him Trump accused former president Barack Obama of wire tapping him on twitter. The Justice Department later clarified: Obama had not, in fact, done so Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming there had been 3 million 'illegal votes' Trump was never very happy about losing the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by 2.8 million ballots. So, he and White House voter-fraud commissioner Kris Kobach have claimed that anywhere between three and five million people voted illegally during the 2016 election. Conveniently, he says that all of those illegal votes went to Clinton. (There is no evidence to support that level of widespread voter fraud.) Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Leaving Jews out of the Holocaust memorial statement Just days after taking office, Trumps White House issued a statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, but didnt mention jews or even the word jewish in the written statement Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Anger over Inauguration crowd size Trumps inauguration crowd was visibly, and noticeably, smaller than that of his predecessor, Barack Obama. But, he really wanted to have had the largest crowd on record. So, he praised it as the biggest crowd ever. Relatedly, Trump also claimed that it stopped raining in Washington at the moment he was inaugurated. It didnt, the day was very dreary Reuters The President issued the pardon, and Arpaio was spared from any punishment that might otherwise have been imposed, the judge wrote. It did not, however, 'revise the historical facts' of this case. The Washington Post 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 is accused of kidnapping his stepdaughter and forcing her to marry him has claimed he is not guilty of sexually assaulting her as she was his wife. Henri Piette, 62, from Oklahoma, is accused of holding a then 11-year-old girl captive for 19 years and raping her until she escaped. The alleged victim, Rosalynn McGinnis, now 33, has spoken out about her ordeal. She told investigators she met Piette when she was around 10 years old when her mother began a relationship with him. By the time she was 11, Piette had started to sexually assault her at their home in Wagoner. Ms McGinnis told authorities Piette asked his then 15-year-old son to perform a marriage ceremony inside a van. He was arrested in Mexico and brought back to the US this week. I never raped any children, he told Fox. I made love to my wife. We were married. Piette is alleged to have kidnapped Ms McGinnis in 1997 when she was 12, and is accused of keeping her captive until she escaped last year. According to court documents, Piette took Ms McGinnis and his other children, who he is also accused of abusing, around Oklahoma and then to Mexico. He changed their names to avoid being tracked by the victims family and law enforcement. 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 Ms McGinnis managed to escape in 2016 and went to the US embassy for help. Investigators say Piette has ties to Mexican and Central American criminal organisations. He faces charges for rape, lewd molestation, and physical abuse of a child. Federal charges against Piette have been dropped so the state can prosecute him. 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 }} An Ottawa man has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting his wife because he believed he had the right to have sex with her whenever he felt like it. The decision, issued this week, found the court had failed to establish the man knew his behaviour was criminal. I find that the accused probably had sex with his wife on many occasions without her specific consent, as both he and she believed that he had the right to do so, Ontario Superior Court Justice Robert Smith said. The woman, a Palestinian who grew up in Kuwait before moving to Canada, said that during their arranged marriage, she believed it was her obligation to have sex with her husband. Although she did not always consent, the couple both believed it was the husbands right, the Ottawa Citizen reported. The couple separated in 2013 and after speaking to a police officer about a dispute over child arrangements, the woman came to understand she had the right to refuse sex with her husband. She subsequently told the police that in 2002, her husband pulled grabbed her by the wrists, pulled her to the sofa and had sex with her even though she asked him to stop three times. The husband denied ever having sexual relations with his wife without her consent and specifically denied the incident that led to the charges. He testified that the alleged incident could not have taken place, as he had undergone a hair transplant and had been told by his doctor to refrain from sex at that time. The judge said the man was evasive as a witness and rejected his account as not believable. 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 accused did not call any medical evidence to show this was standard medical practice, Justice Smith said, and I find his evidence in this regard does not accord with common sense to a reasonably informed person. Despite this, the judge found the man not guilty of a crime. Marriage is not a shield for sexual assault. However, the issue in this trial is whether, considering the whole of the evidence, the Crown has proven the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt, he wrote in his decision. 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 neo-Nazi website has encouraged its followers to protest at Black and Jewish community centres during white supremacist Richard Spencers speech. The Daily Stormer posted a Stormer Plan for Richard Spencers Florida Gig on the morning of Mr Spencers speech at the University of Florida. Mr Spencer is a self-proclaimed white nationalist who was recently scheduled to speak at the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. For his first major speech since Charlottesville, Mr Spencer booked a lecture space at the University of Florida despite resistance from students, staff, and the university itself. The Daily Stormer which was kicked off of Facebook, Twitter, and even its website server after Charlottesville urged its followers to attend the speech. Those who did not secure tickets, however, were encouraged to stage flash demos at locations around the city. Andrew Anglin, the Daily Stormer founder, suggested protesting at the Lubavitch Chabad Jewish Center and the Institute of Black Culture. He also suggested the offices of the Gainesville Sun, a local paper, and a neighbouring Starbucks. Violence on the streets of Charlottesville Show all 9 1 /9 Violence on the streets of Charlottesville Violence on the streets of Charlottesville Protesters clash and several are injured White nationalist demonstrators clash with counter demonstrators at the entrance to Lee Park in Charlottesville, Virginia. A state of emergency is declared, August 12 2017 Violence on the streets of Charlottesville Trump supporters at the protest A white nationalist demonstrator walks into Lee Park in Charlottesville, Va., Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017. Hundreds of people chanted, threw punches, hurled water bottles and unleashed chemical sprays on each other Saturday after violence erupted at a white nationalist rally in Virginia. AP Photo Violence on the streets of Charlottesville State police stand ready in riot gear Virginia State Police cordon off an area around the site where a car ran into a group of protesters after a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia AP Photo Violence on the streets of Charlottesville Militia armed with assault rifles White nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the 'alt-right' with body armor and combat weapons evacuate comrades who were pepper sprayed after the 'Unite the Right' rally was declared a unlawful gathering by Virginia State Police. Militia members marched through the city earlier in the day, armed with assault rifles. Getty Images Violence on the streets of Charlottesville Statue of Confederate General Robert E Lee The statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee stands behind a crowd of hundreds of white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the 'alt-right' during the 'Unite the Right' rally 12 August 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. They are protesting the removal of the statue from Emancipation Park in the city. Getty Images Violence on the streets of Charlottesville Racial tensions sparked the violence White nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the 'alt-right' exchange insults with counter-protesters as they attempt to guard the entrance to Lee Park during the 'Unite the Right' rally Getty Violence on the streets of Charlottesville A car plows through protesters A vehicle drives into a group of protesters demonstrating against a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. The incident resulted in multiple injuries, some life-threatening, and one death. AP Photo Violence on the streets of Charlottesville Rescue personnel help injured people after a car ran into a large group of protesters after an white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia AP Photo Violence on the streets of Charlottesville President Donald Trump speaks about the ongoing situation in Charlottesville, Virginia from his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. He spoke about "loyalty" and "healing wounds" left by decades of racism. If the suggested locations were patrolled by police, Mr Anglin suggested that protesters find other locations for their demonstrations including statues of historically great white men. The objective, according to Mr Anglin, was to protest Jews, black crime, Jewish media, Jewish coffee whatever. Suggested chants included Jews will not replace us and Shlomo go home. The point is to confuse the situation and to create public attention, to make it feel like the entire city is taken over by our guys, Mr Anglin wrote. Nazi shouts "Hey n****" and fires gunshot at counter-protester in Charlottesville The Institute of Black Culture was closed on Thursday, and the Gainesville Police Department did not respond to requests for comment. But the director of the Lubavitch Chabad Jewish Center, Rabbi Berl Goldman, said he was well aware of the protest plans. Mr Goldman said the centre had stepped up its security measures in recent days, but planned to stay open during Mr Spencers speech. In fact, the centre announced extended hours for Thursday. We want to give the Jewish student community here a sense of safe haven and community, Mr Goldmann said. Mr Spencer's speech turned out to be sparsely attended, with video feeds showing the theatre about half full. The majority of the speech was drowned out by protesters, who chanted F*** you Spencer! and Spencer go home! Mr Spencer left quietly after speaking for approximately an hour and a half. 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 }} One of Americas most senior diplomats has said that Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election constitutes an act of warfare. In a strongly worded address in New York, Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN also called for the Kremlin to be held accountable for meddling. Don't interfere in our elections, she said at the Spirit of Liberty conference held by the George W. Bush Institute. When a country can come interfere in another countrys elections, that is warfare. It really is, because you're making sure that the democracy shifts from what the people want. This is [Russia's] weapon of choice and we have to make sure we get in front of it. She also said the actions of Mr Putins government had prompted US intelligence agencies to work overtime to prepare for further cyber threats. But Ms Haleys strongly worded rebuke to Vladimir Putins government put her at odds with Donald Trump, who this week called for an end to the investigation into alleged collusion between his presidential campaign and Russia. On Monday Mr Trump said the investigations should draw to a close, saying he is the subject of a witch hunt, and because the American public is sick of it. There has been absolutely no collusion. Its been stated that they have no collusion, Mr Trump said. The whole Russian thing was an excuse for the Democrats losing the election and it turns out to be just one excuse, the President told reporters. Ms Haley has maintained a strong stance on the subject of Russian interference in the election. In July, a day before President Trump met with President Putin in Hamburg, Ms Haley said: Everybody knows that Russia meddled in our elections. Everybody knows that theyre not just meddling in the United States election. Theyre doing this across multiple continents, and theyre doing this in a way that theyre trying to cause chaos within the countries. Mr Putin and Mr Trump both said the US President pressed the issue, during their two hour meeting, and Mr Putin subsequently said the US President had accepted his answers, which included a strong In another interview, Ms Haley declined to comment on what sort of consequences Russia may face for its interference in the election. 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 I think youre going to have to ask the President, she told CBS in July. 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 mother of a "selfless and kind" young woman who fell to her death from the Whispering Gallery in St Pauls Cathedral, has paid tribute to her daughter. Lidia Dragescu "wanted to see how it was on the other side, her mum Isabela told The Sun. She thought everything about this world was messy. She picked the cathedral because she needed to fly into Gods arms. The 23-year-old student, from Romford, east London, had recently started a degree at the University of East London and had hoped to become a brain surgeon, Ms Dragescu added. Her daughter would have become a doctor, she said. She was fascinated with the brain, that it was something as humans we should explore more because it is not explored enough," she said. She was a deep thinker. She was with us but when she studied and read she was in this other world. Her own world. Police and paramedics arrived within minutes of Ms Dragescus fall last week in front of members of the public and staff. But she was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is not being treated as suspicious and City of London police will compile a report for the coroner in due course. In a statement, the family described Ms Dragescu as selfless and kind. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 15 November 2022 Lesley Sutcliffe shelters from the rain next to a life-sized replica of the innermost coffin of King Tutankhamun by artist Amanda Stoner as it goes on display inside a traditional red telephone box which has been converted into a museum, in Barnsley, South Yorkshire PA 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 Our daughter and sister was the most beautiful person in the world. Her heart was pure and kind, a soul from another world," they said. She was an outstanding student and a talented figure skater. Beautiful, intelligent and kind. She would always help me, not allowing me to do any difficult chores. Her love for us was beyond measure, she was selfless and kind. Everything that she had she shared with us, always putting us first. We love her and will always love her. For Lidia, the world has been a bad place to live in. For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123, visit a local Samaritans branch or visit them online at www.samaritans.org. 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 hotel room from which Stephen Paddock gunned down almost 60 people at a music festival in Las Vegas will no longer be rented out to the public, the hotel has said. This was a terrible tragedy perpetrated by an evil man. We have no intention of renting that room, said MGM Resorts International, the company that manages the property. The company did not provide any details about what it would do with the site of the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history. But the announcement raised another question: What should become of the sites of such massacres, in a country where there are almost as many mass shootings as there are days in a year? Recommended Security guard who confronted Las Vegas gunman breaks silence Adam Lankford, a professor of criminology at the University of Alabama, said MGM had the right idea in shutting down the hotel room. I think not renting it out is good, but I think they shouldnt call attention to that either, Mr Lanford told The Independent. The best thing would be to not rent it out, [and] if people call and ask which room it was, not to answer. 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 Mr Lankford recently authored a letter urging the media not to publish the names of mass shooters. Along with more than 140 other cosigners, he argued that keeping shooters names out of the press will reduce the "copy-cat effects of mass shootings, and deter future fame-seekers from staging an attack of their own. Much the same can be said of the locations, Mr Lankford said. In the same way you dont want to give these previous offenders attention, you dont want to give the specific location of the attack attention, he said. Let it fade into history in the same way we hope the memory of these offenders do. Las Vegas Police clueless to find a motive for mass shooting In 2006, a 21-year-old opened fire in a North Carolina high school, killing one person and injuring two. Before leaving for the school that day, he sent an e-mail to the principal of Columbine High School the site of a previous school shooting to alert him that he would soon be making history. The young man had recently convinced his mother to drive him past Columbine High, and past the homes of the two infamous shooters. Many potential copy-cats make similar "pilgrimages" to the locations of mass shootings, Mr Lankford said. In Las Vegas, he added, it would not be mere speculation to say that someone who is considering an attack would want to go stay in that room. Sandy Hook elementary school shooting 2012 Show all 5 1 /5 Sandy Hook elementary school shooting 2012 Sandy Hook elementary school shooting 2012 con0.ap.jpg AP Sandy Hook elementary school shooting 2012 Connecticut.jpg AP Sandy Hook elementary school shooting 2012 con1.reut.jpg REUTERS Sandy Hook elementary school shooting 2012 con2.reut.jpg REUTERS Sandy Hook elementary school shooting 2012 obama.reut.jpg REUTERS After the Columbine shooting, the library where most of the carnage occurred was replaced with an atrium. The library itself was rebuilt elsewhere. At Sandy Hook Elementary School, where 26 people were killed in a 2012 shooting, the building was completely torn down and rebuilt. The site of the school shootings at Virginia Tech were also remodelled into offices and laboratories. But at Pulse nightclub in Orlando the site of the second-most deadly shooting in America the owners are still unsure what to do with the property, where 49 people were gunned down in 2016. When Pulse first happened, I remember telling myself, Tear it down, tear it down, tear it down, Barbara Poma, the owner of the nightclub, told the New York Times. ...And now, 16 months later, people settled down, and some people are like, No, its part of our history. You shouldnt take it down. Ms Poma founded the OnePulse Foundation to help in her decision. The OnePulse website is currently soliciting opinions from the community about a potential memorial and museum at the site of the shooting. Mr Lankford understands the desire to build a memorial in Orlando, and in Las Vegas. But he cautioned against building yet another mass-shooting monument that could become a target for copycats. If you have something that specifically marks the site, that could be something that these copycats and at-risk individuals want to visit, he said. It creates a landmark. 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 teenager accused of stabbing his two younger siblings to death, told investigators he did it so he could be alone in the house, police said. Officers found the five-year-old girl and seven-year-old boy bleeding from their wounds at Malik Vincent Murphy's family home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The 19-year-old had also turned the knife on his father Jefferson Murphy. Officers tried to save the children, who later died after being transferred to a nearby hospital, said police spokesman Lieutenant Howard Black. He added that Jefferson Murphy survived his injuries but remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital. Lt Black said Mr Murphy told investigators he was sleeping in his bedroom with his wife when he heard screaming in the basement. His son had previously talked about killing the family, he added. An arrest affidavit says the teenager, who was held on suspicion of two counts of first-degree murder, bought a knife several months ago with the plan of killing his entire family and burying the bodies in the backyard. Jeffery Barry found guilty of murdering refugee after calling him rapist and terrorist He had been arrested in Illinois in March and accused of setting fire to his parents' sport utility vehicle. The parents told authorities that Mr Murphy had severe mental health problems and they did not want him prosecuted over the fire, Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler told the WXEF-FM radio station. Mr Kibler said authorities agreed to dismiss the case if the teen got treatment. 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 Neighbour said they were shocked at the killings. Gilbert Macias told The Gazette of Colorado Springs that he often saw the younger brother and sister playing outside when he got home from work. Another neighbour, Judy Barnes, told the newspaper that she gave the children sweets when they played outside and they called her "neighbour grandma." "They were great. They were just kids," she said. "I saw them the day before yesterday. They were playing in the yard with mom and dad." Mr Barnes said the victims were the youngest of Jefferson Murphy's five children, and Mr Murphy was the oldest. Additional reporting up Associated Press. 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 Texas city devastated by flooding after Hurricane Harvey is forcing recipients of financial aid to sign a pledge not to boycott Israel. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said the clause on Dickinson city council's application form for relief funding violated free speech rights and was "reminiscent of McCarthy-era loyalty oaths" requiring Americans to disavow Communism. The city, 30 miles from Houston, was one of the areas hardest hit by Harvey. This week Dickinson authorities began accepting applications from individuals and businesses for grants from money donated for hurricane aid. The form includes a clause headlined "verification not to boycott Israel". It states: "By executing this Agreement below, the Applicant verifies that the Applicant: (1) does not boycott Israel; and (2) will not boycott Israel during the term of this Agreement." The city's attorney said he was following state law introduced in May which prohibits public bodies giving contracts to companies that boycott Israel. But Andre Segura, the ACLU's legal director for Texas, said: The First Amendment protects Americans right to boycott, and the government cannot condition hurricane relief or any other public benefit on a commitment to refrain from protected political expression. Dickinsons requirement is an egregious violation of the First Amendment, reminiscent of McCarthy-era loyalty oaths requiring Americans to disavow membership in the Communist party and other forms of subversive activity. The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Show all 19 1 /19 The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A tattered U.S. flag damaged in Hurricane Harvey, flies in Conroe, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Lisa Rehr holds her four-year old son Maximus, after they lost their home to Hurricane Harvey, as they await to be evacuated with their belongings from Rockport, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People line up for food as others rest at the George R. Brown Convention Center AP Photo/LM Otero The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Volunteers with The American Red Cross register evacuees at the George R. Brown Convention Center Reuters/Nick Oxford The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Soldiers with the Texas Army National Guard help the residents of Cyprus Creek Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents wade through floodwater Reuters/Nick Oxford The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents walk along the flooded roadway of Texas 249 as they evacuate their adjacent neighborhoods EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A man floats past a truck submerged on a freeway flooded by Tropical Storm Harvey on Sunday AP The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued by airboat as they evacuate from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey James Archiable carries his bike through the flooded intersection at Taylor and Usenet near downtown Houston, Texas EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A massive sinkhole opened up on a motorway in Rosenburg, a city 25 miles southwest of Houston, Texas Rosenberg Police The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey in an armored police mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey on a boat in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Evacuees are airlifted in a US Coast Guard helicopter after flooding due to Hurricane Harvey inundated neighborhoods in Houston, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Evacuees leave a US Coast Guard helicopter after being rescued from flooding due to Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents look on at a submerged motorway during a break in the rain in Houston, Texas EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People photograph the submerged motorway interchange EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Debris lies on the ground after a building was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey in Aransas Pass, Texas AP The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Dominic Dominguez searches for his boat in a boat storage facility that was heavily damaged by Hurricane Harvey near Rockport, Texas EPA The ACLU said previous Supreme Court decisions had established the government could not require individuals to indicate political beliefs to obtain employment, contracts or benefits. It said Dickinson's application form was "unconstitutional". The city's attorney, David Olsen, said the anti-boycott clause was required due to state law. He told ABC 13 the requirement would remain "until someone tells them differently". Texas governor Greg Abbott signed legislation requiring all state contractors to pledge not to boycott Israel earlier this year. "As Israel's number one trading partner in the United States, Texas is proud to reaffirm its support for the people of Israel and we will continue to build on our historic partnership," he said in May. "Anti-Israel policies are anti-Texas policies, and we will not tolerate such actions against an important ally." 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 }} Rapper Chuck D has launched a blistering attack on Donald Trump, calling him the epitome of a white supremacist. In an opinion piece for The Daily Beast, the Public Enemy frontman called the President a bloated mess and a weapon of mass distraction. The New York-born artist, known for his politically and socially conscious hip hop in the 1980s, went on to describe Mr Trump as a white alpha male who looks down on other people and bullies others to get what he wants". If thats not supremacy, then what the f**k is? he asked. Recommended Fox News forced to apologise after guest lies about past as Navy SEAL He added that he does not think the President will last too much longer in the White House, either on health grounds or because he might be impeached but the rapper warns that Vice President Mike Pence could bring a regime of tyranny to the United States. The artist use the article to explain the lyrics behind his Prophets of Rage superbands track "Hail to the Chief", which is about Mr Pence and his previous role as Governor of Indiana. (He) ran a regime in the state of Indiana that was a disturbing throwback rife with political and administrative bias, the rapper wrote. Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Show all 33 1 /33 Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days in office were marred by a string of scandals, many of which caught the eye of the Independent's cartoonists Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's first 100 days have seen him aggressively ramp up tensions with his nuclear rivals in North Korea Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has warned of a "major, major conflict" with the pariah nation lead by Kim Jong Un Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump dropped the "mother of all bombs" on alleged ISIS-linked militants in Afghanistan, amid an escalation of US military intervention around the globe Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been accused of falling short of the standards set by his predecessors in the Oval Office, including Franklin D Roosevelt Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The tycoon's ascension to the White House came at a time when the balance of power is shifting away from Western nations like those in the G7 group Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Western politicians, including the British Conservative party, have been accused of falling in line behind Mr Trump's proposals Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Brexit is seen to have weakened Britain, reducing still further any political will to resist American leadership Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump's leadership has been marked by sudden and unexpected shifts in global policy Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's controversial missile strike on Syria, which killed several citizens, was seen by some analysts as an attempt to distract from his policy elsewhere Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The President has also spent a large majority of his weekends golfing, rather than attending to matters of state Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Though free of gaffes, a visit from Chinese president Xi Jinping spotlighted trade tensions between the two states Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One major and unexpected setback came when Mr Trump's Healthcare Bill was struck down by members of his own party Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been a figure of fun in the media, with his approval at record lows Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A string of revelations about Mr Trump's financial indiscretions did not mar his surge to the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Outgoing President Barack Obama was accused of wiretapping Trump Tower by his successor in America's highest office Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The alleged involvement of Russian intelligence operatives in securing Mr Trump the presidency prompted harsh criticism Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The explosive resignation of Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who lied about his links to the Russian ambassador, was just one scandal to hit the President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Many scandals, such as the accusation Barack Obama was implicated in phone-hacking, first broke on Mr Trump's Twitter feed Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's election provoked mass protests in the UK, with millions signing a petition to ban him from the country Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump cited a non-existent terror attack in Sweden during a campaign rally Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump stands accused of stoking regional tensions in Eastern Asia Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons North Korea has launched a number of failed nuclear tests since Mr Trump took power Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Theresa May formally rejected the petition calling for Mr Trump to be banned from the UK Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons When Mr Trump's initial so-called Muslim ban was struck down by a federal justice, the President mocked the 69-year-old as a "ridiculous", "so-called judge" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A week after his inauguration, Theresa May met with Mr Trump at the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first days in office were marked by a hasty attempt to follow through on many of his campaign promises, including the so-called Muslim ban Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's decision to ban citizens of many majority-Muslim countries from the US sparked mass protests Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Revelations about Donald Trump's sexual improprieties were not enough to keep him from being elected President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was criticised by many in the press for cosying up to the new President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One of Mr Trump's top aides, Kelly Anne Conway, was mocked for describing mistruths as "alternative facts" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was quick to demonstrate that her political aims did not hugely differ from Mr Trump's Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's inauguration, on 20 January 2017, sparked protests both at home and abroad The artist, born Carlton Douglas Ridenhour, said the track examines the seriousness of Mr Pences actions while the accompanying video asks why people are "not paying attention to this guy in the background". Its important not to trivialise this dude, he wrote. Theres an underlying layer to this administration that is very sinister. Not holding back in his criticism of Mr Trump, he referred to the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, earlier this year where the President failed to explicitly condemn white supremacist protesters. On the topic of Charlottesville, when you cant condemn live and actual racists, you might as well be doing the Nazi salute, like Trump does in the video. Hes not about sharing the world; hes about taking. He has no concern for the future of the world because hes selfish, and is only going to be around for 10, 15 more years. And the rapper warned: With all this mass distraction going on, theres something that lies in the background thats going to be a stench that will stink for the next 40 years, long after these people are gone. If you really give a damn about what world your children are going to inherit, you have to rail against these regimes now. Its our duty. 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 Democrat motion to block oil and gas extraction in a famed US nature reserve has been rejected in the Senate, giving oil companies the go-ahead to drill in northern Alaska. The amendment, sponsored by Senator Maria Cantwell, would have reversed previous legislation that mandates the Senate Energy Committee to raise $1bn (760,000) over the next decade - money which is expected to be raised by fossil fuel exploration. The motion sought to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), an area of outstanding natural beauty, which is home to polar bears, caribou and waterfowl. However, big oil companies have long lobbied to explore the Alaskan site, as it is believed there may be 12 billion barrels of recoverable crude oil beneath the surface. The motion narrowly failed by 48 votes to 52, with Senators divided mostly along party lines. Just one Republican, Senator Susan Collins of Maine, supported the measure. Following the vote, Senator Cantwell denounced the Republicans sneak attack as an attempt to turn over our public lands to polluters Environmentalists have vowed to continue the fight to protect the reserve. Jamie Williams, president of the Wildlife Society, told Reuters: Congress cannot sneak this through the back door when they think nobody is looking, said Jamie Williams, president of the Wilderness Society. ANWR is simply too fragile and special to drill, and we have a moral obligation to protect it for future generations of Americans. However, Republicans in the area welcomed the news. Republican Senator Senator Dan Sullivan said in a statement: This resolution is another key step that weve recently accomplished in a decades-long fight to allow Alaskans to produce energy in our state something that Alaskans, Democrats, Republicans, independents, overwhelmingly support. More American energy production means more good-paying jobs, increased economic growth, and a stronger national security. Politicians will have another attempt to veto the Senate Energy Committee directive to raise revenues from drilling when the legislation passes on to the House of Representatives. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington 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 Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} George W Bush and Barack Obama have both publicly criticised the political climate in the US, in what has been interpreted as a thinly-veiled attack on Donald Trumps administration. Neither of the former presidents named Mr Trump, but Mr Obama railed against the politics of division, and implied the Trump administration had set US democracy back 50 years, while Mr Bush criticised the casual cruelty and bigotry, which he said threatened American politics. An unwritten rule in US politics is that former presidents maintain a silence over their successors, but Mr Bush and Mr Obama delivered an unprecedented twin blow to the White House on Thursday morning. Speaking at a Democratic campaign rally in Newark, Mr Obama said: Our politics is so divided and so angry and so nasty. Instead of our politics reflecting our values, weve got politics infecting our communities. Instead of looking for ways of working together to get things done in a practical way, weve got folks who are deliberately trying to make folks angry, to demonise people who have different ideas to provide a short-term tactical advantage. He added: If you have to win a campaign by dividing people, you wont be able to govern them. "What we can't have is the same old politics of division that we have seen so many times before, that dates back centuries." Earlier in the morning, the last Republican before Mr Trump to occupy the White House, Mr Bush issued his own warning while speaking in New York. Mr Bush said: Bigotry seems emboldened. Our politics seems more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrication. There are some signs that the intensity of support for democracy itself has waned - especially among the young. He added: At times it can seem like the forces pulling us apart are stronger than the forces binding us together. We've seen nationalism distorted into nativism, forgotten the dynamism that immigration has always brought to America. Dr Jacob Parakilas, an expert in US foreign policy at Chatham House, told The Independent the move signals a new willingness on Mr Obamas part to re-engage in the political discourse. He said: Its not entirely unprecedented, but it is very rare for presidents to criticise their successors, its notable that neither Obama nor Bush called out Trump directly. I think theyre both still trying to give voice to criticisms without declaring war directly on Trump. He added: What this represents is Obama beginning to move out of that framework and become a little bit more willing to reengage in the political debate. Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Show all 22 1 /22 Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Donald Trump's international Presidential trips French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump talk as they leave the Army Museum at Les Invalides in Paris AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Donald Trump arrive for the group photo at the G7 Taormina summit on the island of Sicily in May 2017 Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Mr Trump was pressed on the subject at the G7 summit in Italy Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump gives a speeech at the Warsaw Uprising Monument on Krasinski Square Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May during a ceremony at the NATO headquarters before the start of a summit in Brussels, Belgium Reuters Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Montenegro's Prime Minister Dusko Markovic is seen to the right of Donald Trump at a Nato summit in Brussels REUTERS Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Pope Francis meeting with US President Donald J. Trump EPA Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Pope Francis poses with US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump arrives at Palazzo del Quirinale ahead of the meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella Ufficio Stampa Presidenza della via Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump is seen during a joint press conference with the Palestinian leader at the presidential palace in the West Bank city of Bethlehem AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas meets US President Donald Trump PPO via Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with US President Donald Trump prior to the President's departure GPO via Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands after delivering a speech at the Israel Museum AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump lay a wreath in the Hall of Remembrance as White House senior advisor Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump watch on during a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial museum AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump visit to Yad Vashem Holocaust museum in Jerusalem accompanied by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu GPO via Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump takes his seat before his speech to the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia Reuters Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump look at a display of Saudi modern art at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud take part in a signing ceremony at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips King Salman presents Donald Trump with The Collar of Abdulaziz al-Saud Medal at the Royal Court Palace on 20 May AP Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump is welcomed by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk on the South Lawn prior to their first foreign trip Getty Images Trump relishes a feud, particularly with those he can cast as members of the establishment. If you still support Trump, youre not going to be moved by George W Bush or Barack Obama. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington 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 Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The ambush in Niger that led to the deaths of four US soldiers is said to have partially been the result of a massive intelligence failure. Staff Sergeants Bryan Black, Jeremiah Johnson, Dustin Wright, and Sergeant La David T Johnson died and two others were injured when 40 to 50 militants ambushed a 12-man US force in Niger on October 4, according to the Pentagon. Congress now has questions about the scope of the US mission in Niger as well as why the Green Beret-led team was without sufficient support to fight off the attack, which is believed to have been carried out by a local terror group that claims association with Isis. In the ensuing rescue operation to get the US soldiers out of the area during a firefight with the militants, it appears Mr Johnsons body was left behind. His body was only recovered 48 hours later found by Nigerian nationals and returned the US. In an interview with NBC, a senior congressional aide who was briefed on the matter said the House and Senate armed services committees have questions about whether the Pentagon is properly supporting the troops on the ground in Niger. Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Show all 30 1 /30 Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Threatening to shut down Twitter after being fact-checked After the president tweeted that voting by post would be "substantially fraudulent", Twitter attached a warning label to his tweet and referred readers to a site which explained how the claim was "unsubstantiated". Trump then said Twitter was "stifling free speech" and that he may have to shut it down, something which he would not have the power to do AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Flippantly dismissing a serious allegation of sexual assault When author E Jean Carroll accused Trump of raping her, the president responded: Number one, shes not my type. Number two, it never happened. It never happened, OK?" AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Insulting the Mayor of London as he landed in London Just before touching down at Stansted Airport for his state visit, Trump took time out to @ the London mayor Sadiq Khan on twitter. He said that Khan has done a "terrible job"as mayor and that he is a "stone cold loser" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Taking plenty of "Executive Time" The president's official schedule sets aside the hours from 8 to 11am daily for "Executive Time". Further intermittent periods of "Executive Time" are scheduled throughout any given day, ranging from 15 minutes to 3 hours. His duties in these hours have not been officially disclosed, though Axios reports that he spends them watching TV, reading the newspapers and tweeting Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Shutdown the government for over a month in an effort to secure funding for his wall With Mexico declining to pay for the wall, the president has faced difficulty in raising the required $5bn at home. Due to his demand that the money for the wall be included in the budget, and Congress's refusal, the government partially shut down on 22 December 2018. It remained shut for over a month, the longest period in history Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Joking about the Nazi occupation of France to President Macron In this tweet from 13 November 2018, the president mocks Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of a "true, European army" by invoking the conflict between France and Germany in the world wars Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Railing against the Mueller investigation The president has repeatedly claimed that the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, is a "rigged witch hunt" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting a US intelligence report on Russian meddling in the presence of Vladimir Putin In the press conference that followed his landmark meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Trump stated that he saw no reason why Russia would have meddled in the 2016 US election. This contradicted a 2017 report by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence that found evidence of Russian interference in favour of Trump Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting his contradiction of a US intelligence report on Russian meddling Following furious backlash in the US, the president claimed that he meant to say that he saw no reason why it would not have been Russia who meddled in the 2016 US election. As to why he would have intended to use such bizarre phrasing, he did not comment Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Colouring in the US flag wrong The president coloured in the US flag wrongly during a visit to a children's hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He added a blue stripe where in tradition, and statute, there have been only white and red stripes AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing a Secretary of State over Twitter The president announced on Twitter that he was appointing Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State, much to the surprise of then Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Quoting a catchphrase from a reality TV show when discussing police brutality While addressing the issue of black athletes not standing for the national anthem in protest of police brutality, the president made reference to his catchphrase from reality TV show "The Apprentice": you're fired! Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Calling African nations "S***hole Countries" Ever one for diplomacy, the president reportedly referred to African nations as "s***hole countries". Asked to confirm this when meeting with Nigeria's President Buhari, Trump stated that there are "some countries that are in very bad shape". Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Defending Russian President Vladimir Putin Trump appeared to equate US foreign actions to those of Russian president Vladimir Putin, saying: There are a lot of killers. You think our countrys so innocent? Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Asking for people to 'pray' for Arnold Schwarzenegger At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump couldnt help but to ask for prayers for the ratings on Arnold Schwarzeneggers show to be good. Schwarzenegger took over as host of The Apprentice which buoyed Trumps celebrity status years ago Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Hanging up on Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull Early in his presidency, Trump reportedly hung up the phone on Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull after the foreign leader angered him over refugee plans. Mr Trump later said that it was the worst call he had had so far Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... The 'Muslim ban' Perhaps one of his most controversial policies while acting as president, Trumps travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries has bought him a lot of criticism. The bans were immediately protested, and judges initially blocked their implementation. The Supreme Court later sided with the administrations argument that the ban was developed out of concern for US security Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Praising crowd size while touring Hurricane Harvey damage After Hurricane Harvey ravaged southeastern Texas, Trump paid the area a visit. While his response to the disaster in Houston was generally applauded, the president picked up some flack when he gave a speech outside Houston (he reportedly did not visit disaster zones), and praised the size of the crowds there AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... 'Little Rocket Man' During his first-ever speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump tried out a new nickname for North Korea leader Kim Jong-un: Rocket Man. He later tweaked it to be little Rocket Man as the two feuded, and threatened each other with nuclear war. During that speech, he also threatened to totally annihilate North Korea Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Attacking Sadiq Khan following London Bridge terror attack After the attack on the London Bridge, Trump lashed out at London Mayor Sadiq Khan, criticising Khan for saying there was no reason to be alarmed after the attack. Trump was taking the comments out of context, as Khan was simply saying that the police had everything under control Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming presenter Mika Brezinkski was 'bleeding from the face' Never one not to mock his enemies, Trump mocked MSNBCs Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski, saying that she and co-host Joe Scarborough had approached him before his inauguration asking to join him. He noted that she was bleeding badly from a face-lift at the time, and that he said no MSNBC Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming the blame for Charlottesville was on 'both sides' Trump refused to condemn far-right extremists involved in violence at 'the march for the right' protests in Charlottesville, even after the murder of counter protester Heather Heyer AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Retweeting cartoon of CNN being hit by a 'Trump train' Trump retweeted a cartoon showing a Trump-branded train running over a person whose body and head were replaced by a CNN avatar. He later deleted the retweet Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Tweeting about 'slamming' CNN Trump caught some flack when he tweeted a video showing him wrestling down an individual whose head had been replaced by a CNN avatar. Trump has singled CNN out in particular with his chants of fake news Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing head of the FBI, James Comey Trumps firing of former FBI Director James Comey landed him with a federal investigation into Russias meddling in the 2016 election that has caused many a headache for the White House. The White House initially said that the decision was made after consultation from the Justice Department. Then Mr Trump himself said that he had decided to fire him in part because he wanted the Russia investigation Mr Comey was conducting to stop Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Not realising being president would be 'hard' Just three months into his presidency, Trump admitted that being president is harder than he thought it would be. Though Trump insisted on the 2016 campaign trail that doing the job would be easy for him, he admitted in an interview that living in the White House is harder than running a business empire Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Accusing Obama of wiretapping him Trump accused former president Barack Obama of wire tapping him on twitter. The Justice Department later clarified: Obama had not, in fact, done so Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming there had been 3 million 'illegal votes' Trump was never very happy about losing the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by 2.8 million ballots. So, he and White House voter-fraud commissioner Kris Kobach have claimed that anywhere between three and five million people voted illegally during the 2016 election. Conveniently, he says that all of those illegal votes went to Clinton. (There is no evidence to support that level of widespread voter fraud.) Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Leaving Jews out of the Holocaust memorial statement Just days after taking office, Trumps White House issued a statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, but didnt mention jews or even the word jewish in the written statement Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Anger over Inauguration crowd size Trumps inauguration crowd was visibly, and noticeably, smaller than that of his predecessor, Barack Obama. But, he really wanted to have had the largest crowd on record. So, he praised it as the biggest crowd ever. Relatedly, Trump also claimed that it stopped raining in Washington at the moment he was inaugurated. It didnt, the day was very dreary Reuters There was no US overhead surveillance of the mission, he told NBC, and no American quick-reaction force available to rescue the troops if things went wrong. If French fighter jets had not arrived, he said, the situation could have been much worse for Americans. The aide spoke to NBC on the condition of anonymity. Senator John McCain had recently expressed frustration about the lack of details emerging from the Pentagon about the incident in Niger. On Thursday, Defence Secretary James Mattis said that the Pentagon does not have all the accurate information yet regarding the ambush. The FBI is also investigating the incident. The bureau told the Wall Street Journal it is not uncommon for it to get involved in these types of military investigations. During a White House briefing, Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked whether the White House believed there was a massive intelligence failure in Niger. We're going to wait until that review is complete by the Department of Defense, and we'll answer those questions at that time, Ms Sanders replied. Earlier in the briefing, she said: The Department of Defense has initiated a review, which occurs any time there's an American that's killed in action. We're going through that process. The President, the Department of Defense, and, frankly, the entire country and government want to know exactly what happened. White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, a retired Marine General, said on Thursday that an investigation doesnt mean anything was wrong ... doesnt mean that heads are going to roll. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington 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 Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The price to see Vice President Mike Pence next week in Denver has been reduced by 45 per cent because of a reported lack of demand for tickets. Mr Pence is the headliner for a Colorado Republican Party fundraiser, and it originally cost $275 to secure the lowest-priced ticket, according to the Denver Post. But the party was struggling to sell the tickets available, the newspaper reported. It has now lowered the price of the cheapest ticket to $150. Couples can also buy two tickets for the original $275 price. Daniel Cole, the partys spokesman, told the Post: We are hearing from a lot of people that they very much want to see the vice president but the tickets were too expensive. They couldnt fill the large room with the $275 rate, he added. The room at the Denver Marriott Tech Center, where the event is being held, can hold 900 for typical banquet events, according to the Post. The party initially indicated that it planned to sell 800 tickets, the newspaper reported. But it scaled this number back, saying they now expect 400 people to attend. Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Show all 30 1 /30 Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Threatening to shut down Twitter after being fact-checked After the president tweeted that voting by post would be "substantially fraudulent", Twitter attached a warning label to his tweet and referred readers to a site which explained how the claim was "unsubstantiated". Trump then said Twitter was "stifling free speech" and that he may have to shut it down, something which he would not have the power to do AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Flippantly dismissing a serious allegation of sexual assault When author E Jean Carroll accused Trump of raping her, the president responded: Number one, shes not my type. Number two, it never happened. It never happened, OK?" AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Insulting the Mayor of London as he landed in London Just before touching down at Stansted Airport for his state visit, Trump took time out to @ the London mayor Sadiq Khan on twitter. He said that Khan has done a "terrible job"as mayor and that he is a "stone cold loser" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Taking plenty of "Executive Time" The president's official schedule sets aside the hours from 8 to 11am daily for "Executive Time". Further intermittent periods of "Executive Time" are scheduled throughout any given day, ranging from 15 minutes to 3 hours. His duties in these hours have not been officially disclosed, though Axios reports that he spends them watching TV, reading the newspapers and tweeting Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Shutdown the government for over a month in an effort to secure funding for his wall With Mexico declining to pay for the wall, the president has faced difficulty in raising the required $5bn at home. Due to his demand that the money for the wall be included in the budget, and Congress's refusal, the government partially shut down on 22 December 2018. It remained shut for over a month, the longest period in history Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Joking about the Nazi occupation of France to President Macron In this tweet from 13 November 2018, the president mocks Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of a "true, European army" by invoking the conflict between France and Germany in the world wars Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Railing against the Mueller investigation The president has repeatedly claimed that the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, is a "rigged witch hunt" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting a US intelligence report on Russian meddling in the presence of Vladimir Putin In the press conference that followed his landmark meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Trump stated that he saw no reason why Russia would have meddled in the 2016 US election. This contradicted a 2017 report by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence that found evidence of Russian interference in favour of Trump Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting his contradiction of a US intelligence report on Russian meddling Following furious backlash in the US, the president claimed that he meant to say that he saw no reason why it would not have been Russia who meddled in the 2016 US election. As to why he would have intended to use such bizarre phrasing, he did not comment Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Colouring in the US flag wrong The president coloured in the US flag wrongly during a visit to a children's hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He added a blue stripe where in tradition, and statute, there have been only white and red stripes AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing a Secretary of State over Twitter The president announced on Twitter that he was appointing Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State, much to the surprise of then Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Quoting a catchphrase from a reality TV show when discussing police brutality While addressing the issue of black athletes not standing for the national anthem in protest of police brutality, the president made reference to his catchphrase from reality TV show "The Apprentice": you're fired! Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Calling African nations "S***hole Countries" Ever one for diplomacy, the president reportedly referred to African nations as "s***hole countries". Asked to confirm this when meeting with Nigeria's President Buhari, Trump stated that there are "some countries that are in very bad shape". Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Defending Russian President Vladimir Putin Trump appeared to equate US foreign actions to those of Russian president Vladimir Putin, saying: There are a lot of killers. You think our countrys so innocent? Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Asking for people to 'pray' for Arnold Schwarzenegger At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump couldnt help but to ask for prayers for the ratings on Arnold Schwarzeneggers show to be good. Schwarzenegger took over as host of The Apprentice which buoyed Trumps celebrity status years ago Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Hanging up on Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull Early in his presidency, Trump reportedly hung up the phone on Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull after the foreign leader angered him over refugee plans. Mr Trump later said that it was the worst call he had had so far Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... The 'Muslim ban' Perhaps one of his most controversial policies while acting as president, Trumps travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries has bought him a lot of criticism. The bans were immediately protested, and judges initially blocked their implementation. The Supreme Court later sided with the administrations argument that the ban was developed out of concern for US security Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Praising crowd size while touring Hurricane Harvey damage After Hurricane Harvey ravaged southeastern Texas, Trump paid the area a visit. While his response to the disaster in Houston was generally applauded, the president picked up some flack when he gave a speech outside Houston (he reportedly did not visit disaster zones), and praised the size of the crowds there AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... 'Little Rocket Man' During his first-ever speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump tried out a new nickname for North Korea leader Kim Jong-un: Rocket Man. He later tweaked it to be little Rocket Man as the two feuded, and threatened each other with nuclear war. During that speech, he also threatened to totally annihilate North Korea Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Attacking Sadiq Khan following London Bridge terror attack After the attack on the London Bridge, Trump lashed out at London Mayor Sadiq Khan, criticising Khan for saying there was no reason to be alarmed after the attack. Trump was taking the comments out of context, as Khan was simply saying that the police had everything under control Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming presenter Mika Brezinkski was 'bleeding from the face' Never one not to mock his enemies, Trump mocked MSNBCs Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski, saying that she and co-host Joe Scarborough had approached him before his inauguration asking to join him. He noted that she was bleeding badly from a face-lift at the time, and that he said no MSNBC Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming the blame for Charlottesville was on 'both sides' Trump refused to condemn far-right extremists involved in violence at 'the march for the right' protests in Charlottesville, even after the murder of counter protester Heather Heyer AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Retweeting cartoon of CNN being hit by a 'Trump train' Trump retweeted a cartoon showing a Trump-branded train running over a person whose body and head were replaced by a CNN avatar. He later deleted the retweet Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Tweeting about 'slamming' CNN Trump caught some flack when he tweeted a video showing him wrestling down an individual whose head had been replaced by a CNN avatar. Trump has singled CNN out in particular with his chants of fake news Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing head of the FBI, James Comey Trumps firing of former FBI Director James Comey landed him with a federal investigation into Russias meddling in the 2016 election that has caused many a headache for the White House. The White House initially said that the decision was made after consultation from the Justice Department. Then Mr Trump himself said that he had decided to fire him in part because he wanted the Russia investigation Mr Comey was conducting to stop Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Not realising being president would be 'hard' Just three months into his presidency, Trump admitted that being president is harder than he thought it would be. Though Trump insisted on the 2016 campaign trail that doing the job would be easy for him, he admitted in an interview that living in the White House is harder than running a business empire Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Accusing Obama of wiretapping him Trump accused former president Barack Obama of wire tapping him on twitter. The Justice Department later clarified: Obama had not, in fact, done so Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming there had been 3 million 'illegal votes' Trump was never very happy about losing the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by 2.8 million ballots. So, he and White House voter-fraud commissioner Kris Kobach have claimed that anywhere between three and five million people voted illegally during the 2016 election. Conveniently, he says that all of those illegal votes went to Clinton. (There is no evidence to support that level of widespread voter fraud.) Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Leaving Jews out of the Holocaust memorial statement Just days after taking office, Trumps White House issued a statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, but didnt mention jews or even the word jewish in the written statement Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Anger over Inauguration crowd size Trumps inauguration crowd was visibly, and noticeably, smaller than that of his predecessor, Barack Obama. But, he really wanted to have had the largest crowd on record. So, he praised it as the biggest crowd ever. Relatedly, Trump also claimed that it stopped raining in Washington at the moment he was inaugurated. It didnt, the day was very dreary Reuters All Republicans want to see the vice president, and many Republicans cant afford the $275 ticket, Mr Cole said. Party activists had apparently complained online about the original ticket prices. The top ticket for the event costs $10,000 and includes a VIP reception, premier seating and a photo opportunity with Mr Pence. The ticket discount hasn't gone unnoticed by the Colorado Democratic Party. I think its another indication of a lack of enthusiasm right on the heels of a weak fundraising quarter for Republican candidates in Colorado, party spokesman Eric Walker told the Post. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington 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 Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The FBI has now joined the investigation into how four US soldiers died in an apparent ambush by Isis militants while on patrol in Niger. Staff Sergeants Bryan Black, Jeremiah Johnson, Dustin Wright, and Sergeant La David T Johnson died and two others were injured when a group of a dozen US Army soldiers and 40 troops from Niger were ambushed on 4 October. The bureau told the Wall Street Journal it is not uncommon for it to get involved in these types of military investigations and it actually has the authority to take lead on the case, though it has not done so as yet. The bureau could not be immediately reached for comment. The Pentagons initial assessment was to blame Isis militants. Congress, however, is questioning not only the purpose of the mission but why the Green Beret-led team was without sufficient support to fight off the 50 Isis militants. In the ensuing rescue operation to get the US soldiers out of the area during a firefight with the militants, it appears Mr Johnsons body was left behind. John Kelly coached Trump to use the phrase "he knew what he was getting into" to bereaved widow His body was only recovered 48 hours later - found by Nigerian nationals - and returned the US. Senator John McCain, a retired Naval officer and Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, said: Weve been waiting for weeks and weeks...We will not sit by without having a complete understanding of whats going on. On Thursday, Defence Secretary James Mattis said that the Pentagon does not "have all the accurate information yet" regarding the ambush in Niger that killed four US soldiers. But, he noted, the "US military does not leave its troops behind". Mr Mattis headed to Capitol Hill on Friday afternoon to meet with Mr McCain, after he threatened to potentially use a subpoena to compel information from the Pentagon and the administration about the Niger attack, complaining that it was easier under Obama to find out about active military operations. White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, a retired Marine General, said that "an investigation doesnt mean anything was wrong ... doesnt mean that heads are going to roll." 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 Kelly said the Defence Department just needs to find out what happened. Mr Mattis, in response to some news reports, asked that the media "not question the actions of the troops caught in the firefight" who "did everything they could" to recover all the wounded and killed in action at the same time. "We at the DOD like to know what were talking about before we talk," Mr Mattis said as an explanation for the lack of more details on the investigation. Mr Mattis confirmed that the soldiers were there on a foreign internal defence training mission to "help the people in the region defend themselves." He said twice that these types of counter-terror missions are done "by, with, and through our allies. He also said the media should not "confuse" the need for rapid information with the military's ability to provide it at that rate given the circumstances. Amid the investigation, Donald Trump has drawn sharp criticism for his public and private handling of these soldiers deaths and dealings with their families. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington 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 Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump was not mentioned by name. But it was utterly obvious whom his predecessors in the White House were referring to, and the impact they believed his actions were having on the country they had once governed. Our politics seems more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrications, said George W Bush, who occupied the White House from 2001 to 2009. Barack Obama, who held office from 2009 to just nine months ago, said politics appeared so angry and nasty. Instead of our politics reflecting our values, we have politics infecting our communities, he declared. Mr Trumps actions as President have broken with political traditions (Getty) For the last six decades, it has become a generally accepted tradition that former presidents do not criticise the behaviour of those who follow them. The fact that two former presidents moreover individuals representing different parties and separated by 15 years in age should do so with such vehemence and on the same day, is unprecedented. The triggers were the strident actions of the man whose name was unspoken. Traditionally, during periods we are most polarised, the former presidents try to bring the country together, said Barbara Perry, director of presidential studies at the University of Virginias Miller Centre. Then you have Donald Trump who is utterly unprecedented in that he has no military or political experience and who does not recognise the political norms. That is why he was elected. Donald Trump supporter interviewed falsely claims to be Navy SEAL on Fox News The tradition of former presidents not speaking out against those who followed them, has not always existed. In the early days of the Republic, John Adams, the nations second president, clashed with Thomas Jefferson, who served as his vice president even though he was was different party, and who became the third president. Harry Truman, a Democrat who served as the 33rd president, spoke out passionately about the actions of Republican Dwight Eisenhower, the former five-star general who was the nations 34th commander-in-chief, said Ms Perry. Even among the five surviving former presidents, individuals did not always hold their tongue. In 2004, Jimmy Carter, the 39th president, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, criticised George W Bush and Tony Blair for waging an unnecessary war to oust Saddam Hussein based on lies or misinterpretations. Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Show all 30 1 /30 Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Threatening to shut down Twitter after being fact-checked After the president tweeted that voting by post would be "substantially fraudulent", Twitter attached a warning label to his tweet and referred readers to a site which explained how the claim was "unsubstantiated". Trump then said Twitter was "stifling free speech" and that he may have to shut it down, something which he would not have the power to do AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Flippantly dismissing a serious allegation of sexual assault When author E Jean Carroll accused Trump of raping her, the president responded: Number one, shes not my type. Number two, it never happened. It never happened, OK?" AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Insulting the Mayor of London as he landed in London Just before touching down at Stansted Airport for his state visit, Trump took time out to @ the London mayor Sadiq Khan on twitter. He said that Khan has done a "terrible job"as mayor and that he is a "stone cold loser" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Taking plenty of "Executive Time" The president's official schedule sets aside the hours from 8 to 11am daily for "Executive Time". Further intermittent periods of "Executive Time" are scheduled throughout any given day, ranging from 15 minutes to 3 hours. His duties in these hours have not been officially disclosed, though Axios reports that he spends them watching TV, reading the newspapers and tweeting Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Shutdown the government for over a month in an effort to secure funding for his wall With Mexico declining to pay for the wall, the president has faced difficulty in raising the required $5bn at home. Due to his demand that the money for the wall be included in the budget, and Congress's refusal, the government partially shut down on 22 December 2018. It remained shut for over a month, the longest period in history Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Joking about the Nazi occupation of France to President Macron In this tweet from 13 November 2018, the president mocks Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of a "true, European army" by invoking the conflict between France and Germany in the world wars Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Railing against the Mueller investigation The president has repeatedly claimed that the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, is a "rigged witch hunt" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting a US intelligence report on Russian meddling in the presence of Vladimir Putin In the press conference that followed his landmark meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Trump stated that he saw no reason why Russia would have meddled in the 2016 US election. This contradicted a 2017 report by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence that found evidence of Russian interference in favour of Trump Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting his contradiction of a US intelligence report on Russian meddling Following furious backlash in the US, the president claimed that he meant to say that he saw no reason why it would not have been Russia who meddled in the 2016 US election. As to why he would have intended to use such bizarre phrasing, he did not comment Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Colouring in the US flag wrong The president coloured in the US flag wrongly during a visit to a children's hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He added a blue stripe where in tradition, and statute, there have been only white and red stripes AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing a Secretary of State over Twitter The president announced on Twitter that he was appointing Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State, much to the surprise of then Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Quoting a catchphrase from a reality TV show when discussing police brutality While addressing the issue of black athletes not standing for the national anthem in protest of police brutality, the president made reference to his catchphrase from reality TV show "The Apprentice": you're fired! Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Calling African nations "S***hole Countries" Ever one for diplomacy, the president reportedly referred to African nations as "s***hole countries". Asked to confirm this when meeting with Nigeria's President Buhari, Trump stated that there are "some countries that are in very bad shape". Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Defending Russian President Vladimir Putin Trump appeared to equate US foreign actions to those of Russian president Vladimir Putin, saying: There are a lot of killers. You think our countrys so innocent? Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Asking for people to 'pray' for Arnold Schwarzenegger At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump couldnt help but to ask for prayers for the ratings on Arnold Schwarzeneggers show to be good. Schwarzenegger took over as host of The Apprentice which buoyed Trumps celebrity status years ago Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Hanging up on Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull Early in his presidency, Trump reportedly hung up the phone on Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull after the foreign leader angered him over refugee plans. Mr Trump later said that it was the worst call he had had so far Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... The 'Muslim ban' Perhaps one of his most controversial policies while acting as president, Trumps travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries has bought him a lot of criticism. The bans were immediately protested, and judges initially blocked their implementation. The Supreme Court later sided with the administrations argument that the ban was developed out of concern for US security Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Praising crowd size while touring Hurricane Harvey damage After Hurricane Harvey ravaged southeastern Texas, Trump paid the area a visit. While his response to the disaster in Houston was generally applauded, the president picked up some flack when he gave a speech outside Houston (he reportedly did not visit disaster zones), and praised the size of the crowds there AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... 'Little Rocket Man' During his first-ever speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump tried out a new nickname for North Korea leader Kim Jong-un: Rocket Man. He later tweaked it to be little Rocket Man as the two feuded, and threatened each other with nuclear war. During that speech, he also threatened to totally annihilate North Korea Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Attacking Sadiq Khan following London Bridge terror attack After the attack on the London Bridge, Trump lashed out at London Mayor Sadiq Khan, criticising Khan for saying there was no reason to be alarmed after the attack. Trump was taking the comments out of context, as Khan was simply saying that the police had everything under control Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming presenter Mika Brezinkski was 'bleeding from the face' Never one not to mock his enemies, Trump mocked MSNBCs Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski, saying that she and co-host Joe Scarborough had approached him before his inauguration asking to join him. He noted that she was bleeding badly from a face-lift at the time, and that he said no MSNBC Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming the blame for Charlottesville was on 'both sides' Trump refused to condemn far-right extremists involved in violence at 'the march for the right' protests in Charlottesville, even after the murder of counter protester Heather Heyer AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Retweeting cartoon of CNN being hit by a 'Trump train' Trump retweeted a cartoon showing a Trump-branded train running over a person whose body and head were replaced by a CNN avatar. He later deleted the retweet Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Tweeting about 'slamming' CNN Trump caught some flack when he tweeted a video showing him wrestling down an individual whose head had been replaced by a CNN avatar. Trump has singled CNN out in particular with his chants of fake news Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing head of the FBI, James Comey Trumps firing of former FBI Director James Comey landed him with a federal investigation into Russias meddling in the 2016 election that has caused many a headache for the White House. The White House initially said that the decision was made after consultation from the Justice Department. Then Mr Trump himself said that he had decided to fire him in part because he wanted the Russia investigation Mr Comey was conducting to stop Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Not realising being president would be 'hard' Just three months into his presidency, Trump admitted that being president is harder than he thought it would be. Though Trump insisted on the 2016 campaign trail that doing the job would be easy for him, he admitted in an interview that living in the White House is harder than running a business empire Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Accusing Obama of wiretapping him Trump accused former president Barack Obama of wire tapping him on twitter. The Justice Department later clarified: Obama had not, in fact, done so Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming there had been 3 million 'illegal votes' Trump was never very happy about losing the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by 2.8 million ballots. So, he and White House voter-fraud commissioner Kris Kobach have claimed that anywhere between three and five million people voted illegally during the 2016 election. Conveniently, he says that all of those illegal votes went to Clinton. (There is no evidence to support that level of widespread voter fraud.) Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Leaving Jews out of the Holocaust memorial statement Just days after taking office, Trumps White House issued a statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, but didnt mention jews or even the word jewish in the written statement Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Anger over Inauguration crowd size Trumps inauguration crowd was visibly, and noticeably, smaller than that of his predecessor, Barack Obama. But, he really wanted to have had the largest crowd on record. So, he praised it as the biggest crowd ever. Relatedly, Trump also claimed that it stopped raining in Washington at the moment he was inaugurated. It didnt, the day was very dreary Reuters There was no reason for us to become involved in Iraq, he told The Independent. I think that President Bush and Prime Minister Blair probably knew that many of the allegations were based on uncertain intelligence .... a decision was made to go to war [then people said] Lets find a reason to do so. Such interventions are rare. Yet as Mr Trumps presidency progresses and he continues to trample on many conventions of American political life and presidential behaviour, they may become more common. Last month, Mr Obama criticised the President for deciding to scrap the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programme he had passed to provide protection from deportation for children and young people who had entered the country without documents. He said the move was cruel and self-defeating. Ms Perry said she suspected Mr Obama and Mr Bush may have been inspired to speak out this week, one in Virginia, the other in New York, after Mr Trump claimed he was rare among presidents in speaking or writing to relatives of members of the military killed in action. Former aides to both presidents said both of them had done so, as had presidents such as Bill Clinton and others before him. The former presidents are stepping up, especially about the war dead, said Ms Perry. I think it is pointing towards a new normal. Robert Shapiro, Professor of Government at Columbia University said both Mr Obama and Mr Bush had little affection for the President for reasons of personal enmity. But I think both think Donald Trump is an affront to the American presidency and American institutions, he said. As it is, the five former presidents Mr Carter, George HW Bush, Mr Clinton, Mr Bush and Mr Obama will this weekend all be attending a fundraising event for hurricane relief being held at the Texas A&Ms Reed Arena in College Station, 100 miles north west of Houston. The concert has been organised by the George HW Bush Presidential Library Foundation and will feature Lee Greenwood, The Gatlin Brothers, Lyle Lovett and Cassadee Pope. Among those who will not attending are Donald Trump. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington 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 Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A young woman earned rapturous applause after she asked white supremacist Richard Spencer how it felt to be punched in the face. The far right leader was addressing students in Florida - an event at which he was largely drowned out - when student journalist Eman Elshahawy asked Mr Spencer about a notorious incident when he was attacked on the street on the day of Donald Trumps inauguration. Two weeks after Mr Trumps election victory, Mr Spencer had led a celebratory rally for far right activists where people made Nazi salutes. During Mr Spencers appearance at the University of Florida in Gainesville, where his supporters amounted to around 30, he took questions from the audience, which contained many protesters. Ms Elshahawy, a student journalist who writes for the The Tab, picked up the microphone and said: Im Eman. My ethnicity is Egyptian and Puerto Rican. I am a beautiful brown woman here today. My question for you is how did it feel to get punched in the face on camera? Video footage of the moment recorded loud cheers from the audience in response to Ms Elshahawys question. Richard Spencer apologises for holding press conference in his flat after no hotel would host him Eventually Mr Spencer, who was making his first speech since an August rally in Charlottesville erupted in violence and left one anti-fascist protester dead, was able to respond. It hurt. Yeah, it hurts when someone punches you in the face. Is that a real question, he said, according to the Los Angeles Times. He added: Whats the point of such a question? Are you threatening me with violence Do you all want to get your hands dirty? Are you really willing to do something like that, or do you just want to shout self-righteously? Violence on the streets of Charlottesville Show all 9 1 /9 Violence on the streets of Charlottesville Violence on the streets of Charlottesville Protesters clash and several are injured White nationalist demonstrators clash with counter demonstrators at the entrance to Lee Park in Charlottesville, Virginia. A state of emergency is declared, August 12 2017 Violence on the streets of Charlottesville Trump supporters at the protest A white nationalist demonstrator walks into Lee Park in Charlottesville, Va., Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017. Hundreds of people chanted, threw punches, hurled water bottles and unleashed chemical sprays on each other Saturday after violence erupted at a white nationalist rally in Virginia. AP Photo Violence on the streets of Charlottesville State police stand ready in riot gear Virginia State Police cordon off an area around the site where a car ran into a group of protesters after a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia AP Photo Violence on the streets of Charlottesville Militia armed with assault rifles White nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the 'alt-right' with body armor and combat weapons evacuate comrades who were pepper sprayed after the 'Unite the Right' rally was declared a unlawful gathering by Virginia State Police. Militia members marched through the city earlier in the day, armed with assault rifles. Getty Images Violence on the streets of Charlottesville Statue of Confederate General Robert E Lee The statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee stands behind a crowd of hundreds of white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the 'alt-right' during the 'Unite the Right' rally 12 August 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. They are protesting the removal of the statue from Emancipation Park in the city. Getty Images Violence on the streets of Charlottesville Racial tensions sparked the violence White nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the 'alt-right' exchange insults with counter-protesters as they attempt to guard the entrance to Lee Park during the 'Unite the Right' rally Getty Violence on the streets of Charlottesville A car plows through protesters A vehicle drives into a group of protesters demonstrating against a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. The incident resulted in multiple injuries, some life-threatening, and one death. AP Photo Violence on the streets of Charlottesville Rescue personnel help injured people after a car ran into a large group of protesters after an white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia AP Photo Violence on the streets of Charlottesville President Donald Trump speaks about the ongoing situation in Charlottesville, Virginia from his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. He spoke about "loyalty" and "healing wounds" left by decades of racism. Ms Elshahawy, 20 who is studying journalist and political science, said most of the journalism she had done had been traditional. She said when on issues of civil injustice she felt it was acceptable to ask the kind of question she did. I thought it was fair to ask a question like that, at a time like this, of a person like that, she said. Ms Elshahawys question was the final one to be asked of the far right leader during his 90-minute appearance at the university. Before he left, he said to the protesters: You think that you shut me down? Well, you didnt. You actually even failed at your own game. The world is not going to be proud of you. Mr Spencer, 39, who leads a group called the National Policy Institute, was attacked on the afternoon of Mr Trumps inauguration on January 20 by someone who punched him him in the face as he stood on the corner of 14th and K Street in Washington DC. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington 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 Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Big money is pouring into the effort in impeach Donald Trump. Billionaire Democratic activist Tom Steyer is continuing his crusade against the president by funding a national campaign of television and digital advertisements calling for Mr Trump's removal from office. The spot warns that Mr Trump has brought us to the brink of nuclear war, obstructed justice at the FBI and has taken money from foreign governments and threatened to shut down news organizations in violation of the constitution. It pushes viewers to sign a petition endorsing Mr Trumps impeachment. People in Congress and his own administration know this president is a clear and present danger who is mentally unstable and armed with nuclear weapons. And they do nothing, Mr Steyer says in the spot. Join us and tell your Member of Congress that they have a moral responsibility to stop doing whats political and start doing whats right. A representative for Mr Steyer said the advertisements would be running in all 50 states. Without providing specific numbers, the representative said the effort included an eight-figure television ad buy and a seven-figure outlay for digital ads. In seeking Mr Trump's impeachment, Mr Steyer is opening his wallet to support an outcome several Democratic member of Congress have publicly backed. Mr Steyer last week sent letters to every Democrat in of Congress, all 50 governors and thousands of mayors urging them to support impeachment. The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Show all 17 1 /17 The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Paul Manafort Mr Manafort is a Republican strategist and former Trump campaign manager. He resigned from that post over questions about his extensive lobbying overseas, including in Ukraine where he represented pro-Russian interests. Mr Manafort turned himself in at FBI headquarters to special counsel Robert Muellers team on Oct 30, 2017, after he was indicted under seal on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. Getty The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rick Gates Mr Gates joined the Trump team in spring 2016, and served as a top aide until he left to work at the Republican National Committee after the departure of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Mr Gates' had previously worked on several presidential campaigns, on international political campaigns in Europe and Africa, and had 15 years of political or financial experience with multinational firms, according to his bio. Mr Gates was indicted alongside Mr Manafort by special counsel Robert Mueller's team on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. AP The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation George Papadopoulos George Papadopoulos was a former foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign, having joined around March 2016. Mr Papadopoulos plead guilty to federal charges for lying to the FBI as a part of a cooperation agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Mr Papadopoulos claimed in an interview with the FBI that he had made contacts with Russian sources before joining the Trump campaign, but he actually began working with them after joining the team. Mr Papadopoulos allegedly took a meeting with a professor in London who reportedly told him that Russians had "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. The professor also allegedly introduced Mr Papadopoulos to a Russian who was said to have close ties to officials at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Papadopoulos also allegedly was in contact with a woman whom he incorrectly described in one email to others in the campaign as the "niece" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Twitter The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Donald Trump Jr The President's eldest son met with a Russian lawyer - Natalia Veselnitskaya - on 9 June 2016 at Trump Tower in New York. He said in an initial statement that the meeting was about Russia halting adoptions of its children by US citizens. Then, he said it was regarding the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. In a final statement, Mr Trump Jr released a chain of emails that revealed he took the meeting in hopes of getting information Ms Veselnitskaya had about Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. He and the President called it standard "opposition research" in the course of campaigning and that no information came from the meeting. The meeting was set up by an intermediary, Rob Goldstone. Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort were also at the same meeting. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jared Kushner Mr Kushner is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key adviser to the White House. He met with a Russian banker appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. Mr Kushner has said he did so in his role as an adviser to Mr Trump while the bank says he did so as a private developer. Mr Kushner has also volunteered to testify in the Senate about his role helping to arrange meetings between Trump advisers and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rob Goldstone Former tabloid journalist and now music publicist Rob Goldstone is a contact of the Trump family through the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Moscow. In June 2016, he wrote to Donald Trump Jr offering a meeting with a Russian lawyer, Natalya Veselnitskaya, who had information about Hillary Clinton. Mr Goldstone was the intermediary for Russian pop star Emin Agalaraov and his father, real estate magnate Aras, who played a role in putting on the 2013 pageant. In an email chain released by Mr Trump Jr, Mr Goldstone seemed to indicate Russian government's support of Donald Trump's campaign. AP images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Aras and Emin Agalarov Aras Agalarov (R) is a wealthy Moscow-based real estate magnate and son Emin (L) is a pop star. Both played a role in putting on the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow. They allegedly had information about Hillary Clinton and offered that information to the Trump campaign through a lawyer with whom they had worked with, Natalia Veselnitskaya, and music publicist Rob Goldstone. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Natalia Veselnitskaya Natalia Veselnitskaya is a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin. She has worked on real estate issues and reportedly counted the FSB as a client in the past. She has ties to a Trump family connection, real estate magnate Aras Agalarov, who had helped set up the Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant which took place in Moscow. Ms Veselnitskaya met with Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort in Trump Tower on 9 June 2016 but denies the allegation that she went there promising information on Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. She contends that the meeting was about the US adoptions of Russian children being stopped by Moscow as a reaction to the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Mike Flynn Mr Flynn was named as Trump's national security adviser but was forced to resign from his post for inappropriate communication with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. He had misrepresented a conversation he had with Mr Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence, telling him wrongly that he had not discussed sanctions with the Russian. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sergey Kislyak Mr Kislyak, the former longtime Russian ambassador to the US, is at the centre of the web said to connect President Donald Trump's campaign with Russia. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Roger Stone Mr Stone is a former Trump adviser who worked on the political campaigns of Richard Nixon, George HW Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Mr Stone claimed repeatedly in the final months of the campaign that he had backchannel communications with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and that he knew the group was going to dump damaging documents to the campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - which did happen. Mr Stone also had contacts with the hacker Guccier 2.0 on Twitter, who claimed to have hacked the DNC and is linked to Russian intelligence services. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeff Sessions The US attorney general was forced to recuse himself from the Trump-Russia investigation after it was learned that he had lied about meeting with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Carter Page Mr Page is a former advisor to the Trump campaign and has a background working as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. Mr Page met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Mr Page had invested in oil companies connected to Russia and had admitted that US Russia sanctions had hurt his bottom line. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeffrey "JD" Gorden Mr Gordon met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republian National Convention to discuss how the US and Russia could work together to combat Islamist extremism should then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win the election. The meeting came days before a massive leak of DNC emails that has been connected to Russia. Creative Commons The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation James Comey Mr Comey was fired from his post as head of the FBI by President Donald Trump. The timing of Mr Comey's firing raised questions around whether or not the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign may have played a role in the decision. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Preet Bharara Mr Bahara refused, alongside 46 other US district attorney's across the country, to resign once President Donald Trump took office after previous assurances from Mr Trump that he would keep his job. Mr Bahara had been heading up several investigations including one into one of President Donald Trump's favorite cable television channels Fox News. Several investigations would lead back to that district, too, including those into Mr Trump's campaign ties to Russia, and Mr Trump's assertion that Trump Tower was wiretapped on orders from his predecessor. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sally Yates Ms Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General, was running the Justice Department while President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general awaited confirmation. Ms Yates was later fired by Mr Trump from her temporary post over her refusal to implement Mr Trump's first travel ban. She had also warned the White House about potential ties former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to Russia after discovering those ties during the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's connections to Russia. Getty Images Calling Mr Trump a clear and present threat to the United States of America, the letter also warns Democrats that they must be responsive to a restive liberal base and seeks to inject the impeachment conversation into upcoming midterm elections. Arguing that impeachment could be a viable outcome if Democrats retake Congress in 2018, it urges officeholders to make clear where every Democrat stands on the issue of the highest import to the lives of every single American now, before those elections happen. While a growing number of Republican officials have openly broken with Mr Trump - including longtime ally Sen Bob Corker, a Tennessee Republican who warned of Mr Trump hurtling the country toward World War III - convincing a Republican-controlled Congress to remove a Republican president remains a long shot. If Democrats want to appease the far left and their liberal mega-donors by supporting a baseless radical effort that the vast majority of Americans disagree with, then have at it. Republicans will continue to focus on issues voters actually care about, like growing our economy and cutting taxes for the middle class, Republican National Committee spokesman Michael Ahrens said in a statement. After making a fortune in investing, Mr Steyer turned his attention to politics. He poured tens of millions into the 2016 election through his political action committee, bankrolling voter mobilization efforts and ads lambasting Mr Trump. His signature issue has been climate change, and he and his organization NextGen Climate have spent heavily to support environmentalist candidates and advance climate change legislation. That focus makes Mr Steyer a natural antagonist for Mr Trump. The president has openly questioned the science of manmade climate change, once referring to it as a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese, and moved to pull the United Stated from the Paris Climate accords. His pick to run the Environmental Protection Agency, former Oklahoma attorney general Scott Pruitt, is a fossil fuel industry ally who has moved swiftly to dismantle to dilute Barack Obamas environmental regulations. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington 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 Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The Gold Star father who lambasted Donald Trump at the 2016 Democratic National Convention has said John Kelly, the White House Chief of Staff, needs to stop mopping up after the President. Khizr Khan, whose son Humayun Khan was killed in Iraq in 2004, said he was disappointed Mr Kelly was defending Mr Trumps response to the recent deaths of four US troops in Niger. He's mopping up after the president, and that is disappointing, Mr Khan said in an interview with Newsweek. Mr Kahn has become a prominent critic of Mr Trump. While speaking at the DNC last year, he famously challenged what sacrifices Mr Trump had made and held up a pocket-size copy of the US Constitution, asking if the billionaire had read it. This week, Mr Kahn told Newsweek that the President does not understand what sacrifice is and how to handle it. [Mr Kelly is] a good soldier, but he should know that he works for the American people ... this mopping, enough of mopping after these not-so-dignified expressions of condolence, Mr Khan said. This is what history will write: That, after serving so honourably, he came to the White House to serve with the most racist and bigoted president. Mr Kelly, a retired general whose son was killed in action in 2010, made an appearance at the White House briefing on Thursday to defend Mr Trumps call this week to the widow of Army Sgt. La David Johnson. Mr Johnson was killed during an ambush in Niger. In an emotional statement, Mr Kelly said he was stunned that a Democratic congresswoman, Frederica Wilson, had listened in on the call and then spoke to the press about it. Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Show all 30 1 /30 Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Threatening to shut down Twitter after being fact-checked After the president tweeted that voting by post would be "substantially fraudulent", Twitter attached a warning label to his tweet and referred readers to a site which explained how the claim was "unsubstantiated". Trump then said Twitter was "stifling free speech" and that he may have to shut it down, something which he would not have the power to do AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Flippantly dismissing a serious allegation of sexual assault When author E Jean Carroll accused Trump of raping her, the president responded: Number one, shes not my type. Number two, it never happened. It never happened, OK?" AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Insulting the Mayor of London as he landed in London Just before touching down at Stansted Airport for his state visit, Trump took time out to @ the London mayor Sadiq Khan on twitter. He said that Khan has done a "terrible job"as mayor and that he is a "stone cold loser" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Taking plenty of "Executive Time" The president's official schedule sets aside the hours from 8 to 11am daily for "Executive Time". Further intermittent periods of "Executive Time" are scheduled throughout any given day, ranging from 15 minutes to 3 hours. His duties in these hours have not been officially disclosed, though Axios reports that he spends them watching TV, reading the newspapers and tweeting Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Shutdown the government for over a month in an effort to secure funding for his wall With Mexico declining to pay for the wall, the president has faced difficulty in raising the required $5bn at home. Due to his demand that the money for the wall be included in the budget, and Congress's refusal, the government partially shut down on 22 December 2018. It remained shut for over a month, the longest period in history Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Joking about the Nazi occupation of France to President Macron In this tweet from 13 November 2018, the president mocks Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of a "true, European army" by invoking the conflict between France and Germany in the world wars Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Railing against the Mueller investigation The president has repeatedly claimed that the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, is a "rigged witch hunt" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting a US intelligence report on Russian meddling in the presence of Vladimir Putin In the press conference that followed his landmark meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Trump stated that he saw no reason why Russia would have meddled in the 2016 US election. This contradicted a 2017 report by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence that found evidence of Russian interference in favour of Trump Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting his contradiction of a US intelligence report on Russian meddling Following furious backlash in the US, the president claimed that he meant to say that he saw no reason why it would not have been Russia who meddled in the 2016 US election. As to why he would have intended to use such bizarre phrasing, he did not comment Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Colouring in the US flag wrong The president coloured in the US flag wrongly during a visit to a children's hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He added a blue stripe where in tradition, and statute, there have been only white and red stripes AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing a Secretary of State over Twitter The president announced on Twitter that he was appointing Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State, much to the surprise of then Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Quoting a catchphrase from a reality TV show when discussing police brutality While addressing the issue of black athletes not standing for the national anthem in protest of police brutality, the president made reference to his catchphrase from reality TV show "The Apprentice": you're fired! Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Calling African nations "S***hole Countries" Ever one for diplomacy, the president reportedly referred to African nations as "s***hole countries". Asked to confirm this when meeting with Nigeria's President Buhari, Trump stated that there are "some countries that are in very bad shape". Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Defending Russian President Vladimir Putin Trump appeared to equate US foreign actions to those of Russian president Vladimir Putin, saying: There are a lot of killers. You think our countrys so innocent? Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Asking for people to 'pray' for Arnold Schwarzenegger At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump couldnt help but to ask for prayers for the ratings on Arnold Schwarzeneggers show to be good. Schwarzenegger took over as host of The Apprentice which buoyed Trumps celebrity status years ago Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Hanging up on Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull Early in his presidency, Trump reportedly hung up the phone on Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull after the foreign leader angered him over refugee plans. Mr Trump later said that it was the worst call he had had so far Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... The 'Muslim ban' Perhaps one of his most controversial policies while acting as president, Trumps travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries has bought him a lot of criticism. The bans were immediately protested, and judges initially blocked their implementation. The Supreme Court later sided with the administrations argument that the ban was developed out of concern for US security Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Praising crowd size while touring Hurricane Harvey damage After Hurricane Harvey ravaged southeastern Texas, Trump paid the area a visit. While his response to the disaster in Houston was generally applauded, the president picked up some flack when he gave a speech outside Houston (he reportedly did not visit disaster zones), and praised the size of the crowds there AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... 'Little Rocket Man' During his first-ever speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump tried out a new nickname for North Korea leader Kim Jong-un: Rocket Man. He later tweaked it to be little Rocket Man as the two feuded, and threatened each other with nuclear war. During that speech, he also threatened to totally annihilate North Korea Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Attacking Sadiq Khan following London Bridge terror attack After the attack on the London Bridge, Trump lashed out at London Mayor Sadiq Khan, criticising Khan for saying there was no reason to be alarmed after the attack. Trump was taking the comments out of context, as Khan was simply saying that the police had everything under control Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming presenter Mika Brezinkski was 'bleeding from the face' Never one not to mock his enemies, Trump mocked MSNBCs Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski, saying that she and co-host Joe Scarborough had approached him before his inauguration asking to join him. He noted that she was bleeding badly from a face-lift at the time, and that he said no MSNBC Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming the blame for Charlottesville was on 'both sides' Trump refused to condemn far-right extremists involved in violence at 'the march for the right' protests in Charlottesville, even after the murder of counter protester Heather Heyer AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Retweeting cartoon of CNN being hit by a 'Trump train' Trump retweeted a cartoon showing a Trump-branded train running over a person whose body and head were replaced by a CNN avatar. He later deleted the retweet Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Tweeting about 'slamming' CNN Trump caught some flack when he tweeted a video showing him wrestling down an individual whose head had been replaced by a CNN avatar. Trump has singled CNN out in particular with his chants of fake news Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing head of the FBI, James Comey Trumps firing of former FBI Director James Comey landed him with a federal investigation into Russias meddling in the 2016 election that has caused many a headache for the White House. The White House initially said that the decision was made after consultation from the Justice Department. Then Mr Trump himself said that he had decided to fire him in part because he wanted the Russia investigation Mr Comey was conducting to stop Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Not realising being president would be 'hard' Just three months into his presidency, Trump admitted that being president is harder than he thought it would be. Though Trump insisted on the 2016 campaign trail that doing the job would be easy for him, he admitted in an interview that living in the White House is harder than running a business empire Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Accusing Obama of wiretapping him Trump accused former president Barack Obama of wire tapping him on twitter. The Justice Department later clarified: Obama had not, in fact, done so Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming there had been 3 million 'illegal votes' Trump was never very happy about losing the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by 2.8 million ballots. So, he and White House voter-fraud commissioner Kris Kobach have claimed that anywhere between three and five million people voted illegally during the 2016 election. Conveniently, he says that all of those illegal votes went to Clinton. (There is no evidence to support that level of widespread voter fraud.) Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Leaving Jews out of the Holocaust memorial statement Just days after taking office, Trumps White House issued a statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, but didnt mention jews or even the word jewish in the written statement Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Anger over Inauguration crowd size Trumps inauguration crowd was visibly, and noticeably, smaller than that of his predecessor, Barack Obama. But, he really wanted to have had the largest crowd on record. So, he praised it as the biggest crowd ever. Relatedly, Trump also claimed that it stopped raining in Washington at the moment he was inaugurated. It didnt, the day was very dreary Reuters Earlier this week, Ms Wilson reported to CNN that Mr Trump told the widow her husband knew what he signed up for, but I guess it still hurt. Ms Wilson called the President's remarks disrespectful and said he was a sick man. I was stunned when I came to work yesterday, and brokenhearted, when I saw what a member of Congress was doing, Mr Kelly said on Thursday. What she was saying, what she was doing on TV. In an interview with a Miami news station, Ms Wilson joked that she is now rock star because of the chief of staff's criticism of her. You mean to tell me that I have become so important that the White House is following me and my words? This is amazing, she said. That is absolutely phenomenal. I will have to tell my kids that Im a rock star now. Let me tell you what my mother told me when I was little, Ms Wilson added. She said, The dog can bark at the moon all night long, but it doesnt become an issue until the moon barks back. Think instances instead of hashtags, toots instead of tweets, and a one-man staff instead of a cartoonish supervillain running the show, and youll have Mastodon. Tom Ough investigates whether this nicer, trickier platform could be our social media salvation 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 woman who thought she had paid for her dog to be euthanized has been surprised to find out that her dog was kept alive for five months after the procedure. New Jersey woman Keri Levy says that she made the difficult decision to put down the miniature pinscher she had owned for 15 years, but was astonished to receive an anonymous tip five months later that her pup was still alive. It broke my heart in a way like my heart has never been broken, Ms Levy told ABC News. A member of the tech crew at the Briarwood Veterinary hospital, where Ms Levy paid $192 for her dogs cremation, reportedly decided that they didnt think the dog should be euthanized, and instead took the animal home. In the five months that followed, however, the pooch received no further treatment, allowing the dogs bones and muscle mass to deteriorate. When Ms Levy found out that her dog was alive, he was badly emaciated. 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 veterinary hospital confirmed to The Independent that the employee and vet who decided not to follow through on the euthanasia are no longer employed there. They declined further comment, however. "It's hard enough when you have to decide when a pet should pass, but then to deal with that twice for the same pet, it's just unthinkable," Dr Maureen Kubisz, a veterinarian who works under the new management at the veterinarian hospital, said. Police are looking into potential theft charges, since the doctor took money, and then did not perform the procedure promised. 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 }} One of the largest Islamic institutions in India has reportedly banned Muslims from posting pictures of themselves on social media. The Darul Uloom Deoband school in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, is said to have issued a fatwa against sharing personal photos online, after deeming the activity un-Islamic. The ban applies to both men and women despite the seminary itself having a social media presence. The fatwa was issued after a person wrote in to ask about Islamic law in relation to the publication of images to platforms like Facebook and Whatsapp, Unnecessary uploading of pictures on social media is wrong. Fatwa of Darul Uloom Deoband is appropriate,'' Shahnawaz Qadri told IBT India. The institution did not say what should happen to the numerous images and other posts, which Muslims have already added to their social media sites. The ban comes shortly after the Darul Uloom Deoband issued an unexpected fatwa against women plucking their eyebrows. It also reportedly urged women not to go to beauty salons. That decision was also taken after a question was submitted by a follower. 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 "Muslim women should stay away from beauty parlours as Islam does not permit them to have make-up attracting other male members, said seminary Chief Maulana Sadiq Qasmi.. Like Muslim male are not allowed to shave under Islam, eyebrow trimming, hair-cutting and make-up like wearing lipstick, etc is also banned" He added that the "trend of Muslim women going to beauty parlours has increased in the country," which he said was "not a good sign and it should be stopped immediately." He added: "We should have issued a fatwa in this regard long ago." 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 }} Spare a thought for Japanese voters as they go to the polls in a snap parliamentary election on Sunday. The economy is ticking along respectably, the stock market is at a 20-year high, the country enjoys full employment, Japanese companies are making good profits, there are no divisive problems involving race and almost no issues surrounding immigration. It is, as Daniel Sneider of Stanford University puts it, a Seinfeld election. An election about nothing. But this election offers one important thing for voters at home and governments abroad: stability. Shinzo Abe's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, which has been in power for five years, will almost certainly secure control of the House of Representatives for another four-year term. That is noteworthy in a country that went through six Prime Ministers in six years until Abe returned to power at the end of 2012 and in a world where other advanced nations are dealing with the effects of electoral surprises. "Britain is in a negative spiral after making a major mistake with Brexit, and obviously there's the sad story of the US," said Michael Fullilove, executive director of the Lowy Institute in Sydney. Australia, for its part, is now on its fourth Prime Minister in five years. "There has been so much dysfunction in politics and churn in leadership, and there has been a tendency among Western countries to look inward rather than taking an outward-looking, more muscular view," Fullilove said. Japan under Abe is an exception to both those trends. Abe, who is 63, called the snap election 14 months before it was due, ostensibly to seek a new mandate to be tough on North Korea, and channel a planned consumption-tax increase into social spending rather than retiring debt. But most analysts say he is being opportunistic, trying to exploit a sudden rebound in the polls Kim Jong-un's missile launches over Japan helped boost the hawkish Abe's numbers and a vacuum in the opposition after months of lingering scandal. If he retains a two-thirds majority in the powerful lower house, the nationalistic Abe will likely press ahead with plans to revise the post-war Pacifist Constitution and strengthen Japan's military. After a surprise challenge from Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike quickly fizzled, Abe's ruling coalition is poised to win more than 300 of the 465 seats in the lower house, according to forecasts from the Jiji Press news agency. It must take 310 seats to retain the super-majority needed to amend the constitution. But the anticipated support for the government belies the decidedly tepid feelings about the Prime Minister himself. A poll by the Asahi Shimbun published Wednesday night found that 51 percent of respondents do not want Abe to remain as Prime Minister. "Japanese voters are rewarding Abe for providing continuity and stability, even if they don't like him," said Sneider, an East Asia specialist currently based in Tokyo. "They might not greet him enthusiastically, and they might worry about his nationalism, but they're not interested in trading that for uncertainty." This is partly because the memories of political upheaval remain so fresh in Japan. When Junichiro Koizumi retired in 2006 after five years as Prime Minister, as required by LDP rules, Abe succeeded him. But he lasted only one year, quitting suddenly after a huge defeat in an upper house election and two scandals in his Cabinet. Then, within the next five years came two conservative Prime Ministers and three from the Democratic Party of Japan, during a rare but difficult period in government that coincided with the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Repeated Cabinet reshuffles meant some ministers were changed even more frequently. Abe got a second chance when he was returned to the premiership at the end of 2012. The LDP changed its rules earlier this year to allow him to serve a third consecutive three-year term. If he stays until 2021, he will become Japan's longest-serving Prime Minister. 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 But Alison Evans, a Japan specialist at IHS Markit, the consulting firm, says Japan's recent stability is more a function of the party than the person. Except for two short periods, the LDP has been in government since 1955. "The LDP will continue to dominate, but Prime Ministers will come and go," Evans said. "Japan is a democracy, but culturally and structurally, there has been no move towards pluralism." Abe is taking advantage of this, though. Even his critics concede that he has learned from his first disastrous stint as Prime Minister and proven himself to be a political survivor. Under his "Abenomics" stimulus policies, the Japanese economy has grown for six quarters in a row after two decades of recession and stagnation, now ticking along at 2.5 percent annual growth. Even if ordinary Japanese say they don't feel the improvement, at least the numbers are heading in the right direction. Allies and other like-minded governments would welcome Abe continuing in office. Just having a Prime Minister who lasts more than a year has injected some certainty and stability into governments' political and trading relationships, says one diplomat from the region. It is especially important for the relationship with the United States, Japan's main ally. "There were multiple moments over recent years when American officials said, 'Why bother building a relationship when he or she isn't going to be there in a few months,'" said Brad Glosserman, an American who is a visiting professor at Tama University in Tokyo. "It's hard to exaggerate the value of having this relationship." One relationship that is serving Japan well is the bond that Abe has formed with President Donald Trump. On the campaign trail, Trump had repeatedly lashed out at Japan, espousing a 1980s view of their trading relationship and repeatedly saying that Japan should be paying for its own defence. But Abe made determined efforts to get on the right side of Trump, being the first foreign leader to visit him after his election victory and holding a chummy summit with him at Mar-a-Lago just a few weeks after Trump's inauguration. The two regularly talk on the phone about North Korea, and Trump arrives in Japan on 5 November to begin an Asian tour. That Trump has not acted against Japan's interests with the exception of withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal is a testament to Abe's influence, analysts say. Washington Post 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 }} Scores of women have had their hair cut off in Indian-administered Kashmir, in incidents known locally as "braid chopping". Police in the region say more than 200 cases have been reported in the last six weeks. A number of women have also been attacked and drugged before their hair was removed. It is not known whether it is the work of one attacker or a group of people. Kashmiri women often have braided hair, which appears to be a target for the perpetrators. Shaqeela Sajad told the USA Today newspaper that she was cleaning the front veranda of her home in Srinagar when she was attacked by a man in a mask. The 24-year-old, who is currently pregnant said he held a handkerchief over her face. When I opened my eyes in the hospital, I found out that my braid had been hacked, she said, Police in the region are still seeking a motive for the alleged crimes and have offered up to 600,000 rupees (7,000) for information about the culprits. Some vigilante groups have formed in response to the attacks and protests have taken place across Kashmir against the governments failure to track down and apprehend the culprits. Clashes erupted between citizens and Indian forces in the Mehjoor Nagar area of the city of Srinagar this week, which led to the shutdown of businesses and schools. 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 Tear gas and pellets were reportedly used to disperse protesters. Concerns have been raised the attacks are politically-motivated, as the Kashmir region has witnessed an insurgency since 1989 by rebels seeking independence from India or a union with Pakistan. Some pro-independence leaders have claimed the braid-cutting attacks are part of conspiracy by the Indian government, to undermine the separatist movement. More than 100 cases of braid-chopping were reported in Delhi and neighbouring states earlier this year. 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 }} Have North Korea's nuclear tests become so big that they've altered the geological structure of the land? Some analysts now see signs that Mount Mantap, the 7,200-foot-high peak under that North Korea detonates its nuclear bombs, is suffering from tired mountain syndrome. The mountain visibly shifted during the last nuclear test, an enormous detonation that was recorded as a 6.3 magnitude earthquake in North Korea's northeast. Since then, the area, which is not known for natural seismic activity, has had three more quakes. What we are seeing from North Korea looks like some kind of stress in the ground, said Paul Richards, a seismologist at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. In that part of the world, there were stresses in the ground but the explosions have shaken them up. Chinese scientists have already warned that further nuclear tests could cause the mountain to collapse and release the radiation from the blast. North Korea has conducted six nuclear tests since 2006, all of them in tunnels burrowed deep under Mount Mantap at a site known as the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility. Intelligence analysts and experts alike use satellite imagery to keep close track on movement at the three entrances to the tunnels for signals that a test might be coming. After the latest nuclear test, on 3 September, Kim Jong-un's regime claimed that it had set off a hydrogen bomb and that it had been a perfect success. The regime is known for brazen exaggeration, but analysts and many government officials said the size of the earthquake the test generated suggested that North Korea had detonated a thermonuclear device at least 17 times the size of the American bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. It registered as an artificial 6.3-magnitude earthquake so big it shook houses in northeastern China. Eight minutes later, there was a 4.1-magnitude earthquake that appeared to be a tunnel collapsing at the site. Images captured by Airbus, a space technology company that makes earth observation satellites, showed the mountain literally moving during the test. An 85-acre area on the peak of Mount Mantap visibly subsided during the explosion, an indication of both the size of the blast and the weakness of the mountain. Since that day, there have been three much smaller quakes at the site, in the 2 to 3 magnitude range, each of them setting fears that North Korea had conducted another nuclear test that had perhaps gone wrong. But they all turned out to be natural. That has analysts Frank Pabian and Jack Liu wondering if Mount Mantap is suffering from tired mountain syndrome, a diagnosis previously applied to the Soviet Union's atomic test sites. The underground detonation of nuclear explosions considerably alters the properties of the rock mass, Vitaly Adushkin and William Leith wrote in a report on the Soviet tests for the United States Geological Survey in 2001. This leads to fracturing and rocks breaking, and changes along tectonic faults. Earthquakes also occurred at the US's nuclear test site in Nevada after detonations there. The experience we had from the Nevada test site and decades of monitoring the Soviet Union's major test sites in Kazakhstan showed that after a very large nuclear explosion, several other significant things can happen, said Richards. This included cavities collapsing hours or even months later, he said. Pabian and Liu said that the North Korean test site also seemed to be suffering. Based on the severity of the initial blast, the post-test tremors, and the extent of observable surface disturbances, we have to assume that there must have been substantial damage to the existing tunnel network under Mount Mantap, they wrote in a report for the specialist North Korea website 38 North. But the degradation of the mountain does not necessarily mean that it would be abandoned as a test site - just as the United States did not abandon the Nevada test site after earthquakes there, they said. Instead, the US kept using the site until a nuclear test moratorium took effect in 1992. For that reason, analysts will continue to keep a close eye on the Punggye-ri test site to see if North Korea starts excavating there again - a sign of possible preparations for another test. The previous tests took place through the north portal to the underground tunnels, but even if those tunnels had collapsed, North Korea's nuclear scientists might still use tunnel complexes linked to the south and west portals, Pabian and Liu said. Chinese scientists have warned that another test under the mountain could lead to an environmental disaster. If the whole mountain caved in on itself, radiation could escape and drift across the region, said Wang Naiyan, the former chairman of the China Nuclear Society and senior researcher on China's nuclear weapons programme. We call it 'taking the roof off.' If the mountain collapses and the hole is exposed, it will let out many bad things, Wang told The South China Morning Post last month. The recent seismic events have triggered another environmental concern, at least on the internet: that the nuclear tests might trigger the eruption of Mount Paekdu, an active volcano straddling the border between North Korea and China more than 80 miles away. The mountain has not experienced a major eruption for centuries, and its last small rumble was in 1903. This, experts say, is a stretch. Volcanic eruptions happen when molten rock flows into the magma chamber under the surface, said Colin Wilson, professor of volcanology at Victoria University in New Zealand. Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Show all 6 1 /6 Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Photos released by North Korea show Kim Jong-un talking to subordinates next to a device thought to be the new thermonuclear weapon. There is no way of independently verifying the pictures STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korea claims it has successfully tested an advanced hydrogen bomb which could be loaded onto an intercontinental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A diagram on the wall behind Mr Kim shows a bomb mounted inside a cone STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) attending a photo session with participants of the fourth conference of active secretaries of primary organisations of the youth league of the Korean People's Army (KPA) in Pyongyang STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters If an earthquake occurs when the magma is hot and, as Wilson puts it, ready to roll, then it could trigger an eruption. But if the molten rock is not activated, then even a large earthquake won't cause a volcanic eruption. He cited the Tohoku earthquake in 2011, which had a magnitude of 9 but did not cause any of Japan's many volcanoes to blow their tops. There's no point in kicking a dead horse, Wilson said. If the horse is up and ready and you give it a slap on the bum, it will take off. But if it's dead, even if you slap it, it's not going anywhere. The Washington Post 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 North Korean foreign ministry official says having nuclear weapons is a "matter of life or death", in a wide-ranging and aggressive statement aimed at the US. Any attempt to place sanctions on the country will be viewed as a "declaration of war", according to the statement. The official also vowed that the country would fight "fire with fire" amid increasing nuclear tensions on both sides, according to an RIA news agency report. That may be a reference to Donald Trump's threat to unleash "fire and fury the likes of which the world has never seen before" on North Korea. The threat comes amid warnings from US officials that North Korea is "on the cusp" of perfecting its nuclear weapons. "They are close enough now in their capabilities that from a US policy perspective we ought to behave as if we are on the cusp of them achieving" the ability to strike the US with a nuclear weapon, CIA Director Mike Pompeo warned. In pictures: North Korea military drill Show all 8 1 /8 In pictures: North Korea military drill In pictures: North Korea military drill North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un watches a military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) is seen in this handout photo by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) is seen in this handout photo by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video The US will have to "put up with" North Korea's nuclear status, the official said in Moscow, making clear that Pyongyang has no plans to hold talks with the US. "This is a matter of life and death for us. The current situation deepens our understanding that we need nuclear weapons to repel a potential attack," said Choe Son-hui, director-general of the North American department of North Korea's foreign ministry, told a non-proliferation conference in Moscow, RIA reported. "We will respond to fire with fire." 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 }} Burmese soldiers are continuing to rape and murder Rohingya Muslims in the countrys Rakhine state, according to the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights. Zeid Raad Al-Hussein told the US National Public Radio that his team on the ground was receiving accounts of indiscriminate shootings, summary executions, arbitrary arrest, enforced disappearances, rape and other forms of sexual violence and torture. He added: This seems to be continuing as we speak today. He also repeated his previous assertion that the situation in Burma remains a textbook example of ethnic cleansing. UN doctors have warned of seeing dozens of women with injuries consistent with sexual violence in recent weeks. One said she had seen incidents of vaginal tearing, bite marks and signs that seemed to show a firearm was used to penetrate women. More than 350 people had been referred for life-saving care relating to gender-based violence - a broad term that includes rape, attempted rape and molestation- since the start of the crisis. Drone footage shows thousands of Rohingya Muslims fleeing Myanmar Refugees are continuing to flee to Bangladesh which has seen an influx of more than 580,000 refugees since 25 August, when Burma security forces began a scorched-earth campaign against Rohingya villages. The Burmese government claims its military was acting in retaliation to attacks by Muslim insurgents. But the response has been almost universally condemned by the international community. Rohingya refugees in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya refugees in pictures A young girl and a baby wade through mud after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh from Burma on 10 September Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya refugees walk through a camp in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh after arriving from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures A young Rohingya refugee gathers firewood after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya refugees wait for sacks of rice to be distributed in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees arrive on a boat in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh after crossing from Burma on 8 September Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees react after being re-united with each other after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh on a boat from Burma Getty Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees walk along the remains of a road after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh on a boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees wade through water after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees wade through water after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Myanmar Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees stand in the rain after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Indian children hold placards and shout slogans during a protest against the alleged persecution of the Rohingya Muslims in Burma EPA/Raminder Pal Singh Rohingya refugees in pictures Supporters of the Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC), an Islamic organisation, listen to their leaders' speeches against Burma's persecution of Rohingya Muslims, during a demonstration in Karachi Reuters/Akhtar Soomro Rohingya refugees in pictures Hundreds of Iranians take part in a protest against violence in Myanmar after weekly Friday prayers, in Tehran EPA/Abedin Taherkenareh Rohingya refugees in pictures Indonesian Muslim activists hold placards and shout slogans during a protest against the alleged persecution of the Rohingya minority in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia EPA/Ali Lutfi Rohingya refugees in pictures Members of an Islamic organisation shout slogans against the Burma government during a protest in Dhaka, Bangladesh EPA Amnesty International said it believes hundreds of people were killed by security forces who surrounded villages during the military offensive The United Nations is considering whether the mass killings of Muslims in the country could amount to genocide, the organisations Asia Pacific Human Rights chief said this week. 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 Saudi preacher has sparked a backlash on social media for suggesting women are the cause of harassment and adultery. Ahmed Bin Saad Al Qarni started his rant with a video which he claimed showed a woman provoking a man, with the caption: 'If he rapes her, she'll come home crying over her dignity, according to StepFeed.com I swear to God, women are the cause of harassment and adultery. Look at the woman in this video, she's the one who stopped the man driving the vehicle, and she's the one who got into the car with him. The preacher also said: A woman who leaves her house wearing make-up and perfume is an adulteress. A number of Saudi women hit back at the cleric's remarks. Reema, a graduate student, told StepFeed:"Al Qarni has no idea what we, as Saudi women, go through on a daily basis. He must know that women wearing the hijab, abaya and even the niqab are harassed every single day. LSE Saudi Arabia academic: Lifting ban on women driving is being used to deflect bad news "We'll say it a thousand times, a million times until they understand it: Sexual harassment has nothing to do with the victim. It has nothing to do with what we wear, how we behave, what we say." "I believe in freedom of expression but not here, not with such bigoted statements. This man needs to either retract his words or be held accountable for them." After giving women the legal right to drive last month, the Saudi government is now considering introducing legislation that would make sexual harassment a criminal offence. King Salman bin Abdulaziz has ordered the interior minister to prepare a draft anti-harrassment law, according to local media. A draft of the legislation seen by Arab News said: "Considering the dangers sexual harassment poses and its negative impact on the individual, the family and society, along with its contradiction of Islamic principles, our customs and traditions [...], the ministry shall prepare a draft law to tackle sexual harassment." 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 Russian oligarchs daughter has been detained in Ukraine after allegedly killing several pedestrians by driving a 4x4 vehicle through a red light and mounting the pavement. The black Lexus mowed into pedestrians in the Ukranian city of Kharkiv on Wednesday evening before flipping onto its side and leaving at least five people dead. A teenage girl is among those who died and a heavily pregnant woman is currently in an induced coma fighting for her life in hospital. Gruelling photos of the consequences of the crash show the mangled car surrounded by bodies scattered across the pavement and injured people. The 20-year-old girl is said to have been driving the vehicle at the time of the collision. Alyona Zaitseva speaks to police after car crash in Ukraine ( TCH) (TCH) Today there was a terrible tragedy in Kharkiv, as a result of the accident six people were killed and two more are in a serious condition, Yulia Svitlichna, the head of the Kharkiv regional administration, said in a Facebook post on Thursday. Police said the driver, who was born in 1997, has been detained. While she has not been officially named the Ukranian press have identified her as Elena Zaitseva the daughter of energy company multimillionaire Vasily Zaitsev. Mr Zaitsev said he owned the car involved in the incident and his daughter was currently being kept for questioning. "There is great grief in our family. She has been driving for two years and she's never had any violations. The girl was sober, she was traveling with her friend," Mr Zaitsev told local news site Kharkiv Today. "We still have not been given a chance to talk, they immediately detained her in jail," he said. He also said it not clear what had triggered the crash and people should not speculate or make judgements on social media. Ms Zaitseva, the daughter of a local property and oil mogul, was reportedly detained at the scene and held for three days by authorities. 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 Some news outlets said up to six were left dead, including a 15-year-old girl, with several more injured. Three of the dead were named as Elena Berchenko, 25, Yury Neudachin, 24, Oksana Nesterenko, 36. Ms Zaitseva herself was not injured in the collision which is not thought to be terror-related. A statement from the Interior Ministry said a driver has been detained and is being investigated for traffic safety violations. 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 Spanish prime minister says measures to impose direct rule over Catalonia have cross-party support in Madrid, and will be revealed after an emergency cabinet meeting on Saturday. Mariano Rajoy made the announcement after the Catalan regions leaders failed to meet a deadline to withdraw a declaration of independence. Madrid is expected to trigger article 155 of the constitution, withdrawing Catalonias right to govern itself, in the ministers meeting this weekend. Carles Puigdemont, the Catalan president, wrote a letter to Mr Rajoy minutes before a deadline on Thursday morning, stating the Catalan parliament could vote on an official declaration of independence is Madrid did not agree to new talks. It accused the Spanish government of continuing to impede dialogue and threatened to formally declare independence unless it stopped its repression. Mr Rajoys office responded by saying the special Cabinet meeting would approve the measures that will be sent to the Senate to protect the general interest of all Spaniards. 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 Any imposing of direct rule would fall under article 155 of Spains 1978 constitution. It has never been used since democracy was introduced following the death of General Francisco Franco. The Spanish government are portraying it as an undesired, yet necessary move to restore legality after Mr Puigdemont pushed ahead with a banned referendum on 1 October. Spain's highest court this week confirmed the vote was illegal under the country's constitution. Catalan officials say hundreds of people were injured in police violence on the day of the referendum, while Spanish authorities say hundreds of police officers were also hurt and the use of force was proportional to the resistance they met. 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 }} He has been referred to as the Czech Donald Trump. And like the US billionaire, businessman Andrej Babis is on course to achieve election success on a wave of popular support, anti-immigrant sentiment and a widespread distrust of traditional politics. Voting in the Czech parliamentary election began on Friday and will continue into Saturday, with opinion polls predicting victory for Mr Babis centrist ANO movement and other protest parties. This despite the fact that the countrys economy is performing well and immigration into the Czech Republic, a country of 10 million people, is virtually non-existent. Nonetheless, fear of a perceived influx of refugees and rising euroscepticism have dominated the election campaign. And Mr Babis, whose party has a wide lead in the polls, is in prime position to head a coalition government. There are more than a few similarities between Mr Babis one of the richest men in the Czech Republic and Mr Trump. Pledging to run the Czech state like a business, he has delivered hardline speeches against immigration. Worth around $4.1bn according to Forbes, Mr Babis is a media mogul who owns or controls the countrys two popular newspapers. His business empire also includes farms, chemical plants and a Michelin-starred restaurant in the French Riviera. Turning his hand to politics, he founded ANO which stands for Action of Dissatisfied Citizens in 2011, as an anti-corruption platform aiming to abolish immunity for politicians. He has positioned himself as an anti-politics politician, frequently criticising older, established parties for alleged corruption and ineptitude. Asked in an interview with the Washington Post this week if he agreed that his story was "similar to Trump's", Mr Babis appeared to agree but with at least one exception. "I was never bankrupt," he quipped. Yet Mr Babis is not without his own critics over past business practices. Despite his anti-corruption message, he is under investigation for alleged fraud related to European Union subsidies, as well as facing accusations of communist-era secret police links. When he was accused of tax evasion and fired as finance minister back in May, he claimed it was all part of a conspiracy to oust him from politics. Although Mr Babis is not expected to secure a majority, a win for ANO would be yet another success for Europes anti-establishment wave one week after Austrias Freedom Party secured big gains in that in the countrys parliamentary elections. 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 And not everyone sees Mr Babis as fit to rule. "Let's not leave the country to oligarchs," tweeted interior minister Milan Chovanec, the acting head of ANOs nearest rival the Social Democrats, in an appeal on Friday for Czechs to get out and vote. "For me this election is about our stance on the European Union, refugees and is mainly [about voting] against Mr Babis," said Gabriela Kijova, 23, casting her vote in central Prague. The latest polls ahead of the election gave ANO about 27 per cent of the vote, at least twice that of the Social Democrats and the rest of the chasing pack. Though he has played up his credentials as a candidate for change, Mr Babiss expected victory has not shaken markets as much as might be expected. The Czech koruna was actually up for the day on Friday afternoon as voting booths opened for 24 hours at 2pm local time. Analysts expect the election to result in a similar three-way coalition to the outgoing government led by Mr Babis, but without a drastic overhaul of policy. "I would not expect an earthquake (from the election result)," Martin Mejstrik, a political scientist at Prague's Charles University, told the Reuters news agency. The right wing Freedom and Direct Democracy Party (SPD), polling at around 10 per cent and expected to play a key role in any coalition talks, is calling for a referendum on EU membership and says the party wants to leave, just like Britain. Mr Babis himself opposes more EU integration and the adoption of the euro but he has also spoken positively of the benefits of membership, and would rather prefer the Czech Republic play a bigger role in a reformed bloc. Voting closes at around 2pm on Saturday. Final results, which could play a big part in any coalition talks, will likely not be known until early on Sunday. 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 }} Officials believe a bomb that killed an investigative journalist in Malta was attached beneath her car and triggered remotely. A government spokeswoman said this assumption was based on initial findings from a police investigation into the death of the journalist. Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was known for exposing government corruption, died on Monday in a blast that destroyed her car as she was leaving her house. Recommended Top investigative reporter killed by car bomb in Malta One of the journalist's sons, Matthew Caruana Galizia, on Tuesday used a Facebook post to describe running toward his mother's car after hearing the explosion, only to see "my mother's body parts all around me." The murder shocked Malta, the smallest nation in the European Union, and Prime Minister Joseph Muscat on Wednesday promised a reward to anyone who came forward with information about the killing. Ms Galizia's three sons dismissed the offer, and called instead for Mr Muscat to resign, saying: "People who for as long as we can remember sought to silence our mother cannot now be the ones to deliver justice." Mr Muscat has ruled out quitting and flew to Brussels on Thursday for an EU summit, where his spokeswoman said investigators were beginning to make progress. "Emerging evidences make us think that the bomb was placed under the car and was set off with a remote trigger," she said, adding that foreign experts would be called on to help identify the mobile phone which was used to detonate the bomb. In a news conference in Valletta, police commissioner Lawrence Cutajar denied British police would join Dutch forensic experts and a team from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in helping with the case. Mr Muscat's spokeswoman earlier said British officers would be involved. Mr Cutajar said no arrests had made so far and added it was too soon to discuss possible motives, saying it would take weeks to collect all the evidence. He said he could not confirm reports from a Maltese police source that Semtex was used in the killing. The Mediterranean island has seen a number of small bomb attacks in recent years tied to gangland criminals, but the explosives used in those attacks were relatively crude and did not have the same power as the device that targeted Ms Caruana Galizia. The 53-year-old journalist used her blog to launch scathing attacks on Mr Muscat, his wife and some of his closest advisers, accusing them of setting up offshore accounts to conceal corrupt money. They denied the accusations and Mr Muscat was suing Ms Caruana Galizia for libel at the time of her death. "The police may or may not find out who ordered the assassination of our mother but as long as those who led the country to this point remain in place, none of it will matter," her three sons, Matthew, Andrew and Paul, wrote on Facebook. That added that the only way forward was for Mr Muscat to stand aside: "Resign for watching over the birth of a society dominated by fear, mistrust, crime and corruption." 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 As he arrived at the EU summit in Brussels, Mr Muscat denied that he had created a "mafia state" in Malta, which is home to a large financial services sector and the continental hub for the flourishing online gaming industry. "Definitely not," Mr Muscat said. The European Parliament said it would hold a debate next week on the protection of journalists and media freedom in Malta, where the government enjoys sweeping powers over the judiciary and the police. "Malta is a Mecca for money launderers and tax avoiders," Greens EU legislator Sven Giegold said. The prime minister says the financial services sector is as transparent and compliant as in any other European jurisdiction. Reuters contributed to this report 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 knifeman has killed one person and injured seven others during an attack at a shopping centre in southeastern Poland. Shoppers detained the attacker until police could arrive during the incident on Friday afternoon. The attack took place at the VIVO! shopping centre in the town of Stalowa Wola, according to Andrzej Wierszyna, a spokesman for the town's police. Recommended UK farmers are setting up businesses in Poland ahead of Brexit The alleged attacker was a 27-year-old Polish resident of the town, he told The Associated Press. His weapon was a knife, and a 50-year-old woman who was attacked died later in the hospital, Anna Klee, the regional police spokeswoman in Rzeszow, was quoted as saying. "He was attacking people from behind, hitting them with the knife," Klee said. She said shoppers apprehended the attacker and handed him over to police when they arrived. 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 Eight people in all were taken to hospitals in Stalowa Wola, Tarnobrzeg and Sandomierz, most with serious wounds, Wierszyna said. National Police spokesman Mariusz Ciarka said the man "acted irrationally" but added that authorities "could not explain the motives for his actions". A breathalyser test showed that he was sober and blood tests are being done to check whether he was under the influence of any other substances, Mr Ciarka said. AP 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 top member of Spains opposition Socialist Party has said they have hammered out an agreement with Mariano Rajoys government to hold local elections in Catalonia early next year, as part of a series of measures to impose direct from Madrid on the troubled region. Cabinet ministers will hold an emergency meeting on the crisis on Saturday morning, after which Mr Rajoy will reveal the full extent of Madrids plans for central control of Catalonia, enforced through the unprecedented application of Article 155 of the constitution. The government would neither formally confirm nor deny on Friday that regional elections formed part of those measures, but a spokesman conceded they could well form part of their future plans. Recommended Spain to reveal measures for direct rule on Catalonia Its too soon to give a date, but finally, once legality is restored, there would have to be elections, said government spokesman Inigo Mendez de Vigo. The government has previously said it would be vital to achieve the greatest degree of cross-party support possible for Madrids use of Article 155, and both the opposition Socialist Party and Ciudadanos, Spains second and fourth largest political groupings, have now agreed to back its use. It [155] is to be used to restore legal and institutional normality, Mr Rajoy insisted on Friday. He stressed that all measures would be agreed in advance with the Socialists and Ciudadanos. The use of Article 155 will need to be given the green light by Spains Senate. A definitive schedule for when that might happen is also expected to be published on Saturday. Ciudadanos, currently the largest opposition party in the Catalan parliament, have been pushing for regional elections for weeks. And the former Socialist minister Carmen Calvo, who has been leading the bulk of negotiations over Article 155 with the government, told Spanish state TV on Friday that her partys leader, Pedro Sanchez, has been very clear that this [direct intervention] is to go for elections in Catalonia. Apart from regional elections possibly as soon as January there is widespread speculation that the government could use Article 155 take control of Catalonias main regional TV channel, finances and the local police. Mr Rajoy, however, refused to confirm or deny any of these measures. Should the planned round of Catalan elections go ahead, it would be the first time in Spanish democracy that the constitution has been used to dissolve regional government then call for a new vote. 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 ruling nationalist party in Catalonia on Friday underlined their opposition to fresh regional elections. And they will hope to be bolstered by a massive pro-independence rally, focussed both on the rejection of Article 155 and the release of two grassroots separatist leaders jailed earlier this week on charges of sedition, on Saturday afternoon. 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 }} Storm Ophelia has unearthed an ancient skeleton with parts of its skin still intact after waves battered a walkway on the west coast of Ireland. The remains, which could be more than 1,000 years old, were discovered by a walker on a beach near Kilmore Quay, County Wexford. Jim Moore, a local councillor, told the Irish Daily Mirror: People out walking discovered the remains on Tuesday afternoon. The area has been sealed off since then. It appears to be a grave, so in other words it is not a body that was washed ashore. Marie Cassidy, Irelands state pathologist, arrived on Wednesday to carry out an examination, where it was established the remains were likely from the Iron Age, which ended in the country around 1,600 years ago. The suspicion that it is part of an historic burial site raises the possibility of there being more, especially after the discovery at Forlorn Point comes just two years after a similar skeleton was found a short distance away at Ballyteigue Bay. The skeleton's teeth still remain intact (Jim Campbell Photography) It will now be taken to the National Museum in Dublin for testing to try and determine its exact age. A spokesperson for the Garda, the Irish police force, said: At approximately 4.45pm on Tuesday people out walking at Forlorn Point, Kilmore Quay discovered skeletal remains. "Gardai were called and the services of the State Pathologists Office and a Forensic anthropologist were sought. Storm Ophelia reaches Ireland and UK Show all 8 1 /8 Storm Ophelia reaches Ireland and UK Storm Ophelia reaches Ireland and UK Storm Ophelia hits the UK Waves break on Longships lighthouse off the coast of Lands End PA Storm Ophelia reaches Ireland and UK Storm Ophelia hits the UK People play in the sea foam made by crashing waves after Ophelia hit Cornwall Alamy Live News. Storm Ophelia reaches Ireland and UK Storm Ophelia hits the UK Storm Ophelia causing huge waves in Cornwall Alamy Live News. Storm Ophelia reaches Ireland and UK Storm Ophelia hits the UK Rays of sunlight shine through dark clouds as storm Ophelia hits the County Clare town of Doonbeg REUTERS Storm Ophelia reaches Ireland and UK Storm Ophelia hits the UK A man struggles to walk in strong winds at Lands End PA Storm Ophelia reaches Ireland and UK Storm Ophelia hits the UK Storm Ophelia hits Penzance Alamy Live News Storm Ophelia reaches Ireland and UK Storm Ophelia hits the UK Two dogs being walked in strong winds as Ophelia hits Lands End PA Storm Ophelia reaches Ireland and UK Storm Ophelia hits the UK Dark clouds gather over the Irish Sea AFP/Getty Images "It was established that the remains were historical maybe from the iron age. The National Museum will take custody of the remains." At least three people have died during the Storm Ophelia, including one woman whose car was hit by a falling tree. Images taken by Jim Campbell Photography. 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 flower seller reportedly rescued a woman from being gang raped by 25 men. Gaia Guarnotta was walking through Florence when she was approached by a group of drunk boys at 11.30pm near Piazza della Republica, she wrote in a Facebook post. The 25-year-old said the men began by joking and asking for a selfie before the mood changed. At some point, I can't even explain how they surrounded me, but they started saying phrases like come with us, we'll show you a good time, 25 against one is a good night, we'll have a gang bang, we'll make you enjoy it', she said. After she refused, the photographer from Livorno said she was called a stupid b**** and a whore before being dragged by the arm. They chucked their drinks and straws over me and one of them, or maybe a couple of them, spat on me or tried to spit on me, while all the others were filming on their mobile phones." Dr Antic-Stauber details how one rape victim's trauma from Srbrenica stayed with her As she struggled to get away Hossein Alamgir, a flower seller from Bangladesh, stepped in and took her to safety, she wrote. She added: Obviously, as soon as they saw me leave with him they started calling me an arab c***-sucking whore. Mr Alamgir gave her a handkerchief, took her to get something to eat and drink and handed her a rose. If Hossein had not been here that evening I would not have been able to tell my story now," she wrote. "Not knowing how to thank him, I gave him a passport photo of mine so that he could remember forever the face of the girl he saved that night. Thanks God there are people in the world like Hossein, who help without wanting anything in return. His is a face I will never forget. Mr Alamgir has lived in Florence since 2005, according to Direttanews. The 58-year-old confirmed he had been given a photo to remember forever the girl I saved. Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl Show all 10 1 /10 Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl Brazilian women march in Sao Paulo during a protest following the gang rape of a 16-year-old girl Rex Features Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl There have been calls for protests to end to what campaigners call Brazil's 'culture of rape' after the attack Rex Features Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl An online campaign has been set up in response to the crime, using the hashtag #EstuproNuncaMais, meaning 'rape never again' Rex Features Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl The 16-year-old victim was attacked in a poor neighbourhood in the west of the city on 21 May 2016 Rex Features Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl Two of the attackers posted pictures and video on Twitter of the assault, which has shocked the country Rex Features Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl Brazilian women protest in front of the Candelaria Church in Rio de Janeiro AFP/Getty Images Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl Seven men have been charged in connection with the attack AFP/Getty Images Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl Women's underwear and photos from Brazilian photographer Marcio Freitas displayed on Copacabana beach during a protest by non-governmental organization Rio de Paz (Rio of Peace) against rape and violence against women REUTERS Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl Women's underwear smeared with paint is seen during a protest against rape and violence against women in Brasilia, Brazil REUTERS Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl Demonstrators attend a protest against rape and violence against women in Brasilia, Brazil REUTERS He said he approached the group after seeing Ms Guarnotta becoming frightened. Telling the scumbags to leave her alone, the flower seller grabbed the crying woman by the arm and quickly took her away. Ms Guarnotta said she had decided to post her story to show why feminism is important. The media says foreigners are evil, that misogyny doesnt exist, that men and women are equal, that they have the same rights and freedoms, but we know it is not like this, she wrote. 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 }} Scores of people have been killed in a day of violence in Afghanistan after suicide bombers detonated in two mosques in different parts of the country. In the Shia Imam Zamam mosque in the capital, Kabul, an attacker walked into the building and detonated his explosives, killing at least 30 people and hurting 45, a security official said. Isis claimed responsibility for the bombing in a statement that claimed it targeted "polytheists" - a derogatory term used by the group to refer to Shia Muslims. Recommended Wave of Taliban attacks leaves 74 dead in Afghanistan Photos emerged on social media showing the aftermath of the blast, and the bodies of the dead were covered in rugs by bystanders. Eyewitness Ali Mohammad said the mosque was packed with worshippers, both men and women praying on the holiest day of the Islamic week. The explosion was so strong that it shattered windows on nearby buildings, he said. Local residents who rushed to the scene to help the victims were overcome with anger and started chanting, "Death to Isis", a reference to the Islamic State group which has staged similar attacks on Shiite mosques in recent months. Shortly afterwards, another blast hit a Sunni mosque in the Dolaina district of the northwestern Ghor province, killing at least 33 people. 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 intended target is believed to have been a local warlord. The two bombings followed a wave of violence in the country. On Thursday, at least 58 Afghan security forces personnel were killed across the country in a coordinated Taliban attack. Army compounds and police stations were targeted and a base in Kandahar province was nearly overrun, according to officials. The Kabul bombing is the latest in a round of violence which has been committed against the country's Shia minority. A UN report, released this week, claimed at least 84 Shia Muslims have been killed and 194 wounded this year, as Sunni extremists have targeted their mosques and religious ceremonies. Additional reporting by agencies Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel 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 Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Italys next, they say. Economic meltdown looms. Everythings so expensive now. The politics is falling apart. What prospects are there for the young? If all that is true, use all that as an excuse to get on and visit now. On my recent visit, it was still the same wonderful country it was when I lived there in the 1980s (and they were saying all the above then). But then I was fortunate enough to be enjoying a twin-centre break in two rather fine hotels. The first, Romes Baglioni Hotel Regina, oozes class. On Via Veneto, opposite the US embassy, its soporifically comfortable. My children had to be dragged away from the treat-laden breakfast room in the morning. In the rugby scrum buffet of many hotels, that might not be so bad, but here the implicit style all attentive service, marble-floored, swag-curtained elegance made our huge enjoyment of the food and service a little too obvious as it was, even without the lets take something for lunch impulse. We Brits arent always at our best in ultra-courteous Italy. But Rome is about being outdoors, so we ventured out to see swifts in the street, wild flowers growing in the Forum and cafe life alive and well. The baroque glories of Piazza Navona, the truly awesome Pantheon (itll be well worth the fee when it charges for entry) and the Campo de Fiori market as well, of course, as the Colosseum, Vatican and St Peters, all bring to mind that Dr Johnson line about someone who has not visited Italy having a sense of inferiority. Its not that, having done so, one wants to be competitive about it. You just cant help telling people what theyre missing. The same goes for the Pizzicheria Romana, next to the Pantheon, for something to put in that open mouth, and the Antica Norcineria Viola delicatessen on the Campo de Fiori, for some sublime prosciutto and salami to take home. If Romes glories are well known to many, the same is less so of Sorrento, where we spent the second half of our week away, and which was every bit as good. We went by rail from Rome, switching to a local, suburban train in Naples. For those looking for gloomy portents, they will find plenty out of the train window here, but again one suspects that has long been true. The effects of deprivation, housing and job shortages, corruption and crime are all there to see, and must have been compounded by austerity and an influx from further south. Yet few go to Italy expecting to be depressed, and even the buskers on the train bear an irresistible charm. And at Sorrento, the 34th and last stop on the Circumvesuviana line, anything less than elation would just be bad manners. Walking down the high street from the station is suggestive of a moderately enticing provincial village. The gates to the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria and long path up through an orange grove are more promising. The hotel itself is belle-epoque splendid. But the view that greets you beneath the hotels sprawling terrace at the back is simply explosive. The entire Bay of Naples is set out in front of you, compelling and beautiful. Suddenly, you could be in a Sixties film with Marcello Mastroianni and Sophia Loren. The Baglioni Regina sits plum on Via Veneto (Baglioni Hotels) And the hotel truly, triumphantly lives up to its location. The rooms, many overlooking the sea 165 feet below, are well equipped and comfortable; the food is great and the overall effect just what youd want for a very special time away from home. Many of the staff have been there for years some for decades, loyal to the Fiorentino family which has owned it since the hotels beginnings in 1834. Concierge Antonio Galano started as a bellboy and will celebrate 40 years at the hotel, his father having done the job for a mere 31 before him. Again, the Excelsior is so accommodating you could easily never leave it, but Sorrento is a proper seaside town and worthy of a carefree amble, which shows it to be more than the 1970s cheapo package destination that Monty Python claimed. But unmissable, of course, are the ruins of Pompeii, Herculaneum and, on the same Circumvesuviana train line, little known Oplontis, where the Villa Poppaea is the former home of Poppaea the wife Emperor Nero reputedly kicked to death. Much of it is yet to be excavated, but the rooms that are visible are, in some ways, every bit as impressive as its two celebrated sisters. And then of course there is the sea, which, like true Brits, we couldnt resist swimming in, taking the bus a few miles south of Sorrento, where the locals thought we were mad. If being on the sea rather than in it is your thing, Ischia and Capri are an easily accessible boat ride away. Just take the James Bond-style hotel lift down to the port, and do try not to let the side down. On the day we fancied a boat trip, a solicitous Sorrentine ticket-seller asked us kindly eef you want to go to Caaaapri. Yes please, we said, we did, wordlessly lamenting our obvious Englishness. But we did better than the Brit in the queue behind us, who, when asked the same question, said: No thanks, mate, were going to Kpree. Travel essentials Getting there Airlines flying to Rome Fiumicino include BA, easyJet and Vueling. From Rome to Sorrento, take the train to Naples, which takes 70 minutes. From there, take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento. Staying there Baglioni Hotel Regina has doubles from 260, B&B. Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria has doubles from 460, B&B. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel 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 Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} British Airways has apologised after passengers on a longhaul flight were bitten by bedbugs. Canadian Heather Szilagyi was travelling with her fiance and daughter from Vancouver to London last month, when she says she saw a bug crawling out from her TV screen on the back of the seat in front of her. Recommended Man sues airline for not serving champagne Szilagyi, who works in the hotel industry, recognised it as a bed bug immediately, she told CTV Vancouver. I wanted to grab it but they're quick, and it crawled back inside, behind the screen, she said. She saw more bugs later on in the flight, including as they were served their inflight meals. Szilagyi alerted a flight attendant, she says, but was told the plane was full and there was no way to move the group. The FA apologised, she said, but didnt seem surprised. It was nine hours of knowing that I was probably going to get bit, but not being sure, Szilagyi said. But there wasn't really anything I could do about it. The trio who were en route to Slovenia via London tried to sleep. I was surprised I was able to relax, but what can you do? Szilagyi told CTV. On arrival in Slovenia the following day, she says they were covered in bites and she still has an infected one from the flight. Desperate not to be put on the same plane for the return flight, the group called British Airways to check their return details, but they were unable to get through due to busy lines. In desperation, Szilagyi tweeted BA with pictures of the bites. The airline has apologised and upgraded the family to business class for the return flight. BA said in a statement: British Airways operates more than 280,000 flights every year, and reports of bed bugs onboard are extremely rare. Nevertheless, we are vigilant and continually monitor our aircraft. A member of cabin crew for a major European airline told The Independent: Fortunately after flying for over 20 years, I have only come across bedbugs on flights three times. I had to dose up on antihistamines once to stop the itching as I had been bitten so badly, but an aircraft is often treated if several reports of bedbugs are made. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel 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 Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Plans for a digital Millennial railcard were revealed in October 2017 by The Independent, and were well received by people born between 1988 and 1992. In the November 2017 Budget, the Chancellor promised a new railcard for those aged 26 to 30, giving 4.5m more young people a third off their rail fares. But the Treasury appears not to have consulted the body that coordinates railcards, the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), before the Budget statement. One senior rail figure described Philip Hammonds announcement as a stocking filler. The RDG, which represents train operators and Network Rail, is conducting only a small-scale trial. Around five million people are in the cohort who could apply for a 26-30 Railcard. But the initial pilot was restricted to 10,000 people living in the Greater Anglia area, covering Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and parts of east London. From Tuesday 13 March, 10,000 people nationwide can join them. This is what we know so far ... Q What railcards are available at present? The main widely available national cards are 16-25 for young people; Family & Friends for adults and children travelling in a group (at least one of each); Two Together for two named (and photographed) individuals making the same journey; and Senior for travellers aged 60+. They are supplemented with limited-eligibility cards such as the Disabled Persons Railcard, the Gold Card for annual season ticket holders and the HM Forces Railcard, as well as numerous cards for specific areas, from South-East England (the Network Card) to the Esk Valley Railcard. The RDG says more than four million existing Railcard customers save an average of 150 a year on rail travel. For the average adult, though, there has been no straightforward way to secure a discount on train fares. The 26-30 Railcard will expand the proportion of society able to access cheaper rail fares. In addition, a 55-plus card is believed to be under discussion, with many of the benefits of the Senior Railcard. Simon Calder rides the new Intercity Express Train - and hits a delay Q What does the new 26-30 Railcard offer, and are there any catches? The basic deal is saving one third (actually an average of 34 per cent) on many rail tickets. On a Super Off Peak return between Sheffield and London, it cuts the 76 fare to 51.50; a one-way Off Peak trip from Edinburgh to Glasgow falls by 4.40 to 8.50 with the railcard. The main restriction is aimed at excluding the cards use for most commuter journeys in the morning rush hour. While discounts are available on Advance fares without time limits, walk-up tickets (Anytime and Off Peak) are subject to a minimum fare of 12 between 4.30am and 10am from Monday to Friday (except public holidays). Q Why are cards being issued in such low numbers? The train operators are concerned about the risk of an unexpectedly strong uptake among commuters and business travellers. By capping the number of cards sold and restricting the availability, they can limit the possible drop in revenue. In addition, if more 26-30 year olds than expected move to rail for commuting because of the card, overcrowding on peak trains will increase. Q Will it be an actual card? Not initially. The first versions are available on smartphone only via the Railcard app on Apple IOS or Android. As train operators are increasingly offering mobile ticketing, it makes sense for the card and the ticket to be held in the same smartphone ticket wallet. But train operators are concerned about everything from a higher-than-expected incidence of flat batteries and lost phones to opportunities for fraud. Once the rail industry assesses whether a virtual railcard is feasible, a decision will be taken on whether to offer physical cards instead or as well. Q What proof will I need of my age? Your passport or driving licence. If you have neither, you will need to supply a birth certificate and additional evidence. Applicants must also supply a digital photograph. The 50 Best Railway Journeys Show all 14 1 /14 The 50 Best Railway Journeys The 50 Best Railway Journeys The 50 Best Railway Journeys The 50 Best Railway Journeys The 50 Best Railway Journeys The 50 Best Railway Journeys The 50 Best Railway Journeys The 50 Best Railway Journeys The 50 Best Railway Journeys The 50 Best Railway Journeys The 50 Best Railway Journeys The 50 Best Railway Journeys The 50 Best Railway Journeys The 50 Best Railway Journeys The 50 Best Railway Journeys Q How much does it cost? A one-year card costs 30, the same as most other national railcards. Unlike the other leading railcards, though, there is no three-year option at least initially. Q Im nearly 30 will I have to wait until I am 60 before I qualify for a railcard? Not necessarily. Buy a railcard the day before your 31st birthday and you can continue to use it for another 12 months. So someone who turns 31 on 1 July 2018 will be able to buy a card on 30 June and use it until 29 June the following year. Q Why has the 31 to 59 age range been excluded from cheap tickets? Many of them already use Family & Friends or Two Together railcards. (The train operators really like these, because they are rarely used for work-related trips.) But the 26-30 card is seen by some as a trial for a wider National Railcard scheme along the lines of the existing Bahncard scheme in Germany, where discounts are given to holders of any age in a bid to lure people off the autobahn and into Deutsche Bahn trains. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel 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 Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The latest tourist hotspot to contemplate a tax on tourists is a city enjoying its year in the spotlight as the UKs cultural hub: Hull. With 10 weeks remaining for Hull to celebrate its status as UK City of Culture, officials are looking at ways to exploit the legacy. Hull City Council is studying the options for taxing visitors. Jon Pywell, the citys Culture and Place Manager, told the BBCs Look North programme: This is purely and simply a feasibility study, to see how other places might approach this. Councillor Mike Ross, Lib Dem group leader on Hull City Council, told the BBC: We want to see people coming to the city, we want to see them welcomed here. Anything that sends out a message that theyre going to be put to more trouble through doing so, sends out the wrong message. The Visit Hull and East Yorkshire Tourism Strategy 2015-2020 noted: The celebration of Hull as the UK City of Culture in 2017 is a unique opportunity which we all must grasp. But no mention was made of a tourist tax. Hulls investigation follows similar studies in Bath, Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands. No decision can be made without a change in legislation at a national level. The Welsh Government is also considering an overnight levy on visitors, and will decide in the New Year whether to seek permission from Westminster to approve a Wales-wide tax. Many cities, resorts and regions around the world tax visitors, usually by means of a nightly charge typically a fixed percentage of the rate in the US, or a fee in Europe that varies according to the grade of accommodation. In Manhattan hotel stays are subject to a City Tax of 5.875 per cent, a State Tax of 8.875 per cent and a flat-rate New York City Occupancy Tax of $3.50. But on a typical $200 room these together represent 17 per cent less than the 20 per cent VAT applicable to all hotel stays in Britain. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel 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 Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Southwest Airlines has celebrated its first 'unmanned' flight, with an all-female crew of two pilots and four flight attendants undertaking a journey between the US cities of St. Louis and San Francisco, California. Others were quick to take to social media to show their support for the all-female service between St. Louis and San Francisco. Southwest is America's third biggest airline and the seventh largest in the world, with around 49,000 employees. In the UK, male pilots outnumber female pilots 16 to 1, rising to 33 to 1 at the nation's biggest holiday company, Thomson. Writing in The Independent this year, Simon Calder said: "When I checked on the flight-deck gender split three months ago [January2017] with all the leading airlines serving UK passengers, a remarkably consistent pattern emerged: at British Airways, easyJet, Monarch and Ryanair, just 6 per cent of crew are female." He also noted that only one flight in roughly 300 flights to and from the UK is flown by two women; 17 have have one male and one female pilot; and the remaining 282 are two-man operations. In March this year an all-female crew became the first in Egypt to take to the skies, with Egyptair dispatching two flights with only female staff to Abu Dhabi and Kuwait from Cairo. This followed an all-female pilot crew flight on Royal Brunei Airlines to Saudi Arabia in 2016. In 2012, Sharifah Czarena Surainy Syed Hashim, who captained the 2016 Saudia Arabia flight said: Being a pilot, people normally see it as being a male dominant occupation. As a woman, a Bruneian woman, it is such a great achievement. Its really showing the younger generation or the girls especially that whatever they dream of, they can achieve it." 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 }} Why did Africas first Conservation and Tourism Investment Forum, which was organised by The Giants Club and hosted by the Ugandan Government, matter? For me it is because it creates the opportunity to build large-scale solar power plants funded by conservation investors. These power plants would feed into the national grid and enter into long-term power purchase agreements with the Ugandan power utility Umeme. If successful, the proceeds would then be focused on conservation activities in the country. We already know how we would provide this conservation support. Powering Africa | Recharging Conservation (PA|RC) is an initiative supported by The Nature Conservancy to create a sustainable source of revenue for conservation in Africa, and helps meet the continents renewable energy generation goals. Here at Solarcentury, it is an initiative we work closely with and support. The Giants Club, founded by the conservation organisation Space for Giants and supported by the Independent, did a great job at the Uganda event of bringing together businesses, conservationists and the Ugandan officials they will need to work with. For me as a potential investor it enabled an opportunity to create a lasting solution that will benefit Ugandas effort to maintain its biodiversity and conserve its wildlife, while generating clean energy for its citizens. By investing in renewable energy power plants, not only will investors generate satisfactory returns but importantly, a significant revenue stream would be channelled for conservation efforts across Ugandas national parks and reserves, and community and private conservancies. The move would also assist the government to realise its vision of an economy powered by renewable energy, as well as providing energy access to the population. Solarcentury, which commenced its operations two decades ago, has over 1GW Solar PV built and operational in four continents (Africa, Europe, South America and North America). With a permanent office in Nairobi, it will provide development investment and leadership, engineering, procurement, construction services, as well as operations and maintenance services for the PA|RC projects in Africa. PA|RC sets a gold standard for investments in greenfield or developed power plants. This ensures that, among other impact-focused positive engagements, power plant siting and revenue sharing is carried out transparently so that nature and local communities are positively impacted. Protected Areas, like those in Uganda, are important biodiverse landcapes. But at present they struggle for funding each year. They depend on grants, tourism revenues, and government finance, which are either short-term and unpredictable in nature, or create a strain on the central government. By establishing solar projects to support conservation sites, we will generate reliable long term funding to protect millions of acres of critical habitat and safeguard endangered species. Also, by generating revenue for community conservancies, PA|RC will support front-line conservationists and community projects such as schools, health clinics, drinking water projects, and more. The model is already taking shape in Kenya. Through PA|RC we are already developing two 10 megawatt (MW) solar plants. The clean electricity produced by them will be injected to the grid, and a significant portion (estimated at $1 million) of revenue generated through the sale of power, will flow from the solar plants to Tsavo West National Park and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy for conservation activities over a 20-year period. The solar plants, by offsetting fossil fuels, combined with the landscapes that they go some way to protecting, effectively act as carbon sinks. We now look forward to exploring, with the help of the Giants Club, how such a project can be replicated in Uganda. My hope is that such a project will be able to serve as a blueprint for developing renewable energy plants throughout Africa for the benefit of conservation, while at the same time combating the effects of climate change. This is only the beginning. Guy Lawrence is the Director of Solarcentury in East Africa. Solarcentury is a global Engineering, Procurement and Construction company with an office in Kenya specialising in the design & installation of solar PV panels for businesses, solar parks & isolated grids 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 }} Two cities Kirkuk and Raqqa fall in two days and the political landscape of the Middle East is transformed. One of these events, the capture of Raqqa, the last urban stronghold of Isis, by the Syrian Kurds backed by US airpower, had been expected, but was no less important for that. The caliphate declared three years ago has been destroyed, though Isis will persist as a guerrilla and terrorist movement. The capture of Kirkuk, the oil city which Kurds and Arabs have battled to control for 50 years, came last Monday and was completely unexpected. It not only changed the politics of Iraq, but of the region as a whole. Put briefly, the central government of Iraq is back in business as a power to a degree not seen since 1991 when Saddam Hussein was calamitously defeated by the US and its allies after he invaded Kuwait. Kurdish dreams of establishing an independent state drawing on the oil wealth of Kirkuk have been extinguished, probably forever. The semi-independent Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), which might have been a beacon to the 25 million Kurds in Turkey, Iran and Syria, will see its powers squeezed by the government in Baghdad. Its leaders have a lot to answer for: their divisions, miscalculations and greed have capsized the heroic Kurdish struggle for self-determination stretching back over a century. The final debacle for the Iraqi Kurdish leaders was farcical and tragic in equal measure: Isis held Mosul for nine months and Raqqa for four months; the Syrian Kurdish YPC held Kobani for four months against ferocious Isis assault; but the Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga held Kirkuk, the city they claimed was central to their future, for just four hours when the Iraqi security forces occupied it on 16 October in the face of negligible resistance. 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 How this happened is a shameful story of arrogance and poor judgement on the part of all the KRG leaders. It is doubtful if they have learned anything useful from the disaster since they are today denouncing each other as traitors and claiming to be the victims of a deep-laid Iranian plot to stab them in the back or on an inexplicable American failure to rescue them in their hour of need. The Iraqi Kurdish leaders have always been good at publicising their cause, but their weakness is that they themselves believe rather more of their own propaganda than is good for them. In future, the story of how President Masoud Barzani tried to secure his political fortunes by holding a referendum on Kurdish independence thereby provoking a wave of Kurdish nationalism he could not control will be the subject of PhDs on political ineptitude. Many political leaders suffer defeat because they fall victim to superior forces or unforeseen circumstances, but in the Iraqi Kurdish case, the result of their actions was predictable and avoidable. Most of the story of what happened in northern Iraq last week is now well known, though there remains one important mystery. Masoud Barzani, who should have stood down as KRG president two years ago at the end of his term, stayed on and stopped the Kurdish parliament meeting. To re-establish his position as a Kurdish national leader and to wrong foot the opposition Patriotic Union of Kurdistan Party (PUK), he announced a referendum on Kurdish independence to be held on 25 September. The plan was always a risky gamble: a small nation like the Kurds depends on keeping good relations with larger ones. In this case, the referendum alienated all its allies, including the US, Turkey and Iran. The central government in Baghdad faced a threat and an opportunity at the same time: by holding the referendum in territory disputed between Kurds and Arabs, Barzani was staking permanent claim to a large chunk of Iraq. The government in Baghdad, having just won its largest military victory ever by retaking Mosul, was not going to buckle and accept this, nor did it have any need to do so because the KRG had just spurned American and Turkish protection by holding the referendum. America promised an attractive compromise deal two days before the poll, but by then nationalist intoxication had reached a peak and Barzani felt he had no choice but to reject the US initiative. Barzanis KDP movement is now trying to blame the final disaster on the PUK, saying that it reached a treacherous side deal with Baghdad orchestrated by Iran. But this misses the point: the KDP could already see that it had no military option and could not fight successfully the reinvigorated Iraqi armed forces. In the event, neither the KDP nor the PUK put up significant resistance to the Iraqi army, the Peshmerga of both the Kurdish parties disappearing from the frontline at equal speed. There are lessons here not just for the Kurds, but for nationalist movements everywhere in the world, including Europe. They will probably not be learned because a self-destructive aspect of nationalism is the belief by nationalists in each country that their own experiences and sense of victimhood are unique and do not have analogies anywhere else. Nationalists in former imperial countries like England and France are loath to see parallels between their own demand for self-determination with that of what used to be referred to as Third World countries. The analogies are there all the same: Kurdish mental attitudes that led them to try to secede from Iraq are not so wholly different to those of the British trying to leave the EU. It should be hurriedly said that there is nothing wrong and everything right about any national community opting for self-determination and liberty. But, justifiable though such an aim may be, national independence comes accompanied by an over-strong sense of righteousness and superiority that blurs political realism: the British and Kurdish governments both started a major political adventure with a divided country behind them while their action angered and united their neighbours. A further weakness of nationalist movements seeking independence from larger groupings is that that they promise far more than they can deliver. Self-determination is presented as a panacea which will cure all social and economic ills, though how this might happen is seldom spelled out. Again, Kurdish leaders before the referendum and Brexiteers before the vote in 2016 could paint their critics as unpatriotic. Even more damaging, compromise becomes impossible even when the alternative is to disappear over a cliff edge. Britain is an immeasurably greater power than Kurdistan was ever likely to be, but the same miscalculation about the balance of power between them and their neighbours comes into play in both cases. It is telling how many conflicts and wars in European history have been started by those who were never likely to win them and had everything to lose from failing to do so. Appeals to national solidarity in pursuit of a common cause build up their own momentum and are difficult to put into reverse, making ultimate disaster inevitable. 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 }} Quebec has become the latest place where face coverings have been partially banned. It means those using public services (pretty much everyone) will have to uncover. It follows similar rulings in France, Belgium and Holland but Trudeau's Canada seemed a less likely place where the veil would be banned. Its a restriction which will undoubtedly affect Muslim women more than anyone. With recent sexual harassment scandals coming to light, one wonders why authorities and those in a position of power obsess over womens clothing. Canadian politician and lawyer Jagmeet Singh said the ban violates human rights and Prime Minister Trudeau previously called dictating what people can wear a cruel joke. Sean Spicer uses the Quebec City mosque attack to justify Trump's policies Everyone should have the right to wear what they choose and the burka is no different. Let's not forget Islam isnt the only religion to recommend covering up, so women from other religions could be affected by this ban too. There are many variations of the covering but its philosophy in is essentially the same to dress modestly, and its up to individual women to decide what that means for them. But, like French authorities shamelessly forced a woman to undress on a beach last year, its becoming ever more apparent that some will seek nothing but abuse, oppression and restriction of women under the guise of freedom, security and transparency. Just because we dont like, understand or agree with other faiths, cultures or garments doesnt mean we have the right to tell people what to wear. We think were past the days of fascism and intolerance but freedom hasnt ever been such a false and convoluted concept as it has become these days. Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Show all 42 1 /42 Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Harvey Weinstein Harry Weinsteins reputation as one of Hollywoods leading executives was long cemented in stone. The acclaimed movie mogul, who produced Oscar-winning films Shakespeare in Love, The English Patient, and The Artist, clocked up box office successes and accolades aplenty. But this has quickly changed since a chorus of women have come forward to accuse the Hollywood producer of sexual harassment and assault. Since the New York Times bombshell report disclosed sexual harassment and rape allegations against the film mogul dating back decades, Weinstein has been fired from his namesake company, expelled from the Oscars and has had his wife leave him. Weinstein has apologised for having caused a lot of pain but has denied all allegations of nonconsensual sex. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Annabella Sciorra The Sopranos actor alleged Weinstein raped her after shooting The Night We Never Met, a 1993 movie that Weinstein produced. Similar to the stories told by other women, Weinstein drove the actor home, only to reportedly burst into Sciorra's apartment and start unbuttoning his shirt. He shoved me onto the bed, and he got on top of me, Sciorra said. I kicked and I yelled. Weinstein then allegedly locked her arms and forced sexual intercourse on her. After the incident, Sciorra found it increasingly hard to get work, many filmmakers saying 'We heard you were difficult', something the actor claims was because of the 'Weinstein-machine'. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Natassia Malthe The model and actress, who has appeared in around 50 films, said she met Weinstein at a BAFTA after party in 2008 while she was working as a spokeswoman for LG. She told a press conference in New York that she felt pressured into telling Weinstein she was staying at the Sanderson Hotel after being put on the spot. Malthe, now 43, said after her shift on February 10 she went back to her room and went to sleep, but was awoken by "repeated pounding" on her door, from someone yelling: "Open the door Natassia Malthe, it's Harvey Weinstein." Feeling humiliated, she said she opened the door. She alleged Weinstein began implying sex would get her a role in an upcoming film while semi-undressed and then he began to masturbate. "I was sitting on the bed talking to Harvey when he pushed me back and forced himself onto me. It was not consensual. He did not use a condom," she said. AP Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Sean Young The actor, best known for her role in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, said that Weinstein exposed himself to her in the early 1990s, when she was starring in the Miramax-produced Love Crimes - a production company that Weinstein headed at the time. "I personally experienced him pulling his you-know-what out of his pants to shock me," she said. "My basic response was, 'You know, Harvey, I really dont think you should be pulling that thing out, its not very pretty.'" Young never worked with Weinstein again after the incident. Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Mimi Haleyi Mimi Haleyi said she was assaulted by Weinstein in what appeared to be a child's bedroom in his New York City apartment in 2006 when she was in her 20s. She said she was aspiring to work in television and film production when she was first introduced to him at the London premiere of The Aviator around two years earlier and he helped her get experience on the set of a TV show being produced by The Weinstein Company. But, she added, he repeatedly hassled her and even tried to force himself through her front door in an effort to get her to join him on a trip to Paris. At one point he allegedly forcibly performed oral sex on an aspiring production assistant while she was on her period. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lupita Nyong'o In an op-ed for The New York Times, the Oscar-winning actor said she was invited to Weinsteins family home in Connecticut on the premise of watching a film shortly after they met in 2011. But she said shortly after it started he "insisted" in front of his children that she follow him and she was led to his bedroom. The Kenyan-Mexican actress, now 34, said she felt pressured into giving him a massage after he offered her one. "Before long he said he wanted to take off his pants," she wrote."I told him not to do that and informed him that it would make me extremely uncomfortable. He got up anyway to do so and I headed for the door, saying that I was not at all comfortable with that." Over the years that followed, he continued to get in touch, Nyong'o said, and when she declined another proposition she felt her career was threatened. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lena Headey Writing on social media, the Game of Thrones actor claims she first met Weinstein at the Venice Film Festival in 2005 where, after taking her for a walk by the water, he made some suggestive comment and gesture. Headey claims she bumped into Weinstein years later where he kept asking her questions about her love life. She alleges that, when Weinstein invited her to his hotel room to show her a script, the "energy shifted. The actor notes how, after saying she was not interesting in anything but the work, Weinstein was furious, apparently marching her back to a lift, "grabbing and holding tightly to the back of [her] arm." She claims that, after paying for her car, he whispered in her ear: "Don't tell anyone about this, not your manager, not your agent. Headey finished the post, writing: I got in the car and I cried. Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lucia Evans The actor told The New Yorker that after a meeting to discuss casting her in various projects, Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex on him. I said, over and over, I dont want to do this, stop, dont. She added: Hes a big guy. He overpowered me. I just sort of gave up. Thats the most horrible part of it, and thats why hes been able to do this for so long to so many women: people give up, and then they feel like its their fault. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Laura Madden Madden, a production assistant who worked at Miramax for a decade, told the Times that Weinstein allegedly prodded her for massages at hotels, a common theme among the sources the Timess reporters spoke with. On one occasion, she claims she locked herself in his hotel bathroom, sobbing Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Ashley Judd Judd recounted for the Times how Weinstein allegedly harassed her while she was filming Kiss the Girls in 1996, inviting her to his hotel room and asking her for a massage, then inviting her to watch him shower. Judd first went public with the allegations in a 2015 interview with Variety during which she discussed the experience without naming the producer involved. She described Weinsteins alleged behaviour as coercive bargaining; I said no, a lot of ways, a lot of times, and he always came back at me with some new ask, she told the Times AFP/Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Rose McGowan McGowan reportedly reached a previously undisclosed $100,000 settlement with Weinstein in 1997, over an incident that occurred in a hotel room Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Mimi Haleyi Mimi Haleyi said she was assaulted by Weinstein in what appeared to be a child's bedroom in his New York City apartment in 2006 when she was in her 20s. She said she was aspiring to work in television and film production when she was first introduced to him at the London premiere of The Aviator around two years earlier and he helped her get experience on the set of a TV show being produced by The Weinstein Company. But, she added, he repeatedly hassled her and even tried to force himself through her front door in an effort to get her to join him on a trip to Paris. At one point he allegedly forcibly performed oral sex on an aspiring production assistant while she was on her period. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Emily Nestor Nestor had been temping at the Weinstein Company for only one day in 2014 when Weinstein allegedly offered to boost her career in return for sexual favours, according to the Times. She declined and reportedly complained of his behaviour to colleagues, who later passed the information on to senior executives. An internal Weinstein Company document cited by the Times describes Nestors encounter with Weinstein as follows: She said he was very persistent and focused though she kept saying no for over an hour Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Ambra Battilana In March 2015, Battilana, an aspiring model and actress, was reportedly summoned to Weinsteins office on a Friday night to discuss her career. According to a police report cited by the Times, Battilana claimed she was assaulted by Weinstein, who grabbed her breasts after asking if they were real and put his hands up her skirt. Weinstein later claimed that Battilana had set him up, according to colleagues of his who were interviewed by the Times. The Manhattan District Attorney, Cyrus Vance, later declined to press charges, and according to the Times, made a payment to Battilana. On 5 October, the International Business Times reported that after Vance dropped the charges, he received $10,000 from Weinsteins lawyer Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lauren OConnor Lauren OConnor, an employee of the Weinstein Company, penned a memo to executives alleging a toxic environment for women at the company. The memo cited numerous incidents of Weinstein harassing or coercing women who worked for him. She expressed fear that Weinstein was using her and other female employees to facilitate liaisons with vulnerable women who hope he will get them work. That same year, Weinstein allegedly reached a settlement with OConnor Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Kate Beckinsale The actor, who starred in the Weinstein Company films Serendipity and The Aviator, alleges that she was invited to Weinsteins hotel room at the age of just 17. When she approached the door, the producer reportedly greeted her dressed in just a dressing gown. I was incredibly naive and young and it did not cross my mind that this older, unattractive man would expect me to have any sexual interest in him, she wrote on Instagram. After declining alcohol and announcing that I had school in the morning I left, uneasy but unscathed. Theo Wargo/Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Gwyneth Paltrow The actor alleges that after he cast her in the title role of the film Emma when she was 22, he took her to his hotel room, placed his hands on her and suggested massages. I was a kid, I was signed up, I was petrified, Paltrow told the New York Times. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Asia Argento Italian actress Asia Argento has alleged that in 1997 Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on her as she repeatedly told him to stop. When I see him, it makes me feel little and stupid and weak, Argento told The New Yorker. After the rape, he won. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Cara Delevigne The British model and actress penning an Instagram post claiming that Weinstein had ordered her to kiss another woman in his hotel room, and tried to kiss her on the lips. AFP/Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Ashley Judd Ashley Judd said she rebuffed Harvey Weinsteins unwanted sexual advances by offering to consent only after she had won an Oscar. When she was initially invited to a meeting with Weinstein, Judd said, she was surprised to learn the producer was in his hotel room - a tactic that recurs in other womens accounts. Echoing the accounts of other women, Judd said Weinstein suggested she give him a massage and then invited her to watch him shower. After a volley of nos she said she would only after she wins an Oscar, fleeing after making the comments. Reuters/Mike Segar Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Judith Godreche French actress Judith Godreche said when she was 24 Weinstein invited her to his hotel room and asked to give her a massage. The next thing I know, hes pressing against me and pulling off my sweater, she told the New York Times. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Mira Sorvino The Oscar-winning actor said she found herself in a hotel room with Weinstein in 1995 where he started massaging my shoulders, which made me very uncomfortable, and then tried to get more physical, sort of chasing me around. According to an interview in The New Yorker Weinstein subsequently arrived at her apartment late at night and she had to call a friend to come over to pose as her boyfriend in order to get Weinstein out of the house. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Katherine Kendall The actress said Weinstein undressed and chased her around a living room when she was just 23. She subsequently felt that telling others meant Ill never work again and no one is going to care or believe me, she told the New York Times. WireImage Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Tomi-Anne Roberts As an aspiring actress and working in a restaurant in New York, Tomi-Ann Roberts encountered Weinstein who encouraged her to audition for one of his films back in 1984. She subsequently went to meet him and found him naked in the bath and invited her to get naked and get into the bath with him, she told the New York Times. She said she left feeling manipulated. Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Myleen Klass It has also been alleged that the disgraced film producer propositioned Myleene Klass with a sex contract at Cannes Film Festival in 2010. One of the singer and television personalitys friends reportedly told The Sun, Klass had told Weinstein to f*** off. Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Sophie Dix Sophie Dix, best known for her role as Captain Sadie Williams in Soldier Soldier, described her encounter with Weinstein when she was 23 as the single most damaging thing thats happened in my life. She told The Guardian Weinstein had pushed her to her bed and was tugging at her clothes. She rushed to the bathroom to escape, but when she came out she found him standing there masturbating. I quickly closed the door again and locked it, she said. Then when I heard room service come to the door I just ran. Rex Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lea Seydoux The actor and director claims she had to fight off Weinstein after he brought her to his hotel room during what she remembers to be 2012. He suddenly jumped on me and tried to kiss me. I had to defend myself. Hes big and fat, so I had to be forceful to resist him. I left his room, thoroughly disgusted, she wrote in The Guardian. AFP/Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Claire Forlani British actress Claire Forlani wrote on Twitter that she had evaded Weinsteins advances on five occasions at the age of 25. At meetings with the Hollywood a-lister, she says massage was suggested, and that Weinstein had boasted of all the women hed had sex with. Mark Douet Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Florence Darel French actress Florence Darel claimed Weinstein relentlessly pursued her in the mid 1990's and propositioned her while Eve Chilton, his wife at the time, was in the hotel room next door. I was astonished, she told People magazine. When you have someone so physically disgusting in front of you, continuing and continuing as though this was all perfectly normal What happened to me may not be illegal but it was inappropriate. Very inappropriate. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lysette Anthony Lysette Anthony, who starred as Marnie Nightingale in Hollyoaks, has claimed Weinstein raped her in the late 1980's after turning up to her London home in the late 1980s. She described the disgraced film producers alleged attack as pathetic and revolting and said it left her feeling disgusted and embarrassed. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Dawn Dunning Dunning said she met Weinstein in 2003 when she was 24-years-old and the disgraced film producer suggested she have a threesome with him and someone else. She told the New York Times Weinstein got angry when she refused. Youll never make it in this business, she said he told her as she left. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Rosanna Arquette Rosanna Arquette was already well known for her role in Desperately Seeking Susan, when she said she met Weinstein at his hotel to pick up a script in the early nineties. Weinstein was dressed only in a dressing gown, and tried to put her hand on his erect penis. Speaking to the New York Times, Arquette said as she left she told him: I will never be that girl. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Emma de Caunes Caunes, a French actor, claimed Weinstein took her to his hotel room in 2010 supposedly to retrieve a book he was making into a film, but once there he went into the bathroom. De Caunes said he then emerged naked, with an erection and told her to lie on the bed. She fled the room. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Zoe Brock Model Zoe claimed that she had to lock herself in a bathroom at Weinsteins hotel in 1997, after the mogul had sent all of the assistants out of the room, and then appeared naked. I was alone with Weinstein, she told ITVs This Morning programme. He very quickly left the room and came back naked. He chased me naked. Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Jessica Barth Actress Jessica Barth described an encounter with Weinstein in 2011 in an interview with The New Yorker in which she said Weinstein veered between offering her roles in films and demanding a naked massage. She alleges the producer said to her: So, what would happen if, say, were having some champagne and I take my clothes off and you give me a massage? When she tried to leave, he then promised to give her the number of a female executive at the company. He gave me her number, and I walked out and I started bawling, Barth said. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Romola Garai The actress told The Guardian she felt violated after she went to a meeting with Weinstein at the age of 18 and he met her in his hotel room wearing nothing but a dressing gown. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Heather Graham Graham claimed that during a casting opportunity in the early 2000's Weinstein had told her he had an open relationship with his wife. He could sleep with whomever he wanted when he was out of town. I walked out of the meeting feeling uneasy, Graham told Variety. There was no explicit mention that to star in one of those films I had to sleep with him, but the subtext was there. Graham was never hired to work in a Weinstein film. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Jessica Hynes Spaced and W1A star Jessica Hynes tweeted about an encounter with Weinstein earlier this week, but subsequently deleted the tweet. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lucia Evans The actor told The New Yorker that after a meeting to discuss casting her in various projects, Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex on him. I said, over and over, I dont want to do this, stop, dont. She added: Hes a big guy. He overpowered me. I just sort of gave up. Thats the most horrible part of it, and thats why hes been able to do this for so long to so many women: people give up, and then they feel like its their fault. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Louisette Geiss The former actress said she met Weinstein to pitch a film script she was working on. During the meeting, Weinstein allegedly went out and reappeared naked and got into a jacuzzi where he masturbated in front of her and said he would make the script into a film if she stayed and watched. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Liza Campbell Liza Campbell, a British writer and artist, alleged that Olympically ugly Weinstein asked her to join him in the bath and began getting undressed at a hotel. In a piece for The Times, Campbell claimed she was forced to sprint to the door to escape. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Louise Godbold Writing in a blog post, Louise Godbold, a non-profit director in Los Angeles, said her encounter with Weinstein took the form of an office tour that became an occasion to trap me in an empty meeting room. She said then Weinstein was begging for a massage, his hands on my shoulders as I attempted to beat a retreat. This move in Quebec risks creating rifts in communities and destroying tolerance and understanding of other faiths and cultures. Security is no excuse women can remove the covering to identify themselves in courts or at airports, as happens in the UK. This is far more ideological than anything to do with straightforward safety. Modest dress in Islam applies equally to both men and women. The philosophy of modesty transcends outward appearance, and applies to ones thoughts and actions too. The veil is the outward symbol of the inner modesty and purity Muslim women seek by emulating Mary, who is cited as an example for them in the Holy Quran. But it seems as though some are adamant to do away with womens freedom to have control over their own lives. While Muslim women are being restricted by law in their clothing choices, other women are sexually harassed by men who have lost all sense of decency and respect and similarly use those women's clothing as an excuse for their inexcusable behaviour. Commentary victim-blaming women in that way for "attracting" Harvey Weinstein's attention has abounded this week. Why exactly we're so obsessed with what women wear and what perceived effects it might have on men and society is beyond me. Recommended Quebec bans Muslim women from wearing niqab on public transport This is why Islam begins by prescribing modesty to men first and advocates for them to avoid licentious glances, honour the opposite sex and respect their space. Only after this the Holy Quran instructs women to dress modestly and cover up their beauty. But it starts with men, who are ultimately the cause of the problem and today seem to feel they can dictate to women how to dress and behave. There needs to be a change in our approach towards women because the way were treating them is quite simply putting men to shame. In Islam, the mother is honoured so highly that Paradise lies at her feet and serving her is deemed among the noblest causes. Can we not at least respect the dignity, autonomy and freedom of all women, considering the womb that once nurtured us all? Taoiseach Leo Varadkar voiced his concerns about the deadlock in Northern Ireland as he attended the European Council summit The Taoiseach has expressed frustration at the length of time the powersharing crisis has lasted in Northern Ireland, pointing out that many pregnancies are shorter. With the Democratic Unionist and Sinn Fein still at loggerheads over a return to devolved government and the spectre of Westminster direct rule looming ever larger, Leo Varadkar urged the region's political leaders to "do what's best for the people" and get back into government. Powersharing imploded in January when the late Sinn Fein deputy first minister Martin McGuinness resigned amid a row over the DUP's handling of a botched renewable heat energy scheme. That stand-off opened up more deep-seated divisions between the parties. Months of talks aimed at restoring powersharing have failed, with proposed legislation to protect Irish language speakers now the main obstacle. Mr Varadkar voiced his concerns about the impasse as he attended the European Council summit in Brussels. "The Northern Ireland parties are now up to nine months - you can bear a child in less time," he said afterwards. With four UK government deadlines for a deal have already fallen by the wayside, Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire has now identified October 30 as the latest cut-off point for a deal. The Taoiseach warned that Stormont's budget was running out and the stand-off was badly impacting public services. "There are big decisions to be made in relation to Brexit which involves them and affects them," he added. "If I was an elected politician in Northern Ireland I would really want to be in an executive and an assembly as soon as possible so I could influence those decisions. "No one can force the DUP and Sinn Fein to share power. "If the guiding principle is doing what's best for the people of Northern Ireland, the citizens, Catholic, Protestant and no religion or other religion, you would form a government." Back in Northern Ireland, DUP leader and former first minister Arlene Foster told a business event in Ballyclare said it was "disappointing" the region was still without a ruling executive. "A mere 18 months ago Martin McGuinness and I were issuing statements that the 2016-2021 term was about getting down to business," she said. "It was to be the term of greatest delivery by an executive - on health, education and jobs. "It is time to get back to that vision and commitment. Northern Ireland needs to see that stability restored. Northern Ireland needs a working executive that lasts." The issue of Brexit was the main focus when Sinn Fein's Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill met the UK Government's International Trade Secretary Liam Fox on Friday. "We made it clear to him in no uncertain terms that the Tory Brexit agenda would have disastrous consequences for the Good Friday Agreement and for Ireland, north and south, in terms of citizens' rights, trade, our economy and the issue of the border," she said afterwards. "In today's meeting we told Liam Fox it is clear that he and his fellow Brexiteers in the Tory cabinet simply regard the north and its people as collateral damage in the Brexit process." Prime Minister Theresa May greets President of the European Council Donald Tusk at 10 Downing Street in London, ahead of talks Credit: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire The European Council expects Britain to present and commit to "flexible and imaginative solutions" in relation to Ireland including for on how to avoid a hard border. The demand is among the conclusions reached by the leaders of the 27 remaining EU Member States at the end of their meeting where it was decided that not enough progress has been made in Brexit talks so far to enter the next phase of negotiations on trade. In relation to Ireland the Council said that there has been some progress the objectives of protecting the Good Friday Agreement and the maintenance of the Common Travel Area. Read More Their conclusions state that the EU's negotiator is to pursue further refinement of these principles, "taking into account the major challenge that the UK's withdrawal represents" including avoiding a hard border. The conclusion states that that the Council expects the UK "to present and commit to flexible and imaginative solutions called for by the unique situation of Ireland". The Council welcomed progress that has been made on citizens' rights and said this needs to be built on to provide the "necessary legal certainty and guarantees" for citizens. Meanwhile, they note that while the UK has said it will honour its financial obligations to the EU - the so-called divorce bill - "this has not yet been translated into a firm and concrete commitment from the UK to settle all of these obligations." The Council called for the Brexit talks to continue to seek agreement on the outstanding issues in order for the negotiations to move on to the second phase on the UK's future relationship with the EU "as soon as possible". EU leaders including Taoiseach Leo Varadkar are to reassess the state of progress in the negotiations at their next meeting in December, with a view to determining whether sufficient progress has been achieved on each of the three areas. The Council decided that in the meantime it will start preparatory discussions on the phase two issues internally among the 27 remaining member states. Ireland and the other remaining EU states are to throw down the gauntlet to the British government giving it eight weeks to improve its Brexit offer if it wants to move on to the next phase of Brexit talks. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and other European leaders are today expected to heap pressure on British Prime Minister Theresa May by formally deciding insufficient progress has been made in negotiations on Ireland, citizens' rights and the so-called Brexit divorce bill the UK will have to pay. Mrs May desperately wants to move on to talks on trade and the UK's future relationship with the EU. However, despite an olive branch on citizens' rights, the European Council meeting in December is set to become the new deadline for the EU's decision on whether or not this can happen. Mrs May addressed other EU leaders over dinner in Brussels last night. The remaining 27 member states are to meet this morning in her absence. Elsewhere, her foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, continued to insist Britain will do "very well" after Brexit and stressed that the UK must be prepared to walk away from the talks if they aren't going well. Mrs May used a Facebook post to assure EU nationals living in Britain for more than five years that they will offered a hassle-free way to swap permanent residency for a new settled status. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said there has been some "encouraging" progress in the Brexit talks but sufficient progress hasn't been made to move on. Last night, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he still believes the negotiations can progress on enough for the remaining 27 EU member states to allow them to enter the next stage in December. He said he hopes this will "focus minds" but warned that further concessions will be required from the UK. In relation to Irish issues he said that it's not enough for the British government to say it doesn't want a hard Border, it has to explain how it is going to avoid it in more detail. Mr Varadkar welcomed what he called "the right language" from London about how they envision the future relationship with the EU and the need to avoid a hard Border in Ireland. But he also said that there is a conflict in the UK's position that they wanted the closest possible relationship with Europe and Ireland. "We already have the closest possible relationship, it's called the European Union," he said. "I think we will require some further concessions from the UK government, which will be met with greater understanding on the European side." He did welcome the UK government's latest move on citizens' rights. Mr Varadkar said he disagreed with remarks made by European Commissioner Phil Hogan that the cliff edge of a hard Brexit is so close "we can see the drop almost in front of us". The Taoiseach said: "I think we have a way to go yet." "Brexit doesn't happen until April 2019, so we're quite far back from the cliff edge". However, he warned that its up to all European leaders to "ensure that we don't sleep walk towards that cliff and that substantially more progress is made in the next couple of months". Earlier Mr Varadkar attended the European People's Party (EPP) summit alongside leaders such as Ms Merkel and the new Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz. He also went to a meeting of prime ministers from Nordic and Baltic states. Mr Varadkar said the countries have "very similar" values and economies and he's keen to build new alliances in Europe. "That's going to be particularly important when we lose our biggest traditional ally, Britain," he said. He said the leaders he met: "very much understand our issues and they have our back". Mr Varadkar said one point he made that surprises some in the EU is that it's likely most people in Northern Ireland will be Irish and European citizens after Brexit. He said: "Even people from a unionist background will want to become Irish and European citizens at the very least for the convenience." British Prime Minister Theresa May has said both the UK and EU agree that there should be no physical infrastructure at the Irish border. And she said it's "vital" that the Peace Process in the North was not affected in any way by Brexit talks. Mrs May made her remarks after leaving a European Council breakfast in Brussels. The remaining 27 leaders of EU Member States then discussed their deliberations on progress in the Brexit talks without her. Council President Donald Tusk has indicated that while not enough progress has been made in phase one of the negotiations for the talks to move on to discussions on trade with the UK, the remaining EU countries will begin internal consideration of the matter without Britain. He took to Twitter to say: "Brexit conclusions adopted. Leaders green-light internal EU27 preparations for 2nd phase". Mrs May told reporters that Britain's cooperation with the EU won't end after March 2019 and that the UK will remain a "committed partner" to Europe. Despite the failure to move on to the next stage of the Brexit talks she said: "I am ambitious and positive for Britains future after these negotiations" but conceded: "I know we still have some way to go." She said both sides share the objective of safeguarding citizen's rights. Mrs May also said: "On Northern Ireland we have agreed that the Belfast Agreement must be at the heart of our negotiations and that Northern Irelands unique circumstances demands specific solutions. "The vital and joint work on the Peace Process is not affected in any way. It is too important for that," she added. The prime minister continued: "both sides agree that there cannot be any physical infrastructure at the border and that the Common Travel Area must continue." "We are both committed to delivering a flexible and imaginative approach on this vital issue," She said. Earlier Taoiseach Leo Varadkar noted that Mrs May had "strengthened" her language on the border but said the UK still needs to provide more detail on how the border will work in future. He said progress is being made in the talks. "Prime Minister May made a really strong speech at dinner last night and I was very heartened by what she had to say. "She spoke again about the unique issues in Ireland and Northern Ireland and said that the United Kingdom wouldn't accept a physical border in Ireland. "That was very strong language. Unfortunately it's not yet backed up by detail but it was very welcome," Mr Varadkar said. He added: "There are still delays on the three main issues, on the financial settlement, on citizens' rights and on Irish specific issues but I think we are inching forward and are making some progress." This 865kg April 2005 Charolais X bullock sold for 2,300 at the 50th anniversary sale in Kilcullen Mart. Photo Roger Jones. TURKEY has an import requirement for 500,000 head of live cattle each year and Ireland could supply up to 100,000 head on an annual basis, said IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods following an IFA and Bord Bia meeting with Turkish officials in Ankara last week. There are a number of consignments currently being assembled for Turkey by Irish exporters, with further shipments anticipated over the coming months. To date this year, almost 17,000 Irish cattle have been exported to Turkey. Almost 20,000 head in autumn 2016. New regulations around NCTs for tractors is due to come into force from May 2018, which one TD has called 'madness' and said it would force older tractors onto the roads. The Minister for Transport Shane Ross signed a new Statutory Instrument in September, which calls for all tractors involved in haulage of a distance over 25km to under go an NCT. Farming organisations have criticised the move and said they were not fully engaged with during the consultative process. Michael Moroney, CEO of Farm Contractors Ireland said he was "flabbergasted" at the move by the Department of Transport and the Road Safety Authority (RSA). He said that at a meeting this week with the RSA, farming organisations were told that tractors capable of travelling 40km or more when hauling loads more than 25km from their base would be classed as commercial haulage and would need to undergo an NCT. He also said that the term 'agricultural activity' remained unclear for haulage purposes, as transporting baled silage was considered commercial haulage, but transporting unwrapped bales was not. Moroney also questioned the practicality of a 25km distance and said that not only would agricultural contractors' work be spread beyond a 25km radius, many farmers are renting land that is further than 25km from their home farm. According to the Department of Transport SI agricultural purposes means not commercial road haulage means carriage of goods or passengers for hire and reward and carriage of goods by a person in the course of a trade or business carried on by him for the purpose of delivery to a customer in a vehicle owned by that person'. Independent TD Mattie McGrath said the move was effectively blindfolding and hugely damaging to agriculture. "Indeed, fodder is being transported to the west because of the storms. This came out of the blue, without consultation. I want a moratorium placed on this, because it is going to have a huge impact." He also said it would force older tractors with a lower speeds, which are totally unsuitable, onto the roads. "It is madness. The RSA has to be reined in because it is totally out of touch and is trying to destroy rural Ireland." Michael Sheehan, Chairman of Professional Agricultural Contractors of Ireland said the organisation has secured a meeting with the Department of Transport in early November where stakeholders will be able to address their serious concerns on this and other issues surrounding S.I. 413/2017. "This (regulation) has serious implications particularly for agricultural contractors as travelling outside the 25km radius will be deemed to be commercial use and bring with it compulsory roadworthiness testing." Two of the largest fund services businesses in Dublins IFSC are to merge Two of the largest fund services businesses in the IFSC will merge following the acquisition of Deutsche Bank Alternative Fund Services (AFS) unit by Apex Fund Services and Genstar Capital. Close to half of Deutsche Bank AFS's global staff are based in Dublin. All of the around 130 Ireland-based employees along with staff in all of its other offices will join Apex following the deal, which is expected to close in 2018. The transaction will add $170bn to Apex's assests under administration (AUA), propelling the Bermuda-based firm to become the eighth largest administrator in the world and the largest independent administrator with $300bn of AUA. Apex already has three offices in Ireland, in Dublin and Cork. It's expected that Deutsche Bank AFS staff will move into Apex locations following the deal. "This is another significant step in the evolution of the Apex Group," said Peter Hughes, founder and CEO of Apex. "This transaction complements the existing Apex business and further strengthens our position as the leading independent provider of fund services globally." In September, Deutsche Bank agreed to sell its global corporate services unit - housed within its global transaction banking business - to Vistra Group, the European fund administrator controlled by Barings Private Equity Asia. In the latest deal, Macquarie acted as exclusive financial advisor and Willkie Farr & Gallagher provided legal counsel to Genstar and Apex. Deutsche Bank was self advised, with legal advice from and Freshfields, Bruckhaus Deringer. AIB's blockbuster loan sale, Project Redwood, will top 3.76bn in face value, the Irish Independent can reveal. As this newspaper reported yesterday, the State-controlled bank intends to begin the largest-ever portfolio deal in its history at the end of next month. But internal confidential documents, seen by the Irish Independent, lay bare the full scale of its ambition. In total 10,901 crisis-era loans have been earmarked for the portfolio sale as AIB ramps up efforts to purge its balance sheet of soured debts amid a fresh crackdown on the sector from the European Central Bank. According to the document up to 2,712 of the loans are buy-to-let mortgages with a face value of 702m. The average amount outstanding on these loans is 260,000. But it is the portfolio's stack of soured commercial property investment loans that are worth the most, accounting for 941m in value. AIB intends to offload up to 1,242 of these exposures with the average balance remaining sitting at 760,000. The portfolio also includes 108m of commercial development loans and 693m worth of mortgages attached to land, all of which are likely to whet the appetite of potential bidders. At this stage it is understood Deutsche, Goldman Sachs, CorVal, Cerberus and Oaktree have all expressed interest in the upcoming deal, although the field may include an array of financial services firms and private equity buyers including KKR which remains active here. According to sources Project Redwood may change hands for over 2bn - reflecting a 40pc-plus discount on the loans. But it is not just the ECB clampdown that has spurred AIB's efforts to cleanse its balance sheet. AIB's return to normal trading on the London and Dublin stock exchanges in June also creates pressure, as investors snapped up 3.4bn worth of shares in the bank partly on the basis that its return to health would free up capital and lead to a bigger dividend - as well as one-off payouts in the form of special dividends. Investec's Owen Callan predicts the lender will return close to 300m to shareholders next year, possibly in two instalments, but that figure is projected to grow to 500m by 2020. A smaller load of legacy loans also avoids further punitive measures from the ECB, which is tackling banks with stubbornly high levels of non-performing exposures (NPEs). Under new rules, set to be introduced in January, banks must hold higher levels of capital against new NPEs. There are fears these measures may be intensified - possibly by extending them to the legacy book --on those banks still burdened by double-digit NPE ratios. As at June 30, NPE's accounted for 19pc of AIB's total loan book, or 12.1bn. It aims to cut this to 3bn-4bn in the medium term, bringing it in line with the European norm. However the bank counts the impaired book, which stands at 7.76bn, as its key challenge, since these represent the toughest loans to restructure and are likely to pose the greatest drag to the balance sheet. Project Redwood will cut a swathe through this figure and the bank hopes to finalise a deal by the time it publishes its annual results in early March. AIB declined to comment. Pilots hired out on contracts to Ryanair at Stansted Airport have been warned by the contracting firm that supplies them to the airline they won't be eligible for new productivity bonuses unless Ryanair staff pilots at the London base also accept such awards. UK-based McGinley Aviation, one of a number of firms that provides contract staff to Ryanair, wrote to its pilots based in Stansted this week, informing them that they could receive pay increases and productivity bonuses in line with those being offered to Ryanair staff pilots. But McGinley Aviation managing director Elizabeth Cusack informed contract Ryanair pilots at Stansted that they would only get the productivity bonus if staff Ryanair pilots vote by today to also accept such bonuses from the airline. "If Ryanair-employed STN (Stansted) pilots vote in favour of the addendum to their current base agreement by Fri 20 Oct we have agreed with Ryanair that all McGinley pilots based at STN will also receive a productivity bonus effective 1 November, of 12K for captains and 6K for first officers," Ms Cusack said in a letter to contract pilots. She added: "Please be advised that the productivity bonus of 12,000 per annum will not be paid to STN contractor pilots if the Ryanair STN employed pilots do not accept this enhanced deal by Friday October 20." Asked to comment, Ms Cusack said the pay issue was a "matter for Ryanair". Ryanair said it "doesn't comment on rumour or speculation". Ms Cusack added in her letter that the productivity bonus scheme was also only available to contract pilots certain to a number of conditions, including that Stansted pilots continue to deal directly with the company through the Ryanair Employee Representation Committee (ERC) at Stansted. A number of Ryanair pilots from bases across Europe have recently established a European Employee Representation Committee (EERC). They want the airline to deal with the EERC in order to make collective agreements across the airline's base network, rather than the airline inking deals with individual base ERCs. Ryanair has refused to interact with the EERC. Three months ago, a tech project called Tezos raised $232m (196m) online in a wildly successful "initial coin offering", in which new digital currency is parcelled out to buyers. At the time, it was the most money ever raised from the public in the white-hot cryptocurrency sector. But the venture is now in danger of falling apart because of a battle for control playing out behind the scenes, Reuters has learned. The acrimonious dispute pits Tezos' two young founders - Arthur and Kathleen Breitman - against Johann Gevers, the president of a Swiss foundation the couple helped establish to handle the coin offering and promote and develop the Tezos computer network. Under Swiss law, the foundation is supposed to be independent. It holds all of the funds raised, which have mushroomed to more than $400m in value because the contributions were made in two cryptocurrencies - bitcoin and ether - that have appreciated sharply. But the Breitmans, who still control the Tezos source code through a Delaware company, are seeking to oust the head of the foundation. An attorney for the Breitmans sent a 46-page letter on Sunday to the two other members of the foundation's three-person board, calling for Gevers' prompt removal and seeking to give the couple a "substantial role" in a new structure that would limit the foundation's responsibilities. The document accuses Gevers of "self-dealing, self-promotion and conflicts of interest". According to Gevers, the two board members later suggested via email that he step aside for a month while they investigate. Gevers told Reuters he is not stepping down. "As Arthur has done to others before me," Gevers said, "this is attempted character assassination. It's a long laundry list of misleading statements and outright lies." He said the other two board members "are attempting an illegal coup". The tale of how two young entrepreneurs raised a fortune for a project barely out of the starting blocks highlights the risks inherent in the current frenzy for ICOs, in which tech startups issue new cryptocurrencies to raise capital. So called cryptocurrency exchanges - where virtual currencies are bought, sold and stored - have become magnets for fraud and deception. More than 980,000 bitcoins - the most popular virtual currency - have been stolen since 2011. Today they would be worth about $5bn. Similar large sums are pouring into initial coin offerings (ICOs), which can be a way for tech projects to raise money online to finance the development of new, open-source computer networks that aren't necessarily looking to make a profit. But the recent flurry of ICOs has attracted some dubious business propositions and outright scams, as well as speculators looking to trade the coins for swift gains. Authorities in the United States, Switzerland, China, Singapore and other nations have begun scrutinising the sector closely for potentially tougher regulation. "Most ICOs are bought by people looking to 'flip' their tokens to a greater fool for a quick profit," said Alistair Milne, a co-founder of the London-based Altana Digital Currency Fund, which so far has avoided ICOs. More than "90pc will fall to have a near-zero value in time", he predicted. (Reuters) Pat Stacey has trawled the schedules for the top TV treats this weekend so you don't have to... The Late Late Shows exclusive interview with Hillary Clinton from a few weeks ago no longer looks quite so exclusive, given shes been roaring around the chat show circuit like a Formula One car ever since her latest book came out. Tonight its the turn of The Graham Norton Show (BBC1, 10.35pm). No disrespect intended to Ryan Tubridy, but this is likely to be a less sober affair, particularly if Hillary partakes of a glass or two of the house vino. Theres a decent support line-up too: Jeff Goldblum, Jack Whitehall and Gerard Butler. Expand Close Jeff Goldblum / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jeff Goldblum On The Late Late Show (RTE1, 9.35pm) itself, guests include Graeme Souness and Gregory Porter. My abiding memory of the late magician Paul Daniels, who made himself disappear last year, will always be his infamous breakfast TV appearance alongside a grieving Brian May and Roger Taylor a week after Freddie Mercurys death. When asked for his thoughts on the great Queen frontmans sad demise, Daniels began: Well, I was never a fan of the music, but... Graciousness and a sense of humanity clearly werent attributes he kept in his little back of magic tricks. Paul Daniels: My Life in Magic (Channel 5, 10pm), featuring contributions from fellow magicians including David Copperfield, Penn & Teller, is likely to be a more sympathetic look at a man who never perfected the illusion of seeming nice. Expand Close Magician Paul Daniels with his wife and professional partner Debbie McGee / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Magician Paul Daniels with his wife and professional partner Debbie McGee The revived Cold Feet (UTV/ITV, 9pm) comes to a bittersweet end for now with the gang chewing over the previous nights excruciating 50th birthday party. Expect emotion aplenty. One of Us (Netflix, from today) demonstrates once again that documentaries are becoming as important to the streaming service as big-budget TV series. This absorbing new film from Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, who made Jesus Camp, focuses on three people attempting to break away from the obsessively secretive Hasidic community. Video of the Day Expand Close One of Us, Netflix / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp One of Us, Netflix What sets Travel Man (Channel 4, 8.30pm) apart from other celebrity travel shows is that it doesnt lay all that journey of discovery nonsense on with a trowel. Richard Ayoade and his companion-of-the-week arent interested in learning or informing; theyre out to have fun and they want us to have fun watching them do it. Tonight, Ayoade is accompanied by Matt Lucas on a 48-hour jaunt to Rome, and they make for a cracking double-act. SATURDAY The BBC seems to have finally realised that some viewers want more from Saturday night television than just talent competitions and game shows, hence the new appetite for scheduling grown-up drama series that might otherwise have gone out on a Sunday. The latest is Gunpowder (BBC1, 9.10pm), a three-part retelling of the The Gunpowder Plot with Kit Harington from Game of Thrones leading a first-rate cast that includes Liv Tyler, Peter Mullan and Mark Gatiss. Expand Close Liv Tyler, Edward Holcroft and Kit Harington in Gunpowder / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Liv Tyler, Edward Holcroft and Kit Harington in Gunpowder Its 1603: Elizabeth I is dead and King James of Scotland has parked himself on the throne. With England at war with Catholic Spain, the countrys own Catholics are being persecuted and priests caught saying mass are punished with death. Hugely promising. Front Row (BBC2, 7.30pm), the television incarnation of the popular BBC Radio 4 arts show, has taken an awful kicking across the water, with critics and fans of the original claiming the BBC has given the presenting jobs to TV faces who dont appear to know much about the works being reviewed. That said, the series has been redeemed somewhat by the quality of the guests, who tonight include Philip Pulman and Armando Iannucci. Whether or not it says something disturbing about human nature is open to debate, but theres no doubt that a lot of people are fascinated by serial killers. Few are more grotesque than John Wayne Gacy, aka The Killer Clown (Sky Living, 9pm). One of the most prolific murderers in history, Gacy was a well-liked member of his community who killed 33 boys and young men. Expand Close Serial killer John Wayne Gacy (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Serial killer John Wayne Gacy (AP) Coming slap-bang in the middle of the 70s disco craze, Meat Loafs bombastic Bat Out of Hell was an unlikely mega-seller. In the reliably thorough Classic Albums (Sky Arts, 8pm), the big man, born Marvin Lee Aday, reveals what went into the making of one of the most successful LPs of all time. SUNDAY Weve seen a number of revivals of old favourites this year, not all of them entirely successful. Robot Wars (BBC2, 8pm), however, has stuck, largely due to the decision to not to mess too much with a winning formula... well, except for replacing Craig Charles with Dara O Briain and Angela Scanlon. Expand Close Dara O Briain and Angela Scanlon will return to present the show / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dara O Briain and Angela Scanlon will return to present the show While the new series features some fresh features (Robot Redemption, whatever that is, and the self-explanatory Ten Robot Rumble), its essentially the same satisfying combination of ingenuity and mayhem. At a time when public taste in comedians seems to run to the safe, The History of Comedy (Sky Arts, 10.20pm) is a reminder of when comedians were considered subversive and dangerous by the establishment. This episode looks at how groundbreaking stand-ups like Lenny Bruce and Red Foxx risked their careers (and sometimes their liberty) by pushing back against censorship. Apparently, this years run of Antiques Roadshow (BBC1, 8pm) features one find that knocks its owner for six when they discover how much its worth. But I imagine the series is saving that til last. In the meantime, the experts feast their eyes on the flashiest jewellery theyve ever encountered. Expand Close Antiques Roadshow 40th Anniversary / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Antiques Roadshow 40th Anniversary Personally speaking, Id rather spend a couple of hours watching two flies fight over a cube of sugar than watch motor racing but hey, its a free world. For the moment, anyway. Live Formula One (Channel 4, 7.35pm) vrooms off to Texas for the United States Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton having won four out of the five races on this circuit (it says here, anyway). Coverage runs until 10.10pm and then theres an hour of discussion and analysis with Steve Jones, David Coulthard, Eddie Jordan and others. I'm normally the first to moan about the awful ubiquity of the superhero genre, but when they get these things right, one has to admit they can be fun. When Thor was first introduced to the Marvel cinematic universe in 2011, some wise soul realised the that the bombastic Norse god would only be palatable to modern audiences if he was also, to some extent, a figure of fun. And so Chris Hemsworth and the writers made Thor a conceited peacock who fancied himself rotten and was too slick for his own good. Life lessons would knock some of that nonsense out of him, but Thor (2011) and The Dark World (2013) didn't always manage to pull this comic routine off, and got lost in moments of mind-numbing Cgi banality. More focussed and self-assured, Thor: Ragnarok embraces japes and slapstick to such an extent that it could almost be called an out-an-out comedy. It's certainly funnier than any actual comedy I've seen this year. Two years after the Avengers' heroic defeat of Ultron, Thor has returned to Asgard and now finds himself in a spot of bother. As Ragnarok opens, our hero dangles from a chain in a smouldering underworld, while a fiery giant called Surtur laboriously explains to him how he's doing to destroy Asgard in vengeance for some slight or other. Thor listens politely before summoning his mighty hammer, Mjolnir, and laying waste to Surtur and his armies. But when he arrives back at his father's palace, all is not well. Odin (Anthony Hopkins) has disappeared, while Thor's mischievous half-brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) has returned, and when they track their father down in the wilds of Norway, they discover they have a sister who's about to cause a whole lot of trouble. Hela (Cate Blanchett, above left) was banished by Odin after revealing fascistic tendencies, but has now reappeared and plans to become Asgard's not especially benevolent ruler. She announces her intentions by smashing Thor's hammer and pulverising the brothers, who end up beaten and bloodied on a distant planet called Sakaar. Expand Close Tom Hiddleston as Loki and Chris Hemsworth as Thor / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Tom Hiddleston as Loki and Chris Hemsworth as Thor There, a shorn and hammerless Thor will be forced to take part in gladiatorial fights against a local champion whose fearsome reputation precedes him. It turns out to be Hulk, who at first is not especially pleased to see his fellow Avenger, but gradually realises he'll have to help him escape. Thor: Ragnarok is teeming with guest appearances and winning cameos. Matt Damon and Sam Neill turn up as Asgardian ham actors re-enacting a piece of Loki-inspired propaganda, Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange persistently patronises Thor and Loki before pointing them in the direction of their missing father, and Mark Ruffalo gets to show off his impeccable comic timing whenever Hulk turns back into Bruce Banner. I particularly enjoyed Korg, an affable giant stone warrior portrayed through motion capture by the film's director, Taika Waititi. Korg's a scene-stealer, a laid-back Kiwi philosopher who refuses to worry no matter how apocalyptic a situation he's presented with. As a director, Waititi brings a light touch to the Thor sub-franchise, but the film's script is the real delight. Every time Thor and friends face an existential threat, writers Eric Pearson, Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost throw in an undercutting joke. Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston are the Morecambe and Wise of the Marvel world, and their rivalry is a constant source of mirth. But everyone seems to be in on the joke in Thor: Ragnarok: Cate Blanchett's Hela initially seems like your average grandiose super-villain, but her exasperation with the stooges that surround her is hilarious. Hulk, more than ever, comes across like a giant five-year-old child and starts throwing stuff and sulking whenever things don't go his way. Expand Close The laugh-Thor lounge: Hulk and Thor are like the Morecambe and Wise of the Marvel franchise / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The laugh-Thor lounge: Hulk and Thor are like the Morecambe and Wise of the Marvel franchise And Taika Waititi had the good sense to stand back and let Jeff Goldblum do his own, gloriously eccentric thing as Grandmaster, the politest and most cheerful despot in the universe. His performance is one of the many highlights of this thoroughly winning film, which is released next Tuesday. Video of the Day Read More Films coming soon... Breathe (Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Tom Hollander, Hugh Bonneville); Call Me By Your Name (Arnie Hammer, Michael Stuhlbarg, Timothee Chamalet); Grace Jones: Bloodlight And Bami (Grace Jones); Property Of The State (Elaine Cassidy, Aisling Loftus). New Netflix series Mindhunter has been garnering rave reviews from critics and anyone who has watched even the first two episodes will understand why. It's based on the book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit by Mark Olshaker and John E Douglas and charts the development criminal profiling in the US from the 1970s. Produced by David Fincher (who also directs four episodes) it stars Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany as the FBI agents who spearheaded the FBI's Behavioural Science Unit in an effort to mine the minds of serial killers in the hope of gleaning information which could help with future investigations. The most fascinating aspect of the series, however, is the fact it features the stories of real life serial killers and kicks off with that of Edmund Kemper, a murderer and necrophiliac whose modus operandi was particularly horrifying. Read More He's played to chilling effect by the actor Cameron Britton, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Kemper, who is a striking 6' 9" tall. IndieWire has highlighted some clips of the real life interviews with these serial killers on which Mindhunter is based. Here are some of them: Ed Kemper (The Co-ed Killer, played by Cameron Britton) Expand Close Cameron Britton as Ed Kemper in Mindhunter, Netflix / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Cameron Britton as Ed Kemper in Mindhunter, Netflix He abducted and killed several women in the early 1970s and also killed his grandparents and his abusive mother. The details of the latter murder are especially horrifying. He has been locked up since 1973 when he was 25 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 Video of the Day Richard Speck (played by Jack Erdie) He systematically tortured, raped and murdered eight student nurses from South Chicago Community Hospital on the night of July 13/14 1966. He died of a heart attack after 25 years in prison. Expand Close Jack Erdie as killer Richard Speck in Mindhunter / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jack Erdie as killer Richard Speck in Mindhunter 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 Dennis Rader/BTK Killer (ADT Serviceman in Mindhunter, played by Sonny Valacenti) He murdered ten people in Sedgwick County, Kansas from 1974 to 1991. BTK stands for Bind, Torture, Kill which was his signature. He sent letters to the police and local news outlets before his arrest. Expand Close Sonny Valacenti plays the BTK Killer who is called the ADT Serviceman in Mindhunter / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sonny Valacenti plays the BTK Killer who is called the ADT Serviceman in Mindhunter 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 Jerry Brudos (played by Happy Anderson) He was a murderer and necrophiliac who killed four women in Oregan between 1968 and 1969. He died in prison in 2006. Expand Close Happy Anderson plays Jerry Brudos in Mindhunter, Netflix / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Happy Anderson plays Jerry Brudos in Mindhunter, Netflix 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 first series of Mindhunter is available on Netflix now. Senator Ronan Mullen has responded to the criticism he received for claiming that Savita Halappanavar would not have died if there "had been abortion on demand". The Independent senator came under fire for claiming that if there was "abortion on demand" Ms Halappanavar would never have been pregnant. On Wednesday, Professor Peter Boylan, former Master of Holles Street Maternity Hospital, told the Oireachtas committee on abortion that Ms Halappanavar "died as a consequence of the Eighth Amendment". Responding to Prof Boylan's comments, Senator Mullen told RTEs Today with Sean ORourke : "If there was abortion on demand, she wouldn't have been in the hospital because she wouldn't have been pregnant and she wouldn't have been having a miscarriage." He had been invited on the show on Thursday alongside Fine Gael TD Kate O'Connell to discuss the historic vote at the Oireachtas committee on abortion to move to recommend not to retain the Eight Amendment in Full. His comments about the circumstances of Ms Halappanavar's were met with criticism from Ms O'Connell. "To suggest that if there was abortion on demand that Savita Halappanavar would never had ended up at the stage where she was mid-way through her pregnancy is just very disrespectful to the late woman, to her husband who's still alive and to a couple that to the best of my knowledge were expecting a much-wanted child. "The situation emerged where she asked for a termination because my belief is she knew what was coming down the road, she had medical experience." Ms O'Connell also accused Senator Mullen of twisting the story to suit his "own preconceived notions. Amnesty Ireland's CEO, Colm O'Gorman said that his comments were a "disgusting slur" on Ms Halappanavar. "He baldly stated that if 'abortion on demand' was available she wouldnt have been pregnant. Such lazy, ignorant language is appalling," Mr O'Gorman wrote on Twitter. He added that Senator Mullen's "shocking disregard for Savita's family is disgusting". Senator Mullen later appeared on Newstalk on Thursday evening to clarify his comments: "I think any criticisms of me would not be in good faith and I would take any criticisms of me very seriously. "I was not talking about Savita Halappanavar's situation, I was talking about the misuse of her case," he said. He argued that abortion proponents were using her case to repeal the Eighth Amendment. Ms Halappanavar's died while she was suffering a miscarriage in Galway University Hospital in 2012. She was pregnant with her first child when she admitted to hospital with pains. She died a week later, on October 28 2012, after miscarrying and contracting E coli, leading to septic shock and multiple organ failure. An inquest into her death was told she repeatedly asked for a termination but, because a foetal heartbeat was detected and her life did not appear to be in danger at that time, an abortion could not be carried out under the law. A Brazilian meat factory worker who stabbed to death a man who had assaulted and racially abused him was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by a jury this evening. Juraci Da Silva (36) with an address at Park Lane Apartments in Waterford had pleaded guilty to manslaughter for killing James Banville (28) at New Street in Waterford on October 8, 2016 but his plea was rejected by the State. After just over four hours of deliberations, at 5.05pm, the jury of six men and six women at the Central Criminal Court acquitted him on the murder charge. The jury also found him not guilty of assault causing harm to Mr Banville's friend Conor Hogan and found Mr Da Silva guilty of producing a knife during the fight. Members of Mr Banville's family wept when the verdicts were announced by the court registrar. Justice Michael White thanked the jury for their service and remanded Mr Da Silva in custody until November 20 for a sentencing hearing during which Mr Banville's family will have the opportunity to make a statement. During the 12 days of evidence the jury heard that Da Silva came to Ireland in August 2016 to work at a meat factory in Waterford and found an apartment with other Brazilians in the city centre. The night of the stabbing he got home from work about 4pm and went to a local pub to play pool with his flatmates at about 5pm. He drank for several hours before CCTV footage picked him up alone in an alleyway known as Cross Lanes in the city centre at about 2.45am. It was here that he suffered the first assault at the hands of Mr Hogan and Mr Banville, who could be seen snorting cocaine moments before the Brazilian entered the scene. Both Hogan and Banville had previous convictions for assault and public order offences. The deceased had convictions at Circuit Court level including for possession of drugs for sale or supply. Da Silva, who was described as 5ft 4inches and of slight build, was drunk and unsteady on his feet and Justice Michael White told the jury it was clear that he did nothing to provoke the assault. Witnesses also said the two Irish men used racial insults and afterwards told him: "We are done with you now. Go back to your own country." Mr Hogan and Mr Banville then left the area and Da Silva walked to his nearby apartment, woke up one of his flatmates, changed his clothes and reemerged onto the city streets within minutes. Less than 20 minutes after the first assault CCTV footage showed that he was back at the steps leading to his apartment on John's Lane talking to two girls when Mr Hogan and Mr Banville appeared. Da Silva was not looking when they walked over and both men struck him. The girls at the steps told the court that the two men called Da Silva a "pervert" and a "paedophile" as they attacked him. Mr Hogan and Mr Banville then moved up towards New Street as Da Silva could be seen on CCTV gesturing towards his apartment. The Brazilian then started running in the direction of his two attackers. The fatal confrontation was not caught on CCTV but witnesses described seeing a clash and punches thrown by the two Irish men before the fight suddenly broke up and Mr Banville lifted up his t-shirt, revealing the wound. He had been stabbed in the heart. Passersby tried to help and emergency services arrived a short time later but Mr Banville did not recover and was pronounced dead at Waterford University Hospital. Mr Hogan had also suffered a knife wound that required stitches but he recovered fully from his injuries. When scientists at Forensic Science Ireland examined the knife used by Da Silva they found both Mr Hogan's and Mr Banville's blood. Evan Russell witnessed the fight from his van and could see that Mr Banville was badly injured so he followed Da Silva as he walked back to his apartment. When gardai arrived Mr Russell pointed them to Da Silva, who had lost the key to his apartment and was standing in a yard throwing pebbles to try to wake one of his flatmates. The prosecution alleged that Mr Da Silva was looking for revenge when he produced the knife and stabbed Mr Banville. Colman Cody SC for the defence said that he was provoked by the two assaults and acted either in self defence or had lost all self control due to the assaults and abuse he suffered. Justice White told the jury that that if Mr Da Silva had been provoked by the assaults to such an extent that he lost all self control they should find him not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. He also told them that if they believed he acted in self defence but that he used excessive force then they should return a manslaughter verdict. Only if they believed that he intended to kill or cause serious injury, was not provoked and did not act in self defence could they find him guilty of murder. A dispute over a publican's alleged unlawful occupation of the Long Stone pub in Dublin's city centre could delay the planned sale and redevelopment of the Apollo House site, with a market value of some 35m, the Commercial Court has been told. Cuprum Properties Ltd, acting via its joint receivers and managers Tom O'Brien and Simon Coyle of Mazars, claim the lease for the Long Stone expired on October 4th. It claims a deed of renunciation of tenancy had been signed prior to that by publican Noel Murray, with the benefit of legal advice, and he is in unlawful occupation of the premises. Rossa Fanning SC, for Mr Murray, argued the receivers' Commercial Court application is a bid to get a publican out of a "landmark premises" employing 30 people. Mr Murray is not a trespasser, he is entitled to apply for a new tenancy and the validity and effect of the deed for renunciation is "hotly disputed", counsel said. In court documents, the receivers say Cuprum's assets include not just the Long Stone but the surrounding buildings known as the Apollo House site which, with the Long Stone, is subject of a significant re-development strategy designed to bring urban renewal. That redevelopment is due to be "imminently commenced" and it is "imperative", for the development to be done in line with planning permission, including demolition works the receivers want to commence without delay, vacant possession be obtained, the receivers said in court documents. They said the site has a market value of some 35m and it is anticipated the entire site, including the Long Stone, could realise a sale price of 40m. Mr Murray's actions, they claim, are impeding sale and they allege delay in realising the sale proceeds could result in a loss of a sale value of 7.5m, not including 35,000 monthly security costs and other related costs. When Hugh O'Neill SC, for Cuprum, asked Mr Justice Brian McGovern on Friday to admit the case to the fast-track Commercial Court, Mr Fanning, for Mr Murray, objected. Counsel said his client had served notice of intention to claim relief before the lease expired and is seeking a new tenancy in Circuit Court proceedings which should be first determined. It was "cobblers" for Cuprum to suggest the Circuit Court case could take 18 months to hear, he said. His side also rejected claims the Circuit Court proceedings amounted to a delaying tactic by his client as part of an effort to get more compensation. Mr O'Neill argued Mr Murray is an unlawful occupation and the Circuit Court proceedings were an effort by Mr Murray to get "leverage". The receiver's case was well in excess of the maximum value of Circuit Court cases and the Commercial Court should hear the case and fix dates for hearing his side's application for injunctions against Mr Murray pending the full hearing. Mr Justice McGovern said he would fast-track the case. Because he was anxious to avoid a situation where two courts with different jursdictions were hearing similar issues, he would first hear on November 3rd Mr Fanning's preliminary motion arguing the Commercial Court had no jurisdiction. If Mr Fanning lost that "nuclear option" application, which if successful would have the effect of wiping out the receiver's Commercial Court case, the judge said he would make directions for an early hearing of the application for injunctions against Mr Murray. Gardai investigating a crashed van on a laneway discovered a cannabis growhouse where plants with a potential value of over 700,000 were being cultivated, a court has heard. The driver of the van, Steven Hudson (39), described as having a low level role within the sophisticated operation, received a four-and-a-half year sentence, with the final two years suspended. Hudson, of The Lime, Rockfield Apartments, Dundrum, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of cannabis for sale or supply at a rented house at Keelogues, Heronford Lane, Rathmichael on June 14, 2016. He has 15 previous convictions. Judge Karen O'Connor said Hudson was not the mastermind of the operation and neither was he a man of means as a result of the offence. She said that normally an offence of this nature would warrant a heavier sentence, but that she was impressed by Hudson's rehabilitation off methadone and by the fact that his partner needed his support because they have a child with significant health challenges. The court heard Garda Daniel Cuff and Garda Martin Egan responded to a report of a van which had crashed into a small bridge at Heronford Lane, Shankill. They began looking for the owner and were directed to a house at the top of the lane where the van had been seen on previous days. Lisa Dempsey BL, prosecuting, said there was no answer at the house but gardai noticed a smell of cannabis coming from a vent at the rear of the house. They also noticed blacked-out windows and the humming of an extractor fan, which lead them to suspect it was a growhouse. Gardai put a surveillance operation in place as they sought a search warrant for the house. Hudson, who seemed nervous, approached the house and admitted being the owner of the van. He was then seen to make several phone calls. The house was searched and gardai discovered 917 plants growing under artificial lights with a potential value of 733,600. Only 501 of the plants were at a stage where they were ready to be harvested for sale and had an actual value of 400,800. The ESB supply to part of the house was unmetered having been bypassed or spliced. The house had been rented from its owner three months previously. At 11pm that night, Hudson was seen returning to the area and taking an interest in what was happening. He was followed by gardai and arrested. Hudson's fingerprints were recovered from items related to the care of the plants, such as fans and thermostats. Harvested and bagged cannabis, with a street value of 29,960, were also found in the house. Hudson's fingerprints were not found on the bagged cannabis. Michael Bowman SC, defending, said Hudson was not the mastermind behind the operation. He said it would have taken capital to set up the operation and his client was not a man of means. He said Hudson's level of involvement was to look after the plants. He said Hudson had no horticultural skills and fulfilled a role which was immediately expendable and replaceable. Mr Bowman said Hudson was a father of two whose eldest child had significant health difficulties. He said Hudson struggled with a 20-year drug addiction and at time of this offending, he had relapsed into the use of cocaine and prescription medication. Counsel said Hudson wanted to turn his life around and was using his time in custody wisely. He was now entirely drug-free. Judge O'Connor directed Hudson to keep the peace for two years on release and engage with probation services for 12 months, taking part in any addiction and employment programmes as directed. A 24-year-old man was refused bail today when he was returned for trial to the Central Criminal Court accused of rape and false imprisonment of a Spanish student in Dublin. The young woman, aged 18, who had just come to Ireland earlier this year to live with a host family had been in Dublin on July 15 when she was allegedly brought to waste-ground in the citys south-side and raped in a tent. The accused, who is from Dublin but cannot be named for legal reasons, faced his seventh hearing when he appeared before Judge Victor Blake at Cloverhill District Court on Friday. He was served with a book of evidence by Garda Bryan Hunt and Judge Blake made an order sending him forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court. Initially he was charged with one count of rape, false imprisonment and threat to kill or cause serious harm to the woman at the Irish Glass Bottle site, in Ringsend in south Dublin. Three additional charges were subsequently brought against the man: two additional counts of raping the woman and one charge for sexually assaulting her. The accused, described by the defence as having a difficult life, made no application for bail at his first court appearance on July 21 last but today he launched a bid to get released pending his trial. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed that he face trial on indictment on all matters. Judge Blake told him that if he intended to rely on an alibi in his defence at his trial he must notify the prosecution within 14 days. The accused twice replied no when asked if he understood and during a recess in the hearing it was explained to him by his solicitor Tony Collier. He has not yet indicated how he will plead. Mr Collier said his client was applying for bail, however, Garda Hunt objected citing the seriousness of the charges and fears the accused would not turn up for his trial. The garda accepted Mr Colliers point that it could take up to a year before the man stands trial. Mr Collier put it to him that the case relies on statements from the complainant along with DNA evidence. The solicitor said the accused made no admissions. Garda Hunt said there was also CCTV evidence. He agreed the accused made no admissions in relation to sexual acts. The man was accompanied to court by his mother and it was proposed by the defence that he would live with her at her house if he was granted bail. However, Garda Hunt said the accused had been living in a tent for considerable time. Mr Collier put it to him that he was concerned the defendant would not turn up for his trial but before he was charged he had been released from a garda station. Garda Hunt explained that this was because charges could not be brought until directions were received from the DPP. The solicitor said at that point his client had a chance to flee but he did not take that opportunity and he returned to his family home. Garda Hunt said the mans tent had been taken from him and he had no place to stay in Dublin 4 so it was natural that he would return to somewhere else. Pleading for bail, Mr Collier asked the court to note his client still enjoyed the presumption of innocence and the States case has yet to be tested in terms of admissibility of evidence. He said the man would abide by strict bail terms but his family was not in a position to provide a significant independent surety. The court heard the accused was on social welfare. Mr Collier also told the court that his client had significant engagement in the past with psychiatrists and psychologists and he had a a difficult life throughout. Judge Blake refused bail and ordered that the accused should be sent forward for trial in custody. The defence indicated that the man may now bring an application for bail to the High Court. The 24-year-old, who made no reply when charged with the offences, had been originally arrested on July 17, two days after the alleged rape but he was released without charge the following day. However, he was re-arrested for the purpose of being charged on July 21 last and has been in custody on remand since then. A man who drove at speed towards gardai when he was a teenager before fleeing to Norway for six years has been given a suspended sentence. Nassour Saleh (25) absconded to Norway in 2010 after he pleaded guilty to endangering gardai at the Navan Road, Dublin on September 1, 2008. He was 16 years old and not eligible to drive at the time of the offence. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard today that Saleh also pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving, one count of driving without insurance and one count of driving under the influence of cannabis in 2010. Saleh was given a suspended detention sentence of six months for those latter counts and he was disqualified from driving for four years. The late Judge Katherine Delahunt adjourned his sentencing on the endangerment charge in order to get a probation report. Saleh did not engage with Probation Services and instead fled to Norway, where he lived and worked for six years. Saleh of Windmere, Clonsilla, Dublin, returned to Ireland last year. He was arrested after he was pulled over by gardai during a random check while he was a passenger in his friend's car. Maurice Coffey BL, prosecuting, told the court that on September 1, 2008, Saleh stopped at a garda checkpoint at the Navan Road in the early hours of the morning before he suddenly accelerated his car. He drove straight at two gardai, causing them to jump out of his way. He then took gardai on a lengthy high-speed chase that went through Blanchardstown and Clonee in Dublin, Dunboyne in Meath and Maynooth in Kildare. He crossed to the wrong side of the road several times and crashed into a patrol car before he crashed into a tree and was arrested. No one was injured in the incident. Saleh has no previous convictions. Pieter Le Vert BL, defending, said his client was a Palestinian national, whose family came to Ireland to escape the violence there. He said Saleh played GAA and did his Junior Cert before becoming a mechanic. He said Saleh had no business to be driving a car that night and panicked when he saw the garda checkpoint. He made a disastrous decision and was extremely lucky no-one was injured, Mr Le Vert said. Mr Le Vert said it was an aggravating factor that Saleh then fled the jurisdiction, but noted he never came to the attention of authorities in Norway, where he worked as a mechanic. Since returning to Ireland, he had started a new relationship and was working. This offence (of endangerment) was committed by a 16-year-old boy, Mr Le Vert said. The 25-year-old man has not committed anything like that and seems to be using his time gainfully in employment. Sentencing Saleh, Judge Terence O'Sullivan said the case had a number of unusual features. He said those engaged in front line services, including gardai and paramedics, must be protected at all costs. He said if the offence had occurred more recently, he would have imposed a sentence of two or three years. However, he noted that Saleh had pleaded guilty and was a juvenile at the time of the offence. He said it appeared Judge Delahunt was prepared to impose a non-custodial sentence for the endangerment count and that Saleh had not come to the attention of authorities since. He handed down a two-year sentence and suspended it on a number of conditions, including that Saleh must remain under the supervision of Probation Services for two years. That means any offence, even jaywalking, is one that might trigger the application of the sentence, he told Saleh, who thanked the judge before leaving court. A personal assistant stole more than 1m from her employers over a 14-year period by fraudulently lodging their cheques to her personal bank account, a court has heard. Siobhan Maguire (47) "dissipated" the money over the years, paying her mortgage, going on holidays and supporting her children. Maguire, of The Brambles, Skerries, Dublin, pleaded guilty to 32 sample theft and fraud charges related to lodgment of 660 cheques to her bank account on dates between 2001 and 2015. She had been sent forward to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing after entering signed guilty pleas in the district court. Maguire has no previous convictions. The total theft amounted to 1,187,616. Maguire's former employers have been partially reimbursed by banks and did not wish to make victim impact statements. The total outstanding loss is now approximately 325,000, Garda Stephen Faulkner told the court. Judge Patricia Ryan adjourned sentencing until Thursday and remanded Maguire on bail. Gda Faulkner told Maurice Coffey BL, prosecuting, that Maguire worked as a shared secretary and personal assistant to two professional people at offices in Church Street, Dublin, and began employment there in May 2001. He said part of her role, over the 14 years of her employment, was to lodge cheques into the business accounts of the two men. He said that during this time she also lodged 660 of these cheques, which she had falsely endorsed on the back, to her own personal account. The money had been subsequently taken from her account in cash withdrawals and gardai were unable to trace it. He said the fraud came to light in January 2015 after a bank employee became suspicious of a number of cheques Maguire lodged to her own account using self-service machines at Bank of Ireland in Smithfield. The trial of a Kildare man charged with manslaughter has heard that the main cause of the victim's death was heart disease, but that injuries sustained in an altercation were a contributory factor. Father-of-four Paul Gill (37) denies killing Patrick Patsy Kelly at Sarto Rd, Naas on August 22, 2015, but has admitted assaulting Mr Kelly and causing him harm. Mr Gill of Sarto Road, Naas, Co Kildare has also pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Mr Kelly's friend, Martin Curtis, during the same incident. The trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has heard that the altercation between neighbours arose over a dispute about noise and late night drinking. Giving evidence on the third day of the trial today, State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy said she carried out a post mortem on Patrick Kelly (57) the day after he died. She said the principal cause of death was an enlarged heart and the narrowing of blood vessels to the heart muscle, while two contributory causes were acute alcohol intoxication and minor trauma. Prof Cassidy said Mr Kelly suffered from severe and significant heart disease, with some arteries blocked by at least 50 per cent, and was therefore at risk of sudden death. The court heard that at the time of his death, Mr Kelly had a blood alcohol level of 213mg per 100 ml, considered as being in the toxic range, although some experts would place it in the lethal range. However, Prof Cassidy said there was no safe level of alcohol and that even one drink could cause the heart to beat irregularly. Prof Cassidy said the deceased had been a chronic alcoholic, and that his liver was twice the normal weight, bright yellow in colour, and with a well-defined cirrhosis, due to the longstanding toxic effects of alcohol. She said Mr Kelly had suffered minor injuries as a result of being punched and possibly kicked, the most significant of which was a 5cm laceration on his forehead. His other injuries included a large bruise under the skin on his skull, an incomplete fracture of the cervical spine and multiple fractures to his ribcage, although Prof Cassidy said the fractures were most likely caused by prolonged and vigorous attempts at resuscitation by paramedics. None of the injuries sustained could have been expected to cause death in a healthy individual, said the pathologist, however she emphasised that the evaluation of Mr Kelly's death could not be separated from the circumstances of it. The stress of the altercation likely precipitated this man's death, she said, explaining that the adrenalin secreted during a fight or flight reaction put his already diseased heart under increased pressure. It could be that emotional upset and the threat or fear of injury may cause a rise in blood pressure, precipitating a fatal arrhythmia and death, said Prof Cassidy. Professor Mary Shepherd, a cardiac pathologist at St George's Medical School in London, agreed with the state pathologist's conclusion on the causes of death. Prof Shepherd added that stress due to an altercation may stimulate the cardiovascular system, even in someone with a normal heart, causing them to die literally from fright. It's called takotsubo, a Japanese term referring to the shape of a lobster pot, whereby a person who gets a sudden shock be it an altercation or being told bad news or witnessing an earthquake the heart can suddenly contract so much that they collapse and die, she said. The trial resumes next Tuesday before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury of four women and eight men. AN ESB worker who was dismissed after being told he was considered a security risk to Irish and UK infrastructure has secured a temporary High Court order preventing termination of his employment. Graham Light said he was shocked and upset after being fired from his role as Commercial and Risk Advisor with the ESB's corporate team on October 11 last. Mr Light (36) said he has an "exemplary" record and had been promoted during his two years employment with the ESB. He said he was called to a meeting with senior officials on October 11 where he was informed an external security team had advised the ESB the gardai considered him a "person of interest". He was informed he was believed to be a security risk to Ireland and the UK's national infrastructure, he said. Mr Light, of Castlegate Grove, Adamstown, Lucan, Co Dublin, said he was taken aback at the accusations. In a sworn statement, he said he protested the allegations and told the ESB officials he does not even have penalty points for speeding, never mind what has been alleged against him. The ESB could not tell him what he was being accused of, he said. On Friday, lawyers for Mr Light secured an injunction preventing the ESB giving effect to his purported dismissal or stopping payment of his salary and benefits. The interim injunction was granted on an ex-parte basis (one side only represented) by Ms Justice Marie Baker and returned to next week. Describing the case as "unusual", the judge said, from the evidence before the court, the decision to terminate Mr Light's employment appeared "draconian". In his affidavit, Mr Light said he was given a letter at the meeting which stated he posed a risk to critical national infrastructure in Ireland, Northern Ireland and GB, and that day, October 11, 2017, was the last day of his employment with the ESB. The meeting was also attended by a union official, who said what was happening was highly irregular, unfair and the union had never come across something like this before, he said. The official with the Energy Services Union had asked if Mr Light, who had worked with the ESB for almost two years, could be reassigned to another Department within the ESB but the company response was that could not be done, Mr Light said. Mr Light said he was told the ESB was open to him resigning instead of being fired. He said he was asked if he would agree to accept some money to find a new job and was offered a reference that was merely a statement of employment rather than the standard ESB reference. He was told he would not be allowed back into the building and the ESB's security workers had collected and stuffed most of his belongings into a bag. As he left the premises, Mr Light said it appeared there were extra security workers on the floor and in reception. He claims this purported dismissal is hugely damaging and caused irreparable harm to his career and reputation. He said he had been encouraged by people in the company to apply for a position in the ESB Corporate Department and subsequently secured that. The ESB's actions have left him traumatised and have badly affected his health, he said. Paul Quinn was murdered by the IRA in 2007 The IRA gang that brutally murdered Paul Quinn are suspected of being involved in a dozen other punishment beatings, it was claimed last night. The victims family gave a poignant interview to RTEs Primetime as they prepare to mark their loved ones ten year anniversary on Friday. Paul Quinn (21), from Cullyhanna, Co Armagh was beaten to death by an IRA gang in a barn in Co Monaghan in 2007. Every bone in his body below his neck was broken by the gang, who used iron bars and nail-studded cudgels. His heartbroken mother, Breege Quinn, recalled the moment she learned of her son's death. A nun came out, doctors came out after. They shook our hands and said they left nothing to fix, Mrs Quinn said. Stating that she could barely remember the funeral, the grieving mother added: I know we couldn't put rosary beads in his hands they smashed him up so badly. In the segment RTE also reported that they have learned the gang suspected of being responsible for the murder of the young man are also suspected of being involved in a dozen other punishment beatings north of the border. Expand Close Breege and Stephen Quinn stand in front of a photograph of their murdered son Paul. Photo: Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Breege and Stephen Quinn stand in front of a photograph of their murdered son Paul. Photo: Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Sinn Fein has condemned the murder, with the party telling Primetime that the killers are criminals and should be brought to justice. However, the Quinn family have repeatedly criticised Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy after he previously claimed that Paul was a criminal and that the IRA played no involvement. Gardai are convinced the murderers were associated with the Provisional IRA. This is despite the fact Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams previously said there was no republican involvement in the killing. Also speaking last night, Pauls brother James said an altercation had taken place in their home village of Cullyhanna, Armagh, which was a factor in the murder. Everbody in Cullyhanna knows who did it," he said. Massive variations in the time that second-level schools devote to maths teaching is putting some pupils at a severe disadvantage. A new report calls on the Government to end the unfair treatment of students who receive less tuition in the subject than others, by laying down fixed time allocations for maths. By the time they sit the Junior Cert, some pupils have spent almost twice as long in maths classes as others. The biggest gap is in first year, with some timetabled for 67 hours in the year, while others receive up to 167 hours. Over the three years of junior cycle, the total difference in tuition time can amount to 211 hours - with the highest allocation, 439 hours, almost double the lowest, 228. Across fifth and sixth year, the hours devoted to the subject across the system range from 198 to 323. It means that some second-level students may benefit from up to 762 hours maths tuition overall, while others have to get by with 426. Differences in scheduled class allocations can be further compounded by voluntary classes put on by some teachers. The disparities are down to factors such as the school attended, the class group a pupil is in, the teacher they have and whether they are doing higher or ordinary level. But the report published yesterday by EPI-STEM, the National Centre for Stem Education, says that all students should receive the same amount of maths instruction time. The analysis is the first of its kind in Ireland to offer insights into the allocation of maths tuition time in post-primary schools. "The overarching finding to emerge from this study is that current arrangements relating to the time allocated to maths masks a significant inequity in the treatment of students at all levels, and across all years," say authors Niamh Meara, of the University of Limerick, and Mark Prendergast, of Trinity College Dublin. They insist that students "are studying the same syllabi and preparing for the same State examinations and there is no argument to support the variation in instruction time evident in the results of this study". There are guidelines on the amount of instruction time for maths, but the report calls on the Government to specify a fixed amount of class time to be allocated to all curriculum subjects at second level. It cites international research findings that the number of hours, days and years that students are formally required to take instruction in a subject has an effect on their academic success. Although the proportion of time given to maths is on a par with the international average, the relatively short school year in Ireland means that the time allocation is less. Garda supervisors say they have been left in an industrial relations limbo after two Government commissioned reports issued conflicting recommendations about their right to strike. Now the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) is threatening to take a constitution challenge to the findings of the Murphy report which said gardai should not have trade union status or the right to withdraw labour. But the AGSI and the Garda Representative Association, on behalf of members of garda rank, have both announced they have accepted the pay offer under the government's public service stability agreement. The AGSI met at a special delegate conference in Athlone today where it described the recommendations of Murphy as a denial of their rights as employees. President Antoinette Cunningham said her members were left with two conflicting reports on their status as the findings of a previous study, headed by Professor John Horgan, were in favour of granting them the right to strike and to become a trade union. She said members were deeply disappointed with the outcome and were considering a constitutional challenge if the Government pressed ahead with legislation to implement Murphy. The Murphy report said it took that position because of the Garda's unique position in preserving life and protecting the citizens and security of the State. The GRA said its members have voted to accept the terms offered on pay and conditions by 63pc to 37pc, following a recommendation from its central executive committee. Association general secretary Pat Ennis said: "All GRA members made a substantial contribution to Ireland's recovery, which is acknowledged within the agreement. "Full pay restoration has yet to be achieved and we hope it will be delivered as the economy continues to recover. "But today's ballot result will see an increase in take-home pay for our members from January 1," he added. Turnout for the GRA vote was 33pc of members of garda rank, entitled to take part in the ballot. The chairman of the country's patient safety watchdog told private nursing home owners at a "secret meeting" that they should appeal the fees they were offered by the State to care for Fair Deal residents and the scheme "lacked sophistication". Brian McEnery said he told the nursing home owners the "blatant inconsistencies" in the way they were paid should be removed. Mr McEnery recalled his address to the nursing home owners in October 2015 when he appeared before the Public Accounts Committee yesterday. He was asked to appear following media reports that he attended the meeting of nursing home owners where a boycott of the Fair Deal scheme was discussed because of their dissatisfaction with their fees. Members of the Public Accounts Committee yesterday quizzed him on whether his attendance at the private nursing homes meeting represented a conflict of interest in his role as chairman of Hiqa which inspects nursing home standards. Fianna Fail Senator Marc MacSharry said he believed he should step down from the post of chairman for the sake of Hiqa. However, Mr McEnery said there was no conflict of interest involved. He was invited to the meeting of nursing home owners by Nursing Homes Ireland, their representative body. He was there as a financial expert with BDO accountants and not as chairman of Hiqa. "I was there as a financial expert and spoke about financial matters," he added. He was not part of any discussion on any proposed boycott of the scheme. "The way Hiqa is legally constituted means that I, as chairperson, cannot and do not and would not intervene or even have information relating to Hiqa inspections. I have, on one occasion, been asked to personally intervene by a nursing home operator who sought that a Hiqa report would not be published on the website. I refused to intervene." He had made it clear to Hiqa from the beginning that he was a financial advisor to the healthcare sector and in particular to nursing home operators. "This comprises a significant portion of the professional work which I do, and I have never tried to hide or deny that." He said he told the private nursing home owners that the National Treatment Purchase Fund acknowledged that the costs to the sector were increasing. He added that the BDO website states clearly that he negotiates rates for nursing homes. Care staff who were instructed by their employer not to come to work on Monday due to Hurricane Ophelia found their pay may be docked or a day's annual leave deducted when they returned to work on Tuesday. The HSE-funded St Vincent's Centre on the Navan Road in Dublin provides adult day care services for the disabled. The Status Red warning issued by Met Eireann on Sunday night led the Daughters of Charity management, which runs the centre, to send a text message to 15 nursing and administrative staff telling them not to present for work. However, when they arrived on Tuesday morning, they were told that a day was being taken out of their annual leave as a result. Read More "Many of us don't have any annual leave left this late in the year, so we are getting a day's pay docked," one nurse told the Irish Independent. "We weren't given a choice. Fifteen of us were rostered to work on Monday, nurses and admin staff, and we got a message on Sunday night telling us not to come in because of the hurricane...We assumed we would be paid for the day just like HSE workers." Natalya Jackson, HR director with the Daughters of Charity, said: "During the height of the storm, staff were informed that in accordance with an adverse weather policy, staff may take annual leave, time in lieu or build up time for Monday. However, it was clearly indicated to all staff on Tuesday that the service position regarding the day's leave would be clarified by HR. Currently, we are awaiting a circular from the HSE clarifying how the day will be granted, which we will circulate as a memo to all staff." Last year, the Daughters of Charity received 105m from the HSE and 187.9m from the Department of Education. Five counties that were hammered by Hurricane Ophelia are now on high alert for flooding amid warnings of a potential "weather bomb" due to torrential rainfall and high tides. Met Eireann has issued two Status Orange warnings and three Status Yellow warnings as Storm Brian is set to strike later today. Storm Brian will spell further misery for tens of thousands of households still without electricity and water following Ophelia on Monday. News of the storm came as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar briefed his fellow European leaders in Brussels on the damage wreaked by Ophelia. The European Council agreed to examine the rules around the European Solidarity Fund with a view to making it easier for countries to draw funds from it. The latest storm will bring potential wind gusts of up to 110kmh to 130kmh from this evening until lunchtime tomorrow. Expand Close Huge wave off Irish coast during Ophelia / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Huge wave off Irish coast during Ophelia Read More However, most concern will surround the fact that potentially up to 50mm of rainfall will hit parts of Cork, Tipperary, Waterford and Limerick. Coupled with a high tide in Cork, there is now a fear of flooding along low-lying coastal areas and parts of Cork city centre. There is a risk of coastal flooding across the south and south-west. Met Eireann forecaster Evelyn Cusack told RTE's Morning Ireland that gale force winds are expected tonight. "Yesterday we had up to 30 millimetres of rain. It's a lovely sunny morning but there's another spell of rain coming up the country with about 20 to 50 millimetres of rain between today and tomorrow. This could lead to a risk of local flooding. Winds are picking up steadily today and Storm Brian as we've called it will be gradually pushing in this evening and tonight. There will be strong to gale force winds this evening and tonight and tomorrow veering west to north west. "It's going to get very stormy tomorrow through some western and southern areas. "There will be very high seas so there will be risk of coastal flooding and do take the warning of the coastguards seriously and don't go out because huge Atlantic waves will be crashing on the west-coast." Ms Cusack said that trees that were damaged by Storm Ophelia may be at risk of falling due to the strong winds. "Because it's a depression, all of the directions are changing." She added that it will last until Saturday night. "It looks much better on Sunday. There's no indication of any more storms next week. Take care everyone." The Irish Coast Guard has advised people to stay away from the coast. "During periods of stormy weather, we're asking people to take extra care. Rough seas and extreme weather might look exciting, but getting too close can be risky. So respect the water and, in particular, avoid exposed places where big waves could sweep you off your feet. "The Coast Guard strongly advises the public to stay away from exposed beaches, cliffs and piers, harbour walls and promenades along the coast tomorrow. "Remember to stay back, stay high, stay dry. "If you see someone in difficulty in the sea, on the shore dial 999/112 and ask for the Coast Guard." Councils are working to ensure drains and culverts are clear of debris left from Ophelia so that the rainfall from Storm Brian can be handled. Met Eireann said that while Storm Brian will not be anywhere near as destructive as Ophelia, it is feared it could hamper the work by Electricity Supply Board (ESB) and Irish Water repair crews to tackle damage to networks caused by fallen trees. Read More Cork, Clare, Kerry, Waterford and Wexford face both wind and rainfall warnings. An Orange warning is also in effect for Galway and Mayo. Residents can expect gusts of between 110kmh and 130kmh, but that warning is in place from 6am to 6pm tomorrow. A Status Yellow wind warning has been issued for the entire country from 10pm today for 24 hours, with mean wind speeds of 65kmh likely to again batter Ireland. Met Eireann warned there was a potential for gusts up to 110kmh at times in some areas. "The system that may become Storm Brian will undergo explosive cyclogenesis [weather bomb or rapidly deepening pressure system] in the next 24 hours," a spokesperson said. Read More Torrential rainfall throughout yesterday caused localised flooding around Cork, Waterford and Tipperary. In Cork, worst hit were roads in the Mayfield, Glanmire, Bishopstown and the quays areas of the city. With heavy rainfall forecast overnight, the greatest risk of flooding will be in Cork city between 9am and 6pm today when tides will reach their highest point. Meanwhile, Ireland may be able to avail of EU funds to fix damage from Storm Ophelia, but the necessary repairs will take place regardless of whether an application is successful or not, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has pledged. And he said efforts continue to reconnect thousands of homes that are still without power and electricity after Monday's storm which brought hurricane force gusts of wind. Mr Varadkar was speaking after last night's European Council meeting in Brussels where he briefed other EU leaders on the storm. Deadly forest fires in Spain and Portugal were also discussed and it was agreed the EU needs a better way to coordinate their response to emergencies. The Taoiseach said this morning: "We asked the [European] Commission to take a look at how the European Solidarity Fund works so that it might be possible for more countries to avail of that." Earlier this week Mr Varadkar said that while the cost of the storm damage is still being assessed, it almost certainly doesn't reach the current threshold for EU solidarity funding. Now EU leaders have agreed to examine the rules around the European Solidarity Fund with a view to making it easier for countries to draw down funds from it. Mr Varadkar said there is a prospect that Ireland may be able to draw down the funds for Storm Ophelia damage. "We have 12 weeks to apply and during those 12 weeks it is possible that the rules will be changed to allow us avail of it. "But I should say the EU Solidarity Fund isn't going to prevent us from carrying out the repairs that are necessary. They're going to happen anyway. "I did thank Prime Minister Theresa May and President Emmanuel Macron yesterday for the assistance that we're getting from French and British and Scottish power crews who were coming over to help us to connect people back to the power network." Mr Varadkar also said: "I'm very conscious of course that even today there is still tens of thousands of people in Ireland without power and some without water as well and I want to assure people that we're doing everything we can to connect people as quickly as we can." Friends and family, including girlfriend Nollaig Hennessy (centre, holding frame) at the funeral of victim Michael Pyke in Co Tipperary yesterday. Photo: Provision A heartbroken family prayed for Ireland's three Storm Ophelia victims as its members paid an emotional tribute to "a quiet man and a gentle soul". Michael Pyke (31) was killed on the Ardfinnan-Cahir road in Tipperary by a falling tree at the height of the storm on Monday. Mr Pyke, the youngest in a family of 11, had stopped to clear a fallen tree from the roadway with a chainsaw because he was worried about elderly neighbours being trapped in their homes. He was struck by a second falling tree as he worked and suffered fatal head injuries. Expand Close Michael Pyke / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Michael Pyke Michael's sister Linda said she was sure "the best seat in heaven" was now reserved for her younger brother. "Michael, what can I say? We are heartbroken," she said. "You were the best son, brother, uncle, friend and boyfriend [to Nollaig]." Linda added that the entire family was comforted by the fact that Michael, the youngest in the family, "was back in the arms of our mother [Moira]". "Michael, you will always be in our hearts - and you will never, ever be forgotten," she added. Linda said Nollaig Hennessy, her brother's partner, was devastated by the loss of the 31-year-old. Ms Hennessy referred to the "gentle giant" as her "adventure buddy". "We are now on different paths, but I know you are never far away. Love you always," she said. Ms Hennessy took a framed copy of a photograph taken during one of her hill walks with Mr Pyke to the altar. Clogheen Parish Priest Fr Bobby Power said that, from chatting to the Pyke family, he realised that Michael was "the white-haired boy who could do no wrong". "[Michael was] a quiet man and a gentle soul who always thought of others," he said. Prayers made reference to the two other families who lost loved ones during the height of Storm Ophelia: Clare O'Neill, from Aglish in Waterford, and Fintan Goss, from Ravensdale, Co Louth. Following Requiem Mass, a special honour guard of motorcycles escorted the cortege to the graveyard across the nearby River Suir. The Prince of Wales waves to well-wishers outside the Eglinton Community Centre in Londonderry during a visit to communities hit by the summer's flash floods. Photo: Laura Hutton/PA Wire A Sinn Fein mayor has refused to meet Prince Charles on his visit to Derry. Explaining the snub, Maoliosa McHugh cited Charles's links to the Parachute Regiment, whose soldiers were responsible for the Bloody Sunday shootings in Derry in 1972. The Prince, who holds the role of Colonel in Chief of the regiment, was in the city on Friday to visit communities hit by summer flooding. He has visited the city on a number of previous occasions. Other senior Sinn Fein members have met and shaken hands with Charles in the past, including party president Gerry Adams. In January 1972, soldiers from the Parachute Regiment opened fire on civil rights demonstrators, killing 13 people. A 14th victim died months later in hospital. A long-running public inquiry found that the killings were unjustified and the dead posed no threat when they were shot. Then-prime minister David Cameron subsequently apologised for the actions of the regiment on the day. Mr McHugh, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, said meeting Charles in the city would be "premature", given the "unresolved sensitives" around Bloody Sunday. Prosecutors in Northern Ireland are currently assessing whether to charge 18 former paras in connection with the events of Bloody Sunday. They are also due to examine files of evidence related to two former Official IRA members. Mr McHugh said: "As a Sinn Fein elected representative and Mayor of Derry and Strabane, I am fully committed to reconciliation and to reaching out to the Unionist community. "I also recognise the positive contribution made by members of the British Royal Family to the search for reconciliation and the need for greater understanding of the different narratives, which exist here. "Today's visit to Derry by Prince Charles is difficult for many families in the city given his ongoing role as Colonel in Chief of the Parachute Regiment. "And while I have supported meetings between Sinn Fein and members of the British Royal Family, I believe that meeting him in Derry is premature given the ongoing and unresolved sensitivities around the legacy of the massacre carried out by that regiment." Deputy Mayor John Boyle, of the SDLP, met Charles during his engagements in the north-west. Green Party leader Eamon Ryan has challenged Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae to a debate on climate change in the Independent TD's hometown of Kilgarvan. Mr Healy-Rae has been outspoken on the issue, insisting on a number of occasions that "man cannot influence climate". However, Mr Ryan said he did not wish to trade insults with the Kerry TD and would prefer to debate the issue. The Dublin TD said that it was up to his party to convince Mr Healy-Rae and others with similar views that reducing Ireland's carbon footprint would be beneficial to them in the short and long-term. "I would love that. I think that's the better way to go about it," Mr Ryan said. "I'd prefer to go down to Killarney or Kilgarvan and sit down in the community hall and debate the issue." Danny Healy-Rae's views were also disputed by his nephew, Jackie Jnr - the son of TD Michael Healy-Rae - on Twitter earlier on in the week. Referring to an article in which his uncle said Hurricane Ophelia had nothing to do with climate change, he said: "Climate change is a scientific fact man! Get with it!" The tweet was later deleted. When contacted by the Irish Independent, Jackie Healy-Rae said he did not wish to get involved in the issue. Pressure has intensified on the Government to urgently amend the State's pension rules, which have left thousands of women out of pocket and been the subject of days of political controversy. The Government yesterday suffered a series of embarrassing Dail defeats, most notably on a Fianna Fail motion that proposes an end to the pension anomaly. In a move that will heap future pressure on Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty, her Cabinet colleague Katherine Zappone yesterday said she expects that the 2012 rule that led to the irregularity will be changed. She added that she and her Independent ministerial colleague Denis Naughten expressed the view at Cabinet that the issue needs to be tackled. "She (Ms Doherty) is going to do some research and come back to the Dail in relation to the two issues in terms of the pre-1994 and also the 2012 reversals," Ms Zappone told the Irish Independent. "I think she has indicated that she is going to take a look at that in a realistic way," she added. Asked if Minister Doherty's intentions were sufficient, Minister Zappone said: "I think it's a reasonable way to proceed for now. "But, clearly, I am on record for being in favour of equality between women and men, particularly in relation to the pensions issue. "But I think this is a reasonable way to proceed in order to ascertain, before any decisions are made, what the costs are involved and then make decisions on the basis of that. "It's taking steps and I agreed to that. Myself and Minister Naughten's contributions to the debate in Cabinet brought us to that," she said. In the Dail yesterday, Fine Gael suffered a defeat on the issue of pensions with its counter-motion being rejected. The Fianna Fail motion that passed proposes to revert to the old pensions regime prior to the 2012 changes being introduced. Ms Doherty this week said the Fianna Fail remedy would cost 73m in 2018, 85m in 2019 and again rise in subsequent years. She said the 2012 changes were aimed at ensuring future affordability and minimising hardship. Fianna Fail welfare spokesman Willie O'Dea said the system was extremely unfair, and his party had opposed the rule changes every year since they were introduced in 2012. Because pensions are now calculated on a yearly average basis, somebody with a total of 520 PRSI payments could get a full pension, but someone with three times that amount could qualify for only a partial pension. Mr O'Dea said women were unduly disadvantaged due to childcare duties and caring for sick relatives, which led to an enforced absence from the workforce which diluted their yearly average PRSI contributions. He rejected a suggestion by the minister that they would study the issue and assess potential remedies for people losing out. Yesterday the Government suffered defeats on the return of town councils, the appointment of a directly elected mayor for Dublin and on the issue of animal welfare. The bill on councils and the mayor was carried by a single vote. The previous government abolished town councils - with several ministers saying since the move was a mistake. The loss of this vote was unexpected and is being put down to the fact Fine Gael had too many absentees. Despite the number of defeats in the Dail, there is a growing view within political circles that private member motions are not taken seriously enough. A number of motions have gone against the Government in recent months. Talks between Iarnrod Eireann and trade unions at the Workplace Relations Commission concluded last night without agreement. The talks were aimed at averting strike action at the rail company over the October Bank Holiday weekend. A ballot on strike action has already been taken and the results of that ballot are due today. The dispute centres on pay, with Irish Rail workers seeking the same pay rise as Luas and Dublin Bus workers. In a statement Iarnrod Eireann said: "Iarnrod Eireann moved its position to offering a 1.75pc increase for one year, to be facilitated by measures including performance management, absenteeism management, revisions to redeployment policy and payroll. It committed to discussing more substantive productivity issues to fund further improvements in earnings beyond the one year agreement in a defined period. "Unfortunately, this was not accepted by trade unions. As these talks follows a referral by the Labour Court, it should be remembered that this referral stated that should the parties not reach agreement, any outstanding issues should be referred back to the Labour Court." The company urged unions to refer the issues to the Labour Court rather than pursuing strike action. "Any threatened industrial action will only further worsen our financial position, weakening our ability to improve employees earnings, and most importantly will cause uncertainty and disruption to our customers travel plans," the company said in a statement. In a joint statement the unions involved said: "We have spent the last twelve hours engaging in what we understood to be last ditch efforts to produce a proposal on pay which could be presented to our members, and in so doing stave off what we consider to be unnecessary industrial action. "Such action will discommode tens of thousands of commuters over the coming weeks, in the run-up to Christmas and beyond." The unions will now proceed to count their respective ballots the statement added. The mother of a five-year-old boy who has a severe progressive disease fears that he will be permanently consigned to a wheelchair if the HSE does not make a new life changing drug available to him. Ann Marie Hartes son Lewis has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Young boys with the disease lose the power of their muscles and are eventually consigned to a wheelchair by mid childhood. The clock is ticking for Lewis, who will turn six in November, to receive a ground breaking drug Translarna, which would help him stay walking. Ann Marie told independent.ie she was devastated last month to learn that the HSE announced it would not fund Translarna. He's a really intelligent little kid. He has an IQ of 129, and is the gentlest little child. I'd lay down my own life for him to have [Translarna]. He is walking but he can't run. It's very difficult for him to climb steps or the stairs. He can't jump, he can't go on a trampoline because it's too strenuous. Weve been told that he'll never play contact sports. It is so unfair knowing that there is a treatment out there that can help our son but it is being denied to him. This is a race against time that we dont have, its simply agonising. He's turning six in November so we've lost a year with this treatment. They have to be at least five and they have to be walking when they get Translarna. In a statement to independent.ie, the HSE said a High Court case concerning Translarna is ongoing in Ireland. But Ann Marie said her son does not have time to wait for a legal battle to finish. Her family will have to consider their options and try to obtain Translarna abroad, she says. As time is going on, I'm getting more desperate. If he had got Translarna tomorrow, the way he is now, he'd be that way in ten years. That would be massive. Once they go into the wheelchair, they have scoliosis and then have to have spinal surgery and a metal rod inserted into the spine. Usually it's cardiac arrest that gets them. I just want to save him. I want to keep him. You're looking into the late twenties, early thirties [life expectancy] which is no age. That really frightens me. I just feel if there's a medicine there that can help why not let them have it. But she said: It would make so much more sense for him to have it here. Our daughter is in Leaving Cert, and our jobs and our lives are here. It's not just like we can move abroad like the drop of a hat. Earlier this month, families of children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy met with Minister for Disabilities Finian McGrath TD and Deputy Mary Lou McDonald in a meeting facilitated by Senator Rose Conway Walsh, in Leinster House to discuss access to Translarna . Dr. Declan ORourke Consultant Paediatric Neurologist at Temple Street Hospital warned: Treatment with Translarna may change the course of the disease and help delay key milestones, potential improving an overall life expectancy of patients. Considering the high unmet need, the burden of Duchenne muscular dystrophy on society and the clinically meaningful trial use of Translarna and its well-tolerated safety profile it was very disappointing to hear of the HSE Drugs Group decision not to reimburse this treatment. But a HSE spokesperson told independent.ie that the HSE Leadership team has carefully considered the issues in relation to the reimbursement of Translarna. The HSE is not in a position to fund this medicine on the basis of the application submitted by PTC therapeutics, the spokesperson said. The HSE informed the manufacturer of this decision, in keeping with the requirements of the 2013 Act. The manufacturer has appealed the HSEs decision to the High Court under Section 27 of the 2013 Act. As proceedings have now issued against the HSE, this is now subject to the Courts process. Given there is a High Court case pending the HSE cannot comment further. Scotland woman Michelle Young flew to Ireland for the Leinster House meeting earlier this month. Her son Michael aged 10 has been on Translarna in Scotland for the past three and a half years. Michael has shown little to no deterioration since starting to take Translarna, he remains ambulant and this is now in stark contrast to his peers, who are not eligible for the drug, she said. If boys can maintain ambulation throughout early adolescence there is less risk of scoliosis and the need for spinal surgery which is hugely expensive and high risk. Translarna is keeping my son ambulant and each month the risk of my son needing surgery goes down. The granddaughter of one of Irelands best known rock concert organisers has been battling a rare and regressive illness which her parents fear may shorten her life. Laragh Conyngham was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, a rare and regressive condition that almost only exclusively affects girls. Toddlers with the condition show normal early development until the child begins to regress and these skills are eventually lost. Eventually they become confined to a wheelchair and suffer from a range of symptoms that are similar to autism, epilepsy, Parkinson's, cerebral palsy and anxiety. Her mother Carina told independent.ie: As an X chromosome disorder, it affects them neurologically. Most of the girls are wheelchair-bound and they cant talk, and they cant use Lamh (the Irish sign language) because they have poor hand function so we describe them as locked-in. Retts is a particularly difficult disorder in the sense that your child is born perfect and is developing fine. What happens is your daughter will develop normally, Laragh had minor difficulties learning to crawl and walk but nothing major. Although shes able to walk, shes not really able to communicate using language. She has words but they dont correspond with what she wants to say. We are very lucky in comparison to the other 70 families in the association. Laragh is still mobile and able to talk in some way. She does chin slapping and hand wringing, thats one of the strongest indicators of Rett syndrome - rubbing your hands together and doing it repetitively. Laragh attends St Mary's Special School at Johnstown, Navan, a school for children with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. She needs 24/7 care. She needs 24-hour assistance, and someone with her all the time. She doesnt have any proper language, she needs to be with people who know her, so that we can read her emotions. As soon as she gets up I need to get up and make sure shes safe. If were walking outside you need to hold her hand. She needs assistance eating sometimes, and shes not toilet trained. Many people who have Rett syndrome can live beyond middle age, but the symptoms can also have a devastating effect on sufferers. You do hear of ladies passing in their 30s and 40s. Its the severe scoliosis as well, so its squashing all your organs. Carina and her husband spent three years trying to achieve a successful diagnosis for Laragh in Ireland, but eventually had to attend a private hospital in the UK to get the diagnosis. Statistically, in Ireland there should be over 300 cases of Rett in Ireland but less than 75 cases are known to the Rett Syndrome Association of Ireland (RSAI). Lord Henry Mount Charles is illuminating Slane Castle the colour purple for the month of October to mark Rett Syndrome Awareness Month. Carina the aim is to promote swifter diagnoses for all variants of Rett in Ireland. The real struggle was achieving a diagnosis to enable us get the help and support that she needs. As genetic tests and analysis for the condition are not currently available in Ireland, a diagnosis was only possible by working with medical teams in the US and the UK. Our hope is that by building awareness of Rett Syndrome and achieving earlier diagnoses it will help other families who are struggling to find out what is wrong with their children in the same that way we did. As a family we dont talk about it a huge amount. Even our friends wouldnt know half the things Im telling you now. Expand Close Slane Castle is being lit the colour purple for the month of October / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Slane Castle is being lit the colour purple for the month of October Raising Laragh has presented some challenges but also given us a great amount of joy. The RSAI is helping to raise funds for Reverse Rett (www.reverserett.org) and its consortium of scientists that are working towards a cure. There is now a potential cure for Rett so our aim is to generate awareness and raise funds for the latest human trials for reversing the symptoms of Rett which could radically improve the lives of those affected, and their families. Jacques Van't Hart came to Ireland from the Netherlands back in the 1980s, to set up a factory for a company involved in veterinary pharmaceuticals in Trim, Co Meath. He was immediately taken with the area, particularly the social aspect of life in Co Meath and the absence of traffic, and started looking for a site on which to build a family home. Van't Hart's search took a few years - he wanted land surrounded by mature trees for privacy - but eventually he found what he was looking for and set about designing Moyfern House, with the assistance of a developer friend. They built the house in 1996. "Because of the lack of light in Ireland in the winter months, we designed Moyfern according to the German principle," explains Jacques. "That means that the rooms are arranged to follow the sun throughout the day. The kitchen faces east, to get the morning sun, and the sitting room faces west, to capture the evening sun. The south facing side of the house is made almost entirely of glass, to maximise the amount of heat and sun." The result is a fine family house with 3,175 sq ft of living space that looks quite different to the typical Irish dormer bungalow. Moyfern is set well back from the road, behind electric gates imported from Belgium, and surrounded by 23 acres of pasture land, with the mature beech trees that attracted Van't Hart to the location at the outset now supplemented by many more that the Dutchman planted himself. Despite its rural location, Moyfern has a contemporary feel. The large entrance hall doubles as an office/study, and has a feature marble staircase, wooden flooring and dual aspect windows. The kitchen - which has an island unit and breakfast and dining areas - has views over the surrounding fields, and direct access onto the patio at the rear of the house, making it ideally suited to entertaining. The family room and lounge have patio doors leading out to the deck, while the basement houses the utility room and has plenty of storage space. Upstairs, the bedrooms all have views over the surrounding countryside. The master is an en-suite with a Jacuzzi bath and separate shower, and has a secluded balcony area and walk-in wardrobe. There are three further bedrooms and a family bathroom, as well as a large attic space that could be put to a variety of different uses. Moyfern holds a special place in the hearts of horse-racing aficionados as the birthplace of Best Mate, the three-time winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, trained in the UK by Henrietta Knight. The gelding was known as the nation's favourite horse until his sudden death at the age of 10 and a statue of him stands beside the winners' enclosure at Cheltenham. He was inducted into the Cheltenham Hall of Fame alongside Desert Orchid in 2007. Jacques Van't Hart described himself as a hobby breeder back in 1995, when Best Mate was born. He had bought the dam, Katday, for what he describes as a 'suspiciously low price' (the equivalent of approximately 1,200), on the basis that he would get his money back if he failed to get the mare into foal. He introduced her to the stallion Un Desperado and she foaled on her own in the middle of a snowy field at Moyfern in January 1995, two weeks ahead of her due date. The little bay foal almost didn't make it, but thanks to the care and attention that he received from Van't Hart and his vet, he survived. Because Van't Hart had to go abroad for work soon after the foal was born, he sold him on for a modest 2,500. Katday's subsequent foals sold for upwards of 120,000, and Best Mate went on to win over 1m in prize money over the course of his career. "I missed out," says Van't Hart, ruefully. This part of Meath is prime horse country, and it will be open to new owners to see if they can emulate Van't Hart's success. Moyfern comes with a few loose boxes, and plenty of room for grazing, so even if the idea of trying to breed a champion racehorse does not appeal, there is ample space to keep and enjoy ponies or hunters. Trim lies approximately 25 miles from Dublin, on the banks of the River Boyne, and is convenient for the M50 and Dublin Airport. The town is known as the location of Trim castle (also known as King John's Castle), Ireland's largest Norman castle, built in the late 12th century following the Norman invasion of Ireland. Trim and the surrounding lands were granted to Hugh de Lacy, Lord of Meath, and a Norman baron, and Richard II stayed at the castle before he was ousted from power. In the 16th century, Trim was one of the outposts of the Pale and sessions of the Irish Parliament were held there from time to time. Moyfern House Trim, Co Meath Asking price: 850,000 Agent: Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes, (01) 2376300 and Sherry FitzGerald Heffernan, (046) 943 1525 'The Central Bank is supposed to be the watchdog protecting consumers and keeping our financial institutions in line. But when the wolves were at the door, it didn't bark.' (Stock picture) Bank robbery is said to be an initiative of amateurs, according to Bertolt Brecht. True professionals establish a bank. The remark might once have drawn a wry smile but following the rapacious behaviour of some of our leading lenders, it is more likely to evince a wince. The Central Bank is supposed to be the watchdog protecting consumers and keeping our financial institutions in line. But when the wolves were at the door, it didn't bark. It acted more like a gummy chihuahua than the red-toothed bloodhound they deserved. Yesterday, its governor, Philip Lane, made for a dismal figure at the Oireachtas Finance Committee. The committee heard how Mr Lane's office is working with gardai in relation to the tracker mortgage scandal. But this falls far short of the all-out criminal investigation, as befits what has been called the biggest financial scam ever visited on the Irish people. We now know of the suffering, the nervous breakdowns, the broken relationships and ruined lives. And yet a formal Garda investigation has yet to be launched. Let us not forget that the cabinet worked into the small hours of the dawn to come up with ingenious new devices to rescue the banks. Why was the same diligence and ingenuity not summoned to make sure that 11 of the 15 mortgage lenders who were operating in the State between five and 15 years ago, and who wrongly took people off tracker mortgages, were called to account? Mr Lane indicated that the Central Bank expected that more than 20,000 people have been caught in this deliberate fraud. He claimed to have recognised "the hurt and damage the actions of lenders have caused for many borrowers". He insisted that the Central Bank was "pushing the limits of our powers to ensure affected customers are remedied appropriately". The Central Bank has the power to withdraw the licence of banks that fail in their obligations. Only when the lenders are exposed to the same kind of catastrophe as those who bore the brunt of their chicanery can we expect justice to be done. 'Brexit looks increasingly like a door on the edge of a cliff.' Stock photo: PA Much as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar tried to soften the hard words spoken by Phil Hogan warning Britain about vacillating on the edge of a precipice, there was much truth in the Commissioner's broadside. As the EU leaders meet in Brussels, Brexit looks increasingly like a door on the edge of a cliff, which doesn't open to anywhere that is good. British Prime Minister Theresa May's government is at war with itself, and framing policy in a minefield is never wise. British appeals to the EU to move onto the next phase - without further movement on the Border, citizens' rights, and the financial settlement - are futile. All three are stepping stones that cannot be avoided to get to the side. Hard Brexiteers within the Conservative Party are making it impossible for Mrs May to yield. There is more than an element of delusion within the Tory ranks. The future is inescapable, the decision to quit comes with consequences which can either be managed and orderly, or chaotic and divisive. So far, the only signal from the British has been the intention to avoid a hard Border, but wishing it away will not suffice. The time for serious engagement is being whittled away. "It blowed away, it blowed away; All the crops that I've planted blowed away; You can't grow any grain if you ain't got any rain; All except the mortgage blowed away." Pete Seeger wrote the above, Bruce Springsteen gave it meaning. He called it 'My Oklahoma Home'. Ophelia came and went. For two days, Ireland hid within its anger. Ministers we never see gave us the full-feathered peacock strut. Then Ophelia blew out up near Iceland... but the same old, same old didn't go with it. Seeger sang about Dust Bowl America of the 1930s. Banks repossessing homes, etc. Yesterday, the headlines were about the banks' refusal and scandal regarding tracker mortgages here (Irish Independent, October 19). So let's stop pussyfooting around. The banks are engaged in appalling behaviour. Leo Varadkar is calling them in for a finger-wagging. Don't. Hit them with legislation and immediate cutting back of cash. Cannot be done? Really! Go back to November 2008. Bust and negligent banks appeared on the late Brian Lenihan's door step pleading for a bail-out. They were given one with extraordinary conditions. Both AIB and the Bank of Ireland will pay nothing to the State for the next 20 years. Written off over losses. A joke. So if legislation that brought austerity, penury, pain, emigration, low wages and curtailed services was brought in to save those banks within hours of Mr Lenihan and Brian Cowen's meeting with the bankers, the same timeframe can be done today for the beleaguered mortgage holders. The question is who runs Ireland? An elected government or big business? The latter appears the most logical. The tracker scandal is fraud, it's theft. Time to send in the Garda and Revenue and start what Iceland did 10 years ago. Jail the corrupt. They broke a nation. John Cuffe Dunboyne, Co Meath Society blind to white-collar crime Might I suggest raising the possibility of placing criminal liability on those individual bankers who had primary responsibility for the decision to wrongfully preclude individuals from availing of their legal entitlement to their tracker mortgage options? It would serve to wonderfully concentrate the minds of those who are, at present, proving to be so recalcitrant and dilatory in discharging their obligations. Even the asking of the question will send shudders of fear throughout the banking hierarchy. Furthermore, the law as to criminal conspiracy would also appear to have some application. The contrast between the State's attitude to the behaviour of these bankers who consciously devised their wrongful strategy [that it was not so stretches credulity] with the State's attitude towards a man who wrongfully claimed his late mother's pension and was recently sentenced to an 18-month term of imprisonment, provides a salutary lesson in this society's blindness towards white-collar crime. The latter, despite being in severe family and health difficulties, had at least the excuse that his fraud, unlike that of the bankers, was not a consciously devised scheme but rather a crime of omission - a failure to inform the pension authorities of the death of his mother. Gerry Roche Ballyvaughan, Co Clare Time for men to speak up on Eighth Last month, I joined an estimated 40,000 people at the March for Choice in Dublin. It was an exhilarating day, and one I hope marks a turning point in the fight for reproductive justice in Ireland. Since becoming actively involved in pro-choice activism a year ago, I have been struck by how while many men hold pro-choice views, they are often more reluctant to speak out and campaign for abortion rights in Ireland. This is in stark contrast to their female counterparts who have braved derision and stigma to put this issue at the top of the political agenda where it belongs. With a referendum on repealing the Eighth Amendment due to take place in the coming year, this is something that has to change. To paraphrase a speaker at last month's march, this is about standing with women, not fighting for them. Local pro-choice groups exist across Ireland so there is ample opportunity for men to join in the campaign to ensure women in Ireland have the right to choose whether to go through with a pregnancy or not. Steven Glackin Galway City, Co Galway Convention numbers don't add up I share the concerns of Mattie McGrath and Ronan Mullen regarding the Constitutional Convention but for different reasons. The concept of a public forum for constitutional issues has merit in terms of broadening debate outside the narrow confines of the Oireachtas. However, it is the technical aspects of its composition that bothers me. First off, the idea of 33 seats reserved for politicians is completely excessive. It is disproportionate that one third of the seats are allocated to the Oireachtas - which already has its own forum. Seasoned politicians could, and I emphasise the word 'could', be overpowering and dilute contributions from the general public. Surely all that was required was a facilitator, maybe a senior judge like Mary Laffoy, the Ceann Comhairle of the Dail and the Seanad and perhaps one nominee from each of the parties? Secondly, any basic understanding of statistics would suggest that a selection of 66 from a population of 3,510,069 over the age of 18 (Source: Census 2016) is not sufficient to render the sample truly representative. It is 35-plus years since I did statistics at college but using some of the online survey tools, a sample of 385 would be required to give a 95pc confidence in the sample with a plus or minus 5pc margin of error. Discounting the 33 who cannot be regarded as representative, the remaining 66 only give an 80pc confidence with a plus or minus 6pc margin of error. The sample is too small and is disproportionately filled with professional politicians. Frank Buckley Tullamore, Co Offaly Nothing could spoil Irish trip Our luggage arrived in Dublin 30 hours late, our son was horribly sick one night from a fish-and-chip shop, we were rained on repeatedly, and some scoundrel smashed the window on our rental car (outside the Guinness brewery) the day before our two-week holiday ended. And you know what, Ireland? It was the best holiday we ever had. We looked over impossible cliffs, lit candles in old churches for our dead mothers, tramped through graveyards, saw our names on shops, saw our uncles' faces on grubby street corners, imagined the yearning of our famished kin waving at crooked shores, and bought stupid hats. We loved the horrible Irishness of the place, especially the Irish themselves. Stay gold, stay green. Kelly and Will Egan, Laurie Fagan Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Sean Moylan Commemoration Committee members John O'Keeffe, John Paddy Joe Murphy and Vincent Guiney presenting a commemorative scroll to Nellie May Foley, Glash. Nellie May's volunteer relative was James Foley. Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald The Sean Moylan Commemoration Committee presented commemorative scrolls to over 300 people at a ceremony at Kiskeam Community Centre recently - and there was a deluge of other scrolls posted abroad. Throughout the country, there were many towns and villages hosting the commemoration to mark such a pivotal event in Irish history as the Rising. There were parades and State funerals for patriots and household names such as Padraig Pearse, Eamon De Valera and Michael Collins. However, behind those events there are equally so a thousand more untold tales. They are often lost to time, faded away like old newspaper. But the enterprise and heroism of ordinary men and women was the foundation of the national effort. Their individual lives may not fill the pages of text books but they are forever etched into the greater national story. The event in Kiskeam on Saturday night was about paying tribute, however small, to their memory and ensuring that their lives and actions are counted. In Kiskeam and the surrounding areas men and women motivated by patriotic pride took the fight to the British empire. In the face of terrible circumstances, personal sacrifice and often great loss they endured. It is hoped that the scrolls, a gesture of remembrance, act as a symbol of those stories from the past - stories that can still inspire so many and children in the years and decades to come.Further scrolls can be obtained by contacting Vincent Guiney on 086/8937612 or John O'Keeffe (johnokeeffe74@eircom.net). Cathaoirleach Seamus Kilgallon paid tribute to the many volunteers from Sligo who travelled to Brussels last week. He told the large crowd who gathered for the official launch of the Volunteering/Cultural Sligo exhibition in the EU Parliament that Sligo is proud of its volunteering spirit. "While the wider Sligo community takes great pride in the achievements of our dedicated volunteers, it is a special privilege to see the endeavour honoured in a European context," he said. "And while it is not in the nature of volunteers to seek limelight or acknowledgement, we have had a number of opportunities to showcase our volunteer spirit in hosting events like the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann and the visit of the British Royal Family. "The catalyst for many of the projects we deliver right across Ireland and continental Europe is the discreet but determined community volunteer, and we honour and applaud their efforts here today. Many are inspired to follow in your footsteps. What greater legacy could you bestow on your community," he concluded. Summerhill College, Sligo, the biggest secondary school in the county closed its doors on Monday and Tuesday like all other schools in the county The decision to close schools for a second day (Tuesday) was in the interests of child safety according to the Department of Education. While it recognised that some schools may not be as badly impacted as others a spokesperson said over 350,000 businesses and homes were without power by Monday night and severe winds continued to cause damage across the country as the storm progressed northwards. Many regional and local roads were closed due to fallen trees. "It is also the case that school authorities will in very many cases not have had an opportunity to check their buildings and confirm they are safe, have power and water, and that routes to the school are safely open. It is recognised that the decision to close schools will have a major impact on families and on the workforce. However, this decision has been taken in the interests of safety for children and to provide clarity for everyone concerned," said the spokesperson. It's unclear whether the schools will have to make up the two days during the course of the school year. EU Commissioner Phil Hogan was unable to attend the launch of the Volunteering/Sligo Cultural Exhibition but he did send a video message complimenting the efforts of the volunteering sector in Sligo. Commissioner Hogan said: "Hosting the European Volunteering Capital has helped to put Sligo on the map. Getting the title in the first place is a great testament to you. I want to pay tribute to the 2016 winners of the Sligo Cathaoirleach Awards who I'm sure will act as fine ambassadors to the town and county on their visit to the EU Parliament." Commissioner Hogan gave a special mention to MEP Marian Harkin who is the current chair of the Volunteering Interest Group in the European Parliament. Marian is passionate about volunteering and equally so about her native Sligo. Speaking at the launch she said: "We say that Sligo is surprising and it is. A county of just 66,000 people we are so pleased to host the title of EVC 2017. We took the baton from London and we will pass it on to Aarhus in Denmark. This award has been earned by the people of Sligo." "Today is not just about Volunteering," she continued: "WB Yeats, one of the foremost poets in the UK language called Sligo 'the land of heart's desire.'" The MEP who has clearly never lost her gra for Sligo proceeded to outline some of the best things about her home place. "Sligo is famous for its heritage, the megalithic tombs at Carrowmore, our long stretches of white sandy beaches to the more secluded covers at Aughris and Dunmoran. Strandhill is a mecca for surfers. We have Streedagh where three of the 130 ships of the Spanish Armada were shipwrecked in 1588. They were found in 1985 and many artefacts have been recovered. To complete the picture the landscape is dominated by our own table top mountain Ben Bulben and Knocknarea on top of which Queen Maeve of Connacht is buried. "This is just a snapshot of Sligo but if you really want to experience what we have to offer you will have to come visit us and there will be a hundred thousand welcomes for all of you in the land of heart's desire." "We should be at home studying," a group of four Leaving Cert students from the Ursuline College tell me, "But, this is a most welcome break." The girls won the Young Enterprise Award for their innovative Sligo Road Race board game. "We designed an educational board game aimed at primary schools to teach them about their home county. We sold well and made a huge profit," said Cliona McGowan (18). The entrepreneurial students were part of the Sligo contingent to visit the EU parliament for the Volunteering/Sligo cultural exhibition and seminar last week."It's so nice, this trip has been keeping us going, an escape from the monotony of studying," agreed Grace Elliot. "We have a lot to go back to but we can't complain. This is a fantastic experience at our age, to see the European Parliament," said Lisa Flynn (17) Leah Rooney (17) agreed: "It's an amazing opportunity." Their teacher Doreen Westby said: "I'm extremely proud. The potential was there all along. This is self directed learning in action, a real education for them." Two students from Colaiste Iascaigh, Amy Brady and Keelin Gibson were also in Brussels to be honoured for their volunteering efforts with fundraising for GOAL, the Donal Walsh Foundation and other community projects. Amy Brady (16) was thrilled: "No words can explain it. I will never forget the day we were told we were going to Brussels. I'm very proud to be here representing our school." Keelin Gibson (16) said: "We organised a number of clean ups in the area. You get great satisfaction out of helping others." Julian Cassells (30) from Glencar travelled with his parents Laurence and Helen. Julian, who is visually impaired is involved with a number of voluntary choirs and won the Spirit of Sligo Award for 2016. His talent for singing was spotted 'very early on' said his parents. Julian is now working on presenting his own internet radio music show which is recorded in Manorhamilton. "I'm feeling very proud," said Julian, "I love music and will continue with the choirs." Dad, Laurence paid tribute to the Sligo Champion Talking Newspaper volunteers. "This is a vital service for Julian who can enjoy his local paper every week as a result," he said. Other volunteers on the trip included Derek and Catherine Davey of Ballymote Heritage and Ruth Burrows of Coolaney Tidy Towns. The Abbeyquarter Men's Group was represented by Charlie Meehan, Padraic McDonald and James Scanlon. Volunteers do not look for rewards. They give of their time selflessly to help make life easier for others. They make our community here in Sligo a better place and last week their efforts were recognised on a European stage. A large group of Sligo volunteers ranging in age from 16 to 86 travelled to the European Parliament in Brussels to take part in a cultural exhibition of Sligo and a volunteering seminar. The events were organised by Sligo MEP Marian Harkin who was delighted to host the delegation and showcase all that is best about Sligo. The trip coincided with Sligo holding the title for European Capital of Culture, an accolade which has done so much for the county during 2017. As Ciara Herity of the Sligo Volunteer centre explains: Not alone has it raised the profile of Sligo as a destination, volunteer registrations are up 17 percent on last year and there has been a 26 percent increase in volunteer opportunities on offer to people. Weve also hosted 9 national events and will host the National Volunteer Awards this December 1st. It is the first time the major event will take place outside of Dublin. And last week Sligo took centre stage in the corridors of power with an eye catching exhibition in the European Parliament highlighting what it has achieved through volunteering as well as what the Yeats County has to offer to visitors. The two day exhibition prompted interest from all over Europe with a number of Belgians already planning their next holiday to the North West Coast. One visitor who tried out the virtual reality surfing in Strandhill headset at the Wild Atlantic Way stand said: This looks absolutely amazing. A little unsteady on his feet, the Parliament employee continued: I was going to Dublin anyway but will now definitely get to Sligo. Sligos Noelle Cawley who works with Failte Ireland said the virtual reality headsets also feature horse riding in Streedagh. So many people have come over to try out our virtual headsets. There is massive interest. These images bring you into the zone, she added. A series of enlarged landscape pictures of Sligo adorned the walls of the exhibition along with lines of poetic genius from its most famous son, Yeats. The pictures were supplied by Carney based photographer Ciaran McHugh. The wild altantic way is doing really well for the North West, said Noelle, People in Ireland know all about it. Our challenge as a tourism authority is to get the message out there internationally. To get the chance to be here in the European Parliament as part of the Sligo Exhibition is fantastic and is making an impact. Farmers and investors will "sit in front of their solicitors in shock" once they realise the implications of the hike in stamp duty for commercial land from 2% to 6%. That's according to Ballymote solicitor William Henry who believes the farming community needs to come together and show opposition before the law is enacted. Under the provisions of the Budget announced last week, Stamp Duty relating to non-Residential property rose overnight from 2% to 6%. Only in certain circumstances is the Stamp Duty exempt: the person receiving the property/farm has to be no older than 35 years and hold a farming qualification. Stamp Duty of 1% only applies if the farmers younger than 67 years who are transferring to a blood-relative. In addition, in order to qualify for the 1% Stamp Duty Consanguinity Relief, the person receiving the land must hold a specified qualification or spend at least 50% of their time farming land. William Henry believes these conditions mean most farmers will have to pay the full 6% Stamp Duty. "For example a person taking land valued at 300,000 was liable for Stamp Duty at 2%, i.e. 6,000, but will now pay 18,000, unless 1) that person is under 35 years and a trained farmer or 2) Consanguinity Relief applies, but as you can see there are many restrictions," said William. "There was no leeway seemingly afforded to anyone in the middle of finalising a transaction. The powers that be seem to suggest that the bad times are behind us and that we can now cope with this increase. What world are they living in? The Government seems to be saying that they are not making any drastic changes but this change will have a massive impact not alone on farmers but on many others," he said. "We live in a time where we need investors to come into small towns and villages, open up Hotels, Restaurants, shops and so on. This is a massive increase and can be another hurdle putting investors off. "People need to come together and show opposition. People will sit in front of their solicitors in years to come in shock, once they begin to realise what happened. Now is their opportunity to voice their objections. The solicitor pointed to the fact that TD Michael Fitzmaurice's motion calling for farmland to be excluded was already struck down. "It is still not too late. People in farming communities need in particular to let their voices be heard," he added. Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes seen at Tao Restaurant for SNL after party on September 30, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Robert Kamau/GC Images) Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes seen at Tao Restaurant for SNL after party on September 30, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Robert Kamau/GC Images) Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes seen at Tao Restaurant for SNL after party on September 30, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Robert Kamau/GC Images) Sightings of Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling are as elusive as it gets. The couple, who have been together for six years and have two children together, are arguably the most private couple in Hollywood: the last red carpet they hit together was in 2012. Mendes (43) rarely joins her husband for his premieres and was notably absent all during awards season when his film La La Land was the hottest commodity going; he stays away when she is promoting her New York & Company clothing range, so we're long overdue for a picture of this impossibly beautiful couple. Expand Close Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes seen at Tao Restaurant for SNL after party on September 30, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Robert Kamau/GC Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes seen at Tao Restaurant for SNL after party on September 30, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Robert Kamau/GC Images) After Gosling's Saturday Night Live hosting duties over the weekend, the Hitch star, made an extremely rare appearance by his side for the after-party at Tao nightclub alongside Scarlett Johansson and Jay-Z and Beyonce. The mother-of-two went for a '70s vibe in a silk printed wrap dress and black chunky heels as they left the venue hand in hand. The pair keep their personal lives so under wraps that news of their September 2016 wedding wasn't reported until several months after the fact, while also keeping both of Eva's pregnancies secret until the last minute. And Eva's ring finger was still conspicuously bare in the fresh pictures from the weekend. Despite their desire to remain out of the spotlight, Gosling (36) acted as the exception to his own rule when he gushed about his partner during his Best Actor acceptance speech at the Golden Globes earlier this year when he thanked his "lady" for holding down the fort with their daughters Esmeralda (three) and Amada (one). "If she hadnt taken all that on so that I could have this experience, would surely be someone else up here other than me to today. Sweetheart, thank you," he said in January. He added that she was, "raising our daughter, pregnant with our second and trying to help her brother fight his battle with cancer". Expand Close Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes seen at Tao Restaurant for SNL after party on September 30, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Robert Kamau/GC Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes seen at Tao Restaurant for SNL after party on September 30, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Robert Kamau/GC Images) Later in March, Mendes revealed the very simple reason you won't find her seeking out photographers - she really doesn't like it. What people don't know about me is that I love being home. Instead of hitting the red carpet, I'd rather be with our girls," she told Shape magazine. So there you have it. Lupita Nyong'o, best supporting actress winner for her role in "12 Years a Slave", speaks on stage at the 86th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California March 2, 2014. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (UNITED STATES TAGS: - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) (OSCARS-SHOW) NEW YORK, NY - MAY 02: Actress Lupita Nyong'o attends the "Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology" Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images) Lupita Nyong'o leaves from The Mark Hotel for the 2017 'Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art of the In-Between' Met Gala on May 1, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Ben Gabbe/Getty Images for The Mark Hotel) Actress Lupita Nyong'o speaks onstage during the 2017 Global Citizen Festival: For Freedom. For Justice. For All. in Central Park on September 23, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Global Citizen) Lupita Nyong'o holds her Academy Award for best supporting actress in 12 Years a Slave, as she arrives to the 2014 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 2, 2014 in West Hollywood, California. AFP PHOTO/ADRIAN SANCHEZ-GONZALEZ Lupita Nyong'o has detailed her own shocking experiences with disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein in a candid op-ed piece for The New York Times. Since the newspaper first published their expose about Weinstein's alleged sexual harassment and abuse over a three-decade period, numerous women including Cara Delevingne, Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow have all come forward with their own tales about the mogul. Expand Close 2. Lupita Nyong'o / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp 2. Lupita Nyong'o And Lupita is the latest, writing in the newspaper that she met Weinstein in 2011, when she was a student at the Yale School of Drama. After exchanging information, Weinstein invited Lupita to his home to watch a movie, but his family was present at the screening. After the film started, however, Weinstein led Lupita out of the theatre and into his bedroom and "announced that he wanted to give me a massage". "I thought he was joking at first. He was not. For the first time since I met him, I felt unsafe," Lupita wrote. "I panicked a little and thought quickly to offer to give him one instead: It would allow me to be in control physically, to know exactly where his hands were at all times." Expand Close Lupita Nyong'o, best supporting actress winner for her role in "12 Years a Slave", speaks on stage at the 86th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California March 2, 2014. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (UNITED STATES TAGS: - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) (OSCARS-SHOW) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Lupita Nyong'o, best supporting actress winner for her role in "12 Years a Slave", speaks on stage at the 86th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California March 2, 2014. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (UNITED STATES TAGS: - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) (OSCARS-SHOW) When Weinstein tried to take off his trousers, Lupita stated that she was uncomfortable and made her way to the door. On another occasion, Lupita was invited to dinner with Weinstein, when things once again took a turn for the worse. Expand Close Actress Lupita Nyong'o attends The 2017 Crystal + Lucy Awards on June 13, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. / AFP PHOTO / VALERIE MACONVALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Actress Lupita Nyong'o attends The 2017 Crystal + Lucy Awards on June 13, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. / AFP PHOTO / VALERIE MACONVALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images "Before the starters arrived, he announced: 'Let's cut to the chase. I have a private room upstairs where we can have the rest of our meal,'" she wrote, adding that she declined and he then told her to leave. When she asked him if they were "good", Harvey answered: "I don't know about your career, but you'll be fine." "I did not see Harvey again until September 2013 when I was in Toronto for the premiere of 12 Years a Slave, the first feature film I was in," Lupita continued. "He said he couldn't 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." After Lupita won her Oscar for 12 Years a Slave, Weinstein tried to work with her again, but she refused. Gina Casey, from Ennistymon, struggles with the high wind on the Lahinch coastline of Co Clare. Photo: Brian Arthur As the nation comes to terms with the devastation caused by Storm Ophelia, a second storm is beginning to hit Ireland. What can we expect with Storm Brian? Five counties that were hammered by Hurricane Ophelia are now on high alert for flooding amid warnings of a potential "weather bomb" due to torrential rainfall and high tides. Met Eireann has issued two Status Orange warnings and three Status Yellow warnings as Storm Brian is set to strike later today. The latest storm will bring potential wind gusts of up to 110kmh to 130kmh from this evening until lunchtime tomorrow. Read More However, most concern will surround the fact that potentially up to 50mm of rainfall will hit parts of Cork, Tipperary, Waterford and Limerick. Coupled with a high tide in Cork, there is now a fear of flooding along low-lying coastal areas and parts of Cork city centre. There is a risk of coastal flooding across the south and south-west. Met Eireann forecaster Evelyn Cusack told RTE's Morning Ireland that gale force winds are expected tonight. "Yesterday we had up to 30 millimetres of rain. It's a lovely sunny morning but there's another spell of rain coming up the country with about 20 to 50 millimetres of rain between today and tomorrow. This could lead to a risk of local flooding. Winds are picking up steadily today and Storm Brian as we've called it will be gradually pushing in this evening and tonight. There will be strong to gale force winds this evening and tonight and tomorrow veering west to north west. "It's going to get very stormy tomorrow through some western and southern areas. "There will be very high seas so there will be risk of coastal flooding and do take the warning of the coastguards seriously and don't go out because huge Atlantic waves will be crashing on the west-coast." Ms Cusack said that trees that were damaged by Storm Ophelia may be at risk of falling due to the strong winds. "Because it's a depression, all of the directions are changing." She added that it will last until Saturday night. "It looks much better on Sunday. Take care everyone." Will Ireland be badly impacted? Met Eireann told Independent.ie that "at the moment, Storm Brian is nothing to worry about here in Ireland". "It's a moving depression rather than a hurricane. It's moving south and will bring a lot of rain and strong winds. I don't think it will hit Ireland as hard as it will hit the UK." However, the bad weather could hamper efforts to restore power and water to thousands of people who were impacted by Storm Ophelia. Read More When is the bad weather expected? Storm Brian is expected to hit today as it will be wet and windy, and the weather will gradually move south-east. Saturday and Sunday will also see a lot of heavy rain and strong winds as Storm Brian passes through Ireland. Are more big storms likely to hit Ireland? Maynooth Geography Professor John Sweeney told RTE Radio One that Storm Brian won't be a "big beast". "Tropical storm Philippe has already formed in the Atlantic after Ophelia. Read More "Brian will be the next one in the sequence and by the weekend it does look like it's turning unsettled again but it's all relative. We won't have the same occurrence as Ophelia hopefully for a very long time. We're back to the normal winter storms climate, not the kind of big beast we saw Monday." Met Eireann said that there is no indication that there are any more storms next week. Chinese officials yesterday heaped praise on President Xi Jinping's political ideology, unveiled a day earlier at a key Communist Party congress, a sign that it could be enshrined in the party's constitution and further cement his power. Some ruling Communist Party officials were moved yesterday to song, dance and tears in adulation of Mr Xi, a day after he opened the twice-a-decade conclave pledging to build a prosperous "modern socialist country" for a "new era". Three outgoing members of the elite seven-man politburo standing committee that Mr Xi heads lauded "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era", according to the official Xinhua news agency. Such statements indicate that Mr Xi could cement his power with his new eponymous slogan being incorporated into the party's constitution. Whether the theory is included bearing his name will be a key measure of his status, analysts have said. No other leader has had an eponymous ideology included in the document while in office since Mao Zedong, the founder of modern China. Mr Xi is poised to begin a second five-year term next week. Party officials hailed Mr Xi as a wise and great "lingxiu", or leader, a reverent honorific bestowed on only two others: Mao and his short-lived successor Hua Guofeng - another sign that Mr Xi has accumulated more power than his immediate predecessors and could revive a party chairmanship as a precursor to staying on in some capacity beyond the end of his second term in 2022. "Xi Jinping...has obtained the heartfelt love and respect of the entire party, army and people, he deserves to be called wise leader," Beijing party secretary Cai Qi, a Mr Xi ally and one-time colleague, said at a meeting of the city delegation, according to the official 'Beijing Daily'. Officials lavishing praise on the party's top leader at a congress is not unusual, but overt displays of emotion or personal adulation are rare. One female delegate from the southern province of Jiangxi broke into a song to praise Mr Xi's treatment of ethnic minorities, while another from Guangdong province said that, listening to Mr Xi's speech, her eyes had brimmed with tears. "I feel that the reason for my country's accomplishments is fundamentally the helmsmanship of Xi Jinping," said Jing Junhai, Beijing's deputy party chief, invoking a phase often used to describe Mao. The 64-year-old Mr Xi has consolidated power swiftly since assuming the party leadership in 2012, locking up rivals for corruption, tightening controls on civil society, revamping the military and asserting China's rising might on the global stage. Some party officials painted Mr Xi as a saviour. "Because of the party central committee with comrade Xi Jinping as its core, in five years, the party has been saved, the army has been saved, the country has been saved," Liu Shiyu, head of China's securities regulator, said yesterday. Others were more restrained. Hu Chunhua, party chief in Guangdong province and a potential contender for a spot on the new politburo standing committee to be revealed next week, simply referred to Mr Xi as general secretary and did not mention his theory during an open session yesterday, in contrast with more than a dozen other delegates who spoke. State media reported that he had praised Mr Xi's theory the day before. The exact meaning of Mr Xi's new banner term is not yet clear, although it is not unusual for Communist Party leaders to announce lofty slogans and then fill in the details as they go. An ideology named after Mr Xi to guide China and the party would further consolidate his power, said Ryan Manuel, a Chinese politics expert at the University of Hong Kong. "This is a good umbrella for him to keep saying whatever he wants and the system having to respond and study it," he said. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull dismissed a letter from North Korea to the Australian Parliament and other countries as a "rant" against President Donald Trump Australia's prime minister has dismissed an extraordinary letter from North Korea to the Australian Parliament and other countries as a "rant" against President Donald Trump and a sign that Pyongyang was "starting to feel the squeeze" of escalated sanctions. The letter from the North Korean Foreign Affairs Committee, titled "Open Letter to Parliaments of Different Countries," attacked Mr Trump over his speech to the United Nations General Assembly last month in which he threatened to "totally destroy North Korea" if provoked. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the letter was sent to "a lot of other countries" as well as Australia, which has vowed to help the United States, a defense treaty ally, in any conflict with Pyonyang. "It doesn't actually say anything about Australia so much. It's basically a rant about how bad Donald Trump is," Mr Turnbull told Melbourne radio 3AW. "It is consistent with their ranting and complaining about Donald Trump," he said, adding that it was North Korea that was in breach of UN Security Council resolutions by threatening to fire nuclear missiles at Japan, South Korea and the US. Mr Turnbull did not mention that North Korea had also previously threatened a missile strike against Australia, which has a US Marine Corps presence on its north coast. The prime minister said the letter was a reaction to increased sanctions unanimously approved by the UN Security Council on September 11 in response to North Korea's sixth and strongest nuclear test explosion a week earlier. "I think that they are starting to feel the squeeze and that is because China, to its great credit, notwithstanding the long and very close history with North Korea, is part of the global sanctions including restricting oil exports into North Korea," Mr Turnbull said. "So the tighter the economic sanctions are applied, the greater prospects we have of resolving that situation without a conflict," he added. The latest sanctions ban North Korea from importing all natural gas liquids and condensates, and cap its crude oil imports. They also prohibit all textile exports, ban all joint ventures and cooperative operations, and bars any country from authorizing new work permits for North Korean workers - key sources of hard currency for the northeast Asian nation. The letter was sent from the North Korean Embassy in Jakarta to the Australian Embassy in Indonesia on September 28. Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop said it was the first letter to an Australian foreign minister sent by North Korea. North Korea usually communicates through its news agency KCNA. Ms Bishop's office said the minister did not know what other countries received the open letter, which said the United States "cooked up the illegal 'sanctions resolution'." AP An Australian state has taken a step towards allowing voluntary euthanasia, 20 years after the country repealed the world's first mercy killing law. The Victorian Legislative Assembly passed a euthanasia Bill by 47 votes to 37 after a passionate debate lasting almost 26 hours. Voluntary euthanasia will become legal in Australia's second most populous state if the Bill is passed by the Parliament's upper chamber on October 31. Australia's sparsely populated Northern Territory became the first jurisdiction in the world to legalise doctor-assisted suicide for terminally-ill patients in 1995. But the Australian Parliament overturned that law in 1997 after four people had been helped to die. The Australian Parliament does not have the same power to repeal the laws of states such as Victoria. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, who became a euthanasia advocate after his father died of cancer last year, described the draft state laws as the most conservative in the world. "My colleagues and I are very proud that we have taken a very big step toward giving many, many Victorians the dignity and compassion they have been denied for far too long," he told reporters after the vote. New South Wales, Australia's most populous state, will debate its own euthanasia laws in its Sydney-based Parliament next month. Laws to legalise mercy killings have been rejected by two of Australia's six states. A euthanasia Bill was defeated by a single vote in the South Australian House of Assembly in November and similar legislation was rejected by two votes in Tasmania's House of Assembly in 2013. Under the Victorian law, only people registered on the electoral roll as living in that state would be eligible to access medical help to die. Candidates must be assessed by two doctors as having a terminal illness with less than a year to live and be in intolerable pain. A doctor would be permitted to administer a lethal injection only in cases where patients were physically incapable of doing so themselves. AP Spain's King Felipe VI has spoken out forcefully against Catalonia's independence drive, saying all Spaniards must respect each other and the law. At a prize-giving ceremony in northern Spain for the prestigious Princess of Asturias awards, Felipe said in a speech that everyone must respect the Constitution and the principles of parliamentary democracy. Spain's Constitutional Court has said Catalonia's recent referendum on secession was illegal, and the Spanish parliament has rejected the Catalan regional government's attempts to break away. Felipe said that Catalonia "is and will be an essential part" of Spain, receiving a standing ovation in the city of Oviedo. Earlier Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy said his government will announce specific measures on Saturday to take control of the Catalonia region, now that an agreement has been reached with the country's main opposition parties. Mr Rajoy refused to confirm if the agreement with the Socialists includes plans to hold regional elections in Catalonia in January, as announced by the party's negotiator earlier. His government also reached agreement with the centre-right, pro-business Ciudadanos (Citizens) party. Mr Rajoy, commenting on the unprecedented constitutional step he is taking to assume control of Catalonia, said: "The goal is double: the return to legality, and the recovery of institutional normalcy." The prime minister said the Catalan crisis was only discussed on the sidelines of a European leaders' summit because the political deadlock is an internal Spanish affair. But he said his fellow leaders share his concern that Catalan separatist authorities have acted against the rule of law and democracy. The main negotiator for the opposition Socialist party, Carmen Calvo, said earlier that a snap election in the prosperous region had been agreed upon as part of the Socialists' support for government efforts to rein in the crisis. The move is likely to further inflame tensions between Spain and Catalan pro-independence activists. Catalonia's government said it has the mandate to secede from Spain after an illegal referendum was held on October 1, and it does not want a new regional election. The central government will hold a special Cabinet session on Saturday to begin the activation of Article 155 of Spain's 1978 Constitution, which allows for central authorities to take over all or some of the powers of any of the country's 17 autonomous regions. The measure, which has never been used since democracy was restored after General Francisco Franco's dictatorship, needs to be approved by the Senate. Mr Rajoy's conservative Popular Party has an absolute majority in the Senate, so it should pass easily as early as October 27. Spain's government also agreed on the move with the centre-right, pro-business Ciudadanos (Citizens) party, Mr Rajoy told reporters. Although not part of the meeting's official agenda, the Catalan crisis was the main topic in corridors and sideline discussions. Mr Rajoy has insisted that the political deadlock is a domestic Spanish affair, but acknowledged that it was a cause of concern for his fellow leaders. He accused the Catalan separatist authorities of acting against the rule of law and democracy and said: "This is something that goes directly against the basic principles of the European Union." European leaders have supported Mr Rajoy in its escalating conflict with the separatists. Offering his "full, entire support," French president Emmanuel Macron blamed extremist forces for "feeding" on separatism as a kind of division within Europe and a "factor of destabilisation". Meanwhile, some bank customers in Catalonia withdrew symbolic amounts of money to protest against financial institutions that have moved their official headquarters to other locations in Spain amid the political crisis. The crisis over Catalonia's quest for independence escalated on Thursday, as Spain's central government prepared to start activating Article 155 after Catalan president Carles Puigdemont refused to abandon secession. In his latest display of brinkmanship, Mr Puigdemont sent a letter to Mr Rajoy just minutes before a deadline set by Madrid for him to backtrack on his calls to secede. Mr Puigdemont did not give in, however, and threatened to go ahead with a unilateral proclamation of independence if the government refuses to negotiate. Spain's government responded by calling Saturday's Cabinet session to activate Article 155. Catalan autonomous police officers, known as Mosso dEsquadra, during a protest in Barcelona called by pro-independence supporters against the arrest of two Catalan separatists. Photo: Getty Images Spain's central government said yesterday it would suspend Catalonia's autonomy and impose direct rule after the region's leader threatened to go ahead with a formal declaration of independence if Madrid refused to hold talks. In a move unprecedented since Spain returned to democracy in the late 1970s, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said he would hold a special cabinet meeting tomorrow that could trigger the move. The socialist opposition said it backed the government but suggested the measures should be limited in scope and time. Expand Close Spains Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. Photo: Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Spains Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. Photo: Getty Images Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, ignoring a 10am deadline to drop his secession campaign, wrote a letter to Mr Rajoy threatening a formal declaration of independence. The war of words increased uncertainty over a standoff that has raised fears of social unrest, cut growth prospects for the eurozone's fourth-largest economy and rattled the euro. "If the government continues to impede dialogue and continues with the repression, the Catalan parliament could proceed, if it is considered opportune, to vote on a formal declaration of independence," Mr Puigdemont said. Catalonia, which has a distinctive culture and language, triggered Spain's biggest political crisis for decades with a secession bid it put to a referendum on October 1. Only 43pc of voters participated but those who did voted overwhelmingly to secede, while opponents of secession mostly stayed home. Spanish courts have ruled the referendum illegal, but Mr Puigdemont says the result is binding and must be obeyed. The regional authorities have not made clear how and when a declaration of independence would take place and whether it would be endorsed by the regional assembly. Some pro-independence lawmakers have said they want to hold a vote in the Catalan parliament to lend it a more solemn character. Mr Rajoy plans to invoke Article 155 of the 1978 constitution, which allows him to take control of a region if it breaks the law. A senior government source said the exact measures would be agreed tomorrow and probably voted through the upper house Senate on October 30, giving the secessionists a few days of leeway to respond before Madrid takes control. The regional authorities could use that time to split unilaterally, call elections in the hope of strengthening their mandate, or back down, although this is seen as highly unlikely. "From the moment the measures are known, the regional government knows what's going to happen and has a period of time to act until 155 can be acted upon," the source said. Spanish stocks, bonds and the euro all suffered in early trade, but recovered, a bounce some strategists attributed to a sense that Madrid had the upper hand in the standoff. The terms of Article 155 are vague and could spur more wrangling with the restive region. "The government will use all the tools available to restore as soon as possible the law and the constitutional order, recover peaceful cohabitation between citizens and stop the economic damage that the legal uncertainty is creating," government spokesman Inigo Mendez de Vigo said in a statement. Mr Rajoy's team met members of the socialist party to co-ordinate their next steps. A spokesman for the socialists said while they fully stood behind the government they would insist Article 155 is applied in the most proportionate way. Madrid's options range from closing down the regional parliament and expelling lawmakers, to a softer and more targeted approach, the government source said. Theoretically, the central administration could take control of the region's finances and police, and could call a snap election. But some members of the Catalan government have already questioned this interpretation of the constitution, suggesting the standoff could extend for at least several more days. Carles Riera, a lawmaker from the pro-independence CUP party whose 10 deputies are vital to Mr Puigdemont's coalition, said dialogue with the Spanish state now looked impossible, and called on the leader to formalise a declaration of independence. "From our point of view, the sooner this happens the better," Mr Riera told reporters in the Catalan capital Barcelona. Impatience is also setting in among residents of the port city. A 55-year-old market trader, who voted for secession in the referendum, said she was tired of the political to-and-fro. "People want a resolution. Go for one thing or the other, but leave people in peace to carry on with their routine and their work," she said, rearranging lettuces on her market stall. Mr Rajoy says the Catalan government has repeatedly broken the law. Ksenia Sobchak - the socialite, journalist, former opposition figure and daughter of Vladimir Putin's political mentor - announced her candidacy for president in Russia yesterday, courting a protest vote in a presidential bid that appeared to get official approval from the Kremlin. In a campaign statement in the Russian daily 'Vedomosti' that barely mentioned Mr Putin and focused instead on public dissatisfaction with Russian politics, she said that she was "outside of ideology" and not a fan of Russia's annexation of Crimea (though she denied being against it). Expand Close Mr Putin has been in power for more than 6,630 days, a month longer than former Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev's 6,601 days in office. Photo: Reuters / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mr Putin has been in power for more than 6,630 days, a month longer than former Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev's 6,601 days in office. Photo: Reuters "I am 'against all'," she wrote, announcing her candidacy. "You are not for Sobchak, you are voting against all - against Yavlinsky, Zyuganov, and Putin." The first two refer to opposition candidates Grigory Yavlinsky and Gennady Zyuganov. Mr Putin, who has not announced his candidacy despite the elections being less than six months off, has been president or prime minister of Russia since 1999. In the past six months, Russia has seen a rise in protest sentiment among young people in high schools and colleges, and the government is looking to channel that anger into a safe political movement. Those young protesters were largely inspired by the anti-corruption whistleblower and protest leader Alexei Navalny, who has been disqualified from running by multiple felony charges that he claims are politically motivated. Ms Sobchak announced her candidacy on the independent TV Rain channel. Half an hour earlier, Dmitry Peskov, Mr Putin's personal spokesman, told the channel that her candidacy was seen as legitimate by the Kremlin. 'The New Times', a liberal Moscow weekly that reported her candidacy several hours before it became official yesterday, suggested that Sobchak was hoping to break back onto federal television channels, where she had made her name before being banned because of her political views. Her participation will probably split the protest vote, drawing from Navalny supporters, the magazine said. Family Ms Sobchak is the daughter of Anatoly Sobchak, the former St Petersburg mayor who hired a young Mr Putin as his deputy mayor in the tumultuous 1990s. It has been rumoured, though never confirmed, that Ms Sobchak is Mr Putin's goddaughter. Ms Sobchak's father died in 2000. Her mother, Lydumila Narusova, is a former member of Russia's upper house of parliament. Ms Sobchak, who is not backed by a political party, must collect 300,000 signatures to register as an independent candidate. She has an Instagram account with 5.2 million followers and is a regular guest at black-tie events. Mr Putin has not said that he plans to step down. He has been in power since December 31 1999, when then Russian president Boris Yeltsin announced he was stepping down. Mr Putin, who has shuffled between the presidency and the role of prime minister, has been in power for more than 6,630 days, a month longer than former Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev's 6,601 days in office. A powerful oligarch, Mikhail Prokhorov, stepped in as a liberal candidate during the 2012 presidential elections, when he captured 8pc of the vote as an independent. Some thought his candidacy was welcomed by the Kremlin, making Mr Putin's inevitable victory appear more legitimate. Despite taking third place in those elections, Mr Prokhorov has since exited politics. Other candidates have run consistently since 1996 with little success. Mr Putin has regularly won more than 60pc of the vote and often more than 70pc. Ms Sobchak spoke during the 2011 and 2012 "white ribbon" protests against Mr Putin, which brought 100,000 people onto the streets in protest of alleged vote-rigging and Mr Putin's return to the presidency in 2011. But she has limited her role in politics since then, largely focusing on a television show on the independent (and often opposition) channel TV Rain, while working on other private projects. She first gained fame for her role on the Russian 'Big Brother' show called 'Dom-2', or 'House-2'. ( The Washington Post) Watchtowers and barbed wire fencing surround the former Nazi death camp Majdanek, photographed outside the city of Lublin in eastern Poland in 2005 (AP) German prosecutors have charged a former guard at the Majdanek concentration camp in Poland with being an accessory to murder for allegedly working there during a period when at least 17,000 Jews were killed. The 96-year-old Frankfurt resident is alleged to have served at the death camp in Nazi-occupied Poland between August 1943 and January 1944. Prosecutors allege that as a 22-year-old member of the SS's Death's Head division, the man worked as a perimeter guard and in the camp's guard towers. His name was not released on privacy grounds, in accordance with German law. Frankfurt prosecutors said "according to the known evidence, the suspect, as well as all other SS members of the camp, knew of the cruel and organised mass murder". No trial date has been set. Police said they opened fire after being attacked by villagers Police in northern Burma have opened fire on hundreds of villagers who tried to enter a jade mine, killing at least five and injuring 20 others, state media said. Five policemen were also reportedly hurt. Burma's official news agency said 50 jade seekers initially tried to force their way into the privately-owned mine area in Kachin state on Wednesday night, but were blocked by patrolling police. It said they left, but nearly 600 people returned an hour later and clashed with the officers, burning trucks and damaging a digger. The government news agency said police opened fire after being attacked with knives. It said nine of the injured are in serious condition. Independent accounts of the clash were not immediately available. The state's Hpakant township has much of the world's highest-quality jade ore. Big, well-connected companies mine most of the jade, while desperately poor villagers risk their lives by digging for scraps. Piles of mining waste have collapsed on villagers several times, killing dozens. A pedestrian on crutches tries to flee as police fire tear gas grenades, at demonstration against police killings of protesters and opposition supporters in Nairobi (AP) Four people have been killed in recent opposition demonstrations in Kenya as a fresh presidential election approaches. Kenyan police said the deaths occurred between October 2 and Monday in what they described as "confrontations between rioters and police officers". The statement comes after Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International this week said police killed 67 people in opposition protests in the days after August's election results were announced. The Supreme Court later nullified President Uhuru Kenyatta's victory, citing irregularities, and ordered a fresh election. Opposition protests demanding electoral reforms have continued since then. Witnesses said police have dispersed some with tear gas and gunfire. Two members of Kenya's electoral commission this week cast doubt on whether the vote, to be held on October 26, can be free and fair. The butter shortage has hit production of delicacies such as croissants French pastries and butter have become so popular abroad that the increased demand has led to a mini-shortage in French supermarkets. The price of butter has risen 60% in a year to reach 6.7 euro (6) per kilogram in August, according to official data, creating problems for pastry exporters and fears of a shortage in France of Christmas delicacies such as the traditional Yule Log dessert. French regions such as Brittany and Normandy have reportedly been hit hardest by the butter shortage, which is also linked to a drop in milk supply in Europe. Dominique Charge, the head of the national cooperative of dairy products, told French radio RTL that butter is "more and more in demand in emerging economies like China and the Middle East". Claude Margerin Francois, who runs a small company specialising in pastry dough in central France, said she has not been able to fulfill orders from Lebanon, China and Vietnam because of the shortage. "I'm looking for butter everywhere," she said. Margerin Francois, who has been buying her top-shelf labelled Poitou-Charentes butter from a local producer for 15 years, said she had to furlough eight employees because of the shortage. She added that she could have opted for a cheaper butter made abroad, but was not convinced by the quality. "Just by smelling it I could tell it was not good enough," she said. AP Mr Macron speaks during a media conference at the conclusion of an EU summit in Brussels (AP) French president Emmanuel Macron said uncertainty about US leader Donald Trump's foreign policies has brought European countries closer together. Mr Macron told a European Union summit that his American counterpart's actions "reinforce the need for unity and clarity" from the EU. The French leader said a united voice is important for international discussions about Iran and North Korea's nuclear activities, and about Europe's own defence programmes. Mr Macron said a "less-clear strategy from the United States" under Mr Trump has "catalysed" EU co-operation. Leaders of EU member countries reaffirmed their support for the accord curbing Iran's nuclear activities. Mr Trump has denounced the Iranian deal and escalated tensions with North Korea over its nuclear tests. Mr Macron added that the United States remains an "essential partner" in fighting the Islamic State group. Scientists have located the lair of the green-eyed monster in a part of the brain that responds to social rejection. The discovery was made in a species of highly monogamous monkey that, like humans, succumbs to jealousy. Coppery titi monkeys, from South America, form strong attachments very similar to human romantic relationships. "Male titi monkeys show jealousy much like humans, and will even physically hold their partner back from interacting with a stranger male," said US lead researcher Dr Karen Bales, from the University of California. To trace the source of jealousy, the scientists acted the part of the villain in Shakespeare's 'Othello'. Just like the plotting Iago, who rouses Othello's suspicions of infidelity, they set out to stir up feelings of jealousy in the male monkeys. The primates were made to watch their female partner consorting with a male stranger while their behaviour was filmed. Testosterone Brain scans carried out after half-an-hour of viewing showed a spike of activity in the cingulate cortex, a region associated with "social pain" in humans. Dr Bales said: "Increased activity in the cingulate cortex fits with the view of jealousy as social rejection." Heightened activity was also seen in the lateral septum region, which is thought to play a role in the formation of pair bonds in primates. In addition, the jealous monkeys experienced a surge of cortisol stress hormone, and boosted testosterone. Dr Bales said: "Understanding the neurobiology and evolution of emotions can help us understand our emotions and their consequences." A limitation of the study, published in the journal 'Frontiers In Ecology And Evolution', was that it only looked at jealousy in males, she said. The Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov has warned the US over 'one-sided' changes to the landmark accord (AP) Russia's foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said the landmark Iranian nuclear deal can only be amended if his country and other signatories agree to proposed changes. Donald Trump threatened to pull America out of the deal unless the US amends the law that allows and spells out the terms of Washington's participation in the international accord. The US president alone cannot actually terminate the 2015 agreement, which lifted sanctions which had choked Iran's economy in exchange for Tehran rolling back its nuclear programme. Withdrawal by the US would render the deal virtually meaningless. Speaking in Moscow, Mr Lavrov said any unilateral changes to the deal "could bury this agreement, which is vital for strategic stability and nuclear non-proliferation". ISIL jihadists attacked villages south of the city of Kirkuk yesterday, exploiting the growing crisis between Iraqi and Kurdish forces in the area. Three villages near the town of Daquq were briefly captured by Isil in a nighttime assault on Wednesday. The region had until recently been controlled by Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, but they were driven out earlier this week by Iraqi forces looking to claim zones disputed with the Kurds after they voted last month to secede. Isil had been mostly driven out of the province after an Iraqi army offensive in the major city of Hawija saw more than a thousand of its militants surrender. But the current chaotic security situation has given Isil room to manoeuvre. The US and its coalition partners had warned Kurdistan's President Masoud Barzani against holding the referendum, saying that pursuing independence would undermine the war Iraq was still fighting against Isil. Washington has stressed it would like its allies in Iraq to work together against the militant group, and warned it may consider halting its massive train-and-equip programme for Iraqi forces if they continued their offensive against the Kurds. "I believe Baghdad thinks it's more important to move on the Kurds than to deal with remaining pockets of Isil in Iraq," said Michael Pregent, a former US intelligence officer now with the Hudson Institute think-tank, told the Telegraph. "I don't think it cares if Isil pops up here and there as long as it doesn't threaten non-Kurdish areas." Iraqi and Kurdish forces have slowly retaken territory from Isil over the past three years. In July, they retook Mosul and effectively shattered its self-declared territorial caliphate. Despite the losses, however Isil continues to carry out attacks in Iraq. Last month, an attack claimed by Isil at a checkpoint and restaurant in southern Iraq left more than 80 killed and 93 wounded. With relations continuing to deteriorate, a Baghdad court yesterday issued an arrest warrant for the vice president of Iraqi Kurdistan on charges of "provocation" against Iraq's armed forces. Kosrat Rasul had referred to the Iraqi army and federal police as "occupation forces", the court said. In the statement, Mr Rasul, who is also vice president of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, one of the two main Kurdish parties, criticised his own group for not having resisted the entry of Iraqi federal forces into the disputed northern city of Kirkuk on Monday. The judiciary in the Iraqi capital last week also ordered the arrest of three senior Kurdish officials responsible for organising a September 25 independence referendum that went ahead in defiance of Baghdad. Isil and other terrorist groups are planning to target aircraft as they aim to carry out another major attack on the scale of 9/11, a top US security official has said. Elaine Duke, acting US Homeland Security Secretary, said the groups were using smaller attacks to raise money and "keep their members engaged". "The threat is still severe," she said in London after meeting UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd. "The terrorist organisations, be it [Isil] or al-Qa'ida or others, want to have the big explosion like they did on 9/11. ''They want to take down aircraft, the intelligence is clear on that." Europe has seen a string of crude attacks in the past year. "In the interim they need to keep their finances flowing and they need to keep their visibility high and they need to keep their members engaged, so they are using small plots and they are happy to have small plots," Ms Duke said. "Creating terror is their goal. A bladed weapon attack causes terror and continues to disrupt the world but that does not mean they have given up on a major aviation plot." Ms Duke said the US and the UK would push social media firms at a meeting of G7 interior ministers this week to do more to tackle online militant material. She said there had already been a change in the attitude of tech companies since a rally organised by white supremacists in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August turned deadly when a counter protester was killed by a car driven into a crowd. "There has been a shift for us somewhat with the Charlottesville incident," she said. "There are a lot of social pressures and they want to do business so they really have to balance between keeping their user agreements and giving law enforcement what they need. "The fact they are meeting with us at G7 is a positive sign. I think they're seeing the evidence of it being real and not just hyperbole." After a series of Islamist militant attacks this year, British Prime Minister Theresa May and her cabinet have been demanding action from tech leaders like Facebook, Google and Twitter to do more about extremist material on their sites. British politicians have also called for access to encrypted messaging services like Facebook's WhatsApp, a campaign that US Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein gave his backing to after meeting Ms Rudd and the head of the UK domestic spy agency MI5 last week. Internet companies say they want to help governments remove extremist or criminal material but say they have to balance the demands of security with civil liberties. "We would like to have the ability to get encrypted data with the right legal processes," said Ms Duke. The Renoir painting was said to be behind Donald Trump during his 60 Minutes interview in November Photo: 60 MINUTES/TWITTER Donald Trump reportedly claims to own an original Renoir painting - despite a gallery in Chicago insisting there is only one real version of the Two Sisters artwork and it's hanging on their walls. Tim O'Brien, Mr Trump's biographer, first spotted the painting by the French impressionist on the billionaire's private jet years ago. You know, thats an original Renoir, Mr O'Brien says he was told by the businessman, recounting the meeting on Vanity Fairs Inside the Hive podcast. Donald, its not," he responded. "I grew up in Chicago, that Renoir is called Two Sisters (on the Terrace), and its hanging on a wall at the Art Institute of Chicago. Thats not an original. But Mr Trump would not be deterred, it seems. The following day, Mr Trump boasted of the painting's authenticity to him again, Mr O'Brien said. The painting now hangs in Trump Tower, the president's residence in New York, where it was seen in the background during a 60 Minutes interview following his 2016 election victory. Perfect afternoon #chicago #art #artinsituteofchicago #summer A post shared by (@iamlelelily) on Jul 29, 2017 at 4:52pm PDT Im sure hes still telling people who come into the apartment, Its an original, its an original', Mr OBrien said. He believes his own lies in a way that lasts for decades. Hell tell the same stories time and time again, regardless of whether or not facts are right in front of his face. The Art Institute was given the painting by Pierre-Auguste Renoir in 1933, spokeswoman Amanda Hicks told the Chicago Tribune. She said it was a gift from Annie Swan Coburn, who bought it for $100,000 from the art dealer Paul Durand-Ruel, who purchased it from the artist himself in 1881. Ms Hicks said the institute was satisfied that our version is real. The White House did not comment, the paper reported. Art historians also believe Mr Trump's version is not the real thing. "The painting has long been known and has, since its gift to the Art Institute of Chicago in 1933, been one of the treasures of the museum," Richard Brettell, chair of aesthetic studies at the University of Texas, told ArtNet. "Can President Trump own another version? From my trained eye looking at a pretty good photograph of Mrs. Trump in their penthouse at Trump Tower, it seems clearly to be a copy of that famous Chicago picture." Richard Rand, associate director for collections at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Malibu, echoed the opinion. If I were presented with a picture that was an exact copy of a famous Renoir hanging in a museum, I would guess it was probably a reproduction of some kind, he told the website. Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] Emergency services transport a victim to an ambulance following an attack at a mall in Stalowa Wola, Poland October 20, 2017 in still this picture taken from social media video. MATEUSZ NYKIEL/via REUTERS Police have ruled out terror or political motives in a fatal knife attack at a shopping mall in Poland that left one person dead and nine others injured. Police chief Krzysztof Pobuta said the 27-year-old attacker was not able to explain his motives and was in an emotional state after he stabbed people in the back on Friday afternoon at a shopping centre in the south-eastern Polish town of Stalowa Wola. Mr Pobuta said there's "no terrorist or ideological context for the attack, it is rather his poor psychological condition." Police officer Anna Klee said the weapon was a knife, and that a 50-year-old woman had died in hospital. "He was attacking people from behind, hitting them with the knife," she said. Regional governor Ewa Leniart said four of the injured have undergone surgery and two of them are in critical condition. She said five women and four men between 50 and 18 were wounded. AP Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif faces charges in three corruption cases (AP Photo/B.K. Bangash, File) A Pakistani court has indicted former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in a third case of corruption after an official probe concluded he concealed assets abroad. Mohammad Bashir, a judge at the Accountability Court in Islamabad, read the charges against Sharif during a hearing on Friday. Zakir Khan, a lawyer for the 67-year-old, entered a plea of not guilty. Sharif is currently in London, where his wife is receiving medical treatment. On Thursday, the same court charged Sharif in two other cases of corruption stemming from documents leaked from a Panama law firm. Sharif, who served three terms as prime minister, was removed from office by the Supreme Court in July after authorities concluded he concealed assets abroad. He has denied all the charges and plans to return home next week to face trial. AP Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe has long faced United States sanctions over his government's human rights abuses. However, the World Health Organisation's new chief is making the long-time African leader a "goodwill ambassador." With Mr Mugabe on hand, WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus told a conference in Uruguay this week on non-communicable diseases that he had agreed to be a "goodwill ambassador" on the issue. Mr Tedros, an Ethiopian who became WHO's first African director-general this year, said Mr Mugabe could use the role "to influence his peers in his region". A WHO spokeswoman confirmed the comments to The Associated Press on Friday. In his speech, Mr Tedros described Zimbabwe as "a country that places universal health coverage and health promotion at the centre of its policies to provide health care to all." Two dozen organisations, including the World Heart Federation, Action Against Smoking and Cancer Research UK, released a statement slamming the appointment, saying health officials were "shocked and deeply concerned" and citing his "long track record of human rights violations". The groups said they had raised their concerns with Mr Tedros on the sidelines of the conference, to no avail. The southern African nation once was known as the region's prosperous breadbasket. But in 2008, the charity Physicians for Human Rights released a report documenting failures in Zimbabwe's health system, saying that Mr Mugabe's policies had led to a man-made crisis. "The government of Robert Mugabe presided over the dramatic reversal of its population's access to food, clean water, basic sanitation and health care," the group concluded. "The Mugabe regime has used any means at its disposal, including politicising the health sector, to maintain its hold on power." The report said Mr Mugabe's policies led directly to "the shuttering of hospitals and clinics, the closing of its medical school and the beatings of health workers". The US in 2003 imposed targeted sanctions, a travel ban and an asset freeze against Mugabe and close associates, citing his government's rights abuses and evidence of electoral fraud. UN agencies typically choose celebrities as ambassadors to draw attention to issues of concern, but they hold little actual power. Last year, the UN dropped the superhero Wonder Woman as an ambassador for "empowering girls and women" after the decision drew widespread criticism. AP Ms. Chu Thi Chau, co-head of the club, present operational plan of the club (Photo: VNA) Speaking at the exchange, Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Doan Xuan Hung appreciated the establishment and operation of the club. Through these meaningful activities, sentiments, enthusiasm and love of the homeland and Vietnam's sovereignty over Truong Sa and Hoang Sa have been spread to German friends, the Vietnamese community in Germany and overseas Vietnamese community. He wished that the club would continue to develop, attracting more participation and contribution from the overseas Vietnamese and businesses to help the army and people on Truong Sa Archipelago. The Ambassador also asked the Executive Board of the club to continue combining with associations to organize activities to "spread the fire" to the community and help German friends better understand Truong Sa and Hoang Sa archipelagoes. On behalf of students and young generation studying in Germany, the representatives of the Vietnamese Student Association in Germany (SIVIDUC) contributed their ideas and practical wishes to solve the difficulties of soldiers, families and children on Truong Sa archipelago such as solutions about water resources, information and education. The club was established in May, from the idea of overseas Vietnamese people in Germany who had opportunity to visit soldiers and people on Truong Sa archipelago from 2014 to present. Besides, it annually organizes an exchange so that members of the club can share widely with the Vietnamese community in Germany and German people about the significance of visits to Truong Sa archipelago, experiences of love for the sea and islands, thus showing pride and affirms the territorial sovereignty of Vietnam./. The children who make up most of the nearly 600,000 Rohingya Muslims who have fled violence in Burma are experiencing a "hell on earth" in overcrowded, muddy and squalid refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh, Unicef has said. The UN children's agency has issued a report that documents the plight of children who account for 58% of the refugees who have poured into Cox's Bazar over the last eight weeks. Report author Simon Ingram said about one in five children in the area are "acutely malnourished". The report comes ahead of a donor conference in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday to drum up funding for the Rohingya. "Many Rohingya refugee children in Bangladesh have witnessed atrocities in Myanmar (Burma) no child should ever see, and all have suffered tremendous loss," Unicef executive director Anthony Lake said in a statement. The refugees need clean water, food, sanitation, shelter and vaccines to help head off a possible outbreak of cholera - a potentially deadly water-borne disease. Mr Ingram also warned of threats posed by human traffickers and others who might exploit youngsters in the refugee areas. "These children just feel so abandoned, so completely remote, and without a means of finding support or help. In a sense, it's no surprise that they must truly see this place as a hell on earth," he told a news conference in Geneva. The report features harrowing colour drawings by some children being cared for by Unicef and other aid groups who are scrambling to improve living conditions in Cox's Bazar. Some of the images show helicopter gunships and green-clad men firing on a village or on people, some of whom are spewing blood. The influx of Rohingya refugees from Burma began on August 25 as the military launched a crackdown it said was in response to militant attacks. Refugees have fled burning villages and provided accounts - including the children's drawings - of security forces gunning down civilians. The UN and humanitarian agencies are seeking 434 million US dollars for the Rohingya refugees - about one-sixth of which would go to Unicef efforts to help children. AP Suicide bombers struck two mosques in Afghanistan during Friday prayers, a Shiite mosque in Kabul and a Sunni mosque in western Ghor province, killing at least 63 people at the end of a particularly deadly week for the troubled nation. The Afghan president issued a statement condemning both attacks and saying that country's security forces would step up the fight to "eliminate the terrorists who target Afghans of all religions and tribes". In the attack in Kabul, a suicide bomber walked into the Imam Zaman Mosque, a Shiite mosque in the western Dashte-e-Barchi neighbourhood where he detonated his explosives vest, killing 30 and wounding 45, said Major General Alimast Momand at the Interior Ministry. The suicide bombing in Ghor province struck a Sunni mosque, also during Friday prayers and killed 33 people, including a warlord who was apparently the target of the attack, said Mohammad Iqbal Nizami, the spokesman for the provincial chief of police. No group immediately claimed responsibility for either attack, the latest in a devastating week that saw Taliban attacks kill scores across the country. In the Kabul attack, eyewitness Ali Mohammad said the mosque was packed with worshippers, both men and women praying at the height of the Muslim week. The explosion was so strong that it shattered windows on nearby buildings, he said. Local residents who rushed to the scene to help the victims were overcome with anger and started chanting, "Death to Isis", a reference to the Islamic State group which has staged similar attacks on Shiite mosques in recent months. Abdul Hussain Hussainzada, a Shiite community leader, said they are sure that Afghanistan's IS affiliate was behind the attack. Dasht-e-Barchi is a sprawling neighbourhood in the west of Kabul where the majority of people are ethnic Hazaras, who are mostly Shiite Muslims, a minority in Afghanistan, which is a Sunni majority nation. As attacks targeting Shiites have increased in Kabul, residents of this area have grown increasingly afraid. Most schools have additional armed guards from among the local population. The so-called Islamic State in Afghanistan has taken responsibility for most of the attacks targeting Shiites, whom the Sunni extremist group considers to be apostates. Earlier this year, following an attack claimed by IS on the Iraqi Embassy in Kabul, the militant group effectively declared war on Afghanistan's Shiites. Several mosques have been attacked following this warning, killing scores of Shiite worshippers in Kabul and in western Herat province. Residents say attendance at local Shiite mosques in Kabul on Friday has dropped by at least one-third. Mr Hussainzada, the spiritual head of Afghanistan's ethnic Hazaras, said the suicide bomber had positioned himself at the front of the prayer hall, standing with other men in the first of dozens of rows of worshippers before exploding his device. He appeared to be Uzbek, added Mr Hussainzada. Members of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan militant group, who are in Afghanistan in the hundreds, have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State affiliate, known as the Islamic State Khorasan Province, an ancient term for what today includes parts of Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Central Asia. The attack on the Sunni mosque in Ghor province took place in the Do Laina district, according to Mr Nizami, the police spokesman. Mr Nizami said the target apparently was a local commander, Abdul Ahed, a former warlord who has sided with the government. Seven of his bodyguards were also killed in the bombing. AP Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, left, confers with European Council President Donald Tusk during the latest round of Brexit talks yesterday in Brussels. Picture: Getty The sons of slain investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia have called on the Maltese prime minister to resign. In a Facebook post yesterday, they said Joseph Muscat should take political responsibility for "failing to uphold our fundamental freedoms". The sons, Matthew, Andrew and Paul Caruana Galizia, said they weren't endorsing Mr Muscat's call for a reward to lead to their mother's assassins, saying "we are not interested in justice without change". "We are not interested in a criminal conviction, only for the people in government who stood to gain from our mother's murder to turn around and say that justice has been served," they said. Ms Caruana Galizia, a harsh critic of Mr Muscat and who reported extensively on corruption on Malta, was killed by a car bomb on Monday. Her sons wrote that identifying their mother's assassins was not enough. Corruption on the Mediterranean island nation also needed to be rooted out, they said. Mr Muscat has denounced the assassination, and has proposed a reward to find her killers. Yesterday, some 200 journalists held an event in support of the slain journalist. The Institute of Maltese Journalists has filed a court case seeking to ensure source confidentiality on all data that is lifted from Ms Caruana Galizia's computers and mobile phones during the investigation. Investigators, meanwhile, were looking at similarities with other car bombings in Malta over the last two years - six in all, including Ms Caruana Galizia's. None has been solved. Former police commissioner John Rizzo told the 'Malta Independent' that it appears that mobile-detonated explosives were used in each of the six bombings since the start of 2016, which caused four deaths and two serious injuries. The previous victims were all known to police, the paper said. Read More "Very few people could construct such a bomb. Instructions may be obtained online but building such a device would still require a certain degree of skill," Mr Rizzo said. Investigators haven't publicly identified which explosives were used in the journalist's murder, but experts say any military-grade explosives, like Semtex, are not available in Malta and would have had to be brought in from abroad. Mr Muscat defended the failure to solve the rash of car bombings as he left parliament on Wednesday evening. Including the last six, there have been more than 30 in the last 15 years on the island. "I will continue to defend the institutions and I am a firm believer in the institutions," he said. The family were taken ill after eating toxic mushrooms, it is believed Two children have died and nine other family members have been taken to hospital with signs of poisoning, reportedly after eating toxic mushrooms, Danish police said. The family, who some Danish media say are Congolese refugees, were rushed from their home in Haslev, southern Denmark, to nearby hospitals with severe breathing problems and vomiting, among other symptoms. Senior police officer Soeren Ravn-Nielsen has declined to identify the family and its members. The ages of the children were not provided. Mr Ravn-Nielsen said foul play was not suspected, adding they were still investigating the cause of the poisoning. Danish media say the family had eaten toxic mushrooms. CONCORD Cannon School revealed its new mission statement to faculty, staff, students and families on Thursday, Oct. 12. The statement is the culmination of an intentional, inclusive and inspiring process that involved Cannon's administration, trustees, faculty, staff, students and parents. Throughout this process, the school asked itself questions about its purpose, motivation and legacy. Together, those answers shaped the new mission statement: Cannon School nurtures relationships at the heart of learning and engages the learner in a journey of growth. School officials believe that this new mission statement is a clarification of what Cannon already is as a school communityone that nurtures all relationships to engage each individual learner in finding his or her own path to growth. As Cannon approaches its 50th anniversary as a school community in 2019-2020, it looks forward to living out this statement in support of this generation of young people. Were excited to announce that indmin.com is now part of fastmarkets.com. A new look and an improved experience means you can still stay ahead of this fast-moving market with price data, news and market intelligence right here on Fastmarkets. Discover more than 2000 prices, news and analysis in primary and secondary metals markets. We cover base metals, industrial minerals, ores and alloys, steel, scrap and steel raw materials. If you already have a Fastmarkets account, youll still have uninterrupted access to your markets by logging in with your current details. Monterrey Minergy 2017 is the international meeting point and place to locate new suppliers, meet firsthand pioneers industrial developments and promote new business partnerships. Everything what you are looking for already is within its reach, from 8 to 10 November 2017, at CINTERMEX. Peruvian entrepreneurs mining Chamber, CVB Monterrey, the Nuevo Leon State Government, guarantee the thrust of this event which also has the support of the mining Chambers of Mexico, Mexican Secretary of energy, different embassies and industrialists engaged in the economic development of Mexico and the world. It is the ideal opportunity for different business roundtables with the most important companies in the sector and they will have the opportunity to attend and meet different international Ministers and entrepreneurs. This Is How Tyranny Rises and Freedom Falls: The Experiment in Freedom Is Failing By John W. Whitehead October 17, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - It is easy to be distracted right now by the circus politics that have dominated the news headlines for the past year, but dont be distracted. Dont be fooled, not even a little. Were being subjected to the oldest con game in the books, the magicians sleight of hand that keeps you focused on the shell game in front of you while your wallet is being picked clean by ruffians in your midst. This is how tyranny rises and freedom falls. What characterizes American government today is not so much dysfunctional politics as it is ruthlessly contrived governance carried out behind the entertaining, distracting and disingenuous curtain of political theater. And what political theater it is, diabolically Shakespearean at times, full of sound and fury, yet in the end, signifying nothing. We are being ruled by a government of scoundrels, spies, thugs, thieves, gangsters, ruffians, rapists, extortionists, bounty hunters, battle-ready warriors and cold-blooded killers who communicate using a language of force and oppression. The U.S. government now poses the greatest threat to our freedoms. More than terrorism, more than domestic extremism, more than gun violence and organized crime, even more than the perceived threat posed by any single politician, the U.S. government remains a greater menace to the life, liberty and property of its citizens than any of the so-called dangers from which the government claims to protect us. This has been true of virtually every occupant of the White House in recent years. Unfortunately, nothing has changed for the better since Donald Trump ascended to the Oval Office. Indeed, Trump may be the smartest move yet by the powers-that-be to keep the citizenry divided and at each others throats, because as long as were busy fighting each other, well never manage to present a unified front against tyranny in any form. The facts speak for themselves. Were being robbed blind by a government of thieves. Americans no longer have any real protection against government agents empowered to seize private property at will. For instance, police agencies under the guise of asset forfeiture laws are taking Americans personal property based on little more than a suspicion of criminal activity and keeping it for their own profit and gain. Were being taken advantage of by a government of scoundrels, idiots and cowards. When youve got government representatives who spend a large chunk of their work hours fundraising , being feted by lobbyists, shuffling through a lucrative revolving door between public service and lobbying, and making themselves available to anyone with enough money to secure access to a congressional office , youre in the clutches of a corrupt oligarchy. Were being locked up by a government of greedy jailers. We have become a carceral state , spending three times more on our prisons than on our schools and imprisoning close to a quarter of the worlds prisoners , despite the fact that crime is at an all-time low and the U.S. makes up only 5% of the worlds population. The rise of overcriminalization and profit-driven private prisons provides even greater incentives for locking up American citizens for such non-violent crimes as having an overgrown lawn . Were being spied on by a government of Peeping Toms. The government is watching everything you do, reading everything you write, listening to everything you say, and monitoring everything you spend. Omnipresent surveillance is paving the way for government programs that profile citizens, document their behavior and attempt to predict what they might do in the future, whether its what they might buy, what politician they might support, or what kinds of crimes they might commit . Were being ravaged by a government of ruffians, rapists and killers. Its not just the police shootings of unarmed citizens that are worrisome. Its the SWAT team raids gone wrong more than 80,000 annually that are leaving innocent citizens wounded, children terrorized and family pets killed. Its the roadside strip searches in some cases, cavity searches of men and women alike carried out in full view of the publicin pursuit of drugs that are never found. Its the potentially lethaland unwarranted use of so-called nonlethal weapons such as tasers on children for engaging in little more than childish behavior. Were being forced to surrender our freedomsand those of our childrento a government of extortionists, money launderers and professional pirates. Under the guise of fighting its wars on terror, drugs and now domestic extremism, the government has spent billions in taxpayer dollars on endless wars that have not ended terrorism but merely sown the seeds of blowback, surveillance programs that have caught few terrorists while subjecting all Americans to a surveillance society, and militarized police that have done little to decrease crime while turning communities into warzones. Were being held at gunpoint by a government of soldiers: a standing army. As if it werent enough that the American military empire stretches around the globe (and continues to leech much-needed resources from the American economy), the U.S. government is creating its own standing army of militarized police and teams of weaponized bureaucrats. These civilian employees are being armed to the hilt with guns, ammunition and military-style equipment; trained in military tactics; and authorized to lock the nation down under martial law. Whatever else it may bea danger, a menace, a threatthe U.S. government is certainly no friend to freedom. As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People , you cannot have a republican form of governmentnor a democratic one, for that matterwhen the government views itself as superior to the citizenry, when it no longer operates for the benefit of the people, when the people are no longer able to peacefully reform their government, when government officials cease to act like public servants, when elected officials no longer represent the will of the people, when the government routinely violates the rights of the people and perpetrates more violence against the citizenry than the criminal class, when government spending is unaccountable and unaccounted for, when the judiciary act as courts of order rather than justice, and when the government is no longer bound by the laws of the Constitution. We wont be able to sustain this fiction much longer. Things fall apart, wrote W.B. Yeats in his dark, forbidding poem The Second Coming. The centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world Surely some revelation is at hand. Wake up, America, and break free of your chains. Something wicked this way comes. Washington: The Bleeder of the Free World By Finian Cunningham October 20, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Among the many self-flattering epithets it gives itself, the US has always claimed to be the leader of the free world. Its a rather patronizing notion that America views itself as a selfless protector and benefactor of its European allies and others. This fairytale depiction of the world is coming to a rude awakening as American power buffets against the reality of a multi-polar world. Less a world leader and more like a blood-sucking leech on international relations. We got a clear view of the contradiction in Americas narcissistic mythology with US President Donald Trumps announcement that he was disavowing the multinational nuclear accord with Iran last Friday. Trump didnt axe American participation in the deal just yet, but he has put it on notice that he or the US Congress may terminate the accord over the next two months. Hows that for high-handed arrogance? However, there was near-unanimous push back around the world to Trumps disparagement of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was originally signed in July 2015 by the US, Russia, China, European Union and Iran. All the signatories uniformly rebuked Trumps attempt to undermine the deal, which is supposed to lift international economic sanctions off Iran in return for curbs on Irans nuclear program. While Trump accused Iran of multiple violations of the accord, all the other stakeholders asserted satisfaction that Iran has in fact fully implemented its obligations to restrict uranium enrichment and weaponization of its nuclear program. The UN watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, also responded to Trumps claims by reaffirming that eight consecutive monitoring reports have found Iran to be fully compliant with the JCPOA. Britain, France and Germany, as well as Russia and China, have firmly said that the nuclear deal which took two years to negotiate during Barack Obamas tenure in the White House is not for renegotiation. A point which was reiterated too by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. The deal is also written into international law, having been ratified unanimously by the UN Security Council back in 2015. In a stinging admonishment to Washington, the EUs foreign policy chief Federica Morgherini said : This deal is not a bilateral agreement ... The international community, and the European Union with it, has clearly indicated that the deal is, and will, continue to be in place. Russia also denounced Trumps over-the-top aggressive rhetoric towards Iran. The American president was almost foaming at the mouth when he labelled Iran the worlds top terror sponsor and accused Tehran of fueling conflict across the Middle East. Moscow said such rhetoric was unacceptable and inappropriate. Iran dismissed Trumps accusations as baseless lies. Evidently, Russia, China and the Europeans do not share Americas debased caricature of Iran. And who in their right mind would? The hackneyed American allegations against Iran are as usual not backed up with any evidence. They rely on bombastic assertion repeated ad nauseam. It is especially ironic and odious for Washington to accuse others of sponsoring terrorism, given the litany of illegal wars it has launched across the Middle East and the steadily emerging evidence of US links to terror groups in Syrias six-year war. Thus, the commitment by all the signatories except Washington to the Iranian nuclear deal is a stunning rejection of Trumps aggressive stance towards Iran. Ahead of Trumps anticipated disavowal of the JCPOA on Friday, Germanys foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel warned that such a move would drive a wedge between Europe and the US. Significantly, Gabriel said that Trumps spurning of the accord was driving the EU towards Russia and China. Frances finance minister Bruno Le Maire also warned the US not to interfere in Europes growing commercial ties with Iran. He was quoted as saying: The US must not appoint itself as the worlds police man. Trumps hostility towards the Iran nuclear treaty has created dissent within his own cabinet. His secretary of state Rex Tillerson and the defense secretary James Mattis are among those who were urging Trump to uphold the JCPOA. In the Congress, there are also many opponents to Trumps desire to axe the deal, even among his Republican party. It remains to be seen if the Congress will call for new sanctions on Iran over the next 60 days, as Trump has requested. If Congress does, it will mean the US crashing out of the accord. In theory, of course, the EU, Russia and China can continue to uphold the nuclear accord with Iran and conduct international trade and investment without the Americans. Russia and China have signed major oil and gas pacts with Iran over the past two years. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter The European states have also lined up huge commercial projects and investments with Tehran in sectors of energy, engineering and infrastructure. Germany and France in particular have seen their exports to Iran soar since the signing of the JCPOA. With Irans 80 million population and vast oil and gas reserves, the Persian nation represents lucrative opportunities for Europe, given too the geographical proximity. But the US is still able to exert tremendous power over international banking to the extent that it is having a chilling effect on other countries doing business with Iran. The European states are particularly vulnerable to American pressure. In a Bloomberg report , it headlined: Trump's Iran Decision Throws Uncertainty Into Business Plans. The report goes on: Since a landmark nuclear agreement freed Irans economy from crippling economic sanctions, investors eager to tap the countrys energy reserves and its 80 million consumers have waited for signs it was safe to enter the market in full force Donald Trump is about to signal that they should keep waiting. The US view of Iran is so warped much of it from relentless propaganda demonizing the Islamic Republic that it is evidently incapable of normalizing relations as it is obligated to do under the multilateral nuclear deal. Trump ironically accused Iran of not living up to the spirit of the accord when it is the US that has worked assiduously to undermine it. Since Trump took office, he has reportedly cancelled all export licenses to Iran. His administration and the Congress have slapped more secondary sanctions on Iran over allegations that it is destabilizing the Middle East and for its support to Syrias President Bashar al-Assad. These bilateral US sanctions inevitably have a deterrent effect on other nations doing business with Iran out of fear that they may be penalized in the future. Long-term investments over several years are prone to prohibitive risks due to the uncertainty about what Washingtons capricious policy towards Iran will be. Americas unilateral, hegemonic conduct accentuated under Trump is rapidly alienating other nations. This president seems to operate a withdrawal doctrine, as Richard Haass, president of the DC-based Council on Foreign Relations, commented. Trumps contempt for multilateral obligations peaked with his announcement back in June on backing out of the Paris Climate Accord. It has peaked again with his repudiation of the UN-backed Iran nuclear deal. What is becoming increasingly apparent is that US unilateralism is all about pandering to its own selfish interests. Trumps administration has hit Russia with more sanctions and has warned that European energy companies involved in developing the Nord Stream 2 gas project with Russias Gazprom will also be sanctioned. The flagrant agenda here is for the US to replace Russia as Europes gas supplier, selling its own more expensive fuel to Europe. Likewise US hostility and sanctions on Iran are not just limited to its own perverse policies. Washington also wants to block others from also doing legitimate business and trade with Iran. For the Europeans struggling to boost their flagging economies, the impediments being thrown in their way by the US over Iran are another source of resentment towards American unilateralism. This is not the idealized conduct of the self-proclaimed leader of the free world. America is increasingly seen as the bleeder a declining power which wants to suck the economic lifeblood from others in order to sustain itself. This untenable American unipolar craving is inevitably hastening the reality of a multipolar world, as Europeans in particular realize that they can no longer afford to prop up Americas economic obesity. Update - I had incorrectly post a bio for Andre Vltchek as author of this article. I apologize to Finian and Andre for my error. Peace and Joy - Tom Finian Cunningham has written extensively on international affairs, with articles published in several languages. He is a Masters graduate in Agricultural Chemistry and worked as a scientific editor for the Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, England, before pursuing a career in newspaper journalism. He is also a musician and songwriter. For nearly 20 years, he worked as an editor and writer in major news media organisations, including The Mirror, Irish Times and Independent. This article was originally published by Strategic Culture Foundation - Soldiers Widow Releases Recording of Familys Call With Trump By Max Greenwood October 20, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - The widow of an Army staff sergeant who was killed in Afghanistan earlier this year shared her call with President Trump days after her husband's death with The Washington Post . Natasha De Alencar, the widow of Army Staff Sgt. Mark De Alencar, who was killed in a firefight in Afghanistan in April, described her conversation with Trump as a "moment of niceness" during an otherwise turbulent and heart-wrenching time. At that moment when my world was upside down and me and my kids didnt know which way we were going, it felt like I was talking to just another regular human, she told the Post. In a video of the call, Trump can be heard saying that he was sorry about the "whole situation" and telling De Alencar that her husband was "an unbelievable hero." If youre around Washington, you come over and see me in the Oval Office, Trump says later in the call. He then proceeds to ask about her children five in all and tells De Alencar to "tell them their father was a great hero that I respected. De Alencar's account of the phone call with Trump comes as the president faces criticism for his calls to the families of four Army soldiers who were killed in an ambush in Niger earlier this month. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Trump had largely remained silent on the Oct. 4 ambush, but when he was asked by a reporter on Monday why he had not publicly commented on the fallen soldiers, Trump claimed that he had called virtually every Gold Star family since taking office and suggested that other presidents, including his immediate predecessor, Barack Obama , rarely if ever made such calls. After Trump called the families of the fallen soldiers this week, Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.), who was in a car with one soldier's widow, alleged that the president had been insensitive on the call and that he hadn't even remembered the soldier's name. Trump denied the allegation. On Thursday, Trump's chief of staff John Kelly made an emotional appearance at the White House press briefing to defend the president's handling of the situation and criticize Wilson for publicizing the call. Kelly, a retired Marine Corps general, also recalled his experience receiving the news that his own son had been killed in Afghanistan in 2010. "If you elect to call a family like this, it is about the most difficult thing you can imagine, he said This article was originally published by The Hill - Dead Commandos in Niger a Bipartisan Failure of Strategy and Accountability So many questions and none of them being asked on behalf of the public by Congress. By Bonnie Kristian October 20, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - When news broke that four U.S. Army commandos were killed by hostile fire in Niger last week, Americans might be forgiven if their first response was, "Where?" While Afghanistan is often dubbed our "forgotten war," U.S. military intervention in Niger was never on our national radar in the first place. There's a good reason for that: American troops' presence in Niger now spans three presidential administrations, but their mission has never been subject to congressional authorization or public consideration of the prudence and necessity of such an intervention. The tragedy of this ambush invites us to correct that deficiency, starting with a review of the facts. U.S. troops, active in Niger since 2005 , were first deployed by President George W. Bush to train local forces and support Paris' counter-terrorism efforts in the former French colony and in nearby nations including Mali. In 2007, the mission was put under the umbrella of African Command, or AFRICOM, the Pentagon's newest continental command center. President Obama sent additional American soldiers to Niger in 2013 , to "provide support for intelligence collection and [would] also facilitate intelligence sharing with French forces conducting operations in Mali, and with other partners in the region." One year later, Obama expanded drone operations to Niger. Today, President Trump seems content to stay the course of under-the-radar escalation. A major U.S. base is under construction to serve as a hub for drone activity throughout the region, while American boots on the ground in Niger are significantly occupied with the arrival of extremists from neighboring Libya, which remains in chaos since the U.S.-facilitated ouster of strongman Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. The use of Special Forces is key to Washington's misleading claim that this is a minor project unworthy of civilian scrutiny. The attack which left four Americans and an unknown number of Nigerien troops dead last week reveals that is not the case. "America is not at war in Africa," U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Donald C. Bolduc said after visiting the continent in 2016, "but its partner forces are." The ambush in Niger shows this is a distinction without difference. Our partnership is clearly significant enough that Americans are in the line of fire. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter And to that we must ask, why is Washington engaged in an unaccountable, costly, and dangerous intervention in Niger? What vital U.S. national security interests are at stake in this African country? Would we really be measurably less safe without this mission? How much are we spending on this endeavor, and for how long will it take? Why must American troops risk their lives to supplement a far larger French intervention? What does Washington expect to achieve? And if this intervention is so vital to our existential security, why is it kept so quiet? More broadly, as military historian Ret. Col. Andrew Bacevich has asked , "Under what circumstances can Americans expect nations [like Niger] to assume responsibility for managing their own affairs? To put it another way, when (if ever) might U.S. forces actually come home?" Is it "incumbent upon the United States to police vast swaths of the planet in perpetuity," and, if so, "What sequence of planned actions or steps is expected to yield success?" All of these are questions I suspect the Trump administration, like the Obama and Bush administrations before it, could not answer about Niger to the public's satisfactionand so it has elected, like its predecessors, not to speak of Niger at all. This is a sorry excuse for strategy and accountability in a deeply important policy arena where, as we have sadly learned from experience this month, lives are at stake. Congress should demand answers to these critically important questions from the executive branch before another life is sacrificed or dollar appropriated. Blaming Russia for the Internet Sewer As the Russia-gate hysteria spirals down from the implausible to the absurd, almost every bad thing is blamed on the Russians, even how they turned the previously pristine Internet into a sewer, reports Robert Parry. By Robert Parry October 20, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - With the U.S. government offering tens of millions of dollars to combat Russian propaganda and disinformation, its perhaps not surprising that we see researchers such as Jonathan Albright of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University making the absurd accusation that the Russians have basically turned [the Internet] into a sewer. Ive been operating on the Internet since 1995 and I can assure you that the Internet has always been a sewer in that it has been home to crazy conspiracy theories, ugly personal insults, click-bait tabloid news, and pretty much every vile prejudice you can think of. Whatever some Russians may or may not have done in buying $100,000 in ads on Facebook (compared to its $27 billion in annual revenue) or opening 201 Twitter accounts (out of Twitters 328 million monthly users), the Russians are not responsible for the sewage coursing through the Internet. Americans, Europeans, Asians, Africans and pretty much every other segment of the worlds population didnt need Russian help to turn the Internet into an informational sewer. But, of course, fairness and proportionality have no place in todays Russia-gate frenzy. After all, your non-governmental organization or your scholarly think tank is not likely to get a piece of the $160 million that the U.S. government authorized last December to counter primarily Russian propaganda and disinformation if you explain that the Russians are at most responsible for a tiny trickle of sewage compared to the vast rivers of sewage coming from many other sources. If you put the Russia-gate controversy in context, you also are not likely to have your research cited by The Washington Post as Albright did on Thursday because he supposedly found some links at the home-decor/fashion site Pinterest to a few articles that derived from a few of the 470 Facebook accounts and pages that Facebook suspects of having a link to Russia and shut them down. (To put that 470 number into perspective, Facebook has about two billion monthly users.) Albrights full quote about the Russians allegedly exploiting various social media platforms on the Internet was: Theyve gone to every possible medium and basically turned it into a sewer. But lets look at the facts. According to Facebook, the suspected Russian-linked accounts purchased $100,000 in ads from 2015 to 2017 (compared to Facebooks annual revenue of about $27 billion), with only 44 percent of those ads appearing before the 2016 election and many having little or nothing to do with politics, which is curious if the Kremlins goal was to help elect Donald Trump and defeat Hillary Clinton. Even former Clinton political strategist Mark Penn has acknowledged the absurdity of thinking that such piddling amounts could have any impact on a $2.4 billion presidential campaign, plus all the billions of dollars worth of free-media attention to the conventions, debates, etc. Based on whats known about the Facebook ads, Penn calculated that the actual electioneering [in battleground states] amounts to about $6,500. In a Wall Street Journal op-ed on Monday, Penn added, I have 40 years of experience in politics, and this Russian ad buy mostly after the election anyway, simply does not add up to a carefully targeted campaign to move voters. It takes tens of millions of dollars to deliver meaningful messages to the contested portion of the electorate. Puppies and Pokemon And, then there is the curious content. According to The New York Times, one of these Russian-linked Facebook groups was dedicated to photos of adorable puppies. Of course, the Times tried hard to detect some sinister motive behind the puppies page. Similarly, CNN went wild over its own discovery that one of the Russian-linked pages offered Amazon gift cards to people who found Pokemon Go sites near scenes where police shot unarmed black men if you would name the Pokemon after the victims. Its unclear what the people behind the contest hoped to accomplish, though it may have been to remind people living near places where these incidents had taken place of what had happened and to upset or anger them, CNN mused, adding: CNN has not found any evidence that any Pokemon Go users attempted to enter the contest, or whether any of the Amazon Gift Cards that were promised were ever awarded or, indeed, whether the people who designed the contest ever had any intention of awarding the prizes. So, these dastardly Russians are exploiting adorable puppies and want to remind people about unarmed victims of police violence, clearly a masterful strategy to undermine American democracy or according to the original Russia-gate narrative to elect Donald Trump. A New York Times article on Wednesday acknowledged another inconvenient truth that unintentionally added more perspective to the Russia-gate hysteria. It turns out that some of the mainstream medias favorite fact-checking organizations are home to Google ads that look like news items and lead readers to phony sites dressed up to resemble People, Vogue or other legitimate content providers. None of the stories were true, the Times reported. Yet as recently as late last week, they were being promoted with prominent ads served by Google on PolitiFact and Snopes, fact-checking sites created precisely to dispel such falsehoods. There is obvious irony in PolitiFact and Snopes profiting off fake news by taking money for these Google ads. But this reality also underscores the larger reality that fabricated news articles whether peddling lies about Melania Trump or a hot new celebrity or outlandish Russian plots are driven principally by the profit motive. The Truth About Fake News Occasionally, the U.S. mainstream media even acknowledges that fact. For instance, last November, The New York Times, which was then flogging the Russia-linked fake news theme , ran a relatively responsible article about a leading fake news Web site that the Times tracked down. It turned out to be an entrepreneurial effort by an unemployed Georgian student using a Web site in Tbilisi to make some money by promoting pro-Trump stories, whether true or not. The owner of the Web site, 22-year-old Beqa Latsabidse, said he had initially tried to push stories favorable to Hillary Clinton but that proved unprofitable so he switched to publishing anti-Clinton and pro-Trump articles, including made-up stories. In other words, the Times found no Russian connection. The Times article on Wednesday revealed the additional problem of Google ads placed on mainstream Internet sites leading readers to bogus news sites to get clicks and thus advertising dollars. And, it turns out that PolitiFact and Snopes were at least unwittingly profiting off these entrepreneurial ventures by running their ads. Again, there was no claim here of Russian links. It was all about good ole American greed. But the even larger Internet problem is that many reputable news sites, such as AOL, lure readers into clicking on some sensationalistic or misleading headline, which takes readers to a story that is often tabloid trash or an extreme exaggeration of what the headline promised. This reality about the Internet should be the larger context in which the Russia-gate story plays out, the miniscule nature of this Russian meddling even if these suspected links to Russia as the Times initially described the 470 Facebook pages turn out to be true. But there are no lucrative grants going to researchers who would put the trickle of alleged Russian sewage into the context of the vast flow of Internet sewage that is even flowing through the esteemed fact-checking sites of PolitiFact and Snopes. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter There are also higher newspaper sales and better TV ratings if the mainstream media keeps turning up new angles on Russia-gate, even as some of the old ones fall away as inconsequential or meaningless (such as the Senate Intelligence Committee dismissing earlier controversies over Sen. Jeff Sessionss brief meeting with the Russian ambassador at the Mayflower Hotel and minor changes in the Republican platform). Saying False Is True And, there is the issue of who decides whats true. PolitiFact continues to defend its false claim that Hillary Clinton was speaking the truth when in referencing leaked Democratic emails last October she claimed that the 17 U.S. intelligence agencies have all concluded that these espionage attacks, these cyberattacks, come from the highest levels of the Kremlin, and they are designed to influence our election. That claim was always untrue because a reference to a consensus of the 17 intelligence agencies suggests a National Intelligence Estimate or similar product that seeks the judgments of the entire intelligence community. No NIE or community-wide study was ever done on this topic. Only later in January 2017 did a small subset of the intelligence community, what Director of National Intelligence James Clapper described as hand-picked analysts from three agencies the Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency and Federal Bureau of Investigation issue an assessment blaming the Russians while acknowledging a lack of actual evidence . In other words, the Jan. 6 assessment was comparable to the stovepiped intelligence that influenced many of the mistaken judgments of President George W. Bushs administration. In stovepiped intelligence, a selected group of analysts is closeted away and develops judgments without the benefit of other experts who might offer contradictory evidence or question the groupthink. So, in many ways, Clintons statement was the opposite of true both when she said it in 2016 and later in 2017 when she repeated it in direct reference to the Jan. 6 assessment. If PolitiFact really cared about facts, it would have corrected its earlier claim that Clinton was telling the truth, but the fact-checking organization wouldnt budge even after The New York Times and The Associated Press ran corrections. In this context, PolitiFact showed its contempt even for conclusive evidence testimony from former DNI Clapper (corroborated by former CIA Director John Brennan) that the 17-agency claim was false. Instead, PolitiFact was determined to protect Clintons false statement from being described for what it was: false. Of course, maybe PolitiFact is suffering from the arrogance of its elite status as an arbiter of truth with its position on Googles First Draft coalition, a collection of mainstream news outlets and fact-checkers which gets to decide what information is true and what is not true for algorithms that then will exclude or downplay whats deemed false. So, if PolitiFact says something is true even if its false it becomes true. Thus, its perhaps not entirely ironic that PolitiFact would collect money from Google ads placed on its site by advertisers of fake news. Investigative reporter Robert Parry broke many of the Iran-Contra stories for The Associated Press and Newsweek in the 1980s. You can buy his latest book, Americas Stolen Narrative, either in print here or as an e-book (from Amazon and barnesandnoble.com ). An Outraged George W. Bush Lashes Out At Trump: "Bigotry Seems Emboldened" By Tyler Durden October 20, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Former President George W. Bush came out swinging against the current administration on Thursday, and while he did not name President Castro, Dubya blasted that "bigotry seems emboldened" in the U.S., while urging the country to accept "globalization" - the same globalization which both the IMF, the BIS and even the Federal Reserve now agree and warn has led to record wealth inequality in the US - while rejecting "white supremacy." "Bigotry or white supremacy in any form is blasphemy against the American creed," Bush said. Former Pres. George W Bush: "Bigotry seems emboldened. Our politics seems more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrication." pic.twitter.com/KyQK5vul3j ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) October 19, 2017 Without explicitly naming Trump or any other politicians, Bush criticized the governing class, although it was not immediately clear if the president who invaded Iraq included himself in that grouping. "Discontent deepened and sharpened partisan conflicts in recent years", Bush said during a speech for the George W. Bush Institute, in which he also slammed conspiracy theories and Trump's favorite topic, fake news: " Bigotry seems emboldened. Our politics seem more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrication." It is unclear if that statement was serious or sarcastic considering, well... it's self-explanatory. The former president was right in stating that public confidence in the country's institutions has declined in recent decades, which of course would imply that other presidents, Trump's predecessors are at fault. "Our governing class has often been paralyzed in the face of obvious and pressing needs. The American dream of upward mobility seems out of reach for some who feel left behind in a changing economy," he said. Making it obvious that he had Trump in mind during his speech, Bush warned against Russias attempts to meddle in the United States election, calling on the nation to confront a new era of cyber threats. "The Russian government has made a project of turning Americans against each other" he said allegedly referring to the $100,000 reportedly spent by Russian "actors" both before and after the US election - something which Clinton's own campaign chair mocked - and added that America must harden its own defenses. Our country must show resolve and resilience in the face of external attacks on our democracy and that begins with confronting a new era of cyber threats, Bush said during a forum for the George W. Bush Institute in New York City. George W. Bush on Russian election interference: "This effort is broad, systemic, and stealthy...ultimately, this effort won't succeed." pic.twitter.com/c8A0vtROoc ABC News (@ABC) October 19, 2017 Bush extended his critique to the ideological level, saying that there are signs that the intensity of support for democracy itself has waned and warned that support for socialism appears to be rising "especially among the young, who never experienced the galvanizing moral clarity of the Cold War or never focused on the ruin of entire nations by socialist central planning." No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter "Some have called this Democratic de-consolidation. Merely, it seems to be a combination of weariness, frayed tempers and forgetfulness," he said. Our governing class has often been paralyzed in the face of obvious and pressing needs. The American dream of upward mobility seems out of reach for some who feel left behind in a changing economy." During his speech, Bush also warned that democracies face "new and serious threats" today. Economic, political and national security challenges proliferate "and they're made worse by the tendency to turn inward. The health of the Democratic spirit itself is at issue and the renewal of that spirit is the urgent task at hand." We cannot wish globalization away, he continued later, urging society to "adapt" to economic and social and change. Bush, who advocates free trade, promoted multilateral and bilateral trade deals during his presidency. Trump is now demanding that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico be renegotiated, under the threat of a U.S. withdrawal. Speaking to The Hill , a spokesman for Bush denied that the former president was criticizing Trump in Thursday's speech. "This was a long-planned speech on liberty and democracy as a part of the Bush Institutes Human Freedom Initiative," Freddy Ford told The Hill. "The themes President Bush spoke about today are really the same themes he has spoken about for the last two decades." 'Hypocritical BS': Critics Slam Establishment's Applause for 'War Criminal' George W. Bush "The Iraq War was worse than anything Donald Trump has done (so far)." By Jake Johnson October 20, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - While media outlets and television talking heads were quick to applaud former President George W. Bush's implicit rebuke of Trumpism in a rare political address delivered in New York on Thursday, many critics dissented from the chorus of applause, calling the speech " hypocritical bullshit " and highlighting Bush's long list of offenses that includes wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Patriot Act, an overseas torture regime, and " heinous " treatment of Muslims at home and abroad. Bush delivered his remarks before a conference hosted by his foundation, which he convened "to support democracy," in the words of the New York Times. During the course of his 16-minute address, the former president lamented that "our discourse" has been "degraded by casual cruelty," and that "we've seen nationalism distorted into nativism." Bush also turned his attention to foreign affairs, noting: "We've seen the return of isolationist sentiments, forgetting that American security is directly threatened by the chaos and despair of distant places." "Bullying and prejudice in our public life sets a national tone and provides permission for cruelty and bigotry," Bush said. "The only way to pass along civic values is to first live up to them." The former president's remarks were largely greeted with positive press , and many echoed pundit Chris Cilizza's celebration of the Bush's "major smackdown" of Trumpism. Others, however, saw Bush's speech as nothing more than " hollow words ," given his long record of human rights abuses. In a piece for Vice News, Eve Peyser argued that the "racist and authoritarian" policies of the Bush administration paved the way for Donald Trump's ascent to the White House. While "Bush never verbalized his Islamophobia," Peyser notes, his "administration detained more than 1,200 people most of whom were Muslims or of Middle Eastern descentwithout charge, instead holding them as 'material witnesses.'" Bush may now be denouncing the "conspiracy theories and outright fabrication" of the present moment, but "the war in Iraq, which destabilized the region, killed hundreds of thousands , and helped give rise to ISIS was predicted on intelligence that Bush's administration misrepresented to the American people ," Peyser observes. The Trump administration is now simply building upon the bigoted policies put into place by the Bush White House and ignoring the former president's "platitudes," Peyser concluded. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Others similarly criticized the media's largely positive treatment of Bush's brief emergence from retirement, arguing that such favorable press amounts to "rehabilitation" of a "war criminal" who helped intensify the bigotry and war-mongering he now claims to oppose. 2 big reasons Bush is being rehabilitated: 1) most elite institutions supported his crimes; 2) their architects work in biggest news outlets https://t.co/vfe30QB1fX Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) October 20, 2017 never forget the most consequential conspiracy theory in US historythat Iraq was behind 9/11was pushed by Bush admin & mainstream US media https://t.co/m4Yoy5CRWV Adam H. Johnson (@adamjohnsonNYC) October 19, 2017 Some commentators from major networks also sounded off. MSNBC 's Chris Hayes concluded simply: "The Iraq War was worse than anything Donald Trump has done (so far)." Our Whole System Is Rotten To The Core Bill Clinton Sought Permission to Meet with Russian nuclear official during Obama uranium decision By John Solomon and Alison Spann October 20, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - As he prepared to collect a $500,000 payday in Moscow in 2010, Bill Clinton sought clearance from the State Department to meet with a key board director of the Russian nuclear energy firm Rosatom which at the time needed the Obama administrations approval for a controversial uranium deal, government records show. Arkady Dvorkovich, a top aide to then-Russian President Dmitri Medvedev and one of the highest-ranking government officials to serve on Rosatoms board of supervisors, was listed on a May 14, 2010, email as one of 15 Russians the former president wanted to meet during a late June 2010 trip, the documents show. In the context of a possible trip to Russia at the end of June, WJC is being asked to see the business/government folks below. Would State have concerns about WJC seeing any of these folks, Clinton Foundation foreign policy adviser Amitabh Desai wrote the State Department on May 14, 2010, using the former presidents initials and forwarding the list of names to former Secretary of State Hillary Clintons team. The email went to two of Hillary Clinton s most senior advisers, Jake Sullivan and Cheryl Mills. The approval question, however, sat inside State for nearly two weeks without an answer, prompting Desai to make multiple pleas for a decision. Dear Jake, we urgently need feedback on this. Thanks, Ami, the former presidents aide wrote in early June. Sullivan finally responded on June 7, 2010, asking a fellow State official Whats the deal w this? The documents dont indicate what decision the State Department finally made. But current and former aides to both Clintons told The Hill on Thursday the request to meet the various Russians came from other people, and the ex-presidents aides and State decided in the end not to hold any of the meetings with the Russians on the list. Bill Clinton instead got together with Vladimir Putin at the Russian leaders private homestead. Requests of this type were run by the State Department as a matter of course. This was yet another one of those instances. Ultimately, President Clinton did not meet with these people, Angel Urena, the official spokesperson for the former president, told The Hill. Aides to the ex-president, Hillary Clinton and the Clinton Foundation said Bill Clinton did not have any conversations about Rosatom or the Uranium One deal while in Russia, and that no one connected to the deal was involved in the trip. A spokesman for Secretary Clinton said Thursday the continued focus on the Uranium One deal smacked of partisan politics aimed at benefiting Donald Trump . At every turn this storyline has been debunked on the merits. Its roots are with a project shepherded by Steve Bannon, which should tell you all you need to know, said Nick Merrill. This latest iteration is simply more of the right doing Trumps bidding for him to distract from his own Russia problems, which are real and a grave threat to our national security. Current and former Clinton aides told The Hill that the list of proposed business executives the former president planned to meet raised some sensitivities after Bill Clintons speaker bureau got the invite for the lucrative speech. Hillary Clinton had just returned from Moscow and there were concerns about the appearance of her husband meeting with officials so soon after. In addition, two of the Russians on the former presidents list had pending business that would be intersecting with State. The first was Dvorkovich, who was a chief deputy to Medvedev and one of the Russian nuclear power industrys cheerleaders. He also sat on the supervisory board of Rosatom, the state owned atomic energy company that was in the midst of buying a Canadian uranium company called Uranium One The deal required approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), an intergovernmental panel represented by 14 departments and offices that approve transactions and investments by foreign companies for national security purposes. Approval meant that control of 20 percent of U.S. uranium production would be shifting to the Russian-owned Rosatoms control. CFIUS approved the transaction in October 2010, saying there was no national security concerns. Hillary Clinton has said she did not intervene in the matter and instead delegated the decision to a lower official, who said he got no pressure from the secretary on any CFIUS matters. Any one of the participating offices and departments could have sought to block the deal by requesting intervention by the president. The Hill reported earlier this week that the FBI had uncovered evidence that Russian nuclear officials were engaged in a massive bribery scheme before CFIUS approved the deal, raising new questions in Congress and drawing attention from President Trump. Uranium is the real Russia story, he told reporters, accusing news media of ignoring the new developments reported in The Hill. The second person on the list that caught attention was Russian businessman Viktor Vekselberg. Two days after Hillary Clintons visit to Russia, Vekselberg was named by Medvedev to oversee a new technology investment project called Skolkovo, designed to be Russias new Silicon Valley, according to media reports. Hillary Clinton had directly discussed the Skolkovo project with Medvedev, and her State Department was whipping up support for it among U.S. companies, creating the potential appearance for a conflict. She even attended a major event with the Russians in 2010 to promote the project. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter We want to help because we think that its in everyones interest do so, she was quoted as saying at the time. A third issue that emerged was Renaissance Capital, a Russian bank that actually paid the $500,000 speaking fee to the former president for his 90-minute June 29, 2010, speech, one of the largest one-day fees Bill Clinton ever earned. Renaissance Capital had ties with the Kremlin and was talking up the Uranium One purchase in 2010, giving it an encouraging investment rating in Russia right at the time the U.S. was considering approval of the uranium sale, according to reports in The New York Times in 2015. The Hill was alerted to Bill Clintons attempted meeting with Dvorkovich from a nonpolitical source involved in the FBI investigation into Russian nuclear corruption. The Hill then scoured through thousands of pages of documents released under Freedom of Information Act requests over the past four years and located the Bill Clinton emails in a batch delivered to the conservative group Citizens United. The head of that group, David Bossie, said Thursday the documents forced into the public by federal lawsuits continue to shed light on new questions arising from Hillary Clintons time at State, and that Citizens United still gets documents released almost every month. Citizens United continues to unearth important information about the relationship between Hillary Clintons State Department and the Clinton Foundation through our ongoing investigations and litigation, he said. A source familiar with that FBI investigation says an undercover informant that Congress is currently trying to interview possesses new information about what Russian nuclear officials were doing to try to win approval of the Uranium One deal. The importance of CFIUSs approval was highlighted in Rosatoms annual 2010 report that listed Dvorkovich as one of its supervisor board directors. The report crowed the U.S. approval was one of its most striking events of the year and allowed Russia to begin uranium mining in the United States. The head of Rosatom boasted in the report that the Uranium One deal was part of a larger Putin strategy to strengthen Russias prestige as a leader of the world nuclear industry. Inside the Clintons' inner circle, there also was a debate in 2010. A close associate of Bill Clinton who was directly involved in the Moscow trip and spoke on condition of anonymity, described to The Hill the circumstances surrounding how Bill Clinton landed a $500,000 speaking gig in Russia and then came up with the list of Russians he wanted to meet. The friend said Hillary Clinton had just returned in late March 2010 from an official trip to Moscow where she met with both Putin and Medvedev. The presidents speakers bureau had just received an offer from Renaissance Capital to pay the former president $500,000 for a single speech in Russia. Documents show Bill Clintons personal lawyer on April 5, 2010, sent a conflict of interest review to the State Department asking for permission to give the speech in late June, and it was approved two days later. The Clinton friend said the former presidents office then began assembling a list of requests to meet with Russian business and government executives whom he could meet on the trip. One of the goals of the trip was to try to help a Clinton family relative grow investments in their business with Russian oligarchs and other businesses, the friend told The Hill. It was one of the untold stories of the Russia trip. People have focused on Uranium One and the speaking fees, but opening up a business spigot for the family business was one only us insiders knew about, the friend said. Conservative author Peter Schweizer, whose 2015 collaboration with The New York Times first raised questions about the Uranium One deal and Clinton donations, said Thursday the new emails were stunning they add a level of granularity we didnt have before." Ron Paul Discusses Decades of Wars Damage to the American Economy By Adam Dick October 20, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - In a new interview with host Jesse Ventura at RT, former presidential candidate and House of Representatives Member Ron Paul discusses the harm imposed on the American economy by the succession of US wars over the last few decades, from the Korean War onward, that drain money away from prosperity-building activities in America. Just think if all the money we have spent overseas since World War II ended, if that money had been left in this country to let wealth grow, proposes Paul. Had that happened, Paul says there would not be so many people using food stamps, the middle class would not be dwindling, and the jobs situation would be better in America. While the American economy in general has been hurt by the wars, Paul notes that some Americans have benefited financially. Paul concludes, Its insanity to think that war improves your economic condition; it improves the condition of the war manufacturers. This economic damage. Paul points out in the interview, is just one of the ways that the wars hurt us here at home. Wars also lead, Paul argues, to government efforts, such as via the USA PATRIOT Act, in contravention of Americans freedom. Watch Pauls complete interview here: Copyright 2017 by RonPaul Institute. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is gladly granted, provided full credit and a live link are given. This article was originally published by RonPaul Institute - No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter High society is already agog as Senate President Bukola Saraki prepares for his daughters wedding while invitation cards and aso ebi make the rounds. Scheduled for October 21 and 28, and December 7 9, 2017, the nuptials of Tosin Saraki and Adeniyi Olukoya in Lagos, Ilorin and Abuja will easily gross over N200 million. And here are some of the reasons the superlative ceremonies across three states will effortlessly leap over N200 million as compiled by encomium.ng: 1. This is first wedding in the Saraki household, and its happening when hes Nigerias third citizen. The two-time governor of Kwara and Senate President has not hosted any big event in his public life (apart from the funeral of his father in 2012). Being the number 3 citizen accords him enormous goodwill and patronage which will easily elevate the ceremonies. Many will come to support the events, and all the money spent will not be from one or two purses. And since hes Senate President, the support will be humongous and extraordinary. 2. The events are many and over two months in three states Ilorin (Kwara), Lagos and Abuja (federal capital territory) will host the introduction, traditional engagement, registry, church, reception, party and more. With all these ceremonies having cost centres as they entertain guests in thousands, the expenses are enormous. 3. The packaging for the invitation screams luxury and comes with free gele and cap The invitation package alone with different cards, aso oke gele and cap distributed free tells a short story that good money will be spent. 4. Aso Ebi is N200,000 The N200,000 for special guests has set the tone for a party to beat. It hollers that gasp-inducing high society events are on our hands. And only the well-heeled are on the guest list. 5. There is an array of vendors and planners From planners to caterers, decorators, musicians, comedians, masters of ceremonies, photographers and printers, a long list of those that elevate ceremonies northward are on the bill. And with over five events, the cost is huge. 6. Eko Hotel is hosting one of the events The number one most prestigious venue in Nigeria is hosting one of the events, and insiders claim that caterers will supplement the hotels meals. And that is an unusual concession. Its also an expensive adventure. 7. More than five ensembles needed for the occasions The couple and their families will adorn over five different ensembles from traditional garbs to wedding attire. These apparels will cost a sizeable sum. Then, there are the wedding bands and ring! 8. Pre-wedding preparations are top notch There are many pre-wedding preparations, from photo shoots to brochure and wedding programme that will gulp good money. The shoot will possibly be done abroad and there are publications to exhibit the pictures. Count the classy programme for church and more. 9. Its a 7-star affair So, money is not even the object. Only 7-star treatment of guests who will take home expensive memorabilia apart from the heavenly time at the ceremonies. Source Encomium A new green paper, released by the Actuaries Institute, has found that the insurance industry faces systemic difficulties in the way it deals with mental health across a number of product lines.The paper found that, while many areas of the industry are improving in their attitudes to mental health claims, an adversarial nature to claimants, alongside a lack of industry data, is hampering progress.Geoff Atkins, co-author of the report and a principal at Finity Consulting, said that the work has found some common, root causes of issues the industry must address to make the system work better for all stakeholders.There is definitely a place for collaboration across the sector and then that is really about getting out with the expert providers and consumer representatives, Atkins told Insurance Business. While there is a lot of work being done, it is often done in silos and often not leveraged to the greater good and for other peoples benefit.There is a series of initiatives that we think are pretty realistic and practical that if the various people involved with the sector and some government people and some consumer groups were able to get together, there could be some relatively quick wins in terms of improving how that works.Atkins said that the industry needs to work on its product design as well as its claims practices and underwriting methods and put aside competitive concerns.The companies need to satisfy themselves that this is a joint issue more than it is a competitive issue and then they can provide brainpower and resources to work together on it, Atkins continued.Atkins noted that one of the biggest barriers to development has been a lack of data for insurers to monitor mental health claims from. However, Atkins stressed that you dont need ideal data to make progress as the insurance industry has shown in a number of different areas.For brokers, Atkins said that working with businesses to mitigate the risks associated with mental health claims is an important step as creating a better workplace can have a direct impact on workers compensation premiums.Workplaces with a strong team morale, collaborative working relationships, a focus on quality customer service and supportive management styles have the lowest workers compensation costs, the green paper states.With nearly half of the adult population of Australia experiencing a mental health issue during their lifetime, and one in five aged over 15 to be affected by a mental health issue in any 12 month period, the issue is only going to move further into the spotlight for the insurance industry. For its property & casualty business, US$700 million net of reinsurance and before tax After tax, approximately US$620 million For Farmers Re, US$17 million net of reinsurance and before tax US$3.42 billion net of retrocession and before tax US$3.6 billion if the US$175 million estimate for the Mexico earthquakes is included Swiss firms Zurich Insurance Group and Swiss Re have both released their claims estimates following the impact of hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Swiss Re has included its estimate for claims related to the recent earthquakes in Mexico.Here are the third quarter claims estimates as they relate to the hurricanes:ZurichSwiss ReWhile significant, these events have demonstrated the effectiveness of our underwriting and the improvements made in our reinsurance programs over the past year, which have ensured that the overall losses remain well within our overall risk tolerance, said Zurich group chief executive Mario Greco. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to those affected by these tragic events.Swiss Re group chief executive Christian Mumenthaler described the recent natural catastrophes as extremely powerful and has also extended sympathies to all those affected.Through our long-standing and close client relationships, combined with our experience in complex claims handling after large natural catastrophes, we can support our clients when they need us most, added Mumenthaler. It is during these times that we demonstrate our differentiated value proposition and show the value of insurance and reinsurance to society.According to Swiss Res estimates, we could be looking at a total insured market loss for the industry of approximately US$95 billion because of the three hurricanes and two earthquakes. The foregoing estimates are subject to a higher than usual degree of uncertainty and may need to be subsequently adjusted as the claims assessment process continues, added the reinsurer.Zurich, meanwhile, said final loss assessment following the hurricanes will take time to complete due to the nature of the events. Despite participating for the fifth straight year in Canadas annual Great ShakeOut earthquake drill, Quebecers still do not know how to properly protect themselves in the event of a tremor, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has found.The global Great ShakeOut event happened Thursday one of several held throughout the year. Over 21.0 million people from all around the world participated in drills yesterday with about 987,000 Canadians signed up for this year, with 96,000 of those from Quebec. 2017 is Canadas fifth year participating in the event, which was originally created nine years ago in Los Angeles, California. IBC has been a major sponsor of the event since.Following the drill, the IBC published the results of a survey conducted by SOM. The study, which surveyed 1,000 Quebec residents, found that only 8% of the respondents knew the three steps (Drop, Cover, Hold On) to protect themselves during a quake.The survey also discovered that only 14% of participants knew that their homes could suffer damage from a quake. Over a third of respondents wrongly believed that their home insurance policy covers earthquake risk, while 38% said they did not know whether their policy did or not.IBCs study revealed that only 3% of those surveyed who have home insurance also have earthquake coverage.What the survey reveals, overall, is that Quebecers are not ready to deal with a major earthquake. Not only dont they know what steps could protect their lives, but many also believe their home insurance policy covers them when it actually doesnt, commented IBC communications and public affairs director Pierre BabinskyThe IBC called for Quebecers to participate in the drill, or at least try again next year.This short simulation could make all the difference the day we are hit by a major quake. Those who practice the three steps, even if only once a year, will immediately know what to do during a quake, said Babinsky. Professional referrals for brokers can bring in your best and wealthiest clients. But the relationships that bring that business with it can be difficult to form, and require effort to maintain. According to experts and analysts, building business relationships with professionals who share client referrals is one of the most difficult parts of broking. It takes effort, and it takes patience, and it takes integrity. But then it also brings success and premium growth, so its worth it. Celebrate excellence in insurance. Join us at the Insurance Business Awards in Chicago. So what does it take to get the right people in your network? And why isnt every agent doing this correctly? We spoke to a few professionals in the field to discover how its done right. Spencer Houldin, president of Ericson Insurance Services in New York, and immediate past-president of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, focusses his business on personal lines for high net-worth individuals and families. His structure of expert referrals and professional connections is highly successful for his business having raised his agencys written premium from $14 million to almost $30 million in the past six years but he said other brokers could have success, too, if theyre willing to put in the effort to make it work. My business is largely a business-to-business referral business. Most of my business has grown based on family offices, wealth advisors, and accountants having their clients use our services, he said. What most people dont realize is that personal, property and casualty insurance is part of the overall financial planning [of an individual]. There has to be a coordinated effort between all parties. I do not approach it as a referral-source relationship. I approach it as, Were all here to do whats best for the consumer. Its to the clients benefit that you bring in top-of-class advisors in all aspects. Regularly, Houldin said, he will receive calls from financial advisors or accountants, who will say they want to form a working arrangement, but they insist on referral fees or reciprocal referrals. That doesnt fly with Houldin, though. Both of those [options] are non-starters for me because it dirties the relationship, he said. You should be referring me your clients because Im really good at this little niche that I do, and were going to do whats really good for the client. I make it very clear that the relationship has to be built on the consumer, not on whats good for you and I as professionals. The relationship has to be built around the consumer its not, You scratch my back, Ill scratch yours. But how do you go about developing those positive professional relationships, where you trust advisors in other fields and where, hopefully, they also trust you to share clients? Houldin said: Its simply networking. Its about working with your clients to hear who they trust and listen to in other fields, and making the effort to meet with and understand those professionals and figuring out if they are, indeed, a good fit for your other clients. But thats something brokers arent necessarily very proactive about, he said, sometimes just hoping the phone will ring. Were not great, as an independent agency system, with going out and aggressively finding those relationships, he noted. Theres a little bit of complacency with a lot of agents for the most part were busy with our existing clients and busy with a lot of things in our agencies and we never take the time to stop and think about new relationships. Were on the treadmill. It has to be a concerted effort, to find the first in, and go and have lunch with them. In life insurance, theres a similar interest in building these relationships. The concept spans the industry, but isnt done enough or well enough. Barry Goldwater, at Goldwater Financial Group, in Amherst, MA, said accountants and attorneys were the big dogs in the field to connect with. Meanwhile, it all comes down to creating centers of influence for yourself to generate more professional referrals, according to Julie Littlechild, the founder of Absolute Engagement, who works with financial professionals to design client engagement strategies. Littlechild, based in Toronto, ON, said relationship building for successful referrals was an important strategy, for sure. If the goal is to focus on driving deeper client engagement, and to grow client referrals, differentiate yourself all of which are obvious goals then this is one of the ways to do that., she explained. And I dont think insurance brokers are doing this as broadly as they could. She added that professionals in financial fields wanted the same thing. But the only way to make it work was out of respect for your client not just a source of easy income. I think it works best when you have more than one [referral partner] and youre genuinely referring to the right person, she said. If its treated like a partnership and its nurtured over time it doesnt happen overnight then it works. Do you have an issue you wish to discuss or see featured in our new market analysis section? Reach out to Sam Boyer now [email protected] H.W. Kaufman Group, the largest insurance company in Michigan, has opened a new office in Grand Rapids for Burns & Wilcox, the wholesale insurance broker and underwriting manager and H.W. Kaufman subsidiary. The opening comes shortly after the companys acquisition of Grand Rapids-based Chlystek & White Insurance. My late father, Herbert W. Kauman, first opened the Burns & Wilcox flagship office in Michigan in 1969, said Alan Jay Kaufman, chairman, president and CEO of H.W. Kaufman and Burns & Wilcox. Continued expansion in the companys home state, almost 50 years later, strengthens our legacy and further solidifies the power of the long-term strategic growth plans for Burns & Wilcox. Celebrate excellence in insurance. Join us at the Insurance Business Awards in Chicago. Jeff Diefenbach, CPCU, corporate senior vice president and current managing director of Detroit/Farmington Hills, will serve as the managing director of the new Grand Rapids office. Grand Rapids is a growing business hub in Michigan, and the new location is a direct result of an increased focus in our home state, Diefenbach said. Burns & Wilcox has already been able to attract high-caliber talent from major Midwest strongholds, and we look forward to continuing to grow the team as we expand. H.W. Kaufman also recently enhanced its visibility in Michigan by becoming an official partner of the Detroit Red Wings. San Diego-based ICW Group has appointed John Novak as its newest chief operating and strategic execution officer, effective immediately.Novak succeeds David Hoppen, who has accepted the position of president of VerTerra Insurance, a member company of ICW Group. Hoppen will move to Florida and assume his new responsibilities early next year.Since joining ICW Group in 2005, David has made a tremendous impact on our company, said ICW Group president and CEO Kevin Prior. His commitment to strategic and operational excellence has played an integral role in growing ICW Group into the billion dollar company we are today. As president of VerTerra, I look forward to his ongoing contribution to our success.As chief operating and strategic execution officer, Novak will report directly to Prior as he drives the insurance groups strategic business plans and leads operations. He will be based at the ICW Group Corporate Headquarters in San Diego.Novak brings with him over 24 years of leadership experience in the insurance and reinsurance industry. He was most recently a managing director with global reinsurance broker Guy Carpenter . Novak also possesses expertise in enterprise risk management, compliance, financial reporting and capital markets.Throughout ICW Groups long-standing partnership with Guy Carpenter, Ive come to know and respect John very much. Hes a seasoned leader whose insight and business acumen has consistently delivered strong results. John will be joining an accomplished team of senior ICW Group leaders and Im confident his vision for growth will be a tremendous asset to our company, commented Prior.Im extremely honored to join such a vibrant and successful company, said Novak. ICW Groups reputation for providing best-in-class products and services and for developing mutually successful agent /broker partnerships is second to none. I look forward to working closely with our dynamic leadership team in making ICW Group even stronger operationally and driving further growth across the organization.Novak received his bachelors degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley. People from all across the country participated in yesterdays annual Great ShakeOut earthquake drill now in its ninth year.As of October 19, over 55.8 million participants had registered for the Great ShakeOut across the world, with more than 18.7 million of those participants in America. Of that number, 10.5 million were from California.The event was originally held in the Los Angeles area, organized by scientists and emergency officials as a way to prepare residents for a major earthquake. It has since expanded to include more states, as well as other countries such as Canada and Japan.Participants register online at the events official website to receive instructions on how to conduct their own drills and act in the event of an actual tremor. The events organizers also encourage registrants to get their communities involved with the drills, as well as to update their emergency plans and supplies.Ken Kondo, a spokesman for Los Angeles Countys emergency management office, told AOL that the earthquake drills are especially important for regions such as Southern California where the risk is so high, that its not a matter of if but when that catastrophic earthquake will strike. The Equifax hack has been hailed as one of the worst data breaches in US history. Hackers stole the social security numbers of about 143 million US citizens by exploiting a security vulnerability in a US-based application, according to the credit reporting agency. The impact of such a monumental breach is not necessarily immediate, however. Criminals have the personal information they need to make an impact but theres no knowing if, when and how they will strike. Jeremy Barnett, senior vice president, NAS Insurance, told Insurance Business that tax season is the period to watch. Celebrate excellence in insurance. Join us for the Insurance Business Awards in Chicago. I predict that March and April of 2018 are really going to be the pinnacle of the Equifax breach, Barnett told Insurance Business. Its tax season so thats when fraudulent tax claims are likely to crop up as a result of the Equifax breach. 143 million social security numbers have already been compromised. The severity of this situation might only come to light at key times around tax season next year. We have to presume that our personal data is out there so what can we do about that? Brokers, agents and insurers in the personal lines space can start to play a bigger role in cybersecurity and risk mitigation, according to Barnett. These are the insurance professionals with the established personal relationships and the in-depth understanding of insureds financial and cyber risks. Insurers and brokers should consider adding a cyber option to their personal lines products especially in the homeowner insurance space, said Barnett. Homeowner insurance policies are starting to put a new emphasis on security, which puts brokers and insurers in a really good position to help customers and advise about cybersecurity issues. A personal data breach like Equifax is very confusing, difficult and daunting for people to understand. Somebody has to service that space, especially now that 143 million Americans could potentially be impacted. Theres an opportunity for brokers to be that trusted advisor and service clients who might have had their personal information hacked, rather than leaving them to deal with the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) on their own, Barnett added. A Dallas man has admitted to defrauding a military health insurance program for $50 million.Andrew Joseph Baumiller, 58, pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud. Baumiller and others conspired to scam TRICARE, the health insurance program for members of the military and their families. Baumiller faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, plus restitution.According to prosecutors, Baumiller and his co-conspirators Richard Cesario, John Paul Cooper, Dr. Walter Simmons, Dr. William Elder-Quintana, Joe Larry Straw, Luis Rafael Rios, Michael John Kiselak and others scammed TRICARE for more than $50 million between 2014 and 2016. Baumiller is the first defendant to plead guilty in the case.Prosecutors suggested that Cesario and Cooper masterminded the scheme, which involved generating prescriptions by paying illegal kickbacks to TRICARE beneficiaries and doctors, as well as receiving kickbacks from four Texas-based compounding pharmacies in exchange for those prescriptions.Baumiller, who was president of one of those pharmacies Trilogy Pharmacy in Dallas admitted that TRICARE paid Trilogy more than $50 million tainted by the payment of illegal kickbacks, the Department of Justice said. The DOJ estimates that TRICARE may have suffered actual losses of more than $100 million. Authorities say a Pennsylvania volunteer fire company that was sued over sexual abuse by a firefighter and its alleged cover-up by fire officials has closed its fire station. Lancaster Emergency Management Agency director Randy Gockley tells LNP the West Willow Fire Company closed Tuesday after it lost insurance coverage due to the lawsuit. The lawsuit stems from when West Willow volunteer Stanley Todd was charged with sexually assaulting underage girls in 2015. Todd pleaded guilty and two other fire officials were charged with not reporting the crime. Records show the lawsuit was settled last week. The New Danville Fire Company will respond to fire calls in the area for the time being. A more permanent solution will be explored in the upcoming weeks. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Pennsylvania As global attention focused on hurricanes Harvey and Irma, more than 41 million people across South Asia battled floods and displacement. From Afghanistan in the west to Bangladesh in the east, floods could cost South Asia home to a fourth of the worlds people as much as $215 billion each year by 2030, according to the World Resources Institutes global flood analyzer launched in 2015. Companies with operations on coasts, next to large rivers, on low-lying flood plains and in urban areas with poor drainage and sanitation are at greatest risk, said Tom Hill, executive director, crisis and security consulting, at Control Risks in New Delhi. More rain and extreme weather will not only hit businesses in South Asia, but also global companies that source their products and raw materials from the region. At least 1,200 died last month as water swamped cities like Indias financial capital Mumbai, its technology hub, Bengaluru, Bangladeshs capital Dhaka, Pakistans financial heart, Karachi, as well as swathes of Nepal and Indias eastern states of Bihar and Assam. In the coming decade, devastating floods are expected to increase as changing weather patterns worsen risks in the region, climate researchers say. Already floods affect more than 9.5 million people in the region each year, with GDP worth $14.4 billion and $5.4 billion at risk in India and Bangladesh respectively, according to WRI. In 2016 alone, Asia reported losses worth $87 billion from 320 natural disaster events, the worlds biggest reinsurer Munich Re reports. Of this, $77 billion were uninsured losses. Mounting Losses While villages are more directly hit by droughts, it is cities that bear the brunt of flood-related losses, Jatin Singh, chief executive officer at private weather forecaster Skymet Weather Services said in a phone interview. Thirty-four people died when Mumbai experienced its worst floods in more than a decade on Aug. 28 through Aug. 29, with the hardest-hit areas reporting as much as 150 mm (6 inches) of rain within an hour, according to forecaster AccuWeather. On Aug. 31 in Karachi, 23 people were killed when the city was swamped by 48 mm of rain. Meanwhile, two rounds of flooding in Bangladesh this year added to its import bill after the government was forced to bring in 1.5 million tons of rice after six years of self-sufficiency. Flooding accounted for 47 percent of all weather-related global disasters between 1995-2015, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction said in a report. Of the 2.3 billion people affected, 95 percent were in Asia. In a region that houses three of the worlds 10 most-populated countries India, Pakistan and Bangladesh the cost to lives and livelihoods adds up. Absence of resiliency planning by governments in public infrastructure projects, fuel supplies and electricity distribution networks suggest that problems arising out of changing weather patterns are likely to continue to pose significant threats, according to Siddharth Goel, a senior analyst at Control Risks. Urban Sprawls While companies in South Asia arent known to have realigned investment plans because of weather-related disruptions, more managers are trying to understand flood-related risks to cut losses, Goel said. Most of these are infrastructural risks, including electricity and technology backups for companies, costs of repairing dams, roads, embankments for governments and the provision of flood relief, said Arivudai Nambi Appadurai, senior researcher at WRI. Appadurai, who studied the 2015 floods caused by 17 days of continuous rains in his home town Chennai and this years floods near Nepals capital Kathmandu, said planners need to adapt by changing the way cities build infrastructure. How can we blame only climate change when our storm drains are clogged? Appadurai said by phone from Chennai. And all of these risks are exacerbated by the unplanned expansion of our urban sprawls. Investments, Planning Lack of city planning means about 130 million people, equal to the population of Japan, live in slums or informal settlements across South Asia, according to the World Bank. These settlements, which often house small-and-medium sized businesses like the Dharavi slums in Mumbai, suffer the worst flood damages. With almost 250 million more people expected to live in South Asian cities by 2030, investment in climate change-resilient urban infrastructure is gaining new urgency. India, Bangladesh and Nepal are currently investing more than $32 billion on building 78 water projects to combat flooding, according to BMI research. With once-in-a-100-year freak weather events now taking place every three-to-four years, policy makers and central banks must factor in climate risks when formulating plans, said Raghuram Rajan, Indias former central banker, in an interview. Its time policy makers take these risks into account, Rajan said. They absolutely should. With assistance from Arun Devnath. Related: Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics Trends Flood India Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman has said Ukraine is continuing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the revision of the formula for calculating gas prices for the population. "We are negotiating with the International Monetary Fund and our task is to make the formula for formation of the gas price in the country fair. We believe the formula that is now needs to be improved, we are still in a dialogue," Groysman said during an hour of questions to the government in parliament. The premier noted at present technical work at the expert level is currently under way. Neon announced the launch of an underwriting operation in Italy with Cambiaso Risso, a leading Italian marine broker who will have a minority shareholding in the venture. Based in Genoa, Neon Italy will initially target hull and cargo business placed locally. The venture will develop Neons marine portfolio, combining its innovative approach to risk solutions with Cambiaso Rissos global network of relationships and specialist technical expertise developed over its 70-year history, said Neon in a statement. Neon Italy will be led by Sergio Revello, who has extensive experience in the international marine sector across both broking and underwriting roles, including on behalf of Lloyds syndicates. The board of directors includes Martin Reith, Neons group chief executive, and Mauro Iguera, CEO of Cambiaso Risso. Intending to start underwriting from Jan. 1, 2018, Neon Italy will, subject to approval, be regulated by the Institute for the Supervision of Insurance (IVASS) and become a Lloyds approved coverholder writing on behalf of Neons syndicate 2468. Source: Neon Topics Mergers & Acquisitions New Markets North Dakotas insurance commissioner is bullish on the technological innovations that are occurring within the insurance industry and wants his state to be in the forefront of experimenting with and testing new insurance products and developments. Though in terms of population 757,952 in 2016 according to the U.S. Census Bureau North Dakota is a small state, Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread thinks that may be an advantage. As a smaller state, we are ripe for some pilot projects, Godfread said in an interview with Insurance Journal. When it comes to innovation and technology in the insurance industry, were ready and willing to have those discussions, he said. A member of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Innovation and Technology Task Force, Godfread thinks its a great time to be in the insurance industry because of the changes taking place. The NAICs 27-member task force was formed earlier this year with the goal of assessing the impact of new technologies on the insurance marketplace and exploring how and whether those developments benefit consumers, the industry and regulators. Im really excited about the NAICs drive into innovation and technologies, Godfread said. Im excited to see them working on this technology piece and the innovation piece, because I think oftentimes, regulators are looked at as roadblocks through a lot of this. Godfread said he and many of his colleagues in other states are open to exploring the technological possibilities in the industry. It just depends on whether or not the companies are able to implement that technology or use that technology in a meaningful way, he said. Its a balance that were trying to strike between making sure weve got the regulations in place to properly and adequately protect our consumers but also giving our companies the leeway they need to be able to make these movements work. He has asked his staff to find a way to yes when it comes to some of the new ideas and technologies being proposed because were going to see a few of that come in here that makes sense and need to be implemented. Godfread said part of the problem with getting technological innovations accepted by regulators is that there are antiquated laws on the books that were last updated in the 1980s, when the internet was in its early stages. Those need to change state by state, and hed like to see North Dakota be a leader on that front because the reality is, this technology is coming and its going to be here to stay, he said. Consumer Protection a Priority An attorney and former executive with the Greater North Dakota Chamber of Commerce, Godfread was elected as the states twenty-second commissioner in November 2016. Hes also a North Dakota native and sees consumer protection as the primary function of the insurance department. Thats our main focus. Our main mission is protecting the North Dakota consumer, he said. Insurance company solvency monitoring, agent licensing and other insurance department activities are focused on making sure that the people who are operating in the insurance business are qualified, are good character people; making sure the companies are able to pay the claims that they promise to their consumers. Also assisting consumers when they have issues and making sure that their insurance needs are met, he said. After being installed as insurance commissioner in January, Godfread made it a priority to ensure that the department is outreach- and service-focused. The department is reaching out to our consumers to make sure that they know, one, not only what were here for and what we can provide, but to have this type of discussion in the public space and the public forum with our consumers, he said. In addition to having open meetings, and listening to consumers needs and complaints, its important to be able to compile that feedback from the public and present it to the insurance companies, he said. That way, the department can be a voice and advocate for our consumers to the companies to say, Heres what were hearing. Heres what our consumers want in our state. Heres what we hope you can provide, which you should look at providing, and give the companies an opportunity to respond. On Climate Change and Insurance As an insurance commissioner in an energy producing state, earlier this year Godfread joined with regulators from several other states in endorsing a letter written by Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak to California Insurance Commissioner David Jones. In the letter, Doak asked Jones to back off his Climate Risk Carbon Initiative, which calls for insurance company disclosure of investments in fossil fuel-producing companies and aims to discourage them from such investments. Godfread followed up with his own statement asserting that Jones initiative is a deeply misguided overreach. He added that the job of insurance commissioners is to protect consumers and serve the greater public interest through the effective and unbiased regulation of the insurance marketplace. We are not meant to make politically-motivated decisions that alienate insurance companies and undermine our authority to credibly regulate this industry. In the interview with Insurance Journal, Godfread said his concern with the issue of climate change is not why, whether or how it is occurring, but with how it impacts weather patterns that ultimately affect the property and people of his state. With that in mind, certainly weve seen a change in some of our weather patterns. I think its important for all of our insurers to be mindful of that. I know theyre doing that, he said. But, as insurance regulators, its not necessarily our job to be micromanaging individual decisions made by companies. It is concerning, he said, when regulators go beyond making sure that their companies are solvent and are able to pay their claims and start looking into insurers individual investments to make sure that theyre doing what we see is fit. I think its a little shortsighted. It also seems to be extremely political. He added that theres a part of the story that is missing in Californias stance on energy issues and that is: theres a lot of the good that the energy industry is doing, especially here in my state. Related: Topics InsurTech Tech Market The Trump administrations decision to kill a rule designed to protect the rights of farmers who raise chickens, cows and hogs for the United States largest meat processors has infuriated farmer advocates, including a Republican senator from Iowa who said he has violent opposition to the move. The rule would have made it easier for farmers to sue companies they contract with over unfair, discriminatory or deceptive practices. Called the Farmer Fair Practice Rule, it was rolled out by the U.S. Department of Agriculture during President Barack Obamas final days in office but never took effect. The agency under President Donald Trump delayed its April 22 start date for six months, then announced Tuesday that it wouldnt implement the regulation at all. Theyre just pandering to big corporations. They arent interested in the family farmer, Sen. Charles Grassley, an Iowa farmer, said in an uncharacteristic criticism of the Trump administration. The USDA is the U.S. Department of Agriculture, not the U.S. Department of Big Agribusiness. The rule was first proposed by the USDA in 2010 but faced delays after meeting resistance in Congress and by the meat processing industry. The USDA finally released it last December. Currently, several court rulings have interpreted federal law as saying a farmer must prove a companys actions harm competition in the entire industry before a lawsuit can move forward. The rule would have eased that high burden of proof. Chicken and pork producers, for example, must often enter long-term contracts with companies like Tyson Foods and Pilgrims Pride that farmers allege lock them into deals that fix their compensation at unprofitably low levels and forces them deeply into debt. But the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration within the USDA, known as GIPSA, concluded the rule is inconsistent with several court decisions and would lead to further lawsuits. Protracted litigation to both interpret this regulation and defend it serves neither the interests of the livestock and poultry industries nor GIPSA, the agency said. National Chicken Council President Mike Brown said the rule would have opened the floodgates to frivolous and costly litigation and National Pork Producers Council President Ken Maschhoff said the regulation would have reduced competition, stifled innovation and provided no benefits to anyone other than trial lawyers and activist groups that no doubt would have used the rule to attack the livestock industry. Kansas Republican Pat Roberts, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, commended the USDA action, saying it demonstrates the Trump administrations commitment to promoting economic prosperity and reducing regulatory burdens in rural America. The Obama administration spent the better part of a decade ignoring the calls from farmers, ranchers, and agriculture economists warning of the billion dollar blow this rule would have levied against American agriculture, he said. But others said the rule would have protected farmers. Farmers have made clear that they need protection from harmful and abusive practices that are standard in their industry, said Sally Lee, program director for the nonprofit Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA, a North Carolina family farm advocacy group. Mike Weaver, a Fort Seybert, West Virginia, poultry farmer called on Trump to issue an executive order to implement the rule. The administration is allowing multinational corporations led by foreign interests to hold Americas farmers and ranchers hostage with their monopolistic, retaliatory and predatory practices, he said. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics USA Legislation Agribusiness Iowa Reinsurance intermediary Aon Benfield has appointed Catherine Mulligan as managing director and U.S. Cyber Practice Group leader. Mulligan brings underwriting, policy form and product knowledge to Aons cyber capabilities for insurers and will be responsible for driving the teams growth into 2018 and beyond. Mulligan was previously head of Professional Liability at Zurich North America, where she managed Profit & Loss for the Miscellaneous and Healthcare Professional Liability and Security & Privacy portfolios. Previously, she was head of Specialty Products Errors & Omissions. In her career, she has also worked at William Gallagher Associates and Chubb. Source: Aon Benfield Related: Topics USA Cyber Aon George Parisotto has been named administrative director of the California Division of Workers Compensation. His appointment was made official by California Gov. Jerry Brown Jr. on Thursday. Parisotto has filled the post of acting administrative director since February 2016, following the departure of Destie Overpeck for the State Bar of California. He has served in several positions at DWC since 1998, including acting chief counsel and industrial relations counsel. He was a workers comp claims examiner at the U.S. Department of Labor, Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program from 2004 to 2007 and an associate at the Thierman Law Firm from 1990 to 1998. Topics California Workers' Compensation Rebuilding the Northern California areas devastated by wildfire will be a long-term effort, and insurers say they will be there to help their affected policyholders get back on their feet. Tens of thousands of evacuees began making their way home Tuesday, nearly 10 days after the fires broke out in the middle of the night on Oct. 9. But many wont have a home to return to, as multiple fires damaged or destroyed 7,000 structures across the state, with the majority of those in Napa and Santa Rosa, Calif. Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones said Thursday that preliminary loss data from eight California insurers currently processing claims reflects $1.045 billion in losses to commercial and residential structures, personal and commercial vehicles, and agricultural equipment. Four employees of George Petersen Agency lost their homes and 25 were evacuated from theirs while responding to policyholders. These numbers are just the beginning of the story as one of the deadliest and costliest wildfire catastrophes in Californias history, said Jones. Catastrophe modeler RMS early this week reported losses could reach up to $6 billion. Sonoma County Sheriff Rob Giordano at a press conference at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds Wednesday said he had just flown over the county and saw the extent of the damage from the Tubbs Fire. (View aerial imagery of Tubbs Fire damage) I could not believe how much burn damage and how many houses have burned, he said. We are going to be dealing with this for months and years in the county This wont be over for some time. As the region transitions from crisis response to recovery efforts, the insurance industrys work is just getting started. Carrier representatives began blanketing the fire-ravaged areas in the days following when the fires broke out, with some arriving within a matter of hours. The office of Robb Daer, principal of George Petersen Insurance Agency in Santa Rosa, became ground zero for several companies in the days immediately following the Tubbs Fire. That fire, one of the largest burning in Northern California last week, exploded over the hill from nearby Calistoga and crossed a six lane stretch of Californias 101 freeway in Northern Santa Rosa, taking out nearly everything in its path. It has since burned more than 36,000 acres. Reps from multiple carriers, including Nationwide, Safeco, Liberty Mutual and The Hartford, descended upon the George Petersen Agency, where companies also sent policyholders to get funds if they had experienced a loss. Its just been overwhelmingly crazy, Daer said, who noted that four of his 70 agency employees lost their homes and 25 were displaced with evacuations, all while responding to policyholders. The agency has eight locations across Northern California, and 10,000 personal and commercial policies in the Sonoma County area. Daer said that as of Oct. 19, they had run between 600 and 700 claims through their office, with an estimated $500 million paid out so far. The agency also set up a barbecue food area to feed people who came by, many of whom had gone days without power. Daer said they probably fed about 700-800 people over the course of a few days. Carriers have been supportive and helpful, he said, and have assisted his office with getting information out to those not sure what to do next. This is an unprecedented time in our community and industry, and there is a complete sense of responsibility to help anybody who needs it. We are getting questions from hundreds of policyholders, he said. Carriers Mobilized Santa Rosa Mayor Chris Coursey said he saw carrier representatives answering peoples questions at an evacuation shelter the first day it opened, regardless of whether they were policyholders or not. He said it is comforting for people to be able to immediately access those resources. I know that the industry is here in town and Im grateful they responded quickly and in good numbers, he said. Allstate Insurance Co.s mobile response unit included two RVs and four smaller response vehicles and was ready to deploy 24 hours after the fire. Its first teams arrived in Santa Rosa on Oct. 11. They have had a steady stream of people visiting them, mostly with questions; theyve been displaced from their homes and theyre not sure what their policy covers, said Krista Conte, a field vice president for Allstate based in Rancho Cordova, Calif. They are just looking for help. People get evacuated and they cant return home and they are scared and want to talk to someone who is going to tell you its going to be OK, and thats what weve been doing. Conte said the carrier also had 25 agents directly impacted from the fires in Santa Rosa and Napa. Conte said it was striking to see agency owners and staff who were impacted come together and help each other and their customers. It was really remarkable, she said. When something like this happens in your community, you are impacted as well. Conte worked on Allstates cat response after Superstorm Sandy, which impacted most of the Northeast, and said the carriers response to the California wildfires is definitely comparable to what took place after that event. Its a pretty intense showing. [This is] a relatively small area to have six [cat response] vehicles. Its about as significant an event as it gets, Conte said. She added they will be in the area as long as it takes. Phil Telgenhoff, also a field senior vice president for Allstate, said the severity of this situation isnt lost on the company. Its going to be a significant event for the industry, he said. CSAA Insurance Group, an insurance affiliate of AAA and one of the top three homeowners insurers in California, had processed about 2,500 claims as of Oct. 18. The companys catastrophe response unit was set up at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds since the Tuesday after the firestorm erupted. Public Relations rep for the company Jason Willett said it has been a challenging experience for so many of the companys policyholders. This is probably one of the most significant disasters weve seen, he said. Critical Role The insurance industrys response and resources will be critical to the recovery of the wine country area, which is hugely supported by tourism and the winemaking industry. Insurance helps rebuild peoples lives thats what insurance is for, to help people get back on their feet, recover and move on with their lives, said Willet. We and the rest of the industry are committed to making that as efficient a process as possible. Officials in the area are also working furiously to ensure that rebuilding will begin quickly and efficiently. This is going to take a massive effort by everyone, but this is why we are in the business and this is why we are here, Allstates Telgenhoff said. This is a time where we deliver on a promise we make to our policyholders. He added that resources will be challenged when it comes to rebuilding, but he is hopeful the construction industry can meet the demand. Its always a concern when you have a concentrated area where theres the kind of devastation we see here. People want to rebuild and return to their homes and sometimes the sequencing of events and the speed at which that occurs is not at the rate at which people expect, he said. Congressman Mike Thompson, who represents parts of Sonoma and Napa County, said he expects the industry will rally to support its policyholders. He added the industry will also be critical in preventing people from being taken advantage of, which can be a common occurrence following a major disaster. This isnt my first disaster and I have experienced no issues with the insurance industry in the past, he said. The insurance industry will be needed to help people get through this, and I know they can do that. Santa Rosa Mayor Coursey agreed the industry will be hugely important to the citys recovery. Nobody wants to be in a situation where they need their insurance company to step in and step up but when they are in that situation, its critical, he said. And failure of insurance to step up creates more victimization. I want to make sure we are all doing our part and I believe that the insurance industry is and will. Outside View Daer worries the scale of the devastation from these wildfires isnt realized by those outside the area, and warns the loss impact will be felt for years to come across the country. From my seat, its almost this living, breathing thing. Things arent slowing down but they are evolving; needs are evolving, questions are evolving and we havent even been hit hard with business claims yet, he said. Its going to take everybody being patient, kind, and just helpful. He said its crucial carriers continue to be there for policyholders long after the dust settles on this disaster. The biggest thing carriers can do is try to find ways to continue to work with their policyholders and stick with them. Thats important, he said. Related: Topics Carriers California Catastrophe Natural Disasters Claims Wildfire Market The first admitted insurance carrier has filed to provide coverage to Californias legal cannabis industry and several more carriers have stated their intent to file products, according to state Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. It also appears that standardized insurance forms for the cannabis industry may be on their way to California as well. Jones hosted a public hearing on Thursday in Los Angeles on insurance and Californias cannabis industry to identify insurance gaps faced by the states budding business. Cannabis businesses and insurance industry representatives testified at the hearing about insurance for marijuana businesses ahead of the Jan. 1, 2018, effective date of the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, a voter approved ballot measure legalizing adult use of cannabis. Much of Jones efforts on marijuana and insurance has been to try to get admitted commercial insurers to write insurance for the cannabis industry. So far there arent any. According to Jones, roughly 25 surplus lines insurers are providing products for the Californias marijuana businesses, and many who showed up to the hearing said the insurance is limited in scope and availability. Jones, who spoke with Insurance Journal on Friday about the hearing and his efforts to get insurers interested in bringing cannabis-related insurance products to the market, was asked which insurer has filed and what product or products they have filed with the California Department of Insurance. I cant reveal that, but were excited that we have a filing, Jones said. Several other carriers approached me after the public hearing yesterday and they said they plan to file too. Jones believes getting more carriers to bring these marijuana-related products to the state will help fill coverage gaps and make it easier for businesses in the cannabis industry to obtain insurance. Several businesses at the hearing spoke up about difficulties getting insurance, finding affordable policies and numerous gaps in coverage. We want to make sure we fill those gaps, Jones said. Jones polled business owners at the hearing and asked how many had difficulty finding coverage asking those who did to raise their hands. The majority of those who said they were in the cannabis business put up their hands. One large California cannabis distributor also testified that their company may consider captive insurance as an alternative to ensure all of their operations are covered. Lack of product liability was a top complaint. Several business owners at the hearing also expressed difficulty finding directors and officers coverage, however a number of speakers said they had little trouble obtaining workers compensation. Its not inexpensive and therere some coverages that may not be available at all, like product liability coverage, Jones said, recapping complaints about existing cannabis insurance products that he heard during the hearing. Jones earlier this year launched an initiative to encourage admitted insurers to file with the CDI to offer products. That initiative also includes convening meetings of senior executives from insurance companies with leaders in the cannabis industry to figure out insurance needs from seed to sale and tours of major cannabis businesses for insurance executives. Jones has also asked the cannabis industry to compile information for insurers so they can better understand the industry, and has invited insurers to file insurance products for the cannabis industry with the CDI, including mentioning on numerous occasions that since theres so little data that were going to pretty much accept what you file with us. One impediment for carriers getting in the market could be that cannabis is still considered illegal under federal law. In fact, Attorney General Jeff Sessions could soon be seeking to end a ban on marijuana user and seller prosecutions. Another barrier for insurers to get into the states cannabis business market is a lack of standardized forms on which to write policies. The forms that surplus lines writers are using were standardized for other industries and the insurers are altering them to fit marijuana businesses, leaving gaps in coverage and uncertainty about how claims will be paid out, according to testimony at Thursdays hearing. However, that impediment could be soon gone. A representative from the American Association of Insurance Services at the hearing said the group plans to file standardized forms with the CDI by April, 2018. We are developing standardized cannabis insurance forms, said Phillip Skaggs, assistant counsel at the non-profit AAIS, an insurance advisory organization that provides specialized services to property/casualty insurers. Among the first forms they file will be a cannabis business owners policy, which Skaggs referred to as a CannaBOP. He said the plan is to follow up that form with forms for agricultural and other insurance products. One certainty is that market potential isnt among the hurdles for the admitted carriers. Revenues from cannabis sales in California by most estimates are expected to exceed $6 billion early on and rise from there. Mark Sektnan, president of the Association of California Insurance Companies, part of the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, was at the hearing to talk about interest in the cannabis market and getting carriers to write these products. He said the ACIC, which has been the industrys face for the public during the California wildfires, has been fielding a high volume of calls from the media and the public seeking out insurance information. I think about a third of the calls I had about the Sonoma fires were about cannabis fields, Sektnan said. In his testimony he encouraged the commissioner to be judicious about creating regulations so as not to put up barriers to entry into the states market, and he pointed out that California is a friendly place for plaintiffs attorneys and considered by some to be a judicial hellhole that may make would-be providers of product liability insurance for cannabis businesses think twice before coming here. California is home to, may I say, a very entrepreneurial plaintiffs bar, Sektnan said. Related: Topics Carriers California Cannabis Un ottobre da sogno per Antonio Conte: lex ct della Nazionale italiana, attualmente alla guida del Chelsea, nelle ultime quattro gare di Premier League ha collezionato solo successi, conditi da 11 reti segnate e addirittura nessuna incassata. Numeri da record che non sono certo passati inosservati alla Federazione inglese, la quale ha conferito al tecnico leccese lambito premio di Manager del mese. Unavventura oltremanica iniziata in sordina, quella di Conte, pur a fronte di tre vittorie nelle prime tre gare di campionato. A far vacillare, anche se solo per un momento, le certezze del patron del club londinese, Roman Abramovich, i risultati conseguiti tra la 4a e la 6a giornata, coincisi con un pareggio sul campo dello Swansea City e, soprattutto, con le due pesanti sconfitte subite dal Liverpool, sul terreno casalingo di Stamford Bridge, e dallArsenal. In particolare, la debacle interna coi Reds, aveva irritato non poco il numero uno russo, poiche occorsa proprio nel giorno della sua 250esima partita da presidente della societa. Come detto, solo un momento. Dopo lincontro dellEmirates, il tecnico salentino cambia modulo, adottando un piu equilibrato 3-4-3 e inserendo elementi di corsa come lo spagnolo Pedro. Una svolta totale perche, di li in poi, il Chelsea inanellera solo e soltanto vittorie: 2 gol allHull City e al Southampton in trasferta, 3 ai campioni dInghilterra del Leicester e 4 allo United in casa, con un meraviglioso numero zero nella casella delle reti subite. Un fantastico poker, ottenuto tra l1 e il 29 ottobre. Un cambio di marcia sbalorditivo, confermato dal 5 a 0 rifilato ai toffees dellEverton nel primo match di novembre, e una scalata che, man mano, ha portato i blues al secondo posto in classifica, a soli 2 punti dal Liverpool capolista. E allora, non poteva mancare il riconoscimento di migliore allenatore del mese, ottenuto surclassando tecnici del calibro di Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool), Arsene Wenger (Arsenal) e Mark Hughes (Southampton). Tanta, ovviamente, la soddisfazione: E un grande onore e voglio condividerlo con i giocatori e con la societa ha dichiarato Conte sul sito ufficiale della Premier League -. E la prima volta che lavoro in un altro Paese, con una cultura diversa, e portare la propria filosofia non e facile, ma ora sono contento di questa scelta. A completare la festa, la premiazione del fantasista belga, Eden Hazard, come miglior giocatore di ottobre. Due risultati importanti per il club, ottimo incentivo per la rincorsa al trono dei campioni, occupato dal Leicester di Ranieri. Il prossimo appuntamento per l11 di Conte sara al Riverside Stadium, tana del Middlesborough neopromosso. Il tempo di festeggiare e gia finito. Top News - Investor Idea Breaking EV Stock News: Mullen's (NASDAQ: MULN) 'Strikingly Different' EV Crossover Tour Heads to Texas After Completing a Successful Sold Out Stop in Las Vegas BREA, Calif. - November 15, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN), an emerging electric vehicle ("EV") manufacturer, announces today that it has successfully completed the third stop of the Mullen FIVE Strikingly Different EV Crossover Tour in Las Vegas, Nevada. Top AI News - Investor Idea Breaking AI Stock News: FatBrain (OTCQB: LZGI) Acquires UK-based Forecasting Innovator Predictive Black To Help SMEs Optimize Cash Management NEW YORK, NY - November 15, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) FatBrain AI (LZG International, Inc.) (OTCQB: LZGI), the leader in powerful and easy-to-use artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for star enterprises of tomorrow (some call SMEs), has acquired Predictive Black Ltd, a UK-based innovator of real-time cash management, financial insights and business wellness for SMEs. Top Fashion News - Investor Idea New Fashion Designer Launches this Holiday Season in Kelowna and Online; Sweet Dees Creations Fun, Flirty and Affordable Kelowna B.C. - November 14, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) A local fashion designer is launching a new women's line at Kelowna markets and online this Holiday Season that will make heads turn with her whimsical and colourful choices Check out our Podcasts for great investor ideas: Get new posts by email: Subscribe Powered by Investorideas.com Newswire: Subscribe to Investor Ideas Newswire Ukraine plans to resume building two power units of Khmelnytsky NPP in 2021 - prime minister KYIV. Oct 20 (Interfax-Ukraine) - Ukraine plans in 2021 to resume the construction of the third and fourth power units of Khmelnytsky nuclear power plant (NPP), Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has said during an hour of questions to the government in parliament. "I think we will probably be able to start the completion of the two blocks you are talking about from 2021. This is our plan, we are seriously and systematically working on it and will do everything to make nuclear power safe and capacities enough not only to provide ourselves with power but also export electricity, which will make the economy of our country more stable and developed," he said. Groysman noted the intention to realize the project of the Ukraine-EU energy bridge worth EUR243.5 million, which provides for the delivery of power from power unit No. 2 of Khmelnytsky NPP to the EU energy system. The funds received from the export of electricity from this unit are to be used to finance the construction of power units Nos.3 and 4 at Khmelnytsky NPP. As reported, the Energy Strategy of Ukraine until 2035 stipulates that nuclear power plants must provide 50% of the country's electricity generation by 2035, the share of renewable sources should rise to 12.8%, the large hydropower sector to 6.7%. The remaining volumes will be produced by thermal power plants. about the non-compliance of the measuring equipment of the Ukrainian State Centre of Radio Frequencies with the necessary requirements, released by the Zeonbud LLC operator of a digital multi-channel television network, is not true, the center has said. "Zeonbud continues spreading untrue information on the non-compliance of the measuring equipment, using which the center defined the boundaries of coverage areas for digital terrestrial television broadcasting of the DVB-T2 standard for fixed reception in Volyn region," the state enterprise said on its website. The center noted this summer it voluntarily agreed to conduct a study of the deviation of its measuring instruments Rohde & Schwarz FSH8 and Zeonbud's device Rohde & Schwarz ETL, which confirmed its compliance with the requirements of the relevant methodology, as evidenced by the protocol signed by representatives of Zeonbud without any comments or remarks. The state enterprise added all its devices used for providing services have the corresponding calibration certificates issued by specialized institution Ukrmetrteststandard. Political subjectivation is the process during which an individual goes from being an object of politics to a political subject with his or her own particular orientations toward the sources and foci of power. Cambodian political life provides the perfect lens through which to examine this process, because the dense network of patronage that connects the political and economic elite of Cambodia with the masses offers sharp examples of how political subjects may be formed. Subjectivation Political theorists have long sought to explain subjectivation. I draw on the theory of subjectivation provided by Jacques Ranciere, because I find that his account of the engagement of power with the world of experience offers a rich and compelling explanation of how individuals are awakened into political consciousness, and how political subjects orientate themselves in relation to the dominant power structures in society.1 In Rancieres theory, the policing function of the polity goes beyond what we normally understand as the provision of security and serves to enforce what he describes as the distribution of the sensible, that is, the general laws distributing lines of sight, forms of speech, and estimations of a bodys capacity.2 In other words, the police control the phenomenal life of the polity ensuring that its individual members adhere to the norms of speech and behavior, which in turn govern what can be seen, heard and experienced in the community. As he elaborates, the distribution of the sensible that is established by the police is an order of the visible and the sayable that sees that a particular activity is visible and another is not, that this speech is understood as discourse and another as noise.3 This establishes a single direction for the movement of society.4 The Cambodian governments restriction of media coverage of the massive funeral procession, in July 2016, for the murdered government critic Kem Ley is a good example of an attempt to police the distribution of the sensible. Kem Ley, a social activist and founder of the Grassroots Democracy Party, had a large following on social media, and just prior to his assassination had participated in interviews with the local media and the watchdog non-governmental organization (NGO) Global Witness report Hostile Takeover,5 which revealed the extensive business interests of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sens family. The thousands of ordinary Cambodians who chose to pay their respects at Kem Leys wake and to march in his funeral procession, despite the disapproval of the government, illustrate the next step in Rancieres account of subjectivation: when dissensus breaks the consensus forged by the police function of the polity. As Joseph Tanke explains: Dissensus fragments the community by making visible what previously went unseen. It operates, first and foremost, on the aesthetics of the community, those implicit decisions about who is included and in what way, as well as those judgments about what counts as voice or noise.6 Through their participation in the funeral proceedings, of which the governments escalating threats eventually led some of the funeral committee members to leave Cambodia, the Cambodian participants hence achieved a redistribution of the sensible, making visible what the government had wanted to keep invisible. If they had not already been political subjects their involvement in this act of dissensus served as their subjectivation, transforming them from objects into subjects of politics. Consensus and Dissensus The mass participation in Kem Leys funeral proceedings remains an exceptional event of dissensus, however. The consensus that protects the distribution of the sensible in Cambodia continues to be protected by the dense network of patron-client relations in Cambodian society. As Simon Springer points out, the adoption of neoliberal reforms in the 1990s following the adoption of the Paris Peace Accords saw the ruling regime coopting neoliberalism for the benefit of their patronage networks, in particular through their ability to influence the monetary channels of investment and privatization in ways that only those embedded within their systems of patronage can receive any direct benefit.7 Indeed, the troublesome Global Witness report highlighted by Kem Ley just before his murder exposed Prime Minister Hun Sen and his familys position at the apex of a vast patronage network that has extended its extractive reach across the Cambodian economy. The advantageous position of Cambodias elite has been further sealed by the decades of nepotism and carefully arranged marriages among families of the ruling elites, which have created a web of alliances which many fear, if dismantled, would bring down with it the whole structure of the state.8 Anti-Vietnamese sentiment hence continues to have cultural and political salience in Cambodia today, and the CPP has responded by bowing to public sentiment and cracking down on the ethnic Vietnamese minority. Given the deep influence of this patronage network in Cambodias political economy, an attractive option for subjectivation is the decision to join the policed consensus, because alignment with the distribution of the sensible allows the individual to emerge as a political subject with audibility and visibility to the ruling regime, which is a necessary condition for him/her to begin expressing demands qua client of his/her patron.9 This can be seen in the case of Chhay Thy, an official with the human rights NGO ADHOC and government critic who in January 2017 suddenly joined the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) to run for the position of commune chief. As he explained, this move from a position of powerlessness into a position of power would allow him to deliver substantive goods to his community: I do it to become the commune chief so that the local community will develop, because when working with an NGO, I have no decision-making authority in developing [communities].10 As Chhay Thy understood, loyalty to a patron can reap advantages to a hardworking client. The oknha, Cambodias business elite, are good examples of this reciprocal relationship. In exchange for financing the ruling elites rural patronage projects, including pagodas, hospitals, roads, bridges, and so-called Hun Sen schools, the oknha enjoy preferential treatment in the form of land concessions, monopolies, and other perquisites.11 Clients with far less means may serve their patrons in other ways. In October 2015, three officers from Hun Sens bodyguard unit brutally attacked the opposition lawmakers Nhay Chamroeun and Kong Saphea, dragging them from their cars, beating them, and leaving them with broken bones and teeth and a ruptured eardrum.12 Despite being sentenced to four years in jail they were suddenly released in November 2016 after serving less than a year of their sentence. Hun Sen would subsequently promote two of them, Mao Hoeun and Suth Vanny, to the rank of colonel in the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and the third, Chay Sarith, to the rank of brigadier-general. The Part of No Part In Rancieres theory, one key source of political change comes from la part des sans-part [the part of no part], as in those who have been excluded from society. Political change comes when the part of no part forces a redistribution of the sensible, making themselves visible and audible where before they had been ignored, and asserting their claim to the benefits of social life.13 In Cambodia the ethnic Vietnamese minority counts as the part of no part given their exclusion from citizenship under the Cambodian Constitution. This prevents them from accessing the social benefits and services enjoyed by citizens.14 During the Vietnamese occupation of Cambodia, following the end of the Khmer Rouges genocidal revolution, the ethnic Vietnamese minority failed to push for their right to Cambodian citizenship, and today, despite their long residency, they retain the status of illegal aliens. Their situation following the withdrawal of the Vietnamese occupation army quickly deteriorated, and the Cambodian government has even lost its tolerance for their precarious existence in their floating villages on the Tonle Sap.15 Rather than being the locus around which the Cambodian people have pushed for political change, the ethnic Vietnamese minority has instead functioned as a scapegoat for xenophobic Cambodian politicians to propagate anti-Vietnamese paranoia, including narratives of the Vietnamese theft of Cambodian land. Indeed, some Cambodian opposition leaders have attracted popular support by highlighting Prime Minister Hun Sen and the CPPs long association with the Vietnamese Communist Party, under whose tutelage during the Vietnamese occupation they ascended to power. Anti-Vietnamese sentiment hence continues to have cultural and political salience in Cambodia today, and the CPP has responded by bowing to public sentiment and cracking down on the ethnic Vietnamese minority. While the long-standing hatred of Vietnam has rallied together Cambodians from across the political spectrum, the consequences for the ethnic Vietnamese minority have been arrests, deportations, and the scuttling of their floating villages.16 Future political change will thus have to come from some other source, perhaps the demographic changes arising from Cambodias ongoing encounter with global flows of investment and trade. Editors note: This article was originally published in The Newsletter, International Institute for Asian Studies. Notes 1. Lim, A. C. H. 2013. Cambodia and the Politics of Aesthetics. New York: Routledge, pp. 4-5. 2. Tanke, J. J. 2011. Jacques Ranciere: An Introduction. London: Continuum, p. 45. 3. Ranciere, J. 1999. Disagreement: Politics and Philosophy, trans. Julie Rose. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, p. 29. 4. Ibid., Tanke, J. J., pp. 45-46. 5. Global Witness. 2016. Hostile Takeover: The Corporate Empire of Cambodias Ruling Family, 7 July 2016. 6. Ibid., Tanke, J. J., p. 62. 7. Springer, S. 2017. Klepto-Neoliberalism: Authoritarianism and Patronage in Cambodia, in Cemal Burak Tansel (ed.) States of Discipline: Authoritarian Neoliberalism and the Contested Reproduction of Capitalist Order. London: Rowman & Littlefield International, p. 239. 8. Slocomb, M. 2006. The Nature and Role of Ideology in the Modern Cambodian State, Journal of Southeast Asian Studies 37: 390. doi:10.1017/S0022463406000695. 9. Ranciere, J. 2011. The Politics of Literature, trans. Julie Rose. Malden: Polity Press, p. 4. 10. Phak Seangly. 2017. Adhoc official goes CPP, Phnom Penh Post, 4 January 2017. 11. Verver, M. & Dahles, H. 2015. The Institutionalisation of Oknha: Cambodian Entrepreneurship at the Interface of Business and Politics, Journal of Contemporary Asia 45: 62. doi:10.1080/00472336.2014.891147. 12. Khuon Narim. Do Not Ask, Official Says of Promoted Bodyguards, Cambodia Daily, 29 December 2016. 13. Ibid., Tanke, J. J., p. 43. 14. Alvin Cheng-Hin Lim. 2017. Ethnic Identities in Cambodia, in K. Brickell & S. Springer (eds.) The Handbook of Contemporary Cambodia. New York: Routledge, pp. 363-364. 15. Alvin Cheng-Hin Lim. 2015. Human Rights in Cambodia after the Khmer Rouge, Review of Human Rights 1: 15-17. 16. Chin Sopheak. 2016. Floating Villages on Cambodias Tonle Sap Are Being Scuttled, Radio Free Asia, 1 September 2016. A Spanish opposition politician has said her Socialist party and Spains government have reached an agreement to hold a regional election in Catalonia in January to help resolve the countrys deepest political crisis in decades. Spains central government is planning to take control of some of Catalonias powers by activating Article 155 of the Constitution to crush an independence bid by regional leaders. One of the possibilities being floated is to dissolve the regional parliament and call a new election. Opposition Socialist party official Carmen Calvo has announced a deal with Spain to this end. Spain to trigger direct rule on Catalonia to crush independence bid https://t.co/F7t9MNZECo Sergi Marcen (@sergimarcen) October 20, 2017 A special Cabinet meeting on Saturday in Madrid is expected to trigger Article 155, which would pave the way for the central governments intervention in Catalonia. Spanish biggest parties agree to take over Catalan language public media as well as Catalan police https://t.co/ICRIuXhB1L pic.twitter.com/BKR1iKDN2m Help Catalonia (@CataloniaHelp2) October 20, 2017 Meanwhile, bank customers in Catalonia are withdrawing symbolic amounts of money from financial institutions that have moved their official headquarters to other locations in Spain as a result of the crisis. Pro-independence umbrella group Crida Democracia called on consumers late on Thursday to put pressure on banks that made the decision. By Friday morning, dozens of people were lining up at a CaixaBank branch in central Barcelona, most of them withdrawing 150 or 160 euros from ATMs. The amounts were closest to 155, in reference to the Spanish constitutional article with which the central government plans to revoke some of Catalonias autonomous powers to prevent regional politicians from pushing ahead with secession. CaixaBank and Banco Sabadell, the largest Catalan lenders, are among hundreds of financial institutions and businesses that have moved their official registration out of Catalonia. "These banks are traitors," said Oriol Mauri, 35, owner of a childrens game business in central Barcelona. "They need to see that its lots of us who are angry." Mr Mauri, who withdrew 150 euros because the ATM would not allow him to take out 155, said he was not worried about businesses fleeing Catalonia. "Im not afraid of economic repercussions," he said. "Our power as consumers is perhaps the only way to influence and have our voice heard in Europe." Ana Coll, a 55-year-old pharmacist who withdrew 160 euros, said peaceful street protests have not been enough to influence decision-makers in Spain and Europe. "We need to step up our actions and do something that really hurts, and that is targeting the money," she said. In his latest display of brinkmanship, Catalan President Carles Puigdemont sent a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy just minutes before a deadline set by Madrid for him to backtrack on his calls to secede. Mr Puigdemont did not give in, however, and threatened to go ahead with a unilateral proclamation of independence if the government refuses to negotiate. Spains government responded by calling a special Cabinet session for Saturday when it said it would set in motion Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, which allows for central authorities to take over all or some of the powers of any of the countrys 17 autonomous regions. Judge John King said such a bail condition would be too broad and instead said that he attached a condition requiring the defendant to have no contact directly or indirectly with the alleged injured parties. Patrick Vaughan, of Oaklodge, Douglas Rd, Cork, was arrested by Detective Garda Donal Cashman and brought before Cork District Court. Mr Vaughan was charged with four counts of sexual assault. The charges relate to four different injured parties on different dates in May, namely May 22, 26, 27, and 31, and all related to alleged offences in the Douglas area. The complainants are aged between 20 and 34. Judge King imposed a reporting restriction against any identification of the four complainants. He said this restriction did not extend to any prohibition on identifying the defendant. Inspector Daniel Coholan said the prosecution was not opposed to bail being granted to the accused. However, bail conditions were required. Det Garda Cashman outlined the first condition, a curfew between 6pm and 8am. Judge King said he could not impose such a curfew as the legislation did not allow him to do so. He said the earliest curfew he could impose was from 9pm and that it had to be until 6am. The second condition sought was for him to avoid any physical contact with women. The judge said this condition was too broad and he changed it to refer to prohibiting contact with the complainants. Mr Vaughan must also sign on daily at Anglesea St Garda Station. Insp Coholan said the DPP had directed trial at Cork District Court. Judge King said he would leave it to Judge Olann Kelleher to decide on the issue of whether or not he would accept jurisdiction to deal with the case. The case was put back until November 2 for jurisdiction to be decided by Judge Kelleher. Met Eireann has put orange weather alerts in place for seven counties for tomorrow Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Clare, Mayo, Galway, and Wexford. With the strong winds comes the potential for significant flooding, particularly in coastal areas. Yesterday, the country was hit by torrential downpours, followed by strong winds, which led to spot flooding in a number of areas in the south. Despite those dreadful conditions the ESB, with the help of a team of almost 3,800 2,500 staff, 1,000 contractors, and 250 crew from the North has now managed to restore power to more than 340,000 homes and businesses. Nonetheless, 50,000 ESB customers were still without power the majority in Cork. And it is forecast that, in Cork, Tipperary, and Kerry, a small number of customers may not get their power back until early next week. According to the Governments National Emergency Coordination Group on Severe Weather, water has now been restored to more than 101,000 customers at one point 109,000 customers were without supply. Homeowners and businesses in low-lying areas in four Co Cork towns are now being warned to secure their buildings as high tides are likely to cause flooding when they peak at around 6pm this evening. Cork County Council crews and Civil Defence units will be on standby in Bantry, Clonakilty, Youghal, and Midleton to help with the operation. The Defence Forces has engineering and transport units which will also be ready to be deployed should they be needed to bolster local authority personnel in both the city and county. County council depots will open this morning to supply sandbags to people in the four towns expected to be hit. Flooding on Centre Park Road, Cork, yesterday as the country prepared for wet weather and stormy conditions with the arrival of Brian. Picture: Larry Cummins In Cork City, there is a minor risk of flooding at Morrisons Island, South Terrace, and Wandesford Quay from 5.30pm to 7.30pm due to high tides. Motorists experienced travel chaos last night as many roads in and around Cork City, Cobh, Midleton, and Mallow flooded. Severe flooding was also reported on roads in the Castlemartyr area and on the Youghal bypass and in several rural parts of West Cork. Council crews battled to free drains and gulleys to alleviate the situation. Meanwhile, contractors had to a cut up a large number of trees which had fallen into the swollen Glashaboy River, in Glanmire, to prevent bridges being clogged with debris, in the hope of preventing a repeat of June 2012 flooding which severely damaged nearly 80 homes and businesses in the area, many of which are now uninsured. During the mitigation plea prior to sentence Judge John King asked when he was going to stop drink-driving. Does he have to kill someone? Judge King asked. Eddie Burke, solicitor, asked the judge not to jail Uyi Lanky Agho, of 10 Poplar Avenue, Fota Rock, Carrigtwohill, Co Cork, for this latest offence. Judge King said he had to impose a five-month jail sentence on the 40-year-old and ban him from driving for six years. Inspector Daniel Coholan said the accused had 10 previous drink-driving offences including the actual offence of drink driving, refusing to give a blood or urine sample when stopped for suspected drink-driving, and being drunk and in control of a car. Insp Coholan said there was a mandatory alcohol testing checkpoint at Lower Glanmire Road, Cork, on July 25, 2016. The accused drove up to the checkpoint and, when he was tested, failed the breath test. He was later brought to the Bridewell Garda Station where a doctor took a blood sample which showed a concentration of 133 mgs of alcohol per 100 mls of blood. A suspended five-month sentence was imposed on the defendant for driving without insurance on the same occasion. Brian McEnery disclosed the encounter when he appeared before the Dails Public Accounts Committee to defend himself against accusations he was involved in a conflict of interest given his role as chairman of the Hiqa and his private role as a professional who advises nursing homes on financial matters. He was asked to appear before the PAC after a story was published in a Sunday newspaper about a meeting he spoke at in October 2015. He had been invited to the meeting by the chief executive of Nursing Home Ireland, Tadhg Daly. Mr McEnery, who was appointed the chairman of the board of Hiqa in 2013, told the PAC he advised nursing homes, hospitals, and primary care centres but only on financial matters. He said the board did not get involved in executive decision-making. The way Hiqa was legally constituted meant that he, as board chairman, could not, did not, and would not intervene or even have information relating to Hiqa inspections. I have on one occasion, been asked to personally intervene by a nursing home operator who sought that a Hiqa report would not be published on the Hiqa website. I refused to intervene, he said. In the follow-up correspondence, I was informed that the disappointed party intended to inform Oireachtas members of my professional role. I say this as I wish to provide members with all of the relevant information regarding my role. Sinn Feins Mary Lou McDonald said that Mr McEnerys recollection of the event two years ago was at variance with the minutes provided to the PAC, but Mr McEnery said he believed the minutes contained inaccuracies and he was taking legal advice on it. Later, Ms McDonald said that for Mr McEnery to give advice or insights at a meeting the subject of which was the boycott of the Fair Deal scheme was, to her mind, absolutely untenable and quite frankly outrageous. Hiqas director of regulation, Mary Dunnion, told the PAC she was unequivocal that at no time had the chair or any member of the board sought to question or influence any decisions and so she had no experience of any conflict of interest. Nursing Homes Ireland was invited to the meeting, but Mr Daly in a letter to the PAC said his board had directed him not to attend. The utility has deployed tankers and static tanks in a number of locations where supplies are still out, while council crews are still taking bottled water to people living in remote areas. It comes as the county braces for flooding today as Storm Brian arrives on the south coast this evening, while key transit routes in the county remain blocked. Irish Water said the situation is getting better as power is being restored to more reservoirs and pumping stations, but thousands of households and businesses around the county still dont have a supply. Customers without water should contact Irish Water on 1850278278, or consult their website for the most up-to-date information. Flooding on Centre Park Road, Cork, yesterday as the country prepared for wet weather and stormy conditions with the arrival of Brian. Picture: Larry Cummins Meanwhile, the main road between Midleton and Dungourney (R579) remained impassable last night after more than 20 trees fell on it and severed powerlines. Council and ESB crews hope to have it reopened today. The main road in Glandore (R597) was also blocked with debris, although diversions were in place. The R605 in Dunderrow was also being cleared and the council removed some remaining debris on the R602 in Bandon. Diversions were also put in place on a number of rural roads due to flooding yesterday. While the ESB has restored power to thousands of homes throughout the county, there remain a number of rural pockets around Bandon, Dunmanway, Carrigaline and Fermoy where outages continue. An ESB spokesman said once major repairs are completed, lines to smaller groups of customers and individual homes will be restored, but this could take up to the middle of next week at best and may be further complicated if Storm Brian unleashes more destruction. The ESB is also working with the council on clearing downed cables and trees on a number of minor roads, many of which may not reopen for several days. Flooding near Knockraha Co Cork yesterday. Picture: Eddie OHare A number of county council offices and depots still remain without power or phone connection. A council spokeswoman said people experiencing difficulties contacting their services should ring their incident line at 021 4800048, which will remain operational for at least the next 48 hours. Because of the predicted further adverse weather the council is advising motorists to drive with caution because of remaining debris on the roads, surface water and the possibility that more trees could fall. The local authority said it will continue to tweet updates (@CorkCoCo) as well as publishing them on CorkCoCo.ie. Govt approves improvement of conditions for two loans issued by Ukreximbank to Naftogaz The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved the extension of two loans issued by Ukreximbank to national joint-stock company Naftogaz Ukrainy in July-October 2008 and the improvement of their conditions. The decision is outlined in government resolution No. 745-r dated October 18, 2017. The government's press service reported that the changes envisage the reduction of the credit rate and the collateral coefficient. "In addition, the resolution approved natural gas as collateral for Naftogaz Ukrainy's credit agreements," the press service said. The adoption of the resolution would create conditions for refinancing of a debt to Gazprom by Naftogaz (under a loan issued in 2012). As reported, in April 2017, Naftogaz and Ukreximbank reached an agreement to cut the interest for the loan agreements which expired on April 22, 2017 to 9.9% from 10.5% per annum. Naftogaz Ukrainy unites oil and gas production assets in Ukraine, and is the country's gas transit, underground gas storage, and oil pipeline transportation monopoly. Ukreximbank was founded in 1992. Its sole owner is the state. The bank ranked third among 100 banks operating in the country as of October 1, 2017 in terms of assets (UAH 153.364 billion), according to the National Bank of Ukraine. Mr Harris said while he did not know the specific circumstances of the case, he was concerned about what was reported. Ive long been of the view that this country has at times found itself being held to ransom by drugs companies and particularly, being a small country and a small market from a pharmaceutical point of view, that weve ended up having to pay over the odds, he said. The HSE has confirmed it was told by Aspen Pharmaceuticalss Irish agent that prices for four lifesaving cancer drugs were increasing and it agreed to those price rises in March 2013 worried that supply of the drugs would be stopped. Aspen is under investigation by the European Commissions Competition Directorate for price gouging after evidence was provided by several countries it was imposing significant and unjustified price increases of up to several hundred percent. The HSE said yesterday it had agreed to the increases to keep supplies of the drug flowing as there were no alternative suppliers. The HSE made clear in its interactions with Aspens then Irish agents that the price increases demanded were being reluctantly accepted, the executive said. It said there had been no further price increases since March 2013. Mr Harris said he wanted to examine the case further. Im asking the HSE for more detail in relation to that. Obviously, I would be very concerned if anyone was trying to, in any way, hold to ransom cancer patients and our taxpayers, he said. The HSE has had a series of difficult negotiations with pharmaceutical firms over the prohibitive cost of new and recently-trialled drugs such as Respreeza for emphysema, Orkambi for cystic fibrosis, and a number of highly specialised cancer medications. However, the drugs at the centre of the row with Aspen were well established and widely used here. Under the new supply deal with Aspen, the HSE agreed to pay 240% to 600% more. The cases were due to be mentioned at Letterkenny District Court in Co Donegal yesterday. They have been delayed for a number of months following a challenge being heard in the Supreme Court. As highlighted in yesterdays Irish Examiner, the legal challenge was taken by a Romanian man, Mihai Avadanei, over his 2014 prosecution for alleged drink-driving in Dublin. The case is being taken on claims that the print-out from the intoxilyser machine operated by gardai should be in both English and Irish, as written in the Road Traffic Act, 2010. Up to 30 similar cases were struck out last week in Dungarvan after Judge Terence Finn said a considerable amount of time had passed since the legal matter was before the courts and it would be unsafe to now hear the cases. Solicitor Ciaran Mac Lochlainn raised the issue on behalf of one client and asked Judge Paul Kelly to strike out the case because of the delay in hearing it. More than 45 cases of alleged drink-driving were due to be mentioned. However, Garda Inspector Michael Harrison,head of the Donegal Traffic Corps, said that, in most of the cases, justice has not been delayed. He added that the decision by the Supreme Court is a matter of public interest. Mr MacLochlainn said there was the issue that the delays were costing clients money in dealing with their solicitors on the matter. However, Judge Paul Kelly said that was an issue between defendants and their solicitors. He said he was not acceding to Mr MacLochlainns application and he adjourned all cases until December 21. He added: These adjournments have been facilitated by the courts and it would be unfair to simply strike them all out at this stage. Gardai did strike out one pending case after it was found that the accused had since passed away. Leo Varadkar said the vote has reassured him that the tight deadline will be met despite growing tension within the committee, and amid a likelihood at least two dissenting reports may be released by some committee members. Furthermore, a witness who opposes repealing the Eighth Amendment is expected to say she will not attend a hearing of the committee next week due to an alleged pro-choice bias. On Wednesday, the Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment voted in favour of not retaining article 40.3.3 of the Constitution in full. The 15 to three vote, with two abstentions and one non-appearance by a Fianna Fail member, was based on a proposal put forward by Sinn Feins Jonathan OBrien and seconded by Fianna Fail health spokesman Billy Kelleher. It means the committee has now formally accepted the public will need to be asked to change the Constitution to some extent in relation to abortion laws, and the committee can further begin examining what this means in detail. Arriving at the EU Council summit in Brussels yesterday, Mr Varadkar welcomed the committees initial vote. Asked if he is confident the committee can reach its conclusions by mid-December, he said: Im aware of the decision that the committee made and my objective obviously, what Id like to do really is to wait until the committee comes with its conclusions in December. I am confident though the committee will be able to come to conclusions and I think the fact that they had a vote and started making decisions yesterday gives me some assurance that they will be able to come to conclusions by the end of December which the Government can then take forward in the new year. We would like to have as much and as broad consensus as is possible and I want to give them the opportunity to hear all the evidence before coming to their final viewpoint. Meanwhile, consultant psychiatrist Patricia Casey pulled out of a planned appearance before the committee, labelling its work biased and unbalanced. In a statement yesterday, Prof Casey, newspaper columnist and co-founder of the religious think-tank the Iona Institute, said she is unwilling to participate in a process that is so deeply imbalanced in respect of those invited to present evidence. It has become increasingly clear that the process of the committee has been so arranged as to reach a pre-set decision without balanced consideration of any evidence that runs contrary to this pre-determined outcome, she said. The view was repeated by lobby group the Pro-Life Campaign and Independent senator Ronan Mullen, who clashed with Fine Gael TD Kate OConnell yesterday, claiming the vote showed the committees bias. However, Ms OConnell, the National Womens Council of Ireland, and others welcomed the initial vote. It is believed that Mr Mullen and Independent TD Mattie McGrath may publish an alternative version of any of the committees findings, while a similar step may be taken by some pro-choice members over concerns that the recommendations will not go far enough. However, only the committees official recommendations will be laid before the Dail. They were responding to comments by Peter Boylan, former master of the National Maternity Hospital, that some hospitals with a Catholic ethos might try to opt out if next years planned referendum and any subsequent legislation paves the way for terminations to be performed here. Health Minister Simon Harris described Dr Boylans testimony to the Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment as very powerful but he was in no doubt about the duties of hospitals. I believe that if the Irish people make a decision to make a health service available then that should be available in the public health service, he said. He said there was also a view in advance of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act that some hospitals would not provide terminations even in the very limited circumstances provided for in that law but he said there was no evidence of this to date. Hospitals in this country operate under the law of the land, he said. Hospitals in this country are funded to operate under the law of the land and to deliver our public health services. That view was echoed by Peter McKenna, clinical director of the HSEs National Women and Infant Health Programme, who said the HSE would respond with the services required to meet any changes that may result from the referendum. Our role then would be to implement whatever the law of the land is, as safely as possible, said Dr McKenna. We dont have a role in influencing what that law will be and we wouldnt have an opinion on that because we are here purely to implement, as an arm of the State, what the State decides to be legal. He said, however, that it was too soon to plan for providing abortion clinics or other facilities. We will have to see first of all what the question is [in the referendum] and then what the answer is and then design a State service around that, he said. The doctors were speaking at the publication of the long-awaited implementation plan for the National Maternity Strategy, which was published in January 2016. Under the as-yet uncosted strategy, an extra 100 midwives have been hired and the recruitment of 100 obstetricians is being targetted over 10 years, along with additional sonographers to perform ultrasound scans and other specialist staff including experts in addiction counselling, perinatal psychiatry, breastfeeding support, and investigation of infant and maternal deaths and other adverse incidents. Mr Harris said confidence in the countrys maternity services had been rocked by a succession of deaths and other incidents and he said his thoughts were with those families whose tragic experiences had helped shape the strategy. It is as a result of their experiences that we have said as a country and as a health service that we want to do better, we must do better, we will do better, he said. Nonetheless there are Status Orange wind alerts the second highest status for Galway, Mayo, Wexford, Clare, Cork, Kerry, and Waterford tomorrow. Gusts of up to 130km/h are again predicted at times in coastal parts of Munster, Connacht, and also Wexford, with Met Eireann saying there is a risk of coastal flooding as Storm Brian tracks eastwards across central and southern parts of the country. The orange status applies to Galway and Mayo from 6am until 6pm tomorrow while in the other four counties, it begins at midnight and lasts until noon. The whole country is under a yellow wind warning from 10pm today until the same time tomorrow. In an overall weather advisory, Met Eireann said: A rapidly deepening depression in the mid-Atlantic (Storm Brian) is expected to fill as it tracks over parts of Ireland overnight Friday and early on Saturday. In general, the winds in most parts of the country will not be as severe as on Monday. Various parts of the country will experience strong winds at different times during this period, with northern counties probably not encountering peak winds until Saturday afternoon. Flooding on Centre Park Road, Cork, yesterday as the country prepared for wet weather and stormy conditions with the arrival of Brian. Picture: Larry Cummins Cork City Council said heavy rainfall is expected throughout today in the city and it asked motorists to exercise caution: There is a minor risk of flooding at Morrisons Island, South Terrace and Wandesford Quay from 5.30pm to 7.30pm due to high tides. The situation will continue to be monitored and another update will issue in the morning after 11am. It is expected that the main impact of any tidal flooding will only be on traffic. For tomorrow it said: People should travel with care because many trees and buildings remain damaged and unstable following Hurricane Ophelia. Heavy rain may result in localised surface flooding. No tidal flooding expected on Saturday. The Titanic Experience Cobh has lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanala against a decision by Cork Co Council to grant planning permission for the facility to Perks Promotions. The well-known family business plans to open a new arcade at Pearse Square in Cobh on the site of a former Xtravision store which has been vacant for several years. Objecting to the development, the managing director of the Titanic Experience, Gillen Joyce, said Cobh was trying to establish itself as a tourist destination as part of Irelands Ancient East. Mr Joyce said local businesses and the council were investing a considerable amount of money to market and establish Cobh as a family-friendly tourist location. Money was also being spent on a number of projects including the redevelopment of Titanic Pier, a new cruise ship terminal and the further development of Spike Island. Mr Joyce said the development of an amusement arcade did not fit in with the vision of improving the face of Cobh at any level. If you look at the areas where these are prominent such as Tramore, you can see the detrimental effect that they have on an area overall, Mr Joyce said. We should learn from what occurred there and not repeat those mistakes. In contrast Mr Joyce claimed local authorities in places such as Killarney, Kilkenny, and Westport strictly controlled what was allowed in terms of planning in their area. He said: Amusement arcades attract and encourage social problems in terms of gambling and other localised anti-social behaviours. He claimed there was already a significant number of casinos in Cork city for people who wanted to use such facilities as well as a significant number of bookmakers in Cobh. Perks defended its plans and said the proposed development was similar in style to that of a traditional retail unit. It claimed the arcade would provide recreational facilities for local residents and visitors to Cobh. Perks said it would not increase the existing permitted opening hours of the previous outlet which was 9am-11.30pm. It also maintained that the arcade met the requirements of the Draft Cobh Municipal Plan 2017 which aimed to reduce vacant buildings and improve vibrancy within the town centre. In granting planning permission Cork County Council said it considered the development of an arcade would not seriously injure the amenities of the area. However, it limited the permission to a five-year period in order to assess its impact on the area as well as limiting its opening hours to 10am-10pm. An Bord Pleanala is due to issue its ruling on the case by February 23 next year. The Central Bank revealed the Garda involvement as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar threatened banks with new laws, taxes, and penalties if they fail to compensate those affected within weeks. Speaking before Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe holds crunch meetings with the banks on Monday and Wednesday, Central Bank officials said they have been co-operating with gardai. At an appearance at the Dail finance committee, which heard chairman and Fianna Fail TD John McGuinness describe what has happened as grand theft from thousands of people, Central Bank financial conduct official Derville Rowland said the scandal has already been discussed twice with gardai. Ms Rowland who also said banks have informally threatened legal action if any measures are taken against them told TDs she could not say if a criminal probe would be launched into the controversy, which occurred when at least 20,000 tracker mortgage holders were incorrectly moved onto more expensive loans. However, she confirmed the Central Bank has also been in contact with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, and that further action is likely. The view was repeated in the Dail by Education Minister Richard Bruton, who, speaking on behalf of Government, said gardai may be asked to get involved. During the latest Leaders Questions debate, Mr Bruton said that the Coalition will ruthlessly pursue banks warning. Given the appalling trauma in our economy and our society caused by bad bank lending and poor regulation, there is now an absolute obligation on banks to fulfill their responsibilities to their clients, said Mr Bruton. The Central Bank has made clear that it is engaging with other statutory bodies, including the Garda Siochana, so there is no flinching from pursuing this. Mr Varadkar warned banks to resolve the issue, saying that they will be hit with new laws, penalties, taxes, and bank levy hikes if they do not compensate customers immediately. Repeating a threat first made in yesterdays Irish Examiner, Mr Varadkar said he wants banks to get on with it and sort things out. Well see what happens next week [when banks meet with Mr Donohoe], he said. Im certainly open to new laws and new regulations, and additional taxation. The banks have it in their power to sort this out within a matter of months. Legislation and new sanctions would take longer and I really think the banks have prevaricated and dragged their heels for far too long now. While the Government is taking a tough stance on the issue, it is understood the Coalition is still of the view the matter could be resolved by banks previously bailed out, compensating victims. However, it is unclear if this will take place, with the Central Bank confirming banks have unofficially threatened legal action if any moves are made against them by the financial watchdog. Fianna Fail finance spokesperson Michael McGrath said the issue is one of the greatest consumer rip-offs in state history. His party colleague, public expenditure spokesperson Dara Calleary, went further, telling the Dail that the Government risks allowing banks to slither and slide away if they do not act to address the scandal now. The view was repeated by Labour leader Brendan Howlin and Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy. Noting the human carnage involved, Mr McGuinness said: They [banks] stole money from people and it is still not repaid. It is a question of grand theft from thousands of people. Its cartel behaviour. QUESTION: My wife and I are in our late 40s and we worry that all our friends are having more sex than us. We can go for three or four weeks without feeling the inclination, and then both make a conscious effort to have sex rather than it coming from desire. Is this a worry for our marriage? ANSWER: If you and your wife are still having satisfying sex, dont get too hung up on how often you have it. We tend to overestimate how much sex other people have, but the latest figures from the British National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal) show that men aged 25 to 34 have sex an average of 5.4 times a month, compared with an average of 4.1 times a month for men aged 35 to 54. The benchmark for a sexless marriage is sex less than ten times a year, but I dont think that figure is particularly helpful, because lots of couples have fantastic sex once every six weeks or so, and they are completely happy. Sexual frequency is really important only when it is observed through the prism of marital dissatisfaction. We know that unhappy couples dont have sex, but we dont know whether they are unhappy because they dont have sex, or whether they are not having sex because they are already unhappy. Of course it is difficult for couples who are juggling multiple commitments to make time for sex, but that shouldnt let you off the hook. And you are right to have some concerns. Sex, or its absence, is a pretty accurate barometer of the health of a relationship. Most couples who stop having sex cant recall making an active decision to do so. Sadly, a pattern will often develop whereby one person will make attempts at initiating, find they are rejected, and the result is underlying anger from both parties. Its quite common that one person might then take on this role of initiator. Sometimes it is a genuine attempt at repair. Sometimes the advance is made only because the initiator is certain that it will be rejected, so it puts them in a position where theyve done their bit. Sadly, it can be representative of quite toxic power balances in a relationship. The unwilling partner then inevitably experiences feelings of anger (why cant you accept that I dont want it?) and guilt (I know I should be making more of an effort), which can manifest as passive aggression. If the couple dont, wont, or cant talk about these complex feelings, they retreat into themselves. Like all human beings, what they both really crave is love, affection and respect, but without physical and emotional intimacy they begin to feel disconnected. The combination of unmet need and disappointment so often then plays out as suppressed, or expressed, hostility. Often a couple will start arguing over stupid things and the relationship becomes increasingly toxic. Happily, yours does not seem to have reached the toxic level. You may blame the demise of your sex life on common issues for your age group, such as the strain of looking after elderly parents and the various demands of school-age children, but whatever the reason, you need to take steps to rekindle the excitement and desire between you both. Why not start by making a concerted effort to take care of your wife. Keep it simple. Run her a bubble bath while you get the children into bed. Do housework. Remember to take her photograph occasionally. Text her out of the blue to tell her that she makes you proud, or tell her how lovely she looks. These simple gestures are a much more effective form of foreplay than badgering her once she has fallen into bed exhausted. Prioritise your wife, and the sex will follow. * Send your queries to: suzigodson@mac.com ON a Tuesday morning in June 2016, Nathan Brown, a reporter for The Times-News, the local paper in Twin Falls, Idaho, strolled into the office and cleared off a spot for his coffee cup amid the documents and notebooks piled on his desk. His first order of business was an article about a city council meeting from the night before, which he hadnt attended. Brown pulled up a recording of the proceedings and began punching out notes for his weekly article. Because most governing in Twin Falls is done by a city manager, these meetings tend to deal with trivial subjects such as lawn-watering and potholes, but Brown could tell immediately this one was different. We have been made aware of a situation, said the first speaker, an older man with a scraggly white beard who had hobbled up to the lectern. An alleged assault of a minor child and we cant get any information on it. Apparently, its been indicated that the perpetrators were foreign Muslim youth that conducted this I guess it was a rape. Brown recognised the man as Terry Edwards. About a year earlier, after The Times-News reported that Syrian refugees would very likely be resettled in Twin Falls, Edwards joined a movement to shut the resettlement programme down. After he finished watching the video, Brown called the police chief, Craig Kingsbury, to get more information about the case. Kingsbury said that he couldnt discuss it and that the police reports were sealed because minors were involved. Brown made a couple phone calls to the mayor and to his colleague at the paper who covers crime. He pieced together that, 12 days earlier, three children had been discovered partly clothed inside a shared laundry room at the apartment complex where they lived. There were two boys, aged seven and 10, and a five-year-old girl. The younger boy was accused of attempting some kind of sex act with the girl, and the 10-year-old had used a mobile borrowed from his older brother to record it. The girl was American and, like most people in Twin Falls, white. The boys were refugees; Brown wasnt sure from where. Local reporter Nathan Brown That weekend, Brown was on his way to see a movie when he received a Facebook message from Jim Dalos Jr, a 52-year-old known to Twin Falls journalists and police as Scanner Man. He lives at the apartment complex, Fawnbrook, where the laundry-room incident occurred. Dalos told Brown he had seen the police around Fawnbrook and that the victims mother told him that the boys had been arrested. He also pointed Brown to a couple of Facebook groups that were created in response to the incident. Brown scrolled through them on his mobile and saw links flying back and forth with articles that said that the little girl had been gang-raped at knife point, that the perpetrators were Syrian refugees, and that their fathers had celebrated with them afterward by giving them high fives. The stories also claimed that the city council and the police department were conspiring to bury the crime. Over the weekend, Brown ploughed through his daily packs of cigarettes as he watched hundreds, then thousands, of people joining the groups. The details of the Fawnbrook case, as it became known, were still unclear to Brown, but he was skeptical of what he was reading. For one thing, he knew from his own previous reporting that no Syrians had been resettled in Twin Falls. He woke up early on Monday to get a head start on clarifying things as much as possible in order to write a follow-up article. Before he got into the office, a friend texted him, telling him to check the Drudge Report. At the top, a headline screamed: REPORT: Syrian Refugees Rape Little Girl at Knifepoint in Idaho. As the only city of any size for 100 miles in any direction, Twin Falls serves as a modest hub within southern Idahos vast agricultural sprawl. Its population of about 45,000 nearly doubles each day as people travel there to work, primarily in the thriving agribusinesses. The wealth of easy-to-find, low-skilled jobs made Twin Falls attractive as a place for resettling refugees, and they began arriving in the 1980s, at that time mostly from Cambodia and the former Yugoslavia. Nearly 2,500 refugees have moved to the town over the years. Most Twin Falls residents are churchgoing, and about half of those are Mormons. Over the past decade and a half, as conflict spread across North Africa and the Middle East, Twin Falls started to resettle larger numbers of refugees with darker skin who follow an unfamiliar religion two things that make it difficult to blend into a town that is 80% white. On a national scale, an ascendant network of anti-Muslim activists and provocateurs has exploited the fears brought on by these changes, finding a platform and a receptive audience online. The narrative they espouse on blogs with names such as Jihad Watch is that America, currently 1% Muslim, is under an Islamic invasion. Central to the worldview of these bloggers is that Muslims have a propensity toward sexual violence. What happened in Twin Falls was sadly somewhat commonplace, but not in the way the activists believed. The local police department investigates sex crimes on a weekly basis, and, in about half a dozen of those that proceed to court each year, the victims and the accused are both minors. If its younger kids, its them being curious, JR Paredez, the lead investigator on the case, explained. Two weeks after the incident, the boys were charged with lewd and lascivious behaviour against a minor. (The 14-year-old who lent his mobile to the boys was initially charged with the same crime. He was not present in the laundry room, and his charge was eventually reduced to make him an accessory.) In Idaho, this statute applies to physical contact done with the intent of arousing, appealing to, or gratifying the lust or passions or sexual desires of such person, such minor child, or third party. Paredez said that the mobile video made clear what specifically had happened between the children, but that he couldnt show it to the reporters who asked him about it, because doing so would have constituted criminal distribution of child pornography. He called most of the details that he read about the case on the internet 100% false, like not even close to being accurate. The family of the accused declined to comment. As more time passed without a solid account of what happened in the laundry room, lurid rumours continued to surface online and came to dominate conversations in shops and at school events. And while the city council members did not have control over the case, the bloggers who wrote about it placed much of the blame on them. On the Monday when Twin Falls was the top story on Drudge, the city council held another weekly meeting. Normally only a handful of people attend, and Brown is one of the few reporters among them. But that night, the auditorium filled until there was standing room only, and television news crews appeared from Boise and other nearby cities. When it came time for public comments, one man got up and praised the citys handling of the case, followed by more than a dozen others who laid into the council members. Edwards handed each of them a small copy of the US Constitution and told them to do their jobs. A woman named Vicky Davis, her hair in a satiny white bob, stood up and proclaimed that Islam had declared jihad on America. They are not compatible with our culture, she said. They hate us. They dont want to be Americans. They dont want to assimilate. What do you need to see? What more proof do you need? Chief Kingsbury read from a statement while fumbling with a thicket of microphones piled onto the lectern by visiting reporters. In between exasperated breaths, he explained why he could not disclose the details of the incident but said that he could address some of the misinformation that was spreading online. There was no evidence of a knife, he said, or of celebrations afterward, or of a cover-up, and no Syrians were involved: The boys were from Sudan and Iraq. Im a kid who grew up in Idaho, he said. Law enforcement takes these types of allegations very seriously. However, we cant act on them within an hour. Its not like a crime show. He told the audience that the boys had been arrested, to applause. But online, Kingsburys words only inflamed activists more. Just after midnight, someone posted his work email address on Jihad Watch, along with those of the council members and the mayor. A commenter on another website called The Muslim Issue posted the phone numbers and email addresses for the towns government officials, the head of the refugee-resettlement centre, and some administrators at the college, which runs the refugee resettlement programme. From there, the information spread to more blogs and to the comments sections of far-right news outlets with massive audiences. The Twins Falls story aligned perfectly with the ideology that Stephen Bannon, then the head of Breitbart News, had been developing for years, about the havoc brought on by unchecked immigration and Islamism, all of it backed by big- business interests and establishment politicians. Steve Bannons Breitbart News helped to whip up the anti-Syrian feeling in a small town in Idaho, despite no refugees from that country being resettled there. Bannon latched onto the Fawnbrook case and used his influence to expand its reach. During the weeks leading up to his appointment in August 2016 to lead Donald Trumps campaign for president, Twin Falls was a daily topic of discussion on Bannons national radio show, where he called it the beating heart of all that the coming presidential election was about. He sent his lead investigative reporter, Lee Stranahan, to the town to investigate the case, boasting to his audience that Stranahan was a pit bull of a reporter. Were going to let him off the chain, he said. Lee Stranahan, former reporter with Breitbart News Stranahan, then 50, arrived in Idaho in August, after covering the national party conventions. The sealed nature of the case prevented any journalist from an exhaustive examination, and the accused and the victims families refused to speak to the mainstream media. But Stranahan thrived in the absence of facts. He was granted one of the few interviews with the victims family, but his account of the crime offered little more information than others had and far more inaccuracies, according to the police and the county prosecutor. He described it as a horrific gang rape and wrote graphic details about the incident, which the Twin Falls Police say are untrue. On Breitbart radio, Stranahan openly wondered whether Shawn Barigar, the mayor, was a big, you know, Shariah supporter. Shawn Barigar, mayor of Twin Falls. Stranahan says his Breitbart editors sent him to Twin Falls to report on the Muslim takeover of the town. (Breitbart denies this and says its absurd.) But he soon became enamoured of a grander theory about what was happening in southern Idaho: Globalism. He wrote that local businesses received government kickbacks for employing foreigners instead of Americans. (Stranahan did not cite any evidence of this, and it is untrue, according to the Department of Labor.) And he often referred to a Syrian refugee crisis, though no Syrians were ever resettled there. Then, to bring the story full circle, he claimed these Muslim refugees were being used to replace American workers and that the government, big business, and law enforcement were either conspiring to conceal the sex assault case or intentionally looking the other way, in order to keep the machine turning. Later, it turned out that fake Facebook accounts linked to the Russian government helped to spread stories about Twin Falls and even organised one of the rallies there. The event was also poorly attended but is the first known Russian attempt to spark a demonstration on American soil. Stranahan eventually quit his job at Breitbart, which he said was being mismanaged in Bannons absence. He is now based in Washington, and hosts a drive-time FM radio show with Sputnik, a state-run Russian news outlet. During our handful of conversations over the past year, each one lasting several hours, he expressed no contrition about the reporting he did in Twin Falls, though many of the conclusions that he drew on the radio and online have been debunked. Many of the outlets that covered the Fawnbrook case, including Breitbart, made only minor tweaks to their stories or did nothing at all. The falsehoods that Stranahan and other reporters wrote still rise to the top of a Google search for the city. In our discussions, Stranahan struck me as passionate about his stories; not about their veracity but about the freedom he and the critics of refugee resettlement should have to speculate as they wanted without being belittled by the fact-mongering mainstream. When I reached him by phone in June, he told me he was planning to travel back to Idaho for more reporting on Fawnbrook, now that he was no longer constrained by his editors at Breitbart. I started to ask why anyone should be allowed to publish false information for the express purpose of angering their audience and pushing them further away from those with whom they disagree, but Stranahan cut me off. Hey, Im walking into the White House right now, he said. He had just arrived for a press briefing with the presidents spokesman. Let me call you back. This April, the boys accused in the Fawnbrook case admitted guilt the juvenile court equivalent to pleading guilty and were sentenced in June. The judge prohibited city officials from commenting on the outcome of the trial, but juvenile justice experts told me that the boys would most likely be placed on probation and required to attend mandatory therapy to correct their behaviour. Their sentencing, which leaked to the public through the same blogs that initially covered the case, sparked another barrage of attacks against city officials, a year after the initial onslaught. Part of the reason a fear of Islam has persisted in Twin Falls is because the local leadership refused to defuse it, according to Matt Christensen, 36, the editor of The Times-News. While Brown wrote articles that sorted out the truth about the Fawnbrook case, Christensen was publishing commentary that castigated the people who were spreading falsehoods. He told me that he had closed-door meetings with city officials, in which he asked them to write guest editorials doing the same, but none of them did. Christensen suspected that they were afraid of one of the most reliable political dangers in the region; being outflanked on the right is the quickest way to lose your job. The refugee resettlement centre received a dramatic increase in donations from local residents during the last year. But those in the town who support the programme have often been drowned out by the relatively smaller, but louder, group of activists who oppose it. Brown said he expected to see an anti-Shariah bill introduced in the US State Legislature when the next session starts in 2018. There are a lot of people who feel like society is changing too quickly, like the community is changing too quickly, he told me. And who view other people not like them or who dont speak their language as a threat or a sign that their culture is going to be weakened. And they want to do what they can to stop that. Adapted from an article that was first published appeared in The New York Times Magazine. IN 1997, Katharine Graham, publisher of the Washington Post, recalled how concerned she was in June 1971 about the survival of the paper as she and her staff awaited a US Supreme Court adjudication on the Posts decision to publish the Pentagon Papers a secret study of the Vietnam War. I fully recognised that the soul of the newspaper was at stake, she said at the time to editor Ben Bradlee. The Pentagon Papers, which had been compiled on the orders of US defence secretary Bob McNamara, had been leaked to the Post by Daniel Ellsberg, and after the publication of the first extracts an injunction had been sought by the Nixon White House. The decision to go ahead and publish had been taken after much soul-searching because earlier, the New York Times, which had been the first to receive the papers, had already been restrained by a court injunction. The matter, crucial to the freedom of the press, was now before the Supreme Court, and it was due to make known its decision on June 30, 1971. Everyone in the newsroom was deadly quiet, waiting for the decision, recalled Mrs Graham. Deputy national editor Mary Lou Bratty heard the news on an open phoneline to the Supreme Court. She jumped on a desk and called out: We win and so does the New York Times! The newspapers were free to publish. By a six-to-three vote, the Supreme Court had ruled that the government had not met the heavy burden of showing justification for restraining further publication of the Pentagon Papers as endangering national security. At the Post, having regarded ourselves as doing the publics business, we were gratified by the result, said Mrs Graham. It was an important day for the role of a free press in a democracy. Months later, at the end of 1971, Katharine Graham discussed the issues surrounding publication of the Pentagon Papers in a speech she gave as Denison University. I still maintain what I said then, which was essentially that we believed from the start that the material in the Pentagon Papers was just the kind of information the public needed in order to form its opinions and make its choices more wisely. "We regarded their publication not as a breach of national security, but, rather, as a contribution to the national interest indeed, as the obligation of a responsible newspaper. Supplying the public with the information it needs especially when powerful people in high places wish to keep that information secret so that the public can make its choices more wisely, can make really informed choices thats the primary obligation of a responsible newspaper. We are fortunate here in Ireland in having responsible newspapers, and they have served Irish society well, but for how much longer? Thats not an academic question anymore. The reality is that the print industry is in near-crisis. Across the board newspaper circulation have been declining sharply, and revenue streams from advertising are drying up. And not even the most optimistic media analysts are willing to predict any reversal of these very worrying trends. Its time to acknowledge that the future for Irish newspapers is looking bleak, very bleak indeed. In fact, too much time in recognising this may already have been lost. The implications of this not just for the print industry, but for our democracy could be very serious indeed. This was acknowledged the other day by the chairman of the Press Council, Sean Donlon, when he told a meeting of the Association of European Journalists In Dublin that the press in Ireland is threatened today as never before. Mr Donlon said there were two main threats: the first was posed by tech companies such as Facebook, Google, Twitter and YouTube, while the other was caused by what he called our curious defamation laws. More than 50% of Irish people now received their news via social media, Mr Donlon said. But social media companies were not subject to any regulation. They were hovering up the advertising revenue on which traditional media had previously depended and were not employing trained journalists or editors, relying instead on other professional news gatherers and on selective algorithms. Big tech companies are not run by altruistic individuals, said Mr Donlon. In fact, they are operated by rapacious capitalists. These companies were not just a huge threat to traditional media, they were also attacking the very foundations of democracy. Some legislative initiatives had been taken elsewhere To counter this, and the government should look at these. Meanwhile, at the recent Fianna Fail Archies there was a welcome acknowledgement that measures to help newspapers and traditional media organisations are now needed. The partys spokesman on communications, Timmy Dooley, said: The one thing that is now sure is that journalism is under threat phenomenally so because of falling revenues, falling circulation, falling advertising. It is our view that in order to protect professional journalism, State support should be provided. The essence of that professionalism is well illustrated by story of the of the publication of the Pentagon Papers, because that story encapsulates in one episode the vital role newspapers play in not just disseminating news but in providing context for that news and supporting it with comment and analysis. Of course newspapers, like the societies they serve, have evolved over the years. They have not been immune to the rise of celebrity culture for one thing, nor should they be. Even as recently as 10 years ago you would search in vain for a broadsheet with a front page photograph of a supermodel, film actress or rock star. Today, such photographs are commonplace, and serve as a barometer of change within newspapers. Sport has always been an important ingredient of a newspapers make-up and appeal: coverage today has expanded significantly as television has fed the publics appetite for all sport, and now it often spills onto the front page. Show business, fashion, travel, food, motoring and health issues nowadays receive far more extensive coverage in newspapers. There is also, in keeping the growth of a more permissive society, much more frank and open treatment of sex. And the rise of feminism since the 1960s has ensured that women get far more media attention than their mothers did, while also playing a far more prominent role within newspapers themselves. Not everything that newspapers do today falls into the serious category. There is assuredly an entertainment element to modern newspapers, not just here but elsewhere. But their primary task, their overriding responsibility their very raison detre remains gathering and placing at the disposal of citizens the kind of information they need to in order to form opinions and make wise choices. That requires good journalism and that costs money, so the economic viability of newspapers is now, more than ever, a priority. The essential and vital work of a newspaper is today just what it was in 1971 when Katherine Graham addressed the students of Denison University. But to continue that work, they must survive. It is now being increasingly recognised that in order to ensure that survival State funding in one form or another is necessary. How that might be arranged, how it might be provided, remains to be explored, and there is surely a role here for the Press Council and the NUJ. What is needed immediately is a government commitment to make that funding available. The sad lesson of the Irish Press the demise of which in 1995 I had painful personal experience of, having worked for that newspaper for 22 years is there before us. Is it now to be followed by others as apart of an inexorable process of decline? In the absence of newspapers what will the quality of our public discourse be like? Electricity consumption in Ukraine grew by 1.3%, or 1.422 billion kWh in January-September 2017 compared to the same period of 2016, to 108.912 billion, a source at the Energy and Coal Industry Ministry told Interfax-Ukraine. The figures take into account technological losses in the power grids. Without taking into account technological losses, electricity consumption in the nine months through September 2017 increased 1.7%, or 1.489 billion kWh, to 87.471 billion kWh. The industry of the country, excluding technological losses, increased electricity consumption by 2.3%, to 37.503 billion kWh. In particular, metallurgy consumed 21.467 billion kWh (0.6% up from January-September 2016), the fuel industry consumed 2.685 billion kWh (2% up), machine building 2.877 billion kWh (9.8% up), chemical and petrochemical industries 2.094 billion kWh (6.8% down), food and processing industry 3.223 billion kWh (6.4% up). Producers of construction materials consumed 1.689 billion kWh (5% up) and other sectors boosted power consumption by 9%, to 3.467 billion kWh. Agriculture alone consumed 2.738 billion kWh (a 7% increase), the transport sector 5.193 billion kWh (a 5.9% increase), and the construction sector 645.8 million kWh (a 13.6% increase). Households in January-September 2017 consumed 26.676 billion kWh (1.1% down), providers of utilities services bought 11.074 billion kWh (0.5% down), and other non-industrial consumers 4.642 billion kWh (7.3% up). Industry accounted for 42.9% of total electricity consumption January-September 2017 compared with 42.6% year-over-year. The share of households decreased from 30.2% to 29.4%. In September alone, electricity consumption taking into account technological losses grew by 0.1%, to 11.069 billion kWh, and without technological losses by 3.7%, to 9.285 billion kWh. Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman expects that the first tangible results of medical reform in the country can be expected in a few years, but efforts need to be made. "I think, fundamentally, in a few years we will be able to see the first successes, but this does not mean that we will be waiting for two years," Groysman said on Thursday evening on the 1plus1 TV channel, adding that the healthcare sphere in Ukraine is so neglected that it will take several years to feel the results of the reform. He said that 13 cardio logical centers will be opened in Ukraine this year and the same number in the next year. "We will expand the list of free medicines, that is, we will show in course of time that the situation is really changing," the prime minister said. Groysman also noted that a working group would be established to implement the medical reform. "It will be very inclusive, and we will implement these changes in a balanced way and very seriously," he said. As reported, on Thursday the Verkhovna Rada supported at the second reading and on the whole the draft law on state financial guarantees for the provision of medical services and medicines (medical reform). This Week in Review A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. Ukraine's Culture Minister Yevhen Nyschuk and Minister of Education, Culture and Research of Moldova Monica Babuc have signed the Cooperation Program of Ukraine and Moldova in the field of culture until 2021. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, the program, signed in Kyiv on Thursday, is designed for 2017-2021. "The signing of the cooperation program is a very important step for further cultural cooperation between our countries. We are opening new prospects for the creation of modern art projects in cooperation with the Republic of Moldova. I am convinced that this will create a completely new range of opportunities in all spheres of social and cultural life of our countries," Nyschuk said. The program provides for the exchange of experience in the development of creative industries; cooperation with the aim of activating the cinematographic production and development of the audiovisual sphere; cultural exchange and cooperation in the field of theater, music, pictorial, variety and circus art, cinema, library and museum business; assistance in establishing direct contacts between educational institutions in the field of culture and art of both countries and the implementation of cultural and educational programs; exchange of experience on the introduction of advanced technologies in the field of cultural values. The OSCE Permanent Council at its 1161st meeting on Thursday approved the decision to extend the mandate of the observer mission at the two Russian checkpoints Hukove and Donetsk for three months, until January 31, 2018, at an uncontrolled section of the Ukrainian-Russian border. "The mandate of the Mission, which is comprised of 22 staff, remains unchanged. Operating under the principles of impartiality and transparency, the observers will monitor and report on the situation at the two Russian checkpoints, as well as on the movements across the border. The Mission has been on the ground since 29 July 2014, the official website of the OSCE said on Thursday. In connection with the adoption of this decision, the delegation of Ukraine to the OSCE made a statement in which it expressed its deep disappointment with the Russian Federation's sole refusal to grant consent for the expansion of the mission's mandate to the entire stretch of the border adjacent to the territory of certain regions of Donetsk and Luhansk regions that is temporarily uncontrolled by the government of Ukraine. "Such actions by the Russian Federation indicate a conscious unwillingness to contribute to the de-escalation of the situation in Donbas and the conscious intention to continue supplying heavy weapons, military equipment and ammunition, militants and mercenaries, support terrorist activities on the territory of Ukraine," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said in response to the decision of the Permanent OSCE Council on the extension of the mandate, published on the official website of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry. The delegation of Ukraine urged the Russian Federation to fulfill its obligations under the Minsk agreements, first of all, the provisions of paragraph 4 of the Minsk Protocol dated September 5, 2014 on establishing control and constant monitoring of the OSCE over the temporarily uncontrolled section of the Ukrainian-Russian state border with the creation of a security zone along the border on the part of Ukraine and the Russian Federation, progress in the implementation of which is critically important for the de-escalation of the situation in Donbas. 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. Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko has said that about 700,000 citizens of Ukraine annually use the services of the centers for free legal assistance. "Starting from 2014, we have 550 free legal aid centers that are located throughout the country. They provide consultations on average to 700,000 Ukrainian citizens annually," Petrenko said during an hour of questions to the government in the parliament on Friday. The minister said that citizens resort to centers for housing subsidies, protection of rights, and property issues. According to Petrenko, the level of complaints about the work of employees of these centers is about 1%. There is going to be a wonderful chance to step back in time when a hop-picking festival comes to Kent in September. Traditionally, a grand knees-up like this would have been held once every year to celebrate the end of the harvest. The recreation of the traditional festival will be held at the old Whitbread Hop farm which has been a working brewery until very recently and is unmissable with its group of 32 white coned oast houses. Hops have been grown on the site since the 1570s. Hops are, believe it or not, closely related to cannabis. The plant yields resins and oils and gives beer its bitter taste and distinctive aroma and helps to preserve it. The plants grow on bines which are trained up 10ft-high trellis work of wires and strings. Hilary Hefferman, a historian who has written three books about the traditions of hop picking said the poor of London looked forward to the hop-picking season all year even though it meant working from 8am to six in the evening everyday. She said this went on until the 1960s and she still meets a lot of people who are eager to talk about those days. She said: "The amazing thing is they wish it were still happening. It was a holiday because it got them out of the smog and into the clean air of the country. They couldn't afford a break so any break away from the daily grind was welcome." You can take part in traditional festivities which the hop pickers would have enjoyed, look around the hop garden and pull a hop bine as it would have been done for hundreds of years. If you would like a real, detailed insight into the life of a hop picker it's definitely worth heading for the Hop Story Museum which is a permanent feature of the park. The two-day festival is a big family day out. There's a Punch and Judy, coconut shy, country games on the lawn, demonstrations by the shire horse which would have been traditionally used to transport beer, as well as a chance to see the animal farm. Some of Kent's finest ales will be available to sample, along with a rural market selling the finest Kentish wares and you can listen to the old-fashioned Victorian organ music the hop pickers would have enjoyed. August 14, 2001 11:32 Detectives from Ukraine's National Anti-corruption Bureau (NABU) have prevented Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine deputy (independent) Boryslav Rozenblat from leaving Ukraine with evidence important to the so-called 'amber case' in which he has been implicated, as well as with jewels and money received in suspected illegal payments. "NABU detectives on October 19 prevented Rozenblat from taking evidence important to the case out of the country and ensured that he would be present at court hearings [in Ukraine]," the NABU's press service said on Friday. NABU said its agents searched the plane [Rozenblat had boarded] pursuant to Part 3 of Article 233 of Ukraine's Criminal Code to preserve items that may be used as evidence in the 'amber case.' NABU added that Rozenblat himself was not detained. Investigators said Rozenblat intended to take abroad communications equipment that may contain evidence of concealment of committed crimes, evidence and valuable items. "During the search carried out in the airplane, NABU detectives seized mobile telephones, computer devices and items resembling expensive jewels. In addition, credit cards issued by foreign banks and passports, including a diplomatic passport, were seized," NABU said, adding that it served Rozenblat with a notice to appear in Kyiv's Solomiansky District court as a witness. Rozenblat had been required to wear an electronic bracelet until October 16. Ukraine's Special Anti-corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) has applied for the measure to be extended. As reported, in June, Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine Artem Sytnyk reported a scheme of illegal amber mining, in which MP Rozenblat and MP Maksym Poliakov of the People's Front faction were involved. The amount of received bribes exceeded UAH 300,000. On June 21, Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko requested the parliament should give its consent to prosecution, detention and arrest of these two parliamentarians. On July 12, 2017, the Verkhovna Rada approved prosecution of Poliakov and Rozenblat, but voted against their detention and arrest. The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office requested UAH 10 million bail as a preventive measure for Rozenblat. Solomiansky District Court on October 20 is scheduled to hear arguments on Rozenblat's pretrial confinement. Procedural duties were extended under a court ruling on October 19 with respect to State Fiscal Service chief Roman Nasirov, who was suspended from office, and now he will be able to leave Kyiv for Kyiv region, the Ukrayinska Pravda online news site has reported, with reference to the Nashi Groshi (Our Money) website. "The court permitted Nasirov to move around Kyiv and Kyiv region, where he has a house in Kozyn. Earlier, the suspended official could not leave the capital," reads the report. At the same time, Nasirov still has to wear an electronic ankle bracelet, but now it is possible to remove it only for medical purposes. "The court left the rest of the duties unchanged, in particular, to hand over passports and other documents granting the right to travel abroad, to arrive to the detective, the prosecutor and to the court on demand, to report changes in place of residence and/or place of work, and to refrain from communication with other suspects in this criminal proceeding," the report says. Nasirov is under observation after he was charged on March 2 with abuse of power to benefit MP Oleksandr Onyschenko. On March 8, the Solomiansky District Court of Kyiv chose a measure of restraint for Nasirov in the form of arrest for 60 days with the possibility of posting UAH 100 million bail. On March 16, after his relatives posted the required amount, Nasirov left Kyiv's pretrial detention center. Talented artists often become well-known for just one type of art when they actually created many different things. Emile Galle (1846-1904), the famous artist known for his cameo glass, designed, made and sold pottery and furniture. The glass and furniture are popular with todays collectors. The pottery is scarce and not well-known. Galle was a leader in Art Nouveau design and a passionate botanist, yet few of the art books mention anything but his cameo glass. Galles father had a store and sold glass and ceramics. Emile Galle studied glass making, design, botany and mineralogy, and he even served in the Franco-Prussian war. This training helped him in his commercial projects. After his schooling, he moved back to Nancy, France, where he was born and started his own workshop. In 1874, he directed the Saint-Clement pottery and eventually moved it to Nancy. His pottery was exhibited at the 1878 Paris Exhibition, and later, he showcased both pottery and glass at another Paris exhibition. He set up his furniture shop in 1884. The wooden pieces feature marquetry using naturalistic designs similar to those found on his cameo glass. Galle invented many new techniques for making glass, and he started the Art Nouveau style that used curved lines, shapes and natural designs with plants and animals. His Art Nouveau cameo glass was world-renowned, and he continued to study and write about horticultural subjects. Galle died of leukemia when he was 58 after a long battle with the illness. A large faience-handled bowl with flowers, scrolls, dolphin heads and a picture of a sailboat was auctioned at a James Julia sale in 2017. Its marked with a Cross of Lorraine and the words Emile Galle Fecit Modele depose. (Emile Galle registered design). A similar bowl was on Antiques Roadshow in 2016 with an estimated value more than twice the price paid of $968. Q: I have a pair of shoe roller skates with wooden wheels. There is a metal plate on the bottom with the number 5 and Chicago Roller Skate Co., Ware Bros., Pat. Aug. 15, 1914, Made in U.S.A. What can you tell me about them? Answer: Ralph and Walter Ware bought The Chicago Roller Skate Co. in 1905. Their brother, Robert, joined the business in 1909. Roller skating was a popular pastime and Chicago had several roller rinks. Skates with wooden wheels were made to skate on the wood floor in roller rinks. The company also made racing skates, clamp-on skates for skating on sidewalks, parts for skates, lawn sprinklers and a few other products. Your shoe skates probably were made between 1914 and 1920. The company was bought by National Sporting Goods in the 1990s. Vintage shoe skates like yours sell for under $200. Q: We inherited a Handel lamp with a painted glass shade and are interested in finding out the value of it so we can sell it. It has a small amount of damage, but the lamp itself works. What do you think its worth? Answer: Handel lamps in good condition can sell for over several thousand dollars. Reverse-painted shades sell for the highest prices, but even a bronze Handel lamp base without the shade can sell for a few hundred dollars or more. Most Handel lamps are marked. Look for marks on the base, rim and inside the bottom of the shade. If you find a four-digit number code on the shade, you may be able to find the value online. However, damaged shades are hard to sell. Reproduction Handel shades have been made and are of little value. Q: I have had an old gas stove in my basement since we moved into this house in 1989. It was hooked up to the gas, so it was still working when we moved in. The stove has since been disconnected and not used. How can I tell if its considered an antique worth anything? The brand name of the stove is Grand. Answer: Grand stoves were made by the Cleveland Cooperative Stove Co. in Cleveland, Ohio, from 1909 to 1952. The company started out as the Cleveland Co-operative Hollow Ware, Stove & Foundry Company and made coal-burning stoves. It was the largest stove company in the world in the early 1900s. The company bought a line of gas ranges in 1909. The company made Grand stoves until 1952. Old gas stoves dont sell well, normally under $150. Using it can be dangerous if its not properly installed and vented. You should have it checked out if you plan to use it. Q: I found a cigar box with a red-and-gold emblem on the lid and the words, Real Fabrica de Tabacos, Punch, F. Palicio, Inc. On the bottom of the box it says, 25 cigars, Hand Made in Spanish Honduras, Honduras American Tabaco, S.A. Is it worth anything? Answer: The Punch brand name was first registered in 1840. Ownership has changed several times since. Fernandez Palicio & Co. bought the brand name in 1930. After the Cuban embargo began in 1962, restrictions were put on bringing Cuban cigars into the U.S., so Punch cigars were made in Honduras. Your cigar box was made after Honduras-American Tobacco S.A. was founded in 1964. The company was sold to General Cigar Co. in 1996. Cigar boxes that arent old and dont relate to an important event or person sell for very little, usually less than $10. Current Prices Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions. Amethyst glass, sugar, black amethyst, square, scallop rim, pedestal foot, handles, c. 1934, 4 inches, $25. Game, Uncle Wiggily, pin the hat, Milton Bradley, frame, original packaging, hats, 24 x 30 7/8 inches, 71. Cambridge glass, candy jar, lid, rose du barry, peach-blo, acid etched, silver leaf bands, knob, 6 inches, 115. Sundial, armillary, bronze, ringed sphere, arrow, Roman numerals, pedestal, c. 1910, 10 x 7 inches, $140. Ceremonial hermit dance mask, painted and carved wood, bearded man, Mexico, 1950s, 10 x 6 inches, $200. The National Police's office in Kyiv has called on participants in a rally outside the building of the Verkhovna Rada in the city center to free the roadway of Hrushevskoho Street, where protesters put up some tents. An Interfax-Ukraine reporter said that such announcements had been made through a loudspeaker on Friday morning. The protesters were also reminded of administrative and criminal responsibility for violating public order and hindering the work of a state institution. The head of the National Police's main office in Kyiv, Andriy Kryschenko, said live on the 112 Ukraine television channel that Hrushevskoho Street was currently closed, whereas other streets had been opened to traffic. "There are patrols that check the cars if necessary," he added. Kryschenko also voiced the demands of the police: "We are not asking, but are demanding that Hrushevskoho Street be freed... We believe that we will be able to persuade [protesters] to voluntarily free [the roadway] for free travel, for the convenience of residents of Kyiv, and to move to the Mariyinsky Park. We are holding talks." As of Friday morning the situation in the tent camp of participants in a rally "For Big Political Reform" was quiet. The building of the Verkhovna Rada is still surrounded by several lines of representatives of the National Guard and the National Police, and the street is closed. Independent lawmaker Viktor Chumak told journalists that the tents near the Verkhovna Rada did not prevent MPs from working. When asked if it is possible that the police might dismantle the tent camp in a period when the Verkhovna Rada will not work in plenary mode, Chumak said: "It would be stupid on the part of the authorities and the police." He also recalled that MPs had two more bills concerning election codes and that they should be put to the vote in the session hall. The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing next Thursday on proposed changes to the countys land-use rules regarding accessory dwellings on residential lots. After the public hearing, the commissioners will then vote on the measures, County Manager Dudley Watts said during a commissioners briefing session Thursday. The commissioners meeting is set to begin at 2 p.m. in the Forsyth County Government Center. In March 2016, the City-County Planning Board voted 6-2 to recommend that the commissioners and the city council eliminate the kinship provision from regulations on accessory dwellings in the city and county. The countys Unified Development Ordinances currently allows accessory dwellings, but limits their occupancy to relatives, those who are adopted, dependents and servants of the owners in the principal building on a lot. People who are at least 55 as well as people who are handicapped can also live in attached accessory dwellings. Accessory dwellings are known by various names, including granny flats, in-law apartments, guest houses and carriage houses. They may be attached or detached from a main house. There are about 500 accessory dwellings in the county. Paul Norby, the director of city-county planning and development, told the commissioners Thursday that they have two options in dealing with the proposals regarding accessory dwellings. They could simply eliminate the kinship provisions from the UDO regarding those dwellings, or they could eliminate the kinship provision and require residents to apply for special-use rezoning districts for all accessory dwellings in the county, he said. The push to change the ordinances regarding accessory dwellings is partly because of recent case law in North Carolina, including a case in Wilmington where the courts have ruled that Wilmington officials cannot base their ordinance on who lives in a dwelling. The Winston-Salem attorneys office also has concerns regarding the enforceability of occupancy provisions of the UDO and have recommended revising current provisions to prevent them from being challeged in court. Twenty-six municipalities in North Carolina allow accessory dwellings in areas zoned for single-family neighborhoods, according to a county document. City and planning officials have discussed the rules regarding accessory dwellings for several months. Many city and county residents have shared their views about those dwellings and their effect on their neighborhoods with city and planning officials, Norby, the director of the city-county planning and development services, told the commissioners. Last month, the Winston-Salem City Council voted unanimously to allow secondary dwellings on residential lots in the city as long as they meet certain requirements. If the commissioners follows the city councils decision on this matter, then the commissioners would have to consider potentially hundreds of rezoning requests for accessory dwellings in the county, Norby said. Why would we complicate something that is so simple, Dave Plyler, the boards chairman, asked Norby. It doesnt make sense. Norby said that some residents have concerns that there isnt enough governmental control over accessory dwellings in neighborhoods zoned for single-family houses, and that could result in the rezoning of those areas for multi-family homes. Commissioner Ted Kaplan then asked Norby what would happen if the commissioners didnt take any action on the proposed ordinance changes regarding accessory dwellings. You would have an ordinance that would have some questions to it, Norby replied. So the board (of commissioners) will have to take action. WILMINGTON A North Carolina teenager has died after he was shot at a water park. Police in Wilmington told local media outlets on Thursday that 19-year-old Christopher White was shot just before 7 p.m. Wednesday in the parking lot at the water park. Authorities say they believe White knew the shooter. White's death was the third shooting in Wilmington since Saturday and the second death. Last Saturday, police said 40-year-old Percy Woods was shot and killed at an intersection. That evening, 19-year-old Savannah Miller was shot in a house when someone fired shots from the driveway behind the house. Authorities say Miller is on life support. Police won't say if the shootings of White and Miller are related. The StarNews of Wilmington reports they were friends through social media. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close What did you do during the Vietnam War, Grandpa? Across America men my age are being asked that uncomfortable question in the wake of Ken Burns documentary Vietnam. Some will say that they served in the military. I hope they will say that proudly. Others will say that they resisted, marched, demonstrated against what they considered an unjust war. Again, proudly, I hope. What about the rest of us? One could get the impression from Burns documentary that everyone in my age group was involved in one way or other, on the streets or in the jungles, either for or against the war. That is far from the truth. From 1964, immediately before the buildup, to the end of the war in 1973, 2.7 million Americans served in Vietnam, a vast number, to be sure; but that is slightly less than 10 percent of the men in my age group. 90 percent of us did not serve in Vietnam. How do we answer when our grandkids ask what we did during the war? I speak only for myself. I was a child of the 50s trusting authority, confident that America was on the right side in every war, politically unaware and otherwise occupied -- before I became a child of the 60s. While young men my age and younger, from poor and working-class families as I was, were being drafted and sent to a place many still called French Indo-China, I was going to class and on dates, preaching youth revivals and preparing for a career in the ministry. In 1963, 23,300 Americans were serving in Vietnam. One hundred and twenty-two of them were killed. Thats the year I got married. Five years later, when I was in the second year of graduate school and the father of a two-year old, there were almost 540,000 Americans serving in the military in Vietnam. Sixteen thousand eight hundred and ninety-nine of them were killed that year. Throughout the '60s, I was protected from military service by a complex system of exemptions and deferments. From 1960-1964, I had a student deferment (I-S). By the time the buildup began in 1965, I had been married for two years the marriage deferment was eliminated that year but people who were already married were allowed to maintain their deferment -- and had completed my first year in divinity school (IV-D). Why the Selective Service decided that ministers and divinity school students were vital to national security and could not be risked by being sent to an active war zone, I never understood, but I dont recall objecting too loudly. Anti-war sentiment grew steadily throughout the decade, extending modestly even to Waco, Texas, where I was in graduate school. That is where I took my first stand against the war, though ever so cautiously. On Oct. 15, 1969, 250,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C., calling for a moratorium on the war. A crowd twice that size gathered a month later, including Peter, Paul and Mary, Arlo Guthrie and Pete Seeger, who led the crowd in singing John Lennons Give Peace a Chance. A fellow graduate student and I attended a small anti-war gathering on our campus in Texas, as much observers as participants. A photographer from the campus newspaper sneaked up behind us and got off a shot without our knowing it. The next morning, there we were on the front page, black armbands and all, protesting the war. What did you do during the Vietnam War, Grandpa? I got there late, stood in the back and accidentally got my picture taken. Watching Ken Burns Vietnam has been difficult for many, perhaps most, in my generation, but for different reasons. Undoubtedly, the documentary brought back painful memories for those who served in the military and for those who lost loved ones. For me, it surfaced not survivors guilt but absentees regret that when my country was being torn apart because of an unjust war in Southeast Asia I was missing in action. I promised myself that I would never do that again. Young people who watch documentaries about the '60s sometimes say, What a time to be alive: The civil rights movement, Vietnam, the womens movement, anti-nuclear protests. To them I say, No, this is the time to be alive. You dont get someone elses time. This is yours. Grab hold. Get involved. Do something. Forty years from now, when your grandkids ask what you did during the 21st century's Turbulent Teens, you will have something to say, proudly. Richard Groves is a former pastor of Wake Forest Baptist Church and former adjunct instructor at High Point University. The conflicting sides in Donbas should withdraw their weapons to beyond firing range in order to avoid an escalation of the conflict and ensure a lasting truce, the Principal Deputy Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM), Alexander Hug, said at a press briefing in Kyiv on Friday. The OSCE SMM observed 3,335 ceasefire breaches in eastern Ukraine last week, which was 45% more than the week before, Hug said. The growing number of ceasefire breaches reflects the general trend: heavy weapons have yet to be withdrawn, and the sides have positions too close to one another, he said. The monitoring mission saw 55 pieces of weapons deployed in violation of the contact line regulations, including 26 in the areas held by Ukraine and 29 on other territories, Hug said. An OSCE SMM drone tracked down, for instance, five artillery guns and three Rapira cannons in DPR-held Novoselivka, Hug said, adding that those weapons should have been moved at least 25 kilometers away from the contact line. Twenty artillery weapons were detected by the observers' drone in Kyiv-held Oleksandropil, Hug said. Those weapons were also supposed to be moved 25 kilometers from the contact line, he said. Also, the SMM has seen the sides reinforcing their firing positions, which are located less than 100 meters from one another in some places, Hug said. Ceasefire violations of the kind are nothing other than a smoldering conflict, but it has become clear over the past 3.5 years that nothing is certain, and no one knows what stage the conflict is going through, Hug said. Hostilities are low-intensity today, but tensions may escalate abruptly at any moment, he said. Hug urged the sides to act immediately in order to ensure a lasting truce and prevent an escalation of the conflict. The sides should fulfill the obligations they took upon themselves in Minsk over three years ago, withdraw their weapons to beyond firing range, and disengage their forces and hardware, Hug said. If this is done, the truce will hold, he said. After two months of interning with the Summerville Orchestra, Olivia Johnston was recently hired to replace the outgoing Nancee Adams as the community music organization's new associate director of marketing and communications. Read moreS'ville Orchestra's Olivia Johnston settles into new role Jay Byars is back to serve in his fourth term on Dorchester County Council. Fresh off his decisive win by a 37 percent margin over Petition challenger Brian Riesen in the Nov. 8 race for the District 7 seat, the Spartanburg native remains steadfast in his commitment to improve parks and Read moreJay Byars targeting parks, roads and more in new term Amnesty International (AI) [advocacy website] on Tuesday accused [press release] Myanmar security forces of committing crimes against humanity in their expelling of the Rohingya Muslim population. The report, entitled My World Is Finished: Rohingya Targeted in Crimes against Humanity in Myanmar [text, PDF], gives first-hand accounts of survivors fleeing the alleged genocide [JURIST report]. AI spoke with refugees, used satellite imagery and relied on local investigators to conclude that the Myanmar army, police officers and local civilians worked together to force the Rohingya from their homes. The attack on the Rohingya population has been both systematic and widespread, constituting serious human rights violations and crimes against humanity under international law. The violations and crimes have been committed within a context of decades of systematic, state-led discrimination and persecution of the Rohingya population and occasional large-scale outbursts of violence. AI is calling on the international community to cease any arms trades or security training they have with Myanmar. Moreover, they are are asking the international community to use their influence and resources to stop the violence that has caused over a half a million Rohingya refugees. A Brazilian congressional committee voted [vote record, in Portuguese] Wednesday to reject [press release, in Portuguese] corruption charges against President Michel Temer. The charges are related [BBC report] to a corruption case against meatpacking company JBS [corporate website]. The charges were rejected in a vote of 39-26 that fell largely along party lines. The full lower chamber still needs to vote on the matter, but they are expected to follow the vote of the congressional committee. In order to face trial, two-thirds of the lower house needs to approve the charges. Temer has been the subject of several difference corruption probes since taking office. In September Brazils Supreme Court authorized [JURIST report] an investigation of corruption and money laundering charges against Temer related to the operation of a port in Santos. In September 2016 the Brazilian Supreme Court approved an investigation against Temer into allegations of illegal campaign donations The Guatemalan Constitutional Court [official website, in Spanish] on Wednesday withdrew [text, in Spanish] the foreign ministrys [official website, in Spanish] warning to the head of the UN International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) [official Website], Ivan Velasquez. The foreign ministry had granted Velasquez a one-year renewal on his visa but warned [WP report] him to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs. The purpose of the CICIG is to investigate illegal security groups and clandestine security organizations in Guatemala. The Constitutional Court ruled that the visa renewal could not be used to restrict a diplomats work. Earlier this year, the court also blocked an attempt by Guatemalas president to expel Velasquez from the country. The CICIG helped expel the previous Guatemalan president from office two years ago. In June 2016, the former president Otto Perez Molina, former vice president Roxana Baldetti, and 70 other officials were charged [JURIST report] with various corruption and money laundering charges. The US District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina [official website] on Monday began trial [The Mountaineer report] in Common Cause v. Rucho, a consolidated partisan gerrymandering case brought by Common Cause, the League of Women Voters of North Carolina, [organization pages] among others. The lawsuit challenges North Carolinas newest map after the Supreme Court upheld a district court ruling that found two congressional districts were racially gerrymandered in Cooper v. Harris [SCOTUSBlog materials]. Last month, the court denied [text, PDF] the Legislative Defendants motion to stay pending the outcome of Gill v. Whitford [SCOTUSblog materials; JURIST report], finding that the harms to plaintiffs outweighed any circumstances favoring a stay. The court distinguished Whitford from this case on multiple grounds. First, the court noted that there is no jurisdictional challenge in this case. Further, the court distinguished the legal theories in each case, noting that the Common Cause plaintiffs provide a discrete First Amendment framework for challenging partisan gerrymandering, whereas the Whitford plaintiffs pursue their First Amendment and Equal Protection claims under a unified theory. The district court noted in its order that the Supreme Court has held that partisan gerrymandering claims are justiciable, stating, [We must] therefore, refrain from exercising our discretion to stay these proceedings on the bare possibility that the Supreme Court may reverse its precedent and flatly bar claims challenging a practice the Court has characterized as incompatible with democratic principles. [Internal quotation omitted]. Unless the Court simply declares partisan gerrymandering claims nonjusticiable, this case could provide an alternate method of challenging partisan gerrymandering whatever the Courts ruling in Whitford. The chief organizers of protest actions near the Verkhovna Rada building in central Kyiv aimed to destabilize the situation in Ukraine and their demands were only a cover, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said. "The chief organizers demonstrated that their formal demands were only a smoke screen. Their real plan of action is the destabilization of the situation in Ukraine," Poroshenko said during a visit to the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service's mobile border guard unit in Kyiv on Friday. Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili initiated the action near the Verkhovna Rada building. The rally participants made formal demands which fully coincide with presidential initiatives, both in terms of anti-corruption trials and parliamentary immunity. Thanks to law enforcement officials' effective actions, attempts to buy weapons were averted and caches containing weapons and explosives were found, Poroshenko said. The president said the rally organizers were not seeking changes, "they needed blood." The president said law enforcement agencies had done everything to keep the rally peaceful, had not given in to provocations and had prevented bloodshed. Ukraine has survived many attempts to destabilize its internal situation, he said. "I am stating: we have handled it and we will handle it this time," Poroshenko said. US Ambassador Nikki Haley told the UN Security Council on Friday that it must "act now" to extend an investigation of chemical weapons attacks in Syria, a move that could be vetoed by Russia. The United States has circulated a draft resolution extending the mandate of the joint UN-OPCW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) panel for another year and diplomats said a vote at the council could be held as early as Monday. The measure is facing a possible veto from Russia, Syria's ally, which wants to first see a report due on Thursday on the sarin gas attack in Khan Sheikhun before deciding on the fate of the investigation. "We must act now and support the continuation of the JIM's important work," Haley said in a letter to the council obtained by AFP. The Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) was established by the council in 2015 to determine who is responsible for chemical weapons attacks in Syria's six-year civil war. Its mandate expires on November 18. The United States accuses Russia of linking the panel's survival to its findings on the April 4 Khan Sheikhun attack. France, Britain, and the United States have accused Assad's forces of carrying out the attack on the opposition-held village that killed at least 87 people, including more than 30 children. Last month, UN war crimes investigators said they had evidence that the Syrian air force was behind Khan Sheikhun, despite repeated denials from Damascus. Haley argued that the OPCW was reviewing more than 60 cases of alleged chemical weapons use in Syria, including a recently-uncovered sarin attack on an opposition-held village on March 30. "This is not about politics or the contents of the next report, but about ensuring accountability for those who are using these terrible weapons, whether they are UN member states or non-state actors," Haley wrote. The JIM has already determined that Syrian government forces were responsible for chlorine attacks on three villages in 2014 and 2015, and that Islamic State jihadist group used mustard gas in 2015. The head of Russia's non-proliferation department, Mikhail Ulyanov, told UN member states last week that Russia will study the report on Khan Sheikhun by the JIM to "judge if it deserves the extension." Photo Credit: Emperor Cruises Today Hoi An is one of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations thanks to a heady mix of cultural heritage, amazing food, plenty of options for shopping and the fabulous beaches nearby. However, repeat visitors will eventually start to wonder what else is around the towns evident charms. If you are up for a little exploration, one option I always recommend is a boat trip to the highly exotic Cu Lao Cham, a group of islands just a few miles from Cua Dai Beach. The island, which has been recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, is blessed with a cool climate, beautiful and clean beaches with white sands, transparent water and protected marine habitats. The island group has 3,000 inhabitants, most of whom make a living from fishing. It is a 116-square-mile archipelago. The island is also called Mother of Cham and has a 1,699-foot-high mountain with three peaks, Ngoc Long, Tie But and Bat Lao, where the king of Champa lived long ago. Cham Archipelago has eight islands in all. Cham Island is the biggest and most populated. Of the others, Hon En (island of Birds Nest) is home toyou guessed ita thriving swallows nest industry. Spanning more than 12,355 acres, the reserve includes 408 acres of coral reefs and 1,236 acres of underwater plant life. They are also home to 947 aquatic species. The vast biological diversity can also be seen in the Cham Island mountains which cover an area of 3,830 acres. Within the immense island forest there are many rare animal species, including the endangered ling-tailed monkey and hundreds of flora species. Cham residents are known as charming hosts and with the help of Hoi Ans local government, have worked hard over the years to attract more tourists by keeping the islands clean. Their efforts have paid off as more travelers are now discovering the island while they are on holiday in Hoi An. Many local tour companies will pick you up at your resort or hotel and transport you to Hoi Ans Bach Dang Wharf, where you set off for the island. Speed boats get you there fast, but the more leisurely option is to set sail at 8:30 a.m. on the Song Hoi, a pretty wooden boat with comfortable chairs. After two hours, you will reach Bai Long wharf on Cham Island. From there, you can visit the local museum and a walk to the oldest Hai Tai Pagoda through a rice field. The pagoda was built in 1758 on the western hillside of La Island. There are nice beaches at Bim, and Ong Beach and the local market Tan Hiep should not missed. You can also cruise around by boat to the eco-tourism area Bai Chong which is an incredible spot for snorkeling or scuba diving. The underwater world here is truly amazing with various species of fishes swimming in the colorful coral reef. At noon, lunch is served at a local restaurant right on Bai Chong Beach. Afterwards, you can go trekking, kayaking or just hang out on what is arguably the most gorgeous beach on the island. The boat returns to Hoi An at 4 p.m. You can opt for an overnight stay (home-stay accommodation is available). It's basic, but imagine the joy of waking up to this unspoiled heaven on earth. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has urged the Constitutional Court of Ukraine to consider the constitutionality of bills on the abolition of people's deputies immunity from prosecution, so that parliament could consider them at this session. "They (lawmakers) have made a responsible political step to cancel their main privilege, I really appreciate it, and now on behalf of the absolute majority of Ukrainians, on behalf of the Ukrainian people, I am asking the Constitutional Court to consider this issue as soon as possible, to clear the path for changing the Constitution regarding parliamentary immunity, to return the bills to the parliament and enable it to vote for them in the first reading at this session," he said during a visit to the 10th mobile border detachment of the State Border Service of Ukraine in Bortnychi in Kyiv on Friday. As reported, on October 19, the Verkhovna Rada included in the agenda and sent to the Constitutional Court of Ukraine presidential and deputy bills on the abolition of parliamentarians' immunity. Poroshenko expects that the Verkhovna Rada will finally abolish the immunity of deputies during the next session. "I think that at the next session the Verkhovna Rada will not lose courage and give 300 votes for the final and irrevocable solution to this problem," the president wrote on his Facebook page on Thursday. The abolishment of lawmakers' immunity from prosecution is among the demands of a rally which is currently taking place outside the parliamentary building in Kyiv. Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) and the National Police have seized papers from Charitable Foundation Patients of Ukraine. On Friday it is also planned to seize documents from the All-Ukrainian Network of PLWH patient organization. Patients of Ukraine told Interfax-Ukraine that on Friday investigators of the National Police started studying financial documents of the organization for three years of its operation as part of a criminal case opened by the PGO. "We are accused of buying medicines using the money of the Global Fund at high prices," Patients of Ukraine said. The foundation said that it is regularly inspected as part of cooperation with the Global Fund. They do not purchase medicines within cooperation with the Global Fund. "We do not have any procurement in any project. We are only involved in advocacy," the organization said. In addition, Patients of Ukraine said that they do not have information under whose request the criminal case was opened. The All-Ukrainian Network of PLWH told Interfax-Ukraine that investigators are to come to them on Friday and also seize the documents. "The All-Ukrainian Network of PLWH is accused of embezzlement of a grant and using the money to finance LPR and DPR. This is absurd. Today the National Police are to come to us," they said. As reported, on October 11, 2017, Patients of Ukraine and the All-Ukrainian Network of PLWH patient organizations declared that their documents were seized by the National Police. The patient organizations reported that the National Police and the Prosecutor General's Office had accused the leadership of the organizations of misappropriating funds of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The patient organizations said that 588 organizations receive funding from the Global Fund in Ukraine, including 354 medical institutions (AIDS centers, tuberculosis clinics) and 124 correctional facilities. Poroshenko demands quick drafting of new anti-corruption court law, hopes to sign it before 2018 Poroshenko demands quick drafting of new anti-corruption court law, hopes to sign it before 2018 KYIV. Oct 20 (Interfax-Ukraine) Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has insisted a new anti-corruption court law be drafted and said he hopes to sign the adopted legislation before the end of the year. "I now demand and declare that representatives of all parliamentary factions should immediately begin work drafting a new law [on establishing an anti-corruption court] that takes into account all the recommendations of the Venice Commission," the president said in Kyiv on Friday. The head of state stressed he is willing to delegate a special work group "in order that during the course of two, three weeks a commission can agree on a version of the bill." Poroshenko expressed hope that Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada would adopt the legislation before the end of the year, so he can sign it into law. Establishment of an anti-corruption court is one of the key demands of protesters, who began demonstrating in Kyiv on October 17. Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) has finished a pretrial investigation into a criminal case where the director of the payment systems department of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), the senior economist of the NBU and two more partners in crime acted as intermediaries are suspected of receiving improper advantage and sent the indictment to court. The press service of the PGO reported on Friday that it was established that the head of the NBU payment systems department worked out a scam seeking to squeeze the money in the amount of $35,000 via intermediaries in two stages from a director of one of a limited liability companies for the registration of the national payment system in the NBU for money transfer within Ukraine and the issue of the relevant certificate to the company. The director of the NBU payment systems department is charged under Part 4 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (request of a bribe), that for the senior economist under Part 5 of Article 27 and Part 4 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and another intermediary under Part 3 of Article 27 and Part 4 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. "On October 19, 2017 the indictment in the criminal case was sent to Kyiv's Pechersky District court," the PGO said. KEARNEY When Emily Johnson takes people out to work with their horses at Mountain Rose Ranch, its a mix between magic and science, she said. My philosophy largely is if we can develop each entity, in this case ... were trying to have a relationship between horse and human, Johnson said as she watched three students working with their mounts. If we can develop them in a manner that we bring along the horse and help them become more of a whole, mature being and likewise develop ourselves as a more progressive, whole being ... then when we come together were two intact entities. The Boulder, Colo., native is an educator and the founder of Mountain Rose Horsemanship, a training program at Mountain Rose Ranch located just south of Cottonmill Park at 2446 Cottonmill Ave. The goal at Mountain Rose Horsemanship is to help create healthy relationships between horses and people. The program developed when Johnson noticed that her horsemanship began to improve after she had become more healthy and whole over several years of focused self-development. Horses are very present in the moment. They are addressing, they are living from, they are consumed, they are cooperating with whats at hand. Human beings not so much. How many of us live our life predominantly in the past or in the future? Johnson said. Theyre present in the moment but its not necessarily a given relationship. ... A horse you really have to earn it with them. She founded Mountain Rose Horsemanship in 2006 and eventually made her way from Colorado to Nebraska. The program is divided into two programs: Wholeness Through Horsemanship and the Wanted Horse Training Program. In what can perhaps be described as horse yoga, Wholeness Through Horsemanship teaches students how to understand both their own emotions, instincts and well-being as well as the horses in order to partner better. Humans must earn mutual trust and respect with the animals. Horses are byproducts of who and what we are and who and what we bring to things, Johnson said. Theyre really amazing mirrors for us, for better and for worse. Before mounting, Johnson has her students do some groundwork with the horses in order to be aware of their emotional state as well as any tension and distractions to help get the horses partnered up. We take that, and then riding becomes an earned privilege. The second program, Wanted Horse Training Program, uses training courses that give horses a well-rounded education. In the curriculum, the horses are taught to be respectful, confident, and willing partners with people, according to the Mountain Rose website. Close attention is given to the mental, emotional and physical development of the horse to ensure its active participation and understanding in the partnership. To me, thats a well-rounded, all-around term. We dont do just riding, Johnson said. The west Kearney ranch will have its grand opening Saturday and Sunday and will feature several activities. A horse owners workshop will be from noon-5 p.m. Saturday and will feature presentations on equine nutrition, partnership with horses and communication during horsemanship. A Trouble Free Trailering workshop from noon-5 p.m. Sunday will include demonstrations on how to load horses into trailers and help build their confidence around the trailers. Developing partnership with the horse is a beautiful microcosm to kind of practice healthful sense of selves and relationships in life, Johnson said. For more information on the ranch and the grand opening, visit MountainRoseHorsemanship.com @AmandaPush KEARNEY State Sen. Bob Krist of Omaha believes the time is right for independent leadership. Krist, who represents the Nebraska Legislatures 10th District, which covers Bennington and northern Omaha, spoke Thursday in Kearney about his run for governor against Republican incumbent Pete Ricketts. Providing independent leadership for all Nebraskans, is what Krist said is his motto for his independent Nebraskans United effort. Krist said he decided to run for governor after watching many of his colleagues be ousted from the Legislature. He accused Ricketts of throwing money at the opposing candidates campaigns, which ultimately resulted in removing the continuity that was there. Krist described his darkest day in the Legislature this past year. Its not because it wasnt light outside. It was just so ominous to see the discussion, the debate had stopped, Krist said. We were talking about the budget, and we were talking about moving money around making sure that all of the factors of the budget were taken care of, and there were a group of people that were not participating in the conversation and voted right down the line a certain way. And that vote was exactly the path that the governor has established. The stop in Kearney was one of many on Krists roundtable discussions with media and leaders. Earlier in the day, he piloted his own plane to Grand Island and Hastings and later flew to Omaha for another session. He also flew to Scottsbluff for a roundtable discussion. At Thursdays stop in Kearney, Krist emphasized with the two reporters and two local leaders in attendance that he was there to listen. The key responsibility of a leader is to listen to people, and I dont see that happening in Nebraska and I certainly dont see that happening across the United States, he said. From listening to the people on the tour, Krist said he believes peoples top three concerns are, Property taxes, property taxes, property taxes. He said, unlike Ricketts and former Gov. Dave Heineman, Krist doesnt believe property taxes are a local problem. Krist believes the assessment process needs to change because currently the state sets the parameters for county assessors to set the property valuations. You cant lower taxes without balancing the three legs of the tax stool. Youve got income tax, property tax and sales tax, Krist said. Krist addressed the largest portion of property tax funding about 60 percent going to education. He said the formula for providing state aid to schools needs to be adjusted to real time. Currently, the formula funds the education system two years out. Local leadership also needs to help keep school tax levies low, Krist said. If your assessment is going up, and your taxes are going up and youre getting more revenue, why are you keeping your levy at this level? he said of school tax levies. Basically, youre taking money as windfall rather than allowing your taxpayers and your voters to weigh in on making decisions for their community and their educational institutions. Other issues of importance to Krist are better funding the judicial system and providing better services to people with special needs. Particularly, contracts for corrections officers need to be renegotiated so that they are paid fairly. Its affecting their overtime, and its affecting the safety of the program, Krist said. As a father of a special needs daughter, Krist said he has seen the waiting lists for special needs housing grow from fewer than 1,000 people at one point to more than 2,700 In the last legislative session, Krist said, he supported about one-third of the budget proposal but did not agree with taking money away from critical service programs. Washington has come to Lincoln. All the politics are moving this direction, he said. @erikadpritchard BERTRAND The Nebraska State Patrol has released the name of a man who died in a fiery car accident last week. According to State Patrol Public Relations Director Cody Thomas, Richard Renken, 50, of rural Bertrand died in the Oct. 11 crash about 11 miles northwest of Bertrand. The crash was reported at about 11:45 p.m. Thomas said Renken was driving on 438 Road when he missed a curve. His vehicle left the road and rolled into the north ditch near 747 Road. The vehicle ended on its top in the ditch and eventually caught fire. Renken was pronounced dead at the scene, but he was not identified at the scene, Thomas said. According to a Phelps County Sheriffs Office press release, the Bertrand Volunteer Fire Department responded to the fire. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Lyle, a two-year-old black pig, is shown in this undated handout image. A pig with personality is searching for a forever farm after being seized during a cruelty investigation in British Columbia. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-BC SPCA MANDATORY CREDIT Michael Pitfield attends a news conference in Ottawa, Ont. in 1982. Michael Pitfield, a former Senator and clerk of the Privy Council, has died at the age of 80. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the death late Thursday, saying Pitfield was a "family friend who was especially dear" to his father and his family. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Peter Bregg Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, third from left, visits the Resolute Forest Products plant with Richard Hebert, Liberal candidate for the upcoming byelection in Lac-Saint-Jean riding, fourth from left, in Alma, Que., on Friday, October 20, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Francis Vachon SHANGHAI, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- China's first domestic regional jetliner ARJ21-700 was delivered Thursday after its mass production was certified in July. The ARJ21-700 jetliner has 90 economy seats and was bought by China Aerospace Leasing Company, and delivered to Chengdu Airlines. The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) obtained a production license to build the airliner from the General Administration of Civil Aviation. COMAC has received orders for 433 of the jetliners from 20 clients so far. The company plans to deliver five ARJ21-700 jetliners by the end of the year. China has in recent years sped up efforts to build its commercial aircraft. Besides the ARJ21-700, COMAC has also made the larger C919 jet, a narrow-body jumbo designed to rival the updated Airbus A320 and the new Boeing B737. It has also set up a joint venture with a Russian state company to build wide-body passenger jets. Former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha, right, and his wife, Katherine Keahola leave federal court in Honolulu, Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. Kealoha and his wife, a city prosecutor, have pleaded not guilty to federal corruption charges. U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard Puglisi on Friday released Louis and Katherine Keahola on $100,000 bond each. They entered the pleas Friday after a federal grand jury indicted both of them in a public corruption case. Authorities claim the couple used their positions to bilk clients and relatives out of hundreds of thousands of dollars to fund their lavish and overextended lifestyle and then used their power to target anyone who threatened them. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) Police and firefighters' cars and trucks stand in front of the VIVO! shopping mall where a 27-year-old man attacked people with a knife killing one person and injuring several others in Stalowa Wola, southeastern Poland, on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Rafal Baran) Xi calls for advancing socialism with Chinese characteristics for new era BEIJING, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping on Thursday called on members of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and people of all ethnic groups in the country to advance socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era. Xi made the remarks during a panel discussion with delegates from Guizhou Province who are here to attend the CPC's 19th National Congress. Commending Guizhou's development over the past five years, Xi said socialism with Chinese characteristics has now entered a "new era." He said this is a "major political assessment" as well as a "strategic reflection that affects the whole landscape." "The evolution of the principal contradiction facing Chinese society represents a historic shift that affects the whole landscape," Xi said, echoing a report he made at the opening session of the Party congress when he spoke of "the contradiction between unbalanced and inadequate development and the people's ever-growing needs for a better life." Xi told delegates from Guizhou that efforts must be made to address unbalanced and inadequate development and meet people's ever-growing needs for a better life. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang. [File photo: fmprc.gov.cn] China hopes the United States will work with it to maintain stable bilateral ties, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Thursday. Spokesperson Lu Kang was responding to the recent remarks of U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. According to media reports, Tillerson, in an address at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington D.C. Wednesday, alleged China's "provocative actions" in the South China Sea directly challenge international law and norms, while accusing China of economic activities and financing that saddles developing countries in the region with enormous debt. Lu said China has always been committed to the international system with the United Nations at its core and defending the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. In the development process, China will not sacrifice the interests of other countries, nor give up its own legitimate rights and interests, said the spokesperson. China is committed to a long-term, healthy and stable China-U.S. relationship, Lu said, noting that such relationship is in accordance with the fundamental interests of the two peoples, as well as the interests of countries in the Asian-Pacific region. Lu said China hopes the United States could treat China's development and international role without prejudice, and maintain the stable development momentum of bilateral ties. 276 Shares Share I was talking to a physician in my hospital several years ago, and he expressed his frustration that the annual well-child exams for his four kids were expensive. Puzzled, I stated that I found it odd that a doctors own health insurance plan had poor coverage for routine care, and he replied that his group jointly decided on a plan with considerable upfront out-of-pocket costs. Why would doctors buy bad health insurance for themselves? This was before I understood the concept of the health savings account (HSA). An HSA works in the following manner. First, you sign up for a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) which requires a sizable deductible. The deductible is the amount that the consumer pays out-of-pocket before the health insurance kicks in. These plans cost less than traditional comprehensive health insurance. Why would someone who could afford better coverage opt for a high-deductible plan? This is where the second part comes in, the HSA. An HSA is a fund that those with HDHPs can create to pay for medical expenses. The HSA is intended to be used to pay for basic health needs while the HDHP serves to cover serious illness or injury in the event that it is needed. The central tenet of the HSA is that the consumer will become empowered to make health care decisions more carefully or cautiously. This, of course, assumes that the consumer is adequately informed. The wealthy are more likely than the poor to use an HSA. Wealthy people pay higher percentages of their salaries as income tax and use HSAs as a vehicle to avoid taxation, as the money in an HSA is triple-advantaged in that contributions are not taxed, distributions are not taxed, and HSA funds grow in a tax-free manner. The HSA can roll over from year to year in contrast to flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and there is no penalty for withdrawing money for non-medical use after age 65. This is why wealthy people use them as stealth retirement accounts, and some investment advisers recommend ignoring the intent of the tax shelter by paying medical bills with taxed income rather than using HSA funds. Returning to the physician I was talking to above, most of his partners had grown children and were generally healthy. An HSA is unlikely to be financially beneficial for someone with expensive health needs, takes several prescription medications, or sees a physician frequently. The HDHP/HSA may discourage preventative health care, as the consumer must pay out-of-pocket or spend some of the HSA which is being used as a retirement nest egg. The amount of salary a wealthy person shelters in an HSA is minimal compared to total salary. Why not invest in good insurance in case you need it? There is an odd irony in the fact that doctors often personally avoid the sort of comprehensive health insurance that seemingly promotes going to the doctor in the first place. As a minimum, purchasing good coverage supports the system that doctors are a part of. A Commonwealth Fund congressional testimony reported that adults in HDHPs are far more likely to delay/avoid care or skip medication because of cost. We need young and healthy people to buy comprehensive insurance in order to pay for the elderly and infirmed. HSAs are not the answer to our health care system problems, and I am happy with my employers comprehensive plan. This way, I am incentivized to stay on top of my health so that I can enjoy my retirement rather than just save for it. Cory Michael is a radiologist. Image credit: Shutterstock.com China's People Liberation Army's (PLA) South China Sea Fleet said it has established its first marine salvage and rescue squadron, which it expects will significantly improve the Navy's combat ability, Chinese military analysts said on Thursday. The new South China Sea Fleet salvage and rescue squadron is a part of the latest round of reforms, the PLA's official website, 81.cn, reported on Thursday, quoting Ke Hehai, the political commissar of the unit. This new marine rescue unit gives the PLA Navy two of these units now - the PLA South and North China Sea Fleet salvage and rescue squadrons. The North China Sea unit used to be the sole one of its kind in the field. It was in charge of all search and rescue operations all across the PLA's naval jurisdictions so its abilities were hampered and its reach stretched rather thin. The South China Sea rescue unit will mainly deploy rescue craft, rescue equipment, and divers to respond to any emergency, to minimize losses in accidents and protect marine engineers, although it can be applied to other functions. For example, the squadron is also responsible for unexpected rescues at sea over a range of distances, and for emergency rescue efforts on land and sea. The PLA Navy's mission area has been expanding, so it was almost impossible for it to command only one such rescue team to provide a speedy response, a military expert, who requested anonymity, told the Global Times on Thursday. He added that the PLA South China Sea Fleet has convenient access to both the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, and this new squadron can greatly increase its defense ability along coastal area and at sea, as well as in combat. The chief executive of the Industrial Development Agency says Kilkenny has two Institute of Technologies which is delivering a flow of skills after a local TD expressed concern the county was disadvantaged in terms of job creation by its lack of a third level institution. Fianna Fail TD, Bobby Aylward, asked at a recent meeting of the Public Accounts Committee if Kilkenny is at a disadvantage in the South-East because it does not have a university. He said: We have two Institutes of Technology but a lot of our graduates are going to Dublin, Limerick, Cork and Galway. Are IDA Irelands businesses following graduates to where they are being educated? Do we miss out? We are behind as far as job creation is concerned. Chief executive of the IDA, Martin Shanahan, said: On the question of the institutes, skills are hugely important. My own belief is that it is the quality of the graduates and what happens in institutions that counts, rather than what they are called. That is not to say that Institutes of Technology should not aspire to become or to be called universities. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT, is not disadvantaged by the fact that it does not have university in its title. Mr Shanahan added: Companies are interested in graduates, yes. They are interested in the flow of skills. Any region that can demonstrate that flow of skills is at an advantage. Deputy Aylward asked: So we are losing out in the South-East because we do not have those graduates being educated in the region. Mr Shanahan replied: The Deputy also has two institutes of technology, however, which are producing good graduates, I believe. There is the flow of skills. His comments come after the South-East Economic Monitor report published earlier this year looked at the regions capacity for higher education and found it severely wanting. The report sated that there is a very pronounced deficit in regional higher education capacity in the South-East. Deputy Aylward says Kilkenny and Carlow seem to be behind in terms of job creation and called on more investment in the South-East region as it has the connectivity and infrastructure. He said: We can all nitpick about business but counties Kilkenny and Carlow seem to be behind in terms of jobs created. Talking personally, in the figures I see 802 for Carlow and 762 for Kilkenny. Meanwhile Tipperary has 3,040, Waterford has 6,000 - which I do not begrudge them - and Wexford has 2,600. We seem to be the poor relation there. A photo has emerged online of four ambulances queuing outside St Luke's A&E in Kilkenny as there was no room in the hospital for the patients. The picture was posted with the comments: "Ambulances wait outside [Emergency Department] ED at St Luke's Hospital Kilkenny yesterday (Thursday). No room in hospital for patients. Crisis!" The Kilkenny People asked Ireland East Hospital Group, of which St Luke's is a member, to confirm the picture posted on social media as the overcrowding situation at the hospital worsens. IEHG were asked for details on the photo and how long the patients were in the ambulances and what caused the delay. In a statement, the group said: St Lukes General Hospital continues to experience an increase of patients presenting with a variety of complex medical needs. Presently Surgical 2 ward which has 30 beds is undergoing an essential maintenance upgrade. This work is scheduled for completion in the coming weeks which will improve bed capacity. The management and staff at St Luke's General Hospital Carlow/Kilkenny regret any inconvenience and delay caused to patients while the building works are in progress. Fourteen (14) beds are now open in the renovated surge ward (Ward 7) and we continue to use the day ward for patients who normally would have been on Surgical 2 ward. We continue to ask for patients to contact their GP or CareDoc in the first instance.Management and staff are doing everything possible to reduce delays for patients waiting on bed spaces and ensure that patients who no longer requiring hospital care are discharged in a timely manner. Today's trolley and ward watch figures by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation show that St Luke's Hospital has 30 people on trolleys and wards which is one of the highest in the country. A courageous Kilkenny man who risked his life to save another received a national bravery award today in Dublin. Eoin Bolger from Graignamanagh fearlessly, dived into the icy waters of the River Barrow on November 16 last year after a car and its driver became submerged in the middle of the river at the Quay in Graignamanagh. As the car and driver became submerged Eoin reached it, went underwater and pulled the male out of the car. The male initially resisted his attempts to remove him but then complied with Eoins attempts. Eoin, a son of Jack and Breda Bolger from Barrow Lane in the town, then surfaced along with the male and pushed him towards the rivers edge. Graignamanagh Fire Brigade units were on the scene and assisted in getting the male onto dry land and administered. The drama started at around 3.30pm that day when Thomastown Garda Station received a call concerning the safety of a man. A Garda who was in a patrol car and who had been made aware of the situation arrived to the bottom of the Barrow Lane in Graignamanagh where he saw a car just about to enter the water at the boat slip. By the time the Garda got to the boat slip, the car was starting to float into the main river channel. The drivers door was open and the male did not appear to be wearing a seat belt. The car was starting to sink at an accelerating rate as it went into the river channel and was well out of the reach of the Garda who continued to shout at the man to get out of the car. The man continued to look down and was not responding. The car drifted into the middle of the main river channel and was sinking front first. A number of people had started to gather and then up stepped super-hero, Eoin who saved the man's life. A short documentary film about the TaxiWatch initiative pioneered by a Kilkenny taxi driver just cant seem to stop picking up accolades. Throwline is the eye-opening documentary about local man Derek Devoy and the suicide prevention initiative he founded in 2014. With his training, his ambition was to empower other taxi drivers to save lives. He has since helped to secure safeTALK training for taxi drivers across the country. This caught the attention of Banjoman Films and Ishka Films, who produced the documentary Throwline, about Derek and TaxiWatch, directed by Mia Mullarkey. The film had its world premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh, where incredibly it won Best Short Documentary a momentous achievement. But the film wasnt finished there and its now making waves on the international film festival summit. Two more awards for Best Short Film followed, this time in Russia and Switzerland. It won Best Short Film at the Wexford Documentary Film Festival, before picking up the Special Jury Prize at the Saratov Sufferings Documentary Drama Film Festival. It won Best Documentary at Largo Film Awards, and then in Ukraine, where the short collected second prize for Best Documentary at Rivne International Film Festival. Now, Throwline has been nominated for Best Short Documentary at Kerry Film Festival, which is screening this weekend in Killarney. All the honours have caught Derek by surprise somewhat. He knew the film was good, but is still a little bemused when people who have been profoundly affected by it come up to him and tell him their stories. He is in contact with people from across Ireland and further afield, and is delighted if TaxiWatch and/or the film is able to help them. For more, see TaxiWatch. Lately, clients seem to be more concerned than usual that a market correction is looming. And naturally those nearing retirement want to be sure their nest egg is protected. Of course, no one can predict what the market will do next and its a dangerous game to try so its best to focus on what you can control, rather than what you cant. Here are some tips to get you started: 1. Have an investment plan. If youre nearing retirement, you may have several investment accounts a 401(k) or 403(b) at work, a brokerage account of your own and maybe a Roth IRA or some other assets. Your comprehensive plan will help coordinate it all based on your goals. Subscribe to Kiplingers Personal Finance Be a smarter, better informed investor. Save up to 74% Sign up for Kiplingers Free E-Newsletters Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplingers expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail. Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplingers expert advice - straight to your e-mail. Sign up Often, we find prospective clients dont even know what they have. They made investments years ago and tucked the paperwork in a drawer, or they set the asset allocation on their 401(k) when they opened the account and havent reviewed it since. Not knowing is not OK; it puts your savings at risk. Getting a written plan is one of the best ways you can secure your future. 2. Stress test your portfolio to make sure you know what risk youre under. Most people think of risk simply as the potential for loss as the market goes through a correction, but, depending on the type of investments you have, there are several other factors to consider: tax consequences, call risk on bonds, liquidity risk or currency risk if youre investing outside of the U.S. A stress test can help identify the weak points in your portfolio and is a good starting point for your overall plan. Stress testing your portfolio is taking a look at your holdings through a full market cycle. A stress test will enable you to see how your portfolio would be impacted if went through another major market correction like 2008. One of the tools we use to stress test clients portfolios is Riskalyze. 3. Know your timeline for withdrawals. You should have a strategy for when youll tap into your various retirement accounts. If you expect to access funds in the near-term, make sure theyre in more conservative investments or a money market account. That way, if there is a market correction or pullback, you wont have to sell investments that have lost value for the short-term. You can risk, and continue to grow your money, in accounts that have a longer timeline. 4. Rebalance and reallocate. If you had a 50%/50% stock-bond allocation in 1996 and just let it go for a decade, at the end of 2016, because the stocks appreciated, you would have had a 69%/31% mix. This would significantly increase the risk in your portfolio, especially with the market highs were experiencing now. Rebalancing is always important, but its a crucial part of retirement planning. Rebalancing your portfolio would take you back to your original allocation. This is often hard to do because it often means reducing positions in your winners and adding to your underperforming allocations. As the economy changes and we go through different market cycles, youll also want to reallocate your assets to be sure you arent taking any unnecessary risk. Reallocating your assets is different than rebalancing in that we are changing the overall default allocation. One simple general allocation method is the Rule of 100. The Rule of 100 states that if you take 100 minus your age that is the amount of your portfolio that should be in stocks or more risky assets. This would require you to adjust your allocation or reallocate annually. 5. Take the free money. If your employer has a 401(k) match, make sure youre at least contributing enough to maximize that benefit. Occasionally, Ill meet with someone who says theyve stopped making contributions to their plan because retirement is close and they dont want to risk putting more money in the market. Depending on the details of your 401(k) plan, your match could be up to 100% of your contribution. I dont know of any savings accounts that will give you 100% more when you make a deposit, so dont pass up this opportunity. 401(k) plans have a stable value fund or a money market fund that you can allocate your existing principal or ongoing contributions to in order to get the benefit of the match while not taking additional risk. 6. Dont try to time the market or chase returns. Many investors think they can time the market by pulling out money when they perceive theres more risk. This can drastically impact long-term returns. According to a Morningstar study (opens in new tab), if you were fully invested in the Ibbotson Large Company Stock Index from 1997 to 2016, your annual compounded rate of return would be 7.7%. But if you had the same investments and missed only the 10 best days during all those years, your return would be only 4%. And if you really werent good at all at market timing and missed the best 40 days, your return would be -2.4%. Unless you have a crystal ball, timing the market is something you should stay away from. So is second-guessing your investment plan and chasing returns. If youre nearing retirement and youre nervous about your investments, you dont have to go it alone. A financial adviser can help you navigate more confidently through the ups and downs of the market and the many years ahead. Kim Franke-Folstad contributed to this article. (Kitco News) - Gold is a better asset to own when compared to all cryptocurrencies, Goldman Sachs said, adding that bitcoin is not the new gold. Gold wins out over cryptocurrencies in a majority of the key characteristics of money, Goldman said in a note to clients this week, disproving the idea that bitcoin is the digital gold due to its limited supply. One of the arguments against the popular cryptocurrency is digital wallets, in which users store purchased bitcoins and which will always be vulnerable to hacking. Another reason for distrusting bitcoins is that their future is somewhat unknown due to significant regulatory risks. For example, China introduced a ban on initial coin offerings (ICOs) and shut down some cryptocurrency exchanges last month. And just last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin also spoke in support of regulating cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin also faces uncertainty from possible network or infrastructure risk, which already came to light this summer when bitcoin split into two, creating a new digital currency known as bitcoin cash. On top of that, there are other cryptocurrencies that are trying to compete with bitcoin, such as ethereum. As of now, there are more than 1,000 different digital currencies that exist and are tradable. Bitcoins price volatility is also worrisome. According to Goldman, bitcoin's fluctuations averaged almost seven times that of gold this year alone. [Gold] is clearly better at holding its purchasing power, and has much lower daily volatility, the note said. Cryptocurrencies are not the 'new gold' despite their recent popularity. In a separate section dealing with precious metals, Goldman Sachs said that gold remains a relevant asset class sought as a safe haven in response to fear. We believe that precious metals remain a relevant asset class in modern portfolios, despite their lack of yield, the bank said. They are neither a historic accident or a relic. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A member of the U.S. House of Representatives Freedom Caucus is mounting a campaign to kill any chance of a second term for Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, the latest sign conservative Republicans want a fresh face at the helm of the central bank. Republican President Donald Trump is expected to announce within a few weeks whether to reappoint Yellen to another four-year term. Other contenders for the job are top Trump economic adviser Gary Cohn, Fed Board Governor Jerome Powell, former Fed governor Kevin Warsh and Stanford University economics professor John Taylor. Representative Warren Davidson, a Republican on the House Financial Services Committees monetary policy panel, is among those who want a change. He is circulating a letter opposing Yellens reappointment, the Ohio congressmans spokesman said. Davidson is very passionate about this process, the spokesman said, adding that the lawmaker is particularly concerned about the impact Fed policy has had on the ability of small firms to raise operating funds. The text of the letter being circulated among lawmakers is not being released at this time, the spokesman said. Members of the Freedom Caucus, the most conservative Republican grouping in Congress, have been critical of Yellen in the past, with some accusing her of keeping monetary policy too loose. Key members of the House Financial Services Committee also have backed ideas proposed by contenders to replace Yellen. Taylors research, for example, figured prominently in a House-passed bill requiring the Fed to explain its actions through a strict set of rules. The House, however, has no direct control over the appointment of a Fed chief. The Senate decides whether to confirm the presidents nominee. Trump has criticized Yellen in the past and vowed to drain the swamp in Washington by naming new people to top jobs and embracing different ideas. But his economic agenda could benefit from the steady economic conditions fostered by Yellens Fed. Yellen is scheduled to meet with Trump on Thursday for what may be the last of the interviews the president is conducting. She was appointed in 2014 to her first term as Fed chief by former President Barack Obama and won confirmation by a 56-26 vote, with 11 Republicans supporting her. Although Yellens appearances before the House panel have sometimes been marked by testy exchanges with Republicans, she received credit in her last testimony in July for steps the Fed was taking to reduce its massive balance sheet. Conservative lawmakers have been pressuring the central bank to start reducing the Treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities it accumulated in its response to the 2007-2009 financial crisis. Reporting by Howard Schneider; Editing by Paul Simao (Kitco News) - Gold demand picked up in India this week, as consumers were buying more gold during the Diwali festival, but higher prices kept a cap on purchases. Despite more activity, demand was still lower than last year, Reuters quoted Nitin Khandelwal, chairman of All Indian Gems & Jewellery Trade Federation, as saying. In some regions, demand was nearly 30 percent lower than normal, but in others, it was on par compared to last year. Overall for the country, demand was down around 15 percent, Khandelwal said. Diwali festival is known for gold buying in India. It celebrates victory of light over darkness and comes right before Indias wedding season, so it is considered a lucky time to buy gold. But, higher gold prices kept some people away this season, according to one jeweler. Consumers were price sensitive and buying less gold than last year. They had a very tight budget, said Mangesh Devi. The yellow metal rose almost 8% in India since the start of 2017. During the Asian open on Friday, gold on Kitco.com was seen trading at $1,284.90, down 0.37% on the day. Some Indian consumers blamed the new 3% nationwide sales tax, which was introduced on gold and gold jewelry on July 1. This year, my husband's business is down due to GST (Goods and Services Tax). That's why I reduced spending on gold, said Sangeeta Pardesi. Those looking to buy the precious metal for a cheaper price headed to Dubai this year, media reports said. Some jewelers in Dubai reported at least at 20% rise in sales ahead of the wedding season in India, as buyers ripped the benefits of various tax breaks, according to CNN. Indians can export a certain amount of gold duty free from Dubai. The amounts are 1.4 ounces for women and 0.88 ounces for men. Dubai will always be something like 6-9% cheaper than Indian jewelers when it comes to (gold), Gaurang Desai, CEO of the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) told CNN. By Swati Pandey SYDNEY, Oct 20 (Reuters) - The New Zealand dollar sank to a five-month trough on Friday on concerns the new Labour coalition will take a harder stance on immigration and foreign investment than the outgoing centre-right government. The country has been in political limbo since New Zealand's general election on Sept. 23 in which no single party won a majority, leaving them reliant on a small nationalist party which emerged as the kingmaker. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, who holds the balance of power with nine seats, ended the political guessing game on Thursday night when he announced he would back the Labour party which had been in opposition in the last 10 years. The news sent the New Zealand dollar tumbling 1.7 percent, its biggest intraday percentage decline since mid-2016. It extended losses on Friday to $0.6971, a level not seen since May. The kiwi has lost 2.4 percent of its value this week and is poised for its worst weekly performance since December 2016. "The risk is that (the new government) will take a bit of a populist bent in contrast to the rationalist National Party Government, reflecting similar pressures to those seen in recent elections in the UK, U.S. and Australia," said Shane Oliver, head of investment strategy at AMP Capital. Anti-immigration sentiment has been a prominent theme in elections around the world in recent years, leading to surprise outcomes such as Britain's vote to leave the European Union and the election of Donald Trump as the U.S. President. Closer to home, Australia's conservative government has also taken a harder stance on immigration and foreign investment. Investors were still awaiting clarity on the policies of the ruling coalition under Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand's youngest leader in more than 150 years. Ardern will spend Friday ironing out issues and ministerial posts with coalition partner New Zealand First. She confirmed that most of the party's flagship policies, including a ban on some foreign ownership of housing, had survived the negotiations with Peters in recent weeks. Across the Tasman, the Australian dollar skidded 0.5 percent against the greenback to $0.7831, which rose after the U.S. Senate approved a budget blueprint for the 2018 fiscal year. For the week, the Aussie is set to end 0.6 percent lower following a solid 1.5 percent gain the previous week. The Australian dollar hit its highest against the kiwi since late April. New Zealand government bonds were a tad softer with yields up about half a basis point on the long end of the curve. Australian government bond futures rose, with the three-year bond contract and the 10-year contract up 1 tick each at 97.870 and 97.2200. (Editing by Sam Holmes) Oct 20 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories in the Financial Times. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. Headlines Blankfein heaps pressure on May over Brexit as he praises Frankfurt ( ) Nicky Morgan urges Treasury to appoint more women to Bank of England ( ) Lyft wins Alphabet backing in $1 bln funding round ( ) Overview Goldman Sachs Chief Executive Lloyd Blankfein is planning to spend a lot more time in Frankfurt, he said on Thursday, as the Wall Street bank pushes ahead with plans to make the German city a major base after Britain leaves the European Union. British lawmaker Nicky Morgan, chair of parliament's Treasury Committee, voiced concern about a lack of gender and ethnic diversity at the top levels of the Bank of England, which currently has only two women serving across its three major policy committees. Lyft Inc has raised $1 billion in fresh financing, the ride-services company said on Thursday, in a round led by one of Alphabet Inc's investment funds, further complicating the convoluted world of ride-hailing alliances and dealing a blow to rival Uber Technologies Inc . (Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom; Editing by Sandra Maler) Chinese President Xi Jinping meets at the Great Hall of the People with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson of the US on September 30, 2017. On October 18, while delivering a speech to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson made some remarks on China-US relations. Tillerson touched on the South China Sea issue, Chinas model of economic cooperation with other countries, and the international order. Mentioning China 13 times in his speech on the future of US relations with India, Tillerson accused China of undermining the international, rules-based order, argued Chinas provocative actions in the South China Sea directly challenge the US, and said Chinas economic cooperation model saddles developing economies with enormous levels of debt. During a regular press conference on Thursday, October 19, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang hit back at the criticism, stressing that China steadfastly upholds the international order with the UN at the core and based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Lu stressed that China will by no means pursue its own development at the expense of other countries interests, or give up its own legitimate rights and interests. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang Lu said that China is committed to the development of China-US relations, but called on the US to abandon its bias. We hope that the United States can put Chinas development and Chinas positive role in the world into perspective, abandon its biased views of China, and make concerted efforts with China to focus on cooperation, properly handle differences, and maintain the momentum of the steady growth of China-US relations, Lu said. In a commentary piece published in USA Today before Tillersons speech, Cui Tiankai, the Chinese Ambassador to Washington, also highlighted the importance of having a clear view of the China-US relationship, stressing the need to give up the ideological bias that clouds Western views. The zero-sum mentality is outdated, and it is misleading to interpret the relationship between China and the U.S. through the lens of the power shifting theory, he wrote, adding later that a sound and robust relationship will benefit not only the Chinese and American peoples, but also world peace, stability, and prosperity. Tillerson will pay his first visit to India next week, during which he will elaborate on President Donald Trumps new South Asia policy. In addition, he is also scheduled to visit Pakistan. Lu added that China welcomes the development of normal and friendly state-to-state relations between the US and other countries as long as it is conducive to regional peace and stability and enhancing mutual trust between regional countries. LONDON, Oct 20 (Reuters) - British lawmakers on Friday voiced concern about a lack of gender and ethnic diversity at the top levels of the Bank of England, which currently has only two women serving across its three major policy committees. Earlier this week BoE Governor Mark Carney said the lack of women in senior positions was "an issue" for the Bank and that it had taken extensive action to correct this. However, it is the finance ministry that appoints people to the BoE's monetary, financial and prudential regulation policy committees. "The Treasury must make all efforts to encourage as diverse range of candidates for the Bank's policy committees as possible," said lawmaker Nicky Morgan, chair of parliament's Treasury Committee. She added that the finance ministry has been asked to confirm that its recruitment processes fit with a remit of achieving greater diversity of public appointments, including from ethnic minorities. Silvana Tenreyro of the Monetary Policy Committee and Sandy Boss of the Prudential Regulation Committee are the only women among the 23 individuals serving on the BoE's main policy panels. (Reporting by Andy Bruce; Editing by Alison Williams) Oct 20 (Reuters) - Following are domestic prices of Vietnam's key commodities. Unit: million dong per tonne Item Oct 16-20 Oct 9-13 Location Robusta beans 41.5-43.6 42.2-43.4 Central Highlands Black pepper 76.0-78.0 78.0-81.0 Southern region Refined sugar 16.0-17.0 16.0-17.0 Southern region Summer-autumn paddy 5.9-6.2 5.9-6.7 Mekong Delta SJC gold 3.655-3.669 3.665-3.670 Hanoi, HCMC City NOTES: Gold prices are low/high selling prices quoted in million dong per 3.75-gram ingot during the week by top manufacturer SJC. Prices in the previous week are updated. Coffee export prices Rice export prices Historical data Central bank's gold auction ($1 = 22,719 dong) (Reporting by Mi Nguyen) 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. (Kitco News) - If you think fiat currencies dont have an expiry date, think again. The Swiss franc known to many as a safe-haven currency is set to expire soon, making up to one billion francs worthless. This expiration date applies only to franc bank notes that were introduced in 1976, as reported on the Wall Street Journal Friday. Switzerland is unique among rich countries because its bank notes--from the 10-franc bill all the way to the mighty 1,000-franc bill ($1,025)--lose all of their value 20 years after they are replaced by new ones. Franc coins are always usable, the media report said. In May 2000, the bank notes were taken out of circulation and that is when the 20-year time frame began. So starting May 2020, people won't be able to exchange the roughly one billion francs's worth of 70s-era notes that are still out there. They will become worthless relics, the same thing that happened to bills going back to 1907, the WSJ said. However, authorities are looking to change this law. "The purpose is to avoid that people find themselves with bank notes that have no value," the federal council said in August. "Switzerland would adapt to the practices of other industrialized countries." In the meantime, the countrys central bank the Swiss National Bank does not keep the bank notes post-expiration. Instead, [u]nder a century-old law, the SNB transfers the equivalent amount worth of obsolete bank notes to a Swiss fund that insures against natural disasters like avalanches, WSJ reported. It is difficult for authorities to determine where the 1970s franc bank notes are and according to the report, there were roughly 1.1 billion worth still in circulation in 2016. SINGAPORE, Oct 20 (IFR) - Asian credits were steady in fairly constructive markets, despite the backdrop of political uncertainties in Spain. A flat equity market overnight in the United States provided little impetus for bullish sentiment in Asia, although the underlying tone remained supportive. "The market appears to be taking a breather and deals are still getting done, but, on closer examination, these are not exactly huge and are more clubbish," said one DCM syndicate banker. "Investors are taking on risks, but on a very selective and sensible basis." Among new bonds priced on Thursday, those of Chinese credits Zhongrong Xinda and China Merchants Bank were firmer in secondary markets. Zhongrong's 7.25% 2019s, rated BB- and priced at par, were seen at 100.3, while CMB's AT1 notes, rated BB-, were quoted at 100.3/100.4 against reoffer at par. In contrast, GMR Hyderabad's 4.25% 2027s, rated Ba1/BB+/BB+, underperformed today. The notes, priced at par yesterday, were seen slightly below par, partly because of the sharp tightening in final yield from an initial guidance of 4.625%. CreditSights had put the bond's fair value at 4.9%, well above the final yield. In the investment-grade segment, Kia Motors' dual-tranche notes were flat to reoffer levels. The 3% 2023s, priced on Wednesday at 120bp over US Treasuries, were quoted at 120.7bp/119bp, while the 3.5% 2027s, priced at 125bp, tightened to 121bp/118bp. (Reporting by Kit Yin Boey; Editing by Dharsan Singh) Keywords: MARKETS ASIA DEBT/ BRASILIA, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Brazil's government is reconsidering its decision to auction off Sao Paulo's Congonhas airport next year amid concerns over the financial stability of state-owned airport operator Infraero, the Transport Ministry said in a statement on Friday. The ministry said a decision will be made on technical grounds, without political interference. Reuters reported on Thursday that a minor coalition party, the Republic's Party (PR), is demanding President Michel Temer to remove Congonhas from the auction list in return for political support. The government announced the auction decision in late August. (Reporting by Lisandra Paraguassu; Writing by Silvio Cascione; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) By Rod Nickel HOUSTON, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Alaska is pursuing foreign investors for its oil and gas industry, hoping to advance recent discoveries while struggling to compete with lower-cost shale projects and reverse a decades-long output decline. Sovereign wealth funds, banks and state-owned energy companies have met with Alaskan officials, John Hendrix, chief energy adviser to Alaska Governor Bill Walker said in an interview. China Investment Corp (CIC) and state-owned Chinese energy company Sinopec held talks with state officials last month, he said. Alaskan crude production has fallen by three-quarters since 1988, a decline that has contributed to budget deficits and jeopardized the operation of the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline, which runs from the North Slope to the southern port of Valdez. This year, a state budget shortfall led the state to withhold hundreds of millions of dollars owed to small oil explorers. The nascent investment push is mostly focused on Asian firms, which Alaskan officials believe could take roles in a proposed natural gas pipeline and in individual energy projects, said Hendrix, a former energy executive. "It's a wide, full-court press," he said. But oil companies operating in Alaska say the state should fully fund its explorer-incentive payments that along with crude prices around $50 have put at risk projects on the North Slope and in the National Petroleum Reserve. Chinese capital for energy development also faces federal reviews that could block the state's effort. "It's a challenging sell," Hendrix said, adding that the proximity to Asian markets will boost the projects' appeal to energy importers. "When you talk about (exporting) to the Far East, we're closer than California." CIC and Sinopec expressed interest in an 800-mile proposed natural gas pipeline that would run from Prudhoe Bay to a southern port, as well as oil and gas production projects, he said. Sinopec is talking with Alaska about a potential investment in the gas pipeline, said a source in China with knowledge of the discussions. Sinopec and CIC declined to comment. Caelus, which disclosed a 6 billion-barrel North Slope oil discovery a year ago, delayed its drilling plans this summer, in part over the lack of incentive payments. "It's hard to plan when you don't know the rules," Caelus spokesman Casey Sullivan said. The state previously paid small companies for some costs of exploring and developing oil and gas projects, which are higher than in many other regions. This year, the state gave those companies only a portion, leaving hundreds of millions of dollars unpaid. Alaska's fiscal uncertainty helps create more risk than in other U.S. regions and could discourage sovereign wealth funds from investing, said Wood Mackenzie analyst Alison Wolters. The reason small companies are struggling to attract outside capital is the decline in state incentive payments, said Kara Moriarty, CEO of trade group Alaska Oil and Gas Association. Foreign investment can be reviewed by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to ensure that it does not pose national security risks. CFIUS reviews have halted energy deals involving foreign investment and the Trump administration appears skeptical of Chinese investment, said two CFIUS experts who spoke on condition of anonymity to protect business relationships. "I think it's going to be very difficult for Chinese to make significant investments in energy in the United States," one expert said. (Reporting by Rod Nickel in Houston; additional reporting by Diane Bartz in Washington D.C., Julie Zhu, Aizhu Chen and Matthew Miller in Beijing; Editing by Gary McWilliams and Dan Grebler) ACCRA, Oct 20 (Reuters) - The Bank of Ghana said the yield on its weekly 91-day bill dipped to 13.2 percent at an auction on Friday, from 13.28 percent at the last such sale on Oct. 13. The bank said it had accepted 643.96 million cedis ($146.85 million) worth of bids out of the 651.89 million cedis tendered for the paper, which will be issued on Monday. For full details, click here: ($1 = 4.3850 Ghanaian cedis) (Reporting by Kwasi Kpodo; Editing by Tim Cocks) 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. Oct 20 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories in the Wall Street Journal. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. - U.S. Senate Republicans adopted a budget for the next fiscal year, clearing a critical hurdle in the GOP push to overhaul the tax code. - U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson described how he seeks to manage an often-fraught relationship with President Donald Trump, saying he tries to deliver short-term victories to an impatient commander-in-chief while focusing on a longer horizon himself. - The Federal Bureau of Investigation has joined the investigation into how a group of militants thought to be Islamists killed four American soldiers in Niger two weeks ago, a move that comes as U.S. officials face criticism over their struggle to answer questions about the incident. - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is near a deal to add Lord & Taylor to its website, part of a broader effort by the retail giant to build an online shopping destination that can compete with Amazon.com Inc. - A federal judge sentenced Thomas C. Davis, the former chairman of Dean Foods Co, to two years in prison for engaging in a long-running insider trading scheme with legendary Las Vegas gambler William "Billy" Walters. - Personal-shopping service Stitch Fix has filed for an initial public offering, revealing that the six-year-old startup's annual sales have zoomed to nearly $1 billion at a time when traditional clothing retailers are struggling. (Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom) MOSCOW, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Russia's central bank will consider various options for the pace of cutting its key policy rate at the regulator's next meeting on Oct. 27, Central Bank Deputy Governor Ksenia Yudayeva said on Friday. Asked whether it was possible that the regulator will decide to cut its key rate by more than 50 basis points next week, Yudayeva said: "I believe that we have already got accustomed to this pace (of 50 basis points)." "We will study and consider various options." (Reporting by Elena Fabrichnaya; Writing by Dmitry Solovyov; Editing by Maria Kiselyova) HANOI, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official and unofficial markets, indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi and interbank offered rates at 0402 GMT. October 20 USD/VND mid-point 22,459 USD/VND interbank 22,718/22,719 USD/VND unofficial 22,730/22,750 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 36.33/36.55 Interbank offered rates Overnight 0.5-1.1 1 week 0.7-1.2 1 month 1.4-1.9 3 months 3.2-3.6 NOTES: As of Jan. 4, 2016 the State Bank of Vietnam has begun setting the mid-point rate on daily basis, allowing dollar/dong transactions to move in a band of +/- 3 percent around the mid point. The dong's exchange rate against other currencies is not restricted by a band. Interbank offered rates are the latest indicative bid/ask prices, quoted from market sources. One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces. SJC gold prices are quoted by state-owned Saigon Jewelry Co. For more interbank rate fixings released at 0400 GMT, click on . For Vietnam market overview click on: Vietnam's bonds market auctions: Bonds auction results: (Compiled by Hanoi Newsroom) JOHANNESBURG, Oct 20 (Reuters) - South Africa sold 3.555 billion rand ($259 million) worth of three-month Treasury bills on Friday, at an average yield of 7.41 percent compared with 7.4 percent last week, central bank data showed. The bid-to-cover ratio unchanged at 2.5. Auction date: 20/10/2017 Settlement date: 25/10/2017 Days 91 182 273 364 Amount received (R'bln) 9.03 3.369 3.371 3.251 Amount on offer (R'bln) 3.555 2.46 2.5 2.5 Amount allotted (R'bln) 3.555 2.46 2.5 2.5 Bid-to-cover ratio 2.5 1.4 1.3 1.3 Avg discount rate (pct) 7.27 7.29 7.25 7.18 Average yield (pct) 7.41 7.56 7.66 7.74 ($1 = 13.7005 rand) (Reporting by Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo; Editing by James Macharia) 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. TAIPEI, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Taiwan's export orders for September, released by the Ministry of Economic Affairs on Friday. The data is an indication of the strength of Asian exports and of global demand for technology. SEPTEMB REUTERS POLL AUGUST ER Export orders (y/y pct) +6.9 +7.1 +7.5 Export orders from China +14.6 +11.6 Export orders from U.S. +2.2 -0.8 Export orders from Europe +2.9 +21.3 Export orders from Japan +26.6 +13.0 The ministry's website is / (Reporting by Jess Macy Yu; Editing by Jacqueline Wong) 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. (Kitco News) - Gold prices are moderately lower in early U.S. trading Friday, amid keener trader and investor risk-taking attitudes late this week. The specter of U.S. tax cuts forthcoming is a main element lifting spirits in the marketplace. December Comex gold was last down $5.40 an ounce at $1,284.60. December Comex silverwas last down $0.06 at $17.195 an ounce. World stock markets were mostly higher overnight. U.S. stock indexes are also pointed toward firmer openings when the New York day session begins. Global equities were boosted overnight in part on news the U.S. Senate passed a tax-reform blueprint as part of a budget package late Thursday. If the so-called blueprint becomes law it would likely help to stimulate the U.S. economy via lower tax rates. The U.S. dollar was also supported Friday on the U.S. Senate passage of the tax-reform blueprint, and thats a daily negative for the precious metals markets. The Euro currency is under pressure late this week after the Spanish government got a rebuke from the Caladonia regions leader on Thursday. Spanish government officials are holding an emergency meeting Saturday to discuss tightening their grip on the Caladonia region. The other key outside market Friday morning sees Nymex crude oil futures prices lower and trading just below $51.00 a barrel. The oil market bulls have the slight overall near-term technical advantage. U.S. economic data due for release Friday is light and includes existing home sales. Fed Chair Janet Yellen also gives a lecture, but its not certain she will talk about current U.S. monetary policy. Technically, December gold futures bulls have the slight overall near-term technical advantage. Bulls next upside technical objective is pushing and closing prices above chart resistance at $1,300.00. Bears' next near-term downside price breakout objective is closing prices below solid technical support at the October low of $1,262.80. First support is seen at this weeks low of 1,277.60 and then at $1,270.00. First resistance is seen at todays high of 1,292.90 and then at $1,300.00. Wyckoffs Market Rating: 5.5 December silver bulls also have slight the overall near-term technical advantage. The next upside price breakout objective is closing futures prices above solid technical resistance at $17.75 an ounce. The next downside price breakout objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at the October low of $16.345. First resistance is seen at todays high of $17.315 and then at $17.50. Next support is seen at $17.00 and then at this weeks low of $16.92. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 5.5. (Updates with quotes from company; notes initial spike was higher) AMSTERDAM, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Shares of Dutch insurer ASR jumped briefly in afternoon trading on Friday after Bloomberg reported that Aegon had approached the company for a possible takeover but was rebuffed. The report cited people familiar with the matter, and ASR shares initially rose as much as 9 percent, then quickly faded to be up 3.5 percent. By 1450 GMT shares were up 1.9 percent higher at 34.65, while Aegon was down 0.5 percent at 4.98 euros. ASR spokeswoman Anita Wassink said the company could not comment on rumours. "We believe that ASR is strong enough for a standalone position in the Dutch insurance market," she said. Aegon spokesman Dick Schiethart said "we have no idea where this is coming from." He added the company has not said it is pursuing acquisitions. Dutch regulators have generally welcomed consolidation on the domestic insurance market after several life insurers were found to be weakly capitalised in the run-up to the introduction of Europe's new Solvency II regime. The country's largest insurer, NN Group, agreed to buy the troubled Delta Lloyd in December 2016. Aegon, which does two-thirds of its business in the United States, has been selling assets to shore up its solvency in the Netherlands. As recently as August, it sold Unirobe Meeus Groep (UMG), a Dutch financial advisory group, to Aon Groep Nederland for 295 million euros. ASR, meanwhile, had a stronger capital position heading into Solvency II and has itself been an acquirer, buying Generali Nederland for 143 million euros ($171 million) in September. (Reporting by Toby Sterling, editing by David Evans) (Adds details from report) OTTAWA, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Canadian retail sales unexpectedly declined in August as consumers spent less at supermarkets and home renovation stores, data from Statistics Canada showed on Friday. Sales fell 0.3 percent, against forecasts for a 0.5 percent increase. Sales declined in 8 of 11 sectors, accounting for 57 percent of retail trade. Volumes declined 0.7 percent, the biggest decrease since March 2016. Sales at food and beverage stores tumbled 2.5 percent following four consecutive months of gains due to lower sales at supermarkets and other grocery stores. Stores that are typically linked to home purchases and renovations also saw sales decline as Canadians spent less on building materials and furniture. The overall decline in retail sales was tempered by a 3.1 percent increase in sales at gasoline stations, mostly due to higher prices at the pump. Vehicle and parts sales rose 0.7 percent, driven by higher sales at new car dealers. Auto sales have been solid in Canada this year, putting 2017 on track to hit a record. <^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Graphic - Canada economic snapshot ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> (Reporting by Leah Schnurr; Editing by Bernadette Baum) (adds quotes, context) BRUSSELS, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Italy's Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni sought on Friday to quell a controversy over who will be the next governor of the central bank, an issue that has exposed divisions within the ruling Democratic Party (PD). He said the bank should be independent but political opinions about it were legitimate. The mandate of Bank of Italy Governor Ignazio Visco ends in October and the renewal of his 6-year term has been weakened by criticisms from PD leader and former prime minister Matteo Renzi. Gentiloni, who has to recommend the next governor, has not indicated publicly his preference but stressed on Thursday that relations with the PD were "very good" and "all political opinions were legitimate". He also dismissed concerns that the support to the government could be weakened by the Bank of Italy debate, as the parliament prepares to discuss the budget for next year before elections by May. Speaking in a news conference in Brussels, Gentiloni said the decision on the Bank of Italy will be made with the main aim of safeguarding the independence of the central bank, which oversees the country's banking system. The institution has been criticised for inadequate supervision as several Italian banks have collapsed in recent years. "The government will take its decisions respecting the rules and the autonomy of the Bank of Italy," Gentiloni told reporters after an EU summit in Brussels. He declined to say whether the government will propose a new mandate for Visco or whether it will suggest a new name. Italy's president, Sergio Mattarella, who has to formally appoint the new governor, defended Visco after Renzi's attacks . (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio; editing by Philip Blenkinsop/Jeremy Gaunt) WASHINGTON, Oct 20 (Reuters) - U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen returned to the White House on Friday to have lunch with President Donald Trump's top economic adviser, Gary Cohn, a White House official said, describing the meeting as "nothing out of the ordinary." Yellen had met with Trump on Thursday for an interview on her possible reappointment as chair of the U.S. central bank, and the news of her return to the White House, first reported by Bloomberg News, led to a drop in yields on U.S. government debt. "She's here for lunch with Gary, which she does from time to time," the White House official told Reuters. (Reporting by Jeff Mason; Writing by Makini Brice; Editing by Tim Ahmann) CHANGSHA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- China's first domestically produced electric locomotive began operating in Serbia, the Chinese manufacturer, CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive, announced late Thursday. The locomotive will serve the busiest freight transport route on the Balkan Peninsula With a maximum speed of 140 km per hour and a rated power of 7,000 kw, the locomotive is able to haul 4,500 tonnes of cargo. In March 2016, CRRC Zhuzhou signed a contract with Nikola Tesla Thermal Power Plant, a state-owned enterprise in Serbia, to supply two electric locomotives. It is the first Chinese electric locomotive project in Serbia and also the first to conform to the European Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI) standard. The other locomotive is expected to arrive in Serbia soon. CRRC Zhuzhou has strengthened its presence in overseas markets in recent years. It has won bids for metro trains in Turkey, multiple unit trains in Macedonia and Czech Republic, and a hybrid trolley bus in Austria. The CRRC, also known as China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation, was formed in 2015 through the merger of former two rivals. The largest train maker so far has been rapidly expanding its presence by winning contracts in overseas markets, and has sold equipment to more than 100 countries and regions. The government will respect the outcome of a public debate on the fate of two new nuclear reactors that recommended the resumption of their construction, the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said Friday, withdrawing the president's election pledge to scrap the two nuclear power plants. "(Cheong Wa Dae) respects the will of the public debate commission that made its recommendation after three months of deliberation," Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Park Soo-hyun told a press briefing. "The government will do its utmost to implement follow-up measures without any disruption, based on the recommendation." Cheong Wa Dae's response came immediately after the public debate commission made its recommendation in a nationally televised press conference, noting 59.5 percent of 471 citizens and experts who took part in the debate were in favor of completing the Shin Kori-5 and Shin Kori-6 reactors while 40.5 percent were in favor of scrapping them. The construction of the two new reactors was halted in July, two months after President Moon Jae-in took office with an election pledge to scrap the new reactors as part of his new, nuclear-free energy policy. By Kim Jae-kyoung SINGAPORE Korean companies should develop a "single market strategy" in the ASEAN market as the Southeast Asian bloc's latest accord to enhance transport cooperation is expected to speed up integration of the region, according to ASEAN experts. They said Korean players should act swiftly because once ASEAN becomes more integrated, they will need new production models and market strategies. "This agreement is very relevant as transport connectivity is key to enhance economic integration, especially in neighboring areas," Alicia Garcia-Herrero, Asia-Pacific chief economist at Natixis, told The Korea Times. "For South Korea, it means ASEAN should increasingly be thought of as a good substitute for China in terms of outward FDI for manufacturing. South Korea should move before others do as Japan and China are the key competitors." Venkatachalam Anbumozhi, a senior economist at the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), agreed. "It is a step closer to full economic integration and connectivity," he said. These views came after 10 ASEAN member states signed an agreement to strengthen land, sea and air links by lowering barriers at the 23rd ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting held in Singapore on Oct. 13. The move is expected not only to bolster ties among the countries, but also to boost travel and trade within the region by enabling the greater movement of people and goods, benefiting the region's economies and businesses and expanding tourism. "The agreement is an important step forward to facilitate closer linkages between ASEAN member states," said Katrina Ell, economist at Moody's Analytics. "It will be particularly beneficial for cementing closer trade and tourism ties by removing red tape and bureaucracy." She pointed out the expanding economic service sector via higher tourism is an important burgeoning industry with lots of potential, particularly given the impressive rise of the middle class in many ASEAN member states. "South Korea would do well to work toward inking a similar agreement with ASEAN to achieve the same forecasted benefits," Ell said. Rob Carnell, head of Asia research at ING Bank, concurred. "Any move like this has to be seen as a small step for greater free flow of labor and services," he said. "And it is generally a positive for all economies involved, though presumably there are still border checks and limitations, even if a change in transport is no longer required." Catalyst for engagement in ASEAN The latest initiative on connectivity came nearly two years after the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) at the end of 2015. ASEAN consists of 10 countries Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. The AEC is an agreement among 10 ASEAN member nations to create by 2025 a single market in the region with a free flow of goods, capital and skilled labor. Experts say in order to capitalize on opportunities in the region, Korean firms need to take a more comprehensive approach by considering ASEAN as one market. Korean Ambassador to ASEAN Suh Jeong-in believes Korean firms should try to see both "the forest and the trees" and take a "think regional, act local" strategy to find an optimal place for a regional production base that can cover the entire ASEAN market. "Korean firms need to see the region as a single market and take action at an early stage of the integration process, with the vision to look 10 years ahead," he said in an earlier interview "They should come up with a strategy for the entire ASEAN market while employing tactics tailored to each country because the 10 member countries are all different in regards to economics, politics and culture." Anbumozhi said Korea also needs to be more strategic. "The initial willingness of ASEAN members to agree to enhance the connectivity should be seen as a positive development, as six intra-ASEAN routes are now among the business international air-transport and sea line connectivity routes," he said. Citing the region's lack of infrastructure airports, seaports and railroads, he said Korean intervention should be both hard investment in infrastructure and soft training of human resources and policies. "Korea should see the agreement as one of the major catalysts for long-term engagement in Southeast Asia's commercial transport and tourism industries linking the fast-growing Chinese and Indian markets," he said. By Yoon Ja-young President Moon Jae-in is expected to lose momentum for his drive to phase out nuclear energy - at least for a while - following a state commission's decision to renew the construction of two nuclear reactors. Analysts, however, say that direction has not changed and the country will move toward renewable energy in the long term. The state commission, comprising 471 civilian jury members, recommended Friday that the construction of Shin-Kori 5 and 6, the two reactors in the southeastern port city of Ulsan, should resume. Following President Moon's campaign pledge of building a nuclear-free country, the construction had been temporarily halted, with Moon pledging to follow public opinion regarding the two reactors' fate. The commission decided that the construction of the reactors, which were about 30 percent complete, should resume, with 59.5 percent of the jury supporting resumption and 40.5 percent opposing it. About 1.6 trillion won ($1.41 billion) had already been invested in the construction. Analysts, however, stress that the policy direction hasn't changed and the transition to renewable energy will continue. "Mujong" by Choonwon Yi Kwang-su By Kang Chang-wuk, Choi Yearn-hong George Mason University is hosting a centennial symposium to commemorate Korean writer Choonwon's first publication, "Mujong," featuring three distinguished scholars from Korea and Japan on Oct. 28, 2017, in the Washington area. In the beginning of 1917, the daily newspaper Maeilshinbo started to publish the first Korean serial novel, titled "Mujong," by literary giant Choonwon Yi Kwang-su. "Mujong" was unprecedented in terms of its literary style, language, serialization and other aspects. At the time, it had been seven years after Japan annexed Korea, and thus, Korean culture was in a precarious state. Nonetheless, the serial novel became an instant success, not only among the learned but also the less educated Koreans. It was written entirely in the Korean script, Hangul, and was read by well educated, which was unheard of. This literary phenomenon destroyed class boundaries. In this sense, the serial novel more than told a story it changed Korean society. This serial novel is a significant historical phenomenon and helped Maeilshinbo sell more papers. The novel was written in unity of speech and writing, that was very first in Korean writing. Historically, the only available script was the Chinese script. King Sejong the Great (1397-1450) of the Joseon Dynasty invented the new Korean alphabet, which was then a completely new phonetic script that was universally used and not limited to the learned, like the Chinese script. The new script was easy to learn, as it was close to ordinary spoken Korean, and for this reason , the aristocrats berated it. It was used only by a small population, mostly by women. The Korean social classes were very apparent in early 20th century and were similar to the Indian caste system. The servant class was banned from learning the letters. King Kojong, in 1985, pronounced an edict that public documents will be written in the new Korean script. However, most written works were still a mixture of the Chinese and new Korean alphabets, similar to the Japanese style. "Mujong" was written entirely in Hangul and used spoken words like "handa" rather than the old written expression "hanora." "Mujong" was epochal, like Chauser's "Canterbury Tales" and Dante's "Divine Comedy." Hatano Setsuko, a professor emeritus at Nigata University, is going to present her paper on "Mujong" in Hangul at this symposium. The first edition of "Mujong" was published in 1918, and since then, several dozen edition have been published and translated in English and Japanese. This novel has been studied by many scholars for a long time in Korea and abroad. Thus, in 2017, there has been several commemorative seminars on "Mujong" in South Korea, North Korea,China and Japan, and so far, 14 papers have been presented in various symposiums this year, according to the Yi Kwang-su Research Center. Song Hyun-ho, a professor at Ajou University and president of the Choonwon Society is going to present his paper on their discovery of Mujong at the centennial year. His overview of "Mujong" in the past 100 years will be valuable to Choonwon studies. "Mujong" is akin to Yi Kwang-su's autobiography, in terms of the situations of the novel's heroes and heroine. The protagonist Lee Hyung-shik is an orphan, not only because he lost this parents but also because he lost this country to Japan. Of course, a writer's creative work reflects his or her life, "Mujong" is more than Choonwon's own life experiences and aspirations. Song points out that Choonwon's view of Dosan Ahn Chang-ho's life reflected in this novel. Ahn was one of the first Korean immigrants to the United States who tried to educate and enlighten the Korean people with his independence movement against Japanese rule. Song emphasized that "Mujong" was based on the ideals of American democracy, and this fact should be rediscovered in the centennial celebration of the first modern novel in Korean history. Song's point of view was a new shock to the Korean people in the United States. In 2015, in the library of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Hatano found Choonwon's handwritten unpublished poems in a couple of monographs. She and Sogang University faculty members edited a book out of these two monographs this year. Choonwon should also be rediscovered as a pioneering poet in the Korean literary history. He had written more than 200 poems, mostly in the modern style, but some were "sijo" and some children's songs. Yang Wang-yong, a poet and a professor emeritus at Busan University, divided Yi's life as a poet into four periods. In his paper, he discusses Yi's and Choi Nam-sun's poems as the first new-style poems in the 1910s. All of Choonwon's poems were nationalistic and patriotic. Yang will point out at the symposium the many times Choonwon encountered enormous difficulties under Japanese colonial rule. His poems were truly reflections of his painful life in the 1930s and 1940s, as well as some of his hope and despair before and after the Liberation of Korea in 1945. There will be readings of Choonwon's poems at the symposium. The symposium is highly anticipated. Dr. Kang is an essayist and psychiatrist in Baltimore, and Dr. Choi is a poet and writer in Virginia. Hoang Thu Thao of Vietnam holds a trophy after winning the 2017 Miss Global Beauty contest held in Seoul, Thursday. Women from over 40 countries participated in the 29th "Miss Global Beauty Queen," with the theme of promoting the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics and peace on the Korean Peninsula. / Courtesy of Yunga Myeongga South Korea's Air Force announced Friday that it will found a key airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) unit in December in line with its plan to acquire Global Hawk drones. Two RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will be delivered to the Air Force next year under a 2014 contract with the United States, with two more to arrive in 2019. The assets are expected to improve South Korea's capability to monitor North Korea's nuclear and missile activities, adding to its Peace Eye airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) system aircraft. The new airborne ISR unit will be launched Dec. 1 this year, the Air Force told lawmakers during an annual audit session held at the Gyeryongdae military compound in South Chungcheong Province. The base is home to the headquarters of the Air Force, the Army and the Navy. The Air Force already has an ISR battalion, but it has decided to create a higher-level one to operate Global Hawk drones and analyze the data collected by them. The Global Hawk, which features high-altitude and long-endurance flight, is known for persistent near-real-time coverage using imagery intelligence (IMINT), signals intelligence (SIGINT) and moving target indicator (MTI) sensors. (Yonhap) By Choi Ha-young Hong Joon-pyo Chairman of the largest conservative Liberty Korea Party (LKP), Hong Joon-pyo, is scheduled to visit Washington next week to call for the redeployment of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea. However, there are widespread concerns here that his visit will only cause misunderstanding among U.S. politicians and policymakers about Seoul's stance on the redeployment issue. Some analysts worry that his visit will deepen an ideological divide in South Korea over how to deal with North Korea's threats when a unified voice is needed more than ever. According to the LKP, Hong will meet U.S. State Department officials including Joseph Yun, the top U.S. negotiator on the North Korea nuclear issue, and congressmen handling diplomatic and military affairs in Washington, D.C. Hong will also meet researchers from the U.S.-Korea Institute and the Council on Foreign Relations. Interviews with Reuters and the Washington Post are also arranged. Last month, a group of LKP lawmakers led by Rep. Lee Cheol-woo visited Washington to demand redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons, only to get the cold shoulder from U.S. officials. Korea advised to reduce state intervention, upgrade education By Kim Jae-kyoung South Korea's global competitiveness is gradually waning. Although its global ranking has remained unchanged over the past few years, it is probable that it will further head south in coming years, given that the government is highly inwardly focused and its labor and corporate policies allow state intervention. According to the latest survey by the World Economic Forum (WEF), Korea's overall global competitiveness in 2017 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. President Moon Jae-in should take the latest results seriously and feel a sense of urgency. He should seek ways to retool the economy to make national capabilities more competitive and better adapt to new environments. A better place to start is to take a cue from Switzerland, which topped the competitiveness ranking for the fifth consecutive year. Global experts said Moon should pay attention to how Switzerland has fostered innovation through openness and competition. Bruno Lanvin, INSEAD's executive director for global indices, said Switzerland is a unique example in many ways, but it shows how small economies can be global competitors. "Being a landlocked country, with a limited domestic market of 7 million people, Switzerland had to learn very early the importance of being an open economy," he said. "Its education system has always been tightly in tune with the needs of its labor market, and its financial sector has been regarded as secure, efficient and stable." Lanvin stressed that in the world of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, innovation will be a key ingredient of competitiveness. Equally important are national capabilities to adapt to the new world of work, with fewer salaried workers and more free agents pursuing multiple careers, he said. "Those economies that invest today in openness, education and diversity will clearly be better equipped to face the competitiveness challenges of tomorrow." One hundred and fifty years ago, Switzerland was among the poorest countries in Europe. Since it is landlocked and has practically no natural resources, it had to open its borders to trade, investment and ideas. "Quickly, the talents of its merchants, hotel managers, engineers and bankers helped the country to build its reputation far beyond cuckoo clocks and chocolate," Lanvin said. Hands-off approach Experts stressed that the most important lesson Moon should take from the European country is its efforts to relax regulations and minimize state intervention to create a more vibrant private sector. Mauro Guillen, director of the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, said Switzerland's strength comes from its government's hands-off approach that ensures stability and innovation, and a highly educated population. "Their companies suffered during the 1980s, but they have managed to continue innovating and to overcome the difficulties," he said. "The lesson is simple: provide a framework that encourages education, innovation and competition among firms." 600 X 400 pixels . Prosecutors on Wednesday raided McDonald's Korea's headquarters and three partner companies as part of a probe into allegations that it undercooked burger patties, causing some consumers to get sick. Investigators searched the main office of McDonald's Korea in central Seoul and its patty suppliers to confiscate evidence, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office said. The probe was launched after a complaint was filed in July by a woman who claimed her five-year-old daughter was diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) after eating a Happy Meal burger that came with undercooked meat. She now has to receive dialysis for the rest of her life. A series of similar consumer accusations followed. Joh Ju-yeon, the chief of McDonald's Korea, expressed regret in a media statement last month. (Yonhap) By Rachel Lee President Moon Jae-in vowed, Friday, to resolve a longstanding row over investigative power between the police and the prosecution next year to better serve the people and protect their rights. "The government will help the two institutions reach a consensus on their own, but if necessary, we will create a neutral panel to mediate an agreement," Moon said at a ceremony marking the 72nd National Police Day, which falls on Saturday. The thorny issue between the police and the prosecution over separating investigative and prosecutorial powers has gone on for nearly 20 years. The prosecution has been criticized for abusing its power and being political in its work _ prosecutors decide whether to investigate cases themselves or by directing the police to do so. The police say their roles should be redefined so they can initiate investigations and the prosecutors come in at the indictment stage. The reform plan to split the rights between the two was one of Moon's campaign pledges. The plan will give more power to police by allowing them to them to carry out independent investigations. The police are currently restricted from investigating without prosecutors' supervision. The President also promised to prepare an autonomous local police system, which was also one of his election pledges, to meet the demands of local residents for public security services. He cited the Jeju municipal police, which have been in force for 12th years, as an example to learn from. The President called for responsible follow-up steps for human rights violations by the police last month, which Moon called the "last chance given by the people" to earn trust and honor. "I will completely guarantee the independence and political neutrality of the police. I hope the police will work for the people only," Moon said. Moon emphasized that protecting the security and lives of people should be the police's top priority. "Police should not overextend their force in dealing with protests," he said, asking police to focus on public security by working to make demonstrations peaceful. Moon also asked the police to protect the disadvantaged, including children, women and the disabled. President Moon also urged the police to reinforce their response capabilities to terrorist attacks ahead of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games. The government will expand support and treatment for those killed or injured on the job and make sure the police get treated for the work they have done, Moon said. China will improve the national health policy, and ensure the delivery of comprehensive lifecycle health services for its people, President Xi Jinping vowed when delivering a report to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Wednesday. His remarks came as the country has set up the worlds largest medical insurance network reaching over 1.3 billion people. An employee working with the one-stop health care settlement center in Wanan county, Jiangxi Province is handling the settlement procedures for impoverished household, August 7, 2017. (Photo by Peoples Daily Online) Pledging that China will carry on its Healthy China initiative, Xi also stressed that the country will establish distinctively Chinese systems for providing basic healthcare, medical insurance, and quality and efficient healthcare services. China has woven the worlds largest network of basic medical insurance accessible for all and formed a healthcare service system encompassing both urban and rural areas, said a white paper issued recently by State Council Information Office on development of China's public health. By the end of 2016, the basic medical insurance has reached over 1.3 billion citizens nationwide, accounting for more than 95 percent of the total population. In addition, the urban and rural residents now have more equal access to the medical insurance after the country launched the reform in 2016 to create a unified basic health insurance system by integrating basic medical insurance for urban employees and the new rural cooperative medical scheme. The serious disease insurance scheme was also accessible for all as of 2015 after a pilot trial was launched in 2012. By the end of September 2016, Chinese government had spent 18.9 billion yuan (about $2.9 billion) on medical assistance to 51.45 million residents. Chinas serious disease insurance scheme was recognized by The Lancet, the world's leading independent general medical journal, which said in its commentary that China can provide important enlightenment for other developing nations in addressing the poverty caused by diseases. A hierarchical medical treatment system was also rolled out to direct resources to grassroots health institutions. In 2016, 200 Chinese cities that piloted public hospital reform introduced family doctor service contracts, with priorities given to seniors, pregnant women, children and the disabled. Data showed 22 percent of the entire population in the targeted cities, including 38.8 percent of the priority groups, has been able to enjoy contractual services from family doctors. A trans-provincial medical treatment settlement system has also been built, allowing any patient enrolled in the public medical insurance system to be reimbursed for inpatient expenses, no matter where they are treated. The World Health Organization (WHO), in recognition of Chinas achievements in health care reform, commented that the reform will lead Chinas health care system towards the right direction. The World Bank also described China's achievement in extending health insurance to 1.3 billion people as unparalleled accomplishments. Kim Ji-hyung, head of a state commission set up to gauge public opinion on nuclear energy, speaks at a press conference at the government complex in Seoul, Friday. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul 59.5% vs 40.5% for resumption of nuclear project By Jung Min-ho A state commission has decided to recommend resuming the stalled construction of two nuclear reactors a critical decision that may reshape the future of nuclear energy in Korea. Kim Ji-hyung, head of the commission, announced Friday the majority of a jury comprising 471 members of the public voted to resume the construction of the Shin-Kori 5 and 6 reactors which has been suspended since July. Of the jury members, 59.5 percent voted for completing the reactors, and 40.5 percent supported the permanent suspension of their construction. "The members were increasingly convinced the construction should be resumed," Kim said. "Especially many people in their 20s and 30s changed their views." The margin was larger than many expected, well exceeding the survey's margin of error of 3.5 percentage points. President Moon Jae-in has said his administration will follow the commission's decision "no matter what." Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Park Soo-hyun reaffirmed Friday the government will honor the decision. "Based on the commission's recommendation, the government will do its best to implement follow-up measures," he told reporters. The government is expected to officially endorse the recommendation at Tuesday's Cabinet meeting and make an announcement. The state-run Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Corp. (KHNP) has welcomed the decision. "Once we receive official documents from the government, we will notify contractors of the decision and get back to work," a KHNP official said. "Construction will likely resume next month." By Choi Ha-young Kangwon Land, Korea's only casino where citizens can legally gamble, is becoming the main target in the government's anti-corruption drive as revelations show the public firm has offered jobs to hundreds of people recommended by politicians and ranking officials. According to Rep. Lee Hoon of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), all 518 successful candidates who landed jobs in the company from 2012 to 2013 had been recommended by then-Kangwon Land CEO Choi Heung-jip as well as community leaders and lawmakers of the then-ruling conservative Saenuri Party. "This represents a deep-rooted problem in public companies influenced by powerful figures," Rep. Lee said Thursday during a National Assembly audit. "I support lawsuits by candidates who failed to get jobs in Kangwon Land due to its illicit connections with politicians. They were deprived of opportunities." DPK Rep. Cho Eung-cheon echoed the comments. "The corruption in the public enterprise's hiring process left deep scars in young jobseekers," Cho said. "The unfair process poked fun at other candidates who were not aware of the illicit sponsorship." Rep. Lee revealed five sitting LKP lawmakers who solicited for their acquaintances' jobs _ Reps. Kweon Seong-dong, Yeom Dong-yeol, Han Sun-kyo, Kim Han-pyo and Kim Ki-sun. At that time under ex-President Park Geun-hye, the Saenuri Party, which became the LKP, had considerable authority in budget allocation for the province. Two former Saenuri lawmakers Lee Lee-jae and Lee Kang-hoo were also listed. Journalists, Buddhist monks, a high school vice principal, the owner of a restaurant and a cousin of a lawmaker also appeared on the list as recommenders. Authorities visit a stalled nuclear power plant construction site in Ulsan, Friday. Earlier that day, a commission recommended the government resume its construction. /Korea Times photo by Jeon Hye-won Jury of 471 citizens sets example for conflict resolution By Kim Se-jeong A commission's decision to resume the stalled construction of the Shin-Kori 5 and 6 nuclear reactors set an important precedent for resolution of controversial issues by the people, analysts said. Kim Ji-hyung, the head of a commission set up to measure public opinion on the nuclear energy issue, announced the majority of a jury comprising 471 citizens voted to resume the construction of the two reactors, after 100 days of deliberation. Of the jury, 59.5 percent voted for resumption, and 40.5 percent opposed it. Han Sang-hee, a law professor at Konkuk University in Seoul, called it a positive move for Korea's young democracy. "Although it is not written in the Constitution, it was totally a constitutional process which allowed citizens to make a decision on their own at a discussion table," Han said. On the question of maintaining the nuclear energy policy, 53.2 percent of the jury responded they believe nuclear power should be reduced gradually, 35.5 percent answered "yes" and 9.7 percent replied it should be expanded. Analysts said the decision by a group of citizens marked a new method of public opinion measurement. President Moon Jae-in, who promised to phase out nuclear reactors during his campaign trail, ordered setting up the commission to collect public opinion on the controversial issue. The Moon government has said it will accept the jury's decision. Han denounced critics who attempted to undermine the legitimacy of the commission by citing a lack of expertise among the 471 members. Seoul City is considering increasing taxi fares to help ease driver complaints over low incomes. / Korea Times file By Park Si-soo Seoul City is considering increasing taxi fares to help ease driver complaints over low incomes. The city government held a policy meeting on Thursday, during which city officials and external experts discussed various measures. Two options were at the center of the discussion: increasing the basic fare to 3,500 won ($3.09) from 3,000 won ($2.65) and to between 4,600 won and 8,000 won. The city suggested the first option while taxi associations suggested the second. "We put more weight behind the first option, although the second option is on the negotiation table," a Seoul official said. Taxi associations claim the second option is a more realistic solution for the problem. "The basic fare should go up at least to 5,000 won to ensure taxi drivers have normal lives," an association member said. There are about 70,000 taxi drivers in Seoul and their average monthly income is 2.2 million won ($1,940), a little more than the nation's monthly average household income of 2.19 million won, according to city data. To make that income, taxi associations say, cabbies spend about 10 hours behind the wheel daily, while bus drivers work eight hours a day and make 3.03 million won a month. "We work more but are paid less," the association member said. "An overhaul of the compensation system is the only measure that will settle the problem." Seoul plans to decide on the matter after collecting opinions from citizens, experts and related organizations. Seoul's last taxi fare adjustment was in October 2013. The city then increased the basic fare to 3,000 won from 2,400 won. Under the present system, the basic fare covers the first two kilometers of the journey and the charge is then 100 won per 142 meters. Since the national liberation from Japanese colonial rule (1910-45), the state-run Seoul National University (SNU) has been one of major cradles of outstanding individuals in the nation, who contributed to building the Republic of Korea into what it is now. Such a prestigious school, however, has been losing its competency, even slipping out of the list of top 10 Asian universities for the first time since 2009 when statistics were first made available by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a British company specializing in education and studying abroad. True, one can dispute the reliability of the statistics but still they are regarded as one of the best indicators available. Nanyang Technological University of Singapore is Asia's top university. As for other Korean schools, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) rose to fourth place from last year's sixth, followed by Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), ranked 12th, Korea University 16th, Sungkyunkwan University 18th and Yonsei University 19th. SNU's ranking dropped due to low scores for its student-foreign faculty ratio and papers per faculty. Foreign faculty make up just 11 percent of the school's 3,930 professors, compared to 70 percent at top rankers Nanyang and Hong Kong universities. The SNU slippage is no surprise in a way. The school has no way to invite superior foreign professors in tough competition with other Asian universities offering much higher annual salaries. The overall environment for their research and children's education prove to be deterrents for foreign professors. The situation is similar at other schools. Our universities, besides SNU, lack efforts for the internationalization of their teaching systems. The government's university education policy has been losing consistency over the decades and schools are not allowed to choose students through their own examinations. Allies' common history and goals may be accented U.S. President Donald Trump will make a speech at the National Assembly during his visit in early November. It would be a meaningful occasion to highlight the two allies' shared history and common future goals. A larger-scale open-air speech would be more desirable but it is understandable that the proximity of Seoul, the most likely venue for it, to North Korea, would have made such a speech an act of derring-do. The deployment of two U.S. aircraft carriers plus other strategic assets near the Korean Peninsula during his Asian tour that will take him to Tokyo and Beijing, among other cities, shows the high level of security for the American leader against a potential North Korean provocation. Against this backdrop, the Trump speech could be one of his finest moments by showing his willingness and capacity to resolve the North's nuclear brinkmanship, one made to look intractable by his predecessors such as Barack Obama. He could use it to dispel the growing skepticism about the U.S. commitment to the region amid a strong Chinese push for Asian supremacy. For that, he could follow the pattern of his own July speech in Warsaw, Poland, but should aim to emulate JFK's 1963 speech on the U.S. spirit of fair competition and challenge at the American University. As he did in the Polish speech, he should praise Korea for its miraculous transformation from a former colony of Japan to an industrial nation in its own right. One example is the June 1987 Struggle that forced an end to a series of dictatorships, while another is the recent peaceful candlelit revolution that brought justice to a corrupt leader. These are similar to Poland's Solidarity movement that ended communist rule in Poland with Trump complimenting its leader and former President Lech Walesa who was in the audience. Then, there are too many moments of camaraderie in the blood-sealed alliance that pushed back the North's invasion during the 1950-1953 Korean War and helped keep the communists at bay during the Cold War. American General and U.N. Commander Douglas MacArthur merits a reference in his speech for leading Operation Chromite through a massive landing operation at Incheon to reclaim Seoul on Sept. 28, three months after the war broke out. Together, the retired Korean Army General Paik Sun-yup should be cited for his war contribution starting with his stint as commander of the ROK Army 1st Infantry Division to defend Seoul. He served together with the U.S. military throughout the war and beyond. The most important element is about the future goals Trump has in mind about the North and the region as well. There is little doubt that he still has a large reservoir of invective against the North. But with the impressive display of the U.S. military deployed nearby, his peace proposal and guarantees for the North's survival would be louder than a discharge of any big gun. His peace overture would enable Trump to undercut Kim Jong-un's bluster immensely and put the world on notice for his forthcoming contributions to world peace, prosperity and, finally, optimism. These are American traits that had made Trump's country great. Now, he could restore them. By Kim Ji-myung "There are 3,919 underground shelters in this city including the underground floors of public buildings, local administration offices, large buildings and metro stations. The shelters can accommodate more than twice Seoul's current population of about 10 million." So said a Seoul city spokesman, not recently, but back in 2010 after the North Korean bombardment of Yeonpyeong Island that killed two civilians and two soldiers. I don't know exactly how anti-raid or anti-missile attack facilities across the nation have been improved by the central and local governments since then. Kim Jong-un has succeeded in incessantly threatening southerners with his successful nuclear arms program. However, for no reason, many Koreans seem to have no serious concerns about a possible nuclear-weapons attack by the North. It is clear that if there is an attack using nuclear weapons by the North, shelters may mean nothing because of radioactive fallout and other deadly substances. I forgot to mention that the official also revealed that there are 23 nuclear-proof shelters nationwide with independent power-plants, automatic pollution detectors, alarm systems and survival kits including food for two weeks, but none exist in Seoul! And they are only located at military facilities and within the "Blue House,' because nuclear-proof shelters require a lot of money to build, according to his explanation. Compared to 2010, the risk of nuclear attack seems unprecedentedly high. And it is obvious no president and no government is ready or strong enough to protect the people from it if Kim Jong-un decides to show his muscle with fireworks on the South. I would take it as a destiny already written in the history books, rather than something caused by anyone's fault. Because, young Kim and his father and his grandfather have all avowed the same North Korea is the center of the world, and they don't care if the rest of mankind perishes or not. Then what? Everyone must take care of themselves. We, the Koreans, lack two things according to my observations. As a nation, Korea still needs to learn to maneuver its diplomacy and national security. There are historical reasons: There was always China, which allowed some degree of internal self-governance in Korea while representing and controlling Korea on diplomatic matters. Now, it's more complicated. The Korean people need to learn about "individual responsibility" for their own safety and survival. There are also other reasons: For Koreans, the family and the clan took priority, effacing the individual identity and responsibility. There was always someone above an ancestor or father or a family member. But now almost half of the population lives alone with no one to depend on. In a war situation, what is most horrible? It is loss of contact with loved ones, not to mention the instinctive and philosophical fear of death. What would you do if there is no one who knows where your family members are, and how to contact them? This brings back memories of the designated "gathering spot" signs I found many years ago in Tokyo and in Dublin, Ireland. As they already know where to gather in an emergency, maybe a rescue helicopter would pick them there or they could find their family members. Korea has had a relatively low rate of natural disasters such as earthquakes or typhoons. During the Korean Ear, refugees who settled in Busan used to roam the "Forty Steps" area, as if they had a prior appointment with their families. Many could reunite with their separated families there. If we are unfortunate enough to see a Second Korean War break out on the peninsula, it would be totally different from the 1950 war. Maybe there would be no evacuation, no refugees and no survivors in the attacked area. Having communication cut-off may be the most difficult pain people may suffer, as well as a most effective war-making tool. I will inform my family tomorrow of my plan: let's meet, when the situation allows us, in the lobby of the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo or at the main gate of the United Nations Headquarters on 42nd Street New York at 11 a.m. on every first Monday of the month. This is a sad plan, but a needed one. Kim Ji-myung (heritagekorea21@gmail. com) is the chairwoman of the Korea Heritage Education Institute (K*Heritage). By Oh Young-jin The United States tried to validate its insistence on having a military option in dealing with North Korea last month by flying two B1-B strategic bombers along the East Coast of North Korea. These bombers had flown farthest to the north of the inter-Korean border by any allied aircraft in the 21st century, the Trump administration said, although their nocturnal flight path was far from the North's airpace. A couple of days later, the National Assembly Intelligence Committee reportedly said that the North was kept in the dark, its radar snoozed off with none of its fighter jets scrambling to challenge the American planes. If that is true, the North's military is nothing but a paper tiger. Or can there be other explanations? Bear in mind that the North shot down an American EC-31 reconnaissance aircraft with 31 servicemen on board in April 1969. A year earlier, the USS Pueblo with 83 sailors on board was seized by the North while on a spying mission. True, then the North was the darling of its two mentors _ the Soviet Union and China _ with equipment well before the end of its shelf life. So did their military in a decrepit state explain their failure to respond visibly? Could there have been, perhaps, another explanation such as a disruption in the chain of command that deprived North Korea's air defense system of a chance to challenge the Bones (nickname for B1-B) with their escort formation of F-15 Eagles? The possibility is that, at a crucial moment, Kim Jong-un, the young dictator, may have fallen asleep, not responding to an urgent request for instructions on how to deal with the American aircraft. Kim rules by terror _ killing his uncle with anti-aircraft fire and purging his closest aides just for falling asleep during meetings he presides over. Would anybody in their right mind venture to wake him up? But there is a precedent. On May 5, 1983, a civilian airliner belonging to China Civil Airlines was hijacked by six armed persons together with 96 passengers. The plane took off from Shenyang and was flying to Shanghai. It veered off course, crossed the Yalu River and entered North Korean airspace. Instantly, the North put the plane under its watch but decided to see how it would fly instead of using a more forceful approach because it was a national carrier of its ally China. The pilot was clever enough to dupe the hijackers and tried to land at Sunan Airport in Pyongyang. It is not clear whether this diversion to Pyongyang was made by the pilot alone or in consultation with North Korean flight controllers. It is quite possible that it was the latter, considering the North didn't even send its fighters to challenge the airplane. Then, one of the hijackers detected something amiss when he saw a North Korean sign _ a big portrait of Kim Il-sung, the founder of the North and its then leader _ as the plane was approaching Pyongyang airport. The hijackers threatened the pilot at gunpoint, forcing him to abort the landing and head to the South. It landed at U.S. Camp Page in Chunchun, in the South's Gangwon Province. Now, it took about 20 minutes for the the British-made HS121Trident aircraft to fly from Pyongyang to Chunchon with the North Korean air defense all but paralyzed. The North Korean air defense commander was reprimanded for his failure to respond according to the manual for such an emergency. But he was spared from a firing squad because he tried without success to locate Kim Il-sung to gain his clearance to go after the aircraft as the regulations stipulated. Kim was out of touch and nobody except for him could make a decision about such a situation. Three months before this incident, a North Korean Air Force pilot, Capt. Lee Ung-pyong, defected to the South with a MiG-19 fighter. It might be indicative of the general lapse in the North's air defense. But allowing a stout, slow-flying airliner to fly through its airspace and cross into its enemy's territory was simply disgraceful. The six hijackers were allowed to go to Taiwan, while Capt. Lee got $2.5 million for the MiG he flew to South Korea. There was a lesser-known case that showed the North's military tendency. It was in the early 1980s when a guard on duty at the North's equivalent of the South's Cheong Wa Dae fired a shot at an officer and hit him in the buttocks. The guard was in trouble because no shot was allowed to be fired in Pyongyang apparently as part of a measure to prevent any coup attempt and to detect one if it took place in its early stages. Firing the shot in the dead of night alerted the residents and the garrison units. The probe showed that the officer who was on a trip to the capital from a provincial unit, teased the guard and dared him to fire his AK-47 rifle at him, if his gun was even loaded with ammunition. The guard tried to dismiss him but the officer's teasing didn't stop. Push came to shove and the officer ran away and the guard ordered him to stop. When the officer refused, the guard fired a shot at him. So what happened to the guard who violated his given instructions not to discharge his weapon? He was commended for an act that could have protected the life of the Kim family in an emergency. The commendation recognized the North Korean version of independent thinking. What do these two cases say about the North's lack of response to the provocative Sept. 23 B1-B flight? Maybe Kim Jong-un was asleep. If so, it is fortunate there was no independent-thinking subordinate of Kim's, who could have gone after them and tried to shoot them down. Oh Young-jin (foolsdie5@ktimes.com and foolsdie@gmail.com) is The Korea Times' chief editorial writer. By Rha Hae-sung, Lee Min-hyung Korea is shying away from research in artificial intelligence (AI)-powered application processors, with only a few research and industry-wise players jumping into the emerging tech area. This is in contrast to other tech powerhouses in countries such as the United States and China whose representative AI chip players are Apple and Huawei. According to Counterpoint Research data, the AI chip market for smartphones has been rapidly rising this year. By 2020, more than 35 percent of all smartphones will be equipped with AI chips, the market researcher said Friday. It said that once system on chips (SoC) come with AI capabilities, this will bring a huge technological leap forward, allowing smartphones to do natural language processing, real-time translation and offer user-oriented services. In the smartphone market, Apple has been a leading AI chipset producer. It showcased its flagship product, the iPhone 8, and X with its AI processor, the A11 Bionic. The A11 includes neural network hardware, named "Neural Engine" by Apple, performing up to 600 billion operations a second. Neural Engine enables face identification, Animoji and other machine-learning tasks. Creeping closer to Apple's AI research, Huawei has introduced its AI chipset, "Kirin 970," with its premium smartphone, the Mate 10. The handset is capable of recognizing 2,500 images a minute and automatically optimizes its camera setting depending on the subject of the photo. Intel, which lost its title to Samsung Electronics as the world's largest chipmaker by revenue, is also seeking to regain its luster by launching new AI chips. The company recently unveiled a plan to join with Facebook to ship chips dedicated to processing AI projects no later than this year. Tesla has reportedly teamed up with Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), a U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer, to develop AI chips for use in self-driving cars. But Korean players remain passive in jumping into the new revenue area. To date, no official announcement has been made here over the AI chipsets. "Experimenting with something new is widely accepted in the society in such countries as the U.S. and China, but things are different in Korea," a tech industry source said. In Korea, several unnecessary regulations drive down the appetite for people to tap into the relatively new area - such as AI chips, he said. "To aggressively jump into such new tech areas, the government should lift outdated sanctions first," the source said. "This will encourage more people and companies to continue experimenting in new areas." South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster comments in favor of Samsung at a public hearing on the proposed safeguard against Korean washing machines at the U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington, D.C., Thursday. / Yonhap By Yoon Ja-young The country's trade and foreign ministries as well as representatives from washing machine manufacturers protested the U.S. decision that washing machines imported to the United States are damaging the industry. They stressed that any restriction on imports would hurt U.S. jobs and consumers. Following a safeguard petition filed by Whirlpool Corp. in May, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) determined earlier this month that increased imports of large residential washing machines were damaging the U.S. washing machine industry. Most of the washers targeted are manufactured by Samsung and LG at their factories in Thailand and Vietnam. The ITC held a public hearing on possible remedies in Washington, D.C., Thursday, giving the Korean companies a chance to persuade the panel. Officials of Korea's trade and foreign ministries as well as Samsung and LG representatives attended the hearing. The manufacturers stressed a remedy action will hurt U.S. consumers. "Blocking imports would give Whirlpool enormous market power and control. Prices would increase significantly and consumers would have less choice. Any tariff would halt the healthy growth we are seeing in the category," a representative of Home Appliances at Samsung Electronics America said at the hearing. Stressing that Samsung Electronics has more than 18,000 workers in the United States, having been marketing its products there for nearly 40 years, he called for equal treatment. "Give us a chance to succeed as a U.S. manufacturer. We are here. We are part of the U.S. industry, so no remedy is necessary." A number of U.S. politicians from states in which the Korean manufacturers are investing also defended them. Congressman Ralph Norman of South Carolina said a ray of hope broke through when Samsung announced plans to invest $384 million in a new facility in Newberry, South Carolina. The plant is scheduled to open early next year and will result in almost 1,000 new jobs. "I am concerned that the Commission's potential actions in this room could pose a risk not only to the new jobs in my community but to the broader American economy," he noted. The congressman also pointed to possible negative effects on consumers. "I am very concerned that consumers will be severely hurt if unnecessary roadblocks prevent Samsung from offering consumers a full array of innovative products. If Samsung cannot import enough washers to meet customer needs in 2018, it may lose orders that would harm demand for models made in South Carolina. Not only would this reduce consumer choice, it would also result in higher prices for consumers." While Whirlpool has demanded placing a 50 percent tariff on the imported washing machines, the congressman said this would disrupt the market and undercut the investment. Samsung and LG exported around $1 billion worth of large residential washing machines to the United States last year. The ITC will make its final decision on remedies in Nov. 21, and hand in its advice to President Donald Trump in early December. Trump may implement safeguard actions starting next February. Korea may take the issue to WTO if the United States takes any safeguard action. Chinas gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 6.9 percent year on year in the first three quarters of 2017 to 59.33 trillion yuan ($8.96 trillion), official data revealed on Thursday. The growth rate held steady from a 6.9 percent increase in the first half of this year. In the third quarter, China's GDP was up 6.8 percent year on year, compared with 6.9 in the second quarter, according to the data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This is the ninth straight quarter for China to see growth of 6.7 to 6.9 percent, NBS spokesman Xing Zhihong told a press conference. Production and consumption maintained a steady growth in the period. China's value-added industrial output expanded 6.7 percent compared with the same period of last year, while retail sales of consumer goods grew 10.4 percent year on year to 26.32 trillion yuan. Consumption maintained its position as the largest driver to Chinese economy, as the contribution of final consumption to economic growth reached 64.5 percent in the first nine months. Employment improved significantly in the first three quarters: A total 10.97 million new jobs were created in urban China 300,000 more than those of the same period last year. The registered urban unemployment rate in 31 big cities has been kept below 5 percent for seven consecutive months. The figure for September was 4.83 percent, the lowest since 2012. China maintained rapid growth in imports, exports and the surplus of its current account. With a steady RMB exchange rate, the foreign exchange reserve increased eight months in a row. In the first three quarters, Chinas added value in the service sector grew 7.8 percent compared with a year ago and the service industry contributed 58.8 percent to economic growth. The added value of high-tech and equipment manufacturing respectively contributed more than 12 percent and 32 percent to the entire industrial output.. New economic vitality and potential represented by new technology, industry and business modes continued to be unleashed. In the first nine months, the year-on-year growth in output of strategic emerging industries rose to 11.3 percent, 4.6 percentage points higher than that of enterprises above a designated size. In the same period, the exponential growth of information and business services reached 29.4 percent and 11.4 percent respectively, while civilian drone production doubled against that of the same period last year. The output of industrial robots grew 69.4 percent and new energy vehicles 30.8 percent compared with last year. Year-on-year growth of integrated circuit and solar energy batteries both exceeded 20 percent. In the first nine months, online retail sales of physical commodities maintained a strong momentum with year-on-year growth of 29.1 percent, or 14 percent of the countrys total retail sales. By Lee Min-hyung Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Paik Un-gyu The government is facing a growing dilemma over whether to approve LG Display's plan to build an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display factory in China because of fears of a possible technology outflow. The world's largest display manufacturer in July requested a license to build the OLED facility in China's southern port city of Guangzhou. Approval is required because the government provides research and development (R&D) money for the nation's OLED industry. But concerns over a possible technology outflow have held back the firm's plan to invest 5 trillion won ($4.41 billion) in the plant amid growing demand for OLED panels for televisions. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has held two rounds of discussions with LG Display officials over the issue. Hopes of an approval were raised on Wednesday at the second round of discussions. At the first meeting last month, the government said LG Display had failed to convince it there was no potential for a technology outflow. "The government has yet to grant the license, and a committee under the trade ministry is reviewing our explanations," a company official said. "We hope the government approves of the plan as soon as possible." A display source said: "After the second meeting, things are looking up, even if nothing specific has yet been decided." Trade Minister Paik Un-gyu also hinted at the possibility of allowing the company to build the factory. "We never opposed the plan, and the government does not block any firm's plan to tap into overseas territories," Paik said last month. "But we are concerned about the technology leak." The technology is developing at an exponential pace, Paik said. For this reason, more developed countries are tightening regulations to protect their tech resources, he said. The government remains cautious and imposes regulations in some cutting-edge tech industries such as chips and displays. This is because China has in recent years raised copycat concerns in major tech areas. This is nothing new, as several Chinese tech firms have sought to steal the limelight from their Korean counterparts by launching products that look almost identical to those from Samsung and LG. Korea boasts unmatched leadership in the display industry. When chips and displays are combined, they account for more than 60 percent of the nation's information and communication technology (ICT) exports annually. China is the biggest importer of the made-in-Korea info-tech components. Police raided the headquarters of Samsung C&T on Wednesday as part of an investigation into suspicions that company money was used to pay for remodeling expenses at residences of Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Kun-hee. Investigators from the Korea National Police Agency searched Samsung C&T's construction division to seize documents related to remodeling projects. Police suspect that billions of won (millions of dollars) in company money was used to fund the remodeling of Lee family residences. Samsung is suspected of making payments from accounts created under borrowed names between 2008 and 2015. In August, police raided the management office that administers the residences and seized related documents. Police said they plan to call in company officials for questioning after scrutinizing the seized documents. The investigation came after police found financial irregularities in a housing interior company in a separate probe. Police have also been investigating similar suspicions involving Korean Air Chairman Cho Yang-ho. (Yonhap) Samsung, Hyundai, Daewoo violate contribution pledges By Park Jae-hyuk Large construction companies have failed to raise funds for social contributions, despite promising to do so in August 2015, when they were granted special presidential pardons for rigging the bidding for the Four Rivers Refurbishment Project. They promised to raise 200 billion won ($176 million), but they have donated only 4.71 billion won as of last month, according to Rep. Min Hong-chul of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, Wednesday. Samsung C&T, Hyundai E&C and Daewoo E&C donated 1 billion won each. POSCO E&C, GS Construction and Daelim gave 300 million won each. Lotte E&C, SK E&C and Hyundai Development Company contributed 200 million won each. The builders, however, have not made additional donations since 2015. The medium-sized Sambo Construction, which donated 10 million won in August 2016, was the last company that gave money to the foundation that manages the funds. "The foundation is feared to be disbanded three years after it was inaugurated," Rep. Min said. "I will summon the foundation's chairman and CEOs of the construction companies to the National Assembly audit, to check their plans on raising the funds." SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won speaks during the group's CEO seminar at the SKMS Research Institute in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, Friday. / Courtesy of SK Group By Jhoo Dong-chan SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won emphasized the group's social values during its CEO seminar at the SKME Research Institute in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province. The group's CEOs, including Chey, SK Networks Chairman Choi shin-won and SK Chemical Vice Chairman Chey Chang-won, participated in the three-day conference. Chey said the group should now focus on its social values. "In order to guarantee its sustainable growth, the group should now have more interest in social problems," he said. "Social responsibility has become a must for corporate viability and companies must join forces with the public sector to address unprecedented challenges from fast transitions fueled by new technologies. "SK Group should respond not only to the upcoming Fourth Industrial Revolution but also to its social commitments to help the community. If we fail to prove the group's social role, SK could also fall behind cutthroat global competition." The group's CEOs shared Chey's view, emphasizing the group's social values could help its global competitiveness. They said the group should open up information about its tangible and intangible assets, establishing the so-called share infrastructure to fulfill its duty as a social enterprise. "Establishing the share infrastructure while enhancing its social values is the group's core business strategy in the future," SK Group PR head Lee Hang-soo said. "SK Group and its affiliates will do their best to produce a successful model from its share infrastructure." During this year's World Knowledge Forum at the Jangchung Gymnasium in Seoul, Chey said creating 100,000 additional social enterprises would help reduce youth unemployment and ensure job security in an age when machines increasingly are replacing human labor. "Gone are the days when companies merely sought profit," Chey said during the event. "For-profit companies would strategically fail if they do not contribute to social values." SK Group established the Happiness Foundation in 2005 and has since carried out various charity events to help underprivileged people. Earlier this year, the group received the Presidential Citation from the Ministry of Employment and Labor for contributing to fostering social enterprises. By Jhoo Dong-chan A scandal over the quality of Kobe Steel's aluminum and copper products is expected to benefit Korean car and steelmakers, market observers and industry insiders say. In a bid to ease the situation, Japan's third-largest steelmaker initially claimed only a few firms were affected by its defective aluminum and copper products, but was later found to have falsified data on the products for more than a decade to meet global standards, worsening the crisis that has already dropped the steelmaker's market value by about $1.6 billion in just over a week. Industry observers say the crisis could be an opportunity for Korea's car and steelmakers who have been engaging in cutthroat competition against their Japanese counterparts. According to Hyundai Research Institute, the export intensity rate between Japanese and Korean steelmakers is 58.8 points, higher than Korea's other steel competitors like the U.S. and Germany. The U.S. and Germany marked 48.8 points while China recorded 44.8 points. "It is still too early to say the nation's car and steelmakers will enjoy benefits from Kobe Steel's crisis at this point. But if the trend continues, its partner companies may see Korean steelmakers as an alternative," an industry insider said. "I understand the nation's carmakers use Kobe Steel's products for some vehicle models. If they stop using the firm's aluminum and cooper, Korean steelmakers like POSCO and Hyundai Steel could be a possible alternative." Earlier this month, Kobe Steel admitted to having supplied substandard metal products to about 200 Japanese firms, including Toyota, Honda and Nissan, according to multiple Japanese media outlets. The growing scandal suggests Japanese carmakers could have used the defective products in their exported vehicles. If proven, the case will likely lead to massive recalls. Kobe Steel's partner firms, of which the steelmaker said about 200 were affected, are reportedly carrying out safety tests. The affected companies include not only Toyota, Nissan and Honda but also Ford and Mazda as well as aircraft makers Boeing and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Kobe Steel also said the U.S. Justice Department asked the steelmaker to provide documents related to its data falsification scandal. Kobe Steel CEO Hiroya Kawasaki said last week the company's credibility had plummeted to "zero" as its partner firms like Nissan and Toyota reportedly seek a legal resolution for their damages. "I don't understand why the data fabrication has been happening for such a long time, despite growing public scrutiny over product quality," a former Kobe Steel worker was quoted as saying. "All materials producers face the issue of defective products, but they take various measures to minimize the problems and prevent faulty products from being shipped by carrying out multiple checks." Egypts interior ministry has said a number of policemen were killed during a shootout following a raid on a terrorist elements hideout in Egypts Western Desert on Friday. The raid took place after the police national security unit was informed of the hideout, located in Bahariya Oasis, a large area of 135 square kilometres, approximately 370 km from the capital. According to the statement, the shootout took place when the forces were attempting to raid the hideout, leading to an exchange of fire initiated by the militants. The police said a number of militants were also killed during the shootout, but didn't release any figures about the deaths either of militants or of police.. However, a security source told Al-Ahram Arabic news website earlier on Friday that at least 14 policemen were killed in the incident, while eight others were injured. The statement said forces were still combing the area. Egypts security forces have been waging a war over the past four years against an Islamist terrorist insurgency, mostly in North Sinai, that has seen hundreds of security personnel killed, as well as hundreds of terrorists killed in security campaigns. Search Keywords: Short link: French President Emmanuel Macron will meet President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Tuesday, the 24th of October, as part of his official visit to Paris from October 23 to 25 this month, Al-Ahram Arabic news website quoted the French presidency as saying on Thursday. The French presidency said the two leaders are set to meet for the first time to discuss files of mutual interest, including regional affairs, counter-terrorism and human rights, to which France gives special significance. The meeting will also discuss enhancing bilateral relations in the fields of culture and education, the French Presidency said. President Sisi's upcoming visit to France is the third since he took office in 2014 and the first since Macron was elected as a president in May 2017. Search Keywords: Short link: Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi attended a display by the Egyptian naval and air forces on Thursday as part of celebrations marking the 50th annual Egyptian Naval Day, El-Sisi's office said in a statement. El-Sisi watched the manoeuvres from aboard a Mistral helicopter carrier, off the coast of Alexandria. During the display, the forces performed a number of feats, including securing different targets and forming a guard force. Two Type-209/1400 modern submarines also took part in the show. Earlier on Thursday, El-Sisi hoisted the Egyptian flag on four new additions to its naval forces: a Gowind 2500 corvette, two German Type-209/1400 submarines, and the mistral helicopter carrier. El-Sisi also inspected recent improvements at a naval base in Alexandria, which included new quays and a new airstrip. Search Keywords: Short link: Egyptian authorities freed Egyptian-Irish dual citizen Ibrahim Halawa on Friday after four years in detention. A judicial source told Ahram Online that Halawa, 21, was freed by the authorities on Friday morning nearly a month after his acquittal on charges related to violence in 2013. "Finally the day where I can see the sky without bars, smell fresh air, walk freely and deeply from the bottom of my heart. But I miss one thing and it's being home. I wanna thank the team at the embassy who worked very hard. The ambassador Sean O'regan, Former ambassador Damien cole, Shane Gleeson, Vincent Herlihy. Thank you to everyone who helped I love you all," a post on Halawa's Facebook profile read on Friday. Halawa and two of his sisters were tried in a trial in the case dubbed by the media as the Al-Fatah Mosque case, which dates back to August 2013 when there were clashes between supporters of Mohamed Morsi and security forces near the mosque in Cairo, leaving 44 people dead, with many more injured, including 22 policemen. The court also acquitted his sisters Samia and Fatma of charges in the same case in September. They had however been previously released on bail and left the country for Ireland in November 2013. According to The Irish Times, Halawa's father Hussein spoke on Friday of "the exhilaration in his sons voice when he spoke to him. I was speechless when I spoke to him on the phone. I didnt know what to say. Do I say I missed him, or thank God its over, the words were scattered in my mind, Hussein said told The Irish Times. In statements to Irish RTE on Friday, Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has said he believes Halawa will return to Ireland on Sunday or Monday following his release. Search Keywords: Short link: This article appears in the October 20, 2017 issue of Executive Intelligence Review. Crush Muellers Coup Before Trumps Asia Trip! [Print version of this article] Oct. 15As this issue of the Executive Intelligence Review goes to press, there are signs that an all-out fight is breaking out in the United Statesa fight to defeat the British-directed coup against Donald Trump. If the coup were defeated now, that could trigger a true historic upshift into a new paradigm of world-wide economic development for the benefit of all. The dossier concerning Trump Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller , published by both Executive Intelligence Review and LaRouche PAC, has been in general circulation for just two weeks, and has already drawn blood. On Friday, Oct. 13, nineteen Congressman, in a letter to both the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, called for an investigation of how Mueller is using public funds, of his conflicts of interest, and of the conflicts of his Hillary Clinton-aligned staff. The letter seeks to bring Muellers investigation out of the shadows and into the public square. While this letter is a first step, the momentum must increase dramatically over the next days. The goal: Tell the truth about Robert Mueller and destroy the false Washington-swamp PR-generated respectability surrounding this amoral legal hit-man. Kick our seemingly brain-dead Congress in the rear end, until it stops this coup that imperils our Republic and its Constitution. Congress must then investigate and cause the prosecution of the perpetrators, revealing the British geopolitical motives for the coup, to all Americans. It is a simple, ascertainable fact, that the intensity of the coup efforts will increase over the next weeks, if it is allowed to continue. President Trump will undertake a state visit to China and other Pacific nations, commencing on Nov. 3. At the center of that trip is the issue of U.S. participation in Chinas gigantic world-wide infrastructure building project, the Belt and Road. Helga and Lyndon LaRouche are widely recognized for their role in helping create and in fostering this project. It holds the potential for realizing Franklin Delano Roosevelts dream of a post-colonial world of sovereign nation states collaborating on great projects for the common aims of mankind. Trumps openness to this project is the motive for the coup against him, precisely because it will overturn the horrible post World War II Anglo-American New World Order, imposed after Franklin Roosevelts death. In addition, a new financial collapse, of incredible magnitude, is now incessantly discussed behind the closed doors of elite institutions which have no solution to the chaos that it would unleash. There was never any real recovery from the collapse and moral failure of 2007-2008the phony would-be emperors of the present order just kept doing the same frenzied speculative activities in ever-increasing magnitudes. If that collapse is allowed to happen without Glass-Steagall banking separation and a national-bank type of financing mechanism for building and maintaining the real physical economies, the prospect for humankind is that we will find ourselves in a new world war, a war of probable human extinction. President Trump has said he supports Glass-Steagall. A national infrastructure financing bank together with investment from China in such a mechanism, are the only real means for realizing the Presidents promise to rebuild our national infrastructure on a modern platform, precluding the man-made disasters which have unfolded with hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and the fires devastating California. With that backdrop in mind, here are the other developments in the coup during the first weeks of circulation of the Mueller dossier to institutional and constituency organizations. Senator Chuck Grassley of the Senate Judiciary Committee, as well as the House Intelligence Committee, have refocused on the dodgy British intelligence dossier against Trump authored by MI-6 agent Christopher Steele, and laundered through the Clinton campaign, through Obamas intelligence agencies and the FBI, through the Washington, D.C. front group, Fusion GPS. As we documented in our Mueller dossier, the psy-ops memos of British intelligence and of Christopher Steele, alleging that Donald Trump is a Russian Manchurian candidate, are the foundation for the entirety of Russia-gate. The Russians did not interfere in our electionsthe British, the Ukrainians, and others intervened, colluding with the Clinton campaign and the Obama Administration. In an Oct. 4 letter to the FBI, Senator Grassley demanded to know whether any of the alleged confirmations of statements in the dodgy Steele dossier came from British or allied foreign intelligence agencies, rather than independent investigation by the FBI. The clear implication of Grassleys letter is that he has evidence that the fake allegations in the British Steele dossier are being relaundered, sheep-dipped, through foreign intelligence agencies, including specifically those of the United Kingdom, to give them a completely unjustified gloss of credibility. The House Intelligence Committee has finally issued subpoenas to Fusion GPS concerning the Steele dossier after months of stonewalling by Fusion. A Fox News story by Catherine Herridge points to FBI Congressional Affairs Director Gregory Bower as the source of the stonewalling of the Intelligence and Judiciary Committees of the Congress. Herridge reports that Bower is a close associate of fired FBI Director James Comey. wikimedia commons These Congressional actions followed the pathetic press conference held on Oct. 4 by Senators Mark Warner and Richard Burr from the Senate Intelligence Committee. Although these Senators have labored mightily to destroy any possibility for Trump to keep his campaign promise for peaceful relations with Russia, and have been key instruments in the treasonous coup against the President, they, in effect, announced that the Russia collusion claims against Trump were a big fat nothingburger. Despite reviewing thousands of pages of documents and interviewing hundreds of witnesses, the Senators said they had found no evidence of Russian collusion with the Trump campaign, although they consider the issue to still be open. They further elaborated their unalterable belief that the Russians meddled in the 2016 election because the intelligence agencies told them soeven if they could find no evidence themselves. Muellers camp has been attempting to deflect attention from its open mission to take down the President, as outlined in EIRs dossier and in popular perception. On Wednesday, Oct. 11, the Washington Post published an op-ed entitled, Robert Mueller Cannot Save Us by resident Resist member and Washington Post editorial board member, Quinta Jurecic. In it, Jurecic praises Mueller unabashedly as the epic, somber Deep State hero, the anti-Trump, laboring away to defend the institutional ethos of Washington with the moral backing of none other than Immanuel Kant. According to her mythic tale, Trump broke the institutional order by firing FBI Director James Comey. She bemoans the fact that Mueller will probably find no illegalities by the President himself. She calls, instead, for direct action, insurrection, against the President. Quinta Jurecic is also an associate editor of Benjamin Wittes Lawfare blog, which was James Comeys favored leak outlet. On Oct. 4, other Mueller buddies had sallied forth to address a Vanity Fair symposium in New York. James Comeys likeminded collaborator Preet Bharara, fired by Trump as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of York, and Sally Yates, fired by Trump as head of the Criminal Division of the Justice Department, cautioned that because Mueller is fair and follows the law, he may not find crimes by the President. As we demonstrate in the dossier, the claims of prosecutorial fairness on Muellers part, put forward by his former DOJ buddies are so much Washington, D.C. public relations bilge. The latest inanities concerning Russian interference were also the subject of extremely useful reality assaults. Robert Parry published two useful articles on Consortium News dealing with the various claims by Senator Mark Warner and the media that the pesky Russians infiltrated the American mind and switched the results of the election via Google search mechanisms and Facebook ads. Parry points out that Facebook only came up with what it calls Russian linked adsmeaning that someone with a Russian name, bank account, or web address purchased the adsafter Senator Mark Warner publicly threatened the online company. Warner sits on key committees regulating the Internet. Among the devious devices used by the clever Russians to lure Americans in, according to Warner and the media, were pictures of puppies. Those familiar with Facebook marketing know that pictures of puppies are the most widely employed click bait in all Facebook advertising. View full size wikimedia commons/Szakalova Edina Similarly, Aaron Mate, in an article entitled, Russia-gate is More Fiction than Fact, shreds the entire narrative Robert Mueller has been sent to corroborate. Neither Parry or Mate are fans of the President. Finally, Scott Balber, the lawyer for the Agalarov family involved in the June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower, a meeting portrayed by the color revolutionists as the smoking gun of Trump-Russia collusion, released emails completely undermining this contention. The newly released emails clearly show that all involved, other than British publicist Rob Goldstone, considered this a meeting to discuss the Magnitsky Act sanctions against Russia, and not for purposes of offering official Russian government dirt on Hillary Clinton to the Trump campaign. The release fully supports the claims of the Trump team that the meeting went nowhere and did not involve what was stated in Goldstones fabricated email. The emails also support the conclusion of our Mueller dossier, that the meeting was a British-orchestrated entrapment. Perhaps the most devastating blow to the entire coup narrative, however, was delivered by Brad Parscale, Trumps digital media director, on 60 Minutes on Oct. 7, 2017. Parscale laughed at the Russia social-media meddling allegations as preposterous, pointing out that the Trump campaign had expended millions and millions of dollars on Facebook ads. Most important, he noted that the issue which found resonance with Trump voters throughout the former industrial sectors of the United States, was his promise to rebuild the nations infrastructure. Parscales ad campaign was totally focused on that promise, not the divisive social wedge issues portrayed in the news media. PRESS RELEASE Date For Next Astana Meeting on Syria Announced Oct. 19, 2017 (EIRNS)The Kazakhstan Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced, today, that the next Astana meeting on the Syrian cease-fire process will be held on Oct. 30-31, reported Sputnik. "The talks will aim to agree on a provision establishing a working group that will deal with hostage and prisoner release, return of [fallen soldiers] bodies and search for the missing," the ministry added. Negotiators will also look at how to combat international terrorism, and will make a joint statement on humanitarian demining efforts in Syria. Issues of mutual interest may also be raised during the talks. The UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, is in Moscow where he met with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on Oct. 18. The two met to "discuss ways of moving from de-escalation zones towards a more stable political settlement in Syria," de Mistura said, according to Tass. They also discussed the prospects of transition from the stage of creation of zones of de-escalation in Syria "to a more stable political settlement in Syria." Tass also reports that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has instructed de Mistura to intensify efforts to convene a new round of negotiations between Damascus and the opposition. It would seem, therefore, that a date still has not been set for the next Geneva meeting to discuss the process towards a political settlement of the Syrian conflict. PRESS RELEASE Tenth Eurasian Forum Opened in Verona To Promote the Belt and Road Perspective Oct. 19, 2017 (EIRNS)Opening the Tenth Eurasian Economic Forum in Verona today, forum organizer and Banca Intesa Russia head Antonio Fallico warned that the 2007 global financial crisis is not over, and called on Europe to join the "One Belt, One Road" policy. Over 1,000 companies, 60 speakers and 14 countries are present at the Forum. The Italian government was represented by Undersecretary of State to the Prime Ministers Office Maria Elena Boschi. Other international personalities include former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder, just elected chairman of the Russian oil giant Rosneft, and former European Union Commission President Romano Prodi. "We survived the financial crisis that started in the U.S.A. and continued throughout the world," but the threat "is still lurking," Fallico said. "The world economy needs deep reforms, able to interpret the demand for a fair, inclusive social-economic development, and open to the new eastern Frontiersand the to current geopolitical role of Greater Eurasia, from Lisbon to Vladivostok and Singapore. It must be connected to a new international governance which should come out of a radical strategic change of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. "The Eurasian Union has reached an organic agreement with the Chinese One Belt, One Road project; in this scenario, other horizons with countries such as China, India, South Korea, Japan, South-East Asia, the Middle East, and Northern Africa can be opened.... It would be a real pity if the European Union finds itself left out of this context." In a message to the forum, Russian President Putin said he hoped that "proposals raised at the Verona Eurasian Forum allow us to discover the unique potential of Eurasian integration, and favor the creation of common economic space from Lisbon to Vladivostok." Fallico sent a message to the Valdai Forum, which he is member of, which met in Sochi today, calling for "the EU and Eurasia shifting from competition to collaboration." In the 1930s, Elizebeth Friedman graced the covers of newspapers and was profiled by Readers Digest. She was a tireless and talented code breaker who brought down gangsters and Nazi spies. But after World War II, her story was lost, due partly to forced government secrecy, and also because her husband, William Friedman, was credited for work they did together. Four decades later, in 2014, Philadelphia-based journalist Jason Fagone stumbled across a mention of Elizebeth while researching the rise of the National Security Agency. Intrigued, he decided to investigate not realizing what a task hed undertaken. After years of archival research wading through recently declassified documents, Fagone pieced together Elizebeths life in his new book, The Woman Who Smashed Codes: A True Story of Love, Spies, and the Unlikely Heroine Who Outwitted Americas Enemies (Dey Street Books: 464 pp., $27.99). What emerges is not just Friedmans forgotten contribution to code breaking but also a fascinating swath of American history that begins in Gilded Age Chicago and moves to the inner workings of our intelligence agencies at the close of WWII. We talked via phone; this interview has been edited. So much of Elizebeth Friedmans story intersects with our current moment: citizen surveillance, anti-Semitism, sexism. Did these parallels become obvious to you in the process of working on the book, or only in the last few months? The book began with the Edward Snowden disclosures. That's when I started reading about the history of the NSA. Like a lot of Americans, I didn't really know much about the NSA. Where did this big intelligence agency come from? How was it born? How did it grow to the size that it did? That led me to William Friedman, and in reading about William Friedman, who's considered the godfather of the NSA, I also happened to read about his wife, Elizebeth Smith Friedman. I looked for more information about her, and there really wasn't that much. There wasn't a book. A photo of Elizebeth Friedman Smith with William Smith, around 1918, from the book The Woman Who Smashed Codes. (George C. Marshal Foundation) What changed? Her papers have always been there. She died in 1980, and she left 22 boxes of materials to a private library in Lexington, Va. But the files are not annotated, so it's been difficult to know what's inside. The only people who really knew what was inside were the archivists who work at the library, who are wonderful and have taken terrific care of her papers. I started reading her letters, and her voice just leapt off the page. She was so funny and witty and sometimes bitingly sarcastic. Yet there was this mysterious gap in the record between 1939 and 1945. And if somebody has meticulously documented every part of their life, and they were a code breaker in the U.S. government, and if the years 1939 to 1945 are not there, that's kind of a red flag. What was she up to during this time period, and how long did it take you to piece everything together? During WWII, she hunted Nazi spies. She worked for the Coast Guard as a code breaker with a team of elite code breakers that she had founded and trained in the 1930s. Working with that team, she monitored, tracked and hunted a number of groups of Nazi spies who were spreading out from Germany into the Western Hemisphere. And once the messages were intercepted, she would look at these garbled fields of text, and she would solve them. One of my favorite details about this part of the story is that there's a romance novel involved in some of the decryptions. Yes. All This, and Heaven Too by Rachel Field. It's a potboiler about a French governess who was falsely accused of murder and thrown in a dungeon. It was based on a true story. Elizebeth reverse-engineered the Nazi cipher that was based on this potboiler. Her team solved more than 4,000 messages sent by Nazi spies, and then she would give those messages to Allied intelligence services. It ultimately allowed the Allies to track down these Nazi spies on the ground, arrest them and put them in jail, and destroy their spy ring. Her whole career, she was called in to fix the messes. Jason Fagone How much did you try to learn about code breaking yourself? I wondered if I was going to be able to understand what she had done, but I ended up taking a lot of encouragement and inspiration from Elizebeth's own writing. All her life, she insisted that anyone could understand codes and ciphers. On top of that, Elizebeth herself was not a mathematician. She was a poet and a literature scholar. And yet she was able to use her abilities to see deeply into this world of secret communication. Jason Fagone. (Dana Bauer) You track her rise to fame in the '20s and '30s, when newspaper headlines often put her down for being a woman. How did sexism shape Elizebeths career? All her life, there were men around Elizebeth who got credit for things that she did. Sometimes these were men close to her, like her husband, who just overshadowed her, and sometimes they were men in power like J. Edgar Hoover, who actively stole credit for her achievements. After the war, Elizebeth had to take all of her documents, the proof of her heroism and her contributions to the war effort, mark them classified and send them off to government tombs. Some of her records weren't declassified until 2000. If you go into the National Archives and look at the raw decrypts, they all have this large black stamp at the top that says Top Secret Ultra. What is the most important thing you hope this book will accomplish? I hope that people enjoy seeing the story of American Intelligence from a new angle. I had always assumed that these large and powerful American agencies the NSA, the CIA, the FBI were born in some kind of rational way. But when you start to look at history through Elizebeth's eyes, you realize that the rise of these agencies was very messy. Her whole career, she was called in to fix the messes. That was the word in Washington. When a problem seems hopeless, or when an agency is caught unprepared by a new challenge, send for Mrs. Friedman she'll fix it. Whenever there's some debate now about whether women can perform at high levels in technical fields, it's absurd. You can just go back and look at the historical record. Women have been doing this high level technical work all along, and Elizebeth is a powerful demonstration of that. Evans is a freelance writer who lives in New York. On Oct. 2, California took a major step to address an emerging public health crisis. Thats the day Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law imposing the first regulations in the country aimed at direct-to-consumer marketing of unlicensed, unproven and sometimes disproven stem cell treatments. These treatment clinics have metastasized nationwide; roughly 600 were identified last year by UC Davis cell biologist Paul Knoepfler and University of Minnesota bioethicist Leigh Turner. As befits a place that always has been fertile ground for entrepreneurs, scrupulous or otherwise, California hosted the largest number, 113. Knoepfler and Turner are certain that the number is considerably larger today. As weve reported, the clinics often list conditions such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and cancer among the conditions they can treat for prices in the thousands, uncovered by insurance, without providing any scientific evidence that they work. Advertisement Unlicensed stem cell treatments arent innocuous some have resulted in permanent injury to customers. Among other cases, three elderly women were reported this year to have lost all or part of their vision after a stem cell solution was injected into their eyeballs at a Florida clinic to treat macular degeneration. And bogus stem cell treatments can distract patients from pursuing traditional therapies that might actually work. There arent any checks and balances for this new evolving healthcare delivery system. Theres no oversight whatsoever. State Sen. Ed Hernandez, sponsor of a first-in-the-nation law regulating stem cell clinics Californias law, which takes effect Jan. 1, covers any clinic offering stem cell treatments not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Thats essentially all of them, since the FDA has only approved one treatment, which uses cells derived from umbilical cord blood to treat certain blood cancers and some inherited metabolic and immune system disorders. The clinics will have to post notices in their offices, including at the entrance, reading as follows: This health care practitioner performs one or more stem cell therapies that have not yet been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. You are encouraged to consult with your primary care physician prior to undergoing a stem cell therapy. The print must be close to a half-inch high or larger and the same statement must be handed to the customer separately before treatment begins. After the first violation, subsequent failures to comply are subject to a fine of up to $1,000 per incident. The law also instructs the California Medical Board to compile statistics on complaints and disciplinary or administrative actions taken against doctors working with stem cell clinics, starting next year. In many ways, this law is a good first step at putting these clinics on a regulatory leash. When I started hearing about whats going on with stem cells, I realized there arent any checks and balances for this new evolving healthcare delivery system, the laws sponsor, state Sen. Ed Hernandez (D-Azusa), told me. Theres no oversight whatsoever. Some experts think the new law is a worthy advance. Its the only law that ensures theres disclosure that the nostrums being offered arent approved or licensed by the FDA, says Beth E. Roxland, a bioethicist at New York Universitys medical school. That alone is a big positive. Knoepfler believes the disclosure could be a useful counterbalance to what he told the Senate Business and Professions Committee earlier this year is all the buzz around stem cells, especially among customers who may be on the fence about pursuing the treatment. He also hopes that Californias initiative might encourage other states to jump on the bandwagon of regulation. Yet theres reason to ask whether Californias law goes far enough to regulate businesses exploiting the desperation of patients with intractable diseases. Start with the wording of the required notification, which refers to treatments that have not yet been approved by the FDA. This suggests that FDA endorsement may only be a matter of time that the treatments may be premature, but not fictitious. Thats wildly optimistic and may itself foster a false hope for the treatments. The law also imposes enforcement responsibility on one of the states most reluctant regulators, the California Medical Board, while failing to give the board any new resources. Its unclear how clinics compliance is to be verified; the medical board almost certainly doesnt have the money or staff to perform spot-checks to make sure the appropriate signage is posted and notifications handed to patients. The board seldom takes a proactive approach to its oversight it responds to complaints filed against physicians by patients or fellow doctors. The rise of the direct-to-consumer business model in stem cell treatments flows from the confluence of two alarming and dangerous trends in healthcare. One is the penetration of nonscientific claims into medical practices, abetted by established institutions risking their reputations by accommodating alternative medicine to build their business base and funding endowments. (Were looking at you, UCI.) The other is the right-to-try movement, which aims to give sufferers of intractable or incurable conditions the opportunity to sample almost any last-gasp therapy without interference from government regulators. The right-to-try movement is now supported by laws in 36 states. In mid-June, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill adding investigational stem-cell treatments that could be accessed by patients with severe chronic diseases or terminal illnesses without interference from government officials. The measure specifies that the treatments must be overseen by an institutional review board associated with a medical school or hospital and performed at a medical school, hospital, or ambulatory clinic. But Roxland doubts those provisions are going to provide much protection for consumers in Texas, which trails California only narrowly in its number of stem cell clinics. I could poke ginormous holes in the Texas law, Roxland says. Among other shortcomings, it doesnt say the treatment has to be in an FDA-blessed clinical trial or even a U.S. trial. The proliferation of direct-to-consumer stem cell clinics has unnerved medical regulators and legitimate stem cell scientists. A group of FDA officials warned last March in the New England Journal of Medicine that the claim that stem cells can somehow sense the environment into which they are introduced and address whatever functions require replacement or repair is not based on scientific evidence. In a 2015 article in the same publication, Hermes Taylor-Weiner and Joshua Graff Zivin of UC San Diego sounded a similar alarm that misleading publicity and a lack of regulation had created a wild west of unlicensed stem cell clinics. Although stem-cell therapy may hold great potential, the field is less advanced than the public has been led to believe, they wrote. Stem-cell clinics in the United States and abroad have capitalized on this confusion. Thats an indication that laws like Californias are overdue. The most common procedure offered by these clinics involves liposuctioning fat cells from the customer, subjecting them to some mysterious manipulation ostensibly to extract stem cells from the tissue, and reinjecting them into the customers body. That has not been shown to have any effectiveness whatsoever and isnt in the mainstream of stem cell medical research. Whether the clinics even perform the processing they claim to do isnt easy to verify. Minnesotas Turner asks why businesses claiming to offer treatments with no evidence of efficacy against Alzheimers or spinal cord injuries should even be allowed to operate. He suspects that the notification requirement wont bother many of the businesses many already post on their websites FDA disclaimers that just get glossed over by consumers desperate for a cure. Hernandez acknowledges that his measure is just a first step. Because its so new, were trying to figure out the best way to start the conversation, he says. But lawmakers and regulators may need to move faster. What will make a difference in California may not be how the conversation starts, but where it leads. Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com. Return to Michael Hiltziks blog. The legal battle over billions of dollars in cost-sharing reimbursements due to insurers under the Affordable Care Act underscores the wisdom of the line from Charles Dickens Oliver Twist that the law is a ass. Boiled down to its essence, the dispute is this: The ACA requires insurers to reduce deductibles and co-pays for low-income buyers on the individual insurance market, and it requires the government to reimburse the insurers for those reductions; but because the ACA didnt specifically provide an appropriation for the payments, congressional Republicans have maintained that they cant be made. In other words, the payments are mandated by law, and also illegal (and unconstitutional). Advertisement President Trump cited this argument on Oct. 12, when he said through his press office that the government cannot lawfully make the cost-sharing reduction payments. His Department of Health and Human Services stated the very same day that it would stop the payments immediately. The government cannot lawfully make the cost-sharing reduction payments. President Trump on Oct. 12 But that raises an important question: If the payments are illegal, why did the Trump administration make them every month after it took office, from February through September? The so-called CSR payments differ technically from the premium subsidies that go to millions of insurance buyers whose incomes are between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty line more than 80% of all buyers on the individual exchanges. Those subsidies are effectively made to the buyers themselves and used to reduce premiums. They were specifically appropriated in the ACA. The CSR subsidies, which go to households earning up to 250% of the poverty line, or about half of all buyers on the exchanges, are treated differently. Insurers reduce those buyers deductibles, co-pays, and other out-of-pocket expenses and receive money from the government to cover the reductions. (President Trump calls the reimbursements a bailout of the insurers, but he doesnt know what hes talking about, since the insurers are required by law to make the reductions and required by law to be reimbursed.) The reimbursements are made a month or so in advance, and then trued-up later when the insurers submit documentation. But the ACA didnt include a specific appropriation for the reimbursements, presumably because of a drafting glitch. These are the payments at the center of a bipartisan compromise worked out by Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.). Their deal, which faces an uncertain fate in the House and Senate, would continue the payments for at least two years. The government itself said in a filing Friday in federal court in San Francisco that it made payments to insurers Friday, though it indicated the payments were for premium subsidies and didnt include a CSR component. The payments were duly made by Treasury on Oct. 20 (that is, Friday). Even if the government subtracted out the CSR payments from Fridays installment, that doesnt explain why the Trump administration made them from February through September. These events underscore an important aspect of the CSR controversy: Its entirely about Obamacare politics, and not about the niceties of appropriation law at all. The reimbursements were thrown into question by a 2014 lawsuit filed by House Republicans whose goal manifestly was to interfere with the smooth working of the Affordable Care Act by seizing on a technical point that they should have resolved through a routine amendment. They won a round in federal court last year, when a conservative judge ruled that the payments were illegal; but the judge stayed her ruling until the question could be aired before an appeals court in Washington, where its still on the docket. The legal maneuvering in San Francisco is an outgrowth of that case. California, 18 other states, and the District of Columbia have asked a federal judge there for a temporary restraining order requiring that the payments continue to flow. The judge, Vince Chhabria, has scheduled a hearing for Monday on that motion, and placed the states and the government on a tight briefing schedule. The DOJs filing, which was due at 9 a.m. Friday, is the harvest. The DOJ sets forth the Trump administrations arguments that the payments are illegal because Congress never appropriated the money, even if it mandated the reimbursements. The conclusion that the payments cant legally be made now isnt held only by conservative foes of the Affordable Care Act. Nicholas Bagley of the University of Michigan law school, a supporter of the law, believes the House Republicans have a stronger case on the merits than do the states (though he also maintains that the Republicans didnt have standing to bring their lawsuit in the first place). But Bagley, along with many other legal scholars, also argues that the insurers right to the reimbursements is unequivocal. If Congress doesnt take the sane route and appropriate the money formally, he says, the insurers can sue for the money in the federal court of claims, where he says they will almost certainly win. The money would then be paid out of the governments permanent judgment fund. That process, however, would take months, at least. In other words, the courthouse brouhaha should never have arisen; Congress should have fixed its technical error instead of exploiting it for political gain. Trump, of course, seized on the same error for no purpose other than to sabotage the Affordable Care Act. As weve reported, his actions have cost 3.5 million Americans their health coverage so far this year. The blocking of CSR payments is just one element of his strategy, but it shows how inconsistent and injurious his actions are. Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com. Return to Michael Hiltziks blog. UPDATES: 4:25 p.m.: This post has been updated to reflect the governments statement that it did not include the CSR reimbursements in payments to insurers made on Friday. Estimates of the effect of the concerted attack on the Affordable Care Act by the Trump administration and congressional Republicans have been theoretical until now. A survey published Friday by Gallup and Sharecare, a health information firm, finds that the uninsured rate has risen by 1.4 percentage points since Trump took office, reaching 12.3% in the third quarter of this year. That translates to 3.5 million Americans who have joined the ranks of the uninsured since the end of 2016, when the uninsured rate reached a record low of 10.9%. The uninsured rate peaked above 18% just before the ACA exchanges opened for business in January 2014. The rise through the third quarter is the first significant reversal in the trend toward a lower uninsured rate since the ACA exchange market came into being. Advertisement Without Congress and President Donald Trump taking steps to stabilize the insurance markets, the number of uninsured Americans likely will continue to rise. Gallup Sharecare Gallup conjectures that the increase in the number of uninsured Americans could be caused by several factors. One is that a decline in competition among insurers in some regions could be driving up premium costs, forcing more Americans to go without coverage. Another is uncertainty about the healthcare law. Gallup reckons that congressional Republicans attempts to replace the healthcare law may be causing consumers to question whether the government will enforce the penalty for not having insurance. Make no mistake: Those are related phenomena, and they place the blame squarely with Trump and his GOP colleagues on Capitol Hill. One reason that insurance companies have been backing away from the exchanges is that Trump has continually threatened to undermine the law in every way possible. For months he threatened to cancel reimbursements due insurers for cost-sharing reductions they are required by law to offer low-income buyers; he finally followed through on that threat Oct. 12, raising the prospect of billions of dollars in losses for insurers this year. The GOPs efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act this year have failed in Congress but have left a miasma of confusion among consumers. The confusion is about more than merely whether the government would enforce the individual mandate, which requires all households to carry health coverage or pay a penalty; its about whether the exchange plans would even continue to exist, and how much they would cost. All these factors were entirely within the power of the White House and Congress to address; instead, Trump kept up a steady and uninformed rhetorical attack on the law, and Congress made no effort to ensure that it functioned. Republican assertions that the law has been collapsing under its own weight have been thoroughly debunked by objective analysts, including those at the Congressional Budget Office, which has found that the marketplace was stabilizing through 2016 and would have been stable this year, if not for the GOP campaign of sabotage. These efforts to undermine a valid law that has been twice upheld by the Supreme Court are unprecedented in American history and quite likely unconstitutional, says Abbe Gluck of Yale Law School. The intentional, multi-pronged sabotage of the ACA that we have seen over the past nine months, she wrote this week, violates both Trumps constitutional obligations and quite possibly the obligations of his Department of Health and Human Services. The Constitution imposes a legal obligation on the president to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, Gluck observes. That means he must make sure that our laws are implemented in good faith and that he uses his executive discretion reasonably toward that end. Far from using his power to faithfully implement the ACA, the president is actively using his power to destroy it. The consequences of these actions are laid out in detail in the Gallup-Sharecare index. Since the end of 2016, the index shows, the uninsured rate has increased at least one point among all key demographic subgroups except those 65 and older, who are covered by Medicare. The largest increases showed up in the 35-64 age group (up 1.8 percentage points), black families (up 1.5 points), Hispanics (up 1.6 points) and households with annual income below $36,000 (up 1.7 points). These groups are the prime targets of the Affordable Care Act, as theyre least likely to have access to decent employer-sponsored health coverage and most in need of government assistance to pay for insurance. The trend may be just starting. Gallup warns, without Congress and President Donald Trump taking steps to stabilize the insurance markets, the number of uninsured Americans likely will continue to rise. The signs are grim. Although a bipartisan group of senators is supporting a compromise aimed at restoring the cost-sharing reduction reimbursements Trump canceled, his other efforts to undermine the law are almost certain to affect the open enrollment period for 2018 coverage, which starts Nov. 1. The Trump administration unilaterally truncated the open enrollment window from its previous three months to only six weeks, ending Dec. 15. At the same time, Trump cut the governments outreach and marketing budget by 90%, hamstringing efforts to inform buyers of the tighter deadline. The compromise reached by Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) would restore most of that budget, but the deal hasnt been voted on in Congress, Trump hasnt stated for certain that he would sign it and it may already be too late for the marketing campaign to recover. Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com. Return to Michael Hiltziks blog. MORE FROM MICHAEL HILTZIK Two senators announce a bipartisan deal on Obamacare, but dont celebrate yet California moves against unlicensed stem-cell treatments but is it doing enough? Congress tries to squeeze more out of Social Security, wrecking its customer service Curacao, a Southern California electronics retailer that caters to Latinos, was accused of several unlawful business practices in a civil lawsuit filed by state Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra. The practices harmed consumers and in some cases resulted in shoppers paying substantially more for products and services than advertised, Becerra alleged at a news conference Friday in Los Angeles. They are taking advantage of people who work very hard, who dont have very much money and who believe that theyll get fair treatment, Becerra said. Advertisement The 12-store Curacao chain engaged in misleading advertising and provided unwanted add-ons such as warranties and installation services, according to the suit filed Thursday in Los Angeles County Superior Court. In some instances, Curacao adds these items without consumers knowledge or consent, or tells consumers that items are free when, in fact, consumers are charged for them, the suit alleged. The chain also allegedly failed to honor warranties and returns, and engaged in illegal debt-collection policies, the suit said. Curacao called the suit baseless and said it was confident that when the facts are presented in court, they will disprove the attorney generals unfounded and sensational claims. The chain said that in a yearlong investigation, in which it gave Becerras office full access to its stores, employees and records, the attorney generals office identified only a handful of incidents allegedly supporting its claims and in each case Curacao showed we had already done everything in our power to address the customers concerns before Becerras office got involved. Curacao, with headquarters in Los Angeles, has nine stores in Southern California, two in Arizona and one in Nevada. The company also has a travel agency and provides internet and financial services, including the ability for customers to transfer money abroad, according to Curacaos website. Targeting Latino immigrants who lack credit, Curacao lures consumers into its stores by advertising easy credit and low prices, the suit said. Once in the store, however, consumers discover that they can only purchase merchandise at the advertised price if they agree to buy add-ons such as warranties, installation services and/or accessories, the suit alleged. Becerra said Curacao actively markets its products to people who dont have a lot of experience with long-term contracts for the purchase of goods and services, who dont have the most experience when it comes to making credit payments. Unfortunately, what they dont say in their ads is that buying a TV from their store can be a heavy debt burden that a customer did not expect and did not know he or she was signing up for, Becerra said. The suit seeks a permanent injunction against Curacao to stop the alleged practices, along with penalties and restitution for customers to be determined at trial. The suit did not say how much money might be involved in total. But Alicia Hancock, a deputy attorney general, said anyone who bought a warranty that was backed by Curacao has likely been impacted, and that is in the thousands of customers by itself. james.peltz@latimes.com Twitter: @PeltzLATimes UPDATES: 4:35 p.m.: This article was updated with Curacao calling the lawsuit baseless and otherwise disputing the claims. This article was originally published at 3:20 p.m. The company that began with a handful of hip nightclubs in Los Angeles has announced its latest expansion, adding hotels, restaurants and condominium projects in Latin America and the Middle East. SBE, founded by nightclub mogul Sam Nazarian, confirmed it reached 10 agreements this week to more than double its portfolio of hotels and condominium projects to 50 by 2021 and add 24 restaurants and lounges. Most of Nazarians projects are either management or licensing agreements, including plans to manage a new SLS hotel in Doha, Qatar, slated to open in 2020, and an SLS hotel in Mexico City, slated to open in 2021. SBE also plans to manage condominium projects in Buenos Aires and Punta del Este in Uruguay. Advertisement The privately held SBE company, which launched in 2002, includes more than 130 hotels, nightclubs and restaurants with brand names including SLS, Delano, Mondrian, Redbury, Katsuya Cleo, Umami Burger, Hyde Lounge and Skybar. Nazarians company also said it has signed a deal to open 10 Umami Burger outlets in Mexico and has begun discussions to bring the upscale burger joint to the Middle East. Nazarian made headlines two years ago when he sold his interests in a casino project in Las Vegas after the Nevada Gaming Control Board, performing a routine background investigation, discovered that he had taken illegal drugs and had been targeted for extortion payments. The hotel and casino project retained the SLS brand. hugo.martin@latimes.com To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter. Four South Korean banks filed a lawsuit against Newegg, Inc. on Friday alleging that the City of Industry company, which operates the computer parts and accessories retailer Newegg.com, conspired with a South Korean hardware manufacturer to defraud the banks of hundreds of millions of dollars. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, alleges that Newegg, along with computer wholesaler ASI Corp., made fraudulent orders for home-theater personal computers from Moneual, a Korean hardware manufacturer. Moneual, accused of masterminding the scheme, used these phony orders to secure financing from banks. Moneual then engaged in a classic Ponzi scheme, said the complaint, which was filed by U.S. law firm Gibson Dunn on behalf of the Industrial Bank of Korea, Nonghyup Bank, Keb Hana Bank and Kookmin Bank. Advertisement Moneual, according to the lawsuit, obtained additional financing from the banks backed by more fraudulent purchase orders from Newegg and ASI. The lawsuit alleges that Newegg and ASI received kickbacks for their participation. In the end, Moneual secured more than $3 billion in loans from 10 major Korean banks through the intricate scheme of circular transactions. It defaulted on many of the loans and eventually owed around half a billion dollars. Moneuals chief executive, Hong-seok Park, was sentenced in 2015 to 23 years in prison for financial fraud (a high court later reduced his sentence to 15 years), and was subject to fines and forfeitures. Two years on, the banks are now going after Newegg and ASI. The banks allege that they lent Moneual hundreds of millions of dollars because the manufacturer had shown that Newegg and ASI had made sizable orders. Both Newegg and ASI were in on the scheme, the banks say, because Moneual priced the computers that were supposedly ordered at 300 times their actual market value. No such business would have bought the products at such an inflated price, unless it intended to create the illusion of extensive, profitable, high-value commerce between it and its supplier for the purpose of defrauding lenders into supporting the transactions, the complaint said. In a statement issued three days after the lawsuit was filed, Neweggs legal counsel in North America Matt Strathman said: Newegg prides itself on conducting business fairly, ethically and honestly. The company vehemently denies the allegations in the complaint filed last week, and Newegg intends to vigorously defend itself against those unfounded charges. The plaintiffs demand a jury trial and monetary damages. The lawsuit alleges that, of the orders Newegg and ASI made to Monseual that were financed by the banks, more than $230 million is still owed. tracey.lien@latimes.com Twitter: @traceylien UPDATES: Oct. 24, 2017 7:35 a.m.: This article was updated to include a statement from Newegg. This article was originally published Oct. 20, 2017 at 2:05 p.m. You can tell by the way Carrie Coon confidently maneuvers around the tables of a crowded Tribeca restaurant that this is an actress who has hit her stride. She recently completed two tours of television duty, receiving acclaim for her work on HBOs The Leftovers and an Emmy nomination for her performance in the third season of the FX anthology series Fargo. And shes now starring off-Broadway in Mary Jane, Amy Herzogs at once heartening and heartrending new drama at New York Theatre Workshop. The play, focused on the life of a single mother of a severely disabled child, is one of the scintillating new offerings of the fall season. Hauntingly elliptical, slyly humorous and unapologetically female centered, Mary Jane provides an opportunity for Coon to reveal different hues in her acting palette than her crisis-ridden TV roles have shown. Mary Jane is a naturally optimistic and curious person, which is much closer to who I am than the characters I normally play, said Coon, expertly wielding her chopsticks over a bowl of shredded beef at a trendy Chinese eatery. This is how my family thinks of me. Carrie Coon listening to Liza Colon-Zayas in Mary Jane at the New York Theatre Workshop. (Joan Marcus & Lisa Berg) Upbeat isnt what most would expect a woman in Mary Janes circumstances to be. Alex, Mary Janes child, requires around-the-clock nursing care. His presence in the play (performed by a top-notch all-female cast) is elicited by the beeps and hums of medical equipment. This young, attractive and, by necessity, single-minded mother chats amiably with the parade of caregivers and concerned women coming through her one-bedroom apartment in Queens. The lack of privacy she sleeps on the sofa while Alex is concealed in the bedroom doesnt seem to faze her. Between navigating the social services bureaucracy and overseeing Alexs care, Mary Jane doesnt have much time to complain or feel sorry for herself. But its her unyielding graciousness that can seem so surprising. Herzog, who is married to the Tony-winning director Sam Gold, has her own child with special needs. She has drawn a protagonist who doesnt at all see herself in a teary TV movie. Mary Jane confronts terrible challenges over the course of this 90-minute drama, but even when the scene shifts to the hospital, where Alexs fragile life hangs in the balance, the play refuses to succumb to melodrama. When youre looking from the outside at a situation, its quite different than when youre inside it, Coon said on the subject of her characters inextinguishable hopefulness. I believe thats constitutionally who Mary Jane is, and who we are doesnt necessarily change just because our circumstances change. And, of course, when your child is born, you dont see your child as a problem. You see them as whole and perfect no matter what. To prepare for the role, Coon read a good deal of material by women raising children in the disabled community. Theres a story I saw about mothers thinking about posting photos of their child with some thrilling new piece of life-changing equipment, maybe a new walker or a new wheelchair, and their friends on Facebook post frowny faces. The way outsiders see it is completely different. Amy is offering us the story through Mary Janes lens. This play, which has received the kind of glowing reviews that cant help tempting talk of a Broadway transfer even for a work as intimate as this, proceeds with unusual thematic discretion. Herzogs dramas, from the gentle generational clash of 4000 Miles to the psychological thriller of Belleville, are marvelously varied. But they share common stylistic traits, most notably a tendency to insinuate more than they state outright. I hate to speak in these kinds of generalizations, but the perspective here is female, Coon offered. We think of traditional story structure as having a climax, a big conflict and a denouement. Theres no big conflict in Mary Jane. The distress is ratcheted up, but theres some uncertainty about the real impact of the emergency that brings us to the hospital. Carrie Coon gained acclaim in HBOs The Leftovers and FXs Fargo. (Jesse Dittmar / For The Times) The Emmy nominee is returning to the stage in Amy Herzogs Mary Jane off-Broadway. (Jesse Dittmar / For The Times) If youre out there every night with your fellow actors and youre feeling the energy of the audience, you know when you have them and when you dont. Actress Carrie Coon, on how theater keeps her sharp The quiet truthfulness of plays like Mary Jane, which Coon first read two years ago in Herzogs kitchen, is what keeps luring her back to the stage. As an actor, you can get really indulgent, she said. Television and film always ask the epic moment from you. Its actually an interesting exercise to use restraint, which is more real. With her pixie haircut and sunflower radiance, Coon may look like an Ivory Girl, but she has the resolve of a four-star general. Relating to her characters can-do equanimity was the easy part. Those are the women I know, she said. I come from the Midwest. The women in my family raised families themselves. They worked to put three meals on the table for five or more kids. Amy has captured that ability with beautiful dignity. Anne Kauffman, who directed Mary Jane, laughingly recollected in a phone interview that Coon was ready to do everyones job, including the stage managers. Her brain processes everything so quickly, there were times I had to tell her to slow down, she said. Shes so far ahead of everyone and wants to inhale all parts of what it takes to make a piece. The role of Mary Jane, Kauffman pointed out, is not as straightforward as it seems. She praised the shadows and nuances Coon brought to her portrayal: Mary Jane faces adversity by rolling up her sleeves. She assumes any situation can be met with energy and positivity. This can be interpreted as though shes in denial. Whats extraordinary about Carrie is the way she lets us know that Mary Jane isnt mindlessly cheerful. The characters darkness and edginess come through with equal weight. Coon, who is married to the playwright and actor Tracy Letts, said that the storytelling is always the priority for her: In the theater, the playwright is the authority, and your responsibility is to sell that story in collaboration with the other artists as clearly and efficiently as possible. Thats your job. Its not about you. Carrie Coon, photographed at China Blue in New York. (Jesse Dittmar / For The Times) Although she trained as an actor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she credits Chicago, where she now lives, with instilling in her the ensemble ethic. The Steppenwolf Theatre Company, renowned for its team efforts, has a special place in her career. It was through the Steppenwolf revival of Edward Albees Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (which came to Broadway in 2012) that she and Letts, both of whom where in relationships at the time, became a couple. Letts received a Tony for his magnificent performance as George, and Coon, still a newcomer, earned a Tony nomination for her portrayal of Honey. That was such an extraordinary moment, she said. I didnt expect to fall in love with my costar whos 15 years older than me and happens to be a renowned playwright. And we didnt think wed be considered for Tonys because we closed early. But after the Tonys, I booked The Leftovers and the movie Gone Girl in the same month. Everything came from that play, and then I got married. It literally changed my whole life. How has marriage to the author of August: Osage County influenced her approach to her work? The biggest impact is that it makes me a terrible snob about writing, she said. I just wont do bad writing, whereas some people might compromise and do a bunch of terrible films or a really bad TV show. I cant quite allow myself that latitude. Its served me well. Im proud of my IMDB page. Maybe Ill be desperate in five years and youll say, Well, that went out the window! Television beckons, but the theater is home. Film, not so much, she said, though she has a few in the pipeline and was elated to talk about Steven Spielberg s upcoming The Papers, which gave her the opportunity to act with Meryl Streep . The thing about Meryl is that shes not some magical unicorn, she said. She works really hard. And so what youre doing is entering into a scene with a great actor, who is going to listen and be changed by you. And if youre listening and allowing yourself to be changed, then youre going to have a really great time. My husband, whos also in the film, joked that everyone was terrified but me. SIGN UP for the free Essential Arts & Culture newsletter Pragmatic and clear-eyed, she knows that such heady opportunities are the exception. In Hollywood, Im already playing 10 years over my age, said Coon, who at 36 could still pass for an MFA student. But frankly the film scripts I read are woeful. And the things that are good, Im not going to get to do because Jessica Chastain is going to say yes. Coons directness is part of her appeal. She brings an incontrovertible reality to her acting, an alluring Midwestern candor and clarity. Her goal is to find more gritty roles. TV is much riskier than film these days, she said approvingly. Thats why you see something like Big Little Lies happening on HBO, because the work these women have been historically doing in film just isnt there anymore. The thing about Meryl is that shes not some magical unicorn. She works really hard. Carrie Coon on her "The Papers" costar Meryl Streep The theater is where she goes to tone her craft. When youre on a TV or film set, youre waiting for someone else to tell you that its done, that they have what they need, she said. Youre not responsible for what happens. Youre not crafting a performance. I think if I were to do that consistently over time, I would lose track of my inner arbiter of taste. But if youre out there every night with your fellow actors and youre feeling the energy of the audience, you know when you have them and when you dont. Right now, Coon has us. But the exhilarating ride shes been on since Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? has this compulsive planner scheduling time to take stock after Mary Jane ends its run on Oct. 29. Tracy and I have seen each other three times in eight weeks, she said. Were going to take the fall, once his new play, The Minutes, opens at Steppenwolf, and spend a little time looking at each other. His play Mary Page Marlowe is at the Berliner Ensemble, so were going to go to Berlin and see that and then see some friends in London and tend to our marriage. Then Ill be ready to dive back in. I imagine youll see me back on TV. In the meantime, Coon has a dauntless mother to honor in a play that never loses sight of the love transfiguring her characters difficult life. charles.mcnulty@latimes.com Follow me @charlesmcnulty MORE GOOD READS: Springsteen on Broadway and the confessional jam session Carmen Cusack finds her place in L.A. Tonya Pinkins: A story of gun violence and a mother's loss 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. CelebrityMovies Oct. 20, 2017, 9:00 a.m. 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. Movies Oct. 19, 2017, 5:11 p.m. Quentin Tarantino admits he knew enough to do more about Harvey Weinstein Director Quentin Tarantino. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) In an interview with the New York Times published Thursday, director Quentin Tarantino admitted that he has known some details of Harvey Weinsteins alleged misconduct toward women for decades. I knew enough to do more than I did, he said. There was more to it than just the normal rumors, the normal gossip. It wasnt secondhand. I knew he did a couple of these things. In the article, Tarantino, who has seen every one of his films since Pulp Fiction released by Miramax or the Weinstein Co. and is perhaps the Hollywood director most closely tied to the fallen producer, admitted to being told by his former girlfriend Mira Sorvino about Weinsteins unsavory actions. He also revealed that he knew actress Rose McGowan, who says she was raped by Weinstein, had reached a settlement with the producer. I wish I had taken responsibility for what I heard, he said. If I had done the work I should have done then, I would have had to not work with him. What I did was marginalize the incidents, he added. Anything I say now will sound like a crappy excuse. TV Oct. 20, 2017, 9:46 a.m. TV Academy to vote on disciplinary proceedings for Harvey Weinstein in November (Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images for IMG) Disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein is facing potential expulsion from the Television Academy in the wake of the growing sexual harassment and assault allegations levied against him. Per the academys bylaws, the producer, whose Weinstein Co. is behind Emmy-winning series such as Project Runway and Netflix dud Marco Polo, will be subjected to a vote in November when the academys board of governors will decide whether to maintain his membership. The outcome doesnt seem promising for Weinstein, who has been accused of harassing dozens of women over the past three decades and is currently under investigation by police departments in Los Angeles, New York and London. FULL COVERAGE: Harvey Weinstein scandal Sexual harassment in any form is abhorrent and totally unacceptable, an academy spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday. Television is a collaborative industry and we fully support those who have been affected by these allegations. The Television Academy stands united with those throughout the industry condemning such behavior in the strongest terms. The board met on Thursday to discuss the accusations against the producer and, in accordance with the Academys established procedures, it was overwhelmingly decided to initiate disciplinary proceedings. Such proceedings could result in terminating his membership. Weinstein has already been ousted from his own studio, the Motion Picture Academy, BAFTA, British Film Institute and numerous other professional organizations that have distanced themselves from the producer. Several of them also moved to enact measures to help reduce workplace harassment. Griffin Dunne hadnt always planned to make a film about his aunt, the celebrated essayist and novelist Joan Didion. But when they collaborated on a trailer for her 2011 memoir, Blue Nights, he realized Didion was long overdue for the documentary treatment. I asked her and from the moment she said yes, I said oh boy, Im in for it now. This person means a lot to a lot of people, recalls Dunne over the course of lunch at a Ukrainian diner near his downtown apartment. The years-long labor of love, aided by a Kickstarter campaign, has finally resulted in Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold, arriving Friday on Netflix. The actor-director-producer has created a sometimes surprising portrait of an author known for writing about the cultural disintegration of the 60s and 70s and, more recently, the deaths of her husband and daughter. She laughs a lot, shes really funny that was always something really important to me to show rather than the queen of darkness, he says. Advertisement As the film captures, Dunne grew up surrounded by bold-faced names. His father was TV producer turned writer Dominick Dunne, who chronicled high-society crime in the pages of Vanity Fair. His uncle (and Didions husband) was novelist John Gregory Dunne. That carpenter who fixed up Aunt Joans Malibu deck one summer? Some guy named Harrison Ford. Dunne, who rose to fame in An American Werewolf in London and After Hours, has been on a roll of late in a number of other streaming projects. He appeared in I Love Dick for Amazon this year and is now filming Gore, about another famed writer, Gore Vidal, for Netflix. What were your impressions of your aunt growing up? It was almost impossible to think of Joan as a separate entity, because they were John and Joan. I rarely saw them separately, it was always like talking to two people. As a teenager, I was too intimidated to have a writing discussion with Joan. When you say things fall apart, what do you mean, Aunt Joan? That was not a conversation I was ready to have. I remember once attempting it, asking Joan, What are you writing? She looked at me funny and in the beat of silence was broken by John yelling from the other end of the room: You never ask a writer what theyre writing! Decades later, I understood why that is. If I could tell you what my book is about thered be no point in writing it. She writes to know what she thinks. Whats the first thing she wrote that you really remember making an impression on you? Actor Griffin Dunne (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times ) [Joan Didion] made me think about journalism and writing in a way I hadnt before, that you could capture the feeling of a decade and a sense of place. Griffin Dunne The White Album. That one I think I read in galleys. At Christmas wed get first editions of whatever book either of them had out and it would be inscribed. Now I have all those and all the ones written to my sister and parents. Unlike Slouching Towards Bethlehem, where she was talking about the Haight in 67, with The White Album, I had the Doors and Joplins records on my bookshelf, the Sharon Tate murders happened right up the street. I felt involved somehow in all of the things that she was describing. She made me think about journalism and writing in a way I hadnt before, that you could capture the feeling of a decade and a sense of place. Were you nervous about showing her the film first time? Oh yeah. I showed her a three-hour cut. I thought what if she just hates it or worse, it bores her. I think she allowed me to make it because I was her nephew, but not in a nepotistic way. She also knew I was a director. She watches films and she knew exactly what she didnt want something dry, academic, obsequious. And she knew she wouldnt get that from me, because if youre making a movie about somebody youve known all your life, youre going to have a different take. Did she give you any notes? I bet she gives great notes. She does. Ive showed her early cuts of movies Ive directed, and I will get pages of typewritten notes. So I expected that and was prepared for whatever. Im her nephew more than a muckraking documentarian, so whatever she didnt want or disturbed her, I would have totally taken out. But if she said it on camera, she owned it. Shes just as tough on herself as she is on [Dick] Cheney. She doesnt have any sort of regret. I think she was very moved by the movie. Is there anything you learned about her in the process of making it? I read all her books in order, not just books, articles too, which start with [the Vogue essay] On Self-Respect, which she wrote maybe when she was 22, 23. What struck me was how little she changed. She arrived in New York fully formed, and formed not as a New Yorker but as a Californian, as a descendant of homesteaders and with the practicality of being from a family that said no, were not going to take the shortcut. You Donners, you take that. Were staying with the map. Ive come to see that Joan has always been a person that everyone worries about. Its been like that for a long time but the other thing I learned is why shes outliving everyone. Shes strong. And not just tough-minded, gimlet-eyed, shrewd. Just formidably strong. You also shared a wonderful moment with Carrie Fisher in the documentary Bright Lights. Tell me about your friendship. [When I was 16], my younger brother, Alex, came home and said, I have just met the most amazing girl, Griffin. Stay away from her. And this girl came in, really beautiful but really funny. We just really made each other cry with laughter. It was love at first sight friendship love. We both were witness to each others greatest and worst moments. We were roommates in New York for a long time. I was a popcorn concessionaire at Radio City Music Hall while she was off acting in a movie in England. Shed call me in the middle of the night from London. Id go, Hows the movie? Shed say, Its the stupidest piece of crap ever. Im running around with a big monkey. Whats it called again? "Star Wars. And then I went with Carrie to the very first screening at the Ziegfeld. By this time Id moved up to being a waiter at Beefsteak Charlies. Were in this theater and I went, well, life is never going to be the same. The next thing I know its James Taylor and Paul Simon and Im counting my tips from Beefsteak Charlies. You just starred in I Love Dick. Everyone who works with Jill Soloway talks about the unusual process she has on set. It is like camp. I think Kevin [Bacon] and I were the oldest people on the set and had certainly been acting longer than everyone by a long shot. We would look at each other with big grins on our faces, this is just like acting school. It wasnt done in any cynical way. This is the excitement we felt when we were starting out that people try to beat out of you over the years. Her whole thing is just about being emotionally safe, where theres no mistakes, youre free to try anything. So it was great. What would your father, who covered the O.J. Simpson trial, make of the revived interest in the case? Hed be disgusted [by Simpsons release]. I think he would have really dug the doc [O.J.: Made in America] and he really would have enjoyed the series [The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story]. You know they asked me to play him before they cast [Robert] Morse, but that was just too weird. Overtime I finished reading Hue 1968 in anticipation of the Ken Burns Vietnam doc and started a very disturbing novel in memoir form from an S.S. officer called The Kindly Ones. Listening to a band I somehow overlooked until yesterday The Modern Lovers who have a Velvet Underground/Ramones kind of sound and just finished the You Must Remember This podcast series about Jane Fonda and Jean Seberg. calendar@latimes.com ALSO: Review: Joan Didion gets out of town in South and West and finds only fragments Classic Hollywood: Griffin Dunne rediscovers acting after directing The Nightmare Before Christmas Tim Burtons beloved stop-motion animated tale about Pumpkin King Jack Skellington, melancholy rag-doll Sally, and the mischievous Lock, Shock and Barrel, became an instant Halloween classic upon its 1993 release despite Jacks yearning to be more of a Christmas kind of skeleton. Songs by Danny Elfman. Directed by Henry Selick. El Capitan Theatre, 6838 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, (800) 347-6396. Oct. 22-Nov. 1. www.elcapitantheatre.com No Mas Bebes Renee Tajima-Penas 2015 documentary about a 1975 landmark reproductive rights lawsuit filed by a group of Mexican immigrant women who were allegedly sterilized either without their knowledge or under coercive tactics while in labor at the Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center. A discussion with Tajima-Pena will follow the screening. Hammer Museum, Billy Wilder Theater, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 443-7000. Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m. Free. www.hammer.ucla.edu Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA Considered one of the most important films of Mexicos silent era, El Automovil Gris is, sadly, one of the only silents that survived the last century. The title of the 1919 film, which was originally shown as a serial, refers to the real-life Grey Automobile Gang that terrorized Mexico City society in a crime wave early in the 20th century. (Be warned that the shocking conclusion shows the actual executions of the convicted gang members.) The popular Mexican rock-jazz band Troker provides the live score. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 440-4500. Oct. 24, 8 p.m. $25; $20 for Skirball members; $15 for full-time students. www.skirball.org Advertisement Alex Film Society Peter Cushing reprised his role as famous vampire hunter Dr. Van Helsing in The Brides of Dracula, Hammer Films 1960 follow-up to its 1958 Dracula (a.k.a. Horror of Dracula). The brides of the title are actually victims, not of the Count himself but a handsome Transylvanian Baron turned vampire (David Peel, who did the dreamy vampire thing long before Brad Pitt or Robert Pattinson). With the 1959 Bugs Bunny toon A Witchs Tangled Hare. Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, (818) 243-2539. Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m. $16; $12 for ages 65+ and students with ID. www.alexfilmsociety.org/ Throwback Thursday The loveliest of the last decades spate of young vampire movies, the 2008 Swedish-language Let the Right One In features two winning performances with young actors Kare Hedebrant as the bullied preteen Oskar and Lina Leandersson as the unusual new neighbor girl, Eli, who becomes his unexpected avenger and friend. With English subtitles. Laemmle NoHo 7, 5240 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, (310) 478-3836. Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m. $12; $9 ages 62+. www.laemmle.com See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour Movie Trailers calendar@latimes.com @LATimesMovies Pure Flix and other Christian-oriented distributors have built a solid niche catering to audiences underserved by mainstream cinema, offering faith-based films, usually based on a true story. These movies tend to vary in quality, so when a genuinely affecting drama like Same Kind of Different as Me turns up, its a welcome surprise. The film, the feature directorial debut of Michael Carney, boasts a trio of uncommonly sensitive, affecting and nuanced actors in the lead roles. Greg Kinnear stars as Ron Hall, a Texas art dealer, whose perspective on life is profoundly changed by his wife, Debbie (Renee Zellweger), who urges him to serve others, as she does. At a local mission and soup kitchen, they befriend a troubled homeless man, Denver (Djimon Hounsou), who ultimately changes their lives, as they change his. Based on the bestselling book by Ron Hall and Denver Moore, the films structure nestles flashbacks inside of flashbacks. And dont try to do the math with the scenes of Denvers upbringing his rearing as a cotton-picking sharecropper in Jim Crow-era South doesnt quite match up to his perceived age or whatever time period present day is supposed to be. Advertisement Same Kind of Different as Me takes its time, but the performances by Kinnear, Zellweger and especially Hounsou sneak up on you, building to an emotional, but not overstated climax. Hounsous Denver at first tends toward stereotype, full of folksy wisdom, delivered in a deliberate country accent, but he turns it into a fully rendered and deeply felt character, a man with nothing, who has experienced the worst that humanity has to offer, and teaches these privileged white folks a thing or two about grace and gratitude. ------------- Same Kind of Different as Me Running time: 2 hours Rating: PG-13, for thematic elements including some violence and language Playing: In general release See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour Movie Trailers calendar@latimes.com An idyllic, picture-perfect American family is torn apart in The Killing of a Sacred Deer. By what or how be it a curse, hypnosis, the paranormal, a virus or karma remains unexplained. And that is what makes it among the most unsettling movies of the year. The film is the latest uniquely austere, oblique allegory from filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos. Greek by birth but a London resident for the last six years, Lanthimos was nominated this year for an Oscar for the screenplay of his English language debut, The Lobster. His international breakthrough, 2009s Dogtooth, was nominated for the Academy Award for foreign language film. His latest stars Colin Farrell as Steven, a cardiothoracic surgeon, and Nicole Kidman as his wife, Anna, an ophthalmologist. They seem to have an enviable life for themselves in Cincinnati Lanthimos shot in the U.S. for the first time with their two children, 14-year-old Kim (Raffey Cassidy) and 12-year-old Bob (Sunny Suljic). Advertisement That is until Steven tries to mentor a fatherless 16-year-old boy named Martin (Barry Keoghan), whose presence sets ablaze the facades of their lives while a medical affliction begins to overtake the family. Even working with stars such as Kidman and Farrell on the project, Lanthimos laughs at the idea that Sacred Deer is his most mainstream film. Many people wouldnt agree with that, he said. My last couple of films have been English-language films with well-known actors, so that immediately makes them more mainstream, I guess. In conversation, Lanthimos is warm, pleasant and engaged. But dont go to him looking to explain his work. With The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Lanthimos and his frequent co-writer Efthimis Filippou have crafted another film that is in some ways as enigmatic to its creators as it is to audiences. I never try to analyze too much why am I saying this and what does it mean, he said. I do to a certain extent, because otherwise things would be incoherent and I dont want that either. But I try to be as instinctive as possible and as spontaneous as possible, from the inception of what the idea is, to what the script is, to where youre making the film and the people that you choose. To create an impossible equation with an impossible answer, basically. Yorgos Lanthimos on The Killing of a Sacred Deer Lanthimos allowed that part of the initial idea for Sacred Deer had to do with a young boy taking over control of a successful, older persons life, and from there, Much of it came out of the logic of how do you create a situation where its also ambiguous about who is responsible for what, and what is just, and how far are you willing to go, and can you blame any of the parties involved, and do you feel for any of the parties involved? To create an impossible equation with an impossible answer, basically. The director left things ambiguous even for the actors. Keoghans fearsome breakout performance of a disaffected teen as malevolent force didnt come from the usual nuanced actor-director back-and-forth. He doesnt work that way, as you would with other directors, where you ask them for reasons why and all these character questions, said Irish-born Keoghan, also seen in Christopher Nolans Dunkirk earlier this year. Yorgos would shut you down because its not the way he works. The dialogue is pretty heavy and dark, so the less emotion you attach to it, the bigger the impact, Keoghan added. Farrell also starred in The Lobster, alongside Rachel Weisz and Lea Seydoux, and he leapt at the chance to work with Lanthimos again. For Farrell, the sharp anti-naturalism of Lanthimos preferred performance style is part of the challenge and the appeal of the collaboration. Youre just in the world its bizarre, but its not, said Farrell. And yet the characters onscreen are acting like its normal. And that shakes us in a way. If the characters were resisting and shaking their fists to the high heavens, theyre doing the work for us. But the characters in Yorgos films dont necessarily process things the way we are used to seeing people process things, or the way we process them ourselves, and I think that becomes unnerving. With their enigmatic feel and stylized performances, it can often be difficult to figure just what Lanthimos films are saying. To focus the point, the pre-Halloween release date is perhaps no accident coming from the savvy distribution company A24. The Killing of a Sacred Deer premiered at Cannes and played at prestigious film festivals in Toronto and London, but it also screened at the genre-centric Fantastic Fest and Beyond Fest events. With its ratcheting intensity, its not exactly a horror movie, but it is terrifying experience. Its got everything, doesnt it? said Keoghan. Its got comedy, its got horror, its a psychological thriller. I hope people see it in a different way. Kidman compared the movie to both the Greek myth of Iphigenia and Stanley Kubricks The Shining. Asked whether she would classify Lanthimos film as a dark comedy, a horror film or a family drama, she responded in an email, Can I say its all three? I actually think some of the best of horror, comedy and drama have had all three, and Sacred Deer is no exception. Its how it all resonates. The funniest movies have been the most tragic, the most horrifying have had humor. While many international filmmakers become overwhelmed by the expansive landscapes while making their first films in America, Lanthimos captures something contained and bottled-up, a menace roiling to break free. Not intending the film as a statement on America, Lanthimos said the setting was selected simply so that there could be less of a class distinction between Martin and the family in the U.S. than there would be in the U.K. He and producer Ed Guiney then traveled to a number of American cities looking for a suitable hospital for the production before deciding to shoot in Cincinnati. In the U.S., it felt like it would be much more open, Lanthimos said. I dont pretend that I really know America, or England to be honest, but its just the way the film would be colored. The way it would be made in the U.S. versus the way it would be made in England made me chose the U.S. I didnt want to make a gothic kind of film in England. Farrell is able to go into great detail on what The Lobster is really about in its exploration of love and couples and society. As for his new collaboration with Lanthimos, he had other thoughts. What Killing of a Sacred Deer is about, I have no idea, said Farrell. But I read it, and the thought of going to work with Yorgos again was something that I was really into. In the 20 years Ive been doing this, I cant think of any director whos more singular, more identifiable by what they do and how they do it than Yorgos is. Asked to explain just what happens to the Sacred Deer family, Lanthimos laughs again. Even for him, part of the point of the project was accepting the uncertainty. Thats how I decided to go ahead with it. Im OK with not knowing, he said. I dont think it can be resolved; in the film there isnt like secret information were not sharing. You just try to make sure that everything was thought through thoroughly. One of the reasons I wanted the hospital to be this brand-new state-of-the-art hospital was so that your mind wouldnt go to the solution of they dont know what theyre doing, he said. I wanted people to be certain they are doing everything scientifically possible to figure out what is wrong with them, and they cant figure it out. We tried to create a dead-end. So of course, Im fine not knowing. SIGN UP for the free Indie Focus movies newsletter Mark.Olsen@latimes.com Follow on Twitter: @IndieFocus ALSO With Wonderstruck, Todd Haynes and his creative team unite eras TV horror vs. movie horror: Guillermo del Toro on telling scary stories across different mediums L.A.'s Beyond Fest gives genre film fans what they crave, from the weird to the austere Imagine youre starting a sketch comedy show, one that will debut on network TV in prime time. Of course, such a bold, probably misguided, idea requires a big star, maybe one who became the centerpiece of Saturday Night Live and starred in a summer blockbuster. Fine, done. But such a series needs performers and writers too, so lets hire a staff. Does Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Louis C.K., Charlie Kaufman and Robert Smigel sound like a good start? While that sounds more like some comedy fantasy team than a series, this actually happened in 1996 with The Dana Carvey Show. Advertisement An Icarus-like comic venture that was pulled before it even finished its eight-episode run, the gleefully absurd series attracted a cult following, especially in light of its now-famous cast. Released on DVD in 2009, the series gets another well-earned look back with the feature-length documentary Too Funny to Fail, which debuts on Hulu Saturday. (Those intrigued by the film can stick around and stream the show on the service as well.) Directed with a fans touch by Josh Greenbaum (of the streaming services mascot documentary series Behind the Mask), Too Funny to Fail isnt a comprehensive look inside a once-in-a-generation collection of talent (C.K. and Kaufman are notable if not entirely surprising absences, outside of a few clips). But it does offer a glimpse of the raw ambition, misguided choices and timing that can both spawn and sink projects that later seem ahead of their time. The story begins with Carvey, who reached a rarefied level of fame as a result of SNL standouts like Church Lady and Garth from Waynes World. Here as a fan of The Dana Carvey Show from when he was 14, Bill Hader remembers Carveys SNL departure made the cover of Rolling Stone in 1993, and the documentary soon reveals a more restless comic mind than readily apparent in his Saturday night impressions. Partnered with his SNL collaborator Smigel the creator of Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and TV Funhouse Carvey set out to build a show in the anarchic spirit of Monty Python. He met with multiple networks and, in a decision Carvey repeats with a bit of smirking disbelief, they went with ABC instead of HBO. ABC, here in the person of former executive Ted Harbert (whos a good sport in his position as the number-counting network suit), saw ratings potential in Carvey bringing his most wonderful characters to a new network, which was soon after bought by Disney. The show didnt play out that way. The series opened by drawing a line in the sand as C.K. and Smigel successfully lobbied for an opening sketch featuring Carvey as a hormonally enhanced Bill Clinton nursing puppies with functional prosthetic teats (Its not funny unless its actual milk coming out of the presidents breasts, Colbert dryly remembers). It was the absolutely last thing we shouldve done, Smigel ruefully admits. He goes on to repeat ABCs estimates that the show lost roughly 6 million Home Improvement viewers in the first five minutes. In retrospect its kind of remarkable we got so many people to do the same thing all over the country at the exact same time, remembers staff writer and future 30 Rock showrunner Robert Carlock. But the show rallied, even in its brief life, and former Times critic Howard Rosenberg appears to remember his initial scathing review followed by after angry letters from its small but dedicated fans a second take where he reversed himself. (Greenbaum tracking down the source of one vicious letter carries a note of absurdity consistent with the shows legacy.) As a whole, the documentary feels far less like a wake than a celebration. Created by a team of what Carvey called bad-ass nerd pirates, some of the sketches replayed here hit a note of lunacy that still holds up today, with a few exceptions. In recounting their efforts to test network boundaries, Colbert sheepishly and accurately remembers an Academy Awards sketch that plays as career-endingly racist in the cold light of 2017. (I played Gregory Peck, he clarifies with a grin.) Not unlike the series, the documentarys secret weapons are Colbert and Carell, who are interviewed separately but maintain a connection that eventually broke them for a wide audience on The Daily Show. Before being cast, Colbert was Carells understudy at Chicagos Second City, and watching them remember their early years including Colberts bizarre audition video for the show carries a genial mix of warmth and mutual admiration. And their talents were still lethal over 20 years ago. They enthusiastically break down some of their standout, self-explanatorily titled sketches such as Waiters Who Are Nauseated by Food and Germans Who Say Nice Things, and when Carvey remembers the pair saying they never wanted to work anywhere else, you get a sense that that is still true. But sketches like the pitch-dark Grandma the Clown and The TV Watchers (an inspired dig at their battles with ABC that was mostly a full-screen shot of NBCs Seinfeld) werent built to last on prime time in 1996 or, odds are, now. One of the documentarys funniest moments comes when the cast is shown a long-ago promo for its lead-in, Home Improvement, which offers ample testimony for why The Dana Carvey Show was doomed. But for many of the shows misfit moving parts, there was a happy ending, and if anything The Dana Carvey Show seems more like a deliriously happy accident than a lost opportunity. The series, as its director John Fortenberry remembers, was like experimental music for the right audience. But that beat goes on and echoes through Louie, Tim & Eric and whereever comedy cozies up with the dark and weird. ------------ Too Funny to Fail Where: Hulu When: Anytime starting Saturday Too Funny to Fail Where: Hulu When: Anytime, Starting Saturday Follow me over here @chrisbarton ALSO Spielberg dives deep into the filmmakers venerated career Seth MacFarlanes Star Trek homage The Orville has a mixed-up mission Loud House showrunner Chris Savino fired by Nickelodeon after sexual harassment allegations The opening monologue of The Rundown With Robin Thede would have been unthinkable in the Jay Leno and David Lettermen era if not for its politics then surely for its perspective. Thede is a she, and shes black, and her new BET show speaks to viewers historically excluded from the late-night demographic. Among the news clips the comedian lampooned during her debut episode this month: a video displaying the difference in how police treat black and white motorists during traffic stops, and the mainstream medias hysteria over an anti-Trump song by Eminem (a.k.a. Marshall Mathers). In one clip a TV anchor decries that the rapper labeled Trump a racist and asks what happened to civility?! What happened to civility, muses Thede, President Trump! Im here for everything Marshall Luther King Jr. is saying right now. Advertisement There goes Johnny, or at least the distance Carson and other hosts of yore put between their political leanings and their audiences. While Carson, Letterman and Leno weighed in on current events, their shows were designed to take your mind off the world outside: celebrity interviews, plate-spinning acrobats, zoologists with their unpredictable animals, and the inevitable Charo cameo. Now the news and what hosts do with it is what makes the show. Namely, what is their personal take, and does it speak for their audience? Thede is the newest arrival in a crowded field of hosts including Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Conan OBrien, Samantha Bee, James Corden and Seth Meyers who are all trying to strike the right balance of comedy and commentary. Robin Thede performs at Politicon at the Pasadena Convention Center on June 25, 2016. (Michael Schwartz / Getty Images ) As more Americans feel as if their voices are going unheard, its late-night hosts not D.C. representatives who appear to be speaking truth to power and channeling the frustrations of an outraged electorate. The ever-expanding late-night lineup (daily and weekly) also appeals to those who want their fire-hose feed of news filtered, distilled and recast as something more laugh-inducing than alarmist. Want a whip-smart, researched take-down of the latest corporate maleficence, environmental mess or congress squandering of your tax dollars? John Oliver of HBOs Last Week Tonight is your avenging deconstructionist. If you like your British hosts more on the silly side, theres always the playful antics of CBS James Corden and his The Late Late Show. How about an outsider view of American race relations, from someone raised in an apartheid state? The Daily Shows Trevor Noah on Comedy Central is the mediums most astute observer. For turning raw anger into laser-focused commentary, theres Samantha Bee on TBS. The Full Frontal host is late-night TVs other female voice, and often takes on womens issues in her weekly show. She recently covered film mogul Harvey Weinsteins sexual harassment scandal, and ripped into the I was raised in a different era excuse he gave for his behavior. Oh, give me a break, White Cosby!, she said. Nobody asked for your all about mea culpa. Dont blame the 60s and 70s for your decision-making. Its serial sexual harassment, not a Monkees tattoo. While riffing on the news, Bee made the news (see, were writing about her here). Its a circular event journalism outlets cover a story, evening hosts comment on said story, hosts monologue becomes part of the next mornings news cycle. Jon Stewart (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times ) Bee, like Oliver and Colbert, are all alumni of the Jon Stewart-era The Daily Show. Stewart popularized the casual talk show-meets-political satire format with his long run on the Comedy Central favorite from 1999 to 2015. Colbert then took that ethos to the broadcast networks when he joined CBS The Late Show after Lettermans retirement. There were questions about Colberts acerbic and odd sense of political comicality (his Comedy Central show The Colbert Report was a satire of right-wing hosts like former Fox News firebrand Bill OReilly) working on such a broad platform. Then a reality star ran for the White House and won. Who better to explain the absurdity of modern politics than an absurdist like Colbert? The perfect host for imperfect times. No wonder the ratings of late nights court jester, Jimmy Fallon, are slipping. Once a leader of the pack, his clownish, prankster approach on NBCs The Tonight Show is apparently no longer the best medicine for an agitated public. Its Conan OBrien who best bridges the gap between old-school hosts and the Jon Stewart generation of personalities on his nightly TBS show. The wise-cracking host generally remains apolitical, letting his guests explain why American healthcare is a mess or why Trump cant stop tweeting. But even OBrien isnt immune to the foundation-rattling events of 2017. Conan OBrien (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times ) How could there be a file of mass shooting remarks for a late-night host? When did that become normal? When did this become a ritual? Conan OBrien The former Tonight Show host made news when he spoke emotionally about the Las Vegas shooting in a recent opening monologue. [There are] plenty of people more qualified than me who are reporting the tragic facts and asking how this could happen, he said. ... Ive been doing this job for more than 24 years, and when I began in 1993, occasions like this were extremely rare. For me, or any TV comedy host back then, to come out and need to address a mass shooting spree was practically unheard of. But over the last decade, things have changed. Now, today, when I came into work, my head writer was standing in my office with a sheaf of papers. And he said, Here are the remarks you made after the Sandy Hook shootings and the Pulse nightclub attacks in Orlando. You might want to look at them to see what you might want to say tonight. And that, that struck me. How could there be a file of mass shooting remarks for a late-night host? When did that become normal? When did this become a ritual? And what does it say about us that it has? Common sense, and maybe even a little nation-healing, go a long way now in a format once meant for diversionary laughs: enter Jimmy Kimmel. The ABC host emerged as the heart and soul of late night after he spoke of his newborns heart surgery, delivering a teary plea to the president and Congress to consider the other lives like his sons they might affect with their repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Now Kimmel is as much comedic host as therapist and social advocate. He leaves the scathing criticism and wonkier observation to Meyers. The NBC Late Night host and former Saturday Night Live head writer and Weekend Update anchor has emerged in recent months as the guy whos willing to let loose on American policy and the president. Where are the conservative voices? Not on late-night TV, at least in any substantial way, unless Bill Mahers ideological flip-floppery on HBOs Real Time in the name of ratings counts. Comedy Central newcomer Jordan Klepper does satirize the hard-right media a la Info Wars/Alex Jones on his new show The Opposition With Jordan Klepper, which airs after The Daily Show. Im sick of this, he said, in character, of the reported flap between Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and the president. Trump has done everything for these people. He picked them seemingly at random for positions of great importance, and now theyre calling Trump a moron? Then Im calling moron a compliment! What, you think nasty women are the only ones who can turn insults into a rallying cry? And he ripped his shirt open to reveal a Moron T-shirt underneath. So it wasnt a Superman logo, but Klepper cant be all things to all people. Thats why theres Thede and Colbert and Kimmel and. lorraine.ali@latimes.com @lorraineali ALSO: Robin Thede ready to give The Rundown on BET late night Q&A: Finn Wolfhard shares his texts from the It and Stranger Things gang In Hollywood, what shouldve been scandal was long met with a shrug. A new outcry has changed that Lisa Bush, owner of luxury womens boutique Mona Moore, says her interest in fashion began when she was growing up in Williamsburg, Va. Her grandparents owned a shoe store, which opened in 1913 and is operated by one of her cousins today. Each time she visited, she says her passion for all things sartorial grew. Years later, Bush studied philosophy and womens studies at the University of Virginia, ultimately becoming a social worker, but her fascination with fashion never waned. I loved fashion and clothing in the 80s, but there was a certain kind of feminism that was in style that was a very dont-care-about-fashion type of thing, Bush says. I really struggled with that. I wanted to open a store because I realized there was this whole side of myself that was being hidden. I felt unsatisfied. I needed to express my other creative side. Advertisement Bush found her creative voice through opening her first Mona Moore boutique, with its impeccable range of luxury shoes, in Montreal in 2002. Years later, she moved the store, which sells womens fashion and footwear, to the U.S., opening a location on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice in 2009. To me, womens clothing is a feminist issue, she says. My whole team is women. I feel like I am still on this feminist trajectory, and now theres the freedom to unapologetically love fashion. That trajectory led Bush to move the boutique from Abbot Kinney Boulevard to Main Street in Venice in 2015. Now it has her opening her door in a new Westside location again this time, on the burgeoning retail street Lincoln Boulevard. The new store opened with a party hosted by Bush and sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy, founders of Rodarte, earlier this month. This time, the move was motivated by business: Bush has bought the building in which the store is located. About a year ago, I spotted the space on Lincoln and thought, I think that would work, says Bush. The new location houses the same superbly edited selection of womens shoes Mona Moore has become known for such as the Row, Maison Margiela, Robert Clergerie and other labels, but it also has more space to accommodate the ready-to-wear pieces Bush has expanded into during the past 18 months. I happened to get into shoes probably because of my background, Bush says. But a lot of vendors told me they would love to work with me if I ever got into clothing, and at a certain point, it just made sense to jump in and do it. Im so glad I did. A self-proclaimed fan of beautiful objects, Bush says she carefully curates her store with extraordinary and thoughtful brands obsessed with craftsmanship and detail. Often shell scour New York, Paris and Milan, Italy, for lesser-known collections. In the mix are selections from Marni, Haider Ackermann, Alexa Chung, Comme des Garcons and Rodarte as well as small brands including Japan-based Visvim. Right now the world is pretty small, but I am trying to bring things from far away that are harder to find, she says. Those fashion treasures will be easier to display in the larger space with 2,000 square feet. The new space also has 2,000 square feet of parking. I am really hoping it will be a place where people will come and hang out, she says. We are going to have a mini kitchenette so we can really offer hospitality. These days if youre going to do brick-and-mortar, then you have to do something special. You have to do something so people want to put in the effort to come and hang out. The decor of the space stays true to the minimal aesthetic Mona Moore has mastered with chairs, sofas, concrete floors, white walls and furniture that moves, enabling the setup to change at any time. Its like a living room, says Bush. We dont have a lot of fixtures or things that are set in place. I like it so that we can merchandise and move things around. I like a combination of minimalism with some theatrics and playfulness. In a prior life, the space was actually a car-repair garage, a fact Bush is not attempting to hide. The cement floor has the patina of the garage, she says. I think its this cool idea of gowns and garages, and I think that is very Mona Moore. With the new location and expanding range of sartorial offerings, Bush says she hopes her store finds its place in L.A.s fashion history. In the world of fashion, there are stores that come up as iconic, and for me as a fashion person, they are on my bucket list. I want Mona Moore to be that for the Westside of L.A. image@latimes.com For fashion news, follow us at @latimesimage on Twitter. ALSO Fergie, Chris Martin, James Corden perform at amfAR Gala honoring Julia Roberts Sophia Bush, Laura Dern, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jamie Foxx take in annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic Sarah Jessica Parker, Priyanka Chopra, Zachary Quinto mix fashion and art at Hammer Museum gala Suthiporn Tui Sungkamee, co-owner of Jitlada restaurant in Thai Town and a chef known for elevating Thai cuisine in Los Angeles to new heights, died Wednesday after a battle with lung cancer. He was 66. Opened in 2006, the restaurant gained a cult following, one that includes actors Ryan Gosling and Dev Patel. Chefs from across the country also frequented the restaurant, including Maudes Curtis Stone and Trois Mecs Ludo Lefebvre. On any given night, a crowd huddles outside the restaurant, waiting for a taste of Sungkamees spicy curries, catfish and steamed mussels with lemongrass. Advertisement Sungkamee was one of 12 siblings from Nakhon Si Thammarat province in southern Thailand. He started cooking when he was around 5 years old, first learning to peel garlic and chiles, cut lemongrass and pick turmeric bulbs for his grandparents. He frequently climbed trees to bring fresh tamarind to his grandmother to make curries. He watched her put chiles and spices in the mortar, and learned how to make kuah kling from his grandmother, a dish that draws hourslong wait times outside his Sunset Boulevard restaurant. As the eldest sibling, he often cooked for his brothers and sisters. While in Thailand, Sungkamee worked at restaurants, and also as a tour guide before coming to the United States to work with his sister, Sarintip Jazz Singsanong. The siblings took over the Jitlada restaurant in 2006 with Sungkamee in the kitchen and Singsanong running the front of the house. Sungkamee quickly made a name for himself, with an exquisite ability to deliver spice in southern Thai dishes laced with chiles and spice. Sungkamee visited the markets, sometimes five times a day to buy ingredients for the restaurant. He caught the attention of Times restaurant critic Jonathan Gold, who has included Jitlada on his 101 Best Restaurants list every year. You could try to eat your way through the typed list of specials at the back of Jitladas menu, a roster of ferociously spicy southern Thai dishes mostly unavailable outside Nakhon, but Suthiporn Tui Sungkamee will make it pretty difficult for you to succeed, wrote Gold. The list of regional specials balloons by the week, beyond the acacia blossom omelets, stuffed fish balls and beef with cassia buds to exotic curried innards, eel with stinky sator beans, frog legs with turmeric and hundreds of other things, in such profusion that most of us tend to end up with the coco mango salad and the fried morning glory once again. If youre lucky, Sungkamees sister Sarintip Jazz Singsanong may volunteer to make you one of her notorious Thai hamburgers, Gold wrote. I follow my own palate, Sungkamee told the Times in an interview in 2015. I create everything myself. You know, [my Thai food has] three, four tastes. Sweet, salt and sour. Or spicy. For me when I cook, I dont want to follow everyone. Singsanong plans to honor her brother by keeping the restaurant open. He said stand here for me and promise me without me the restaurant must go on, said Singsanong. I promised him I would keep my promise and bring Jitlada to the world. His daughter Sugar said, My dad loved Jitlada more than himself, said Singsanong. We love Thailand, we love the king, and we are so proud to represent Thailand, Thai food and culture. Sungkamee is survived by his wife, Aun Ratchanee Sungkamee, his daughters Pearl Sataranon and Jaratporn Sugar Sungkamee, sister Singsanong, and multiple brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. Brother and sister chefs Jazz Singsanong, left, and Tui Sungkamee of Jitlada restaurant. (Mariah Tauger / For The Times ) Jenn.Harris@latimes.com @Jenn_Harris_ ALSO: One chefs road from addiction and fine dining to the teaching kitchen Vineyard owners share stories of loss and salvation amid wine country wildfires Mezcal, a distilled spirit made from an agave plant native to Mexico, was once regarded as inferior to tequila, its more high-profile, industrialized cousin. It was also known for the worm in the bottle, a marketing gimmick once employed by low-quality producers. Today, mezcals popularity is booming, not only landing on cocktail menus around the country but also spurring full bars devoted to the stuff. Such bars have opened in New York City; Houston; Washington, D.C.; and Los Angeles. Guelaguetza, the famous Oaxacan restaurant in Koreatown, has a bar stocked with more than 50 bottles of mezcal. Las Perlas, a downtown mezcal bar, serves creative cocktails that include poblano peppers and roasted chapulines (grasshoppers). In September, Mezcal & Tacos, a bar and restaurant by chef Rocio Camacho, opened in Bell. Javier and Jaime Mateo, brothers from Mexicos Oaxaca state, have watched both mezcal and their own brand, Los Javis, grow in popularity. In 2011, they launched Los Javis in Los Angeles with just one case, in one restaurant and one liquor store. Now Javier, who runs the distillery in Oaxaca, and Jaime, who handles distribution from Culver City, have seen their mezcal labels land on the shelves of all the Trader Joes stores in California, where they are sold for $27.99 and $29.99. Advertisement Theirs is a story that starts in Santiago Matatlan, Oaxaca, home to much of the regions mezcal production. This is where in 1979, the brothers father, Javier Mateo, and his brother built a palenque, a mezcal distillery. Unlike most other brands that source already-made mezcal from individual mezcaleros (mezcal distillers), Los Javis does its own growing, harvesting, exporting and distribution. Control over the agave-to-bottle process ensures that the earthy, smoky flavor created by roasting the agave hearts for several days in the ground does not overpower the flavor from the terroir a result of the microclimate where the plant is grown. The Mateo family maintained a small production until 1994, when a severe economic recession hit Mexico. In 1999, Javier immigrated to Los Angeles in search of economic opportunity, working in restaurants as a bartender and manager. Eleven years later, Javier returned to Oaxaca with his wife and two young children after his father was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. Both brothers were living in Los Angeles at the time and wanted to go home to be with their father, but one of them needed to stay in L.A. to continue distribution. Since they could not come to a decision, they flipped a coin to determine their futures, and Javier won. Javier launched the Los Javis label in 2003, named to honor his first-born son and his father, both named Javier. At that moment, I decided together with my family to leave a legacy for my children and their children, said Javier. We are not only mezcaleros, but also the guardians of our traditions and of the legacy that our parents and grandparents left us. Part of that legacy is to pass on the torch and to not lose the tradition. Los Javis employs 50 members of the local Oaxacan community. The company also employs residents of San Juan Teitipac, their mothers hometown, in the agave-growing process. Their agave has won awards in competitions for the last five years for its size, weighing in at a massive 620 pounds. For several years after the business was launched, Jaime kept his day job. He worked at Terrace, a Venice Beach restaurant, during the day and delivered mezcal to bars and restaurants around the city at night. I often make trips to downtown L.A. at 1 a.m. when I get an urgent text message from a bartender, said Jaime, who has close relationships with many local bartenders and restaurateurs. In 2013, he walked into Mercado restaurant and put a bottle down on the counter in front of the manager, Marco Ramos. Ramos was so inspired by Jaimes dedication that he went to work for him. Today, hes part of a team of eight that is expanding the company in California and Europe. In a time of increasing tension between the United States and Mexico, Los Javis represents a cross-border survival story. Over the last six years the company has expanded to eight countries and opened 120 accounts in the Los Angeles area alone. The brothers dream is to leave a legacy for the next generation by continuing to expand the brand and by creating a sustainable economy in Santiago Matatlan. Portnoy is a professor at USC where she teaches classes on food, culture and social justice issues in Latino Los Angeles. Her recent book is Food, Health, and Culture in Latino Los Angeles. food@latimes.com @latimesfood Have you tried battera sushi? You really should. Its a brick-shaped thing, vinegared sushi rice pressed into a mold over lightly pickled mackerel and a transparent slip of seaweed, and its usually served sliced like bread. The oil of the saba, the tartness of the rice and the silent umami boost of the kelp melt into a fourth taste that is at once profoundly fishy yet a throbbing viola note of its own, touched with a bit of salty soy if you lean that way the sensation of the last piece of sushi you may have eaten but multiplied by 10. If your favorite part of a sushi meal tends to be halibut and shrimp instead of kohada and uni, battera sushi may not be your thing, but for anyone who enjoys getting whomped over the head with flavor, its a pleasurable way to go. Battera sushi, it should be noted, is not considered to be among the more luxurious ways to eat raw fish. The method arose in Osaka a century or two ago more as a way to preserve perishable oily fish than as a statement of pleasure. Its train-station sushi, the filling stuff you take to snack on during a long ride. Its what a workingman might eat standing up while his daintier compatriots nibble on nigiri at a proper sushi bar; sushi that occasionally improves in a 7-Eleven refrigerator case. It wont show up in your next $300 omakase meal. Battera sushi is not quite the specialty of Osawa, the cramped Japanese restaurant in Old Pasadena. Its not even on the menu anymore, although you can always get it if you ask. But I think it says something about the restaurant, which is probably best known for shabu shabu and elaborate bento boxes, that its version is so consistently first-rate, firm yet melting, singing with complex aroma, and formed with a fragrant shiso leaf or two at its core. The best Japanese restaurants traditionally define themselves by specializing in a particular food udon, tempura, tofu, tonkatsu or by a specific style of presentation. Osawa, a project of Sayuri Tachibe and her husband, Shigefumi Tachibe, corporate chef for all the U.S. Chaya restaurants for 31 years, may be as close to a one-stop shop as Ive ever seen. Sashimi is served with the Shokado bento box at Osawa, a Japanese restaurant that incorporates sushi and shabu shabu. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times ) Advertisement At Osawa, the people at one table are eating classic otsumami with their sake and the couple at the next is sharing a bowl of udon; you can get both sukiyaki and foie gras with daikon; and nobody will give you side-eye if you order an albacore volcano roll or a bowl of pork chop rice theyre great! but you can also get sushi of delicately seared nodoguro, a black-throated perch famous for its oil-free flash and robust, meaty taste, that is hard to find even in Tokyo. Call the place izakaya-plus. I have to admit Ive been as reluctant to write about Osawa as almost any restaurant Ive ever visited. It was good but ordinary when it opened four years ago, although I enjoyed the crisp duck breast with miso and the lightly fried tofu in gingered broth, and right after I realized how masterful sushi chef Norio Yoshikawa could be, he was replaced by the slightly less venerable Yutaka Kudo less than a week before I was slated to review it. I still visited every couple of months, but more for quick Tuesday suppers than for serious meals. But the restaurant recently opened a casual spinoff over on Cordova Street, Delicatessen by Osawa, that sells Japanese salads, premade rice bowls and even battera sushi from a cold case a perfect quick lunch. And a few weeks ago at the mother ship I realized that the chilled monkfish liver, the toasted salmon-skin hand roll and the phallic, brittle-skinned chicken meatballs called tsukune were among the best Id ever had. Clearly the restaurant had gotten a lot better since Tachibe left the Chaya group to oversee Osawa full-time. Im not sure Ive been as fond of his cooking since his days at the early Le Petit Chaya in Los Feliz in the 1980s, from the creamy, exquisite spaghetti tossed with uni to the oddly compelling fluffiness of his Japanese yam brulee. If youve been to Osawa, youve probably tried the bagna cauda, raw farmers market fennel and purple carrots and such served with a miso-laced version of the Piemontese anchovy dip; the crunchy marinated cucumbers; and the hot wings fried in the karaage style. The oyakodon, a rice bowl with chicken and scrambled eggs, is the stuff of any Japanese childhood. The sushi of shrimp, king salmon and yellowtail are solid. The sake selection isnt long, but its dependable and not especially expensive. But when you glance at the specials menu, which changes quite a bit daily, you start to realize what a difference the upgrades can make in your meal: the stark deliciousness of pulpy chunks of raw octopus marinated with yuzu and fresh wasabi or the more delicate slivers of octopus carpaccio drizzled with shiso pesto; the unaju gently seared sea eel over rice; or the dainty house-cured pickles. Theres as beautifully diverse an assortment of fish as youll see outside of Japan: sanma, saury pike, served as sushi at the height of its season; the sea robin called hobo, cooked in a spicy Italian-style broth; and lovely sardines from Hokkaido, filefish (served with a bit of its liver) from Kagoshima, beltfish from Okinawa, alfonsino from Chiba and a dozen other things that dont make it onto the menus of strip-mall sushi-ya. Osawa is an easy place to be a secret connoisseur. But Im a peasant. And I always order the battera too sometimes an extra order for dessert. Osawa Location: Osawa, 77 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, (626) 683-1150, theosawa.com Prices: Snacks $4-$16; rice bowls $11-$24; udon $11-$13 bento $26; shabu shabu $25-$36; specials $6-$48; sushi $6-$14, occasionally more for seasonal fish. Details: Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun.; dinner 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sun. and Tues.-Thurs.; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Beer, wine and sake. Recommended dishes: Battera sushi; chicken tsukune; uni pasta; unaju bowl; yam brulee A restaurant in Tucson, Arizona, is reopening after having closed due to backlash over a Facebook post expressing undying support for Donald Trump. The since-deleted post penned by Cup It Up American Grill held bulleted points stating what management did and did not agree with. According to Fox News, the post was quickly met with pure nastiness, which prompted the account-holder to delete the status and ultimately close the restaurants doors. We believe in and support 100% in the following, the post began, citing things such as OUR President - Donald J. Trump, always standing for the national anthem, repealing Obama Care, drug screening for welfare recipients, legal immigration, and less government. These items were followed by items management did not believe or support, such as kneeling for the national anthem, ANTIFA, fake news, political correctness, entitlements, global warming, hate groups and hate crimes, late night hosts getting political, and celebrity expert opinions. Advertisement https://twitter.com/Jennymartineztv/status/917899917233831936 The Facebook community was encouraged to share the post with five friends if they enjoyed what they read, but if they didnt - they were asked to share it with 100 friends and we wont be expecting you any time soon! People disapproving of the statement allegedly began making hostile phone calls and showing up to the restaurant threatening staff with violence, so co-owners Chris Smith and Jay Warren temporarily shut down the business. However, they are expecting to reopen in the near future. Cup It Up American Grill serves fresh crocks of meats, salads, and grains with sauces or dressings. To find out if the POTUS they support would support their menu selections, check out the complete guide to Donald Trumps favorite foods. Iraqi forces took control on Friday of the last district in the oil-rich province of Kirkuk still in the hands of Kurdish Peshmerga fighters following a three-hour battle, security sources said. The district of Altun Kupri, or Perde in Kurdish, lies on the road between the city of Kirkuk - which fell to Iraqi forces on Monday - and Erbil, capital of the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan in northern Iraq that voted in a referendum last month to secede from Iraq against Baghdad's wishes. A force made up of U.S-trained Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service units, Iranian-backed Popular Mobilisation and Federal Police began their advance on Altun Kupri at 7:30 a.m. (0430 GMT), said an Iraqi military spokesman. "Details will be communicated later," the spokesman said in a short posting on social media. Kurdish Peshmerga forces withdrew from the town of Altun Kupri, located on the Zab river, after battling the advancing Iraqi troops with machine guns, mortars and rocket propelled grenades, security sources said. It was not immediately clear whether there had been any casualties in the fighting. The Iraqi forces have advanced into Kirkuk province largely unopposed as most Peshmerga forces withdrew without a fight. The fighting at Altun Kupri marked only the second instance of significant violent resistance by the Kurds in Kirkuk province since Monday. Altun Kopri marks the admnistrative limit between Kirkuk and Erbil. It belongs administratively to the Kirkuk province. Iraqi forces are seeking to reestablish Baghdad's authority over territory captured by the Kurdish Peshmerga outside the official boundaries of the Kurdistan region in the course of the war on ISIS militants. The Peshmerga had moved into Kirkuk after the Iraqi army fled the region in the face of Islamic State's advance in 2014. The Kurdish move prevented Kirkuk's oilfields from falling into the hands of the militants. Search Keywords: Short link: UC Irvine senior Ariana Rowlands is buddies with Milo Yiannopoulos, the right-wing provocateur who has sparked campus uproars over free speech. She writes for Steve Bannons Breitbart News. And she is unapologetically combative in campus culture wars. Leesa Danzek, a USC graduate, works for a centrist Republican state legislator. She favors moderation and inclusion and says shock-jock tactics will drive college conservatives away. The two young women head opposing slates for control of the California College Republicans in its first contested election in nearly a decade. Advertisement The bruising battle, to be decided at the state party convention this weekend, mirrors the larger national struggle between GOP establishment insiders and insurgents inspired by President Trump. This election will determine the very future and soul of college Republicans and maybe even the conservative movement as a whole, said Eric Lendrum, a recent UC Santa Barbara graduate who writes for the conservative online Millennial Review. Long overlooked on Californias overwhelmingly liberal campuses, college conservatives are now drawing national attention thanks to free speech dust-ups at UC Berkeley, UC Davis and Cal State L.A. Campus conservative leaders said Trumps election boosted their numbers even if it intensified hostility toward them. At Berkeley, College Republican Troy Worden says he still gets doxxed, spat on and cussed out by fellow Bears but now as many as 80 people come to club meetings that usually drew about 10 last year. Republicanism is becoming cool, said Brock Bauer, a UCLA sophomore majoring in financial actuarial math. Its a counterculture. It feels like youre rebelling against your generation. At a recent UCLA club festival, a stream of students ventured to the Bruin Republicans table, which was covered with buttons, pamphlets and Socialism sucks bumper stickers. Like a carnival barker, club officer Tyler Fowlkes called out to students to join UCLAs premier right-of-center club, a haven on the leftist campus, complete with outings to a shooting range. We even pay for the ammunition, he told them. Jordan Sadlier, president of the Bruin Republicans, standing next to a cardboard figure of former President Reagan, and Tyler Fowlkes, the clubs vice president, try to recruit new members at UCLAs annual student activities fair in September. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times ) Rowlands and Danzek illustrate college Republicans diversity and sharp disagreement over how to expand the campus conservative movement. Some clubs have decided against inviting Yiannopoulos, for instance, calling him a divisive rabble-rouser. Danzek heads a slate called Thrive, which is seen as more moderate on social issues and better connected to the party establishment. She led the state organization, which supports about 70 campus chapters, over the last year. Raised in Simi Valley with politically diverse friends, she aims to welcome all Republicans, along with independents and Democrats. She wants to connect students who hope to make a difference to jobs, internships, and helpful people. She hopes to lead the state organization with Nick Steinwender, a junior at California Lutheran University, who is running as her co-chair and was elected student body president by reaching out across political lines. They believe in traditional roll-up-your-sleeves politics, and say they led College Republicans to reach more than 250,000 voters through phone banking and door knocking in the 2016 election cycle. Im into welcoming more into the Republican Party, not giving them a reason to vote against us, Danzek said of their approach. At the end of the day, if I cant convince you to be Republican, I can at least convince you not to hate me because Im Republican. She said Rowlands in-your-face style isnt for everyone. Theres always a fear of being associated with something that could hurt your career or your character to the public, Danzek said. And many fear thataligning with the most outrageous of the right side of the political spectrum might negatively impact them. Ariana Rowlands, a senior at UC Irvine, is leading the insurgent Rebuild campaign for control of the California College Republicans. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times ) Rowlands Rebuild is more socially conservative than Thrive, which it casts as a cautious defender of a status quo that has failed to grow campus Republicans. Rowlands said she decided to launch the insurgent slate after being told by a former CCR officer to work with college administrators, not defy them. She had just fought UC Irvine administrators when they tried to restrict her club after a Yiannopoulos appearance. The establishment doesnt want to ruffle feathers, she said. We want to make a difference. Rowlands parents are immigrants from Wales and Mexico. She opposes relief for young people brought to the country illegally and abortion, and said shes fine with being definitely the most hated person on campus. The college administrators, the social justice warriors, they doubled down on their beliefs and theyre taking out their anger for Trump on us, she said. Were fighting and were not going to give up. At Rebuilds recent leadership retreat, workshops included how to fight back against college administrators. The groups style is responsible but loud activism with a clear message, Rowlands said. On her slate are students good at headline-grabbing actions. Noah Ritter co-founded College Republican chapters at Cal State Fullerton, his current school, and at Orange Coast College, where he organized a protest after news broke last year about an instructor caught on videotape telling a class that Trumps election was an act of terrorism. He organized dozens of students to help force a recall election for state Sen. Josh Newman, D-Fullerton. He calls the Rebuild slate real activists who want to step up to the plate, as opposed to the usual people who have networked their way and are friends with the current slate, then the year after that, theyll give it to their friends. Students applaud as they listen to Rep. Mimi Walters (R-Irvine), speak at a Republican leadership retreat in September at the Richard Nixon Library in Yorba Linda. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times ) Relations between the two slates are tense. Rebuild has accused Thrive of using its connections with the state executive board to shut down voting at the CCR convention in April, when it looked like Rowlands would win. The election was postponed to Saturday. Danzek says the state executive board was merely enforcing clear procedural rules. Amy Binder, a UC San Diego sociology professor and the author of Becoming Right: How Campuses Shape Young Conservatives, said national politics are forcing students to choose sides. No one is more provocative than Trump himself, she said, and now students are in this position of having to choose whether to do what the president does, or having to make decisions to not be like the president. The battle has caught many students in the middle. The UCLA, UCSD and University of La Verne chapters, for instance, have declined to endorse either slate. Jonathan Rios, a GOP club leader at La Verne, voiced concerns about how a more provocative CCR would affect his kind of small, close-knit school, where conservatives enjoy good relationships with administrators and liberal classmates. I dont like where its going, Rios said. I think its going to lead to a very one-sided organization thats going to exclude a lot of similar-minded students, perhaps like myself. And Bradley Devlin, secretary of the Berkeley chapter, who recently pushed to impeach Worden as president to get away from pro-Trump tribalism, said he plans to run for the job to bring the club back to constitutional conservatism. Some former College Republicans announced plans to start the Berkeley Conservative Society aimed at inclusive, civilized discourse. Students across the state said they were disappointed by the infighting. Conservatives, some said, share common feelings of rejection by peers and pressure to mask their views from liberal professors. At the end of the day, youre a Republican, said Sara Garcia, a UC San Diego sophomore and GOP club officer. We all have the same end goal: we want to show that we have a voice on campus. And we cant be doing that if were arguing amongst ourselves. teresa.watanabe@latimes.com | Twitter: @teresawatanabe rosanna.xia@latimes.com | Twitter: @rosannaxia ALSO White nationalist Richard Spencer to noisy Florida protesters: You didnt shut me down Milo Yiannopoulos confronted by dozens of counter-protesters during brief appearance on UC Berkeley campus Steve Bannons speech to the California GOP tonight has some Republicans nervous Deadly wildfires in Northern California that destroyed or damaged nearly 10,000 homes have set off a contentious debate over something seemingly unrelated: immigration. At the center of the dispute are the top cops of Sonoma County and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who have been sparring publicly this week in what marks the latest instance of state and federal authorities tangling over immigration policies. ICE Acting Director Thomas Homan blasted Sonoma County for so-called sanctuary policies that he said has left their community vulnerable to dangerous individuals and preventable crimes. Advertisement Sonoma County Sheriff Rob Giordano lashed back, saying Homans statement was inaccurate, inflammatory and damages the relationship we have with our community. ICE attacked the Sheriffs Office in the midst of the largest natural disaster this county has ever experienced, Giordano said. ICEs misleading statement stirs fear in some of our community members who are already exhausted and scared. The controversy stemmed from the arrest Sunday of a homeless man accused of felony arson. Jesus Fabian Gonzalez, who immigration officials said has been returned twice to Mexico, told deputies he set a fire in Maxwell Farms Park in Sonoma Valley, where hes been seen sleeping, to stay warm. He is being held on $200,000 bail. A day later, federal immigration authorities said they lodged a detainer, or a request to local jailers to keep an inmate behind bars for up to two extra days, against Gonzalez. Far-right news outlet Breitbart inflated the story in a report published Tuesday, suggesting that Gonzalez was behind the string of wildfires since Oct. 8 that have devastated the wine country and claimed more than 40 lives. Giordano quickly and vigorously shot down Breitbarts claim. There is a story out there that hes the arsonist in these fires. Thats not the case. Theres no indication hes related to these fires at all, Giordano said of Gonzalez. I wanted to kill that speculation right now, so we didnt have things running too far out of control. Sonoma County Sheriff Rob Giordano tangled this week with Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Thomas Homan over immigration policies. (Paul Elias / Associated Press ) Homan later said Gonzalez had been arrested four times over the past year in Sonoma County and, after each arrest, the federal agency filed a detainer against him. But, he said, ICE was never notified of his releases. The residents of Sonoma County, and the state of California, deserve better than policies that expose them to avoidable dangers, Homan said in a statement. Non-cooperation policies now enshrined in California state law ensure only one thing: criminals who would otherwise be deported will be released and left free to re-offend as they please. Sanctuary policies have taken root across California as a potent symbol of resistance to the Trump administrations pledges to ramp up deportations. Just this month, Gov. Jerry Brown signed landmark legislation that limits who can be held, questioned and transferred at the request of federal immigration authorities. Giordano said ICEs detainer request was not signed by a judge and therefore not legally enforceable. He also said that Gonzalez has been in Sonoma County jail eight times for minor misdemeanor offenses and that his staff notified ICE of his release in several of those cases. Multiple federal court cases have determined these administrative detainers are unconstitutional, Giordano said. If ICE obtains a warrant, I can legally hold the person and would be happy to do so. He also reiterated that theres no evidence Gonzalez started the wildfires, the causes of which are still under investigation. Giordano went as far as to say it appears highly unlikely that Gonzalez was involved. As the immigration debate played out, firefighters continued to increase containment on the devastating blazes. By Thursday, most mandatory evacuations throughout the region had been lifted, but about 22,000 people in Sonoma County were still displaced, either because their homes are still at risk or were in a burn zone, said county spokesman Scott Alonso. Officials called it the deadliest week in California fire history, with at least 42 confirmed fatalities. Preliminary loss figures released Thursday by State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones estimate the wildfires have caused more than $1 billion in insured losses. The insurers eight of Californias largest also found that there were 5,449 total residential losses, 4,177 partial residential losses, 601 commercial property losses and more than 3,000 auto losses. Jones, who released the findings Thursday afternoon in Los Angeles, noted that it will take months to finalize the total insured losses. We know this number will climb as more victims go through the claims process, as they secure the safety of their loved ones and themselves, and begin to reach out to their insurance agents and insurance companies, he said. Better weather this week has helped firefighters continue to control flames and prevent additional damage. The objective in the days to come will be to make sure that no spot fires grow out of control and that crews who have been here for nearly two weeks stay vigilant and avoid mishaps, officials from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said in a morning briefing at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Just give us your best for a few more days, Cal Fire Incident Cmdr. Bret Gouvea told firefighters Thursday. At their peak, the states large fires had drawn about 11,000 firefighters into the battle. But with the largest blazes in Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino counties nearing full containment, firefighters have begun to trickle back to their home states, counties and districts. Sonoma County is holding community meetings on the process for getting state and federal aid to clean ash and debris, Alonso said. Cleanup of the hazardous materials can be dangerous and expensive, he said. Were really concerned about people touching the debris, trying to remove ash. We will have hazardous materials teams deployed to help homeowners with large-scale removal, Alonso said. We dont want folks doing it on their own. Tchekmedyian reported from Los Angeles, Serna reported from Santa Rosa. Times staff writers Sonali Kohli and Makeda Easter contributed to this report. ALSO Big-rig driver charged in deadly tour bus crash that killed 13 Couple accused of sex crimes at South L.A. school are arrested in Florida after 17 years on the run California Republicans increase security at state convention ahead of Steve Bannon speech UPDATES: 9:45 p.m.: This article was updated with an additional quote from the Sonoma County sheriff. This article was originally published at 8:41 p.m. As San Diegos hepatitis A outbreak has continued to grow, so has a fascination about the identity and importance of patient zero, the first person believed to be infected in a surge of illness that has now killed 19 people. At first unwilling to say much about this mysterious person, San Diego County health officials disclosed twice during public meetings in late September that the apparent first patient what epidemiologists often call an outbreaks index case was a homeless man who tested positive for hepatitis infection in East County. Dr. Eric McDonald, chief of the countys Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch, reiterated in an email this week that this man was treated in a La Mesa hospital and when interviewed said that the exposure period was mainly in El Cajon. Advertisement Further details on exactly where in El Cajon, and where else patient zero might have lived, have not been forthcoming and a lack of genetic analysis due to his unknown whereabouts have made absolute confirmation of his first-patient status impossible. Though most of the outreach and sanitation efforts have focused on the city of San Diego, and a recently released list of cases by ZIP code shows that the largest number of cases occurred downtown, some have taken note that the current public health crisis may have started somewhere else. Patient zero coming from a different part of the county speaks to how we need to have every part of the community stepping up to solve this problem, said James Haug, a downtown condo owner and president of the East Village Assn., a business improvement district. Theres been at least a small impact on downtown business: A cookie convention slated to hold its event at the San Diego Convention Center in September chose to withdraw until the outbreak is deemed over, though local officials challenged whether hepatitis was the true rationale. Michael Trimble, executive director of the Gaslamp Quarter business association, said theres no hard evidence that theres been an effect on business. Its definitely on everyones mind, he said. Im sure there are some people who just wont come downtown because of hep A, but Im looking out my window right now and seeing two families with their kids strolling down 5th Avenue. While he said its good to know that the first patient may have been in East County, downtown still has a large population of homeless people and its important to continue getting that at-risk population immunized against the virus. Paul Sisson and Jeanette Steele write for the San Diego Union Tribune. Police in Louisiana have uncovered a sophisticated, Los Angeles-based identity theft ring, thanks to two men who skipped out on their $7 Waffle House bill, authorities said. Waffle House employees called police Saturday, saying two men had stiffed the restaurant and driven away in a U-Haul van, Pearl River police said Thursday. Investigators were still taking statements at the restaurant when patrol officers spotted a U-Haul van parked at a nearby hotel, police said. A passenger ran into nearby woods as officers approached, according to a news release from Deputy Chief Daniel Hunter. Advertisement The officers arrested the driver, and a police dog tracked down the passenger, who also was arrested, he said. Hunter said a search of the van turned up fake identification and credit cards, credit card skimming devices and a Waffle House receipt for $7.41. The investigation revealed a highly sophisticated identity theft scheme operating out of Los Angeles, he wrote. He said the driver, Stayshawn D. Stephens, 20, of California, and Richard A. Brown, 18, of Indiana, had flown into New Orleans from different states, rented the van in New Orleans, and had installed credit card skimming devices at multiple gas stations in the area to steal customers credit card numbers. Investigators are working with the Secret Service and more arrests are possible, Hunter said in an email. Hunter said he did not immediately know Stephens or Browns hometowns. The police statement said both were arrested on charges of identity theft, bank fraud, monetary instrument abuse and theft by fraud. Additional charges against Stephens include criminal damage to property, driving with a suspended license, fraudulently acquiring credit cards and forgery, while those against Brown include battery on a police officer and resisting arrest by flight. As long as I am here, we are not going to put up with any of this criminal nonsense, especially from criminals flying in from California and Indiana, Police Chief Johnny JJ Jennings said in the news release. Let this be a lesson on etiquette as well; pay your bill and tip your waitress. ALSO Big-rig driver charged in deadly tour bus crash that killed 13 Californias deadliest fires set off debate about illegal immigration and sanctuary policies Couple accused of sex crimes at South L.A. school are arrested in Florida after 17 years on the run A man from the Little Saigon area of Westminster pleaded guilty today to a felony charge for illegally importing more than a dozen federally protected turtles and fish species from Vietnam. Kevin Duc Vu, who sold fish and turtles on the internet, faces up to 20 years behind bars when he is sentenced Feb. 5 by U.S. District Judge Christina A. Snyder. Vu, 44, admitted in a plea agreement that he imported seven big-headed turtles and seven Asian arowana fish both of which are protected under the federal Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and can only be brought into the United States with permits. Advertisement The package from Vietnam labeled aquarium supplies also contained seven four-eyed turtles, six Asian box turtles and a black-breasted turtle, which are also all protected under federal law, according to the plea deal filed in Los Angeles federal court. The value of the illicit wildlife totaled more than $67,000 on the black market, according to the U.S. attorneys office. Three supporters of the prominent white nationalist Richard Spencer have been charged with attempted murder after police said one of the men, egged on by his friends, shot at protesters with the intent to kill following Spencers speech at the University of Florida on Thursday. It was the most serious instance of violence reported in connection to Spencers appearance at the university. The event was heavily protested but mostly went off without violence, until three men in a silver Jeep pulled up to a bus stop around 5:20 p.m. Thursday after Spencer had ended his speech. They had just come from the speech and were recorded on video giving interviews to media outlets, defending Spencers appearance. Advertisement One of the passengers began yelling Hail Hitler and other chants at the people at the bus stop, according to arrest reports released by the Gainesville Police Department. An argument ensued, and one of the people at the bus stop, whose name was redacted, used a baton to hit the rear window of [the] vehicle. Tyler Eugene Tenbrink, 28, of Richmond, Texas, got out of the Jeep and pulled out a gun, police said. Colton Gene Fears, 28, and William Henry Fears, 30, brothers who live in Pasadena, Texas, told Tenbrink to kill them and shoot them, according to the arrest reports. At one point William Fears got out of the vehicle too, according to one witness. Tenbrink fired one shot, which missed a person at the bus stop and hit a business behind the person, and the men then got back in the Jeep and drove away, police said. The person took down the Jeeps license plate number and the men were arrested 20 miles north of Gainesville, with a gun found in the car, police said. Tenbrink then confessed to being the gunman, they said. I am amazed that immediately after being shot at, a victim had the forethought to get the vehicles license number, Gainesville police spokesman Ben Tobias said in a statement. That key piece of information allowed officials from every level of multiple agencies to quickly identify and arrest these persons. Under Florida law, accomplices to an attempted murder can be charged as if they had fired the shots. Police said Tenbrink is a convicted felon and could face more charges because he was in possession of a gun. It was not immediately clear if the men had lawyers. Tenbrink was ordered held in lieu of $3-million bond and the Fears brothers were ordered held in lieu of $1-million bond, according to police. Tenbrink came from Texas to hear Spencer speak, and he told the Gainesville Sun in an interview before the shooting: This is a mess. Im disappointed in the course of things. It appears that the only answer left is violence, and nobody wants that. He appears to be the same man who leapt over a police fence after being chased away from the event by protesters. Before the shooting, William Fears told one journalist that he supported Spencers message, and he also told a Miami CBS news affiliate that the only people who think were the violent ones, causing violence, are people who watch CNN. William Fears also told the Gainesville Sun: Its always been socially acceptable to punch a Nazi, to attack people if they have right-wing political leanings. Us coming in and saying were taking over your town, were starting to push back, were starting to want to intimidate back. We want to show our teeth a little bit because, you know, were not to be taken lightly. We dont want violence; we dont want harm. But at the end of the day, were not opposed to defending ourselves. A Miami Herald video appeared to catch Colton Fears shouting at protesters, Fourteen in the sheets, 88 in the streets, two numbers commonly used by white nationalists and neo-Nazis to express white power. Our founding fathers were white nationalists, Fears told the newspaper in an interview. Now Im not saying you have to be a white nationalist, but understanding that its OK and it doesnt make you a racist. Spencers planned appearance had led Gov. Rick Scott to declare a state of emergency to bring in more police protection, fearing a violent brawl between white nationalists and anti-fascists such as the one that occurred in Charlottesville, Va., in August, which left one anti-racism protester dead. But Spencer managed to speak on campus safely. Students and protesters booed and chanted through most of his two-hour speech as hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside, occasionally scuffling with some white nationalists who walked through the crowd. Spencer left the event safely and protesters were largely peaceful. matt.pearce@latimes.com Twitter: @mattdpearce ALSO White nationalist Richard Spencer to noisy Florida protesters: You didnt shut me down In stunning attack, George W. Bush rebukes Trump, suggesting he promotes falsehoods and prejudice Trump sparks revival for college Republicans, along with battle over future and soul of movement Steve Bannons speech to the California GOP tonight has some Republicans nervous Somewhere in Texas, a 17-year old girl who fled her abusive parents in Central America sits in a shelter in federal custody. She is an undocumented and unaccompanied minor. She is also about 15 weeks pregnant and has been trying for several weeks to get an abortion. But the Department of Health and Human Services officials who oversee the custody of unaccompanied minors have tried everything they can to stop this teenager from getting one. She was ushered into an anti-abortion crisis pregnancy center where, according to her lawyers at the American Civil Liberties Union, she was forced to undergo an ultrasound for no medical purpose and then subjected to the centers (unsuccessful) attempts to dissuade her from terminating her pregnancy. Over the teens objections, officials called her mother and disclosed the pregnancy. And when her lawyers won an order Wednesday from a U.S. District Court judge instructing the department to let her have the abortion, the federal government filed for an emergency stay. It was granted Thursday, pending a court hearing Friday morning. Pregnant women in prison who request an abortion get treated better than this. Advertisement It is unconscionable that the federal government would so flagrantly undermine the rights of a person in its custody. The girl, known in court papers simply as Jane Doe, may not be here legally, but, while she is here, she has a constitutional right like every other pregnant girl or woman in the United States to a legal abortion. Even U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who ruled Wednesday that Doe could get the abortion, shook her head in disbelief when a U.S. Department of Justice lawyer at the hearing would not concede that Doe has constitutional rights. Among other constitutional principles, due process and equal protection which underlie the right to an abortion apply to everyone in the United States, regardless of where they came from. It is unconscionable that the federal government would so flagrantly undermine the rights of a person in its custody. Lets be clear, the issue here is not about Jane Doe being a minor. Girls under the age of 18 have a right to an abortion. Nor is it about her being in Texas, whose notoriously repressive anti-abortion laws include a requirement that minors have parental consent to an abortion. Doe already got a waiver of that requirement from a Texas state judge. The issue here is how the Office of Refugee Resettlement (part of the Department of Health and Human Services) handles the care of undocumented minors in its custody. The office is legally responsible for their healthcare, which includes family planning a particularly important issue, considering that many undocumented young women are victims of sexual assault. (In the case of Doe, her lawyers will not say how she got pregnant.) In March, the office announced that all federally funded shelters for these minors were prohibited from taking any action that facilitates abortion access without the approval of the director of the office, Scott Lloyd, an anti-abortion activist formerly with the Catholic fraternal organization the Knights of Columbus. According to an ACLU filing on Does behalf, Scott personally contacted pregnant minors to discuss their requests to have abortions. And pregnant minors who are considering abortion are required to go to crisis pregnancy centers which are generally anti-abortion. Thats not providing healthcare. Thats forcing a conservative ideology onto vulnerable young people in government custody. Nor is this about barring federal dollars from subsidizing abortions. Does transportation to a clinic and funding for the abortion are being provided by private sources. All the shelter operators have to do is let her leave to get the procedure. Until they do, they are effectively holding her hostage. The government says that Doe is free to return to her home country and try to have an abortion there. But thats not much of a choice. And her immigration case should be decided on its merits, not by her pregnancy. Judge Chutkans order made it clear that federal officials have to let Doe exercise her right to an abortion promptly time being of the essence and put up no physical roadblocks. The government should drop its court challenge here and abandon all coercive measures to convince girls in custody not to have an abortion. By the ACLUs estimate, there are hundreds of pregnant unaccompanied minors in federal custody, all potential Jane Does. None of them should be deprived of the right to seek a legal abortion if they choose. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook When a prison inmate prays for release from her cell, prison industries can be her first salvation. I couldnt wait to head to work in the kitchen of the maximum-security womens prison in Connecticut where I did six years for identity theft and related crimes. I was paid 75 cents to $1.75 a day to make and serve a lot of casserole. Yet I consider most of the criticism lobbed at prison labor that its a form of slavery, a capitalist horror show unfair, and even counterproductive in the effort to reform the justice system. Among the firefighters on Californias fire lines this fall, 30% to 40% are inmates, paid $1 an hour to work side by side with crews making a lot more money. Some inmate firefighters have gone on the record saying they feel the same way I do about prison jobs. Its people on the outside who rail against prison work assignments, particularly hiring prisoners to fight fires. We dont want prison policy driven by a desire for cheap labor, says David Fathi, director of the ACLUs National Prison Project. He worries that a captive labor force incentivizes mass incarceration. Fathi can point to some unfortunate remarks made by prison administrators. Last month, the sheriff of Caddo Parish, La., lamented the loss of the good prisoners who washed prison cars. In 2014, the office of the attorney general of California balked at reducing prison overcrowding because it would deplete the prison workforce. Advertisement Still, less than half of Americas prison population works. The most recent available Bureau of Justice statistics come from 2005, when 800,000 to 900,000 inmates, out of a population of about 2.3 million, had jobs within their facilities. That left at least 1.3 million prisoners for the government to house, clothe and feed without getting anything in return. It doesnt seem likely that captive labor is the reason our prisons are overcrowded. Its people on the outside who rail against prison work assignments, particularly hiring prisoners to fight fires. Most labor in prison is menial work for the state. Inmates sew hems on jackets for municipal employees; they do laundry duty or janitorial work. These are also normal, outside-world activities and jobs. When a prisoner is cooking, mopping floors or folding clothes, she knows somewhere, an unincarcerated person is doing the same thing. When a prisoner is working, she is the closest to free she can be, until she gets out. My prison job made me feel like I was fulfilling my existential duty to society: I was contributing. It doesnt surprise me that prison work assignments are credited with reducing recidivism. Any change for good that happened within me while I was incarcerated grew out of my job. If I feel that way about my time making chicken a la king, an inmate whos saving lives fighting fires must feel it 10 times over. Some call prison labor the new Jim Crow because of the outsized number of black and brown inmates in U.S. prisons. Its a facile charge, and worse, it may be keeping progressive companies away from prison projects. Socially conscious businesses and agencies are likely to pay inmates higher wages, train them for better jobs and do more to prepare them for life after prison if those companies arent scared away by vociferous critics of prison labor. Whole Foods used to sell goat cheese made from milk produced on a prison farm in Colorado. We felt supporting suppliers who found a way to be part of paid, rehabilitative work being done by inmates would help people get back on their feet and eventually become contributing members of society, a company spokesman said. Whole Foods ended the program in 2015, after consumer protests I can only assume came from people whove never been incarcerated. Anyone whos done time wouldnt deny a fellow prisoner that kind of lifeline. When private companies contract with prisons, the labor isnt cheap. Federal law requires contractors to pay minimum wage for inmate work. The state may garnish those wages to cover the costs of incarceration. If inmates working for private contractors are cheated of a fair wage, the fault lies not with the business that hires prisoners but the system that confines them. Dont get me wrong, prison labor is by no means problem-free. Two inmate firefighters died in work-related accidents in California this year. Its unclear whether a lack of training or the inherent danger of firefighting contributed to those deaths. We may never know because there is too little investigation of worker safety in all prisoner occupations. If safety and worker empowerment were the focus of prison labor reform, rather than dismantling the system, the movement would get my support. The way to protect workers is the same inside and outside: unionization. Its a misconception that inmate unions are against the law. The Supreme Court held 40 years ago that wardens dont violate prisoners 1st Amendment rights when they bust inmate unions, but at the same time, nothing prohibits prison administrators from allowing unions to form. Thats where the pushback against prison labor should be aimed, toward persuading wardens to allow physical and organizational safeguards for inmate workers, protections they can negotiate for themselves. Prison work isnt just another battlefield in the fight between labor and capital, however justified that fight may be. Work is more than a wage, its an expression of humanity, and that is especially true in prison. To even consider ridding our prisons of inmate work assignments is dehumanizing to the thousands of firefighters who are risking their lives in California. Keeping them on the fire line is one of the best things the state can do for its citizens, incarcerated or not. Chandra Bozelkos essays have appeared in the Guardian and the Washington Post. She writes the award-winning blog Prison Diaries. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook A military commander accused of overseeing a chilling attack by his men on a Juba hotel in which at least five foreign aid workers were raped, has died in prison, the army said Friday. First Lieutenant Luka Akechak was one of 12 suspects accused of murder, rape and looting at the Terrain Hotel in the capital in July last year. Army spokesman Santo Domic Chol said Akechak was the commander of the unit accused of the abuses, and was found dead a week ago. "He (Akechak) was reported found dead," said Domic, adding that the soldier had died a "natural death". He said no post mortem report had been delivered to the army. Akechak, a member of the presidential guard, was an important suspect in a case that has highlighted the difficulty in bringing perpetrators to book in a country wracked by almost four years of civil war. "Instead of him stopping rape or looting because he was a commanding officer for that unit at that very time ... one of the victims reported that he (Akechak) was the one facilitating rape, he was the one telling the soldiers rape this, rape that and this," said Domic. The lawyer representing the hotel's owners, Philip Sanyang demanded a post-mortem to prove he had died of natural causes. The exact charges against each of the suspects have remained unclear, as well as the evidence that led them to be charged. The court in July ordered victims to fly back to South Sudan, refusing to accept testimony given outside the country or by video conference. In August a victim from Italy returned to testify and in two weeks another victim will come back to give evidence. Search Keywords: Short link: From CNN to the New York Times to the Washington Post to this newspaper, pundits and columnists have understandably expressed concern over President Trumps constant threats against the media. In the months since his inauguration, Trump has implied violence against CNN by sharing a .gif of him body slamming the CNN logo, asked the FBI to investigate reporters and openly suggested taking away NBCs television license. (NBC does not have or need a license.) All unprecedented acts of bullying, all rightfully condemned. But why, given all the ink spilled over Trumps rhetoric, has so little attention been paid to his administrations actual attacks on the news media? One would hardly know it watching mainstream U.S. news, but one of the first acts of the Trump administration was the aggressive prosecution of almost 200 protesters and journalists arrested the day of the inauguration on felony rioting charges. Two of those facing prison sentences of 70 years or more are Aaron Cantu of the Santa Fe Reporter and New Inquiry and photographer Alexei Wood. While the initial round-up of protesters took place during the last minutes of the Obama government, the attempt to effectively lock these two reporters away for life to say nothing of the 200 protesters signals a change in approach for federal prosecutors. Wood and Cantu are charged with felony rioting, but it seems they were merely in the proximity of window-smashing and brick-throwing while covering the Jan. 20 unrest. The cliche wrong place, wrong time doesnt even apply they were in exactly the right place at the right time, doing what reporters are supposed to do, covering a story of major import on the ground. (Prosecutors initially brought and then dropped charges against six other reporters, though how their cases differ from Cantu and Woods is unclear.) Advertisement Why, given all the ink spilled over Trumps rhetoric, has so little attention been paid to his administrations actual attacks on the news media? Press freedom groups that have covered the #J20 arrests insist that whats happening is unprecedented. While its depressingly common for journalists to be arrested covering protests, its rare for the charges to carry decades in federal prison. Its simply outrageous that Trumps Justice Department is still attempting to prosecute two journalists for felonies merely for doing their job and covering a protest. Freedom of the Press Foundation, a nonprofit that protects journalists, told me in a statement. Sadly, Cantu and Woods cases have received little attention in the media, but it should be a national scandal. And yet it isnt. Because they were in the proximity of broken windows, Cantu and Wood have been written off by most of the corporate media as rioters unworthy of the protections afforded to other journalists. When FAIR, the media watchdog I write for, asked the three most influential media reporters in the country CNNs Brian Stelter, the New York Times Jim Rutenberg and The Washington Posts Erik Wemple why they had not covered their arrest at all, two did not respond and Wemple replied, There are hundreds of worthy and important stories that I dont get to. Media bigwigs, it seems, are more comfortable covering theoretical threats against corporate outlets such as the ones that employ them than they are covering actual threats against independent journalists. Theres a reason Metro DC police let two local NBC reporters and a U.S. News reporter go right away: They knew including them would put a lot more heat on the arrests and any subsequent prosecution. Freelancers like Cantu and Wood dont have major corporations looking out for them with a team of lawyers and PR experts. By ignoring their plight over the last 10 months, major media have reinforced the notion that some journalists are more worth protecting than others. This is different, some may insist, Cantu and Wood were embedded with violent hooligans. But adjacency to property damage is a time-honored excuse to lock up journalists. From Mubaraks Egypt in 2011 to Bahrain in 2016 to present-day Dakota Access pipeline protests, governments looking to crack down on a free press have frequently used the cover of anti-rioting measures to detain and harass journalists. Its less a justification and more a cliche at this point, and not a particularly compelling one either. While some nontraditional publications including the Daily Beast, City Lab and Huffington Post have covered the #J20 arrests and should be credited for doing so, major outletsthe same ones lamenting Trumps hypothetical threats have largely ignored this administrations actual persecution of two independent journalists. Perhaps, instead of waiting around to react with indignation at Trumps next Twitter blast, these outlets could take just one column or one minute of air time to highlight a case of real-world prosecution against those reporters and protesters not in the establishment club. Adam H. Johnson is a media analyst for Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting and is co-host of the Citations Needed podcast. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook To the editor: The Los Angeles Times must now look at the failure of charter school oversight personnel to detect or discourage the kinds of actions Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education member Ref Rodriguez is accused of doing. (What Ref Rodriguezs latest legal problems mean for the charter school movement, Oct. 18) Senior managers with the Partnerships to Uplift Communities charter school network, which Rodriguez co-founded, admitted they had no previous knowledge of the transfer of $285,000 in PUC Schools money authorized by Rodriguez (mostly to a nonprofit he controlled) until they were responding to questions and a public records request from The Times. The pro-charter majority on the school board should rethink its recent requests to streamline charter approvals and renewals. Unfortunately, well never know how widespread charter fraud is if so much of the schools operations are similarly hidden from public scrutiny. Advertisement Dont forget, we would never have found out about the $285,000 if it had not been for the criminal charges filed against Rodriguez. Sari Rynew, Studio City Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Orange County at center of fundraising in Californias most contested races By Sarah D. Wire More than half of the money raised for the most contested House races in California is going to candidates in Orange County, another indication of its starring role in the Democratic effort to win back control of the House next year. Of the 80 or so challengers in California, 27 are running in Orange County. A Los Angeles Times analysis of this years campaign finance filings found it is also where the cash is going to: About $15 million of the nearly $28.5 million raised this year for 13 key races went to candidates in just four Orange County districts: Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gov. Jerry Brown plans climate trip to Vatican, Belgium, Norway and Germany By Chris Megerian (Eric Risberg / Associated Press) Gov. Jerry Brown has mapped out a busy European travel schedule that includes attending the next United Nations conference on climate change in Bonn, Germany. While the White House declares war on climate science and retreats from the Paris Agreement, California is doing the opposite and taking action, Brown said in a statement. We are joining with our partners from every part of the world to do what needs to be done to prevent irreversible climate change. Roughly two dozen public events are planned over 10 days, starting with a speech at a Vatican symposium on Saturday. Brown wont be the only California politician at the conference. Rep. Scott Peters (D-San Diego) is speaking later that day, and state Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) is scheduled to appear Friday. After the Vatican, the governor is bouncing between Germany and Belgium, plus a stop in Norway to meet with scientists. Hes holding press conferences with the president of the European Parliament and the minister-president of Baden-Wurttemberg, a German state that has collaborated with California on an international climate pact. Once the Bonn conference begins, much of Browns focus will be on how states, provinces and other local governments can tackle climate change absent stronger action from national leaders. He was named a special advisor to the U.N. conference for states and regions earlier this year. Brown is scheduled to appear with former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Nov. 11 and speak at numerous other events, a packed itinerary much like the one he kept at the Paris climate conference two years ago. His last event is expected to take place Nov. 14. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California business tax incentive program should end, legislative analyst says By Liam Dillon California no longer should give specific tax incentives to businesses and instead should provide broad-based tax relief, the states nonpartisan Legislative Analysts Office said in a new report. The analysts office examined California Competes, a program that began four years ago to give tax credits to businesses looking to move to the state or remain here, and found it puts existing companies that dont receive the awards at a disadvantage without clear benefits to the overall economy. Picking winners and losers inevitably leads to problems. In the case of California Competes, we are struck by how awarding benefits to a select group of businesses harms their competitors in California, the report said. We also think the resources consumed by the program are not as focused as they should be on winning economic development competitions with other states to attract major employers that sell to customers around the country and the world. California Competes has allowed the awarding of nearly $800 million in tax credits. The legislative analyst found that more than a third of the credits awarded through California Competes resulted in no change to the overall economy and put the states existing businesses at a competitive disadvantage. The analyst couldnt assess the value of the remainder of the credits because its impossible to know how businesses would have reacted had they not received them. California Competes is scheduled to end next year. The analysts office recommends replacing it by lowering business taxes overall or, should lawmakers want to keep it, tailor the program more narrowly to focus on attracting and retaining high-value companies. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Electric companies found at fault in North Bay fires wont be able to pass costs onto residents under proposed bill By Liam Dillon Jason Miller, 45, plants an American flag on the charred remains of his house in Coffey Park. He had lived in the Santa Rosa neighborhood for 23 years. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) If electric utilities are found at fault in the recent wildfires in the North Bay, a group of state lawmakers want to ensure they dont pass along their costs to residents. Victims of devastating fires and other customers should not be forced to pay for the mistakes made by utilities, state Sen. Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo) said in a release. Hill is one of four Bay Area legislators who said they plan to introduce a bill when lawmakers return to the Capitol in January to block any effort by utilities found at fault to recoup any costs from ratepayers. Investigators have not identified the cause of the wildfires that ripped across Northern California this month that left more than 40 people dead and thousands of homes destroyed. But the lawmakers said their legislation is motivated by San Diego Gas & Electrics efforts to recover costs from wildfires in that region a decade ago. Co-authoring the bill with Hill is Sen. Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg), Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Assemblyman Marc Levine (D-San Rafael). Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Proposed initiative would end early release for some crimes, allow more DNA collection By Patrick McGreevy (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) A coalition including police officers and prosecutors on Monday proposed a California state initiative that would end early release of rapists and child traffickers and expand the number of crimes for which authorities could collect DNA samples from those convicted. The ballot measure is sponsored by the California Public Safety Partnership, and would reverse some elements of Proposition 47, which was approved by voters in 2014 and reduced some crimes deemed nonviolent from a felony to a misdemeanor. The proposed initiative would add 15 crimes to the list of violent crimes for which early release is not an option, including child abuse, rape of an unconscious person, trafficking a child for sex, domestic violence and assault with a deadly weapon. These reforms make sure that truly violent criminals stay in jail and dont get out early, said Sacramento County Dist. Atty. Anne Marie Schubert, a leader of the coalition. The initiative would also allow DNA collection for certain crimes, including drug offenses, that were reduced to misdemeanors under Proposition 47. Assemblyman Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) said there have been 2,000 fewer hits matching DNA to cold cases annually in recent years. He cited one case from 1989 involving the murder of two young girls in Sacramento that was solved last year by DNA taken from a man in a drug case before those were excluded from DNA collection. If that case happens today, right now, it does not get solved, said Cooper, a former sheriffs captain. Changes in law also made theft of goods valued at less than $950 a misdemeanor, so some criminals are committing serial thefts and keeping each one to $949 or less, Cooper said. The initiative would make serial theft a felony. The measure also mandates a parole revocation hearing for anyone who violates the terms of their parole three times. A Whittier police officer was recently murdered by a parolee who had violated parole five times, said Los Angeles Police Protective League President Craig Lally, who supports the initiative. A representative of the group behind Proposition 47 said it was not reasonable to blame the ballot measure for an uptick in some crimes in some parts of the state. Fluctuations in crime have much more to do with economic and social policies and practices, said Tom Hoffman, a spokesman for the group Californians for Safety and Justice. Its so much more complicated than one piece of legislation as an issue. The proponents of the initiative need to collect signatures from 365,880 voters by the end of April to qualify the initiative for the November 2018 election. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement When men with power go too far: After years of whispers, women speak out about harassment in Californias Capitol By Chris Megerian Tina McKinnor, left, Sadalia King, Amy Thoma Tan, Jodi Hicks and Sabrina Lockhart have come forward to talk about their experiences with sexual harassment at the Capitol. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) It started with a dinner invitation from a former assemblyman more than twice her age. He had offered his services as a mentor, but his hand reaching for her knee under the table revealed other intentions. Then came the late-night phone calls and unexpected appearances at events she had to attend for her job in the Capitol. Fresh out of college, Amy Brown did what she thought women were supposed to do in these situations she reported him. The former assemblyman accused her of slander, an experience that left her so humiliated that she left Sacramento for a new job in San Jose. I immediately got the hell out of town, Brown said. I felt like the people the person I was relying on for advancement in my career was preying on me. Stories like these have taken many forms through the years. Sometimes its a professional meeting that turned inappropriately sexual, or its a groping hand on a backside. In one case, a woman said a lawmaker masturbated in front of her in a bar bathroom. No matter the details, each story involves a man with power the kind of power bestowed by voters, an influential lobbying client or a supply of campaign cash. And instead of wielding that power to shape politics or public policy, the man used it to proposition women or to touch them inappropriately. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Big jump in the number of House challengers isnt great news for California Republicans By Christine Mai-Duc So far this year, 80 challengers have reported raising money across California for the 2018 midterm elections, more than triple the number who had done so at this point in the 2016 election. Collectively, theyve raised more than $14.9 million, and 70% of that has gone to the four Republican-held districts in Orange County that Democrats consider key to their chances. There havent been this many congressional challengers in Californias House races this early in the game since at least 2003, and that could be bad news for Republican incumbents. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Californias Senate culture doesnt encourage women to file complaints. Heres how that could change By Melanie Mason Senate leader Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles), shown in September, acknowledged that the Senate could improve its procedures for reporting misconduct. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) In 2014, reeling from scandals that led to the suspension of three Democratic senators, Californias state Senate changed its policies to make it easier for employees, members and the public to sound the alarm about misconduct. A Times analysis of those rule changes shows a lack of follow-through to make reporting complaints more accessible. And the lawmaker who worked on changes in the Senates operations after that scandal says more could have been done. Then-Senate leader Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) suggested at the time that the move would lead to positive cultural change and strengthen the integrity of this great institution. But as the Capitol now soul-searches over allegations of widespread sexual harassment, the current legislative leaders acknowledge the culture still does not encourage women to file complaints. The Senates effort to reform itself three years ago and how it fell short is instructive as both legislative houses embark on a new round of self-improvement. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Have you experienced sexual harassment in government or politics? Tell us your story If you work in government or politics and have experienced sexual harassment, wed like to hear from you. Please tell us your story using the form below. We will not share your personal contact information. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California Assembly Speaker applauds Capitol staffers bravery in going public with complaint against assemblyman By Melanie Mason Gyore spoke publicly for the first time about a 2009 complaint she filed against Bocanegra. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) said Friday that the experience of a staffer who filed a complaint eight years ago against now-Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra illustrates why the Capitol culture must change. Elise Flynn Gyore told The Times about her experience filing a complaint against Bocanegra, who was then a legislative staffer, after she said he groped her and followed her in a manner she found threatening at a 2009 after-work event in a Sacramento bar. The Friday morning story in The Times was the first time she had spoken publicly of the incident and the complaint, which resulted in Bocanegra being disciplined. I appreciate Ms. Gyores bravery in bringing this incident forward. We have to change the culture in the Capitol and in society and her experience shows why, Rendon said in a statement Friday afternoon. How incidents of harassment were handled in the past can inform our current efforts to improve the system and to build a future where these injustices are prevented before they happen and no employee has to fear harassment or abuse. Bocanegra, who was first elected in 2012, is part of Rendons leadership team, serving in the position of majority whip. A top lieutenant to Rendon, Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego), also chimed in with support for Gyore on Friday. I dont know Elise Gyore. But, I believe her & Im grateful for her bravery. This is unacceptable. Lorena (@LorenaSGonzalez) October 27, 2017 Former Speaker John A. Perez (D-Los Angeles), who led the Assembly from 2010 to 2014, said he was unaware of the complaints existence until The Times report. He said he had never heard of any complaints formal or informal against Bocanegra, nor had he witnessed any inappropriate behavior from the Pacoima Democrat. Also on Friday, the organizers of We Said Enough, a recently launched campaign against harassment, thanked Gyore for sharing her story. This is an act of true courage and we support every woman who chooses to do so. Sadly, this story is just one example of how the existing system fails victims and survivors. We are resolute in our call for action, the group said in a statement. The groups organizers added that they are calling for an overhaul to the complaint process such as confidential reporting, an independent oversight body and whistleblower protections to better guard against harassment. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Gov. Jerry Brown says California Republicans have slavish adherence to their partys tax plan By John Myers (Rich Pedroncelli/AP) Gov. Jerry Brown took aim at the sweeping tax overhaul plan in Congress and Californias Republican delegation on Thursday, saying their support of the plan is wrong economically and morally. Brown, who joined New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on a conference call with reporters, aimed most of his fire at the provision to cancel deducting local and state taxes paid from federal taxes. Both governors said it could have a profound impact on their states bottom lines. Brown criticized Californias 14 Republican House members for their Thursday budget vote, which allows for a $1.5-trillion deficit to help finance tax cuts. I know there is a lot of slavish adherence to the Republican leadership, Brown said. Its bad for California. Theyre doing a disservice. California and New York taxpayers have long been able to deduct the cost of paying local and state taxes from their federal tax liability. Both governors said Thursday they believed the effort by President Trump and Republicans to be at least somewhat motivated by their states voting for Democrat Hillary Clinton over Trump last November. Its using a handful of states to finance the tax cuts for their states, Cuomo said. Brown, who sent personal letters to all California GOP members of the House urging them not to go along, said the proposal was particularly unfair in light of how it would not apply equally to corporations. Its a gross manipulation of our tax code, he said. Its a Hail Mary pass by the Republicans. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Heres why Republicans could help send Dianne Feinstein back to Washington even if they cant stand her By Mark Z. Barabak Its the voters like Republican Larry Ward conservatives who feel voiceless and adrift, bobbing like red specks in a blue sea who could help usher the 84-year-old Dianne Feinstein back to Washington with a new lease on her Senate seat. Like most voters here in El Dorado County, Ward supported President Trump. He cant understand why Democrats and the media pile on and keep him from cutting taxes and fulfilling a campaign pledge to repeal Obamacare. He certainly doesnt think Feinsteins been too kind to Trump the argument made by her newly announced challenger, Kevin de Leon. The state senator from Los Angeles and others on the left were spitting fire a few weeks back when Feinstein allowed as how she hoped, given time and a radical transformation, Trump might end up being a good president. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Car runs into immigration protesters outside Rep. Ed Royces district office By Sarah D. Wire A vehicle drove into a group of protesters outside of GOP Rep. Ed Royces office in Brea on Thursday afternoon, but no injuries have been reported to police so far. (Tony Mendoza / Unite Here) A vehicle drove into a group of protesters outside GOP Rep. Ed Royces office in Brea on Thursday afternoon, but no injuries have been reported to police so far. The alleged driver, 56-year-old Daniel Wenzek of Brea, was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. He was booked and released pending further investigation, according to Lt. Kelly Carpenter of the Brea Police Department. Organizers say several hundred people were protesting outside Royces office, many of them arriving on buses after a morning news conference with elected officials and labor leaders in Los Angeles MacArthur Park. They were trying to deliver letters to Royce (R-Fullerton) about what losing temporary protected immigration status would mean to them, said Andrew Cohen, a communications specialist with the organization Unite Here. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California Secretary of State Alex Padilla backs Gavin Newsom for governor over former colleague Antonio Villaraigosa By Seema Mehta California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, left, and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Secretary of State Alex Padilla, the highest-ranking Latino in a statewide elected position in California, endorsed Gavin Newsom for governor on Thursday. Padilla said he had known Newsom for more than a decade and admired his track record as mayor of San Francisco and now lieutenant governor. Its always important to [have] leaders that are committed and get it done, and thats what Ive seen in Gavin Newsom over and over and over again, Padilla said, speaking to dozens of Newsom supporters at a union hall in downtown Los Angeles. The endorsement was seen as a slap at former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who is one of Newsoms top rivals in the governors race. Padilla was president of the Los Angeles City Council during the two years Villaraigosa was a member of the body, and for the first six months of Villaraigosas tenure as mayor. But the two men have never been viewed as close allies. They come from different power bases for Latino politicians in Los Angeles Villaraigosa from the Eastside and Padilla from the San Fernando Valley. They also have not supported each others political pursuits. In 2001, Padilla backed James Hahn over Villaraigosa in the mayoral race. In 2006, Villaraigosa backed Cindy Montanez in a state Senate race over Padilla. Padilla said he has a relationship with all of the top Democrats running for governor. This is a tough one because I do know Antonio Villaraigosa and I know John Chiang and I know Gavin Newsom, but I think that because of whats happening in the political environment at this time, this isnt one where we can sit back, Yeah. OK. Cool, lets see who wins and well work with whoever, Padilla said. If there is a candidate I believe is best for the future of California, Im compelled to weigh in and thats what Im doing today. Luis Vizcaino, a Vilaraigosa spokesman, said the announcement was to be expected and noted that Padilla had a leadership role in Newsoms short-lived 2009 gubernatorial campaign. The only surprise here is we thought Alex had endorsed Gavin months ago considering he was Gavins Campaign Chair the first time he ran for governor, Vizcaino said in an email. Villaraigosa and Chiang, the state treasurer, have also received key endorsements from Latino politicians. Villaraigosa has the backing of the Latino Caucus in the state Legislature, former Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina and Lucille Roybal-Allard. Chiang has won the support of Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar. Updated at 2:07 p.m.: This post was updated to add a comment from Villaraigosas campaign. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Californias Rep. Paul Cook picked to lead Foreign Affairs subcommittee By Sarah D. Wire Rep. Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley) has been named chairman of the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) made the announcement in a news release Thursday morning following the former subcommittee chairman Rep. Jeff Duncans (R-S.C.) departure from the committee this week. As a former Marine Corps colonel, Rep. Cook is deeply committed to defending U.S. interests worldwide. I look forward to working with him to continue holding the [Raul] Castro and [Nicolas] Maduro regimes [of Cuba and Venezuela, respectively] accountable for their brutal repression, while increasing U.S. commercial opportunities throughout the hemisphere, Royce said in a statement. California holds several leadership positions on the Foreign Affairs Committee. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa) is the chairman of the Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats subcommittee. Rep. Brad Sherman of Sherman Oaks is the highest ranking Democrat on the Asia and the Pacific subcommittee and Rep. Karen Bass of Los Angeles is the highest ranking Democrat on the Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations subcommittee. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print GOP tightens restrictions on Rep. Dana Rohrabachers subcommittee because of scrutiny over his Russia connections By Sarah D. Wire Rep. Dana Rohrabacher speaks to Russian lawmakers at a meeting in the Russian parliaments lower house in Moscow in 2013. (Misha Japaridze / Associated Press) The congressional subcommittee led by California Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa) is being heavily monitored by GOP leaders because of allegations the Orange County congressman has been overly influenced by his connections to Russia. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) will be more involved in guiding the direction of the subcommittee that is in part responsible for examining U.S. policy in Russia, said a senior congressional aide who asked not to be identified in order to discuss internal committee matters. Rohrabacher has long said that the United States needs a better relationship with Russia, puzzling colleagues who have speculated privately about why hes willing to work with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Connections between Rohrabacher and Russian officials have been newly highlighted as Congress investigates Russian attempts to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Californias GOP members vote in favor of Republican budget, paving way for tax overhaul By Sarah D. Wire All 14 California House Republicans on Thursday voted in favor of the GOPs budget, which paves the way for overhauling the U.S. tax system. The budget, which allows for a $1.5-trillion deficit increase that sets the stage for President Trumps tax cuts, passed 216 to 212, with 20 Republicans joining Democrats in opposing it. At the root of their objection is the potential repeal of the federal deduction for state and local taxes, which would hit especially hard in wealthier states like New York and California. Gov. Jerry Brown had implored the GOP members not to support the budget, saying there hasnt been enough time to fully understand what it will mean to the estimated 1 in 3 Californians who claim the deduction. Democrats are targeting nine of the states 14 Republican-held districts, and have said theyll make the elimination of the tax deduction an issue in the campaign. Rep. Steve Knight of Palmdale said he voted for the budget because hes been assured that a fix will be made to the tax plan that will address or offset the potential tax increase caused by the elimination of the tax deduction. The tax plan is scheduled to be unveiled next week. Still worried about it, still working on it, Knight said after the vote. I am confident [it will be fixed], but Ive also said that is my No. 1 priority, so if we cant get it fixed then were going to have problems. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gov. Jerry Brown urges California GOP House members to vote no on budget bill: First lets get the facts By Sarah D. Wire Gov. Jerry Brown implores each GOP member of California delegation to vote no on budget today over end of state and local tax deduction. pic.twitter.com/bkCihAtvFG Sarah D. Wire (@sarahdwire) October 26, 2017 Gov. Jerry Brown implored Californias GOP House members to oppose their partys budget bill over a provision that will end a deduction for state and local taxes used by one in three Californians. In letters to each Republican member of the California congressional delegation, Brown asked the members to at least ask for more time to learn the specifics of the plan. First lets get the facts. Then, debate the issue. And then we can decide whats the right thing to do, Brown says in his letter. The potential repeal of the state and local tax (SALT) deduction the federal income tax deduction for state and local taxes paid would hit especially hard in wealthier areas. The vote is scheduled to take place Thursday morning. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Six female California lawmakers back Dianne Feinstein in Senate race By Sarah D. Wire Assemblywomen Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, right, and Susan Talamantes-Eggman in May. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Six California Assembly committee chairwomen endorsed Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Wednesday over their state Capitol colleague, Senate leader Kevin de Leon. In a statement released by Feinsteins campaign, Assemblymembers Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens), Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton), Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), Blanca E. Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) and Anna Caballero (D-Salinas) said the state needs Feinstein in these uncertain and difficult times. We are proud to endorse Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who has been an inspiration for all of us. The first woman to serve on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Feinstein is now the ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee. In that position, she is defending California against the Republicans and the Trump administration on critical issues like immigration, womens rights, federal judicial appointments, LGBT rights, civil rights, and gun control, they said. De Leon is the highest-profile Democrat to announce plans to challenge Feinstein in her bid for a fifth full term. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Kevin de Leon vows to back Medicare for all, signaling key issue in 2018 Senate campaign By Sarah D. Wire State Senate leader Kevin de Leons opening salvo in the U.S. Senate race against Sen. Dianne Feinstein takes on one of the main frustrations progressives have voiced with her, a refusal to support single-payer health care. I believe that every family, it doesnt make a difference who you are or where you come from, deserves to have quality healthcare. It is a universal right, De Leon says in a video released by his campaign Wednesday. Its not the exclusive privilege of the elite and the wealthy. The concept of single-payer healthcare has grown in popularity among Democrats since the 2016 election, with some members of the so-called Sanders wing of the party urging Democrats to use support for it as a litmus test in 2018. Such a program is unlikely to become law while Republicans control both chambers of Congress. Feinstein has said she doesnt support expanding Medicare to the entire population at this stage and has cited the cost of doing so as a reason. If he were elected, De Leon would join Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and 15 other Democratic Senators as co-sponsors of the bill proposed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Sen. Kamala Harris wont back federal spending bill without DACA fix By Sarah D. Wire Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) said Wednesday that she wont back a bill that allows the federal government to spend money unless Congress has a legislative fix to address the legal status of hundreds of thousands of people brought to the country illegally as children. I will not vote for an end-of-year spending bill until we are clear about what we are going to do to protect and take care of our DACA young people in this country, Harris said. Each day in the life of these young people is a very long time, and weve got to stop playing politics with their lives. President Trump announced in September that he was giving Congress until March before the program would shutter and recipients would begin losing work permits and protection from deportation. An estimated 200,000 of the nearly 800,000 recipients of the Delayed Action for Childhood Arrivals program live in California, giving the Golden State an outsized stake in resolving their legal status. Harris spoke at a Capitol Hill news conference Wednesday with other members of the California delegation to urge quick action on the issue. It is absolutely urgent that we pass the legislation, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) said. We are determined that the Dream Act will be the law of the land before the year is out. Democrats and Republicans are negotiating the details of a fix, and when something could pass. Pelosi has hinted that if Republicans dont have the votes within their party to pass the end-of-year spending bill, which Congress has to pass to keep the government open, Democrats will offer their votes for a price. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Rep. Dana Rohrabacher gets a second Republican challenger By Christine Mai-Duc A second Republican is jumping in to challenge GOP Rep. Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa, and hes pitching himself as an alternative for conservatives who are fed up with Rohrabachers controversial antics. Paul Martin, 52, is a freelance writer and self-proclaimed Reagan Republican who lives in Costa Mesa. Rohrabacher is himself a former speechwriter for Reagan. Martin grew up in Anaheim with an Italian immigrant mother and a Mexican American father, and says hes opposed to many of the policies coming out of the Trump administration. Ive had enormous struggle with the rhetoric thats coming out of Washington, D.C., and even more so with the rhetoric that comes out of Dana Rohrabachers mouth, Martin said in an interview. Its just not in the spirit that I grew up with. Following President Trumps travel ban announcement, Martin started the Christian-Muslim Alliance, a campaign aimed at fostering dialogue between people of different faiths. He describes himself as a raging centrist on a personal blog, where hes criticized Trumps response to white supremacist violence in Charlottesville, Va., and Rohrabacher for taking money from the National Rifle Assn. Still, Martin says hes a true conservative who wants to focus on issues of human dignity and bring better-paying jobs to the district. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gov. Jerry Brown, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott send a message with their World Series bet By John Myers (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) As governors of states hit hard by natural disasters, the leaders of California and Texas hope to send a message with their wager on the outcome of the World Series. The winner will receive food or drink from either Californias wine country or Houstons best barbecue joints. The bet, made Tuesday before the start of the first World Series game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros, came with a request from both Gov. Jerry Brown and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for tourists to come back to those regions as soon as possible. While we dont expect to have to send any vino to Texas, we hope travelers from all over the world yes, even the Lone Star State will continue to visit California, said Brown in a written statement. If the Dodgers win, Abbott will send Brown Texas-style barbecue and a six-pack of Houston-brewed beer. Should the Astros prevail, Brown has promised wine from the Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino regions. Texas and California are recovering from some of the worst natural disasters our states have ever encountered, Abbott said in a joint statement from the two governors. As we work to overcome these challenges, our two states are united by Americas pastime as we cheer on our home teams in the World Series. Go Astros! Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California Assembly to hold public hearings to address sexual harassment By Melanie Mason Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, right. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)) The California Assembly will hold public hearings next month to address sexual harassment in the Capitol, Democratic lawmakers announced Tuesday, as allegations of pervasive mistreatment continue to ripple through Sacramento. The announcement comes one day after the California Senate announced it has hired lawyers and human resources consultants to investigate allegations of widespread sexual harassment and evaluate Senate procedures. In a joint statement, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount), Assemblyman Ken Cooley (D-Rancho Cordova) and Assemblywoman Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) said that sexual harassment of any kind is intolerable. The lawmakers say a three-pronged approach is necessary to confront the issue: changing a climate that has been permissive to sexual harassment, offering victims have a safe place to discuss complaints and ensuring that sexual harassment is dealt with expeditiously and that the seriousness of consequences match the violations committed, they said in a statement. Vowing a comprehensive effort to address these issues, lawmakers said there will be public hearings in November to discuss how the Legislature can tackle the issue. The panel, tasked to discuss harassment, discrimination and retaliation prevention and response, is chaired by Friedman and was formed in June, though it has not yet met. The panel is a subcommittee of the powerful Rules committee, chaired by Cooley, which functions as the chambers de facto human resources department. As we move forward, we must remember that the bottom line is harassers need to stop their abusive actions, the statement said. The rest of us need to call out harassment and abuse by its name and stigmatize this behavior each and every single time we see it. Adama Iwu, who helped organize the public letter published last week decrying an atmosphere of sexual harassment in the Capitol, said she and some of the women who signed the letter were concerned if any victim would be asked to testify with no legal guarantee against retaliation. Furthermore, we are concerned about the divergent paths of the Assembly and Senate, Iwu said in a statement. It is imperative that we work with outside experts, as part of a public independent review with whistleblower protections, to address the pervasive culture of sexual harassment in the Capitol community. Meanwhile, the trade association representing lobbyists, the Institute of Governmental Advocates, said in a statement Tuesday that it unequivocally supports [the women who signed the letter] and any other person in our Capitol community who has suffered harassment. Dates for the hearings, which are expected in late November, have not been set. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Recall effort against Sen. Josh Newman still on track after too few voters request to remove their names from petitions By Patrick McGreevy State Sen. Josh Newman (D-Fullerton), left, listens to debate in June on a measure to change the rules governing recall elections. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Of the more than 70,600 voters who signed petitions to hold a recall vote on state Sen. Josh Newman of Fullerton, only 849 asked that their signatures be withdrawn by the deadline, clearing a major hurdle for an election on whether to oust the Democratic lawmaker, officials said Tuesday. Opponents of the recall needed to get more than 7,000 voters to withdraw their signatures to deprive supporters of the 63,593 signatures needed to put the measure on the ballot, under a new system approved recently by the Democratic-controlled Legislature that slows down the process. Sen. Josh Newman has spent months lying to his constituents by claiming people were duped into signing the recall petition against him, and with todays tally, he has been unmasked again as a pathological liar who is unfit to hold office, said Carl DeMaio, a Republican activist heading the recall drive. We eagerly look forward to voters having a chance to vote him out for his lies and his decision to increase the gas tax. Newman won a close contest last November in a district formerly represented by a Republican. He was targeted for recall by Republican activists for voting in April for a $52-billion transportation plan that raises gas taxes and imposes a new annual vehicle fee. A successful recall would deprive Democrats of a supermajority in the Senate. Once Secretary of State Alex Padilla certifies that there are sufficient valid signatures based on the data collected Tuesday, the new process calls for him to notify the state Department of Finance, which will be given 30 business days to prepare a cost estimate for the recall election. Once the estimate is prepared, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee will have 30 calendar days to review and comment on the estimate, said Sam Mahood, a spokesman for Padilla. On the following business day, the secretary of State will certify to the governor that the recall has qualified for the ballot. That could happen as late as Jan. 11 if the reviews take all the time allotted. Gov. Jerry Brown must then call an election to be held 60 to 80 days later, or within 180 days if there is a regularly scheduled election within Senate District 29 during that period. There will be a June 2018 primary election for the Assembly districts that make up the Senate District, so Brown could consolidate the Senate recall vote with that state primary. However, the new, longer process could end up being abandoned if supporters of the recall are successful in a lawsuit alleging the new rules are improper. At the same time, opponents of the recall have filed a lawsuit to block the recall, alleging petition circulators misled voters by saying their signatures would help repeal the gas tax. The underhanded methods used to qualify this recall likely represent one of the worst cases of voter fraud in California history, said Derek Humphrey, a consultant for the Newman campaign. Now, millions of tax dollars will be wasted to redo an election the Sacramento special interests lost barely a year ago. Its a shameful waste of money that voters will soundly reject and vote to keep Josh Newman fighting for them in the state Senate. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Rep. Devin Nunes announces investigation into Obama-era uranium deal By David S. Cloud House Republicans are opening investigations of the Obama administrations 2010 decision to approve the sale of American uranium mines to a Russian-backed company, and California Rep. Devin Nunes is at the forefront. Nunes (R-Tulare), the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said at a news conference that his panel and the House Oversight Committee would jointly probe the deal, which President Trump has called the real Russia story. Nunes and other Trump supporters have raised the 7-year-old uranium deal while four congressional committees and Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III are looking into Russia interference the 2016 election and whether Moscow had any direct links to the Trump campaign. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Former deputy director of California tax agency says he was fired for whistleblowing By Patrick McGreevy The state Capitol (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) A former deputy director of the state Board of Equalization said Tuesday he was improperly fired this month after cooperating with a state Department of Justice investigation into allegations that agency officials improperly used public resources. Mark DeSio was fired Oct. 12 as the director for external affairs of the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, which recently was split off from the board in an agency shakeup. He has filed a whistleblower complaint and appeal to the state Personnel Board seeking reinstatement to his position. He alleges the agency before its split up was rife with nepotism and that there is improper hiring and use of employees from one fund to instead help elected board members in field offices. For more than a year, DeSio gave information about the BOE to the Department of Justice and several state agencies and auditors, right up until the time of his firing, said a press release from his attorney, Mary-Alice Coleman. Despite being pressured, DeSio refused to engage in certain activities. DeSios job was threatened multiple times during the course of his employment. In April, Gov. Jerry Brown called for a Justice Department probe of allegations that employees of the state Board of Equalization misused state resources assigning high-paid tax auditors to tasks such as directing traffic for community events promoting elected board members. Brown also set in motion steps that broke up the agency in June, putting the five-member board in one office, and tax collection and appeal system in two other offices. At the time, Brown cited serious problems of mismanagement identified in a Department of Finance audit of the agency, which is responsible for collecting $60 billion in tax revenue annually. DeSio said he has also provided information on alleged improprieties to the state Fair Political Practices Commission, which investigates political wrongdoing. Days before he was notified of his termination, DeSio said he told Department of Justice investigators that the board had misused 30 information officer positions as personal staff for board members. He also said supervisors overruled him when he refused to hire 10 new call center employees from funds not set aside for that purpose. He said 10 people were hired even after Brown had revoked the agencys hiring power. DeSios complaint alleges that in August 2016, board member Jerome Horton pressured DeSio to promote a particular employee who was funded by DeSios office, but actually worked in Hortons office. When DeSio refused, saying the employee was not the top-scoring candidate, the complaint says Horton became angry and his chief of staff threatened DeSio. Board Executive Director David Gau, the complaint alleges, contacted Desio and told him to either do what Horton wanted or be fired. After meeting with Department of Finance auditors, DeSio said he was contacted by Horton in November 2016. Horton demanded to know what DOF had asked and what documentation Desio had provided in response. DeSio said he refused to disclose what he gave the auditor. Horton threatened DeSio, saying, I only need one more vote to take you out, the complaint alleges. Horton disputed the allegations. If he has filed a complaint, the facts will show that I had an excellent professional relationship with Mr. DeSio and the allegations are not true, I had nothing to do with his termination, Horton said in a statement. Gau did not immediately respond to requests for comment. DeSio also alleged multiple cases of nepotism in the agency. In one example, he alleges agency officials improperly orchestrated the hiring of the man whose wife worked for a top manager at the agency. Updated at 3 pm to include comment from Board member Jerome Horton. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Want the Sierra Clubs endorsement? Here are its standards By Chris Megerian The Sierra Club is setting some ground rules for California gubernatorial candidates that may want its endorsement. No. 1 on the list is independence from the oil industry, which has been a fault line in the Capitol during debates over climate change policies. This year, given how important Californias role has become to the nation for leadership on the environment, it made sense to lay out in advance what some of the overall characteristics that the endorsement committee will be looking for in candidates, said Kathryn Phillips, director of Sierra Club California. Other requirements include independence from the tobacco and e-cigarette industry and a commitment to public health, environmental equity and transparency. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California Senate hires investigators to look into sexual harassment allegations By Melanie Mason California Senate leader Kevin de Leon will hire two outside firms to look into allegations of a widespread culture of sexual harassment in the state Capitol. De Leon announced Monday he has hired the law office of Amy Oppenheimer to conduct an external investigation into harassment and assault allegations, and the consulting firm CPS HR Consulting to review Senate policies on harassment, discrimination and retaliation. De Leon also sent letters to lobbyists in the Capitol community detailing how existing rules protect non-employees. Theres always more employers can do to protect their employees, De Leon said in a statement. Everyone deserves a workplace free of fear, harassment and sexual misbehavior and I applaud the courage of women working in and around the Capitol who are coming forward and making their voices heard. The women behind an open letter sent last week calling out a pervasive culture of mistreatment in the political industry said that De Leons actions were insufficient. More than 140 women, including legislators, Capitol staff, political consultants and lobbyists, signed the letter. To find the truth and rebuild trust, we need a truly independent investigation, not a secretly hand-picked self-investigation, said Adama Iwu, a government affairs director for Visa who spearheaded the campaign. We need full transparency. How was this firm selected? Who will they report their findings to? What exactly are they investigating? Is the Assembly involved? Meanwhile, the women who have signed the letter, who have coalesced into a group called We Said Enough, announced they were formalizing their advocacy efforts on Monday by launching a nonprofit organization. The group plans to hold forums to outline a plan of action for improving how harassment and abuse complaints are reported, investigated and addressed. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Kevin de Leon has millions in state campaign accounts that cant be rolled over to his Senate race By Patrick McGreevy State Senate leader Kevin De Leon has millions of dollars socked away in state campaign accounts, but federal law prohibits him from rolling over the money into his federal campaign for the U.S. Senate. So what options does the Los Angeles legislator have as he puts together a campaign to unseat Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a fellow Democrat, in next years election? Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Gov. Jerry Brown heads to Washington to talk about the threat of nuclear war Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California Politics Podcast: What happens next in Sacramentos discussion of sexual harassment is important By John Myers Theres a big, challenging question beyond the initial shock of sexual harassment stories told by women working in California politics: What happens next? On this weeks California Politics Podcast, we discuss the allegations that have emerged from an open letter first reported by The Times on Tuesday. And a key part of the next chapter is how legislative leaders and the states major political parties respond to the concerns raised in the letter signed by more than 140 women. We also take a closer look at the new effort by wealthy activist Tom Steyer to demand impeachment proceedings against President Trump, and whether the San Francisco Democrat is thinking seriously about jumping into the U.S. Senate race. And with Gov. Jerry Browns action on hundreds of bills complete, we offer up a few notable decisions in those final signings and vetoes. Im joined by Times staff writer Melanie Mason and Marisa Lagos of KQED. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Sen. Tom Cotton chides Californians: Your sanctuary cities werent enough, you had to have a sanctuary state instead By Phil Willon Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton addresses the California Republican Party at its fall convention in Anaheim. (Phil Willon / Los Angeles Times) Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton told California Republicans they should expect better days ahead, in part, because of liberal overreach by California Democrats on taxes, immigration and other issues affecting the daily lives of working-class Americans. Cotton invoked the memory of former president and California governor Ronald Reagan as a guiding light, and ridiculed House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) as a harbinger of doom. All it takes is a little new thinking applied with old principles. The principles of Ronald Reagan, Cotton told a packed ballroom at the California Republican Partys fall convention in Anaheim on Saturday. Cottons keynote address hewed toward traditional conservative themes and was peppered with light moments and witty jabs about the Democrats grip on California politics. When Jerry Brown has to veto your legislation because its too liberal, you might have to take a look in the mirror, Cotton told the crowd. It was a big departure from the speech the night before by GOP firebrand Steve Bannon, President Trumps former political strategist. Bannon unleased attacks on former President George W. Bush and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). He told Republicans they needed to rise up in California or else the progressive left and lords of the Silicon Valley would try to secede from the union in 10 to 15 years. Cotton, who at 40 is the youngest member of the U.S. Senate, is widely believed to be eyeing a run for higher office. During the 2016 Republican National Convention, he was the most active politician on the breakfast circuit, visiting the South Carolina, Ohio, Iowa, New Hampshire and California delegations. California, of course, is home to more than 5 million Republican voters and has been a wellspring of political cash for GOP presidential candidates. Cottons message of hope has been a running theme throughout the three-day GOP gathering as the state party tries once again to turn things around in left-leaning California. The partys share of the state electorate has fallen to 26% and no Republican has been elected to statewide office since 2006. Cotton, however, told the party faithful to remain upbeat. Californias Republican members of Congress play a pivotal role in Washington, and there are ample opportunities to rekindle the partys presence in Sacramento and throughout the state. Cotton zeroed in on the new gas tax and vehicle fee hike in the state, which would raise $5.2 billion annually for transportation and mass transit improvements, saying it would hurt ordinary Californians. If you live in West L.A. or San Francisco and you have the money to afford a Tesla, maybe youll be OK, Cotton said. What about the farmer in the Central Valley who has a pickup truck and needs to fill it up three times a week? He also took shots at the so-called sanctuary state law signed this month by Gov. Jerry Brown, which will limit law enforcement agencies from questioning and detaining people for immigration violations. Your sanctuary cities werent enough, you had to have a sanctuary state instead, Cotton said. So all your citizens will face greater danger no matter where they live. Before he took the stage, the state GOP played a short video introduction of the Arkansas senator, focused on his experiences serving as an Army officer in Iraq and Afghanistan. In Washington, Cotton was a harsh critic of President Obama and is considered a hawk on national defense. During a hearing in June, Cotton also openly mocked the idea of the Trump administration colluding with Russia. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy criticizes Gov. Brown, lauds Trump at California GOP convention By Seema Mehta McCarthy is lauding Trump for his "character and vision and understanding," compares him to Reagan. #cagop17 pic.twitter.com/AlyvgOvQWF Seema (@LATSeema) October 21, 2017 House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) on Saturday blasted Gov. Jerry Brown over Democrats positioning the state as the liberal resistance to President Trump and for legislative efforts to circumvent the presidents policies. Brown, he warned, could be viewed similarly to southern governors who sought to pick and choose which federal laws to uphold during the civil rights era. He focused on Browns recent signing of a bill to make California a so-called sanctuary state, which will limit law enforcement agencies from questioning and detaining people for immigration violations. I dont think history will be very kind to Gov. Brown, McCarthy told a few hundred delegates and guests at a luncheon at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim. California is a critical part of Democrats efforts to retake the House of Representatives, with a focus on seven Republican-held districts that Hillary Clinton won in the 2016 presidential election. Only one of the Republican representatives of those targeted districts had appeared at the convention as of Saturday afternoon, Rep. Mimi Walters of Irvine. McCarthy said Vice President Mike Pence raised $5 million for the efforts to protect the seats during a recent three-day fundraising trip through California, but he did not otherwise go into detail about the congressional battle expected in 2018. He instead lashed out at Republican members of the state Legislature who voted for Democratic policies. My advice to those Assembly members in Sacramento: You will not win a majority by thinking youll be Democrat-light. You will win the majority by showing the differences in the party, McCarthy said. You will not win the majority by voting against your own principles on a Democratic policy, and let Democratic targets vote no. You will not win the majority if youre concerned about being able to stand behind a podium with a Democratic governor instead of giving the freedom to Californians across this entire state. McCarthy did not name the members he was speaking about, but it was clear he was referring to Assemblyman Chad Mayes (R-Yucca Valley) and other Republicans who voted for an extension of the states cap-and-trade program this year. Mayes stepped down as Assembly Republican leader under pressure from others in his party who were upset over his vote for the climate change program, which requires companies to purchase permits to release greenhouse gases. McCarthy spoke a day after former Trump White House advisor Stephen K. Bannon addressed the group. Bannon has declared war on the GOP establishment, of which McCarthy is a member. McCarthy did not push back at Bannons remarks, which included criticism of former President George W. Bush and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). Rather, McCarthy lauded Trumps vision, compared him to former President Reagan and pointed to economic gains and regulatory reform since Trump took office. What a difference nine months and one election makes, McCarthy said. What a difference: A man who ran for president on issues and keeps his word and actually enacts the things he promised to do. Trump has tried to enact many of his campaign promises but has been unsuccessful on several priorities, including a travel ban on citizens from Muslim-majority countries and a repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Tax reform is the latest priority on the Republicans agenda, and McCarthy promised that Congress would push a package by Thanksgiving that includes lowering rates for small businesses and corporations, and simplifying the tax code from seven income tax brackets to three. He also spoke out in support of one of the more controversial parts of the proposal: eliminating the deduction of state and local taxes. I dont think its fair for somebody else to subsidize poor management in California, McCarthy said. Look at the entire [tax reform] bill when it comes out, you will pay less. But no longer can Sacramento say, Im going to raise the rates just because Ill have the federal government subsidize it. They will have to be held accountable for when they want to raise taxes. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gold Star father Khizr Khan, who clashed with Trump during the election, goes after him again in California By Phil Willon Khizr Khan at the National Union of Healthcare Workers conference in Anaheim on Saturday. (Phil Willon / Los Angeles Times) Khizr Khan, the father of a Muslim U.S. Army captain killed in Iraq who feuded with Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign, on Saturday criticized the Trump White House for its clash with a widow of a fallen soldier this week. Khan, speaking to reporters after addressing a National Union of Healthcare Workers conference in Anaheim, said the families of all military members killed in combat deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, especially in the days and weeks immediately following the death of their loved one. It was disappointing to see the behavior of [the White House], Khan said, before criticizing Trump administration officials for standing in front of the cameras and providing a defense for the indefensible behavior. Khans comments came just days after the uproar over Trumps call to the widow of Army Sgt. La David T. Johnson of Florida, one of four U.S. soldiers who died in an Oct. 4 ambush in Niger. Rep. Frederica S. Wilson of Florida was with Johnsons wife, Myeshia Johnson, in a car when the widow took Trumps call on speakerphone. Wilson publicly described Trumps comments as insensitive, saying he suggested that the sergeant knew what he was getting into when he joined the Army. White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly, whose son was killed in combat, defended the presidents comments, saying that he advised Trump on what to say and that the president was trying to praise Johnsons unselfish military service as well as offer words of comfort to his widow. Khan avoided attacking Trump directly or expanding on his remarks, saying he will address the controversy in more detail after Johnsons memorial services. The clash between Khan and Trump ignited after Khans speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. There, Khan ripped into Trump, then the Republican nominee for president. Hillary Clinton was right when she called my son the best of America. If it was up to Donald Trump, he never would have been in America, Khan said at the convention. Donald Trump consistently smears the character of Muslims. He disrespects other minorities women, judges, even his own party leadership. He vows to build walls and ban us from this country. Trump responded by questioning whether Khans wife, who stood by her husbands side during the couples high-profile appearance, was silent because of her Muslim faith. The controversy ignited by Trumps jabs at a Gold Star family dragged on for days, and he drew rebukes from Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). During his speech to the healthcare union Saturday, Khan lamented the loss of civility in national political discourse and pointed squarely at the president. He said the current White House has sown division by attacking immigrants and belittling political rivals. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California Teachers Assn. votes to endorse Gavin Newsom for governor By Seema Mehta Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks with participants of a march in Pan Pacific Park in Los Angeles commemorating the 102nd anniversary of the Armenian genocide in April. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) The politically influential California Teachers Assn. on Saturday endorsed Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom for governor, praising his support for public schools and his promise to hold charter schools more accountable. Gavin has long supported increased funding for education and is committed to making investing in students a top priority as governor, CTA President Eric Heins said in a written statement Saturday. He supports a public education system that attracts, not attacks, teachers, universal preschool and affordable college for all. The move is not entirely surprising given the antagonism between one of Newsoms top Democratic rivals, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and teachers unions in California. Villaraigosa launched his career as a union organizer, including for United Teachers Los Angeles, and labor played a critical role in getting him elected to office. But after he tried to gain control of Los Angeles schools, he questioned policies fiercely guarded by teachers unions, such as seniority protections that resulted in regular layoff notices to younger teachers who tend to staff the most challenging schools. He grew to support using student test scores to evaluate teachers and other overhauls opposed by union leaders. Villaraigosa, who eventually gained control of more than a dozen struggling city schools through a nonprofit, ultimately blasted the citys teachers union where he once worked as the largest obstacle to creating quality schools. The teachers association also passed over Democrat Delaine Eastin, a long-shot candidate who jumped into the 2018 governors race last year. Eastin, who served as Californias state superintendent of public instruction, has vowed to put education at the forefront of her campaign. The key question going forward is how much CTA plans to invest in the governors race and how it plans to spend it. In 2014, the union spent $12 million to defeat Marshall Tuck, a huge sum in an obscure race to be state superintendent of public instruction. A Democrat and former charter school leader, Tuck was hired by Villaraigosa to run the nonprofit that oversaw his schools. Tuck, who narrowly lost his race in 2014 against an incumbent, is running for state superintendent again in 2018. CTA on Saturday also endorsed his opponent, Assemblyman Tony Thurmond (D-Richmond). Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Bannons mention of Sen. John McCain, George W. Bush draws boos at California GOP convention By Seema Mehta Former Trump White House advisor Stephen K. Bannon ripped into former President George W. Bush and Arizona Sen. John McCain Friday night at the California Republican Party Convention in Anaheim, saying there has not been a more destructive presiden Mere mentions of former President George W. Bush and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) drew loud boos and catcalls as former Trump advisor Stephen K. Bannon derided the GOP leaders in his address to California Republicans on Friday night at their fall convention in Anaheim. Bannon, who runs the far-right website Breitbart News, blasted Bush for his harsh assessment of Trump and his policies, which the former president delivered at a policy seminar in New York on Thursday. Bush suggested that Trump has promoted bigotry and falsehoods, violating this countrys values. President Bush to me embarrassed himself. Speech writers wrote a highfalutin speech, Bannon said. Its clear he didnt understand anything he was talking about. Just like it was when he was president of the United States. Bannon, who was ousted from the White House in August but said he considers himself Trumps wingman, didnt stop there. He ripped into Bush, saying he allowed China to grow as a world power under the premise that global engagement might shepherd the county toward democracy. Theres not been a more destructive presidency than George Bushs, Bannon said. Bannon also had no love for McCain, who has openly clashed with Trump and helped torpedo Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The crowd at #CAGOP17 just booed George W. Bush and John McCain. "Hang him!" one man yelled about McCain. Seema (@LATSeema) October 21, 2017 He praised McCains military service, but said as a politician, Hes just another senator from Arizona. The boos from the crowd of Republican donors and activists show how much the state party has changed as its influence has waned and its numbers have dwindled in California. The brand of conservatism belonging to Bush and McCain resonated with Californias GOP voters during their presidential campaigns. Both men forged deep ties with the states Republican elected leaders and donors, raising tens of millions of dollars here for their political campaigns. In California, Bush received 1.1 million more votes in the November 2004 presidential election than Trump did last November. McCain received almost 600,000 more votes in the November 2008 presidential election than Trump received in the state in 2016. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print College journalists say covering Bannon at GOP convention prepares them for Yiannopoulos on campus By Anh Do Student journos Amy Wells + Brandon Pho of #CalSrateFullerton say peers are interested in party politics, esp info collected by young ppl. pic.twitter.com/b2MikBGnQD ANH DO (@newsterrier) October 21, 2017 Student journalists Amy Wells and Brandon Pho from Cal State Fullerton teamed up outside Anaheims Marriott Hotel as night descended, assigned to cover Stephen K. Bannons speech and protesters targeting him. We dont underestimate how movements can pull in more youth, especially if they hear other youth pushing it on social media, said Pho, a sophomore majoring in journalism. Were always on the lookout for more policy to dig into because we have a lot of undocumented students on our campus and theyre way aware of national issues, added Wells, a senior pursuing a journalism degree. Pho and Wells said reporting on the small crowd of protesters will prepare them for much larger turnouts when provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos visits their campus at the end of this month. While Bannon is more provocative, he doesnt have the reach of someone like Milo who knows how to engage an online audience, said Pho, 19. We learn from watching how different public figures do outreach. Wells, 22, described the nights gathering as having the feel of a college campus protest. And of course, that feels familiar, with people here maybe figuring out what to do next. Small steps. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Indivisible members rally ahead of Stephen K. Bannons speech to California Republicans By Anh Do Michelle Fowle, founder of The Resistance - Northridge, Indivisible, along w 100 supporters, launch protest vs. #SteveBannon in #Anaheim. pic.twitter.com/1yEdrUm9Si ANH DO (@newsterrier) October 21, 2017 Growing up as a Republican in Southern California, Michelle Fowle said she automatically registered to join the party because her parents were also members. I didnt know the right civics, recalled the Northridge activist, 50. I didnt really know women died for the right to vote. I just voted for whoever I saw on signs, or whose names I remembered. Now Fowle is the founder of The Resistance - Northridge, Indivisible, which united supporters outside the California GOP convention in Anaheim on Friday to protest an appearance by Stephen K. Bannon. She joined a crowd of about 50 people across the street from the Anaheim Marriott on Friday night as they denounced President Trumps former advisor. They were separated from conventiongoers by metal barriers and a cordon of private security guards while police officers observed from nearby. Information and exposure and understanding show us that he is dangerous. Hes a very, very good manipulator, Fowle said of Bannon. His goal is to try and get rid of established Republicans and bring in more extreme people. Bannon is using whatever base Trump has left to recruit. Carolyn Criss, a retired film industry researcher, drove from Sherman Oaks to protest. Bannon is a clear danger to our democracy, she said. Criss said Trumps election awoke her dormant activist tendencies, and she now regularly attends protests against the president. She said she thought Bannons visit was an effort to amplify his voice while also helping the GOP raise money. I really hope the GOP just wants to make some money off him and doesnt believe what he says, she said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California lawmaker plans to introduce legislation to protect workers who exercise right to free speech By Mina Corpuz San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid, left, take a knee during the national anthem in a 2016 game against the Rams. (Daniel Gluskoter / Associated Press Images for Panini) A California lawmaker plans to introduce legislation that would help protect workers from employer retribution for exercising their right to free speech. Sen. Henry Stern (D-Canoga Park) said Friday that the state should be a sanctuary for free speech, including the kind that some might find offensive. He said he will introduce a measure when the Legislature is back in session in January. It doesnt matter if youre Ben Shapiro speaking at UC Berkeley, a brave female employee standing up to misogyny in her workplace through the #MeToo movement, or a Dallas Cowboy playing in California this Sunday, he said in a statement. The Constitution does not limit speech based on value judgments so long as it doesnt harm others. Stern said the presidents attempt to urge NFL owners to fire players who kneel during the National Anthem is a troubling attack on the 1st Amendment. The Constitution trumps Trump, he said. Americans of all political stripes ought to stand up and defend it. The legislation would also help public institutions fund security for events that could include offensive speech. Public institutions and law enforcement shouldnt have to bear the cost of ensuring constitutional protections for such events, Stern said. Stern, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is part of the ongoing work to define hate speech and find a way to address it while upholding the Constitution. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom fights NRA over gun control law in federal court By Patrick McGreevy Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. (Tim Berger / Times Community News) Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom has asked the courts to lift an order that blocks Californias ban on large-capacity ammunition magazines, which was approved in November by voters when they passed Proposition 63. In June, a federal judge in San Diego ruled in favor of a request by the National Rifle Assn. to temporarily delay the magazine ban until the court could make a final decision on the law. U.S. District Judge Roger T. Benitez wrote then: If this injunction does not issue, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of otherwise law-abiding citizens will have an untenable choice: become an outlaw or dispossess ones self of lawfully acquired property. In a friend-of-the-court filing, Newsom and the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence argued the ban on large-capacity magazines is needed to help prevent the occurrence of high-fatality gun massacres, and to reduce the bloodshed when these tragedies occur. Newsom, a candidate for governor, sponsored Proposition 63 with the law center. Its a tragic reality that as time passes, we are presented with more and more evidence on the devastating power of large-capacity magazines, which are consistently the accessory of choice in mass shootings for mass murderers, Newsom said Friday in a statement, predicting the federal courts would uphold the ban. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print State GOP leader says the new gas tax and high poverty rate make Democrats vulnerable in California By Phil Willon California Republican Party Chairman Jim Brulte, center, addresses GOP delegates at the state partys convention in Anaheim on Friday. (Phil Willon / Los Angeles Times) California Republican Party Chairman Jim Brulte kicked off the state GOPs fall convention with a speech to delegates that outlined why he thinks Democrats will be vulnerable in the upcoming 2018 elections. Brulte zeroed in on the new gas tax and policy declaring California a sanctuary state both approved by Gov. Jerry Brown and the Democratic-controlled Legislature and both, he said, unpopular with California voters. He said Democrats have tried to deflect voter attention from these issues, as well as Californias high poverty rate and an uptick in crime, by continually attacking President Trump. Here in California, the reason they want to talk about Donald Trump is because they dont want to talk about the record they created, Brulte said. They broke it. They own it. If Donald Trump were not president, we would still have 22% of Californians living below the poverty line. Thats not Donald Trumps fault. Thats the Democrats who control California. The state GOPs three-day convention at the Anaheim Marriott will kick off in earnest Friday night when Trumps former political strategist, Steve Bannon, takes the stage for a keynote address to delegates. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Far-right blogger Chuck C. Johnson gave bitcoin donation to Dana Rohrabacher By Christine Mai-Duc Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa) speaks to Russian lawmakers at a meeting in Moscow in May 2013. (Misha Japaridze / Associated Press) Right-wing blogger and provocateur Chuck C. Johnson gave Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa) a $5,400 campaign contribution weeks after he said he helped arrange a meeting between the Orange County congressman and Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. The donation, the maximum amount allowed by law, came in the form of bitcoin, a virtual currency. Johnson, who previously was banned from Twitter after soliciting donations toward taking out a prominent black activist, is listed on campaign finance forms as a self-employed investor who lives in Rosemead. Rohrabacher campaign spokesman Jason Pitkin confirmed the donor was the same person who helped arrange the Assange meeting. Johnson also recently sat in on a meeting between Rohrabacher and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul in the Capitol. Pitkin said they discussed Assanges legal situation and cannabis policy, among other things. Rohrabacher previously said Assange had emphatically stated that the Russians were not involved in hacking the 2016 elections but claimed his plans to bring the information directly to President Trump have been thwarted by White House staffers. Pitkin said Johnson approached the Rohrabacher campaign shortly after his trip to London and said he wanted to donate. He said, Do you take bitcoin? and I said, I think we can, Pitkin recalled. The campaign then set up a bitcoin wallet to receive the funds, Pitkin said. Rohrabacher is not the only California House candidate this cycle who has accepted contributions in bitcoin. Democrat Brian Forde, who is challenging GOP Rep. Mimi Walters of Irvine, reported raising more than $59,000 in bitcoin donations between July 1 and Sept. 30. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Government needs more women, Nancy Pelosi says By Colleen Shalby Nancy Pelosi has 30 years worth of insight for women starting out in politics. Shes run into plenty of naysayers over the years, but said she hasnt let other peoples doubt stop her. Her advice for those at the beginning of their career is simple. Know your purpose, she said in an interview Wednesday night before a Summit event hosted by the Los Angeles Times and the Berggruen Institute. The House minority leader said she hopes more women will run for office, calling their participation a necessity for government and the future. Whether its education, the environment, equal rights, womens health whatever it is. Master your subject. Have a plan on how you will implement your ideas and you will attract support. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print This Los Angeles representative spent $105,500 on Hamilton tickets By Sarah D. Wire Rep. Tony Cardenas asks a question of Lin-Manuel Miranda during a town hall at Panorama High School in Panorama City. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) Hamilton fever has caught at least two Los Angeles area members of Congress whove used campaign funds to purchase tickets to the hit musicals run at the Hollywood Pantages. Rep. Tony Cardenas campaign and his political action committee Victory by Investing, Building and Empowering PAC spent $105,500 in April buying tickets to the show, which is playing in L.A. until Dec. 30. Two fundraisers using the approximately 400 tickets have raised more than $300,000, a spokesman for the congressmans campaign said. For both Cardenas campaign and the PAC, the tickets were the single most costly expense of the year. Basically they saw this as an opportunity to have a nice fundraising opportunity and go to a show that celebrates American democracy, campaign spokesman Josh Pulliam said. The Los Angeles Democrat is friends with the father of Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Tony- and Pulitzer-winning creator of Hamilton. When the show opened in Los Angeles in mid-August, Miranda spoke to nearly 1,000 students in Cardenas largely Latino San Fernando Valley district . He raffled off some tickets to the show as an online fundraiser in September. Miranda has a history of supporting Democrats, and Hamilton has been used as a fundraiser before. In July 2016, Hillary Clintons presidential campaign hosted a special showing of the musical for donors, with a starting ticket price of $2,700. Cardenas held two fundraisers tied to the show. Miranda did not attend either event, Pulliam said. Pulliam said a few dozen tickets went to people in the community as gifts. He also raffled off some tickets to the show as an online fundraiser in September. Cardenas isnt in a particularly tough race for 2018. A Democrat and a Green Party member have filed to run in his district, but neither have raised or spent enough to require them to file campaign finance reports. Cardenas most recent report, which covers what he raised and spent in the last three months, shows he raised $232,389 and had $481,049 in the bank as of Sept. 30. Its fairly common for lawmakers or candidates to use sports events or concerts as major fundraising opportunities, especially when big names such as Taylor Swift or Bruce Springsteen play concerts in Washington. Rep. Maxine Waters campaign spent just under $11,000 on tickets to Hamilton in August. Reached by phone, the Los Angeles Democrat seemed surprised reporters were asking about the tickets. She said her campaign made $110,000 at a fundraiser using the tickets. Everybody does it, whether its a concert or a baseball game, she said. Several conservative groups have targeted Waters, an outspoken critic of President Trump, for the 2018 election. She won in 2016 with 76% of the vote over Republican Omar Navarro, who is challenging her again. In a statement released by her campaign, Waters stressed that fundraising at an event means the campaign doesnt have to rent space or buy food. These fundraising activities are similar and sometimes less expensive than the amount of money a candidate would spend to host a fundraising dinner within a private room at a restaurant or hotel once you factor in associated catering costs, she said. The price for the Hamilton tickets was similar to what one would have to pay at these venues. There was nothing improper or unusual about the expenditure. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California Republicans increase security at state convention ahead of Steve Bannon speech By Seema Mehta (Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press) The California Republican Party is ramping up security at its weekend convention in anticipation of protests at the Friday night keynote speech by Steve Bannon, a former advisor to President Trump and the executive chairman of Breitbart News. Part of providing a good experience for our convention goers is assuring your safety, state party Executive Director Cynthia Bryant wrote in an email to attendees on Thursday describing the security measures. Attendees will pass through metal detectors and their property is subject to be searched before they are allowed to enter the ballroom at the Anaheim Marriott, where the speech and dinner are taking place. Weapons, noisemakers and signs are prohibited. We did not make the decision for the additional security lightly and we know that it does impact your convention going experience, Bryant wrote. I sincerely regret that. Its a level of security rarely seen at political party gatherings in California. Convention attendees were also screened when Donald Trump, then a candidate seeking the GOP presidential nomination, appeared at the spring 2015 convention in Burlingame. That decision was made in consultation with the Secret Service, which had already begun protecting Trump. That convention attracted large-scale protests that at times turned into tense stand-offs between activists and police officers. Bannons speech is also expected to draw protests. Bannon, a conservative media leader, promoted Breitbart as a platform of the alt-right and needled establishment Republicans when Trump selected him to be the chief executive of his 2016 presidential campaign. His views as a nationalist, economic populist and nativist indelibly shaped Trumps message to voters. Once Trump was sworn in as president, Bannon was named White House chief strategist. He was a divisive figure in the administration, disparaging his colleagues to the media before he left the White House in August. He has since declared war on the GOP establishment, including supporting challengers to incumbents and other candidates backed by Trump. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement L.A. County Supervisors unanimously back Sen. Feinstein for reelection By Sarah D. Wire L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) The five members of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors have all endorsed Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the senators campaign announced Thursday. The announcement comes as factions of California Democrats begin weighing in on the Senate race between Feinstein and state Senate leader Kevin de Leon next year. Its a snub for De Leon, a native Angeleno who has represented part of the city for more than a decade in the Assembly and state Senate. Sen. Feinstein has been our strong partner on the critical issues confronting L.A. County homelessness, healthcare, and transportation. Her support for our county hospitals, including her commitment to our new Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital, has been essential to our countys healthcare system, Board Chairman and 2nd District Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas said in a statement. Ridley-Thomas said the board members support Feinstein -- including the lone Republican on the board, 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who said in a statement that California needs Feinstein in the Senate. Ive worked with Sen. Feinstein for many years. Shes extremely knowledgeable and always prepared on the tough issues we confront. Shes a problem solver we can count on now and in the future, Barger said. Feinstein already has the backing of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which traditionally backs incumbents. Soon after he announced a challenge, De Leon was endorsed by Democracy for America, the progressive political action committee formed by former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean in 2004. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Northern California wildfires mean thousands of families will flood the regions already strained housing market By Liam Dillon Tom and Shelly Lanning, from left, talk with Lannings mother, Jeannie Anderson, on Oct.17, 2017. The Lannings have been staying with Anderson since they lost their home in wildfires. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Even before devastating wildfires struck Northern California last week, the regions housing market was in crisis. Home values and rents already were at or near record highs, and decades of slow construction has left few homes available for the thousands of displaced residents. The number of new families flooding the market is giving rise to fears of widespread displacement and even higher costs. The scope and magnitude of the rehousing is unfathomable, said Larry Florin, chief executive of the nonprofit Burbank Housing, one of Santa Rosas largest low-income housing providers. If you take 3,000 units being demolished in a market that was already dramatically constrained, its hard to imagine whats going to happen, where people are going to go. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California lawmaker wants to ban secret settlements in sexual harassment cases after Weinstein scandal By Melanie Mason State Sen. Connie Leyva (D-Chino), shown speaking at a 2016 news conference for ending the statute of limitations for rape, wants to ban confidentiality provisions from sexual harassment settlements. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) A California state senator says she intends to introduce a bill next year to ban confidentiality provisions in monetary settlements stemming from sexual harassment, assault and discrimination cases. Secret settlements in sexual assault and related cases can jeopardize the public including other potential victims and allow perpetrators to escape justice just because they have the money to pay the cost of the settlements, Sen. Connie Leyva (D-Chino) said in a statement Thursday. This bill will ensure that sexual predators can be held accountable for their actions and ideally prevent them from victimizing others. The measure comes after revelations of decades-long alleged sexual misconduct by Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. Some of those incidents were obscured from public view thanks to monetary settlements whose terms required confidentiality. The issue has a renewed resonance in Sacramento after scores of women working in state politics renounced a pervasive culture of harassment and abuse in the Capitol in a public letter this week. Leyva told the Times she intends for her proposed settlement ban to include both private employers and public ones, such as the Legislature. 9:41 a.m.: This post was updated to specify Leyvas proposal would apply to private and public employers. This post was originally published at 8:54 a.m. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Nancy Pelosi: Its your problem if you dont recognize that women are ready to do any job By Colleen Shalby Nancy Pelosi knows what it feels like to have to prove herself in politics simply because shes a woman. She says she experiences the pressure every day. But its your problem if you dont recognize that women are ready to do any job, the House minority leader said in an interview before a Summit event hosted by the Los Angeles Times and the Berggruen Institute on Wednesday night. When she decided to run for a leadership position in Congress, Pelosi said a man questioned her move. As if a woman had to be told she could run, she recalled. We just laughed and said poor babies. In the midst of a growing sexual misconduct scandal centered on Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein, many women are sharing their stories of sexual harassment and assault. No industry has been spared women at Californias Capitol signed an open letter Tuesday outlining pervasive harassment in Sacramento. Pelosi said she wasnt prepared to share a so-called me too moment, but she thanked the women who have. The sheer numbers speak eloquently to the fact that we should get to zero tolerance, she said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Watch: The View from California political panel with John Myers Sacramento Bureau Chief John Myers hosted a panel discussion about the view from California as part of our L.A. Times and Berggruen Institute Summit series. Joining him were state Sen. Robert Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys), Republican strategist Luis Alvarado, UCLA political scientist Lynn Vavreck and Alma Hernandez, executive director of SEIU California. We also had a conversation with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. Watch that here. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Watch: House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi talks to the L.A. Times House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) spoke Wednesday about her view of national news, working with the Trump White House and the future of the Democratic Party. The event was co-hosted by The L.A. Times and the Berggruen Institute. Following that conversation, Sacramento Bureau Chief John Myers hosted a panel discussion about the view from California. Joining him were state Sen. Robert Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys), Republican strategist Luis Alvarado, UCLA political scientist Lynn Vavreck and Alma Hernandez, executive director of SEIU California. Watch that here. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Kevin de Leon: My whole life, Ive been told to wait my turn and know my place You know, my whole life, Ive been told to wait my turn and know my place. Well, its Californias turn to lead. And Californias place to be a shining example for the world and a stark contrast to the failures of Washington. State Senate leader Kevin de Leon, kicking off his U.S. Senate campaign Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Pelosi, in Los Angeles visit, calls on Congress to pass Dream Act By Makeda Easter Rep. Nancy Pelosi meets with young immigrants protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in downtown Los Angeles. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday called on the GOP-controlled Congress to pass the Dream Act by years end. Pelosi appeared at the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights with community leaders and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival recipients in Los Angeles. The San Francisco Democrat said she has confidence Republicans and Democrats will be able to work together to pass the Dream Act. President Trump said we had shared values when we spoke to him, Pelosi said. I trust that he will honor that commitment because the American people want him to do so. The Democratic leader had conversations with Trump about continuing DACA after his heartless decision to end the program. Pelosi said that President Reagan was great on immigration and noted his immigration agenda protected a larger percentage of people than President Obama did with his executive order regarding DACA. She added the last three Republican presidents strongly acknowledged the value of immigration to America. A majority of the estimated 800,000 immigrants who were brought to the United States illegally as children live in California. These newcomers make America more American, Pelosi said. She noted there have been a handful of Republicans who support forcing a Dream Act vote via a procedural move. Still, her party is in the minority. You can have all the conversation in the world that you want, but youve got to have the votes, she said, encouraging moderate Republicans to support the Dream Act. She was joined by Democratic Reps. Jimmy Gomez of Los Angeles, Judy Chu of Monterey Park and Lucille Roybal-Allard of Downey, the first Mexican American woman elected to Congress and original co-author of the Dream Act. Roybal-Allard said the so-called Dreamers have lived in this country, they have grown up here, they have pledged allegiance to our flag. To do anything else but to protect them by passing the Dream When the Trump administration chose E. Scott Lloyd, a prominent antiabortion activist and attorney, to head the federal agency that oversees refugee affairs, he quickly set about enforcing strict policies. For months, even as he personally intervened in cases and tried to talk young women out of getting abortions, his efforts drew little attention. For the record: An earlier version of this story did not make clear that the teenager has obtained private funding for an abortion. The case of a 17-year-old pregnant girl in an immigration detention center in Texas has suddenly changed that. Advertisement On Friday, a federal appellate panel here is scheduled to hear arguments in a case brought by the girl, called Jane Doe to shield her identity, to force Lloyds office to allow her to have an abortion. The dispute could be an important early test of both abortion rights and the treatment of immigrants in custody in the Trump era. Doe was pregnant when she crossed the border in September as an unaccompanied minor. Since then, she has been detained in a shelter in Texas. Lloyd, who has campaigned against abortion since his days as a law student at Catholic University, has denied her requests to leave the shelter to obtain an abortion, according to court papers. I feel like they are trying to coerce me to carry my pregnancy to term, she said in court filings, saying she was forced to attend a counseling session at a religiously affiliated center and made to look at a sonogram of her fetus. The Office of Refugee Resettlement, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, uses a network of private shelters to care for minors who are caught crossing the border illegally. In March, shortly before Lloyd took over, the office put in place a policy that bars young women in their custody from taking any action to terminate a pregnancy, including scheduling medical appointments, without the written approval of the director. The American Civil Liberties Union has sued to overturn the policy, saying it puts an unconstitutional undue burden on a womans right to an abortion. Brigitte Amiri, a senior staff attorney with the ACLUs Reproductive Freedom Project, says Lloyd is illegally carrying his antiabortion crusade into his work as a government official. Everyone is entitled to their beliefs about abortion in this country, but it is an entirely different matter when a government official assumes power and uses those beliefs to personally coerce young women, Amiri said in an interview. Imagine youre a young woman who comes here, Amiri said. Your immigration status is held in the palm of Scott Lloyds hand, and this guy comes to you this white guy in a suit and says, I think you should really carry your pregnancy to term. That abuse of government power is stunning. In a brief telephone interview, Lloyd declined to comment and referred questions to the department. Administration lawyers have asserted the government has broad power to determine whether minors in immigration custody can obtain an abortion. Justice Department officials told the appeals court in a motion that the government was not infringing Does rights because she could leave custody at any time if she agreed to waive her immigration claims and be deported. Even if she must choose between leaving the United States and the ability to seek an abortion, that choice does not constitute an undue burden because Ms. Doe, as an illegal alien, has no legitimate right to remain in the United States, they wrote. In a statement Wednesday, after a lower court rejected those arguments, the agency said that it would fight to ensure our country does not become an open sanctuary for taxpayer-supported abortions by minors crossing the border illegally. If Doe has an abortion, it will be paid for privately since federal law does not allow tax funds to be used for the procedures. The legal battle is playing out as the Trump administration moves toward other policies championed by religious conservatives. Earlier this month, Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions issued a memo instructing agencies that except in the narrowest circumstances, no one should be forced to choose between living out his or her faith and complying with federal law. Lloyd has been deeply involved in antiabortion issues much of his adult life, and while at Catholic University a decade ago he worked with a professor on the case of Terri Schiavo in Florida, fighting on the side of her parents, who wanted their daughter kept alive by feeding tubes. He later started a law firm, LegalWorks Apostolate, which married the law with Catholic doctrine. During a stint working in the George W. Bush administration, he co-wrote a medical conscience rule that allowed medical personnel who morally opposed abortion or other services to refuse to provide them to patients. Many of those rules were rescinded by President Obama. In an essay on his firms website, Lloyd decried an Obama rule that extended healthcare benefits to contraceptive services. Our tax dollars are being used to help trick people into aborting their own children, when they would not do so if someone was not lying to them, Lloyd wrote. In one case as director of the refugee agency, Lloyd flew to San Antonio to try to talk a young woman out of having an abortion, court filings say. As Ive said, often these girls start to regret abortion, and if this comes up, we need to connect her with resources for psychological and/or religious counseling, he wrote in an email included in the court filings. In another email, he stressed that shelters under the refugee office could only provide pregnancy services and life-affirming options counseling. The new antiabortion rules are a sharp departure from practices in other administrations, according to Robert Carey, who ran the resettlement office during the Obama administration. Pregnant girls in our care were entitled to be informed of their options, he said. The role of the director is not to convince a woman to pursue a course of action. Conflicts over abortion did come up in the program during the Obama administration. The ACLU sued the government last year because some Catholic-run shelters refused to accommodate abortions. Usually, Carey said, the department steered pregnant minors to shelters not opposed to abortions in order to preserve their options. The case has already become a rallying cry for abortion rights advocates. In a statement, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America called the governments actions outrageous. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), in a statement Thursday, said, Its appalling that the Trump administration believes women undocumented or otherwise dont have the right to control their own bodies and make their own health care decisions. joseph.tanfani@latimes.com Twitter: @jtanfani A divided federal appeals court delayed final resolution of the case of a 17-year-old pregnant migrant in federal detention who is seeking an abortion, giving the Trump administration until the end of this month to find a private sponsor who can house her and will allow her to obtain the procedure. The 2-1 ruling, written by Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh, a conservative appointed by President George W. Bush, said that if the government failed to find a sponsor by Oct. 31, the young woman could return to a district court that earlier this week ordered the government to allow her to get an abortion by this weekend. The young woman, called Jane Doe to protect her identity, has been detained in a shelter in Texas since she crossed the border illegally in September. She is 15 weeks pregnant and has been trying for several weeks to get an abortion, but the governments Office of Refugee Resettlement, now headed by a lifelong antiabortion activist, is blocking her from getting one. Advertisement During oral argument of the case on Friday, judges on the panel made clear that they hoped to avoid making a decision that could have significant ramifications on abortion law. Kavanaugh repeatedly pressed lawyers on whether the conflict could be solved by moving the young woman from the shelter where she is currently detained to the custody of a family member or other sponsor. Were being pushed in the span of 24 hours to make a sweeping constitutional ruling, he said. Judge Karen Henderson, also a Republican appointee, joined Kavanaughs decision but indicated she did not fully agree with his reasons. The one Democratic appointee on the panel, Judge Patricia Millett, dissented, saying that further delay of Does right to have an abortion was unwarranted. In this context, timing profoundly matters, she wrote, noting that at this stage of a pregnancy, each passing day can increase the health risks associated with an abortion procedure. By the end of the month, when Doe would be 17 weeks pregnant, she probably would no longer be able to use the abortion clinic near the shelter and would have to travel to a clinic in north Texas hundreds of miles away, Millett added. Lawyers for the ACLU, which represents Doe, expressed disappointment with the ruling. During the hearing, lawyers noted that finding a sponsor is often a lengthy process that involves extensive vetting. Justice is delayed yet again for this courageous and persistent young woman. She continues to be held hostage and prevented from getting an abortion because the Trump administration disagrees with her personal decision, Brigitte Amiri, senior staff attorney with the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project, said in a statement. We are investigating all avenues to get justice for her. In a class-action lawsuit that could become a significant test of abortion rights, the ACLU has argued that the refugee offices policy against allowing abortions for any women in its custody is unconstitutional. The administration has argued that it has no obligation to help Doe get an abortion while she is in detention, saying she could get out of the facility if she were willing to leave the country. Lawyers conceded, however, that Does home country, which has not been identified, does not allow abortions. In his ruling, Kavanaugh noted that the administration had assumed, for purposes of this case that Doe possesses a constitutional right to obtain an abortion in the United States despite her immigration status. The case has become a flashpoint in the wars over abortion. On Friday morning, activists with Planned Parenthood demonstrated outside the Health and Human Services Department building, waving signs saying, I am Jane Doe and Justicia por Jane Doe. The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops issued a statement supporting the administrations position: No one the government, private individuals or organizations should be forced to be complicit in abortion, the statement says. The resettlement office takes custody of undocumented minors who cross the border illegally and places them with a network of shelters run by churches and social organizations unless a family member or other sponsor is available. The Catholic Church is the biggest provider in the network. The 17-year-old, however, is not in a church-affiliated shelter. The new director of the refugee office, Republican lawyer E. Scott Lloyd, has spent most of his professional career advocating for restrictions on abortion and contraception. In March, the office instructed shelters that women were not permitted to get abortions without the directors written permission. Since then, he has personally tried to convince teenagers in the shelters to not get abortions, court papers show. During oral arguments Friday, under questioning by both a Republican and Democrat on the three-judge panel, a Justice Department lawyer acknowledged inconsistencies in U.S. policy, which allows access to abortions for adult women in both federal prison and immigration detention. Kavanaugh pointed out that if Doe had crossed the border and been jailed for a crime, shed be permitted to get an abortion. The lawyer, Catherine H. Dorsey, tried to avoid taking a position on whether undocumented immigrants are covered by the Constitutions guarantee of a womans right to abortion, eventually surrendering the point. Is there any way its not relevant? asked Millett. Even if Doe has those rights, she can file a request for voluntary departure at any time, Dorsey said. joseph.tanfani@latimes.com Twitter: @jtanfani ALSO Young, pregnant migrants case becomes a test of Trump policies on abortion and immigration As Trump looms over the race, Virginia tests whether an establishment Republican can succeed In stunning attack, George W. Bush rebukes Trump, suggesting he promotes falsehoods and prejudice UPDATES: 4:15 p.m.: The story was updated with quotes from the dissenting opinion. 3:35 p.m.: The story was updated with additional quotes from the ruling and reaction. 3 p.m.: The story was updated with the ruling of the appeals court. The story was initially published at 1 p.m. As a blunt manifesto painting the state Capitol as rife with sexual harassment and misconduct ricocheted through Sacramento this week, leaders have begun looking into an explosive allegation of a forced sexual encounter and grappling with legislative solutions to the apparently ubiquitous culture of abuse in California politics. The story shared by one lobbyist, Pamela Lopez, of a legislator masturbating in front of her in a bar bathroom has sparked investigations by the state Senate and Assembly. Lopez refused to disclose the legislators identity. There are 93 male lawmakers currently serving in Sacramento. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon has vowed to back resignation or expulsion if the perpetrator is found to be one of his members. Advertisement Lopezs tale underscores a systemic flaw in the states protections for women who work in but are not employees of the state Capitol. Female lobbyists say they feel there are few avenues to lodge workplace complaints against legislators, staff and lobbyists with different employers. The lack of options has attracted the attention of one state senator, who said she wants to address the problem in legislation next year. I dont even know where I would go to report abuse, said Lopez, whose 2016 incident with the current legislator was first reported by the New York Times. The letter calling attention to sexual harassment was first published by the Los Angeles Times on Tuesday. Lopez, 35, said she was walking into a single-room bathroom at a bar in Sacramento when she felt a large body swoop in behind her and lock the door. The man had his pants unzipped and began masturbating in front of her, encouraging her to touch him. She refused. After the legislator finished touching himself, she said she went into mom mode, ushering him out of the door and composing herself to look unperturbed. I remember thinking, Dont scream or shout. I dont want to cause a scene, Lopez said, recalling that she was willing herself not to contort her face or appear scared. Just look like nothing happened. Lopez did not report the incident to the police or tell anyone else. Though she hasnt had to lobby the legislator directly on bills since the incident, she has passed him in Capitol corridors, with the sense he doesnt recognize her. Its very dehumanizing, she said. He just looks at me like nothing ever happened. She has steadfastly declined to name the lawmaker. Were not interested in taking punitive action, she said of herself and others speaking out publicly. Were interested in a comprehensive look at the masculinized ethos of California politics how we can all collectively do better in the future. The allegation has prompted internal reviews in the Legislature. Lopez said she heard from an outside attorney contracted by the state Senate on Wednesday, who encouraged her to reveal if the lawmaker was a senator, and if so, who. Lopez said she thanked the lawyer, but declined. While there has been no formal complaint, the allegation in the New York Times story is startling and unsettling, Daniel Alvarez, secretary of the Senate, said in a statement. We take this allegation very seriously, and we are currently reviewing the matter in accordance with our policies. Rendon (D-Paramount) said his office also intends to reach out to Lopez. The behavior she described is horrifying. It is also a crime, Rendon said in a statement. I hope a law enforcement investigation has already been initiated. If we learn that the individual involved is a member of the Assembly, we will contract with an outside firm so there can be an independent investigation. If he is found to have committed this assault, I will ask for his immediate resignation and move for his expulsion if he refuses to resign. Female lawmakers, staffers and lobbyists speak out on pervasive harassment in Californias Capitol Other lobbyists say inappropriate touching and suggestive comments are commonplace in the job. Kim Stone, a former district attorney who became a lobbyist in 2005, said she experienced harassment her first year on the job, when a candidate for statewide office groped her backside at a public event, even as other attendees milled nearby. His hands were all over me, Stone recalled. A few years later, while she was seated next to her then-husband at a fundraiser, a former legislator began running his hands through her hair. When she tried to make a lighthearted joke to stop him, she said, he acted offended, telling her not to be so sensitive and he was just being friendly. My friends dont put their hands through my hair, she responded. She declined to name either person. Still, Stone said, its a delicate balancing act to shut down advances without ruining rapport with a lawmaker, which is crucial in her line of work. You cannot merely be a subject matter expert with no personality. You need to be able to connect with people, Stone said. Theres a personal element to being successful at this job. That makes the threat of sexual harassment and your response to it even more complicated. Lobbyists and staff alike have expressed in interviews that the Legislatures internal protocol to field complaints falls short, in part because the panels are overseen by members and house leadership, prompting fears of blowback for the accuser. Rendon said his office would be reaching out to Assembly staff to ensure they feel comfortable in bringing complaints, adding, we will ensure there is no retaliation of any kind. Although the Senate and Assembly Rules committees which function as the Legislatures human resources departments accept complaints from non-employees who interact with members and staff, women say the policies have little practical effect and are not covered in mandatory ethics training for registered lobbyists. State Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), a former chair of the Assembly Rules committee, said she wants to shore up protections for women not employed in the Capitol. If Im a lobbyist and the lobbyist who acts on me is not my employer, what are my rights? If Im a lobbyist and its somebody in the Capitol, what are my rights? said Skinner, who has directed her staff to explore legislation on the issue for next year. Paula Treat, who has been a lobbyist for 40 years, said right now, lobbyists have little recourse other than legal options such as filing a police report. Most people who are trying to build a career are probably not going to bring a legal action, Treat said. In the 1980s, Treat moved from Sacramento to Reno for three years after she rebuffed a powerful lawmakers demand for sex. She said the legislator retaliated by killing the bills she worked on. The Times is not naming the legislator, who is deceased. In the years since, she has established her own firm and built a reputation as someone not easily intimidated. The reason I havent been put in that position probably in the last 10 years or so is because people are aware that Id go out and destroy their lives, Treat said. To protect younger, more vulnerable lobbyists, Treat said, the process to field complaints must change. Its always been handled very quietly, she said. Maybe its time to be not so quiet. melanie.mason@latimes.com Follow @melmason on Twitter for the latest on California politics. ALSO California lawmaker wants to ban secret settlements in sexual harassment cases after Weinstein scandal California Assembly leader on harassment in the Capitol: Clearly we need to do more Nancy Pelosi says she hasnt experienced sexual harassment in Washington The California Republican Partys decision to invite right-wing provocateur and former presidential advisor Stephen K. Bannon to address its convention Friday created an unsettled concoction of excitement, dread and rubbernecking curiosity for GOP loyalists in the state. The keynote speech in Anaheim is scheduled less than a week after Bannon, who runs the far-right website Breitbart News, called for a season of war on the GOP establishment. The threat was aimed squarely at Republicans in Washington whom Bannon considers disloyal to President Trump and the conservative agenda. Bannon will appear before a California GOP desperate to reverse its deteriorating influence in a state where it has been losing members and where Republican victories in statewide political races have been nonexistent for a decade. His admirers hope his speech will invigorate the GOP base and lure Trump supporters outside of the party into its fold. But Republican critics worry hell undercut efforts to rekindle the party in a state where Trump and his policies remain widely unpopular. Advertisement Bannon tops a list of mostly Trump-aligned speakers set to address the convention, including Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton and Fox News Jeanine Pirro. State Republican Party Chairman Jim Brulte said he isnt worried about the stir Bannon might create among Republicans who have a distaste for him or the president. If two people agree on absolutely everything, theres no earthly need for one of them, he said. Brulte and other state party leaders said Bannons invitation was an easy call he was Trumps top political strategist until August. His appearance will also attract television news cameras and pump life into what was expected to be a sleepy, three-day GOP convention. But others in the party dont see it that way. Former Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes of Yucca Valley unleashed a series of rapid-fire tweets to blast the decision last week. Its a huge step backward and demonstrates that the Party remains tone deaf and intellectually dishonest with the vast majority of Californians, tweeted Mayes, who recently resigned his leadership post amid criticism and controversy. As in life, you cant have it both ways and todays announcement made clear the direction the party wants to go. Republican political consultant Kevin Eckery of Sacramento, who served as former Gov. Pete Wilsons press secretary, called Bannon a fear-monger who undercuts a party searching for political relevance in a state dominated by Democrats. I think it contributes to the destruction of the California GOP. Bannon is not just divisive, but is literally intent on destroying the party in hopes that he can rebuild something in his image, Eckery said. And his image is not something we need to convey in California. Other California GOP strategists noted that Democrat Hillary Clinton beat Trump in the state by more than 4.2 million votes in November. Their party can only grow if it becomes more inclusive, they said. Republican National Committeewoman Harmeet Dhillon dismissed those concerns about Bannon and said critics would be wise to consider his audience. Were talking about the party faithful, and I can tell you hes very popular among those people, Dhillon said. Dhillon also brushed aside the criticism from Mayes, who resigned as Republican Assembly leader under pressure after joining Democrats to support an extension of the states cap-and-trade program, which requires companies to pay for permits to pollute. Chad is, frankly, irrelevant, she said. Dhillon defended Bannons efforts to target establishment Republicans in Washington who have failed to deliver on their campaign promises namely repealing Obamacare, passing substantial tax reform and cracking down on immigrants entering the country illegally. Bannon received substantial credit for Trumps upset win in November and, as his chief advisor, helped orchestrate many of the the Republican presidents early policies, including his orders against immigrants and refugees. But throughout Bannons time in Washington, Democrats and other Trump adversaries have criticized him as a racially divisive figure who is sympathetic to white nationalists and helped stoke Trumps nationalistic tendencies. When Bannon arrives in Anaheim on Friday, hes expected to be greeted by a protest organized by Southern California chapters of Indivisible. An Anaheim Police Department official said the agency is aware of possible demonstrations but declined to provide details on how it is preparing for the protest. The state Republican Party is also ramping up security at the convention in anticipation of protests. Since being forced out of the Trump White House in August, Bannon returned to Breitbart and has launched a political crusade against Republicans he believes are impeding the Trump agenda. At a gathering of conservative activists in Washington on Saturday, Bannon ripped into Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), one of Trumps harshest critics in the GOP. Theres a time and season for everything, and right now its a season of war against a GOP establishment, Bannon said at the event. Celeste H. Greig, former president of the California Republican Assembly, a conservative group once deemed the conscience of the state GOP by Ronald Reagan, said she couldnt be happier with Bannons push to clean up the GOP. Most of the Republicans criticizing Bannon are those who belonged to the band of never Trump party members, people who opposed Trumps presidential campaign from the get-go, she said. What Steve Bannon is saying makes sense. You are either with me or you are not, Greig said. The top two Republicans running for California governor, who will be making appeals to GOP delegates at this weekends convention, provided slightly different takes on Bannons appearance. Assemblyman Travis Allen of Huntington Beach praised Bannon for taking on the elites in the Republican Party. Rancho Santa Fe businessman John Cox offered a more measured response. Agree with him or not, he helped elect a president that the establishment and media thought couldnt possibly win, Cox said in a statement. Bannons style is in stark contrast to one of the other top speakers at the California Republican Partys convention this weekend, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield). An affable political insider, McCarthy appeared to be a lock to become the next speaker of the House in 2015, but he withdrew from consideration after he was undercut by the Houses conservative Freedom Caucus. Still, McCarthy is widely admired in the state party. Kevin McCarthy represents more of the California Republican Party than a lot of other people do, including Steve Bannon, said Mario Guerra, treasurer of the state Republican Party. I firmly believe in what Ronald Reagan said: Thou shall not speak badly of other Republicans. Times staff writer Seema Mehta contributed to this report. phil.willon@latimes.com Twitter: @philwillon ALSO Updates on California politics California Republicans increase security at state convention ahead of Steve Bannon speech Steve Bannon headlining California GOP convention in Anaheim next week Californias GOP members got a big boost from group that held fundraiser with Vice President Pence Trump promotes sons Justice with Judge Jeanine interview President Trump promoted via Twitter an interview with his son Eric Trump just before it aired Saturday night on Fox News Justice with Judge Jeanine. Eric Trump on @JudgeJeanine on @FoxNews now! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2018 Eric Trump called into the show to defend his father from criticism prompted by the first government shutdown in more than four years, as well as a series of Womens March events that saw protesters in dozens of cities take to the streets to oppose the presidents policies. .@EricTrump joined me over the phone from Mar-a-Lago ! pic.twitter.com/Hro3TzUW52 Jeanine Pirro (@JudgeJeanine) January 21, 2018 Speaking to host Jeannine Piro who is reportedly an old friend of the presidents Eric Trump offered effusive praise for his father, ticking off glowing statistics to illustrate the strength of the U.S. economy and gains against Islamic State fighters overseas. My fathers working like no ones ever worked before to bring back this country and to fulfill his promise to make America great again, said the executive vice president of the Trump Organization. He also repeated a sentiment recently expressed on Twitter by his father: That Democratic lawmakers forced a government shutdown on the anniversary of the presidents inauguration in a bid to distract from his achievements. You look at this whole government shutdown, and the only reason they want to shut down government is to distract and to stop his momentum, Eric Trump said. I mean, my father has had incredible momentum. Hes gotten more done in one year than arguably any president in history. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump tweets: a perfect day for all Women to March President Trump hailed the nationwide Womens March gatherings Saturday. On Twitter, the president called it a perfect day for all Women to March, seeming to imply that those taking part were celebrating his administrations accomplishments: Beautiful weather all over our great country, a perfect day for all Women to March. Get out there now to celebrate the historic milestones and unprecedented economic success and wealth creation that has taken place over the last 12 months. Lowest female unemployment in 18 years! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Participants in the marches across the United States were actually seeking to deliver a powerful rebuke to Trumps policies and mount a crucial mobilization for this years midterm elections. But Trump continued to tout his administrations unprecedented success in tweets sent later in the day: Unprecedented success for our Country, in so many ways, since the Election. Record Stock Market, Strong on Military, Crime, Borders, & ISIS, Judicial Strength & Numbers, Lowest Unemployment for Women & ALL, Massive Tax Cuts, end of Individual Mandate - and so much more. Big 2018! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 The Trump Administration has terminated more UNNECESSARY Regulation, in just twelve months, than any other Administration has terminated during their full term in office, no matter what the length. The good news is, THERE IS MUCH MORE TO COME! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2018 In addition to the roll call of major American cities where womens marches took place including New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Dallas, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta protesters also raised their voices in suburbs and small towns, reflecting the aim of coalescing a broad-based movement on the anniversary of Trumps inauguration to oppose the presidents stance on immigration, healthcare, racial divides and an array of other issues. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Laura King. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump calls shutdown a present from Democrats By Associated Press President Trump is blaming Democrats for the government shutdown tweeting that they wanted to give him a nice present to mark the one-year anniversary of his inauguration: This is the One Year Anniversary of my Presidency and the Democrats wanted to give me a nice present. #DemocratShutdown Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 That comes after Senate Democrats late Friday killed a GOP-written House-passed measure that would have kept agencies functioning for four weeks. Democrats were seeking a stopgap bill of just a few days in hopes that would build pressure on Republicans, and they were opposing a three-week alternative offered by GOP leaders. Democrats have insisted they would back legislation reopening the government once theres a bipartisan agreement to preserve protections against deporting about 700,000 immigrants known as Dreamers who arrived in the United States illegally as children. Trump on Saturday accused Democrats of holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration: Democrats are holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration. Cant let that happen! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Democrats are laying fault for the shutdown on Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress and the White House and have struggled with building internal consensus. In a series of tweets hours after the shutdown began, the president tried to make the case for Americans to elect more Republicans to Congress in November in order to power through this mess: Democrats are far more concerned with Illegal Immigrants than they are with our great Military or Safety at our dangerous Southern Border. They could have easily made a deal but decided to play Shutdown politics instead. #WeNeedMoreRepublicansIn18 in order to power through mess! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 He noted that there are 51 Republicans in the 100-member Senate, and it often takes 60 votes to advance legislation: For those asking, the Republicans only have 51 votes in the Senate, and they need 60. That is why we need to win more Republicans in 2018 Election! We can then be even tougher on Crime (and Border), and even better to our Military & Veterans! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 #AMERICA FIRST! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 The stopgap spending measure won 50 votes in the Senate, including five from Democrats. Although the House and Senate were in session Saturday, it was unclear whether lawmakers would take any votes of consequence. Trump had been set to leave Friday afternoon for a fundraiser at his estate in Palm Beach, Fla., where he intended to mark the inauguration anniversary. But he remained in Washington and ended up scrapping his plans to attend the Saturday fundraiser. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump tweet casts doubt on likelihood of averting shutdown President Trump appeared to cast doubt on the likelihood of reaching a deal to avert a government shutdown Friday night in a tweet. Trump also sought to blame Democrats for what would be the first shutdown since 2013. His message came just hours before the midnight deadline by which lawmakers must pass a measure to fund government agencies, or some operations will cease. Not looking good for our great Military or Safety & Security on the very dangerous Southern Border. Dems want a Shutdown in order to help diminish the great success of the Tax Cuts, and what they are doing for our booming economy. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Despite last-minute negotiations Friday between Trump and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, Congress remained deadlocked over a spending bill and the federal government was headed toward a shutdown at midnight. Senate Democrats joined by some GOP deficit hawks and immigration allies were set to filibuster a stopgap funding bill approved by the House on Thursday. A Senate vote was planned for 10 p.m. Eastern, and even White House officials predicted it would fail. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Lisa Mascaro. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump signs surveillance law after confusing tweets By Associated Press President Trump on Friday signed a bill into law to renew a foreign intelligence surveillance program, announcing his action in the latest in a series of confusing tweets about the spy program: Just signed 702 Bill to reauthorize foreign intelligence collection. This is NOT the same FISA law that was so wrongly abused during the election. I will always do the right thing for our country and put the safety of the American people first! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 19, 2018 Trumps tweet on Jan. 11 created chaos in the House just before it voted to reauthorize what is known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. He linked the intelligence program to a dossier that alleges his presidential campaign had ties to Russia. That caused people to wonder if he didnt support the program that allows U.S. spy agencies to collect intelligence on foreign targets abroad. Trump and other Republicans have alleged that Obama administration officials improperly shared the identities of Trump presidential transition team members mentioned in intelligence reports. Democrats say there is no evidence that happened. Shortly before the House vote, and after conferring with House Speaker Paul Ryan, Trump did an apparent about-face. This vote is about foreign surveillance of foreign bad guys on foreign land, he tweeted. We need it! Get smart! In his tweet announcing that he had just signed the bill, Trump wrote: This is NOT the same FISA law that was so wrongly abused during the election. I will always do the right thing for our country and put the safety of the American people first! There are no obvious links between the dossier Trump spoke of, which includes salacious but unsubstantiated allegations against him, and the reauthorization of the spying program, or between the program and Trumps oft-repeated claims that the Obama administration conducted surveillance on Trump Tower during the presidential campaign. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print In tweet, Trump suggests that Pennsylvania trip is a political one The White House press office was once again forced to walk back a tweet from President Trump on Thursday morning after he described a trip to Pennsylvania later in the day as a political one a statement that would force the Republican Party, not taxpayers, to pay for the journey. The White House had said Trump was going to an industrial equipment company outside of Pittsburgh to highlight the good economy and new tax cuts, making it an official, policy-oriented event. It was widely assumed that the trip had a political cast the area is holding a special election to fill a congressional seat vacated by a Republican who resigned. Trump, by his tweet, seemed to confirm that politics was the whole purpose: Will be going to Pennsylvania today in order to give my total support to RICK SACCONE, running for Congress in a Special Election (March 13). Rick is a great guy. We need more Republicans to continue our already successful agenda! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 Trump later shared via Twitter a pair of video clips of his speech at H&K Equipment, in which he touted the tax cuts he signed into law just before Christmas and tried to turn the conversation back to his accomplishments after weeks dominated by distractions, including questions about his mental health and comments about immigration that some considered racist: Departing Pittsburgh now, where it was my great honor to stand with our incredible workers, and to show the world that AMERICA is back - and we are coming back bigger and better and stronger than ever before! pic.twitter.com/kWPgylqFzj Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 AMERICA will once again be a NATION that thinks big, dreams bigger, and always reaches for the stars. YOU are the ones who will shape Americas destiny. YOU are the ones who will restore our prosperity. And YOU are the ones who are MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! #MAGA pic.twitter.com/f2abNK47II Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 The Republican National Committee, rather than the White House, is supposed to pay for political travel so that taxpayers are not financing party activities; for trips that combine policy and politics, parties have split the cost under past presidents. Neither the RNC nor the White House responded to emails sent Thursday asking who would pay. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement later Thursday suggesting that taxpayers would foot the bill. She insisted that Trump would be conducting government business while in Pennsylvania. Read More This post contains reporting from the Associated Press and Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump tweets praise of Bob Dole after awarding him Congressional Gold Medal By Associated Press Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole knew the art of the deal before President Trump published the 1987 book of the same name. The two shared a stage under the Capitol dome Wednesday as Dole, 94, accepted Congress highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, for his World War II service and decades of work in the House and Senate. Trump later praised Dole in a tweet, attaching to his message a video composed of clips from the ceremony: Today, we witnessed an incredible moment in history the presentation of Congress highest civilian honor to our friend, and true AMERICAN HERO, Bob Dole. #CongressionalGoldMedal pic.twitter.com/qNQqDLRmCk Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 17, 2018 At the ceremony, the president saluted Dole as a patriot and gave tribute to Doles struggle as a veteran who worked his way back from a grievous shoulder wound he suffered in Italy. He knows about grit, said Trump. But it was Doles penchant for working across the aisle that earned him his latest award, according to the legislation. Bob Dole was known for his ability to work across the aisle and embrace practical bipartisanship, reads the legislation Trump signed in September. Some of the awards 300 recipients include George Washington and Mother Teresa, according to the Congressional Research Service. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump touts report that seeks to link terrorism cases with immigration By Joseph Tanfani The Trump administration on Tuesday released a report attempting to link terrorism with migration, arguing that it was evidence of the need to dramatically reshape the nations immigration system. New report from DOJ & DHS shows that nearly 3 in 4 individuals convicted of terrorism-related charges are foreign-born. We have submitted to Congress a list of resources and reforms.... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 ....we need to keep America safe, including moving away from a random chain migration and lottery system, to one that is merit-based. https://t.co/7PtoSFK1n2 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The report, ordered by President Trump in an executive order last year, said that 75% of the 549 people convicted of terrorism charges since 9/11 were born outside the U.S. Administration officials called that a sign that the U.S. needs to scrap its policy of family preferences for visas, which they call chain migration, and a diversity visa lottery program. But the report did not specify how many if any of the convicted terrorists entered the country through those means. It also did not detail how many of the convictions were related to attacks or plans in the U.S. versus overseas and how many involved people who went to fight overseas for the Islamic State or another terrorist group. Those details were not available, officials said. The report, due last year, is being released in a highly charged moment in the immigration debate, as Trump and some Republicans in Congress seek tough new border and immigration measures in return for a deal protecting the 690,000 people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Trump also fired off a pair of tweets on the topic earlier Tuesday: We must have Security at our VERY DANGEROUS SOUTHERN BORDER, and we must have a great WALL to help protect us, and to help stop the massive inflow of drugs pouring into our country! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The Democrats want to shut down the Government over Amnesty for all and Border Security. The biggest loser will be our rapidly rebuilding Military, at a time we need it more than ever. We need a merit based system of immigration, and we need it now! No more dangerous Lottery. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The focus of our immigration system should be assimilation, a senior administration official said on Tuesday, speaking on condition that his name not be used. He said the nation should give priority to potential immigrants who speak English, who have an education and those who are committed to supporting our values not family members of people already here. The official said the timing of the report was coincidental. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump tweets welcome to president of Kazakhstan By Associated Press President Trump said Tuesday that he and the president of Kazakhstan are united in a shared determination to prevent North Korea from threatening the world with nuclear devastation. Trump and President Nursultan Nazarbayev discussed North Korea along with other issues during meetings at the White House. Today, it was my honor to welcome President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan to the @WhiteHouse! pic.twitter.com/TerYFZViax Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 Trump said Kazakhstan, once part of the Soviet Union, is a valued partner in our efforts to rid the Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons. Together we are determined to prevent the North Korean regime from threatening the world with nuclear devastation, he said, as both presidents addressed journalists between meetings. Nazarbayev noted that his country once had one of the worlds largest nuclear arsenals but voluntarily gave it up after the Soviet Union collapsed. He said his country is in talks with Iran, which was the focus of a global deal that lifted some economic sanctions in exchange for Irans curbing its nuclear program. Trump has sharply criticized the Iran nuclear deal and threatened last week to pull out soon unless other countries fix what he says are terrible flaws. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump falsely claims his approval rating among black Americans has doubled By Alex Wigglesworth President Trump lashed out at the news media Tuesday morning in a tweet denouncing the special counsel investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible collusion among members of his campaign team. Do you notice the Fake News Mainstream Media never likes covering the great and record setting economic news, but rather talks about anything negative or that can be turned into the negative. The Russian Collusion Hoax is dead, except as it pertains to the Dems. Public gets it! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 It wasnt immediately clear exactly what prompted the presidents tweet, but it appeared as though he was watching Fox & Friends. A short time later, Trump tweeted a headline from a report that aired during that mornings episode: 90% of Trump 2017 news coverage was negative -and much of it contrived!@foxandfriends Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The segment focused on the latest survey results from conservative watchdog Media Research Center, which purportedly analyzed the evening news broadcasts on ABC, CBS and NBC from Jan. 20 to Dec. 31 and found that 90% of the statements made about Trump were negative. Study: 90% of Trump media coverage in 2017 was negative pic.twitter.com/vbrwup4Drg FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 16, 2018 But believe it or not, through all this negative coverage, they did a survey of 600,000 people about how black America views this president, co-host Brian Kilmeade said. His numbers have actually doubled in approval. Trump highlighted the statement in another tweet: Unemployment for Black Americans is the lowest ever recorded. Trump approval ratings with Black Americans has doubled. Thank you, and it will get even (much) better! @FoxNews Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 But its not true. The claim appears to have originated from a misreading of data from the online polling firm SurveyMonkey, according to factcheck.org. The firm polled 600,000 Americans in 2017 and found that Trumps approval rating among blacks actually dropped from 23% early in his presidency to about 17%, as of the week ending Jan. 3. Some conservative outlets, including Breitbart, produced an average from those and other SurveyMonkey figures and compared them to the scores Trump received from black voters in the 2016 exit polls. That methodology is not sound. And since the statistics measure different things, the comparison is misleading. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump goes after senator who surfaced his immigration remark By Associated Press President Trump turned his Twitter torment Monday on the Democrat in the room where immigration talks with lawmakers took a famously coarse turn, saying Sen. Richard J. Durbin misrepresented what he had said about African nations and Haiti and, in the process, undermined the trust needed to make a deal. Senator Dicky Durbin totally misrepresented what was said at the DACA meeting, Trump tweeted, using a nickname to needle the Illinois senator. Deals cant get made when there is no trust! Durbin blew DACA and is hurting our Military. Senator Dicky Durbin totally misrepresented what was said at the DACA meeting. Deals cant get made when there is no trust! Durbin blew DACA and is hurting our Military. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 Trump was referring to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protects young people who came to the United States illegally as children. Members of Congress from both parties are trying to strike a deal that Trump would support to extend that protection. Trump also cast doubt on the likelihood of reaching an agreement in tweets sent earlier Monday: Statement by me last night in Florida: Honestly, I dont think the Democrats want to make a deal. They talk about DACA, but they dont want to help..We are ready, willing and able to make a deal but they dont want to. They dont want security at the border, they dont want..... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 ...to stop drugs, they want to take money away from our military which we cannot do. My standard is very simple, AMERICA FIRST & MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 On a day of remembrance for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Trump spent time at his golf course with no public events, bypassing the acts of service that his predecessors staged in honor of the civil rights leader. Instead, Trump dedicated his weekly address to Kings memory, saying Kings dream and Americas are the same: A world where people are judged by who they are, not how they look or where they come from. That message was a distinct counterpoint to words attributed to Trump by Durbin and others at a meeting last week, when the question of where immigrants come from seemed at the forefront of Trumps concerns. Some participants and others familiar with the conversation said Trump challenged immigration from shithole countries of Africa and disparaged Haiti as well. Without explicitly denying using that word, Trump lashed out at the Democratic senator, who said Trump uttered it on several occasions. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump thanks pundit for laudatory Fox & Friends spot By Alex Wigglesworth President Trump thanked Fox News personality Stuart Varney after Varney praised Trump during an appearance on Fox & Friends. In a pair of tweets early Sunday, Trump quoted from Varneys commentary, in which he argued that Trump deserves more credit for the booming economy. The pundit, who also hosts a show on Fox Business Network, cited moves by some corporations to raise workers minimum wage or pay out one-time bonuses in response to the GOP tax cuts. President Trump is not getting the credit he deserves for the economy. Tax Cut bonuses to more than 2,000,000 workers. Most explosive Stock Market rally that weve seen in modern times. 18,000 to 26,000 from Election, and grounded in profitability and growth. All Trump, not 0... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2018 ...big unnecessary regulation cuts made it all possible (among many other things). President Trump reversed the policies of President Obama, and reversed our economic decline. Thank you Stuart Varney. @foxandfriends Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2018 Varney was reacting to a quote from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), who on Thursday called the bonuses handed down to workers pathetic in comparison to the gains corporations are expected to see from the tax cuts. In terms of the bonus that corporate America received versus the crumbs that they are giving to workers to kind of put the schmooze on is so pathetic, Pelosi told reporters. Its pathetic. Varney shot back Sunday that the bonuses, along with explosive stock market growth, are enriching all Americans. This is a huge shot in the arm, its the result of this tax cut deal and I think President Trump should get the credit for it, he said. .@Varneyco Sets the economic record straight after Nancy Pelosi calls U.S. mass bonuses crumbs pic.twitter.com/BvjIHGm3HE FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 14, 2018 The sweeping tax plan passed last month lowers the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and cuts personal income taxes. Analysts say the benefits will largely flow to corporations and the wealthy, as theyre more likely to be in positions to share in corporate profits. For instance, Wells Fargo & Co., which responded to news of the tax overhaul by announcing it will raise workers pay to at least $15 an hour, also reported that it expects to pay an effective tax rate of 19% this year, down from about 31% in previous years. That should amount to tax savings of more than $3 billion annually. On average, middle-class Americans are expected to see a very small tax cut in the near term and a tax increase after 2025, when all of the tax cuts for individuals expire. The tax cuts for corporations, however, are permanent. This post contains reporting from Times staff writer James Rufus Koren. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump touts MLK proclamation in tweet, but ceremony is overshadowed by reports of racist remarks By Associated Press President Trump signed a proclamation Friday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, noting the contributions of a great American hero. Today, it was my great honor to proclaim January 15, 2018, as Martin Luther King Jr., Federal Holiday. I encourage all Americans to observe this day with appropriate civic, community, and service activities in honor of Dr. King's life and legacy. pic.twitter.com/samlJsz1Nt Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018 Overshadowing the event was mounting backlash from Trumps comments during a private meeting with lawmakers the day before. A short time after the meeting, which was called to discuss a possible immigration deal, reports emerged that Trump had asked participants why the United States should accept immigrants from shithole countries in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Illinois Sen. Richard Durbin, the Senates second-ranking Democrat, appeared to confirm those reports on Friday. Trump did not respond Friday to several questions about the incident, including whether he actually used vulgar language to describe African nations, or if he is racist. The president said at the White House that love was central to the slain civil rights leader. Trump said the nation celebrates King for standing up for the self-evident truth Americans hold so dear, that no matter what the color of our skin or place of our birth, we are all created equal by God. This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump criticizes Democrats in tweet calling for stricter immigration rules President Trump hit out at Democrats on Thursday night in a tweet calling for stricter immigration rules. Trump wrote that members of the party seem intent on having people and drugs pour into our country from the border with Mexico: The Democrats seem intent on having people and drugs pour into our country from the Southern Border, risking thousands of lives in the process. It is my duty to protect the lives and safety of all Americans. We must build a Great Wall, think Merit and end Lottery & Chain. USA! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018 It wasnt immediately clear exactly what prompted the tweet. Earlier Thursday, Trump rejected a bipartisan compromise to resolve the standoff over so-called Dreamers, young immigrants who were brought to the United States illegally as children but have temporary permits to work, attend school or serve in the military. The president drew widespread condemnation after reports emerged that he had asked participants in an Oval Office meeting about the proposal why the United States should accept immigrants from shithole countries in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump touts bill aimed at improving border screening for fentanyl By Associated Press President Trump signed legislation Wednesday aimed at giving Customs and Border Protection agents additional screening devices and other tools to stop the flow of illicit drugs. Speaking at a surprise bill-signing ceremony while flanked by members of Congress from both parties in the Oval Office, Trump described the bill as a significant step forward in the fight against powerful opioids such as fentanyl, which he called our new big scourge. He echoed that language Thursday in a tweet: Yesterday, I signed the #INTERDICTAct (H.R. 2142) with bipartisan members of Congress to help end the flow of drugs into our country. Together, we are committed to doing everything we can to combat the deadly scourge of drug addiction and overdose in the United States! pic.twitter.com/ELZvFol5Lo Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2018 The legislation will pay for new portable and fixed chemical screening devices to detect and intercept fentanyl at ports of entry and in the mail, along with other laboratory equipment and personnel, including scientists. Trump has made fighting the opioid epidemic a centerpiece of his administration, though critics say he hasnt dedicated nearly enough money or resources to make a difference. Trump suggested during his remarks on Wednesday that hed like to take a more aggressive approach to the drug crisis but the countrys not ready for what he has in mind. So were going to sign this. And its a step. And it feels like a very giant step, but unfortunately, its not going to be a giant step, because no matter what you do, this is something that keeps pouring in, he said. And were going to find the answer. There is an answer. I think I actually know the answer, but Im not sure the countrys ready for it yet, he added. Does anybody know what I mean? I think so. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump applauds news that Toyota-Mazda plant is slated for Alabama By Associated Press Japanese automakers Toyota and Mazda on Wednesday announced plans to build a mammoth, $1.6-billion joint-venture plant in Alabama that will eventually employ about 4,000 people. President Trump lauded the news in a tweet: Cutting taxes and simplifying regulations makes America the place to invest! Great news as Toyota and Mazda announce they are bringing 4,000 JOBS and investing $1.6 BILLION in Alabama, helping to further grow our economy! pic.twitter.com/Kcg8IVH6iA Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Good news: Toyota and Mazda announce giant new Huntsville, Alabama, plant which will produce over 300,000 cars and SUVs a year and employ 4000 people. Companies are coming back to the U.S. in a very big way. Congratulations Alabama! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2018 Several states had competed for the project, which will be able to turn out 300,000 vehicles per year and produce the Toyota Corolla compact car for North America and a new small SUV from Mazda. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and company executives held a news conference to announce that the facility is coming to the Huntsville area not far from the Tennessee line. Production is expected to begin by 2021. The decision to pick Alabama is another example of foreign-based automakers building U.S. factories in the South. To entice manufacturers, Southern states have used a combination of lucrative incentive packages, low-cost labor and a pro-business labor environment, because the United Auto Workers union is stronger in Northern states. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump highlights call for border wall in tweets on visit with Norways prime minister By Associated Press President Trump praised Norways prime minister in a tweet on Wednesday after Erna Solberg became the first foreign leader to visit with the president in 2018. Today, it was my great honor to welcome Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway to the @WhiteHouse - a great friend and ally of the United States! Joint press conference: https://t.co/qWR1BhfQZI pic.twitter.com/PJvwznjRCO Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Trump also shared via Twitter a video clip of a joint news conference he held with Solberg on Wednesday afternoon. In the clip, Trump responds to a question from a reporter by saying there can be no bipartisan immigration deal absent funding for his long-promised wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. Republican and Democratic lawmakers have been seeking a solution for hundreds of thousands of so-called Dreamers, young people who were brought to the United States as children and are living here illegally. The United States needs the security of the Wall on the Southern Border, which must be part of any DACA approval. The safety and security of our country is #1! pic.twitter.com/4CFzQXb5aS Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 We need the wall for security, we need the wall for safety, we need the wall for stopping the drugs from pouring in, Trump said Wednesday. Any solution has to include the wall because without the wall, it all doesnt work. On Tuesday, Trump drew widespread attention when he said during a meeting with a bipartisan group of lawmakers that he would be agreeable to signing a stand-alone bill to protect the Dreamers, before moving on to a more comprehensive immigration bill. That contradicted the Republican consensus that Dreamers fate needed to be part of a broader immigration bill that would include some version of Trumps promised border wall and other immigration reforms. Trump backed away from a stand-alone Dreamer bill in subsequent tweets and public comments. Read More This post contains reporting from Los Angeles Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump praises Cabinet in tweet touting meeting By Associated Press President Trump promoted a meeting of his Cabinet on Wednesday, sharing via Twitter a link to a video of the session posted on the White House YouTube account. In his tweet, Trump thanked his Cabinet for working tirelessly on behalf of our country and wrote that the last year has been one of monumental achievement. I want to thank my @Cabinet for working tirelessly on behalf of our country. 2017 was a year of monumental achievement and we look forward to the year ahead. Together, we are delivering results and MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! https://t.co/ptXa1hAPwW pic.twitter.com/yv6RALkQf3 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 The former reality television star continued to dispense accolades at the meeting Wednesday, greeting reporters in the Cabinet Room by saying: Welcome back to the studio. Then he proceeded to relive a Cabinet Room session from the prior day, when he had allowed reporters and TV cameras to stick around for much of his meeting with a bipartisan group of legislators on the thorny issue of immigration. It was a tremendous meeting. Actually, it was reported as incredibly good. And my performance you know, some of them called it a performance I consider it work, Trump said. Trump went on to say he had received letters from news anchors calling it one of the greatest meetings theyve ever witnessed. He added that the media will ultimately support Trump in the end, because theyre going to say, if Trump doesnt win in three years, theyre all out of business. Asked for examples of letters received from news anchors, the White House said it had received private communications. It also offered a series of positive on-air comments and tweets from journalists about the unusual access to the meeting. During his remarks, Trump swung from praising his own meeting coverage to telling journalists that they were dependent on his presidency for ratings to threatening a strong look at libel laws. Still, Trump thanked the journalists in front of him, joking: Youve gotten very familiar with this room. I appreciate your nice comments yesterday. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump blasts DACA ruling in tweet calling courts broken and unfair By Lisa Mascaro President Trump denounced the federal courts Wednesday as broken and unfair after a district judge in San Francisco issued a nationwide injunction keeping protections in place for so-called Dreamers. Trump tweeted: It just shows everyone how broken and unfair our Court System is when the opposing side in a case (such as DACA) always runs to the 9th Circuit and almost always wins before being reversed by higher courts. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 On Tuesday night, U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco temporarily blocked the Trump administrations decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, which has protected from deportation some 700,000 people who came to the country illegally as children. Alsup granted a request by the state of California, the University of California and other plaintiffs to stop Trump from ending DACA on March 5. The administrations decision to end DACA, which was announced in September, was based on a flawed legal analysis, Alsup wrote in his decision. Dreamers would be irreparably harmed if their DACA protections, which allow them to live and work legally in the U.S., were stripped away before the courts had a chance to fully consider their claims, he ruled. The action is the mirror image of a ruling in 2015 by a federal judge in Texas who ruled in favor of that state when it sought to block President Obama from expanding DACA to include the parents of Dreamers. Trump administration officials praised that judicial ruling. By contrast, they sharply criticized Alsups decision. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump thanks lawmakers for productive immigration meeting, says deal must include border wall President Trump thanked a bipartisan group of lawmakers for participating in a meeting on immigration legislation on Tuesday. Much of the discussion involved so-called Dreamers, an estimated 700,000 young people who were brought to the country illegally as children and are now facing deportation. In a tweet, Trump wrote that there was strong agreement to negotiate a bill to protect Dreamers, as well as put into place some of the reforms favored by Republicans. Thanks to all of the Republican and Democratic lawmakers for todays very productive meeting on immigration reform. There was strong agreement to negotiate a bill that deals with border security, chain migration, lottery and DACA. https://t.co/SdqAQ3aL3z pic.twitter.com/8DYHZHspAy Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 The most notable exchange of the meeting came when Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the San Francisco Democrat, asked Trump whether he would be agreeable to signing a stand-alone bill to protect the Dreamers, before moving on to a more comprehensive immigration bill. Yeah, I would like to do it, Trump responded. The statement drew widespread attention because it contradicted the Republican consensus that Dreamers fate needed to be part of a broader immigration bill that would include some version of Trumps promised border wall and other immigration reforms. Trump later backed away from a stand-alone Dreamer bill, tweeting that a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico must be part of any deal: As I made very clear today, our country needs the security of the Wall on the Southern Border, which must be part of any DACA approval. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Pressure has been mounting for Congress to broker an immigration deal by Jan. 19 as part of a must-pass budget package to fund the government. This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump thanks officers and veterans in tweets President Trump doled out a slew of accolades Tuesday via Twitter. He thanked the nations law enforcement officers, including in his message a hashtag denoting a day of appreciation organized by a national support group for law enforcement families. On behalf of the American people, THANK YOU to our incredible law enforcement officers. As President of the United States - I will fight for you, and I will never, ever let you down. Now, more than ever, we must support the men and women in blue! #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/Qb4uxB4JRm Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 Trump later expressed gratitude for federal immigration agents, in particular: .@ICEgov HSI agents and ERO officers, on behalf of an entire Nation, THANK YOU for what you are doing 24/7/365 to keep fellow Americans SAFE. Everyone is so grateful!#LawEnforcementAppreciationDay President @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/HXCpTlruVo Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 The president thanked veterans as he cited his administrations efforts to curb the number of veteran suicides by improving mental health treatment for the high-risk group: Today, it was my great honor to sign a new Executive Order to ensure Veterans have the resources they need as they transition back to civilian life. We must ensure that our HEROES are given the care and support they so richly deserve! https://t.co/0MdP9DDIAS pic.twitter.com/LP2a8KCBAp Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 Trumps tweet included photos of the president signing an executive order Tuesday directing the secretaries of Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs to develop a plan to provide seamless access to mental health and suicide prevention resources for 12 months for members leaving the armed forces. Also on Tuesday, Trump touted a law he signed the day before designating the birthplace of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. a national historic park: It was my great honor to sign H.R. 267, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park Act, which redesignates the Martin Luther King, Junior, National Historic Site in the State of Georgia as the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. https://t.co/Qe0b6HBFTY pic.twitter.com/QTgaqTawPT Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 And he thanked House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) for sharing a video compilation comprised of clips of politicians and commentators praising the GOPs tax cut bill: Thank you @GOPLeader Kevin McCarthy! Couldnt agree w/you more. TOGETHER, we are #MAGA https://t.co/QaxtqpyXTR Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 This post contains reporting from the Associated Press and Times staff writer Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump hails tax bill in tweets recapping speech to farmers By Associated Press Connecting with rural Americans, President Trump on Monday hailed his tax overhaul as a victory for family farmers. Farm country is Gods country, Trump told the annual convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Trump became the first president in a quarter-century to address the federations convention. His Southern swing also included a stop in Atlanta for the national college football championship game. Cant wait to be back in the amazing state of Tennessee to address the 99th American @FarmBureau Federations Annual Convention in Nashville! #AFBF18 On my way now - join me LIVE at 4:00pmE: https://t.co/QaljAqekdD. pic.twitter.com/Wm7Io0hYT8 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Joined by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and a group of Tennessee lawmakers, Trump said most of the benefits of the tax legislation are going to working families, small businesses, and who the family farmer. The package Trump signed into law last month provides generous tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans, and more modest reductions for middle- and low-income individuals and families. In every decision we make, we are honoring Americas PROUD FARMING LEGACY. Years of crushing taxes, crippling regs, & corrupt politics left our communities hurting, our economy stagnant, & millions of hardworking Americans COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN. But they are not forgotten ANYMORE! pic.twitter.com/MdYS7xnukQ Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 The president vastly inflated the value of the package in his speech, citing a total of $5.5 trillion in tax cuts, with most of those benefits going to working families, small businesses and who? The family farmer. The estimated value of the tax cuts is actually $1.5 trillion for families and businesses because of cuts in deductions and the use of other steps to generate offsetting tax revenue. We have been working every day to DELIVER for Americas Farmers just as they work every day to deliver FOR US. #AFBF18 pic.twitter.com/QDH7fvFkZ7 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 From Nashville, Trump traveled to Atlanta to watch Alabamas Crimson Tide and Georgias Bulldogs face off Monday night in the College Football Playoff National Championship. We are fighting for our farmers, for our country, and for our GREAT AMERICAN FLAG. We want our flag respected - and we want our NATIONAL ANTHEM respected also! pic.twitter.com/16eOLXg6Fi Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Before departing for the game, Trump referenced his ongoing defense of the American flag and the national anthem, saying there was enough space for people to express their views. We love our flag and we love our anthem, and we want to keep it that way, he said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump tweet hails drop in unemployment rate for African Americans By Associated Press President Trump touted a drop in the unemployment rate for African Americans on Monday in a tweet. African American unemployment is the lowest ever recorded in our country. The Hispanic unemployment rate dropped a full point in the last year and is close to the lowest in recorded history. Dems did nothing for you but get your vote! #NeverForget @foxandfriends Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 The rate fell to 6.8% in December, the lowest level since the government began tracking such data in 1972. The reasons range from a greater number of black Americans with college degrees to a growing need for employers in a tight job market to widen the pool of people they hire from. Trump also hailed the development via Twitter on Saturday. His latest tweet on the topic came about an hour after it was discussed during an episode of Fox & Friends, according to Mediaite. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump talks up the economy and dresses down the media in Sunday tweets With President Trump cheering from the sidelines, the White House on Sunday pressed its defense of the presidents fitness to govern, as fired former aide Stephen K. Bannon reversed course and apologized for his role in a new books explosive portrait of Trump. The presidents critics, meanwhile, said Trumps stream of taunts and insults in response to the book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, released last week served only to underscore the authors unsettling portrayal of Trumps year-old presidency, depicting a leader whose own aides consider him childish, ignorant and dangerously erratic. Trump provided more ammunition Sunday morning, as he continued to attack the book via Twitter while preparing to depart Camp David for the White House: Leaving Camp David for the White House. Great meetings with the Cabinet and Military on many very important subjects including Border Security & the desperately needed Wall, the ever increasing Drug and Opioid Problem, Infrastructure, Military, Budget, Trade and DACA. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Ive had to put up with the Fake News from the first day I announced that I would be running for President. Now I have to put up with a Fake Book, written by a totally discredited author. Ronald Reagan had the same problem and handled it well. So will I! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 The most vehement defense of Trump on Sunday came from senior advisor Stephen Miller, a onetime Bannon acolyte who distanced himself from his former mentor. In a combative appearance Sunday on CNNs State of the Union, Miller called the book grotesque and writer Michael Wolff the garbage author of a garbage book. Trump is known to closely monitor aides televised performances in putting forth his case, and he gleefully weighed in within moments of Millers televised clash with host Jake Tapper. CNN has long been a particular target of Trumps ire. Jake Tapper of Fake News CNN just got destroyed in his interview with Stephen Miller of the Trump Administration. Watch the hatred and unfairness of this CNN flunky! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Trumps reaction, however, seemed to bolster Tappers on-air depiction of Miller as using his appearance on the show to play to the president rather than addressing questions put to him. I get it theres one viewer that you care about, the host said exasperatedly after Miller turned the discussion repeatedly to negative news coverage of the president while deflecting specific queries. Later on Twitter, Trump took up two themes that have been prevalent on his social media feeds recently. The president again went after the news media, tweeting that the recipients of his self-proclaimed most dishonest & corrupt media awards of the year, which he promised earlier in the week to announce on Monday, would actually be revealed the following Wednesday: The Fake News Awards, those going to the most corrupt & biased of the Mainstream Media, will be presented to the losers on Wednesday, January 17th, rather than this coming Monday. The interest in, and importance of, these awards is far greater than anyone could have anticipated! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Trump later lauded a New York Post opinion piece that compared him favorably with his predecessor, President Obama, as well as Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. In quoting the op-ed, Trump initally misspelled consequential as consensual, but he deleted those tweets and re-sent the messages. His is turning out to be an enormously consequential presidency. So much so that, despite my own frustration over his missteps, there has never been a day when I wished Hillary Clinton were president. Not one. Indeed, as Trumps accomplishments accumulate, the mere thought of... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 ...Clinton in the WH, doubling down on Barack Obamas failed policies, washes away any doubts that America made the right choice. This was truly a change election and the changes Trump is bringing are far-reaching & necessary. Thank you Michael Goodwin! https://t.co/4fHNcx2Ydg Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Trump also continued talking up the economy, which has been enjoying a period of strong gains. The Stock Market has been creating tremendous benefits for our country in the form of not only Record Setting Stock Prices, but present and future Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. Seven TRILLION dollars of value created since our big election win! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 In addition to Miller, other senior administration officials made the rounds of Sunday news talk shows to decry the claims made in Wolffs book. CIA Director Mike Pompeo said Wolffs characterization of Trump as averse to digesting classified briefing material was ludicrous, and the ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, insisted that that those around Trump love their country and respect their president. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Laura King. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Responding to book that mocks his intelligence, Trump tweets hes like, really smart By Tracy Wilkinson President Trump declared himself a very stable genius on Twitter on Saturday and later in a televised news conference called the author of a book that questioned his mental fitness a fraud. His comments came on a bone-cold day at Camp David during a weekend retreat with top administration officials and Republican congressional leaders strategizing on the years legislative agenda, including matters such as infrastructure, immigration, welfare reform and national security. Now that Russian collusion, after one year of intense study, has proven to be a total hoax on the American public, the Democrats and their lapdogs, the Fake News Mainstream Media, are taking out the old Ronald Reagan playbook and screaming mental stability and intelligence..... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 ....Actually, throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart. Crooked Hillary Clinton also played these cards very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star..... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 ....to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 Still, Trumps explosive rebuttal to author Michael Wolffs claims not only opened the day, but it also ensured the presidents capability to fill the highest office in the land was a topic that would not go away. In his early-morning tweets, Trump said two of his greatest assets have been mental stability, and being, like, really smart. He noted that his former Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, played these cards [about competence] very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star to President of the United States (on my first try). Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement In morning tweets, Trump touts job numbers and takes digs at news media By Associated Press President Trump used Twitter on Saturday morning to tout a drop in the unemployment rate for African Americans. He also used the tweets as an opportunity to take digs at media outlets whose past coverage he has found to be critical. The African American unemployment rate fell to 6.8%, the lowest rate in 45 years. I am so happy about this News! And, in the Washington Post (of all places), headline states, Trumps first year jobs numbers were very, very good. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 The unemployment rate for African Americans fell to 6.8% in December, the lowest level since the government began tracking such data in 1972. The reasons range from a greater number of black Americans with college degrees to a growing need for employers in a tight job market to widen the pool of people they hire from. Still, the rate for black workers remains well above those for whites and some other groups, something experts attribute in large part to decades of discrimination and disadvantages. Robust job creation has lowered unemployment for all Americans. U.S. employers added nearly 2.1 million jobs in 2017 the seventh straight year that hiring has topped 2 million. In his tweet, Trump praised a report that noted the numbers, touting the fact that it appeared in the Washington Post (of all places). Minutes later, Trump renewed his attack on an ABC News reporter who was suspended last month after filing an erroneous report on Michael Flynn, Trumps former national security advisor. Brian Ross, the reporter who made a fraudulent live newscast about me that drove the Stock Market down 350 points (billions of dollars), was suspended for a month but is now back at ABC NEWS in a lower capacity. He is no longer allowed to report on Trump. Should have been fired! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 The reporter, Brian Ross, was reportedly reassigned within ABC News upon returning from his unpaid suspension. But on Saturday, Trump wrote that he should have been fired. Trumps tweets came hours before he was set to host congressional Republicans and administration officials at Camp David. The meeting scheduled to begin at midmorning Saturday was expected to touch on the budget, infrastructure, immigration, welfare reform and the shape of the midterm election this fall. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump commends Sen. Rand Paul after he proposes eliminating all U.S. aid to Pakistan President Trump commended Sen. Rand Paul after the Kentucky Republican announced plans to introduce legislation that would eliminate all U.S. aid to Pakistan. Trump tweeted Friday night: Good idea Rand! https://t.co/55sqUDiC0s Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 On Thursday, the Trump administration announced it was suspending security assistance to Islamabad until the country moves aggressively against local militants who have attacked U.S. troops in neighboring Afghanistan. Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration at the apparent inability of Pakistani authorities to rein in militants who cross out of the countrys rugged tribal areas to attack U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump continues to lash out at Sloppy Steve Bannon in tweets on tell-all book By Associated Press President Trump is praising a major Republican donor family for distancing themselves from his former advisor Steve Bannon. Trump tweeted Friday: The Mercer Family recently dumped the leaker known as Sloppy Steve Bannon. Smart! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Trump has continued to lash out at Bannon over an explosive new book that quoted his former aide as questioning Trumps competence and describing a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower among Donald Trump Jr., Trump campaign aides and a Russian lawyer as treasonous and unpatriotic. On Thursday, billionaire GOP donor Rebekah Mercer issued a statement distancing her family from Bannon. Mercer is a co-owner of Breitbart, the populist website Bannon helps run. I support President Trump and the platform upon which he was elected, Mercer said. My family and I have not communicated with Steve Bannon in many months and have provided no financial support to his political agenda, nor do we support his recent actions and statements. The book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, quickly shot atop Amazons best-seller list, and the publisher moved up its release date by four days, to Friday. Trump took up the topic again on Twitter on Friday night, denouncing both Bannon and the books author, Michael Wolff, in starkly personal terms: Michael Wolff is a total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book. He used Sloppy Steve Bannon, who cried when he got fired and begged for his job. Now Sloppy Steve has been dumped like a dog by almost everyone. Too bad! https://t.co/mEeUhk5ZV9 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 Trumps message linked to a meme depicting a parody book cover titled, Liar and Phony, that featured a photo of Wolff and disparaging quotes about the author. In a tweet sent earlier Friday morning, Trump suggested the book was intended to serve as a distraction from the FBIs investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, which Trump wrote is proving to be a total hoax. Well, now that collusion with Russia is proving to be a total hoax and the only collusion is with Hillary Clinton and the FBI/Russia, the Fake News Media (Mainstream) and this phony new book are hitting out at every new front imaginable. They should try winning an election. Sad! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 That came amid reports that Trump directed his White House counsel to tell Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions to not recuse himself from the Justice Departments Russia investigation. Trumps effort to keep Sessions, a vocal and loyal supporter of his election bid, in charge of an investigation into his campaign offers special counsel Robert Mueller yet another avenue to explore as his prosecutors work to untangle potential evidence of obstruction. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump praises the economy ahead of meetings at Camp David By Associated Press President Trump is praising the strength of the U.S. economy ahead of meetings at Camp David with congressional Republicans. Trump tweeted early Friday: Dow goes from 18,589 on November 9, 2016, to 25,075 today, for a new all-time Record. Jumped 1000 points in last 5 weeks, Record fastest 1000 point move in history. This is all about the Make America Great Again agenda! Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. Six trillion dollars in value created! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 The president also told reporters on the South Lawn that the tax cuts are really kicking in after Congress passed a package of tax cuts at the end of 2017. And the president praised the December jobs report, which found U.S. employers added 148,000 jobs in December and the unemployment rate stayed at 4.1%, the lowest level since 2000. The modest but steady pace of hiring is a reassuring sign for investors who have been buoyed by the just-passed Republican tax plan and have been sending stock market indexes roaring to uncharted heights. The president is meeting with Republican congressional leaders and members of his Cabinet on Friday and Saturday to discuss the 2018 agenda. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump tweets as Dow crashes through 25,000 By Associated Press President Trump dispatched a congratulatory tweet as the Dow Jones industrial average rose above the 25,000-point mark Thursday, just five weeks after its first close above 24,000. Dow just crashes through 25,000. Congrats! Big cuts in unnecessary regulations continuing. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 After the Dow closed above 25,000, Trump shared a graphic depicting the stock indexs record-setting rise. MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/iONbr1DkVk Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Later in the day, the president was back on Twitter, complaining that news outlets had barely covered the stock market milestone. He suggested that the strength of the economy would be the biggest story on earth, had it unfolded during the presidency of his predecessor. The Fake News Media barely mentions the fact that the Stock Market just hit another New Record and that business in the U.S. is booming...but the people know! Can you imagine if O was president and had these numbers - would be biggest story on earth! Dow now over 25,000. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 The Dow broke past 1,000-point barriers in 2017 on its way to a 25% gain for the year, as an eight-year rally since the Great Recession continued to confound skeptics. Strong global economic growth and good prospects for higher company earnings have analysts predicting more gains, although the market may not stay as calm as it has been recently. The Dow has made a rapid trip since it reached 24,000 points Nov. 30, partly on enthusiasm over passage of the Republican-backed tax package, which could boost company profits this year with across-the-board cuts to corporate taxes. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump reacts to Fire and Fury book in tweet lashing out at author and Sloppy Steve President Trump lashed out at the author of a soon-to-be-released book about the chaotic first year of his presidency Thursday night. In a tweet, Trump called Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, a phony book and claimed that hed never spoken to its author, Michael Wolff. Look at this guys past and watch what happens to him and Sloppy Steve! Trump wrote. He appeared to be referring to former White House chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon, whose stunning criticisms of Trump and his circle figure prominently in the title. I authorized Zero access to White House (actually turned him down many times) for author of phony book! I never spoke to him for book. Full of lies, misrepresentations and sources that dont exist. Look at this guys past and watch what happens to him and Sloppy Steve! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Trumps tweet came hours after he had his lawyer demand that Henry Holt & Co. and Wolff stop publication the book. Instead, the publisher expedited the books release to Friday, four days before it was slated to hit bookstore shelves, in response to unprecedented demand. Published excerpts on Wednesday and Thursday whetted that appetite and roiled Washington. Bannons comments, including that it was treasonous and unpatriotic for Trumps son Donald Trump Jr., son-in-law Jared Kushner and campaign manager Paul Manafort to have met in 2016 with Russians said to have dirt on Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, prompted Trump on Wednesday to rebuke his former advisor, saying Bannon had lost his mind. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writers Brian Bennett and Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump thanks senators who attended meeting on immigration President Trump tweeted thanks to Republican senators who attended a meeting about possible immigration legislation on Thursday. In his message, Trump also listed his top priorities when it comes to any type of overhaul of the nations immigration system. Thank you to the great Republican Senators who showed up to our mtg on immigration reform. We must BUILD THE WALL, stop illegal immigration, end chain migration & cancel the visa lottery. The current system is unsafe & unfair to the great people of our country - time for change! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Trumps tweet echoed his remarks at the beginning of Thursdays meeting, when he insisted again that constructing a border wall and overhauling two legal immigration programs must be part of any deal with Democrats to protect the so-called Dreamers from deportation. Two-year deportation protections and work permits given under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program begin to expire March 6 under an executive order. Trump announced in September that he was ending the Obama-era program, but told Congress to draft a law to continue protections for people brought to the country illegally as children a group that has widespread public support. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Brian Bennett. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump resumes Twitter war against kneeling NFL players President Trump has resumed his Twitter war against NFL players who kneel during the national anthem to protest social injustice and racial inequality. In a tweet early Thursday, Trump replied to a supporter who shared a meme that appears to depict family members lying on the grave of a fallen soldier with the caption: This is why we stand. Show this picture to the NFL players who still kneel! Trump wrote. So beautiful....Show this picture to the NFL players who still kneel! https://t.co/tJLM1tvbvb Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 The president has denounced players who kneel during the anthem in previous tweets. Hes also called for the firing of players who do so. His latest message came amid news that the NFL finished the regular season with TV ratings that fell nearly 10% below the previous season. Analysts attribute the drop to controversies facing the league, as well as changing viewing habits and a possible saturation point in the number of games available. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writers Stephen Battaglio and Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump credits himself with facilitating talks between North and South Korea By Associated Press President Trump says his tough stance on nuclear weapons on the Korean peninsula is helping push North Korea and South Korea to talk. Trump tweeted early Thursday: With all of the failed experts weighing in, does anybody really believe that talks and dialogue would be going on between North and South Korea right now if I wasnt firm, strong and willing to commit our total might against the North. Fools, but talks are a good thing! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 That assertion is in conflict with some of the presidents own statements. Last year, he ridiculed Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for talking about negotiations with the North. This week, Trump seemed open to the possibility of an inter-Korean dialogue after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a rare overture toward South Korea in a New Years Day address. But Trumps ambassador to the United Nations insisted that talks wont be meaningful unless the North is getting rid of its nuclear weapons. The overture about talks came after Trump and Kim traded more bellicose claims about their nuclear weapons. In his New Years Day address, Kim repeated fiery nuclear threats against the United States. Kim said he has a nuclear button on his office desk and warned that the whole territory of the U.S. is within the range of our nuclear strike. Trump mocked that assertion Tuesday evening in a tweet. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print After disbanding his vote fraud panel, Trump still says voting system is rigged By Brian Bennett One day after disbanding his troubled voter fraud commission without any findings of fraud, President Trump continued to call the U.S. voting system rigged and said states should require that Americans have voter-identification cards. In two tweets on Thursday morning, Trump blamed the commissions failure on the lack of cooperation from mostly Democrat States that refused to hand over voter rolls because they know that many people are voting illegally. However, voting supervisors in Republican-led states refused as well, objecting on privacy and other grounds. Many mostly Democrat States refused to hand over data from the 2016 Election to the Commission On Voter Fraud. They fought hard that the Commission not see their records or methods because they know that many people are voting illegally. System is rigged, must go to Voter I.D. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 As Americans, you need identification, sometimes in a very strong and accurate form, for almost everything you do.....except when it comes to the most important thing, VOTING for the people that run your country. Push hard for Voter Identification! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Despite Trumps assertions, analysts have not found evidence of widespread voter fraud. Trump created the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity in May after alleging, without proof, that millions of illegal votes were cast for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. Trump was elected after winning a majority in the electoral college, but the nationwide count showed Clinton received nearly 3 million more votes. The commission sought personal data on voters across the country and faced mounting lawsuits in recent months over privacy concerns. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump touts another good day for stocks, credits tax cut By Associated Press President Trump touted another good day for the stock market Wednesday in a tweet. Stock Market had another good day but, now that the Tax Cut Bill has passed, we have tremendous upward potential. Dow just short of 25,000, a number that few thought would be possible this soon into my administration. Also, unemployment went down to 4.1%. Only getting better! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Big gains for technology and healthcare stocks helped U.S. indexes set records again Wednesday. Some analysts attributed the surge to investor enthusiasm for Trumps $1.5-trillion tax cut. All told, Wall Street analysts estimate the tax package should boost earnings for companies in the Standard & Poors 500 index by roughly 8% this year. Thats much more generous than the average tax cut of 1.6% that middle-class families will receive, according to the Tax Policy Center. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 The public has been less enthusiastic about the tax law. A Monmouth University poll last month found that nearly half of Americans disapproved of it, with only 26% in support. Still, as Trump also noted on Twitter, some workers have seen a benefit: So far, dozens of companies have announced bonuses and higher minimum wages as a result of the tax cut. AT&T, Comcast, Bank of America, and American Airlines have all pledged to pay $1,000 bonuses to their employees. Some 40 U.S. companies have responded to President Trumps tax cut and reform victory in Congress last year by handing out bonuses up to $2,000, increases in 401k matches and spending on charity, a much higher number than previously known. https://t.co/bmWrwWzxMR Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Investors also appear less concerned than many politicians about how the additional profits will be used. The Trump administration says it expects companies will plow much of the extra profit back into their businesses, purchasing more software, machinery, and other equipment. Those investments will make workers more productive and provide a key boost to the economys long-run growth. They should also boost wages and salaries for employees. Opponents of the tax law respond that companies are more likely to pass the windfall on to shareholders in the form of higher dividend payments and share buybacks, which raise the price of those shares still in investors hands. Previous cuts in corporate tax rates, in the United States and overseas, havent always led to higher wages. For Wall Street, its all good, at least in the short run. Most analysts take the view that either way, companies and the economy will benefit. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump reacts to death of Mormon Church president By Associated Press President Trump mourned the death of Mormon Church leader Thomas S. Monson on Wednesday evening. Trump tweeted a link to a statement in which he said that Monson demonstrated wisdom, inspired leadership, and great compassion and delivered a message of optimism, forgiveness, and faith. Melania and I are deeply saddened by the death of Thomas S. Monson, a beloved President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...https://t.co/ETD3fWtfU3 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 A church bishop at the age of 22, Monson became the youngest church apostle ever in 1963 at the age of 36. He served as a counselor for three church presidents before assuming the role of the top leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February 2008. After a life of church service, Monson died Tuesday at his home in Salt Lake City, according to church spokesman Eric Hawkins. He was 90. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump tweets that Iranian protesters will see great U.S. support at the appropriate time By Associated Press President Trump continued to express support for Irans anti-government protesters on Wednesday. In a tweet, Trump commended the protesters and pledged that the United States will support them at the appropriate time. Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government. You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Trumps tweet Wednesday morning came as Iranian Ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo sent a letter to United Nations officials complaining that Washington was intervening in a grotesque way in Irans internal affairs. The President and Vice-President of the United States, in their numerous absurd tweets, incited Iranians to engage in disruptive acts, the ambassador wrote to the U.N. Security Council president and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The U.S. didnt immediately respond to the letter, which maintains that Washington has crossed every limit in flouting rules and principles of international law governing the civilized conduct of international relations. At least 21 people have been killed and hundreds arrested in Iran during a week of anti-government protests and unrest over economic woes and official corruption. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people took part in counter-demonstrations Wednesday backing the clerically overseen government, which has said enemies of Iran are fomenting the protests. Trump has unleashed a series of tweets in recent days backing the protesters, saying Iran is failing at every level and declaring that it is time for change in the Islamic Republic. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump congratulates Sen. Orrin Hatch upon news of his retirement By Associated Press President Trump congratulated Sen. Orrin Hatch for an absolutely incredible career upon news of Hatchs impending retirement. In a tweet Tuesday afternoon, Trump called Hatch a tremendous supporter and wrote that he will be greatly missed in the Senate. Congratulations to Senator Orrin Hatch on an absolutely incredible career. He has been a tremendous supporter, and I will never forget the (beyond kind) statements he has made about me as President. He is my friend and he will be greatly missed in the U.S. Senate! pic.twitter.com/0VjzLEeHTl Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Hatchs decision to retire from the Senate after four decades lets the Utah Republican walk away at the height of his power after helping to push through an overhaul of the tax code and persuading Trump to downsize two national monuments. Retirement also preserves the 83-year-olds legacy by allowing him to avoid a bruising reelection battle that would have broken his promise not to seek an eighth term. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump tweet exaggerates progress in improving veterans care By Associated Press President Trump played up tremendous progress in improving care for veterans in his first year on Tuesday in a tweet. His message linked to an Instagram video describing eight accomplishments that show Trump is fighting for our veterans. But it overstates the impact of these steps. We will not rest until all of Americas GREAT VETERANS can receive the care they so richly deserve. Tremendous progress has been made in a short period of time. Keep up the great work @SecShulkin @DeptVetAffairs! https://t.co/ir25vW15hx pic.twitter.com/OtuzIgxMn6 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Of the eight achievements cited, two are ceremonial proclamations recognizing National Veterans and Military Families Month and National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Two are pieces of legislation that extended the troubled Veterans Choice program on a temporary basis. This became necessary because the Trump administration repeatedly miscalculated the amount of taxpayer dollars available to pay for care from private doctors outside the Veterans Affairs system when veterans had to endure long waits for treatment at VA medical centers. The departments poor budget planning caught lawmakers off guard. A fifth claim involves telehealth, a step letting doctors practice medicine across state lines using digital technology. Announced in August, it has yet to take full effect because a proposed VA regulation hasnt been completed. The VA wants authority to practice across state lines to come from legislation, not a regulation. On Wednesday, the Senate approved a telehealth measure that now goes to the House. A sixth claim refers to legislation that streamlines the appeals process for disability compensation claims within the VA. This step has had limited effect so far because it applies to new disability claims, not the 470,000 pending claims. The last two initiatives make it easier for the VA to discipline employees. The department has pointed to more than 1,300 employees who have been fired under Trumps watch. Because their infractions are not detailed in public documents, the effect on veterans care is not fully known. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump unleashes his first tweetstorm of 2018 By Noah Bierman President Trump clearly didnt resolve to change his Twitter habits this year. With nine disparate tweets over three hours on Tuesday morning, the first working day of 2018, Trump continued to exploit social media to be the most aggressive commentator in chief in American history. For any other president, his posts would have made for a monumental day of (mis-)statements. Yet for Trump, the series attacks on political foes and media, provocations of foreign leaders and self-praise for events he had nothing to do with was all but unremarkable. His Twitter barrage sent between 7:09 a.m. and 10:16 a.m. reflected a familiar gamut after nearly a year in office: Attacks on political foes: Nearly 14 months after his election, Trump called for the jailing of Huma Abedin, Crooked Hillary Clintons top aid (his misspelling, another occasional feature of Trump tweets). Crooked Hillary Clintons top aid, Huma Abedin, has been accused of disregarding basic security protocols. She put Classified Passwords into the hands of foreign agents. Remember sailors pictures on submarine? Jail! Deep State Justice Dept must finally act? Also on Comey & others Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 In the same tweet, he disparaged the Deep State Justice Dept, headed of course by his appointees, calling on it to act against James B. Comey, the FBI director he fired for investigating the Russia thing. Diplomatic provocations: Trump again called North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Rocket man, ridiculed the volatile nuclear-armed foe for recent military defections and openly speculated about potential talks between North and South Korea. Sanctions and other pressures are beginning to have a big impact on North Korea. Soldiers are dangerously fleeing to South Korea. Rocket man now wants to talk to South Korea for first time. Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not - we will see! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not we will see! Trump wrote. Later Tuesday, Trump tweeted: North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times. Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Also later Tuesday, Trump tweeted an attack on Pakistan, his second in as many days, and added a new one against Palestinians: It's not only Pakistan that we pay billions of dollars to for nothing, but also many other countries, and others. As an example, we pay the Palestinians HUNDRED OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year and get no appreciation or respect. They dont even want to negotiate a long overdue... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 ...peace treaty with Israel. We have taken Jerusalem, the toughest part of the negotiation, off the table, but Israel, for that, would have had to pay more. But with the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Undermining media: Trump offered Congratulations! to A.G. Sulzberger, who took over as publisher of the New York Times this week. The Failing New York Times has a new publisher, A.G. Sulzberger. Congratulations! Here is a last chance for the Times to fulfill the vision of its Founder, Adolph Ochs, to give the news impartially, without fear or FAVOR, regardless of party, sect, or interests involved. Get... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 ....impartial journalists of a much higher standard, lose all of your phony and non-existent sources, and treat the President of the United States FAIRLY, so that the next time I (and the people) win, you wont have to write an apology to your readers for a job poorly done! GL Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 But the two-part post was really yet another slam against a perceived media foe: Trump said the paper had a last chance to fulfill its journalistic mission, and accused it of relying on phony sources and substandard reporters just days after he granted another exclusive interview to the paper. As a bonus, the tweet contained a recycled falsehood, that the paper apologized after the election for reporting on him unfairly. It didnt. Trump later said on Twitter that he would soon announce the most dishonest & corrupt media awards of the year. Stay tuned! I will be announcing THE MOST DISHONEST & CORRUPT MEDIA AWARDS OF THE YEAR on Monday at 5:00 oclock. Subjects will cover Dishonesty & Bad Reporting in various categories from the Fake News Media. Stay tuned! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 The president also tweeted a quote from Fox Business Networks Lou Dobbs Tonight, which aired a segment praising Trumps first-year accomplishments. Dobbs reportedly joined Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday for a gala to celebrate New Years Eve. President Trump has something now he didnt have a year ago, that is a set of accomplishments that nobody can deny. The accomplishments are there, look at his record, he has had a very significant first year. @LouDobbs Show,David Asman & Ed Rollins Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Taking credit: Trump congratulated himself for policing the border with Mexico, an area where his policies and anti-immigration rhetoric are believed to have had some effect on reducing illegal crossings. Thank you to Brandon Judd of the National Border Patrol Council for your kind words on how well we are doing at the Border. We will be bringing in more & more of your great folks and will build the desperately needed WALL! @foxandfriends Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 He took credit for employee bonuses by companies after he signed Republican tax cuts into law last month. Companies are giving big bonuses to their workers because of the Tax Cut Bill. Really great! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 But the jaw-dropper was Trump congratulating himself for planes not crashing. Since taking office I have been very strict on Commercial Aviation. Good news - it was just reported that there were Zero deaths in 2017, the best and safest year on record! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 It was the safest year on record worldwide, but the American streak without commercial jet passenger deaths goes back to 2009. Trump, who has promoted deregulation as one of his top accomplishments, has not signed off on any new airline safety regulations. The White House pointed to new security screening of passengers, to electronic devices to prevent terrorist attacks and to Trumps support for privatizing air traffic control a proposal that has gotten nowhere in Congress. Falsehoods: Trump said President Obama, in brokering the 2015 nuclear arms limitation deal with Iran, foolishly gave money to the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime. He didnt. The people of Iran are finally acting against the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime. All of the money that President Obama so foolishly gave them went into terrorism and into their pockets. The people have little food, big inflation and no human rights. The U.S. is watching! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 The nuclear deal, which included major U.S. allies as signators, released Irans own funds that had long been frozen. Trumps art of the deal: When Trump sees a big deal looming, he often blasts the other side to gain leverage, as hes written. This week he resumes a showdown with Democratic lawmakers over funding the government and immigration protections for so-called Dreamers, who were brought to the country illegally as children. Democrats are doing nothing for DACA - just interested in politics. DACA activists and Hispanics will go hard against Dems, will start falling in love with Republicans and their President! We are about RESULTS. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Trump, who in September ordered a gradual end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, sought to shift blame for the resulting controversy, saying Democrats are doing nothing for DACA and are just interested in politics. Trump has insisted that any help for Dreamers be paired with funding for a border wall and a crackdown on legal immigration. Democrats, and some Republicans, are opposed. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement In tweet, Trump suggests U.S. will withdraw financial assistance to Pakistan By Shashank Bengali Pakistan lashed out Monday after President Trump accused its leaders of lies & deceit and suggested the United States would withdraw financial assistance to the nuclear-armed nation it once saw as a key ally against terrorism. It was the presidents latest broadside against Pakistan after a speech in August in which he demanded its leaders crack down on the safe havens enjoyed by Taliban militants fighting U.S.-backed forces in neighboring Afghanistan. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 U.S. Ambassador David Hale was summoned to the Foreign Ministry to discuss the presidents statement, U.S. Embassy spokesman Richard Snelsire said. Pakistan lodged a strongly worded protest and asked for clarification about Trumps comments, according to two foreign office officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Pakistans prime minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, called a Cabinet meeting for Tuesday and a meeting of the National Security Committee on Wednesday to discuss Trumps New Years Day tweet. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump continues to tweet in support of Iranian protesters By Laura King President Trump expressed renewed support Sunday for protesters in Iran, declaring that people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism. In a tweet from his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, the president said the nationwide economic protests that began on Thursday and have taken on wider political overtones as they have grown in size were a signal that Iranians will not take it any longer. Big protests in Iran. The people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism. Looks like they will not take it any longer. The USA is watching very closely for human rights violations! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Trump has tweeted about the protests for three days straight as Iranians took to the streets despite a heavy police presence, tear gas and scores of arrests. The defiance gained urgency after two people were reported shot to death in the city of Dorud, about 200 miles southwest of Tehran. As the conflict escalated, Iranian authorities on Sunday slapped a temporary ban on Instagram and the messaging app Telegram, which were widely used to fan protest fervor. Iran, the Number One State of Sponsored Terror with numerous violations of Human Rights occurring on an hourly basis, has now closed down the Internet so that peaceful demonstrators cannot communicate. Not good! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Irans leaders already are casting Trumps increasingly effusive expressions of support for the demonstrators as opportunistic meddling and are painting the demonstrators as foreign pawns, adopting a strategy that some analysts say could jeopardize the legitimacy of the nascent antigovernment protests. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump tweets condolences after Colorado deputies are shot in ambush, one fatally By Associated Press A man fired more than 100 rounds at sheriffs deputies in Colorado early Sunday, killing one and injuring four others, before being fatally shot himself in what authorities called an ambush. Two civilians were also injured. President Trump expressed sorrow, writing on Twitter: My deepest condolences to the victims of the terrible shooting in Douglas County @DCSheriff, and their families. We love our police and law enforcement - God Bless them all! #LESM Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock said deputies came under fire almost A gunman opened fire on worshippers in a Shia mosque in Kabul on Friday, police said, in the latest attack to hit the Afghan capital. "A suicide bomber entered the mosque in Police District 13 of Kabul city. The attacker opened fire on worshippers," Kabul Crime Branch chief General Mohammad Salim Almas told AFP. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Search Keywords: Short link: 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 Bellarmine-Jefferson High School in Burbank will close temporarily at the end of the school year so officials can analyze how to solve a decadelong decline in enrollment. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles announced Wednesday that the Catholic school at 465 E. Olive Ave. will stop operating at the end of the 2017-18 school year not only due to low student registration but because of rising operating costs, according to a statement from the archdiocese. Bell-Jeff, a four-year, college-preparatory high school, was founded in 1944 by Monsignor Martin Cody Keating. It became an archdiocesan-administered school in 1980. Although Bell-Jeff will close in the spring, archdiocese officials said they plan to reopen the campus for the 2019-20 school year. While the school and archdiocese have tried to increase enrollment over the past 10 years, Bell-Jeffs student population has dropped from 295 students to 98 currently, according to the statement. The school will be undergoing a complete analysis and structuring process to build on the strong academic foundation of Bell-Jeff and provide the infrastructure needed to become a successful and viable school, said Kevin Baxter, senior director and superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, in the statement. Our hope is to complete the restructure initiative for the 2019-20 school year and offer an innovative Catholic education program that best meets the needs of the community we serve. This is a decision to land the plane and do that work thats needed on the site so that we can take off and soar moving forward. Dr. Kevin Baxter, senior director and superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Baxter said on Thursday that archdiocese officials will be looking at various types of information, such as census data, trends in birth rates and economic data, to determine if Burbank is still a suitable site for a Catholic high school. After analyzing that information, the goal is to develop a school model that will be most successful for the archdiocese and the community. We wouldnt want to just simply replicate the same model that Bell-Jeff is operating because we recognize that that became something that was unsustainable, Baxter said. He added that officials will also be looking into whether Bell-Jeff should be a school with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, technology or the arts. Bell-Jeff was flying like an airplane, and we tried to do work on the engine while it was flying shift programs and try to make the school a little more attractive to prospective parents, Baxter said. This is a decision to land the plane and do that work thats needed on the site so that we can take off and soar moving forward. School officials are currently working with parents whose children are enrolled at Bell-Jeff to help transfer them to other nearby archdiocese Catholic high schools for the 2018-19 school year. Administrators are also helping find new positions for faculty and staff. We have excellent teachers and students at Bell-Jeff, and our utmost priority is to assist them in finding other Catholic high schools in the area in which to teach and learn, Baxter said in Wednesdays statement. Students will be given priority status in enrolling at local Catholic high schools, as well as transitional tuition assistance and reimbursement for new uniforms. Officials at Providence High School, an independent Catholic high school in Burbank, said they were saddened to hear the news about the upcoming closure of Bell-Jeff, and they are ready to work with parents should they choose to transfer their children to Providence. We are optimally enrolled right now, but that doesnt mean that we couldnt make some room for a few kids, if it was the right fit, said Joe Sciuto, the head of school at Providence. We are the other Catholic high school in Burbank and, for a lot of their families, we would be an obvious choice. Even if the archdiocese does not subsidize those families, we certainly will look at all the applications and consider them strongly. Bell-Jeff alumni have already started a Change.org petition asking the archdiocese to keep the schools doors open. Andrew McCratic, a 2008 alumnus, said it would be devastating to the community if Bell-Jeff were to close its doors even temporarily. Though the archdiocese said that it would be aiming to reopen the school for the 2019-20 school year, McCratic said he has concerns about whether his alma mater will remain the same after the reopening. Theres rumors that it might become a new high school, and other rumors that it could become part of the [St. Robert Bellarmine] Elementary School, McCratic said. Bell-Jeff gave me a lot of the tools to be where I am today. Bell-Jeff has a close-knit family, and they instill a lot values to lead a successful life once you leave high school. anthonyclark.carpio@latimes.com Twitter: @acocarpio Disney chief executive Bob Iger laid off workers in 2016 and is expected to lay off more in 2017. I offer three things Iger should consider that if followed could possibly prevent layoffs and create Disney expansion: 1. There is a Nazi-like religious defamation show airing that may be alienating many of Disneys viewers. Perhaps Iger should consider pulling the show off the air. Whistle blowers can contact ruskman78@yahoo.com. 2. The media, some celebrities, and Hollywood in general these days tend to be bigoted, biased and bullying. Iger should discourage and take a stand against such behavior and refuse to air it. Any school system will confirm that bullying is a major problem. And yet, these bad lessons are being taught to our children by supporting such behavior. Is supporting this possibly alienating any of Disneys viewers? 3. The last thing Iger should want to do is to lay off workers who get the job done. Crashing stats in any area is the responsibility of the executive, not the workers. Find those executives whose stats are down and lay them off. If Iger wants to cut costs 10%, then to both save the staff and accomplish cost reductions, he should consider having the executives take a 15% cut in pay and have the workers take a 5% cut in pay until the dangerous condition is over, rather than laying off more workers. With a $44-million-plus annual compensation package, Iger shouldnt be too badly hurt, and it would set a great example. Rus Mann Glendale The city of Laguna Beach is poised to repeal an ordinance that would require utility companies to underground new and repaired poles and wires as part of a settlement with two prominent Southern California utility companies. The City Council on Tuesday is expected to vote on a host of recommendations from Laguna staff members regarding utility undergrounding, including rescinding legislation the council approved in March that was awaiting the OK from the California Coastal Commission. Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric each filed separate lawsuits against Laguna in April, alleging the ordinance violated state and federal law. Advertisement Edison claimed in its suit that the ordinance violated the companys contract with Laguna Beach by prohibiting the company from constructing and operating its facilities along city streets even though Edison paid for such rights. The city agreed that fighting a long legal battle would not serve the communitys best interest, not when the threat to public safety is imminent, according to a news release. In the past 10 years, downed utility lines have caused at least five fires, and 58 car accidents on Laguna Canyon Road, including a man who allegedly fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into a pole on Sunday, according to the city. We strongly believe the utilities should step up and share in the cost of undergrounding their dangerous wires and were disappointed they sued our city in an attempt to avoid paying, Mayor Toni Iseman said in the release. However, slogging through costly litigation for years isnt going to solve the problem in a timely manner. Edison agreed to design undergrounding electrical facilities along Laguna Canyon Road in the next year, while SDG&E agreed to pay for initial engineering and design for undergrounding projects within the next five years, the release said. The companies also agreed to review safety concerns of overhead utility equipment and discuss opportunities to reduce fire risk, according to the city. City staff suggest the council authorize $3 million in available money, and $4 million in revenue from the next two fiscal years to pay for undergrounding utilities along primary evacuation routes. Per council direction in January, the city hired a consultant who mapped Lagunas 27 miles of overhead utility lines and portioned evacuation routes into 12 areas. Each area was prioritized using criteria such as benefit to the community, eligibility for Rule 20A credits and emergency response access, according to a city staff report. Rule 20A is a California Public Utilities program designed to aid in undergrounding efforts by allotting credits to each utility to distribute to its respective municipalities every year. Utility companies would be responsible for planning, design and construction, according to the California Public Utilities Commission. Laguna Canyon Road, from Laguna Canyon Frontage Road north to El Toro Road, was the highest priority area followed by a portion of Monterey Drive from Hawthorne Road to Linden Street and a section of Thalia Street from Temple Hills Drive to 350 feet southwest of Glenneyre Street, the report said. Excluding utility poles and wires along Laguna Canyon Road, which has a separate plan, there are 128,000 feet of overhead utilities throughout Laguna, of which 20,489 feet are along evacuation routes. It would cost an estimated $20.4 million to underground all utilities in the 11 evacuation routes excluding Laguna Canyon Road based on a $1,000-per-foot ratio. But some cities do not use all their Rule 20A credits, thus Laguna Beach identified available credits from Rancho Santa Margarita and Indian Wells. On Tuesday the council will consider spending up to $53,607 for $97,468 in credits from Rancho Santa Margarita and another $165,000 for $300,000 in credits from Indian Wells. City staff also recommend the council investigate other funding sources such as community facilities districts and general obligation and revenue bonds. Tuesdays meeting begins at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 505 Forest Ave. To read the full staff report, visit lagunabeachcity.net. On the homepage, click the Government tab, then click on the City Meeting Minutes and Agendas. bryce.alderton@latimes.com Twitter: @AldertonBryce An Anaheim man was convicted Wednesday of robbing marijuana dealers at gunpoint during two large-scale drug deals at The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast in February and March. An Orange County Superior Court jury found Thomas Lamarr Prince, 40, guilty of four counts of felony robbery, according to court records. Prince is expected to be sentenced Dec. 15. He could face up to 25 years in state prison. One dealer told Newport Beach police that he met with a man named Jonathan whom police later identified as Prince in the parking lot of the Newport Coast Shopping Center on Newport Coast Drive on Feb. 18. The man brought 30 pounds of marijuana to the center to sell to Prince, but Prince refused to move forward with the transaction until 60 pounds had been delivered, Det. Joshua Vincelet testified during a preliminary hearing in May. The dealer asked a middleman used to access the supplier of the marijuana to get the rest of the drugs, Vincelet said. Later that day, the group met at the shopping center and Prince instructed the sellers to follow him to Pelican Hill to complete the sale. When they arrived, Vincelet testified, the sellers put 60 pounds of marijuana valued at about $130,000 in Princes Range Rover. Prince directed them to a suite where he said he had cash, but when they entered the room, several men with guns jumped out and ordered them to the floor, Vincelet said. The armed men said they were police officers and searched the sellers pockets, taking cellphones, wallets and cash. Eventually the gunmen left. When the sellers left the room, Prince was gone. Two men alleged to be the dealers associates Steele Burnside, 28, and Nicholas Hernandez, 30 are accused of holding the dealer hostage in exchange for the $130,000 estimated value of the marijuana lost in the robbery. Police said Burnside and Hernandez took the man to an apartment in Anaheim and told him to call his father and request money for his ransom. The victims father was not able to acquire the ransom amount, Det. Jason Blakely wrote in a declaration filed with the court to increase Hernandezs bail. The defendant was going to hold the victim for ransom until the money was paid. During this phone call, the victim told his father his [captors] were armed. Newport Beach detectives launched an investigation into the reported kidnapping and robbery after the mans father called police to report him missing. Police arrested Burnside and Hernandez shortly after midnight Feb. 20 near the apartment where the dealer was being held. Both Burnside and Hernandez are facing a felony charge of kidnapping for ransom and a felony count of attempting or threatening to extort. Both pleaded not guilty in June, according to court records. They are expected to appear in court Friday for a pretrial hearing. Prosecutors said police identified Prince as a suspect in the robbery as part of the kidnapping investigation. Authorities said Prince robbed another dealer March 21 under similar circumstances. A Newport Beach detective testified that Prince met another man at the Newport Coast Shopping Center to buy 90 pounds of marijuana. Prince, who called himself Rick during the transaction, directed the dealer to follow him to the Pelican Hill resort and led him into a suite. When they entered the room, Prince walked upstairs and two men pointed guns at the man, led him into a bedroom and took his cellphone, wallet and cash, according to testimony at the preliminary hearing. The detective testified that after the men left, the dealer climbed out a window and realized Prince had fled with the drugs. The value of the marijuana wasnt clear. Newport Beach detectives arrested Prince on March 29 and searched his home in Anaheim. They found $10,000 in cash in a safe and several cellphones, police said. Prince also had a Porsche, a Maserati and a Range Rover parked outside the house, according to court records. hannah.fry@latimes.com Twitter: @HannahFryTCN A failed and controversial experiment in aquaculture off the Newport Beach coast is being dismantled after sitting below the surface for nearly 30 years. An artificial reef of tires, plastic jugs and PVC pipes, envisioned by its builder as an oasis of kelp and mussels but described now as little more than a debris field, is being removed by a cleanup crew from the Wildlife Health Center School at UC Davis with funding through the California Coastal Commission. The four-member crew of divers, which has been at work the past week on a 40-foot commercial urchin fishing boat named Triton, pulls out of Long Beachs Rainbow Harbor early each day to hit the reef by about 9 a.m. Its a couple of hundred yards offshore, near the Wedge surf spot, and about 30 to 35 feet below the teal surface. Its about time this was cleaned up. Dumping plastic and other trash into our oceans is not the way to restore the marine ecosystem, Coastal Commission Chairwoman Dayna Bochco said in a statement Wednesday. Glen Dexter, Tritons captain, usually retrieves lost fishing nets and other detritus as part of the UC Davis-affiliated California Lost Fishing Gear Recovery Project, which targets debris that can pose a threat to marine health. The tire reef is different from the usual flotsam, jetsam, lagan and derelict. It just looks like a pile of trash, he said. Its got some life around it, but not like a regular rock reef would. UC Davis divers Tony Schroeder and Mike Neil (behind the camera) are part of the cleanup crew tearing down the tire reef in Newport's waters pic.twitter.com/cZmsOyHBI2 Hillary Davis (@DailyPilot_HD) October 19, 2017 The late Rodolphe Streichenberger, president of the now-defunct Marine Forests Society, sunk the reef in 1988 to establish a kelp forest, grow mussels for commercial harvest and attract hundreds of species of fish in what he saw as an underwater desert. Without the necessary state permits, he arranged 1,500 tires, 2,000 plastic jugs and 100 upright 20-foot PVC pipes over 10 acres of ocean floor. State scientists were skeptical or outright disapproving. They said the tires contained toxins, the material wasnt dense enough to anchor to the ocean floor and the accompanying netting and ropes could trap marine animals, according to the Coastal Commission. In 1997, the commission denied Streichenberger a retroactive permit and ordered him to remove the reef. In 2000, he sued, challenging the commissions authority to require permits or to take enforcement action. The California Supreme Court upheld the agencys authority. Streichenberger died in 2006. Its hard to believe there was a time when someone thought this was a good idea, Coastal Commission Executive Director Jack Ainsworth said in a statement this week. We now know that plastic is poison in the ocean, polluting every level of the food chain. Divers from the commission and the state Department of Fish and Wildlife who explored the reef over the years found the kind of small invertebrates typically found on boat bottoms, but no kelp and only a few fish. But with no mechanism to collect financial penalties, cleanup efforts stalled. The commission found funding earlier this year when it negotiated mitigation fees as part of a permit to install underwater fiber optic cables off Hermosa Beach. The cost of the cleanup is unclear. Cleanup workers pile about 100 tires at a time onto the Tritons deck before returning to Long Beach, where a specialized tire recycler waits at the port to haul away the days load. The crew expects to recover about 1,000 of the 1,500 tires. The pipes and other pieces are being left behind. Dexter says the work is challenging. With strong swells this week, visibility has been limited. The tires were strung like garland on rope that must be snipped to bring the tires to the surface. Some of the tires are almost completely sunken in the sand. Before being taken by the recycler, they have to be cleaned of muck and copious amounts of long-vacant clam shells stuck to the inner lining. We havent seen a live clam yet and weve seen thousands of clam shells, Dexter said. The animals seem to get trapped inside the tires and die, he said. hillary.davis@latimes.com Twitter: @Daily_PilotHD I sidled up to the bar, ordered a coffee drink to go and watched the barista go to work. Using her training as a nightclub bartender, she carefully measured out the house-made orgeat syrup in a gold-plated jigger before reaching for a box of organic masala chai chilling in the bartop ice bin. After shaking up the resulting mixture along with a scoop of chewable ice and a few ounces of cold brew from a nitro tap handle in a simple silver tin, she decanted it into a plastic cup and finished it with a dash of almond slivers. My morning joe was ready. Its also available, for on-site consumption, with a shot of whiskey. This mixologist-tinged casual coffee shop experience isnt from some distant, too-hip future. Its being served right now at the new Thunderking Coffee Bar, which takes over the Costa Mesa gastropub SOCIAL seven days a week until 3 p.m. The concept eschews the clinical vibe of most third-wave coffee shops (Hopper & Burr, Bear Coast) in favor of a place where the co-existence of everyones two daily liquid vices is not only an experiment, but a part of your every day. It expands on and in some ways makes more approachable ideas put forth years ago by O.C. specialty coffee stalwarts Portola Coffee Roasters, which in 2012 opened a reservation-only six-seat coffee bar called Theorem, where award-winning baristas made complex mocktails from molecularly modified coffees that put the complexity of the bean on full display. The experimental tasting room closed earlier this year as part of a renovation of Portolas presence at the OC Mix. Thunderking Coffee Bar, which opened over the summer, isnt trying to fill a gap left by Theorems closure. Its not a place to geek out about the latest batch of Panamanian Geisha or get a pour-over cup of the latest light-roasted, fair trade import. The baristas (bartenders?) arent going to try to turn you into a coffee connoisseur while they add house-made syrups and fresh herbs to your own caffeinated mocktail. Instead, it aims to nourish simpler SoCal coffee-shop needs: cold brew coffee that doesnt suck; breakfast thats as filling as it is thoughtful; a well-decorated chill room with free Wi-Fi where you can sit undisturbed for hours at a time. This is because at the center of Thunderking Coffee Bar is not a product crafted by an experienced roaster or an expert specialty coffee nerd (at least not in the traditional sense). Dean Tompkins is a hairdresser and musician who entered the coffee world as brand manager for the now-defunct Costa Mesa-based Diesel Brew. Since 2015, Tompkins has been running Thunderking Brewing Co. as his own side gig, steeping custom-roasted beans from the Lost Bean in Tustin in cold water for hours and bottling the smooth-tasting result. His business partner, Brian Kazarian, also is a Costa Mesa local. I had my first bottle of Thunderkings flagship Black Coffee last summer with my toes tucked into the sand of Bolsa Chica State Beach. The new gourmet concession stands there stocked the 12-ounce brown bottles early on, before breweries and wine bars and bottle shops caught on. (Black Coffee, along with a concentrated version, Black Gold, also is available at all SoCal Pavilions grocery stores.) The cold brew was easy to drink, almost chocolately, with a light body and little to no bitterness. It provided energy without jitters and easily became a new favorite. Thunderking Coffee Bar is a logical progression for the brand, which now likes to serve its Black Coffee from a nitrogen tap and clearly sees the gastropub model as one that can be applied to coffee shops. Walk into SOCIAL while the sun is still high in the sky and the restaurant wont look much different than it does at night, except instead of a menu of hearty Southern-flecked dinner dishes and twists on classic cocktails as has been served here for years, tables are littered with Thunderking menus, which include breakfast, brunch and lunch options both new and old to the kitchen. The chilaquiles, fluffernutter toast and endless cereal bowl are all highlights, but the real magic is in the drinks. For about $5, you can get a snifter glass of the flagship nitro cold brew, which looks more like a Guinness than coffee at all. For only $1 more, the barista can make any number of craft coffee drinks, from the seemingly routine (salted vanilla latte) to the outright bizarre (Orange Is the New Black mixes orange juice, chocolate, orgeat and cold brew). Double the price and the coffee drinks can become full cocktails; a dairy-free chai concoction becomes Space Girl with the addition of some Wild Turkey Rye. Take your fancy coffee drink (or espresso, whatever) to go like you would at Starbucks or walk it next door to Second Home, a room outfitted with sleek furnishings and comfy chairs where you can work as you sip and not feel bad at all that the future of coffee might also come with a shot of booze. Thunderking Coffee Bar is located inside SOCIAL at 512 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa. SARAH BENNETT is a freelance journalist covering food, drink, music, culture and more. She is the former food editor at L.A. Weekly and a founding editor of Beer Paper L.A. Follow her on Twitter @thesarahbennett. Its time to spread your wings. Not in a literal sense. Figuratively, of course. And with help from accomplished Mexican artist Jorge Marin. Starting Oct. 27, the city of Santa Ana, partnering with the Consulate of Mexico, is presenting a free outdoor exhibition of nine bronze sculptures by Marin, one of Mexicos best-known contemporary figurative artists. The bronze sculptures will be placed in various locations around downtown Santa Ana, including the Artists Village, Plaza Calle Cuatro and the East End. The exhibit will kick off with a free public celebration at Plaza Calle Cuatro (325 E. 4th St., Santa Ana) on Oct. 27 from 5 to 9 p.m. The event will include commemorations by Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido, the consul of Mexico in Orange County and a representative from Studio Marin, as well as performances by local mariachi and folklorico students. Music by Downtown Inc. (DTI) will finish off the night. I see this as an international exhibit, Pulido said in an interview. Its coming from Mexico City, but its really international. I see the wings as a part of the angels, los angeles, from el Paseo de la Reforma (a famous street in Mexico City). So much of the heart and the history of Mexico is there, and to bring it here to Santa Ana, Orange County, California, its a big deal. The bird-masked bronze sculpture Split Monumental is one of nine artworks by Mexican figurative artist Jorge Marin that will be part of a public art installation, Wings of the City, in downtown Santa Ana. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer ) Organizers are promoting the Wings of the City exhibit as symbolic of the connections between Santa Ana and Mexico. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Santa Anas population is 78.2 percent Hispanic or Latino, with 71 percent of Santa Ana calling itself Mexican. City officials often state that Santa Ana is home to the largest concentration of Mexicans outside of Mexico, although evidence of that is difficult to verify. We want to create awareness, especially for the younger generations, Pulido said. There are a lot of Hispanics here whose parents or grandparents came from Mexico. This is an opportunity for that community to reconnect, if you will. I think its a very important facet that we dont often think about. Project organizer Jorge Garcia said the Mexican Consulate proposed the exhibit to Santa Ana about one and a half years ago. Even though the city of Anaheim showcased the same exhibit of nine Marin sculptures from July through September of this year, Santa Anas presentation has different objectives, Garcia said. We wanted it to be more of a community display, said Garcia, who also is assistant to the city manager. We wanted this to be a different experience an interactive process, and not just stagnant art. Garcia said the citys recent commitments to immigrants legal and otherwise and so-called Dreamers also play a factor in the display. While the run in Anaheim and other cities was for three months, the sculptures will be on view in Santa Ana for one full year. The nine bronze sculptures pay homage to classic Baroque and Renaissance figures with surreal twists, including men sporting dream-like wings, wearing bird masks and taking on acrobatic poses. One bronze, Abrazo Monumental (2006), depicts a man embracing a woman. In this selection, I want to show all the human emotions, such as happiness, fear and frustration, Marin said with the help of a translator. My sculptures are like a mirror to the public, where they can see themselves, they can see their own fantasies and their own fears. Through sculpture, we dont need a language. The collection debuted with 12 sculptures in 2010 as a public art exhibit on Mexico Citys Paseo de la Reforma. Since 2013, the sculptures have traveled to cities across the country and the world. In Anaheim, they were on view in front of the Convention Center along the Palm Court walkway. One of the pieces, titled Wings of Mexico, consists of two large, outstretched wings and a frame. The artist invites viewers to stand on a pedestal and pose for photos in between the wings. The wings represent for me the potential to motivate, to provoke different sensations for the human being, Marin said. Wings give them that power of questioning. This is for the public to look at, and grab a microphone. I want to encourage freedom, so that they can speak. If You Go What: Wings of the City outdoor sculpture exhibition When: Through Oct. 2018; opening celebration is 5-9 p.m. Oct. 27 Where: Sculptures are placed throughout downtown Santa Ana; celebration is at Plaza Calle Cuatro, 325 E. 4th St., Santa Ana Cost: Free Information: A map of sculpture locations, a walking tour in English, Spanish and Vietnamese and additional information can be found at santa-ana.org/wingsdtsa RICHARD CHANG is a contributor to Times Community News. Without the extended Segerstrom family, there would be no Pacific Symphony Orchestra. This fact does not diminish the contributions of so many other O.C. citizens over many years; however, Segerstrom financial support, season following season, remains a mainstay of the underpinning of classical music in the region. Recently, Pacific Symphony presented its 2017-18 season opening night on the Orange Coast with an elegant pre-concert dinner followed by a debut night performance featuring selections from Beethoven, Strauss, and Wagner. The gala evening marked the 39th season of Pacific Symphony Orchestra (PSO), which has been a primary ongoing gift from the foundation of the late Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom, carried on by their adult children. The opening celebration raised an impressive $200,000 for PSO programs. Chaired with passion by the dedicated couple Susan and Sam Anderson, some 320 guests in black tie and glittering opening night gowns descended on the Westin South Coast Plaza Hotel, Costa Mesa, for a pre-concert dining experience. The Andersons joined Segerstrom family members Sally Segerstrom Andrews, Toby Andrews, Sandy Segerstrom Daniels, Susie and Steve Perry and Rae and Ted Segerstrom to welcome donors and guests arriving at the cocktail reception in the hotel. PSO committee members and their designers rolled out a red carpet leading into a reception area festooned with massive arrangements of white orchids and roses. Cocktail tables were set in a black, white and silver motif as Westin staff passed Champagne and served exotic nibbles such as blue cheese-topped crostini glazed with caramelized shallot aioli. Anderson, the hostess of the evening who was beautifully attired in a classic ballgown, signaled for the ballroom doors to be opened for dinner. Maestro Carl St.Clair was introduced to his supporters. The genteel conductor thanked the assemblage in his soft-toned Texan voice. Applause was generous. Major symphony donors were introduced and applauded as well. Corona del Mars Catherine Emmi, widow of the late James Emmi and Catherines son Cameron Emmi shared bows with fellow PSO donors Haydee and Carlos Mollura. Later that evening, one of the selections performed opening night by David Popper titled Hungarian Rhapsody was dedicated to the Mollura family. Symphony board chair Joann Leatherby and her husband Greg Bates were front and center along with PSO president John Forsyte in greeting PSO donors. Dinner was served as the crowd settled at tables decorated in the black, white and platinum silver theme of the night. St.Clair introduced guest artist PSO violinist Bridget Dolkas for a performance of Forte Duo. The selection was an improvised, modern medley of Beethoven meets heavy metal rock n roll. It took the crowd by major surprise. Guests table-hopped and joined longtime friends prior to leaving the Westin for a short early evening stroll to the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall for opening night. Spotted in the crowd were Pilar Wayne and Gary Raehu, Susan Leonard, Toren Segerstrom and Ling and Charlie Zhang. Post-concert, an after-party resumed at the Westin. As the crowd arrived, a jazz quartet provided the ambiance. Late night toasts and congratulations were shared over dessert. The 39th season of PSO was launched in grand style. B.W. COOK is editor of the Bay Window, the official publication of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach. This is in response to an article in the Daily Pilot written by Hannah Fry, Gun show to go ahead at O.C. fairgrounds, a week after Las Vegas mass shooting, (Oct. 5). The gun shows chief executive, Bob Templeton, failed to see the most profound reason not to host the gun show this year. The residents of Orange County need time to heal and honor their dead. Many of us in Southern California know someone who was killed, injured or significantly traumatized as a result of the Las Vegas shooting. The executives of the Orange County Fair and Event Center announced that it would host the gun show Oct. 7-8, in spite of recent events. They had a choice to stop and listen to the community or to continue with business as usual. Im writing with the hope that they choose to listen. Hosting this gun show at this time feels like a violation and an assault to my senses. We needed time to heal and time to mourn the people we lost. It was too soon for a gun show. Wed seen more than our share of guns lately, thank you, very much. It is not OK to do business as usual, Mr. Templeton. You cant tell us that your gun show has nothing to do with the Las Vegas shooting. It does, by its very nature and by its location. The gun show is like throwing a party next to my daughters grave. It just doesnt work. We are sick with fear for our children, students, teachers, police, citizens of color, pilots, bus drivers, community service workers, concert attendees and the list goes on and on. How long does the list have to get before we begin to hear each other? Executives at the Orange County Fair & Event Center had a chance to work with the community and join us in solidarity. They had an opportunity to affirm they care about the community, in which they do business, to do something about it not just with words but with actions by canceling the gun show this year. Theres another show planned for late November. I hope you have the courage to take a bold step in the right direction. Now would be a good time for the sake of our community and out of respect for the loved ones we lost. The Fair Board should hold a public hearing on whether these gun shows should continue at all. JENNIFER IRANI lives in Newport Beach. Eat, drink, give! says the promotion for a $30 food and wine tasting Sunday at Rutherford Hill Winery in Napa Valley. All proceeds from the event will go to local organizations that are helping victims of the deadly wildfires that ravaged Californias wine country last week. Many Napa Valley wineries are asking visitors to come and buy a bottle of wine or attend a wine tasting in an effort to aid recovery in the area. Napa Countys tourism website says businesses are fully reopening this week, but it encourages visitors who have reservations to check with their hotel, winery or activity. Advertisement In addition to the Rutherford winerys event, here are other ways Napa Valley is welcoming visitors and raising money for those in need: Cakebread Cellars, also in Rutherford, will donate all tasting fees (starting at $15 per person) through Sunday; Silver Trident Winery in Yountville will donate all tasting fees ($30 per person for four wines) through Oct. 31; Round Pond Estate in Rutherford will donate its tasting fees ($65 per person) Sunday; and Hess Collections Pop-Up Tasting Room at CIA at Coppia in downtown Napa will offer $20 tastings to visitors noon to 7 p.m. until Oct. 25, with proceeds going to the Napa Valley Community Foundations disaster relief fund. Hess site in Napa is closed due to fire-related road closures. Other vineyards are matching donations or donating money from wine sales. Some wineries closed by the fires plan to reopen this weekend too. To see all fundraising events and reopenings, go to Fire Relief Fundraisers. The Napa Valley Film Festival announced Wednesday that it would go forward with the Nov. 8-12 event that will feature more than 120 films, wine tastings and events. It plans to donate 10% of pass sales revenue to the community foundations relief fund. Sonoma County says its wineries and restaurants are open for business too. Were going to need visitors now more than ever, Sonoma County Tourisms CEO Tim Zahner said in a statement Thursday. This weekends Sonoma County Art Trails events in Sebastopol remain scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, and Pinot on the River in Healdsburg is on for Sunday. Northern Californias wildfires have killed at least 42 people; firefighters in the last few days have gotten the upper hand on the blazes. travel@latimes.com @latimestravel ALSO Must-see locations of Ai Weiweis expansive Good Fences Make Good Neighbors exhibit in New York Sip your way through great beers made in Hawaii and the West at Waikiki festival What Halloween haunts to visit in Tokyo, Paris and other spooky destinations Take the family to San Diego in October, when kids get free entry to museums and the zoo Li Heping spent his career trying to hold Chinese Communist Party officials accountable for their darkest behavior. He believed in an authority higher than the party Chinas own legal system. And for that, he suffered tremendously. Since the late 90s, Li, a 46-year-old human rights lawyer, had defended Chinas most persecuted groups: dissidents, petitioners, victims of land grabs and forced demolitions, church leaders, practitioners of the banned spiritual group Falun Gong. Then came the 709 crackdown named for July 9, 2015, the night it began when authorities detained or interrogated more than 300 lawyers and their associates, including Li. They held Li without charge for nearly two years. And this May, they let him go on the condition he remain silent. What my husband has gone through during that 22 months in jail was relentless, inhuman, perverted and unthinkable, said his wife, Wang Qiaoling, 44, who has emerged as an outspoken advocate for rule of law amid her husbands enforced silence. The police will torture you till the edge of death, both physically and mentally. Advertisement Since Chinese President Xi Jinping ascended to power in 2012, he has both amassed extraordinary power analysts routinely call him Chinas strongest leader since Mao Tse-tung and ratcheted up repression to its highest levels since the early 1990s. Wang Qiaoling is the wife of human rights lawyer Li Heping. (Fred Dufour/ AFP / Getty Images ) This week, a twice-a-decade Communist Party congress is almost certain to grant him another five-year term. Yet beyond the congress displays of pageantry and protocol its chandeliers, identical black suits and long, turgid speeches Lis experience is a vivid reminder of the partys propensity for maintaining its grip on power through violence and fear. The Communist Party, under Xi, has introduced new, draconian legislation tightening control over religion, foreign non-governmental organizations and the internet. Xis sweeping anti-corruption drive has punished more than a million officials and suppressed competing party factions. He has repeatedly vowed to preside over a national rejuvenation one that categorically rejects Western values such as democracy, rule of law and freedom of speech. The media has been neutered. Scores of lawyers, activists and journalists have been jailed. After several hundred years, the Western model is showing its age, the state-run New China News Agency said in a Tuesday commentary. Chinese President Xi Jinping is applauded as he walks to the podium to deliver his speech at the opening ceremony of the 19th Party Congress held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. (Ng Han Guan / Associated Press ) Chinas Communist Party leaders have determined that they must not drop their guard on being in control, said Stein Ringen, emeritus professor at the University of Oxford and author of The Perfect Dictatorship: China in the 21st Century. During the 1980s, when things were relatively open, and people felt like things were moving in a direction of greater openness that was because there was disagreement. There were different factions in the party leadership, and a debate about what direction the party would take. Now there is no debate, he continued. Its absolutely hierarchical. Li knew the partys wrath long before the 2015 crackdown. In 2007, as Beijing prepared to host the Olympics, plainclothes men abducted Li, held him for eight hours, beat him and shocked him with electric batons. They warned him to leave the city and dumped him in the woods. For years, authorities had kept his home under constant surveillance. But the 2015 crackdown was different more comprehensive, and more severe. On July 10 that year, police took Li into custody and ransacked his home and office for files, computers and external hard drives. For the first six months, Wang said, they kept him in solitary confinement. Two guards forced him to stand between them for 15 to 16 hours a day, giving him about eight inches of space. Once you move, they would slap, kick and beat you, Wang said. They would also write down every detail about your movements, such as, You moved your nose, You frowned and so on. People dressed like doctors forced Li to take drugs at least half a dose daily, and at least six types altogether. He believed they were blood pressure medications, hallucinogens and sedatives. They made him dizzy and fatigued. The damage it has on a persons brain is unthinkable, Wang said. You behave like a psychiatric patient. Your brain starts to lose control of how you behave and what you say. These types of physical torture are less bloody and violent, yet the damage they do to your body is relentless, she continued. Most normal people cannot bear it at all. In 2016, authorities transferred Li to an ordinary detention facility in the city of Tianjin, near Beijing, where he lived on a long hall with other prisoners. The torture didnt stop authorities shackled his wrists to his ankles for a month. They made him sit on a stool for 16 hours straight. On April 28, 2017, they gave him a rushed, secret trial. According to authorities, he pleaded guilty to attacking China and its government via social media and interviews with the foreign press. A judge convicted him of subversion of state power and released him on a suspended sentence, meaning even a minor infraction could send him back to jail. At home, Li looked in a mirror for the first time in 22 months. The gaunt, gray-haired skeleton staring back shocked him. He can no longer work as a normal person, Wang said. His lawyers license has been [invalidated], and he lost his physical freedom to go outside Beijing. Other victims of the 709 crackdown have made what appears to be forced pre-trial confessions on state television. Virtually all of them cast their legal work as criminal, anti-China and supported by hostile foreign forces. Under Xi, these confessions a relic of Cultural Revolution-era public humiliations have spiked. At least 40 were broadcast between 2013 and 2016. Li Wenzu, left, wife of imprisoned lawyer Wang Quanzhang, joins supporters of a prominent Chinese human rights lawyer and activists as they protest in Tianjin, China, in 2016. (Gerry Shih / Associated Press ) Only one lawyer, Wang Quanzhang a 41-year-old advocate for marginalized groups still awaits trial. Authorities have not explained the delay. His wife, Li Wenzu, who has not seen him since his detention, believes he may simply be unwilling to bend. The government is aiming to punish current arrested activists, and also to frighten the potential activists of the future, said Li, 32. Since the [709] cases are fundamentally made up by the government, its also difficult for the government to find any evidence that proves them guilty. In March, Li and her 4-year-old son, Wang Guangwei, moved in with Wang (and her 6-year-old daughter, Li Jiamei) at her three-bedroom apartment in southern Beijing. They still visit the police and judicial organs as well as foreign embassies to advocate for Wangs release. The human rights lawyers circle is very small, but we all help each other and cooperate each other and support each other, she said. Chinas human rights activists certainly havent been crushed, said Eva Pils, a human rights expert from Kings College London who knows many of the lawyers. Even in the most desperate situations, theyre resisting in small but significant ways. A revolving cast of up to 20 security guards around Li and Wangs apartment restricts their movement, and state security agents have harassed Lis aging parents in central Chinas Hubei province. I dont believe the situation will change in the short term, Li said. But I believe this is a natural reaction to fight to save my husband, and for his freedom, without any hesitation, no matter the price I have to pay. jonathan.kaiman@latimes.com For more news from Asia, follow @JRKaiman on Twitter Three months ago, Yuriko Koikes star appeared to be on an inexorable upward trajectory. A year after becoming the first female governor of Tokyo, her new Tokyoites First party had just drubbed the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in local assembly elections. A shell-shocked LDP, which has ruled Japan almost continuously since World War II, saw its seats slashed from 60 to 23, just four ahead of the Communist Party. Koike appeared to be on a path to become the first female prime minister of Japan, a remarkable prospect in a country where women have struggled to gain a foothold in politics and corporate board rooms. Advertisement But heading into Japans general election on Sunday, Koike has found herself plummeting back to earth. With opinion polls pointing to a likely landslide for Abes LDP, Koike has ruled herself out as a candidate, leaving voters unclear about who would be prime minister in the unlikely event that the new party she established eked out a victory. Her rapid fall from grace spotlights the higher standards that women in politics are held to in a society still uncomfortable with those perceived as overly ambitious. Fewer than 10% of the lawmakers in the lower house of parliament are female, a proportion that places Japan 165th out of 193 democracies. She talks big, but what is the substance? I dont know if we can trust her. Ayaka Fujino, a Tokyo office worker A fluent Arabic speaker, Koike studied in Cairo, working as an interpreter and journalist before becoming a TV news anchor. She was first elected to the upper house of parliament in 1992 on the ticket of the now-defunct New Japan Party, one of the many breakaway groups from the LDP. Working her way through three similar parties over the next decade, she eventually joined the LDP in 2003, and was appointed environment minister soon after. Koike served as defense minister in Abes first administration for less than two months in the summer of 2007, resigning ostensibly to take responsibility for an information leak. The scandal-hit administration itself lasted less than a year, and many say Koike resigned over an internal squabble. In July 2016, she was elected governor of Tokyo, despite a lack of LDP backing, promising to get the capital in shape for the 2020 Olympics. She later launched the Tokyoites First party. In September, just two days after Abe called a snap election, Koike, 65, launched a new, nationwide Party of Hope. The following day, the centrist opposition Democratic Party effectively dissolved itself and backed Koike. It appeared she might shake up the old boys club of Japanese politics. A woman shows an electoral leaflet of Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike during an election event in Saitama on Oct. 18. (Behrouz Mehri / Getty Images ) But her campaign soon foundered, and she insisted that she was not a candidate. Voters perceived her refusal to let left-leaning Democratic candidates run on her ticket as arrogance and the whole merger as a cynical grab for the opposition partys campaign funds and organizational structure. Such maneuvering is the kind of politics that Koike had pledged to break from although male politicians face few negative consequences for similar behavior. Shes a very ambitious lady who has changed parties a few times, but been successful, like taking advantage of the situation to become Tokyo governor. She talks big, but what is the substance? I dont know if we can trust her, said Ayaka Fujino, a Tokyo office worker in her 40s. I cant see any political principles anymore, and I dont see her as a supporter of womens issues. I think she just wants to be prime minister. Even the prospect of a female leader in male-dominated Japan is not enough for many female voters. She just hasnt been effective as governor. She made a big show of saying she was going to take care of everything for the Tokyo Olympics and relocating the Tsukiji fish market, but she hasnt followed through, said Tamiko Mizune, a resident of the capitals western suburbs in her 80s. Even though were both women, I dont want to see her as prime minister. The merger with the Democrats left me wondering what she believes in. This will be the first election for the more powerful House of Representatives in which 18- and 19-year-olds can vote, but Koike has also failed to excite younger voters. The Party of Hope Twitter account has just 12,000 followers, compared with more than 180,000 for the Constitutional Democratic Party, the new party formed by left-leaning Democratic lawmakers who rejected the merger. Jun Okumura, a visiting scholar at the Meiji Institute for Global Affairs, said the agreement with the Democratic Party had made Koike and her party look like an unprincipled version of the LDP, with which it shares many key policies. That really took the wind out of her sails, along with the fact that she is not standing, Okumura said. Another casualty of the rushed launch for the Party of Hope has been a coherent policy platform. On a lot of issues, she is actually to the right of Abe, including being more of a hawk. But in the campaign, shes been talking about a commitment to pacifism, said Stephen Nagy, senior associate professor of politics at Tokyos International Christian University. Yet she wouldnt even talk about the Korean massacre. Thousands of Korean residents of Tokyo were killed by angry mobs in the aftermath of the huge 1923 earthquake over false rumors they had poisoned water supplies. The Tokyo governor has traditionally sent a message of condolence for the Sept. 1 anniversary, but Koike declined to do so this year. In an apparent attempt to put some distance between herself and Abe in the form of a snappy manifesto, on Oct. 6 the Party of Hope issued a list of 12 Zeros for Japan. The weightier pledges range from zero nuclear power by 2030 to eliminating corporate political donations. At the other end of the spectrum are promises for zero crowded train carriages, no extermination of stray pets and an end to hay fever. Disillusionment with Koike, dissatisfaction with Abe and the dissolving of the Democrats has left many wondering who to vote for on Sunday, including Fujino, the office worker. If you dont vote, youre effectively supporting the LDP. I dont want Abe to have so much power. If he goes too far to the right, who can stop him? You need a balance in politics, Fujino said. Maybe Ill just decide on the day. ALSO Japan considers more muscular military role to counter North Korea Chinas Communist Party elders picked Xi Jinping because they thought they could control him. They were wrong In the ashes of post-war Japan, a young Prince Akihito broke with tradition for an interview with an American Blair is a special correspondent. Warsaw police are questioning witnesses and reviewing street surveillance videos after a man set himself on fire in the citys center. Police spokesman Robert Koniuszy said Friday that the 54-year-old man was listed in serious condition at a hospital. He said the man was from outside Warsaw. Koniuszy said police are gathering evidence to determine his motives. Advertisement Polish news portal Wyborcza.pl reported that the man distributed leaflets protesting policies of the countrys conservative government before he set himself on fire Thursday. The portal said the leaflets accused the government of hostility to migrants and efforts to control the judicial system. It also said the man had a letter saying the ruling Law and Justice party would be responsible for his death. ALSO Independence crisis intensifies as Spain prepares to strip Catalonia of local powers Sebastian Kurz to be Europes youngest leader as Austria swings sharply to the right On Putins 65th birthday, thousands of protesters gather across Russia in support of opposition leader The cars slowed as they approached a berm on the northern outskirts of this small town. A Kurdish peshmerga fighter at the checkpoint, instead of waving them through, began pointing urgently to the left just as the whistle-boom of a mortar shell, a close one, sounded nearby. Soon there was more trouble: Humvees and armored vehicles careened in and quickly set up defensive positions behind the berm. Several civilian cars were right behind, their terrified drivers gunning their engines to escape the crescendo of explosions they had just left behind. The bangs now came from all sides, intensifying into a drum roll as the peshmergas heavy machine guns opened fire at advancing Iraqi forces, accompanied by the bass thumps of the Howitzer artillery at the rear. The high-pitched whines of bullets whizzed past, one smacking into a vegetable stall, another piercing the trunk of a car. Advertisement The clashes Friday between Kurdish forces and Iraqi troops until now allies in the fight to dislodge Islamic State from Iraq marked the heaviest round of violence since Baghdad launched an offensive earlier this week to claw back disputed areas also claimed by the semiautonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq. Elite Iraqi special forces, federal police and Iranian-backed paramilitary units known as Hashd al Shaabi engaged Kurdish troops, advancing from Kirkuk to Altun Kupri district, 25 miles northwest and almost halfway to Irbil, the capital of the Kurdistan regional government. Throughout Fridays conflict, a drone piloted by the U.S.-led coalition patrolled the skies above, but did not attack any of the belligerents. America and Kurds are friends. Why arent they bombing Hashd and Iran? asked one peshmerga fighter, whose angry protest was momentarily interrupted by the whistle of an incoming mortar. The outcome appeared to be a standoff: The Iraqi army announced that its forces had imposed security in the district; a statement released by the general command of the peshmerga said the Iraqi attack had been defeated. The taking of Altun Kupri, a Turkmen-dominated town on the Zab River that separates Kirkuk from Irbil, is the latest in a series of crushing setbacks for the Kurdish government, which in the last week has lost some 40% of the territory it hoped to include in a future Kurdish state, as well as half of its projected oil reserves. It is also a troubling development for the U.S.-led coalition, which has lavished both the peshmerga and Iraqi forces with weapons and logistical and air support in the fight against Islamic State. Some of those weapons and vehicles were seen on the front line during Fridays skirmish. Kamal Karkouki, commander of the peshmerga in western Kirkuk, said in an interview, Iraq attacked the area here with American weapons, and we have to answer them. They will try to occupy this whole area and move forward, he said. Spokesman Col. Ryan Dillon said the coalition was aware of the incident and that it was continuing to engage our counterparts in the Iraqi army and the peshmerga to ease tensions there is also work on the embassy level as well. The U.S., which opposed a nonbinding referendum last month on Kurdish independence, has insisted it will not take sides. But Dillon said that both peshmerga and Iraqi army leaders, while diverted over the independence debate, were not as responsive or committed to the fight against ISIS and this has always been our concern leading up to the referendum, and it has certainly played out in that way and more so right now. Islamic State is also known as ISIS. Just because ISIS doesnt hold territory doesnt mean theyre not planning attacks or planning nefarious activity all over Iraq, and this is something we have to keep an eye on, said Dillon. Were already seeing the emphasis and the attention on ISIS slipping away. #Kurd-ish troops cheer when they see an explosion among the #Iraq-i ranks. A sad day for what's left of the country's unity. pic.twitter.com/1gGs7A9z2h Nabih (@nabihbulos) October 20, 2017 Casualty numbers were not immediately disclosed, but witnesses said at least eight peshmerga had been treated for wounds. Karkouki later said that his fighters had destroyed five Iraqi Humvees and two tanks, while a reporter in the area saw two peshmerga vehicles burning after apparently taking direct hits from mortar fire, as well as the charred skeletons of three pickup trucks. The clashes come after a relatively bloodless offensive forced peshmerga units in the past week to hand over oilfields, power plants, airports as well as important border districts to Iraqi forces, almost without a shot being fired. Baghdad is seeking to reimpose its control over areas the peshmerga had seized after Islamic States stunning 2014 takeover of northern Iraq. But Fridays fighting also signified a further souring of already-tense relations between the Kurds and the Iraq government more than three weeks after the overwhelming Kurdish vote in favor of secession. Kurdish news outlets have been full of reports of Kurdish neighborhoods facing harassment by Iranian-backed Shiite militias allied with the central government (the reports were dismissed as fake news by Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi). The U.S. State Department said it was concerned by the clashes and appealed for all parties to cease all violence and provocative movements, and to coordinate their activities to restore calm. The department statement said the Iraqi governments reassertion of authority over disputed areas in the north in no way changes their status they remain disputed until their status is resolved in accordance with the Iraqi constitution. Meanwhile, in his Friday address, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, Iraqs top Shiite cleric, called on Baghdad to do more to reassure and protect Kurdish citizens. He also advised Kurdish leaders to unify their ranks and work to get past the current crisis through cooperation with the central government, in accordance with the constitution. UPDATES: 5:40 p.m.: This article was updated with a statement from the U.S. State Department. 2:50 p.m.: This article was updated throughout with staff reporting. 7:50 a.m.: This article was updated with additional details. This article was originally published at 4:35 a.m. A suicide bomber blew himself up inside a mosque packed with worshipers in Kabul on Friday evening, killing 39 people and wounding dozens as the toll from a week of devastating bombings in Afghanistan continued to rise. It was the second time in less than two months that militants attacked a Shiite Muslim house of worship in Kabul. Both attacks were claimed by loyalists of the Islamic State militant group, which regards Shiites as apostates. A suicide bomber also struck a mosque in the central province of Ghor, killing at least 20 people and wounding 10, according to the Afghan interior ministry. Advertisement No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but a police spokesman said a local politician was the target in Ghor, a remote province riven by factional disputes. The explosions followed two major attacks this week targeting security forces in the south and east. Nearly 200 Afghan security personnel and civilians have been killed in bombings since Monday, according to official tallies. The attack Friday on western Kabuls Imam Zaman mosque was the latest to strike Afghanistans Shiite minority, which finds itself increasingly under siege from extremists. The United Nations mission in Afghanistan reported last week that 84 Shiites were killed and 194 injured in attacks during the first nine months of the year. The mosque was a scene of chaos after the blast, which occurred shortly after sunset. Video footage showed bloodied bodies lying on the carpet, their clothes in tatters, as distraught survivors carried some victims away in sheets. By the time ambulances reached the mosque, onlookers had already begun transferring injured people to hospitals in private vehicles. Dead bodies were piled on a nearby street, said Sayed Jan Agha, who runs a shop near the mosque. Agha said he counted 45 bodies, including those of women and children. The Afghan interior ministry said 39 had been killed and 45 wounded. The Afghan presidential palace condemned the attack in a statement. Targeting people in holy places and anywhere else are inhuman and criminal acts of terrorists against human rights and Islamic values, the statement said. While the United Nations reported that civilian casualties through September were slightly lower than last year when more than 8,500 Afghans were killed or wounded in attacks, the most on record the spate of bombings has demonstrated the ability of armed groups to attack a range of targets almost anywhere in the country. The attacks also raise pressure on U.S. military commanders who have said that the deployment of more than 3,000 additional American troops, authorized by President Trump in August at the urging of the Pentagon, will help the struggling Afghan security forces gain a greater grip on their country. Faizy is a special correspondent. shashank.bengali@latimes.com Follow @SBengali for more news from South Asia UPDATES: 11:35 a.m.: This article was updated throughout with staff reporting. This article was originally published at 7:45 a.m. A spokesman for Polands national police says investigators dont yet know why a man attacked shoppers at a mall with a knife, killing one person and wounding seven others. Police spokesman Mariusz Ciarka said the 27-year-old Polish man wasnt drunk when he attacked people at the VIVO! mall in his hometown in southern Poland, Stalowa Wola. He says blood tests are being done to determine if he was under the influence of drugs. Ciarka says the suspect acted irrationally and his motives were not known. He had not been known to the police before the attack. Advertisement A 50-year-old woman died in the hospital and seven others remained hospitalized after the man allegedly stabbed them in the back. He was apprehended by other shoppers and held until officers arrived and took him into custody. UPDATES: 10:35 a.m.: Updated with a statement from a police spokesman. This story was originally posted at 8:30 a.m. Authorities have yet to identify the man who died Thursday night after being struck by a vehicle in the 1900 block of West Hamilton Street in Allentown. The man, believed to be 40 to 50 years old, died from blunt force injuries received in the crash, the Lehigh County Coroner's Office said. The incident was reported at 7:47 p.m. and the man was pronounced dead at 8:18 p.m. at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township, the coroner's office said. Until the coroner's office confirms the identification, Allentown police are releasing few details, Capt. Glenn Granitz Jr. said Friday morning. The driver of the car was male and didn't appear hurt, Granitz confirmed. Other than that, he answered questions about specifics by saying the crash was still under investigation. He wouldn't say which way the car was going or exactly where on the block the crash happened. Granitz initially said 19th and Hamilton, but the coroner's office showed it west of the intersection. Granitz wouldn't confirm that or say if the man crossed in the middle of the block. The captain also wouldn't say if the driver was cooperative with investigators. Police on Thursday night told the Morning Call that the driver reported the crash and cooperated. The newspaper also reported the car was eastbound going up the hill east of 20th Street. Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. There's more room in Bethlehem for innovative, startup businesses with the expansion of Ben Franklin TechVentures on Lehigh University's Mountaintop Campus. Owner Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania dedicated a 20,000-square-foot West Wing expansion on Thursday. Construction began a year ago. This year, 41 firms have called Ben Franklin TechVentures home, employing as many as 170 people. Since 1983, Ben Franklin's incubator has graduated 69 successful companies, together grossing more than $1.2 billion in annual revenue and creating more than 6,900 jobs. The statewide Ben Franklin network creates new Pennsylvania tax revenues that pay back $3.60 for every dollar of government investment in the program. "By accommodating accelerating needs for incubator space that fuels growth and innovation, the Ben Franklin TechVentures West Wing will support the creation of new technology-based jobs," R. Chadwick Paul Jr., president and CEO of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, said in a statement. "The expansion will allow Ben Franklin to build on its legacy as a 'job creation factory.'" Ben Franklin Technology Partners says its business incubator program was among the first in the nation, and has been recognized and modeled internationally as one of the world's best. Its business incubator has twice won the International Business Innovation Association Incubator of the Year Award. TechVentures opened in 2006 at 35,000 square feet and was nearly filled in 18 months. Ben Franklin TechVentures2 opened in 2011, increasing the total space to 109,000 square feet. By 2016, Ben Franklin TechVentures' current rentable space was nearly full yet again, prompting the $7.5 million West Wing expansion to address this escalating demand. This latest growth provides additional office and meeting spaces and was funded in part by grants from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program and the BB&T Economic Growth Fund. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A woman accused of stealing checks and credit card bills from mailboxes on her route, and using them to make purchases, is free on bail in her case. Krystal Marie Ogilvie, who used to live in the 1000 block of West Wilkes-Barre Street in Easton, was wanted on 13 counts of access device fraud, three counts of theft by deception, two counts of forgery and one count of receiving stolen property. The 35-year-old Ogilvie contacted police after the charges were publicized and turned herself in Friday afternoon, Det. Mike Friel said. She was arraigned in two cases. Her bail was set at $25,000 unsecured in one case, and 10 percent of $25,000 in the second case; Ogilvie was able to post the $2,500 in cash, records show. Police said a Forks Township resident in April reported his credit card was used to buy $420.79 to Omaha Steaks. The steaks were delivered to Ogilvie's Easton address, police said. There were various other unauthorized charges on April 19, 21 and 22, totaling $409.29, police said. The next month, a second township resident reported four checkbooks were stolen from her mailbox between April 16 and 22, police said. The woman received a mail-order form from sporting goods company East Bay, saying it could not take personal checks in excess of $500, police said. The handwritten order form and the signature did not match the victim's handwriting, police said. The phone number on the form belonged to Ogilvie, and the address listed was the home attached to her address, police said. A township detective interviewed Ogilvie, and she reportedly told officers she delivers newspapers for a New Jersey company. Her route was on Forks Township streets where police said thefts from mailboxes and of packages were reported. Ogilvie reportedly claimed she received "numerous packages" at her home from a woman named Carol, but admitted the phone number on the East Bay form used to be her cellphone, police said. Investigators said they learned Ogilvie took one package from the attached home, and that she claimed the packages were for her mother. Several packages were addressed to Ann Copeland, with an address on Ogilvie's route, police said. When police spoke with Copeland, she discovered "numerous unauthorized transactions" on her Bon-Ton credit card, totaling $1,237.69, court papers say. Copeland also said she didn't receive the previous month's bill, police said. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A U.S. Army reservist who served in Iraq and said he was suffering from PTSD pleaded guilty Friday to killing his father on Aug. 9, 2016, in their Northampton home, officials confirmed. Jason John Myirski, 38, was sentenced to nine-and-a-half to 20 years in state prison, according to the Northampton County District Attorney's Office and Myirski's attorney. Myirski killed his father Joseph, 64, early in the morning by firing numerous shots through a bedroom door into a hallway at 2350 Main St., authorities said. Jason Myirski had a handgun with him in his room when he was arrested after a standoff in which he fired another round through the door, borough police said. He faced the possibility of life in prison if the case went to trial and he were convicted of first-degree murder. The third-degree charge means he killed his father, but did not plan the shooting. First Deputy District Attorney Terry Houck said Myirski's mental state played into the office signing off on the plea to third-degree homicide. In preparing for trial, Myirski's public defender Robert Eyer sought psychiatric records from an area hospital and two local doctor's offices. Eyer on Friday said he filed the paperwork to present a mental-health defense if the case went to trial. Jason Myirski has an Operation Iraqi Freedom tattoo on his right arm. Along with psychiatric problems, he also had drug issues, authorities said. Joseph Myirski was checking on what sounded like aluminum falling when he went down the hallway just after 3 a.m. that August day, his wife Monica testified at a preliminary hearing in September. During that hearing, borough Patrolman Ryan Grube said Joseph Myriski mumbled, "Jason just shot (me)," and added "I'm dying." Northampton County Judge Jennifer Slevold said Friday that "This is just a very, very sad case for the family," according to the Morning Call. Directly to Jason Myirski, she added, "Sir, I respect the service you gave to this country and this is a sad day for you as well." Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A 28-year-old man who crashed into a couple near the M4 in Kilcock has been banned from driving for eight years and jailed for five months for driving without insurance. He got a concurrent eight-year ban and a 4,000 fine for careless driving at Kilcock District Court on October 17. Haroon Naveed, with an address at 4 Sherwood Avenue, Charlestown, Co Mayo, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and careless driving near the roundabout on the old Kilcock-Enfield at the R148 on April 15 2016. Mr Naveed, who is seeking asylum in Ireland, according to his barrister, was speeding on the way to the airport to pick up friends, the court was told. He slid across the road and hit an oncoming car, head on, injuring an elderly couple. They told the court in a victim impact statement that the accident had been life changing for them. Six people were taken to hospital after the accident. Judge Desmond Zaidan asked why this was a simple careless driving charge, and not dangerous driving. He said no sentence would take away the pain of the couple who were injured. Two Kildare men accused of the unlawful possession of five revolvers, twenty rounds of ammunition and a silencer are due to appear in court again next month. Jonathan Harding (44) of McNeill Court, Sallins and Declan Brady (51) from The Park, Wolston Abbey, Celbridge, were both remanded in custody until November 10, when their case is listed for mention again. Both men are charged with the unlawful possession of the arms on January 24 at a unit in Greenogue Business Park, in Rathcoole. Their co-accused pleaded guilty at the non-jury Special Criminal Court today to the possession of a cache of firearms at the business park. James Walsh (33), with addresses at Wheatfield Avenue, Clondalkin and Neilstown Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, admitted today to the possession of ten revolvers, four pistols, a sub-machine-gun, an assault rifle and various ammunition magazines. He was found with the cache on January 24 this year at the unit in Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole. David Staunton BL, for Walsh, told the court that his client could be arraigned on the charge. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding at the three-judge court, remanded Walsh in custody until January 11 next year, when he will be sentenced. A man who arranged by text to meet another man in a disagreement over a girl has been asked to come up with 1,000 for his victim. Ethan McCrave (21), of 142 Caragh Green, Caragh Road, Naas, appeared at Naas District Court on Wednesday, October 18, charged with public order offences. Mr McCrave is charged with assault offences at Pacelli Road in Naas on April 5, 2016. The court was told that Mr McCrave had a dumbbell bar and a knife with him. In a victim impact statement, it was revealed that the man he was said to have arranged to meet got four stitches to his head and lost his job. Conal Boyce, solicitor for Mr McCrave, said this was not a random meeting. He said the men had arranged to meet by text to sort out a disagreement over a girl. But Mr McCrave cheated and brought the implements. The defendant said he was fairly intoxicated at the time but had since spoken with the victim. It was over a girl, reiterated Mr Boyce. It emerged both had dated the girl at different times. Judge Desmond Zaidan asked: Doesn't it give love a bad name? Mr Boyce added: There are so many songs I could sing. The solicitor said his client was now working both at nights and at the weekend. Generally the loser goes to the Gardai in my experience, said Mr Boyce. Garda Inspector Oliver Henry said that Mr McCrave had not come to Garda attention since. Judge Zaidan said: No woman is worth fighting over. The defenant replied: I've learned that now. Judge Zaidan said Mr McCrave would have to come up with 1,000. He told the defendant that alcohol was not a defence to an assault of this kind. It could have gone horribly wrong, said the judge, adjourning the case to December 20, for the money to be paid. 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. A 15-year-old boy, who allegedly assaulted a female teenager in Co. Kildare, will appear back in court next month. A guilty plea was entered for a separate charge, for the possession of drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act, dating back to March 18 last, at Naas District Court yesterday (October 19). The defendant cant be named due to reporting restrictions, because he is underage. The teenager is also charged with assault causing harm on June 19 2017. The State is alleging that he punched, kicked and headbutted a 15-year-old girl, who was later taken to hospital. It was heard yesterday (October 19) that the court is waiting for DPP directions for the secion 3 assault. When the youth first appeared in court on July 19 last, Judge Desmond Zaidan was told there was an objection to bail. The teenagers parents had concerns over their sons mental health. Conal Boyce, solicitor, representing the defendant, told the court on July 19 that he wanted the youth to be assessed at Oberstown Detention Centre. He was remanded in custody to Oberstown for one week, until July 26. He appeared back at Naas District Court on July 26, where he was remanded to Oberstown for a further week, until August 3. The court was told, on July 26, that a meeting had been arranged with a clinical psychologist in Beaumont Hospital to assess the teenager the following week. On August 3, a further short remand was sought and granted by Judge Miriam Walsh, as the youth was due to meet the clinical psychologist that week. On August 10, the teenager appeared back before Judge Walsh, where he was remanded for a further two weeks, until August 24, as psychological and psychiatric reports would not be completed until that date. On August 24, the youth was released on bail. The report from the assessment sought on him in Oberstown revealed that he had addiction issues, relating specifically to valium and alcohol. The youngster was granted bail on condition that he make no contact with alleged victim of the assault, that he obey a curfew from 10pm to 7am and that he sign on at his local Garda Station. The dedendants mother told Judge Desmond Zaidan, yesterday (October 19) that her son was doing well, has gotten a part-time job, and is making a big effort. The teenager is due back on November 16, for preparation of a probation report. There was no objection to continued bail. Judge Zaidan told the youth to make sure to stay in touch with counsellors and professionals. If you mend your ways, Ill be able to help you, Judge Zaidan told him. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. Shanti Bhavan features at Toronto design festival Toronto design festival EDIT shines a light on a socially innovative school, Shanti Bhavan, in Tamil Nadu /news/talking-point/shanti-bhavan-features-at-toronto-design-festival-111646976550355.html 111646976550355 story Earlier this month, an abandoned soap factory in Toronto morphed into a living, breathing space bursting with design innovations. This 10-day festival of ideas, known as EDIT: Expo for Design, Innovation and Technologyheld from 28 September-8 Octoberwas the brainchild of Design Exchange, a design museum in downtown Toronto. Executed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, the festival was themed on the UNs recently identified 17 global goals for sustainable development, which range from improving health and education and ending poverty and hunger, to combating climate change. Dubbed the festival of the future, EDITs aim was to show how smart, inventive design can help solve some of the biggest issues facing our planet today. Curated by Canadian design visionary Bruce Mau, it featured 125 speakers, 40 workshops and 50 exhibits. Today, we have new problems that dont fit into old categories," says Mau. And design, according to him, is about finding modern solutions. Design isnt a costly add-on, its how we solve problems, a way of thinking." Kentaro Toyama (left) in conversation with Ajit George. Courtesy EDIT One of EDITs sub-curators, Kentaro Toyama, an international development researcher, highlighted Shanti Bhavan, a non-profit boarding school in Baliganapalli, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to transforming the lives and futures of socio-economically backward children, largely from the Dalit community. Social and institutional innovations are as important as physical ones," he says. Shanti Bhavan is perhaps the worlds best example of this in education." The school was founded in 1997 by Abraham George, an Indian entrepreneur who had emigrated to the US years earlier. His son, Ajit George, who serves as director of operations at Shanti Bhavan, was invited to EDIT for a conversation with Toyama about the schools philosophytackling poverty and socio-economic discrimination through high-quality education, provided free of cost. On the surface, Shanti Bhavan is a school, but I really think of it as an ecosystem," George explains. Education is one major component of it but the end result is to uplift children from extreme poverty and social prejudice. Were trying to create a different way of looking at life, of looking at society. And as these kids go off into the world, they become change makers themselves." The school received a flurry of media attention recently thanks to the release of a four-part Netflix docuseries by Oscar-winning film-maker Vanessa Roth, titled Daughters Of Destiny. The series follows five female students over seven years, highlighting the contrast between the world they were born into and the one they are patiently groomed to transition to. Physical and sexual abuse rates are very high in this population, about 80%," says George. Alcoholism rates are high90%. Poverty of this kind is incredibly destructive. Its not just a lack of moneyits like 20 different things combined. Its sexual abuse, its discrimination, its sexism. When these things combine, you have all these forces pressing down on you and preventing you from uplifting yourself. These are the circumstances (our students) come from." Which is why the fact that its graduates have gone on to work for companies like Amazon, Ernst & Young, Mercedes-Benz and Goldman Sachs is so remarkable, and why media outlets like Vogue, Glamour, The New York Times and The Guardian have taken note. Another factor that makes the school truly unique is its focus on feminism, leadership, public speaking, social graces and gender equality. Throughout my life, I went to pretty good schools but there was never any conversation about ethics, morals, feminism, LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning) rights, racial equality," says George. I thought that was really weird. These are fundamental aspects of humanity; we should be having these conversations. If your school cant teach you that, what is your school doing for you? So we try to address these issues in various different ways, with complex questions and real-life scenarios, through continued engagement and periodic reassessment." The school, which has around 300 students, follows the ICSE curriculum. But its clear that this is a school where the endgame isnt just good grades. Its goal is far more profound and significant, one that doesnt stop at changing the life of one child or one familyits about encouraging children to shape the world around them. Clearly, its working. Vogues American edition notes in its recent story on the school that 97% of the alumni are employed full-time, giving 20-50% of their salaries back to their families, communities and villages. Expanding on the notion of different kinds of innovation, George says: Sometimes social innovation is organic. Silicon Valley is a perfect example; the technology firms there have started to shape the city of San Francisco. And sometimes its intentionalintentional design that forms intentional communities. Shanti Bhavan is a great example of that. We bring in elements of design within the school that give it a sense of equity and compassion, that make it a school that gives back, pays forward its successes to others. These are all design elements that create a new way of thinking about society, a new way of living life." 40 years later, Marquee Moon remains a punk pioneer Why New York's punk pioneers' debut album still influences many /news/talking-point/40-years-later-marquee-moon-remains-a-punk-pioneer-111646976977810.html 111646976977810 story If you go by the conventional definition, punk rock songs are quick, short and raw. The instrumentation is minimalist, including usually just a lead guitar, bass and drums, the recordings are rough-hewn, and the lyrics iconoclastic. By that definition, Marquee Moon, the debut album by New York Citys Television, can seem unlike what it is: one of the most influential albums of 1970s-era punk. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Marquee Moon, and that is good enough reason to revisit Television, an early punk rock band that may have well been the inspiration or, at least, the trigger for the rise of New Yorks thriving punk scene of the time. Today, Television arent a band whose name readily springs to mind when you think of that eras punk in what was then a far grittier city than it ever has been. Instead, you would likely recall the more well-known ones such as the Ramones, New York Dolls, Blondie or Patti Smith, all acts that were regulars at the East Villages famous music club, CBGB, which shut down more than a decade ago. Yet, Television are the punk scenes catalyst band. Its where it all began. And Marquee Moon their most important album. There are eight songs on Marquee Moon, and, just for the record, none of them is punk-style short. The title song is really epic, the original version lasts for nearly 11 minutes, and is unlike any other punk song that you may have heard. Its almost like improvised jamming. Television, like others in the punk genre, were a guitar-driven bandin fact, they had two guitaristsand on the title track there are two raw solos that cast you in different directions, but so seamlessly that you could wonder: Am I listening to 1970s punk, or what?" But you are. Television were indeed a punk band, but like none other. Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd both played guitar (Verlaine also did the lead vocals for the band) and while the former ostensibly played lead and the latter rhythm, the distinction vanishes on many of their songs, including Marquee Moon. Instead, the two interact in a manner that could recall improvisational musicians or even the guitar-driven jam bands of the West Coast. Yet, Television kept things punk-style simple. Their performances and songs ooze with high energy; their melodies and tunes are stripped of the embellishment that the music of rock bands before punk was layered with; and their recordings, although less garage-y than other bands, had an edge to them. It took time for Television to make their debut album. The band had been around for a while before that happened. Formed in 1973, Televisions early line-up included, besides Verlaine and Lloyd, Richard Hell, another flamboyant star of New Yorks punk scene. Verlaine and Hell collaborated with musicians such as Patti Smith and Television began playing regular gigs in New Yorks music clubs, including CBGB. Those gigs attracted fans in the underground music scene but it took a while before the debut album was released. By then Hell had left to pursue a solo career. Marquee Moon, interestingly, got more critical acclaim in Britain than it did initially in the bands home country. At home in the US, other punk acts had already released albums before Marquee Moon came outthe Ramones had by then become regulars at CBGB and their first album was out; so was Patti Smiths Horses; and Blondies debut album. The delay in debuting with an album may explain in part why Televisions pioneering status in New Yorks punk rock is sometimes overlooked. Also, perhaps, because the band was not as overtly punk" as others of their era, many of whom had other trappings. The Ramones, for instance, had quirky trademarks of band members adopting pseudonyms with Ramone as the surname and a regulation uniform of tattered denims and leather jackets. But as Marquee Moon grew on listenersand it does even now if you listen to itit became a sort of watershed for the genre. At the core of the album is, of course, the title song, which showcases Televisions ability to take punks simple, minimal oeuvre and add guitar virtuosity that, surprisingly for a punk band, appears to draw on genres such as jazz and funk. But every song on Marquee Moon demonstrates that aspect of the band. As with all punk rock records of the time, the songs on the album swell with dynamism and the energy levels never subside. Still, they are a contrast with, say, the music of the Ramones, who became far more popular but whose songs seem dumbed down and less artistically wrought than Televisions. But the band was short-lived. Television released two more studio albums. Adventure came out in 1978, the year the band broke up, partly because of Lloyds drug abuse. There was a reunion in 1992 and a third self-titled album, but nothing more. Since then, Television have performed irregularly as a band, both in the US and in Britain, but the peak that they reached with Marquee Moon has never been scaled. Many bands, especially of the 1980s, including notably R.E.M., have cited that album as being a big influence on their music, and critics and fans through the years havent stopped voicing their appreciation for it. What better time to give it another listen than on its 40th anniversary? *** The Lounge List Five tracks to bookend this week 1. Marquee Moon by Television from Marquee Moon 2. The Dreams Dream by Television from Adventure 3. Sheena Is A Punk Rocker by the Ramones from Rocket To Russia 4. Blank Generation by Richard Hell & The Voidoids from Blank Generation 5. Gloria by Patti Smith from Horses First Beat is a column on whats new and groovy in the world of music. The Square and the circle of political correctness Would you turn on a blender and kill some goldfish for the sake of art? This year's Palme D'Or winner makes us introspect about how we react in different moral and ethical situations /news/talking-point/the-square-and-the-circle-of-political-correctness-111646976662602.html 111646976662602 story The Square stood out for me in the Mumbai Film Festival line-up this year, not just because it won the Palme DOr, the highest honour at Cannes, five months ago, but also because it was widely advertised as a satire on the contemporary art world". The films central figure is Christian (the Danish actor Claes Bang), the curator of Stockholms X-Royal contemporary art museum. But this movie is not about a heros journey. It is about all of us. Christians museum is about to unveil a new exhibition, The Square, which is a 44m demarcated space in the museums courtyard. A plaque announces it as a sacred place that demands equality and the responsibility of helping whoever is inside. The idea, as Christian explains in a press conference, is that people act differently in different spaces. It is a social experiment based on the idea of relational aesthetics. However, Christian begins to question his commitment to these liberal values after his phone and wallet are stolen. Directed by Ruben Ostlund, The Square makes us introspect about how we react in different moral and ethical situations. The Swedish directors last movie, Force Majeure (2014), in which a cowardly father abandons his family during an avalanche, was also a wry take on the gulf between a mans actual deeds and his lofty ideals. I find the idea of posing these questions within the ambiguous world of contemporary art very savvy because that is precisely what immersive, interactive art installationswhich are having a moment right nowask: What would you do? There is a fair amount of art in the movie. Apart from the piles of gravel that Ostlund has admitted were inspired by the work of the American installation artist Robert Smithson, the rest are made up but very on-the-ball. In one work, museum visitors are required to push an I trust people/I dont trust people" button and then go one of two ways, reminding me of the time I had to make many such choices at Frieze New York in 2015. At the art fair, the Japanese-American artist Aki Sasamotos installation Coffee/Tea invited visitors into a three-dimensional personality test where, by answering questions like whether we liked our toilet paper rolled outwards or inwards, we arrived at one of many doors in the end (I was given a pin that said I was Into Big" while my friend was apparently Into Happy".) Not all interactive art is as breezy. In 2000, the Chilean artist Marco Evaristti stirred up a heated debate on art and ethics when he asked visitors if they would turn on a blender with live goldfish in it. The piece Helena & El Pescador debuted at the Trapholt museum in Kolding, Denmark, and had goldfish swimming in 10 kitchen blenders. Visitors were given a choice: Hit the on" button and kill the fish, or pardon them. Could Evaristti be accused of violating animal rights if he was only giving visitors an option? Would you turn on a blender and kill some goldfish for the sake of art? At Cannes, jury president Pedro Almodovar cited The Square for depicting the dictatorship of being politically correct". This is best exemplified by a harrowing scene in which the museum is hosting an artists talk. The panellists are repeatedly interrupted by an audience member with Tourettes syndrome who shouts sexually explicit obscenities. When they complain, they are chastised by the sophisticated audience on grounds of political correctnessthe man has a neuropsychiatric disorder, and cannot help his creative insults. The scene captures the ridiculous lengths to which a group of people might go to keep up the appearance of tolerance and civility. About his lead characters, who are archetypally weak men, Ostlund has said in several interviews that he is interested in what it means to be a man these days because we are all born into a kind of collective guilt. The choices we make define us. Back in 1933, Ayn Rand wrote The Night Of January 16th, a play in which members of the audience were chosen to play the jury, and judge if the mistress of a businessman was guilty of his murder. The plays ending depended on the verdict. The judgement by audiences in different parts of the world revealed their own moral compass. The Square closes on an open note. We dont know if Christian does the right thing. In fact, it is entirely up to the audience to even decide what the right thing is. Art is a good place to ask these questions. Like whether you would turn on the blender. A million-dollar sub Aston Martin to launch personal submarines /news/talking-point/a-million-dollar-sub-111646976735149.html 111646976735149 story Aston Martin expects the sub will be available in about a year and will be priced at around $4 million (around Rs26 crore) The British automaker unveiled its first submersible design at the recent Monaco Yacht Show. Dubbed Project Neptune, its a three-person vehicle with silver, blade-like pontoons and an acrylic bubble of a cabin for maximizing underwater views. Aston Martin expects the sub will be available in about a year and will be priced at around $4 million (around Rs26 crore). The company plans to build no more than a dozen of the submersibles per year, the companys chief creative officer Marek Reichman says. If you think about Aston Martin, we are a very exclusive brand. In 100 years, weve only made 80,000 cars." Neptune is a collaboration between Aston Martin Consulting, the companys design consulting arm, and Florida-based Triton Submarines, which has been making luxury submersibles for a little more than a decade. The model is based on Tritons Low Profile (LP) platform, specifically designed for super yachts. At just 5.9ft tall and 8,800 pounds, its the lightest and smallest three-person sub in production in the world. Its capable of diving to 1,650ft, has a speed of 3 knots, or 3.5 miles per hour. It is also air-conditioned. Aston Martin has gradually been expanding into other luxury areas. Last year it unveiled the AM37, a 1,000 brake horsepower motorboat created with Quintessence Yachts and Mulder Design naval architects. Reichman says the company had done extensive research on what high-net-worth individuals were interested in purchasing other than cars. Unsurprisingly, many are into boating. Its about having some other way of entertaining your guests." Bloomberg First Dastoor Meherjirana Library: The Oxford of Gujarat The restoration of the holdings of the 145-year-old First Dastoor Meherjirana Library in Navsari is an exercise in reclaiming the illustrious history of Parsis in India /news/talking-point/first-dastoor-meherjirana-library-the-oxford-of-gujarat-111646976453069.html 111646976453069 story I never saw such a fine collection in a small town, and it does honour to the generosity of the donors and to the zeal for instruction of the Parsi population at Navsari. This visit will remain one of the best remembrances of my short occasion in the Parsi mofussil. This inscription, the first entry in the guestbook of Navsaris 145-year-old First Dastoor Meherjirana Library, scrawled in the lithe, oblique hand of James Darmesteter, a French Orientalist, translator and scholar of Iranian philology and Zoroastrianism, dates back to January 1887. The son of a Jewish bookbinder, Darmesteter was elected chair of Iranian languages at the College de France in Paris in 1885. He travelled to India the next year to trace the origins of a few Pashto ballads. His 11-month-long itinerary included excursions to the Punjab, Peshawar and Abbottabad and brief halts in Bombay (now Mumbai) and Navsari. An article he wrote on Bombays oldest French library, Le Cercle Litteraire Bibliotheque Dinshaw Petit, located on Forbes Street (today V.B. Gandhi Marg in the Kala Ghoda precinct), published in Les Journal des Debats in November 1891, testifies to his visit to this thrumming commercial centre of colonial India. But what drew Darmesteter to Navsari, a sleepy town in Gujarat surrounded by chikoo plantations, about 250km from Bombay? Photo: Abhijit Bhatlekar/Mint Centre of learning I first came to Navsari in 2015, looking for a house that had belonged to my paternal great-grandfather. The nationwide construction boom is visible here too as the town steadfastly embraces changepastel-hued, one-storeyed houses with spacious otlas (porches) are now transforming into modest apartment blocks; grocery shops are making way for ritzy showrooms. When I went back in August this year, I made sure to stroll through the town, taking in the detailsdense gulkand ice cream at the Yazdan Cold Drink House, the swathe of green that is Tata Baug, and the striking facade of the library on an arterial street. It is believed that Parsi migrants settled in Navsari in the 12th century, some 400 years after their arrival on the shores of Sanjan. It is also believed that Navsari has the oldest existing fire temple outside of Iran, the Vadi Dar-e-Meher, consecrated between 1140-60the exact date is contentious. It is revered as the most important centre of priestly learning in India, especially for those ceremonies that ordain priesthood. Navsari is so important to Parsis as a centre of learning, with the Vadi Dar-e-Meher being a key centre for initiation into priesthood, that in his Gujarati book Tawarikh-e-Navsari (1897), historian and sociologist Sorabji Mancherji Desai compares it to Oxford University. James Darmesteters entry in the visitors book dated January 1887. Photo: Abhijit Bhatlekar/Mint The foundation of a library in this town of scholarship and erudition was perhaps only to be expected. The First Dastoor Meherjirana Library was established in 1872 in the towns Dastoor Vad precinct, and is home to about 630 manuscripts written in Avesta, Gujarati, Pahlavi, Pazand, Persian, Sanskrit and Urdu. Back then, it functioned as a kitab khana (or the space of a library-workshop; also known as khizana-al-kutub) where human and material resources were accumulated in order to manufacture manuscripts," says Katy Antia, chairperson of the librarys board of trustees. Katy Antia, chairperson of the librarys board of trustees (right), with Parinaz Gheewala, administrator. Photo: Abhijit Bhatlekar/Mint In 1872, Navsariwala Seth Burjor Bamanji Padam, a wealthy Parsi gentleman, gave Rs225 to construct the library. But soon there were too many books; a larger space was needed. In 1906, Jamshedji Kavasji Dastoor Meherji Rana gifted the building he owned in Tarota Bazaar, and the library still stands here today. An annexe was erected in 1967 after a donation of Rs16,000 by Seth Rustomji Hormusji Kolah. Kolahs family were the original makers of the feted brewed cane vinegar (sarko) and fish roe pickle (gharab nu achaar) that Navsari is known for. One of the outlets of the 132-year-old EF Kolah & Sons, in fact, is a stones throw from the library. In 2009, using funds from the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, a new building adjoining the existing structure was constructed. The library now has a reading room, a conference hall, accommodation for visiting scholars and a laboratory for the conservation of manuscripts. It was the second library in India to house important Zoroastrian manuscripts, founded 15 years after the establishment of the Mulla Feroze Library in Mumbai. The upper level of the main reading room. Photo: Abhijit Bhatlekar/Mint The librarys repository of manuscripts is impressive and wide-rangingit includes sanads belonging to the Mughals; an Indo-Persian cookbook titled Kitab al Maqulat val Mashrubat; recipes from Unani medicine in Gujarati; Outlines Of Zend Grammar in Avestan; and copies of the 19th century illustrated and lithographed Shahnameh, a Persian epic by Firdausi first completed in 1010. It is also home to printed publications such as volumes of Parsee Prakash (see box), a record of the obituaries of prominent Parsis; the collected works of Friedrich Max Muller, including Chips From A German Workshop and India: What Can It Teach Us?; and parts of Harmsworth Popular Science, a British fortnightly on science and innovation first published in 1912. There are books on science, philosophy and popular literature, autobiographies and encyclopaedias. The library is often open until midnight, with students using the reading room free of charge. It is a space open to members of all communities. The Meherjirana Library has attracted scholars from across the worldAustralia, France, Germany, Iran, Japan, Spain, the UK and US. We have hosted 56 scholars in the last six years," says Antia. A three-day conference in January 2013 saw the library play host to scholars such as author Amitav Ghosh, historian and pedagogue Dinyar Patel and a researcher from the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, Anton Zykov, and was an occasion to showcase a selection of the meticulously conserved manuscripts. The library has also been working closely with Prof. Alberto Cantera and his team of researchers at the University of Salamanca, Spain, to digitize important Avestan manuscripts through the Avestan Digital Project (see box). The story of its name The name of the library can be traced to one of the manuscripts it holds, the Mahyarnama, a versified Persian biography of Meherji Rana. A boy named Mahyar Vacha, later known as Meherji Rana, was born in Navsari in 1514. Adopted into the lineage of the Bhagaria group of Parsi-Zoroastrian priests of his paternal uncle Vaccha Jesang, Meherji Rana soon won recognition for his devoutness. According to a translation of the Mahyarnama, an excerpt of which appears on the official website of the library, Meherji Rana was chosen by the Mughal governor at Surat to have an audience with the Emperor Akbar...During his stay at the court from 1578-79 AD, Meherji Rana impressed the emperor so much that according to the Mughal historian Abd al-Qadir al-Badauni, the Emperor ordered his vizier Abul Fazl to keep a fire burning day and night at the court. Meherji Rana thwarted the sorcery of a Hindu priest named Jagatguru, who had caused a plate to ascend into the sky, appearing like a second sun. Before Meherji Rana left court he was given a land grant by the Emperor, in an area called Ghelkhadi, near Navsari." A restored firman in the library. Photo: Abhijit Bhatlekar/Mint A firman or sanad (deed) was issued under Akbars seal and signed by Abul Fazl. Today, it sits framed in the administrative office of the library. Restored with the support of the New Delhi-based Parzor Foundation, first initiated by UNESCO New Delhi in 1999 for the preservation of Parsi-Zoroastrian heritage, it was on display at the exhibition Threads Of Continuity: Zoroastrian Life And Culture, held at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi in March last year. Upon his return to Navsari, Meherji Rana was accepted as the head priest (vada dastur). There began a priestly lineage that continues today: On 25 January 2010, Kaikhushroo Navroze Dastoor was chosen as the 17th Dastoor Meherji Rana, and currently serves as the head priest. The Atash Behram (fire temple) in Navsari. Photo: Abhijit Bhatlekar/Mint A stately structure in cadet blue and white, the library is located a short distance from the Atash Behram (fire temple). A flight of stairs leads to the main reading room, where empty chaises longues dot the periphery. In the afternoon, the space sinks into sepulchral silence, save for the rare cry of a hawker ferrying wood apples and sweet-and-tart carambola (kamrakh) on a pushcart down the street. The air is filled with the musky scent of leather-bound covers. A wrought iron spiral staircase in one corner leads to more cupboards chock-full of books. A member of the staff arranges well-thumbed dailies on a pigeon-hole wall shelf. Students pore over tomes to prepare for entrance examinations, patrons go through newspapers with hawk eyes. Ervad Rustomji Padsha Antia, one of the oldest residents of Navsari, at his 100-year-old house in Tarota Bazaar. Photo: Abhijit Bhatlekar/Mint Keeping up with the past In 1923, the library commissioned Ervad Bamanji Nasarwanji Dhabar, a scholar of Zoroastrian studies and Avestan and Pahlavi, to catalogue the collection. They had 469 manuscripts. This was titled Descriptive Catalogue Of All Manuscripts In The First Dastur Meherji Rana Library", Navsari, known colloquially as Dhabars Catalogue". In 2008, a comprehensive catalogue of all the manuscripts received after 1923 was compiled by Firoze Kotwal, a community scholar-priest and adviser to the Unesco-Parzor Foundation project of manuscript conservation, Daniel Sheffield, a postdoctoral fellow and scholar from Princeton University, and Bharti Gandhi, the librarian at the time. They listed the 157 manuscripts that had been acquired over 85 years. The collection of manuscripts was built gradually as a result of contributions by various families and individuals from Navsari and elsewhere, says Antia. Several manuscripts were donated by the Meherjirana family itself. The largest was by Dastoor Erachji Sorabji Meherjirana (1826-1900), a descendant of Mahyar and a remarkable scholar who mastered the art of writing Persian manuscripts by hand at a young age. He was appointed librarian at the Mulla Feroze Library in the early 1860s, and simultaneously assigned the task of copying a number of manuscripts in Avestan, Gujarati and Persian. According to Kotwals paper, A Treasury Of Zoroastrian Manuscripts: The First Dastoor Meherjirana Library, Navsari (2011), Dastoor Erachji not only made copies for the Mulla Feroze Library but for himself as well. When he donated his collection to the Meherjirana Library, there were more than 75 manuscripts in his own hand. He is also recognized for having compiled the first Pahlavi-Gujarati dictionary in 1869. More recently, the holdings of the library have been further enriched by the acquisition of manuscripts from families living in Mumbai, from Kotwals collection, as well as from non-resident Indians. The exactitude of the makers" of Zoroastrian manuscriptsthe calligrapher, illustrator and binderwas of prime importance at each stage of creation. The same importance can be extended to the role of the conservator. The important manuscripts conserved at the library by the INTACH Conservation Institute, Lucknow, include two illustrated volumes of the Shahnameh, the Sikandar Nameh of the Persian poet Nizami, Jamaspi manuscripts in Gujarati, a Persian vanshavali (genealogical chart), and several firmans. First undertaken in February 2006, INTACHs ongoing conservation of rare manuscripts was planned in phases. A temporary climate-controlled laboratory was set up inside the library annexe. Twenty-five phases of curative conservation have since been completed, and 88,417 folios restored. Around 698 objects, including firmans, scrolls (one is 18ft long), vanshavalis, oil paintings and photographs were given a new lease of life. Mamta Mishra, director of the institute, says: The main problem was posed by the fugitive inks used and the charred effect of the iron gall ink, which is acidic in nature. The iron gall ink is initially black in colour but on ageing, chars, turns brown, and gets transferred on the rear side of the paper." The most common causes of wear and tear, according to Mishra, are deposition of dust and dirt on the paper, brittleness due to acidity, warping and abrasion of the folios, and ink stains. Fungus growth and infestation by insects take a toll too. Defective repair using acidic paper too leaves splodges of adhesive on the folios. The pages are very delicatethere is a fearful crackle of paper; it crinkles at the slightest touch. Yet the greatest challenge comes from the climate, which prompted the microfilming of almost 90,000 pages, a project funded by the Parzor Foundation. Other donors include the FE Dinshaw Trust, the Pirojsha Godrej Foundation and the World Zoroastrian Organisation Trust. Membership of the library has grown. It currently has about 400 members, 100 of them lifetime members. The fee is modestRs240 for an year-long membership, and Rs5,000 for lifetime membership. Acquiring funds is a recurrent challenge faced by the library, but its operation and upkeep are far from the bureaucratic malaise that plagues similar institutions in the country, owing to the dedication of trustees and staff. There is endless conservation work to be done and more manuscripts await treatment," says Mishra. They are then beneficial to the research scholars who visit the library from time to time." *** Photo: Abhijit Bhatlekar/Mint Parsee Prakash Born in Bombay in 1849, Bomanji Byramjee Patel collected newspaper cuttings of major events in the Parsi community of Bombay and the world. When he died in 1908, it is believed he left behind about 200 scrapbooks of cuttings. But a few benevolent Parsis had recognized its archival value earlier. They helped Patel establish a periodical that would eventually become a vital source of reference for the general public. It was named Parsee Prakash, and comprised unabridged obituaries of members of the community; letters drafted by renowned Parsis; government deeds; and even the eloquent writings of itinerant travellers. While the first volume, comprising 11 parts, was published in 1888, the second was put together after his death by his wife. Thereafter, Rustam Barjorji Paymaster, a Mumbai-based scholar and poet, was hired to edit and compile volumes (3-7), published by 1942. Following Paymasters death in 1943, efforts were made to renew the periodical, and by 1973, another four volumes were published, recording events until 1962. It is believed that an additional volume (12) served as a comprehensive index to the entire set. Most of the volumes are at present at the Meherjirana Library, the KR Cama Oriental Institute in Mumbai, and the library of the Bombay Parsi Panchayat. *** Photo: Abhijit Bhatlekar/Mint Conservation of the KhordehAvesta from 1601 he INTACH restoration process salvaged a copy of the Khordeh Avesta, a prized manuscript of the library that is over 400 years old. The team from the department of preservation at the Royal Library in Copenhagen, Denmark, led by conservator Hanne Karin Serensen and book-binder Hanna Munch Christensen, received it in two volumes: one comprising 299 folios, and the other, 250 folios. Handwritten in red and black ink, it was partially restored by the late Nicholas Hadgraft in Cambridge, UK. The text arrived in Copenhagen in poor conditionthe manuscript was unbound, the pages yellowing and infested. The red ink had corroded in portions, and the paper was prone to foxing, or the appearance of reddish-brown rusty blotches. The restoration process Strips of thin Japanese paper were used to secure the insect-damaged parts The adhesives were chosen to suit a warmer climate. In some places, wheat starch was used to create stronger bonds. The loose pages were rejoined with strips of paper from both sides, the quires gathered and sewn together. The book block was sewn on and woven with cotton-linen tape, and the sewing thread used was a linen yarn from Sweden. The spine was glued with synthetic adhesive Evacon-R. The end bands were made by hand and sewn with linen thread on a thin rope, followed by a piece of tape to further strengthen the structure. Preparation of the leather cover involved paring with a hand-knife, to make the edges thin enough for a gathering which appears as discrete as possible. The box was lined with cotton flannel, the spine covered in the same leather as the cover, and the lid and sides dressed with red-coloured bookbinders cloth. The manuscript is now nestled in a cabinet under the watchful gaze of the librarian. It is available on request, and one is expected to wear a pair of gloves while leafing through its painstakingly restored pages. Bamboo craft from Tripura, auctioned at Christies Bengaluru-based designer Sandeep Sangaru's take on Tripura's bamboo crafts featured in a Christie's auction /news/talking-point/bamboo-craft-from-tripura-auctioned-at-christies-111646976622508.html 111646976622508 story The limited-edition Truss-Me Wallscape is a wall-mounted shelf made with split and lacquered bamboo gently bent around the edges, creating a beautiful angularity. In the same vein, the Truss-Me Clothes Stand, also made in lacquered bamboo, stands tall and slender like a modern-day totem pole. Both pieces have gold-plated brass and stainless-steel fittings. Designed by Bengaluru-based designer Sandeep Sangaru, the two pieces belong to a series of furniture called Truss-Me that originated almost 14 years ago in the bamboo craft traditions of Tripura. The Truss-Me collection includes sofas, chairs, an uninterrupted bench system, stools, a floor-standing, tree-like shelf, a wall-mounted shelf and a clothes stand. The last two of these pieces found place in auction house Christies latest catalogue. Among the modern masterpieces listed in the 154-page Design London catalogue that went to auction this week was a section on Asian and Contemporary Design"featuring objects from China, Japan, Vietnam and India. Sangarus Truss-Me Clothes Stand, among the 16 unique and very limited edition pieces" on auction, sold for 3,000 (around Rs2.5 lakh) with premium. The interest of Christies curators in Truss-Me lay in the continuity of craft tradition it embodies. We offered Sangarus work last year at Shanghai, and this year decided to bring it to the West (London). Firstly, the materials he is working with were of great interest in the curation of the sale: bamboo and lacquer. And secondly, it integrates traditional skills but adapted to our modern world. Sangarus pieces fit into a house in Paris or a loft in New York or an apartment in China. Its global and at the same time rich in the local history of India," Geraldine Lenain, international director at Christies, says on email. Truss-Me Wallscape and Truss-Me Clothes Stand as featured in Christies Design London catalogue dated 18 October. The roots The origin of these minimal bamboo forms goes back to 2002, when Sangaru first visited Agartalas artisan workshops. Abounding in bamboo and cane forests, the North-East has historically used the material extensively, for everything from large structural constructions like bridges and houses to furniture, toys, tools and beautifully crafted musical instruments. Sangaru, who is an alumnus of the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, and has intermittently been a faculty member there, went to Tripura as part of an NID team that was setting up the Bamboo and Cane Development Institute in Agartala. What I realized was that their use of bamboo for their everyday lives was so evolved, yet the craft bazaars always saw the same archaic bamboo souvenirs," says Sangaru in a phone interview. So Truss-Me began as an attempt to push the possibilities of the material, primarily its inherent tensile strength. It is an attempt to break bamboo out of its cast of a rudimentary material, the urban conception of which might be limited to the bamboo ladders used in construction. Thats what I thought of bamboo before I went to Tripura," recalls Sangaru. By the time I returned from Tripura that year, I had conceptualized an essential triangular form I wanted to work with." NIDs Ahmedabad campus had a bamboo centre where artisans from Tripura were training and working. Sangaru began to work with Shishir Debbarma and Brajendra Debbarma, craftsmen at the centre, who refined the triangle form for Truss-Me. A string of young artisans from Tripura followed, working in Sangarus workshop to produce the collection. Shishir Debbarma. Bending backwards The designer portrays a talent for simplicity and minimalism. The Truss-Me collections basic triangular form is structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. Lightweight, fragile to look at but strong and sturdy, Sangaru employs the concept of a truss, a load-bearing frame used in construction, to create this line using split bamboo poles. The journey from Tripura to Christies, however, has been a long tale of persistence. In 2007, Sangaru received a call from the Tripura Bamboo Mission to create a line of furniture for commercial production. Thats when Truss-Me was developed into a functional, saleable, commercially producible line of products. The products were ready but the commercialization never happened. I was quite frustrated," recalls Sangaru. Then, the Red Dot Design Awards happened. The seminal German design awards, a launch pad for emerging designers worldwide, recognized the genius of Truss-Me and awarded it the Best of the best" in 2009. After Red Dot, we were featured in magazines and people started reaching out for buying, showing in galleries, private homes, etc." Truss-Me was spotted by well-known Hong Kong-based designer and curator Freeman Lau, for the Beijing International Design Triennale in 2011, where it showed as part of a show called Rethinking Bamboo. Thats where Truss-Me found one of its most loyal patrons in entrepreneur and art collector Juan van Wassenhove. He is also managing partner of The Temple Hotel, a luxury hotel restored from an ancient temple and situated in the shadow of the Forbidden City. Pieces from Truss-Me can be seen at Temple Hotel. Bamboo is very Asian. It is in plenty and the craft is still vibrant, but in China I could not find any design I really liked. In Taiwan, some designers are great but craftsmen are few, hence the price for good furniture is very high. I found Sandeeps furniture to be like sculpture, yet practical. That is how our collaboration started," says Wassenhove on email. With Wassenhoves encouragement, Sangaru decided to take Truss-Me a notch higher. He began to experiment with lacquering, finished it with gold and brass detailing, and set a strict standard for quality and craftsmanship. Showing Truss-Me at Christies helps us to gauge its monetary value," says Sangaru. Monetary as well as aspirational value; to share space with the best of modern design, to be part of a curated list that celebrates traditional craft legacies while looking to the future. The journey of Truss-Me reveals the possibilities for Indian craft and design going forward. Lounge Preview| Indian Cherry Blossom Festival The cherry blossom festival's second edition leads the way on ecotourism /news/talking-point/lounge-preview-indian-cherry-blossom-festival-111646976648782.html 111646976648782 story Each spring, cherry trees burst into bloom throughout Japan. For the Japanese, the cherry blossoms are rich in symbolism, their short period of bloomlasting only a week or twoserving as a metaphor for the transience of life and ephemerality of beauty. Thanks to the government of Meghalaya, such metaphysical musings do not require a trip to Japan any longer. Last year, it started Indias first cherry blossom festival in collaboration with the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), which does research on the rich biodiversity of the North-East. The idea of a festival occurred to IBSD director Dinabandhu Sahoo during a visit to Shillong in 2014. A chance sighting of a single cherry tree through his hotel window set him on the path to discovering hundreds of cherry trees growing randomly throughout Shillong and nearby areas". The wish to see an Indian festival celebrating cherry blossoms, just like it happens all over Japan, took hold. Hanami, or flower-viewing", is a Japanese tradition to celebrate spring that has inspired similar festivals around the world. With the governments help, thousands of trees were planted in Shillong in avenue style", says Sahoo. Avenue planting is still rare in Indian citiesthis involves planting trees of similar height carefully on either side of the road, equidistant to each other, to create tree-lined avenues with aesthetic appeal. Why would you pay lakhs of rupees to go see cherry blossoms in Japan, Europe or the US?" asks Sahoo, adding with a loud laugh, Just fly to Guwahati and take a bus!" The response last year was unexpected and tremendous and the festival is back this year with events planned over four days, from 8-11 November. They include storytelling sessions, music concerts and guided night walks under illuminated cherry blossoms. The North-East has immense natural beauty and Sahoo believes sustainable ecotourism and a bio-economy", which harnesses the areas natural resources, could have a huge positive economic impact. With more plantation drives planned in Sikkim, Mizoram, Assam and Manipur, Sahoo wants to bring peace and prosperity in the area" and change the face of the North-East, one cherry blossom at a time. The India International Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from 8-11 November in Shillong. Click here for details. The swadeshi apple The most commonly grown apple variety in India, 'Delicious', isn't Indian at all /news/talking-point/the-swadeshi-apple-111646976593064.html 111646976593064 story Its an enviable view that Vijay Stokes has from his family home, Harmony Hall. It crests his very own hill in Kotgarh, 3 hours north-east of Shimla, and on a clear day he can see snow-capped Himalayan peaks ring the horizon while the Sutlej river snakes through the valley below. Pickaxe in hand, and dressed in his customary Pahari kurta and waistcoat, the 78-year-old is reworking an experiment his grandfather, Samuel Stokes, had begun nearly a century before him. And it has to do with an apple which was as much an outsider seeking a home in India as his grandfather. In the late 1910s, Samuel had planted an American apple variety called the Delicious on the same hilltop. The fruit itself wasnt new to the region, or even to India (the British, who spent their summers in Shimla, grew small quantities of their sour Pippins in the surrounding hills, and to the north, the legendary Ambri variety of the Kashmir valley pointed to a more ancient connection). But Samuel, like his apples, was a newcomer: The American had come to India in 1904 as a Christian missionary. Samuel (Satyanand) Stokes with daughter Satyavati and wife Agnes. Photo: Courtesy Vijay Stokes Today, Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir account for three-quarters of Indias apple crop and most of these are mutations of the Deliciouseither the Royal, or its more attractive crimson relative, the Red Deliciousthat Samuel first brought to India. When you bite into a gleaming red apple and your mouth fills with juice and sound, civil disobedience is probably the furthest thought from your mind. But chances are that a few of Samuels new saplings were planted by his young Pahari wife, Agnes, while her Khadi-clad husband was in jail with Lala Lajpat Rai and other Congress workers in Lahore. For though Samuel is remembered for introducing the Delicious apples to India, he had, by the time of his death a year before independence, participated in the freedom struggle; agitated for the abolition of begara system of forced labour in the hill states; converted to Hinduism and changed his name to Satyanand; and written books on comparative religion and mysticism. Vijay, the eldest of Samuels 29 grandchildren, retired from his engineering job in the US in 2002 and returned to Kotgarh to find that the family orchards had gone to seed. I asked a fruit agent how the Harmony Hall apples were doing and he said, Arre yeh toh bahut badnaam hain (Oh, no one likes those). I was shocked!" There was no one to look after the orchards; Samuels offspring have gone on to do everything but apple farming. Deciding to spend half his time in Kotgarh every year (and the other half in the US), Vijay began work on his grandfathers legacy. He started by tinkering with the packaging and marketing of the fruits, but soon realized that the trees were past their prime. So he bulldozed all the trees on the 40-acre family orchard and planted new varieties. Everybody thought I was crazy and most of them still do. But in the West, they plant new trees on a regular basis as old ones age. How else do you build a model farm?" In planting apples around the family estate, Samuel was looking for a way out of poverty for Kotgarh farmers. A family man, he couldnt continue to depend on his fathers fortune (built from an elevator business on the East Coast) for his many community projects. The hilly terrain and long winter months only afforded a single crop: either wheat or maize. In a letter to his mother in Philadelphia in 1912, he wrote: If I can find anything which will yield the farmers here a larger crop per acre, I shall be doing the people a real service." Then, on a vacation in America in 1914, Samuel discovered the economic potential of apples. Eventually, he hit upon a bright red variety from a nursery in Missouri, and it flourished in the Himalayan climate. Temperate fruits like the apple need cold winters to delay bud formation on the trees, so the flowering period is short and the resulting fruit healthy and plentiful. In August 1926, no longer a member of the Congress, Samuel informed his mother: As I sit writing I can hear outside my window the bells on the necks of mules which have come to carry away the first boxes of fruit from the new trees in the orchard." He also distributed saplings to friends and relatives. The returns were slow because even if the farmers grew them, there were no roads to transport the apples even to Shimla. In the end, the fruit made it to the markets and Kotgarhs villages became immensely wealthy. Susheela Jhina, an 89-year old orchardist, attended the school that Samuel set up on his estate. In school, Stokes sahib would put us to work in the orchards for an hour every week, boys and girls," she recollects, looking out at the valley from her home in Kotkhai. Thats how the first of us locals learnt apple farming." A small, apple-packing centre in Kotgarh. Photo: Manas Roshan Today, Kotgarh is a tranquil little village where the old orchardists have settled into a life of the landed gentry: marrying into other prominent families, fondly recollecting their rugged Pahari childhoods and building big, beautiful homes. They board up for the long winters, which they see out in Chandigarh and Delhi or abroad, where their children are. Apple production, which peaked in the 1980s, has plateaued. Nothing has really changed in our farming methods since the early days," says Ramesh Sharma, a Kotgarh orchardist who heads a small-growers association. But now we have to worry about unpredictable weather. Hailstorms are more frequent and the winters are not as cold and long as they used to be." No one here does things scientifically," Vijay complains. How can anyone tell you rainfall is insufficient if a single weather station in Shimla gathers data for the whole state? Take the case of pruning: All the fruit trees have a canopy structure and there is very little fruit on the inside. The absence of light, and the presence of moisture, provides the perfect climate for disease." In his orchards, newly planted dwarf apple trees stand like upturned umbrellas, the lowest branches longer than the ones at the top. Vijay is obsessive. As part of his quest for a comprehensive model of cultivation, his workers count every apple from every tree and study the weight of each boxed variety. They report to him on the phone when hes away; he has even installed a weather station on his estate. When hes not in his orchards, he tours the surrounding villages collecting folk songs and documenting the Pahari dialect. He says a couple of songs mention his grandfather, but never his fruit. The apple was first domesticated in present-day Kazakhstan at least 4,000 years ago and travelled along the Silk Route to Europe and China. This is possibly how Kashmir got its Ambri. Despite what an anglicized upbringing would suggest, an apple before going to bed keeps the doctor from earning his bread", the fruits history appears a lot less wholesome after this. Perhaps its archetypal: The original Hebrew Bible didnt specify which fruit led to Adam and Eve being banished from paradisemost likely a pomegranate or fig, according to scholars. But the Latin word maluswhich means both evil and applecrept in thanks to an error in translation and the apple (Malus pumila) was forever cast in the role of a troublemaker. When the Puritans sailed with their seeds for the New World, the apples they grew there were almost entirely consumed as cider. Water wasnt safe to drink, so brewing became a national pastime. Then, the 19th century temperance movement forced a transformation in the apples use from tavern drink to table fruit. The food writer Michael Pollan describes it as an evolutionary schemer: The apple adapted to meet the needs of its travelling companions, evolving to become a portable, durable conduit for sweetness." In the late 19th century, the famous apple breeders of Missouri, the Stark brothers, acquired the rights to one particular variety from a Quaker farmer in Iowa. They were so impressed by it that they named it Delicious" and protected it with fences and burglar alarms. Samuel Stokes search for agricultural gold led him to the Stark Brothers nursery. The biggest threat to Indian apples is from Chinese and US imports. But the tragedy is that varietal introduction never took off in India after the initial arrival of Delicious varieties.- Indians want their apple to be sweet; they want it red; and they want it elongated," says Vijay, irritated by our simple tastes. But it isnt just us Indians; in the rush to meet the American appetite for sweetness in the 1950s, breeders began to aggressively propagate clonesgrafting a piece of a tree with the desired qualities on to the trunk of anotherof the Delicious, which was chosen for its sugary taste and longer shelf life. The resulting copies nearly wiped out older, heirloom varieties. Its universality made the Red Delicious the most friendless apple in America: Stories are rife in the press on how their best qualities were bred out of existence; how children never part with their school lunches in exchange for these apples; and how disease and shrinking demand led the Bill Clinton administration to bail out bankrupt apple growers in the early 2000s. Do Indian apples face the same threat? Chiranjit Parmar, a senior horticultural scientist in Himachal Pradesh, says there is no way of knowing, especially since the American Reds began to flood Indian markets. The biggest threat to Indian apples is from Chinese and US imports," he says. But the tragedy is that varietal introduction never took off in India after the initial arrival of Delicious varieties. There is no breeding happening here because it takes a lot of time to test new varieties and, then, for the farmers to grow new trees." For his part, Vijay is trying to push newer imported varieties like the Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp and the green-skinned Granny Smith. Tell me, why should an apple be red?" As Vijay celebrates the 10th anniversary of his experiments, his new model is finally beginning to bear fruit. But though sales are picking up, he has many loans to repay. You have the whole story now. I dont know if everything will come together, but were trying to create a world-class, science-based orchard." I ask him how much he would credit his grandfather with changing the face of apple farming in India. These days everybody is talking about grand visions. I dont know how true all that is. Yes, it has brought large parts of Himachal out of destitution, but I believe it was largely an accident." Ride Vespas newest (Red) scooter to fight AIDS Half of the proceeds from Vespa 946 go towards AIDS-related charity /news/talking-point/ride-vespa-s-newest-red-scooter-to-fight-aids-111646976536484.html 111646976536484 story U2 frontman Bono and American activist and journalist Bobby Shriver started the (RED) initiative in 2006 to fight AIDS and support HIV-related charities. Over the years, they have partnered with some of the most iconic, design-forward companies like Apple and Coca-Cola to raise money for the cause. Now its Vespas turn to go red. The little Italian scooter by Piaggio, Vespa 946, which gets its model name from the birth year of Vespa, 1946, was launched in the Indian market last week as the newest (RED) initiative. Fifty per cent of the profits from the sales of (RED) branded scooters will go to the Global Fund, a partner organization for (RED) that raises money for local organizations and communities across the world fighting AIDS. According to the (RED) website, $475 million have been raised till date, 100 per cent of which has gone into, and has impacted, more than 90 million people with prevention, treatment, counselling, testing and care services...in Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zambia." Piaggio has joined the red brigade with the launch of its special-edition red scooters in India for Rs87,000. Stephanie Zacharek: Criticism has become a kind of boutique interest American film critic Stephanie Zacharek on trolls, critic-proof films and the pitfalls of weekly reviewing /news/talking-point/stephanie-zacharek-criticism-has-become-a-kind-of-boutique-interest-111646976932640.html 111646976932640 story As befits someone who grew up idolizing the legendary late New Yorker critic Pauline Kael, Stephanie Zacharek doesnt suffer geniuses gladly. Here she is on Christopher Nolan: Even the dirt in Interstellar looks spectacularly art-directed." And on Terrence Malick: Watching Knight Of Cups is like seeing a guy go to a strip club and tip the dancers with Zen koans instead of singles." She would much rather watch Channing Tatum, whom she describes, in her review of Logan Lucky, as alive to the molecules around him". Zacharek has been the film critic at Time since 2015. Before that, she worked with The Village Voice, Movieline and, for over a decade, Salon. A Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2015, she is one of the foremost film critics in the US, her writing at once accessible, wry and evocative. Having been part of the India Gold jury at the Mumbai Film Festival last year, she was back for the latest edition, mentoring the Young Critics Lab. We spoke to her about Blade Runner 2049, Rotten Tomatoes, and why its tougher than ever to be a critic today. Edited excerpts: I was reading your review of Blade Runner 2049, and it reminded me of something strange that happened at the press screeninga message from the director was read out asking us not to mention the plot in our reviews. We got the same thing. The publicist said something like, please preserve the sense of wonder for the audiences who are about to see the film. It strikes me as a particularly mistrustful attitude. Have directors and critics grown further apart in recent times? I never know how much directors care about what we sayor how much they should care. Sometimes the studios do carewhen I write a review thats mostly negative but is somewhat positive, and it gets a rotten" rating, sometimes the publicist will go to Rotten Tomatoes and ask, dont you think this review is actually positive? So those guys will come to me and say, we think you meant this to be negative. And Ill say, yes. Is there such a thing as a critic-proof film? I think there is, from the box-office standpoint. I mean, most films really dont need us. A film like The Big Sick, a smaller, independent film, can really benefit from what critics say, but big studio films, not really. Look at something like Blade Runner 2049, which got pretty good reviews and it just didnt do well. I feel kind of bad about itI was mixed on the film, but its trying for something a little bit more adult than most of whats out there. Do you have a reader in mind when youre writing, and has your image of this reader changed as youve moved from one publication to another? It has changed a little bit, I think. Time has a worldwide audience, and a different kind of reader from Village Voice, which is supposedly hip young people, though I dont know how true that still is. And Salon was something else again, a kind of crazy experiment that worked out great. I dont know if theres a specific kind of Time reader I write for. I just want to engage people. Im not interested in writing for other criticsI see some of them jockeying for attention from their peers rather than really trying to communicate. So the central thing is to reach people and not bore them, hopefully. What are the pitfalls of a weekly review gig? The job does get harder the longer you do it. You fall into certain patterns, even something as specific as certain words you overuse. But even beyond that...every week you go to the well. Also, there are a lot of films that are just mediocre. Sometimes people ask me, is it easier to write about a film you really love or a film you really hate? I always say, those two are the easiest. Its the ones in the middle, which are kind of okaywhich is 90% of themthose, to me, are the challenge. Usually theres one good performance, and thats the thing that saves me, because I love looking at actors and trying to describe what they do. You concentrate on performers much more than other critics how they look, how they move Its the thing I love most about the movies. Its not that Im not interested in movies technically, but its always about faces for me. That really is the essential thing in cinema, going back to silent films. Movement is hard to captureits like writing about dance, which I dont really have the vocabulary to write about because I dont understand it technically. Sometimes people ask me, is it easier to write about a film you really love or a film you really hate? I always say, those two are the easiest. Its the ones in the middle, which are kind of okaythose, to me, are the challenge. - Youve had a rough time with fans whove gotten upset when youve criticized their favourite film. Did this start with The Dark Knight? I think so. I didnt like the film and I was straightforward about that. But the things that people saidit was my first experience with people thinking they can say anything because theyre anonymous. It was sexist, misogynist, just unbelievable stuff. Then it happened again with Guardians Of The Galaxy. Do female critics have it worse there? Im really reluctant to play the victim card but(laughs) yeah. My ex-husband, who is also a film critic, he would see the stuff and say, I cant imagine people saying these things to me. You preferred Premium Rush to The Master, and wrote a much happier piece when P.T. Anderson returned with Inherent Vice. One thing that seems to turn you off is a kind of deliberate artistry. These are things I dont articulate for myself, but yes. I dont want to be close-minded about anybodys technique or style but I dont like that obvious showing off. P.T. Anderson was an example until he came back to us, thank god. Wes Anderson is a film-maker I will probably never love, though I adored Fantastic Mr Fox, which is one of my favourite films of all time. When I saw that I thought, maybe from now Ill like everything he does, and proceeded to hate Moonrise Kingdom. That sort of mannered, adorable, corduroy-sy thingI just cant What was it like judging the Indian films at last years Mumbai Film Festival? It was fun and they were interesting, even the ones that were not polished. These film-makers had a lot to say about society and restrictionssome of those films felt really radical to me, even by the standards of things Im used to seeing at home. They felt daring, just in terms of the way they dealt with sexuality or restrictions on women. You grew up reading Pauline Kael and got to know her later on. Do you get a sense of how young people today are reacting to her writing? Students are still reading her in certain circles. Ive gotten feedback from people who have taught certain essays like Fear Of Movies"students have a tough time with them. Sometimes they think that her voice is very dictatorial, like shes telling them what to think. I always thought thats how a writer needs to be, but thats one criticism of her work Ive heard from young people. It alarms me a little bit, that they feel they shouldnt be that specific and definitive in their opinions. Do you think criticism is losing its ability to influence the cultural conversation? It has already become a kind of boutique interest. There are still people who are interested in reading it but the thing that alarms meI dont know if its the case here in Indiais that writing has become so undervalued as a skill and people get paid less for it rather than more. When I was in journalism school, theyd say, as a freelance writer, if you get paid a dollar a word, thats good. That was in 1983! And now, if youre paid a dollar a word, thats really amazing. You cant make a living like that. For me to realize that young people cant have the same opportunities I had, it breaks my heart. Mac and cheese, yes please A simple one-bowl meal of macaroni and cheese has the power to comfort the body and soul /news/talking-point/mac-and-cheese-yes-please-111646976883178.html 111646976883178 story It says something about my summer that one of the highlights was a humble bowl of macaroni cheese. I wont ruin your weekend with the grim details, suffice to say it was almost inevitable that I would round things off while out walking the dog a few weeks ago, by tripping over my bootlaces and breaking my arm. Frankly, if the food writing goes awry, I could probably make a new life in Nashville writing country songs. So, with two (finally!) functioning arms on the keyboard, let me instead focus on that macaroni cheese. I was at a food festival recently in a far-flung Scottish town and, along with two other food writers, looking for a quick bite to eat before turning in. Our expectations were low when we realized that apart from pub fare at the local bar, there was only one restaurant in town and its menu was largely restricted to the usual dispiriting microwave-friendly faremacaroni cheese, lasagne, scampi, beef and ale pie. Our gastronomic hearts did not soar, so we grabbed a couple of bottles of wine from the local supermarket (the restaurant doesnt have an alcohol licence so it has a Bring Your Own Bottle" policy) in anticipation of spending the entire evening bemoaning Scotlands provincial food scene. We all chose the macaroni cheese, thinking it might be the least bad option. We were a few mouthfuls in before we stopped, looked at each other in disbelief, and said, This is really good." Really cheesy, pasta just right, velvety smooth sauce and lots of itthe sort of food that feels like a great big hug in a plate. And it had almost certainly been nowhere near a microwave. One of the reasons that we opted for the macaroni cheese, I think, is that we Scots always want to believe in macaroni cheesecomforting, unchallenging cheesy deliciousness, just like our mums made. The nearest Indian equivalent would be khichdi. More often than not, though, were disappointed because although it is a simple dish, there is definitely a right way and a wrong way to make it. That night, though, faith was restored in the power of macaroni cheese, and all was well with the world. Spirits were so high by the time we finished dinner in fact that we all ended up in the local pub singing karaoke till the early hours. But thats another story. One of the reasons that were often disappointed is that macaroni cheese has, unbelievably, become fashionable. It has become dude food", served to hipsters from food trucks up and down the land, and has even started appearing on the menus of high-end restaurants, complete with crispy pancetta, pulled pork, drizzles of truffle oil, even lobster. In New York, there is a restaurant which only serves mac and cheesetheir 12 varieties include one made with Brie, roasted figs and shiitake mushrooms as well as vegan and reduced lactose versions. Mac and cheese", by the way, is the American way of doing things and often involves a little blue box, stamped with the word Kraft and containing a mysterious powder to which you just add milk. I know it is available in Delhi shops because one of my sons became addicted to it when we lived there. Do not be tempted, it is foul and bears no resemblance to the home-made version. Macaroni cheese has always had a special place in Scottish hearts; there the combination of carb-dairy-fat never goes out of fashion. It is believed to have arrived with the first wave of Italian immigrants although there is mention of it much earlier. Mrs Beeton was making it in 1861, although I would caution against her advice to boil the pasta for between 1N and 1K hours. Scots love it so much that we even put it in pies, although you need to be terminally hungover to appreciate it. But even there things are getting out of hand. In Glasgow, there is now an annual festival devoted to it, the McIntosh Pastaval, during which participants take part in macaroni cheese appreciation around the city and vote on their favourites. Unfortunately, it seems people just cannot stop embellishing it and this almost never ends well. Happily, the lovely cooks that night had resisted the craze to improve" macaroni cheese, understanding completely that in its natural, return-to-childhood state, macaroni cheese is absolutely perfect. They know that the whole point is the dishs simplicity, its nostalgia, and that any deviation from that defeats the point entirely. The Way We Eat Now is a column on new ways of cooking seasonal fruits, vegetables and grains. O Pedro: Opening night The trio that brought us the much loved The Bombay Canteen, are now ready with a modern Goan restaurant, O Pedro. But is there a recipe to success in the food business? Lounge gets the ingredient list. /news/talking-point/o-pedro-opening-night-111646976831178.html 111646976831178 story The afternoon sun reflected off a duct-taped door at one of the Bandra-Kurla Complexs (BKCs) newest it" addresses in Mumbaithe Godrej BKC. An old-fashioned sign with O Pedro" on it peeked out from under a cluster of hand-drawn bougainvilleas. One of the staff members was tackling a mountain of ochre serviettes. Hidden behind a wooden sideboard, all that was visible were his fingers, creating perfect origami folds. Energy levels were high, minor accidents and crises were punctuated by calm spells. There was banter, and occasional meltdowns in the kitchen. It was five days to opening night when we visited. Sameer Seth (from left), Yash Bhanage and Floyd Cardoz. Photo: Aniruddha Chowdhury/Mint The beginnings A powerful image, or a song, has often given rise to big ideas. In this case though, it was an animated cactus sporting a sombrero and the Douglas Adams-style ultimate question, What is a happy place?" For Sameer Seth, Yash Bhanage and Floyd Cardoz, partners of hospitality brand Hunger Inc., who opened their first restaurant, The Bombay Canteen (TBC) in 2015, this was the question that led them to their new restaurant, O Pedro. There is no real data that can enable restaurateurs to gauge what works in India. And these numbers largely fall outside the fine-dining space in the standard north Indian, south Indian and fast-food format. Deciding on a brand could become a guessing game. When the partners were bandying around ideas in December, a PowerPoint presentation by Bhanage helped them bring it together. We are shown the same presentation, complete with a hatted cactus and a beaming mariachi band. This soon became the holy grail, the germ of an idea that everyone involved in O Pedro had to build on. A Mexican restaurant was thrown around as an optionall three partners had lived in the US and their idea of Mexican food was synonymous with a fun night of margaritas, tacos and good music. To replicate that in India would be challenging because while Mexico was the perfect happy place" in the American context, in India its relevance was questionable. The reason people keep coming back to The Bombay Canteen is because there is a context to everything, from the Rooh Afza to the methi thepla tacos," says Bhanage. It was in search of this context that the team kept brainstorming till they finally came up with an apt replacementGoa, Indias very own corner of sunshine and happiness. A different side Despite the proximity to Goa, Mumbai seemed to have a dearth of dedicated Goan restaurants. The two or three that did exist had been around for decades and featured the same triumvirate of prawn curry-vindaloo-chorizo pao as well as a mishmash of Konkani, Malabar and north Indian food. However, yet another Goan restaurant could either be too safe a bet or one that could go terribly wrong. For many Bombaywallas, Goa is a weekend getaway, a place that is synonymous with good times. Consequently, the beaches, sun, sand, sea, cocktails and food are really familiar. What the team at O Pedro hopes to offer a different take on Goa, one that it feels is not as well known as the touristed parts of the state. This is the Goa of Mario Miranda, of small storied villages, of poiwallas and chourico makers, of Goan aunties and their special home-brewed wines and fenis, of carnivals, fisherfolk and Portuguese history. The teams research on Goa and Portugal has yielded a particular iteration for the restaurant that they hope will be able to capture some of these aspects. In keeping with this idea, Ayaz Basrai of The Busride Design Studio had to create a space that would transport visitors to a nostalgia-filled old Goa, away from the tourist shacks and the sea. Sitting under Portuguese-style vaulted ceilings and peeking through the lace-curtained windows on to the chrome and glass corporate parks of the BKC, O Pedro feels like a place from another timein a good way. Rahul Raghav pours out shots of kokum kamikaze. Photo: Aniruddha Chowdhury/Mint Choosing the right place Bhanage and Seth believe real estate is key to a restaurants success or failure. When TBC opened in Kamala Mills in Mumbai, there were hardly any eateries there; today there are over 50 restaurants and bars in the space, which has become one of the citys top dining destinations. When we walked through this new corner of the BKC, it felt like a culinary tour through different parts of the world. From the East Village chic of Toast & Tonic to the casual Japanese pop aesthetic of Hello Guppy and a European fine-dining experience at Hemant Oberoi, there is much for the discerning eater. With a trendy co-working space across the street, embassies and a massive diamond bourse around the corner, and an upcoming mall and convention centre, there is plenty of potential. The challenge remains to capture office-goers and adapt to their daily 9-5 schedules, which O Pedro is trying to address with its happy hours and soon to be launched express lunch menu. As Hunger Inc. hopes to replicate the success of its earlier restaurant, it will also see some of the team members from TBC moving to O Pedro, among them chef Hussain Shahzad (erstwhile sous chef at TBC), who will take over as executive chef, and TBC beverage manager Rahul Raghav, who will oversee the bar here as well. Goa on a plate Cardoz tells us that though many associate Goa with beach shacks, vindaloo and chilled beer, there is much more to be had in the local markets, small fish-thali restaurants and Goan homes. And as the O Pedro team ate their way around the state, they uncovered these culinary gems, learnt the old Portuguese recipes and experienced the diverse produce and traditions that had been introduced by the colonizersfrom beans, a cornerstone of the states vegetarian cuisine, to the tradition of canning and pickling fish. The chefs have crafted a modern menu that uses all this material as inspiration and adds surprising tweaks, like a feijoada (a Portuguese pork and bean stew), which substitutes the pork with slow-cooked duck, or a roast chicken roulade with cafreal masala. O Pedro is a homecoming for Cardoz, for it allows him to showcase Goan food and culture and channel his own childhood memories of growing up in a Goan Catholic family. There are dishes like Beryls fish curry and Margao Choriz & Bacon Pulao, drawn directly from his mothers and grandmothers recipes, while others, like the rissois or the baffad curry, are based on his research into Portuguese heritage dishes. An interesting addition is a separate all-vegetarian menu based on the food of Goas Saraswat Brahmins, featuring dishes like the Panji Green Watana Rassa (dried grean pea curry) and Saraswat Goan Pink Beans & Potato Koftas Ton-Dak. As excise laws ban the export of drinks like feni and urak, beverage manager Raghav has tried to mimic these home brews by steeping fruits and spices in different liquors and creating bitters and tinctures. In Goa we found these little stories around alcohol, and that is what we have tried to bring to our cocktail menu," says Bhanage. D-Day Drama We visited next on opening night, 7 October. Sixty-three was an important number for D-Day evening, indicating the number of reservations received, the first night its doors would open to the public. A few hours later, activity was at its peak. In the kitchen, minor crises had been averted. Shahzad stood at the pass, testing the temperature and doneness of dishes, tasting sauces for seasoning and adding the final garnish. Dishes that didnt meet his standards were returned to the line. Cardoz kept a hawks eye on the proceedings, tweaking presentations. He interrogated a server about an unfinished grilled lobster. He sized up the portion size of the chilli pakoras and deemed it far too large for an appetizer. He made a quick decision that the dessert section needed its own oven as he saw the pastry chef darting across the kitchen, precariously balancing plates, to heat her desserts before service. The whole kitchen felt like a theatre where everything was choreographedservers sashayed in and out with trays of food, line cooks pirouetted with pots and pans, assistants stacked plates, and the two chefs conducted the proceedings. Outside, the tables were laden with food, the bar was lined with drinks, and conversation flowed. This night, at least, it felt like we were in a happy place". *** House-baked sourdough poi with an assortment of flavoured butters. Goa to Mumbai Mornings in traditional Goan homes are ushered in with the tinkling bell of the poi-wallas cycle; his poi (leavened Goan bread) can be eaten with everything from plain butter to fiery prawn balchaos. Chef Hussain Shahzad, who spent a lot of time with Goan bakers to learn how to make poi the traditional way, creates a fresh batch daily in the restaurants wood-fired oven; it is served with delicious butters in flavours like chorizo, black pepper and balchao. Cashew-In-Spirit Replicating the Goan alcohol culture was hard without the classic local brews like feni . Not to be deterred, Rahul Raghav has created his own brews by infusing vodka with cashew and rum with kokum (a souring agent). His Cashew-In-Spirit is an ode to Goan home brews, while Finding Funny plays on the traditional way of cutting the pungent smell of feni with salt. Trekking: The heights of joy If you look beyond the Everest, trekking in Nepal is more about Mt Annapurna and its surroundings /news/talking-point/trekking-the-heights-of-joy-111646976698468.html 111646976698468 story Nepal is a trekkers delight. Eight of the worlds highest peaks sit in the Nepal Himalayas and even if you are not climbing their summits, you have a wide choice of high meadows, gushing rivers, glaciers and verdant forests which lie directly below them. Trekking routes are easily accessible, stay is arranged in quaint and serviceable tea houses, and the trails are clean and well maintained; the favourable purchasing power parity of the Nepalese currency is the cherry on the cake. And after the scare about rescue services in mountainous regions that followed the recent widely reported incident where an experienced trekker lost his life because he could not be rescued in time, you should know that in Nepal, helicopter evacuations require minimum paperwork or government intervention; connectivity is also generally good. At 8,848m, Mount Everest is for the serious climber who has already done 7,000m-plus mountains. The climbing season is short, April-May, before the monsoon arrives, hundreds of climbers and porters try to make use of that small window (this year, according to Nepalese government statistics, 445 climbers reached the peak and there were five deaths. Each climber takes an army of porters and guides and traffic jams" are now common on good weather days). The Nepal government issues permits for climbing; and the price this year was $11,000 (around Rs7 lakh). But the truth is that trekking in Nepal is actually more about Mt Annapurna and its surroundingsthe 7,629 sq. km of the Annapurna Conservation Area that offers both short walks and moderate to tough treks. Because of the wide range of elevation, you can pass from oak and rhododendron forests to icy wind-swept terrain in a matter of days. All the trails gain altitude gradually, so acclimatization is easier. At 8,091m, the Annapurna is no midget, and you can always try base camp or higher if you need a bigger challenge. Views of the Annapurna dominate every trekwhether you are going up to base camp or just doing a short circuit, spending five days or 25and you get to see it every day, on fire with the rays of the morning sun, glacial and forbidding at other times. The Annapurna massif runs 55km across and boasts six major peaksAnnapurna I-V and Gangapurna. The mountain is located beside a ridge just east of the Kali Gandaki river, which has carved one of the deepest river gorges in the world. The gorge separates the Annapurna from Dhaulagiri, the seventh tallest mountain in the world. The entire massif and surrounding area are protected within the largest conservation area in Nepal. The Annapurna Circuita trek which circles the rangeis about 160-230km long. Today, roads are creeping closer to these once isolated outposts, so one must choose a trail carefully so as not to end up walking alongside jeeps and mini trucks. Any trail within Nepal has tea-house accommodation every few hours, so you can walk at the pace you like, stopping when youre done for the day. There are big boards with detailed maps at every tea house and you can choose how many hours of walking per day to do and how far along the trail you want to go before you turn back. The Nepalese tea houses are a lesson in tourism management. Single-storeyed buildings with tin roofs and five-six rooms/dormitories, they offer, for a very reasonable price, a proper bed with clean sheets and blankets, a common toilet, running water, hot showers, an enclosed dining area, a small store selling essentials, Wi-Fi and all kinds of tea and stronger beverages. They never turn anyone away for lack of space; you could even be accommodated in the dining room. Trekking in Nepal can be as social or private as you like. On many of the routes popular in India, overfriendly co-trekkers with loud music blaring out of cellphones stuck in their backpacks can put many people off. In Nepal, there are trekkers from many parts of the world on any route but people are generally respectful of silence. At mealtimes in tea houses, especially after dinner, sipping the local brew rakshi, the atmosphere can be quite convivial, but you can always opt out. Try the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek if you already have a few high-altitude treks under your belt and find the idea of climbing halfway up an 8,000m mountain exciting. The last camp is set at 4,130m and it presents in-your-face views of Machapuchare (the 7,000m tall mountain that resembles a fishtail), the grey and forbidding Annapurna glacier and spectacular close-ups of the multi-peaked Annapurna. Steel rope bridge over Chomrong Khola enroute the Annapurna Base Camp. The walk up to this point is along a well-marked trail which starts in the valley through which the Modi Khola river flows. After the jeeps have deposited you at the last road head, usually early morning, the climb begins through verdant forests and the odd village with fields of wheat and barley, goats and chickens. Although the path is well marked, there are some very steep parts, and at one point there are almost 5,000 steps, each about a foot high. The carpet of red rhododendron flowers at your feet, the strong gurgle of a rushing stream and the distant views of the Annapurna, playing hide and seek with the clouds, will keep you going. The Gorepani Poon Hill trek can be done in under a week, with time to take in the culture and sights of Pokhara and/or Kathmandu. It works well for those who find the altitude of base camp daunting. This trek reaches a maximum of 3,190m and is generally altitude-sickness-free. It offers constant views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machapuchare and great photo opportunities. If you have the time to train and take at least three weeks off, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is an option. It has a big challengethe Thorung La pass at 5,416m; you are on snow on both sides for days. A Nepalese guide mentioned an ancient salt trading routethe Manaslu Circuit Trek. Closed to trekkers till 1991, it is now open on a restricted basis. Mt Manaslu, 8,163m high, lies between the Annapurna and the Tibetan plateau. This trek climbs to a little over 5,000m at the Larkya La pass and sounds more remote than anything off the Everest or the Annapurna. It offers a glimpse into Tibetan culture and remote villages. Treks end where climbs begin. If youre looking for a first climb, Mera Peak (6,476m) lies south of Everest and is a great place to start your mountaineering life, camping on snow. The gradual ascent is great for acclimatization, and you get the thrill of an expedition, with 3am departures for the peak and training in basic mountaineering skills. The unique view of five 8,000m peaksKanchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse, Everest and Cho Oyuall at once, is the best part. If you are still wondering whether to choose Nepal, let Pokhara be the tipping point. This tiny town lies at the base of all trekking routes to the Annapurna and most people prefer to skip Kathmandu and fly straight to it. And with good reason. Pokhara is quaint, hip and offers all manner of excitementpubs, restaurants, live music, hand gliding, boating and comfortable places to stay. It has all the charm of a European town, with Nepalese prices. After a soul-satisfying trip into the mountains, its something you can look forward to. *** The least climbed mountain There is a select club of Eight Thousandersover 8,000m peaksand Annapurna was the first peak in this club to be conquered, in 1950. Named for the goddess who is a giver of food and nourishment, it is actually harder to climb. Because of its high fatality ratearound 35% of its climbers never returnits also the least climbed of the high peaks. In comparison, K2s fatality rate is 23% and Mt Everests is around 4%. *** Look out for Anna Aromaa little coffee shop serving hot rolls, music and great coffee, right next to the Chhomrong village trekkers checkpoint on Day 3. The hot springs near Jhini, most welcome when coming down. Tea houses that offer clean water for drinking, for a price. Choose to refill your bottles rather than purchase new ones. Keep the mountains litter-free. The local dal-chawal, which is your best bet. Avoid exotic" foods like pizza on the trail. Yak cheese served in tiny slivers. Delicious! Tour operators The single most important decision when trekking is who to go with. Your experience will hinge on this simple detail, so dont decide in a hurry. Its usually best to go with an outfit thats recommended by someone who has actually been on a trip. A simple detail like pacing" a group during steep ascents can be a game changer. This year, I watched a helicopter evacuate my injured friend from the Machapuchare base camp (3,700m) in under an hour, with minimum fuss. Its good to be in the capable hands of White Magic Adventure. In the mountains, and generally in outdoor sports, price and quality are directly proportionate. White Magic Adventure, run by seasoned climber Avilash Bisht, offers both customized trips and fixed departures. Bisht has done mountain rescue training and runs a tight, well-trained outfit. You could also try the Nepal-based Earthbound Expeditions, which is well regarded locally. The Ladakh-based Rimo Expeditions and Himalayan Glacier also come recommended by trekkers. A Dalit at the temple door As Kerala admits Dalits as priests in its temples, a look at 14th century Bhakti saint Chokhamela who, despite his faith, was barred access to his lord due to his low birth /news/talking-point/a-dalit-at-the-temple-door-111646976678518.html 111646976678518 story As Dalits in Gujarat stand up for their right to wear the moustache, it is more than a little ironic that Kerala, where moustaches were once methodically taxed by caste, should be admitting Dalits as priests in its temples. Though temple entry in the region was first granted to untouchables in 1936, the sanctum sanctorum is generally off limits for those who cannot, by birth, claim the dignity of the sacred thread. This custom is now brokenthe thread belongs not to those who claim divinely exalted bloodlines, but to those who proactively seek the responsibilities attendant upon temple service. The 14th century Bhakti saint Chokhamela might have rejoiced. Enthralled by the deity in Pandharpur in Maharashtra, his Mahar status, despite the fervour of his faith, had barred him access to his lord. He was resigned to his fate, but appealed poignantly to Brahmin gatekeepers of the shrine: The cane is crooked, but its juice isnt crookedChokha is ugly, but his feelings arent ugly. Why be fooled by outward appearance?" Chokhamela. Chokhamela is the only untouchable among Maharashtras (male) Bhakti thinkers, and spent most of his life doing the peculiarly menial work Mahars were mandated to do. His fellow saints in the Bhakti pantheon, in comparison, came from relative privilege, though few could be reckoned as part of the eliteTukaram was a failed shopkeeper, Namdev a god-fearing tailor. Yet, the fact that while they were low, they were not from the lowest, permitted certain liberties to these men whose verses could, therefore, take the risk of packing a punch. Jnandev, son of an ostracized Brahmin, is said to have mocked the old guard by causing a buffalo to produce sounds that seemed worryingly close to Vedic verses, while Tukaram was relieved that he was no wretched pandit splitting Vedantic hairs". They could all, to some degree, get away with their radicalism in a deeply hierarchical social order, but Chokhamela had no such option. Instead, he couched his devotion in terms of his social conditioning as a Mahar. Addressing the deity as he might an upper caste, he says: I am the Mahar of your Mahars, I am so hungry; I have come for your leavings, I am full of hope." In another verse, he brings a bowl for your leftover food"with no access to the shrine and its blessed occupant, perhaps he could satisfy his devotion by serving the deity as a lowborn serves his overlord, eating his scraps and offering complete submission. O God, my caste is low; how can I serve you? Everyone tells me to go away; how can I see you? When I touch anyone, they take offenseChokha wants your mercy." However, while there is anguish, he does not blame those who designed his shackles and marked him from birth as undeserving of anything better. Indeed, he goes as far as to flagellate himself, blaming karma for his terrible plight. In a previous birth, he explains dejectedly, he must have disrespected god; this (present) impurity is the fruit of our past." While there were moments when Chokhamela seems on the verge of standing up to those in power (The earth and the Ganga are common to all, irrespective of caste and religion"), it was his son from his wife Soyarabai who was more blunt in his criticism of the way things were. Karmamela, as the boy was known, spoke thus to the deity: Are we happy when were with you? ... The low place is our lot; the low place is our lot; the low place is our lot, King of Gods! ... Its a shameful life here for us. Its a festival of bliss for you and misery written on our faces." Therefore, it isnt surprising, as the late historian Eleanor Zelliot noted, that Karmamela, with his sharper critique, finds fewer devotees singing his verses during the annual pilgrimages to Pandharpur today. Chokhamela, in contrast, has been elevated as the product of a divine birth: God met his mother once and bit into a mango she offered him. When he left and she looked at the half-eaten fruit, there lay in its place the baby Chokhamela. Part of this promotion may also have been due to his own effortsborrowing the sociologists expressionto Sanskritize. He spoke out against animal sacrifice not only because you will be inflicting cruelty on another life and destroying it", but also because, one suspects, this was more in consonance with ritual purity". He railed against alcohol, which in many parts of India was associated with certain low" forms of worship; this too seems to have helped his posthumous social upgrade. God appeared to him in several forms: One version has Chokhamela struggling to drag away a dead cow, another duty that fell upon the Mahar, and the deity, manifesting as a young man, lent him a hand. But most critically, after he was rejected at the temples gates, the lord came to him instead, offering him commiseration as much as he did company, the two of them sitting by the riverside. At the end of the day, Chokhamela was devoted but did not transgress lines drawn by society and its privileged elders. He died in an accident, it is said, when labouring on a construction site, and even his bones were found to be chanting the name of god. These bones were carried to the temple and buried at a spot that still receives visitors. Even in death, Chokhamela had no access to the sacred premises. Bones are impure, but since he was also impure in life, his memorial stands at the foot of the temples steps, outside those very walls where he once beseeched the shrines guardians for one glance, for one opportunity to satisfy his desire to behold the deity. Unlike those Dalit priests in Kerala who have now entered the heart of the sanctum six centuries later, old Chokhamela had to settle precisely for the place which, in his own lifetime, he was told was where he really belonged: the door. Medium Rare is a column on society, politics and history. Manu S. Pillai is the author of The Ivory Throne: Chronicles Of The House Of Travancore. Abhay Kumar: The sage Indian of Brasilia Poet-diplomat Abhay Kumar on the links between capital cities, poetry and planetary consciousness /news/talking-point/abhay-kumar-the-sage-indian-of-brasilia-111646976569745.html 111646976569745 story Washing dishes is just like early-morning meditation," laughs Abhay Kumar, as he stands at the sink in the kitchen of his sprawling house in Brasilia. Indias second-highest ranking diplomat in Brazil, the shaven-headed, baby-faced Kumar is surprisingly invested in domestic chores. He has just made breakfast of puri-sabzi from scratch, rolling out the dough into one large piece and then cutting out circles with an inverted glass. It is an old habit. While studying in Patna, I had to learn to cook for myself. Later, when I was posted to St Petersburg, I used to host gatherings of artists and writers on weekends. I found this was the fastest way to make large batches of puris" Kumars deceptively unassuming manner conceals the mind and ambition of a curious and ambitious travellerone who wants not just to experience the world, but to transform the way people think about the world. Last year, he released Capitals: A Poetry Anthology, one of the more unusual travel books of our time. The product of a sensibility both bureaucratic and literary, it is an anthology of poems about the capitals of as many as 185 countries. Abhay Kumar. Photo: Courtesy Abhay Kumar Merely the contents section of the book, with names like Conakry and Cotonou, Bishkek and Tegucigalpa jumping off the page, is a provocation to the readers imagination. Could it be that verse provides an experience of these places that a guidebook cannot? As a frequent traveller I often felt the need of a poetry atlas but I could not find one," Kumar writes in his introduction. So I decided to create one." He wrote to all the poets he knew, asking for permission to reuse poems they had written, or for suggestions on where to find poems about particular places. Most importantly, he wanted contact with poets in faraway landsDjibouti, South Sudan, Turkmenistanwho might supply him a satisfactory poem about the capitals of their countries. But even the most well-connected poetsdid not know poets from two-thirds of the world". Sometimes a poet could be found, but not a satisfactory poem about a capital in an English translation. In these cases, Kumars somewhat unorthodox solution, criticized by some reviewers, was to write one himself. He asks the indulgence of the reader for this liberty, believing it a necessary sacrifice for the sake of the cause. After all, the book itself might draw out poets from the missing capitals (if youve written a poem about Jabu or Maputo, get in touch). The cover jacket of Kumars book Capitals: A Poetry Anthology. As we speak, it becomes clear that a certain capital has shaped the sensibility behind Capitals. It is exactly 20 years since Kumar came to live in New Delhi for the first time. The son of a primary schoolteacher from Nalanda in Bihar, he had gained admission to Kirori Mal College to pursue a bachelors in geography. The coordinates of his journey (movingly described in a memoir Kumar published when still in his 20s, River Valley To Silicon Valley: Story Of Three Generations Of An Indian Family) make a pattern that thousands of middle-class, first-generation-urban Indians will recognize. But Kumars story also falls into another, much more uncommon line, that of the small-town autodidact hungry for the widest possible experience of the world and finding it in books. Linguistically, culturally and emotionally, the overnight journey from Patna to Delhi traversed a distance that could not be expressed in kilometres. Delhi was a huge culture shock. I had always loved to read and ours was a household that set great store by reading. But all my reading was in Hindithe stories of Premchand, the poems of Makhanlal Chaturvedi, the dohas of Kabir and Rahim. In Delhi all this seemed to mean much less. The students in college spoke to each other so easily in English, whereas I had studied in Hindi medium until matriculation. I bought a dictionary and started reading English newspapers daily. It was two years before I felt comfortable with the language. I started reading poetry in English too: Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. I fell in love with it and that pleasure has never left me. After I graduated, I gave the civil service exams and when I got into the IFS (Indian Foreign Service), my dream of travelling to the faraway capitals of the world came true." Kumars enthusiasm for big-city life, with its appealing combination of wide-eyed wonder and worldliness, makes for a persona greatly suited for his editorial project. Whatever the faults of the volume, Capitals radiates an infectious love of the subject. As the poems vividly show, capitals are mines of tangled history, playgrounds of dynasties and empires, hubs of trade, sites of social and sexual intermixing, theatres of fantasy and reverie and decadence, crucibles of new ideas, junctions of new kinds of community and havens of thrilling anonymity. Capitals are human beings at their most inventive. Kumar quotes Michelangelo, I have never felt salvation in nature. I love cities above all." Capitals is dedicated not to any person, but to the call for an official Earth Anthem". For though capitals belong to countries, for Kumar, they also form a kind of rebuke to them. He sees them as portents of a future in which the political forms that have held sway in the last 300 years especially the nation statewill break down and disappear. Most national anthemsIm speaking now in a purely personal capacitytoday sound so banal. Why is that? Because they do not correspond to the way we live in the 21st century. Yet we are held hostage by the world view they project. In a globalized world, the challenge is today to find a way to relate to the entire world. The nation-state-led world view is not of much help with that. The internet as a part of our everyday lives is probably only one generation old. But like the printing press 500 years ago, it has greatly transformed our relationship with the world. It is creating something new, a planetary consciousness. That consciousness needs a new anthem. In contrast to the man-made idea of the nation state, with often completely arbitrary borders, the image of one planet is straightforward and compelling. It makes us aware of a common ecology, a planetary community which we must all protect and nurture, for the sake of the future of humanity." Unsurprisingly, the Earth Anthem is a poem written by Kumar himself, in English, Hindi and even a multilingual version, with lines switching from English to Nepali to Russian to Arabic. Released by Kumar in 2013, it has found many supporters, including Shyam Benegal and Kailash Satyarthi. Earlier this year, it was set to music by L. Subramaniam and sung by Kavita Krishnamurthy. It is not especially subtle, but it is certainly moving. Its final line reads, We are humans, the earth is our home." I ask Kumar whether he thinks a person needs to have travelled beyond the borders of his or her native world, to have met and made friends with people from other cultures, to properly understand this sentiment. Perhaps the dramatic combination of his childhood in rural Bihar and his stints in many countrieshe has served in Russia and Nepal, and his wife is Russianhave stoked his particularly strong sense of the possibilities of a radical new planetary consciousness. Yes, perhaps. But sometimes one also learns that it is futile to go across the world. Ultimately you learn the same thing that you could in your birthplace." He smiles gnomically over his caipirinha, as happy to dwell in paradoxes as a Hindu sage. Thats one of the strange things about travel. You journey the whole world and find out that the best place is where you were born." Lydia Sarfati: The sea on your skin Lydia Sarfati, CEO and founder of the beauty brand Repchage, is a pioneer in seaweed treatments for skincare /news/talking-point/lydia-sarfati-the-sea-on-your-skin-111646976790445.html 111646976790445 story From a first-generation Polish immigrant working in a skincare salon in New York City to the founder and CEO of a global skincare brand, Lydia Sarfatis journey is nothing short of remarkable. She calls herself a can-doer" and this has held her in good stead ever since she arrived in the US in 1970, escaping a wave of anti-Semitism in Poland to set up a new life. She has always looked for opportunities in challenging times, like choosing to set up her first salon in the heart of Manhattan in the middle of a recession. As an early entrant in the field of skincare, Sarfati has helped innovate as well as set professional standards in the field of specialist skincare and cosmetology in the US. She pioneered the use of seaweed as a core ingredient much before it was declared a superfood. The Repechage line of treatments addresses regular wellness as well as serious dermatological issues, and also works in collaboration with skin specialists. The brand, which entered India five years ago, is expanding its presence in clinical skincare (as with Kaya Skincare), salons and spas, while implementing Repechage facial bars with prestigious brands. Sarfati was in Mumbai last month to launch two new Repechage products and to present the keynote speech at 2017 Professional Beauty Mumbai, a beauty trade show. Edited excerpts from an interview: How did you enter the world of skincare and cosmetology? I think my passion for skincare started when I was a child growing up in Poland. My mother would call cosmeticians to our home every Thursday night to attend to her skin and hair and our kitchen would transform into a magical room with all manner of pots and potions. It was then that I decided that this was what I wanted to do when I grew up. I did courses in cosmetology and skincare and was working in the industry right till we left Poland in 1969. After we arrived in America the following year, I started working at a skincare salon in New York and very soon I realized that although make-up and hair was very big in the US, skincare and the spa and wellness traditions of Eastern Europe didnt really exist. And I remember thinking that this was a great opportunity, and it was with this in mind that I opened my first brand, Klisar Skin Care Center, in Manhattan in 1977. It helped that this was the time that women in America were entering the workforce in a big way and needed to look and be at their optimum health. Also, the Conde Nast building was right next door and all the journalists became my clients and started writing about me, which brought new clients as well as salon owners to me, and everyone wanted to learn more about our products and techniques. At first I wasnt really interested in expanding my business because I was a new mother and already running a salon full-time. However, a skincare convention in Las Vegas changed my mind. When I came back, I realized the potential in the market and, after a lot of research, I launched Repechage as a brand in July 1980. Maine is known for its sustainable seaweed harvesting farms. Photo: iStockphoto How did you come up with the idea of seaweed as the core ingredient of your products? In the mid-1970s, I visited Israel with my husband and we stayed at the kibbutzes, where I was amazed at their marvellous agricultural practices in the middle of the desert. And in my conversations with the farmers, I discovered that they used seaweed as a bio stimulant and fertilizer. Something clicked as I thought that if seaweed could do so much for arid soil, it must have obvious skincare benefits. From that moment, I immersed myself in learning all about this aquatic plant. I also visited Brittany on the north-western coast of France where there are over 800 species of seaweed and a centuries-old culture of harvesting them. I met marine biologists and developers and we set up a R&D unit and launched our line of skincare products based on these seaweeds sourced from Brittany. With the launch of Repechage in July 1980, we brought the concept of thalassotherapy to the US. Seaweed still forms the basis of all our products and today we have our own harvesting outfit in Maine. To me, seaweed is a most wonderful plant that delivers all the nutrients required to sustain life on a cellular level. Why has Repechage done so well in Asian markets? One of my first export clients was in Japan. It seemed to make perfect sense in that market as they ate seaweed and were perfectly okay putting it in their stomach as well as on their face. My first distributor in Tokyo was very successful. Interestingly enough, all my successful export markets were in Asia and included Hong Kong, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Korea and Thailand. So while other countries were focusing on Europe, I looked at Asia, and it was purely by chance. In fact, when I went to the UK in the 1990s, they scoffed at the idea of seaweed products. So it just made sense for me to take my products to Asia as they understood my brands philosophy. Back then, I had no idea that this would be the future. How do your treatments work in collaboration with dermatologists and plastic surgeons? Some of our products are retailed at doctors chambers and our recommended procedures actually start six weeks before surgery. They are advised to come in once a week before surgery and thereafter they return for post-operative care. We help in preparing, healing and reconditioning the skin and our patented seaweed-based treatments help in increasing the skins micro circulation so that there is faster healing, less swelling and bruising. We also focus on exfoliation, hydration, and encouraging the skins collagen production to increase elasticity. As an aesthetician who believes in a long-term approach rather than one-off treatments, what are your essential tips for skincare? I have never approached beauty as cosmetics and make-up; rather, I have looked at it from the point of view of wellness. It is like taking out an insurance policy to look good decades from now. I am someone who believes that in order to have beautiful skin in every decade of our lives, right from the 20s into our 80s or 90s, there is a need to take care of it on a daily basis. And for me, this is much more than caring for the face, as our skin is the largest organ of our body which sends all the sensory impulses to the brain. A few basic things that I tell all my clients are dry-brushing their skin before a shower, which helps increase circulation. After a shower, it is important to massage your skin from head to toe. For your face, you need to set up a daily routine depending on your skin type, but the basic steps should always include cleansing, exfoliation, hydration and protection. Cosmetic interventions like injections, medicines, lasers and other technologies are not as effective if done alone without the combination of good skincare. And good skincare is not about cover-ups: rather, it is about revitalizing what we are born with. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Chronicle will continue to keep readers up to date on events that have either been canceled or postponed because of the North Bay fires, as well as any benefits for fire victims. We will strive to update the story regularly. Send us announcements on closures, events and more by emailing datebook@sfchronicle.com. BENEFITS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE DISPLACED BY THE FIRES Napa Valley Film Festival: The festival will donate 10 percent of all pass sales revenue from Oct. 16 through the end of the festival to the Napa Valley Community Foundations Disaster Relief Fund. In addition to other charitable support for the recovery, NVFF Presenting Sponsor Lexus is donating 1,000 free tickets to select movies for those affected by the North Bay fires. Nov 8-12. $85-$2,500. (707) 226-7500 www.nvff.org After the Fire: Calabi Gallery will donate 10 percent of all sales from this exhibition, featuring work by photographer Penny Wolin and others, to Sebastopol Center for the Arts fund to benefit those in the visual, craft, performing, literary and film arts who were affected by the fires. Exhibition runs through Nov. 25. Calabi Gallery, 456 10th St., Santa Rosa. (707) 781-7070. www.calabigallery.com Band Together Bay Area: Concert featuring performances by Metallica, Dead & Company, G-Eazy, Raphael Saadiq, Rancid, Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds. The benefit is organized by a coalition of prominent Bay Area business and community leaders, and co-produced by Live Nation and Another Planet Entertainment, with a goal to raise funds for short-, intermediate- and long-term relief for low-income families, immigrants and other fire victims. 6 p.m. Nov. 9. $49.50-$199.50, free for first responders and those affected by the fires (click here for details on ticket distribution). AT&T Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, S.F. www.bandtogetherbayarea.org G-Eazy Fire Relief Fundraiser: Late-night party featuring G-Eazy and friends Tony Tone, DJ Amen, Aux Cord, Daghe, Syk Wid It, Truthlive, Shabazz, Quiz and Sean G with 100 percent of ticket sales being donated to Revive Santa Rosa. The fund, created by 10 Bay Area natives (many on the nights bill) in collaboration with Community Foundation Sonoma County, plans to specifically allot funds from the event to get a minimum of seven to 10 families in homes by paying their first and last months rent, organizers said. 10 p.m. Nov. 9. $20-$40. 1015 Folsom, 1015 Folsom St., S.F. http://1015.com Single Vineyards Night at Fort Mason: Russian River Valley Winegrowers hosts its signature wine event, with all proceeds dedicated to fire relief and rebuilding efforts in Sonoma County. The event will feature wines paired with an array of passed hors doeuvres and street tacos. 5:30 p.m. for VIP, 6:30 p.m. for general admission, Nov. 9. $85 for general admission, $100 for VIP. Generals Residence, 1 Fort Mason, S.F. RRVW.org Taste of Anderson Valley: The Anderson Valley Winegrowers event will donate 50 percent of auction proceeds to Community Foundation of Mendocino County, Sonoma County Resilience Fund and Napa Valley Community Foundation. 6-8:30 p.m. Nov 9. $75. Golden Gate Club Cypress Room, The Presidio, 135 Fisher Loop, S.F. www.squadup.com Vineyard to Villages Wine & Food Safari: The weekend-long wine and food event, created to support clean water initiatives in East African schools and villages, will now contribute half of the funds raised at its event to the Active 20-30 Club, which focuses on long-term disaster relief efforts for children in Sonoma County. The other half will continue to fund clean water projects at schools and villages in East Africa. 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 10-12. $50. Various Sonoma County locations. www.eventbrite.com Sonoma Strong Cabaret: Recovery and Strength through Song: Running in place of 6th Street Playhouses planned production of Two Rooms, this concert features a slew of local artists. Half of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Redwood Credit Unions North Bay Fire Relief fund. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10-11, 2 p.m. Nov. 12. $25. 6th Street Playhouse, 52 W. Sixth St., Santa Rosa. (707) 523-4185. www.6thstreetplayhouse.com How a Mountain Was Made: Word for Words educational program, Youth Arts, presents two dramatized folktales inspired by lore from playwright Greg Sarris Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo ancestors. Both tales are set in North Bay locations. Proceeds benefit Redwood Credit Unions North Bay Fire Relief fund. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Nov. 11. $12-$17. Z Space, 450 Florida St., S.F. (415) 626-0453. www.zspace.org Hamel Family Wines: The winery will host a concert featuring John Fogarty for 200 guests, with 100 percent of proceeds to be donated to fire relief efforts. Tickets $10,000 per person; 80 free tickets to be distributed to first responders, fire victims and veterans. 3 p.m. Nov. 11. 15401 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma. (707) 996-5800. www.hamelfamilywines.com Art.com: All proceeds from sales of the wine-themed print titled Our Roots Run Deep through Nov. 15 will benefit the North Bay Fire Relief Fund. $34.95. www.art.com For the Love of Napa: Featuring Michael Franti & Spearhead and Vintage Trouble. Produced by BottleRock Presents, 100 percent of the proceeds from the show will go to the Napa Valley and Sonoma County Community Foundations, along with the North Bay Fire Relief fund and NomaGives, which supports Sonoma State University students, staff and faculty who were affected by the fires. Noon Nov. 18. $50. Robert Mondavi Winery, 7801 St. Helena Hwy., Oakville. www.bottlerocknapavalley.com/bottlerock-presents For the Love of Sonoma: Featuring Counting Crows and Brett Dennen. Produced by BottleRock Presents, 100 percent of the proceeds from the show will go to the Napa Valley and Sonoma County Community Foundations, along with the North Bay Fire Relief fund and NomaGives, which supports Sonoma State University students, staff and faculty who were affected by the fires. 6 p.m. Nov. 18. $49-$249. Weill Hall at the Green Music Center, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. www.bottlerocknapavalley.com/bottlerock-presents San Francisco Symphony: Michael Tilson Thomas will lead the orchestra in a concert to benefit those affected by the North Bay fires. The program is slated to feature Beethovens Ode to Joy with the San Francisco Symphony Chorus and guest soloists, as well as a selection of spirituals and music by Copland and Tchaikovsky. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19. $25-$50. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., S.F. (415) 864-6000. www.sfsymphony.org Santa Rosa Symphony Fire Relief Benefit Concert: Conductor Emeritus Corrick Brown joins Music Director Bruno Ferrandis for this special event, which will also feature Conductor Laureate Jeffrey Kahane playing Beethovens Piano Concerto No. 1. The program also includes Aaron Coplands Fanfare for the Common Man, Eglars Nimrod from Enigma Variations and Beethovens highly-praised Symphony No. 3, Eroica. While the event is free, donations are encouraged and support Redwood Credit Unions North Bay Fire Relief Fund, Community Foundation Sonoma Countys Sonoma County Resilience Fund and Sonoma State Universitys NomaGives, which supports the universitys students, staff and faculty who were affected by the fires. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20. http://srsymphony.org Train: Produced by BottleRock Presents, 100 percent of the proceeds from the concert will go to the Napa Valley and Sonoma County Community Foundations, along with the North Bay Fire Relief fund and NomaGives, which supports Sonoma State University students, staff and faculty who were affected by the fires. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1. $99-$249. Jam Cellars Ballroom at the Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. www.bottlerocknapavalley.com/bottlerock-presents Olivia OBrien: The singer-songwriter, a Northern California native best known for her triple-platinum selling collaboration with gnash, i hate u i love u, is scheduled to perform a benefit concert for the Napa Valley Community Foundation and Sonoma County Resilience Fund, at the reopened Old Redwood Barn. 7 p.m. Dec. 11. $15. Gunlach Bundschu Winery, 2000 Denmark St., Sonoma. www.gunbun.com Leto Cellars: Profits from all library wines sold through Dec. 31 will be donated to three firefighters from the Mayacamas Volunteer Fire Department who lost their homes. Wines range from $22-$100. 761 Technology Way, Napa. (707) 259-5386 www.letocellars.com POSTPONED OR MOVED Exhibition opening reception for David Ligares Magna Fide (The Great Belief) and Forge and Stone: Contemporary California Women Sculptors: The exhibitions are now open to the public, with opening reception postponed to Dec. 9. Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, 551 Broadway, Sonoma. www.svma.org Be Not Still: Living in Uncertain Times: The exhibition and its opening reception will be rescheduled at a later date yet to be announced. Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art, 5200 Sonoma Hwy, Napa. (707) 226-5991. www.dirosaart.org Boz Scaggs: Postponed to May 4-5. Refunds will be available at point of purchase and currently held tickets will be honored on new date. Uptown Theatre Napa, 1350 Third St, Napa. (707) 259-0123. www.uptowntheatrenapa.com Clean and Sober Music Fest: Postponed until June 9-10, 2018. Refunds for tickets will be made through Eventbrite. Mendocino County Fairgrounds, Boonville. www.cleanandsobermusicfest.org CANCELED Two Rooms: Nov. 3-19. 6th Street Playhouse, 52 W. Sixth St., Santa Rosa. (707) 523-4185. www.6thstreetplayhouse.com CLOSED Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art: Closed until late January. The building will be open for its Third Thursdays event on Nov. 16 and for select programs through the end of the year. 5200 Sonoma Hwy., Napa. (707) 226-5991. www.dirosaart.org Paul Chinn/The Chronicle A pedestrian was fatally hit by a Caltrain on Thursday afternoon while trying to cross the tracks near the 16th Street crossing in San Francisco, officials said. The northbound No. 151 train hit the person around 2:29 p.m at 16th and Mississippi streets at a railroad crossing under an elevated section of Interstate 280, a Caltrain official said. The train was held by transit police for about 30 minutes before it was released to continue to the Caltrain station at Fourth and King streets in San Francisco. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Zain Jaffer, the top executive of a mobile video advertising startup in San Francisco, has been arrested and charged with assaulting and sexually abusing his 3-year-old son. Jaffer, 29, the CEO of Vungle, was removed from his position Thursday. He is charged with child abuse, a lewd act upon a child, attempted oral copulation with a person under 10 years old, and assault with intent to cause great bodily harm, according to San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe. Authorities also charged Jaffer with a misdemeanor count of battery upon a police officer and emergency personnel. Prosecutors initially charged Jaffer with attempted murder but dropped the charge because there wasnt enough evidence to prove that he intended to kill the child, Wagstaffe said. Jaffer is due to appear in court Nov. 1. Richard Rice, a spokesman for Vungle, confirmed Jaffers arrest and said the companys board of directors placed Jaffer on an indefinite leave of absence for personal reasons. The company released an additional statement Friday afternoon. These are extremely serious allegations, and we are shocked beyond words, the company said. While these are only preliminary charges, they are obviously so serious that it led to the immediate removal of Mr. Jaffer from any operational responsibility at the company. The company stressed that these issues had nothing to do with his former role at the company. Daniel Olmos, an attorney representing Jaffer, said his client pleaded not guilty and will not make any public statements. Jaffers profile on LinkedIn says he previously served as CEO for two other tech firms, Mediaroots and CyberPlanet. He is a graduate of both the University of London and London Business School. Jaffer started Vungle in 2011. The company said it employs about 200 people and generates annual revenue of about $300 million. Crunchbase said the company has raised about $25.5 million from investors, including renowned venture capitalist Tim Draper and Sun Microsystems co-founder Scott McNealy. How horrible, Draper said in an email. I had no idea. Thomas Lee is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: tlee@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByTomLee Marie D. De Jesus/Staff Oil companies pulled seven rigs out of the fields this week, dropping the nation's rig count for the third week in a row. The oil rig count is now the lowest it has been since June at 736 rigs, following an August peak of 768, Baker Hughes said Friday. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 CPS Energy /Courtesy CPS Energy Show More Show Less 2 of 3 /courtesy Show More Show Less 3 of 3 The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce has chosen CPS Energy CEO Paula Gold-Williams as its incoming chairwoman-elect for 2018, the chamber announced Friday. Texas Capital Bank regional Chairman Shaun Kennedy, who was chairman-elect this year, will lead the group beginning in January. He has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry and has served on the Texas Bankers Association board of directors. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Alameda County Sheriff's Office Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Alameda County Sheriff's Office Show More Show Less 3 of 3 A 46-year-old father of two died after he was run over by his own pickup truck as he tried to stop a carjacker from stealing it from the driveway of his San Lorenzo home, officials said Friday. Hes a working man, he was going to work early in the morning, had started his truck and gone inside real quick to get something, said Sgt. Ray Kelly, a spokesman for the Alameda County Sheriffs Office. He came outside to find the suspect in his car he tried to get the suspect out of his car, but the suspect was able to gain control of the vehicle. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The San Francisco police bicycle officer who was run down by a sport utility vehicle driven by a man with a long rap sheet suffered severe injuries and remained in intensive care Thursday, but his family and his colleagues are optimistic he will recover, said Police Chief Bill Scott. Officer Elia Lewin-Tankel, 32, who according to officials has been recognized repeatedly for outstanding work during his five years on the city force, remained in critical condition at San Francisco General Hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery on him after Wednesdays incident. Elia is a fighter in every sense of the word, and this fight is not over, Scott said outside the hospital, where Lewin-Tankels co-workers at Tenderloin Station had gathered to keep vigil. His family is very positive. And hes doing better today than he was yesterday. ... Were going to be by his side and help him fight through this. Now Playing: San Francisco police say they have taken a suspect into custody after an officer on a bicycle was struck by a hit-and-run driver this afternoon. Video: KTVU The chief read a letter from the injured officers wife, who wrote, Elia is a symbol of strength. Its in his blood. This situation is no different. This is not the end of Elias story. Lewin-Tankel was on his bicycle when a suspect in a gun-related case ran him down in a stolen Lexus SUV about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday on Turk Street between Franklin Street and Van Ness Avenue, just a few blocks from City Hall, police said. More for you Suspect arrested after SFPD officer on bike is hit, critically... The suspect, Maurquise Johnson, 50, drove off and abandoned his car about a mile and a half to the east at Central and Fell streets, prompting an hours-long manhunt of surrounding areas, police said. Johnson was taken into custody about 3:30 p.m. on Ellis Street, officials said, before being jailed on suspicion of attempted murder, reckless driving, hit-and-run, resisting arrest and driving without a license. In an interview Thursday from jail, Johnson told KTVU that he and the officer collided as he pulled out of a garage. He said he wasnt at fault. Police Department officials did not detail Lewin-Tankels injuries. His family released a statement asking everyone to send good energy and prayers for his recovery, which we know will happen, because Elia is a survivor. Lewin-Tankel began his career with the city force in 2012, working at several stations before being permanently assigned to the Tenderloin in March 2016. He asked to be assigned to the station because it is one of the busiest, most demanding districts, a testament to his dedication to serving the residents of San Francisco, department officials said in a statement. The officer, who recently started law school, received the departments Purple Heart Award in 2015 after he was injured as a direct result of actions he took to prevent serious injury or loss of life to members of the community, officials said. In his free time, Lewin-Tankel teaches jiujitsu to fellow officers in the department and in the community, and volunteers at events in the Tenderloin. Hes one of those officers that makes himself known to the community, said Fernando Pujals, the communications director at the Tenderloin Community Benefit District. He talks to people, looks them in the eye and treats them with respect. He approaches his job with care, and when you talk to him, you feel that hes really listening. Lewin-Tankel has an extensive knowledge of the neighborhoods history, Pujals said. He loves jazz and has talked about wanting to put together a throwback event at the Black Hawk jazz club that operated at Turk and Hyde streets in the 1950s, Pujals said. A lot of people have been in contact, just asking for updates and asking whats going on, and you can really see how many people hes touched, Pujals said. Its a really heavy day in the neighborhood. City Supervisor Jane Kim said Lewin-Tankel has been a familiar face at community meetings and on the streets. I really have not seen officers and residents so shook up in a while, she said. Hes young and he wanted to be in the Tenderloin, and hes one of the bike patrol and foot beat guys. Theyre the front line of the Police Department, and theyre the ones who get to know the residents and the small business owners. Lewin-Tankels wife is a public school teacher in San Francisco, Kim said. This is really hitting two communities very hard, Kim said. Its a public servant family. The man suspected of injuring Lewin-Tankel has been in and out of jail in recent years and has a history of reckless driving and trying to evade arrest, court documents show. Johnson has allegedly used several aliases, including Maurice Johnson and Willie Flanagan. According to San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe, Johnson was convicted in that county of misdemeanor petty theft in 1993 and of giving false information to an officer in 2013. Also in 2013, San Francisco prosecutors charged Johnson with robbery, receiving a stolen car, grand theft and evading an officer. He was convicted of grand theft. The next year, he was charged in San Francisco with drug possession, driving without a license, disturbing the peace and providing false information to an officer. After pleading guilty to disturbing the peace, he was sentenced to 16 days in county jail. A few months later, Johnson was arrested in San Francisco on suspicion of buying or receiving stolen property and providing false information to an officer. The next year, he was arrested in the city on suspicion of recklessly evading police and leaving the scene of an accident. In June 2016, he was sentenced to state prison for two years for stealing a car and evading police in San Mateo County. Johnson was released after a few months because he had already served much of his time before sentencing. In February, he pleaded no contest in San Francisco to drug dealing, records show, and was sentenced to 67 days in jail. The city district attorneys office accused Johnson of a slate of charges Thursday including attempted murder of a police officer, battery, assault, evading arrest and reckless endangerment. He is scheduled to be arraigned Friday. Scott said the department had pulled together to support Lewin-Tankel. On Thursday, much of Tenderloin Station was staffed by officers from other stations, allowing the Tenderloin officers to be at the hospital. This is what we do, and we understand this is a part of the job, Scott said. We accept that. But it also gives us the opportunity to show what were made of. Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo Alone: Britain, Churchill, and Dunkirk: Defeat Into Victory By Michael Korda Norton. 525 pp. $29.95 --- Like Waterloo and Stalingrad, Gettysburg and the Somme, Dunkirk is a place that has become shorthand for a blood-drenched turning point in a greater war. Each name is resonant with misbegotten strategy, unforgiving terrain and the loss of life in truly epic proportions - even when measured by an already costly war. But Dunkirk has a particular distinction, one that Michael Korda captures in the subtitle to his fascinating and occasionally exasperating book "Alone: Britain, Churchill, and Dunkirk: Defeat Into Victory." Now, for whatever reason, it's Dunkirk's turn for cinematic and popular attention. The story, even by World War II standards, is dramatic. Hundreds of thousands of British Expeditionary Force and French troops, having been defeated by the Germans as they tried to defend Belgium, the Netherlands and France, were stranded on a French beach from May 26 until June 4, 1940. Christopher Nolan's eponymous film offers only the most glancing reference to how they ended up in such a fix and focuses instead on the sheer vulnerability, terror and discipline of the 400,000 BEF soldiers when they faced, seemingly out of nowhere, the Luftwaffe, which left them cowering and praying to be spared a fatal bullet - until the next assault. Or until the lucky ones were evacuated, provided, of course, they weren't aboard a vessel that hit a mine or another German attack. For Nolan, despite the carnage, the myth of the British victory involves the humble, plucky armada of private sailors and captains of all ages who commandeered fishing boats, sailboats, tugboats, ferries and nearly anything that could float to bring the boys back home. By the time they were through, 198,000 British BEF soldiers - half the force sent over - and about 140,000 French soldiers were evacuated. Korda offers a broader context to this great story by pointing out that while this fleet "captured the minds of most people, with yachtsmen and Sea Scouts performing miracles," the reality "was that good planning by the Royal Navy was responsible for taking the lion's share of those who were evacuated." With riveting detail and often pitch-perfect pacing of the dramatic tension of this early part of the war, Korda interweaves history, politics, geopolitical intrigue, backroom bargaining, generals, admirals, prime ministers and a fuhrer, military strategy, and autobiography to tell the story surrounding those nine days. He begins with the "rumblings of war over Danzig and the Polish corridor in August 1939" and, more than 400 pages later, ends with the battered, often traumatized and fortunate last soldiers arriving in Britain. Korda was also a witness - albeit a pint-size one from a formidable family. "How we arrived there, on the brink of disaster is the subject of this book," he writes, "at once the modest account of my family's dispersal and a history of the greater events that led to Dunkirk, and to Britain's 'finest hour' as Winston Churchill called it." His use of the first person plural is revealing. Korda's massive literary output over 45 years includes biographies of Robert E. Lee, T.E. Lawrence and Ulysses S. Grant. "With Wings Like Eagles" explores the "untold" history of the Battle of Britain, and his 1979 memoir, "Charmed Lives: A Family Romance," is the remarkable story of how three audacious and talented Hungarian Jewish refugee brothers arrived in Britain in the 1930s and reached the stratosphere in the American and British film industries. One of those brothers was Korda's father, Vincent, the art director of the films, and his uncles were Alexander, a storied producer, and Zoltan, a writer and director. Throughout "Alone," these famous relatives and spouses, including "Auntie" Merle Oberon, Alexander's movie star wife, make cameo appearances, offering a kind of cinematic interplay between seismic historical events and inside stories of moviemaking during wartime, squabbling relatives and a little boy watching it all with his nanny. "Over the years, 'the Spirit of Dunkirk' has largely erased the reality of it," Korda observes. The paradox was how a catastrophic military defeat was transformed into a mythic victory, in almost the amount of time it took to cross the channel from Dunkirk to Dover. Korda remembers listening to the family's portable radio when British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain announced, "This country is at war with Germany." Several months after that announcement, Chamberlain lost the confidence of his Parliament, and in May 1940, Churchill became prime minister, just as "the news came that Germany had attacked Holland, Belgium, and France." The disorganized efforts of the British and French attempting to defend Western Europe were overwhelmed by the Germans, which led to the humiliation and glory of Dunkirk. There are times when Korda's re-creation is superb and panoramic - the movements of troops, the despair of politicians, the memories of soldiers, the engagement of the British public feel almost novelistic in pacing and dramatic tension. Photographs, maps, even cartoons offer still more opportunities for a fully immersive experience. What is less satisfying is the parallel story of his family, whose occasionally unexpected appearances have the quality of a Dickensian non sequitur. In the midst of a riveting chapter on inept communications on the ground within the BEF, and how dire military circumstances were presented to the British public, the scene suddenly shifts to the Korda nursery, where "the fate of the BEF was added to my nightly prayers, a sign that by then even Nanny Low, despite the best efforts of the Ministry of Information, understood that the BEF was in grave danger." One longs for Korda to provide the same psychological insight, emotional resonance or glimmer of introspection to his own circumstances as he so deftly does with Churchill, Chamberlain, BEF commander Lord Gort and others. In the end, however, these shortcomings might be yet another example of the British pluck and discipline that are so much a part of Dunkirk's role not just in history but in the country's psychology. When Korda says he seeks to explain "how we arrived there," he may not be writing only about how Dunkirk embodied and foretold Britain's solitary status in the world, but also how alone one 6-year-old boy felt when the world was at war. --- Szegedy-Maszak is a senior editor in the Washington bureau of Mother Jones and the author of "I Kiss Your Hands Many Times: Hearts, Souls, and Wars in Hungary." Destination Casablanca: Exile, Espionage, and the Battle for North Africa in World War II By Meredith Hindley PublicAffairs. 491 pp. $30 --- "If you picked up this book, you might be a fan of the classic film Casablanca," writes historian Meredith Hindley in this absorbing account of the Moroccan city's pivotal role in World War II. The author, a senior writer for Humanities, the quarterly review of the National Endowment for the Humanities, acknowledges that "the core of the film's story holds true," but she's out to tell a larger one. "Destination Casablanca" recounts the real-life drama of the refugees, resistance fighters and Allied spies who flowed through the city in the build-up to Operation Torch in November 1942, when some 33,000 American soldiers stormed the beaches of French Morocco. In Hindley's telling, the struggle for control of Casablanca becomes the key to a campaign that would, in Winston Churchill's phrase, "threaten the belly of Hitler's Europe." As she details the history of the White City, so named for its majestic sweep of whitewashed buildings, Hindley emphasizes the military importance of its thriving, recently redesigned port, which not only reinvigorated the city in the early years of the 20th century but also ensured that it would play a central role in the designs of German and Allied commanders. "As the war stretched beyond Europe and darkened North Africa, the port that fueled the rise of the new white city became both its most valuable asset and its greatest liability," Hindley writes. "From its quays, ships would depart, carrying soldiers to fight in France, and ships would arrive, bearing refugees attempting to escape Hitler's advancing armies." Many of the refugees who landed in Casablanca in the early years of the war could well have afforded "to drink and gamble at Rick's," Hindley allows, but they'd have done better to save their money, as "they could be stuck in Casablanca for years." Others faced a struggle to find food and shelter. Tracing the "hasty and improvised" flight of thousands of evacuees from Gibraltar in 1940, Hindley outlines the privations of life in a cluster of dance halls that had been pressed into service as makeshift dormitories: "When mattresses weren't available, families slept on straw," she writes, and when the bathroom facilities proved inadequate, they "stood in line to use a bucket." The sagas of individual refugees unfold throughout the book, putting a human face on the drama, but Hindley frequently shifts her focus to the global events taking shape in France, Britain and the United States, underscoring Casablanca's strategic importance on the world stage. In the early years of the war, she relates, "France's rapid defeat and the failure of the United States to come to her aid assured Hitler and his deputies that a war with the United States would end quickly." With its prime location on the Atlantic coast, Casablanca would offer a valuable staging ground for a German assault. "By using France's fleet and her naval bases in North Africa," Hindley writes, "Germany would be able to launch an offensive across the Atlantic." Hindley is particularly adept at illuminating the tense inner workings of Vichy France, the unoccupied Free Zone under Marshal Philippe Petain, and the elaborate power struggles that played out between high-ranking collaborators and French loyalists. She spotlights the role of 73-year-old Gen.Maxime Weygand, called out of retirement to serve as the Vichy minister of defense, who cannily maneuvered behind the scenes to prevent France's colonial holdings from falling into the hands of the Nazis. Weygand emerges as a thoroughly admirable if peppery figure: "It is a situation in which the greatest discretion must be exercised," he remarks at one stage. "It is a great misfortune that the British feel that everything must be shouted from the rooftops." Hindley also makes good use of some of the era's most recognizable names, many of whom pop up in surprising ways. Josephine Baker, the barrier-breaking African- American entertainer, puts her talents to use as a French resistance agent. "Regulations forbidding Jews and blacks to take the stage now banned Baker, once the toast of the City of Lights, from performing," Hindley relates. "A sign nailed to the door of the Folies-Bergere read, 'Access Forbidden to Dogs and Jews.'" Later, the French actor Maurice Chevalier is seen performing for prisoners of war at the same German stalag where he himself had been interned during World War I. Chevalier's "cozy relations" with the Vichy government, Hindley notes, landed him on a black list of Frenchmen suspected of collaborating with the Germans: "Some to be assassinated," the accusers vowed, "others to be tried when France is free." Hindley even throws in a literal fly-over by Capt.Antoine de Saint-Exupery, soon to be famous as the author of "The Little Prince," piloting a reconnaissance mission for the French air force. With its lively storytelling and impressive scholarship, "Destination Casablanca" succeeds as a thorough and highly engaging chronicle of the French Moroccan theater of war. "Hopefully you aren't shocked - shocked! - at the differences between Hollywood's and history's Casablancas," Hindley writes in the book's final pages. Even today, she adds, a visit to the fabled city might bring about the beginning of a beautiful friendship or the end of an affair. "The White City endures," she tells us. "Just be sure to have your papers in order." --- Stashower is the author of "The Hour of Peril: The Secret Plot to Murder Lincoln Before the Civil War." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate About three-dozen people with the Catholic group America Needs Fatima gathered just outside the Barshop Jewish Community Center on Thursday night to protest the production of An Act of God. The protesters stood at the corner of Wurzbach Parkway and NW Military Highway prayed, played bagpipes and carried signs reading Jesus is being blasphemed in this theater and Blasphemy is a sin. Act of God, which is being staged by the Sheldon Vexler Theatre inside the Jewish Community Center, is an irreverent piece in which God offers an update to the Ten Commandments. Cesar Franco, a representative of the group, said that they were there to offer reparations to God for the plays blasphemy. Were here to apologize to God publicly, said Franco, who said though he has not seen the play, he had read portions of the script and had found it offensive. The group also protested the San Pedro Playhouse (now known as The Playhouse San Antonio) staging of Corpus Christi a few years ago. That play depicts Jesus and his apostles as gay men. The group is devoted to fighting blasphemy in America, Franco said. Written by former Daily Show scribe David Javerbaum, the one-act opened on Broadway in 2015 with The Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons as God. Since then, it has been staged across the country, and a production is in the works in Mexico City. Most productions have been free of controversy, though a staging by the Pittsburgh Public Theater in June drew protesters who prayed and carried a banner reading Blasphemy is not culture. That was an anomaly, Javerbaum said in a recent interview with the Express-News. It has drawn almost no protests, he said. I expected and was hoping for them. Ken Frazier, who runs the Sheldon Vexler Theatre, said in an interview prior to opening night that he knew his decision to stage the play would raise some eyebrows, so he reviewed it with his staff as well as Saul Levenshus, the president and CEO of the Jewish Community Center. He asked me, Is this play smacking religion? And my answer was no, Frazier said. Franco was not certain if the group would protest other performances of An Act of God. Actors in the show were not available for comment. But after the play, the shows stage manager Melissa Cunningham said she had overheard a patron say the play was the best example of free speech she had ever seen. Frazier agreed with the sentiment. It gives affirmation to what this country is about, he said. dlmartin@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Increased fares for public transportation services provided by El Metro will take effect Monday. With 22 bus routes and 15 scheduled El Lift paratransit vans, El Metro meets the transportation needs of nearly 3 million passengers every year. El Metro buses and van operators travel over 1.7 million miles of streets and highways reaching out to most neighborhoods in the City of Laredo. "Similar to most cities across the nation, El Metro faces reductions on Federal Transportation Administration operating and capital grants, Texas Department of Transportation operating grants, sales tax collection and reduced fare collection," a news release from El Metro states. "(The) revenue shortages further entice our transit system to be diligent in controlling expenses, seeking competitive prices on goods and services under the FTA procurement guidelines," said Claudia San Miguel, El Metro general manager. El Metro added, "To better service the transportation needs of our passengers, staff is committed to continue and seek innovative funding opportunities to continue and fund our bus and paratransit van replacement needs." READ MORE: Laredo man under the influence dropped infant son, caused internal bleeding, police say The changes to the paratransit bus fees were included in the $705 million budget approved by Laredo City Council in September. Council voted 5-2 to implement the rate hikes. George Altgelt and Alberto Torres voted against. Charlie San Miguel, Nelly Vielma, Rudy Gonzalez, Vidal Rodriguez and Alex Perez voted in favor. Roberto Balli was absent. Mayor Pete Saenz, who only votes to break a tie, voted nonetheless, saying he was against the proposal. Eighty-four percent of El Lift riders will now pay $1.74 for their rides, which covers up to 7 miles on the bus. Fifteen percent of riders will pay $2.50 for rides from 7.1 to 14 miles. A little over 1 percent of riders will be paying the $3.50 for rides over 14 miles. Rosie Centeno-Hinojosa of the Paratransit Advisory Committee spoke in favor of these rate hikes, and said everyone on the committee but one is in favor too. Roberto Delgado spoke against the change, voicing his concern for the people who use this service, and that they are largely on a fixed income. Although a $1 fee does not cover the maintenance for these vehicles, state and federal funds should be available, Delgado said. He is afraid people will not be able to use El Lift now. RELATED: Swarm will not return this year "I beg you to understand where we're coming from," he told City Council. El Metro said the fare change will cover operational needs with a small room for growth. "Thanks to the fare change, cost avoidance alternatives such as cutting low-performing routes, reducing hours of service or Sunday services reductions will be deferred at this time," Claudia San Miguel said. A news release from El Metro states that "to enhance the connectivity between the South and East Laredo connectivity with TAMIU, LCC campuses and the Mines Road area, route optimizations will be presented to City Council as an opportunity to meet the demand for increased frequency and new routes." El Metro fare changes set to take effect: This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A man suspected of being under the influence of a controlled substance when his infant son fell from his arms has been arrested, according to Laredo police. On Wednesday afternoon, Jesus Chavez, 26, was served with warrants charging him with injury to a child and endangering a child by criminal negligence. On Sept. 21, officers responded to the Laredo Medical Center for an injured person report. Initial reports indicated that an infant had fallen from one of his parent's arms. The infant was in the trauma room, according to police. READ MORE: Swarm will not return this year Paramedics who took the boy to LMC told police the 1-month-old had a large contusion to his head. Initial reports indicated he had internal bleeding in his brain, police said. He had to be airlifted to University Hospital in San Antonio. Both parents were in the waiting area of the emergency room. Police said Chavez told them that the incident occurred in the 3800 block of Century Drive. He said to LPD he was sitting on the edge of his bed feeding and burping his son. RELATED: Convicted felon 'targeted by other criminals' illegally had firearm in car, police say He did not remember his son falling from his arms, police said. He woke up to his wife screaming, Chavez told police, according to LPD. The child's mother said she heard the impact of the baby hitting the ground. As the investigation furthered, police said they learned it appeared that Chavez was under the influence of a controlled substance. After 10 long months of classes five nights a week, Liberty County Sheriff Bobby Rader on Oct. 14 presided over the graduating class of the Liberty County Peace Officer Academy at the Jack Hartel Building in Liberty. The 24 cadets graduated with an outstanding overall academic score on 89.7. The Basic Peace Officer Academy class was sponsored by the College of the Mainland and was hosted by LCSO Investigators Josh Cummins and Chris Ungles. The detectives led the academy class and arranged for all instructors who taught. For the cadets, completing the class took tremendous commitment. "This academy was an evening class where most all the cadets have full-time day jobs, and after completed a day's work, they still had to attend classes, study for the next day's class and even participate in after-hours training," said LCSO Capt. Ken DeFoor. "A very taxing schedule for anyone to sustain for such a long period of time." Proof that the students were taught well came when they took their tests, scoring a 100 percent pass rate on their first attempt. DeFoor said that the College of the Mainland personnel were impressed with the high academic scores produced by the cadets, as well as the overall high quality of the Academy standards that had to be met by all cadets. According to DeFoor, Thom Karlok, Law Enforcement director for College of the Mainland, highlighted the many and varied studies the students absorbed such as the Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedures, U.S. Constitution, self-defense, firearms training and a multitude of other law enforcement related subjects. Capt. Billy Knox presented Cadet Linda Longoria the "Top Shot" award for her outstanding performance with the AR-15, shotgun and handgun while class leader Cadet Kalyn Perry and Cadet Linda Longoria were both given awards for their Academic score that tied at 94.9. Class leader Cadet Perry gave a rather light-hearted presentation on how the academy class pulled all the cadets together as one and they all found that what they were told by the instructors that "friendships would be born" was, in fact, a reality. Selecting a "battle buddy" for many of their physical training classes only furthered this deep friendship and solidarity. Just before handing out the graduating certificates, Rader addressed the cadets and over 200 family members, friends and fellow peace officers in attendance. While he congratulated the cadets for a very successful completion of the academy, he gave a reality check to everyone by reminding them that each cadet was entering a difficult profession and that their real life training was just starting. The Sheriff reminded them that in many cases they will cry at what they see on the streets, that they must put behind them those who will hate them and want to harm them, and focus on the good things they will experience like saving a child's life. "You guys are awesome and I thank you," the sheriff concluded. While seven of these new recruits will be hired on as full time deputies with the sheriff's office and 12 more will join the ranks of the reserves, some of the other graduates will move on to other agencies for either full time or reserves. "In any case, the citizens of Liberty County can rest assured that 24 of the very best and well-trained peace officers have earned their badges and are ready to step up and answer their call to duty," DeFoor said. TOKYO - Have North Korea's nuclear tests become so big that they have altered the geological structure of the land? Some analysts now see signs that Mount Mantap, the 7,200-foot-high peak under which North Korea detonates its nuclear bombs, is suffering from "tired mountain syndrome." The mountain visibly shifted during the last nuclear test, an enormous detonation that was recorded as a 6.3-magnitude earthquake in North Korea's northeast. Since then, the area, which is not known for natural seismic activity, has had three more quakes. "What we are seeing from North Korea looks like some kind of stress in the ground," said Paul Richards, a seismologist at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. "In that part of the world, there were stresses in the ground, but the explosions have shaken them up." Chinese scientists already have warned that further nuclear tests could cause the mountain to collapse and release the radiation from the blast. North Korea has conducted six nuclear tests since 2006, all of them in tunnels burrowed deep under Mount Mantap at a site known as the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility. Intelligence analysts and experts alike use satellite imagery to keep close track of movement at the three entrances to the tunnels for signals that a test might be coming. After the latest nuclear test, on Sept. 3, Kim Jong Un's regime claimed that it had set off a hydrogen bomb and that it had been a "perfect success." The regime is known for brazen exaggeration, but analysts and many government officials said the size of the earthquake that the test generated suggested that North Korea had detonated a thermonuclear device at least 17 times the size of the U.S. bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. It registered as an artificial 6.3-magnitude earthquake, so big that it shook houses in northeastern China. Eight minutes later, there was a 4.1-magnitude earthquake that appeared to be a tunnel collapsing at the site. Images captured by Airbus, a space technology company that makes Earth-observation satellites, showed the mountain literally moving during the test. An 85-acre area on the peak of Mount Mantap visibly subsided during the explosion, an indication of both the size of the blast and the weakness of the mountain. Since that day, there have been three much smaller quakes at the site, in the 2- to 3-magnitude range, each of them prompting fears that North Korea had conducted another nuclear test that perhaps had gone wrong. But they all turned out to be natural. That has analysts Frank Pabian and Jack Liu wondering if Mount Mantap is suffering from "tired mountain syndrome," a diagnosis previously applied to the Soviet Union's atomic test sites. "The underground detonation of nuclear explosions considerably alters the properties of the rock mass," Vitaly Adushkin and William Leith wrote in a report on the Soviet tests for the U.S. Geological Survey in 2001. This leads to fracturing and rocks breaking, as well as changes along tectonic faults. Earthquakes also occurred at the United States' nuclear test site in Nevada after detonations there. "The experience we had from the Nevada test site and decades of monitoring the Soviet Union's major test sites in Kazakhstan showed that after a very large nuclear explosion, several other significant things can happen," said Richards, the seismologist. These include cavities collapsing hours or even months later, he said. Pabian and Liu said that the North Korean test site also seemed to be suffering. "Based on the severity of the initial blast, the post-test tremors, and the extent of observable surface disturbances, we have to assume that there must have been substantial damage to the existing tunnel network under Mount Mantap," they wrote in a report for the specialist North Korea website 38 North. But the degradation of the mountain does not necessarily mean that it would be abandoned as a test site - just as the United States did not abandon the Nevada test site after earthquakes there, they said. Instead, the United States kept using the site until a nuclear test moratorium took effect in 1992. For that reason, analysts will continue to keep a close eye on the Punggye-ri site to see if North Korea starts excavating there again - a sign of possible preparations for another test. The previous tests took place through the north portal to the underground tunnels, but even if those tunnels had collapsed, North Korea's nuclear scientists might still use tunnel complexes linked to the south and west portals, said Pabian and Liu. Chinese scientists have warned that another test under the mountain could lead to an environmental disaster. If the whole mountain caved in on itself, radiation could escape and drift across the region, said Wang Naiyan, former chairman of the China Nuclear Society and a senior researcher on China's nuclear weapons program. "We call it 'taking the roof off.' If the mountain collapses and the hole is exposed, it will let out many bad things," Wang told the South China Morning Post last month. The recent seismic events have triggered another environmental concern, at least on the Internet: that the nuclear tests might trigger the eruption of Mount Paektu, an active volcano straddling the border between North Korea and China more than 80 miles away. The mountain has not experienced a major eruption for centuries, and its last small rumble was in 1903. But this scenario, experts say, is a stretch. Volcanic eruptions happen when molten rock flows into the magma chamber under the surface, said Colin Wilson, professor of volcanology at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. If an earthquake occurs when the magma is hot and, as Wilson puts it, "ready to roll," it could trigger an eruption. But if the molten rock is not activated, then even a large earthquake won't cause a volcanic eruption. He cited the Tohoku earthquake in 2011, which had a magnitude of 9 but did not cause any of Japan's many volcanoes to blow their tops. "There's no point in kicking a dead horse," Wilson said. "If the horse is up and ready, and you give it a slap on the bum, it will take off. But if it's dead, even if you slap it, it's not going anywhere." BERLIN - A little over a century ago, the ancestors of modern Austrians were at the vanguard of religious liberty in Europe, giving their small Muslim community the same rights as Christians or Jews. Today, the much larger and rapidly growing Muslim population of Austria sees their country again setting the tone in Europe - but this time in a far more ominous direction. In Sunday's election, well over half the country's voters chose parties that defined themselves by their hard-line stances on immigration, integration and multiculturalism. The third-place finisher, the Freedom Party, campaigned on the proposition that Islam is incompatible with Austrian values and an existential threat to Europe. The leader of the vote-topping People's Party and Austria's likely next chancellor, 31-year-old Sebastian Kurz, doesn't go that far. But he's mimicked much of the Freedom Party's rhetoric, lashing out at Muslim kindergartens, calling for rescued migrants to be sent back to Africa and promising sharply reduced benefits for newcomers. Together, the two parties are expected to form a coalition government that leaders of the Austrian Muslim community see as a nightmare come true. "This election result is something we feared," said Ramazan Demir, a Vienna-based imam and a leader of the Islamic Religious Community in Austria, an umbrella group. "During the campaign we saw how populists created panic. Austrians voted for them for that reason." The Austrian results reflected anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiment that has been rising across Europe in recent years. But it has been especially pronounced in Austria, a country that hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers transited at the height of the European refugee crisis. Tens of thousands - many of them Muslims fleeing war in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan - settled in the central European nation. The newcomers added to a fast-growing Muslim community that represented just 4 percent of Austria's population as of 2001, but has now expanded to 8 percent - or 700,000 people. Austria was long known for its relative openness to Muslims - an outgrowth, analysts say, of a 1912 law that gave Islam official status in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and that remains on the books today, long after the empire's collapse. In the 1960s and 1970s, guest workers were recruited to Austria from Turkey and the Balkans. The country also welcomed significant numbers of Balkan refugees in the 1990s. But attitudes have hardened in recent years, with widespread perceptions that newcomers haven't adequately integrated. Terrorist attacks in Europe - and the departure of some 300 Austrian Muslims to Syria and Iraq to fight alongside the Islamic State - have heightened concerns. Politicians have picked up on the fears, and exacerbated them. "They did their politics on the backs of Muslims," said Demir, who is Turkish-born. "There's never been this much Islamophobia in Austria." Peter Hajek, an expert on Austrian public opinion, said that after initially welcoming refugees in 2015, voters grew jaded and came to see the newcomers less as legitimate asylum seekers than as economic migrants. They also began to regard Muslims in general as suspect. "They do not really differentiate between Muslims and Islamic extremists," he said. "Nearly every Muslim seems to be dangerous." Kurz, more than any other mainstream politician, managed to capitalize on those sentiments. On the campaign trail, he boasted that as foreign minister he had stopped the flow of asylum seekers along the Balkans route by closing Austrian borders. He has promised to force Europe to do the same with the central Mediterranean route, the main path by which migrants reach the continent today. Domestically, Kurz has championed changes to the country's laws for Muslims, including a prohibition on foreign donations for Islamic institutions and a ban on women wearing full-face veils. He also caused a storm of controversy by commissioning a study on Islamic kindergartens, which have equal weight under Austrian law with other religious-based schools. The study found that the schools contribute to "a parallel society," and Kurz frequently cited the findings on the campaign trail. But the study's methodology was widely questioned by academics, and Austrian media reported that Kurz's ministry had changed the findings to make them more politically advantageous. Kurz has consistently denied that charge, and his aides bristle at the notion that he's simply copied the language and policies of the far-right. But they don't deny that he's responding to a genuine discomfort in Austrian society with multiculturalism. "Most European populations don't want to become half-Afghan or half-Syrian or half-African," said a Kurz adviser, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak for the record. "And you have to accept it. If you don't, we'll go to the extreme far right." But that's where some fear the country may be headed - and the fears are hardly limited to Muslims. After the vote, the European Jewish Congress called on Kurz not to pick the Freedom Party, which was founded by a former SS officer, as his coalition partner. "Europe in general and Austria in particular should know all too well where acceptance of populist and pernicious ideologies leads," the group said. But the overall reaction from European leaders was muted - a stark contrast to 2000, when inclusion of the Freedom Party in an Austrian government triggered sanctions from fellow EU members. Muslim leaders in Austria, too, have been restrained in their public responses. There have been no major protests, and few sustained appeals for Kurz to choose a more centrist governing partner than the Freedom Party, which is led by Heinz-Christian Strache, a onetime neo-Nazi youth activist. "For us, appealing to Kurz not to form a coalition with Strache doesn't even make sense because they're the same," Demir said. But that doesn't mean there aren't profound concerns. Omar al-Rawi, a Vienna city council member and one of the country's most prominent Muslim politicians, said his chief worry is that Austria is looking more like its former partner in empire, Hungary. There, prime minister Viktor Orban has made xenophobia and EU-bashing central to his agenda. "We don't want an Orbanization" of Austria," said al-Rawi, who was born in Baghdad and has lived in Austria for nearly four decades. "Our city, our nation in general, it's a beautiful place to live. Unfortunately, the climate is becoming rougher." KABUL - Dozens of worshipers were killed Friday when suicide bombers struck two mosques in an escalation of violence in Afghanistan this week that has left at least 150 people dead. A suicide bomber detonated explosives inside a Shiite mosque on the southwestern fringe of the capital, killing 39 people - among them women and children - on a day in Afghanistan reserved for prayer and reflection. In addition, 45 people were wounded in the attack, which took place during evening prayers inside the Imam Zaman Mosque in the city's Dasht-e-Barchi neighborhood, an enclave of ethnic Hazaras. Some were transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition, officials said. "It was a gruesome scene," an eyewitness who identified himself as Ramazan Ali told a local television station. "Everyone was running away." In central Ghowr province, a suicide bomber attacked worshipers in a Sunni mosque, where a former Taliban commander who was inside was apparently the target, a local official said. Twenty people, including the former Taliban commander, died in the afternoon attack, local officials said. The bombings were the latest in a string of attacks this week that have killed an estimated 150 people in various Afghan provinces. Most of the attacks have targeted police compounds or military facilities. In addition, several attempted suicide bombings in Kabul have been foiled. The mosque attacks came a day after the end of the holy month of Muharram. The Kabul attack marks the sixth on a Shiite mosque this year, including one in Herat province in August that killed 31. Local news reports showed protesters gathered outside the Imam Zaman Mosque after the attack chanting "Death to ISIS," a reference to the Islamic State terrorist group that has claimed responsibility for previous bombings on Shiite mosques. It took President Donald Trump 12 days to speak publicly about a terrorist attack that left four American soldiers dead. And even then, it was only because a reporter asked, "Why haven't we heard anything from you so far about the soldiers that were killed in Niger?" Trump's answer -- that he likes to call and write letters to family members of slain service members, unlike his predecessors -- kicked off days of strange volleys between the president and the press. Aides of former presidents quickly refuted the notion that their bosses didn't communicate with families who'd lost loved ones. Reporters contacted Gold Star families and found that Trump's record of reaching out was, at best, spotty. On Tuesday, Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., said that Trump's call to the widow of Sgt. La David T. Johnson was so insensitive it left her in tears. But beyond that controversy, there's a lot we still don't know about what happened in Niger and why four American soldiers died there. Republicans and Democrats are calling for an investigation, and one lawmaker has called this "Mr. Trump's Benghazi." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Pfc. Lane Hiser/HOGP Show More Show Less 2 of 3 ZAYID BALLESTEROS/Handout Show More Show Less 3 of 3 Here's what we do know: Q: What were U.S. troops doing in Niger? A: Niger, a landlocked country bordered by Libya, Nigeria and Algeria, is key to the fight against Islamic terrorists. Al Qaida and the Islamic State have both established transit routes that allow them to move money and people between the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa. (Both groups have a training camp in Mali.) U.S. troops arrived in 2013 to help the French military, which was running an operation against Al Qaida in Mali. President Obama sent 150 service members to Niger's capital, Niamey, to set up a surveillance drone operation over Mali. Today, there are about 800 soldiers assisting in the fight against Al Qaida, the Islamic State and Boko Haram. Many have been tasked with setting up a drone base in the country's northern desert or running surveillance missions out of Niamey. About 100 Green Beret units are helping the county's military fight terrorism. Q: What happened the day of the attack? A: It's unclear. Here's what we know: A group of eight to 12 U.S. soldiers were accompanying 30 to 40 Nigerien troops on some kind of mission near Tongo Tongo. (Other accounts suggest that only eight to 12 Nigerien and American soldiers actually entered the village and that the other Nigerien troops were stationed nearby.) The group met with leaders and collected supplies. As they were heading home, they were ambushed by about 50 militants. There was a firefight. Witnesses said the assailants blew up their vehicles. U.S. soldiers ran for cover and began returning fire. Apparently, a French military aircraft was on the scene within 30 minutes, but it didn't fire on the attackers. (There are different accounts on why. Reuters reported that the fighting was happening at close quarters, so the French aircraft couldn't intervene. Others have said that Niger forbids air strikes on its soil.) A soldier on the mission told CNN he thought the villagers were in on the attack. He said it seemed like the local leaders were delaying their departure, which caused some of them "to suspect that the villagers may have been complicit in the ambush." But by the end of the fight, the remains of three Americans were retrieved -- Staff Sgts. Bryan Black, Jeremiah Johnson, and Dustin Wright. Sgt. Johnson had been separated from the rest of the group. It took 48 hours to recover his body. There's even disagreement on who flew the medevac helicopter to rescue the wounded. NBC News reported that U.S. military officials have offered three accounts: "First U.S. military officials said it was French military, then that it was the U.S. military. Now, they're saying it could have been a U.S. contractor." Q: Did the Army do enough to protect its soldiers? A: According to the Pentagon, the answer is yes. Defense Department officials said that soldiers had carried out 29 similar operations in the last six months with no problems. By this time, they were considered routine. But critics wonder if enough precautions were taken. The troops were armed only with rifles and traveled in unarmored pickup trucks. There was no U.S. drone flying overhead to track the soldiers. French officials told Reuters they felt the U.S. military acted without enough intelligence or contingency planning. Q: Who were the militants? A: The Defense Intelligence Agency has said they believe the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara was behind the attack. The group has been around at least since 2015, when its leader split from Al Qaida. According to U.S. officials, this isn't an "officially recognized" branch of the Islamic State -- one American official called it a "wannabe." In the past, the group has attacked French counterterrorism forces, but they've never before launched an attack on the United States. (A rival group, Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen, kidnapped an American aid worker from his home in Abalak in 2016. He is still being held with five other hostages.) The men were carrying small arms, machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades. The Pentagon said they were "well-equipped and trained." Q: How has the U.S. government handled the fall-out from the attack? A: Investigations are under way. The Department of Defense is conducting a review of what went wrong, and the Pentagon's Africa Command has sent a team of investigators to Niger. ("We need to collect some basic facts," a Defense Department official told NBC News.) The French military is also looking into it. The Senate Armed Services Committee has called on the Trump administration to lay out a fuller explanation of what went wrong. "I think the administration has to be more clear about our role in Niger and our role in other areas in Africa and other parts of the globe," Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., told New York magazine. "They have to connect it to a strategy. They should do that. I think that the inattention to this issue is not acceptable." Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., has been more blunt. When asked by a reporter whether he thought the Trump administration was being up front about what happened in Niger, he replied, simply: "No." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate With revelations that Russian operatives purchased thousands of Facebook ads that exploited social divides in the United States during the 2016 presidential campaign, hostility between the two countries is deepening. For Russian-Americans, the renewed acrimony between their native country and their adoptive home is stirring memories of a time when Russia was enemy No. 1. Their fears have merit: A CNN poll in August found that 89 percent of Americans see Russia as a threat, a proportion almost as large as during the height of the Cold War in 1983, when 96 percent feared Russia. We traveled to West Hollywood, the unlikely home of one of the largest Russian-speaking communities in the United States, to talk to recent arrivals and longtime residents about how the political climate has affected their identity as both Russians and Americans. These are some of the responses. --- Dima Malanitchev, 54 An Emmy-winning art director for "The Simpsons," Malanitchev immigrated from Moscow in 1994 for a work opportunity. "When Barack Obama was elected and I cast my vote, I didn't consider myself as a Russian-American. That was an American thing for me, and I was really proud of that. . . . Now, with the results of the last election, it pushes you back to your origins. It made me pull back from the government and establishment because I have nothing in common with the way those people see the world or think." Alex Gurfinkel, 27 Born in Ukraine under the Soviet Union, Gurfinkel immigrated with his family when he was 3 years old in 1990. "When I think of Soviet Russia I think of gloom, constant state of gray, fear that the walls are listening. I think that a lot of those old perceptions are to some degree instilled in some youth who have grown up in America." Anastasia Kurteeva, 33 Born in Kazakhstan, Kurteeva came from Moscow in 2002 for an American education. "When the election came out, it's like, who do you associate with more? As a gay person or as a Russian? I'm more concerned about gay issues than the Russian-American relationship." Cyril Zima, 33 A film director from Moscow, Zima immigrated in 2015 to launch his career in the United States. "You say 'American Dream,' and we have opposite called 'Russian soul.' . . . Russian culture is all about misery, to understand that something is always wrong to you and it's the part that makes you beautiful." Raisa Aguf A Russian Jew, Aguf escaped persecution in Latvia and came to America in 1980. "I watch Russian TV from Moscow, but I don't know what's right, what's wrong. I love America very much - I am American right now, I am not Russian. I remember my culture, but I like America. [Russia] blames America for everything. The Americans, the actual people, have nothing to do with Russia." Nina Pankratz, 51 Pankratz, a theatrical actress, left Moscow in 1994 to follow her rock musician husband to Nashville. They later settled in Los Angeles. "America wants to tell everyone what to do, but they can't do that with Russia. You tell them what to do and they'll do the opposite. It's so interesting, during Communism, when you were flying to America, they would say America was so relaxed, and Russia, it was KGB guys were very strict. And now it's the opposite." Nikita Pankratz, 21 Pankratz is Nina's son and was born in Nashville, but he identifies as Russian. "It's something special in the sense that I have an idea of where my ancestry came from and why I act a certain way, because I can undoubtedly see a difference between Russians and Americans. Russians are more human, Americans are, 'No, we can't.' It's by the book. I think [Americans] are a little paranoid." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Los Angeles Police Department recently opened an investigation into disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein for a sexual assault that allegedly occurred in 2013. "The Los Angeles Police Department robbery homicide division has interviewed a potential sexual assault victim involving Harvey Weinstein, which allegedly occurred in 2013. The case is under investigation at this point," LAPD spokesperson Tony Im told The Washington Post. Im said the department could not release more information at this time. The alleged victim was an unnamed Italian model-actress who said Weinstein "forcibly raped" her at the Mr. C Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles after the 8th annual Los Angeles, Italia Film, Fashion and Art Fest in February of 2013, according to the Los Angeles Times. Now Playing: PEOPLE Cover Story: Breaking Down The Harvey Weinstein Sexual Assault & Harassment Scandal Video: People "He . . . bullied his way into my hotel room, saying, 'I'm not going to [have sex with] you, I just want to talk,'" the woman told the newspaper. "Once inside, he asked me questions about myself, but soon became very aggressive and demanding and kept asking to see me naked." Then, she said, "He grabbed me by the hair and forced me to do something I did not want to do. He then dragged me to the bathroom and forcibly raped me." Afterward, she said, "he acted like nothing happened." The New York Police Department said last week that it is investigating Weinstein for a sexual assault that allegedly occurred in 2004, according to Reuters. The London Metropolitan Police department has also received three reports from women accusing Weinstein of sexual assault, CNN reported. The investigation comes after dozens of women, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Lena Headey, publicly accused Weinstein of sexual assault or harassment. The outcry was prompted by a pair of articles in the New York Times and the New Yorker that alleged Weinstein used his position as a powerful producer to abuse women he encountered through his work, at least since the 1980s. Many of the women said they were afraid to report their experiences because Weinstein had the power to crush or make their careers. "Everyone knew these stories," one Hollywood publicist told The Post. "Not the specifics. But people knew it was a hostile work environment, and that he was a bully to people. Because he could win you an Oscar, we were all supposed to look the other way." Many called Weinstein's history of abuse "an open secret." Some, such as director Quentin Tarantino, said they knew of Weinstein's alleged behavior and should have spoken out. Since the allegations, Weinstein was fired from the company he founded, the Weinstein Company, and has been stripped of many honors, such as his British Film Institute fellowship and his membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, where Roman Polanski and Bill Cosby still retain their memberships. The reaction to these stories spurred actress Alyssa Milano to ask women who had been sexually assaulted or harassed to share their stories on social media, using the phrase "me too." Since Sunday, hundreds of thousands of women offered painful, personal stories of their own harassment or assault using the hashtag #MeToo. Weinstein's representative Sallie Hofmeister responded to these allegations, telling The Post in an email last week, "Mr. Weinstein obviously can't speak to anonymous allegations, but with respect to any women who have made allegations on the record, Mr. Weinstein believes that all of those relationships were consensual. Any allegations of non-consensual sex are unequivocally denied by Mr. Weinstein." WASHINGTON -- More than 30 U.S. senators demanded information Friday on the 2016 law that stripped the Drug Enforcement Administration of its most potent weapon against companies suspected of spilling hundreds of millions of addictive painkillers onto the black market. Thirty-one Democrats and two independents noted that the same law required the DEA and the Department of Health and Human Services to compile a report for Congress on the law's impact by April 16. Six months later, no report has been submitted. They demanded an immediate update, saying they "want to ensure the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other related agencies have all of the tools necessary to fight this epidemic." In a joint investigation, The Washington Post and "60 Minutes" reported Sunday that a small number of members of Congress, allied with parts of the drug industry, had pushed through a law that undermined DEA efforts against wholesale drug distributors that have allowed pain pills to get into the hands of users and dealers. In the House, that effort was led by Rep. Tom Marino, R-Pa., who overcame years of opposition from the DEA to win passage of a version of the law that would have hamstrung the agency even more severely. The legislation was slightly altered during negotiations with Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, before it cleared the Senate and was signed last year by President Barack Obama. Marino was President Donald Trump's nominee to become the nation's drug czar. He withdrew his name Tuesday in the wake of the reports. In a statement on his website, he blasted the reports and accused a former DEA official, Joseph Rannazzisi, of trying to deflect blame for a failure to stem the U.S. opioid crisis. For 10 years, Rannazzisi led the DEA's crackdown on wholesale opioid distributors. Hatch said on the floor of the Senate and wrote in an op-ed in The Washington Post that he worked with the DEA and the Justice Department to craft the final language. Either department or any senator could have stopped the bill, he said. But The Post and "60 Minutes" reported that DEA officials accepted the language only after concluding it was the best deal they could get. In Friday's letter, the senators wrote that "as members of Congress from states severely affected by the nation's addiction epidemic, we are concerned by these recent news reports and the issues they raise, and we write to request that you immediately provide Congress with an update on the law's impact on the war against addiction." The letter was addressed to acting HHS secretary Eric Hargan and acting DEA administrator Robert Patterson. The effort was led by Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, Richard Durbin, D-Ill., and Edward Markey, D-Mass., who represent three states where the opioid epidemic is severe. About 200,000 people have died of overdoses of prescription opioids since 2000, and tens of thousands more have succumbed to heroin and fentanyl. Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, has promised an oversight hearing soon on the law, titled the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act of 2016. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein also promised a review of whether the law hurts DEA enforcement efforts. Numerous lawmakers, most of them Democrats, have called for repeal or amendment of the law. The DEA's chief administrative law judge, John Mulrooney, wrote in an upcoming law review article that because of the law it is now "all but logically impossible" for the DEA to suspend a drug company's operations if it fails to report suspicious orders of narcotics. In the draft article for the Marquette Law Review, Mulrooney wrote that "at a time when, by all accounts, opioid abuse, addiction and deaths were increasing markedly," the new law "imposed a dramatic diminution of the agency's authority." A form of legal immigration status will expire soon for 300,000 Haitians and Central Americans residing legally in the United States, some for nearly two decades, but the Trump administration has given little indication it plans to renew the benefit. The immigrants have been allowed to live and work in the United States under a program called Temporary Protected Status (TPS) that shields some migrants from deportation if their nations are stricken by natural disasters, civil wars or other calamities. Permission to stay must be periodically renewed by the Department of Homeland Security, and in the coming weeks, the agency will decide the fate of about 195,000 Salvadorans, 57,000 Hondurans, 50,000 Haitians and 2,550 Nicaraguans. Once the protections lapse, those immigrants would be subject to deportation. Their predicament is not as well known as immigrants who have been protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the program that President Donald Trump is canceling. But an end to TPS protections could have wide-ranging consequences, especially in cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, Houston and Washington, where many of the beneficiaries and their U.S.-born children reside. Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups are urging the administration to extend the TPS protections, warning that the humanitarian and economic costs of expelling so many long-term U.S. residents would be steep. Moreover, they say, the countries remain crippled by violence, disease and poverty, and the abrupt loss of the cash remittance payments the immigrants send from the United States would deal a heavy blow to those nations' feeble economies. DHS officials say the agency's acting secretary, Elaine Duke, has yet to make a decision and continues to consult with the Department of State, which must provide DHS with specific country-by-country information about whether conditions in those nations have ameliorated. But administration officials say the TPS program was never intended to be a way for migrants to remain indefinitely in the United States, and they view it as part of a broader culture of lax immigration enforcement they want to remedy. "We are looking at the fact that temporary protected status means temporary, and it has not been temporary for many years, and we, the U.S. government, have created a situation where people have lived in this country a long time," "Every time, we give an extension, and then give an extension, and soon we have people living here 20-plus years under what was supposed to be a temporary program," Lapan said. "When do you stop that?" DHS has until Nov. 6 to announce its plans for the roughly 60,000 Hondurans and Nicaraguans whose benefits will expire Jan. 5. They were allowed to stay after Hurricane Mitch killed 10,000 across Central America in 1998, so many have been in the United States for at least two decades. Haitians received a similar reprieve after the 2010 earthquake that left at least 200,000 dead. But the roughly 50,000 Haitians who have TPS protections could be forced to return if DHS does not grant an extension in the coming weeks. The deadline for that announcement is Nov. 23, Thanksgiving Day. In May then-DHS Secretary John Kelly renewed TPS protections for those Haitians for six months, far less than the 18-month waivers granted by the Obama administration. In a statement at the time, Kelly called it a "limited" extension whose purpose was to "allow Haitian TPS recipients living in the United States time to attain travel documents and make other necessary arrangements for their ultimate departure from the United States," and "to provide the Haitian government with the time it needs to prepare for the future repatriation of all current TPS recipients." Immigration policy analysts say DHS could make a similar six-month extension for Central Americans, including the nearly 200,000 Salvadorans whose protections expire in March. Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, which seeks to reduce immigration to the United States, said the Trump administration's big test will be what DHS decides to do with the Haitians, given Kelly's characterization of the previous extension as a "limited" one. "That will determine whether it's more than rhetoric," Krikorian said. "That's when we'll get a sense of how committed the White House is to making sure the 'temporary' in Temporary Protected Status is really temporary." DHS officials would not say what instruction, if any, they have received from the White House, where officials referred questions to DHS. Honduras and El Salvador have some of the highest homicide rates in the world, and tens of thousands of their citizens continue to attempt to come to the United States illegally each year. Haiti, the Western Hemisphere's poorest country, still suffers from cholera introduced by United Nations troops who were sent after the earthquake, in addition to food shortages and other damage from recent hurricanes. But administration officials say the return of tens of thousands of migrants to Haiti and Central America would benefit those nations, because their citizens will return with skills, values and investment capital acquired during their lives in the United States. This week 20 Democratic senators, led by Sen. Benjamin Cardin, Md., and Sen. Tim Kaine, Va., sent a letter to Duke and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urging an extension of the TPS deadlines. There are about 30,000 TPS beneficiaries living in the Washington area with their families, according to immigrant advocates. "These individuals are the most thoroughly vetted people in the country," said Tom Jawetz, an immigration policy analyst at the left-leaning Center for American Progress. He said TPS beneficiaries are the parents of 190,000 U.S.-citizen children, and the anxiety of not knowing what will happen to their parents is inflicting "devastating emotional, social and educational harm." But like the DACA debate, the TPS decision has become a proxy for a broader argument about immigration and the enforcement of U.S. laws. The Trump administration has been signaling it wants to break with its predecessors and appears to want to make a statement, said Doris Meissner, the top immigration official under the Clinton administration, "The deeper point is they don't want people here from other countries for humanitarian reasons," said Meissner, now a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute in Washington. "They don't see these various elements of immigration policy as particularly positive for the U.S., or as a broader expression of our values and image in the world." Oct. 22, 1937: Plans for perfecting a junior traffic patrol among Plainview public school students was initiated at a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors this morning, reports Secretary Pete Smith. --In Austin, the Senate today knocked out of a general tax bill a proposal for taxing and legalizing the sale of liquor by the drink where authorized by local option. The vote to kill the liquor section was 17-12. --A cast from Lockney Methodist Church will present a pageant, The Straight White Road, at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at First Methodist Church in Plainview. Oct. 22, 1957: Marshall Formby of Plainview, chairman of the Texas Highway Commission, said today at a National Turnpike meeting in Chicago that the federal interstate highway system will help, but will not solve all the states traffic bottlenecks. --The new Hale County Farm Bureau officers, elected last night at the annual county convention in Hale Center, include Bill Bohner, Edmonson, president; T.A. Shipp, Hale Center, vice president; and W.E. Thurman, Edmonson, secretary-treasurer. --Plainview City Council on Monday granted an application from Pioneer Natural Gas Co. for a rate increase of 25 cents per gas meter per month in the city. Oct. 22, 1977: A surprise 78th birthday party was given to Pete Norfleet of Hale Center at the Llano Estacado Museum, which coincided with a meeting of the Hale County Historical Commission on Saturday. --A picture of Vernon Pierce, water meter supervisor, points out the correct method of tabulating numbers to Martin Ramos and John Delgado, meter readers. Due to growth, the pair will begin reading only a third of the 7,200 meters in the city each month, but billing will continue monthly. --Hale County Soil and Water Conservation District directors, meeting Friday, re-elected officers for the group. They include F.F. Calhoun, Plainview, chairman; Jason Justice, Petersburg, director; L.D. Ballard, Cotton Center, secretary; R.J. Burnett, Halfway, vice chairman; and Edward Weil, Hale Center, director. Oct. 22, 1987: The PHS Bands Division I rating was announced Wednesday following District 5-5A marching competition at Lubbocks Jones Stadium. The band showed excellence form, pleased judges and racked up the schools 50th consecutive Division I marching rating. O.T. Ryan is band director. --A confidential informant testified Wednesday that capital murder defendant David Stoker gave him a .22-caliber pistol after the informant agreed to help kill two unidentified people. Stoker is on trial for the murder of a Hale Center convenience store workers. --Negotiators will meet here again Tuesday in an effort to craft a new three-year contract for 1,100 hourly workers at Excels beef packing plant. The negotiations began after a secret ballot in July which favored retaining the United Food and Commercial Workers Union International over the North American Meat Packers Union. Excel workers are currently covered under an extension of the existing contract. The ACLU is calling the city of Dickinson's hurricane repair grant application unconstitutional because it asks applicants to not boycott Israel, according to a news release from the civil rights nonprofit. The city posted on its website that grant applications are being accepted for money donated to the Dickinson Harvey Relief fund. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Environmental Protection Agency has approved a plan to stabilize the riverbed near the San Jacinto River Waste Pits Superfund site to address the hazards of a 20,000-square-foot area where Hurricane Harvey gouged a pit about 12 feet deep. At the same time, the EPA and companies responsible for the cleanup say further inspection and tests indicate that a temporary concrete cap appeared to have held during the storm and therefore a major leak of cancer-causing dioxins was averted at the site of Interstate 10 near Channelview. The San Jacinto Waste Pits is one of 43 Superfund sites in the coastal areas affected by Hurricane Harvey. It's the only site that required additional followup and repairs, the EPA says. The pits - which hold waste from a former paper mill - were submerged when a wall of water as high as 18 inches above normal levels flooded the river area. On Sept. 29, the EPA ordered further testing at the Superfund site after a government dive team collected one sediment sample at the pits that tested at 70,000 micrograms per kilogram - 2,000 times higher than the EPA recommended cleanup level of 30 micrograms per kilogram. But the preliminary results of six additional sediment samples collected from the northwest corner of the site show far lower concentrations of the dioxins, ranging from only 0.02 micrograms per kilogram to 38.9 micrograms per kilogram, according to information provided Thursday to the Chronicle by companies handling the cleanup. Optimistic report Though one of those newly reported results exceeds the EPA recommended cleanup level, they are similar to levels previously found in river sediments there, the companies say. An independent Houston-based lab tested the samples, documents show. "No release of dioxins or furans has occurred from the San Jacinto waste pits site as a result of Hurricane Harvey," the companies claim, based on the new sampling. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, who was visiting Houston om Thursday to meet with industry groups, recently announced that his agency is backing a plan to remove the waste pits entirely from the path of the river, partly because of damage caused by Hurricane Harvey. Various Harris County officials, environmental groups, citizen activists and members of Congress all back the proposed $115 million removal plan. The San Jacinto Waste pits were used into the 1960s to store waste that was taken by barge to the site from a paper mill. The site was originally on the riverbank in eastern Harris County, but over time, subsidence, dredging and construction of the Interstate Highway 10 bridge altered the path of the river and the site became partially submerged. The pits became a federal Superfund site in 2008 and were capped in 2011 partly in response to fears of damage from hurricanes. Companies see risks But the companies responsible for the clean-up - McGinnis Industrial Maintenance Corp., Waste Management and International Paper Co. , have said they will oppose a removal plan as too risky for the environment. The companies are likely to use their latest sediment samples to bolster an argument that reinforcing the existing cap is the best way to protect the river, its residents and the Galveston Bay itself. "In the new sampling results, dioxins and furans were found to be well within the range of concentrations of these toxins measured in sediment in the area prior to Hurricane Harvey and found in background levels generally in the San Jacinto River," the statement says. However, additional samples of water and sediments are still being tested and preliminary results of the water samples appear to confirm that there was a leak, said Rock Owens, an assistant Harris County attorney, who was briefed on some of the ongoing work Thursday. Scott Jones, director of advocacy of the Galveston Bay Foundation, argued that the tests were conducted weeks after the storm and that the companies still lack data needed to assure the public whether dioxin escaped or contaminated sediments migrated at the height of the flooding. He and others also remain concerned about the vulnerability of the cap to future storms. Jones said he fears the storm likely disturbed "hot spots" of dioxins that already had traveled from the pits into other parts of the ecosystem and been mapped by local researchers from the University of Houston. "You can try to sample after the fact, but you can't collect what has been released at the time," he said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate UVALDE, Texas On a ranch at the southwestern edge of the Texas Hill Country, a hunting guide spotted her cooling off in the shade: an African reticulated giraffe. Such is the curious state of modern Texas ranching, that a giraffe among the oak and the mesquite is an everyday sort of thing. "That's Buttercup," said the guide, Buck Watson, 54. In a place of rare creatures, Buttercup is among the rarest; she is off limits to hunters at the Ox Ranch. Not so the African bongo antelope, one of the world's heaviest and most striking spiral-horned antelopes, which roams the same countryside as Buttercup. The price to kill a bongo at the Ox Ranch is $35,000. Himalayan tahrs, wild goats with a bushy lion-style mane, are far cheaper. The trophy fee, or kill fee, to shoot one is $7,500. An Arabian oryx is $9,500; a sitatunga antelope, $12,000; and a black wildebeest, $15,000. "We don't hunt giraffes," Watson said. "Buttercup will live out her days here, letting people take pictures of her. She can walk around and graze off the trees as if she was in Africa." The Ox Ranch near Uvalde, Texas, is not quite a zoo, and not quite an animal shooting range, but something in between. The ranch's hunting guides and managers walk a thin, controversial line between caring for thousands of rare, threatened and endangered animals and helping to execute them. Some see the ranch as a place for sport and conservation. Some see it as a place for slaughter and hypocrisy. The Ox Ranch provides a glimpse into the future of the mythic Texas range equal parts exotic game-hunting retreat, upscale outdoor adventure, and breeding and killing ground for exotic species. Ranchers in the nation's top cattle-raising state have been transforming pasture land into something out of an African safari, largely to lure trophy hunters who pay top-dollar kill fees to hunt exotics. Zebra mares forage here near African impala antelopes, and it is easy to forget that downtown San Antonio is only two hours to the east. The ranch has about 30 bongo, the African antelopes with a trophy fee of $35,000. Last fall, a hunter shot one. "Taking one paid their feed bill for the entire year, for the rest of them," said Jason Molitor, the chief executive of the Ox Ranch. To many animal-protection groups, such management of rare and endangered species breeding some, preventing some from being hunted, while allowing the killing of others is not only repulsive, but puts hunting ranches in a legal and ethical gray area. "Depending on what facility it is, there's concern when animals are raised solely for profit purposes," said Anna Frostic, a senior attorney with the Humane Society of the United States. Hunting advocates disagree and say the breeding and hunting of exotic animals helps ensure species' survival. Exotic-game ranches see themselves not as an enemy of wildlife conservation but as an ally, arguing that they contribute a percentage of their profits to conservation efforts. "We love the animals, and that's why we hunt them," Molitor said. "Most hunters in general are more in line with conservation than the public believes that they are." Beyond the financial contributions, hunting ranches and their supporters say the blending of commerce and conservation helps save species from extinction. Wildlife experts said there are more blackbuck antelope in Texas than there are in their native India because of the hunting ranches. In addition, Texas ranchers have in the past sent exotic animals, including scimitar-horned oryx, back to their home countries to build up wild populations there. "Ranchers can sell these hunts and enjoy the income, while doing good for the species," said John M. Tomecek, a wildlife specialist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Animal-rights activists are outraged by these ranches. They call what goes on there "canned hunting" or "captive hunting.'' "Hunting has absolutely nothing to do with conservation," said Ashley Byrne, the associate director of campaigns for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. "What they're doing is trying to put a better spin on a business that they know the average person finds despicable." A 2007 report from Texas A&M University called the exotic wildlife industry in America a billion-dollar industry. At the Ox Ranch, it shows. The ranch has luxury log cabins, a runway for private planes and a 6,000-square-foot lodge with stone fireplaces and vaulted ceilings. More animals roam its 18,000 acres than roam the Houston Zoo, on a tract of land bigger than the island of Manhattan. The ranch is named for its owner, Brent C. Oxley, 34, the founder of HostGator.com, a web hosting provider that was sold in 2012 for more than $200 million. "The owner hopes in a few years that we can break even," Molitor said. Because the industry is largely unregulated, there is no official census of exotic animals in Texas. But ranchers and wildlife experts said that Texas has more exotics than any other state. A survey by the state Parks and Wildlife Department in 1994 put the exotic population at more than 195,000 animals from 87 species, but the industry has grown explosively since then; one estimate by John T. Baccus, a retired Texas State University biologist, puts the current total at roughly 1.3 million. The Ox Ranch needs no local, state or federal permit for most of their exotic animals. State hunting regulations do not apply to exotics, which can be hunted year-round. The Fish and Wildlife Service allows ranches to hunt and kill certain animals that are federally designated as threatened or endangered species, if the ranches take certain steps, including donating 10 percent of their hunting proceeds to conservation programs. The ranches are also issued permits to conduct activities that would otherwise be prohibited under the Endangered Species Act if those activities enhance the survival of the species in the wild.Those federal permits make it legal to hunt Eld's deer and other threatened or endangered species at the Ox Ranch. Molitor said more government oversight was unnecessary and would drive ranchers out of the business. "I ask people, who do you think is going to manage it better, private organizations or the government?" Molitor said. Lawyers for conservation and animal-protection groups say that allowing endangered animals to be hunted undermines the Endangered Species Act, and that the ranches' financial contributions fail to benefit wildlife conservation. "We ended up with this sort of pay-to-play idea," said Tanya Sanerib, a senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. "It is absolutely absurd that you can go to a canned-hunt facility and kill an endangered or threatened species." The creatures are not the only things at the ranch that are exotic. The tanks are, too. The ranch offers its guests the opportunity to drive and shoot World War II-era tanks. People fire at bullet-ridden cars from atop an American M4 Sherman tank at a shooting range built to resemble a Nazi-occupied French town. "We knew the gun people would come out," said Todd DeGidio, the chief executive of DriveTanks.com, which runs the tank operation. "What surprised us was the demographic of people who've never shot guns before." Late one evening, two hunters, Joan Schaan and her 15-year-old son, Daniel, rushed to get ready for a nighttime hunt, adjusting the SWAT-style night-vision goggles on their heads. Schaan is the executive director of a private foundation in Houston. Daniel is a sophomore at St. John's School, a prestigious private school. They were there not for the exotics, but basically for the pests: feral hogs, which cause hundreds of millions of dollars in damage annually in Texas. "We are here because we both like to hunt, and we like hunting hogs," Schaan said. "And we love the meat and the sausage from the hogs we harvest." Pursuing the hogs, Schaan and her son go off-roading through the brush in near-total darkness, with a hunting guide behind the wheel. Aided by their night-vision goggles, they passed by the giraffes before rattling up and down the hilly terrain. Daniel fired at hogs from the passenger seat with a SIG Sauer 516 rifle, his spent shell casings flying into the back seat. Their guide, Larry Hromadka, told Daniel when he could and could not take a shot. No one is allowed to hunt at the ranch without a guide. The guides make sure no one shoots an exotic animal accidentally with a stray bullet, and that no one takes aim at an off-limits creature. One of the hogs Daniel shot twitched and appeared to still be alive, until Hromadka approached with his light and his gun. Hundreds of animals shot at the ranch have ended up in the cluttered workrooms and showrooms at Graves Taxidermy in Uvalde. Part of the allure of exotic game-hunting is the so-called trophy at the end the mounted and lifelike head of the animal that the hunter put down. The Ox Ranch is Graves Taxidermy's biggest customer. "My main business, of course, is white-tailed deer, but the exotics have kind of taken over," said Browder Graves, the owner. He said the animal mounts he makes for people were not so much a trophy on a wall as a symbol of the hunter's memories of the entire experience. He has a mount of a Himalayan tahr he shot in New Zealand that he said he cannot look at without thinking of the time he spent with his son hunting up in the mountains. "It's God's creature," he said. "I'm trying to make it look as good as it can." Small herds passed by the Jeep being driven by Watson, the hunting guide. There were white elk and eland, impala and Arabian oryx. Then the tour came to an unexpected stop. An Asiatic water buffalo blocked the road, unimpressed by the Jeep. The animal was caked with dried mud, an aging male that lived away from the herd. "The Africans call them dugaboys," Watson said. "They're old lone bulls. They're so big that they don't care." The buffalo took his time moving. For a moment, at least, he had all the power. WASHINGTON - John Kelly, the White House chief of staff, delivered an emotional, personal defense of President Donald Trump's call this week to the widow of a slain soldier, describing the trauma of learning about his own son's death in Afghanistan and calling the criticism of Trump's call unfair. Kelly said that he was stunned to see the criticism, which came from a Democratic congresswoman, Rep. Frederica Wilson of Florida, after Trump delivered a similar message to the widow of one of the soldiers killed in Niger. Kelly said afterward he had to collect his thoughts by going to Arlington National Cemetery. In a remarkable, somber appearance in the White House briefing room, Kelly, a retired Marine general whose son 2nd Lt. Robert Kelly was slain in battle in 2010, said he had told the president what he was told when he got the news. "He was doing exactly what he wanted to do when he was killed," Kelly recalled. "He knew what he was getting into by joining that 1 percent. He knew what the possibilities were, because we were at war." "I was stunned when I came to work yesterday, and brokenhearted, when I saw what a member of Congress was doing," he said. "What she was saying, what she was doing on TV. The only thing I could do to collect my thoughts was to go walk among the finest men or women on this Earth." Kelly, who had long guarded his personal story of loss even as he served as a high-profile public official, broke that silence in dramatic fashion on Thursday. With no advance notice to reporters, Kelly offered poignant criticism of the news media and the broader society for failing to properly respect the fallen. The appearance came after Trump and the White House were consumed by criticism after the president's actions this week - first appearing to criticize former presidents for failing to call the families of fallen service members and later for the words Trump chose to use in speaking with the widow of Sgt. La David T. Johnson. Kelly expressed frustration and even anger at the fact that the conversation between Trump and Johnson's widow was exposed to the world by Wilson, a friend of the family, who was in the car with the family when the president's call came in. "I thought at least that was sacred," Kelly said. Wilson had publicized her criticism of Trump's call, saying that the president had told Johnson's widow that he "knew what he signed up for," and that the family was offended by Trump's words. Kelly said that Trump had tried, in the call, to express what Kelly had talked to him about ahead of time - that people like her husband were doing what they loved, and what they had chosen to do, when they were killed serving the country. "That's what the president tried to say to four families," Kelly said. Wilson said late Thursday that she stood by her comments on Trump's remarks. In 1963, the Rev. Ruben Archield Sr. drove his family to San Antonio so he could step into a temporary assignment at Friendship Baptist Church. It lasted 53 years. During that time, he not only led the church at 835 Iowa St., but also fought for its community, championing civil rights. He had an urgency about him to get things done, to bring people into the kingdom, son Ruben Archield Jr. said. More Information Ruben Louis Archield Sr. Born: Nov 18, 1929, Jeanerette, Louisiana Died: Sept. 26, 2017, San Antonio Preceded by: Parents Hypolite and Laura Archield; son Paul Archield; two brothers; a sister Survived by: Wife Ruby E. Archield; sons Ruben Archield Jr. and John Archield Services: Funeral 11a.m. Friday at Friendship Baptist Church, 935 Iowa St.; burial follows at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery See More Collapse He was very on point about knowing the Bible and what Bible verses spoke about justice. In a sense, he was like Rev. Claude Black, who felt like the Bible was a weapon that could be used against injustice, said Mario Salas, civil rights leader and local activist. Archield died Sept. 26 while recuperating from a hip surgery, his son said. He was 87. Archield was a strong-willed child. Early adolescent decisions led to three near-death experiences, his son said. When told not to go swimming, Archield almost drowned twice. Then there was the time he rode the family mule to a neighborhood store without permission the mule was struck and killed by a milk truck. But everything changed when at 19 he gave his life to Christ, his son said. A year later at Jordan Baptist Church, in Houston, he received his ordination to preach. While there he fell in love with and married Ruby Fosha. Afterward, Archield left to pastor Jerusalem Baptist Church in Spanish Camp, near Houston. But within six months, he was drafted into the Army to serve as a chaplains assistant in the Korean War. He preached to soldiers on the front lines, his son said. They wanted to have a man of God nearby while they fought, he explained. After his discharge three years later, Archield preached for 10 years at Hill Zion Church in Houston before moving to San Antonio. Archield eventually earned a bachelors degree in philosophy from Texas Southern University and a masters degree in education from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He also took up the cause of improving his community. In 1966, he was appointed to the board of commissions for the Urban Renewal Agency. He was very concerned about the social conditions that young people faced and had a lot of wisdom, Salas said. In 1975, he led the congregation after a fire destroyed the church. The new church was built within a year, his son said. In the late 1980s, he worked with a committee to raise $10,000 for Nelson Mandelas legal fees, Salas said. Archield also marched for justice for Webb Boyd, an African-American man killed in 1978 by security guards at a local shopping center. I admired him because he would stand with you, his son said. When you were in trouble, he made you feel that you would come out OK. Like many border towns, Del Rio and Ciudad Acuna, Mexico, are not two separate cities but one community divided by an international boundary. This weekend, the sister cities of Del Rio and Acuna celebrate the historic partnership between the people of the United States and Mexico during the annual Fiesta de Amistad. For me, the highlight of the weekend is the Abrazo Ceremony, in which dignitaries from the United States and Mexico meet along a border bridge between the two countries for an abrazo, or hug. The literal embrace between representatives from both sides of the border is symbolic of the long bilateral relationship between our nations. This is the third year I have participated in the abrazo, and the origin and significance of the annual tradition is now more important than ever to share with our fellow Americans. After a flood ravaged Del Rio and the surrounding areas in the mid-1950s, President Dwight Eisenhower worked with his Mexican colleagues to develop a flood mitigation plan for this area of the Rio Grande. In 1960, Eisenhower and Mexican President Adolfo Lopez Mateos signed a treaty to begin construction of the Amistad Dam. After signing the document, the two presidents hugged each other, creating what is now recognized as the first Abrazo Ceremony. Shortly before construction began on the Amistad Dam, the two presidents met at Camp David to discuss the project. At the time, the dam was to be known as Diablo Dam, but Eisenhower thought this name was far too ominous. At the suggestion of Lopez, the name was changed to Amistad, which means friendship in Spanish. After nine years of construction, President Richard Nixon and Mexican President Gustavo Diaz Ordaz met in Del Rio to celebrate the completion of the dam. During their speeches, both leaders emphasized the importance of two sovereign nations, each with its own distinctive challenges and cultures, working together peacefully not only to tame Mother Nature but to build a tangible monument that honors the partnership of two great nations. As Diaz Ordaz said, This dam is not only to hold back the waters of the Rio Bravo or to show that nature can be held back, but it is also a bridge, one more bridge, constructed between our two peoples. The tone first struck by Eisenhower and Lopez Mateos during the original Abrazo Ceremony 57 years ago is now more relevant than ever. In Washington, D.C., and throughout the United States, the renegotiation of NAFTA, border security and immigration are among the top concerns of Americans. As we look to address these challenges with practical and efficient solutions, we must remember that Mexico is our friend, not our enemy. Today, the friendship between the United States and Mexico takes many forms. Our two nations still work together maintaining major infrastructure projects such as the Amistad Dam, and since the signing of NAFTA, our trade and reciprocal investment have increased dramatically. In fact, Mexico is the No. 1 trading partner not only for Texas but for 37 other states as well. My hope is that instead of referring to our southern border as a dividing line, we once again view it as a meeting point between two proud cultures and allied nations. There is much more that unites us than divides us. Friday night, I was to join my American colleagues and constituents in Del Rio as we embraced our Mexican counterparts from Ciudad Acuna. While we may not always see eye to eye, if we practice mutual respect and look to find common ground, there is no challenge we cant overcome. And to me, that is the true meaning of amistad. U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, R-Helotes, represents the 23rd Congressional District. Negotiations to update the North American Free Trade Agreement look bleak. President Donald Trump has long threatened to blow up the long-standing trade agreement among the U.S., Mexico and Canada. This might be one policy area where the president, unfortunately, makes good on a campaign promise. If so, Texas will suffer. It was just in August that NAFTA 2.0 looked like it would be more a tuneup for the 23-year-old trade agreement, but talks now look more like a tear-down. The U.S. has made a number of untenable demands. These include a five-year sunset clause, meaning the agreement would always be under negotiation; dramatically overhauling rules of origin for auto manufacturing in North America and the U.S. in such a way that it would undermine domestic production and threaten manufacturing jobs; and gutting a dispute resolution framework, quite possibly fueling unnecessary trade wars. As the Washington Post has reported, should NAFTA become history, trade with Mexico would fall under World Trade Organization rules. That would hurt American exports to Mexico because tariffs would increase from zero to an average of 7.1 percent. Tariffs for Mexico would increase, too, but on average to 3.5 percent. Its easy to see the implications for Texas, which led the nation with $232 billion in exports in 2016, according to the International Trade Administration. About $93 billion in goods went to Mexico last year, making the country our top trading partner. Blowing up NAFTA would be particularly risky for auto manufacturing. Trump has blamed NAFTA for killing manufacturing jobs, but in reality, economists say, it has likely saved manufacturing jobs that would have moved to China. Under NAFTAs rules of origin, 62.5 percent of a vehicles content must be manufactured in North America into be duty-free. This has turned into a vast network of supply chains across Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. It means that parts and components are made in all three nations and frequently move across borders until final assembly. The Trump administration has demanded that 85 percent of a vehicle be manufactured in North America and 50 percent in the U.S. Mexico is not going to cede those manufacturing jobs, and auto companies will turn to other markets to purchase components. NAFTA has been modestly good for America, boosting GDP by about 0.5 percent, the Congressional Research Service found in 2015. Its been very good for Texas. Tearing up NAFTA will only invite unnecessary harm to our closest trade partners and Trump voters. Accidents involving automobiles are traumatic in nature, especially those involving a pedestrian. Pedestrians have little to protect themselves when struck by a vehicle no seat belts, no airbags, and no helmets. Injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents are oftentimes severe and in some cases fatal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 5,376 pedestrians killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2015 in the United States. In addition, an estimated 70,000 pedestrians sustained injuries in vehicular wrecks. Similar to any type of auto accident, pedestrian-related incidents can be overwhelming and confusing, and those injured have the right to bring an injury claim or lawsuit when their injuries were caused by someone else's negligence. Whether you were walking in a crosswalk, on a sidewalk, alongside your vehicle on the side of a roadway, if a driver's negligent actions caused you to suffer an injury, you are entitled to compensation. Our law firm handles all types of personal injury claims, including auto accidents involving pedestrians. We believe negligent drivers should be held accountable for their actions and injured pedestrians deserve to be compensated for their medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages they have incurred. What Should Your First Steps be after being Struck by a Car? 1.If you have been struck in a roadway, if possible, try to move to the sidewalk or off the street. -In some cases, this may be difficult to do due to your injuries, but it is important to avoid any further collisions with another vehicle. 2.Contact the police as soon as possible. -If you have been injured, be sure an ambulance is sent as well. Provide the police with a detailed and accurate account of the accident without speculating. Be honest and do not embellish. 3.Collect information from the driver as you would if you were involved in an accident between two cars. -Get the driver's license plate number, insurance information, and their driver's license number if possible. 4.Document the accident scene. -Take photos of your surroundings, including the vehicle involved, your injuries, the intersection or sidewalk where you were when struck, and anything else you can see that could potentially help your case later. 5.If you have been injured, seek medical attention immediately. -Even if you feel fine after the collision, it is best to get checked out by a doctor. Adrenaline and shock can hide pain immediately after the accident, and some injuries do not become apparent until days or weeks later. -Having a medical professional check for underlying injuries can help your physical health and your potential personal injury claim. Insurance adjusters may argue that you were not that injured if they see a delay in treatment after the accident. 6.Speak with an injury attorney with experience handling car accidents, especially pedestrian accidents, and a track record of winning cases. -At Thomas J. Henry, we've represented clients injured in automobile accidents for more than 25 years. Our experienced lawyers have achieved real results for our clients who are in dire need of compensation after an accident. Filing a claim on your own is a great risk let our law firm battle the negligent party and the insurance companies on your behalf. What to do in the Event of a Hit-and-run Pedestrian accidents are difficult enough to handle, but what happens if the driver does not stop and drives away? Unfortunately this selfish and cowardly act occurs far too often in the United States. According to NHTSA, 19 percent of fatal pedestrian auto accidents involve a hit-and-run driver. Victims of hit-and-run accidents can still claim compensation, even if the driver fails to stop and is never found. In Texas, victims of hit-and-run crashes that have uninsured motorist coverage through their auto insurance policy can seek payment for their damages. This type of coverage is optional in Texas, but insurance companies are required to offer it when issuing an insurance policy. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is an important thing to have in any situation. Many drivers on American roadways drive without any insurance or with the bare required minimum. UM/UIM coverage can help make up the difference when you face extensive damages such as medical costs and lost wages. Learn more about the importance of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in our blog post: What is the purpose of obtaining uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage? Struck by a Car as a Pedestrian? Contact our Auto Accident Attorneys If you or a loved one have been hit by a car as a pedestrian, contact Thomas J. Henry immediately. Our attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends to assist you and provide you with a free case review. The aftermath of an accident can be traumatic and difficult to handle, but our law firm is here for you in your time of need. Call us today for your free legal consultation. Editors Note: This content is made possible by Thomas J. Henry Personal Injury Law. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of The San Antonio Express-News' or mySanAntonio.com's editorial staff. Learn more about our advertising products at www.hearstmediasanantonio.com. If you missed work as a result of a car crash, Texas law allows you to recoup any wages you may have lost from the person responsible for your accident and injures. What Are Lost Wages? Lost wages are any income you were or will be unable to earn as a result of your injury. As such, lost wages are not limited to those you have already missed out on and may include future income you will be unable to collect. Generally, Texas law breaks lost wages down into three categories: Lost wages wages you lost during a period you were unable to work. Loss of earning capacity if you have sustained a long-term disability from an accident and cannot make as much money as you did before your accident. Lost opportunities this would include things like missing a job interview while you were recovering. Another important thing to remember is that if you lost your previous job due to your injuries and returned to work for lower pay, you may be entitled to the difference in pay between your previous job and the job you now hold. Are Lost Wages Limited to My Hourly or Salary Pay? When dealing with lost wages, all forms of lost income are considered. Whether you are a part-time worker, an hourly employee, or even self-employed, as long as you can document the wages you have lost or will lose, you can make a full recovery. Beyond basic wage calculations, you may also claim: Money that reflects a promotion or wage increase provided you were due for a wage increase or promotion while out of work Loss of commissions on sales Bonuses that you were paid in the past and were on track to receive prior to your injury Loss of fringe benefits Loss of pension benefits At Thomas J. Henry, we will oftentimes review your case with vocational experts and economists in order to accurately establish what wages were lost. Can I Recover Vacation and Sick Leave I Used Following a Texas Car Crash? Using sick leave or vacation pay due to an accident or injury is considered the same as losing pay itself. Therefore, you are able to be reimbursed for the sick leave or vacation pay provided you can show: You missed work because of the accident. You have documentation showing the use of sick leave or vacation during that time period. In addition, if you work in a commission based industry, you can still claim wages that would have result from commission on sales you missed while you were out of office. Remember, you were not "on vacation", you were out of work to recover from an accident. What if I Have More Questions About Wages Lost After a Car Accident? If you have any questions about the wages you have lost or need help calculating just how much you are entitled to, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our attorneys can provide a free consultation so you better understand the laws surrounding your case and your best course of action. If your injuries prevent you from visiting our offices, we will send one of our attorneys to you. Thomas J. Henry has been successfully resolving trucking accident claims for more than 25 years. We have the experience and resources to take on even the largest insurance companies. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends attorneys are standing by. Editors Note: This content is made possible by Thomas J. Henry Personal Injury Law. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of The San Antonio Express-News' or mySanAntonio.com's editorial staff. Learn more about our advertising products at www.hearstmediasanantonio.com. In Texas, a property owner that is leasing their property, whether it is an apartment complex, a home, or a duplex, owes a duty of care to their tenants which requires them to make sure their property is reasonably safe. If they are found to be in breach of this duty of care, they may be held liable for injuries sustained on their property. What Minimum Requirements Must a Landlord Meet? Because there is a contractual relationship between a landlord and the lessee or tenant, the landlord must exercise ordinary care to keep the rental property safe. This may include ensuring required safety devices are in place prior to the tenant moving in, that safety devices are in working order, that the tenant is protected from any dangerous conditions the landlord knows about or should reasonably know about, and that the property has been inspected and the landlord has repaired or warned the tenant about any dangerous conditions. Further, the owner of an apartment complex is responsible for providing safe premises beyond the confines of the space generally occupied by the tenant. Stairs, sidewalks, banisters, and swimming pools are all items which the complex owner must ensure meet regulatory codes and are adequately maintained. What are Some Examples of Damages for which a Property Owner Can Be Held Liable? There are a multitude of instances in which a landlord can be held liable for injuries. Some common examples include: Injuries caused by a faulty condition which the landlord previously promised to fix but failed to repair in timely manner. Injuries caused by a faulty condition which the landlord or an employee of the landlord repaired in a careless or negligent manner. An injury caused by a hazardous condition that was known by the landlord but not known or apparent to the tenant at the time the lease was made. Injuries caused by poorly maintained banisters or railings. Injuries caused by hazards that would otherwise violate building codes. Injuries caused by the landlords general neglect of safety law. Injuries and illnesses caused by poor ventilation, hazardous building materials, or mold. What Should I Do After a Premises Liability Accident? If you or a loved one were injured on someone's property and you believe the injuries were the result of the property owner's failure to provide reasonable protection, following these steps may help build your product liability case. 1.Seek medical attention for your injuries You should seek medical attention for your injuries before taking any other action. 2.Report the incident to the owner or manager of the property Make sure to get a copy of the incident report 3.Take pictures of the area where the accident happened Photos with a date and time are important, because evidence could be removed 4.Get names and phone numbers of any people who witnessed the accident Witnesses will help prove your story in the future 5.Call an experienced injury attorney Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys has the experience and resources necessary to retrieve the compensation you deserve for your injuries Thomas J. Henry Are Leaders in the Field of Premises Liability Lawsuits Because of careless property owners, many people will suffer catastrophic injuries such as brain injuries or spinal cord injuries. The nature of many injuries which occur on dangerous property can be more than painful- they can be permanent. Do not let your injuries overwhelm your life. If you have been seriously injured as a result of a condition or the use of real property, contact Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys. As your premises liability lawyer, we will secure proper medical care and fight to make sure you receive proper compensation. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends and we represent clients/victims all over the country. Editors Note: This content is made possible by Thomas J. Henry Personal Injury Law. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of The San Antonio Express-News' or mySanAntonio.com's editorial staff. Learn more about our advertising products at www.hearstmediasanantonio.com. On today's menu at TechBurger: Data center coming to Houston under UH's wing Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle From the Chronicle: A data science center will likely come to Houston after all - it will just be run by Cougars rather than the University of Texas System. University of Houston leaders announced Thursday - months after the UT System axed an ambitious proposal for land in the Bayou City - that it hopes to offer data science certificates and programs as early as next fall. The UH institute, to be located in a research and engineering building opened on the main campus last year, will apply data science analysis to fields such as infrastructure, security and health care. Its presence also will bolster other programs, university leaders said. READ MORE. League of Women Voters to study cybersecurity of Harris County elections From the Chronicle: The League of Women Voters of the Houston Area plans to study the cybersecurity of Harris County's election system, but the non-partisan group may not be able to gather all the information it wants. The League, working with the non-profit civic-tech activist group Sketch City, hopes to finish the study and release recommendations by May 2018. During an organizational meeting Tuesday night at the Leonel Castillo Community Center, Sketch City founder Jeff Reichman said the group had received early cooperation from both the Harris County Clerk's office, which administers elections, and the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector, which handles voter registration. READ MORE. Amazon, Apple give out more credits from e-books lawsuit settlement Houston Chronicle screenshot From the Chronicle: If you're an Amazon or Apple e-books customer, you may find a surprise awaiting in your Kindle or iBooks accounts. Amazon has notified eligible customers that additional money from a lawsuit settlement has been distributed to customers who bought Kindle e-books between April 1, 2010, and May 21, 2012. This is the second round of cash to be disbursed, with the first sent out in June 2016. How much will you get? It depends on how many e-books you bought in that period. In my case, I received a $6.86 credit from Amazon. READ MORE More news at TechBurger. 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. click to go to homepage The Giles County Historical Society has lost its tax-exempt status for failing to file certain tax forms with the Internal Revenue Service. The issue arose as Joseph Yost, the societys director, campaigns for re-election for his fourth term in Virginias House of Delegates. Yost, R-Pearisburg, represents the 12th District and faces Democrat Chris Hurst on the Nov. 7 ballot. The IRS revoked the societys tax exempt status in May 2016 because representatives failed to file annual 990 forms for three consecutive years. Yost and other society representatives were unaware of the revocation until it was brought to their attention by a Roanoke Times reporter. Society representatives met this week to discuss how to regain the entitys tax-exempt status, said society board chairman Robert Givens. This is an issue that started before our current directors tenure and we are currently taking steps to correct it, he said. Givens would not detail those steps. Hursts campaign connected the tax issues at the historical society to an organization Yost headed as a state delegate, claiming that the Giles County native has a history of mismanaging funds. Hursts campaign manager, Andrew Whitley, pointed to Yosts multi-year stint as chairman of the states Health Workforce Development Authority. Audits from that time period show the authority made $17,000 in late tax payments and did not follow proper procurement procedures when soliciting contracts. Delegate Yosts financial mismanagement of the Giles County Historical Society is deeply troubling, especially when compared to his record in Richmond, Whitley said. According to the audits, the auditor addressed the organizations money management and procedures with the authoritys paid executive director, not board members like Yost. Yosts campaign chairman, Don Rickard, said the tax issues at the Giles County Historical Society started before Yosts tenure at the organization and should not be politicized. We dont think its a political issue as much as the politician Chris Hurst wants to make it a political issue, Rickard said. Most nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations are required to file annual 990 forms with the IRS. The historical societys most recent 990 form on file with the IRS is from 2012. Yost was named director of the historical society in 2014, after the previous director moved from the area. Tax forms filed in 2012 show that the societys treasurer or assistant treasurer completed the 990 forms. Yost didnt know this was something the society should be doing, Givens said. The Giles County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the countys history, much of which is on display in a museum in Pearisburg. Its a small operation; Yost is listed as one of the two staff people on the historical societys website. MARTINSVILLE-It didnt come in the mail. It wasnt sent via FedEx. Both of those groups are still struggling to re-establish daily routes in the Houston area. Instead, members of Martinsville Volunteer Fire and EMS flew down to Texas and delivered their donations by hand this past weekend. Through fundraisers like the fill the boot Toll Gate they held in September, standing at intersections where drivers could contribute, the department collected $8,506.48 to give to the staff at Plum Grove Volunteer Fire Department. Plum Grove is in Liberty County, Texas and while the county has 75,000 residents, Plum Grove is a bit smaller. The city has 930 people that call it home and rely on a volunteer staff of 13 to keep their fire department going. Plum Grove was chosen by city firefighter Joe Kaczor and Ralph Lawson, a local American Red Cross representative. Kaczor, who is originally from Texas, looked with Larson at the different departments in need of support and settled on the group, whose city took a significant hit from Hurricane Harvey. Harvey hit the small city on Aug. 27 and nearly two months later, the cleanup is still going on. It is very humbling to witness firsthand the aftermath of the storm and see how appreciative the firefighters were of the efforts from our community stated Martinsville Volunteer Fire Secretary Renee Anderson. Anderson, along with Martinsville Fire Chief Ted Anderson, made the trip down to Plum Grove. They went with a larger amount than expected, as local residents dug deep to help. Originally, the goal was set at $5,000, in terms of donations. They managed to raise more than $3,500 over that number when all was said and done. The Martinsville firefighters also got some help in terms of travel cost. The Martin Travel agency donated airfare, to help get them and the check down to Plum Grove. By being able to personally deliver the check, were able to reassure the public that 100 percent of their donations went directly to a fellow department in need as we said it would, said Ted Anderson. On behalf of our career and volunteer staff of Martinsville Fire & EMS, we want to thank Martin Travel for their assistance in making the travel possible and also to the citizens of Martinsville and Henry County that gave so unselfishly to help our brothers and sisters halfway across our great country. The Revolution 2017 school was held in Goteborg on the 6-8 October a weekend dedicated to the 100-year anniversary of the Russian Revolution. With 65 participants, great talks with a high political level, and a huge collection of 95,000 Swedish kronor, this was an important milestone in the building of the International Marxist Tendency. Throughout the whole weekend there was enormous enthusiasm on display. This was the best-organised and largest Marxist school the Swedish section of IMT has ever held, with better political discussions than ever before. Present at Goteborg were participants from Stockholm, Malmo, Lund, Helsingborg, Halmstad, Umea, Pitea and Jonkoping. We also had visits from comrades from both the UK and Norway. All those in attendance have now returned home with a burning desire to build the forces of Marxism and carry on the legacy of the Russian Revolution and the Bolsheviks. Capitalism's death struggle and the socialist world revolution The weekend started on Friday evening with a well-attended public meeting. Niklas Albin Svensson of the IMT began a discussion on the subject of "Capitalism's death struggle and the socialist world revolution". Ten years after the crisis in 2008 nothing has been resolved, and Niklas gave many examples of the turbulent economic, social and political situation that we see in the whole world. The capitalist system can no longer develop the productive forces, and this can be seen in things like mass unemployment and huge debt levels worldwide. Niklas Albin Svensson speaking / Photo: own work The only solution from the ruling class is to try and get the working-class to pay, through cuts and repeated attacks on workers' living conditions. Although we have seen everywhere in the world how the working-class leadership did its utmost to hold back the revolutionary process, fighting breaks out everywhere, from Catalonia in Spain, to the United States, France and South Africa. In the discussion, numerous examples of instability and class struggle were raised. Millions of people have engaged enthusiastically in mass movements behind leaders and parties like Corbyn, Melenchon and Podemos, while the traditional parties are in crisis. In order for the fight to succeed, we need a socialist revolution. Our task is to struggle for revolutionary Marxist parties to be formed in all countries. That is the only guarantee we have that the huge class struggles we witness will lead to victorious revolutions. The Marxist view of history, morality and the October Revolution The first of Saturday's sessions concerned Marxisms view of history. Fredrik Albin Svensson explained that Marxists are not idealists, but materialists. This means that people's existence and life and ultimately their means of survival and reproduction are what shapes their ideas. Marx and Engels wrote in the Communist Manifesto that the history of all societies is the history of class struggle. Long periods where seemingly nothing happens, where frustration, dissatisfaction and anger builds up under the surface, are then released in sudden waves of class struggle, in revolutionary periods, where all the institutions and ideas of society are questioned, and people begin trying to change society. It is precisely such a period we have now entered. Their moral and ours The session after lunch concerned Trotsky's text, Their morals and ours, with the lead-off delivered by Niklas Albin Svensson. He explained that the bourgeoisie are constantly accusing Marxists of being immoral and violent, while conducting cutbacks that lead to suffering and huge numbers of deaths, starting wars that kill hundreds of thousands of civilians, and patenting vital medicines at prices that are impossible for most people to pay. The hounding of people on sick leave increases every year, while no one objects that the royal family lives on subsidies. Revolution 2017 school / Photo: own work In normal situations the ruling class's morality dominates society: universal, accepted and hypocritical. But at the outbreak of class struggle it changes. One example that was raised in the discussion were how people who participated in the Egyptian Revolution of 2011 said the streets had never been cleaner than when the masses flocked to the Tahrir Square, despite the chaos that allegedly prevailed. At that moment people felt that the streets belonged to them for the first time, and didnt want to litter. In conclusion, we discussed how our morals are always based on the class struggle. Our moral compass is determined by raising the consciousness of the working-class, because the struggle for socialism is the only thing that can guarantee a future for the whole of humanity. This autumn we celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the October Revolution, which was what the final session on Saturday was about. Stefan Kangas led-off in this meeting. He explained how the February Revolution, which ousted the Tsar in early 1917, led to the situation of there being two powers in society: a dual power in the form of a self-appointed, bourgeois provisonal government and the Soviets formed and led by the working-class. But a situation of dual power cannot last for long because one class sooner or later must defeat the other. During the months following the February Revolution, the masses became increasingly aware that the provisional government and Soviet reformist leadership could not solve any of their fundamental problems the war, the question of land reform and the lack of food. The Bolsheviks, who advocated that the Soviets should take power, quickly grew and won the majority in September by arguing for a second revolution and the working-class taking power. Before the Second Soviet Congress in October, the Winter Palace was stormed, the provisional government arrested and working-class rule established. Exactly one hundred years ago the Russian working-class took control of their own destiny. For the first time in world history the slaves broke their chains and won. This is what the ruling class can never forgive. This shows how it is not ideas that change the world, but that some ideas can have influence depending on the specific material conditions. The objective situation allowed the workers to go into battle, but it was the Bolshevik Party and its correct policies that guaranteed the success of the revolution. This shows how vital the question of leadership is. The October Revolution could never have been carried out unless Lenin built the Bolshevik Party for many years before the revolution. It is therefore of the utmost importance that we build the forces of Marxism today to ensure a successful socialist revolution in Sweden and other countries. Saturday was then concluded by an impressive collection, where comrades and sympathizers scrambled donations of over 95,000 kronor (9500 EUR) to the IMT and Revolution. This money directly contributes to the struggle of building the forces of Marxism on a world scale. In the evening a revolutionary celebration was organized where the discussions continued and songs such as De mordades fria republik, Staten och kapitalet and Bella ciao were sung. Sunday: working-class power and the Communist International Ylva Vinberg speaking / Photo: own work Sunday morning started with a session devoted to working-class power and soviets, lead off by Ylva Vinberg. She explained how different forms of working-class power, such as workers councils, factory committees or the like, have always arisen in revolutionary situations as part of the class struggle. They can occur in different ways and in different forms, but the main thing is that they arise as organizations of and for the workers. The most advanced form so far is the soviet, the Russian word for "workers council", where the workers themselves elect their representatives, who have no special privileges and receive an ordinary worker's wage. These can develop into a workers state that can destroy and replace the bourgeois state and begin the building of socialism. The afternoon ended with a session about the "Building of the Communist International". Stefan Kangas explained in his introduction the rise and fall of the first two internationals, as well as the construction of the third international the Comintern and its Stalinist degeneration, which led to it finally being dissolved in 1943. The early international was built under the leadership of Lenin and Trotsky as a tool for the socialist world revolution, but became increasingly undermined by Stalinism and the Soviet bureaucracy who used it as a tool for their interests in foreign policy. The International Left Opposition fought under Trotsky's leadership against this degeneration and for the revolutionary movement to take up the ideas of Lenin and the Bolshevik Party. No tendency has ever been so persecuted as Marxism (so-called Trotskyism) was on a global scale after the stalinist degeneration of the Soviet Union, and thus of the Comintern. The Soviet bureaucracy could not answer the Trotskyists politically and therefore pursued a witch hunt against the Bolsheviks, who actually stood on a Marxist basis and thus posed a threat to them. Many were put in prison or in labor camps where they disappeared or were executed. Trotsky himself was assassinated by a Stalinist agent. As Stefan Kangas expressed it, there is a river of blood separating genuine Marxism from Stalinism. The International Marxist Tendency bases itself on the legacy of the four first congresses of the Communist International and our goal is, like the Comintern, to lead a world revolution and the crushing of capitalism on world scale. We are the Swedish section of the International Marxist Tendency and are building the organization according to the ideas and traditions established, preserved and developed by Marx, Engels, Lenin and Trotsky and later, after Trotsky's death, Ted Grant. Organize with us! Today we see a new socialist consciousness beginning to emerge, and thousands of people worldwide are being radicalized. What Trotsky described as the revolutionary molecular process is happening before our eyes. Class struggles have broken out all over the world, and as the crisis deepens and draws the world into its maelstrom, the class struggle will also harden. The working-class is bigger and more powerful today than ever before. We are building the forces of Marxism to be able to reach out with the ideas that the working-class will need to once and for all abolish capitalism. A storm is coming, but armed with the ideas of Marxism we have the tailwind. Or as one comrade put it: Its a wonderful time to be revolutionary. With the enthusiasm we felt this weekend we are continuing to build the Marxist tendency in Sweden and internationally. Get organized with the IMT and join the struggle for a new society, free from capitalist barbarism. Forward to the world socialist revolution! HOLYOKE -- With the number of Puerto Rican evacuees expected to grow in the coming weeks, job centers CareerPoint in Holyoke and FutureWorks in Springfield are building a database of employers willing to hire Spanish speakers. People driven from their homes on the island will also need help accessing an unemployment insurance system hobbled by hurricane damage, and in converting job credentials and licenses they used at home into paperwork that can help them land a job here in Massachusetts. "The economy is not bad right now. A lot of places are expanding and we are trying to tap into it," said David C. Gadaire, executive director of CareerPoint. A month after Hurricane Maria did an estimated $85 billion in property damage in Puerto Rico, about 80 percent of customers are still without power. Springfield and Holyoke already have sizable Puerto Rican populations, and many people fleeing the island are coming here to be with relatives. Springfield Public Schools have already registered 84 new students. The frustration for local career centers and employers, Gadaire said, is that there is no real way to know ahead of time what backgrounds the fleeing storm survivors have and what jobs they may be looking for. "We are trying to prepare for all the possibilities," he said. "We know there are professionals who are coming here. We know there are people with very sporadic work histories coming here." What he is looking for right now is potential workplaces that can hire people who only speak Spanish. "There are companies who have Spanish-speaking supervisors and Spanish-speaking communications," he said. "So that shouldn't be a problem." Potential employers are asked to contact Yolanda Ruiz-Klopfer at yruiz@careerpointma.org or 413-322-7136. A handful of evacuees have contacted CareerPoint already. Gadaire said he expects that number to rise as more flights off the island become available. Meanwhile, some new arrivals who lost their jobs to the storm are having or are expected to have trouble claiming unemployment benefits in Puerto Rico, Gadaire said. Claimants who move soon after losing a job file for unemployment insurance in the jurisdiction where they lived and worked, provided they never worked in their new locale. But Puerto Ricans are finding they can't access the UI system on the island by phone, and online applications are sporadic due to a heavy volume of claims and equipment failures. "You have cables that are corroding because they were under saltwater," Gadaire said. "We just want to help these people put a claim in so they have some income. They have earned the benefit." Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States and its residents are citizens. Massachusetts officials are also working to make it easier for people with licenses and working credentials to get them recognized here. On woman has already come forward in Holyoke wanting to convert her cosmetology licence to a Massachusetts credential, Gadaire said. During a recent ESPN documentary, Chris Paul revealed the Boston Celtics were among the teams that intrigued him this past summer while he considered his options in free agency. Paul ended up opting into the final season of his contract so the Los Angeles Clippers could trade him to the Houston Rockets. But before that, he said he also held interest in the Spurs, Celtics and Clippers. When discussing his choice in the documentary with Disney CEO Bob Iger, Paul sounded like he understood the Celtics were a long shot. Video of the conversation can be found below. "They made it to the Eastern Conference Finals and they got the No. 1 pick," Paul said. "I was like, it would actually be kind of dumb for them to pay me $35 million. I don't know. You know what I mean? So I was like, they won't hurt my feelings, but at least they need to let me know if they're even interested." It's interesting Paul even noted the Celtics, who still had Isaiah Thomas at the time. It's not clear if he would have wanted to play alongside Thomas, which would have been a bizarre fit, or if he was wondering -- months before the Kyrie Irving trade -- whether the Boston front office might move on from the All-NBA guard. Either way, Paul didn't make much sense for the roster, especially considering he's too old to fit the Celtics timeline. Regardless, nobody can doubt the Celtics as a free-agent destination these days. Punt that old narrative to the moon. They signed Al Horford, inked Gordon Hayward, and captured the attention of Paul even though he recognized the situation wasn't perfect for him. Players appreciate what Danny Ainge is building. An Italian model-actress met with Los Angeles police detectives for more than two hours on Thursday, providing a detailed account of new allegations that producer Harvey Weinstein sexually assaulted her at a hotel in 2013. She is the sixth woman to accuse Weinstein of rape or forcible sex acts. Los Angeles Police Lt. Billy Hayes confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that the LAPD has launched an investigation into the matter. A representative for Weinstein said the movie mogul has "unequivocally denied" allegations of non-consensual sex. The investigation comes three days after the New York Police Department and London authorities announced they were pursuing at least five other accusations of rape and sexual assault against Weinstein. The dates on these cases range from the 1980s to 2015. Since The New York Times broke the Weinstein scandal story on Oct. 5, he has been expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and forced out of his own firm, the Weinstein Company. SPRINGFIELD -- As more flights out of hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico become available, Springfield is seeing an influx of families, particularly children, arriving in the city. The most significant impact has been in the Springfield Public Schools, where 84 students evacuated from Puerto Rico have already been registered. "We are expecting nine more to register tomorrow," Lydia Martinez, assistant superintendent of schools, said Thursday. Martinez said the district is registering students in elementary, middle and high school. "We will not turn anyone away," she said. "We have tried to be strategic with each child. Some students have been here before and we have some data on them, others are coming with nothing at all." The influx is a result of devastation in Puerto Rico caused by Hurricane Maria one month ago. The Category 4 storm caused an estimated $85 billion in property damage, and 80 percent of customers on the island remain without power, the Associated Press reported. The death toll stands at 48. Most of the students arriving in Springfield will be placed under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Program, which helps legally homeless children and their families. The program provides assistance with transportation to and from school, meals, and help obtaining health care and other services. While the program is useful for getting students registered, Martinez said, it does not come with additional funding. "We may not see reimbursement for these students for two years, so we are hoping the funds we received for this school year will be enough," she said. There is also some concern about overcrowding, and there is a need for extra teachers. "We are looking for qualified teachers, hopefully some that are bilingual, to teach these incoming students," she said. Jose Claudio, chief operating officer for the New North Citizens Council, which has been designated as a welcome center for Puerto Rican evacuees in Springfield, said he has been seeing families every day. "We have seen over 30 families. Some are sending their children to stay with relatives, others are just sending the fathers to look for work. We are expecting many more," he said, adding that they expect to see the number of families double in the next few days. Claudio said community organizations and businesses have been working to make the transition easier for the evacuees. Even the Puerto Rico Bakery on Main Street has gotten involved, donating coffee, pastries and sandwiches for those waiting in line. "We are dealing with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agenc6y) forms and people can be here for three or four hours at a time," he said. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said the New North Citizens Council and the School Department have kept his office informed on new arrivals. "I've instructed all city departments to do whatever we need to do to stabilize these families who have just been through a traumatic situation," he said. "These are American citizens and we are here to help them whether their stay is a short one or a longer one." Sarno said he will work with the schools to try and secure state and federal funding for the students arriving in the district. "We have been through tragedies before. Right now we are focused on making sure they get the help they need, but we are tracking everything closely so that we can secure all possible funding," he said. Ten Montana State University students have been assigned to internships with local nonprofit organizations as part of the MSU Leadership Institute http://www.montana.edu/leadership/ Boardroom Bobcats http://www.montana.edu/leadership/boardroombobcats.html This is the second year for the program, called Boardroom Bobcats. Its mission is to develop students to become catalysts for change who seek lifelong commitments to community involvement and board service by creating value and lasting impact for nonprofit organizations and the greater community. As a reciprocal partnership, nonprofits gain insights and a fresh perspective from MSU students while training future board leaders. Students gain practical boardroom experience, familiarity with the nonprofit sector, mentee opportunities and lifelong leadership skills. http://www.montana.edu/news/17216/msu-students-paired-with-local-nonprofit-organizations The Blackstone LaunchPad at Montana State University http://www.montana.edu/launchpad/ recently hosted 16 female entrepreneurs who were visiting Montana as part of World Montana, an organization that partners with the U.S. Department of State to build stronger ties with international business leaders. The 16 hailed from Bolivia, Cuba, Spain, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Egypt, Cote dIvoire, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia. http://www.montana.edu/news/17218/blackstone-launchpad-at-msu-hosts-international-female-entrepreneurs Feds cancel grant for Paris Gibson Square, funding for NeighborWorks temporarily suspended Federal officials from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have announced that because of concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest, Paris Gibson Square is ineligible for a $27,927 community development grant recommended by the Great Falls City Commission. A second $82,000 CDBG grant also could be at risk. HUD is asking Great Falls city staff to review how CDBG funding for NeighborWorks Great Falls has been used over the past three years, and whether or not a potential conflict of interest exists. David Murray, [email protected] http://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/2017/10/19/feds-cancel-grant-paris-gibson-square-funding-neighborworks-temporarily-suspended/781167001/ The incident highlights the complexity of overseeing global supply chains that can involve hundreds of manufacturers and subcontractors, as well as third-party labor brokers -- and their subcontractors -- that are tasked with recruiting workers for those factories. Companies differ in the amount of responsibility they are willing to take on. Apple stepped up oversight and disclosure following a spate of negative reports about worker suicides and injuries at suppliers. The protest Wednesday night at Jabil Inc.'s Green Point factory in Wuxi city prompted Apple to launch an investigation and vow to redress the payment discrepancies. "We are requiring Jabil to send a comprehensive employee survey to ascertain where gaps exist in payment and they must create an action plan that ensures all employees are paid for the promised bonus immediately," Apple said Thursday in an e-mail to China Labor Watch. Hundreds of workers streamed through dark streets, blocking an entrance to an Apple iPhone supplier's factory in eastern China to protest unpaid bonuses and factory reassignments, two witnesses and China Labor Watch, a New York based non-profit group, said Thursday. After Tim Cook took over as chief executive, in 2011, Apple began publicly identifying top suppliers. It also publishes annual audits detailing labor and human rights performance throughout its global web of suppliers. Apple said it did comprehensive audits of 705 sites last year and documented significant improvements in compliance with its supplier code of conduct. "About 600 workers went protesting for failing to get their bonus," a worker who asked that only his family name, Zhang, be published for fear of retribution, said Thursday. He said that like many of his colleagues, he was promised a bonus of up to 7,000 yuan ($1,056) if he stayed for 45 days when he signed up for the job through a labor broker. "It has already been over three months but I still haven't got the money," he said. Tu Changli, a security guard at Jabil's Green Point factory, said a labor broker promised him 2,000 yuan ($302) if he stayed for two months. "I didn't get it at all," he said. He also said he saw hundreds of workers protesting. The company he said he works for, Wu Tai Security Co., declined comment. A spokeswoman for U.S.-based Jabil, Lydia Huang, disputed those accounts, saying only 20 to 40 employees were actually protesting and the rest were night-shift workers trying to enter the factory. "As long as they can present evidence of promises by brokers we will help them to get paid," she said. Jabil, in a statement late Thursday, said it was "committed to ensuring every employee is paid fairly and on time." Tensions had been running high at Jabil's Green Point factory. Tu, the security guard, said he saw a worker talked down from the edge of a rooftop in late September. And Zhang said that on Sept. 30, he saw a security guard hit a worker with a wooden stick so hard the stick broke. Apple in its e-mail to China Labor Watch said both incidents had to do with disputes with security guards, not underpayment, and added that it was working with Jabil "to make sure their security guards are properly trained to avoid and de-escalate situations." The current iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 plus had a 2 percent share of the iOS device market nearly a month after their launch, significantly lagging the 5 percent share grabbed by the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 plus at a similar point last year, according to Localytics, a mobile engagement platform that analyzes iPhone adoption rates. Analysts attribute iPhone 8 sluggishness to the pending release of the iPhone X. Lake James State Park just celebrated its 30th anniversary, but the lake itself goes back more than 100 years. Lake James was created between 1916-23 as the result of the construction of dams over the Catawba River, Linville River and Paddys Creek during that time, according to a history posted on the parks website. It was named after Duke Powers founder, James B. Duke. The lake has served as a power source for the company since the turn of the last century. As time went on, local residents came to see the lake as a potential community resource and tourist destination. Judge Bob Hunter, vice president of The Friends of Lake James State Park, recounted the history of the parks creation during the parks 30th anniversary celebration on Friday, Oct. 6. As a former member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, he played a key role in helping to acquire the funding needed to create the park. Hunter referenced an article about the Burke County Planning Commission, published in The News Herald in 1975, highlighting the need for a state park on Lake James. He said officials from Burke and McDowell c ounties teamed up to increase their chances of convincing the North Carolina General Assembly to give them permission and funding to establish a state park around the lake. With the help of N . C . Rep s . Ray Fletcher, Liston Ramsey and Joe Sam Queen, and NC Sen s . Bob Swain and Dennis Winner, the commission received $500,000 from the state legislature in 1985 to conduct a feasibility study of creating a state park around the lake. They soon realized they would have to purchase a significant amount of land. Officials requested and soon received $1.2 million to purchase more than 600 acres of land around the lake, owned by Crescent Resources, which was a subsidiary of Duke Energy at the time. They negotiated with Crescent, and with the help of Crescent representative Jim Mosley, acquired desirable parcels around the lake, including residences for park rangers. Queen, who was a junior senator representing McDowell County at the time, reminisced on that process. They (Crescent) gave us 45 days to accept their offer, Queen said. Forty-five days to come up with $15-20 million. That was all the money there was in the legislature that year. For one project to get everything was pretty incredible. It wouldnt have happened if Judy Francis (director of the Burke County Planning Commission at the time) and the Burke County team hadnt been prepared. They had a vision theyd been pushing for years. They had the civic activism, advocates that made the case, We want this. This is worth everything for North Carolina this year. And thats what we got. It was by no means a slam-dunk, but it was a little bit of a miracle. Its the first and largest addition to the state park system in a generation. Hunter also described his role in drafting the North Carolina State Parks Act, which established standards for submitting land for designation as a state park. He said Lake James State Park was the first park established under the law. Over the years, the park grew to encompass nearly 4,000 acres, thanks in part to a $35 million state bond referendum specifically created to fund state parks championed by Winner in 1992, according to Hunter. It was the second leading vote-getter in the state, he said. That shows the kind of support that started back in 92 and has continued to grow. Mike Murphy, director of North Carolina State Parks, said the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund was established the next year to provide capital funding for all of our state parks, as well as a lot of municipal parks. That combination really made a big difference, Murphy said of the legislation. We are a much better state parks system a world-class system. Today, Lake James State Park is enjoyed by 600,000 people a year. Hunter shared how fulfilling it was for him to see a personal dream turned into reality and flourishing today. Never in my wildest dreams could I have ever thought 30 years ago wed be in this facility today, Hunter said. So many expanded the original idea and made it happen. The involvement and the cooperation with the two counties and chambers of commerce show how separate ideas can come together and become a reality. This is a legacy. Who knows what the next 30 years will bring? Tammie Gercken can be reached at tgercken@morganton.com. White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly defended President Donald Trump on Thursday, saying that Trump had "bravely" called families of four fallen American soldiers. Kelly's appearance was an attempt to manage a growing controversy over Trump's contacts with the families of slain service members. "Most Americans don't know what happens when we lose one of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines or Coast Guardsmen in combat," he said. For Kelly, the reality of death on the battlefield strikes close to home. The 67-year-old retired four-star general served for more than 40 years in the Marines, and during his years of service he experienced two losses that were intensely personal: that of Lance Cpl. Chance Phelps, killed in action when his unit was ambushed in Iraq in 2004 while providing convoy escort to Kelly, who was the assistant division commander at the time; and that of his son, Second Lt. Robert Kelly, in 2010, who was killed when he stepped on hidden explosives in Afghanistan. A comrade's death In Thursday's press briefing, Kelly discussed what happens when a service member is killed in action: "Their buddies wrap them up in whatever passes as a shroud, puts them on a helicopter as a routine and sends them home. Their first stop along the way is when they're packed in ice, typically at the airhead, and then they're flown to, usually, Europe, where they're then packed in ice again and flown to Dover Air Force Base, where Dover takes care of the remains, embalms them, meticulously dresses them in their uniform with the - with the medals that they've earned, the emblems of their service, and then puts them on another airplane linked up with a casualty officer escort that takes them home." Kelly knows this sad ritual all too well. In April 2004, Kelly's unit came under what he later called a "complex ambush" near an American outpost in the rural town of Mahmudiyah, Iraq. As the group of Marines fought their way out of the attack, Pfc. Chance Phelps (posthumously promoted to lance corporal) was killed by gunfire. Kelly was "nearly right next to" Phelps, 19, when he was killed instantly while manning the gun turret, Kelly wrote in a letter to Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, the officer who escorted Phelps's casket back to the United States, describing that day's turn of events and the final moments of Phelps's short life. The convoy of five vehicles had been caught in an ambush, triggered when the lead vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device, Kelly wrote.The other vehicles maneuvered to try to regain control of the situation, coming under intense enemy fire. "Your Marine's vehicle was called forward to try and close the back door and prevent the guerrillas escape so we could kill them, and after accomplishing the maneuver and putting his gun in action, he was hit," Kelly wrote. "We collected up wounded, dead, and all equipment from the destroyed HMMWV [Humvee], then walked out of the KZ [kill zone] shooting the entire time until we were clear," Kelly continued. Back at the combat base, the Marines gathered to remember their fallen comrade, "only just out of high school last May." "His buddies spent a few quiet moments and we talked about the loss, and what he meant - what he was like - to them all," Kelly wrote. "Everyone offered a vignette, most were silly or funny, but that's the kind of guy he was." Strobl's journey with Phelps is chronicled in the movie "Taking Chance," which Kelly mentioned in his remarks Thursday. A son's death On Thursday, Kelly also discussed the role of the casualty officer in breaking the tragic news of death to family members. ". . .a casualty officer typically goes to the home very early in the morning and waits for the first lights to come on. And then he knocks on the door. Typically, the mom and dad will answer, the wife. And if there is a wife, this is happening in two different places. If the parents are divorced, three different places. And the casualty officer proceeds to break the heart of a family member and stays with that family until - well, for a long, long time. Even after the internment." For Kelly, the visit came just after 6 a.m. on Nov. 9, 2010. Kelly answered the door at his home in the Washington Navy Yard. Standing outside on the porch was Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., one of Kelly's oldest and closest friends. The instant Kelly saw Dunford, dressed in his service uniform, he knew his son Robert was dead. Months later, in an email interview with the Washington Post, Kelly tried to put into words the pain he felt that morning. "It was disorienting, almost debilitating," he wrote in an e-mail. "At the same time my mind went through in detail every memory and image I had of Robert from the delivery room to the voice mail he'd left a few days before he died. . . . It was as graphic as if I was watching a video. . . . It really did seem like hours but was little more than a second or so." Robert was 29, and at the time of his death, Kelly and his two sons had participated in a combined 11 combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Robert had surprised his family when, just days after graduating from Florida State University in 2003, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. His older brother, John, had joined as an officer two years earlier. Kelly is the most senior U.S. military officer to lose a child in Iraq or Afghanistan, and it was a devastating loss for the family. But the general's status as a Gold Star parent also endeared him to rank-and-file troops, as the Military Times reported. "They view him not as an imposing four-star commander, but as one of them: a brawler, a man who has endured the very worst of war, and a general officer who has eschewed the political correctness often exhibited by individuals who attain such rank," the Military Times wrote. Kelly's surviving son is currently serving in Iraq. The phone calls that really matter On Thursday, Kelly also sought to clarify the typical nature of interactions between senior U.S. officials and Gold Star families. As the Washington Post's Dan Lamothe reported, Kelly explained that the process has never typically involved a phone call from the president to Gold Star families. Rather, letters were the more common response. "I don't believe any president, particularly when the casualty rates are very, very high, that presidents call," Kelly said. As a Marine Corps general, Kelly had spoken with scores of grieving parents and written hundreds of condolence letters, The Post's Greg Jaffe reported. In each of those interactions, he tried to explain why the loss of a beloved child was meaningful, noble and worth the family's pain. "I guess over time I had convinced myself that I could imagine what it would be like to lose a son or daughter," he said in an interview in 2011. "You try to imagine it so that you can write the right kind of letters or form the right words to try to comfort. But you can't even come close. It is unimaginable." "The only phone calls a family receives are the most important phone calls they can imagine, and that is from their buddies," Kelly said. "In my case, hours after my son was killed, his friends were calling us from Afghanistan, telling us what a great guy he was. Those are the only phone calls that really matter." Meanwhile, on Thursday night, Trump took to Twitter, again criticizing Rep. Frederica S. Wilson, D-Fla., a friend of the family of slain service member Sgt. La David T. Johnson. "The Fake News is going crazy with wacky Congresswoman Wilson(D), who was SECRETLY on a very personal call, and gave a total lie on content! - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 20, 2017" Wilson was with Johnson's widow when the president called and listened to the conversation on speakerphone. The congresswoman has said that the Johnson family was "astonished" by Trump's remarks, and that the widow was "crying the whole time." Kelly appeared to effectively confirm Wilson's account. Johnson's aunt, who raised him as her own son after his mother died when he was young, has backed up Wilson's version of events. Morgan County Veterans Day Parade slated Nov. 11 Audio Article The Morgan County Veterans Day Parade will be held on Friday, Nov. 11. The parade will form at the Commons, in McConnelsville, at 9:30 a.m. and set out at 10 a.m. The American Legion Post 24 will render honors at the monuments at the Commons, Riecker Building, the Square, at... A concert with two purposes Audio Article Wednesday, Nov. 30, a concert with dual purposes is being held at the Twin City Opera House in McConnelsville, Ohio. Its a thank-you to healthcare workers, who can attend for free, and its a benefit for the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society. In September 2021, Rick Shriver contracted COVID-19. He collapsed... BOE reminder of early voting hours and polling location change Audio Article Remaining early voting hours at the Morgan County Board of Elections are as follows: from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov, 2 through Friday, Nov. 4; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5; from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6; and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.... Lions Club announces annual Wreaths Across America Audio Article On Saturday, Dec. 17, the Chesterhill Lions Club will be joining with National Wreaths Across America in the laying of wreaths at each of the seven cemeteries located in Marion Township. The mission is to honor the local veterans who have served our nation so their families can rest assured... Governor DeWine awards $6.7 million for domestic violence survivor programs Audio Article Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced that he is awarding $6.7 million to support the work of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN) to offer mobile and health advocacy services and temporary residential services for domestic violence survivors across the state. The announcement comes during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.... CDC committee vote wont change Ohio school vaccine requirement Audio Article Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA has released the following statement: The CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation for the COVID-19 vaccine to be added to the formulary or schedule of vaccines for children does not mandate this vaccine for school children. Ohio law determines... Spain's government set plans in motion Thursday to strip Catalonia of its autonomy after the region's leader vowed to continue a vote on independence. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's office said it planned a special Cabinet meeting for Saturday to trigger Article 155 of Spain's constitution, which gives the government the power to take away some or all of Catalonia's autonomy. Hours earlier, Catalonia's leader, Carles Puigdemont, said the Catalan parliament will go forward with a vote on independence if the Spanish government does not engage in dialogue and follows through on its threat to strip the region of its autonomy. Rajoy had given Puigdemont a Thursday morning deadline to clarify whether he had in fact already declared independence following a referendum earlier this month. Puigdemont made a symbolic declaration of independence in an address last week, but said he was suspending any formal steps in favor of talks with the government in Madrid. He delivered his updated stance in a letter Thursday shortly before the deadline. "We ought to behave as if we are on the cusp of them achieving that objective," Pompeo said when asked about Pyongyang's pursuit of missile technology that could launch a warhead to targets in the U.S. "They are so far along in that it's now a matter of thinking about how do you stop the final step?" he added. CIA Director Mike Pompeo told a forum in Washington on Thursday he is "deeply worried" about the advancing threat from North Korea and the possibility it could spark a nuclear arms race across East Asia. North Korea is likely just months away from being capable of striking the United States with a nuclear missile, according to two top U.S. officials. McMaster: We're Running out of Time U.S. National Security Adviser, Gen. H.R. McMaster said later on Thursday that Washington was racing to resolve the situation, short of using military force. "We're not out of time but we're running out of time," McMaster said, speaking at the same event. "Accept and deter is unacceptable." The comments by Pompeo and McMaster come as tensions between the U.S. and North Korea have been steadily rising following Pyongyang's latest nuclear test last month, it's sixth overall, and repeated tests of what intelligence officials have assessed to be both intermediate and long range ballistic missiles. But despite warning that North Korea is just months away from being able to target the U.S., the CIA's Pompeo cautioned there are still questions about just how "robust" the North Korea nuclear threat has become, and whether Pyongyang will be able to deliver multiple nuclear warheads to nuclear targets. "There's always a risk. Intelligence is imperfect," Pompeo said, adding there is evidence Pyongyang may be getting help from Iran, citing "deep conventional weapons ties as between the two countries." He also warned that each North Korean test makes an arms race ever more likely. "You watch as North Korea grows ever closer to having its capability perfected, you can imagine others in the region also thinking that they well may need that capability," he said. Putin Suggests Force Won't Work Against North Korea On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned against the use of force to eliminate the North Korean nuclear threat, suggesting it would not work. "Talks about a preventative, disarming strike -- and we hear both hints and open threats -- this is very dangerous," Putin said during a speaking engagement in Sochi. "Who knows what and where is hidden in North Korea? And whether all of it can be destroyed with one strike, I doubt it," he said. "I'm almost sure it is impossible." North Korean officials have also repeatedly warned the U.S. against any provocations. Pyongyang's deputy envoy to the United Nations, Kim In-ryong, warned Monday that war could break out at any moment. Other North Korean officials have accused the U.S. of making preparations for war, citing the presence of the USS Ronald Reagan, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, conducting exercises to the east of the Korean Peninsula. North Korea is distributing live ammunition to soldiers and security personnel, the Asahi Shimbun reported on Thursday. The Asahi Shimbun said the North is moving to a "quasi-war footing" in response to joint South Korean-U.S. naval drills that began on Monday. "Live ammunition is being distributed to members of the military... to counter any threats that may arise from the exercises off the Korean Peninsula," the daily said citing a source. "They have been effectively placed on a quasi-war footing." "North Korea normally stockpiles live ammo in arsenals as a precaution against accidents, and only arms its border patrol and troops deployed in the forward area close to the border of South Korea," the daily added. The joint naval drills, which end this week, involve about 40 naval vessels including the USS Ronald Reagan, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The daily stressed the need to strengthen deterrence against the North. "Tokyo, as well as Washington and Seoul, believes that North Korea remains on alert to launch ballistic missiles at a moment's notice," it said. Meanwhile, North Korea denounced the drills by issuing a warning. "The U.S. should expect that it would face unimaginable strike at an unimaginable time," the official (North) Korean Central News Agency said. Advertisement AliMazaheri. EEG oscillations during word processing predict MCI conversion to Alzheimer's disease, Science Direct http:www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213158217302504 The patients who took part were a mix of healthy elderly people, patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and patients with MCI who had developed Alzheimer's within three years of diagnosis of MCI.MCI, a condition in which someone has minor problems with mental abilities such as memory beyond what would normally be expected for a healthy person of their age, is estimated to be suffered by up to 20 per cent of people aged over 65. It is not a type of dementia, but a person with MCI is more likely to go on to develop dementia.Dr Ali Mazaheri, of the University of Birmingham, said: "A prominent feature of Alzheimer's is a progressive decline in language. However, the ability to process language in the period between the appearance of initial symptoms of Alzheimer's to its full development has scarcely previously been investigated."We wanted to investigate if there were anomalies in brain activity during language processing in MCI patients which could provide insight into their likelihood of developing Alzheimer's."We focused on language functioning, since it is a crucial aspect of cognition and particularly impacted during the progressive stages of Alzheimer's."Previous research has found that when a person is shown a written word, it takes 250 milliseconds for the brain to process it, an activity which can be picked up on an EEG.Dr Katrien Segaert, of the University of Birmingham, adds: "Crucially, what we found in our study is that this brain response is aberrant in individuals who will go on in the future to develop Alzheimer's disease, but intact in patients who remained stable."Our findings were unexpected as language is usually affected by Alzheimer's disease in much later stages of the onset of the disease."It is possible that this breakdown of the brain network associated with language comprehension in MCI patients could be a crucial biomarker used to identify patients likely to develop Alzheimer's disease."We hope to now test the validity of this biomarker in large population of patients in the UK to see if it's a specific predictor of Alzheimer's disease, or a general marker for dementia involving the temporal lobe."The verification of this biomarker could lead the way to early pharmacological intervention and the development of a new low cost and non-invasive test using EEG as part of a routine medical evaluation when a patient first presents to their GP with concern over memory issues."Source: Eurekalert Advertisement Rui-hua Xu, Wei Wei, Michal Krawczyk et al. Circulating Tumour DNA Methylation Markers for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Nature Materials doi:10.1038/nmat4997 Like many cancers, early detection improves prognosis and survival rates, in part due to greater efficacy of localized treatment versus systemic treatments. But current detection methods for HCC primarily rely upon imaging and a blood test for a non-specific tumor marker called alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), which is usually elevated when the disease is significantly advanced.Changes of DNA methylation widely existed in tumors and played an important role in tumor progression. Abnormal methylation occurs before cellular canceration and throughout all stages of malignant transformation, which have the characteristics of tissue specificity and long-term stability; thus, detection of aberrant gene methylation could serve as a potentially powerful approach for early diagnosis of tumors, such as lung cancer and breast cancer.In their study, Zhang and colleagues looked at hundreds of thousands of methylation profiles of HCC patients and healthy controls. The researchers identified a specific panel of methylation markers that correlated to HCC, then used a variety of machine learning and statistical methods to examine their efficacy at detecting and assessing HCC in 1,098 HCC patients and 835 normal controls.DNA methylation is a process that can regulate gene expression and extensive DNA methylation of a gene usually leads to a gene being turned off. Increased methylation of tumor suppressor genes is an early event in tumor development, suggesting that altered DNA methylation patterns may be a good indicator of an emerging tumor.Non-invasive blood tests or liquid biopsies present a better alternative. Many liquid biopsies work by detecting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), which are fragments of genetic material shed into the blood by tumor cells. These biopsies offer several potential advantages over other methods of cancer detection, according to Zhang. They are minimally invasive. They can be done at any time during therapy, allowing physicians to monitor molecular changes in tumors in real-time. They may detect tumors not apparent or indeterminant based upon imaging. And finally, ctDNA potentially represents the entire molecular picture of a patient's malignancy while a tumor biopsy may be limited to just the tested portion of the tumor."Our results were very encouraging," said Zhang. "In a large clinical cohort, our blood-based HCC diagnosis highly correlated with tumor burden, treatment response and stage of cancer. Right now, oncologists are quite limited in how they detect HCC and evaluate treatment. Our study is a great demonstration of proof-of-concept for a new, more effective approach that applies to solid malignancies, HCC and beyond."Source: Eurekalert Advertisement Chen and his colleagues wanted to understand the trends in BRCA testing costs and utilization. Their study analyzed testing rates, payment to the provider, and out-of-pocket costs for patients from 2003 to 2014, and compared findings to reported revenue from Myriad Genetics, the only provider of the test until 2013.Overall, BRCA testing increased 80-fold during those 11 years, with a large spike in testing occurring in 2013.That same year Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie published an op-ed in The New York Times promoting BRCA gene testing and the Supreme Court struck down the patent on BRCA gene testing."This could provide insights on the impact of the policy changes and the media coverage of celebrity endorsement," said Chen.Current U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines recommend BRCA testing for women at high risk, and the Affordable Care Act requires most private health plans to provide in-network coverage to women with family history of breast and ovarian cancer without cost-sharing for BRCA genetic counseling as a preventive service for women.Though it may be tempting to connect the whirlwind of media coverage surrounding Jolie's decision to have a double mastectomy following a positive BRCA test, Chen says the available data cannot point to which event had a greater impact."Jolie's op-ed, the Supreme Court decision on BRCA gene and the USPSTF recommendation occurred in a very compact timeline," Chen said.His team has done some analyses examining the difference in the use of BRCA testing among women at elevated risk versus women at low risk, but any significant differences were hard to tease out from available data."In a companion study, we did examine whether women had follow-up surgical procedures and found an urban and rural disparity in the follow-up rates," said Chen. "Women residing in urban areas consistently had a higher rates of follow-up surgical procedures than those in rural areas, though the gap is narrowing."As genetic testing becomes more accessible, Chen sees potential for individuals to make more informed decisions about their health."We live in a fortunate time where technology advances have greatly improved the quality of human life," he said.Source: Eurekalert In 2035, one out of every three Korean men will face the prospect of remaining single for life, and when women are included, the proportion will be one in four, according to a projection by Statistics Korea. The figures are similar to those in a Japanese government forecast for 2035. But Korea is expected to surpass its neighboring country from then on in terms of the proportion of "never married" people -- those who are not married until they are about 50. The proportion is calculated by averaging the percentages of single people between 45 and 49 and those between 50 and 54. Statistics Korea on Thursday released its most recent population projections. Among its predictions were that the proportion of "never married" people will double to 16.6 percent in 2025 and triple to 24.6 percent in 2035 from 8 percent in 2015. The enormous resilience and potential manifested in Chinas economic transformation is gradually receiving international recognition. Global economic development calls for Chinas fair share, as the bond between China and the rest of the world gets stronger than ever before. The Peoples Bank of Chinas policy of targeted cuts to required reserve ratios for inclusive finance system from 2018 onward enabled an immediate 5-percent rise in Hong Kongs stock market. This ushered in the H-shares peak over the past two years. The Wall Street Journal said this move clarifies that Chinas monetary policy retains its overall orientation toward stability and neutrality with each index on course to continuing economic resilience. Financial Times added that this policy acts as a catalyst for structural reform. Chinas spot-on regulation and control of currency also significantly underpins its macroeconomic fundamentals. According to statistical analysis, the manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) in September bounced back to an unanticipated extent. In the meantime, the constant growth of data on Chinas foreign currency reserves also rises beyond the publics expectation. China has been making persistent efforts to promote economic transformation and implementing supply-side structural reform over the past few years. The advance of overcapacity-cutting drove GDP to 74 trillion yuan ($11.2 trillion) in 2016, 1.32 times its 2012 numbers. In addition to the aforementioned quantitative growth, Chinas economy also managed qualitative increases. With regard to industrial structure, there remains a 10-percent growth in high-tech industries, strategic emerging industries, and equipment manufacturing, reflecting the accelerating growth of new economic drivers. As for inbound and outbound demands, consumption has emerged as the main driving force for economic growth. The Belt and Road Initiative is demonstrating its driving effect for both Chinas and global economies. The conversion from a flat world to an interconnected world will enable broader and more balanced flow of economic elements worldwide and immensely brightens up the future of the global economy. Currently, Chinas economy is running robustly and expects favorable prospects with widespread international recognition. The latest issue of IMF World Economic Outlook raised Chinas growth forecast for this year and next by 0.1 percent from July. Being the fourth uptick this year, it demonstrates that Chinas economy has IMFs confidence as well as a solidifying international influence. HARBOR BEACH The city of Harbor Beach will look a little more patriotic thanks to a generous donation from a local business at this week's city council meeting. Harbor Beach Mayor Gary Booms told council members that Dow AgroSciences is donating a 15- by 20-foot American Flag to the city. Due to the large size of the flag, it will necessitate a special 40-foot flag pole. Prior to the meeting, details were worked out at a recent administration committee meeting. The Harbor Beach Lions Club will purchase another 8- by 10-foot flag to compliment the larger flag donated by Dow. In addition, a 40-foot flag pole will be purchased to fly the flags. The smaller flag, the pole, and its installation will cost $2,450. An agreement at the administration meeting, which would require approval of the council, said the Lions Club and the city would split the costs, each paying $1,225. The council unanimously approved the resolution. The pole will be erected on city property, east of M-25 and across the street from the citys North Park Campground. The smaller flag will be flown regularly, and the larger flag will be used for holidays and special occasions. An official presentation of the 10- by 15-foot flag by Dow will take place at the Nov. 6 council meeting. Later in the meeting, the mayor opened bids for 29 old, city-owned Christmas decorations. Three bids were given in the sealed bid process. The Huron Community Fair Association offered a high bid of $25 each for eight decorations. As part of the bid, the board indicated it would take all of the decorations for a total of $500. The association will be notified by the city to clarify the bid. In other business, the city council went into closed session during the regular meeting to discuss litigation. When they returned, the audience was told city supervisor Ron Wruble will meet with the Michigan Municipal League attorney to work on the Lambert vs Harbor Beach lawsuit. No other details were available. The council is scheduled to meet next at 7 p.m. on Nov. 6 at city hall. HURON COUNTY Sarah Krebs will celebrate her 40th birthday on Sunday. But, she has another huge accomplishment to celebrate other than turning the big 4-0. The Caseville native and 1996 Laker graduate was selected by the International Association of Chiefs of Police as one of 40 law enforcement professionals from around the world under the age of 40 who demonstrates leadership and commitment to her profession. Krebs was chosen for her efforts to find and identify lost and missing persons. Shes also the third generation in her family with involvement in law enforcement. My grandfather and my father were both police officers, Krebs told the Tribune. My great-grandfather was a Detroit firefighter, so we have a legacy within our own family on the law enforcement and public service side. Really, what fueled my interest on it was wanting to go into forensics because that was right at the brink of CSI and where forensics got really exciting, she added. Krebs enlisted with the Michigan State Police in 2000 and graduated as a member of the 119th Trooper Recruit School. Right now, I am in our Missing Persons Unit, the detective/sergeant said. What we work on is trying to recover and assist law enforcement with their missing juveniles. She is an accomplished forensic artist whose composite sketches have led to the identification of numerous wanted persons in major cases around the state. In her line of work, Krebs works diligently to give agencies directions on missing juveniles and adults. The other part of that is we try to investigate human remains cases and linking them back to missing persons cases, she said. Our usual work week consists of about 1,000 juveniles that go missing a week. Krebs played a big role in developing the Missing Persons Coordination Unit, which has led to positive identifications of more than 70 previously unidentified persons. Although her job can be difficult at times, Krebs said there are rewards that come with the long and tough hours. When we recover a missing child or get them out of a bad situation, like sex trafficking, those are always rewarding, she said. I find that that is one of the most rewarding things is to be able to give a family, who has been looking for a loved one for sometimes decades, an answer to where theyve been. Krebs is also credited for founding Missing in Michigan, which is an event created in 2011 to address some long-term missing cases. I knew there was a way to solve them, but there had to be a way to get all of the family members together so we could collect their DNA, she said. We developed an event where we could bring the families together for awareness and crime victims, but at the same time, be able to collect their biometrics. Its become an annual event in Michigan, but its caught on nationwide, she added. When it came to finding out about the highly honorable award, Krebs received the news about a year ago. That alone was really just an accomplishment to be selected, Krebs said. It was overwhelming to think I wouldve been picked. She will be honored at the International Chiefs of Police Annual Conference in Philadelphia on Monday. To find out I was selected on a worldwide basis was over the top, she said. Highly accomplished in her career, Krebs acknowledged her background and where shes come from as a few motivators to meeting her goals. I still feel that Im just a girl from the Thumb, she said. Im no different. I was really lucky to be raised in that kind of community that had good parents and a great community around me. I just want to tell other people that you can do whatever you want to do, just live your dream, she added. I want to press to them to live your dream, and I still feel like Im just a girl from the Thumb. Editor's note: This column is featured in Friday's Huron Daily Tribune in a special section "Caseville Eagles Takeover." It's all part of a new series, Dubbed High Schoolers Take Over the Tribune, which will continue throughout the year and feature students from local school districts. Why do Americans protest? In the simplest terms, to get their point across. Whether or not they are morally correct is something that depends entirely on the context of what they feel so passionately about. Aug. 13: Many will remember this as an ordinary Sunday, filled with church services and sleeping in. But for the people of Charlottesville, Virginia, it was the day scheduled for the removal of the Robert E. Lee memorial statue, which was to be moved to a nearby park, and the climax of a protest filled with hate and bigotry. The day where many people realized the abundance of racial prejudice many citizens hold close to their heart. Most importantly, it was the day 32-year-old Heather Heyer would take her last breath after she and several others were hit by a car driven by 20-year-old James Alex Fields, Jr. a white supremacist. While the Attorney General Jeff Sessions called the fatal attack "domestic terrorism," many in our own region wonder whether the violence was justified or not. "The fault lies on both sides of the issue. Both sides came to fight and I think that in the future, more civilized discussion really needs to take place," commented senior Mason Lackie. With the reported injury total reaching at least 34, it seems the protest was more of a mosh pit of "who-can-get-who-first," rather than a peaceful political protest. If these Neo-Nazis and KKK members felt violence was the answer to the simple removal and relocation of a statue, then perhaps they need a check on reality. "Everyone is so sure they are right, and no one wants to lean the other way. They can't compromise. It's like a tree in a storm. If the tree doesn't bend a little, it's going to break, which is what happened in Charlottesville. There is no perfect answer, but no one is willing to even try and find a compromise," said administrative assistant Lisa Karl. Many viewers are very critical of the actions of the police and whether or not they could have done more to prevent the attack from occurring or from escalating so quickly. "I think that city officials and law enforcement should have put some more thought into (the removal of the statue) in the future," remarked history teacher Kevin Parker. In the aftermath of the protest, President Donald Trump released a statement saying, "We condemn in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence, on many sides." This statement upset many. "I think Trump should acknowledge that there is a distinct difference between people who gather to create violence and incite hate, and people who feel the need to defend their community," commented senior Elizabeth Robinson. After all is said and done, it was a tragic weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia. A young woman lost her life. Others were injured. The protest not only damaged city property, but the hearts of those who live there. Despite the remarks made by the leader of our great nation, our country looks to the government for more guidance in future controversial events and the squashing of the hate dwelling in the dark corners of the United States. Editor's note: This column is featured in Friday's Huron Daily Tribune in a special section "Caseville Eagles Takeover." It's all part of a new series, Dubbed High Schoolers Take Over the Tribune, which will continue throughout the year and feature students from local school districts. Some people are so ungrateful in life. Others appreciate every little thing that life has to offer. Now me, I value the little things in life. The most important thing to me is being able to watch the sunrise every morning I wake up. And being able to be a part of nature and all the wildlife it offers. I've never personally experienced a bad time when it comes to spending time in the woods. I value the benefits that nature grants everyone the fresh air, blue skies, colorful flowers, green trees, fast rushing rivers, and all the animals that nature offers life, too. Even in nasty weather, I'm still grateful to be out in nature, away from everyone. Where it is quiet and soothing. A time to relax and enjoy life. I value nature most when I'm hunting, and that's a lot. Even when things don't go my way, I blame no one and I just move on because I know that one of the benefits of nature is that nature will give you countless opportunities to do things. With hunting, you can go out and see something new or different almost every day. You just need to put in the time and effort to be able to do that. I have hunted three consecutive years in the Rocky Mountains in the western parts of Colorado for a Rocky Mountain elk. I have never gotten an elk before. I've hunted in weather from hot and muggy to cold and rainy. You never know what the weather will be like in the mountains it could be sunny and 75 one minute, and three hours later, there could be ankle-high snow on the ground. The weather is very unpredictable, and so are the animal encounters. I've been face to face with everything from mountain lions to 500-pound black bears, but never elk. Despite hunting with no success for two years, I never gave up hope. I knew there was elk out there, so I knew if I tried hard enough, one day I would get one. I knew if I put the time and effort into doing what I dreamed about doing, then I could succeed, and sure enough, all the work paid off the third year we went out. Sept. 20 was the day nature granted me one of her great gifts. My dad and I sat quietly on the top of a ridge, after hiking many miles up the mountain, waiting to see an elk. We could hear an elk bugle down in the valley right below us. My dad called him with a cow call called "The Hoochie Mama" call. Every time my dad called, the elk would bugle right back at us. He approached us quickly, expecting to see a cow elk when he reached the top. This bull elk bugled right before he reached the top of the ridge and the sound was so great and loud that it shook my chest. I've never shook with such excitement in my life. The elk got to the top of the ridge and he was massive, as big as a horse! It was my first opportunity to get an elk, and I sure wasn't going to let it pass by. As my dad was range-finding it, I was at full draw with my bow and full of excitement. He gave me a shot at 45 yards and he was quartering to us. I let an arrow fly and I stuck him. The shot was good, but we decided to let him sit overnight to make sure he wasn't going anywhere. The next morning we got up early and made our way back up the mountain to start looking for him. We found him no more than 250 yards from where I had shot him. The moment we found him was one of the best moments of my life. I felt so relieved to know I got this massive bull. We would have never gotten it if we didn't keep our heads up and keep trying and pushing ourselves for success. Now I have a trophy elk and plenty of meat in the freezer. I believe this would never have happened if I didn't strive for success and stay positive in myself. This is a prime example of why I value the benefits of all of nature's beauties. Even though the weather was bad, it was still a successful hunt. I believe that nature's wildlife is the best thing this world has to offer. Some may say otherwise, but I believe that everyone should stop what they're doing and take a look at nature and realize the beauty and benefits of it. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The corporate parent of New Haven-based Sargent Manufacturing is acquiring a high technology home security start-up company from San Francisco. Officials with Swedish lock maker Assa Abloy said Thursday that their acquisition of August Home is expected to close before the end of the year. Terms of the deal were not released. August Home was founded in 2012 and its marquee product is a door lock that can be open and shut remotely using a smartphone app. It also makes Internet-connected video doorbells. The companys focus is selling these products to the do-it-yourself market. And the lure of that market has been attractive enough to investors so that August Home has been able to raise $63 million in funding since March 2015. Jason Johnson, chief executive officer of August Home, said in a blog post that the two companies have a shared vision for smart doors and making in-home delivery a reality. Now we begin the work of combining our talent, technology expertise and software-centric approach with the capabilities, reach and distribution Assa Abloy brings to the partnership, Johnson wrote. Thanasis Molokotos, executive vice president of Assa Abloy and head of its Americas division, said August Home has created a fantastic consumer experience through differentiated features and software. We look forward to the opportunity to draw from the 180 years of cumulative experience of the Yale (lock) team plus the technology expertise of the August team to create the future of smart residential doors, Molokotos said in a statement. Assa Abloy is the world's largest lock maker. It acquired Sargent, which makes a variety of locks and lock components, in 2006. luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com NEW HAVEN Lashanda Gregory, who told a judge, If I could take it back, I would, was sentenced Thursday to serve 25 years in prison for strangling to death and robbing Byron McDade at the Branford Motel on the July 4 holiday weekend three years ago. Gregory, 30, of Middletown, had pleaded guilty three months ago to reduced charges of first-degree manslaughter and third-degree robbery. Prosecutors dropped the murder charge in exchange for her guilty plea to the lesser charges. The plea agreement specified she would receive a sentence of 20 years for manslaughter and five years for robbery. According to the Branford Police Department arrest warrant, Gregory told police she encountered McDade at a Middletown gas station shortly before midnight July 2, 2014. She said he called her over and told her he wanted company. Gregory admitted to police she was a heroin addict and that she asked McDade to drive her to Hartford so she could buy narcotics. After McDade bought some crack cocaine, she said, they went to the motel and had sex. Gregory said McDade was very rough with her. She told police McDade forced her to have more rough sex repeatedly throughout the night. At one point, when McDade was lying on the bed and turned his back to her, she said she snapped and used a bed sheet to strangle him. Gregory also admitted to police she stole about $100 from McDades pants as well as his car keys and cell phone, then left his body in the motel room and drove away in his vehicle. She also noted she had tied his hands behind his back. During Thursdays sentencing hearing, Senior Assistant States Attorney John P. Doyle Jr. told Superior Court Judge Patrick J. Clifford this was an unusual case as he outlined the police investigation. Doyle said McDade, 41, of Deep River, had asked the motel staff for a wake-up call on the morning of July 3. At 2:15 p.m. that day, having not heard from nor seen McDade, the motel manager opened the door to his room and found him lying face down on the floor with a blood-stained bed sheet wrapped around his neck. Medical personnel were called and pronounced him dead at the scene. Doyle noted police found a receipt on the motel rooms floor from a nearby gas station and convenience store. When police viewed surveillance tape from that business, they saw two people, later identified as McDade and Gregory, buying coffee and soda at about 2:40 a.m. that day. Police used information from witnesses to learn Gregorys name and find her in Middletown, where she was arrested. Doyle said she has a detailed criminal history for larceny and narcotics convictions but never before had committed a crime of violence. She has a pattern of moving around, being involved with the criminal justice system, Doyle told Clifford. Doyle also said Gregory did not provide proper care for her three children. She has a life history of repeated drug abuse, Doyle said. McDades cousin was in court Thursday but she did not make a statement. McDades mother lives in Alabama and could not make it to the sentencing hearing. Victim Services Advocate Beata Bagi read into the court record a statement from the mother, Geneva M. Hunter. I am writing this letter in great pain, Hunter said. Pain that has been present with me and in me since July 2014, when I first learned of my sons (my only childs) murder. When my child was murdered three plus years ago, I, too, was murdered. My entire family was murdered. Every day I still ask God for a miracle, she added. I ask him to please let me just see my son one more time, so I can tell him that I love him just one more time. Hunter said relatives and friends continue to call her in disbelief. They all say the same thing concerning Byrons kind and giving spirit...He was always generous to a fault. I and other family would often fuss at him for giving everything away. She said even the familys dog, GP2, who loved to follow McDade everywhere he went, was deeply affected by McDades death. Immediately after Byrons murder, GP2 would follow the family to church on Sundays and wait for us by Byrons grave site. Hunter concluded by stating: I believe that after the sentencing and justice is done, I and my family will have closure and maybe finally try and begin some type of healing process. Former New Haven Public Defender Thomas Ullmann, who recently retired but has continued to work on Gregorys behalf, told Clifford at the hearing that she came from a dysfunctional family. Its not surprising that she ended up in this situation, Ullmann said. He told Clifford that Gregory has a soft interior. Alluding to Gregorys account of the rough sex she said she endured, Ullmann noted a lot of sexual improprieties occurred that night in the motel room. Instead of calling police, she left. When Clifford gave Gregory a chance to speak, she stood up, attired in prison garb of a white sweatshirt and gray sweatpants. Nothing in my record is violent, she said. She added about this case, It has nothing to do with how I was raised. As for my children, she said, Im a single mother. Gregory added, If I could take it back, I would. Nobody will ever really know what happened in that motel room. Im sorry for the family. But then she said, He was not a nice man. Clifford told her that was not a nice thing to say about the victim. He was 41. He was his mothers only child. Clifford expressed doubt about Gregorys statement that her troubled upbringing had nothing to do with her actions at the motel. He noted she spent much of her youth in group homes and juvenile detention centers. Clifford also pointed out that her three children were from three different men and Theyve been violent fathers. Your claim is you killed him because you snapped during rough sex, Clifford said. As you said, the people in that room know what occurred. You know exactly what happened. Clifford added, This is something that happens when you lead a marginal lifestyle. Contact Randall Beach at 203-680-9345 or randall.beach@hearstmediact.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate MIDDLETOWN Parents, residents and others advocating for the building of a new middle school are appealing directly to taxpayers to support a ballot question that would allow the city to begin construction on the $87.35 million project in the spring. The group, working as the Middletown Schools Yes political action committee, whose members are calling registered voters, promoting the plan at school and other local events and knocking on doors, has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback for the new building, said Christopher Drake, who sits on both the Board of Education and Woodrow Wilson Middle School/Keigwin Middle School Building Committee. Drake formed the PAC through the State Elections Enforcement Commission after the Common Council voted unanimously in June to endorse the new facility recommended by the building committee, formed more than two years ago. The new school would house sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders. Presently, grade six students attend Keigwin Middle School, a 49-year-old building the district would close. Unsurprisingly, when you talk to parents, its a pretty easy sell, Drake said. As Middletown Schools Yes volunteers have gone around the city, the majority of those theyve spoken to are in favor of the plan, he said. When we talked to some folks, who are maybe older, didnt have kids in the school system, we got a negative reaction which I wanted some of my people to see, because this is going to the voters, Drake said. Its just not parents voting, its everyone in Middletown, so youve got to see the perspective of someone who doesnt have a kid that will go to this school. The three-story, 150,000-square-foot facility would have a capacity of 919 students. The state is expected to pick up $45.8 million of the cost, leaving the city with $41.55 million to bond. Work, which would begin in the spring, is estimated to be done by August 2021. When the new Middletown High School on LaRosa Lane opened in 2009, the Woodrow Wilson building was converted to a middle school. The Woodrow Wilson building, erected in the 1950s, was last renovated in 1993. The new school should last more than 30 years, according to the architects, TSKP Studio of Hartford. Those championing the referendum question wanted to be proactive about getting information out to voters about the need for a new facility and the cost to taxpayers, said Common Councilwoman Mary Bartolotta, chairwoman of the building committee. There are millions of dollars in renovation that would need to be done to our high school thats acting as a middle school. That doesnt work well for any academic reasons, and the building itself is sick in many ways, she said. When the building committee was charged with examining options for the ailing structure more than two years ago, three possibilities were considered: a brand new Woodrow Wilson, one that would preserve the auditorium and incorporate it into the design, or a full renovation of the facility, Drake said. But the skeleton is not that great because its this massive, one-story building that has a giant footprint, he said. The plan is for a three-story, so it would be built up rather than out. After considering the results of the TKSP feasibility study, committee members decided against renovations. Were not just building a new school because we feel like it, were building a new school because when we look at the school we have now, it has many issues that needed to be addressed and need to be addressed now, Bartolotta said. The cost difference between those two building a new school and trying to fix what we already have was so close that this was the time to take advantage of getting those types of dollars through the state, even in these tough economic times. When members of the public complained about Woodrow Wilsons many issues and the effect on student education, the building committee was formed. At the time, Bartolotta said, the plan was to renovate the facility. Through the process, it became very clear that no small Band Aid would work, Bartolotta said. It originally started out as Do we even need a new middle school? Do we really need to do this or can we move on here? It was not a good option financially, for students or the citys future, she said. It is just drawing down all the time in the sense of the upkeep of the building alone. The citys project proposal was submitted just before the states June 30 deadline to be eligible for the 56.43-percent reimbursement rate, Drake said. The amount of recoverable expenses changes every year based on economic factors in town, Drake said, and that rate has gone down since the high school was built. It took two tries for the Middletown High School building project to pass muster with voters a decade ago, in June 2003 and April 2006, said Vincent Loffredo, chairman of the board. The former councilman also sat on that building committee. That was a very contentious issue in terms of where to locate it and build it, he said. It took two referendums, which meant a long-term delay and the costs increased. Its crucial that this referendum pass on the first attempt, Bartolotta said. Right now, we fall under the old guidelines, and its worth a shot so it costs the least amount for the taxpayers of Middletown to get a school that they need, he said. After July 1, the state wont pay for new auditoriums in middle schools, Drake said. It is more likely to fund gymnatoriums now combination gymnasiums and auditoriums because of the cost savings. In the last few weeks since Middletown Schools Yes was formed, Drake said supporters have handed out postcards, installed lawn signs, visited PTA meetings and the recent Board of Education candidates forum at the high school. Ed McKeon, a former Board of Education member and parent of two boys at Middletown High, said a new middle school is long overdue. The school district has been pouring a lot of money into it every year just to deal with the fact that there are three different furnaces, all of which are in bad shape, a leaky roof, he said. The proposal has enjoyed support from officials and the community, he said. People who would vote against it are people who are worried about the tax implication. The effect on taxes is going to be minimal. McKeon said he has only talked to two people who are against the project out of about 200 phone calls he has made. Everyone else understands the need for it, he said. When hes met by opposition, McKeon tells them a new facility not only improves academics, but also property values. Every year, when we ask for money for the schools, the best economic driver in the town is your schools, he said. If you have good schools, youre more likely to have people who want to move into your town both individuals that own property and companies. For information, see middleschoolyes.org or YesMiddleschool on Twitter. Managing Editor Cassandra Day can be reached at cassandra.day@hearstmediact.com. HARTFORD In conjunction with National Mammography Day, Oct. 20, the Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging women to schedule an appointment for a mammogram. No-cost screenings are available for Connecticut women who qualify. Mammogram screenings are x-ray exams used to detect breast cancer in women who may not show or be aware of breast cancer symptoms. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women ages 50 to 74 to have a mammogram screening every two years. Women ages 40 to 49 years should discuss with their health care provider whether and how often they should get screened. Many factors over the course of a lifetime can influence your breast cancer risk, but you can lower your risk of breast cancer by taking care of your health. Mammography can help find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Talk to your doctor about which breast cancer screening tests are right for you, and when you should have them. said Lisa McCooey, Director of DPHs Comprehensive Cancer Program, in a written statement Getting screened regularly could save your life. Residents who cannot afford regular mammograms may be eligible for free services. The Connecticut Department of Public Healths Early Detection and Prevention Program (CEDPP) provides breast cancer screenings at locations throughout Connecticut for women with no or low income and who have no or limited health insurance. The American Cancer Society estimates nearly 40,610 women in the United States will die this year from breast cancer and that almost 430 will be right here in Connecticut. These numbers warrant attention because when detected early, a womans chance of surviving breast cancer increases. Breast cancer screening exams can help detect the disease at its earliest stages of development, often resulting in less aggressive treatments and ultimately saving lives. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women of all races and ethnicities. In Connecticut, the incidence of breast cancer in women in 2009-2013 was 138 per 100,000 women - the third highest rate in the US. The breast cancer mortality rate for Connecticut women for 2009-2013 was 19.1 per 100,000 women - the 13th lowest rate in the US. These rates highlight the importance of detecting breast cancer early when treatments are more effective. To find the closest CEDPP program, go to www.ct.gov/dph/earlydetection or call 860-509-7804. Service of Remembrance set for Nov. 12 MIDDLETOWN Middlesex Hospital Hospice and Palliative Care will hold its 33rd annual Service of Remembrance on Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. Doors will open at 1:15 p.m. The service is nondenominational and will honor the memory of those who died from Oct. 1, 2016 to Sept. 30, 2017 while receiving care under the Hospitals Hospice and Palliative Care Program. Anyone can attend this event, which will be held in the auditorium of Mercy High School in Middletown. For more information, call 860-358-8852. Babysitting course starts Nov. 6 DEEP RIVER Tri-Town Youth Services will offer the American Heart Associations Pediatric First Aid and CPR course along with a babysitter training certificate program. This course is for youth ages 11-17. The $75 fee includes instruction, books, and certificate. The fall session will be held at Tri-Town Youth Services, 56 High Street, Deep River on Monday evenings, Nov. 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 6-8 p.m. Register online (www.tritownys.org) or by calling 860-526-3600. New Horizons receives foundation grant MIDDLETOWN Community Health Center, Inc.s domestic violence services, New Horizons, was chosen to receive one of 150 grants awarded by The Mary Kay Foundation to further efforts to combat domestic violence and provide rehabilitation services throughout Connecticut. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, the Mary Kay Foundation is awarding $3 million in grants to domestic violence shelters across the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. New Horizons will use the funding to reinforce its commitment to assisting victims of domestic violence and their children by providing emergency shelter, caring support, and education to promote healthy relationships. At New Horizons, we are extremely grateful for support from The Mary Kay Foundation and its continued commitment to break the cycle of domestic violence, says Dr. Kimberly Citron, CHCs Director of Domestic Violence Services, Research and Education. Our staff at Community Health Center and New Horizons is dedicated to protecting the health and safety of victims of domestic violence. With this grant we will be able to expand and improve the quality of our care, resources, and outreach efforts for victims and the public. For more than 30 years, CHC has operated New Horizons, a 24/7 emergency shelter for those fleeing domestic abuse. On an annual basis, New Horizons provides services and shelter to over 1,300 women, children and male victims. The shelter itself is one element of a comprehensive approach to intimate partner violence (IPV) that also includes community education, support groups, individual counseling, court advocacy and consultation to CHCs clinical provider teams. Nearly half of the foreign troops training in the U.S. who go absent without leave are from Afghanistan, a government watchdog report said Friday. Of the 352 foreign troops who were absent without leave since 2005 in the U.S., 152 were from Afghanistan, according to the report by the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction. The report said 83 of the 152 AWOL Afghans either fled the U.S. or were unaccounted for, while 27 have been arrested or removed from the U.S. by law enforcement. According to the Pentagon, about 2,200 Afghan personnel have trained in the U.S. since 2007. The AWOL rate among Afghan trainees has also been increasing, SIGAR said. Forty-four of the total 152 Afghan AWOL cases occurred between January 2015 and October 2016, according to U.S. Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan (CSTC-A). The report quoted Army Maj. Gen. Richard Kaiser, CSTC-A commander, as saying the Afghan Ministry of Defense "does not have a comprehensive policy for preventing its members from going AWOL while enrolled in U.S.-funded training or addressing what happens when AWOLs occur." The base that had the largest number of Afghan trainees go AWOL was Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio, Texas, where Afghan trainees are required to attend English-language courses, the report said. In response to the report, the secretary of the Air Force's Internal Affairs office recommended establishing a position for an Afghan Liaison Officer at Joint Base San Antonio to "address student needs and quality-of-life issues, and work with the training facility leadership to solve any other issues that may arise." According to the SIGAR report, some of the AWOL Afghans said later in interviews that they left bases in the U.S. or tried to return home because of threats against their families by the Taliban. "One trainee stated that after she left for training, the Taliban visited her home and threatened her family because of her involvement with the U.S. Two others stated that their families had received threatening letters or phone calls from the Taliban, and another claimed that his family had been attacked due to his training in the U.S.," the report said. The report concluded the AWOL incidents among Afghan trainees "may have had a negative impact on operational readiness of Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) units and the morale of fellow trainees and home units, and posed security risks to the United States." -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. Bloggerii militari rusi, extrem de suparati ca armata lor nu a tras asupra lui Zelenski in timpul vizitei din Hersonul rusesc: Nu vrem sa luptam cum trebuie! The Air Force is weighing a decision to get airmen out of the Airman Battle Uniform and into the Army Combat Uniform, officials tell Military.com. "The Air Force regularly reviews uniform policy and gathers feedback from airmen via a number of channels. One recommendation has been the movement from ABUs to ACUs," said Air Force spokeswoman Brooke Brzozowske. "The Air Force uniform policy team is currently considering this feedback and working on possible courses of action," she said in a statement Friday. Airmen have criticized the ABU -- first issued to new recruits in 2007 -- because they are required to add it to their wardrobe but don't utilize it as much as other uniforms, many say. Related content: Complaints range from the additional cost to questionable need for the ABU, especially given that deployed airmen have adopted the Army's Operational Camouflage Pattern, or OCP. In 2014, to coincide with the Army, the Air Force announced that downrange airmen would wear the combat OCP camouflage pattern. How quickly a change might be implemented is unknown. But there have been signs of movement since Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein's Revitalizing the Squadron initiative launched last summer, giving airmen a way to voice their opinions. Goldfein, alongside Chief Master Sgt. Kaleth O. Wright, on Friday told airmen during an all-hands briefing at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, that a number of uniform changes may be coming. "We're looking at it. Here's the deal. Let's all agree to agree on a few things. Number one, uniforms matter. They matter to all of us," Goldfein said. "We want to feel good. ... want them to be functional. "If you want to know what drives my decision-making going forward, it's about lethality and readiness; the business of warfighting," he said. Goldfein, who is traveling this week to nuclear sites and Air Force bases across the U.S., added, "What is the battlefield uniform we need to perform that function. And if it's OCPs, and that's what we get to, then that's the decision we'll make. "But I'm not racing at it because I want to get it right because once you make this decision, you better be ready for this decision to be in our Air Force for the next 20 years. So we're spending a lot of time looking at it. We're going to take our time to get it right," he said. The news of the potential uniform switch comes one month after the Air Force said that airmen flying cargo airlift or helicopters -- anything aside from a fighter and without an ejection seat -- have been seen wearing the Army Aircrew Combat Uniform, known as the A2CU, more often. "The two-piece [A2CU] uniform has OCP-patterned fabric and the same fire-retardant properties as the flight suit, making it certified for wear by pilots flying aircraft without ejection seats," said service spokeswoman Capt. Kathleen Atanasoff. "Since the [uniform] pattern matches the OCP, it is often the uniform for downrange locations where many aircrews are operating," she said at the time. The A2CU has also been in use stateside, Air Force officials said. While there has been no official effort to adopt a new uniform, commanders across the force are giving some airmen the option to wear the A2CU as a duty uniform during training or while deployed. For example, Air Mobility Command's director of operations authorized AMC pilots to wear the uniform for Exercise Mobility Guardian this summer, according to spokesman Col. Chris Karns. "Some AMC pilots have opted to wear where authorized," he said in September. Goldfein on Friday also hinted that women's uniforms may get an upgrade. "It's beyond OCPs, by the way. It's about [dress] blues; it's about women's uniforms," he said. "Women suffer in silence on many of the uniforms that don't fit. And they've never fit," Goldfein said. "The amount of money that women are spending altering essentially a men's uniform to fit a female frame is unsatisfactory. So we're going to get at this." -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214. . Grand Rapids used 108 pages to make its case to win Amazon's $5 billion corporate headquarters. The written proposal was shipped to the retail giant on Wednesday, a day ahead of the October 19 deadline for communities in North America seeking the economic development victory. Details of the proposal - Michigan's second, along with Detroit - won't be released to the public, said Birgit Klohs, CEO of the Right Place, representing West Michigan. That's in keeping with economic development standards as companies look for incentives and other deals. But, Klohs said, "We are very, very proud of what we put forward." She continued: "I consider it an outstanding proposal." Amazon announced in September that it was seeking a site for a second corporate headquarters, prompting hundreds of communities of 1 million-plus people to start considering how they would lure the company. Amazon deliberately mentioned seeking tax incentives in its proposal, along with other specifics. Klohs said the West Michigan effort started the day the process was announced. "It's a very unusual way to search for a new location," she said. It's also the third - behind Foxconn and a Toyota/Mazda factory site - that went public this year. Normally, she said, companies quietly pursue options amid confidentiality agreements. "This is a very, very new way of doing our business," Klohs said of this economic development move. "I don't know if it's a trend. Eventually, the company expects the deal to involve 50,000 employees in 8 million square feet of space. It seeks a major city with public transportation, great higher education and an educated workforce that's heavy on computer scientists. And it's looking for a stable business climate. Klohs said that's something the greater Grand Rapids area can offer the company, with the collaboration behind the proposal standing as evidence. "The Right Place put together a tremendous team of partners," she said, including Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., cities of Grand Rapids, Wyoming and Cascade, and state transportation and economic development officials. "We made a case for what a terrific community this is," she said. "... There's a culture of collaboration that we tried to convey in this application." Not part of the application is a stunt to draw attention to Grand Rapids. "No, we did not send a case of beer," Klohs said. That, she said, would not have been a professional response. "This is a serious project," said Klohs, a 30-year veteran of economic development. "A very large investment. We treated it seriously." The process helped the Grand Rapids area to identify weaker areas along with strengths. While the downtown area is a strength, thanks to new high-rise residential projects, an expanding Grand Valley State University and growing medical district, mobility still isn't where the city wants it to be. Yet its airport - while not the size of Detroit's or Chicago's - keeps adding nonstop flights as it increases its passenger count. "We learned a lot more about the depth of attributes we have," Klohs said. The next step, Klohs said, is to wait. "We don't know the next steps," she said. But if Amazon moves forward with Grand Rapids, it will be ready. And if Detroit is a semi-finalist instead, West Michigan will support that city's bid. "We believe that landing Amazon in this state would be a win .. for everyone, including us." PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI - Ypsilanti resident Nicole Beverly put a spotlight on the shortcomings of Michigan's laws to protect survivors of domestic violence. Beverly alleged her ex-husband had threatened to kill her and her children when he was released from prison. She said she found state law offered her little recourse to protect her family, so she planned to move her family out of Michigan to live in hiding. In July, Attorney General Bill Schuette filed new charges related to witness intimidation and retaliation against Kevin Beverly, Nicole's ex-husband. At a preliminary examination Thursday, Oct. 19, Kevin's case was bound over to Washtenaw County's Circuit Court, and a pre-trial hearing is set for Nov. 28. He also faces charges in Jackson and Wayne counties. Nicole Beverly has shared her story publicly, and her experiences were brought up multiple times at the launch of a new regional domestic violence coalition on Wednesday, Oct. 18. The coalition includes advocates for domestic violence survivors and lawmakers representing Washtenaw and Wayne counties. The 28 people who attended Wednesday's meeting have seen thousands of other women in circumstances similar to Beverly's, and they know first-hand there are gaps in support for domestic violence survivors and the barriers that prevent women from leaving abusive relationships. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell convened the new regional domestic violence coalition Wednesday, which met at the SafeHouse Center domestic violence shelter in Pittsfield Township. Dingell shared that her mother and sister were victims of domestic violence. "Everybody goes, 'Well, why would they put up with it?' You don't understand what it's like to be in that situation - the economic dependence or the fact that you love somebody," Dingell said. "So let's really begin that development of the public policy agenda, and what do we do to help others?" Ongoing needs Domestic violence survivors are often impacted by poverty, homelessness, mental health issues and substance abuse, said Barbara Niess-May, executive director of SafeHouse Center. While there are programs that offer support around each of those issues, Niess-May said, there is no public mandate requiring resources go to helping victims escape abusive environments while addressing those other challenges. Several people involved in Wednesday's discussion noted the need for more shelter beds to provide a safe place for people in crisis to stay. Requirements that come with applying for transitional housing through HUD do not respect domestic violence survivors' need for confidentiality, said Kathy Hagenian, executive policy director for the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. Victims of domestic violence include men as well as women, from all different socio-economic backgrounds, Niess-May said. Still, 90 percent of the more than 5,000 domestic violence survivors SafeHouse Center assists every year are people living in poverty, she said. Many of the gaps in support systems as well as the most common barriers for a person attempting to leave a domestic violence situation trace back to money. Economic dependency on an abusive partner often prevents women from escaping the situation, said Mona Makki, director of the community health and research center at Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, a nonprofit in Dearborn. Religious and cultural factors also make it more difficult for some women to leave a relationship, she added. Children can be the catalyst that prompts a woman to leave an abusive relationship, Makki said, but the need to financially support children also makes it more challenging. Several members of the coalition agreed more affordable housing and affordable child care as well as making sure domestic survivors have employable skills so they can secure better-paying jobs would allow more women to be economically independent. "Fifteen years ago, I might have said women go back or stay (in a violent relationship) out of fear. I think now it's more about finances," said Ilene Hogan, associate director of First Step in Wayne County. "We have clients who say, 'Look, I might get beat, but I'll have a roof over my head, and there will be food on the table for my children.' The kind of jobs that many of our clients are able to get, the minute they have to call in sick because they have a sick child, they lose that job. And those jobs don't pay enough to pay rent. So the financial aspect is huge." A bill that would make shared custody of children the default arrangement in divorce cases could make leaving an abusive relationship even more difficult, Hagenian said. Presuming equal parenting time does not take into account the imbalance of power present in an abusive relationship, said Catherine McClary, the Washtenaw County treasurer who represented the Jean L. King Women's Center of Southeastern Michigan. Also, limited state and federal funding restricts the ability of nonprofits, law enforcement and other organizations to provide the services domestic violence survivors need, Niess-May said. Mandy Grewal, supervisor of Pittsfield Township, suggested establishing agreements for local funding sources from the local government entities whose residents benefit from domestic violence shelters and preventative programs. Washtenaw County is unique in that in 1992, taxpayers supported the first local millage in the state that dedicated money to domestic violence prevention and services to build the SafeHouse Center's current facility. What's being done? Amid the ongoing needs the coalition discussed, the group also shared best practices and success stories. First Step started a Lethality Assessment Program in June 2016 that trained law enforcement, prosecutors and First Step staff to recognize signs of a highly dangerous domestic violence situation. Police departments in Canton, Dearborn and Taylor participated. "Even the prosecutors are shaking their heads," said Jill Popovich, community response program coordinator for First Step. "Some of the prosecutors who have been in the business for decades are saying, 'I've never seen anything so brutal in all the years I've been doing this' in terms of the brutality of these intimate partner homicides." When officers training in the Lethality Assessment Program respond to a domestic violence scene, they ask the victim a series of questions to learn more about the history of the situation. If the victim's responses indicate a highly dangerous situation, that person will be referred to First Step for further assistance and other follow-up services. Of the nearly 1,000 lethality screens conducted in Wayne County since the program started, about 600 have indicated high danger, Popovich said. That 60 percent rate of highly dangerous domestic disputes in Wayne County is well above the national average of approximately 25 percent for the 600 police departments across the country running similar lethality assessment programs, she said. "The good news is that we're not seeing a lot of repeat clients. Even better for the police departments that are participating is that the clients are feeling the police really care," Popovich said. On the policy side, several state legislators are working on a package of eight bills related to domestic violence survivors. State Rep. Kristy Pagan (D-Canton), Rep. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) and Rep. Cara Clemente (D-Lincoln Park), who are sponsoring some of the bills in the package, attended Wednesday's coalition meeting. Nicole Beverly gave input on the bills, Pagan said, which aim to: LANSING, MI - Seven school districts in Southeastern Michigan will receive state-funded grants this school year to purchase more locally-grown foods to be served in school meals. The Michigan Department of Education made the announcement Thursday, Oct. 19, naming 32 school districts statewide that will receive an additional 10 cents per school meal serve in 2017. Ann Arbor Public Schools, Bedford Public Schools, Dexter Community schools, Hillsdale Community Schools, Jackson Public Schools, Monroe Public Schools and Ypsilanti Community Schools were selected from the Southeastern Michigan region. "I'm very pleased that the state Legislature expanded program funding and reach," State Superintendent Brian Whiston said in a press release. "This program is a true win-win because it provides fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables to schoolchildren, while investing in state agriculture." Legislators expanded the pilot 10 Cents a Meal program, now in its second year, from $250,000 in state seed funding to $375,000 for the upcoming school year and added a third region to last year's two regions. Schools are reimbursed by the federal government for each meal they serve. Recognizing that it can be more expensive to work with multiple smaller vendors, the state wanted to provide some additional funding so schools could purchase locally-sourced foods. This year's 32 grant-receiving districts have served 95,000 students, compared to 48,000 students served last year by the 16 grant recipients. Food service directors named 30 new foods they tried in meals last school year. In its first year, the farm-to-school program generated sales of about 50 products from 86 farms in 28 counties and 16 additional businesses such as processors and distributors, according to MDE. State Rep. Adam Zemke, D-Ann Arbor, said local school officials asked him how they could get involved in the 10 Cents a Day program, and he was pleased Sen. Goeff Hansen, R-Hart, helped expand the program to Hillsdale, Jackson, Monroe and Washtenaw counties. Hansen is chair of the Appropriations Committee's K-12, School Aid, Education Subcommittee. "We talk a lot about the buy local movement and supporting local farmers," Zemke told The Ann Arbor News / MLive. "I think we do a really good job in our community doing that. ... But if you're not educating kids about the importance of that local economy, then you're missing out on a huge chunk of future growth for that economy." Matt McCauley, chief operating officer of Networks Northwest, the Prosperity Region 2 office, was involved in assisting MDE in the program's first year. His 10-county region also is where 10 Cents a Meal started three years earlier as a local pilot project inspired by the Michigan Good Food Charter and coordinated by the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities. "This program has the potential to touch a lot of people's lives in many ways," McCauley said in a press release. "It addresses a variety of different issues, including education, agriculture, nutrition, and logistics - pieces that are important to every community, urban and rural, in Michigan. There aren't many policy areas out there with that kind of potential." Steven Duke, executive director of the Region 2 Planning Commission in Jackson, which is the office for the newly participating six-county Prosperity Region 9, said the program "ties together two critical economic assets in Region 9: our existing agricultural assets and workforce, and the workforce of tomorrow -- our school children." Below is a list of this year's other recipients of 10 Cents a Meal grants: Region 2: Alanson Public Schools, Bear Lake Schools, Benzie County Central Schools, Boyne Falls Public School District, East Jordan Public Schools, Frankfort-Elberta Area Schools, Glen Lake Community Schools, Harbor Springs School District, Kaleva Norman Dickson School District, Manton Consolidated Schools, Onekama Consolidated Schools, Pellston Public Schools, Public Schools of Petoskey, Traverse City Area Public Schools Region 4: Belding Area School District, Coopersville Area Public School District, Grand Haven Area Public Schools, Hart Public School District, Holland City School District, Lowell Area Schools, Montague Area Public Schools, Saugatuck Public Schools, Shelby Public Schools, Thornapple Kellogg School District, Whitehall District Schools A total of 78 school districts applied, and 32 recieved grants. He, however, asserted the state govt should also respect its limits that it's not their job to run universities. FLINT, MI - A strong rate of return on investments has helped the University of Michigan's endowment approach almost $11 billion to close out the 2017 fiscal year, UM reported on Thursday, Oct. 19. UM presented the figures during its Board of Regents meeting in Flint on Thursday, reporting a 13.8 percent return on investment, helping the endowment grow to $10.9 billion. UM's endowment ranks No. 9 among all universities in the United States and third among public universities. The endowment grew from $9.7 billion at the end of the previous fiscal year, after seeing its value decrease from $10 billion at the end of the 2015 fiscal year. The increase was aided by a record-breaking year for giving at UM. In September, the university reported it collected $467 million in cash gifts and pledge payments during the fiscal year, helping it meet its $4 billion goal for the Victors for Michigan fundraising campaign, which has now raised $4.24 billion. UM rebounded from a high degree of volatility in the public equity and commodity sectors in the previous fiscal year, in which the university saw a net investment loss of $130 million. Overall, UM saw a -1.36 percent return on investment in 2016. Comparatively, UM saw a net investment income of $358 million in 2015. The university's endowment consists of a collection of more than 10,000 separate endowment funds that provide support for specific purposes such as scholarships, educational programs or professorships. For example, roughly $2 billion, or 21 percent of the endowment, is dedicated for use by Michigan Medicine. Another $2 billion is earmarked for student scholarships and fellowships. Distributions from the endowment that help fund university operations totaled $325 million in 2017, up from $304.3 million in fiscal year 2016 and the $294.5 million it distributed the year before that. The portion available for UM operations supports the education of more than 61,000 students across three campuses. About 21 percent of the total is restricted to direct student financial aid. Over the past 20 years, endowment distributions to the general fund, which pays for the core academic mission of the university, have exceeded $4 billion. To ensure continuing support for future generations, endowment funds are invested so part of the annual distribution can provide a steady flow of dollars each year. UM annually distributes 4.5 percent of the endowment's average market value calculated over the last seven years for operating purposes. Historically, UM has earned more than 25 percent on its endowment some years, but it still limits expenditures of earnings to 4.5 percent or less. During the 2007 fiscal year, UM saw a 25.6 percent return on the endowment and a 44 percent return in 2000. In 2001, 2002, 2009, 2012 and 2016, the rates of return were negative (-4.4 percent, -5.5 percent, -23 percent, -0.5 percent and -1.36 percent, respectively) and a positive payout of about 5 percent of the market value of the endowment was still available. On a per-student basis, UM's endowment is ranked 86th making it much smaller than many private school peers, while supporting a much larger number of students. YPSILANTI, MI - Ypsilanti Community Schools is planning to give up control of Washtenaw International Middle Academy so the school can consolidate with Washtenaw International High School. The YCS Board of Education voted 4-2 on Tuesday, Oct. 17, in favor of a resolution to move forward with consolidating the two schools that currently share a building. Board President Sharon Lee said she and Trustee Brenda Meadows opposed the resolution, which was brought to the school board at Tuesday's special meeting. Treasurer Meredith Schindler was absent for the vote. "I'm studying this myself," Lee said Thursday. "This was the first time I had seen the proposal. We didn't even get a chance to look it over and absorb it. To me, it just seems like we're giving up all the control right now." Washtenaw International High School - which opened in the 2011-12 school year - is one of three high school programs run by the Washtenaw Educational Options Consortium, which is supported by Washtenaw County's nine traditional public school districts. WIHI and WIMA currently share a building owned by Ypsilanti Community Schools at 510 Emerick Street. WEOC leases space in the building from YCS, and the two entities split the operating costs and administrative staffing costs based on student enrollment, said David Dugger, executive director of WEOC. WIHI and WIMA both offer International Baccalaureate curriculum, which is centered on student inquiry and emphasizes global awareness. In order for WIHI and WIMA to be officially authorized as IB World Schools - which requires an extensive process completed over the course of a few years - the "Middle Years Programme" spanning sixth through 10th grade has to be overseen by the same entity, Dugger said. Meeting the IB authorization requirements and making the staffing arrangement more efficient prompted WEOC to pursue consolidating the two schools, Dugger said. "The goal is to essentially maintain the program as it is, in terms of being very much an Ypsilanti-based program," he said. "We're really just sort of cleaning it up, crossing the Ts, dotting the Is so we can actually combine them in a way that is efficient and makes sense. The WEOC board previously authorized Dugger to develop a consolidation proposal and negotiate the arrangement with YCS. Ypsilanti school board trustee Maria Sheler-Edwards said the YCS board initially received the proposal in May and has been waiting on updates from the superintendent. The school board had a closed session meeting with an attorney scheduled for Tuesday, and after that, Sheler-Edwards proposed the resolution endorsing the consolidation. In a post on her school trustee Facebook page Friday, Sheler-Edwards said if YCS could not reach an agreement with WEOC to consolidate schools, WIHI could move out of Ypsilanti and take the Washtenaw International Middle Academy name with it to start an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme elsewhere. "Without the daily support of WIHI & WEOC, rebuilding the program wouldn't happen, or if it did, it would be a very long time before we had anything like the thriving program we have now (if ever)," Sheler-Edwards wrote. As part of the consolidation plan, WEOC is planning to relocate WIHI and WIMA to Ypsilanti's West Middle School at 105 N. Mansfield Street, which offers more space for the IB schools' growing enrollment. Other specifics of the consolidation agreement - including questions related to staffing and transportation for students - are still being negotiated, Dugger said. YCS and WEOC will need to sign off the final addendum of the agreement. "I'm very excited we're at the point where we can move forward to draft the addendum," Dugger said. "I think it's a fantastic example of how we do things very different in this county. We think innovatively, we think collaboratively. ... This is a great way to provide a fantastic educational option for students in Ypsilanti while partnering with the county." YCS Superintendent Ben Edmondson declined to comment. Students in all WEOC programs are still counted in their home school district's enrollment, which determines how much state funding school districts receive. School districts involved in the consortium programs pass on about 95 percent of that per pupil foundation allowance to WEOC to cover the cost of educating the students. WIHI enrolls students from across Washtenaw County, with each school district reserving a certain number of seats for their students each school year. Lee said the main incentive for YCS to support the consolidation of WIHI and WIMA is for financial reasons, but she was concerned Ypsilanti students could lose access to seats in the middle school IB program. The resolution passed by the YCS board calls for WIMA to continue enrolling mostly Ypsilanti students, even after it becomes a WEOC program. The resolution says YCS students will account for 95 percent of WIMA students for at least the next three years. "That was always the intent. That's in the proposal," Dugger said. "The other superintendents in the county certainly understand that." Dugger also said there should be enough space at WIMA to accommodate students advancing from Ypsilanti International Elementary School. YCS expanded YIES to a preschool through fifth grade school going into the 2017-18 school year. Students coming from YIES previously were guaranteed a seat at WIMA and then would have to apply to WIHI. Dugger said unless YIES class sizes double in the next few years, WIMA and WIHI should be able to accommodate those Ypsilanti students who want to continue on the IB track for their K-12 careers. This post was updated to correct inaccurate information provided by the YCS board of education on how the board voted on the WIMA resolution. UPDATE: On Dec. 1, defendant Andrew E. Barry pleaded guilty to failure to report an accident to fixtures. He was ordered to pay $275 in fines and costs and $1,727 in restitution, all of which has been paid as of Dec. 26. BAY CITY, MI -- After picking up a pizza on his way home from a bar, a Monitor Township man crashed his Jeep through a cemetery fence. Unable to remove it, he left it in the graveyard overnight and later reported it stolen, police allege. The pizza ended up a loss and the man is now charged with a felony. The morning of Sept. 8, 63-year-old Andrew E. Barry summoned Bay County Sheriff's deputies to his home in the 3000 block of Lupine Drive in Monitor Township to report his black 2015 Jeep Wrangler had been stolen. While deputies were en route, Bay County Central Dispatch advised them the Jeep had been spotted in a crash scene at Calvary Cemetery, 2977 Old Kawkawlin Road. Deputies went to the cemetery first and found the Jeep had been heading north on Old Kawkawlin before leaving the roadway, crashing through a fence, and hitting several graves and a tree, court records show. Inside the Jeep was a B&C Pizza box with a receipt showing it cost $27. There was also a drop of blood on the driver's side door handle. Employees at the nearby Kawkawlin Roofing Co. told deputies that about 5:30 a.m., a man had arrived at the scene in a truck. He tried moving the Jeep, but was unable to, they said. "(Expletive) it," the man said, according to the witnesses. "I'll just report it stolen." The man then drove away in the truck. Deputies proceeded to Barry's house and interviewed him. He told them he had met a woman at an area bar the night before and taken her back to his house. During the night, she had stolen his Jeep, he told them, according to court files. When deputies told Barry they didn't believe him and told him to tell the truth, he said, "I did it." Barry went on to say he and his girlfriend had had a few beers at a Bay City bar the night before then picked up a pizza on the way home. He dropped off his girlfriend at her apartment, then continued on his way to his place, he said. About 11:30 p.m., he took a curve on Old Kawkawlin too fast and crashed through the cemetery fence, he said. He then walked home. Barry said he drove back to the cemetery the following morning, but was unable to move the Jeep. "I didn't even get to eat the pizza," he bemoaned to deputies, according to their reports. Deputies issued Barry a citation for careless driving involving an accident, which comes with a $220 fine. As of Oct. 18, he has yet to pay it. On Friday, Oct. 13, Barry appeared in Bay County District Court for arraignment on single counts of false report of a felony and failure to report an accident to fixtures. The former is a four-year felony, while the latter is a 90-day misdemeanor. The arraigning judge released Barry on a personal recognizance bond. Barry is represented by attorney Ryan A. Slep of Gower Law PLC. Barry is to appear for a preliminary examination before District Judge Mark E. Janer at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31. BAY CITY, MI -- A local union that has donated thousands of dollars to Bay City Commission campaigns pulled its support from several members of the elected body following a vote to approve a sidewalk contract for a non-union company. Brent Pilarski, business manager for Laborer's International Union of North America Local 1098, sent letters on Sept. 27, a week after the contentious sidewalk contract vote, to Mayor Kathleen Newsham and commissioners David Terrasi, 2nd Ward; Brentt Brunner, 4th Ward; John Davidson, 6th Ward; and Kerice Basmadjian, 7th Ward, informing them that the union no longer endorses them as elected officials. "When you announced your intent to run for Bay City Commission, you took the stance of supporting organized labor and you indicated you would be open to discuss any problems or questions," the letter reads. The letters, obtained by The Bay City Times-MLive through a Freedom of Information Act request, went on to say that the union publicly endorsed their campaigns and offered financial assistance with political action committee money. For approving a contract with Affordable Contracting, the non-union company that received the $900,000 sidewalk contract, the union accused the commissioners and mayor of "blatantly disregard(ing) the safety of the city of Bay City and your integrity as a supporter of working families." The letter ended with Pilarski asking the commissioners and mayor to remove Local 1098 from all campaign literature and fundraising lists. "Please consider yourself no longer endorsed by our union," reads the last sentence. Commissioners who received the letter were taken aback from the union's decision. Basmadjian, who has accepted $500 in campaign contributions from Local 1098 and another $750 from other unions for her 2013 run, said, "I knew they were upset with the vote, but I wasn't expecting that." "They do have a job to do -- to look out for their interests," she added. "If that's what they chose to do, that's what they chose to do." Basmadjian, who's running unopposed in the 7th Ward this November, said she wouldn't pursue campaign contributions from union organizations for future elections. "I support the unions -- I always have and always will," she said. "But to avoid this type of thing in the future, it's only going to be citizen-funded. I work for the city and its citizens." Commissioner Terrasi, who has accepted $500 in contributions from the union, declined to comment. Commissioner Davidson, who accepted $800 from two different unions in the 2015 election, said Local 1098 has a right to pull its endorsement, but called the letter childish. "I'm here to protect the interest of my taxpayers," he said. "They need to grow up." Mayor Newsham said she will continue to support union. "After all was said and done, the commission followed the advice of staff and we did what we were elected to do," she said. Despite accusing the commissioners of not supporting organized labor, Pilarski said the sidewalk contract wasn't a union vs. non-union issue. "This was all about safety," he said. "If there were other non-union companies who were the low bid on this project and followed the guidelines, we wouldn't have had any issues." The vote, controversy The City Commission voted 6-2 last month to approve the three-year, $900,000 contract to Bay County-based Affordable Contracting. The controversy with the contract for the city's first comprehensive sidewalk program started last month when Commissioner Ed Clements, 8th Ward, took issue with Affordable not being a registered company with the state and arguing its workers compensation insurance was too low. At the time of its bid, Affordable wasn't a registered business with the county and didn't have proper worker's compensation on file. "It looks like we're pulling some trunk-slammer off the street," Clements said in August, adding he wanted the work to go to the second low bidder, AJ Rehmus & Sons, a union company based in Bay County. AJ Rehmus didn't bid the project out for three years, though, as the city requested. Clements and Commissioner Jim Irving, 5th Ward, voted against the proposal to hire Affordable. The union continues to endorse both commissioners. Pilarski and other union officials emailed members of the commission before the vote, raising concerns about Affordable. At meetings, Chris Taylor, with Local 1098, held up an enlarged photo that was published by The Bay City Times-MLive showing employees of Affordable doing a sidewalk job in the city. In that photo, one of the workers was shirtless and wearing shorts. "That photo just draws the line," Pilarski said. "It's completely unprofessional." Members of the commission said if the contract was rejected, it would "open Pandora's Box" on future contracts that are bid out. "It sends a message to other quality contractors that bid for work with this city," Commissioner Davidson said in September. Pilarski can't remember the last time the union pulled support of a candidate, but said it would continue to endorse candidates who support their mission. "We are partners in the community," he said. "We are looking for people who have the same concerns as we do." WOODHAVEN, MI - Michigan State Police have confirmed an active shooter situation at the Ford Stamping Plant in Woodhaven on Friday, Oct. 20, amid reports of an employee killing himself after being approached by officers. Woodhaven Deputy Police Chief Scott Fraczek told WXYZ the employee arrived at the plant located at 20900 West Road in Woodhaven for a labor dispute with a gun, and he shot and killed himself after police arrived on scene. State police confirmed the shooting around 10 a.m. Friday. The Michigan State Police's Detroit post said on Twitter to avoid the area and warned of rumors about the shooting incident. A bomb squad responded to the scene to investigate a suspicious package, which Michigan State Police said has since been cleared. .4). Troopers on the scene advise the scene is secure. Unattended package cleared and safe by MSP K9. Further details will come from WPD. pic.twitter.com/oGk6RDjnCQ MSP Metro Detroit (@mspmetrodet) October 20, 2017 Ford has confirmed in an emailed statement that employees at the Woodhaven Stamping Plant are safe after being evacuated as a result of the incident. According to Ford's website, the 360-acre Woodhaven Stamping Plant site opened in 1964. It employs 420 people and produces vehicle parts like door panels, hoods, quarter panels, roofs and tailgates who work in a plant that measures about 2.6 million square feet. Woodhaven Police and Michigan State Police remain on scene. SHIAWASSEE COUNTY, MI - Six malnourished horses were taken from their owner by Shiawassee County Animal Control. Deputy Kirt Stechshulte and volunteers from Howell-based Coast to Coast Draft Horse Connection rescued the six Belgian draft horses that were not being properly cared for, the sheriff's department said in a statement. The group posted details of the event Saturday, Oct. 14, on its Facebook page. The volunteer group rallied a team of volunteers and trucks in the pouring rain to quickly work to remove the horses, the statement said. The sheriff's department also thanked Veterinarian Laura Pylman for sedating some untrained horses and helping load them on the trailers. Police did not say where the horses were removed from or if the owner faces charges. UPDATE: The suspect has been identified, police said. LENNON, MI - Police are looking for a man who allegedly stole donation jars from charity. According to the Village of Lennon Police Department in Shiawassee County, the middle-aged man stole Children's Miracle Network donation jars from two different Speedway Gas Stations in Lennon and Davison Township. The incidents occurred around on the evening of Oct. 16 and the morning of Oct. Police are asking for the public's help in catching the suspect. "The last person that did this was identified and located within 24 hours," a news release reads. "Please help us locate this person as well." If you have any information about the suspect or the thefts, call the Lennon Police at 810-621-4591. The Children's Miracle Network is the official charity of the Miss America Organization. CMN raises funds to cover costs of associated with treatment at children's hospitals across America. Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has helped fill funding gaps by raising more than $5 billion, according to its website. VIENNA TWP, MI - Several teens have been arrested in connection to the death of a Mt. Morris man after rocks were thrown from a highway overpass earlier this week, according to a report. WXYZ in Detroit reports law enforcement sources said the teens from the area were in custody and that they threw the rocks onto I-75 as a prank, the report said. Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell told MLive-The Flint Journal via text message that he will know more later, but did not return a phone call seeking more information. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said he spoke to detectives about the incident, but would not provide any other details. Leyton said he had not authorized charges in connection to the death. Kenneth Andrew White, 32, of Mt. Morris, was riding in a vehicle south on Interstate 75 when the windshield of the vehicle was struck by a large rock on Wednesday, Oct. 18. The Genesee County Sheriff's Office responded at 8:32 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18, to southbound I-75 near the Dodge Road overpass to reports of an unknown accident, police previously said in a statement. Police believe a large rock was thrown from the overpass and went through the windshield of the vehicle White was riding in. White was taken to Hurley Medical Center and pronounced dead, according to police. There were four other vehicles that reported hitting other large rocks on the highway and were at the scene waiting for police to arrive, the statement said. A GoFundMe page seeking to raise $8,000 was started and is called "Burial Help for Kenneth A White." Police said they believe that the rocks may have been taken from another location and thrown off the overpass. Anyone with information related to the incident - including any suspicious activity, dash cam footage or home surveillance footage in the area between 7 and 8:30 p.m. - is asked to call the Genesee County Sheriff's Office at 810-257-3422. There is a $2,500 reward and tipsters also can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-422-5244 or make a tip online at P3tips.com. [October 19, 2017] Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado to Launch Integrated Digital Benefits and Health Engagement Platform Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado (Anthem) today announced the launch of Engage, an integrated digital health platform that creates a personalized member experience by connecting health plan and benefits data with individual clinical and claims data and information pulled from health and wellness apps. Engage will also help members make better cost and quality decisions when accessing care. Engage will be available in January to Anthem's large groups in Colorado and sister plan in California as well as across Anthem's national accounts business segment -- where some 20 large customers have already signed up for the platform. Anthem's Engage offers employers access to a single web and mobile digital solution that brings all of their employees' key health and benefits together in one place, providing employees with personalized messaging based on their individual clinical and claims data. The wellness aspects of Engage will be open to all of a company's employees, whether they are enrolled in the benefits plan or not, giving employers a way to reach 100 percent of their employee population. "Engage is born out of Anthem's commitment to provide an engaging healthcare experience for everyone while sparking personal action and empowerment," said Morgan Kendrick, president of Anthem's national accounts business segment. "Rather than contending with a myriad of one-off digital offerings that address only small portions of their health benefits and healthcare or fitness data, Engage brings together an individual's health and benefits into one location, empowering employees with information and support for better health and better health care decisions." Engage is linked with Anthem's suite of clinical and wellness programs, such as programs for expecting mothers or to help manage chronic conditions. For example, an Anthem nurse will be alerted to connect with a member based ontheir medical or lifestyle needs and can help members follow their doctors' plan of care, flagging missed lab tests and providing additional educational resources. It also can give members instant access to telehealth services, saving time and money. Developed in collaboration with Castlight Health, Engage includes online guidance and support on health care questions, including assistance to locate after-hours health care and information on out of pocket costs for lab tests, procedures and prescription drugs as well as access to information on all of the doctors and hospitals in a member's network. The digital health platform also connects to fitness trackers and can be used to administer wellness challenges and incentives, helping support a company's culture of health. "With Engage, employees have real-time and convenient access to a wide range of personalized tools needed to help them be better healthcare consumers and, ultimately, healthier people," Kendrick said. About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado is available at www.anthem.com. About Castlight Health Castlight is on a mission to make it as easy as humanly possible to navigate healthcare and live happier, healthier, more productive lives. Our health navigation platform connects with hundreds of health vendors, benefits resources, and plan designs, giving rise to the world's first comprehensive app for all health needs. We guide individuals-based on their unique profile-to the best resources available to them, whether they are healthy, chronically ill, or actively seeking medical care. In doing so, we help companies regain control over rising healthcare costs and get more value from their benefits investments. Castlight revolutionized the healthcare sector with the introduction of data-driven price transparency tools in 2008 and the first consumer-grade wellbeing platform in 2012. Today, Castlight serves as the health navigation platform for millions of people and is a trusted partner to many of the largest employers in the world. We are headquartered in San Francisco, and can be found online at www.castlighthealth.com and on the New York Stock Exchange as CSLT. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171019006600/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More With more claims data becoming available following rollout of Goods and Services Tax (GST), the unorganised micro, small and medium sector enterprises (MSME) is getting fastracked into the formal system. Consequently, banks will be able to make a better assessment of the funding requirements and cash flow situation of these enterprises before they choose to lend. State Bank of India (SBI), countrys largest lender, recently launched a first-of-its-kind product SME Assist to provide short-term working capital demand loans (WCDL) to the banks MSMEs for 9 months based on their input credit claims under GST, at a concessional rate of interest. V Ramling, Chief General Manager (SME) at SBI said the bank has been at the forefront in hand-holding the SME sector. This product will help them to manage their working capital requirement till the time they get input credit. It also supports the governments GST initiative, as it will help stabilise the SMEs to run their operations without any hurdle. Indias biggest tax reform GST was rolled out on July 1 this year and works on a refund mechanism where the manufacturer can claim input tax credit for the tax it paid on the inputs which it has used in the manufacture of the final product to avoid repeating the tax payments at the final stage. However, this mechanism has strained the finances of the SMEs because of delayed refunds, leading to a rise in demand for working capital. However, this has come to the aid of lenders as it provides important details of the MSME borrowers cash flow and GST compliance. This was a major hurdle while lending as one of the key reasons for limiting the access to credit to MSMEs has been lack of documentation and the lenders ability to predict future cash flows was uncertain. Currently, bank finance to MSMEs is mainly based on collaterals such as properties including land, buildings, securities, etc. Banks assessment of other assets such as capital stock or goods to ascertain cash flow to sanction credit to small companies can be misleading or uncertain. Shyam Srinivasan, MD and CEO, Federal Bank, said: MSMEs thankfully look stable and there are pockets undergoing pain because of their adjustment to GST but the sector will get realigned and it will only formalised and create more opportunities for them to get credit. The MSME business for Federal bank constitutes about 45-50 percent of its book and Srinivasan says he sees growth in the segment going forward. Bankers said that GST Councils decision to allow SMEs with an annual turnover of less than Rs 1.5 crore to file GST returns on a quarterly basis, against the current practice of monthly returns, should help ease their compliance burden. Further, the increasing loan availability for MSMEs by tweaking the MUDRA Yojana will allow more funds to them. According to Romesh Sobti, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at IndusInd Bank, typically, small and medium enterprises disclose only 60 percent of their turnover, balance sheet or stocks. Now, (under GST) you are forced to disclose 100 percent, which means your balance sheet should become stronger and better. And, therefore, the ability to borrow from the banking system should grow, he said in a post results press conference. As per the latest Reserve Bank of Indias data, the micro & small (Rs 357,100 crore) and medium sector enterprises (Rs 98,900 crore) saw year-on-year growth of 0.8 percent and de-growth of (-8.3) percent, respectively. The total credit to the MSME sector stood at Rs 456,000 crore as on mid-August, 2017. Since the beginning of this financial year, the credit to the micro & small and medium sector witnessed a negative growth of (-3.4) percent and (-5.7) percent, respectively. In July, RBIs then Deputy Governor SS Mundra had said, The motivation for the bankers to lend to the MSME segment would probably come from relatively poor return on their advances to the large corporates it would make sound commercial sense for the banks to look at the MSME sector as a potential growth area. CIA Director Mike Pompeo said on Thursday that the United States is going to do everything it can to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table in Afghanistan, but Pakistan must first deny the militants a safe haven on its soil. Pompeo said for talks to move ahead, the Taliban must have no hope of winning on the battlefield in Afghanistan, and that means making it no longer possible to cross the Afghan- Pakistani border and hide inside Pakistan. That strategy was outlined by President Donald Trump this summer as part of his approach to ending the 16-year war, in addition to an incremental increase in US forces there. Pompeo said in a speech at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington think tank, that if history is to be a guide, then very low expectations should be set for Pakistan's willingness to cooperate with the US in fighting "radical Islamic terrorism." He said the US needs to have "a very real conversation with them about what it is they are doing ... and the American expectations for how they will behave." The US, he said, "is going to do everything we can, to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table in Afghanistan, with the Taliban having zero hope that they can win this thing on the battlefield." He added: "To do that you cannot have a safe haven in Pakistan." US officials have long accused Pakistan of turning a blind eye or assisting the Afghan Taliban and the allied Haqqani network. Pakistan routinely denies colluding with the militants. The Centre has given green clearance for a greenfield airport project at Hirasar, about 28 km from Rajkot in Gujarat, at a cost of over Rs 1,400 crore. The state government has proposed a new airport in Rajkot district as the existing one is small and the earlier plan to extend the current runway could not materialise because of high land cost. "The Environment Ministry has given the environment clearance to the Gujarat State Aviation Infrastructure Company Ltd (GSAICL) for development of a greenfield airport at Rajkot," a senior government official said. The green clearance given to the project, after taking into account the ministry's expert panel, is subject to certain riders, the official said. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 1,405 crore. It would be a single runway airport for operating 'C' category aircraft. The proposed project will be build in an area of 1,025.54 hectare, of which 96.48 per cent is government land. According to the GSAICL, the proposed project will aid development of trade and tourism besides improving regional connectivity in Gujarat. More than 1000 persons will be employed directly and indirectly for different activities of the airport. As many as 2,180 trees will be cut in the proposed airport site. About 632.24 hectare forest land will also be diverted for the same. All airports in Gujarat have a moderate air-traffic growth of 5-8 per cent with exceptions of Ahmedabad and Vadodara where traffic growth is between 8-10 per cent, as per the Airport Authority of India (AAI). The holistic development of Hirasar airport will not only serve the demand generated by the Rajkot city but also cater to the demand in the neighbouring states. Over a due course of time, the proposed airport will also meet the spillover needs to Ahmedabad, it said in the report submitted by GSAICL to the central government along with the proposal. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More After a blockbuster Samvat 2073, investors were looking forward Samvat 2074 to start on a strong note but muted quarterly results, weak global cues dented the sentiments. The S&P BSE Sensex slipped nearly 200 points while the Nifty50 close below its crucial psychological support level of 10,200 on the muhurat trading day on Thursday. Benchmark indices which rose to their fresh record highs in the run-up to Diwali last week might consolidate before inching higher, suggest experts. Corrections are part of all bull markets and any dip should be used as an opportunity for long investors to build positions. The market started the Muhurat Trading under the influence of North Korea related situation and we expect markets to probably go down. But, I do not think that it is going to be an end in it, Deven Choksey, MD, KR Choksey Investment Managers said in an interview with CNBC-TV18. I am not sure what situation we are entering into as far as geopolitical aspects are concerned, but my reading says we are in a Bull Market, and correction of any degree would be taken to the advantage by the long-only investors, he said. Earnings which have been the pain point for our market for the last several quarters should eventually improve in the next six months as effects of demonetisation fade and GST-related problems are addressed. Index movement might remain muted but there will be plenty of action in individual stocks, suggest experts. Economy is looking up, earnings momentum is building up from this quarter itself and the flow, domestics are really buying this time. The mood is very good and the valuations are high but the mood is very good and flow is very good, Raamdeo Agrawal, Joint MD, Motilal Oswal Financial Services told CNBC-TV18. I think the companies which are going to do well, they are going to be saluted like never before. Earnings will be respected and stocks will see higher prices. Index movement, because of mixed earnings scenario, might be much more calibrated in the sense that maybe another 10 percent, 15 percent kind of gain, he said. We have collated a list of 10 stocks which could give up to 28% return in Samvat 2074: Brokerage Firm: GEPL Capital VST Tillers Tractors Ltd: BUY | Target Rs 2,575 | Return potential 16% VST Tillers Tractors is one of the largest manufactures of Tillers & Tractors in India. The company exports products to Africa, Russia, and Myanmar. It has a market leadership in power tillers at 59 percent as on FY17. The management expects strong double-digit growth in tractor volume and hopes to sell close to 11,000-12,000 tractors in FY18. In the tiller segment, the company expects to sell close to 27,000 tillers in FY18, implying high single-digit growth. The company is looking at 200bps year-on-year (YoY) margin expansion in FY18 and is expecting improvement in margins in Q3 FY18/ Q4 FY18. Margins in Q1 FY18 stood at 13.8 percent and in FY17 they stood at 14.2 percent. With government support for the farm equipment through subsidies and schemes and good monsoons followed by a revival in rural demand given the tiller subsidies by the government and loan waivers to the farmers, we expect the companys revenue to grow by 20 percent in FY 18 to Rs 832.5 crore from Rs 695.1 crore in FY17. Time Technoplast Ltd: BUY | Target Rs 246 | Return potential 28% The company is involved in manufacturing and marketing of polymer products such as industrial drums, conipails, packaging solutions, automotive components, Syringes etc. The company has focused on research and development. With its futuristic product design and superior customer service, facilitated by 28 manufacturing units & 10 regional and marketing offices, it has become the market leader in 8 of the 9 countries in which it operates. Strong order book will help the company to achieve the higher double-digit growth. The company also has better product mix which helps them to expand its operating margins. The healthy balance sheet and return ratios make business structure more robust. Himadri Speciality Chemicals Ltd: BUY| Target Rs 193 | Return potential 21% Himadri Specialty Chemical Limited (HSCL), the largest manufacturer and only organised player of coal tar pitch in India. HSCL is the third largest manufacturer of Carbon Black (CB) with a capacity of 1,20,000 MTPA enjoying 17 percent market share in overall CB industry as of FY17. HSCL has emerged as a carbon conglomerate leveraging its competence in diversified businesses including coal tar pitch, chemical oils, carbon black, naphthalene and an advanced carbon material with the use of single raw material -coal tar. HSCL enjoys a healthy market share of 70 percent in Coal Tar Pitch segment and 17 percent in Carbon Black segment. JK Cement (JKCL): BUY | Target Rs 1,137 | Return potential 16% J K Cements Ltd (JKCL) is one of the old cement manufacturing companies in India. The company has better manufacturing capacity and favorable products mix. The company holds 40-45 percent market share in white cement which can create better business opportunity in the upcoming quarters. The rising expenditure on infrastructure will boost the sales in the upcoming quarters for the company. We also believe that scaling the manufacturing capacity of grey cement will help to boost the revenue. Hence we are positive on the stock and recommend BUY. Rain Industries Ltd: BUY | Target Rs 235 | Return potential 8% Rain Industries Ltd. is mainly operating into three main segments through its fully own subsidiaries. Rain cements Ltd. into cement segment. Rain CII Carbon into calcined petroleum coke and power and Rutgers through specialty chemicals. All three segments are trending higher on the business life-cycle and have higher business perspective in the upcoming quarters. We believe that the strong business matrix and robust balance sheet makes Rain industries more lucrative. Brokerage Firm: Emkay Global Chambal Fertilisers: BUY | Target Rs 158| Return potential 9% Chambal Fertilisers is the leading urea manufacturer in India with total sales of ~2 million MT in FY17. The new Gas Pooling policy encourages production above the cut-off, which is beneficial for Chambal as it enjoys strong energy efficiency at its plant. With the sale of shipping assets, Chambal has exited from all non-core businesses and has thus become a pure play on fertilisers and agri inputs. We believe this would trigger a re-rating, as the companys ROCE profile will improve. Fertiliser segment enjoys higher ROCE at 14-15 percent compared to the Shipping segment where ROCE is 5-6 percent. Due to the huge capex, we expect ROCE to remain depressed over FY18-19, post which it should come back to 15 percent from FY20E. Cholamandalam Finance: BUY | Target Rs 1,350| Return potential 21% Cholamandalam Finance (CIFC) has built a well-diversified and de-risked product portfolio, which has insulated it from the CV downcycle. With 1) growth returning and asset quality improving in Vehicle Finance, 2) low overall Auto Financing market share and 3) expectation of revival in Home Equity (HE; LAP) portfolio post demonetisation, we believe CIFC is better placed than its peers. The stock trades at a premium to its larger peers, but it is justified due to relatively higher earnings growth and better ROE profile. CIFC trades at 3x FY19E BV for average ROE of 20 percent over FY17-19E. While CIFC trades at a premium to some of its larger peers, one needs to view this in the context of its superior earnings growth, better ROE (despite conservative NPL recognition policies) and superior execution track record of its management. IOC: BUY | Target Rs 496| Return potential 21% Stable GRM expectation of over US$5/bbl in the next 4-5 quarters, complimented by robust growth in marketed volume by 5.6 percent YoY in FY18E and stable marketing margin in FY18E will lead to a c36 percent YoY growth in FY18E EPS. Moreover, ROE should stay healthy at 21 percent in FY18. We expect IOCL to re-rate further, driven by a combination of the following factors: (a) expansion in total marketed volume, (b) increasing marketing margin, (c) stable GRM expectation at USD 5/bbl and (d) gradual decline in concern over pricing power and govt. intervention, as OMCs, press ahead with price hikes in rising oil price scenario. At CMP of Rs 400, the stock is trading at 9.6x FY18E EPS. On EV/EBITDA basis, the stock trades at 5.3x FY18E. We value IOCL at 10.5x standalone FY18E EPS with an investment value of Rs 56/share. Emami India: BUY| Target Rs 1,200| Return potential 4% Emami is a unique play in Personal and Healthcare and has created and attained leadership in Cooling Oil, Cooling Talc, Mens Fairness Cream, Balms and Antiseptic Creams. Positioning its products around the Ayurvedic theme, focus on low unit packs, low competition, and aggressive distribution have enabled it to create 5 power brands in respective categories. Mass-market focus, product innovation, and distribution would ensure 13.4 percent revenue CAGR over FY17-19E. We believe that Emami is a good play on the recovery in rural markets (50% of its sales). Double-digit volume growth is achievable, owing to recovery in rural markets and strong new product pipeline. The company has guided for a 15 percent volume growth in 9MFY18. New launches will contribute 2-3 percent to overall revenue. Godrej Consumer Products: BUY| Target Rs985| Return potential 3% Low penetration, rising urbanization, the shift from need-based to habit-based products and innovative product launches/variants are likely to drive robust growth in HI and Hair Colour segments. Given these drivers, we expect HI and Hair Colour to grow at a CAGR of 11.5 percent and 13.7 percent, respectively over FY17-19E. We expect innovation, distribution expansion and a gradual uptick in urban areas to drive volume growth in domestic business, while share gains, innovation and market expansion across LatAM, Asia and Africa will drive growth in international operations. Cost-saving initiatives (Project Pie & Iceberg) are yielding returns. Expect margin trajectory to be led by lower inputs, mix and cost efforts. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by 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. With competition intensifying in the digital payments space, e-commerce major Amazon has invested Rs 260 crore in its e-wallet service Amazon Pay. A filing with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) shows that the infusion came from Singapore-based Amazon Corporate Holdings and its parent, US-headquartered Amazon, reports The Economic Times. Since being granted permission earlier this year by India's central bank to operate a prepaid payment instrument (PPI), Amazon has thus far put in more than Rs 350 crore into Amazon Pay. The e-commerce giant recently increased the authorised capital for its payments arm to Rs 2,000 crore. Amazon's aggressive push is part of efforts to compete with Flipkart-owned PhonePe and Patym, its main rivals in the space. While Paytm raised USD 1.4 billion from Japan's Softbank earlier this year, Bengaluru-based Flipkart last week invested USD 500 million in its payments platform PhonePe. Amazon has been pushing the use of Amazon Pay on its e-commerce platform, offering lucrative discounts on use of the service and cashback in the form of Amazon Pay deposits. It has also been making attempts to push the use of Amazon Pay beyond its marketplace to other online merchants. Amazon had activated third-party payments in July and earlier this week, it signed an agreement with BookMyShow allowing users to make transactions on the online ticketing platform with Amazon Pay. Redbus, Box 8 and Haptik are some of the other websites on which Amazon Pay can be used. Representative image Girls are catching up with boys in terms of literacy as the difference in literacy rates between them has been showing a gradual decline over the past three decades. The difference in adult literacy between male and female declined by 65 percent during 1981-2015. According to the World Bank, in India the difference between male and female literacy rate was 29.16 percent in 1980; however, the difference narrowed to 17.66 percent in 2015. Source: Statista Since 1981, literacy among women has improved by 37 percent compared to 26 percent improvement in literacy among males during the same period. Thus, it reveals females aren't far behind males. The data available on the government website shows different figures in terms of male/female literacy, but the pattern of growth remains the same. The gender gap in adult literacy rate between males and females was 19.6 percent in 2011, about 2 percent higher than World Bank's estimate, according to a 2016 report by Ministry of Human Resource Development. Source: Ministry of Human Resource Development. The government defines the adult literacy rate as the percentage of the population belonging to the age group of 15-24 years who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement in everyday life. According to the Census data, while the overall literacy rate increased to 73 percent in 2011 from 18.3 percent in 1951, the gender difference reduced to 16.3 percent from 18.3 percent during for the same period. Source: Ministry of Human Resource Development. In 2011, the literacy rate of males stood at 80.9 percent while the females recorded 64.6 percent literacy. Since education is considered to be the single most important factor to ensure gender equality and empowerment, the Gender Parity Index (GPI) indicates the pattern of female students enrollment at different levels of education. The Gender Parity Index (GPI) is defined as the ratio of the number of female students enrolled at primary, secondary and tertiary levels of education to the corresponding number of male student in each level. Thus, GPI (based on GER or gross enrollment ratio) is free from the effects of the population structure of the appropriate age group, which provides a picture of gender equality in education. Source: Ministry of Human Resource Development. In 2014-15, the GPI for the primary and secondary level crossed 1.0, which indicates that there was a higher number of female students than male students (see graph above) were enrolled in schools. "At present, in elementary and secondary education, the enrollment is favourable to females as the corresponding GPI has crossed the limit 1," said the report. The GPI for higher education stood at .92, indicating that over 92 females students were enrolled in schools for this level against 100 male students. Thus, female students fell short by 8 that was required to reach the ideal GPI of 1. Thus, the literacy rate between 2011 and 2015 among males and females indicates that pace of growth in literacy among women grew at a higher pace. Female literacy grew by 3.7 percent while male literacy grew by 2 percent in the same period. Source: Ministry of Human Resource Development. According to the Census data (see above table) if we compare the status of female enrollment in schools since 1951, the number of females per hundred males shot up by 138 percent under the primary category. In the higher secondary category, female enrollment increased by 936 percent. Source: National University of Educational Planning & Administration. The above table shows the gross enrollment ratio (GER) for 2014-15 for all the levels. The enrollment ratio shows that higher number of females were enrolled in the primary, upper primary, and elementary levels. The GER for a class-group is the ratio of the number of persons in the class-group to the number of persons in the corresponding official age-group. However, as we move to a higher education level, the total GER shows a declining pattern with only 24.3 students enrolled in the higher education. Also, a drop in GER is steeper for female students compared to male students. The drop in enrollment ratio is accompanied by an increase in the annual drop-out rates as one moves to higher levels of education, with a maximum number of dropouts occurring at the secondary level. In 2013-14, the secondary level recorded an overall drop-out rate of 17.86, marking a sudden increase in the dropout rates from 3.77 in the upper primary level. The gender-wise dropout rates indicate that females dropouts are slightly higher than males dropouts. Low enrollment ratio, as well as high dropout rates, are among other factors that added to the slow rise in female literacy compared to males over the three decades. Representative image After the festivities are over, Diwali in the national capital is followed by its own set of problems. The drastic increase in air pollution level makes life hell for its residents. Even this year, despite all efforts by the authorities and a ban on the trade of firecrackers by the Supreme Court, the city woke up to a smoggy morningkeeping up with the trend. Indicators in the morning of Friday - the next day after Diwali, glowed blood red as air quality was measured as hazardous. This means that anyone who has a prolonged exposure to the air outdoors can fall sick. The image shows pollutant matter's concentration as reported from RK Puram station of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Source: aqicn.org In the last three years, the day following Diwali has been more problematic as the hazardous gases and heavy particulate matters linger in the air. The recorded data for the morning after Diwali shows concerning values as the intraday average amount of PM 2.5 hover over around 400 micrograms per cubic meter of the air, around seven times the recommended limit of 60 micrograms. One microgram is one-thousandth of a gram. PM 2.5 values indicate the number of particles present in the atmosphere which are less than 2.5 microns. These particles can penetrate our bodys natural security mechanism and can be inhaled deep into lungs, sometimes even reaching our blood. They can cause heart attacks, strokes, lung cancer and respiratory diseases, and are known to pose the greatest risk to human health. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) measurement of PM 2.5 is the best indicator of the level of health risks from air pollution. Given that, as per WHO, Delhis mean PM 2.5 level is 122 microgram per cubic metre, the pollution level post-Diwali jumps more than three times as per historical data. The data shows that pollution is almost equal in two different areas with different demographics. Pollution levels reported from Anand Vihar, which more or less represents East Delhi has been equal to the levels reported from RK Puram which is in posh South Delhi. On usual days, RK Puram records lower pollution levels than Anand Vihar, which is a densely populated industrial and transport hub. This shows the quality of air recorded at 11.30 am on October 20. Source: Berkeley Earth PM 10 The PM 10 level, an indicator of coarse particle present in the environment also shoots up post-Diwali. The mean value of PM 10 in the air in Delhi is 229 microgram per cubic metre, however, a day after Diwali the level jumps three times as reported from CPCBs Anand Vihar station. RK Puram recorded a lower level of PM 10 level in the last couple of years but still higher than the mean value. According to CPCB, the maximum recommended limit for PM 10 is 100 microgram per cubic metre. Exposure to high concentrations of PM 10 can result in a number of health impacts ranging from coughing and wheezing to asthma attacks and bronchitis to high blood pressure, heart attack, strokes and premature death. NO 2 The NO 2 level in the air also remains higher than recommended limit a day after Diwali. In 2016, the amount of Nitrogen dioxide present in the air was 143 microgram per cubic metre, way higher than recommended 80 microgram per cubic metre. Year 2017 For the year 2017, till 2 oclock, air quality followed more or less its historical trend. The Anand Vihar station reported PM 2.5 value at 382 micrograms per cubic metre, whereas RK Purams air quality was worse with PM 2.5 level at 822 micrograms per cubic metre. PM 10 level was also reported to be over 10 times the recommended value. Also Read: DATA STORY: A dummy's guide to how many cigarettes you 'unwittingly' smoke during Diwali The level questions the Delhi governments effort to curb the pollution in the city. The numbers also mock the ban imposed by the Supreme Court. It reflects how shoddily the ban was implemented by the police and the government. How many cigarettes are we smoking a day after Diwali? According to an estimate by Richard A Muller and Elizabeth A Muller which was published on Berkeley Earth blog, there are 1.37 deaths every year for every million cigarettes smoked. Applying this to India, which according to an estimate by The Lancet suffers 25 lakh death every year, each one of us is smoking 7.23 cigarettes per day if we are breathing polluted air - which we all are. 2.5 This is assuming that PMvalue is at 122 microgram per cubic metre which is the yearly mean for Delhi. However, post-Diwali,as the level of pollutant is much higher than the usual! A man sits next to his daughter, who was injured in an explosion at a chemical factory in an industrial area, at a hospital in Dombivali on the outskirts of Mumbai, India May 26, 2016. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui - S1BETGGKAFAB As India celebrated Diwali on Thursday, the government had a gift for those awaiting medical visas, saying it would give the go-ahead for all deserving candidates. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted: Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) October 19, 2017 On the auspicious occasion of Deepawali, India will grant medical Visa in all deserving cases pending today. @IndiainPakistan The previous day, Swaraj said a medical visa had been approved for a Pakistani woman, who had wanted to undergo liver surgery in India. Despite frosty relations between the bitter neighbours, India has adopted a sympathetic approach in granting medical visas to Pakistani citizens, as a cursory glance at Swaraj's tweets would attest. But Pakistanis aren't the only foreign nationals visiting India for medical assistance. For years, India has been a hub for medical tourism, with people from across the globe coming to India to avail of the considerably cheaper medical facilities India has to offer. If people seeking medical help approach India instead of the US, they are likely to save at least 65 percent on their medical expenditure and as much as 90 percent. In other words, Americans can get treated in India at just 10 percent of they would pay in their home nation. The savings on medical treatment in India are greater compared to other medical tourism hubs including Malaysia, Thailand, Costa Rica and Turkey. The government appears to be doing its bit to boost India's profile as a medical tourism hub. Apart from upgrading existing healthcare facilities and setting up new ones, the government announced that 49 more cancer centres would be created. The Union Tourism Ministry offers financial support to accredited Medical and Wellness Tourism Service Providers, In July, data presented by the Union Home Ministry in the Rajya Sabha showed that India had issued 45 percent more medical visas in 2016 compared to the previous year. Nearly 1.80 lakh foreigners visited India in 2016 for medical treatment, up from 1.22 lakh the previous year. A Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) report titled India Services SectorA Multi-trillion Dollar Opportunity for Global Symbiotic Growth 2017 stated that the presence of world-class hospitals and skilled medical professionals has bolstered Indias position as a preferred destination for medical tourism. It estimated that medical tourism in India will become a USD 8 billion industry by 2020. The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Michigan arrives for a regularly scheduled port visit while conducting routine patrols throughout the Western Pacific in Busan, South Korea, April 24, 2017. Jermaine Ralliford/Courtesy U.S. Navy/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Four contenders are now left in fray for building submarines worth USD 10.9 billion for the Indian Navy, after two Japanese and Spanish companies opted out of the project. Naval Group-DCNS (France), ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Germany), Rosoboronexport Rubin Design Bureau (Russia) and Saab Kockums (Sweden) are the four submarine makers still in fray, according to a report in The Economic Times. They have responded to the initial request for information (RFI) issued by the Indian Navy for the project. Project 75 (India) is a long pending conventional submarine programme. What is Project 75 (India)? The Project 75 (I)-submarine class project is a follow-on for the Project 75 Kalvari-class submarines. Under this project, Indian Navy plans to acquire six diesel-electric submarines. The submarines will feature advanced Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems which will allow them to stay underwater for longer duration and increase their operational range substantially. They will have Vertical Launch System (VLS) which will allow them to carry multiple Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles. This will make the submarines capable of anti-surface and anti-ship warfare operations. The submarines will be built under collaboration between a foreign ship-builder and an Indian shipyard. They are expected to be built in Indian shipyards, under the Make in India initiative. Scorpene class submarine (France), A26 submarine (Sweden), Amur-class submarine (Russia) and Type 214 submarine (Germany) are the four models in contention. The project cost is estimated to be Rs 70,000 crore (USD 10.9 billion). The current status The first Request for Information (RFI) was sent out to a number foreign shipyards and design firms in October 2008. Later, the project was fast-tracked and was given clearance by the Defence Acquisition Council in October 2014. The project is expected to complete by 2022. The bilateral ties of India and UAE have a very strong momentum which is helping in implementation of the agreements signed between the two countries, India's envoy to the UAE Navdeep Singh Suri has said. Suri said that "very soon" there might be an announcement about the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority entering into a formal relationship with the National Infrastructure Investment Fund. "I don't want to pre-empt this and you will see the details as they emerge," he told PTI. "Our endeavour really is to translate many of those intentions into actual investments and projects. To that extent, the end of November we have the high-level task force on investment, led by Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu from our side and by Emirati businessman and managing director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed from the UAE side," Suri said. According to Suri, they are bringing companies that have projects to offer. "Part of our dialogue is that even as we try to resolve the erstwhile or legacy issues, we also take a forward-looking approach and to move beyond just talking in general terms about investment, to have a situation where somebody is offering a highway project or an airport, or a metro or a renewable energy plant or a whole lot of other different sectors," he said. Earlier this week, over 100 delegates from India participated in the World Skills Summit in Abu Dhabi. "We have competitors participating in different arenas. We have delegates from both CII(Confederation of Indian Industry) and FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry). We have officials from half a dozen state governments and the central government," Suri said. Chief minister of Andhra Pradesh N Chandrababu Naidu who is coming with a strong delegation, including a couple of ministers," he said. He is going to have meetings at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Mubadala and at some of the other potential investors to make a pitch for investment projects, he said. This will be followed by the entire FICCI leadership coming to the UAE for their annual retreat. "On November 29, we have the India-UAE strategic dialogue, which will be followed by the India-UAE Partnership Summit, which we are working with ASSOCHAM (The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India). For this we have high-level participation both from India and the UAE," said Ambassador Suri. According to him, this momentum has been built for two reasons beginning with Dubai and now Abu Dhabi positioning themselves as hubs where major conferences and events take place. "Over 100 Indian companies participated in four different segments of GITEX (Gulf Information Technology Exhibition). The bilateral relations that now have very strong momentum in terms of ministerial visits and in terms of actually implementing many of the agreements that have been signed between the two countries," he added. I am for preserving Taj Mahal. Lutyen types are fearful of truth that land&base structure were obtained by coercion from Jaipur Raja.Why? Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) October 20, 2017 Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Wednesday said that he has accessed documents which suggest that the iconic Taj Mahal was built on a property stolen by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan from Jaipur's royalty. "There is evidence on record that Shah Jahan forced the Raja-Maharajas of Jaipur to sell the land on which Taj Mahal is standing, and he gave them a compensation of forty villages, which is nothing compared to the property's value," Swamy told ANI, quotes the Indian Express. We have decided that of all the temples demolished, during the Islamic period, we want only three, which are Ayodhyas Ram, Krishnas Mathura and Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi. These three, once they are restored, we wont be concerned about the remaining forty thousand, Swamy said. The 78-year-old politician also said that he would release copies of the evidence soon. Earlier this week, BJP MLA Sangeet Som had courted controversy after he called Taj Mahal "a blot on Indian culture". INDIA - OCTOBER 02: Dawood Ibrahim, the mafia leader in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates ( mafia don ) (Photo by Bhawan Singh/The India Today Group/Getty Images) The finance ministry has announced an auction of Hotel Rounaq Afroz, also known as Delhi Zaika, along with five other properties which were reportedly owned by the underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. This comes two years after the government last made an attempt to sell the underworld don's properties. His properties have been put on the block three times in the past two decades but all efforts have gone in vain due to a dearth of buyers. A public advertisement was issued by the administrator of the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act (SAFEMA) on November 14 for the properties which have a total reserve price of Rs 5.54 crore. The properties, slated to go under the hammer on November 14 includes a range of residences which Dawood was associated with, including Damarwala building near Bhendi Bazaar where Dawoods younger brother Iqbal Kaskar, resided till recently. In September-end, a TADA court had passed a judgment which directed to expedite the process of auctioning, to be carried out by the CBI. Other properties in the list include Shabnam Guest House on Mohammad Ali Road, a flat in Pearl Harbour building at Mazgaon, tenancy rights of a room in Dadriwala chawl at Saifee Jubilee Street and a factory plot in Aurangabad district. Interestingly, all of criminal masterminds properties in Mumbai are within a 2-square kilometre area encompassing Mazgaon, Dongri and Mohammad Ali Road, and are all part-commercial and part residential comprising lodges, shops and residences. The earlier auction on the properties saw Desh Seva Samiti, an NGO headed by former journalist S Balakrishnan, placing the highest bid of Rs 4.28 crore for the Hotel Raonaq Afroz Plot. Although the organization had shelled out the earnest payment of Rs 30 lakh, it could not raise the remaining amount of Rs 3.98 crore within a 30 day period and lost the chance to buy the property. The government has now set a reserve price of Rs 1.18 crore and an initial deposit of Rs 23 lakh for the eatery in Pakmodia Street. The 485 sq ft property is said to be valued at Rs 6 to 8 crores. Delhi-based lawyer Ajay Shrivastava had previously labelled the auction of Dawood's properties a "tamasha", after his move to purchase the Rounaq Afroz property in 2015 was foiled. SAFEMA and the auctioneer had allegedly told him that they could not guarantee if they could give him possession of the property, reported The Hindu. This time, the SAFEMA has reduced the earnest money deposit for this property to Rs 23.71 lakhs, down by Rs 6.28 lakh from the previous auction. The reserve price is that of Rs 1.18 crore. The market price of the 45 square metre property is said to be around Rs 6 crore to Rs 8 crore at present. Dawood is now in Pakistan - as per revelations by his brother Iqbal Ibrahim Kaskar - who was arrested last month by Thane police in an extortion case. Narendra Modi Swachh Bharat, a pet project of Narendra Modi, once took centre stage in in Uttarakhand where the Prime Minister was addressing a public rally. Modi laid out his developmental plans for the state whose prime focus was on Hindu pilgrimage. In a grand speech in which the PM invoked god's name, he said that his reform agenda as set out for the state will be realised by 2022. On his second visit in six months after BJP came to power in the state, the Prime Minister attacked the Congress for not letting him reconstruct areas around Kedarnath's holy shrine after the 2013 flood which killed over thousands. Modi contended that it was perhaps Lord Shivas wish that he being babas son will be the only person to carry out the reconstruction. Referring to the 2013 floods when he visited the ravaged state, he said: All hell broke loose in Delhi where people became nervous thinking how Modi reached Kedarnath. Reconstruction of Kedarnath area and tourism Putting a premium on development, Modi emphasised his government's commitment towards reconstructing projects which were impacted by the flood. Among the slew of changes Modi mentioned, his government will be looking at improving facilities for devotees, broadening roads, building retaining walls to hold back water at the Mandakini and Saraswati rivers, as well as renovating Adi Shakaracharya's tomb. Modi also said that building modern infrastructure will not affect the traditional soul of the shrine. The Prime Minister claims there will be no dearth of funds for the development projects as it will come from the Centre and the projects will see timely completion. The project will also cover reconstruction of Kedarpuri township which was washed away in the 2013 deluge. I want Uttarakhand to be the best tourist destination, Modi said. Earlier this month, BJP legislator Bharat Singh Chowdhary told the Hindustan Times that their party will benefit electorally in Uttarakhand as restoration of Kedarnath will boost religious tourism. Swachh and eco-friendly Uttarakhand Amid all the developmental promises hinging on religious tourism, Modi went back to his pet project Swachh Bharat and said the country will be truly developed when it has enough toilets for the population. This comes after rural Uttarakhand was declared Open Defecation Free this year, including Pithoragarh district. However, some media reports (see report in The Wire, Gunji--a village in Pithoragarh district) contest this claim saying lack of water in the cold hill area makes it impossible to have functioning toilets. In order to make the Hindu pilgrimage site better and eco-friendly, Modi asked Uttarakhands people to stop using chemicals. He also asked all hill states, including Uttarakhand, to develop a green environment. Organic farming wasn't far behind in Modi's agenda. Earlier this year, the state government reportedly held talks with Baba Ramdev-headed Patanjali for projects regarding organic farming, promotion of tourism, and establishing herbal villages and cowsheds. RPT...Dehradun: Prime Minister Narendra Modi being welcomed by the Governor of Uttarakhand, K.K. Paul and Chief Minister of Uttarakhand,Trivendra Singh Rawat on his arrival, at Dehradun, Uttarakhand on Friday. PTI Photo/PIB(PTI10_20_2017_000028B) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday laid the foundation stones of five reconstruction projects in Uttarakhand and hit out at the Congress, saying he was not allowed to carry out redevelopment work after the 2013 deluge when he was the Gujarat chief minister. Offering prayers at the Kedarnath shrine, a day before it closes for the winters, he said his visit to the Himalayan temple had strengthened his resolve to serve the nation. Serving people was true service of the lord, the prime minister said after offering 'rudrabhiskek' at the high altitude shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. As chief minister of Gujarat, Modi said he had offered to take the responsibility of reconstructing areas surrounding the temple when the tragedy had struck in 2013, killing thousands of people. People from different states had perished and he could not stop himself from rushing to the state after the disaster, he said. "I expressed my wish to carry out reconstruction work at Kedarnath to the then chief minister of the state who agreed in principle. "In my excitement I shared the development with the media and within an hour TV channels flashed it, causing a storm in New Delhi. They (UPA government) viewed the development with a kind of alarm as they thought the Gujarat chief minister will now reach Kedarnath and mounted pressure on the then state government not to agree to my request." The then chief minister had no choice but to issue a statement saying it did not need the help of the Gujarat government, Modi said. "I went back disappointed. But perhaps Baba (Lord Shiva) had decided that the responsibility of doing reconstruction work at Kedarnath should be assigned to no one else but to Baba's son," he said. The chief minister at the time was Vijay Bahuguna, who was with the Congress but is now with the BJP. Modi, who had visited the shrine in May this year, laid the foundation stones of five major reconstruction projects at Kedarpuri. These include improved facilities for devotees, construction of retaining walls and ghats at the Mandakini and Saraswati rivers, an approach road to the shrine and reconstructing Adi Guru Shankaracharya's tomb which was devastated in 2013. He described the projects as ambitious and expensive but said there would be no dearth of funds to ensure that they are completed in a time-bound manner. The prime minister said he would invite the corporate sector to join hands to develop a grander Kedarnath. Asking people to make Uttarakhand a favourite destination for tourists, he said the state should aspire to become an Organic State by 2022, when India marks 75 years of independence. "Blessings from Kedarnath will lead us to fulfill the aspirations of every Indian citizen in 2022," he added. "Our endeavour is to harness the youthful vigour and water of the mountain state for its all round development... development is gaining ground in Uttarakhand." Work on the Chardham road project had begun, he said. The prime minister also got nostalgic remembering his days in Garurchatti near Kedarnath before he entered politics. "Some acquaintances I met today reminded me of my time spent in Garurchatti. They were important moments of my life. I wanted to settle down permanently in this soil and spend all my life at Baba's feet. But Baba perhaps willed it differently. "He perhaps did not want me to spend all my life at the feet of just one Baba and sent me out to serve 125 crore people of the country as their service is the true service of God," he said. Modi had last visited Kedarnath in May when the portals of the Himalayan shrine were reopened for devotees after remaining closed for six months for the winters. RPT...Dehradun: Prime Minister Narendra Modi being welcomed by the Governor of Uttarakhand, K.K. Paul and Chief Minister of Uttarakhand,Trivendra Singh Rawat on his arrival, at Dehradun, Uttarakhand on Friday. PTI Photo/PIB(PTI10_20_2017_000028B) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stones of five reconstruction projects here and hit out at the Congress, saying he was not allowed to carry out redevelopment work after the 2013 deluge when he was Gujarat chief minister. Offering prayers at the Kedarnath shrine, he said his visit to the Himalayan temple had strengthened his resolve to serve the nation. Serving people was true service of the lord, the prime minister said after offering 'rudrabhiskek' at the high altitude shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Modi, who had visited the shrine in May this year, laid the foundation stones of five major reconstruction projects at Kedarpuri. These include improved facilities for devotees, construction of retaining walls and ghats at the Mandakini and Saraswati rivers, an approach road to the shrine and reconstructing Adi Guru Shankaracharya's tomb which was devastated in 2013. He described the projects as ambitious and expensive but said there would be no dearth of funds to ensure that they are completed in a time-bound manner. As chief minister of Gujarat, he said he had offered to take the responsibility of reconstructing areas surrounding the temple when the tragedy had struck in 2013, killing thousands of people. People from different states had perished and he could not stop himself from rushing to the state after the disaster, he said. "I expressed my wish to carry out reconstruction work at Kedarnath to the then chief minister of the state who agreed in principle. "In my excitement I shared the development with the media and within an hour TV channels flashed it, causing a storm in New Delhi. They (UPA government) viewed the development with a kind of alarm as they thought the Gujarat chief minister will now reach Kedarnath and mounted pressure on the then state government not to agree to my request." The then chief minister had no choice but to issue a statement saying it did not need the help of the Gujarat government, Modi said. "I went back disappointed. But perhaps Baba (Lord Shiva) had decided that the responsibility of doing reconstruction work at Kedarnath should be assigned to no one else but to Baba's son," he said. The chief minister at the time was Vijay Bahuguna, who was with the Congress but is now with the BJP. Modi also got nostalgic remembering the days spent in Garurchatti near Kedarnath before entering politics. "Some acquaintances I met today reminded me of my time spent in Garurchatti. They were important moments of my life. I wanted to settle down permanently in this soil and spend all my life at Baba's feet. But Baba perhaps willed it differently. "He perhaps did not want me to spend all my life at the feet of just one Baba and sent me out to serve 125 crore people of the country as their service is the true service of God," he said. Modi had visited in May when the portals of the Himalayan shrine were reopened for devotees after remaining closed for six months for the winters. India's main opposition party Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressing during the Dalit Conference ( lower caste people )on the eve of the B.R Ambedkar Jayanti at Ramleela Maidan in Jaipur , India on 13 April,2016. (Photo by Vishal Bhatnagar/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Attempting a drastic image makeover ahead of the 2019 general elections, the Congress is now looking at adopting its own brand of 'soft-Hindutva' to counter BJP's religion pitch, which is sure to be further emboldened by the Ayodhya Ram Temple plank. Of late, all major party events - especially in the poll-bound states - have been high on Hindu symbolism. Sources closely associated with Congress's media strategy cell told News18 that Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi will now start all his yatras both for elections and otherwise by visiting a temple. 22:24 During a visit to Beijing next month, President Donald Trump will attempt to persuade Chinas leader to do more to rein in North Korea, after having criticised the country for not taking more action on the issue. In a bilateral meeting, Trump will also urge President Xi Jinping to fully implement sanctions by the United Nations Security Council against Pyongyang and to take steps that go beyond that, an official told reporters. 21:42 President Donald Trump plans to use his 12-day, five-nation Asia trip to encourage a tougher stance against the threat posed by North Korea, but he likely will not make the traditional presidential visit to the border between North and South Korea known as the Demilitarized Zone, Sun Herald reported. The White House said Monday that Trump was invited by Korean president Moon Jae-in to visit Camp Humphreys, a military base about 40 miles south of Seoul, and that time constraints would likely not permit Trump to also travel to the border. 20:54 Aside from threatening nuclear war against the United States, North Korea is also suspected of secretly developing a vast biological-weapons program that could unleash fear and death in crowded cities, a Harvard University study warns. "North Korea is likely to use biological weapons before or at the beginning of a conflict to disrupt society and create panic, incapacitate societies, and/or cause a significant military diversion," said the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School. 20:22 Popular NBC News show Morning Joe went nuclear Monday morning as hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski openly talked about their fear of a US war with North Korea, The Wrap reported. Brzezinski as is her custom went further, saying she believed Trump was excited about the prospect of conflict and of deploying the US nuclear arsenal to settle the dispute with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. I just think he wants to use nukes, thats what I think he feels, said Brzezinski. Youve heard him over the past year. Hes excited about the concept. 19:49 China on Monday defended its growing trade with North Korea as permitted by UN Security Council sanctions that say they should avoid hurting humanitarian needs, Associated Press reported. China, North Koreas main trading partner, strictly implements sanctions aimed at stopping the Norths pursuit of nuclear and missile technology, said a foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang. Customs data shows Chinese exports to North Korea rose 31.4 percent in August from a year earlier, while imports fell 9.5 percent. Beijing has pointed out the sanctions dont prohibit food sales and argued against measures that might harm the North Korean public. 19:04 British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has called on North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un to negotiate over his nuclear ambitions but warned the rogue state a nuclear pre-emptive strike remains a possibility, Sky News reported. Boris Johnson said he backed a series of 'commitments' made by South Korea and the US Secretary of State's efforts to talk, making it clear the UK did not seek to bring about regime change. 18:41 UK Prime Minister Theresa May and her Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe today agreed to maintain pressure on North Korea following the Japanese Prime Ministers re-election. The two leaders vowed to continue working with the international community to tackle Kim Jong Uns destabilising activity, a Downing Street spokesman revealed. 18:02 The US Air Force is preparing to put nuclear-armed bombers back on 24-hour ready alert, a status not seen since the Cold War ended in 1991, Defense One reported. That means the long-dormant concrete pads at the ends of Barksdale Air Force Bases 11,000-foot runway could once again find several B-52s parked on them, laden with nuclear weapons and set to take off at a moments notice. 17:09 The threat from North Korea has grown to a critical and imminent level and the United States, Japan and South Korea need to take different responses to address it, Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera told his US and South Korean counterparts on Monday. 16:35 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has promised strong "counter-measures" against North Korea, after winning a decisive victory in Sunday's election, BBC reported. The prime minister had earlier called for the existence of the country's armed forces to be formalised, a controversial move which he says is needed to strengthen Japan's defence but which critics say is a step towards re-militarisation. 16:15 Southeast Asian defence ministers on Monday expressed grave concern over North Koreas nuclear and missile programmes and urged the reclusive country to meet its international obligations and resume communications, reports Reuters. North Korea is working to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of striking the US mainland and has ignored all calls, even from its lone major ally, China, to rein in its weapons programmes which it conducts in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions. Defence ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in a joint statement, underscored the need to maintain peace and stability in the region and called for the exercise of self-restraint and the resumption of dialogue to de-escalate tensions in the Korean peninsula. Trump said he believes Chinese President Xi Jinping has "the power to do something very significant with respect to North Korea." But no matter Xi's actions, Trump said the United States is "prepared for anything" when it comes to North Korea. "We'll see what happens. ... We are so prepared, like you wouldn't believe," he said. President Donald Trump boasted that the US is "prepared for anything" when it comes to the North Korea nuclear crisis and emphasized the importance of China's role during an interview with Fox Business Network's Maria Bartiromo broadcast on Sunday morning, reports CNN. Trump further praised China's actions on North Korea, adding that he and Xi have an "exceptional relationship." 12:08 UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson is to hail the importance of coordinated international diplomacy to counter the threat from nuclear weapons and North Korea in a speech to stake out a position at clear odds with the more bellicose rhetoric of Donald Trump, reports The Guardian. While Johnson will stress that the US president has an absolute duty to prepare for a possible military option if North Korea is about to attack the United States, the foreign secretary will say diplomatic efforts must be paramount. In a speech to be made on Monday to the annual conference of the Chatham House thinktank in London, Johnson will single out for praise Rex Tillerson, the US secretary of state, who has annoyed Trump by pushing for dialogue with Pyongyang. 09:41 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump agreed to work together to raise pressure on North Korea, Yasutoshi Nishimura, a deputy chief cabinet secretary, said on Monday. Abe and Trump spoke by telephone after the Japanese premiers ruling coalition scored a big win in an election on Sunday, reports Reuters. 18:36 US President Donald Trump is expected to pressure Chinas president when they meet next month in Beijing to do more to rein in North Korea out of a belief that Xi Jinpings consolidation of power should give him more authority to do so, reports Reuters. Trump leaves November 3 on a trip that will take him to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines. It will be his first tour of Asia since taking power in January and one with a major priority: Preventing the standoff with North Korea from spiralling out of control. Xi is immersed in a Communist Party Congress expected to culminate in him consolidating his control and potentially retaining power beyond 2022, when the next Congress takes place. Trump believes that Xi should have even more leverage to work on the North Korea problem. The presidents view is you have even less of an excuse now, said one official. Hes not going to step lightly. 17:25 Pyongyang does not plan to hold any talks with Washington about its nuclear program, a senior North Korean diplomat said on Friday, declaring that possessing nuclear weapons was a matter of life and death for North Korea, the RIA news agency reported. Choe Son-hui, director-general of the North American department of North Koreas foreign ministry, told a non-proliferation conference in Moscow Washington would have to put up with North Koreas nuclear status. This is a matter of life and death for us. The current situation deepens our understanding that we need nuclear weapons to repel a potential attack. We will respond to fire with fire. 21:54 Vietnam has expelled the representative of North Korea's Wonyang Shipping Corporation and denied visas to more than 20 North Korean IT workers. In a move that reflects Hanoi's displeasure with Pyongyang, Vietnam continues to turn away North Koreans who could be earning foreign currency for the Kim Jong-un regime, Yonhap reported today. 21:37 Russian forces in the Pacific today launched a joint drill with India off the coast of its border with North Korea, according to Russian state-run news agency Itar-Tass. The Indra-2017 exercise, which will draft a total of 700 ground troops from both countries and 50 aircraft including warplanes and helicopters, kicked off with a ceremony in Russias Vladivostok, the capital of its Primorye region. 21:32 A North Korea diplomat has said the country's ballistic nuclear weapons programme is non-negotiable. Choe Son-hui said the US should "be prepared to co-exist with" a nuclear North Korea. She said it was "the only way to secure lasting peace on the Korean peninsula". 21:24 Read this interesting piece by Gulf News on how Kim Jong-un's seemingly erratic actions are, in fact, moves in a very well-planned long-term game. 21:08 North Korea is distributing live ammunition to soldiers and security personnel, the Asahi Shimbun reported yesterday. The report said the North is moving to a "quasi-war footing" in response to joint South Korean-US naval drills that began on Monday. "Live ammunition is being distributed to members of the military... to counter any threats that may arise from the exercises off the Korean Peninsula," the newspaper said citing a source. "They have been effectively placed on a quasi-war footing." 21:05 Fort Greely, Alaskas #MissileDefense Complex stands ready to defeat an attack from #NorthKorea or any aggressor https://t.co/qslPMqyupf pic.twitter.com/u1gynr6Q4G U.S. Pacific Command (@PacificCommand) October 16, 2017 20:56 The majority of Americans believe diplomacy is the best way to ease tensions with North Korea, according to a new poll released Thursday. Sixty-four percent of people disagree with President Trumps claim that Secretary of State Tillerson is wasting his time trying to negotiate with Little Rocket Man, Trumps nickname for North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, New York Daily News reported. 20:50 In a Quinnipiac University poll conducted yesterday, it was found that as many as 46 percent of all Republicans are in favour of a pre-emptive strike against North Korea, despite the risk of a nuclear rebuttal. In contrast, 41 percent said they did not support a pre-emptive strike. 20:44 North Koreas nuclear tests are not only raising fears around the world, they are causing the peak under which the bombs are being detonated to suffer tired mountain syndrome. Analysts are seeing signs that Mount Mantap, the 7,200-foot-high peak under which the tests are conducted, is suffering from the geologic malady, the Washington Post reported. Representative Image Tata Trusts, one of India's biggest public charitable trusts, has promised to give Rs 1,000 crore in addition to other resources in a bid to support the Centre's efforts to develop cancer-care centres in five states, according to a report published in Mumbai Mirror. The move will benefit thousands of cancer patients across the country to get access to treatment in their states or region. These patients, otherwise, would have to come to Mumbai from different parts of the country for getting treatment. The Trusts will develop or upgrade facilities similar to Tata Memorial Hospital in five states namely Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. These new facilities will help reduce pressure on countrys premier cancer hospital which provides treatment at highly subsidies rates or free of cost to more than 50 percent of the patients. Most of the patients come from poor families and find it tough to stay longer in Mumbai owing to high costs and had to leave treatment halfway. After Tata Trusts Chairman, Ratan Tata expressed his wish to open more affordable cancer centres in the country and pressed Tata Group companies to contribute through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) scheme. The Tata Trusts owns more than 66 percent in Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group and has set aside a large chunk of profit for philanthropic purposes. The Trusts will spend Rs 540 crore for upgrading the cancer care institute in Guwahati in three phases and Rs 200 crore for setting up a new hospital in Rajasthan. The Trusts will get 23.5 acres land in Ranchi and upgrade the Indian Railway Cancer Institute and Research Centre in Varanasi. The Tirupati Balaji Temple Trust will provide 25 acres in Tirumala to set up a new facility. Australia's prime minister has dismissed an extraordinary letter from North Korea to the Australian Parliament and other countries as a "rant" against President Donald Trump and a sign that Pyongyang is "starting to feel the squeeze" of escalated sanctions. The letter from the North Korean Foreign Affairs Committee attacks Trump over his speech to the United Nations General Assembly last month in which the president threatened to "totally destroy North Korea" if provoked. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told Melbourne Radio 3AW on Friday the letter was sent to "a lot of other countries" as well as Australia. The letter says that if Trump thinks that he will bring North Korea "to its knees through nuclear war threat, it will be a big miscalculation and an expression of ignorance. Vladimir Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the Catalan crisis was Spain's internal affair but slammed what he called Western double standards over separatist movements. "Russia's position is known here. All that is happening is Spain's internal business and must be resolved within Spanish law and on the basis of democratic traditions," Putin said yesterday at a meeting with international relations experts in the Black Sea city of Sochi. However, he argued the crisis exposed Western inconsistency and hypocrisy in backing some separatists while opposing others -- such as support for Kosovan independence, but opposition to Catalan and Kurdish claims. "What we see is that in our partners' view there are worthy fighters for independence and there are separatists who cannot defend their rights. "Such double standards -- this is a very striking example of double standards -- are fraught with serious danger for the stable development of Europe and other continents," Putin said. The Russian leader said Western powers had long been aware of "the antagonism within Europe", referring to Catalonia. "They knew, didn't they?" he said. "Yet in their day they practically welcomed the breakup of a whole number of European states, without concealing their glee." He cited recognition of independence of majority-Albanian Kosovo from Russia's traditional ally Serbia. "Why did they have to, so thoughtlessly, unquestioningly support Kosovo's breaking away?" Putin asked. He accused European countries of "the wish, frankly, to please Big Brother from Washington" over Kosovo, saying this then provoked "similar processes in Europe and the world". He questioned why Europe went on to oppose Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and independence movements in Spain and Iraq's Kurdistan. "So now we see Catalonia. In another region there is Kurdistan. And that may still be far from an exhaustive list," Putin said. A non-binding independence referendum in Iraq's Kurdistan region in September saw a resounding "yes" vote. The European Union has urged both sides "to seek dialogue in order to preserve Iraq's unity and long-term stability". Moscow says it supports the territorial integrity of Iraq but views Kurdish national aspirations with respect. "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 20, 2017 Emma Sky - British 'Mother of Daesh' Wants To Reoccupy Iraq While the Iraqi government forces sweep Kirkuk clean of the Kurdish occupation, one writer strongly pushed pro-Kurdish/anti-Iranian views. Three pieces by Emma Sky appeared in three prestigious imperial outlets within just four days. They are noticeable for the slander and lies. Obviously they are part of a well prepared lobbying campaign. The author is not an neutral observer or academic specialist. Emma Sky is the person most responsible for messing up Kirkuk. She is also a 'Mother of ISIS'. On October 16 Emma Sky published in Foreign Affairs: Mission Still Not Accomplished in Iraq - Why the United States Should Not Leave. On October 18 she plants the same notion in The Atlantic: America Has Become Dispensable in Iraq. The subtitle reveals what it is really about: The conflict in Kirkuk offers further evidence of Irans steady rise. Sky pushes hard to implant a sectarian, anti-Iran meme. Consider this howler: Once more, Iran is playing the key role, helping to broker a deal between the PUK and the Iraqi government and guiding the Shia militias supporting the Iraqis. What nationality please to the "Shia militia" in Iraq have? Are they from Mars? When ISIS rose in 2014 U.S. President Obama held back support for the Iraqi government to get rid of the just reelected Prime Minister Maliki: The reason, the president added, that we did not just start taking a bunch of airstrikes all across Iraq as soon as ISIL came in was because that would have taken the pressure off of [Prime Minister Nuri Kamal] al-Maliki. Iran with its Revolutionary Guards jumped in and hastily trained and equipped volunteers into Popular Mobilization Units. These groups managed to stop ISIS from taking Baghdad. The PMU are under the exclusive command of the Iraqi government. They are official Iraqi government forces, not exclusively Shia and no longer accompanied by Iranian advisors. No Iranian troops or advisers were involved in the liberation of Kirkuk. Sky's claim is all wrong. Sky has a hobby horse: A compromise of some sort could be reached on confederation for Kurdistan and a special status for Kirkuk. On October 19 Emma Sky appears in The Guardian: Iraqs Kurds have overplayed their hand. Now both sides must talk. Within that piece she claims: When the Iraqi security forces fled in the face of Isis in 2014 it was the Kurds, with support from the US-led coalition, who fought back and pushed them out of Kirkuk. That was definitely not the case. ISIS never touched Kirkuk. Indeed the piece Emma Sky links to as reference never says so. It mentions that Iraqi army deserters were fleeing from ISIS in Mosul towards Kirkuk. In June 2014 the Kurdish Peshmerga invaded Kirkuk, threw out disoriented Iraqi government forces and occupied the city. This was at the very same time as ISIS took Mosul. ISIS and Peshmerga fighters delineated their borders and had their checkpoints only a few meters apart. Video showed them inviting each other for dinner. Sky's core point in the piece is that the Kurds, for their falsely claimed "rescue" of Kirkuk from ISIS, now deserve some part of it: It is time to revisit the idea of a special status for Kirkuk, with power-sharing between the different communities A "special status" for Kirkuk is not reasonable. It is a normal Iraqi city and, like many others, has a religiously and ethnic diverse population. That Sky tries to justify a special status for Kurds in Kirkuk with a fight against ISIS that never happened demonstrates how dishonest the claim is. The "special status" idea for Kirkuk came up in 2003 when an ignorant British governor of Kirkuk, imposed by the U.S./UK occupation, was lost in internecine claims to the oil rich province between Kurdish expansionists and local Arabs. That governor was one Emma Sky. Like other imperial freaks Sky later found a warm place at Yale. An extensive discussion of Emma Sky's prior misdeeds in Iraq was published in June 2016 by Maniza Naqvi. The author summarized: Emma Skythe woman who assisted in the unraveling of Iraq and the region, who became the right hand of General Odierno in Iraqand the architect of the Sunni Awakening'---is perhaps, the Mother of Daesh, the word for terror in Iraq and Syria and the entire region or as the West calls it, ISIS. The piece follows Sky's way as imperial overlord throughout the U.S. occupation. It quotes from her questioning in front of the the British Iraq Inquiry Committee. The transcripts reflect how completely unprepared the U.S. and its British stooges were when they arrogantly imposed themselves onto the country. Emma Sky first messed up Kirkuk. She later worked for the U.S. top commanders in the country and was instrumental in creating the ISIS predecessor "Sunni Awakening". She had a main role in imposing it onto the Iraqi government. Sky was parachuted into Iraq only days after the U.S. and UK invaded. By mere chance she was set up as the occupation governor of Kirkuk. She had no prior knowledge of the city, the country, or its issues and zero experience on the ground. She was 36 years old and single. In Kirkuk she fell for the siren songs of the Iraqi exiles mafia and Kurdish separatists. She, like the rest of the occupation force, ruled by looting Iraqi money. From her testimony to the Inquiry Committee: MS EMMA SKY: We had done all this stuff. We had promised people all of these things. You know, construction was going on and we were bankrupt. Then we would go down to Baghdad. We would try to raid the banks which had Ba'ath funds. So there was always money and then we kept spending because we thought we had more. Then we would run out and we would have to go back and get more. The situation in Kirkuk, which the Iraqi government just rescued from the Kurdish annexation attempt, is rooted in Sky's misdeeds. It was Emma Sky who stoked the flames in Kirkuk for the political purpose of the occupiers: [T]he Arab-Kurdish disputes are being played up, because ganging up on the Kurds would bring the Sunnis and the Shias together, or so think the likes of Maliki, Mutlag and [Emma] Sky. She accepted Kurdish claims of a "right" to Kirkuk and pushed that claim as "special status" Article 140 into the U.S. written Iraqi constitution: MS EMMA SKY: We tried very hard -- this was by August 2003 -- to get Kirkuk recognised with special status, that it was something different, because what was driving the insecurity was the final status of Kirkuk. Should it be part of Kurdistan or should it be part of the centre? What we tried to do right from the beginning is to say, "Look, this place is different. It has always been different. Could we have special status?" When the Brits finally gave up and left Iraq, Emma Sky was hired as 'political advisor' to the U.S. overlords General Petraeus and then General Odierno: Everywhere he went, every meeting he went to I went with him. ... My reporting line was purely to the General. All I had to look at was the General. She was part of the small inner circle that initiated the "surge" and the relabeling of al-Qaeda insurgents into the "Sunni Awakening". While the cadre of al-Qaeda leaders (later the elite of the Islamic State) were groomed in U.S. prisons in Iraq, its past and future fighters were trained as "Sunni Awakening" by U.S. special forces. From Sky's testimony: So the [Iraqi] government is much, much more nervous of these people who one day are Al Qaeda and the next day take off the patch, put on another patch and say, "Now we are Sa'hwa, Sons of Iraq". So we worked very hard to get the government to come with us and meet these guys and get a sense of who they are. Sa'hwa then spread from Abu Ghraib into Amriya, so right into Baghdad, and we then started going round to other areas and working with the local community and said, "Look, don't you want to set up a Sa'hwa too?" In 2015 Sky wrote a snobbish piece in The Atlantic, 'Iraq Is Finished', where she handed out guilty verdicts for the rise of the Islamic State against everyone - except of course to herself. But it was she, personally, who helped to get al-Qaeda fighters under U.S. control and trained. She had a defining role in it. As Maniza Naqvi concludes: Draw a straight line from the bodies washing up on beaches in Turkey and Greecethe baby Aylan, his tiny body lying face downa direct connection between drowned babies, whole families tragedies and the US military enterprise in Iraq and Syria and all who were and are involved with it and morphing it to more monstrous wavesdraw a straight line from the likes of Emma Sky to Daesh known as ISIS. Someone coughed up a quite decent sum of money to have Emmy Sky write three current piece to be launched in three well-known outlets within just four days. Someone who wants the Kurds to take Kirkuk's oil, the U.S. to reoccupy Iraq and to strangulate Iran. Who could have an interest in doing so? Emma Sky is corrupt imperial scum. I recommend to read Naqvi's whole piece on her and especially the inquiry protocols attached to it. Posted by b on October 20, 2017 at 19:43 UTC | Permalink Comments The following charges were served on Sunday, October 8: Crystal Ann Spencer, 35, of 112 Calico Drive, in Nebo, was charged with two counts of felony possession of methamphetamines and three misdemeanor counts of failure to appear or comply . She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $26,000 secured bond. Austin James Barnes, 21, of 8466 Ledford Ave., in Connelly Springs, was charged with misdemeanor damage or injury to real property. He was served by a criminal summons to appear for a trial date set for Oct. 25. Dalton Kristofer Hall, 20, of 7986 Wards Gap Road, in Connelly Springs, was charged with misdemeanor failure to appear. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $500 secured bond. His trial date was set for Nov. 15. Ashley Latoya Cole, 29, of 1705 Bethel Road, Lot 27, in Morganton, was charged with one misdemeanor count each of driving the wrong direction on a one way street, driving during revocation and driving while impaired. She was granted a custody release and a trial date was set for Nov. 1. Santiago Jose Cumbas, 25, of 1756 Lee Pearson Road, in Granite Falls, was charged with misdemeanor driving while impaired. He was granted a custody release and a trial date was set for Nov. 20. April Ochen Gurley, 24, of 123 Willow Run Drive, D, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor assault inflicting serious injury or with a deadly weapon. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail. Her trial date was set for Dec. 6. Aaron Sean Edwards, 46, of 2572 Ridgeview Drive, in Valdese, was charged with misdemeanor communicating threats and assault on a female. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed on a 48 hour hold and an additional $500 secured bond. His trial date was set for Dec. 11. The following charges were served on Monday, October 9: Karen Elizabeth Buff, 30, of 6131 Gold Mine Road, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $500 secured bond. Her trial date was set for Nov. 7. Carlton James Rutherford Jr., 31, of 2259 Hemlock Trail, in Morganton, was charged with felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $4,000 secured bond. Joshua Michael Campbell, 31, of 130 Fashion Ave., in Rutherford College, was charged with felony obtaining property by false pretense. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $3,000 secured bond. His trial date was set for Jan. 8, 2018. Michael Dillon Barrier, 22, of 2380 Deep Cove Road, in Nebo, was charged with misdemeanor assault on a female. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail. His trial date was set for Oct. 25. Trey Mack Crowe, 32, of 1670 Austin Ave., in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor assault by pointing a gun and communicating threats. He was issued a $500 secured bond and released. His trial date was set for Oct. 30. Sara Elizabeth McLaughlin, 31, of 4019 Smawley Street, in Morganton, was charged with three counts of misdemeanor failure to appear or comply. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $12,000 secured bond. Her trial date was set for Nov. 6. Michael Raye Shuping, 49, of 4803 Crystal Creek Road, in Morganton, was charged with five counts of misdemeanor failure to appear or comply. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a total of $150,000 in secured bonds. His trial date was set for Nov. 13. Manuel Chavez Mendoza, 31, of 109 Alwran St., in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor assault on a female. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail. Jennifer Kay Tate, 30, of 419 Crawford St., In Shelby, was charged with misdemeanor unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $500 secured bond. Her trial date was set for Nov. 6. The following charges were served on Tuesday, October 10: Kendra Lynn Johnson, 23, of 121 Willow Run Drive, G, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor simple assault. She was released on a written promise to appear for a trial date set for Oct. 25. Samuel Lee Keller, 19, of 113 Linville St., in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor assault on a female, three counts of misdemeanor communicating threats, two counts of stalking and one misdemeanor count each of damage to personal property and cyber stalking. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $20,000 secured bond. His trial date was set for Nov. 6. Talmadge Owen Greer, 49, of 3792 Calico Road, in Lenoir, was charged with felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver. He was granted a custody release and a trial date was set for Nov. 13. Randall Franklin Allen, 58, of 111 Normandy Drive, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor failure to appear or comply. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $1,000 secured bond. His trial date was set for Jan. 10, 2018. Scott Carlton Price, 31, of 3062 Morganton Blvd. SW, in Lenoir, was charged with misdemeanor larceny of property. He was cited and released. His trial date was set for Oct. 31. Carolyn Elizabeth Corpening, 27, of 1397 Oak Hill Drive, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor failure to appear or comply and violating a school attendance law. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $4,000 secured bond. Her trial date was set for Nov. 6. Margaret Shuping Benfield, 53, of 2528 Woodburn Drive, in Valdese, was charged with misdemeanor failure to appear or comply. She was issued a $2,000 secured bond and released. Her trial date was set for Nov. 7. Carl Davis Edwards, 49, of 3196 Norman Drive, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor assault on a female. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $1,000 secured bond. His trial date was set for Nov. 8. Corey Wesley Fagan, 19, of 2033 Abee Park Ave., in Connelly Springs, was charged with misdemeanor failure to appear or comply. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $15,000 secured bond. His trial date was set for Nov. 13. Muranda Brook Walker, 24, of 311 Drexel Road, in Morganton, was charged with felony breaking and entering and felony larceny after breaking and entering. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $25,000 secured bond. William Joseph Hardin, 31, of 6618 Watershed Road, in Morganton, was charged with felony larceny by destroying an antitheft device. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $3,000 secured bond. Joshua Lee Lowman, 32, of 6687 Watershed Road, in Morganton, was charged with felony receiving, transferring or possessing a stolen vehicle. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $3,000 secured bond. His trial date was set for Nov. 13. The following charges were served on Wednesday, October 11: Ewart Wilson Whitesides III, 40, of 208 Pea Ridge St., in Glen Alpine, was charged with one count each of felony sell or deliver controlled substances, felony maintaining a dwelling, vehicle or place for drugs or controlled substances and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $25,000 secured bond. Crystal Gail Hanes, 35, of 126 Walker Road, in Morganton, was charged with felony possession of methamphetamines and one misdemeanor count each of simple worthless check, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to appear or comply. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a total of $3,200 in secured bonds. Cody Allan Vaughn, 32, of 1705 Bethel Road, Lot 12, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor damage to personal property. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $1,000 secured bond. His trial date was set for Nov. 15. Jonathan Paul Holtsclaw, 33, of 2670 Mount Home Church Road, in Morganton, was charged with three counts of misdemeanor failure to appear or comply. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $5,500 secured bond. His trial date was set for Oct. 23. Muranda Brook Walker, 24, of 311 Drexel Road, in Morganton, was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance in prison or jail and felony possession of methamphetamines. She was served at the Burke-Catawba jail where she was being held on previous charges and issued an additional $5,000 secured bond. Tonya Loretta Biggerstaff, 40, of 2665 Mill Race Road, in Morganton, was charged with two counts of felony larceny chose in action and one misdemeanor count of larceny by trick. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $7,000 secured bond. Her trial date was set for Nov. 27. Troy Allen Shrum, 16, of 4875 Crawley Dale St., in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor secretly peeping into an occupied room. He was granted a custody release and a trial date was set for Nov. 14. Brandon Stuart Sweitzer, 31, of 2998 Berea Church Road, in Connelly Springs, was charged with misdemeanor failure to appear or comply. He was issued a $315 cash bond and released. His trial date was set for Oct. 25. Donna Duffy Bowen, 65, of 109 Douglas Drive, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was cited and released. Her trial date was set for Nov. 7. Alexis Renee Graybeal, 23, of 109 Douglas Drive, in Morganton, was charged with one felony count each of possession of methamphetamines and possession of LSD and one misdemeanor count each of possession of drug paraphernalia and harboring a fugitive. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $27,500 secured bond. Preston Sinclair Green, 23, of 536 Prospect St. NW, in Lenoir, was charged with one felony count each of possession of a stolen vehicle, failure to appear on a felony charge and speeding to elude arrest, two counts of misdemeanor failure to appear or comply and one misdemeanor count each of larceny of motor fuel, exceeding the posted speed limit and reckless driving to endanger. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $total of $147,000 in secured bonds secured bond. Bryson Lee Carlton, 17, of 6013 Burkemont Road, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor larceny of property. He was cited and released. His trial date was set for Nov. 28. Isaak Nathaniel Rodgers, 17, of 4220 Gouge Ave., in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor larceny of property. He was cited and released. His trial date was set for Nov. 28. Rudy Edilman Bravo, 35, of 303 Caldwell St., in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor driving while impaired. He was issued a $1,000 secured bond and released. His trial date was set for Nov. 8. Elijah Cole Watts, 28, of 1529 Watermill Road, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was cited and released. His trial date was set for Jan. 3, 2018. Brittany Whisenant Bartee, 26, of 7880 Shoupes Grove Church Road, in Hickory, was charged with misdemeanor failure to appear or comply. She was issued a $500 secured bond and released. Her trial date was set for Nov. 20. Jennifer Rochelle Harris, 38, of 306 Stacy Hill Road, in Marion, was charged with misdemeanor failure to appear or comply. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $1,000 secured bond. Her trial date was set for Dec. 13. Daniel Wallace Duncan, 69, of 5189 Mineral Springs Mountain Ave., in Valdese, was charged with one misdemeanor count each of driving while impaired, reckless driving to endanger and failure to maintain lane control. He was granted a custody release and a trial date was set for Dec. 6. Emily Elizabeth King, 31, of 4053 Scott Road, in Morganton, was charged with one count each of felony possession of methamphetamines with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to appear or comply. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $27,000 secured bond. Alexander Jay Singleton, 33, of 118 Jefferson St., in Morganton, was charged with felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $25,000 secured bond. Kevin Matthew Revis, 32, of 6075 Wilkies Grove Church Road, in Hickory, was charged with two misdemeanor counts of failure to appear or comply. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $1,000 secured bond. His trial date was set for Nov. 13. Randall Kent Brank, 22, of 4214 Scarlett Ridge Way, in Lenoir, was charged with misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $7,500 secured bond. His trial date was set for Nov. 21. Nou Long Yang, 28, of 6195 George Hildebran School Road, in Hickory, was charged with one felony count each of possession of a schedule II controlled substance with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver, speeding to elude arrest and felony hit and run. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $10,000 secured bond. His trial date was set for Jan. 8, 2018. The following charges were served on Thursday, October 12: Destiny Nicole Miller, 30, of 6195 George Hildebran Drive, in Connelly Springs, was charged with misdemeanor failure to appear or comply. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $7,166 cash bond. Her trial date was set for Oct. 25. Richard Lenoir Church Jr., 45, of 2218 Hemlock Trail, in Morganton, was charged with one felony count each of breaking or entering, kidnapping and violating a domestic violence protection order, misdemeanor second-degree trespassing and domestic criminal trespassing. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a no bond plus an additional $1,000 secured bond. Alexis Leigh Jefferies, 17, of 2330 West View Acres Ave. Ext., in Hickory, was charged with misdemeanor simple assault. She was granted a custody release and a trial date was set for Nov. 8. Ashley Nicole Cline, 17, of 318 Third St. SW, in Hildebran, was charged with misdemeanor simple assault. She was granted a custody release and a trial date was set for Nov. 8. Crystal Gail Hanes, 35, of 126 Walker Road, in Morganton, was charged with three counts of misdemeanor simple worthless checks. She was served by a criminal summons to appear for a trial date set for Oct. 31. Crawford Lionel Ellis, 49, of 212 4th Ave. SW, in Hickory, was charged with misdemeanor assault on a child under 12 years old. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $10,000 secured bond. His trial date was set for Nov. 1. Larry Shane Briggs, 47, of 104 Normandy Drive, B, in Morganton, was charged with three felony counts of failure to report change of address as required by a sex offender. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $100,000 secured bond. Cody Dean Limbo, 17, of 1393 Airport Rhodhiss Road, in Hickory, was charged with misdemeanor simple assault. He was granted a custody release and a trial date was set for Oct. 23. Joshua Paul McLamb, 32, of 3873 Laurel Heights Drive, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor breaking or entering. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $1,000 secured bond. His trial date was set for Dec. 8. Stephanie Dale Dale, 55, of 3465 US 64, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor first-degree trespassing. She was served by a criminal summons to appear for a trial date set for Dec. 11. The following charges were served on Friday, October 13: Brayan Jesus Gomez, 16, of 202 Cascade St., in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was cited and released. His trial date was set for Jan. 3, 2018. Cody Lee Lowdermilk, 22, of 1190 Lloyd Beaver Road, in Morganton, was charged with felony breaking or entering into a motor vehicle and felony larceny of property; receiving or possessing stolen goods. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $10,000 secured bond. Crystal Arleen Phillips, 34, of 1175 Newton Lane, Apt. 8, in Granite Falls, was charged with misdemeanor failure to appear or comply. She was issued a $1,000 secured bond and released. Her trial date was set for Oct. 31. Bryant Thomas Howard, 24, of 8450 Warlick Drive, in Connelly Springs, was charged with misdemeanor assault on a female. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail. His trial date was set for Oct. 24. Carolyn Rose Standifur, 32, of 5457 Rob Carswell St., in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor larceny of property. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $500 secured bond. Her trial date was set for Nov. 28. Joshua Allen Jubin, 29, of 4199 Garland Johnson Road, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor larceny of property. He was cited and released. His trial date was set for Nov. 28. Robin Deanne Cuthbertson, 35, of 109 US Highway 70 E, 21, in Hildebran, was charged with misdemeanor simple assault. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail. Her trial date was set for Oct. 30. Fred Miller Jr., 43, of 109 US Highway 70 E, 7, in Hildebran, was charged with one count each of misdemeanor assault on a female and failure to appear. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under no bond plus an additional $1,000 secured bond. His trial date was set for Oct. 30. Kendal Nichole Mull, 25, of 400 Praley St. NW, in Valdese, was charged with misdemeanor cyber stalking. She was released on a written promise to appear for a trial date set for Oct. 23. Daniel Eugene Bifield II, 47, of 2271 1st St. SE, in Hickory, was charged with felony failure to return rental property. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $100 secured bond. Kaila Leigh Hubbs, 21, of 423 Rockyford St., in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor driving during revocation. She was granted a custody release and a trial date was set for Oct. 23. The following charges were served on Saturday, October 14: Crystal Ann Spencer, 35, of 112 Calico Drive, in Nebo, was charged with two counts of felony possession of methamphetamines and three counts of misdemeanor failure to appear or comply. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $26,000 secured bond. Austin James Barnes, 21, of 8466 Ledford Ave., in Connelly Springs, was charged with misdemeanor damage or injury to real property. He was served by a criminal summons to appear for a trial date set for Oct. 25. Dalton Kristofer Hall, 20, of 7986 Wards Gap Road, in Connelly Springs, was charged with misdemeanor failure to appear. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $500 secured bond. His trial date was set for Nov. 15. Ashley Latoya Cole, 29, of 1705 Bethel Road, Lot 27, in Morganton, was charged with one count each of misdemeanor driving while impaired, driving during revocation and one way street violation. She was granted a custody release and a trial date was set for Nov. 1. Santiago Jose Cumbas, 25, of 1756 Lee Pearson Road, in Granite Falls, was charged with misdemeanor driving while impaired. He was granted a custody release and a trial date was set for Nov. 20. April Ochen Gurley, 24, of 123 Willow Run Drive, D, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor assault inflicting serious injury or with a deadly weapon. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail. Her trial date was set for Dec. 6. Aaron Sean Edwards, 46, of 2572 Ridgeview Drive, in Valdese, was charged with misdemeanor assault on a female and communicating threats. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a 48 hour hold and an additional $500 secured bond. His trial date was set for Dec. 11. The following charges were served on Sunday, October 15: Kenton Michael McCormick, 22, of 103 Sunset Drive, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor drunk, intoxicated and disruptive. He was granted a custody release and a trial date was set for Dec. 18. Marvin Keith Ritch, 48, of 6991 Berea Ave. Ext., in Connelly Springs, was charged with misdemeanor assault on a female. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail. His trial date was set for Nov. 13. David Arrex Burleson, 38, of 4316 Denton's Chapel Road, in Morganton, was charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $200,000 secured bond. Susan Jeanette Lewis, 57, of 2750 Mill Race Road, Lot 2, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor driving while impaired and driving while license revoked for DWI. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $2,000 secured bond. Her trial date was set for Jan. 29, 2018. Sammy Lee Hensley Jr., 27, of 3225 Lytle Drive, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor assault on a female and communicating threats. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail. His trial date was set for Nov. 15. Rafael Rodriguez Rodriguez, 36, of 3987 Section House Road, Lot 70, in Hickory, was charged with misdemeanor driving while license revoked. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $500 secured bond. His trial date was set for Dec. 4. The following charges were served on Monday, October 16: Scott Ray Coffey, 49, of 1301 Razors Ridge Road, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor sexual battery and assault on a female. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $3,000 secured bond. His trial date was set for Nov. 13. Sabrina Capri Whisnant, 31, of 3390 NC 181, in Morganton, was charged with two counts of misdemeanor failure to appear or comply. She was issued a $1,000 secured bond and released. Her trial date was set for Oct. 24. George Buddy Barlow, 51, of Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor second-degree trespassing. He was released on a written promise to appear for a trial date set for Nov. 16. Jonathan Andrew Bangs, 36, of 1035 S Center St., in Hickory, was charged with misdemeanor failure to appear or comply and driving during revocation. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $7,000 secured bond. His trial date was set for Nov. 1. Thomas Wojnarowski, 47, of 6730 Nobby Lail Road, 03, in Connelly Springs, was charged with misdemeanor breaking or entering and damage to personal property. He was released on a written promise to appear for a trial date set for Nov. 1. Donna Kay Freeman, 49, of 305 W Union St., B, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor simple assault. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $300 secured bond. Her trial date was set for Dec. 6. Dakota Shea Carswell, 23, of 107 Ridge St., in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor communicating threats and damage to personal property. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $2,500 secured bond. His trial date was set for Nov. 6. Tammy Annette Courtney, 41, of 4627 Fowler St., in Valdese, was charged with misdemeanor failure to appear or comply. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $1,000 secured bond. Her trial date was set for Dec. 5. Brandon Ray Beam, 40, of 5657 Morris Loop, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor failure to appear or comply. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $1,600 cash secured bond. His trial date was set for Nov. 13. Jill Elizabeth Rowell, 43, of 508 Hoyle St. SW, in Valdese, was charged with one felony count each of larceny by destroying antitheft device, larceny chose in action and possession of stolen goods. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $10,000 secured bond. Her trial date was set for Jan. 8, 2018. Charles Young, 33, of 132 Green Street Loop, in Marion, was charged with felony armed robbery. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $20,000 secured bond. Billy Joe Bowman, 35, of 4085 Snowhill Church Road, Lot D1, in Morganton, was charged with misdemeanor failure to appear or comply. He was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $30,000 secured bond. His trial date was set for Oct. 25. Madelyn Briana Isenhour, 31, of 150 Cascade Drive, in Marion, was charged with felony obtaining property by false pretense, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts of misdemeanor failure to appear or comply. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $16,000 secured bond. Amber Nicole Black, 25, of 150 Cascade Drive, in Marion, was charged with felony aid and abet obtaining property by false pretense and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. She was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $10,000 secured bond. 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 Intangible assets are the most common source of competitive edge in companies analysed by Morningstar. They include brands, intellectual property patents, proprietary technology, and are often protected by regulation. Intangibles generally create a pricing premium through brand familiarity or by meeting complex customer needs, or by limiting competition through patents or regulation. Our equity analysts attribute an intangible asset moat or competitive advantage - to approximately 500 companies, or around one third of our coverage, which towers above the 25% to which we assign a cost advantage, 20% for switching costs, 13% for efficient scale, and just 7% a network effect. Brand power occurs most often in business-to-consumer world and can be the strongest antidote to the growing threats to the large consumer brands posed by private-label and niche products. When measuring brand strength, we look for evidence of pricing power. For patents, exclusivity represents a clear competitive advantage. Investors should focus on duration, diversification, and types of patents as well as the health of the product pipeline a notable factor in the pharmaceutical industry - and disruptive threats. Proprietary technology tends to benefit firms with complex products, although innovation and expertise in sophisticated industries often lead to customer switching costs as well. Regulation stems from licenses, rights, permits, or contracts that limit competition. Regulatory oversight can be a double-edge sword, however, as it can constrain pricing power and limit the potency of an economic moat. A firm's competitive advantage is derived from more than one source, particularly when intangible assets are one of them. Among companies that have intangibles selected as a moat source, 75% of these firms have additional advantages. With the exception of the consumer and healthcare sectors, which are brand- and patent-heavy, most industries have an outsize proportion of other competitive advantages, with switching costs - particularly in industrials, financials, and technology - and cost advantages as the two most commonly shared with intangibles. Deciphering the strength of intangible assets is particularly crucial when multiple competitive advantages contribute to a firm's position. Within our global coverage, brands permeate a number of industry sectors. However, brands drive competitive advantage only if they deliver pricing power; this most frequently occurs in the consumer sector. The Key Factors for Intangible Advantages 1) Brand strength is often fairly limited by context: it is often above average in alcoholic beverages such as those made by Diageo (DGE), which are usually consumed in a social environment. 2) Pricing power is also strong where consumers have an aversion to taking a risk on an unfamiliar product. Products for which consumers employ risk aversion include baby food, pet food, and consumer health such as in products made by FTSE 100 firm Reckitt Benckiser (RB). 3) The high level of spending on marketing and research and development by the large-cap consumer firms, as well as the vast amounts of fees paid to retailers, will also prove a competitive advantage online and see off smaller rivals. 4) Arguably the greatest challenge facing consumer goods manufacturers - and the primary reason for the high level of competition among the leading players - is the finite nature of shelf space and distribution capacity in the traditional brick-and-mortar grocery channel. Category leaders tend to be in an advantaged position to gain and retain shelf space, especially in Western markets. 5) In luxury goods, new entrants come and go, but the perception of established brands can take decades to change, so their pricing power tends to be long-lasting. The most dominant firms tend to maintain longer product lifecycles while also possessing greater control of distribution, which enables the sustainability of excess returns over a longer time horizon. 5 UK Stocks With Intangible Assets Diageo (DGE) Strong intangible assets and a cost advantage are at the heart of Diageo's wide economic moat. While we believe the firm's total alcohol product portfolio is far from complete, it contains 14 of the top 100 global premium distilled spirits brands and seven of the top 20. Its presence with number-one or number-two brands in most of the major spirits categories would be difficult for a new entrant to replicate. Diageo's positioning in most of the leading categories means that its brands have high turnover of goods in bars, restaurants, and retailers, and the firm works closely with its customers to optimise product displays, promotions, and pricing at retail. We believe this is a competitive edge over less valued distillers, even one as large as Pernod Ricard. With 27% global volume market share according to Impact Databank, Diageo has greater scale than its competitors. It sold 242 million equivalent units of beverages in fiscal 2016-17, including its beer and wine portfolios, more than double that of its closest competitor, Pernod Ricard. With only a limited number of raw materials used in the spirits production process across categories and with some synergies with beer and wine, this scale gives Diageo greater pricing power in its raw material procurement than its competitors, as well as efficiency in its distribution and capacity utilisation. Reckitt Benckiser (RB) Although RB generates best-in-class margins among the large-cap food and health and personal care companies, this is more reflective of its relatively lower spending on discretionary costs such as R&D and marketing. RBs profitability and costs per employee appear to be around average for the HPC space. This gives it the financial flexibility to outmanoeuvre startup new entrants, but little in the way of a cost advantage over its large-cap competitors. Category leaders such as Reckitt tend to be in an advantaged position to gain and retain shelf space, especially in Western markets. This creates a mutually beneficial relationship with retailers and manufacturers. We believe that all of RBs 21 powerbrands fall into a leadership bracket: for example, Nurofen is the number one painkiller in the UK with a share of roughly 25% and is a close number two in Australia with a 22% share. RB is the market leader in China, with 13% share in a more fragmented market. We think RB has substantial pricing power in its consumer health and baby food franchises, which in aggregate represent 50% of the companys profits before tax. Our wide moat rating, which indicates a strong and defendable competitive advantage, is supported by RBs ability to sustain excess returns on invested capital. Unilever (ULVR) We think Unilever has a wide economic moat derived from two sources: its entrenchment in the supply chain of retailers and a cost advantage. The firms broad portfolio of products across multiple categories and supermarket aisles creates a virtuous cycle of competitive advantages, comprising intangible assets, switching costs, and cost advantages, that new entrants simply could not replicate. Unilevers portfolio spans multiple household and personal product categories as well as food and, to a lesser extent, beverages, and the firm generates nearly 60 billion in revenue. This makes Unilever one of the most important suppliers to retailers globally and differentiates it from narrow-moat competitors or companies with slim competitive advantages - with smaller product portfolios. Unilevers scale and scope help the firm achieve levels of cash flow generation that allow it to invest behind its brands and to finance the slotting fees necessary when introducing new products, an intangible asset that cannot be replicated by new entrants. Higher spending on marketing and line extensions can drive volume and category growth, and also allows Unilever time to adjust to the entrance of a new brand. British American Tobacco (BAT) There are two sources to BATs wide economic moat: intangible assets and a cost advantage. Both occur in the tobacco business and have not, yet, transferred to the companys platform of next generation products. Tobacco brands' intellectual property has created loyalty among tobacco users. British American has an impressive brand portfolio that is fairly evenly balanced across price points. Despite the advertising ban on tobacco products in many developed markets, brand identity through product differentiation and trademarks allows manufacturers to charge premium prices for their products, and cigarette brand loyalty is higher in premium segments. British Americans premium offerings, which constitute around one third of its portfolio volume, include Dunhill, Kent, Lucky Strike, and Rothmans; these offerings are growing at a rate well above the market. Regulation plays a part in securing the economic profits of the cigarette manufacturers. It is the bans on advertising that help to keep market shares stable, as it limits the ability of competitors to communicate with smokers. New product launches are tightly regulated, particularly in the US. The substantial equivalence test, imposed by the Food and Drug Administration, limits the ability of both established manufacturers and new entrants to launch new tobacco products. There is an inverse correlation between cigarette manufacturing volume and average cost of production, with economies of scale generated throughout the supply chain. Imperial Brands (IMB) Strong intangible assets at the premium end of its portfolio are at the core of Imperial Brands' wide economic moat. In addition, the company's broad platform of tobacco products, which is being extended to include e-cigarettes, gives the firm economies of scope and scale that make it difficult for new entrants to overcome. Finally, the addictive nature of tobacco products makes demand fairly price-inelastic, and with few substitute products outside the portfolios of the Big Tobacco firms, a favourable industry structure exists for the largest players in which pricing, for the most part, is rational. Despite the advertising ban on tobacco products in many developed markets, brand identity through product differentiation and trademarks allows manufacturers to charge premium prices for their products. As the fourth-largest cigarette manufacturer behind Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco, and Japan Tobacco, Imperial holds 9% of the global market (excluding China), a share that has remained organically fairly flat since 2008. It is in loose tobacco that Imperial Tobacco holds the most brand loyalty, particularly through Golden Virginia, the global leader in roll-your-own tobacco, and Rizla, the number-one paper brand, but its cigarette labels also contribute to its intangible assets. Brands Should be Measured by Financial Success Regardless of the industry, we believe there is more science than art to measuring brand strength. If a brand truly provides a competitive advantage, this should be apparent in a company's financial performance. Usually, this will be manifested in the form of pricing power, as this is the most reliable signal that economic profits will be sustained. It is important to differentiate between real brand equity and trademark familiarity from a brand owner with a larger, but ineffective, marketing budget. Our framework for measuring brand strength, therefore, focuses on the financial benefits that brands generate for their owner. Usually this is observed at the business unit level, but can also be observed at the brand level, where possible. Where brand strength is weak, competition tends to occur on price as well as product innovation. Given the highly competitive landscape, we view efforts to consistently bring new products to market as essential but recognise that any potential benefit from such investments can prove fleeting. The inability to realise sustainable gains stems from the rapid pace at which competitors can replicate innovation, making it difficult and costly to continually stand above peers. Just elevating the level of brand spending does not simply increase revenue growth. Marketing is a cost of doing business rather than a source of competitive advantage, since even value-added new products can fail if consumers do not know about them. In the latest edition of its seasonal Metropolitan Outlook, The Conference Board of Canada stated that as a whole, the Praries can look forward to net positives in terms of economic growth and real estate this year.The worst appears to be over for Saskatoon and Regina. Both cities are benefiting from a modest firming in oil, potash, and crop prices, according to Alan Arcand, associate director of the Boards Centre for Municipal Studies. Winnipegs economy is also enjoying robust growth this year.Winnipeg and Saskatoon have been forecast to experience economic growth of 3.6% each this year, while Reginas real GDP is expected to increase by 2.9% in 2017.Saskatoons construction sector will start levelling off this year after contracting in the last two years. Despite a weak local commercial real estate market, two major office towers are planned for the citys downtown core and residential permit values are starting to pick up. In all, construction output is set to rise by nearly 1% this year and a further 1.8% in 2018.The CMAs construction output is forecast to rise 0.9% in 2017, following two straight annual contractions. This years expansion is largely fuelled by ongoing work on a $1.9-billion bypass for the Trans-Canada Highway. On the residential side, a modest housing starts recovery is forecast this year, with housing starts reaching 1,860 units. However, the recovery will stall next year with starts forecast to fall back to about 1,760 units.The construction sector is receiving a lift from robust residential demand and several major ongoing non-residential projects. Meanwhile, strong output growth on the services side is being led by wholesale and retail trade and by finance, insurance, and real estate.However, Arcand cautioned that economic growth is projected to moderate in all three Prairie cities in 2018, with Winnipeg expected to experience the sharpest deceleration at 1.4%.Saskatoons gains will dial back to 2.0% next year, while Regina will see 2.1% growth in 2018.Calgary and Edmonton are forecast to be the fastest growing census metropolitan areas in Canada this year, with real GDP projected to grow by 4.6% and 3.9%, respectively.The Boards full Autumn 2017 outlook can be accessed here A group of Oklahoma college students has used their time in the spotlight to benefit those in need. Sigma Tau Gamma, a fraternity at the University of Central Oklahoma, recently posted a video of a dance routine they performed at a school event. GET OUR APP Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Download it here. Kelly Alison, daughter of Rex and Ethel Ramsower, learned a great deal from her parents when she was growing up in Plainview. Both of them were artists in their own right and encouraged her on a journey which took her to Houston, where she won acclaim as an artist. Alison recently moved home to Plainview to be with her parents and will show drawings and paintings from the past 10 years at the Abraham Art Gallery on Wayland Baptist University campus. The exhibition Kelly Alison: A Sense of Place opens on Friday, Oct. 27. The exhibition covers some of the work Alison has done for exhibits with titles like Twist of Fate, Blind Ambition and Pick Your Poison. A bit tongue-in-cheek, all the words and titles reflect a playful exterior that more or less veils a deeper meaning, Alison said. Telling a serious story in a whimsical way is something I really like to do. I also try to be brave with my process. Kellys work has been described as Neo-Expressionist, said Dr. Candace Keller, Abraham Art Gallery curator. She uses collage layers and cartoony images, random narrative and satire, which seem to speak to politics, mortality and the general predicament of man but in a fun way. Some people like to say that my work is political, but I dont think of it that way, Alison said. I think all stories about human folly attract me. I use birds, flowers with faces, little girl stick figures, spiders and upside-down people like tools in a toolbox to reflect a feeling. The new work I have done since moving back to Plainview earlier this year is all jackrabbits and tumbleweeds." In the late 70s and early 80s Alison was one of the students involved with the Lawndale Art Annex, Houstons first alternative art space, where she studied under artists such as Richard Stout, Gail Stack and James Surls. In 1985 while she was still in her 20s, she was the youngest artist to be represented in Fresh Paint: The Houston School, an exhibition which opened at the Fine Arts Museum, then traveled to the alternative space PS1 in New York. Her drawing and painting is done on a ground layer of collage elements taken from sketchbook drawings, newspapers and stream-of-consciousness doodles and writing. I can see elements of James Surls influence in the woodcut-like linear quality of the drawing, Keller said. Alison received two Art in Public Places project awards, the Lee High School Mural Project and The Wayfinder Project, sponsored by the Downtown Association and the Cultural Arts Council of Houston. Both remain on permanent display in Houston. During the 90s, Alison worked with a group called the Rubber Art Mob with Wayne Gilbert, Bill Hailey and Ramsey Telly, and had a short residency at Diverse Works with dada Net Circus. During the 90s, she exhibited at the Corpus Christi Museum in Art Caliente, the Joe Diaz Collection and the Arlington Art Museum. Her work was included in the Exhibition Houston Contemporary, curated by Christopher Zhu and Gus Kopriva, which travelled to China in 2007. Recent exhibitions include FOURTEEN (Texas Women) at the Art Car Museum in Houston, and the group invitational Museo de Arte; Trujillo, Peru. She has taught at the Art League Houston for over 10 years. Alison recently worked with the Houston Art Alliance Mayors Initiative Grant as project manager for Houston International Performance Art Biennale 2012 and 2014. Alison is executive director of Contemporary Art Museum Plainview, which opens Nov. 10. The Abraham Art Gallery exhibition Kelly Alison: A Sense of Place will open with a reception for the artist from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, open for all to attend. The exhibition will be on view in the Gallery from Oct. 27 to Dec. 7. Gallery hours are M-T 10-5, Friday 10-4 and Saturday 2-5, or by special arrangement. For information, call 806-291-3710. The Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas on Wednesday issued an order granting a motion for Clinton Lee Youngs stay of execution. Young, 34, was convicted in Midland County and had an execution scheduled for Oct. 26. The courts order states the case is remanded to the trial court after meeting requirements of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 11.071, section 5. The requirements were regarding his first allegation, in which he contends that false or misleading testimony was introduced at trial, according to the order. Young was sentenced to death in 2003 after he was convicted of the murders of Doyle Douglas and Samuel Petrey. The two were fatally shot during a 2001 crime spree. Youngs attorneys from the Office of the Federal Public Defender recently submitted an application for a writ of habeas corpus and asked the appeals court for a stay. The case will now go to the 385th Judicial District Court, according to information from the attorneys office. I am very grateful to the Criminal Court of Appeals for granting this stay and for giving me a chance to prove my innocence in court, Young said in the offices press release. The attorneys application for a writ of habeas corpus was filed in the 385th Judicial District Court on Oct. 2. The document referred to the testimony of David Lee Page, a co-defendant in the case. We are confident the court will conclude that Page lied under oath to save himself, and that our client is innocent of the crime that put him on death row, said Margo A. Rocconi, chief of the Capital Habeas Unit for Office of the Federal Public Defender, in the press release. Another claim in the application was that Young was entitled to relief under Article 11.073 because previously unavailable scientific evidence shows he did not cause the death of Samuel Petrey. The courts order states Young didnt meet the requirements of that article. DNA on a pair of gloves found near Petreys body matched Page, according to a previous Reporter-Telegram article. The gloves were recently tested and found to contain gunshot residue. Page, 35, is serving a 30-year sentence for aggravated kidnapping, according to TDCJ records. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The onslaught of fires that laid waste to huge swaths of Northern California this month reached a new level of infamy Friday when the 36,432-acre Tubbs Fire in Sonoma County became the most destructive wildfire in modern state history. The fire, which destroyed an estimated 5,300 structures, surpassed the October 1991 Tunnel Fire, which obliterated 2,900 homes and killed 25 people in the Oakland hills, as Californias most damaging fire. The latest count on the Tubbs makes it by far the most destructive fire in our states history, said Daniel Berlant, the assistant deputy director for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire. I dont think anyone going to bed that night could have imagined that wed have this kind of activity and this much destruction. Its just not the kind of perfect storm that can be anticipated. Now Playing: KTVU meteorologist Steve Paulson says rain was a big bonus for the firefighters, and today will be cooler in the 60s with much better air quality. Video: KTVU Two other fires that also broke out on Oct. 8 joined the Tubbs on the top 10 most destructive list the 54,382-acre Nuns Fire, which wiped out at least 1,200 structures in Sonoma County, is now sixth, and the 51,624-acre Atlas Fire, which ravaged at least 741 homes and wineries in Napa and Solano counties, is 10th on the Cal Fire list. The Tubbs Fire alone killed 22 of the 23 people confirmed dead in Sonoma County, making it the third deadliest wildfire in California, behind the Tunnel Fire and the 1933 Griffith Park Fire that left 29 dead in Los Angeles County. The Redwood Valley Fire, which was among the cluster of fires that broke out nearly two weeks ago, is now the 10th deadliest fire in California history. Eight people died in that fire, which destroyed 36,523 acres and 545 structures in Mendocino County. Twenty-one wind-driven fires broke out starting about 10 p.m. on Oct. 8 and spread overnight from ridge to ridge, through canyons and into neighborhoods in eight California counties. Propelled by gusts of up to 78 mph, dry air and warm temperatures, the flames spread rapidly and erratically, incinerating huge chunks of neighborhoods while sparing random houses and adjacent communities. In all, the deadly blazes wrecked about 8,400 structures, burned through more than 245,000 acres nearly 400 square miles and prompted 100,000 people to evacuate, many with only the clothes they had on. The flames were so intense, especially in the Fountaingrove and Coffey Park neighborhoods of Santa Rosa, that they produced fiery tornadoes, flipping cars, uprooting trees and ripping garage doors from their hinges. At least 42 people were killed in the deadly cluster of fires, but that number is likely to go up as recovery teams continue to sift through the smoldering rubble looking for remains. At least 37 people are unaccounted for in Sonoma County and three in Napa County. Firefighters are investigating what started the wildfires. Teams of investigators are also analyzing the behavior of the various fires and what, if anything, could have been done to prevent their level of destruction. The biggest problem in most of the fires, Berlant said, was the countless embers that were carried a half-mile to a mile in front of the flames. The embers rained down and ignited homes, which fell like dominoes, he said. Firefighters in Southern California are used to clusters of wind-driven fires at this time of year. In October 2003, Santa Ana winds fed the ruinous Cedar Fire in San Diego County, which consumed 2,820 structures and is the third most destructive fire in the state, and the Old Fire, in San Bernardino, which wiped out 1,003 buildings and is seventh on the list. But Berlant said nobody has seen anything like what just happened in Northern California, when extreme offshore gusts, known as Diablo winds, blew in at night and lit up like a blast furnace. Weve had north winds that have blown at night, but we typically dont see offshore winds in the night hours, he said, referring to winds blowing in a southwesterly direction toward the ocean. The wind is usually coming in from the ocean at night and is therefore cooler, wetter and less likely to spread fire. The fire situation in Northern California improved dramatically Thursday night and into Friday as the first rain since the fires started fell throughout the region. The fire zones of Napa and Sonoma counties received more than six-tenths of an inch of rain. The area around Santa Rosa, the city hardest hit by the disaster, got 0.68 inches, according to the National Weather Service. The much-needed precipitation boosted optimism that the devastating flames will soon be controlled. Little tears of joy dropping from the heavens. Were really, really, really, really thrilled with that, Sonoma County Sheriffs Deputy Brandon Jones said Friday morning. Rain also reached the fire zones in the Santa Cruz Mountains, with four-tenths of an inch recorded in the Boulder Creek area, where the Bear Fire sparked Monday night at a building and spread to 391 acres. The blaze injured seven firefighters, destroyed four structures and threatened about 150 homes. It was 45 percent contained Friday. All the other fires in the region were approaching full containment, meaning dirt or natural fire breaks had almost been completed around the edges of the fires. The Tubbs Fire was 94 percent contained and the Atlas Fire, which killed six people in Napa County, was 87 percent contained Friday. The Cascade Fire, which killed four people in Yuba County, was fully contained, according to Cal Fire. Fire officials predict full containment on all the fires including the Pocket and Nuns fires by Tuesday. The drum that we were beating the whole time (was that) we were fighting the weather, Jones said. It seems like we got exactly what we needed. Meanwhile, evacuees from Coffey Park were allowed to return to the Santa Rosa neighborhood Friday just as Pacific Gas and Electric Co. announced it had restored service to almost all of the nearly 400,000 customers who lost power in fire zones. Once they were allowed in, the returnees slowly circled the ruined area, surveying the wreckage. Renee Hernandez wasnt ready for the onslaught and wanted peace as she mourned the burnt-out shell of her home, where, the night before the fire, she and her children had tearfully buried their longtime pet Chihuahua, Chewee, underneath a jasmine bush that no longer exists. Were just shocked and depressed, she said. Were sifting through our lives trying to find something. We miss a lot of things. Berlant said the trick going forward is not just to throw money and resources at the problem, but to work with public agencies and politicians to improve education and planning and push for more fire safety provisions in building codes. Cal Fire plans to increase prescribed burning in the winter and initiate fuel reduction and other fire prevention projects in communities, he said. Its important because Californias warm season when fires are likely to do the most damage has increased by 75 days a year since the 1970s, according to studies by LeRoy Westerling, co-director of the Center for Climate Communication at UC Merced. Westerling and other climate scientists predict Northern California and the Sierra Nevada will have to deal with hotter, more frequent fires in the future as a result of global warming. We will never completely prevent every wildfire. They were a natural part of Californias ecosystem long before we got here, Berlant said. Its about adapting and making sure we are prepared. San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Lizzie Johnson contributed to this report. Peter Fimrite and Jenna Lyons are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com, jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @pfimrite, @JennaJourno Helping and getting help FEMA is offering assistance to fire victims. For information go to www.disasterassistance.gov or call (800) 621-3362. The Red Cross is organizing relief efforts. Evacuees trying to connect with others should post on the organizations website: www.redcross.org/safeandwell. Community volunteers who want to help with relief efforts can sign up with the Red Cross at http://tinyurl.com/RedCrossVolOctober2017. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown had a policy of kicking political candidates off city commissions the moment they entered a race. Brown, now a Chronicle columnist, recoiled at the idea that anyone would run a campaign and hold a low-level government position at the same time. His successors, Gavin Newsom and Ed Lee, also made a practice of asking their appointees to leave once they pulled candidates papers. But because the rule was never written down, it wasnt really enforced and eventually, candidates ignored the tradition. As a result, several people who are currently running for office serve on commissions, and a debate is brewing in City Hall over whether they should be allowed to keep their seats. Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who wants to resurrect and cement Browns policy, will formally ask the city attorney to draft a measure. The legislation Peskin is contemplating would force city and regional commissioners out once they decide to run for office. Among the people this law would affect are two competitors to succeed Supervisor Mark Farrell in District Two: Nick Josefowitz, who serves on the regional Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and Kat Anderson, a Recreation and Park commissioner who also works for the Pacific Media Workers Guild, which represents some Chronicle employees. Theyre in good company. Theodore Ellington, a contender to represent District 10 next year, serves on the Human Rights Commission. City College Board candidate Victor Olivieri is a Veterans Affairs commissioner, and his opponent, Angeles Roy, is an immigrant rights commissioner. I would not have permitted it, said Brown, who argued that commission posts create the appearance of a conflict of interest for candidates. Brown expressed particular concern about high-profile appointees on, say, the planning or the police commission who might vote on projects involving people who had backed their opponents. Browns policy led the former mayor to eject friend and foe alike. His appointee, Dennis Herrera, stepped down from the Police Commission because he had filed papers to run for city attorney. Once Brown issued that edict, everyone adhered to it, said Peskin, who has sparred with Brown on other things, but adamantly agrees with this rule. In most instances, people just resigned. District Eight candidate Rafael Mandelman was among those voluntary departures. He quit his appointed position at the Board of Appeals which gives final review on the approval or denial of permits, licenses and other city decisions when he ran for supervisor against Scott Wiener in 2010. I think there was an expectation that I should leave, said Mandelman, who is currently running for the same district office against appointed Supervisor Jeff Sheehy. Ellington, the human rights commissioner, said he will step down as soon as a replacement is found. Olivieri, by contrast, said he could not imagine a political situation that would compel him to leave the Veterans Affairs Commission. Im honored to serve on the commission and proud to be able to advise the mayor and Board of Supervisors on a wide variety of issues that affect the veterans in our community, he said. Peter Keane, who chairs the citys Ethics Commission, said he would support Peskins policy, but that it should be applied with discretion. Certain commissions are fairly innocuous, he said, while others present an obvious conflict. If you have someone running for office who serves on the Arts Commission, thats really different from being on the Planning Commission, which awards development contracts, Keane said. Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan Wells Fargo engaged in unfair and deceptive practices, failed to properly manage risks and hasnt set aside enough money to pay back the customers it harmed, according to a confidential report by federal regulators. The report, prepared by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency criticizes Wells Fargo for forcing hundreds of thousands of borrowers to buy unneeded auto insurance when they took out a car loan, as well as its handling of the problems once they were detected. The regulators report, sent to the bank this week, is preliminary. The report stated that Wells Fargo had most likely underestimated how much it would cost to reimburse harmed customers. And it could force the bank to curb, or at least more closely monitor, its practices across the entire company. In the comptrollers report, regulators said management at the banks auto loan unit, Wells Fargo Dealer Services, had ignored signs of problems in the business such as consumer complaints, focusing instead on sales volume and performance. The report described its management of compliance risk essentially the ability to abide by regulations and best practices as weak. It noted that Wells Fargo in 2015 had characterized the risks associated with this business as low. Wells Fargo has set aside $80 million to compensate the 570,000 customers it said were harmed by receiving auto insurance they didnt want. The comptrollers office said that the amount was inadequate and that the bank might have to pay out substantially more as additional victims were identified partly because Wells Fargos analysis of how much money it needed to set aside excluded many years when the insurance was being imposed. Catherine Pulley, a Wells Fargo spokeswoman, said in a statement that the bank had made significant changes in recent months to strengthen controls and oversight of insurers and outside vendors with which it does business. We are also working to enhance our customer care program and improve complaints resolution, she said. We will continue to work with regulators on the remediation and make improvements to our auto lending business to build a better Wells Fargo. Once the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency makes its findings formal, Wells Fargo will have time to correct the problems. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A news outlet is trying to push the idea that In-N-Out is more popular than Whataburger in Texas and Texans aren't buying it. The absurd declaration comes from Business Insider, which ranked the California burger chain as the number one fast food chain in the Lone Star State. Business Insider deleted the tweet but that didn't stop Texans from sounding off on Twitter, decrying the outlets' rankings. GOOD TASTE: Houston baby smashes Whataburger instead of cake in first birthday photo shoot Business Insider said it used data provided by Foursquare to determine the most popular food chains per location in every state. "For the study, we looked at which chains received the most visits on average in every state based on the total number of visits to each chain divided by the number of locations in that state," Business Insider wrote. TEXAS BURGERS: Here's what Texas looked like in 1950 when Whataburger started Commenters were quick to point out that Foursquare isn't as popular as it once was and probably doesn't have the most accurate data to support Business Insider's rankings. In-N-Out lists 35 restaurants in Texas, with most of them in Dallas, Forth Worth, Austin and San Antonio. Whataburger has nearly 200 locations in the Houston area alone, according to its website. The rankings are even more confusing, considering Thrillist wrote in 2014 that more people checked into Whataburger instead of In-N-Out on Foursquare. Unless Foursquare members drastically started checking in to In-N-Out more over the past three years, we're not entirely sold on Business Insider's new rankings. See how Whataburger stacks up to In-N-Out in the gallery above. The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is pawing its way back into the San Antonio market. The mobile operation has been canvassing the country at stops since 2014, and the signature pink van with the famous cartoon kitten emblazoned onto it will make its second appearance in six months at The Shops at La Cantera from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 18. Joanie Simpson woke early one morning with a terrible backache. Her chest started hurting when she turned over. Within 20 minutes, she was at a local emergency room. Soon she was being airlifted to a hospital in Houston, where physicians were preparing to receive a patient exhibiting the classic signs of a heart attack. But tests at Memorial Hermann hospital revealed something very different. Doctors instead diagnosed Simpson with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a condition with symptoms that mimic heart attacks. It usually occurs following an emotional event such as the loss of a spouse or child. That link has given the illness its more colloquial name: Broken-heart syndrome. In Simpson's case, the event that she says tipped her over the edge was the recent death of her beloved Yorkshire terrier, Meha. "I was close to inconsolable," she said. "I really took it really, really hard." Simpson's 2016 experience is described this week in the New England Journal of Medicine - not because of the dog's role, according to one of her doctors, Abhishek Maiti, but because hers was a "very concise, elegant case" of a fascinating condition that research has established as quite real and sometimes fatal. Although not the first published case linking broken-heart syndrome to stress over a pet's death, it underscores something many animal owners take as a given: That grieving for sick or deceased pets can be as gutting as grieving for humans. A growing body of research supports this notion, which was echoed in a recent study that found pet owners with chronically ill animals have higher levels of "caregiver burden," stress and anxiety. It's the flip side of evidence that links pets to health and happiness, which gets more attention. Not that people who have lost beloved animals are likely to be surprised. Simpson certainly wasn't shocked. At the time of what she calls her "episode," she'd been having a rough stretch: Her son was facing back surgery. Her son-in-law had lost his job. A property sale was proving to be complicated and lengthy. Meanwhile, 9-year-old Meha was suffering from congestive heart failure. The dog was like a daughter, Simpson said. She adored jumping into the swimming pool, and when Simpson and her husband grilled on Friday nights, Meha was given her own hamburger. "The kids were grown and out of the house, so she was our little girl," said Simpson, a 62-year-old retiree who previously worked in medical transcription. But Meha started having more bad days. By May of last year, she was ill enough that Simpson made an appointment to have her euthanized. When the day came, the dog seemed fine, and Simpson canceled the appointment. Meha died the next day, and not peacefully. "It was such a horrendous thing to have to witness," recalled Simpson. "When you're already kind of upset about other things, it's like a brick on a scale. I mean, everything just weighs on you." After the helicopter carrying Simpson landed on the roof of Memorial Hermann, she was rushed to the cardiac catheterization lab. Cardiologist Abhijeet Dhoble quickly threaded a thin tube into a blood vessel in Simpson's groin and up to her heart. The team expected X-rays to show blocked arteries, said Maiti, then an internal medicine resident. They didn't. "The artery was crystal clear. It was pristine," he said. Another artery was, too. Further tests indicated this was a case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, which is most common in postmenopausal women. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2005 is among those that confirmed that a flood of stress hormones may be able to "stun" the heart to produce spasms in otherwise healthy people. Once medications stabilized Simpson, the physicians talked to her about the stress in her life, and they told her about broken-heart syndrome. It "made complete sense," Simpson said. She was sent home after two days, and though she still takes two heart medications, she is doing fine. Simpson, who now lives about two hours northwest of San Antonio in the town of Camp Woods, only has a cat named Buster these days. She hasn't yet made the right connection with a dog, though she's sure it will happen. She is the kind of person who takes "things more to heart than a lot of people," she said, and she figures this tendency means her heart will break again, though maybe not so literally. And it will be worth it, Simpson said. "It is heartbreaking. It is traumatic. It is all of the above," Simpson said. "But you know what? They give so much love and companionship that I'll do it again. I will continue to have pets. That's not going to stop me." The painting skills of San Antonio's "La Tiny" aren't exclusive to her eyebrows the local comedienne is hosting a paint party this weekend and her fans are invited. "La Tiny," played by overnight social media star Myra Alix, is the featured subject of an event hosted by Artsy Fartsey Painting Parties on Saturday at Wonderland of the Americas, starting at 6 p.m. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate French Montana was in San Antonio with the Weeknd on Thursday and was in need of a haircut. Derrick Johnson, owner of South Crown Barber Shop, said he got a text from a random, Houston number earlier in the day saying the rapper needed a barber before his show. Johnson declined. "I said 'I'm booked, I have clients and they're my celebrities,'" Johnson told mySA.com. RELATED: TV star Mario Lopez fires back at S.A. chef, says he didn't ask for a freebie But when his scheduled clients found out, they insisted he rework his day and get to the AT&T Center. So he did. After arriving, Johnson waited two hours for the rapper until a member of his entourage broke the news French Montana had a bad day and changed his mind on getting a haircut. "I was crushed," the barber said. He asked to at least take a photo with French Montana and freshen up his beard. The rapper agreed and Johnson spent the next 30 minutes working on the job that usually only takes five. "He's very much a boss, he moves at his own pace," Johnson said, adding that he had to stop periodically while the rapper fielded questions in interviews. "He was on two phones at the same time, Facetiming with one person and talking with someone else on the other." Johnson said after he "finessed" French Montana's beard, the star looked in the mirror, was pleased and asked him to taper his sides "just a bit." That turned into "go ahead and edge me up, too," Johnson said French Montana told him. "Each step was a process, he was very particular and made me build his trust," Johnson added. "After the haircut, he said 'I completely underestimated you." Johnson ended up cutting the hair of a few members in French Montana's entourage. "Once the boss gets a cut, everyone wants a cut," he said. "It was quite the experience." Madalyn Mendoza is a digital reporter for MySA.com. Read more of her stories here.| mmendoza@mysa.com | Twitter: @MaddySkye Perhaps the little pig perusing lumber at a San Antonio construction site was working on repairing her home that the Big Bad Wolf huffed, puffed and blew away. Or maybe she just really liked chocolate chip cookies. Whatever the case, Jennifer White knew she had to help her. White, who spends her spare time rescuing dogs around town, was contacted by a friend of a friend who had spotted the pig at the job site near Judson and Lookout roads. Construction workers said the stray was "really friendly" and would respond like a dog to cookies. But she needed a home. RELATED: Photos: It looks like a small bobcat tried to go shopping at a South Texas state park This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 5 1 of 5 Jennifer White Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Jennifer White Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Jennifer White Show More Show Less 5 of 5 White wrote a Facebook post on Monday, asking for a reputable pig rescuer to help. "The response was overwhelming, to say the least," she said. "Everyone wanted this pig." White decided to go out to the site to see for herself and attempt to catch the pig. "I showed up with a leash, she freaked out and screamed bloody murder," she said. "I was chasing her around in the dark." Then, a Poteet woman named Katie Boggs reached out to White. She wanted to give the pig a "forever home" and knew how to get the job done, White said. On Thursday, the rescuers worked with the construction foreman to try catching the pig. White said the crew dropped their tools and went running after the animal, making for a hilarious photo of them dashing through the woods. Ultimately, they were able to trap her with a kennel. Gidget (that's her new name) is now in Boggs' care at Katie's Roadside Rescue. White reports Gidget has a broken leg, but is otherwise in "good spirits" and "eating everything in sight." Up next on Gidget's agenda is moving into her own, custom kennel that Boggs and White are building. In the meantime, White is responding to all the people who reached out to her and is amazed by the power of social media and pesky pig. She said people as far as Ohio were sending in questions about Gidget and wanted to make sure she didn't "end up on someone's table." "My phone has completely not stopped for the last three days, I can't even tell you how many people reached out to me," she said. "I can't believe how many people want pigs." Madalyn Mendoza is a digital reporter for MySA.com. Read more of her stories here.| mmendoza@mysa.com | Twitter: @MaddySkye Middletown police reported arrests on the following charges: BREACH OF PEACE: Denise Cordero, 27, of St. John Street, was arrested Oct. 16 and charged with breach of peace for allegedly engaging in a physical altercation. She was released on $5,000 bail and issued a court date of Oct. 24. THREATENING: Christine White, 48, of Grove Street, was arrested Oct. 18 and issued a misdemeanor summons for allegedly threatening to harm someone with a kitchen knife. She was issued a court date of Oct. 18. EVADING: Jordan Sears, 21, of Fernwood Lane, Plainfield, New Jersey, was arrested Oct. 12 and issued a misdemeanor summons for evading responsibility after he allegedly hit another car while attempting to park and leaving the scene. He was issued a court date of Oct. 20. ASSAULT: Debra Hanecak, 45, of Rapallo Avenue, was arrested Oct. 18 on an active warrant and charged with two counts of third-degree assault. Her court date was also Oct. 18. ASSAULT: Luis Krom, 22, was arrested Oct. 17 and charged with risk of injury to a child, second-degree assault and reckless endangerment for allegedly assaulting a 1-month-old child in a parked vehicle. He was held in lieu of $200,000 bail and issued a court date for the next day. ENGAGING POLICE IN PURSUIT: Shaun McMiller, 21, of Chattam Court, Portland, was arrested Oct. 18 and charged with engaging police in a pursuit, reckless driving, unlawful discharge of a firearm, four counts of failure to obey a stop sign, interfering with police, possession of less than a half-ounce of marijuana, failure to illuminate the rear license plate and reckless endangerment. He was issued a court date of the same day. BREACH OF PEACE: Iris Blye, 46, of Hotchkiss Street, was arrested Oct. 17 and issued a misdemeanor summons for breach of peace. She is accused of spitting on another woman. She was issued a court date of Oct. 19. ASSAULT: Rachell Perez, 22, of South Main Street, was arrested Oct. 18 and charged with third-degree assault for allegedly attacking a man she knew with a screw driver. She was released on $5,000 bail and issued a court date of the next day. POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA: Mary Davis, 54, of High Street, was arrested Oct. 18 and issued a misdemeanor summons for possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal attempt to possess narcotics. She was released from the scene and issued a court date of the next day. POSSESSION: Silvana Gerrish, 37, of Green Street, was arrested Oct. 18 and charged with possession of narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia. Police responded to a possible overdose and reportedly found two syringes, several wax paper bags and heroin in Gerrishs possession. She was held in lieu of $25,000 bail and issued a court date for the next day. Parents are being warned of a new social media challenge that may be potentially dangerous for kids and teenagers. The 48-hour challenge encourages kids to go missing for two full days. According to the news outlet The Independent, the goal of the challenge is to get friends and family to panic and post multiple things about the missing kids or teens. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A Brazoswood High School homecoming king's crown was allegedly discounted when some fellow students created T-shirts that read "#NotMyKing," a Facebook post alleges. Joel Mireles, 17, is a senior at Brazoswood in Clute and he told Chron.com that some fellow students "protested" his win with a T-shirt reading "#NotMyKing." According to a screenshot of the original webpage, the shirt was designed for the "protest of the bwood hoco king," which has now been altered to read "to protest the king." ---- CONTROVERSY: School Photoshops homecoming queen's hair color, apologizes Mireles' cousin Danielle Pena told Chron.com how the shirt made her angry, but Mireles handled it like a champ telling her, "It's okay, it doesn't bother me. I won! They can't take that from me." To prove just how unfazed he was, Mireles actually bought one of the T-shirts and wore it proudly, accessorized appropriately with his homecoming king crown. "Wearing the shirt was more of a statement to prove that I'm not affected by their hate," Mireles told Chron.com. AGELESS: Photo of Houston mom looking younger than her 18-year-old son goes viral Pena posted the photo on Facebook with a message about the situation and just how proud she is of her little cousin saying, "You deserved that crown, Joel. Now I'm the one who looks up to your courage. I hope one day I am not affected by the hurtful hate in people's hearts. I love you so much and I've never been so proud!" Now Playing: Two students at Largo High School shared a very special homecoming proposal with their classmates this week. Kyana Chevalier surprised her schoolmate, John Zamminer during class with a sign that read Wanna have a ball with me @ homecoming?! Video: FoxM9NJ Pena also writes on Facebook that she spoke to school officials and asked them to address the situation, but she alleges that the school's leadership never spoke to Mireles nor were there consequences for the student. Chron.com has reached out to the leadership at Brazoswood High School, Mireles and Pena for further comments, but have yet to hear back. When we hear back, the story will be updated. Update: Brazosport Superintendent Danny Massey strong denies the allegations. "We are proud of Joel and our Homecoming Queen for being selected by a popular vote of the senior class to represent Brazoswood for Homecoming two weeks ago," he wrote in an email. "We take claims of bullying seriously, and are dedicated to ensuring all our students are learning in a respectful environment." "No Brazosport ISD student has sold, wore or distributed shirts displaying the hashtag #notmyking. Brazoswood High School's Homecoming king purchased the shirt shown on social media for himself online. Joel is a great kid attending a great school and has a very bright future," he added. Mireles told Chron.com that he knows the student who created the T-shirts, but doesn't want to give a name, though he even captured a screenshot of the T-shirts being made on Snapchat. ---- "In my optinion, it's whatever. They said what they said," Mireles told Chron.com. "But for me, they [the school officials] are being lenient on the no bullying policy and they need to stop being so lenient because this had the potential to be tragic." This is among the many bullying situations that have gained the attention of the media over the years. To see other cases of bullies and their victims from previous situations, go through the photos above. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Members of the Greater East Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce received the opportunity to visit three local school districts Oct. 12 as part of their Principal for a Day event. Principal for a Day is an event organized by the Chamber for members to visit school campuses as part of Splendora ISD, New Caney ISD and Conroe ISD to see the progress and growth of the different schools and engage in stronger bonds between participants and school leaders. "We are very fortunate to have people who will step up in this Chamber," Chamber President Rick Hatcher said. The participants met back at the East Montgomery County Improvement District building along with staff members of the different school districts to share with each other what they learned about the individual campuses. "The future is very bright for our students," Conroe ISD Superintendent Dr. Don Stockton said. "We love the opportunity to partner with our chambers." Splendora ISD Superintendent Jeff Burke also commented on his school district's growth, as did New Caney ISD Superintendent Kenn Franklin. Each superintendent also discussed how the individual school districts view education for their students. "We really believe in a well-rounded student," Franklin said. The visitors to the different campuses began to discuss the different aspects of each campus they visited beginning with Montgomery County Chief Deputy Barry Welch. Welch visited Piney Woods Elementary of Splendora ISD. "[There is] very positive outreach out there," he said. Jim Carranza followed Welch and expressed his admiration for Splendora Junior High. "We hear the term 'that's our future,'" he said. "It's a cliche, but it's a cliche for a reason." A pair of visitors, Jean Kennedy and Clay Whittaker, discussed the freedom and dedication teachers have for students at Oakley Elementary of New Caney ISD. They focused on the skills the students are learning, such as how to use a 3D printer. "To know that they're learning those skills so that as they get older that's something they want to do, they already kind of have a toehold in that," Kennedy said. Whittaker said this is his first time visiting Oakley Elementary and explained how he is so impressed with the campus' dedication to students. He also expressed admiration for the positive attitudes of the students. "You can tell they're all very committed to what they [the staff] do," he said. "They [the students] want to learn. They appreciate the attention." Mark Linabury and Fred Wetz visited New Caney ISD's Porter High School and discussed how much learning has changed over the years. Linabury spent a brief moment on the school's criminal justice program. "They actually did a whole scenario for us that was very, very impressive," Linabury said. "I tell you what, I'm pretty excited about our youth today." Hatcher thanked those who participated in the Principal for a Day program and expressed his desire to see how the school districts and the East Montgomery County area will change in the future. "I am just thoroughly excited about what we're doing down in our area and the growth that we have that has taken place here," he said. Hatcher also expressed thanks to Jeff Cannon, LJA Engineering and Jason's Deli for sponsoring the event. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Update: The name of floral designer Rachel Riser was originally misspelled. It has been corrected. An artist who loses his or her home to fire feels no deeper pain than others who might experience such a shattering loss. If what is gone includes their art, however, it becomes our loss as well. Of the thousands of people displaced by North Bay fires in recent days, an uncountable number were artists. Celebrated professionals, promising novices, dedicated amateurs we find them everywhere, but places like Wine Country seem to nurture more than a fair share. Here are the stories of three of the artists who have lost their homes and work in the Wine Country Fires. Versions of these stories were published first online at SFChronicle.com. In aftermath of fire, he responded with a comic. Brian Fies sat down to a piece of drawing paper one day last week. He carefully penned at the top of the page, ON MONDAY, MY HOUSE DISAPPEARED. Coping with loss is a deeply personal thing, and anyone who experiences tragedy must find his or her own way. A route to some kind of normalcy. To someplace safe. Fies, 57, is a graphic novelist. Ive been a cartoonist all my life, he said in a telephone interview. So he did what came naturally when the home he shared with his wife, Karen, in the Santa Rosa community of Larkfield, went up in flames. He started drawing. The 18-page comic he created, A Fire Story, is published, for now, as a post on his blog. (You can see it here, http://bit.ly/2gvvxfr) It describes the couples evacuation, detailing decisions they made about what to take and where to go. It takes an ominous turn when he returns alone, bypassing police roadblocks on foot, to see how their house has fared. The sun was a dim orange disk in a salmon-gray curtain of smoke, he writes. I inhaled my neighbors lives. Turning a corner, he lets out an expletive at what he sees. I picked my way down the middle of the street to avoid smoldering debris collapsed into gutters, alone on a sterile plain. Black toothpick trees, madly tilting chimneys, and the twisted steel frames of garage doors. Hell. Fies generally likes to work with good materials 2-ply Bristol board with brushes dipped in India ink, he said in an email. A Fire Story was done under duress, much faster and rougher than I normally would. I drew it with Sharpie markers and colored highlighters on terrible pulp paper because they were the only art supplies I could find at Target, the only open store within 20 miles of home. Thats part of the point: How the comic was made reflects the circumstances it was made in. This is not the first time that Fies has dealt with difficult subject matter in his work. Some years ago, he experienced what he calls his breakthrough when his mother became ill. He began to work on a comic describing her struggle and his responses. Moms Cancer started as a Web comic drawn between 2003 and 2005, winning the industrys respected Eisner Award. It was published as a hardcover book by Harry N. Abrams in 2006, which was quickly followed by translations in German, French and Italian. When he started on the book, Karen had said, Itll be good therapy for you. Fies allows that he writes, first, for himself. But it is also a matter of bearing witness. He once worked for a small newspaper as a reporter and he still writes freelance science pieces; he thinks of himself now as a graphic journalist. Comics are the best way for me to tell these kinds of stories, he says. Its like a direct tap into the readers brain. Glass sculptor loses every single piece in Atlas Fire. Glass melts at roughly 1,400 to 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on its composition. No one knows that better than Clifford Rainey, chair of the glass program at the California College of the Arts in Oakland and a sculptor who works principally in glass. On Friday morning, Oct. 13, police allowed Rainey to briefly survey the damage for the first time after his Mount George home and studio burned in Napas Atlas Fire on Sunday. Every single piece of artwork I own (that) Ive had since college was lost, he said by telephone. He shared the property with his partner Rachel Riser, a floral designer, who also lost her studio. Three shipping containers on the property held 34 life-size figures Rainey was just finishing. There were also 30 glass works in the form of hand tools, along with the original old tools that had served as models. All melted. Born in Northern Ireland in 1948, Rainey has invested years and untold financial resources in the career now so dramatically curtailed. But his lifes work is far from all lost. He has glass sculptures in the collections of the de Young Museum; the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin; and other significant institutions. His public art commissions include the Lime Street Railway Station in Liverpool, England; the Jeddah Monument in Saudi Arabia; and the 911 Communication Center in San Francisco. Moreover, a long-term environmental art project to restore an old pumice quarry on his property with native plants was unscathed. And some young coffeeberry bushes that had not yet been replanted survived, still healthy at what was the door of his cindered home. Photographer loses studio and art, but never faith. Norma I. Quintana, 58, is an established photographer whose book Circus: A Traveling Life, published in 2014, documented the faces and the lives of a small troupe of performers who assembled from around the world to work out of the city of Hugo, Okla., population 5,310. She was getting ready to head to Puerto Rico, where her parents were born and where she spent much of her childhood, to photograph the people there whose lives were disrupted by Hurricane Maria. Instead, she experienced disaster herself when her Silverado Country Club home and studio in Napa went up in flames. She and her husband of 36 years, Sergio M. Manubens, a doctor, and two of their three children were at home Sunday night. I received a call from a dear friend (who) told us to look outside and we saw from the distance an orange glow, she reported via email. Soon, they found police officers at their door, telling them to evacuate. They would not leave until we left. The smoke was uber thick and we left with our autos ... we took the contents of our safety deposit box ... not much ... passports, etc. Then I managed to run into my studio and grab my Hasselblad ... with one lens! I just thought we would be back and never ever thought it would burn ... we had this house almost 30 years. On Monday morning, she said, We received a photograph from a mobile of a friend who snuck in to see our street and it was shocking. But I must say it has helped me prepare for what I will see with my very own eyes. She had that opportunity when police escorted her and daughter Juliana Manubens to the site. I got excited for just one second, she said by telephone. I have a lot of faith. But everything was gone: Her home. Her studio. All of her framed prints, returned from exhibitions at such venues as the galleries and museums of Pennsylvania State and American universities and the Stanford University Center for Latin American Studies. Her extensive collection of works by photographers she admires Mary Ellen Mark, Sally Mann, Graciela Iturbide and others purchased with proceeds from sales of her own pictures, is all gone. So is the collection of more than 100 vintage cameras. Her most important negatives, however, were with a master printer in Portland, Ore., and thus are safe. And, she said, she has received a lot of love and support. Friends who now live in Houston loaned her family their vacant west Napa house. Artists have reached out to me. ... The circus people have reached out to me. It has given her perspective on all the politics and nastiness of recent months. Now Ive just realized, thats kinda not important. Even the lost exhibition prints have less significance. The photographs are in me, she said. Charles Desmarais is The San Francisco Chronicles art critic. Email: cdesmarais@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Artguy1 Customs and Border Protection is returning a Kentucky man's truck, more than two years after it was seized because Border Patrol officers found five bullets in the truck's center console. In September 2015, Customs officers seized the pickup truck belonging to Gerardo Serrano after they found the bullets when he attempted to cross the border into Mexico. The agency maintained that the bullets were "munitions of war" and that transporting them to Mexico was illegal. Serrano says he simply forgot that he left the small ammunition magazine in his truck's center console. Serrano, who holds a concealed carry permit, did not have a gun or any other weapons with him at the time. Customs never officially charged Serrano with a crime. They never gave him a day in court to fight the allegations against him. But they held on to his truck anyway, under the controversial practice of civil asset forfeiture, which allows authorities to seize and in many cases keep cash and property from individuals never convicted of any crime. Supporters, including many law enforcement officers, call civil forfeiture a valuable crime fighting tool that allows authorities to deprive criminals of their ill-gotten gains. But opponents of the practice, including civil liberties groups on the left and right, say the practice is widely abused and ensnares thousands of innocent Americans each year. Serrano opted to challenge the seizure, paying a required bond of $4,000 - 10 percent of the truck's value - to do so. But two years after the initial seizure, Customs had still not granted Serrano a hearing. They were still holding on to a truck that he was making loan, registration and insurance payments on. Last month, Serrano, represented pro bono by a civil liberties law firm called the Institute for Justice, sued. He contended that the seizure was unlawful and that he was entitled to the immediate return of his truck, along with compensatory damages and an injunction to prevent the agency from seizing property in a similar fashion in the future. A representative from Customs referred The Post to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas. A spokesman for that office said they have no comment on the case at this time. On Friday, Oct. 13, without offering an explanation, Customs officials contacted Serrano's lawyers and told him that he could go pick up his truck. Accompanied by a lawyer, Serrano drove from Kentucky to Laredo, Texas, this week and picked up the truck on Thursday. "It's unbelievable! I'm elated by this," Serrano said in an interview. The truck appeared to be well cared for, with new batteries and tires, and it had been washed and waxed. It had been stored at a private impound lot owned by Apple Towing, a company that contracts with government agencies to manage seized property. "I was just surprised how much they worked on it because I believe they want me to go away," Serrano said. "And I'm not going away." Serrano's lawyers said that in cases like this, when faced with a legal challenge government agencies often decide to return seized property rather than try to defend the seizure in court. "The government is using a strategy of giving property back to defeat judicial review," said Robert Everett Johnson, a lawyer with the Institute for Justice. "Every time they get caught with their hand in the cookie jar they say 'oh, we didn't really mean it.'" In this particular case, however, Serrano is still seeking compensation for damages incurred from the loss of his truck. "I lost two years of warranty, I kept paying for my [loan] payments, my insurance, my license plate fees," he said. Customs has also not yet returned the $4,000 bond. On top of that, the Institute for Justice is also seeking a class action certification to represent other individuals who may have had property taken from them in similar situations. The federal government must file a response to Serrano's lawsuit by mid-November. "We're going to keep pressing forward with this," Johnson said, "because the government can't be allowed to evade judicial review because of a calculated strategy of giving back property when they're caught violating the Constitution." Serrano, for his part, feels a certain amount of vindication now that his truck has been returned. He said that people automatically assumed that he was guilty of a crime simply because Customs seized his truck. "It's just so un-American," he said of civil asset forfeiture. "That policy does not belong in our country." House Democrats pressed Republicans to join them in trying to obtain documents about the Trump administration's use of private email for government work, saying the White House general counsel's office refused to oblige in a meeting this week. Among the information being sought is whether top presidential advisers -- including Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law -- complied with the Presidential Records Act, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee wrote in a letter Friday. That act requires official records to be forwarded and preserved from their personal email accounts to their governmental email accounts within 20 days. In a letter Friday, Elijah Cummings of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Oversight panel, urged Chairman Trey Gowdy of South Carolina to join him in writing the White House to demand "full compliance with our bipartisan request" by Oct. 26. "If you decide not to do so, then I ask you to place this matter on the agenda for our next regularly scheduled business meeting so all committee members will have the opportunity to vote on a motion to subpoena the White House for the documents and information it is withholding from the committee," Cummings wrote. Gowdy disputed the Democrat's account, saying it's "false" because the White House has committed to follow up on the committee's request. "As recently as this morning I was on the phone with a Cabinet-level official to ensure their full compliance. We need the documents - not the drama," Gowdy said in a statement. The standoff with the White House began to boil over Monday, when White House congressional liaison Marc Short wrote a letter to Gowdy and Cummings sidestepping their earlier bipartisan request for that information. Short didn't identify "a single White House official who used a non-governmental email account, failed to identify a single non-governmental email account that was used, and failed to provide any information whatsoever about White House officials who used personal text messaging, phone-based message applications, or encrypted software for official communications," Cummings wrote. On Wednesday, Oversight panel staffers received a briefing from Stefan Passantino, and Uttam Dhillon, deputy counsels to the president, and Daniel Epstein, an associate counsel, Cummings said. "Throughout the course of this briefing, they continued to refuse to identify any White House officials who used personal email accounts, any personal email accounts they used, or any individuals who used personal text messaging,phone-based message applications, or encrypted software for official communications," he wrote. Cummings said they did disclose that several White House employees came forward and "confessed" that they failed to forward official records from their personal email accounts to their governmental email accounts within 20 days, as the Presidential Records Act requires. "However, the White House officials refused to identify these employees. When asked whether Senior Adviser to the President Jared Kushner complied with the Presidential Records Act, these White House officials replied, 'You should talk to Mr. Kushner's counsel about that,'" Cummings wrote. Cummings added, "Based on the record before us, I do not believe anyone can reasonably argue that the White House is in 'full compliance' with our document request." White House use of private email has become part of congressional probes into Russian interference in the 2016 elections, as well as whether the administration followed federal laws requiring such records be preserved. News accounts earlier this year revealed private email accounts used by the president's daughter, Ivanka Trump, and her husband, Kushner, had been used for White House business. Those revelations came after Trump made his opponent Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server and handling of classified information as secretary of State a cornerstone of his attacks on her during the 2016 presidential campaign. Kushner's lawyer, Abbe Lowell, has said his client sent fewer than 100 emails from a personal account between January and August, most of which were responses to news articles or commentary. In a few days, Christians will mark the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. It is said that on 31 October 1517, the Augustinian friar and Catholic priest, Martin Luther, nailed a list of 95 theses academic propositions he wanted to debate to the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany; a small town where he taught theology at the local university. While historians argue there is a lack of evidence for this dramatic action, it is certain that on that day Luther sent his list of theses to the Catholic Archbishop of Mainz. Sending his letter, he was provoking a public debate about some of the central tenets of the Christian faith. However, whether he intended it or not, his action was a match that sparked a series of new religious movements that flashed across Europe. But Luthers stand faithful to his conscience, intellectual convictions, interpretation of Scripture, and grounded on the highest of ideals of Christian discipleship came at a profound cost. In decades that followed, the religious unity of Western Europe was shattered as Christians broke with each other over the meaning of Christian doctrine. Sadly, warring religious parties quickly became religious warring parties. For nearly a century and a half, Europe bled as Christians fought each other in the name of God. And though military battles that marked the wars of religion ended in the 1650s, everyone from Ireland to Poland-Lithuania still remained someone elses religious enemy. For so long the story stopped there: Christian pitted against Christian in the name of the God who is love. We drew the line oftentimes at loving the Christian Other in the name of being faithful to our own communities, beliefs, and traditions. We trumpeted the exclusivity of Gods inclusive love. But, thank God, the story doesnt end there. As Christians, we are not only people of faith, we are also people of hope and charity. We trust in a God who heals and restores; we make the audacious claim that God will bring light from darkness and transform death into life. We hope in the God who knits broken people back together again. And what we profess about Gods work in us as individuals, we believe that God does for us as a community. In the last 50 year,s we have seen the restorative dimension of Gods grace at work among us. After centuries of mutual recrimination, fear, and hostility, things began to change. Human limitations and failure could not impede the Spirit of God calling us individually and corporately to conversion. For people who believe that in the beginning was the Word, we began conversations. We started to talk to each other, and not simply about each other. More importantly, we began to listen. Christians Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant found that the many areas of agreement, especially about fundamentals of the faith, far outweighed places of doctrinal difference. And once we began to speak to each other, we began to work together to advance the cause of justice: to aid the poor, the weak, and the marginal. It was the Gospel imperative that we all, as Christians, shared. Thus as we approach the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, there is much to lament in what took place between Christians in the last five centuries. There was much evil and animosity; there was much bloodshed and sin. We must acknowledge that part of our history; because it is also part of the story of our redemption. But more importantly, there is so much more for which we need to give thanks. Despite our misguided actions and frailty, our limitations and narrow-mindedness, the healing power of Gods grace always triumphs in the end. And regardless of what prompted it, we are always better, stronger, and holier for our encounter with the grace of the living God. So to my brothers and sisters in Christ heirs to the legacy of Luther and the Reformation tradition I wish you a blessed anniversary: may it be an occasion for you, and all Christians, to become more like the One whom we all profess to follow. The Rev. Jordan Lenaghan is executive director of University Religious Life at Quinnipiac University Senior U.S. defense officials defended Thursday the small team of American troops targeted in a deadly ambush earlier this month in Africa, an incident that has raised questions about why one fallen soldier was not recovered for two days. The Oct. 4 operation in Niger, now under U.S. military investigation, resulted in the deaths of four Special Forces soldiers. One was Sgt. La David Johnson, whose remains were not located until sometime Oct. 6. It's highly unusual for that much time to pass before a fallen soldier is recovered. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis suggested there were extenuating circumstances at play. "The U.S. military does not leave its troops behind, and I would just ask you not to question the actions of the troops who were caught in the firefight, and whether they did everything they could in order bring everyone out at once," Mattis said at the Pentagon. The case has become increasingly sensitive because of a dispute between President Donald Trump and Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., who accused the commander in chief of making Johnson's wife, Myeshia, cry after a phone call Tuesday evening, the day Johnson's remains returned to his home state of Florida. Wilson accused Trump of saying the fallen soldier "must have known what he signed up for," which he has vehemently denied. Johnson, 25, was a mechanic attached to a 3rd Special Forces Group team that was partnered with Nigerien forces. They unexpectedly came under attack during a morning operation that also killed Staff Sgt. Bryan Black, 35, Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson, 39, and Staff Sgt. Dustin M. Wright, 29. In a separate news briefing Thursday, Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, said it is a "myth" that U.S. troops ever stopped searching for Johnson, who was recovered after local Nigeriens spotted his remains and reported the discovery to authorities. After the ambush, additional military assets were devoted to finding Johnson, McKenzie said. He declined to provide further details. "A lot of men and a lot of women searched very hard to find him, and it took us a little while to do that," said McKenzie, director of the Pentagon's Joint Staff. "But we didn't leave him behind, and we searched until we finally found him and we brought him home." McKenzie declined to say how Johnson became separated from the rest of his unit. The situation was complicated by an ongoing firefight, he added. "More details will come out as the investigation proceeds," he said. ". . . We never left the battlefield, and we never stopped looking for him." The general declined to describe specifics of the search, citing the sensitivity of personnel-recovery operations. But either American, French or Nigerien troops, "and in some cases all three at the same time," were actively involved, he said. Recently, theres been a lot of media buzz regarding the notion that Canada has secretly become the next new "tech hub." The buzz, of course, is due -- in large part -- to the anxiety many are feeling concerning President Donald Tumps executive order on H-1B visas for foreign workers. Related: 5 Reasons Startups Should Consider Expanding to Canada Vanity Fair, in September, for instance, wrote that, "Highly skilled tech employees are absconding to Canada." Start-ups in the Canadian tech hub of Toronto say that theyve been receiving steady, double-digit increases in job applications from the United States since the 2016 election, the article said. But politics aside, Id like to express a contrarian view and not only provide my thoughts on the matter, but more importantly, make two specific points abundantly clear: For one thing, there will always be a "Silicon Valley," in California, and its not going anywhere; and there's a "Silicon Valley of the North" in Canada (Do U.S. readers even know this?). Which brings me to my second point: Canada has always been an innovative "tech hub" (and thats no secret). The True North, in fact, has a long history of being technologically innovative. O, Canada! The True North strong and free (and innovative) Over the past decade or so, Canada has proven itself a leader in technology and innovation. One only needs to look at the success Canadian tech companies like Hootsuite, FreshBooks and Shopify have had to be reminded of that fact. More importantly, Canada has a long history of individuals and companies who have demonstrated their ability to push the technological innovation barrier. From the invention of the radio, to that of the BlackBerry, to the recent advancements we've seen with blockchain (read: cryptocurrency) technology, one thing is certain: Canada has always been a place where innovation thrives. Redefining the borders of the Silicon Valley of the North Again, there will always be a Silicon Valley, but Canada is helping to grow and expand the geographical landscape of where companies and individuals can set up and operate their tech ventures. Related: 7 Companies You Probably Didn't Know Were Canadian In fact, I believe that the geographical borders of what currently defines the Silicon Valley of the North are also beginning to expand. In the province of Ontario, the Toronto-Waterloo Region Corridor (which is the basis for the "Valley" nickname) forms a 112-kilometer trail of tech innovation. This corridor even has its own website: theCorridor.ca, which is currently home to 15,000 tech companies, 200,000 tech workers and 5,200 tech startups. However, the Corridor (or California's Silicon Valley for that matter) didnt start out as a global center of talent, growth, innovation and discovery. It all started with a few companies that became successful, which then led others to say, If they can build a successful tech company here, then why cant we? For example, I started a software company in Niagara, which historically has been a blue-collar manufacturing community. But in the last five years, Clickback has grown like crazy and is currently ranked (in 2017) No. 32 in the software category on the 29th Annual Profit 500 Ranking, which is a list of Canadas Fastest-Growing Companies put out by Canadian Business. I dont say this to impress anyone, just to illustrate how if a tech company located thousands of kilometers from Silicon Valley and 132 kilometers from Waterloo, can do it, others can too. Thats my hope. I believe that others can make the same impact in, say, Niagara as BlackBerry did in Waterloo, and work toward the goal of expanding the geographical borders of the Canadian "Corridor" to soon include the Niagara Region. Conclusion In an effort to realize this vision, I recently acquired a 40,000 square foot, six-story commercial building in the downtown core of St. Catharines, Ontario (the largest city in the Niagara Region). In addition to being a new home for my company, this site will also become the first private technology and innovation accelerator in the Niagara Region. Related: How to Move to Canada and Become a Canadian Citizen In the meantime, if a few U.S. tech workers happen to come knocking on our door, and they happen to share our vision, well gladly invite them in. My two biggest takeaways for burgeoning tech entrepreneurs? Keep improving and innovating. Continue to challenge yourselves by attempting to solve big problems. Related: Regardless of What You May Think, Canada Has Always Been a Tech Hub Emprendimiento, en la agenda de Justin Trudeau en Mexico How This Immigrant Created a Successful Marketing Agency Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NEW HAVEN Two more downtown restaurants will permanently close this month, a month after their owner announced the closing of another property in the city. Chef Prasad Chirnomula said in a new release he is permanently closing Thali Too and Oaxaca Kitchen, which were open in the city for nearly 10 years and seven years, respectively. The announcement this week comes nearly one month after Chirnomula announced the closure of perhaps his most popular restaurant, Thali, which closed Sept. 30. Chirnomula said Friday hes a position where he can no longer financially support the two restaurants. He said storms such as Tropical Storm Irene and Superstorm Sandy led to damage and eventually closures for other properties in the state. He tried to remedy some of the losses by seeking loans from private banks, which he said affected his capital. Faced with financial burdens, he said he decided it was time to move on and close some of the restaurants. Oaxaca Kitchen, which served Mexican food, will close after business on Saturday, while Thali Too, an Indian restaurant, will close Oct. 29. Their closings will mean the city will no longer host a Chirnomula restaurant, which had been staples here for a decade. The combined closure of his three restaurants means about 30 to 40 people will lose their jobs. I love New Haven, Chirnomula said. New Haven has given me a big name, not only statewide but nationally. This isnt a permanent goodbye for Chirnomula, he said. He said he plans on returning to New Haven, which he called a food capital. I probably will definitely come back to New Haven with a big bang, Chirnomula said. He said hes received messages, from saddened patrons to people who are unhappy with the announcement. He said people even reached out about creating a charity event to keep Thali Too open. City Deputy Economic Development Director Steve Fontana said Friday he doesnt see the closures as part of a larger trend of restaurants leaving the city. In fact, there are additional restaurant openings scheduled for fall and winter, Fontana said. New Havens restaurant scene is very competitive. Its vibrant, its flourishing, Fontana said. Fontana said he hopes Chirnomula returns to the city someday. The city hopes the spaces left behind by the restaurant departures find new tenants, he said. Oaxaca Kitchen especially is situated in a desirable location with heavy foot traffic. Were sad and disappointed that Prasad has chosen to close his restaurants, but were glad that he started here, Fontana said. Were looking forward to him coming back with a new concept. Chirnomula said hes already received interest from landlords in New Haven about other properties. He hasnt burned any bridges here, he said, adding he has a good relationship with landlords, employees and the community at-large. Many of his former employees have already found new positions, Chirnomula said, citing restaurants are constantly being opened the city. Chirnomula said he will shift his focus on his two remaining properties, India, with locations in New Canaan and West Hartford. Those restaurants were opened in 2016. Chirnomula has been involved in the restaurant industry since 1993. He helped pioneer the establishment of Indian restaurants in Connecticut, where he opened his first restaurant in the late 1990s. Ironically, competition from other Indian restaurants affected his businesses, Chirnomula said. Im going to miss New Haven a lot. Hopefully, not for long, Chirnomula said. Earlier this month, another beloved New Haven institution, Anna Liffeys, announced it was permanently closing. Its owner said the lease had run out and renewing was not an option. The city has marketed itself a foodie destination, drawing people interested in experiencing a full array of cuisine. During the past five months, the city has introduce new restaurants downtown, including Midpoint Istanbul on Crown Street, Hunan House on Orange Street and Au Chalet on Whitney Avenue. Reach Esteban L. Hernandez at 203-680-9901. WASHINGTON (AP) Re-airing campaign allegations, President Donald Trump is pointing to an Obama era uranium deal as the "real Russia story" in contrast to a broader inquiry into Russian meddling during the 2016 election. Trump told reporters Thursday in the Oval Office that media outlets have failed to adequately cover the purchase of American uranium mines by a Russian-backed company in 2010, an issue which Democrats have dismissed as widely debunked. The agreement was reached while Hillary Clinton led the State Department and some investors in the company had relationships with former President Bill Clinton and donated to the Clinton Foundation. "That's your real Russia story. Not a story where they talk about collusion and there was none. It was a hoax. Your real Russia story is uranium," Trump said during a meeting about Puerto Rico's hurricane recovery. As he attempts to push back against the investigation led by special counsel Robert Mueller, Trump has sought to link his former Democratic presidential rival to Russia's purchase of Uranium One and accused Hillary Clinton of selling one-fifth of the nation's uranium. Democrats contend Trump is seeking to deflect from the Russia probe and his friendly rhetoric toward Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Senate Judiciary Committee has launched an investigation into a Russian nuclear bribery case after a series of stories by The Hill that showed the FBI had evidence that Russian nuclear officials were involved in fraudulent dealings in 2009 before the uranium deal was approved. During his 2016 campaign, Trump frequently cited the deal for the uranium, which is used in nuclear reactors, and has returned to the issue at rallies during his presidency. Trump tweeted about the uranium deal on Thursday morning and administration officials have sought to bring attention to the transaction, which also was explored in "Clinton Cash," a 2015 book by conservative author Peter Schweizer. Clinton's State Department, however, was one of nine U.S. government agencies that had to approve the deal and her campaign and former State department officials said she was not involved in the approval process by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or CFIUS. Clinton said in a June 2015 interview with WMUR in New Hampshire that she "was not personally involved because that wasn't something the secretary of state did." Only the president can suspend or block a transaction reviewed by CFIUS. Republicans have also pointed to some of the investors in the deal and their ties to the former president. Canadian financier Frank Giustra, a top Clinton Foundation donor, sold his company, UrAsia, to Uranium One, which was chaired by Ian Telfer, also a Clinton Foundation donor. Giustra has said he sold his stake in the deal in 2007, while Clinton and Barack Obama were vying for the Democratic presidential nomination. And PolitiFact found that the majority of the donations from individuals related to Uranium One and UrAsia were made before and during Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign before she became Secretary of State. Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, on Thursday requested the Justice Department to lift a non-disclosure agreement he said prevented a former FBI confidential informant from speaking to Congress about the handling of a criminal probe linked to the deal. Grassley said the Justice Department had threatened to prosecute the informant if he disclosed details of his involvement in the investigation. Injuries have been confirmed to two more State Department personnel stationed in Havana, bringing to 24 the number of verified cases linked to mysterious and unexplained attacks on U.S. Embassy staff in Cuba. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Friday that the new medical assessments involved incidents that happened earlier this year. "They do not reflect new attacks," she said, noting that the most recent medically confirmed case happened in late August. Nauert acknowledged also that the number of victims may grow. "Our personnel are receiving comprehensive medical evaluations and care," Nauert said. "We can't rule out additional new cases as medical professionals continue to evaluate members of the embassy community." The State Department has said Americans who worked at the embassy were targeted for attacks that began late last year and continued at least until late summer this year. The victims include diplomats, intelligence officers and their spouses. Their symptoms, sometimes verified months after the attacks, include hearing loss, balance problems and traumatic brain injuries. In some cases, the embassy personnel fell ill after hearing unusual noises, either in their residences or in hotels. That has led to speculation they may have been the victims of some form of sonic attack, but investigators have not been able to replicate it or conclusively prove it. The Cuban government, which has denied having anything to do with the injuries, has allowed FBI agents onto the island to investigate, in addition to conducting its own investigation. But neither has been able to pinpoint a cause, much less the source of it. The maladies have led to the greatest crisis in U.S.-Cuban relations since the two countries normalized their relationship in 2015 and reestablished embassies. The United States has ordered all but essential personnel to leave Havana and prohibited almost all U.S. officials from traveling there unless they are investigating the cases or doing necessary work at the embassy. Washington also has expelled more than half of the Cuban diplomats based in the United States and issued a travel warning advising Americans not to visit Cuba. President Donald Trump has suggested that he believes Cuba is responsible for what has happened to the embassy personnel. State Department officials have been more circumspect, saying Cuba has not met its requirement under the Vienna Convention to protect diplomats. Staring down the same threat of state intervention as Houston ISD, the superintendent of Dallas ISD wants to close two chronically failing campuses and convert two to charter schools, the Dallas Morning News reported. Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa told the newspaper he's planning a preemptive response to the looming possibility of the Texas Education Agency mandating school closures or replacement of the district's school board. It's a different tactic than the plans laid out to date by Houston ISD officials, who have given no indication that they want to close campuses or convert to charter schools unless forced to by the state. An elementary school in Mississippi is shedding the name of the Confederacy's only president in exchange for the nation's first black president. Jackson's Davis International Baccalaureate Elementary School will change its name to Barack Obama starting in the 2018-2019 school year, Mississippi's WJTV reported. The board of trustees voted Oct. 5 to make the decision official. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Two San Antonio school districts are offering up explanations this week on how a teacher recently arrested on charges of soliciting a minor was able to be hired - and in one case rehired - at their schools even after complaints were made against him for inappropriate behavior with students. Daniel Marcus Valdez, 37, was first the subject of a complaint by a student in 2006, when he was teaching in the San Antonio Independent School District. The student accused him of sending inappropriate emails and later told the Texas Education Agency there had been physical conduct and that the student had sent Valdez images that TEA investigators said amounted "to child pornography." Valdez resigned the day after the complaint was filed. In his resignation, he wrote that he was in violation of the employee standards of conduct. READ MORE: Records: S.A. teacher behaved inappropriately with 4 students before online solicitation arrest Now Playing: It was one of the first teacher sex scandals to gain international attention Video: People But he was rehired at SAISD in 2012. "We don't know why that was not flagged when he re-applied, but we have since reviewed our processes and procedures and have a more stringent system in place," district spokesperson Leslie Price told mySA.com. SAISD officials launched another investigation into Valdez after receiving a tip in May 2013 about the alleged 2005-2006 improper relationship. It was during that investigation that they found the complaint against him from 2006, Price said. He resigned again and the district passed along its information to the state agency, which began its own inquiry. Between his two stints at SAISD, Valdez worked in the South San Independent School District, where three more complaints were made against him. Jocelyn Durand, South San ISD Public Information Officer, said in a statement to mySA.com that administrators were not aware of the reason he resigned from SAISD in 2006. South San ISD started their own investigation on Valdez in 2011, when a student complained Valdez was sending them inappropriate text messages. The district does not have documented evidence that officials notified the TEA about the investigation, but Durand said the TEA investigation's reference to the 2011 allegations indicate the agency was aware of the accusations. Durand also said the district likely notified San Antonio ISD about the investigation in 2011. "While we are unable to locate any written document indicating South San Antonio ISD officials notified San Antonio ISD, it is common practice to make this kind of contact over the phone," Durand said. RELATED: TEA investigations into improper student-teacher relationships jumped 36 percent in past year Valdez was arrested Sept. 15 after he allegedly drove to Alice, about 125 miles south of San Antonio, to have sex with a minor. The set-up was actually a sting conducted by the Jim Wells County Sheriff's Office, who began investigating him after a girl's parents reported Valdez was harassing their daughter and sending her sexually explicit images. At the time, having resigned from SAISD a second time, he was teaching at IDEA Public Schools, though he had lost his teaching license in 2015 following the TEA investigation. Vanessa Barry, IDEA Public Schools Vice President of Marketing and Communication, previously told mySA.com the organization wasn't notified when Valdez's license was pulled but acknowledged officials missed the open investigation. She also said the district is making changes to prevent the oversight from occurring again. "While at the time of hire, his teacher certification was valid, he was under investigation by [State Board for Educator Certification] and we should have caught this red flag," Barry said in an e-mail. "Effective immediately, we are implementing an annual criminal background check and certification review to prevent situations such as this from happening again." A new law that went into effect Sept. 1, several years after the latest allegation against Valdez, requires principals to report to superintendents if a teacher is terminated or resigns after being accused of an improper relationship and increases the penalty for superintendents who don't report misconduct to the TEA. Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com Fares Sabawi is a breaking news reporter for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. fsabawi@mysa.com | Twitter: @FaresInSA The Alamo has been consistently listed as one of the most disappointing landmarks in our nation. George P. Bush on Monday, October 16th, 2017 in the Alamo Truth website funded by George P. Bushs political campaign A website intended to defend the master plan for spiffing up the Alamo says tourists remain far from wowed by the historically revered site. We paused at this specific claim in point No. 3 on the Alamo Truth site, which is funded by Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bushs political campaign: The Alamo has been consistently listed as one of the most disappointing landmarks in our nation. The point closes: It is our simple goal to improve the visitor experience for guests and all Texans, including our students. No doubt, the Alamo has ragged edges. Its old. But has it consistently been named one of the countrys most disappointing landmarks? Bush, a Republican seeking re-election in 2018, has been overseeing redevelopment of the Alamo along with the private Alamo Endowment and San Antonio city officials including Mayor Ron Nirenberg, who has said, for instance, that he favors moving the cenotaph honoring defenders who died there from its place in front of the entrance to another spot on the site. Aide: Do a Google We inquired into how Bush reached his conclusion about the Alamo as a disappointment. Brittany Eck, a General Land Office spokeswoman, initially urged us to Google the words Alamo, disappointing and landmark. Eck said: We have routinely heard feedback from people who came to the Alamo, folks saying: Is this all there is? When we ran that web search in mid-October 2017, we landed several web posts describing the shrine from the Texas Revolution in unflattering ways, though positive statements also surfaced. We noticed that three Texas stories including a May 29, 2017, post by Austin Culture Map headlined "Legendary Texas landmark dissed as worst tourist trap," keyed off a story published May 19, 2017, on the Business Insider website specifying each states worst tourist trap. Remember the Alamo? the Texas part of the tourist-trap story says. More like, spend a day at the Alamo and youll remember to never go back. The buildings remains are so small they consistently disappoint visitors. History buffs might get a kick out of it for an hour or so, the snippet closes, but looking at a picture will suffice for most. In contrast, a San Antonio Express-News rebuff of that story pointed out that as of May 2017, the Alamo, by one measure, was the most-Instagrammed Texas tourist site, far outpacing the Johnson Space Center. The Culture Map story further noted a May 8, 2017, commentary by Alyssa Morris of the Texas Architect, published by the Houston Chronicle. During an Alamo visit, Morris wrote, she noticed that few of the sites original features remained aside from its iconic chapel and long barracks. But these buildings seem curiously out of place and ignored by the high-rises and parking lots of the modern metropolis that grew up around them," Morris wrote. "I texted my co-worker: I don't get the Alamo. There's so little educational information here. It refuses to teach me about itself." In May 2015, our search showed, the Thrillist website listed the Alamo among nine disappointingly small tourist sites including Mount Rushmore, Plymouth Rock and the Mona Lisa. Its story said: The legendary last stand at the Alamo has achieved mythical status in American/Texas history, causing most people to picture the complex as a sprawling fortress. In reality, not so much at least not any more. The original part of this Catholic mission that everybody visits is pretty much an underwhelming 75ft by 62ft building. Also from our web search: Comments and ratings of the Alamo as a tourist site posted on the TripAdvisor.com website including, at the top of the comments when we peeked: Its a landmark. Its history. Its also in the middle of town and not that informative. We thought there would be more to see. Glad there are other activities in the area. Generally, still, the site says that 14,300-plus visitor reviews have led to the Alamo averaging better than a four-star rating (out of five possible stars). Our search at Ecks nudge otherwise turned up mixed comments about the Alamo on a 2007 Democratic Underground thread of comments including: I went to see it during a day pass while I was in basic training. It was one of the great disappointments of my life. Six years later, also from our search, responses on neogaf.com about disappointing sites included this post about the Alamo: Look at it for 5 seconds, then cross the street to eat overpriced tacos. So, the Alamo has proved disappointing to some visitors and to writers for a couple of online publications. Documented disappointment Following up, Eck shared an undated document she described as compiling feedback about the Alamo fielded by elected officials and others; negative articles and reviews from online publications; deeper analysis of the TripAdvisor.com ratings of the Alamo plus screenshots of negative ratings including expressions of disappointment; and negative reviews of the Alamo posted on Yelp and Facebook. For our part, we also queried Douglass McDonald, CEO of the Alamo Endowment. By email, McDonald said the Alamo is on his personal list of the most disappointing historic sites in the United States. The commercialization of this area has compromised the most important historic site in Texas, McDonald wrote. By phone, McDonald called the Alamo the most compromised significant historic site in the nation. He asked: Can you imagine having Ripleys Believe It or Not 150 feet from the front door at Mount Vernon? Or an ice cream vendor 50 feet in front of Monticello? McDonald also emailed us an undated document he described as created in response to our queries. The document presents more than 30 individual comments posted online about the Alamo from September 2016 into September 2017, all on the negative side. Per the document, one person wrote: Very crowded and underwhelming. Go to say you have, but dont expect it to be earth shattering. Another: Glad its free. Really not much to see. 20 minutes and you are done. And: We did the audio tour and it just wasn't interesting. Of course, you can't go to San Antonio without seeing The Alamo. It was disappointing. McDonald summed up: As a museum professional, all of this is disturbing, it should be disturbing to every Texan. Our ruling The campaign-funded website says: The Alamo has been consistently listed as one of the most disappointing landmarks in our nation. Were persuaded that plenty of visitors have commented on the Alamos surprising small size and how quickly a visit can pass, fueling disappointment. Of late, though, it looks like only the Business Insider and the Thrillist listed the Alamo among the nations most disappointing landmarks. On balance, we rate this claim Half True: the statement is partially accurate but leaves out important details or takes things out of context. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Texas State University police launched an investigation Friday after flyers promoting white supremacy were discovered on campus, officials said. University President Denise Trauth said in a statement the flyers were found Thursday night on university building. A tweet appears to show the flyers, one of which says: "A state absent its duty is illegitimate," and includes a website promoting white supremacy bloodandsoil.org. "Many of you know that this is not the first time an individual or individuals have placed flyers like these on our campus buildings," Trauth said. "I have made it clear that these are despicable acts and that whoever is responsible for posting these flyers does not reflect the true spirit of Texas State." RELATED: Killeen substitute teacher accused of duct-taping mouths of 10 fifth-graders White supremacist flyers have been found on campus in at least four other instances since Nov. 9, 2016, the day after Election Day. Trauth said in her Friday statement that Texas State is not alone is trying to fend off such events more than 150 universities across 30 states have reported similar incidents in the past year, she said. Kelsey Bradshaw is a digital reporter for mySA.com. Read more of her stories here.| kbradshaw@express-news.net | Twitter: @kbrad5 After hearing several shots ring out late Thursday night, police found a man with several gunshot wounds lying in an East Side street. The victim, who has not been identified, was found around 11:20 p.m. at the intersection of North New Braunfels Avenue and East Crockett Street, police said. Now Playing: Police said the driver had just gotten out of his truck about 3 a.m., Oct. 20, and was opening the gate to his business's West Side property when the suspect shot him in the chest. Video: San Antonio Express-News A 57-year-old tow truck driver was shot in the chest early Friday on the West Side. Police said the driver had just gotten out of his truck about 3 a.m. and was opening the gate to his company's property in the 3100 block of Growdon Road, when the suspect shot him in the chest. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A man allegedly shot and killed his accomplice during a robbery that went awry in San Antonio. Omar Garza, 27, who was already in the Bexar County jail on a drug charge, was charged with murder in the death of Jose Martinez Jr., 16. A man said he approached Garza and Martinez on June 5 in the 1000 block of Berlin Avenue to help them fix a flat tire "and to buy dope," according to an arrest affidavit. RELATED: Police find man fatally shot in vehicle across street from Southwest Side elementary school Garza allegedly pointed a gun at the man and demanded he give up his money. Martinez, armed with an assault rifle, was also pointing his firearm at the man, police said. The man told police he was forced into the back of his SUV, and Martinez sat next to him with his assault rifle still pointed at him, authorities said. Garza allegedly told the man "not to do anything stupid" and made a call to an unknown person saying, "we got him," the affidavit says. The man panicked and tried to exit the car and a struggle ensued as he fought with Martinez to gain control of the rifle, according to the affidavit. A gun went off and Martinez was shot, police said. The man, who was detained at the crime scene and interviewed by detectives, told police he wasn't the one who pulled the trigger. Surveillance video capture around the neighborhood reportedly showed Garza running west with the man who was robbed running behind him and shooting at him. During that chase, the man allegedly shot Garza in the leg. RELATED: 3rd teen arrested in connection with Northeast Side drug deal slaying Despite the wound, Garza was able to flee the scene by jumping into a dark-colored sedan near the intersection of south Zarzamora and Vilvid streets, according to the affidavit. Garza was picked up by police on drug charges in July and he allegedly told the arresting officer that he knew detectives were looking for him about the shooting. Garza didn't admit to the shooting, telling police "the side you're getting is not the right side," and that he was "at the wrong place at the wrong time." The man who was robbed was not able to positively identify Garza in a photo lineup, according to the affidavit. Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com Fares Sabawi is a breaking news reporter for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. fsabawi@mysa.com | Twitter: @FaresInSA Government representatives, business leaders and researchers from China and countries from Central and Eastern Europe held a working meeting in Plovdiv on Oct. 19. Government representatives, business leaders and researchers from China and countries from Central and Eastern Europe held a working meeting in the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv on Thursday. It was the third working meeting for the China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) Association of Provincial Governors under the 16+1 bloc of nations, a platform created in April 2012 by China and 16 CEEC countries. The purpose of the event is to enhance cooperation in the areas of culture and tourism, innovation and economic zones, as well as agriculture. Ye Changqing, deputy director general of China's Hebei Foreign Affairs Office, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the third working meeting for the China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) Association of Provincial Governors under the 16+1 bloc of nations in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, on Oct. 19, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] "As the eastern door of Europe, the CEEC have always been a bridge that connects the East and the West, and a bond that combines Asia and Europe," Ye Changqing, deputy director general of the Hebei Foreign Affairs Office, said at the opening ceremony on behalf of all members of the Chinese delegation. The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and the 16+1 bloc meet the needs for development of China and CEEC, Ye also said. In the past five years, the 16+1 has been more complete, the basis of which more concrete, and the prospect of which more promising, Ye said. "With such a great cooperative situation, we are all looking forward to a complete success for the Fourth Local Leaders' Meeting, which will be held in Bulgaria in 2018," Ye said. Zdravko Dimitrov, regional governor of Plovdiv Region, said the 16+1 is an integral part of the cooperation between China and Europe and contributes to the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the European Union (EU). Zdravko Dimitrov, regional governor of Plovdiv Region of Bulgaria, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the third working meeting for the China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) Association of Provincial Governors under the 16+1 bloc of nations in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, on Oct. 19, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] "Although the China-CEEC Association of Provincial Governors is the youngest format under the 16+1, we can clearly state that our intentions to build a working model of partnership with openness, inclusion and profitable results, are in place," Dimitrov said. He added that regional economic integration is a driving force in promoting liberalization and facilitating trade and investment, as well as in maintaining China-CEEC markets open to each other. Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Zhang Haizhou, who also addressed the event, said the 16+1 cooperation has become a strong driving force for the economic and social development of China and CEEC, an important auxiliary power for the Belt and Road Initiative, and an important platform of the development of China-EU relations. Did you happen to catch CNN's latest smear? Anderson Cooper's show recently featured a "two-part exclusive" that claims Donald Trump's EPA director had conspired with the CEO of a mining company to "withdraw environmental restrictions" so the company could dig "the largest open pit mine in the world in an extremely sensitive watershed in wild Alaska." The report was enough to horrify any caring person. CNN showed beautiful pictures of colorful salmon swimming in Bristol Bay, and the reporter intoned dramatically, "EPA staffers were shocked to receive this email obtained exclusively by CNN which says 'we have been directed by the administrator to withdraw restrictions' ... (P)rotection of that pristine area was being removed." No! A "pristine" area and gorgeous salmon were about to be obliterated by a mine! I would have believed it, except I happened to report on that mine a couple years ago. I knew that the real scandal was not EPA director Scott Pruitt's decision to "withdraw the restrictions"; it was what President Obama's EPA did to the company's mining proposal in the first place. Zealots at the EPA had conspired with rich environmental activists to kill the mine before its environmental impact statement could even be submitted. This was unprecedented. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform later concluded: "EPA employees had inappropriate contact with outside groups and failed to conduct an impartial, fact-based review." Now, appropriately, Pruitt undid that censorship of science. But CNN, implying devious secrecy said, "according to multiple sources, he made that decision without a briefing from any of EPA's scientists." Shocking! But Pruitt didn't require opinions from scientists. He didn't approve the mine. He didn't make a science decision. He simply followed the law and allowed a company to submit a proposal. Also, despite CNN's repeated depictions of salmon on Bristol Bay, it turns out that the proposed mine would not even be on the Bay. It would not even be 10 miles away, or 20 miles away, or even 50 miles. The proposed mine would be about 100 miles away. Did CNN mention that? No. Never. We asked CNN why. And why not point out that the mining company is just being allowed to start the EPA's long and arduous environmental review? They didn't get back to us. Of course, explaining that wouldn't fit CNN's theme: Evil Trump appointee ravages environment. Their reporter did at least speak with the mine's CEO, Tom Collier, who tried to explain. "It's not a science - it's a process decision." But the reporter, Drew Griffin, wouldn't budge. He called Collier "a guy who wants to mine gold in an area that many scientists believe will destroy one of the most pristine sockeye salmon sporting grounds in the whole world." By the way, Collier isn't an evil Republican-businessman-nature-destroyer. He's a Democrat who once ran environment policy for President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore. CNN never mentioned that either. Instead the reporter implied evil collusion: "This looks like the head of a gold mine went to a new administrator and got him to reverse what an entire department had worked on for years." Here at least the report was accurate. Obama's environmental department did try to kill that mine for years. They colluded with groups like the Natural Resources Defense Council, one of America's wealthiest environment groups. The NRDC is mostly made up of anti-progress lawyers who want no mines built anywhere. Don't believe me? I asked NRDC spokesman Bob Deans: STOSSEL: There are some mines where NRDC says, great, go ahead? DEANS: It's not up to us. STOSSEL: Are there any? DEANS: It's not up to us to green light mines... STOSSEL: Are there any you don't complain about? DEANS: Yeah, sure. So I asked him for some names. He and the NRDC still haven't provided any. If these zealots and their sycophants in the media get their way, America will become a place with no mining, no pipelines, no oil drilling, no new ... anything. The acronym used to make fun of anti-development attitudes used to be NIMBY - Not In My Back Yard. Now it's BANANA: Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anybody. John Stossel is author of "No They Can't! Why Government Fails - But Individuals Succeed." For other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www.creators.com. Thanks to a bill recently signed into law by Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown, California is now officially a sanctuary state. Big deal. If you take a close look at the actual language of SB 54, also known as the California Values Act, youll see it for what it is: a symbolic and worthless gesture intended to inflame both sides of the immigration debate without upsetting the apple cart. This law is about politics, not police work. Democrats get to fool Latinos and immigration advocates into thinking they have their back, when the truth is thats where they often stick the knife. Republicans get to advance the narrative that the opposing party is soft on immigration enforcement, when the truth is its the GOP that goes soft when that enforcement is aimed at the employers who are the root of the problem. The California measure preserves the law enforcement status quo. Although it originally intended to limit cooperation between local law enforcement agencies and the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement, there will be plenty of room for partnerships. For instance, ICE still has access to county jails, and it can still get a heads-up from local officials when someone is released from custody if that person has committed certain crimes or if ICE has a warrant. This was predictable. After all, local police chiefs and county sheriffs have to contend with something that their federal brethren get to avoid public accountability. They have no interest in allowing dangerous people to roam their streets in search of new victims. People get fired over things like that. Meanwhile, ICE is tied up in political double-talk. Acting Director Thomas Homan says the new law will keep his agents from doing their jobs. Of course, Homan is also at the moment launching a crackdown on illegal immigrants in California, a state that allows his agents to do their jobs. Think of it this way. In California, the word sanctuary is Latin for Your bus is waiting. The few modifications under the law merely roll back some of the encroachments that federal immigration agents have made on local police and sheriffs departments since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. These opposing jurisdictions are supposed to operate separately, and they have been way too cozy for way too long. Incidentally, the relationship is dysfunctional and rife with inconsistencies. On the one hand, federal agents have never respected local cops or seen them as their equals. On the other, that doesnt stop them from letting lowly local cops do their work for them, so the G-Men (and G-Women) can sit around, drink coffee and brag about their pensions. The sheriffs deputies who run the jails complained that theyll alert ICE when theyre releasing a prisoner who might be in the country illegally and that if hes a low-level offender they wont get a response. And then if that person commits a crime that draws media attention, ICE which specializes in CYA will blame the local officials. The California sanctuary law is not likely to have much of an effect. The media say that this is because fierce opposition from police and sheriffs groups forced lawmakers to negotiate and add a series of amendments that allow for some cooperation. Could be. The author of the bill is state Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, a Democrat who recently announced he is running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by fellow Democrat Dianne Feinstein. Im sure that de Leon didnt want to kick off his campaign by alienating law enforcement. But the real reason for the amendments goes back to Gov. Brown, who is pure politics and who like Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama before him has no interest in being caricatured as a Democrat who is soft on immigration. He threatened to veto the bill if he didnt get the amendments, and he won that showdown. Emphasis on show. After all, California home to Hollywood is the grand factory of make-believe. So naturally, in the sanctuary debate, the focus is on theater. And nothing is what it seems. ruben@rubennavarrette.com Aldos Ristorante Italianolocated at 8539 Fredericksburg Roadis marking its 32nd anniversary serving San Antonio award-winning classic Italian cuisine with impeccable service in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Voted both San Antonio Express News Readers Choice and Critics Choice for Longtime Favorite Restaurant, Aldos offers an ideal setting for celebrations, intimate dinners, and romantic evenings. Popular Italian-American favorites like Calamari and Veal Scaloppini are served alongside authentic Italian dishes like Salmone alla Griglia and Eggplant and Goat Cheese Involtini. Patrons agree, Aldo's is a great venue for a nice dinner with friends, or for just a couple. Atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the food is always fresh, and superbly presented. You've been severely injured in an accident caused by a negligent party, and as a result of your personal injury claim, you have recovered compensation for your damages, including for medical costs. Soon after receiving your settlement, your health insurance provider may make a claim for part of your settlement to recoup for the various medical expenses it paid on your behalf. Usually this right by the insurance company to be reimbursed for these payments is built into the contract you agreed to when you signed up for coverage. The language of these contracts will oftentimes allow the insurance company to seek repayment if your injuries were caused by a negligent third party. In the case of government-provided healthcare benefits, such as Medicaid or Medicare, reimbursement of payments are generally pursued due to provisions found in the laws that allow for these benefits to exist. In many situations, these health insurance providers will place a lien on the results of your personal injury claim or lawsuit. Before you can receive your recovery from your case, the lien placed by the insurance company has to be paid. The claim of reimbursement is through the concept of subrogation. Subrogation by definition is the act of a party stepping into the shoes of another. Subrogation allows a collateral source (in this case, an insurance company) to make any claim against a third party that the insured party could have. Insurance companies take the place of the insured party to recoup a monetary amount and relieve some of their financial costs. How Much is My Insurance Company Entitled to Receive from my Recovery? When an insurance company exercises their right to subrogation, they are entitled to recover the actual amount they paid to cover your medical costs. Although a treatment may cost $5,000, if your insurance company paid $4,500 for the treatment, you will only have to repay the insurer $4,500. There are many reasons why you should hire an attorney to handle an injury claim. One overlooked benefit is that an experienced attorney can negotiate with your insurance company on how much of your paid medical costs need to be reimbursed. In some cases, an attorney can work with the insurance company and reduce the amount that needs to be repaid. Additionally, your lawyer should be cognizant of the subrogation interests of your health insurance company and work tirelessly to maximize the recovery amount in your claim. Injured in an Accident? Call Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys If you or a loved one have been hurt in an accident, contact Thomas J. Henry today. Our experienced injury attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends to evaluate your injury claim. Subrogation rights and medical liens can be confusing and difficult to navigate. You need a lawyer that will represent you and protect your rights as an injured victim from the beginning of your case until the end and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call our law offices today to speak with an attorney and receive a free case review. Editors Note: This content is made possible by Thomas J. Henry Personal Injury Law. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of The San Antonio Express-News' or mySanAntonio.com's editorial staff. Learn more about our advertising products at www.hearstmediasanantonio.com. 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Simply type your search term into the window. For example: Chicken, Chocolate, Cookies, Potatoes, Appetizers, Dinner, Desserts, Side Dishes, etc... Luxe Provence has a new quarterly subscription - Mediterranean Gold! Give yourself, or a loved one, the ultimate year of gifts with our new Luxe Provence "Mediterranean Gold" subscription. Discover luxury brands and artisanal Mediterranean treasures featuring regional craftsmanship and handcrafted heirloom items with an eye high toward quality sourced materials and sustainable design delivered to your doorstep from the South of France. These curations will be delivered in our gold logo Luxe Provence parcels with pricing that allows us to curate higher-end "sur mesure" collections. Each season will feature 2-3 luxury items, or collection sets, tailored to your sizing and/or preferences. Upon subscription, you will receive a customization questionnaire with follow-up from our stylists and curators each delivery on sizing and style preferences, to help shape your year of surprise luxury gifts. We have the theme and a spoiler for Volume 2 of Mediterranean Gold! The theme is The Morocco Collection: Join as we cross the Mediterranean departuring from the South of France, to exotic Morocco. Morocco is a must-visit for any design-lover and we're just opening up the door for you to begin exploring. Each box will feature Virginie Darling: We have visited this dynamic country several times over the past few years to discover its rich history of traditional craftsmanship and hip design culture, visiting fine leather ateliers, upcoming designers and exploring the souks for ethnic finds. We discovered that Morocco has many talented French designers who call the country home, producing amazing on-trend designs inspired by the region's skilled craftspeople, leather workers, culturally rich patterns, architecture and vibrant colors. We have chosen an upcoming charismatic brand called Virginie Darling to be the featured designer inside our Holiday curation shipping this December. Virginie Darling produces a range of leather bags and travel accessories integrating the most supple and beautiful leathers with her, fun and vibrant creative energy. Prepare to discover on-trend collection of leather bags and travel accessories that you are sure to love... (the ultimate gift this season). Each box will feature either: The Baby Darling (valued up $300 USD): Or, Beldi Bag & Elena Clutch (valued up $300 USD): The Box: Mediterranean Gold The Cost: $700 + free shipping for two boxes, $1,350 + free shipping for four boxes The Products: :Each of our Mediterranean Gold curations, will feature 2-3 luxury items, or collection sets, made "sur mesure" for you. Upon subscription, you will receive a questionnaire and follow-up each season from our curators, designers and stylists to help tailor your surprise gift deliveries." Good to know: Volume 2 will begin shipping 12/10 2017-18 Shipping Schedule: October 21 - Nov 5th (V1: Climb Aboard) December 12 (V2: Holiday Gift Package) February 9th (V3: Valentine's Day Collection) May 20th (V4: Mediterranean Queen) Check out my Luxe Provence reviews to learn more about their original subscription box What do you think of Mediterranean Gold? Chitungwiza mayor Phillip Mutoti, who was suspended from duty last year on corruption charges, was last Friday sentenced to 12 months in jail on charges of illegally acquiring a residential stand for his then three-year-old son. However, Mutoti, an MDC-T councillor, was spared from serving a jail term after Chitungwiza magistrate Francis Mapfumo suspended four months of the sentence for five years the other eight months on condition that he performs community service. Mutoti and all Chitungwiza councillors were last year suspended by the then local government minister Saviour Kasukuwere on separate corruption charges with the government is yet to make ruling on the suspensions. However, on Friday the mayor and former housing director for Chitungwiza Kennedy Dube, were found guilty of illegal facilitating the transfer of a 200-square metre residential stand to Mutotis son, Nathan in 2015. Nathan was three years old then and not eligible to apply for a residential stand. Both men had pleaded not guilty to the charges, but Mapfumo found them guilty of criminal abuse of duty as public officers before passing the sentence. The accuseds three-year-old son was not eligible to apply for a residential stand. However, the accused told the court that the stand was given to him as part of the conditions of service (as mayor), Mapfumo said before sentencing Mutoti and Dube. He (Mutoti) later on deposited an affidavit in the application stating that he wanted to transfer the stand to his relative Patience Chibwe when he actually benefited after selling it to the same person, Mapfumo said in his ruling. It was discovered during the trial that Mutoti had misled the Chitungwiza town council by claiming that Nathan was self-employed, resulting in the son being allocated a residential stand ahead of over 7,000 other home-seekers on the councils housing list. Former Chitungwiza town clerk George Makunde was also arrested with Mutoti and Dube last year but acquitted of fraud charges by Mapfumo. NewZimbabwe Breaking News via Email WASHINGTON While heat-not-burn tobacco products are still waiting for their U.S. debut, the products have found a receptive audience oversees, Healthline reports. Recent San Diego University research indicates that such non-burning tobacco products could soon hit U.S. store shelves. Heat-not-burn tobacco products use real tobacco thats heated via a battery-powered heating element to produce an inhalable aerosol. Most of the major tobacco firms have been dabbling in heat-not-burn and other alternative tobacco products to gain ground as smoking levels continue to drop. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been evaluating IQOS, the heat-not-burn technology from Philip Morris International. The agency will make its ruling by years end on whether IQOS can be marketed as a modified risk tobacco product. Currently, heat-not-burn tobacco products are being tested in Europe and Asia, and have received a positive reception in Japan over the past three years. Meanwhile, the universitys research found strong interest in heat-not-burn tobacco products. [Google searches] are probably a stronger indicator of interest than if you just asked on a survey, said John Ayers, a lead study author and a research professor at San Diego State. Here were observing people seeking out information on the product, potentially trying to buy the product. Their research appears to indicate that heat-not-burn tobacco products could eclipse electronic cigarettes. Today, in Japan each month, there are between 6 and 7 million heat-not-burn searches on Googletwo years earlier, nearly no searches under those terms occurred at all. Ayers said this type of data has been used to predict album and movie sales too. CHICAGO NACS President and CEO Henry Armours enthusiasm and respect for the convenience industry was on full display during Thursdays General Session. Armour set the tone for a spotlight on NACS rebranding initiative, media and legislative successes and the c-store industrys leadership in communities across the globe. The world is clearly changing and theres never been a better time to rebrand, refresh and reposition the definition of convenience, Armour said. I love the versatility of our C. It can stand for customers, connections and collaboration. C can stand for choicehealthier options or more indulgent ones. Or it can stand for community. The U.S. convenience store industry serves 160 million customers per day. On average, more than half of the U.S. population is at a convenience store every day. Additionally, NACS has contributed $990 million annually to charitable organizations. And recently, NACS partnered with several leading organizations, including the American Red Cross, Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) and Keep America Beautiful, to support a healthier and cleaner America. Armour reminded retailers that in times of natural disasters, c-stores often are the first responders to our nations first responders. If ever NACS needed a sign that it was on the right track with its mission, it just had to look out the window of its corporate headquarters on the day of this years total eclipse. There, a half-moon resembled a perfect C against a dark sky. Yet despite the convenience industrys many positive contributions, some negative misperceptions remain. Trash, for example, remains a concern of many communities. Yet the concern is unfounded, Armour said. It turns out we have a positive story to tell because were already part of the solution, he said. Our customers use our trash receptacles to dispose of their trash from their cars. And most of that trash isnt even ours. Armour praised retailers for their aggressive and collective voice in representing the industry to the media and U.S. Congress. He noted a New York Times story written by its restaurant critic that praised c-store food. And he heralded the industrys legislative victories in the menu-labeling debate, SNAP regulations and swipe fees. These stories are due to you, our members, Armour said. Congress said it had heard from more retailers about swipe fees than it did from banks. Pundits said we wouldnt win because banks were more powerful and had more money, but we were victorious. Other retail channels are under attack because the internet has redefined convenience in an attempt to reduce wait times to days and hours, Armour said. However, the convenience industry is focused on giving its customers what they want, when they want it. If youre hungry, we have food now. If youre thirsty, we have drinks now, he said. We are all about focusing on the future, spurring continuous innovation, serving as the industry voice to the media and elected officials and never losing sight of the fact that what is good enough today might not be good enough tomorrow. Find the newest releases to watch from National Geographic on Disney+, including favourite documentary series and films Free Solo, The Rescue, Shark Beach with Chris Hemsworth and The World According to Jeff Goldblum. A Clonmel based family with three young children, who were on the brink of not having a roof over their heads last week, have secured a Co. Council voucher that enables them to remain in emergency B&B accommodation until they find a home to rent. Richard O'Gorman highlighted his family's plight in The Nationalist as they ran out of savings to pay for the B&B accommodation they have been living in since September 22 Clonmel Borough councillor Martin Lonergan, who has been assisting the family, said he and the O'Gormans met with Tipperary Co. Council housing officials last Thursday morning and the Council agreed to issue a 14-day voucher for the B&B they are staying in to assist the family in sourcing alternative accommodation. A Council spokesman confirmed its housing officials met with the family last week and they were issued with the B&B voucher along with a Housing Assistance Payment pack to assist them with finding private rented accommodation. He expressed the hope the family will be successful in finding a new home very soon. Mr O'Gorman said the only thing they were looking for was this B&B voucher and they have no complaint now that they have secured the voucher. "We just wanted to know that we had a roof over our heads," he said. Mr O'Gorman and his wife Usawdee and their three children aged between 6 and 18 months have been staying at a B&B since their tenancy at a private rented house in the Old Bridge in Clonmel was terminated because the premises is to be refurbished. He and his wife, who is originally from Thailand, have spent the past year looking for alternative private rental accommodation in Clonmel. But so far they have been unable to find a new home because of a shortage of rental properties in the town at the moment. And because of complications over Usawdee's visa that have now been resolved, the family only succeeded in getting on the Co. Council's housing list last month, so they face a long wait for social housing. The O'Gormans were issued with a 14-day voucher by the Co. Council and a Housing Assistance Payment pack a few weeks ago to fund emergency B&B accommodation and help them source rental accommodation. But they found it very difficult to find any B&B in the town that accepts the Council voucher. In desperation, he took out his credit union savings and a B&B that was vacant in the town took them in on September 22 when he paid them up front. The B&B owners didn't accept the Council voucher at that stage. When the owner of the B&B they are staying in was happy to take the Council voucher after getting to know the family, Mr O'Gorman approached the Council again to request a voucher but was refused. Mr O'Gorman said the uncertainty over whether they would be able to secure a voucher to continue staying in the emergency B&B accommodation when their savings ran out created great stress on the family. The family is now focusing on finding a new home to rent in Clonmel. Mr O'Gorman said they viewed a rental house in the town last Saturday and felt the landlord was "very positive" towards them. They are waiting to hear back from him. "We are just going to keep looking until we find a place. Something will come up sooner or later," he said. Cllr Lonergan said the O'Gorman's story was an example of a much bigger problem in South Tipperary in relation to the lack of council housing and lack of places where individuals and families without a home can stay until they solve their housing crisis. "We don't want to see families having to live in their cars or put onto the streets in our towns and villages," he told The Nationalist. Four Clonmel gardai were awarded national bravery awards today for their life saving heroics when they rescued a woman from a blazing car. At approximately 7p.m. on 13th July, 2012, Clonmel Gardai were alerted to a single vehicle road traffic collision on the main Clonmel to Fethard Road at Rathronan outside Clonmel. Garda Mark Holden and Garda J.P. OSullivan who were in the Clonmel Patrol Car and Garda John Hennessy and Garda Alan Hayes in the District Patrol Van immediately proceeded to the scene. On arrival, they observed that a single vehicle had collided (side impact) with a tree. The sole occupant was trapped in the vehicle and the petrol tank on the vehicle had caught fire. A large crowd had gathered and were attempting to put the fire out with water and fire extinguishers. The attending Gardai took command of the incident and made valiant efforts to free the trapped driver. The aforementioned Gardai entered the vehicle while it was ablaze, the fire now coming from the front of the vehicle. The fire was brought under control by the Gardai. At this point, efforts were made to tow the vehicle away from the tree in order to free the driver. Unfortunately, such was the extent of the impact of the vehicle with the tree that the door could not be prised open. A number of vehicles from Clonmel and Cahir Fire Departments attended the scene. Fire Brigade personnel managed to cut the vehicle and free the driver from the vehicle. On being removed from the vehicle she was unresponsive. She was then conveyed to South Tipperary General Hospital where she made a recovery. Garda Alan Hayes, Garda John Hennessy, Garda Mark Holden and Garda J.P. OSullivan were each awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate of Bravery by Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail in Farmleigh House in Dublin earlier today. Beach living appears to be treating those along the Monterey coast very well. That's because a report from National Geographic ranks the Santa Cruz-Watsonville area as the second happiest place in the entire country. Boulder, Colorado locked up the top spot with Charlottesville, Virginia nabbing the third slot. Not to be left out, three other Bay Area regions checked in on the top-25 list. The region of San Jose, Sunnyvale and Santa Clara checked in at No. 6, Salinas grabbed the No. 13 spot, and the combination of San Francisco, Oakland and Hayward settled in at No. 17, according to the report. National Geographic, author Dan Buettner and research-based company Gallup examined a number of factors financial stability, amount of time spent vacationing, civic engagement and healthy eating habits when compiling the list. "In happier places, according to Buettner, locals smile and laugh more often, socialize several hours a day, have access to green spaces, and feel that they are making purposeful progress toward achieving life goals," the report reads. Fort Worth celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Human Relations Commission on Friday at an event that drew protests highlighting the citys ongoing racial tensions. At an event in front of the Public Safety Building, Mayor Betsy Price and other city leaders said the commission has done a good job promoting racial equality. I truly believe every citizen must be heard and every citizen must be listened to, Price said. We all have our own points that we celebrate and that we bring to the table. But we must be listening." About two dozen protesters locked arms and wore red tape over their mouths to symbolize their view that the city is trying to silence them. Were here to tell the truth and the truth is that this city is not doing anything as far as improving race relations, said Rev. Michael Bell, an activist and pastor of Greater Saint Stephen First Church. The protest was organized by United Fort Worth, an activist group concerned largely with immigration laws. The group is upset that Fort Worth is only large Texas city not to challenge the new state immigration law known as SB-4. I think we have to look down deep and say are we really making progress? asked United Fort Worth leader Daniel Garcia Rodriguez. Is it really a day to celebrate? Or do we still have to keep fighting because we have an unjust representative body here in the city of Fort Worth?" Other protesters called for the firing of city leaders following the controversial arrest of an African-American woman, Jacqueline Craig, by a white police officer last year. Price has acknowledged the city has ongoing racial issues but said they are being addressed. The city formed a task force on race relations earlier this year. The panel meets regularly. When the accusations leveled against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein came to light, U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX 30th District) says she was angry and disappointed in the man who supported many of her Democratic colleagues in D.C. She also believes women bear as much responsibility for preventing sexual harassment and assault. "I grew up in a time when it was as much the woman's responsibility as it was a man's how you were dressed, what your behavior was," said Johnson, who represents Texas' 30th Congressional District. "I'm from the old school that you can have behaviors that appear to be inviting. It can be interpreted as such. That's the responsibility, I think, of the female. I think that males have a responsibility to be professional themselves." When asked if it's time to stop talking about what women are wearing and instead discuss abuses of power, the congresswoman insisted her message is meant to empower women to prevent harassment and assault. U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Dallas, is standing by her comments to NBC 5 on sexual assault and harassment in spite of public scrutiny leveled her way on Thursday. "I think we also need to start talking about the power that women have to control the situation. There's law enforcement, you can refuse to cooperate with that kind of behavior. I think that many times, men get away with this because they are allowed to get away with it by the women," Johnson said. Johnson also expressed disappointment that more women didn't come forward sooner, saying women need guidance to stand up against harassment and report it. On social media, where millions have engaged in the #MeToo campaign, some of responses blame victims of assault or harassment. "I know the impact of those words, and I know it keeps women from coming forward," said Jan Langbein, CEO of Genesis Women's Shelter & Support in Dallas. James Jansen and Tyson Doucet with the Grapevine Fire Department were named world champions at EMS World Expo in Nashville, Tennessee last week. She said questions about a victim's attire or whether a victim's behavior invited abuse contribute to a culture of silence and prevent victims from coming forward, especially if the perpetrator is in a position of power. "I think reasonable people want to try to figure out a reasonable answer for why something like this happens, and I think perhaps sometimes when we think maybe it's an ethnicity other than mine, or it's another economic group, or it's the victims problem, then maybe it won't happen to me," Langbein said. "It's a lot easier for society to blame a victim and wash our hands of it. The cure to this will be really hard work. It will be changing opinions and changing society's ideas of what power can do and not do and holding people accountable." Actress Alyssa Milano ignited the #MeToo social media movement on Oct. 15. Milano's "Charmed" co-star, Rose McGowan, is one of more than 40 women who have accused Weinstein of sexual harassment, abuse or rape. Weinstein has denied allegations of non-consensual sex. Following this report, Johnson released another statement Thursday attempting to clarify her message. That statement is below in its entirety. Police in Los Angeles have launched an investigation of Harvey Weinstein involving a possible sexual assault in 2013, authorities said Thursday. Detectives have interviewed a possible victim who recently reported she was sexually assaulted by the film mogul, police spokesman Sal Ramirez said. He said he could not answer any questions about where the incident took place or when the woman was interviewed by detectives. The Los Angeles Times reported the woman is a 38-year-old Italian actress who spoke to the newspaper on Thursday. She was not named in the story, but told the Times that Weinstein raped her after bullying his way into her hotel room. The woman's attorney, David M. Ring, planned to release further details on Friday. "My client is grateful to all the courageous women who have already come forward to finally expose Weinstein," Ring said in a statement. "These women may not have realized it, but they gave my client the support and encouragement to hold Weinstein accountable for this horrible act." Sallie Hofmeister, a representative for Weinstein, said in a statement that Weinstein can't speak to anonymous allegations. "But he unequivocally denies allegations of non-consensual sex," Hofmeister said. It's the first investigation involving Weinstein in Los Angeles. Police in New York and London are also investigating the disgraced mogul over allegations of sex abuse in those cities. Weinstein has been accused by more than three dozen women, including several top actresses including Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie. On Thursday, Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong'o added her account of misconduct by Weinstein toward her. Several of the incidents allegedly happened at hotels in Beverly Hills, which does not have an open investigation of Weinstein. He was fired from The Weinstein Co., the film company he co-founded, earlier this month after several harassment incidents were detailed in The New York Times. Additional allegations were included in a subsequent article by The New Yorker. Two of the women, including Italian actress Asia Argento, were named while the third accuser wasn't identified. Argento told the magazine that in 1997 Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on her at a hotel in France when she was 21. Weinstein, 65, has not been seen in public since last week. The Oscar winner was expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Producers Guild of America has started the process of expelling him. On Thursday, the British Film Institute rescinded an honor it conferred to Weinstein in 2002 for his contribution to British cinema. Quentin Tarantino, who has partnered with Weinstein on most of his films from "Pulp Fiction" to "The Hateful Eight" over the past 20 years, told the New York Times Thursday that he "knew enough to do more than I did." Tarantino had heard first-hand from his then-girlfriend Mira Sorvino about Weinstein and had known about a settlement reached with Rose McGowan, he told the paper. Tarantino said it was impossible that anyone who was close to Weinstein had not heard about at least one incident. "I chalked it up to a '50s-'60s era image of a boss chasing a secretary around the desk," Tarantino said. "As if that's O.K. That's the egg on my face right now." Tarantino went on to compare Hollywood's treatment of women to a "Jim Crow-like system that us males have almost tolerated." He called on other men to "vow to do better by our sisters" and not just issue statements. "What was previously accepted is now untenable to anyone of a certain consciousness," Tarantino said. Nyong'o described her encounters with Weinstein in an op-ed piece published by The New York Times on Thursday, including a 2011 incident in which she said the producer offered her a massage at his Connecticut home. Nyong'o wrote that she instead offered to give Weinstein a massage, but left when he told her he wanted to take off his pants. She described several other encounters with him over the years, including some propositions. She said she later declined an offer to appear in one of his movies. Nyong'o wrote that she had "shelved my experience with Harvey far in the recesses of my mind" but chose to speak up after reading other accounts of his behavior. "Now that we are speaking, let us never shut up about this kind of thing," Nyong'o wrote. Ten members of a Bronx-based drug-trafficking gang have been arrested for allegedly shipping thousands of pounds of marijuana valued at $22 million from California to New York, law enforcement sources say. More than 6,600 pounds of marijuana was sent from California to residences and businesses in Manhattan, the Bronx, and New Rochelle, and was then transferred to stash houses for distribution to customers and dealers, according to prosecutors. DEA, IRS, U.S. Homeland Security agents and NYPD officers made the arrests and executed a dozen search warrants on Wednesday and Thursday, prosecutors said. During the searches, agents seized three handguns, a sawed-off shotgun, ammunition, cocaine, hundreds of pounds of marijuana, and thousands of dollars in cash, according to prosecutors. Yesterdays arrests were part of 'Operation Green Giant,' a Strike Force investigation targeting an organization allegedly reaping millions off the sale of marijuana in New York City, said DEA Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt. Court appearances for the 10 people arrested will occur Thursday and early next week, prosecutors said. The accused gang members face life in prison if convicted of federal drug charges. Rosemont police said Friday they are "closing the tragic case" of 19-year-old Kenneka Jenkins, whose her body was found in a suburban hotel freezer last month. Police said in a lengthy statement they are classifying Jenkins' death as accidental, noting, "the death of any child is tragic; but the death and circumstances surrounding Ms. Jenkins are especially sad." New video and images were released by Rosemont police, along with a timeline of events, beginning with Jenkins leaving her home on Chicago's West Side at 11:30 p.m. on Sept. 8, and ending with the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office releasing an autopsy report revealing her cause of death as hypothermia and manner of death as accidental. Read Rosemont Police full timeline here Radio and 911 audio, video of the scene where Jenkins was found, surveillance footage, a FARO scan of the area, and images of Jenkins' body in the freezer were among the pieces released to the public. NBC 5 is not publishing the photos due to their graphic nature. "Our detectives reported no signs of foul play throughout the whole investigation," the statement from police notes. "There is no evidence that Ms. Jenkins was forced to drink alcohol or consume any narcotics while at the hotel. The majority of people at the party included close friends and even relatives of Ms. Jenkins." Police say "theories, rumors and much speculation floating around social media" regarding the woman's death were all investigated and "none were supported with facts." The attorneys for the family of Jenkins said police told the teens mother and sister that more information would be released to the public and the family Friday, with the exception of a few select photographs they wished to share with the family before they were released. Those photos, attorneys said, are graphic and disturbing images and inexplicably show portions of Kennekas body exposed. The photos shown to [Jenkins mother] depict how Kenneka was found after being in a freezer for more than 20 hours, attorney Sam Adam Jr. said in a statement. Attorney Larry Rogers Jr. added the photos "raise more questions about what happened to Kenneka Jenkins than they answer. Jenkins death has drawn national attention since she was found in a freezer at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Rosemont on Sept. 10. Protesters gathered outside the hotel on multiple occasions in the days since to demand more transparency in the investigation and to call on a federal investigation. Jenkins was last seen by her friends at a party on the ninth floor of the hotel in the early hours of Sept. 9 and she was reported missing later that afternoon. Surveillance footage from the hotel captured Jenkins final moments, showing the teen stumbling through the hotel and into a restricted kitchen area. But the footage does not show how Jenkins ended up in a freezer, where her body was discovered the next day. Rosemont police have released nine video clips showing Jenkins walking through the hotel in the hours before her death. She can be seen walking unsteadily through the hotels kitchen before disappearing around a corner. Jenkins died from hypothermia due to cold exposure in a walk-in freezer and alcohol and topiramate intoxication were significant contributing factors, the Cook County Medical Examiners office said. No sign of any date rape drugs were found after toxicology tests, the office said. Jenkins family has continued to press for answers on how the teen got into the freezer. Adam said numerous requests for all videos and photos showing Jenkins going into the freezer on her own have not been forthcoming. A series of police reports were released last week in the investigation, but attorney for the Jenkins family said more information was expected to be released by police Friday. What to Know Radee Labeeb Prince, 37, was arraigned on attempted murder & weapons charges in Delaware Thursday morning. Bail was set at $2.1 million. Prince shot five co-workers, killing three, at a Maryland granite company, then drove to Wilmington and shot a car dealer, police said. The motive for Prince's rampage has not been revealed. He was prohibited from possessing a gun. A Delaware judge has ordered the man accused of killing three people and wounding three others during a two-state shooting spree to remain jailed on $2.1 million cash bail. Radee Labeeb Prince was arraigned via video in Delaware Thursday morning on attempted murder and three weapons charges. Prince was prohibited from possessing a gun after being found guilty of third-degree burglary in New Castle County, Delaware, in 2003, police said in court documents obtained by NBC10. A preliminary hearing was set for Oct. 31. It's unclear when Prince will be sent back to Maryland to face possible murder charges. The 37-year-old shot five co-workers at a kitchen countertop company in Maryland Wednesday morning before driving to Wilmington, Delaware, and opening fire on a man with whom he had "beefs" in the past, wounding him, police said. The shooting rampage set off a multi-state manhunt. Police cruisers were stationed in medians along the Interstate 95 Northeast corridor, and overhead highway signs displayed a description of Prince's sport utility vehicle and its Delaware license plate. The FBI assisted state and local authorities in the manhunt. Prince was arrested by ATF agents Wednesday night after his unoccupied getaway vehicle was found next to Glasgow High School in Newark, Delaware. Police say Prince was spotted by a witness leaving the vehicle and walking toward the high school. The witness then contacted law enforcement. Prince was spotted walking nearby and taken into custody by the three ATF agents after a brief foot chase, police said. During the chase, Prince allegedly discarded a .380 firearm which was later recovered by police, according to Wilmington Police Chief Robert J. Tracy. No one was hurt during the arrest. "A coordinated effort brought this to a very successful conclusion on a very, very bad day," Chief Tracy said. The rampage began at about 9 a.m. Wednesday when Prince reportedly walked into Advanced Granite Solutions, which designs and installs countertops, and opened fire on is co-workers. Barak Caba, the company's owner, told the Associated Press that Prince worked there as a machine operator for the past four months. He was scheduled to work Wednesday. Five staffers were hit. Three were killed, police said. The two victims who survived were left in critical condition. The sheriff's office said Wednesday night on its Facebook page that the people who died were Bayarsaikhan Tudev, 53, of Virginia; Jose Hidalgo Romero, 34, of Aberdeen, Maryland, and Enis Mrvoljak, 48, of Dundalk, Maryland. The company set up the Edgewood Donations fund to support the victims families. Prince then sped 51 miles north in his black 2008 GMC Acadia to Wilmington where he confronted an acquaintance, Jason Baul, investigators said. Baul was working at his used car dealership, 28th Street Auto Sales and Service, along the 2800 block of Governor Printz Boulevard when Prince shot him twice around 10:30 a.m., police said. Prince shot Baul in the head and body, but Baul is expected to survive, police said. Prince's SUV was still near the second shooting scene when Wilmington police arrived. Baul pointed out the SUV to police but Prince sped away before police could chase him, Tracy said. The motive for both shootings remains unclear, though Tracy said Prince "knew the people he wanted to shoot." "How do you get into a mind of a person that's capable of shooting five people that are coworkers? What gets in his mind? What precipitated that? It's tough to rationalize," Tracy said during a Wednesday night news conference following Prince's arrest. Co-workers said Prince kept to himself and barely talked. They remain baffled by the killings and say there were no signs of any issues. Four workers at the company said they were only feet away as Prince opened fire and killed their three co-workers. "They were all family," said Ibrahim Kucuk, a manager at Advanced Granite Solutions. "We've been working together for a long time. It's just tragic." Friends and relatives of Baul said they don't recognize Prince and didnt know why he allegedly targeted Baul. Investigators, however, said they believe Prince targeted Baul because of a previous issue related to a criminal case. The Baltimore Sun reports, citing court documents, that Prince has had problems with employers before. He was fired from a job earlier this year after he allegedly punched a co-worker in the face and threatened other staffers, the Sun reported. The assaulted co-worker tried to get a restraining order against Prince in February, but a Harford County District Court judge denied the order, saying the case didn't meet the required burden of proof. Real estate records link Prince to a home along the 500 block of Kiamensi Road in Wilmington. Margaret Melton, a woman who resides at the home, told NBC10 that Prince didn't "officially" live at the Wilmington address, but stayed there "on and off when he had issues." "He lives in Maryland," Melton said. Court records show he most recently lived in Elkton, Maryland. Another neighbor, who did not want to be identified, said she knows Prince's family. "That boy had a good upbringing," she said. "It wasn't like he was a madman or he was a crazed maniac, because he wasn't." [NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More Prince faced several gun charges in March 2015 in Cecil County, including being a felon in possession of a firearm and carrying a handgun in vehicle. However, the charges were dropped about three months later. It's not clear why. Wilmington police said Prince was arrested 42 times in Delaware alone and had 15 felony convictions there. In King County, Washington, in 2014, he was cited for leaving the scene of an accident and driving with a suspended license. Court records also showed that he was required to undergo drug and alcoholism counseling at the time.Prince racked up four traffic citations in King County in 2012 and 2013, mostly for speeding. "If there's violent people that are causing carnage in the community and have some violent crimes, we've gotta find a way to keep them behind bars, so they can't go out and re-offend," Tracy said. The FBI says they are treating the case as workplace violence and don't see ties to terrorism. A South Jersey community is dealing with increased racial tensions after a week of hateful messages, a fight in a school hallway and a daylong sit-in. Some parents and students say Washington Township High School gets a failing grade when it comes to race issues. The Sewell school held an emergency gathering drawing about 300 people Thursday night to address parents concerns and address how to move ahead from tensions. Anger over racist group text messages boiled over earlier this week into a fight in the hallways of the school. Several students were punished for the brawl, video of which landed on social media. Administrators say some kids were taking matters into their own hands after identifying a classmate texting racial slurs. The texting student made racially-insensitive comments and threatened bringing back the KKK, classmate Amirah Collins said. Collins joined about 100 other students in taking part in a peaceful sit-in protest Thursday, not attending classes. "I was offended and I felt sick to my stomach that my township is resulting in this kind of behavior so strongly and so openly," student Autumn Ellis said. The school called it a wake-up call, organizing the meeting. "I commend those students who chose to peacefully protest and to articulate their concerns to school leaders," Washington Township Superintendent of Schools Joe Bollendorf said in a statement. "It was important for us to allow students the ability to express themselves and feel that their concerns are being heard and will be addressed." There was an increased presence of police at the high school as rumors of other threats of violence were unfounded Thursday but parents remained uneasy. "My daughter does not want to return to that school and this is her senior year," parent Sheri Johnson said. "I don't feel safe, I don't feel comfortable, I cant be at work nervous if my child is going to be OK tomorrow." No one was seriously physically hurt in the fight. Police decided to not charge anyone. Instead, the school suspended the students involved in the fight and the initial texts. "We want to assure our community that those students involved in these incidents have been dealt with swiftly and vigorously," Bollendorf said. "Under no circumstance will hatred, racism, bigotry or violence be tolerated in any of our schools." The school opened without incident Friday morning. "We hope to use this negative, unfortunate and intolerable incident to challenge our students and staff to embrace and promote a school culture that is one that better reflects the values of our district and community," Bollendorf said. It's unclear why police searched a Londonderry, New Hampshire, home in connection to the 2015 murder of a Union Leader advertising salesperson. The mystery of who killed Denise Robert has baffled investigators for more than two years, and the crime has haunted her family. "I was thinking the case would probably go cold," the victim's brother, Tom Robert, said. Investigators are hoping answers could come from a home on Kendall Pond Road. A search warrant was executed there on Thursday. Investigators won't say what they were looking for or why they were there. The New Hampshire Attorney General would only say that the search is connected to the ongoing investigation into the 2015 murder of Denise Robert. Her brother says this new search gives the family hope. "It was probably the best news that I've heard from the case thus far, and we're two years into it," Robert said. Robert's sister was shot and killed in 2015 while on a walk in a Manchester neighborhood. There were few clues from the very start. Robert says he knows nothing about the property or who lives there. A woman who answered the phone at the home Thursday night told NBC Boston "we've done nothing wrong" and hung up. The Robert family wants justice for the 62-year-old, and they hope Thursday's developments may hold the right clue. "We just hope the Lord's taking care of her and we'll see her again someday," said Robert. Investigators removed bags of evidence from the home, but they have not said what they found. No suspects have been named in the case. Prison fellowship fundraising lunch in Sheringham Prison Fellowship is a national charity which supports prisoners in the UK with a restorative justice and victim awareness programme called Sycamore Tree. The charity also supports families with its Angel Tree scheme, whereby the children of prisoners receive a Christmas present from their parent(s) in prison, and on Mothers Day a gift is sent to the mothers of young offenders. Regional prayer groups meet regularly for prayer to support local prisons and help with bible studies and chapel services, and to volunteer with the chaplaincy in a wide variety of ways. The Cromer & Sheringham group supports Norwich Prison (right) and Bure Prison and is actively involved in both, with three volunteers who regularly visit prisoners as Prison Visitors and two who are letter-writers to prisoners. The group meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month for prayer. They are holding a Soup and Dessert event from 11.30am to 2pm on Saturday November 25 at St Andrews Methodist Church Hall in Sheringham. This event will raise funds for the Spurgeons Childcare, which supports families of prisoners in East Anglia by providing help for families on visiting days, and Storybook-Dads CDs to prisoners children. Homemade soup, dessert and tea/coffee will be served. This is a free event but donations will be welcome. St Andrews Methodist Church is on Cromer Road in Sheringham; NR26 8SA. 170,000 children have either one or both parents in prison, with many of those children eventually going go on to serve prison sentences themselves, so anything that helps to keep the parent/child relationship together is very beneficial. More information about Prison Fellowship can be found at www.prisonfellowship.org.uk Enquiries about the Cromer and Sheringham group can be referred to Josie Greenfield at rcgreenfield@greenbee.net Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in North Norfolk? 'There is no evidence of a need for glamping in North Hampshire' A DECISION on whether to approve or refuse a controversial planning application for a glamping site in Baughurst has been postponed. At a recent meeting of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, members opted to defer the decision to enable councillors to visit the site. The proposal is for an adult-only glamping site, with a mixture of six pods and living vans, which can all accommodate two adults. The landowner, Alan Gibbs, has already adjusted the proposals, following a number of concerns and objections. One of the main changes is that the proposed site managers accommodation will no longer be included in the plan. Instead of a 24-hour on-site presence, it is proposed that Mr Gibbs is at the site during the day, but not overnight. Councillor for Popley East, David Potter, said: My inclination is to support this application and Ill say that openly and in public. But we might benefit from seeing this and Im surprised in some ways that we havent already been there. The Baughurst and Tadley North Conservative cabinet member, Robert Tate, said: There is no evidence of a need for glamping in North Hampshire. Frankly, the requirement for glamping is normally for those people in the north of England in particular in outward bound areas. They are an upmarket tent, fundamentally. I dont perceive, having used glamping sites, the type of people who might use a glamping site would be those who would be natural attendees of the Wellington [Arms pub in Baughurst]. This site doesnt offer anything to the community, in terms of employment, it doesnt offer any opportunity for economic growth, theres no perceived need. If there was a need for glamping sites there would be glamping sites. As there are none, there is no need. The decision was deferred until the November meeting. Altarpiece of Saint Nicolas, by the Master of the Legend of Saint Lucy (active ca. 1480-1510 in Bruges). I recently learned that last year, the Congregation for Divine Worship approved a request of the Italian Bishops Conference to make the memorial of St Nicholas obligatory in Italy ; on the General Calendar of the OF it remains at the lowest grade of feasts, optional memorial, on his traditional day, December 6th. As Fr Hunwicke pointed out , with his great talent for witty expressions, St Nicholas has as large a portfolio of Patronages as a Renaissance cardinal, and there are of course plenty of places and ecclesiastical institutions where his feast is kept with a higher degree of solemnity as that of a patron.In a circular letter to the Italian bishops, the head of the Conference, Angelo Card. Bagnasco, the Archbishop of Genua, highlighted not only the strength of devotion to St Nicholas among Italians, who boast the possession of his major relics in the city of Bari in Puglia, but also the ecumenical importance of this devotion. His feast is extremely prominent in the Byzantine tradition, as evidenced by the popularity of his name among the Greeks and Slavs. (In the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding, there is a scene in which the groom is introduced to his Greek fiancees family, including ten cousins named Nick and one Nicky.) He is named in the preparation rite of the Divine Liturgy, alongside such Doctors of the Church as Ss Basil the Great, Gregory of Nazianzus, John Chrysostom, Athanasius and Cyril. The Russians traditionally honor him as a patron of the nation alongside St Andrew the Apostle, and prior to the 1917 revolution, the imperial government maintained a pilgrim hospice at Bari. On Thursdays, there is a special commemoration of him alongside the Apostles when there is no major feast to celebrate, roughly the equivalent of the Roman Saturday office of the Virgin, and the translation of his relics is celebrated on May 10th.In the beautiful Byzantine custom of giving distinctive epithets to the more important Saints, that of St Nicholas is thaumatourgos wonderworker. The liturgy refers to this repeatedly, as for example this text from the beginning of Orthros: Thou shinest forth upon the earth with the rays of miracles, wise Nicholas, and movest every tongue to the glory and praise of Him who glorified Thee upon the earth; do Thou, elect among the Fathers, beseech Him, that those who honor thy memory with love and faith may be delievered from every pain.The traditional Roman Collect for his feast also refers to this tradition: O God, Who didst glorify the blessed Bishop Nicholas with innumerable miracles; grant, we beseech Thee, that, by his merits and prayers, we may be saved from the fires of hell. In the post-conciliar reform, it was determined that Modern Man is better off not hearing about miracles or hell when at prayer, and a shiny new Collect was put in the Missal to replace the dusty old one: We humbly beseech Thy mercy, o Lord, and, by the intervention of the blessed bishop Nicholas prayer, keep us safe in all dangers, that the way of salvation may lie freely open to us. It often seems to me that the ecumenical implications of such reforms were hardly considered, back when this sort of thing seemed like a good idea; and likewise, that we should give more attention to the ecumenical implications of Pope Benedicts achievement in giving the traditional texts back to the Church by the motu proprio. It is much to be hoped for that this decree will be made general for the whole Roman Rite. Portsmouth, Middletown headed to Super Bowls. How they did it. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Variably cloudy with snow showers. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 60%.. Tonight Cloudy skies. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 29F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. New Delhi: India has put in place a stricter regime for trade with North Korea in line with the restrictions imposed by the United Nations. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has come out with a notification to widen the prohibition on direct or indirect import and export from/to North Korea. "The direct or on direct or indirect supply, sale, transfer or export of specified items to North Korea is prohibited," it said. The items include condensates and natural gas liquids, refined petroleum products and crude oil. Similarly, direct or indirect procurement or imports of products including seafood, lead ore and textiles are facing restrictions. The "notification seeks to update the para 2.17 of the foreign trade policy (2015-20, on imports and exports to North Korea, to account for UNSC (United Nations Security Council) Resolutions...," it added. The bilateral trade between India and North Korea declined to $ 133.43 million in 2016-17 from $ 198.78 million in the previous fiscal. Amsterdam: The works council of Tata Steel Netherlands said on Friday it opposed preliminary plans by Tata Steel and Thyssenkrupp to combine their European steelmaking operations into a joint venture (JV) and would fight to block it if necessary. Works council chairman Frits van Wieringen said that, after viewing the two companies' memorandum of understanding, he was concerned they intend to dissolve the Dutch subsidiary, which would strip away legal protections, and then lay off workers. "They are talking about 10 percent of jobs being lost, but we think it will be much more than that," he told Reuters. In September the two companies announced plans to merge their European steelmaking operations. The JV would have 42,000 employees, with 10,000 in the Netherlands. The companies said last month the deal would help address overcapacity in Europe's steel market, which faces cheap imports, subdued construction demand and inefficient legacy plants. The merger would also result in up to 4,000 job cuts, or about 8 percent of the joint workforce, they said. Works councils in the Netherlands and Germany have significant powers and their approval is required for a change of corporate structure to be carried out, Van Wieringen said. "Make no mistake, the Germans are also opposed to this as it stands," he said. He said the works council expects to hear more detailed plans from Tata and Thyssenkrupp early next year. For now it has notified the supervisory and management boards of Tata Steel Netherlands that it will oppose the JV. Nagapattinam: A portion of an over six-decade-old building of the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation's Porayar branch in the district collapsed Friday morning, killing eight crew members, police said. Three others sustained injuries, they added. The crew members of the TNSTC were sleeping in the building, constructed in 1952, when the collpase happened around 3.30 am, killing them on the spot, they said. The three others who sustained injuries were rushed to Karaikal General Hospital. Nagapattinam District Collector Dr C Suresh Kumar visited the spot and conducted enquiries. State Transport Minister MR Vijayabhaskar is rushing to Porayar, officials said. Patna: A 54-year-old man was allegedly made to spit on the floor and lick his own saliva off the ground in Bihar Sharif, Nalanda, after he entered the village headmans house without knocking when no male members were present. Mahesh Thakur, who is a barber, was also beaten up with slippers by women in the village. Eight people, including the sarpanch, have been booked for delivering vigilante justice after the authorities took suo moto cognizance of the incident. No one, however, has been apprehended so far. Nalandas district magistrate SM Thyiagrajan said Thakur had reportedly gone to the home of Surendra Yadav on Wednesday night for tobacco. He told the police that he was unaware that only female members were at home at the time. Angered by the barbers audacity, the sarpanch decided to convene the panchayat to decide the punishment for this digression. It was at the panchayat session that the shameful punishment was reportedly decided. The DM said that Bihar Sharifs sub-divisional officer Sudhir Kumar has been asked to visit the spot and gather more details about the turn of events. An inquiry has been ordered and strict action will be taken, he said. Nalanda District Magistrate Thiyagrajan S Mohan Ram told News18, After the Panchayats decision, women slapped him with slippers and then he was forced to spit on the ground and lick it. Someone also recorded it and shared on WhatsApp. Such incidents will not be tolerated. We will take strict action against the culprits, said Bihar minister Nand Kishore Yadav, reacting to the incident. New Delhi: The British National accused of sexually assaulting three visually impaired kids at a school run by National Association for Blind in RK Puram may have been involved in similar cases in the UK as well. Sources said that a suspect with a profile similar to that of Murray Denis Ward was accused of child abuse four years ago in the UK. Authorities suspect that it was Ward and are gathering evidence against him. The Interpol has now sought details from the Delhi Police to get more clarity, officials said. The police have handed over all the case files to the Central Bureau of Investigation, the nodal office for the Interpol in India. Officers involved in the investigation told CNN-News 18 that they are waiting for a confirmation from Interpol about Wards involvement in previous cases. If confirmed, it would raise questions about whether he was hiding in India after assaulting the kids in UK. Ward was arrested in the first week of December and charged under sections of the Protection of Child Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act after being accused of sodomising three boys, all under 8 years. The incident was reported after one of the staff members caught him red-handed. A forensic examination of his laptop and mobile phone had revealed that he had tried to prey on more children and was in touch with at least 30-35 kids. The 54-year-old was also in touch with boys and girls who were not from the school for visually challenged and that the chat messages had sexual overtones, police said. A native of Gloucestershire, he was living in India since October 2016. He was working at a multinational company but quit his job in April this year after suffering a paralytic attack. He used to visit the school run by the association on a frequent basis to donate books. He also taught moral education and English to the students. New Delhi: The CBI has written to the government to reconsider a 2005 decision and allow the agency to file a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court in the Bofors scam case challenging the quashing of an FIR in the alleged scam. In a letter to the Department of Personnel and Training, the CBI conveyed that it wanted to file the SLP challenging the Delhi High Court order of May 31, 2005 quashing all charges against Europe-based Hinduja brothers in the Bofors scam case. Government officials said the CBI was in favour of filing the SLP in 2005 but the then UPA government did not give its nod. The then Delhi High Court judge RS Sodhi had on May 31, 2005, quashed all charges against the Hinduja brothers Srichand, Gopichand and Prakashchand and the Bofors company, and castigated the CBI for its handling of the case saying it had cost the exchequer about Rs 250 crore. Before the 2005 verdict, another judge of the Delhi High Court, Justice JD Kapoor (since retired) on February 4, 2004, had exonerated late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in the case and directed framing of charge of forgery under Section 465 of the IPC against the Bofors company. On Wednesday, the CBI had said it would look into the "facts and circumstances" of the Bofors scam mentioned by private detective Michael Hershmam, who alleged that the then Rajiv Gandhi-led Congress government had sabotaged his investigation. Hershman, who is the president of the US-based private detective firm Fairfax, claimed in television interviews recently that Rajiv Gandhi was "furious" when he had found a Swiss bank account "Mont Blanc". Hershman, who was here last week to address a conference of private detectives, also alleged that the bribe money of the Bofors gun scandal had been parked in the Swiss account. New Delhi: Congress leader and chairman of the parliamentary panel on external affairs Shashi Tharoor has said the government should increase the number of diplomats and asserted that there was a need for a separate exam for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). "Brazil has 1,200 people in foreign services, if you look at the number when it comes to China they have something like 6,000 people, the US has 20,000 people. I am not saying we can be like the US or even like China. But 800 is far too modest a number and it needs to be increased," Tharoor told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of the panel earlier this week. The committee on external affairs in a report had also expressed "grave concern" over the IFS strength, noting that there were only 770 IFS officers against the sanctioned strength of 912. The committee was of the view that the size of India's diplomatic corps "is inadequate considering the tasks and challenges before the Ministry and nation". Pitching for lateral entry into the IFS, he said there has been an increase in intake for the foreign service in the last year or so but those people would be ready for productivity after 10 years of work experience. "We are saying you need some people now to make up for your efficiency. So we can think about lateral entry and facilitate the entry of NRIs," he said. Making a case for a separate exam for the service, Tharoor said those golden days are over when the IFS was seen as the elite service and one had to be in the first ten of the UPSC ranks to opt for it. "But equally, we are getting people into the foreign service, who never wanted to be in the service. The kind of qualities that are needed in a diplomat are very different from others. So there is a need for a separate exam for it," he said. For becoming a diplomat one needs to have some interest in world affairs, some flair for languages among other qualities, he said. Chandigarh: The controversy triggered by BJP MLA Sangeet Soms comments on the Taj Mahal refuses to die down. The latest to wade in is senior Haryana minister Anil Vij, who called the marble wonder as a "beautiful graveyard". "Taj Mahal ek khoobsurat kabristan hai (Taj Mahal is a beautiful graveyard)," Anil Vij tweeted on Friday. His comments come a week after BJP MLA from Sardhana Sangeet Som triggered a controversy by saying that the Taj Mahal was a blot on Indian culture. The Taj, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of the world, is visited by lakhs of people from across the world. In a damage control exercise, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said the famed monument in Agra was a part of Indian heritage and he is to visit it on October 26. The 17th-century marble monument was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Both were buried at the Taj Mahal. Adityanath, whose BJP government in Uttar Pradesh has been accused of ignoring Taj Mahal in the tourism booklet of the state, said that the monument was constructed "by the blood and sweat of Indian labourers". London: An Indian-origin security guard and his accomplice have been sentenced to over six years in jail by a UK court for their role in a 7-million-pound staged robbery from their own vehicles transporting cash. Ranjeev Singh and fellow security guard Mohammad Siddique were jailed for conspiracy to steal at Kingston Crown Court in south-west London on Wednesday. They have been jailed for six-and-a-half years each. The duo, both employees of European cash handling company Loomis, claimed they had been robbed to cover their tracks after they stole 26 bags of cash on March 14 this year. The "audacious" robbery involving cash belonging to Credit Suisse bank, which has never been recovered, took place near a cargo depot at Heathrow Airport and was described in court as being akin to a Hollywood script that could be titled 'The Heathrow Heist'. "You Siddique and Singh played your parts to perfection. You had been involved for a considerable period in the planning," said Judge Stephen John during sentencing. A third man, named Rafaqat Hussain, was jailed for 10 years and three months as the mastermind of the raid which was branded as a "classic inside job". "You were an organiser, trying to keep your involvement at a distance. No doubt there were others in the plot as yet unidentified, but you were the principle, expecting a large slice of the proceeds and above Siddique and Singh in the hierarchy," the judge told Hussain. The court was told that after driving from the depot, Singh and Siddique reported their van missing. Siddique was later found bound by cables on a service road near the M40 highway in Buckinghamshire, with the van abandoned and the cash missing. The two security guards pretended to be victims of a raid, but phone records showed Siddique had been in contact with Hussain and Singh. Secret recordings made by a device planted by police in Hussain's car caught him admitting he had all the cash and boasting that he could buy any car he wanted with it. Both Singh and Siddique had previously denied one count of conspiracy to steal, but the jury found them guilty at the end of a trial. Hussain had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal, money launder and commit burglary. He had arranged to buy a house in Buckinghamshire with the stolen cash, the court was told. The mastermind wept in the dock as his barrister, Bairaj Bhatia, said he had "failed his family" by carrying out a crime. London: A senior Indian-origin MP in Britain has tabled a parliamentary motion seeking apology from Prime Minister Theresa May for the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre ordered by British commanders in 1919. According to a PTI report, Virendra Sharma tabled his Early Day Motion (EDM) titled 'Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919' earlier this week and has attracted five additional signatures from British MPs so far. "This was an important moment in the history of Britain in India. Many suggest it was the beginning of the end, a moment that finally emboldened the Independence Movement. It must be commemorated, and the British government should make clear its repudiation of such a barbaric act," said the Labour Party MP for Ealing Southall. The massacre took place in Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar during Baisakhi in April 1919 when troops of the British Indian Army under the command of Colonel Dyer fired machine guns at a crowd of unarmed people holding a pro-independence demonstration. While official figures of the British government put the death toll at 379, thousands had died in reality and thousand others were injured. The EDM calls on the House of Commons to recognise the importance of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre as a turning point in the history of the British Empire in India. The EDM notes that as the centenary of the event is approaching, it is appropriate to commemorate it. It also recognises that former British Prime Minister David Cameron referred to the massacre as a "deeply shameful act" during a visit to India. It urges the government to ensure that "British children are taught about this shameful period and that modern British values welcome the right to peaceful protest; and further urges the government formally to apologise in the House and inaugurate a memorial day to commemorate this event". EDMs are formal motions tabled in the House of Commons as a means of drawing attention to a particular issue or cause. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: Indians have the most confidence that Donald Trump will do the right thing globally, according to a new poll. A new poll by the Pew Research Centre in collaboration with the Spectator Index shows the percentage of people in different nations who trust Trump. The poll results were announced on Twitter. Forty percent of Indians trust Trump to do the right thing, almost double the number of Japanese at 24%. Western European nations have significantly less trust in Trump: The figures are, United Kingdom (22%), France (14%) and German (11%). Confident Trump will do right thing globally.India: 40%Japan: 24%UK: 22%France: 14%Germany: 11%Turkey: 11%Mexico: 5%(Pew Research) pic.twitter.com/rtH2O3IbLQ The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) October 19, 2017 The nation with the lowest trust in Trump is Mexico. Not surprising, since the US President wants to build a wall along the border between the two countries and wants the southern neighbour to pay for it. He has also called Mexicans drug dealers, criminals and rapists on the campaign trail. Only 5% of Mexicans reposed faith in the US real estate mogul turned President. Ujjain/Jhabua: People driven by deep faith can go great extents. Sample this: Two villages in Madhya Pradesh had people lying on the ground with hundreds of cows running over them as part of Diwali rituals. In a video shot during the event, these villagers, who mostly work as herdsmen tending to the cows, can be seen lying head down on the ground with the cows running over them in full speed and tearing of their clothes in the process. Village Bhidawad in Badnagar tehsil of Ujjain and its nearby hamlets witnessed this unique and bizarre practice on the next day of Diwali on Friday. Villagers believe this would bring luck and fulfil their wishes. When asked if the ritual ends up injuring the participants in the process, locals claim that no one was hurt and that the tradition only brings good luck and prosperity. Not just that, in case anyone sustains minor injuries, they are treated with cow urine and dung, which they say has medicinal qualities to heal these injuries. Locals paint their livestock in bright colours and embellish them with bells for this ritual known as Gaay Gauhri. The villagers then drape garlands around their necks and lie on the ground to allow cows to run over them. These men and women also dance to drum beats and other musical instruments for the event. The herdsmen say it all started with a man praying for a son and when his wish came true, the villagers started observing this as an annual affair. A Gau Gauhri festival was also observed at the Gowardhan temple in Jhabua district, where, apart from the trampling ritual, the villagers also felicitated the herdsmen. Locals claim that this tradition exhibit the special bond that the herdsmen have with the cows. The villagers said that the tradition is meant to seek blessings and the practice has been on since the era of the royals. The festival also allows the herdsmen to seek forgiveness from the sacred animals for herding them around the entire year. Moreover, a Gowardhan statue made of cow-dung is prepared and the rituals are considered incomplete unless the cows step on this statue. As is in Ujjain, the high-risk tradition is considered equally harmless in Jhabua, as the locals claim these cows do not hurt the herdsmen while running over them. Read all the Latest News , Breaking News and IPL 2022 Live Updates here. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said serving people is the highest form of worship during his address to BJP workers in Kedarnath.He also targeted the former UPA government and said they refused his help during the Uttarakhand floods in 2013. The floods of 2013 had made all of us extremely sad. That time I was not the Prime Minister, I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. I came here to do all that I could for victims. But the UPA government refused to take my help," he said. Stay tuned for LIVE updates: Read all the Latest News , Breaking News , watch Top Videos and Live TV here. Patna: At least one person was killed and 25, including 20 policemen, were injured when police opened fire on a mob in Bihars Samastipur district on Friday. The mob had been protesting over the murder of a local businessman. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ordered probe by Tirhut range Deputy Inspector General as additional forces from adjoining Muzaffarpur district were rushed to the tense area. Talking to News18, Samastipur Superintendent of Police (SP) Deepak Ranjan claimed no one was killed in police firing and that the deceased died in mob violence. Businessman Janardan Thakur was shot dead on Thursday evening when he was returning home from his shop after performing Diwali Puja. As the news of the murder spread, a large number of locals gathered near Tajpur and stopped traffic on National Highway 28, shouting slogans against the local police. Clashes ensued when the policemen tried to clear the protesters from the area. Protesters also targeted a local police station and torched around 20 vehicles, including police vans. The policemen allegedly opened fire, killing local resident Jitendra and injuring five others. Around 20 policemen were injured in stone-pelting. Additional Director General (ADG), Law and Order, Sanjeev Kumar Singhal told News18 in Patna that the situation was being monitored from the headquarters and Section 144 had been imposed in the affected area. Washington: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will travel to India and Pakistan next week as part of his five-nation tour that also includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Switzerland. Tillerson will make Saudi Arabia his first stop on the week-long tour beginning on Friday. He will take part in the inaugural Coordination Council meeting between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The Secretary will also meet with various Saudi leaders to discuss the conflict in Yemen, the ongoing Gulf crisis, Iran and a number of other important regional and bilateral issues, State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said. Tillerson will then travel to Doha, where he will meet with Qatari leaders and US military officials to discuss joint counter-terrorism efforts, the ongoing Gulf dispute and other regional and bilateral issues, including Iran and Iraq, she said in a statement. Nauert said Tillerson will then make his inaugural visit to South Asia as Secretary of State, reaffirming the Trump Administration's comprehensive strategy toward the region. In Islamabad, he will meet with senior Pakistani leaders to discuss America's continued strong bilateral cooperation, Pakistan's critical role in the success of US President Donald Trump's South Asia strategy and the expanding economic ties between the two countries, she said. The exact dates of his visits to these countries are yet to be announced. In New Delhi, Tillerson will meet with senior Indian leaders to "discuss further strengthening of our strategic partnership and collaboration on security and prosperity" in the Indo-Pacific region, Nauert said. "The Secretary's visit to India will advance the ambitious agenda laid out by President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Prime Minister's visit to the White House in June," she said. In Geneva, Tillerson will meet with the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, International Organisation for Migration, and the International Committee of the Red Cross to discuss a number of the current global humanitarian crises. This 2017 interview given by Atul Gupta one of the three Gupta brothers to CNN-News18s Joydeep Gupta has been republished after the United States on Thursday announced sanctions against the high-profile Indian-origin family for running a "significant corruption network" that leveraged its political connections to engage in bribery, capture government contracts and misappropriate state assets. New Delhi: They migrated from Uttar Pradesh to South Africa in the 1990s and slowly established a business empire ranging from mining and energy to media and railways. Along the way, the Gupta brothers also earned powerful enemies, inviting allegations that they were too close to powerful South African politicians, including President Jacob Zuma. But, in an exclusive interview given to News18.com, Atul Gupta one of the three Gupta brothers has rubbished the charges and accused powerful vested interests of holding back South Africa from realising its potential by opposing economic emancipation. He also said that the family has decided to exit all its businesses in South Africa although they will continue to live in the country. Gupta strongly defended the familys ties to Zuma and his family, denied charges of influence peddling and a behind-the-scenes role in appointing government ministers and claimed that their alliance with the president was aimed at challenging the powerful vested interests that gird the South African economy. We are supportive of President Zumas determination to challenge the status quo and the powerful vested interests that have held back South Africas economic emancipation. These efforts have resulted in a powerful reaction from these same forces who also control most of the media, Atul Gupta said in an emailed interview. A cut-out poster of Atul Gupta is visible as thousands of people march through the city centre, to the South African Parliament, waving South African flags and banners, calling for the South African president to step down on April 7, 2017, in Cape Town. (Photo: AFP) Their critics allege that the Gupta family embodies crony capitalism. They are alleged to have parlayed their links with Zuma they once employed Zuma's wife Bongi Ngema-Zuma and one of his sons Duduzane Zuma to leverage political influence. The Guptas influence over the presidency has been described as a shadow government. However, Atul Gupta denied all charges of wrong doing and claimed that their business practices flourished because they challenged the entrenched, monopolistic, business interests in the country and for the very same reason they have become a target of these vested interests. Atul Gupta said that the family was exiting its South African businesses. We want our legacy, now that we are exiting our businesses, to encourage and support a new generation of black entrepreneurs who will become the catalyst for South Africas economic emancipation, he said. The Guptas migrated from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh to explore new business opportunities abroad in early 90s. This picture, courtesy of the Gupta family, shows Vela Gupta and her husband, Indian-born Aaskash Jahajgarhia, posing with relatives and guests during ceremonies for their wedding in Sun City, South Africa, on May 1, 2013. (Photo via AFP) However, it was in South Africa that we soon discovered a market that was so dominated by monopolies and industry cartels that we were able to undercut the competition and still achieve margins much higher than anywhere else where we were operating. We quickly came to the conclusion that the rigid and uncompetitive structure of the SA market was the ideal environment for us to disrupt and exploit as entrepreneurs, Atul said. Gupta said that South Africa is a young nation, but the Rainbow Nation had not delivered for the majority of its people. He said that it must reform its economy to end the economic apartheid that had kept the majority of its citizens impoverished. The sadness for us is not the personal abuse and hostility directed at us, but the fact that this potentially great country is being held back by those same vested interests that oppose economic emancipation, Gupta said. Whilst the media continues to fixate on us the real problems and challenges that SA must urgently face if it is to avoid a crisis, primarily the alleviation of the desperate poverty of the vast majority of its people, remain largely ignored, he added. New Delhi: The 263-page verdict by the Allahabad High Court in the Aarushi-Hemraj double murder case has at many instances censured the CBI for manufacturing evidence to put the Talwar couple in the dock. Dealing with a specific piece of crucial evidence, the division bench went on to the extent of underscoring that the investigating agency connived with a forensic lab to secure conviction for Rajesh and Nupur Talwar. At one point, the HC even held that a clinching evidence was on record to indicate Krishna, a clinic attendant of Rajesh Talwar, was in the house when Hemraj was killed. It is on account of the aforesaid fact that Hemrajs blood got embossed on the hair of Krishna which in turn got embossed on his purple colour pillow cover which was admittedly seized from the Krishnas premises, concluded the HC. In several other paragraphs of the judgment, the judges suggested clearly that needle of suspicion should point towards Krishna since there were specific evidence on record to note that he was in the house when the double murder took place. So why did the HC stop here? Given the degree of certainty expressed by the HC about Krishnas presence in the house when Aarushi and Hemraj were killed, questions are bound to be raised what prevented the division bench to act in its authority under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to make sure the guilty is punished for the grotesque crime and the victims be it the parents, other family members of the deceased, or the society as a whole attain a sense of closure and complete justice. In Stirland Vs Director of Public Prosecutor, 1944 a judgment which has found resonance in State of UP Vs Anil Singh, 1988 and in a catena of other verdicts by the Supreme Court, it was ruled that a judge does not preside over a criminal trial, merely to see that no innocent man is punished. A judge also presides to see that a guilty man, does not escape. Both are public duties, it had held. Considered a torchbearer of human rights in the Indian judiciary, Justice Krishna Iyer had also emphasised in a series of his judgments that the judicial instrument has a public accountability and that the excessive solicitude reflected in the attitude that a thousand guilty men may go but one innocent martyr shall not suffer is a false dilemma. One of the finest legal minds and champion of human rights, Justice Iyer had in Inder Singh VS State (Delhi Admin), 1978, pointed out that if a case is proved perfectly, it is argued that it is artificial; if a case has some flaws, inevitable because human beings are prone to err, it is argued that it is too imperfect. One wonders whether in the meticulous hypersensitivity to eliminate a rare innocent from being punished, many guilty persons must be allowed to escape. Proof beyond reasonable doubt is a guideline, not a fetish, emphasised the verdict. In Gurbachan Singh Vs Satpal Singh, 1990, the Supreme Court quoted observations of Lord Denning in Bater Vs Bater (1950) to hold that justice cannot be made sterile on the plea that it is better to let hundred guilty escape than punish an innocent. Letting guilty escape is not doing justice, according to law, it said. The Kerala High Court, in Narayan Bhaskarans case in 1992, accentuated the purpose of criminal law. Criminal Law has a purpose to serve. The object is to suppress criminal enterprise, and punish the guilty, it said. In two sensitive cases pertaining to the 2002 Gujarat riots, the Supreme Court highlighted how and why complete justice was the prime purpose of criminal trials, and that public interest in the proper administration of justice was as imperative as ensuring innocents are not punished. In Zahira Habibullah Sheikh Vs State of Gujarat, 2004 (Best Bakery case), the top court warned that there should not be any undue anxiety to only protect the interest of the accused. That would be unfair, as noted above, to the needs of the society. On the contrary, efforts should be to ensure a fair trial where the accused and the prosecution both get a fair deal. Public interest in the proper administration of justice must be given as much importance, if not more, as the interest of the individual accused. In this courts have a vital role to play, held the Supreme Court. The importance of triangulation of interests in a criminal trial was again emphasised by the apex court again in NHRC Vs State of Gujarat, as it held that the concept of fair trial entails interests of the accused, the victim and the society and it is the community that acts through the State and prosecuting agencies. Interest of society is not to be treated completely with disdain and as persona non grata. The courts have always been considered to have an overriding duty to maintain public confidence in the administration of justice often referred to as the duty to vindicate and uphold the majesty of the law, noted the judgment, urging the presiding judges to find out the truth, and administer justice with fairness and impartiality both to the parties and to the community. In Hema Vs State, 2013, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court maintained that where our criminal justice system provides safeguards of fair trial and innocent till proven guilty to an accused, there it also contemplates that a criminal trial is meant for doing justice to all, the accused, the society and a fair chance to prove to the prosecution, since then alone can law and order be maintained. The courts do not merely discharge the function to ensure that no innocent man is punished, but also that a guilty man does not escape. Both are public duties of the Judgefor truly attaining this object of a fair trial, the court should leave no stone unturned to do justice and protect the interest of the society as well, held this bench. Therefore, there exists a definite body of judicial precedents to buttress the reasoning that purpose of a criminal trial is not only to ascertain that innocent persons are not punished but an equally significant duty has been cast upon the courts to bring guilty to book so as to keep up the public confidence in the justice delivery system. Burden of proof is a golden principle encompassing the right to be presumed innocent till proven guilty but this process of determination obligates a judge to find the truth since the investigation is not the solitary area for judicial scrutiny in a criminal trial. In Bhagwan Singh Vs State of MP, 2002 and in State of Punjab Vs Karnail Singh, 2003, the Supreme Court has cautioned the courts against overlooking their duty to reach the truth while relying too much on quality of evidence and prosecutions case. A miscarriage of justice which may arise from acquittal of the guilty is no less than from the conviction of an innocent, held the judgments. Justice Krishna Iyer also said that our jurisprudential enthusiasm for presumed innocence must be moderated by the pragmatic need to make criminal justice potent and realistic; otherwise any practical system of justice will then break down and lose credibility with the community. Section 482 of the CrPC arms a high court with the inherent powers to make such orders as may be necessary to give effect to any order this Code, or to prevent abuse of the process of any court or otherwise to secure the ends of justice. A re-trial can also be ordered by a high court under Section 386 of the CrPC. In Rajeswar Prosad Misra Vs State of West Bengal, 1965, the Supreme Court outlined the powers of a high court under the CrPC to order a re-trial or seek additional evidence in cases where justice seemed to have eluded due to lapses in investigation or prosecution. The top court held that the CrPC contemplates that a re-trial may be ordered after setting aside the conviction or acquittal, under Section 423, if the trial already held is found to be unsatisfactory or leads to a failure of justice. In the same way, the Code gives a power to the appellate court to take additional evidence, under Section 428, which, for reasons to be recorded it considers necessary. The CrPC thus gives power to a high court to order one or the other, as the circumstances may require leaving a wide discretion to it to deal appropriately with different cases. This discretion, as has been enunciated by various judgments, must be dictated by the exigency of the situation, and fair-play and good sense appear to be the only safe guides. The guiding principle of the criminal jurisprudence is therefore crystal clear that it is the duty of a court to address the conscience of the society and avert failure of justice, which can be caused not only by punishing the innocent but also by letting criminals wander freely in the society. The precept that justice must not only be done but seem to be done should not be applicable only one way; that is towards the accused person. Right of fair trial must be enforced in favour of the victim as well and the society as a whole is considered a victim whenever a crime takes place this is why every criminal case is registered as A Vs State. This principle has driven the courts in a variety of high-profile cases, including Nitish Katara murder case, Jessica Lal murder case and Dhananjoy Chatterjee rape-cum-murder case. Why should Aarushi-Hemraj double murder case be an exception to this rule when preventing miscarriage of justice is the ultimate goal? The Allahabad HC has perhaps served the justice only half. Acquittal of the innocent parents, based on shoddy evidence, was just one part of the criminal justice delivery system but punishing the guilty, amid a strong sense of its own suspicion, was also imperative in the given set of circumstances. While the HC dithered, it will be momentous to if the Supreme Court makes sure killers of Aarushi and Hemraj are nailed finally. Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has issued a new directive asking all government officials to stand up if a minister, MP or an MLA walks in. The gesture will have to be repeated when these dignitaries leave. Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Rajive Kumar has issued these instructions as part of the Protocol of Public Representatives. It is said in this directive that if MPs or MLAs come to meet, officers will have to stand up and welcome them and do the same to bid them farewell. Kumars letter also suggests that disciplinary action will be taken against officers who do not abide by the protocol and also in case of complaints regarding them violating the protocol. Over the past few months, many MPs and MLAs have complained to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath regarding officers not paying heed to them. Soon, the UP Chief Secretary came up with this order in which, he has also asked the officers to do their work on a priority basis. The directive also states that these bureaucrats cannot go to government-funded events as chief guests. The Chief Secretary has said that the government has come to notice that despite issuing repeated guidelines, general etiquette and protocol is not being followed properly with regard to MPs and MLAs. It has also been said that if the officers are unable to work as suggested by the MPs and MLAs, then they should politely tell them about their problem. The order clearly states that if any public representative comes to meet the officials for some work related to the public, then full respect should be given to them and officers should stand up from their seats and welcome the legislators. The officers should also reply to all letters sent by these public representatives and answer their calls. About three months back, UP cabinet minister Om Prakash Rajbhar had threatened to resign and had staged a sit-in against the Ghazipur District Magistrate as the DM had refused to entertain his complaint. New Delhi: They first got together to bring on the silver screen the life of England's Queen Elizabeth I. And now, as Oscar-nominated filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has expressed his desire to make a movie series on Lord Krishna, one of Hinduism's most adored gods, English screenwriter Michael Hirst is willing to help him write the narrative for the project. With actress Cate Blanchett in the lead role, Kapur panned his camera to narrate the journey of a girl to the throne. The first film came out in 1998 and the sequel, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, was released in 2007. The films won Kapur international acclaim with "Elizabeth" bagging the prestigious BAFTA Award and the second movie earning Oscar nominations. Hirst, who is also the creator of Vikings - the fifth season of which is aired in India on AXN - says his idea of creating something on Indian gods could turn into reality soon. "I would love to (work on an Indian show). I wrote Elizabeth with Shekhar. I love Shekhar. I am still in touch with him. We talk a lot, we talked about doing something on Indian gods and hope one day we will be able to do that because I would love to be able to work with him again," Hirst told IANS on the phone from Los Angeles. Kapur, the man behind cinematic gems like Masoom, Mr. India and Bandit Queen, had told IANS that his "big dream is to make a series of films on the life of Krishna". Talking about the prospect of both of them getting back together, Hirst said: "I might be able to help him write Krishna. That would be a dream for me." Hirst, who also wrote Emmy Award-winning television series The Tudors, is busy with the fifth season of Vikings. First it narrated the story of Ragnar Lothbrok, a legendary Viking hero. Lothbrok died in the fourth season, and the storyline is now focusing on the new generation of Vikings. Hirst feels there is a strong connection between Vikings gods and Indian gods. "I am fascinated by the Vikings sagas and pagan gods... As a writer, it is wonderful material. Some Indian gods are the same...They are wonderful, paradoxical, contradictory... In fact, the roots of the Vikings and Scandinavian paganism go back to the roots of Indian culture. "There is definitely a connection between some of the Viking gods and some of the Indian gods. I wanted people, certainly Western audiences, to understand where some of there ideas came from. Most of our Christian holidays are based on pagan holidays, a lot of rituals are actually pagan rituals. I am not trying to educate them but trying to show that we are still connected to these people for many reasons." He says his mission is to "connect the past with the present". Vikings has a universal appeal, and that helps the show cross boundaries and find an audience around the world, including India. "I think about the characters in human terms and to think about their dilemmas - they are universal. And (treat them) as people from another planet. "I hate all those historical dramas where I can't connect to the characters." Chennai: DMK working President MK Stalin is all set to kick-start a state-wide tour of Tamil Nadu on November 7. The tour will focus on talking about the highlights of the failure of the state government. Stalin made the announcement after meeting DMK district secretaries at the party headquarters. The campaign is called 'Ezhichi Payanam' (Awakening journey), aiming to reach out to voters in Tamil Nadu and woo them to the DMK. We condemn the 'horse-bargaining state government that sells state rights to the Centre. We have passed a resolution on the same. In the first week of November, Ill go on a state wide campaign-- a campaign that we launched before the State Assembly polls. The state-wide tour will end by the first week of December. This was discussed in the meet today," Stalin said. This campaign's aim is not just to focus on the elections but for the strengthening of our party in the coming months," he added. The final plan of Stalin's tour will be finalised in the next four or five days. DMK leader and MP TKS Elangovan told reporters that the party has invited many leaders across India. Mamata Banerjee will join the campaign on the first day. We are waiting for other leaders to confirm their presence," he said. In the crucial DMK meet, six resolutions were passed including an awareness programme on dengue, calling the dengue epidemic a disaster and asking for immediate local civic body polls. The state government says it is doing its best to prevent dengue fever and is distributing the Nilavembu concoction to boost immunity. New Delhi: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis fifth visit to Gujarat in a little over a month, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said that the Election Commission is waiting for the PM to announce the Gujarat poll dates in his rally. In a tweet on Friday morning, the former finance minister said the poll panel will be recalled from its extended holiday after the Gujarat government has announced all concessions and freebies ahead of the election. He was referring to Modis visit to the state scheduled for Sunday, when he is expected to inaugurate and lay foundation of several development projects worth Rs 1,140 crore of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation. EC has authorised PM to announce date of Gujarat elections at his last rally (and kindly keep EC informed), he wrote on Twitter. EC will be recalled from its extended holiday after Gujarat Govt has announced all concessions and freebies. P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) October 20, 2017 EC has authorised PM to announce date of Gujarat elections at his last rally (and kindly keep EC informed). P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) October 20, 2017 Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi has also taken several digs at the PM for the delay in announcement, alleging that the government is pressuring the EC. Before Modis last visit to the state on October 16, he had predicted a rain of rhetoric and tagged a headline that read: As Gujarat waits for poll date, state gets projects worth nearly Rs 12,500 crores. The Congress has alleged that if the EC had announced assembly elections in Gujarat along with those in Himachal Pradesh, the model code of conduct would have come into force with immediate effect, leaving no opportunity for the BJP to announce any sops for voters in Gujarat. The JD(U), an ally of the ruling BJP, has also asked the Election Commission for "credible answers" to why it had not announced the dates. The agency must not only be impartial but also seen to be so, the partys general secretary and spokesperson Pavan Varma said. The BJP, however, has rubbished the charges and said the opposition should concentrate on a proper fight. Let us fight properly in Gujarat if you have any issues. By miscellaneous ways the question is being raised on Election Commission, CAG and even the Supreme Court. These uncalled for reflections upon constitutional bodies are without any basis," Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said. New Delhi: Attempting a drastic image makeover ahead of the 2019 general elections, the Congress is now looking at adopting its own brand of 'soft-Hindutva' to counter BJP's religion pitch, which is sure to be further emboldened by the Ayodhya Ram Temple plank. Of late, all major party events especially in the poll-bound states have been high on Hindu symbolism. Sources closely associated with Congress's media strategy cell told News18 that Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi will now start all his yatras both for elections and otherwise by visiting a temple. The tactical shift in Congress political strategy is also evident from the fact that the party is making no bones about its Hindu credentials. For instance, during his recent visit to Gujarat, Rahul prayed at the Dwarkadhish Temple, trekked to the Chotila Temple in Surendranagar and also visited the Khodaldham Temple. Pictures of the party heir-apparent with a sandal-paste smeared across his forehead was aggressively pushed by the Congress social media team during his recent Gujarat tour. A top source in Congress admitted that the party needs to play the same game and show that the Congress too represents Hindus. Symbolism apart, Congress has of late been very cautious on reacting to issues which can restrict its political maneuverability in highly-polarized polity. Party spokesperson Randeep Surjewalas reaction to the Supreme Court ban on the sale of firecrackers in Delhi, for example, says it all. Surjewala had said earlier, Diwali is a celebration of Ram returning from Vanwaas and thats why people burst crackers. The pollution can be controlled, if the government comes up with some corrective measures. Soon after the Congress humiliating defeat in 2014, former Defence Minister AK Antony, in a report to the Congress high command had attributed the erosion of the partys extensive support base to excessive leaning on what he called was minority appeasement. The majority population started believing that the Congress was increasingly becoming a pro-minority party. This perception, the Anthony Committee felt, had led the Congress to have left unattended, a large swathe of political space. Maybe it's three years late, but the Congress seems to have found some merit in Antonys prescription. An analysis of the UP election results also demonstrates that the Congress aligning with Samajwadi Party helped BJP in mobilizing the majority population as the alliance was perceived to have been cobbled together to restrict division of the minority vote among the secular parties. Seeing through this new strategy of the Congress party to woo the Hindu vote bank, BJP has attacked Rahul for his temple-hopping spree saying he should rather focus on the real issues. But as the key states like Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka are headed for Assembly elections within months, it is clear that Congress with Rahul Gandhi as its main vote-catcher, will pursue a soft Hindutva line. For a centrist party like the Congress, playing the soft-majoritarian card is a political line fraught with some risks. Rajiv Gandhi attempted to do that in the 1980s to neutralize his governments decision to negate court orders in the Shah Bano case. The Rajiv Gandhi government allowed gates of the Ram Temple to be opened for a puja. Soon, from its 2 seats in 1989, BJP emerged a dominant player in national politics. A wary senior Congress leader cautions, I hope like Rajiv, Rahuls case doesnt become like na maya mili na raam. Jaipur: The Vasundhara Raje government has passed an ordinance which seeks to protect both serving and former judges, magistrates and public servants in Rajasthan from being investigated for on-duty action without its prior sanction. The Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Ordinance, 2017, promulgated on September 7, also seeks to bar the media from reporting on accusations till the sanction to proceed with the probe is obtained. "No magistrate shall order an investigation nor will any investigation be conducted against a person, who is or was a judge or a magistrate or a public servant," reads the ordinance which provides 180 days immunity to the officers. If there is no decision on the sanction request post the stipulated time period, it will automatically mean that sanction has been granted. The ordinance amends the Criminal Code of Procedure, 1973 and also seeks curb on publishing and printing or publicizing in any case the name, address, photograph, family details of the public servants. Violating the clause would call for two years imprisonment. European Union leaders said on Thursday they looked forward to seeing proposals on taxing online giants by early 2018 but in a nod to concerns from countries like Ireland said EU efforts had to be in line with work underway at a global level. European countries are split over whether online companies such as Google, Facebook and Amazon should pay more tax, with smaller EU members such as Ireland and Luxembourg - which host many online businesses - worried that taxes would hurt their competitiveness without a global solution. Countries like Italy and France on the other hand are frustrated by the low tax rates online giants pay by re-routing profits through low-rate countries and insist the EU should go it alone if the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which includes the United States and Japan, is unable to reach an agreement on a global solution. Meeting for an EU summit, the leaders said in their conclusions that they looked forward to "appropriate (European) Commission proposals by early 2018." However they referred to the need to ensure a "global level-playing field in line with the work currently underway at the OECD", a change from earlier draft summit conclusions which did not mention "global" or link the OECD work to EU efforts. An EU diplomat said French President Emmanuel Macron - who has led the charge for more taxation of digital giants - was told to wait for OECD proposals in April 2018. Last month the European Commission outlined three options for taxing internet companies: taxing the turnover rather than the profits of digital firms, putting a levy on online ads and imposing a withholding tax on payments to internet firms. In the longer term, the EU wants to change existing taxation rights to make sure digital firms with large operations but no physical presence in a given country pay taxes there instead of being allowed to re-route their profits to low-tax jurisdictions. The EU wants member states to reach a compromise by December, will then base its proposals on what they agree to, and will also send those proposals to the OECD. However, the EU faces the prospect of countries opposed to the measures blocking the move as states have a veto on tax matters. The Commission has raised the possibility of stripping members of their veto rights on tax issues, a move Ireland has said it will resist. 3 Reasons To Buy Apple iPhone 8 Plus and 2 Reasons To Skip It | Feat The Unbiased Blog LG Electronics said Thursday that it will work with Qualcomm to jointly research and develop autonomous driving technologies. The South Korean company said in a statement that the U.S. chipmaker and the company have opened a joint research center in Seoul and will open another one in Seoul by the end of 2018. Their joint research will focus on developing the fifth-generation wireless technology known as 5G, which could deliver data at a much faster speed than the current wireless technology and is seen as crucial for autonomous vehicles. They will also research other wireless technologies needed for the safety of connected cars, LG said in a statement. LG Electronics, a major TV and home appliance manufacturer with a struggling mobile business, has been trying to diversify by supplying components for connected car makers. 3 Reasons To Buy Apple iPhone 8 Plus and 2 Reasons To Skip It | Feat The Unbiased Blog Ischia (Italy):G7 countries and tech giants including Google, Facebook and Twitter on Friday agreed to work together to block the dissemination of Islamist extremism over the internet. "These are the first steps towards a great alliance in the name of freedom," Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti said after a two-day meeting with his Group of Seven counterparts, stressing the importance of the internet for extremist "recruitment, training and radicalisation." Officials said the accord aimed at removing jihadist content from the web within two hours of being posted. "Our enemies are moving at the speed of a tweet and we need to counter them just as quickly," acting US Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke said. While acknowledging progress had been made, Britain's Home Secretary Amber Rudd insisted "companies need to go further and faster to not only take down extremist content but also stop it being uploaded in the first place". The meeting on the Italian island of Ischia off Naples also focused on ways to tackle one of the West's biggest security threats -- jihadist fighters fleeing Syria -- as the European Union promised to help close a migration route considered a potential back door for terrorists. Tens of thousands of citizens from Western countries travelled to Syria and Iraq to fight for the Islamic State group between 2014 and 2016, including some who then returned home and staged attacks that claimed dozens of lives. Minniti warned last week that fighters planning revenge attacks following the collapse of the IS stronghold in Raqa could hitch lifts back to Europe on migrant boats from Libya. The United States and Italy signed an agreement on the sidelines of the G7 meeting to share their fingerprint databases in a bid to root out potential extremists posing as asylum seekers. The "technical understanding" aims "to ascertain whether (migrants, asylum seekers or refugees) are noted criminal suspects or terrorists", Minniti's office said. 'De-radicalisation' Earlier, EU President Donald Tusk promised the bloc would fork out more funds to help shut down the perilous crossing from Libya to Italy -- a popular path for migrants who hope to journey on to Europe. The EU would offer "stronger support for Italy's work with the Libyan authorities", and there was "a real chance of closing the central Mediterranean route", he said. Italy has played a major role in training Libya's coastguard to stop human trafficking in its territorial waters, as well as making controversial deals with Libyan militias to stop migrants from setting off. Minniti said the G7 ministers had discussed how to go about "de-radicalising" citizens returning from the IS frontline, to prevent them becoming security risks in jails. The ministers had also brainstormed on how to tackle the legal headache of prosecuting returnees, amid questions over what sort of evidence, collected by whom, could be used in a domestic court. The US and Britain called for more to be done on aviation safety, particularly through the sharing of passenger data. 'Malware of terror' The Group of Seven --- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US -- said it had also called on the web giants to work with their smaller partners to bolster the anti-extremism shield. "IS took to the technology world like a fish to water," Minniti said, adding that it was time to unleash the antidote to its "malware of terror". Rudd said the UK government would do its part by changing the law so that those accessing and viewing extremist material on the web could face up to 15 years behind bars. But Julian Richards, security specialist at BUCSIS (Buckingham University Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies), said the rest of the G7 was unlikely to get behind her on that front. "The UK's fairly hard approach of introducing legislative measures to try to force companies to cooperate... and suggestions that people radicalising online should have longer sentences, are often considered rather unpalatable and too politically sensitive in many other advanced countries," he told AFP. U.S. lawmakers, alarmed that foreign entities used the internet to influence last year's election, introduced legislation on Thursday to extend rules governing political advertising on television, print and radio to also cover social media like Facebook. Democratic Senators Amy Klobuchar and Mark Warner and Republican John McCain introduced the "Honest Ads Act," one of the strongest efforts in Congress yet to address allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign. The legislation would expand existing election law covering television and radio outlets to apply to paid internet and digital advertisements on platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Alphabet's Google. "Our laws have failed to keep up with evolving technology and the capabilities of our foreign adversaries," Klobuchar told a news conference. The measure would also require digital platforms with at least 50 million monthly views to maintain a public file of all electioneering communications purchased by anyone spending more than $500. And it would require online platforms to make "all reasonable efforts" to ensure that foreign individuals and entities are not buying political advertisements to influence the U.S. electorate. Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Republican Representative Mike Coffman and Democrat Derek Kilmer. Social media companies have become an increasing focus of congressional investigations into allegations that Russia sought to meddle in the 2016 U.S. election on behalf of Republican candidate Donald Trump, something now-President Trump and Moscow deny. Warner, who was a technology executive before entering politics, said $150,000 of ads paid for in rubles may be only the "tip of the iceberg" in terms of how many political advertisements were bought by foreign firms. He said advertisements could have been purchased using dollars, euros or pounds. U.S. law bars foreigners from spending money to attempt to influence American elections. Warner and Klobuchar acknowledged that the companies have resisted the legislation. But Warner said, "It's our hope that the social media companies and platform companies will work with us." WILL IT PASS? It was not immediately clear how much support the act would receive in Congress or when it might come up for a vote. Social media companies have begun a lobbying campaign to at least influence, if not prevent, the bill. The companies said they are open to working with Congress and have been turning over information but are legally obligated to protect their users' privacy. Facebook has turned over thousands of ads to congressional investigators and its chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg, met with members of Congress last week. Google said it was looking at steps it could take on its various platforms and would work closely with Congress, the Federal Election Commission and the industry to come up with solutions. "We support efforts to improve transparency, enhance disclosures and reduce foreign abuse," Google spokeswoman Riva Sciuto said in an emailed statement. Klobuchar and Warner said it was possible the measure could be offered an amendment to another larger piece of legislation. Warner is vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, one of the congressional panels investigating the alleged Russian hacking and the possibility that Trump's campaign colluded with Moscow. Klobuchar is a ranking Democrat on the Senate Rules Committee, which helps oversee elections. And McCain is chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. They said they would like it to become law by early next year, well ahead of the November 2018 U.S. mid-term elections, in which every seat in the 435-member House and about one-third of the 100-seat Senate will be up for grabs Many lawmakers and other U.S. officials have said they fear Russian efforts to meddle in those polls as well. Separately, Facebook, Twitter and Google said Thursday they would send their general counsels to testify Nov. 1 before public hearings of the Senate and House Intelligence Committees. General counsel Colin Stretch will be the Facebook representative to testify before both committees, company spokesman Andy Stone said. The company's high-profile Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg and COO Sandberg will not appear. A Twitter spokeswoman said Acting General Counsel Sean Edgett will represent the microblogging site. A Google spokeswoman said General Counsel Kent Walker would represent that company. 3 Reasons To Buy Apple iPhone 8 Plus and 2 Reasons To Skip It | Feat The Unbiased Blog Kabul:Suicide bombers attacked two mosques in Afghanistan on Friday, killing at least 72 people including children, officials and witnesses said. One bomber walked into a Shi'ite Muslim mosque in the capital Kabul as people were praying on Friday night and detonated an explosive, one of the worshippers there, Mahmood Shah Husaini, said. At least 39 people died in the blast at the Imam Zaman mosque in the city's western Dasht-e-Barchi district, interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said. No group claimed responsibility. But Shi'ite Muslims have suffered a series of attacks in Afghanistan in recent months, many of them claimed by the Sunni Muslim militants of Islamic State. Separately, a suicide bombing killed at least 33 people at a mosque in central Ghor province, a police spokesman said. The attack appeared to target a local leader from the Jamiat political party, according to a statement from Balkh provincial governor Atta Mohammad Noor, a leading figure in Jamiat. Again, no one immediately claimed responsibility. Hasankeyf (Turkey): At first glance all is as normal in the Turkish town of Hasankeyf, which has seen the Romans, Byzantines, Turkic tribes and Ottomans leave their mark in over 10,000 years of human settlement. The Tigris River languidly flows through the historic centre of the town in southeast Turkey's Batman province, souvenir sellers offer their wares to a handful of tourists and the famous vista of minarets, the citadel and ruins of a bridge take the breath away. But within the next few years, this scene is likely to be no more, with the historic centre of Hasankeyf set to vanish forever under the floodwaters from the Ilisu Dam project. Turkish officials argue that the dam's hydroelectric power station will provide electricity and irrigation essential to the development of the Kurdish-dominated southeast. The historic edifices will be moved in a hugely ambitious programme that has parallels with the shifting of key archaeological sites from the Pharaonic era in Upper Egypt when the Aswan dam was built in the 1960s. But some local residents fear the inundation of Hasankeyf will wreak untold damage on the region that will not be avoided purely by shifting the monuments to new areas. "There is no going back," said Arif Ayhan, a member of the Association for Trade and Tourism in Hasankeyf. "The people could have been listened to, at least, and not ignored," he added. "People here feel passed over by the state. It's us who are the victims." Bazaar trader Mehmet Emin Aydin said: "We will try to fight as long as we can, so that the beauty and history of this city will not be destroyed." With the construction of the dam and hydroelectric plant now almost complete, the flooding process will begin on December 31 to create the lake that will eventually submerge Hasankeyf, according to the state-run Anadolu news agency. The drive to relocate historic monuments has already begun, with the authorities in May moving a 15th-century tomb on a wheeled platform from its location in the town to a new site two kilometres away in a painstaking five-hour journey. The tomb of Zeynel Bey -- a key figure in the early Islamic Ak Koyunlu tribe, one of many fighting for supremacy in Anatolia before the rise of the Ottomans -- has been moved to the site of a planned open-air museum on the shore of the new lake. Striking in its cylindrical structure, the tomb is topped by a dome and still has extremely unusual glazed tiling on its exterior walls. Authorities plan to fill the new "archaeological park" with nine more monuments from Hasankeyf by the end of the year and hope it will become a major tourist attraction. But the movement of the tomb has only exacerbated the worries of critics who fear that the dam project is being carried out with scant regard for the town's heritage. Europa Nostra, a cultural heritage NGO, said the moving of the tomb had been "carried out with insufficient consultation with the local and scholarly communities" warned that similar monuments were "highly endangered". "The foreseen flooding of Hasankeyf would destroy evidence for one of the oldest organised human settlements ever discovered," it said, adding that "we deeply deplore" the decision to build the dam. Another controversy erupted in August when local activists posted footage showing Turkish engineers removing rocks from the cliff face overlooking Hasankeyf, alleging that dynamite had been used and historic caves damaged. Mehmet Ali Aslan, a Batman province MP from the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), chained himself to a rock to protest the demolition, saying "I could not believe my eyes" when he saw the footage. But the province's governor, Ahmet Deniz, said the rocks had been removed because they posed a danger and categorically denied that dynamite had been used. The construction of the Ilisu dam, which lies south of Hasankeyf in the Dargecit district of neighbouring Mardin province, was launched by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan while he was prime minister in August 2006. He said at the time that the project showed "the southeast is no longer neglected" and vowed it would bring "big gains" for locals. The dam is part of Turkey's Southeast Anatolia Project, which aims to harness the power of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers to revive a region whose development has been set back by the more than three-decade insurgency of the Kurdistan Workers' Party. The project has been shadowed by controversy from its inception. In 2009, Swiss, Austrian and German export guarantee agencies withdrew a pledge for 1.2 billion euros ($ 1.4 billion) of loan guarantees, saying Ankara had failed to give reassurances on the protection of the environment and cultural heritage. Turkey claimed that the decision was "political" and pressed ahead with the project using financing from domestic banks. The issue in Hasankeyf is wrought with sensitivity, and French photographer Mathias Depardon was detained on May 8 while working on a report in Hasankeyf for National Geographic magazine. He was released after a month in custody, but it was never clear if his detention was linked to the initial accusations of "propaganda for a terror group" -- a reference to outlawed Kurdish militants -- or his interest in Hasankeyf. The state has vowed to rehouse those uprooted by the project, with 710 new homes built in the upper parts of the town. But this is scant consolation for some locals. "I do not need anything from the state, just that they leave their hands off beautiful Hasankeyf," said local resident Ayvaz Tunc. "I only ask that Hasankeyf remains as it is in all its splendour. I want the tourists to come, I want to live here. I do not want the city to be swallowed up under the waters." Quetta: Unidentified men threw a grenade into a labourers' hostel in the Pakistani port of Gwadar wounding 26 of them, police said on Friday, in an attack likely to raise concern about security for the Pakistani section of China's "Belt and Road" initiative. There was no claim of responsibility for the attack, one of three on Thursday in the gas-rich southwestern province of Baluchistan, a key section of the plan for energy and transport links connecting western China with the Middle East and Europe. "They labourers were having dinner at the hostel when motorcyclists attacked them with a grenade," police official Imam Bakhsh told Reuters. Separatist rebels in Baluchistan, fighting against what they see as the unfair exploitation of the province's resources, have for years attacked energy and infrastructure projects, including the Gwadar deep-sea port on the Arabian Sea. Islamist militants also operate in Baluchistan, which shares borders with both Afghanistan and Iran. Security officials have said that militants trying to disrupt construction of the Chinese economic corridor through Pakistan have killed more than 50 Pakistani workers since 2014. Pakistan has assured China that it can provide security for the $57 billion worth of projects that it plans. In the other attacks, a grenade attack at a food court in the town of Mastung, 55 km (35 miles) from the provincial capital of Quetta, wounded 15 people, a police official said. In the third attack, gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire at paramilitary soldiers killing one and wounding four in the west of the province. On Wednesday, a suicide car bomber rammed a police bus in Quetta killing five policemen and two passers-by. The Pakistani Taliban claimed that attack. A suicide bombing claimed by Islamic State at a Sufi Muslim shrine in Baluchistan this month killed 22 people and wounded more than 30. Beirut: A week after US President Donald Trump delivered a blistering speech about Iran's Revolutionary Guards, the most powerful military and economic force in the Islamic Republic has shown it has no intention of curbing its activities in the Middle East. In defiance of other world powers, Trump chose in a speech last Friday not to certify that Tehran is complying with a pact to curb Iran's nuclear work and singled out the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), accusing Tehran of destabilising the region. A senior IRGC commander said after the speech Trump was "acting crazy" and was following US strategy of increasing "the shadow of war in the region". Iran's Shi'ite militia proxies have made formidable military gains in recent months in Syria as well as Iraq, stretching from northern Iraq to a string of smaller cities and this week, after the Trump speech, re-captured the oil-rich city of Kirkuk. "In the short-run clearly Trump has increased the power and aggressiveness of the IRGC," said Abbas Milani, the director of the Iranian Studies programme at Stanford University. "The IRGC can't back down from a street fight. Their domestic and regional prestige is predicated on the fact that they fight a good fight and they don't back down." The day after Trump spoke, the head of the Guards' al Quds overseas operations, Major General Qassem Soleimani, travelled to Iraq's Kurdistan region. He held talks about the escalating crisis between Kurdish authorities and the Iraqi government after a Kurdish independence referendum. The niece of the late Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani, Alaa Talabani, told the al Hadath TV channel that Soleimani met with members of her family on Saturday. He had come to pay respects to Jalal, a former Iraqi president and founder of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) party who died this month. Other Iraqi and Kurdish officials told Reuters Soleimani held meetings with Kurdish leaders to persuade them to retreat from Kirkuk ahead of the Iraqi army push into the city. "I don't deny that Mr. Qassem Soleimani gave us the advice to find a solution to Kirkuk," she said. "He said Kirkuk should return to the (Iraqi) law and constitution and to have an agreement about Kirkuk and give up the intransigence about the referendum which was a decision not thought out." LIGHTNING ASSAULT Within days, Iran's mostly Shi'ite allies in Baghdad launched a lightning assault, pushing Kurdish fighters out of disputed territories such as Kirkuk and consequently strengthening Iran's hand in Iraq. Commanders of the Kurdish forces, known as the Peshmerga, have accused Iran of orchestrating the Shi'ite-led Iraqi central government's push into areas under their control, a charge senior Iranian officials have denied. A video posted by the Kurdish Rudaw channel online on Wednesday showed an Iraqi Shi'ite militiaman loyal to Iran hanging a picture of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the Kirkuk governorate office. Iran, which has a large Kurdish minority, has reason to be wary of Iraqi Kurdish independence. It fears it might encourage its own Kurds, who have also pushed for separatism. After the independence vote in Iraqi Kurdistan on September 25, videos posted online showed hundreds of people celebrating in the streets in the Kurdish areas of Iran. FRONT-LINE PLAYER Regional analysts say the emergence of Iran in Iraq, Syria, Kurdistan and Lebanon, where it wields influence through its allied Shi'ite Lebanese Hezbollah militia, means Tehran has become a front-line player in the region which Washington could not afford to ignore. Trumps stupidity should not distract us from Americas deceitfulness ... If the U.S. tears up the (nuclear) deal, we will shred it," said Khamenei. Americans are angry because the Islamic Republic of Iran has managed to thwart their plots in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and other countries in the region. Speaking after Trump's speech, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the Guards' aerospace division, said: "From the start of the Islamic revolution ... (presidents) have increased the shadow of war in the region ... "Dear brothers and sisters today Trump is acting crazy to gain concessions through this method." The ramping up of tension could put the two countries on a collision course in the Gulf where clashes have only been narrowly avoided in recent months. Small boats from the Revolutionary Guards' navy veered close to US naval vessels in the Gulf at least twice this year, prompting the US military to fire warning shots and flares. In August, an unarmed Iranian drone came within 100 feet (31 meters) of a US Navy warplane, risking a crash, according to a US official. Some recent naval showdowns between Iran and the United States took place near the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway where up to 30 percent of global oil exports pass annually. During the presidential campaign last September, Trump vowed that any Iranian vessels that harassed the U.S. Navy in the Gulf would be "shot out of the water". POTENTIAL FLASHPOINT The Guards could also target US forces in Iraq and Syria through tens of thousands of loyal Shi'ite militia fighters without directly acknowledging a role in any attacks. "The IRGC can claim ignorance of Shi'ite militia attacks against the US military," said Ali Alfoneh, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council who has done extensive research on the Guards. In early October, an American soldier was killed in Iraq by an explosively formed penetrator, or EFP, a type of roadside bomb which was often used by Iran's Shi'ite militia proxies in Iraq, according to the US military. "This is the first time that we've seen it used in this area," US Army Colonel Ryan Dillon, a coalition spokesman, said. Dillon said the U.S. military has not yet concluded who carried out the attack. Dozens of American soldiers in Iraq were killed and injured by EFPs used by militia groups linked to Iran after the 2003 invasion of Iraq by US forces, according to the US military. Asked about the threat posed by Shi'ite militias allied with Iran in Iraq and Syria, particularly after Trump's speech, Dillon said: "We're always assessing the threats no matter where they come from. During certain announcements or certain dates or when certain events happen, we make proper adjustments." Trump's new plan, observers say, will also weaken a group that had made progress in curbing the Guards' political and economic ambitions in recent years: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and the pragmatist politicians in his cabinet. Since becoming president in 2013, Rouhani and members of his cabinet repeatedly pushed back against the Guards' economic influence and involvement in political matters. Now, Rouhani's push against the Guards has been tempered because of the hardening in Trump's approach to Tehran, regional observers said. "What this has done is that even those who were critics are now defending the Revolutionary Guards," said Nasser Hadian-Jazy, a political science professor at Tehran University. Peshawar: Senior terrorist commander Asad Afridi has emerged as the favourite to become the new leader of a deadly Pakistani Taliban faction, sources said on Friday, days after a US drone strike killed the group's chief. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA), a splinter faction of the Pakistani Taliban, has killed hundreds of people in bomb attacks and is considered one of the most dangerous terrorist groups in the nuclear-armed South Asian nation. The killing of JuA chief Omar Khalid Khorasani was a major boost for Pakistan's anti-terrorism campaign and is likely to help ease tension with uneasy ally the United States days ahead of a visit by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Two JuA commanders told Reuters Afridi was nominated to take over during a meeting in Afghanistan by the group's shura, or leadership council. "Asad Afridi was close to Omar Khalid, who had declared him his deputy," said one JuA commander. A second JuA terrorist, who is a member of the shura, confirmed Afridi was nominated as the new chief. Khorasani was seen as ruling the group with an iron fist. "Our organisation used to be a one-man show. All powers were in the hands of Omar Khalid Khorasani," the second commander said. Khorasani was killed during a series of US drone attacks this week in which at least 30 people were killed on the Afghan side of the border. His killing follows a slight thaw in relations between Islamabad and Washington, seemingly sparked by the Pakistan army last week freeing a US-Canadian couple and their three children after five years in captivity. The family was held by the Haqqani network, an Afghan Taliban-allied militant group. Warmer words from Washington have been in stark contrast to threats by US officials that it would cut military aid and impose targeted sanctions if Pakistan did not stop providing a safe havens to the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani network. Pakistan denies offering sanctuary to Afghan Taliban fighters and has asked the United States to target Pakistani Taliban terrorists who cross the porous border and hide in Afghanistan. Pakistan is investing more than $500 million to fence the 2,500-km frontier. HISTORY OF FIGHTING US TROOPS But in a sign that relations between the United States and Pakistan are still difficult, the chief of the CIA said on Thursday the US-Canadian couple had been held inside Pakistan for five years, contradicting Pakistan's assertion they were held in Afghanistan. It is not clear if Afridi would change tack if he were to be confirmed as JuA leader, but there are concerns within the group about his power base among the ethnic Pashtun tribes who live along the Afghan border. Afridi is from the Zakha Khel area of Pakistan's Khyber region but Khorasani, and most JuA fighters, are from the Mohmand region to the north. "The organisation was basically formed in Mohmand and the majority of the fighters and commanders are from Mohmand therefore people would have wished someone from the same area," said the first JuA commander. He said Afridi did not have a religious or formal school education but had a history of fighting and had at one point fought U.S. troops in Afghanistan as part of the Taliban. On Friday, a suspected US drone strike killed 12 people in Afghanistan's Paktia province, according to a government official. It was the fourth day this week that drone strikes were reported on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region. "Twelve dead bodies have been pulled out of the area where the missiles struck," Laik Khan, an Afghan government official, told Reuters. The JuA has emerged as the most deadly Pakistani Taliban faction over the past two years. At one point, it allied itself with Islamic State before apparently re-joining the Pakistani Taliban. The group bombed an Easter Sunday gathering at a park in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore last year, killing at least 70 people. In August 2016, it bombed a hospital in Quetta targeting the city's most prominent lawyers, killing 74 people. In June this year, JuA targeted the provincial police chief of the Pakistani province of Baluchistan, killing 13 people. The attack was also claimed by Islamic State. Sochi/Moscow: President Vladimir Putin launched one of his most stinging critiques of US foreign policy on Thursday, listing what he called some of the biggest betrayals in US-Russia relations. He declined to say if he would run for a fourth presidential term in an election set for March, though he is expected to stand after dominating Russian politics for 18 years. Instead, he used a high-profile televised discussion with foreign academics in southern Russia to reach back to what he regards as the darkest days of US-Russia relations. Opinion polls suggest that harsh rhetoric towards the West plays well with many Russian voters, who credit Putin for restoring national pride and standing up to what they see as Western encroachment. Asked by a Germany-based academic to identify what mistakes Moscow had made in its relations with the West, Putin told the Valdai discussion forum in the Black Sea resort of Sochi: Our biggest mistake was that we trusted you too much. You interpreted our trust as weakness and you exploited that. Visibly angry at times, Putin cast Russia as the wronged party and its post-Soviet leadership as too naive and trusting. Unfortunately, our Western partners, having divided the USSRs geopolitical legacy, were certain of their own incontestable righteousness having declared themselves the victors of the Cold War," said Putin. They started to openly interfere in the sovereign affairs of countries and to export democracy in the same way as in their time the Soviet leadership tried to export the Socialist revolution to the whole world. Putin said US-Russia relations were in a lamentable state, referencing an unprecedented anti-Russian campaign in the United States, the closure of Russian diplomatic facilities there and pressure on Russian media by US authorities. He did not single out US President Donald Trump for personal criticism, but said Trumps behaviour was unpredictable as a result of political foes who were preventing him from fulfilling almost all of his policy pledges. LITANY OF US SLIGHTS Putin said the United States was trying to squeeze Russia out of European energy markets with its latest batch of sanctions, which Trump grudgingly signed into law in August after Congress approved them. The recent sanctions package adopted by the US Congress was openly designed to push Russia out of European energy markets and to force Europe to switch to more expensive liquefied natural gas from the United States, even though the volumes there are not yet sufficient, he said. He criticised Trumps predecessors, describing how he believed the United States had betrayed Russia in the 1990s by not reciprocating what he called the unprecedented access Moscow gave Washington to Russias secret nuclear facilities. He said the United States had flouted nuclear and chemical weapons treaties, saying Moscow had diligently complied with the same pacts only to be repeatedly let down by the United States. His speech and ripostes in a punchy question and answer session that followed often sounded like a history lesson. The United States had tried to stir up separatism in southern Russia in the 1990s, said Putin, something he said he knew for a fact from his stint leading the FSB spy agency. The 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq and NATO's 1999 bombing of Yugoslavia were bad, he said. And in comments that could have been drawn straight from the pages of the Cold War, Putin accused the United States of upsetting the strategic nuclear balance by modernising its arsenal of weapons. Russia would develop new weapons systems, he pledged, if it was forced to, and if the United States withdrew from a landmark arms control treaty the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty Russia would hit back fast. From our side, the response will be instant, and I want to warn, symmetrical, said Putin. RICHMOND -- Speaking to a crowd of roughly 7,500 in downtown Richmond on Thursday night, former President Barack Obama urged Virginians to reach out for hope, not fear by supporting Democrat Ralph Northam for governor in an election now less than three weeks away. In his first day back on the campaign trail since leaving the White House, Obama cast Virginias governors race in national terms, saying the state has an opportunity to send a message all across this great country by electing Northam, who is the current lieutenant governor, and the rest of the partys ticket on Nov. 7. America is a story of progress. Ralph Northam wants progress. He wants to take us forward, not backward. He wants to reach out for hope, not fear, Obama said in a speech that lasted a little over half an hour in an exhibition hall at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. We need you to take this seriously. Because our democracy is at stake. And its at stake right here in Virginia. The former president avoided any direct mention of President Donald Trump, but offered an overarching critique of politics based on fear and division, a strategy Obama said is playing out in the gubernatorial campaign of Republican Ed Gillespie. I havent been commenting a lot on politics lately. But heres one thing I know, Obama said. If you have to win a campaign by dividing people, youre not going to be able to govern them. You wont be able to unite them later if thats how you start. The lineup of Virginia Democrats who warmed up the crowd was more willing to invoke Trump by name. One speaker in particular seemed to relish the opportunity to stand proudly with a national leader as Virginia Republicans wrestle mightily with the question of whether to bring in Trump for a similar rally. On the other side, Ed Gillespie is treating the president of his party like a communicable disease, said Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who will leave office early next year under the states four-year term limit. Urging the crowd to vote Democratic in down-ticket races, Obama gave several shout-outs to Justin Fairfax, the partys nominee for lieutenant governor. Obama mentioned Attorney General Mark Herring, a Democrat running for re-election, but didnt include Herrings name several times that he referenced Northam and Fairfax. Recent polls of the governors race have been all over the map, with one survey showing Gillespie ahead for the first time and others showing Northam with a double-digit lead. Most political observers believe Northam is slightly ahead in a race that will be close, but Republicans are holding out hope that their recent trend of outperforming the polls in off-year elections will continue and put Gillespie within reach of an upset. Northam, a Norfolk doctor and former state senator, is trying to keep the Executive Mansion in Democratic hands by beating back Gillespie, a Northern Virginia political consultant and former chairman of the Republican National Committee. Northam is running on many of the same themes and policies that have defined the McAuliffe era, promising to stand up to President Donald Trump, continue the fight to expand Medicaid, increase funding for education, offer cost-free community college and expanded workforce development programs and further an inclusive Virginia by vetoing hot-button legislation on social issues passed by the Republican General Assembly. Gillespie may have the tougher task in the race as he tries to fuse Trumpism with establishment GOP politics in an attempt to win back the executive branch in a purple state trending blue. His stump speech focuses mainly on boosting the state economy with tax cuts and lower regulation. His ads and campaign mail have a sharper edge, emphasizing grave danger posed by the Latino gang MS-13, promising to crack down on sanctuary cities that currently dont exist in Virginia, and comparing his desire to keep Confederate statues standing with Northams calls to take them down. It was Gillespies ads, which critics have said veer into racial fear-mongering, that drew the strongest rebuke from Obama on Thursday night. What hes really trying to deliver is fear, Obama said. What he really believes is that if you scare enough voters you might score just enough votes to win an election. Thats what makes this kind of anything-goes politics so damaging and corrosive to our democracy. Its just as cynical as politics gets. Gillespie spokesman David Abrams said: Its no surprise President Obama would level Lt. Gov. Northams attacks against Ed at a Northam campaign event. Gillespie has insisted that his emphasis on violent crimes committed by MS-13 is rooted in a desire to keep people safe, especially the immigrant communities most vulnerable to MS-13. Pro-Gillespie mailers have accused Northam of being soft on MS-13 and allowing dangerous illegal immigrants into the streets because, while presiding over the state Senate, Northam voted against a bill that would ban sanctuary cities. McAuliffe vetoed the legislation, which meant no state policy changed because of Northams vote alone. I dont think anybody really thinks that somebody who spent his life performing surgery on soldiers and children suddenly is cozying up to street gangs, said Obama, referring to Northams career as a U.S. Army doctor and pediatric neurologist. On the issue of Confederate statues, which were pushed to the forefront of the campaign after this summers violent white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Gillespie has acknowledged the South was on the wrong side of history by fighting to preserve slavery, but has said he believes statues should stay up and be put in proper historical context. His campaign has approved mailers bashing Northams calls to move the statues to museums as an attempt to tear down history. Calling Northam someone who spent his whole life in the Old Dominion, Obama said it was equally phony to declare that Northam wants to suddenly try to erase Virginias history. We shouldnt use the most painful parts of our history just to score political points, Obama said after referencing Charlottesville and saying the country will rise up by learning from the past and by listening to each other. En route to delivering a line that may have drawn the most raucous response of the night, Obama noted he, too, has Confederates in his family tree. On his mothers side, Obama said, hes distantly related to Jefferson Davis, the Confederate president whos buried in Richmonds Hollywood Cemetery. Think about that, Obama said. I bet hes spinnin in his grave. The former president, who won Virginia in 2008 and 2012, said hell always have warm, fond memories of Richmond because one of the first major elected officials outside Illinois who backed him was U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., a former Richmond mayor who was then Virginias governor. As Dawn Worden, a retired teacher who drove six hours from North Carolina to attend the rally, walked out of the convention center, she said hearing Obama speak felt like putting aloe on a sunburn. Right now our whole life in America, it hurts because it just doesnt feel like were in our own skin, said Worden, 59. Because everything is happening thats going against our humanity. Orna Weinstein, a Richmond homemaker accompanied by her 9-year-old son Judah, said having Obama in Richmond encouraged her to see Northam. Im a little bit concerned about the tightness of the race, Weinstein said. But now that Obama is here, that will encourage people who are disillusioned to come out and vote. Bernard Logan, a Richmond resident who works at the State Corporation Commission, said he was going into the rally as an undecided voter. Im really interested to hear what Mr. Northams platform is, Logan said. Logan was accompanied by his wife, Mari, a self-employed retailer who, when told her husband described himself as undecided, replied: Oh, he is? I dont think he will be after tonight. After that, Mnangagwa found himself embroiled in the messy succession conflict with a Zanu PF faction coalesced around First Lady Grace Mugabe. Grace has in recent months and of late been involved in a bitter tiff with army commanders over succession. Mugabe has also been complaining about the militarys political manoeuvres on succession. PHARMACIES in Zimbabwe have hiked drug prices by up to 70 percent over the past three weeks and some are demanding payment in United States dollars only, it has emerged. In a statement, the Association of Healthcare Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ) said it had engaged the Retail Pharmacies Association (RPA) to try and resolve the problem. The AHFoZ wishes to advise medical aid members that most pharmacies have increased the price of drugs by between 30 percent and 70 percent over the past three weeks, said AHFoZ. Some pharmacies are charging huge shortfalls, while some are insisting on cash payments in United States dollars and rejecting medical aid cards as other payment methods such as by debit card Ecocash or bond notes. AHFoZ said following deliberations with the RPA, they have since engaged the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to seek an allocation of foreign currency so that pharmacies can revert to previous prices. The AHFoZ advised medical societies to approach individual pharmacies to negotiate contracts for their members to alleviate the plight of patients. It is our hope that this problem will be resolved urgently as drugs are crucial for recovering good health. Price increases or demands for cash at the point of service in the current environment where salaries are not being increased and hard cash is unavailable can only worsen the suffering of patients, said AHFoz. Government has condemned recent price hikes saying they are unjustified. It has since advised members of the public to remain calm as it puts in place measures to curtail the threat of shortages. Members of Parliament recently condemned the hiking of prices by retailers, saying this was meant to incite people to rise against the Government. They said the unjust price hikes were seriously affecting Government programmes aimed at reviving the economy. Mpopoma-Pelandaba legislator Cde Joseph Tshuma said in Parliament last week that there was also manipulation of the exchange rate. Herald The National Aids Council (NAC) has named First Lady Grace Mugabe the cancer ambassador for the country to effectively respond to the emerging epidemic. Speaking during the organisations visit to Grace Mugabe Foundation in Mazowe yesterday, NAC chief executive Dr Tapuwa Magure said his organisation appreciated the philanthropic work being done by Dr Mugabe and its impact in the community. Dr Magure said it was upon this background that NAC believed the First Lady would play a big role in raising awareness on early detection of cancers. We would, therefore, be very proud and honoured if the First Lady Dr Amai accepts our humble plea for her to become a cancer ambassador in support of the national efforts to curtail cancer, said Dr Magure. He said the country had over 800 000 orphans and other vulnerable children, 88 000 of which were in Mazowe District. The work you are doing here is, therefore, very important in the response to HIV and Aids as it seeks to mitigate the effects of the pandemic in the community and nation at large, said Dr Magure. We see it as complimentary to the mandate that was thrust upon our shoulders by Baba VaMugabe when through his visionary leadership, the NAC was formed. Dr Magure said it was also important to have an advocate of cancer at the highest level, especially now when the country was working on ending Aids by the year 2030 against increased cancer cases, some of which were HIV related. He said NAC believed Dr Mugabe would advocate for prioritisation of the diseases in resource allocation, particularly at this time when foreign currency was limited in the country. Dr Magure said while the country made progress in response to HIV, a lot still needed to be done to further reduce transmission among populations where risk of transmission was still high. He said as cancer ambassador, the First Lady would assist in raising awareness on the importance of early testing of HIV and detection of cancer for prompt intervention. According to the countrys disease burden, different types of cancers are emerging, claiming many lives, a majority of whom die without even accessing care. Speaking at the same occasion, Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Advocate Martin Dinha applauded NACs gesture, saying it indeed fits into the First Ladys efforts. Bezos' Ex Is Already Doing This. Now He Is, Too An eastern Pennsylvania school district is dealing with a second race-related incident in just over a week, investigating a Facebook photo showing current and former students posing with pumpkins carved with racist symbols. The pumpkins included one with a swastika, and another with the letters KKK. The photo shows four young people posing behind the pumpkins. Per the AP, the Coatesville Area School District, located in Chester County, says it appears the photo was taken off school grounds and after school hours. "We are extremely disappointed that any of our students would display this kind of hatred and vile behavior," a school district rep says, per NBC Philadelphia, adding that the students' actions were "reprehensible and intolerable." A high school spokesperson says three of the students shown in the photo currently attend that school, while one is a former student.Superintendent Cathy Taschner says the district will "exercise its full authority" to send a message that the picture and carvings are not acceptable. Earlier this month, a black baby doll was found hanging in a Coatesville High School locker with a tie around its neck. Taschner says it was a "foolish prank," not a hate crime. Caln Township police are also investigating. Meanwhile, the school district rep says it's going to set up conversations with students about racism in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, Mid-Atlantic Equity Center, and NAACP. (Read more racism stories.) A new accusation against Harvey Weinstein could "open the door to a prosecution" a former sex crimes prosecutor tells the Los Angeles Times. A 38-year-old model and actresswell-known in Italymet with the Los Angeles Police Department on Thursday, accusing the producer of sexually assaulting her at a Los Angeles hotel in 2013. The unnamed woman says Weinstein, whom she was introduced to by a mutual acquaintance, showed up at her hotel uninvited following the Los Angeles, Italia Film, Fashion and Art Fest. She says she told him he couldn't come to her room, but he ignored her. He ... bullied his way into my hotel room," the woman says. "[He] became very aggressive and demanding and kept asking to see me naked. He grabbed me by the hair and forced me to do something I did not want to do. He then dragged me to the bathroom and forcibly raped me. The woman says she told a friend, nanny, and priest about the assault after it happened but didn't go to police. She is hiding her identity now out of fear of retaliation and for her children's privacy. Capt. Billy Hayes says the LAPD is investigating the woman's claim. She is the sixth person to accuse Weinstein of rape or forced sex acts, but unlike most of the criminal allegations against Weinstein, this alleged crime happened within the 10-year statute of limitations. A rep for Weinstein says she "can't respond to some anonymous complaint." Meanwhile, staffers at the Weinstein Company released a statement Thursday saying they "did not know we were working for a serial sexual predator," calling the producer a "monster," Deadline reports. (Read more Harvey Weinstein stories.) White House chief of staff John Kelly delivered an extraordinary denunciation of a Democratic congresswoman Thursday, accusing her of politicizing what he called a "sacred" presidential effort to console the grieving loved ones of a slain soldier, the AP reports. Kelly, in an unexpected and emotional appearance in the White House briefing room, invoked the death of his own son, killed in Afghanistan in 2010, as he lashed out at Rep. Frederica Wilson of Florida, who earlier this week said President Trump had been disrespectful in his condolence call to the family of Sgt. La David Johnson, who was killed during an ambush in Niger. Kelly, speaking slowly and forcefully, said he was "heartbroken" that Wilson overheard the conversation and used it to attack the president. He also confirmed then-President Obama didn't call him after his son's death, but emphasized that wasn't a criticism since not all presidents make phone calls. Kelly absolved Trump of blame, suggesting that the president did the best he could in one of the most challenging aspects of his job, and noted that he advised the president against making the call since "there's no perfect way" to do it. He also attempted to explain Trump's words, per Politico: "[Johnson] knew what he was getting himself into because he enlisted. ... He enlisted, and he was where he wanted to be, exactly where he wanted to be with exactly the people he wanted to be with when his life was taken. That was the message." A spokeswoman told the AP Wilson stood by her earlier comments. The congresswoman herself, asked by WSVN-TV in Florida about Kelly's remarks, replied only indirectly. "Let me tell you what my mother told me when I was little," Wilson said. "She said, 'The dog can bark at the moon all night long, but it doesn't become an issue until the moon barks back.'" Wilson also told Politico Kelly is only "trying to keep his job" and "will say anything." (Read more John Kelly stories.) Quentin Tarantino has spoken out against his longtime friend and collaborator Harvey Weinsteinbut he admits that it's too little, too late. Tarantino tells the New York Times that he "knew enough to do more than I did" and he now wishes he had stepped up and refused to work with the producer. Tarantino says he heard numerous allegations against Weinstein and knew there was "more to it than just the normal rumors, the normal gossip," but that he continued to make movies with him. "I wish I had taken responsibility for what I heard," he says, but "if I had done the work I should have done then, I would have had to not work with him." He says that after he started dating actress Mira Sorvino, she told him how Weinstein had sexually harassed her on multiple occasions, once chasing her around a hotel room. "What I did was marginalize the incidents," Tarantino says, adding: "Anything I say now will sound like a crappy excuse." All of Tarantino's movies, starting with Reservoir Dogs in 1992, were made through Miramax or the Weinstein Company, Deadline notes. Tarantino tells the Times that it's time for other men to acknowledge there was "something rotten in Denmark" and for Hollywood to stop operating under "an almost Jim Crow-like system that us males have almost tolerated." He says he has no explanation for Weinstein's behavior. "I don't have an answer for why he could do this and be stripped of his entire legacy," he says. (The latest rape allegation against Weinstein falls within the statute of limitations.) A mystery-turned-tragedy in the Maldives, with a newly married Irish man dead and his bride plunged into a "nightmare." People reports that Andrew Roddy, 30, had been snorkeling in the Indian Ocean on Tuesday while on his honeymoon with Gill Campion, two weeks after their wedding. The two were reportedly swimming near dolphins when Roddy suddenly vanished under the water. "I turned around and Andrew was gone,' [Campion] said, and she didn't know how it happened because they were near each other at the time," Roddy's mother says Campion told her, per the Irish Independent. She adds that Roddy, her only child, was a good swimmer. The Dublin man and Campion, whom friends described as "inseparable" to the Irish Sun, had been together for five years after meeting at work at a financial services firm. Relatives tell the Sun Campion was able to get Roddy's body to shore once she found him and was helped by others on the beach, but Roddy couldn't be revived. A woman who identified herself as a friend of Roddy's mom says they'll have to wait for an autopsy to find out what happened. "He just dropped in the water," she says. "It doesn't necessarily mean he drowned." Meanwhile, family members have headed to the Maldives to be with Campion as she awaits permission from the Maldives government to transport her husband's body home; that process could take up to two weeks, per reports. (A man was accused of drowning his wife on their honeymoon.) The first teaser trailer for Tonya Harding biopic I, Tonya is outand critics are very impressed with what they've seen of Margot Robbie's performance as the disgraced figure skater. The movie follows Harding's life from her early days skating to the aftermath of the infamous 1994 attack on rival Nancy Kerrigan, an attack she has long denied involvement in. "America, they want someone to love. But they want someone to hate," Robbie says in what People describes as an "eerie imitation" of Harding's voice. "And the haters always say, 'Tonya, tell the truth!' There's no such thing as truth. I mean, its bulls---." The clip depicts what Rolling Stone describes as a "delightfully ruthless" Harding stubbing out a cigarette under her skate before taking to the ice. Robbie, who grew up in Australia, told an interviewer earlier this year that she was only four years old when the scandal was in the news, and when she read the script for I,Tonya, she initially believed it was pure fiction. The movie, which also stars Sebastian Stan as ex-husband and Kerrigan attack mastermind Jeff Gilooly, will open in New York and Los Angeles and Dec. 8, with a wider release scheduled for Jan. 19. (Read more Margot Robbie stories.) First fake news, now fake art? According to Donald Trump biographer Tim O'Brien, the president has a fake version of impressionist painting "Two Sisters (On the Terrace)" by Pierre-Auguste Renoironly Trump asserts that it's an original. On Vanity Fair's Inside the Hive podcast, O'Brien says Trump repeatedly told him the painting was an original when O'Brien saw it on Trump's private jet while writing 2005's TrumpNation: The Art of Being The Donald. O'Brienwho is from Chicago, where the original is thought to hangsays he was unable to convince Trump he was wrong. Perhaps the Art Institute of Chicago might. The museum tells the Chicago Tribune that the real Renoir has been hanging on its wall since 1933. Renoir sold the painting to an art dealer in 1881. It was then sold to an individual who donated it to the museum, which is "satisfied that our version is real," a spokesperson tells the Tribune. Trump's version apparently now hangs in Trump Tower. Based on a photo taken there that shows the painting, "it seems clearly to be a copy of that famous Chicago picture," an art historian adds, per ArtNet, which cites a second art historian who agrees that Renoir never painted exact replicas of his own work. Based on his knowledge of Trump, O'Brien doesn't expect him to change his story now. The White House hasn't commented. (Read more Donald Trump stories.) A 52-year-old tourist from Spain was killed Thursday by falling masonry in one of Florence's most famous churches, the Basilica of Santa Croce. The church, a top tourist attraction, is where Italian luminaries Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, and Niccolo Machiavelli are buried. The fatal accident raises questions about the state of Italy's considerable cultural heritage, which includes numerous aging and fragile monuments, the AP reports. Culture Minister Dario Franceschini, speaking from New York, said prosecutors would conduct an investigation to determine the cause and if faulty maintenance was to blame. The victim was struck by a decorative stone fragment that fell from a height of 66 feet as he visited the church with his wife. According to Italian media reports, the fragment was about six inches by six inches and supported a beam. The 15th-century basilica, which has a famed neo-Gothic facade, has been undergoing a multi-year maintenance program in collaboration with Italy's civil protection agency, the head of the organization that manages the church tells the Italian news agency ANSA. "We are really astonished at what has happened, and we ask ourselves how it could happen," she says. Authorities are checking the stability of the church, which is expected to remain closed to visitors indefinitely. (Read more Florence stories.) A convicted cop killer who sued Alabama over its lethal injection method was put to death Thursday night, but not before he cursed at the state and said: "I hate you." As the procedure began, Torrey Twane McNabb, 40, raised both of his middle fingers in a show of defiance. McNabb's attorneys had unsuccessfully sought to stop the execution since he is one of several inmates in an ongoing lawsuit challenging the humaneness of the state's lethal injection procedure. "Mom, sis, look at my eyes. I got no tears. I am unafraid. To the state of Alabama, I hate you ... I hate you. I hate you," McNabb said in his final statement, per the New York Daily News. McNabb appeared to be breathing for the first 20 minutes of the 35-minute long procedure. He later appeared to move his head, grimace, and raise his arms after two consciousness checks in which a guard pinches his arm, says his name, and pulls back his eyelidbefore eventually becoming still. McNabb was convicted of killing Montgomery police officer Anderson Gordon in 1997. He shot Gordon five times as the officer sat in his patrol car after arriving at a traffic accident McNabb caused while fleeing a bail bondsman, prosecutors said. Gordon's relatives said in a statement that the 30-year-old officerknown as "Brother"was devoted to his family, his two children, and his work as a police officer. (Read more Alabama stories.) Satellite images taken before and after North Korea's last nuclear test beneath Mount Mantap show the mountain actually lost elevation. As the Washington Post reports, the depression of a 85-acre areafollowed by three subsequent earthquakes over six weeksshows not only the force of the Sept. 3 blast, but also the toll North Korea's nuclear program has taken on the 7,200-foot-tall mountain. It houses the tunnels that make up the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility, which has been the site of each of North Korea's six nuclear tests since 2006. Chinese scientists warn further nuclear tests could trigger a collapse and the release of radiation. But though analysts at 38 North say Mount Mantap may be suffering from "tired mountain syndrome," they say North Korea is unlikely to abandon the site any time soon. "Tired mountain syndrome" has previously been observed at other nuclear test sites in the US and Soviet Union. It essentially means a mountain is under such stress that the collapse of cavities or tunnels is possible. In North Korea's case, the Sept. 3 blast is likely to have caused "substantial damage to the existing tunnel network under Mount Mantap," analysts say. But as there are "two other, as yet unused tunnel complexes" at Punggye-ri, the analysts believe underground nuclear tests will likely continue. Indeed, CIA director Mike Pompeo tells the BBC that North Korea is "on the cusp" of developing a nuclear missile capable of reaching the US as it presses Australia to distance itself from the US in a letter published by the Sydney Morning Herald. (Read more North Korea stories.) The Senate passed its version of a budget blueprint Thursday night, but even lawmakers acknowledge that it's safe to ignore almost all of it. The blueprint that passed on a 51-49 vote contains many items great for political posturing but unlikely to actually become law. However, its passage accomplishes one huge thing for Republicans and President Trumpit includes parliamentary language that will make it possible for the GOP to pass the president's upcoming tax plan with a simple majority, meaning Democrats won't be allowed to filibuster, reports the New York Times. As Republican Bob Corker, who sits on the Budget Committee put it: "The only thing about this that matters is preparation for tax reform." He called the rest of the budget process "the biggest hoax hatched upon the American people ever," per Politico. Trump himself quickly praised the vote, hailing it overnight Thursday in a tweet as the "first step toward delivering MASSIVE tax cuts." He continued Friday morning. "This now allows for the passage of large scale Tax Cuts (and Reform), which will be the biggest in the history of our country!" he wrote. Now comes what the Wall Street Journal calls a "sprint" to get a tax plan written and passed before the end of the year. The newspaper lays out the difficult next steps, with both the House and Senate needing to reach agreement on the same plan. One big hurdle: The Senate's version has tax cuts that could increase the deficit by $1.5 trillion over the next decade, while the House version calls for no deficit increase at all. House Speaker Paul Ryan has floated the possibility of an early November vote in his chamber, which Politico sees as "ambitious." (Read more Senate stories.) The Nigerian man who tried to blow up a Detroit-bound jet with an underwear bomb is suing the US Justice Department, claiming he's been force-fed, punished for being Muslim, and held in solitary confinement inside Colorado's Supermax prison, all in violation of his constitutional rights. Upon his arrival in 2012, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab says he was immediately placed in solitary confinement and subjected to special administrative measures (SAMs) that limited his contact with family members. Though he was finally able to speak to his sister last year, Abdulmutallab says he's been unable to properly practice his religion. The lawsuit notes guards "defiled" his Quran and prayer rug and showed him porn magazines during his prayers, which were also interrupted by vocal attacks from "white supremacist" inmates, per the New York Times. Without an imam or halal food, Abdulmutallab says he began hunger strikes in protest only to have guards respond with force-feedings that were "excessively and unnecessarily painful, abusive, dangerous, and degrading," per the Denver Channel. In one case, officers using a feeding tube transfered a nutritional supplement into Abdulmutallab's windpipe rather than his esophagus, resulting in "Abdulmutallab feeling like he was being drowned in a manner akin to waterboarding," according to the lawsuit filed Wednesday, which names the Federal Bureau of Prisons and Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Abdulmutallab's lawyer says he hopes to have his client's constitutional rights restored and the SAMs lifted as Abdulmutallab's communications pose no risk of death or injury to others. (More on his 2009 plot here.) The latest actress to come forward with a Harvey Weinstein encounter is Lupita Nyong'o, and its rehashing leaves her feeling "sick in the pit of my stomach." In a very detailed New York Times op-ed, the actress perhaps best known for her Oscar-winning performance in 12 Years a Slave recounts first meeting Weinstein at an awards ceremony in 2011, while she was a student at the Yale School of Drama. The introduction led Weinstein to invite her to his Connecticut home for a private movie screening with his family, an invitation she accepted. During the screening, however, Weinstein led her into his bedroom and announced he would give her a massage. A panicked Nyong'o said she would instead give him a back massage (she'd been learning massage techniques in school) and proceeded to do sountil he told her he wanted to remove his pants. Nyong'o objected and left the room as he began doing so, and Weinstein's driver brought her home. "I didnt quite know how to process the massage incident," she writes. "I reasoned that it had been inappropriate and uncalled-for, but not overtly sexual." They remained in touch, and Nyong'o eventually accepted a dinner invitation, thinking it was a group event. It wasn't, and she quotes Weinstein as saying, "Lets cut to the chase. I have a private room upstairs where we can have the rest of our meal." She was "stunned" and refused his offer, despite his protests that she was being naive and that this was how things were done in the industry. He put her in a cab. Until the scandal, Nyong'o didn't realize she had so many "allies in this." "Now that we are speaking, let us never shut up about this kind of thing." Read the full op-ed. (Read more Lupita Nyong'o stories.) Keeping one's vows till death do you part is a challenge for even the most happily married couplesbut the odds might be greater depending on where you live. To find out which states have the highest and lowest rates of divorce, 24/7 Wall St. examined a Census Bureau survey to compare how many US citizens were married in 2015, and then how many divorced the following year. Arkansas emerged as the most ominous-looking state for matrimonial bliss, while Massachusetts seems home to more lasting unions. Here are the top and bottom five: Highest divorce rates (defined as the number of people who divorced per 1,000 married people): Arkansas; 23.4 Idaho; 21.9 Nevada; 21.3 Louisiana; 20.8 Oklahoma; 20.4 Lowest divorce rates: Massachusetts; 12.3 Hawaii; 12.6 New Jersey; 12.7 New York; 12.8 Minnesota; 12.8 View the entire list to see where your state stands. (Maybe we're just better off marrying inanimate objects. The "Watcher" lawsuit battle between past and current owners is over, though a criminal investigation remains active in the creepy case involving a house with an apparent stalker. The story began in 2014, when Derek and Maria Broaddus bought a $1.35 million Dutch Colonial home in Westfield, NJ, from John and Andrea Woods. Days before the closing, the Woods received a letter from someone calling himself "The Watcher." It was the first such letter they had received and Andrea Woods didn't find it threatening. But within two weeks of buying the house, the Broadduses had received three letters from "The Watcher" claiming the house was under his ownership and control. Disturbed, they never moved in, and the house is currently occupied by renters and back on the market for $1.125 million. The Broadduses ultimately sued the Woods and the Woods countersued, but a judge has now thrown out both suits, NJ.com reports. In her ruling Wednesday, Superior Court Judge Camille M. Kenny threw out the remaining three counts in the Broadduses' suit against the Woods, fraud counts involving allegations that the Woods intentionally kept the letter they had received from "The Watcher" from their buyers. The judge said that there's no evidence the Woods purposely hid the letter, and that if she sustained the complaint, it would create "uncertainty in real estate law" as to whether future sellers would be required to disclose one-time issues not related to the house itself, like a loud party neighbors once threw. The local prosecutor's office continues to investigate the origin of the four letters the Broadduses have received, the AP reports. (Read more strange stuff stories.) An awful story out of Michigan, where a 32-year-old construction worker and father was returning from a work site Wednesday night when the vehicle, which a co-worker was driving, was hit by a large rock. It crashed through the windshield and hit Kenneth Andrew White, killing him, the Detroit News reports. Police say four other drivers hit large rocks on the same stretch of roadway; they believe the rocks were brought to an overpass from another location and then tossed off, MLive reports. They say 20 rocks had been thrown before White and his co-worker came through, ClickOnDetroit reports. They are investigating White's death as a potential homicide. He leaves behind a fiancee and a 5-year-old son, and his family is mourning his loss. "He was just a great friend, a great family member, and a really great father," says his sister. "He was really loved, and this hurts our family a lot." His fiancee calls White the love of her life, and says it was devastating to tell their son his father was killed while coming home from work. "This guy's got a fiance. He's got a child. He's on his way back from a hard day's work and out of the blue comes a rock and he loses his life," says the Genesee County undersheriff. "We want to find out who's responsible for this." Police are asking the public for tips. A GoFundMe to raise money for funeral expenses has collected more than $11,000 so far. (Read more accidental death stories.) The November issue of Playboy will be the first published since Hugh Hefner's death in September, but it's getting attention for an entirely different first: the magazine's first transgender playmate, USA Today reports. Ines Rau, 26, will appear nude as the November issue's centerfold. The French model told the New York Times that being named a Playboy playmate "was a compliment like I've never had." She says she "cried of happiness" posing for the magazine while "thinking of being this little lonely boy in the ghetto." Cooper Hefner says featuring a transgender playmate "very much speaks to the brand's philosophy," calling it "the right thing to do." "So much of what the brand stood for in the early years is very much still alive," the son of Hugh Hefner says. The online reaction to Rau being made a playmate has been mixed at best. She says she was caught off guard by some of the transphobic comments the news has gotten, with some people claiming Hugh Hefner would never have allowed a transgender model in the magazine. That's wrong on a number of counts. "Bond girl" Caroline Cossey posed nude for Playboy in 1991, becoming the magazine's first transgender model. And Rau actually posed nude in the magazine in 2014 before now becoming its first transgender playmate (there is just one playmate per issue, featured in the centerfold). She tells Reuters that Hugh Hefner chose her for the honor himself, telling her "he was very proud of me." Meanwhile, Playboy is comparing the negative reactions to Rau to the negative response it received in 1965 after featuring its first black playmate. (Read more Playboy stories.) Imagine the disgusting and depraved things a hotel headboard sees over the years. Now imagine that hotel headboard is actually part of a multi-million-dollar art collection. Consumerist reports that's the gist of a lawsuit filed this week by French painter Yves Clement. Back in 2005, Clement created hundreds of pieces of art to be displayed around the US Grant Hotel in San Diego. Some of the art was integrated into furniture for the rooms, including headboards. The hotel, which is owned by Marriott, leases the artwork from Clement and renewed its lease of the art for another decade in 2015. Clement says their contract requires the hotel to return any damaged artwork to him. But the lawsuit states that's not what happened. Clement says he was at a framing shop when he saw some of his art from the US Grant covered in plastic. He says the shop owner told him the art had been treated for bedbugs and was being reframed. Clement says not only did the bedbugs physically damage the art but made it unable to be sold, as buyers won't risk a bedbug infestation. He says he went to the hotel and found up to 90 of his pieces were cut, tagged, splattered on, or otherwise "damaged or destroyed." The lawsuit states the US Grant is refusing to return the pieces to Clement. The lawsuit also states a number of his headboards have been "prominently featured in commercial pornographic films" shot at the hotel. Alleging the hotel has cost him financially and possibly hurt his reputation, Clement is seeking unspecified damages. He says the hotel artwork is worth between $6.6 million and $17 million. (Read more art stories.) Sorry! This content is not available in your region #FIFA World Cup Numbers confirmed for S. Korean players South Korea released squad numbers for their players at the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Tuesday, with captain Son Heung-min getting his usual No. 7. The Korea Football A... #BTS Seller of BTS member Jungkook's lost hat referred to prosecution Police on Tuesday referred to the prosecution a former foreign ministry employee accused of attempting to sell BTS member Jungkook's lost hat online, officials said. The suspec... Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. New Delhi: Salman Khan, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming movie Tiger Zinda Hai, has finally begin shooting for the last song of the film. According to the media reports, the song which also features lead actress Katrina Kaif, is being shot in the locales of Greece. Director Ali Abbas Zafar, who has been giving constant updates about the shoot, took it to micro-blogging site Twitter to share the news. "Nippy early morning in Greece... Preparation for last song begins @TigerZindaHai," Zafar wrote. The filmmaker also posted a 15-second-long video, recceing the location for the shoot. Nippy early morning in Greece YY.. preparation for last song begins @TigerZindaHai . pic.twitter.com/b6fyA8xLW8 a ali abbas zafar (@aliabbaszafar) October 20, 2017 The principal photography of the film was completed later in September; the last leg of the shoot being in Abu Dhabi. The film has also been shot in Tyrol, Austria. "Tiger Zinda Hai", which is the sequel to the 2012 film directed by Kabir Khan, will see Salman and Katrina reprise their roles as spies Tiger and Zoya. The film is slated to release on December 22. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Friday termed MSRTC strike as illegal and ordered to call it off with immediate effect. Earlier today, seven agitating staffers of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) have been suspended and arrested for creating ruckus and engaging in violence, a senior government official said. Nearly one lakh employees of the state-run transport body, mostly bus drivers and conductors, are on an indefinite strike since October 16 midnight demanding a pay hike. Five staffers, including drivers and conductors, were suspended when they forced a senior MSRTC functionary at Saoner depot under Nagpur division to wear bangles, the official said. A case was reported in this regard with the nearest police station and the five were arrested, said the senior official. Two more staffers were suspended and later arrested by police from Ramtek depot in Nagpur when they engaged in violence and threw stones at private buses. This case, too, was reported to us (MSRTC) as well as the local police station and action was initiated as per the law, said the official. The MSRTC employees are demanding a hike in salary in line with the 7th Pay Commission recommendations. Their strike, which entered the fourth day today, has caused hardships to thousands of long-distance passengers planning to travel to their hometowns for Diwali. The MSRTC has 17,500 buses in its fleet that make 56,756 trips everyday. The corporation, which has 1,02,980 employees, has an annual turnover of Rs 7,000 crore. The transport undertaking incurs a loss of little less Rs 2 crore per day (pre-strike figure). Asked whether the corporation was in a position to ensure operation of private buses, the official said, Yes, we could manage to run 26 private buses today. But honestly speaking, these are too little to meet the demand. In addition, private bus owners had already booked their passengers ahead of Diwali. Therefore, they are transporting their own passengers, said the official. Meanwhile, in Sangli in western Maharashtra, a group of striking employees threw stones at a private vehicle. However, no injuries were reported in the stone-pelting incident. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Chhath Puja is performed in order to thank Lord Surya and Chhati Maiyya (Usha, Lord Surya's wife), for sustaining life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes. Chhath means sixth because it falls on the sixth day of the month of Kartika (October/November) or simply on the sixth day after Diwali. God Surya is worshipped very passionately for the well being of their family and near and dear ones. Chhath Puja is celebrated mainly in the states of Bihar, UP, Jharkhand and some parts of Nepal. This year Chhath Puja, it starts on 24th October and continues until 27th October. The ritual starts on the fourth day of Kartika month where people take a holy dip in the water of Ganga to purify themselves. Devotees first take a bath, eat something before the fast starts, which then continues for the next 36 hours. Chhath 2017: 'Kabahu Naa Chhooti Chhath' song released featuring Kranti Prakash Jha, Bharat Sharma Vyas The second day of Chhath is known as Kharna. On this day fasting without water is observed from the sunrise to the sunset. The fast is broken just after sunset after making the food offering the Sun God. The third-day fasting begins after having Prasad on the second day. The third day of Chhath Puja is known as 'Sandhya Argh' as all the rituals take place in the evening. Devotees stand in water for long hours and pray for their family and loved ones. A full day fast without water is observed on the third main day of Chhath Puja. Offering Arghya to the setting Sun is the main ritual of the day. It is the only time of the year when Arghya is given to the setting Sun. The third-day fasting continues throughout the night. The fourth and the final day, also known as Suryodaya Argh is the day to offer early morning prayers to the God of life and energy followed by 'Parana' where devotees break their fast after 36 long hours. Chhath Puja 2017: Muhurat Timings Sunrise on Chhath Puja Day - 06:41 am Sunset on Chhath Puja Day - 18:05 pm Chhath Pooja Tithi Shashthi Tithi Begins - 09:37 am on 25th October 2017 Shashthi Tithi Ends - 12:15 pm on 26th October 2017 For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: In yet another incident of crime against women, a minor girl was allegedly molested in Nehru Nagar area of Mumbai on October 17. When the girl protested to assault she was badly beaten up. The entire incident was captured on CCTV installed nearby. Police have registeredA the case under IPC Sections 324 and 506. #WATCH #CCTVVisuals: Minor girl allegedly molested in #Mumbai on Oct 17, beaten up as she protested. Case registered by Nehru Nagar Police pic.twitter.com/Qo2T8VZCN4 a ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2017 A similar type of incident happened last month when two men were arrested for molestation of a minor girl in Madhya Pradesh. The horrific incident, which took place on September 24 in Sadar Bazar area in MP's Shivpuri, was caught on camera. In a video footage, a man can be seen molesting a girl, while another person looks on and then walks off. However, the girl managed to escape before anything worst could happen. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Hearing the petition filed by the management of MES College of Engineering against the ongoing strike in the campus, the Kerala High Court on Friday reiterated that politics should not be allowed in educational campuses. Earlier on October 13, the court stated its disapproval to political activities like dharna and strikes in educational institutions and said that if any student is found to be indulging in such activities, he would make himself liable to be "expelled and/or rusticated". "Educational institutions are meant for imparting education and not politics," a division bench headed by Chief Justice Navaniti Prasad Singh said in an interim order on October 10. The court observed that political activities like dharna, hunger strikes and other practices like "satyagraha" had no place in a constitutional democracy, much less in academic institutions. "Anyone indulging in the said activities in an educational institution would make himself liable to be expelled and/or rusticated. "Educational institutions are meant for imparting education and not politics. By their political ambition, the political parties cannot hold to ransom the educational institutions or right of the civilised students to receive education," the bench said. It passed the interim order while considering a petition filed by the management of a college in Malappuram district against an ongoing students' agitation at the institute. The bench said if called upon by the college authorities, the police would be under an obligation to assist them in maintaining peace and quiet and an orderly conduct of academics on the college premises. (With PTI Inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The controversy over Taj Mahal seems far from over. Anil Vij, senior cabinet minister of Haryana, has described the monument as a beautiful graveyard. Vij posted the statement on his Twitter account. Taj Mahal has been in the eye of the storm since the Uttar Pradesh government dropped one of the seven wonders of the world from the booklet of Tourism department, drawing flak from various quarters. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi had taken a potshot at Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath when he wrote on social media, Andher Nagari Chaupat Raja. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi had asked if the government would tell tourists not to visit the monument. Also read: Yogi govt knocks off Taj Mahal from tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh Do you want to destroy world famous Taj Mahal: Supreme Court to govt For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Commandant Deepak Mondal of Border Security Forces (BSFs) 145 Bn, who was attacked by cattle smugglers in the border area of Tripura on October 16, has succumbed to his injuries. During his routine visit to the border area of PS Sonamura, Commandant Mondal encountered cattle smugglers. He challenged cattle smugglers who in return attacked him with bricks and lathis leaving him in a critical condition. He had to be airlifted to Kolkata for treatment. The incident took place near the Belardeppa border post in the Sipahijala district of Tripura when he was allegedly hit by a four-wheeler being used by the smugglers. Also read: BSF Commandant critical after being attacked by cattle smugglers in Tripura; evacuated to Kolkata An accompanying Border Security Force jawan fired five rounds from his AK rifle to control the situation. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Dozens of soldiers were killed in two separate attacks by militants on Afghan security installations on Thursday. In a series of devastating attacks this week, the latest development took lives of 120 people. At least 43 Afghan soldiers were killed and nine wounded after the Taliban carried out two suicide car bombings at an army camp in the southern Kandahar province, the Afghan officials said. According to the ministry, the militants razed the base in the Chashmo area of Maiwand district in Kandahar province to the ground. Unfortunately there is nothing left inside the camp. They have burned down everything they found inside, defence ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri said. Read more: Missing MH370 flight: Malaysia to resume hunt for missing aircraft Just two soldiers were known to have survived unscathed, with six unaccounted for, the ministry said, underscoring the shocking casualties that Afghan security forces have faced in their struggle to beat back the insurgents. More than 10 militants were killed, it added. US aircraft carried out an airstrike during a counter-terror operation in Maiwand on Thursday, a spokesman for US Forces in Kabul said, though he did not specify whether the target was insurgents at the base. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Kirkuk (Iraq): A Baghdad court has issued an arrest warrant for the vice president of Iraq's autonomous northern Kurdish region for saying that Iraqi forces had "occupied" the disputed province of Kirkuk this week. However, the warrant against Kosrat Rasul is unlikely to be executed as the central government in Baghdad has no enforceable authority in the Kurdish-administered north. The court accused Rasul of "insulting" Iraq's armed forces, which is forbidden by Iraqi law. On Monday, Iraq's federal forces, supported by Iranian-sponsored militias, rolled into the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, forcing Kurdish militias, known as the peshmerga, to withdraw after brief clashes. The Kurds took over the city in 2014 when Iraq's army melted away ahead of the Islamic State's blitz across northern and western Iraq. IS has since seen its hold on Iraq and north Syria crumble in the face of relentless air strikes by the US-led coalition and an array of forces battling it on the ground. At its peak it held a third of both countries. In Kirkuk, residents were coming to terms on Thursday with the handover of the city back to Baghdad authorities. Many felt the two leading Iraqi Kurdish parties had betrayed their people and had ordered the peshmerga to pull back with hardlya fight. Jumaa Khalaf said she felt "humiliated" by the two parties over the withdrawal. Read more: UNICEF: Rohingya children refugees face 'hell on earth' "They trampled on the dignity of the peshmerga", she said. Many Kurds are wary of the Shiite-led militias that helped Iraqi forces retake the city. The Popular Mobilisation Forces, as they are known, are predominantly Shiite and backed by Iran, and seen by Kurds as agents of Arab- and Shiite-first policy. PMF commanders held a press conference from the centre of Kirkuk on Wednesday, despite orders from Baghdad not to enter the city, further provoking fears of ethnic strife. Associated Press reporters on Tursday saw only a handful of PMF vehicles among a dominantly federal police and security presence inside Kirkuk. The city felt calm, apart from sporadic reports of looting. The UN said more than 60,000 people fled the city on Monday, fearing clashes and leaving homes empty and unguarded. Later, thousands returned. Another Kurdish resident, Hassan Anwar, said he was disturbed to see photos of Iraqi Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani burned in the city. "I feel like it's my father's photo that's been burnt", he said. The Kurds make up a portion of the multi-ethnic Kirkuk's 1.2 million residents, living among Arabs and Turkmen. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Hunt for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 to resume after negotiation with a US firm, according to the Australian transport minister. The American company, Ocean Infinity as well as Dutch outfit Fugro, which had been involved in the original search, and an unidentified Malaysian company had put forward proposals to relaunch the hunt. Ocean Infinity was reported to be favoured after making a "no find, no fee" offer to search for the Malaysia Airlines plane. The jet disappeared with 239 people on board in March 2014 en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing after diverting from its flight path. No sign of the plane was found in a 120,000 square kilometre zone selected by satellite analysis of the jets likely trajectory. The Australian-led hunt -- the largest in history -- was suspended in January, sparking criticism from families of those on board and some experts, who said it was called off too soon. On Thursday, family members of passengers were sent a message by the MH370 Response Team in Malaysia saying they were in talks with Ocean Infinity on the terms of an agreement. "The MH370 Response Team has received several proposals from interested parties to search for MH370," said the emailed message, a copy of which was seen by AFP. "These offers have been thoroughly assessed by the team and the governments of Australia and China... The government of Malaysia has given the permission for the response team to proceed to negotiate the terms and conditions with Ocean Infinity." Malaysia's Deputy Transport Minister Abdul Aziz Kaprawi confirmed talks were under way. "The ministry is still negotiating to finalise the terms... We favour Ocean Infinity," he told AFP. Danica Weeks, an Australian whose husband Paul was on the flight, told AFP she was "ecstatic that the Malaysian government is doing what they need to do to continue to find MH370". Ocean Infinity, which said in a statement that "good progress has been made" in negotiating the contract, claims it has the world's largest and most advanced commercial fleet of underwater vehicles for conducting searches. "We remain optimistic that we will be able to try and help provide some answers to those who have been affected by this tragedy," a spokesman said in a statement to AFP. Only three confirmed fragments of MH370 have been found, all of them on western Indian Ocean shores, including a two-metre wing part known as a flaperon. With PTI Input For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: North Korea has raised the temperatures in the international political landscape by sending out a stern warning to the United States in form of a unimaginable nuclear strike for conducting military exercises with South Korea in the waters off the Korean peninsula, according to a report on Thursday. The U.S. is running amok by introducing under our nose the targets we have set as primary ones, the state-controlled Korean Central News Agency warned, Newsweek reported. The U.S. should expect that it would face an unimaginable strike at an unimaginable time. The regime also blamed the US for creating tension on the eve of war by taking part in civilian evacuation drills in South Korea. US and South Korea military forces began five days of military exercises on Monday that involve fighter jets, helicopters and about 40 ships and submarines. United States prepares for the worst with North Korea United States prepares for the worst with North Korea President Kim Jong Uns government considers the drills a rehearsal for an invasion of his country. Tensions have increased between Pyongyang and Washington since the regime began testing intercontinental ballistic missiles that could hit the US mainland. It also detonated a nuclear device. The United Nations imposed strict economic sanctions against the country in retaliation for continuing its weapons development program. President Trump has said he would totally destroy North Korea in defense of the US or its allies. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Karachi: Two grenade blasts have rocked Pakistanas restive south-western province of Baluchistan, injuring at least 38 people, police said. The twin blasts took place within minutes in the Mastung and Gwadar districts, police said. According to senior police officials, around 12 people were injured, three of them seriously, when two men on a motorcycle wearing helmets threw a hand grenade at a crowd in the Sultan Shaheed area in Mastung town on Thursday. The injured were shifted to a hospital while three were moved to Quetta as their condition was serious, local police official Gulab Khan said. The second attack took place when two men on a motorcycle threw a hand grenade at Al-Zubair hotel outside a mobile market in Safar Khan area of Gwadar town. aAt least 26 people were injured in the blast,a local police official Ayaz Baluch said. ALSO READ: JuD chief Hafiz Saeed's house arrest extended for 30 days He said the injured included 15 labourers from Sindh and 11 from Punjab who had gathered after work to have tea. aThree of them have been shifted to Karachi for treatment,a he said. The injured have been shifted to District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Mastung. Chief Minister of Balochistan Sanaullah Zehri has condemned the incidents and asked the authorities to submit a report on the blasts. The attacks have come, a day after a suspected suicide bomber hit a police truck in Quetta, Baluchistanas capital, killing seven policemen and a civilian and injuring 22 others. ALSO READ | Pakistan: 7 policemen killed, 22 others injured in explosion in Sariab Mill area on Quetta-Sibbi road For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: UNICEF has come out with some startling revelations on the Rohingya Muslims saying that says the children who make up most of the nearly 600,000 community who fled violence from Myanmar are seeing a "hell on earth" in overcrowded, muddy and squalid refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh. The UN children's agency has issued a report that documents the plight of children who account for 58 per cent of the refugees who have poured into Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, over the last eight weeks. Report author Simon Ingram says about one in five children in the area are "acutely malnourished." The report comes ahead of a donor conference Monday in Geneva to drum up international funding for the Rohingya. "Many Rohingya refugee children in Bangladesh have witnessed atrocities in Myanmar no child should ever see, and all have suffered tremendous loss," UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake said in a statement. The refugees need clean water, food, sanitation, shelter and vaccines to help head off a possible outbreak of cholera a potentially deadly water-borne disease. Ingram also warned of threats posed by human traffickers and others who might exploit children in the refugee areas. "These children just feel so abandoned, so completely remote, and without a means of finding support or help. In a sense, it's no surprise that they must truly see this place as a hell on earth," Ingram told a news conference in Geneva. The report features harrowing colour drawings by some children being cared for by UNICEF and other aid groups who are scrambling to improve living conditions in Cox's Bazar. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. paraklisi The future Saint Jonah was born in 1888 in Kaluga, Russia, with the name Vladimir Pokrovsky. He was orphaned at the age of 8 and was taken in by a deacon, who ensured he received an education. He went on to attend, graduate, and eventually teach at the Kazan Theological Academy.St. Jonah of Manchuria (Feast Day - October 20)While attending as a student, he was tonsured a monk of the Optina Brotherhood and given the name Jonah. He took a teaching position at the academy only out of obedience to the Elder Gabriel of Optina.In 1918 the Revolution forced the young hieromonk to leave Kazan. He was arrested by the communists and suffered beatings to the point of loss of consciousness and imprisonment. Fr. Jonah was freed by the White Army, was soon raised to the rank of abbot, and assigned as the senior priest of the southern volunteer troops. He then withdrew to the borders of Western China with the army of Alexander Dutov, being subjected to many hardships while crossing the Pamir cliffs, often forced to grab on to the sparse shrubbery and jagged ledges of the ice covered cliffs with wounded hands. After crossing the Gobi Desert, they finally reached Beijing, where Fr. Jonah was received into the Ecclesiastical Mission there and soon consecrated bishop of Manzhuria. (Saint Jonah was officially the bishop of Hankou, in the Hubei province, but actually ministered and worked in the town of Manzhuria, the modern day border town of Manzhouli, not to be confused with the region of Manchuria, of which this town is a part.)At the time of his arrival in the fall of 1922, the border town of Manzhuria was bursting with Russian refugees who had barely any more than the clothes on their backs. The native populace helped as much as it could, but its resources were inadequate to meet the needs at hand; there was not even enough bread for the children. Existing charities were poorly organized, and the spiritual structure of the community was too weak to offer much support. Suddenly, the town was electrified. The transformation - both spiritual and physical - which Bishop Jonah effected in three short years with his flock, revealed his tremendous stature as a man of action, a man of prayer and an apostle of love. In that short time he established the following:1. An orphanage that held up to 30 children ranging from the ages of five to fourteen2. A children's school accommodating up to 500 students3. A dining hall for the poor, feeding up to 200 people daily4. Free ambulatory care and medicine for the poor of Manzhuria5. A library spiritually feeding the citizens of ManzhuriaBishop Jonah had been caring for a priest who died of typhoid fever. He subsequently contracted chronic tonsillitis and then, due to complications, developed blood poisoning. As he was dying, he wrote a final epistle to his flock, reminding them of the need to love one another, confessed one final time to Archbishop Methodius of Beijing, received Holy Communion, blessed those who were in his room, and then he put on the epitrachelion and cuffs which had belonged to Elder Ambrose of Optina and began, "loudly and with prostrations", to read the canon for the departure of the soul. Finally "overcome with weakness", he laid down on his bed and said, "God's will be done. Now I shall die," and, he indeed died within minutes.That same evening, a ten-year-old boy named Nicholas Dergachev, who was crippled, had been suffering from an inflammation of the knee joints. All medical efforts had proven fruitless. He was unable to walk, or even to stand. The boy had a dream. "A hierarch vested in white appeared to him and said, 'Here, take my legs. I don't need them anymore. And give me yours.' He woke up and "was miraculously healed". From a photograph he later identified the hierarch in his dream as Bishop Jonah, who had died that same night, October 20, 1925."Though his life was short, his memory endured long after his death. Saint John (Maximovitch) said of Saint Jonah:"Already here in the diaspora we have righteous ones in our time. Although they are not yet glorified, people receive wondrous signs from them. For example Bishop Jonah of Manchuria." (From the book "Sermons," by Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco)There was an attempt to excavate the relics of Saint Jonah in July 1994 which was unsuccessful in locating the site of his grave. In 1997, new information was provided that may have located the site, but so far no second attempt has been made.He was officially glorified by the ROCOR on October 20, 1996. The Bishop's Council of the Russian Orthodox Church canonized Jonah as Enlightener Jonah of Hankou on 3 February 2016.Apolytikion in the Fourth ToneThou wast a good pastor for the Russian people, who had departed in exodus to live in a foreign land, guiding them in every way, but especially with the love of Christ, in all providing a model of love unfeigned. O Father Jonah, holy hierarch of Christ, entreat Him for the salvation of our souls.Kontakion in the Third ToneTaking care for their daily needs, thou didst not forbid children to come to thee, O divinely blessed one, and didst found a home for them. And even after thy repose thou didst not forsake them, for in a dream thou didst heal a paralyzed boy. Wherefore we cry out unto thee: Rejoice, O all-glorious Jonah, thou worker of wonders. On the occasion of her 83rd birthday Friday, Empress Michiko welcomed the award this year of the Nobel Peace Prize to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons as a meaningful development in efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons. The Geneva-based nongovernmental organization has been working with survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings to pass on their experiences. "I feel it is most significant that, owing to the efforts of the atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima and Nagasaki over many long years, the world seems to have finally turned its attention to the inhumanity of nuclear weapons and the horrifying consequences once they are used," she said in a statement. She also touched on Japan's "complicated" position on the nuclear arms issue as the country relies on the nuclear deterrence provided by the United States. "At the same time, I hope that the people of the world will take more notice that the hearts of Japan's atomic bomb survivors have never been directed towards retaliation, which sets off a chain of more fighting, but towards the pursuit of a peaceful future," the Empress said. While recalling major events over the past 12 months including the change of administration in the United States, Britain's formal notification of an exit from the European Union, and terrorist attacks around the world, the Empress cited the appointment of Izumi Nakamitsu as the U.N. undersecretary general and high representative for disarmament affairs as very memorable. Nakamitsu's words helped in looking at "disarmament" from a broader perspective, the empress said. "I have come to learn that part of the work of disarmament lies in viewing disarmament not in a narrow, confined sense of 'disarmament,' but from a more integrated perspective that encompasses other domains, such as the economy, society, and the environment, and preventing potential conflict in a region by, for instance, assisting with its sustainable economic growth," the Empress noted. Oct 20 (ANNnewsCH) - csaZaaa20a83aecYaeZaaaaaaYaacsaZaaaecYaaaYaSaeeaeaaaazcaaaaaaaaYa Japanese police say more than 900 people under the age of 18 were victimized through social media in the first 6 months of this year. The National Police Agency says the number of reported cases stood at 919, up 30 from last year. The number is a record high for the January-to-June period since recordkeeping began 9 years ago. Of the cases, 289 involved pornography, 243 adults paying youths for sexual services, and 350 other forms of commercial exploitation. Victims aged 15 to 17 accounted for 70 percent of the total. The youngest was 9. Twitter was involved in more than a third of the cases. A recent legal revision obliges phone sellers to set up filtering on phones sold to people under 18 so that access to harmful sites can be blocked. Police say about 90 percent of the victims were not using the filtering function. Japan's volcanic eruption prediction committee offered the view Thursday that a major eruption may occur at Mount Shinmoe in the southwestern region of Kyushu. Gathering in the city of Kagoshima, senior members of the committee analyzed recent activities of the volcano straddling Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures. After the meeting, Kazuhiro Ishihara, honorary professor at Kyoto University and chair of the committee, told a press conference that the amount of magma accumulating beneath the mountain has reached around the level seen in 2011, when the previous major blast happened. If a large quantity of magma is supplied further, there could be a big eruption, according to the commission members' consensus view. On Oct. 11, the volcano in the Kirishima Ridge erupted for the first time since Sept. 7, 2011. The mountain turned silent on Tuesday, but the meteorological agency has maintained the volcanic alert level 3 on the scale 5. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate KENT Last year, Hayley Dunham took the day off from work to ensure she was at her computer the minute tickets went on sale for the first fan festival devoted to the long-running show Gilmore Girls. But, she still wasnt able to get one of the 1,200 passes sold for the weekend-long event in Washington Depot, the town credited with inspiring the show. The minute it took me to start typing in the credit card, they were sold out, said Dunham, who has a tattoo near her wrist inspired by the show. The words, in omnia paratus, were made famous by members of the fictional secret society at Yale University, the lead character Rory Gilmores alma mater. This March, though, Dunham waited at her computer again and was successful. She and her mom, Susan, were two of 1,500 fans from across the country that secured tickets for this weekends festival, which Dunham said might have been because the festival moved to a larger space in Kent. Gilmore Girls, which aired from 2000 to 2007 on the WB network, followed the relationship between a single mother and her teenage daughter in a small Connecticut town. It had a strong following that has only grown in the years since it went off the air, thanks to the shows syndication and a four-episode revival released last November on Netflix. This years festival kicked off Friday morning when flocks of fans, many wearing Gilmore-inspired shirts, sweatshirts and even homemade buttons, gathered at the towns center to check in for the three-day event. Many festival goers, even those who didnt come as a pair like the Dunhams, said the mother-daughter element in the show was a main reason it became so special to them. I see a lot of mothers and daughters and it makes me think of (my daughter), said Diane Fuller, who came from Bedford, N.Y., to volunteer at the festival. It was our tradition. Shed say Mom, the Gilmore Girls are on and wed go sit down and watch it. The weekends schedule included panels with members of the cast and crew, screenings of important episodes and activities inspired by the show at local businesses. The events go from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Some fans traveled from as far as Kansas or California to celebrate the show, many saying they were excited to get a taste of the small town life they had watched in Gilmore Girls. The Dunhams even said they chose their current home in Brunswick, Maine, when moving from Massachusetts a few years ago, because it reminded them so much of the shows fictional town of Stars Hollow. Its like every-town USA, Susan Dunham said. Its what you want your town to be. Emelie Burl, a Washington Depot native who volunteered at the festival both years, said the town often sees Gilmore Girls tourists even when there wasnt a festival focused on the show. But the number of fans who visit the area has grown over the last few years, she added. Stacey Grimsley, owner of SoDelicious Bakery, said she noticed a resurgence of people in Kent watching the show once they heard theyd be hosting the festival this year. Both Burl and Grimsley added that they were happy to get involved because of the positive atmosphere of the festival. This is a blast and Im a fan of the show, Burl said. Its like 1,500 of the happiest people in the world in one weekend. aquinn@newstimes.com If you haven't heard or paid attention to the phenomenum that is cryptocurrency, then it's time to take notice. Related: From $100 Million to Broke to Betting It All on Cryptocurrencies First, if it's still a foreign concept for you, cryptocurrency is any of a number of digital currencies that can be used for online transactions without intermediaries such as banks. Without banks, cryptocurrency can be traded and used for commerce between two or more people without the oversight -- and expense -- of those intermediaries. The underlying power behind cryptocurrency is blockchain technology, which is as difficult to understand as it is to explain. There are certainly in-depth descriptions of how blockchains function available, but in general, each is built on a publicly distributed digital ledger aimed at ensuring the security and transparency of the transaction for all involved. Cryptocurrency was first launched in 2009 as an experiment limited to a handful of adopters. However, It has grown into a legitimate and credible global currency and payment option, as countries like Singapore, India, China and Russia have moved to adopt their own digital versions of their currencies. This adoption -- and acknowledgement by the world's major governments of cryptocurrencies' legitimacy -- is fueling their general adoption. In Japan alone, which has has a population of 127 million, cryptocurrencies are considered a legal payment method, and purchases are currently not taxed. By and large, the most popular and widely used example of cryptocurrency is Bitcoin, the first decentralized cryptocurrency. Recently, the market cap of Bitcoin actually eclipsed that of Paypal -- when the price for Bitcoin was hovering at $3,000. More recently? Bitcoin closed at over $5,000. More impressive is the fact that Bitcoin represents only 40 percent of the total digital currency market and only 1 percent of gold's current total market capitalization. Those scenarios illustrate the kind of potential this market actually has. Related: 6 Cryptocurrencies You Should Know About (and None of Them Are Bitcoin) Why should small businesses care now? So long as cryptocurrency continues to be a legitimate and accepted form of payment, exchange, businesses will have no choice but to adopt methods for accepting it. Moreover, new digital currencies are being created all the time: There are currently over 1,000 in circulation -- so understanding and managing them may be an even bigger challenge. While small companies will naturally be slow to adopt, big corporations are getting on board. IBM, Wal,art and Nestl? have made investments in blockchain technologies to help optimize their existing processes and satisfy the growing demand. Even the online retail giant Overstock is embracing the technology. And supporting companies are also cashing in. One company that has been profiting from the surge in demand is NVIDIA, which said its sales were up by 54 percent this year due to increase in demand for its graphic cards used in cryptocurrency mining. Another development is that companies embracing the blockchain technology are finding ways to capitalize on this trend. Kik, a chat app that found tremendous success when it launched but then struggled against industry behemoths like Facebook, recently raised $125 million through initial coin offering (ICO). This represented the introduction and launch of a new cryptocurrency that has the prospect of being traded -- and hence has value -- outside the app ecosystem. Why should small businesses care about tomorrow? What is clear is that cryptocurrency is not going anywhere. A recent study by Lendedu.com demonstrated that awareness of digital currencies, specifically bitcoin, is at an all-time high. Adoption, however, continues to lag. Key findings of the survey included: 78.5 percent of Americans have heard of Bitcoin Of that aware group: 11 percent (Americans) believed that owning Bitcoin is illegal in the United States 48 percent were unsure of Bitcoin's legality Only 14 percent had ever owned Bitcoin 40 percent were open to the idea of using Bitcoin in the future 34 percent were undecided about buying Bitcoin in the future The study also showed a very high correlation between age and adoption, with older respondents being far less likely than younger ones to own or invest in Bitcoin in the future. With that said, as more millennials enter the workforce and are willing to adopt and use new technologies, the adoption of cryptocurrency technology is sure to rise. In fact, millennials already seem to be keeping Bitcoin for a rainy day. Room for growth Cryptocurrencies are less than a decade old, and in reality have only come into the mainstream in the past few year. There are challenges, such as China's blocking access to cryptocurrency exchanges recently (making an impact considering that it's got the world's largest population and second largest economy). Also, a multitude of data breaches at major companies have occurred, creating more doubts about security and privacy in consumers' minds. Despite these downsides, many in the industry itself see plenty of room for growth: As part of my research on cryptocurrency, I spoke with Nuno Correia, CEO of Utrust, a payment platform for cryptocurrency buyers, for this article. And Correia tempered those downside events in cryptocurrencies I've described with some optimism of his own. Now, of course,the CEO of a cryptocurrency platform is going to have plenty of reason to promote cryptocurrencies, but because Correia has been an innovator in the industry for a few years, I saw him as having a lot of credibility when he told me he's bullish on that industry. Companies focused on cryptocurrencies, specifically those that can take advantage of the early developments and be part of the systems that provide and encourages cryptocurrency transactions, will have the greatest first mover advantage, Correia said about entrepreneurs' growing role in the industry. Related: Why You Can't Afford to Ignore Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain Anymore Still, education among entrepreneurs and consumers alike is critical, Correia emphasized: As consumers realize that the goal of this technology is to ensure that anyone can benefit from these transactions, irrespective of where they live, economic condition or level of education, it will become universally recognized and used, he said. He may be right: After all, cryptocurrency started off as an "experiment." And look at how far it's come. What are your thoughts on digital currencies and their business applications? Have you used it? Please share your thoughts in the comments below. Related: Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com Struggling to learn another language? Apparently adding a little alcohol to the process could make it easier, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology. Researchers discovered that a low dose of alcohol actually helped improve test subjects' ability to pick up a foreign language. By studying a group of 50 German students who had recently learned to speak, read and write in Dutch, the researchers gave half of the students a pints worth of alcohol and placebo pints, which contained no alcohol, to the other half. After consuming their drinks, each student spoke in Dutch to two native Dutch speakers, who had no idea which students had the alcoholic drinks. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 3 of 3 BROOKFIELD Police are still searching for a man who robbed the Newtown Savings Bank on Federal Road Friday and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. The robbery occurred at 8:55 a.m. on Friday as the bank was opening for the day, police said. The suspect was described as an African-American man about 5 feet, 10 inches tall, who approached a teller with a note demanding money. OAKVILLE, ON, Oct. 19, 2017 /CNW/ - Restaurant Brands International Inc. (TSX/NYSE: QSR, TSX: QSP) will release its third quarter 2017 financial results on Thursday, October 26, 2017 and will host an investor conference call that morning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The earnings call will be webcast on the company's investor relations website http://investor.rbi.com and a replay will be available for 30 days following the release. Investors may also access the conference call via the following dial-in numbers: (877) 317-6711 for U.S. callers, (866) 450-4696 for Canadian callers, and (412) 317-5475 for callers from other countries. About Restaurant Brands International Inc. Restaurant Brands International Inc. ("RBI") is one of the world's largest quick service restaurant companies with more than $28 billion in system-wide sales and over 23,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries and U.S. territories. RBI owns three of the world's most prominent and iconic quick service restaurant brands TIM HORTONS, BURGER KING, and POPEYES. These independently operated brands have been serving their respective guests, franchisees and communities for over 40 years. To learn more about RBI, please visit the company's website at www.rbi.com. SOURCE Restaurant Brands International Inc. For further information: Investors: Markus Sturm, Investor Relations, [email protected]; Media: Patrick McGrade, Corporate Affairs, [email protected] By GMM 20 October 2017 - 14:16 Felipe Massa says he would be interested in a role with Liberty Media once his F1 career ends. After 16 seasons on the grid, the 36-year-old is fighting for his Williams cockpit against 2018 contenders Robert Kubica, Paul di Resta and Pascal Wehrlein. Although he retired at the end of last season only to surprisingly return, Massa seems unhappy his place is now in doubt. "I have nothing to say," the Brazilian said when asked about Kubica and di Restas shootout test in Hungary last week. "Im focused solely on my job." Many in the paddock believe Williams has already decided to oust Massa. The driver said he is simply waiting for the British teams decision. "There were no new negotiations," he said. "Of course, when I talk with the team I state my position clearly, but I think they know perfectly well what I can do. From my side Im sure that they need me." Massa said he is hoping for Williams decision before his home race in Sao Paulo early next month. His departure would also mean that there are no Brazilians on the 2018 grid. "Of course it would be bad because Brazilians love formula one and they want to cheer for their driver. But lets see how things develop," he said. If he does retire from F1, Massa has been linked with a move to Formula E. But he was also asked if he might be interested in a consultancy role with F1 owner Liberty Media. "If I can help, and they are interested in my help, then of course we can talk," he said in Austin. "But at the moment I am completely focused on racing, because its what I love most and what Ive done all my life. But for the future, everything is possible." as the D-8, we need to intensify our activities with a view to enhancing various measures and incentives introduced to promote trade and assist the business communities from Member States to invest in our countries and widen our cooperation. We need to work hard to establish integrated manufacturing structures and markets. I will like to reiterate the importance of increasing trade and investment among our Member States, he said, Nigeria is committed to, and is actively pursuing a policy of trade and investment facilitation for growth. The gains from trade are reflected in greater competitiveness, improved productivity, job creation, consumer welfare and prosperity. Economies that grow fastest and at more sustainable rates are those that actively promote trade and attract investment. We are committed to creating an enabling environment and making Nigeria an attractive place for business and investment, he said. I am pleased to inform you of positive market developments currently in Africa, that will support our efforts as Members of the D-8 to enlarge our markets, facilitate our trade and investments, and develop our economies. In Africa, we are on the threshold of finalizing negotiations to establish the first ever Single Market for Trade in Goods and Services on our Continent, in the Continental Free Trade Area for Africa. This will be a win-win for all, including member countries of the D-8. As partners, I urge that we work together to support this effort of the African Union that will have a positive effect on global economic development and integration, he said. President Muhammadu Buhari today in Istanbul, Turkey urged D-8 leaders to prioritize incentives and measures aimed at increasing trade and investments among member countries.Speaking at the ninth summit of the D-8, President Buhari said the private sector and business communities in the economic organization must be assisted with incentives to widen economic cooperation among member-states.In his words,President Buhari also used the occasion of his speech to reiterate Nigerias commitment to international trade and development even as he affirmed the countrys readiness to host the Meeting of D8 Ministers of Industry from November 14 17 in Abuja.Highlighting the attractive business and investment opportunities in the country, the President stressed the need for prospective investors to take advantage of the Federal Governments new policies on trade facilitation.The President also urged D-8 member countries to support the efforts of the African Union (AU) to establish the first ever single market for trade in goods and services on the continent. He described the AU-backed Continental Free Trade Area for Africa as a win-win for all, including member countries of the D-8.Earlier, President Buhari had congratulated the outgoing Chairman of D8, Pakistani government, and Dr. Seyed Ali Mohammad Mousavi, the outgoing Secretary-General, on their commitment and strong resolve to forge the organization ahead even in the face of serious challenges.He also congratulated Turkey on assuming the new leadership of the economic organization. He assured D-8 leaders that Nigeria would continue to support the Secretariat in its assignments to achieve the visions and objectives of the organization. A 30-year-old Liberian mother was arrested on Monday in Delaware,Wilmington after she was accused of drowning her son and his brother, in a bathtub because she was afraid of being deported. Kula Pelima was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of her 3-month-old son named Solomon Epelle who was her biological child and the baby's 5-year-old half-brother, Alex Epelle, who was her Nigerian boyfriends son with another woman.The couple lived together in Wilmington, and she helped care for both children. According to FOX 29, Wilmington police stated they were called to the apartment on the 800 block of West 9th Street around 3:45 a.m. EDT Monday morning. Pelima was worried she was going to be deported because her Nigerian boyfriend, Victor Epelle, had been detained by agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Court documents stated Pelima had contacted the police concerned she was going to be deported because her visa had lapsed, according to local news station WDEL. Wilmington Police Chief Robert Tracy said the police had responded to her home at that time and assured her no one was going to come for her. Tracy, however, did not say Pelima was an illegal immigrant but cited court documents saying she had immigrated to the United States from Liberia at age 10 and was living in the country legally. When police saw the children then, they were awake and well, leading the police to feel the children were not in danger. However, they returned about four hours later after Pelima had called 911 saying she had drowned the two children. According to local news station, WDEL, Pelima said she dropped Solomon in the bathtub and turned on the water and left him on his back as the tub filled after she plugged the drain. She then physically assaulted the 5-year-old before walking him to the bathroom and held his head under water until he stopped moving. "She was pretty matter of fact about admission that the two children were dead. Our officers discovered them in the back bathtub," Tracy said. Upon the arrival of the police, she showed them to the bathtub where officers found the two boys bodies. The gas for the stove was also switched on in the house. Describing the deaths as tragic, Tracy said Tuesday : "We all have the questions: Why would someone go through and do what theyve done. We dont have the answers either." Pelima is currently being held at the Delores J. Baylor Women's Correctional Institution on a $2 million cash bond. Pelimas boyfriend, Epelle, 38, was taken into custody by immigration authorities in Pennsylvania on Sept. 14 . He was in the United States legally, but he had violated the terms of his status, ICE said. It wasnt immediately clear what he had done. Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has said that the federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari has so far spent $2bn from the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) for the completion of the second Niger Bridge.He said this during the flag-off of the governorship campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Onitsha area of Anambra State.Restating the commitment of the Federal Government in developing infrastructure in the South East, Osinbajo said: We are not making promises for nothing. The second Niger Bridge, we have been talking about it for a long time. But for the first time, President Muhammadu Buhari went by himself to negotiate the facility to do that second Niger Bridge.And that is why the second Niger Bridge is in our current budget and we have provided for it. In fact, I am being reminded that just two days ago, the Sovereign Wealth Fund paid $2bn for that same project. So we will definitely see our second Niger Bridge. We will not make promises we cannot keep.The VP went on to claim that the previous administrations abandoned the Lagos-Calabar railway project, stressing that it has been revived under the APC-led Federal Government.When we were talking of railway, Lagos-Calabar railway, under the old administration, I will not mention them by name.They said Lagos-Calabar will go from Lagos to Calabar, there was no connection to the South-East. It was when President Muhammadu Buhari came that we redesigned the Lagos-Calabar in order to pass through Onitsha in the first place.By that new design, we also have the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railway that has a connection to Umuahia-Owerri and Enugu-Awka. So all of those, we will not make promises we cannot keep. Every promise we make, we will keep, he added.Speaking further, Mr Osinbajo also stresses that Anambra was the first state to benefit from the school feeding initiative that has employed over a thousand cooks and fed over a hundred thousand.He added, This state was the first state to receive our home-grown school feeding. This Anambra was the very first state that we gave money for that programme. And we have already in 807 schools, here in Anambra state where these young children (primary schools) are already fed.We have over a hundred thousand children that are already fed here in Anambra state, and that is an APC programme, our home-grown school feeding programme. We have engaged over a thousand cooks, over a thousand people are cooking. We have our N-Power programme for young graduates. Already we have employed over 4,000 graduates and we intend to increase the number. As part of events celebrating the 55th birthday celebration of Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, was the launch of his book titled Rochas Revealed, the commissioning of Rochas Foundation College of Africa and the Rochas Okorocha Foundation 10th graduation ceremony. The book Rochas Revealed written by Wale Okediran, a former member of House of Representatives, was launched in Owerri, Imo State revealed the wonders of Okorocha with a view to motivating the Nigerian children and assuring them that success lies ahead if they choose to live above limitations. The event was attended by eminent Nigerians like the former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo and the former vice president of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, royal fathers and many more. There was also the commissioning of a massive educational facility to give the poor African children a wing to fly. Rochas Foundation College of Africa (ROFOCA) admitted five students each from all African countries to be trained free of charge. ROFOCA is a free, comprehensive, and qualitative educational scheme established by the Rochas Foundation Inc. to make education free and accessible to less privileged children across the continent of Africa. ROFOCA like its sister (RFC) schools in Nigeria, admits smart, intelligent, talented, and brilliant less privileged orphans and indigent African children whose parents cannot afford to send them to school due to their financial situation. 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 ... Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria has advised the Nigerian government to resolve its issue with Intels Nigeria, a company co-owned by fo... Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria has advised the Nigerian government to resolve its issue with Intels Nigeria, a company co-owned by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar. Government had directed the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to terminate the boats pilotage monitoring and supervision agreement that the agency has with Intels. NPA had based termination of the contract with the oil and gas logistics giant on its alleged refusal to get on the Treasury Single Account (TSA) platform. President of MWUN, Adewale Adeyanju, told newsmen in Lagos that Intels closure will not only throw thousands of workers into the labour market, but also adversely affect their families and other dependents. He said: Today, we are aware that Intels has over 5,000 direct employees and over 6,000 indirect employees, which makes it up to 11,000 workers. Most of these employees are Nigerians with families and responsibilities. We are worried that if this issue is not resolved amicably, their jobs can be on the line. Adeyanju said the socio-economic implication of most of the workers losing their jobs in a volatile area like Rivers State would have a negative impact. He added that the union was also worried over the negative message the contract cancellation would send to investors locally and internationally. We want to advice the government to avoid anything that will send wrong signals to investors that Nigerias environment is not safe and conducive for business, he said. Nigerias image received a boost on Thursday before the international community as former Agriculture Minister Akinwumi Adesina formally received the 2017 World Food Prize Laureate award in the US.Adesina was conferred with the laureate in Des Moines, U. S. during which he committed the 250,000 dollars cash prize to set up a fund for financing African youths in agriculture.Adesina had been announced as the winner of the global feat by the WFP for his dogged determination and practical commitment to boosting agriculture and food supply chain both as Minister of Agriculture and President of AfDB.Adesina, who is also the President of African Development Bank, commended his staff for the shared passion to feed Africa.The former minister expressed gratitude to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo for nominating him as minister.Adesina also thanked former President Goodluck Jonathan for giving him the opportunity to serve as a minister.He also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his strong support to achieve the feat.There wouldnt be any rest for me until Africa feeds itself and for that, we need the youth.And so even though I dont have the cash in my hand, I hereby commit my $250,000 as a cash prize for the WFP award to set up a fund fully dedicated to providing financing for the youth of Africa in agriculture to feed Africa.A day is coming very soon when the barns of Africa will be filled and all her children will be well fed when millions of farmers will be able to send their kids to school.Then you will hear a new song across Africa; thank God our lives are better for us, Adesina said.The Governor of Iowa, Kim Reynolds, who officially declared Adesina as the 2017 laureate winner of the WFP, said he was a man who grew out of poverty to create wealth.Reynolds said that the laureate commitment and dedication in agriculture had impacted on lives of many, not only in Africa but around the world.Former President of Ghana, John Mahama, attended the ceremony and other dignitaries from Nigeria and African countries. A pro-democracy and Non-Governmental organization, the Human Rights Writers Association, HURIWA, has alleged that the police high command i... A pro-democracy and Non-Governmental organization, the Human Rights Writers Association, HURIWA, has alleged that the police high command is in the process of sweeping under the carpet, the alleged killing of 19-year-old female student of Cross Rivers State University Miss. Joy Odama by one Alhaji Usman I. Adamu in Abuja. The Rights group also condemned the lack of action by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Ibrahim Idris on the attack by gunmen on Saint Philips Catholic Church Ozubulu, Anambra state on Sunday August 13th 2017. HURIWA said the Anambra state police command and the office of the Inspector General of Police seems to be colluding to maintain conspiratorial silence on the crime and allegedly failed to embark on any comprehensive investigation into the bloody attack on the worshippers. HURIWA, in a statement made available to DAILY POST by the National Coordinator its Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and the National Media Affairs Director Miss Zainab Yusuf, condemned the rapid deterioration of professionalism in the Nigeria Police Force under the current dispensation which has led to the piling up of several unresolved crimes that happened in different parts of Nigeria. The group said the last time it reached out to the police high command in Abuja about two months ago, it was informed that the Inspector General of police has sent the file of Alhaji Usman Adamu to the director of public prosecution for action. The statement added, We are shocked that the office of the Federal Attorney General has refused to take action to bring the alleged murderer to speedy trial before the competent court of law. Does the office of the Attorney General of the Federation require eternity to prosecute a suspect allegedly linked to the gruesome murder of a young female student or is it because she isnt a daughter of a chieftain of All Progressives Congress? HURIWA recalled that the Nigeria Police had announced on June 28th 2017 that it has arrested Alhaji Usman Adamu, the alleged murder of one Joy Odoma, a 200-level mass communication student of the Cross Rivers State University. HURIWA also recalled that the deceased mother, Mrs. Philomena Odama, had petitioned the Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris, Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, over the murder of her first daughter, Joy. In the petition, Mrs. Odama, alleged that Joy was murdered by one Alhaji Usman Adamu, who had offered to give her job at the NSCDC. HURIWA recalled that consequent upon the petition, the police IGP, Ibrahim Idris purportedly declared Alhaji Adamu wanted and ordered immediate investigation over the incident but the Rights group believes the hierarchy of the police may be shielding the alleged murderer because of his extensive reach within the top echelons of the security circles. HURIWA accused the police of engaging in a well crafted hide-and-seek game on this matter just as the Rights group expressed consternation that the office of the Senate President has also failed to properly activate mechanisms to investigate the allegations that the police was indeed undermining the forensic investigation of the gruesome killing of Miss Joy Odama. HURIWA recalled that the police had initially stated that: the principal suspect Alh. Usman I. Adamu is the owner of Flat 3, Ibro Quarters Karimo Abuja, where Joy Odama was found dead in the morning of 21/12/2016. HURIWA however believes that the deliberate slow approach to the matter shows that there is a plot to scuttle the prosecution of the alleged murderer. HURIWA recalled that to ascertain the actual cause of death of Joy Odama, an autopsy examination was carried out by a Pathologist Dr. Jibrin Paul with National Hospital, Abuja was released to the Police on the 10th May, 2017 which revealed that Joy Odama died of cocaine poisoning occasioned by cardiogenic shock secondary to difusion. But ironically, the police ordered for a second autopsy which came up with a contradictory finding. On the attack by unknown gunmen on Sunday August 6 which killed scores of worshippers at Ozubulu church in Anambra state, we expressed shock that the police have yet to make any constructive arrest even when the police commissioner was quoted as stating that he has intelligence on the circumstances surrounding the sophisticated crime of mass murder. HURIWA is compiling records of all the unresolved crimes in the last five years to forward the reports to the International Criminal Court in The Hague Netherlands for necessary investigative and prosecutorial actions since the Nigerian crime investigation system seems compromised. Crisis has broken out in the All Progressives Congress (APC), with 17 governors plotting to dump National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun. Crisis has broken out in the All Progressives Congress (APC), with 17 governors plotting to dump National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun.The governors are said to be angry that Oyegun has been running the party with only seven of their colleagues.They may table their grievances at the partys National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on October 31 and pass a vote of no confidence in Oyegun.The governors are said to have reached out to President Muhammadu Buhari on their decision to reject Oyeguns leadership.But Oyeguns supporters have fingered former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomholes backers as part of the plot.They said Oshiomholes loyalists had been lobbying party leaders ahead of the NEC meeting to concede the slot to the ex-governor should Oyegun be forced to step aside.APC seems set for a make or break meeting because of the sharp division among the governors on Oyegun.Some of the governors are alleged to have refused to assist the party because of the national chairman.A source, who pleaded not to be named, said: Ahead of the NEC meeting of APC next week, there is tension in the party. About 17 of the 24 governors are unhappy with the national chairman. They are plotting to withdraw their support for him, unless he carries all of them along.In Oyeguns corner are Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna); Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano); Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi); Rochas Okorocha (Imo); Solomon Lalong (Plateau); Yahaya Bello (Kogi) and Samuel Ortom (Benue).The 17 governors believe that Oyegun is romancing their seven colleagues because the APC National Chairman believes they are close to the President.They expressed fears that the party might split the way the National Chairman was leaving decisions on issues to the anointed governors, the source added.Another source said: Initially, the 17 governors decided to write a letter to the APC leadership but they shelved the idea because it will appear as if they are reporting their colleagues.They are, however, reaching out to President Buhari but through the back channels to avoid embarrassing the President during the October 31 NEC meeting.They want the President to call the National Chairman to order. They said if care is not taken, they might be forced to come out openly on their concern.But a member of NEC said: What you are hearing is a game plan to pass a vote of no confidence on Oyegun at the NEC meeting.The issues the 17 governors are raising are part of the conspiracy against the National Chairman. And what you are likely to see is the direction where things will go at the NEC session.As regards Oyeguns preference for some governors, I do not think it is true. If the chairman has personal relationship with some governors, I think it is by virtue of their position or performance.For instance, the National Chairman does not hide his likeness for El-Rufai who he describes openly as very energetic and full of ideas. He is always proud of the governor of Kebbi and he relates well with Okorocha as the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF). He is also used to the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Abdul-Aziz Yari, to get update on issues of governance.Another NEC source said Oyeguns camp was already aware of the plot.In the last few days, strategists of Oshiomhole have been pushing his candidacy as successor to Oyegun ahead of the NEC meeting.But the pro-Oshiomhole governors will fail because by the APC constitution, only the Deputy National Chairman from the South, Chief Segun Oni, can succeed Oyegun.The thinking is that Oni could resign at the NEC meeting to contest the Ekiti State governorship primaries. The APC constitution is silent on who takes over.So, we will be running into a deeper crisis, the source addedNational Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi told our correspondent last night on telephone: I dont know the basis for the discontent because the partys leaders always meet with the governors every month. And on some occasions, we had more than 70 to 80 per cent attendance.In fact, we met with the governors on Wednesday in Abuja as part of our monthly session with them. If there is any discontent, such a forum would have provided an opportunity for them to raise it. Mr. Gabriele Volpi, majority shareholder of Intels Nigeria Limited, co-owned by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has apologised to t... Mr. Gabriele Volpi, majority shareholder of Intels Nigeria Limited, co-owned by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has apologised to the Buhari government and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) over the termination of the Pilotage Agency Agreement between his company and NPA. The oil and gas logistics giant operates in Onne, Rivers State, Warri, Delta State and Lagos. Government had directed the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to terminate the boats pilotage monitoring and supervision agreement that the agency has with Intels. NPA had based termination of the contract with the oil and gas logistics giant on its alleged refusal to get on the Treasury Single Account (TSA) platform. In a chat with Thisday, Volpi, who holds dual Italian and Nigerian citizenship, said although he was not involved in the negotiations between his firm and NPA over the disagreement on the pilotage agreement, the company was set to peace talks. He also resolved to ensure that Intels undertakes a reconciliation process with the NPA and transfers all the revenue collected from the boats monitoring and supervision services in Nigerian maritime waters to the TSA with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in compliance with the policy of the federal government. We want to apologise to the federal government and NPA over this disagreement with Intels. I was not personally involved in the negotiations with NPA, but we apologise for what has happened. We intend to comply with the directive of government and transfer all the revenue to the TSA because we are a law-abiding company, Volpi said. Volpi added that his company was committed to co-operating with the federal government and the NPA in the development of the countrys maritime sector, including the construction of the Badagry deep seaport in Lagos State. We are committed to co-operating with the government and NPA in the development of Nigerias maritime sector and this includes the Badagry deep seaport. The Badagry deep seaport is a massive undertaking which will cost billions of dollars and will be the biggest in Africa and would turn Nigeria into a regional hub for ships bringing goods to the continent. It will also help to move a lot of shipping activities at the Apapa and Tin-can Island ports and help to decongest Apapa, so we are serious about our investments in Nigeria, Volpi added. The government of Lagos State has re-arraigned billionaire kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike (a.k.a. Evans ) and others before Justice H... The government of Lagos State has re-arraigned billionaire kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike (a.k.a. Evans ) and others before Justice Hakeem Oshodi of an Ikeja High Court for alleged kidnapping of Dunu Donatus.In the amended charge, the defendants are again facing a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and kidnapping.Evans and his co-defendants changed their guilty plea to not guilty after the amended charge was read to them.He was re-arraigned with five other suspected members of his gang, including a woman, Ogechi Uchechukwu, who is the third defendant.Others are Uche Amadi, Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu, Chilaka Ifeanyi and Victor Chukwunonso Aduba they are the second, fourth, fifth and sixth defendants.They have been in police custody since June 10.In the former charge, the defendants were accused under Sections 411 and 271(3) Criminal Law Cap C17 Laws of Lagos State, 2015.Count one in the amended charge bordered on conspiracy to commit a felony to wit kidnapping contrary to Section 411, Kidnappings Criminal Law. Cap C17, Laws of Lagos State 2015.The second count bordered primarily on kidnapping, contrary to Section 2(1) of the Kidnapping Prohibition Law, No 13, Laws of Lagos State 2017.The defendants were alleged to have conspired to commit a felony, to wit kidnapping on February 14, 2017 at about 7.45p.m. on Obokun Street, Ilupeju, Lagos.They were also alleged to have sometimes between February 14 and April 12, 2017 on the same street in Ilupeju while armed with guns and other weapons captured and detained one Dunu Donatus against his will and collected a ransom of Euros 223,000.Unlike the state Criminal Law 2015, which prescribed 21 years for convicts, the Kidnapping Prohibition Law, No 13, Laws of Lagos State 2017 prescribed death sentence if victims die in the custody of kidnappers.At resumed proceedings yesterday, the prosecution led by the Director, Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), Titilayo Shitta-Bey, informed the court that they have filed an amended charge against the defendants and served their counsel.Shitta-Bey said they were ready to begin trial.But the defence counsel opposed the prosecution, saying that the prosecution served them the amended charge yesterday morning in court.They prayed the court for adjournment to enable them confer with their clients and response to the amended charge.They told the court that they all have different applications pending before court, which they argued will be overtaken by events if trial should begin.The counsel to first and second defendants was Olukoya Ogungbeje that of third defendant was Joseph Otogblu, Olanrewaju Ajanaku for the fourth defendants, A. A. Ozogbu for the fifth defendant while the sixth defendant was represented by Emmanuel Ochai.However, counsel to fourth defendant, Olanrewaju Ajanaku differed and said he was ready for trial.But the DPP in her response opposed the defence lawyers.Shitta-Bey urged the court to allow the charges to be read and for the defendants to take their fresh plea.According to her, there was no material change in the nature of the charge against the defendants.The DPP said the particulars of the offence are the same and that it was only the law in count two that deals with punishment of the offence that was changed.The application for adjournment by the defence lawyers before plea is taken is calculated to derail trial before the court, she argued.At this stage, Justice Oshodi stood the matter down for 45 minutes to enable counsel confer with defendants.On resumption, the court conducted a house screening of the applications of defence lawyers after which they were all struck out.After this, the defence lawyers urged the court for adjournment to enable them respond to the amended charge.Justice Oshodi, citing section 36 of the Constitution, granted their prayer and adjourned the matter till November 3 for trial. President Muhammadu Buhari has been berated for occupying the office of the Minister of Petroleum. President Muhammadu Buhari has been berated for occupying the office of the Minister of Petroleum. A legal practitioner, Emmanuel Anene, said the decision of the president was a breach of Nigerias Constitution. Featuring on Channels Television on Friday, Anene said Buhari became Petroleum Minister by fiat. The administration brought in the Whistle-Blowing policy, but has failed in putting it through the National Assembly for approval, he said. The government said they are fighting corruption. Any offence involving dishonesty is corruption. Nepotism is corruption; favouritism is corruption. If you ambush due process of law, that is corruption. If you arm-twist the system for your own selfish gain that is corruption. Mr President made himself the Minister of Petroleum by fiat. He did not submit himself to the NASS for clearance that is a breach of the constitutional provision. When they came on board, we heard of the Dasukigate. Today, Dasuki is being prosecuted; he has taken his bail to the Supreme Courtordinary bail, Anene lamented. Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, YOWICAN, has berated President Muhammadu Buhari over his failure to visit Plateau ... Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, YOWICAN, has berated President Muhammadu Buhari over his failure to visit Plateau state where dozens of Christians were allegedly killed by Fulani herdsmen. YOWICAN said Buhari is more of a Muslim leader. In a statement issued by its National President, Daniel Kadzai, YOWICAN said the president pays more attention to issues affecting Muslims than those of Christians. According to Kadzai, When 18 Muslims were killed in a reprisal attack in Taraba State, the Presidency, the military and the police hunted for the attackers. But when over 40 Christians were killed in Plateau State, the President traveled out of the country, three days after the incident. When a few Muslims were killed in Ibadan, the President was there with the police, swiftly making arrests. But when Fulani herdsmen killed Christians in Benue, the police did not arrest anyone. In Enugu, Edo, and the massacre in southern Kaduna State, the police could not find even one of the attackers. It is now very clear to we Christians why the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) can be tagged a terrorist group, but Fulani herdsmen and the Arewa Youth Forum cannot be tagged with any criminal identity. Yakubu Dogara, the Speaker, House of Representatives, has stressed the need for more innovative training of students in the nations universities to ensure a sustainable national development.Dogara gave this advice on Friday at the 16th matriculation lecture of the Covenant University, Ota in Ogun. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the title of the lecture is: Leadership By Producers: The Role of Universities.According to him, no nation can move forward and achieve any meaningful development without innovations achievable through qualitative education.It is important for the nations tertiary institutions to be innovative and qualitative in education, so as to attract foreign ranking and national development.He said that the National Assembly would consider policies geared towards encouraging innovations and qualitative education across the nations universities to impact positively on national development.According to him, education in Nigeria and other African countries does not encourage students to discover their potential and skills, that can make them become employers of labour.Dogara said that there was the need for Nigeria and other African countries to change from the old mentality and embrace innovations so as to restore the glory of the black race.He said that Covenant University was already ahead in promoting innovative and qualitative education, urging the matriculated students and their counterparts in other universities to key into it.Dr David Oyedepo, the chancellor of the institution, said that university graduates could only compete favourably with what is available and not what is not available.Oyedepo said until jobs creators took over the scenes, the problems of unemployment would continue unabated in the country.The chancellor, however, advised the students to be disciplined in the course of achieving their goals, in order to raise the dignity of the black man. Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has reacted to a statement credited to the Presidency, saying Nigerians trust President Muhamma... Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has reacted to a statement credited to the Presidency, saying Nigerians trust President Muhammadu Buhari more than his predecessor, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan. Buharis Special Adviser on Media and Publicity had said, When petrol went to N145 under PMB, Nigerians held their peace, unlike when they shut the country in 2012. The difference is trust. Simple. But, responding to Adesinas remark, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Chieftain described the statement as hogwash. The former Minister said people are not protesting on the streets against Buharis petrol pump price because they know that if they do, he will send out his army to murder them in cold blood. In a tweet, Fani-Kayode wrote: Femi Adesina says the difference between @MBuhari and @GEJonathan is one of trust. This is hogwash. Truth is that the people are not protesting in the streets against Buharis petrol pump price because they know that if they do he will send out his army to murder them in cold blood. A Nigerian man serving multiple life sentences in the United States for trying to bomb a plane has sued the U.S. Justice Department, Federal Bureau of Prisons and Attorney General Jeff Sessions for denying him free speech and religious rights.Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, popularly known as the Underwear bomber had on Christmas Day 2009 attempted to set-off a bomb hidden in his underwear during an Amsterdam to Detroit flight.Abdulmutallab, who was then 22, was sentenced to life imprisonment and jailed at the United States Penitentiary-Administrative Maximum Facility in Florence, Colorado.But in a suit filed in a Colorado federal court on Wednesday, the 30-year-old said authorities in the prison were violating his constitutional rights by not allowing him to communicate with the outside world or practice his religion as a Muslim.The lawsuit alleged that once Abdulmutallab got to prison, he was immediately placed in long-term solitary confinement and placed under special administrative measures (SAMs) that prohibited his communication with most of his family members up until last year when he was allowed to talk to his sister.According to reports, hes still not allowed to talk to any of his nieces or nephews.The lawsuit further accused staff at the facility of repeatedly force feeding him during a hunger strike using excessively and unnecessarily painful methods.It alleged that white supremacist inmates were also permitted to harass him during prayer times.Prisoners retain fundamental constitutional rights to communicate with others and have family relationships free from undue interference by the government, said Gail Johnson, his attorney, in a statement to the New York Times.The restrictions imposed on our client are excessive and unnecessary, and therefore we seek the intervention of the federal court.Abdulmutallab trained at an al Qaeda camp in Yemen under the direction of U.S.-born Muslim cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, according to the Justice Department.Anwar al-Awlaki, who is a Colorado State graduate, had called for the killing of Americans before he was likely killed in a drone strike in 2011. The EFCC Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu, has said that the fight against corruption is becoming tougher, urging all Nigerians, including children, to use every weapon at their disposal to fight it.Magu said this in Lagos on Friday during the sensitisation forum on the plan to launch EFCC-Creative Youth Initiative Against Corruption; Corruption Busters.He said the fight against corruption was not personal and therefore called on Nigerians, including those in Diaspora to join hands in the fight, stressing that the commission was already mobilising Nigerians outside the country for support.The fight against corruption is becoming tougher. We cannot fight it alone. We want to mobilise everyone in the fight; the more people in the fight, the better.I am determined in the fight against corruption. I urge other Nigerians not to get exhausted. Dont expect anyone to thank you for fighting corruption. It is a thankless job.Whatever weapons you have, use it against corruption. Use your strategic thinking; the fight must go on with or without me, it is not a personal thing.The press has a lot to do in this fight. If they do more, the battle would be half solved, Magu said.The Coordinator of CYIAC, Ms Foluke Michael, said the corruption busters would be launched on December 9 to mark the UN International Anti-Corruption Day.Michael said that her platform was EFCCs preventive project, stressing that the forum was a sensitisation programme targeted at the children, youths and women meeting global goals by 2030.She said that the CYIAC was launched in 2016 with the pilot scheme tagged; `My New Nigeria; Free from Corruption, stressing that 2017 edition would kick-start with an online campaign to sensitise children, youth and women.The online campaign will be followed by the launch of CYIAC APP and nationwide registration portal on Nov.ember 1 for participants between ages 9 and 14 for category 1, and 15-25 years for category 2.Participants will also be required to submit essays, short stories or creative ideas online based on the theme: `Imagine the World free from corruption between November 1 and December 15, she said.Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise and Chairman, Steering committee for Movement Against Corruption said both organisations had endorsed CYIAC as a vehicle to reach out to children, youths and women.The idea to involve young people in advocacy and fight against corruption is a movement in the right direction.Corruption must be destroyed from the root in Nigeria if the sufferings of the masses will be alleviated, she said. Former President Goodluck Jonathan has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of running a government of lies an... Former President Goodluck Jonathan has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of running a government of lies and propaganda. Jonathan spoke in Abuja yesterday while receiving one of the chairmanship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof Tunde Adeniran, at his residence.The former President insisted that the PDP, which controlled the federal government from 1999 to 2015 did well for the country but that the APC had failed the country and its people.He said the APC administration has nothing to show as achievement.Challenging the APC leadership to public debate on its performance, Jonathan said, The PDP administration for 16 did well and will continue to do well. But this administration has done nothing, the administration is full lies and propagandaIn the power sector, we did well to revive it, a certain state governor criticised our government, saying that any serious government should be able to fix the power sector within six months. But today, the APC has been in power for how many years? Fortunately, the then governor is in the APC Government as a Minister.The former President said that all hope was not lost, adding that the PDP would go all out and put its house in order for it to return to power in 2019.Jonathan said that Nigerians have been able to see the difference between the PDP and the APC in terms of performance.With the rate at which people are coming around to associate with a party that lost elections, it shows that the people still believe in the PDP. With the number and calibre of the people coming out to vie for the seat of the national chairman and other offices of our party, it shows that our party still has another chance, the ex- President added.But APC Deputy National Chairman (North) Senator Lawal Shuaibu, rejected the ex-presidents comment.Shuaibu said: In the history of governance in this country, there is no government that deceived Nigerians like that of Goodluck Jonathan.I have never seen where a government was being run on the basis of speculation rather than realities like that of Goodluck Jonathan.I am not even talking about the PDP government. I am talking particularly about Goodluck Jonathans government. They were so deceptive that Nigerians actually realised their act of deception and decided not to trust them again and that was why they lost the (2015) election.Speaking on his expectations, Jonathan said the PDP needed a national chairman who will rule the party democratically and carry others along. In fact, the national chairman is the leader of the party. It is not the other way round.He said judging by his long interaction with Prof Adeniran, coupled with testimonies of other party leaders, Adeniran possessed what it takes to lead the party at this critical point in time.The ex-President warned the party leaders and the aspirants against turning the convention into a battle field. President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday reiterated his administrations commitment to the creation of enabling environment and making Nigeria an attractive place for business and investment.Buhari made the pledge in his statement at the ninth summit of the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation at Istanbul, Turkey.He said it was his belief that only economies that promote trade and attract investment grow at more sustainable rates.The President said, Nigeria is committed to, and is actively pursuing a policy of trade and investment facilitation for growth.The gains from trade are reflected in greater competitiveness, improved productivity, job creation, consumer welfare and prosperity.Economies that grow fastest and at more sustainable rates are those that actively promote trade and attract investment.We are committed to creating an enabling environment and making Nigeria an attractive place for business and investment.Buhari said having identified trade as the engine of economic growth and development, developing countries must continue to enhance the enabling environment for it to thrive.He, therefore, urged governments of developing countries to encourage their respective economic agencies to be more active in participation at executive meetings organised by the organisations secretariat.I am pleased to inform you of positive market developments currently in Africa, that will support our efforts as members of the D-8 to enlarge our markets, facilitate our trade and investments, and develop our economies.In Africa, we are on the threshold of finalising negotiations to establish the first ever Single Market for Trade in Goods and Services on our continent, in the Continental Free Trade Area for Africa. This will be a win-win for all, including member countries of the D-8.As partners, I urge that we work together to support this effort of the African Union that will have a positive effect on global economic development and integration, he added.As the D-8, Buhari said member-countries needed to intensify their activities with a view to enhancing various measures and incentives introduced to promote trade and assist the business communities from to invest in their countries.He added that they need to work hard to establish integrated manufacturing structures and markets.Earlier, Buhari had thanked the President of Turkey, Recep Erdogan, for his concern during his recent health challenge.He assured him and other leaders that he had recovered from the challenge.I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Your Excellency, for your concern and sympathy during my recent health challenge from which I have recovered, not least because of your prayer and the prayers of many other well-wishers and sympathisers, he said.The President again condemned the July 2016 failed coup in Turkey.He assured the government and people of the country that Nigeria will continue to stand side by side with all peace-loving people of Turkey and elsewhere, for the defence and promotion of democracy and peoples choice. Nigerian rapper, M.I Abaga and his record label, Chocolate City have filed a lawsuit against Queenbridge legend, Nasir Jones better known a... Nigerian rapper, M.I Abaga and his record label, Chocolate City have filed a lawsuit against Queenbridge legend, Nasir Jones better known as Nas for not delivering his part in a musical deal. In the lawsuit filed in New York State Supreme Court, Nas and Mass Appeal Records Ronnie Goodman are accused of swindling Chocolate City of $50, 000 they had paid the rapper for a verse, but he did not deliver as agreed. According to the lawsuit, in 2013, Nas and Goodman had entered an agreement to contribute a verse to a track from M.I. The deal entails Nas to mentionM.I, Chocolate City, Nigeria, Queens, New YorkNASs hometown, Mandela, Trayvon Martin, and the struggles of Africans and African Americans in his verse. The verse was, however, delivered but Nas didnt mention any of the subject matter Chocolate City requested for. The Nigerian label requested the Queens rapper to re-record the verse,but three years after, it hasnt happened, hence the reason for the sue. The Senate has begun investigation into the violent clashes between border communities in Nigeria and Cameroon, which resulted in loss of lives and properties of innocent Nigerians.It has, however, mandated its committees on Police Affairs and National Security to probe the matter.The resolution yesterday was sequel to a point of order raised by Senator John Enoh, APC, Cross River Central.According to Enoh, it was the duty of the Nigerian government to protect its citizens from internal and external aggression, lamenting that the affected people from his political jurisdiction had been abandoned to face operations from the Cameroonian aggressors.He said, I rise to call attention to a very dire and serious security situation that is occurring in my senatorial district between the communities in cross and River and communities in Cameroon. This crisis has taken international dimension: The porous nature of our borders, especially at that particular axis, is a great concern.The main reason why government exists is to protect peoples lives and property; I therefore, call on Nigerian authorities to increase security presence because there is still rising tension in that part of the country.The lawmaker also urged the various arms of security agencies to see how much help they could provide to ensure that the people in that area were protected.In his remarks, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who presided, noted that it was the responsibility of government to provide adequate security at the borders and also ensure safety and security of the citizenry in the country.He referred the matter to the Committees on Police Affairs and National Security, mandating them to carry out a thorough job on the reported border conflict and report back to the Senate for further legislative action. JERSEY CITY - It's been 10 days since Azucena Andriani was killed while crossing the street in front of the Brennan Courthouse, but her family is still trying to piece together what happened to the woman loved by everyone in her neighborhood. Andriani, 73, was fatally struck near Baldwin and Newark avenues at about 5:20 p.m. on Oct. 10, authorities said. She was just steps away from her home and had just left her apartment to pick up dinner, her niece Lisa Ronquillo said. "My Aunt Azucena Andriani treated my sister and I like we were her own children," Ronquillo, of Michigan, said. Andriani's death has left her husband, Patrick, devastated, her niece said. While the couple did not have children of their own, she leaves behinds a brother, two sisters, two nieces, and multiple great nieces and nephews. A service was held on Saturday and her neighbors and nearby businesses put together a fundraiser to help pay for her cremation. The family, however, has struggled to get information about the woman's death. The crash is being investigated by the Hudson County Sheriff's Office and authorities have been mostly mum about the details of the incident. The Sheriff's Office has refused repeated requests for the accident report, which is a public record. A sheriff's spokesman said the report could not be released because the crash remains under investigation, but he could not say how the release of the report would hinder the investigation. No one has been charged. In a statement, the Sheriff's Office only identified the victim, confirmed the date of the crash, and said the driver remained at the scene. But a copy of the report that was provided to the family identified the driver as 22-year-old Somani Gupta, of Watchung. She did not respond for comment. The copy of the crash report provided appears to be incomplete. There is no narrative of the crash and a drawing fails to identify the street names. The car Gupta was driving, a 2010 Mercedes Benz, according to the crash report, is owned by HDCO, a business with a Kennedy Boulevard address. State records indicate HDCO is affiliated with Diamond Hut, a jewelry store with two Jersey City locations. The owner is listed as Sanjay Gupta. A person who answered the phone at the Hudson Mall location said he was not available and immediately hung up after a short message was left seeking comment. HDCO's location also matches the address of Vaishno Ma Academy LLC, a company created by a developer who purchased property from Jersey City. The city came under fire when it considered renting parking spaces from the developer on the land it previously owned last year. A Sheriff's Office spokesman has not returned a request for additional information. Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. College students in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands whose studies have been halted by the recent hurricanes are being offered an educational lifeline by New Jersey City University. The state college in Jersey City is offering those students tuition-free study this semester and a chance to continue attending NJCU free in the spring with scholarship funds. NJCU also will provide students with a housing scholarship of $2,000 per semester. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are struggling to recover after the Caribbean islands were slammed by hurricanes Maria and Irma last month. Much of Puerto Rico is still without power. "The NJCU community is supplementing its efforts to provide material resources to those in need by extending to students in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands the opportunity to move forward with their higher education and prepare for careers that will help to rebuild their lives and their homelands," NJCU President Sue Henderson said. "We welcome students to NJCU from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands who are in need because of the unimaginable devastation caused by hurricanes. ... This initiative is in keeping with our University's mission." For information about this study opportunity contact NJCU Director of Admissions Jose Balda at jbalda@njcu.edu or call 201-200-3381. JERSEY CITY -- The deaths of two Dickinson High School students who were struck by a car in a hit-and-run Wednesday have left their schoolmates grappling with the tragedy and searching for answers. "It's heartbreaking," Domenic, a Dickinson freshman, said of the deaths of Elionel Jimenez, 15, and Alexander Rosas-Floras, 16, who were struck by a car while riding a single bicycle at Terrace Avenue and Leonard Street around 2:30 p.m. "Those were my boys." On the hill on the Palisade Avenue side of the school, students hung white balloons in a tree as a memorial for the two teenagers. They took turns writing their sentiments on the balloons in black magic marker. One of Alex's sweaters hung from a branch. Domenic said Eli was in his Intro to Technology class and he would see Alex during lunch. "Eli was funny, always smiling," Domenic said of his fellow freshman. "Alex, he was real cool - chill," Domenic added. "He was fun to be around. Hector Gonzalez, a junior, said he knew both of the boys. He said he was with a friend in Washington Park when she got a call saying two boys had been hit by a car. "We heard it was a green bike and we knew Alex had borrowed a green bike," said Gonzalez, who was close to tears as he spoke near the memorial. "Then we saw pictures of the bike and we heard the ages and we knew it was them." The alleged driver, Rashaun Bell, 20, of Jersey City, is charged with two counts of leaving the scene of a fatal accident. He surrendered to police this morning, officials said. Bell was among more than a dozen people arrested last year in Jersey City during a sweep of what authorities called the "most violent" gang members. Bell was charged with gang criminality in April 2016 and then arrested four months later on cocaine possession and distribution charges. The disposition of those charges was not immediately known. On the day of the crash, Jimenez was found unresponsive on the Secaucus Road off-ramp from Route 1&9 north. He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 2:40 p.m., officials said. Rosas-Floras was found on the Routes 1&9 northbound lanes below the scene of the accident. Police said the impact threw the boy over a fence some 8-feet tall and that he then fell about 30 feet to the roadway below. Rosas-Floras was taken to the Jersey City Medical Center where he was pronounced dead Thursday just after noon, officials said. Following the crash, Bell and his three passengers abandoned the vehicle and are believed to have fled on foot. Two passengers returned to the scene and were taken to Christ Hospital for treatment of minor injuries, officials said. They were not charged in the teens' deaths. While the Jersey City schools were off Thursday for a previously-scheduled day of teacher training, classes were back in session today at Dickinson. The school district issued a statement Thursday saying grief counselors would be at the school today. "We will do all we can to help our community recover from this devastating loss and to support the students and staff at Dickinson as they cope with these events," Superintendent Marcia Lyles said in the statement. TRENTON -- The lone officer who shot back when a police task force came under fire as they tried to arrest Tyleeb Reese in South Trenton in May was justified in doing so, state authorities said Friday. Reese, who the state Attorney General's Office identified in a report as Tyleeb Blake-Reese, surrendered to the New Jersey State Police after a 35-hour standoff. During the incident, he shot and killed an innocent bystander and wounded three officers, authorities have alleged. Reese has been indicted on a murder charge for the death of resident Robert Powell Jr., 56, and seven counts of attempted murder for shooting at officers, three who were wounded in the initial gunfire, officials have said. One officer managed to fire two shots at Reese after being blown down the stairs of the home by two shotgun blasts Reese fired, the state Attorney General's Shooting Response Team report says. Division of Criminal Justice Director Elie Honig determined that the matter did not require presentation to a grand jury, "because the undisputed facts showed that the use of force was justified under the law." "The facts and circumstances reasonably led the officer to believe his actions were immediately necessary to protect himself and his fellow officers," the state said in a statement, which summarizes their investigation. In the statement, the state detailed the officers' confrontations with Reese, many which authorities have already made public. Some were new, including that Reese also allegedly shot at police behind the house. Among the details, according to the statement: Six officers working on a U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force went to Reese's home in the 300 block of Center Street at about 6:30 a.m. to arrest him on a warrant accusing him of failing to register as a sex offender. They knew he was inside after repeatedly banging on the door and identifying themselves. Three officers entered the home and started up the stairs, with the lead officer carrying a ballistic shield. About halfway up, Reese appeared on a second-floor landing and fired twice with a shotgun. The shots hit the shield and all three officers tumbled back down the stairs, with the shield landing on the lead officer, who then hard a third blast. The lead officer couldn't tell where the third blast hit due to a cloud of plaster and dust. He fired his .40-caliber Glock service gun twice at Reese. The shots did not hit Reese, or anyone else, the statement says. The three officers retreated and regrouped outside with a fourth officer. The three suffered graze wounds and injuries from the fall and were treated at a local hospital. A fifth officer was in the rear of the home and fled when he heard the shooting and met up with the six officer. As they were in the rear yard and driveway, Reese came out the back door and fired twice at the officers. Neither was hit. Reese then returned to the front where he continued to shoot at the officers. Powell, who was taking a walk near his home, appeared and one of the officers warned him to get down behind a vehicle. But Powell kept crawling toward the officers - a scene caught on video by a bystander - as Reese continued to fire. Powell was fatally wounded by several shots and two officers, "at great personal risk, pulled Powell down the street, out of the line of fire," the statement says. Teams of city and state officers poured into the neighborhood and negotiations started with the barricaded Reese, who the state says fired randomly at the police throughout the overnight. After Reese knocked a hole in an upstairs wall between his home and the adjacent home, two state troopers went in to insert a camera and robot. Reese shot at them through a bathroom wall. They were not injured; the projectiles hit a shield they carried. The three officers who were in the home were later identified as working for the Mercer County Sheriff's Office, and law enforcement sources identified them as William Perez, Joseph Tuccillo and Steven Niederer. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook. LONG BRANCH-- Authorities Wednesday arrested a shooting suspect who had been on the run for more than a week, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office said. Donovan L. Wesley, 25, of Brick, was caught by officers from the US Marshals Service and the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office and has been charged with attempted murder, armed burglary, unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose. Shortly before 2 a.m. Oct. 8, police in Long Branch responded to a report of a shooting at a home on West Columbus Place. A 30-year-old man was hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds. Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to call Detective Adam Hess, of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, at 800-533-7443, or Detective Todd Coleman of Long Branch police at 732-222-1000. Anonymous tips can be submitted to the Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential telephone tip-line by calling 1-800-671-4400. Tipsters can also text "MONMOUTH" plus their tip to 274637; or, can send an email a tip via the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com. Monmouth County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of criminals and fugitives. Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook. LONG BRANCH -- A 32-year-old man was arrested four days after allegedly slashing an off-duty Long Branch police officer. Long Branch officer Patrick Joyce Eric Henderson, 32, of the Bayville section of Berkeley, is charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes and violation of a final restraining order, Long Branch police said in a statement Friday. He was taken into custody just before 7 p.m. Wednesday. Officer Patrick Joyce was leaving a friend's house around 3:30 a.m. Saturday near the corner of Norwood Avenue and High Street when a man attacked him with a knife, according to police. The assailant fled into a waiting car. Joyce, who was slashed on his left upper arm, was treated and released at Monmouth Medical Center in the city. Henderson was sent to the Monmouth County jail, where he await a bail hearing, police said. Joyce returned to work earlier this week. Police didn't disclose a motive for the attack. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. NEW BRUNSWICK -- An off-duty Long Branch police officer who fatally struck a woman in Long Branch last month has been issued reckless and careless driving summonses, authorities said Friday. Jake Pascucci, 28, was driving a 2016 Jeep Cherokee southbound on Ocean Boulevard when the vehicle hit Karen Borkowski at the Broadway intersection as she crossed the road around 8:15 p.m. on Sept. 22, authorities said. Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey said criminal charges are being considered. The investigation into the incident is continuing. Officer Jake Pascucci was named "Cop of the Month" in February 2015. (Long Branch Police Department Facebook page) Pascucci told officers at the scene he had a green light and that Borkowski was jaywalking, according to dashboard camera video from police at the scene. "She walked right in front of me, jaywalking," he can be heard saying in the video. "I have a green light, going this way, southbound. She walked right out in front of me." Borkowski, 66, of Stanhope, was pronounced dead at the scene. A police report filed by the Long Branch Police Department did not include the speed Pascucci was traveling. The crash was initially under investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office. However, the case was transferred to Middlesex County to avoid a conflict of interest because Pascucci was part of an investigation led by the prosecutor's office in Monmouth County. Pascucci's status as an officer is unclear. Long Branch acting police Chief Jason Roebuck said Thursday that he needed to check if he could release that information. He said on Friday that he didn't have a chance to check on the officer's status, and declined to comment on the summonses. A message left for Pascucci was not immediately returned. Pascucci has been a member of the Long Branch police force since August 2014. Before that, he was a full-time officer in Oceanport for a couple years and a part-time special officer in Long Branch. He was recognized by the Long Branch Police Department as the "Cop of the Month" in February 2015. Anyone with information may call (732) 745-8842. Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips When the newly elected Legislature convenes in January, a long-familiar face will be missing. For the first time in more than three decades, Diane Allen will not be in her customary spot to answer the roll call. The popular Republican from the Seventh District announced her retirement this past January, capping a career in public service that dates from an unsuccessful run for the school board in Moorestown, where she grew up. That was in the early 1970s, and Allen has since gone on to forge a highly successful career in both the state Assembly (1996 to 1998) and the state Senate (1996 to the present), making her voice heard on issues of education, health and veterans' concerns. Along the way, she's battled her own party's bosses and she's battled oral cancer, but she has managed to rack up a reputation for speaking up for her district and her constituents with force and compassion. Earlier this month, the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs honored the GOP lawmaker with its New Jersey Civilian Meritorious Service Award, the latest in a long string of accolades she's received. At a ceremony at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, award presenters took note of Allen's contributions, including sponsoring bills to enhance funding for services for veterans once they return home from active duty, and leading campaigns to promote and protect Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The base is a major economic force in her district, spanning 20 miles from east to west and employing more than 44,000 military personnel, civilians and their families. Allen also fought hard to establish a pre-trial program for veterans who are accused of crimes and who are coping with mental illness and addiction. During her six terms in the Senate and one in the Assembly, the former TV anchorwoman became known as a fiscal conservative and a social moderate, a lawmaker who worked comfortably with colleagues from both sides of the aisle. "I have enormous respect for her on a personal as well as political and legislative levels," Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-37th) told a Philadelphia columnist when she learned of Allen's upcoming retirement. Allen's constituents "are going to miss her in the Legislature, as are people who are particularly interested in women's issues." Burlington County, the district she represents, is home to a wildly mixed bag of voters: suburbanites, rural dwellers, professionals, blue-collar workers, farmers, service members. That this disparate electorate continued to send Allen back to Trenton term after term reflects her ability as a public servant to hear everyone's story. Now New Jersey is losing that willing ear. We are thankful that Allen chose to devote her time and talents to the state. And we wish her the best of luck in the next chapter of her life. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. If you think that "Yurt" is a companion to Ernie on "Sesame Street," you haven't gone camping in a select number of New Jersey state parks. Yurts are a type of enhanced tent that serious outdoors types can rent for about $40 a night in South Jersey's Bellplain State Forest, among other places. They're not for folks who are such serious campers that they want the thrill of erecting their own canvas tents, rain or shine. You could say yurts are made for those who want a genuine camping experience with a lot of the preparatory grunt work done for them. Staying in a yurt is a little like ordering a meal kit from a website like HelloFresh, as compared to sticking a frozen dinner in the microwave at one end, and preparing a feast from scratch -- buying ingredients, measuring, cooking -- at the other end. You can tell guests that your Blue Apron culinary masterpiece is "home-cooked," but there's an asterisk you might choose to leave out. Act fast, if your camping taste leans more toward backyard spa than REI. The yurt experience is going away, according to a report on Philly.com. The state Department of Environmental Protection is replacing the yurts with -- good grief! -- full-scale, structurally superior cabins with bunks, a wood stove and a kitchen table. No need to pack that sleeping bag as your primary bed. In addition to Bellplain, which straddles Cape May and Cumberland counties, yurts are available in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest in Burlington and Ocean counties, Allaire Strate Park in Monmouth County and Swartswood State Park in Sussex County. News of their demise is unsettling, even if this is a sign of progress and modern times. Yurts are named for similar circular, canvas-sided tents used by nomads in Central Asia. But, they're so unique to domestic camping that they've been written up in the Washington Post travel section as a go-and-do experience. They've even picked up the endearing nickname of "quirky yurts." DEP spokesman Larry Hajna told Philly.com that the pragmatic reason for yurt retirements is that they are difficult to maintain, and attract mold. If your kids attend Monroe Township schools, you know just what kind of bummer that is. The pragmatic reason for keeping the yurts, aside from their kitsch factor, is that you get a lot for $40. Yurts have plexiglass skylights, plenty of room to move around, wooden floors, a lockable door and screened windows. Not exactly the Four Seasons, but considerably more protection from the elements than your typical bring-from-home tent. Real cabins might be better in many ways. However, one reason to be skeptical about the switch is that the DEP hasn't disclosed the cabins' nightly rental price. Presumably, it will be more than $40, but how much more? If it's above, say, $70 a night, you might be able to get a better weekend rate at the closest Holiday Inn Express. More seriously, the state should be careful to not to wipe out what has been an affordable camping option for many families. The DEP needs to handle this the right way. If they don't, start printing up "Save the Yurts" bumper stickers for our vehicles. Send a letter to the editor of South Jersey Times at sjletters@njadvancemedia.com Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. The first time Jersey City's mayor ran for office, it was as a gutsy reformer. But now that Steve Fulop is seeking re-election, he finds himself embroiled in a classic contract-steering controversy -- and is blocking release of a recording that could help voters learn more about his role in it. The accusation, which is the subject of a lawsuit, is that senior members of Fulop's team pressured a lower-level staffer to award a city contract to a political friend, rather than base the decision on merit, a classic Jersey stunt. The bullies later called another staffer on the phone, left a message, and hung up. Or so they thought. In fact, the phone was still off the hook, and their entire conversation about this caper was recorded on the phone of that staffer, one of those they were seeking to pressure. Oops. Jersey City group demands release of voicemail at center of lawsuit Now, Fulop is fighting the release of that tape. And that is telling, for one simple reason: If Fulop has nothing to hide, why doesn't he come clean and release that recording? Could it be that he's trying to hide something three weeks before the city election? The irony is that Fulop once authored rules to prevent these kinds of shenanigans, back in his days as a city councilman. He has denied any involvement in this bidding process, and notes that the firm, Good Energy, wasn't ultimately awarded a contract. The city's then-business administrator, Robert Kakoleski, has said he canceled the bid after the mayor's allies exerted improper pressure. But Fulop says he was the one who decided to kill it, after learning of the complaints and the recording in which his chief of staff, Muhammed Akil, reportedly discussed the attempt at bid-rigging. The mayor says he also reported it to "authorities." He hasn't specified what authorities, or if there were any consequences. Other city employees say no one was ever punished. Fulop's spokeswoman, Jennifer Morrill, says the mayor never pushed for Good Energy, nor directed his staffers to do so. Fulop is arguing, in other words, that his allies -- including his chief of staff -- acted entirely on their own. It reminds us of Gov. Christie's dubious defense on Bridgegate: That he had no knowledge of the actions of his top aides. Fulop reports donation from man whose company is at center of contract-steering claim Morrill says these accusations are politically motivated, and they won't release the tape because official policy is not "to comment on" or "interfere in" ongoing litigation. But Fulop has already taken to Twitter to comment on the allegations. And in light of his recent insistence that "I have no idea who Good Energy is," a $1,000 donation from the company to his re-election campaign last month sure looks shady. Shadier still is the company's outright denial of this contribution, made by its managing partner at a fundraising event and repeatedly confirmed by Fulop's campaign. It wouldn't be illegal, if the firm never won a contract. But its attorney, Ken Sussmane, stressed on Thursday that there was no such contribution, "we have no contracts with the city," and "we'd like this story to just die." Good Energy hasn't bothered to contact Fulop's campaign about the "error," he said, declining to acknowledge anything unusual about this. "You can feel free to do it for us," he told an editorial writer, adding, "we have never had any contact with that campaign and don't intend to." This discrepancy is bizarre. Fulop owes voters a real explanation. It wouldn't be the first time he's operated in the shadows. While flirting with a 2017 gubernatorial run, he was heavily backed by super PAC donations from developers who've done business with the city. Fulop claimed he had nothing to do with that PAC, after hosting a fundraiser for it. Now this. If he still stands for "ethical and competent" government, prove it. Release the tape. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. By David Pringle What do severe cuts to core environmental protections and New Jersey's middle class losing federal tax deductions for local property and state income taxes have in common? What's the common thread between climate programs and Obamacare? These key protections and programs are on the chopping block to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest one percent of Americans if the Trump administration and their allies in Congress have their way. In New Jersey, the impacts of the cuts would be devastating, widespread, and affect New Jersey residents on a daily basis. New Jersey has over 100 Superfund sites, more than any other state, like the Passaic River, and many other sites, like the Hackensack River, in dire need of that designation. Barnegat Bay, a natural and economic engine, for the state, is dying. Raw sewage from city pipes dumps into our rivers after regular rainfalls. Massive raw sewage spills occurred from Superstorm Sandy contaminating Raritan and Newark Bays and spilling onto city streets in the Ironbound. Experts with scientific certainty say damage from regular flooding and extreme weather like Harvey, Irma, Irene and Maria will occur with increasing severity and frequency due to human-caused climate change. Diesel emissions especially in urban areas are making it unsafe for kids to play outside. Air pollution is keeping them home from school and forcing parents to stay home from work. Clean Water Act drinking water protections are under assault. And lead contamination affects everyone no matter their socio-economic status. It's in wealthy communities and poor ones and cannot be ignored. Lead's been banned for many uses years ago -- gasoline, water pipes, solder and paint -- but it's pervasive and its malignant effects linger to this day. The federal fiscal year began earlier this month, but Congress and the President can't even agree whether the sky is blue. They have punted until December 9 to sort things out. In today's toxic Washington, delay is a good thing if it will allow time for the consequences of their actions to do some sinking in to Congressional hard heads. President Trump has proposed a 31 percent cut to the federal Environmental Protection Agency including the total elimination of over 50 critical programs that affect quality of life and public health. He would eliminate the Delaware, Barnegat, New York and New Jersey Estuary programs. The Chemical Safety Board that investigates toxic catastrophes like the fatal chemical plant (NAPP Technologies) explosion in Lodi, and BEACH water quality testing program that monitors not just all Jersey Shore beaches but all Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific beaches for bacteria? Gone! Environmental justice and climate programs that benefit front line communities like Newark, Paterson, Camden, Union Beach and Sayreville? Gone! Critical programs that fund clean renewable and efficiency efforts that create more jobs and reduce costs are also cut if not eliminated. Yet money is found to subsidize dirty dangerous fossil fuel and nuclear energy. He even eliminates efforts to get lead out of drinking water! It's clear that Trump does not grasp what a beneficial role EPA plays not only on the safety and livelihood of New Jersey residents but also in supporting good jobs. But the president proposes and the Congress disposes. The House passed less severe cuts last month only to vote for greater cuts last week. Senate action is expected today. And all sides will need to negotiate details over the next two months. Budgets are about choices but some choices are tougher and worse than others. Tax cuts for the wealthiest at the expense of public health and safety for the rest of us is unconscionable. Yet that will happen unless there is a chorus of outrage from citizens. Cutting EPA more to pay polluters because programs assisting with health insurance weren't weakened enough is an abomination. Congressional leaders like New Jersey's Rodney Frelinghuysen need to remember that illness and premature death aren't just bad for us, they're bad for business. It's past time they mend their ways, they're the last chance for all of us. David Pringle is the N.J. campaign director for Clean Water Action, which is mointoring how Congress votes on environmental policy. WAYNE - A judge on Thursday reinstated a township police officer who was fired for neglect of duty for eating at a diner outside his patrol zone in 2015. Erik Ferschman, 34, lost his job after an internal affairs investigation and later administrative hearing found that he took an unauthorized meal break at the Park Wayne Diner during a 12-hour shift in September 2015. During the meal, Ferschman received a radio call about a person in cardiac arrest at a nursing home. He took a few more bites of his meal and paid for his share of food before leaving for the call, driving at 105 mph, according to court documents. The person in cardiac arrest died. According to court documents, the person died before the officer left the diner. Ferschman's attorney, David J. Altieri, has maintained the person did not die because Ferschman was late to respond. Ferschman later was accused of misleading internal affairs investigators about his whereabouts and how fast he drove his patrol car to the nursing home and then back to the diner, according to court documents. The officer was fired by the township for neglect of duty and "lack of candor." Altieri appealed the termination in Passaic County Superior Court. Judge Ernest M. Caposela found that Ferschman had "no history of repeated disobedience of orders, any violent private or public behavior, and he has not displayed any pattern of willful contempt for the authority of law." Ferschman received two commendations for saving lives with CPR and received 19 certificates for public safety courses he completed. "This court finds that the appropriate discipline for Officer Ferschman is that he be reinstated as a member of the Township of Wayne Police Department at the rank he had on the date of his dismissal," Caposela wrote in his order. Ferschman will forfeit all benefits including salary and accumulation of sick, personal and vacation days from the date of his termination to the date of his reinstatement, the judge decided. State pension records show Ferschman earned $86,393 at the time of his dismissal. "We appreciate the thorough evaluation performed by the court, and Erik is looking forward to getting back to work," Altieri said Friday. The judge ordered that Ferschman sign a "Last Chance Agreement," whereby any future misconduct would result in his termination. After he was fired, more than 100 police officers attended a township council meeting to protest Ferschman's firing. It was not immediately clear whether the township would appeal the judge's decision. Township Attorney Matthew Giacobbe could not be reached for comment on Friday. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. TRENTON -- Prosecutors in New Jersey are notifying more than 20,000 people charged with drunken driving that their cases are under review after a State Police sergeant who oversaw breath-testing devices was accused of falsifying records, NJ Advance Media has learned. County prosecutors have been sending letters to people charged with driving while intoxicated between 2008 and 2016 informing them a specially appointed judge would weigh "whether you are entitled to relief" based on the accusations against the sergeant. Prosecutors and defense attorneys told NJ Advance Media the number of cases that could be thrown out as a result of the criminal inquiry is likely low. But the issue, which came amid a similar probe of the State Police drug lab, created a morass of legal challenges which could take years to sort out. Sgt. Marc Dennis, a coordinator in the State Police Alcohol Drug Testing Unit, was accused last year of lying on official documents about completing a legally required step in re-calibrating the machines, known as Alcotest devices, which are used to check the blood-alcohol level of accused drunken drivers. The sergeant, who denies the charges against him, was allegedly observed skipping the step in calibrating just three machines. But the criminal accusations raised a cloud of doubt over every device touched by the trooper, who performed routine checks on devices used by local police across five counties. "Sergeant Dennis' alleged false swearing and improper calibrations of these three instruments may call into question all of the calibrations performed by Sergeant Dennis over the course of his career as a coordinator," said one letter, a copy of which was obtained by NJ Advance Media. The letters were sent in recent weeks to DWI defendants in Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset, and Union counties. Dennis was charged in September 2016 with second-degree official misconduct, third-degree tampering with public records and fourth degree falsifying records. He was indicted on those same charges in December, but the misconduct charge was dropped in a second indictment in June, records show. His attorney, Robert Ebberup, said Dennis denied any wrongdoing. "At the end of the day, I'm sure he is going to be exonerated," Ebberup said. In the meantime, a retired appellate judge, Joseph Lisa, is sorting through the thicket of as many as 20,667 cases affected by the claims against the sergeant. According to an April Supreme Court order apponting him as "special master," Lisa will rule on whether Dennis' alleged failure to perform a preliminary temperature check required under Supreme Court rules would "undermine or call into question the scientific reliability of breath tests subsequently performed" on those devices. The state Division of Criminal Justice has maintained that the check, while legally required, was not scientifically necessary. But under state law, a person is guilty of driving under the influence if they have a blood-alcohol level of .08 percent. Tougher penalties kick in for those who blow a .10 or higher. Defense attorneys argue that because guilt or innocence or the level of punishment can hinge on a few decimal points, anything that suggests protocols weren't followed should bring test results into doubt. A spokesman for the state judiciary said a hearing date on the matter had not been set. The state also faces a potential class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of those defendants. That suit, filed in federal court, was dismissed in August but could be reinstated pending the state judge's decision. S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter. Find NJ.com on Facebook. TRENTON -- New Jersey's attorney general said Friday that his office is demanding installation of an independent monitor at the organization responsible for enforcing the state's animal cruelty laws amid allegations of mismanagement and dysfunction. The disclosure came hours after the State Commission of Investigation, an independent state watchdog, released a scathing report detailing claims of abuse of police powers, financial bungling and waste at the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. A spokesman for the NJSPCA said the group would have "no problem" with having a monitor. The group, which receives no tax dollars but is funded through fines and donations, dates back to the 19th century and possesses limited police powers to investigate animal abuse around the state. The SCI report claimed the NJSPCA had long since strayed from its mission of protecting animals, becoming a haven for "gun-carrying wannabe cops" that sometimes took weeks to investigate claims that animals were being abused. The NJSPCA in turn slammed the state commission, accusing it of sensationalizing its findings and "cherry picking" evidence to paint the group as a police force in peril. But the commission wasn't the only investigatory body looking into its practices. Attorney General Christopher Porrino told NJ Advance Media on Friday that lawyers in his office "have been investigating the agency for months, independent of the SCI," adding that the findings left him "concerned about the agency's governance." "Our investigation led us to demand the installation of a monitor to oversee the agency's operations," Porrino said. "To avoid litigation that we were prepared to commence in order to compel such oversight, the SPCA consented." Reached by phone, a NJSPCA spokesman, Matt Stanton, said he was unaware of the potential lawsuit, but that group leadership had met with attorneys from the office's Division of Consumer Affairs "regarding the filing of our 990s," referring to tax troubles that led to the IRS revoking the group's tax-exempt nonprofit status. "We have no problem with that whatsoever," he said of the monitorship. "We could use the help." The attorney general said terms had not been finalized, but the third-party monitor would "provide broad oversight of the SPCA's financial, organizational and management practices." State Sen. Raymond Lesniak, D-Union, also announced Friday he would lead a public hearing "to reform or replace the organization" in light of the allegations. The group has regained its tax-exempt status, but a series of reports from News 12 New Jersey raised questions over financial irregularities and contracts with companies connected to its trustees and officers. The SCI report detailed more issues still. Stanton said the NJSPCA for years had asked the Attorney General's Office to assign a deputy attorney general to assist the group in legal matters, as is common with other state law enforcement agencies. Porrino said Friday his office was "not statutorily authorized to act as SPCA's counsel." Stanton disputed the SCI's characterization of the group, arguing it did important work with limited resources, helped by dedicated volunteers and part-time staff members who work day jobs. "You try to run a statewide police agency without any funding," he said. S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter. Find NJ.com on Facebook. TRENTON -- State Senate President Stephen Sweeney is vowing to crack down on enforcing criminal background checks in New Jersey for workers hired to care for people with developmental disabilities. An audit released earlier this week found that with the help of group home and supervised housing providers in the state, nearly 8 percent of direct care workers bypassed background checks. And in some cases, workers who were screened and found to have criminal records were hired anyway. State law leaves the hiring decisions up to the 570 group home and supervised housing providers who can decide an individual "has affirmatively demonstrated clear and convincing evidence of...rehabilitation," the state auditor said. That allowed a housing provider to hire a paroled convicted murderer. According to the audit, providers' power to make decisions on applicants' criminal histories sets it apart from how background checks are managed in other departments. Sweeney, D-Gloucester, said he'll introduce and call a vote on a bill strengthening these requirements when the state Legislature returns from the campaign trail next month. This new legislation, Sweeney said, would put those determinations in the Department of Human Services's hands. "Every potential worker should get a background check and anyone identified as a safety threat should be removed or disqualified," he said. People with autism and other developmental disabilities rely on direct care staff for help with everyday activities -- feeding, dressing and bathing, transporting them to jobs and social programs. Starting pay for this demanding work is $10.50 an hour, and turnover rates are high. "The law should be clear and definitive in requiring thorough background checks of each and every person who is responsible for caring for those with developmental disabilities and that these safety standards are strictly enforced," Sweeney said in a statement. "There should be no confusion and no exceptions when it comes to entrusting people with the responsibility to care for this vulnerable population," he continued. The audit of employee records found many missing records of background checks and it turned up criminal histories that "may be disqualifying, including drug and assault offenses," it said. NJ Advance Media staff writer Susan K. Livio contributed to this report. Samantha Marcus may be reached at smarcus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @samanthamarcus. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. TRENTON -- With the debates behind them, the candidates for New Jersey governor are heading into the final leg of the campaign. But Phil Murphy does so with a huge cash advantage. The Democratic nominee received another $871,000 in public matching funds Wednesday, while Republican Kim Guadagno received $217,000. This latest disbursement brings Murphy to a total of $8.3 million and Guadagno, $2.3 million. Murphy is within $1 million of the $9.3 million cap on funds general election candidates can receive from the public matching program. Much as the Democratic has long led the polls in the race to succeed Gov. Chris Christie, he's dominated the money race. Campaign finance reports filed last week showed Murphy with $5.4 million remaining in his war chest, while Guadagno was down to under $1 million. The Wall Street millionaire has raised $10.3 million and spent less than half, as of Oct. 6, according to the Election Law Enforcement Commission. Guadagno, the state's lieutenant governor, has raised $3 million and spent $2 million. Murphy's fundraising total accounts for three quarters of all funds raised by candidates this general election cycle and his spending represents nearly 70 percent of all dollars spent by candidates. Both candidates opted to participate in the state's public matching fund program that allows candidates to receive $2 in public funds for every $1 they raise, up to $9.3 million, but it limits their spending in the six months leading up to November's general election at $13.8 million. Samantha Marcus may be reached at smarcus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @samanthamarcus. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. NEWTON -- A 55-year-old man admitted to striking another person in the head with a squeegee earlier this year, days after he broke into the Newton National Guard Armory to steal copper piping and radiators, authorities said. Michael Kaprosch Michael Kaprosch pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges of aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon in the attack at Hampton Township Quick Chek on Aug. 18, the Sussex County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release. Kaprosch is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 15. Earlier this month, a jury found Kaprosch guilty of entering Newton National Guard Armory on South Park Drive in July and August 2016, removing the copper piping and radiators and then selling the items to George's Salvage Company for $1,489.15, the prosecutor's office has said. The Newton National Guard Armory has not been in use since 2008. Justin Zaremba may be reached at jzaremba@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinZarembaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have information about this story or something else we should be covering? Tell us. nj.com/tips Getting the name right is important to brands. Aflac Insurance has branded their company with a memorable duck pronouncing its name. Nutella has the correct pronunciation of its name in its FAQ section. Now, Kean University is spending over $313,000 to make sure you say its name right. (It's cane, not keen.) The public university has strategically placed 10, 48-foot wide, reminders on billboards above the heads of drivers on highways in New Jersey, Delaware and Philadelphia. "New Jerseyans who remember Gov. [Thomas] Kean of course know how to say it," Kean's media relations director, Margaret McCorry, said. "A lot of the kids are much younger than that, so we realized we had to help people learn, also while having fun with it." The billboard, a part of the university's recruitment efforts, tells students that it is the most comprehensive and affordable university in the state. The billboards are located across various interstates and highways. Tuition and fees for Kean are $11,897. They fall right between Montclair State University, whose tuition and fees are $12,112, and New Jersey City University at $11,430. Students like senior Monica Sudfield noticed when Kean University posted a picture of the billboard on its Instagram page this morning. "A lot of my friends who don't live locally or attend Kean automatically assume the pronunciation is 'keen,'" Sudfield said. "I think the billboard is a good, creative way to correct this misinterpretation and mispronunciation." The billboard campaign will run until the end of June. A Monroe County man was arrested this week for allegedly firing several shots from a handgun during a confrontation in Phillipsburg. Jawon Z. Fitzgerald, 20, of the 400 block of Scenic Drive in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania, shot at an adult male victim during the confrontation about 4:30 p.m. Oct. 10 in the first block of Brainard Street in town, according to police. No one injured as a result of the gunfire, Phillipsburg police said. Following an investigation, police obtained an arrest warrant for Fitzgerald and he was taken into custody Wednesday in Elizabeth, New Jersey, by members of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. He was being held Thursday in the Warren County jail on charges of attempted murder, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose and possession with of a handgun without a carry permit. The attempted murder charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, upon conviction. Phillipsburg police Capt. Michael Swick said the investigation was conducted by town detectives, the Warren County Prosecutor's Office and Warren County Regional Crime Scene Team, in addition to the Marshals Service. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Alon Shaya at Shaya restaurant shortly after it opened in 2015. (Photo by Kathleen Flynn, NOLA.com l The Times-Picayune) Former Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders urges Americans to work together as he talks during a "Come Together and Fight Back" tour at the Rail Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, Friday April 21, 2017. (Steve Griffin/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP) Former President Donald Trump is preparing to launch his third campaign for the White House with an announcement Tuesday night. Trump is looking to move on from disappointing midterm defeats and defy history amid signs that his grip on the Republican Party may be waning. The former president had hoped to use the GOP's expected gains in last week's elections as a springboard to win his party's nomination by locking in early support and keeping potential challengers at bay. Instead, Trump now finds himself being blamed for backing a series of losing candidates in last week's midterm elections. As the general election nears, candidates in the Council Bluffs mayoral and City Council races laid out their platforms during a forum Thursday morning at the Council Bluffs Country Club. The forum, hosted by the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce and the Southwest Iowa Association of Realtors, featured the two mayoral candidates: Pottawattamie County Supervisor Scott Belt and incumbent Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh. They were joined by City Council incumbents Melissa Head and Al Ringgenberg along with challengers Lynne Branigan and Mike Wolf. Host Dan Koenig with the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce asked each candidate a series of questions pertaining to housing, economic development, job growth and other issues facing the city. About 90 people attended. Asked to describe the current housing market in the city, the candidates generally agreed that more is needed for Council Bluffs residents. We all know that in Council Bluffs and throughout the metro, theres a dearth of affordable housing, Walsh said. We need affordable housing. Walsh noted that landlords play a key role in improving housing stock as well, saying quality apartments will attract residents. Belt, who is also a property manager with Heartland Properties, said the city needs to work with legislators at the state level to square off city boundaries and also work on annexation laws. We need to work to expand our boundaries, he said. On inserting additional housing units into existing areas, Belt added: We need to look at creating some kind of work group, to look at retooling the in-fill program. Ringgenberg said the city needs to have a vision for housing development that includes infrastructure first. Infrastructure, we need to do that in advance, he said. Branigan said, We want to grow our population, but those people need a place to live. She noted walkability and mass transit are important to young families, while sidewalk connectivity is needed in some areas. Wolf called for a holistic approach that would work to in-fill existing areas while also looking east to expand. We need to take care of all of our needs of all of our residents, he said. Head called on the city to work to attract young people to the city, while also providing housing for the elderly. We need to make sure our housing continues to grow, because without housing, our community cant grow, she said. On job growth and economic development, Belt said the two go hand in hand. If we dont get more people here, tough to get companies to come here. Were at almost a zero growth rate, he said. Belt also discussed looking at the citys regulatory environment, while figuring out opportunities for young adults to draw them to Council Bluffs. Walsh said the mayor plays a key role in job growth, noting hed been part of a meeting on Wednesday with a company looking at Council Bluffs. The mayor becomes the face of the community, he said. Walsh mentioned the Playland Park development that will bring around $120 million to $140 million in taxable valuation to the city, along with a $50 million expansion at the Tyson Foods plant, West Broadway improvements and other expansions in the city. Branigan said the city has seen new businesses come to the city over the past decade-plus, including great retail success. I dont want to see future development jeopardized. New developments are crucial to our city, she said, while also discussing the workforce aspect of development. Ill support any training or programs to help make a better workforce. Wolf said housing and economic development go together. He said the city needs to figure out how to use the Mid-America Center area better, for example, as it looks to expand and move Council Bluffs forward. Head said the city should look to other communities for help in drawing businesses to the area, while also looking at what works here. A big thing is supporting our current businesses, how can we help them grow, she said. We need jobs labor jobs, entry-level jobs, higher-level jobs. Head called Iowa Western Community College a valuable asset as the city looks to grow the economy. Ringgenberg said economic development requires a two-prong approach. The first entails attracting larger employers to the city. Those businesses will look at Whats the appearance of the town? Whats the crime like? Whats the condition of the streets? Whats the tax situation? Whats the possibility for growth and expansion for their people? He concluded, To make it work is you have to take care of your people. The second prong is supporting small businesses. As we seek to provide economic benefits to larger employers, make sure the burden of those incentives arent shifted to smaller employers, Ringgenberg said. We have to have that balance, we have to have that strategic vision and strong foundation. Asked for the top issues facing the city, many of the candidates mentioned levee certification. Addressing the threat carries a $50 million price tag. If current plans prevail, the money will not be an issue thanks to flood mitigation funds. However, getting the work done on time is critical, and a lack of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operational funding is threatening a looming 2023 deadline. Walsh noted Council Bluffs and other cities have a looming budget crunch if the state Legislature discontinues the commercial property tax giveback, which could cost the city around $2 million. He said Council Bluffs relies heavily on the retail industry, which continues to be hurt by internet sales. About those potential shortfalls, Walsh said, Weve been storing up for three years in anticipation. Well be ready. Belt, a former city councilman, said the city needs to focus on completing ongoing projects, including development of the Mid-America Center area, Playland Park area, South Main Street, West Broadway, South 24th Street and the 100 block of West Broadway. We have a lot of projects out there that need to be completed, he said. We have a lot of land on West Broadway that needs to be put back on the tax roles. Belt also mentioned helping the homeless in Council Bluffs. We have a homeless issue, a mental health issue and a drug issue that we need to focus on. People see that when they come to town, he said. Businesses wont come to us because they see that. When asked why voters should choose them, Walsh said, I think all the candidates have acknowledged these are great times in Council Bluffs. Many individuals and organizations deserve credit, none more than the City of Council Bluffs, he said, praising the citys more than 400 employees. Walsh mentioned taking the citys workers compensation losses from more than $4 million in 2014 to around $860,000 in 2016, while mentioning the city saved money by hiring its own mowing crew instead of contracting the work. Walsh cited the BLink Wi-Fi project and adjusting the sewer rate to increase fairness as well. The mayor noted the city kept the property tax levy low over the years, raising it for the first time in more than a decade this year to help cover the cost of the new police station. The budget approved earlier this year included a city property tax levy of $17.9072 per $1,000 of taxable valuations, up 16 cents from $17.75. Walsh said Belt voted in 2014 on tax levy increases of around 16 percent. Property valuation had gone up, 18 percent was the impact felt, he said. Belt had already given his closing remarks, but after the event he said, We needed to right the ship for the county. It was necessary to get people engaged in how the county operated, he said, while also noting he was reelected after the vote, in 2016. The county is in the best shape its been in in the seven years Ive been a member. And the city was in great shape when I left the council. During the forum, Belt encouraged people to get out and vote, lamenting the traditional low turnout in the city. None of us were ordained for a position as an elected official. Ive served on the City Council and county side, I have a good grasp of the intricacies of the job, he said. Go out and get engaged and vote. Iowa is one of 38 states that radically changed the way it runs Medicaid over the past few years. The state moved about 600,000 people on the government-run health program into care that is managed by for-profit insurance companies. The idea is that the private companies would save the state money, but it has been a rocky transition in Iowa, especially for people like Neal Siegel. Siegel is one of six disabled Iowans suing the state, alleging that Medicaid managed care, as it is known, deprives thousands of Iowans with disabilities the right to live safely in their homes. Medicaid serves people with disabilities, low-income people and people in nursing homes. A combination of federal and state funds pays for it. It covers 74 million people across the country these days, about half of whom are in Medicaid managed care. Siegel, a former financial consultant, was in a hit-and-run bicycle crash four years ago that left him with a severe brain injury. He uses a wheelchair and can barely speak. I would probably put Neal at about 98 percent cognitive [awareness] of whats going on around him, but unfortunately (hes) not able to articulate it, said Siegels girlfriend, Beth Wargo. So its being trapped inside your own body. After the accident, Siegel qualified for Medicaid. He lived in a rehabilitation center for a while, and the lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in June, says he was the victim of abuse and neglect while living there. Eventually he moved home with Wargo, where hes totally reliant on caregivers to assist him with all activities of daily life. Then last year, Wargo said, they got a letter in the mail from AmeriHealth Caritas, the company that manages his care. Siegels budget for home help had been slashed by 50 percent, Wargo said. Siegels face lit up as Wargo talked about the lawsuit, and he managed to say, Oh yeah, when she mentioned how happy they were that they could be part of it. The system is too stressed right now with the way its being managed, and its not healthy for individuals with chronic or serious disabilities, said Cyndy Miller, the legal director with Disability Rights Iowa, the advocacy group that spearheaded the lawsuit. According to the lawsuit, the company claimed that spending on Siegels case was cut because it had exceeded a limit set in state policy. A spokesman for AmeriHealth Caritas said the company could not comment on ongoing litigation. The state has asked for the lawsuit to be dropped. In addition to the suit, complaints about Medicaid from hospitals, doctors and patients have spiked in Iowa. Iowas Department of Human Services Director Jerry Foxhoven defended moving the entire Medicaid population to managed care. He said more taxpayer dollars will be saved under private management. But he said his agency is willing to make changes, especially for people like Neal with serious disabilities. Everythings always on the table. Were always looking at everything to say, How do we best serve the people were trying to serve and be the best stewards of taxpayer dollars? Foxhoven said. For their part, the three companies with contracts in Iowa said in statements that the first 18 months of Medicaid managed care have been successful. But they also have said to state officials that reimbursement rates were based on deeply flawed cost estimates provided to them before the project began. They are now negotiating to get millions of dollars more in state funding. So wheres the savings? So far, no state has actually done a comprehensive review of whether private companies actually save Medicaid dollars, said Kelly Whitener, an associate professor with Georgetown University who studies managed care. Youd really need to be able to see, are you saving money overall or not, and if you are spending less money, are you suppressing services that are needed? Or are you really finding efficiencies and only delivering care that families really need? said Whitener. For the moment, those questions dont have definitive answers. Meanwhile, Iowa has to balance its books. Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds had to tap more than $260 million of the states reserve fund this year, and officials expect next years budget will be even tougher to negotiate. Medicaid funding is likely to continue to be a large part of the discussion. This story is part of a reporting partnership with NPR, Iowa Public Radio and Kaiser Health News. It was distributed by Kaiser Health News through The Associated Press. ORANGE CITY (AP) A conservative city in northwest Iowa is hosting its first pride festival to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Orange City will host the three-day OC Pride 2017 event starting today, The Sioux City Journal reported. The city has a population of about 6,200 and falls within Republican Rep. Steve Kings district. The festival will have dancing, live music, a movie screening, information booths, storytelling and brunch. The event was arranged by Cody Bauer, Steve Mahr, David Klennert and Mike Goll. Bauer and Mahr are straight married men who view themselves as LGBTQ allies while Klennert and Goll are newlyweds. Weve all wanted to do a pride in Orange City for a really long time, Bauer said. Klennert proposed hosting the festival later in the year so it wouldnt detract from pride events across the country that are held in June, which is Pride Month. The response to the event has been largely positive, organizers said. They expect about 200 people to attend the event. Sioux County Conservatives, a political group, has criticized the event for celebrating what they believe the Bible classifies as a sin. But event organizers say the festival is about family and community. Theres not a lot of spaces (for) queer kids, and we want to be an event that says we love you, we dont just tolerate you, we accept you, we want you here and we think who you are is beautiful. Mahr said. They say they hope the event brings hope to queer kids who are struggling to be accepted in the conservative area. Somebody messaged us and said, If there was an event like this in my town growing up, I probably wouldnt have tried to commit suicide, Mahr said. That hit to the core of why we want to have something like this in this town; its small. WASHINGTON Midwestern senators welcomed signals that the Trump administration would back off of proposals to weaken federal renewable fuel mandates, but the lawmakers werent ready to declare victory just yet. We want the president, we want the EPA, to be very public about the steps they can announce, Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, told reporters. Ernst was straightforward about her role in prompting the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to cancel Wednesdays vote on several Environmental Protection Agency nominees. Those nominees included Bill Wehrum, who has been tapped to head the office that administers the renewable fuel program. A member of the committee, Ernst said she found Wehrums answers pretty darn squishy when she pressed him on support for renewable fuels. I told them outright I would not support him if I didnt have assurances, she said, then noted that Republicans have a razor-thin 11-10 advantage on the panel. One vote makes a difference. Political leaders and renewable fuel groups across the Midwest have criticized the EPAs recent proposed volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard a policy that requires refiners and importers to blend a certain amount of ethanol, biodiesel and advanced alternatives into the nations fuel supply. In particular, they have said the agencys proposed biodiesel volumes are so low they could significantly harm the industry and cost jobs. Another proposal to count exported fuels against the domestic requirements also has raised concerns. Iowa and Nebraska represent the countrys two biggest ethanol states. All four GOP senators from Nebraska and Iowa attended a Tuesday meeting with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt in the office of Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa. Grassley described that meeting as an effort to persuade Pruitt to make good on the promises to support renewable fuels that President Donald Trump made to Iowans on the campaign trail. Trump spoke to Iowas Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds by phone Wednesday in a conversation she described as positive and productive. Wednesday also brought word that White House officials had directed the EPA to abandon both the reduction in biodiesel requirements and the separate proposal to allow exported renewable fuel to count toward domestic quotas, according to individuals familiar with the decision but not authorized to speak publicly about the move. Still, pro-ethanol senators such as Grassley and Ernst arent satisfied. Ernst said they want something more definitive and public from those in charge. Those negotiations represent a somewhat delicate dance given that the administration must follow established rule-making procedures that require the gathering of public input before releasing the final 2018 volume requirements at the end of next month. In the meantime, those nominees are cooling their heels. They are anxious to get this resolved, Ernst said, referring to both the administration and Senate committee aides. She declined to share specifics about the commitments shes seeking from the administration, but she said the bottom line is that she wants to see administration officials do more than just follow the letter of the law. Were getting closer, Ernst said. This report includes material from Bloomberg News. Let the United States mind its business, form no entangling alliances and collect European debts principal plus interest. A candidate for U.S. Congress wasnt shy about expressing an opinion in May 1926. Nothing unusual about that. However, the candidate was a woman, and that was newsworthy. Ella Bushnell Hamlin announced her candidacy with a motto: Mind Your Business. Her slogan was Spirit of 1776. Running as an independent, she described herself as a Lincoln Republican and a Jefferson Democrat. And she boasted she was running her campaign without money. Hamlin was a Davenport business owner. Her publishing company published a magazine: The Trident. She and another woman had started the company in 1904. When her partner decided to leave the state for a position with a land investment company, Hamlin purchased her half of the publishing company. From her Brady Street office over a shoe store, she continued to publish the magazine. Hamlin was trying to unseat Republican Congressman F.D. Letts, a well-known Davenport attorney and judge. She had challenged Letts to a debate, but he had been silent in seven languages, according to Hamlin. While Letts remained silent, Hamlin was vocal and outspoken when it came to expressing her opinions about how to govern. Congress should promote firm treaty agreements with all countries to outlaw war, she said. She complained that current laws were driving farmers into economic slavery. Hamlin called for government operation of telephone and telegraph lines through the post office department. She held firm beliefs about the nations natural resources. Im in favor of developing our internal waterways to the limit, Hamlin said. She contended the government should own and operate the nations water power plants, which would provide every household in the land with abundant light and power at no cost. She also advocated public control and permanent conservation of the nations coal, iron, oil and timber lands. Hamlin failed to win the seat in the fall election. Some blamed it on her radical nature. Though they lived, worked and gave of themselves in Kearney for most of their lives, North Platte played a significant role in the early lives of the late philanthropists Ron and Carol Cope. Ron & Carol Cope: A Nebraska Love Story, a biography released in September in Kearney, will make its North Platte debut on Tuesday when it goes on sale at two locations. The books author, veteran Nebraska journalist Todd von Kampen of North Platte, will discuss the Copes North Platte ties and their impact on central Nebraska in a 7 p.m. talk at the Lincoln County Historical Museum. Von Kampen will sign copies of his book after his talk at the museum at 2403 N. Buffalo Bill Ave. Ron & Carol Cope will be sold for $19.95 per copy at the museum and at Bible Supplies, 1927 West A St. Additional North Platte outlets are expected to be announced later. The book is sponsored by the Ron & Carol Cope Foundation and printed by Morris Publishing of Kearney. Proceeds from the books sales go to the Kearney Area Community Foundation, one of many institutions the Copes supported during their lifetimes. The couples historical ties to North Platte began with Carols grandfather, Louis Schrepel, who worked as a Front Street gunsmith from 1874 to 1878. Her father, Frank Schrepel, was born in North Platte. In October 1934, Carol known then by her birth name of Ida Schrepel was hired as a third- and fourth-grade and music teacher at the former Roosevelt Elementary School. She later spent two years as music teacher at North Platte Junior High School before returning to Roosevelt as principal, classroom and music teacher in 1937-38. Ron Cope followed her in September 1935 from Pawnee County to North Platte, where he first worked for Walter J. OConnors Five-, Ten- and Twenty-Five Cent Store downtown. Reuben J. Claussen, one of OConnors partners, brought him into the shoe department of OConnor Department Store in 1936. In March 1938, Reuben Claussen opened Claussens Shoes in Kearney with Ron Cope as manager and co-owner. They and their wives later owned Famous Shoe Store in Kearney and opened Claussens stores in Holdrege and Lexington, the last after Reubens death in 1955. The families sold their shoe stores in 1970. In addition to the Lincoln County Historical Museum and Bible Supplies, Ron & Carol Cope: A Nebraska Love Story may be purchased at several Kearney locations, City Clock in Lincoln, the Pawnee City Historical Society & Museum or online through the Kearney Area Community Foundation at kearneyfoundation.org/cope. Students in the auto body program at North Platte Community College showed off their work Thursday morning. Automobile hoods that came from wrecked vehicles were repaired and painted as part of a contest. One of the projects we do first (in our program) is the hood, said MPCC auto body instructor Don Wilson. We do all the primer, all the straightening, the taping, everything, and then we get to paint it. The process generally takes three or four weeks, Wilson said, but contest winner Savion Smith of Ogallala said his took a little longer. It took me about six weeks to finish my hood, Smith said. The process starts out with assessing the damage of the hood. Smith said he stripped down the hood and pulled all the dents. From there its really just a body-filling and smoothing-out process, Smith said. After primer and sanding, you choose your design. I chose this design because I love Nebraska; its my home. Smith is in the 12-volt technician program and is an audio installer and interior specialist by trade. Im here really just to learn a little more about body work skills and how to work with metal, Smith said. Itll help down the road because I like cars. Wilson said Smiths hood was one of the worst to start with. His hood was one of the roughest, Wilson said. He was the last one done, but he had a bad hood. But he won the contest, so it paid off for him. Second place went to Chance Boersen for his Mopar design and Charles Martin took third place with his largemouth bass design. JOIN A WINNING TEAM right here in northwest indiana We have been covering Northwest Indiana for over 100 years and were still growing. 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Are proficient with MS Excel, Word & Outlook & have the ability to navigate thru various software programs efficiently Above average typing skills (50+wpm) Have sales ability and experience with inbound/ outbound customer service Learn more or apply online at www.nwi.com/timesjobs. EOE Packaging Mailer Looking for extra cash for the holidays? TheTimes is hiring for night shift Packaging Mailer. The position is part-time, PT20 (20-29) hours per week. Busy season hours ranging from (29-36) hours per week. We are hiring in at $8.00 per hour with great opportunity for growth. The position is completely hands on and has lifting requirements of up to 25 pounds. You will be doing a variety of jobs including handling and jogging of inserts into an inserter machine, stacking bundles neatly onto pallets, wrapping skids using powered hand jacks and/or catching papers off the press line to stack in bins. You must also have the ability to bend and stand for the duration of a shift. You will be required to work at least one weekend day and some holidays. Only those interested in night shift part-time employment need apply. Pre-employment background and drug screening is required. Equal Opportunity Employer APPLY AT NWI.COM/TIMESJOBS Northwest Indiana hospitals are increasingly investing in oncology services, including breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. From building new cancer centers to buying the latest in screening technology, Region health care facilities are positioning themselves to treat the country's most common form of cancer. At its hospital in Munster, Franciscan Health is constructing a new $46 million cancer center that is expected to be completed sometime next year. At the new facility, the screening will be individualized. "Instead of getting the same imaging of each patient, the patient's risk and individual breast will be taken into account to see what method is best for them: 3-D mammography, traditional mammography, breast MRI or ultrasound," said Dr. Luke Collins, a radiation oncologist with Franciscan Health. The new facility will also have radiation machines that target the treatment so it doesn't affect organs that don't have cancer. Methodist Hospitals estimates it has invested about $8 million into breast cancer services over the past past five years, including 3-D mammography, a linear accelerator radiation machine and MRI machine. Methodist is also constructing a high-risk breast center. "The key behind high-risk breast cancer is we want to identify these cancers as early as possible," said James Concato, director of oncology services at Methodist. "We know the earlier the cancer is detected, the longer the patient survives." Detection is especially important in Lake County, which has a lower rate of women getting mammograms than the state and national average, said Jennifer Sanders, manager of mammography services for Methodist. The county also has a higher rate of mortality from breast cancer and women being diagnosed at a later stage of the cancer. In the past year, LaPorte Hospital invested $490,000 in 3-D mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis. The advanced form of breast imaging uses low-dose X-ray and computer reconstruction to create three dimensional images of the breasts. Porter Regional Hospital recruited two new medical oncologists, Drs. Tareq Braik and Janet Retseck, in 2017. Both offer new chemotherapies and targeted therapies for the treatment of breast cancer. In June, Braik presented research at the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago, highlighting the increasing trends in mastectomies as a means for early breast cancer prevention and treatment, especially among celebrities. In his research, he found that the increased use of mastectomies was not associated with better outcomes compared with removing only the lump and small bits of surrounding tissue in patients with early stage breast cancer. Community Healthcare System uses positron emission tomography, or PET, scan to detect breast cancer. The injectible technology can detect even the smallest of cancers, said Dr. Mary Nicholson, a breast radiologist with Community Healthcare System. "We make it faster, more accurate and more comfortable for the patient," she said. Community also recently hired a medical geneticist to assist in genetic testing, including for breast cancer, and has a tattoo removal clinic to remove the tattoos that women receive as part of their breast lumpectomies. At least 100 cities across the country submitted bids for Amazon's second headquarters, promising everything from free Primanti Bros. sandwiches to the opportunity to rename a town "Amazon" to the construction of a "hyperloop" between St. Louis and Kansas City. Mayors from coast to coast made humorous videos touting their workforce, educational attainment rates and quality of life, joking that their city is the prime location and even Alexa agrees. Northwest Indiana got in on the action, throwing its hat in the biggest economic development sweepstakes in recent history. Region officials stressed they weren't delusional about their odds in a pitched battle with heavyweights like New York City, Austin, Philadelphia, Toronto and Washington D.C. But they said it was too big an opportunity to pass up, and that it could potentially attract more investment down the line, especially since the rapidly growing online retailer will need to continue to build warehouses, data centers and other facilities. Gary, Hammond and Northwest Indiana submitted bids this week for a $5 billion corporate headquarters that could employ as many as 50,000 office and tech workers who would earn six-figure salaries. They pitched prospective sites in downtown Gary, out in the suburbs and on the Lake Michigan coastline, touting upcoming South Shore Line expansions, fiber connectivity and recreational opportunities like windsurfing on Wolf Lake and kayaking in the Marquette Park lagoon. "The opportunity costs to not participate in this are too great," Northwest Indiana Forum President and CEO Heather Ennis said. "If you're not in it you can't win it. Participating in these races allows us to grow. Whether you're second or third or 27th, we need to continue to move ourselves up and have aspirations." The Amazon chase gave Northwest Indiana leaders an opportunity to sharpen their pitches about the local workforce, infrastructure, amenities, low cost of business, transit, international airport, international port and proximity to Chicago, Ennis said. And that could help when pursuing future economic development projects. "It's swagger that we need," she said. "Confidence carries you far. If you present yourself as unworthy, people will view you as unworthy. We've got to believe in ourselves to take on big challenges." More than 60 local leaders, including CEOs, college presidents and politicians, took part in a steering committee to bring the Amazon headquarters to the Region. Members said it was less of a working committee than a show of support that included input from groups like South Shore Clean Cities. "I was not personally involved in any meetings of a steering committee, but the support was definitely there," Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Ty Warner said. "Our office provided data to the project, which I trust was helpful." Gateway Partners Managing Partner Vance Kenney said there were no official meetings, but "certainly conversations." "It was more of a request to endorse and support the effort by members of the business, public, trades and other sectors," Kenney said. "I sincerely hope that Gary and NWI can garner the attention of Amazon to do something impactful here." Officials from as far as South Bend and Rensselaer backed Northwest Indiana's bid because of the vast, far-reaching impact such an employment hub would have. "If we have 50,000 new jobs, people would come from Chicago and Rensselaer," Ennis said. "They'd take the train in from South Bend. It would mean huge opportunities and have a wide-reaching impact." Ennis said the Region needs to work together for such major economic development opportunities. "It's showing we would operate regionally to land this type of investment," she said. "Businesses, universities, governments are all on board to figure out what we need to do and talk about how we can work together." Local leaders also recognize the importance of selling Northwest Indiana to Amazon, which continues to add warehouses and other facilities around the country. "We're trying to attract growth, no matter what type of investment," Ennis said. "There might be a future opportunity for a fulfillment center, a data center, things like that. We have fantastic assets in Northwest Indiana, and this project helps us sharpen our message as we continue to grow our assets. We have a great labor force, a thriving and growing commuter rail system and a great tax climate." GARY Miller Bakery Cafe and several of its prominent patrons wanted to do something special for 11-year-old, aspiring chef Ben Watkins, who lost both parents Sept. 16. Ben's parents were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide in the city's Miller section. The #Love4Ben Benefit will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Miller Bakery Cafe, 555 S. Lake St. It will feature several celebrity bartenders, such as Judges Diane Ross Boswell, Sheila Moss, John Pera and Deidre Monroe. Donations for tickets are $25. There will be beer sampling, raffled items and a silent auction. All proceeds will be donated to the #Love4Ben Fund. People unable to attend the benefit still can donate by sending a check to payable McCain Law Offices, P.C., 5655 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410. In the memo section, write #Love4Ben. Donations also can be made through Chase QuickPay with Zelle or Paypal at Donations@McCain.Law. Or donate online at GoFundMe at www.gofundme.com/love4ben. Kathleen Welsh, of Miller Bakery Cafe, said this event is a community effort. Ben's family owned Ben's Bodacious BBQ, Bakery & Deli in Miller Beach, so Welsh felt it was important to get other restaurants to help out. "It seemed appropriate to help him, and I hope many people come out to this benefit," Welsh said. "Every penny will go right to Ben's education trust. This has been a pretty cool thing." Welsh said other restaurants will be donating food and there will be food vendors along with liquor and beer reps offering samples. There also will be a silent auction, door prizes and a cash bar. "Everyone has been so generous, and because everything is donated, all money goes to Ben's fund," Welsh said. Also assisting with the benefit is Trent McCain, an attorney working the family. "I read the tragic story and I was so moved by what I read that I decided to try and help if I could," McCain said. "I started collecting donations through my office for Ben and eventually got in contact with Ben's maternal uncle and grandmother, who are now his guardians." A national search and consulting firm will help Lansing Elementary School District 158 find its next superintendent. Superintendent Cecilia Heiberger, who has filled that role since 2009, announced in August this school year will be her last with the district. The school board on Wednesday selected School Exec Connect from among three firms it had interviewed. Board President Robert Bonifazi said the firm chosen has had a 97 percent success rate in placing superintendents who have remained in their positions for over five years and the board was impressed with the firm's presentation. "Based on the criteria that the board sets, they will do the initial interviews," Bonifazi said. The board will then interview the finalists and Bonifazi said the goal is to choose a new superintendent no later than April. Bonifazi said School Exec Connect will charge an escalating fee that would max out at $18,000. The board will have to hire another special education teacher after approving the resignation of Corie Rivera from that position at Memorial Junior High School. "We're using a temporary sub right now," Heiberger said. Bonifazi said the timing is not conducive to finding a replacement quickly. "At the beginning of the school year, it's a little bit more of a challenge to have qualified candidates available because they're all typically employed at that point," he said. During Wednesday's meeting, the board watched a video that had aired on WGN Channel 9 regarding the selection of Memorial Junior High School science teacher Alison Schroeder as Teacher of the Month for September. St. Xavier University sponsors the award and Schroeder earned a $1,000 prize for her efforts. In the video, Schroeder said she takes time to get to know her students on an individual basis and attempts to bring positivity and energy into her classroom so students want to be there each day. She was nominated for the award by student Kevin Murdock. INDIANAPOLIS A Gary man has been arrested for murder in connection with the shooting deaths of two Gary women whose bodies were discovered in a burning car in Indianapolis. Indianapolis police say federal marshals arrested 30-year-old Tywan James on Tuesday in Hammond. He's awaiting extradition to Indianapolis. Authorities say 24-year-old Martina Webb and 21-year-old Aliyah Igartua were both shot in the head. Firefighters discovered their bodies early Sept. 30 on Indianapolis' west side. WRTV reports a probable cause affidavit says Webb's mother told police her daughter and Igartua drove to Indianapolis to visit Webb's boyfriend and began arguing with James at a gathering. The affidavit says James later walked up to Webb's vehicle and shot her through an open window. Witnesses told police they then heard more gunshots. CROWN POINT The trial in March for alleged serial killer Darren Vann has been rescheduled to October 2018. A criminal court judge also rejected at a court hearing Friday in Lake Criminal Court two motions by the defense requesting the judge limit his role during the jury selection process. Jury selection is now scheduled to begin Sept. 17, 2018 for the 46-year-old man charged in the murders of Afrika Hardy and Anith Jones in October 2014. The trial is scheduled for Oct. 22, 2018. Darren Vann is altogether charged in two separate cases with the murder of seven women in Lake County. Hardy, 19, was found strangled in a bathtub the night of Oct. 17, 2014 in a motel room in Hammond after she allegedly met Vann for paid sex. Vann was arrested in Hardy's death and then allegedly admitted he killed six other women, including Jones, 35, whose body was discovered in an abandoned house in Gary. Prosecutors succeeded on a motion last year to hold a single trial for the murders of Hardy and Jones, arguing the crimes were part of a single scheme or plan. Vann faces the death penalty if convicted of the murders. Trial dates for the other five murder charges have not been scheduled. Vann did not appear at Friday's court hearing before Judge Samuel L. Cappas. He was represented by Matthew Fech, Mark Bates and Gojko Kasich. The state was represented by Deputy Prosecutor Michelle Jatkiewicz and Prosecutor Bernard Carter. The defense presented two motions regarding the judge's role in jury selection. Fech first asked that the judge not interrupt defense counsel during jury selection, arguing that such an interruption could create the impression in a juror's mind that the judge doubts the credibility of the defense counsel's presentation. Cappas rejected the motion, stating the defense was effectively asking the judge to abdicate his role in picking a fair and impartial jury. He said he has never interrupted a defense attorney during jury selection, unless the attorney was asking an improper question. Fech also asked the judge not ask jurors the so-called magic question, which is the practice of asking a prospective juror who has been challenged for cause if they will set aside their personal beliefs and decide the case based solely on the evidence and the court's instruction of law. The purpose of the magic question is to determine whether a juror who has expressed a disqualifying bias or prejudice can still remain impartial when weighing evidence at trial. Fech argued the question can lead to dishonest answers from jurors who feel pressured to provide the correct answer, though they are actually unable set their bias aside. Jatkiewicz argued such self-assessment questions were the best method for determining a jurors intentions. Cappas ruled in favor of the state. Vann will be required to appear in court Nov. 9 so the judge can inform him of the new trial date. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy EAST CHICAGO A Gary man was charged Friday with murder in the shooting death of a 69-year-old man last spring near Chicago Avenue and Carey Street, police said. Stephen Shelton, 50, was in custody Friday at the East Chicago Police Department, Lt. Marguerite Wilder said. Shelton is accused of killing Alonzo Smith, 69, of East Chicago's Calumet neighborhood, near the intersection of Chicago Avenue and Carey Street. The police were dispatched 7:40 a.m. April 29 to the intersection after receiving reports of a vehicle crash, according to the probable cause affidavit. The officers learned at the scene Smith was dead from gunshot wounds in his car, which had rolled across Chicago Avenue and clipped a boom crane truck before coming to a rest in a grassy area, the affidavit states. Smith was taken to St. Catherine Hospital, where was was pronounced dead from gunshot wounds, police said. Several witnesses at the scene described a suspect dressed in black clothing and face mask fleeing the scene after the shooting, according to the affidavit. The man walked with a limp and stashed a revolver and a black glove in a dumpster behind Beto's Bar, 1301 E. Chicago Ave., the affidavit states. A black ski mask was also recovered from the back yard of a nearby home. The owner of Wallace Metals, 1200 E. Chicago Ave., told police Smith was a long-time employee who helped customers weigh materials and issued reimbursement stubs, the affidavit states. She described Smith as a generous man who would provide money to homeless people. He was known to carry large amounts of cash, the affidavit states. The black ski mask was sent to the state crime lab for genetic testing, the affidavit states. The lab informed police Aug. 4 DNA recovered from the mask matched a DNA sample from Shelton. Shelton, who was on federal probation for illegal gun possession, was detained by police Wednesday and agreed to provide a statement. He told police he could not remember where he was the morning of April 29, but he denied shooting Smith. Shelton is jailed without bond, according to court records. Check back at nwi.com for updates to this story. VALPARAISO A petition has been filed to revoke the pretrial release of a 29-year-old South Haven man who disappeared midway through his child molestation trial this week. Phillip Kress allegedly took off the GPS ankle monitor he was wearing as part of his pretrial release, according to Jennifer York, interim chief adult probation officer for Porter County. The device was found in South Holland, Illinois, according to a court official. No hearing has been scheduled on the petition filed by the adult probation department, but Kress is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 17 before Senior Judge Thomas Webber. Kress was found guilty Wednesday on a felony count of child molesting, despite walking away from his trial. The evidence portion of the trial began Tuesday morning, and Kress left at lunch to go to the hospital, complaining about kidney stones, said Tracy Goodpaster, Webber's bailiff. When he did not return that day nor Wednesday morning, the case was given to jurors, who found him guilty without hearing his testimony. Officials believe that sometime Tuesday or Wednesday, Kress removed and ditched the ankle monitor. Kress had been charged with molesting a then 5-year-old girl between July 1, 2014, and Feb. 21, 2015, according to court documents. The girl reportedly told family members about the abuse even though Kress told her not to tell anyone or he would be "really mad," according to court documents. Kress also faces numerous counts of possessing child pornography. Kress is out of jail on a $7,000 cash bond. INDIANAPOLIS The State Budget Committee gave final approval Friday for Purdue University Northwest to build the long-sought Bioscience Innovation Building at its Hammond campus. The $40.5 million, 68,000-square-foot structure will be home to offices, research labs and teaching labs for the College of Nursing, which currently are spread across several campus buildings, as well as the Department of Biological Sciences. "This has been on our list of requests for more than a decade," said Tony Hahn, Purdue director of state relations. "The College of Nursing (is) one of our most popular programs at the Northwest campus, and in high demand in the northwest region of this state." Approval by the State Budget Committee clears the way for construction to begin in August 2018, with completion scheduled for April 2020. In April, Indiana lawmakers appropriated $35.1 million to erect what will be the first new classroom building at the Hammond campus since 1997. Purdue expects to use other university revenue and gift funds to cover the remainder of the cost. The university's trustees gave their blessing to the project in August, followed by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education in September. "This will be a transformative project at the Purdue Northwest Hammond campus," Hahn said. The new building will be immediately south of the Student Union and Library edifice and east of Lawshe Hall on land now used as a parking lot. Once complete, Hahn said PNW plans to demolish the Gyte Annex, a 1953 structure donated to the university by Inland Steel that never was intended to be a classroom building and has been partially closed due to groundwater intrusion and plumbing issues. "It will reduce our R and R (repair and rehabilitation) costs for that campus significantly by demolishing that building," he said. State Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Ogden Dunes, a member of the State Budget Committee, lauded her legislative and executive branch colleagues for seeing the many positive opportunities tied to the construction and opening of the Bioscience Innovation Building. "For as long as I've been in the Legislature I have been hearing, 'Can you help us with this building?'" Tallian said. "Northwest Indiana thanks you that we get this project done finally." State Rep. Linda Lawson, D-Hammond, whose district includes the Purdue campus, said the building will be one of the "historic landmarks" in the university's history. "Preparing students for nursing and life sciences careers in this state-of-the-art facility will enable them to find good-paying careers in our community while helping the Region benefit economically with the high-growth fields of life sciences and nursing," Lawson said. MICHIGAN CITY A former mayor is back home and returning to the campaign trail. Sheila Brillson is running for the seat now held by LaPorte County Commissioner Mike Gonder. Gonder, a Republican, was chosen to fill the seat of Mike Bohacek after his election in 2016 to the state Senate. Brillson said she wants to help LaPorte County bring in major economic opportunities now within reach and meet public health and education challenges she believes need immediate attention. "Our county needs strong leadership at this critical time, and I have the experience, leadership skills and vision to help move LaPorte County forward," she said. In 2003, Brillson was six months from completing her second term as mayor when she and her family moved to Washington state. She returned two years ago and, surprising to some of her supporters, chose not to run for mayor. "I did that job. I loved, loved that job. But, you know, been there done that. There are no do-overs in life, so Im ready to take on new challenges," Brillson said. She spent eight years on the City Council prior to becoming mayor. She said the proposed double track project to reduce travel times to and from Chicago on the South Shore commuter line are among the projects in the works that can have major economic benefits, and she believes her experience and skills can help make them reality. Brillson, a Democrat, cited her successes in job creation as mayor and her leadership roles in workforce development and employment programs in Washington as among her qualifications. "We need new jobs. We cant wait for manufacturing to come back, and we need to step up and see where we can fit," Brillson said. Brillson also said she wants to bring the entire county together so future growth doesnt happen too quickly, in an effort to avoid damaging the heritage and farmland. Currently, Brillson is national director of programs for Summer Advantage USA, a nonprofit organization providing summer learning programs to children in underserved neighborhoods across the nation. LAPORTE The city attorney is leaving to join former mayor Blair Milo at the Statehouse. Rebecca Meyer-McCuaig will become chief counsel and director of solutions for Milo in her new position as Indianas first secretary of career connections & talent. Meyer-McCuaig, a 2007 graduate of the Valparaiso University School of Law, said Milo's offer was too good to pass up. "It just seems to be the right fit, and its a great opportunity to help at the state level and still be able to serve LaPorte," she said. The LaPorte native has been city attorney since 2013. Her final day on the job will be Friday. Milo, the youngest LaPorte mayor when elected in 2011, began her new role Aug. 14. She was appointed by Gov. Eric Holcomb to the newly created position to lead efforts at filling a projected one million job openings in the state over the next decade, mostly from baby boomers retiring, and help people get the skills needed to fill those vacancies. Mayor Mark Krentz was chosen over seven other candidates by 20 Republican precinct committee members Aug. 11. "Hes been amazing to work for, and I love his vision for the city, but I had an opportunity to meet with secretary Milo and hear what shes doing at the state level, and I welcomed the opportunity to be part of her team," Meyer-McCuaig said. Meyer-McCuaig was a deputy prosecutor in Marion County prior to replacing Don Baugher as the city attorney when he retired. A Calumet City woman killed in a crash Sunday in Calumet Township was remembered this week as a spiritual person who was devoted to her three daughters. Genecia Hearn, 31, died after a 27-year-old Chicago man disregarded a red light as he sped through the intersection of 45th Avenue and Cleveland Street and hit Hearn's car, officials said. The man and three other people were injured in the four-vehicle crash, police said. Police declined to release the man's name because he could face criminal charges, Lake County sheriff's spokesman Mark Back said. Toxicology results were pending, and the crash remained under investigation. Hearn had three daughters ages 11, 4 and 1 said her sister, ShawnToria Campbell, of Hammond. She worked as a licensed practical nurse in Tinley Park and was working toward earning a bachelor's degree, she said. Hearn's family gathered at her home in the days before she was killed to celebrate her eldest daughter's birthday, Campbell said. During the festivities, one of the daughter's friends told the group how Hearn's daughter had been a friend to her when other kids were mean. Hearn was happy at the party, Campbell said. "She was saying how proud she was of her daughter becoming a good little girl," Campbell said. "Every parent wants to know your child touched a person in a positive way. It was just such a sweet moment." Campbell said her sister loved God and was the type of person who always kept everything together. Just before her death, she was helping family members in Merrillville, she said. Funeral arrangements were still pending, Campbell said. A fund to help the family with funeral expenses for Hearn has been started. To make donations, visit E.W. Calahan Funeral Service Inc.'s website at ewcalahanfs.com and click on Hearn's name. Any donations not used for funeral expenses will go toward Hearn's daughters, Campbell said. The Valparaiso International Center, an independent nonprofit organization that serves Northwest Indiana, will host a free presentation about Mexico at 7 p.m. Friday. This is part of the VICs Fourth Friday series at the organizations headquarters, 309 E. Lincolnway. Pancho and Carolyn Rodea are the featured speakers for October. Pancho was born into a musically oriented family in Puebla State, Mexico. He met his American-born wife Carolyn when she came to teach at the international school in Puebla where Pancho was also working. The pair have been together more than 30 years and now live in Valparaiso. Pancho will talk about his life in Mexico and the U.S., and he will share a few thoughts about the recent earthquake in his home region and his memories of previous such disasters. The Rodeas will sing a few songs and present a cooking demonstration. Both Pancho and Carolyn are Spanish teachers in the Valparaiso Public Schools, and they continue to pursue a career as entertainers. They have performed their Latin guitar rhythms at numerous local venues and festivals. The VICs Fourth Friday is a monthly series of presentations and discussions about various international cultures. The speakers are natives of the subject country or have some special expertise to offer. The Fourth Friday presentation on Mexico is open to all members of the community and is free of charge. For more information on the VIC, visit its website at www.valpovic.org and its Facebook page at facebook.com/valpovic. BERLIN - When Wang Xiongshi, a Chinese doctorate student, returned to China after two years, he found changes and development so astonishing that he risked falling behind. "It surprised me that sharing bikes and mobile payment are readily available," said Wang, who studied automobile engineering in the Technology University of Berlin. He said a tour visit to start-up parks and incubators in several cities, organized by the Chinese Communist Youth League for Chinese overseas students, also impressed him with its enabling environment for entrepreneurship. Wang is not alone in such a "homecoming shock." It's a consensus among Chinese students in Germany that gaps between China and developed countries are narrowing. China's rapid catching-up has brought them confidence, and above all, more opportunities both academically and professionally. Chen Cheng, a doctorate student in ecological economics with Berlin-based Humboldt University, said: "Nowadays what you can find here also exists in China's big cities. Therefore, the shock sustained by Chinese overseas students, resulting from differences in cultural and recreational activities or lifestyle, is no longer pronounced as it was years ago." On the other hand, it is in Germany that Chen felt changes come a bit too slow. "The use of PayPal is still not very convenient here, and I think Chinese respond faster to new things," Chen said. "China turns different each time I go back home, but here seldom anything changes during my four-year stay. China is catching up at an enormous speed," said the student, adding "We feel more confident than never before." Apart from confidence, China's rapid development and rising international standing have brought tangible benefits for overseas students in Germany. "Since the United States withdrew from the Paris Agreement and China became a leading player in the battle against climate change, many countries are eager to cooperate with China," Chen said, explaining how his research in the climate field is benefiting from such a development. Increasing cooperation between Chinese and German researchers affords Chinese students greater opportunities. Chen cited a project jointly led by China's National Natural Science Foundation and German Research Foundation, which is open to scientists from both countries, as an example. The project attaches great importance to climate and environment researches, and Chinese doctorate and post-doctorate students in Germany take it as a good opportunity to pursue their academic goals, Chen said. Moreover, an increasing number of Chinese enterprises are going global, some taking over foreign companies. Chinese home appliance giant Midea Group's purchase of German robotics firm Kuka, for example, brought employment opportunities to Chinese students in Germany as they are valued for their local know-how and language competencies. Lu Xiaozheng, head of Chinese student association in Technology University of Berlin, noticed a marked increase in the number of job fairs jointly organized by her association and Chinese enterprises engaged in bilateral trade and businesses in recent years. Besides, German companies and other Germany-based foreign companies are more likely to hire Chinese students to expand their China businesses, Lu said. Economic growth also means better job opportunities back home. Wang Xiongshi said as many Chinese enterprises excel in new-energy vehicles, there are a great deal of employers he can choose from if he returns home. For Chen, he said "there's never been a greater time than today for overseas students to return to the homeland", explaining that the country offers various programs such as the "1,000-Talent Program" to attract overseas researchers back home. Besides, various localities are jostling for talent. "As long as you are truly competent, there will be a stage for you to shine in China," Chen said. VALPARAISO A three-month delay has been granted in the trial for an Ogden Dunes man charged with murdering his elderly mother by burning her alive at their home. Frederick Fegely will face a jury April 16 and prosecutors believe the trial will take a couple of weeks. The delay was sought by defense attorney Bob Harper, who said the state is replacing the fire investigator in the case and he needs time to question their expert. Harper said he also needs time to hire an expert of his own to review the evidence. He was granted a request Friday for nearly $10,000 to hire experts. Harper is arguing Fegely was legally insane when as charged, he killed his mother, Wanda Maxine Wunder, by burning the house they shared in Ogden Dunes on April 16, 2015. Fegely has plead not guilty. If he is found to have been insane, Fegely will be committed to a state hospital until it is determined he no longer poses a danger, at which time he will be released, Harper has said. If Fegely is not found to have been insane, the case will proceed forward in normal fashion. Fegely, who wore the black-and-white-striped garb of a maximum-security jail inmate Friday, was found earlier this year to be competent to aid in his defense. He had been committed to the Logansport State Hospital on Oct. 21, 2016, after three psychological evaluations were done, two of which determined he was incompetent to stand trial. Harper said the hospital was able to use medications to bring Fegely back around to competency. Investigators said Fegely was found to have a flammable liquid on the pajama bottoms he wore after claiming to have fled the fire in question. Fegely reportedly told police at the time that he was awakened at 4:30 a.m. by a smell he did not recognize and opened his bedroom door to discover heavy smoke in the house. He said he attempted to go upstairs to the main level of the house, but retreated out a basement door and to a neighbors house when he encountered heat and heavy smoke. Fegely mentioned he was no longer in his mothers will, but thought his sister would share her portion with him, police said. He also said his mother was very particular about things and did not like his involvement in various religious teachings, police said. PORTAGE A Springfield, Ohio, man accused of killing two people there on Oct. 4 was arrested here Friday morning. According to Portage Police Chief Troy Williams, members of the Portage Police Department, Portage SWAT team and U.S. Marshal's Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force arrested Kyle Bonaparte, 20, after serving an arrest warrant at a house in the 2700 block of Belmont Street. "No one was injured, and he is at our department with Ohio detectives and prosecutors," Williams said in a written statement. "This was an extremely high-risk operation, and I could not it be prouder of the efforts of all involved." Springfield is located in the southwestern portion of Ohio, about 45 miles west of Columbus. Bonaparte faces three counts of murder and another count of tampering evidence. Bonaparte was indicted by the Clark County, Ohio, grand jury on Monday, according to an article in the Springfield Sun-News. Bonaparte is accused of killing Joshua Brown, 26, who died after he was shot multiple times on Oct. 4. Another person, Raina Beal, 23, died after she was shot in the head, according to the article. A warrant was issued for Bonaparte in connection with the deaths of Beal and Brown. PORTAGE City officials took the first step Thursday night to form a human rights committee. The City Council ordinance committee approved 2-1 to forward a draft proposal to the full council. Councilman John Cannon, R-4th, voted against the recommendation, saying while he would not be against a resolution denouncing discrimination in the city, a committee would be too burdensome on anyone filing a complaint. Cannon said there are already agencies in place to handle discrimination complaints from residents. Cannon also questioned whether or not there is discrimination in the city. "As the Mexican in the room here," Beto Barrera, of Portage, said there is. Barrera said swastikas, Confederate flags and racist graffiti can be seen in the city. "There is no place in the city of Portage people can go to if they feel discriminated against," said Barrera, a retired civil rights organizer who spent 25 years enforcing fair housing laws. Rev. Michael Cooper of the Metropolitan Community Church Illiana said there is discrimination. "There is discrimination in the city. Transgender people still get a lot of discrimination," he said, adding three Portage residents have filed complaints with the Gary Human Rights Commission in the last two years because of alleged discriminatory acts. Clerk-treasurer Chris Stidham drafted the ordinance, which outlines discriminatory practices by employers, housing groups and others that would be considered by the committee. Thursday was the second time the committee reviewed the proposal. Stidham said he made revisions after concerns arose of the city getting drawn into legal complaints. Under the ordinance, Stidham said the city would accept complaints and gather data to see what is going on within the city. Then, if necessary, the city would refer the complaint to other agencies. There would be no fines or enforcement by the city. Stidham said that could change if the city saw an influx in complaints and determined it wanted to take additional action. Councilwoman Sue Lynch, D-at-large, said she was concerned a 9-member committee could become unwieldy and have difficulty meeting. As proposed, each elected official would appoint a member to the committee, Stidham said, and the mayor would appoint a human rights coordinator from present city employees. It cannot be that I am only 38 "You have breast cancer," I was told With no family history, shock sets in How will I face this bend in the road? Donna Szabo found the lump herself, randomly. She was terrified. The Portage mother had no family history of breast cancer. How could this happen? She found the lump on a Thursday, had a mammogram that Friday and was diagnosed on a Saturday. Her fears were realized. What do I tell my two young sons? Oh, dear lord, I need your touch How I want to see them grow up Is that asking too much? At the time she was diagnosed with breast cancer, the five-year survival rate for a breast cancer patient was about 75 percent. Today, that number is above 90 percent. She also was among the small number of women roughly 5 percent diagnosed before the age of 40. So Szabo was seriously worried that she might not be able to see her boys, then 10 and 14, graduate from college, get married, have kids of their own. Her goal was to see them finish high school. At the time, Northwest Indiana had only a fraction of the breast cancer services it has today, so Szabo had to go to either Chicago or South Bend for treatment. Her doctor, at Rush University Medical Center, got her in that Monday. He said his goal was to make sure she lived another 50 years. Luckily, her cancer was stage one and hadn't metastasized. The doctor recommended against chemotherapy because of her age because he knew she needed the energy to care for her children. Following surgery, technology became my friend With each radiation zap, I was becoming well once more Early detection combined with a phenomenal medical team Contributed to my breast cancer survival. That was 1984. At first, she wasn't honest with her sons about her cancer. But they eventually figured it out. She promised them, post-surgery, that she was just as healthy as all their friends' moms were. For the first five years after her diagnosis, she went in for imaging every three months. She was screened every six months for the five years after that. Those two young sons, I saw them graduate From high school and college too I danced with them on their wedding day There is so much living to do. She eventually gave back by becoming certified to fit women who have had mastectomies with prosthetic breasts, wigs, swimwear. She loved the job. She worked for a clinic in Michigan City for a half-dozen years, for LaPorte Hospital for another six. She took care of more than 500 women. She made them feel comfortable during a difficult time. She could relate to them, empathize. She knew what they were going through. Now I am blessed with three grandchildren My heart overflows as I watch them grow I never dreamed I would see this day When I was diagnosed 33 years ago. The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China will help strengthen cooperation between France and China, says the French ambassador. Speaking in Beijing on Oct 12, Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert said France is interested in the decisions made at the congress because "it will determine China's international policy in the next five years and set a new framework for the China-Europe cooperation". According to the ambassador, human exchanges, environmental protection and international trade and investment are areas that France is most concerned with. In terms of human communication, Ripert said he hopes that over the next five years, China can further promote exchanges between students, researchers and teachers. "This kind of exchange will not only help improve the quality of education in both countries, but also raise the international rankings of institutions of the two countries," Ripert said. The ambassador noted that, at present, 37,000 Chinese are studying in France. "They come to France not only to learn the language, but also to study French technology, as France has considerable influence in science and technology," Ripert said. He added that, as China has become a major economy and an innovative nation in technology, more French are studying in China. "France-China cooperation has played an important role in the Paris Climate Change Conference. I believe that China will continue to stick to protecting the environment." In the field of environmental protection, Ripert said he hopes China will continue to follow the road of sustainable development and strengthen cooperation with France in the future. In January, President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, proposing to increase trade liberalization and globalization. Ripert said that French President Emmanuel Macron's recent speech at the United Nations also stressed the benefits of multilateralism and globalization in international trade. "After the congress, I think China and France can discuss this issue together and jointly push forward cooperation in international trade," he said. Ripert also said China and France can work together under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. "China has its advantages in financing. It has ample foreign exchange reserves, which makes China capable of financing many projects." The ambassador emphasized China's ability to finance mega projects and said some institutions in France are preparing to work with China. For example, the French Development Agency and Bpifrance are also willing to support Chinese projects under the Belt and Road Initiative. Ripert noted that France sent representatives to the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in May. It is also one of the initial countries that decided to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. "The current world is full of uncertainty, yet China and the EU are two stable poles," Ripert said, adding that cooperation between China and France could benefit the world. Ripert said preparatory work for President Macron's visit to China has begun. The visit is tentatively scheduled for January. Ripert also said a series of ministerial visits are being planned for the end of this year. At the end of November, Chinese Vice-Premier Liu Yandong and French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian will preside over a high-level cultural exchange between China and France. Chinese Vice-Premier Ma Kai will meet with French Minister of the Economy and Finance Bruno Le Maire for a dialogue in investment and trade. In December, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and French foreign policy adviser Philippe Etienne will also hold a dialogue on Sino-French relations. Contact the writers at yandongjie@chinadaily.com.cn (China Daily European Weekly 10/20/2017 page8) About 600 third-grade students filled the Auburn Junior High School auditorium Thursday morning, each of them wearing a hat that resembled the Statue of Libertys crown, and many held small American flags. They cheered when Libby Liberty, a character dressed as the Statue of Liberty, burst onto the stage. The event was part of a civics program called the Liberty's Legacy, which teaches students about American history, national landmarks and how to become Super Citizens. This is the third year Auburn City Schools has participated in the program and invited Libby Liberty to speak to students. Libertys Legacy is an Alabama-based company that promotes civics education for students in schools across the state, said Wes Gordon, director of curriculum and professional development. One of the representatives of the company is a local resident, and she reached out to the school system three years ago. We made the decision to involve our third-graders, and its been highly successful every year. Students from Margaret Yarbrough, Ogletree, Pick and Wrights Mill elementary schools are participating in the program, which usually lasts between nine and 11 weeks, Gordon said. Thursdays event served as a kickoff program for all the schools, although they already have been learning about civics in their classrooms. The kickoff originally was scheduled for last month, but was rescheduled due to Hurricane Irma. I want to spread the word about freedom, our history, and to tell you how you guys are the most important part of our future, Liberty told the auditorium full of students. You already have the most important title in the country: citizen. During her presentation, she shared facts about the Statue of Liberty, including her measurements, symbolism, and even that she is a shade of green called patina a thin layer that appears over copper due to exposure to the elements. But the most important lesson children learn from the program is about citizenship, which will be the focus of another program next month. The culminating program is a chance for the kids to recognize people in the community that they look up to as heroes, so were very excited about that, Gordon said. Liberty told the students that while each American has a unique heritage and story, they have one thing in common. We all share the same freedoms and bright futures that remain possible by the things I stand for: opportunity, hope, and liberty, she said. Auburn University is launching a new online Master of Engineering Management degree that will support the states multi-billion dollar manufacturing and technology industries. The new program, recently approved by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, will launch in spring 2018. This masters degree program is among the first of its kind in the region, said Christopher B. Roberts, dean of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. It is a direct response to the needs of Alabama industry and will bolster our economic development efforts by providing graduate students with a solid foundation of engineering and project management principles. The new Master of Engineering Management program meets a very specific demand from industry here in Alabama, said John Evans, chair of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and director of the Thomas Walter Center for Technology Management. Advanced engineering positions require specialized skills and knowledge, and this degree program will ensure our states engineers are prepared for them. This new degree highlights Auburn Engineerings commitment to support the Alabama economy and to contribute to workforce development. The program, administered by the Thomas Walter Center for Technology Management in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, will be open to qualified individuals with a bachelors degree in engineering or those with a minimum of five years relevant work experience. The degree requires 30 credit hours, or 10 classes, with a five course common core, including organizational leadership, engineering economics, lean operations, human factors and an engineering management project. The degree offers four specialized options: manufacturing, occupational safety and ergonomics, systems engineering and product innovation. All classes are available online so students can access lectures at their convenience. The goal of the engineering management program is for students to earn a degree that is tailor-made for their industry, Evans said. We want them to apply their interest toward courses suited for them and use the degree to advance their careers and move industry forward. 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 To some, WILLIAM BUGANDA NTEGE, better known as Kyuma kya Yesu, is a fierce defender of journalists' and other people's rights. To some, he is an unstable, rabble-rousing street preacher. But until the July 31 altercation with Kassanda South member of parliament Simeo Nsubuga, little was publicly known about him outside these two circles. Baker Batte Lule digs more about him. On that day, Buganda kingdom was marking the 24th coronation anniversary of Kabaka Ronald Mutebi in Mubende. Area MP Nsubuga was amongst those who stepped up to pay tribute to Bugandas traditional leader only to be accosted by an energetic young man. William Buganda Ntege aka Kyuma kya Yesu Born December 8, 1976, he gets the moniker Kyuma kya Yesu from the street preaching he took to after his pastor and mentor, Apostle John Deo Balabyekkubo, died in a road accident in the 1990s. Married to Deborah Nakachwa, the father of five; four girls and one boy, Kyuma kya Yesu says he is a proud Muganda and born-again Christian. Some people get it wrong; culture and Jesus are two different things that connect. Culture deals with my presence on earth whereas religion or spiritual matters deal with my life after death, he says. Rarely do you find in Ugandas evangelical community born-again Christians openly acknowledging their cultural roots. Kyuma kya Yesu feels that those who run away from culture just because they are saved are ignorant. This is exactly the kind of non-conformist posture which fuels his activism. Born to Dr Godfrey Sserwanga and the late Proscovia Nantongo, Kyuma kya Yesu went to Buntubulamu primary school in rural Takajjunge, Mukono district. From Buntubulamu, it was Namagabi secondary school in neighbouring Kayunga where he sat his O-levels; Molly and Paul SS for senior six, and then Makerere University to pursue a bachelors degree in education. After just one year at university, the young man dropped out for lack of money to pay his fees. He later joined UMCAT school of journalism in 2006. While at UMCAT, he worked part-time with Donamisi radio in Mukono, Top TV and radio. After graduating from UMCAT, he joined the now-defunct WBS TV, working as a presenter, news reporter and producer. In 2012, the budding journalist was forced out of WBS. His feet took him to NTV where a freelance position was open until the Mubende saga. Kyuma kya Yesu says his employers at NTV could have come under pressure to cut ties with him. I wouldnt say they sacked me but I think there is an organ of government that forces them not to work with people like me because of my views; that is the impression I got when I went back, he said. When you have strong views against this government, they also work tirelessly for your downfall. They will block all the channels through which you earn a living, he added. It was under similar circumstances that he had left WBS TV. According to him, a resolve to force police to respect his rights as a journalist irritated the police. In 2012, during one of many run-ins with the law, police officers destroyed three of his cameras. The force only paid for two of these multimillion shilling gadgets despite a promise of full compensation by Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura. Kyuma kya Yesu did not sit back. He took to police headquarters for a peaceful demonstration. The police thought that I was anti-government and not a person to work with. Judith Nabakooba, who was then the police spokesperson, told my bosses that I tried to strangle the IGP, he recalled of the incident, which cost him the WBS job. Mindful of polices suspected role in his loss of employment, Kyuma kya Yesu turned to parliament. But he was arrested for trespass, and being a public nuisance. Before he knew it, the journalist was in Luzira prison. Police arrested and kept me for several days before taking me to City Hall kangaroo court for trial where in less than five minutes I was sentenced to two months imprisonment, Kyuma kya Yesu said. Police has been working for my downfall; it has caused my sacking, broke my cameras, tear-gassed and arrested me. How can I like this government? he said. It is against this background that this young man cannot stand whoever talks about extending President Musevenis grip on power beyond 2021. Watching Simeo Nsubuga advocating a life presidency and continuity of this government got me very angry and I said I need to make a public statement, Kyuma kya Yesu said. Kabakas 24th coronation anniversary celebrations were deliberately chosen as the day to make this statement, because if the country goes up in flames because of the politics of transition, it is [centrally located] Buganda that will bear the brunt. I wanted the government in Mengo to know that people like Nsubuga, James Kakooza,[Kabula MP] Betty Kamya [Kam- pala minister], Kafeero Ssekitooleko [Nakifuma MP] are enemies of Buganda. They are advocating things that are going to take us back to turmoil, he explains. I planned this to send a signal to Mengo to call people like Nsubuga to order to drop these stupid ideas that Museveni should rule until he dies. That statement resulted in a month-long imprisonment, but there are no regrets since the message to MPs was: it wont be business as usual. Everywhere these MPs go; people must do something to show their opposition to lifting age limits, he said. This activism has attracted attention. Strange phone calls from people intimidating him, or cars with strange number plates parked near his residence have become commonplace, he says. There are many things that this government is capable of doing. You hear of rebel groups now; it is very easy for these people to connect you to any of them and they detain you for life, Kyuma kya Yesu says. Activism has also interrupted a desired career in street evangelism. I stopped street preaching because I was tired of being arrested by police on fictitious charges of unlawful assembly just because they think I dont support the government, he said. Kyuma kya Yesu does not ascribe to any political party but he is involved in the countrywide Kogikwatako campaign against the lifting of article 102(b) on age limits from the constitution. I identify with those who want to push Museveni out. This should be a concern for all Ugandans. The army storming parliament, the throwing of grenades at MPs homes; arresting of our senior leaders are all meant to scare our people by sending a message that, if we can do it to an MP, who are you. But I shall stay in the struggle until we defeat this life presidency project. bakerbatte@observer.ug On November 26, 2016, Sheikh Maj Muhammad Kiggundu was assassinated minutes after 7am in Masanafu, a Kampala suburb. He was heading for a radio talk show in Kampala. Kiggundu was killed together with his bodyguard Sgt Stephen Mukasa by unknown assailants who were riding on motorcycles. The following day Sheikh Yahyah Ramadhan Mwanje, the acting Amir Uma of the Tabliq community, was arrested from his home in Busaabala in connection with the double murder. This arrest followed allegations that Mwanje had asked for Kiggundus head. Following his arrest, he was detained at the notorious Nalufenya police station for one and half months against the constitutionally accepted 48 hours before he was produced at Buganda Road magistrates court and charged with two counts of murder. As it has been the case in all Muslim murders and accusations, prosecution embarked on delaying tactics claiming that investigations were still ongoing before the file could be forwarded to the High court for the hearing to start. Owing to the fact that the accused had been illegally detained in police cells for more than 48 hours, lawyers applied for bail in the High court. To our surprise, the learned judges declined to grant Mwanje bail, arguing that the case was going to be heard expeditiously, in any case not more than three months. This was never to be as two months later, Mwanje had not been brought to court. When he was, prosecution asked for more time to gather evidence for the case to be heard. Finally, the D-day came and the bombshell was dropped. The director of Public Prosecutions dropped all murder charges, reasoning that he had no evidence, but turned around and brought up the same charges at the magistrates court where fresh charges of terrorism and aiding terrorism were also added on the two counts of murder. This move by the state to slap fresh charges on Mwanje is a clear indication that the state knows very well that they have no evidence to pin Mwanje on murder. Thats why they opted for the fictitious case of terrorism which is very easy to prove. Until now, we are yet to understand the rationale of finding Sheikh Muhammad Yunus Kamoga and his co-accused guilty of terrorism which was based on the same process after murder and attempted murder charges were quashed by court. You dont need to be a rocket scientist to read political witch-hunt in the arrest and prosecution of Mwanje and the others like him. As a country, we must resist the abuse of judicial powers to settle political scores. It is dangerous for the stability of our country and portends trouble if people lose hope in the judicial system. Justice shouldnt just only be done but it must be seen to be done. We wait to see how the court handles this case because considering what happened to Sheikh Kamoga, we are skeptical the court can handle this matter justly especially if the state has interest in the matter. Mwanje has already spent almost a year in prison but instead of the state prosecuting him, it is engaged in legal gymnastics dropping charges and again propping up others at the magistrates court with the view of sending them to the International Crimes division of the High court. Keeping people in prison, denying them bail and causing a lot of anguish and suffering to their families is a clear violation of their freedoms. Surely, if government has some people it would like to remove from society, the president can issue a directive instead of misusing courts of law to abuse the law! Courts of law are for us all Ugandans as we often run to them to seek redress. kifampasiraje@gmail.com The author is spokesperson of Nakasero mosque. Arctic Apple is the worlds first genetically engineered apple that doesnt turn brown after being cut or bruised. It was developed by Canadian company Okanagan Specialty Fruits and is already being sold in select grocery stores. When the cells of conventional apples are damaged, such as when they are cut, bitten into or bruised, an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase (PPO) initiates a chemical reaction that turns the flesh of the fruit brown. Some apple varieties brown faster than others, while others have a lower degree of browning, due to varying levels of PPO, but the Arctic Apple is the worlds first non-browning apple. Its flesh will retain its fresh, appealing color even days after being sliced, which Okanagan Specialty Fruits claims will increase apple consumption and decrease food waste. Neil Carter, president of Okanagan, and his wife Louisa have spent the last 20 years developing the non-browning Arctic Apple as a way of decreasing apple waste. They planted their first crop of non-browning Golden Delicious and Granny Smith apples in 2003, and have since spent years testing the genetically-modified fruit, making sure that it poses no health or environmental risks. According to the evidence they presented to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Arctic Apples are just like conventional ones, minus the off-putting superficial browning. While having less PPO gives Arctic varieties their nonbrowning advantage, Arctic apple trees grow and behave just the same as other apple trees, the Arctic Apples website states. And, the fruit is just as healthy and has no new proteins. And even though an Arctic Granny has the same nutritional content as a conventional Granny Smith, Arctic apple varieties dont experience the browning reaction, which typically burns up healthful nutrients such as vitamin C and antioxidants. So how did Okanagan Specialty Fruits actually create non-browning apples? Well, it all started years ago, when the apples genome was mapped. They identified the four genes responsible for PPO production and used gene silencing to turn down the expression of PPO, which virtually eliminates PPO production, so the fruit doesnt brown. According to the Arctic Apples website, the low levels of PPO produced by conventional apples plays no role at all, apart from putting people off from eating the fruit minutes after it has been sliced, so stopping its production through genetic manipulation has no adverse effects. We see this as less about genetic modification and more about convenience, Neil Carter told The Washington Post. I think consumers are very ready for apples that dont go brown. Everyone can identify with that yuck factor. By having the apples look fresh and appealing for longer, while preserving the same nutritional qualities as conventional apples, Okanagan Specialty Fruits hopes to reduce apple waste caused by superficial browning. However, GMO critics consider it unnecessary and understudied. Some even claim that by silencing the production of PPO, Carters company can deceive consumers about the freshness of the fruit. Okanagan, on the other hand, says that the opposite is true. Perhaps since Arctic apples dont undergo enzymatic browning they disguise old or damaged fruit? Nope, just the opposite in fact! the Arctic website states. Arctic apples eventually rot just like other apples, and will show browning that results from fungal or bacterial infection. And since Arctic varieties show meaningful discoloration like this, but wont show superficial browning and bruising, Arctic apples make it easier to judge the true quality of the fruit! Non-browning Arctic Apples will hit the shelves of around 400 grocery stores across the United States, this November, with supplies estimated to last about 12 weeks. It will be interesting to see how consumers respond. Will they be drawn in by the non-browning quality, or will the GMO fears keep them away? For more exciting developments in the fruit industry, check out pink pineapple, cotton candy-flavored grapes and pink flesh apples. You probably didnt even know there was such a thing as a hipster-only bar, did you? Well, there is (sort of) and if you plan on getting in, you better grow a beard, put on some glasses and wear those checkered shirts hipsters love so much. The Hipster Bar isnt technically a bar, but an art project thought up by English artist Max Dovey, who created a software that relies on artificial intelligence and face recognition technology to tell hipsters apart from regular folks. He has been touring the UK for the last two years, turning regular watering holes into pop-up hipster bars by having patrons pass his hipster test in order to gain entry. According to 28-year-old Dovey, his machine will only grant you entry if you register as over 90% hipster. It tears up friendship groups, and tears up families, Max Dovey said about his unique Hipster Bar. Often the dad of a family will be able to come in, and the wife and the child have to watch outside, which Im not too happy about. There has been an issue of trying to get the software to recognise female hipsters so Ive had to look further for more images of women so it wasnt a very male bar. The pop-up Hipster Bar has a computer at the entrance which takes photos of patrons looking to get in and compares them with thousands of photos of hipsters and non-hipsters that Dovey constantly adds to its data base. After analyzing their faces, clothing and accessories, the AI decides if the person is hipster enough to be allowed in. If they score lower than 90% hipster, they are denied entry. It turns out that the older gentleman has a very high success rate, women with glasses, and some stylish clothes basically. Glasses, the beard, the checked shirt, and if youve got a coffee cup that really helps, the London-based artist said. Dovey says that he started out with just 1,000 photos of hipsters and 1,000 pictures of non-hipsters, and that made it relatively easy to get into the bar, but as he added more and more pictures, the AI made it harder and harder for patrons to gain entry unless they featured some truly hispstery accessories like beards and glasses. I used to get into the bar quite easily, and now I find it really hard. I have to wear glasses and put on a fake beard, so I have to go in disguise, the artist said. The software is improving every time I do it, and Im suddenly becoming this hipster mogul, a hipster data barren. But if youre thinking that this is some way of promoting or making fun of hipsters, you couldnt be more wrong. Max Dovey just picked a popular culture to make people ask questions about the future of technology, and humans reliance on it in the 21st century. I hope that people see how easy it is to programme a very subjective and biased piece of software, that can ascertain whether someones a hipster or not, the Hipster Bar creator said. So I hope to disprove any sort of belief that we have in software or AI when you can create an AI to determine whos a hipster. I think it undermines the power of AI. I also hope to debunk the whole hipster mythology; if a computer can recognise a hipster then I think a hipster is definitely no longer cool. The Hipster Bar is currently in Salford, Manchester, but its constantly touring the UK. Ketchums 170 PRSA Silver Anvils and Ogilvys win of the Best of Anvils in 2013, when Ogilvys Mickey Nall was chair, raise ethical questions. Should executives who are prominent in PRSA take home so many awards? Mickey Nall Ray Kotcher The bio of Kotcher, notes he is the holder of numerous PR awards and titles, and says that Perhaps most importantly (he) believes in the importance of character and integrity in our lives and in our work. It further notes that as chair of the PR Council he worked to promulgate the highest standards of ethical practice, and to ensure those standards, he asked, every member to sign the Councils Statement of Principles, which all didan industry first. He is professor of the practice of PR at Boston University. Ketchum: Most Decorated Agency His bio states: As non-executive chair of one of the worlds largest public relations agencies, Kotcher assiduously works to advance the industry. He is equally passionate about furthering public relations as a career destination of choice and supporting those just starting out. To that end, he serves on the faculty of Boston Universitys College of Communication as professor of the practice of public relations. During his 12 years as the global CEO of Ketchum, the firm tripled in size and was twice named PRWeeks Agency of the Year. Ketchum is now ranked as the fourth-largest PR firm in the world, according to PRWeek and the Holmes Report. With 170 PRSA Silver Anvils, 59 PRWeek Awards, 19 Cannes Lions, and 164 Holmes Report SABREs, Ketchum is the most decorated agency in the business. The 170 total of Silver Anvils is far greater than that of any other PR firm or corporate member of PRSA. Technically, the Anvils go to the client. DuPont, a client of Ogilvy, in June 2013 won the Best of Silver Anvil Award, topping an original field of 847 entrants and 144 finalists. Anthony Farina is head of global PA and director of corporate communications of DuPont. Ogilvy Should Not Have Competed The ODwyer website editorialized that Ogilvy should not have entered anything in the Anvils contest. There should not have been any chance that the judges would pick one of its entries. Having the client of the elected chair of the Society win the grand prize among 847 entries raises charges of cronyism and insider favoritism, we said, adding, Such behavior is covered by the Societys Code which advises members to avoid "real, potential or perceived conflicts of interest." The following is from the Code: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST Core Principle: Avoiding real, potential or perceived conflicts of interest builds the trust of clients, employers, and the publics. Intent: To earn trust and mutual respect with clients or employers. To build trust with the public by avoiding or ending situations that put one's personal or professional interests in conflict with society's interests. Is This Contest Fixed in Any Way? PR Firms thinking of entering the Anvils in the future will wonder if the grand prize and perhaps many of the smaller prizes are locked up by insiders. They can certainly wonder if insiders have an edge. "Global Food Security" concerns forecasts that the world's population will grow from seven billion currently to nine billion by 2050. Unless influencers and policymakers find sustainable and affordable solutions to food security, a global fight to feed the worlds populace is expected," says the Society release on the award. There are definitely a lot of starving people in the world and people who do not have access to clean water. What DuPont and others may do about this is not spelled out. The release on the award says the campaign "helped DuPont shed its image as a chemical company, and recast itself as a leader in food security." A more meaningful term that would be immediately understood is "food supply." That is really the issue. Food security sounds like DuPont is in favor of clean food and water and who wouldn't be in favor of that? The company is a major producer of fertilizers and other aids to cultivation of crops, DuPont, with revenues of $35 billion and 70,000 employees, is the worlds third largest chemical company, according to Wikipedia. It faces issues in air and water pollution and genetically-modified food. Mother Jones in 2010 made it No. 4 on its list of the top 20 polluters. DuPont a Model Citizen The ODwyer website further said, There's no doubt that the company is in most respects a model corporate citizen. We wonder if it would allow its name to be used by the PR Society if it knew of the many abusive practices that beset it including blocking its membership from knowing who is in the Assembly, how the delegates vote, or what they say, and blocking press coverage of the Assembly for the past two years. The same way guns revolutionized war, cars changed cities and horses gave way to tractors, off-road vehicles have changed the way we hunt. With the capability to transport crucial gear across some of the roughest terrain, ATVs and UTVS allow hunters to get into the field with their best equipment in tow without having to worry about straining against heavy, bulky items attached to their body. We got to experience this capability first hand at the Honey Brake Lodge outside of Alexandria, LA, where a roughly 60-day waterfowl season means that every one of their off-road machines has a 5am wake up call for two months straight. Honey Brake has come to depend on UTVs to sustain its primary purpose, and the lodge only trusts one brand to get them to and from the blind every day: Polaris. The Machines As the alarm clock buzzed at 4:45am, mixed feelings greeted me. While I have been shooting guns since I was young, I had never aimed at anything alive with the intention of killing it. This day, that would change. Read More: 2018 Polaris RZR XP Turbo EPS Dynamix Edition Review Our first task was to load up the machines, and this is the first time that the utility and features of the new Polaris Ranger XP 1000 came into focus. With a large range of accessories, each Ranger was kitted out to carry all of our essentials. One of the machines even had air conditioning, a welcome escape from the Louisiana humidity. Leading the way was a Ranger equipped with a light bar to help us see through the dark morning fog, hooked into a clever electrical busbar found right under the hood. This makes every electrical accessory plug and play, with most of the wiring taken care of right from the factory. It's these sorts of enhancements that make the Ranger 1000 XP so user friendly. Two hardshell gun cases from Colpin were mounted to each machine, ready to transport our Savage shotguns to the duck blind safely. Colpin is an official supplier of Polaris accessories, which means that the gun cases they have designed work with the already convenient lock n' ride system in the bed of the Ranger. The hardshell cases we used simply slide into their mount and can easily be taken off when the time comes. As for the actual mechanicals, plenty of upgrades have arrived for the 2018 Ranger that make it more formidable than ever. The first, and not least of which, is the powerplant. It's 1000 cc inline twin-cylinder engine that makes 82 horsepower, sent to the rear wheels or all four wheels. Holding the fuel is a larger 11.5 gallon tank, which means more time between fill ups. Next is the suspension. Never one to sit still, Polaris has lifted the Ranger even more, now offering a full 13 inches of ground clearance, while wheel travel has increased to 11 inches all around. By far though the biggest changes come inside the cab, where Polaris has used every possible spot in the dashboard to build in a cubby for holding odds and ends, not to mention six cup holders which are great for holding beverages or whatever else you may have. In my case, a lanyard of duck calls was tucked into the dash along with my DSLR camera, which fit comfortably in the large storage bin. Both of the seats fold up to reveal plenty of extra storage as well, with a large bin available under the driver's seat and available floor space under the passenger seat. The Hunt The bark of the engine broke the morning silence, and we roared towards waiting boats that would take us out to the blind. An accessory windshield, fitted to our chosen unit for the morning kept the dust and chill out of the cab. Best of all, installation of something like a windshield takes mere minutes on the Ranger, making accessorizing your unit after purchase easy. Driving out to the boats, it was obvious why the Ranger was in its element. Everything we could possibly need, including our guns, dogs, extra gear and even cameras, were all safe, secure and attached to the Ranger somewhere. Whether through an accessory like the gun scabbards or in the Ranger's generous storage space, which comes standard, you only need one vehicle to get you to your desired location, wherever that may be. And on the way, the driver can be hidden from the elements in an enclosed cab, entirely comfortable. In this case, the Ranger delivered us to a pristine morning, overlooking the calm, fog-touched flats of Honey Brake. Though a heat wave kept the numbers of teal down, our blind of four hunters still managed to bring in eight birds, expertly retrieved by Stormin' Norman, one of many dogs trained to be a hunter's best friend. The Ride After our morning's hunt, we took the long way back to the lodge to feel exactly how the Ranger handles open trails. With those 11-inches of suspension travel in the front and rear A-arm suspension, the Ranger stays straight and composed over rough terrain at speed, and despite it appearing tall, cornering feels flat and ultimately calm. The power steering is boosted so that overall steering feel is on the light side, which means you're well insulated from the rough terrain outside. It borders on being numb, though Polaris lets just enough feedback into your hands to have a sense for what the Ranger is doing. Sound deadening keeps the engine's roar to non-annoying levels as well, making the experience inside all the more comfortable. Jamming the throttle to the floor, especially in Performance mode, results in rapid acceleration with good pulling power throughout the rpm range. Switched into Normal mode, some of the throttle response is eased, making it easier to keep the Ranger smooth, while dropping the switch down to Work mode also dulls the throttle response but keeps torque up, best used when working in tight spots when you need to be precise. Hooked to a 700-pound hey bale also did little to slow down the Ranger, which can pull up to 2,500 pounds. A two-inch hitch receiver in the back is another great feature, allowing the owner to use the same hitch that fits in most pickup trucks. Nicely padded seats also help to keep occupants comfortable and a day of riding wasn't enough to make use sore, though they do offer little in the way of bolstering to keep you in place. Pricing Prices for the Polaris Ranger 1000 XP start at $16,299 and climb up to $23,999 for the HVAC edition, which comes with a fully closed cab along with heating and air conditioning. The Verdict It's at a place like Honey Brake, where these machines work for a living every single day, that it's clear to see how the improvements made to the Ranger 1000 XP make life easier. With massive amounts of storage, a great accessory network, solid off-road clearance and a powerful engine, it seems there is little the Ranger 1000 XP can't do. And somewhere out there, thousands of duck souls can attest to the fact that the machines at Honey Brake start up and work, every damn day. You don't modify things if you're not seeking a change in function. However, some modifications need to be less - less conspicuous, less invasive, less complicated - because there are times when the changes you want are simple, subtle, and shouldn't interfere with more important factors. In the case of this ancient FJ40, its well-preserved originality - both equipment and appearance - might be the linchpin of its value. Alter its aged determination and a patina that only Father Time could impart (or how it drives) and you undermine that value. So. If it would be a four-wheelin' sin to restore this old-paint Arizona-original Toyota FJ40, to erase its patina and the fine Toyota-grade aging that's a huge element of the truck's appeal, what do you do when parts wear out? If this old FJ, so perfectly worn, was going to continue tromping around the western sands in all its faded glory, its springs and shocks needed to be replaced. Could it be done subtly? Why not R&R them with improved replacements (plus the matching bushings and fittings), and net a subtle, functional improvement in ride-height while honoring this old truck's vintage functionality? Read More on Off-Road.com: Test Your Off-Road Knowledge: Name That Toyota Land Cruiser To use the factory mounting points and installation methods (and in turn, preserve the idiosyncrasies of driving a 1972 FJ40 off-road - ahem, wheelies), the replacement suspension needed to be an honest bolt-in: no fabrication allowed. OME (Old Man Emu, now a property of ARB, if you were not aware) has been retailing this sort of suspension for decades - heavy-load and heavy-duty replacement components designed for the outback/expedition/adventure set. OME has an off-the-shelf leaf and shock package for the FJ40 with a mild lift (necessary - the old girl's rear had sagged) and improved damping, as well as a replacement steering damper and Zerked "greaseable" spring shackles. Simple, subtle, and not silly - perfect. A representative of Off-Road Warehouse in El Cajon (where it was installed) was overheard saying, "The OME kits are simple bolt-in replacements. They're fun to put in because even the challenges are simple." Follow the install in photos: The result of all this? Behold. Offaly rail commuters are facing the possibility of disruption in the weeks and months ahead as union members have voted in favour of strike action at Irish Rail. NBRU members voted 93% in favour of industrial action while SIPTU members voted by 84% in favour. SIPTU TEAC Division Organiser, Greg Ennis, said, SIPTU representatives will meet with officials of the four other trade unions in the Irish Rail Group of Unions this afternoon at 2.30 p.m. to agree a campaign of targeted industrial action. It was always only as a last resort that our 1,900 members in Irish Rail said that they would initiate industrial action. However, due to the intransigent and combative attitude displayed by management over recent weeks, they have no alternative. This was particularly evident before the break down of talks in the Workplace Relations Commission, last night. NBRU General Secretary Dermot OLeary said, "our members have had enough of the type of behaviour witnessed last evening at the WRC when senior management at Irish Rail pulled a potential proposal which we felt could have been presented to our members for their consideration, it would appear that this Company are hell-bent on forcing its own staff onto the picket lines and creating an environment which will bring nothing but misery to thousands of rail commuters Mr OLeary went on to say, we will meet with trade union colleagues this afternoon in order to agree a coordinated strategy of industrial action over the coming weeks and the run-in to Christmas, it is long since passed time that political leadership was provided by the Minister for Transport with regard to the publicly-owned public transport Companies. Agricultural News Piper Merritt Hopes to Hang Her Hat Among the National FFA Officers Who Call Oklahoma Home Past state FFA officer, Piper Merritt of Owasso, Oklahoma, will represent the Oklahoma FFA Association next week at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, as the state's candidate for the National FFA Officer Team. Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays sat down with Piper recently to talk about her FFA experience that has led to her ultimate goal of running for national office. You can hear their complete conversation by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below at the bottom of the page. "I've always been so interest in service," Piper said, trying to explain her initial desire to run for national office. "You know, how can we make - not only Oklahoma FFA better, but how can we make FFA better for every student in every single classroom. That was my main reason." Piper says, the prospect of national office would allow her the opportunity to "roll (her) sleeves up and get some work done," in improving the FFA experience for each and every member. FFA first caught her eye in the 8th grade, when she was encouraged to participate in public speaking contests by her agricultural education teachers, despite her lack of an agricultural background. She credits her teachers as the motivation for her various achievements in the organization. From there, Piper grew into her FFA career - showing swine as her supervised agricultural experience (SAE), and eventually was elected to state office. This year, she will receive her American Degree at the National Convention. Piper has enjoyed her time serving the members of the Oklahoma FFA so much, she hopes now to have the chance to serve an even larger group of members - as a national officer. That dream came one step closer to her this past June, when she was selected as Oklahoma's candidate. Since then, Piper has been rigorously preparing for the next phase of the process which she'll undergo during the week of the National Convention. "The prep for this experience has been unlike anything I've ever gone through before," she said. "It's an entirely holistic approach preparing for the process. You want to focus on FFA and agricultural education, but also the larger issues in the ag industry. A lot of the prep has been about self-reflection - getting to know who I am at the core of my being and also how I can leave an impact on FFA and also how FFA has impacted me." If her name is called Saturday afternoon of next week, Piper says she understands the commitments required of her - which is basically to devote an entire year of her life to serving the organization. She says that should that come to pass, her goal will be to soak up every experience, and to learn something from every event, every encounter, every interaction. Piper is currently attending Oklahoma State University. As a sophomore, she is pursuing a degree in agricultural economics with aspirations of one day working on legislative and policy development in Washington, D.C. We are taking pictures related to our 2017 National FFA Convention- click here to check out the Convention Album on FLICKR. Our exclusive coverage of the 2017 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis October 24-28 is a service of ITC Great Plains, Your Energy Superhighway- learn more about this high voltage, transmission only utility and their commitment to the communities they serve which is the cornerstone of their business - click here. We also appreciate the support of the Oklahoma FFA Association and the Oklahoma FFA Alumni Association. Click here for more information about one of the top states in the US in the FFA- the Oklahoma FFA Association. Oklahoma FFA impacts the lives of over 27,000 members in 359 chapters across the state. Hear Ron Hays speak with National FFA Office hopeful Piper Merritt of Owasso ahead of Convention WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady NSI Top Agricultural News Brian Kamp loves his new home in The Breakers in downtown Omaha, where he and his fiance have rented an apartment since March. The redeveloped historic building, one of many new residential projects downtown in recent years, has riverfront views and a rooftop pool, and its just a mile to Kamps workplace, National Indemnity, an insurance company on 13th and Douglas Streets. Theres a drawback, though, Kamp says: the distance he has to go to get to a grocery store. To do his weekly shopping, he drives to Hy-Vee on Center Street, almost 5 miles away, or crosses into Iowa to shop at a closer Hy-Vee in Council Bluffs, although, he says, I really like to keep my money on this side of the river. Kamp might soon have more options, with some brokers and supermarket location experts saying Omaha is ripe for more grocery development downtown. If true, it would make Kamps downtown experience complete. He occasionally picks up a few items at Cubbys, a gas station and convenience store at 13th and Jackson Streets in the Old Market that also has a produce section, meat counter and as wide a selection of dry goods as fits in the corner of its 8,700-square-foot shop. But its not a place to do all your grocery shopping, Kamp says, and he cant count on it having every ingredient should he discover hes out of something in the middle of making a meal. Other downtown dwellers drive to the several grocery stores along Saddle Creek Road, about 4 miles from downtown, including Bakers, Walmart and Family Fare. But the options for brick-and-mortar grocery shopping downtown are now limited to Cubbys since Patricks Market near 14th and Howard Streets closed last week after 10 years in business. Its owner blamed online grocery ordering and delivery services in part for a lack of business. Meanwhile, plans to open a year-round public food market on 10th Street just south of downtown have fizzled, organizers told The World-Herald earlier this month. For people who live downtown, Theyd really like to have more choices, said apartment developer Todd Heistand, whose NuStyle Development was behind The Breakers, near Fourth and Leavenworth Streets, and many other major downtown renovation projects, such as The Wire, The Highline and the Old Market Lofts. The residential population in the census tract that most overlaps with downtown grew by a third, to nearly 4,000, between 2000 and 2010, according to David Drozd, research coordinator at the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Since then hundreds more residential units have opened up. Commercial real estate firm Colliers International estimates that the population within 1 mile of downtown grew 28 percent from 2010 to 2017, to 11,802 people, and is expected to grow an additional 4 percent by 2022. So the lack of a sizable grocery store is not stopping people from moving downtown, Heistand said. Many of his buildings residents grew up in, or raised a family in, suburban Omaha, still own a car and can put up with driving for groceries. Still, a successful grocery store would be a sign of a stable and thriving downtown, said commercial real estate broker Trenton Magid, executive vice president at NAI NP Dodge Commercial Real Estate Services. When we see a full-service grocery store downtown, well know weve really hit a mark, he said. More cities are getting downtown grocery stores, as urban populations grow and supermarket chains experiment with new store formats. Iowa-based supermarket operator Hy-Vee in February opened a 36,000-square-foot store in downtown Des Moines, heavy on prepared and ready-to-eat foods and built in a hip design with millennials in mind. (Theres a smoothie island and a bar where you can get your beer growler filled.) In 2016, Hy-Vee Chief Executive Randy Edeker told The World-Herald that the grocer has explored building a smaller-format store in downtown Omaha similar to its Des Moines project. At the time, he said site-selection efforts hadnt panned out but Hy-Vee was still interested. Hy-Vee declined to comment for this story. Broker Barry Zoob, who represents the Patricks location for Colliers International, where he is senior vice president, reported a tremendous amount of interest in recent days for the Patricks spot, at 1416 Howard St. Zoob envisions a store with a mix of groceries and prepared foods. Were talking to grocers right now, he said. Does that include Hy-Vee? Lets just say they know about it, he said. He added that a name new to Omaha might also be interested. But the Patricks site, at just 8,700 square feet about a tenth the size of a surburban Hy-Vee store still isnt as big as what some would like to see. Meanwhile, the developers for the now-vacant former Civic Auditorium site, Tetrad Property Group, have said they envision a grocery store in that planned mixed-use development. That site is the size of four city blocks and is close to Interstate highway access. Existing grocery operators were skeptical that a larger competitor would make it, or even that any other grocery store could be successful. Patricks went out of business because there wasnt enough business for them, said Mike Schwarz, owner and operator of Wohlners Neighborhood Grocery & Deli, which has seen its sales growing at Midtown Crossing at 33rd and Dodge Streets. I just dont think theres a great enough concentration for a full-service grocery store down there, personally. Cubbys President De Lone Wilson said his Old Market store is tops in the Cubbys chain for sales not including gasoline, and sales continue to grow. Hes lowered prices, expanded the produce section and added an outdoor patio to gain more traction with downtown residents. Theres a lot of room for us to grow, he said. Now, is there room for somebody to come and put in a full-service grocery store? I dont know. Some industry experts do think theres room, or soon will be. I think your downtown is on the cusp of supporting a full-line grocery store, said retail location expert Jeff Green of Phoenix-based Jeff Green Partners, which has done work in Nebraska. Given the limited population, it would have to be smaller than a suburban store something like the downtown Des Moines Hy-Vee, he said. And it would have to serve not only downtown residents but also draw in the significant daytime population of downtown office and service workers. Thats because the cost equation is different for a downtown store, said Chris Randall, retail location consultant and a partner in L.E.K. Consultings Boston office. Supermarkets already run on tight profit margins, and with rent and labor costs higher in urban areas, a grocery store would have to do significantly more sales per square foot to be profitable, he said. Thats one reason the new urban markets are designed to sell more prepared and take-out foods than a typical supermarket. These items are more profitable, and they serve a customer whos grabbing lunch during work or picking up something to eat for dinner that same night not doing a weeks worth of stock-up shopping. Most people dont know what theyre going to have for dinner tonight, said Santa Monica, California-based grocery consultant Phil Lempert, who has worked with Nebraska food businesses. Lempert said a downtown store should serve customers all through the day the before-work breakfast, the coffee break, the lunch on-the-go, the prepared dinner and late-night drinks or snacks. It can reach people through social media say, tweeting about the daily lunch special. And it can offer convenient services that help overcome a downtown parking crunch, like how Des Moines Hy-Vee has lockers where people in a hurry can pick up the grocery order they placed online. Youve got to really understand your consumer base, he said. LINCOLN Jay Amaya has nothing but time on his hands at the Tecumseh State Prison, where he is serving a life term for the 1998 rape and murder of a North Platte woman. Nonetheless, the inmate missed a one-year deadline for filing a motion for a new trial. On Friday, the Nebraska Supreme Court said the mistake was fatal to his appeal. The high court upheld the decision of Lincoln County District Judge Donald Rowlands, who also determined that Amayas motion was completely frivolous. Wondering what it would be like to kill someone, a 20-year-old Amaya went to the home of Sheri Fhuere on the early morning of July 16, 1998. He was accompanied by a friend, Michael E. Long, and he brought a section of a car axle with him. The two men beat the 20-year-old woman. Long told police that he stepped outside to smoke. When he came back in, he saw the woman alive and naked on the floor, with Amaya crouched between her legs and holding the axle. Long said Amaya then stomped the womans head and slashed her throat with a knife that hed found in the kitchen, according to a brief filed by the Attorney Generals Office. An autopsy would show that she had been violated with a hard object. In addition to witness testimony, the prosecution obtained written confessions from Amaya and DNA evidence from semen and saliva recovered from a deep bite mark on the womans left thigh. Amaya pleaded no contest to first-degree murder, rape and weapons charges to avoid the death penalty. He was sentenced to life, which means that he is not eligible for parole unless the Board of Pardons were to commute his sentence. Amaya did not directly appeal his conviction, but in 2006, he filed a motion for post-conviction relief that was rejected by the Supreme Court. He filed his most recent motion last year. The law spells out reasons that allow inmates to pursue post-conviction actions past the deadline, but the court said Amaya did not successfully argue those reasons in his appeal. Long, 44, is serving 30 years to life at the Omaha Correctional Center for second-degree murder and sexual assault. He became eligible for parole in 2013 and is scheduled to have his case reviewed by the Parole Board next month. LINCOLN It was like two opposite universes Friday at the State Capitol when it came to the status of the states troubled prison system. In the morning, prison security staff provided stern and tearful pleas that more must be done to enhance salaries to address high staff turnover, low morale and safety concerns for State Department of Correctional Services workers. Its going to take someone being killed before the public understands, said Sgt. Brad Kreifels, who works at the State Penitentiary in Lincoln. In the afternoon, Corrections Director Scott Frakes outlined several signs of progress in his agency, including expansion of rehabilitation programs, a new 100-bed prison dormitory and a new evaluation tool to guide inmates to needed programs. Despite some very serious events, we have been able to move forward, Frakes said. A state senator who chaired the two sessions said the truth is probably somewhere in between. Hopefully well turn the corner (at Corrections) one of these days. Its not happening as quickly as wed hope, said State Sen. Laura Ebke of Crete, who chairs the Legislatures Judiciary Committee and a special legislative oversight committee on corrections. Those two committees held public hearings Friday to look into personnel problems in state prisons, whether enough work-release programs are being offered, and to get an update about the states chronic prison overcrowding. Over the past 2 years there have been two deadly uprisings at the Tecumseh State Prison (in which a total of five inmates were slain), and the prison system has struggled with high staff turnover, increased use of mandatory overtime and an increase in assaults on prison staff. This summer, the ACLU of Nebraska filed a federal lawsuit, alleging that inmates are getting less than adequate health care in the nations second-most overcrowded prison system. Every day it gets worse, said Carla Jorgens, a corporal at the State Penitentiary. Im tired of seeing fellow employees taken out of the institution on a gurney. As other corrections employees have done, she called for step raises for workers based on longevity to ward off an exodus of experienced staff to safer and better-paying jobs. Currently, a corrections officer who has worked 10 years gets the same wage as someone who just started. Frakes said he understands the concerns and is doing what he can. Earlier this month he and his boss, Gov. Pete Ricketts, announced a plan to provide step raises for longevity and merit pay to employees at Tecumseh, a rural facility that has the most severe problems with recruiting and retaining staff. On Friday, Frakes said the bold and innovative policy may be expanded to other prisons. I figured out how to pay for it (there), he said, and well see what the results are. Frakes said that many prison security workers seem to forget that, coupled with a raise last year, theres been a 7 percent wage hike for corrections officers. But, he added, the agency has 150 vacancies to fill in security staff, leaving a shortage of workers to fill posts when someone is sick or on vacation. The special oversight committee is the third impaneled by the Legislature in recent years to probe problems at Corrections, and the tone from senators on the latest panel was more positive. Gordon Sen. Tom Brewer said that the prison staffers he has talked with say progress has been made, though theres still work to do. There was one clear sign of progress reported Friday: 365 more low-level felons and 939 inmates on post-release supervision are under probation supervision now. Those were two reforms undertaken in recent years to reduce prison overcrowding and costs, by avoiding more expensive incarceration behind bars. LINCOLN Two state senators who formerly worked as prosecutors said Thursday its time for a legislative inquiry into possible wrongdoing at the Nebraska State Patrol. Sens. Burke Harr of Omaha and Paul Schumacher of Columbus want the Legislatures Judiciary Committee to hold a hearing on possible interference in internal affairs investigations involving at least two use-of-force cases. A letter addressed to Sen. Laura Ebke of Crete, chairwoman of the committee, said a legislative hearing is needed for the sake of transparency and to restore the integrity of the Nebraska State Patrol. Neither Harr nor Schumacher serves on the committee. In her response, Ebke said she will discuss with other committee members whether such a hearing is necessary and appropriate. Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln, who serves on the committee, has made a similar call for an oversight hearing. On June 30, Gov. Pete Ricketts fired Col. Brad Rice as the patrols top commander and placed six other officers on paid administrative leave. The governor said he acted after a preliminary personnel review revealed evidence of high-level meddling in internal affairs investigations. The governor turned over his findings to the FBI, which has declined to comment on whether it is investigating the matter. Meanwhile, a judge recently appointed a special prosecutor to look into the patrols internal review of a fatal high-speed chase that occurred last year in Sheridan County. The judges order, however, did not list Rice as a focus of an investigation. Harr and Schumacher said the appointment of a special prosecutor was a step in the right direction, but some potential wrongdoing occurred in other counties as well. Harr said prosecutors in those counties have told him that they will not conduct further investigations. On Thursday, the governor said an internal review of the patrols policies and procedures remains ongoing. Earlier in the week, Col. John Bolduc was sworn in as the patrols new superintendent. Ricketts said Bolduc will have oversight of the internal review. Otherwise, the governor said, its not his place to say whether the Legislature should hold hearings on the matters he turned over to the FBI. LINCOLN Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt paid a visit Friday to Lincoln, where he met with Gov. Pete Ricketts and a group of agricultural and business representatives opposed to a controversial clean water regulation. Pruitts staff tweeted photos from the morning meeting, but the visit was not publicly announced in advance and the EPA chief did not hold a press conference afterward. The Nebraska meeting centered on the EPAs ongoing efforts to revise the Waters of the United States rule, according to a press release from the Governors Office. A 2015 regulatory definition of WOTUS generated heated opposition from Nebraska ag and businesses groups, which considered the rule regulatory overreach. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump ordered the EPA to rescind or revise the 2015 rule, a move that Ricketts applauded once again on Friday. In his work of rolling back the old rule and writing a new one, Pruitt is returning power to the states and protecting the rights of our farm families and small business owners, the governor said. No organizations that supported the 2015 water rule were invited to Fridays meeting. David Corbin with Nebraska Sierra Club said his group would have welcomed the opportunity to participate. We might be on different sides of the issue, but that doesnt mean we dont have good ideas, Corbin said. Property taxes will be the key issue in the governors race, said State Sen. Bob Krist, the independent challenger to Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts. Krist kicked off his campaign this week with a two-day tour of the state in a small airplane, which he piloted. The tour ended in Omaha on Thursday with a reception for supporters. I want to tell people who I am, my record as a veteran, my leadership ability, Krist said. Krist laid out his main issues, which also include ongoing concerns about the State Corrections Department and infrastructure improvements. He promised a holistic tax overhaul proposal by June. And he said tax increases should be a last resort but said he didnt want to make a campaign promise that would prove impossible to keep. We cant cut our way out of this thing, he said. An example of infrastructure needs that came from the tour are airports, he said. He suggested that money for improvements could come from some sort of tax or fee increase. Krist said he left the Republican Party because he didnt want to take instruction from party bosses, and he said he didnt join the Democratic Party for the same reason. Democrats have not announced a candidate in the race. Krist said that to defeat Ricketts a well-funded incumbent with the support of the Republican establishment he expects to spend about $3 million. To get on the ballot, Krist will need to gather 5,000 signatures next year. He said hes confident in his chances. Nebraskans are proud of their independent Legislature, he said, and he hopes to turn that into support for an independent candidate. Krist also plans more listening tours, saying he realizes he needs to get his name in front of voters. In the meantime, Krist, who is in his last term as a state legislator due to term limits, said he plans to finish that out. WASHINGTON Iowa and Nebraska politicians on Friday hailed as a triumph Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitts embrace of policies favorable to domestic production of ethanol and other renewable fuels. This is a huge victory for our farmers and for manufacturers, and to get this assurance in writing was key, Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said during a conference call with reporters. As a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, Ernst had blocked a key EPA nominee over concerns about the agencys approach to renewable fuels. Late Thursday, Pruitt sent a letter making a laundry list of commitments to support renewable fuels. Now Ernst says she will support advancing the nomination as early as next week. Renewable fuels advocates had been nervous about a slew of potential policy changes at the EPA. The most recent headline-making dispute revolved around the possibility of the EPA lowering proposed volume levels under the Renewable Fuel Standard, particularly for biodiesel. That standard is closely watched in Iowa and Nebraska, the nations No. 1 and 2 producers of ethanol. Pruitt committed in the letter that those volumes will be finalized by the end of next month at or above the levels proposed earlier this year. On another front, oil and gas interests have pushed to shift the burden of meeting RFS requirements from refiners and importers to blenders. In his letter, Pruitt stated that such a shift would not be appropriate. He also addressed a proposal to allow exported fuel to count toward domestic requirements: EPA has not taken any formal action to propose this idea, nor will EPA pursue regulations. He also pledged to work with Congress on proposals to allow E15, a blend with 15 percent alcohol, to be sold year-round. I reiterate my commitment to you and your constituents to act consistent with the text and spirit of the RFS, Pruitt wrote. The letter was a striking demonstration of the political muscle flexed by Iowa and other Midwestern grain states. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, had spoken about the issue with Pruitt and President Donald Trump. The White House told the EPA to stand by renewable fuels, according to Bloomberg News. Reynolds office sent around news clippings Friday about Pruitts letter with the note that many are calling the news a big win for Gov. Reynolds administration. All four senators from Iowa and Nebraska, all Republicans, met with Pruitt on Capitol Hill this week over the RFS issue. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., also serves on the committee that oversees the EPA and has sponsored legislation on the E15 issue. Administrator Pruitts letter is a step in the right direction with a stated commitment to stand up for rural America as he works to implement the Renewable Fuel Standard, Fischer said in a press release. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw thanked the Iowa senators and Reynolds for working on the issue and praised Pruitt for abandoning a shift in the RFS point of obligation and allowing exported ethanol to count toward the domestic requirements. However, simply not making further cuts to proposed levels that were already too low is not enough, Shaw said in a press release. To live up to the letter and spirit of the RFS in the final rule, the EPA must increase levels for biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol from what was proposed in July. Nebraska cattle producers come together each year to raise major funds for cancer research. The 2017 Cattlemens Ball, held at the Lonesome River Ranch in Custer County, raised nearly $1 million for scientific research at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and more than $90,000 for local organizations to address health care needs. Many lives will benefit from this laudable generosity. Lauren Ward arrived on the campus of Penn State in 1999, eager and wide-eyed as any 18-year-old beginning her journey into higher education and adulthood. She had come to study criminal justice, to join an elite collegiate fencing team and, in that storied undergraduate tradition of discovery, to search out her place in the world. For Ward, that search quickly took an irreversible detour. She was sexually assaulted in the first semester of her freshman year. Since that time, she has shared her story publicly. She says she was attending an off-campus party, drank too much and passed out. She awoke and found herself being raped by another partygoer a young man she hardly knew, but who would linger in her psyche for years to come. Suddenly, shed found herself with a new identity. She was a victim. That stigma, Ward would find, can be consuming. The victimization becomes the lens through which you see everything, at least for a period of time, she says, from her office in Creighton Universitys Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Center. And whats so interesting is that anyone who you tell, its often the lens through which they see you. In the years that followed the assault, Ward would undertake a phenomenal personal journey, transforming from victim, to survivor, to a woman on a mission. Today, she leads Creightons VIP Center, the aim of which is two-fold: to provide confidential advocacy to survivors of sexual violence, dating violence and stalking, and crucially to prevent these incidents through proactive education and awareness programs. In its approach to victim advocacy, the VIP Center established on campus in 2011 and steered by Ward since 2014 takes its critical cue from the Ignatian mantra of cura personalis, or care for the individual person. We take the concept literally, providing individualized support to each student, faculty and staff member who needs us, she says. Sometimes that simply means we are there to listen. Other times, it means we take action. Always, she continues, we meet survivors of violence and abuse where theyre at in other words, we are here to serve their objectives, and no one elses. That tailored support can take the shape of helping a victim report an incident to authorities, on or off campus; assisting with applying for protection orders; helping to navigate through class absences, coursework extensions and housing matters; and, for secondhand survivors, resources and support on how to assist a friend, partner, roommate or family member. As word has spread about the VIP Center, and Ward and her colleagues traverse campus giving prevention and awareness presentations nearly 100 of them in the last reporting year, reaching more than 6,500 students, faculty and staff the demand for the centers services has increased markedly. Utilization of the center has quadrupled since 2011. Is that statistic a cause for concern? Yes, Ward says. But, she explains, it doesnt mean that Creighton has a unique problem with these issues. Absolutely its a problem here. Its a problem on every college campus and in every community nationwide, she says. Anywhere, especially any college campus, where they tell you its not a problem, run screaming, because they are hiding something. What does make Creighton unique, at least among other Nebraska colleges and universities, is that its the only one with a full-time, campus-based advocate for victims of sexual violence. And Creighton employs two such advocates. Its testament, Ward says, to the universitys commitment to addressing its slice of a national epidemic an investment in protecting the members of its community; one that isnt beholden to vanishing funds tied to grants. Were not subject to a lot of ebb and flow with grant funding, because Creighton has committed almost entirely the funds and the space and all of the resources it takes for what we do here, she says. Read more of Wards story in Creighton University Magazine. Creighton University offers a top-ranked education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Read more about the university, and connect with Creighton on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. by Graham Pierrepoint If youve ever had trouble using Google Maps to find your way around, be prepared to take a deep sigh of relief as it seems that theres a huge expansion on the cards. Get ready to be rattled once again, however, as the expansion seems to be letting us in on the big black void around us as opposed to the maze-like neighborhoods we find ourselves in. Believe it or not none of these words are making this up Google has now made it possible for us to go and visit Pluto from our own PCs and smartphones. The International Space Station had recently been unveiled as part of Maps latest expansion and you can even go for a walk there on Street View but the big G appears to have gone even further by allowing humanity to reach beyond their mortal realm, should they wish to. If you thought youd zoomed out all you could on Maps before, feel free to try it again as youll now be taken right out into the stratosphere, where you can not only see Earth in all its majesty, but even 12 different surrounding asteroids and planets with additional annotations with Pluto, the former planet, lingering away off to the side. Its thought that the latest Maps project was brought together thanks to image captures that are around two decades old and its thanks to Bjorn Jonsson that Maps users are now able to go exploring more than their local neighborhoods and cities. If you really want to, you can go on a little space flight all of your own thanks to the stunning availability of various captures and visual data from up in the heavens. It really is incredible to look at and think about. This is the first time that Google Maps has truly expanded beyond the mortal gravity were all currently glued to. Whats next will Google allow Elon Musk in to develop its maps on his proposed Lunar and Martian colonies? Whos to say but the thought of being able to explore the universe from the comfort of our homes and handheld devices may not be quite as sci-fi as it seems. Keep watching the skies, as an old sci-fi adage once warned us! by Graham Pierrepoint A week is a long time in politics and in world news and for that reason, were starting a weekly rundown of the biggest stories that are shaking the globe with one or two that you may have missed. The Weinstein Scandal Continues Over 40 women in Hollywood now allege that former movie boss Harvey Weinstein committed sexual misconduct behind the scenes. Allegations from inappropriate conduct to outright sexual assault have rocked the moguls career to its core with Weinstein having been expelled from the Academy and the British Film Institute as investigations continue. This is a scandal that is just getting started and this week, it seems Hollywood was finally ready to speak out. Spain Overrules Catalonia The independence referendum that took place in Catalonia in recent weeks, having been ruled illegal by governing Spain, looks set to cause further rifts as the Spanish government imposes rule over the region in an attempt to protect Catalonian citizens. Catalonian President Carles Puigdemont, however, has remained resolute and has claimed that the Spanish state has refused to debate the issue. Hurricane Ophelia After a summer of tropical storms devastating the US and its territories, Hurricane Ophelia emerged in full force in Europe this week, largely affecting the UK and Ireland bizarrely, thirty years on from the Great Storm of 1987. With Storm Brian set to unleash a weather bomb over the British Isles this weekend, this really has been a year for devastating weather. Wi-Fi KRACKs Emerge This week was also not a good week for those aiming to keep their technology safe as it emerged that a new exploit, known as KRACK, could affect all Wi-Fi services operating WP2 security. This covers most home broadband routers and public hotspots. With only Microsoft thus far supplying a patch for the issue, other major tech brands are set to publish their own updates in the days and weeks to come. Uranus in the Night Sky Any awful jokes about a certain planets name aside, it seems that we will be able to spot the seventh planet in the solar system in the sky over the next month meaning that its the perfect time to grab a telescope and go star-gazing particularly as the Orionid Meteor Shower is set to cast its own spectacular show across the night sky, too. Who knows where well be in a weeks time? Stay tuned and well keep you up to date. BANG Showbiz 10 Nov 2022 The plot of 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' was "informed" by the death of Chadwick Boseman, according to Lupita Nyong'o. CBS4 Miami 18 Jan 2021 Rep. Wilson told CBS4's Jim DeFede on "Facing South Florida" that more work needs to be done. Rumble 13 Nov 2022 ANYONE NOTICE THE TEMPLAR CROSS TO THE RIGHT OF TRUMP ON THE ARISTOCRACT WHO CAME TO LISTEN TO TRUMP AND HIS BELOVED COUSIN HILARY?.. FOXNews.com 01 Nov 2022 The University of Florida Board of Trustees approved Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse to be the school's next president. Before the.. A 22-year-old man was sentenced Thursday to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years for fatally shooting another man in Aloha in June 2016. Roger Gastelum-Medina, standing in an orange jail uniform between his attorney and an interpreter in Washington County Circuit Court, apologized for killing 21-year-old Yusuf Sharif of Beaverton after an argument. "I just want to say I'm sorry," he said. "I'm really sorry for everything." Gastelum-Medina and Sharif knew each other before the shooting and both regularly used and sold methamphetamine, the prosecution and defense said during trial. The shooting was the culmination of "bad history" between Gastelum-Medina and Sharif, according to the prosecution. Gastelum-Medina believed Sharif owed him money from an earlier drug deal rip-off and he suspected Sharif was trying to woo Gastelum-Medina's girlfriend away from him. Gastelum-Medina's mother was among a handful of his supporters in the courtroom. Sharif's family members weren't in the courtroom, but prosecutor Bracken McKey said they wanted the judge to know that they were grateful for the jury's guilty verdict. Jurors found Gastelum-Medina guilty of murder and unlawful use of a weapon on Sept. 26. Washington County Circuit Judge Oscar Garcia found him guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm in a separate bench trial related to the shooting. Garcia ordered Roger Gastelum-Medina to receive credit for the 16 months he's already spent in jail custody in the killing of 21-year-old Yusuf Sharif of Beaverton and ordered Gastelum, a native of Mexico, to not return to the U.S. if he is deported. Gastelum-Medina also pleaded guilty Thursday to delivering methamphetamine to a minor in a separate case that occurred on the day of the shooting. Gastelum-Medina gave the drug to a 16-year-old girl he was staying with, McKey said. Additional charges of second-degree sexual abuse and third-degree rape involving the same girl were dropped as part of a plea agreement. McKey said the plea deal was reached because of the murder conviction presented an almost certainty that Gastelum-Medina would serve at least two decades in prison. Defense attorney Steve Lindsey said Gastelum-Medina could have faced additional prison time had he taken the sex abuse case to trial and been found guilty. On the day of the shooting, Sharif was walking with a friend near Southwest Blanton Street and 167th Avenue when Gastelum-Medina, who was riding in the area with friends, spotted them and stopped to confront Sharif. Gastelum-Medina later shot him and fled after an argument occurred. Gastelum-Medina was found and arrested the next day by U.S. marshals. Gastelum-Medina has been in the U.S. illegally, McKey said Thursday, and has a criminal history that includes a 2015 conviction for methamphetamine possession. He was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in November 2015 and taken to the Tacoma Northwest Detention Center, McKey said. He was released in February 2016 on electronic monitoring. According to a search warrant affidavit, Gastelum-Medina was required to pay for the GPS monitoring, but stopped in June 2016 and the service was shut off. McKey said Gastelum-Medina continued to wear the ankle bracelet even though it wasn't tracking him, remained in Washington County and sold meth. The GPS monitoring ended nearly two weeks before the shooting, according to the affidavit. McKey said ICE hadn't issued a warrant for Gastelum-Medina's arrest before then. Lindsey said Gastelum-Medina was told by an immigration attorney that deportation is "imminent and virtually certain." Gastelum-Medina has matured now that "he is no longer saturated in methamphetamine culture," Lindsey said. The attorney said he is remorseful for the damage he has caused to Sharif's family and to his own family. -- Everton Bailey Jr. ebailey@oregonian.com 503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey Updated 4:18 p.m. Friday The Portland area on Thursday joined more than 150 North American cities in submitting pitches to Amazon for its second headquarters. Regional economic development group Greater Portland Inc. crafted the proposal, which offered Amazon development sites in four locations. Portland, Clark County, Beaverton and Milwaukie each found a chunk of land it would set aside for Amazon. In addition, the pitch presented a "distributed campus concept," with sites in all four Portland-area locations. "We submitted one very fat document," said Greater Portland spokesman Adam Newman. He declined to give details about the specific sites, leaving it to the cities and counties to share or not share the information. Shawn Uhlman, spokesman for Prosper Portland, the city's urban renewal agency, confirmed that the city is pitching the former U.S. Post Office site in the Pearl District. No other Portland sites within the city proper were included in the proposal, he said. Milwaukie's proposal to Amazon sited the campus in its North Milwaukie Innovation District, formerly its North Milwaukie Industrial Area. Clark County and Beaverton have not said which sites they are pitching. In a statement, Greater Portland said it was proud of its proposal, which did not include any special incentives for Amazon. "The submitted sites showcase that this region is willing, ready and able to partner with a developer, or employer, of Amazon's scale." Regardless, the City of Roses appears to be a long shot due to its proximity to Amazon's home base in Seattle and Portland's small size, which limits its ability to offer large tax incentives and reduces its pool of talented tech workers. In early September, the e-commerce giant announced it had outgrown its Seattle space and needed a second company headquarters, where it plans to employ as many as 50,000. The retailer said it plans to invest $5 billion in construction alone for the new site, which it's calling Amazon HQ2. Amazon has no shortage of suitors, with cities at times in painfully pun-laden language attempting to woo the company with tax incentives, shovel-ready development sites and, in one case, a brand-new bullet train. Toronto's proposal included a signed letter from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extolling Canada's virtues. POSSIBLE SITES PORTLAND Prosper Portland has long eyed the Pearl District post office for redevelopment. It bought the 13.4-acre site at the base of the Broadway Bridge for $88 million last year. During an Oct. 4 Portland City Council meeting, commissioners approved increased height and density standards for the property. At the meeting, Mayor Ted Wheeler said the property would soon be home to 700 units of affordable housing. Previously, city officials said the site could accommodate 3.8 million square feet for housing and commercial space. That might not be enough for Amazon, which said it might need as much as 8 million square feet for its second corporate campus. It's unclear what would become of the plans for affordable housing. MILWAUKIE Milwaukie has set aside 100 acres of industrial land near its border with Portland, in its North Milwaukie Innovation District. In the city's proposal, Amazon's portion of the land would straddle both Johnson Creek and Highway 99. It would be bordered by the Tacoma Street MAX station and Ochoco Street on the north, 17th Avenue on the west, Milport and Mailwell roads on the south and the railroad tracks on the east. This is Milwaukie's plan for an Amazon campus. The area is home to various businesses, including Pendleton Woolen Mills, Darigold and Goodwill. The state owns about 15 acres of the district, with the rest in private hands. Milwaukie Community Development Director Alma Flores said the city owns none of it. In its request for proposals, Amazon did not require the site to be shovel-ready. "There's not an assumption that cities or counties own the sites that they're offering up," she said. "Usually with these larger scale deals, you don't just assume that 100 acres are readily available." If Amazon were to choose Milwaukie, the private landowners would need to sell for the campus to become a reality. In addition to its standalone offering, Milwaukie also contributed about 32 acres for the multi-site campus proposal. In this proposal, Amazon's hub would operate either in Portland, Clark County or Beaverton, with housing in Milwaukie, along the Springwater Corridor and next to the new MAX station. Flores said members of her team got their supervisor's permission to drop everything else for five weeks while they worked on the Amazon proposal. But if Amazon doesn't choose Milwaukie, the work wasn't wasted, she said. "We'll absolutely put it to use," she said. The city will continue to market it as high-employment, flexible industrial space. With new zoning that allows for buildings as high as 75 feet, the area could accommodate warehouse and distribution centers in taller buildings, Flores explained. CLARK COUNTY In Clark County, possible sites include the 174-acre former Hewlett-Packard campus in east Vancouver and a former mill site on Vancouver's downtown waterfront, now under development. Chad Eiken, director of Vancouver's Community Economic Development, declined to comment. BEAVERTON Mike Williams, Beaverton's economic development manager, declined to share any details, but said the city pitched two sites to Amazon: one standalone site and a separate location for the multi-site proposal. Both sites are in Beaverton city limits, he said. PORTLAND'S CHANCES In its request for proposals, Amazon outlined its wishlist: It wants to site its HQ2 in a metro area with more than 1 million people in an area that can attract and retain tech workers. It also needs to have "a stable and business-friendly environment." In analyses of possible HQ2 locations by The New York Times and by Moody's Analytics, Portland ranked high for its job growth, skilled labor, quality of life and ease of transportation. Greater Portland said its proposal touted the area's highly educated workforce and its variety of transportation options. In a letter to Amazon, Gov. Kate Brown reminded the company of its current investments in Oregon: It bought online video specialist Elemental in 2015, and the company's downtown Portland office now employs more than 400. This year, Amazon has announced plans for fulfillment centers in Troutdale, North Portland and Salem. Brown touted Oregon's tech sector, saying "the 'Silicon Forest' is as healthy as ever." But this isn't true. Job growth has stagnated, venture capital investment is flat and Intel, Microsoft and SureID have laid off workers this year. In addition, the fact remains that Portland's proximity to Seattle may be a deal-breaker. Though Greater Portland employees insist the mere 175 miles between the two cities is an asset, many industry experts believe Amazon will seek a site far from the Pacific Northwest. Austin, Boston, Denver, Pittsburgh and Toronto have made a number of lists of likely candidates. WHAT'S NEXT Amazon plans to make its decision next year but has not released further details of the selection process. Greater Portland vowed to keep the lines of communication with Amazon open as the company makes its decision. But in the end, Amazon will only choose one metro area, leaving all the others with five weeks of work and not much to show for it. John Tapogna, economist with Portland's EcoNorthwest, said the hours won't be wasted. "From a pure exercise of getting regions to think about what their posture is around growth and what they would tell a very attractive suitor, I think it's been a very productive public policy drill that Jeff Bezos has triggered," he said, referring to Amazon's chief executive. When someone smaller comes along, Tapogna said, they'll be ready. Staff writers Mike Rogoway and Brad Schmidt contributed to this report. -- Anna Marum amarum@oregonian.com 503-294-5911 @annamarum The only case authorities have salvaged from dozens largely ignored by a former Clackamas County sheriff's detective hit a major roadblock Thursday when a judge approved a delay until early next year. The judge and prosecutor handling the 6-year-old sexual assault case directly faulted the now-retired detective's shoddy work. "We wouldn't be having this discussion if this case had been investigated and moved forward properly," Circuit Judge Robert Herndon told those gathered. The case involves alleged sexual abuse from Oct. 28, 2011, reported by a woman who said an acquaintance, Dean Pederson, 29, of Molalla, attacked her at his apartment. She went to police on Nov. 4 that year and a deputy took detailed information about the suspect, including his name, date of birth, workplace and Social Security number, according to court records. He gave the information to Detective Jeff Green, who made a cursory effort to find the suspect in Wilsonville even though he had a Clackamas address, according to a motion filed by the Clackamas County District Attorney's Office. Green suspended the case less than a month later on Nov. 28. In 2015, Sgt. Matt Swanson, Green's new supervisor, resurrected the case amid concerns about the quality of the detective's work. The case was identified as one of many Green had failed to properly investigate over a period of years. Those complaints included rape and child sexual abuse allegations. Swanson blew the whistle on Green's pattern of poor performance. Green pleaded guilty in July to two misdemeanors for failing to investigate reports of child abuse. He retired in 2015. According to court records, Swanson assigned another investigator to follow up on the case. Pederson provided a DNA sample, which was forwarded to the state police crime lab. Eighteen months later, the crime lab come back with a likely match between Pederson and bodily fluids found on woman's underwear, court records said. Pederson was arrested Aug. 17 and has been in the Clackamas County Jail since on accusations of second-degree sexual abuse, a felony, and third-degree sexual abuse, a misdemeanor. He has pleaded not guilty. In court Thursday, Pederson's lawyer, Jerry Seeberger, argued the case should be thrown out. He also told the judge that the Sheriff's Office no longer has the audio file of the police interview with police. "That has been lost?" asked Herndon. "It doesn't exist," said Seeberger. Deputy District Attorney Lewis Burkhart said the original file was in an electronic format that was "corrupted" and confirmed that "it is not available." Herndon, appearing exasperated, wondered aloud why no one had thought at the time to make a copy and transcribe it. Over the prosecutor's objection, the judge ordered Pederson's release from jail and postponed the trial until early next year so a defense witness could be ordered to court. Herndon said the case was "so close to getting a dismissal," due in part to the time that has passed and the right to a speedy trial. He cited another notorious Clackamas County case to make his point: The Oregon Supreme Court decision to overturn Scott Harberts' 1994 murder conviction and death sentence because of lengthy pretrial delays. "This is a problem that was created by the state," Herndon told the prosecutor. "It's totally chargeable to you." Burkart defended the District Attorney's Office's role in the case, saying prosecutors moved swiftly once Pederson was charged. Any delays, he said, are the result of Green's failure to follow up. "There is no excuse for what he did," Burkhart told the court. Chris Owen, chief deputy district attorney for Clackamas County, declined to comment on the Pederson case because it's still pending but in a written statement said pursuing Green's neglected cases has been a challenge. Owen said prosecutors in his office reviewed more than 100 of the former detective's cases and tried to follow up on those where additional work was "possible and potentially helpful." "Unfortunately," Owen wrote, "some of the victims were so discouraged by the delays in the handling of their cases that they no longer wished to have them prosecuted." The woman in the Pederson case watched Thursday's proceedings from the back row of the courtroom. She has declined to comment on the case. The Oregonian/OregonLive doesn't typically identify alleged victims of sex crimes. -- Noelle Crombie 503-276-7184; @noellecrombie Portland metro area voters should have received ballots this week for next month's special election. It's a brief menu this fall. Portland Community College, the state's largest post-secondary education institution with roughly 78,000 full and part-time students, is asking voters to pass a $185 million bond measure to pay for renovation at a Northeast Portland workforce center and other job training and workforce programs. Earlier this year, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported PCC decided to sit out the crowded May election in favor of a November option. If approved, the bond effectively continues the same taxing rate from a levy first passed by voters in 2000. That bond is expiring, but voters also signed off on a $344 million PCC bond in 2008 for construction projects on several campuses. When combined with the proposed $185 million plan, property owners would continue to pay a rate of 40 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value for a 16-year period. For the owner of a home with an assessed value of $300,000, that amounts to $120 per year. Bond proceeds would pay for improvements at the Sylvania Campus' Health Technology and Health Inter-Professional Training buildings, add new classrooms and better technology and training programs at several sites, and improve safety and security features across the district. Voters pamphlet endorsements include support from community groups such as the Portland NAACP, Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon League of Conservation Voters, Latino Network and elected officials throughout the metro region. "This bond will strengthen the knowledge and skills base of the Portland workforce and go a long way to prepare students for careers that are increasingly in demand both now and in the future," Sandra McDonough, president and CEO of Portland Business Alliance, said in a statement. The voters pamphlet includes two arguments in opposition to the bond measure, both focusing on the school's emphasis on cultural diversity. One challenged PCC's designation as a sanctuary campus as illegal, the other cited the April 2016 "Whiteness History Month" hosted by the university as taxpayer-funded "propaganda" that "works to instill shame and guilt in white Americans, and aims to foster preferential expectations among Americans of color." Ballots must be received by the county no later than 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7. -- Andrew Theen atheen@oregonian.com 503-294-4026 @andrewtheen Portland Public Schools launched a $125,000 outside investigation in response to a hard-hitting news story by The Oregonian/OregonLive, but the district won't release records that could lead to additional eye-opening news coverage. Portland Public Schools took swift action in mid-August after an expose titled "Benefit of the Doubt" revealed how district officials protected educator Mitch Whitehurst time and again at the expense of children. Board members were outraged at top officials' lack of action, pledged an investigation and followed through on that promise. But that doesn't tell the whole story of the district's response to the revelations. Board members and district employees aren't always on the same page, and staff flouted board members' directions on the Whitehurst case. The board asked for an extensive review of how district employees treated Whitehurst. But top staffers not only ignored that directive; the interim general counsel paid a law firm more than $11,000 to try to keep The Oregonian from seeing the records that detailed how the district helped Whitehurst evade allegations of sexual misconduct. After "The Benefit of the Doubt" made news in August, The Oregonian/OregonLive requested emails containing the word "Whitehurst" sent and received by district employees from the time the news outlet began asking for comment, in summer 2017, until a week after the story ran. The district said it possesses 887 emails from that period with the distinctive last name of the educator at the center of the story, even though he had not worked in the district since 2015. The district, however, insists on keeping those public records secret, at least for now. Portland Public Schools has put a gag on all records related to Whitehurst while the board's hand-picked team of investigators scrutinizes the district's treatment of him. The district agrees releasing the emails is in the public interest. As such, it's agreed to provide the records at no cost but only after the investigation is done. Frank LoMonte, director of the University of Florida's Brechner Center for Freedom of Information, said the district should consider not only if releasing records could jeopardize the outside investigation, but also if secrecy could. Often journalists unearth information that enhances an investigation, LoMonte said. As an example, The Oregonian/OregonLive located and spoke with more former students who said Whitehurst had acted inappropriately than any government or legal investigator managed to do. "If you interfere with news coverage, that inhibits the thoroughness of your investigation much more," LoMonte said. "This is an investigation that would not exist, but for journalists' access to public records so the idea that records have to be withheld from a journalist to advance the investigation is kind of topsy-turvy." The school district did relent slightly on its stance that all Whitehurst-related records must, for the time being, stay secret. Portland Public Schools released billing records that revealed how much it paid an outside law firm to try and keep the records related to Whitehurst secret. The about-face came when The Oregonian/OregonLive said it planned to write a news story about the secrecy surrounding how much money the district had paid the law firm. Read The Oregonian/OregonLive's Benefit of the Doubt investigation and related stories here: Gov. Kate Brown's weakened plan for a clean air overhaul, the long-awaited final details of which were released Thursday, is full of won'ts. The governor's response to the Bullseye Glass crisis won't clean up Oregon's air until at least 2030. It won't affect many industrial sources of heavy metals, solvents and other cancer-causing pollution until at least 2023. And it won't guarantee that all Oregonians avoid the risk of developing cancer simply from breathing. Brown's plan, which she calls Cleaner Air Oregon, could still be changed before its scheduled adoption next summer. But it has been watered down from a stronger preliminary version after industry and legislative opposition. The governor, who said the effort would be "a big step forward" when she unveiled it in April 2016, signaled Thursday that she has reined in her ambitions. "Although there's more work ahead," Brown said in a statement, "the proposed Cleaner Air Oregon rules represent an important first step forward in assuring our air quality standards protect public health and keep Oregonians safe." The question now is whether the state Legislature will fund it. Though both houses are controlled by Democrats, Brown failed to win legislative approval in the 2017 session of a one-time fee on the state's 2,525 permitted air polluters. That fee would've raised $1 million to fund the Department of Environmental Quality's additional work to create the clean air rules. Businesses claimed the rules, similar versions of which already exist in more than 20 states, would force them to close or move elsewhere. Richard Whitman, the department's director, said Thursday the agency will again ask for money in 2018. Without it, he said, the clean air effort would be "pretty minimal." Whitman, a former adviser to Brown, said the governor's proposed changes will help Oregon catch up to other states. He said the plan will lead to cleaner air. "We haven't pulled any punches in terms of what we've put out there because of where the Legislature is," Whitman said. "The legislature can block this program, but it's not my job to worry about that. We need to go forward with what we think is the right program for Oregon." The plan addresses a major gap in federal law. Today, the Clean Air Act ensures the air in major cities like Portland doesn't contain harmful levels of a few major pollutants, like lead and ozone. But it doesn't ensure that the air is safe within smaller pockets of a city, where a chrome plater, factory or other industrial polluter could create a hotspot. Brown's plan would require those industrial polluters to control their emissions, reducing the risk to neighbors. Her proposal goes a step farther than some states, like Washington, which only regulate the cancer-causing emissions from new businesses, not existing ones. To make her plan more palatable to industry groups, Brown placed an arbitrary limit on the number of polluters that would have to comply in the first five years. In that time, the state's 80 biggest emitters would have to cut back. The rest could delay any upgrades. Brown also introduced a waiver that could allow politically powerful companies to avoid reducing their cancer-causing emissions. That waiver would allow businesses to continue creating more health risks if local politicians support their exemption and the Department of Environmental Quality director approves it. Keith Johnson, a department official who oversaw drafting of the rules, said such waivers would only be approved once businesses had exhausted their options for reducing risks, setting a high bar. It's unclear how often that would happen. "This would probably be pretty rare," Johnson said. "But there's a lot of unknowns." Advocates say they worry that the waiver, called a director consultation, will inject politics into a program that should be based on science and public health. In places like The Dalles, where residents have complained for years about the pollution from railroad tie manufacturer Amerities, "it's highly unlikely that the director's decision would be made in a climate favorable to public health protection," said Mary Peveto, president of Neighbors for Clean Air, a Portland group. "That's a community whose elected representatives have never come to their aide." Peveto said the governor's plan, a response to the Bullseye crisis, wouldn't force other companies to emulate the steps Bullseye took to filter its emissions and find new ways to make glass without putting neighbors at risk. A toxic pollution hotspot discovered around the Southeast Portland glassmaker in early 2016 created a public health emergency. Art Williams is a retired Kentucky air regulator who helped create a similar, nationally recognized program in Louisville. He said Brown's plan is too slow and not rigorous enough to safeguard public health. "It seems like it's designed to fail," Williams said. The plan would allow existing businesses to increase the cancer risk around their factories by as much as 500 people in every million with director approval. That means that if 1 million people lived around a factory and breathed the air there during a 70-year lifetime, 500 of them would be expected to develop cancer. Williams said he was surprised Oregon would choose a number so high. "There should never be a case where even an existing business or industry can't stay below 500," he said. "That's a really big number. It'd be like setting the speed limit at 200 miles an hour." A waiver process like the one Oregon is contemplating isn't unusual, Williams said. The program he built had one. What's strange, Williams said, is that Oregon is introducing politics into its decision-making process by design. He described Oregon's proposed waiver as "horrific." Williams said a strong program would require businesses, not the state, to estimate the risk they're causing. It would give citizens a viable way to sue if they thought a waiver wasn't based in science. And it would force all polluters to begin working to comply with the law from day one, he said. Oregon's will do none of those things. In fact, the Department of Environmental Quality's effort to create its own inventory of the polluting businesses an essential element before figuring out which are the highest-risk so far has been marred by reporting errors and the agency's own mistakes. The department needs three key pieces of information to determine which businesses pose the highest risk: 1. What pollutants each business emits and how much; 2. How high each business's smokestacks are, which influences how the pollution disperses. 3. How close the nearest resident lives. The agency sent a sweeping information request to hundreds of businesses that only asked for the first piece of data and not the others. It does not yet have a plan or timeline for requesting information about smokestack height or distances to neighbors, Johnson, the agency official, said Thursday. Without that, the agency won't be able to figure out which 80 businesses create the most risk. Williams said Oregon is making the implementation of its program overly complicated. Instead of doing the work itself, he said the Department of Environmental Quality should've required businesses to do the math or hire consultants to do it. "It's atypical to shift that burden to the agency," he said. The agency's approach "is almost primitive by today's standards." The department will on Friday open the rules for a 60-day public comment period. A vote from the gubernatorial-appointed Environmental Quality Commission is expected in July 2018. Rob Davis rdavis@oregonian.com 503.294.7657; @robwdavis Mark Terry wanted to be like his father, a doctor, while growing up. He asked him one day why he'd chosen to be a pediatrician. Nothing, his father explained, could compare to the reward of knowing he'd been able to help a child lead a healthy life. As is so often the case with the young, Terry forgot his father's message. He forged his own path, one in medicine, but with the goal of being a cardiac surgeon. In medical school, after a rotation in ophthalmology, Terry decided to become an eye surgeon. Eventually, he became director of corneal services at Portland's Legacy Devers Eye Institute, a place where the majority of patients are in their late 60s or 70s. Then one day, Paxton Call, an 18-month-old boy destined to lead an isolated life, arrived at Terry's office. The family was out of options and Terry was their only remaining hope. Terry remembered his father's words. When he stepped into an examination room, Paxton, his youngest patient ever, became the one he would never forget. Paxton was born in Idaho, where he lived with his parents and siblings. From birth, he had a rare eye problem that doctors had been unable to diagnose. What Terry learned was the backs of the baby's corneas were defective. Instead of being clear, they were fogged, which made it difficult for the baby to see anything beyond a shape. Corneal blisters made his eyes feel as if they were continually being scratched. "He was super light sensitive," said his mother, Brooke Call. "He closed his eyes in light because it was so painful. We didn't know if he could see shapes or images. The house lights had to be dim. He couldn't speak because he couldn't see our lips. Our sweet little boy struggled." His parents had taken Paxton to numerous doctors, but they couldn't determine what could be wrong. They recalled one doctor treated Paxton's eyes for calcium deposits, using acid on the eyes and then scrapping away the deposits. Nothing worked. "It was hard on all of us," Call said. "We called Paxton the child who was an experiment. We kept fighting, but honestly we had no idea how much longer we could fight." Out of desperation, an Idaho surgeon sent the family to Portland three years ago to consult with Terry, recognized as a pioneer in corneal issues. The family's first impression did not go well. "When we walked into Devers I saw a sign that said they specialized in geriatrics," Call said. "Here I am carrying my baby. I didn't have a lot of hope." The one you can't forget Everyone has something in their life they cant forget. From time to time, over the rest of this year, I want to share those stories with readers. The memory could be a person or an experience. Whatever the case, the memories become part of who you are. Write to me at thallman@oregonian.com. Tell me what you cant forget, and why. What the family didn't know was that while Terry had brilliant surgical skills, he had something just as important. "I have a special needs son," he said. "Nicholas has cerebral palsy. He's been in a wheelchair for 19 years, all of his life. I have a special place in my heart for families that have a child with a disability. I think I may understand their challenges better than most." To examine, Paxton, Terry had to turn down the lights in the room. "He was scared, in pain and functionally bilaterally blind," Terry said. "He sucked his thumb in a fetal position. He'd be blind the rest of his life and in pain because of the blisters." Terry believed he, and his surgical team, could help, although they would be attempting a surgery never performed on a patient so young anywhere in the United States. The surgery, called selective endothelial transplantation, was developed in Terry's lab in 1997. Over the years, Terry and his team had trained surgeons worldwide. Years earlier, Terry had successfully performed the surgery on 7-year-old boy, a case that was written up in national medical journals. But a baby? Terry decided to replace the inner layer of the cornea with tissue to reduce swelling and lift the fog, allowing the baby to see clearly for the first time in his young life. To find donor tissue, not easy for someone so small, a nationwide call went out through the Oregon Lions VisionGift program. It wasn't until the tissue was found that the surgery could proceed. Paxton Call, right, with his younger brother. "It was a long surgery," Call said. "I was so scared. I found out later there was a problem with the tissue. It was so small and would not lie flat. Instead of rushing, Dr. Terry took his time. We didn't know what to expect when the surgery was over." Paxton's remained bandaged for 24 hours. He also had a metal plate under the bandage to prevent him from rubbing his eyes, and ripping free the cornea transplants. "Even after everything was removed, Paxton wouldn't open his eyes," his mother said. "After all he'd been through, he was protecting himself. And then, one day, the baby opened his eyes. At 21 months of age, he saw his parents for the first time. He smiled," Terry said. "I'll never forget that moment. As a mom, I'd wondered if his eyes would look the same. They were clear. My sweet little boy's eyes were beautiful." Back home in Idaho Falls, Paxton quickly became a different baby. He played with a toy train with his father, Chase. He interacted with his family. He liked being outside. Terry said the case will forever resonate with him. And not just what he did for Paxton. Terry's father has been dead for decades, but the surgery reminded Terry of the powerful words wisdom, words of truth his father had passed onto his son so long ago. "He was right," Terry said. -- Tom Hallman Jr. thallman@oregonian.com; 503 221-8224 @thallmanjr When Pete Souza, the official White House photographer for Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama, visits Portland in January, I hope Mayor Ted Wheeler is in the audience. Souza will be promoting his new book, "Obama: An Intimate Portrait." As his 1.5 million Instagram followers know, Souza has an extraordinary and intimate grasp of messaging. He has a knack for resurrecting photos from the Obama administration that showcase the lack of dignity in the current one. He recognizes the simple gesture that conveys a world of meaning. Wheeler doesn't have the same touch. Seventeen months after he chased off Charlie Hales and rolled Jules Bailey in the 2016 primary, the mayor still struggles with messaging, especially when it comes to the Portland Police Bureau. When he took command at City Hall, Wheeler assigned himself a half-dozen bureaus, including housing and the cops. Commissioner Dan Saltzman immediately questioned that game plan: "Looking at it from a sheer workload perspective," Saltzman said, "something may need to give." Say, perhaps, Wheeler's zest for accountability. When the mayor proposed a replacement for the Community Oversight Advisory Board, now defunct, he pitched a group that would meet privately and only report to him. Commissioner Nick Fish had to bail out Wheeler on the 48-hour rule, which delayed officer statements on the use of deadly force. For far too long, Wheeler subscribed to District Attorney Rod Underhill's argument that such a change in the union contract required a court ruling. Eliminating the 48-hour rule was one of 52 major recommendations tendered by the Community Oversight Advisory Board over a two-year period. Tom Steenson, a board member, says he is still waiting for Wheeler to act on the more pointed recommendations regarding mental health, discrimination and racial profiling, and the use of force. "He said he was going to get back to us. He never did," Steenson said. "He said, 'Why don't you sort them out and tell me which are the important ones to look at?' We worked for two years. They were all important. "I told Ted the next crisis you have will be a racial-profiling death. You can do things to change that.' And I haven't seen anything yet." Given the new public-records freeze-out, most reporters in town can relate. Carli Brosseau at The Oregonian/OregonLive waited almost a year for the bureau to deal with what it called the "substantial burden" of a query regarding gang designations. And when Willamette Week's Katie Shepherd requested emails between six city staffers on the police response to street protests, the mayor's office demanded $2,287 to deliver them. While "transparency is an essential element of good governance," Michael Cox, Wheeler's spokesman told WW, "collecting and reviewing records can be a time-consuming, and therefore costly, process." Inspired messaging, that. Yes, Wheeler is often wedged between a rock and a hard place. When he announced for mayor, there was no anticipating Donald Trump, the dust-up over sanctuary cities, Chloe Eudaly's upset win, or the need to close the balcony in council chambers. The times are unnerving. The temptation is to be cautious and defensive. When police Chief Danielle Outlaw won't even tell The Oregonian's Maxine Bernstein whether she lives on the east or west side of the river, you realize how far we've come from the days when the chief's forum met twice a month on the 14th floor of the Justice Center, come one, come all. But that caution doesn't make for memorable policy, politics or photo ops. "My impression, based on Ted's campaign, is that he thought, 'I'm a smart guy and a bold guy, and I'm not Charlie Hales, so of course I can solve these problems,'" says former city Commissioner Steve Novick. "He's now learning there are issues that smart, bold people in other cities weren't able to solve - and that 'not being Charles Hales' isn't a solution." It was a workable start. I still believe that. But if this is meant to end well, Wheeler needs a far better sense of the gestures that inspire confidence and trust. He needs Pete Souza on his 2018 calendar. -- Steve Duin stephen.b.duin@gmail.com AP RECAP: Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage combined for 168 yards rushing and Arizona State forced four turnovers to lead the Sun Devils to a 30-10 win over Utah on Saturday. Manny Wilkins threw for 140 yards on 19-of-29 passing to help Arizona State (4-3, 3-1 Pac-12) snap a seven-game road losing streak. Tyler Huntley started for Utah at quarterback after sitting out losses to USC and Stanford with a shoulder injury. Huntley struggled in his return, throwing for 155 yards and four interceptions on 19-of-35 passing. Arizona State's defensive domination of Washington turned out to be no fluke. The Sun Devils shut Utah down cold before halftime. They allowed the Utes to gain just 93 total yards and seven first downs in the first half. Two of Utah's first half drives ended with interceptions from Huntley. Arizona State mounted several long drives to take a 16-0 halftime lead. Brandon Ruiz made field goals from 47, 40 and 30 yards in the first quarter. The Sun Devils broke through with their first touchdown on a 1-yard run from Demario Richard with 40 seconds remaining in the half. Matt Gay made a 53 yard field goal to cap off Utah's opening drive of the third quarter. Arizona State answered when Wilkins stretched over the goal line on a 1-yard keeper, extending its lead to 23-3 with 4:45 left in the third quarter. The Utes kept the drive alive with a pair of targeting penalties that led to ejections for Donovan Thompson and Corrion Ballard. Ballard's penalty gave Arizona State first-and-goal at the Utah 1 after the Sun Devils were facing fourth down. Jay Jay Wilson put the final nail in the coffin for Utah when he returned an interception 20 yards for a score midway through the fourth quarter. Huntley's fourth interception of the game gave the Sun Devils a 30-3 lead. Utah's lone touchdown came on a 2-yard run from Devontae Henry-Cole with 2:41 remaining. *** Get the complete box score and in-game stats above, TV channel and live stream info for Utah vs. Arizona State below: What: Utah Utes (4-2, 1-2) vs. Arizona State Sun Devils (3-3, 2-1) When: 12:30 p.m. PT, Saturday, Oct. 21 Where: Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah TV: FS1 Live stream: Fox Sports Go and the Fox Sports Go app Line: Utah -10 O/U: 55 Series history: This is the 29th meeting between the Utes and Sun Devils, with ASU holding a 20-8 series lead. Previous meeting: Utah beat Arizona State 49-26 last season in Tempe, extending the Utes' win streak in the series to two straight. Did you know? Following a 13-7 upset of then-No. 5 Washington last week, Arizona State is now 17-0 since 2012 when holding opponents under 20 points. It started as a post on the Portland police union Facebook page offering condolences for the Las Vegas shooting victims. Then it drew a critical comment from a city worker about guns. That's when the matter landed in front of Portland's HR manager. Just another day on social media. The minor tempest began the day after the carnage left by a gunman who killed 58 people at a country music concert on the Las Vegas strip. Officer Daryl Turner, president of the Portland Police Association, sent out prayers on Facebook to the families of victims and acknowledged the "heroic acts of law enforcement and other first responders.'' But a commenter fired back quickly: "Screw you guys. You (through FOP) work with the NRA and promote more guns, not fewer. They backed Trump. This is hollow, coming from police unions.'' FOP stands for Fraternal Order of Police, an organization of law enforcement officers from around the country who have been criticized for the lack of diversity among their leadership and support of police officers involved in shootings of black men. Turner simply replied to the comment on Facebook that the police union isn't affiliated with the Fraternal Order of Police. But the comment got under the skin of veteran police Officer Thomas Brennan. He found out the man who left the comment was a city employee, called Portland's human service's manager and sent her a screenshot of the post. Brennan said he did this from home. "Did we confirm that this posting was not during working hours with the city of Portand?'' Brennan wrote in a follow-up email to Kanwit. "If we have done that, thanks. If not can we? It looks to be during the day, so I'm assuming.'' The man who posted the comment, Mark Bunster, works as an applications analyst within the city's Bureau of Technology Services. Brennan said he found Bunster worked for the city by checking his LinkedIn page. Kanwit told Brennan that there was little the city could do, citing Bunster's right to free speech. She also said minimum personal use of city computers is allowed at work, and Bunster didn't engage in political activity. "Since he doesn't identify himself as a city employee, these are his personal views and there really isn't anything the City can do,'' Kanwit said in an email to Brennan. "As we discussed Oregon has a very strong free speech component in our constitution. But thank you for bringing this to my attention. If he ties his city employment to these views it will be a different situation.'' Brennan said he's not interested in stifling free speech, but was disturbed by the timing of Bunster's comment so close to the worst mass shooting in modern American history. He said he doesn't understand how the city could conclude Bunster's comment wasn't "political activity.'' "I don't think when it mentions the most polarizing political figure in our lifetime you can say it's not political,'' Brennan said. Bunster, 50, who has worked for the city for more than 15 years, was asked if he was aware of the complaint and wanted to comment. "I'll pass on that. Thank you,'' he said. -- Maxine Bernstein mbernstein@oregonian.com 503-221-8212 @maxoregonian 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. LINCOLN Train traffic through Lincoln was delayed about 3 hours Friday morning so police could investigate why a man got off a northbound Amtrak train in Springfield but left his bags on board. Amtrak passengers were told by Lincoln police to leave the northbound St. Louis-to-Chicago train while bomb-sniffing dogs were used to determine if there was any danger, said a passenger who contacted The Pantagraph. Lincoln firefighters also were at the scene as a precaution. "As a precaution, 190 customers temporarily disembarked at Lincoln while police agencies completed their work," said Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari in a statement, referring other questions to Lincoln police, who did not respond to requests for comment Friday. Amtrak train 302 was allowed to proceed onto Chicago at 12:40 p.m. Friday, he added. The incident also affected three other Amtrak trains, including one other northbound and two southbound trains. "Amtrak apologizes for the delay and thanks the emergency responders," said Magliari. During the incident, passengers lingered outside the train station waiting for word on when to get back on the train. CLINTON A DeWitt County wind farm project in the works for at least a decade may be up and running in two years. Tom Swierczewski, a development director with Trade Winds Energy of Lenexa, Kan., met with DeWitt County officials last month. We intend to apply for the special use permit early next year, he said. We are moving forward on the project. If approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Regional Planning Commission, the DeWitt County Board also would have to sign off on the permit. Approval from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources would be required because of Clinton Lake, he said. About 160 landowners have agreed to participate over a 21,000-acre area, Swierczewski said. The project is located approximately five miles northwest of Clinton. Our current strategy is to be ready for construction as early as the spring of 2019, he said. The project was put on hold because of a bad economy and electric deregulation in Illinois, Swierczewski said. If approved, it would be the first wind farm based in DeWitt County. Power would be sold to regional utility companies and could produce enough electricity for about 60,000 homes. It would be the first Trade Winds Energy project in Illinois. The company has one in Indiana and several in Oklahoma and Texas. We are looking forward to the process, said County Board Chairman Dave Newberg. Of course, it has to go to the ZBA and RPC and all of that, but I believe we will look closely at other counties around here who already have wind farms and see what issues they faced, what they may have missed and how they handled everything. The company plans to use significant local labor for construction and operations, and will contact Trinity Towers, a manufacturer of structural wind towers located two miles north of Clinton, for possible supplies. It also plans to open an office in the Magill House in downtown Clinton. The company has met with zoning administrator Angie Sarver and highway superintendent Mark Mahon about actions necessary for the application process. There will be a lot of hearings and opportunities for public input, Newberg said. Everybody has their own opinion on wind farms and we will be glad to hear what those are. As county board members in the end, we will put those personal feelings aside, listen to all of the feedback and then determine if it should go forward or not. BLOOMINGTON Mayor Tari Renner used his city-issued credit card to pay for a $28 business meal while he was on a leave of absence in September, prompting at least one alderman to question it ahead of a previously planned vote Monday on restricting elected officials' use of the cards. Among the bills to be submitted to the City Council is a charge on his procurement card or p-card for a Sept. 16 purchase listed as a "business meal" he had with Ward 7 Alderman Scott Black at Swingers Grille in Normal. Renner, who reimbursed the city Oct. 12 for the expense, was officially on leave from office for unspecified medical reasons from Aug. 28 to Oct. 1. While the mayor's use of the city credit card while on a leave of absence apparently does not violate the city's p-card policy or municipal or state laws, at least one alderman questioned whether it was an appropriate thing to do. "I am disappointed that Mr. Renner would spend taxpayer money with his p-card while he was on leave of absence," said Ward 2 Alderman David Sage. Renner is the only elected official in the city to carry one of the cards. "Yes, there was a charge for lunch between Tari and Scott Black. It was on Tari's card and our (p-card) policy doesn't really have anything in it about being on a leave of absence," said city Finance Director Patti-Lynn Silva. Renner said he wrote a $30 check to the city in hopes of it not becoming a issue. While the policy outlines procedures and uses of the p-cards for cardholders and other city officials, it does not specifically reference elected officials' use of them, she added. Renner said Thursday the issue was politically motivated and a distraction from more important issues. "I was talking to Scott Black about the process of coming back, and just to be on the safe side I reimbursed the city for it," said Renner. "I've got a big fight over a multimillion-dollar street extension for the Grove subdivision to replacing a city manager to choosing an interim city manager, so this kind of stuff, honestly, seems so silly to me." The fact that he was on leave was not relevant, he added. "It's not an issue because I was never not mayor," he said. "There was never a week that I didn't do at least 15 hours to 20 hours of (city-related) work. People were always calling, there were always issues. You're really not mayor." Renner submitted a letter dated Aug. 28 to City Manager David Hales, in accordance with the Illinois Municipal Code, informing Hales that Renner needed to take a temporary absence from his mayoral duties "due to medical-related" reasons and that he was turning over his duties to Ward 6 Alderman Karen Schmidt, who serves as mayor pro tem in the mayor's absence. City attorney Jeff Jurgens said he does not think a provision in the Illinois Municipal Code that requires an elected official, upon vacating a municipal office, to deliver to the successor in office all property, books and effects in the former officer's possession, belonging to the municipality applies to a mayor pro tem filling in temporarily for a mayor. I am not aware of any legal support to suggest that the mayor pro tem is considered a successor under the law, said Jurgens, who stopped short of going into any further details. The Pantagraph requested comment from all nine of the city's aldermen Thursday night, but received responses only from Sage, Schmidt, Ward 3 Alderman Mboka Mwilambwe and Ward 8 Alderman Diana Hauman by late Thursday night. "I am not sure why the p-card was used, but I'm glad to know the cost has been reimbursed," Schmidt said. If I were on leave and had a p-card, I would not have used it while on leave, said Hauman. Mwilambwe agreed with Hauman, saying, "personally, I would not have used it because it invites unnecessary scrutiny." "I don't know the reasons for the mayor's use of his p-card on Sept. 16, and city policy did not provide guidance specific to the mayor's situation (medical leave) at the time," he added. "My hope is that once we approve this new ordinance on permissible City Council expenses, we will all be clear on what the expectations are moving forward." Former President George W. Bush condemned bigotry and white supremacy Thursday while endorsing policies that run counter to those supported by President Donald Trump. "Our identity as a nation, unlike other nations, is not determined by geography or ethnicity, by soil or blood. ... This means that people from every race, religion, ethnicity can be full and equally American," he said during remarks at the George W. Bush Institute in New York City. "It means that bigotry and white supremacy, in any form, is blasphemy against the American creed." He added that "bigotry seems emboldened," though he didn't explain why. "We've seen our discourse degraded by casual cruelty," Bush said, adding, "Too often, we judge other groups by their worst examples while judging ourselves by our best intentions, forgetting the image of God we should see in each other." Bush didn't mention Trump during his remarks but did criticize the "governing class." In his recommendations to strengthen American democracy, he said US institutions must "step up" and "we need to recall and recover our own identity." The speech marks a rare political appearance for Bush since leaving office. The former president has remained mostly out of the spotlight since he left the White House, reserving his political capital for his charitable works and a handful of his brother Jeb Bush's 2016 presidential campaign stops. He brought up growing concerns over misinformation, saying politics seems "more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrication." The 43rd president, who left the presidential section of his ballot blank instead of voting for Trump, also addressed Russian influence on the United States. "The Russian government has made a project of turning Americans against each other," he said, adding that while Russian interference will not be successful, "foreign aggressions, including cyberattacks, disinformation and financial influence, should never be downplayed or tolerated." Bush, who entered into several free trade agreements during his tenure in the White House, referred to a trend towards protectionism, an apparent allusion to some of Trump's trade actions, which have included his decision to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership early this year and his warning that he's considering "stopping all trade with any country doing business with North Korea." Bush also praised the positive contributions of immigrants -- a statement seemingly aimed at the Trump administration's hardline stances on immigration and border security. "We've seen nationalism distorted into nativism -- forgotten the dynamism that immigration has always brought to America," Bush said. "We see a fading confidence in the value of free markets and international trade -- forgetting that conflict, instability, and poverty follow in the wake of protectionism." The former president also addressed concerns over bullying among American leaders. "Bullying and prejudice in our public life sets a national tone, provides permission for cruelty and bigotry, and compromises the moral education of children, the only way to pass along civic values is to first live up to them," he said. CNN's Elizabeth Joseph contributed to this report. via Deitch Projects Jeffrey Deitch (18 Wooster Street) has a new Kenny Scharf show called "Inner and Outer Space" on view from October 21 to December 22. Look for new paintings and assemblage works using discarded plastic objects, TV backs etc. Scharf is currently based in LA, but is in NYC for the MoMA Club 57 exhibition opening on October 31. Carolee Schneemann. Nude on Tracks. Courtesy the artist, P.P.O.W, and GalerieLelong, New York. Photo: Charles Stein. via MoMA PS1 MoMA PS1 (22-25 Jackson Avenue, LIC) opens a big Carolee Schneemann retrospective, "Kinetic Painting," on Sunday, October 22, noon to 6 p.m. The exhibition covers her six-decade career including painting, assemblage, film, installations etc. Also opening on the 22nd: the first solo museum show by Glasgow-based artist Cathy Wilkes. Both are on view until March 11, 2018. New York-based artist Mathew Tierney has his first solo show, "empires fall | the dance goes on," opening on Thursday, October 19, 7 to 10 p.m., at Bryant Toth Fine Art (195 Chrystie). Justin Strauss is DJing at the opening. During the 10-day run of the exhibition, the gallery is also hosting several tie-in events including a live performance by Black Gatsby (ne' D'Angelo Lacy) on October 22, 7 p.m. Still not ready for Halloween? Stop by the Con Artist Collective (119 Ludlow Street) from October 23 to 27 and pick out an artist-made mask ($15 and up). Over 40 artist are participating. Buy one before Wednesday, and that mask will be your admission ticket to the Collective's party from 7 to 11 p.m., October 25th. The Brooklyn Museum celebrates the past, present and future of feminist art at "The Yes! Gala" honoring Judy Chicago on October 19, 5 to 10 p.m. Attendees get a preview of the exhibition "Roots of 'The Dinner Party': History in the Making" and a conversation between Judy Chicago and Amanda de Cadenet. Tickets are HERE. via the Museum of Sex The Museum of Sex (233 Fifth Avenue) opens a new exhibition, "Canon," featuring photos and sculptures by Juan Jose Barboza-Gubo and Andrew Mroczek, on October 20 and up through January 15, 2018. The show celebrates the Peruvian LGBTQ community via four projects, including a 25-foot hand-crocheted veil made by women in Ayacucho, Peru, and a photo series called "Los Chicos" ("The Boys") shot in a derelict Lima mansion. Also check out the museum's virtual reality experience, "Celestial Bodies," now through December 30, featuring music by Diplo. Support Puerto Rico and get a limited edition, silkscreened pizza box designed by Lee Quinones at a benefit party Saturday, October 21, 8 p.m., at The Brooklyn Firefly (7003 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn). $20 gets you in and that includes food and music and all proceeds go to a PR charity org and then you can be one of the 100 lucky buyers of an original, signed work of art by Lee. via the Hole The Hole (312 Bowery) opens two shows on Saturday, October 21, 6 to 9 p.m.: NY-based artist Adam Parker Smith's series of sculptures that resemble Mylar balloons; and Eric Shaw's layered, digital drawings transferred to and painted on canvas. Both are up until November 12. Justin Neely via Gowanus Open Studios GOWANUS Open Studios 2017 is Saturday and Sunday, October 21 and 22, noon to 6 p.m. daily. Check out over 300 artist studios from Bergen to 18th Street and from Court Street to 5th Avenue. All the details (and a map) are HERE. The 14th edition of the Garment District Arts Festival runs October 19, 20 and 21 with over 90 open studios, performances, installations and gallery shows. HERE's the full program. LA-based artist Sunni Colon explores sonic and visual art through a series of installations called "Manifest 1.0" at Founders Lab NYC (972 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn) through October 27, M-F, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are also ticketed performances on October 20, 21, 26 and 27. More details are HERE. ONGOING and worth checking out: Phong Bui and Rail Curatorial Projects have a two-part exhibition at Mana Contemporary in Jersey City that's up through December 15. In the Glass Gallery (6 Senate Place, Jersey City), there's a group show with 34 artists called "Artists Need to Create on the Same Scale That Society Has the Capacity to Destroy" that looks at current social and political issues. The second exhibition features works from Mana artists in residence and employees. Robert Lazzarini's "Inflorescence" at De Buck Gallery (545 West 23rd Street) on view until October 26. Lazzarini will be in conversation with Noah Becker on October 19, 6 to 8 p.m., at the gallery. Last week it was announced that Bernie Sanders would give the opening night speech at the upcoming Women's Convention in Detroit, and the backlash to that decision was immediate and immense. The announcement sparked a heated debate among feminists, with those in favor arguing that his favored policies (single-payer health care, higher minimum wage) are pro-women, with critics arguing that that opening night spot should have been given to a woman (and that some of Sanders' other political stances are anti-women). It was suggested (and in some cases, demanded) by detractors that Sanders step back from the convention, and now he's done just that. In a statement issued by his office yesterday afternoon, Sanders announced that he's decided to back out of the convention and instead head to Puerto Rico. Per the Washington Post, his statement reads: "I want to apologize to the organizers of the Women's Convention for not being able to attend your conference next Friday in Detroit. Given the emergency situation in Puerto Rico, I will be traveling there to visit with San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz and other officials to determine the best way forward to deal with the devastation the island is experiencing. The U.S. Congress cannot turn its back on the millions of people in Puerto Rico who, four weeks after the hurricane, are still without electricity, food and running water." The organizers of the Women's March (who are also responsible for the convention) issued a statement thanking Sanders and saying they understand his commitment to Puerto Rico: There is still one male speaker left. [h/t Washington Post] Image via BFA Lupita Nyong'o is the latest in a long line of actresses to come forward with stories of sexual harassment and assault against disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein. In an op-ed for the New York Times, the actress detailed several encounters with Weinstein over the years that began when Nyong'o was still a student at the Yale School of Drama. In one instance, Weinstein invited Nyong'o to his home to watch a film, and later coerced her into his bedroom where he implored her to give him a massage. During another encounter at a restaurant, he said that the two could finish their meal upstairs in his room, and when Nyong'o declined, she says Weinstein "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." Nyongo' repeatedly denied Weinstein's advances, and eventually he told her they're "done here" and she "can leave." She asked if the two were still on good terms, to which Weinstein replied, "I don't know about your career, but you'll be fine." Shortly after, when Nyong'o had won the Academy Award for 12 Years a Slave, Weinstein apologized for his past behavior and tried to get her to work with him. She declined. In her moving op-ed, Nyong'o added: "What I am most interested in now is combating the shame we go through that keeps us isolated and allows for harm to continue to be done. I wish I had known that there were women in the business I could have talked to. I wish I had known that there were ears to hear me. That justice could be served. There is clearly power in numbers. I thank the women who have spoken up and given me the strength to revisit this unfortunate moment in my past." [h/t NYT] Image via Instagram On July 29th Patently Apple posted a report titled "Apple Accused of Bowing to Chinese Government by Shutting Down VPN Service Apps." On July 31st we posted a follow-up report titled "A Chinese Government Official has clarified the VPN Crackdown that Apple is complying with," and finally a third report titled "Apple's CEO Directly clarified why some VPN Apps were removed from the App Store in China " was posted on August 2nd." In the August report Apple's CEO stated in part: "let me address that head on. The central government in China back in 2015 started tightening the regulations say VPN apps. We have a number of those on our Store. Essentially as a requirement for someone to operate a VPN they have to have a license from the government there. Earlier this year they began a renewed effort to enforce that policy and we were required by the government to remove some of the VPN apps from the App Store that don't meet these new regulations." The New York Times published a report on July 29th (July 31st online) titled "Apple's Silence in China Sets a Dangerous Precedent." The Times report noted that Apple when faced with a showdown with the FBI had no problem fighting them tooth and nail and made the U.S. Government blink. Yet when the Chinese Government made demands on Apple over VPNs, it was Apple who blinked. No fight, no arguments, just compliance." The NYTimes report went on to state that "The company's silence may be tactical; the Chinese government, the conventional thinking goes, does not take well to public rebuke. Yet Apple's quiet capitulation to tightening censorship in one of its largest markets is still a dangerous precedent." Eva Galperin, director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital-rights advocacy group added for the record that "Apple's response is tremendously disappointing. I think it's possible that Apple is playing a bigger role behind the scenes here. But the problem with that is, from the outside it looks exactly like doing nothing." The New York Times report caught the attention of U.S. senators Patrick Leahy (D) and Ted Cruz (R) who jointly sent a formal letter to Tim Cook requesting that Apple answer a series of ten questions. The letter began by stating "We write to express our concern regarding a July 29, 2017, article in the New York Times reporting that Apple has removed removed Virtual Private Network (VPN) applications ("apps") from the version of Apple's App Store available to users in the People's Republic of China. VPNs allow users to access the uncensored Internet in China and other countries that restrict Internet freedom. If these reports are true, we are concerned that Apple may be enabling the Chinese government's censorship and surveillance of the Internet." The full letter sent to Apple's CEO is provided for our readers in the Scribd document below courtesy of Patently Apple. Letter to Apple's CEO Tim Cook From Senators Patrick Leahy (D) and Ted Cruz (R) by Jack Purcher on Scribd Back in 2015 Ars Technica posted a report titled "Google will comply with censorship laws to get Play into China". The report noted that "Today The Information reports that Google is making plans to get a version of Google Play back into China and that it's willing to work within Chinese censorship law to do it. The company 'will follow local laws and block apps that the government deems objectionable' in the interest of regaining control over its own operating system." That's funny, I don't recall Google being questioned by the two senators that now want to put Apple under the spot light. Is there any reason why a similar letter wasn't sent to Google executives demanding their response to the same 10 questions at the same time to show fairness? Google holds the same basic policy towards China as Apple does in complying with all Chinese laws. Did Microsoft's CEO receive such a letter? I think it only fair that the two senators explain their position as to why only Apple is being grilled on this issue. As they ended their letter to Tim Cook, we'll end ours. Dear Sirs, "We look forward to your response." 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. The post, which was taken down after circulating for around 24 hours, caused anger, sadness, and confusion as supporters discussed the immaturity and inappropriateness of the supposed joke. However, as a public posting it was archived and can be found elsewhere online. Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse, often addressed with the honorific Rinpoche and also known as Khyentse Norbu, is a well known Buddhist teacher, writer, and filmmaker from Bhutan. He caused ripples in the Tibetan Buddhist communities in August when he wrote a rambling 10,000 word-long letter both defending Sogyal Lakars abusive actions from within the Vajrayana context and questioning the very credentials that Lakar claimed to hold. Tendencies to play victim On Tuesday he posted a 16 page contract (linked below) with this introduction: I thought this might come in handy for Rinpoches like myself who are not omniscient, not omnipotent, and not well trained; who dont give enough preparatory training on the prerequisites to their students; and who get carried away by their own self-agendas and, from time to time, by their hormones. MAKE LOVE NOT HEADLINES! SCREW WITHOUT GETTING SCREWED! Bender and Boner Law has over 70 combined years experience in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. We are sensitive to the special needs of Gurus and Rinpoches who desire to save all sentient beings yet also wish to have fulfilling sex lives. Let one of our ironclad consent forms protect you from fears of future litigation. Our in-house psychologists are on call 24/7 to assess your potential partners for any unsuitable moral quirks and/or tendencies to play victim. If youve already made a few mistakes, (and who hasnt?), dont worry! We can still save your reputation, your assets, and your ass. Free initial consultation. Call us before its too late! See our website at http://www.theyconsented.com One response to the contract read, Do you realize youre associating this with Buddhism and kids are viewing this with confusion. Not as a joke. If this stays up Im done man. (emphasis added) Another commenter elsewhere suggested that for abuse victims, seeing such a thing publicly posted by a Tibetan Buddhist teacher might set them back in their healing process. Is there Consent? Another wrote, It is none of my business. After all they are having sex with adults who are capable to give their consent. There are some students who do anything to get some favors or privileges out of the Rinpoches. And if they dont get what they want, they turn against their Rinpoche. However, in a White Paper on Clergy Sexual Misconduct and Misuse of Power, Katherine Wiedman, Ph.D. and Leslie Hospodar of An Olive Branch write: Since clergy have a responsibility to set and maintain appropriate boundaries, those who are violated by clergys inappropriate sexual behavior are not to be blamed even if they initiated the contact. The term consenting adults also reflects a misunderstanding of sexual behavior between clergy and congregants. It is assumed that because two people are adults that there is consent. In reality, consent is far more complex. In order for two people to give authentic consent to sexual activity there must be equal power. Even if the congregant or student may initially be a willing participant in the faith leaders misconduct. The fallacy is that he/she is a consenting participant because consent is not an option in a relationship where there is an imbalance of power. A problem that has arisen, time and again, in conversations around this matter is that certain Zen and Tibetan teachers have convinced their students to give up their critical thinking faculties and to ignore their own sense of appropriate boundaries. Currently there are no checks on Buddhist teachers to prevent sexual and physical abuse. Given that Sogyal Lakars abuse goes back decades, with one student settling a 1994 $10 million lawsuit out of court, it is likely that other prominent Tibetan Buddhist teachers knew or had reason to know that he was an active sexual predator and abuser. The Dalai Lama recently spoke out about courageously toppling certain rotten institutions including some Tibetan Lama (namely the leader of Rigpa): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fWZWwSSkXs With his social media reach and global following, Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse is in a great position to push forward serious proposals to listen to women, first and foremost those who have been victims of Tibetan Buddhist teachers, and to eliminate structures of violence. The full contract posted at the Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse facebook page can be downloaded here (warning, language is graphic and not appropriate for children). Before Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube made their entry in the media market, the PatnaDaily had already registered its presence in... The EU on the JCPOA: Neither "Fix" nor Nix 10/19/17 by Eldar Mamedov (source: LobeLog) EU Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini & Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif (cartoon by Mohammad Tahani) When President Donald Trump announced his decision to "decertify" the nuclear deal with Iran in a speech on October 13, the EU's reaction was swift and unambiguous. Minutes after Trump's speech, the bloc's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini warned that, contrary to Trump's threats to terminate the deal if it is not "fixed" to his liking, he had no authority to do so. The deal is a multilateral agreement endorsed by a UN Security Council Resolution and therefore cannot be changed unilaterally. This position was fully backed by 28 foreign ministers of the EU member states who met in Brussels on October 16 to discuss Iran. They agreed on a statement that emphasized that "the IAEA has verified 8 times that Iran is implementing all its nuclear related commitments." Although the ministers were careful not to criticize Trump openly, they showed that they were fully aware of the internal divisions in the US administration-hence a reference to Trump's decision as being part of US domestic politics, not a consequence of any factual Iranian non-compliance. The EU further "encourages" the US to maintain its commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and "consider the implications for the security of the US, its partners and the region before taking further steps." In accordance with this statement, the EU will in coming weeks intensify its lobbying of the US to fully adhere to the JCPOA as it stands now. The EU made it clear that the renegotiation of the JCPOA is not an option and that it will vigorously stick to it as long as Iran does the same. This effectively makes it impossible for Congress to deliver on Trump's ambition to "fix" this multilateral deal. At the same time, the EU will pressure the administration to continue issuing sanctions waivers. The next decision time is in January 2018. Failure to do so, absent Iranian violations, would place the US in material breach of the JCPOA. Contrary to some speculation in Washington on the "middle course" between maintaining the deal untouched and abandoning it, there is no such thing. Trump based his October 13 decision on the assumption that the sanctions relief Iran gets as part of the JCPOA is not proportionate to what it delivers. Consequently, the "middle course" would mean in practice that Iran would have to continue implementing its part of the bargain, while denied the benefits of the sanctions relief. This is an obvious non-starter for other parties to the JCPOA. In case efforts to convince Washington fail, contingencies are being explored to protect the legitimate interests of the EU companies in Iran. Those would involve the introduction of the EU Council Regulation 2771/96, which blocks the enforcement of extraterritorial US laws in the EU. This regulation was adopted in 1996 as a response to the US law punishing third countries' companies doing business in Iran, Libya, and Cuba. Some in Washington believe that de-certification has gained Trump leverage to get Europeans to push back on aspects of the Iranian policies that are unrelated to the JCPOA as a price to keep the US committed to the deal. True, the EU, especially the big trio of the UK, France and Germany, do share some of America's concerns, particularly on ballistic missiles, Iran's role in Syria, support for Hezbollah, and refusal to recognize Israel. The UK, in particular, may be preparing, post-Brexit, to move closer to the US and Saudi Arabia on regional issues. Not surprisingly, the EU3 statement following Trump's speech was slightly harsher than what either Mogherini or the 28 foreign ministers said in their statements. It made a reference to Iran's "destabilizing regional activities" and vowed to work together with the US on addressing them. However, the EU also understands that changing Iran's policies won't be feasible if it is pressured to make unilateral concessions. Unlike the current US administration, the EU does not see Iran as the single source of all the problems in the region. It recognizes that containing Iran can only be realistically achieved in a broader regional context, which would also address the problematic policies of other players, such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Qatar, and Turkey. For example, despite some misleading reporting, Iran is not ready to discuss ballistic missiles with Europeans or anybody else. Iran sees them as an essential pillar of self-defense in a region where its rivals, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel, heavily outspend it on arms. If the Trump administration seriously wanted the EU to push back against Iran's missiles program, it would have toned down its own aggressive rhetoric and encouraged its regional allies to de-escalate tensions. Since the whole point of Trump's threats, however, is to isolate Iran, there is nothing the EU can do to convince the Iranians to scale back their missile program. The EU also has diverging views on regional crises. For example, although the US sees Hezbollah as Tehran's terrorist proxy, for the EU it's a key player in Lebanon, with which Brussels needs to keep open its channels of communication. Likewise, the EU finds American assessments of Iranian support for the Houthi rebels in Yemen exaggerated, and considers the Saudi-led war in that country a bigger problem, especially its massive humanitarian cost. Rather than pushing back against Iran, the EU is more likely to use its soft power and engagement to convince the Iranians to refrain from some reckless or provocative steps, such as new missile tests or harassment of American vessels in the Persian Gulf. In any case, the EU made it clear that these concerns lie outside the scope of the JCPOA. However, the existence of the JCPOA and the channels of communication with Iran it opened makes tackling them easier than would be the case with the dismissal of the JCPOA. This is another powerful reason to preserve it at all cost. This article reflects the personal views of the author and not necessarily the opinions of the European Parliament. About the Author Eldar Mamedov has degrees from the University of Latvia and the Diplomatic School in Madrid, Spain. He has worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia and as a diplomat in Latvian embassies in Washington D.C. and Madrid. Since 2007, Mamedov has served as a political adviser for the social-democrats in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament (EP) and is in charge of the delegation for inter-parliamentary relations between the EP and Iran. Audit orders former Iranian President Ahmadinejad to return $1.1bn to treasury 10/20/17 Source: Press TV A top Iranian state audit agency says it has found the country's former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad responsible for causing as much as $1.1 billion in damages to national wealth through imports of unauthorized gasoline as well as unsettled sales of hydrocarbon products to domestic clients. artwork by Iman Khaksar, Ghanoon daily Iran's IRNA news agency quoted a report by the State Audit Department of Iran as announcing that Ahmadinejad would be responsible for returning a total of Rials 46 trillion ($1.1 billion with each dollar at an average current market rate of Rials 40,000) to the Treasury from the revenues of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC). However, the mechanism for doing so has not been specified. The amount, it said, pertained to a series of cases of failures and unauthorized decisions by the former president in handling the trade activities of the NIOC - mostly during his second term in office (2009-2013). The Department said those cases included imports of gasoline and gasoil which it said had been carried out beyond the country's needs and without obtaining the required authorizations from the related institutions from 2008 to 2012. Other cases included the failure of Ahmadinejad's government to receive payments from sales of condensates to petrochemical plants as well as payments for sales of hydrocarbon products from the NIOC. One specific case included the failure by his government to receive payments from sales of crude oil delegated by the NIOC to Iran's police at a total amount of Rials 6 trillion ($150 million with each dollar at an average current market rate of Rials 40,000). The above payments, the report added, were expected to be settled through mechanisms envisaged in the budget bill for the Iranian calendar year of 1387 (21 March 2007-2008). However, Ahmadinejad's government failed to do so and the damages to the national wealth thus aggravated over the next years. The State Audit Department is affiliated to Iran's Parliament and supervises the performance of state institutions in spending national budget allocations. Earlier in July Ahmadinejad had reacted to accusations leveled against him by the State Audit Department. Issuing a statement addressed to the Iranian nation in late July, the former Iranian president said, "Unfortunately and under conditions when the country is facing many foreign and domestic threats and people are under the most severe economic and political and propaganda pressures, powerful and wealthy bands, which are exploiting these conditions, pursue an unmanly scenario against a group of your servants in the ninth and tenth administrations." Elsewhere in his statement, Ahmadinejad "categorically" denied the accusations, noting that the remarks made by the prosecutor of the State Audit Department were an example of propagating lies in order to disturb the public opinion and were against the constitution, which necessitated judicial prosecution. In another development, Ali Akbar Javanfekr, who was head of the official IRNA news agency under Ahmadinejad, wrote in a note published on domestic websites that such differences in accounts were normal in the activities of all administrations and were usually resolved when state accounts were reviewed on the order of concerned authorities. "In fact, it is the incumbent president, who has been ordered to take this measure, because according to the Department's opinion, he has to transfer the money from one state account to the Treasury's account. It goes without saying that the person, who has been formerly the president, does not have the power to do this," he added. According to Article 54 of the Constitution, the State Audit Department presents the parliament with the final budget allocation report every year to be read out on the floor of the parliament. IMANI Ghana, a policy and education think tank, has disclosed that Ghana has not made the best out of its Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The think-tank made this known when it released a report in Accra that examined the various FTAs that Ghana had entered into. IMANI revealed that Ghana has recorded trade deficits from 2006 to 2016, save the year 2011, from the Interim European Partnership Agreement. It noted that compared to Cote dIvoire, Ghana has not maximized its trade opportunities from the partnership agreement. Ghana has not gained much from the interim EPA agreement evident by the persistent trade deficit over the years, the report noted. It however commended Ghanas performance in the export of certain commodities. These included cocoa, which grew by 197 percent, rubber and its articles thereof growing by 259 percent and processed vegetables growing by 3 percent. The story is not very different when it comes to our trade with the United States of America. This free trade agreement is regulated by the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA). This agreement gave Sub-Saharan African countries preferential access to the US market for over 6,000 products. With this agreement, Ghana recorded trade deficits for the past decade that is 2006 to 2016. AGOA presents potential for expansion of Ghanas export to the US but this opportunity remains largely unexploited, it stated. The extension of AGOA until 2025 will give government time to leverage its opportunities especially with the recent Akufo-Addo administration, setting a US$500 million export target by 2020. IMANI suggested to government to explore avenues for setting up a reliable credit rating system. This system would give the banks more trust in the credit worthiness of potential entrepreneurs to expand the business of Ghanaians and boost the trade prospects of the country. It also proposed good information sharing mechanisms and capacity building training in order to enhance the human capital of the average entrepreneur to maximize profits and also expand the trade opportunities of the country. The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Mr. Ahomka-Lindsay reiterated governments commitment to third party interventions and spoke of its importance to nation building and good governance. He noted that the government would look at the recommendations and see what would be best for the country. Source: Daily Guide 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 Deputy Communications Director of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kweku Boahen, has said the governing New Patriotic Party should seek redress at the law court if it thinks the Africa & Middle East Resources Investment Group (AMERI) deal stinks. On UTVs Adekye Nsroma programme, Kweku Boahen dared President Akufo-Addo and his government to go to court if they feel the agreement signed under the AMERI deal was not genuine. He expressed his surprise at how they are now complaining about the AMERI deal when their parliamentarians at the time opted and stood strongly for the deal. They should be able to tell us what has changed, he said. See, we are tired of this current government, always trying to make sure to find something wrong with achievements made by the previous government. We wake up every day to meet their criticism on a project we embarked on, he added. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Adansi Asokwa, K.T. Hammond, has revealed to the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament that Africa & Middle East Resources Investment Group (AMERI) Energy fleeced Ghana to the tune of $150 million and went on profit shopping without investing a penny in the power deal with the Government of Ghana in 2015. Mr K.T. Hammond appeared before the Mines and Energy Committee yesterday to present fresh dossier on the AMERI deal for it to determine whether the parliamentary approval of the deal ought to be reversed or not. He said AMERI Energy did not only violate the agreement with the then government, but also hid very crucial information from the Committee that looked at the nitty-gritty of the agreement before its approval by parliament in March, 2015. However, the minority National Democratic Congress (NDC) boycotted the session that was deliberating on the urgent motion, saying the motion to withdraw the deal was not debated in parliament before being forwarded to the Mines and Energy Committee. Mr KT Hammond, who was the ranking member of the Committee when the deal was approved, filed an urgent motion just before the current parliament went on recess, asking the house to rescind its approval of the deal following fresh documents he had stumbled upon which make the deal a stinking one. Source: Elizabeth Semiheva/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 Anti-graft campaigners and governance experts are kicking against the recent promotion of Deputy Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, ACP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, to the position of an acting Director. The CID Director, COP Bright Oduro, was recently asked to proceed on leave, three months to the actual date of his retirement, January 3, 2018. ACP Addo-Danquah was quickly appointed to replace him, taking office on Wednesday, October 18, 2017. COP Bright Oduro himself has complained about unfair treatment and has described his removal as politically motivated. However, beyond Mr. Oduros bitterness, anti-corruption campaigners say ACP Addo-Danquahs elevation is a slap in the face of the fight against corruption. ACP Addo-Danquah is embroiled in an unresolved allegation of a possible cover-up and bias in a move to probe of two Presidential Staffers Abu Jinapor and Francis Asenso-Boakye in a corruption claim. Vitus Azeem, an anti-corruption campaigner and the Chairman of Tax Justice Coalition, said the decision to promote ACP Addo-Danquah despite the questions that still linger over her connection to the recent corruption investigations, could mar the publics perception about the governments stance on corruption. That is cause for concern, its worrying; especially coming from the President who has pledged to Ghanaians that he is going to fight corruption. Its definitely a worry, Vitus Azeem told Accra-based Citi FM. But Mr. Azeem is not the only person worried by the development. A political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Ransford Gyampo, also told Class FM that ACP Addo-Danquahs elevation lacks tidiness. He suggests that because the current administration has been accused by some of appointing only close relations, ACP Addo-Danquahs sudden elevation should not have happened. ACP Addo-Danquah is rumoured to be related to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, which rumours have been made fertile because of the similarity of their names. Prof Gyampo said on Wednesday, This particular appointment is not politically smart for a government that has suffered and continues to suffer a particular accusation. If its merely acting, then please rethink a different substantive. Political power shouldnt blindfold! Meanwhile, former Greater Accra Regional Police Commander, Ayensua Opare Addo, has also condemned the Ghana Police Service for the manner in which COP Bright Oduro was asked to proceed on leave without a fair hearing. Mr. Oduro had been accused by New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyepong, of empowering land guards in parts of Accra. He believes these allegations have been the basis for his removal. Mr Opare Addo, who himself was a victim of the same circumstances, says the service should have considered COP Bright Oduros rank and long service to the police administration and allowed him to retire with dignity. Source: the publisher 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 In the early hours of Thursday, dissent was met with brute force as scores of angry protesters in neighbouring Togo were met by the full force of the countrys security apparatus. Wednesday was the first of two days of protests by the opposition demanding the reinstatement of Togo's original constitution, which they say would bar President Faure Gnassingbe from a fourth term in 2020. This week's planned protests, the latest against President Faure Gnassingbe, turned bloody as security officers fired tear gas to disperse the determined crowd, injuring many while some protesters fought back by throwing stones, rocks and anything they could lay hands on. In a video making rounds on social media, officials of Togos Police force are seen brutalising people suspected to be part of anti-government protests in that country. In the video, many of the suspects are seen bleeding from different parts of the body with no immediate arrangement for them to secure medical care while others are still being battered by officers of the Police Force while in custody. The situation in Togo has become fluid over the last couple of weeks as government forces have been cracking down on protesters while other well-known operatives of the opposition have faced various degrees. Source: Ghanaweb.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 The Kumasi International Airport went agog as scores of residents in the Kumasi Metropolis yesterday lined up on the streets to wave at the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, when he touched down at the Kumasi International Airport from Brazil. Showing solidarity to the king, various groups in the Asante Kingdom such as the Ashanti Youth Association, Kumasi Youth Association and Asante Students Union as well as a retinue of chiefs, politicians and heads of the security services all lined up at the airport to welcome Otumfuo. Others also held banners with the inscription: Long live the King and danced to rich traditional songs to usher in their king. The Royal occupant of the Golden stool His Royal Highness Otumfuo Osei Tutu II also enjoyed a golden ride through the principal streets of Kumasi before finally taken to the Manhyia Palace where he was treated to traditional music. Otumfuos Mawerehene, Baffour Osei Brentuo Hyiaman V, has however disclosed that the Manhyia Palace is not ready to respond to stories that emerged while he was away. "The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has never responded to such issues and was not ready to respond to the recent one", he explained. Otumfuo arrives from Brazil Otumfuo arrives from Brazil Otumfuo arrives from Brazil Otumfuo arrives from Brazil Otumfuo arrives from Brazil Otumfuo arrives from Brazil Otumfuo arrives from Brazil Otumfuo arrives from Brazil Otumfuo arrives from Brazil Otumfuo arrives from Brazil Members of Kumasi Youth Association (KuYA) welcoming Otumfuo from Brazil Otumfuo arrived in a private jet from Brazil 0 Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana 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 As part of measures to better serve the interest of Ghanaian nationals resident in Italy, the Ghana Embassy in Italy has introduced door-to-door consular services. The new service, spearheaded by the Minister/Consular and Welfare, Mr Jonathan Magnusen, started on Saturday, October 14, 2017. The move is aimed at ensuring that Ghanaian citizens in Italy are offered prompt assistance and support with their documentation so as to enable them make decent living in the country. Services rendered during the initial two-day exercise on October 14 and 15 included passport acquisitions and renewals, attestations and declarations as well as registrations. The move followed the Ghana Ambassadors four-day working visit to Verona, northeast of Italy from Thursday, October 12 to 15, 2017 to familiarize herself with the activities of Ghanaians in the area. In all, the over 400 Ghanaians from Verona and its environs, who were served during the exercise expressed satisfaction and excitement over the relief brought to them by the Embassy. The Ambassador, Ms Paulina Patience Abayage, who used the platform to interact with the Ghanaian nationals in Verona gave an assurance that the Embassy would continue to serve the interest of Ghanaians in the country. She, however, admonished Ghanaians in the area to revive the Ghanaian Nationals Association, which had become dormant in recent times. She said the association could be revived when the leadership devise proactive ways of generating funds to run their activities, to make it relevant and attractive for more Ghanaians to join. Whilst in Verona, Ms Abayage took advantage of the opportunity to participate in the inauguration and fund-raising ceremony of the Verona Chapter of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held on Saturday, October 14, 2017. She also held meetings with Italian investors and businesses at Verona with the aim of encouraging them to invest their monies in the Ghanaian economy. She reiterated the Ghanaian governments commitment to create an enabling environment for all businesses to strive in Ghana, hence encouraging Italian investors to invest in Ghana. Source: Daily Graphic 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 Central Regional Police Commander, COP Rev Ampah Benin, has urged staff of Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital to return to their duties without fear with an assurance of heavy security and police presence at the hospital. According to COP Ampah Benin, regular snap checks in the area have been increased to two while police patrol on the hospital stretch of road has also been doubled. He, however, called on the nurses to report any suspicious person(s) they see walking aimlessly around the hospital. If they have any suspicion about anyone, they shouldnt hesitate to inform us, anybody can be a suspect, any idle person walking around the hospital who is not a patient should be reported, he advised. The police commander interestingly revealed that the lady nurse who was reportedly attacked on the 3rd of October, 2017 after work in front of the hospital, had made no formal complaint to the police, their records have revealed. He, however, promised to ensure that such an occurrences will not repeat itself. COP Ampah Benin revealed this at a press soiree at the Elmina Beach Resort in Cape Coast, Central Nurses at the Maternity and Obstetrics/Gynaecology of the Cape Coast Metro Hospital (CCMH) on 5 October, 2017 appealed to management of the facility to pay more attention to the security of staff of the hospital. In a letter addressed to management of the hospital, concerned nurses of the CCMH lamented the numerous attacks staff have suffered from robbers and hoodlums who rob them off their valuables and injure them in the process. According to the nurses, staff who are on night duty are usually left at the mercy of these criminals as there were no security measures in place to protect them. Source: Today 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 A statement by the Minister for Communications on the punitive action taken against 131 local radio stations by the National Communications Authority (NCA) for not renewing their licences, evoked a lot of emotions, especially from the minority side. The minority National Democratic Congress (NDC) had wanted to make a counter statement to condemn the action of the NCA. The Communications Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, said yesterday that there were 400 more radio stations in the country which had not been affected by the NCAs action and are operating because they had fully complied with the law. She therefore wondered why some Ghanaians, especially the NDC members in parliament, had unjustifiably been accusing the government of supervising the NCAs move. The minister said the law, which is the Electronic Communications Act 2008 (Act 775), was passed by parliament that mandates the NCA to regulate the radio spectrum designated or allocated for use by broadcasting organisations and providers of broadcasting services in accordance with the standards and requirements of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and its Radio Regulations as agreed to or adopted by the Republic. According to Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the regulatory role of NCA is clearly spelt out in the Act passed by parliament and that the NCA does not in any way grant licences to radio stations or regulate the media or exercise editorial control of FM stations. NCA is the legal custodian of Ghanas spectrum resources and grants authorization to entities to use the spectrum, she said, stressing that it is preposterous for anyone to suggest that the implementation of a law parliament has passed is a threat to media plurality. She said the NCA did not arbitrarily set the fines nor make the decisions, adding that it was parliament that did, and the application affects telecommunications operators as well. She said that while there had been complaints about the scale of fines authorized by parliament, as far as she was concerned, the fines are commensurate with the infractions committed. The fact that previous Boards and Directors-General of the NCA, probably with the blessings of the Ministers of Communications, did not enforce their rules does not mean that a new regime with the belief in the rule of law, should not apply the laws of the land. The minister disclosed that she had received a lot of petitions with regards to the fines imposed on the erring radio stations and that each petition would be looked at and on its merit, adding that any person or group of persons who are not satisfied with those fines can still petition her office for consideration. The minority members, including the MP for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George Nettey; MP for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga; MP for Sagnarigu, A.B.A. Fuseini and MP for Tamale North, Suhuyini Alhassan Sayibu, claimed that the fines imposed were arbitrary and too hefty and that they needed to be re-considered or reviewed. The minority members wanted to know the identities of individuals who would be given those frequency allocations, if the licences of the 131 radio stations were eventually revoked. Source: Daily Guide 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 The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has paid glowing tribute to successive Presidents and governments who, he said, played important roles, over the years, in ensuring a favourable verdict was handed down by the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). According to President Akufo-Addo, this victory could not have been achieved through the actions of one person, one political party or one government. It has been a collective effort, and the important roles played by successive Presidents and governments, should not be overlooked, discounted or understated. President Akufo-Addo made this known on Thursday, 19th October, 2017, at a ceremony held in honour of the legal team that represented Ghana in her maritime boundary dispute with Cote dIvoire Expressing the nations appreciation to the team, President Akufo-Addo noted that you have helped guarantee not only the possibilities of development, progress and prosperity of our country, but also that of successive generations of Ghanaians yet unborn, who will be beneficiaries of the revenues, hopefully, to be accrued from the commercial exploitation of our maritime resources and potentials. In paying tribute to the role played by successive governments, President Akufo-Addo noted that it was under the farsighted leadership of former President J.J Rawlings that the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) was established. GNPC, the President said, was set up to be a strategic, commercial vehicle to help accelerate the pace for the exploration of oil and gas, and under the leadership of Tsatsu Tsikata, played a pioneering role in gathering, analysing and interpreting data for oil and gas exploration, and beginning to attract other companies to participate in the exploration. It was under the leadership of my former boss, the former President of the Republic, His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor, that GNPC was restructured to ensure that it focused on its core activity of exploration, and the promotion of the oil and gas potential of the country, President Akufo-Addo said. He continued, Under him, the fundamentals of our macroeconomy were stabilised, enhancing our appeal as an investment destination. A combination of the new fiscal regime and GNPC's promotional activities yielded results, as a number of oil exploration companies invested in Ghana, which led to the discovery in 2007 of the Jubilee Fields, followed by a quick succession of other discoveries, including the TEN fields. President Akufo-Addo also recounted how in July 2008, Ghana began preparations for the establishment of the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles, and highlighted the unique role played by the then Minister for Lands, Forestry and Mines, Prof. Dominic Fobih, who discovered and brought to the attention of President Kufuors administration, the conditionality of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) approaching deadline of 13th May, 2009. The President noted that in 2010, the late President of the Republic, His Excellency John Evans Atta-Mills, set up a 10-member Ghana Boundary Commission to undertake negotiations with Cote dIvoire to delimit the maritime boundary. It was in 2014 that my immediate predecessor, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, took the courageous decision to initiate arbitration. Through a Notification and a Statement of the claim, dated 19th September, 2014, Ghana invoked the jurisdiction of ITLOS, after ten rounds of negotiations between Ghana and Cote dIvoire had not yielded any result. In turning to the Tribunal, Ghanas primary objective and interest was to secure legal certainty, and, thereby, bring finality to a dispute with a valued neighbour, he said. Upon his assumption of office in January 2017, and to continue from the work that had been done, the President noted that he constituted a legal team, headed by the new Attorney General Gloria Afua Akuffo, and his team working together with the team led by the former Attorney General, Marietta Brew Oppong, and the foreign lawyers. It was the co-operative effort of all of them that secured the famous result of 23rd September, 2017, for our country. And, I am glad to see that several of the foreign lawyers have been able to join us for this brief ceremony. Happily for me, it has been during my presidency that Ghana received the joyful news of this victory, he added. Source: Daily Graphic 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 The National Communications Authority has sanctioned some radio stations for contravening certain aspects of the Electronics Communications Act (2009), Act 775 which resulted in some broadcasting stations having their licenses revoked and others fined. As some radio stations have been shut down for failing to comply with the directives of the NCA, the Minority caucus in Parliament has raised concerns describing the act as illegal. There were exchanges between the Communications Minister, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful and Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament, Sam George in Parliament on Thursday, October 19. The two made out their arguments over the revocation of the licenses of 131 radio stations by the NCA. While the Minister built defense for the NCA saying the actions were in line with the regulations of the NCA, Sam George argued the fines had no Parliamentary approval. Addressing the issue on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo', Kwesi Pratt Jnr., Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, also stated emphatically that the NCA decision is completely unconstitutional. He explained that the laws governing the electronic sector insist the NCA cannot use a retroactive legislation to charge the radio stations. To him, "it is unlawful" for the NCA to revoke the licenses of the stations or charge them such astronomical fees backdating to 17 years of operations by the stations. "It is illegal. Its a violation of the constitution. Its unconstitutional, clearly unconstitutional because the constitution frowns on retroactive legislation. Mr. Pratt also questioned the "common sense" in NCA's revocation of authorisation to the radio stations, recounting that should the Authority even decide to sell off the license to another bidder they will only make a profit of GHC 30,000. He asked the sense in making GHC 30,000 when the NCA can negotiate with the affected stations and ensure they pay up a fine which will exceed the amount but not to charge them with exorbitant sums as in the case of an Accra-based radio station which is fined about GHC 61 million together with others. "When you close down the station for owing 61 million and you sell the license, you will only get GHC 30,000 in return. With all due respect, what's the logic in this that someone owes you 61 million and when you sell the thing you say he owes you, you'll only get 30,000? Why don't you sit down with him to give you about 60,000? Even if he gives you 60,000, you have 30,000 plus or even if he gives you 1 million - this is common sense," he told Kwami Sefa Kayi. Outlining further some major challenges the media has to go through to broadcast issues, Mr. Pratt stressed that the "fines that they (NCA) have imposed, the radio stations cant pay it today or tomorrow. Even if they cry blood, they cant pay. So, in effect, its a closure. Its a ban. The effect of it is to ban the stations. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana 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 The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has urged the first batch of Officer Cadets commissioned from the Military Academy and Training Schools to discharge their duties professionally and diligently. President Akufo-Addo reminded the new Officer Cadets to safeguard and protect the territorial integrity of the nation and its citizens, and not to use your position to antagonise the very citizens whose sacrifices have made your training possible. Indeed, you owe it a duty to the nation to work towards ensuring its peace, stability and development. He noted that with their commission being the beginning of their careers as professional officers and leaders, they are expected to exhibit exemplary conduct, and also to remain conscious of their responsibilities towards the people of the nation, whose security they would be charged to protect. President Akufo-Addo made this known on Friday, 20th October, 2017, when he commissioned the first batch of Officer Cadets at a ceremony held at the Military Academy and Training Schools. Besides being equipped with the fundamentals of functional leadership, The President stated that the Officer Cadets have been imbued with the requisite military skills, and other relevant areas of military studies, upon which they are required to build your future careers. As young officers, you must be desirous of acquiring more knowledge, so you are not overtaken by the changing tides, in this fast-paced technological era. The sky must be your limit in your quest for information and knowledge, he added. The President also reminded them that they are being commissioned into the Ghana Armed Forces, which has carved a niche for itself, over the years, as a unique, disciplined and professional Armed Force, nationally and internationally, in the discharge of its duties. It has performed excellently in various international peacekeeping operations, resulting in Ghana being one of the best troop contributing countries for peacekeeping operations in the world, he added. With national armies being transformed, in recent times, due to the nature of emerging conflicts, the President noted that the traditional challenges to security on the continent, such as chieftaincy conflicts, armed robberies, land disputes, religious intolerance, ethnic conflicts and political rivalry, are being compounded by contemporary threats like drug and human trafficking, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, cyber-crime and activities of nomadic herdsmen. Threats from all these non-state actors, he added, have called for a new approach to training in military skills and strategy, in order to counter the challenges presented by the threats. It is for this reason that President Akufo-Addo assured our noble officers, men and women, that my Government, with the support of Parliament, would do everything within its power to equip you adequately in all spheres of activities, to enable the force discharge its duty efficiently. Hopefully, you will see signs of this soon. President Akufo-Addo, in saluting all the award winners of this academy intake, also presented the Sword of Honour to Senior Under Officer Arthur Barnes who was adjudged the Overall Best Officer Cadet of the Graduating Regular Career Course. The President also congratulated the Academy Sergeant Major, Senior Warrant Officer Attom Kumah Richard, and his team of instructors, adding that Ghana is indebted to you for the loyalty and dedication you have exhibited in bringing up the graduands to the desired standard. 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 The Italian Ambassador to Ghana his Excellency Mr Giovanni Faviini has urged the country to take decisions that will not drive away foreign investors but encourage such investors to do business in Ghana to promote the country's economic development. His Excellency Mr Giovanni Faviili made the comment today when he held discussions with members of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs at Parliament House on matters of mutual benefit to Ghana and Italy. Ambassador Giovanni Faviili was happy that many Italian investors are doing business in the country especially in the construction and real estate sectors. He said a total of about 70 000 Ghanaians currently live in Italy legally and made remittance to the tune of about 133 million US dollars to their families in 2015. He said there are currently about 2000 Ghanaian students studying in Italy . According to His Excellency Faviini the Italian government is taking steps to repatriate illegal immigrants who arrived in Italy by sea including Ghanaians and is therefore holding discussion with the government of Ghana on the issue. The Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and MP for Nsawam/Adoagyiri Hon Frank Annor Dompreh appealed to Italy to help build the capacity of the Parliament of Ghana to enhance their work. He lauded the long standing relation between Ghana and Italy as well as the immense support Italy has been giving to Ghana. Hon Dompreh also appealed for the support of the government of Italy to develop the small scale industry in Ghana. The Deputy Minority Ranking Member on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and MP for Pru West Hon Masawudu Mohammed appealed to the Italian government to train illegal Ghanaian immigrants in custody in Italy to acquire employable skills before their repatriation to Ghana. Source: Emmanuel Akorli/PeaceFM's Parliamentary Correspondent 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 Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has denied commercials running on Television and radio that he would be attending the upcoming Radio and Television Awards 2017. Director of Communications at office of the Vice President, Frank Agyei-Twum has revealed in a Facebook post that the second gentleman of the nation has nothing to do with the awards. In a Facebook post, Agyei-Twum stressed that,The Vice President has nothing to do with the 2017 RTP awards and will not be present at the said ceremony. Agyei-Twum has confirmed the authenticity of the Facebook post in an interview with Peacefmonline.com. The Facebook post is correct. It is from the Vice Presidents office and I can confirm the Vice President has no knowledge of the awards and he will not attend. Asked if organizers of the event have officially invited the Vice President, Mr. Agyei-Twum said They may or may have not have invited the Vice President but all I can say is that the Vice President knows nothing about the RTP Awards Organizers of the event are yet to react to the Vice President's statement. Meanwhile, Peacefmonline.com efforts to reach the organizers have proven futile. The 7th edition of the Radio & Television Personality (RTP) Awards is scheduled for October 28, 2017. Per the advert running, personalities invited to grace the occasion include, Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Former President of Ghana-John Dramani Mahama, Rev. Dr. Boadi Nyamekye (Founder and Leader of Makers House Chapel) and other dignitaries. Section of the public hold the view that once high profile personalities will be present at the event, it should be treated as a corporate show with regards to the type of artistes to perform on stage. Sensational "One Corner" hitmaker Patapaa Amisty, who was billed to perform at this years event, has denied earlier reports suggesting that, he was not performing at the awards show. The Swedru based artiste indicated that, he will be performing at the event and entreated his fans to ignore earlier publications. Other Ghanaian musicians performing Live at the Adonko Radio & Television Personality Awards are Ebony, Kurl Songx and Patience Nyarko. Source: Eugene Osafo-Nkansah/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 Tragically Hip lead singer Gord Downie raises his arm in response to a speaker as he sits with Sylvia Maracle, right, and Jacqueline Guest during an investiture ceremony, in Ottawa on Monday, June 19, 2017. As Gord Downie fans reflect on his music and advocacy for the plight of Canada's Indigenous people, the medical community is also remembering his great contributions in that world that they say will be felt for decades to come. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attends the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto International Leadership Reunion at Toronto's Royal Ontario Museum on October 18, 2017. As Canadian cities compete with each other -- and dozens of jurisdictions south of the border -- for Amazon's new $50-billion headquarters, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pitched Canada to the company's founder. In a letter addressed to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Trudeau makes a general case why any prospective Canadian suitors could prove attractive as the retail behemoth's next corporate home. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, stands during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017. It's cannabis day today at the meeting of federal, provincial and territorial health ministers in Edmonton. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick Seven-year-old Molly Reid is seen on a British Airways flight on October 10, 2017 in this handout photo. Heather Szilagyi was on a British Airways flight with her seven-year-old daughter and fiancee Eric Neilson on Oct. 10 when she said they noticed what appeared to be bedbugs crawling out of the seat in front of them. She said the flight attendants couldn't move them because there were no other available seats on the plane. After landing, Szilagyi discovered they were covered in bites. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Heather Szilagyi *MANDATORY CREDIT* This Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017 frame grab made from drone video shows damaged buildings in Raqqa, Syria two days after Syrian Democratic Forces said that military operations to oust the Islamic State group have ended and that their fighters have taken full control of the city. (AP Photo/ Gabriel Chaim) Harvey Hits Heart of Texas Energy Industry. Gasoline has surged as oil platforms, pipelines and refineries were shut in Texas due to Tropical Storm Harvey. Bloomberg's Dan Murtaugh reports on "Bloomberg Markets: Asia." (Source: Bloomberg) - Watch video HOUSTON Petroleumworld 10 20 2017 It took five weeks for the largest U.S. oil refinery to get back to normal after Hurricane Harvey. It's taking Port Arthur, Texas, a lot longer. Nearly two months after Harvey inundated Port Arthur, a crucial hub of the global energy industry, the city of 55,000 is struggling to recover. As attention shifted to Puerto Rico, where the devastation from Hurricane Maria is far worse, water-logged debris still lines the city's streets. The mess of furniture, carpets and appliances will take months to clear, Mayor Derrick Freeman said. Zika, mold, hepatitis and other health threats are a big concern. You're picking up moldy sheet rock and refrigerators that have flies all over, Freeman said. The 2017 hurricane season unleashed its deadly torrents on industries and communities alike, but the ability to clean up and move on separates them. That's been true not only for Puerto Rico, where most of the island is without power a month after landfall, but to a lesser extent in Port Arthur, also known as Energy City, whose facilities are responsible for 6.3 percent of American oil refining. Even in Houston, the fourth-largest U.S. city, which received $50 million in recovery funds from the state's $12 billion disaster-relief fund, clearing mounds of trash will take months, according to a statement from the city. Though problems persist, the Motiva Enterprises refinery, owned by Saudi Arabian Oil Co. , and other Port Arthur facilities, run by Valero Energy Corp. and Total SA , had the resources to return to near-normal relatively quickly. On the other side of the razor wire, it will cost Port Arthur $25 million to cart away all the garbage, according to Freeman. The city received $10 million from the state fund, said Chris Bryan, spokesman for the Texas comptroller. The legislature won't decide on further appropriations until its next session in 2019, he said. Census Data Port Arthur, 90 miles east of Houston, wasn't a beacon of financial wellness before Hurricane Harvey, according to the latest census data . In 2015, 27 percent of residents lived below the poverty line, compared with 17 percent in the state of Texas and 11 percent in the U.S. Median household income in Port Arthur is $32,863, more than 35 percent lower than in Texas and the country in general. The town has roughly triple the percentage of black residents as Texas and the U.S. The economic disadvantages translate into health concerns. Locals have started complaining about weird health concerns, including breathing problems and rashes, most likely from homes infested with black mold, said Dr. Marsha Thigpen, the executive director of the town's Gulf Coast Health Center. Thigpen said she's seeing 10 percent more patients than she did this time last year. The center is giving away hepatitis A vaccines and insect repellent to prevent Zika virus, she said. Prolonged contact with mold can lead to neurological disorders, according to Dr. Claudia S. Miller at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, memory loss and difficulty concentrating might appear to be from post-traumatic stress, but those problems also arise from toxic exposure, she said. Trade Zone Port Arthur's three oil refineries are part of a peculiar jurisdictional setup. They aren't sitting on city land. Like the embassies of foreign countries, they're not technically on U.S. soil either. They're in foreign trade zones, which allow the refineries an array of federal and local tax breaks. The refineries are doing well financially. Motiva spent $7 billion on a 2012 expansion that more than doubled the facility's capacity, to 605,000 barrels a day. The move set up the company to more efficiently process a range of crudes, including oil from Venezuela and Canada's tar sands. Saudi Aramco plans to invest $12 billion into another refinery expansion, and $18 billion total into Motiva by 2023. Total said it's pouring $1.7 billion into expansion at its Port Arthur plant. For America Getting the facilities running after the storm was a priority for more than simply business reasons, said Dan Misko, who works at Exxon Mobil Corp. 's refinery in Beaumont, Texas, 20 miles northwest of Port Arthur. They don't work just for Exxon Mobil, they work for the American people, Misko said. It's important to the U.S. to make sure that we can provide fuel. The Port Arthur-based refiners have been generous to their afflicted neighbors. Motiva said it donated $500,000 to the American Red Cross; Total gave $250,000 and Valero $1 million. Motiva said it gave away fuel and food, supplied as many as 900 meals a day for 10 days to emergency responders and evacuees staying at a local middle school. The company is matching employee contributions to the Red Cross, spokeswoman Angela Goodwin said. Homes of one of every five Total employees in Port Arthur experienced flooding, and the company helped more than 200 employees with hotel stays, rental vehicles, onsite meals and fuel, said Tricia Fuller, a Total spokeswoman. They Never Left Valero delivered hundreds of meals to Catholic Charities Hospitality Center, donated towels to the humane society, blankets to shelters and food to the United Steelworkers union, which represents refinery workers, said Valero spokeswoman Lillian Riojas. Between Port Arthur and Beaumont, 900 union members were affected by the storm, and more than 500 lost just about everything, said Richard Hoot Landry, the district staff representative. Most of our people never left the refinery, Landry said last week. Shifts are returning to normal this week, but refinery employees were working long days, Landry said, so they didn't have a lot of time to work on their homes, many of which were damaged by the water. They're living with family and friends, he said. It's really a nightmare trying to find good contractors that won't rip them off, so they're really stressed right now. Since the first shale gas export terminal opened in Louisiana last year, America's drillers have seen at least 75 cargoes of their fuel sail through the Panama Canal bound for markets in Asia. Now they're looking for a cheaper and quicker route. And they've turned to Mexico for help. Aldo Flores, Mexico's deputy energy secretary, said Thursday that the government's in talks with shale drillers in West Texas about a potential pipeline that would send their gas straight to Mexico's west coast, where it could then be liquefied and shipped overseas. Such a pipeline could eliminate the need for gas tankers to navigate the Panama Canal and hand the U.S. another outlet for the bounty of gas that President Donald Trump has vowed to unleash upon the world. It comes as at least one would-be U.S. gas exporter, Sempra LNG & Midstream , v oices concerns about delays at the canal that threaten to cost gas traders thousands of dollars a day. While Mexico doesn't have a concrete plan yet, there's a lot of interest, Flores told reporters in Houston on Thursday. It makes total sense for West Texas gas producers. South Korea , China and Japan have emerged as some of the largest buyers of U.S. liquefied natural gas, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. Bloomberg New Energy Finance forecasts show Asia's demand for the fuel only stands to increase in the coming years. Meanwhile, Mexico is already the top consumer of U.S. LNG -- it has taken more than 40 cargoes from the Louisiana terminal run by Cheniere Energy Inc. since it opened last year. Converting Terminals Mexico's west coast is already lined with import facilities that could be converted to export, including the Manzanillo one in the state of Colima. As Mexico lays more pipelines to reach U.S. gas, those import outlets may become obsolete anyway, said Jason Feer, global head of business intelligence at ship broker Poten & Partners in Houston. There are a couple of what will be soon stranded assets, and they could be turned into vehicles for export, Feer said. That's what's driving the push for a pipeline to the coast, he said. The Panama Canal wouldn't be the only one facing more competition. Pembina Pipeline Corp.'s Veresen Inc. has been pitching an LNG export terminal in Oregon and recently reapplied for approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission after being denied permits last year. Veresen has marketed the project as a faster way to get U.S. gas to Asia. A pipeline from Texas to Mexico's west coast could be a costly proposition, Bloomberg New Energy Finance analyst Anastacia Dialynas said Thursday. But it would also be easier to build in Mexico, where there are less regulations than in Oregon, she said. 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. With hundreds of miles of scenic bike paths running through Greater Philadelphia, its no wonder so many Philly residents are avid bicyclists. If youre looking for new routes to try in town, check out our list of the citys best The lobby of the Aloft Hotel in the former Liberty Title and Trust Building. Read more A dozen protesters, many of them either clergy or members of the hospitality workers' union, were issued citations Thursday evening as they massed in the lobby of the Aloft Hotel at Broad and Arch Streets, Philadelphia police said. The protesters said the 179-room hotel, a conversion of the 1920s Liberty Title & Trust Building, received $33 million in government subsidies on the promise of providing 170 jobs, including 115 in a restaurant. The hotel opened Aug. 31 without the restaurant and its jobs, the protesters said Starwood Hotels & Resorts, now owned by Marriott International Inc., is operating the hotel. No one from the company's press office responded to a request for comment. The protest was organized by Center City Organized for Responsible Development. In June, U.S. Rep. Bob Brady (D, Pa.) wrote to the U.S. Treasury Department raising questions about the biggest grant, a $15 million New Market Tax Credit designed to encourage development and jobs in low-income neighborhoods. Household income in the neighborhood around the hotel is 1.5 times higher than the city average. The development team also received a $2-million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant from Pennsylvania and a $10-million award of federal historic tax credits, and it is expected to receive about $6 million in city tax abatements for new construction, according to Brady's letter. Among those cited Thursday was the Rev. Robin Hynicka, pastor of Arch Street United Methodist Church, across Arch Street from the hotel. "If developers want to come to the poorest big city in America and ask the public to pay for their projects, we will hold them accountable to the promises that they make. We demand that the Aloft Hotel either create the jobs they promised, or give us back our money," Hynicka said in a statement. Also cited were two top officials of Unite Here Local 274: Rosslyn Wuchinich, president, and Briheem Douglas, vice president. The union represents hotel and food-service workers and hopes to unionize workers at new hotels under construction around the city. City Representative Sheila Hess (left) stands by as Anuj Gupta, general manager of Reading Terminal Market, announces plans for the markets 125th birthday celebration at a news conference on Friday. Read more As they mark 125 years of history, Reading Terminal Market executives have big plans to set up distillery kiosks, encourage farm-to-table entrepreneurs, develop the area outside the market, and eventually deliver food to customers' homes. To start with, the gastronomic bazaar, one of the city's great public spaces, plans to raise $2 million to complete the restoration of its facade, a project that had been left unfinished since the 1990s. The iconic market is also launching a set of 21st-century innovations, driven by competition with a new wave of grocers that include Whole Foods, Amazon, and MOM's Organic. Following a news conference Friday to kick off a yearlong celebration of the market's 125th anniversary, general manager Anuj Gupta described his vision that will reinvent the terminal while staying true to its culinary roots. "We want to stay one step ahead of the competition, and we don't want to be Chicago, Seattle, or Austin," said Gupta, referring to the home cities with some of the new food giants. "We want to be Philadelphia," he said "And we're going to be constantly giving our customers reasons to come back." On the immediate horizon: An incubator for farm-to-table entrepreneurs. Start-up vendors will be able to take short-term leases on smaller spaces to experiment with new products. Farmers with seasonal produce can also take advantage of adjustable stands and temporary leases. "In the past, a 300-square-foot space and a five-year lease was a major obstacle" to new artisanal food merchants, Gupta said. "This allows everyone to become a little more nimble and take on less risk. The intention is to create more space for new ventures." A set of distillery kiosks. The region is undergoing an explosion in the number of distillers of whiskies, bourbons, gins, and vodkas, Gupta said. The market will offer them a rare showcase outside the state store system. Under state law, vendors' new 50-square-foot stands will be entitled to offer small samples of spirits. A new app. Available for Android and iOS, the app will allow customers to order groceries and arrange for curbside pickup. It's set to be launched before the holiday season. Eventually, the market hopes to provide home delivery. New vendors of traditional market foods. Gupta mentioned that starting this weekend, a Barnagat Bay fisherman, Jim Laprete, will set up shop to sell seafood bought and sold on his dock, from Jersey-caught flounder and mahi mahi to scallops. "Whatever is seasonal and local," Gupta said. Long-term, the market is looking to expand to "transform Filbert Street" under the Reading Terminal shed roof. Gupta mentioned the Eastern Market in Washington as a possible model. That market, in the city's Capitol Hill neighborhood, predates Philadelphia's by a decade. The District of Columbia institution has "20 times the number of merchants" outside the market than inside, he said, and features an array of artists, crafters, and performers. Reading Terminal officials say they are still sifting through such possibilities. As the environment changes, Reading Terminal Market will remain focused on family-owned businesses, Gupta said. As a nonprofit corporation, it receives donations and sponsorships from city institutions and companies such as Brandywine Realty Trust. The support effectively subsidizes the mom-and-pops. "If the full cost of the real estate was borne by the rent structure, most couldn't afford to be here," Gupta said. Preserving the market's character gives it a competitive edge, said Ferdinand Wirth, a professor of food marketing at St. Joseph's University. The unparalleled diversity of products is a draw in itself, Wirth said. "But it's also the feeling that you're dealing with regular people local vendors as opposed to big corporate chains. It's authentically part of the 'Buy Local' phenomenon, and that's one of the biggest movements in food right now." The market's official anniversary, dubbed "1893 Day," is scheduled for Feb. 22, 2018. A yearlong celebration will follow featuring "Taste of Market" cooking demonstrations, a public speaker series, and street festivities with entertainers and well-known chefs. "Why is 125 years important?" Gupta asked rhetorically before assembled TV cameras and reporters. "Because in an environment where most food businesses fail within their first year, any milestone is important. "We're doing what we can do to ensure someone will be standing here 125 years from now." Stephanie McKellop is a graduate teaching assistant at University of Pennsylvania department of history under fire for tweets about a teaching method. Read more Maybe my political science professor didn't hate me. Maybe every time I gave him the "Please, Baby Jesus, don't call on me" look, and he did anyway, he was actually trying to encourage me, a first-generation college student who felt as if she didn't belong, and that whatever she said wasn't as smart as whatever the more extroverted students had to say. If that was the case, I probably owe that man an apology for all the horrible things I wished on him as I gathered the courage to speak, and I'm glad Twitter wasn't around when he was trying to get quieter students to speak more. Because apparently, encouraging marginalized students to participate in class is controversial. Who knew? Stephanie McKellop, a graduate student teaching assistant at University of Pennsylvania, knows. On Oct. 16, McKellop tweeted: "I will always call on my Black women students first. Other POC get second tier priority. [White Women] come next. And, if I have to, white men." You can guess how that went over. Not the most artfully constructed tweet, that's for sure especially for someone in the super-sensitive environment of academia. Remember how Drexel University reprimanded George Ciccariello-Maher for his controversial tweets after numerous threats were made against him and the campus. Unsurprisingly, the Twitter hounds pounced on McKellop, ignoring her subsequent tweets, which explained the "progressive stacking" method that seeks to offer marginalized students more opportunity to speak in the classroom. Calls went out for the history lecturer's head. She's a racist, a sexist. She's "unfit for academia." Twitter, the land where nuance and context go to die. In a Chronicle of Higher Education article I highly recommend for everyone whose hair is on fire, an associate professor at the University of Arizona explained that sometimes-misunderstood technique. Progressive stacking does not mean a professor calls on marginalized students who have not volunteered to speak so maybe that professor did hate me! It also doesn't mean never calling on white men. It's "an acknowledgment that traditional pedagogical techniques have silenced marginal voices," said Nolan Cabrera, the Arizona professor. Not much different, several professors told me, from what many good teachers do without thinking, or tweeting, in an effort to include much-needed and long-overdue perspectives in classrooms. Or, even simpler, to give everyone a say. Inclusion is not discrimination. According to a screenshot of McKellop's tweets, which are set to private but were shared by supporters, the university was set to condemn McKellop for using progressive stacking. "Because this involves calling on Black students more readily than white men, the white nationalists and Nazis were very upset," read McKellop's tweet. Another of McKellop's tweets read: "They did keep me from going to lecture with my students and they *canceled* their classes with me this week." Later, Penn released a statement from Steven Fluharty, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, saying that "contrary to some reports, the graduate student has not been removed from the program and we have and will continue to respect and protect the graduate student's right to due process." "We are looking into the current matter involving a graduate student teaching assistant to ensure that our students were not subjected to discriminatory practices in the classroom and to ensure that all of our students feel heard and equally engaged." Which sounds a lot like what McKellop was advocating. What amazes me, whether we're talking about Black Lives Matter, athletes taking a knee against police brutality, or teachers trying to enrich conversations with perspectives that have historically been missing from the classroom, is the reaction from historically dominant voices screaming that they're being silenced while drowning out everyone else. There are a lot of words to describe that, but we can start with hypocritical. I've been on both sides of the desk. I was the marginalized student, and the teacher trying to get marginalized students to speak up more. As scary as it was to talk in class, it forced me to find and value my voice, and continue to find and value the voices of others whose voices have gone unheard. So maybe I owe my voice as a columnist to that professor. And as awkward as it sometimes felt to try to engage the quieter students in my class, I know one thing for sure conversations are always enriched by greater inclusion, and any teacher who advocates for that gets an A in my book. Mayor Kenney speaks and wells up at a gathering hosted by the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia to thank the diverse coalition that made the Philadelphia regions bid for Amazon HQ2 possible. Read more So, the pitch has been made. Amazon, come hither. I know I'm far from the only one who looked at our all-out, everything-plus-the-kitchen-sink courting of the mega corporation Thursday at the Barnes Foundation with a little embarrassment. We do come on strong. A billion-dollar tax break in a bow? You got it. The fawning of everyone who's ever done business here or held office? Sure. No problem. Our case is strong, too. For weeks, my colleagues have been laying out the merits our historical significance, our transit and ready land, our growth and potential for more, our indomitable character. And others have offered reasons why Amazon should find a different landing spot for its second home it could broaden our already immense gap between rich and poor. It could make an affordable city Bay Area-expensive. It could help the new arrivals at the expense of the people who have been trying to make it here for so long without the billion-dollar breaks. "It's like a little village here," my friend Fergus Carey told me when I first arrived here 15 years ago. That's a sentiment that made me first fall in love with this town and still shapes the way I feel about it. You may know Fergie from his shock of white hair, his bike festooned with bells, and the homey bars he opened that have been fixtures in the city's arts and culture scene for decades. When I think about Amazon, I think about what's been happening to the Irishman's eponymous bar on Sansom Street, where they're literally building a luxury tower around his spot. For so long Fergie's stood like a beacon on that once-desolate street. He rolls with it. And he won't budge. But hey if any newbies upstairs decide they want a Guinness or a star turn on the live-band karaoke stage, everyone's welcome. The village endures. Still, the Ferg, like many, is of two minds about our potential corporate takeover. "Will it be a little village, or a really expensive little village nobody could afford?" the sage barman asked. "Everything has a cost." That applies to Amazon, too, I thought walking up the street to the Reading Terminal. I was going to see the Meat Man. Like Fergie and me, Nick "Meat Man" Macri is a transplant. He bought in 15 years ago from Toronto, first for school, now with a butcher shop in Reading Terminal. The Terminal, of course, rightfully makes it into every single pitch for this city. And on Friday, as the market was holding a press conference to celebrate its 125th anniversary and talk about its future, the Meat Man was building his own moving his growing business, La Divisa Meats, to a new spot in the market. A nice one, by the window. The Meat Man was feeling contemplative. "Great. Come to our city with your big company," he said. "But don't support just that big company. Support small businesses. Become part of a neighborhood. Support the city from the bottom up, not the other way around. And don't put gum on my counter." The Meat Man hates that. They should have had the Meat Man write the ad copy. He's right: Look, I'd be thrilled if Amazon came here. So would Amazon. This city makes you fall in love with it, like it or not. But we're not suckers here. There are strings attached. Big ones, when it's a billion bucks. If Amazon comes here, it wins our culture, our restaurants, our neighborhoods, our beauty, and our weirdness and grit. If it gets the Navy Yard, which for the last several years I have used as a personal running track, I will cede that ground for the good of the city. "Relax, Mike, you'll always be able to run at the Navy Yard," Prema Katari Gupta, a senior vice president of Navy Yard Planning & Development a Connecticut transplant herself assured me Friday. (I could almost hear her eyes roll over the phone.) But if our number comes up, Amazon is going to have to make a commitment to dig in. It'll get more than just the tourist brochures. It'll get our struggling school system, our deeply entrenched poverty, an opioid crisis like almost nowhere else. We could use that Amazon cachet. We could also use the help. The city must demand it. So here's my pitch: I know every city is pushing its good bars and good food and its cast of characters and story to tell. But is there another city in the country that combines our historical importance, indomitable character, and a transformation built on our own organic, gritty, can-do attitude? Amazon could do good works here, if it wanted. There's unquestionable value in that. So I hope to see you around, Amazonians. Just don't gum up our counters. Hundreds of students at Coatesville Area High School walked out of classes Friday morning after a social media post from schoolmates showed pumpkins carved with a swastika and KKK on them. The demonstration, which included marching around the school twice, was a display of unity from the student body, a protest of administrative inaction, and a call for change, student leaders said. "This isn't something that we want to do," said Tyrel Bladen, 17, a senior who helped lead the protest. "It's something we have to do." The walkout began around 7:30 a.m. and demonstrations lasted through the end of the school day, around 2 p.m. School officials, prepared for the protest, monitored the students outside. Police also were present at the school, but that appeared to be only a precaution. School principals Michele Snyder and Brian Chenger sent a letter to parents Thursday in anticipation of Friday morning's "Unity Event," which was sanctioned by and organized with administrators. "We are very proud of our students who stand in unity against hatred," the letter said. "We continue to insist that these events will not define us, and we will rise above them." Students said they saw the school-sanctioned event as an attempt to exert control over a student-driven movement, which helped lead to the decision to continue the morning protest through the rest of the day. The protest came a day after scores of students at Gloucester County's Washington Township High School staged a sit-in after some white students exchanged racially charged social-media messages, leading to a confrontation between some white and black students. READ MORE: School racial incidents in Coatesville, Washington Twp. and Quakertown: A recap Coatesville has had problems in the past. In 2013, the former superintendent and athletic director resigned after school officials discovered that they had exchanged racist text messages. Earlier this month, a black baby doll was found hanging in a Coatesville High School locker with a tie around its neck. Then, the photo was posted, with white students holding the pumpkins carved with racist symbols. "How are we supposed to come to this high school, knowing there are these prejudices?" Bladen said. The Chester County school is majority-minority: 47 percent white, 31 percent black, 18 percent Hispanic, 1 percent Asian, and 3 percent multiracial. "White people are just as offended as black people," said Sonny Myers, 48, pointing to the multiracial, multi-ethnic throng of students around him. Myers, a 1987 alumnus of the school and parent of a current student, said things today are worse than they had been then: "It's like we've devolved to the '60s." Parents many of them alumni also showed up to the school Friday in support of the students, bringing food and water and helping keep the space clean. The Coatesville Area School District has said it appears the photo of the pumpkins carved with racist symbols was taken off school grounds, after school hours, and involved both current and former students. Superintendent Cathy Taschner said the district will "exercise its full authority" to send a message that the picture and carvings are not acceptable. Caln Township police are also investigating, but it is not clear what crime could come into play. Some students told Taschner the doll incident was a foolish prank. Classmates said it was unacceptable either way. "Anything offensive should not be done," said senior Gloria Phillips, 17. Another student said he had spoken with one of the students involved in the pumpkins photo, who expressed regret and said he would apologize and beg forgiveness from classmates. Asked what the response would be, Phillips paused before saying, "That's hard." Students expressed anger and hurt at knowing their classmates people they see in classrooms, hallways, sports fields had been behind racist actions. In interviews, students asked similar questions: How do they see me? What do they think of me? "I'm scared to walk around in the hallways, because it's like, people really think like that," said Tajanae Primous, 17, a senior. Jared Elters, 17, the senior class president and organizer of Friday's protest, said he was disappointed the administration was "not listening to the voice of the students." On Tuesday, he told gathered students, everyone should show up at the school board meeting. Students must be heard, he said, and institutional change must happen, including the creation of fair policies for responding to issues of race. Friday's demonstration was also a display of unity, a show of hope, students said. Energized classmates discussed racism, sexism, and school policies. "A lot of people were scared, a lot of people lost hope," said Catalina Cruz, 16, a junior. "And today gave people hope." Overhead pipes at John B. Kelly Elementary School in 2015 display the buildings longstanding problem with mold, teachers say. Read more The public sat up and took notice when a mold problem shut John B. Kelly Elementary in Germantown, forcing a weeklong cleanup as about 650 students missed school. But more dangers fester inside city schools, officials said Thursday, hidden from the public eye and affecting thousands of vulnerable children. "There are dozens literally dozens of other schools that are in conditions that are similar," said Jerry Roseman, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers' director of environmental science. Roseman is routinely inside Philadelphia classrooms, surveying conditions on behalf of the union. He said he has witnessed the damage firsthand, which is documented in internal district documents problems with mold, lead paint, asbestos, ventilation, and rodent and pest issues. David Masur, executive director of PennEnvironment, an advocacy group, characterized the Kelly problem as "just the tip of the toxic iceberg." Schools officials strongly disputed that characterization. "We do not believe there are dozens of schools that have the issues that were addressed at J.B. Kelly," said Lee Whack, a district spokesman. "When the school district learns of a problem with mold, we remediate it immediately. If there is an issue with asbestos, we abate it immediately. If there is any problem that threatens the health and safety of students or staff, we work to solve it immediately." City Councilman Derek Green joined Roseman, Masur, and others at a Thursday news conference to say they were not getting the answers they asked for from the Philadelphia School District. So on Thursday, they filed a formal request to get extensive data about environmental conditions, from asbestos hazards to lead paint, inside the schools. Roseman said the teachers' union has access to some district documents but not all of them. "I have a right to know the conditions of our schools," Green said. "We all believe it's important to have this information for the public." Green was joined in his formal information request by Councilwomen Cindy Bass and Helen Gym. Council controls a significant portion of the school district's budget. After Masur, Roseman, the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia, and several other groups formed the Philadelphia Healthy Schools Initiative in the spring, they were hopeful they would have a close collaborative working relationship with the district. School district representatives and members of the environmental coalition met June 5. Masur, who attended the meeting, and Green, who did not, said they requested numerous data sets, and had assurances they would receive them. District officials said that it was a general meeting and that they did not believe specific data were requested. At Kelly, some parents were fearful and upset at the way the situation had been handled. Rakeem Ingram, whose daughter, Jessiah, is a first grader at Kelly, said he learned about the school's closure from a news report, not the district. He had to scramble for child care and ended up taking Jessiah with him to his job as a manager at a Taco Bell/KFC restaurant. But that wasn't Ingram's biggest problem. He said he and other parents wondered how long administrators knew about the mold and why they didn't alert parents sooner. "Parents should have a right to know what's going on in their kid's school whether there's a health problem or some other problem," Ingram said. "Mold is a problem that can't be taken lightly, whether you have asthma or not." Sharmella Taylor said she noticed that her daughter, Lurah, 5, had been having more breathing problems in the days leading up to the school's Oct. 12 closure. "She was wheezing a bit more, but I didn't know it could have been because of the mold in her school because no one told us," she said, adding that she, too, learned about the problem through a news report. Lurah, who is in kindergarten, uses an inhaler to control her asthma. "Mold can get in your lungs," Taylor said. "The school should have known because the mold was clearly visible." Pamela Davis, a mother of three, said her son's teacher sent her a text message on her cellphone. She also received a call from the school on the evening of Oct. 11. But she questioned how long the school knew about the problem. Her two older children, 11-year-old Niylani and 7-year-old Jesse, suffer from asthma. Her daughter's asthma symptoms seemed to worsen as the school year wore on, she said. "They had all summer long to check our schools and make sure that the pipes are good, the roofs are good, and that whatever needs to be done is done so kids don't miss any days of school," Davis said. "We say that 'education is the number-one priority for our kids.' Well if that's the case, we need to be going through these schools more often and making sure that maintenance has been done." School officials said they closed the school as soon as they became aware of the severity of the problem, a notion the teachers' union disputes. The school district says it completes system-wide evaluations for mold, asbestos, water damage, and other issues. Facilities issues are not new to Philadelphia schools. The school system said in documents released in January that it had $5 billion in outstanding repairs at schools citywide. Jacqueline Woodson has had quite a week. On Thursday, her novel Another Brooklyn was announced as the featured reading selection for One Book, One Philadelphia 2018. And two other Woodson books came along for the ride: Brown Girl Dreaming is next year's One Book, One Philadelphia middle-grade companion book for younger readers, and the picture book This Is the Rope: A Story from the Great Migration is the children's companion book. Such a three-fer is a first for One Book, One Philadelphia. Woodson says she plans to be in Philly a lot in the coming months. She spoke by phone from her family home in Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood about how the Brooklyn she grew up in has changed, about her writing process, and about writing as resistance. When you start writing something, how do you know who the narrator is going to be? How do you get to know him or her? I start with the voice, how I hear that voice telling the story. The voice is going to tell me a lot about the person it belongs to. Sometimes, the voice starts as a child's voice, but it has an adult perspective. I tend to figure the voice and its story early, and I begin to shape the narrative from there on. With the four girls [August, Angela, Gigi, and Sylvia] of Another Brooklyn, it was so fun getting to discover who they were, adding on layer after layer. Eventually, I get to see who the character is becoming, yet at the same time I'm peeling away layers to reveal the character to the reader. I love and hate that process when you think of all the work of drawing someone, each girl and what she needed to say, girl by girl. In Another Brooklyn, you portray the Bushwick neighborhood where you grew up in the 1970s. You live in 21st-century Brooklyn now. What do you think of what it's become? The great thing is, you can walk a block in any direction and find a place where you can have a nice meal, if you can afford it. The bad thing is you can walk a block and not be able to afford anything because the bodega of your youth is now a fancy restaurant. Writing Another Brooklyn, there was the deep sadness of seeing that that time doesn't exist any more. And the people living there now don't know. They're contending with gentrification people lose their homes and their history because they can't afford to have it any more. And the neighborhoods have gotten segregated by economics. When I was growing up, even with white flight, there was still some mixture there. There were white folks even in poorer neighborhoods. Even into the 1980s, my classes in school were truly diverse. And that kind of energy, where people were very different from each other, that's going away. It's much more bubble living. It breaks my heart. We live on Park Slope, we're a mixed family, and right now we're the only people of color on our block. I grew up speaking Spanish and English, and you don't get that in the same way today, people crossing cultures. And you don't get Double Dutch! You need to go to a schoolyard in a poor black neighborhood and then, maybe, you'll see schoolgirls with ropes. Maybe. I miss that. I miss the street games, the special silly songs that got handed down, that sort of oral storytelling. Even the way we ran into and out of one another's houses, your parents kicking you out, "Don't come back till dinnertime." It's an era now of helicopter parenting, and that speaks to a city that has transitioned. It's a much richer city. It's much harder to get started here, to rent, much less to buy. Would your writing have been different had you not come up through adversity? Is there anyone who doesn't come up through adversity? The kids back in my neighborhood, we didn't know! We had nothing to compare it to. I had no clue someone would call what I was coming up in "adversity." A discarded mattress was like Christmas. Suddenly, we had a trampoline! Now, I've seen pictures of black kids jumping on mattresses, and these pictures are being presented as images of poverty and adversity, and I say, "Heck, no, that was the bomb!" And refrigerator boxes. Yes, we could live in those for hours. My son, Jackson Leroi, he's 9, whenever a big box comes into the house, he says, "Don't throw that away, I want to play in it." He can spend hours in it, just like I did on the sidewalk. "Is this some kind of genetic memory?" I said to him. You've written about the choices you've had to make in sending your kids to different schools, the public school vs. private school dilemma. These are tough calls. I have a friend who said, "You have to decide what part of your kids' mental health you're going to compromise." If you send them to a private school, they're one of two kids of color. If you send them to a public school in Coney Island, they're one of the few Democrats around. All I want is for my kids to see reflections of themselves in the world, in their teachers, in their classmates. In an older Brooklyn, it wasn't so much of a struggle. In the new New York, it's more of one. Schools are becoming less diverse in a lot of cases and that's because, in part, a lot of people don't want it. You've mentioned that you're thinking of taking your family out of the country for a while and writing about it, a nonfiction adult project. It'd be like a memoir of a year abroad. Last year, I started planning to take my family out of the country for a year, writing about what it means to leave and/or stay. Trying to figure out where it's safest for us. It is that whole question that arose in the Great Migration: the people who stayed and the people who left. Which is better? Leaving or staying? What's the best work we can do as resisters? A very complicated question. Isn't writing itself, very often, a form of resistance? In being so conscious of the world, and writing about it, aren't you, as a writer, pitched into that situation almost by definition? For me, writing is both cathartic and empowering. At the end of the day, it can be powerful, because this is your tool. It's what I have. It's how I get myself and others through this world. And sometimes it feels exhausting. Because there's so much left to be written. Thank You for Your Service is based on Army Sgt. Adam Schumanns experience in Iraq. Read more If you asked combat vet Adam Schumann to name the only place you're likely to get robbed by Santa on Christmas Eve, he could tell you. Because it's a line from Friday After Next, and he knows the movie's dialogue by heart. (It's the ghetto, by the way.) He watched the stoner comedy classic about a million times when deployed as a sergeant in the Army's 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment in Iraq, where, for Schumann and just about every other soldier, movies were a precious link to the life they knew back home. "Movies are so important for guys over there. Somebody will have a portable DVD player with a four-inch screen and external speakers and you'll have 30 guys watching, a whole platoon," said Schumann, who served three tours, the last a little more than he could handle. "It's a way of disconnecting from combat. And it reminds you what you missed about America, a way of experiencing things you forgot about home. Or put it this way it gives you a way to remember how you felt about home. For anybody over there, you ask them, there was probably one DVD they played over and over, and they can recite every line," he said. Movies helped Schumann keep it together overseas. Now, he's the subject of one. It's called Thank You for Your Service, opening Friday, and it is a biographical movie that follows Schumann (and two other soldiers) back home, where the lingering effects of combat stress makes civilian life difficult, and finally impossible. Schumann (played by Miles Teller) put up a front for his wife, but in the movie, as in life, he is increasingly overwhelmed by flashbacks of grisly incidents that occurred in Iraq particularly two events that leave him guilt-stricken to the point of emotional paralysis, and then suicidal. One of the movie's plot points centers on the trouble Schumann and his buddies have getting help from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Schumann eventually had to seek treatment at a private facility. When they realize they need help, they need it right away, and it's simply not available. I asked what he'd do if he were named czar of the VA. "That's a tough question. I guess I would tackle it like any problem in the Army. Break it down, strip it down, deconstruct it. Figure out what was working, what wasn't working, identify what we could do better," he said. "But I'd also give everybody a gut-check ask them if they were doing the best job every day, because people coming through the doors every day gave the best that they had." Schumann told the story of his recovery to journalist David Finkel, who had been embedded with his unit in Iraq, and his combat experiences were chronicled in the book The Good Soldiers. When Finkel's follow-up, Thank You for Your Service, was optioned for a movie, Schumann got a call from Teller, who wanted to meet him. "I've played a couple of characters based on real-life people, and I always want to meet them," said Teller (most recently firefighter Brendan McDonough in Only the Brave). "With Adam, I wanted to get to know him, to get a sense of who he is, but I also wanted to know how seriously I was taking it. "Also, the way I look at it is, if somebody were making a movie about my life, I'd definitely want to meet the guy," added Teller, a Downingtown native who spent a few years as a kid growing up in Cape May and who still has relatives in Wilkes-Barre, his dad's hometown. They hung out at Schumann's place in North Dakota, which was important for Schumann, too, because he had no idea who the actor was (you won't find Teller in Friday After Next). "I binged Miles on Google, tried to find out everything I could," he said. "But all of that sort of fell by the wayside when we met. He's a cool guy. We were drinking beer, talking shop pretty much right off the bat." The sessions were invaluable for Teller. "I think one big thing I took away from our time together was, No. 1: his giving me a sense of the daily grind over there," he said. "But also, and I still can't get over it, is he's in combat, and nine days later, he's plunged back into the role of father and husband. That's barely a week. I just don't see how that is possible, and, obviously, for a lot of people, it's not." Schumann spent some months in denial about his mental state. The turning point was an incident recounted in the book and depicted in the film that caused him to doubt his capacity to care for his own children. It all became the catalyst for his decision to seek treatment, eventually at a facility called Pathway House, where intensive therapy with other vets helped him recover, over many months. "I think in its own way, it's as impressive as his time in combat. Adam was just fighting every day," Teller said. Schumann kept fighting and eventually achieved something like victory. "Honestly, I'm doing fine. It's been a long road. I'm able to look back on it now and see where I was and how far I've come, and it feels good." Sooner or later, a serial-killer story was going to catch me. I'm so much of a wimp that I've never seen Jonathan Demme's Oscar-winning The Silence of the Lambs as much as I'd like to see Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins face off because the Thomas Harris novel gave me nightmares. You'd probably have to tie me to a chair to get me to watch CBS's Criminal Minds, whose early episodes I found so deeply unpleasant I've been back only when it was necessary for work. And I quickly came to loathe that critics' darling, Hannibal, the Bryan Fuller prequel to The Silence of the Lambs and Red Dragon, whose corpse presentations, I once wrote, "could be ripped from old issues of Gourmet magazine, if Gourmet had featured cannibalism." It didn't help that episodes had cutesy names like "Aperitif" and "Amuse-Bouche." Call me crazy, but I prefer not to see serial killers hosting horrific dinner parties. Yet last weekend, I binged the entire first season of Netflix's new serial-killer profiling drama Mindhunter, all while telling myself it wasn't like those other stories even if it was the story that in some ways made those other stories possible. I may be a wimp, but former FBI Agent John E. Douglas the model for Jonathan Groff's character in Mindhunter has spent a long career talking to serial killers, and he thinks the Netflix series is different, too. In most shows and movies, "the way they make the bad guys, the way the make the serial killers they're like magicians, some of them. And they're so smart. It's just crazy," Douglas said Wednesday. "They have the profilers taking over investigations, knocking down doors, pulling their gun, breaking the rules in an investigation, not Mirandizing [suspects], and it's just over the top and aggravates me." And then there are the soundtracks. "When you're working real cases, you don't have that scary music in the background," he said, laughing. Not surprisingly, Douglas made an exception for the addictive, 1970s-set Netflix drama from David Fincher (House of Cards, Zodiac) inspired by Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit, the memoir Douglas wrote with Mark Olshaker. Mindhunter stars Groff (Looking, Glee), a Lancaster County native, and Holt McCallany (Lights Out) as FBI Agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench, whose pioneering research into what makes serial killers tick begins with interviews with some of America's most notorious monsters, including Edmund Kemper (Cameron Britton) and Richard Speck (Jack Erdie). And yet the show's not so much about the monsters as it is about the people who study them, and the toll that research takes. Holden and Bill are fictional characters based on Douglas who retired from the bureau in the mid-1990s but who, at 72, continues to work as a speaker, writer, and independent investigator and the late Robert K. Ressler. The pair are shown in the first season partnering with an academic, Wendy Carr (Anna Torv, Fringe), to develop the study of serial offenders that in real life became Sexual Homicide: Patterns and Motives, coauthored by Douglas, Ressler, and Ann W. Burgess. The personal lives may be fictional in the show, Holden is single and in a complicated relationship with a pot-smoking student named Debbie (Hannah Gross), while Douglas was married and became a father during the same period but the former agent sees a lot of himself in Groff's character. "He's a go-getter," he said of Holden. "I always was doing two things at once. When I was in the service, I was going to college. I joined the FBI [and] I'm working on a master's degree," and went on to earn another master's and a doctorate and to write a string of books. Like Holden and Bill, he worked "10-, 12-hour days, traveling 150 days a year," he said. "The battle that they're having [with the FBI] is very similar. I had to deal with an organization that was still in a way [as if longtime bureau director J. Edgar] Hoover didn't die," and where people didn't necessarily see the point of talking to criminals who'd already been caught. "The bureau's thinking was, 'Why? What's the purpose of this? Why is it necessary to go in and do these interviews?' " he said. "It just seems so basic. No matter where your interest lies, you should interview the people who are in that field." That didn't mean experts like psychiatrists or psychologists, "because I had problems with them [and with] these people who are making decisions regarding probation, parole, and treatment, even. Because they would never, ever look at the crime-scene photographs, look at the police reports, the preliminary reports, look at the victim [or] profile the victim," Douglas said. "You cannot rehabilitate some of these characters, because they were never habilitated to begin with." Netflix hadn't yet announced a second season of Mindhunter, whose first 10 episodes premiered Oct. 13, but Douglas said he hopes the series will evolve to show that "there are other [profiling] cases, too, besides serial-murder cases. We did arson, bombings, kidnappings, extortions. I did bank robbers." There are hints in the current season of a monster Holden hasn't yet met Dennis Rader, the notorious Kansan known as the BTK killer. Rader, who murdered 10 people between 1974 and 1991, was the president of his church council when he was finally arrested in 2005. Authorities had first approached Douglas' unit in 1979 for insight into the case and returned a few years later. He'd left the bureau by the time Rader resurfaced. I got to interview him a few years ago, said Douglas, who wrote a book about the case, Inside the Mind of BTK: The True Story Behind the Thirty-Year Hunt for the Notorious Wichita Serial Killer. Sometimes you know the case so well that theres just like one thing you want to know. With him, it was, Why did you stop? And then what triggered you to start killing again? But for all the attention serial killers attract, Douglas believes "the focus, more times than not, should be on the victims. We forget the victims of the crimes, and that's the part that got to me, psychologically, emotionally." Diagnosed at one point with post-traumatic stress disorder he nearly died in 1983 of viral encephalitis believed to have been brought on by the stress of his work in Seattle on the Green River murders he's seen the price others he's worked with have paid, including heart attacks and other illnesses. "To do the job effectively, you really have to throw yourself 100 percent into the job and walk in the shoes of not the offender but the victims, and really try to sense, and try to experience, what went on. When the time comes to talk to the offender, you have in the back of your mind what this guy who looks so normal what he did," he said. "So you have to do a pretty good acting job of your own and show this false sense of empathy toward them during the interview." And speaking of acting: What does he think of Groff's portrayal? "I think he's doing a great job," he said of Groff, who also played King George III in Broadway's Hamilton. The actor, he noted, has captured what he's been told is his own tendency to be soft-spoken in some situations. "And it's great to see the interaction between Jonathan and Holt. When they do the interviews, and it's so revolting and then they come out of it, and it's like they're experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. They just get in the car and they just look ahead. They don't know what to say." The OBrien children gather around Catie (front, center). In between radiation and chemotherapy, Catie came home from St Jude Childrens Research Hospital and the family spent a few days at the beach together. Read more On a January day in 2009, 7-year-old Catie listened to her father, Kevin O'Brien, speak on the radio as part of a fund-raiser for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In the months before, the Pennsylvania girl had joined forces with the staff at the Tennessee hospital to battle against the tumor that invaded the base of her spine. Thirty-one rounds of radiation, plus high-dose chemotherapy. But six months after the tumor was removed, the cancer came back. Catie went home to Mechanicsburg, Pa., a small town eight miles west of Harrisburg, to spend the time she had left with her mother, father, and five siblings. It would be the last Christmas they celebrated together. Listening to her father on that January afternoon, Catie was thoughtful and calm as she made what would be one of her very last requests: "Do what you can for St. Jude," said Catie, who died two days later. "If you can do anything to help the next kid, the next family that comes along, do whatever you can." "We took her at her word," O'Brien said. In the eight years since Catie's death, the O'Briens, along with other parents, have become substantial contributors to a shift toward more family-centered care at St. Jude. That includes an expansion of palliative care, which aims to alleviate suffering, increase comfort, and improve quality of life. "They have been a major part in helping us change the culture," Justin Baker, St. Jude's division chief of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, said of the O'Briens, who were early, active members of the hospital's parent steering council. The O'Briens have also played an important role in St. Jude's initiative to train medical staff on how to communicate with and assist family members who lost their children. In workshops, medical personnel delve into sensitive topics such as discussing diagnosis and treatment, or delivering bad news to a family. At St. Jude, all oncology fellows and staff nurses are trained by parents of former patients. The O'Briens alone have helped train more than 300 staff members, Baker said. O'Brien said his wife travels to St. Jude in Memphis once or twice a month to conduct training. St. Jude has also developed mentoring programs for parents whose children are in treatment. Other hospitals have similar programs. In addition, the hospital has a bereaved parent mentor program with about 25 mentors, including the O'Briens, who offer support to every St. Jude family who has lost a child to illness. That support can continue for up to two years. Initially, Baker said, there was trepidation about asking the bereaved parents to serve as mentors. But the program's impact was obvious. "What we've learned in these last seven years of working with bereaved parents is that by not engaging them, we're taking away an opportunity for further healing," Baker said. O'Brien, an executive with Rite Aid, knows firsthand how this kind of service can help parents who have lost a child. "It's a way of keeping that legacy alive and a way to honor that child," he said. The family has also started the Catie's Wish Foundation, after Catie's request that they raise funds for St. Jude to help other children. To date, more than $5 million has been raised in Catie's name. Catie's siblings took her request to heart, as well. Maggie, the oldest of the five remaining siblings, is now a nursing student at DeSales University. Her inspiration was her memory of how the nurses at St. Jude looked after her sister. "The way the nurses cared for her and the strength they possessed was inspiring, I knew that was what I wanted to do in the future," Maggie said. Max is a student of the University of Pittsburgh and intends to be a Marine, his own form of service, his father said. On Oct. 13, Catie's three younger sisters traveled to Memphis with their parents to take part in St. Jude's 18th annual Day of Remembrance, a time to honor loved ones who have been lost. "They're a resource for other siblings going through it," O'Brien said. "They're there to hang out with the kids, do face-painting, to help kids out." And in doing so, they honored Catie's wish, too. Whitemarsh Police Officer Matthew Stadulis practices mouth-to-mouth on a dummy dog at a Canine Emergency Care class held for officers who partner with service dogs at Gladwyne Fire Company. Read more An injured dog will bite, even if it is your own. If there was one takeaway at the first-aid class for K-9 police officers held at Gladwyne Fire Company on Thursday morning it was this: Don't take risks when a dog's teeth are inches from your face. "They have some deeply wired behaviors," said Jon Detweiler, an emergency medical technician who was instructing about 15 officers on how to recognize and respond to medical emergencies involving their four-legged partners. "Please be ready for that." The officers and their companions from Montgomery and Delaware Counties gathered for the three-hour class and practice sessions. An afternoon class for paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and nurses addressed issues the group might encounter when responding to emergencies involving working canines, each valued as high as $50,000. The classes were sponsored by Narberth Ambulance. Much of what the professionals learned about canine injuries due to car accidents, heatstroke, and penetrating trauma would be useful for owners of household pets as well, said Scott Kramer, a paramedic with Narberth Ambulance. "Anything anybody can do in an emergency situation will help save a life," said Sharon Minninger, a veterinarian who was teaching the class. She and Detweiler own Telford Veterinary Hospital. For working dogs with a strong drive to work, it is important their police partners know when to give them a break so they don't overheat. Hyperthermia or heatstroke can happen any time, said Detweiler. "This is huge. This is 100 percent preventable." It's also an issue for household pets. "We had a dog die this week," she said about a case at her veterinary practice. The family pet was accidentally left outside in the sun all day without water. "They start with a higher body temperature than us. It doesn't take long to get to a high level." You can't tell by just feeling a dog if its temperature is elevated. Those ear thermometers are built for humans and useless in pets because of their anatomy. Instead, look for symptoms such as altered behavior. A pet may collapse or vomit as well. Placing ice bags under the pet's armpits, covering them with a wet towel, cooling the pads of their feet with alcohol swabs, or placing them in a pool or stream will help bring down high body temperature, she said. The class included CPR instruction, recognizing signs and symptoms that would signal a medical crisis, basic first aid, and emergency planning for transportation and hospital treatment before it is needed. The seminar hit home for Whitemarsh Police Officer Matt Stadulis, who was there with his service dog, Nika, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois trained as a patrol and explosives dog. A few years ago Stadulis' first canine partner, Brock, suffered a seizure at a training class, he said. "I didn't know what to do," Stadulis said. First aid had not been a part of the comprehensive training officers go through with their canine partners, he said. Brock, now retired at age 9, was rushed to Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania and treated for mild heatstroke. He fully recovered, the officer said. The first-aid class "gives you the confidence to know what to do," said Stadulis. Create an emergency plan for your pets Know where the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic is located. Have the phone number handy. Be able to recognize abnormal behaviors for your pet. Know the basic signs of overheating, poison exposure, and trauma. Have a separate pet first-aid kit with basic supplies. Injured dogs will bite. Don't assume your dog won't become aggressive, and don't take unnecessary risks. Practice fire drills with your pets so they are familiar with the sound of the alarm and will know what to expect. Be mindful of small toys that pets can choke on. What to include in a pet first aid kit a canine first aid book sterile 4-by-4 gauze and 5-by-9 ABD pads, a highly absorbent dressing 4-by-4 yards of bulk roll gauze 1-inch medical tape stainless steel shears 4 oz. bottle of eye wash instant cold pack and mylar emergency blanket hydrogen peroxide antiseptic wipes burn gel with lidocaine The ASPCA has a 24-hour Animal Poison Control Center that operates year round. The number is 888-426-4435. HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. "The passage of the Patowmac through the Blue Ridge is perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in Nature," Thomas Jefferson wrote of the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers in 1783. "This scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic." Many appear to have heeded his recommendation. On a recent weekend, you could hear Hindi, Chinese, French, Spanish, German, and Arabic spoken by visitors in and around Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. They came to learn about the town's history, hike the trails, observe the views (especially in the fall), bike the C&O Canal Towpath, and kayak or raft down the rivers. There is plenty to do and see in this 19th-century village at the borders of West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia. A young couple staying at the Light Horse Inn drove eight hours from Ann Arbor, Mich., just to explore the local historical sites over a weekend. Conveniently, they started at the inn, which at one time was owned by Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee, father of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. A major in the Revolutionary War, Henry Lee earned the nickname due to his horsemanship. Originally part of the state of Virginia, Harpers Ferry played pivotal roles in American history during the 1700s and 1800s. President George Washington chose it as the site for one of two U.S. armories in part because it's at the confluence of two rivers. By 1810, Harpers Ferry was producing 10,000 muskets, rifles, and pistols a year. The town population climbed to 3,000 by the mid-1800s. In 1859, the armory became the target of an ill-fated raid by Kansas abolitionist John Brown. With 21 men, he stormed the city in hopes of freeing slaves at local farms. Although the group took the armory with little resistance, troops under the command of then-Lt. Col. Robert E. Lee quickly captured Brown and the others. He was sentenced for treason and hanged. The incident spread anger among Southerners who feared slave insurrection, increasing the tension between the North and South. Many historians believe it hastened the beginning of the Civil War. Harpers Ferry changed hands eight times during the war, and many of the town's churches and larger homes served as hospitals for injured troops. There was so much destruction that by war's end, the only armory building standing was John Brown's fort the fire engine and guardhouse where the abolitionist and his men barricaded themselves before capture. "No spot in the United States experienced more of the horrors of war," said local historian Joseph Barry. Today, the population is fewer than 300. Bolivar, a mostly bedroom community next door, has 1,100 people. Tourism is clearly the economic engine. A large portion of Harpers Ferry's Lower Town is a national historical park, with museums on John Brown, Black Voices, Meriwether Lewis, and the Civil War. There are also ranger-guided tours, a self-guided battlefield driving tour, a blacksmith shop, a dry-goods store staffed with reenactors, and a bookstore. The presentations are well done, and, depending upon your level of interest, could take a day or more to fully explore. Building on this intrigue, of course, are the Ghost Tours of Harpers Ferry. The nearly two-hour tours ($14 per person; $10 for ages 8-12) begin nightly at 8 in the piazza of St. Peter's Catholic Church. "Living historian" Rick Garland guides groups through 14 blocks of Lower Town. Though unable to coax out ghosts for visitors, he proved to be a skilled storyteller. Several proprietors, however, regaled guests with stories about their own resident ghosts. Chef Kevin Plunkett and fellow workers at Bisou Bistro, a New Orleans-style Cajun and Creole restaurant in Bolivar, avoid the basement of the 1790s stone building on Washington Street. It served as a military hospital, and the dead were often left in the cool cellar awaiting burial. The town changed hands so often that Union or Confederate troops would simply cover the bodies with dirt in the basement and prepare for the next wave of dead soldiers. Lower Town contains many boutiques, restaurants, ice cream and candy shops, and the John Brown Wax Museum. We went also for the outdoor recreation and spent Sunday riding 12 miles west on the C&O Canal Towpath to the charming town of Shepherdstown, W.Va. If you go Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, 767 Shenandoah St., Harpers Ferry, W.Va. 25425; 304-535-6029. https://www.nps.gov/hafe/index.htm Visitors are encouraged to park at the main Visitor Center at 171 Shoreline Drive and ride the shuttle bus into Lower Town. There is parking at the Harpers Ferry Train Station, but space is limited. Accommodations: Light Horse Inn, three bedrooms; guests have use of the dining room, living room, and kitchen. Hearty hot breakfast is served at 9 each morning. It's an easy three-quarter-mile walk to Lower Town, although it's a steady climb going back. You can park your bikes in the basement. ($170/night) 1084 Washington St., Bolivar, W.Va. 25425; 1-877-468-4236. Behind the inn, the Barn is open 4 to 11 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and for special events. Offers craft beers and full bar. Restaurants: Bisou Bistro is one of the best restaurants here, in a charming 1790s stone house that has served as a military hospital, military barracks, antiques store, stained-glass studio, boardinghouse, and Montessori school. It serves New Orleans Cajun and Creole French cuisine. Each patron can choose a book to take home from one of its three bookcases. (I got a $50 photo book on the national parks). 1226 W. Washington St., Harpers Ferry, W.Va. 25425; thebisoubistro.com The Anvil, a full restaurant and bar. This is just a few steps from Bisou Bistro. 1290 W. Washington St., Harpers Ferry, W. Va. 25424. 304-535-2582; www.anvilrestaurant.com/ Though it's a little tricky walking your bike down the metal spiral staircase from the footbridge to the towpath, there's an easy ramp that takes you to the Shepherdstown Bridge that crosses the Potomac into town. The towpath is not as well groomed as the Great Allegheny Passage, but it's a beautiful ride along the river. In Shepherdstown, you'll find plenty of kayaking, tubing, and rafting opportunities as well as great restaurants and shops on German Street. The Appalachian Trail cuts right through downtown Harpers Ferry. Those who start the 2,190-mile route in Georgia reach Harpers Ferry at mile marker 1013.4 about the halfway point. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy's national headquarters is on Washington Street. There are many other hiking routes in the area Maryland Heights, steep and rocky in places, 4.5 or 6.5 miles round-trip, 3-4 hours; Loudoun Heights, difficult, steep, and rocky in places, 7.5 miles round-trip, 4 to 5 hours; and several easy, moderate hikes. Washington Township, NJ, High School saw racial tensions over a social media exchange among some students that used racial slurs. Read more Classes resumed as scheduled, students of the month were recognized at breakfast, preparations were made for a 5 p.m. homecoming spirit parade, and the football team was set to play a powerhouse rival at 7. Friday was part of Spirit Week at Washington Township High School, and except for the unusual police presence and reverberations from an emotional gathering of parents and school officials the previous night, apparent normalcy descended on the school community after days of tensions sparked by racially charged social media messages exchanged by some students. The school day passed without incident or protests, said Jan Giel, a district spokeswoman, though for a second straight day, there was an increased police presence at the suburban Gloucester County school. Washington Township High enrolls nearly 2,300 students in grades 9 through 12. Principal Ann Moore celebrated the school's 50 "Students of the Month" for September at a breakfast in their honor, commending them for making positive impressions so early in the school year. On the negative side, according to school officials, were 16 students, including three football players, who were suspended for their roles in the ugly events of the week. Some were disciplined for being part of the offensive texting, others for taking part in a melee that followed, and others for videotaping the altercation. Football coach Lamont Robinson, in his first year at the helm of the rebuilding program, said the episode has provided a teachable moment for the team. Robinson is the school's first black football coach. His message to his players? "Whether a white kid scores a touchdown or a black kid scores a touchdown, we get six points." Merely taking the field would be a triumph then for the Minutemen. The team is 1-4 and opponent Cherokee High School is 4-1 and ranked No. 8 in South Jersey. At an emergency community meeting Thursday evening, school officials encouraged parents to join a new task force to deal with racial issues. In a letter to parents Friday, schools Superintendent Joseph Bollendorf said the Equity Coalition would "work towards real solutions that will help to move our schools and our community forward." Loretta Winters, president of the Gloucester County NAACP, said she, too, plans to serve on the task force. "It has calmed down," she said Friday morning. "Everyone is feeling a little bit better, but they're not there yet." On Thursday, about 170 or so students black and white skipped classes and staged an hours-long sit-in at the school to protest a text-message exchange among some white classmates earlier in the week that used the N-word. The exchange ended up on Snapchat and quickly went viral. School officials said many of the students involved in exchanging the racist texts were athletes, but they could not say what motivated the messages. Robinson said he didn't believe the messages were related to his appointment. "From the black kid to the white kid, there are kids who love me. I make decisions that are in the best interest of the team." According to a screenshot of the Snapchat post obtained by the Inquirer and Daily News, the N-word was used several times. "ya'll think your cool cause the color of your skins, black, but I think we should bring the kkk back," one said. At one point, someone expressed concern about "getting into trouble in school [because] there is screenshots of us saying" the N-word. "Freedom of speech," another student responded. Some students said previous such incidents had not been adequately addressed by officials. READ MORE: School racial incidents in Coatesville, Washington Twp. and Quakertown: A recap Hundreds of students and parents attended the community meeting convened Thursday night by Bollendorf in the school auditorium. The meeting lasted more than three hours, said Pamela McMellon-Wells, a black parent whose daughter, Alexandra, 16, was involved in Thursday's protest. "I had no idea that the racism was to this level," McMellon-Wells, 50, who herself graduated from the high school in 1984, said Friday morning. "It's disgusting." A fracas broke out at the school Wednesday, the day after a small group of students shared what initially was a private group conversation containing racial slurs, Bollendorf said. The group text was then shared on Snapchat "and spread like wildfire," he said. Some students who attended Thursday night's meeting told 6ABC they believed they were unfairly suspended. "We didn't do anything physical," said Davin McCoy, a black student who said he was suspended along with three friends. "It's heartbreaking." The school is 81 percent white, 8 percent black, 6 percent Asian, 4 percent Hispanic, and 1 percent multiracial. McMellon-Wells said the school district asked parents and students to join the newly created task force that is to tackle racial issues. One parent asked the district to hire a diversity officer and provide sensitivity and diversity training district-wide. For Alycia Kohler, who is white, the events of this week brought to mind something she witnessed back in the 1980s when she was a first grader in Washington Township. A black male student transferred into her classroom and "I remember the teacher yelling at him," said Kohler, 36, education director at a nonprofit in Philadelphia. "It was one of those memories of a little kid who looked different from everyone else being picked on," she said. Winters, the head of the Gloucester County NAACP, said to her knowledge racist attitudes at the school go back decades, "but it's nothing that can't be fixed." Bruce L. Castor Jr., a former Montgomery County district attorney who declined to charge Bill Cosby in 2005, filed a lawsuit this month against Andrea Constand, the alleged victim in the case. Cosby faces a retrial in April. Read more As Bill Cosby awaits a second sex-assault trial in Montgomery County, the former district attorney who declined to press charges against the entertainer in 2005 is suing the alleged victim in the case. Bruce L. Castor Jr. filed a personal injury claim against Andrea Constand and her lawyers this month in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court, seeking more than $50,000 in damages and adding yet another legal battle to the several lawsuits already surrounding the allegations that Cosby drugged and molested Constand in 2004. James Beasley Jr., Castor's lawyer in that case, said Friday that he soon would file a complaint claiming that Constand sued Castor for defamation in 2015 to influence that year's election for district attorney. Castor, a Republican, lost that race to Democrat Kevin R. Steele, who ran TV ads criticizing Castor's handling of the 2005 investigation into Cosby. That investigation was reopened in the months before the election. Constand "was trying to gain a tactical advantage with the election in order to get Kevin Steele put in so that she could get Cosby prosecuted," Beasley said. Jeffrey McCarron, a lawyer representing Constand's lawyers, said Beasley's description of the lawsuit sounded "legally deficient." "If his described basis is the reason for the lawsuit, then we do not expect it will last very long," McCarron said. Although Castor last handled the case more than 12 years ago, he has been inextricably linked to the current prosecution. He spoke publicly about his 2005 decision as dozens of Cosby accusers came forward in 2014, saying that he believed Constand's allegations. He is defending himself against Constand's defamation lawsuit. He testified as a key defense witness in a bid to have the charges thrown out. And after the case ended in mistrial, he issued a statement that he thought Constand was "probably the victim of a sexual assault," but that "`probably' does not win criminal trials." Cosby's first trial on charges of aggravated indecent assault ended with a hung jury in June. The 80-year-old entertainer is scheduled for a retrial in April in Norristown. He also previously faced a 2005 civil lawsuit filed by Constand that was settled out of court. The incident involving Constand is the only case for which Cosby faces criminal charges. He has been accused of sexual misconduct by dozens of women. Cosby has denied having any non-consensual sexual interactions. Constand's lawyers, meanwhile, have accused Castor of working to help Cosby's defense lawyers. In the defamation lawsuit against Castor, still pending in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia, they argued that anything containing personal information about Constand should be kept under seal so it cannot be used against her at Cosby's trial. Court records show that Castor forwarded emails to Cosby's lawyer that he sent in the fall of 2015 to then-District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman, who had reopened the Cosby investigation. And in January 2016, days after Cosby was charged, Castor wrote an email about the case to Brian McMonagle, Cosby's defense lawyer, saying that Steele "threw the Cosby 'Hail Mary' pass" to win the election. "I am appalled at what is happening," Castor wrote in the email, which was included in court filings by Constand's lawyers. Castor was a witness for Cosby's defense team at a 2016 hearing in which Cosby's lawyers unsuccessfully argued that the case should be dropped because Castor made a binding nonprosecution agreement in 2005. Constand's lawyers also cited a deposition from Brian Miles, a political adviser to Castor in his 2015 run for district attorney. Miles said that he and Castor discussed the possibility that Cosby could face charges, but that Castor did not bring up a nonprosecution agreement, according to excerpts of his deposition provided in court filings. Dolores Troiani, Constand's lawyer, said in a court filing that those examples showed that Castor had tried to undermine the criminal case against Cosby, a claim his lawyers have denied. "We believe that what is going on here is an attempt to get this information in the hands of Cosby," Troiani told U.S. District Judge Eduardo Robreno at a hearing Friday morning. Troiani argued that filings in the case should be kept under seal so she could ensure that no sensitive or personal information about Constand is made public and used against her in Cosby's second trial. Castor's lawyers argued that Constand gave up some right to privacy by suing Castor. "There's absolutely no basis" for filings to be made under seal, said Mary Beth Hughes, a lawyer representing Castor. Robreno ruled Friday that Castor's lawyer must file motions under a temporary seal and must give Constand's lawyers an opportunity to argue that certain portions must be kept under seal or redacted. Gary Creagh, 66, was charged by the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office with running an illegal street lottery. Read more The locations were nondescript: unmarked buildings in impoverished Philadelphia neighborhoods, sometimes containing little more than a table, some folding chairs, and a coffee pot. But behind the unremarkable facades, prosecutors alleged Friday, was an extensive and intricate network of illegal street lotteries, 40 places where people could place small-change bets with the profits allegedly helping the ring's boss, Gary Creagh, buy luxury cars and lavish apartments from New York City to Las Vegas to Miami. Creagh, 66, was one of nine people charged in the alleged conspiracy, District Attorney Kelley Hodge said at a news conference. She called the long-running numbers racket "truly a family affair" because Creagh's son, daughter, and nephew were charged alongside him. Court records did not list an attorney for Creagh, who faces counts including corrupt organization and conspiracy. Someone who answered a call to a cellphone number listed for him quickly hung up Friday afternoon. Sgt. Jerry Rocks said Creagh's operation had managed to stymie previous investigations for decades, largely because Creagh had insulated himself with a layer of subordinates. Deputy Commissioner Dennis Wilson said the case "was really a thorn in the side" of law enforcement. Authorities were circumspect about what broke the case open. But the long-running scheme, according to prosecutors, worked like this: Two employees typically manned the betting locations, mostly unmarked buildings in neighborhoods ranging from Point Breeze to North Philadelphia. As in the state's lottery system, bettors would place wagers on whether certain numbers would be selected. But in the illegal lottery, bets could range from 10 cents to $20, and winners would earn a tax-free 700-1 return, as opposed to the 500-1 yield from the state's lottery system. Daily revenue at some locations ranged from $200 to $1,500 per day, six days a week. One location, on the 5800 block of Kemble Avenue in East Germantown, raked in at least $14,000 in revenue per month. Prosecutors said Creagh, who owned an $850,000 house in Moorestown, also owned a $1.5 million property in New York City, a $1 million property in Las Vegas, and at least $3.25 million worth of property in Miami. Between 2011 and 2014, prosecutors said, Creagh deposited more than $3 million into his personal bank accounts, $490,000 of which was in small amounts of cash. Assistant District Attorney Raymond Driscoll said he believed the windfall came straight from Creagh's sophisticated gambling racket. "I'm unaware of any legitimate income Mr. Creigh had," Driscoll said. Creigh's bail was set at $250,000 unsecured, according to court records. His next court appearance, a pretrial conference, was scheduled for next week. Gregory Floyd, special agent in charge of the IRS Criminal Investigations, was arrested in St. Louis for allegedly sexual assaulting a co-worker. Read more The top IRS criminal agent in Philadelphia, who has been the public face of the agency in many recent tax fraud cases, has been charged with sexually assaulting a coworker at an event in St. Louis last month. Gregory Allen Floyd, 54, was charged with sexual abuse, a misdemeanor. According to the St. Louis police report, Floyd was at an outing with several other IRS employees in the city's downtown area on Sept. 28 when he became "increasingly sexually aggressive" toward the female agent. As Floyd and the coworkers were leaving, Floyd grabbed the woman around the waist, pushed his hand between her legs and began groping her, the police report said. A source familiar with Floyd's case said he has been temporarily removed from his supervisory position. "The IRS holds our employees to high standards, and we do not tolerate inappropriate behavior," an IRS spokesman said in a statement. "When questions arise, the IRS works closely with the appropriate law-enforcement agencies." A woman who answered the phone at Floyd's home in Wilmington said Floyd was not there, but would be told of the call. Floyd did not call back. Floyd grew up in the Cobbs Creek neighborhood of Philadelphia. He is a graduate of Overbrook High School and St. Joseph's University, where he majored in accounting. He previously served in the IRS revenue division before transferring to criminal investigations in 1993. As the agent in charge of the criminal investigations division, he regularly makes announcements in criminal cases involving his agents. In August, when three lower-level Bucks County officials were charged with money laundering and related offenses, Floyd issued a statement that public officials must be held to high standards. "The laws of the land apply to everyone, even public and banking officials," he said at the time. "The public places a great deal of trust in these officials, and that trust is broken when they commit crimes." The Los Angeles Police Department recently opened an investigation into disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein for a sexual assault that allegedly occurred in 2013. "The Los Angeles Police Department robbery homicide division has interviewed a potential sexual assault victim involving Harvey Weinstein, which allegedly occurred in 2013. The case is under investigation at this point," LAPD spokesperson Tony Im told the Washington Post. Im said the department could not release more information at this time. The alleged victim was an unnamed Italian model-actress who said Weinstein "forcibly raped" her at the Mr. C Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles after the eighth annual Los Angeles, Italia Film, Fashion and Art Fest in February 2013, according to the Los Angeles Times. "He . . . bullied his way into my hotel room, saying, 'I'm not going to [have sex with] you, I just want to talk,'" the woman told the newspaper. "Once inside, he asked me questions about myself, but soon became very aggressive and demanding and kept asking to see me naked." Then, she said, "He grabbed me by the hair and forced me to do something I did not want to do. He then dragged me to the bathroom and forcibly raped me." Afterward, she said, "he acted like nothing happened." The New York Police Department said last week that it is investigating Weinstein for a sexual assault that allegedly occurred in 2004, according to Reuters. The London Metropolitan Police department has also received three reports from women accusing Weinstein of sexual assault, CNN reported. The investigation comes after dozens of women, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Lena Headey, publicly accused Weinstein of sexual assault or harassment. The outcry was prompted by a pair of articles in the New York Times and the New Yorker that alleged Weinstein used his position as a powerful producer to abuse women he encountered through his work, at least since the 1980s. Many of the women said they were afraid to report their experiences because Weinstein had the power to crush or make their careers. "Everyone knew these stories," one Hollywood publicist told The Post. "Not the specifics. But people knew it was a hostile work environment, and that he was a bully to people. Because he could win you an Oscar, we were all supposed to look the other way." Many called Weinstein's history of abuse "an open secret." Some, such as director Quentin Tarantino, said they knew of Weinstein's alleged behavior and should have spoken out. Since the allegations, Weinstein was fired from the company he founded, the Weinstein Company, and has been stripped of many honors, such as his British Film Institute fellowship and his membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, where Roman Polanski and Bill Cosby still retain their memberships. The reaction to these stories spurred actress Alyssa Milano to ask women who had been sexually assaulted or harassed to share their stories on social media, using the phrase "me too." Since Sunday, hundreds of thousands of women offered painful, personal stories of their own harassment or assault using the hashtag #MeToo. Weinstein's representative Sallie Hofmeister responded to these allegations, telling the Post in an email last week, "Mr. Weinstein obviously can't speak to anonymous allegations, but with respect to any women who have made allegations on the record, Mr. Weinstein believes that all of those relationships were consensual. Any allegations of non-consensual sex are unequivocally denied by Mr. Weinstein." White House chief of staff John F. Kelly, who lost a son in Afghanistan, told reporters in the White House briefing room that he counseled Trump on what to say to families of those killed on the battlefield. He also said "it stuns me" that Democratic Rep. Frederica Wilson listened in on a call, which was heard on speakerphone, between Trump and the widow of Sgt. La David Johnson, who was killed in an ambush in Niger. Jordan Rushie won a settlement from the Fishtown Neighbors Association after a two-year court battle. Now the FNA has suspended operations. Read more For a volunteer neighborhood association, the biggest legal threat is usually a lawsuit-wielding developer who doesn't like a position the group takes against his project. But the Fishtown Neighbors Association learned recently that a dispute with one of its own can be just as dangerous. Up until Friday it looked like it could have tanked the organization. FNA, one of the busiest neighborhood groups in the city, announced last weekend that it was suspending operations after its insurance carrier dropped it. Rates had skyrocketed following a 2015 lawsuit and resulting settlement with the association's former president, Jordan Rushie, who is a land-use attorney. On Friday the group obtained insurance from Hallmark Specialty Insurance Co. "We will be back to normal operations next week," FNA president Ian Wilson said. The group's premiums quadrupled from $1,200 to $4,800 after the lawsuit, underscoring how vulnerable civic groups can be to lawsuits and how bitter relations can grow between neighbors. Court records from the two-year-old case read, at times, like a list of grievances a high school counselor might have to mediate between feuding students. Rushie, 35, accused the group of defamation and excommunicating him from the Fishtown community. On a more personal level, he says he was targeted because his libertarian, gun-owning views weren't shared with other members. "I do not care about anything that happens South of York Street," Rushie, who lives in Olde Richmond, said in an interview this week. "I gave them so many opportunities to retract. This was what they asked for. This is what they got." He would not say the amount of the settlement. Fishtown board members, who would not discuss the case, argued in legal documents that they had good reason to be upset with Rushie: He helped a client of his apply for a business-improvement grant with FNA's backing, without discussing it with the board. Jamie Ware, a board member named in the suit, summed up the situation in a February 2016 email, now a part of the court file, this way: "The really stupid thing is that now the board and our lawyers have spend [sic] hundreds of thousands of hours on this because we won't let Jordan play with us anymore." The spat started in September 2014, when Rushie, then FNA's director, helped a friend and client, Alanna Ralph, apply for a grant through a local nonprofit. Ralph, who owned Blush hair salon, wanted to resurface the business' exterior and install security cameras and lights. Rushie copied the FNA business manager on the application seeking the funding from PTSSD, a nonprofit that distributes money from SugarHouse Casino to improve the neighborhood. He had not consulted board members about submitting the application, according to legal filings. FNA board member Neil Brecher wrote in an email to other board members that he considered the application a conflict of interest that "poses a huge risk to the reputation as well as the 501c3 status of the organization. [Rushie] should have known that he'd made a 'mistake' and should have immediately withdrawn the illegal grant application. There's no mistaking what he was doing. He was deliberately defrauding the FNA." The words illegal and defrauding would become the essence of Rushie's defamation case. The grant application was withdrawn, and Rushie later resigned as president. Rushie says animosity toward him grew fast after that, and he estimates he lost thousands of dollars in business. "What could be more defamatory than saying an attorney committed an illegal action?" he asked. The neighborhood group has argued in court papers that their actions had nothing to do with personal vendettas, but rather Rushie's use of his board position "to seize a financial benefit for his private client to the potential detriment of the FNA." Rushie has since moved his business out of Fishtown. This summer another civic, Bella Vista Neighbors Association almost folded after a lawsuit sent their insurance premiums through the roof. Jeff Hornstein, president of the Crosstown Coalition, is trying to set up a group insurance plan for the 100-some groups that would qualify by the end of the year. He says he hears constantly from leaders of small groups without insurance and larger ones worried about exposure should they be sued. "You are never going to find a person with a house or a job who's going to be a volunteer and do this work in any neighborhood let alone a gentrifying neighborhood where developers are coming in, without that protection," Hornstein said. To activate the text-to-speech service, please first agree to the privacy policy below. Taipei, Oct. 20 (CNA) Sarah Pell, an artist-scientist who performs in extreme environments to simulate what it is like to be in space, said Friday in Taipei that she hopes to understand how human beings behave in those difficult surroundings and learn to evolve accordingly. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Donald Trumps disregard for the rule of law continued on Thursday as a new report indicates that the president has personally interviewed several candidates for U.S. Attorney positions in New York. According to Politico, one of the candidates Trump personally interviewed would have jurisdiction over Trump Tower and be in a position to investigate the Trump administration. More from the report: President Donald Trump has personally interviewed at least two potential candidates for U.S. attorney positions in New York, according to two sources familiar with the matter a move that critics say raises questions about whether they can be sufficiently independent from the president. The Southern District of New York is an especially notable position since it has jurisdiction over Trump Tower. Preet Bharara, the former U.S. attorney there, has asserted he was conducting an investigation into the Trump administration when Trump fired him along with all other U.S. attorneys as is standard when an administration switches earlier this year. It is neither normal nor advisable for Trump to personally interview candidates for US Attorney positions, especially the one in Manhattan, Bharara tweeted Wednesday. It is rare for a president to interview candidates for the 93 U.S. attorney jobs. Former President Barack Obama never interviewed a U.S. attorney candidate during his two terms, according to Matthew Miller, who served as Justice Department spokesman under the Obama administration. Once again, Trump is proving that there is no abuse of power he wont commit so long as it gives him the opportunity to protect his administration as investigations into his corruption continue to pile up. Democrats were quick to express how troubled they are by the latest revelation. In a statement on Thursday, Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein slammed Trump for putting his hands all over the attorney hiring process, particularly in jurisdictions that could directly involve investigations of him. The U.S. attorney for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York like the U.S. attorney for Washington D.C. would have jurisdiction over many important cases, including those involving President Trumps personal and family business interests, Feinstein said, according to Politico. The Democratic senator added: Theres no reason for President Trump to be meeting with candidates for these positions, which create the appearance that he may be trying to influence or elicit inappropriate commitments from potential U.S. attorneys. U.S. attorneys must be loyal to the Constitution not the president. Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal also spoke out against Trump meeting with attorney candidates, saying it could directly impact the ongoing investigation into Trumps ties to Russia with respect to the 2016 election. To be very blunt, these three jurisdictions will have authority to bring indictments over the ongoing special counsel investigation into Trump campaign collusion with the Russians and potential obstruction of justice by the president of the United States, he said, according to the same Politico report. Blumenthal added: For him to be interviewing candidates for that prosecutor who may in turn consider whether to bring indictments involving him and his administration seems to smack of political interference. Trumps attempt to handpick attorneys who could ultimately be in charge of investigating him or indicting his associates is stunning even for a president who has spent his short time in the White House trying to thwart ongoing criminal investigations at every turn. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print During Barack Obamas campaign blitz on Thursday, he dropped a devastating truth bomb on Donald Trump about why the current administration has failed so miserably when it comes to governing the country. According to the 44th president, Trumps divisive and offensive campaign doomed his presidency from the start by pitting Americans against one another. Video: Obama Drops A Devastating Truth Bomb About Why Trumps Presidency Is Such A Failure #VAGov pic.twitter.com/wpxCsBQ6M4 Sean Colarossi (@SeanColarossi) October 20, 2017 In a 20-second reality check about Trump-style politics, Obama said: You notice I havent been commenting a lot on politics lately, but heres one thing I know: If you have to win a campaign by dividing people, youre not gonna be able to govern them. You wont be able to unite them later if thats how you start. While Obama didnt mention the current president by name, it was clear which campaign he was referring to. Over the last ten months, Trump has proven that the Obamas theory to be correct. Trump spent nearly two years during the campaign dividing the country and inflaming tensions, whether it was kicking off his candidacy by insulting Mexican immigrants, encouraging violence against anti-Trump demonstrators, or demonizing Muslims all to pit angry white voters against the growing minority population in the United States. By the time Trump was sworn in, it was too late to put the pieces back together and unite the country around a common agenda and Trump didnt even try. Instead, the president has continued the same divisive and offensive style of politics, and his presidency has been an epic failure. With Donald Trump unlikely to change his behavior, itll only get worse before it gets better. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Barack Obama returned to the campaign trail on Thursday, and it took less than 90 seconds for the crowd to demand four more years of the former president. Obama, campaigning in New Jersey for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Murphy, told the crowd there are two reasons another term isnt possible: 1. The pesky Constitution; and 2. Michelle Obama. Video: Crowd chants four more years as former Pres. Obama campaigns for Phil Murphy in New Jersey. https://t.co/qwa4FGsiux pic.twitter.com/MaL43mitx1 ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) October 19, 2017 Responding to chants of four more years, Obama said: I will refer you both to the Constitution as well as to Michelle Obama to explain why that will not happen, but weve got four more years coming up right here in Jersey. Later in his speech, Obama struck a more serious tone, saying that the political climate under Trump is divisive and the worldview of those currently leading the country is archaic. Video: Obama: Some of the politics we see now, we thought we put that to bed. Thats folks looking 50 years back. (ABC) pic.twitter.com/hfPDnNOJNp Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) October 19, 2017 Some of the politics we see now, we thought we put that to bed, Obama said, likely hinting at the recent reawakening of hate groups, particularly white supremacists and neo-Nazis. Thats folks looking 50 years back, he added. Its the 21st century, not the 19th century. Come on! While Donald Trump continues to bring shame to the United States with his reckless, incompetent and often offensive leadership, Obama gave the country a much-needed reminder of what America can be if we commit ourselves to staying involved and voting rationally. While Barack Obamas name wont be on a ballot ever again, his reemergence into the political arena on Thursday reminded America how much better we can do than Donald Trump. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print In a stunning segment on Thursday night, Rachel Maddow revealed the mistaken Donald Trump policy decision that may have led to the attack that killed four American soldiers in Niger. According to Maddow, the administrations decision to add the African nation of Chad to its revised list of travel ban countries may have been the first domino in a series of events that led to the deadly ambush in Niger. Video: Rachel #Maddow Reveals Baffling Trump Decision That Led To Four Dead U.S. Soldiers In Niger pic.twitter.com/OSeHVCdfuY Sean Colarossi (@SeanColarossi) October 20, 2017 Maddow said: This really was the deadliest combat mission of his presidency thus far, and it really did follow just days after a policy decision by his administration an inexplicable, baffling, possibly mistaken policy decision by his administration. I mean, its being called a mistake at best by everybody who knows the region. Just days after that policy decision by his administration, our best and most experienced and most battle-hardened regional military allies in that part of the world pulled out of that part of the world and went home, and then American soldiers were attacked. As an apparent result of the Trump administrations policy decision, Chad pulled hundreds of soldiers from Niger, where they were assisting the U.S. in an ongoing fight against terrorists in the region, including Boko Horam. The reason behind Chad being added to Trumps travel ban is even more stunning. According to NBC News, the African country was added to the list because they had run out of passport paper. In short, Trumps irresponsible decision to add Chad to his travel ban created a chain reaction that prompted the country to pull out of Niger, emboldened American enemies in the region, and led to the deaths of four brave U.S. soldiers. Its no surprise, then, that the commander-in-chief wont touch this topic with a nine-foot pole, and instead, continues to wage a war against Gold Star families. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Its been nearly three weeks since a mass shooting in Las Vegas took the lives of 58 people and injured hundreds more, and even though Republicans have stopped talking about the tragedy, nearly two-thirds of the country is demanding Congress pass tougher firearm laws. According to a Marist poll released on Thursday, 64 percent of adults think gun laws should be tougher in the United States even gun owners. More of the polls findings on the question of firearm regulations: 64% of Americans including a plurality of gun owners, 47%, and a majority, 51%, of those who live in a household with a gun think laws covering the sale of firearms should be stricter. An additional 27% think they should be kept as they are now. Only 7% believe they should be eased. Again, there has been little change on this question since 2013. Among Democrats, most, 88%, want tougher laws pertaining to the sale of firearms. A plurality of Republicans, 48%, want the laws to remain unchanged. Of note, more than four in ten Republicans, 42%, think gun laws should be stricter. Two-thirds of independents, 66%, want tighter gun laws. After the deadliest mass shooting in American history, the same, worn out expressions of sympathy we constantly hear from our leaders will no longer do. Voters are sick of turning on their televisions or opening up their newspapers and reading about another uniquely American tragedy in which scores of people are gunned down at a school or a movie theater or a concert venue they want action. Republicans may continue to live in their NRA-funded bubbles, but 18 days after scores of people were gunned down at a country music festival in Las Vegas, the American people Democrats, Independents and even a sizeable chunk of Republicans are still hungry for tougher gun laws. Enough is enough. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Former President Obama didnt need to give some long-winded explanation of why Trump is failing as president. He did it in just two sentences. Video: Obama: "If you have to win a campaign by dividing people You won't be able to unite them later." pic.twitter.com/YRrLHQAlQK Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) October 20, 2017 Obama said, If you have to win a campaign by dividing people, youre not going to be able to govern them. You wont be able to unite them later if thats how you start. The seeds for Trumps failed presidency were sown long before he ever took office. Trump laid the groundwork for his failure during the campaign. As a candidate, Trump won by dividing people and turning them against each other, but presidents need to unite people and bring them together. Trump only knows how to divide. He doesnt have the slightest interest in bringing people together. Donald Trump governs for that 30%-37% of the country who still support him. The rest of the nation gets ignored. Barack Obama showed why he was a successful president. Obama understood the enormity and psychology of the presidency. Obama led a country. Trump is leading a small faction. From the moment that Trump announced his candidacy with a speech where he called Mexicans criminals and rapists, he was destined to fail if he won. Obama understands the power of unity, which is why history will record him as a great president, as Donald Trump is on the path to being one of the worst presidents of all time. Barack Obama is what Donald Trump jealously wishes he could be. As America faces a man intent on calling up its worst demons, Obama continues to summon our better angels. This distinction is why Obama was a success and Trump is failing. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print During his presser, General Kelly spoke about a time when Gold Star families and women were sacred. He is a sympathetic person as a Gold Star father, and he does present himself more like a president than the current president does. General Kelly is also Donald Trumps Chief of Staff, and it was in that capacity that he held that presser which means his comments are subject to public scrutiny. First of all, we got here because Donald Trump was trying to stroke his own ego by bragging about his attentiveness to the families of fallen soldiers. General Kelly was one of several people sent out to clean up the mess that came from Donald Trumps statements. The first item on the agenda was Kellys recollection of what he was told when his son died to clean up the latest epic empathy fail by Donald Trump. We saw it when he defended Nazis in Charlottesville, The result: Heather Hayers mother refuse to take Trumps condolence call. We saw it when Donald Trump insulted Puerto Rico on several occasions in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Just like Charlottesville and Puerto Rico, Trump showed little ability to empathize or console people in pain. If anything, his input or presence made already tragic situations worse. In this case, 24-year-old Mayeshia Johnson, who is expecting her third child, was mourning her loss and she needed comfort. The last thing anyone in the Johnson family needed during this very traumatic time was to be thrust in the middle of a Trump reality show drama. Trump could have shut down the ever growing disaster without bringing Kelly into it. He could have called back to apologize for his comments, or clarify the intent of them or show some humility in his public remarks after the call. Kelly was brought in to make this go away, by portraying Donald Trump in a more sympathetic light. Thats why he recounted the story of what he was told when he learned of his sons death. Its also clear that Kellys real objective was to attack Congresswoman Wilson, who is in very real ways part of the Johnson family. Kellys presser had two casualties: facts and the sacredness of women that he talked about. When speaking of Congresswoman Frederica Wilson Kelly said: It stuns me that a member of Congress would have listened in on that conversation, he said Thursday in the White House briefing room. It stuns me. I thought at least that was sacred. First of all, the presidents call was put on speaker phone in a car carrying the Johnson women and Congresswoman Kelly. In other words, Congresswoman Wilson was there because the family wanted her there possibly because she is in very real terms a member of the family. Wilsons ties to the Johnsons date back to the days when she was the principle at La David Johnsons fathers school. She was also La David Johnsons mentor in a program called 5,000 Role Models of Excellence. If, as Kelly rightly suggests, Gold Star families deserve respect for making the ultimate sacrifice for our country, that applies to the Johnson familys right to decide who they want to be with during this unimaginably difficult time. To suggest that Wilsons presence somehow compromised the sacredness of communications between the President and a Gold Star family is ludicrous because she wasnt there as a Congresswoman. She wasnt there to surreptitiously eavesdrop on the conversation. Also, she was asked about the conversation by a member of the media. It isnt like she called someone in the media under an alias to promote herself or an agenda. To close the loop, if the family objected to Congresswoman Wilsons public comments or the fact she made public comments because she was asked a question, they could have simply declined to comment to the media at all. Rather, the family granted an interview where they supported Congresswoman Wilsons account of the phone call. Kelly sought to dehumanize Congresswoman Wilson as a woman and as a woman of color by avoiding saying her name and calling her an empty barrel that makes the most noise. His tone and his comments created images of a nosey woman sneaking around to eavesdrop on conversations that are none of her business in the name of fulfilling some sinister political plot. This was after Trump attacked Wilsons honesty, and given the Johnson womens corroboration of her statements, he indirectly called this Gold Star family liars, too. Kellys presser was also a display of misogyny, albeit a more refined version than that of his boss, Donald Trump. Most obviously, his comment about women being sacred rang hollow considering who he works for. It also rang hypocritical when Kelly dedicated most of his time at the presser dehumanizing a woman as an empty barrel that makes the most noise in the name of cleaning up the latest mess made by Donald J. Trump. Head of EU executive lends an ear to eurosceptic eastern states Leaders of four eurosceptic governments in the east of the European Union sat down for a nearly three-hour dinner with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in an effort to narrow their differences on issues from migration to labour rules, Reuters reported. Scallops, successful meeting, excellent debate It is the first time Juncker has met in this more intimate format the Prime Ministers of the Visegrad Four countries, Bohuslav Sobotka, Viktor Orban, Beata Szydlo and Robert Fico respectively in the Commission's Berlaymont headquarters.Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic highlighted the positive after their leaders dined with Jean-Claude Juncker of the European Commission over scallops with Jerusalem artichokes and venison medallions on the eve of an EU summit starting in Brussels on Thursday."On the menu: consensus through compromise and cooperation. Unity," Juncker said.According to Hungarian PM Viktor Orbans evaluation, the Wednesday meeting of the V4 and President Juncker was successful, fruitful and useful, Janos Lazar, the Minister heading the Prime Ministers Office said at the press conference on Thursday.Czech EU affairs minister Ales Chmelar said the five had an "excellent debate". Another diplomat from one of the four states said their delegation was pleased by Juncker's apparent readiness to listen to their arguments. No decisions were made public after the meeting, but the mere fact of the lengthy dinner was intended as a gesture by the Commission to woo the reluctant states closer, Reuters added. East-west divide? Brussels has annoyed the ex-communist countries by embracing calls for faster and deeper integration, demanding they take in refugees, and contemplating restrictions on the right of their citizens to work in wealthier EU states for lower salaries than native workers receive.French President Emmanuel Macron says cheap labour from eastern Europe puts his people at a competitive disadvantage, and is pushing to curb that right with the backing of Belgium, the Netherlands and other more-developed EU states.After EU leaders are expected to discuss the matter on the sidelines of their two-day summit, their ministers will try to seal an agreement on the divisive issue at further talks in Luxembourg on Monday.Poland and Hungary, with nationalist populist governments, also have a number of disputes with Brussels over upholding democratic principles and ensuring judicial independence.Such issues have fuelled talk in the EU that the reluctant easterners could be left behind as others in the bloc seek to deepen their ties in the wake of Britain's exit.Poland and Hungary both have lost court cases recently at the European Court of Justice and vowed to challenge the rulings.Italy has been going even further in calling on the bloc to take away some of the generous EU handouts the easterners receive to punish them for failing to show enough solidarity on handling migration and undercutting the rule of law."The EU 27 must avoid any splitting into east or west," said the Czech Republic's outgoing Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka."We agreed... that any further discussion on the future of the EU must be led in the format of 27 member states. No member state can be excluded from these negotiations. All states must be treated equally."Sobotka is likely to be replaced in an election this weekend by tough-talking billionaire Andrej Babis, who has often criticised Brussels and the bloc's push for all member states to host some asylum seekers who make it to Europe.Orban was of the opinion that the V4 countries expressed concordant views on every issue, and they managed to demonstrate to the President of the Commission that this is a close, effective and successful co-operation. Lazar noted.At the working dinner, Hungary, together with its V4 partners, stressed that there cannot be double standards between the Western and Eastern Member States. The application of double standards vis-a-vis the Central-European countries is a daily practice on the Commissions part: "what is allowed in the West is forbidden in the East".While the V4 countries had made themselves known as broadly eurosceptic, EU diplomats warn against a generalisation that the division between eastern and western EU member states is growing, EuObserver reported earlier this week.For one thing, the V4 are not united either.The illiberal path taken by Poland and Hungary has caused clashes with the EU executive over rule-of-law concerns, and both Warsaw and Budapest have accused Brussels of political interference.Eurozone-member Slovakia has toned down its eurosceptic rhetoric since the country held the EU's rotating presidency, and in August PM Robert Fico said his country wants to belong to the core of Europe.The Czech Republic has been sitting on the fence, but a possible populist win in the elections this weekend could push it into the staunchly eurosceptic camp."I would be careful with labels. If you put the label 'east' on a country, it will be inclined to react as an 'eastern' country," one source warned. A formal complaint as been filed with the South Carolina board of engineering over the lack of professional engineering during the construction of two nuclear reactors at V.C. Summer station in Fairfield County. File/Provided/SCANA Corp. South Carolina patients are at higher risk of lung cancer and less likely to live five years after diagnosis, according to a new report. Black patients particularly are less likely to be treated for their cancers and less likely to survive. Read moreReport: SC patients more likely to get lung cancer, less likely to get surgery or survive Across South Carolina, from the coast to our mountainous state line, new and expanded trails have certainly made a lot of headlines in recent months. Here are just a few of the exciting developments: Read moreEditorial: From the SC coast to the mountains, welcome progress on new trails One-hundred individuals from 44 countries from Uzbekistan to Canada, from Peru to the Philippines took the Oath of Citizenship to complete the process of becoming a U.S. citizen during a naturalization ceremony at the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site on Friday. Close Democrat Katie Hobbs was elected Arizona governor on Monday, defeating an ally of Donald Trump who falsely claimed the 2020 election was rigged and refused to say she would accept the results of her race this year. Read moreHobbs wins Arizona governors race, flipping state for Dems One of the classic constellations of autumn is Pegasus, the flying horse soaring above the southeastern horizon in the evening sky. It's by far the largest celestial horse we see in the Rochester skies. The traditional interpretation of Pegasus is a horse flying upside down with puny little wings. If you can see it that way, more power to you. Over the years I've strayed from that view of Pegasus, and I'm not the only one. There are many that see Pegasus as I do, a majestic horse with a huge wingspan rescuing the lovely Princess Andromeda from a huge ravenous sea monster. If I could personally take you and show you Pegasus, I guarantee you'd be convinced. In fact, the right-side up version of Pegasus looks just like the flying red horse you see on Mobile gas station signs. How to find it As soon as it's dark enough, look directly above the eastern horizon for a giant diamond of four fairly bright stars that outline the torso of Pegasus, otherwise known as the "Square of Pegasus." They're easy to spot since they are the brightest stars in that area of the sky. The star at the top of the diamond is the star Scheat, pronounced she-at. Don't say the name of that star too fast around the kids! Scheat is the base of the flying horse's neck. Look above Scheat for two other stars that outline the rest of the neck, and another fairly faint star to the lower right of the neck that marks the flying horsey's nose. ADVERTISEMENT The horse has a multi-jointed front leg that extends upward in a curved line. To see it, start at Markab, on the right hand corner of the square of Pegasus. From there, look for a curved line of slightly fainter stars that extend up to the upper right of Markeb. I love the name of the star on the left corner of the square of Pegasus. It's called Alpheratz, pronounced Al-fee-rats. You can't help but see a curved line of three bright stars extending to the lower left of Alpheratz. You are looking at the mighty wings of Pegasus. If you look above that bright line of stars you'll see another curved line of fainter stars. That outlines Andromeda the Princess, who is hitched onto the rear end of the horse. In the traditional view of the upside flying Pegasus, both of the curved lines of stars attached to Alpheratz make up the constellation Andromeda the Princess. Saga written in stone No matter how you see the constellations Pegasus and Andromeda, the saga of how the lovely princess found herself tied to a flying horse's rear end is part of the great Greek mythological story involving Perseus, Cassiopeia, Pegasus, and the lovely Princess Andromeda. Perseus, son of Zeus, king of the gods, was flying back from a mission when he flew over a distressing scene. The giant ugly sea monster Cetus was closing in on a beach where Princess Andromeda was chained to a rock by her own parents, Cassiopeia and Cepheus, the king and queen of ancient Ethiopia. They were forced to offer their daughter as a sacrifice to Cetus to keep their entire kingdom from being ravaged by the sea monster. Perseus had to save this damsel in distress, but he had to be smart about it. Perseus' mission was to cut off the head of Medusa, a terrible monster that was so ugly anyone who looked at it was turned to stone. Entire communities were being stoned! It had to be stopped. Using the borrowed magic shield of Athena, the goddess of wisdom, Perseus whacked off the head of the monster without becoming stoned himself. The quick thinking Perseus whipped out the head of Medusa and waved it at Cetus just at as the monster was about to make lunch out of Princess Andromeda. That's all it took! Cetus sank into the depths, never to be seen again! But that's not all. Blood from the severed head of Medusa hit the ocean waves and magically produced Pegasus, a beautiful white winged horse that instinctively flew down to the boulder where Andromeda was, chewed off the chains and then flew the Princess up to Perseus, where it was love at first sight. Perseus and Andromeda were soon married in an elaborate royal wedding. ADVERTISEMENT Was it happily ever after for the new couple? Not quite. A few years after the wedding, Perseus found himself at the wrong end of a sword in a drunken brawl. There's a little more to that story, but I gave you the Reader's Digest version. Next-door neighbor Astronomically, one of the best celestial gems in the traditional constellation Andromeda is the Andromeda Galaxy, otherwise known as Messier object 31. Scan that area of the heavens just above the princess with your binoculars or a small telescope and look for a ghostly fuzzy patch. If you're out in the countryside and really have dark skies, you can see it with your naked eye. That fuzzy little patch is our Milky Way Galaxy's next-door neighbor, over 2 million light-years away. That little fuzzy patch is easily the home to over a trillion stars and many, many, many more planets! The dang bell never rang. I don't blame Amanda Murphy or Linda Kohrs. They gave me the waivers to sign. They read me the riot act on where I could take photos and where I could not. We had a plan for where I'd sit in the ambulance. They did not offer to hand me the keys, but a ride-a-long in an ambulance is a cool deal, even if I wouldn't get to drive. (For the record, I would have been awesome with the lights and sirens blasting.) But the bell never rang. The call never came. And after nearly four hours at Wabasha Ambulance Service, I went on to my next assignment for the day. ADVERTISEMENT Taking It Slow I wrote about 65 inches of text on firefighters and EMS, and through the eight or so interviews I conducted to get the story, there ended up being a ton of information that didn't fit in the stories. For example, ambulances rarely run, especially on the way back to a hospital, with lights and sirens blaring. Kohrs told me that one of the biggest misperceptions was that when a call comes in, they're running with lights and sirens both out and in. "That's not the case," she said. "Once we get there and make assessments is when we determine whether we run with lights and sirens on the way to the hospital." Murphy added, "It's a huge risk to the life of the patient and to our personnel." Not to mention a valuable ambulance. Add to that the danger of driving on Minnesota roads during Minnesota winters, and it's better to be safe than sorry, she said. What I Learned Despite the fact I won't be able to drive an ambulance, I did have fun working on my latest weekend focus about the volunteers that serve our cities to keep us safe. Firefighters and EMS personnel do a hard job without fattening their wallets in the process. That's a commitment to your city, your region and your neighbor. ADVERTISEMENT In Wabasha, no one represents that more than Linda Wallerich. She's been racing out on calls for more than 20 years, and I think Murphy said it best. When Wallerich walks into a medical emergency scene, most people know her, and the stress level in the situation drops immediately. That's probably true at fire calls, and EMS calls across the region. These people are your neighbors, and whether they are making $10 a call or doing it on the cheap, seeing them come to the rescue always brings a sense of relief. Free Or Thereabouts One person I spoke to was Tony Spector, executive director of the Minnesota's Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. It'd be easy to say, given his title and who he works for, he's a little biased. He looks at it this way, he said: "Quite a few of these services are volunteer. But probably the majority of men and women (in these small towns) who operate the snowplows are compensated." If you can pay a decent wage to the people plowing the streets, why not the people answering the emergency bell for fires or medical emergencies? It's hard not to see his point. When push comes to shove, I want more of a "professional" when I need an ambulance than the snow removed from the streets. Of course, I think all probably deserve to get paid for what they do: fire, EMS, snowplow drivers. To hire a full-time staff for the Eyota Volunteer Ambulance Service (which, I'm sure, would be renamed without the "Volunteer" if that happened), they'd need about a thousand calls per year, said the service's director, Chris Arendt. Instead, they answer about 170 calls a year, and they run the service on a budget of between $50,000 and $60,000 a year. ADVERTISEMENT We're Going to Pay That's insanely cheap by quasi-government standards. Kohrs said if you go to Europe, the EMS people are all paid a living wage per hour. I don't know how they can do things differently other than maybe there are more accidents (autobahn, anyone?) or something about the demographics or population density makes it work. And Kohrs, who's pretty smart, didn't tell me. But here, in Minnesota, with a lot of rural space and small towns full of people who don't want to see their taxes go up, something is going to give. Often, firefighters and EMS personnel live in a small town where they volunteer but work in another city. Volunteers in Pine Island or Eyota work in Rochester. Volunteers in Kenyon work in Owatonna or Northfield. At night, those folks are available to answer the bell. During the day, not so much. In Wabasha, the answer is to have a roster of volunteers supplemented with some full- and part-time EMS personnel. That's Murphy and Kohrs. They work on the clock, taking care of paperwork, organizing the ambulance facility, and, in Kohrs' case, studying to become a registered nurse. What they didn't do the day I was there is get a call, meaning I signed that waiver for nothing. Its a birdits a planeits Deryl Skelton. Skelton, a Fremont native and nationally recognized DC and Marvel comic book artist, will be back in his hometown for a comic book signing at One Stop Comics, 134 East Fourth Street, on Saturday. Local comic book fans will have the chance to get an autograph, commission a piece, or buy and item out of Skeltons collection from noon to 7 p.m. Its a good feeling doing something around the community and having someone from the community that comes back and has ties and family still in town, Jarrod Steenblock, owner of One Stop Comics, said. He actually reached out to me and said he supports what I am doing and wanted to come back and do a show, so it took off from there. Skelton was the principal artist for DCs Star Trek: The Next Generation series and also worked on DC and Marvel comic book favorites such as X-Men, Wonder Woman, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Silver Surfer among many more. Skeltons love for comics and illustrating began when he only four years old after reading Zorro which was illustrated by legendary cartoonist Alex Toth. He (Toth) was a master storyteller and he was a very good illustrator, but it fascinated me how he could mimic movement on the page, Skelton said. At that point I got interested in comics, so I went ahead and drew a lot of my own stuff and then had a friend as well and we did comics for our own amusement for a lot of years. Following high school, Skelton began his career as an illustrator by creating a comic strip that was featured in the Fremont Tribune, while also working Schwesers. I was also the fashion illustrator for Schwesers, for all eight stores back in the day and in 1976 after a few years of doing that they decided to start using clip art instead, so they closed out my job, Skelton said. Skelton then relocated to California where he did portrait work before settling in Las Vegas where he eventually began working for several casinos along with the Las Vegas Sun doing magazine covers and other illustrating work. A lot of the stars ended up liking what I did and wanted the original art work. So I got to go meet Liberace and Shecky Green, and Olivia Newton-Johns agent called, Skelton said. I wasnt making a lot of money but I had a lot of contacts in Vegas so I got to go to shows for free and things like that. One thing that held Skelton back from getting into comic book illustration earlier, was DC and Marvels insistence that artists live and work in New York. In the early 1980s, DC Comics relaxed their rules on artists living in New York and he began work for them, while also doing mural work. Finally they started to lessen their restrictions for having to live in New York. So I got work for them did a western and a few things for them. A friend of mine was painting murals and I helped him, and we did a lot of work for Donald Trump. We did stuff for his homes and he was into gaming then so we did Taj Mahal, Trump Tower, and Trump Plaza. Following his mural work and stint at DC, Skelton began working for Marvel Comics where he illustrated classics such as X-Men, Guardians of the Galaxy, Silver Surfer, Silver Sable, and Darkhawk. Skelton then went back to working for DC where he would become the principal artist on Star Trek: The Next Generation and also worked on legendary musician Princes comic book, Prince and the New Power Generation: Three Chains of Gold. When he changed his name to a symbol it debuted in that comic and it was kind of weird because Prince was really into it and had a lot of suggestions for the book, Skelton said. There was a newspaper reporter character that he wanted to look like Kirstie Alley, and I had to draw Prince fighting these great big guys that were Centaurs, which actually was some of the better fight scene work that I have got the opportunity to do. For Steenblock, Skeltons work on Prince and the new Power Generation: Three Chains of Gold is one of his favorites. Its my favorite, he was actually commissioned by Prince so I thought that was super cool and I read the book and it was like Prince as a super hero running around with his guitar, totally a 90s comic book, Steenblock said. Following his work with Marvel, Skelton has continued working as an illustrator for casinos in Las Vegas while doing editorial cartoons and some independent comic books. One of those independent comic books was called Tales from Fremont Street, that featured Skeltons wife as a serial killer. She always tells people, thats not really like me at all, Skelton said. Which is a great relief to me. Skelton has continued his editorial cartoon work while doing commissions and traveling to comic book conventions and signings around the country. I was surprised because I was never a huge star or big name in the business, I was consistently working but Ive been surprised at how many fans Ive had that will show up at a convention and will have a whole pile of comics for me to sign and some that I havent seen in 25 years, Skelton said. Ive never felt like it was real. I subscribed to the Chicago paper when I was doing the Dallas comic strip to see how it printed and I would look down and see Peanuts, Mary Worth, Rex Morgan M.D. and then my stuff and it just didnt seem real. It took me a while to realize that I have actual fans, which is an odd thing. Examples of Skeltons work can be found on his website skeltonartist.com. Rochester police have issued a warning about blacktop scammers, warning residents to do their homework before hiring laborers. Two men, calling themselves Jimmy Harrison and Joseph Jeffrey, claim to be with "3H Asphalt" out of Rochester, said Sgt. Eric Strop, of the Rochester Police Department's property crimes unit. They say they have excess blacktop after completing another job, the warning says, then "do quick, shoddy work ... get paid and are gone." The most recent report came from New Prague, where they charged a homeowner $19,000 for the job; the alleged victim was able to stop payment before the check was cashed. The invoice was completely handwritten, including the name of the business, the homeowner said. ADVERTISEMENT A call to the number listed on a "3H Asphalt and Construction" website Thursday morning was answered first by an automated system, then picked up by a man identifying himself as "James Harrison." He denied the business was operating a scam, and said the New Prague job was done by his father who was never paid for that job "in the cemetery." Harrison, who spoke with a thick southern accent, said he "just came up here for the Mayo Clinic and I'm just working for my dad while I'm here." The top of the website reads, "HI welcome to 3H asphalt construction we have been in business over 25 years, our goal is to get it done right the first time" (sic). Harrison said he's 23 years old, and "don't know nothing about what you're talking about," saying he probably needed to get a lawyer. The website doesn't list any address other than "Rochester, Minnesota, United States." "A quick Internet search shows they appear to be a scam business," Strop said. WABASHA A man who walked out of an area courthouse during his jury trial for felony drug crimes then allegedly bit the two law enforcement officers in central Minnesota who took him back into custody has been sentenced to more than nine years in prison. Donald Albert Strobel, 53, was charged in December with one count each of first- and second-degree controlled substance crime, both felonies. A jury trial began April 11 in Wabasha County District Court; Strobel appeared at the courthouse that day, "and he actually showed up the next morning, too," said County Attorney Karrie Kelly. "Just as we were walking into the courtroom (April 12), he informed his attorneys that he needed to use the restroom, and left the building," she said in April. After it became clear Strobel had absconded, the members of the jury convicted him in absentia of both counts, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. ADVERTISEMENT On May 28, Mille Lacs County deputies responded to a "distress" call from Mille Lacs Band Police officers, who said they were in a fight. One of the officers said he saw Strobel riding his bike in Onamia ; the officer knew there was a warrant for Strobel's arrest, and attempted to stop him. Strobel tried to ride away, but the officer caught him by the backpack, the complaint says, and Strobel "started fighting." It took two officers to handcuff Strobel, the court document says; he bit the initial officer on the arm and a responding officer on the finger, drawing blood on both. Strobel was charged in Mille Lacs County District Court with felony counts of fourth-degree assault of a peace officer and obstructing the legal process, as well as misdemeanor fifth-degree assault. That case is still pending. Strobel was sentenced Wednesday in Wabasha to concurrent prison terms of 115 months and 108 months, with credit for 236 days already served. The drug case saw Strobel accused of selling more than 10 grams of methamphetamine on five separate occasions in 2016; at the time of his Dec. 20 arrest, he was in possession of more than 25 grams of meth, the criminal complaint says. ADVERTISEMENT "Strobel has a lengthy criminal history that includes both felony assaults and felony drug crimes. His conduct in these crimes particularly the amount of methamphetamine he possessed and sold shows he is a danger to our community," said Kelly, who prosecuted the case. His history includes felony convictions in Mille Lacs County for second-degree assault with a deadly weapon, third-degree assault and fifth-degree drug possession, court records show. RUSHFORD An Albert Lea man was in critical condition this morning after crashing his motorcycle Thursday in rural Fillmore County. Troy Edward Steele, 47, was eastbound on Minnesota Highway 30 when he crashed into the right ditch, according to an incident report from Minnesota State Patrol. No other vehicles were involved in the incident, which occurred just before 10:30 a.m. Steele suffered non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Rochester for treatment, according to the State Patrol. A Mayo Clinic spokeswoman said this morning that Steele was in critical condition. It's believed Steele was transported to Rochester via Mayo One helicopter, but an ambulance also responded to the scene. State Patrol did not respond to requests for clarification by today's print deadline. The Rushford Fire Department also assisted at the scene. Ethan Herber manages a portfolio of 15 hotels throughout the country from his downtown Rochester office, handling social media, search engine optimization and marketing for each. On a typical day, he might work to make sure the hotel shows up in Google searches and craft a few digital ads. Then, he'll track engagement on social media posts for each of the hotels he oversees online. It might not be what most envision when they think about the hospitality industry, but it's a field that has recently seen a lot of change, bringing about more positions such as Herber's, requiring at least some college or formal education. It's this shift, coupled with projected growth in the Rochester area, that has prompted Rochester Community and Technical College to develop a hospitality program. Students will be prepared for the development the region is expected to see with the 20-year, $5.6 billion Destination Medical Center economic initiative. "DMC is recognizing that along with many jobs that are going to be created in the health care industry, hospitality is the second-fastest growing," said Michelle Pyfferoen, dean of career and technical education and business partnerships. "They're seeing that they can't be as successful as they want to be unless they have the surrounding support services in place to make that happen." ADVERTISEMENT An additional 300-some workers will be needed by 2024, according to Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development projections. "The industry came to us and said, 'we need folks,'" Pyfferoen said. A two-year program The hospitality program is intended to address the major "shift" in the industry, said John Jimenez, an RCTC business instructor, who's teaching the first course. "Like many industries, the way we're engaging with our consumers is changing," Jimenez said. The Business Management-Hospitality degree program was launched with a "soft opening" in October, with plans to pull in more students this spring. The two-year associate of arts degree will not only be taught in the classroom, but with on-the-job training via internships at local hotels. It's geared toward students who might already be in the industry, in entry-level positions, but looking to move up to mid- to upper-level management positions, Pyfferoen said. The first course is in sales and marketing, but the courses cover a range of topics, including accounting, finance, marketing, sales, food and beverage management, and inventory skills, she said. "They're seeing that when they're working in the industry, now, they're going to learn the concepts or the theory behind what their managers are saying," Pyfferoen said. ADVERTISEMENT In addition to some of those more concrete skills, training students in "soft" skills, such as customer service and compassion on the job, especially in Rochester, is a key part of the training. "You have to recognize and address or respond to very, very different customer needs," Pyefferoen said, which could one minute be someone who's just changed a life-changing diagnosis, and the next, a bride preparing for a wedding. A growing and changing industry The other major part of the curriculum, Jimenez said, is understand how technology has changed the industry. The way people book hotel rooms has changed with the rise of cell phones and third-party booking sites such as Expedia. Those in the industry need basic "people skills," but also social media analysis and search engine optimization skills. With those changes have come new jobs. One of the biggest challenges is making sure people understand the industry, said Brad Jones, executive director of the Rochester Convention & Visitors Bureau. "There are a lot of misconceptions about the industry, and what it has to offer," he said. "There's a ton of opportunities that people don't typically think of in the hospitality industry." ADVERTISEMENT That's why he and others are working to expose students to multiple career options. Often, people use jobs in the field as a "stepping stone" during college, Whalen said. "We're trying to change that and educate our young people that there are real money-making careers within the four walls of hospitality." Because opportunities nationwide are so broad, Pyfferoen said, keeping talent in the Rochester industry has proven difficult. That's why they're working to drum up and train local talent. "We really started looking at how do we build our own and grow our own folks, who have started maybe while they're in high school in a server, bartender, cook position, and develop those management skills and allow them to move up here," she said. A couple has responded to Stewartville's growing need for more child care by planning a new business. Krystal and Patrick Campbell soon hope to break ground in the Schumann Business Park to build a 7,500-square-foot facility to be called Sprouts Childcare and Early Education Center. "My passion has always been with kids," said Krystal Campbell, who has been operating an in-home day care in Stewartville for the past five years. "To be honest, there is no other job in the world I'd rather do." If everything goes according to plan, the Campbells would like to have the facility open in the early fall of 2018. They expect to have a maximum capacity for 99 children with 16 much-needed spots for infants. It will be located next to the Schwickert's Tecta America plant. The project, which is receiving support from the Stewartville Economic Development Authority, grew from a public forum to discuss the shortage of child care in the city. Despite having many high-quality child-care providers, many employees were telling their bosses that they were having trouble finding child care. That spurred the discussion as well as local studies into child care. ADVERTISEMENT Jon Losness, the executive director of Families First of Minnesota, said at the forum that a recent study found that Stewartville's child-care capacity is short by an estimated 111 children. Following the meeting Krystal Campbell began talking with Joya Stetson of the Community and Economic Development Associates, who serves as Stewartvile EDA director. "Krystal and I worked together for months on trying to figure out the logistics of the project and the viability of the project," Stetson said. "Nothing was done haphazardly. The exciting part is seeing this come together." The EDA approved a $50,000 loan for the project last week. Working with Widseth Smith Nolting, the Campbells have mapped a facility to meet current needs as well as future ones. "We're designing this every which way so as Stewartville grows, we'll be able to add on to the building and grow with the community," Krystal Campbell said. To staff the facility, they plan to hire 15 employees, including a full-time cook. Stewartville Mayor Jimmie-John King is supportive of the plan. He emphasizes that this is to fill unmet needs and not take away business from the city's many successful day cares. ADVERTISEMENT "Economic growth and child care go hand in hand. You can't have one without the other," he said. "She's done her homework and will add 15 new jobs It will be a very welcome part of our community." RED WING In the midst of a struggle to reduce about $800,000 from the Goodhue County budget to make the preliminary levy for 2018 work, the Goodhue County Board of Commissioners heard about the need to hire several new positions. Health and Human Services Director Nina Arneson and members of her staff addressed the county board Tuesday during a committee of the whole meeting to explain the need for four new positions and how those positions could be revenue neutral for the levy. "There are four position we've identified where we have a need," Arneson said. "These are not the only needs we have, but they'll have the most impact." The four positions include two in the social services division, and one each in the public health and economic assistance divisions. While these positions would cost anywhere from $63,000 to $89,000 apiece, they would be paid for through a combination of increased state and federal reimbursements, reduced overtime, increased insurance billables. "We're at 75 percent of our billable clients," said HHS Deputy Director Mike Zorn. "With an added person, we'd go up to 86 percent of visits to billable clients." ADVERTISEMENT Child and Family Services Supervisor Kris Johnson said the continuing increase in need for child protection includes more intakes and longer in-home placements. Often these children come from homes with parents involved in drug abuse such as opioids or methamphetamines. "Someone who's been a drug addict for 10 years and gives us three months of clean tests, that's not enough," Johnson said. "We need to be involved for six months, nine months, and 12 months to see real change." County Commissioner Barney Nesseth asked if there were any priorities among the four positions. "That's like asking me to choose my favorite child," Arneson said with a laugh. With turnover in many of these fields so common, said Commissioner Brad Anderson, it would benefit the county to add the positions. "We really need to consider adding these, especially when it's revenue neutral," he said. Because the information came after the board meeting, the board did not vote on the recommendations, but planned to add it to a future board agenda. At the county board meeting immediately before the committee meeting, the board heard from County Attorney Stephen Betcher make a request for a new welfare fraud investigator. Several board members expressed reluctance to add a new position to the county payroll, especially when the board is looking to cut county expenses before setting the final levy in December. ADVERTISEMENT "We'd benefit from a welfare fraud investigator," Betcher said. "They could make sure cases have the information needed to go forward to court." The county attorney's office would beg reimbursement from the state for time spent on these cases, he said. "The reason why counties are not discussing this is it's a state program," said County Administrator Scott Arneson. And while the state is required by federal law to investigate welfare fraud, the amount of fraud found in Goodhue County last year was around $2,000. "Even if we do prosecute more, do we get $8,000 or $10,000?" Brad Anderson said spending $50,000 for a fraud investigator is one thing, but the overall costs to the county of exposing that fraud could be much higher. Betcher also made an appeal for a drug court coordinator. While the county did not get federal funding for its drug court for 2018, he said, the county's drug court steering committee wanted to go ahead with the court using local funds. "What we'd be proposing is for the county to cover the cost of drug testing," he said, adding that drug tests cost $50 apiece and are needed three times a week. "A year of tests would be somewhat offset by insurance." Scott has posted General Kellys statement regarding President Trumps condolence call to the Gold Star family of Sergeant La David Johnson, who was killed in Niger. Scott rightly says: Given the highly personal nature of General Kellys statement and the accompanying emotion, it makes for compelling viewing. The statement casts Rep. Frederica Wilson, who attacked Trump for his phone call, in a horrible light. Kelly powerfully expressed his dismay that Wilson would try to make political hay over Trumps solemn attempt to console the Gold Star family an attempt Trump made only after consulting with Kelly, who has been on both ends of these calls. In addition, Kelly spoke of an occasion when, during the dedication of a Miramar, Florida Federal Building named in honor of two fallen FBI agents, Wilson used her speech to praise herself for getting the monument funded. Kelly didnt mention the grandstanding congresswomen by name, but there was no doubt that he was referring to her. Even Wilson must realize that her attempt to gain political advantage from the call to Sergeant Johnson has backfired. To put it plainly, Kelly mopped the floor with her. Wilsons response was to claim: John Kellys trying to keep his job. He will say anything. Questioning the sincerity of Kelly, a Gold Star parent himself, was not the way for Wilson to go. No reasonable observer of Kellys statement will conclude that it was insincere. No reasonable observer will conclude that he was saying anything in an attempt to keep his job. Who is the phony? The General who speaks with such dignity and deep emotion or the politician who wears funny hats? The answer is obvious. One neednt parse Kellys statement to demonstrate its sincerity. Watching the video is enough. I note, however, that Kellys discussion of how presidents deal with families whose loved ones have died while serving our country in the military was even-handed. He did not criticize Trumps predecessors for their handling of these cases. He was not willing to say anything. He was not Trumpian. Even Charles Blow, the lefty, Trump-hating New York Times columnist, figured out how this one went down. He tweeted: I keep telling yall about John Kelly. He signed up to make Trumps craziness look less crazy. That make Kelly himself VERY dangerous. Kelly is no magician. He cant make true craziness look less crazy. What he did today was help us understand why Trumps statements in his condolence call, however they were construed by the family, were in line with the approach that, in Kellys experience, is most likely to bring some small measure of comfort in an impossibly tragic situation. J. Michael Waller, writing in the Daily Caller, says that new FBI information about corruption in a Clinton-approved uranium deal with Russia raises questions about Clintons actions after the FBI broke up a deep-cover Russian spy ring in 2010. The FBI ran an elaborate and highly successful operation called Ghost Stories to monitor and rip apart a deep-cover Russian agent network. It tracked a ring of Russian spies who lived between Boston and Washington, D.C. under false identities. In 2010, thanks to the Ghost Stories operation, the FBI arrested 10 spies. According to Waller, Secretary of State Clinton worked feverishly to return the Russian agents to Moscow in a hastily arranged, lopsided deal with Putin. If this is true, why did Clinton do so? Waller ties her actions to the Russia uranium deal: For the Clintons, the FBIs biggest counterintelligence bust in history couldnt have come at a worse time. . .It all happened as the uranium deal was in play: An arrangement to provide Moscows state Rosatom nuclear agency with 20 percent of American uranium capacity, with $145,000,000 to pour into the Clinton Family Foundation and its projects. Indeed, the day the FBI arrests occurred the day before Bill Clinton was to give a speech in Moscow. A Kremlin-connected investment bank, Renaissance Capital, paid the former president $500,000 for the hour-long appearance. At the time of the arrests, a spokesperson for Hillary Clinton told told ABC News that there was no reason to think the Secretary was a target of this [Russian] spy ring. But this statement appears to have been false. Waller notes: Redacted evidence that the FBI submitted to a federal court shows that Russias External Intelligence Service (SVR), the former KGB First Chief Directorate, targeted Clinton in 2008 and tried to burrow into her inner circle the next year when she was secretary of state. (Press reports often confuse Russias main internal security entity, the Federal Security Service, or FSB, with the SVR.) Its natural that a Russian spy ring might target the Secretary of State regardless of who held that position. Thus, Team Hillarys false denial that the spies targeted her seems like a case of the lady protesting too much. Indeed, Waller reports an extraordinary level of targeting aimed at Hillary Clinton, considered an easy mark due to her blind ambition and insatiable desire for cash to enrich her family, friends, and political machine.: From New York, SVR agent Lidiya Guryeva had Clinton in her sights. Guryeva had a real-life job, under the assumed name Cynthia Murphy, as vice president of a high-end tax services company in lower Manhattan. Guryevas prime targets, FBI evidence and later news reports show, were Clinton and no fewer than five members of her inner circle. . . . While the FBIs unclassified information is vague, it is clear that Guryevas target was an early Obama administration member from New York who handled foreign policy after having run for high-level public office. Clinton is the only person fitting that description. One cant blame Hillary Clinton for being the target of spies. But it is fair to examine the State Departments posture towards Russia, as well as her Foundations dealings, during the time its spies were trying to influence her. Waller reminds us: Clinton pledged at Foggy Bottom to reset relations with the Putin-controlled regime. She blamed the former George W. Bush administration for the bad feelings. To the Kremlins relief, she opposed what would become the Magnitsky Act to sanction Russian criminal oligarchs and regime figures. . . . In addition, says Waller: [Clinton] immediately used her position as Americas top diplomat to pour Russia-related money into her family foundation. One of her earliest acts as secretary of state was personally to authorize the State Department to arrange for 28 American tech CEOs and venture capitalists 17 of them Clinton Foundation donors to visit a Russian high-tech hub called Skolkovo. With Skolkovo, the SVR doesnt need to steal when it can arrange legal purchases. The US military calls Skolkovo an overt alternative to clandestine industrial espionage. The Skolkovo visit, which reportedly began as a Clinton Foundation initiative, occurred in May, 2010, a month before the arrests. When the FBI broke up the Russian spy ring, Eric Holder claimed the sudden arrests were made to prevent one of the spies from fleeing the United States. However, FBI counterintelligence chief Frank Figliuzzi later gave a different reason: We were becoming very concerned they were getting close enough to a sitting US cabinet member that we thought we could no longer allow this to continue. According to Waller, Hillary Clinton, almost certainly the cabinet member is question, had her own concern: Hillary Clinton was mining Kremlin cash for her personal benefit while secretary of state, at the exact time Putins SVR spies were targeting her and penetrating her inner circle. She had every personal motivation to make the spy problem disappear and deny that she had been a target. . . . She toiled feverishly to get the 10 Ghost Stories spies back to Moscow as quickly as possible. She accepted whatever Putin would give her to pass off as a face-saving swap. The swap occurred during the Fourth of July weekend, when few in Washington were paying attention. All Putin gave up, according to Waller, was an SVR officer who had been an American double agent, an open-source researcher whom Amnesty International considered a political prisoner, a Russian military intelligence colonel who spied for the British, and an elderly ex-KGB man from Soviet times. In exchange, Putin received ten relatively young, highly trained Russian spies in custody with immense, fresh knowledge of SVR statecraft. Waller concludes by asking these questions: Precisely what did the FBI know about Russias spy service targeting Hillary Clinton and her inner circle? Why did Clinton deny through spokespersons that she had been a Russian target? Why did she work so feverishly to get the spies out of the United States and back to Russia? Why has the FBI leadership not been more vocal in touting one of its greatest counterintelligence successes ever? And why did nobody in the FBI leadership raise this issue during the 2016 Russian election meddling controversy? It would be premature to say that the answer to any of these questions lies in the Russia uranium deal and the Clinton cash associated with it. But, if Waller has reported accurately, it is not too early to entertain, and to investigate, the possibility. Yesterday, John Kelly provided the context to President Trumps call to the family of Sergeant La David Johnson. Kelly said that he has talked with Trump about the kind of words that offer some small solace to grieving Gold Star families. Gen. Kelly is uniquely qualified to counsel the president about this. He has made consoling calls to families and received such a call when his son was killed while serving in Afghanistan. The words that Rep. Frederica Wilson found objectionable were along the lines that Kelly says he recommended to the president. Its important to keep in mind that, as Kelly suggested, families in the midst of unbearable grief dont all react the same way to these kinds of calls. Clearly, it was reasonable of Trump to consult with Kelly. However, this seems to have been a case in which Trump didnt need advice. Gold star widow Natasha De Alencar has released the audio of a phone conversation she had with Trump in April about the death of her husband who was killed in Afghanistan. The audio speaks for itself, as does the fact that Ms. De Alencar released it amidst the controversy that the ridiculous Rep. Wilson ginned up: I missed the town hall debate on tax reform held earlier this week in Washington between Senators Bernie Sanders and Ted Cruz. Hosted by CNN, the debate may have been missed by many Power Line readers. The Daily Wires Robert Kraychik draws attention to one of the highlights with the question put to Sanders by Cruz: What is the difference between a socialist and a Democrat on taxes? The question stumped Sanders. If not up to the standard of the Freeport question, its still a good one. Kraychik notes that Sanders heralded Denmark, and Sweden, and Norway, and Finland for having by and large a much higher standard of living than the United States. That seems more to be an article of faith than an empirical statement. See, e.g., Ryan McMakens Mises Institute study and Professor Andrew Gelmans Washington Post column on it. By contrast Cruz asserted: Bernie likes to glorify socialism, but if you look at the greatest engine of prosperity the world has ever seen, its the American free enterprise system. Theres a reason millions of people risk their lives to come here. That is demonstrably true and Sanders gives no thought to the creation of the wealth that Sanders wants to confiscate. CNN reports on the debate here. CNN has also posted a transcript of the debate. Senator Cruz must be feeling pretty good about his performance; he has posted video of the debate in its entirety here. The Russia/Obama/Clinton scandal that goes generally under the name of Uranium One is getting harder for the liberal press to cover up. I wrote about the expose published bysurprisinglyThe Hill here, and Paul added more here. The original story goes back to Peter Schweizers Clinton Cash. The scandal is a blockbuster, perhaps the worst involving Barack Obama, Eric Holders corrupt Department of Justice, and Bill and Hillary Clinton. If you havent read the linked posts, you should. President Trump referred to the Russia/Obama scandal at the end of his press appearance with Puerto Ricos governor yesterday: Q (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT: Uranium is a big subject. If the mainstream media would cover the uranium scandal and that Russia has 20 percent of uranium for whatever reason and a lot of people understand what those reasons may be I think thats your Russia story. Thats your real Russia story. Not a story where they talk about collusion, and there was none. It was a hoax. Your real Russia story is uranium and how they got all of that uranium a vast percentage of what we have. That is, to me, one of the big stories of the decade not just now of the decade. The problem is that the mainstream media does not want to cover that story because that affects people that they protect. So they dont like covering that story. But the big story is uranium and how Russia got 20 percent of our uranium. And, frankly, its a disgrace. Its a disgrace. And its a disgrace that the fake news wont cover it. Its so sad. As far as Ive seen, the fake news media still arent covering it. But Michael Ramirez is, as always, up to the minute. Click to enlarge: In the immortal words of IowaHawk, journalism is all about covering important stories. With a pillow, until they stop moving. This story has legs, and the cat is out of the bag. It isnt going to stop moving any time soon. Biotechnology will be at the absolute forefront of the development of Polish scientific and technological progress, President Andrzej Duda said on Thursday at a conference devoted to the domain. "Biotechnology has a great future. It is a domain that will certainly keep modernising at a very fast pace. One could argue that if not the most important, it will be one of the crucial domains, at the absolute forefront of the development of science, of technological growth, at the absolute forefront of progress made by man", President Duda said. According to the president, "the ability to manufacture highly-processed goods means increasing one's competitiveness" as well as higher efficiency. Poland is still not a clear leader in biotechnology, President Duda noted, but is able to become one provided it can cope with challenges related to innovativeness. The conference, held in the Presidential Palace, attracted scientists and businesspeople who debated the role of biotechnology and the prospects of its development. (PAP) President Andrzej Duda Poland's President Andrzej Duda held a phone conversation with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier, shortly before the latter's visit to Moscow, President's top aide Krzysztof Szczerski said on Wednesday. Their conversation focused on Ukraine and Russia's recent proposal (to deploy UN peace-keeping forces in eastern Ukraine - PAP), Krzysztof Szczerski went on to say. President Steinmeier declared that he would try to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin about "indeed a real problem for Poland, namely, the keeping by Russia of the Smolensk disaster evidence". "President Steinmeier goes to Moscow for the ceremony but he will also have political talks with President Putin. And he found it appropriate to make a phone call to the Polish head of state to hold consultations before his visit", minister Szczerski said. According to Szczerski, Ukraine was the most important topic since it is "a case of common concern for Poland and Germany". "The presidents spoke about Russia's recent proposal to deploy UN peace-keeping forces in eastern Ukraine", the presidential minister added. President Duda also underlined that the Smolensk air crash, especially Russia's continuous detainment of the main evidence in the case, was indeed a problem in Polish-Russian relations, Szczerski told PAP. Minister Szczerski emphasised that President Steinmeier promised he would try to speak about this issue with his Russian counterpart. (PAP) A 47-year-old Inkster man was arrested Oct. 15 for disorderly conduct after a caller told police he was stumbling around in a roadway with his pants around his ankles. Police responded to the area of Lawrence, west of John Daly, and found the man lying in the grass on the side of the road. The caller was near the scene and told police she saw the man walking with his pants down in the middle of the roadway toward oncoming traffic. The woman told police the man was stumbling and unable to maintain his balance. She then watched him sit on the side of the road and fall over. The man told police he didnt know where he was or where he lived. He reportedly smelled of alcohol and was slurring his speech as he talked with police. After being arrested for disorderly intoxication, he registered a 0.225 blood alcohol content on a Breathalyzer. Scott Bolthouse A few years ago, I visited Tacos el Tio in Egg Harbor Township as part of a restaurant review we were doing in our sister publication, A.C. Weekly. My colleague and I ran into a slew of problems from chips that were too thick to empanadas that were too dry and ended up walking away pretty unimpressed with the overall experience. But, that was two years ago, and I am a firm believer in second chances (except for you, Harvey Weinstein). Also, I was in the mood for a margarita and last time we really just focused on food, so I figured it was worth revisiting to scope out the bar and see if things had improved over the years. The mid-afternoon crowd at Tacos el Tio was substantial for a Sunday. We opted for a high-top table by the bar and were lucky enough to be just in time for their daily happy hour, which runs from 4 to 6 p.m. and includes half-priced apps along with a variety of drink specials. Their list of flavored margaritas seemed interesting, but as I read the description of them, they were listed as being on tap. Huh? Making a good margarita is a fairly simple process, but should never be as simple as pulling a tap. This is not a pint of Michelob were talking about here. I inquired further about what on tap meant within the context of a margarita. We make it in the back, but run it through the tap, was the answer my server gave me. This sounded intentionally vague, needlessly complicated and anything but fresh, but I opted to try the coconut variety just to see what this silliness was all about. What I received was about what I expected an overly synthetic-tasting concoction that was clearly made with sour mix. The coconut flavor mercifully masked some of the more unpleasant aspects of the drink, but nothing could truly save this cocktail. The other members of my party fared better, one by simply ordering a Negro Modelo and the other by getting lucky with a rather tasty mojito that was well-balanced and quite good. We ordered a few items off the half-priced apps menu. I wanted to revisit the empanadas, as last time I recall us describing them as el dry-o and strongly recommending they add some cheese to the mixture inside. Sadly, it seems our advice fell on deaf ears, as these empanadas were once again stuffed with shredded chicken that was so dry it nearly made me start coughing. They should really take these off the menu. Things were not all bad though, as the chicken quesadilla was moist and delicious, and good enough to come back for. We also got two orders of tacos one chicken and one chorizo. While both had decent flavor, again both were served without cheese and were very dry. Slathering them with sour cream helped some, but you shouldnt have to do that. The flavors were actually pretty good, and if the meat was cooked a bit less and paired with some guac, cheese or aioli, they may have been a home run. Consistency is key at Carmine's, Trop's massively successful family-style Italian restaurant Up until 13 years ago and since 1990 what happened at Carmines in New York stayed at Carmines New York. The bar gets big points for its tequila selection. The list of brands is long and plentiful, and as I was perusing it, I noticed in small print that they were offering to make a craft margarita from any tequila on the list for an additional $4 beyond the price of the liquor itself. What is a craft margarita? Heck if I know. Frankly, it sounds made up. Naturally, I inquired with the bartender. Oh, a craft margarita is made with fresh lime juice and agave nectar instead of sour mix, he said. Uh huh. In other words, its just a properly made margarita that they found a new way to charge more for. But after struggling through the tap version, I was more than ready for a craft margarita. I ordered mine with Casamigos blanco tequila and waited patiently to see if there would be any difference between this and the sour bomb I had earlier. The difference was night and day. I dont care what kind of preconceived notions I may have about a place, when they get something right I will always say so, and I have to hand it to Tacos el Tio they made one of the best margaritas I have had in all of South Jersey. It made me scratch my head as to why they would even offer the cheaper version? They clearly have the skill and know-how to make the drink properly and could charge whatever they want for it. Its that good. We left Tacos el Tio with a mixed bag of feelings. While many of the same mistakes were still there from our last visit and a few new ones were added I must say that if you know how to order the right way, you can enjoy some great food and cocktails at this spot. A few easily solveable tweaks were made in the kitchen and behind the bar, and this would be a truly great cantina. Hopefully, that day is just around the corner. ATLANTIC CITY Candidates for local and state offices gathered at the Martin Luther King Jr. school complex for one of the final debates, this one sponsored by the Atlantic City NAACP, before the general election Nov. 7. The two major discussions: the takeover of Atlantic City and economic development in Atlantic County. What started as a discussion of what the Atlantic County freeholder board could do to promote growth in the county turned into several state politicians explaining their voting history and blaming each other for who allowed the state to come in and take over the city. During the Assembly debate, Vince Mazzeo said he didnt want to vote for the takeover bill, but it was really the governor and the Department of Community Affairs who took it over after they rejected the citys five-year plan to become solvent. Assembly candidate Vince Sera, a Republican who is a councilman in Brigantine, then held up a letter Mazzeo wrote to the state advocating for the takeover. The other Democratic candidate for Assembly, John Armato, said the focus must be on what happens in the future, and working to make sure the city never gets in a position to be taken over again. Armato, a Buena Vista Township Committee member, also said he is disappointed in how the country has become nothing but partisan fighting. A good idea lost its impact somewhere along the way, Armato said. Now its only a good idea if a D wrote it or an R wrote it. A good idea is a good idea. Brenda Taube, a Republican running with Sera for the state Assembly, kept her remarks on the takeover brief, but conveyed a strong opposition to it. "You cannot cut police and you cannot cut fire," she said, referring to the state's desire to cut the city's police and fire department to save money. The debate over the takeover continued in the state Senate debate between Chris Brown and Colin Bell. Senator Whelan and Assemblyman Mazzeo voted for the takeover, thats a fact, said Bell, the Democratic candidate. But what is also a fact is that a Chris Brown voted for it, whether he wants to tell you or not. Brown rebutted Bell by repeating that he fought the takeover and voted for a bill that gave the city 150 days to come up with a financial plan to avoid that. All state Senate and Assembly candidates, including Green Party candidate Mico Lucide and independent Heather Gordon, said the state should end the takeover soon. The candidates will be back debating next week when The Press of Atlantic City and Stockton University host a debate Oct. 26. ATLANTIC CITY Nine historical sites in South Jersey are in this weekends Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey. The challenge takes place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday across the state. Participants must visit all 11 accessible lighthouses, two lifesaving stations and one museum in 48 hours, said Jean Muchanic, executive director of Absecon Lighthouse. The New Jersey Lighthouse Society started this challenge 18 years ago, she said. Its goal is for visitors to learn about the historic navigational guides and to raise money for their upkeep. This is our largest fundraiser of the year. Its the most important event of the year, Muchanic said. Other sites participating are Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, Barnegat Museum, Cape May Lighthouse, East Point Lighthouse, Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, Tuckers Island Lighthouse, Tatham Life Saving Station and U.S. Life Station Station 30. Tinicum Rear Range Lighthouse in Gloucester County is the only one closed for climbing because of structural work, according to the challenge website. People may begin at any location by picking up a challenge lanyard Saturday morning for $2 at any lighthouse, Muchanic said. At each site, volunteers give them a souvenir pin. After collecting all 14 pins, they report a finish at their last lighthouse and are eligible to win a drawing worth $1,000. The lighthouses donate to the prize basket of memorabilia, she said. Some lighthouses have fees. Others appreciate donations, the challenge website said. Some are extending hours into the night for the challenge. New this year are food trucks at some lighthouses, including Wokworks of Philadelphia at the Absecon Lighthouse. Donna Elias, an Atlantic City artist known for her lighthouse collections, will be there Saturday and Sunday. The Lighthouse Challenge is something Muchanic looks forward to every year. Its nice to have a weekend dedicated to lighthouses, she said. Its a great family event, and its a really fun thing for people to do. The best news of all is the weather is going to be great. A list of hours, fees and directions is at lhchallengenj.org. 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 Arriving at work in the mornings for city Cedar Market workers has been bringing a bit of uneasiness lately. When store clerks arrive at work around 7 a.m., theyve been walking into a mess broken windows, doors, gates and merchandise all over the floors. The store locations have been the site of several burglaries and break-ins over the past couple of months. Its been a nightmare, store owner Issa Nammour said last week. For us to do business, its kind of impossible. Last year, there were 24 attempted robberies or armed robberies at city convenience stores from Sept. 30 to Nov. 30, according to police data. Store owners expressed frustration that there needed to be more patrols during the day to make sure their workers werent in danger. Now the stores are getting hit overnight. Atlantic City police Sgt. Kevin Fair said the department is trying to prevent the burglaries as best (they) can. Our officers are out there, they are patrolling the districts, he said. Its a matter of what we can do. Nammour said there have been so many break-ins at his store locations that the workers and owner are getting numb to it. Some of the incidents, Nammour said, are suspected to have been done by the same person between 2 and 6 a.m. while the store is closed. Police will knock on doors, check the surveillance videos and send out fliers of wanted suspects, Fair said. But Nammour said hes still looking for more patrols. In one incident, the suspect appeared in a surveillance video working at an outdoor lock for more than 30 minutes, with no one stopping him, he said. That chaos cant keep going on, Nammour said. A store surveillance video captured from 2:41 a.m. Sept. 7, shows police responding to a burglar alarm at the 1125 Arctic Ave. Cedar Market and finding a suspect hiding in a freezer. The suspect, Phillip Campos, 52, of Atlantic City, who also goes by Willy, jumped into the standalone freezer and closed the lid before police arrived. Police are seen entering and roaming the store until one opens the lid, takes Campos out and arrests him. Campos was charged that day with burglary and theft, Fair said. He was taken to the county jail and later released. Shortly after 7 a.m. Oct. 1, police responded to 101 N Rhode Island Ave. for a reported break-in. The suspect in that burglary also was Campos, who already had left the store with cash and cigarettes, Fair said. There is a warrant for Campos arrest, and he was charged with burglary, theft, possession of burglary tools and criminal mischief. At 3:52 a.m. Sept. 30, police responded to the Cedar Market on the 1700 Block of Baltic Avenue for an activated burglar alarm. The suspect fled, but took cigarettes and cash. At 5:40 a.m. Oct. 9, officers responded to 213 Melrose Ave. for a burglar alarm, where the suspect attempted to take a safe. These two cases were still under investigation as of this week, Fair said. After a request of information from the city regarding details of all city store burglaries, a city clerk said they dont have the search capability to search by stores in general, and they could not provide data on burglaries taking place across city stores without specific addresses. These crimes have been lowering the value of property and raising the cost of his insurance, Nammour said. He has had to move store safes, lock down and hide items in the store. He also has had to board up some broken windows, change and add locks, replace doors and windows and upgrade his security system, he said. Fair said it helps that some of the store locations have burglar alarms, which alert law enforcement when someone breaks a window or a door. It also helps police track the times and details of an incident, he said. All of the store owners should have a burglar alarm and a security system in place, Fair said. A working camera system can help capture a clear and detailed photo of a suspect. Fair added the police surveillance center is part of project PACT, or Protecting Atlantic City Together, which allows local businesses to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Police Department to connect their cameras to the Genetec system. The people I work with every day are good, hardworking people, Nammour said. I dont know how we can survive at this rate. South Jersey has learned lessons both good and bad since Hurricane Sandy devastated much of the Jersey Shore five years ago. Too many examples of fraud and frustrating bureaucratic obstacles show the need for vigilant oversight and intelligent reforms in how relief is handled. More encouraging is the lesson the storm drove home about the importance of community members helping each other, both locally and nationally. The state attorney general recently announced a sad milestone had been reached when the number of people charged with fraud in the wake of Sandy reached 100. The four most recent charges involve people accused of claiming their second homes in Ocean County were their primary residences, in violation of rules for receiving relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In addition to the $6 million the 100 alleged cheaters diverted from others seeking legitimate relief, state law-enforcement officials said their efforts send a strong deterrent message that will help administrators in future disasters spend less time policing fraud and more time getting assistance to those who need it. Missteps or incompetence in the administration of federal and state-administered relief programs have been a source of much frustration over delays or rejections of legitimate claims. Many of those issues have been addressed through reforms and legislation. But more work needs to be done that will help future flood and other disaster victims get the help they need with general repairs, relocations, the elevation of their homes, protection from unfair foreclosures and more. And there are more long-term issues on which tough decisions must be made, from reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program, which is already $23 billion in debt, to discouraging the type of coastal development that is inherently vulnerable to storms and flooding. These changes from Sandy should ease some troubles disaster victims in other states face, but more important is the empathy South Jersey residents have gained for what people affected by natural disasters from the Caribbean to California are going through in 2017. The number of hurricanes, fires and floods in recent weeks has the potential to create what has been referred to as donor fatigue. Officials at large organizations such as the Red Cross see a possible slowdown in donations after Hurricanes Irma, Harvey and Maria, but they say it is too early to truly judge the response. Anecdotally, at least, the efforts to help in South Jersey have not been diminished. Volunteers were quick to be on their way to help storm victims, first around Houston and then in Florida. More recently, a broad range of private efforts has been organized to assist people in Puerto Rico, where the scope of the damage from Maria is still unfolding. It is encouraging to see churches, civic groups, casinos and many other businesses organize efforts to collect supplies for those hurting in ways similar to what many in this region went through five years ago. The efforts, including a Puerto Rico Relief Benefit last weekend in Ventnor and collections organized by The Press with the Puerto Rico Civic Association of Hammonton, play an important role in augmenting the relief the federal government provides through FEMA, the military and other resources. That legacy of empathy learned from Sandy is proving to have resistance to any storm. With a rich 76-year history, PAL boasts of many 'firsts' including being the first airline in Southeast Asia to cross the Pacific on July 31, 1946, the first to operate to Europe via a DC-4 service to Rome and Madrid, and the first to introduce the world's first fully-flat sky beds aboard the B747 jumbo jets, among many others. Today, PAL has the largest fleet among other PH carriers with a total of 83 aircraft at present and is expecting delivery of two Boeing B777s within the year, six Airbus A350s starting June 2018, 21 Airbus A321NEOs starting first quarter 2018, and 10 more Q400 Next Generation turboprops. The airline will continue reconfiguring its Airbus A330s into tri-class layout. PAL carried a total of 13.4 million passengers last year, a 12.6 percent uptick from 11.9 million passengers served in 2015. 5-Star by 2020 Philippine Airlines is in the midst of its journey towards becoming the country's five star full-service legacy carrier at par with the world's largest carriers. To reach this goal, it has embarked on both inflight and on-ground service enhancements together with the introduction of its distinct service philosophy "Heart of the Filipino" embodying the nation's culture of warmth, care and trademark hospitality, that is now being recognized by the world. Airline ratings firm Skytrax ranked PAL as "6th Most Improved Airline" in its most recent world airline awards, considered the 'Oscars' of the aviation industry. Industry online publication Smart Travel Asia also named PAL as the 4th Best Airline Worldwide in Cabin Service". Experience the Heart of the Filipino The campaign, which kicks off with a digital video on PAL's Youtube Page here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_-B_jBovVc showcases the best of the Philippines and celebrates the best of Filipino values on which PAL was built, known as Buong-Pusong Alaga or "The Filipino Touch". This unique brand of hospitality that's proactive and selfless, and a disposition and attitude that's resilient and always cheerful, is what sets Philippine Airlines apart from its competition as the airline with #MoreHeart. Looking Forward The Philippine national flag carrier is charting its course in aviation history as the longest-running Asian airline which continues to innovate amidst the highly competitive industry landscape. Asia's first airline continues to devote its efforts towards meeting customer needs by sustaining fleet modernization, flight route network expansion and service innovation. It remains focused on achieving its goal to be a five-star airline by year 2020. Know more about Philippine Airlines at philippineairlines.com or fb.com/flyPAL. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/584808/FINAL_SINULOG__003.jpg Related Links http://philippineairlines.com SOURCE Philippine Airlines 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 San Francisco, Oct 15 : Responding to high-profile #WomenBoycottTwitter protest, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has said that the company was now changing its policies around how it vets content. In a series of tweets, Dorsey said that the social network would up its game when it comes to monitoring content and policing hateful and harassing tweets on the platform after the company took several critical decisions late on Saturday. The response comes after thousands of Twitter users on Friday called for a boycott of the micro blogging site after it temporarily suspended the account of actress Rose McGowan who had tweeted about sexual assault and harassment in Hollywood, in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal. A movement began around the hashtag #WomenBoycottTwitter, encouraging women to avoid the platform on Friday, October 13. Dorseyat that time wrote: "We need to be a lot more transparent in our actions in order to build trust." "Twitter will take a 'more aggressive stance' regarding its rules involving 'unwanted sexual advances, non-consensual nudity, hate symbols, violent groups and tweets that glorify violence," Dorsey tweeted. He said the changes would start going into effect in the next few weeks and that the company would provide more details next week. Srinagar, Oct 16 : The Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Monday that surrenders by local militants will be accepted even if these are made during gun battles with security forces. Addressing the media with officials of the Army and the CRPF, Inspector General of Police Munir Khan said: "We again appeal to local militants to surrender and start living a normal life. Our full support will be available to such local militants who lay down their arms. "Even if they surrender during encounters with the security forces, we are ready to accept such surrenders," he said. Khan also gave details of the progress made by the security forces in fighting militancy and cracking cases in which militants were involved. He said on Saturday, security forces arrested two motorcycle-borne LeT militants who tried to snatch weapons from the guards of a VIP in Qazigund in Anantnag district. "We also arrested a Gulzar Ahmad Dar who had hurled a grenade immediately after the cavalcade of the Roads and Buildings Minister passed through Tral town on September 28," he said. Three people were killed in that attack and 30 others were injured. The arrested militant, who belonged to the Jaish-e-Muhammad outfit, had also hurled a grenade in Tral on December 5, 2014 in which five civilians were killed. An overground worker of the Hizbul Mujahideen in Kulgam, Rameez Itoo, had taken the militants to carry out the attack on a police vehicle in Kulgam on October 14 which killed a constable, Khurshid Ahmad, Khan said. The officer accused Hizbul militants of carrying out bank robberies in Marhama (Anantnag) and Shopian. "The Hizbul Mujahideen has denied any involvement in the bank robberies but through the CCTV footage at the bank branches, Hizbul terrorists who carried out the robberies have been identified," he said. Answering questions on braid chopping incidents in the Kashmir Valley, Khan said scientific evidence was being collected but added that people "generally do not cooperate with the police during the investigations of these incidents". He vehemently denied that anyone from the police or any other security force was involved in the braid chopping incidents. New Delhi, Oct 16 : As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in poll-bound Gujarat on his second visit so far this month, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Monday mockingly said that it would see "a rain of jumlas". "Mausam ka haal: Chunao se pehle Gujarat mai aaj hogi jumlo ki barish (Before the polls in Gujarat, there will be a rain of jumlas)," said Gandhi on Twitter, attaching a news report. Prime Minister Modi is expected to announce a litany of new projects in the state ahead of the announcement of polling dates. The Election Commission, which last week announced poll dates for Himachal Pradesh, delayed making the poll announcement for Gujarat, which the opposition alleged was in order to allow Modi to announce more new projects. Lucknow, Oct 17 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is to visit the Taj Mahal on October 26 -- in a move to stem controversy over the marble monument after a BJP lawmaker called it a "blot" on Indian culture. On Tuesday, the Chief Minister said the 17th century Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site visited by thousands, is an important tourist draw and it was immaterial who built it and for what reason. "It does not matter who built it and for what reason. It was built by the blood and sweat of Indian labourers," he said. His comments come after the unsavoury controversy kicked off by BJP legislator from Sardhana, Sangeet Som's remarks calling the Taj Mahal a blot on Indian culture. Som attracted criticism for his remarks. The Chief Minister said the monument of love was important for the Uttar Pradesh government, specially "from the tourism perspective" and "it is our priority to provide facilities and safety to tourists there". On October 26, the Chief Minister is also scheduled to visit the Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and other important monuments in Agra, an official told IANS. Earlier last month, the state government has omitted reference to the Taj Mahal in a booklet published on completion of six months of the Yogi Adityanath government. The move had drawn sharp criticism, prompting Tourism Minister Rita Bahuguna Joshi to remark that Taj Mahal was of great importance to the state government and to the nation. Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 17 : The Congress party in Kerala alleged that newly-appointed Union Tourism Minister K.J. Alphons is a "bridge" between the ruling CPI-M in the state and BJP in Delhi. Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, Vice President of the state Congress party and legislator V.D. Sateeshan said "It's now crystal clear that the CPI-M, especially Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is not interested in forging a secular front to fight the BJP. "Just look at the reception that was given by Vijayan to Alphons in Delhi soon after he was sworn in. This reminds us of the electoral alliance that the CPI-M and Jana Sangh had in 1977 in Kerala. At the time the CPI-M said they forged the alliance because 'democracy' in the country was threatened. Now, is democracy under Modi safe? And is that why the CPI-M is treating the Congress as its enemy, than the BJP," asked Sateeshan. He added that while the Congress in West Bengal was willing to support Sitaram Yechury for the Rajya Sabha, Vijayan and his faction were unwilling to support Yechury, as the latter was always opposing the BJP. The elevation of Alphons, a former bureaucrat who joined the BJP in 2011 after quitting as Left supported legislator, was a shock to many in the state unit of the BJP, as there were several seasoned veterans in the party here who were eyeing a cabinet post. Incidentally, it was Vijayan who was largely instrumental in Alphons' decision to quit as IAS officer in 2006 and asked him to contest from the Kanjirapally assembly constituency as a Left supported independent, which he won. "While the state BJP leadership failed to applaud the elevation of Alphons as a Minister, hours after he was sworn in Vijayan honoured him by giving a feast. He is the bridge between the CPI-M in Kerala and the BJP in Delhi," added Sateeshan. Kupwara, (Jammu And Kashmir), Oct 18 : Growing up in a society that stigmatises menstruation, two women social entrepreneurs in this border village of Jammu and Kashmir are battling the taboos attached to what is a routine biological process. They are not only creating awareness but also manufacturing and selling sanitary napkins to help poorer women who cannot afford branded products. Mir Musharraf, 18, and Mubeena Khan, 25, who grew up in an orphanage here, began their entrepreneurial journey two years ago, knowing well the arduous task they had chosen for themselves. "We have experienced what women in Kashmir, particularly in the border and rural areas, go through during their periods. It's not only about the stigma, it is also about hygiene during periods," Mir told IANS. Khan added: "It was never going to be easy. We knew that. Talking about menstruating is not easy even with women in Kashmir. But we wanted to defeat the stigma." Mir, who originally hails from Keran village, some 100 km north of state capital Srinagar, lost her father, a farmer, to blood cancer when she was still young. Keran, the last village of the eponymous border sector on the Line of Control (LoC) that divides Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan, has often faced the brunt of military skirmishes between the armies of the two countries. Mir's family had to relocate to Kupwara in the early 1990s after frequent heavy cross-border firing ripped the village apart. That was when militancy in the Kashmir Valley was at its peak and Pakistan was actively pushing armed insurgents into the Indian side under cover of border firing. After her husband's death, Mir's mother had no other means of income to sustain the family. She got her daughter admitted to Basaira-a-Tabasum, an orphanage in Kupwara town run by Borderless World Foundation, a Pune-based non-governmental organisation that helps with the socio-economic development of people in border areas. At the orphanage, Mir became friends with a "like-minded" Khan, who had also lost her father when she was just two-and-a-half. The girls grew up in the orphanage that not only sheltered and fed them but also equipped them with entrepreneurial skills to be the agents of socio-economic changes in Kupwara -- an area where an estimated 40 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line. Remembering their days in the orphanage, both Mir and Khan recalled how they used to talk for hours daily, planning what they wanted to do in their lives. "I always wanted to do something for women, particularly those living in border areas. But I had not imagined even in my dreams that I would be talking about menstruation so openly, leave aside producing sanitary napkins," Mir said. "Actually, Mubeena came up with the idea and you know why," she asked matter-of-factly. Khan had always felt perplexed about the treatment women got during their menstrual cycles. They are not allowed inside kitchens, they are not allowed to pray, they become untouchables during their periods. "The most difficult battle in the war against such evils was with ourselves. We, as women, too believe in the traditions and it is very, very difficult to break the norm. And believe me, many girls drop out of schools because of this," Khan, whose village, Helmatpora, also lies on the LoC, told IANS. And equally important was making women aware about hygiene and other health issues associated with periods. Hundreds of studies have conclusively revealed that the practice of using cloth during periods is associated with very high risk of cervical cancers. "When we get our first period, our mothers generally hand us a bunch of rags with strict instructions that we should not talk about it openly and stay away from the rest of the family," she said. "Imagine when we set out to talk about this openly. I remember how people, in fact girls, used to whisper about our 'shamelessness'. But nothing would stop us." The two girls have conducted hundreds of awareness camps in schools, colleges and community centres talking about the issue. The next step was their own self-empowerment and the empowerment of as many women as possible in their extended neighbourhood. Eventually, they spoke with the Borderless World Foundation and shared the idea of setting up a cost-effective sanitary napkin manufacturing unit in Kupwara. They began researching on the Internet, reading about their proposed business -- before travelling to NIRMA Industries training centre in Solapur, Maharashtra, where they were incubated for three months and taught how to handle machines, grinders and other nitty gritty of the business by experts. The real challenge was to raise the money needed for investment and also working capital. Iqra Javed, project officer with the Borderless World Foundation in Srinagar, said the foundation itself invested nearly Rs 12 lakh (Rs 1.2 million) to set up and run the unit. Apart from this, the foundation helped them win Rs 300,000 as investment at a 2016 start-up competition by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and Chinar Internationals, a Srinagar-based NGO helping start-ups. And finally came the time to make a "Happy Choice" -- the name they gave to their business unit. Machines and raw material were brought and the unit was set up at the Borderless World Foundation-run women development and social-entrepreneurship centre, Rah-e-Niswan, in a shanty structure in Solkute, 6 kms from Kupwara town. The plan was to start production at the Solkute centre and establish a supply chain to distribute the product to other villages of the district. "It was a 24-hour job. Right from the production purchases to the product, and then marketing, was all done by the two of us," Mir said. "It was a challenge worth taking, though it took a heavy toll on us." The production rate was 250 packs of six pieces each a day. Each pack was sold at Rs 26 -- against an average market price of Rs 35. A profit margin of Rs 16 was still significant. Their lives got better and they started contributing to their family incomes and came the basic essentials like kitchenware, flooring and clothes for their mothers and siblings. But the sales dipped after a while. The product and its packaging did not match market standards. "Happy Choice" did not have flaps that fold over the sides to help prevent the fluid from leaking. The packaging in an ordinary polythene cover with a sticker attached was also below standard. To improve, they needed a packaging machine and a machine that would make and attach wings to the pads. But it would mean another investment of about Rs 900,000. Starved of funds, the two had to temporarily close their unit and have set out on an investment hunt. "So far nobody has come forward. But we will keep striving till we get it. And we are sure -- it is about 'when' not 'if'," Mir said. But the awareness campaign is on. "We will keep talking about menstruation till everybody talks about it without attaching a taboo," Khan intervened. "The battle is on. We have not lost it. We have paused it." (This feature is part of a special series that seeks to bring unique stories of ordinary people, groups and communities from across a diverse, plural and inclusive India and has been made possible by a collaboration between IANS and the Frank Islam Foundation. Sarwar Kashani can be contacted at sarwar.k@ians.in) Patna, Oct 18 : As a 9-year-old girl died at Patna AIIMS while her poor father completed the formalities for her treatment and an official posted at the counter refused to help him, the opposition RJD on Wednesday demanded a high-level probe into the matter. Raushan Kumari, suffering from high fever for six days, died near the Outdoor Patient Department of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences here on Tuesday. Her father Rambalak and his wife, residents of Kajra village in Lakhisarai district, brought her to AIIMS, following which he was directed by the staff to get a 'parcha' (registration card) made at the OPD counter. As Rambalak, a daily wager, stood in the queue at the counter, his wife told him the girl's condition had deteriorated. As Rambalak pleaded with people standing in a long queue to allow him to get the formalities completed out of turn, no one paid heed. He even pleaded with the clerk deployed at the counter, but was asked to come in queue. "By the time Rambalak left the counter after getting the registration done, his daughter had died," a staff of a private agency contracted for cleaning operations at the hospital said on condition of anonymity. To add to his agony, the distraught man was allegedly not even provided an ambulance by AIIMS officials to ferry the body to his village. With little money on his person, he carried his daughter's body on his shoulder for nearly four km to an auto-rickshaw stand at Phulwari Sharif here. AIIMS Director Dr Prabhat Kumar Singh said he had no information that a critical patient had died due to lack of treatment. "As far as a 'parcha' is concerned, doctors treat critical patients without it and later their registration is done. But I will inquire into this case if it has happened," he said. Interestingly, Patna AIIMS does not have an Emergency Ward. Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad flayed the Nitish Kumar government for its "apathy towards the poorest of the poor" which, he claimed, led to the girl's death, and demanded a high-level probe. "Everything has collapsed in Bihar, including law and order, education, and health. The latest incident of the girl's death at Patna AIIMS vindicates our stand. There is no facility for the poor for treatment -- they have been left to die, as happened in this case." He also took a dig at Union Minister of State for Health Ashwani Kumar Choubey, who last week reportedly suggested that patients from Bihar should be treated at Patna's AIIMS and not in AIIMS at Delhi. Choubey's alleged remark about Biharis "crowding" AIIMS at Delhi even for minor ailments had drawn criticism from opposition parties. Lalu Prasad said: "Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his deputy Sushil Kumar Modi have no time for genuine health issues. Both are busy showing their faces in the media, more or less on the lines of Prime Minister Narendra Modi." "Girls are dying for want of 'bhat'(rice) in Jharkhand and lack of treatment in Bihar," the RJD chief remarked while referring to the death of 11-year-old Santoshi Kumari in Simdega district in neighbouring Jharkhand due to starvation. New Delhi, Oct 18 : It is expected to be a less noisy and less toxic Diwali this year after the Supreme Court imposed a ban on sale of firecrackers in Delhi and the NCR. While some people claim to have found different ways to get firecrackers through door step deliveries by traders and also online purchases, some seem to have got the message to celebrate the festival without adding to the already alarming air pollution levels in the capital. Many fire cracker lovers IANS spoke with on Diwali eve said they struggled in sourcing them but eventually managed to get crackers either online or bought them from other places close to the NCR. Despite reports about an upswing in the black market of crackers, one of the traders approached by an IANS correspondent simply refused to deliver any products but said people were welcome to come and buy on November 1 -- by when the Supreme Court ban will be over. "I am sorry. I can't help you with it because of the Supreme Court ban. You can surely come and buy on November 1 and after that," the trader told IANS. Amit, 42, from Ajit Fireworks near Jama Masjid, said he was getting calls from a lot of people, especially kids, requesting for some crackers, but they were simply told - "No, you will have to wait till the end of this month." "It is certainly difficult to explain it to the kids. I am trying to convince them like their parents must be doing," he said. Others in the market, he said, had switched off their phones to avoid calls from buyers. Amit said his own children and family were using some of the previous stock he had accumulated for Diwali sale. "Our kids will be bursting some. We are distributing the rest among our relatives." The Supreme Court on October 9 banned the sale of firecrackers in Delhi and NCR till November 1 to curb rising pollution levels during Diwali. Delhi Police said it seized over 1,200 kg firecrackers and arrested 29 people for selling firecrackers illegally in the capital. Last year on Diwali, PM2.5 levels in some areas of Delhi increased to 1,238. The World Health Organization recommends that PM2.5 is kept below 10 as an annual average, as exposure to average annual concentrations of PM2.5 of 35 or above is associated with a 15 per cent higher long-term mortality risk. Delhi and NCR are one of the worst polluted regions in the world, with an annual average PM2.5 measurement of 122. On Tuesday, average air-quality index reading for Delhi was said to be "very poor" and "severe", amid apprehensions that firecrackers on Diwali would further worsen the air quality. But for many Diwali is all about fireworks. "We have made arrangements in our society and somehow made it available to everybody in our area," said Pramod Shah, 51, an east Delhi resident. Anmol Agrawal, 22, a Saket resident, said: "Those who are desperate to burst crackers and cause pollution must be making arrangements from somewhere or the other. If not from Delhi, they can certainly source them from nearby cities in other places beyond NCR. "I support a pollution free Diwali...won't be sourcing crackers from anywhere," she said. Vikrant Tongad, an environmentalist with Social Action for Forest and Environment (SAFE) NGO, said the Supreme Court order would "surely" help in preventing further deterioration of air quality in Delhi and NCR. But expecting a noise-free Diwali was asking for too much. "The Supreme Court ban will help. Crackers are not easily accessible. It is good. But the problem is larger. It will be less toxic and less noisy but not a completely a cracker-free Diwali," Tongad said. Ranchi/Delhi, Oct 18 : A central probe has been ordered into the starvation death of an 11-year-old girl in Jharkhand, official sources said on Wednesday even as the opposition flayed the Raghubar Das government on the matter. Santoshi Kumari of Karimati village in Simdega district died on September 28. The death was reported on Sunday by an organisation working on food security-related issues. "Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Ramvilas Paswan has directed the Union Food Secretary to hold an inquiry. The Centre will send its team to the state soon to hold the probe," an official release said in Delhi. Paswan also sought a report from the state government. The Union Minister expressed concerns over non-distribution of ration for over three months despite the Food Security Act in force in Jharkhand. "As per the Act, the state government should give allowance to beneficiaries in case ration could not be provided. Action should be taken against the erring officials," the release quoted Paswan as saying. Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Babulal Marandi, who visited the girl's house on Wednesday, told the media: "Government system has collapsed in Jharkhand. The Jharkhand government is spending millions of rupees on celebration of 1,000 days in office but people are dying due to starvation." The girl's mother said she died due to starvation as the family did not get food grain from the Public Distribution System shop as their ration card was not linked to Aadhaar Card. Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Tuesday visited Simdega and spoke with the district Deputy Commissioner, who claimed the girl "died of malaria" and not starvation. Another former Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) Executive President Hemant Soren said: "Chief Minister Raghubar Das is visiting foreign countries whereas people are dying for want of food. Shame on the government." Government sources said that the girl's family had bought food grains under the PDS in July. Washington, Oct 18 : Ahead of his India visit, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Wednesday that the US expects Pakistan to take decisive action against terrorist groups, and warned that countries that use terror as an instrument of policy will only see their international reputation diminished. Tillerson, who said that he would be visiting New Delhi next week for the first time in his official capacity, also said that US President Donald Trump's administration was "determined to dramatically deepen" ties with India. "In the past decade, our counter-terrorism cooperation has expanded significantly," Tillerson said while delivering an address on 'Defining Our Relationship with India for the Next Century' at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a top US think-tank. Speaking about peace and stability in South Asia and especially in Afghanistan, Tillerson said that apart from India, Pakistan too was an important partner of the US in this. "We expect Pakistan to take decisive action against terrorist groups based within their own borders and threaten their own people and the broader region. "In doing so, Pakistan furthers peace and stability for itself and its neighbours and improves its own international standing," he said. He said that the US and India were cross-screening known and suspected terrorists and later this year Washington and New Delhi would convene a new dialogue on terrorist designations. "In July, I signed a designation that Hizbul Mujahideen is a foreign terrorist organisation because the United States and India stand shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. "States that use terror as an instrument of policy will only see their international reputation standing diminished." he stated, adding that it was the obligation, not choice, of every civilised nation to combat terrorism. On the growing India-US ties, Tillerson said that President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were committed more than any of the leaders before them "to building an ambitious partnership that benfits not only our two great democracies but for other sovereign nations working for greater peace and stability". "The Trump administration is determined to dramatically deepen ways for the United States and India to further this partnership," he said. The Secretary of State said that there were over 600 American companies operating and US investment in India has jumped by 500 per cent in the last two years. He also pointed out that last year bilateral trade attained a record of roughly $115 billion. He said that 1.2 million Americans visited India last year while 166,000 Indian students were studying in the US. "Nearly four million Indian Americans call the United States home and are contributing as doctors, engineers and innovators and probably serving their country in uniform," Tillerson said. He also lashed out at China and said that the dragon, while rising alongside India, "has done so less responsibly at times undermining the international rules based order". "Even as countries like India operate under a framework to protect other nations' sovereignty, China's provocative actions in the South China Sea directly challenge international law and norms that the United States and India stand for." Tillerson also said that the US needed to collaborate with India to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region so that it did not become "a region of disorder, conflict and predatory economics". He said that the US-India-Japan trilateral maritime exercises would work to strengthen the security architecture of the Indo-Pacific region. His remarks comes as US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has said that India can help the US keep an eye on Pakistan as President Trump has "taken tougher approach to Islamabad harbouring terrorists". "America's overriding interest in Afghanistan and throughout South Asia are to eliminate terrorist safe havens that threaten us. And to keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of terrorists, we will use all the elements of our national power economic diplomatic and military to pursue these goals," she said. "Pakistan has been a partner to the US at times. We value and respect that. But, we cannot tolerate this government or any other government giving safe haven to terrorists who target Americans. This new approach will require understanding and restraint from both Pakistan and India," she said at a talk at the US-India Friendship Council. The US is looking at India to help Washington more in Afghanistan particularly in economic and development assistance. "We are really going to need India's help in Afghanistan. They are the good neighbours and partner that we have in the region," she said. Amritsar, Oct 19 : Fireworks display and the newly-installed LED lighting marked the celebrations of "Bandi Chhor Diwas" and Diwali as thousands of devotees flocked to the Golden Temple complex here on Thursday. The complex, where the holiest of Sikh shrines "Harmandir Sahib" is located, was illuminated with LED lights, giving it an all-new look. The fireworks display duration has been shortened since last year owing to environmental concerns. There was festive spirit at the shrine complex in this Sikh holy city as thousands of people came here to offer prayers and seek blessings. The domes, buildings and floors of the shrine complex were cleaned and lighted up for the festive occasion. The day is celebrated in Sikh religion as "Bandi Chhor Diwas" (prisoner liberation day). On this day, the sixth guru of Sikhs, Guru Hargobind, had returned to Amritsar after being released along with 52 princes from imprisonment by the Mughal emperor Jahangir from Gwalior prison in 1619. The guru and the princes arrived in Amritsar during Diwali festivities. Since then, the Bandi Chhor Diwas and Diwali celebrations coincide at the Golden Temple complex. Elsewhere in Punjab, markets wore a festive look on the occasion of Diwali but traders said that sales were down owing to the GST (Goods and Services Tax) introduced recently and the restrictions imposed on the bursting of crackers. People thronged various markets in Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala and other towns. Washington, Oct 19 : US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who has outlined a stronger strategic role for India, is visiting New Delhi, the State Department announced on Thursday. Tillerson will meet Indian leaders during the visit next week to discuss "further strengthening our strategic partnership and collaboration on security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region," the State Department said. It will also "advance the ambitious agenda" laid out by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his White House visit in June, it added. Tillerson's weeklong trip will also include a visit to Pakistan, where he will discuss continued "strong bilateral cooperation" and "Pakistan's critical role in the success of our South Asia strategy" and also "build on the positive conversations" between Vice President Mike Pence and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, last month, the statement said. Tillerson, who is on his first visit to South Asia, is the second US cabinet official to visit India in recent weeks after Trump announced his new South Asia strategy in August. Last month, Defence Secretary James Mattis visited New Delhi and met Modi and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Ahead of his trip, Tillerson said on Wednesday the US wanted to "dramatically deepen" ties with India and develop it into one of the democratic anchors of security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China, which "challenges to the rules-based order" and "subverts the sovereignty of neighbouring countries and disadvantages the US and our friends". "India needs a reliable partner on the world stage," he said. "I want to make clear: with our shared values and vision for global stability, peace and prosperity, the US is that partner." Tillerson's other stops include Saudi Arabia and Qatar, two US allies involved in a diplomatic and economic standoff. Brussels, Oct 20 : Member states of the European Union (EU) will pump "sufficient" money into a trust fund to stem illegal migration from North Africa, European Council President Donald Tusk said here on Thursday. He made the remarks at a joint press conference with his European Commission counterpart Jean-Claude Juncker, following a first day meeting of the two-day EU summit, which focused on migration, digital Europe, as well as security and defence, Xinhua reported. He said EU leaders have agreed on the need to help Italy manage the Central Mediterranean route, which links Libya to Italy and was named as the deadliest route to Europe by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in a study published in September 2017. "We have a real chance of closing the Central Mediterranean route. That is why we decided that member states will provide sufficient finances for the North Africa window of the Trust Fund for Africa, while the Commission ensures that this money is channeled to stem illegal migration," Tusk said. "We should see concrete results within the next few weeks," he added. Since the summer of 2015, an unprecedented refugee crisis has been a tough nut to crack for the EU. Thanks to an "aid for return" deal with Turkey in March 2016, the EU boxed in the inflow of refugees via the eastern Mediterranean route. However, it still bears the brunt of migratory pressure, particularly from the Central Mediterranean route. The IOM, the United Nations Migration Agency, reported Tuesday that 145,355 migrants and refugees had entered Europe by sea up to Oct. 15 this year, with over 75 percent arriving in Italy and the rest landing in Greece, Cyprus, and Spain. Meanwhile, 2,776 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year, according to the IOM. A total of 387,895 migrants and refugees reached Europe in 2016, with a record high fatality of 5,143 in the Mediterranean Sea. : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attends a press encounter at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 5, 2017. UN Secretary-General Antonio ... Image Source: Xinhua/Li Muzi/IANS UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 5, 2017 - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attends a press encounter at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 5, 2017. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was moved ... Image Source: Xinhua/Li Muzi/IANS United Nation, Oct 20 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will travel to Washington and meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, a UN spokesman announced. The spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, would not give details of the meeting. "I don't think it will surprise you if I will tell you that issues of mutual concern will be discussed," he told a briefing at UN Headquarters on Thursday. "I have no doubt UN reform will be discussed," he said, adding that he was not sure whether US payments to the United Nations will be touched upon. The meeting has been in the offing for quite some time as the two men agreed to meet formally when Guterres dropped by the Oval Office several months ago. "Scheduling this thing is no easy task," said Dujarric. With Trump's election, relations between the United Nations and the White House has not been easy. The Trump administration has announced withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on climate change, a global compact dear to the United Nations, and from the UN cultural body of UNESCO. Washington has also threatened to pull out of the world body's Human Rights Council. Washington, Oct 20 : The US State Department announced on Thursday that US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, India and Switzerland from October 20-27. In Riyadh, Secretary Tillerson will take part in the inaugural Coordination Council meeting between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The Secretary will also meet with various Saudi leaders to discuss the conflict in Yemen, the ongoing Gulf dispute, Iran, and a number of other important regional and bilateral issues, according to a State Department statement. He will then travel to Doha, where he will meet with Qatari leaders and U.S. military officials to discuss joint counterterrorism efforts, the ongoing Gulf dispute, and other regional and bilateral issues, including Iran and Iraq, the statement said. After his trip to the Middle East, Tillerson will visit Islamabad and New Delhi in his first visit to South Asia as secretary of state. After that, Tillerson will travel to Geneva, where he will meet with the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, International Organization for Migration, and the International Committee of the Red Cross to discuss a number of the current global humanitarian crises. Moscow, Oct 20 : Russia has always favoured a civilized way to settle all disputes, including the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, said President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. North Korea should not be cornered or intimidated, he said at a meeting of Russian thinktank Valdai Discussion Club here, although Russia condemns Pyongyang's nuclear tests and adheres to UN sanctions, Xinhua reported. Whether someone likes or dislikes North Korea, it is a sovereign country, Putin noted, according to an official transcript of his speech. "We are firmly convinced that even the most complex knots -- be it the crisis in Syria or Libya, the Korean Peninsula or Ukraine -- must be disentangled rather than cut," he said. New Delhi, Oct 20 : Prior to his maiden visit to India in his official capacity, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has made clear Washingtons position on key geopolitical and strategic matters pertaining to the Indo-Pacific and South Asian regions, saying the "Trump administration is determined to dramatically deepen ways for the United States and India" to further their strategic partnership that is heading for "strategic convergence" and put China and Pakistan on notice that it intended to "do what is needed" to support India. "In this period of uncertainty and somewhat angst, India needs a reliable partner on the world stage. I want to make clear: with our shared values and vision for global stability, peace, and prosperity, the United States is that partner," Tillerson said categorically while making a major policy statement at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington DC on Wednesday. While asserting that China's "provocative actions" went against the international law and norms that the US and India stood for, Tillerson made it clear that Washington expected Pakistan to take "decisive action" against terrorist groups operating within its territory. "China, while rising alongside India, has done so less responsibly, at times undermining the international, rules-based order even as countries like India operate within a framework that protects other nations' sovereignty," the Secretary of State, who will be visiting New Delhi next week, said while delivering an address on 'Defining Our Relationship with India for the Next Century'. The statement assumes significance in the wake of the 73-day standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Doklam region of Bhutan. New Delhi and Beijing eventually withdrew their troops from the region on August 28 just days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China for the annual BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit. In his remarks, Tillerson also referred to China's aggressive stance in the South China Sea region and said the US and India would work together for the security architecture in the Indo-Pacific region. "China's provocative actions in the South China Sea directly challenge the international law and norms that the United States and India both stand for," he said. "The United States seeks constructive relations with China, but we will not shrink from China's challenges to the rules-based order and where China subverts the sovereignty of neighbouring countries and disadvantages the US and our friends." Tillerson said that India and the US "should be in the business of equipping other countries to defend their sovereignty, build greater connectivity, and have a louder voice in a regional architecture that promotes their interests and develops their economies". "This is a natural complement to India's Act East policy," he stated. In this context, he also said that the US, India and Japan were "already capturing the benefits of our important trilateral engagement" and said "India and the United States must foster greater prosperity and security with the aim of a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Indo-Pacific - including the entire Indian Ocean, the Western Pacific, and the nations that surround them - will be the most consequential part of the globe in the 21st century." These words will come as music to New Delhi's ears ahead of Modi's visit to the Philippines next month for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and East Asia Summits. Tillerson's remarks also came amid Chinese President Xi Jinping's assertion at this week's National Congress of the Communist Party of China that Beijing would never give up its "legitimate rights and interests". Despite US President Donald Trump's new South Asia Strategy that sees Pakistan as an important partner, Tillerson made no bones about the fact that Washington expected Islamabad to take strong action against terror. "We expect Pakistan to take decisive action against terrorist groups based within their own borders that threaten their own people and the broader region," he said. "In doing so, Pakistan furthers stability and peace for itself and its neighbours, and improves its own international standing." Tillerson also referred to the US' designation of the Hizbul Mujahideen as a foreign terrorist organisation and said this was "because the United States and India stand shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism". "States that use terror as an instrument of policy will only see their international reputation and standing diminish," he said, leaving to no one's imagination which country he was referring to. (Aroonim Bhuyan can be contacted at aroonim.b@ians.in) Los Angeles, Oct 20 : Actress Lindsay Lohan, who visited India in December 2009 as part of the documentary "Lindsay Lohan's Indian Journey", recalled her days in the country on the auspicious occasion of Diwali. Lohan took to Instagram on Thursday to share a photograph in which she can be seen holding a child in her arms, and flaunts a 'bindi' on her forehead. "Happy Diwali," Lohan wrote alongside the image. Presented and narrated by Lohan, the hour-long documentary featured the actress talking to victims of human trafficking in Delhi, Kolkata and a village in West Bengal. The documentary was filmed in India over a period of a week in December 2009. New Delhi, Oct 20 : The Congress on Friday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being "arrogant" over his remarks on redevelopment of the Kedarnath shrine after the flash floods of 2013, saying he has disrespected the people of Uttarakhand. "By visiting Kedarnath today (Friday), Modiji has not only disrespected people of Uttarakhand but also showed his arrogance," Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala said here in a video message. His remarks came after the Prime Minister accused the Congress of rejecting his proposal of redeveloping the Himalayan shrine of Kedarnath after the devastating flash floods in 2013. Firing salvos at Modi, Surjewala asked: "After the 2013 disaster, is it only Modiji who is capable of redeveloping Uttarakhand? Was the work done by the then state government, people and the devotees of Lord Shiva to redevelop Kedarnath a waste? Out of 130 crore people, is none capable of redeveloping Kedarnath other than Modiji?" He said: "When the ruler turns arrogant then his downfall is very close." He urged the Prime Minister not to disrespect the people of the state, saying: "Lord Shiva does not ask for help, He asks for devotion." "And those who devote themselves towards the Lord get the fruits of their devotion. Modiji should maintain at least some humility at the door of Lord Shiva," Surjewala added. San Francisco, Oct 20 : A report in a Taipei-based newspaper stating that Apple had cut orders for iPhone8 by more than 50 per cent owing to poor sales led to Apple shares plunging up to 2.8 per cent on Thursday. However, the Economic Daily News which quoted analysts did not elaborate on what sort of orders had been cancelled. Apple was yet to comment on this. There's a "more anaemic appetite for the iPhone 8 right now," Joe Natale, chief executive of Canadian carrier Rogers Communications, was quoted as saying in an Irish Examiner report on Friday. iPhone X has some hugely incremental features compared to the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, like less-bezel, facial-recognition system (FaceID), wireless charging and animoji, etc. Earlier media reports had predicted weak demand for iPhone 8 owing to a "super premium" $999 iPhone X. The queues outside Apple Stores were shorter than previous years and the growing craze to own "super premium" iPhone X was likely to be the reason. The various Apple Stores across the world reportedly saw a lot thinner crowd, far fewer than last year's iPhone 7 launch. The latest development confirms earlier reports that iPhone X is cannibalising iPhone 8 orders. "While it takes three to six weeks or more to ship new iPhone models after they are available for preorder, they see the iPhone 8 taking less than one to two weeks. This is due to the iPhone X cannibalisation," Ming-Chi Kuo, the most famous Apple analyst with KGI Securities said recently. There have also been some reports of iPhone 8 batteries swelling and phones being left split apart. iPhone 8 and 8 Plus went on sale on September 22. Apple was yet to release figures for the early sales of iPhone 8 and 8 Plus. The pre-orders for "super-premium" iPhone X will begin on October 27, with shipping starting November 3. The iPhone X will come to India on November 3, starting at Rs 89,000. Smartphone users in India have also said that the lack of innovation coupled with high price of the devices have affected their decision to buy iPhone 8 and 8 Plus. The iPhone 8 (64GB) costs Rs 64,000 while the 256GB variant comes at Rs 77,000. The iPhone 8 Plus starts at Rs 73,000 for 64GB while the 256GB variant costs Indian users Rs 86,000. Chennai, Oct 20 : Tamil actor Vijay's Diwali release "Mersal" has come under attack from BJP leaders in Tamil Nadu, one of whom has also sought to give a communal twist by raking up the actor's religion. The actor has been panned for his dialogues in the film that takes a dig at GST and digital India. Vijay, who had met Narendra Modi during electioneering ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, had even lauded demonetisation last year. However, on Friday, BJP's National Secretary H. Raja in a tweet raked up the actor's Christian origins. "Joseph Vijay's hatred for Modi is 'Mersal'." Referring to the actor's dialogue in the movie, Raja tweeted that in the last 20 years, 17,500 churches, 9,700 mosques and 370 temples were built. Out of these what should be avoided to build hospitals, Raja posted. According to Raja, education and healthcare is free in government schools and hospitals. "It is a lie to say healthcare is free in Singapore." Raja even said "Mersal" shows Vijay's ignorance in economic matters as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is not a new tax and the tax on liquor is over 58 per cent. On her part, Tamil Nadu BJP President Tamilisai Soundararajan demanded removal of the dialogues relating to GST, digital payments and temples from the movie as they spread a wrong message. She also wondered whether Vijay had asked his fans to distribute milk to poor children instead of pouring it on his cutouts erected outside the theatres. Shimla, Oct 20 : Congress leader and six-time Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Virbhadra Singh on Friday filed his nomination papers from Arki assembly constituency -- a new seat that he chose himself -- for the November 9 assembly elections. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s former two-time Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, who is also going to contest from a new seat Sujanpur, will file his papers on October 23, the party said. Accompanied by his wife Pratibha Singh, a former Member of Parliament, and son Vikramaditya Singh -- who is planning to make his electoral debut from Shimla (Rural) seat this assembly polls, Virbhadra Singh said he himself decided to contest from the seat which the Congress had not been able to win for quite some time. Party leaders said in fact, Virbhadra Singh, 83, had vacated the Shimla (Rural) seat for his son Vikramaditya Singh and shifted to Arki in Solan district. Earlier, he announced to contest from Theog in Shimla district, the seat which was won in the 2012 assembly elections by Congress veteran Vidya Stokes, 89. "After Virbhadra Singh decided to contest from Arki and the party high command allotted him the ticket from there, Stokes again expressed her desire to contest from Theog," a senior party leader told IANS. The Congress on Wednesday announced its first list of 59 of the 68 candidates. It is still silent on the names of candidates for the remaining nine seats, including Theog and Shimla (Rural). "The Congress will again form the government as we are in the fray on the plank of development," a seemingly confident Chief Minister told reporters after filing his nomination. Virbhadra Singh, who has been declared the Congress chief ministerial candidate, is pitted against the BJP's greenhorn Ratan Singh Pal. For this seat, the BJP ignored sitting legislator Govind Ram and allotted the ticket to Pal. Another Congress leader and Cabinet minister Dhani Ram Shandil filed his nomination papers from Solan (reserved). Interestingly, the BJP has fielded Shandil's doctor-turned-politician son-in-law Rajesh Kashyap. The other prominent candidates who filed papers include the BJP's former Cabinet ministers Jairam Thakur from Seraj, Gulab Singh from Jogindernagar, Ravinder Ravi from Dehra and Maheshwar Singh from Kullu. The Congress' sitting Cabinet minister Sujan Singh Pathania filed papers from Fatehpur and its sitting legislator Kuldeep Kumar from Chintpurni. Jairam Thakur has represented Seraj for four consecutive terms and is trying his luck for the fifth time, while Gulab Singh and Ravi were the most powerful men in the previous Prem Kumar Dhumal government. BJP's Dhumal has swapped his present Hamirpur seat, the pocket borough of the BJP, with party legislator Narendra Thakur, who will be the party candidate from the seat. The contest from Sujanpur seems interesting this time as the Congress has fielded Rajinder Rana, who knows the Dhumal family inside out. This would help the Congress give a befitting reply to the BJP. Rana in 2012 won the assembly elections from this seat as an Independent and later joined the Congress. However, ahead of the 2014 general election, he vacated the seat and contested the Lok Sabha election from Hamirpur. He was routed by the BJP's Anurag Thakur, the son of Dhumal. In the 2012 elections to the 68-member assembly, which saw a voter turnout of 73.92 per cent, the Congress won 36 seats, BJP 26 and Independents six. The BJP in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections had won all the four seats with a vote percentage of 53.85 per cent. At that time, the Congress, which was at the helm in the state, got 41.07 per cent votes. Rabat, Oct 20 : The Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has hailed Morocco's "humanist and exemplary policy at the regional and continental levels" on migration and asylum at a meeting in Skhirat town. "I congratulate the Kingdom of Morocco for this humanist and exemplary policy on a regional and continental scale," said William Lacy Swing at a meeting organised to mark the fourth anniversary of the launching of Morocco's national immigration and asylum policy. The Moroccan policy is a "pioneering experiment in the region" and shows the willingness to respect migrants' rights", Swing noted, expressing IOM's support for the government and non-governmental actors to integrate migration into key sectors, including health and local development. In this regard, the IOM chief said that his organisation works closely with ministries and the various stakeholders involved to better operationalize the migration policy in line with the advanced regionalization framework. The IOM also supports the implementation of Morocco's National Immigration and Asylum Strategy in partnership with other UN agencies in Morocco, Swing said. Thiruvananthapuram, October 20 : The CPI(M)-led left democratic front (LDF) government is reportedly exploring the possibility of challenging the recent interim order of the Kerala high court virtually banning politics in educational institutions across the state. According to reports in visual media on Friday, the state government has sought legal advice from the advocate general on the issue. The governments next course of action will be decided on the basis of the legal counsel to be provided by the advocate general. Reports suggest that the state government is contemplating either to file a review petition before the Kerala high court itself or to approach the supreme court directly. Earlier in the day, Kerala assembly speaker P Sreeramakrishnan expressed his objection to the high court verdict barring politics on college campuses. Terming as illogical the courts observation that politics had no place in educational institutions, the speaker opined that there would be anarchy in colleges in the state if students were barred from engaging in political activities. The court could ask students to desist from violence but to bar them from staging protests was but a challenge to democracy, Mr. Sreeramakrishnan said. Meanwhile, the Kerala high court on Friday doubled down on its earlier observations, reiterating that campus politics would vitiate the academic atmosphere in colleges. The court was considering a contempt of court petition filed by MES college, Ponnani. It was while considering the same petition on October 13 that a bench led by chief justice Navaniti Prasad Singh observed that politics had no place in educational institutions. The court had issued an interim order virtually prohibiting politics in colleges in the state, saying that educational institutions were meant for imparting education and not politics. The HC order had also empowered college authorities to rusticate students resorting to protests or strikes, observing that other avenues for ventilating their legitimate grievances were legally available for students. New York, Oct 20 : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has highlighted its intention to make 2020 a unique year for the country's space sector by launching the first Arab probe to Mars. The announcement was made during the official statement made by the UAE delegation to the UN Special Political and Decolonisation Committee (Fourth Committee) on the item pertaining to "International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space." The statement on Thursday noted the UAE's keenness to build a strong and sustainable Emirati space sector and reviewed the country's achievements in this regard. It also reviewed the UAE space agency's achievements in launching the national policy of the space sector, including the organisation and development of the sector and defining the agency's principles, aspirations and approach to develop its national space programme. The statement also referred to the efforts made by the by the UAE to launch the first Arab probe, "The Probe of Hope" to Mars, by 2020, with the participation of more than 150 UAE engineers. During the debate, a series of other pilot projects and initiatives launched by the UAE in the exploration of outer space was mentioned, including the establishment of "Mars Science City" to simulate life on the planet . The statement pledged that the UAE will continue to strengthen its participation in global efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the development of the sector, thereby contributing to the active role of industry, science and space technologies in sustainable social and economic development. Kabul, Oct 20 : A suicide bomb explosion ripped through a mosque in the Afghanistan's capital on Friday causing several casualties, witnesses said. The blast occurred when dozens of worshippers were offering evening prayers in Imam-e-Zaman mosque in Dasht-e-Barchi locality, Police District 13 of the city, witness Mohammad Eisapur told Xinhua news agency. "We found a terrorist entered the mosque building and detonated his explosive jacket among the crowd. The blast caused panic among the worshippers and passersby as well," he said. Security forces cordoned off the area for precautionary measures. The victims were shifted to nearby hospitals. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Washington, Oct 20 : US President Donald Trump said on Friday that violence by Islamic extremists was behind an increase in criminal offences in the United Kingdom. Trump was referring to a report published on Thursday by the UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) which said that between June 2016 and June 2017, the police recorded 5.2 million crimes in England and Wales, up by 13 per cent from the previous 12-month period. "Just out report: 'United Kingdom crime rises 13% annually amid spread of Radical Islamic terror.' Not good, we must keep America safe!" Trump said in a tweet. The ONS report referred to terrorist attacks in London and Manchester in providing its figure on homicides, which totalled 664 between June 2016 and June 2017, Efe news reported. The report said the "recent trends in homicide have been affected by the recording of incidents where there were multiple victims" such as the attack in March at the Westminster Bridge and the Manchester Arena bombing in May. The ONS said that "of the 664 homicides recorded in the year ending June 2017, there were 35 relating to the London and Manchester terror attacks", both of which were determined to be Islamist-related terrorist incidents. Trump's tweet comes three days after a Hawaii federal judge partially blocked his latest revised travel ban which was to take effect on October 18. The ruling by Judge Derrick Watson, followed by a decision hours later by a Maryland judge, found that the ban on travel from several predominantly Muslim nations "suffered from precisely the same maladies as its predecessor" and "plainly discriminated based on nationality". Watson struck down the part of Trump's executive order affecting potential arrivals from six Muslim-majority countries -- Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia and Chad. But his decision does not affect the ban on travel to the US by citizens of North Korea and by some officials from Venezuela. New Delhi, Oct 20 : The Congress on Friday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being "arrogant" over his remarks on redevelopment of the Kedarnath shrine after the flash floods of 2013, saying he has disrespected the people of Uttarakhand and also slammed him for wearing "Italian glasses" at the holy place. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi does baba's darshan wearing an Italian brand Bulgari glasses. Similarly, he promises to develop a 'New India' through those Italian glasses," said Congress spokesperson R.P.N. Singh. "He spoke with arrogance at baba's shrine," he said and added this is the first time somebody gave a speech with his back towards the shrine. Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala, in a video message, said: "By visiting Kedarnath today (Friday), Modiji has not only disrespected people of Uttarakhand but also showed his arrogance." His remarks came after the Prime Minister accused the Congress of rejecting his proposal of redeveloping the Himalayan shrine of Kedarnath after the devastating flash floods in 2013. Firing salvos at Modi, Surjewala asked: "After the 2013 disaster, is it only Modiji who is capable of redeveloping Uttarakhand? Was the work done by the then state government, people and the devotees of Lord Shiva to redevelop Kedarnath a waste? Out of 130 crore people, is none capable of redeveloping Kedarnath other than Modiji?" He said: "When the ruler turns arrogant, then his downfall is very close." He urged the Prime Minister to not disrespect the people of the state, saying: "Lord Shiva does not ask for help, he asks for devotion." "And those who devote themselves towards the Lord get the fruits of their devotion. Modiji should maintain at least some humility at the door of Lord Shiva," Surjewala added. Singh also attacked the Prime Minister for the redevelopment work of the shrine. "After devastating flash floods in 2013, the UPA government formed a Cabinet Committee, which sanctioned Rs 8,000 crore for the redevelopment. Our government had already released Rs 2,200 crore out of the total amount." "This government (BJP) has not released even a ruppee after Rs 2,200 crore was released by the Congress government," he added. Attacking Modi over his remarks that when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, he tried helping in the redevelopment work, Singh said there is no record available in the Uttarakhand Chief Minister's office of such an effort being made. "Modi, as Gujarat Chief Minister, had also said his government had rescued 5,000 Gujarati people. But the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand during that time, Vijay Bahuguna, had mentioned that no other government had worked towards the rescue of the victims. Only the state government was involved in rescue work," he added. Continuing his attack, Singh said: "He also said he is Baba's son. This is just a political gimmick before the elections (Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat)." Slamming Modi for saying that "he is the only person who can work towards redevelopment of the shrine", Singh said "no other person can protect the shrine except Baba Kedarnath". "Everyone can only visit the shrine as a devotee. Even Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi went there as a devotee. One cannot go there as an arrogant person." "He (Modi) also said he went there as the doors of the shrine were in the verge of getting closed. But, he has already closed the doors for the farmers, youth, poor, businessmen by implementing the GST and demonetisation. But, he did not say anything about it." New Delhi, Oct 20 : The Congress on Friday demanded the resignation of Jharkhand Food and Public Distribution Minister Saryu Roy following the death of 11-year-old Santoshi Kumari in state's Simdega district allegedly due to starvation. "Congress party is doing dharna in Simdega. Eveybody knows that the family was not getting food grain through the Public Distribution System," said Congress in-charge of Jharkhand R.P.N. Singh. "The Modi government has completely destroyed the PDS system. In Jharkhand too, more than 12 lakh families are not getting food grain because their ration cards are not linked with the Aadhaar card." But the Central and state governments are running away from their responsibility, he said. "The Minister (Saryu Roy) should resign immediately and there should be a probe that in the whole country how many families are not being given food grain because their ration cards are not linked with the Aadhaar card," he said. Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Tuesday ordered a probe into the death of Santoshi Kumari. Kumari, a resident of Karimati village of Simdega district, died on September 28. The death came to light after it was reported on Sunday by an organisation working on food security related issues. The mother had said in a statement that the girl died due to starvation as the family members did not get the food grain from the PDS shop as their ration card was not linked with the Aadhaar card. A roundup of state government and Capitol news items of interest for Friday, Oct. 20, 2017: DHS DATA BREACH: Officials with the Iowa Department of Human Services say the state agency was the target of a phishing email campaign last August that resulted in nine DHS employees providing their passwords which gave the hackers access to their email accounts. The hackers were able to mask their identities and send very carefully designed phishing emails to employees to appear like they were sent from another trusted DHS employee, according to the department. The campaign was discovered the same day the phishing email was sent, and DHS employees changed their passwords to block access to their email accounts and to minimize the potential for confidential information to be exposed, the department said in a news release, however the hackers potentially accessed Protected Health Information for 820 individuals during the timeframe before passwords were changed. At this time, DHS officials say the agency does not have any evidence to indicate the hackers actually accessed any of the exposed emails. All individuals potentially affected are being notified by mail. Although the chance that these individuals personal information will be misused is small, DHS officials say they will provide up to a year of credit monitoring through TransUnion Interactive at no charge to all those affected. PRISON REMAIN ON LOCKDOWN: Officials at the Iowa State Penitentiary on Friday said the Fort Madison prison continues in lockdown/restricted movement status with no plans to alter the status at this time. The staff member from Wednesdays assault has been released from University of Iowa hospitals and is at home recovering, according to a prison spokeswoman. The investigation into the matter continues, prison officials said, and so far there are no indications that the incident that occurred on Saturday is related to Wednesdays assault. However, both offenders have ties to groups affiliated with White Supremacy. A prison news release said institution officials are conducting thorough searches of all areas of the facility as well as plans are being drafted for modifications to Housing Unit One where Wednesdays assault occurred. Staffing plans are also being evaluated. Also, visits to the penitentiary continue to be suspended and the offenders are unable to access the phone system at this time, prison officials said Friday. NEW WWII PACIFIC THEATER EXHIBIT: Officials with the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, 7105 NW 70th Ave., Camp Dodge in Johnston will host a public ribbon-cutting ceremony dedicating its new World War II Pacific Theater exhibit on Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. Visitors to the exhibit will encounter sights, sounds, and artifacts interpreting the service of Iowans in the Pacific Theater. The American Volunteer Group Flying Tiger display contains artifacts, photographs, newsreel footage, and documents telling the story of Iowa pilots and ground crewmembers serving in China prior to the U.S. entry into World War II. Suspended overhead is a full-scale replica of a Curtiss P-40B Warhawk painted in the markings of an aircraft flown by AVG Flight Leader Bill Reed of Marion, Iowa, one of Iowas most decorated WWII pilots, who was killed in action on Dec. 19, 1944 near Hankow, China. A three-dimensional, full-scale diorama with 40-foot mural depicts the participation of Iowa Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines in the Pacific invasion campaign, with invasion troops departing landing craft onto the beach. The exhibit also contains numerous U.S. and Japanese weapons and artifacts acquired by Iowa veterans during the World War II Pacific campaign. More than 262,000 Iowans served in the U.S. armed forces during WWII, including 8,398 Iowans who died during the war from battle wounds, injuries, and illness. This exhibit was made possible by donations from Bill Knapp and Henry Tippie, both Iowa natives and WWII veterans, and the family of Lt. Col. William N. Reed, who provided their extensive collection of American Volunteer Group artifacts. COURT COMING TO CEDAR FALLS: Officials with the Iowa Supreme Court announced Friday the justices will travel to Cedar Falls on Thursday, Nov. 2, to hear oral arguments in case brought to them on appeal. The proceedings are part of an effort by the Judicial Branch to better help the public understand the court process by having the justices convene in venues outside of Des Moines. Attorneys will make oral arguments before the high court at 7 p.m. in the Cedar Falls High School auditorium, 1015 Division St., in the case of the State of Iowa vs. Jason Gene Weitzel, which originated in Floyd County District Court and was reviewed by the Iowa Court of Appeals. The defendant appealed the district court's judgment and sentence based on his guilty plea to charges of domestic abuse assault, possession of methamphetamine, carrying weapons and operating while intoxicated. The Iowa Court of Appeals vacated the convictions finding that the district court did not adequately advise defendant of 35 percent criminal surcharge penalties applicable to each offense. The Iowa Supreme Court has granted the state's request for further review of the court of appeals decision. A public reception with the Supreme Court justices will follow the oral arguments. New Delhi, Oct 20 : Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Friday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "silence" on the alleged spike in the turnover of a company owned by BJP chief Amit Shah's son Jay, which was countered by party leader Smriti Irani who accused him of insulting the court. A tweet from an account run by Rahul Gandhi's office, without naming Prime Minister Modi, accused him of silencing critics on the Jay Shah issue. "Mitron, Shah-Zade ke bare mein na bolunga, na bolne dunga (Friends, I will neither speak about Shah's son nor allow others to speak)," Gandhi tweeted. Gandhi apparently punned on Modi's famous line "Na khaoonga, na khane doonga (Will not indulge in corruption nor allow others to indulge in it)". The Congress leader attached a news report about "The Wire" being barred from writing on Jay Shah to protect his "right to live with dignity" along with his tweet. In response, Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani accused the Congress leader of being out on bail and insulting the court. She also said the Congress was set to lose the Gujarat assembly polls, scheduled for later this year. "A person out on bail mocks the courts..." Irani tweeted. "Lage raho Bhai Gujarat phir bhi haroge. Saal Mubarak (Keep it on brother, you will still lose Gujarat. Happy New Year)," she said. Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi were given bail in December 2015 in the National Herald case of cheating and misappropriation. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders often describe Gandhi as "yuvraj" for his belonging to the first family of the Congress and being considered heir apparent to the post of party chief. Gandhi has been hitting back since the controversy erupted over Jay Shah's business, referring to him as "Shah-Zada." He had last week also alleged "state legal help" in Jay Shah's legal battle with the news portal that published the story. The Congress leader has been relentlessly attacking the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah over the report that alleged Jay Shah's company's turnover increased 16,000 times in a year after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014. The Congress has sought an inquiry into the issue by sitting Supreme Court judges. The BJP has rubbished the allegation, saying Jay Shah's business was perfectly legitimate and legal. The party has also rejected Congress allegations of crony capitalism. Kabul, Oct 20 : At least 30 people were killed and 45 others wounded after two suicide blasts ripped through mosques in Kabul and Ghor province, respectively, on Friday, the Interior Ministry said. In the Kabul attack, 20 worshippers were killed and 40 others wounded after a suicide bomber detonated his suicide jacket in a mosque Imam-e-Zaman in Dasht-e-Barchi locality, Police District 13 of the capital city, the ministry said in a statement, Xinhua news agency reported. In a similar attack at roughly the same time, 10 persons were killed and five others wounded when a suicide bomber struck a mosque in Khoja Gan village, Dulina district, in Ghor province, the statement said. It noted the toll may rise as several injured people remained in critical condition. No group has claimed responsibility yet for the attacks, but the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group has routinely claimed responsibility for such attacks. The IS has attacked several Shiite mosques in Kabul and western Herat province since the beginning of this year. New Delhi, Oct 20 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday sought the central government's permission to file a petition that can lead to reopening of the Bofors case, sources said. According to CBI officials, the agency has sought permission to file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court to reopen the case. A petitioner files an SLP to seek a special permission to be heard in the apex court in appeal against any judgment or order of any court or tribunal in the territory of India. The SLP will be filed against the Delhi High Court order of May 31, 2005 that quashed charges against the Europe-based Hinduja brothers in the case. A parliamentary sub-committee on defence attached to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), headed by Biju Janata Dal MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, had in July suggested that the case of irregularities in purchase of Bofors guns should be reopened as there were many "loopholes" in the investigation in past. The CBI officials had then told IANS that it could re-investigate the Bofors case only if a court order allowed it to. Several MPs of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have also raised the issue in Parliament to re-open investigation in the case. On Wednesday, the CBI had said it would look into the facts and circumstances mentioned in an interview of Michael Hershman, the first secret Bofors investigator of the Fairfax Group deployed by the Indian government. He, during an interview to a TV news channel, said he was ready to testify and assist the Indian agencies in the Bofors case. Hershman said V.P. Singh, then Finance Minister in the Rajiv Gandhi government, had hired him in 1986 to probe certain issues involving suspected violations of currency control laws by about a dozen wealthy Indians. At that time Hershman ran Fairfax Group, a private investigation firm. The deal for 410 Bofors howitzers was sealed in March 1986. The alleged corruption in the Bofors guns deal had created a scandal in 1989, leading to the fall of Rajiv Gandhi government. Kickbacks were alleged, but no evidence was found. In 1986, then Finance Minister V.P. Singh ordered an investigation. To do so, Singh had got in touch with private investigation group Fairfax. Now, the six-member Public Accounts Committee's sub-committee on defence is looking into non-compliance of certain aspects of the Comptroller and Auditor General's report of 1986 on the deal. Indore, Oct 20 : At least 36 people were injured on Friday while participating in the traditional "Hingot Yuddha" (Hingot war), observed a day after Diwali, officials said. Of the injured, the condition of three is stated to be serious. Hingot war is an age-old tradition of residents of Gautampura area, about 59 km from Indore city. It is observed on "Dhok Padwa" day - a day after Diwali. In this war, warriors in two groups attack each other with burning Hingots -- a hollow fruit shell filled with gunpowder and sealed with soil. Hingots, which grow on Hingoriya tree, have a coconut-like shape and are six-eight inches long, similar to lemons. After sealing the gunpowder-stuffed fruit with soil, one end is fired up and launched into the sky, which then takes the shape of a fireball. On Friday evening, the Hingot war took place between Turra and Kalangi groups near Devnarayan temple in Gautampura. Police officer Vikram Singh told IANS that security as well as medical arrangements had been put in place. The war, however, poses a major challenge to the police as thousands gather to watch the war and the participants are usually in an inebriated state. Indore Deputy Inspector General of Police Hari Narayan Chari Mishra told IANS while this "traditional war" could not be banned, people were made aware to avoid any untoward incident. Washington, Oct 21 : The United States President said during a meeting here on Friday with the UN Secretary-General that that global body had not fulfilled its enormous potential but was beginning to do so. Donald Trump made his remarks at the White House Oval Office after a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "The United Nations has this great ... power to bring people together like nothing else. It hasn't been used. You are starting to really get your arms around it," Trump told Guterres, Efe reported. "And I have a feeling that things are going to happen with the United Nations like you haven't seen before." Guterres, for his part, said a modernized UN and a strong US engaged based on its traditional values - freedom, democracy and human rights - were essential in a "messy world." Trump and Guterres hosted a high-level gathering during the UN General Assembly in September that was focused on reforming that 193-member body, a task that is a priority for the White House. At that time, the US president praised initiatives being spurred by Guterres to help ensure a more efficient UN operation. Prior to his Jan. 20 inauguration, then President-elect Trump lamented on Twitter that despite the UN's tremendous untapped potential it was currently just a "club for people to get together, talk and have a good time." Last week, the Trump administration said it was pulling the US out of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, accusing that specialized UN agency of showing an "anti-Israel bias" and also citing the need for "fundamental reform" and "mounting arrears" at that world-heritage organization. Guterres, who recalled the important role the US had played since UNESCO's founding, said then that the decision was deeply regrettable. Naples Reserve Welcome Center Widely regarded as the hottest new community in Southwest Florida, its easy to understand why following the results of the Collier Building Industrys Sand Dollar Awards. The IStar developed community won big at the recent event, garnering top honors in several prestigious categories. Naples Reserve took home the hardware in the following categories: Best Clubhouse Exterior Best Commercial Project over $5,000,000 Best Sales Center Best Brochure Best Website Best Direct Mail Best Social Media Marketing Naples Reserves development team engaged Cotton & Company, an industry leading real estate marketing firm, last year in conjunction with the grand opening of its new Island Club amenity center. The firms challenge was to position the community as a fun-filled, tropical destination. Together, the team executed the comprehensive program to introduce the market to the Casually Awesome lifestyle of Naples Reserve. The numbers speak for themselves, says Don Mears, Vice President of Land Development with iStar. The market has responded well to the program, and we have achieved the #1 sales position in South Naples. Naples Reserve was created by iStar, which was named 2015 Developer of the Year by Builder and Developer magazine for its commitment to creating exceptional communities and lifestyles with an emphasis on energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. We are very proud of the work we produced, but were even more excited about the sales results at Naples Reserve, said Cotton & Companys President, Stephann Cotton. Its our job to get the word out about how special this community really is. The Naples Unplugged magazine, new Sales Gallery and our social media program have been very successful at doing just that. Created amongst 22 lakes and sweeping open water views, the community emphasizes lakefront living with Southern Coastal-inspired homes and amenities along the waters edge. Lakes provide prime opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and scenic vistas. The communitys centerpiece, 125-acre Eagle Lake features a large tiki hut on destination Kontiki Island and also offers a mile-long stretch of lakefront nestled against the Picayune Strand State Forest, a 76,000-acre state park with protected pinelands, cypress swamps, marshes and abundant wildlife. Naples Reserve offers 16 fully decorated models available for viewing in six of 11 planned neighborhoods built by Southwest Floridas premier homebuilders, including Ashton Woods, D.R. Horton, Florida Lifestyle Homes, KTS Homes, Lundstrom Development, Marvin Development, McGarvey Custom Homes and Stock Signature Homes. Homes are priced from the high-$200s to more than $1 million. Naples Reserve is located at 14885 Naples Reserve Circle in Naples. Naples Reserve is located off U.S. 41, 2 miles southeast of the Collier Boulevard/CR 951 intersection and 10 minutes from I-75, Exit 101. Call 239-732-1414 or visit http://www.NaplesReserve.com. About iStar: iStar Land & Development creates unique communities, considering the best use of the land with a focus on future residents. iStar has financed and invested in over $10 billion of residential projects since 1993, making it one of the largest investors in luxury condominium, multifamily and master-planned residential developments in the U.S. Its portfolio has included interests in over 18,000 condominium units in the nations top markets, and 65,000 acres in master-planned communities with the potential for an estimated 50,000 single-family and multifamily units. Offering a fully integrated platform, the team includes best-in-class developers, architects, builders, marketers and community liaisons. iStar (NYSE: STAR) finances, invests in and develops real estate and real estate related projects as part of its fully integrated investment platform. Building on over two decades of experience and more than $35 billion of transactions, iStar brings uncommon capabilities and new ways of thinking to commercial real estate and adapts its investment strategy to changing market conditions. The company is structured as a real estate investment trust, with a diversified portfolio focused on larger assets located in major metropolitan markets. Additional information on iStar is available on its website at http://www.istar.com. About Cotton & Company: Cotton & Company is an industry leader in the field of real estate marketing. Over the past four decades, the innovative firm has marketed more than 1,700 communities stretching from Panama to Poland. The firm is headquartered on Floridas east coast with an in-house team of more than 30 professionals. The Cotton Solution integrates todays most innovative digital strategies with award-winning creative, strategic thinking and unmatched industry expertise to drive sales results for its clients. For more information, visit TheCottonSolution.com or call 772-287-6612. CLEAR LAKE | After gathering public opinion during the last couple of months, Clear Lake city council members approved an ordinance banning smoking in its public parks and beaches at its meeting Monday evening. The ordinance, however, underwent a minor revision, as "smokeless tobacco" was taken out before the motion passed its third and final reading. Gary Hugi, an at-large councilman, introduced the amendment because he believed enforcing that part of the ordinance would be difficult. He, Tony Nelson and Jim Boehnke all supported the amended ordiance, while Mike Callahan and Mark Ebeling opposed it. "I think the three of us had the feedback to justify it," Nelson told the Globe Gazette by phone Thursday. "The premise of the ordinance was to prevent secondhand smoke, and the smokeless tobacco didn't fall under that." Callahan argued at Monday's meeting that people who chew smokeless tobacco end up spitting the remains all over parks and beaches, and equated it to littering. "They spit where convenient for them, not where convenient for the public," he said. Both he and Ebeling could not be reached for comment by phone Thursday. We are proud and excited at the direction our company is taking, as well as the speed at which we are expanding, and we are looking forward to establishing new relationships with both industry leaders and potential clients in Europe. Whitmore Capital are opening up a new office in Lucerne, Switzerland, following the tremendous success of our Korean satellite office and keeping in line with our mission of establishing a truly global presence to better serve the needs of the growing expatriate communities around the world. Our company has continued to grow and our office in Seoul has been a resounding success which has led to our firm generating new relationships with industry leaders and decision makers in the region. Having a presence in Korea has also opened the door for institutional investment opportunities in the region which we are apple to pass on to our clients. We now have a firm foothold in Asia and in order to continue the progress our company and better service our international clients, we are expanding with a new location in Switzerland. With an increasing number of clients who are constantly itinerant and moving between offices in Europe and Asia, and we have also been investing more into European companies and products. We therefore felt that the most logical step in the evolution of our firm would be to open up another satellite office in order to establish a strong presence in this region. Our CEO Roger Whitmore, Chief Investment Officer Douglas Wells, and Jacob Harris our Chief Operations Officer, have personally overseen the launch of the new office and will be based primarily in Europe over the next few months in order to ensure that the company maintains the highest excellence of service. Whitmore Capital is completely compliant with local regulation and our European staff have undergone strict training and certification in required fiduciary and regulatory standards. There are many benefits to being established and doing business in Switzerland, and we are happy to be able to expand our services to our clients as well as making ourselves more available to everyone in Europe. We are proud and excited at the direction our company is taking, as well as the speed at which we are expanding, and we are looking forward to establishing new relationships with both industry leaders and potential clients in Europe. The institutional investment opportunities in Europe are very exciting and we are looking forward to passing on these opportunities with our clients. We are also looking forward to being able to delve deeper into the European markets and unearth new investment prospects. Roger Whitmore said, I am extremely proud and excited to be opening up a European branch of our company and I am looking forward to the future. This is testament to the hard work and excellence of our existing staff and the continued success of this company. About Whitmore Capital: Whitmore Capital is a leading wealth management firm which provides a wide range of financial services to an extensive clientele, catering to both financial institutions, high net worth individuals and independent investors. We are based in Malaysia and we specialise in advising expats living abroad, offering guidance in expatriate wealth management services, offshore investing, international money transfers and currency exchange, as well as pensions, retirement planning and insurance services. Local phone books are still an important part of a balanced marketing strategy. "Local phone books are still an important part of a balanced marketing strategy," says Scott Brennan, CEO of Access Publishing, a Paso Robles-based advertising and marketing firm that produces the local business directory, North County Access, the San Luis Obispo County Visitors Guide, designs business websites, provides search engine optimization, and publishes the online Paso Robles Daily News and A-Town Daily News. "Having a great online presence is critical for small businesses to succeed, but you don't need to put all your eggs in one basket," he says. "Most local businesses should budget their marketing as a mix of online, print, radio, direct mail and perhaps television." "Over the past five years we have recommended clients move more of their advertising budgets to online marketing, but print advertising is still a great way to reach local consumers," he says. North County Access is delivered annually to over 40,000 homes and businesses in Paso Robles, Atascasdero, Templeton and surrounding areas. Does anyone still use a phone book? Yes, they do. In fact, 84-percent of consumers use yellow pages every year to find businesses, according to Burke's Local Media Tracking Survey. Phone books are more trusted than search. Forty-five percent of consumers say "The source I trust most for finding local business information" is print yellow pages, compared to 41-percent for search. Forty-five percent also say the print yellow pages is "The most accurate source for finding local business information," compared to 39 percent for search. Forbes magazine did an analysis on the question. They asked, "Should small businesses still book yellow page ads?" Their conclusion was that people, especially older demographics, do still reach for the printed Yellow Pages when they need a local business in a hurry. For instance, plumbers should think hard before they ditch their local phone books. Personal injury lawyers should also track their incoming leads closely before deciding to stop their ads. There are lots of examples of businesses that service folks with urgent needs who may benefit from staying in the books." Those who track their advertising know that yellow pages work, Brennan says. "Just ask Paso Robles pizza restaurant owner Randy Syracuse of Marv's Pizza. They receive over 100 pizza coupons every month from the yellow pages," he says. The owner of Country Florist agrees, "Access has helped me get my name out in the community through their great local phone book and the Internet... their entire staff is so helpful and great to work with!" List your business in the North County Access Get your marketing message delivered to 40,000 homes & businesses Target your local market in north San Luis Obispo County Your business will be in print and online at http://www.northcountyaccess.com and reach a mature demographic who have expendable income and need goods and services and get quality leads - 75% of Yellow Pages searches result in a purchase or intent to purchase. "While the number of advertising channels has grown, print and online directories are among the top media sources reaching consumers searching for local businesses," Brennan says. Less than one percent of local residents have opted out of receiving a delivered copy of the phone book. To opt out of delivery, visit http://www.yellowpagesoptout.com. Business listings in North County Access start at just $29 per month. For more information on advertising options, call Access Publishing at (805) 226-9890 or stop by their downtown office at 806 9th Street #2d, Paso Robles, CA 93446. The 8(a) STARS II GWAC is a competitive multiple-award, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) set-aside contract vehicle for small businesses that participate in the Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) program. The efficient, flexible way to order Information Technology services and solutions worldwide, while accruing 8(a) socioeconomic credit, provides Federal agencies a simpler method for procurement of services. Because Yona-Brixtel is a Native American SBA approved 8(a) Joint-Venture Enterprise, the agencies get credit in multiple areas. The 8(a) STARS II GWAC program has a five-year base with one five-year option. It has a $10 billion program ceiling and facilitates sole-source, also known as directed award, task orders up to $4 million each for federal civilian and Department of Defense activities. The pursuit of this joint venture and the subsequent STARS award has been a multiyear effort by both Yona & Brixtel. Our confidence in Brixtel's capabilities and the leadership of their CEO drove us to this mutual effort. I am confident that the merger of our two firms skills will result in even greater success for our Federal Customers who seek our services. Yona was thrilled with the STARS II award to the joint venture with Brixtel. We are excited to hit the ground running, utilizing this vehicle as a means to expand even further our Federal base of business," said Jim Metcalf, President, Yona Systems Group, INC. "We have been anticipating this award for over two years. This is a tremendous achievement for Yona and for Brixtel as we continue to expand on our existing contracting vehicles to provide value-add technology services to better enable our Federal Government customers," said Andy Mansoor, CEO Brixtel Corporation. Yona Systems Group, Inc. is a Native American owned and SBA 8a Certified small disadvantaged business that is eligible for awards in fulfillment of the Buy Indian Act. Over the past twenty years, Yona has focused on delivering quality services and products to U.S. Government entities worldwide, earning numerous accolades and high-level security clearance for contributions across a wide range of contracting categories, including contributions to national defense throughout the Cold War. Brixtel Corporation is a full-service technology firm specializing in IT solutions, cloud architecture, systems integration, infrastructure security and business intelligence to government and commercial sectors nationwide. Our knowledge base and experience is derived from providing custom solutions, strategic planning, and consultation to companies and Government. At the core, the company has the belief that in service to our Federal and Defense clients, we have a critical obligation to the American people, to perform at the highest level for the good of the country. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodnett Cooper Real Estate announces that Cheryl Popiel has joined the team of real estate professionals in their Brunswick office. Popiel began her real estate career in 2008 and has grown her business over the years, working with buyers and sellers in Coastal Georgia. She was also trained as a paralegal and has used that training in all aspects of her work. In addition, her background as an operations manager for a stock broker serves her real estate clients well. Popiel is originally from Greenville, South Carolina but has called the Golden Isles home for quite some time. She and her husband Ron love life in the Golden Isles; they own a farm, and particularly enjoy the outdoors. Pat Cooper, President and Broker of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodnett Cooper Real Estate, says, I am so excited that Cheryl has joined our team of real estate agents. Her commitment to service and attention to detail align perfectly with our core values. It is wonderful to have her on our team. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodnett Cooper Real Estate, which is independently owned and operated, became a member of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brokerage network, operated by HSF Affiliates LLC, earlier this year. Since that time, it has earned a host of honors and welcomed several new professionals to the highly successful real estate team. About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodnett Cooper Real Estate Hodnett Cooper Real Estate is a family-owned and operated company with three offices throughout the Golden Isles offering a full range of real estate services including real estate sales, residential rentals, property management and commercial sales. The brokerage is the premier real estate company in southeast coastal Georgia with a professional and diverse team of agents. Visit http://www.BHHSHodnettCooper.com. About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, based in Irvine, CA, is a brand-new real estate brokerage network built for a new era in residential real estate. The network, among the few organizations entrusted to use the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway name, brings to the real estate market a definitive mark of trust, integrity, stability and longevity. About HSF Affiliates LLC Irvine, CA-based HSF Affiliates LLC operates Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Prudential Real Estate and Real Living Real Estate franchise networks. The company is a joint venture of which HomeServices of America, Inc., the nations second-largest, full-service residential brokerage firm, is a majority owner. HomeServices of America is an affiliate of world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Victoria Falls is just one of the Splendours of Southern Africa. The 12-day itinerary highlights the best of Kruger National Park, Cape Town, Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park. Goway Travel will soon launch a new addition to its Holidays of a Lifetime range, focused on Southern Africa. The Splendours of Southern Africa will offer the companys signature Holiday of a Lifetime experience to discerning travellers at a more accessible price point. What sets this journey apart is that although the cost has been reduced, the accommodations are still deluxe and in distinctive and iconic hotels and lodges, said Kirsty Perring, Acting General Manager of Goways AFRICAExperts. The 12-day itinerary highlights the best of Kruger National Park, Cape Town, Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park. Unique dining options include a 12-course African Dinner at the Gold Restaurant, a 5-course lunch and wine pairing at the Food Barn, a Bush dinner at Kapama, and an African Feast in Victoria Falls to mention a few. The Splendours of Southern Africa departs on selected dates throughout 2018 and 2019 and includes most meals, domestic airfare and taxes, all tips (except for the tour director). It is limited to a maximum of 20 people, and like all Holidays of a Lifetime, carries Goways Promise of Something Special. Since 1970, Goway has been providing unforgettable travel experiences to Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Central & South America, Idyllic Island destinations and Europe. Today Goway is recognized as one of North America's leading travel companies for individuals, families and groups to select exotic destinations around the globe. Goway has offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Manila, and Sydney, Australia. For reservations and information, visit http://www.goway.com, or call 1-800-387-8850. As the last remaining independent nonprofit hospital in the Greater Houston Area, we remain committed to this community and are devoted to being able to provide Fort Bend County with essential medical services and fulfill their healthcare needs, said Sue McCarty, VP/Administrator Memorial Day 2016 brought the kind of floods that authorities said happens only once every 800 years. Almost 20% of the population of Fort Bend County was either asked or ordered to leave their homes. So, when Hurricane Harvey entered the Gulf and took a route that led it to the Texas Gulf Coast, people began to pay attention. As the skies began to darken and the weather forecasters predicted a catastrophic flood for Southeast Texas, hospitals in Fort Bend County began making preparations on whether or not to continue to serve its community during the hurricane. At that time, the Brazos River was now predicted to crest at 59 feet, at least 4 feet higher than the 2016 flood. As the hurricane came ashore 160 miles southwest of Fort Bend County, several hospitals in the area began to close their doors due to potential flooding and others found it necessary to stop accepting new patients. The nearest hospitals accepting patients were 43 miles south or 20 miles northeast and the river was swelling quickly, approaching record levels. In a time that it would have been perfectly acceptable for the hospital to close its door to new patients, OakBend Medical Center, the last remaining independent nonprofit community hospital in the Greater Houston Area, took on the challenge of staying open to care for patients in need during Hurricane Harvey. An alert was sent to staff putting in place protocol to shelter in place at the hospital. Staff stayed around the clock to make sure that the patients were covered and the emergency rooms were open and operational. When the waters began to rise and predictions regarding the overflow of the Brazos River and bayous showed that the Williams Way location might be compromised by water, OakBend Medical Center began safely and efficiently transferring all patients to its Jackson Street location. Even as conditions continued to worsen, the patients and staff were moved with no issues and in a matter of a few short hours. This meant that the labor and delivery department, which is usually housed at the Williams Way location, had to be moved to Jackson Street. A labor and delivery area was established in the day surgery area and before long patients in labor began to arrive. Doctors and staff became stranded in their subdivisions or were either under voluntary or mandatory evacuation of their homes. Determined to make their way into the hospital, one of our vice presidents volunteered to bring them in by high water vehicles or by boat, if necessary, so they could shelter-in and take care of patients currently in the hospital or any that might arrive during the hurricane. Several doctors took their families to other cities so they would be safe and then returned to the hospital battling the torrential rains and the rapidly rising waters. Doctors and staff slept on cots, air mattresses and couches in the make-shift sleeping quarters at the hospital and, in their taking turns treating patients, sometimes sleeping only a couple of hours in between shifts. Obstetricians and staff delivered babies and assisted in the emergency room. While many of the doctors have specialties, they served wherever and whenever they were needed. In less than 24 hours, the hospital set up telemedicine services to provide healthcare from a distance for issues that might arise where there was not a specialist in the hospital. For the doctors, if the hospital did not need their services for a while, they went to help the countys Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) that was set up at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds and various other local shelters to help triage patients. Shortly after the flood waters began to rise, First Colony Nursing Home transported 13 patients to OakBend Medical Center to get them out of harms way from the storms rising waters. The staff worked diligently to have those patients transported out of Fort Bend County to other locations that would be safe from the hurricane. As a fully operational hospital, OakBend Medical Centers Jackson Street location performed four emergency surgeries during the storm; including surgery for one appendectomy patient that had been turned away from two other hospitals because they were unable to do surgeries during the storm. According to Dr. Ed Uthman, Pathologist and OakBend Medical Centers Laboratory Medical Director, The hospital received two appendectomy patients (one a septuagenarian) both which had very sick, necrotic appendices and possibly could have died had surgery been delayed. I am crediting the OakBend team, which never let the hospital interrupt service throughout the disaster, with saving at least one life, possibly two lives during the hurricane. As the storm continued to rage outside, the hospital with its makeshift delivery room, delivered four babies including one by C-section. The emergency room saw more than 450 patients during that time, some minor, some urgent, but the staff maintained the hospitals no wait emergency room policy. Gurneys were set up to add additional space for patients and every person that entered the emergency room was shown to the treatment area immediately. As the staff sheltered in place, many non-clinical staff members took on roles that did not fall under their job descriptions and pitched in to help. The credentialing department did laundry, nurses helped in different departments of the hospital and the housekeeping staff and facilities staff worked tirelessly to keep the hospital clean and in working order. A provisional sleeping area was set up in the outpatient surgery area and the incident command team worked tirelessly to insure that the hospital had both medical supplies and food supplies to feed both the patients and staff. At times, calling vendors for an extra run of supplies. We are deeply appreciative of the sacrifices our employees have made during this time, especially the long hours they have spent away from their own homes and families caring for our patients around the clock, stated Sue McCarty, VP/Administrator and Incident Commander of OakBend Medical Center. We are thankful for the patients that remained with us during this chaotic time as we worked to give them the best care available. We also owe a debt of gratitude to the people of Fort Bend County who donated blankets, toiletries, food and other essentials to the hospital staff while we operated under the emergency status. As the last remaining independent nonprofit hospital in the Greater Houston Area, we remain committed to this community and are devoted to being able to provide Fort Bend County with essential medical services and fulfill their healthcare needs. As the storm moved away from the area and when the flood waters crested, 22% of Fort Bend County had been flooded and 29 shelters had been operating. When the streets began to clear and the cleanup of the city, county and surrounding areas began, OakBend sent teams into the community to give tetanus shots to protect those that were exposed to the infested waters and rotting homes, and donated cleaning supplies to help with the process. Some of the doctors continued to go to the local shelters to help out. There is still a lot of work that must be done in Fort Bend County, homes to be rebuilt, dislocated families that need to find a place to live, and much more. What Hurricane Harvey has taught OakBend Medical Center, a dwarf among the giants, is that as a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, we can accomplish amazing things. Named a highly recommended law firm in Indiana and a recommended law firm in Kentucky, this is the fifth year BGD has been ranked by Benchmark. Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP is pleased to announce the firm has been honored in Indiana and Kentucky by Benchmark Litigation 2018. Named a highly recommended law firm in Indiana and a recommended law firm in Kentucky, this is the fifth year BGD has been ranked by Benchmark. In addition to those honors, 13 of the firms attorneys have received individual recognition. Indiana David Campbell Local Litigation Star James M. Hinshaw Local Litigation Star J. Richard Kiefer Local Litigation Star Whitney Mosby Future Star Karl Mulvaney Local Litigation Star Gregory A. Neibarger Future Star David O. Tittle Local Litigation Star Brian W. Welch Local Litigation Star Kentucky Janet P. Jakubowicz Local Litigation Star and Top 250 Women in Litigation Benjamin Lewis Under 40 Hot List Margaret E. Keane Local Litigation Star and Top 250 Women in Litigation Mark S. Riddle Local Litigation Star Benchmark Litigation strives to identify the leading U.S. trial attorneys and firms at the local and national level. Focused exclusively on the US litigation market, the publications rankings and editorials are the result of a six month research period that includes extensive interviews with private practice lawyers and in-house counsel, client surveys, and supplementary firm information provided by each firm. ### Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP is a business law firm providing transactional, litigation, tax and government services to clients across a variety of industries and business sectors. The firm also provides estate planning and other services to individuals and non-profits. BGD has served the legal and business needs of clients for more than a century; additional firm information is available at http://www.bgdlegal.com. We know the holidays can be stressful, so it is our desire to give the gift of a no-stress beach vacation this holiday season The Art Deco boutique hotel Beacon South Beach Hotel is proud to offer a special holiday rate for guests who book two weeks in advance. Now through December 31, 2017, all reservations booked 14 days in advance at this Ocean Drive property will be 20% off. The rate applies to all the Art Deco-inspired deluxe rooms and suites at Beacon South Beach Hotel, including stunning oceanfront rooms. Full payment must be made at the time of the purchase and guests have seven days to cancel. Guests are invited to journey from brisk winds to tropical breezes with the help of the Holiday Getaway special. They can lounge in comfort in an oceanfront room or grab a mojito at The Place Restaurant & Bar, an on-site, beach casual restaurant. Located in the heart of Miamis premier shopping, dining, and nightlife district, Beacon South Beach Hotel offers comfort mere steps away from the ocean. With complimentary beach chairs and towels provided, getting from the fireplace to the sunny paradise of South Beach has never been easier. We are excited to help guests explore all that South Beach has to offer this winter, Javier said. We know the holidays can be stressful, so it is our desire to give the gift of a no-stress beach vacation this holiday season. To learn more about our Holiday Getaway special, please visit the website. About Beacon South Beach Hotel Beacon South Beach Hotel first welcomed guests to South Beach in 1936 and has housed visitors ever since. A staple of the legendary Ocean Drive, the Art Deco decor of Beacon South Beach Hotel serves as an iconic mainstay that is rivaled only by the stellar service of the proficient staff. The beachside Art Deco boutique hotel has dedicated years to providing guests with the highest standards of comfort, and its prime location in the epicenter of South Beach has led to its status as one of the premier hotels in Miami. For more information visit http://www.beaconsouthbeach.com or call (305) 674-8200. Follow Beacon South Beach at facebook.com/beaconsouthbeach and on Instagram and Twitter @beaconmiami. These two most recent patents improve security of our wireless sensor networks and IoT platform and open the door for new parking applications and are a testament to our continued commitment to deliver innovative solutions to our customers. Sensys Networks, the worlds leading provider of integrated wireless traffic & parking detection and data systems for Smart Cities, is pleased to announce the approval of two new patents that help extend the companys industry-leading technical innovation. The company now has 23 patents in its portfolio. Patent #9,769,664, Nonce silent and replay resistant encryption and authentication wireless sensor network, focuses on security for wireless sensor networks and IoT. Patent #9,418,551, Position and/or distance measurement, parking and/or vehicle detection, apparatus, networks, operations and/or systems, enables parking applications to combine in-pavement sensing with on-board devices for enforcement, geo-fencing and permitting applications. Patent #9,769,664 covers the encryption and authentication of traffic data coming from sensors into Edge Gateways or Access Point (AP). The main advantage of this patented technology is that it protects from replay attacks while not requiring permanent storage of any state information by either the AP or the sensor. This eliminates the need to download new keys into the sensors when an AP is replaced, or is tampered with. The method also adds only 4 bytes of overhead to each transmitted packet which has virtually no impact on battery life. Finally, the method is simple to implement for all IoT sensors. Patent #9,418,551, covers next-generation recognition of parked vehicles, enabling a variety of advanced applications benefiting parking operators. The patent covers a method to automatically determine: Incorrectly parked vehicles (cars covering 2 spaces) Cars parked in reserved spots that should not be Cars staying past their reserved time in parking lots with mixed reserved and non-reserved parking spots. We pioneered the use of wireless sensors in smart transportation, says Dr. Robert Kavaler, Sensys Networks CTO, and continue to lead the industry with new technologies and products. These two most recent patents improve security of our wireless sensor networks and IoT platform and open the door for new parking applications and are a testament to our continued commitment to deliver innovative solutions to our customers. Sensys Networks will be featuring its traffic data and analytics platform, SensTraffic, at ITS World Congress in Montreal, Canada. About Sensys Networks Sensys Networks improves the way people travel through cities. In the traffic and parking markets, we deliver accurate detection and actionable data that improves safety and reduces congestion for partners and public agencies around the globe. For more information see http://www.sensysnetworks.com . World Food & Agricultural Products E-Commerce Conference 2017 World Food and Agricultural Products E-Commerce conference was held on 23rd September, 2017 at Shandong, China. Representatives from United States, Russia, Australia, Germany, Malaysia, Pakistan and a few other countries participated in a discussion about improving cross border business with the help of food and agriculture products. Song Chengmin, director of the editorial department of the National Development and Reform Committee said that the cross-border ecommerce may encounter 14 difficulties: online language, offline logistics, customs, inspection and quarantine, tax rate, exchange rate, finance, culture, law, economy, diplomacy etc. Representing eWorldTrade from Pakistan, Mr. Latif participated in the discussion with other famous ecommerce personalities. In his speech, he emphasized how big of an agricultural country Pakistan really is, with many producers and suppliers of food and crops and the agricultural industry contributing to over 24% of its GDP. He elucidated the impact that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor would have on the food and agricultural industry. Importing and exporting would become much easier and allow for lower costs and higher profits. It would also strengthen the cooperation between China and Pakistan and create room for future collaborations. A 2017 survey showed that 66% of the worlds online shopping groups are completely on board with cross-border ecommerce. Founder and CEO of Buddicart in Malaysia, Vincent Cheong, said that in the last 20 years, the institutional investment has even many small and medium sized businesses the opportunities to flourish. eWorldTrades China Sales Head, Li Tingting said, to successfully export and import products, the supplier should go deep into the local area, understand the culture, and know what the local consumer really needs and can be exported to China in combination with importing Chinas products. Quality control would also play an important part in cross-border ecommerce especially when it comes to agricultural products. About eWorldTrade: eWorldTrade.com is a reputed B2B marketplace, recognized locally and internationally. It is a subsidiary of Reckon Media LLC, a US based ecommerce enterprise that provides digital media and technological services, with its operational unit all around the world, including countries such as South Korea, Pakistan, and China. eWorldTrade is a structured, transparent global B2B platform with the aim to connect businesses globally. It bridges brands through its effective digital solutions and extensive services like digital branding, community and reputation Sources: https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/10/02/agricultural-products-e-commerce-conference-concludes/ Doug Rozendaal has been flying airplanes for more than four decades, but when he took off from Mason City Airport on Friday it was a first for Were thrilled that we can assist CPSs non-public schools with their reading and math instruction to ensure every student has a chance to succeed. Proximity Learnings CEO, Evan Erdberg said. Proximity Learning Inc. (PLI) is proud to announce a new partnership with Chicago Public Schools, IL (CPS) the fourth largest school district in the United States. PLI was one of the companies awarded the contract to provide ESSA Title I math and reading instruction into the Chicago non-public schools. Were thrilled that we can assist CPSs non-public schools with their reading and math instruction to ensure every student has a chance to succeed. Proximity Learnings CEO, Evan Erdberg said, We are overjoyed to help CPSs students grow to appreciate reading and math. CPS clearly makes their students personal success their highest priority, and we are honored they chose us to provide learning resources to their students. This partnership with the Chicago Public Schools now places PLI in an elite group of companies that received contracts in one of the five largest school districts in the country. PLI, a top-rated education company for the past eight years, has continued to increase student achievement annually in Math, Science, ELA, History, Spanish, American Sign Language, Chinese, Latin, French, and German. With the number of non-public students increasing every year, PLI will be able to ensure that title I students have an equal opportunity to learn and grow at their own pace and comfort level no matter what school they choose to attend. Proximity Learning has been recognized for their innovative instruction that couples on ground educators with virtual master teachers offering unparalleled access to the best educators in the country. Demand for their services has continued to increase annually due to the teacher shortage challenges plaguing most urban school districts in the country. Working with PLI affords school districts the flexibility to gain access to teachers Chicago Public Schools: is well known as the largest district in Illinois. In the Chicago Public Schools, our mission is to provide a high quality public education for every child, in every neighborhood, that prepares each for success in college, career and civic life. To fulfill our mission, we make these three commitments to our students, their families and to all Chicagoans: Academic Progress, Financial Stability, and Integrity. Proximity Learning Inc: Proximity Learning Inc. is a K-12 virtual staffing company catering to students ranging from kindergarten to high school. Proximity Learning has served over 150 school districts. Proximity Learning has been rated as one of the top K-12 Virtual Staffers in the nation, boasting the highest quality teachers, most innovative virtual classrooms, and the reputation as a flexible learning solution to both public and private school districts. Learn more: http://proxlearn.com/. Our longstanding relationship with Glastron made adding another Groupe Benteau product line a natural fit MacCallum's Boathouse presently sells Glastron boats, another division of Groupe Beneteau, and is currently their longest standing dealer at over 60 years. Their onsite staff is of third generation while a fourth generation member, Peter MacCallum's son Donald, has followed the path and is working at the dealership while attending college. Additional marine services provided by MacCallum's Boathouse include service and storage at their on-water facility on Northwood Lake. We are pleased to add Four Winns to compliment the products offered by Glastron. Our longstanding relationship with Glastron made adding another Groupe Beneteau product line a natural fit, added Peter MacCallum, president at MacCallums Boathouse. Its an exciting time to have MacCallum's Boathouse join our distribution team. We look forward to working with Peter and the team at MacCallum's Boathouse as they will add to our already dynamic dealer network in New Hampshire, noted Andy Lindsay, V.P. Sales Americas for Four Winns boats, a division of Groupe Beneteau. The official introduction of Four Winns was at the annual Fall Open House held at the dealership on October 6-14. Glastron and Four Winns boats were available and test driven by customers on beautiful Northwood Lake. About MacCallums Boathouse, Inc. In business for over 69 years and third generation owned, MacCallum's Boathouse is a full service boat dealership serving the Lakes Region of NH. MacCallums Boathouse offers factory authorized sales and service for: Nautique, Four Winns and Glastron, Harris Flotebote and engines by Mercury, Mercruiser, Volvo and PCM. For more information visit maccallumsboathouse.com We want to help the next generation of potential American homebuyers meet their future goals, Etta Money. InCharge Debt Solutions, a 501(c)(3) non-profit company, announced today that it is offering clients access to technology that helps them make loan payments on time and improve their financial health. Freddie Mac is providing a limited number of low- and moderate-income earners with access to EarnUps financial technology, which aims to reduce the likelihood of delinquency while improving savings opportunities. Were pleased to offer this innovative solution to our clients, said Etta Money, president and chief executive officer, with InCharge Debt Solutions. We want to help the next generation of potential American homebuyers meet their future goals. Clients can manage all their loans in one place using EarnUp and receive personalized recommendations on how to pay down their debts. The technology also automatically withdraws money from the clients accounts on payday, breaking down expenses into bite-sized payments, which ensures that each person stays current on their loans and avoids late fees. InCharge Debt Solutions is part of Freddie Macs network of 14 Borrower Help Centers and the national Freddie Mac Borrower Help Network. These housing counseling agencies support Freddie Macs commitment to preparing prospective home buyers for long-term sustainable homeownership and helping struggling borrowers, including those with Freddie Mac-owned mortgages, avoid foreclosure. The increasing rate of consumer debt and the low homeownership rate lead us to believe average Americans can use help managing their debts, said Danny Gardner, vice president of affordable lending and access to credit in Freddie Macs Single-Family Business. Offering free access to EarnUps technology is one of the many ways were building on our broader community mission, which includes our efforts to stabilize communities, responsibly expand credit and educate borrowers. Our experience shows that people are more likely to stay current on their loan payments if we make it quick and easy for them to do so, said Matthew Cooper, co-founder and CEO of EarnUp. EarnUp is proud to be working with InCharge Debt Solutions and Freddie Mac to provide technology solutions that can help consumers improve not only their credit scores but also their overall financial health. News facts: Twenty-two percent of adults say their monthly income varies occasionally, and 10 percent say their income often varies quite a bit from month to month, according to a May 2017 report by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Fifteen percent of adults have multiple jobs, and 10 percent are self-employed, according to the same report. Aggregate household debt increased in the first quarter of 2017 for the 11th consecutive quarter, finally surpassing the third-quarter 2008 peak of $12.68 trillion, according to the New York Feds Quarterly Report On Household Debt And Credit. The U.S. homeownership rate was 63.7 percent in the second quarter 2017, compared to 62.9 percent in the second quarter 2016, according to the Census Bureau. American homeownership peaked at 68.9 percent in 2005. Founded in March 2014, EarnUp enables payments to 5,000+ banks and loan servicing platforms via its proprietary secure network. Ninety percent of EarnUps customers are low- and moderate-income earners, according to an internal study conducted by EarnUp. Eighty-six percent of consumers are automating payments for the first time when they sign up with EarnUp. InCharge Debt Solutions provides credit counseling, and housing counseling services to consumers and service members in need of financial literacy education, money management guidance, and help finding the right debt solution for their specific situation. Credit Counseling: Certified credit counselors give free, confidential counseling (online or by phone) and offer an alternative to debt consolidation through debt management programs and free budgeting assistance. Call 800-565-8953. Housing Counseling Services: Our Certified Housing Counselors can assist consumers with free foreclosure prevention counseling, mortgage scam assistance, pre-purchase counseling and first-time homebuyer education. Call 800-565-8953. Online Counseling: Free, comprehensive web counseling provides budget building tool, analysis and available solutions from your computer. Visit http://www.InCharge.org. About InCharge Debt Solutions Founded in 1997, InCharge Debt Solutions is a leading 501(c)(3) non-profit, community-service organization offering confidential and professional credit counseling, housing counseling, debt management, bankruptcy education and general financial education to individuals seeking options to manage credit card debt and consolidate debt payment. The company, accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), interacted with over 1.6 million consumers in 2016. EarnUp is a consumer-first platform that intelligently automates loan payments and identifies earning opportunities for the 200 million indebted Americans. EarnUp puts a few dollars aside for loans when consumers can afford it -- then makes timely payments to help consumers save and get out of debt faster. Based in San Francisco, EarnUp is backed by prominent Venture Capital firms Blumberg Capital, Kapor Capital, Camp One Ventures, and Fenway Summer Ventures plus other leading angels and entrepreneurs. EarnUp is a winner of the prestigious Financial Solutions Lab in partnership with JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) and the Center for Financial Services Innovation. For more information, visit http://www.earnup.com, email press(at)earnup(dot)com, and follow on Twitter @EarnUp. Freddie Mac makes home possible for millions of families and individuals by providing mortgage capital to lenders. Since our creation by Congress in 1970, we've made housing more accessible and affordable for homebuyers and renters in communities nationwide. We are building a better housing finance system for homebuyers, renters, lenders and taxpayers. Learn more at FreddieMac.com, Twitter @FreddieMac and Freddie Mac's blog. # # # Elder law attorney Anthony J. Enea of Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP members Anthony J. Enea and Sara E. Meyers have been selected by their peers for inclusion in New York Metro Super Lawyers 2017 in the field of Elder Law. This marks the eleventh consecutive year Mr. Enea and fifth consecutive year Ms. Meyers have been included in the Super Lawyers list. The firm has locations in White Plains and Somers, N.Y. The research team at Super Lawyers, a publication of Thomson Reuters, undertakes a rigorous, multi-phase selection process each year. Once nominations are determined through a statewide survey of lawyers, candidates then undergo independent evaluations by an attorney-led research staff and a peer review by practice area. Attorneys are recognized in more than 70 practice areas and no more than 5 percent of lawyers are selected annually in each state. Longtime colleagues, Mr. Enea and Ms. Meyers are highly regarded for their expertise, integrity and fierce commitment to the protection of the rights of seniors, the disabled and their families. Named Westchester Countys Leading Elder Care Attorney at the Above the Bar Awards and Best Lawyers 2018 Elder Law Lawyer of the Year in White Plains, Mr. Enea is president of the Westchester County Bar Foundation and past chair of the New York State Bar Associations Elder Law Section. His practice areas include elder law; Medicaid asset protection trusts; Medicaid applications (home care and nursing home); special needs planning; guardianships (Article 81 and 17-A); and wills, trusts and estates. Being recognized through a peer-based process is always gratifying, said Mr. Enea. I am proud to be among the distinguished attorneys on this years Super Lawyers list and feel privileged to once again share the honor with my colleague, Sara Meyers. Ms. Meyers practice areas include elder law; home health care; Medicaid planning; wills, trusts and estates; estate administration and probate and guardianships. She is a past chair of the Westchester County Bar Associations Elder Law Committee. A frequent lecturer for both the WCBA and NYSBA, Ms. Meyers is also an editor of the Westchester County Bar Journal and the NYSBA Elder Law Sections Elder and Special Needs Law Journal. Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP is located at 245 Main Street in White Plains, N.Y. with additional offices in Somers, N.Y. Elder law attorney Anthony J. Enea can be reached at 914-948-1500 or a.enea(at)esslawfirm.com. For the latest news, visit Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano online at http://www.esslawfirm.com. About Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP is an AV preeminent rated elder law firm with offices in White Plains and Somers, N.Y. The practice concentrates on Elder Law; Medicaid Planning; Nursing Home and Home Care Applications; Wills, Trusts and Estates; Guardianships; Estate Litigation; Supplemental Needs Trusts; and Special Needs Planning. Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP serves Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, the Bronx, Manhattan, Long Island and Queens and is committed to providing the highest quality legal services to seniors, the disabled and their families. Visit the firm online at http://www.esslawfirm.com. About Super Lawyers Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. Super Lawyers Magazine features the list and profiles of selected attorneys and is distributed to attorneys in the state or region and the ABA-accredited law school libraries. Super Lawyers is also published as a special section in leading city and regional magazines across the country. In the United States, Super Lawyers Magazine is published in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., reaching more than 13 million readers. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Powwow! The Sovereign Nation of the Chitimacha and Chitimacha Powwow Committee is proud to announce the 4th Annual Chitimacha Powwow 2017 presented by Keta Group, LLC to be held on October 28, 2017 in the Pavilion at Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel. The Chitimacha Powwow is open to the public and features, competition dancing (in a climate-controlled arena with bleacher seating), food, and craft vendors. Children/minors are welcome to attend this family friendly event. (All under 21 must be accompanied by an adult to enter the Casino.) The Chitimacha Powwow will open to the public 11 AM on Saturday, October 28, 2017 and continue until approximately 10 PM when prizes will be awarded at the completion of all dance competitions. Dancer registration times are 10 AM through noon. Gourd Dances will be held at 12 PM and 6 PM for a ceremonial start. Grand Entry times are approximately 1 PM and 7 PM. The Grand Entry is the processional dance that begins each session and is a beautiful site with all of dancers participating, representing the various dance styles and tribes. The special presentation, sponsored by Acadiana Bottling Company, features Supaman, Native American dancer, Hip-Hop artist and 2017 Video Music Award (VMA) Winner, who is set to perform at 5 p.m. Supaman is a member of the Apasaalooke Crow Nation and has a positive message for todays youth. The powwow committee is excited to invite everyone to our 4th annual powwow. This event will be a day solely dedicated to celebrating Native American culture. Our powwow will be held indoors at Cypress Bayou Casino Hotels Pavilion which is a great space for events. With the support of members from our fellow Tribal Nations, our sponsors, volunteers and the community we hope to make this year's gathering a huge success so that we can continue bringing this special event to the Acadiana area, adding to the many other great events already held here. said Cultural Director, Kimberly S. Walden. Powwow provides a unique opportunity for the public to experience Native American music and dance as well as to enjoy the colorful regalia, Native foods, and crafts. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Powwow! The Powwow is a celebration of Native cultures through song, dance, food and fellowship. Tickets are available at the door for $5 (children Under 5 are Free). For more information, e-mail powwow(at)chitimacha(dot)gov or call Chitimacha Cultural Department (337) 923-9923. About Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana The Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana is a federally recognized Tribe. Our current home is the Chitimacha Reservation near Charenton, Louisiana, although we once occupied about one-third of what is now Louisiana, as some of the original inhabitants of the Atchafalaya Basin, Mississippi River Delta and the Gulf Coast. We are a sovereign nation governed by our Tribal Council. Our government operates similar to other governments, providing services to enrolled tribal members and infrastructure for our community. About Keta Group, LLC Keta Group, LLC (Keta Group) is a tribally owned, Louisiana limited liability company that was founded in 2003 by the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, a federally recognized North American Indian Tribe. The product and service offerings of the Keta Group family of companies are focused on information technology services, disaster recovery services, space and defense engineering services, construction, and facility management services associated with facility and base operations support. We are pleased that Hovers Asia-Pacific operations and novel wind technology will add to the vibrant clean energy ecosystem in Singapore. Hover Energy, LLC (Hover or the Company) announced today that it has expanded its presence in the Asia-Pacific region by establishing a regional headquarters in Singapore from which to grow its wind power business. We look forward to increasing our Companys presence in Asia, which we believe will be the fastest growing renewable energy market for the foreseeable future, commented Albert McLelland, Chief Executive Officer of Hover. Singapore will be an ideal regional hub for us. Mr. McLelland is scheduled to attend the Asia Clean Energy Summit in Singapore on October 24 26. Hovers wind technology provides onsite, high-density renewable energy at a competitive price. The Companys patented, vertical-axis wind power generator capitalizes on significant aerodynamic advances in the form of a Hover Array System designed to provide meaningful power to the built environment. The Company believes that its low-noise, low-vibration product is ideally suited to address an underserved global wind and solar market that will likely attract more than $4 trillion over the next 20 years. Mr. Goh Chee Kiong, Executive Director, Cleantech of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), commented, In line with Singapores position as the leading clean energy hub for the region, companies continue to use Singapore as the springboard to undertake innovation development, project development, and financing to serve Asia. We are pleased that Hovers Asia-Pacific operations and novel wind technology will add to the vibrant clean energy ecosystem in Singapore. Hovers Managing Director of Asia, David Chong, added, Singapores highly-skilled engineers and advances in intellectual property make it the best location for our Asia-Pacific headquarters. The country is on the cutting edge of sustainability with projects like the Renewable Energy Integration Demonstrator Singapore (REIDS) on Semakau Island. We look forward to integrating our Hover Array Systems into Singapores existing renewable energy infrastructure in order to boost the power available from onsite wind generation projects in Singapore and throughout the region. About Hover Energy, LLC Hover Energy, LLC possesses a transformative wind power generation technology. The Company expects to remake the onsite wind energy market by providing an impactful wind power solution with high energy density and a wide range of applications, including the built environment. Additional information is available at http://www.hoverenergy.com. (NO STOCK EXCHANGE, SECURITIES COMMISSION OR OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN.) Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain statements concerning the development and completion of a wind power generation technology and the timing of its delivery, as well as other expectations, plans, goals, objectives, assumptions and information about future events, efficiency, outcomes, applications, conditions, results of operations or performance that may constitute forward-looking statements or information under applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. AECOM Capital is the investment arm of AECOM, a $17-billion fully integrated, global infrastructure company Houston, Texas October 20th, 2017 Mexico Pacific Limited LLC (MPL), the owner and developer of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) project on the Gulf of California in Mexico, announced today that it has received an investment from AECOM Capitals Infrastructure fund to advance development of its LNG liquefaction complex. MPL is a cost-advantaged and scalable LNG liquefaction project on the west coast of North America. Based at Puerto Libertad in the state of Sonora, Mexico, MPL has a deep-water port and is interconnected with the US shale gas grid by multiple natural gas pipelines, which are already in service bringing natural gas to the site. MPL President Robert Kelly said, AECOM Capitals Infrastructure funds financial commitment and development investment expertise materially strengthens MPLs position and will allow us to conclude pre-construction work and ensure the LNG facility achieves target operations by 2022. This is an important milestone that advances our ability to offer the lowest all-in cost LNG to Mexican, South American, Central American and Pacific basin markets from a uniquely advantaged next-generation west coast LNG facility. We are excited to partner with MPL, which has an experienced management team and strong investors with a successful track record of developing core infrastructure assets around the world, said Mark McComiskey, senior managing director of AECOM Capitals Infrastructure fund. We have studied multiple LNG infrastructure projects globally and believe that MPL is highly strategic and offers significant advantages to serving leading growth LNG markets in Mexico, the Americas and Asia. MPL is a joint venture of DKRW Energy Sonora Holding LLC and AECOM Capital. DKRW Energy Sonora Holding LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of DKRW Energy LLC, a portfolio company of funds managed by Oz Management (NYSE:OZM). For more information, please visit DKRW Energys website (http://www.dkrwenergy.com). AECOM Capitals Infrastructure fund makes equity commitments to the development, redevelopment and construction of core infrastructure assets, focusing on opportunities in the energy, transportation, water and technology sectors. About AECOM Capital AECOM Capital, a subsidiary of AECOM, is an investor and developer of real estate, infrastructure and public-private partnerships across North America and select international markets with a total development value of approximately $5 billion. Targeting high-quality, risk-adjusted investments, AECOM Capital leverages AECOMs vast resources across all engineering, design and construction services for deal flow, due diligence, execution and project delivery. AECOM, a premier, fully integrated global infrastructure firm, designs, builds, finances and operates infrastructure assets for governments, businesses and organizations in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit http://www.aecomcapital.com. About Oz Management Oz Management is one of the largest institutional alternative asset managers in the world, with offices in New York, London, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Beijing, Shanghai and Houston. Oz provides asset management services to investors globally through its multistrategy funds, dedicated credit funds, including opportunistic credit funds and Institutional Credit Strategies products, real estate funds and other alternative investment vehicles. Oz seeks to generate consistent, positive, absolute returns across market cycles, with low volatility compared to the broader markets, and with an emphasis on preservation of capital. Ozs funds invest across multiple strategies and geographies, consistent with the investment objectives of each fund. The global investment strategies Oz employs include convertible and derivative arbitrage, corporate credit, long/short equity special situations, merger arbitrage, private investments, real estate and structured credit. As of October 1, 2017, Oz had approximately $31.8 billion in estimated assets under management. For more information, please visit Oz Managements website (http://www.ozm.com). Contact: Robert Kelly rkelly(at)mexicopacificlimited(dot)com 713-425-6552 Partners Pharmacy, one of the largest long-term care pharmacy companies in the U.S., gathered $250,000-worth of medical supplies to send to Puerto Rico shortly after Hurricane Maria devastated the island. A Partners Pharmacy team led by Frank Wang, VP of Operations, worked quickly with vendors to secure critical supplies including syringes and diabetic insulin, and overnighted the shipment to Florida where sister companies, CareOne and InnovaCare, had a charter flight filled with generators, water and food bound for Puerto Rico. In addition to the supply shipment, Partners Pharmacy has joined CareOne in raising relief money for Puerto Rico, with a donation of $25,000 to CareOnes Starry Night Masquerade benefit, that took place on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 7:00 11:00 p.m. at Skylight Clarkson North, 570 Washington Street in New York City. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to the Gwendolyn And Joseph Straus Charitable Fund, Inc., where they will be used to assist in the islands most critical disaster relief efforts. In addition to the company donation, Partners Pharmacy enacted a PTO (paid time off) donation program for its employees. If they wish to, employees can donate PTO time, the monetary equivalent of which will be added to the companys contribution to CareOnes foundation. With millions of people in Puerto Rico still living without power, shelter and safe drinking water nearly a month after Hurricane Maria hit, its important for private companies like CareOne and Partners Pharmacy to put our strengths into action, says Daniel E. Straus, CEO of CareOne. Beyond financial contributions, Partners Pharmacy used their resources to provide vital medical assistance to those most in need. CareOne management has established the Gwen And Joseph Straus Foundation to supply financial assistance to individuals and families impacted by unforeseen circumstances. The Foundation will also provide funds to research organizations. The Gwendolyn And Joseph Straus Charitable Fund is an organization that focuses on improving the quality of life through charitable financial assistance to individuals, families and community organizations who are significantly impacted by catastrophic events. For more information on how to donate to CareOnes relief effort in Puerto Rico, call CareOne at 1-877-99-CARE1 (22731). About Partners Pharmacy - Partners Pharmacy is one of the largest long-term care pharmacy provider in the U.S. Each regional Partners location provides the same unmatched personalized service through the combined resources of local teams and expanding national resources. Partners collaborates with the communities it serves to improve outcomes, reduce costs and increase operational efficiencies that permit more time for direct patient care. For more information, visit http://www.partnerspharmacy.com/. The registration deadline is fast approaching for those wishing to attend the OilComm and FleetComm Conference & Exposition in Houston, TX on December 6-7. Advanced rates are only available through Wednesday, October 25. Attendees can save up to $150.00 by registering early. The co-located events, taking place at the Houston Marriott Westchase, will provide the energy and transportation communities with an opportunity to walk the densely populated show floor and experience the latest communications technology services and solutions. The conference portion will feature innovative break-out sessions and keynotes led by top industry professionals, including Colin P. Fenton, Managing Partner, Blacklight Research & Fellow; Nancy Shemwell, CEO, Entegra Technologies; and Pierre-Jean Beylier, CEO, Speedcast. Other speakers include: Adil Berdai, Senior Product Manager, Motorola Mr. Gregg Garrett, Sr ITS Field Support Analyst, Anadarko Petroleum Renner Vaughn, Global O&G Lead, ABB Wireless Matt Wood, Vice President, Ursa Space Systems Inc. Doug Wylie, Network Architect, Enterprise Products Rick Sperandio, a member of the OilComm Advisory Board, calls the show, A one-stop shop for vendors and attendees alike. You are able to interface with every primary vendor in the industry from whatever telecom band you like to operate in and have the opportunity to get time in front of everybody that are your peers in the industry. The event takes place right in the heart of the Energy Corridor in Houston and offers great value. Communications professionals from a wide array of markets, including oil and gas, transportation, and leisure maritime, will gather for several networking events, including a #HoustonStrong Party for Hurricane Harvey Relief, sponsored by ITC Global. To take advantage of the advanced rates and learn more about registration packages and fees for OilComm and FleetComm, visit 2017.oilcomm.com/registration-packages. The show will take place December 6-7, 2017 at the Houston Marriott Westchase located at 2900 Briarpark Dr in Houston, TX. To register for press credentials, please contact Isabel Burnham, Marketing Coordinator at iburnham(at)accessintel.com. About OilComm Conference & Exposition OilComm has driven the future of communications for the oil and gas industry for 17 years by providing a venue for communications professionals to discuss the challenges they face and help bring their existing networks to a more efficient and effective state in this increasingly connected world. For more information, please visit http://www.oilcomm.com. About FleetComm Conference The inaugural FleetComm Conference is a two-day program bringing together field experts and seasoned veterans working in information technology/networking, engineering, operations, commercial & leisure maritime, commercial trucking, shipping, logistics, and more to delve into the evolving world of communications, with the goal of understanding how connectivity enables analytics, automation, big data, and enhanced customer/crew experience. For more information, please visit http://www.fleetcommconference.com. Master Your Card, a community empowerment program sponsored by Mastercard, today joined students and teachers from J.E.B. Stuart Elementary School and officials from Richmond Public Schools to launch the expansion of a proven, interactive financial education program in Richmond, Va., public elementary and high schools. This expansion builds on a successful pilot conducted during the 2016-17 school year with more than 1,000 students in 10 Richmond schools. Through Master Your Cards work with its community partners, we know that education is vital to financial stability and connecting with kids on financial topics sets them up to achieve that goal, said Rev. David L. Chapman, member of the Master Your Card African American Advisory Board and interim executive minister of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia. This financial education program is an important and valuable investment in students in Richmond that will pay dividends for them in the future, here and wherever life may take them. This program is part of Master Your Cards efforts to provide financial education to people of all ages in financially underserved communities. According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, nearly one in every five households in the Richmond area is financially underserved, meaning they have no or only limited access to traditional financial services. As a result, these families often rely on alternative financial services, such as check cashers and payday lenders, to access and manage their money. The average financially underserved family spends nearly 10 percent of its income on the fees and interest associated with these services. Millions of people across the country are stuck in a cash economy and pay more for less because they rely on alternative financial services that drain communities of valuable time and money, said Shawn Miles, executive vice president of public policy at Mastercard. These families have a hard time making ends meet, let alone build wealth for future generations. But with targeted outreach and education, such as our program with EVERFI, we can teach kids and their families how to better manage their money with tools like electronic payment technology and achieve greater financial stability. Master Your Card partnered with EVERFI, Inc., the nations leading education technology company, to bring this financial education program to students at no cost to schools or taxpayers. The program features an interactive learning platform specifically designed to introduce financial literacy skills early in a childs cognitive development. The web-based curriculum for elementary school students aligns with state and national financial education standards, and features topics such as income and careers, needs versus wants, credit and borrowing, savings and investing, and other financial topics. At J.E.B. Stuart Elementary and in public schools throughout Richmond, we strive to provide our students with the essential skills they need to live as productive citizens in a highly technological world, said Natalie Davis, Instructional Technology Resource Teacher in Richmond Public Schools. The Master Your Card financial education program uses fun, engaging technology to help our students build strong financial foundations and reach their greatest potential. In addition to Richmond, Master Your Card and EVERFI conducted pilot programs at schools in Baltimore, Southeast Los Angeles, the Bronx in New York City and the Mississippi Delta. Expansions are underway in those areas, along with schools in St. Louis. ### About Master Your Card Master Your Card is a community empowerment program sponsored by Mastercard to help consumer advocacy groups, small business groups and governments appreciate the value of credit, prepaid and debit cards as access points to an economically empowering electronic payments network. Learn more at http://www.masteryourcardusa.org. About EVERFI, Inc. EVERFI is the leading education technology company that provides learners of all ages education for the real world through innovative and scalable digital learning. EVERFI powers community focused financial education for 750 financial institutions across the country. Founded in 2008, EVERFI is fueled by its Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) subscription model and has certified over 18 million learners in critical skill areas. Some of America's leading CEOs and venture capital firms are EVERFI investors including Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, Google Chairman Eric Schmidt, Twitter founder Evan Williams, TPG Growth, The Rise Fund, Advance Publications, and Rethink Education, and Rethink Impact. The EVERFI Education Network powers more than 4,300 partners in their education initiatives across all 50 states and Canada. Learn more at everfi.com. EAGLE GROVE | An Eagle Grove teen has been charged with a felony after making a school-related threat Thursday. Around 2 p.m. Thursday, an Eagle Grove High School student notified school officials of a threat that appeared on a social media site, the Wright County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. Eagle Grove Schools went into lockdown for a brief period of time while the threat was investigated by the sheriff's office and Eagle Grove Police Department. The responsible student was quickly identified, according to law enforcement. A 15-year-old was charged with felony intimidation with a dangerous weapon and placed in Juvenile Court custody. Juvenile court records in Iowa are confidential unless the charge involves a forcible felony, such as murder, kidnapping or robbery. The quick action of a student proved valuable in identifying the source of this threat, Wright County Sheriff Jason Schluttenhofer said in a stement. The working relationships of local law enforcement and the school districts once again reinforces the commitment of making sure students and staff remain safe at all times. The sheriff's office says the investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available at this time. A number of Iowa school districts including Algona, Clarion-Goldfield-Dows and Mason City reported receiving threats earlier this month. Two students were referred to juvenile court in connection with incidents in Algona and Mason City, police said. Higher Logic today publicly announced the Higher Logic Floyd Awards and introduced a new Higher Logic Champion Program. These announcements were previously made privately during the 8th annual Higher Logic Super Forum, a national conference of the Higher Logic User Group (HUG), which took place October 15-17, 2017, at the Renaissance Capital View Hotel in Arlington, Va. Higher Logic Super Forum is an exclusive annual event for Higher Logic clients and partners focused on the power of online communities and getting more value out of the Higher Logic platform. The Higher Logic Floyd Awards and new Champion Program recognize Higher Logic clients using the companys online community platform to its fullest potential to deepen their engagement with customers. The Floyd Awards program during Super Forum is always a wonderfully humbling experience as our clients across a variety of industries demonstrate amazing creativity in the brilliant application of our platform, said Rob Wenger, Higher Logic CEO. Our new Champion Program gives us the opportunity to recognize throughout the year the breadth of creativity and success our clients achieve and their willingness to tell the world about it. Higher Logic Floyd Awards The Higher Logic Floyd Awards recognize Higher Logic clients across a range of categories. The 2017 award recipients are: Most Successful Online Community Dynamics GP User Group Launched in 2013, the Dynamics GP User Group (GPUG) has successfully elevated a software user group into a member acquisition and retention titan. In 2017, theyve experienced 60 percent non-member to member conversion rates and 81 percent member retention rates. Their discussion digests average over 45 posts a day, offering immense value to their 31,000 members. Most Successful Community Launch Perkins School for the Blind Launched a year ago, the Perkins School for the Blind online community has successfully brought together professionals from all over the world with different cultural backgrounds and time zones to improve educational services offered for visually impaired children. Over half of the 291 members have contributed to their discussion groups, creating over 700 posts in the year since theyve launched. Best Main Site Design International District Energy Association With a modern, clean design and intuitive information architecture, the International District Energy Associations main site is a standout. It surfaces the information most critical to its members and shows incredible restraint in keeping noise to a minimum. To help capture and engage its members, the site is fully responsive and strategic in prioritizing content in its mobile design. Best Community Site Design Public Lands Alliance In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, the Public Lands Alliance site achieves what is not easy combining a main site and community site in a way that keeps user-generated content front-and-center. They have created a homepage that continues to have fresh, new content that encourages engagement, and they have prioritized the user experience, creating easy-to-use resources for information-sharing and recruiting. Community Manager of the Year Simona Ciampi, American Association for Clinical Chemistry Artery As the Associate Director of Online Members Engagement at the American Association for Clinical Chemistry Artery, Simona focuses on creating plans and driving adoption of the associations online community, engaging and activating members with tactical psychology, marketing, communications, and people skills. She increases engagement from within her team of ambassadors with frequent contests. Innovation Awards The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board) created a community designed to support candidates pursuing CFP certification. The community attracts and engages candidates, provides a place for them to share advice and personal experiences, and offers support while they go through the rigorous preparation process. The online community is increasing candidates awareness and readiness as they prepare for the exam, leading to better success. The Higher Logic-powered Discovery Educator Network (DEN) online community provides a place to continue to strengthen the bonds created through the organizations live events and brings a broader audience into the mix. Unique privacy restrictions required innovation with data integration and introduced engagement challenges. Automation Rules Master Sigma Theta Tau International Sigma Theta Tau International enhances engagement with 62 well-choreographed automation rules. They not only leverage out-of-the-box best-practice rules, theyve also created custom rules to welcome and thank chapter leadership based on when users join/leave the community; encourage mentor/mentee enrollment by targeting emails based on job title; and encourage members to join communities of interest based on demographics. Higher Logic Champion Program The Higher Logic Champion Program formally recognizes and rewards clients for their advocacy of Higher Logic via multiple channels. Participants earn badges in five opportunity categories: Content Creation, Knowledge Sharing, Community Engagement, Education and Product Advocacy. In addition to gaining deeper knowledge of the Higher Logic platform and giving back to the Higher Logic community, participants can earn CAE credits with Higher Logic's learning opportunities and gain direct access to Higher Logic executives, staff and resources. Participation in the program requires membership in HUG. About Higher Logic Higher Logic is an industry leader in cloud-based community platforms. Organizations worldwide use Higher Logic to bring people all together, by giving their community a home where they can interact, share ideas, answer questions and stay connected. Our goal is to help your organization with deeper engagement and meaningful interactions for your members, customers and prospects. Everything we do the tools and features in our software, our services, partnerships, best practices drives our ultimate goal of making your organization successful. Learn more at http://www.higherlogic.com. Media Contact Amanda Orr Kickstart Consulting for Higher Logic Phone: 202-248-6766 Email: aorr(at)kickstartconsulting(dot)com Congressman Meadows meets with Aeroflow Breastpumps Specialists From top to bottom, they are a first class organization that truly represents the future in healthcare technology, especially with in-home medical equipment. It was a pleasure to visit their facilities and learn about some of their exciting new developments." Rep. Meadows Aeroflow Healthcare, a leading provider of durable medical equipment and one of Inc. Magazines 5000 Fastest Growing Companies, today announced that it met with North Carolina Congressman Mark Meadows to discuss topics related to healthcare and their impact on North Carolina, a continuation of transparent and ongoing dialogue between the Company and prominent legislator. Aeroflows executive team and the companys Mom and Baby division met with Congressman Meadows on Tuesday to continue previous discussions around healthcare, further build the relationship and to address the importance of small businesses in Western North Carolina and the role of breastfeeding in parenting. Congressman Meadows also briefed the Aeroflow executive team on the current state of healthcare, in regards to the latest White House Healthcare Executive Order. After visiting Aeroflow in Asheville this afternoon, it is easy to see why theyre one of the fastest growing companies in the country, said Congressman Mark Meadows. From top to bottom, they are a first class organization that truly represents the future in healthcare technology, especially with in-home medical equipment. It was a pleasure to visit their facilities and learn about some of their exciting new developments occurring right here in our district. I want to thank Aeroflow CEO Casey Hite and the entire team at Aeroflow for hosting me, and for their top-notch dedication to the community. Aeroflow has had the pleasure of working closely with Mark for more than three years, said Casey Hite, Aeroflow CEO and Co-Founder. Together, Mark and I have steered breastfeeding policy to benefit mothers and families not just here in North Carolina, but all across the nation. We look forward to continuing to work with Mark and his team in the future, in a particularly volatile time for healthcare legislation. Since the ACA went into effect, Aeroflow has helped hundreds of thousands of pregnant and nursing women across the nation access lactation support, supplies, and services. The company works closely with mothers to provide exceptional support for breastfeeding health benefits and to increase the rate of breastfeeding nationally. Aeroflow plans to continue their efforts to protect and promote womens health services for mothers nationwide. For more information about Aeroflows advocacy efforts for Womens Preventative Care, visit aeroflowbreastpumps.com/breastfeeding-advocacy. About Aeroflow Healthcare Aeroflow Healthcare was founded Asheville, NC in 2001 as a home oxygen provider and has since grown to become one of the leading durable medical equipment providers nationwide. Aeroflow is an accredited Medicare and Medicaid provider and accepts most commercial insurances. To learn more, visit https://aeroflowinc.com/. URBAN AIR MOBILITY SYMPOSIUM 2017 Silicon Valley AUVSI Brings Together Industry Heavy-Hitters for Technical Discussions Surrounding State of Urban Air Mobility & Unmanned Traffic Management The Silicon Valley Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International has announced a symposium on November 2nd, 2017 that'll bring together the brightest minds in the unmanned aviation industry to discuss the future of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and the state of Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM). Keynote speakers for this event include Dr. Jaiwon Shin, NASA Associate Administrator for the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, and Mr. Earl Lawrence, Director of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Office for the FAA. The FAA UAS Integration office is responsible for the facilitation of all regulations, policies, and procedures required to support FAAs UAS integration efforts. The Office serves as a central point of contact for the international aviation community on UAS issues. Mr. Shin previously served as deputy associate administrator for the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate where he was instrumental in restructuring NASAs aeronautics program to focus on fundamental research and better align with the nations Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). This symposium is a unique opportunity for industry and press to have access to these panelists and presenters. Industry leaders will discuss the most pressing issues related to Urban Air Mobility and UTM on 3 panels: Emergence of Urban Air Mobility, Security and Counter UAS Perspectives, and Drones for Good. A special Open Discussion will follow, moderated by Mike Feary from NASA. This unique open forum will allow attendees to ask questions and discuss real issues facing the industry including research and operational priorities. Emergence of Urban Air Mobility, moderated by NASAs Eric Mueller, will include speakers Parimal PK Kopardekar, Manager of the Safe Autonomous System Operations (SASO) Project for NASA, Dr. Karthik Balakrishnan head of Project Altiscope at A3 by Airbus, Dr. Tom Prevot Director of Engineering for Airspace Systems at UBER, Rob Eagles Director of Air Traffic Management Infrastructure (Safety & Flight Operations) at IATA, Anil V. Nanduri is Vice President in the New Technology Group and General Manager of the UAV segment at Intel Corporation, Attorney Paul J. Fraidenburgh of Buchalter, and Lyle Chamberlain, Principal Mechanical Engineer & Co-Founder of NearEarth Autonomy. Speakers addressing Security and Counter UAS Perspectives include Jerry Davis, the Chief Information Officer at NASA Ames Research Center, and former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Cyber Security at the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for NASA. He has also held positions with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as a Special Operations Program Officer. Award winning software developer & rapid prototyper Greg Deeds, CEO of Technology Exploration Group and the Chairman of the Silicon Valley Chapter of AUVSI, Craig Marcinkowski, Director of Strategy and Business Development for Gryphon Sensors, and Ajay Amlani, CEO in Residence and commercial Executive at DIUx at United States Department of Defense will also speak on this important topic. This panel will be moderated by Brian E. Smith, Special Assistant for Aeronautics in the Human Systems Integration Division at Ames and member of the Cybersecurity Team within the NASA Aviation Operations and Safety Program. Drones for Good will be moderated by Jessie Moobery, Head of Deployment, Altiscope at A3 by Airbus. Her panel will consist of industry change-makers David Hansell Global Aviation Policy Lead for Facebook and their High Altitude, Long Endurance UAS project (Aquila), VP of Precision Integrated Programs Matt Parker, Dan Czerwonka of ZIPLINE global operations, Richard Fields IV the Battalion Chief of Los Angeles Fire Department, and Amit Ganjoo of Anra Technologies. This event will take place in Silicon Valley at the historic Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, California. The venue sits adjacent to San Carlos Airport KSQL. Symposium attendees will also have full access to the museum, a large indoor drone cage to test your drone piloting skills, the Aviato car from HBOs hit show Silicon Valley, and a networking reception. Tickets are on sale now, and more information can be found at UrbanAirMobility.org. Contact: Jennifer Deeds Communications Director, Silicon Valley AUVSI Communications@SVCauvsi.org Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia (MBFW Russia) and the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation are together launching a new awareness mass media campaign, Russian designers unite against HIV/AIDS. Ten fashion designers from various Russian cities have prepared special red-colored fashion looks to be featured at the opening of their runway shows at MBFW Russia this season. The 35th season of MBFW Russia will start this Saturday, October 21. The key objective of this mass media campaign is to draw wide attention to the problem of HIV/AIDS epidemic in Russia. According to statistics of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, every hour 10 people get infected with this virus across Russia. The following Russian designers will participate in the campaign: Artem Shumov, Atelier B by Gala B, KONDAKOVA, KSENIASERAYA, N.LEGENDA, Saint-Tokyo, SENSUS COUTURE, YASYA MINOCHKINA, Anastasia Dokuchaeva, and Julia Dalakian. The schedule of fashion shows involved in the groundbreaking campaign is available at official website http://mercedesbenzfashionweek.ru/en/. All the events that occur at catwalks of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia always get wide public response both in Russia and worldwide. The involvement of popular fashion designers will deliver the message about the risks of contracting HIV to various age groups, said Alexander Shumsky, President of Russian Fashion Council and founder of MBFW Russia. Oleg Salagay, Director of the Public Health and Communications Department at the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, added, Lately, famous people and brands have been cooperating to use their influence to fight against HIV. Such campaigns are known to promote social changes, to raise awareness regarding HIV/AIDS. World experience shows that the fashion industry has an important role in terms of changing the attitude toward HIV/AIDS, as well as towards HIV/AIDS-positive people. Were proud to say that Russian designers are supportive and arent afraid to use their influence on fashion platforms with the view of attracting attention to one of the most pressing health issues in Russia and worldwide. Top Russian bloggers and celebrities are joining their efforts with designers and are going to take part in discussing the issue across social media. Designers of MBFW Russia will present a capsule collection of T-shirts, while bloggers will post their campaign messages wearing these T-shirts. International media partners such as Fashion TV, Depesha Magazine, Zoe Magazine, and RBTH are also taking part in this awareness raising campaign in the matters of early HIV testing and treatment seeking. Top stylist and designer Gala Borzova said, Ive created this extraordinary bright look to draw attention to HIV/AIDS issues. There is not this 'risk group' term any longer, anyone can get this virus. Healthy lifestyle is a trend today, like think not only about your good looks, but about your well-being, too. It is important to understand that you cant be sure of your HIV-status if you dont take HIV tests consistently. This is what really matters! However, we need to remember that being HIV/AIDS-positive does not rule you out from social life." Designer Artem Shumov made his comment, too, HIV and AIDS awareness is an urgent matter in Russia. We should focus on every aspect: the state support of treatment and adaptation programs, awareness campaigns for young people, and not only for them, protection means, advanced treatment methods, tolerance toward HIV-positive people, abandoning stereotypes associated with this problem. Open dialog is the thing that can lead to making right decisions and taking effective actions. Population of Russia exceeds 146 million people. 900,000 of them are currently HIV-positive. Over 86.6 thousand new HIV cases were registered in 2016. MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK RUSSIA Russian Fashion Council runs Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia, the biggest and most widely media-covered fashion event in Russia and Eastern Europe. Fashion Week takes place in Moscow twice a year, in March and October, since 2000, showcasing over 70 designers. Each season, MBFW Russia is attended by over 55,000 guests, including thousands of buyers, journalists, and industry experts. More than 1,000,000 viewers follow live streaming videos of fashion shows from Moscow on the Internet through hundreds of web-sites and media channels. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia is a gateway for Russian talents to global markets and for international designers to local market, as well. Paul Montgomery, left, and Hans Tiziani, right, at the centenary celebration of l'Institut d'Optique. The influence of l'Institut d'Optique is felt around the world. One hundred years of achievement in light-based technologies were honored by leaders of SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, and others in the photonics community during centenary celebrations last week at the Institut dOptique in Paris. From your state-of-the-art laboratory, to your top-ranked school of engineering, to your partnerships with industry, the Institut d'Optique is truly a world-class alliance, said Paul Montgomery (Universite de Strasbourg), speaking on behalf of SPIE during ceremonies on 13 October. Montgomery and SPIE Fellow Hans Tiziani (Universitat Stuttgart ) a graduate of the institute presented a commemorative plaque to institute Director General Jean-Louis Martin on behalf of the society. Montgomery is a General Chair of SPIE Photonics Europe 2018, to be held in Strasbourg next April. Established in 1917, the Institut d'Optique has grown from a one-year course followed by a few students in the first years, to the promotion of 150 student-engineers on three sites today, in Bordeaux (Le laboratoire Photonique Numerique and Nanosciences), Paris-Saclay (Le laboratoire Charles Fabry), and Saint Etienne (Le laboratoire Hubert Curien/ERIS). Its mission, established by law in 1920, is to support the French photonics industry through training of scientific engineers, doctoral training, innovation-entrepreneurship, and research at the highest level. An impressive number of important advances have resulted from work by students and graduates of lInstitut dOptique, noted SPIE CEO Eugene Arthurs. Its influence has been felt around the world, thanks to advances in technology and inventive applications conceived and launched by its graduates and faculty. SPIE events are highly enriched for their participation, and the world benefits from their many contributions to innovation, entrepreneurship, and the advancement of photonics. About SPIE SPIE is the international society for optics and photonics, an educational not-for-profit organization founded in 1955 to advance light-based science, engineering, and technology. The Society serves nearly 264,000 constituents from approximately 166 countries, offering conferences and their published proceedings, continuing education, books, journals, and the SPIE Digital Library. In 2016, SPIE provided more than $4 million in support of education and outreach programs. http://www.spie.org Don Erickson The new estimates from Secure Schools Alliance provide our advocates with real-life, hard numbers that they can use as the basis of a dialogue with legislators on how to best improve school security. The Secure Schools Alliance recently created the first-ever school security construction cost estimates, and to do so, it relied upon school security and safety guidelines produced by the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), established by the Security Industry Association (SIA) and National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) to advise K-12 schools. The Alliance's construction cost estimates are available on the SIA School Security webpage. When discussing school security infrastructure and security technology, legislators and policymakers always ask: "How much will improvements cost?" These new cost estimates from Secure Schools Alliance provide a realistic look at the resources needed to take action. They are the first set of hard numbers based on a specific set of recommended guidelines for this purpose. To create security cost estimates, PASS steering committee members first formed a baseline budget based on actual costs from Littleton Public Schools in Colorado, which used the PASS guidelines to upgrade security infrastructure and technology. Then, understanding that costs vary by market, the number of public schools in each state was considered and broken down by type (K-8, secondary and other) to determine what costs would be by state and school type for each PASS tier level. "A lot of specialized expertise went into development of the PASS guidelines, and SIA is pleased to see those guidelines serve as the basis for national construction cost estimates," said SIA CEO Don Erickson. "SIA is a strong supporter of the Congressional School Safety Caucus, a coalition of members of Congress collaborating on school security and safety issues, and the new estimates from Secure Schools Alliance provide our advocates with real-life, hard numbers that they can use as the basis of a dialogue with legislators on how to best improve school security." "While a few stateslike New Jersey and Connecticuthave passed rules regarding security improvements for K-12 schools, there are still no approved national standards for such security infrastructure improvements," said Robert Boyd, executive director of the Secure Schools Alliance. "The PASS guidelines represent an opportunity for the United States to embrace a consistent set of goals for security infrastructure, security technology and life safety systems for public schools while respecting local norms and not forcing unfunded mandates. "Most incidents of mass violence in elementary schools (94 percent), and one-third of such events in middle and high schools are caused by intruders," Boyd said. "We can stop intrudersand now we know what it costs to help do so. It is time to launch a national discussion about standards to improve the security of K-12 schools." To learn more about PASS, or to download a copy of the PASS guidelines, visit http://www.passk12.org. For more information on the School Security Alliance, visit http://secureschoolsalliance.org. About the Security Industry Association The Security Industry Association (SIA) (http://www.securityindustry.org) is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with nearly 800 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members' interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels; creating open industry standards that enable integration; advancing industry professionalism through education and training; opening global market opportunities; and collaboration with other like-minded organizations. As a proud sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA Government Summit, which brings together private industry with government decision makers, and Securing New Ground, the security industry's top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking. About the Secure Schools Alliance The Secure Schools Alliance and Secure Schools Research and Education is taking a leadership role in launching a national conversation about the issue of school safety and advocating a course of action for addressing it. This convening of education, industry, public safety, law enforcement, corporate and community leaders will work together to ensure the security of our nation's schools through federal and state policy, legislation, research, pilot programs and the promotion of best practices. The goal is to improve the security infrastructure, security technology and life safety systems of all public K-12 schools. San Francisco Bay Area Law Firm for Sexual Harassment & Discrimination Rachel is a welcome addition to our team of passionate attorneys and paralegals. California Civil Rights Law Group, a San Francisco Bay Area law firm specializing in sexual harassment and discrimination law at http://www.civilrightsca.com/, is proud to announce a new paralegal, Rachel Moyer. She joins the law firm with a background in civil litigation, employment law, estate planning, and family law. She earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science from UC San Diego and her law degree from UOP McGeorge. "Rachel is a welcome addition to our team of passionate attorneys and paralegals," explained Larry Organ, principal attorney at the Bay Area-based law firm. "New staff hires are essential as our firm continues to grow into one of the top Bay Area law firms for sexual harassment and discrimination issues." MORE ABOUT RACHEL MOYER Raised in the Bay Area and a lifelong resident of California, Rachel is passionate about serving her community and promoting equal treatment for all. Rachel has volunteered as an advocate for several community health organizations and hospitals in San Diego. She feels that everyone deserves compassionate support, and for their story to be heard. Rachel is an avid reader, and her favorite quote is by Thoreau: What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." She endeavors to approach each day as a fresh opportunity to make the world a kinder, more tolerant place. In her free time Rachel can be found in full scuba gear, 100 feet down, chasing sea turtles. Shes been diving since 2015, and its magical every time. A FOCUS ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION LAW IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA Even in the allegedly "enlightened," San Francisco Bay Area many employees still face harassment and discrimination at work. Recent high profile incidents such as the allegations surrounding American film producer and former film studio director, Harvey Weinstein, have drawn attention to the on-going problem of sexual harassment up to and including wrongful termination. For this reason, CA Civil Rights Group has a series of informative pages on its website focused on sexual harassment issues for San Francisco Bay Area residents such as at http://www.civilrightsca.com/sexual-harassment-discrimination/sexual-harassment/. There, in addition to learning about sexual harassment, one can also reach out to an attorney for a confidential consultation, either in Oakland or San Anselmo, or by phone if one resides in San Francisco or some other Bay Area city such as Berkeley or Richmond. Another page focuses on wrongful termination at http://www.civilrightsca.com/practice-areas/wrongful-termination/, as another example. That said, the next best step for anyone who may be facing harassment or discrimination in the Bay Area is to reach out to the law firm for a confidential consultation. No two situations, of course, are alike. About California Civil Rights Law Group Headed by renowned trial lawyer Larry Organ, California Civil Rights Law Group (http://www.civilrightsca.com/), is a leading employment law firm with San Francisco Bay Area offices in Oakland, Alameda County and San Anselmo, Marin County, California. Employees experiencing sexual harassment, race harassment, disability discrimination, LGTBQ discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, whistleblower retaliation and/or wrongful termination should reach out for an attorney consultation in either our Oakland/East Bay or San Anselmo/Marin County office. Media Relations. Tel. 415-453-4740 Doc Dwyer "I greatly look forward to working with the NARA board and its more than 102 members to help raise the bar even further when it comes to the standards were held to," said Doc Dwyer, Vice President of Sales, Guardian Jet Guardian Jet LLC, the business aviation consulting and aircraft brokerage firm, today announced that its Vice President of Sales, Doc Dwyer, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the National Aircraft Resale Association (NARA). At NARAs annual member meeting in Las Vegas on October 9, the association introduced its new 2017-18 slate of officers, including Brian Proctor, Chairman; Chad Anderson, Treasurer; and Doc Dwyer, Secretary. Elected officers are selected from among the body of NARA Certified Aircraft Brokers/Dealers, which includes Connecticut-based Guardian Jet, LLC, a member since 2015. Im honored to be considered among some of the most respected names in the brokerage business, said Dwyer, of his election. NARA plays an increasingly important role in our industry, and is there to help aircraft brokerage firms like Guardian Jet ensure their operational integrity. They do that by holding them to a strict NARA-enforced code of ethics and ensuring that they pass a rigorous certification process. I greatly look forward to working with the NARA board and its more than 102 members to help raise the bar even further when it comes to the standards were held to. About NARA Formed more than 25 years ago, NARA is a professional trade association comprised of selected aircraft sales and brokerage businesses that are NARA-Certified, and aircraft product/services companies that adhere to the highest professional standards. NARAs members abide by an elite, 14-point code of ethics that provides standards of business conduct regarding aircraft transactions. About Doc Dwyer Based in Connecticut, Dwyer is focused on growing Guardian Jets presence throughout the U.S., and is responsible for overseeing its team of sales professionals. Prior to joining Guardian Jet in 2009, Doc worked as a flight instructor for Monarch Air in Addison, Texas. As a 1,000-hour pilotwith CFI, CFII, and Multi-Engine Commercial ratingsDwyer brings his vast knowledge of both aviation and business to Guardian Jets clientele. He earned a degree in Economics from the University of Colorado, in Boulder, Colorado. In addition to being a NARA member, he is a member of the National Business Aviation Association and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. For more information about NARA, its members and its code of ethics, visit NARAaircraft.com. To learn more about Guardian Jet, call +1-203-453-0800 or visit guardianjet.com. About Guardian Jet Founded in 2002, Guardian Jet, LLC, offers business aviation brokerage, consulting and oversight services for hundreds of clients worldwide. The company distinguishes itself with its focus on integrity and industry expertise, and by consistently providing business value to clients. Guardian Jets core mission has always been to earn the right to buy and sell aircraft on behalf of its clientele by providing them with great consulting advice, market intelligence and flawless execution. Audience's view from the 2016 FSSA Owners Summit The FSSA is a great resource for owners and vendors alike to stay up-to-date on trends and issues that may impact our businesses. The Florida Self Storage Association (FSSA), a state-based organization for self storage owners, operators, and vendors who service the self storage industry, announced their annual Owners Summit is taking place on November 1 & 2, 2017 at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, FL. This event is open to self storage owners, operators, and investors. The 2017 Owners Summit features an evening networking reception held on the water at the Ritz on November 1, and continues through November 2 with education and more networking. Speakers include Brian E. Smith of Baker & Hostetler, LLP who will cover Eminent Domain in Florida: The Basics; Bret Zinn of Yardi Matrix on Self Storage Data: New Construction, Rate Trends, and a Forward Florida Outlook; and a panel sponsored and moderated by Marcus & Millichap on The Most Pressing Issues Affecting Self Storage Owners in Florida. Chuck Dodge of Bader Company, Summit event sponsor and longtime member of the FSSA, Bader Company said, FSSA remains one of the preeminent organizations within the self storage industry. The FSSA is a great resource for owners and vendors alike to stay up-to-date on trends and issues that may impact our businesses. Whether it is through strengthening existing relationships and friendships, or through meeting individuals new to the industry, the FSSA provides numerous opportunities for Bader to grow and strengthen our brand in the state of Florida. Registration fees vary for members and nonmembers. You can register for the Owners Summit, become a member, and learn more about the FSSA at http://www.FloridaSSA.org. If you have questions, send an email to clong(at)FloridaSSA.org or call the office at 863-884-7204. Recently, Gerling Law held a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Owensboro Chamber of Commerce for the official opening of their newest location at 2645 Frederica Street Suite 200-A in Owensboro, KY 42301. Most of the law firm was in attendance and celebrated afterwards at Fetta Specialty Pizza in Owensboro, KY. Gerling Law has served the Owensboro area for over 30 years but without the convenience for our Owensboro area clients of a physical location in town, said owner and managing attorney Gayle Gerling Pettinga, who has been practicing law for 30 years. With the recent growth of Owensboro and increasing number of clients in the Owensboro area, it made sense for Gerling Law to put an attorney in Owensboro on a full-time basis. Fortunately, the firm hired long-time Owensboro native attorney Nikki Roby several years ago, who is the perfect person to represent the firm in its Owensboro office. Owensboro is a vibrant city doing exciting things, such as establishing Smothers Park, the new Convention Center and the International Blue Grass Music Center. Gerling Law wants to be part of the excitement and make a commitment to the community that we have served for so long, added Gerling Pettinga. The new Owensboro office will serve clients needing quality legal assistance with personal injury compensation and Social Security Disability benefits. Gerling Law also has locations in Evansville, IN, Indianapolis, IN, and Louisville, KY. In September, Gerling Law became official members of the Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and attended their first Rooster Booster Breakfast. Attorneys Gayle Gerling Pettinga, Neal Anderson, Nikki Roby, and Bob Rock met with the featured speaker, president and owner of Happy Feet Slippers, Pat Yates, along with other chamber members. The Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has been such a great resource. Everyone at the Chamber has been so supportive of Gerling Law, concluded Gerling Pettinga. About Gerling Law For over five decades, Gerling Law has pursued justice and fair compensation for people who have been injured by someones actions or neglect, along with people who can no longer support themselves because of an illness or injury. Practice areas include personal injury, medical malpractice and Social Security disability. Gerling Law has four locations: 519 Main Street, Evansville, IN 47708; 120 East Market Street, Suite 1271, Indianapolis, IN 46204; 4965 U.S. Highway 42, Suite 1000, Louisville, KY 40222; and 2645 Frederica Street, Suite 200-A, Owensboro, KY 42301. For more information, please call (888) 437-5464, or visit http://www.gerlinglaw.com. About the NALA The NALA offers small and medium-sized businesses effective ways to reach customers through new media. As a single-agency source, the NALA helps businesses flourish in their local community. The NALAs mission is to promote a business relevant and newsworthy events and achievements, both online and through traditional media. The information and content in this article are not in conjunction with the views of the NALA. For media inquiries, please call 805.650.6121, ext. 361. On Thursday, the court scheduled the hearing for Nov. 7 in Buchanan County District Court in Independence. Brown countered, arguing that Soules was required to remain at the crash scene unless he was seeking help. Authorities said Soules rear-ended Moshers tractor and then called 911 from the scene, identified himself and attempted to render aid. He remained at the scene until medics arrived, but he left before law enforcement pulled up, according to court records. Greenberg Traurig, LLP is co-sponsoring the 2017 Appellate Judges Education Institute (AJEI), which will take place Nov. 2-5, 2017, in Long Beach, CA. This annual summit gathers federal and state appellate judges from across the country and invites all lawyers to join them for educational programming. Speakers include private and government practitioners, law professors, and appellate judges and court attorneys. It's a 4-day format and this year takes place at the Westin Long Beach. Greenberg Traurig is a Gold Sponsor of the event. Regarding Greenberg Traurigs longstanding involvement with the AJEI, Elliot Scherker, co-chair of the firm's National Appellate Practice, stated: We, as a firm, value our continued involvement with AJEI, which provides high-level topics and speakers. We are proud to participate in the conference each year, and find the conference to be the premier Appellate forum for staying on the leading edge of idea exchange and critical information. About Greenberg Traurigs Appellate Practice Greenberg Traurigs Appellate Practice has been involved in some of the most important and consequential cases of our time. In recent years, GTs appellate leaders have played key roles in cases addressing voting rights and election law, federal constitutional law, environmental law, labor law, white collar criminal law, First Amendment law, real estate law, civil rights law, intellectual property and patent law, and administrative and regulatory law. The GT Appellate Practice Groups philosophy is to combine forum-knowledgeable lawyers who have a comprehensive understanding of their jurisdictions with colleagues who have a proven record of substantive excellence in the legal issues involved in our clients appellate cases. About Greenberg Traurig Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GTLaw) has more than 2,000 attorneys in 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East and is celebrating its 50th anniversary. GTLaw has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, was named the largest firm in the U.S. by Law360 in 2017, and among the Top 20 on the 2016 Am Law Global 100. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law. It is a privilege to partner with Soles4Souls and help provide assistance to people who were affected by these devastating hurricanes. Past News Releases RSS Ion Real Estate is hosting a shoe donation drive for Soles4Souls, a nonprofit global social enterprise committed to fighting poverty through the collection and distribution of shoes and clothing. Currently, Soles4Souls is collecting new shoes to benefit victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. New shoes can be dropped off at Ion Real Estate, 2049 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80205, through the end of the year. It is a privilege to partner with Soles4Souls and help provide assistance to people who were affected by these devastating hurricanes,said Jim Cavoto, managing broker of Ion Real Estate. Soles4Souls was founded as a disaster-relief organization after philanthropists and shoe executives provided footwear to those most impacted by The Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It continues to act as a second-wave responder providing footwear and clothing to those in need during times of disaster. To date, Soles4Souls has collected and distributed more than 30 million pairs of shoes to those in need in 127 countries around the world and all 50 states in the U.S. We strive to be extremely intentional when responding to disasters, said Soles4Souls President and CEO, Buddy Teaster. We are committed to working with invested partners on the ground and providing meaningful assistance through shoes, clothing and other necessities people need at the most appropriate time. For more information about getting involved with Soles4Souls or to become an official drop-off location, visit https://soles4souls.org/get-involved/. For those who may not be able to drop off new shoes, but still want to help, Ion Real Estate encourages people to make a monetary donation to help with transporting these much-needed items at https://fund.soles4souls.org/campaign/help-hurricane-victims/c141742. About Soles4Souls Soles4Souls disrupts the cycle of poverty by creating sustainable jobs and providing relief through the distribution of shoes and clothing around the world. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, the organization repurposes product to supply its micro-enterprise, disaster relief and direct assistance programs. Since 2006, it has distributed more than 30 million pairs of shoes in 127 countries. A nonprofit social enterprise, Soles4Souls earns more than half of its income and commits 100% of donations to programs. About Jim Cavoto, Ion Real Estate Jim Cavoto has been serving the Colorado real estate market since 2000. He holds both the Real Estate Employing broker level license and the Colorado Mortgage Origination license. Jim and Ion Real Estate work with both buyers and sellers. For more information, please call (720) 466-2866, or visit http://www.ioncoloradorealestate.com. About the NALA The NALA offers small and medium-sized businesses effective ways to reach customers through new media. As a single-agency source, the NALA helps businesses flourish in their local community. The NALAs mission is to promote a business relevant and newsworthy events and achievements, both online and through traditional media. The information and content in this article are not in conjunction with the views of the NALA. For media inquiries, please call 805.650.6121, ext. 361. Prominent strategic partner and war-gaming expert David Kalinowski of Competitive Intelligence Research firm Proactive Worldwide (PWW) will host a war-gaming workshop aimed at improving insurance research outcomes. His talk is scheduled for Monday Oct. 22 at 1:15pm, in the Commercial Track at the Society of Insurance Researchs 47th Annual Conference and Exhibit Fair at The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, WI. The theme of this years SIR event, which takes place from Oct 22-25, is Moving Past Disruption to Competitive Advantage. Kalinowski said that his session, Leveraging War Games for Competitive Advantage, is the unique culmination of his knowledge earned from years of dedicated research and practice in war-gaming services. As a firsthand witness and past participant, I appreciate the impact and educational value SIRs annual conference continues to have on expanding insurance research proficiencies. Im honored to be invited back for the sixth straight year to contribute this event, he added. Kalinowski also remarked that historically, intelligence practitioners often struggle with linking intelligence to decision-making. By introducing war games in this session, he said, My goal is to demonstrate how incorporating this strategic role-playing tool to better understand the competitive landscape, not unlike a decisive chess game in which one must consider all angles while thinking several moves ahead, will bridge that gap. For more information or to register for this event, please visit the following site: http://www.sirnet.org/SIRMember/Events/iCore/Events/Events_List.aspx About Proactive Worldwide, Inc. Proactive Worldwide, Inc. is a global research and strategic intelligence consulting firm that provides evidence-based, constructive information within the competitive intelligence, market intelligence, and customer insights domains. Anchored by primary source research for over 21 years, Proactives multilingual professionals assist our clients with offerings that include but are not limited to competitive research services, competitor assessments, market entry and defense strategies, war gaming simulations and scenario planning events, and customer experience and user experience studies. To learn more, visit http://www.proactiveworldwide.com. MASON CITY | A narcotics investigation in Mason City Thursday yielded three arrests and pounds of methamphetamine and marijuana worth thousands, law enforcement says. Cerro Gordo County Sheriffs deputies worked with Mason City police, North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force investigators, the Special Operations Group, Franklin County Sheriffs Office and Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement for the investigation, which the sheriff's office said involved "multiple pounds of suspected methamphetamine and marijuana." The street value of the drugs is estimated at $40,000 for the meth and $25,000 for the marijuana, Cerro Gordo County Sheriff Kevin Pals said. During the investigation, two separate traffic stops were made at Highway 122 and South Pierce Avenue. A search warrant was also executed. The first stop occurred around 9:40 p.m. and led to the arrest of Eric Thomas Hart, 28, of Mason City. Hart was charged with: Possession with intent to deliver meth over 5 grams. Failure to affix tax stamp. Failure to have a valid drivers license. Possession of drug paraphernalia. When law enforcement searched Hart, court documents say two bags of meth one large and one small were found. The amount was estimated at 2 ounces. A search of his vehicle also turned up a baggie of meth, a small amount of meth in tinfoil, a hypodermic needle and a scale, court documents say. Dakota Lee Sanders, 30, of San Andreas, California, was arrested during the second traffic stop. Sanders was charged with: Possession with intent to deliver meth over 5 grams. Possession with intent to deliver marijuana under 50 kilograms. Two counts of failure to affix tax stamp. Failure to have a valid drivers license. Possession of drug paraphernalia. Law enforcement said in court documents they found more than 42.5 grams of marijuana and more than 7 grams of meth during a search of Sanders' vehicle, as well as a scale used to measure drugs. A search warrant was executed at the Days Inn near Highway 122 in Mason City. Christopher Funk, 57, of San Andreas, California, was arrested as a result of the warrant. Funk was charged with: Possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine over 5 grams. Two counts of failure to affix tax stamp. Possession with intent to deliver marijuana under 50 kilograms. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Funk was allegedly found to be in possession of more than 7 grams of meth, more than 42.5 grams of marijuana and a Glock pistol. Funk admitted the gun was his, court documents said. All three men were taken to Cerro Gordo County Jail, where they are being held without bond. Court dates have not been scheduled. The sheriff's office said more arrests are possible, as the case is ongoing. Cookies What are cookies ? How do we use cookies? How to control cookies? Managing cookies in your browser see what cookies you have got and delete them on an individual basis block third party cookies block cookies from particular sites block all cookies from being set delete all cookies when you close your browser X A cookie is a small text file that a website saves on your computer or mobile device when you visit the site. Cookies are widely used in order to make websites work, or work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the owners of the site.Website use Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google, Inc. ("Google") to help analyse the use of this website. 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You can delete all cookies that are already on your computer and you can set most browsers to prevent them from being placed.Most browsers allow you to:If you chose to delete cookies, you should be aware that any preferences will be lost. Also, if you block cookies completely many websites (including ours) will not work properly and webcasts will not work at all. For these reasons, we do not recommend turning cookies off when using our webcasting services. You asked for it and so we went digging! After searching and asking around we finally present to you the churches in Ghana who are serving the religious needs of the super rich in Ghana. Almost all of them are in Ghana's capital city; Accra because the super rich in Ghana are mostly based in the capital. Looking beyond the age-old churches; orthodox, Pentecost, Baptist, Adventist and protestants churches among others, here are the new worship centres of the super-rich in Ghana. Calvary Charismatic Centre (CCC) A section of the church auditorium at Ayigya in the Ashanti regional capital of Ghana; Kumasi, in full capacity during a church service. Legon Interdenominational Church(LIC) Legon Interdenominational Church (LIC) is based on the University of Ghana campus, Legon, Accra, Ghana. The church was formed with the vision of being a vibrant fellowship that reflects Gods glory on campus, in the nation and beyond. International Central Gospel Church (ICGC)- Christ Temple Ghanaian theologian, philanthropist, motivational speaker, entrepreneur Mensa Otabil is the founder of International Central Gospel Church. Perez Dome The Perez Dome is the main auditorium of the Perez Chapel International. In fact, the magnificent roof of the Perez Dome is so unique that church authorities had to bring in experts from the US to fix the 60-metre span of roof! With a seating capacity of 14,000, the Perez Dome may be the largest auditorium in the country. Light House Chapel - Qodesh Located at North Kaneshie in Accra, the Light House Chapel, headed by Dag-Heward Mills. Action Chapel International -Spintex The name Action Chapel is never left unmentioned when it comes to rating churches in Ghana for the super rich. Known as the Prayer Cathedral, the Action Chapel International is counted as one of the largest Charismatic churches in Ghana with an 8,000-seater auditorium at Spintex in Accra. Royal House Chapel - Ahenfie Headed by Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah, the Royal House Chapel is home to thousands of Christians in Ghana Harvest International Ministries (HIM) Harvest International Ministries (HIM) is an international Christian organization, pursuing the agenda of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and making disciples of all nations. Pure Fire Miracles Ministries Pure Fire Miracles Ministries is a Christian Church of charismatic orientation based in Ghana. It was founded by Dr. Enoch Idowu Aminu Christ Embassy-Avenor Christ Embassy is one of the places where the spirit of the aristocrat gets refreshed by the word of God. EWC Empowerment Worship Centre is a vibrant, multicultural, Christ-Centered Charismatic Church Headquartered at Accra-Ghana. Winners Chapel International LONDON David Davis will make the case for a "no deal" Brexit in an "upbeat" presentation to the cabinet as he attempts to change his stance The Brexit secretary has told civil servants they should advance preparations for a scenario in which Britain leaves the European Union without a deal, The Times newspaper reported. It comes after Davis said in an interview with German newspaper Die Welt that no deal was a "very distant possibility" and it is not the government's "intention." He is expected to deliver the presentation to the cabinet next week, which could worry ministers who back a "soft" Brexit, such as Chancellor Philip Hammond. The recognition by the Brexit secretary that he should step up plans for a no-deal scenario marks a significant change in the government's approach, as Theresa May has so far refused to countenance it. Home Secretary Amber Rudd told MPs earlier this week that the UK withdrawing from the EU without a deal was an "unthinkable" situation. The prime minister told European leaders at a major summit in Brussels on Thursday night that they should create a Brexit deal they could all "stand behind and defend to our people." May also implied that the EU must allow talks to progress to discussions of a future relationship with the UK in order to allow further concessions to be made on the financial settlement. However, the prime minister also privately assured EU leaders that Britain will pay for current and future liabilities amounting to around 40 billion, which would double the amount the government has pledged to pay in its "divorce bill" so far. She told the European Council: "The clear and urgent imperative must be that the dynamic you create enables us to move forward together." Former environment secretary Owen Paterson was one of several former Conservative ministers who urged the prime minister to walk away from Brexit negotiations and accept no-deal on Thursday. Paterson told BBC Radio 4's "Today" programme that he thought it unlikely that the UK would reach a trade agreement with the EU "because they are flatly refusing to talk about it." The former minister said a trade agreement with the EU would be "the best destination, but what we should not be terrified of is the WTO." A report by the Resolution Foundation published earlier this week showed that a no-deal Brexit would cost the average British household 260 a year. A Downing Street spokesperson told The Times: "The cabinet is regularly updated on preparations for Brexit our objective remains to develop a deep and special partnership with our European allies, and there has been a positive response to that in Brussels at the European Council." Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesman Tom Brake said: "David Davis is having to resort to PowerPoint to explain his barmy plans for Britains future. He clearly hasnt convinced the cabinet so far that he has any vision going forward. WASHINGTON A significant factor in the downfall of the repeated attempts to overhaul the US healthcare system was the Senate's intent on not passing legislation through the regular order, instead bypassing the 60-vote threshold in favor of the process known as reconciliation. Republicans are now employing the same tactics, with a handful of small changes, to their tax plan. The Senate passed its fiscal-year 2018 budget resolution Thursday, opening the door for the passage of Republican leadership's massive package to overhaul the tax code. The budget's passage allows for budget reconciliation, which gives Republicans the chance to pass a tax bill through the chamber with a simple majority and no help from Democrats. The GOP holds only 52 seats in the Senate, a slim majority. Still, in a shift from the process that doomed the healthcare overhaul, Republicans are now holding multiple hearings and will have a markup in which Democrats will be able to offer amendments to the budget, which GOP senators have suggested is a considerable improvement and as close as they can get to a regular order without having to work in too much of a bipartisan fashion. Sen. John Thune of South Dakota on Thursday said reconciliation was necessary and would be a more open process than that of the healthcare fiasco, which plagued most of the year in Congress. "It is regular order in the sense that everybody will have an opportunity to offer amendments and get votes," he said. "If it becomes clear there are Democrats who want to participate and that we can pass a bill at the 60-vote threshold, that would be great," Thune added. "But reconciliation is an option that enables us to move the ball down the field and to ultimately get a result." Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who was one of the primary Republican critics during the healthcare debate, said the increased number of hearings and a markup were "a lot closer to normal process" than before. Sen. Tim Scott, a South Carolina Republican who sits on the Finance Committee and has been touting the GOP tax plan, noted that in addition to the hearings this year there had been several over the past half-decade on tax reform. "We've had several the last couple years, and they say we've had like seven in the last five years, so the reality of it is we've had hearings this year on tax reform," Scott said. "We'll continue to have probably another hearing, I believe, and then we'll ultimately have all the members of the Finance Committee be having a chance to offer an amendment." "Its about as close as regular order as you can get from my perspective," Scott added. But the handful of hearings and an open amendment process may not cut it for Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee. "One of the major surveys during the October break had the American people saying overwhelmingly that you've got to do big issues in a bipartisan way," Wyden told reporters. "So we're talking about taxes and healthcare and the like, and now they're looking at using a fast-track process as an off-ramp for the most partisan way to do taxes." In Wydens view, the fast and secretive pace in which Republicans are moving on their tax plan without an actual bill is a recipe for failure. "They obviously frittered away an enormous amount of time, and I think right now playing catch-up ball is really key," he said, noting its similarities to the several failed healthcare bills. And Wyden said that President Donald Trump was in agreement with what much of the Democrats requested during their meeting at the White House on Wednesday but that what Trump agreed to hardly translated to any action by Republicans on Capitol Hill. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders sidestepped questions about the validity of chief of staff John Kelly's claim that Rep. Frederica Wilson of Florida had bragged about securing funds for an FBI field office in 2015. "[Kelly] said there was a lot of grandstanding," Sanders said during Friday's White House press briefing. "He was stunned she had taken that opportunity to make it about herself." When pressed as to whether Kelly could elaborate further, Sanders said he "addressed that pretty thoroughly yesterday." But the reporter noted that the money was secured before Wilson was in Congress, which prompted Sanders to invoke Kelly's military career. "If you want to go after General Kelly that's up to you but I think that if you want to get into a debate with a four-star Marine general, I think that's something highly inappropriate," Sanders said. After Wilson suggested that President Donald Trump was inappropriate on a phone call with the widow of a US Special Forces soldier killed in Niger, Kelly criticized the Democratic congresswoman in an attempt to clarify the White House's account of the call. According to the current global university ranking, no African university is among the world's best 300 universities. READ ALSO: UPSA students demonstrate against fuel station The University of Ghana is ranked 1,983rd in the global ranking whiles the University of Cape Town, South Africa, which is the number one university in Africa, is ranked 303rd. At the official opening of the International Association of Universities (IAU) 2017 Conference at the University of Ghana, Legon in Accra on Thursday which is on the theme: "Leadership for a changing public-private higher education landscape", Minister of State in-Charge of Tertiary Education, Professor Kwesi Yankah, has described as unfair the perception of the western countries that the academic standards of higher education in Africa are low. He said this suspicion weakened the competitiveness of Africas higher educational institutions internally and externally. READ MORE: 6 SHS with the strongest alliance groups "Let such policies ensure maximum participation by host communities through the application of differential rates of enrolment and registration," he said. He added that this years IAU conference, the first on African soil, "triggers dialogues and actions that will progressively narrow the intellectual gap between Africa and the rest of the world." He has challenged African universities to put their act together and work harder to advertise themselves in the global village. "Africa has a huge potential in higher education which has been exploited only superficially," he noted. He said the perception of low academic standards in Africa slowed down academic migration from South to North, and put African scholars and students under unnecessary suspicion when credentials were presented elsewhere. About IAU Started in 1950, the IAU serves as a voice for higher education and seeks to promote and advance higher education globally. The leader of the group, Rahab Mukami, a woman representative said the women had intensified campaigns to ensure Kenyatta wins the upcoming polls. The country's Supreme Court on September 1 ordered the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to carry out a re-run of the presidential election, after annulling the vote due to "irregularities" and mismanagement by officials. Subsequently, Kenya's opposition leader Raila Odinga withdrew from the country's October 26 repeat presidential election. The elections body, the Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has indicated that the polls will go ahead despite Raila Odingas boycott. READ ALSO: What the Election Nullification means for Kenyans The talk on sex in Kenyas election is not new. Ahead of the first poll in August, Odinga was the first to ask for sex boycott on the eve of the polls. August 8 will be a historic day and no vote will be left without being cast. Men will sleep outside. When the day comes, no man should sleep with a woman, he is quoted to have said. The obviously marveled husband could not control his temper and gave the nurse some serious beating before he handed him over to police in the Bolivian capital La Paz. According to the Dailymail, the 27-year-old nurse named locally as Grover Macuchapi, is now facing prosecution on charges of profaning a corpse and obscene acts. Confirming the arrest, Police chief Douglas Uzquiano said the appalling incident happened on Monday night around an hour after the female patient died at Hospital de Clinicas in La Paz, and was transferred to a hospital morgue. Mr. Douglas Uzquiano said Relatives of the dead woman had gone to the hospital to cancel a debt they had for the medical treatment she received. The husband went to the morgue and saw a male nurse having sex with his late wife. A local Newspaper reported the unnamed husband (widower) as saying I saw what he was doing and hit him. He was moving and he had his trousers down. Interestingly, the pervert hospital worker blamed his actions on a trance. He reportedly said Something happened. It was like a dream. The next thing I remember was feeling a blow from behind when the woman's husband hit me. The 28-year-old, had only died around an hour before she was targeted by the nurse. Prosecutors said Macuchapi could not be charged with necrophilia because the offence didn't exist under Peruvian law. A similar incident happened in May when police in Argentina arrested a man who broke into a hospital morgue to have sex with a dead woman. A bunch of Hollywood movies with a theme of modern warfare portray soldiers as effective at battle, humorous and kind. You would have lost a bet if you were banking on finding the last listed feature in a Nigerian soldier. Their show of brutality when dealing with civilians, the people that showered them with praise for their bravery against the Boko Haram insurgents, is no secret. Some soldiers have acted in a manner that fits the idea of an entitled brat. The notion that you can be battered by a Nigerian soldier if he finds you wearing an army fatigue is not a myth if one has experienced it either as the object of an ensuing assault or a spectator. Dont pay too much mind on the recurring use of a masculine pronoun in addressing the issue. This is not only restricted to male soldiers as their female colleagues have proved that they are equally capable of assault and intimidation. Why are our soldiers so angry? Do you recall a viral video that saw a woman-soldier punish a male civilian who gave her a compliment according to reports? She was heard making comments about her rough experiences in an army academy. She seemed to feel her encounter during training should earn her the position of a demi-god who is immune to advances from men. This sense of pride and air of remarkable achievement has characterized most army personnel in their interaction with civilians and their excuses have gone unchecked. The high echelon officers in the Nigerian army have only seemed to be correcting their underlings when there have been a public outcry by the masses. They mostly follow up with a press release announcing that the concerned soldiers have been arrested but have often failed to give further comments on the outcome of investigations. This is why it is easy to assume that they are encouraging more misdemeanor. It might appear that these soldiers are in a state of fantasia or nostalgia. Their sweet exploits thirty years ago seems fresh in their minds. An urgent motion filed by the Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, K.T Hammond, called on the government to reverse its decision on the power agreement. READ MORE: Minority threatens to walk out over withdrawal of AMERI deal K.T Hammond, who was the ranking member of the Energy Committee of Parliament in 2015 when the deal was approved, filed an urgent motion seeking the reversal of the deal because of his conviction that the deal was suspicious, based on some fresh information available to him. The Speaker of Parliament referred the motion to the Mines and Energy Committee for deliberation but the Minority said they will boycott deliberations on the AMERI deal. K.T Hammond has already given his testimony with Dr Kwabena Donkor expected to appear before the Mines and Energy Committee. He presented the following evidence to back his call for the government to reverse its decision on the power agreement. (1) AMERI did not provide fast-track equipment contrary to the agreement. They assigned their interest to a subsidiary known as AMERI Equipment which was registered 13 days after the agreement had been signed with Ghana. (2) AMERI Equipment (the subsidiary) did not undertake the construction but assigned this to a Turkish Company called PPR without the consent of the government of Ghana as required. (3) A Turkish company, PPR, bore all financial risk, raised all capital and was paid with money government of Ghana paid AMERI. Background to agreement The former President John Mahama administration in 2015 agreed to rent the 300MW of power from AMERI at the peak of the countrys power crisis. As part of the deal, AMERI was to build the power plants and operate them for five years before transferring it to the government. READ ALSO: Minority walks out over Ameri deal READ MORE: Kumasi Youth lock up Daily Guide office over Otumfuo report After gracefully alighting from the plane, some dignitaries, chiefs were allowed to shake hands with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, but a few were also embarrassed when they were refused access to the great king of the Ashanti Kingdom. The Asantehene was allegedly linked to a money laundering scandal, but those who made the allegation later apologised. CLEAR LAKE | A Clear Lake business owner is tattooing baby footprints for those who have lost babies to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, and donating the proceeds through October. Studio 65 Owner Merry Weiss had a baby boy, Kinzer, three months ago. That kind of falls right in that age range where things like SIDS happen, Weiss said. As a mom, thats your worst nightmare. Its hard when youre a new mom. Weiss was able to buy the Owlet Smart Sock baby monitor for her son so she can feel more at ease. With the job I do, Ive talked to and done memorials for people who have lost their children to SIDS, or other things, Weiss said. Weiss opened Studio 65, a tattoo and photography studio in Clear Lake, about a year and a half ago. I feel so blessed to be able to use my artistic talents to get others through difficult times in life, Weiss said. Weiss hears many stories while tattooing. She came across the story Mark and Elisha Palmer who founded Knox Blocks Foundation on the Owlet page when she purchased the monitor. When I came across her story, I felt horrible for her, she said. What she did instead of stopping her life in that tragic time, her and her family decided to use it to help other people. Im all about stuff like that. The Palmers lost their son, Knox, to SIDS in December 2016. He was 3 months old when he went to sleep and never woke up. The Knox Blocks Foundation raises money to provide Owlet Smart Socks to families in need. The Owlet monitors track the baby's heart rate and oxygen levels, alerting the parents if the levels fall out of a predetermined range. The monitors can potentially save a baby from SIDS. Often, there are so many families in need they cant keep up, Weiss said. I dont have time to create my own foundation. Weiss reached out to Elisha Palmer to see if there was anything she could do rather than just donate. I dont want to make just one donation; I want to raise awareness and educate people, Weiss said. Weiss settled on footprint tattoos. She is donating 100 percent all proceeds from footprint tattoos to the Knox Blocks Foundation through October, SIDS Awareness Month. Owlet agreed to double the funds Weiss raises through the month. I want to show these moms that we remember their babies, Weiss said. As of Tuesday, Weiss raised just shy of $1,400 and has done about 10 tattoos related to SIDS. One was of a dog footprint since the woman did not have any children. Its so sweet because so many people want to take part, Weiss said. I did a memorial the other day and I just threw that into the fund. The monitors cost $300 a piece. These monitors can save lives, Weiss said. These tattoos are helping save lives. The baby footprints are the symbol since the monitor goes on the babys foot. This lady came across my post on Facebook about what I was doing, Weiss said. She saw it on the 26th anniversary of the day her baby passed away from SIDS. The woman drove over two hours to get her very first tattoo, a baby foot print. She said, It was meant to be, Weiss said. The woman said that she can now have her baby with her forever, she hasnt forgotten him. That was emotional, Weiss said. Ive seen ladies commenting on my post you see them connecting and supporting each other. Thats something I didnt expect. One memorial tattoo Weiss did said, Some dream of angels, I held one in my arms. Weiss has found, in talking with family and friends that many people have never heard of SIDS or they didnt hear about it when they were raising children years ago. You have some grandparents that will wrap up the baby in a blanket and have the crib bumpers and they have toys in there when theyre watching the baby, stuff like that, Weiss said. Its just really scary. The foundation and Weiss hope that legislation will pass to require insurance companies to cover the baby monitors for at-risk babies. You have technology to monitor the health of your car, why wouldnt you want something to monitor the health of your baby, a person, Weiss said. In an interview with Accra FM, the chairman of the Gas Tanker Drivers Association Shafiu Mohammed, said he died on Thursday (October 19, 2017). Mohammed said that the drivers were in a meeting at Kpone in the Greater Accra Region on Thursday when Ussif said he was thirsty and wanted to drink water. After drinking the water he immediately collapsed and we rushed him to the Kpone General Hospital where the doctored declared him dead. READ ALSO: Net2 cameraman killed in gas explosion laid to rest He, however, did not reveal the cause of the drivers demise. In a statement, it said the police has not commenced recruitment exercise for this year. They are therefore entreating prospective candidates, parents and guardians to be more circumspect so as to avoid being lured into parting with sums of money presumably to purchase recruitment forms. Below is the full statement: "The Police Administrations attention has been drawn to a fake recruitment advertisement circulating on social media especially Facebook indicating that there is recruitment into the Police Service for 2017/2018. The Administration wishes to state categorically that currently there is no recruitment exercise going on in the service and that the advertisement on such recruitment is fake. For some genuinely concerned people who want to make a change, the approach is somehow structured is a more plausible routine. Others have missed the slight margin between making your voice heard for a cause or simply wanting to go viral for the hype. The quest to just join the masses without having foreknowledge of exactly what the story is about is also on the rise like stew (Hello Flowking Stone). A small test to find out whether all the social media users involved in most rants care or just jump on the bandwagon proved a sad result. READ MORE: 2 children lose their lives after church building collapse Ghanaians woke up to a New York Times article titled: Obesity was rising as Ghana embraced fast food. Then came KFC This article created a real buzz on social media with the writer having called Ghanas president His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo overweight. Irrespective of the many rants, very few people actually did read the long article by New York Times as most people could not answer a simple question with a very clear answer in the article: Where does KFC Ghana import their chicken from? But that did not stop them from joining the conversation from a seemingly well read angle. Deep down, it was just a social media fuzz. So when a lot of people joined the Nivea pull it down campaign, it is very hard to ignore the fact that for most, that could just be their way of belonging on social media. That topic, however, is for another day. Racism is real. No doubt or question about that. In the effort to fight racism though, one might slightly fall in the zone of being racist to others too if not careful. So its a really hard fight to battle. Nonetheless, in the face of religion, does it matter if Jesus Christ was black or white? Mark Emery, a 30-year-old from Kentucky spent huge sums of money just to look like Jesus Christ. So obviously, the question of how does Jesus look came to mind. Upon research, one would find a never-ending debate between Black Jesus and White Jesus. READ MORE: Kumasi Youth lock up Daily Guide office over Otumfuo report For the sake of Christianity, is that even necessary? People may argue the point that letting others know Jesus was black or white may deliver them from some form of mental slavery. However, theres been a series of Bible verses pointing out how stressing on these petty things could be kind of vanity in the end. Genesis 1:26 states: Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. If so, the image of God should have no colour. Neither should the image of God be concerned about the race of Gods beloved son, Jesus Christ. Whether Jesus is from Africa or Europe should be purely irrelevant. Because frankly speaking, theres no point. The only point is winning souls for Christ irrespective of their background as stated in Mark 16:15: And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. So cultural appropriation and racial discrimination when it comes to Jesus Christ is not a gospel truth to preach. Find a more relevant case, be a genuine activist and stop the cheap publicity and look cool factor on social media. This was revealed by the Gloria Akuffo when President Akufo-Addo hosted a dinner for Ghanas legal team and other stakeholders who played diverse roles in the case. Gloria Akuffo said she called her predecessor and we said a prayer together on the eve of the ruling. READ ALSO: These photos show your grassroots fights are unnecessary Appiah-Oppong started was the Attorney General in 2014 when the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) began sitting on the dispute between Ghana and Cote DIvoire. The change of government in 2017 saw a change in the leadership of Ghanas team as Akuffo took over from Appiah-Oppong. The two went to ITLOS together on February 6, 2017, when Ghana began its oral argument over the disputed boundary. Though the former AG was absent on the final day of the ruling, Justice Minister Akuffo says: Marietta and I speak every now and then. And perhaps, I should make it public that the night when we emplaned to go for the ruling before I emplaned I called Marietta and we said a prayer together. She was quick to add that even though the ruling favoured Ghana, a lot of work has to be done. Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo expressed his gratitude to all who played a role in getting Ghana to win the dispute. The Britons, including a husband and wife from a Christian medical charity, were seized last Friday in Delta state, where they had been providing free health treatment. Delta state police spokesman Andrew Animaka said there was still no update as to their whereabouts. But he added: "We are following up on a lead with the arrest of four persons in connection with the incident. "The suspects are currently in the custody of the state police command, in (the state capital) Asaba, and are rendering useful information." "I can assure that we are on the heels of the abductors." Victims are usually released after a few days once payment is made. Last Thursday, an Italian priest based in Nigeria for the last three years was kidnapped by armed gunmen near Benin City, the capital of Edo state. He was released on Tuesday evening. Father Maurizio Pallu told Vatican Radio from the Nigerian capital, Abuja, on Wednesday that it was the second time in a year that he had been kidnapped. British diplomats in Nigeria have refused to comment about the latest abduction. Police believe militants who have attacked oil and gas pipelines in the oil-rich Niger delta region are behind the kidnapping. Both Pompeo and US National Security Adviser HR McMaster said Trump would still prefer to use sanctions and diplomacy to force Kim to come to the table to discuss disarmament. But, speaking to a Washington policy forum, both also warned that the use of US military force remains an option to prevent Pyongyang from acquiring a long-range nuclear missile. "They are close enough now in their capabilities that from a US policy perspective we ought to behave as if we are on the cusp of them achieving that objective," Pompeo said. Pompeo said US intelligence had kept close tabs on the North Korean program in the past, but that its missile expertise is now growing too quickly to be sure when it will succeed. "But when you're now talking about months our capacity to understand that at a detailed level is in some sense irrelevant," he said. "The president's made it very clear," he added. "He's prepared to ensure that Kim Jong-Un doesn't have the capacity to hold America at risk. By military force if necessary." This week, North Korea's deputy UN ambassador declared that Pyongyang would not put its nuclear arsenal nor ballistic missile program on the table unless Washington drops its "hostile" stance. And Kim's regime has made no secret of its efforts to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting US mainland cities or bases in the Pacific, conducting regular tests. McMaster told the conference, organized by the Federation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), that the regime would not be allowed to develop arms that would threaten the United States. "We are not out of time but we are running out of time," Trump's top security adviser said. "The president has been very clear. He's not going to accept this regime threatening the United States with nuclear weapons," he warned. The protests by leftwing radicals that sparked street battles with police and a paralysing nation-wide strike ignited brief fears of revolution and spooked then-presidentCharles de Gaulle. But while the events form a fabled moment of modern history and have been retold endlessly on screen and in literature, witnesses, academics and generations since have never been able to agree on what exactly they signified or resulted in. Macron, who was born nine years after 1968 but is a keen student of French history, intends to seize on the half-century anniversary to deliver a speech on how utopian thought has been lost in modern politics. The centrist leader hopes to "think about this moment and draw some conclusions which are not pro- or anti- but take into account how events influence mentalities today," an aide told AFP. His Socialist predecessor Francois Hollande, reflecting views common on the French left, saw the riots as an expression of "youthful aspiration" and the chafing of an idealistic generation against France's rule-bound society. Ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy, a rightwinger who held power from 2007-2012, once promised to "liquidate the heritage of May '68", which challenged the moral order of the time as well as the authority of the state. "Should we commemorate 1968? I really don't know, but what I can say is that it is part of our history," centre-right lawmaker Thierry Solere said on the Public Senat channel on Friday. Haley "will witness firsthand the UN operations working to address conflict and devastation in these countries, including visits with UN peacekeeping missions and sites of other UN agencies providing life-saving humanitarian aid," said the statement on Friday. President Donald Trump announced Haley's visit to Africa last month during a meeting with African leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York. Trump told the African leaders he was "deeply disturbed by the ongoing violence in South Sudan and in the Congo" but said peace and prosperity would come through an African-led process. Haley, he said, would discuss conflict resolution and "most importantly, prevention" during her trip. Nine months into his presidency, Trump has shown little interest in Africa and Haley's trip is a first opportunity for his administration to shape its policy toward the continent. The 45-year-old former governor of South Carolina has emerged as a leading voice on US foreign policy, at times outshining US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. High stakes Haley's visit to South Sudan comes as regional leaders have launched a new peace initiative aimed at kick-starting the effort to end the nearly four-year war that has left tens of thousands dead and millions uprooted. The United States is South Sudan's biggest aid provider and a key supporter of its 2011 independence from Sudan. Last month, Haley told the Security Council that the regional effort was the "last chance" for peace in South Sudan and said leaders should get behind the initiative. In the DR Congo, the United States has joined calls from the Security Council for Kinshasa to announce a date for elections in the vast resource-rich African country. Elections were supposed to take place this year under a transitional deal aimed at avoiding bloodshed after President Joseph Kabila refused to step down when his second and final term ended in December 2016. But the DR Congo's electoral commission is facing logistical hurdles and this month said it would need another 504 days to prepare for the vote, which means the elections would not be held before early 2019. South Sudan and the DR Congo host two of the biggest and costliest UN peacekeeping missions. During negotiations this year, Haley was a driving force behind a $600-million cut to the peacekeeping budget and has vowed to review each UN mission to look at further savings. The top US diplomat did not himself hold out much hope of an immediate breakthrough in the stand-off between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, but the trip may clarify the issues at stake. "I do not have a lot of expectations for it being resolved anytime soon," Tillerson admitted on Thursday, in an interview with the Bloomberg news agency. "There seems to be a real unwillingness on the part of some of the parties to want to engage." Nevertheless, President Donald Trump's chief envoy is to leave Washington this weekend for Saudi Arabia and from there head on to Qatar, to talk through a breakdown in ties. Trump, having initially exacerbated the split by siding with Riyadh and denouncing Qatar for supporting terrorism at a "high level," has predicted the conflict will be resolved. Tillerson, a former chief executive of energy giant ExxonMobil, knows the region well, having dealt with its royal rulers while negotiating oil and gas deals. But the latest diplomatic spat is a tricky one, pitching US allies against one another even as Washington is trying to coordinate opposition to Iran and to Islamist violence. Major air base Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut diplomatic relations with Qatar in June, accusing it of supporting terrorism and cozying up to Iran. The sides have been at an impasse since then, despite efforts by Kuwait -- and a previous unsuccessful trip by Tillerson in July -- to mediate the crisis. The blockade has had an impact on Qatar's gas-rich economy, and created a new rift in an already unstable Middle East, with Turkey siding with Qatar and Egypt with the Gulf. Iran, Washington's foe, only stands to benefit from a split in the otherwise pro-Western camp, and US military leaders are quietly concerned about the long-term effects. Trump, after initially vocally support the effort to isolate Qatar despite its role as a military ally and host of a major US airbase, has not called for a negotiated resolution. Tillerson says there has been little movement. "It's up to the leadership of the quartet when they want to engage with Qatar because Qatar has been very clear -- they're ready to engage," he said. "Our role is to try to ensure lines of communication are as open as we can help them be, that messages not be misunderstood," he said. "We're ready to play any role we can to bring them together but at this point it really is now up to the leadership of those countries." Simon Henderson, a veteran of the region now at the Washington Institute of Near East Policy, said the parties may humor US mediate but won't want to lose face to each other. "Tillerson will say: 'Come on kids, grow up and wind down your absurd demands. And let's work on a compromise on your basic differences'," he said. Riyadh's demands of Qatar are not entirely clear, but it has demanded Qatar cool its ties with Iran, end militant financing and rein in Doha-based Arabic media like Al-Jazeera. "I haven't seen Qatar make any concession at all other than to say negotiation is the way out of this," Henderson said. "The problem is that people, mainly the Saudis and the Emiratis, don't want to loose face. It needs America to step in, but to save face, they should try to make this a Gulf-mediated enterprise with American support." Kuwait has tried to serve at a mediator, with US support, but the parties have yet to sit down face-to-face. After his visit to Riyadh and Doha, Tillerson is to fly on to New Delhi in order to build what he said in a speech this week could be a 100-year "strategic partnership" with India. The two most recent presidents on Thursday blasted the state of US politics in events that were separated by less than 20 miles. First, it was former President George W. Bush. The most recent former Republican president lambasted a political culture that caused "bigotry" to seem "emboldened." The public comments were Bush's most pointed since President Donald Trump took office in January. "In recent decades, public confidence in our institutions has declined," the 43rd president said at an event in New York hosted by his namesake institute. "Our governing class has often been paralyzed in the face of obvious and pressing needs. The American dream of upward mobility seems out of reach for some who feel left behind in a changing economy. Discontent deepened and sharpened partisan conflicts. Bigotry seems emboldened. Our politics seems more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrication." The forum was branded as being "focused on freedom, free markets, and security." It featured speakers such as former first lady Laura Bush, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley. And Bush provided a substantial condemnation of the state of US politics. Bush said "people of every race, religion, and ethnicity can be fully and equally American" and noted that "bigotry or white supremacy in any form is blasphemy against the American creed." He also mentioned Russia's influence in the 2016 presidential election, calling on the US to "harden its own defenses." "Our country must show resolve and resilience in the face of external attacks on our democracy," he said. "And that begins with confronting a new era of cyber threats. America has experienced a sustained attempt by a hostile power to feed and exploit our country's divisions." Later in the day, in nearby Newark, former President Barack Obama hit the campaign trail for the first time since leaving office and took a subtle swipe at the political climate that Trump has cultivated in his rise to power. At an event for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Murphy in New Jersey, Obama, who has avoided criticizing Trump publicly, criticized the "politics of division" that "we see now." "What we can't have is the same old politics of division that we have seen so many times before that dates back centuries," Obama said. "Some of the things we see now, we thought we put that to bed. That's folks looking 50 years back. It's the 21st century, not the 19th century." It's longstanding tradition for past presidents and vice presidents to provide a grace period for a new administration, during which they do not provide commentary critical of the current White House. While both Bush and Obama did not mention Trump, the criticism of US politics from both men is unprecedented at this young stage of a presidency. DES MOINES | Its up to the voters in Mason City now. City manager Brent Trout, on his final day on the job, had a painless meeting Friday morning with the state economic development board that is poised to award Mason City at least $7 million in tax assistance toward the downtown renovation project. Previous meetings between Trout and the board, of which there have been many since the city received preliminary approval for the state assistance, have featured board members peppering Trout with a litany of questions about the project. But on Friday, with development agreements signed and a referendum pending, Trouts latest project update to the board was met with little more than congratulations and best wishes. You guys have come a long way in a short period of time, and I think that should be noted, board member Chris Murray said. It sounds like everything is moving very positively. Now that the city has met the boards wishes, the last hurdle before the board gives final approval to the tax assistance is the citys Nov. 7 referendum. Mason City's voters will be asked to approve the citys plan for up to $14 million in loans for the downtown renovation. Trout makes case Friday for Mason City downtown project to IEDA MASON CITY | Brent Trout's last day on the job as city administrator will be an important on If the referendum is successful, the state board will grant at least $7 million and possibly up to $10 million in tax assistance. Weve vetted it, weve talked about it as a board. I think wed note that positive progress has been made, so congratulations on that, Murray said to Trout. We look forward to seeing you next month with good news. Trout wont be around next month, regardless of the referendum outcome. Friday was his last as Mason City manager; he starts in the same position Monday in Topeka, Kansas. Ill definitely be paying attention to two different elections: an election in my new community and also an election here in Mason City to see how this vote turns out, Trout said. Its never easy with a ballot vote, when you have a 60 percent threshold. You can feel the enthusiasm thats there, but you dont know for sure. It really requires those that really want to see this project need to do their part and get out and vote if we want to see it move forward. Mason City is the last of seven projects that the state economic development board included in its reinvestment district program, which provides grants to communities for large-scale economic development projects. The state started with $100 million in the program. Mason City received preliminary approval for $7 million in tax assistance, but could receive up to the roughly $10 million left unspent by the program. Other projects have received final approval in Waterloo, Muscatine, Des Moines, Coralville, Grinnell and Sioux City. Weve gotten where we need to get to, and its really in the hands of our citizens at this time, Mason City mayor Eric Bookmeyer said. If the Nov. 7 referendum passes, the state economic development board could give final approval to the project at its December meeting. Propelled by conservative media and congressional Republicans, President Donald Trump revived a story about an Obama administration uranium deal that Hillary Clinton had tangential ties to. "That's your real Russia story," Trump said during an informal exchange with reporters at the White House on Thursday. "That is one of the big stories of the decade." Uranium deal to Russia, wit... @ Donald J. Trump Trump's statements highlighted the return of one of his recurring rhetorical attacks on Clinton during the 2016 campaign over her role in the approval of the sale of part of a company called Uranium One to the Russian government in 2010, which Republicans argued simultaneously endangered national security and enriched the Clintons. On Tuesday, The Hill published a new report that described a "racketeering scheme" that was "designed to benefit former President Bill Clinton's charitable foundation during the time Secretary of State Hillary Clinton served on a government body that provided a favorable decision to Moscow." The story made several suggestions: comprised of nine agencies At a time when law enforcement officials and Congress are investigating the Trump campaign's ties to Russia, right-wing media outlets and figures weaponized the story. According to a survey of Snapstream by the left-leaning group Media Matters, there were 36 mentions of "Uranium One" since The Hill's report was first published on Tuesday, with 24 of the mentions appearing on Sean Hannity's show. The Washington Times wrote in a headline: "Russia tables turn, roping Clinton, Obama, Holder, not Trump." BOOM. CLINTON/Russia and he wired $98,550 to a bank account outside Texas. Amuegbunam, 30, has therefore been ordered to pay $615, 555.12 in restitution for his role in email fraud. The Federal Bureau of Information's investigation in conjunction with Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC led to the arrest of the Amuegbunam. A lot of celebrities have been blessed with so much talent which in turns evolves to financial blessings. Even at that, not all of them are generous enough to lend a helping hand. This is where music star, Davido outshines his contemporaries. He is known for giving and assisting a lot of people. On social media, he doesn't shy away from assisting the plights of those in need. ALSO READ:5 times Nigerian celebrities have settled beefs Remember when a certain Instagram fan, Jide Sanyaolu, who would definitely never forget the 1 million naira he got from the O.B.O when he needed money to return to school. We also remember back in May 2017, the little boy who Davido has awarded a scholarship for singing his hit song "If" on a sensational viral video. The video has apparently gotten to OBO and he has decided to reward the boy by sending him to school to get a proper education. What better way to ease off the stress of the week than watch a good movie. With that in mind, check out our list of movies currently showing in cinemas across Lagos and Abuja. Starring: Kate Henshaw, Omoni Oboli, Femi Branch Synopsis: At a getaway event, a group of malicious women are met with challenging trials that each must confront or succumb to. Daily: 4:25PM Daily: 10:50AM Daily: 2:05PM, 5:45PM Starring: Dylan O'Brien, Michael Keaton, Sanaa Lathan Synopsis: A story centered on counterterrorism agent Mitch Rapp. Daily: 2:00PM Daily: 10:10AM Starring: Bruce Willis, Hayden Christensen, Ty Shelton Synopsis: When the network of satellites designed to control the global climate start to attack Earth, it's a race against the clock to uncover the real threat before a worldwide geostorm wipes out everything and everyone. Showing: Friday - Thursday: 11:40AM, 1:45PM, 3:00PM, 4:00PM, 6:05PM, 7:00PM, 8:10PM Fri, Sat & Mon - Thu: 6:50pm Sun: 6:50pm Daily: 12:20PM, 2:45PM, 6:35PM, 9:15PM Daily: 12:10PM, 2:20PM, 4:30PM, 6:40PM, 8:50PM Synopsis: A college student relives the day of her murder with both its unexceptional details and terrifying end until she discovers her killer's identity. Cast: Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard, Ruby Modine Daily: 12:50PM, 2:25PM, 8:40PM Daily: 12:10PM, 4:20PM, 9:20PM Daily: 3:50PM, 8:25PM Daily: 2:30pm 9:50pm Starring:Okagbue Chris, Toyin Aimakhu-Johnson, Kunle Idowu Synopsis: "Mentally" tells the story of Akin who, despite his mother's warnings, decides to relocate to Lagos where his only contact Emeks (former school mate) promised him plenty opportunities through which he can have a better source of livelihood. His first day experience in Lagos takes him on a journey - unprecedented, but a vital eye opener - the type that makes him re-evaluates the choice he just made. Showing: Daily: 2:05PM, 5:45PM Daily: 12:45PM Starring: Joseph Benjamin, Kehinde Bankole, Toyin Aimakhu, Lilian Afegbai Synopsis: LAMIDE a jobless high class sociable lady mounts pressures on her Fiance RAYMOND a civil servant with a meager salary to get married to her immediately or face her wrath. Raymond loves her so much and begs for more time as he complains his resources will not be enough to fund the high class wedding of her dreams. Showing: Daily: 2:00PM, 5:15PM Daily: 11:40AM Starring: Ramsey Nouah, Tana Adelana, Ken Erics, Lauretta Richards and Emem Ufot. Synopsis: : In "Body Language," a mysterious stranger comes into a strippers life at the same time, a serial killer goes around town murdering ladies. One is left to wonder if it is a mere coincidence or an ominous design of fate. Showing: Monday - Thursday: 7:25PM, 9:10PM Daily: 4:25PM, 6:20PM Daily: 4:40pm 6:40pm Starring: Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Mark Strong Synopsis: When their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage, the Kingsman's journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the US. These two elite secret organizations must band together to defeat a common enemy. Showing: Daily: 3:50PM, 9:15PM Daily: 2:00PM, 4:40PM, 9:15PM Daily: 5:45PM, 8:00PM Fri:- Thu: 7:15pm 10:00pm Starring: Jackie Chan, Dave Franco, Fred Armisen Synopsis: Six young ninjas Lloyd, Jay, Kai, Cole, Zane and Nya are tasked with defending their island home, called Ninjago. By night, they're gifted warriors, using their skills and awesome fleet Showing: Daily:11:50AM Fri & Mon - Thu: 12:30pm Sat & Sun: 2:30pm Starring:Ellen Page, Diego Luna, Nina Dobrev Synopsis: Five medical students, obsessed by what lies beyond the confines of life, embark on a daring experiment: by stopping their hearts for short periods, each triggers a near-death experience - giving them a firsthand account of the afterlife. Showing: Daily: 2:50PM, 6:25PM, 9:05PM Fri & Mon - Wed: 2:50pm 5:55pm Sat: 5:55pm Sun: 5:20pm Thu: 2:50pm 5:10pm Daily:12:00PM, 4:05PM, 7:45PM Daily: 12:25PM, 4:25PM Starring: Queen Nwokoye, Mike Ezuruonye, IK Ogbonna Synopsis: When four lifelong friends travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence Festival, sisterhoods are rekindled, wild sides are rediscovered, and there's enough dancing, drinking, brawling, and romancing to make the Big Easy blush. Showing: Daily: 1:35PM Daily: 7:20PM, 9:10PM Daily: 1:50PM, 6:15PM Starring:Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas Synopsis:A young blade runner's discovery of a long-buried secret leads him to track down former blade runner Rick Deckard, who's been missing for thirty years. Showing: Fri, Sat & Mon - Wed: 4:00pm 7:50pm Sun & Thu: 4:00pm Daiy: 11:55AM Daily: 2:20PM, 6:15PM On a new episode, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Andrew Blaze and Mazino Appeal discuss Sexually Transmitted Diseases. The new episode asked several questions including if you would stay with a partner who gave you STD. "If you get an STD from your partner, break up with him," a female contributor on the showsaid. "Tell them that you want to have a conversation with them, lock the door, bring out a belt and beat them," another said. While most of the contributors said they would leave, few said they would get tested to find out if it's curable, the rest analysed scenarios that would make it possible or easy for them to forgive. STDs are sexually transmitted diseases, which are most often, but not only spread by sexual intercourse. A person can get STDs such as herpes or genital warts through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area or Lesion. In the episode, Ebuka gave an example of a one-year-old baby, who got infected with Herpes from kisses she received. Other questions asked and discussed on the episode include: Are condoms the best way to prevent STDs? What are the chances of having STD without sex? Is there any such thing as STD shaming? For Ebuka, if you cheat on your partner or sleep around, there should be a sort of STD shaming. "I know shaming is not a great thing, but there should be a level of shaming," he said. M.I and Chocolate City have filed a lawsuit in New York State Supreme Court claiming Nas didn't deliver the verse they wanted. In the lawsuit, which was filed in the New York State Supreme Court, Nas and Mass Appeal Records' Ronnie Goodman are accused of duping Chocolate City after they had paid the rapper $50,000 for the verse. According to the lawsuit, in 2013, Nas and Goodman entered an agreement to contribute a verse to a track from M.I. The details of the deal were that Nas was supposed to mention "M.I, Chocolate City, Nigeria, Queens, New YorkNAS's hometown, Mandela, Trayvon Martin, and the struggles of Africans and African Americans" in his verse. Nas went on to deliver a verse but it didn't mention any of the subject matter Chocolate City had asked for. The Nigerian label requested that the Queens rapper to re-record the verse, and three year later, it hasnt happened despite them delivering the $50,000 payment. Hence, that's why they're now suing him, they mention. In the lawsuit, Chocolate City is very complementary to Nas. They called him "a highly respected lyricist in the music industry" and wrote that they wanted a verse from him "because of NAS's exceptional talent as a lyric writer." Unfortunately, according to Chocolate City, that talent and lyricism was not evident in the verse they got. According to a Twitter user with the timeline, @AustynZOGS who posted the incident, the man plunged into the Lagoon from the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge before anyone could stop him. The Twitter user also stated that officials of the Lagos State Waterways Authority [LASWA], Lagos State Emergency Management Agency [LASEMA] and the Marine Police were notified immediately and a search for the victim was commence immediately. However, it has not been confirmed if the man was rescued or whether his body has been recovered at the time of this report. Cases of suicide where people jumped into the Lagos Lagoon came to an amazing level early this year as not less than seven Nigerians including women who jumped into the Lagoon. The most prominent was a young medical doctor, Dr. Allwell Orji who jumped into the Lagoon on the Third Mainland Bridge on Sunday, March 19, 2017. His body was not recovered until almost a week later. A 58-year-old Lagos textile dealer, Mrs. Taiwo Momoh, was however lucky as she was rescued when she jumped into the Lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge on March 23, in an attempt to end her life. After she was rescued and charged to an Ebute-Metta Magistrates' Court, she narrated that she was pushed to kill herself over her inability to pay off her debts and her creditors were on her neck. It was gathered that Mrs. Momoh had accumulated debts of over N18 million after a bureau de change operator allegedly fled with the money belonging to her Swiss creditor. Coupled with that, her shop was also reportedly burgled around the time, which led to frustration and depression and the decision to kill herself. has been married for 10 years with no child and that has always caused problems in their marriage as his family keeps blaming the woman for her inability to have a child. Uzor too believes his wife is the problem and has made several attempts to send her packing but I always intervene, telling him that God is the one who gives babies. I have also told him to seek medical attention or even try some fertility drugs but being a conservative man, he refused. To prove his manliness, Uzor has slept with different women and none of them has been able to get pregnant and when I point this out to him, he will take offense and say I was either mocking him or taking sides with the wife. In her desperation to have a baby and keep her home, his wife, , has done a lot to no avail. There is no known fertility hospital she has not visited in Lagos, all to no avail. About six months ago, Uzor and Ngozi got into a serious fight and he beat her mercilessly and sent her out of his house in the middle of the night. Naturally, my place was where she ran to and all attempts by me and my wife to beg Uzor to take her back fell on deaf ears. Ngozi ended up spending three weeks in our house and that was when the devil did his trick and we had sex like three times and now, the pregnancy is the result of the devil's intervention. I cannot but blame myself for falling into such a temptation but then, the deed has been done. I feel bad when Uzor would thump his chest and claim that he is now a man as his wife is finally going to make him a father. Uzor would gather his friends, buy us drinks and pepper soup as he prepares for fatherhood. Ngozi has been begging me to keep her secret and save her marriage but my conscience would not let me be. What if the baby resembles me, would Uzor and his people notice that? Ngozi says in the eventually of the baby resembling me, she will explain that it is because we are very close. My other fear is if Uzor decides to go for a paternity test when the baby is born and it turns out to be mine, what will happen to us and our business? I am very confused. Nnamdi." Falana who is the father of popular musician, Falz, took a swipe at Pastor Adeboye's intentions by saying he is creating business centers rather than churches because the branches will be engaging in the task of contributing more money for the church. Speaking at a conference organized to mark the 20th year anniversary of the death of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the famed creator of Afro Beat genre of music, Falana said that Pastor Adeboye should rather concentrate on winning souls for Christ instead of his dreams of planting churches in all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria and the world over. Pastor Adboye had announced some time ago that one of their mission of the RCCG, along with making heaven and taking as many people with him, was to plant more churches and having a member of the RCCG in every family of all nations. He had posted on the website of the church: To accomplish that, we will plant churches within five minutes walking distance in every city and town of developing countries and within five minutes driving distance in every city and town of developed countries. Cardinal Okogie had been one of the first prominent Nigerians to disagree with Pastor Adeboye on the vision, by saying: Seeing many churches, left right and center without them making an impact is my biggest regret. I disagree with the concept of building many branches by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye. Churches dont make a person holy. There are many churches in Lagos and thats the cause of traffic. The other day, made some outrageous demands on tithing and offerings." It seems Falana has joined the fray by criticizing Pastor Adeboye. They are one of those few tribes without a documented history. And this is because there is almost an absence of European record in their history. But oral tradition tells us that the history of the Urhobo people began from Edo territory. Their migration to the various locations they now call home started at the end of the Ogiso dynasty. Their exodus was not like that of the Israelites where the movement was once and for all, no. In the case of the Urhobo peoples, it was various groups: each moving at its own pace, seeking homely territories. Hence the twenty-four sub-groups that makes up the Urhobo nation, including Okpe-- the largest of them all. With over one million indigenes and hundreds of communities scattered across Delta state, the Urhobo ethnic group is believed to be one of the major ethnic group in Nigeria. And though they're the majority in Delta state, they are not the only tribe inhabiting the state. Culture Owing to the nature of the environment they occupy, which is very close to the surface of River Niger, most of their histories, mythologies, and beliefs are water-related. Thus the two-day annual Ohworu festival in Evwreni, the southern part of the Urhobo area where the Ohworhu water spirit and the Eravwe Oganga are displayed. Also included in the heritage of the Urhobo people is the annual fishing festivals that include masquerades, fishing, swimming contests, and dancing. The king in an Urhobo clan or kingdom is called the Ovie. His wife, the queen is called Ovieya and his children Omo Ovie (child of the king also known as prince and princess). But there are few exceptions to this, and examples of such are the Okpes that call their traditional ruler "Orodje", Okere-Urhobo calls theirs "Orosuen", Agbarho uses "Osuivie", Orogun uses "Okpara-Uku" (mainly due to their proximity with Ukwuani people). However, being descendants of the same ancestors, most of their customs and traditions are similar and in certain areas the same; such as the breaking of the kola-nut and the donation of cash to wedge the kola-nut presentation, prayers and blessing pronounced before the sharing of the kola and drinks, payment of bride prize, burial rite e.t.c. Marriage It cannot be denied that the traditional marriage rite of the Urhobo people is not unique in nature. Traditionally, when a suitor is interested in an Urhobo maiden, he courts her. And once she agrees to marry him, the marriage begins. Different from other ethnic traditions where the bride would first inform the father of the intentions of the groom, in Urhobo culture, the opposite is the case. She would first inform her mother who, of course, is her primary guardian, and the mother would in turn after getting the necessary information, go to the father to inform him of the situation at hand. The father would, in turn, ask the young man to be invited. On the first visit of the groom to be, tradition demands that he comes alone with a bottle of gin to introduce himself formally. On a later date, as agreed by the father, the groom would come again; but this time around, he would be coming with his parents and with few other close relatives that will speak on behalf of their son. According to the Urhobo tradition, this is known as Ghore-Etse which simply means to knock. Formal approval for marriage is given by the bride's parents or whoever is representing the bride's family and traditional rites of pouring the gin brought by the fiance as a libation to the father's ancestors to bless them with health, children, and wealth. Pulse Nigeria Belief "Oghene" (Almighty God) is the main focus of the Urhobo traditional religion. He is recognized as the Supreme One' Edjo and Erhan (divinities) are recognized as well. And to them, these two deities are regarded as personified attributes of "Oghene". The Urhobo also worship God, with (white chalk). If an Urhobo feels oppressed by someone, he appeals to Oghene, who he believes to be an impartial judge, to adjudicate between him and his opponent. Classified into four main categories, Urhobo divinities, which probably coincide with the historical development of the people are Guardian deities, War deities, Prosperity deities and Fertility and Ethical deities. However, it is important to note that the fundamental factor and manifestation of all deities in the belief system of Urhobo is "Oghene" (Almighty God). Research shows that smoking marijuana actually does affect the mechanisms that trigger hunger in our brain: receptors in our brain trigger the release of hormones that make us feel famished, causing us to gobble up everything in sight. But even though there's a grain of truth to the flabby, Cheetos-munching stoner stereotype, that doesn't mean it's 100 percent legit. Some studies have shown that smoking pot doesn't lead to weight gain in fact, it might actually help you lose weight. It's important to note that cannabis is not a be-all, end-all prescription for weight loss: If you dont exercise and have unhealthy eating habits, then smoking weed probably won't help you have a lower BMI. But according to a 2011 study from the American Journal of Epidemiology, even if cannabis consumption increases appetite, "people using cannabis are less likely to be obese than people who do not use cannabis." Other studies have also shown that many cannabis users have trimmer waistlines than non-users, as well as lower cholesterol levels. Whats more, these results have proven to be true regardless of sample size or factors like age and gender. So why might this be the case? Researchers speculate it's because of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound in marijuana that causes people to be high. To test the link between THC and weight loss, researchers at the University of Calgary examined obese mice and mice at a regular weight, both of which were given THC daily. The researchers found that while THC did not have any effect on the size of the mice who were already at a regular weight, it did cause the obese mice to lose weight. The researchers hypothesized that this was because THC caused changes in the gut microbiome that helped regulate weight loss and digestion. Other studies in Poland, Italy, Hungary, Canada and the UK have replicated these findings, leading some researchers to conclude that there is "a correlation between cannabis use and reduction in the BMI," said Dr. Sunil Aggarwal, a Washington-based physician and cannabis researcher. "This association holds even after controlling for other variables," such as age, gender, or why a person is smoking marijuana to begin with (so for instance, a cancer patient who uses marijuana as a method of pain relief). That said, there's also some evidence indicating that marijuana's effects on weight fluctuation are more complicated than Aggarwal would suggest. Didier Jutras-Aswad, a professor of neuroscience at University of Montreal, has studied how cannabis affects the functions of neurobiological circuits controlling appetite. It is known that cannabis causes temporary increase in appetite," which can indeed lead to weight gain, he said. Yet he conceded that "as to whether it actually causes weight gain in the long term, the available data is limited. Bottom line: we still have a long way still to go in terms of research. But stay tuned. Maybe one day, if you want to lose a few pounds, the advice from the Surgeon General will be: Just Say Grow. In a once-in-an-age scenario, Prince Yoel met Ariana Austin a Washington DC philanthropist at a club in the Washington DC-area called Pearl. That was as far back as 2005, and before the night was over, Joel [as the prince introduced himself] already told Ariana; youre going to be my girlfriend. The couples fairytale began after that and Ariana soon got to know that her new boyfriend was in fact Prince Yoel Makonnen, the 35-year-old great-grandson of Haile Selassie who was the last emperor of Ethiopia. As fortune would have it, Ariana is also the granddaughter of the lord of Georgetown. Georgetown is the capital city of Guyana, a South American country. Over a decade down the line and the pair have had their big, royal wedding; a ceremony thats being tagged as a real-life depiction of Coming To America. They pair write on their wedding website; "Weve always believed that when it came to our love it was written and were thrilled to experience the next chapter unfold. Ariana the excited bride tells The New York Times; I think we both had this feeling that this was our destinyBut I felt like I had things that I had to do. The lovely ceremony took place at the Debre Genet Medhane Alem Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Temple Hills, Md, complete with royal capes and crowns. As expected, the reception was just as lit a photo booth, a candy table and loads of Bob Marley and Marvin Gaye. Kris Peeters made the comments amid growing fears that the slow pace of Brexit negotiations means Britain will withdraw in March 2019 without agreement on future trade arrangements and customs. "The potential impact for our country could well be catastrophic," he said in a statement, adding that without a deal "Britain would no longer be part of a customs union". "According to our calculations, the customs fees for imports from the United Kingdom and exports to the UK would reach a total of 2.22 billion euros ($2.62 billion)," he said. "Under this scenario, Belgium would lose 42,000 jobs, Britain 526,000 and the EU as a whole not less than 1,200,000." In Belgium, a no-deal Brexit would have "grave consequences" for the Port of Zeebrugge, on the North Sea. "Traffic to the UK represents 45 percent of business at the port, 5,000 jobs and an economic value of 500 million euros ($590 million)," Peeters said, adding that a million new cars are shipped via Zeebrugge to Britain each year. The warning came as EU leaders during a summit in Brussels approved internal preparations for Brexit trade talks, but said there was insufficient progress on divorce issues to formally open them until at least December. The Belgian figures show "how important it is to reach a deal", while also demonstrating that "we have to prepare ourselves for the worst-case scenarios," Peeters added. Abdulmutallab was convicted of attempting to detonate plastic explosives hidden in his underwear on a Northwest Airlines flight in 2009 and was sentenced to four life terms plus 50 years without parole in 2012. In his lawsuit application filed in a Colorado federal court, Abdulmutallab accused authorities at the United States Penitentiary-Administrative Maximum Facility in Florence, Colorado, where he is being held of denying him his constitutional rights to practice his religion and communicate with his family. According to the court document, the 30-year-old is being held in long-term solitary confinement where he is disallowed from seeing any visitors including his nieces and nephews. He also accused staff at the supermax prison of force feeding him excessively and unnecessarily painful methods during his hunger strike. While his solitary confinement was based on a special administrative measure imposed on national security grounds, Abdulmutallab also noted that prison officials allowed white supremacist inmates to harass him during prayers. In a report by Reuters, his attorney, Gail Johnson, told the New York Times, "Prisoners retain fundamental constitutional rights to communicate with others and have family relationships free from undue interference by the government. "The restrictions imposed on our client are excessive and unnecessary, and therefore we seek the intervention of the federal court." After Abdulmutallab's detonation failed and caused a fire on the plane, he was overpowered by passengers before he was taken into custody. Buhari said this in a statement issued his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu in Abuja on Friday. The President spoke at the ongoing 9 summit of the D-8 in Istanbul, Turkey. As the D-8, we need to intensify our activities with a view to enhancing various measures and incentives introduced to promote trade and assist the business communities from Member-States to invest in our countries and widen our cooperation. We need to work hard to establish integrated manufacturing structures and markets. I will like to reiterate the importance of increasing trade and investment among our Member-States, he said, While reiterating Nigerias commitment to international trade and development, Buhari affirmed the countrys readiness to host the Meeting of D-8 Ministers of Industry scheduled to hold between Nov. 14 and Nov. 17 in Abuja. The President, who highlighted the attractive business and investment opportunities that abound in the country, stressed the need for prospective investors to take advantage of the Federal Governments new policies on trade facilitation. Nigeria is committed to, and is actively pursuing a policy of trade and investment facilitation for growth. The gains from trade are reflected in greater competitiveness, improved productivity, job creation, consumer welfare and prosperity. Economies that grow fastest and at more sustainable rates are those that actively promote trade and attract investment. We are committed to creating an enabling environment and making Nigeria an attractive place for business and investment, he said. The President also urged D-8 member-countries to support efforts of the African Union (AU) to establish the first ever single market for trade in goods and services on the continent. He described the AU-backed Continental Free Trade Area for Africa as a win-win for all, including member countries of the D-8. I am pleased to inform you of positive market developments presently in Africa that will support our efforts as Members of the D-8 to enlarge our markets, facilitate our trade and investments, and develop our economies. In Africa, we are on the threshold of finalising negotiations to establish the first ever Single Market for Trade in Goods and Services on our Continent in the Continental Free Trade Area for Africa. This will be a win-win for all, including member -countries of the D-8. As partners, I urge that we work together to support this effort of the African Union that will have a positive effect on global economic development and integration. Earlier, President Buhari had congratulated the outgoing Chairman of D-8, Pakistani Government, and Dr. Seyed Ali Mohammad Mousavi, the outgoing Secretary-General, on their commitment and strong resolve to move the organisation forward even in the face of serious challenges. He also congratulated Turkey on assuming the new leadership of the economic organisation. He assured D-8 leaders that Nigeria would continue to support the Secretariat in its assignments to achieve the visions and objectives of the organisation. When an iconic fixture of any landscape falls, it shakes confidence. Last week, it was the news broken by St. Cloud Times reporters that St. Cloud's Sears store a fixture here since 1928 would be gone in a matter of months. After almost 90 years on our landscape, Sears will soon be over. Chatter started quickly in some quarters about what it all means. Of late, the trendy term "retail apocalypse" is invoked under such circumstances, calling into question the future of malls and downtowns everywhere. But are store closures and bankruptcies in a handful of retailers really another sign that stores are going the way of the dodo? Or is it simply a symptom of another industry in the throes of creative disruption? Despite the current penchant for labeling changes in bricks-and-mortar retailing as an "apocalypse," signs point to the latter. And so we need to do more than stand by and watch. We need to plan for what's next. For the record, creative disruption is a term describing the entry of a new force into an established system. That force generally improves conditions or outcomes overall, even though it will disrupt or destroy some portions of the system. We in the news business know a lot about creative disruption. So do those who invented streaming and satellite services that have turned the cable industry on its head, those who install landline phones, and those who thought selling airplane tickets on the internet would be interesting, just to name a tiny few of the businesses that have been utterly transformed in the past 25 years. Sears' corporate struggles and imminent local demise are symptoms of, among other things, the disruption brought forth by e-commerce. If you love Sears and the products it sells, that disruption is troubling. If you love shopping on your couch at 2 a.m. for cutting-edge products and having those items delivered to your door, it's no big deal. But those who are interested in the bigger picture have more to consider when major retailers fold their tents. Leaders in government and business are charged with looking into the future and making educated guesses about what types of ventures can and more importantly, should be courted to take their place. They are also responsible for being ready for what comes next. In the short term, filling the gap will always take precedent. In the long term, where should we be headed, knowing that creative disruption will continue, well, forever? How will self-driving vehicles change retailing, for instance? One industry watcher writing in The Atlantic conjures up visions of a driverless pharmacy van patrolling your neighborhood, ready to be summoned by smartphone when you really, really need a Band-Aid. How will "intelligent" personal assistants like Alexa and Echo make their mark on shopping? What types of products diamond rings, camping gear, paint, antiques will most consumers of the future always want to see and touch before they buy? And what kind of experience will people want when they "go shopping" outside their homes 20 years from now? Fifty years from now? Will the communal experience of malls be attractive? The boutiques of a downtown? Something completely different? The answers have broad public policy implications, particularly for zoning and transportation, jobs and taxes. We have to fill the gaps, while also trying to be ready for the future. Ultimately, the retail industry is changing. But like travel agents and news outlets, stores to shop in won't end. They will evolve, just as they should. Communities need to be ready. The Head of Enforcement Department of the council, Mr Stephen Esumobi, who announced this at a press conference in Lokoja on Friday, said the medicine stores and pharmacies were sealed between Oct.16 and Oct. 19. He said that they were among the 373 pharmacies and patent medicine stores visited by men of the enforcement department headed by him during the week. Esumobi said that the sealed medicine stores and pharmacies had been operating without registration and also failed to register their premises as required by law. According to him, many of them were also discovered to be dispensing ethical products without the supervision of qualified pharmacists, with poor storage and sanitary conditions. The council cannot guarantee that drugs sold in unregistered outlets are of the same integrity as specified by the manufacturers since they have not submitted to regulation that ensures maintenance of appropriate standards for handling such products, he said. Esumobi said that inspectors would be deployed from the the council to the state for supervised evacuation of drugs from the sealed premises. He said that the action of the council was not punitive, but an effort to safeguard public health. According to him, any of the sealed premises that eventually complies with the provisions of the law will be let off the hook. Members of the public are advised to purchase their medicines from licensed pharmacies and simple household remedies from licensed patent medicine and propriety medicine shops, he said. The panel, headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo also investigated the suspended director general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayo Oke on the 'famous Ikoyi loot. Lawals investigation was sequel to recommendations by Senate ad-hoc committee on the mounting humanitarian crisis in the northeast. The Senate committee which was headed by Senator Shehu Sani had accused the suspended SGF of corruption. The Senate committee accused Lawal of illegally diverting funds meant for IDPs through his companies. The Presidency in a letter to the Senate cleared the SGF of all allegations saying he (Lawal) was not given an opportunity to defend himself. The Presidency thereafter suspended Lawal and constituted to investigate the matter. The President has also directed the suspension of the SGF from office pending the outcome of the investigations, Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina said in a statement on Tuesday, April 19, 2017. The Committee is to submit its report to the President within 14 days. "The most senior Permanent Secretary in the SGF's office, and the most senior officer in the NIA, are to act, respectively, during the period of investigation," the statement added. Two months after submission of the report to President Buhari, there has been no word on the matter. Nigerians have expressed displeasure over the perceived silence by President Buhari since he received the report by the Osinbajo panel. Most Nigerians who spoke to accused President Buhari of insincerity in the fight against corruption. A legal practitioner, Lamidi Abubakar said the Osinbajo panel was unnecessary. Abubakar wants those accused of corruption given equal treatment irrespective of their political affiliations. President Muhammadu Buhari should not have even constituted any other committee after the Senate investigated the matter. The President should have directed the EFCC to take up the matter. A government which claimed to be fighting corruption, the president has not made a comment on the matter. This administration is not sincere in its fight against corruption. They should treat anyone corrupt same way that they have been treating those in the opposition, he said. Senator Sani likens the report by the presidential committee on the suspended SGF to a bone in the throat of the government. I made the reference when a letter was sent from the Presidency to the National Assembly, clearing the former SGF and even blaming us for investigating him, he began. He continues: I said if the letter truly came from the President, then it was very clear to us that there were double standards in the way corruption was being fought. I think one issue that has become a dilemma for this administration is how to resolve the report on the former SGF. That report has become like a bone in the throat of the President and people in the Presidency. And when you have a bone in your throat, you have to decide whether to vomit it or flush it in. Meanwhile, leaving it there will lead to injury and whether you vomit, swallow or leave it there, there are consequences. We did our report; the vice president then as acting president also did his report. It is like, now, the whole country is watching to see what the President will do about it. This is one report that has held the Presidency by the neck. I believe that the President knows it well that if there is one asset he has, it is his integrity. I believe it is about his contribution to the success of this government, his place in this government and the fact that nobody saw it coming. Put all these together: if someone was involved in corruption and our report was enough to remove the persons head, they didnt need to do another one led by the Acting President; and to submit the report, it took months. It is like having a knife: it is easier to slaughter an enemy who did wrong than to slaughter a friend who committed the same offence. What is happening is like the President has a sword, which he uses to behead people he does not know who committed offences. Now, he has the same sword with him to behead the person he knows, and the whole world is watching, he added. Meanwhile, chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption (PACAC), Itse Sagay, has admitted that President Buhari has been slow on acting on corruption allegations against suspended SGF and Oke. After a meeting of Southwest leaders of the APC in Ibadan on October 12, former acting chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, told journalists that the APC presidential ticket for 2019 is there to be contested for. President Buhari has not told us that he will seek re-election. Anybody in our party is free to become the President of Nigeria. If anyone indicates interest and is ready to subject himself to the process through which a candidate is elected, and he is lucky to have the ticket, then, we will have no other thing to do than to present him as our candidate, Akande said. Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir, who is chairman of the Northwest zone of the APC, also spoke in a similar vein recently. 2017 that we are in now, there is no vacancy. There could be vacancy any moment, any time either in 2019, 2020, Abdulkadir said. In 2019 the vacancy that exists is that whether you like Buhari or not, whether he wants to run or not, there will be a contest. What I mean is that the APC as a party is not a draconian party. We will allow the due process to take its course in terms of whoever wants to contest for the presidency. I am not a soothsayer, but I know that the rules and laws of the APC is that every member would be given a chance. If you want to run for the presidency, you are welcome. When you say there is a vacancy it means there is nobody there. These are good soundbites and welcome developments. It may just be that the APC doesnt mean what its saying, but its still a good thing that its being said anyway. From what weve gathered from the grapevine thus far, Buhari will seek re-election. However, the APC shouldnt make him feel that the 2019 presidential ticket is his for the taking. Hes got to slug it out with other interested persons and he's got to earn every vote by marshaling out a well thought out blueprint like every other contestant. And thats only fair. The APCs position stands in some contrast to the PDPs just before the 2015 elections; when Goodluck Jonathan was handed the re-election ticket on a platter with all other aspirants firmly shut out and reminded that there was no vacancy at the villa. Consensus and handpicked candidacy is something our political parties should strive to eschew from their DNA. Internal democracy should be encouraged and lauded across board. If Buhari wants the APC presidential ticket, hes got to work for it like everyone else. I think thats what the APC hierarchy has been trying to convey. All prospective PDP chairmanship candidates are beating a bush path to Jonathans residence in Abuja, for blessings. And as they visit, Jonathan grandstands before leaving a sermon or two. My government was severely criticized for increasing the pump price of petroleum from N67 to N97 at a time that global crude oil price was going for over 100 dollars, Jonathan said. The pump price was later reduced to N87 when the price of crude oil dropped and they attacked us that it was supposed to be lower. Those who criticized my administration are not talking again now that the global crude oil price is about 53 dollars per barrel and the pump price of petrol is N143. Jonathan has even said the PDP is the best thing to happen to Nigeria since fraudulent Isi Ewu bowls. The PDP administration for 16 years did well and will continue to do well, Jonathan declared. The Buhari administration, the former president says, has done nothing. They deploy propaganda and lies at a professional level. There was even a dig at power minister Babatunde Raji Fashola. In the power sector, we did well to revive it. A State Governor attacked our government, saying that any serious government should be able to fix the power challenge within six months. Today, APC has been in power for how many years now? Fortunately, the then Governor is in the APC government as a minister And on and on he has gone. Jonathan is on a roll but we have a duty of reminding him when to step on the brakes. It is true that the Buhari led APC government over-promised and has so far under-delivered, but thats largely because the succeeding administration was left with nothing to build upon by the Jonathan administration. Its not APC propaganda to say the treasury was cleaned bare before May 29, 2015. Sambo Dasukis loot and Diezanis heists were no APC propaganda spin. At least no one can say its the APC that is prosecuting Diezani in the UK. Nigeria slipped into a recession soon after Jonathan left because there was no plan to diversify the economy whilst he reigned on the throne; and excess crude oil, forex accounts had been turned into playthings. Jonathan didnt run Nigerias power sector aground but he had no idea how to fix the place either. PHCN was balkanized and sold to cronies who still dont care if Nigerians enjoy stable power supply or not. As a governing party, the PDP did little good in 16 years. The 2012 petrol subsidy protest caught organic fire because Nigerians could no longer trust a thieving Jonathan administration with more crude oil wealth. Petrol sold above $100 per barrel for much of the Jonathan years but there were no savings and infrastructure on the ground to show for it all. Finance minister during the Jonathan years, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, says "there was no political will to save" under Jonathan. It was a bazaar out there at the villa under Jonathan. Under Jonathan, the corrupt were garlanded and bestowed with national honours. The man smiled his way through ineptitude and utter cluelessness. The governors are said to be plotting Oyegun's removal, accusing him of running the affairs of the party with only seven of their colleagues. According to The Nation, the aggrieved Governors may pass a vote of no confidence on Oyegun at the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on October 31. It was gathered that the Governors have informed President Muhammadu Buhari about their plan to reject Oyegun's leadership. But the supporters of the National Chairman accused loyalists of former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole's of championing the removal of Oyegun. It was claimed that the actions of the governors are all in a bid to have Oshiomhole named as the party's national chairman. "Ahead of the NEC meeting of APC next week, there is tension in the party. About 17 of the 24 governors are unhappy with the national chairman. They are plotting to withdraw their support for him, unless he carries all of them along," the newspaper quoted a source as saying. The Governors on Oyegun's side are said to be; Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna); Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano); Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi); Rochas Okorocha (Imo); Solomon Lalong (Plateau); Yahaya Bello (Kogi) and Samuel Ortom (Benue). The source added, "The 17 governors believe that Oyegun is romancing their seven colleagues because the APC National Chairman believes they are close to the President. "They expressed fears that the party might split the way the National Chairman was leaving decisions on issues to the anointed governors." Another source said, "Initially, the 17 governors decided to write a letter to the APC leadership but they shelved the idea because it will appear as if they are reporting their colleagues. "They want the President to call the National Chairman to order. They said if care is not taken, they might be forced to come out openly on their concern." A member of the party's NEC, who also spoke anonymously, said, "What you are hearing is a game plan to pass a vote of no confidence on Oyegun at the NEC meeting." "The issues the 17 governors are raising are part of the conspiracy against the National Chairman. And what you are likely to see is the direction where things will go at the NEC session. "As regards Oyeguns preference for some governors, I do not think it is true. If the chairman has personal relationship with some governors, I think it is by virtue of their position or performance. "For instance, the National Chairman does not hide his likeness for El-Rufai who he describes openly as very energetic and full of ideas. "He is always proud of the governor of Kebbi and he relates well with Okorocha as the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF). He is also used to the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Abdul-Aziz Yari, to get update on issues of governance." ALSO READ: Oyegun condemns song insulting Igbos Another NEC member said the plotters have already failed because Oshiomhole is not constitutionally in line to succeed Oyegun if he is removed. Putting the spotlight on Africas creative, diverse talent and vibrant technology companies, that are building products and solving problems for local and global audiences, TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield Africa saw 15 startups battle it out to win a US$25,000 prize. Nairobi-based Lori Systems, with its product and service in the Productivity and Utility category, was crowned the overall winner for its logistics and cargo platform for African businesses. Other winners included: Gaming and entertainment category winner: Ghanaian based SynCommerce, which lets users list and manage their products and inventory across multiple sales platforms i.e. Shopify, eBay, Etsy Social good category winner: Ghanian based AgroCenta, an online marketplace for African farmers. Participant, Lanre Oyedotun, Cofounder & CEO of Delivery Science, a Nigeria based startup, commented: Its a great experience to be part of Battlefield. It's encouraging that global brands like Facebook and TechCrunch are recognizing the talent in Africa. Our solution, FieldInsight, helps large organizations get visibility into their field operations. To be able to showcase this on a Pan-African platform is a privilege. Speaking at Startup Battlefield Africa, Ime Archibong, Facebooks Vice President of Partnerships, said: Congratulations to all the finalists. I've been so impressed with what I've seen today. Africa truly is a continent with remarkable creativity and talent - it was amazing to see some of Africa's best innovators, makers and technical entrepreneurs showcase their disruptive innovations and tell their stories. I'm looking forward to what Africans will produce in the years to come - truly global products that will become household names. Other highlights across the week included: Facebook emerged from a vibrant startup ecosystem which enabled us to innovate and grow quickly, said Emeka Afigbo, Facebooks Head of Platform Partnerships for Middle East & Africa. By supporting events like TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield Africa 2017, and bringing together an array of Facebook events over the week, our aim is to continually nurture the truly exciting tech ecosystem in Africa. In the latest round of a bitter spat between Berlin and Ankara, the powerful German leader said it was important the EU acted in unity to defend its values, at a summit in Brussels. Turkey, whose application to join the EU is effectively frozen, has alarmed European leaders with its hardline response to a thwarted bid to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last year. More than 50,000 people have been arrested since the coup bid, including several German citizens, drawing strong criticism from Berlin. "I'm going to work for EU pre-membership funding, which we are giving, to be reduced," Merkel said, adding that for her it was a "central demand" that the bloc acted together on the issue. "The changes to the rule of law in Turkey are going in our opinion in a bad direction and we have some major concerns -- and not just because a lot of Germans have been arrested." Merkel caused a stir during her recent reelection campaign with a pledge to try to get EU leaders to terminate Turkey's membership bid. Other EU nations have trod more carefully, noting Turkey's vital importance to the bloc both in tackling the migrant crisis and in fighting Islamist militancy. But several voiced criticism of Turkey at Thursday's meeting, with Belgian PM Charles Michel saying Ankara's membership bid was "frozen, on the point of death". Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Turkey was "a long way from membership and will remain so", but the two Low Countries leaders called for "reorientating" funds rather than cutting them. Rutte said the aim would be "that the money moves away from the government to go towards areas such as migration and Turkish charities". EU member states are waiting for a European Commission assessment of funding for Turkey -- most of which already goes to NGOs or projects -- in early 2018. "Just left Frankfurt," Blankfein said on Twitter. "Great meetings, great weather, really enjoyed it. Good, because I'll be spending a lot more time there. #Brexit" Goldman, unlike some other players in big finance, had not previously announced its plans for its headquarters to cover the European Union once Britain exits the bloc, expected in about two years. Goldman still has not made a final decision on the matter, said a person familiar with the investment bank's thinking. Blankfein's tweet should not be given too much significance, this person added. Goldman, which has 6,000 employees in Britain, said in March that it planned to shift some workers to the continent and create hundreds of jobs in EU countries. Frankfurt has already claimed some major financial players as a post-Brexit headquarters, including US investment bank Morgan Stanley and Japanese giants Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Daiwa Securities and Nomura. British bank Standard Chartered has also picked the German city, which is home to the European Central Bank. "Leaders agreed to offer Prime Minister Gentiloni stronger support for Italy's work with the Libyan authorities," EU President Donald Tusk said at a summit of the bloc's 28 leaders in Brussels. "We have a real chance of closing the central Mediterranean route," Tusk told a press conference, after officials reported earlier this month that the numbers of migrant departures from Libya have dropped 20 percent so far this year. The EU sealed a deal with Turkey last year that has slowed to a trickle migrant and asylum seeker flows across the Aegean Sea to Greece, which was the main entry point to Europe at the migration crisis's peak in 2015. Tusk said EU heads of government and state decided at the summit to "provide sufficient finances" for north Africa under a two-year-old trust fund set up for economic development. The pledge comes with an assurance by the European Commission, the bloc's executive, that "this money is channeled to stem illegal migration," the former Polish premier said. Italy has played a major role in training Libya's coastguard to stop migrant smuggling in its territorial waters while carrying out stop, search and rescue operations on the high seas. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, standing next to Tusk, again lashed EU member countries for having fallen way short of their duty to contribute to the Africa trust fund. "Member states so far have committed 175 million (euros). This is clearly not enough," the former Luxembourg prime minister told the press conference. During a summit with their African counterparts in Malta in November 2015, EU leaders agreed to set up a trust fund underpinned by 1.8 billion euros from the common EU budget. Member states are supposed to match that amount, but Juncker said the commission had increased its share to 2.5 billion euros, then to 2.9 billion and lately to 3.1 billion euros to make up part of the shortfall. "We are reaching our limits," Juncker added. Of the 8,000 special forces "operators" deployed globally this year, more than 1,300 are in Africa, according to officials from the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM), which is based in Tampa, Florida. Another 5,000 or so are in the Middle East. In five years, the number of US commandos in Africa has tripled from only 450 in 2012. Typically, these highly trained and well-armed troops are grouped in teams of about a dozen, who work for two or three months as instructors to classes of about 300 soldiers from an African nation. On any given day, the operators are deployed across about 20 nations, SOCOM said, though it did not provide a list of nations or the numbers of troops concerned. According to a report to Congress by General Thomas Waldhauser, who heads the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), American forces have a notable presence in Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Sudan, Rwanda and Kenya. Officially, the United States only has one military base in Africa -- Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti. But special forces outfits, including the Green Berets, the Navy SEALs and Marine and Air Force commandos, also use an air base at Moron in southern Spain for Africa operations. 'Persistent facilities' And the United States has "persistent facilities" in host countries, according to an AFRICOM official. "We do have persistent facilities that we conduct engagements in and when one team leaves, the next comes in to the same location," the official said on condition of anonymity. "But all this is done at the request of those nations. It's done in support of the host nation, at the invitation of those nations and it's done in coordination with our partners. The official said the goal is not to conduct unilateral operations. "We are not going out and doing stuff without the support of those nations," the official added. The troops are not technically on combat missions, but are deployed to "train, advise and assist" local partners. However, various incidents in recent months show their operations sometimes stray beyond that remit. In early May, a US soldier who was on a train-and-advise mission was killed in a raid against Somali Islamists. Details around the October 4 operation with Nigerien partners near the Mali border remain scarce. The US-Nigerien patrol was supposedly to visit tribal chiefs. But the soldiers were attacked in a violent ambush that claimed eight lives; four American and four Nigerien. US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Thursday said the US troops were in Niger to help the locals defend themselves, but acknowledged the risks of such operations. "There's a reason we have US Army soldiers there and not the Peace Corps," he said. "We carry guns and so it's a reality, part of the danger that our troops face in these counter-terrorist campaigns," he added. "It's often dangerous, we recognize that." The United States is supporting the French military operation in five Sahel nations: Mauritania, Mali, Chad, Niger and Burkina Faso, leaving to France the task of directing the actual fighting against radical Islamists. "The toll has been revised upwards, we currently have 43 dead," said Jorge Dias, spokesman for the country's civil protection agency. It was the second time Portugal has been hit by deadly forest fires in four months. In June, 64 people died in the central Pedrogao Grande region, in what were the deadliest wildfires in the country's history. On Wednesday, interior minister Constanca Urbano de Sousa resigned over the government's handling of the problem. According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) some 280,000 hectares of Portuguese land have already gone up in smoke this month. The eastern province is partly controlled by the Islamic State group, which is under pressure from several fronts in war-torn Syria. "The civilians were killed as they tried to cross the Euphrates river near the town of Abu Kamal," the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The Observatory -- which relies on a network of sources in Syria and identifies whose planes carry out raids according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions used -- said Russian jets had carried out the strikes. Abu Kamal is one of the few remaining urban strongholds of IS in Syria, which lost control this week of Raqa to the west, the capital of its so-called "caliphate" the jihadists claimed in 2014. Russia began an intervention in Syria in support of ally President Bashar al-Assad in 2015, and has helped the regime win back large parts of the country. In fact, much of the US territory in the Caribbean is still a crippled mess four weeks after that fierce Category Four storm. The bridge connecting Rio Abajo to the rest of the island was swept away when Maria slammed the island on September 20. For two weeks Rio Abajo, located in a mountainous region in central-western Puerto Rico, was cut off and forgotten, without power or phone service. "We didn't know what to do. We were literally going crazy," said de Jesus, 35. "Those were difficult, desperate days. We could not find a way out, and the hurricane caused extensive damage," he told AFP. During the two long weeks following Maria, the 27 families living in Rio Abajo saw their supplies quickly deplete. De Jesus, who has diabetes, needed to keep his insulin refrigerated. The storm blew away the island's already decrepit power grid, so people resorted to emergency generators. "But I was running out of gasoline to run the generator," he said. A helicopter now makes regular deliveries of food, water and medicine because with the bridge washed out, there is no other way in or out of town. People can't wade across the river because it is contaminated with human waste after a pipe broke when the bridge went. Some brave souls use a precarious ladder rigged to get across the water, but for most people it is too dangerous. We need a bridge "to take out our vehicles and leave in case of emergency, or if there is a landslide," he said. Where the bridge once stood, residents set up a system of ropes, pulleys and buckets to move supplies over the river, which has been contaminated with sewer water since the hurricane. Over the remains of the bridge locals hung the single-star, red, white and blue flag of Puerto Rico and a sign that reads "the campsite of the forgotten." Desperate need for electricity Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello visited the surrounding municipality of Utuado on Wednesday to deliver supplies, but he did not stop in Rio Abajo. "Utuado is certainly one of the most severely affected municipalities in all of Puerto Rico," Rossello said. "Our commitment is to give it support and aid during the whole road to recovery." Eighty-one percent of Puerto Rico remains blacked out one month after Maria struck. Clean water for drinking, cooking and bathing is scarce, too. Puerto Ricans' main obstacle to getting back to some semblance of normality is the slowness of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority in getting the power grid back up and running. The lack of power has paralyzed a key industry -- pharmaceutical production -- and most businesses including restaurants are closed or operating at great cost through the use of diesel powered generators. This nightmare comes about a year after the US government established an external fiscal control board for the island after it declared bankruptcy because of 73 billion dollars in debt. Economist Joaquin Villamil told AFP that damage from Hurricane Maria is estimated at 20 billion dollars -- four times that of Hurricane Georges in 1998, when measured in 2016 dollars. Villamil said reconstruction money provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and from insurance companies will have a positive impact on the island's economy in the second half of fiscal 2018 and in fiscal 2019, but this boost will just be temporary. "From an economic point of view there is not much net gain," said Villamil, who works for a consulting firm called Estudios Tecnicos. He said the economy has been shrinking since 2006 and Maria will delay any prospect of recovery. It will take at least until 2026 to get back to the GDP level of 2006, he added. Making things worse, people are leaving the island for the mainland US. Forecasts are that the population now at 3.4 million will go down to 3.1 million or even less by 2026, said Villamil. The pair were at a G7 interior ministers meeting in Italy dedicated to working out how to deal with a potential flood of foreign fighters returning to Europe after the fall of IS stronghold Raqa in Syria. Rome and Washington will be able "to access data contained in the national identification fingerprint systems" in a move "to create a network to verify the identity of migrants, asylum seekers or refugees". The aim was "to ascertain whether they are noted criminal suspects or terrorists", Italy's interior ministry said in a statement. Thousands of citizens of Western countries travelled to Syria and Iraq to fight for IS between 2014 and 2016, including some who then returned and staged attacks that claimed dozens of lives. "We have provided so much, so fast, we were actually there before the storm hit," Trump said. "They got hit dead center." As well as ravaging the electricity grid, the storm knocked out bridges, closed roads and made clean water for drinking, cooking and bathing scarce. Asked how he would rank the administration's response out of ten, Trump responded "I give ourselves a ten." "We have done a really great job." When Trump asked Rosello "did we do a great job?" the governor said that Trump had met all of his requests. But he added that much more needed to be done to avoid a humanitarian disaster. He said the authorities aim to have about 30% of the island back with power by the end of the month, and 50% by the middle of next month. But he warned that without hope, Puerto Ricans -- who have the right to live in the continental United States -- would flee the island in large numbers, feeding an economic crisis. "What's going to keep the people there and keep this going is knowing that we have the backing of the White House and knowing that we're going to have the backing of Congress," he said. They need to know, he said, "that we can have the resources appropriate" to deal with the storm. "US citizens of Puerto Rico can come out of this catastrophe stronger than ever before." 'Not their fault' Trump had previously raised concerns on the island by warning that federal aid for Puerto Rico will not be open-ended. But he indicated Thursday that a mixture of grants and loans could be found to rebuild, in particular, the electricity grid, which was in poor shape before the storm. The federal government would have to be paid back before private bondholders, he added. "We're helping a lot," Trump said. "We're doing that because we have an obligation to Puerto Rico, to humanity, to ourselves." Trump also rowed back on some comments that appeared to blame Puerto Ricans for their plight. "It's not the people's fault, they lost their house, they were devastated," he said. He blamed the Democratic lawmaker who made public the contents of a call between Trump and widow Myeshia Johnson. "I was stunned when I came to work yesterday morning and brokenhearted at what I saw a member of Congress doing," he said. "A member of Congress who listened in on a phone call from the president of the United States to a young wife," he said. "Absolutely stuns me. And I thought at least that was sacred." "The only thing I could do to collect my thoughts was to go and walk among the finest men and women on this Earth. And you can always find them. Because they're in Arlington National Cemetery." Kelly said he "went over there for an hour and a half, walked among the stones, some of whom I put there because they were doing what I told them to do when they were killed." 'It still hurts' Trump kicked off the furor early this week by falsely claiming that Barack Obama and other former US leaders did not call the families of fallen soldiers. He returned to the subject in an interview with Fox News radio and brought up his chief of staff Kelly, whose son, a Marine Corps lieutenant, was killed by a landmine in Afghanistan in 2010. "You could ask General Kelly 'Did he get a call from Obama?'" Trump said. It was then alleged that during a call Trump had offended the pregnant widow of Sergeant La David Johnson, 25, who was one of four US servicemembers killed in a jihadist ambush October 4. The details of the call were released by Frederica Wilson, a Democratic congresswoman from Florida. "I didn't hear the whole phone call, but I did hear him say, 'I'm sure he knew what he was signing up for, but it still hurts,'" she recalled, sparking another round of controversy. The soldier's mother also suggested that the president struggled to convey an empathetic tone. "President Trump did disrespect my son and my daughter and also me and my husband," Sergeant Johnson's mother, Cowanda Jones-Johnson, told the Washington Post. Kelly said he had advised Trump not to make the calls: "My first recommendation was he not do it. Because it's not the phone call that parents, family members are looking forward to." But, after taking advice, Kelly said Trump "called four people the other day and expressed his condolences in the best way he could." "And in his way tried to express that opinion that he's a brave man, a fallen hero, he knew what he was getting himself into because he enlisted... and was where he wanted to be, exactly where he wanted to be with exactly the people he wanted to be with when his life was taken. That was the message." Kelly also noted that a president does not always call -- particularly during high-casualty wars -- but they do write letters to the family. An American delegation that traveled to Turkey and was led by senior State Department official Jonathan Cohen"made substantial progress," spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters in Washington. Nauert added the United States "will remain engaged" in order to "address the relevant issues with a view to restore a normal visa procedures swiftly." Already-strained relations between the NATO allies deteriorated further early this month after a court formally charged an Istanbul mission staffer with espionage and seeking to overthrow the Turkish government. In reaction to the employee's arrest, the US ambassador October 8 announced the suspension of all visa services in Turkey, except immigrant visas. Ankara responded with similar measures. According to Washington, two of its Turkish diplomatic mission staff were arrested this year, while a third was summoned by prosecutors. "The government of Turkey has still not provided us the evidence," Nauert said Tuesday, referring to the accusations of "terrorist-tied activity" against the employees. The account is at odds with the Pakistani military's version of events, which said it rescued the couple and their three children born in custody after a tip-off that the family had been moved into Pakistan's semi-autonomous tribal areas from across the border in Afghanistan, where they were captured in 2012. "We had a great outcome last week, when we were able to get back four US citizens, who had been held for five years inside of Pakistan," Pompeo told a Washington policy forum. The amount of time US citizen Caitlan Coleman and her Canadian husband Joshua Boyle spent on either side of the lawless Afghan-Pakistan border is significant for US authorities. Washington suspects Pakistan of collusion with the Haqqani group, a hardline Taliban faction that targets the US-backed government in Kabul and is thought to have held the hostages. Pakistani officials secured the family's release last week, just ahead of a key visit next week by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during which he is expected to pressure Islamabad. Some US and Canadian officials have cast doubt on whether the family was rescued, hinting in North American media that the recovery was more of a "negotiated handover." "I think history would indicate that expectations for the Pakistanis willingness to help us in the fight against radical Islamic terrorism should be set at a very low level. Our intelligence would indicate the same," Pompeo said. "I think we should have a very real conversation with them about what it is they're doing and what it is they should do and the American expectations for how they should behave," he said. US President Donald Trump wants to convince Afghan Taliban rebels that they have no hope of military victory and should try to negotiate a peace deal with Kabul. New Direct-to-Consumer 24 Karat Jewelry Brand Set to Launch Today Appointment of Board of Directors with Fashion, Luxury, Tech, and Precious Metals Industry Experience Collaboration with Karla Otto Luxury and Fashion Consultancy PARIS, Oct. 19, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mene Inc. (Mene, Mene, or the Company) an online 24 karat luxury jewelry brand, today announced the following: Mene Website Launch The Company is pleased to report that its mene.com website and online shop launched today as an invitation-only service. While anyone may visit and peruse jewelry designs and pricing, only invited clients may currently open an account and complete purchases. Clients who complete a purchase will be given a unique invite link to share with friends and family, thereby providing their network with access to Mene. Mene Initial Design Collection and Catalogue To view the Companys first collection and catalogue, please visit: https://issuu.com/mene24k/docs/mene--catalogue--web-pages Additional designs will be introduced every week, and limited edition collaborations will be launched with artists and tastemakers in the future. Board of Directors Appointments The Company also announced the appointments of the following individuals to its Board of Directors: Roy Sebag Chairman Diana W. Picasso Director Josh D. Crumb Director Tomasso Chiabra Director Shireen Jiwan Director Full biographies for the Companys Board of Directors are available on its website at: http://www.mene.com/corporate/management-and-board . I am thrilled to welcome our new board members to these important positions of oversight and governance. We are incredibly fortunate to have a group of talented individuals with experience that spans the luxury, fashion, tech, precious metals, finance, and art industries. I am honoured and excited to embark on this journey of creating Mene-generated value for all stakeholders, said Roy Sebag, founder of Mene Inc. KARLA OTTO Engagement and Collaboration The company also announced a formal engagement with KARLA OTTO, a leading luxury and fashion public relations and strategy firm with offices around the world. Mene Official Press Introduction Mene crafts 24 karat gold and platinum investment jewelry that is transparently sold by gram weight. By combining innovative technology with timeless design, Mene restores the ancient tradition of jewelry as a store of enduring value. Across the East and West, past and present, jewelry holds a unique and sacred role in the lives of its owners. Throughout history this sacred token served an additional role, a luxury crafted and exchanged as a store of enduring value. What's profoundly missing in Western luxury markets is the forgotten role of jewelry as wearable estate. For wealthy or aspirational buyers alike, fine jewelry is an heirloom that should forever hold its monetary value, as important to family wealth and savings as property or art. Mene was founded by Roy Sebag and Diana W. Picasso to restore this ancient wisdom pertaining to jewelry. Mene empowers consumers with pure 24 karat gold and platinum jewelry that retains its savings value while preserving the token of love and friendship, to reify a sacred commitment, or to immortalize a moment in time. For the full press package please visit: http://www.mene.com/assets/presspackage.pdf About Mene Mene designs, manufactures, and markets pure 24 karat gold and platinum investment jewelry that is sold direct-to-consumer in 90 countries. Through mene.com, customers can buy, sell, and exchange Mene jewelry by gram weight at the prevailing market prices for gold and platinum plus a transparently disclosed design and manufacturing fee. Mene was founded by Roy Sebag and Diana W. Picasso with a mission to restore the ancient tradition of jewelry as a store of enduring value by combining innovative technology with timeless design. Mene Inc. is a subsidiary under Goldmoney Inc. First, the field was growing. Now it's starting to thin. Many people probably didn't know that Chicago Ald/ Ameya Pawar was running for the Democratic Party's nomination for governor until they heard about his announcement that he's dropping out of the campaign. That's the way it goes with long-shot candidates with little money and support who decide to throw their hats into a high-profile, multi-candidate race for governor of Illinois. It was just a couple weeks ago that Ald. Pawar was campaigning on the University of Illinois campus, trying to sell students on his hard-core progressive policy platform that he called a "New Deal" for the people of Illinois. He favors, among other things, a "progressive income tax, mass commutations of low-level, non-violent drug offenses, calling out the War on Drugs as a racist failure, universal childcare and single-payer health care." Now he's just another wannabe who has campaign handicappers speculating about how his decision will affect the other candidates. Probably not at all, largely because Pawar had virtually no supporters. On the ideological scale, Pawar most closely resembles state Sen. Daniel Biss. But Pawar said he's not endorsing any of the Democratic rivals but is launching "a political action committee to organize young people around progressive issues and fight the false and bigoted divides around race, class and geography." Having raised less than $900,000 from more than 2,500 donors, he attributed his decision to drop out of the contest to a lack of financial resources. The onetime candidate also complained about the high cost of campaigns, calling it a "troubling trend." Pawar is right about that, and it's understandable that he resents wealthy candidates who are free to underwrite their campaigns with personal contributions. That includes Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, a multimillionaire businessman who is seeking his second term in office, and wealthy Democratic rivals, businessmen Christopher Kennedy and J.B. Pritzker. Money, unfortunately, is the mother's milk of politics. No wonder legendary GOP political strategist Mark Hanna once said, "There are two things that are important in politics. The first is money, and I can't remember what the second one is." But it is not dispositive. Wealthy candidates can afford to deliver their messages, but they can't make people embrace those messages. It takes more than a few campaign commercials to strike a chord with the voting public. But money does help to demonstrate the depth of a candidate's support. A large contributor base demonstrates broad support and real enthusiasm for one candidate as opposed to another. With Pawar's decision to drop out, there are still six candidates left in the race Kennedy, Pritzker, Biss, Tio Hardiman, Bob Daiber and Alex Paterakis. Another dropout or two may be on the way. The filing period runs from Nov. 27 to Dec. 4, and the field is too large for all of them to make a big splash with voters casting ballots in the March 20 primary election. Celebrating Our Service Members Friday, November 11 is Veterans Day, when we honor and show gratitude to all members of our Armed Forces those currently serving, those who... Transit Equity Starts With QueensLink For decades Queens has seen a disinvestment in the necessary transit infrastructure the borough needs to promote equity and sustainability. Most of the time, transformative... "You talk and talk and talk and everyone nods and everyone says that sounds terrible but nothing actually changes and that's what's most depressing about it all." 1 hour ago FORM 8.3 PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the "Code") 1. KEY INFORMATION (a) Full name of discloser: Rathbone Brothers PLC (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named. (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree Clinigen Group PLC (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure 19/10/2017 (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state "N/A" Yes 2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security. (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any) Class of relevant security: 0.1p Ordinary Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 6,722,547 5.83 (2) Cash-settled derivatives: (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell: TOTAL: 6,722,547 5.83 All interests and all short positions should be disclosed. Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions). (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors' and other employee options) Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages: 3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in. The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated. (a) Purchases and sales Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit (p) 0.1p Ordinary Sale 500 1,127.02 0.1p Ordinary Purchase 170 1,127.34 (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options) (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit (ii) Exercise Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities) Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable) 4. OTHER INFORMATION (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none" None (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none" None (c) Attachments Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO Date of disclosure: 20/10//2017 Contact name: Emma Mulhearn - Compliance Department Telephone number: 0151 236 6666 Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service. The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129. The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk. Union Pacific has unveiled No. 1943 The Spirit of the Union Pacific locomotive at San Antonio's Sunset Station, the 16th commemorative locomotive in the railroads 155-year history The arrival of the EMD SD70AH kicks off UPs Salute to the Military Tour, a series of community displays across its network. Created in collaboration with UP veterans, the Tier 4 locomotive shares a connection to a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress funded by war bond contributions from the railroads employees in 1943. Christened The Spirit of the Union Pacific and assigned to the 571st Bomber Squadron, the Spirit was shot down on its fifth mission during a raid on enemy installations in Munster, Germany. Union Pacific is proud to honor veterans and the men and women bravely serving our country with a special locomotive representing every armed forces branch reflected in its symbolic design, said Scott Moore, senior vice president Corporate Relations. Beginning today, UP No. 1943 The Spirits mission is to salute them as it leads trains carrying Americas goods across our network every day. The Spirits silver nose and cab symbolize Air Force Silver, and the blue stripe recalls the former Strategic Air Commands nose sash. The lettering inside the sash is the original hand-drawn font used on the B-17. It is followed by the Coast Guards Racing Stripe and the Navys Battleship Gray, which frames Union Pacifics traditional American flag. The military camouflage is a nod to the Army and Marines. The message at the rear of the loco is dedicated to U.S. prisoners of war and those missing in action, featuring the POW/MIA symbol and its motto, You Are Not Forgotten. The Omaha-based company said that more than 20% of its employees have military experience, with some actively serving in the National Guard or Reserves. The company was recognized in the Best Companies for Veterans top 10 list, compiled by monster.com and military.com, for the second year in a row in 2016. In 1991 Union Pacific honored its Gulf War veterans with UP 3593, a camouflage SD40-2 nicknamed Desert Victory. Welcome to Railway Gazette. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of these cookies. You can learn more about the cookies we use here. OK Producers arrest in absentia in theater director embezzlement case upheld MOSCOW, October 20 (RAPSI) The Moscow City Court on Friday upheld the arrest of producer Yekaterina Voronova in absentia as part of a 68-million-ruble ($1.1 million) embezzlement case involving the Gogol Center theater director Kirill Serebrennikov, the courts press service told RAPSI. Reportedly, Voronova was an executive producer of A Midsummer Night's Dream theater performance expected to be staged in framework of realization of the Platforma project. However, the performance has not been staged yet. The woman has been put on the international wanted list. Investigators allege that she has fled to Latvia. Serebrennikov was arrested in late August and then placed under house arrest. Investigators believe that he organized embezzlement of budget money. The defendant denied wrongdoing. According to investigators, Serebrennikov developed the Platforma project for promotion of art in 2011 and received allocated funds of 214 million rubles (about $3.6 million) from the Ministry of Culture in 2011-2014. Investigators claim that Serebrennikov created Seventh Studio stage company to actualize the project and invited former head of the company Yury Itin, ex- general producer Alexey Malobrodsky, and former chief accountant Nina Maslyayeva, among others, into organization. Allegedly, Itin, Malobrodsky, and Maslyayeva were falsifying data for the Platforma projects plans in 2011-2014 on request of the theater director. This data was provided to the Ministry of Culture as the rationale for financing from the state budget. Earlier, Maslyayeva has testified against Serebrennikov. She said that Serebrennikov, Malobrodsky and Itin organized embezzlement of money allocated for a cultural event. Serebrennikov and Malobrodsky cashed the money with the assistance of Maslyayeva. The woman also said that she entered falsified data in financial reports. On May 23, police raided the Gogol Center as a part of investigation into the case. Searches have been also conducted in Serebrennikovs place of residence. We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on the website. The purposes of using cookies are defined in the Privacy Policy of RAPSI If you agree to continue using cookies, please click the "Confirm" button. If you do not agree, you can change your browser settings. Bill on use of baby boxes in Russian regions rejected by State Duma MOSCOW, October 20 (RAPSI) The State Duma, the lower house of Russias parliament, on Friday rejected a bill authorizing Russian regions to make autonomous decisions concerning the use of baby boxes, or incubators for parents who want to leave their newborn babies anonymously. Special incubators for leaving newborn children have been set up in several Russian regions. However, there is no legal regulation of using baby boxes. Safety requirements and operating procedure have not been fixed for such equipment in current legislation, the bills authors stated. The draft law submitted to the State Duma in March entitles Russias territorial entities to establish by themselves if it is necessary to organize incubators for anonymous leaving babies taking into account cultural and other vernacular traditions. Regional authorities would be able to fix the number of baby boxes, their location and installation order, an explanatory note to the bill reads. Under the bill, if a regions authorities do not think it proper to use baby boxes, they may not adopt the relevant legislation. Therefore, incubators for leaving newborn children would not be set up in that region. Since 2012, baby boxes have come into use at hospitals and religious organizations in the Krasnodar, Perm, Kamchatka, and Stavropol Territories as well as in the Kaliningrad, Kursk, Leningrad, Moscow, Pskov and Sverdlovsk Regions. In September 2015, Liberal Democratic Party member Vitaly Zolochevsky suggested a ban on baby boxes in Russia. Irina Chirkova, a member of the State Duma Committee for Issues of Family, Women and Children, on the contrary, reportedly claimed that baby boxes must be legal in Russia so parents wont give up their children illegally. Dealing With an Era of Change in the International Arena Vladimir Putin took part in the final plenary session of the 14th annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club titled The World of the Future: Moving Through Conflict to Cooperation. SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prism Technologies Group, Inc. (OTCQB:PRZM) (Prism), an intellectual property licensing and technology research & development company, announced that it has entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Amorphous Technologies International (ATI) to acquire certain intellectual property assets related to innovative uses for amorphous metals. Following the close of the transaction, Prism will commercialize the acquired IP assets to create new amorphous metal technology offerings for the consumer electronics, automotive, industrial and other business sectors. Hussein Enan, Chairman and CEO of Prism, said, "We are pleased to announce the next evolution of Prisms strategy, leveraging one of the most innovative breakthroughs in the materials science world through amorphous metal alloys. ATIs valuable IP and expertise in technological innovations for amorphous metals applicable across multiple verticals present exciting new opportunities for Prism. Under the Prism umbrella, we will work to license and deploy amorphous metal casting solutions that deliver value over conventional materials and methods through the use of superior materials technology and processes. ATI is a leader in development of innovative amorphous alloy solutions based on proprietary materials technology. ATIs solutions deliver value by removing the limits of existing materials technology, which results in high costs throughout the lifecycle of a product. Bryan Reimers, President of ATI, added, The time is right for amorphous metals. We have made important process technology innovations over the past several years which will finally enable the production and deployment of this revolutionary materials technology. Amorphous metals have the potential to fundamentally change the paradigm in materials science. Our IP harnesses this technology to produce the worlds leading commercial solutions, and we are excited to execute our go-to-market strategy under Prism. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, Prism will issue to ATI shares of newly designated Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. The Series A Convertible Stock is convertible into 56,750,000 shares of Prism Common Stock on the terms stated in the Asset Purchase Agreement. Completion of the transaction, which is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2018, will be subject to approval by Prism's stockholders, and other customary closing conditions. A Current Report on Form 8-K containing further details regarding the asset purchase agreement and the acquisition of the ATI assets has been filed by the company and is available on EDGAR. About Prism Technologies LLC Prism Technologies Group is an intellectual property licensing and technology research & development company. Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Prism owns a patent portfolio consisting of nine patent families incorporating 61 issued and six pending patents in the computer & network security, semiconductors and medical technology space. www.przmgroup.com Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements, which include statements expressing the intent, belief or current expectations of Prism Technologies Group (Company) that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, many of which are beyond our control. The words will,"may," "could," "should," "would," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "target," "goal," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Actual results might differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties associated with the Companys business, including, but not limited to, our ability to raise sufficient capital to support our operations and growth; the unpredictable nature of patent licensing and patent litigation; the potential loss of key employees critical to the ongoing success of our business; the uncertainty associated with licensing new and innovative technologies; and the risk that the expected value creation from the acquisition of intellectual property assets will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period. Unless legally required, the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking statements should be considered in the context of these and other risk factors disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investor Relations Contact: Jennifer Jarman The Blueshirt Group 415-217-5866 jennifer@blueshirtgroup.com Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. Search Real Estate Property details: Welcome to Southern California's Playground of the Rich and Famous Big Bear Lake NO MINIMUM / NO RESERVE HIGH BID OWNS LOT For almost one hundred years, the Big Bear Lake area has been the primary mountain resort in Southern California. The 782 acre Alpine Lake, nestled at an altitude of 5108', is often described as the jewel of Southern California. The fresh mountain air and four-season climate is unmatched in Southern California. Part of the San Bernadino National Forest, the lot for auction i... Price: $ 920 Seller State of Residence: Florida Property Address: Avenue " H " State/Province: California Type: Homesite, Lot Zoning: Residential Location: , Big Bear Lake, California You will be redirected to eBay Nearby Residential Property details: Please note that we are not affiliated with nor do we represent the resort described in this item ad.Item Description Elara: Hilton Grand Vacations ClubLas Vegas, Nevada All images in this listing are general images of the resort and do not necessarily reflect the actual resort or units. Please perform your own due diligenceOVERVIEW80 E HARMON AVE, LAS VEGAS, NV 89109The sleek, 52-story Elara resort boasts a premier Center Strip location. This spectacular property offers adjoining access to t... Price: $ 1 Seller State of Residence: Texas Type: Attractions State/Province: Las Vegas Number of Bedrooms: 1 Number of Bathrooms: 1 City: Nevada Property Address: 80 E Harmon Ave. Zip/Postal Code: 89109 Location: 891**, Las Vegas, Nevada You will be redirected to eBay Nearby 89109 By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 10/20/2017 ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. , We're sorry, this article is not currently available FORM 8.3 PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the "Code") 1. KEY INFORMATION (a) Full name of discloser: HARGREAVE HALE LIMITED (for Discretionary Clients) (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named. N/A (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree BELVOIR LETTINGS PLC (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure 19 OCTOBER 2017 (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state "N/A" YES If YES, specify which: THE PROPERTY FRANCHISE GROUP PLC 2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security. (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any) Class of relevant security: ORDINARY 1p Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 4,270,208 12.2220 (2) Cash-settled derivatives: (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell: TOTAL: 4,270,208 12.2220 All interests and all short positions should be disclosed. Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions). (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors' and other employee options) Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages: 3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in. The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated. (a) Purchases and sales Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit NONE (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit NONE (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options) (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit NONE (ii) Exercise Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities) Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable) NONE 4. OTHER INFORMATION (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none" NONE (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none" NONE (c) Attachments Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO Date of disclosure: 20 OCTOBER 2017 Contact name: DAVID CLUEIT HARGREAVE HALE LTD Telephone number: 01253 754739 Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service. The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129. The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk. Hidden away on the fourth floor of the University of Georgias Edgar L. Rhodes Center for Animal and Dairy Science, researchers in the Regenerative Bioscience Center are making strides in the field of cell biology. This November, registered voters in Athens-Clarke County will return to the polls to vote in the special elections to fill House District 117 and 119 seats, the city of Winterville council seats and decide on a proposed transportation sales tax. Louis Condes draw to get into fitness started out like many others: to get himself into better shape than where he was at. However, Condes simple quest for physical self-improvement quickly turned into something much bigger than he could have imagined. MONACO - October 20, 2017 - GasLog Partners LP (NYSE:GLOP) ("GasLog Partners" or the "Partnership") and GasLog Ltd. (NYSE:GLOG) ("GasLog") announced today the closing of the Partnership's acquisition from GasLog of 100% of the shares in the entity that owns and charters Solaris. Solaris is a 155,000 cubic meter tri-fuel diesel electric liquefied natural gas ("LNG") carrier built in 2014. The vessel is currently on a multi-year time charter with a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc ("Shell") through June 2021. Shell has two consecutive extension options which, if exercised, would extend the charter for a period of either five or ten years. About GasLog Partners GasLog Partners is a growth-oriented master limited partnership focused on owning, operating and acquiring LNG carriers under multi-year charters. GasLog Partners' fleet consists of 12 LNG carriers with an average carrying capacity of approximately 154,000 cbm. GasLog Partners' principal executive offices are located at Gildo Pastor Center, 7 Rue du Gabian, MC 98000, Monaco. Visit GasLog Partners' website at http://www.gaslogmlp.com. About GasLog GasLog is an international owner, operator and manager of LNG carriers providing support to international energy companies as part of their LNG logistics chain. GasLog's consolidated owned fleet consists of 27 LNG carriers (22 ships on the water and 5 on order). GasLog also has an additional LNG carrier which was sold to a subsidiary of Mitsui Co. Ltd. and leased back under a long-term bareboat charter. GasLog's consolidated fleet includes 12 LNG carriers in operation owned by GasLog's subsidiary, GasLog Partners. GasLog's principal executive offices are at Gildo Pastor Center, 7 Rue du Gabian, MC 98000, Monaco. Visit GasLog's website at http://www.gaslogltd.com. Contacts: Alastair Maxwell Chief Financial Officer Phone: +44-203-388-3105 Jamie Buckland Head of Investor Relations Phone: +44-203-388-3116 Email: ir@gaslogltd.com Be it roads, airports, ports or any other infrastructure area, where big consulting firms such as EY, PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, Bain, BCG, Accenture and McKinsey offer expertise, action is clearly missing. Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com The economic slowdown is showing not just on ground but in the sky as well. While corporate honchos have always been flying in and out of cities, it is the Indian consultants who are now increasingly crowding the flights to places such as Qatar, Riyadh, UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Tanzania, Nigeria, Sudan and China in search of business. Not too long ago, these were among the typical destinations for construction and other labour from India. Work has virtually come to a standstill for consultants in the countrys infrastructure sector. Be it roads, airports, ports or any other infrastructure area, where big consulting firms such as EY, PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, Bain, BCG, Accenture and McKinsey offer expertise, action is clearly missing. Faced with piling debt, many infra companies are busy trying to get their balance sheets and existing businesses in order. On top of that, new projects are hard to come by. Vinayak Chatterjee, chairman, Feedback Infra, says that while many of the traditional functions -- tax, audit, risk, valuation -- are doing fine, verticals like growth, strategy and diversification as well as PPP have taken a big hit. Indian corporate are strapped for cash and therefore very few are looking at new diversification opportunities. So, strategy advising has taken quite a beating. Also, many countries in West Asia have been going through a financially stressful phase due to the depressed oil prices. This has resulted in many of them looking at cheaper avenues: consultants who work for lower fees. Instead of hiring people from UK and the US, business is flowing to India and other developing countries that have the skills and expertise, points out a senior PwC partner. Moreover, PPP (public private participation) is a new animal for countries in West Asia. Most projects were till now fully government-funded, but with the crunch in resources, PPP is catching up fast. Many of these countries are hiring Indian consultants for both PPP and full privatisation projects. Besides infrastructure, other sectors in focus include education, healthcare and transport. It works, as they have never explored PPP as an option of infrastructure development, says Abhijit Bhaumik, a senior consultant with 26 years of experience who worked with firms like Feedback and others before going it alone. Bhaumik says that he spends most of his time in Tanzania and is soon starting a new project in China. In the last four to five years, hes worked in Bangladesh, Kenya, Indonesia and Vietnam. In fact, consulting has been on decline since the last few years of the UPA government. But it has now virtually come to a standstill, industry watchers believe. With the sharp spike in business in West Asia and Africa, EY created AIM Advisory (Africa, India and MENA businesses of EY Advisory) in January. Already, it is 7,000 people and 250 partner strong. Ram Sarvapelli, Partner and National Leader, Advisory Services, EY India, says that many of these countries are at similar crossroads as India and are looking at building capabilities in newer areas like digital, analytics and cyber. They were also focussing on transformational solutions for some of the largest and similar industry problems -- digital and smart cities with governments, smart grid for power and utilities, building digital businesses in financial service and newer ways of accessing consumers in telecom and retail. This has allowed us to hire partners with wide global experience and use teams seamlessly across these markets, Sarvapelli says, adding that EY has doubled revenues from these two markets. Many of the African countries are exploring identity (Aadhaar like) based citizen service delivery models. Access to high quality automation and technology capabilities is big in demand across GCC nations. Sarvapelli says that EY is also working with several Indian origin groups like Sobha, Alanasons and Landmark which are looking at expansion in these markets. Back home in India, "Whats happening can at best be called body shopping -- low level work that needs hands and feet so to speak, according to a consultant. This involves more data collection, collating stuff and making some presentations rather than any high-level strategic inputs or work. A lot of the work can be done by juniors and doesnt require the partners expertise. Some engineering and EPC construction work too is on. As for government work, its mostly based on the L1 syndrome. That is, the business of consulting has been reduced to who can deliver at the lowest cost. The consultant community says that one of the Big Four in India has in fact cornered a substantial chunk of the government business but at ridiculously low rates. The firm is now believed to be in a dilemma on how to deliver. One can quote anything to win the business, but delivering at such prices is a challenge to consultants who are not low frill creatures by nature, according to a senior consultant. iPhone, which accounts for just 3% of sales in India's 100 million-plus annual smartphone market, plans to partner an existing player. Apple has become the latest global technology behemoth to show interest in Indias fast-growing mobile payments space as the country is attempting to become a cashless economy. With a focus on mobile payments, the sector has already seen the entry of Google, while Facebook and its subsidiary WhatsApp are in advanced stages of building their own solutions. Chinese giant Alibaba also enjoys a huge presence through Paytm, the countrys largest digital payments provider. Tencent, too, is looking for avenues for investments. In an interview with Economic Times, Apples senior vice-president for Internet Software and Services, Eddy Cue, said the company was looking to bring its Apple Pay solution to India. He said rather than building from scratch, the company would look to partner with existing players such as Paytm, a name which Cue mentioned in his conversation with ET. Apple launched Apple Pay in the US in 2014 and quickly became the most widely-accepted mobile payments provider in the country. The company, using its might, was able to partner with all leading credit card and point of sale (PoS) providers in the country. Apple controls over 35 per cent of the US smartphone market. India challenge However, unlike in the United States, the companys iPhone accounts for just three per cent of sales in Indias 100 million-plus annual smartphone market. Since there arent enough people using iPhones in India, it would put the technology major at a massive disadvantage when it comes to striking up deals with partners. In contrast, Googles Android operating system powers 97 per cent of all devices sold in the country, something the company is betting on to grow usage of its Tez mobile payments app here. Moreover, if Apple decides to merely export its Apple Pay solution, which works on near-field communication (NFC), to India, the company could be restricting itself to working with very few providers. Samsung, a major rival of Apple globally and Indias leading smartphone vendor, has taken a novel approach for its Samsung Pay offering. By providing special hardware in its devices, Samsung users can pay through their phones using any old PoS terminal. However, this is possible essentially due to Samsung manufacturing all its devices for India locally. Monetisation While Apple charges a cut from every transaction on Apple Pay globally, in India, the company could find it very hard to monetise the service given the countrys extremely low transaction costs. If Apple offers the service for free, it wont be alone as even Google said it was first looking to build scale rather than monetising the service here. However, if this happens, it might not come as a surprise. Apples interest in growing its presence in India has led the company to subsidise the cost of its Apple Music service, which competes with Google Play Music and the soon to come Amazon Prime Music service, apart from local players such as Wynk and Hungama. While Apple Music subscriptions start at $10 per month in the US, the company charges just Rs 120 (approximately $2) in India. Photograph: Maxim Zmeyev/Reuters. These funds give the wealthy an option to invest in strategies that other equity products like mutual funds and portfolio management services cannot, says Nishant Agarwal. The interest of the ultra-high net worth individual (UHNI) in hedge funds has been on the rise. By March 2017, the wealthy had commitments worth Rs 10,078.8 crore to these funds from mere Rs 22.5 crore in December 2012. These funds give the wealthy an option to invest in strategies that other equity products like mutual funds and portfolio management services (PMS) cannot. Depending on the market condition, for example, these funds can take high cash calls if they think the markets are overvalued. They can even leverage their base portfolio up to two times if they see an opportunity. Mutual funds and PMS are not allowed to go for leverage. 1. They are more flexible Hedge funds in India are classified as Category III alternative investment funds (AIF). They can be structured as closed-ended or open-ended. These funds invest in listed equities with a lot more flexibility on the stock or sector exposure limits that mutual funds or PMS face. The wealthy invest in them to build a more focused or concentrated exposure to specific themes that may not be permissible in other regulated investment vehicles. They, therefore, have the flexibility to deploy alternative strategies that have a potential of enhancing yield. The strategy of leverage or hedging, over a period, can improve upside participation while minimising downside risk. Hedge funds also help the UHNIs to diversify their portfolio. As they have large portfolios, these individuals need to have diversification of strategy, too. 2. Unlike those in the US Hedge funds in developed matured markets like the US generate absolute returns for investors without restrictions on what to invest in and where to invest. Such funds usually make use of derivatives and even borrow or leverage to enhance potential returns. The managers of such funds are mandated to go all out to deliver returns without the shackles that saddle most traditional investment managers. Those hedge funds achieve this by trading a range of strategies across available asset classes -- equities, commodities, currencies, debt and a range of financial instruments -- futures, options, swaps, forwards and other derivatives. The flip side of such strategies is the enhanced tail risk and can even wiping off entire corpuses when extremely unexpected events transpire. While the probability of such events are low but the magnitude of loss can be high. But the US Securities and Exchange Commission have introduced sweeping reforms clamping down hedge funds with investment restrictions, registration and disclosure requirements. 3. Different than mutual funds, PMS Mutual funds are the most closely regulated with detailed watertight rules governing almost every aspect of investment since such funds are open for investment by retail investors. PMS catering to larger high networth investors (HNI) have a minimum investment limit of Rs 25 lakh. No short selling or leverage/borrowing are permissible in mutual funds and a PMS. A category III fund has a minimum investment limit of Rs 1 crore with no restrictions that are imposed on a PMS or mutual funds. Hedge funds don't even have benchmarks to follow or beat. Since PMS and mutual fund performances are compared to benchmarks, the propensity to raise cash levels are low. In hedge funds, it's entirely manager's call to decide on the cash levels. As PMS and mutual funds follow benchmark, their returns also reflect the movement of the underlying index. When markets rise, so do the returns and vice versa. Hedge funds in the country are structured in such a way that they may not give returns at par with major indices but they don't even crash as much when market correct. Most PMS or mutual funds face pressure to be fully invested even if they feel that markets are overvalued. As hedge funds don't have such restrictions, they can keep cash and wait for markets to correct or reach a comfortable valuation level. When you apply for an initial public offering through a PMS, you are classified as an HNI. It is because, the investments in PMS are not pooled. Investors have separate accounts. The HNI category is usually highly oversubscribed during the IPOs. But in case of hedge funds, the investors are placed in the institutional investors category as it is pooled investment. The fund, therefore, has better chances of getting the stock in an IPO. In category III funds, a fund manager also has drawdown option. It means, he can ask for the committed funds when he sees an opportunity. 4. Fee structure A category III AIF has fee structure similar to that of a PMS product. When an investor signs up with them, they charge up to 2 per cent as a set-up fee. It can be lower if the investment amount is large. Then, there's fund management fee of up to 2 per cent. There's also performance-linked fee of up to 20 per cent. 5. Selecting a hedge fund Investors wanting to sign up with a hedge fund need to thoroughly evaluate certain parameters before taking the plunge. The metrics for evaluating a hedge fund are different from those for mutual funds and PMS. In case of hedge fund, the manager's skill and risk management is a much bigger part of the evaluation process. One also needs to check the extent of leverage that the fund will employ. In hedge fund strategies, there is a great temptation to keep scaling up leverage to get higher returns. But a good hedge fund manager will push back and maintain a reasonable level of leverage or gross/net exposure. Regulations have always ensured that the negative or undesirable aspects witnessed in offshore hedge funds should not manifest in the Indian investing landscape. The higher minimum investment amount ensures participation only among a handful of sophisticated experience UHNI, who have the ability to understand the product they are signing up for. Nishant Agrawal is managing partner and head -- family office, ASK Wealth Advisors. Photograph: Reuters 'Thursdays fall was more pronounced as the banking stocks, which have a huge weightage in the indices, saw sharp selling.' Trading in Samvat 2074 on Thursday got off to a rocky start, with the benchmark indices ending more than half a percent lower and the gauge for banking stocks dropping 1.25%. The BSE Sensex on Thursday fell 194.4 points, or 0.6% to close at 32,390, the Nifty 50 index fell 64.3, or 0.63% to close at 10,147. The Indian markets were open for an hour-long Muhurat trading to mark the start of the new Hindu calendar year -- Samvat 2074. This was worst Muhurat day performance since 2007, when markets had declined 0.8%. The fall in the market was on account of a global sell-off which saw the Hong Kong market tumble the most this year and the European equities fall the most in two months. Market players said some domestic investors also resorted to profit-booking after a healthy 18% rally in the just-concluded Samvat 2073. The markets have been weak in the past few sessions. However, gains in certain index heavyweights, like Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank, prevented a big fall at the index level. Thursdays fall was more pronounced as the banking stocks, which have a huge weightage in the indices, saw sharp selling, said Ambareesh Baliga, a senior research analyst. The BSE Bankex fell 1.3%, with ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank and HDFC Bank declining 2%, 1.6% and one% respectively. These three stocks accounted for half of the fall in the benchmark Sensex. Globally, Hong Kongs Hang Seng Index fell 1.9%, while China market too ended weak. Most European markets too were down 0.6%, while the US market had opened 0.3% lower. Experts said the political crisis in Spain, earnings disappointment in Europe and the Hong Kong sell-off impacted global investor sentiment. Oil prices fell for the first time in five days, while safe-haven assets such as Swiss franc, Japanese yen and gold rallied. Thursdays weakness notwithstanding, most market players are hopeful that the Indian markets will once again deliver double-digit returns over the next one year. Next Samvat, the market returns could be even better. We expect double-digit earnings growth from this year onwards. The earnings momentum will sustain for the over the next three to five years, which will ensure huge upside in stock prices, said Deven Choksey, MD, KR Choksey Investment Managers. The rally in the Indian market seen over the past one year has been despite a lack of corporate earnings growth. This has increased the valuations for the Indian market, with the benchmark Nifty currently trading close to 20 times its one-year forward earnings as against long-term average of 16 times. Market players the valuations will normalise as earnings catch up. Economic growth had slowed down in the last few quarters on account of measures like demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax(GST). Analysts expect the impact of these measures fade out soon and corporate earnings to grow rapidly on a last years lower base. However, geo-political factors remain a key headwind for the Indian equities. The tensions between the US and North Korea has been flaring up for the last six months with North Korea now threatening a nuclear attack on the US. Market participants say this is a key headwind not just for Indian equities but for global markets. Last time when the tensions had flared up in August, the street saw sharp selling by foreign funds. There are no significant headwinds domestically. However, geopolitical tensions could weigh on market performance. Despite markets hovering around lifetime highs, people are still nervous, signalling that there is not much froth and the market still has a lot of potential. Economy and earnings should recover over the next six months, said Ramesh Damani, member, BSE. 'Will the age of majority be decided on a case-by-case basis by judges?' 'Does a 24-year-old woman still need "care, protection and guidance" and only from parents?' 'Is a Facebook post enough to declare a person a dangerous radical?' asks Shekhar Gupta. IMAGE: A protest in New Delhi to 'support Hadiya's release'. Photograph: Kind courtesy Sucheta De/Facebook The name Judy Sheindlin won't ring a bell with most Indians. It might register on some if we said Judge Judy instead. Particularly on those who've lived in America or vicariously live the American life by watching their unique reality TV genre of arbitration court dramas. Judge Judy, anchored by Judy Sheindlin, a retired Manhattan family court judge, is a chart-topping success, in its 21st uninterrupted year. It involves rivals bringing small disputes to her on live TV after signing a contract to accept her verdict. All that's very fine, and very American. But why are we featuring such trivia in this column? Because a hilarious and heart-wrenching viral clip from one of her shows popped up on the Web with the usual 'breaking the Internet' endorsement. It is Judge Judy settling a dispute between a man and a woman claiming a poodle so adorable, you and I'd want it too. The woman displays her vet's prescriptions as evidence, but Judge Judy ticks her off. 'Put the dog down,' she tells the person carrying it in court and firmly repeats the order thrice. The poodle goes running to the man, jumping all over him, who scoops it up in his arms as the courtroom bursts in tears and applause. Does this make you think about something important that made headlines this past month? I will give you some clues. It was in the Supreme Court of India. In the unlikely event that you still haven't figured, here's more: Instead of a dog, it involved a woman whose 'ownership' was contested by her parents and the man she asserts she has married. Further, this drama is from Kerala. It reached the Supreme Court because the state high court made a finding, annulling her marriage to a Muslim. Her 'husband' came in appeal. Our honourable Supreme Court bench did not ask the woman (Akhila) where she wanted to go, to which home and to which religion. Instead, they ordered India's premier anti-terror (crime) investigating agency to go fact-finding. To ensure fairness, they also assigned a retired Supreme Court judge to oversee it. The woman, the lordships said, will be asked for her views only after the agency had given its findings. Our court would not work on that simplistic 'put the dog down' doctrine. The cast of characters in this real life courtroom drama leaves no scope for frivolity. That Supreme Court bench had two of our most respected and reflective judges: (now retired) Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud, who is among our sharpest and youngest judicial minds. Equally, on the bar, the two contesting teams were headed by lawyers Kapil Sibal and Indira Jaising on one end, and Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh, Shyam and Madhavi Divan on the other. This is as high profile a case as one can be. The bench faced some criticism as well as praise for its decision. In fairness to the court, a few facts need to be underlined. One, the judges have not yet examined the legal merits of the case. Theirs is a one-page order for fact-finding. Second, the order states that the petitioners (from the young woman's side) accept the National Investigation Agency probe if it is impartial, which they will ensure. And third, once the facts are in, the judges will listen to the woman in a closed room. Only then will they take a final call. Here's the story of how we came this far. This 'woman' is Akhila (who now prefers to be called Hadiya), a medical graduate from Kottayam in Kerala whose parents, alarmed by her closeness with Muslim 'radical' organisations, approached the high court, pleading that she was only going to be safe in their 'custody'. In January 2016, the bench rejected it, and ruled that the woman was an adult and could decide for herself. In August 2016, the parents were back with a fresh petition. Akhila, meanwhile, had moved to live with Satyasarani, a Muslim organisation, right-wing, but not proscribed. A different bench of the high court admitted the new petition, and while the case was being heard, Akhila appeared one day with Shefi Jahan, saying she had married to him. The judges finally ruled the marriage a sham, declared her incapable of being old enough to decide what's best for her and said she will be looked after best under the custody of her own parents. In fact, the court used the doctrine of parens patriae whereby the State has the responsibility to play parent for abandoned, surrogate children. They employed it for a 24-year-old qualified doctor. A quaint footnote: The first Kerala high court bench had a Hindu and a Muslim judge. Both judges on the second one were Christian. It is their order that Akhila (Hadiya) and the man she now claims to be married to have challenged in the Supreme Court of India. The unusual thing about the Supreme Court order, or rather intervention, is its alacrity. The judges haven't yet gone into the merits of the high court judgment, at 96 pages brief by Indian judicial standards. It would have been important, and interesting to know what the nation's top judges think about some problematic observations on which that order is based. Some samples: 'It is that she (Akhila) has no consistent stand or a clear idea about her life and future is acting on dictates of some others who are bent upon taking her away from her parents.' 'According to the petitioner, his daughter is likely to be transported out of India by people having links with extremist organisations. Their apprehension that their daughter is likely to be got married to a Muslim, stands substantiated by events that have unfolded...he (the husband) also has radical inclinations as evident from his Facebook post.' 'We are not satisfied that it is safe to let Ms Akhila free to decide what she wants in her life. She requires the care, protection and guidance of her parents.' 'She would be safe only with her parents taking into account the fact that she is a girl aged 24 years.' 'A girl aged 24 years is weak and vulnerable, capable of being exploited in many ways...The court exercising parens patriae jurisdiction is concerned with the welfare of a girl of her age...(this duty) can be discharged only by ensuring that Ms Akhila is in safe hands.' 'Her marriage being the most important decision of her life, can also be taken only with the active involvement of her parents.' 'Therefore, it is only appropriate that the parents are given custody of Ms Akhila. She shall be cared for, permitted to complete her House Surgeoncy Course and made professionally qualified so that she would be in a position to stand independently on her on two legs.' The Supreme Court can order an inquiry into any situation it deems fit, and by the agency of its choice. It could, however, have reflected on the implications of postponing its examination of the socially revisionist implications of the high court order. Is a 24-year-old not old enough to decide for herself? Will the age of majority be decided on a case-by-case basis by judges? Has a new judicial doctrine been proclaimed establishing arranged marriage and parental consent as a prerequisite? Does a 24-year-old woman still need 'care, protection and guidance' and only from parents? Is a Facebook post enough to declare a person a dangerous radical? Which brings us back to Judge Judy who ordered to 'put the dog down' and trusted a poodle with four legs with deciding what was good for it. Are we to not trust even 24-year-old humans to 'stand independently on their two legs'? By Special Arrangement with ThePrint, and Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta To make its voice more credible and impactful, the Congress must articulate its alternative agenda for reforms, economic growth and a more inclusive political discourse that shuns socially polarising initiatives, says A K Bhattacharya. For the first time in its tenure, the Narendra Modi government is facing turbulence. Last month, senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party Yashwant Sinha launched a broadside against what he thought was the Modi government's inept handling of the economy, made worse by demonetisation and many glitches in the implementation of the goods and services tax. A few days later, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat issued a mild warning in his Dussehra address, urging the government to 'safeguard' the interests of small traders and small businesses. Arun Shourie, a member of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, also criticised the Modi government for taking steps that he thought were running the economy aground. And then came a website report on the business operations of Jay Shah, son of BJP President Amit Shah. Like the pilot of a plane that faces mid-air turbulence, the government too has either taken corrective steps or tried to respond to the charges in a manner that its onward journey is not disrupted. Initially, a minister of state in the Modi government tried to set the record straight by outlining how transformative steps have been taken to push up the economy's growth rate and revive investment. A few BJP acolytes also wrote newspaper articles to challenge the assertions made by Sinha. Even Modi ticked off those who criticised the government for its economic performance. In response to the website report, the BJP leadership prepared a quick response, denying all the suggestions made there and announcing that legal recourse will be sought. Note that in all these cases, the government's response has been swift and aggressive. The turbulence analogy is appropriate. When the pilot senses that turbulence can be risky for passengers safety, she loses no time in taking necessary corrective steps. But if the response is unusually aggressive and swift, it is also a reflection of the seriousness of the risk. It is reasonable to assume that the BJP leadership must be viewing the risks emanating from the developments of the last couple of weeks with some concern. So, whatever be the force of denying that the economy faces strong headwinds, there is surely something the government also considers serious enough for it to respond with corrective steps. Indeed, going beyond merely rebutting the criticism, the government has quickly decided to amend the GST rules, recognising the need to remove the glitches in the implementation of the new tax system. The tax rates for several items under the GST were reduced to soothe the pain of small retailers and businesses. Units with a higher turnover level of Rs 1 crore, compared to an earlier threshold of Rs 75 lakh, have now been made eligible for the composition scheme that allows quarterly filing of returns, instead of a monthly cycle, and payment of lower rates of taxes between 1 and 5 per cent. Moreover, businesses with a turnover of up to Rs 1.5 crore, too, can now file quarterly returns. Remember that the RSS chief also had wanted the government to safeguard the interests of small traders and businesses. The BJP leadership's quick response also has helped the ruling party to internalise the Opposition to its government's economic policies. Sinhas broadside against the government has of course exposed the weaknesses in its management of the economy. But equally significantly, it has usurped the role that rightfully should have belonged to the opposition political parties. Yes, there have been periodic attacks against the Modi government from some Congress or Left leaders. But Sinha's decision to 'speak up' in a newspaper article (external link) has shifted all the focus of government criticism away from what the opposition leaders have been voicing sporadically. Instead, the central focus of criticism against the government is either what Sinha articulated in his article or what Bhagwat outlined in his Dussehra address. In a way, the BJP has expropriated the role that usually is played by the Opposition. Optically, this might embarrass the BJP and even inconvenience its leadership. But having taken charge of a narrative to beat the ruling dispensation with is arguably a political gain in the short to medium term. The only risk is if the movement initiated by the so-called insiders goes out of the BJP's control and boomerangs on it. But for that to happen the country needs a strong and active Opposition, which at present is missing. So, the more important question today is: Where are India's opposition political parties? What are they doing? It is time for the Congress, in particular, to regain the Opposition space that should ideally belong to it. In recent weeks, there has been a resurgence of Congress leaders as many of them, including its vice president, Rahul Gandhi, have begun making important interventions to provide meaningful opposition to the government, a key ingredient in any democracy. That, however, is not enough. The Congress voice is too feeble to make much of an impact, particularly when even the narrative on criticising government policies has been taken over by the BJP. Not only is the Congress voice feeble. Whatever one hears from its leaders is largely a reaction to what the BJP government is doing. To make its voice more credible and impactful, the Congress must articulate its alternative agenda for reforms, economic growth and a more inclusive political discourse that shuns socially polarising initiatives. 'Every day, I give you some or the other reason.' 'But we should not do politics over the need to bring about change in society.' 'We should follow a collective responsibility and you will see that things will change,' says Narendra D Modi. I joined politics very late. I was working in Gujarat, there was an accident involving the Machu Dam in Morvi, thousands of people were killed, the entire city was submerged in the water, so I was deployed for service, for cleaning the city. All the work related to cleaning the city was going on, it went on for nearly a month. Later, we people, some members of civil society and also through the NGO it was decided that we will construct houses for those whose homes had been destroyed. So we adopted a village. We collected the money from the people and we wanted to rebuild the village; it was a small village, there might have been some 350, 400 houses. When we were designing the layout then, I insisted a lot on this thing that in any case there must be a toilet. Then the villagers used to say that: 'We don't need toilet, we have a big open field here, please don't construct the toilet, instead just increase the size of the room a little bit.' But I told them that I would not compromise on this thing. We will construct a room as per the funds available with us, but the toilets will be constructed in any case. So, in any case they were going to get it free of cost, therefore they did not argue much and it was constructed. And when I again visited that area after nearly 10, 12 years, I felt the need to meet old associates as I had worked in that area for several months, so I went to see them. After visiting that place, I regretted it a lot as goats were kept in all those toilets constructed by us. So this is the tendency of society. It is not the fault of that person who constructed it neither the fault of the government if it insists on this thing. Society has its own nature. We are required to bring about changes while understanding these limitations. Can anyone tell me whether all the schools in India have been constructed as per the requirement or not? Whether teachers have been employed as per the requirement or not? Whether all the facilities, books etc have been provided to the schools as per the requirement or not? They are there in large quantities. However, given the state of facilities, the status of education is low. So the government, after making all these efforts, after spending the money and constructing the buildings, after appointing the teachers, and if it gets the cooperation of society, then it won't take much time to achieve 100 per cent literacy. The same infrastructure, the same number of teachers can achieve 100 per cent literacy, but it is not possible without the cooperation of society. The government thinks the task will be accomplished if we construct buildings, if we pay salary to teachers. Yes, we can take satisfaction that earlier it was this much and we have done that much. If a kid takes admission in a school then stops attending the class. Even now, parents don't ask him to go to school. The issue of toilets is similar to this. So cleanliness is a responsibility. The more we create this kind of atmosphere, then everyone will think 50 times before doing something wrong. Our kids, small children, the households that have sons, grandsons and granddaughters, in a way they are the biggest ambassadors of my cleanliness mission. These kids, if a grandfather throws something somewhere, then they ask him to remove it, they tell him not to throw those things there. This kind of atmosphere should be created in every household. If kids accept something, then why can't we adults do the same? How many kids have been dying just because of not cleaning their hands, because of not being able to clean their hands with soap before having their meal? But as soon as you mention this topic, people will say: 'How can we buy soap? How can we get water? Modi will only deliver lectures. How will people wash their hands?' Oh brother, if you can't wash your hands, then leave it, but those who can wash their hands, at least, let them do that. Look, there may be a thousand reasons to criticise Modi. Every day, I give you some or the other reason, you should utilise that. But we should not make fun of such things or do politics over the need to bring about change in society. We should follow a collective responsibility and you will see that things will change. You see, these kids have done a great job. I had been posting pictures of these kids on social media on a daily basis, I used to post them with a lot of pride. I, personally, don't know these kids. But when I see pictures of kids who have shown enthusiasm for cleanliness, I post them and they reach millions and millions of people. An ideological movement is also necessary for cleanliness. Development does not take place by mere development of the system unless an ideological movement is also being launched. So this effort to produce films, the efforts to bring creativity, essay writing -- all these things are an attempt to provide an ideological basis to cleanliness. And when something finds a place in our minds in the form of an idea, finds a place as an essence, then it becomes very easy to follow that thing. So this is the reason behind associating these activities with this campaign. If you watch the television programmes that were produced four, five years ago in which if some kids were shown performing the job of cleaning in a school then it used to become a news story; teachers were criticised for making the kids to do the cleaning job in the schools. Parents used to rush to the school asking: 'Will you educate our kids or will you make them do the job of cleaning?' Today, this has brought about such a big change that if kids are cleaning a school then it becomes the headline on TV news. Narendra D Modi is the prime minister of India. This is an excerpt from his speech on the third anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission in New Delhi, October 2, 2017. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra D Modi at an event to mark Swachh Bharat Diwas: The 3rd anniversary of the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission, New Delhi, October 2, 2017. Photopgraph: Press Information Bureau VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Macarthur Minerals Limited (TSX-V:MMS) (the Company or Macarthur Minerals) is pleased to confirm the potential for high grade gold on its Pilbara tenements, following a recent reconnaissance trip to its Hillside Gold Project in the Pilbara, Western Australia in association with Artemis Resources Limited (Artemis Resources). A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/886686f8-eeb8-4db6-b6dc-b02201d0f181 David Taplin, President, CEO and Director of Macarthur Minerals commented: Macarthur Minerals is excited about the potential for high grade gold on its Pilbara tenements that were primarily acquired for lithium. Historical rock chip sampling on its Hillside Project returned results up to 447 grams per tonne gold and 7.8% copper. A rock chip from a recent reconnaissance visit with Artemis Resources to the Hillside Project returned 8.5 grams per tonne gold. This further confirms the potential for high grade gold on the Project. The Project is located on or adjacent to the same geological formations as the recent gold nugget discovery of Kalamazoo Resources Limited further North. RECONNAISSANCE FIELDTRIP Following Macarthur Minerals recent announcements on August 29 and September 12, 2017 of a historical review of the Hillside Gold Project, the Company recently conducted a reconnaissance field trip to the Project in association with Artemis Resources. The purpose of the trip was to investigate further the highly anomalous gold results previously reported. This trip has confirmed the potential for high grade gold on the Project. The Hillside Project consists of Exploration Licence Applications (ELA) ELA 45/4824, ELA 45/4708 and ELA 45/4709 and option over ELA 45/4685 as announced on September 12, 2017. Anomalous gold zones Area 1 - Triberton Historical exploration has focussed along the contact of the Euro Basalt and Wyman or Duffer Formation where numerous mineralised rock samples were obtained. The two zones have been intermittently sampled over less than half of their strike length of about 30 kilometres (km) (Figure 1). Historical rock chip data reveal several anomalous zones with one extending for approximately 2000 metres (m). Historical soil sampling reveals two target zones each about 1000 m long. A rock chip grab collected during the reconnaissance trip from a sheared siliceous chert material or possibly a mylonite returned 0.35 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au). Area 2 Table Top The other area considered highly prospective and worthy of detailed investigation is the Table Top area where a rock chip collected during the reconnaissance trip returned 8.25 g/t Au. Macarthur Minerals previously reported historical rock chips results up to 447 g/t over an area extending from the Table Top prospect to the old Edelweiss Mine. Historical rock chip sampling by Great Southern Mines in 1998 returned 37 samples grading above one gram per tonne up to a maximum of 447 g/t Au. Historical mining activity for gold from open pits, shafts and trenching was observed during the trip at the Edelweiss, Edith Mae, Stirling and Victory operations. These operations occur along a strike of approximately 8 km. REGIONAL GEOLOGICAL REVIEW As the Project appears to be highly prospective for gold on the basis of historical soil and rock chips and previous gold extraction, Macarthur completed a review of the geological setting in relation to nearby gold projects. The tenements contain the Coongan greenstone belt located between the Corunna Downs Granite and Hillside Granite. It is a narrow Archean belt of mainly mafic rocks that have been extensively deformed. Sequences present in the area include the North Star Basalt, Mt Ada Basalt, Duffer Formation, Euro Basalt, Wyman Formation and the Panorama Foundation. Of particular interest is the Apex Basalt sequence of metamorphosed tholeiitic basalt, strongly sheared in places with thick bedded quartzite. Recent discoveries of gold nuggets located on or adjacent to the Apex Basalt have been reported by Kalamazoo Resources Limited for gold nuggets reported at Doms Hill, further north of the Project. In addition, Calidus Resources Limiteds Klondyke and Copenhagen gold projects are both located on the Apex Basalt and contain high grade gold. NEXT STEPS FOR WORK ON TENEMENTS The Company is currently finalising the grant of its tenements and preparing to undertake further mapping and sampling to validate historical results and generate drill targets. QUALIFIED PERSONS Mr Andrew Hawker, a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, is a full-time employee of Hawker Geological Services Pty Ltd and is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101. Mr Hawker has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. ABOUT MACARTHUR MINERALS LIMITED (TSX-V:MMS) Macarthur Minerals Limited is an exploration company that is focused on identifying high grade lithium and gold. Macarthur Minerals has significant lithium, gold and iron ore exploration interests in Australia and Nevada. Macarthur Minerals has two iron ore projects in Western Australia; the Ularring hematite project and the Moonshine magnetite project. On behalf of the Board of Directors, MACARTHUR MINERALS LIMITED Cameron McCall Cameron McCall, Chairman Company Contact: David Taplin, President, CEO and Director dtaplin@macarthurminerals.com Tel: +61 407470044 www.macarthurminerals.com THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES 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. Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements Certain of the statements made and information contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements in this press release reflect the current expectations, assumptions or beliefs of the Company based upon information currently available to the Company. With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this press release, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the timely receipt of required approvals, the reliability of information, including historical mineral resource or mineral reserve estimates, prepared and/or published by third parties that are referenced in this press release or was otherwise relied upon by the Company in preparing this press release. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct as actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include fluctuations in exchange rates and certain commodity prices, uncertainties related to mineral title in the project, unforeseen technology changes that results in a reduction in iron ore demand or substitution by other metals or materials, the discovery of new large low cost deposits of iron ore, uncertainty in successfully returning the project into full operation, and the general level of global economic activity. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. Such statements relate to future events and expectations and, as such, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and except as may otherwise be required pursuant to applicable laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Green Spirit Industries Inc. (OTC Pink:GSRX) (Green Spirit or, the Company) announced today that the Company has accelerated its efforts surrounding construction of three pre-approved medical cannabis dispensaries in Puerto Rico, and has brought in additional workforce to help ready the locations in Dorado, Carolina and San Juan for inspection and subsequent opening, before year end. Where we dont have electricity right now, we have generators powering operations, and we have brought in additional people to get us ready to begin operations as soon as possible, said Les Ball, CEO of Green Spirit. Patients in Puerto Rico who have come to depend upon medical marijuana, especially those for whom it replaces pharmaceuticals, need safe and dependable dispensaries that are conveniently located, and it is our aim to help fill the need as quickly as possible. For the first two weeks following the storm, only four of the islands 29 dispensaries were open and filling descriptions. That number has increased recently; however, some of Puerto Ricos limited number of licensed dispensaries are still not operational. In other sectors, business is returning to a more normal level, with the Gobierno de Puerto Ricos most recent update (PR Recovery Status by Sector) on October 18 indicating that nearly one month after the storm, 61% of telecommunications services are now operational, 90% of supermarkets are again open as are 79% of the islands gas stations. All of Puerto Ricos ports are open and operational, 65% of bank branches have reopened, and more than 800 ATMs are operating. Adding Green Spirit dispensaries to the medical marijuana landscape in Puerto Rico, in addition to serving patient needs, will contribute to the islands overall financial recovery as well. We were expecting a lot from this industry, said Ingrid Schmidt, the president of the Puerto Rico Medical Cannabis Association. Its the only industry that was creating jobs and a lot of hope was put into this industry because it was critical to the financial circumstance that our island is going through. Prior to the storm, patients with a medical marijuana card could only pick up their prescriptions from the single dispensary that they were initially assigned to, but that rule has undergone a temporary change. Following Hurricane Maria, the Departamento de Salud de Puerto Rico has issued an emergency order allowing authorized medical cannabis patients to obtain treatment at other dispensaries that are in operation. The new rule is slated to last until two weeks after the state of emergency has ended or until the Departamento board decides to terminate it. About Green Spirit Industries Inc. Green Spirit Industries Inc. (OTC Pink:GSRX), together with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Project 1493, LLC, is in the business of acquiring, developing and operating medical cannabis dispensaries. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements include statements regarding our expectations, hopes, beliefs or intentions regarding the future, including but not limited to statements regarding our market, strategy, competition, development plans (including acquisitions and expansion), financing, revenues, operations, and compliance with applicable laws. Forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those discussed in any such statement. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include the risks described in greater detail in the following paragraphs. All forward-looking statements in this document are made as of the date hereof, based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement except where applicable law requires us to update these statements. Market data used throughout this prospectus is based on published third party reports or the good faith estimates of management, which estimates are based upon their review of internal surveys, independent industry publications and other publicly available information. Contact: Paul Gendreau PGPR paul@pgprmedia.com 678-807-7945 DETROIT and PORTLAND, Maine, Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bloomfield Capital and VAR Capital Advisors today announced that the companies have entered into an agreement under which Bloomfield will acquire the consulting platform and key leadership from VAR, and Renee Lewis, founder of VAR Capital, will be named a Managing Partner of Bloomfield. Bloomfield Capital is a real estate private equity firm focused on investing in opportunistic and special situation debt and equity transactions. Since 2008, Bloomfield has deployed over $500 million in capital across nearly 30 states. The firm manages three institutional private-equity investment funds with over $180 Million in assets under management (AUM) as of September 30, 2017. VAR Capital Advisors specializes in due diligence, asset management, and consulting services for institutional real estate investors nationwide. The agreement was formed in order to augment Bloomfields existing platform with additional industry-leading talent as the firm grows its operations nationwide. Acquisition discussions began in response to Bloomfields significant growth. Over the past two years, Bloomfield has opened offices in Denver, CO and Greenwich, CT with the goal of adding geographic diversification to its platform and investments. Acquiring the team at VAR will further enhance Bloomfields geographical expertise, and includes the establishment of its newest office in Portland, Maine. For many years, VAR Capital has been a trusted friend and advisor, commented Nicholas Coburn, Founder and Managing Partner of Bloomfield Capital. Their familiarity with our business and significant experience in diligence, asset management, and debt acquisition, makes their team a synergistic addition to Bloomfields growing platform. Were excited to be joining the talented team at Bloomfield Capital and to be part of the firms growth as a lender and investor, said Renee Lewis. We look forward to working together with Bloomfields management team, maintaining operations in Portland, and continuing to lead the industry with this partnership." VAR Capital Advisors will retain its consulting business, serving institutional clients as it has since its inception in 2014. About Bloomfield Capital Bloomfield Capital is a direct lender and equity investor in commercial real estate assets nationwide. With offices in Detroit, Denver, Chicago, Greenwich, and Portland, Maine. Bloomfield Capital's team draws from a broad base of commercial real estate and finance experience. The firm provides debt and equity solutions to meet the demands of time sensitive and complex transactions. Bloomfield Capital invests in commercial real estate through the origination or acquisition of high-yield credit opportunities and select joint-venture equity investments in the $1-20 million range. Bloomfield Capital Contact: Alaina Korreck Marketing Director 248-745-1700 alaina@bloomfieldcapital.com Uzbekistan: Surveillance, raids, Bible destruction, jailing, torture Publisher Forum 18 Author Mushfig Bayram Publication Date 19 October 2017 Cite as Forum 18, Uzbekistan: Surveillance, raids, Bible destruction, jailing, torture, 19 October 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59e9a76b4.html [accessed 15 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. An Urgench Protestant Pastor under surveillance was followed to a neighbouring region, where a meeting was raided. A Bible was ordered to be destroyed, and one person was tortured. Police replied to complaints about torture: "We do not care, you can complain anywhere". Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Six charts that show Afghanistan's deepening insecurity Publisher IRIN Author Irwin Loy Publication Date 18 October 2017 Cite as IRIN, Six charts that show Afghanistan's deepening insecurity, 18 October 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59e9adc510.html [accessed 15 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Civilian casualties in Afghanistan continue to soar as the country's security situation deteriorates, according to the latest statistics released by the UN mission. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, or UNAMA, recorded more than 8,000 civilian casualties this year from January until the end of September, placing conflict-caused deaths and injuries at near record-high levels. The numbers have trended steadily upward over the last eight years even if the latest data represents a moderate drop from last year's peak. UNAMA attributed roughly two thirds of the casualties to anti-government forces - mainly the Taliban and self-proclaimed Islamic State groups. Civilian casualties blamed on government-aligned forces dropped by 19 percent over the same time period a year ago. However, deaths and injuries caused by airstrikes continue to rise: the mission documented 466 casualties from aerial attacks - a 52 percent increase. The US has escalated airstrikes in Afghanistan under President Donald Trump; the US military launched 751 airstrikes on Taliban and IS targets in September, in what the US Air Force called "a record high month for weapons employed in Afghanistan since 2012". But the UN has warned that less political oversight over airstrikes, and Trump's strategy to increase troops in the country, could usher in "a more volatile landscape" in the months ahead. Airstrikes in late August killed at least 28 civilians in Herat and Logar provinces, according to the UN. The latest UNAMA figures also show that anti-government forces continue to deliberately target religious figures and places of worship - particularly minority Shia Muslims. Civilian casualties from such attacks have skyrocketed over the last five years. UNAMA said this amounts to "disturbing trends of intentional killings" targeting religious leaders and others seen as supporting the government. IRIN recently reported on how moderate imams preaching peace have become targets. Casualties caused by attacks against religious targets spiked in 2016; the 84 deaths recorded in the first nine months of 2017 are already nearing the mark set for the whole of last year. The enduringly high casualty numbers suggest the Afghan government may be paying a high price for its strategy to concentrate on defending areas with larger populations, while the Taliban makes gains in rural areas seen as less vital. "This change has led to an increasing number of clashes for control over lines of communication and vital infrastructure," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a September report to the Security Council. "In addition, the more secure hold of the Taliban over some rural areas has allowed them to undertake more frequent attacks in the north of Afghanistan." The Afghan government's physical control of its own territory has steadily eroded over the last two years. In a 30 July update, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, which reports to the US Congress on how American funding is spent, said that less than 60 percent of the country's 407 districts were under government control or influence. The government had control or influence over 72 percent of its districts as recently as November 2015. Amid the simmering conflict, violence continues to displace Afghan civilians. Conflict has forced some 287,000 Afghans to flee their homes so far this year - part of a steady increase shown over the last eight years. While insecurity climbs, the national mood in the country is at a record low, according to the Asia Foundation, which conducts annual public opinion surveys in Afghanistan. Almost 70 percent of respondents said they fear for their personal safety - the highest level in a decade, according to the most recent poll. Togo unrest a test for West African leaders Publisher IRIN Author Mathias Hounkpe Publication Date 19 October 2017 Cite as IRIN, Togo unrest a test for West African leaders, 19 October 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59e9ae404.html [accessed 15 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Political violence in Togo claimed more victims this week. On Wednesday at least four people were shot dead in clashes between security forces and protestors in the West African country's two biggest cities. On Tuesday, two soldiers and a teenager died. The deaths came amid unrest following the arrest of an imam with close ties to the opposition, and against a backdrop of months of anti-government protests. Demonstrations calling for political reforms began in August, at the instigation of the opposition Parti National Panafricain, and have since taken place on an almost weekly basis in the capital, Lome, as well as in Sokode and towns such as Kara and Anie. More than a dozen other opposition parties, civil society organisations and elements of the diaspora have allied themselves with the calls for change. The numerical and geographical extent of the protests against the government of Faure Gnassingbe, which have taken place in all regions of Togo, including the historically pro-government north of the country, and in several capital cities across the world, is virtually unprecedented. The tens of thousands of Togolese who have taken to the streets want an end to the Gnassingbe dynasty. The current president came to power in 2005, when the army installed him after the death of his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, who had ruled since 1967. Ever since Faure Gnassingbe came to power 12 years ago, the opposition has called for the restoration of a two-term limit for heads of state, which is in line with the rest of West Africa and with a revision made in 1992 to the country's constitution. This limit was abolished in 2002 and Gnassingbe is currently serving his third term. The way the opposition sees it, the reintroduction of the limit would mean he would have to leave office immediately. According to a 2015 poll conducted by Afrobarometer, 85 percent of Togo's population favour the reintroduction a two-term limit. Other demands include the restoration of a two-round system for presidential elections, and the release of political prisoners. The government has reacted mainly with repression - breaking up demonstrations, banning them outright on weekdays, and cutting internet connections on protest days. Its efforts to make concessions have been unilateral and have failed to appease the opposition. In September, it put draft constitutional revisions, including the restoration of the two-term limit, to parliament. But without making the restriction retroactive, that could mean Gnassingbe would stay in power, and even run for re-election in 2020, and again in 2025. Opposition legislators boycotted a vote on the revisions, so they failed to win the four-fifths majority needed for constitutional amendments, leading the speaker to announce the proposed changes would be decided in a referendum. For the opposition, the referendum is a red herring - all that matters now is a change of president. Regional response Amid this increasingly fraught impasse, international bodies such the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, have failed to bring the protagonists closer together or ease tensions. On the contrary, the three organisations appeared to alienate the opposition with a 4 October joint statement which lauded the proposed referendum as "an important step in bringing Togo in conformity with democratic norms reflecting best practices in West Africa", and urged the opposition to take part. (A subsequent joint statement released on Wednesday to condemn the latest violence and call on all parties to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue made no reference to the referendum.) If the unrest continues, the credibility of ECOWAS (and to a certain extent that of the AU and UNOWAS as well), which won praise for its role in Gambia's crisis early this year, would be dented. In the months ahead, Togo could face at best intermittent instability and at worst a serious crisis which could affect its neighbours and the sub-region. There are a number of options that could stop that happening. First, Faure Gnassingbe, being the focus of the current discontent, could clearly state when he intends to leave office, for instance in 2010. Even if he is widely mistrusted, such a public statement would go some way to steering Togo out of its crisis. Second, dialogue between the antagonists needs to be initiated, with the help of ECOWAS, the AU and UNOWAS. This would allow political solutions with broad support to be developed and subsequently incorporated into legal texts - such as constitutional revisions. Building such consensus is more likely to deliver a sustainable path out of the crisis than the unilateral moves made so far by the government. Third, legislative changes could be made if antagonists reach an agreement that fixes the president's current term in office as either his last or his penultimate. Once such a political deal is struck, precedents in West Africa and the rest of the world suggest that the issue of whether the law is retroactive could be left to jurists. Whatever formula is agreed, the likes of ECOWAS, the AU and UNOWAS should be invited to help Togo put it into effect. In the absence of effective follow-up mechanisms, previous political agreements in Togo collapsed, or were ignored, leading some key stakeholders to lose faith in dialogue. It is essential such faith is restored. UNHCR provides aid to Mogadishu attack survivors Publisher UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Publication Date 19 October 2017 Cite as UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UNHCR provides aid to Mogadishu attack survivors, 19 October 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59e9b1de4.html [accessed 15 November 2022] UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has handed over relief supplies to local authorities in Mogadishu to support the survivors of Saturday's massive truck bombing. The deadly attack, which took place in a busy commercial area in the city, killed over 300 people and injured hundreds of civilians, leaving enormous destruction in its wake. More than 200 people are still missing. UNHCR has provided non-food items, equipment and logistical support to authorities. Family and storage tents, electric generators and relief kits including plastic tarpaulins, kitchen sets, thermal blankets, soap and sleeping mats have been delivered. These will support over 1,000 affected families. UNHCR assistance is part of wider efforts by the UN to support the emergency response after the Somali crisis management committee requested help. Other humanitarian organizations, donors, the private sector and civil society organizations have joined the government-led response to support victims of the attack by providing urgent life-saving assistance. Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, expressed his shock and sadness while offering condolences to the President of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo, in a letter on October 16. "The attack, which is one of the deadliest perpetrated on civilians in Somalia's history, shows the need for the international community to reinforce and sustain its commitment to support your Government in creating a secure environment for the Somali people," Grandi wrote. The attack is also a stark reminder of the need for concerted efforts to ensure that Somali refugees displaced in the Horn of Africa region who are choosing to voluntary return to Somalia are safe. Since 2014, over 100,000 Somali refugees have returned home. Efforts to assist returnees settle in a safe environment are gravely hampered by attacks like these. UNHCR staff based in Somalia continue to work closely with the local authorities to support hundreds of thousands of Somalis displaced by the continuing insecurity and drought inside the country. UNHCR is responsible for over 1.6 million displaced people within Somalia. Kafr Nabl's New Driving School for Women Publisher Institute for War and Peace Reporting Author Mustafa al-Jalal Publication Date 17 October 2017 Cite as Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Kafr Nabl's New Driving School for Women, 17 October 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59e9b2794.html [accessed 15 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. A new driving school for women in Kafr Nabl is defying social prejudice to teach much-needed skills in the liberated areas. The Mazaya women's centre's private school, supported by Chemonics International, will run for six months with a staff of 11 people. "The project is the only school in the area and aims to teach women in liberated areas how to drive," explained Mazaya centre director Nariman al-Suwayd. There has been some pushback due to conservative traditions that deem women driving to somehow immodest or immoral. "The project has had a good response from women and more than 50 have registered so far," al-Suwayd noted. "On the other hand, men have also criticised the project a lot since the idea is so new and unprecedented." But 29-year-old al-Suwayd said that such objections were misguided. "Women must learn anything that raises their professional and educational abilities in a way that doesn't interfere with their commitment to moral and religious matters, as they are the foundation for raising future generations," she said, adding, "Due to the current circumstances, women have had to become self-reliant due to the absence of the family's main breadwinner for many reasons, including death, arrest, travel, immigration and fighting. "Women have found themselves forced to work and involve themselves in areas they never knew about before. [Driving] is necessary to ease the hardships of daily life for them and help them face their difficulties without needing help." The local council has provided the scheme with a 3,000 sq metre piece of land which has been fenced off and paved in preparation to host the learner drivers. Um Ahmed, the head of the women's affairs department in Kafr Nabl local council, said that local officials were supporting the project because it strengthened their own work in the area. The 37-year-old added, "The establishment of a school to teach women how to drive is positive and necessary, because women sometimes need to drive, especially amid war and bombing. They need to be productive and capable of supporting their families, instead of being a burden." Ghalia Rahal, 43, is the former head of the Mazzaya centre. She said, "Syrian women have gone through hard times during the revolution. They were forced to take on a lot of work so as to bear the burden of living, and so put themselves in an unenviable position in a harsh, conservative society." She applauded the venture, adding, "The project of a women's driving school in Kafr Nabl is an unprecedented, bold step, especially given the current social circumstances where such activity is deemed unacceptable." The school's mission would have far-reaching benefits, Rahal continued. "The school is a kind of psychological treatment for women," she said. "It helps strengthen their personalities and gives them more self-confidence, as a woman who can drive a car can also lead her family. It also helps her become more effective and have greater influence within the community or environment in which she lives." "Such projects are very important," agreed Kafr Nabl local council head, Ahmed al-Hasani. "They develop the status of women and help them become self-reliant so as to cope with the hardships of life, as many have become the head of their families in the absence of their husband. Copyright notice: Institute for War & Peace Reporting Lithuanian English Siauliai, Lithuania, 2017-10-20 15:41 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Siauliu bankas AB has received the notification of the person, closely associated with the manager, on transaction in securities issued by the bank (attached). Somalia: Journalist sentenced to 18 months in prison for defamation and "fake news" Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 19 October 2017 Cite as Article 19, Somalia: Journalist sentenced to 18 months in prison for defamation and "fake news", 19 October 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59e9b6804.html [accessed 15 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. ARTICLE 19 is concerned by the recent conviction and sentencing of Mohamed Adan Dirir, an editor for the online news portal Horseed News and owner of the news website Saylactoday. On 8 October 2017, a regional court in Hargeisa, Northern territory of Somaliland, convicted Mohamed Adan Dirir on charges of criminal defamation and publication of "false news". The charges are based on an article that he published in a local news website that accused a group of private school teachers in Hargeisa of exam-related misconduct and corruption. Despite the trial being conducted in one day without legal representation, the court found Dirir guilty and sentenced him to 18 months imprisonment and a fine of 1 million Somaliland shillings (approx. US$1,735). "Criminal defamation is unnecessary, excessive and unjustifiable in an open and democratic society, and the law creates a disproportionate limit on freedom of expression. We note that sentence comes after regional courts and other neighbouring jurisdictions have abolished criminal defamation from their laws." said Henry Maina, Director of ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa. In 2014 the African Court unanimously found that Burkina Faso violated freedom of expression as guaranteed through Article 9 (of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (African Charter), Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and Article 66(2) of the Revised Treaty of the Economic Community of West African States (Revised ECOWAS Treaty), through similar provisions. "The conviction and sentencing of Mohamed Adan Dirir, in a trial that clearly failed to meet international standards, is a big blow to promotion of media freedom in Somalia. It also has a chilling effect on other media houses in Somalia, which will be a stumbling block in ensuring that citizens are informed of all important emerging issues," continued Maina. Somalia has an obligation to respect, promote and protect human rights of journalists. Article 18 of the Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia guarantees all Somali citizens freedom of expression and opinion which includes freedom of the media, through all forms of electronic and web based media. ARTICLE 19 calls on the Government of Somalia to adhere to its obligations under the Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia regarding freedom of expression and fair trial. Finally we call for the quashing of the conviction and the release of Mohamed Adan Dirir. Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19 Title Recommendation CP(2017)26 on the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Belarus Publication Date 13 October 2017 Country Belarus Cite as Council of Europe: Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, Recommendation CP(2017)26 on the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Belarus, 13 October 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59e9b74d4.html [accessed 15 November 2022] Title Report concerning the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Ireland Publication Date 20 September 2017 Country Ireland Cite as Council of Europe: Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, Report concerning the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Ireland, 20 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59e9b96a4.html [accessed 15 November 2022] Comments Adopted on 7 July 2017. Title Report concerning the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Greece Publication Date 18 October 2017 Country Greece Citation / Document Symbol GRETA(2017)27 Cite as Council of Europe: Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, Report concerning the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Greece, 18 October 2017, GRETA(2017)27, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59e9b9d64.html [accessed 15 November 2022] Comments Adopted on 7 July 2017. Title Recommendation CP(2017)27 on the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Bosnia and Herzegovina Publication Date 13 October 2017 Country Bosnia and Herzegovina Cite as Council of Europe: Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, Recommendation CP(2017)27 on the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Bosnia and Herzegovina, 13 October 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59e9ba774.html [accessed 15 November 2022] Democratic Republic of the Congo: the plight of families fleeing the violence in Kasai Publisher International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Publication Date 27 September 2017 Cite as International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Democratic Republic of the Congo: the plight of families fleeing the violence in Kasai, 27 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59e9c0a04.html [accessed 15 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. In the town of Kikwit, in the western province of Kwilu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, more than 12,000 people are in an alarming humanitarian situation. These people, most of them women and children, have been on the move since March this year, when they were forced to flee extremely violent clashes between a local militia and national security forces, as well as the inter-ethnic violence affecting the neighbouring region of Kasai. They have found refuge with host families, in churches or in schools, where their situation remains extremely precarious. "When they arrived here, those families who had nowhere to stay crowded along the banks of the river Kwilu, or found shelter in shop doorways, where they spent the night on the ground," Dudu Musway, regional president of the Red Cross Society of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, explains. "Some of them were suffering from diarrhoea, typhoid or digestive problems." The intensity of the fighting took these parents and their children by surprise; in fleeing the violence, they travelled for two or three weeks, covering more than 300 kilometres, mostly on foot. "I was appalled to see a woman and her naked two-week-old baby wandering the streets looking for food," says Fortunat Osuth, a teacher at Kagwa secondary school, one of the main Catholic schools in the town. He was among the townspeople who alerted the local authorities when the first families started arriving from Kasai. Shocked by the brutality they witnessed, the women are psychologically scarred. "They have been through a deeply traumatic experience," explains Aniece Kiyungu, a member of a local women's association. "Some of them saw their husbands being decapitated, their children's throats being cut." The degree of solidarity among the families, the efforts of the humanitarian organizations and the input of the town authorities have been welcomed by the people in need, although the town managers were quickly overwhelmed by the mass influx of displaced people. Says deputy mayor Jean-Claude Mungala: "When they first arrived in March we began, with the help of community leaders, to register them in order to be able to accommodate them better, but the situation quickly became unmanageable." The DRC Red Cross and the ICRC worked together to provide humanitarian assistance, in two phases: first, an emergency distribution of hot meals, followed by financial aid for households to bolster their resilience. "Supervised by Red Cross volunteers the displaced people organized cooking and distribution of food for almost 9,000 people every day," says Calvin Mastaki, head of the ICRC team in Kikwit. "Kindhearted locals let us use their land to set up six collective kitchens." Ezechiel Kandomba, director of studies at the Pungu Institute, a local school, continues: "These meals were a great help, a light on the horizon for these families." Mr Kandomba had contributed piece of his land for one of the kitchens. "I did it out of compassion," he declares. Cash as a means of self-sufficiency The provision of financial assistance was organized via the local branch of a bank. Each family received an ID card, which allowed them to withdraw cash. "The aim of this monetary support is to give the displaced people the means to cover a significant proportion of their essential needs and, if appropriate, help them set up a small business to generate revenue and so have some degree of autonomy," explains Bruno Mesureur, the ICRC coordinator in charge of this programme. Luzolo, a mother of two children and pregnant with her third, vows: "This money will be used, first and foremost, to clothe us. I have worn the same clothing since I arrived in Kikwit, and my children don't have any. After that, I think I'll buy charcoal to trade in it." Like Luzolo, members of several thousand other families intend to use this monetary assistance to get their lives back on track after the trauma they have been through. The problems and extreme violence in neighbouring Kasai have forced more than a million people on to the roads. The ICRC and the DRC Red Cross are currently helping 29,000 people in Kasai-Central and Kwilu provinces and are about to forward more assistance to displaced people and those returning home. In Democratic Republic of the Congo, new violence leads to even more displacement Publisher International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Publication Date 10 October 2017 Cite as International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), In Democratic Republic of the Congo, new violence leads to even more displacement, 10 October 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59e9c1d64.html [accessed 15 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is Africa's second largest country, rich in mineral wealth. However, it is also one of the world's poorest - having been conflict-ridden for most of the last 20 years. Decades of instability, armed conflict and communal violence have left millions of people at the mercy of international humanitarian law violations. People have endured massive suffering, including displacements, separation from family, looting, abuses, injury or violent death. According to IDMC's 2017 Global Report on Internal Displacement: In 2016, DRC had 922,000 new displacements, the highest figure in the world, because of conflict and armed attacks, and yet the crisis received relatively little international attention. By the end of 2016, an estimated 6.9 million people were in need of urgent humanitarian assistance - including more than 4.2 million children. There are currently 3.8 million displaced from their homes inside the country. Recent attention on DR Congo has focused on the Kasai region which comprises nine of DR Congo's 26 provinces. Since August 2016, violence and unrest have torn the region apart leaving thousands of fatalities along the way. The health care system is crumbling and clashes have forced an estimated 1.6 million people to flee their homes. Yet despite all this, the humanitarian situation in DRC continues to receive very little international attention. The fact that the country had the highest number of new internally displaced people globally in 2016 has not made the headlines. In the meantime, civilians continue to endure the consequences of armed conflict involving armed forces and groups, militias and factions while their protection needs remain largely unaddressed. DR Congo is one of the ICRC's biggest operations in Africa - and one of its most underfunded. Rwanda: Helping Burundian refugees reconnect with their families Publisher International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Publication Date 12 October 2017 Cite as International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Rwanda: Helping Burundian refugees reconnect with their families, 12 October 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59e9c23f4.html [accessed 15 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. More than 55,000 Burundian refugees call Mahama camp home. The main camp located in the eastern province of Rwanda accommodates people who fled the political unrest in Burundi, which began in April 2015. As part of the ICRC's Restoring Family Links programme in the Great Lakes region, the Kigali Delegation distributed SIM cards to Burundian refugees in the Mahama camp. The idea is to make it easier for the people to directly reconnect with their families. Now, they don't need to rely only on the existing ICRC and Red Cross phone call services offered to them in the camp as well as in the transit centres around Rwanda. They can speak to their family members left behind or living abroad, any time convenient to them. The ICRC is collaborating with a local telecommunication company, MTN-Rwanda, to provide 4,000 SIM cards to the people in the camp. Each SIM card came with pre-paid airtime and after the initial distribution process, all the SIM cards will be topped up with additional airtime. How helpful are the SIM cards? For Fatou, a mother of four, a SIM card all to herself is definitely a blessing. Previously, she had to walk to the ICRC office in the camp once a week to call her two children left behind. Or use her neighbour's phone. Neither of which was an easy task. Now, she has a permanent telephone line through which she can make or receive calls to get information about her children as well as other family members. "Since I left the country, I have been always worried about my children's whereabouts. Thanks to God, I now have a permanent connection," said Fatou adding that she considers information about her family as essential a need as food, water or shelter. "As a mother, it's hard to eat or sleep when you don't really know if your children are safe or if they have eaten." Another recipient, Leonidas, is going to use the SIM card not only for communicating with his loved ones but also for receiving money from friends. Thanks to Mobile Money, a popular money transfer system in Rwanda, he can exchange money with his friends and family members or buy essential things through his mobile phone. The ICRC had initially distributed 1,000 SIM cards when people first started arriving in 2015. Since then, we have also helped people charge their mobile phones using solar energy. The ICRC has worked with the Rwanda Red Cross to provide phone calls to enable thousands of refugees stay in touch with their beloved ones, and has helped to reconnect hundreds of unaccompanied children with their family members. Ethiopia: Cries of joy after abducted child reunites with parents Publisher International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Publication Date 17 October 2017 Cite as International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Ethiopia: Cries of joy after abducted child reunites with parents, 17 October 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59e9c4174.html [accessed 15 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Biniyam was only 5 when armed men abducted him from a traditional gold mining site in Gambella, Ethiopia and taken to war-torn South Sudan. His mother tried to stop the kidnapping but was shot by the abductors. Both Biniyam's mother and father, who was absent during the April 2017 attack, had never expected they would see their son again. But this family's story has a happy ending. After the kidnapping, Biniyam's mother was living in a state of shock. Her husband explained that "she could not sleep and eat well. She could not talk to anybody, when she did she was talking to herself. It was very disturbing." Both the mother and father tried to find their son; the father even travelled to Khartoum, but they found no hint of Biniyam. In early August, five months after the abduction, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in South Sudan was informed of the whereabouts of Biniyam. The ICRC tracing team in Ethiopia then located the parents of Biniyam. "When the parents heard the news they couldn't believe that their son was found alive and even doubted how he would be brought back to them. Especially the mother, who had suffered traumatically from the pain of separation, was doubtful of the news," said Salih Bashir, who is part of the ICRC team that reunites separated family members. Extreme joy overtook both parents when they saw their son again on October 1 at the family home in Dima Woreda, Gambella. "His mother could not stop her cry of joy, and nobody attempted to separate mother and son from hugging each other that seemed to last forever. There is nothing more gratifying for the ICRC than to see separated families unite again," said the ICRC's Bashir, who traveled with Biniyam to the reunification. The ICRC strives to restore family links (RFL) between members separated by conflict and violence around the world. In Ethiopia, RFL activities focus among others on reestablishing links between South Sudanese refugees sheltered in Gambella, and their families living both in South Sudan and abroad through the exchange of messages and free phone calls. French English OTTAWA, Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A month after receiving the award for Best Social Enterprise Startup in the North, Pinnguaq Association is proud to have been selected as 2017s Best Social Enterprise in Canada at the Startup Canada Grand Finale in Ottawa. It is a tremendous honor to be recognized for the work being done to include Nunavummiut in Canadas digital economy, said Ryan Oliver, Director, Pinnguaq. This prestigious award signifies the importance of digital inclusion for all Canadians. Pinnguaq is the organization behind the te(a)ch program, addressing the particular technology and skills challenges facing youth in Nunavut. Among 13 delivery partners for the Government of Canadas Computers for Schools (CFS) program in each province and territory, Pinnguaq also operates the CFS program in Nunavut that supplies the computers to the te(a)ch program. The CFS programs intended environmental, social and economic impacts rely on the transfer of tools and knowledge through trusted partners such as Pinnguaq. said CFSCs Executive Director, Toby Harper-Merrett. The te(a)ch program brings together a team of technical experts, curriculum developers, mental health workers and youth ambassadors from the north and south to work together on an online infrastructure that includes 100 lessons of curriculum to teach programming, game design, engineering and computer science from an introductory to an advanced level. Through a partnership with CFSC-OPEC, Pinnguaq deploys these programs in key communities across the North, so that individuals can build and sustain their digital skills. CFSC-OPEC receives funding under the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada-led CFS program. Pinnguaqs ability to reach communities across Nunavut, to deliver computers, transfer digital skills and work toward economic development is exceptional and fully deserving of this recognition. About Pinnguaq The Pinnguaq Association was created as a not for profit Pangnirtung-based technology startup in 2012 with the goal of providing play experiences in Indigenous Languages. Since then, the organization has begun to embrace ways of incorporating play and gaming into wide reaching applications that can benefit tourism, education and economic development. At the root of our mission statement is the embracing of technology as a means of unifying and enabling Nunavummiut. About CFSC Computers for Success - Canada Inc. (CFSC-OPEC https://cfsc-opec.org) is a not-for-profit organization established in 2005, supporting Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canadas CFS program and its impacts of digital inclusion and economic participation. CFSC-OPECs services to the CFS program include marketing and communications, partnership development, project management, and strategic planning. About the CFS program CFS is a national program that refurbishes computers donated from government, private business and individuals for use by schools, libraries, registered not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous communities. CFSC Contact Julie Brouard Julie.brouard@cfsc-opec.org 514-793-8073 https://cfsc-opec.org Pinnguaq contact Ryan Oliver ryan@pinnguaq.com Irish national Ibrahim Halawa released after four years unlawfully detained in an Egyptian prison Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 20 October 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Irish national Ibrahim Halawa released after four years unlawfully detained in an Egyptian prison, 20 October 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59e9ca2f4.html [accessed 15 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Today's release of Irish citizen Ibrahimn Halawa is a resounding victory for those who have campaigned on his behalf and brings to an end his painful four-year ordeal behind bars in an Egyptian prison, said Amnesty International. Ibrahim Halawa release from Wadi al-Natroun prison is long overdue after more than one month from his acquittal date. He is due to arrive home to Ireland in the coming days. Amnesty International has been campaigning for his release since he was first arrested four years ago at a protest in Cairo. Thousands of Amnesty International supporters in dozens of countries signed petitions calling on the authorities to set him free during the years he was detained. "After four years of unjust detention, today Ibrahim Halawa finally walks free. He should never have been jailed in the first place and it is utterly outrageous that he was forced to spend a single minute of his young life behind bars." said Najia Bounaim, North Africa Campaigns Director at Amnesty International. "Today is not just a day of celebration for Ibrahim Halawa it is a triumphant day for all his friends, family members and the thousands of activists in Ireland and across the globe who fought long and hard to campaign for his release and put an end to his agonizing ordeal. His acquittal and release shows that by standing up for human rights and speaking out persistently in the face of injustice, people have the power to make a real difference. "The Egyptian authorities must now take urgent steps to release all other prisoners of conscience in their custody. No one should have to face the injustice he was forced to suffer." Ibrahim Halawa was arrested aged just 17 along with hundreds of others during protests on 16 and 17 August 2013 around al-Fath Mosque in downtown Cairo. The protests descended into violence which the security forces responded to by using excessive lethal force that left at least 97 people killed, but according to Amnesty International's research there is no evidence to indicate he was involved in any of the violence. The organization believes he was jailed for peacefully exercising his rights to freedom of expression and assembly. He was eventually acquitted on 18 September 2017, but 442 others were sentenced after a deeply unfair mass trial. Amnesty International is calling for all others who have been sentenced for peacefully exercising their rights to be immediately released. Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International Bangladesh: Donors must pledge support for Rohingya refugees Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 20 October 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Bangladesh: Donors must pledge support for Rohingya refugees, 20 October 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59e9dc2a4.html [accessed 15 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. More countries need to step up and pledge their support for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh amid an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, Amnesty International said today. The meeting of high-level representatives of donor countries at the UN's office in Geneva on Monday must include pledges of new money, including from countries in the region, to support rising numbers of Rohingya refugees who have sought shelter in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar district. The recent influx estimated to be nearly 600,000 people has brought the total Rohingya refugee community in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar district to more than 800,000. "This is an unprecedented crisis that needs an immediate and sustained response from the international community. This means that more countries, particularly those from the region, need to play a much bigger role and share the burden of responsibility. Bangladesh, a poor country which has shown extraordinary generosity, cannot be left to deal with this situation alone," said Omar Waraich, Deputy South Asia Director at Amnesty International. "These deeply traumatized refugees are subsisting in extremely difficult conditions, with no prospect of being able to return home any time soon. The international community must mount a response that addresses both their immediate and long-term needs." An Amnesty International delegation visiting the refugee camps in Bangladesh's Cox Bazar district this week found overcrowded camps where nearly 600,000 new arrivals are squeezed into flimsy bamboo and tarpaulin tents with severely constrained access to life-saving assistance, medical facilities, safe areas for women, and schooling for the children who make up more than 61% of the refugee population. Humanitarian agencies have identified high levels of severe acute malnutrition, particularly among children, as well as risk of diseases, such as cholera, due to poor water and sanitation conditions. There are also clear needs for comprehensive psychosocial assistance or support programmes for a deeply traumatized population, who will need help over the short, medium and long term if their full physical, mental and emotional recovery is to be assured. Urgent needs The international community should address a range of urgent needs of Rohingya refugees, from transportation to camps, to medical and life-saving assistance at every stage. Refugees interviewed by Amnesty International recalled harrowing journeys from their villages, where they came under attack, to the camps in Bangladesh. Many said they had been forced to pay extortionate sums to be transported in boats to Bangladesh. Those without money told Amnesty International that they were forced to part with jewellery and other valuable possessions to pay for the boat crossing. "Rohingya refugees who walked for days - often barefoot, hungry and injured, depleting all reserves - are faced with extortion to make the last leg of their journey," said Charmain Mohamed, Amnesty International's Head of Refugee and Migrant Rights. "When they finally reach Bangladesh, some of the refugees have been left to make a miles-long walk further still, to reach the camps. Their journeys should not be made any more difficult than they already are. They need to be supported at every stage of their search for safety." Helping the Rohingya going forward Given the failure of accountability in Myanmar when it comes to human rights violations against the Rohingya, including crimes against humanity, many Rohingya refugees told Amnesty International of their fear of returning to Myanmar unless conditions allow them to do so safely and with dignity. Beyond the immediate needs, the international community must help Bangladesh cope with the humanitarian crisis going forward. This includes calling for accountability for crimes against humanity and the dismantlement of the entrenched system of discrimination that the Rohingya have long endured in Myanmar. Donors should think longer term when it comes to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, starting with the following steps: - As the first step to help refugees build resilience and independence over the medium and longer term, donors should scale-up cash assistance programming, so that refugees can be helped to access other necessities and begin reclaiming their dignity. - They should immediately fund education programming for refugee children, who constitute at least 61% of the recent influx. - Provide expert psychosocial support to heal a deeply traumatized population - Address severe acute malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable children - Ensure a comprehensive approach that includes support for host communities. - Include both the local and refugee communities in the design and implementation of programmes, making sure that people receive the aid most appropriate to their needs. - The currently overcrowded camps, sprawling across a hilly topography on a single site, needs to be replaced with adequate land and infrastructure, including proper site planning that will enhance humanitarian access and diminish the possibility for conflict and other problems. "Donors should think longer term when it comes to Rohingya refugees. The scale of this humanitarian crisis is such that the international community is continuously failing to anticipate the response needed. The Bangladeshi authorities and humanitarian groups are in a desperate scramble to scale up their operations. They must be helped not just over the next few months, but for as long as it remains unsafe for people to return home voluntarily and with safety and dignity," said Charmain Mohamed. Dire humanitarian situation in Rakhine While Monday's pledging conference is focused on the humanitarian needs in Bangladesh, the international community must not forget the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Myanmar. "The humanitarian community must be granted full and unimpeded access to areas of Rakhine State affected by the conflict, allowing them to assess and provide for their shelter, food, medical and protection needs," said Charmain Mohamed. Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International Watchful of the situation in Raqqa, Syria, UN chief urges need to revive political process Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 19 October 2017 Related Document(s) Security Council resolution 2254 (2015) [on the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic] Cite as UN News Service, Watchful of the situation in Raqqa, Syria, UN chief urges need to revive political process, 19 October 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59e9e01a4.html [accessed 15 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is urging all sides involved in the fight for Raqqa, Syria, to protect civilians, abide with international law, and allow humanitarian access to those in need. In a statement from his Spokesperson, the Secretary-General also said the latest developments in Syria point once against to the urgent need to reinvigorate the political process. The Spokesperson said that Mr. Guterres had directed his Special Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, to intensify efforts, in consultation with all concerned, to reconvene the next round of the intra-Syrian talks on the basis of the Geneva communique and relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2254 (2015). The next round is expected to be held at the end of this month or in early November, according to comments Mr. de Mistura made at the Security Council in September. The 10-15 July round of the UN-facilitated talks, ended with incremental progress but no breakthrough. UN delivering coordinated humanitarian response in wake of Mogadishu bombings Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 19 October 2017 Cite as UN News Service, UN delivering coordinated humanitarian response in wake of Mogadishu bombings, 19 October 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59e9e1364.html [accessed 15 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. The United Nations family of agencies and programmes is continuing to roll out its response in support of the recovery and clean-up effort in Mogadishu following Saturday's massive car bomb blast, which killed some 300 people, injured hundreds more, and is being called Somalia's worst-ever such attack. The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) are among the host of UN entities already on the ground. More than 100 UN staff have donated blood to help the injured. The UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has deployed technical advisors, medics and bomb-sniffing dog teams at the main bomb blast site near the Safari Hotel. Fire unit personnel from the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and the UN Support Office in Somalia have been using specialized life-detection equipment to search for survivors. According UNSOM, youth from local universities also joined the clean-up and rescue operation earlier this week. More than 300 youth volunteers are participating in the effort and were accompanied by the Mogadishu Mayor, Thabit Abdi Mohamed, in clearing the debris and rubble. Our short video story takes you inside the post-blast recovery effort, and in a related Soundcloud, the UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator in the country, Vincent Lelei, tells UN News that the international community's support to Somalia is a "silver lining" in the face of the tragedy. DALLAS, Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pinnacle, one of the nations leading multifamily management firms, held its second annual Corporate Team Community Service Week in October to assist nationally recognized charitable institutions across the country. Team members from each of the companys 16 corporate and regional offices volunteered at least one day during a dedicated work week at local food banks, alliances or other ministries within their own communities. Pinnacle maintains an active volunteer program throughout the year, encouraging team members to support various non-profits at times that are convenient to their professional and personal schedules. Corporate Team Community Service Week put a synchronized focus on these efforts by allowing employees to assist an organization of their choosing for an entire work day. Current events, like the recent hurricanes, depleted so many food pantries that a majority of our offices chose to assist those types of organizations during our 2017 program, said Chief Operating Officer Larry Goodman. Some offices were just excited about lending a hand for charities they currently support. In Atlanta, Pinnacle scheduled time to assist the Atlanta Community Food Bank, where our volunteers packaged 18,900 pounds of food to provide 15,750 meals for 29 surrounding counties. At least 30,400 meals were packed by the companys San Antonio team at the Central Texas Food Bank. Fifty-six volunteers in Dallas coordinated full shifts over a three-day period at the Childrens Hunger Fund in Dallas to prepare thousands of packages of beans, dried fruit and toys for the upcoming holidays. In Minneapolis, Pinnacle partnered with other companies at Feed My Starving Children to wrap enough food to feed 66 children for an entire year. We are still tallying our efforts from the week, but our teams went out in full force to give back in any way we could, explained Goodman. We were certainly able to make a big difference in many communities. Pinnacles Corporate Team Community Service Week was initiated in 2016 to enable staff to share their time and talents from our regional offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Texas and Washington. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/84ba9a4d-84a7-4519-879a-660bf4914773 About Pinnacle Property Management Services, LLC Pinnacle Property Management Services, LLC, (Pinnacle) is a privately held national real estate provider specializing in third party management of multifamily residential communities. As one of the nations preferred third-party managers, Pinnacles portfolio includes over 172,000 residential units and 2.75 million square feet of commercial assets. With the Corporate headquarters located in Dallas, Texas, Pinnacle has more than 4,300 employees located in 30 states. For more information, visit www.pinnacleliving.com. MEDIA CONTACT Suzi Smith (214) 891-7831 ssmith@pinnacleliving.com NEW HAVEN Sen. Richard Blumenthal has accused Immigration and Customs Enforcement of violating its policy of not arresting undocumented persons at sensitive locations, which is spreading fear in those communities. The senator, along with 19 others, has introduced legislation that would address this, while they also sent a letter to the acting head of Homeland Security to clarify its position. John Morton, the former head of ICE in 2011, issued a memo that directed his agents to avoid certain sensitive locations, when making arrests or searching suspected undocumented persons, unless approved by a supervisor or to respond to exigent circumstances. Those locations include schools, places of worship, hospitals, rallies and demonstrations. Blumenthal and others at a press conference Friday at the Columbus Family Academy in the Fair Haven neighborhood stressed the fear that such arrests instill in residents. Ice agents, even in New Haven, have conducted a series of events that may violate these policies and we want to make sure that there is respect for the law and that New Haven and Connecticut are protected against these draconian and abusive policies, the senator said. We will stand strong to protect the rule of law and to compel the administration to respect its own rules, he said. Early on in the Trump administration, it reaffirmed the sensitive location policy, but also specifically said it would not avoid the interior of courthouses as requested by several states. In June, Conneticut Chief Justice Chase T. Rogers asked the new administration to view courthouses as sensitive locations and not allow ICE officials to take custody of individuals in the public areas of these facilities. Immigration attorneys have reported that those arrests have continued, including in New Haven and Danbury. Advocates at the press conference said there was an alleged attempt by ICE to enter a church in Danbury, but the agency refrained from doing so. A spokesman for ICE said he knows of no violations of the sensitive location policy in Connecticut. NPR reported last month that a couple in Texas was put into deportation proceedings after Custom and Border Protection agents escorted them to a Corpus Christi hospital where their 2-month old son underwent an emergency operation. Other reports include the detention of six men in Virginia as they left a church homeless shelter; the removal of a woman from a hospital in Texas with a brain tumor to place her back in detention and the arrest of a father after he dropped his daughter off at school in Los Angeles. Dr. Suzanne Lagarde, executive director of the Fair Haven Community Health Center, said the fear in Fair Haven is having a negative impact on their clients health. It is critically important to us that our patients feel safe within our four walls. We have spent 45-plus years trying to promote that and there is no question that over the past 10 months, that trust has been eroded somewhat. We try fervently to continue to reiterate to our patients that they are safe, Lagarde said. She thanked the stakeholders from Yale New Haven Hospital, the city, the legal community and advocates who have been working for months to help the undocumented in New Haven. While the press conference was called to address the sensitive location policies, school and medical personnel also talked about the needs of Puerto Rican citizens starting to pour into New Haven to live with relatives given the destruction of the island by Hurricane Maria. Lagarde said the situation on the island is a humanitarian crisis. We are doing what we can. Despite what you are hearing from Washington, what we are hearing what is on the ground there is still horrific, she said. While President Trump gave himself a 10 in the U.S. efforts to help Puerto Rico, Blumenthal said: I would give him a minus-10. Karen Jarmoc, executive director of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said immigrants are a particularly vulnerable and unique population. She said what they find is abusive partners often use immigration status as a way to control, as a way to threaten women. Jarmoc said what the 18 domestic violence centers are finding is that undocumented victims are not seeking shelter for fear they will be part of a data base that will be shared with ICE. She said one woman left transitional housing, taking her four U.S. children with her, because of this concern. Jarmoc said the information is fully confidential, according to law. Abie Benitez, director of instruction for the New Haven Public Schools, said schools are the first place where immigrant families learn about democracy, where they learn the American way is one of inclusion and not exclusion. She said the fear that their parents will be deported is not fair for children. The end of DACA, Defered Action for Childhood Arrivals, also impacts young people who are graduating from the schools, as well as some of their teachers, she said. We need these people. They are part of their community and they continue to help us understand many things that we as U.S. citizens may not understand about that fear growing up, Benitez said. On the issue of students coming from Puerto Rico to the city schools, the number so far is 46, ranging from elementary grades through high school . Norwegian English (2017-10-20) Kitron have signed a frame agreement with Kongsberg Maritime with a potential value of NOK 200 million for the next five years. This expands the cooperation with KONGSBERG. Kitron will produce and deliver existing and future electronic modules and products to Kongsberg Maritime and actively collaborate on design, development, industrialization and production on future products and technology. "This agreement is strategically important for Kitron. We have long-lasting and close relations with other divisions in KONGSBERG. This new partnership with Kongsberg Maritime, the largest business area within KONGSBERG, holds significant potential for us," said Hans Petter Thomassen, Managing Director of Kitron Norway. Production will take place at multiple Kitron facilities. "The sourcing and evaluation process has been thorough. A large number of potential suppliers have been evaluated on technical-, production- and sourcing capabilities. With a global presence and production footprint close to KONGSBERG markets, Kitron demonstrates the ability to be competitive," says Frode Kaland EVP Supply Chain, Kongsberg Maritime. For further information, please contact: Peter Nilsson, CEO, tel. +47 94 84 08 50 Hans Petter Thomassen, Managing Director, Kitron Norway, tel. +47 913 92 360 E-mail: investorrelations@kitron.com Kitron is one of Scandinavia's leading electronic manufacturing services companies for the Data/Telecoms, Defence, Energy, Industry, Medical devices and Offshore/Marine sectors. The company is located in Norway, Sweden, Lithuania, Germany, China and the United States. Kitron had revenue of about NOK 2.1 billion in 2016 and has about 1,350 employees. www.kitron.com Denver, CO -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/20/2017 --Advocacy group, A Just Cause, announces this Thursday's, October 12, 2017 segment of AJC Radio's, "Spotlight on Capitol Hill" will shine the spotlight on Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) (http://www.AJCRadio.com, 8-10 PM ET). "In July 2015 Congressman Hakeem Jeffries was featured on AJC Radio's Spotlight on Capitol Hill. In 2016, AJC Radio hosts had an exclusive interview in Washington D.C., and he personally shared his passion and initiatives with the American people," says Lamont Banks, AJC Radio Host. Criminal justice reform is a priority for Congressman Jeffries, and we appreciate everything he is doing to make a difference in this country. In 2017, we will update our listeners on Congressman Jeffries views and goals under the new administration for the Spotlight on Capitol Hill, Encore Series. Please join us this week as we highlight another champion and advocate for justice and equality," adds Banks. "Hakeem Jeffries represents the diverse Eighth Congressional District of New York, an area that encompasses large parts of Brooklyn and a section of Queens. Serving his third term in the United States Congress, Rep. Jeffries is a member of the House Judiciary Committee and House Budget Committee. Jeffries is a Co-Chair of the House Democratic Policy & Communications Committee, having been elected to that position overwhelmingly by his colleagues. In that capacity, he is a member of the Democratic Leadership Team and helps run the messaging apparatus for the House Democrats. Presently, Rep. Jeffries co-chairs the bipartisan Intellectual Property Caucus and is a founder of the Criminal Justice & the Public Safety Caucus." (https://jeffries.house.gov/about/full-biography) This past summer, Congressman Jeffries and Congressman Gowdy (R-SC), both members of the Judiciary Committee, introduced the "Renew Act," a bipartisan measure to reduce corrections costs and help young ex-offenders become productive citizens. Jeffries said: "This is a common-sense measure that will improve the lives of millions of people across New York City and this great nation. It serves as a ripple of hope that will allow hardworking people to get back to work and provide for their families. Representative Gowdy should be applauded for his leadership in this regard." The bill has widespread bipartisan support from groups including: The American Civil Liberties Union, Americans for Tax Reform, American Conservative Union, American Legislative Exchange Council, Center for American Progress, Faith and Freedom Coalition, Justice Action Network, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Prison Fellowship, and Right on Crime. (https://jeffries.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-jeffries-gowdy-lead-bipartisan-effort-to-give-ex-youth-offenders-a) Congressman Jeffries is doing his part to express that change is crucial, and injustice is not acceptable. Congressman Jeffries understands that reforming the current criminal justice system is of the utmost importance to the American people. The things going on in America are shameful, and under our current leadership, America is divided more than ever. Congressman Jeffries willingness to speak out and address the hard truths, is what it takes to make a difference. "In Congress, Rep. Jeffries has emerged as a tireless advocate for social and economic justice. He has worked hard to reform our criminal justice system, improve the economy for hardworking Americans and make college more affordable... Congressman Jeffries obtained his bachelor's degree in political science from the State University of New York at Binghamton, where he graduated with honors for outstanding academic achievement. He then received his master's degree in public policy from Georgetown University. Thereafter, Rep. Jeffries attended New York University School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude and served on the Law Review... Rep. Jeffries was born in Brooklyn Hospital and raised in Crown Heights. He is a product of New York City's public-school system having graduated from Midwood High School and currently lives in Prospect Heights with his family." (https://jeffries.house.gov/about/full-biography) Tune in this week and join AJC Radio hosts as we shine the spotlight on a true advocate for justice, and recognize Congressman Hakeem Jeffries key priorities and accomplishments," concludes Banks. Call into the live show at (646-200-0628). AJC Radio hosts welcome your questions and comments. We've highlighted and interviewed both Democrats and Republicans alike, in the House and in the Senate, on our show to include: Congressman John Conyers, Jr., (D MI), Senator John McCain (R IA), Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D CA), Senator Chuck Grassley (R IA), Senator Mike Lee (R UT), Congressman Trey Gowdy (R SC), Senator Barbara Boxer (D CA), Senator Bernie Sanders (I VT), and many more. Please go to the AJC Radio archives to listen to the many other members of Congress previously highlighted on our show as well. Follow us on Twitter @AJCRadio. AJC Radio, "Spotlight on Capitol Hill" segments air Thursdays, 8-10 PM ET. Anchorage, AK -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/20/2017 --Exceptional technology begets exceptional printing. When it comes to technology, it is hard to think of any other company beyond Northern Printing. The company is proud to serve businesses throughout Alaska with the latest in advanced digital printing equipment. From start to finish, they have the right kind of technology to provide everything from business cards and presentations to brochure printing with the utmost precision and quality. Moreover, one can continue to improve one's technologies, so one can be confident that Northern Printing keeps one's business on the cutting edge. For those looking to take their business to the next level, Northern Printing can provide them with the digital printing solutions they need to create a crisp, professional and polished image. Best of all, they do it at an excellent value to their clients and customers. At Northern Printing, they believe that their color printing technology has a huge role to play. It can be useful for the business, providing one with a top-notched finished product that makes one's business shine and impresses customers, and it is about helping one gain a competitive edge in attracting new business. At Northern Printing, they understand that the quality of their digital printing in Fairbanks Alaska is not only a reflection of their brand value; it also reflects the efforts put by experts. The team of experts makes sure that their valued clients are fully assured of the top quality service. From Anchorage to Fairbanks, one can be confident that Northern Printing has the experience, resources, and technology to meet all of one's color printing needs, irrespective of nature and location of the business. They'll work with their clients to create dynamic print products that impress one's customers and fit one's budget. Since 1967, Northern Printing has been serving business throughout Alaska with exceptional business cards, letterhead, marketing materials and brochure printing. For more information on printing in Anchorage Alaska, visit http://www.northernprintinginc.com/. About Northern Printing Inc. Northern Printing Inc. has been a dependable name in the field of all types of business printing in Kenai. The company has the best infrastructure for providing the best of digital printing in Fairbanks and Anchorage in Alaska. Services are facilities are perfectly suitable for businessmen and common people. A Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) supporter, holding a placard with a portrait of CNRP leader Kem Sokha, is led away by police during a protest outside the court of appeal in Phnom Penh, Sept. 26, 2017. Cambodia's top court said on Friday it would open hearings in the alleged treason case against opposition leader Kem Sokha on Oct. 31, as the country's senate passed a controversial bill that would dissolve his Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) and give the seats to parties allied with the ruling party. Kem Sokha was arrested on Sept. 3 and charged with treason for collaborating with the U.S. to overthrow the CPP, in a move critics say shows Prime Minister Hun Sen is intensifying his attacks on political opponents ahead of next years general election. The CNRP has lodged a complaint to the Supreme Court calling for Kem Sokha be moved from Trapaing Plong prison in remote Thboung Khmum province to a prison in the capital Phnom Penh. Meng Sopheary, Kem Sokhas lawyer, told RFA's Khmer Service said she will work hard to get Kem Sokha out of jail. This is a politically motivated case, so politicians should deal with each other to end this matter. We will also follow the court process through the justice procedure Meng Sopheary added. Earlier on Friday the Cambodian Senate passed four electoral law amendments clearing the way to dissolve the CNRP, in a move that has drawn widespread condemnation from within Cambodia and abroad. The senate will send the amendments, with any proposed changes, back to parliaments Constitutional Council which, after further review, will forward them on to King Norodom Sihamoni for final approval. What will the king say about this if the government forces him to sign such a dirty, unjust and immoral law? said Lao Mong Hay, an independent analyst. He said Sihamoni should send the amendments back to the national assembly to review and that he urges the king not to approve them. I will not be quiet. I will ask the king to reject the amendments and do not sign the laws, Lao Mong Hay added. On Monday, the National Assembly approved the four amendments to the countrys electoral law, despite a boycott by the parliaments 55 CNRP lawmakers, paving the way for their seats to be redistributed to smaller government-aligned parties in the event that the opposition party is dissolved. The evidence presented against Kem Sokha so far is a video recorded in 2013 in which he discusses a strategy to win power with the help of U.S. experts, though the U.S. embassy has rejected any suggestion that Washington is interfering in Cambodian politics. Since Kem Sokhas arrest, some 20 CNRP lawmakers, along with deputy presidents Mu Sochua and Eng Chhay Eang and a number of party activists, have fled Cambodia fearing retaliation by the CPP following important electoral gains by the opposition in Junes commune ballot, which are seen as pointing to a strong showing in next years vote. Reported by RFA's Khmer Service. Translated by Sarada Taing. Written in English by Paul Eckert. NORCROSS, Ga., Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WestRock Company (NYSE:WRK), a leading provider of differentiated paper and packaging solutions, was recognized for design excellence at the 74th annual North American Paperboard Packaging Competition. The company won 13 awardsthe most of any entrantincluding the prestigious Eco Award for its unique 8 pack designs for Budweiser and Bud Lights 16 oz aluminum bottles. Sponsored by the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC), the competition is judged by a panel of packaging experts. The awards recognize cartons that represent the best in converting excellence, innovation, and sustainability that the North American folding carton industry has provided its customers over the past year. The Eco Award recognizes an outstanding use of paperboard in replacing a non-paperboard substrate, creating extremely sustainable packaging, and/or fostering materials reductions or better cubing. At WestRock, we know that packaging matters in helping our customers win with consumers, said Pete Durette, president of Enterprise Solutions & Strategy for WestRock. We are extremely proud to have been honored by the Paperboard Packaging Council. The designs that were recognized represent the value that we can create for our customers when we combine our market insights with the design and innovation capabilities of our talented employees. In addition to the Eco Award, WestRock earned four gold and eight excellence awards for a variety of packaging solutions. CanCollar, WestRocks durable, environmentally friendly, paperboard-based multipack solution for cans, was awarded gold in all three categories. A full list is below, and images can be viewed here. Project Ironman: Eco Award of the year; Gold Award, General, Eco and Innovation categories Eco Award of the year; Gold Award, General, Eco and Innovation categories CanCollar: Gold Award, General, Eco and Innovation categories Gold Award, General, Eco and Innovation categories WestRock Folding Carton Tool Kit: Gold Award, General and Innovation categories Gold Award, General and Innovation categories The Vault: Gold award, General category Gold award, General category Budweiser Holiday Pack: Excellence award, General category Excellence award, General category Econo StrongPak: Excellence award, General category Excellence award, General category Two-piece Carrier: Excellence award, General category Excellence award, General category XYZAL Allergy 24 HR: Excellence award, General category Excellence award, General category Hershey Greeting Cards : Excellence award, General category : Excellence award, General category Sharpie Back-to-school : Excellence award, General category : Excellence award, General category EnShield Promotional Packet : Excellence award, General category : Excellence award, General category ZEPATIER DosePak: Excellence award, General category About WestRock WestRock (NYSE:WRK) partners with our customers to provide differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRocks 45,000 team members support customers around the world from more than 300 operating and business locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Learn more at www.westrock.com. Investors: Matt Tractenberg, 470-328-6327 Vice President Head of Investor Relations matt.tractenberg@westrock.com John Stakel, 678-291-7901 Senior Vice President Treasurer john.stakel@westrock.com Media: John Pensec, 470-328-6397 Director, Corporate Communications mediainquiries@westrock.com As the ruling Chinese Communist Party gathers for its five-yearly congress in Beijing, authorities in southern and southwestern China have slapped a travel ban on a number of Christian believers, while preventing others from meeting for worship, sources said. Members of the Autumn Rain Blessing Church in Chengdu, capital of southwestern Sichuan province, said several of their fellow believers had been prevented from attending a Protestant Christian symposium in Hong Kong. The church's pastor Wang Yi was detained on Sept. 26 on suspicion of "picking quarrels and stirring up trouble," as he tried to travel to the Three-Fold Vision Christian conference in the former British colony. He was detained and questioned for three hours before being allowed to return home. His wife attended in his place. Now, Wang and Sichuan rights activist Ran Yunfei have been prevented from attending a Westminster Theological Seminary event in Hong Kong, sources told RFA on . Ran declined to comment when contacted by RFA, saying it was "not convenient," a word often used by activists to denote police surveillance or monitoring of their conversations. Church member Ding Shuqi was also incommunicado after posting to social media that police had found him after he checked in for a flight to Hong Kong to attend the same conference. A fellow church member who asked to remain anonymous said on that Ding had been detained as he went through immigration to board the plane, and later released a day later. "They let him go, after a bit of a dispute," the church member said. "But we prevailed, and the police thought we were right about it." "I think the authorities are a bit more sensitive right now because we have the 19th party congress at the moment, and they want to stop any kind of incident from happening while it's happening," the church member said. "That's why they are stopping us from leaving the country." Authorities in the southern province of Guangdong broke up a meeting of more than 20 believers of an unofficial "house church" in Taishan city last week, warning them not to try to gather again, church members said. "There are people in the home of our church leader Zheng Shaoyun right now," a church member who declined to be named told RFA on . "She has been running this church for 17 or 18 years now, and there are about 70 people on its books." "Her son has been accepted as a civil servant, and the state security police have been at her house for the past few days carrying out ideological work, hoping to persuade her to give up her missionary work," the church member said. "If she keeps on doing it, then this will have a negative impact on her son's job ... and this will affect his future." Stepped up controls on all religions Elsewhere in the province, a Dongguan house church pastor surnamed Du told RFA that the authorities are stepping up controls and surveillance of all religious groups during the 19th party congress. "Things are very tense during this period, because of the congress," Du said. "That's why there are special restrictions [to holding meetings for worship]." Meanwhile, authorities in the southwestern province of Yunnan were moving ahead with the the trial of seven Christian church members in Chuxiong city on charges of "using a cult organization to obstruct enforcement of the law." "It's not convenient for me to go into the details, because the trial hasn't opened yet," defense lawyer Liu Wei told RFA. "We were told that the charges were being brought against the Three Servants sect [of Protestant Christianity]." "My initial assessment is that they are not guilty, but we will have to decide what argument we will make based on the situation at the time of trial." Earlier this month, Communist Party newspaper the People's Daily warned party members not to "pray to God" or follow religious or spiritual leaders. The commentary linked recent cases of officials investigated for corruption to their participation in "feudalistic superstitious activities." "In fact, some officials often go to monasteries, pray to God and worship Buddha," the paper said. "Some officials are obsessed with rubbing shoulders with masters, fraternizing with them as brothers and becoming their lackeys and their money-trees." While China officially guarantees freedom of religion for major belief systems like Christianity, Buddhism and Islam, party members are expected to be staunch atheists. Wang Zuoan, director of the State Administration for Religious Affairs, was quoted in a recent article by the Global Times as saying that religion is off-limits for members of the ruling party. "Party members should be firm Marxist atheists, obey party rules and stick to the party's faith... They are not allowed to seek value and belief in religion," Wang was quoted as saying. He warned that "foreign forces" are using religion to infiltrate China, threatening the country's security. According to the U.S.-based Christian rights group ChinaAid, China is now home to some 100 million Christian believers, outstripping the Communist Party's membership of 85 million. Reported by Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Hai Nan for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Nang Lang Kham (L), executive director of KBZ Group of Companies and director of KBZ Bank, gives Myanmar State Counselor and de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi (R) a certificate pledging funds to rebuilding Rakhine state at an event in Naypyidaw, Oct. 20, 2017. Top business executives in Myanmar on Friday donated more than U.S. $12 million to rebuild ravaged northern Rakhine state in response to a call from de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi to invest in rebuilding the devastated and impoverished region. They pledged 17.7 billion kyats (U.S. $12.8 million) at an event in the capital Naypyidaw for the governments newly created Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development in Rakhine State (UEHRD). Among the donors were Aung Ko Win, chairman of Kanbawza Bank; Zaw Zaw, chairman of Max Myanmar Group of Companies; Tun Myint Naing, chairman of Asia World Group; Maung Wate, chairman of Mandalay Business Capital City Development and Say Pine Company; Aung Moe Kyaw, chairman of International Beverages Trading Company Group; Chit Khaing, president of Eden Group of Companies; Nang Lang Kham, executive director of KBZ Group of Companies and director of KBZ Bank; and Khin Shwe, chairman of Zaykabar Company Ltd. We will do our business [in Rakhine state] by realizing the countrys long-term strategy, said Aung Moe Kyaw. Myanmars de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi urged the corporate leaders on Friday to invest in beleaguered northern Rakhine state where recent violence has emptied ethnic villages and driven more than 580,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh where they are staying in refugee camps. Daw [honorific] Aung San Suu Kyi is urging us to create a business zone and an agriculture zone in Rakhine state, said Khin Shwe of Zaykabar Company Ltd., a Myanmar conglomerate with interests in construction and telecommunications. She is also urging us to build houses and create jobs for people, including businessmen who can live in the state, he said. For local people, she wants us to build infrastructure, such as roads for better transportation. Some roads have already been built along the Mayu mountain range [in northern Rakhine], so she wants us to continue doing development work in the state. The executives will meet with Aung Tun Thet, chief coordinator of the UEHRD, an organization chaired by Aung San Suu Kyi, to discuss how to invest in the states development and promote stability there. Noble goals President Htin Kyaw formally created the UEHRD on Tuesday as a way for the private sector, local nongovernmental institutions, civil society institutions, partner nations, United Nations agencies, and international NGOs, to work together to implement projects in all sectors to develop the largely impoverished and ethnically and religiously divided state. The committee is tasked with overseeing the provision of humanitarian aid, coordinating resettlement and rehabilitation efforts, carrying out regional development, promoting lasting peace, and arranging audits of funds from the state and local and foreign donors. Other members of the agency include vice-chairman Win Myat Aye, who also serves as minister for social welfare, relief and resettlement, chief coordinator Aung Tun Thet, and information and communications director Kyaw Myaing. In a report on Oct. 12, Aung San Suu Kyi announced the creation of the committee and its mission to accomplish three main tasks in Rakhine state the repatriation of those who fled to Bangladesh and the effective provision of humanitarian assistance; the resettlement and rehabilitation of refugees; and the development to the region and establishment of durable peace. This enterprise has been established with the aim of allowing the Union government and all local and international organizations to work in all sectors and all strata of society, she said in a statement. The Myanmar military unleashed a brutal campaign against Rohingya Muslim civilians in northern Rakhine in late August following deadly attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) to find the militants and those who collaborated with them. Rights groups, the United Nations, and some of the more than half-million Rohingya who left the region have accused soldiers of committing atrocities in northern Rakhine. Last month, Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed to begin a process to repatriate the refugees under a 1993 agreement that allows the return of Rohingya who can prove residency in Myanmar. Trust and understanding In a related development, Maung Maung Ohn, former chief minister of Rakhine state and an opposition Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) lawmaker representing Ann township, stressed the need for all people in the multiethnic state to resolve their differences to ensure that the development work will be a success. To do development work in Rakhine state, it is important to have the trust and understanding of local people, including ethnic people and Muslim Bengalis, he said, using a derogatory term to refer to the Rohingya who are seen as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and are denied Myanmar citizenship. If we do development work, it will be destroyed and wasted if the two communities fight again in the future, he said. We must give priority to having stability in the region first, then creating jobs for them to survive, and then doing development work. Widespread communal violence between Buddhists and Muslims in Rakhine in 2012 left more than 200 people dead and displaced tens of thousands of Rohingya who were sent to refugee camps near the state capital Sittwe. About 120,000 Rohingya remain in the camps. Tensions between the two groups have increased in recent months with Buddhist mob attacks on Rohingya in various towns. Maung Maung Ohn also cautioned that those who live in the region must remain on alert in case of additional attacks by ARSA. We can have terrorist attacks in the future at any time because the terrorist groups have not been totally destroyed, and they are waiting for the right time to do it again, he told RFA. Because we cant underestimate [the recurrence of] terrorist attacks, we always have to be alert. Maung Maung Ohn said that even though current Rakhine state chief minister Nyi Pu and government minister Win Myat Aye are performing humanitarian work in the region, local residents still want more security. It would be great if the government, military, border police, and security guards could work with these ministers to ensure the security of local people, he said. Maung Maung Ohn also cautioned that the government needs to take care when determining which Rohingya refugees to accept back into the country. The Myanmar government already said it will accept the refugees who fled to Bangladesh, but we need to work very carefully on checking whether they really lived in Rakhine or not, he said, adding that the international community should work with Myanmar on this endeavor. Refugees return from Sittwe Ethnic Rakhine residents of northern Rakhines Maungdaw township who fled to Sittwe during the recent violence have returned to their homes, Tin Lat, deputy secretary of the state government, said on Friday. Only Hindu residents who fled alleged attacks by Muslim militants have remained in the Sittwe displacement camps, and they will return to their villages when the government arranges houses for them to live in, he said. We now have only 1,600 people in the camps in Sittwe, although we had more than 6,000 before, he said. About 1,500 of the 1,600 are Hindus and ethnic Maramagyi [an Indo-Aryan ethno-religious minority group]. Only about 100 are ethnic Rakhine. The government had to set up 31 refugee camps in Sittwe after the Aug. 25 ARSA attacks, though only five remain in operation now, Maung Maung Ohn said. Hindus are still living in the camps because they said they have no homes to return to as their houses were burned down, he said. ARSA militants invaded Hindu villages in Maungdaw in late August, rounded up residents, killed about 45 people, and dumped their bodies in mass graves, according to Hindus and the Myanmar government. They also abducted eight Hindu women and eight children and took them to a refugee camp in Bangladesh. The government pays those living in the camps 1,000 kyats (U.S. 72 cents) a day, Maung Maung Ohn said. It will provide 20,000 kyats (U.S. $14.50) and a 9,000-kyat (U.S. $6.50) boat fee to refugees who are allowed to return to Myanmar from Bangladesh, he said. The U.N. estimated that some 500 Hindus fled to Bangladesh after the Aug. 25 attacks, and some 30,000 Hindus and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists in Maungdaw sought refuge in other areas of Rakhine state, according to the online journal The Irrawaddy. According to 2014 census results, Hindus make up only 0.5 percent of the population of Myanmar, where 88 percent of the people identify as Buddhist and 4.3 percent as Muslim. Reported by Win Ko Ko Latt, Thin Thiri, and Wai Mar Htun for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Potential commercial quantities of Cobalt, Lithium, Manganese and Nickel encountered surrounding Silver properties and in tailings Company files September 30, 2015 Quarterly Report with all relevant corporate news, updates & developments through October 17, 2017 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Santa Fe Gold Corporation (OTC:SFEG) is pleased to announce that it is in the final process of completing acquisition of 100% of Bullards Peak Corporation and Black Hawk Consolidated Mines Company. The acquisition includes formerly optioned AG1 Silver Mine and all lands surrounding the project including potential Porphyry Silver Discovery, Cobalt, Lithium, Manganese and Nickel and all rights to same. SFEG is a U.S. based mining and exploration enterprise with emphasis on Gold, Silver, Copper, Precious, Industrial and Base metals and owner of multiple claims. These include the Malone Mines complex incorporating 20 associated mine sites, the Playas Lake Bed area of Hidalgo County, New Mexico and a Silver mining opportunity with a potential major Porphyry Silver discovery. The company expects to file the remainder of its financial statements in the very near future and has already initiated the necessary processes and procedures to begin production as soon as possible and plans are progressing speedily towards this next stage. Geological Visits and Mine Engineering Survey Since initiating the purchase, the properties containing the main Silver Mine and areas surrounding, containing Silver and other mineral deposits were recently surveyed and appraised by four independent geologists, mining engineers, other technical experts and mining professionals. They all came away with exceptionally high ratings and expectations for early production. Production is to begin in the near future and everything possible is being done to enable production to begin as soon as the companies are 100% under control of Santa Fe. Presence of Cobalt, Lithium, Manganese & Nickel Additional benefits through the purchase of these two companies are of particular note: Not only for the highly valued Silver mines and also potential Porphyry Silver discovery below and adjacent at depth, but in addition to that: The presence of Cobalt, which currently sells for a stunning $60,000 per ton, the highest prices in over 10 years. This highly sought rare metal is in increasingly high demand. Its growing use in a wide variety of technological applications and more recently especially Electric Vehicles and Batteries. Lithium is also currently in extremely high demand, so much so that prices are projected to quadruple in the next few years. Recent reports GM is planning 20 new Electric and Hydrogen powered vehicles soon. These rare and uncommonly valuable ore deposits are supplemented by additional high demand metals of Manganese and Nickel and should boost SF revenues once mining and processing of this material begins. Payments Progressing Towards Completion Santa Fe Gold has now paid $2.5 Million and expects to complete purchase in the near future and will then own 100% of both companies with extensive holdings. Purchase of the properties includes two (2) percent royalty of the Net Smelter Returns (the NSR) in perpetuity, to the previous owner and current seller of the companies holding these original properties. Property Description The properties are located in the South Western United States. They comprise 13 patented and 81 unpatented claims estimated to contain upwards of Three Million tons of unusually high grade deposits and multiple vein structures, which according to recently completed assays, suggests that some ore vein values could be in the thousands of dollars per ton range. Ongoing negotiations with buyers ready to pay such amounts per ton of ore delivered from the mine site continue. President and CEO Tom Laws Comments: With the filing of the September 2015 Quarterly Financial Statement and additional filings to follow, we are looking forward to becoming compliant in the near future and achieving eligibility to apply for listing on a higher exchange. A link to the latest 10Q is available below under: Release of Completed Financials The addition of potentially commercially viable deposits of Cobalt, Lithium, Manganese and Nickel adds a new and extra dimension towards additional revenues for Santa Fe. "These are all exceptional acquisitions for Santa Fe Gold that will now control highly the prospective lands in what is proving up to be the exceptionally highly mineralized zones we anticipated and expected to find and the core reasoning for purchase by Santa Fe Gold. To be endorsed by outside geologists recent surveys and appraisals confirms our original views and high expectations regarding the potential surrounding these properties. With particularly high concentrations of Silver, including presences of near pure Silver nuggets in the upper zones nearer to the surface, visiting geologists concurred on the uncommonly high prospects of this unique Silver mine and Porphyry Silver Discovery. Given the dimensions and extent of the vein structures: "The main Silver mine and potential Porphyry Silver deposit beneath represent tremendous upside potential and value for Santa Fe Gold which is estimated to contain a world class deposit of Silver and depending upon the extent of the Porphyry deposit discovery, could add ore bodies of additional breadth and value. "Proprietary surveillance methods recently revealed extraordinarily high concentrations of Silver and Gold in deposits, consistent with other high grade veins throughout the region." We are committed to getting these new properties into production as soon as possible: Our growing portfolio of highly sought after properties, with more to come, demonstrates the strong commitment, dedication and confidence in the future of Santa Fe Gold as management is intent on building the company to new heights and continues to progress towards a restart of production per our previously announced plans around asset acquisitions and production ramp up at a particularly opportunistic time for gold, silver and precious metals." Area is Rich in High Grade Deposits For the benefit of new investors and shareholders: As commented previously, the area in general and its surroundings, has an uncommon history of exceptionally high grades, as borne out by previous very high grade discoveries reported by Santa Fe Gold in 2012, where assays showed bonanza type high grades of 7.73 ounces of gold per ton and 269.75 ounces per ton of Silver. While such exceptionally high grades are rare and could be considered as an anomaly, they do prove that such grades exist. Historic mining of the Malone Mines Complex also owned by Santa Fe Gold, uncovered similar high-grade showings as borne out with grades reportedly as high as 16 oz per ton at one time encountered in the highest yielding area of this complex of mines, where some 80% of all the gold discovered in New Mexico has reportedly been found. Release of Completed Financials: September 2015 quarterly report just filed and updated through Oct 17, 2107 available at: http://archive.fast-edgar.com//20171018/AUKZP22CZ222N9Z2222C2ZZYA9MKZH22GC92/sfeg-20150930.htm About Santa Fe Gold Santa Fe Gold is a U.S.-based mining and exploration enterprise and owns the following mining assets: The Knights Peak region of Grant County, New Mexico comprising the Malone Mines, Patanka, Hillcrest Barranca and Principal Mines, altogether incorporating some twenty mine sites and all located at Knights Peak, together with an expanded area surrounding the Malone Mines in the southern region of Burro Mountains, New Mexico. The company also owns very significant holdings in the Playas Lake Bed Area of Hidalgo County that includes the presences of Titanium ore and other rare earth minerals and deposits. Santa Fe Gold is in the process of adding two mining companies to its portfolio, with very substantial Silver holdings along with Cobalt, Lithium, Manganese, Nickel and other rare earths currently being investigated. The companys Development Team continues to be extremely active in acquiring additional properties over recent months as it finalizes analysis of a number of attractive, economically viable opportunities and executes on the company's acquisition program that is totally focused on positioning the company to resume mining and production operations expected towards the end of this year. For more information and to register for updates: Please visit www.santafegoldcorp.com. Forward Looking Statements Please refer to the Forward-Looking Statements link at the bottom left of Santa Fe Gold's website for all relevant disclosures. Contact: Santa Fe Gold Corporation Frank Mueller, CFO (505) 255-4852 Brian Mullins cracked a smile and admitted that burning candles at both ends is a lifestyle hes come to accept and often thrives in self-inflicted as it may be. And now hes here in Richmond, where hes hoping that burn can enhance the regions already robust food scene. Mullins is the resident chef of the Aprons Cooking School within the newly opened Publix grocery store in Glen Allen. As Publix moves into the Richmond area, that store will be the only one to house a cooking school, which offers cooking classes for adults and children, private dining events, corporate team-building opportunities plus full-service catering. Thats a projected 400 or so events per year from families making gingerbread houses during the holidays to off-site catering for spring weddings and Mullins will have a hand in each and every one. Mullins is also among a handful of local chefs wholl entertain patrons during A Taste of Richmond Holiday event Nov. 1 at The Westin Richmond. The food extravaganza is put on by the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and for three hours from 6 to 9 p.m. those in attendance can eat their way, figuratively, through Richmonds restaurant scene as more than two dozen chefs and bakers offer hearty samples. There will also be beer and wine and holiday vendors for those whod like to start holiday shopping. Mullins isnt quite two months into his new life in the Richmond area with his wife and two children they moved here from Lakeland, Fla., where he was the resident chef of that areas Publix cooking school for the last three years. He describes his job as edu-tainment, that is, educating and entertaining the masses who will show up for chefs dinners, cooking demonstrations, wine pairings and catered occasions something new just about every day. Hell sleep in 2019, he said jokingly, referring to his hectic schedule. Old habits die hard. *** A self-described Air Force brat, Mullins was born at Chanute Air Force base in Illinois, then spent time in Germany and the Azores before his father retired with the family to Louisville, Ky., where Mullins finished high school and started college. Schnitzel and lasagna shaped his childhood (his grandmothers were German and Italian), and he reveled in the recipes and pictures within the Gourmet and Bon Appetit magazines that showed up faithfully every month in the mail. His parents were always cooking they were foodies before the term was coined, Mullins said. No matter how busy it was, we always had dinner around the table even if it was just a bologna sandwich. Mullins recalled that his first restaurant job bussing tables at a Bonanza resturant is where he fell in love with the hectic, chaotic pace of restaurant life. He worked for a catering company while attending Western Kentucky University. After two years there, the lure of the kitchen and not geology, the only other thing that remotely interested him was too strong. He transferred to the culinary program at Sullivan University in Louisville to earn his degree and began working in restaurants. But in his 20s, and newly married, the pace that lured him to cooking in the first place was burning him out. He took an eight-year food hiatus, during which time he worked for himself installing aluminum gutter systems in Tennessee, Florida and Maine. That day job also afforded him the opportunity to play music. He was a drummer with a heavy-metal Southern rock band as well as a Top 40s cover band. You hit that brick wall with cooking, he said. The hours are insane, and when the opportunity to have a normal day job opened, I had this crazy thing called a weekend, which Id never had before. He moved to Maine to be closer to family, but found the gutter business there hard to sustain. To supplement his income, he and his wife, Amy, started a catering and concessions business that specialized in barbecue, and Mullins worked part time as a meat cutter at a local grocery store. They later moved back to Florida, where Mullins got his foot into the door of Publix, working in the meat department. He had his sights set on meat management, though things took a turn and then accelerated quickly when opportunities arose to cook within the stores Simple Meals programs. Within 18 months, he was resident chef of the cooking school in Lakeland. *** Spare ribs arent something you just throw together, and that slow-cooking process is therapy for Mullins when he needs to decompress. Theres no rush with barbecue, he said. You put it in there and 14 hours later its done and you can drink a lot of beer in 14 hours. A craft beer lover, Mullins said hes learning his way around Richmond by visiting breweries, noting places such as Veil Brewing Co. and Hardywood as some of his favorites thus far. He said hes enjoying Richmonds laid-back vibe and the lack of traffic. Theres a definite sense of pride in this community, which I love, he said. Publix corporate chef Tim Donnelly called Mullins a natural leader who inspires confidence along with knowledge, but also shares a compassionate side that makes him very approachable to both customers and associates. He said Mullins is the sort of man who gets to know all of the stores associates by name, and that care extends to customers, too. Chef Brian Mullins has proven that his passion for customers and their satisfaction is not only a goal for his team, but that he personally ensures that each and every customer has an experience that will make them wish to return, Donnelly said. Its my honor and privilege to work with such a professional, talented and humble manager. They arrived alone in Virginia, teens a world away from where they grew up, bringing little more than hope, resolve and an eagerness to learn. They had fled death and despair surviving years in a refugee camp or trudging thirstily across searing deserts and came to America wanting nothing more than a chance. These three were from different countries Mexico, Honduras and Myanmar and were legally allowed into the United States under programs for children who arrived here without family members to care for them. Asein Ta, from Myanmar, came in as an unaccompanied refugee minor; Silvia Garcia Murcia, from Honduras; and Ana Tello-Duran, from Mexico, were admitted as unaccompanied children seeking asylum. All were placed in the foster care system. They have overcome barriers of language and culture, loneliness and, even still, self-doubt. All three graduated from local colleges last spring, and now all three are pursuing graduate degrees in fields that serve others: teaching, social work and medicine. Against a backdrop of political rhetoric that has turned unwelcoming for undocumented immigrants and refugees Attorney General Jeff Sessions in September categorized the unaccompanied minors program as a hiding place for wolves in sheeps clothing Garcia, Tello-Duran and Ta stand out for their accomplishments. They came to know one another at John Tyler Community College where they were part of the Great Expectations program, a statewide initiative that provides support to students in the foster care system. All three said the program has been a huge reason for their success. Theyre extraordinary, said Vicky Muensterman, who started JTCCs Great Expectations program. What all three of them have in common is that they are very resilient. When they first came, they had an idea that they wanted an education. Education was foremost in their minds. They knew no matter what it took that they were going to do everything in their power to get an education. Thats why they value it so much. They truly see it as a gift, not a right. Bob Schneider, a retired faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University, served as a tutor for Great Expectations and encountered Garcia, Tello-Duran and Ta. They were the most hardworking students, Schneider recalled. They came on time. They worked hard. They were motivated. Theyre the kind of students you wanted because they listened to you. They took direction. It was a pleasure working with them. Just a lot of satisfaction seeing them making progress over the years because I know they earned it. This wasnt given to them. All three came to Virginia through Commonwealth Catholic Charities, which has provided foster care services to about 1,000 children who entered the United States on their own since the program started in 1982. There are currently almost 60 in the program, said BeBe Tran, a foster parent specialist with the organization. The children come from more than 20 countries. It doesnt matter where youre coming from, Tran said. Were providing services to the most vulnerable. Doesnt matter the way you look white, black, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim. All people deserve to have a chance to live. These are children. What do you do? A political newcomer and a Republican incumbent are squaring off to represent a district that lies entirely in Chesterfield County. Larry Barnett, a licensed counselor, believes he can flip the district from red to blue, while Del. Roxann Robinson is hoping to win a fourth full two-year term. The 27th District, which touches Midlothian and Bon Air to the north and straddles the U.S. 360 corridor to the south, tilts Republican. President Donald Trump captured 49 percent of the districts vote in 2016, while Democrat Hillary Clinton received 45 percent. Robinson is an optometrist. She first took office after winning more than 72 percent of the vote in a 2010 special election to succeed former Del. Sam Nixon, also a Republican, whom then-Gov. Bob McDonnell had named chief information officer of the Virginia Information Technologies Agency. In an email, Robinson wrote that there is still work to be done. Campaign representatives said her schedule was too busy for a phone interview. Serving the people of Chesterfield has been the greatest honor of my life. While I feel I have accomplished a great deal, there is much more positive work to be done, she wrote. Despite its Republican leanings, Barnett believes the community is supportive of his platform. Barnett, who has worked for decades with Chesterfields mental health support services, said in a phone interview that he was inspired to run after getting more involved in political happenings in January. We really sense a shift that is less about party and more about people, Barnett said. He was really troubled, he said, after seeing that Robinson supported legislation that he believed the districts residents would oppose. That included a bill to shield the chemicals used in fracking, which he likened to hiding information and lack of transparency, and another supporting parental savings accounts that Barnett said undermined public schools. Robinson said the bill regarding fracking wouldnt have released the actual recipe to the public, but still would have released the chemical names and safety data sheets when the companies were requesting a permit to explore drilling options. She disagreed that education savings accounts would harm public schools. Robinsons bid relies on her record. She said she was proud of supporting the GO Virginia regional economic development initiative, a partnership with the business community that she said would create more jobs. She has also voted to allow school districts to choose when schools should start, and reduce the number of standardized tests. Over the last few years we have managed to pass a balanced state budget, on time, with no tax increase and no government shut down, all while increasing funding for K-12 education and giving teachers a pay raise in four of the last five years, she wrote in an email. If elected, she said she would accomplish her goals by working in a bipartisan manner to get results. Barnetts platform emphasizes Medicaid expansion and access to affordable health care as well as a multi-pronged approach to addressing mental health and substance abuse issues. As someone who works in the community, I have seen how detrimental that could be, Barnett said of the lack of health care. He said his background makes him uniquely positioned to craft legislation to tackle the issue. He also supports teacher raises, less focus on standardized testing and the development of renewable energy and technology sources. He emphasizes the equal treatment of all people. Robinson has raised $144,631 to Barnetts $97,252, according to Virginia Public Access Project data. Robinsons top donors include the Colonial Leadership Trust political action committee, Richmond Optometric Society, Virginia Dental Association and the Virginia Wine Wholesalers Association. Barnetts top donors include the Democratic advocacy organizations Win Virginia and the Competitive Commonwealth Fund, the Mid-Atlantic Laborers Political Education Fund, himself and several individuals. Barnett touted his fundraising history, saying it is a grassroots effort and he has refused to take money from corporations like Dominion, unlike his opponent. Im here to represent the people, not the big money, Barnett said. PHOENIX, Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Republic Bank of Arizona announced today it has changed its name from RepublicBankAZ to Republic Bank of Arizona (OTC:RBAZ). The Bank also recently converted from a nationally chartered bank to an Arizona state chartered bank. The conversion from a national charter to a state charter solidifies our loyal support of Arizonas businesses and residents and positions us for our ongoing goal of being Arizonas best community business bank, said CEO Ralph Tapscott. What This Means to Customers This change will not impact customers existing accounts, according to Tapscott. RBAZ customers will continue to receive the same products and services theyve come to depend on. What they will see is a renewed focus on serving Arizonas local businesses, their employees and families, Tapscott said. The name change and rebrand does have a number of touch points, including updating credit cards, debit cards, checks, statements, and several other materials. RBAZ anticipates the implementation of the new brand will continue through the middle of January 2018. New Location Coming Soon In addition to RBAZs new charter, new name, and updated brand, the bank will also move to a new location that offers greater accessibility and expanded facilities to better serve customers and the local business community. The new building is located less than two blocks away from our current location on the southwest corner of 7th Street and Missouri Avenue. The expected move date is April 2, 2018. All of us at Republic Bank of Arizona are truly excited to embark on this journey to build a community bank brand that supports our commitment to local businesses, said Tapscott. About Republic Bank of Arizona Republic Bank of Arizona is a locally owned, independent bank dedicated to strengthening our community and offering exceptional personalized service to business owners and community members through the involvement and dedication of knowledgeable and enthusiastic personnel. We are committed to maximizing sustainable earnings while promoting client-centered service within the parameters of safe and sound banking principles. Former President Barack Obama speaks at a campaign stop with Democrat gubernatorial candidate Ralph Northam at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on Thursday evening. This page will be updated with the latest news throughout the evening. Obama says he's related to Jefferson Davis: 'I'll bet he's spinning in his grave' 9:10 p.m.: Former President Barack Obama is bemoaning the rise of racial politics. Speaking at political rallies in New Jersey and Virginia, Obama said past prejudices the country thought it had "put to bed" have reemerged. The first black president offered himself as proof that the country has moved forward, telling the crowd in Richmond - the former Capitol of the Confederacy - that he is a distant relative to Confederate President Jefferson Davis on his mother's side. "Think about that," Obama said. "I'll bet he's spinning in his grave." Obama speaks at Virginia Democratic rally 8:32 p.m.: Former President Barack Obama is rallying supporters of Virginia's Democratic gubernatorial candidate and expressing frustration about the current state of political discourse. Obama told Virginia voters Thursday evening to back Democrat Ralph Northam in next month's election, saying Northam wants to take the state forward and not backward. He also decried the current state of politics and said "our democracy's at stake" in the Virginia election. It was Obama's return to the political spotlight for the first time since leaving the White House in January. He also spoke earlier Thursday in New Jersey. Virginia and New Jersey are the only two states electing new governors this year and those Nov. 7 races will be considered a bellwether of Democrats' strength in the face of President Donald Trump's victory last year. The Associated Press McAuliffe slams Trump Gov. Terry McAuliffe says the Republican candidate for the state's highest office is treating President Donald Trump like he has a "communicable disease." McAuliffe's comments mocking Ed Gillespie's reluctance to campaign with Trump came as former President Barack Obama visited the state in support of Virginia Democrats ahead of next month's elections. The Associated Press Stoney, McEachin, Fairfax kick off Northam rally in Richmond 6:35 p.m.: The rally for Democrat Ralph Northam got underway in the 6 o'clock hour at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Some members of the large crowd stood for hours in a line that snaked along the sidewalks by the building. According to the fire marshal, the crowd count for the rally was 6,250. The first speaker after the convocation, Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem was Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney. "Ed Gillespie and his team seek to silence our voices," Stoney said. "But in 18 days we can tell them that our voices matter more than the NRA! We can tell than our voices matter more than Donald Trump!" Stoney was followed by U.S. Rep. A. Donald McEachin, D-4th. "Do you understand that the eyes of the world are on Virginia? And that we must push back against Donald Trump?" McEachin said. Justin Fairfax, the Democrat candidate for lieutenant governor, was the next to speak. "Virginia will be the match that sparks the wildfire of progressive change all across this country and across this world," Fairfax said. Graham Moomaw Obama tells Democrats to reject politics of division, fear 5:15 p.m.: Former President Barack Obama on Thursday rallied at the side of his former ambassador to Germany, who is running for governor in New Jersey, and called on the crowd of Democrats to reject politics of "division" and "fear." Obama did not mention Republican President Donald Trump in his speech while standing next to Democratic nominee Phil Murphy, but he told the crowd at a Newark hotel that "you can send a message to the country and you will send a message to the world that we are rejecting a politics of division. We are rejecting a politics of fear." "Some of the politics we see now we thought we put that to bed," Obama said. "That's folks looking 50 years back. It's the 21st century, not the 19th century." The event for Murphy marked the first time the former president stepped back into the political spotlight since leaving the White House in January. The Associated Press Obama speaks at N.J. campaign stop 4:40 p.m.: Former President Barack Obama spoke at a campaign event in New Jersey for Democratic candidate Phil Murphy. Obama walked onto stage and hugged Murphy as the crowd chanted, "Four more years!" Obama says he would refer those people "to the Constitution, as well as to Michelle Obama." Murphy faces Republican Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno on Nov. 7 in the race to replace Republican Gov. Chris Christie, who prohibited by term limit laws from running again. The Associated Press Obama pushing Democratic governor candidates in N.J., Va. 3:45 p.m.: People arrived early and were waiting in line for hours Thursday as former President Barack Obama returned to the campaign trail to stump for Democratic gubernatorial candidates in New Jersey and Virginia. Thursday's events to fire up Democrats ahead of the Nov. 7 elections in both states mark the first time the former president is stepping back into the political spotlight since leaving the White House in January. Obama is hoping to sway voters in New Jersey and Virginia, the only two gubernatorial races this year. Both Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat, and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, are term-limited. Those Nov. 7 races will be considered a bellwether of Democrats' strength in the face of Republican President Donald Trump's victory last year. Obama was to drop in Thursday afternoon on campaign workers in Newark, New Jersey, for a private "canvass kickoff" for Democratic candidate Phil Murphy, who is running against Republican Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno. Diane Coleman, 70, of Jersey City, was among the first wave of people let into the room where Obama was to speak. The Democrat who oversees real estate records for one of the state's largest counties said she voted for Obama twice and would vote for him again if he could run again. She emphasized that speaking negatively about Trump could alienate some voters. "This is a great opportunity to see my president," she said. "I don't want to say anything bad about Donald Trump." After the Newark stop, the former president will head to Richmond, Virginia, to rally support for Democrat Ralph Northam in his campaign against Republican Ed Gillespie. Obama's appearance should serve to unify Democrats, who are out of power in the federal government and in most statehouses across the country, experts say. "I think Obama also is a reminder to Democrats of all stripes left, center that there was a time when Trump was not here, sort of the nostalgia of the pre-Trump days," said Seton Hall University associate political science professor Matthew Hale. Beverly McNeill has been involved with the preservation of Historic Stagville, a former plantation near Durham, North Carolina, for more than 15 years, but she has now started participating in a different type of living history and re-enactment. On Wednesday, she traveled from Durham to the Grounds of the University of Virginia to participate in a campout at the site of former slave quarters. Sleeping where slaves used to stay brings home the impact of slavery on her ancestors, McNeill said. Its so important for people to understand the impact of our history and how were dealing with the residue of it, she said. Some people ask her if shes scared, and some ask her if the pain of slavery is too great, but McNeill said she feels neither fear nor pain. Shes honored and encouraged, she said, to feel a small piece of the resilience her ancestors must have had. McNeill and about 50 other participants, wearing sweatshirts and wool caps to protect against the oncoming October chill, gathered Wednesday evening at the Lawn to participate in the Slave Dwelling Project, an initiative started by Joseph McGill in 2010. It was my intent that first year to just go within the state of South Carolina, where my limited resources would allow me to go, he said, describing the first few nights alone. But then, others started to join me. McGill estimates that he now has slept in more than 100 buildings, ranging from whitewashed cabins to cramped cells. On Wednesday night, the group slept in and around McGuffey Cottage, a small building by Pavilion IX. The cottage is one of the few remaining buildings on Grounds where slaves worked and lived. McGills goal with the project, he said, is similar to his goal as a re-enactor for the 54th Massachusetts, a black Civil War unit, which is to save buildings and the history they contain before the wood and brick decays entirely. Were here to counter the hate, he said. Were here to let people know that we are a nation thats proud of our history and proud of our diversity. Brendan Nigro, a third-year history major, chairs the University Guide Service, one of the first groups at UVa to begin researching and pushing for more public inclusion of the history of slavery. This is in no way an easy time to be a UVa student, but it is an important one, because UVa is participating in a national dialogue to grapple with our history, Nigro said. Nigro described learning about some of UVas history, such as the slaves who made the bricks for the Rotunda, the damp and unventilated basement quarters and the triumph of William and Isabella Gibbons. They were born into slavery in Albemarle County, worked at the university and somehow, though this was not really allowed, learned how to read, said Nigro. In many ways, this is the ideal of Jefferson that people would attain knowledge here but it would have never occurred to him that that could be true of William and Isabella Gibbons. Michael Swanberg, an assistant professor at the UVa School of Nursing, said he attended the sleep-in to try and gain a deeper historical understanding of minority communities in Charlottesville, which will benefit his work at the hospital. As a nurse, I am interested in health disparities in the Charlottesville community, he said. Knowing the deep history of the community helps me tailor nursing interventions specific to our community. The project is part of a symposium hosted by the Presidents Commission on Slavery and the University, which was formed in 2013 to research and raise awareness of the enslaved workers at UVa. The symposium continues through Saturday. GREENFIELD, Wis., Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greenfield Veterinary Clinic is pleased to announce that the facility will be sending two of their veterinary technicians to the American Association of Feline Practitioners annual conference. Dana Wilhelm and Brooke Jaeger will both be attending this specialist conference to expand their knowledge of feline medicine and learn more about feline infectious diseases and pediatrics. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) is a professional organization that supports and promotes the health and welfare of cats. Through publications, education, and relationships with other organizations, the AAFP is dedicated to supporting high standards of practice, offering continuing education opportunities, and enhancing scientific investigation as it relates to feline care. Each year, the AAFP holds a conference focused on different issues related to feline healthcare. The focus of the 2017 AAFP conference is Feline Infectious Diseases and Pediatrics. This years conference will be held on October 19 22, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. Greenfield Veterinary Clinic will be sending two of its veterinary technicians Dana Wilhelm and Brooke Jaeger to the conference this year. Our entire team is dedicated to staying current on the latest in veterinary medicine, says James P. Work, DVM, veterinarian and owner of Greenfield Veterinary Clinic. This conference with the American Association of Feline Practitioners is a great opportunity for members of our staff to learn more about specialized care for felines. Greenfield Veterinary Clinic specializes in treating small animals, including cats. The clinic has decided to send two of its veterinary technicians to the conference to provide an important opportunity for them to advance their knowledge of feline healthcare. At the conference, the technicians will attend a number of educational sessions lead by leading veterinary professionals from across the country. We diagnose and treat many cats each year, and these kinds of trainings help ensure that our staff is up-to-date on the latest in feline healthcare, says Dr. Work. I know that Dana and Brooke will be able to bring back a lot of great information about how our team can improve feline care, particularly as it relates to preventing and treating disease. Greenfield Veterinary Clinic is currently taking on new patients, including cats, dogs, and other small animals. The team offers a range of services from routine wellness exams to emergency services and surgery. For inquiries or to make an appointment, call the Greenfield office at (414) 282-5230. About Greenfield Veterinary Clinic Greenfield Veterinary Clinic has 38 years of experience serving the veterinary needs of those in Greenfield Oak Creek and the Greater Milwaukee area. Specializing in diagnosis, treatment, and care for small animals, the clinic provides a range of individualized veterinary services including annual exams, vaccinations, lab work, x-rays, laser surgery, ultrasound, endoscopy, and dental services. Contact: Greenfield Veterinary Clinic (414) 282-5230 A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. St. Louis, MO, Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smith Management Group (SMG), an Associa company, partnered with St. Louis-based Carmody MacDonald law firm to host the Collections Dos and Donts seminar to educate board members on best practices, bankruptcy, foreclosures and the steps boards can take to reduce future delinquencies. The speakers included Todd Hamby and Stephen Davis of the Carmody MacDonald legal team that specializes in homeowner and condominium association law. They presented board members information on the process of collecting delinquent assessments, late fees, interest payments, fines and attorneys fees. SMGs staff is made up of the best trained, most equipped industry professionals, stated Roger Kinney, SMG president. But our dedication doesnt stop there. We continue to provide training opportunities and educational resources for our board members. We believe that a board with access to the most up-to-date information will better serve the communities that they represent. The event was held at Smith Management Groups office in St. Louis, MO. Smith Management Group (SMG) is the St. Louis area choice for community management, specializing in serving the finest condominium, villas and homeowner associations throughout the St. Louis, St. Charles and Jefferson County areas. Since no two associations are the same, SMG has created a menu of services that allows clients to customize a solution to meet their unique needs. The SMG team is comprised of experienced professionals, with services based on best practices in the community associations industry. With more than 180 branch offices across North America, Associa delivers unsurpassed management and lifestyle services to nearly five million residents worldwide. Our 10,000+ team members lead the industry with unrivaled education, expertise and trailblazing innovation. For more than 40 years, Associa has provided solutions designed to help communities achieve their vision. To learn more, visit www.associaonline.com. Stay Connected: Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.comSmithManagementGroup Subscribe to the Blog: https://hub.associaonline.com/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/associa Join us on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/associa Attachments: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ad0ae385-e738-41c3-bae6-528193537158 Nearly two years ago, when she launched Tabs to Remember the Children, Shirley McNeil could not envision 1.5 million of anything, much less pull-top tabs. In September, McNeil experienced the excitement of storing 1.5 million tabs, each representing a child who died during the Holocaust. Its amazing, she said. A viewing of the 2004 documentary Paper Clips led McNeil to thinking about the Holocaust and how to honor those that were murdered for no other reason than being Jewish. Paper Clips chronicled a Tennessee middle schools class project of finding a meaningful way to honor the 6 million Holocaust victims by collecting a paper clip to represent each victim. Most of the students in the class had been brought up in a heavily fundamentalist Christian environment and had never seen or spoken with a member of the Jewish faith. The students were inundated with contributions from around the world and eventually procured an authentic German rail car to hold the millions of paper clips. Although she wasnt Jewish, McNeil said she felt an obligation to do something. She had become a member of Roanokes Temple Emanuel after her husband joined about 17 years ago. Being accepted with open arms, she said, increased her pride and joy of being involved in the temple, which does so many great things in the community, especially helping her launch Tabs to Remember the Children. Realizing she couldnt handle a project the scope of the paper clips, McNeil, a grandmother, began focusing on the children who died. Temple members eagerly pitched in and began collecting pull-top tabs. In April 2016, McNeil said she wanted to give people a vision of the 1.5 million children killed during the Holocaust. In later correspondence to one Roanoke Valley school official, McNeil wrote: I was thinking not only how horrible, but [also how] the Holocaust also snuffed out lives that could and would have contributed to our world in a positive way. Think of the doctors, lawyers, scientist, inventors, painters, musicians, etc. that we lost. I decided I wanted to have a memorial for those children. McNeil subsequently realized that her campaign also could benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Virginia, which assists families of sick children. McNeil was even more motivated in October 2016 when the mayors of the cities of Roanoke and Salem proclaimed November 2016 as Tabs to Remember the Children month. Then on Sept. 1, 2017, about 21 months after starting the collection project, McNeils vision became a reality and she emailed: Shabbat Shalom ... we met our goal this week. It was more than two years earlier than expected. McNeil, now known as the tab lady, gathered tabs in many colors, sizes and materials. They came from cans of soda, beer, soup, vegetables, fruit and pet food and have filled 66 bins that weigh 40 to 50 pounds each. Her breakdown shows that approximately 71,000 tabs were collected each month, or nearly 2,500 daily. McNeil said tabs came from 22 states, from New York to California, and six other countries Canada, Italy, Guatemala, Morocco, Japan and Ireland. McNeils excitement has been evidenced in her emails describing the drive and thanking participants. She also announced that a memorial presentation will be held Nov. 10 and that Hank Brodt, a Holocaust survivor, will speak. How often do we get the chance to hear a Holocaust survivors story? While Jews hear these stories, our friends and neighbors dont. Invite them to come along with you to hear our story, McNeil said. The tabs will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, which has a tab-top program that has raised thousands of dollars to support the families of seriously ill or injured children who are receiving medical treatment in Roanoke-area hospitals. During the 22-month campaign, McNeils home became a haven for storage bins. McNeil and her husband, Wayne, made a few changes in their normal routines. He drove her around town to collect tabs and probably counted 85 percent of the tabs while sitting at home. Many times, I went to events that did not have the personnel to collect the tabs, so I went through their trash and pulled the tabs off of drink cans myself, McNeil said. It got to the point, she added, you would see a tab on the ground and you just get use to picking it up. Although the project started at Temple Emanuel, McNeil recognizes numerous congregations and businesses that assisted. So many people helped with the collection that there is no way I can possibly thank everyone, she said. If you helped in any capacity, thank you. I know that many of you asked your friends and neighbors to help, thank you. Still, there were few that McNeil singled out as special people for their assistance: Johnny Nunley, Scott Winter, Trevor Winter-Pierce, and her family. CHRISTIANSBURG The towns Volunteer Fire Department received one of its largest-ever donations last week with a $10,000 gift from Atmos Energy, a town news release reported this week. We are very lucky to have residents and businesses that are so supportive of our department and mission, town Fire Chief Billy Hanks said in the news release. We look forward to putting this money to good use by purchasing equipment that will help make our community safer. This is the third year that Christiansburg firefighters have received money that Atmos Energy raised through its annual Southwest Virginia 811 Run. Held in August, the 811 Run is an 8-mile and 5-kilometer race meant to raise awareness about calling 811 before digging to check the location of underground utility lines. The prior donations from Atmos Energy to the Christiansburg department were $1,000 and $1,900. The newest donation will be used to buy gas-monitoring equipment, the town news release said. The release quoted Atmos Energy Operations Supervisor Perry Patterson as saying, When somebody breaks a gas line these guys respond they have our back. Its truly a partnership in an emergency situation. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Micron Waste Technologies Inc. (the Company) (CSE:MWM), formerly Finore Mining Inc. (CSE:FIN), is pleased to announce that it completed its previously announced acquisition (the Transaction) of Micron Waste Technologies Inc. (Micron). In connection with the Transaction, the Company consolidated its common shares on the basis of one post-consolidation share for each two pre-consolidation shares (the Consolidation) and changed its name to Micron Waste Technologies Inc. The Transaction constitutes a fundamental change pursuant to Policy 8 Fundamental Changes and Change of Business of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the Exchange) and the Company will carry on the business of Micron. The Exchange issued its conditional approval of the Transaction on September 29, 2017. The Companys post-Consolidation common shares (the Common Shares) will resume trading on the Exchange under the new ticker symbol MWM after the Exchanges conditions for listing are satisfied and the Exchange issues its final bulletin confirming the completion of the Transaction. The Companys Common Shares are anticipated to resume trading next week. Micron Waste Technologies Inc. has developed an innovative technology that transforms organic waste into clean water that meets municipal effluent discharge standards on site. The Micron technology is targeted for supermarkets, restaurants and marijuana producers seeking to reduce costs and improve efficiency in the processing of organic waste. Micron's technology is currently being used by a major B.C. food retailer and has been in operation since December 2016. Micron is also in advanced discussions with quick service restaurants to install the Micron Waste Systems at fast food restaurants to handle their organic waste on site. In addition, Micron is in advanced discussions with an industry leading marijuana cultivator in Canada to develop and install the Micron Waste System at their licensed cultivation facilities. For more information about Micron, please visit www.micronwaste.com The Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Micron through a three cornered amalgamation involving a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and Micron. Pursuant to the Transaction, the Company issued to the shareholders of Micron an aggregate of 28,877,000 Common Shares. Outstanding Micron common share purchase warrants by their terms became exercisable for an aggregate of 27,044,200 Common Shares at their existing exercise prices of $0.25 to $0.50 per share. With the completion of the Transaction, the Company has 60,263,765 Common Shares issued and outstanding (on an undiluted basis). The principals of the Company collectively hold 8,263,500 Common Shares, all of which are subject to an Escrow Agreement pursuant to the policies of the Exchange. The company is well funded with approximately $5.5M in working capital and zero debt. In connection with the completion of the Transaction, the Company is pleased to announce its board of directors as follows: Rav Mlait, Kulwant Malhi, Bharat (Bob) Bhushan, Cam Battley and Dr. Hyder Khoja. In addition, Mr. Mlait will serve as Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Sadhra will serve as Chief Financial Officer. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Rav Mlait Chief Executive Officer and Director For further information contact: Investor Relations phone: 844-318-8216, email: info@micronwaste.com. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and, except as required by applicable law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. By its very nature, such forward-looking information requires the Company to make assumptions that may not materialize or that may not be accurate. This forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, levels of activity and achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such information. The Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release Sacramento, Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Luxer One, the original leader in smart package lockers solutions, has announced a program guaranteeing at least 99.9% uptime for its apartment community customers. Luxer One has been providing package delivery lockers to multifamily communities since 2013. The systems are designed to allow delivery carriers such as FedEx, UPS, USPS, and all others to deliver residents packages directly to the electronic lockers located at the apartment property. The Luxer One system automatically sends residents a text message containing a one-time use access code to input at the locker touchscreen that opens a compartment containing their package. A video illustrating the easy-to-use experience is available at: https://youtu.be/IyLXolPttxY The company unveiled its US-made outdoor locker systems at the 2017 National Apartment Association Education Conference earlier this year. Its four locker tower models including the oversized locker compartment standing at over 6ft. high will be available in both indoor and outdoor configurations. After over 4.5 million successful deliveries in the US and Canada, Luxer One today announced its 99.9% service level uptime guarantee. Weve made incredible progress this past year in our software and hardware to achieve this level of uptime, says Arik Levy, Founder/CEO of Luxer One. We have far exceeded this service level for the past year and are excited to formally announce our guarantee. The new uptime guarantee was released at part of the companys commitment to customer service and resident support. As a neutral third-party package acceptance system, Levy says Luxer Ones business mission is to accept 100% of the packages that come through the door at apartment communities, regardless of package size, delivery carrier, or retailer. We have a responsibility to our users to give them an excellent package delivery experience, and that includes ease-of-use, 24/7 support, and data privacy, says Levy. When apartment communities are considering package lockers, its vital for them to adopt agnostic solutions like ours, to deliver on their promise of excellence and to protect the information their residents have entrusted them with." Luxer One's dedication to solving the package problem for apartment communities has resulted in 400% revenue growth in the past year. About Luxer One Luxer One develops the worlds leading package management solutions, with a suite of smart package lockers and automated package rooms designed to accept 100% of deliveries, regardless of source or size. The Luxer One team started innovating 24/7 automated locker solutions in San Francisco in 2005. Today, the company holds four patents with two pending, and has performed millions of locker deliveries globally through its advanced technology platform. Luxer One serves the multifamily, retail, office, and mail center industries. To learn more about Luxer One, please visit www.luxerone.com. The West End Center for Youth is seeking runners for its Spooky Sprint 5K on Oct. 28. The event will be held at Wasena Park, starting at 9:30 a.m. Day-of-event registration will be held from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. A costume contest, after party and awards ceremony follow the race, which is $35 for adults and $25 for children. The center, at 1226 Patterson Ave. S.W., offers academic enrichment, wellness, social skills development and leadership program activities for children. For more information, call 342-0902 or visit www.westendcenter.org. Kroger donates $1 million to breast cancer fight Kroger is donating $1 million to the fight against breast cancer during October, breast cancer awareness month. The funds will be donated to local organizations that fight breast cancer by supporting research, providing mammograms and treatments, funding cancer education classes and support groups, sponsoring community events and paying for wigs, mastectomy supplies and transportation assistance. Breast cancer takes a toll on the lives of our associates and customers, so Kroger is continuing its commitment to finding a cure and to helping people get the treatment and resources they need, Allison McGee, spokesperson for the Mid-Atlantic Division, said in a news release. Since its beginning, Krogers Sharing Courage program has generated $35 million to support breast cancer education, services and research. The funds stay in the communities where our customers and associates live, added McGee. Kroger also has developed a web site, www.sharingcourage.com, featuring recipes that focus on healthy calorie-boosting ingredients for cancer patients and easy meals for caregivers to prepare. The grocer also is providing a 15 percent off promo code for customers who want to purchase The American Cancer Society New Healthy Eating Cookbook. Member One contributes to hurricane relief Member One Federal Credit Union and its members recently donated $20,000 to disaster relief efforts of the American Red Cross following the recent devastating hurricanes. During September, credit union members donated directly to the Red Cross. Each donation was matched by the credit union for a total of $20,000. Member Ones focus is on helping those in need during times like these, said Paul Economy, chief retail officer. Im proud that our generous credit union members came together to provide critical support to help those affected by the recent hurricanes. The donations will go toward providing shelter, food and emergency assistance. Chicago, Illinois, Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Professor Daryl Lim, Director of the Center for Intellectual Property, Information & Privacy Law at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, will attend the 33rd Annual US Bar EPO Liaison Council Meeting between representatives of US Bar groups and the European Patent Office (EPO) from November 14 16. EPO representatives will include President Benoit Battistelli and senior members of the EPO staff. Lim will also meet with members of the EPO Board of Appeals, and attend a dinner hosted by President Battistelli along with the U.S. delegation. As in past years, the agenda is expected to cover EPO initiatives and other issues of contemporary relevance to U.S. businesses and patent practice and end with a presentation of U.S. developments by the visiting delegates. Its an honor for me to attend this high-level meeting between senior members of the U.S. patent bar and senior officials at the EPO, Lim noted. This is a group that has influenced the development of European patent policy and the development of US-EU understanding of patent law in significant ways. The invitation both reflects John Marshalls long-standing international reputation in IP and the difference that the Center continues to make today in fostering dialogue between different stakeholders in the IP world. Attachments: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f502ed69-9371-4d71-9e50-9b99c91f4323 New York, New York, Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- H.E. Paul Kagame, President, The United Republic of Rwanda, will be honored with The World Tourism Award 2017 for Visionary Leadership on November 6, 2017, on the opening day of World Travel Market London, at the Excel Center. H.E. Kagame will be honored at the annual World Tourism Awards ceremony, celebrating its 20th Anniversary, co-sponsored by Corinthia Hotels, The New York Times, and Reed Travel Exhibitions. Peter Greenberg, CBS News Travel Editor and world-renowned travel expert, will host the Award presentation. The World Tourism Award for Visionary Leadership is being presented to H.E. President Paul Kagame in recognition of H.E. Paul Kagames visionary leadership through a policy of reconciliation, sustainable tourism, wildlife conservation, and economic development attracting major hotel investment, resulting in the remarkable turnaround that has led to Rwandas rise as one of the leading tourism destinations in Africa today. Under the visionary leadership of H.E. President Paul Kagame, Rwanda has achieved remarkable tourism success and has been established on the global stage as a leading sustainable tourism destination in Africa today. Tourism, Rwandas number one foreign exchange earner, has played a crucial role in the countrys development. Revenue from tourism has doubled from $200 million USD in 2010 to $404 million USD in 2016 indicating an annual average increase of 10%, surpassing the National Export Strategy II target in 2016 by 13%. Over 1.3 million tourists visited Rwanda in 2016. Visitor arrivals for the same period (2010-2016) have increased by 12% annually against a backdrop of UNWTO arrivals in global emerging markets bench-marked at 3.3% for the same period. The tourism sector in Rwanda is expected to grow at 15% per annum. As a preferred investment destination, Rwanda has instituted several initiatives to ensure a conducive environment for business. To date, Rwanda is considered as the 2nd competitive destination for business in Africa according the 2017 WEF Global Competitiveness Report, and this has encouraged even more foreign investment in the tourism sector. Prioritizing infrastructure development within the travel and tourism sector with over $ 1 Billion USD invested into significant contributors such as RwandAir, enabling it to expand its routes globally to 23 destinations as well as increase its airlift capacity with two new A330 Airbus aircraft. The next major development in this sector is the commencement of the new international Bugesera Airport. The construction of Kigali Convention Center now positions Rwanda as an international conference and meetings destination. The addition of over 1,600 international brands four and five star lodge and hotel rooms, including Marriott, Radisson Blu, Bisate by Wilderness Safaris and One & Only Nyungwe House, Ubumwe Grande that has been acquired by Double Tree by Hilton has resulted in the creation of over 90,000 jobs in the overall hospitality industry. Sustainability is critical to a sound tourism policy and Rwanda has ensured that 10% of all tourism revenue is given back to the communities surrounding the Countrys four national parks. This money is used to fund local priority projects such as schools, health centers and business that promote sustainability benefiting thousands of Rwandans. Rwandas Conservation efforts have made a major impact on the growth of the world-renowned mountain gorilla population by 26.3% since the last census in 2010. The Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is now home to 305 mountain gorillas which accounts for more than half the population in the Virunga Massif. Other conservation milestones in Rwanda took place in the Akagera National Park, where fencing of the park led to a reduction in human-wildlife conflict. Also in Akagera, there was the recent reintroduction of lions and rhinos. There is also a marked reduction in poaching throughout the country, for example in 2013, more than 2000 snares were collected from the park whereas in 2017, only 1 snare was collected. Similarly, in 2017, no arrests were made compared to back in 2013 when more than 200 poachers arrests were made. Another major conservation achievement was the proclamation of Gishwati Mukura National Park bringing the total number of national parks to four with 9% of land now managed as protected national parks. -ENDS- About the World Tourism Awards: The World Tourism Awards, celebrating its 20th Anniversary, are presented annually at World Travel Market London and sponsored by Corinthia Hotels, The New York Times, and Reed Travel Exhibitions. It was inaugurated to recognize individuals, companies, organizations, destinations and attractions for outstanding initiatives related to the travel and tourism industry, and in fostering sustainable tourism and developing programs that give back to local communities. The World Tourism Award is organized by The Bradford Group on behalf of the sponsors. The Award itself, Inspire, was specially designed and handcrafted on the Mediterranean Island of Malta by Mdina Glass, and celebrates the qualities of leadership and vision that inspire others to reach new heights. World Tourism Awards Hashtag: #WTA20th Editorial Contact World Tourism Awards: The Bradford Group: Karen Hoffman/ Bianca Pappas Tel: 212 447 0027 E-mail: info@bradfordglobalmarketing.com Press Contact Rwanda: communications@presidency.gov.rw Attachments: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/33364e3d-38f2-48d2-a6fd-57f276ff3286 Attachments: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c7399d88-6bde-45ac-8a0b-67c26af016fa VANCOUVER, B.C., Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Small Business BC is pleased to announce its partnership with the BC Small Business Roundtable to deliver the Open for Business Awards. The Open for Business Awards recognize and celebrate B.C. communities that best demonstrate their support for small business by promoting business friendly initiatives in their region. Across our province, small businesses are at the heart of B.C. communities, said Bruce Ralston, B.C. Minister for Jobs, Trade and Technology. The Open for Business Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate local communities and municipalities that support these businesses, providing good jobs for people, and keep our economy vibrant and growing. We are delighted to be partnering with the Province in delivering the Open for Business Awards, said George Hunter, CEO at Small Business BC. We have witnessed how local governments can help small businesses to grow and thrive by creating a business friendly community culture. Its great to celebrate their contributions. This year, for the first time, nominations are open to both the public and the community in the following categories: Small Community (<5,000 residents) Medium Community (5,000 25,000 residents) Large Community (>25,000 residents) First Nations Community (all sizes) Nominations are open from October 1, 2017 to November 30, 2017 through the Small Business BC Awards website, and ask simply: why should your community win this award? When nominations close, nominated communities will be invited to present a case study on one of their initiatives to demonstrate to the judges what makes their community the best. These case studies will be used to determine Top 3 finalists of each category. Winners will be announced at the Small Business BC Awards Gala at the Vancouver Convention Centre on February 23, 2018. I encourage other First Nations to submit their story, says Bert Mercer, Economic Development Manager, Nisgaa Nation and 2016 winner. Winning the award has given the Nisgaa Nation much free publicity on what we have as a Nation, especially the first modern Rural Treaty in BC, Canada and the World. We continue to grow and nurture in developing new business initiatives that benefit our Nation. The Open for Business Awards provide an important platform for local government to learn and share best practices, and showcase winning initiatives that have contributed to the success of local businesses. The Open for Business Awards is a terrific opportunity for local government to share a successful initiative that helps to support small business, explains Kerri Moore, Manager, Strategic Relations & Business Development. After receiving the award in 2016, weve had several municipalities reach out to learn more about our initiatives and how we have been making it easier to do business in the City of Victoria. More details on the Open for Business Awards can be found at www.sbbcawards.ca/open-for-business. About Small Business BC Small Business BC provides entrepreneurs with the information and guidance necessary to build a solid foundation for their business. Through a wide range of products, services, education and resources theres a piece that fits with every business. No matter what stage or what skill level, when an entrepreneur finds themselves asking How do I? Small Business BC is the one to call. About the Small Business Roundtable The Small Business Roundtable was established in 2005 to engage in a dialogue with small business owners to identify the key issues and opportunities facing small businesses in British Columbia, and to develop recommendations for small business and government on strategies to enhance small business growth and success. Chesapeake VA, Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Through several local outreach initiatives, Myriad Provisions International proved their commitment to the Virginia Beach community this summer. The management staff vows to continue their outreach projects, in hopes of sparking a national trend. As the devastation of hurricane Harvey began to circulate, Matthew Tuso, one of Myriads leading associates, discovered several local initiatives geared toward helping Houston residents. The team quickly jumped on board when the news spread that J.J Watt donated $100,000 and set a goal to reach $200,000. The team headed to their local Buffalo Wild Wings with a crowd of nearly 30 people. Buffalo Wild Wings hosted an event in which 10% of their gross sales went to J.J Watts Fund for Hurricane Harvey. In just two weeks, the fund reached over $37 million, far surpassing the original goal. The company then turned their sights to the 11th Annual Victory Walk in Portsmouth, Virginia hosted by the Hampton Roads Chapter of the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation. Kevin Smith, another of the Myriad Provisions team leaders discovered the cause and began to build a relationship between the foundation and Myriad when he had a surprising run in with the founder of the organization. Because of the forged relationship, Myriad Provisions associates had the honor of holding the foundations banner to begin the walk. Another of the companys associates, Anthony Jackson took home the first place medal for completing the walk. Their outreach continued when Denysia Wright spearheaded the partnership between the company and the Out of the Darkness Walk in Newport News lead by the American Association for Suicide Prevention. With the unrelenting epidemic that continues to sweep the nation, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Naturally, several of Myriads associates have known someone who struggles with depression and felt compelled to help their local community through the Walks initiative. To complete Myriads month of giving, the company helped Hampton Roads food bank by organizing, prepping and packaging meals. This effort marked another initiative lead by Ms. Wright. As Myriad Provisions International continues to settle into Virginia, the bond between local community and thriving firm continues to strengthen. THEY put their lives on the line defending our freedom - and now they need your help to ensure they can continue to receive vital support adjusting back to civilian life. The Royal British Legion, which supports current and former soldiers and their families, has issued an appeal for volunteers as it prepares for this years Poppy Appeal campaign. The charity has an army of around 350,000 volunteers who help raise funds. Mia Senior, the RBLs community fundraiser, said: We need approximately 40 additional volunteers in Barnsley, Rotherham and Sheffield this year to ensure we raise much-needed funds. Volunteering can provide great opportunities for those involved. It allows the chance to meet new people, learn new and transferable skills and be part of a team that helps the Armed Forces community and promotes understanding of remembrance. Wed love all who want to volunteer with us to get in contact. Claire Rowcliffe, director of fundraising at the RBL, said: The Poppy Appeal is The Royal British Legions main fundraising event of the year. Our volunteers are very much the lifeblood of the Poppy Appeal and contribute enormously to the charity year-round through a variety of roles. The best thing about being a volunteer for the Legion is that we welcome all ages and all backgrounds. People dont have to be associated with the Armed Forces, they just need to be passionate about the cause. Contact Ms Senior on 07769 877443 or email MSenior@britishlegion.org.uk for more information or if you would like to volunteer. Members of Harthill Against Fracking pictured at a protest walk in August FRACKING was given the thumbs-down from councillors this week - but they only have the power to ban it on public land. They decided that shale gas mining will not be allowed on any land owned or controlled by Rotherham Borough Council. Applications to carry out the controversial mining technique have been submitted for a number of sites across the district, notably at Harthill and Woodsetts. A majority of councillors supported a motion on the ban at Wednesdays full council meeting. Cabinet member for housing Cllr Dominic Beck, proposing the motion, called for fracking activities, including survey work, to be banned on any land or property owned or controlled by the local authority. He said that research in the USA and elsewhere had suggested problems resulting from fracking could include earthquakes, pollution of drinking water, and subsidence. Cllr Beck said: We should not be supporting industries that still extract fossil fuels we should be encouraging renewable resources. Cllr Katherine Wilson, seconding the motion, said that residents were worried that fracking would have adverse effects on their homes. She also questioned whether many jobs would be created by fracking in the area and it will not be an asset to the local economy. Cllr Wilson said: We want to send a message that we are standing shoulder to shoulder with local residents across the borough. Cllr Brian Steele told his colleagues that he would support protests against fracking in the area. He said: I will go on demonstrations against fracking because I will not just oppose it in words but in actions. Cllr David Roche asked whether people could really trust big business carrying out fracking, adding that there are too many unknowns. He added: I am personally not happy to take the risk with peoples lives. But UKIP group leader Cllr Allen Cowles said that fracking was important to provide a secure source of gas in an uncertain world and that renewable energy could not provide all the power the UK would need. He also said that gas produced by fracking would be affordable for customers. Cllr Cowles said: If we are not producing our own gas, just where will the gas come from and just how secure will our supplies be? Thomas Lee A CORRUPT prison officer who supplied drugs to inmates to pay for a Las Vegas holiday deserved his tough jail term, judges have ruled. Gentle giant Thomas Lee (30), worked at HMP Doncaster from about June last year. The prison, like many others, had a serious drugs problem, Mrs Justice McGowan told London's Appeal Court on Wednesday. A crackdown was triggered after four inmates were hospitalised in October 2016. And, on November 8 last year, all staff were searched as they arrived for work. Lee, of Doncaster Road, Thrybergh, attempted to enter a lavatory but it was locked. He was taken to one side and searched. Cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, cannabis and other drugs were found, as well as eight mobile phones, seven SIM cards, memory cards and charging leads. The drugs which had a street value of 2,000, but prosecutors said their value was likely to be multiplied five-fold in prison. Lee revealed that he taken contraband into the jail on six previous occasions and he had done so to pay for a trip to Las Vegas. He admitted possession of cocaine, heroin and cannabis with intent to supply, as well as conveying mobile phones into prison. Lee also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply other Class C and B drugs. He was locked up for nine years at Sheffield Crown Court in February, but his lawyers argued that the sentence was far too tough. They pointed to his previous good character and described him as a gentle giant. Having started on the prison wing in early September, it was general knowledge that he was to get married in October in Las Vegas. He was very quickly corrupted as a consequence of his weak mind, his vulnerability and his susceptibility, the court was told. But Mrs Justice McGowan said: This was purely for greed, it was done in order to finance a holiday. There were repeated occasions of offending over a comparatively short period of time during which Lee was employed in the prison service. It was a striking breach of trust and his jail term was not manifestly excessive, the judge concluded. De Beers Consolidated Mines (DBCM) said diamond aggregation will help its clients in South Africa access stones despite the closure of the Voorspoed mine and the companys failure to secure exploration licences. There had been concerns that DBCM would find it difficult to replace diamonds from the closed mine as the Department of Mineral Resources had failed to approve 54 exploration licence applications submitted in the last two years by the diamond giant. Aggregation, however, does help because what it does do is that even if Venetia is mining in different areas, we would still have our ultimate international mixture that will fulfil their demand for specific goods that our beneficiators would have asked for, Mining Weekly quoted De Beers Senior VP Sightholder Sales South Africa Mpumi Zikalala as saying. She also said the closed Voorspoed mine had a somewhat different profile of goods from Venetia. Thats where they would constantly look at finding new mines to fill the gap, said Zikalala. Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished This was announced yesterday by the company's president Sergey Ivanov at a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev in Yakutsk, according to a statement released by the press service at the Head of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The increase was possible due to an improved situation in the diamond market in the first half of 2017. Touching upon the measures to support the Russian diamond-cutting industry, Yury Trutnev said that this could be done at the expense of a portion of ALROSA's dividends, an issue to be analyzed with a view to reduce their amount and carry out these measures at this expense. At the same time, he noted that the government does not plan to support the manufacturing sector at the expense of ALROSA as such. "We do not want the company to reduce the efficiency of its activities, thereby developing other industries," Trutnev said, noting that the support given to the diamond cutting industry pursues the aim to increase the added value from diamond processing in Russia, in particular in Yakutia and the Far East. According to the press service statement, ALROSA Group boosted diamond output by 2.4 million carats in the first half of 2017 versus one year ago in line with the Groups production targets. The Groups operations decreased their overall debt burden by 40.7% in the period under review. ALROSA Groups strategic action plan for 2017 covers such areas as the reorganization of the company's housing and communal services and its diamond manufacturing operations, as well as the development of its mineral resource base in the most promising areas of Yakutia. In addition, ALROSA is working on a Concept for the Development of the Aikhal Mining Division for a long-term perspective. The meeting was also attended by Yegor Borisov, Head of Yakutia; Alexander Osipov, First Deputy Minister of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East; and Alexey Moiseev, Deputy Finance Minister of the Russian Federation. Theodor Lisovoy, Rough&Polished, Moscow Nemesis International, UAEs first diamond polishing facility that was opened recently during the Dubai Diamond Conference (DDC) 2017, has been tasked with cutting and polishing the worlds most valuable rough diamond. The facility will focus on stones above $25,000 per carat, the factorys manager Filip Hendrickx told Rapaport News. Among the first of those will be the 813-carat Constellation diamond, which Nemesis bought in partnership with Swiss jeweler de Grisogono in 2016 for $63.1 million. At $77,613 per carat, the stone ranks as the most expensive rough diamond ever sold. It is estimated that cutting and polishing of the stone will take 10 to 12 months. The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) wants to bring diamonds to the United Arab Emirates and with this factory the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) is now a full-service one-stop shop, Hendrickx noted. Nemesis International will complement the range of services that Dubai's diamond trade can offer, which include customs, insurance, banking, a Kimberley Process office, and international tenders of a wide range of rough diamonds among others. The opening of the Almas cutting facility demonstrates the vertical integration of mine to market in Dubai, said Konema Mwenenge, CEO of Nemesis. It will facilitate growth of Dubais diamond industry with a turnover of high-volume rough to high-value polished. Editors Pick Retail giant Walmart reported Tuesday a loss for the third quarter compared to a profit last year, despite strong revenue growth, hurt by hefty $3.3 billion charges related to opioid legal settlements. However, adjusted earnings per share and quarterly revenues topped analysts' expectations. The retailer also raised its adjusted earnings guidance for the full-year 2022. The U.S. Department of Transportation or DOT has fined $7.25 million to six airlines across the world, which also collectively returned around $600 million in refunds to their passengers since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement, the DOT said these fines are for extreme delays in providing refunds. Shares of Vodafone Group Plc were losing around 5 percent in the morning trade in London as well as in the pre-market activity on Nasdaq after the British telecom major reported Tuesday weak profit in its first half with lower revenues. For fiscal 2023, the company now projects adjusted EBITDAaL at at the lower end of original guidance. The company also announced a new cost savings target Acacia Mining plc. (ACA.L) reported Friday that its third-quarter net earnings declined to $16 million or 3.9 cents per share from $53 million or 12.9 cents per share a year ago. Adjusted net earnings were $35 million, down 32% from the prior year. EBITDA was $50 million, 60% lower than last year, mainly due to the lower sales, while adjusted EBITDA was $77 million. Third-quarter revenue were $171 million, 40% lower than $284.70 million a year ago, impacted by the ban on concentrate exports, resulting in the loss of gross revenue during the quarter of approximately $90 million Gold production of 191,203 ounces fell 7%, and gold sales of 132,787 ounces were lower than last year. Brad Gordon, Chief Executive Officer of Acacia Mining, said, "Our has continued to be resilient in the face of the challenges in Tanzania and delivered production of 191,203 ounces during the quarter at all-in sustaining costs of US$939 per ounce sold." Separately, the company provided further update on discussions in Tanzania. The Government of Tanzania and Barrick Gold Corp., Acacia's majority shareholder, hosted a press conference in Tanzania to provide an update on their ongoing discussions. Acacia noted the further Barrick release of October 19 which provides additional details regarding the framework agreement signed by Barrick and the GoT. Acacia said it continues to seek further clarification and as yet no formal proposal has been put to Acacia for consideration. Any proposal agreed in principle between Barrick and the Government will require Acacia's approval, and Acacia will consider any agreement once it receives the full details. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Two former Presidents voiced concerns Thursday about the current political climate in the United States, urging citizens to oppose threats to American democracy. Neither Barack Obama nor George W. Bush named President Donald Trump in their high-profile speech, but the comments were seen as a veiled criticism of his leadership. After keeping a low profile and avoiding direct confrontation with his successor for months, Obama returned to the campaign trail on Thursday. Speaking at a rally in Newark for Phil Murphy, the Democratic candidate for governor in New Jersey, Obama decried the of division. Speaking for Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ralph Northam in Richmond later, the former president railed against 'the politics of fear.' "We need you to take this seriously. Our democracy is at stake," Obama, who is still the most popular Democrat in the country, told the gathering that waited a long time to see him. Both the elections are scheduled for November 7th, one year after the billionaire-turned politician swept the presidential polls. Termed as "big elections," the gubernatorial races are is seen as a major test for Trump and his Republican Party and also potential indicators of voter sentiment ahead of the 2018 midterm elections. Addressing the Bush Institute's Spirit of Liberty event in New York earlier in the day, George W. Bush urged citizens to oppose threats to American democracy. "Bigotry seems emboldened. Our politics seems more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrication." Bush said. He added, "We've seen nationalism distorted into nativism, forgotten the dynamism that immigration has always brought to America." For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd. (TSX.V:MON) (Montero) today announced that its Chief Financial Officer has resigned effective October 20, 2017. Montero has appointed Sheri Rempel as an Interim CFO, effective immediately. Ms Antonia Chapman has agreed to assist in a smooth transition and will remain a Director of the Company. Dr. Tony Harwood, President and Chief Executive Officer of Montero commented, We would like to thank Ms Chapman for her considerable efforts and contributions over the last 10 years and we wish her every success and happiness in her future. I would also like to welcome Ms Rempel as Interim CFO. Ms. Rempel has more than 30 years of accounting and financial management experience. Ms. Rempel started her career with public companies in 2001 and currently provides senior financial and advisory services to Canadian private and public corporations, acting in officer or controller capacities. About Montero Mining & Exploration Montero is a mineral exploration and development company engaged in the identification, acquisition, evaluation and exploration of mineral properties in Africa. Currently these include phosphates in South Africa and rare earth elements (REE) in Tanzania. Montero is reviewing and evaluating other opportunities from its operating base in South Africa. Montero trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol MON. Signed. Dr. Tony Harwood - President and CEO For more information: Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd. Tel: +1 416 840 9197|Fax: +1 866 688 4671 E-mail:ir@monteromining.com www.monteromining.com CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: 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. This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements". These statements are based on information currently available to Montero and Montero provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements with respect to Monteros future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that Montero or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results relating to, among other things, results of exploration, project development, reclamation and capital costs of Monteros mineral properties, and Monteros financial condition and prospects, could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons such as: changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets; changes in demand and prices for minerals; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological and operational difficulties encountered in connection with Monteros activities; the ability to complete a resource estimation and to complete a feasibility study which recommends a production decision; capital and operating costs vary significantly from estimates, and other matters discussed in this News Release and in filings made with securities regulators. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of Monteros forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on Monteros forward-looking statements. Montero does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by Montero or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Americans' approval of Congress has fallen to its lowest level in well over a year, according to the results of a new Gallup poll released on Friday. Just 13 percent of Americans approve of the way Congress is handling its job, down from 16 percent last month. Eighty percent of Americans disapprove of the way Congress is handling its job. Approval of Congress is now at its lowest level since July of 2016 and just a few percentage points higher than the record low of 9 percent seen in 2013. Gallup noted Americans of all political stripes hold Congress in similarly low regard, as just 18 percent of Republicans, 14 percent of Democrats and 10 percent of independents approve of the job lawmakers are doing. Republican approval has fallen sharply since spiking to 50 percent in February as the GOP took control of the presidency and both houses of Congress. "Americans' approval of Congress has historically lagged that of other major institutions, but Americans' views of the legislative branch have been particularly low since the late 2000s," said Gallup analyst Justin McCarthy. "The impact of specific congressional actions may also not do much to improve the way Americans view Congress," he added. "Partisan differences on individual issues have grown over time, making any legislative action unlikely to please even a slim majority of Americans." The Gallup poll of 1,028 adults was conducted October 5th through 11th and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News President Donald Trump has reportedly offered his support to three Republican Senators that former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon has indicated he would like to unseat. Citing five people familiar with the calls, a report from Politico said Trump spoke with Senators John Barrasso, R-Wyo., Deb Fischer, R-Neb., and Roger Wicker, R-Miss. One of the people told Politico that Trump promised to help the senators against any insurgent challengers and said he hoped they would be re-elected. The calls come as Bannon has declared war on the GOP establishment and suggested he plans to back primary challengers to almost every Republican Senator running for re-election next year. "We are declaring war on the Republican establishment that does not back the agenda that Donald Trump ran on," Bannon said in an interview on Fox News last week. "We're going after these guys tooth and nail." In remarks at the White House on Monday, Trump said he can understand where Bannon is coming from, arguing that Republican senators have not been getting the job done. "I'm not going to blame myself, I'll be honest. They are not getting the job done," Trump said. "I can understand where a lot of people are coming from because I'm not happy about it and a lot of people aren't happy about it." Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ken., has warned of the potential dangers of nominating insurgent candidates, pointing to the failed campaigns of Christine O'Donnell, Sharron Angle, Todd Akin, and Richard Mourdock. Politico noted Republicans hope to avoid spending money protecting incumbents in primaries and instead focus on defeating the ten Senate Democrats representing states Trump won in the presidential election. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) today hosted Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., at the companys Newport News Shipbuilding division. Warner saw first-hand the progress being made on the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) and the new technologies being implemented to increase efficiencies in shipbuilding processes across the shipyard. Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin and shipbuilders accompanied Warner on a tour that included a visit to an aircraft carrier construction facility and the main deck of John F. Kennedy, which is about 60 percent structurally complete. The tour also included a stop at the shipyards digital shipbuilding mobile experience, a 53-foot trailer used for training and recruiting next-generation shipbuilders. Inside, the senator experienced how shipbuilders are learning to use digital tools to build Navy ships more efficiently. The investments being made in the facilities and new technologies at Newport News Shipbuilding are commendable, Warner said. This company understands that technology is a driving force in attracting and retaining tomorrows workforce, and its use is helping the shipyard make great strides in building aircraft carriers and submarines more efficiently. I look forward to sharing what I experienced today with my colleagues in Washington so that we can leverage the shipyards efforts and help the Navy grow the fleet. In his second Senate term, Warner serves on the Senates Finance, Banking, Budget and Rules committees as well as the Select Committee on Intelligence, where he is the vice chairman. The former Virginia governor has been a strong advocate for Newport News Shipbuilding, including working to secure funding for the refueling and complex overhaul of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). We are working hard to be a stronger business, a better Navy partner and an employer of choice, Boykin said. We enjoyed the opportunity to share some of our digital shipbuilding efforts with Senator Warner, who understands the power of innovation and the need to attract the brightest talent to Virginia. He has always been an important voice on our behalf, and his willingness to take the time to stay informed on our progress underscores his commitment to shipbuilding. A photo accompanying this release is available at: https://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/file?fid=59ea4fc82cfac26bb7bf1ea8. Huntington Ingalls Industries is Americas largest military shipbuilding company and a provider of professional services to partners in government and industry. For more than a century, HIIs Newport News and Ingalls shipbuilding divisions in Virginia and Mississippi have built more ships in more ship classes than any other U.S. naval shipbuilder. HIIs Technical Solutions division provides a wide range of professional services through its Fleet Support, Integrated Missions Solutions, Nuclear & Environmental, and Oil & Gas groups. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, HII employs nearly 37,000 people operating both domestically and internationally. For more information, visit: HII on the web: www.huntingtoningalls.com HII on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HuntingtonIngallsIndustries HII on Twitter: twitter.com/hiindustries Contact: Christie Miller Christine.Miller@HII-co.com (757) 380-3581 SOUTH BEND, IN, Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Local marketing and advertising firm, Infinity Specialized Marketing, is pleased to announce its newest expansion to the Harrisburg, PA market. The expansion project, estimated to be complete by the end of the month, will be led by the firms newest Director of Operations, Patrick Cuba. Zachary Graber, Director of Operations & founder at the South Bend, IN office, stated that it was an easy decision to promote Cuba to Director of Operations and has full confidence in his success managing the expansion. According Graber, Cubas willingness to learn and incredible work ethic set him apart from his colleagues and made him the obvious choice for the project. Theres no doubt in my mind that Patrick deserves this promotion, asserted Graber. Im excited to give him this chance to prove himself as a leader within our company and see how far he goes. Cuba, who originally studied Criminal Justice at the Southern University of New Orleans, did not always plan on a career in marketing and advertising. According to the new director, the marketing/advertising field was foreign to him at the beginning of his employment at Infinity Specialized Marketing. However, with the training provided to him by the company, he was able to learn the skills necessary to advance within the organization. I started my professional career in management, so I always knew that I like working with and motivating other people, but I wasnt happy with the lack of growth that was available with my previous employer and Ive always been someone that likes to push myself to the next level, explained Cuba when asked what provoked him to make a career change. Im so happy with the growth that Ive seen with the company so far and Im excited to help it grow even more! At Cubas side during the expansion is Taylor Langworthy, account manager at Infinity Specialized Marketing. Langworthy joined the company earlier this year and has since proven himself a go-getter within the office. With that being said, its no wonder why he jumped at the opportunity to relocate to a new market and help Cuba with such a large project. When asked why he volunteered himself for the project, he stated that helping people has always been a passion of his, which is what attracted him to Infinity Specialized Marketing in the first place. Im ecstatic to be chosen to be Patricks right hand during this venture, stated Langworthy. My favorite part about working with Infinity Specialized Marketing is helping other people, with training and achieving their goals overall. I cant wait to start working with this new market and helping even more people grow as I have! Considering the incredible growth that the company has seen in 2017 alone, theres no doubt that the new expansion will be successful. However, Graber doesnt plan on slowing down anytime soon. According to the director, there are multiple markets that he is looking to venture into, which means even more opportunities for the company to grow. Im one to chase opportunities instead of shying away from them, so there will definitely be more expansions for Infinity Specialized Marketing in the future, said Graber. With that being said, Im excited to see who the next person to step up will be now that Patrick is managing his own location. You get what you give at our company, so anyone with a great work ethic and willingness to learn will always have opportunities for growth at Infinity Specialized Marketing. To learn more about Infinity Marketing Solutions or how to join the team, please visit http://www.infinityspecializedmarketinginc.com/ \ Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar, the government's second-most senior legal officer, on Friday said he has stepped down because he was not able to attend to his family and personal matters due to work. "I have resigned due to personal, family issues which I need to attend to and was not able to due to my work," Ranjit Kumar is learned to have written to his colleagues. He denied any rift with the government and told NDTV news channel that "the government is good to me". Ranjit Kumar is considered an expert on constitutional laws, service matters and taxation. He earlier served as counsel for the Gujarat government and was an amicus curiae in several cases in the Supreme Court before he took over as Solicitor General in June 2014, weeks after the BJP came to power at the Centre. Among the cases in which he represented the Gujarat government was the 2005 killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh in an alleged staged shootout. The resignation comes over three months after he got an ad-hoc extension of his tenure in June. Earlier, Mukul Rohatgi -- the government's top legal advisor -- resigned as Attorney General of India in June this year citing personal reasons. K.K. Venugopal took over as Attorney General after Rohatgi stepped down. One person was killed and two injured as police opened fire on a group of people protesting the killing of a local shopkeeper in Bihar's Samastipur district, an official said on Friday. Hundreds of angry protesters surrounded Tajpur police station and set ablaze five vehicles on Friday after shopkeeper Janardhan Thakur was shot dead by some unidentified criminals on Wednesday night, a police officer said. When a group of protesters tried to forcibly enter the police station, the police was forced to shoot, the officer said. The incident has triggered violent protests. Additional security forces have been deployed and top officials of the district administration are camping in Tajpur in view of the tension. _ _SHOW_MID_AD__ The air quality in Delhi and its adjoining areas was toxic and a thick blanket of smoke hung in the skies on Friday as lung-clogging particulate matter, PM2.5, went beyond dangerous levels, a night after Diwali revellers burst firecrackers despite a Supreme Court ban on their sale. The average air quality index on Friday was between 370-400, which was better than last year when it measured 445. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) portal, the average PM2.5 level in Delhi and NCR on Friday was 181 micrograms per cubic metre, significantly lower compared to the day after Diwali in 2016 when it measured 343 micrograms per cubic metre. The satisfactory limit of PM2.5 is 60 micrograms per cubic metre. PM2.5 are fine particulate matter that can enter lungs and get absorbed in the bloodstream, and can cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases and even lung cancer. "The share of PM2.5 increased during Diwali period and became 60-70 per cent which made air quality more toxic," according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) of the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences. According to the data recorded by air quality monitoring stations of the CPCB, levels of PM2.5 touched alarmingly severe levels in at least 12 centres where it ranged between 406 and 416 at 7 p.m. The severe level means that air pollution can even affect healthy people and seriously impact those with existing diseases. The air quality index was recorded "very poor" at seven stations - where it ranged between 321 and 394 at 7 p.m. The index value between 300 and 400 is considered "very poor" that can cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure. The air quality is likely to improve on Sunday in Delhi and adjoining Gurugram and Noida satellite towns. The region remained engulfed in a thick haze almost through the day, after the Diwali night that was less noisy than previous years. The Supreme Court ban on sale of firecrackers didn't prevent people from lighting sparklers, rockets and loud Diwali "bombs" though the volume was lower than previous years. Some people claimed to have travelled out of the city or shopped online to buy firecrackers, while many claimed they used last year's leftover stock to celebrate Diwali. The court on October affirmed the ban it had imposed on the sale of firecrackers in the Delhi and NCR. The court said the ban would be lifted at the end of this month if there was any positive effect during Diwali. Experts, however, opined that the Supreme Court ban on the sale was just not enough. Sunil Dahiya, a Greenpeace India activist, said: "There is enough evidence to prove the regional and comprehensive nature of air pollution. The need today is to curb the major sources of pollution along with curbing the episodic sources, such as Diwali firecrackers, to achieve breathable air throughout the year, and across geographies." Tourism industry leaders in Agra have welcomed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's decision to visit the Taj Mahal, which is seen as a damage control exercise after a series of controversial statements by politicians on the 17th century marble wonder. Adityanath's visit to Agra on October 26 will help soothe frayed tempers in the city, said tourism industry players. BJP MLA Sangeet Som had stirred controversy last week when he called the Taj Mahal a blot on Indian culture, while some other right-wing politicians have said the Unesco World Heritage Site visited by millions was not representative of the Indian socio-cultural ethos. Bodies representing guides, travel agencies, hotels, have threatened agitation at the "continued downgrading" and "motivated insults" targeting Agra. Mughal historian Prof R. Nath has in a series of letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Adityanath asked politicians not to distort history and base judgments on "gossips". Agra Tourism Welfare Chamber president Prahlad Agarwal said "a campaign to deny Agra its rightful share and recognition as the country's chief destination has hit the tourism sector badly". Talking to on Friday morning, some tourism industry leaders hoped the Chief Minister's visit would put the controversy to rest. Rajiv Saxena, secretary of the Guides Association, said "The Chief Minister's visit is perfectly timed." Senior tourism industry leader Surendra Sharma said the visit will surely help ease the charged atmosphere. Leaders of the handicrafts industry, already under pressure of economic slowdown due to GST, have appealed to politicians not to "foul up the scene by pointless statements that have no basis in history". Lakhs of people are earning their livelihood from tourism, and the latest figures show that the Taj Mahal continued to remain number one in gross annual earnings, said Sandeep Arora, president of the Tourism Development Foundation. Rajiv Tiwari, president of the Federation of Travel Associations of India, said unnecessary controversies relating to the Taj Mahal had affected sentiments and hit the tourism sector which has not been looking up for the past three years. The questions relating to the origin of the Taj Mahal, as also the P.N. Oak theory that the monument was a Shiva temple, have been cropping up at regular intervals. "The Hindu backlash actually began after the Archaeological Survey of India failed to stall a deliberate process of communalisation of the monument by allowing people to hold prayers and organise religious activities," senior guide Ved Gautam told . Meanwhile, authorities have drawn up plans to spruce up the area around the Taj Mahal which the Chief Minister is likely to visit. Barricading of the 10-km stretch from the Kheria airport to the Taj Mahal has begun along with extensive road repair work. District Magistrate Gaurav Dayal said Adityanath would be reviewing some projects under the Pro-Poor Tourism scheme, and will also launch a few infrastructural projects in Agra and Mathura. Adityanath last visited Agra on May 7, walking the dirty and controversial Taj Corridor in the afternoon sun, to discuss plans for Yamuna rejuvenation. However, nothing much followed. A report in a Taipei-based newspaper stating that Apple had cut orders for iPhone8 by more than 50 per cent owing to poor sales led to Apple shares plunging up to 2.8 per cent on Thursday. However, the Economic Daily News which quoted analysts did not elaborate on what sort of orders had been cancelled. Apple was yet to comment on this. There's a "more anaemic appetite for the iPhone 8 right now," Joe Natale, chief executive of Canadian carrier Rogers Communications, was quoted as saying in an Irish Examiner report on Friday. iPhone X has some hugely incremental features compared to the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, like less-bezel, facial-recognition system (FaceID), wireless charging and animoji, etc. Earlier media reports had predicted weak demand for iPhone 8 owing to a "super premium" $999 iPhone X. The queues outside Apple Stores were shorter than previous years and the growing craze to own "super premium" iPhone X was likely to be the reason. The various Apple Stores across the world reportedly saw a lot thinner crowd, far fewer than last year's iPhone 7 launch. The latest development confirms earlier reports that iPhone X is cannibalising iPhone 8 orders. "While it takes three to six weeks or more to ship new iPhone models after they are available for preorder, they see the iPhone 8 taking less than one to two weeks. This is due to the iPhone X cannibalisation," Ming-Chi Kuo, the most famous Apple analyst with KGI Securities said recently. There have also been some reports of iPhone 8 batteries swelling and phones being left split apart. iPhone 8 and 8 Plus went on sale on September 22. Apple was yet to release figures for the early sales of iPhone 8 and 8 Plus. The pre-orders for "super-premium" iPhone X will begin on October 27, with shipping starting November 3. The iPhone X will come to India on November 3, starting at Rs 89,000. Smartphone users in India have also said that the lack of innovation coupled with high price of the devices have affected their decision to buy iPhone 8 and 8 Plus. The iPhone 8 (64GB) costs Rs 64,000 while the 256GB variant comes at Rs 77,000. The iPhone 8 Plus starts at Rs 73,000 for 64GB while the 256GB variant costs Indian users Rs 86,000. Former US Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush have voiced concern about the current political climate in the US, urging Americans to reject the politics of "division" and "prejudice" in comments seen as a veiled rebuke of Donald Trump's leadership. In separate and unrelated appearances, Obama and Bush warned that the US "was being torn apart by ancient hatreds that should have been consigned to history long ago" and called for addressing economic anxiety through common purpose. While not directly addressing Trump, neither left much doubt whom and what they had in mind. Obama, who has returned to the campaign trail for the first time since leaving the White House, was speaking at a rally in New Jersey on Thursday to support Democratic candidate for Governor Phil Murphy, the New York Times reported. "Some of the politics we see now, we thought we'd put that to bed. I mean, that's folks looking 50 years back. It's the 21st century, not the 19th century." "We are rejecting a politics of division. We are rejecting a politics of fear," Obama said. "We are embracing a politics that says everybody counts, a politics that says everybody deserves a chance, a politics that says everybody has dignity and worth -- a politics of hope." He touched on similar themes at another rally in Richmond, Virginia, saying: "We've got folks who are deliberately trying to make folks angry, to demonise people who have different ideas, to get the base all riled up because it provides a short-term tactical advantage." Speaking just hours earlier in New York, Bush delivered a speech in which he warned of threats to American democracy and a decay of civic engagement. Bush offered a blunt assessment of a political system corrupted by "conspiracy theories and outright fabrication" in which nationalism has been "distorted into nativism." "Bigotry seems emboldened. Our politics seems more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrication," Bush said. "There are some signs that the intensity of support for democracy itself has waned - especially among the young." Americans, he said, have "seen our discourse degraded by casual cruelty". While Trump seeks to raise barriers to trade and newcomers, lashing out at targets with relish, Bush defended immigration and free trade, denounced nationalism and bigotry and bemoaned what he called the "casual cruelty" of current public discourse, the Times reported. "At times it can seem like the forces pulling us apart are stronger than the forces binding us together. We've seen nationalism distorted into nativism, forgotten the dynamism that immigration has always brought to America. "We see a fading confidence in the value of free markets and international trade, forgetting that conflict, instability and poverty follow in the wake of protectionism. "We've seen the return of isolationist sentiments, forgetting that American security is directly threatened by the chaos and despair of distant places," Bush said. Before his election last year, Trump was highly critical of both Obama and Bush, describing each of them at one time or another as "perhaps the worst President in the history" of the US. Since his inauguration in January, Trump's combative style and direct public comments on several issues have caused controversy. He has regularly blamed the media, which he says does not focus on his achievements and instead chooses to concentrate on what he describes as "fake news". TUCSON, Ariz., Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eckrich, the makers of naturally hardwood smoked sausage and perfectly seasoned deli meats, partnered with Bashas Grocery Stores and Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit that serves Americas military families, to honor a local military family on Friday. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e8716b12-a6a4-48b3-841c-cf6a6cb91c4f Eckrich hosted a surprise presentation for the Johnson family to thank them for their service and sacrifice, and gifted the family with $5,000 in groceries at Bashas. Rahn Johnson was a Private First Class in the U.S. Army, serving as a combat medic for four years. He completed one tour in Iraq and has earned several medals including the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Rahn and his wife, Tabitha, have been married 16 years and have four children. Tabitha is Rahns caregiver and a member of Operation Homefront's Hearts of Valor program, a network of more than 3,000 caregivers of wounded service members which provides annual retreats, support groups, and online communities. She is currently working on starting a local support group for caregivers of wounded, ill, and injured service members. I am humbled by this gift of groceries from Eckrich and Bashas, said Rahn Johnson. It's wonderful to know there are still companies out there supporting military families. This gift of groceries will be a huge help to our family." The surprise is part of the ongoing campaign by Eckrich to honor military families through its partnership with Operation Homefront. Now in its sixth year of the partnership, Eckrich has donated more than $3 million to support the organizations mission to build strong, stable, and secure military families so that they can thrive not simply struggle to get by in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. Eckrich is proud to partner with Bashas to recognize this very special military family, said Michael Baughman, Smithfield Foods director of marketing. The Johnson family has sacrificed so much in service to our country, and this gift of groceries is a small sign of our appreciation for all that they have given. For more information about Eckrich, please visit www.eckrich.com or follow Eckrich on Facebook and Twitter. Eckrich is a brand of Smithfield Foods. About Eckrich Founded by Peter Eckrich in 1894, Eckrich has a rich heritage starting from a small meat market in Fort Wayne, Ind. Through it all, Eckrich meats have been recognized for their great taste and supreme quality, craftsmanship, care and pride. For more information, visit www.eckrich.com. About Smithfield Foods Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan's Famous, Farmland, Armour, John Morrell, Cook's, Kretschmar, Gwaltney, Curly's, Margherita, Carando, Healthy Ones, Krakus, Morliny and Berlinki. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com. About Bashas Grocery Store Bashas' Family of Stores the family-owned grocer that operates Food City, AJ's Fine Foods, Eddie's Country Store, and both Bashas' and Bashas' Dine supermarkets is an Arizona-based company founded by brothers Ike and Eddie Basha, Sr. With more than 100 grocery stores, it is one of the largest employers in the state and one of the Best Places to Work in Arizona. Since the company's inception in 1932, Bashas' has given back more than $100 million to the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.bashas.com. About Operation Homefront Founded in 2002, Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so that they can thrive not simply struggle to get by in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity oversight groups, 92 percent of Operation Homefront expenditures go directly to programs that support tens of thousands of military families each year. Operation Homefront provides critical financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing and family support services to prevent short-term needs from turning into chronic, long-term struggles. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the support from thousands of volunteers, Operation Homefront proudly serves Americas military families. For more information, go to www.OperationHomefront.org. Contact: Hannah Meadors Breaking Limits for Eckrich 2137 South Blvd., Suite 200 Charlotte, N.C. 28203 Cell: 434-250-4770 E-Mail: hmeadors@breakinglimits.net VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cascadia Consumer Electronics Corp. (Cascadia or the Company) (CSE:CK) today announced that all resolutions, which include the election of Board of Directors, appointment of auditor for the ensuing year and proposed name change to Cascadia Blockchain Group Inc., were passed by the requisite majority at its annual general meeting (the AGM) held in Vancouver, British Columbia on Oct 19, 2017. Following the AGM, Mr. Ying Zhou tendered his resignation as a director of the Company and Ms. Rachel Wang was appointed as a director to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Zhous resignation. The Company is also pleased to announce the appointment of the new management team effective immediately as follows: Ms. Rachel Wang is appointed as the Companys President and CEO; replacing Mr. Di (Danny) Deng, who will remain to be the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Rachel holds a Master of Management in Accounting and Finance from the Odette Business School of Windsor University, Canada, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from York University, Canada. Prior to joining Cascadia, Ms. Wang has extensive experience in the financial industry and was most recently with the Bank of Montreal in their Asia operations. Rachel currently acts as the executive secretary of the Asia Blockchain Foundation. Mr. Garry Wong, CFA is appointed as the Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary replacing Mr. Ying Zhou and Ms. Yan Zhang respectively. Garry is a seasoned CFO and corporate finance executive with 20 years of solid financial management and cross-border mergers & acquisitions transactional experiences in various sectors including the technology and biotech industries. Prior to joining Cascadia, Garry most recently served as the Vice President Finance of Quark Venture Inc., a global venture capital firm specializing in the health sciences industry. Garry is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), who has also received an International MBA degree from York University, Canada and a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from the University of Hong Kong. Mr. Robin Guo is appointed as the Chief Operating Officer, a newly created executive position to oversee the operation and expansion of the Company on a worldwide basis. Robin is an expert in Blockchain technology with extensive experience in the cryptocurrency sector. Mr. Guo is the founding member of the Asia Digital Asset Finance Association and the Managing Director of the Asia Blockchain Foundation. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Mr. Zhou and Ms. Zhang for their past contributions to the Company. We are very pleased with the appointment of our new executive team who will accelerate our plan to transform the Company into a major player in the Blockchain technology sector on a global basis. Pending regulatory approval, we are currently in the process of changing our corporate name and identity to better reflect our new chapter in the Blockchain technology industry, said Mr. Danny Deng, the Companys Chairman. About Cascadia Listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE:CK) and headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Cascadia is a blockchain technology platform developer in the digital asset and cryptocurrency sectors. With its in-house technology team and through various strategic partnerships, Cascadia is positioning itself as a front-runner in providing proprietary, secured and legally compliant trading platforms around the globe for selected digital assets and cryptocurrencies. For further information, please contact: Cascadia Consumer Electronics Corp. Rachel Wang President and Chief Executive Officer info@cascadiacorp.com www.cascadiacorp.com The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. NEW YORK (AP) Superman and Batman were born, like brothers, in 1938 and 1939, respectively. But psychology professor William Moulton Marston had grander and more progressive aspirations for his comic creation. "Frankly, Wonder Woman is psychological propaganda for the new type of woman who should, I believe, rule the world," Marston said around the character's launch in 1941. The female-empowerment ideals Marston intended Wonder Woman to espouse have perhaps as plenty of recent events in Hollywood and elsewhere have attested not advanced as much as he and his feminist wife and colleague Elizabeth Holloway would have hoped. But 76 years later, worldwide dominion has indeed arrived for Wonder Woman. Just months after Patty Jenkins' "Wonder Woman" became a worldwide box-office smash making Jenkins the first female filmmaker to helm such a massive blockbuster the story behind the lasso-wielding superhero has also landed on the big screen. Angela Robinson's "Professor Marston and the Wonder Women," which Annapurna Pictures released in theaters last Friday, charts an origin story to beat them all: the creation of Wonder Woman by the free-thinking Marston (played by Luke Evans) and his unorthodox family. Marston lived with both Holloway (Rebecca Hall) and Olive Byrne (Bella Heathcote), a researcher who moved in with the couple in 1926. They were a threesome who harmoniously raised four children together. The Marstons were collectively influenced by early feminists and suffragettes. (Olive's aunt, Margaret Sanger coined the phrase "birth control" and opened the first birth-control clinic in the U.S.) Marston studied gender, behavior and sexuality, and his studies later filtered into Wonder Woman. He brought bondage imagery to the early comics, for one. Wonder Woman's lasso, which forces people to tell the truth, was a version of the lie-detector test Marston helped invent. When Robinson ("D.E.B.S." ''Herbie: Fully Loaded," ''The L Word") came across the back-story to the sole superhero to ever capture her heart, she was floored. "It just blew my mind. I literally couldn't believe the story," says Robinson. "I became totally obsessed." Since Robinson first encountered the Marstons, their story has been notably recounted by author Jill Lepore in "The Secret History of Wonder Woman." But the tale has, Robinson says, been a passion project for a decade long before a "Wonder Woman" movie was a reality. Hall was brought to Robinson's project initially after she, herself, sought the rights to Lepore's book. Robinson's desire to make the film, Hall says, was overwhelming. "She wanted to make a romance about three people filled with love and hope," says Hall. "It's quite brave to try to make in some sense a conventional romance where you ask your audience to accept that the romance is legitimately happening between three people and not only ask them to accept it, but to root for it." "Professor Marston" was shot last fall when Hillary Clinton was presumed by many to be on the cusp of the presidency. Robinson initially worried that the film's ideas might be "passe" by the time it came out. "What struck me to begin with was how contemporary a story it is," says Robinson. "The Marstons were ahead of their time and they're still ahead of their time." In a 1937 press conference, Marston declared that women would one day rule the world. The Associated Press picked up the story, and articles ran nationwide reporting: "Feminine rule declared fact." Robinson initially had mixed feelings about some of Marston's teachings but she's "come to love him," she says. What most won her over was Marston's 1928 book "Emotions of Normal People." Published while he was teaching at Columbia (and before disapproval of his family's arrangement would damage his career), Marston argued that what many consider "abnormal" in relationships and sex is quite natural. "I as a filmmaker came to a conclusion that this movie does, which is that he was on to a lot of stuff, and the core of his message was about love and being true to who you are," says Robinson. "The first line of 'Emotions of Normal People' is: 'Are you normal?' And that just slayed me. He himself was grappling with what that means." Audiences didn't initially respond to the much lower budgeted, more lightly marketed "Professor Marston and the Wonder Women" as eagerly on opening weekend quite like they did to Jenkins' "Wonder Woman." (The film debuted poorly with $737,000 on about 1,200 screens.) But its makers believe strongly in the relevance of the story behind the superhero iconography. "Their story seemed to be so metaphorically significant to so many other things, like the history of 20th century feminism, the changing ways we look at conventional relationships and family values," says Hall. "There's just too much in this story." Robinson says she was both deeply moved by Jenkins' film and saddened that such a film a big-budget release starring a woman, directed by a woman remains an overwhelming rarity. "I feel like not just women but men are really desperate for new ideas, a new message not the same old thing," says Robinson. "It's the perfect time to examine the ideas and the ideals, the people who were behind this thing that we all grew up loving, but also in some ways taking for granted, not knowing that there's this incredible love story and these radical free-thinkers who conjured her into being with their lives." It is vital that Pacific Island countries understand the pros and cons of allowing refugees to settle in their their countries. But first of all understanding the term refugee, their background and reasons of migrating are crucial to island nations in the Pacific region. This is the ultimate aim of the Refugee Protection and Mixed Migration workshop held in Apia this week. The workshop aims to create a framework for the the Pacific region to be able to understand the effects of giving the green light for refugees and the reasons behind their relocation. During his presentation, Nai Jit Lam, Deputy Regional Representative for the United Nations Refugee Agency, said nearly 90 percent of refugees in the world are hosted by developing countries. Lam added that some of the main reasons people are forced to flee their homes are armed conflict, persecution and natural disasters. Hence, the training aims to better equip Pacific nations to counteract the increase in refugees migrating everywhere in the world looking for a place to settle. And this is a bonus for the many different representatives who are present in this five-day workshop held at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel. Tyrone, who is representing the Samoa Airport Authority, believes this is a good training for his sector to find ways to properly assist them on how to deal with refugees and things they need to implement, the procures and processes. So if any refugee shows up at the airport, how will they be able to identify them? An official from the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the workshop has given him a different perspective on refugee resettlement. I have learnt a lot of things from this workshop by having ideas on how to deal with refugees. At first I thought that refugees are bad people but now it is different story, he said. Another participant, who did not want to be named, said this was a very good initiative especially in trying to develop a strategy where the authorities would be able to identify a refugee should they enter the country and what procedures to take. The participant believes it will be very difficult for the people of Samoa to accept refugees for many reasons. In terms of Samoa, in my own point of view, we dont have the capacity to accommodate refugees. There is a big risk for Samoa if we are going to accept refugees. Plus there is no facility. Where would we get the money to accommodate the refugees? Plus we also need to have a rule to hold the refugees accountable. We need to have a legislation which is focused on the refugees coming into the country. In my opinion we should not accept any refugees. As look at the bombing of London. Those were the people that came in as refugees then later on they became terrorists. We need to be open-minded about the consequences of bringing these people in. We also need to get the experience of Nauru and P.N.G on the impact of refugees, the participant added. His main concern is the safety of Samoa. The only thing I am concerned about is our border security. When the refugees arrive, what we are going to do with it? A piece of land in American Samoa that belongs to the Samoan government has been allocated for the use of the American Samoa Taxi Owners Association (T.O.A). This is according to the public notice by the Board and trustees of Taxi Owners Association in American Samoa. The land is located in Petesa, in the Tualauta District. Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi approved the use of the land, according to the notice. Signed by T.O.A President, Tuitama E. Ulberg on behalf of their Association, the notice acknowledged the assistance of the Samoa government. I acknowledge the kind assistance of the Prime Minister of Samoa, Honorable Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi for the approval of Samoas land to be used for this purpose. I would echo the same spirit of gratitude to Samoas voice in American Samoa, Honorable Consular Ausuegaefa Vaasatia Poloma Komiti for your continuous support over the years, in liaising with many government departments and agencies. I sincerely thank Honorable Lolo Matalasi Moliga, Governor of American Samoa for consideration of our services as an association dedicated to serving our community, said Tuitama Ulberg in his notice. The issue regarding the land swap was initiated back in 2012 as part of the two Samoa Talks. At that time, the Samoa government informed the American Samoa Government the land allocated for them is in Vailima. At the initial agreement, news reports indicate that during a news conference, Tuilaepa said having an American Samoa office in Apia, makes it easy to address issues that arise in the event of an emergency situation. He says that having the Samoa Consulate Office in Pago Pago is doing the same for Samoa nationals in the territory. However in 2014 the Memorandum of Understanding was amended, duing the two Samoa talks which was hosted in Apia, at the T.A.T.T.E building, as reported earlier, Prime Minister Tuilaepa said the M.O.U is to reword the previous agreement already signed between Samoa and the former American Samoa administration. The previous agreement was between Samoa and Governor Togiola Tulafonos administration. The M.O.U signed was to reword the last agreement in accordance with the new administration standards. The agreement is for both countries to lease out one acre of land for the operation of each others Consular offices in their respective countries. Samoa has already allocated a parcel at Vailima for American Samoa but American Samoa has yet to finalize the land for Samoa. A bus driver has been charged and detained at Tafaigata Prison following an incident that led to the death of a 75-year-old man in Fugalei earlier this week. This was confirmed by Police Superintendent and Media Spokesperson, Salaa Sale Salaa, in response to questions from the Samoa Observer. Salaa declined to give further details indicating the investigation is underway. However, according to Police sources the incident occurred Monday morning. He was crossing the road when he was struck by a bus, one source said. The elderly man was taken to the hospital immediately after the incident. We were informed that he died the next day. The injuries sustained was so severe. The driver had since been arrested and charged and is scheduled to appear for criminal mention next two weeks. The elderly man is from Moamoa. Faafafines Got Talent (F.G.T) is a new show under the umbrella of the Samoa Faafafine Association to showcase the faafafines talent this year. The theme for this years show is I am in to own it. The theme is pretty straight forward, said Asia Alosio Stanley. Faafafines should enter F.G.T. with the positive mental capability that she is in the competition to own it for her; entering F.G.T. simply means that she has a goal to achieve which is to become the owner of F.G.T. As for the purpose of the event: This is to provide the platform for the talented and unique faafafines of Samoa who did not have access to platform as such, said Stanley. This is an opportunity for the Faafafines of Samoa to build their personal capacity. It is a pure work of love and charity; this is the charitable segment of the work by the Faafafines of Samoa. [And] most especially this is an opportunity for the Faafafines of Samoa to make their families proud. Who knows? Someone from Hollywood might catch a unique talent on social media by the Faafafines that they have never seen before. Moreover, Stanley went on to say that the objective of the event is to bring to light the many unique talents that have not been exposed. It is about having the ability to confidently showcase talents to Samoa and the world. Its about strengthening relationships among the Faafafine Association in Samoa as well as obtaining a golden experience as an actor, actress and a performer on the F.G.T stage. And lastly to complete a charitable segment of the S.F.As pure work of love and charity for the community. Stanley acknowledged the support of his Production team the Reigning Miss S.F.A Charlize, Blondie, Keyonce, Mandy, Ashley, Marlene, Aoge and all members of the Samoa Faafafine Association. The Executive Producer went on to say that part of the proceeds would go to Mapuifagalele and the Olomanu Juvenile Prison at Mulifanua. They acknowledge the support of their sponsor Taumeasina Island Resort, Janets, S.S.A.B, Southern Stars and Rowena Penfold. Deputy Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, has congratulated the new class of the Leadership Samoa programme. At the T.A.T.T.E Building yesterday, the class of 2017 was officially announced and welcomed. Twenty participants from the public and private sector have been chosen from a number of applications. Chief Executive Officer of Leadership Samoa, Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun, said the selection is a critical step in their development. We congratulate them on their selection to the program. Seumanu also confirmed that four members from the Leadership Samoa Youthlead initiative are joining the programme for the first time. Last year we launched Youthlead and we decided to include four key members from youth organizations within our fraternity to expose them to the Taimua Samoa environment, he said in a statement. Hopefully by the end of this years intake they will be able to work closely with our Secretariat in designing a similar program for the youths. The Deputy Prime Minister opened yesterdays session. She was followed by various inspirational speakers invited to talk to the class during the day as part of their orientation. The Leadership Samoa programme is a wide-ranging programme that spans government, private enterprise and community organizations across all sectors of Samoas economy. It is a 10-month programme providing high-level professional training for emerging leaders that focuses on raising awareness of the issues and debates facing each sector. It challenges participants to hone their leadership and problem solving skills. The LS2017 Intake: 1. Akeli Feagaiga: Senior Finances Officer, Development Bank of Samoa 2. Charity Asora: Team Leader Loan and Management Unit, Bank South Pacific 3. Eline Salevao: Manager Research Division, Office of the Clerk of Legislative Assembly 4. Faavaeolenuu Peniamina Tuisuga: Principal Finance Officer, Office of the Clerk of Legislative Assembly 5. Frederick Daniel Ah To: Assistant Corporate Finance Manager, British American Tobacco 6. Georgina Andersen: Personal Banking Manager, Bank South Pacific 7. Jordanna Mareko: Communications Officer, Civil Society Support Programme 8. Mandy Fialogo Rose Skelton-Keil: Principal Policy and Planning Officer, Ministry of Police 9. Maranatahana Sulusi: Senior Human Resources Administration Officer, National Health Services 10. Matagofieolefaaolataga Alofaga: Registered Nurse, National Health Services 11.Matthew Amituanai: Specialist Physiotherapist, National Health Services 12.Melape Pelesa, Senior Loans Officer, Development Bank of Samoa 13. Poutasi Kamuta Seuseu: Principal Mobility Officer, National Health Services 14. Sia Mini Seumanutafa: Samoa National Youth Council 15. Tapu Iemaima Gabriel, Head of Department, National University of Samoa 16.Taualogomai Tapulaaia Roebeck: Editor / Producer, Samoa Quality Broadcasting Ltd 17.Tautuimoana Victory Leavai: Manager Finance and Administration, Samoa Quality Broadcasting Ltd 18.Tuna Bryce Viali: Principal Human Resources Officer, Samoa Sports Facilities Authority 19.Tusiga Taofiga: Savali Newspaper / Nuanua o le Alofa 20.Vaialia Iosua: Principal Community Development Officer, Ministry of Women, Social and Community Development If you eat one cheeseburger a week, Shake Shack executives want it to be theirs and the company is gambling that San Diego will embrace its fine-dining version in an increasingly crowded burger market. The first Shake Shack in San Diego opens Friday at Westfield UTC mall in University City. Founded in New York by celebrity restaurateur Danny Meyer, the company serves up roadside stand burgers, hot dogs, fries and shakes with modern-day flair. Advertisement Doesnt that sound like a handful of other places in San Diego including The Habit, Smashburger, Five Guys and even the Southern California cultural phenomenon In-N-Out? Shake Shack uses premium ingredients that would make a foodie swoon, such as all-natural Angus beef and Niman Ranch bacon. But doesnt that sound like Burger Lounge, the La Jolla-based chain that advertises grass-fed beef and organic cheese? Perhaps. In the gourmet burger business, the street corners are already pretty full. Southern California will probably be a little more difficult, because of the presence of In-N-Out, said John Gordon, a San Diego-based restaurant industry analyst and founder of Pacific Management Consulting Group. He also mentioned Jack In The Box, a San Diego-based fast food empire that has ventured into fancier fare, such as brisket burgers. Additionally, Shake Shacks prices are near the higher end of burger joints. Its ShackBurger goes for $5.55, and a classic shake is $5.29. Gordon said the average Shake Shack bill is $15 a person. In the United States, 80 percent of the restaurant transactions take place at $10 or less, Gordon said. So Shake Shack is going to have to fight among that 20 percent. But heres where the Shake Shack story may help it. The company was born from a New York City hotdog stand, a do-gooder project from Meyer to help conserve Madison Square Park in 2001. New Yorkers liked the fancy food in an unpretentious outdoor shack, and the concept exploded. Thanks to a 2015 initial public offering, the company has expanded, including using licensing to go international. In fiscal year 2016, it opened 30 new locations, including 10 internationally. Net income in 2016 was $12.4 million. But the company stuck to its high-end ingredients and good-hearted roots: Stores partner with local food suppliers. At UTC, the ice cream desserts include toppings made by two San Diego companies, Elizabethan Desserts and Bettys Pie Whole. From those dishes, 5 percent of sales will be donated to environmental nonprofit group I Love a Clean San Diego. The store also serves at least four San Diego County craft beers, in addition to its own pale ale, Brooklyn Shackmeister Ale, by Brooklyn Brewery. When you start going down that route, I think you are creating something a little different, a more premium experience, Chief Operating Officer Zach Koff said during an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune. If you look at a menu, yes, youll see burgers, fries and shakes, for sure. I think thats pretty much where (the similarity) stops. There are plans for additional locations in San Diego, but Koff is being coy about how many. A Mission Valley store looks like a certainty. How many more after that is less firm leaving it an open question if Shake Shack will situate itself as a couple of destination spots regionally or sprinkle locations around the county. Weve got a few on the books that arent official deals yet that we should see in the next couple years, Koff said, referring to San Diego County, which he said the company has been eyeing for several years. The company opened five Los Angeles-area stores when it expanded into that market. Gordon thinks the San Diego region can only support two or three. The location in the newly renovated UTC is an homage to both San Diego style and Shake Shacks lower-Manhattan roots. Tables are made from reclaimed American bowling alley lanes by a New York craft company. The container-box metal over the cash registers is a wink to the original metal shack in Madison Square Park. But the light, airy space with blond-wood tables and pale paneling is all Southern California. We try to be a reflection of the community. That can go as micro as a neighborhood or as big as a city, Koff said. Koff said they know that San Diegos vibe leans toward healthy and fit. The one vegetarian burger on the menu the Shroom Burger is two portobello mushroom caps sandwiching two kinds of cheese, all of which gets breaded and fried. Its pretty decadent, he acknowledges, But, in general, Koff argues that Shake Shacks version of decadence should be at home in San Diegos ZIP codes. A lot of people are super conscious about what they are consuming. And we always have been, too, the chief operating officer said. What we say is, You will crave a cheeseburger. And when you do, this is the one you should feel best about eating. IF YOU GO: Shake Shack 4309 La Jolla Village Drive, suite 2350 (across from ArcLight Cinemas.) Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily An earlier version of this story incorrectly said that Shake Shack used franchises to expand outside of the United States. The international locations were opened through licensing. Business jen.steele@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @jensteeley A special San Diego City Council hearing Monday to decide how to regulate the explosion of short-term rentals has been unexpectedly canceled in the wake of a city attorney memo raising numerous legal questions about some of the proposals. Both supporters and foes of short-term rentals had been preparing for an hours-long hearing in Golden Hall to discuss proposed regulations from the city planning department, as well as from various council members. However, fearing that the council would not be able to act on some of the proposals because of the legal questions, Council President Myrtle Cole on Thursday decided to cancel the hearing. Advertisement Her decision followed a request to postpone the meeting from Councilman Scott Sherman, who chairs the councils Smart Growth and Land Use Committee and is one of four council members who offered up a compromise plan for regulating short-term vacation rentals. Given the short time frame between the October 18, 2017 City Attorney Memorandum and the October 23, 2017 City Council meeting, it is clear that the proposals put forth by Council members Ward, Alvarez, Kersey and myself need additional time for analysis in order to ensure that our safeguarding measures are properly vetted, Sherman said in a memo to Mayor Kevin Faulconer. No future date for a hearing has been set. Sherman had joined with Council Members David Alvarez, Chris Ward and Mark Kersey on proposed regulations that would allow owners to rent out up to three properties on a short-term basis. In addition, they recommended imposing a three-night minimum stay for rentals in San Diegos coastal areas. In contrast, Councilwoman Barbara Bry, whose district includes the La Jolla area, has proposed a much more restrictive measure that would permit homeowners to only rent out their primary residences on a short-term basis for no more than 90 days a year. In her memo released Wednesday, City Attorney Mara Elliott said that some of the provisions in both proposals raise questions of equal protection by imposing different regulations for different types of short-term rental hosts. She also pointed out that some of the fees recommended for generating revenues to help enforce new rental regulations could be interpreted as taxes and would require voter approval. San Diegos elected leaders have been struggling for more than 2- years with how to regulate short-term rentals, which have sharply divided the city and the council. Home sharing hosts have argued that they have the right to rent out their properties on a short-term basis subject to reasonable regulations, while residents, most notably in the beach areas, have complained for years that noisy vacationers have robbed them of their once peaceful neighborhoods. So far, the council has been unable to reach any kind of resolution, even as the number of properties being listed on online platforms like Airbnb continues to soar. In the city there are an estimated 9,000 homes being rented out on a short-term basis, the majority of which are whole home rentals. In just one year, Airbnb listings for entire home rentals has surged 33 percent, according to data provided by AirDNA, a company that tracks rental activity on the home-sharing platform. Councilwoman Bry, who has been pushing for regulations to clamp down on the growth of investor short-term rentals, said Thursday she remains committed to her proposal and believes it is legally justifiable. The city attorney memo was a surprise and raised some issues but we believe our proposal will meet all the legal requirements to be an ordinance, Bry said. Its important to get it right and then get an effective enforcement system in place. Im hopeful it could be taken up before the end of the year. Airbnb was not bothered by the postponement. San Diegans are eager to see clear, fair regulations of short-term rentals enacted as are we, the company said in a statement. But after more than two years of thoughtful consideration, we agree its worth the additional time and analysis necessary to ensure regulations the City Council adopts are in line with the objectives of preserving the economic benefits of Airbnb while ensuring neighborhood quality. The city planning department had been prepared to present three options to the council for consideration, ranging from the most permissive to one similar to Brys proposal, which would limit short-term rentals to no more than 90 days a year. Additional staff time now is needed to not only evaluate the issues raised by Elliott but also incorporate suggestions made by various council members, said Christina Chadwick, a spokeswoman for Mayor Kevin Faulconer. City staff, she said, is prepared to bring back proposed ordinances before the end of the year once a hearing is scheduled. Business lori.weisberg@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-2251 Twitter: @loriweisberg A descendant of Confederate Army Gen. Robert E. Lee will join a panel discussion in Carlsbad on Sunday for a forum on race, reconciliation and white privilege. The Rev. Robert Lee IV is an indirect descendant, the generals great-great-great-great nephew. The 25-year-old with a famous name speaks out against racism, white supremacy and hate. The reason we are doing this forum is there is a different and better way to move about our lives, he said in a phone interview from his North Carolina home this week. We do that by engaging in conversation sometimes difficult conversation. Advertisement If we bury it underground, it will get into our drinking water again, he said. Sundays forum, White Perspectives on Understanding and Ending White Privilege, will revolve around race and reconciliation. It is being presented by the American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego and Imperial Counties. It is free and open to the public. I hope that people who want to stand on the right side of history will come to this, Lee said. The 25-year-old ordained minister and graduate of Duke Divinity School said hes been speaking out more broadly since white nationalists clashed with counterprotesters in the rally that turned deadly in Charlottesville. A statue of Lees famous relative was at the center of the conflict; the white nationalists were protesting its planned removal. Lee made a brief appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards on Aug. 27, where he introduced the mother of Heather Heyer, the woman who died in the Charlottesville clash when a white supremacist plowed a car into a crowd of protesters. During his brief remarks, Lee said, in part, that people have made my ancestor an idol of white supremacy, racism, and hate. As a pastor, it is my moral duty to speak out against racism, Americas original sin. Lee was a pastor at a North Carolina church. In a statement posted online, Lee said that members of his church grew concerned about the attention the church had drawn, leading him to resign a few weeks after his MTV appearance. Lee acknowledged this week that his name has given him a platform to speak out against injustice and hate. It (the name) catches peoples interest, but I want to be about more than just a name, he said. I cant apologize for the past. I cant say I am sorry for what Robert E. Lee did because I am not Robert E. Lee. He said he wants the focus to be on the fight against hate. And as for the figures of the general, Lee said he doesnt see them as statues. I see them as idols to white supremacism, and scripture makes it very clear that idols should be taken down, he said. Lee said he thinks the takeaway from Sundays forum should be that you have to go back to your Thanksgiving tables and work places and address the racism that you see. Racism is real, and if we dont stop it, we are complicit. Cheryl Alethia Phelps, communications director for the local ACLU chapter, said the forum is a chance for people to understand what white privilege is and what its impacts are. The last portion of the discussion will include audience participation. The forum will be at the Pilgram United Church of Christ in Carlsbad. Pilgrims Rev. Madison Shockley, who is also a board member of the local ACLU chapter, will moderate the discussion. Retired United Methodist minister Cal Crider, also a board member, will take part on the panel. Pilgrim United Church of Christ is at 2020 Chestnut Ave., Carlsbad. The 90-minute discussion starts at noon. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4945 Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Golden Dawn Minerals Inc. (TSX-V:GOM) (FRANKFURT:3G8A) (OTC:GDMRF) (the Company or Golden Dawn) announces the appointment of Ralph Wintermantel to the Companys Board of Directors. Since January 2017 Ralph Wintermantel has been Co-CEO of WINKAP UG. For more than 20 years Mr. Wintermantel has been active in the financial markets. Starting as an editor and department head at a Munich-based financial magazine, Ralph Wintermantel moved on to various listed small and mid-cap companies in the years 2002 to 2007 to manage their communications, press, public and investor relations divisions. Since 2009 he has been the managing director of the media consulting agency VPC Group. This international company is operated from its head office in Frankfurt a/M. Germany, as well as from locations in Berlin, Hamburg and Mannheim. Their clients include global listed and non-listed companies, as well as organisations and associations. As well as consulting services, they also publish the independent financial magazines Derivate Magazine (www.derivate-magazin.de) and the Deutsche Bank Magazine X-press. The Company welcomes Mr. Wintermantel to the Board. The Company also announces it has entered into a Corporate Advisory and Media Communications Agreement with M. Davis & Associates Capital Inc. to cover North American media needs. Over a term of 6 months the Company will pay the consultant $20,000. The Company also wishes to announce that George Sookochoff has resigned as Executive Vice-President of Corporate Development and Communications of the Company for personal reasons. The directors, management and staff would like to thank Mr. Sookochoff for his valuable contribution. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors. The Company has granted 550,000 stock options at an exercise price of $0.30 effective today. The options are exercisable for 5 years and will be cancelled 30 days after cessation of acting as director, officer, employee or consultant of the Company. On behalf of the Board of Directors, GOLDEN DAWN MINERALS INC. Wolf Wiese, President & CEO For further information, please contact: Corporate Communications 604-221-8936 allinfo@goldendawnminerals.com Renmark Financial Communications Inc. Barry Mire: bmire@renmarkfinancial.com Tel.: (416) 644-2020 or (514) 939-3989 www.renmarkfinancial.com Less than six months after Mexican authorities charged Tyler James Yeager with burglary, the former U.S. Marine landed in trouble again. But this time, its on the U.S. side of the border. Yeager, 39, was arrested Sept. 10 at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, and now faces smuggling charges. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, officers found an undocumented Chinese citizen hidden inside the spare tire compartment of the vehicle that Yeager was driving, a 2006 Ford Focus with California plates. Yeager has pleaded not guilty to the charges, court records show. He remained in federal custody on Thursday, according to the U.S. Marshals Service in San Diego. Advertisement Earlier this year, Yeager had ended up in Tijuanas La Mesa Penitentiary on charges of aggravated burglary. Mexican federal police arrested him in April following numerous complaints by residents of San Antonio del Mar, a coastal enclave north of Rosarito Beach where many of the residents are U.S. citizens. Yeagers arrest made headlines in Mexico, where residents had posted fliers showing his California ID that had allegedly been dropped at one of the crime scenes. But the residents celebrations were short-lived: a week later, a Baja California judge ordered Yeagers release. Fernando Benitez, a prominent Tijuana criminal defense attorney who took on the case pro-bono, successfully argued that Yeagers arrest record did not show anyone proficient in English, and thus there was no proper translator. As a result, the judge agreed to exclude any evidence derived from the arrest. The expectation at the time was that Yeager would be deported to the United States, and receive treatment for what family described as mental health issues. But apparently, Yeager had made his way back to Baja California. On Sept. 10, Yeager driving from Tijuana into San Diego when he was referred for secondary inspection after failing to provide identification and giving the incorrect spelling of his last name. CBP arrested him after discovering an individual named Hang Wu Chen hidden in inside the vehicle. Records show that the Chinese man told authorities that his family in China had agreed to pay $7,000 so that he could successfully enter the United States. Yeagers bail was set at $15,000. Family members are horrified at the charges, but pleased hes in custody and hopeful the judge in his case will order mental health treatment for him while hes incarcerated, said spokesman Jonathan Franks. sandra.dibble@sduniontribune.com @sandradibble For the first time, scientists have reported the capture of a live vaquita, a small sea mammal endemic to Mexicos upper Gulf of California that is on the verge of extinction. But shortly after its capture on Wednesday morning, the female calf was released back into the wild, as it was showing signs of stress, according a statement sent late Thursday by scientists with the VaquitaCPR conservation project and Mexicos Secretary of the Environment, Rafael Pacchiano. Advertisement No one has ever captured and cared for a vaquita porpoise, even for a brief period of time, Pacchiano said in the statement. I am confident that we can indeed save the vaquita marina from extinction. The vaquita was estimated to be about six months old. The calf was being closely monitored by marine mammal veterinarians and showed signs of stress, leading to its release, the statement said. It was unclear how long the vaquita remained in captivity, but a photograph showed it swimming in a protected sea pen just off the coast of San Felipe. The vaquita calf was returned to the same spot in the Gulf of California where it was found. Tissue samples from the animal will be shared with several institutions, including including the Frozen Zoo in San Diego, which will conduct genetic sequencing, the statement said. The successful catch of a vaquita offers hope for the effort spearheaded by Mexicos federal government that was launched last week off the coast of San Felipe. The aim is to save the critically endangered species through a captive breeding program. The population of the vaquita has fallen drastically in recent years as the porpoises become ensnared in gillnets used to catch another endangered species, the giant totoaba fish. The latest survey last fall estimated the population at about 30, all of them in the upper Gulf of California, and since then a half-dozen have been found dead. While we were disappointed we could not keep the vaquita in human care, we have demonstrated that we are able to locate and capture a vaquita, said Dr. Lorenzo Rojas-Bracho, a senior scientist with the Mexican government who is program director of VaquitaCPR, said in the prepared statement. We also succeeded in transporting one and conducting health evaluations that are part of our protocols safeguarding the animals health. The ultimate goal of Vaquita CPR is to return the vaquitas to their natural habitat once the primary threat to their survival has been eliminated, according to the statement. VaquitaCPR is an effort that is led by Mexicos Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources with three primary partners: the National Marine Mammal Foundation, the Chicago Zoological Society and the Marine Mammal Center sandra.dibble@sduniontribune.com @sandradibble Usually, Sonoma County Sheriffs Deputy Brandon Jones hates rain. But on Thursday afternoon, after a week and a half of answering reporters questions about the strong winds and heat driving Northern Californias deadly wildfires, and repeatedly updating the rising death toll, Jones saw raindrops begin to fall on his way into work at the countys Emergency Operations Center. Finally, he felt relief. Advertisement Weve been battling Mother Nature the whole time, and to have her finally relent and give us the rain we needed to put this thing out, it felt like the end scene of the movie where you feel like youve survived, Jones said Friday morning. Light rain began to fall Thursday afternoon in Northern California, giving some respite to the firefighters who have been battling flames that have scorched more than 240,000 acres, killed 42 people and caused more than $1 billion worth of insured losses. Stoked at times by 50-mph winds, there have been 18 large wildfires in Northern California, displacing about 100,000 people and destroying approximately 7,700 homes and other buildings since the blazes began Oct. 8, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Some of those fires merged as about 11,000 firefighters struggled to establish containment lines and prevent the spread of the flames. As of Friday morning, there were still seven large wildfires burning in the region and firefighters had achieved majority containment, or were close to doing so, on all of them, according to Cal Fire. Parts of the areas affected by fires saw a quarter to three-quarters of an inch of rain overnight, said Cal Fire spokesman Daniel Berlant. That rain allowed for minimal fire activity and has continued to give us an opportunity to continue our containment lines and even strengthen them in other areas, Berlant said. In Sonoma County, the Nuns fire was reported to be 85% contained Friday morning after burning 54,382 acres; The Tubbs fire, which is the most destructive wildfire in California history, was 93% contained after burning 36,432 acres; the smaller 16,552-acre Pocket fire was 82% contained. In Napa County, the Atlas fire was 87% contained Friday morning after burning 51,624 acres and killing at least six people. And in Mendocino and Lake counties, the 36,523-acre Redwood fire was 95% contained and the 2,207-acre Sulphur fire was 96% contained Friday. Fridays rain, and the combination of cooler temperatures and higher humidity, will continue to help firefighters, Berlant said. Temperatures might warm over the weekend into the 80s, but overall conditions are still favorable for us to continue our progress on these fires, Berlant said. Well likely have full containment on the fires by early next week. Though most mandatory evacuation orders have been lifted, about 15,000 people remain displaced across the region, according to Berlant. In Sonoma County, the evacuations do not affect homes that are still at risk of burning theyre mostly in areas where homes are in or near a burn zone, Jones said. Fire authorities are beginning to shift resources back to Southern California, where moderate Santa Ana wind gusts and high temperatures are expected Saturday through Sunday morning, creating the potential for fires to spread quickly, Berlant said. Temperatures may crawl into the triple digits by Monday. We are watching Southern California and preparing down there at the same time, Berlant said. Reach Sonali Kohli at Sonali.Kohli@latimes.com or on Twitter @Sonali_Kohli. ALSO Californias deadliest fires set off debate about illegal immigration and sanctuary policies Insured losses top $1 billion in Northern California fires Racing to repair the Oroville Dam before the rains come A couple who disappeared in Joshua Tree National Park nearly three months ago died in a murder-suicide, authorities said Friday. Investigators say Joseph Orbeso, 22, shot and killed his girlfriend, Rachel Nguyen, 20, and then turned the gun on himself, according to a release Friday from the San Bernardino Sheriffs Department Morongo Basin station. Investigators recovered a handgun at the scene, San Bernardino sheriffs spokeswoman Cindy Bachman said. Advertisement Orbeso and Nguyen were reported missing July 28, after a bed-and-breakfast owner in the Morongo Basin told the Sheriffs Department that they may have gone hiking in the park that morning. Authorities found their car near a trailhead that day and began searching for the couple, at first pulling in 250 search and rescue members and resources including aircraft, dog teams, horse teams, and [a] ground team, who combined spent more than 2,100 hours looking for the couple. In August, they scaled back the search to weekends. On Sunday, almost three months after the Orange County couple was reported missing, a park ranger found the bodies inside a steep canyon to the far north of the Maze Loop Trailhead, according to the sheriffs statement. Based on evidence located at the scene, detectives believe Orbeso shot Nguyen, then shot himself. The investigation into Orbesos actions remains under investigation, the statement said. The sheriffs update comes days after Orbesos father, Gilbert Orbeso, publicly identified the pair and authorities said they were found in an embrace. I want Joseph to be remembered as a kind, caring and thoughtful person, his father told the Southern California News Group in an email. The way he was found beside Rachel holding her as they were seeking shade under the brush says everything you need to know about him as a man and as a human being. Authorities did not report the gunshot wounds when they announced the couples discovery because the coroner had to confirm the injuries and identify both people, which took time because of the condition of the bodies after months in the desert, Bachman said. When the two were found, their bodies did appear to be interlocked, she said. The position of their bodies, she said, it appeared that they were embracing. Family members had been searching for the couple for some time. When the bodies were found, Orbesos father told local TV station KESQ: I feel that we have closure, and we know we found them. Reach Sonali Kohli at Sonali.Kohli@latimes.com or on Twitter @Sonali_Kohli. ALSO Body on Mt. Wilson was found in fire burn area, officials say Patient zero in deadly San Diego hepatitis outbreak is homeless man from El Cajon area, officials say Baby covered in white powder dies after being found in parking lot in South L.A. UPDATES: 2:24 p.m. This article was updated with information about family search. 11:50 a.m.: This article was updated with information from sheriffs spokeswoman Cindy Bachman. This article was originally published at 11:20 a.m. Federal prosecutors have accused two workers at the Department of Motor Vehicles in Los Angeles with taking thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for helping truck drivers obtain licenses even though the applicants never took or passed their driving exams. The accusations which involve workers in three San Fernando Valley field offices are just the latest to arise from a years-long federal investigation into DMV corruption. According to papers filed Wednesday in Sacramento federal court, Kari Scattaglia, an employee and manager in the Granada Hills and Arleta DMV offices, and Lisa Terraciano, an employee in the Winnetka DMV office, were charged with conspiracy to commit bribery, identity theft and unauthorized access of a computer. Advertisement Working with two brokers who solicited the bribes, Scattaglia and Terraciano accessed a DMV database in Sacramento and changed records to fraudulently indicate that the truckers had passed their exams, the court document said. As part of a scheme that lasted nearly three years, the brokers were paid at least $18,600, prosecutors said. The court papers also detail how an undercover agent late last year posed as a truck driving student and offered one of the brokers $1,500 in exchange for a Class A license, which allows someone to drive a truck weighing more than 26,001 pounds. As instructed by the broker, the agent deposited the money directly into the brokers account, the document said. The agent had purposefully failed a written exam, but Scattaglia accessed the DMV database and changed the score to passing. Another undercover agent paid the other broker $2,000 for the same type of license, the document said. Later the agent deposited an additional $7,000 into the brokers bank account, it said. Terraciano also entered passing scores in the DMV database for the written exam on behalf of an agent who had failed the test but paid the bribe, the document said. Scattaglia and Terraciano could not be immediately reached for comment. A DMV representative sent an email to The Times saying that the agency takes cases such as these seriously and is fully cooperating with law enforcement. At least a dozen DMV employees have been charged in a string of bribery scandals that have rocked the agency in recent years. Two years ago, six people, including three DMV workers, were charged with participating in the same type of bribery scheme. Owners of truck driving schools had obtained more than 100 licenses for their clients by paying up to $5,000. The charges against Scattaglia and Terraciano are a result of the same investigation and involve some of the same evidence, according to a notice of related cases filed with the court. Adam.Elmahrek@latimes.com @adamelmahrek In one of the fastest-paced civic construction jobs in recent U.S. history, hundreds of carpenters, operating engineers and iron workers are rushing to complete repairs to the damaged Oroville Dam spillway. The crews are trying to beat a Nov. 1 deadline and the Northern California rainy season, which once again will begin to fill the massive reservoir behind the nations highest dam. About 700 construction workers, backed by teams of engineers at the Department of Water Resources, are working in shifts 22 hours a day building forms, laying steel reinforcement rods and pouring concrete in the damaged middle and lower sections of the chute. Advertisement When the repairs are completed, the 3,000-foot-long spillway will have concrete slabs thicker than a runway, reinforcement rods and thousands of anchors epoxied at least 15 feet deep into rock making it significantly stronger than the original 1960s design. This is not a Band-Aid, said Jeff Petersen, the project director and senior vice president at construction giant Kiewit Corp. You might as well do it right. The spillway was beaten to pieces in February, when a series of powerful rainstorms in the Feather River watershed filled the reservoir to its brink, forcing operators to open the gates and send more water down the chute than flows over Niagara Falls on average, rushing at freeway speeds some 12 feet deep. A panel of investigators believes the water penetrated the spillways massive concrete slabs and heaved them upward, causing the dams foundation to fall apart. By the time the storms ended, two massive craters had been scoured into the metamorphic rock. Engineers dubbed the bigger, 80-foot-deep void Hells Canyon. State engineers immediately began designing the repairs and gave Kiewit a formal notice to proceed on April 21. Actual work started May 20, after the company was able to mobilize 500 pieces of construction equipment, build a concrete batch plant and hire the specialized workers it would need. The company is burning through about $1 million a day, a ferocious rate of spending in the construction industry, Petersen said. The new concrete slabs on the spillway floor are at least 5 feet thick, compared with a minimum of 18 inches in the old chute, Petersen said. In some sections, workers are filling voids tens of feet deep with concrete. Crews are cleaning up hillside bedrock with picks and vacuums to ensure a good bond. By the time repairs are fully completed next year, the entire spillway will be new except for the gate control structure. The original estimate came in at $275 million, but it now looks like the tab will hit $500 million, said Erin Mellon, a Department of Water Resources spokeswoman. The cost increase reflects much greater damage to the foundation that was discovered once work began, Petersen said. The original design called for about 485,000 cubic yards of concrete, but as excavation of the loose rock proceeded, that was increased to 870,000 cubic yards. The spillway repair will extend through next year. Kiewit is fully rebuilding an 870-foot section of the middle spillway and a 350-foot section at the bottom with high-strength concrete. It is using a fast-setting pavement, known as roller compacted concrete, along an additional 1,050-foot section in the middle that will be upgraded next year. The upper 730 feet also will be repaired next year. Mellon said the agency was being conservative with its Nov. 1 date to complete repairs. On Thursday, the lake was 113 feet below the spillway gates. It would take rainstorms that deposit 1 million acre-feet of water into the lake before it would even come up to the level of the gates. In the meantime, operators are continuing to drain 3,000 cubic feet of water per second through the dams power plant, sending electricity to the California grid. In addition to the main spillway, Kiewit is repairing the equally troubled emergency spillway. When the main chute was damaged in February, operators shut it down and let water overflow the emergency spillway. It was the first time in the dams history that it had been used and it stood up to the challenge for less than a day before entire sections of the mountainside began eroding toward a crucial weir that held back 30 vertical feet of water. Operators quickly resumed using the main spillway, adding to the damage there. The Department of Water Resources designed a 1,450-foot-long underground wall to stabilize the mountainside, and plans to lay 10 feet of concrete on top of the hillside from the spillway weir to the underground wall. Robert Bea, a retired UC Berkeley civil engineer and member of the National Academy of Engineering, said Kiewit and Water Resources were making good progress and that the spillways should be ready for intended purposes for the end of this year and early next year. But Bea, who issued an independent analysis of the spillway failure, said the gate structure has large cracks in its concrete and other problems. State officials said they were paying close attention to the structure and believe it is in sound condition. ralph.vartabedian@latimes.com Follow me on Twitter @rvartabedian Contractors for the Metropolitan Transit System are about halfway through building the agencys latest trolley station in front of the new, half-billion state courthouse at Union and C Streets a location that court officials objected to since first learning of it nearly two years ago. As the new 22-story Superior Court building began to rise in 2015, the top two court officials and Sheriff Bill Gore wrote sharply-worded letters to MTS leader Paul Jablonski complaining the station would pose a security risk and disrupt court operations. MTS made modifications to the plan but did not agree with the suggestion from court officials that the station would be better if it were moved one or two blocks west. Advertisement Now, construction of the station is creating a second problem likely adding weeks to the courts long-delayed move from the old Superior Court building into its new, $555 million courthouse. Construction work on the station is planned to continue though January, MTS and court officials said. The move into the new courthouse, initially pegged for earlier this year, has been delayed for months as the contractor wrestled with a balky fire emergency system that did not work well enough to get a certificate of occupancy from the state fire marshal. That certificate finally was issued Oct. 4. But the court may have to wait until after construction ends to begin the move, Superior Court Executive Officer Michael Roddy said. Were now grappling with, can we open that courthouse with the current state of access? Roddy said. But MTS spokesman Rob Schupp said the project wont delay the courts move, which he said was planned for the last three weeks in December. Not so, Roddy said Thursday. We do not have a move date scheduled, he wrote via email. We are attempting to determine the scope and severity of the disruption caused by construction of the new trolley station on the ability of the public and court users to access the new courthouse. We hope to announce a move-in schedule within the next couple of weeks. The disagreement about the move is the latest disconnect between the two entities over the station. Roddy said that the MTS project was not part of the planning of the new building the largest, and most expensive courthouse building project in the state. Construction began in 2013 after two years of planning. Records show that the MTS board approved a resolution seeking grant funding for the project, as well as other capital improvements in March 2015. Roddy said that there was no connection or coordination between the two entities. On Dec. 21, 2015 Roddy and Presiding Judge Jeffrey Barton wrote a two-page letter to Jablonski saying the court had serious concerns with the location of the station. We are extremely concerned that the trolley layover station creates increased and unnecessary opportunities for disruptions in court operations, confusion around the court complex as court users and the public must sort out which trolley layover station to use, and potentially will have negative consequences for public safety, they wrote. They cited other problems, such as parked trains blocking the views and access to the building of police and other emergency crews in case of evacuation or other emergency. The letter raised the specter of the mass shooting in San Bernardino earlier that month. We need to take all proper measures to protect the public and keep the surrounding streets clear of any major obstacles which might impede or prevent a prompt response to a safety or security issue, Baron and Roddy wrote. They urged the agency to move the station west one or two blocks, saying that was closer to the Santa Fe Depot transfer station and would significantly allay security concerns. A month later on Jan. 27 Gore weighed in, saying the location was a problem and can potentially jeopardize the safety and security of the courthouse, the staff, the public and all law enforcement entities that conduct business with the Hall of Justice and the new Central Courthouse. Gores specific concerns are unknown. The sheriff declined an interview request. A copy of the letter to Jablonski provided by the Sheriffs Department was heavily redacted, blacking out those sections that discussed specific security concerns. Schupp on Thursday said that MTS worked with the court, sheriff, and the state Judicial Council the state agency that was in charge of building the courthouse to address their concerns. Several changes were made, he noted. They included feeding the trolleys closed circuit television into the courthouse security system, providing full time security at the station, and building a wall to separate the station from a court parking lot. He said the south side of C Street will be greatly improved with the new station, and court users and employees will have direct access to the courts via the trolley. And, he added in an email, we are naming the station Courthouse, giving it great visibility throughout our system. Though MTS sees the station as a benefit Roddy and the court still do not. He said the changes were an effort to lessen some of the security impacts, but still fall short. We continue to have real concerns about the impact of this new trolley station on security, public safety and traffic in and around the new courthouse, he said in an email. Twitter: @gregmoran greg.moran@sduniontribune.com In an extremely unusual move, federal prosecutors have dismissed two felony jury convictions against the son of Mexican tycoon Jose Susumo Azano Matsura and replaced them with a misdemeanor charge related to the fathers political campaign finance scandal. On Friday, Edward Susumo Azano Hester, 25, pleaded guilty to and was sentenced on the charge conspiracy to make contributions in connection with a federal election in the name of another. U.S. District Judge Michael Anello, who presided over the summer 2016 trial that convicted the young man of the felonies, adhered to the plea agreement that both defense and the government had recently come to: one year of unsupervised probation and a $10,000 fine. Advertisement The judge called it a reasonable resolution. The development is a strange twist in the long-running case that has touched many who operate in San Diegos political circles. Azano, a businessman who made his fortune in security technology and who lives part time in Coronado, was convicted by a jury of several charges relating to his effort to secretly infuse San Diego political campaigns with foreign money. He largely did that through straw donors getting others to make contributions and then reimbursing them as well as paying for in-kind services to the 2012 mayoral campaigns of then-District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and Bob Filner, who eventually won the race. Hester was not initially charged or arrested when the case broke open in 2014 with the arrest of his father and several others. According to his newest lawyer, former federal prosecutor Charles LaBella, his first involvement in the case came when he was subpoenaed to be a grand jury witness in February 2014. In court papers filed this week, LaBella said Hester never testified. Instead he said prosecutors offered a deal: if his father would plead guilty to a charge of illegally possessing a firearm, then Hester would not be indicted. Azano rejected the offer. Hester was then indicted in a second superseding indictment that was issued on March 4, 2016 just a few months before the scheduled trial. Hesters role in the scheme was limited. He was accused of recruiting about a dozen straw donors. Hester was convicted of conspiracy and aiding campaign contributions of a foreign national two of the three most serious charges in the case at the trial. But the jury could not reach a verdict on six counts, and acquitted Hester of six other counts. In July of this year prosecutors decided not to retry him on the charges the jury deadlocked on, and dismissed those. It is still not entirely clear why the U.S. Attorneys Office had a change of heart to clear the jury convictions for the new misdemeanor charge. As part of the plea agreement, Hester admits from December 2011 to November 2012 to entering into an agreement between retired San Diego police Detective Ernie Encinas and luxury car dealer Marc Chase also charged in the scheme to make a contribution in the name of another. Furthermore, Chase wrote a check in the name of another person to a committee supporting a congressional election, to influence the office. In sentencing papers, Assistant U.S. Attorney Helen Hong emphasized that Hesters crime is a serious one and that nothing about this new plea agreement is intended to diminish that point. But a change was appropriate to account for Hesters unique circumstances, she said. Prosecutors point out that Hester was only 19 and 20 years old when he committed the crime and was doing so because he felt obligated toward his father. Hong also applauded Hester for finally taking responsibility for his role in the scheme. LaBella said Hester was an impressionable teenager at the time and is now a very different person than when this process began. Hester told the judge he wants to move on with his life, and taking a larger leadership role within his fathers companies is his new focus and passion. His unsupervised probation status leaves him essentially a free man and able to travel the world for that purpose. Hester was perhaps better known for an incident in 2014 when it was revealed that Dumanis had written a letter of recommendation to the University of San Diego for him. The letter was written in September 2012, months after her failed campaign for mayor ended. She said she wrote the letter at the request of Encinas, who was working for Azano. She said didnt write the letter in exchange for the contributions Azano funneled to her campaign. Azano, who sat with family and other supporters in the front row during his sons sentencing hearing, has been unsuccessful thus far in attempts to fight his convictions. He is set to be sentenced next Friday. Twitter: @gregmoran greg.moran@sduniontribune.com San Diego teachers who would like a little help in paying for classroom supplies can get some tips Friday at an event at Roosevelt International Middle School. From 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the school, 3366 Park Blvd., teachers can participate in a Post-a-Thon, to get advice on how to post their pitches for funding on DonorsChoose.org, which raises money for schools nationwide. Chevrons Fuel Your School program is helping raise money for the projects by donating $1 to DonorsChoose.org for every purchase of 8 gallons or more through Oct. 31. The program can generate up to $400,000 for local schools, according to the companys website. Advertisement In 2016, the programs first year in San Diego, 511 classroom projects were funded at 170 local schools. Teachers have until Nov. 3 to post their projects at DonorsChoose.org, and the event at Roosevelt will help teachers write posts on the site for their own projects. DoorsChoose.org was created in 2000 by Charles Best, a teacher at a Bronx public high school, and since has funded more than 600,000 classroom projects. People interested in donating on the site choose the types of projects they want to support or fund projects at their local schools. Categories for funding include applied learning, health and sports, history and civics, literature and language, math and science, music and arts, and special needs. Donors also can support projects that help students with personal needs. A classroom at E3 Civic High School in San Diego, for instance, is raising money for healthy snacks. The school has a high percentage of English learners and special education students, and about 75 percent of the students qualify for free and reduced-price meals because they come from low-income households, according to the project description on the website. At Fay Elementary School in San Diego, which also has a large low-income population, a school nurse is raising money for hygiene products and shorts for students to wear if they need a quick clothes replacement. The school also is raising money for a speaker to play music to inspire children during morning runs. Homeless Playlist On Now San Diego hepatitis outbreak continues to grow: 481 cases On Now Homeless entrenched in booming tent city along Santa Ana River On Now San Diego mayor agreed to homeless hub, then delayed, advocates say On Now Homeless outreach in San Diego On Now Video: Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #8 On Now In poverty himself, 'Water Man Dave,' is the fearless saint of San Diego's homeless 5:41 On Now Video: Homeless living in cars find safe havens 2:21 On Now Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #7 On Now Pitching a tent plan for San Diego's homeless On Now Homeless efforts get $80M boost for various services gary.warth@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @GaryWarthUT 760-529-4939 BURLINGAME, Calif., Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. Kim Cooper, a pediatric ophthalmologist who practices in Burlingame, CA, is proud to announce her participation in the 6th Annual EYES OF a Child Symposium. She will be presenting a lecture on Strabismus Surgery: The Hows and the Whys. Dr. Cooper has been practicing pediatric ophthalmology and family eye care in her office in Burlingame for 24 years. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University, and designed ultrasound for obstetrics and gynecology field before attending medical school. She received her Doctor in Medicine from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland before interning at St. Josephs Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. She completed her ophthalmology residency at Stanford University Hospital and her fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario. Since then, Dr. Cooper has held volunteer teaching positions at both Lucille Packard Childrens Hospital and Stanford University Hospital. Dr. Cooper diagnoses and treats strabismus, amblyopia, nasolacrimal duct obstructions, congenital glaucoma, congenital cataracts, dyslexia, and progressive myopia. Strabismus, sometimes also known as crossed eyes, is the topic of her lecture at The EYES of a Child Symposium. In her lecture, Dr. Cooper will discuss what strabismus is, what causes it, how it is diagnosed, and when surgery is the right treatment. She will also explain the types of surgery for strabismus, which symptoms these surgeries treat, and the long-term goal of surgery. Dr. Cooper is thrilled to be a part of this symposium. I was honored to be asked once again to give a lecture at The EYES of a Child Symposium, Dr. Cooper said. Im looking forward to this opportunity to share information about strabismus in children and how different treatments, including surgery, can benefit our patients. The 6th Annual EYES of a Child Symposium is sponsored by the UC Davis Conference and Event Services. Its a conference for school nurses, optometrists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, internal medicine practitioners, family practice doctors, and pediatricians. Along with Dr. Coopers lecture on strabismus, other topics on the program include visual disorders and how they affect learning, pediatric eye problem referrals, fetal surgery, childrens headaches, pediatric anesthesia, and how sinusitis can lead to orbital complications. This symposium will be held on October 21st, 2017 at the Courtyard by Marriott Midtown in Sacramento, CA. The theme for this years 6th Annual the EYES of a Child Symposium is: Same Questions New Directions. Those who want to learn more about the 6th annual EYES of a Child Symposium can register at http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/eyecenter/cme/Eyes-of-a-Child.html. About Dr. Cooper Pediatric Ophthalmology & Family Eye Care Pediatric Ophthalmology & Family Eye Care is led by Dr. Cooper, and provides complete eye services for both children and adults. These include comprehensive eye exams, with all of our board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists. Our optometrists are experts at hard to fit contact lenses in teens, tweens and adults. Our in-house optical shop provides "one-stop" shopping for all your eye care needs and we carry an extensive line of glasses for adults, children and hard to fit faces. Dr. Cooper can be reached by phone at 650-437-8315, by visiting www.mypedeyedr.com, or at her office at Pediatric Ophthalmology & Family Eye Care, 1720 El Camino Real, Suite 235, Burlingame Ca, 94010. Tens of thousands of California community college students will be able to bypass remedial courses and possibly graduate earlier under a new law that calls for schools to follow whats already in place at Cuyamaca College. Under Assembly Bill 705, signed by Gov. Jerry Brown on Oct. 13, community colleges are prohibited from denying students access to higher-level courses with transferable units unless their assessments are based in part on their high school performance rather than test scores. For many years, community colleges have assessed students knowledge of math and English only with placement tests. Studies have shown high school grade point averages are a more accurate assessment. Advertisement The new law creates a change similar to one recently made in the California State University system, which in August announced it would stop using standardized tests scores to determine if students need remedial courses. Rather, it is using high school grades, previous classroom performance and ACT and SAT scores. According to the California Acceleration Project, which since 2010 has been focused on helping improve the outcomes of students in remedial classes, more than 170,000 state community college students each year are assigned remedial math because of their performance on standardized tests. More than 110,000 of those students never complete the math required for a degree. For those who do, the path to graduation from a four-year school can be longer because units from remedial classes are not transferable. Katie Hern, executive director of the California Acceleration Project and an English instructor at Chabot College, said many students get discouraged at having to take remedial courses because they are not challenging and can delay their graduation, leading many to drop out. Put yourself in their shoes, she said. They just got out of high school, and theyre looking forward to college. Then, they go to an assessment center and theyre told theyre going to have to take two years of courses theyve already gone through. How would you feel? Hern said the bill can be a game-changer at community college campuses, where about three-quarters of students must take remedial classes before higher-level classes. That could drop to just 10 percent with the change, she said. The new method also could have a strong impact on the number of students who succeed at community colleges. A study found that 70 percent of students who did not have to take remedial courses graduated earned a certificate or transferred to a four-year school in six years, she said. Of students who had to take remedial courses, only 40 percent advanced in that time. Hern said that despite some students poor performance on placement tests, there is evidence that many who have been placed in remedial classes could pass the higher-level classes if given a chance. For example, one study showed that 43 percent of students with a high school grade point average of below 1.9 ended up passing a non-remedial English class they were allowed to take. The bill, written by state Assemblyman Jacqui Irwin, D-Thousand Oaks, still allows community colleges to require remedial courses for some students, but their assessments must include high school GPAs along with coursework that shows they would be highly unlikely to succeed in higher-level course. The bill does not state when the change must be implemented, which Hern said will give time for colleges to adjust. Part of that adjustment will be the addition of co-requisite classes that will give students with low GPAs a little extra help. As Hern explained, Cuyamaca College and Mesa College both have co-requisite classes that have been models for how the change can work. A co-requisite class is not remedial, but it provides extra time with an instructor and awards five credits rather than the usual three. Mesa College offers one co-requisite five-credit class for students whose high school GPA was 2.6 or below. Cuyamaca was one of the first colleges in a pilot program that the California Acceleration Project began in 2011, and in 2016 it fully implemented co-requisite courses in all its college-transferable math classes. It also offers a five-credit co-requisite English class. Cuyamaca is the leader in the state with math co-requisites, Hern said. Cuyamaca College President Julianna Barnes said the reform was imperative for student success and equity. Our results show what is possible when colleges advance an equity-minded culture and transform placement and remediation, she said. As a state, we need to do everything in our power to make sure every student has the opportunity to succeed. At Cuyamaca, 67 percent of students in co-requisite math classes successfully completed the course within one year. In the past, only 10 percent of students who had been required to take remedial math at the school went on to complete a transfer-level math course within a year. Completion rates for Cuyamaca students in co-requisite classes also went from 10 percent to 59 percent in business and STEM courses and from 10 percent to 69 percent in statistics. The largest gain was in students who previously would have taken three or more remedial classes. Their completion rate increased from 4 percent in two years to 56 percent in one year. Most students now complete math requirements in one semester. Hern said Tennessee adopted a similar remedial education reform two years ago, and data from the state show it has been successful. In its first year, completion of college math courses quadrupled overall and was seven times higher for minority students, indicating the change also could help close the achievement gap, Hern said. Homeless Playlist On Now San Diego hepatitis outbreak continues to grow: 481 cases On Now Homeless entrenched in booming tent city along Santa Ana River On Now San Diego mayor agreed to homeless hub, then delayed, advocates say On Now Homeless outreach in San Diego On Now Video: Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #8 On Now In poverty himself, 'Water Man Dave,' is the fearless saint of San Diego's homeless 5:41 On Now Video: Homeless living in cars find safe havens 2:21 On Now Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #7 On Now Pitching a tent plan for San Diego's homeless On Now Homeless efforts get $80M boost for various services gary.warth@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @GaryWarthUT 760-529-4939 As San Diegos hepatitis A outbreak has continued to grow, so has a fascination about the identity and importance of patient zero, the first person believed to be infected in a surge of illness that has now killed 19 people. At first unwilling to say much at all about this mysterious person, county health officials disclosed twice during public meetings in late September that the apparent first patient what epidemiologists often call an outbreaks index case was a homeless man who tested positive for hepatitis infection in East County. Dr. Eric McDonald, chief of the countys Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch, reiterated in an email this week that this man was treated in a La Mesa hospital and when interviewed said that the exposure period was mainly in El Cajon. Advertisement Further details on exactly where in El Cajon, and where else patient zero might have lived, have not been forthcoming and a lack of genetic analysis due to his unknown whereabouts have made absolute confirmation of his first-patient status impossible. Though most of the outreach and sanitation efforts have focused on the city of San Diego, and a recently-released list of cases by zip code shows that the largest number of cases occurred downtown, some have taken note that the current public health crisis may have started somewhere else. Patient zero coming from a different part of the county speaks to how we need to have every part of the community stepping up to solve this problem, said James Haug, a downtown condo owner and president of the East Village Association, a business improvement district. Theres been at least a small impact on tourism: A cookie convention slated to hold its event at the San Diego Convention Center in September chose to withdraw until the outbreak is deemed over, though local officials challenged whether hepatitis was the true rationale. Michael Trimble, executive director of the Gaslamp Quarter business association, said theres no hard evidence that theres been an impact on downtown business. Its definitely on everyones mind, he said. Im sure there are some people who just wont come downtown because of hep A, but Im looking out my window right now and seeing two families with their kids strolling down Fifth Avenue. While he said its good to know that the first patient may have been in East County, downtown still has a large population of homeless people and its important to continue getting that at-risk population immunized against the virus. Thousands of San Diegans have lined up to get the vaccine to protect against the disease, which has been tied to fecal matter contamination. Sidewalks are now being washed with a bleach solution and outreach teams have fanned out across the region. Health officials and those in county government have resisted pinning the origin on any specific area. On Tuesday, Dr. Wilma Wooten, the countys public health officer, again said that zip codes simply dont mean too much when the population thats getting sick is homeless and highly migratory. The zip code that they might give when someone interviews them at the hospital might not necessarily be where they hang their hat all of the time, Wooten said. And there is another caveat in this origin story. Standard epidemiological practice considers a person part of an outbreak if there are enough facts to make a logical connection. In the case of the locals outbreak, the El Cajon patient is considered patient zero because he was homeless and a blood test showed the presence of hepatitis A antibodies, according to the countys McDonald. Those two facts are enough to make it statistically likely he was infected by one of the 15 or more hepatitis A viral strains that have caused the outbreak. But no local public health investigator has ever interviewed or traced this first patients movements through the community, because they have been unable to find him. Thats too bad, because outbreak investigations work through a process called contact tracing which seek out each person who was in contact with an infectious person. Making contact with first patients early on allows a public health department to more accurately focus their vaccination efforts. While a name was recorded when the individual was seen in the hospital in late November, Wooten said he was treated and released long before anyone at the county realized that an outbreak was underway in March of this year. We have not had the ability to contact the first index case in this outbreak, Wooten said. To date, because the man has not been located, his blood has not been able to be analyzed for the same strain of hepatitis that is causing the outbreak. So, its technically possible that patient zero was actually infected by a hepatitis A virus with a different genetic fingerprint not directly related to the outbreak cases. This disease, after all, has always been present at low levels in the community. According to local public health records, the region averaged 28 acute hepatitis cases per year from 2012 through 2016. Health Playlist On Now Video: Why aren't Americans getting flu shots? 0:37 On Now Video: Leaders urge public to help extinguish hepatitis outbreak On Now San Diego starts cleansing sidewalks, streets to combat hepatitis A On Now Video: Scripps to shutter its hospice service On Now Video: Scripps La Jolla hospitals nab top local spot in annual hospital rankings On Now Video: Does a parent's Alzheimer's doom their children? On Now Video: Vaccine can prevent human papillomavirus, which can cause cancer 0:31 On Now 23 local doctors have already faced state discipline in 2017 0:48 On Now EpiPen recall expands On Now Kids can add years to your life paul.sisson@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1850 Twitter: @paulsisson Dreamers at San Diego Community College District may be able to clear withdrawals from their transcripts if they dropped classes following the end of a program that protected them from deportation and allowed them to work. The process, called academic forgiveness, is used to help students with extenuating circumstances, and students can petition the district to get rid of Ws, which students describe as stains on their records. Some students who were participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, created by the Obama administration and ended in September under President Donald Trump, have withdrawn from classes to work as much as they can before their permits expire. Advertisement For many, the ability to afford higher education hinged on the capability to work legally in the U.S. through the program. Without the work permits that come with the program, dreamers will either not work or work under-the-table for generally lower wages. Its painful, very painful, said Francisco Peralta, a City College student who recently withdrew and who was part of a group that asked the school for help. One minute your academic goals are solid and stable, and the next second they start to evaporate right in front of your eyes. DACA permits had to be renewed every two years. While the Attorney General announced the programs end at the beginning of September, those whose permits expired before March were able to renew them one more time. Peraltas permit ends in about nine months, so he wasnt able to renew. Hes been working at two restaurants while taking classes and preparing to transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelors in environmental science. After the announcement that DACA would end, he did a lot of soul-searching, he said. He felt his academic goals pulling out of reach. After the ending of the DACA program, my motivation went to the floor, Peralta said. I didnt go to class for a couple days. Peralta, 30, came to San Diego from Mexico City when he was 12. He said he made poor choices in high school by prioritizing working over studying, and he dropped out to work at a fast food restaurant. When DACA began in 2012, it inspired him to go back to school so he could meet the educational requirements to apply for the program. He got his GED diploma and continued to community college. While there, he served on student government, mentored new students and interned in a research lab at UC San Diego. It was an amazing experience. I couldnt believe two years before I was working at a Burger King and basically trapped at a dead-end job, Peralta said. You see education through a different lens when you have the opportunity to go back to it. Now that hes withdrawn, he plans to work full time to save what he called an emergency fund. Im hoping for the best but preparing for the worst, Peralta said. He doesnt have much faith in Congress to pass legislation in time. He plans to continue pushing for political change both locally and nationally. In the best-case scenario, he will return to his studies in a year, he said. Hes grateful to the support that the district has given to students like him. Shortly after the DACA announcement, the board of trustees for the district passed a resolution supporting the DACA program and urging Congress to pass the DREAM Act, a bipartisan-sponsored bill that would give permanent residency to unauthorized immigrants who came to the U.S. as children if they meet certain requirements. The district sent an email informing known DACA students about the option to petition for academic forgiveness last week. The deadline for students to submit petitions for academic forgiveness is Monday. Academic forgiveness doesnt mean a refund for the semester, but for Peralta, being able to keep his transcript clean for when he continues his education was extremely important. Lynn Neault, vice chancellor of student services, said she sees helping DACA students as part of the districts commitment to supporting all of its students. The district didnt create a new process for DACA students, she said, but it did proactively let them know that the process was there if they needed it. We listen to the students, Neault said. Im really proud of that. We listen to their concerns and take it seriously, and when we can act, we do. She said the district took similar steps for students who were affected by wildfires several years ago, and the process is also there for students who have deaths in the family or other life events that can take students away from their studies. For community college students, life gets in the way. They come to us with many different life circumstances, Neault said. Our jobs are to recognize that and see what we can do. For many of the districts DACA students, the current situation is traumatizing, she said. Since this DACA issue and immigration issue has hit us, what has really struck me is the strength and tenacity of our students and the horrific impact this is having, the uncertainty for families and our students. The district held events this week on the different campuses promoting DACA Advocacy Week. It has also hosted workshops on immigration, Neault said, and district officials are watching for what other supports might be necessary in the future. 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 About a week before a court hearing that could have cleared her record, a single mother who had previously been permitted to stay was deported Thursday to Mexico. Silvia Ocampo-Ortiz was known in the San Diego community as an activist, a hard worker and an engaged parent. Local political, community and faith leaders gathered Thursday morning outside the federal building, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement has offices, to call for her release to her family in the hours before her deportation. This is an extreme example of how our immigration system is broken, Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher told a small crowd. We know this woman has done everything in her power to do the right thing. Advertisement At her lawyers encouragement, Ocampo pleaded guilty to a felony perjury charge in 2009 related to filling out a drivers license renewal application as an unauthorized immigrant, according to her friend and fellow union member Brigette Browning. Her lawyer did not tell her what that felony would mean for her in the immigration system, Browning said. Gonzalez Fletcher sponsored a bill to enable immigrants in Ocampos situation to vacate decisions if they werent advised of the immigration repercussions of a guilty plea. The bill was signed into law in 2016, and Ocampo had gone through the process to get a hearing for her case. It was scheduled for Oct. 27. She is one of the most hardworking, upstanding people I have ever met, said Browning, president of Unite Here Local 30. She got caught up in a bad system. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman Lauren Mack said Ocampo was removed to Mexico on Thursday on a order from a federal immigration judge issued in 2010. Ms. Ocampo-Ortiz was afforded legal process, Mack said. There was nothing barring her removal to Mexico. Mack said her case was reviewed before the immigration judge, the Board of Immigration Appeals and twice by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals before she was deported. While ICE continues to prioritize its enforcement resources to focus on individuals who pose a threat to national security, public safety and border security, the agencys Acting Director has made it clear that ICE will not exempt classes or categories of removable aliens form potential enforcement, Mack said. All of those in violation of our nations immigration laws may be subject to arrest, detention and, if found removable, he or she will be removed from the United States. Pedro Rios, director of the American Friends Service Committees U.S./Mexico border program, worried about the effect Ocampos deportation would have on her children. Two are adults, one is a teenager and one is 8-years-old with special needs. The living trauma they experience will stay with them the rest of their lives, Rios said. Dennis Martinez, 61, a Marine Corps veteran, heard Ocampos story on the news and said he showed up to the rally to support her. This is horrible, Martinez said. He wore a bright red Marine Corps shirt. For an event like this, Ill wear my brightest colors, he said, explaining that he wants people to know that not all veterans are on the immigration restrictionist side of the debate. Ocampo came to the U.S. illegally in 1992 with her husband and their first child..Her three other children were born in the U.S. After Ocampo pleaded guilty to the criminal charge in 2009, she was placed in immigration proceedings. A judge ordered her deported, but she was allowed to remain in the U.S. as long as she checked in with ICE every year because she has a U.S. citizen daughter with special needs. Her husband was deported after pleading to the same charge, leaving Ocampo to care for their children. Diana Grijalva, principal at the elementary school that Ocampos eight-year-old daughter attends, said she rarely leaves the school during the day. Grijalva had to make an exception to show support for Ocampo. Ocampos daughter has perfect attendance, she said, and turns in her homework every day. Shes scared what might happen with Ocampo gone. To have her mother, her sole support, yanked from her life, thats critical, Grijalva said. Motherhood and family is not something that should be formed by class or ZIP code. It cannot be defined by borders or anyones political agenda. She carried letters of support from teachers and staff at the elementary school written on Ocampos behalf. When news spread that Ocampo would be deported, politicians ranging from Rep. Scott Peters to San Diego City Councilwoman Georgette Gomez voiced their disapproval of immigration officials decision. Targeting families with disabled children is heartless and cruel and does not represent the values of our great nation, Peters said. In addition to the inhumanity of ripping loving, caring parents away from their children, its also fiscally stupid. Now these children, as U.S. citizens, will end up in our foster care system, which is already severely overburdened. It makes no sense and I urge everyone to call the Trump Administration out on this nonsense decision. Gomez called the decision shameful. Ocampo is not the first immigrant who had been checking in with ICE for years to be deported under this administration. After President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January that changed enforcement priorities, many have found themselves detained and then deported. One woman in Colorado chose to take sanctuary in a church instead of going to her check-in appointment after she heard what was happening to others. As she coped with the emotions of Ocampos deportation, Gonzalez Fletcher wondered what to tell her constituents about check ins. Theyre undermining the law by detaining people who have done nothing wrong, Gonzalez Fletcher said. According to a Department of Homeland Security report, ICE was monitoring about 2.2 million people through check ins as of August 2016. Follow me on Facebook for live updates about immigration news kate.morrissey@sduniontribune.com, @bgirledukate on Twitter Students and other audience members heavily booed white nationalist Richard Spencer on Thursday as he gave a speech at the University of Florida, where the atmosphere was tense but mostly peaceful as police in riot gear kept watch. We represent a new white America, said one speaker who came onstage to introduce Spencer. Black lives matter, student protesters responded. Black lives matter! Black lives matter! Advertisement Later, Spencers supporters, some of whom filled the front rows of the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, chanted back: You will not replace us! Go home, Spencer! protesters intoned after Spencer began speaking. You are trying to stifle our free speech, Spencer said as the crowd continuously booed and chanted through his speech, in which he recited his ideas about the ideal of a white nation. Police and media helicopters circled over the area Thursday as hundreds of protesters marched in opposition to Spencers appearance. Demonstrators were met by a blockade of police wearing riot gear. From what Ive learned, this guy just preaches hate, said one of the marchers, LaMonte Kendrick, 22, of Gainesville. What he says doesnt make sense. Its like the 60s or something. Gainesvilles already had enough hate and racism in its history. Spencers last major public appearance with other white nationalists ended with a deadly riot in Charlottesville, Va., in August. Spencer gained national prominence in recent years for his support of President Trump and for his views calling for a separate nation for white people. The apparent resurgence in white nationalism in the United States has sparked anti-supremacists to mobilize with their own efforts, including nonviolent demonstrations and pressure campaigns on companies providing services to white nationalists and sometimes violent attacks intended to drive them out of public spaces. 1 / 13 White nationalist Richard Spencer, who popularized the term alt-right, speaks at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Florida in Gainesville on Thursday. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) 2 / 13 People react as white nationalist Richard Spencer speaks in Gainesville, Fla. Spencer was frequently met with protest chants. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) 3 / 13 Protesters chant and hold signs at the site of a planned speech by white nationalist Richard Spencer on the University of Florida campus on Thursday. (Brian Blanco / Getty Images) 4 / 13 Richard Spencer initially protested the boos and chants as suppression of his speech, but later began taking questions from audience members, who variously asked him why he hadnt left yet or how he could form a white ethno-state without performing violent ethnic cleansing. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) 5 / 13 Police monitor the scene as protesters gather near the site of a speech by a white nationalist on Thursday. (Brian Blanco / Getty Images) 6 / 13 A man stands on a Nazi flag and an Antifa flag near the site of a planned speech by white nationalist Richard Spencer at the University of Florida campus in Gainesville. (Brian Blanco / Getty Images) 7 / 13 Protesters hold a rally ahead of white nationalist Richard Spencers speech at the University of Florida. (Jason Dearen / Associated Press) 8 / 13 Sam Hyde of Houston, who was wearing a Nazi SS pin on his shirt, talks to the media before the speech by a white nationalist. (Ricardo Ramirez-Buxeda / Orlando Sentinel) 9 / 13 A man protests a scheduled speech by white nationalist Richard Spencer at the University of Florida in Gainesville. (Ricardo Ramirez-Buxeda / Orlando Sentinel) 10 / 13 Police monitor the site of a planned speech by white nationalist Richard Spencer at the University of Florida on Thursday. (Brian Blanco / Getty Images) 11 / 13 White nationalist Richard Spencer is joined onstage by controversial talk radio host Mike Enoch, left. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) 12 / 13 Police on a nearby rooftop monitor the scene at the site of the speech on the University of Florida campus. (Brian Blanco / Getty Images) 13 / 13 Police check the bags of journalists entering the site of the Richard Spencer event. (Brian Blanco / Getty Images) Spencer has turned his sights to public universities, where 1st Amendment protections of free speech limit officials ability to deny Spencer a platform. Officials at the Florida college have confirmed theyve spent roughly $500,000 on security for the event, and police from around Florida gathered in Gainesville to assist local police. About 700 free tickets were available for the event and were supposed to be distributed outside the venue on a first-come, first-served basis, according to Spencers website, AltRight.com. Weapons were banned from the event, along with a wide range of other items, including water bottles, masks, shields and hats. Everyone is welcome at #SpenceratUF, Spencer tweeted before the event Thursday. This is going to be an important dialogue for the entire community. Police corralled protesters into a single line outside the venue and turned away attendees for various reasons, including a military veteran who walked with a cane, which was deemed a potential weapon. One woman said she was denied entry by Spencers supporters at the gate because she was with an African American man. Some journalists with cameras and notebooks were denied access but were allowed entry without those items. Inside the auditorium, a group of Spencers supporters sat close to the stage, while the audience of protesters sat toward the back, separated from Spencer and his proponents by rows of empty seats and a cordon of police. Spencer initially protested the boos as suppression of his speech but later began taking questions from audience members who variously asked why he hadnt left yet or how he could form a white ethno-state without performing violent ethnic cleansing. Many in the audience protested by standing during his speech and holding up their fists, the symbol of black power. One questioner who introduced himself as a son of immigrants told Spencer he was disappointed with the crowds protests, saying he wanted to engage in a dialogue. Another introduced herself as a beautiful brown woman of Egyptian and Puerto Rican descent. She thanked Spencer for coming, and asked, How did it feel to get punched in the face on camera? The student was referring to a viral video of Spencer being struck by an anti-fascist in Washington, D.C., on the day of Trumps inauguration. Her question drew a cheer from the crowd. It hurt, Spencer said. Yeah, it hurts when someone punches you in the face. Is that a real question? Spencer added: Whats the point of such a question? Are you threatening me with violence? Do you all want to get your hands dirty? Are you really willing to do something like that, or do you just want to shout self-righteously? The womans question was the final one during Spencers 90-minute appearance. He thanked the crowd for coming, and to protesters, he said: You think that you shut me down? Well, you didnt. You actually even failed at your own game. The world is not going to be proud of you. Spencer left campus shortly afterward as the audience filed out. Outside the venue, where hundreds of protesters gathered, small scuffles broke out when one man with swastikas on his shirt walked through the center of the crowd, seeming to relish the startled and appalled reactions of protesters. He was escorted away after someone punched him in the face, according to reporters on the scene. Only one arrest appeared to take place before Spencers appearance. Police said a security guard, hired by a media outlet covering the event, had illegally brought a gun on campus. Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for Alachua County on Monday, saying in his executive order that a threat of a potential emergency is imminent, and that law enforcement must defend public safety and security will be safeguarded and critical infrastructure, and public and private property will be protected. The measures, which came at the request of Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell, are not in response to any specific threats, according to the sheriffs and governors offices. University officials announced that most classes would meet as normal Thursday. The school asked students to boycott Spencer, whose views university President W. Kent Fuchs has described as repugnant. A group calling itself No Nazis at UF planned to stage a protest outside the event. About 3,000 people indicated on Facebook they planned to participate. Students also staged a sit-in at a student senate meeting earlier in the week. The neo-Nazi website the Daily Stormer urged Spencer supporters who couldnt get tickets to carry out flash mobs throughout the city, including at a Jewish center, a black culture center and the Gainesville Sun newspaper, though as Spencer gave his speech, no such events appeared to have taken place. The point is to confuse the situation and to create public attention, to make it feel like the entire city is taken over by our guys, wrote site editor Andrew Anglin, who also urged followers to dress normally, leave signs or flags in their cars and not bring weapons. The Anti-Defamation League, which monitors hate groups, warned about attending the event. This type of activity is dangerous. We are working with local officials to ensure everyones safety, the group tweeted. We encourage people to avoid this event all together. Showing up will only play into their hands. Los Angeles Times staff writer Pearce reported from Los Angeles and special correspondent Neuhaus from Gainesville, Fla. The Orlando Sentinel contributed to this report. matt.pearce@latimes.com @mattdpearce. Both Republicans in San Diegos delegation are in jeopardy of losing their seats in office, according to two election forecasts released this past week. With nearly a year to go until the 2018 primary election, both Sabatos Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia and the Cook Political Report say that Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, is very vulnerable. Cook also says that Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, is in trouble, but not nearly as much as Issa. The areas three House Democrats were not on either of the forecasters lists, an indication that they are likely to be re-elected. Both forecasters predict a blue shift in the House in the 2018 midterm elections, a continuation of a historical trend in which the party that does not control the White House picks up seats. But Democrats have more to lose in the Senate, as members of that party hold 23 of the 33 seats up for election. Advertisement Both forecasters gave Democrats overly optimistic predictions in 2016, but have previously read tea leaves more accurately. Cook, in a list of vulnerable House members released Friday, said that Hunters seat will likely remain in Republican control, and is currently not considered competitive, but could become a hot race. Hunters office did not respond to a request for comment. It was the first time that Hunter has appeared on the list, but Cook also noted that the incumbents chances of staying in office are still strong. It would take the combination of a Democratic wave and an indicted GOP incumbent to put a seat as Republican as this one anywhere near the competitive radar, but that may be where things are headed, Cooks analysis said. It noted that Hunter is under Justice Department investigation for using campaign money for personal expenses, a problem the congressman said is the result of an honest mistake that he has since rectified. Cook also said that one of the Democrats in the race, former Navy SEAL Josh Butner, appears strong, but also says hes a longshot. Butners extensive service is a real asset in a district with a huge military tradition, but to have any chance, he must hope Hunters legal problems are severe but do not force him off the ballot in 2018. The district, which includes inland San Diego County and a part of Temecula, is one of the most conservative in California and has the biggest margin between Democratic and Republican voter registration in the state. Hunters campaign declined to comment. Cooks report says that twenty-four other Republican seats are in as precarious of a situation as Hunter, as are 11 held by Democrats. Cook says Issa and seats held by 11 other Republicans are the most competitive and either party has a good chance of winning. Three seats held by Democrats were also described that way. Cook has listed Issa as a toss up since May, the first report of this cycle election. An analysis by Sabato released on Thursday also says that Issa and 12 other Republicans are in toss-up elections. Another 44 Republicans are also vulnerable, but to a lesser extent. Twenty-one Democratic seats are also at risk of being flipped, the prediction said. Sabato hasnt recently written about the Issas 49th District, but in July said its the most vulnerable Republican seat in California, and, in February said he probably starts 2018 as one of the most endangered House incumbents. Issas spokesman, Calvin Moore, noted that these predictions have missed the mark before. If any of these Washington forecasters predictions actually translated to election outcomes, Hillary Clinton would have become president. Congressman Issa has a long track record as one of the most effective members of Congress from any party and its on that track record of success that voters will re-elect him again in 2018, Moore said. Issa beat Democrat Doug Applegate by 1,621 votes in last years election, the closest federal race in the country, and the first time the incumbent has come anywhere close to a loss. Issas spokesman did not respond to a request for comment. Issa is facing three Democratic challengers: Applegate, Mike Levin and Paul Kerr. Twitter: @jptstewart joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1841 When cravings strike for freshly-baked cookies dunked into a cold glass of milk, you either head to the grocery store for those tubed numbers or roll up your sleeves to bake from scratch, which, after midnight in particular, seems ill-advised. Sensing a vacancy in late-night cookie delivery methods, Brooklyn Kolache has launched a new evening service for getting warm cookies into your mouth as quickly as possible with as little work as possible on your end. Partners in business and in life Autumn Stanford and Dennis Mendozawho also run Filipino/Texas taco spot Swell Diverecently began Bake Sale BK, a delivery-only side business offering eight different types of cookies plus milk and a savory pepperoni roll. "We started talking about doing late-night cookies. And nobody was really doing it in North Brooklyn," Stanford explained to NPR when the business launched. "So we were playing around with names, and somebody said Bake Sale. And I thought, well, a bake sale is a fundraiser. And so we started looking at different fundraising components, and that's how it all came about." Ten percent of the sales from the business will be donated to Bed-Stuy Campaign Against Hunger, a community organization that's now the largest food bank in Brooklyn. Roni Rolls (Autumn Stanford) Thursdays through Sundays, Bake Sale will delivery their goodies via Postmates evenings and late nights. Cookies ($2.50 each) come in flavors including Classic Chocolate Chip, a Monster Cookie with oatmeal and M&Ms, and an Ube Crinkle inspired by Mendoza's Filipino heritage. One could also order a box of assorted cookies for (six for $12 and up to 18 for $27) with pints of Battenvkill Valley Creamery Whole or Chocolate Milks or Texas favorite Topo Chico Mineral Water (Stanford is from Austin). For now, the sole savory option is a pizzeria-style Roni Roll ($4.50), a sweet garlic roll filled with pepperoni and provolone cheese. Stanford says there are plans to roll out more "savory munchie items" soon. Insomnia Cookies was one of the first to try out the cookie delivery method, and there are still some locations, though none currently operate in Brooklyn. Bake Sale BK operates Thursdays 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Sundays 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Delivery zones include all of North Brooklyn; check Postmates for availability. San Diego is adding a crucial tool to the citys aggressive campaign to upgrade its crumbling streets. Paving contractors will soon be required to formally evaluate the quality of their work, and they wont get paid by the city without submitting proof they completed such an analysis. The unusual move, modeled after a similar requirement by the state Department of Transportation, comes as Mayor Kevin Faulconer continues moving forward with a plan to re-pave nearly one third of San Diegos streets by 2020. Advertisement The new requirement builds on a policy change last year that bars contractors with bad performance evaluations from seeking work with the city. City Council members, who unanimously approved the new contractor requirement this week, said they expect it to boost the quality of re-paving work and help the city make better decisions about which streets to prioritize. Were spending half a million dollars per mile, dont we want quality assurance of what were getting? Councilman David Alvarez said. Councilman Scott Sherman said he was particularly upbeat about the plan to withhold payment until contractors provide proof they have tested, monitored and documented their work performance for the city. I think it would be incredibly helpful if you tie it to getting paid, Sherman said. I have a feeling youre going to get that information pretty easily if theyre waiting for their paycheck. Councilman Mark Kersey said the city could use the information in the evaluations to help determine which streets need more aggressive work and which can just be sealed as a stopgap measure. The more data we can get from the contractors, the better off were going to be, said Kersey, chairman of the councils Infrastructure Committee. This is obviously a priority issue for all of us. The better we can do it, the happier were going to make our constituents. The new policy was prompted by a recent city audit that found 6 percent of blocks re-paved from fiscal 2009 through fiscal 2015 had declined from good to fair condition sooner than expected. In addition to recommending the new quality control requirement for contractors, City Auditor Eduardo Luna also recommends the city analyze why those blocks deteriorated so quickly and consider establishing a process for ongoing evaluation. City officials said they plan to complete such an evaluation by July. But those officials predicted poor work by contractors would rarely end up being the problem, suggesting the blocks where paving work deteriorated quickly probably needed a more aggressive approach, such as a complete re-build from the soil up. Councilman Chris Ward said the city should also require contractors to do a better job of informing residents when nearby re-paving projects are scheduled. Ward said such work often comes as a surprise to many, either forcing them to find new routes or to drive and potentially damage freshly paved streets. How are we holding our contractors accountable for the failure to communicate adequately with the public, Ward said. Contractors are required to notify residents within 300 feet of a scheduled paving project, but Ward said that requirement isnt always met. And even when contractors do meet that requirement, many people drive on streets located more than 300 feet from their homes. James Nagelvoort, director of the citys Public Works Department, said San Diego is focused on boosting the quality of paving contractor work. He said the new policy adopted last year bars contractors with two bad evaluations within a year from bidding on city projects for two years. It also allows permanent debarment after four bad evaluations. But Nagelvoort warned that new contractors, even if they seem suspiciously low quality, cant be barred until they have officially received a bad evaluation from the city or some other agency. We cant work off of rumors, he said. Placing additional requirements on contractors can sometimes cost cities money because bids come in higher, or some contractors decline to bid on projects because of a new city requirement. Nagelvoort said that was unlikely because the city isnt changing the standard of actual paving work they require, just forcing contractors to evaluate their work and document the analysis. Sharp spending increases on road repair under Faulconer have boosted the quality of city streets, but not by as much as city leaders want. The budget for this fiscal year includes $71 million for 349 miles of street repair. A comprehensive assessment of the citys 3,000 miles of streets last year showed a sharp improvement over a previous assessment in 2011. But only 60 percent of individual streets are classified as in good condition, with 34 percent deemed fair, and 6 percent classified as poor. San Diego has 2,668 miles of asphalt streets, 120 miles of concrete streets and 204 miles of paved alleys, according to city documents. david.garrick@sduniontribune.com (619) 269-8906 Twitter:@UTDavidGarrick The Arizona man accused of killing his wife an Army veteran who lived in San Diego allegedly abused a woman from a previous marriage, according to court documents. Dalen Larry Payne Ware has been charged with murdering Julia Jacobson, 37, who was last seen Sept. 2 in Ontario, Calif. Days later, investigators found Jacobsons abandoned SUV in North Park, not far from her home. Evidence found in the abandoned vehicle led police to suspect shed been slain. Detectives havent found her remains, but believe she was killed in San Bernardino County on Sept. 3. They were ultimately led to Ware, her ex-husband, and he was arrested at his Arizona home on Oct. 12. Jacobson had filed for divorce last year. And while she cited irreconcilable differences, the documents revealed little about the couples relationship. Advertisement Court filings from a previous marriage were more detailed. After divorcing in March 2013, Wares previous wife filed for a restraining order, writing in detail of the abuse she had allegedly suffered at the hands of her ex-husband. She wrote that throughout their marriage, Ware had abused her mentally and physically at times calling her names, choking her, spitting in her face, twisting her arm and pushing her head into the ground. He would tell me he isnt stupid enough to leave a mark on me cause he knows I would call the police, the woman wrote in documents filed in Riverside Superior Court. In November 2013, she said, Ware became upset during a conversation while she sat in her car. Ware, who was outside the vehicle, pulled on her seatbelt, trapping her in her seat, and began yelling explicit things about her to her two sons. She wrote that both of her boys began to cry. (He) is going to seriously hurt me if given the opportunity, she said in one of the documents. Pauline Repard contributed to this report. Twitter: @LAWinkley (619) 293-1546 lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com Family and friends of a San Diego attorney killed in a mass shooting of Las Vegas concertgoers gathered Thursday to celebrate her life. The two-hour event was to honor Jennifer Irvine, 42. It was held at Moonshine Flats, a country bar in downtown San Diego, followed by a fundraising concert for all the victims. It lifted a lot of people, said Tim Frisbee, 19, outside the venue. He said he didnt know Irvine personally but attended the celebration of life with his mother, who was with Irvine in Las Vegas at the time of the shooting. Advertisement Frisbee said a photo montage that played during the memorial stirred emotions for many of the attendees. Thats what got a lot of people and my mom, he said. Liliana Cook, 35, of San Diego said she had known Irvine about 10 years. It was like she was there with us her light and her spirit, said Cook, who attended the event with her husband, Mike. The people that love her have amazing memories of her. Irvine was with friends at the Route 91 Harvest festival on Oct. 1 when a man opened fire on the crowd from a suite on the 32nd floor of the nearby Mandalay Bay Inn Resort and Casino. She was one of 58 people killed. Hundreds of others were injured. The shooter, Stephen Paddock, killed himself in the hotel suite, authorities said. A spokeswoman for concert said that the memorial portion of the evening raised nearly $5,100 in bar sales, money that will be donated California Western School of Law, where Irvine earned her law degree. Before she attended law school, Irvine had attended the University of San Diego. Later, Moonshine Flats hosted the Country Strong Route 91 Victim Benefit Concert. Nearly $22,200 was raised during that portion of the evening, and it will be donated to the official Las Vegas Victims Fund, the spokeswoman said. Among the concertgoers Thursday was Kate Thornton of El Cajon. The 32-year-old said she was in Las Vegas at the time of the shooting, and broke several bones while slipping in blood and climbing over barriers to get to safety. When someone is shooting at you, it shows you how vulnerable you are, said Thornton, whose right leg was in a surgical boot. She said attending the concert Thursday night was therapeutic. Its all family, Thornton said of other survivors of the shooting, She later added. Every day you are alive is a good day. Several San Diego County residents were injured in the shooting, including Tina Frost, who lost an eye, Zack Mesker, who took a bullet to the pelvis, Jeffrey Koisher, who was shot twice in the leg, George Sanchez, who was shot in the arm, Del Mar Deputy Fire Chief Jon Blumeyer and an unnamed San Diego firefighter. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4945 Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT UPDATES: 4:40 p.m. Oct. 20: This story was updated to include the amount of money raised at the celebration of life and the concert that followed. The story was initially posted at 9:05 p.m. Oct. 19. Three shootings by police and a sheriffs deputy over the past year including the killing of a man who opened fire at a University City poolside birthday party were legally justified, District Attorney Summer Stephan announced Friday. At an afternoon news conference held at the downtown Hall of Justice, Stephan said law enforcement personnel involved in each incident believed they needed to defend themselves and others present, and that their use of lethal force was necessary. None of the officers, or the sheriffs deputy, will face criminal charges. Advertisement Stephan said reviewing officer-involved shooting cases are some of the most serious things we do. Its something thats closely watched by the community, as it should be, she said. District Attorney Summer Stephan (Pauline Repard/San Diego Union-Tribune) Three San Diego police officers shot at Peter Selis, 49, after he killed Monique Clark and wounded six other people at the La Jolla Crossroads apartment complex on April 30. Selis, reportedly distraught over breaking up with his girlfriend, brought a gun to the pool and watched the 30 or so people gathered there. He phoned the ex-girlfriend and talked to her as he picked up a pistol and started firing into the crowd. People screamed and scattered. Video from a police helicopter, released Friday by Stephan, showed Selis lying on a chaise lounge, then picking up the handgun. At least four people are down on the ground next to the guy, one of the officers in the helicopter radioed. Then, Hes shooting againhes reloading, hes against a wall. As officers closed in around the fenced pool area, Selis got up and crouched behind a low wall. Images from one officers body-worn camera show smears of blood on the ground, and officers are heard yelling, Hey, drop it! and Drop the gun before a barrage of gunfire is heard. Stephan said Selis fired one round at police Sgt. Michael McEwen, who returned fire with 11 rounds from a shotgun. Officers Jonathan Ferrero and Luke Hammond found themselves facing Selis with an open metal fence between them. When Selis ignored their commands to drop his gun, Hammond fired nine rounds from his 9mm pistol and Ferrero fired five shotgun rounds, according to a report on the shootings. Selis fired 14 rounds in seven minutes, and still had 148 rounds available to him before he was killed. On March 10, an Escondido police officer who was investigating the death of a 70-year-old woman fatally shot her son after he pulled a handgun on the officer, police said. Damon Seitz, 40, had been talking with officers from the living room of his home on James Street near Valley Parkway that morning. Stephan said he became agitated as officers asked questions about his mothers death. He suddenly got out of his recliner and aimed a 9mm pistol at Officer Jason White, who was standing in the doorway. White, an 11-year police veteran, fired four times, hitting Seitz, who died at a hospital. Whites body-worn camera showed Seitz sliding a round in the chamber of his semi-automatic pistol, then taking a shooting stance. Police said the death of Seitzs mother was not suspicious. On Nov. 14 last year, a sheriffs deputy wounded robbery suspect Robert Parkin, 53, of Encinitas, after he led deputies on a 105-mph pursuit on his motorcycle. Authorities said Parkin crashed on El Camino Real in Encinitas and ran, but then turned on Deputy Noah Zarnow and aimed a gun at him. The deputy fired four rounds at Parkin, who fell to the ground. When he reached toward his gun, Zarnow shot him again, Stephan said. Parkin suffered three wounds. Parkins gun was loaded and he had money from the holdup of a taco shop, Stephan said. Parkin pleaded guilty to 10 charges related to the robbery and is serving 21 years, four months in prison. dana.littlefield@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @danalittlefield Before listening to a judge sentence him to 55 years to life in prison on Friday, Ismael Hernandez Jr. had to listen to one of his two victims. Even though you raped and tortured me for nearly three hours, I refuse to let you have the rest of my life, said the woman who identified herself in court as Rebecca. I refuse to hide and be victimized. Just as I fought that night to survive, I have fought every day since then to survive and hopefully thrive. Advertisement Rebecca spoke for more than 10 minutes, sometimes addressing Hernandez directly as she described how being raped had caused her frequent panic attacks, flashbacks and crying binges while trying to work and enjoy life with her husband and children. When she finished, San Diego Superior Court Judge Louis Hanoian sentenced Hernandez, 28, to the maximum penalty on charges linked to two victims rape and oral copulation of one woman and attempted kidnapping with intent to commit rape of another. Both attacks occurred on May 5, 2016. Hanoian also ordered Hernandez to pay $10,000 in restitution and to register as a sex offender for life if he is ever released from prison. Hernandez pleaded guilty to the three counts on July 19 and agreed to the lengthy prison term. Ten other felony charges related to the two attacks were dismissed. He has a criminal history, including robbery, going back to 2009. San Diego police and a prosecutor have said that Hernandez intended to kidnap and rape one woman he followed from a restaurant at Sixth Avenue and Cedar Street. She confronted him, tossed her take-out food at him, and escaped back to the restaurant. At a preliminary hearing, she testified that she saw a knife in his hand. I was shocked,' the woman said. He was really close to my face. He said, Dont say anything. Dont say anything. Dont say anything. Later that night, Hernandez came across Rebecca on Eighth Avenue and forced her at knifepoint to walk with him toward Balboa Park. He sexually assaulted her on a building stairway, then took her to a secluded area off Ninth Avenue and raped her there. He held her for more than two and a half hours. Rebecca testified at the preliminary hearing that she when started to put her clothes back on, Hernandez left her. In court on Friday, Rebecca said she was thankful that a pizza delivery driver stopped to help her. She said she then spent hours with police, describing the rape over and over past sunrise the next day. In an investigators office, she told Hernandez, I could smell the stench of you on me. Once she got home, exhausted, her son reminded her she had promised to go along on his first school field trip. She showered, dressed, and went only to break away frequently to sob in a restroom, she said. You didnt just affect me, but you devastated both of our families, Rebecca said. My children wont know what I was like before you raped me and yours will be without a father. She added a message to all rape victims: I am your voice. Youre not alone. Were stronger together. pauline.repard@sduniontribune Twitter: @pdrepard The driver of a stolen car hit 90 mph trying to outrace San Diego police late Thursday night, but crashed at the east end of Tierrasanta Boulevard and was arrested, authorities said. Neither he nor his passenger were injured when the car jumped the curb and plowed through a rope or chain barrier, then stopped in some bushes. An officer tried to pull over the driver of a red Honda Civic on Balboa near Mount Alifan Drive in Clairemont because the headlights were not on, San Diego police Sgt. Marc Jose said. Advertisement The driver didnt stop, but kept going east at speeds up to 90 mph, Jose said. He said traffic was light at the time, about 10:15 p.m. The 6-mile pursuit crossed Kearny Mesa and Interstate 15 where the road changes to Tierrasanta Boulevard. The Civic crashed where the boulevard ends in a cul-de-sac near an apartment building. Jose said the driver got out and ran down a trail, but officers quickly caught him. The 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of evading police and auto theft. His male passenger was detained, but then released, Jose said. Police found a glass meth pipe, but couldnt be sure who it belonged to. pauline.repard@sduniontribune Twitter: @pdrepard Its a crucial question for the Roman Catholic Church: what are Hispanic parishioners praying for? On Saturday, about 250 Hispanics from the Diocese of San Diego were invited to campus to share some answers. Held on the University of San Diego campus, this meeting is part of Encuentro, a national effort to better understand and serve one of the churchs largest communities. Advertisement Increasingly, the future of the church is Hispanic, said Aida Bustos, a spokeswoman for the diocese. Of the 72.4 million Americans who identify as Catholic, 36 to 38 percent are Hispanic. In the Diocese of San Diego, which includes both Imperial and San Diego counties, the figure is closer to 60 percent. Starting last year, about 60 of the dioceses 98 parishes convened meetings of Hispanic parishioners. Delegates from these parishes plus Catholic groups like Marriage Encounter will attend Saturdays meeting, which begins with Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert McElroy. Delegates will discuss and share the findings that we found at each church, said Maria Olivia Galvan, one of the organizers. The goal is to discern what are the needs, what are the areas where the parish could flourish and grow. On Saturday, the group plans to identify 10 objectives for the diocese. These will be forwarded to an April 2018 regional meeting in Visalia, then to a national gathering in Grapevine, Tex., next September. U.S. Catholics of Hispanic ancestry trace their roots to numerous nations and regions. Many are immigrants, adjusting to their new homes religious pluralism and some are leaving the church. The retention rate is declining, said Mark Gray, a senior research associate at Georgetown Universitys Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate. This is not an unusual process and its certainly not happening just among Catholics. Galvan, the diocesan director for evangelization and catechetical ministry, said Encuentro is an opportunity for us to hear the voices of the fourth, fifth, sixth generations of Hispanics. And the goal is also to further Hispanic leadership. In a fresh example of its ongoing need for money, the Salk Institute in La Jolla is asking the public to donate $313,840 to help buy a seed-planting robot that could help in expanding food supplies. The institute is making the appeal online, in the kind of crowdfunding solicitation thats becoming common in science. But its rare for the public to be asked to underwrite a specific piece of laboratory equipment. The appeal comes two months after The San Diego Union-Tribune published internal Salk documents that show that the nonprofit institute is facing financial pressures despite completing a record-setting $361 million capital campaign in 2015. Advertisement One document said, There are significant and daunting financial challenges facing the institute, many which need to be addressed through increased private philanthropy. The documents revealed that the Salk considered everything from trying to quickly raise $100 million in endowment funds to altering the institutes name if a donor was willing to contribute $1 billion. Salk officials downplayed the brainstorming, and said, Without question, the Salk Institute, in many ways, is now in the best financial and operational position it has ever been. The institute, which has had trouble competing for federal grants, still has deep financial needs. In November 2016, the Salk launched a $50 million fundraising campaign. To date, the campaign has raised $16 million. The newly-announced effort to raise $313,840 from the public is meant to benefit Wolfgang Busch, a Salk plant biologist who says in the online solicitatioin, I believe a better understanding of root systems can help scientists grow more resilient food sources. This is an increasingly urgent problem in the face of the planet-shifting climate, and extreme environments, such as drought. The appeal also says, A researcher needs five weeks to do the same number of experiments that a robot can do in 1 day. The institute is trying to raise the money by Nov. 30 through a website available at salk.edu/robot. ICYMI Salk faces daunting need for money despite record capital campaign Science Playlist On Now In a first, scientists rid human embryos of a potentially fatal gene mutation by editing their DNA On Now Space station flyovers visible from San Diego this week 0:55 On Now UCSD's 'ghost drivers' begin testing people's reaction seemingly empty cars 1:29 On Now 10 interesting facts about Mars On Now Kids can add years to your life On Now LA 90: SpaceX launches recycled rocket On Now Big passions, big giving: Malin Burnham 2:30 On Now Big passions, big giving: Darlene Shiley 2:40 On Now Big passions, big giving: Joan and Irwin Jacobs 2:45 On Now Ocean temperatures warming at rapid rate, study finds Twitter: @grobbins gary.robbins@sduniontribune.com The Green Line trolley that travels between downtown San Diego and Santee will be named for the Sycuan Casino under a $25.5-million deal for the next 30 years. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System announced on Thursday that it has reached a naming-rights deal that will allow the business to operate a shuttle to and from its casino and several stations including Santee, El Cajon, Grantville and 12th and Imperial. Sycuan will also have the option of placing advertising on trolley cars and at stations on the roughly 24-mile line, which serves a number of popular destinations, such as the San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park, Old Town, Mission Valley and San Diego State University. Advertisement This agreement helps the entire region achieve its climate action goals, Paul Jablonski, chief executive of MTS, said in a statement. MTS has been one of the nations leaders in securing new sources of revenue to support our operations, he added. The Sycuan Green Line agreement will be a sustainable revenue source that will be used exclusively to help maintain our level of service throughout San Diego. Sycuan Casino, about 15 miles east of Santee on the Sycuan Reservation, has about 40 gaming tables, as well as 2,000 reel and video slot machines. A 300-room hotel slated to open in 2019 is under construction. The deal follows a similar arrangement with UC San Diego on the Blue Line trolley. The parties are in the third year of a 30-year naming-rights contract, which brings in about $675,000 for the transit agency. That fee will increase to $945,000 a year once the Mid-Cost Trolley extension is built out to University City. The 11-mile spur line is slate for completion in 2021 and is estimated to cost about $2.1 billion. MTS officials have said they are looking for partners for similar deals on the Orange Line and for individual stations. The agency operates three trolley lines and 95 bus routes, logging more than 1.5 million passenger trips during an average workweek. Officials have long expressed concerns that the agency receives little local funding as compared to other major urban regions around the state. Voters in San Diego County rejected a tax increase on November ballot that would have raised billions for roads and public transit. Twitter: @jemersmith Phone: (619) 293-2234 Email: joshua.smith@sduniontribune.com The San Diego nonprofit Reality Changers, which experienced a mass resignation on its board of directors earlier this year, has added a former world leader to its leadership team. Vicente Fox, who served as president of Mexico between 2000 and 2006, will join the Reality Changers board early next month, the charity announced this week. Marta Sahagun de Fox, Foxs wife and the former first lady of Mexico, also will serve as the honorary board chair. The strategies that Christopher Yanov offers should not only be implemented in the United States but worldwide, Fox said of the groups founder and president. Todays youngest generation must have better options than joining street gangs or working with drug cartels and Reality Changers makes me believe that accomplishing such a goal is possible. Advertisement Fox is one of eight new members on the restructured board of the organization, which helps young people apply for college. Other newly appointed directors include Kimberly Phillips Boehm, a former Mills College provost who will serve as the board chair. Boehm is joined by Marcela Celorio, the Consul General of Mexico based in San Diego; Lisa Davidson of San Diego Gas & Electric; Nicole DeBerg of the J. Craig Venter Institute; civil rights attorney James McElroy; peace activist Ken Nwadike Jr.; and restaurateur Dana Saxten. Each member of this board brings terrific and diverse experiences to an amazing organization committed to helping young people thrive as they finish high school and prepare for higher education, Boehm said. We look forward to a dynamic year, beginning with the official welcome for President and Mrs. Fox. Six different board members quit Reality Changers earlier this year over a dispute over the direction of the organization, which was founded by Yanov in 2001 with just $300 and the goal of steering more low-income inner-city youth into college. Several former directors criticized Yanovs spending decisions and other management choices. Yanov defended his leadership and said he was committed to better diversifying the board. Watchdog Videos On Now Sexual misconduct accusers worry deputy is being protected 6:16 On Now City funded $2-million waterfront bathroom 1:26 On Now Public water district charges customer for legal work, response to records request On Now Video: Tiny homes won't be reused amid housing, homeless crisis On Now Attorney General seeks documentation for Miss Middle East On Now Rep. Hunter probe covers possible fraud On Now Video: SDG&E delaying solar credit for some low-income housing tenants On Now Video: Former San Diego Junior Theatre teacher sentenced for sex with teen girl 0:24 On Now Video: Shelter volunteers believe they were fired for finding a dog a home 0:49 On Now McKamey Manor is leaving San Diego 3:35 jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald On Thursday, New York State submitted four entries to host Amazon's second headquarters, a campus that the company says will cost $5 billion to build, and will create as many as 50,000 jobs. Both Mayor Bill de Blasio and Governor Andrew Cuomo have done their part to help one of the world's richest companies know that New York is ready to be capitalized, but could they have done more? Gothamist has obtained emails from both chief executives to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos that reveal an even more feverish campaign behind the scenes. [Editor's note: These emails are technically imaginary until proven otherwise.] To: Jeff Bezos From: Mayor Bill de Blasio Date: 9/7/17 at 12:42 p.m. Subject: From the Mayor of NYC to the Mayor of Amazon Hey Jeff, I'm writing to ask you to seriously consider New York City as the home for Amazon's new headquarters. The Big Apple's pool of talent is well-educated, diverse, and bottomless. Also, if you've ever taken the subway at rush hour (I don't recommend it) you'll notice the almost mechanical way a disturbing mass of humanity trudges in and out of the tiled tunnels, their arms crooked at 90-degree angles holding coffee and phones, the uncanny manner in which the hive knows where to turn, lockstep, towards the light, without ever being able to see a few feet in front of them. Seems like a good place to test out that robot stuff youre planning! Let's set up a meeting? -Bill To: Jeff Bezos From: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Date: 9/7/17 at 12:57 p.m. Subject: GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO INTRODUCES HIMSELF TO JEFF BEZOS AND INVITES HIM TO TASTE THE BEST THE EMPIRE STATE HAS TO OFFER Jeff, What's Excelsior? (Our State motto, "Excelsior," means "Ever Upward," so instead of saying "What's up?" I sometimes like to employ the motto.) I know a big concern for you is how these 50,000 employees at Amazons HQ2 are going to stay strong, to have the energy to build the products and ideas for tomorrow. Did you know that New York State is the fourth leading producer of milk in the country, and one of the biggest producers of yogurt? Yes Jeff, believe it. I can ensure you that your workers will have some of the strongest bones in the world, eating and drinking New York dairy. Plus I read somewhere that you want to do some bone-harvesting thing??? We also produce some delicious cider. Let me pour you a glass and convince you that New York "hearts" Amazon. Andrew To: Jeff Bezos From: Mayor Bill de Blasio Date: 9/15/17 at 3:47 p.m. Subject: Where do YOU see HQ2 in NYC? Was sitting around with my staff and we started spitballing possible locations for your new headquarters here in New York. A short list: -Governors Island -Rikers Island (hear me out) -Empire State Bldg -Central Park Reservoir (its extremely deep--Atlantis?) -Anywhere you want just throw out the name of a place One more thing: while I personally prefer to buy things in physical storefronts so that I can test the khaki cargo shorts pockets before I purchase them, I deeply respect Amazons mission to close that store and instead let me order what I want to order, and if I dont like it, send it back on a truck (or series of trucks) again and again until I eventually receive the thing I want. -Bill To: Jeff Bezos From: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Date: 9/18/17 at 8:22 a.m. Subject: GOVERNOR ANDREW CUOMO AGAIN EMAILS AMAZON CEO JEFF BEZOS TO RENEW AND STRENGTHEN COMMITMENT TO CREATING HIGH-PAYING, HIGH TECH JOBS IN THE EMPIRE STATE Jeff-- I have directed the State Police to confiscate all DVD and Blu-ray copies of 2002s smash romantic comedy Maid in Manhattan and replace the title with Made In Manhattan: An Amazon Tale. Thanks to connections forged in New Yorks vibrant film industry, copies of this movie distributed in the future--including video on demand and streaming services--will feature an updated plot set in 2020, in which Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes both get jobs at Amazons new HQ2. In addition, the states bond ratings have never been stronger. I hope this shows you the level of our commitment to hosting your company here in New York. Also, if you ever find yourself in the city and need a place to stay, I think youll find the accommodations at the world famous Gracie Mansion, which is currently unoccupied, to be most comfortable. From one job creator to another, Andy P.S. I heard that the mayors office might have suggested that Amazon could locate HQ2 on Governors Island. The island is unavailable because as the name implies, it is mine. To: Jeff Bezos From: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Date: 9/19/17 at 11:28 p.m. Subject: Fw: fw: BEST Muscle cars burnouts ( PURE SOUND ) Hot just thought this shit was cool. check it out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oM9UNL5FuwM To: Jeff Bezos From: Mayor Bill de Blasio Date: 9/29/17 at 11:22 a.m. Subject: crazy idea! (please respond) Jeff I know youre a busy man, but heres an idea: what if I Amazon Primed myself to you? That way, we could have a face-to-face meeting without you having to travel to New York, plus Id be able to experience your world class, next-day delivery service firsthand. My staff has determined that I can curl up into a 36 x 36 x 36 cardboard box and survive for at least 48 hours with minimal food and water. The best part? We got the box on Amazon! (Also got some of these diapersthats a long trip in a small box.) Can you tell me where I should address myself to? :) -Bill To: Jeff Bezos From: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Date: 9/30/17 at 10:06 a.m. Subject: GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO POLITELY REMINDS JEFF BEZOS OF THE POWER OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH IN THE COUNTRYS FOURTH MOST POPULOUS STATE Hows it hanging Jeff? I just wanted to invite you to view the demolition of the old Kosciuszko Bridge tomorrow morning. The bridge was built in 1938, and was considered quite innovative and speedy at the time. But over the years, it degraded, lost its luster. It became vulnerable, Jeff. So I built a new Kosciuszko Bridge, and will now destroy this old one. Creating, destroying, its all part of my job. I much rather prefer to create, but when the time comes to protect the interests of the state and all New Yorkers, I do not flinch. I throw myself at the task and do not stop until the threat is utterly annihilated. Light refreshments will be served. Hope you can join us. Andrew To: Jeff Bezos From: Mayor Bill de Blasio Date: 10/10/17 at 2:55 p.m. Subject: ok ok what about I know that were also talking about billions of dollars in subsidies, but I was just thinking: what if we turned all the lights in NYC Amazon Orange next week? Wouldnt that be pretty cool? To: Jeff Bezos From: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Date: 10/10/17 at 6:42 p.m. Subject: GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO PITCHES YET ANOTHER ORIGINAL IDEA FOR AMAZON Just got back from a long drive to clear my head and had an idea: what if we turned all the lights in NYC Amazon Orange next week? Wouldnt that be pretty cool? Officials from a public water district outside Julian added thousands of dollars of extra charges onto one customers water bill for legal work the agency racked up in a dispute with the family over a fence. Michael and Kathy Young refused for months to pay the bill, which was first assessed earlier this year. They continued to pay for the water they used as customers of the Wynola Water District, which has fewer than 80 customers. She said she feared for months that the district would shut off her water. Advertisement I have a hard time believing it, she said. Weve lived here for 13 years. Its the most peaceful neighborhood you would ever believe. Thats why most people move to the mountains. This has all been disrupted. Were just overwhelmed by this. In an interview early this week, board member Tim Taschler said the district is within its rights to charge the Youngs for legal fees incurred by the district. He said district policies dating back decades allow the charges for customers who fail to comply with district orders. They never wanted to cooperate with us, said Taschler, a financial planner who was a volunteer billing agent for the district before he was elected in November. If a judge in small claims court says these fees are no good, Im fine with that. After U-T Watchdog raised questions about whether a water bill is the right method for imposing legal fees, Taschler on Thursday said the Youngs will no longer see the legal fees on their water bill. This was an accounting/bookkeeping decision, he wrote by email. He said the water board will have to decide whether to recover the legal costs another way. Young was still worried as of Thursday. He will probably keep trying to charge us for his fees, which is improper, she said. The Wynola Water District, which has no employees, was established in 1969 to service the Wynola Estates development between Santa Ysabel and Julian. The all-volunteer agency operates out of post office box in Santa Ysabel. It holds its public meetings on weekends at Jeremys On the Hill, a farm-to-table eatery famous for seasonal California cuisine. The impasse began early this year, after the county Department of Environmental Health inspected the Wynola Water District wells and ordered some improvements. One correction included building a security fence around well No. 11, the one on the Young property. Young said their agreement with the district permitted them to weigh in on the materials to be used and size of the proposed fence. After she hired a lawyer to challenge the design proposed by the district, her water bill shot up by more than $2,000 the cost of a title search and almost 8 hours of legal services performed by a lawyer hired by the district. Later, after the couple contacted the Utility Consumers Action Network in San Diego, the add-on charges climbed to nearly $5,000 the total for more legal work and costs related to the districts response to a California Public Records Act request filed by the nonprofit advocacy group. UCAN Executive Director Donald Kelly, an attorney who intervenes in rate cases on behalf of San Diego County water and electricity customers, said he could think of no case in which it would be appropriate to charge a ratepayer for legal work performed at the request of a public agency. I find it very disturbing that WWD would charge a customer legal fees to have a lawyer review UCANs Public Records Act request, Kelly said. Here, the WWD presented a lawyers bill to a customer because a nonprofit watchdog group, UCAN, exercised our right to ask for information regarding the conduct of a public agency and public officials. Retired aerospace administrator Raymond Mitchell served on the Wynola water board for more than a dozen years until late last year.. In the past, any time we needed legal advice we called the county counsel, Mitchell said. We have never gone out and hired a private lawyer like Taschler has, and we never billed anybody for legal services. Taschler provided a copy of district rules updated in 2013. One section of the 10-page document states, The board shall have the power to establish fines for violations of the provisions of these rules and regulations, and to collect the same in a legal proceeding. According to Young, the alleged violations were not proven and the fees were added to their bill not awarded through any legal proceeding. The dispute comes at a challenging time for the Wynola Water District, which has been spending more than it collects in revenue over recent years and just went through a complete overhaul of its board of directors. Taschler was elected in November with 67 votes. By late last year, board minutes show, all of the other directors resigned en masse, leaving Taschler to find and install replacements. Mitchell said he resigned because Taschler behaved improperly in district communications. Taschler said he is working to raise the level of professionalism at the district and cast a wide net for new board applicants. The board that took over in 2017 is made up of the only volunteers who stepped up, in an emergency, when the entire prior board resigned, he said. So the board was not something I put together by appointing anyone other than those that volunteered. The 2017 annual budget shows total income of $49,502 and total expenses of $95,758, meaning it spent $46,254 more than it collected in the year ending June 30. Taschler said imprudent spending by the previous board contributed to the districts decline in assets. At one point after the mass resignation, Taschler said, he had to pay the San Diego Gas & Electric bill out of his own pocket until he could get a full board seated and establish signing authority on district bank accounts. Over the summer, Taschler said, the new board approved an overdue rate increase that will help stabilize the agency going forward. Were now at a point where we are breaking even, he said. With the new rate increase, well start building reserves again. Watchdog Videos On Now Sexual misconduct accusers worry deputy is being protected 6:16 On Now City funded $2-million waterfront bathroom 1:26 On Now Public water district charges customer for legal work, response to records request On Now Video: Tiny homes won't be reused amid housing, homeless crisis On Now Attorney General seeks documentation for Miss Middle East On Now Rep. Hunter probe covers possible fraud On Now Video: SDG&E delaying solar credit for some low-income housing tenants On Now Video: Former San Diego Junior Theatre teacher sentenced for sex with teen girl 0:24 On Now Video: Shelter volunteers believe they were fired for finding a dog a home 0:49 On Now McKamey Manor is leaving San Diego 3:35 jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald There isnt a major city in American that doesnt struggle with homelessness. The solution to homelessness is not, fundamentally, a resource issue; we spend billions nationwide to address the symptoms and results of homelessness. Nor is the solution undoing the safety net shelters and specialized housing and advocacy organizations already in place for the homeless. Its also not new civility ordinances or get-tough policing policies. Any solution is context specific, requires good data and focuses on housing first the right kind of housing, with intensive wraparound case management. It also requires the will to push businesses and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to meet the need as it exists, not stay in their comfort zone, and reprioritize money that is already being spent. Finally, it requires the creation of a dynamic system that can grow into the future, because homelessness is not preventable, though it is manageable. Related: Housing, leaders key to Utah success in reducing homelessness Advertisement While I was mayor, Houston led the nation in reducing homelessness between 2011 and 2015, the direct result of adopting a comprehensive regional plan that embraced best practices, while requiring an unprecedented level of collaboration between stakeholders. When we started we knew our overall population was about 10,000, with roughly 2,500 chronically homeless. The first and most important step was understanding who they were. And that highlights a crucial factor. We talk about the homeless, when in fact these are individuals with names and needs. We surveyed the men and women on our streets to find out who had physical, mental or addiction problems, who was a veteran, who had been in jail. We tracked how many emergency room visits theyd had and for what. We asked how long they had been homeless, but also when they had last worked and whether they had resources such as VA benefits or Social Security. Then we estimated how much we were spending to not solve the problem. We calculated a cost of $103 million in public resources annually (police, EMS, street/park cleanup, emergency room costs, etc.) on just the chronically homeless! Adding in the costs of shelters for the short-term homeless and the services from meals to showers to case managed apartments provided by the nonprofits was staggering. We didnt attempt to calculate impacts on property values or lost business in areas of high concentration. When we knew who we were serving and how much we were spending, I convened significant stakeholders government, providers and funders and offered a plan. The hardest step was optimizing assets. In my opinion, having the power, authority, public support or financial cudgel to achieve this step is the sine qua non. We analyzed how much each service provider was spending, in what areas and from what source of funds. We also asked all housing providers their total number of beds managed, how long each remained vacant and what their target population was. We confirmed what we already knew we had many dedicated agencies working in parallel, but not converging on the problem. But when we compared the services available to the demographics of our homeless individuals, we saw something startling. Our resources did not align. Successful agencies that had arisen over the years to serve specific populations had significant resources dozens of vacant beds for example while other agencies were routinely over capacity. We also realized that we were funding agencies broadly for the same services, but that their outcomes varied widely. These were agencies with high-profile boards, strong community brands and decades of service carrying out their missions in good faith. Unfortunately those missions no longer served the broader needs of Houston. I could, and did, play hardball with public resources setting performance goals and shifting dollars to higher performing organizations. We didnt just look at placement, we looked at retention, for example. I worked with the Houston City Council to pass unpopular ordinances that required coordination with the city for groups that fed or distributed resources to the homeless. But we also created the Houston Center for Sobriety, which allowed us to divert thousands of those arrested every year for public intoxication away from jail and into a safe place to sober up and walk away without an arrest record. But what made the difference was having business and philanthropic leaders step up and agree to align funding to the plan we had established. Because we had appropriate stakeholders at the table and started from a shared set of facts, agencies came together, whether willingly or grudgingly. Ultimately, the city, county, federal government, Houston Coalition for the Homeless, the private sector, philanthropic community and nearly 70 local homeless service providers all worked together to implement a single, comprehensive plan. We have the responsibility to address homelessness as a moral, economic and quality of life imperative. We have the ability to address homelessness if we have the will to do so. Parker served as mayor of Houston from 2010 to 2016. Predictably, we saw a lot of tree hugger gags this week, but we favor originality here at Cartoon Contest HQ. Congratulations to Linda Poindexter for winning the top spot with her unique take. She will receive Steve Breens signed original in the mail. Thanks to all those who participated. Next weeks cartoon is below. Please remember to limit your submissions to three and keep em brief. Good luck! Advertisement Winner Whys he so emotional? He knew that someday it would be going away to boarding school. Linda Poindexter, San Diego Finalists Is he trying to log on? Mary Rhoades, San Diego He thought his chiropractor said more lumber support. Wayne Zucker, Rancho Penasquitos Could be the new marijuana laws. Brian Richard, San Diego He thinks its a date palm. Stu Hamel, Carlsbad How do we tell him hes using the wrong tinder? Andrew Skale, Poway We came back too soon. His therapy session isnt finished. Mary Jo Boring, Mira Mesa Hug the one youre with. Jolie Nolasco, San Diego Its a fetish known as arbor compulsion disorder. Joe Montenegro, El Centro That reminds me ... we need to renew our Sierra Club membership. Jeff Shure, Lakeside The poor sap. His wife left him for a pine tree. Tiny Sluka, San Diego His boss told him he needed to branch out. Josh Board, San Diego This tiny house craze is nuts. What are you going to do with your share of the million? Natalie Alderton, Carlsbad K-12 I asked him to leaf, but he wood knot. Camille Leute, eighth grade, Correia Middle School Were moving. Dane Jorgensen, sixth grade, Muirlands Middle School They sure have chemis-tree. Gia Bentley, sixth grade, Dana Middle School I am Groot. Ian Gibbons, sixth grade, Dana Middle School Charlie Brown really let himself go. Vincent Tran, eighth grade, Correia Middle School Next weeks cartoon To enter, email entries to cartooncontest@sduniontribune.com by 10 a.m. Tuesday. Please remember to limit your submissions to three and keep em brief. View last weeks winners. If its not rabid beavers, its Hitler toilet paper. If its not skateboarding goats, its cockroach races. This is the kind of stuff David Moye traffics in. The La Mesa man is a full-time reporter for the Huffington Post, the popular, New York-based website known for its sensational bent and come-hither headlines. Moye works the weird beat. He writes the type of news stories and journalistic morsels that make the site a click magnet stories about lifes oddballs and freaks, about the off-color and the offbeat. Ive been fascinated by weird news all my life, he says. His stories are hot commodities online. They are the kind of pieces that ricochet around Facebook or Twitter, followed by snickering comments. Its not unusual for a story by Moye to get as many as a million hits within 48 hours after it is posted. He thinks the San Diego region, and East County in particular, are a gold mine of goofy tales compared to the rest of California. People in San Francisco are weird and they want to be weirder, he says. People in L.A. are weird and they want to be rich. People in San Diego think theyre normal and those people are the weirdest ones of all. At 47 years old, he seems the picture of the mild suburbanite. He lives on the same quiet street where he grew up. He drives a 20-year-old car. He and his wife, Jennifer, have a 9-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son. But this chronicler of quirk has his own quirks. He plays the ukulele. He read palms and once worked as a phone psychic. He gives off a smart-alecky vibe and sometimes puts on a nasally, high-pitched voice, sounding like a character in a kiddie cartoon. He is a man-child in many ways, says his boss, Buck Wolf, the HuffPosts executive editor of crime and weird news. Wolf says Moye is one of the hardest working people hes met, and a key reason why weird news is one of the most popular draws on the site. He knows his way around the beat, says Wolf. Hes encyclopedic about things that are inane. Moyes passion for the offbeat and for pop culture goes back to growing up on Swarthmore Street in La Mesa with his twin brother, Stephen, two sisters and their parents, Kenneth and Carolyn Moye. Photo gallery The Unarius Space Cad David and Stephen read a lot of books and listened to talk radio. They wrote and played music. The lyrics were often based on arresting headlines from the Weekly World News, a popular tabloid found in grocery stores. And the boys were always intrigued by the curious lady who lived down the street. Ruth Norman stood out. She drove a blue, 1969 Cadillac Coupe dVille adorned with airbrushed depictions of spaceships. On the roof sat a large, medal flying saucer that, to this day, looks like a leftover from a 1950s sci-fi movie. David would see Norman driving the caddie around town. She wore robes and purple wigs. Turns out she was the director of the Unarius Academy of Science. Members of the outfit, which still operates out of downtown El Cajon, believe that a band of benevolent space brothers will land someday on a hillside in Jamul. There they will establish a peaceful outpost aimed at enlightening humanity. Norman died in 1993. Unarians prefer to say she went to a higher plane. And the car remains an East County icon and appears each year in El Cajons Mother Goose Parade. More was so taken with the Unarians when he was a teenager that he asked them to speak to his journalism class at Helix High School. He wasnt keen on ridiculing them, at least to their face. He wanted to figure out what made them tick. His teacher backed the guest appearance. Other times, she found Moyes brand of humor off-putting. She told me, You could accomplish so much if you were serious once in a while. Moye believes today that thats still the worst advice Ive ever received. He says humor has always been a relief valve. It eases stress and helps him sort out issues. He was hired by the HuffPost last year following a string of jobs in journalism, marketing and public relations. From 1995 to 2007, he was an editor with Wireless Flash, a San Diego-based news agency that served up offbeat stories to the Jay Leno, Jon Stewart and other media fixtures. He then spent several years in marketing and P.R. Looking for a unique way to pitch his services, he posted several videos on YouTube that show him offering public relations advice to hand puppets. But its writing that Moye loves most. He has a talent for turning what can seem like lowly subjects into little Internet gems, chock with puns, clever turns of phrase and his goofball humor. Hes always been able to take the different angle, says his brother, Stephen. He could always find a way to make it a little more delicious. Earlier this month, he wrote a story about vandals who removed the head of a religious statue and replaced it with a toy gnome. The Connecticut woman who owned the statue was outraged by the misdeed. Moyes opening sentence: Usually, gnome news is good news, but its terrible for Darlene Fraga and her Virgin Mary statue. A recent story about a German man who sold toilet paper featuring Adolf Hitlers face inspired Moye to cook up this headline: Adolf Hitler Toilet Paper Creates Furor. Then there was this piece a few days ago, about an episode of home cooking in Pennsylvania that turned ugly and resulted in an arrest. Wrote Moye: A family dinner that started out with salt and pepper ended up with charges of assault and harassment all because George Rhome was steamed that the chicken was baked and not fried. He writes about 45 to 50 pieces a month. Many of them grow out of items first reported by other media outlets, including small-town radio and TV stations and overseas websites. He says an unusual number of them come out of the San Diego area. Like the man last year who tried to rob a 7-Eleven in Rancho Penasquitos dressed as Gumby. Or the San Diego woman who sued the Chuck E. Cheese chain last year, claiming that the kiddie games at the eatery are actually illegal gambling devices. Moye believes San Diegos oddball streak is partly rooted in the fact that many people moved here to escape from a bigger town or rotten weather or something else, and that they often have an odd whiff of desperation to them. Its basically the end of the world, in some cases, he says. Then there are the Unarians, who are looking beyond the planet. On Oct. 13-14, the group will stage its 29th annual Interplanetary Conclave of Light. It will include a visit to the Jamul landing site, the release of white doves and 90 minutes of mental communication with the Space Brothers. Moye gets a kick out of the fact that the Unarians often head to the La Mesa Brigantine after the event. Its like, hey, were going to talk to aliens, then were going out for fish tacos. That always sounds so San Diego to me. Federal Donuts, a cult favorite in its native Philly, landed in Chelsea Market on Friday morning, bringing three flavors of their signature "hot and fresh" donuts to a cadre of Manhattan followers. The pop-up ran in the Dizengoff space until 10 a.m., serving coffee and donuts to a small crowd of pilgrims, some of whom had planned their morning around the chance to snag one of their beloved Federal Donuts without the trip to Philadelphia. Creators and co-owners Mike Solomonov and Steven Cook, who also own Dizengoff, left Philadelphia for New York at 4:30 a.m. this morning, but they had smiles on their faces (and a cup of coffee on hand) as they chatted with guests and customers. A line formed early on, but head chef Matt Fein and his team kept up a steady rhythm to supply time-crunched New Yorkers with their morning sugar buzz. The pop-up featured three flavors of donutsApollonia, Indian Cinnamon, and Strawberry Lavenderalongside coffee from Ninth Street Espresso. As with all Federal Donuts, the goods were made on the spot, and came out hot, to the delight of loyal fans. The dough itself includes the Middle Eastern spice mix baharat, an influence from another Solomonov / Cook operation, the popular Israeli restaurant Zahav. The pop-up also provided an opportunity to celebrate the launch of their stylish new cookbook, the aptly named Federal Donuts: The (Partially) True Spectacular Story, which describes their journey alongside 25 recipes for making both donuts and Federal's other speciality, Korean fried chicken, at homeno doughnut robot required. "We started this thing six years ago for $35,000 and it was just kind of a lark. Even when we committed to doing it, we still didn't know how to make doughnuts," Cook told Gothamist this morning. "So we searched out this thing called a doughnut robot. They were quite expensive new, and we found this used one...we went into Harrisburg and paid cash for it in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant. And then we had to figure out how to put it together and make it work." The donut robot (Sarah Amar/Gothamist) Solomonov described the evolution of the venture as "organic" and "not at all calculated." "We didn't use the term 'scalable' at all," he noted. But scale they have. "Federal wasn't planned," said Cook. "It was just one of those things that happened, and before we knew it, we had a second one, and a third one, and a fourth one." The question on everyone's lips was whether Federal would be opening a permanent New York location in the near future. "We would love to open in New York," said Cook. "We opened Dizengoff a little over a year ago, and coming to a new market is always challenging, so I feel like we're just starting to feel like we know what we're doing here. I think New York would be a natural for Federal, so we'll have to see today how people like it." Based on the lively lineand the pleas from fansit would seem the verdict is in. Nicole D'Andrea, 33, and Scott Schubert, 39, of Brooklyn got up early to make a special stop on their way to work after seeing news of the pop-up on Twitter. They had been to the shops in Philly several times, but they were thrilled to see Federal guest starring in Chelsea Market. "I wish they would come to New York, but then I would be 500 pounds. So that's the problem," said Schubert. "In Philly, [D'Andrea] yells at me because I'll come back to the room, and she'll be like, 'How many did you get?' And I'll be like, 'Oh, just a dozen.'" "The 'hot and fresh' are awesome because they're warm, they make them right there," said D'Andrea. "A lot of places, they make the doughnuts and then they sit." "Especially in New York," said Schubert. "You'll go to a place and it'll be 3 o'clock, 4 o'clock...but then the doughnuts have been sitting around a long time. With FedNuts [in Philly], you can go at like 4 o'clock, and they're like, 'Here, we just made this is front of you' and it's hot and it's delicious. It's so much better." Since 1967, NYC Parks has been bringing small and large scale works to the public spaces of the city. The temporary Central Park Gates, the LOVE sculpture from Robert Indiana, and that ugly-beautiful hunk of metal the Alamo over in Astor Placethey're all part of the Art in the Parks program, which is celebrating 50 years this month. Jennifer Lantzas, the Deputy Director of Public Art, told Gothamist that Christo and Jean-Claudes The Gates "is without a doubt the most celebrated and iconic public artwork" to come from the program. "Though the exhibition was only around 2 weeks long, it has had a lasting impact on New Yorkers and visitors alike," Lantzas said, adding, "While The Gates is by the numbers the most celebrated, the beauty of our program is that given its duration and breadth, everyone has their own most-memorable worksome people remember large installations like the Fernando Botero exhibition on Park Avenue in 1993, or more intimate encounters with works in their local park like the Sing for Hope pianos." You can click through for a visual retrospective of some of the pieces they've delivered to the boroughs over the decades. Giant Flowers by @danlf in Highland Park in Brooklyn #danielefrazier #nycpublicparkart #ioulex A post shared by ioulex (@ioulex) on Oct 18, 2017 at 7:40am PDT Some more recent works include The Giant Flowers in Highland Park, by artist Daniele Frazier, and of course Ai Weiwei's city-wide installation for his "Good Fences Make Good Neighbors" project. Want to add your name to the list of artists who have been given the city as their canvas? The program mostly features emerging and local artists, and they currently have a "funding opportunity for New York City artists looking to exhibit their work in a NYC Park," Lantzas told us. "The UNIQLO Park Expressions Grant is currently accepting applications through November 17th and will award 10 artists with $10,000 each to create a public artwork." Artists will be selected this winter, and their work will be unveiled in the summer of 2018. This weekend you can join in celebrating 50 years of public art at the "It's Happening!" event in Central Park. We're told, "It's a '60s-style be-in featuring installations and performance piecesan experiential look back at the past half century of contemporary art." You'll find more info on that right here. Previously: How NYC's Public Art Gets Made Police are hoping the public can help them find a man accused of groping a woman, and then attacking her after she tried to defend herself. The incident occurred on September 16th, around 10 p.m. According to the NYPD, a 45-year-old woman had left a northbound 7 train at the 103rd Street and Roosevelt Avenue subway station and was walking down the stairs "when the individual touched her buttocks." The victim then turned and hit the suspect in the chest, police say, but then the suspect punched her in the face and fled the station eastbound on Roosevelt Avenue. The victim refused medical attention at the scene. The NYPD released images of the suspect, describing him as about 30 years old, 5'6" and 140 with black hair and brown eyes. Police say he was last seen wearing a white shirt and gray shorts, but the images distributed by the NYPD show him shirtless. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS or for Spanish 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential. If you see or experience sexual misconduct in the subway (this includes seeing a masturbator, being groped, being grinded on, etc.), you can report it to the MTA and police on this website. There's also a place for you to upload photos and/or video. Don't let the perverts win. Guangdong, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/19/2017 -- Sincere Tech, a China mold manufacturer with great innovation and expertise is proud to announce that it is now offering affordable and high precision plastic mold making services to customers worldwide. Conveniently located in the industrial town of Guangdong, China, the company can boast of different teams of highly trained designers who are experienced in using very sophisticated and advanced technology in the production of low cost but high-quality plastic molds. As a leading China mold maker, Sincere Tech does not believe there is a pre-set mold solution for every business. The company clearly understands that the quality of a product is totally based on the detail and craftsmanship of the product's mold itself. As such, the company puts a lot of time and effort in learning their client's business requirements, their difficulties and production demands. Therefore, ensuring that they create plastic molds that precisely fit the needs of the product being processed at a given factory. As one of the best China mould makers, Sincere Tech can boast of a good management team, fluent English speaking project managers, experienced engineers and tooling designers and professional shipping staffs. The company does not compromise on standards and will always find materials that are affordable but also offer higher sustainability and re-usability. There is also a highly effective system approach with tight quality control procedures to the mold processing, from designing up to shipping. For more information, please visit http://www.plasticmold.net/. About Sincere Tech Founded 2005, Sincere Tech is an innovative and economical China mold manufacturer specialized in auto molds, consumer molds, household appliances, home appliances, industry molds, food package molds and some aircraft interior parts. With a professional mold factory located in the industrial town of Guangdong, China covering about 6000sqm and a mold building team comprising of 65 experienced team members; we have been able to build good quality molds for clients in over 10 years making us one of the best and most trustworthy China mold manufacturers. Media Contact: Sincere Tech Website: http://www.plasticmold.net Email: info@sinceretechs.com Sierra Vista, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/20/2017 -- Dermatology & Plastic Surgery of Arizona is moving to a new location in Sierra Vista, Arizona starting October 23, 2017! As the practice continues to grow, the move to 150 S. Coronado Dr. Ste. 110 will expand services and offer additional space to patients and staff. Our new office in Sierra Vista not only offers a larger, newly renovated facility, it also comes with improved parking availability for our patients. The building will also house Sierra Vista's only independent outpatient surgical center Coronado Surgery Center,LLC, planned to open this winter Dermatology & Plastic Surgery of Arizona's Sierra Vista office was established in 2013 by Dr. Christopher Weyer and Dr. Jamie Moenster. Dermatology & Plastic Surgery of Arizona took over the practice of Dr. Richard Weyer upon his retirement, to continue to provide care to Cochise County residents. This is the only office in all of Cochise County to offer a fellowship trained Mohs Surgeon and a board certified plastic surgeon, in the same office. Dermatology & Plastic Surgery of Arizona offers a full line of cosmetic services, including medical grade skin care treatments, chemical peels, laser, and more. Dr. Christopher Weyer is a Board Certified Dermatologist and fellowship trained Mohs surgeon. He was employed by the world-famous Cleveland Clinic in the Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Institute as a Mohs surgeon from 2011-2012 before returning to his native home of Arizona to provide quality skin cancer care. Dr. Jamie Moenster is dual Board Certified in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery and General Surgery by the American Osteopathic Association and the American Osteopathic Board of Surgeons. Dr. Moenster lectures nationally and regionally on advanced cosmetic surgery techniques and breast reconstruction. G. Molly Daneker, C-FNP provides dermatology services and cosmetic injectables in the Sierra Vista office 4 days a week. Dermatology & Plastic Surgery of Arizona's new office will be more convenient for patients offering better parking and a larger, newly renovated facility. For more information, our Sierra Vista office can be contacted by phone at 520-458-1787 or online at www.dermplasticsaz.com. A team of researchers at the University of Portsmouth, UK, has found evidence that domestic dogs move their faces in direct response to human attention. Dog cognition expert Dr. Juliane Kaminski and colleagues investigated whether dog facial expressions can be subject to so-called audience effects. The study involved 24 dogs (13 male and 11 female) of various breeds and ages (age range = 112 years). The dogs were normal family dogs with a training background typical for a pet dog. Each dog was tied by a lead a meter away from a person, and the dogs faces were filmed throughout a range of exchanges, from the person being oriented towards the dog, to being distracted and with her body turned away from the dog. The dogs facial expressions were measured using DogFACS, an anatomically based coding system which gives a reliable and standardized measurement of facial changes linked to underlying muscle movement. We can now be confident that the production of facial expressions made by dogs are dependent on the attention state of their audience and are not just a result of dogs being excited, Dr. Kaminski said. In our study they produced far more expressions when someone was watching, but seeing food treats did not have the same effect. The findings appear to support evidence dogs are sensitive to humans attention and that expressions are potentially active attempts to communicate, not simple emotional displays. Brow raising, which makes the eyes look bigger (so-called puppy dog eyes), was the dogs most commonly used expression in the study. Domestic dogs have a unique history they have lived alongside humans for 30,000 years and during that time selection pressures seem to have acted on dogs ability to communicate with us, Dr. Kaminski said. We knew domestic dogs paid attention to how attentive a human is in a previous study we found, for example, that dogs stole food more often when the humans eyes were closed or they had their back turned. In another study, we found dogs follow the gaze of a human if the human first establishes eye contact with the dog, so the dog knows the gaze-shift is directed at them. This study moves forward what we understand about dog cognition. We now know dogs make more facial expressions when the human is paying attention, she said. It is impossible yet to say whether dogs behavior in this and other studies is evidence dogs have flexible understanding of another individuals perspective that they truly understand another individuals mental state or if their behavior is hardwired, or even a learned response to seeing the face or eyes of another individual. The findings are published in the journal Scientific Reports. _____ Juliane Kaminski et al. 2017. Human attention affects facial expressions in domestic dogs. Scientific Reports 7, article number: 12914; doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-12781-x We rely on your support to make local news available to all Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2022. Donate today Local police working with federal agents arrested ten alleged members of a Bronx gang this week, accusing the perpetrators of shipping $22 million worth of marijuana from California to New York. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District, the alleged gang members sent over 6,600 pounds of pot from California to residences, businesses, and eventually stash houses in the city and in New Rochelle. Officials called the venture "Operation Green Giant," probably because marijuana is green, and 6,600 pounds is a large amount of the plant, which is legal in a number of states. Agents with the DEA, IRS, and U.S. Homeland Security worked in tandem with the NYPD to make the busts on Wednesday and Thursday, yielding three handguns, a sawed-off shotgun, ammunition, cash, and cocaine, in addition to hundreds of pounds of marijuana. "As alleged, these defendants conspired to ship millions of dollars worth of drugs across the country for eventual sale in New York City," acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said in a statement yesterday. "Searches of apartments where the defendants allegedly resided uncovered guns and ammunition, multiple kilograms of cocaine, hundreds of pounds of marijuana, and thousands of dollars in cash." Officials say the alleged gang members started running the operation in March 2016. The defendants have been charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics and use of firearms in furtherance of narcotics trafficking. The top charge could net the accused life in prison, if convicted. Tom Steyer, a billionaire liberal who donated $91 million toward supporting Democrats in the 2016 election, has launched an all-out campaign to impeach President Donald Trump. He released his first TV ad yesterday in which he makes the case for "impeaching and removing a dangerous president." "He's brought us to the brink of nuclear war, obstructed justice at the FBI, and in direct violation of the constitution, he's taken money from foreign governments and threatened to shut down news organizations that report the truth," Steyer says in the ad. "A Republican Congress once impeached a president for far less. Yet today, people in Congress and his own administration know that this president is a clear and present danger who is mentally unstable and armed with nuclear weaponsand they do nothing." The ad links to the website NeedToImpeach, where Steyer lays out more grounds for impeachment and implores people to sign a petition against Trump. While Steyer's campaign might seem like a pie-in-the-sky idea, his influence over the Democratic party shouldn't be underestimatedaccording to the Times, Steyer was the single biggest liberal donor in the last two federal elections (his pet issue before now has been climate change). In a letter to Democratic congressional offices and the partys House and Senate campaign committees, Steyer implied that any candidates who want money will have to sign onto his campaign. "This is not just an issue of Twitter screeds but what it means for a person who has control over our nuclear arsenal," Steyer, a California-based hedge fund investor, said in the letter. "I hope you will make your position clear so that Democratic voters who are under constant attack by this administration, know their elected representatives have the patriotism and political courage to stand up and take action." Thus far, most Democrats have been reluctant to formally push for impeachment, with party leaders urging the rank-and-file to await the results of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to swing the election. California Representative Adam B. Schiff noted back in May, "No one ought to, in my view, rush to embrace the most extraordinary remedy that involves the removal of the president from office." As recently as September, a network of progressive groups (including MoveOn.org, Stand Up America, American Bridge and End Citizens United), advised elected officials to not "invoke impeachment," though there have been a fewincluding California Rep. Brad Sherman and Texas Rep. Al Greenwho have forged ahead anyway. Planned date for completion is begining June 2019. 'The first phase will mean that we can attract new business areas relatively quickly, while ensuring that the role as a central cruise port is established,' says Thomas Bendtsen, ceo at Rnne Havn A/S. Work in the first phase of development includes building a new 1,100mtr break water, a multi-purpose terminal with 300mtr berth and ro/ro facility. In addition, the water depth will be dregded to 11mtr. 'This means that from June 1, 2019 we will be able to accommodate the very large cruise ships up to 350mtr in length,' states Bendtsen. Destination Bornholm ApS, the tourist industry's development and marketing organization welcomes the news: 'We look forward to the expansion of the harbour where we will be able to accommodate larger cruise ships and assist their guests,' said ceo, Pernille Kofod Lydolph. The project takes into account forthcoming legislative changes for wastewater management in the Baltic and future climate change. It also follows the island's Bright Green Island strategy with Bornholm well on its way to becoming carbon-neutral by 2025. The facilities will be in line with the IMO/HELCOM regulations for cruise vessels in the Baltic that will apply to new vessels from 2019 and to all existing vessels from 2021. The cruise lines ceo, Karl J. Pojer laid a specially produced coin in the first steel block. Like sister ship Hanseatic nature once the ships hull has been completed, work on the interior fittings will be performed at the shipbuilders outfitting pier at VARD Langsten in Norway and the passenger cabins will be completed. After successful sea trials, the ship will be handed over to her new owner in October 2019. Both ships will be able to accommodate up to 230 guests and up to 199 guests on Antarctic cruises. They will also have the highest ice class for passenger ships PC6 and will operate in the polar regions (the Arctic and Antarctic), as well as in warmer destinations such as the Amazon. After many years, the Hamburg-based cruise operator will return to the Great Lakes in North America with Hanseatic inspiration. Which will have a retractable bridge wing, allowing the ship to pass through narrow locks. The additional routes will add to the 13 routes that are currently operational making a total of 15 routes. Wahju said the ministry was consulting with regional administrations and private seaport operators on where to open the new routes. He also expressed the hope of more private sector participation. We hope the private sector can play a more active role in the maritime highway programme, he said. The Transportation Ministry has proposed to allocate up to IDR447bn ($33.1m) for the programme in the 2018 state budget, said Wahju. Noting that this would be 33% higher than this year's budget for the programme, Wahju said existing routes were also evaluated and the government would pull out of routes that were adequately supported by private players. If commercial shipping lines already entered the routes, we might not need to support it, Wahju said. State-owned shipping operator Pelni currently serves seven routes, while private operators run the remaining six. Photo by Zhang Peng/LightRocket via Getty Images(NEW YORK) -- An eighth child has been killed by an IKEA dresser that was recalled more than a year ago because of its propensity to tip over. Two-year-old Jozef Dudek of California was killed when a three-drawer IKEA dresser tipped over and crushed him during naptime. The familys lawyer, Daniel J. Mann of Philadelphia, said the accident happened in May and no one else was in the room. It fell over on top of him, Mann said. It didnt contact any furniture. Mann said the family is absolutely distraught over what happened. Child safety advocates say the death, which came to light this week, is the eighth reported child death involving an IKEA dresser or chest involved the June 2016 recall. The items are unstable if not properly anchored to the wall, posing a serious tip-over and entrapment hazard that can result in death or serious injuries to children. IKEA is offering a refund or a wall anchoring kit for consumers. In a written statement to ABC News, IKEA said, Our hearts go out to the affected family, and we offer our sincere condolences during this most difficult time. The company added that the initial investigation indicates that the chest involved in this incident had not been properly attached to the wall. The 29 million recalled chests and dressers include various MALM three-, four-, five- and six-drawer models, as well as other chests and dressers that were sold by IKEA. Nancy Cowles, executive director of the non-profit Kids In Danger, says IKEA isnt doing enough to reach parents who have one of these dressers. Cowles said a relatively small percentage of affected pieces have been remedied by a refund or repair kit perhaps as low as three percent citing recall progress data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission from January 2017 obtained by The Philadelphia Inquirer. That means potentially millions of dressers are still in use and unsecured to a wall, Cowles said. We have to do better, because these are just ticking land mines in a childs bedroom, she said. IKEA spokeswoman Mona Astra Liss did not address the accuracy of the three percent figure but the company statement noted that the recall goes back many years and its impossible to know how many units are still in use. In addition to the California family, Manns law firm has represented the families of three other toddler boys who were killed when their IKEA MALM dressers tipped over onto them. After the first two deaths in 2014, the company issued a notice offering free anchoring kits; after the third toddler, a 22-month-old boy from Minnesota, was killed in Feburary 2016 the third death in two years the company issued a full recall. After that recall was issued in June 2016, a fourth death that had occurred in 2011 from the MALM line of IKEA furniture was discovered and added to the count. The recall also notes three earlier deaths from different models of IKEA dressers in 1989, 2002 and 2007. Mann says the design was inherently dangerous and charged that the company still hasnt done enough to warn consumers who may have one at home. IKEA has since redesigned some of its dressers and says all dressers it sells now adhere to the voluntary industry standard for stability. The true tragedy is there might be more of these in the future," Mann said. In numerous other IKEA tip-over cases a child was injured but not killed, and Mann said hes sure there are tip-overs that are never reported at all because a child was not harmed. Sometimes a parent catches it, or it falls onto a wall or a bed, he said. Its just by the grace of God. The American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumers Union, Consumer Federation of America, Kids In Danger, the National Center for Health Research, Public Citizen, Shane's Foundation and U.S. PIRG issued a joint statement offering condolences to the families and calling for IKEA to do more to forcefully communicate the hazard to the public. From the delay in issuing a recall to lackluster efforts by IKEA to fully communicate the hazard and the recall to the public relying instead on soft messages on securing any and all furniture this death highlights the risks to children of tip-over incidents. Companies must be held accountable for their products safety and the CPSC must be strong enough to force companies to take action in ways that successfully get recalled products out of homes, the groups said. IKEA countered that it has publicized the recall through website, social media and email campaigns, as well as through news stories and a national advertising campaign using TV, print, radio, digital and social media. We took our responsibility to communicate this recall very seriously and went to great lengths to get the word out, the companys statement said. IKEA added that it has worked hard to make participation in the recall as easy as possible for consumers. Consumers can return the item to any store for a refund, no receipt required. If a consumer is unable to bring the product back to the store, IKEA will arrange to pick it up at their home. As for the recall, Cowles said, We are telling consumers that if they are going to participate, to ask for the refund rather than the anchoring kit. IKEA consumers are entitled to a full refund for recalled chests and dressers manufactured between January 2002 and June 2016. Consumers with chests and dressers manufactured prior to January 2002 will be eligible for a partial store credit. If consumers prefer to get the free anchoring kit, they may install it themselves or have IKEA provide a one-time, free in-home installation service, upon request. Consumers can re-order the kits as needed. To get a refund or repair, consumers may visit an IKEA retail store, visit their website, or call (866) 856-4532. Safety experts say parents should be careful to secure any dresser or television, and to only use dressers that can remain upright even when a 50-pound weight is hung on a drawer. According to the CPSC, one child dies every two weeks and a child is injured every 24 minutes in the United States from furniture or TVs tipping over on them. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Press Release October 20, 2017 De Lima humbled and elated about the IPU report and resolution on her case Senator Leila M. de Lima today expressed elation and welcomed the decision of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to send a "trial observer" to monitor her case as it reiterated its call for her immediate release from detention. De Lima, the first prominent political prisoner under the Duterte administration, said she is grateful for the IPU's resolve to get a clearer and unbiased view of the trumped-up cases of illegal drug trade filed against her. "Despite the Duterte administration's obvious effort to intimidate and silence me through my continued unjust detention, I am grateful that the Inter-Parliamentary Union vows to fight for my right to fair trial," she said. The IPU General Assembly, before adjourning in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation last Oct. 18, adopted the Human Rights Committee's report and recommendation for IPU to send a trial observer to monitor De Lima's legal proceedings as it reiterated its call for her release from detention. In its 16-page report last July 27, the IPU also expressed grave concern over the trumped-up charges hurled against her which it said were based on dubious evidence and overreliance on testimonies of convicted drug inmates. "In each of the three cases, there are serious questions and doubts about the evidence. There are general concerns about the overreliance on testimonies by convicted drug lords, not only because they are proven criminals but because these individuals have an axe to grind with Senator de Lima," the report said. It also called on Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel to take up the cudgels for Sen. De Lima to ensure that her rights are not violated as she faces trumped-up charges levelled against her. "The Senate has a special responsibility to help ensure that concerns about due process regarding one of its members are effectively addressed. The delegation therefore calls on the Senate, through its President, to do everything possible in this regard and thus help ensure that Senator de Lima can participate again in its work as soon as possible," it added. (For the full text of the IPU Human Rights Committee's Report, please see attached file.) The Senator from Bicol likewise thanked the IPU for its support for her as she vowed to continue appealing to the sense of fairness and justice of the Supreme Court. "I thank the IPU for defending my causes and vouching for my integrity. I know that my fight is not my fight alone as this is the fight for human rights, democracy and rule of law. I will never be cowed until this government decides to value democratic principles and respect for human rights," she said. "As I've mentioned before, the support I'm getting from international groups and local supporters who refuse to turn a blind eye on the injustices happening in the country gives me more courage and strength to keep fighting the good fight," she added. IPU's Committee on Human Rights President Fawzia Koofi (Afghanistan), along with MP Fazle Karim Chowdhury (Bangladesh) and Rogier Huzienga, IPU Human Rights programme manager, visited De Lima in detention last May 22-14 to check on her condition and know first-hand information about the former justice secretary's case. The IPU is among the growing number of multilateral organizations and human rights advocates who have expressed serious concern over the illegal arrest and detention of De Lima over trumped-up charges of illegal drug trafficking. Press Release October 20, 2017 Legarda: 2018 Budget Funds Pension for Centenarians, Spouses of WWII Veterans Senator Loren Legarda today said that the proposed 2018 national budget includes funding for the pension of centenarians and the full payment of the pension arrears for surviving spouses of deceased World War II veterans. Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, said, "For the second year in a row, we are funding the Centenarians Act by allocating P189.5 million for a one-time cash grant of P100,000 each to 1,895 senior citizens aged 100 years and over." Under Republic Act 10868 or the Centenarian Law, Filipino citizens who are 100 years old and above will receive P100,000 centenarian gift from the government. The law was first funded under the 2017 budget, wherein P100 million was allocated to provide the cash grant to 1,000 centenarians. Meanwhile, Legarda said that the Senate has also allocated funds for the full payment of total administrative disability (TAD) arrears for the surviving spouses of World War II veterans. "Our war veterans have served our country well. It is unfortunate that they were not able to receive the benefits due them. We should now aim to provide the pension the government now owes to their surviving spouses, who also suffered during the war," she stressed. The Senator said that the amount of P1.647 billion has been allocated under the proposed 2018 budget for the said purpose. Moreover, the amount of P30 million has been allocated for the construction of a veterans hospital in Mindanao. "Our valiant soldiers shed sweat and blood and sacrificed lives so we may live in liberty and freedom. Whether living or deceased, we should show them our respect and gratitude for the service they have rendered for our country by providing them the compensation and recognition rightfully due them," Legarda concluded. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate During the holidays at the Mayette Apartments in Santa Rosa, Marilyn Ress went door-to-door to find out which of her fellow residents had no place to go for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. Shed bring the list to her best friend, Cynthia Conners, who would start cooking. Then when the day came, Ms. Ress would put on an apron with hearts on it, wrap individual dinner plates in foil and make deliveries to anyone who was home alone. Shed give them a meal, and shed give them a hug, Conners said. She was ecstatic and proud. Prouder still that after 15 years in the apartment complex, Ms. Ress saved enough to buy her own home in the Journeys End Mobile Home Park on Flamingo Road. She moved in with her two cats and her vast collection of Avon figurines about a year ago, and this is where Ms. Ress was found after the Tubbs Fire swept through, lying within the frame of what had been her bed. Now Playing: Wineries, schools, hotels and neighborhoods have been destroyed in the recent Bay Area fires. Video: Ted Andersen, SFGATE Ms. Ress was 71 and had lived in Sonoma County her entire life, said Conner. Born Marilyn Carol Ress, she grew up in rural Penngrove and attended Petaluma High School, Conners said. She never married and had no direct descendants. She was like an angel on Earth, said Conners, who had known Ms. Ress since the 1970s when Ms. Ress worked as a certified nurse assistant. Later, she became a private caregiver and served the infirm until she developed her own health issues. Ms. Ress had Graves disease, which slowed but did not stop her. Ms. Ress did not drive, so Conners would take her to the grocery store. If she saw people struggling, she would say, Here, use my ATM card, Conners said. On the way home, they would stop at Sees Candies in the Montgomery Village Shopping Center. 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. Her favorite sample was Rocky Road, said store manager Susan Murphy. She would come in and chitchat and buy gift cards for her bus drivers and peanut brittle for her friends. We are going to miss her so much. A year ago, Ms. Ress fell in her mobile home. It was during a bad winter cold snap and, when Conners could not reach her by phone, she went to Journeys End to find Ms. Ress on the floor unable to get up. She had been there for four days, her body temperature had dropped, and she was in a semicoma when she was rushed to the hospital. Doctors didnt think shed make it, but knowing Marilyn, she pulled through, Conners said. She had the greatest attitude and the biggest heart of anyone I ever knew. Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Instagram: @sfchronicle_art This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Zain Jaffer, the top executive of a mobile video advertising startup in San Francisco, has been arrested and charged with assaulting and sexually abusing his 3-year-old son. Jaffer, 29, the CEO of Vungle, was removed from his position Thursday. He is charged with child abuse, a lewd act upon a child, attempted oral copulation with a person under 10 years old, and assault with intent to cause great bodily harm, according to San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe. Authorities also charged Jaffer with a misdemeanor count of battery upon a police officer and emergency personnel. Prosecutors initially charged Jaffer with attempted murder but dropped the charge because there wasnt enough evidence to prove that he intended to kill the child, Wagstaffe said. Jaffer is due to appear in court Nov. 1. Richard Rice, a spokesman for Vungle, confirmed Jaffers arrest and said the companys board of directors placed Jaffer on an indefinite leave of absence for personal reasons. The company released an additional statement Friday afternoon. These are extremely serious allegations, and we are shocked beyond words, the company said. While these are only preliminary charges, they are obviously so serious that it led to the immediate removal of Mr. Jaffer from any operational responsibility at the company. The company stressed that these issues had nothing to do with his former role at the company. Daniel Olmos, an attorney representing Jaffer, said his client pleaded not guilty and will not make any public statements. Jaffers profile on LinkedIn says he previously served as CEO for two other tech firms, Mediaroots and CyberPlanet. He is a graduate of both the University of London and London Business School. 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. Jaffer started Vungle in 2011. The company said it employs about 200 people and generates annual revenue of about $300 million. Crunchbase said the company has raised about $25.5 million from investors, including renowned venture capitalist Tim Draper and Sun Microsystems co-founder Scott McNealy. How horrible, Draper said in an email. I had no idea. Thomas Lee is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: tlee@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByTomLee A landlord has agreed to pay more than $1 million to tenants who were evicted after a fire swept through their illegal apartments in a warehouse space in the Inner Mission District in 2014, the first legal settlement related to the rash of fires that have displaced residents in the neighborhood over the past four years. Property owners Albert Joseph and David Kimmel, who own the warehouse at 1441-1451 Stevenson St. in the north end of the Mission District, have agreed to pay $1,050,000 to eight tenants who found themselves homeless after a predawn fire damaged part of the structure in January 2014. The settlement could have implications for others who have been kicked out of their homes during a widespread crackdown on illegal living spaces in the wake of the fatal Ghost Ship fire in Oakland in December, said attorney Joe Tobener of Tobener Ravencroft, who represented the displaced tenants. We have seen so many tenants displaced from warehouse spaces since the Ghost Ship fire because worried landlords or city officials have served notices, Tobener said. The Stevenson Street fire award is critical for these warehouse tenants because it shows that these tenancies have significant value under the law, even if they are unpermitted. The Stevenson Street fire, which damaged only a handful of the units, was less severe than blazes that destroyed entire structures at 29th and Mission streets and 22nd and Mission streets. Yet for those living there, the result was just as bad as the more extensive fires: Residents were not able to move back into the building and found themselves scouring Craigslist for a new place in one of the nations most expensive rental markets. While the building had been filled with residents, largely artists, since the 1970s, it was not zoned for residential use. After the fire, the property owners filed Ellis Act evictions against the tenants, stating that they planned to convert the building back to a commercial use. The Ellis Act allows property owners to evict tenants if they plan to take the units off the rental market. The complaint against the property owner alleges negligence, breach of contract, wrongful evictions, nuisance, and intentional inflection of emotional distress. As a result of the fire, Plaintiffs suffered personal injury, property loss, lost wages, medical expenses, emotional distress, moving costs and loss of their rent-controlled units, stated the lawsuit. Like many illegal warehouse spaces, the Stevenson Street building was riddled with code violations that tenants were reluctant to complain about out of fear of eviction, according to the suit. Tenants had to put up with vermin infestation, including rats and mice. There were leaky roofs, skylights and pipes. Many of the units lacked smoke detectors. At one point, there was a flood caused by broken plumbing. The complaints were not addressed by the landlord, the lawsuit charged. The Stevenson Street building was not unsafe because tenants were living in a warehouse space. It was unsafe because the landlord did not manage the property, allowing years and years of illegal construction to go unchecked, Tobener said. Rents in the building ranged from $897 to $2,650 per month, but the lawsuit argued that the actual value of the units on the open market was between $3,000 and $8,000. Jeff Woo of Cooper White Cooper, who is representing the property owner, declined to comment on the settlement. After the fire, Woo said: We have no interest in developing the property as residential, and the building in its current state is not appropriate for residential in any way. Supervisor Hillary Ronen called the settlement a great victory. Irresponsible landlords who are taking advantage of the housing crisis and renting out substandard spaces shouldnt be let off the hook, Ronen said. I wish this was an isolated incident, but its not. There are cases in my district where people are living in dangerous conditions or in illegal units at risk of eviction. We must continue to hold these landlords accountable. Graphic artist Erik Van der Molen, a party to the settlement, said he is just getting back on his feet nearly four years after the fire. He spent five months couch surfing after he was displaced before finding a live/work space on McCoppin Street, a block from the Stevenson Street building. The fire disrupted his business because he worked out of the unit. He was forced to take a full-time job rather than continue with his own freelance business. Making matters worse was the fact that his unit was not harmed in the blaze. There wasnt a scratch, he said. I thought Id have to crash somewhere for a few nights at most. He said the settlement, which was based on the size of his apartment, makes up for what happened, more or less. It did end up being fair, he said. I feel like the money I got was comparable to most of what I went through almost. Tommi Avicolli Mecca of the Housing Rights Committee said it is hard to say whether the settlement will have any lasting impact for others in similar situations. He said the city needs to put a policy in place that will make it easier to convert illegal residential buildings. He said settlements provide another tool for getting justice. People are living in fear, he said. There hasnt been any policy change on the part of the city in term of how we deal with these spaces. J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen San Franciscos Recreation and Park Commission thought it voted Thursday to strip Justin Hermans name from the plaza next to the citys Embarcadero Center then found out later that it hadnt. In a confusing series of events, the commissions vote to rechristen the iconic public space was initially recorded as 4-3 in favor. Later in the day, the city attorneys office determined that Commissioner Eric McDonnell, who had to leave the meeting early, did not officially register his vote on the matter. Because there was a 3-3 tie, technically, no action was taken. Commission President Mark Buell and the panels secretary erroneously recorded McDonnell as having cast a yes vote, said Recreation and Park Department spokeswoman Sarah Madland. The panel cant go back and take another vote before its next scheduled meeting in late November, she said. At the park commission meeting, McDonnell was clearly supportive of the proposal to rename the plaza, but because he had to depart the meeting early, his vote could not be officially counted. There have been many moments like these when the city, candidly, gets it right and finally takes the step in the right direction, McDonnell said at the meeting. Before it all fell apart, it appeared as though the vote to change the plazas name had come down to Commissioner Larry Mazzola. He asked for a moment to collect his thoughts as he weighed how he would break the apparent 3-3 tie he was faced with. I have complete mixed feelings about this whole thing, he said. After several tense moments, he voted to approve the name change. In the end, Mazzola said he was swayed by the unanimous decision by the citys Board of Supervisors last month urging the parks commission to erase Hermans name from the plaza. More for you SF Supervisor Peskin ramps up drive to rename Justin Herman Plaza With the commissions vote having gone for naught, Hermans name remains on the plaza. The temporary moniker it would have gotten, Embarcadero Plaza, is also on hold. In his time, Herman was a powerful San Francisco official, executive director of the city Redevelopment Agency under three mayors, from 1959 until he died in 1971. The city named the plaza after him when it opened the following year. But a growing chorus of critics, including the Board of Supervisors, has thrust Hermans fraught legacy with the city back into the spotlight, prompting calls to rededicate the plaza to commemorate a less divisive public figure. Those efforts managed to reinvigorate a public discussion about renaming the plaza that has waxed and waned over the years. In 2001, then-Supervisor Chris Daly introduced a proposal to scrub Hermans name from the space, but the board never voted on it. In 2015, a citizens campaign to rename the space after poet Maya Angelou sputtered out. Herman is perhaps best known for leveling large swaths of the Western Addition in the name of urban renewal, an effort that had disastrous effects on the vibrant African American and Japanese American communities living there. Thousands of people saw their homes and businesses destroyed as the city razed 60 square blocks. Board of Supervisors President London Breed, who represents the Western Addition and grew up there, said she was happy that the parks commission moved to get rid of the stain on the citys history that Hermans name has come to symbolize. Im really excited that this happened. This is going to be the first step in the process to do what we should have done many years ago, Breed said, before the commissions decision was undone. Breed said that despite the procedural hiccup, she expected the parks commission to again vote to remove Hermans name from the plaza. Among those who voted against changing the plazas name was Buell, the parks commission president, who worked in Hermans office in the late 1960s and in 1970. Buell said that while Hermans pursuit of urban renewal in the Western Addition was a grave mistake, he believed Herman was being unfairly demonized for policies that he was not alone responsible for. He was passionate about trying to make San Francisco a better place, Buell said. Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who authored the boards resolution on the plaza, spoke to the commissioners before their vote to emphasize that while the board supported removing Hermans name from the plaza, this is not about demonizing Justin Herman the person. But that era has come to symbolize a lot of hurt, particularly for communities of color, Peskin said. Weve learned a lot, and I think its time to turn the page on this chapter of history. Numerous members of the public urged the commission to consider naming the space after San Francisco photographer David Johnson, who was in attendance Thursday. Johnson, a student of Ansel Adams, made his mark by turning his camera on the Fillmore districts vibrant African American community of the 1960s. We need to find someone or something that sheds a brighter light on such a significant public plaza in our city, Breed said. Dominic Fracassa is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dfracassa@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dominicfracassa This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Since the deadly and devastating Tubbs and Redwood Valley fires broke out in distant parts of his district late Oct. 8, Assemblyman Jim Wood has been scurrying from meeting to briefing, viewing damage, consoling people whove lost homes and family members, and directing them to where they can seek help. Now, the Healdsburg Democrat begins the grim task of identifying some of his constituents killed in those fires. In addition to representing the residents of the Second Assembly District, which reaches from northern Santa Rosa to the Oregon border, Wood is a forensic odontologist, a special type of dentist who examines the teeth and dental records of those whose bodies are unrecognizable. Helping Northern California sheriffs departments with human identifications is a job Wood has been performing for 20 years. He works with five Northern California counties, including Mendocino and Sonoma, where more than 30 people died in the fires. Now Playing: Psychologists say it's important for people to recognize the effects of grief and trauma after a disaster like the Tubbs Fire and the other North Bay Fires. There is help for people in crisis at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Video: KTVU Despite his experience, Wood expects it to be an emotionally challenging task. This is the most sobering thing Ive had to deal with in a long, long time, said the 57-year-old assemblyman, who is serving his second term. The number of deaths, the circumstances of their deaths, and knowing that they are all, you know, essentially neighbors. While Ive done this for a number of years, the circumstances are different. This is hitting very close to home and in a very personal way. Its very sobering, very grim. Identifying remains that have been badly burned in a fire in many cases, cremated can be a difficult task. Forensic experts are often left only with bones, or bone fragments, to analyze. DNA, the favorite identification tool of television crime investigation shows, is often useless when fire is involved. A board-certified forensic pathologist familiar with similar cases said fire often dries out and destroys DNA while fire and water cook it. Still, investigators will sometimes attempt to find DNA deep inside a bone or in the pulp of a tooth. If it exists, the DNA will need to be compared with a sample from a living relative, preferably a sibling, parent or child. Without DNA, investigators tend to rely on implanted medical devices, bone analysis or dental examinations to make positive identifications, said a pathology expert, who asked not to be named because of potential future involvement in identifying some of the fire victims. Modern medicine, with its proliferation of medical devices like pacemakers, joint replacements and prostheses, has helped make identifications easier. The devices typically contain serial numbers linked to the person whose identity is being sought. Because they are often made of durable materials like titanium and wedged deep inside bones, they are more likely to have withstood flames. Those are immensely useful, said Jesse Dizard, chairman of Chico State Universitys anthropology department, which has a nationally known human identification program thats helping Mendocino County investigators with the Redwood Valley Fire. Forensic anthropology can also aid in the identity search by employing techniques to analyze bones to determine age, race, gender and height of a victim as well as past physical traumas or bone cancers. If you can use those things to help narrow down the remains you have, it gives (investigators) an idea of who to look for dental records for, and so forth, said Charles Cecil, an adjunct professor of anthropology at Skyline College and research associate at the California Academy of Sciences. Depending on the intensity of the fire, anthropologists may find they have a lot to work with or very little. They may discover a whole bone or skeletal remains, or they may have to try to reconstruct bones from fragments. That was the case in the Oakland Hills Fire 26 years ago Thursday, Cecil said. Anthropologists were able to reconstruct a bone and determine that it was from a man who likely did a lot of heavy lifting. That helped identify the victim as a veteran mountain climber who had been missing since the fire. 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. But frequently the identification comes down to teeth and dental records, experts say, because teeth are the hardest objects in the human body and usually survive. However, heat can discolor them, and particularly intense temperatures can cause them to crack. Odontology, Wood said, is often the method of last resort. Dentistry is the best shot at getting an ID. When investigators have a hunch on whose remains theyve found, they ask relatives, friends and insurance companies to help them find the persons dentist. They then request X-rays and other dental records. No central database for dental records exists, with the possible exception of military veterans or those whove served time in prison. Once the records are obtained, the odontologist will compare the teeth to the dental X-rays and other records, looking for dentures, bridges, crowns, fillings and other distinctions that would identify the victim. Its usually successful, the pathologist said, unless the person hadnt visited the dentist in a long time or was a child with no dental work. The process of identification in these cases takes time weeks or even months. These are difficult cases, said Wood. I know family members want to know, but it takes time. Wood had a dental practice in Cloverdale before he was elected to the Assembly in 2014, but sold it. He decided to keep practicing odontology, though, because it requires an unusual expertise that benefits the public. I have a skill set that is unique and valuable, he said. It gives me a sense of purpose at a time when many people are struggling to find a way to help. Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Darin White, the interim chief who has been leading the Oakland Fire Department for the past nine months, was appointed to the permanent post Thursday. Mayor Libby Schaaf and City Administrator Sabrina Landreths selection of White as Oaklands fire chief comes five months after Chief Teresa Deloach Reed retired in May. Whites appointment was unveiled as some of the states most destructive and deadly wildfires smoldered to the north and amid union negotiations with firefighters. I am excited that I have been chosen to lead the Oakland Fire Department in its ongoing goal of delivering the most responsive and highest-caliber service that can be expected of fire service professionals, White said in a statement. I am also grateful for the many individuals in the Oakland Fire Department, community members, and City leaders who continue to work hard to ensure that our transition is a success. It is because of their tireless efforts, demonstrated passion, and commitment to improvement that our progress will continue. White, 49, a lifelong Oakland resident, has a reputation for being accessible, honest, and transparent and an inspiring demeanor, Schaaf said in a statement. He led the department alongside Mark Hoffmann for several months before and after Reeds retirement May 5. Whites embattled predecessor had gone on and off leave after the Dec. 2 Ghost Ship warehouse fire that killed 36. Dan Robertson, president of the main union representing firefighters, said he is pleased to see someone rise up through the ranks. We wish Darin the best of luck, and well continue to work with our fire chief to move the department forward, Robertson said. White previously served as deputy chief of field operations a role that, among other duties, involved managing training for mass-casualty disasters. Before the assignment, he was a battalion chief for seven years, in charge of the special operations program that included aircraft and water rescues and the hazardous materials team. White, who spent two-thirds of his 30-year firefighting career with the Oakland department, graduated from Colorado State University with a bachelors degree in fire and emergency services administration and later served as president of the operations section of the Alameda County Fire Chiefs Association. White will be sworn in Friday during a ceremony in Schaafs office. Kimberly Veklerov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kveklerov This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Just two days after three black factory workers filed suit against Tesla for racist epithets and harassment, a former assembly line worker said he was bullied for being gay and threatened with violence at the Fremont factory. Jorge Ferro said the harassment started shortly after he began working at Tesla, and didnt stop until he left the company, according to his lawsuit. The court filing alleges that Ferro was pushed out of the company after managers repeatedly refused to stop the mistreatment. A human resources representative told him that he had to go, as there was no place for handicapped people at Tesla, a reference to a scar on Ferro's wrist from an injury 16 years ago, the suit also alleged. Tesla in denying the claims said it had a spotless record in how the company treated its workers. Now Playing: Nattakorn_Maneerat/Shutterstock Tesla recently fired scores of employees in the wake of performance reviews. A negative performance review doesn't guarantee you're about to be fired. If you want to turn things around, you need to stay calm and take proactive steps to improve. Tesla reportedly let around 400 employees go during an intense round of performance reviews last week. Video: Wochit Every lawyer knows that if they name Tesla as a defendant in their lawsuit, it maximizes the chances of generating publicity for their case, a company spokesman said. There is no company on Earth with a better track record than Tesla, as they would have to have fewer than zero cases where an independent judge or jury has found a genuine case of discrimination. This is physically impossible. But recent lawsuits paint a different picture. This week three factory workers accused the company of being a hotbed for racist behavior, where Tesla supervisors and workers used racist language and drew a Jim Crow-era caricature of a black child on cardboard boxes inside the Fremont factory. Lamar Patterson and father and son Owen Diaz and Demetric Diaz were contractors, hired to work at Tesla by third-party companies. Ferro was also a third-party contractor and so, the company said Thursday, was the supervisor he has accused of threatening him with violence. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Nevertheless, a Tesla spokesman said, Tesla still stepped in to try to keep these individuals apart from one another and to ensure a good working environment. In June, Telsa fired a female engineer who accused the carmaker of gender discrimination, paying her less than her male peers and ignoring repeated complaints of sexual harassment. The woman, AJ Vandermeyden, is also suing the company. Ferros lawsuit is the latest labor dispute against Tesla this year, and the third lawsuit alleging discriminatory conditions inside its factory. Tesla fired hundreds of workers last week after poor performance reviews that may have been related to what CEO Elon Musk called production bottlenecks on the companys Model 3 car. This year the National Labor Relations Board filed an official complaint against Tesla, accusing the Palo Alto company of violating workers rights by suppressing efforts to unionize. A hearing in front of an NLRB judge in Oakland is expected to begin on Nov. 14. Marissa Lang is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mlang@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Marissa_Jae This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A man accused of running down a San Francisco bicycle patrol police officer with a sport utility vehicle and then speeding away, prompting an hours-long manhunt, pleaded not guilty Friday to attempted-murder charges. As Officer Elia Lewin-Tankel remained in critical condition in San Francisco General Hospitals intensive care unit, the man booked into custody as Maurquise Johnson made his first court appearance, at which he appeared belligerent and insisted on a name change. The 50-year-old suspect, who has a long criminal history of reckless driving and evading arrest under several aliases, asked to be identified as Willie Flanigan, and the court agreed to the name change. Lewin-Tankel was on his bicycle, riding to assist officers in a gun-related case when Flanigan, a suspect in that case, ran him down in a stolen Lexus SUV about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday on Turk Street, just a few blocks from City Hall, police said. Flanigan then drove off and abandoned the car about a mile and a half west at Central and Fell streets, police said. He was taken into custody about 3:30 p.m. on Ellis Street. In an interview Thursday from jail, Flanigan told KTVU that he and the officer collided as he pulled out of a garage. He said he wasnt at fault and called the Police Department corrupt. Im hoping that the FBI and the Justice Department will be coming forward, Flanigan said in court Friday, after his public defender entered not guilty pleas on his behalf. Deputy Public Defender Alex Lilien repeatedly counseled Flanigan to remain silent, but after Judge Sharon Reardon set his bail at $10 million, he blurted out, Isnt that extreme? Who can afford that if theyre homeless? Thats racist, Flanigan said. Lilien corroborated Flanigans contention that he is indigent, but Reardon said she was setting high bail based on the seriousness of the charges, the injuries to the victim and Flanigans lengthy criminal record. Im a nonviolent offender, he responded angrily. Flanigans rap sheet stretches back to the 90s, with a hit-and-run in San Francisco in 1992 and a misdemeanor petty theft conviction in San Mateo County in 1993. More recently, he was convicted in San Mateo County of giving false information to an officer in 2013 and convicted of grand theft in San Francisco for a crime in which he was originally charged with robbery, receiving a stolen car and evading an officer. In 2014, he was arrested in San Francisco on suspicion of buying or receiving stolen property and providing false information to an officer, and the next year he was arrested in the city on suspicion of recklessly evading police and leaving the scene of an accident. In June 2016, he was sentenced to state prison for two years for stealing a car and evading police in San Mateo County, but he was released after a few months because he had already served much of his time before sentencing. In February, he pleaded no contest in San Francisco to drug dealing, records show, and was sentenced to 67 days in jail Outside court, Lilien declined to comment further on the facts of the case, but said, Our hearts go out to the officer who was injured, to his family, to his colleagues, and that includes Mr. Flanigan. He asked the public to reserve judgment. 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. Ultimately, criminal cases are about intent, Lilien said, but did not elaborate when asked what he meant by that. Dozens of San Francisco officers stood outside the courtroom, many still in uniform and several in suits. The officers here, theyre here to support their brother in blue, said Martin Halloran, president of the police union. He said their focus right now is on Lewin-Tankels recovery. Lewin-Tankel is a five-year veteran of the Police Department and a well-known face in the Tenderloin neighborhood, which he patrolled on the bicycle beat. Neighbors say he has deep knowledge of the history of the neighborhood and is respectful in his treatment of residents. His family has asked for everyone to send good energy and prayers for his recovery. Elia is a symbol of strength, his wife said in a statement Thursday. Its in his blood. This situation will be no different. This is not the end of Elias story. Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo Goodbye Christopher Robin is an exquisite, beautiful film, and like most beautiful things, theres something painful about it. It depicts a kind of beauty, innocence and purity that cant be forever, whose existence forces you to stop and appreciate it now and in the moment of appreciating it, to contemplate its future nonexistence. Thats really the governing emotion of this film, the pitch that it reaches and sustains from beginning to end, a kind of sadness in the midst of happiness, a paradise with an awareness of mortality. Its the story of the creation of Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne and of the rewards and consequences those books had for him and for his family, but particularly for the little boy depicted in them, his son, Christopher Robin Milne. The books came out during the period between the world wars, and the screenplay (by Frank Cottrell Boyce Vaughan) gently suggests that they were in some way a product of World War I and a respite from dread of World War II. Milne saw horrors in his military service he was in the battle of the Somme, among others and moved from London to the countryside in East Sussex to find peace and to recover from the stress. The rapturous reception of the Pooh books, the result of that change of scene, may have had something to do with a traumatized nation trying to regain its joy. For director Simon Curtis (My Week With Marilyn), the great task of Goodbye Christopher Robin is to accomplish two things seemingly in conflict. Its to create an aura of enchantment on a level with the books, one that, in a sense, explains their creation, while at the same time suggesting a darker world hovering outside of it. He lingers, for example, on the view from Milnes property an undisturbed, peaceful green vista while reminding us that such valleys were the settings for the worst battles of the Great War. Domhnall Gleeson, as Milne, is gentle and witty, radiating a quiet pleasure at his own brilliance, but with an aura of sadness that he cannot shake. His face is like the most sensitive seismograph for everything hes feeling, so that in a close-up, we not only see his thoughts, but flickers of half-thoughts. This would hardly seem possible how do you act a feeling thats not a full thought? The only way to do it is not to think at all, but to be a receptacle for raw emotion. Watching Gleeson here feels like witnessing something privileged and intimate. But then, this is a film of remarkable performances, including that of the movies most astonishing find, Will Tilston, who plays the 8-year-old Christopher Robin. Tilston has a face out of a fairy tale, completely open and sweet. Just in terms of pure being, hes ideal for the role, but hes also called upon to act, to suggest an understanding of his fathers pain, and a devotion to his nanny, and a joy in nature, and a growing disillusionment at his unwelcome fame and he does it all, and beautifully. As a director, Curtis is able to communicate complicated states without relying on a line or two of dialogue to explain his meaning. Notice his direction of Margot Robbie as Daphne Milne, who could have been played as a superficial snob or even worse, as a misunderstood superficial snob. Instead, Curtis and Robbie present us with a complex woman, a product of her class and of her emotional limitations, but also in possession of certain strengths. This willingness to present people in their fullness extends to the nanny as well, played by Kelly Macdonald as a person with deep sensitivity and patience, but also a lust to find her own life, outside domestic servitude. And then theres Stephen Campbell Moore as E.H. Shepard, the illustrator of the Pooh books, who appears in only a couple of scenes, and yet powerfully conveys that he, too, was scarred by his experience of war. This is the movies one big idea, which is more than an idea but an enveloping emotion that surrounds every scene, that the pain of war somehow led to this expression of childhood innocence and joy and further, that this expression of childhood joy led to pain. In expressing this, Goodbye Christopher Robin touches something bigger than its own ambitions. It touches, in a way movies rarely do, on some essential current of life. Mick LaSalle is The San Francisco Chronicles movie critic. Email: mlasalle@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MickLaSalle Goodbye Christopher Robin Drama. Starring Domhnall Gleeson, Margot Robbie and Will Tilston. Directed by Simon Curtis. (PG. 107 minutes.) This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Advocates of legalized prostitution took their challenge to Californias 145-year-old ban on commercial sex before a federal appeals court Thursday and appeared to get a hint that theyll have another chance to show why the law should be cast aside. The case was brought by three former prostitutes, a would-be client and the Erotic Service Providers Legal, Educational and Research Project. They contend the law violates the right to engage in consensual sex, as defined by the U.S. Supreme Court in a 2003 ruling overturning criminal laws against gay sexual activity. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White of Oakland rejected their argument last year, saying the high court ruling protected only intimate personal relationships, not commercial sex. He said the state had adequately justified the current law as a deterrent to violence against women, sexually transmitted diseases and human trafficking. But at Thursdays hearing, members of a three-judge panel of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco suggested that the law might need closer scrutiny, given todays less restrictive standards, as recognized by the high court, on sex between consenting adults. Why should it be illegal to sell something that its legal to give away? asked Carlos Bea, one of the courts most conservative judges. Another conservative, Judge Consuelo Callahan, pointed out that prostitution, like gay sex, had historically been subject to moral disapproval. Just as in 2003, the current case, she said, deals with individuals rights, so why wouldnt a ruling for the right to engage in prostitution be a natural extension of Supreme Court precedent? Deputy Attorney General Sharon OGrady, the states lawyer, responded that the difference is in the commercial aspect ... the commodification of sex. The state is not telling anyone who they can sleep with, OGrady said. It is prohibiting only a harmful category of business transactions, not intimate or enduring relationships, she said. But Bea said the 2003 Supreme Court ruling might require the court to send the case back to White for another review, and perhaps even a full-scale trial, in which the state would have to show a compelling need for the law. California made prostitution a crime in 1872, defining every common prostitute as a vagrant subject to a $500 fine and six months in jail. The law was updated in 1961 to reclassify prostitution or soliciting prostitution as disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor punishable by a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. The Ninth Circuit left the state law intact in a 1988 ruling that said the relationship between a paid escort and a client possesses few, if any, of the aspects of an intimate association. H. Louis Sirkin, the plaintiffs lawyer in the current case, argued that the ruling is no longer binding. The Supreme Courts 2003 decision established the right of individuals to make their own individual choices as to how they want to behave in consensual sexual relationships, Sirkin told the court. If people put a dollar amount on it, that should not alter the intimate relationship. But Bea questioned whether the high courts ruling applied to totally anonymous sex for hire. And the third panel member, Jane Restani, a judge from the U.S. Court of International Trade temporarily assigned to the appeals court, noted that Justice Anthony Kennedy, in the 2003 Supreme Court ruling, had specified that the case before the court did not involve prostitution. On the other hand, Bea quoted from another portion of the 2003 case in which the late Justice Antonin Scalia, writing in dissent, declared that the ruling called into question state laws against prostitution. True, said OGrady, the states lawyer but Scalia, in the same opinion, also predicted the ruling would be used to strike down laws against incest and bestiality. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate You probably remember the story, the one about an agender teen wearing a skirt who was set on fire while riding an AC Transit bus in Oakland. It happened in November 2013, almost four years ago. Another passenger on AC Transits 57 bus, Richard Thomas, flicked a cigarette lighter at the hem of a skirt worn by Sasha Fleischman. The bus was traveling on MacArthur Boulevard near Ardley Avenue, just a few blocks from Fleischmans home in Oaklands Glenview neighborhood. Fleischmans skirt caught fire, causing second- and third-degree burns on Fleischmans legs. We know what happened, but do we really know why? Thats what Oakland writer Dashka Slater set out explore. Slaters new book, The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives, is a nonfiction narrative about the shocking crime that illuminated divisions in race, class and gender in Oakland. In The 57 Bus, Slater, a childrens book author and journalist, points out the obvious: The circumstances surrounding the incident arent black-and-white. The kid who set this skirt on fire is a complicated person who had his own history and was a kid behaving like some impulsive kids do, she told me in an interview this week. When he got on the bus, Thomas, who is black, was a 16-year-old junior at Oakland High School struggling with schoolwork and truancy. Oakland High was his third school in three years. Violence had interrupted Thomas life in ways most of us cant fathom. Two of his aunts had been slain before he was a teenager. In early 2013, his best friend was shot and killed while sitting in an East Oakland parking lot. And just about a week before his encounter with Fleischman, Thomas was robbed at gunpoint of his money, phone, coat and sneakers. What happened to Sasha is terrible, but the person who did it is also a human being who is deserving of our compassion, Slater said. Slater isnt making excuses for Thomas. Rather, she peels back the layers that led to the crime. The book, which expands into the surrounding group of friends, family, teachers and the larger community, serves as a warning to teens and adults that our actions affect others and there are consequences. I was really interested in the question of what is my role in this story as somebody who lives in this town, as an adult who helped make this world these kids were born into, she said. I didnt set the fire, but I do feel like all of us have a role to play in making the world in which these things happen. Disparities in life have directly impacted young black teens like Thomas who come from families decimated by drugs and incarceration. Its something we should all consider: How much does instability at home weigh into the decisions that teens make? Thomas was charged as an adult in the attack on Fleischman. He was sentenced to seven years at a state juvenile center. At sentencing, Thomas was told if he earned satisfactory progress reports, his term would be reduced to five years. At the time of the attack, Fleischman, who is white, was 18 and a senior at Maybeck High School, a small private school in Berkeley. Fleischman was a straight-A student, a teen who gathered 27,000 Internet signatures asking then-President Obama to address agender sensitivity. Fleischman was named Luke at birth, but does not identify as male or female, instead preferring the term agender and the pronoun they. The case introduced many captivated readers and TV viewers to gender nonconformity. Fleischman, who attends Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, goes by Emily now, according to their parents, Debbie Crandall and Karl Fleischman. Theyre a senior now, so theyre really panicking about the whole adulting thing, Karl Fleischman said. I met Fleischmans parents Wednesday night at East Bay Booksellers on College Avenue, after Slater sat for an in-store conversation. It certainly was a watershed moment in our lives, and Im really excited she wrote the book, Crandall told me. In a 2013 interview with The Chronicle, Fleischman said it was tough being thrust into the spotlight. Its horrible that this happened, but Im glad that the subject finally got in the news that an agender person actually became a big story, Fleischman said. Its sort of surreal that that person is me. According to Slater, Thomas has one year left on his sentence. Hes serving his time at N.A. Chaderjian Youth Correctional Facility in Stockton, where hes earned the highest level of privileges, she said. Thomas wrote letters expressing his remorse to Fleischman, Slater said. But she hasnt been in touch with Thomas in a while. He at some point wanted to focus on the future and not the past, she said. Thats something Slater understands. When youre writing about teenagers, there is kind of a very definitive ending point, she said. Because I want them to go live their lives and not be defined by this forever. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Otis R. Taylor Jr. appears Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Email: otaylor@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @otisrtaylorjr This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate If you sit at the counter at Sharon Ardianas new eponymous pizza restaurant and watch her work, it becomes obvious that cooking is an arduous job. In this Noe Valley spot her third and most ambitious restaurant Ardiana stands at her narrow station facing the counter with the pizza oven just a few feet behind her. A co-worker next to her is in charge of the pizza oven, and each time the door opens and closes it looks like it nearly scapes Ardianas backside. She takes a mound of preportioned dough, pats it with her fingers, and then stretches it into a circle by placing it on her fists and pulling with her arms. She places the disk on a floured paddle, and adds sauce and various toppings laid out in front of her. As soon as it goes into the oven, she starts over. In between pizza orders she plates appetizers and finishes the main courses. Its nonstop, repetitive work, but every once in a while she pauses, lowers her head slightly and surveys whats around her in the kitchen with the look of a mother observing a sleeping child. To be able to do this job requires something many people dont have: loads of stamina, patience and a deep love for feeding people. Pizza, for all its seeming simplicity, is one of the hardest items to pull off, yet Ardiana does it at all three of her places: Gialina, Ragazza and now Ardiana. Ardiana has mastered the type of crust I lust for: Its thin and crisp and doesnt completely collapse when picked up. The dough has a pastry-like quality, and toppings are judiciously applied so they dont overpower the crust. Observing the kitchen action, I discovered another secret. After each pie comes out of the oven blistered and steaming, it gets a golden drizzle of olive oil around the edge of the crust. Ive always loved Ardianas pizza, first at Gialina in Glen Park and then at Ragazza on Divisadero. At the Noe location, Ardiana expands her tried-and-true format and offers a larger menu. This includes spreads ($7) roasted eggplant, carrot hummus, and smashed avocado with Meyer lemon and Aleppo pepper served with house-made pita; a half dozen salads; and five large plates. The large plates feature a satisfying oven-roasted halibut ($26) with a generous dollop of herbed aioli tumbling down the side. Its served on a cool mound of butter beans, roasted mushrooms and cherry tomatoes. Overall, the main courses are so generous they can serve two or three, especially if a pizza is included in the order, which is practically a given. Craig Lee/Special to The Chronicle The most impressive large plate, at least in size, is the 1-pound short rib ($38) rubbed with coffee and brown sugar and glazed with plum chutney. It sits atop mashed potatoes surrounded by broccoli di ciccio. No doubt this preparation channels Ardianas Italian grandmother, who is memorialized along with other members of her family on the poster-size photos that decorate the dining-room walls. The pan-roasted Marys chicken ($23) is practically as generously portioned as the short rib, placed on a bed of stewed tomatoes and chickpeas with Padron peppers, with a cooling cucumber salad and tahini yogurt. Excellent as these are, I cant resist the pizza. My favorite ($22) is topped with tomatoes, bacon, mozzarella, basil, and a leafy layer of wild arugula added after the pizza emerges from the oven. Other toppings include burrata, squash blossoms, preserved lemon and shaved garlic ($24). I was a bit disappointed with the pizza topped with prosciutto, mozzarella, chiles and arugula because the tomato sauce was too sweet and the toppings were so generously applied the crust went limp. Fortunately, thats the exception rather than the rule. Craig Lee/Special to The Chronicle Ardiana is equally known for her generous salads, and the Little Gem with Green Goddess ($12) shows why. On one visit it was tossed with quartered slices of watermelon radish, cubes of avocado and cherry tomato halves; on another the tomatoes were replaced with ruby grapefruit. Another standout dish puts together heirloom tomatoes with brown butter, lemon verbena, shiso and sea salt ($14). On the last visit, the menu included an appetizer of pasta, a staple at her other restaurants. The wild nettle fettuccine ($14) was glazed with nasturtium butter and topped with grated Parmesan. It gave me another explanation of why her other places are so popular. Ardiana also proves her mastery of desserts with an olive oil cake ($8) that is as light as genoise, served with a thick scoop of whipped mascarpone and slices of fruit. She also makes one of the best tiramisu around. And if you want just a little sweet bite consider the ice cream sandwich ($3) with crisp chocolate cookies and Bi-Rites mint chocolate-chip ice cream. Craig Lee/Special to The Chronicle It was clear on my first visit a month after she opened that Ardiana had been embraced by the neighborhood even more ardently than the previous tenant, La Nebbia, owned by Massimilano Conti and Lorella Degan, who have La Ciccia around the corner. On each subsequent visit there was an even longer line of people who didnt make a reservation but were hoping to nab a seat. They waited patiently, often with a glass of wine, for someone to vacate the table or counter. With its close-together tables and dining counters enclosing both the kitchen and bar, the restaurant provides a modest but comfortable environment that speaks to the neighborhood. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. Its clear that Ardiana and her front-of-the-house partner, Greg Hinds, have created a place that feels as familial as the photos on the wall. Michael Bauer is The San Francisco Chronicle restaurant critic and editor at large. E-mail: mbauer@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @michaelbauer1 Instagram: @michaelbauer1 Ardiana Food: Service: Atmosphere: Price: $$$ Noise: Four Bells 1781 Church St. (near 30th), San Francisco; (415) 926-5962 or ardianasf.com. Dinner 5-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and until 10:30 Friday-Saturday. Beer and wine. $1.50 a person S.F. surcharge. Reservations and credit cards. Difficult street parking. A federal judge in San Francisco has tentatively approved a $2.75 million nationwide settlement for about 400 AT&T employees who serve as teachers and trainers for the phone companys field workers and have been denied overtime pay because they were classified as managers. U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria gave preliminary approval this week to the settlement negotiated by the company and representatives of the workers, with the help of a mediator. It provides compensation dating to 2011, in some cases, for unpaid overtime and for meal and rest breaks that were withheld from the employees. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The deadly Valley Fire struck Lake County in 2015, but the memories linger after two years, and the recovery and rebuilding process that the popular clothing optional resort faced illustrate the long journey ahead for businesses destroyed in this year's Wine Country fires. When fast-moving wildfires broke out last week, the staff of Harbin Hot Springs was on edge, carefully monitoring their phones for an evacuation notification. "It was a week of no sleep," said Harbin Hot Springs' lead manager, Eric Richardson. "Very few people could sleep, because we would be getting these text alerts that would tell you whether to evacuate so it's hard to sleep when you're waiting on these alerts to show up or not." Middletown, where Harbins Hot Springs is located, was sandwiched between the Tubbs and Pocket fires. Some residents chose to heed an advisory evacuation that did eventually hit. The new fires split staffers into two reactionary camps: Some kicked into high gear and looked into protecting newly constructed areas of the retreat, hosing down various areas. Others just couldn't imagine going through losing a home again, or the prospect of couch surfing for months, according to Richardson. "Emotionally, everyone was on edge," Richardson said. "People were triggered by memories of two years ago." As of this writing, both the Tubbs and Pocket fires are nearing containment and are not seen as a current threat to Harbin; both fires reached within 10 miles of the springs, according to a Cal Fire map. The news that the latest fires wouldn't affect the decades-old property was a relief; the springs are still in the middle of recovering from the Valley Fire. The space that housed workshops, massage studios Harbin is credited with creating Watsu, a type of aquatic massage and served as a relaxing space for its guests, was just one of almost 2,000 structures that was destroyed back in 2015. The Chronicle caught up with the staff in 2016, one year into the rebuilding project. At the time, Sajjad Mahmud, senior vice president of Harbin, told the paper that in the aftermath of the fire "what we're doing, as they say in the cliche, is taking one day at a time." "The mother ship was destroyed," said Mahmud. "We had so many people coming from so many places. There's been a great sense of dislocation." Speaking on the more-recent fires Thursday, Mahmud said dealing with the possible evacuations felt like a sort of post-traumatic stress after dealing with the Valley Fire. "When I take a look at the pictures now for Santa Rosa and Napa, it's exactly the same that's what we experienced," Mahmud said. "And so we just feel so much for what's taking place right now with these fires." Rebuilding "The emotional impact (following the fires) was very, very heavy in the sense that we had 250 staff members which were dispersed overnight because our facilities were closed," Mahmud said. "A lot of people had property in Harbin Springs ... we had almost an ecosystem, a lot of people had made Middletown their home because of Harbin Springs. And then we had the larger community of San Francisco and the greater Bay Area and all over the world, and so we lost everything. So I think the effect was pretty strong emotionally." In the month after the fire, Richardson recalled returning to the site of Harbin as "surreal." "We had to visit the property with dust masks, or specialty masks," Richardson said. "That was a surreal experience to see this area that was a vibrant community and cultural center reduced to a very small footprint. We realized there was so much that went on in this tiny little area; the fire kind of took away all of the obstacles of getting a sense of the size of the space. "It was disorienting because the landmarks are gone, and everything just felt small," he added. About 90 percent of the structures at Harbin were lost, by Mahmud's account, and construction began five months after the fire struck, once the debris was cleared. The path to completing the construction hasn't been straightforward, according to Mahmud and Richardson, but the group is taking the process in stages. The buildings are now being built to suit codes and requirements that weren't in place when the last structures were put in place. The new pools are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. New electrical work was done, as well as new drainage for the site. All of this progress now leading up to what the group has focused on as the first phase: the opening the spring-fed pools open for day use and camping. For Mahmud, at least, seeing the pools open again will be a sign that the springs have made a comeback. Harbin's loyal guests are waiting for that day as well. "Our guests have shown incredible support for us, incredible interest in getting us open," Richardson said. "They send us letters, emails all kinds of support to let us know that they still care even if Harbin won't look the same." Suggestions for getting help in recovering from disaster Getting help from a mess of bureaucracies, insurance companies and nonprofits can be difficult. Here are some of the best tips from Chronicle writers: FEMA The Federal Emergency Management Association has continued to expand the number of counties eligible for individual assistance, which allows residents and business owners to apply for grants or low-interest loans to cover various fire-related expenses. Eligible counties include Butte, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Sonoma and Yuba. More areas could become eligible as the fires spread and damage becomes apparent. Check back on eligibility changes at www.fema.gov/disaster/4344. Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or call (800) 621-3362. UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE People who lost their jobs or had their work hours substantially reduced because of the fires and are not eligible for regular state unemployment benefits can now apply for unemployment benefits under a federal program for disaster victims. This includes people who are self-employed or dont have enough work history to get regular state benefits. Apply by Nov. 17 at https://eapply4ui.edd.ca.gov or by calling (800) 300-5616. Applies to Butte, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Sonoma and Yuba counties. STATE AND FEDERAL TAXES Wildfire victims in Butte, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Sonoma and Yuba counties will have until Jan. 31 to make tax payments normally due Jan. 16. They also will have until Jan. 31 to file a 2016 tax return without penalty. The normal deadline for filing a 2016 return on extension was Oct. 16. The Internal Revenue Service and Franchise Tax Board also announced extended deadlines for certain business filings and payments. Fire victims also may be eligible for property tax relief and payment deferrals. To qualify, you must file a claim with your county assessors office within 12 months from the date of damage or destruction and the loss estimate must be at least $10,000. MORTGAGE PAYMENTS If you have a mortgage, you are still responsible for paying it, even if the only thing left standing is the chimney. Many lenders will give you a temporary reprieve. The specifics depend on which bank, investor or government agency owns or guarantees the loan. The Department of Housing and Urban Development declared a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures Thursday on affected homes with mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration. The department is also offering forbearance and loan modifications for FHA borrowers. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government mortgage guarantee agencies, will also help fire victims. Freddie Mac is suspending foreclosures and providing forbearance for up to 12 months and waiving penalties and late fees. Fannie Mae will let borrowers stop making mortgage payments for the first 90 days, which banks can extend to 12 months; mortgages will not incur late fees during the payment breaks. Neither agency will report delinquencies to the credit bureaus. Its best to contact the servicer the company that sends you mortgage statements to discuss options for relief. TIPS FOR FIRE VICTIMS Take care of yourself and family. Get a roof over your head, talk to your employer and get your kids back in school when its possible to do so. Stay in touch with neighbors for information that could affect you. Seek out mental health care if you need it. Contact your lenders. If you have trouble paying debts besides a mortgage, contact your creditors. Many will work with disaster victims and even put a code on their credit reports so late or partial payments do not negatively impact their credit score. Contact your insurance agent. Get a copy of your policy, and start trying to understand it. As soon as you can, file a claim. Experts say it never hurts to be first in line. Getting a full payment could take years, but most companies will give you a check to cover urgent needs. Start creating a list of everything that was in your house, down to aspirin in the medicine cabinet. Understand that a claim should be more of a business negotiation. Its a vehicle to get you back where you were before, but its not going to drive itself, said Amy Bach, executive director of San Francisco consumer group United Policyholders. Document everything. As soon as possible, go to your house and take pictures of whats left before the debris is carted away. Keep records of every expense that could be covered by insurance. Most policies will pay for additional living expenses up to a certain time and dollar limit. This includes hotels or rent, storage and moving expenses. It could also include food or mileage above what you would normally spend. It generally does not cover unpaid time off work. Also document all interactions with your insurance company and its claims adjusters, including names, dates and details of the conversations. Dont be victimized twice. Unfortunately, scam artists thrive on people desperate to rebuild after a disaster. Dont give personal information to strangers. Speak only with adjusters with whom you have a scheduled appointment. Contractor fraud is not uncommon. Be wary of anyone soliciting work door to door. Take your time before making big financial decisions and work only with contractors who can prove they are licensed, bonded, insured and have positive references. Always ask for an end date for any project. The Better Business Bureau is a good place to check for any complaints against a contractor. On Tuesday, State Farm Insurance Co. reported that it is handling more than 3,330 homeowner claims and 1,130 auto claims because of the Wine Country fires. The company warned that customers should be wary of contractors who ask you to secure building permits, insist on cash payments or who promise discounts using leftover materials. HOW TO ENTER A HOME AFTER A FIRE Wear a mask. Make sure it is one that filters ash. Fire can release many dangerous pollutants into the air. Wear gloves, long sleeves, pants and boots. Soil, dust and scorched metal can harbor pathogens like tetanus that can enter the body even though minor cuts. Be careful of where you walk. There can still be hot spots burning under debris. Throw away all food. Even canned goods can be ruined by intense fire. Keep kids, elderly and pregnant women away. People with a history of heart or lung disease should not be in a fire zone because of lingering pollutants. Even healthy people should watch for symptoms such as coughing, nausea, fatigue and dizziness. Reporting by Kathleen Pender, Michelle Robertson, Owen Thomas and Audrey Cooper. Email: metro@sfchronicle.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate In San Francisco, where no automobile parked on the street is immune from glass-smashing thieves, some people have taken to posting signs on car windows announcing that there are no valuables inside. The hope, of course, is that a thief will read the notice and decide: "Huh. No valuables in this one.I guess I'll break into some other car." On Tuesday, a Reddit user posted a photo of such a sign and posed the question "Do you think it works?" to the Reddit community. A lively debate ensued. "Sounds a lot like something that someone with valuables in their car would say," wrote a skeptical Maddox83a. But iamthewaffler disagreed, citing personal experience. "It's strong signaling that works VERY well," the commenter wrote. "The intended victim for thefts from cars are people who are from out of town, other "safer" parts of SF, etc who don't know that certain areas are very prone to car break-ins. If you have bothered to print out a sign and put it in your window, that shows you know exactly what neighborhood you're in and the chances of anything valuable being in your car are extremely low. "These are crimes of opportunity, and if you simply let the would-be thief know that you're from this part of town and aware of the danger, they'll pass right by. Now Playing: We broke down San Francisco crime data by neighborhood based on 2017 data. Video: Ted Andersen / SFGATE "Source: my BMW was broken into 6-8 times in 2011-2013 in my neighborhood where I parked it nightly, and has been broken into zero times since 2013 when I started putting a sign in my window." Several people on the thread had their doubts. "Maybe they just know your car by now. ;)," cracked timewast3r. One thing for sure, car break-ins are no joke in San Francisco. About 85 vehicles are reported to have been broken into every day in the city, according to SFPD data for this year. That includes only cars whose owners reported the crime. The actual figure is doubtlessly higher. This year a total of 17,970 vehicle break-ins were reported from Jan. 1 to July 31, a 28 percent increase over the same period in 2016. In August, a police shakeup eliminated a citywide task force focused on the epidemic in favor of assigning dozens more cops to walk neighborhood beats. The effectiveness of that measure has yet to be determined. A few Reddit users suggested that car owners forget about the sign and simply leave the car doors unlocked. But that prompted stories of homeless people sleeping in vehicles overnight, doing drugs and/or having sex in them, and even using backseats as a toilet. Other recommendations included: Leaving your car a mess inside and out to discourage thieves. Place cardboard over floor carpeting or leave storage boxes of junk on top of seats folded down. Leave the glove compartment and center consoles open (take the bulb out if the glovebox light stays on). Get rid of your car and just use Lyft, Uber and BART. One Reddit user said he had tried the sign ploy with no success. He wrote that his vehicle had been burglarized 10 times in the past 30 months. We reached out to the San Francisco Police Department for opinions on these methods, but had not heard back by the time of publication. William Gee, an insurance agent with AAA in San Francisco, said the best protection against break-ins is to carry comprehensive coverage with a low deductible $50 or $100 even on older cars that don't have collision insurance. He noted that making a comprehensive claim, say on a broken window, would not raise your premium as a collision claim would. But Reddit user design_1987 says the sign is the way to go. "This works imo. I've seen vehicles in my neighborhood with (the) signs remain untouched for years while others get broken into right next to theirs. Saw this happen a few times so from my own personal experience it seems to be working. Again, its not a guarantee!" Overseas hackers scan millions of computers every day looking for weaknesses, and one day, the Columbia Falls School District lost the lottery. A hacking group known as The Dark Overlord cracked into the school's secure system and spent several weeks gathering and analyzing data about students in the district, including gaining access to the school's security cameras. In September, the group unleashed a series of violent threats targeting students, parents and school staffers via media as personal as text messages to private cellphones. The group's final goal was getting school districts to pay a ransom in exchange for the group not spewing its confidential data across the website. Schools haven't paid. It could happen at any school district in Montana, warned Kalispell Schools IT director Rich Lawrence. The attack, branded "cyber terrorism," was the first of its kind in the U.S., but it appears to have been the beginning of a trend. The U.S. Department of Education issued a national warning to schools Wednesday, citing recent incidents in three different states. "We have to be right 100 percent of the time," Lawrence said. "They only have to be right once." Lawrence spoke to school officials at the Montana Conference on Educational Leadership on Thursday in Billings. Kalispell and other Flathead Valley schools were dragged into the hack because of information about students who had transferred between school districts. In all, at least 30 public and private schools were closed for up to three days, and after-school events were canceled. In the wake of the Columbia Falls hack, Billings Public Schools superintendent Terry Bouck other district officials met with Billings Police Department Chief Rich St. John to discuss reactions to a potential hack and threats. "Without getting too specific, our first course of action will be to communicate with the Billings Police Department," Bouck wrote in an email to district trustees. "Many times, the FBI will get involved, but it is helpful to have the Billings Police be our first point of contact. With this information and other sources of information we will create a more formalized plan to go into our Emergency Crisis Procedure manual." Billings public schools IT director Kyle Brucker also spoke with FBI officials about the cyber attacks. He said the conversation centered on basic security topics and that he was confident in the district's cyber security measures. A district like Billings has the resources to employ tech experts, Lawrence said, but many smaller districts can't afford to do so. That can make them more vulnerable to data breaches, from within and without. Different attacks Student data is far more than grades. School computer systems can contain information like social security numbers and medical information of students and employment-related information for staffers. School districts have long faced attempts to steal data and infect computers with malicious software, and many breaches begin internally. An especially popular tactic is to use specifically targeted phishing emails. They may contain personal information that lends authenticity to a phony email, or target administrators with seemingly relevant topics. The attempts can be alarmingly convincing. "We actually have seen this at (Kalispell) as well," Lawrence said. Bigfork Schools suffered a data breach in 2016 when a staffer went to what appeared to be a legitimate website but ended up inadvertantly downloading malicious software. The school's data was encrypted, making it inaccessible. Hackers demanded a ransom to unencrypt it. That hack rattled officials in Kalispell, and the district upped it's cyberinsurance coverage from $250,000 to $1 million. "None of our staff would ever do anything knowingly to breach our data," said Lawrence. "But mistakes are made." Kalispell trains employees about how to avoid data breaches, and instituted a policy requiring employees to change their passwords after a set amount of time, which can be shorter or longer depending on the sensitivity of data that staffers have access to. "We had a lot of moaning and groaning when we put that into effect," Lawrence said. "Since the Columbia Falls incident, we haven't heard a peep." Small schools, which often rely on administrators and teachers to fill multiple roles and likely can't afford to employ a tech expert, are especially at risk, Lawrence said. Being remote and rural isn't a defense against hacking. And educators typically aren't tech experts. "The culture of leaving a password on your desk" doesn't cut it anymore, Lawrence said. Lawrence, who also is the president of the Montana Education Technologists Association, said the group is working to connect more regional tech experts with small schools to help shore up cyber security. Columbia Falls Flathead Valley authorities contacted the FBI about two days after threats began, once they realized the group was not local. Lawrence said experts from the CIA and NSA also became involved in investigating the hack. "These were world-class people," Lawrence said. At one point, unsuccessful raids were conducted in London attempting to locate hackers, Lawrence said. But hackers use programs that cycle rapidly through IP addresses, which can show where someone is connecting to the internet, masking their location. "They actually kicked down a couple of doors," Lawrence said. Some information used in threats was pulled from personal social media accounts of parents. Authorities determined the violent threats circulating through communities weren't credible, and schools reopened. Schools have long faced local threats of violence that have shut doors and stirred fears, and the rare school shooting lends credence to those fears. But with cyber threats comes an increased scope and reach, and the prospect of stolen data creates real problems like identity theft. The day after the Columbia Falls threats began, Kalispell was targeted by more than one million port scans, which can be used by attackers to exploit vulnerabilities. Lawrence is hoping that schools become more aware of security measures. "What can we make positive out of this?" he said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate There's no sugarcoating it. The name "Stockton Metropolitan Airport" simply lacks pizzazz, according to people who live in metropolitan Stockton. So San Joaquin County is now considering adding "San Francisco" to its airport's name, and not only that, SF gets top billing. If the county Board of Supervisors approves the rebranding Tuesday, it's goodbye boring "Stockton Metropolitan Airport," hello glamorous "San Francisco Stockton Regional Airport." An advisory committee recommended the name change last month to attract business, according to the Modesto Bee. The paper said Stockton is part of Census Bureau statistical area encompassing the San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland region and that it is a common practice for airports to incorporate a big city name for marketing purposes. "A lot of airports have changed their name to tie in a major destination," Stockton Airport Director Harry Mavrogenes told the Bee. "When we go out to meet with airlines for new service, the question is: where is Stockton? Is it near Bakersfield. Is it up north?" He noted, for example, that Baltimore-Washington International Airport was renamed to attract Washington area travelers. Of course, it's only a 32-mile drive from Baltimore-Washington International to the nation's capital. Stockton Metropolitan Airport is 79-mile drive from San Francisco. The airport is serviced by Allegiant Air, a low-cost airline. Wonder how Allegiant's SF-bound passengers are going to feel about the 1-1/2 hour Uber/cab ride from San Francisco Stockton Regional to their Union Square hotel. Social media users rejoiced when light sprinkles began to fall Thursday evening over the North Bay, a region that has been ravaged by a series of wildfires for nearly two weeks. "Rain has never been so welcome," wrote one on Twitter. Every Friday morning, SFGATE finds the biggest headlines in local (and sometimes national) beer. Check back here weekly for news, events, and information about special releases from your favorite local breweries. More than 30 breweries nationwide have joined Russian River Brewing Company in their Sonoma Pride efforts to raise money for those affected by the fires in Sonoma County. The campaign, as you may remember from last week, is "two-fold." First, Russian River is holding its own raffle with an unprecedented prize, wherein 14 winners will be randomly chosen to skip the line at the 2018 Pliny the Younger release in February at the Santa Rosa taproom. Second, Russian River has gotten more than two dozen breweries including San Diego's Ballast Point, Tampa's Cigar City, Capitola's Sante Adairius, Georgia's Creature Comforts, and more to brew their own version of a "Sonoma Pride" beer, and donate 100 percent of the proceeds to the fund. Launched last week, the fundraiser has already raised more than $160,000. In 1976, Los Angeles police stopped Adolpho Lyons for driving a car with a broken taillight, ordered him out of his car, then choked him until he passed out. Seven years later, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed Lyons to sue the police for damages but said he could not seek a court order to prohibit choke holds against individuals who werent threatening police, because he couldnt show he would be a future victim. Khaled el-Masri, a German citizen, was abducted by Macedonian authorities in 2003 and turned over to the CIA, which had mistaken him for someone with a similar name. He was sedated and flown to a secret site in Afghanistan, where he was held for four months, beaten and tortured, until the CIA learned of its error. The agency then released him in a remote area of Albania, with no money, no apology, and no legal recourse U.S. courts ruled that his suit, if allowed to proceed, might expose state secrets. Thomas Lee Goldstein, a Marine Corps veteran and former engineering student, spent 24 years in prison for a 1979 murder in Long Beach based on the testimony of a jailhouse informant that federal courts later found to be perjured. Although Los Angeles County prosecutors had known about the informants dubious history and failed to tell defense lawyers, the Supreme Court unanimously dismissed Goldsteins damage suit in 2009, saying prosecutors are legally immune from suits by criminal defendants. In his new book Closing the Courthouse Door: How Your Constitutional Rights Became Unenforceable, legal scholar Erwin Chemerinsky, recently named the law school dean at UC Berkeley, uses those cases and others to shed some much-needed light on an obscure but important drawer in the legal systems file cabinet rulings on process and procedure that often decide not just who wins and loses but who gets access to the courts in the first place. As he sees it, the judicial system, particularly the nations high court, has made it harder to defend human rights by narrowing individuals legal standing to sue the government, refraining from wading into disputes with political implications, and expanding official immunity and state secrecy. Federal courts cannot enforce the Constitution if no one can be sued for violating it, Chemerinsky observes somewhat of an overstatement, perhaps, but reflective of the current legal climate. These are not the Supreme Court cases the public is most aware of, like the rulings in recent years allowing unlimited corporate contributions in federal elections and legalizing same-sex marriage. In those cases, the court weighed competing claims of rights and government interests and reached conclusions on the merits, in legal terms, deciding which side should prevail. By contrast, in the cases Chemerinsky describes, the Supreme Court or lower federal courts dismissed individual claims without deciding, for example, whether the CIA violated el-Masris rights, whether prosecutors illegally withheld evidence from Goldsteins lawyers, or whether the Army violated the rights of James Stanley, a soldier who was unwittingly given LSD in a 1958 medical experiment and saw his lawsuit dismissed. In such cases, the courts said, there was no need to reach the merits because federal law shielded government officials from suit, or because the litigation would jeopardize a judicially recognized public policy military secrecy, respect for presidential and congressional authority, or the need to steer clear of the political thicket, as Justice Felix Frankfurter advised in 1946. (The Supreme Court ventured into that thicket in 1964 when it required states to make voting districts equal in population, and the justices will decide this term whether districts drawn to favor one party violate the same equality principle. The thicket apparently doesnt extend to cases that affect the political process, such as the outcome of the 2000 presidential election.) The book also notes rulings that, while not immunizing powerful entities from lawsuits, have saddled potential plaintiffs with economic burdens notably the Supreme Courts hostility to class-action suits. In a pair of 2011 rulings, both written by Justice Antonin Scalia, the court dismissed a nationwide sex-discrimination suit filed in San Francisco on behalf of 1.5 million female employees at Walmart and a false-advertising claim on behalf of AT&T customers. Since Walmart had an official policy against sex bias, Scalia said, any discrimination must have occurred at the local level, precluding a collective case against the company. And he said AT&Ts contractual requirement that customers take all grievances to individual arbitration was justified by the need to protect businesses from the intimidating pressure of class actions. Chemerinsky is an unapologetic liberal, and most of the rulings he criticizes are a product of the conservative majority that has controlled the Supreme Court since the 1970s. The governing philosophy is the doctrine of judicial restraint: limiting the courts role, and preserving their credibility, out of respect for the executive and legislative branches, and for state governments and the voters. As Scalia put it in a 2015 opinion, a strict limitation on standing to sue the government keeps us minding our own business. It also shields the government from accountability, Chemerinsky says. Conservatives as well as liberals should be concerned about the need to limit government power, he writes. Enforcement of the Constitution should never be left to the political process. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko Closing the Courthouse Door How Your Constitutional Rights Became Unenforceable By Erwin Chemerinsky (Yale University Press; 280 pages; $32.50) For the fifth year in a row, Toyota has topped Consumer Reports reliability rankings partly because it has been conservative about implementing new technology. Toyotas own brand topped the rankings, followed by the companys luxury Lexus brand. Kia, Audi and BMW rounded out the top five. Cadillac, GMC, Ram, Dodge and Volvo got the poorest reliability scores, dinged by buyers problems with their infotainment systems and transmissions. Get credit for this selfie Soon your bank may be asking you for a selfie not because it likes you, but to approve your purchase or credit card application. Visa is coming up with ways for banks to integrate biometrics your fingerprint, face, voice into approving applications and payments. If you apply for a credit card on your smartphone, for example, a bank app could ask you to take a selfie and then take a picture of your drivers license or passport, looking via technology for facial similarities. Number of the day 12 percent Thats how much shares of United Airlines dropped Thursday after signaling that weak prices will continue the rest of this year and its executives sparred with Wall Street analysts on a contentious conference call. Analysts pressed management for evidence that moves such as adding flights and slashing prices to match budget carriers are boosting the companys financial performance. CEO Oscar Munoz , left, said United had dug ourselves in a hole compared with competitors, and that his management team is working on a plan for long-term success that will include more profitable flying and lower costs. From staff and news services. See more items and links at www.sfgate.com. Twitter: @techchronicle This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Los Angeles indie rocker Ariel Pink took to Twitter on Wednesday to address what he referred to as "gross" onstage antics during an Oct. 14 show at the Chapel in San Francisco. In a series of tweets, the musician, who finished a four-night residency at the Mission District venue Tuesday, said, "I got very drunk and overdid everything ... and managed [to] offend with my antics." An anonymous Reddit user laid out Pink's alleged antics in a post Sunday. The post describes Pink "grabbing" his girlfriend and bandmate "like a piece of meat." "[He] grabbed her ankle and wouldn't let her go, attempting to push her into the crowd which she was clearly uncomfortable with," the Reddit user said. It continued, "The most offensive scene was when he literally pinned her down to the stage and got on top of her in a very assault-y fashion." As this went on, the Reddit user alleged, Pink repeatedly said, "I'm not a misogynist." Further down in the thread, a commenter confirmed the scene "was just as bad (if not worse) as described here and elsewhere." On Twitter, multiple people said they walked out of his Chapel performance. In his last tweets in response to the matter, Pink, whose real name is Ariel Marcus Rosenberg, wrote, "Sometimes I alienate when I should aim to inspire. This, for instance." He ended the string of tweets saying, "I'm tone deaf and not sensitive enough to the real plight of women these days. my behavior onstage was gross and I can't defend it." Pink's girlfriend of two years, Charlotte Ercoli, also responded to the alleged incident. "Wow. Turns out a girl can't have fun with her boyfriend on stage without being victimized by feminists," she tweeted, explaining that she and Pink "were just feeling" themselves and "tamed it down" because "the customer is always right & its a sensitive time." A representative from the Chapel could not immediately be reached to comment. In a statement, Pink's agent, Christian Bernhardt of United Talent Agency, told SFGATE: "While I was not at the show and did not witness the 'incident', I have seen many shows of Ariel Pink in the 15 plus years I have worked with him, and there have hardly ever been any dull shows. He, and now his girlfriend Charlotte, know how to put on a good show and while he may have pushed the envelope a bit far on this particular night, due to some excessive alcohol consumption, I can assure you that he is not a violent man or misogynist, we would not be working together - especially not for 15 years. We all want to be vigilant when it comes to sexual harassment, abuse or assault against women, but there is not a Harvey behind every drunken misconduct on stage at a Rock show." This isn't the first time Pink has come under fire for controversial behavior. In 2014, he tweeted about being "maced by a feminist." Later that year, after a fellow musician blasted Pink's "delusional misogyny," Pink called her "stupid and retarded" in a Guardian interview. Read Michelle Robertsons latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com. SAN ANTONIO Remember the Alamo? A new Texas battle is brewing over how best to do so. Land Commissioner George P. Bush is overseeing a seven-year revamp of the shrine where 189 Texas independence fighters were killed by Mexican Gen. Santa Annas troops in 1836. The sites size would quadruple after excavation and restoration of historical structures, the closing of nearby streets and the building of a more than 100,000-square-foot museum to house artifacts and guide visitors through the Alamos history. The project has raised the ire of some conservatives, who worry that the Battle of the Alamo will be sanitized by political correctness at a time when Confederate monuments are being removed across the country. Even though the Alamo battle was well before the Civil War, some of the participants were slaveholders. A flash point has been the fate of the Cenotaph, a 60-foot granite monument near the Alamo completed in 1940 and engraved with the names of those killed during the battle. The city of San Antonio wants to move it to a site somewhat farther away. But critics fear the Cenotaph will suffer the fate of some Confederate monuments and be banished. Hundreds of protesters showed up at the Alamo last weekend, some wearing colonial costumes and holding signs reading, Leave the Alamo Alone. The ruling Republican Party of Texas was so concerned that its executive committee voted 57-1 in September to urge Bush to keep the focus of the overhaul on the battle itself and calling for more transparency in how the effort is funded. This isnt just some memory thats popular in movies, these were living, breathing people, said Lee Spencer White, a descendant of Gordon Jennings, who at 56 was the oldest defender killed at the Alamo. The Alamos personal. The criticism from fellow Republicans has put the latest political star of the Bush family on the defensive. The 41-year-old son of former Florida governor and presidential candidate Jeb Bush and Mexican-born mother Columba, Bush has used funds for his re-election bid next year on a website and radio ads defending the restoration. My focus isnt on the politics, its on preserving the Alamo, Bush said via email. Im focused on telling the story of the heroic battle for freedom proudly, purposefully and better than ever before. Bushs critics say his Latino heritage isnt an issue, noting that many Tejanos Texans of Hispanic descent played prominent roles during the Battle of the Alamo. They included Gregorio Esparza, who was given the chance to flee beforehand but stayed and was killed in battle. Still, during the Cenotaph protest, one demonstrator bellowed: Vote George P. Santa Anna Bush out of office to applause. During the war of independence from Mexico, Texas forces occupied the Alamo, which had been founded by Spaniards as a Franciscan mission in 1718 but was relocated to its current spot, now in in the heart of San Antonio, Americas seventh-largest city, in 1724. Though vastly outnumbered by Mexican soldiers, the defenders held out during a 13-day siege before being overrun on March 6, 1836. Their bravery became a rallying cry and Texas won independence the next month, then became part of the United States nine years later. San Antonio has pledged $38 million for the revamp and the Texas Legislature has approved $106.5 million since 2015. The projects total cost could reach $450 million, though much of that may be raised privately. Will Weissert is an Associated Press writer. SAN DIEGO The last two of eight prototypes for President Trumps proposed border wall took shape Thursday at a construction site in San Diego. The prototypes form a tightly packed row of imposing concrete and metal panels, including one with sharp metal edges on top. Another has a surface resembling an expensive brick driveway. Companies have until Oct. 26 to finish the models but Border Patrol spokesman Theron Francisco said the last two came into profile, with crews installing a corrugated metal surface on the eighth model on a dirt lot just a few steps from homes in Tijuana, Mexico. As the crews worked, three men and two women from Nepal, ages 19 to 30, jumped a short rusted fence from Tijuana into the construction site and were immediately stopped by agents on horseback. Francisco said there have been four or five other illegal crossing attempts at the site since work began Sept. 26. The models, which cost the government up to $500,000 each, were spaced 30 feet apart. Slopes, thickness and curves vary. One has two shades of blue with white trim. The others are gray, tan or brown in sync with the desert. Bidding guidelines call for the prototypes to stand between 18 and 30 feet high and be able to withstand at least an hour of punishment from a sledgehammer, pickaxe, torch, chisel or battery-operated tools. Features also should prevent the use of climbing aids such as grappling hooks, and the segments must be aesthetically pleasing when viewed from the U.S. side. The administration hasnt said how many winners it will pick or whether Trump will weigh in himself. The 1,954-mile border now has about 654 miles of single-layer fence, plus 51 miles of double- and triple-layer fence. Im sure they will engage in a lot of tests against these structures to see how they function with different challenges, U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte, a Virginia Republican. Trump has asked Congress for $1.6 billion to replace 14 miles of wall in San Diego and build 60 miles in Texas Rio Grande Valley, the busiest corridor for illegal crossings. Elliot Spagat is an Associated Press writer. Sonoma Countys Tubbs Fire has topped the list of most destructive wildfires in modern California history after officials on Friday blamed it for destroying at least 5,300 of an estimated 8,400 structures leveled in fires across the state. As full containment nears on a series of deadly wildfires in Northern California, Cal Fire officials assessing damage are finding several of the fires that began during a windstorm on the night of Oct. 8 have tipped the historic scales for devastation. CHARLESTON A Mattoon woman was sentenced Thursday to serve 180 days of jail time after pleading guilty to charges accusing her of causing an accident that killed one woman and severely injured another. Shelby N. Espe, 24, also will be required to serve 30 months of probation in connection with the Jan. 20 accident north of Charleston that led to the death of Kayla L. Eggers and injuries to Andrea E. Garcia, who were passengers in the car Espe was driving. Espe's sentence resulted from an agreement between Assistant State's Attorney Tom Bucher, who prosecuted the case, and defense attorney Sean Britton. The sentencing took place before Coles County Circuit Judge Teresa Righter. During the hearing, Espe withdrew her Aug. 2 guilty plea to a charge of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol and pleaded guilty to a reinstated charge of reckless homicide. Her Aug. 2 guilty plea to another charge of aggravated DUI remained in place. Espe, who has been free on bond, will serve 180 days in the Coles County Jail on the reckless homicide charge and 10 days, concurrently, for the aggravated DUI charge. Jail time of 170 days for the DUI charge was stayed, pending compliance with probation requirements. Britton said Espe, who is pregnant, is scheduled to serve 90 days in jail and then be released to address her medical needs. The remaining 90 days of her jail sentence will then be addressed during a May 7 status hearing. In addition to Espe's 30 months of probation time, she will be required to pay more than $1,500 in fines and court costs and $1,197 in restitution to the Charleston Fire Department. She also will be required to perform 100 hours of community service and complete at least 50 hours within the first year. The Jan. 20 accident occurred at Illinois 130 and County Road 1500N, about six miles north of Charleston, according to the Coles County Sheriff's Office. After going through the intersection, the car went off the road and traveled about 400 feet before hitting a bridge and going into a creek, the sheriff's office said. According to the sheriff's office, Eggers, who was a 23-year-old Mattoon resident, was thrown from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. Garcia, also 23 at the time, for whom records show addresses in Effingham and in Charleston, and Espe were both taken to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana after the accident. Thursday's hearing included the reading of victim impact statements by Eggers' father, Delbert, and aunt, Linda Henderson. Delbert Eggers recalled how his life instantly changed forever on the day that his daughter died. "We were always there for each other," Delbert Eggers said. "I will miss everything about Kayla. Her smile. Her bubbly personality." Delbert Eggers also said he will never get the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day or welcome her potential children into the world. During her victim impact statement, Henderson asked that Espe be held accountable for the accident that killed her niece and severely injured Garcia. After the sentencing hearing, Henderson questioned Espe not receiving prison time for the charges and referred to other fatal or injury accident cases in the area that have resulted in prison time. "We think that she got off with hardly nothing," Henderson said. "It doesn't seem right at all." Bucher said after the hearing that balancing the level of justice sought by the families of victims with the facts of a case, such as Espe not having a prior criminal record, and the laws involved can be challenging. "It was very difficult in this case. I don't know if I found justice," Bucher said. DECATUR With the New Technologies Studio's 3-D printer whirring in the background creating a pan flute, students in the 3D Printing Honors Course all had different reasons for being there. We have many different majors music, science, arts so it's a topic-based seminar, and our goal is to learn a little bit about technology, said Kyle Knust, professor of analytical chemistry at Millikin University. Later in the semester, there will also be an infusion of entrepreneurship." "Before you can print anything (on the 3-D printer), first you have to learn to model it," he added. "So what we've been doing is developing our modeling skills. We're creating a 3-D model using a symmetry tool. Once students have created a model, a computer takes the information and cuts the parts of the object into thin layers. Instructions go to the 3-D printer, which forms the layers and places them one by one until they become the item the students designed. Regardless of what type of printer we use, it prints layer by layer, from the bottom up, Knust said. Thus far, everyone's used a fuse deposition modeling printer. Because 3-D printing can be used for a variety of applications, students from all majors can benefit from understanding how to use one in their chosen career paths. One drawback is how long it takes to make something using this process; even a small project can take hours. We're going through some of the pros and the cons, Knust said. What are they good for, and how can they be utilized? The 3-D printer's pan flute, Knust said, should work, though not as well as a real one. Since their introduction, 3-D printers have been used for everything from creating prosthetic limbs to heart valves to a bridge for cyclists in Gemert, The Netherlands. Models are available online for an increasing number of applications, and the printers are becoming more user-friendly as well. Junior Corrin Littlefield is majoring in music and plans to teach after graduation. She has plenty of plans for the technology. A big part of music (education) now is making instruments, and with 3-D printing, you can make them in the classroom, Littlefield said. An example would be to print out notes that they can hold in their hands, and maybe put magnets on the back and put them up on a board. Then they have a physical object they can see and touch and feel. That's something I'm hoping to get from this class. Nikki Wiltjer, a sophomore, wants to be a speech pathologist, and her idea for using 3-D printing is to make a working model of the human vocal cords. One of my goals is to be able to create and instrument that works like vocal cords do, to show people, she said. 3-D printing has taken off in dentistry, said Jillian Jones, a sophomore pre-dentistry major. She said the process has been used to get a three-dimensional impression of a patient's mouth, which can make the process of creating implants and dentures more efficient. She plans to be an oral maxillofacial surgeon, and is looking at 13 more years of training before she'll be ready to practice. The honors seminar was the first class she registered for. I had to get a spot in it, because it sounded so cool, she said. The General Assembly will gather for its fall veto session on Tuesday with gun control legislation to consider again in light of national tragedy, including a provision to ban "bump stocks," the devices used by the gunman in what is now the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. At least two bills are being considered following the shooting in Las Vegas that left 58 people dead and more than 500 wounded on Oct. 1. House Bill 4107 introduced Oct. 5 by state Rep. Martin Moylan, a Des Plaines Democrat, would ban the sale of bump stocks, as well as assault weapons, large-caliber rifles and large-capacity magazines, described in the bill as holding 10 or more rounds of ammunition. Senate Bill 1657 would create state licensing for gun dealers and was filed by state Rep. Kathleen Willis, a Democrat from Addison. Gun control is a sore subject with gun enthusiasts, said Dan Cooley, owner of The Bullet Trap in Macon. We're keeping our customers abreast of the situation, and as soon as we can, we'll go ahead and file witness slips, Cooley said, referring to formal objections to legislation that can be filed by individuals or groups. We're giving instructions on our Facebook page for customers who want to object to it. Moylan has previously proposed similar measures, but they haven't passed the legislature. He thinks circumstances may change since it was discovered that Las Vegas shooter, Stephen Paddock, had reserved hotel rooms in Chicago overlooking the Lollapalooza music festival last summer. Paddock didn't use the rooms. "I'm passionate about it this time because of the events that happened in Las Vegas," Moylan said. "Especially since the guy was scoping out a Chicago site, I think this bears a lot of weight on it. I would hope I get a lot of support, both on Republicans and Democrats." HB 4107 is scheduled for a hearing before the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee at 3 p.m. Tuesday. SB 1657, which was filed in the Senate in February, is on the legislative calendar for a third reading and floor debate in the House, which is followed by a vote. It passed the Senate on April 27. But finding support among Central Illinois lawmakers may prove problematic for the bills sponsors. As a strong supporter of our constitutional rights, I will be voting against these anti-Second Amendment bills, and I urge my colleagues in the General Assembly to do the same, said state Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, who is not seeking re-election in 2018. State Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, said he would oppose Moylans bill if it comes up for a vote in its current form. I represent a diverse Senate district, and my goal has always been to weigh all opinions on every piece of legislation, and that approach has been no different and will be no different for Moylan's bills. He has several bills or any bills that deal with gun control. Two sides of a very important debate are talking past each other, and I think the key to this is I think trying to find common ground. Recent tragedies Las Vegas is the most recent mass shooting that has caught the nations attention and sparked gun control talk in Illinois, which has spent years grappling with gun violence in Chicago while feeling pushback from downstate gun rights supporters. Paddock fired hundreds of rifle rounds from his suite on the 32nd floor of the nearby Mandalay Bay hotel into a crowd of concertgoers Oct. 1 in Las Vegas. About an hour after Paddock fired his last shot, he was found dead in his room from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His motive remains unknown. During his attack, Paddock used a bump stock to have his weapons mimic automatic firing. The devices, originally intended to help people with disabilities, fit over the stock and pistol grip of a semiautomatic rifle and allow the weapon to fire continuously, about 400 to 800 rounds in a single minute. Bump stocks were found among the guns Paddock used. On June 12, 2016, Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old security guard, killed 49 people and wounded 58 others inside Pulse, a nightclub in Orlando, Florida. He was shot and killed by Orlando Police Department officers after a three-hour standoff. The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on Dec. 14, 2012, in Newtown, Connecticut, when 20-year-old Adam Lanza fatally shot 20 children and six adult staff members. Prior to driving to the school, he shot and killed his mother at their Newtown home. As first responders arrived at the scene, Lanza killed himself. Chicagos homicide rate is ahead of the pace set in 2016, when it reached 400 homicides by July 31. There were 781 homicides in 2016, but the city didnt see its 400th killing until August. According to a homicide database compiled by the Chicago Sun-Times, at least two homicides have occurred per day so far in 2017, and the city reached its 400th homicide on July 31. Gun control legislation following mass shootings often focus on assault weapons, and high-capacity magazines that the killers often use. In addition to those, Moylans proposal also addresses large-caliber ammunition, such as a .50-caliber bullet, used mostly in machine guns and sniper rifles by militaries worldwide, but also for some hunting. Taking sides No one at the Locked & Loaded gun store near Pana is surprised legislators are making another run at more gun control measures in the wake of the Las Vegas massacre. But store co-owner and gunsmith Jarred Agney said that, as usual, it's misdirected effort. Agney said lawmakers call for bans on rifles labeled as assault weapons based on looks, like having a pistol grip, while having no idea how the weapons work. Some of these 'assault weapon' features you can find on bolt-action rifles, he said. The gunsmith said describing a high-capacity magazine as holding 10 or more bullets was also ridiculous. Many pistols today hold significantly more than 10 rounds, he added. Picking 10 is just taking an arbitrary number. Agney said the mass murderer of Las Vegas was an evil man intent on performing an evil act. He said lawmakers want someone to blame in the aftermath, and something to ban, and the anti-gun lobby look for an opportunity to push their legislative agenda. But he said the bottom line is there is no law that would have stopped the Las Vegas shooter, or anyone bent on doing others harm. Agney said Locked & Loaded doesn't sell bump stocks and said for most shooting purposes they are useless. But he doesn't like the idea of legislation to ban them because he doesn't trust Illinois politicians who, he said, are always looking for the thin end of a wedge issue. What will happen, and we've seen it a hundred times, is they will have one issue and then pack everything else behind it, he said, referring to other gun laws and restrictions. But the legislation is a piece of a puzzle, said Colleen Daley, executive director of the Illinois Council Against Hand Gun Violence. "We are supportive of the measure. I don't think weapons of war should be on our streets," she said. "We ban automatic weapons for a reason. Bump stocks are not something people should have access to." It's part of a bigger issue of people having easy access to guns and the illegal trafficking of them, Daley said. "We definitely need to see some changes," she said. The Illinois State Rifle Association, the state arm of the National Rifle Association, said it is keeping an eye on all legislation as it relates to gun rights, but Executive Director Richard Pearson said he doesnt see much to support in the latest proposals. We oppose it ... no wiggle room (on Moylan's bill), Pearson said. There's a lot of bills out there right now; there's several bump stocks bills, so we'll be looking at those to see if there's anything we can deal with there. We're still watching things being proposed. We'll see what happens; we always look at legislation. While Moylans bill dealing with weapons and ammunition is just beginning its legislative journey, the bill to require state licensing of gun dealers has made it all the way to a floor vote in the House after clearing all its legislative hurdles since being introduced in February and passing the Senate. Willis, the Addison Democrat, said 16 states already require a state license for gun dealers in addition to a federal license. "This bill is something that has been worked on for 15 years," Willis said. "I don't think that it is definitely tied to the Las Vegas shootings. I think this is a good business practice bill." Agney called it a pointless exercise that will achieve nothing: It serves no purpose because we're already regulated by the federal government with pretty good oversight. Bullet Trap owner Cooley is against that, too. Firearms dealers already keep meticulous records, he said, and already have cameras in their establishments, and adding another layer of regulation is unnecessary. Rocky ground Common ground may prove an elusive goal, given the dichotomy of Chicago-area vs. downstate lawmakers, in addition to the Republican/Democrat divide on the issue, in Illinois. State Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, prefaced that he had not read the legislation in full yet and would not make a final judgment until then, but he is opposed to what he did know of the two bills. State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, and state Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, did not return messages seeking comment. Righter called the Moylans measure an emotional and political response. "This is a pattern that we see in Springfield on a regular basis," Righter said. "There is a tragedy and the response from some in the general assembly is, well, let's go file a gun control measure that may or may not have affected the situation." To Righter, gun violence is generally caused by those with mental illness or those with a "lack of respect for the sanctity of innocent life in some communities." "Clamping down more on law-abiding gun owners who have passed the criteria necessary to get a FOID (Firearm Owners Identification Card) or passed what was necessary to get a concealed-carry does nothing to address these issues," Righter said, speaking of an assault rifle ban. He felt similarly about the state licensing measure. "It is duplicitous. We have a federal system," Righter said. "The federal government has far more resources. ... What are the gaps in the federal system that this would fill?" Mitchell was more pronounced in his opposition. The liberal Chicago politicians are once again pushing their radical, gun-grabbing agenda in Springfield. Democrats have filed another so-called assault weapons ban and have advanced a highly restrictive gun dealer licensing bill to the House floor for a final vote in the coming weeks, Mitchell said. Law-abiding gun owners should not have their rights trampled upon by out-of-touch politicians looking to score cheap political points in the wake of recent tragedies. Said Manar: My opinion about this issue is reflective of the Senate district I represent. I can tell you today that there are many people in the 48th District that support Moylan's bill and many people that oppose it. "And I think my approach has always been the same, and especially bills that deal with firearms, you weigh the pros and cons and the different sides of the argument and try to make the best decision you can make. The Herald & Reviews Claire Hettinger, Tom Lisi, Tony Reid, Valerie Wells and Ryan Voyles and the Journal Gazette/Times-Couriers Jarad Jarmon contributed to this story. Attorney General Jeff Sessions could not dodge the internet's ire Wednesday during his appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Sessions declined to discuss any conversations he had with President Donald Trump, "citing executive privilege, a tack he has taken before that angered Democrats because Mr. Trump has not invoked the privilege," the New York Times reported. Russian electric-motor buses will soon be seen on the streets of Yerevan and environs as part of pilot program agreed to today between Armenian Minister of Transportation, Communication and Information Technology Vahan Martirtosyan and representatives of the Volgabus company. Volgabus Marketing Director Ivan Primerov told Martirosyan that the buses can travel 300 kilometers on one charge of four hours. Andrei Babko, the Russian Trade Representative in Yerevan, also attended the meeting. Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan today met with U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Robert Mills and talked about steps the two have taken as part of a cooperative program to fight corruption in Armenia. Karapetyan, according to a government press release, told Ambassador Mills that he is continuing to implement his anti-corruption struggle and that U.S. support in this effort is important. Ambassador Mills reconfirmed the willingness of the U.S. to support Armenia in its fight against corruption. Deborah Grieser, the USAID Mission Director in Armenia, also attended the meeting. These articles and photo collections on SFGate.com and the premium SFChronicle.com got the most visits in the week ended Thursday at 10 a.m. SFChronicle.com 1. Wine Country fire: Huddled in pool amid blaze, wife dies in husbands arms 2. Sonoma County officials opted not to send mass alert on deadly fire 3. New law bans California employers from asking applicants their prior salary 4. Interactive map of the Wine Country fires 5. Kai Shepherd, 14, dies trying to outrun Redwood Valley Fire SFGate.com 1. Family who lost dog during fire evacuation returns to leveled home, perfectly safe dog 2. Map shows devastation from Northern California fires 3. The air quality in the Bay Area right now is as bad as Beijing 4. Its confirmed: Southwest Airlines will fly to Hawaii 5. Watch as Berkeley firefighters arrived in Santa Rosa, stunned by scope of Tubbs Fire Most popular searches 1. Tubbs Fire 2. Santa Cruz fire 3. San Francisco air quality 4. Golden State Warriors (start their season) 5. SFO delays (due to smoke) By Peter Hockaday, SFGate Deputy Managing Editor Ben Margot/Associated Press NEW ORLEANS Klay Thompson is typically one of the Warriors quietest players, but he is making his voice heard to support Wine Country wildfire relief efforts. In a video posted Friday afternoon to his Twitter account, Thompson announced that he will donate $1,000 for every point he scores in Golden States next three home games to Redwood Credit Unions wildfire relief fund. He is encouraging others to join him by donating at pledgeit.org/klay. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BEIJING The police and military swarm the streets at all hours, checking documents and questioning passersby. Political critics have been jailed, placed under surveillance or sent to the countryside. Popular gathering spots such as nightclubs have been shuttered, and home-rental services such as Airbnb banned. As Chinas political elites converge on Beijing this week for a seminal Communist Party meeting, President Xi Jinping is sending a stern message to China and the world: I am in charge, and nothing can stand in my way. Xi, who is all but certain next week to be handed another five-year term as Chinas leader, is leaving nothing to chance. Beijing has been placed on lockdown. Security officials wielding assault rifles, batons and shields have held drills across the country. Online censorship has intensified, and tools to circumvent Chinas great firewall disrupted. Taken together, the efforts show a president who is deeply concerned by what he perceives as threats to Chinas security and eager to showcase his vision of an all-powerful Communist Party. Xi, who rose to power in 2012, often speaks about the need to protect the party against domestic and foreign enemies, and he has worked to strengthen the military and national security forces. He has presided over a withering campaign against critics: imprisoning scores of human rights lawyers, activists and journalists who have pushed for greater freedoms. The security measures for the party congress show that Xi will not hesitate to use a heavy hand on those who dare to exist with differing views, said Frances Eve, a researcher for Chinese Human Rights Defenders, an advocacy group. Left unchecked, Eve said, Xis vision of totalitarian control would see civil society eliminated and freedom of opinion and expression strangled. More than a dozen activists have been detained in recent weeks, according to rights groups. Dozens more have been harassed, placed under surveillance or forced to travel outside the capital. One detained activist posted a video ridiculing Xi in crude terms. Another wrote songs paying homage to political dissidents like Liu Xiaobo, the jailed Nobel laureate who died in July. Wen Donghai, a human rights lawyer in Changsha, a southern Chinese city, said he was called in for questioning by police recently because he belonged to a social media group that circulated videos critical of the Communist Party. They control people without giving any reason, Wen said. All these talks are illegal. As part of the crackdown, authorities have increased pressure on hundreds of aggrieved citizens who have made the journey to Beijing in recent days to file complaints about local corruption, pollution, unpaid wages and other issues. Liu Minjie, 55, tried to file a complaint in September against the Supreme Peoples Court in Beijing for decreasing the sentence of the man accused of murdering his son. Instead, Liu was detained and accused of seriously disrupting social order. Liu remains in custody and may face up to five years in jail, according to his daughter, Liu Xia. He just wants to seek justice for my brother, she said. Now we are all worried. IRBIL, Iraq Iraqi federal and Kurdish forces exchanged fire at their shared border on Friday, capping a dramatic week of maneuvers that saw the Kurds hand over territory across northern Iraq. Iraqi forces shelled Kurdish military positions north and south of Altun Kupri, a town of about 9,000 people just outside the countrys autonomous Kurdish region, a day after Brig. Gen. Raad Baddai gave warning he was going to enter the town. Organized Kurdish forces, known as the peshmerga, as well as irregular forces, responded with rocket fire. By midday, Iraqs Defense Ministry said antiterrorism forces, the federal police and the countrys Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Front militias had taken the town. But the peshmergas general command disputed that claim, saying Kurdish fighters fought off the advance and destroyed 10 Humvees and an Abrams tank. Ercuman Turkmen, a PMF commander, said from inside the town that his forces were being targeted by sniper fire. Speaking by phone, he said he had no orders to enter the Kurdish autonomous region. There were no casualty reports. The boundaries of the countrys Kurdish region have long been disputed between Baghdad and Irbil, the Kurdish capital, but Kurdish forces this week withdrew in most areas to positions they last held in 2014, effectively restoring the contours of the map to the time before the rise of the Islamic State. They pulled out of nearby Kirkuk after brief clashes and handed over surrounding oil fields nearly without a fight, but they held on to Altun Kupri, making a symbolic last stand in front of the vastly more powerful Iraqi army. Balint Szlanko and Philip Issa are Associated Press writers. 1 Afghan bombings: Suicide bombers struck two mosques in Afghanistan during Friday prayers, a Shiite mosque in Kabul and a Sunni mosque in western Ghor province, killing at least 63 people at the end of a particularly deadly week for the troubled nation. No group immediately claimed responsibility for either attack, the latest in a devastating week that saw Taliban attacks kill scores across the country. 2 Kenya unrest: Four people have been killed in opposition demonstrations this month as Kenyas fresh presidential election approaches next week, national police said Friday, as concerns rose about violence around the vote. The deaths occurred in confrontations between rioters and police officers between Oct. 2 and Monday, the statement said. Earlier this week, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International accused police of killing 67 people in opposition protests since Augusts election results were announced. The Supreme Court nullified President Uhuru Kenyattas victory, citing irregularities, and ordered a fresh election. Opposition leader Raila Odinga, whose legal challenge led to the ruling, has withdrawn from the new vote and said it risks having the same flaws. 1 Veep warrant: A Baghdad court issued an arrest warrant for the vice president of Iraqs autonomous northern Kurdish region on Thursday for saying that Iraqi forces had occupied the disputed province of Kirkuk this week. However, the warrant against Kosrat Rasul is unlikely to be executed, as the central government in Baghdad has no enforceable authority in the Kurdish-administered north. The court accused Rasul of insulting Iraqs armed forces, which is forbidden by Iraqi law. On Monday, Iraqs federal forces rolled into the oil-rich city of Kirkuk. Kurdish forces, which had seized the area when the Iraqi army melted away during the Islamic States rampage across the countrys northwest in 2014, withdrew after brief clashes. 2 Brexit talks: European Union leaders told British Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday to match her goodwill pledges to boost Brexit negotiations with concrete proposals if she really wants to start discussing a future trade deal by December. May used a dinner at a Brussels summit of the 28-nation bloc to push her call for urgency on trade talks and her promise to treat EU residents well once Britain leaves the EU. It was the British leaders latest attempt to reinvigorate the divorce talks. The lack of progress in negotiations has emboldened British euro-skeptics, who want a clean break with the EU. EU officials say the negotiations need to conclude by November 2018 at the latest. BARCELONA, Spain Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said his government will unveil on Saturday specific measures agreed with opposition parties to halt Catalonias independence bid, but refused to confirm if the deal includes plans to hold a regional election in January. The main negotiator in the opposition Socialist party, Carmen Calvo, said earlier Friday that a snap election in the prosperous region had been agreed upon as part of the Socialists support for the governments effort to rein in the countrys deepest political crisis in decades. Rajoy, commenting on the unprecedented constitutional step his government is taking to assume control of Catalonia, said on the sidelines of a European Union summit in Brussels that the goal is double: the return to legality and the recovery of institutional normalcy. The move is likely to further inflame tensions between Spain and Catalan pro-independence activists. Catalonias government says it has the mandate to secede from Spain after an illegal referendum was held on Oct. 1, and it doesnt want a new regional election. The central government will hold a special Cabinet session on Saturday to begin the activation of Article 155 of Spains 1978 Constitution, which allows for central authorities to take over all or some of the powers of any of the countrys 17 autonomous regions. The measure, which has never been used since democracy was restored after Gen. Francisco Francos dictatorship, needs to be approved by the Senate. Rajoys conservative Popular Party has an absolute majority in the Senate, so it should pass easily as early as Oct. 27. Spains government has also agreed on the move with the center-right, pro-business Ciudadanos (Citizens) party, Rajoy told reporters in Brussels. European leaders have supported Rajoy in its escalating conflict with the separatists. Aritz Parra is an Associated Press writer. 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At todays trial session, he told the court he wasnt feeling well, and his attorney Arayik Papikyan asked for a postponement. Judge Tatevik Grigoryan refused, saying that all the defendants are examined beforehand and the court is notified if anythings wrong. Poghosyan repeated that he was feeling sick. An ambulance arrived but the defendant refused medical help. Papikyan and another attorney, Nina Karapetyan, exited the courtroom in protest. Karapetyan told Hetq that she had no other option than to leave the courtroom because she couldnt be present when a citizen of Armenia, was being tormented. The two attorneys were then reprimanded by the court. Papikyan said he went to visit Poghosyan yesterday at the Nubarashen Penitentiary and was told that it would be preferable that he didnt see his client for security reasons. Papikyan was told that Poghosyan was alright. Papikyan later learned that prison authorities had allegedly found a banned item in Poghosyans cell. The attorney returned to Nubarashen Penitentiary early this morning, before the trial, and was told that an inmate in a neighboring cell had threatened to kill Poghosyans family members. Papikyan believes its all a ploy to force his client to stop his hunger strike. Lia Poghosyan, Nersess wife, told Hetq that the government is targeting her husband for being an active citizen and that the threats are part of a pressure campaign against him. The couple have three young children to take care of, and Lia, an attorney herself, has been working for the past year to make ends meet. P.S. Jirayr Sefilyan and six others were charged in 2016 with illegal arms purchase and possession and with conspiracy to seize government buildings in Yerevan. Prime Minister-elect Jacinda Ardern has announced her cabinet, although their portfolios will stay unknown until next week. The Labour Party's cabinet positions will be held by Ardern, David Clark, Clare Curran, Kelvin Davis, Chris Hipkins, Iain Lees-Galloway, Andrew Little, Nanaia Mahuta, Stuart Nash, Damien OConnor, David Parker, Grant Robertson, Jenny Salesa, Carmel Sepuloni, Phil Twyford and Megan Woods. Ministers outside cabinet are Kris Faafoi, Peeni Henare, Willie Jackson, Aupito William Sio, and Meka Whaitiri. Coalition partner New Zealand First will have four positions inside cabinet and the Green Party will have three positions outside cabinet, bringing the total executive to 28 members. Winston Peters has not yet said whether he will take up the role of deputy prime minister which he has been offered, but the two have spoken today and will continue to speak this weekend. In his speech last night, NZ First leader Winston Peters said many New Zealanders had come to view capitalism as a foe, and they were not all wrong to do so. Ardern today said that the government of the last nine years had been hands-off, but in her term "you will see a proactive government; one that ensures we are investing in our regions, that we are investing in infrastructure, that we are investing directly in areas that will lead to job creation and growth. "We want a more productive economy, so we will invest in skills and training, we will invest in innovation. We will be a very proactive government." Ardern said she hoped a swearing-in ceremony would be held on Thursday morning. She said she had high hopes Trevor Mallard will be the next speaker of the house, and the Labour caucus supported him, but she didn't want to pre-empt the views of NZ First and the Greens. A climate act and all gases, all-sectors emissions trading scheme will be passed into law, with details to be released in the parties' agreements next week, Ardern said. NZ First advocated for supporting the regions during negotiations and that has been reflected in the agreement, she said. Ardern said she was considering whether to split some portfolios, such as transport or moving forestry out of the Ministry for Primary Industries. Forestry could end up being located in Rotorua, she said. "I'm going to be very cautious to make sure I don't break up those portfolios beyond what makes sense," she said. As has been the case for past prime ministers, Ardern will hold the Intelligence Services portfolio as prime minister. She said she intends to have a role in the Children's portfolio but it would be unwise to be involved with specific cases. Ardern said she wasn't happy with the gender balance in her cabinet, which will include just six women out of the sixteen total members. She said it was important to encourage more women up through the ranks of the party to improve the situation. Ardern committed to holding a referendum on legalising recreational marijuana use in the next three years, but said it would cost less than half of the two flag referenda which collectively cost $27 million. She said she wasn't sure how she would vote, and "was looking to see where the debate takes us ... a justice-based approach to cannabis in this country isn't working, and we can do better." The press conference ended with Ardern saying she needed to call the governor-general. She has already spoken to Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and will speak to UK Prime Minister Theresa May tonight. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: ALF - Mark Franklin Geneva Appointments new Head of Sales and Lending A shiny new system or the Wazgij of planning systems? THL - Apollo shareholders approve merger TWL - TradeWindow and EMA partner-up to build export capability November 15th Morning Report RAK 1H23 Results Business Update Webcast & Teleconference AoFrio appoints new Vice President of Product HFL - Annual report for the year ended 31 August 2022 Rob Buchanan resigns from Manawa Energy STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- With a little more than two weeks to go until Election Day, the Pleasant Plains, Prince's Bay, Richmond Valley Civic Association will host a "Meet the Candidates Forum" for the mayor, comptroller, public advocate, City Council and Civil Court races. Invited to the event, to take place on Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 7 to 9 p.m. are: Mayoral race -- Mayor Bill de Blasio, Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, Bo Dietl and Sal Albanese Public Advocate race -- Public Advocate Letita James and Juan Carlos Polanco Comptroller race -- Comptroller Scott Stringer and Michael J. Fauklner Borough president race -- Borough President James Oddo, Tom Shcherbenko and Henry Bardel City Council -- Councilman Joe Borelli and Dylan Schwartz Civil Court judge -- Lisa Grey and Teresa Nuccio The forum, which is free and open to the public, will take place at Gateway Church, located at 200 Boscombe Ave. Refreshments will be served. Attendees are asked to bring a canned good and/or non-perishable item to help the hurricane victims in Puerto Rico. The event will feature a presentation on the Constitutional Convention. Fore more information, contact Janine Materna, civic president, at SouthShoreCivic@gmail.com or at 917-957-8448. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A concerned community helped police quickly nab a man they believe is responsible for vandalizing his Jewish neighbors' garage with an anti-semitic slur and swastika. Captain Mark Molinari of the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force said police were able to identify James Rizzo, 37, as a person of interest, thanks to the interviews and surveillance footage collected from the residents of Wirt Avenue in Rossville. "Our presence out there really got the community up and together," Molinari said. "This is the best conclusion we can ask for right now." Molinari said the 123rd Precinct followed proper protocol, and contacted the Hate Crimes Task Force on Tuesday. From there, police interviewed the victims, and took pictures of the garage door that had been painted with the hateful symbol. Police had identified Rizzo, who lives across the street from the victims, as a person of interest by Thursday, and he was taken into custody at around 1:30 p.m. Rizzo's father, who is also named James, did not have much to say about his son's arrest Thursday night. He only said he did not believe what his son had allegedly done was a hate crime, and that the younger Rizzo had mental health issues. Molinari could not speak to Rizzo's mental capacity. Assistant Chief Edward Delatorre credited the department's hard work, and community engagement with the case's quick turnaround. "The NYPD has the greatest detectives in the world, and when assisted by a great community and a dedicated, hard-working patrol force, positive results are not unusual," he said in a statement. Both Molinari and Delatorre noted the incident as an abbaration. This incident was only the second of two cases classified as hate crimes so far this year in the 123rd Precinct. In a shocking incident reminiscent of the hatred in parts of the south in the 1960s, the NYPD recently launched an investigation after vandals scratched the phrase "n----- get out" into the hood of the car of a black family in Annadale. "Move b---h" was also written on the trunk of a silver 2012 Volkswagen 4-door sedan that was parked on the street in front of a home on Sneden Avenue near Seguine Place in Annadale. The incident was reported to police on Oct. 11. Molinari said the investigation into that incident is ongoing. "It's not the ordinary," Delatorre said in a statement. "We want to make clear, it's an abberation." "These are the first two hate-crime incidents on the South Shore for the year. And while we take each and every hate crime very (seriously), this crime might have taken a whole lot longer to solve had we not had the assitance of the residents of the South Shore." A member of the Where to Turn clean-up team, at the request of City Councilmen Steve Matteo and Joe Borelli, power washed and painted the door on Wirt Avenue, erasing the hateful graffiti. Debbie Calabrese, the victim of the anti-semetic scrawl, said she's still in shock someone would do this. "People are very angry and I cannot believe it happened," Calabrese said. "They're in as much shock and devastation, as I am. Neighbors are telling me relatives or friends outside of Staten Island caught wind of this from Facebook and are enraged by it, too." Calabrese could not be reached for comment on Rizzo's arrest Thursday evening. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Rossville man accused of defacing his neighbor's house with an anti-Semitic slur allegedly targeted the home because of how they talked, authorities said. "I knew my neighbors were Jewish because of the way they spoke," James Rizzo, Jr. told police, according to the criminal complaint. Rizzo, 37, also admitted to the hateful act, saying, "I painted the swastika and the word 'kyke' on my neighbor's garage door," said the complaint. Rizzo, who had his thick brown hair pulled back and was garbed in a beige hoodie, was arraigned Friday in Criminal Court on charges on felony aggravated harassment and criminal mischief, according to court documents. Criminal mischief is classified as a hate crime. Prosecutors said the defendant was caught on surveillance video, and had served time for a violent felony about 20 years ago. According to state Department of Corrections records, Rizzo was incarcerated for a burglary in 1998. He was paroled in 2003. "He's not a predicate felon," said the defense lawyer. "But there is some mental health issues." But the defense did not request a mental health exam. Bail was set at $15,000 bond or $10,000 cash. Rizzo is due back in court Wednesday. His mother declined comment after the proceeding. Rizzo allegedly painted a swastika and an anti-Semitic slur "Kyke" on the garage door of a home on Wirt Avenue at around 12:15 a.m. Tuesday, police said. Later that morning, Debra Calabrese, who is Jewish, discovered her white garage door had been marked with the hateful symbol. "I was very devastated," Calabrese told the Advance Wednesday. "It's disturbing. It's a horrible thing." Calabrese's son came home at around 5 a.m. and first noticed the marking before waking her, she said. "It's really, really upsetting," said Calabrese's daughter, Halle, 17. "Someone took the time to paint this with a brush. It feels like a violation." Rizzo was arrested in front of his home at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, police said. Captain Mark Molinari of the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force said police were able to identify Rizzo, who lives across the street, as a person of interest, thanks to the interviews and surveillance footage collected from the residents in the area. "Our presence out there really got the community up and together," Molinari said. "This is the best conclusion we can ask for right now." On Thursday afternoon, a member of the Where to Turn clean-up team, at the request of City Councilmen Steve Matteo and Joe Borelli, power washed and painted the door, erasing the hateful graffiti. White Nationalist Richard Spencer speaks on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017, at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) CITY HALL -- Mayor Bill de Blasio on Friday proposed 20 new Select Bus Service routes in every borough except Staten Island. Instead, the city Department of Transportation simply "supports" an already existing push for a dedicated bus path along the old North Shore rail line, according to the agency's report on the planned expansion called "Bus Forward." That North Shore Bus Rapid Transit proposal is at least five years old and predates the de Blasio administration. The report notes 20 possible Select Bus Service, or SBS, routes and targeted corridors in the other four boroughs, including eight in Queens, six in the Bronx, five in Brooklyn and one in Manhattan. DOT will pursue upgrades on these, in addition to the North Shore bus path, over the next decade. SBS routes are often billed as the city's version of bus rapid transit, known as BRT. They are considered easy and cheap to implement compared to subways or other types of mass transit. But unlike an SBS route, the North Shore BRT would operate on a five-mile fully dedicated bus path, connecting Arlington and St. George. The North Shore BRT would also be significantly more expensive than a typical SBS route. De Blasio didn't distinguish between SBS and BRT on Friday. He also indicated the North Shore bus path was a proposal. "Twenty-one new Select Bus Service routes for all five boroughs," de Blasio said announcing the expansion plan on Friday after riding a bus in Manhattan. "Twenty-one new routes will be created that are going to speed New Yorkers on their way, give them a comfortable ride, a quick ride, a better way to get around." NO NEW MASS TRANSIT OPTIONS SBS has "grown dramatically" under de Blasio, according to his office, increasing from six routes to 14 since 2014. But none of the new routes were implemented or proposed for Staten Island. The borough only has one SBS route now, the S79-SBS between the Staten Island Mall and Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, and that launched in 2012. Staten Island is the most car-dependent borough, with roughly 80 percent of households owning at least one car. Islanders also have some of the longest commutes in the country. Still, de Blasio has yet to propose any new mass transit options for Staten Islanders -- and has not disputed this when asked for an example in recent months. "I've said before that we are looking all over the city for where we can do new things, whether it is Select Bus Service, whether it is ferry service or obviously in one case light rail," de Blasio said on May 24. "We've said that we're going to watch that to see how it goes, to see if there are other places we can implement it." At an editorial board meeting with the Advance earlier this week, the mayor hinted that he would propose new SBS routes soon, "all over the five boroughs." "That's something we'll be speaking to very soon -- new SBS routes all over the five boroughs," de Blasio said at the Advance newsroom on Wednesday. NORTH SHORE BRT MORE EXPENSIVE De Blasio's office insisted on Friday that Staten Island is actually part of the city's plan, pointing out the North Shore rail line is being studied as an option for a route. In 2015, the MTA put $5 million toward environmental and design work for the the five-mile North Shore Bus Rapid Transit, or BRT. The MTA said this summer that this study was expected to begin this year. In a 2012 alternative analysis study, the MTA had determined that a BRT line would be the best option for the North Shore. Back then, the North Shore BRT was estimated to cost around $371 million. Then came Hurricane Sandy. There was talk of securing hurricane recovery money to build the project, but that was met with opposition from officials who thought the money would be better be spent on areas of Staten Island that were devastated by the storm. The MTA ultimately decided not to submit the project for federal Sandy relief funding. Officials still believe Sandy significantly damaged parts of the BRT's right of way -- so the $371 million price tag will likely go up. De Blasio's own Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg estimated in February 2015 that an SBS route would be just as costly. "We see the tremendous potential in that route," Trottenberg said during a Council hearing then. "You know, there's some real resource questions that we need to tackle." The city's expense budget includes $9.4 million annually dedicated to SBS projects, allowing for the launch of two or three routes a year, according to the report. This $9.4 million would only cover about 2.5 percent of the 2012 estimated cost for the North Shore BRT. IMPROVING LOCAL BUS SPEEDS De Blasio also announced on Friday that the city and the MTA will also create a new program to improve local bus speed and reliability along certain corridors where routes are slow and unreliable. The city's report notes 12 areas with speed issues, including Bay Street from Central Avenue to Victory Boulevard, may be examined for speed and reliability improvements. That list, according to the report, is subject to change. "The most vexing problem our buses face is the scourge of congestion on New York City's streets -- it slows travel times and delays our riders -- and we urge Mayor de Blasio and New York City DOT to step up and be part of the solution in fixing that problem on their streets," MTA spokesman John J. McCarthy said in a statement. "We're proud that the MTA and New York City Transit have a record $1.5 billion in investment in new buses, with every single bus in the fleet to feature Traffic Signal Priority equipment and the expansion of SBS. Now it's time for everyone to come to the table and tackle congestion." STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The estate of a beloved retired public-school principal and educator, who suffered fatal injuries in a head-on crash six months ago in Sunnyside, has sued the two involved drivers, one of whom was the victim's husband. Patricia Theresa Campbell, 83, was a passenger in her spouse Robert E. Campbell's 2009 Hyundai sedan on April 9 when it collided with a 2008 Chevy sedan at about 1:40 p.m. at the intersection of Little Clove Road and Northern Boulevard, according to Advance reports and the lawsuit's civil complaint. A preliminary investigation showed the Hyundai was traveling westbound on Little Clove Road, toward Slosson Avenue, and hit head-on with the Chevy proceeding in the opposite direction, said police. The Chevy was attempting to make a left turn onto Northern Boulevard from Little Clove Road, police said. A nearby resident previously told the Advance he heard a loud "bang" while inside his house and rushed outside. Patricia Campbell, who was in the front passenger seat, suffered trauma to the leg and body, Advance reports said. Responding firefighters removed both doors of the Hyundai to extricate the woman and her 84-year-old husband, the Advance reported. Several people in the Chevy also were injured. Patricia Campbell was hospitalized for about a month, unable to speak, before succumbing to her injuries on May 8, according to her obituary on SiLive.com. The lawsuit was filed in state Supreme Court, St. George, by the victim's son, Robert T. Campbell, as limited administrator of his mother's estate. The civil complaint alleges the elder Robert Campbell and Samantha Troia, the Chevy owner and driver, "negligently, recklessly and carelessly" caused their vehicles to collide. The elder Campbell also owned the car in which his wife was riding. The suit seeks unspecified monetary damages. Michael J. Gaffney, the younger Campbell's lawyer, said there is no animosity between the father and son over the lawsuit. "It's an unfortunate incident that occurred, and the son and father understand the insurance aspects of the claim," said Gaffney, who is based in Sunnyside. "We're seeking fair compensation for the injuries she sustained and the ultimate death." In general, legal experts say it is not uncommon for family members to sue one another in personal-injury cases, such as car crashes and slip-and-falls. Troia could not immediately be reached for comment on the lawsuit. Patricia Campbell was a much-loved educator and former principal who spent 40 years in the city public school system. In 1954, the Dongan Hills resident began her career at PS 39 in South Beach, where she taught for six years, in second, fifth, seventh and eighth grades. She then taught reading for eight years in the Special Reading Clinic Program, traveling to schools throughout the Island. After passing the license examination for assistant principal, she was appointed to that position at Barnes Intermediate School (I.S. 24) in Great Kills, where she served for 16 years. In October 1984, she was selected to be acting interim principal of PS 16 in Tompkinsville, and was named principal in May 1985. At PS 16, where she worked for 10 years, she developed a program for gifted children and obtained funding for an in-school library. Retirement, however, didn't stop her from being active in the school system. She became a mentor for New York City principals through the Council for Supervisors and Administrators. She also was the CCD coordinator at St. Sylvester's R.C. Church in Concord, where she and her husband were married in October 1965. Page Content In the wake of Hurricane Irma, many business establishments have succumbed to property damage as well as theft of items/merchandise. As a result, many employers have opted to lay off personnel, reduce hours, reduce salary, omit payment of salary etc. The Dismissal /Complaint Unit in the Department of Labor Affairs and Social Services is tasked with handling such cases as well as issuing information on labor laws. At all times the Unit works to mediate in favor of all parties (both employer and employee), in accordance with approved workflow procedures. Employees or employers who find themselves in an undesirable situation with an employer or employee should report to the Department of Labor Affairs and Social Services with all relevant supporting documents (pay slips, labor contract, etc.). The employee or employer should then explain the situation at hand to a Dismissal and Complaints Officer. The officer will then contact the employer or employee to hear their viewpoint of the situation as well. The mediation process between employer and employee will then begin. The officer will liaise between both parties with the objective of reaching a mutual agreement. Once this is achieved, a report will be written and the written mutual agreement will be signed by both parties. In the event, however, that the department is unable to mediate between employee and employer, there is an option to file the case at the court system. The court of first instance resumes its operation on Monday 16 October, 2017. Therefore, matters pertaining to dismissal and employee/employer complaints can be referred to court by the Department of Labor Affairs & Social Services. The Department of Labor Affairs and Social Services in this instance will assist with providing legal aid for those who qualify. Since our department is faced with a unique reality after Hurricane Irma, we are prepared to stream-line the process of applying for legal aid. The following should be noted: Due to new procedures implemented post Irma, a minimal requirement of documents will be needed in order to process legal assistance. Once the client is able to bring in the following documents to the department the process can begin: 1. Copy ID or Passport 2. Immigration /residence permit/Employment permit ( proof of legal status) 3. Census registration form 4. Complaint Report/Dismissal Report (** letter/report from the Section Labor Market) - add supporting documents if possible (pay slips, contract etc.) 5. Proof of address (utility bill or living arrangement letter) We ask business owners/employers to please defer to our initial press release concerning ways to maintain staff members and the various options concerning employment relations. We encourage healthy and honest communication between both parties as a first response to the consequences of the devastation of Hurricane Irma. However, the department is always available to mediate disputes that cannot otherwise be settled between the two parties. For any assistance or further information, visit the Department of Labor Affairs and Social Services. We are located in the new government building (across from USM). Our hours of operation are from Monday to Friday from 8:30AM to 3:30PM. Thank you for your continued cooperation, as we join forces to build a better Sint Maarten. Page Content Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs Mellissa Arrindell-Doncher on Thursday announced that jetBlue will resume service to the island twice-weekly on its New York route as of November 1. As of November 1, JetBlue flights will service the JFK-SXM route on Mondays and Thursdays. The airline will resume its regular daily service out of New York as of January 2018. The Minister along with Head of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau Rolando Brison and her Chief of Cabinet Cecil Nicholas met with jetBlue on Thursday in New York. The airlines representatives used the opportunity to re-assure the Minister of its commitment to maintaining a long-term partnership with St. Maarten and expressed confidence in St. Maartens recovery efforts. The airlines representatives also told the Minister that its confidence to return is based largely in part on the efforts of the tourism Ministry to reassure its tourism partners after the hurricanes, maintain open lines of communication and get its airport open in the short term. We also presented our preliminary marketing plan to them and as a result they will be looking at increasing their daily flights out of New York as of January 2018, Brison said. The Fort Lauderdale St. Maarten route is also still in the eyes of jetBlue and they fully intend to launch the route. The timeline may have shifted a bit it is still their goal to get that route open, he said. The Minister expressed her thanks to jetBlue for its continued support, for the role it played in transporting relief supplies to St. Maarten and its confidence in the destination. She said the tri-state area is historically very important to St. Maartens tourism product and getting jetBlue back online servicing St. Maarten is a key development in the islands recovery. Caption: Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs Mellissa Arrindell-Doncher (fourth from left), her Chief of Cabinet Cecil Nicholas (third from left) and Head of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau Rolando Brison (fifth from right) with jetBlue officials. The key line in the terrific adventure thriller Walking Out comes when a father says to his son, You need to know this. The line speaks to the movies broader themes about what a parent passes down to a child sometimes without even trying. 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 Thank you for visiting the Daily Journal. Please purchase an Enhanced Subscription to continue reading. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! Former owner of the Mr Spokes bike hire business Jillian Edwards was brought to tears on Friday when recounting a call from a former staffer to Chief Minister Andrew Barr over attempts to buy her lakeside building and lease. Ms Edwards detailed years of what she said were stressful, unprofessional and frustrating negotiations with the Land Development Agency. In early 2015, she said her husband Martin Shanahan had called Mr Barr's office and spoken with Tony Hodges, telling him that negotiations were going in circles, the agency was refusing to put anything in writing, and the couple was reluctant to keep meeting. Jillian Edwards, who gave evidence at Friday's hearings into the Land Development Agency: 'I did feel that a lot of the behaviour was hopefully mostly incompetent.' Credit:Karleen Minney Later in the day Mr Hodges called them back, speaking to her husband in a call she could hear. "He raised his voice and he said if you don't agree to sit down and meet with the LDA things are going to get a lot tougher for you," Ms Edwards told an ACT parliamentary inquiry into the agency's land deals at West Basin and Glebe Park on Friday. Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less. Paddleboat leaseholder Pat Seears says $1 million is a "pittance" for his prime property on the lake front at West Basin, given the land would make "millions and millions" for Canberra and its people. Mr Seears said he hoped Auditor-General Maxine Cooper, who delivered a scathing account of the purchase of Mr Seears' business and others, and this newspaper were around to see that day. Pat Seears, who was paid $1 million for his lease: 'Nobody negotiated with me.' Credit:Karleen Minney Dr Cooper reported last year that there was no documentation explaining the rationale for paying Mr Seears $1 million for the lease on his paddleboat business, and it was "inappropriate" for the deal to be based on a valuation from Colliers described by her expert valuer as lacking evidence and not justified. Mr Seears, appearing on Friday before a parliamentary inquiry into the land deals at West Basin, also delivered a strong defence of land agency head David Dawes, with whom he went to school in Cooma and whom he described as a friend. Canberra, you couldn't get enough of the Acting EL1 T-shirt we covered yesterday - and it now seems Amazon is attempting to cash in on the shirt's virality. A new listing for an Acting EL1 shirt went live on Amazon's international site overnight, looking remarkably similar to the original design by Canberra creative agency Foundry. Amazon's version of the Acting EL1 T-shirt. Credit:amazon.com The differences are you can get the Amazon version in a range of colours, minus the #flexlife hash tag, and for about half the price. The listing for the Acting EL1 T-shirt went 'live' on Amazon on October 19, the same day our story ran, with Amazon promoting the new shirt via direct comments on Reddit. The ACT government has announced a "bold" new overhaul of its bus network, with faster buses due to hit Canberra streets by July 2018 - two years ahead of schedule. ACT Minister for Transport Meegan Fitzharris officially opened the new $4 million Dickson bus interchange on Friday, just across the road from a light rail stop on Northbourne Avenue. ACT Minister for Transport Meegan Fitzharris unveiling the new Rapid bus network for Canberra. Credit:Sherryn Groch With the rail due to come online by late 2018, Ms Fitzharris said the expansion of Canberra's rapid bus network had been fast-tracked. Services across eight new routes will run every 15-30 minutes, including on weekends, as part of a $50 million 'future buses' package to be delivered over the next four years. 80 new buses will also be added to the fleet. For Tanya and many detainees at the Alexander Maconochie Centre, the opening of a new bakery will not only equip them with industry specific skills, but also gives them something to do. "It eases the boredom," Tanya said. "Six hours a day being here is a lot better than being in the yard for six hours, trust me. Seven female detainees work six hours shift, five days a week at the new Alexander Maconochie Centre bakery. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong "There's a lot of boredom for us ladies in this jail, so it's good to have the bakery." On Friday, minister for corrections Shane Rattenbury officially opened the bakery, which has been fully functional since last month. A Houston company is negotiating to conduct a "no find, no fee" private search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, after three governments failed in a three-year, $160 million effort. The Boeing 777-200ER is presumed to have crashed after it went missing March 8, 2014 during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people aboard, including six Australians. Just days ago, Australia's Transport Safety Bureau, which has led the $200 million global search for the plane, released a final report saying they have a "better understanding than ever" of where downed flight MH370 is but that it is "unacceptable" the plane has not been found. Malaysia's Department of Civil Aviation said on Friday that it was weighing several private offers to search for the plane, including one from Ocean Infinity, a Houston firm that surveys the ocean floor. There are nine weeks until Christmas, but a lot less for the arrival of the online retail disrupter, Amazon. According to Citi's analysts, who were the first to highlight the harsh reality of Amazon's impact on Australian retailers, Amazon is likely to launch its first-party offer in Australia by mid-November, disrupting retailer pricing architecture and driving investment in supply chain, online and delivery. The second stage of The Glen's $460 million transformation will offer a new contemporary food gallery, to be unveiled in early 2018. But while individual retail tenants are in the firing line, the shopping centre landlords are internet-proofing the assets with expanded offerings that cannot be bought online. Amazon has traditionally taken between two and five years to gain traction in a new country, so experts say now is the time for the Australian retail sector, landlords and tenants, to start getting into gear and "Amazon-proofing" the malls. This is in the form of offering food, beauty salons, and general customer-to-customer services that cannot be bought as easily over the internet. Three service stations and a bank-leased building have sold for $14.4 million in the latest portfolio auction conducted under the banner of Cushman & Wakefield. Cushman's inaugural portfolio auction held across sites in Sydney and Melbourne achieved a 66 per cent clearance rate after a portfolio of three Caltex petrol stations with 15-year leases in place and a property tenanted by National Australia Bank in Wagga Wagga sold. A Caltex petrol station in Mount Waverley sold for $4.3 million. Credit:Andrew Ashton The largest petrol station, a 2665-square-metre facility in Mount Waverley on a busy intersection at 622-626 Blackburn Road, sold to a private investor for $4.3 million on a low 3.48 per cent yield. The other two service stations, one in Cheltenham North, Melbourne, and the second in San Remo, NSW, sold for yields of 4.28 and 6.1 per cent respectively. Victoria's building regulator hasn't set aside contingency funds for an unprecedented class action lawsuit launched against it by 36 disgruntled homeowners last May, its annual report shows. The Hinchliffe-Princeton Legal led class-action arose from an alleged failure to protect homeowners from dangerous and inferior building work. Owners in the Rangeview estate launched a class action against the VBA. Credit:Joe Armao "It is not possible to estimate amounts of any eventual payments that may or may not be required in relation to these claims," the Victorian Building Authority said. The authority's total income rose to $56.1 million, up by $2.3 million from the previous year, most generated from building permit levies and plumbing compliance certificates. We await Bob Hawke's intervention in the endlessly fraught Victorian parliamentary debate over euthanasia, after the laws passed the lower house. Paul Keating has already injected his piece, in which he advanced the view that even dreadful pain was preferable to assisted dying. But then, he thought Australia had to have a recession, and once declared his plan for an opponent was to "do you slowly". Hawke has been given a significant opportunity by Victoria's Health Minister, Jill Hennessy, to offer his distinct view. We suspect it might be along the lines of, "You bloody bewdy, Jill, give it to him, love!", or something a bit saltier. The foreign power has a new government, and Australia is only slightly embarrassed. From trailing far behind the National Party in opinion polls, the New Zealand Labour Party, under its new and charismatic young leader, Jacinda Ardern, has outperformed and outmanoeuvred its opponent to win power. After the national election produced an inconclusive result, Ms Ardern has put together a three-party coalition with NZ First, led by the country's seemingly eternal man-in-the-middle, Winston Peters, and the Greens, and will succeed National's Bill English as prime minister. Australia's Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, has hurried to congratulate Ms Ardern, and to dismiss as ridiculous any suggestion that relations may be difficult following the brief contretemps over Barnaby Joyce and his citizenship. She is, of course, stating the obvious. There is no country to which Australians feel closer than New Zealand. But thanks to her own mistakes, the obvious needed to be stated. NZ Labour Party leader Jacinda Ardern has given her party a new image and a new purpose. Credit:Stuff/Fairfax NZ In August, Ms Bishop accused the Leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten, of using a foreign power to destabilise Australia's government. The ALP's so-called treachery involved contacting New Zealand Labour and organising a parliamentary question about Barnaby Joyce's citizenship. She said it would be difficult to build trust with members of a party New Zealand Labour that had been used by the Australian Labor Party to seek to undermine the Australian government. The accusations were then, and remain, nonsense a ridiculous overstatement of the situation, presumably designed to camouflage the Turnbull government's own embarrassment that its Deputy Prime Minister might have carelessly ignored section 44 of the constitution and might not have been legally elected. Few things anger people or governments more than evidence of their own ineptitude. No wonder Ms Bishop lashed out. As politicians will, Ms Bishop is now attempting to spin the event to suit her case, pointing out that Ms Ardern subsequently admitted the New Zealand MP who asked the question was in the wrong. Ms Bishop should desist. There was no need for Ms Ardern to make that concession, but there is equally no point revisiting this storm in a teacup. The trans-Tasman relationship remains as strong as it ever was, unaffected by Ms Bishop and her confected outrage. Of course, #MeToo. From the time puberty hit, and for about two decades afterwards, the frequency tapering off with age. The family friend with octopus hands. The elderly neighbour who one afternoon caught me smoking outside my parents' house and sought to trade his silence for a tongue pash and God knows what else had I not dropped the fag, hands quivering, and rushed inside. The middle-aged man I hitched a ride with overseas I should have seen it coming. Hard to say the same about that short guy who stood in front of me at a Midnight Oil concert in the mid-1980s, then swung his arm backwards and grabbed my crotch. As for the driving instructor with the trembling voice and sunken cheeks who, after I pulled the handbrake, leaned in, lips puckered how could I have anticipated that one? Easily, in retrospect. No way in hell will my daughters be getting in a car with a male instructor. No driving instructors: that should be protection enough, right? And no hitchhiking. No rock concerts. No family friends. No neighbours. Obviously, no workplace where a tyrannical, man-child with poor impulse control occupies the corner office. So no workplaces, pretty much, not even the Country Fire Authority. No smoking anything. Because of the time elevated and paranoid having earlier "inhaled", to borrow Bill Clinton's memorable description I entered the bedroom of a feverish young man who did not desist at the first "No". Though I place the latter incident in the murky zone, that place of ambiguous, unseemly encounters between young men and women, too slippery to be caught by the term "sexual assault". One upside to the ubiquity of sexual violence in the lives of girls and women is that with so many and varied examples to consider it's easy to grade the transgressions. Maintain a sense of perspective. It is without a pinch of irony that I say I'm grateful not to be living in Cairo, New Delhi or Sao Paulo, the mega-cities that an international poll, released this week, identified as dangerous for women. Thousands of asylum seekers in Australia will now require permission from Immigration Minister Peter Dutton's department if they want to get a pet. Leaked guidelines issued by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection reveal all asylum seekers receiving taxpayer support must obtain the department's approval before buying a household animal. A friend for life: Eddie the rescue dog. Credit:Tracy Hebden The edict applies to thousands of people currently in Australia awaiting the outcome of their bids for protection, including the 7500 who lodged their claims following the government's imposition of an October 1 deadline. "Recipients may own a pet if permission is granted by both the department and the landlord," asylum seekers have been told. "Approval for pet ownership must be sought from both the department and the landlord before a pet is purchased. In some cases, recipients may be required to provide evidence to demonstrate that they can cover the costs involved in pet ownership." When he was defence minister he famously said he wouldn't trust South Australian Submarine makers "to build a canoe", but these days former Senator David Johnston has struck a more conciliatory tone after being hired by a major military naval contractor in Adelaide that's working on submarines. In March, Mr Johnston joined the board of Saab Technologies Australia, a subsidiary of the Swedish military contractor, which has been on the receiving end of millions of dollars in government contracts this year. Former defence minister Senator David Johnston joined the board of Saab Technologies Australia in March Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Mr Johnston is understood to have advised Saab on the government's decision-making process, as Saab sought a multimillion-dollar contract to fit out Australia's fleet of frigates with a new combat management system. The Herald has been told the job was not the subject of a formal tender, with Mr Johnston helping to advise on the timeframes around government decisions according to a source close to the company. The Department of Defence has not responded to questions on this. Horgan has not only ridden this wave, she anticipated it although she's the first to admit that luck and timing have been on her side. Twenty years ago, dissatisfied with the approach of established cosmetics brands, with their silo-like kiosks in department stores and sometimes stand-offish representatives, Horgan intuited that women would leap at the chance to sample a range of niche, imported cosmetics and skincare brands under a single, smaller roof. Unlike the big department stores, where each brand is self-contained and spruiked by staff loyal to it, her "hosts" would, in her words, offer customers "brand-agnostic advice". (An English literature graduate, Horgan knows the power of words.) In December 1997, aged 29, she opened the first Mecca Cosmetica store on Toorak Road in Melbourne's upmarket South Yarra, funded by the sale of a house and a line of credit from a supportive bank manager. She started with just seven imported brands: Nars, Stila, Urban Decay, BeneFit, Vincent Longo, Philosophy and Make Up For Ever. Four years later, at the nudging of Horgan's father, Mecca also became one of the first e-commerce-enabled businesses in Australia. The Mecca realm has since grown to 82 outlets 80 physical and two online across Australia and New Zealand, with six more projected by year's end. Mecca Cosmeticas store on Melbournes upmarket Toorak Road. Ironically, when Horgan approached Poppy King in the 1990s to canvass the idea of launching Mecca, King advised against it, telling her the Australian market was too small to support such a venture. While King's business famously faltered, Horgan's took off. In 2002, King moved to New York and reinvented herself. Her range, Lipstick Queen, is now stocked by Mecca. Money has never floated my boat, its not what motivates me. In the mirror, I look at my sickly reflection and there's only one thing for it: make-up. In 10 minutes, I'm done. After decades of practice, I've got the routine down pat, and it gives me the semblance of health. It's like magic. No wonder Italians call make-up il trucco the trick. Tricked up, I drive to Mecca's head office in the industrial back blocks of inner Melbourne's Richmond. I'm trying to "spin positive", but my nose is not co-operating. I give it one last hopeful dab before entering the two-storey, brown-brick warehouse that's one half of the Mecca nerve centre. The foyer is compact and functional, and lightened by a vase of pink-fringed tulips. At reception sits a dark-haired young woman in a studded black leather jacket with a sun-kissed glow that suggests a masterful application of concealer, bronzer and highlighter. Horgan arrives from the twin warehouse across the road, radiating energy and positive vibes. London-born, the 49-year-old is a picture of robust health: smooth-skinned, bright-eyed, lean and long-limbed. I apologise for my lacklustre state. "There's nothing like red lipstick and standing up straight to make you feel and look better," she says cheerfully in her crisp English accent. I instinctively adjust my posture; shoulders back, chest out. Horgan's make-up is translucent, a whisper of colour on lips and eyes. I've read that she takes just five minutes to apply it. She looks comfortably polished, classic with a twist: dark-mauve silk shirt, slim tapered pants of a green-gold brocade, fringed purple suede moccasins with a stout, practical heel. There'll be no tripping over today as she infamously did in New York in 2011, in towering stilettos, while addressing 300 chief executives from cosmetics companies around the world, flashing her smalls on the way down. Her reaction was typically sanguine: she picked herself up, dusted herself off, and got on with it. She walks deftly upstairs, talking excitedly about the business. A former sewing factory, the building's first floor is vast, light-filled and inhabited by row upon row of fashionably dressed and made-up women in their 20s and 30s, sitting at large computer screens. They all seem to have what I come to think of as the Mecca "glow". This is the support centre that sustains the mushrooming network of Mecca outlets: Mecca concessions in Myer department stores, stand-alone Mecca Cosmetica boutiques (for an older, more discerning client) and the Mecca Maxima stores launched seven years ago to cater for a younger, more budget-conscious and social-media-obsessed consumer, the "Mecca beauty junkie". Today, Mecca employs 2596 people: 2166 in retail, 149 at its distribution centre in the Melbourne suburb of Somerton, and 281 in its two-building support centre. At a far corner window sits a solitary male who surpasses the 30-something threshold of most his colleagues. We walk over to greet Horgan's husband Peter Wetenhall, who is similarly tall, lean and cheery. He, too, is English-born, from Cheshire. A fit-looking 50-year-old who windsurfs in his rare spare time, Wetenhall helped set up Mecca. For the first six months, he divided his time between his work as a management consultant with Boston Consulting and his wife's budding business. "And every weekend and evening for the next year after that," he adds, as they both laugh. "We could spend quality time together, working," Horgan teases. In 2005, when they realised Mecca had far more potential than previously imagined, he came on board full-time as co-chief executive. "When we started we thought we were in the market for about 10 stores, best case," Wetenhall says. They're now projecting 100-plus, concentrating on the Australian and NZ markets. Jo Horgan with her husband, Peter Wetenhall, who helped to set up Mecca. Credit:Duncan Killick Horgan had no intention of ending up in the cosmetics industry. A career in the media, she thought, would be her "destiny". "I love debating, I love word-smithing, I'm fascinated by journalists, and by barristers, people who are really articulate," she says. "We used to have enormous debates over the dinner table when we were growing up." In the early days of Mecca, Horgan put those word-smithing skills to use coining product names and marketing spiels. She continues to place great store in the lure of narrative to sell a product. The middle child of three, Horgan grew up in Wimbledon Village (described by the UK's Telegraph newspaper as "the nicest place in London") and moved to Australia, aged 14, as part of her parents' midlife adventure. The family settled in Perth after travelling around Australia "like hippies" for a few months. The pioneering spirit runs in the family. Horgan's parents, Conor and Kate, were both entrepreneurs Conor a clothing manufacturer and Kate an interior designer. They prized education and encouraged their daughter to head for the US after she finished her undergraduate degree in English literature and Latin at UWA. At Boston University, she completed a masters degree in mass communication. It was in the US that Horgan, aged 22, met Wetenhall, who was doing an MBA at Harvard. They've been inseparable ever since. "He is exceptional and I am so lucky to have found him," she says. Horgan's parents frequently drop in to her office, doing so on the day I visit. Conor has brought in a clipping from The Economist magazine; an obituary of Soviet-era poet and dissident Irina Ratushinskaya, who died in July. "It will help you through some part of life," he says, handing Horgan the article. After Boston, Horgan moved to London to work with the world's largest cosmetics and beauty company, L'Oreal. For the first three months she unpacked boxes and stacked supermarket shelves. After two years she was transferred to Melbourne; 18 months later, she went solo. She saw an industry ripe for reinvention. "I looked at cosmetics and went, 'I am a really confident person, yet when I go and buy cosmetics I find myself not articulating everything I want, not driving the agenda.' I'd walk away slightly dissatisfied with the whole experience, not because of anyone in particular, but just because of the way that it was structured," she says. "And I thought, 'There has to be a more interesting dialogue, there has to be a deep dialogue, there has to be a more human, a more authentic way. There has to be a social way. There has to be a way we can actually empower women through this.' " Horgan's belief in the transformational power of make-up borders on the evangelical. She repeatedly uses the word "empower" to describe Mecca's work. While I don't subscribe to the make-up-is-misogyny line, "empowering" seems a little overblown. I suggest to her that some women might baulk at the idea of make-up as a form of empowerment. "I think you have to stand in the store and I think you have to see the joy that it brings to so many people every day and I think you have to be able to read the letters I read from people, who write in with the most extraordinarily heart-warming stories," she counters amiably. After our interview, the Mecca publicists send me example after example of customer feedback illustrating Horgan's point. One is a letter from the mother of an 11-year-old girl with "facial difference" who, after being given a make-up lesson at Mecca, told her mum that for the first time in her life she "felt okay". "I cried secret tears," the mother wrote. Horgan espouses a different approach to make-up: The whole idea is to bring what we call magpie-esque, brag-worthy, gorgeous colours, shiny beautiful packaging, and amazing formulas. Credit:Kristoffer Paulsen Behind Horgan's almost impossibly nice demeanour lies a canny, disciplined businesswoman. Her close friend Kristina Karlsson, founder of the Swedish stationery chain Kikki K, reveals that Horgan keeps a strict 10.30pm curfew. "And it even applies when we go to her home for a dinner," Karlsson tells me via email. "Yes, she boots us out by 10.30pm! I admire that she values her need to get a good night's sleep." The London-born and Sydney-based Terry Little, managing director of the Estee Lauder Group of Companies, who has worked closely with Horgan for 10 years, also dispels any notion that Horgan is some sort of Pollyanna. "She's a little bit like a British bulldog, she'll keep going," he says. "She's a great person to deal with and she's very fair and honest, and knows what she wants she's a good incubator of small, independent brands or 'indie' brands, however you want to call them." Scratch the surface of the cosmetics industry and the number of players involved is smaller than the noisy profusion of brands and products for sale would suggest. Mergers and acquisitions mark the industry, and many of the brands sold through Mecca are owned by larger companies. Darphin, Smashbox, La Mer, GlamGlow, Too Faced and Bumble and Bumble, for example, all belong to the Estee Lauder Group. Lauder also owns Australia's most popular prestige make-up brand, M.A.C Cosmetics, which it bought outright from its two Canadian founders in 1998. The brand has long projected a bold and progressive image, hiring American drag artist RuPaul as the first "face" of M.A.C, and adopting the slogan "All ages, all races, all sexes". From this month, M.A.C (which has 16 stand-alone stores in Australia and another 65 outlets in department stores) is also stocked by Mecca. "It makes sense with the customers Jo's got that she'd want that brand in there, and we'd like to have some of her customers," Little says. Horgan has her own in-house brand, Mecca Cosmetica, which she launched in 2003. And when we meet she has just unveiled her new, lower-price brand, Mecca Max. Her voice quavers with emotion as she directs me to a corner of the warehouse where a large counter displays the new range in its entirety. With products at an average price of $20, it seems clearly aimed at the teen and 20-something consumer, and at stealing some of Sephora's thunder not that Horgan will admit to any such thing. Shelves are stocked with glittering eyeshadows, shimmering lip glosses and eye-popping lipsticks. "I love these products like children," Horgan says. "I'm so proud of them. It's been the most enormous labour of love and significant initiative we've ever done, and it will be in all Mecca Maxima stores, so it's Mecca Maxima's own brand. The idea is to bring what we call magpie-esque, brag-worthy, gorgeous colours, beautiful packaging, amazing formulas, a different approach to make-up at a really keen price point." Three years in the making, the range has been created, she says, for the "Mecca beauty junkie who is digitally plugged in, who knows what's what, who's who, and is learning a lot herself, and is very self-empowered because of the digital arena, and they just love product, and more is more is more". Horgan doesn't judge or lament the fixation of many younger women on appearance and their curated online selves. In her line of business, why would she? She embraces the trend, harnessing social media and enlisting beauty vloggers, influencers and models for Mecca's own online make-up tutorials. Tens of thousands of Mecca fans post photo upon photo of themselves on Instagram at #meccabeautyjunkie, flaunting the current fashion for ultra-defined, caterpillar-thick eyebrows, shiny contoured cheeks and fluttering false lashes. Horgan regularly tunes into the site; it's a window into her customers' world. She sees these vast online communities as resources for women. "It's very much on their terms, it's for no one else except them and I love it because I think it is totally empowering women. I have been a huge believer that information is power, and education is everything." Her interest in "empowering" women extends beyond make-up and is a cornerstone of Mecca's internal culture. New employees are presented with a beautifully packaged box of treats, including cosmetics, skincare, chocolate and two of Horgan's favourite books: The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander, and Work Smarter: Live Better by Cyril Peupion. The Beauty Myth is not on the list. Staff are also invited to "brown-bag lunches" where guest speakers have ranged from National Gallery of Victoria director Tony Ellwood (Horgan is on the NGV Foundation board) to Julie Reilly from the Australian Women Donors Network, to associate professor Kate Stern from Melbourne IVF, who informed them about egg freezing. "I'm a massive believer in freezing your eggs, and I absolutely refuse to make it this awkward conversation," Horgan says. "I just think women should have the power to do that. You could say, 'Ha, isn't that you just being a selfish employer because you want women to put their fertility on hold?' It's so not about that; it's not because women want to put off childbirth but because they haven't found the right partner. Make it a level playing field." (Horgan and Wetenhall have two children, Eleanor, 14, and Charlie, 10.) Some might consider such initiatives a tad intrusive not so, it seems, the staff of Mecca. This year, for the fourth year in a row, the company was named in the top five in the Great Place to Work awards. A journalist once described Horgan as an "instant girlfriend". Horgan has another epithet for herself "stage mother". One thing the ever-enthusiastic Horgan is not so forthcoming about is the company's financials. Wetenhall, who is more relaxed about the figures, lets slip that Mecca's share of the $2.12 billion prestige market is about 25 per cent, which puts Mecca's annual takings at around $500 million. Horgan tries, graciously but unsuccessfully, to retract the data. Mecca Brands ASIC statement for calendar year 2016 shows that the company's revenue was $287 million, up from $188.9 million in 2015. Horgan is reluctant to discuss these figures and says the statement does not reflect the company's entire revenue. She agrees to go on the record with another figure: the business has grown 45 per cent a year on average for the past five years. Industry sources tell me this amounts to $350 million. But Horgan won't be drawn on the numbers it's not how she wants the business defined. "Money has never floated my boat, it's not what motivates me," she says. "Thinking that we can do something really interesting and innovative in beauty, and actually look after women, is the thing that gets me going." Nor will she disclose whether Sephora has in any way dented Mecca's market share. "So far Mecca's growth continues unchecked by any global influences," she says. "Customer appetite has continued to grow significantly. As long as we nail our mission of making people look and feel their best, every single morning we will stay ahead of the momentum." Sephora, which was founded in 1969, operates on a similar model to Mecca, stocking a variety of brands under one roof and targeting millennials with pumping music, brightly lit counters and accessible price points. The difference is that Sephora which has about 2500 stores in 33 countries is backed by a huge multinational company. "And we have a nimble company behind us," Horgan fires back sweetly. The way to step out for the first time after quitting your top breakfast job at Nine over unequal pay is by raising a celebratory glass of vintage champagne at an exclusive soiree at the Sydney Opera House just like Lisa Wilkinson did on Friday afternoon. Although the popular presenter, 57, refused interviews to a larger than usual contingent of gathered media, she did not disappoint by making numerous references to her sudden departure from the Today show as she hosted Moet & Chandon's Guinness World Record attempt for the world's largest champagne tasting. "Has everyone had a good week? Mine has been interesting," she laughed. "I'm Lisa Wilkinson and I'm from ... oh, wait, I'm from nowhere at the moment." It's around eight o'clock on a Sunday evening and I'm sitting cross-legged on the floor of a Sydney yoga studio while a stranger feeds me vegan chocolate. Oh, and we're both naked. And so are the 22 other women taking the workshop. This is Rosie Rees' Women's Nude Yoga. By the time we get to the chocolate feeding (part of a sensuality ritual) I've realised that yoga is only a small part of the experience. And while part of me (the cynical, Brit perhaps) is screaming "this isn't what I signed up for!" another part is feeling utterly serene. Get nude to gain confidence? Credit:Stocksy Against all odds, Rees has been able to create an environment in which a group of strangers feel comfortable getting naked. Candlelight and ambient music definitely help, as do the heaters, keeping the room at a balmy 25 degrees. But it is Rees herself, sharing stories about her journey, who really sets the scene. We begin dressed in sarongs and kimonos but by the time we've all introduced ourselves most of the women in the circle have disrobed. Women have come to the workshop to heal body image woes, or to rediscover a part of themselves long left behind. They come for an experience. A 22-year-old western Sydney man has been arrested and charged for an alleged hit-and-run incident in which a police officer was struck by a vehicle travelling at 121km/h last month. The man was arrested at a home in Greystanes around 7am on Saturday, more than a month after the alleged hit-and-run incident occurred on the corner of Roberts and Rebecca roads, Greenacre. It was shortly before 8.30pm on September 6 when a senior constable was struck by a dark blue Mazda 3 hatchback, while conducting Traffic and Highway Patrol Command speed enforcement duties. Video footage of the incident showed the officer wearing a reflective vest, signalling to the driver to pull over with a torch and sign. Property giant Mirvac is facing a Labor-led campaign opposing its plans to build a string of high-rise apartment towers in Sydney's inner west, as ALP politicians from each level of government rallied the community groups against the proposal at a meeting in Marrickville. More than 350 people crowded into Marrickville Town Hall on Thursday night to hear details about the mammoth development. Federal opposition infrastructure spokesman Anthony Albanese condemned Mirvac's proposal on Thursday night. Credit:Jessica Hromas Under Mirvac's proposal, a large section of Carrington Road in Marrickville would be rezoned to accommodate 20 towers up to 105 metres tall and comprising more than 2600 units, and existing business premises would be demolished to make way for the redevelopment. The hall erupted in applause as Labor politicians - federal MP Anthony Albanese, state MP Jo Haylen, and Inner West Council mayor Darcy Byrne - appealed to the crowd's anti-overdevelopment sentiment as they delivered their damning verdicts. A man who stabbed dead a stranger waiting at a Sydney bus stop has been found not guilty on the grounds of mental illness. The 29-year-old man, who cannot be named, was living in transitional housing for people with mental health conditions when he walked outside and killed school teacher Brian Liston at a Camperdown bus stop in December 2015. The man accused of fatally stabbing Brian Liston at a Camperdown bus stop is interviewed by police. Credit:Seven News At the time the man was suffering from a schizophrenic illness, Justice Geoffrey Bellew said in his written judgment after a special hearing in the NSW Supreme Court this week. According to one witness, Mr Liston, 51, yelled, "Why are you doing this?" when he was attacked by the barefooted man. Mr Stephens-Davidowitz said traditionally, to understand a person, you would ask them. Anonymous Google data can be used to reveal insights about sexuality, racism and insecurities. Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, author of New York Times Best Seller Everybody Lies, used anonymous internet data, particularly Google searches - of which there are 3.5 billion every day - to gain new insights into the human psyche. But big data gleaned from online searches can reveal everything from voting intentions, the proportion of racists in the community, how the weather affects mood and sexual preference. "But people lie. However, people are a lot more honest to certain internet sources, such as Google," he said. "They have an incentive to tell Google the truth to get the information that they need." On Facebook and Instagram, we might post images of our perfect lives, exaggerate how often we stay in luxury hotels and talk up our husband as our "best friend, the best, so cute, adorable, amazing" to show off to friends. But in private, we tell Google: "My husband is a jerk, mean, annoying, terrible", he said. While most people in the US would deny being racist, Mr Stephens-Davidowitz said their Google searches painted a different picture. "We're not going to blink." That was the message from bleary-eyed Andrews' government officials on Friday morning, 24 hours into their final push to get their contentious "right to die" legislation through the Victorian Parliament's lower house. Member for South Barwon Andrew Katos feels the effects of a sleepless night. Credit:Justin McManus By 10am everyone on Spring Street was wondering when Robert Clark might finally close his eyes, or at least stop talking. But it looked like the Liberal member for Box Hill might have to be carried out of the place, rather than give an inch as the Parliament pored, line by line, over the 160 clauses in the legislation. A former treasurer of the Comancheros who once fired shots into the home of a then Victorian MP has been jailed for six years for torching a Melbourne strip club. Drops of blood which fell on to a fence and rubbish bin outside the Kittens club in Caulfield South helped lead police to Mark Ahern, who cut his forehead as he climbed through a vent on the roof.He and another man splashed petrol inside and started a fire. Mark Ahern in 2012. Credit:Penny Stephens The blaze, which began in the early hours of February 16 last year, caused more than $1.3 million damage to the club and neighbouring buildings. Residents were forced to evacuate as teams of firefighters battled the blaze, the County Court heard on Friday. Ahern appeared unfazed by his sentence, and smiled when judge Peter Wischusen ordered the 33-year-old serve at least four years in jail, minus the 611 days he has already spent in custody. Doctors wear stab-proof vests, nurses carry duress alarms and security guards have body cameras. This is the new reality as Victorian hospitals try to tackle rising reports of violence against their staff. Despite ongoing efforts to stem the scourge, rates of reported occupational violence climbed almost 33 per cent last financial year, as people were spat on, punched, had chairs thrown at them and were menaced with death threats. There were more than 1000 violent incidents at Royal Melbourne Hospital last financial year. Credit:Pat Scala There were more than 11,600 incidents in wards around the state, almost 1700 of which resulted in an injury, illness or other condition. There were also 567 attacks on paramedic staff. This means that every 40 minutes or so, a healthcare worker is abused, threatened or assaulted while trying to do their job. A tight-knit Victorian family is in mourning after a father of four was killed following a brawl outside a pub in Eildon, about 140 kilometres north-east of Melbourne. Three men were arrested on Saturday after the fight on Friday night in which Frankston fencer Greg Mitchem died. His youngest son, Harley, said his family was in shock and "can't believe it's real". "Words can't describe what kind of man he was," Harley said. A 25-year-old man has died after a blaze ripped through his bedroom in Melbourne's east. The man was asleep at his Kingsley Street home in Camberwell when fire broke out about 12.30am on Friday. A 25-year-old man has died in a Camberwell house fire. Credit:Twitter/@sunriseon7 His two housemates, a man and a woman, tried to free their friend but were forced back by the heat of the flames. They called triple zero while still inside the burning house. A Virgin flight en route to Brisbane was forced turn back to Melbourne Airport after a bird, believed to be an eagle, reportedly struck one of its engines not long after takeoff. Flight VA319 had only just left Melbourne when the pilot reported difficulties with the plane's engine. A Virgin flight en route to Brisbane was forced turn back to Melbourne airport after a bird, believed to be an eagle, reportedly struck one of its engines not long after takeoff. Credit:Edwina Pickles "We can confirm that Virgin Australia flight VA319 from Melbourne to Brisbane this morning was affected by a bird strike," Virgin Australia said. "Upon suspecting a bird strike, the pilot decided to return to Melbourne and the aircraft landed safely." Daniel Duhovic had never met Paul Kristian Hogan when a series of text messages convinced him to fire a shotgun in his face. The day before the killing on May 24 last year, Duhovic was at home in Thornbury shaking off the effects of a flight home from Vietnam. Mr Hogan meanwhile was preparing for a marriage celebrant to visit his Bacchus Marsh home that night, to discuss his coming wedding. Paul Kristian Hogan died after he was shot while parked outside his house in Bacchus Marsh. Credit:Penny Stephens His fiancee, a Chinese national more than 20 years younger than Mr Hogan, had moved in less than two months earlier and things were happening fast, though their relationship was said to be volatile. Tragically for Mr Hogan, a 48-year-old father-of-five, things moved even faster from about 5pm on May 23, when the woman sent a text message to Duhovic, whom she had lived with months earlier after meeting online. "Decriminalisation allows a highly visible focus on workplace health and safety in brothels and massage parlours. "It is also an important step towards reducing stigma and discrimination experienced by sex workers. "There is good evidence that decriminalising sex work does not result in an increase in the number of clients accessing sex work and the normalisation of this work is important in improving the health and well-being of sex workers." The report, chaired by Associate Professor Linda Selvey, found a number of issues with the WA industry that stemmed from the "criminalisation of sex work". Most of my clients will have some sort of substance, whether they're a bloody lawyer and got stoned on their lunch break, or they're a crack dealer and they have crack on them. They're always offering something. It's pretty popular... The report surveyed 354 sex workers, and found nearly 50 per cent of sex workers did not feel comfortable reporting to police if they experienced or witnessed assault or crime. It also found 1 in 5 WA sex workers had been assaulted in the last year. The report also indicated the unregulated nature of the industry meant many people who used or worked in the WA sex industry could put themselves at risk of assault, disease or drug addiction. A metropolitan police detective told the study drug use continued to be an issue amongst sex workers, as residential property inspections often turned up small amounts of drugs believed to be used for transactions instead of money. "A few of the workers have told me that clients have tried to get them to have drugs with them, and they have said no and given us a little bit of information," the officer said. "Obviously, when sex workers do use drugs, they are less inclined to come to us if something does go wrong. They still feel that we'll judge them." A female sex worker told the study it was common for clients to offer them drugs. "Most of my clients will have some sort of substance, whether they're a bloody lawyer and got stoned on their lunch break, or they're a crack dealer and they have crack on them. They're always offering something. It's pretty popular," she said. The report also found WA locals were increasingly turning towards private services rather than using a brothel or picking up a street-based sex worker, with one metropolitan detective confirming a number of popular Perth "hot spots" slowly dying out over the last decade. "I can't recall the last time I drove down mainly Wright Street in and around Highgate and Hyde Park. I can't recall the last time I saw a girl on the street," the detective said. "And that's not because I'm in - sometimes I'm in my marked Police car and they can see you coming. "It's sometimes you're just in a plain car and just looks like normal family sedan so they can't see us coming but you know I can't recall the last time. Probably a good two years." While a number of the survey respondents said they had experienced problems with sex work, some said getting involved in the industry boosted their confidence and independence. "Honestly, the sex workers that I've met are the kindest, most hard working, compassionate, loving people, you know. And they need a better they need to be looked after better," one male sex worker said. Another woman agreed and said working in the industry had helped her accept herself. Perth's rapidly expanding urban sprawl will lead to extreme infrastructure costs and traffic congestion if the state does not develop more inner-suburb housing, a new report has found. The Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre report Perth's Infill Housing Future revealed Perth was failing to meet its target of 47 per cent of new dwellings being built in existing suburbs, with the rate instead around 35 per cent in 2015. Separate houses as a proportion of housing stock in greater Perth by LGA in 2011. Credit:Perth's Infill Housing Future report Report co-author and director of the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, Steven Rowley, said a detached-house dominant Perth was missing vital medium density housing options such as units, low rise apartment buildings and townhouses. "There's a middle between your detached house and your high rise apartment and at the moment we're not delivering that," he said. A police sergeant has appeared in Mandurah Magistrates Court accused of using Facebook to send a child an indecent video and then encouraging the child to do an indecent act. The man cannot be named because the court ordered his identity, address and image be suppressed to protect the identity of the victim. Police at Mandurah Court on Friday. Credit:Marta Pascual Juanola. Magistrate Anne Longden said at the brief appearance on Friday it was in the interests of justice to protect the child in the case, who was known to the accused. The man's lawyers successfully applied to have the conditions on his bail varied so he could have unsupervised access to his own children. Jakarta: Among a trove of chilling declassified documents that reveal the US government's knowledge and support of a campaign of mass murder against Indonesia's Communist Party in the mid 1960s, one "important cable" cites as its source a "reliable Australian journalist". Australian journalist and historian Frank Palmos, who at the time was the Indonesia correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and other newspapers, has no doubt the secret telegram is referring to him. Journalist Frank Palmos was one of the first journalists in the western world to write about the communism massacres in Indonesia. Credit:Philip Gostelow "Then US Ambassador to Indonesia Marshall Green used to laugh I knew much more than he did," Dr Palmos, who is now in his 70s, told Fairfax Media. Dr Palmos one of the obvious inspirations for the novel The Year of Living Dangerously, later made into a movie starring Mel Gibson was among the first foreigners in the world to witness the scale of the purge which killed up to 500,000 alleged communists. Wellington: The 37-year-old daughter of a New Zealand police officer is set to join a new generation of leaders overturning the political establishment in some of the world's most-developed countries. Jacinda Ardern will become the world's youngest female leader after cutting a deal to form a coalition government in New Zealand. (Vanessa D'Ambrosio, 28, regent of San Marino, finishes her rotating co-leadership arrangement at the end of October.) Ardern's swift rise to power, less than three months after taking the reins of the struggling Labour Party, has drawn comparisons with the generational shift seen in Austria, Ireland, Canada and France. "There has been a total reorientation to politics by the public since the global financial crisis," said Bryce Edwards, a political scientist at Victoria University in Wellington. "They are no longer bound by the idea that politicians need to have experience, or age or strong credentials." A mural by street artist Banksy depicting a European Union flag being chiseled by a workman covers the side of a building in Dover, UK. Credit:Bloomberg Privately, officials claim to be smashing through negotiations with a hidebound Brussels bureaucracy. But working groups on many of the issues are now coming back with the message that they have hit a roadblock. But the consensus from Europe's leaders, in a meeting on Friday morning after Mrs May has left Brussels, is almost certainly to be that not enough progress has been made to move on to talk about the future. Uncertain path: A cargo truck bearing the word 'England' manoeuvres through the Port of Dover Credit:Bloomberg At the start of Brexit talks, the EU asserted that before any talk about a future relationship could begin, Britain must agree on how much it will pay to settle its obligations to the EU, what it will do to guarantee the rights of EU citizens in the UK and whether the Irish border will stay open enough to avoid a return to the Troubles. They are not willing to bargain these away against a future trade deal, but want them locked down as the baseline for the next step. Theresa May, UK prime minister, centre, looks on ahead of roundtable talks with European Union (EU) leaders in Brussels. Credit:Bloomberg But behind the scenes, EU negotiators concede that they can't quarantine all these issues, and some of them can only be signed off and settled once it's clear what will follow Brexit. On the record, the UK government is relentlessly positive on Brexit. Brexit secretary David Davis said on Wednesday that talks were moving at "lightning speed". What will the Europeans say? European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, left, and European Council President Donald Tusk. Credit:VIRGINIA MAYO But observers are worried. "Sometimes I wake up in the morning and think we are all doomed," says Jonathan Portes, professor of economics at King's College, London, when asked his prognostication. "I think, surely this is so f***ing stupid, we can't possibly let our politics push us into a [no-deal scenario]. "I try to be rational, the forces of economics and rationality are strong enough for us not to do something so obviously against our interests and the interests of the [other] EU 27. But the politics are pretty unpleasant." Professor Portes says he still believes the most likely scenario is that the UK and EU will reach a deal first a "mini-Brexit" deal for March 2019, which will continue the status quo as much as possible, then a "maxi-Brexit" some years later once there is a trade deal to take its place. However he says the major problem with reaching that point is Mrs May's lack of political capital squandered in this year's ill-fought election. At some point, before she has a trade deal, she has to go to the British public and her own party and say how much Brexit is going to cost. "It may be that May is not strong enough politically to make an offer [to the EU] that she can deliver to London," Professor Portes says. "Then you have a problem. If someone says 'I'd like ideally to give you 10 pounds but I can't put that in writing because my wife will kill me' then what am I supposed to do? I'm not going to start bargaining about whether it should be 10 or 15 pounds, I'm going to say 'come back when you and your wife have sorted out a negotiating position'." "If I'm the EU, why on Earth would I make concessions when you've just told me you will not be able to make an offer even in the right ballpark because you're not strong enough at home?" This week the OECD issued a new report, essentially renewing its analysis that Brexit has already put the brakes on the UK economy, now one of the slower movers in Europe. The OECD pointed out that real wages in the UK are still below those of a decade ago, and Brexit is not likely to fix this indeed it's likely to make it worse. On migration, the OECD pointed out that immigration in to Britain for many, a problem that spurred the referendum result had in fact helped lift living standards, productivity and GDP in the UK. Anti-Brexit forces are talking about a parliamentary vote or even a second referendum to halt the process, if it becomes clear it has jumped the rails. But Mrs May who opposed Brexit will now not countenance a U-turn. As far as the government is concerned, insiders insist, Britain will leave the EU no matter what. Meanwhile, Australia is patiently waiting in the wings, doing what it can to lay the groundwork for a trade deal with the UK once the exit happens. Loading The reality is, both sides privately concede, that such a deal would be more symbolic than game-changing. Australia's economy is already pretty open, and much more focused on Asia than the UK. Existing barriers to UK trade would more likely be finessed than eliminated in any deal. Chinese President Xi Jinping walks to the podium to open the 19th Party Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, on Wednesday. Credit:AP But the demands have run into opposition, and even mockery, from some parents and educators, and not just the "tiger mums". Many see political indoctrination as an anachronism in an era when China's more than 181 million schoolchildren need a modern education in math, science and liberal arts to get ahead. They complain that Xi, who is presiding at a defining twice-in-a-decade party meeting this week, is turning public education into a self-serving propaganda exercise. Some say the President seems more concerned about defending the party's legitimacy than educating the skilled workforce that China needs to compete in the global economy. Security personnel walk towards the Great Hall of the People after the opening of the Communist Party Congress this week. Credit:Bloomberg Such frustrations recently came to a head in Zhejiang, a wealthy coastal province, where parents protested a decision by education officials to make traditional Chinese medicine a required course for year-five students. Deng Zhiguo, 40, a software programmer who has two children in primary schools there, says he worries that the changes will come at the expense of instruction in subjects like biology and chemistry. A man walks by display showing the Communist Party logo in Shanghai this week. Credit:AP "It's like learning Darwinism in the morning and creationism in the afternoon," he says. "How do you expect children to process that?" Xi's educational campaign has also extended to universities, where officials have banned textbooks that promote "western values" and punished professors for straying from the Communist line. Some scholars describe restrictions on free speech in the classroom as the most severe since the aftermath of the massacre around Tiananmen Square in 1989. Critics say Xi may be raising the volume in patriotic education for fear that the party's message is getting drowned out in younger generations immersed in social media and the internet. But he faces significant challenges. A study this year by Chinese and US researchers found that students appear to be tuning out shrill propaganda. Carl Minzner, an expert in Chinese law and governance at Fordham University in New York, says the party's socialist rhetoric had become "water-cooler banter and fodder for jokes" among educated Chinese. "The party of revolution is now the party of the wealthy and powerful," he says. "They've got to stand for something. They're worried about the moral void at the core of Chinese society." Xi has passionately defended his push for positively portraying China's past, chastising schools for removing ancient poems from the curriculum and calling traditional culture "part of the Chinese nation's blood and genes." This fall, the Chinese Ministry of Education began rolling out new textbooks in history, language, law and ethics across primary and secondary schools. The new books include studies of 40 revolutionary heroes, writings by revolutionary leader Mao Zedong like his 1944 speech "Serve the People" and lessons on China's territorial claims in the disputed South China Sea, a pillar of Xi's foreign policy. Anti-Japanese sentiment also features prominently, part of Xi's efforts to glorify the early days of the party and its role in defending China from foreign invaders. A year-two lesson tells the story of the "little hero" Wang Erxiao, a 13-year-old cattle herder who is says to have died in 1942 while trying to protect the offices of a Communist newspaper from Japanese soldiers. Experts say the party is seeking ways to justify its hold on power in an era when its founding goal of proletarian revolution no longer seems relevant. While Xi is hardly the first Chinese leader to turn to patriotism as a substitute, he has pushed a version that plays up the party's role as a force for restoring China's greatness. "The party's theories lack vitality and innovation," says Zhang Lifan, a historian in Beijing and a frequent critic of the party, "so the only thing they can do is to try to use the past to seize the next generation." The government has set up 231 Red Army schools as models for its approach. One is Xie's Workers and Peasants Red Army Elementary School, located in Yuqing County near the site of a former communist revolutionary base in Guizhou, a mountainous southern province. The school's curriculum recounts the experience of Mao's soldiers during the early years of the revolution, who are portrayed as heroically fighting to free China from rapacious warlords and Japanese invaders. As at some Red Army schools, students wear military uniforms around campus; in Xie's classroom, that is a privilege reserved for the best students. Even math classes are infused with party history. Students are asked such problems as calculating the distance of the Long March, Mao's epic 1934-36 retreat across China. (The answer is about 9600 kilometres.) Teachers tell students that loyalty to the party can help them overcome personal difficulties and live a meaningful life. "While other countries are suffering from war and people are still starving in Africa," Xie says during a recent lesson on perseverance, "please don't forget the sacrifices made by the Red Army soldiers." Xi, himself the son of a Communist revolutionary, has hailed Red Army schools as a model for the nation. He and his mother, Qi Xin, have given the equivalent of tens of thousands of dollars to the schools, records show. A Red Army school in northwestern China is also named for Xi's father, Xi Zhongxun. The party sees the schools, which serve tens of thousands of students in its former revolutionary bases in 28 provinces, as charity projects that help the most disadvantaged children. While the patriotic appeals have found fertile ground among working-class Chinese hungry for a sense of pride, some experts warn that placing too much emphasis on nationalistic education has its own risks. Jiang Xueqin, an education consultant in Beijing, says fanning national pride could quickly "mutate into a fierce and militant nationalism" that is difficult to control. Xi's vision of patriotic education is already in full bloom at the Workers and Peasants Red Army Elementary School, which was founded in 1788 but only became a Red Army school in 2012. Classes begin with Red Army songs, and students take turns reciting revolutionary stories featuring Japanese spies as villains. "The blood in the past gave us the life we have today," says Kuang Yanli, 11, a year-six student. "A lot of other countries want to invade our country again, so we have to study hard and make sure that doesn't happen." Local officials are sensitive to the idea that the school is indoctrinating students, and the police blocked journalists from The New York Times from reporting after being alerted to their presence. Xi himself has also become a part of the curriculum. Several times a week, the school's more than 1,400 students line up in the cement-paved courtyard to sing an ode to Xi's signature phrase, the "Chinese dream": Chinese dream for 1000 years, Chinese dream for 100 years, The dream carries on, the dream embraces all, Loading PHILIPSBURG:--- Following the devastation of hurricanes Irma and Maria, Minister Lee made a request to the Department of Foreign Affairs (BZK) in Den Haag to provide the ambulance personnel with much-needed relief staff. Weve recently received the final approval from BZK on our request as part of the 3 and a half year cooperation agreement with our counterparts from the Regional Ambulance Organization (RAV) from Brabant Middle-West-North Holland., stated Department Head Ambulance Cylred Richardson. There is much content with the input from RAV and BZK and their decision to have ambulance team members from the Netherlands working as relief teams on St. Maarten. The teams will work alongside our hard-working ambulance professionals from Sunday, October 22 to November 7, 2017. This would allow our team members some much-needed downtime, as they have been working non-stop since the hurricanes affected the island. The Ambulance Department teams have executed their tasks exceptionally well both pre, during, and post-hurricane Irma and Maria despite having to deal their own personal loses. Their efforts are to be highly commended by the entire population to which professional ambulance care that was provided 24/7 during and after the disasters. Minister Lee says that he is proud of the work that ambulance staff has done especially their response in times of crisis. PHILIPSBURG:--- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon Church) assisted by the St. Maarten Tzu Chi Foundation helped donate hurricane relief items to a total of 609 families on Monday, October 9. It is estimated that 1,827 persons from the 609 families would benefit from the relief. The relief packages consisted of sugar, canned vegetable, non-fat milk powder, dehydrated potatoes and rice. Also distributed to those who needed it were water and tarpaulins. The relief items were donated by the Mormon Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints) and were distributed with the help of the Tzu Chi Foundation. About 35 Tzu Chi volunteers along with 14 volunteers from the Mormon Church ensured that the relief packages were given out to those who needed it. The distribution began around 9:00am and continued throughout the day until the items were finished. Some volunteers also went house to house in some areas and distributed some packages to persons in need in Dutch Quarter and French Quarter. Since it was a hot day volunteers who were assisting with the distribution, provided recipients with water while they were waiting to collect their relief items. Recipients were also asked to fill in forms to indicate their needs, whether it was food water or tarpaulins. Many of the recipients said they were grateful for the relief items as they were needed at this time. Volunteers were equally grateful to be able to participate in the exercise. Tzu Chi Foundation Commissioner Sandra Cheung said the foundation and its volunteers were happy to assist in the distribution of the relief items. She thanked the public for accepting the donation and is grateful for the generosity of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for making the relief items available for families that need them in St. Maarten. Tzu Chi Press Release PHILIPSBURG:--- On October 20, 2017, the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Mr. William Marlin, issued a letter to the Dutch caretaker Minister of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations, Mr. Ronald Plasterk, in response to his letter dated October 13, in which the conditions of the Dutch Government to make the recovery funds available were stipulated. While amidst the urgency of managing the impact of the hurricane, the Government of Sint Maarten has sent various letters to the Dutch Government in which several topics were raised to keep the Dutch Government aligned and give the possibility to comment and complement. The process of drafting the National Recovery Plan was explained in the letter of September 24, which was addressed to Minister Plasterk. On October 1, 2017, a request was made to the same Minister to extend the time for establishing an Integrity Chamber since October 31, 2017 did not seem any longer realistic, due to the catastrophic impact of hurricane Irma and the necessary shift in priorities first towards emergency, followed by recovery. On Friday, August 31, - the weekend before hurricane Irma - the draft legislation to approve the establishment of the Integrity Chamber was approved by the Council of Ministers and forwarded to the Council of Advice for their advice. The phase of consultations, -between high-level civil servants as was agreed upon in the verdict of the Council of State (July 6, 2017), due to an impasse between the Government of the Netherlands and Sint Maarten-, has been completed. The outcome of the verdict of the Constitutional Court had to be taken into consideration while drafting the legislation. Despite not having a realistic and feasible deadline of October 31, Prime Minister stated that the Government of Sint Maarten will remain committed to finalizing the process as soon as possible, while still awaiting a response to his letter of October 1, 2017. The Government of Sint Maarten considers it self-evident that there are conditions related to the Dutch financial contribution in terms of checks and balances. In the last letter of October 11, 2017 addressed to the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mr. M. Rutte, the preparatory work that the Government of Sint Maarten has put in place to ensure an effective recovery and reconstruction by means of a programmatic approach, as elaborated upon in the interim report Workgroup National Recovery Plan, was again explained. In this letter, the importance of transparency and accountability was stressed. Establishing an Office for Recovery and Reconstruction tasked with managing the implementation of the initiatives, projects and program that will form part of the final report of the National Recovery Plan combined with a system of controls that will include public tenders, monitoring and evaluations to ensure proper spending of Dutch funds were elements proposed to guarantee these aspects of transparency and accountability. It was even proposed to have the Dutch Audit Chamber audit the projects that are being funded with Dutch financing. The letter concluded with a request of the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Mr. William Marlin to jointly discuss the coordination of priorities of the recovery and reconstruction of Sint Maarten and the Dutch preparedness for (financial) assistance. The Government of Sint Maarten is still awaiting a response to this request. The position of the Government of Sint Maarten has been reiterated in the last letter of October 20. Again, expressing gratitude for the willingness of the Netherlands to contribute to a sustainable recovery and reconstruction of Sint Maarten to aid towards poverty alleviation and a better future for the population of Sint Maarten and underscoring the importance of integrity and border control. The Government of Sint Maarten cannot agree to have the Dutch Government take over a responsibility that belongs to Sint Maarten. Should this be necessary and needed, support is welcomed. Support should, however, be done within the limits of the existing legal regulations, considering the statutory powers and responsibilities of Country Sint Maarten., thus Prime Minister Marlin. The importance of having an adequate border control is also underscored by the Government of Sint Maarten. Current arrangements, among which the flex pool with the Royal Marines, ensure a joint and efficient border control, stated Prime Minister Marlin. For the Government of Sint Maarten there is therefore no need to introduce new measures. In his letter, Minister Plasterk expounded on the willingness of the Dutch Government to assist while elaborating on the conditions that according to the Government of Sint Maarten are unrelated to either the recovery or the reconstruction. The actual details on the financing are, however, lacking in his letter. That is why the government of Sint Maarten in the letter of October, 20 2017, stated: ...however, it is essential to know what the detailed specifications of the financing entail, among which: what is the total amount that will be made available; for which specific purposes the available funds can be used; which part is a grant and which part is a loan. An estimated funding gap amount of USD 815 million, -based on information available regarding damage assessment in addition to broad stakeholders involvement, by the working group NRP-, was mentioned in the letter of October 11 to Prime Minister Rutte, while five priority areas for reconstruction and recovery efforts were mentioned: Sustainable economic development (including poverty eradication); Education; Maintenance of law and order; Social Infrastructure (which includes Public Health and Public Housing); Institutional Strengthening. Prime Minister Marlin concludes his letter of October 20: At the end of the day it is about the process for a better future of our country taking into consideration the needs of our population. Establishing a working group National Recovery Plan, which in consultation with stakeholders, was tasked with the responsibility of drafting the vision for the recovery and reconstruction was part of this process. A copy of the interim report National Recovery Plan was attached to the letter of October 11 to the Dutch Government for their perusal and consideration. The recovery and reconstruction is of such importance that the Government of Sint Maarten is prepared to send a delegation, among whom the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, to the Netherlands within the near future for administrative deliberations. The Government of Sint Maarten remains resolute in her position of open communication between the two countries. Press Release from the Prime Minister of St. Maarten ~ Govt. will not be irresponsible in talks with Dutch ~ PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the United St. Maarten (US) party MP Frans Richardson believes the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) should guard its tone and refrain from levying insults towards Parliament and the government of St. Maarten. Richardsons US party holds the political responsibility for the Ministry of Tourism and Economic Affairs and that of Justice. He said St. Maarten has been through a disaster of epic proportions, the aftermath of which have seen the usual, proud resilience from its people. He said the SHTA remains hell-bent on painting a picture of government being comprised of people who just wake up every morning, not caring about anyone at all. Richardson said he cannot fathom how the SHTA, who does not speak for the people of St. Maarten, can call Parliament unconcerned. That organization knows better. Every member of Parliament, be it in public meetings or otherwise, have expressed themselves on the topic of the islands recovery process and aid package. Every one of us. Where does the SHTA get off with accusing Parliament of being unconcerned, Richardson asked. The SHTA has clearly crossed over into the political realm with its veiled attempts to belittle Parliament and this government. None of us know if any government could have performed any better under these circumstances. A historic disaster. But all of us know that we have come a very long way in a very short period and much of it is because of actions by this government, he added. MP Richardson stressed that government should not move forward irresponsibly in discussions with the Dutch when it comes to aid for St. Maarten. We are not only talking about aid, we are talking about constitutional implications and details that could negatively affect our people much sooner than is realized. All of us understand what is happening and the needs of our people. But are we supposed to announce every time we make a phone call to negotiate with the Dutch because the SHTA says so? I want our people to know that government is doing what it must in a responsible manner and in expeditious fashion. Do not buy into what organizations like the SHTA with its agenda is trying to sell you, he said. The MP also said that SHTA is making it look like their members are waiting on money from whatever aid package is finally agreed upon to repair their properties. I hope the members of the SHTA had their properties insured because if they are expecting aid to go towards them, I would suggest they call Minister Plasterk themselves and ask for that, Richardson said, adding that SHTA should tell the people of St. Maarten how many more of their family members will be laid off from properties they represent. Where is the SHTA when people are being laid off from their member properties? Where is the outcry from them in such cases? The Ministry of TEATT and the Minister of Tourism, is out here doing what they can to maintain St. Maarten as a viable destination, put some heads back in beds, which eventually also benefit the properties SHTA says they represent. The Minister of Tourism has even gone out of her way to ensure that the SHTA is involved. And that organization can do nothing else but preach doom and throw insults. Well at least now we know, Richardson concluded. USP Press Release Software AGs Major Q3 Successes in the Internet of Things (IoT) Market Accelerate Transition to Cloud Posted by Publisher Internet . Major new IoT partnerships with key industry leaders successfully closed IoT cloud lays the foundation for scalable and dynamic future growth through recurring revenue IoT cloud to become a separate fast growing business line in 2018 Financial results after nine months in line with market guidance Raised 2017 outlook confirmed [Please note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures are at constant currency and rounded.] Darmstadt/Germany, October 20, 2017 ? Software AG (Frankfurt TecDAX: SOW) today released its financial results (IFRS, preliminary) for the first nine months and third quarter of 2017. The company successfully entered a number of new strategic partnerships in the fields of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0. These include the newly founded ADAMOS joint venture with global market leading manufacturing companies such as DMG MORI, Durr, ZEISS and ASM PT as well as other scalable IoT projects with major global enterprises. These successes and this high market demand reflect the growing relevance of Software AG?s leading technology and are accelerating its transition to the cloud. The new IoT partnerships lay the foundation for a scalable and more predictable business with exponential and dynamic growth rates that increase with every additional connected machine, device or sensor. Therefore, Software AG will start reporting IoT cloud related revenue separately under a fourth business line as of January 2018. In addition to establishing a fast growing IoT business with recurring revenues, Software AG confirmed its 2017 outlook which had been raised in the last quarter. In Q3, the three business lines of the Group all reported growth of 2 percent while EBIT increased by 1 percent. The company?s operating profit margin (EBITA, non-IFRS) remained very high at 32.2 percent. Software AG CEO Karl-Heinz Streibich said, ?We have continuously expanded our technology leadership in the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 markets. As a result, Software AGs relevance in the global IoT market has increased significantly. New strategic partnerships with global industrial enterprises highlight this positive trend. Establishing IoT as our fourth business line as of 2018 is an acknowledgment of this extraordinary market success.? Software AG CFO Arnd Zinnhardt added, ?IoT has become a strategic element of our customers? new business models. To reflect this, we have established a licensing model based on the actual usage of our products significantly reducing IoT market entry barriers. This recurring, sustainable revenue stream gives us the opportunity to easily scale with the rapidly increasing numbers of connected machines and devices and to maximize our business potential to its full and true value.? Business Line Performance The Digital Business Platform (DBP) business line stayed on course for further growth. Maintenance revenue showed a 7 percent increase to total ?201.6 million (2016: ?188.8 million) in the first nine months of the year. License revenue was up 1 percent at ?109.1 million (2016: ?108.2 million) in the period. DBP product revenue (licenses and maintenance) thus grew 5 percent to ?310.7 million (2016: ?297.0 million), which is within the forecast range for the fiscal year. DBP revenue for the third quarter was ?100.9 million (2016: ?101.9 million), which reflects 2 percent growth at constant currency. Maintenance revenue posted 5 percent growth at ?66.0 million (2016: ?64.4 million). In regard to Software AG?s new IoT partnerships with major corporations, cloud has become the customer business model of choice. Consequently, the Group has taken the strategic decision to forgo a traditional licensing model with short-term income in favor of long-term revenue based on increased usage and market demand. Due to the increasing importance of Software AG?s scalable IoT business with recurring revenue, the company has decided to consolidate revenue from the IoT segment into a fourth business line as of January 2018. Adabas & Natural (A&N) posted ?48.8 million (2016: ?49.1 million) in revenue in the third quarter, which reflects a 2 percent increase year-on-year at constant currency. Up 26 percent, A&N license revenue demonstrated above-average growth to total ?11.3 million (2016: ?9.3 million). Overall A&N revenue for the nine-month period was ?149.2 million (2016: ?165.1 million). Software AG anticipates an uptick in A&N contract renewals in the last quarter of the year and, therefore, expects revenue in the upper half of the market guidance corridor. The Consulting business line continued its robust performance, fueled by the ever greater relevance of Software AGs product portfolio in the high-growth IoT and Industry 4.0 markets. Revenue in this line went up in the third quarter to ?47.2 million (2016: ?47.1 million), which reflects 2 percent growth at constant currency. In the nine-month period Consulting revenue grew 3 percent to reach ?150.0 million (2016: ?145.3 million). Total Revenue and Earnings Performance Software AG?s third-quarter total revenue rose 2 percent at constant currency to ?197.3 million (2016: ?198.3 million). Product revenue (licenses + maintenance) also grew 2 percent at constant currency totaling ?149.6 million (2016: ?150.9 million). License revenue improved with 2 percent growth at constant currency to ?46.2 million (2016: ?46.9 million). Maintenance revenue likewise rose 2 percent in the period under review to ?103.3 million (2016: ?104.0 million). At ?50.4 million (2016: ?50.1 million), Software AGs EBIT (IFRS) was up 1 percent in the third quarter of 2017. EBITA (non-IFRS) was ?63.6 million (2016: ?66.8 million). Software AG?s operating profit margin (EBITA, non-IFRS) remained very high in the third quarter at 32.2 percent (2016: 33.7 percent). 2017 Outlook Based on current business development, Software AG confirms the raised forecast published with its results for the first half of the year. Software AG expects its operating profit margin (EBITA, non-IFRS) for fiscal 2017 to be between 31.0 and 32.0 percent. The forecast for product revenue growth in the Digital Business Platform (DBP) line remains unchanged at +5 to +10 percent at constant currency. Based on deals expected to close in the Adabas & Natural database business late in the year, Software AG anticipates a product revenue development between -2 and -6 percent at constant currency and year-on-year. A conference call for financial analysts, investors and media representatives will take place on Friday, October 20, at 9:00 a.m. CEST (8:00 a.m. BST). Local dial-in numbers for Germany: +49 69 566 03 7000, U.K.: +44 203 059 5869 and USA: +1 760 294 1674. The webcast presentation will be available from 7:00 a.m. CEST at www.SoftwareAG.com/investors. Complete Q3 results will be published on October 20, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. on Software AGs website. Software AG (Frankfurt TecDAX: SOW) helps companies with their digital transformation. With Software AGs Digital Business Platform, companies can better interact with their customers and bring them on new digital journeys, promote unique value propositions, and create new business opportunities. In the Internet of Things (IoT) market, Software AG enables enterprises to integrate, connect and manage IoT components as well as analyze data and predict future events based on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Digital Business Platform is built on decades of uncompromising software development, IT experience and technological leadership. Software AG has more than 4,500 employees, is active in 70 countries and had revenues of ?872 million in 2016. To learn more, visit www.softwareag.com. A Nebraska company announced Thursday that it has agreed to buy the student loan servicing arm of Madison-based Great Lakes Higher Education Corp. Nelnet, a publicly traded competitor, will buy the nonprofit corporations student loan servicing company, Great Lakes Educational Loan Services Inc., for $150 million. Great Lakes employs about 2,000 employees nationwide, according to its website. About 700 of Great Lakes Madison-based employees are included in the acquisition, said Nelnet spokesman Ben Kiser. Kiser said its too early to speculate on the long-term status of Great Lakes employees included in the deal, but employees of both companies will keep their jobs and maintain their same duties for now. Borrowers with loans serviced by the two companies wont experience any changes, either, Kiser said. Both companies have separate contracts to service federal loans for the Department of Education that expire in 2019. Nelnet said Great Lakes CEO Jeff Crosby will continue to serve as its CEO, but over time, operations between the two companies will be consolidated. Both companies are among the nations biggest federal loan service companies and are collaborating on a federal loan servicing project, but otherwise they will operate separately. A Great Lakes representative didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. Founded in 1967, Great Lakes headquarters is at 2401 International Lane on the North Side. Great Lakes services $238 billion in student loans for more than 8 million borrowers and holds guarantees on more than $77 billion in Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans, according to its website. As of June 30, Lincoln-based Nelnet oversaw $168 billion in government-owned student loans for 5.8 million borrowers and $23 billion in FFEL loans for 1.2 million borrowers, Kiser said. The company also serviced $10 billion in private education or consumer loans for 454,000 borrowers, he said. The purchase is the largest in Nelnets history. The company, which counts 4,000 employees, also has a subsidiary providing telecommunications services and infrastructure, and it has invested in startups and real estate developments in Nebraska. The sale is scheduled to close Jan. 1. This is a perfect match of two student loan servicing organizations with closely aligned values, said Nelnet CEO Jeff Noordhoek. The Lincoln Journal Star contributed to this report. What used to be a single night of costumed fun is now a full-blown holiday season more stuffed with activities than a bulging trick-or-treat bag. Were talking about Halloween, of course, and theres so much going on that the family-friendly action starts long before Oct. 31. Its the only way to fit it all in. From costume parades and hayrides to corn mazes in the country and trick-or-treating Downtown start now, and you just might get your fill of all these lively treats (and tricks) by the time the moon sets on All Hallows Eve. Haunted Trail at DCHS: The Dane County Humane Society hosts its annual haunted trail to benefit its Four Lakes Wildlife Center, Saturdays Oct. 21 and 28. Ages 12 and under can attend from 2-5 p.m.; the trail gets a little bit spookier and better suited for older kids from 6-9 p.m., 5132 Voges Rd. Admission $10; $5 under age 12. Details at www.giveshelter.org. Planetarium laser shows: Rock out to an eerie-cool Laser Show at the MMSD Planetarium Oct. 23-28. This planetarium fundraiser features shows ranging from the family-friendly Legends of the Night Sky to Fright Light and Pink Floyds Dark Side of the Moon, with lasers drawing animations on the dome to go with the music or story. Tickets $4 at the door or online at planetarium.madison.k12.wi.us/lasershows. Downtown Madison Family Halloween: Halloween fun takes over Capitol Square and beyond in this big event, which offers trick-or-treating for kids 12 and under in 80 Downtown locations from 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25. And theres much, much more: Try hands-on crafts and other spooky delights at DreamBank, 1 N. Pinckney St.; the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, 227 State St.; Madison Central Library, 201 W. Mifflin St.; and Capitol Kids, 8 S. Carroll St. Be dazzled by a free Mad Science Halloween Spooktacular on the Rotunda Stage at Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State St., at 3 p.m., 4 p.m. or (with ASL interpretation) 5 p.m. Or take a Madison Parks Hay Ride around Capitol Square ($3/person; age 2 and under free; leaves every 20 minutes). Come in costume to the Madison Childrens Museum, 100 N. Hamilton St.; or make a silly lumberjack beard and take a free, one-evening-only haunted cabin tour at the Wisconsin Historical Museum, 30 N. Carroll St. More Downtown Madison Family Halloween events and details are at www.visitdowntownmadison.com Halloween play date at Hilldale: The Madison Moms play date takes a Halloween twist at Hilldale shopping center from 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25 with crafts, activities and snacks, and a chance for the little ones to dress up. Located at the Green (in front of the Apple Store), 726 North Midvale Blvd. Free and open to the public, but advance registration requested on eventbrite; see www.hilldale.com. Pumpkin Party! At Middleton Library: Celebrate a day off school by making your pumpkin masterpiece from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26. Bring your own pumpkin to paint and carve; limited supply of pumpkins also available. For all ages. Middleton Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave., Middleton. www.midlibrary.org Bouncing Halloween Babies: Bring baby in costume for lap rhymes, songs, stories and fun designed for pre-walkers, starting at birth. 1-1:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26 at Fitchburg Library, 5530 Lacy Rd., Fitchburg. Free. www.fitchburgwi.gov/822/Library HOLLOWeen at the Cave: Wear your costume and trick or treat for gemstones in the candle-lit Cave of the Mounds in Blue Mounds from Oct. 26-29. Fall family activities include hayrides from the cave to Brigham County Park. Regular hours and admission costs apply: Weekend cave tours every 30 minutes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with grounds open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Weekday tours on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with grounds open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $17.95 adults, $9.95 ages 4-12; under age 3 free with paid adult. 2975 Cave of the Mounds Road, Blue Mounds, www.caveofthemounds.com Downtown Middleton Halloween Trick or Treat: Downtown Middleton will be decorated for fall during this eighth annual event sponsored by the Downtown Middleton Business Association from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27. Stop by 34 participating shops to show off your costume and get a treat. Details at DowntownMiddleton.com Special Effects: Monster Make-Up Class for Teens: Learn how to create scary makeup effects with a professional from 3-4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at Middleton Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave., Middleton. Registration required at www.midlibrary.org. More information at 608- 827-7402. Creatures of the Night at ALNC: Explore the Aldo Leopold Nature Center at its free Creatures of the Night Fall Fest held 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27. Come to the ALNC campus at 330 Femrite Drive, Monona, in costume to join the costume parade, conduct sweet science experiments, hear not-so-spooky stories in the haunted shack, roast marshmallows, and more. www.aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org Family Fun Night: Haunted House!: Check out a spooky book or just have fun at the free family haunted house party at Goodman South Madison Library, 2222 S. Park St., 6:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27. Wear your costume and enjoy tricks, treats, and family-friendly frights. www.madisonpubliclibrary.org Creepy Crawl and Trick or Treat: Mount Horebs Main Street is lit with luminaries for trick or treating from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27. If you dare, also take the Creepy Crawl, a haunted hike on the Military Ridge Bike Trail, lit by carved pumpkins and lined with spooks and scares. Then visit the spooky nook with games, prizes and face painting. For all ages; less-scary Creepy Crawl experience from 6:20-6:50 p.m.; more scary experience from 7-8:15 p.m. $1 ages 2-12, $2 ages 13 and up. trollway.com/event/trick-treat-main-st-creepy-crawl/ Halloween Hustle: Slither into those running shoes and hop into a costume for the Halloween Hustle Kids Dash ($15/$20 day of race) beginning at 8:40 a.m. or the 5K ($40/$45 day of race) starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, at Olin Park, 1156 Olin-Turville Court. Kid Dashers receive a trick-or-treat bag, T-shirt and pumpkin at the finish line. Details and registration at halloween5Kmadison.com Great Halloween Hunt: Fitchburg Public Library hosts its 10th annual Halloween party from 6-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. Enjoy crafts, games, a scavenger hunt, crafts and games, magician, balloon twisters and a screening of the 1951 film Alice in Wonderland. Free; Fitchburg Public Library, 5530 Lacy Rd., Fitchburg. www.fitchburgwi.gov. Halloween at the Zoo: Wow the animals with your costume during the free Halloween at the Zoo, held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29 at Henry Vilas Zoo, 702 S. Randall St. Activities include trick-or-treating, a bounce house, crafts, face painting, a costume contest and more. Enter the zoos pumpkin decorating contest the Friday before (details are at www.vilaszoo.org). More information at www.vilaszoo.org/hatz or 608-266-4732. Trick or Treat on Monroe Street: Just a few blocks from the zoo, join Trick or Treat on Monroe Street from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29. Look for the Treat Stop signs in the windows of businesses along the 1500-3500 blocks of Monroe St. www.monroestreetmadison.com Babys First Halloween: Madison Childrens Museum hosts a special party for its youngest visitors. Visit a photo booth, try out activities for kids under age 1, and dance to Halloween music by Ken Lonnquist and Dave Adler. Free with $8 museum admission. 9:30-11 a.m. Oct. 31, Madison Childrens Museum, 100 N. Hamilton St. www.madisonchildrensmuseum.org Trick or Treat hours: The main event! Recommended hours for trick or treating in the City of Madison are 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31. Children 12 and under can also trick-or-treat at participating retailers at West Towne and East Towne malls from 5-6 p.m. on Halloween. Children must be in costume and accompanied by an adult. Hilldale shopping center will host an all-ages Trick or Treat from 4-8 p.m., with candy and some special festivities at 21 stores. Look for the ghost on the doors of participating merchants on Halloween. A former U.S. Postal Service employee has been sentenced to two years probation for stealing mail that was to have been delivered to about 250 customers in the Beloit area. Tamara Donald, 39, of Loves Park, Illinois, was sentenced on Thursday by U.S. District Judge William Conley in federal court in Madison. Donald pleaded guilty to charges in August. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Donald admitted she stole and later redeemed Menard's gift cards she took from the mail when she was working as a postal support employee. Investigators searched her car and found opened and unopened letters, as well as gift cards, non-endorsed personal checks and money orders, all believed to have been removed from mailed items. Donald will also be required to pay $117.87 in restitution to the victims in the case. The Wisconsin School of Business is considering shutting down its full-time Master of Business Administration program, officials say, in a move that would make UW-Madison the latest university to stop offering a traditional MBA. Professor Donald Hausch, the business schools associate dean for MBA programs, told students in an email Wednesday that faculty are reviewing a proposal that would discontinue the program, which enrolls about 100 students per year. Current students would not be affected by the change, nor would the schools executive and evening MBA programs, business Dean Anne P. Massey said Friday. Closing the two-year, full-time MBA is part of a broader overhaul of the business schools offerings, which includes growing undergraduate programs and adding some new and very innovative specialized masters programs, Massey said. What were trying to do is to strengthen our impact for our students and the greater community, she said. We have to do that by being relevant to the changes in the market. The business schools Academic Planning Council and Masters Curriculum Committee are now considering the proposal; a faculty vote to approve it could come as soon as Nov. 6. Massey declined to say how quickly the proposal would be implemented. Several universities have moved away from the full-time MBA model lately the University of Iowas Tippie College of Business announced in August that it will shut down its program, while Wake Forest and Virginia Tech have done the same in recent years. An annual survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council found applications for two-year MBA programs dropped for the fourth straight year in 2017, with nearly two-thirds of schools reporting declining applications. UW-Madison officials did not provide data on MBA applications Friday, but Massey said they have been pretty flat. Online petition begun Students and alumni expressed surprise and disappointment. More than 260 people have signed an online petition calling on the business school to drop the proposal. First-year MBA student Rodrigo Stabio said many students are still in the dark about what the proposal could mean after learning about it in Hauschs email Wednesday. Business school leaders have scheduled a meeting for current students on Monday. Stabio said he is waiting for more information before making up his mind about whether the plan is a good idea. But he said he is concerned that shutting down the program could threaten UW-Madisons membership in the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, which works to improve the representation of minorities in business schools and corporate leadership, and provides fellowships to full-time MBA students. UW-Madison is a founding member of the consortium. By shutting (the program) down youre shutting down a lot of diversity thats coming to Wisconsin, Stabio said. SPIEGEL: Of course voters can choose who they like. But you don't need to form a coalition with a party that is overtly xenophobic. Kurz: It's my decision who I form a coalition with. I am aware of the responsibility. I will hold talks and do what I can to form a stable government that's in the best interests of the country. SPIEGEL: Is there a red line that you wouldn't cross? What would be a deal-breaker, in your view? Kurz: I definitely have a red line. Not just on the right, but on the left too. But it would be inappropriate to start coalition negotiations via the German newsmagazine DER SPIEGEL. I would ask for your understanding. If you want to form a government and work on behalf of your country then you need to build up a relationship of trust with your partners and find agreement. If you list numerous conditions via the media, you won't be able to do so. SPIEGEL: In Germany, Jens Spahn, a conservative member of the executive committee of Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is one of your biggest supporters. He was even at your election party. Why are you such allies? Kurz: I was very happy that he attended the election party as a representative of our sister party in Germany. I appreciate that he has a clear position on issues and he states his position unequivocally. Politicians are often not as clear as they'd like to be, for fear of negative repercussions. Foreign ministers, in particular, have to be especially diplomatic. I see him as a visionary. But I am also on good terms with others in the CDU and CSU (Eds. Note: Christian Social Union, the Bavarian sister party to the CDU), including Wolfgang Schauble and Ursula von der Leyen. And I was very happy that Angela Merkel was the first to call and congratulate me on election night. I am looking forward to working with her. SPIEGEL: Would you like to see Jens Spahn become German chancellor once Merkel decides to retire? Kurz: As German chancellor, Angela Merkel is one of the most experienced politicians in Europe and has managed to win four elections in a row. She has an excellent team that includes politicians such as Jens Spahn and others who can still achieve great heights in their lives. SPIEGEL: Were you in touch with CDU politicians in 2016 when you were preparing to shut down the western Balkan refugee route, to some extent behind Merkel's back? Kurz: There has always been an exchange between Austria and Germany, even when we have been of different opinions, such as with regard to the immigration question. SPIEGEL: You are a divisive figure within the CDU. The party's right wing is keen to ally itself with you, with many thinking the party should follow your lead. Kurz: I have a clear position on the immigration question. But immigration isn't the only issue, and on other issues I agree with others in the CDU. That's the way it is in politics. SPIEGEL: Angela Merkel and the CDU won the election but lost more than eight percentage points relative to the last election in 2013. How do you explain that? Kurz: The CDU got 33 percent in this year's election. I got 31.5 percent in ours. For us that's a really good result. If German conservatives need advice, then certainly not from parties that got fewer votes than they did. SPIEGEL: In your opinion, what was most effective in ending the refugee crisis in 2016 - the closing down of the Balkan route, a move that was driven by you, or the EU's agreement with Turkey, which Merkel backed? Kurz: Both were effective, both made sense. Whichever measure we employ to put a stop to illegal immigration and provide help in the countries of origin is a good measure. In recent months things have been moving in a good direction on the European level, thank God. Italy has completely changed its policy. But it would be a fatal mistake to think that the immigration question has been resolved and we can put our feet up. The numbers are lower than they have been in recent years, but they're still too high and the pressure driving immigration isn't about to lessen. SPIEGEL: What would you like to see happen? Kurz: On a European level we need to fight hard to put a stop to immigration. Frontex needs a completely new mandate, we need to build up a common protection policy for our outer borders which doesn't leave Italy and Greece having to deal with the problem by themselves. We in Austria are prepared to do our bit with police and the military. SPIEGEL: During the election campaign, you talked about shutting down the Mediterranean route. How would that work? Kurz: We have to make it clear than anyone who attempts to enter Europe illegally will not be granted asylum here. We should be rescuing people on the EU's outer borders, taking care of them but then sending them back to transit countries or their countries of origin. We should only be taking people in through resettlement programs and boosting assistance in the countries of origin. SPIEGEL: And how would that work? Would you have the boats stopped and their passengers sent back to Libya? Kurz: To start with we need to cooperate more with the Libyan coast guard so that people don't even start the journey and the boats can't even launch. Once someone has been picked up, they shouldn't be brought to the Italian mainland. And if it's not possible to take people back where they came from, they should be taken to safe centers where they can be taken care of. But they should not be promised a better life in Europe. If we make that promise, then more and more people will try to come here. SPIEGEL: At the height of the refugee crisis in 2015, what was the German chancellor's biggest mistake? Kurz: Her mistakes are not the issue here. Many in Europe were pushing for a policy that was wrong - an open borders policy. They thought that anyone who made it to Europe should have the right to apply for asylum here. So increasing numbers of people seized the opportunity. The result was that we were unable to cope, and many people lost their lives in the Mediterranean. I have always rejected this policy and thank God not many politicians have continued to pursue it. SPIEGEL: Will you join forces with Eastern European countries regarding the immigration question? Kurz: I am glad of every country in the EU that has the same position on the immigration question as I do. At this point there are many, and we're joined by others every month. We're not going to solve the immigration problem by distributing them throughout Europe. SPIEGEL: How do you see your role in relations with Hungary and the Czech Republic, countries with which Austria has close ties? Kurz: Austria could be a sort of bridgehead between Eastern and Western Europe. Economically this has always been very useful and I believe it's our role politically, too. SPIEGEL: You describe yourself as a staunch pro-European but you're considering a coalition with a euro-skeptic party. What do you hope to achieve when Austria assumes the rotating presidency of the European Council next year? Kurz: I represent a mainstream party and the voters have given me a mandate as a pro-European agent of change. We would like to make the EU more subsidiary and more collaborative, and to take more of a backseat on issues where nation states can make better decisions. SPIEGEL: What exactly does that mean? Kurz: We need closer collaboration on foreign and defense policy. Bigger member states, in particular, aren't always as interested, but we are. We don't need to have a social union, I don't believe in that. How is it supposed to work? Should Austria's social standards fall to Romanian levels? Should Austria's minimum wage of 850 euros a month be introduced in Romania - where it would be well above the average income? We don't always need more rules in Europe. But we should see to it that existing rules are respected, from Maastricht to Dublin. SPIEGEL: In Brussels, will you oppose Emmanuel Macron's proposed reforms? Kurz: I like a lot of his ideas. Especially what he says about immigration and security. As far as budget policy is concerned, we're closer to Germany. I agree with Wolfgang Schauble. There are some issues where I don't agree with France or Germany, and there's nothing wrong with that. SPIEGEL: What will you do if the SPO and the FPO form a coalition to keep you out? Kurz: The Austrian president holds the reins after an election. It is a question that we aren't currently facing. SPIEGEL: You became foreign minister at the age of 27 and you look set to become chancellor at the age of 31. What will you be doing when you're 45? Do you have other ambitions? Kurz: I can get enthusiastic about a lot of things and I have enjoyed everything I've done in my life so far. I have always known that I won't spend my whole career in politics. I will be a politician for as long as I feel I have something to contribute. But to be honest, I am not in the least bit worried that there also nice things in life outside of politics. SPIEGEL: Mr. Kurz, we thank you for this interview. As such, three years after the Crimea annexation, the alliance's military architecture is facing far-reaching restructuring. The period of the so-called "peace dividend" - a term referring to the years following 1989 when Western countries felt they no longer needed to spend as much money on their defensive capabilities - is over and Cold War command structures have returned. Once again, NATO should be prepared for a large military conflict, for a "MJO+," as it is called in military jargon. The invocation of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, whereby an attack on one member is seen as an attack on all, would constitute such a "Major Joint Operation Plus." The alliance "must be able to rapidly reinforce a threatened ally or allies, to underpin deterrence in peacetime and crises, and to reinforce an ally or allies for defense in case of attack," the report reads. It must also be able to quickly mobilize and sustain troops, "whatever the nature, demand, destination or duration of the operation, mission or activity." To ensure that capability, "a robust civil/military logistics structure and enabling capabilities" are required, including lines of communication from North America to the eastern and southern borders of NATO territory and "intra-European routes." Defense ministers from the 29 NATO member states assigned the task of reforming the alliance's command structures back in February. In the future, the alliance must be able to carry out several operations concurrently at the maximum "level of ambition," they said at the time. 'Relevant and Robust' Hitherto existing NATO command structures is "at best, only partially fit for purpose and, while it has not been tested, would quickly fail if confronted with the full NATO Level of Ambition," the secret NATO paper notes. This "level of ambition" is designed as "MJO+." In other words, NATO is preparing for a possible war with Russia. NATO military leaders have long known that the alliance's command structures are no longer up to the task of a major conflict with Russia. A week ago Friday, they presented the NATO Military Committee with their suggestions for augmenting the officer staff. Now, all member states have the opportunity to comment on the plans and in early November, defense ministers will likely approve it. "We recognize the need to adapt and modernize the alliance and its command structure," says Norwegian Defense Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide. "Norway is committed to ensuring that NATO's command structure remains relevant and robust." Her Danish counterpart Claus Hjort Frederiksen says: "Russia has broken international law," making it necessary for the alliance to review its structures. "NATO is the strongest defensive alliance in the world because for the last 70 years, it has constantly adapted to new challenges." Lithuanian Defense Minister Raimundas Karoblis likewise demands improved structures for "NATO's deterrence and military reinforcement measures" in Eastern Europe. The new structure should "support NATO's posture in vulnerable areas, such as the Baltic region." Only a few numbers are necessary to document the atrophy that has befallen the alliance. Before the fall of the Berlin Wall, 23,000 soldiers served in NATO command posts, but hundreds of thousands of American troops were also stationed in Europe at the time. In a crisis, military leaders could have quickly mobilized both troops and materiel and sent them east. Supply lines across the Atlantic from the U.S. to Europe were also better organized. From 1952 to 2003, NATO maintained a specific command tasked solely with transporting military supplies to Europe. Every day, the supreme allied commander, an American admiral based in Norfolk, Virginia, planned for a potential large-scale confrontation with the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact. But then the wall fell and relations with Russia briefly thawed. It seemed the time had come to disarm and take advantage of the peace dividend. By 2011, the command posts had shrunk by 10,000 officers to just 13,000. These days, only 6,800 show up for service in the two command headquarters in Brunssum, the Netherlands and Mons, Belgium. No Longer Unthinkable For quite some time, the smaller command posts were more than sufficient because the armies belonging to the alliance no longer saw large land wars as the greatest risk. Indeed, the militaries underwent substantial changes, instead focusing on "international crisis management," a reference to smaller missions outside alliance territory. The need to defend national and alliance territory seemed obsolete, a relic from the times of the Cold War. The alliance was completely taken off guard by the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Suddenly, the idea of war in Europe was no longer outlandish and it was no longer unthinkable that Russia could turn its attentions to the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, all of which had been Soviet republics. Unsurprisingly, concern was particularly high in Eastern European NATO member states. The Baltic countries and Poland insisted that the alliance had to send a strong message and they demanded reassurances that NATO would rush to their aid should the need arise. They were heard and at the 2014 NATO summit in Wales, the alliance agreed to send combat units to the four countries. The "battlegroups," each of which made up of around 1,000 troops under the leadership of the four largest NATO partners - the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom and Germany - are to act as an early-warning system. The "Enhanced Forward Presence" is too small to be particularly meaningful from a military point of view, but it is a clear message to Russia that NATO is determined to defend its territory, even in the former Soviet republics in the Baltics. Algiers, Oct 20, 2017 (SPS) The 42nd European Coordinating Conference of Support to the Sahrawi People (EUCOCO 2017), to take place in Paris, France, on 21 and 22 October, is a major annual event during which the participants would reaffirm their support to the Sahrawi cause and the inalienable right of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination and independence. During the conference, which will be held under the slogan "Self-determination of Sahrawi people, an inalienable right," there will be workshops focusing mainly on three themes: political situation, human rights and natural resources, said the organizers on their website. The participants will present the achievements and prospects of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and the Polisario Front, with a view to better coordinating the urgent humanitarian aid and aid for development. During the 2016 edition, held in Spain's Villanova, the participants called on the international community to exert pressure on Morocco and the Spanish government to put an end to the illegal occupation of the Sahrawi territories. This year's edition will be an opportunity to develop the theme of human rights in Western Sahara, through the experience of the defence of Gdeim Izik prisoners, as well as by calling for the setting-up of a mechanism for human rights monitoring and the extension of the mandate of the United Nations Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). (SPS) 062/SPS/APS The report was presented at the RABDFs policy and business conference in London by report author Mike Houghton, a partner with Andersons. Mr Houghton was awarded the inaugural Trehane Trust Fellowship last year to report on Identifying a Strategy for the UK Dairy Industry Post-Referendum, and undertook extensive research in the UK as well as the US and across the EU before reaching his conclusions. At the conference, Mr Houghton argued that while prospects for lowland farms retaining subsidy look slim unless clear public benefit is being delivered, this isnt necessarily a bad thing. Forty years of income support appears to have done little to improve productivity and efficiency in the dairy sector, and so a change to the support system should not automatically be seen as a negative, he explained. But there are some stumbling blocks how we manage volatility of price for one. Risk management tools are an obvious solution, particularly for heavily invested businesses which are viable at 26-28p per litre but would not survive for long at sub-20p. Some processors and independents are developing such tools, but banks and Government might also assist in this area. Much of the variation in price could also be ironed out through better communication, use of technology, and improved management of supply and demand. A quicker reaction to oversupply situations is in everyones interests; at present the industry appears to respond to reducing milk prices by producing more milk, at least in the short term, he added. At farmgate level, this might be take the form of better A and B pricing models. At a global level it could mean setting up an OMEC the milk producing equivalent of OPEC which manages fluctuations in price by balancing supply and demand. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Amazon isn't going anywhere. Well, that's not entirely true. Thursday marked the deadline for cities to submit bids for the companies new headquarters (aka HQ2) with a winner announced sometime next year. But based on Amazon's real estate moves the last couple of days, it's pretty clear they won't be vacating Seattle anytime soon. On Monday, our friends at GeekWire reported that Amazon would take over the top six floors of the 88-year-old Macy's building on Pine Street. RELATED: Deadline day comes for Amazon's HQ2 bids Amazon has long been rumored to be interested in the Pemco Insurance building, and in 2020, the online giant is planning on moving into the 722,000 square feet of office space at the soon-to-be constructed Rainier Square skyscraper in downtown Seattle. In its request for HQ2 proposals, Amazon acknowledged the reach the company already has in Seattle, with 33 buildings and 8.1 million square feet of office space in the city -- and that was before the Macy's building deal was confirmed. At the end of 2019, Amazon is projected to occupy over 13 million square feet of office space in the Seattle area. If they were all under one roof, say at the Columbia Center tower, it would require that building to be 642 stories tall, or 566 more than the tower currently has. RELATED: Guess who's moving into Seattle's new Rainier Square skyscraper Over 40,000 employees work at Amazon, but unless you're one of them, chances are you don't really know which buildings house "The Everything Store." Since Amazon doesn't make all of its location information public, it's hard to know exactly how much real estate it takes up in the city. But commercial real estate firms in town have pretty good guesses, and with their help we were able to come up with what we believe to be a fairly comprehensive rundown of Amazon's current presence in Seattle. Check out the gallery above for Google Maps images of Amazon's current Seattle campus. (Note: A few of the Google Maps images are a bit dated, which we've tried to note in the captions.) Seattlepi.com reporter Stephen Cohen can be reached at 206-448-8313 or stephencohen@seattlepi.com. Follow Stephen on Twitter at @scohenPI. Halloween isn't just for the kids.Southwestern Connecticut's bars and restaurants are hosting a number of Halloween costume parties with prizes, dancing and lots of food and drink. More Entertainment Guide to haunted houses and hayrides in Connecticut 2019 Click through to see when and where you can party the night(s) away this Halloween season. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate In conjunction with National Mammography Day, which is Friday, the Department of Public Health is urging women to schedule an appointment for a mammogram. No-cost screenings are available for Connecticut women who qualify. Mammogram screenings are x-ray exams used to detect breast cancer in women who may not show or be aware of breast cancer symptoms. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women ages 50 to 74 to have a mammogram screening every two years. Women ages 40 to 49 years should discuss with their health care provider whether and how often they should get screened. Click through the slideshow above to see some stats on breast cancer in the U.S. Many factors over the course of a lifetime can influence your breast cancer risk, but you can lower your risk of breast cancer by taking care of your health. Mammography can help find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Talk to your doctor about which breast cancer screening tests are right for you, and when you should have them. said Lisa McCooey, Director of DPHs Comprehensive Cancer Program in a news release. Getting screened regularly could save your life. Residents who cannot afford regular mammograms may be eligible for free services. The Connecticut Department of Public Healths Early Detection and Prevention Program provides breast cancer screenings at locations throughout Connecticut for women with no or low income and who have no or limited health insurance. To find the closest CEDPP program, go to www.ct.gov/dph/earlydetection or call 860-509-7804. The American Cancer Society estimates nearly 40,610 women in the United States will die this year from breast cancer and that almost 430 will be right here in Connecticut. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women of all races and ethnicities. In Connecticut, the incidence of breast cancer in women in 2009 through 2013 was 138 per 100,000 women the third highest rate in the US. The breast cancer mortality rate for Connecticut women for 2009 through 2013 was 19.1 per 100,000 women the 13th lowest rate in the US. These rates highlight the importance of detecting breast cancer early when treatments are more effective. University of Connecticut Police Department via AP STORRS A Georgia woman accused of stealing more than $773,000 from the University of Connecticut by hacking into the school's vendor-payment system is in custody. Police say 38-year-old Muthini Nzuki of Kennesaw, Georgia, diverted 32 payments meant for computer vendor Dell into her personal accounts between April 13 and May 22. SCOTTSBLUFF As people clean up their properties for the approaching winter, its also a good time to clean out the medicine cabinet to get rid of unused and expired drugs. Since 2008, Keep Scottsbluff-Gering Beautiful has partnered with Panhandle Coop System to schedule a Pharmaceutical Take-Back Event where people can bring their expired and unused drugs for proper disposal. Usually held in the spring, an additional event has been scheduled for this fall. It runs from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 21, southwest of Main Street Market at South Beltline and Ave. B in Scottsbluff. Cassidy Baum, executive director of Keep Scottsbluff-Gering Beautiful, said the additional drug take-back event was made possible by a grant from the Nebraska Department of Environment Quality. I was hearing from community members about how long they had to hang on to expired drugs. They asked if there was another way to get rid of them on a more regular basis, she said. Last spring, we collected about 1,200 pounds of pills and 1,200 pounds of sharps, which is pretty typical. She added that in past years, some people have brought in one pill bottle while others have brought in boxes of expired drugs. While some pharmacies are now accepting expired prescription drugs, the Pharmaceutical Take-Back Event is the only local place that can accept sharps for disposal. The event got started after our local Keep Scottsbluff-Gering Beautiful director was at a national conference where they were talking about the problem of pharmaceuticals going into the water system, said Susan Wiedeman of Panhandle Coop. People were just flushing hormones, narcotics and other potentially dangerous drugs. Most municipal water treatment systems wont filter all of that out. After an initial successful event in 2008, the program expanded to include sharps needles used for insulin and other injectable drugs. Wiedeman said that while the take-back event addresses an environmental issue, its also important from a social standpoint. As opioid drug abuse becomes more of a problem nationwide, theres a growing need to keep these drugs away from unauthorized users. Law enforcement members will be on hand to properly secure for disposal any drugs on the Food and Drug Administrations schedule of narcotics. Other medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, are shipped to a Clean Harbors facility for disposal. Wiedeman said they recycle as much of the packaging as possible, but about half the total weight theyre shipping is from sharps. She reminded the public that sharps need to be in a safe, puncture-proof container. Its fine if people want to take their names off the prescription bottles, she said. But we ask people to turn in the original bottles along with the label that identifies the type of drug. That makes it easier for us to identify. Baum said that judging from the quality of drugs they collect, theres an ongoing need for the disposal service in the community. For more information, call Keep Scottsbluff-Gering Beautiful at 308-632-4649. CHADRON Once a hub of the pioneer fur trade and a key player in Americas cowboy, cavalry and Native American history, Chadron is known today as the home of Chadron State College and headquarters of U.S Forest Service operations in Nebraska. In its earliest days, it was a railroad town. Its depot served the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company, one of the biggest railroad companies in the nation with more than 12,000 miles of track in seven states. In the railroads heyday in 1893, Chadrons fire chief fired a Colt revolver into the air and sent nine riders toward Chicago along the line in the Chadron-to-Chicago Cowboy Race, billed as Americas longest horse race. Thirteen days later, Josiah Joe Gillespie of Coxville, Nebraska, collected $250 and a Colt pistol as the official winner. The CNW hauled beef and grain from Nebraska, ran passenger trains with names such as the Challenger and the Overland Limited and stationed agents in dozens of small towns to manage freight delivery, offer telegraph services, serve as Justices of the Peace and even perform weddings. They called it the Cowboy Line, said Lynn Bilyeu of Chadron, now 93, who made a career of keeping CNW trains on the tracks. He joined the railroad in 1946 as a student telegrapher, learning to use the railroads version of Morse Code. He worked in many of the tiny towns along the route, such as Long Pine, Crookston and Lusk, Wyoming, sometimes relieving other railroad officials during a vacation or other absences, sometimes taking over when one retired. The trains would stop at every town and unload merchandise and collect the money, he recalls. They had an agent in almost every town. Bilyeu was never a station agent, but eventually he became a dispatcher. It was a single-track railroad. The dispatcher had to keep the trains from running into one another, he said. All we had was a telegraph to tell a train to get on the siding and let the other train go by. On his first night at Valentine, he loaded 21 cream cans onto a train. The last three fell off and spilled. I didnt know what to do, so I called the agent, he said. He told me, You see that shovel over there, Load it back into the same cans. Theres a lot worse stuff in there. At 23, he didnt argue. The railroad paid well, and plenty of others would have been happy to take the job. There was always the risk of being bumped by someone with more seniority. He got bumped from Valentine. He bumped an operator from Belle Fourche, South Dakota. When you worked for the railroad, you expected to move around. He went to Lusk, Wyoming, just west of the Nebraska border, in 1948. Lusk was a heck of a place, he said. It was the only town where they brought in silver dollars. Most towns traded them out, but they wanted them for the gambling. They had a lot of gambling joints hid out behind the pool halls. One time the dispatcher there got a call from a farmer, who reported that one of the railroads motor cars had passed by his place with nobody on it. Railroad workers scrambled to get the crossings cleared as it headed east. They finally derailed it with a switch at Dakota Junction, an intersection of railroads five miles west of Chadron, he said. The operator had gotten drunk and fell off. He wasnt working there much longer after that. Locomotives chugged through the narrow confines of the scenic White River valley, past communities such as Andrews, now a ghost town, and Glen, where only a few residents dwell today. Only the earthen grade and crumbling trestles remain in the serene canyons, where trains would collect logs used for pulpwood from the nearby Pine Ridge forests. One time some cars broke loose at Glen. Ten cars got loose and were heading down the hill, he said. Those cars rolled all the way to Dakota Junction. Bilyeu takes blame for a wreck that happened during heavy snow. He avoided disaster by slowing the trains and warning one onto a siding. Part of it was left on the main line, where the second ran into its caboose. After a hearing that he likened to a military court martial, he lost his job. On the way out the door, one of his bosses whispered that he should expect to get rehired. In a blizzard like that the communication is pretty bad. Somehow I got the two times mixed up, he said. Three weeks later they called me back. After that they changed the rules about keeping distance between trains. One of his most memorable events was the blizzard of 1949. Already enduring one of the worst winters on records, Nebraska was hit with a two-day storm Jan. 2-3 that killed 76 people and more than 158,000 head of cattle and sheep. It covered fenceposts, left vehicles buried under drifts and took weeks to clear. In Lusk the snow drifts were so deep you would walk up above and have to slide down into the stores if you wanted to buy something, he said. The passenger trains quit running. We didnt want anybody stuck in the snow. Standing train crews would run out of allowable work time and have to be relieved. Even paychecks were delayed. When a farmer would come in with cash thered be a mad dash to put your check into the drawer, so you could take the money, he said. Snowplows worked non-stop to clear the tracks. The next thing you know it would be drifted back again, he said. The railroad spent a lot of money doing that. It was 30 days before they got things moving right. His division had responsibility for the west end of the line, from Long Pine in Nebraska west to Lander in Wyoming, north to Belle Fourche and east to Pierre in South Dakota. As time went by, the division grew larger but the number of stops and services diminished. It was a really good company when I started. New management came in and started cutting everything, he said. When they started closing stations, it was always in the small towns. In time there was no agent between here and Valentine. The technology changed too. Telegraphs gave way to telephones and radios. Bilyeu came to Chadron as a telegrapher in 1950 but was promoted to dispatcher. By then the trains were hauling mostly freight, with growing competition from trucks as the nations freeway system expanded. The railroad made up some of the losses hauling coal, rebuilding its Wyoming tracks and connecting with the Union Pacific. But the passenger service ended. That gave them an excuse to start closing the depots, he said. We had no agents along the line to receive the trains, so we started using radios. As the overnight dispatcher, he sat alone in the Chadron depot from midnight until 8 a.m. It was kind of lonesome, he said. During the day there were lots of guys around. At one point, the Nebraska state fire marshal condemned the depot. Bilyeu planned to move to Rapid City, but Chadron objected and paid to fix up the depot. The fire marshal OKd it, so I stayed, he said. But that didnt last long. Eventually the old building was demolished. A newer CNW facility was built but eventually sold to the Forest Service. Over the years, track sales and abandonment reduced the railroads total mileage to about 5,000. One by one the passenger trains shut down, ending with the formation of Amtrak in 1971. The railroad arranged the sale of its assets to its employees in 1972. You could buy a share for $500, he said. That didnt last long either. In April 1995, the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company was acquired by the Union Pacific Railroad, and the company ceased to exist. Its Chadron successor, the Nebkota Railway, began operations in 1994 on the old Cowboy Line track between Merriman and Chadron. For a time, it offered a three-hour passenger excursion through the scenic Pine Ridge. It later abandoned 43 miles of track between Merriman and Rushville after losing grain shipments from Gordon. In September 2007, Nebkota abandoned almost all the remaining line between Rushville and Chadron. In 2010, the newly formed Nebraska Northwestern Railroad purchased the line between Dakota Junction and Chadron, including the Chadron rail yard. Today, Chadrons only rail service runs west, connecting with other lines at Dakota Junction and Crawford and hauling mostly grain. The old Cowboy Line, its ties and rails removed, has become the Cowboy Trail, a rails-to-trails recreational conversion. From Chadron to Norfolk when completed, it will cover 321 miles through some of the states most picturesque landscapes. Bilyeu worked until 1984, retiring shortly before the company began hauling coal through Chadron. He keeps a scrapbook with faded photographs of stations where he worked, locomotives piled up in collisions and snow drifts that kept the trains from running. Along with the Cowboy Trail, theyre all that remain of the once-proud Chicago and North Western. Ive been retired almost as long as I worked, he said. Scotts Bluff County Sheriff's Deputy Troy Brown said that deputies assisted after a Nebraska Game and Parks Conservation officer had contact with Scott Bosse, 46, as the officer investigated a violation and Bosse allegedly pointed a gun at the officer. Brown said that the area was contained and the Nebraska State Patrol negotiated with Bosse for five hours before he surrendered. He was arrested on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and obstructing a police officer but has since been released from jail after posting 10 percent of a $60,000 bond. CHADRON A grand jury will be convened in the investigation of a man who authorities say killed himself as police responded to a welfare check. According to a press release from the Dawes County Attorneys Office, Chadron police had been called to perform a welfare check at a Chadron business. Preliminary reports indicate that upon police arriving at the scene, a man exited the business, then immediately went back inside the building. Shortly thereafter, officers heard what may have been a gunshot. After taking safety precautions, officers entered the building, where they discovered the body of 37-year-old Adrian Jensen. Jensen appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the release said. Dawes County Attorney Vance Haug, acting as coroner, was called to the scene to investigate. As Jensen died while being apprehended by law enforcement for possible mental health evaluation, Haug has asked for the Nebraska State Patrol to assist in the investigation. A grand jury will be convened at the conclusion of the investigation, as required by statute. Haug has also ordered an autopsy and toxicological screening to be completed. The Bahai Faith community of Scottsbluff and Gering is observing the 200th anniversary of the birth of the faiths founder, Bahaullah. Members invite the public to join them on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 3-8 p.m. at the Kiwanis Lodge at the Trails West YMCA Camp as they celebrate the Light of Unity Festival. The event will include childrens activities, a Bahai video at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., refreshments and more. In conjunction with the observance, the book Bahai Basics has been accepted into the collection at the Gering Public Library and is available for checkout. More information is available from Jurene at 308-765-5477 or Linda at 605-786-5383, or their website at www.bahai.org. TORRINGTON, Wyo. The Goshen County Historical Society will pick up its fall session with a program about Wyomings airmail pioneers. The meeting is free and open to the public, and will be held at the Platte County Bank on Tuesday, Oct. 24, beginning at 7 p.m. Long-time Wyoming Historical Society members, Starley Talbott Thompson and Michael Kassel will present their research about the United States Transcontinental Air Mail Services. It was the first of its kind in the world, and one of romanticism and danger. The western leg of the airmail service from Chicago to San Francisco included the Mountain Division, headquartered in Cheyenne. The route through Wyoming, considered the most treacherous, provided harrowing tales of the pilots who risked their lives. These folk heroes, aviation legends and icons of western history are captured in the speakers new book, Wyoming Airmail Pioneers. WASHINGTON The head of the Environmental Protection Agency sought Tuesday to calm Midwestern senators who could block his nominees if the agency sets renewable fuel mandates too low. All four GOP senators from Iowa and Nebraska attended Tuesdays face-to-face meeting with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt in the Capitol Hill office of Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa. After the meeting, lawmakers indicated that they got assurances of more conversation but no commitment on numbers. Just hours before the meeting, Grassley bluntly answered a reporters question about what leverage the group would have if the agency fails to listen. Hold up EPA nominees, Grassley said. I think theres plenty of senators would do that. The dispute centers on the EPAs recently released proposals for the mandated levels of ethanol and biodiesel usage under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Those policies are followed closely by Nebraska and Iowa, the nations top two producers of ethanol. Renewable fuels groups have criticized the agencys latest numbers as too low, particularly its levels for biodiesel. A bipartisan group of 33 senators wrote Pruitt on Monday objecting to those biodiesel requirements as insufficient. These proposed volumes do not reflect the existing potential for the biodiesel and renewable diesel industries in our states and could cause near-term job losses and discourage investment in capacity and new fuel development, they wrote. Grassley signed that letter, along with Sens. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., and Joni Ernst, R-Iowa. Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., did not sign it but instead sent his own letter saying that while the agency has some waiver authority, it should strive to issue volume requirements that respect the intent of Congress. Sasse praised Pruitt for listening to concerns during Tuesdays meeting and explaining the pressures coming from various interests. He said Pruitt was not in a position to offer guarantees because he has to gather more information before finalizing the numbers next month. Pruitt left the meeting without speaking to reporters. Fischer and Ernst are both members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which oversees the agency and will be considering EPA nominees. The administrator gave us assurances that hes going to continue his conversations with us and committed to working with us on a variety of issues that deal with the RFS, Fischer said after the meeting. Fischer indicated support for at least one key EPA nominee but did not rule out using the nomination process to get the agencys attention on the RFS. There are always options available for senators to use, Fischer said. An Oklahoman, Pruitts ties to the oil and gas industry caused some heartburn among Midwestern senators when he was nominated for the position, and he won confirmation only after offering them reassurances during a similar meeting in Grassleys office. Ernst recalled that earlier session in a press release she issued after Tuesdays meeting. Administrator Pruitt again claimed today that he will not do anything to undermine the program, Ernst said. However, we have heard this before. We now need to see it. I will continue to work with the EPA, but they must prove to the agricultural community who put their faith in this administration that they will fulfill their promise to maintain the letter and the spirit of the RFS. We will not accept anything less. Speaking to reporters, Grassley pointed to President Donald Trumps campaign promises to support ethanol. Grassley said Trump called him not long ago to assure him that he would stand by that support. I reiterated this story to Mr. Pruitt and said that you can get in the weeds about what you ought to do or not do as a way of policy, but this is an issue of the president keeping his promise to the people, Grassley said. LINCOLN Joshua Keadle, who had long been a suspect in the 2010 disappearance of a Peru State College student, was charged Tuesday with first-degree murder. The body of Tyler Thomas, 19, was never found, and Keadle, a fellow student, maintained that he dropped her off at a remote boat launch on the Missouri River the night of Dec. 3. Charges were filed against Keadle, 36, in Nemaha County District Court by the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office and Nemaha County Attorneys Office. Thomas had been reported missing by two students after she failed to return to her Peru State dormitory on Dec. 3. Extensive searches by family members, volunteers, law enforcement and trained dog handlers in the following days were not successful. The Attorney Generals Office will prosecute the case, which was the product of investigations by the Nebraska State Patrol and Nemaha County Sheriffs Office. In 2012, Keadle was sentenced to 15 to 20 years in prison for first-degree sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl in Fremont in 2008 while he was a student at Midland College. The priority of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) for the cold season is the adequate management of emergencies and medical situations, Interior Minister Carmen Dan told a Friday's a videoconference with prefects. She mentioned that at present, around 1,000 ambulances and eight SMURD aircraft are made available daily at national level to those in need, with more than 2,700 ambulances to be added soon. "At the level of the whole country, we have 36 vehicles on caterpillars prepared and, if necessary, based on the partnership between the Emergency Situation Inspectorate and the National Road Infrastructure Management Company, their number can be supplemented by another seven. Soon, the ambulance fleet will be renewed (...) by approximately 2,200 ambulances that will be for public ambulance services, and some 500 ambulances will serve the SMURD," Dan told the meeting with the prefects and representatives of the other authorities with responsibilities in managing situations caused by the effects of the cold season. The minister of the interior demanded that the county public health directorates update their lists of people who require dialysis and with pregnant women. "For this we need to be prepared and have the capacity to mobilize fast, to allocate resources whenever needed so that we can react promptly whenever citizens need it. I demand that local authorities make sure that those shelter spaces be adequate and equipped with all that is necessary to be used if required," Dan pointed out. At the same time, the minister asked the prefects to draw up reports on the stockpiles of anti-skid materials and snow-clearing contracts and equipment for the winter season 2017-2018, and warned not that apologies for inappropriate preparing would not be accepted. "Until the RO-alert system becomes operational, I urge local authorities to send and pay close attention to weather warnings, and also to use all means of transmitting to the public the messages coming from the National Meteorological Authority. I call on the local authorities who have not been able to make stockpiles of anti-skid materials so far to conclude snow-clearing contracts to solve this problem. We are talking about people's safety. I consider that no one will be able to say they will be taken by surprise by the weather forecast this winter or they did not have enough time to prepare," Dan said. The minister of the interior also required that the head of the Romanian Police take measures to restrict temporarily, when required, the road sections that could put motorists' life at risk. Agerpres. . 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. The solidarity tax exists, it currently stands at 0.25 percent, and the Finance Ministry makes calculations so that the insurance fund will remain in the same amount, changing the reporting base, declared Prime Minister Mihai Tudose. "Today, this tax exists. (...) the employer pays this tax 0.25pct, which is also an insurance tax demanded by the European Union and claimed by trade unions. It will be an insurance fund, either this tax stands at 0.25pct or 1pct, the Ministry of Finance does the calculations, and since the reporting base, is changed, it will have to remain in the same amount. That is what it is about," Prime Minister Mihai Tudose told a press conference in Deva on Friday when asked about the solidarity tax. Agerpres. President Klaus Iohannis said in Brussels on Friday, after the meeting of the European Council, that the message sent by the Union's leaders is a positive one and that they want to make the Union "better, closer to the citizen." "There have been two days of good discussions. The general message we can convey after these two days is a positive one. We are united, we are determined to move ahead, not just anyhow, but with optimism, so that we can make the Union better, closer to the citizen. We have worked in both formats - [including] the EU28 format, with the UK. (...) Today, we have discussed the so-called Leaders' agenda, proposed by [European Council] President Donald Tusk, an agenda for the following two years, which plans how and where we meet, so that we can clarify as many issues as possible and are able to design the future of the EU. It is an important paradigm shift," the head of state said, adding that the two days of discussions were intense. According to him, Romania wants to enter a strategic planning area. "Over the recent years, we have usually reacted to what happened to us, we have tried to manage crises. Now we want to enter a strategic planning area and build the future of the Union ourselves, as we think it must be for the European citizens." President Iohannis announced that Romania has decided, together with the countries participating in the meeting, to support the Nuclear Agreement with Iran. "Last night we discussed a very important topic, not only for the Union, but for everybody - the Nuclear Agreement with Iran. We unanimously decided to support this agreement. You know that there currently is a discussion on an international level. We, the European Union, continue to support the nuclear agreement with Iran," the head of state stressed. The migration topic was also on the agenda of the European Council meeting in Brussels. "Yesterday we had a discussion on migration and I must admit that it was the first talk on migration on a rather positive, confident note. We have good results on all migration routes, in the sense that this migration flow has diminished very much. This is due to both the efforts of the Union and the efforts made by some member states. For instance, Italy got highly involved, with very nice results," the head of state said. The discussions on Friday, which were conducted in the EU27 format, without the UK, referred to Brexit. "We have a negotiation team, headed by Mr Michel Barnier, that negotiates the Brexit conditions. Initially, we worked in the idea of finding today a solution allowing us take the next step. The negotiations were intense, progress was made, but not sufficient. Therefore, today we noted that not enough progress was made to go to the next stage in the relation with the UK, however this mustn't create a particular pessimism, the positions have been negotiated, they have gotten closer, but not enough to go further. Negotiations will go on and we'll be trying to get the approval to continue at the next Council meeting in December," President Iohannis underscored. According to him, the Brexit calendar is no longer observed. "The calendar is no longer observed, it is clear, but that was a calendar with the option proposal that was thought feasible. We cannot overlook sensitive points for the sake of an agenda," the Romanian head of state showed. Asked about the EU's relation with Turkey, with particular reference to the cut in pre-accession funding, Klaus Iohannis showed that the discussion was rather of mutual briefing and background. "These matters are quite complex. You very well know that certain statements have been made on both sides, which haven't necessarily been positive. The developments in Turkey obviously create certain concern for many political leaders, and we discussed all these matters. We are going to find - together with Turkey - a future collaboration formula," the President detailed. President Klaus Iohannis participated on Thursday and Friday in the European Council meeting in Brussels, which mainly approached migration topics, the Union's digital agenda, security and defence, the relations between the EU and Turkey and the North Korean file. EU's future was also tackled during the Council's meeting, a context in which the Leaders' Agenda was discussed, a document proposed by the Council President, detailing on the calendar and topics to be discussed by the European leaders by the end of the first half of 2019. Furthermore, a session in EU27 format took place, devoted to discussions referring to the UK leaving the EU, for the assessment of the progress made so far in the negotiation process. Agerpres. Area manufacturers, schools, financial institutions and health care providers riddled lawyers with inquiries last week, in the wake of the passage of Amendment 3. Employers were left to ponder: What do they need or want to know about their employees' after-hours cannabis use? Chouteau Greenway backers are getting the international response they desired from landscape architects and engineers who want the job to design the biking and hiking route between Forest Park and the St. Louis riverfront. The online request for design proposals has been downloaded more than 170 times since it was posted in September. Great Rivers Greenway officials said that, so far, interest is coming from design teams across the United States and from Spain, England, China, Scotland, Japan, Slovenia, Germany, India, Turkey, the Netherlands and Norway. Susan Trautman, Great Rivers executive director, said this week she prefers landscape architects and engineers to work as teams to propose designs suitable for the dense, urban corridor the greenway will traverse. A design goal is to produce destinations along the greenway as well as to provide pedestrians and bikers a travel route. Not only do we want creativity, we want really solid engineering, said Trautman, who leads the public agency that builds the regions network of recreational trails, including the Chouteau Greenway. Bookended by Washington University and Forest Park on the west and the Arch on the east, the Chouteau Greenway will be a trail running through the Washington University medical complex, the Cortex Innovation District, St. Louis University, Grand Center, Harris-Stowe State University, midtown and downtown. With spurs to the north and south, the greenway could consist of 5 to 7 miles of trail, including a short segment alongside the Cortex MetroLink station under construction near Boyle Avenue. The greenways outline has been considered for more than 15 years. Trautman said the current design competition will build on previous plans. Donald Stastny, the Portland, Ore., architect who managed the design competition for the CityArchRiver project to redo the Arch grounds, is performing the same job for the Chouteau Greenway project. A panel of nine local and international experts will evaluate the greenway teams qualifications and recommend four finalists, each of which will get a $75,000 privately funded stipend to produce its plan. A 40-member citizen advisory group recently chosen from among 205 applicants will help evaluate the proposals. After public review, the finalists plans will be presented to the selection panel in late April, officials said. The winning team will be expected to complete its design by next June. Trautman said the greenways price, construction timeline and division of costs have yet to be determined. A goal of the public-private project is to produce a St. Louis version of the High Line the conversion of an abandoned rail trestle in New York as an elevated linear park or the BeltLine, a recreational trail around downtown Atlanta and nearby neighborhoods. Both projects are credited with increased liveliness in nearby areas. Trautman and others want the Chouteau Greenway to provide a similar boost in St. Louis. The most High Line-like part of the Chouteau Greenway would be the reuse of the derelict rail trestle that curves through part of the City Foundry project site on Forest Park Avenue just south of SLU. Lawrence Group is redeveloping a former factory as a food hall, stores and offices. Steve Smith, Lawrence Groups chief executive, said he hopes the old trestle will be part of the unique experience to connect City Foundry to the rest of the greenway. Determining construction costs and who pays them is down the road. We do not know how the trail will be paid for in large part because we really dont know what it will cost or where it will even go as of yet, Smith said. But Lawrence Group is already participating in the cost of this effort, and I would expect that the City Foundry STL project would be part of the final funding of the construction of the trail. Others funding the design competition are the city, Washington University, Washington University Medical Center Redevelopment Corp., Arch to Park Collaborative, Forest Park Forever, Grand Center Inc., Great Rivers Greenway Foundation, Green Street St. Louis and SLU. Hank Webber, Washington Universitys executive vice chancellor for administration, said in a statement that a Chouteau Greenway goal is to improve connections among neighborhoods and institutions. Successful cities around the world not only have great assets, they have great ways to connect those assets, he said. This project celebrates St. Louis many vibrant neighborhoods and great cultural and recreational assets while also doing the hard work of strengthening needed connections. For more information about the design competition for Chouteau Greenway, go to chouteaugreenway.org LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Monsanto sued Arkansas regulators on Friday for banning its version of an herbicide that's drawn complaints from farmers across several states who say the weed killer has drifted onto their crops and caused widespread damage. Monsanto asked a state judge to block the Arkansas Plant Board from enforcing a rule it adopted last year that prevents its dicamba product from being used each year from April 15 through September 15. Dicamba has been around for decades, but problems arose over the past couple of years as farmers began to use it on soybean and cotton fields where they planted new seeds engineered to be resistant to the herbicide. Because it can easily evaporate after being applied, the chemical sometimes settles on neighboring fields. The panel approved the restriction on Monsanto's XtendiMax herbicide in November, and several months later the state adopted a wider temporary ban that included other dicamba weed killers in response to farmer complaints. The plant board last month rejected a petition from the company to allow its herbicide to be used. "The Plant Board's arbitrary approach also has deprived, and if left unchecked will continue to deprive, Arkansas farmers of the best weed management tools available - tools that are available to farmers in every other soybean- and cotton-producing state in the nation," the company said in its lawsuit filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court. A spokeswoman for the state Agriculture Department said the agency did not have an immediate comment on the suit. Farmers have also complained about dicamba causing damage on their crops in other states, including Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota and Tennessee. Missouri banned the use and sale of three dicamba herbicides in July but lifted the ban within a week after approving new labels and restrictions for its use. Monsanto is challenging the restrictions as Arkansas moves closer to adopting another temporary ban on dicamba herbicides for next year. The Arkansas Plant Board last month gave initial approval to regulations that prohibit the use of dicamba from April 16 through Oct. 31, 2018. The board has received nearly 1,000 complaints about the herbicide so far this year. The 18-member board, which is made up of various members of the agriculture community, is holding a public hearing on the new restrictions next month before the plan goes to lawmakers. Monsanto said it may amend its lawsuit to challenge the new ban if it's ultimately adopted by the state. The lawsuit comes a week after the Environmental Protection Agency announced it had reached a deal with Monsanto along with BASF and DuPont, which also make dicamba herbicides, for new voluntary restrictions for the weed killer's use. Under the deal, dicamba products will be labeled as "restricted use" beginning with the 2018 growing season, requiring additional training and certifications for workers applying the product to crops. The new federal rules will also limit when and how the herbicide can be sprayed, such as time of day and when maximum winds are blowing below 10 mph. Farmers will be required to maintain specific records showing their compliance with the new restrictions. Monsanto's lawsuit accuses the Arkansas board of acting outside its authority in prohibiting its herbicide's use and failing to consider research Monsanto had submitted to federal regulators. The suit also asks the judge to prevent the board from requiring it to submit research by University of Arkansas researchers in order to gain approval for herbicides in the state. Dicamba also may be a factor in the slaying of an Arkansas soybean farmer who was allegedly shot by a worker from a nearby farm where the chemical had been sprayed. Farm worker Allan Curtis Jones, 27, is accused of shooting Mike Wallace, 55, in a confrontation over dicamba, which Wallace believed had drifted onto his farm and damaged his soybeans. Jones is set to go to trial in December. St. Louis is playing host to organized labor this weekend, even as unions have faced major legislative setbacks in Missouri. The AFL-CIO the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations is holding its 28th national convention at Americas Center, where it will elect officers and adopt resolutions to guide the labor movement. More than a thousand members of the labor movement are expected to attend, representing 12.5 million employees who belong to more than 50 national and international unions. Its the first time the national convention, which is held every four years, has come to St. Louis. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, 68, told the Post-Dispatch in a phone interview this week that St. Louis was selected as a convention site after the Ferguson unrest in 2014. St. Louis is a proud union town with a long history of activism, Trumka said, adding he and other union leaders traveled to Ferguson and the St. Louis region in the midst of protests to talk to community members about their concerns. Afterward, the AFL-CIO formed the Labor Commission on Racial and Economic Justice that has held forums for union members across the country to talk about racial and economic disparities and biases and to look for ways to become more inclusive. The commissions recommendations include continuing education and training within labor unions on race and discrimination and extending apprenticeships to underrepresented groups. The commission is slated to discuss findings from its 2017 report this weekend in St. Louis. Its not good enough for labor unions to be in the middle of that spear, we have to be at the tip of that spear, Trumka said. We have to lead the way to talk about racism and discrimination and find common ground. The best way to build an economy that works for everyone is to fight for workers rights and civil rights. In addition to the committees report, the AFL-CIO is poised to adopt its first-ever workers bill of rights. Weve talked to thousands of workers and well use it as a yardstick for anyone who seeks the support of working people, Trumka said. The federation convenes as the number of wage and salary workers nationally who were members of unions dropped to 10.7 percent of workers in 2016, or 14.6 million employees, a 0.4 percent decline from 2015, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and down dramatically from 35 percent in the 1950s. In Missouri, 9.7 percent of employed workers are members of unions, and in Illinois, 14.5 percent of employees are union members. In Missouri, labor unions have battled a right to work law from going into effect that would bar workers from being compelled to join or pay union dues as a condition of employment. It was initially slated to go into effect Aug. 28, but a successful petition effort with more than 300,000 signatures temporarily blocked the law until after voters consider the measure in November 2018. Trumka said hes confident Missouri voters will repeal the law. Right to work will give even more power to big corporations at a time when CEOs salaries are 364 times higher than what the average worker makes, he said. St. Louis briefly had a $10 minimum wage this year, which was later blocked by new legislation that prohibits cities from creating a different minimum wage from the statewide minimum. The minimum wage in St. Louis reverted to $7.70 an hour, the statewide minimum, in August. Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens didnt sign the bill pre-empting the local wage increase, but has argued that raising the wage would hurt Missourians. This increase in the minimum wage might read pretty on paper, but it doesnt work in practice, Greitens said in a statement in June. Government imposes an arbitrary wage, and small businesses either have to cut peoples hours or let them go. Trumka called Greitens stance on minimum wage shameful and said unions will continue to work on local efforts across the country to raise minimum wages. Our attempts will continue, Trumka said. If you put money in workers pockets, they spend that money. Other issues the AFL-CIO is focused on include securing funding for an overhaul of the countrys infrastructure and changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement. Among the changes the federation is backing to the trade agreement are improved consumer protections and changes to existing labor and procurement rules. In August, Trumka was among a group of business leaders who resigned in protest from President Donald Trumps American Manufacturing Council following the presidents response to a deadly white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Va. Trumps assertion that there was blame on both sides prompted several CEOs to resign from the council, which has since been disbanded. When the president did what he did and equated the actions of white supremacists with those protesters, it was more than what we could handle and we couldnt be a part of it, Trumka said. Despite clashing with Trump, Trumka said labor continues to find ways to work together with the White House. Were hoping to get a rewrite (on NAFTA), Trumka said. Well see. Trumka, a former coal miner from Nemacolin, Pa., who was first elected to head the federation in 2009, is seeking a third term. There are no other announced candidates as of Thursday. Happy birthday, City Museum. This week, you turn 20. No reason for a big celebration. Youre still underage. If we do concrete that day, maybe Ill scratch something in it, says Mary Levi, a crew member who has been welding and plastering and whatever else for the downtown attraction for 16 years. Or we can catch something on fire, jokes Rick Erwin, her boss and City Museums director. A museum thats not really a museum, the converted shoe factory with its rooftop school bus, praying mantis, Ferris wheel and other previously discarded treasures has changed the St. Louis skyline. City Museum has no plan to grow up, or grow stale. But it will grow. On its first day in operation, Oct. 25, 1997, the attraction welcomed 1,381 paid visitors. Since then, 10.5 million more visitors have flooded through its doors 740,000 so far this year. City Museum is among the highest-ranked St. Louis attractions, a milestone its reached without advertising. Word about its slides, caves, climbers, circus, signs, giant chains and log cabin spreads by word of mouth and social media another evolution of the past two decades. Its an organized crazy, Erwin says of City Museum. He came to the museum in 2006 as its operations manager. He holds a graduate degree in arts administration and policy from the Art Institute of Chicago and was supposed to be in charge of day-to-day details that couldnt bother museum founder Bob Cassilly. On Erwins first day on the job, he met Cassilly in the lobby. Cassillys young son, Robert III, crawled across the black, granite counter, salvaged from the Thomas Jefferson building on Fourth Street. The baby crawled off the edge, but Erwin caught him. This will work out fine, Erwin recalls Cassilly saying. The creative Cassilly wasnt one for planning or putting things to paper. He expected hard work from his employees and instilled confidence in them. He worked way harder than you did, says Bobby Heinemann, taking a break from building a minicastle in the museums Toddler Town. Hes been with the museum since the beginning. It drove you to work. He made you think you could build anything, Erwin says. Kurt Knickmeyer, also taking a break from the toddler castle, says Bob Cassilly didnt much encourage creativity from his team. Instead, he wanted effort. He didnt really hire people for their backgrounds. He hired them for their backs. One day in mid-September 2011, Erwin met with Cassilly to review attendance figures and upcoming projects. About a week later, Cassillys body was found in the cabin of an overturned bulldozer at Cementland, another playground project on the site of the former Missouri Portland Cement Co., straddling the border of St. Louis and Riverview. When Cassilly died, so did the ideas he hadnt told anyone about. Erwin fretted over how to continue work at the museum, thinking he had to have Cassillys vision. But Cassilly had left him with a confident and talented staff. I can just let them do it, Erwin said at the time. Carrying on without Cassilly Since Cassillys death, City Museum has added 37,000 square feet of exhibit space. World Aquarium left the museum in 2015, but some of the tanks remain. The museum is building climbing structures above, around and through them. The attraction also has added an art museum, exhibiting sculptures and pieces on loan from the St. Louis Art Center. Cassilly would hate it, Erwin says, because he didnt show off other artists work. But its a good way to use empty space and easily change things up. The museum has purchased two Cassilly pieces from his heirs after his estate was settled in 2016, and some of his early works have been brought out of storage. (He didnt leave a will.) Murals have been painted on some of the walls something Cassilly also might not have liked, but its better than a bare wall, museum staff figures. Theres a good relationship with the museums parent company, American Milling, which strikes a good hands-on, hands-off balance, Erwin says. After Cassillys death, Erwin and two other staff members got certifications in playground inspection. He says floor staffers know what dangers to look for and can shut down an area if theres a safety concern. More than four dozen personal-injury suits have been filed against City Museum over the last two decades. Pending cases include a Louisiana woman who said she fractured her tibia while sliding down a ramp in 2015 and a 4-year-old Oklahoma boy who suffered a head injury when he fell over a railing while going down a slide in March, according to court documents. Building for the future Erwin has a three-year timeline of projects, something he swears hell put on a spreadsheet and print for the garage wall. But his staffers come up with more of their own ideas, know what they need to do and communicate when those plans need to change. Everybodys sort of like Renaissance employees, says Levi, the crew member of 16 years. She came up with the idea of rigging netting up near a ceiling for a new climbing space near Toddler Town. Cassilly also left his staff with a generation of kids who grew up with City Museum. A few of them work there today, including Cassillys daughter Daisy, whos on the fabrication crew, and his son Max, who runs Beatnik Bobs and the Rooftop Cafe. Meredith Wilson, 25, grew up in Jefferson City and visited City Museum a couple of times each year. It was always just the weirdest place ever to a kid, she says. It was never explained to me it was just one of those things. Shes now a graphic artist at the museum. Without anyone asking, she created a commemorative poster for its 20th anniversary, featuring line drawings of its dragons, climbing structures and tentacles. Museum managers were impressed and asked her to create a City Museum coloring book with the stipulation that she include her name and a drawing of herself in it. And there she is, on the inside back cover, waving from behind a metal spiral climber. Sometimes, I kind of lose track of the feeling, she says of her time at the museum; shes worked there for a year and a half. But walking through late at night its just a magical place. Joe Bacus first visited City Museum as an eighth-grader. At age 21, he started working on the floor staff, pointing visitors to the restrooms and cautioning children not to run. During a phase when staffers would throw water balloons at one another Erwin included Bacus was frustrated with a cranky rooftop visitor and lobbed a balloon at him. Erwin and Bacus laugh as they tell the story. They agree that was a good time to put Bacus talents behind the scenes. Bacus designed a metal octopus climber that hes building in the old aquarium space. I just got thrown into this mess of a museum, he says, and it worked out. Erwin hopes Cassilly would agree. He caught Casillys baby, and now hes nurturing his other one. Were just carrying on doing what we love, he says. Thats what we do. As a memorial to five Southern Illinois missionary nuns who were killed 25 years ago in Liberia, the Sisters of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ will hold a celebration Saturday at the order's motherhouse in Ruma, Ill. On Oct. 20, Sisters Barbara Ann Muttra and Mary Joel Kolmer were ambushed while driving an employee to his home. Three days later, the three remaining Adorers sisters serving in Liberia at that time, Shirley Kolmer, Agnes Mueller and Kathleen McGuire, were killed outside their homes by rebel forces. The five nuns were working as missionaries in Liberia, which had been involved in a civil war since 1989. No one was ever identified or prosecuted for the murders. The event will open at 9 a.m, followed by a prayer service at 10 a.m. Ruma is about 40 miles south of St. Louis; the motherhouse is at 2 Pioneer Lane. Then at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. a program that discusses the lives of the nuns all proclaimed martyrs by Pope John Paul II and a 22-minute documentary about the incident will be shown. The film was directed and produced by Bill Streeter. Someone dumped Halloween on the front yard. From a distance, it looks like a flashy hot mess. But once you get closer to the gargantuan Halloween display thats taken over this modest St. Charles house, you start to appreciate its genius. Theres the skeleton gang playing poker around a wooden bar that was hand-cut and painted. The skeleton wedding party and its fiendish guests. The skeleton cowboy riding a skeletal horse. The caged ghoul lurching toward you through fog and sparkling lights. The werewolf wearing a blood-stained shirt and pants growling as you walk by. Chris Donaubauer is the king of the Halloween acropolis hes created that blankets the yard, fills the driveway and garage and extends through the backyard and onto the roof. His wife, Sara, 34, is a cafeteria worker at St. Charles High School and appreciates his annual effort but stays away from the setup. See the panorama in a separate window for full-screen viewing. Chris, 38, works for himself, mowing yards, working on cars and doing odd jobs. But around town hes known as the guy who goes bigger than Clark Griswold. Its a reputation he takes seriously. Hes a man who wears his holiday spirit on his yard. Whatever the Donaubauer display lacks in sophistication, it makes up for in enthusiasm. Chris starts unpacking the boxes of decorations in September. It takes 8- to 12-hour days for the entire month to set up everything from 300 boxes of decorations stored in their basement, the attic and a shed. He likes to finish by the beginning of October to give visitors an entire month to appreciate his handiwork. If you build it, they will come The ranch house at 620 Nancy Drive is a little less than 1,100 square feet on an unassuming street. Near the end of October, the glittering Halloween display attracts hundreds of visitors a night; they are welcome to walk around the yard. Some bring their out-of-town guests each year. Earlier this month, a journalist from Norway visited the house after catching word about it. On Halloween night, they give out at least a thousand pieces of candy to trick-or-treaters. It started 15 years ago. Their oldest son, Brendon, was born on Dec. 13, and it was going to be his first Christmas. Chris put up the lights, added a few blow-up Santas and snowmen and made a wooden cutout of a gingerbread house and family for the lawn. I call it The Normal, he said. Every year, it grew. The Donaubauers live with their three kids and Chris mother. She orders a couple thousand dollars worth of new decorations each year. People drop off things he can add to the burgeoning display. He hates throwing anything out and will try to repair and repurpose things that eventually break down. He estimates that just the Halloween display is worth $50,000 to $100,000. (For some perspective, real estate website Trulia estimates the value of their house to be just under $150,000.) The Donaubauers are part of the growing class of extreme holiday decorators, but the rest of America also has a surging Halloween appetite. Halloween spending is projected to reach a record $9.1 billion this year, according to the National Retail Federation. Consumers are expected to easily surpass the $8.4 billion spent in 2016. Chris is well-known around the neighborhood, but people travel from hours away to see what hes added each year. The regulars are counting on him, and they follow his progress on a Facebook page. They expect me to do it, he said. And he takes pride in the chaotic, sprawling, eye-catching scenes hes built all around him. People always want to how much the familys light bill is. The Donaubauers use the year-round budgeting option offered through the electric company, so they dont even know how much the displays add to the bill. They keep security cameras on 24/7, and when the display is lighted up at night, a family member is always outside to keep an eye on things. When the weather forecast is bad, they spend 45 minutes to an hour covering the entire thing. The front lawn is hard to walk through, Sara said. You cant take two paces on the yard without stepping on something. There still some room, Chris says, with a laugh. The only thing that bothers Sara about the time-consuming project is when people holler at them from the street late at night to turn the display on after theyve turned it off. Show some respect, she wants to say to them. But those incidents are few and far between. Chris gets a kick watching other peoples amazement at what hes created. The Christmas display is even bigger than Halloween. Last year, a mother brought her young blind son, probably around 5 years old, to visit the display. He perceived light for the first time because of the overwhelming amount of light, she told Chris. Oh gosh, you could honestly cry hearing that, he said. In December, there are 750,000 to a million lights crammed on the small plot. The displays run on their own circuit breaker box, and they also use electricity from the house. You could run two whole houses off of how much electric we got here, Chris said. When people in wheelchairs visit, he helps them navigate the crowded driveway. Theres lots to see up here, he says. He and his wife dont like it when people just drive by without stopping to take a look around. He used to put out a box for kids to leave letters for Santa. People started dropping cash in it for tips, so he had to get rid of it. Visitors are always trying to tip him, but he always refuses to accept any money. Two years ago, he stopped entering the towns best holiday lights and decoration contest. He had won every year for more than a decade. I quit entering to give someone else a chance. he said. But then other people started entering his house for him. They would leave notes in his mailbox telling him. The city started giving him a special Over the Top award instead. JERSEY COUNTY, Ill. A body was found in a trailer after an explosion and fire early Friday near Brighton, authorities say. Jersey County Sheriff John Wimmersberg said the fire was reported at 6 a.m. Friday in the 34000 block of Crystal Lake Road. A neighbor heard the explosion and looked outside to see the trailer engulfed in flames. The living room, kitchen and front porch were in flames when Brighton firefighters arrived. Inside, they found a dead person in the kitchen. The body was so badly burned that authorities haven't been able to say if the body was that of a woman or man, Wimmersberg said. However, the sheriff suspects the victim was the lone resident of the trailer, a 65-year-old woman. Authorities are working to identify the victim. Wimmersberg said there is nothing suspicious about the fire. The Illinois State Fire Marshal's office is investigating, as in protocol anytime there is a fire death. The woman who lived in the trailer suffered from health issues, used oxygen and was a smoker. A gas line also ran to the residence, the sheriff said. ST. LOUIS A man originally from Nigeria was sentenced in U.S. District Court on Friday to 6 and 1/2 years for his role in a tax fraud that cost the IRS $889,712. Kevin Kunlay Williams also re-entered the country after being deported and voted illegally. Williams first entered the U.S. in 1976 using the name Kunlay Sodipo. He was deported in 1995 due to two felony credit card abuse charges in Texas. He came back, through Miami, in 1999 as Williams. Williams' plea says he voted in federal and state elections in 2012 and 2016. Secretary of state records also show voting in March 2001 and November of 2002 and 2004. In August 2015, Williams used electronic filing identification numbers to set up accounts with a company that provides tax-related bank products and services to tax preparation businesses, and those accounts were then used to file more than 2,000 2015 tax returns seeking about $12.2 million in refunds on behalf of people whose personal information was used without their knowledge, according to his plea. The IRS paid out $889,712, his plea says. Williams will be deported again. Williams, then 56, pleaded guilty in July to felony charges of mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, re-entry of a removed alien and making a false statement relating to citizenship. No one was hurt when shots were fired outside Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center on Thursday night, St. Louis Police said. The gunfire erupted shortly before 7 p.m. in the hospital parking lot at 1465 South Grand Boulevard. Police had few details after the shooting, but did say they were looking for a dark vehicle with two to four male suspects inside. The hospital was locked down for about half an hour, Maj. Mary Warnecke said. She said the hospital did a "fabulous job" of securing visitors and employees and coordinating with police. "This is a horrific event," she said. "We have families here. They're here because somebody is in this hospital and it's horrific that they have to endure this kind of violence while they're taking care of a loved one. St. Louis University urged its students and employees to shelter in place after the report of the shots came out shortly after 7 p.m. The university initially said that shots had been fired inside the hospital's emergency room. Cardinal Glennon tweeted in reply to SLU that no shots were fired inside the emergency room. Officers had a large section of a parking lot on Grand Boulevard taped off and several evidence markers set up. Two cars behind the police tape appeared to have bullet holes. A woman who lives nearby said she was inside her home when she heard "too many shots to count." Other neighbors said they heard a car peeling out as it raced away. Another woman said she was sitting on a bench along Grand and talking to her husband on the phone when a white car with several men or boys in it went past and one of them blew her a kiss. She said the car pulled into the hospital parking lot and shortly afterward she heard rapid gunfire just a few dozen feet from her. "They were close behind my head, like 30 feet away," said the woman, whose daughter is a patient at the hospital. Shannon Mason, 52, of Illinois was inside the hospital during the shooting. Her teenage son has been getting treatment at Cardinal Glennon for years. She was in the room with him when a nurse came by and told her the building was on lockdown for an active shooter. "It was terrifying," Mason said. "I'm just glad nobody got hurt, and I hope nothing like this happens again." The parking lot is often a place where parents and family members can talk to each other about the challenges their children are facing and support teach other, Mason said. "We come out here to relax, to cry, talk about our children, comfort each other through the bad times and celebrate the good times," she said. "And we can't do that now, because you gotta be watching your back. "You can't go anywhere anymore and enjoy anything. It's just not right." Nichoel Schreck, 23, was returning the hospital after taking her 6-year-old son there earlier in the day. She pulled into the parking lot just after the shooting; police were pulling in with her and jumping out of their cars with guns in hand, she said. A security guard told her to run inside the building. It's very terrifying to find out that the hospital I've been coming to since my son was born, that I was feeling safe about, that now I don't feel so safe, she said. Schreck said she usually goes to the parking lot to destress and talk to other parents "It's supposed to be secure ground, a safe place,' she said. "Now we can't even have that. "People just need to quit the violence." Nancy McGowan answered her phone and a man said he had her daughter and that he was not joking. But he didnt, and by the end of the scam she had wired him $4,800. It was what police call virtual kidnapping for ransom. McGowan, of St. Louis County, is embarrassed but wants other people to beware and not get tricked as she was. It all began on a Tuesday morning when McGowans phone rang. I heard this screaming and it sounded like my daughter, she recalled. She said the man threatened to cut off body parts. She said she knew that her college-age daughter had taken a trip with friends to Gulf Shores, Ala. While on the phone with the man she thought was a kidnapper, she didnt know she could have texted while she talked to him on the phone to verify her daughters whereabouts. She stayed on the phone with him and drove to two stores in south St. Louis where she wired him money. Shortly before wiring an additional $5,000 from a bank, she received a text from her older daughter saying her sister was safe and to hang up, it was a hoax. McGowan was later told that the culprit had scammed at least 80 people. She was devastated and embarrassed. She said when someone is making a threat against your child, your inclination is to try to bring them home safely. I hope others will read about this, and know that you can text while on (the) phone to avoid what I went through, she said. The FBI is doing an awareness campaign to stop the losses in these scams. Law enforcement agencies have been aware of virtual kidnapping fraud for at least two decades, the FBI website says, but the cases used to be limited to Mexico and Southwest border states. Now potential victims may be anywhere in the U.S. Although virtual kidnapping takes many forms, it is always an extortion scheme one that tricks victims into paying a ransom to free a loved one they believe is being threatened with violence or death. Unlike traditional abductions, virtual kidnappers have not actually kidnapped anyone. Instead, through deceptions and threats, they coerce victims to pay a quick ransom before the scheme falls apart. Zachary Lowe, acting special agent in charge of the FBI, said some victims are embarrassed and do not report the scam after they pay the money. Lowe said victims should report the crime to help catch the scammer and prevent others from being victimized. Sometimes scammers call from Mexico. They get information from social media about a person traveling in Mexico, then contact a family member claiming the person has been kidnapped. The scammers try to keep the relative on the phone so that they cannot verify their loved ones whereabouts. Once the money is wired, there is little the FBI can do. Most victims will lose that money, he said. He recommends texting the loved one while the scammer is on the phone or writing a note to someone to check on the relative or call police or the FBI. Once the relative verifies that the family member is OK, the relative should hang up the phone and give the phone number from caller ID to law enforcement. ARNOLD A government teacher in the Fox School District was the only Missouri teacher to win a prestigious $25,000 Milken Educator Award this year, which is considered the Academy Award of teaching. Jordan McGaughey, who teaches 10th grade government at Seckman High School, is one of up to 45 teachers nationwide who will receive a Milken award this school year. McGaughey received the award for developing critical thinking and debate skills among his students, according to a statement from the Milken Family Foundation. In his class, students write to legislators, hold mock U.S. congressional sessions and develop and vote on new constitutional amendments. The Milken Family Foundation praised McGaughey for using technology in his classroom, including leading Twitter chats during significant national events like the State of the Union address. Last year, 92 percent of his students scored advanced or proficient on Missouris government test. Jordan McGaughey is an innovator. He creates authentic opportunities that engage his students in the education process, and their scores are a direct result of that involvement, said Lowell Milken, Milken Family Foundation chairman and co-founder, in a statement. His integration of technology and social media is relevant to this age group, but more importantly an effective demonstration of communication and information sharing at a higher level. The Milken Family Foundation has doled out more than 2,700 awards in the past 30 years to early- and midcareer teachers who innovate in the classroom. Teachers are nominated through a confidential selection process. ST. LOUIS A $40 million face-lift for the St. Louis Community College campus at Forest Park is as much about function as it is about form. Sure its about modernizing the campus that leaders joke looks as outdated as it feels, but its also about increasing the schools capacity to produce more graduates in health sciences programs an industry thats starved for more qualified employees. The so-called A and B towers on campus are coming down in favor of a modern Center for Nursing and Health Sciences building, which is slated for completion by summer 2019. The towers will come down the following spring. St. Louis Community College Chancellor Jeff Pittman hopes the project will reintroduce the Forest Park campus in a way that may be as dramatic as when it was first built in 1966. The new, 96,000-square-foot building will house all of the campus health sciences programs, giving all of them state-of-the-art equipment and space designed to meet each programs need. These include a new, first-floor suite for dental hygiene and dental assistant students; a replica house setting for students pursuing a career in emergency medical services and fire protection; and dedicated space for nursing students skill laboratories. Its a far cry from the current setup for these programs, which are scattered through several buildings on the Forest Park campus. The new building will be funded mostly through a $36.8 million bond issue, with remaining funding coming from other campus savings, including the forthcoming sale of the Cosand Center, which is the colleges downtown building. Administrators at the downtown building, including Pittman, will move their offices to the fourth floor of the new building. Health sciences programs enroll about 900 students, about 400 of whom are pursuing an associates degree in nursing. Health Sciences Dean Bill Hubble said he expects at least an 8 percent to 10 percent increase in enrollment when the new building opens. Many of these career pathways, like nursing and surgical technicians, have a 100 percent job placement rate. The project is drawing interest from local employers, too, according to Pittman. Pittman hosted several town hall meetings this summer to gather input from area health industry leaders into what the college was planning. The input, he joked, was mostly hurry up and build it. He needs them on his side. Its impossible to expand some of these programs without local health care organizations being willing to provide more clinical training positions. Aside from the fourth-floor offices, Pittman and his team are leaving the bulk of the new space flexible, letting industry leaders help them decide how to best use it. If a hospital, for example, says it needs more nurses, then space could be geared toward that such talks with employers are still in the early stages. New front door While this is Pittmans first big project since taking the helm at the community college in 2015, he had experience with building projects as an administrator at Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana. With that experience in mind, he and his St. Louis team considered opportunity for later growth after the Forest Park campus building is finished. Unlike the A and B towers, which line up with the C and D towers straight through the middle of the campus, the new building will back up against Oakland Avenue and Highway 40 (Interstate 64). After the towers come down in spring 2020, their footprint will become a larger quad area. That space also could offer room for future construction. Pittman is the projects biggest cheerleader, with Hubble and the faculty not far behind. But the chancellor acknowledges criticism about changes to a campus designed by well-known modern architects Harry and Ben Weese, and landscape architect Dan Kiley, the designer for the original Gateway Arch grounds. Pittman is convinced the new building, which will incorporate some of the brick to pay homage to the architecture of the rest of the campus, will compliment the work of the original designers. Regardless, he said, something has to change. During one of the town hall meetings he hosted, the lights went out while he was explaining the need for a new building. Pittman swears that wasnt planned. In addition to outdated working space, the A and B towers have an issue with water seeping in when it rains and some asbestos that will require abatement before the tear-down. Still, campus aesthetics are a critical part of the decision to build. Its hard for me to use a descriptor for what it looks like now, though Ive had several handed to me, Pittman said. Theyre not exactly the most complimentary. From Highway 40 it can be difficult to pinpoint what that series of brick buildings are, he says. The new design will open up the campus from the north, creating a drive off Oakland Avenue. It will basically change the face of this entire campus, Pittman said. People are going to drive by, look at it and wonder whats going on in there? Its going to create a front door to the campus, which I think is greatly needed. Updated with one partys reaction to the meeting. CLAYTON Representatives from a nonprofit group seeking to develop an ice rink complex at Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park, members of county government and area economic development officials tried to convince the federal government on Friday that the regional National Park Service office blocking construction was unfairly biased against the plan. But an attorney for the nonprofit Legacy Ice Foundation, which would lease the county-owned facility, said the argument didnt get any traction with officials visiting from the U.S. Department of Interior to meet several state and local officials. We were disappointed in the response, said Gregory R. Smith, of the St. Louis law firm Husch Blackwell. We were disappointed with what we saw as a failure to recognize the clearly prejudicial position expressed by the (regional) office. Smith said that after the meeting, his clients were concerned about whether its feasible to pursue construction at the park. He said other sites for the project were being considered, but he would not elaborate. Sheila Sweeney, executive director of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, said she came away somewhat more hopeful the project could go forward. They understood thus far that it has been more of a process, at least from a public perspective, that played out in the media. She said negative comments about the project such as the claim that it was primarily to benefit the St. Louis Blues hockey team had undue influence on the regional office. But the Washington-based officials were going to look at the environmental assessment we had done. Thats whats fair and equitable and what the (federal) regulation requires. The project has been divisive. Supporters had hoped to open a new facility by the fall of 2018, but that timeline is in doubt. The closure of Hardees Iceplex in Chesterfield has reduced ice time available for area youth hockey clubs and has forced some events to extremely early or late times. But environmental groups have called the project at the park a misuse of federally protected open space. The National Park Service regional office ordered the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in late August to stop construction of the facility. Because portions of the park were established using money from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, the 250,000-square-foot project pitched for the parks northwest corner must be approved by the park service. Federal park officials were concerned that the ice center would act as a stand-alone attraction and would not encourage further outdoor recreation at the rest of the site. And because it believed that construction began without its approval, it asked the DNR to shut it down. The project has been dormant since Aug. 29, when the St. Louis County Council approved a resolution intended to delay the construction of the 40-acre, four-rink recreational ice complex and St. Louis Blues practice facility there. The resolution was requested by Council Chairman Sam Page, who said he was disturbed that council members were not told the truth about land grading that had begun without approval from the federal government. But officials from St. Louis County and the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership have since pushed back against the ruling and claimed that the grading work did not constitute construction. They take issue with letters written by the National Park Services Omaha office in July and August that refer to unsolicited letters, emails, phone calls and forwarded newspaper articles that made the office aware of on-site stormwater grading work that was underway at the park. A Sept. 8 letter sent to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources from Sweeney and Gary Bess, the countys parks director, said those comments were proof that the project was unfairly prejudged. We offer our concern and surprise to read that the Regional Office appears to have prejudged this project without the benefit of undertaking the deliberative process outlined in the departments manual and as required by law, Sweeney wrote. The bias exhibited in the Regional Office letters, culminating in an exhortation to stop work, when based upon only the skewed extra-record communications provided to the Regional Office by those deliberately misinformed and misinforming of the work, is as disappointing as it is improper, in our opinion. Representatives of the Omaha office and Department of Interior officials could not be reached for comment. The letter from Sweeney and Bess said that the Omaha office had received erroneous information that the ongoing grading project included footings and foundations for the rink, but did not conduct a site visit, which would have shown routine storm water management activities taking place. If the Omaha office had inquired with DNR, or even read the newspaper articles it was forwarded more closely, it would see that the intent is and always has been that the grading work was for a dual purpose, the letter said. It would permanently improve the park land by raising it above flood level, and benefit the ice rink construction. The letter from Sweeney and Bess said the Omaha regional office relied on information that was provided outside the established deliberative process by individuals who are not experts or who have any first-hand knowledge of the project. The office based its conclusions on incorrect and misleading material presented by those who have decided they will be opposed to the project. BRIDGETON One after another, dozens of north St. Louis County residents issued resounding calls for full excavation of the contents of West Lake Landfill and relocation of nearby residents, as the Environmental Protection Agency approaches a cleanup decision for the Superfund site where radioactive waste has languished for decades. The long string of speakers shared personal experiences often recounting health complications suffered by loved ones and voiced strong opinions at Thursday nights community listening session. Their pleas for the maximally protective cleanup of the site were made to top-ranking EPA officials who attended the meeting along with more than 100 members of the public. In the coming months, the agency is set to select a method for the sites remediation. Options include full or partial excavation of the landfills contents, or capping the site while leaving the contents in place a method originally chosen in 2008 before the decision was revisited through an ongoing, yearslong reassessment process. Capping remains the preferred cleanup approach of some entities liable for the costs of the sites remediation, such as the landfill operator, Republic Services. But residents and others at the meeting overwhelmingly indicated that only full removal of the waste at West Lake will satisfy them. Choosing to leave this material in an unlined landfill in the Missouri River flood plain is just as bad an idea as it was to dump it there in the first place, said Ed Smith, policy director for the Missouri Coalition for the Environment. Many speakers expressed that buyouts or some form of assisted relocation should be offered to nearby residents who they believe have their health at risk now, or will during the eventual cleanup process. Theres nothing you can do at this site that doesnt involve digging, said Meagan Beckermann, another speaker and a North County resident. We need relocation and excavation. The overtures were made to the EPAs Acting Regional Administrator, Cathy Stepp, and Albert Kelly, a top adviser to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and chair of the agencys Superfund Task Force. Though intended primarily as a listening session, Stepp and Kelly addressed the crowd at a few points, with Kelly saying that testing for radioactive contamination would occur in additional areas of the landfill that remain of concern to the public. More than anything, he promised action where the agency has failed to act in the past. You have no reason to believe us tonight. You have every reason to doubt us, he said. Youll have to judge us by our action. We accept the challenge of fixing this and getting it done right, he added. Loop Trolley cars will be running in the Delmar Loop district next week but only for operator training. Kevin Barbeau, executive director of Loop Trolley Co., said the start date for public use of the 2.2-mile line has yet to be set. But it will be sometime after late November, which Barbeau previously had said would be the earliest possible start date. Still, Barbeau said next week's training in the Loop is a milestone for the long-delayed project. "Seeing these vehicles out on the street, under power, passing by the great many businesses along the Delmar Loop, is a moment we've all been eagerly and anxiously anticipating," he said. The five trainees previously operated the cars only on the part of the line east of Des Peres Avenue and Delmar Boulevard on a protected designated track along Delmar and DeBaliviere Avenue. On the western end of the line, the trolley cars will share Delmar with motor vehicles, pulling out of traffic at designated stops. Next week will be the first time the trolley cars will use the Delmar Loop tracks under their own power. They had been towed through the Loop area in previous testing to detect close clearances and other problems. The five trainees have completed four weeks of classroom instruction. Also in training are three dispatchers. The company plans to train a second group of prospective operators closer to the line's opening. Barbeau said motorists need to be aware that the trolley cars can't swerve off the track to avoid double-parked or improperly parked vehicles along Delmar. He said drivers should be sure their entire vehicles, including the side view mirrors, are parked inside striped parking lines on the street. Violators will be towed at the owner's expense, he said. Barbeau said the start of service depends on how soon a final phase of the system's testing is completed and when state and federal regulators give the go-ahead. The line will run from the University City Library to the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. ' Michael Mears in This Evil Thing - which comes to The Bear Pit next Wednesday WELL-KNOWN actor and playwright Michael Mears brings his one-man play, This Evil Thing, about conscientious objectors in the First World War, to The Bear Pit on Wednesday, 25th October. The play marks over 100 years since conscription was bought in 1916, here Michael tells Herald arts about the play. Book tickets here How would I describe This Evil Thing? Its the compelling and rather shocking, and also inspiring story of the First World War conscientious objectors (COs) in Britain, which has rarely been told or even talked about. In this period of commemoration of the war theres a lot of focus on the battles, but I knew there would be plenty of material on that and wanted to write about something else. My grandfather fought in the First World War and my father in the Second but I dont seem to have inherited the genes, Im a pacifist so it seemed appropriate to focus on that. I didnt know much about conscientious objectors and then by chance I came across the story of a young Yorkshire schoolteacher called Bert Brocklesbury. As I read more about him, the more I became fascinated by him. I discovered all these things like there was an organisation of young men of all political and religious opinions who got together once war was declared to try and prevent conscription being bought in; because that was the real crisis point in 1916. Up to that point, volunteers, of which there were hundreds of thousands, came forward, but obviously, as casualties increased, it was clear the government were going to have to bring in conscription in order to get enough men to send to the front. These young men, who were passionately against war because of their political or religious beliefs, organised themselves to resist conscription and to help young men claim exception if at all possible, and then to assist them and their families if they were subsequently punished. There were divisions in the CO movement. Bert Brocklesbury, who is a protagonist in my play, was an absolutist, which meant he wanted nothing to do with the war some of the other COs took jobs as medics etc, on the grounds that they werent willing to kill but would help with the war effort. I wrote war is illogical on my pencil case aged 15, for which I was mocked at my north London school. Like Bert, pacifism is just in my DNA. Bert just didnt have an aggressive personality; its not like he lacked testosterone, I mean he played rugby! He was a Methodist, so he did have a religious belief. My play was originally called Thou Shall Not Kill, the Sixth Commandment So many interesting things happened while I was putting the play together Bert wrote a memoir and I read it at the Quakers HQ in London, which has a wonderful, small specialist library. Reading it I was inspired to write about him. The play uses verbatim pieces; I use Berts words and testimony spoken by COs and others at the time, including philosopher Bertrand Russell. Once I started writing the play I realised I would need to get permission to use these extracts and the library said: We havent got the copyright you will need to contact with the family. Serendipitously I went to an International Conscientious Objectors Day event which is held yearly on 15th May and one of the speakers was Berts granddaughter, Jilly Gibbon. I told her about writing the play and she was thrilled and immediately gave me permission and a photo of him. One of the most horrific stories I heard about how COs were treated involved a young lad who was taken to barracks where the Sergeant tried to break him. Soldiers tied a rope around him, dragged him around a field and dunked him in a pond full of sewage eight or nine times. He gave in I dont blame him I would have given in. Others were taken to the point where they thought they were going to be executed, although none were. Around 70 died in captivity through illness and poor conditions. I always try and find humour and comedy in my plays although in this there is less. Although Bertrand Russell, who is amazing, features he gave up all his academic work to become an administrative dogsbody to the No Conscription Fellowship. Ive used some of his writings words and letters, and they are often very witty, and so they offer a bit of levity. Theres a bit in the play, based on a true story, where he is swimming naked in a lake at an Oxfordshire estate and emerges to find himself face-to-face with Prime Minister, Henry Asquith. The format of the This Evil Thing is like high-octane storytelling. I play about 52 characters some of them only have one line and I can hear them in my head at night going cant you build up my part?! Its hard to imagine a huge war with appalling casualties that would involve conscription in modern Britain. But one thing I ask myself in the play, via the audience, is would I have the courage to be a CO if Id been born 100 years ago? Would I be courageous enough? I dont know Coughton Court. A NEW BBC drama about the Gunpowder plot to kill King James I and Parliament will be shown on television this Saturday and Alcester's Coughton Court is featured in the story line. Gunpowder follows Robert Catesby (nephew of Thomas Throckmorton of Coughton Court), the infamous terrorist who hired Guy Fawkes as part of an attempt to assassinate King James I by blowing up Parliament in 1605. Several of the plotters were related to the Throckmorton family. Arms, ammunition and horses were stored at Coughton Court ready for the uprising that was meant to follow the assassination. It was in the gatehouse that the family and associates of the plotters received the news of the plots failure early on November 6th 1605. Some plotters were killed being arrested and some were arrested and then executed some in London and some in the county. The three part series begins on BBC One this Saturday at 9.10pm Straight from city council A personal view, by Councillor Steve Morris You may have noticed when visiting the pools or one of our community halls that theres a sign on the wall emblazoned with the Bay Venues logo. Bay Venues is 100 per cent owned by Tauranga City Council. It has its own board of directors, its own staff and runs the likes of Bay Park, ASB Arena and Baywave for Council. The board is appointed by and reports to the Mayor and Councillors. That might seem an inefficient structure, but the truth is it works exceptionally well. The chair is local man Peter Farmer (of Farmer motor group fame). We all know that halls and public pools dont make money. Thats why its traditionally been up to councils around the country to provide them. Since Bay Venues formation in 2013, the revenue from these facilities has increased 54 per cent to $17.9m a year. Today, 90 per cent of the operational expenses of these facilities (excluding depreciation) is met by user-pays fees. Compare this with similar facilities in Auckland, which are only 62 per cent funded by user-pays and the rest subsidised by their ratepayers. Bay Venues has some exciting proposals for the next ten years, one of which is the replacement of the Otumoetai and Memorial Pools with a large, new, covered aquatic centre in the CBD like Baywave to including outdoor hot-pools. The facility is projected to meet its operational expenses from the opening day. This kind of performance is only possible when you have a professional, commercial board operating with and on behalf of the council. Brian Rogers Rogers Rabbits www.sunlive.co.nz An astute reader commented this week that she really enjoys the cheeky and subtle ways that Rogers occasionally drops a mention of advertisers into the page 2 column. Well, when I heard that I nearly fell out of my Barry Muir Furniture La-Z-Boy chair. I thought the product placement efforts in the RR column were so careful, so subliminal, that even those with excellent reading ability thanks to Visionary Eyecare wouldnt have noticed. It just goes to show that RR readers are smarter than the average bear. Mind you, a great nights sleep thanks to Beds R Us, regular workouts at The Gym, some treatment at Bay Chiropractic and supplements from John Arts at Abundant Health probably keeps their mind sharp and body agile. Taking a breather It wasnt until later that day, while mowing the grass with the Bronco 500E from Otumoetai Mowers and Cycles that the comment really sunk in. I stopped the mower, near the outdoor kitchen from Zones and next to the rocks from Landscape Supplies (under new management) and took a breather under the cooling cover of our Shades Direct canopy to ponder. Or was it the retracting roof by Making Shade? Both excellent additions to a little corner of paradise, almost as refreshing as a tropical getaway that you see at House of Travel. Or one of those amazing packages we read about to visit Japan with Travelcom or the free information evenings put on by You Travel. The ones that make you want to rush down to Unique Leather and Luggage, grab a new suitcase or backpack and jump on a Luxury Airport Shuttle to the nearest international airport. (Unless you live in the beautiful Palm Springs, or Lynley Park, of course in a new Signature or one of those stunning Fowler Homes, youd never want to leave.) A confident, healthy smile It was then the urge struck me for a drink, fortunately Id stocked up at Thirsty Liquor and Brewers Paradise, so was able to lax out in the Ford Spa and figure the dilemma. Soaking in the warmth, it reminded me of a recent trip to the lovely Oropi Hot Pools, which brought a smile, a confident healthy smile, thanks to Tooth Fairy Dental. So how do we sneak in product placement in The Weekend Sun page 2 column, without it being noticed, to the point that readers start tearing their hair out and need to visit SRS Hair Clinic? It was just then that the phone rang intermittently, and I could hardly hear the person on the other end, which reminded me, I must call Baytech Office Solutions to sort our phone problems or maybe I need Michael Coddington at Tauranga Audiology, since it could be my hearing? I could pop in there after my check up with MoleMedic and a bit of youthful restoration at the Skin Centre. Whatever blows your hair back The call was from Bay Lifestyles RV Shop letting me know the accessories had arrived for the Fiat mobile newsroom van supplied by Farmer Auto Village, looking resplendent with its furniture from Greenslades and some clever decor help from Nood. Great timing, since wed planned lunch at Mount Social Club. Id just have time on the way to slip into Langtons to find something special. For my wife, of course. But whatever blows your hair back, eh? Well, Hair to Train, theres a parting thought. And before you could say Toi Ohomai it was curtains for this column. (Thanks, Harvey Furnishings). Hardly an advertisers name noticeable, yet a highly entertaining read. (It must be, youve read this far.) Have we left anyone out? Yes. We have so many happy advertisers getting great results, its impossible to mention all of them in one go. A challenge for you So heres your challenge: Send us a sentence with a subtle, or maybe not so subtle, mention of a few of our advertisers. Well put the best together for another enthralling instalment of the Product Placement series. The best will win a hamper of goodies sourced from our advertisers, of course. Send your sentence to: brian@thesun.co.nz And if youre not already an advertiser, we can fix that too! It was supposed to be a gift to the community. Volunteers from Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology and Comvita joined Tauranga City Council staff to plant several corokias at Memorial Park last month. The little plants were arranged to form 12 letters Memorial Park which would grow into a new feature hedge in years to come. But the fledgling hedge has been ruined thanks to vandals, who tore most of the plants out a couple of days ago. Toi Ohomai tutor Steve Webb, who helped plant the corokias along with his horticulture students, says most of the plants were pulled out and kicked around. City Care dropped all of the plants off at Toi Ohomai, where they were kept in wheelbarrows of water. The students then healed them in this morning, trying to re-establish them here on campus. Hopefully well be able to replant them again in the autumn. Students replanting the corokias at Toi Ohomais Windermere campus. The project cost around $9000, and Steve says there are 245 plants in total. Some of them still have bright green leaves and big roots, which suggests they may survive. But others are very dry with small roots, and its possible they might not make it to the autumn. Planting will have to wait until after summer, as theres no irrigation at the site to water the plants. We put them in just before a lot of rain, which allowed them to take root. Now with the winds we have and the dry weather, planting them when theyre already stressed means they wouldnt survive. Its pretty devastating, says student Keith Pouwhare, who helped with the initial planting. We put a lot of work into planting them around three or four hours. Fellow student Luke Moules agrees. It was such an awesome idea, and something for the community. Im not sure why anyone would want to rip them out. Tauranga City Council parks and recreation manager Mark Smith says the vandalism is disappointing. This was a community initiative, so its disappointing especially for the 25 volunteers who put in the hard work to plant this hedge. Half an M is all that remains of the would-be Memorial Park hedge. To be honest that is wild speculation, its what happens when you are perceived to have lost an election. Theres a prevailing thought that people need to change. Well my personal view is Bill ran a fantastic campaign, we got 44.4 per cent of the vote. He did an extraordinarily good job and I very much hope he stays on. I have no sense whether thats likely or not in the short to medium term, but thats my personal view. I would very much like him to stay on. For Todd the shift to opposition means he is no longer chair of the foreign affairs and trade Select Committees, but apart from that, he says not a lot is going to change. Im very much a local MP. Ive thoroughly enjoyed that aspect of the job over the last three years and as the MP for the Bay of Plenty I continue on with that with my office being in the community, listening to peoples perspectives and working hard on their behalf down in Wellington. Ill continue to do that obviously from a positon of opposition, but Im disappointed, certainly disappointed personally and very much so for Bill and Mary. When you get 55 per cent of the party vote for your party and the next one down Labour is mid 20s or early 20s I mean that talks to a community who is or was pretty comfortable with the direction of where the countrys heading and the National Party being a key part of that. Now that hasnt happened. Thats the vagaries of MMP. Now my job is to accept that reality, acknowledge it, and continue to work hard for the next three years for the people of the Bay. Because thats been such a big part of what I was doing for the last three years, that doesnt change. Of course Im no longer part of the government, no longer chairman of a select committee, but I will still be on a select committee still contributing and still doing the best I can down here. And most importantly the best I can up in the Bay. It is the first time first time in New Zealand history that the party with the most votes and the most votes by quite some way, isnt the government, says Todd. MMP allows for it, and three parties who have not had a history of working together, ever, particularly with the Greens in the mix - and I make that point, and now they are going to. And my job as part of our 56 member opposition, the largest I think in New Zealand history. Our job is to hold them to account fairly robustly and vigorously. Thats part of the learning I will be doing over the next three years, how to do that efficiently. We have to hold this new three way coalition of account and we will. Its important that we do actually. And the country would expect us to. Customers of all ages have hopped on board the new Town Connector since the new service began operation on October 5. The circular route links Waihi, Waihi Beach and Katikati and is being trialled on Thursdays, an evolution of the existing Waihi Beach trial (route 82a) with improved timetables based on community feedback. The first trip leaves Waihi Beach Community Centre at 8.20am making stops in Waihi Beach before travelling to Katikati and on to Waihi, and arriving back in Waihi Beach by 10.15am. Subsequent trips begin at 10.20am, 12.20pm and 2.10pm. Bay of Plenty Regional Council Transport Policy Manager. Garry Maloney, says the evaluation of the success of the Town Connector will be based on a range of measures including vehicle occupancy and trend), financial support per passenger and fare recovery. In the first two weeks of operation the Bay of Plenty Regional Council reports an average of eight passenger trips per day. Passengers are mainly travelling from Waihi Beach to Katikati and return, and also from Katikati to Waihi and return. Two passengers have used the connection through to Tauranga and return, which is made possible with the alignment of the Town Connector and Katikati Shopper timetables, allowing seamless travel on Thursdays. The van will stop on demand outside Waihi Memorial Hall this Thursday for anyone wanting to get to the International Day of Older Persons events Under-fives travel free, children, tertiary and secondary students with student ID and SuperGold Card holders pay just $3 and an adult fare is $5. The trial service will run until the end of June 2018. Investigations into the aggravated robbery of the Bethlehem TAB earlier this month are continuing with higher resolution images of the alleged offenders expected to be available next week. Two men entered the store at the Bethlehem Shops on State Highway Two, Tauranga at about 1.20 pm on Friday October 6, 2017. The men, believed to be in possession of a firearm, robbed the staff of a small amount of cash, say police. They fled in a white-coloured 1993 Nissan Sentra, registration number SB330, which was stolen from the front of the store. It is yet to be located. No one was injured during the incident but those at the store were understandably shaken and are receiving support, says Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner. Tauranga Police would like to speak to anyone who may be able to identify the two men in the attached images. Police would also like to hear from anyone who sights the stolen Nissan Sentra or has any other information on the incident. Tauranga Police Station can be reached on 07 577 4300. Alternatively information may be provided anonymously to Crimestopppers on 0800 555 111. Most lighthouse keepers illuminate the waters to safely guide boats along the shore, but Jose David Vidal did more than that. He also shed light on the town of Estepona, thanks to his hobby: collecting photographs, stamps, and postcards. A civil engineer, Vidal arrived in Estepona in 1906 to occupy the then vacant lighthouse. He was to stay in Estepona for 30 years. Research carried out by the municipal department of Historical Heritage, has revealed that Vidal was not just your average lighthouse keeper. From a very young age, he showed a real passion for collecting postcards, stamps and coins. In 1916, he joined a society of international correspondence, Filatelia Internacional, whose members exchanged postcards. Thanks to his membership, Vidal managed to accumulate a vast and important collection of postcards and stamps from around the world, between 1903 and 1949. In the most part they are traditional images from places abroad. The photographs vary from beachgoers in Biarritz, to powerful images of Muslim refugees in Greece during the First World War and of the 1924 Honduras revolution. Now a digital reproduction of the collection has been donated to Estepona's Historical Archive by one of Vidal's descendants, the writer and retired teacher, Alberto Granados. The images illustrate society of the time. / SUR The worth of the collection lies, according to the municipal archivist, Alfredo Galan, in the photographs of Estepona, which Vidal asked local photographers Juan Gaitan and Miguel Ramirez to take. The photographs were then sent to other members of the society in the form of postcards. The Estepona councillor responsible for Local Heritage, Jose Maria Guerrero, said, Without these images we wouldn't know the historic layout and structure of Estepona, the periods of development through which the lighthouse went, and so many other aspects of the everyday lives of the people, all of which would have disappeared if it were not for his collection. Vidal also maintained a personal relationship and correspondence with important figures such as Julian Besteiro, speaker of the Constituent Cortes of the Spanish Republic in 1931, with whom he discussed, among other things, working conditions for lighthouse keepers, politics and even stamp collecting. More than a lighthouse keeper, collector and chronicler, Vidal was something of a hero. He defended even those who weren't on his side, said the archivist. During the republic, despite his leftist political views and Freemason membership, he helped a distinguished member of the local conservatives Jose Nadal Guerrero. Also, Vidal tried, albeit in vain, to stop his house alongside the lighthouse being ransacked. During the break-in, collections of coins and stamps were stolen as they assumed their value to be higher than they were, said Galan. Fortunately, the postcards were not stolen. After defending Guerrero, people of Vidal's own political standing attacked him, and Vidal felt obliged to move to Alicante. There, he fought for the release of a colleague who had been arrested for political reasons. Vidal lost his job and, under Franco, was sentenced for being a Freemason. He spent three years in Burgos prison between 1943 and 1946, and was released only on medical grounds. Now due to his ethics, cultural ambition, and for shedding light on to Estepona's past, a petition has been started to name a square or a street 'Farero Jose David Vidal', preferably in the vicinity of the lighthouse that was his home. Despite filming starting in a few days' time, scarce information has been revealed to the public about Genius: Picasso, a series about the life of Pablo Picasso produced by National Geographic and Fox. During an event to launch the series in London this week, Antonio Banderas, who will be playing the legendary painter from Malaga, appeared for the first time with a shaved head, a look he has acquired in preparation for the role. The producers confirmed that the ten-episode series will be released in spring 2018. Scenes will be shot in Malaga from Monday 30 October. Scenes of the painter's early life in Genius: Picasso will be filmed in Malaga These will be seen in the first episode of the series, which will cover the very early life of the artist. Locations such as his childhood home in the Plaza de la Merced, the Santiago church where he was baptised, Calle San Agustin where he went to infant school, and the Malagueta bullring are going to feature in the biopic. Although Banderas will not be onscreen during these scenes, the Malaga-born star will film sequences on the beach which will be used as a set for the French Cote d'Azur, where the adult Picasso visited. I have always been fascinated by Picasso's life, Banderas confessed when he was announced as the lead actor in the production. This is not the first time that the actor has gone bald for a role, he shaved his head for the sci-fi film Automota three years ago. Antonio Banderas will also be playing Pablo Picasso in Carlos Saura's film 33 Days, which will begin filming at the end of 2018. The nineteenth Spain-Japan forum was held in Malaga this week. Some 120 delegates were in the city as it hosted the annual meeting between the two countries. On Wednesday night local dignitaries officially welcomed the guests, which included the Japanese ambassador, with a reception and dinner just outside Malaga. The visitors were entertained by a verdiales traditional folk group. The forum is seen as an important opportunity to strengthen economic ties with Japan, the world's third largest economy after the USA and China. On Thursday delegates met at the city's Gran Hotel Miramar at a meeting entitled 'Globalisation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution'. At the event public and private sector representatives reflected on the current tensions between protectionism and free trade with companies like Fujitsu, Hitachi, Telefonica and Ficosa taking part. The forum is celebrated annually, alternating between Japan and Spain. Each year a different city is chosen so that attendees can get to know more about different parts of the country. Thanks to this meeting, Malaga has put itself on the radar of those that have decision-making powers in Japan and who could, in the future, think of the city for an investment, said the secretary general of the Spain-Japan foundation. The official agenda of this week's forum has been supported by a programme of cultural events across the provincial capital, some of which run to 3 November. Activities including exhibitions and food tastings have been arranged. Details can be see in Spanish on: http://japonllegaamalaga.malaga.eu/ The Costa del Sol has long been home to a thriving Irish community and there are numerous bars and restaurants spread along the coast that cater especially for them. Most of these bars, of course, will claim to serve the best pint of Guinness outside of Dublin, be the most authentic Irish pub in the area, or offer the best craic on the coast, but few of these bars can genuinely live up to their claims. However, one small Irish bar in Torremolinos, which, incidentally, does not claim to be anything other than a decent Irish pub, has recently triumphed in the Irish Pubs Global Awards 2017. Pat Murphy's had been nominated in several categories, including 'Best Irish Community Pub Pat Murphy's Bar in Montemar, Torremolinos, won the trophy for 'Best Bar Person' at the awards ceremony in the Round Room at the Mansion House in Dublin last week. Pat Murphy's had been nominated for several categories in the European section, including Irish Pub of the Year and Best Irish Community Pub, but it was the charm and charisma of owner, Tara Tallon, that scooped the prize of best bar person. We were shocked at first, but once it sunk in, we were extremely pleased to have won. Although we had been nominated for several awards, we didn't actually think we would win. It's just the most amazing thing, Tara explained to SUR in English. The aim of the competition is to promote a set of standards in Irish pubs and a campaign was launched to find the best of the truly genuine Irish establishments throughout Europe. The competition called for customers to vote for their favourite Irish bars and restaurants, and Pat Murphy's had to beat off some pretty strong competition from the hundreds of Irish establishments that participated in the competition. Tara and husband, John, both from Dublin, have owned Pat Murphy's since 2003 and over the years the bar has become one of the most popular pubs in what is known as Irish Square, so called because of the vast amount of Irish expats, visitors and tourists who frequent the area. The couple were unable to attend the ceremony to receive their award. Instead, John's nephew accepted it on their behalf, although a grand celebration followed when Tara received the good news from Dublin on the night of the ceremony. We feel honoured to have been voted for by our customers and we would like to thank them for the opportunity to live up to their expectations. We feel that all the hard work has finally paid off, Tara said with a beaming smile. Following the end of the fifth round of Brexit negotiations last week, the British Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, released an update via the British Embassy in Madrid's social network pages. In his statement, the ambassador said that on citizens' rights the UK government thinks it is close to finding agreement and reiterated the statement made in previous talks over the framework for granting EU citizens settled status in the UK. Mr Manley added that British qualifications would continue to be recognised in other EU countries and that EU citizens would, in principle, be allowed to continue to vote in local and regional elections in the UK. However, he said that whether UK citizens would have reciprocal voting rights as they do under EU laws, would be an issue for individual member states. The fifth round of negotiations received criticism from anti-Brexit campaign groups and UK media, who believe that no progress has been made, leading to increased fears that UK prime minister Theresa May's statement that no deal is better than a bad deal is looking ever more realistic. Speaking on the UK's LBC radio last week May admitted that the government is working on a strategy in case there is no deal by 1 April 2019, which is when the UK is currently expected to officially leave the European Union. Bremain in Spain's Sue Wilson said in a press release, May admitted that she doesn't have a plan on citizens' rights if we crash out without a deal. Repeating 'we want you to stay' to EU citizens isn't reassuring, especially when she keeps raising a no deal scenario. Wednesday's announcement that the next hearing in the House of Commons of the Great Repeal Bill, which is designed to bring EU legislation into UK law and repeal the European Communities Act, has been delayed due to a high number of amendments added to widespread speculation on whether the negotiations are in crisis and on the likelihood of a 'no deal' scenario. Spain's Home Office Minister, Juan Ignacio Zoido, says the EU is to provide funds for security measures in places which are vulnerable to terrorist attack because they hold events attended by large crowds of people. The EU will release tens of millions of euros to different countries to prevent attacks such as the recent one in La Rambla in Barcelona and in Cambrils, where 16 people died after being stabbed or run over by a vehicle, a method which has also been used in attacks in Berlin and London. Zoido says the funds will not only apply to tourist areas, but also to those which hold fairs and festivals which attract large crowds. Countries and regions will have to apply for these funds and the EU will decide how much money to give in each case. Andalucia has several events which could make it vulnerable, such as El Rocio, the Easter processions and city fairs, but Juan Antonio Zoido denies that it is any more at risk than other regions of Spain or Europe. The Spanish government is this weekend finalising plans to intervene in the devolved government of Catalonia. It follows the expiry of a deadline on Thursday, imposed by prime minister Mariano Rajoy, for Catalan regional president, Carles Puigdemont, to clarify if he had declared independence or not for Catalonia in the regional parliament last week and, if so, to rectify the situation. In his answer to Rajoy, which came just before the 10am deadline on Thursday, Puigdemont made it clear that the regional parliament didn't vote on a declaration of independence when it last met on 10 October and threatened Madrid with an imminent formal vote if it didn't enter into talks. It isn't clear how Article 155 will be used; the constitutional clause has never been invoked Within the separatist parties in Catalonia there is disagreement about what to do next If the repression and lack of dialogue persists, the Parlament [regional parliament] could go ahead, if it sees it as appropriate, and vote on a formal declaration of independence, the letter stated. Focus shifts back to Madrid This meant that the focus of the constant 'tit for tat' between Madrid and Barcelona switched back to Mariano Rajoy to decide, with ministers, how exactly to respond, using Article 155 of the Constitution to temporarily suspend some or all of the devolved elements of Catalonia's regional government. Rajoy had given Puigdemont until last Monday to make his original statement on whether he considered Catalonia to be independent or not, which Puigdemont sidestepped in his longer answer on Monday, and then a further three days until this Thursday to rectify. An official statement from Madrid, which came soon after Puigdemont's Thursday morning letter to Rajoy, said that the Catalan president had failed to meet the conditions of returning Catalonia to normal constitutional order by Thursday and, as such the national government would press on with its plans. Cabinet decision On Saturday the Cabinet will meet in a special session and approve the measures that will be taken to the Senate with the aim of protecting the overall interests of the people of Spain, including those in Catalonia, and restore constitutional order to that autonomous community, the statement said. It wasn't clear to what extent Article 155 will be used. The clause in the 1978 post-Franco constitution has never been invoked before and gives central government powers to intervene in the affairs of Spain's devolved regions if the interests of the country are threatened - although it doesn't actually suspend the devolved status. Cross-party support The country's three main national political parties: Rajoy's ruling conservative Partido Popular (PP), the Socialist PSOE, and centrist Ciudadanos have been coordinating behind the scenes in Madrid over the last week what the extent of the use of Article 155 will be, in a rare display of unity. Observers have variously suggested that it could involve taking control of just the regional police and security forces and the region's treasury, or keeping Puigdemont in place but without regional politicians heading their departments and employing technocrats instead controlled from Madrid. Speaking after another meeting with the government on Thursday, a PSOE spokesperson said that the measures should be, in their view, as brief as possible and very limited. Commentators also said that, if Article 155 is applied, the regional parliament could be temporarily suspended and new elections called after a cooling off period. Trying to avoid violence Madrid is mindful to avoid taking steps that could lead to street protests or violence following the uncomfortable images from the recent banned referendum of police confronting voters, which were focussed on by international media. Tensions with the Catalan nationalist movement were further increased this week when two independence leaders, the two ' Jordis', were refused bail in an ongoing sedition case. Within the separatist parties in Catalonia there was disagreement about what to do next faced with the imminent use of Article 155 by Madrid. The more moderate PdeCat party called on Rajoy to make a last effort to negotiate with them. Meanwhile members of the left-wing ERC and anti-system CUP urged Carles Puigdemont to summon parliament so the pro-separatist majority could formally declare independence first, ahead of Article 155 being used. There were also calls from Madrid for the regional government to call elections in Catalonia to avoid the use of Article 155, a move which the ruling coalition has so far rejected. All eyes on the Senate next After Saturday's cabinet meeting in Madrid, the measures the government will adopt will need to be debated by the Senate, Spain's upper house, which could take a week. The PP already holds a majority here but can also expect the support of PSOE and Ciudadanos in a vote. In view of recent happenings in Catalonia, it is logical that companies based there stay on red alert. Apart from the 30 or more major firms that have already left, another 692+ companies no longer have their head offices there. Those that stay - or even set up elsewhere but are indelibly Catalan - face the possibility of a boycott of their products. Codorniu, the oldest family business in Spain (1531) considers itself Catalan and Spanish, and laments the fact that it has been linked to the independence movement. We have denied this time and time again, they state. Freixenet is faced with a double boycott, on one hand by the anti-Catalan Spanish market and the other by the 'independentistas' who believe it is supportive, as indeed its chairman has declared constantly. Seems like they are condemned to lose out whatever, and the up-and-coming cavas being produced now in most Spanish regions are of a quality that represents serious competition. Bodegas Torres, another of the country's oldest family businesses, has made no statement or showed support for either side, reflecting the intelligence that the company has always demonstrated. 75% of its wines are sold outside Spain, and they have non-Catalan bodegas in other parts of the country as well as Chile and California. It may be the winery least affected of all by political developments of any kind. Insecurity is the worst enemy of investors, as the Canadian province of Quebec demonstrates well. After two referendums to promote independence in 1980 and 1995, practically all the province's large companies left, most for Toronto. Even though Quebec's independence seems very unlikely at present, none intend to return. But just changing the location of a wine-producer's head office may not be enough to solve the problem. The vineyards will stay in Catalonia for the foreseeable future and wherever the wine is made or bottled, the grapes will still be natives of the region. Partly because it fears an economic hit from the Catalonian independence issue, the Spanish government has lowered its GDP growth forecast for Spain in 2018 from 2.6% to 2.3%. But it has not yet altered its projection of 3% growth for this year, even though the economic effects of this fraught conflict are already emerging. They are most obvious in Catalonia, a part of Spain ruled by separatists who claim that the region would be better off as an independent state. Yet according to Spain's company register, around 700 businesses have taken their headquarters out of Catalonia since October 1st, when Catalan president Carles Puigdemont held an illegal independence referendum. Among them are the region's two biggest banks, Banco Sabadell and Caixabank, who lost 6.3% and 6.8% of their share value respectively in the wake of a plebiscite tainted by violence. Tourism is being affected as well. The industry lobbying group Exceltur reported this week that visitor activity in the region has slumped by 15% since October 1st and that hotel and transport reservations from now until the year-end are down by 20%. If the latter figure holds good, said Exceltur's vice president Jose Luis Zoreda, Catalonia's takings from tourism could fall by almost 1.2 billion euros in the final quarter of this year. Zoreda added that the overall drop in activity could reach 30% if the conflict between Barcelona and Madrid spills over into next year, which it almost certainly will. There are still optimists around, though. In a research note released by London's City University this week, two of its professors weigh up the economic effects of secession for Catalonia and the rest of Spain. After glibly speculating that each side would have to pay transition costs, the economists conclude that both new states are viable, and they could well be better off in the long run. Readers of this somewhat naive document are also assured that mutually beneficial agreements would unavoidably be pursued between Barcelona and Madrid in the wake of secession. Just like mutually beneficial agreements are being unavoidably pursued now, one supposes. On the contrary, the Catalonian saga has so far been a masterclass in how to exacerbate a serious and divisive political problem. Mariano Rajoy's government is readying itself to activate the hitherto-unused Article 155 of the Spanish constitution and effectively take over the Catalan government - an extreme course of action, even in the context of this bitterly-fought battle. It seems safe to say, then, that the chances of negotiation between Barcelona and Madrid are at zero, which is one of the reasons why companies are fleeing Catalonia in their hundreds. Unfortunately, the only unavoidable thing about the secession issue as it now stands seems to be further conflict and division. Things are going from bad to worse. This page no longer exists or may have been moved.If you believe this is a mistake please email ICS condemns proposed restriction on Canadian crude oil shipments The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has voiced its deep concern about proposed Canadian legislation, which would establish a moratorium on Northern British Columbia tanker movements. Bill C-48 - Oil Moratorium Act- is aimed at regulating vessels transporting crude oil or persistent oil to or from ports or marine installations located along British Columbias north coast. The ICS claimed that this Act would interfere with international maritime trade. Such a draconian step could lead to serious concerns being raised by Canadas international trading partners, said ICS director of policy and external relations, Simon Bennett. ICS said that the proposals were not developed through an evidence-based process, and believed that it would establish an unwelcome precedent that might be emulated elsewhere, including by individual US states, with the potential to impact greatly on the efficiency of world trade, as well as that of Canada. The Chamber said that the environmental record of the shipping industry, especially the tanker sector, was impressive. On average, worldwide, there are currently fewer than two significant oil spills (over 700 tonnes) per year, compared to 25 such incidents per year 30 years ago, despite a doubling of the amount of oil transported by sea. We would instead encourage Canada to continue its strong history of environmental protection and support for responsible global trade through the implementation of practical measures consistent with international best practice. This includes respecting the IMOs role in developing safe and sustainable shipping regulations and recommendations that might address any concerns that Canada may have, Bennett said. ICS further said that the global shipping industry fully recognises the importance of robust environmental protection measures, and is committed to the goal of zero pollution, consistent with the comprehensive global regulatory framework adopted by the IMO, in accordance with the United Nations Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to which Canada is a State party. This legislation, tabled in the Canadian parliament on 12th May, is being reviewed by a parliamentary committee. This review was due to start on 19th October. Earlier this month, groups, including northerners, indigenous organisations, local governments, labour unions and environmental groups, sent a strong message of support for Bill, which would prohibit any vessel carrying more than 12,500 tonnes of crude or persistent oil from using any port or marine installation on British Columbias north coast in Hecate Strait, Dixon Entrance and Queen Charlotte Sound. Iraq oil export problems flair up again Geopolitical conflicts can have lasting impacts on global oil trade flows, thus impacting on the tanker markets. In its latest industry note, McQuilling Services explained the potential implications of the current political unrest in Iraq. Iraq produced an average of 4.4 mill barrels per day through the first nine months of this year. However, output had surpassed 4.6 mill barrels per day prior to inclusion in the OPEC-led production cuts. Iraqi crude finds a home in a variety of regions with the majority bound for the East through the southern oil terminal at Basrah, while the majority of crude exported out of the north (Ceyhan) is sent into the European refining system. Through the first half of this year, official customs data indicated that about 14% of Iraqi crude and dirty product exports was shipped to the Mediterranean, while about 13.6% headed to Northern Europe. Volumes into the Mediterranean have come under pressure in recent years, due to the return of Iranian and Libyan export barrels regaining market share, as well as competitive pricing of Urals volumes out of the Black Sea amid increased supply. These flows will likely be impacted by geopolitical factors and in turn, influence tanker trade flows. Geopolitical tensions within Iraq have risen on the back of the 25th September referendum in the Kurdistan region, which received about 70% of registered voters and concluded with an overwhelming yes for independence. The decision to include Kirkuk within the referendum was viewed by Iraq as an effort by the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) to consolidate control of key oil assets within the multi-ethnic city. Baghdad immediately rejected the decision, sent troops into the area and, just recently, regained control of administrative buildings and oil fields in Kirkuk. Iraqs position is that all its crude production and exports are to be marketed by the government-backed SOMO Oil Marketing Co. Traditionally, Northern exports were served through an Iraqi-controlled pipeline to Ceyhan with a nameplate capacity of 1.6 mill barrels per day; however, before operations were completely shut down in March, 2014, due to persistent damage from militant attacks, operable capacity had fallen to about 300,000 barrels per day. To mitigate the risk of shutdowns and to consolidate control of oil revenues, in 2013, the KRG constructed a separate pipeline from the Taq Taq oilfield in the greater Kirkuk area to Fish Khabur on the Turkey/Iraq border where it was connected to the Ceyhan pipeline. Current capacity through this pipeline is estimated at around 650,000 barrels per day. The KRG-controlled pipeline has allowed the semi-autonomous nation to sell its crude without interference from the central government, with the latter occasionally using the KRG pipeline for exports; however, this has not occurred since June, 2017. The International Energy Agency (IEA) recently estimated that export volumes (Iraq to Turkey via land-based infrastructure) averaged about 540,000 barrels per day in August, 2017 with all the volumes stemming from the KRG, which itself last reported crude output over 560,000 barrels per day in October, 2016. In support of the Iraqi central government, Turkey, which is also concerned about its own Kurdish population seeking annexation with any independent Kurdistan, announced that it may cut off Kurdish access to the Ceyhan pipeline, effectively halting the flow of Kurdish crude exports. For now, Turkey has allowed access to the deepwater port of Ceyhan; however, any disruption to these volumes would likely impact tanker demand. McQuilling said that denying Kurdish access to the Ceyhan pipeline could put negative pressure on demand for crude tankers in the Mediterranean. The BOTAS terminal (Ceyhan) is the main northern outlet for Iraqi crude with volumes averaging at over 1 mill barrels per day through the first nine months of 2017, an 11% rise year-on-year. About 354 vessels (VLCCs to Aframaxes) loaded at this terminal from January to September, 2017 - 55% Aframaxes, 43% Suezmaxes and <2% VLCCs. If Turkey follows through with its threats, we are likely to see downward pressure on tonne/mile demand in the Mediterranean, which accounts for 7% of DPP vessel demand from a load perspective. One of the popular northern Iraqi grades is the Kurdish KBT blend, which, according to buyers, has an API gravity of 32-32.5 and a sulfur percentage of about 2.5 -3%. Classified as a sour grade, a discontinuation of these exports would likely reduce the availability of Middle Eastern sours and ultimately support crude pricing. In the context of a disruption in Kurdish exports, McQuilling said that refiners, specifically in Europe, would source more sour grades from other Middle Eastern producers. While Aframax demand in the Mediterranean may come under pressure, it is expected that higher volumes out of the Middle East would support larger tonnage. These volumes would likely be transported on VLCCs and Suezmaxes out of the MEG to the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal or by discharging at the SUMED pipeline, where it is then transported to Sidi Kerir to reload onto tankers. Another potential source could be the Urals market, as these grades tend to be sour; however, with a lighter density, refiners may not see this as a suitable replacement. Certain Caribbean sour crudes, such as Mexican Maya, may seem suitable; however, the expected decline in regional crude output may eliminate this as a long-term source. Alternative crude sourcing may not be necessary, as Iraq recently secured control in the region and plans to expand its own export infrastructure. Reflecting the fluid situation in Iraq, skirmishes were reported between Iraqi and Kurdish forces last weekend, as the central government took control of oil assets in previously disputed areas, including Kirkuk. Recent news also indicated that Iraq sought to bypass Kurdistan by repairing the disused pipeline to the North with the intention to initially restore capacity to 250,000-400,000 barrels per day. This would allow the Iraqi government to send its SOMO crude volumes to the Turkish border without reliance on the KRG. The pipeline has not seen oil in years and a projected completion time for repairs is unclear, as extensive maintenance is needed to reverse damage caused by a number of militant attacks. However, repairs, if completed, would likely support more Iraqi crude exports into the Mediterranean and potentially mitigate impacts of a halt in Kurdish access to Ceyhan, McQuilling concluded. Piracy - still a cause for concern There is continuing concern over the number of pirate attacks in the Gulf of Guinea and Southeast Asia in the first nine months of this year, according to the latest report from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB). A total of 121 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported during the period. The IMBs third quarter report warned that, while piracy levels were down, compared to the same period in 2016, there is continuing concern over attacks in the Gulf of Guinea and in Southeast Asia. The increase in attacks off the coast of Venezuela and other security incidents against vessels off Libya including an attempted boarding in the last quarter highlights the need for vigilance in other areas, the IMB said. In total, 92 vessels were boarded, 13 were fired upon, there were 11 attempted attacks and five vessels were hijacked in the nine month period, according to the report. No incidents were reported off the coast of Somalia in the last quarter, although the successful attacks from earlier in the year suggested that pirates in the area retain the capacity to target merchant shipping at distances from the coastline. The four main highlights of the report, were - 1) Malaysias success story - One vessel was reported hijacked in 3Q17 when a Thai product tanker was attacked off Pulau Yu in Malaysia in early September. However, thanks to the prompt intervention of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, 10 hijackers were successfully apprehended and the tanker was safely escorted to a nearby port. The pirates were quickly tried and sentenced to long periods of imprisonment. The Malaysian response demonstrates exactly the type of speedy and robust action that is needed to deter such attacks, said Pottengal Mukundan, IMB director. 2) Nigeria remains risky - A total of 20 reports involving all vessel types were received for Nigeria, 16 of which occurred off the coast of Brass, Bonny and Bayelsa. Guns were reportedly used in 18 of the incidents and vessels were underway in 17 of 20 reports. Some 39 of the 49 seafarers kidnapped globally occurred off Nigerian waters in seven separate incidents. Other crew kidnappings in 2017 were reported 60 nautical miles off the coast of Nigeria. In general, all waters in and off Nigeria remain risky, despite intervention in some cases by the Nigerian Navy. We advise vessels to be vigilant, said Mukundan. The number of attacks in the Gulf of Guinea could be even higher than our figures as many incidents continue to be unreported. 3) An increase in violence off Venezuela - While only three low-level incidents took place in Venezuela during the same period in 2016, the number this year rose to 11. All the vessels were successfully boarded by robbers armed with guns or knives and mostly took place at anchorage. Four seafarers were taken hostage during these incidents, with two assaulted and one injured. 4) Tackling piracy - a team effort - Perhaps the biggest takeaway of this quarters report is the proven importance of the 24-hour manned IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC), which has provided the maritime industry, governments and response agencies with timely and transparent data on piracy and armed robbery incidents received directly from the vessels or owners, flag states or navies, the bureau claimed. The PRCs prompt forwarding of reports and liaison with response agenciesusing Inmarsat Safety Net Services and email alerts, all free of chargehas already helped bolster the response against piracy and armed robbery, keeping seafarers safe. One of the strongest weapons triggering the fight against piracy is accurate statistics, said Mukundan. There should be free and reciprocal sharing of information between the IMB PRC and regional information centres. With a clearer picture of when and where violent incidents are taking place, authorities are able to better allocate their resources to tackle this global issue. Maritime charity, Sailors Society, said that while the number of incidents had fallen, compared to the same period in 2016, the report showed that attacks in the Gulf of Guinea and Southeast Asia were still an issue and there had been a rise in attacks off the coast of Venezuela. The statistics dont take into account unreported incidents, the charity stressed. The Sailors Society has set up three crisis response networks in Africa, Asia and Europe to support survivors of piracy attacks and crises at sea. CEO Stuart Rivers, said: The fear of piracy is a massive issue for seafarers. While we are encouraged that incidents of piracy are generally decreasing, piracy is a still a major concern and any incident is one too many. Survivors of piracy and kidnappings are exposed to violence and terror, which can have a devastating impact on them and their families for years to come. By coming alongside these survivors and their families, we can work with other agencies to help them come to terms with what has happened and give them financial, physical and psychological support to help them pick up the pieces of their lives. Q88 has opened an office in Piraeus, Greece. This office further increases the companys presence in Europe and will serve as a key hub for client relations and business development, the company said. The Greek shipping community is so important to our success as a company and the industry as a whole. Having a presence in Greece is something we are very excited about. The Athens office will allow us to further strengthen relationships in the region and allow us to tap into the pulse of the industry, said Fritz Heidenreich, Q88 president and founder. The office will be headed by client services director, Fotis Georgakopoulos. He has significant client relations and business development experience in the region, previously holding various positions within the industry, most recently with ShipNet. Athina Lekkou has also joined the Q88 Hellas team serving as client services director, and brings with her nine years of industry experience with companies, such as Maran Tankers Management and Tsakos Columbia Ship Management. The Piraeus office will only be a short-term solution, as Q88 will be looking for a permanent office location in the south end of Athens over the next few months, the company explained. Survey shows lack of crew cyber security training Around 84% of seafarers claim to have received limited or no cyber security training from their employers, according to a recent survey. This was despite seafarers understanding that they are partially responsible for maintaining cyber security on board their vessels, a survey conducted by independent satellite communications provider, NSSLGlobal, revealed. To help crews better understand the cyber security risks they face, and as part of its ongoing campaign to promote cyber security at sea, NSSLGlobal will now include its recently co-produced cyber security at sea training video on all newly-installed equipment. In related news, NSSLGlobal has also announced that it has re-certified to the UK government-backed scheme, Cyber Essentials, meaning it has been ratified by the government body by adhering to cyber security standards in its infrastructure and systems. NSSLGlobals Twitter survey of 571 seafarers revealed that although 64% of crews accept responsibility for security of on board IT systems, the vast majority of maritime employers are not doing enough to help crews understand the risks they face and how to avoid them. With the majority of attacks being targeted at people rather than IT infrastructure, the human factor is widely considered to be the biggest risk in cyber security at sea. The maritime industry needs to provide thorough cyber security training and education to its crews to keep these risks to a minimum, the satcoms service provider said. The lack of cyber security training is a real concern, but largely tallies with what were seeing in the industry, said Nigel Quinn, IT security and enterprise manager, NSSLGlobal. With threat vectors and the nature of security threats constantly evolving, the maritime industry needs to be just as prepared as any other industry to tackle the issue head on. At NSSLGlobal we take cyber security extremely seriously and also understand the importance of education. Even with the best technical solutions and tools in place, if people arent trained to a satisfactory standard and dont understand what the threat is then customers put their systems at risk. As part of our wider cyber security initiative, and to support the training of crews on board vessels, weve made our educational cyber security film, which we launched in July in collaboration with Fidra Films, available to all our maritime customers for free via our VSAT IP@SEA service. This film is designed to raise awareness of cyber crime and the steps needed to mitigate against it, which is particularly valuable, as we feel educating our mariners is the first line of defence. To wrap this all together, our certification to the Cyber Essentials schemes gives customers and insurers assurance that theyre covered by industry-ratified security best practice and monitoring, he concluded. The twitter survey of 571 individuals who defined themselves as crew, was conducted by NSSLGlobal and promoted to the followers of @ nautilusint, @ Seafarers_Trust, @ SeafarersWeek, @ iswan_org, @maritimejournal and @IMarEST. Oh my God, members of the press. This was the first thing Anthony Scaramucci said as he paused in the doorway of the Mountbatten Room at the Union, eyes scanning the student journalists waiting to interview him. For a second, it was silent. We didnt know what to say. Then he burst into laughter and sauntered into the room, arms outstretched as he came around and greeted us, shaking our hands. The same vein of making light of what people expect of him was weaved throughout the rest of the evening. Later that night, just as his speakers event at the Union commenced, Union president Page Nyame-Satterthwaite introduced him as an American businessperson who was appointed as the White House communications director by President Donald Trump in July 2017. He replied, speaking of his time at the Oxford Union just two days before, Im already loving you people, and Ill tell you why. The Oxford people introduced me as the shortest-serving tenured communications director. He adds, But they said it was ten days. And Ill tell you, I have a very fragile ego, it was actually eleven days. The chamber burst into laughter. One thing that quickly becomes apparent about Scaramucci, known to some as The Mooch, is that he stares unflinchingly at you, eyes wide, unwavering, piercing. He sat at the head of the table, and occasionally, when either he or an interviewer was speaking, his gaze searched others around him, seemingly checking for a reaction. With his appearance being one of the most, or, quite possibly, the most, highly-anticipated event in the Union term card this term, he has been the subject of a vast number of conversations in the past week. A friend told me, Id probably punch him; another simply scoffed. Yet another, upon learning of this interview, texted, Ask him what he achieved in 10 days as Trumps mouthpiece, hehehe. An hour before he arrived, the Union was abuzz. We in the Mountbatten Room had time for just a question each before he was whisked away. When I asked, Is politics, for you, a platform for personal ambition?, he answered almost immediately. I dont know. I stumbled into politics accidentally. The first person I supported in a presidential election was Barack Obama. He asked, Do you know why I supported him?, and I shook my head. His voice quietened ever so slightly, then, Because I went to law school with him. He continued, So we were at Harvard together, and I said, this would be the first time in my life that Ill actually know somebody thats running for President. So this has all been very accidental for me. Ive seen myself as an American businessperson for the 28 years since I left law school, so I dont know. Then he asked, suddenly rapt with attention, What do you think? Do you think I should be in politics? He added, Do you think I have the right personality for politics? I mumbled something inconsequential about there not being a single, one-size-fits-all personality for politics. Well, I think that the problem in poli, he began, then stopped. Well, maybe the world will change, well have to see. Im a very upfront person, so Im going to tell you exactly how I feel about things, and Im not going to sugarcoat it in that political, Orwellian-speak sort of way. So that leads to some level of anxiety. Later, during his speakers event, in which he engaged in a discussion with Nyame-Satterthwaite, perhaps one of the most momentous points came when, without being prodded, he acknowledged the elephant in the room his conversation on the phone with Ryan Lizza from the New Yorker, which ended his career at the White House. I was supposed to say the conversation was off the record. I was supposed to know that he was recording the conversation even though he was recording it without my permission. Virginia, where I was talking to him from, is a one-party state, meaning that one of the two parties can record with or without the other persons permission. Some of you may say, youre the White House Communications Director, so you should have known that. That is a very fair comment, and I own that, and I own that mistake." Eventually, he told us, The truth of the matter is that I own it. And so I have no regrets. He gave us a fraction of context for his phone call with Ryan Lizza a while later, when Nyame-Satterthwaite asked, Having been on the inside, do you think theres a particular reason for such volatility in the Trump White House? He responded by interpreting volatility as the number of leaks coming from the administration. Ill take you guys back, its July 20th, its 4:30 in the afternoon. Im called into the West Wing of the White House. The President has a small study off of the Oval Office, and I walk into the office with Ivanka, and were sitting there, and the President says okay, were going to make you the communications director, but you gotta help me stop the leaks. Therere a tremendous amount of leaks going on here, and we gotta figure out a way to stop the leaks. The phone call with Lizza had centred on Scaramuccis inexplicable near-obsession with finding out who had leaked information to Lizza of his dinner at the White House with President Trump, the First Lady, Sean Hannity, and former Fox News executive Bill Shine. It seems Scaramucci has a habit of giving people advice, often speaking in handy aphorisms one can take away from the conversation. At one point, he said, One axiomatic fact about life, and the real secret to your happiness is that what other people think about you is none of your own business. Later, he painted us a picture of politics so neat and memorable it seemed rehearsed, What I found is that people take two pills when they get close to power. The first one is the anti-friendship pill. So I couldve been friends with someone like Steve Bannon, and I couldve been friends with someone like Reince Priebus for a very long time, but the anti-friendship pill goes in, and it doesnt matter what your friendships were, or your loyalties youll take the people out to the right of you, to the left, if you think its going to help you garner more power. I was absolutely repulsed by that. The second pill that people take is the aphrodisiac pill for power, and they wanna get super close to power, they wanna brag about the position that they have in power, and they get almost drunk off of the influence they have. And thats why the press is so important, because you have to hold these people accountable, otherwise you will give them a license for absolute recklessness. Looking back on that evening, Scaramucci comes across as unexpectedly open about the reputation that precedes him. Speaking to people the following day, the word noble was used to describe how open he had been about the past. Others were simply confused. A gap had opened up between what we knew from reading about him and watching him on the news, and how he came across in person. It had become difficult to pin him down. On the one hand, one thing he said over the course of the night comes to mind as something of an explanation. What we do in American politics is we take three-dimensional people and we try to smash them down into two-dimensional caricatures. We do that in order to totally put them in disrepute for the rest of the society. On the other hand, some, the more sceptical amongst us, have said it must be a front. That remains a matter of speculation, hanging in the air of Cambridge in his wake. Following a freedom of information request by Labour MP and former education minister, David Lammy, it has been revealed that in 2015, 10 out of 32 Oxford colleges did not admit a single black British A-Level student, with Oriel College notably only offering one place to a black British A-Level student in six years. Speaking to The Guardian, Lammy said that this is social apartheid and is utterly unrepresentative of life in modern Britain. Data released by Cambridge shows that, in the same year, six colleges did not admit any black British students. In total, only 1.5% of offers from both universities to UK students went to black candidates. The last time such data was released was in 2010, which showed that in the previous year, twenty-one Oxbridge colleges made no offers to black candidates for undergraduate courses. Figures also revealed that in 2009, 89% of Oxford students are from the upper and middle classes, whilst Cambridge was not far behind this with a figure of 87.6%. Only three Oxford colleges and six Cambridge colleges made at least one offer to a black British A-Level student in each year between 2010 and 2015. Lammy, who was the first black Briton to attend Harvard Law School, argued that difficult questions have to be asked, including whether there is systematic bias inherent in the Oxbridge admissions process that is working against talented young people from ethnic minority backgrounds, noting that approximately 400 black students achieve three As at A-Level, but few apply to Oxford or Cambridge. Also speaking to The Guardian, a spokesperson from Cambridge said that offers are made on an academic basis alone, with the greatest barrier to participation at selective universities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds is low attainment at school. We assess the achievements of these students in their full context to ensure that students with great academic potential are identified, Widening participation further will require government, schools, universities, charities, parents and students to work closely together. We will continue to work hard with all parties to raise aspirations and attainment to improve access to higher education. Oxford initially refused Lammys request for a break-down on the data on ethnicity in 2016, whilst Cambridge immediately provided the information. Lammy labelled Oxford as defensive and evasive, stating, I have been pressuring the University of Oxford to publish this data for over a year and they have only begrudgingly decided to partially publish it now. Attention has recently been drawn to the lack of black male students at Cambridge when 14 black, male students posed for a photo earlier this year, highlighting how only 15 black, male undergraduates were accepted into Cambridge in 2015. It's true.I haven't been there but I heard that their operations have been going smoothly since June 2017.In fact, the Proudly-Pinoy company has just released two basic phones that are assembled in that specific facility.The first one is called, which is a Dual SIM, Dual Standby feature-phone that has a long battery standby time of up to 5 days or 120 hours.Priced at only Php 599, this pocket-friendly device also features a flashlight, an FM radio, a basic camera with flash, and multimedia playback for MP3 player functionality.On the other hand,exudes premium design and has a large, colored TFT screen. Boasting up to 8 days of standby time and 3 hours of talk time, this handset also comes replete with a camera at the back, multimedia player, and LED torch light. This model is slightly more expensive at Php 699.As a proudly-Filipino technology blogger, I'm delighted to learn that one of our Pinoy tech brands is actually taking a chance on local talent and skills to craft devices right at home. If many consumers would purchase these handsets, I'm confident that this laudable move by Starmobile will create even more jobs for Filipinos, which is always a good thing.Frankly, Starmobile's current Android smartphones are still made by OEMs in China -- since it's far more cost efficient and it helps lower the prices of these products. Now that the company has its own factory in Laguna, though, I'd love to see the first Android device that they will assemble there. It's a lot more challenging and ambitious than making feature-phones but if there's a local brand that would love to meet this challenge, I know that it's Starmobile; After all, their slogan is "Reach for the Star". The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday heard a suo motu PIL on Morbi bridge tragedy and asked the state government as to how no expression of interest was tendered, and how the "largesse of the state" was given to an individual without floating a tender. By PTI: Samastipur (Bihar), Oct 20 (PTI) One person was killed and at least five others were injured today when police allegedly opened fire on protesters for torching the forces vehicles and attempting to set ablaze a police station in Samastipur district. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered an inquiry into the incident that took place at Asadhi village under the Tajpur police station. advertisement The police said violence broke out during a demonstration by villagers at an highway. They were protesting against the killing of a chemist by unidentified assailants two days ago, Samastipur Superintendent of Police (SP) Deepak Ranjan said. They torched as many as eight police vehicles and also tried to set fire to the police station and attack the vehicle of a deputy superintendent, he said. The police personnel "had to resort to firing in the air" after they could not disperse the crowd with batons, the SP said. "In the melee, some police personnel perhaps could not aim their guns properly in the air and as a result of which two of the demonstrators suffered bullet injuries," Ranjan said. One of them died on the spot and the other was taken to a hospital. Three policemen and an administrative official were also injured, he said. The chief minister has called the incident "sad" and directed Tirhut divisional commissioner and the deputy inspector general of police (Tirhut Range) to visit the site and submit a report, an official release said here. The situation was tense but brought under control and a large number of police personnel have been deployed in the area, the SP said. PTI NAC SBN MM ANB --- ENDS --- By PTI: Cairo, Oct 20 (PTI) At least 14 police officers were killed and eight others injured today during clashes with terrorists in Egypts Giza city, officials said. The officers were killed in exchange of fire with the terrorists in el-Wahat desert in Giza, the officials said. The police forces received information about a number of terrorists hiding in the desert area. Clashes erupted when they tried to arrest them and they exchanged fire. advertisement 14 police officers were killed and eight others were injured during the clashes, the officials said, adding that the forces are looking for the terrorists in the area. The Ministry of Interior is yet to comment on the incident. Terrorist attacks, mainly targeting police and military, increased after the ouster of former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013 by military following massive protests against his rule. Hundreds of police and army personnel have been killed since then. The military has launched security campaigns in Egypts restive North Sinai province, arrested suspects and demolished houses that belong to terrorists, including those facilitating tunnels leading to the Gaza Strip. PTI YES MRJ --- ENDS --- Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget Chairman Sen. Eric LaFleur, D-Ville Platte, adresses a question to Gov. John Bel Edwards, during the Governor's appearance before his plan was presented to address the $304 million budget deficit for the current year, Friday, Jan. 27, 2017 at the State Capitol. Embattled New Roads Mayor Robert Myer has officially submitted his letter of resignation, in part of a plea deal he reached with district prosecutors Thursday. His resignation stems from allegations he misused city-issue credit cards and used his position to coerce city employees into actions for his personal gain. The embattled mayor must also repay the city any outstanding money he owes for personal charges he made with the credit cards and pay additional court costs and legal fees that will be determined at his Jan. 9 sentencing date. "It has been an honor to serve the city of New Roads over the past seven years and help it to grow and prosper," read the succinct letter. Myer entered a no contest plea to one count of malfeasance in office as part of deal, which was hashed out Thursday evening in Plaquemine. He was set to go trial Jan. 16 after being indicted last year on nine counts of malfeasance in office and a count of abuse of office. A no-contest plea has the same effect as a guilty plea in criminal court but would not be an admission of guilt in civil court. Myer will avoid a year in jail and be placed on probation instead. He would not comment to reporters Thursday evening as he left the courthouse. His attorney, Steven Moore, spoke on his behalf, describing the court proceedings as an "emotional time" for Myer. "Robert wanted it to end this way," Moore said. "The plea agreement was made in order for Robert and the city of New Roads to move on. He's only had the best interest at heart for New Roads." Information from The Advocate staff report Terry L. Jones was used in this report. A 38-year-old Baton Rouge man has been convicted of possessing and distributing child pornography, acting U.S. Attorney Corey Amundson reported Thursday. Christopher G. Waguespack shared more than 400 photos of girls ages 6 to 10, some partially undressed and some nude, a Louisiana Attorney General's Office affidavit alleged in 2015. He also was accused of sending videos of girls ages 9 to 13 engaging in sexually explicit acts, the affidavit states. +2 Two Baton Rouge men arrested in online child pornography investigation Two Baton Rouge men were arrested Thursday in two separate online child pornography investig Amundson said Waguespack used his computer to search for, download, store, categorize and share images of children under the age of 12 engaged in explicit sexual activity. He also took actions to conceal his misconduct and evade detection by law enforcement by using anti-forensic software, wiping software and encryption on his computer. U.S. District Judge John deGravelles has not set a sentencing date. Waguespack faces a mandatory prison term of at least five years. By PTI: By Lalit K Jha Washington, Oct 20 (PTI) As many as 24 American officials have experienced health effects from a series of mysterious health attacks in Cuba, the US said today, asserting that the most recent medically confirmed attack occurred near the end of August. The US, early this month, had ordered the expulsion of 15 Cuban diplomats in response to Havanas "failure" to take appropriate steps to protect American officials from the health attacks in Cuba. advertisement The cause of the mysterious health attack, which were for the first time reported in August, is still being investigated. Releasing the exact figures, State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said an investigation into the attacks in Cuba is ongoing. "Based on continued assessments of US Government personnel, we can confirm 24 persons have experienced health effects from the attacks," Nauert said, adding that the assessments are based on medical evaluations of personnel who were affected by incidents earlier this year. "They do not reflect new attacks. As noted before, the most recent medically confirmed attack occurred near the end of August. Our personnel are receiving comprehensive medical evaluations and care," she said. Nauert, however, did not rule out additional new cases as medical professionals continue to evaluate members of the embassy community. Early this week, US President Donald Trump had blamed Cuba for the attack on US personnel at its Havana embassy resulting in many of them falling seriously ill. Meanwhile, a top Republican Senator Marco Rubio in a letter urged Trump to direct the US to vote against any UN General Assembly resolution demanding a change to Americas embargo against Cuba. The UN General Assembly, at the behest of the Castro regime in Cuba, will likely to vote next month on a resolution demanding an end to the US embargo against Cuba, he said. The embargo is codified under the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act of 1996, which is also known as the Helms-Burton Libertad Act. "I respectfully urge you to direct the United States to vote against any UN General Assembly resolution demanding a change to this US law," Rubio said in a letter to Trump. "While I recognise the UN General Assemblys vote would be only symbolic, it would send the wrong message to human rights defenders and pro-democracy dissidents in Cuba," he said. Over the years, far too many Cubans who have sought to promote self-government, the impartial rule of law, and adherence to universal values on the island have suffered imprisonment, violence, torture, and other human rights violations under the Castro regime. Some have even lost their lives, he said. advertisement The officials have not ruled out the possibility of a third-country behind the attack on US diplomats. Cuba has denied of having any role in such mysterious attacks and is providing all support to the FBI which is investigating the matter. PTI LKJ MRJ --- ENDS --- In todays raucous political environment, perhaps the best outcome for the American economy is no progress in trade talks. That has already led to intense mutual exasperation among trade negotiators working on updating NAFTA, the treaty that ought to be called the North American Co-Prosperity Sphere, because that is what it has delivered since 1994. President Donald Trump has made highhanded demands for treaty revisions that our neighbors Canada and Mexico balk at. "We have seen no indication that our partners are willing to make any changes that will result in a rebalancing and a reduction in these huge trade deficits," said Robert Lighthizer, Trumps hard-line U.S. trade representative. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland countered that America's "unconventional" proposals would "turn back the clock" and warned against a "winner-take-all mindset. What a big, happy North American family this is. All that frustration is hard on the negotiators, but leaving NAFTA as-is may not be the worse outcome. Worst-case scenario is that the Trump administration might decide on a unilateral breakdown, and the latter word is what will happen to the economy. What is a more constructive approach? One set of ideas, including an energy discussion that is potentially of value to Louisiana, is put forward by conservative statesman George P. Shultz and Pedro Aspe, the former secretary of finance for Mexico. They propose to modernize the accord. Writing in The New York Times, the two noted that the digital economy hardly existed in 1993, and now it is a big part of the global economy and has to be incorporated into NAFTA. They also suggest new reforms on treatment of state-owned enterprises, to reduce government subsidies in the private marketplace, and also to crack down on anti-competitive laws in all three countries. But another idea is one that ought to be on the radar in Louisiana. North American countries should be working toward greater integration in energy and national security. When NAFTA was first negotiated, the energy sector was excluded because Mexicos oil, gas and electricity industries were controlled by the state, the authors said. But in recent years, Mexico opened up the sector to competition and foreign investment. The three countries should push toward an integrated North American energy market; that will favor the energy independence and national security of the region. Indeed it might, and this would be the kind of update like that involving the digital marketplace that could make NAFTA into a success story for another generation. Alistair Coe has steadied the Liberals, but many want a less-conservative leader. Credit:Karleen Minney While the government maintains it will meet its election pledges, as well those made in Labor's parliamentary agreement with the Greens, housing policy epitomises how ACT politics has changed. The 11 separate items under the agreement's "social housing and housing affordability" measures have morphed into a seven-week consultation, and a lacklustre summit, after which no deadlines seem to apply for when the rubber will hit the road. Indeed, the original promise for a "homelessness summit" morphed from a focussed discussion about people living on Canberra's streets into one taking in the views of powerful property developers. Asked repeatedly for an interview for this story, Barr referred the requests to Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris. Fitzharris says Housing Minister Yvette Berry is passionate and determined to make an impact, including by delivering a second "common ground" housing development before 2020. Berry, for her part, pledged this week a $1 million "innovation fund" for new housing ideas and about 240 extra public housing dwellings, ideas that ignore repeated calls for a substantive $100 million public housing fund. There is ever-present speculation about Barr's future. While the community sector and developers publicly welcome the "engagement", many privately question the seriousness of the government's commitment to housing affordability for those who don't take home a politician's salary. Some businesspeople also ask whether Barr's plan to return a budget surplus next year and controversies surrounding the unsolicited bid to redevelop Manuka, the Land Development Agency and the tax waiver for the Brumbies have led to an overly cautious approach beyond the prism of specific election commitments. It remains unclear whether "the chief" who has been Treasurer since July 2011 will actually deliver that surplus before the likely handover of the economics portfolio within the year following the 2018 budget. There is ever-present speculation about Barr's future, though he quickly rejected the idea of nominating for Canberra's new third federal seat. Yet federal politics must remain an attractive option, even if it challenges his desire to leave a "legacy" of a redeveloped city and and a balanced budget. Fitzharris says Labor's 2016 election wins was one of the most "comprehensive" seen in the ACT, but says that, given Barr's budget agenda, all ministers needed "a pretty sharp focus on prudently managing the budget". Despite rising concerns about a lack of energy or new ideas emerging from cabinet, she says each minister has "strong ideas" but, one year in, they are still "setting the groundwork" for them. Fitzharris says the government has built a "strong footing" in the past 12 months to execute its agenda, though it will take time to deliver outcomes. Indeed, in her own portfolio, the $500 million SPIRE health centre is unlikely to be completed until 2022, though she rejects any suggestion it will not be delivered, saying the lengthy time frame is simply a function of budgeting. Across government, she says the community can expect continued work on "the clear vision the chief and Labor set out for the city as it grows", and that the government believes "achieving everything would be hugely significant for the city". For the opposition, a leadership change and a period of navel-gazing are always expected after an election loss, but some of the Canberra Liberals' closest stakeholders are waiting for a sign of a genuine vision for the city. Leader Alistair Coe, for his part, acknowledges the "light-rail debate has been had". The opposition's questions now centre on the detail of implementing and integrating it with other transport. But he points to the opposition's success on "revenge porn", anti-consorting law proposals and government integrity, with constant concerns that the ACT's two new land agencies could suffer similar ailments to the now-defunct Land Development Agency. While Coe notes the opposition does not have a "full suite of policies", he is focussed on "fighting battles we can win" and promising more on an "economic vision" in coming months. The expectation remains that, next year, his opposition will give the community a better idea of what the party may look like in government. One indicator, perhaps, of a renewed opposition, and possibly of the enlarged Legislative Assembly, is the 770 questions on notice many of which are detailed, multi-part questions posed in the past 12 months. While in the sixth and seventh assemblies, 2441 and 2216 such questions were posed respectively, just 791 such queries were filed in the entirety of the eighth Assembly, when Zed Seselja and then Jeremy Hanson were opposition leaders. A steady hand has brought some stability to the opposition, though not enough to dispel continued talk of a less-conservative leader returning. Coe's focus for the next 12 months will be on three key issues: cost of living, government integrity and "fairness". He says he is "concentrating on the real issues rather than trying to position ourselves on some philosophical spectrum". For the Greens, leader Shane Rattenbury is keen to talk up his party's power. While he sits in cabinet, the other Greens member, Caroline Le Couteur, has the freedom to loudly voice the party's wider agenda. There have been few Greens amendments to government legislation rejected in the Assembly, indicating that agreements are reached well before public debate begins. Indeed, the minor party has backed the government on almost all substantive motions not just those required under the official agreement to maintain stable government. It shows either the political reality of the two coalition partners' interdependence, a lack of independence from the minor party, or perhaps a measure of both. Is this Canberra's version of the Loch Ness Monster? The Lake Burley Griffin Serpent? Glenn Dunbier said his 18-year-old son Dave on Thursday morning took this pic of what appears to be a large brown snake on a footpath alongside Lake Burley Griffin near the Kingston Foreshore. This snake was snapped hauling itself out of Lake Burley Griffin near the Kingston Foreshore on Thursday morning. Glenn reckoned the snaked appeared to have hauled itself out of the water. "It was dragging itself up onto the path so Dave presumed it had been in the lake. It must have been - there's only water at the other end of it," Glenn said. Jaws dropped in Australia this week when news broke that Rio Tinto was in the cross-hairs of the US Securities and Exchange Commission which, in a rollicking, 60-page complaint filed in a New York district court, used thunderous and vivid language to accuse the Anglo-Australian miner and two former top executives of fraud. The SEC's words were pointed as it accused the company, former chief executive Tom Albanese and former chief financial officer Guy Elliott of "deceptive acts" to conceal a "devastating loss in value" of coal assets in Mozambique, and their own "terrible decision" to buy the assets for $US3.7 billion ($4.7 billion) in 2011. But it was the threatened penalties fines, bans for the two former officials and the return of "ill-gotten" profits plus interest that were really designed to sting. Rio Tinto and its former executives deny any wrongdoing, and plan to "vigorously defend" the SEC's action which, one former SEC official says, is being helmed by some of the regulator's most senior and experienced people. "They are the strongest at the commission ... the A-team of investigators and trial attorneys," says Jordan Thomas, a former SEC assistant director and now partner at New York law firm Labaton Sucharow. They include Bridget Fitzpatrick, the head of the SEC's trial unit, who has worked on some of the agency's most complex cases including its prosecution of former Goldman Sachs trader Fabrice Tourre, and enforcement division head Melissa Hodgman. "They are very experienced players who have been assigned," says Thomas, who worked on the Enron, Fannie Mae, UBS, and Citigroup cases while at the SEC. "Sorry boss," say his subordinates. "That mine is worthless now." How would you expect him to react? There is a problem with this list of characteristics, beyond how exhausting it is. Imagine the CEO of a mining company that buys a giant coal mine in inland Mozambique for $US3.7 billion, and then finds out that there's no way to get the coal to the coast for shipment. The SEC complaint against the mining giant and its former CEO Tom Albanese is horrible reading - but there are no real smoking guns. Credit:Erin Jonasson They have high expectations of their subordinates, demanding total loyalty and commitment and effort and creativity. They think outside the box. They don't take no for an answer. There is a certain rather exhausting set of characteristics that you would expect to find in successful chief executive officers. They dream big. They relentlessly pursue their goals. Well of course he is going to demand that the subordinates find a way to get the coal out. Of course he is going to continue to believe that the mine is worth more than the $US3.7 billion ($4.7 billion) he paid for it. Of course he is not going to change his mind just because the government rejects his plans to barge out the coal, or because building a railroad to get it out would be prohibitively expensive. Of course he is not going to be deterred by the negativity of the subordinates who tell him that there's no solution and that the mine is worthless. Of course he is going to tell them that the problem is with their attitude, not with the mine. Of course he is going to tell anyone who'll listen that the problems will be resolved and that the mine is, if anything, undervalued. And then the subordinates will go back to the drawing board, put in 120-hour weeks, and, inspired by the CEO's vision and commitment, will come up with a way to get the coal out. It will be a massive success, and the CEO's most optimistic projections will be realised and exceeded. It will be taught as a case study in business schools. Years later, the subordinates will bond over beers and reminisce about how hard they worked for the CEO, and how it ruined their marriages and their health, and how it was nonetheless the best thing they ever did. For once, they felt truly alive, inspired by a higher purpose, filled with the deep satisfaction that can only come from succeeding against impossible odds. If the Myer board thinks it has dodged a bullet at its annual meeting next month by replacing its chairman and appointing a new director to the board, it is in for a rude awakening. Billionaire retailer Solomon Lew will vote against the election of chairman-elect Garry Hounsell as well as the election of Julie Ann Morrison, days after the company announced her appointment as a director. It is understood that Lew, who is a major shareholder in Myer, will also vote against any other Myer directors planning to stand for re-election. Myer is still to release its notice of meeting, which will include the remuneration report as well as a list of who will nominate. A company spokesman confirmed those standing include Hounsell, Morrison and JoAnne Stephenson, a former partner in KPMG's advisory division. The start of HSC exams is, from what I've heard, always a shock. The English Paper One is different from those you get to practise internally at school, the unseen texts might blindside you a bit, or you may struggle to pin down poetry analysis then go vent your misplaced anger through racist, sexist rants against the poet on social media. Apparently, the third is what's trending among my peers this week. Instead of heading home or to the library to study for other exams after English Standard/Advanced Paper One, some outgoing year 12 students could be found making memes of chimpanzees on typewriters and recording threatening "diss tracks" directed at poet Ellen van Neerven, whose poem Mango appeared in the unseen analysis section of the first HSC English exam. It's not the "intellectual laziness", as Australian author Melissa Lucashenko put it, that astounds me about this backlash, but the underlying menace that runs through the memes, screenshots and soundbites. They have been made hastily by teenagers and posted on the social media pages of a poet who wasn't even told her poem would be included in the exam. By PTI: Karachi, Oct 19 (PTI) At least 38 people were injured today in two separate grenade attacks in Pakistans restive south-western province of Baluchistan. The twin blasts took place within minutes in the Mastung and Gwadar districts, police said. According to senior police officials, around 12 people were injured, three of them seriously, when two men on a motorcycle wearing helmets threw a hand grenade at a crowd in the Sultan Shaheed area in Mastung town. advertisement The injured were shifted to a hospital while three were moved to Quetta as their condition was serious, local police official Gulab Khan said. The second attack took place when two men on a motorcycle threw a hand grenade at Al-Zubair hotel outside a mobile market in Safar Khan area of Gwadar town. "At least 26 people were injured in the blast," local police official Ayaz Baluch said. He said the injured included 15 labourers from Sindh and 11 from Punjab who had gathered after work to have tea. "Three of them have been shifted to Karachi for treatment," he said. The injured have been shifted to District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Mastung. Chief Minister of Balochistan Sanaullah Zehri has condemned the incident and asked the authorities to submit a report on the blasts. The attacks have come, a day after a suspected suicide bomber hit a police truck in Quetta, killing seven policemen and a civilian and injuring 22 others. PTI CORR MRJ MRJ --- ENDS --- Illustration: Jim Pavlidis. It was much more, as well. It was a crucial event for Malcolm Turnbull's government and, more importantly, a threshold test of Australia's viability as a successful nation. Could Australia break a political impasse to keep the lights on? It was a week that put Frydenberg in direct conflict with his former leader. Australia's political system has been paralysed in the face of a quickening energy crisis. When the paralysis first set in, it was intransigence over climate change. That was 2009. Since that crucial rupture, Australia has struggled to respond to climate change, a policy area that looks more like a slaughterhouse of gladiatorial politics. And, because of the policy chaos that this has created, the problem has spread across the energy sector. An investment strike set in, electricity supply shrunk, prices rose. Summer blackouts began. Businesses have started to shut down, unable to pay soaring power bills. This week was the chance to break the paralysis with a new policy. But Abbott had made the task harder, setting up barriers to a new policy. His latest contribution was to ridicule any policy that in any way limited carbon emissions: "Primitive people once killed goats to appease the volcano gods," he told an audience of climate change denialists in London. Abbott said that "there must not be" a clean energy target - that is, a government-mandated minimum of renewable energy in the electricity sector. He said this knowing that the federal government's chief scientist, Alan Finkel, had recommended one. And the government was about to respond to that recommendation. The government's priority, said Abbott, was to make sure that electricity was reliable and affordable. To do anything else was "a political death wish." Abbott had laid down his criteria. He was a political volcano in the Liberal party room, primed to erupt. At this point, Frydenberg came to Abbott the volcano and made him an offering. He phoned his former leader and gave him an early briefing on the policy the government was about to bring before the party room. It was a mark of respect and an attempt to appease him, of course. But it was also to convey information. The new policy would not include a clean energy target, just as Abbott had demanded. It was to include instead a national energy guarantee, promising reliable power. Of course, this wasn't enough for Abbott. While he did welcome the end of any flirtation with a clean energy target, he said that the federal government should facilitate the building of a new coal-burning electricity plant. Abbott cannot declare victory and accept the policy; he keeps pushing further to the fringe right in pursuit of political differentiation. When the full Coalition party room of some 100 MPs and senators met to be briefed on the policy, Abbott was one of only two to criticise it. The other was the Nationals' George Christensen. A third, the Nationals' Matt Canavan, asked pointed questions. So is the new "national energy guarantee" a capitulation to appease Abbott and the Coalition's right, as the Greens and Labor have claimed? Partly, yes, absolutely. It is designed to be politically palatable to the Coalition. It has to be. There is no point in quixotically creating policies to divide the government and prolong the energy crisis. The existing federal renewables policy expires in 2020. A replacement policy for 2020-30 is an urgent need to break the investment strike. But the policy is much better than a mere surrender to Abbott and the far right's theological attachment to coal. Why? In the political debate this week, we saw a great preoccupation with trying to label and classify the new "national energy guarantee" with the names and nomenclature of the climate wars to date. Tremendous intellectual energy was spent on trying to see if it fitted the definition of a carbon price, an emissions intensity scheme, a cap-and-trade scheme and so on. This is evidence of the sheer stupidity of Australia's political debates. Rather than asking "what does the policy do?", the political class spent the week demanding to know "what label can we attach to it"? So, what does the policy do? Its strength is that it applies two big guidelines to the electricity sector from 2020 onwards, and leaves the electricity retailing companies to figure out the best way to operate within them. The first guideline is the Paris carbon treaty. The Turnbull/Frydenberg policy enshrines Australia's Paris climate treaty commitment. It requires the federal government to legislate a carbon emissions reduction for the electricity sector in line with Australia's Paris pledge of a 26 to 28 per cent cut on 2005 levels by 2030. The second guideline is that the the electricity supply must be reliable. The electricity market operator would set a minimum percentage level of readily dispatchable power for each State. "Dispatchable" means power that can flow readily from batteries, gas, or coal fired plants. As the Energy Security Board put it in its letter to the government: "That is, resources that can be scheduled by the market operator depending on the real time operating needs of the system." Decoded, there would always be enough power readily available to avoid blackouts.The responsibility for meeting the two guiding principles would fall on the electricity retailing companies. They could be fined or even deregistered for breaches. Revealingly, the critics of the policy are politicians and the theologians of carbon, those for and against. So it's the Abbotistas on the right and the renewables-or-nothing on the left. The criticisms in the main are not coming from practical people who are concerned with the reality of Australia's Paris commitment on climate change and the reality of a steady electricity supply. The policy announced this week is a framework only. It is the work of expert regulators, the members of the Energy Security Board. It does not contain the detail of exactly how it would work. The board itself was established under one of the recommendations of the chief scientist, Alan Finkel. And although the board has ignored Finkel's proposal for a clean energy target, Finkel has nonetheless endorsed the board's policy recommendations as "a credible mechanism" that contained the same intent as his own. So let's recognise that this is a minor miracle for Australian politics. The chief scientist proposed that an expert board should recommend a policy. The expert board produced the policy. And the executive government not only embraced the policy, the Coalition party room has overwhelmingly endorsed it too. Policy making by experts, embraced by politicians, in one of the most hypercontentious areas of modern Australian politics. Hallelujah! Unfortunately, much of the debate of the policy was snagged on a bit of attempted retail politics. The Energy Security Board included in its eight pages of advice to the government this sentence: "It is expected that following the guarantee could lead to a reduction in residential bills in the order of $100-115 per annum over the 2020-2030 period." Turnbull seized on this as his selling point and oversold it - it's only an estimate - and it became the lightning rod of the news coverage. So interviewers demanded that he "guarantee" it, the Labor party mocked it as inadequate, and point of the whole exercise was largely lost in the din. It should have been enough for Turnbull to be able to say he had solved the energy crisis while dealing with climate change at the same time - and that electricity prices were not expected to keep rising. Point to the board's estimate, by all means, but don't stake your government on it. The next question is whether the Labor party will accept it. It should. It can preserve the framework but adjust the components as it wishes - increasing renewables, for instance - preserving political product differentiation without damning any chance of increased investment in the electricity sector and prolonging the energy crisis. But while it would help, federal Labor doesn't need to accept it. To implement the "National Energy Guarantee", the states have to accept it, however, and that means the Labor states as well as the Coalition. Because the electricity sector is operated and regulated by the states. That question will go to next month's meeting of the state and federal governments meeting as COAG, the Council of Australian Governments. There is no policy achievement so promising for Australia that the petty intransigence of federal-state relations can't strangle it at birth. Meanwhile Frydenberg, while still on good terms personally with Abbott, has left his former leader behind. The apprentice has moved on to deal with real world problems, while the former master moves further to the fringes in a quest for an audience, any audience, no matter how extreme. As the ACT election results were announced just over a year ago, the mood in the Belconnen Labor Club was euphoric. Labor stalwarts broke out repeatedly into chants of "Four more years!" and "Build the tram!" when it became clear that Andrew Barr had led the party to another victory. It was a remarkable win in some ways. Leading up to the ballot, many critics had lined up to attack the Barr government, particularly over the costs of light rail and perceptions that conflicts of interest were influencing development decisions. The Liberals had their best chance to take office in 15 years. Somehow, they lost ground. Andrew Barr and his partner arrive at Labor's official party on the night of the 2016 ACT election. Credit:Rohan Thomson Nonetheless, Labor's victory was imperfect, especially in that it revealed a city more divided than ever. While the party's stocks rose in the north, where light rail and a new hospital are being built, resentment grew in the south. The city-wide primary vote for Labor and its coalition partner, the Greens, actually fell, even though they were able to retain power. The large vote for minor parties and independents indicated a growing frustration among some Canberrans with the long-serving Labor government. A year later, it's difficult to judge how well Mr Barr has governed since his first election win as Chief Minister. He clearly wants to be the leader who pulls the ACT public sector back into surplus, but that's a poor measure of a government. In recent years, the ACT's fiscal position was undone, to a large extent, by factors outside the government's control: first, the need to buy and demolish more than 1000 asbestos-affected houses and, second, the economic downturn caused by the Abbott government's first budget. At last politicians do what we expect We may well despair at the absence of mature, informed and rational debate at all levels of politics, and worry that our future is in the hands of people that cannot further the betterment of our society. Despite this, I feel a great sense of hope and optimism in observing the way that the Victorian Parliament has prepared for, engaged with and debated the assisted dying issue. I am very proud to see our representatives standing up, and respectfully and thoughtfully doing exactly what we have elected them to do. Paul Dulfer, Northcote Providing a safe pair of hands Given the heart-rending accounts of people taking matters into their own hands, the assisted dying legislation actually provides safeguards on what everyone knows already happens. Steve Melzer, Hughesdale Autumn time, and the livin' is easy Hooray, at 86: now that I can die easier, I can live easier. Myra Fisher, Brighton East FORUM Injecting some sense As a new resident to Abbotsford I am struck by the difference between Victoria Street and my previous experiences in Sydney's Darlinghurst. I now appreciate that Sydney's medically supervised injecting centre meant that though I had heard of the bad old days of overdoses and injecting equipment in the street, this is my first experience of them. I thought I was moving to a progressive state, but prioritising law and order politics over public health and evidenced-based harm minimisation policy is detracting from the Andrews government's legacy. The community and the council are strongly in favour of a trial centre and the state's failure to act affects all of us. The risk of spreading blood borne viruses, the lost opportunity for health promotion campaigns and hepatitis C treatment, the current impact on emergency services and the broader community are the price we are all paying for the government's ideological opposition. Injecting centres may not be the silver bullet, but they are an important part of the solution. Laksmi Govindasamy, Abbotsford Simple made stressful So the once simple act of catching a cab will now involve the same level of stress and effort as that of buying a brand-new car. Instead of just hailing the next cab on the rank, you will now need to select which model of transport you want, go and visit various suppliers, get them to compete with each other, determine which offers the most suitable price and service for you, and then enter into an agreement for the provision of those services. And this is meant to be easier and more efficient ? Matthew Gilbert, Hampton Park ... and sometimes wet Mike Puleston, (Letters, 20/10), has touched upon the absurdity of the new taxi fare rules, where our bargaining for and inquiring about fares will mean leaning in to the cab exposed to soaking rain and windstorms, as no longer will we be able to simply jump into a cab and get going ... unless you are one of the decision-makers bringing us this system, who will, of course, have taxi vouchers paid for by us. Ray Brown, Seymour Driven out of town So the Australian auto industry departs ("Driven to destruction", Comment, 20/10). Ironically, it is only now that the real issues in this industrial annihilation are being properly canvassed. It is only now that there is general recognition that every country with an auto industry provides government support, and almost universally at a significantly higher rate than was the norm for Australia. It is only now that we are recognising that countries like Japan and Germany support the auto industry because they know that it forms the backbone of manufacturing in general. Two aspects of this debacle stand out. First, the quiescence of the Labor Party. No clear opposition. No pressure on the government as the decision was being made and announced. Made and announced, outrageously, with pride. Still no coherent position. Secondly, the government has produced an extraordinary postscript. It is launching a campaign to promote the STEM subjects. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Why? Because no country can have too many unemployed engineers or scientists! The more the merrier. Just what are these guys taking? Geoff Hjorth, Spotswood Incompetence obvious Having just read Ian Porter's article, I find it incomprehensible that the Abbott/Turnbull government could allow this to happen, it just shows how incompetent this government is. Perry Becker, Leopold Foot in both camps The Age has again offered up opposing views and comment. "Jobless rate hits four-year low of 5.5 per cent," according to Eryk Bagshaw. Then six pages on we read "Driven to destruction", by Ian Porter, who suggests that "wages stagnate and unemployment rises". Always good to have a foot in both camps. Alastair Edmondson, Rutherglen Doctor got it wrong I do hope that Dr Kevin Donnelly is not a senior research fellow in genetics at Australian Catholic University. His claim that "men have XX while women have XY chromosomes" (20/10) may go some way towards explaining some of the practices and attitudes of the Catholic Church. As for the rest of us, men have XY and women have XX. Kevan Porter, Alphington Different but the same Kevin Donnelly undoes much of his argument on the Catholic Church, moral authority and marriage equality in his last sentence. He claims that men and women are biologically different but have equal rights. Not for the archaic, hidebound, discriminatory male hierarchy. Patrick Kavanagh, Strangways Childlike argument Of all the arguments against marriage equality surely the proposition that it could be bad for children is the silliest. If a same-sex couple want to have a child they have to make a determined effort to achieve that aim. Unlike heterosexual couples who have to make efforts NOT to get pregnant, same-sex couples can never conceive a child without deliberation and conscious effort. And while many, indeed most, children of unplanned pregnancies are just as loved and nurtured as their "planned" siblings, a good indicator of a child's successful start in life is to be born into a family that is ready and eager to bring that child into the world. Dr Cheryl Day, Beaumaris Discount nonsense Yesterday I received my quarterly power bill from electricity retailer AGL. The total charge, inclusive of a "paid for by due date" discount was $802 if paid on or before October 31. However, if I were to pay on November 1, the charge increases to $1092 due to the loss of the discount. This raises two questions: Presuming that, due to financial limitations, I'm unable to pay $800 by the end of the month, how does AGL imagine I can afford an additional $290 merely a day or two later; and more particularly, why does the cost of my electricity effectively increase by 8 per cent overnight because of a trivial administrative detail? Geoff Perston, Yarram Policy lacks logic Well said, Doug Shaw (Letters, 19/10)! You note that National Party members want subsidies to environment-friendly projects cut, yet climate change will hurt farmers as temperature and rainfall change in unpredictable ways. Many National Party supporters are farmers so the party policy on climate change is illogical. Leo Gamble, Mentone. Principled principal Congratulations to Melbourne Girls' College Principal Karen Money for her constructive and supportive leadership following allegations of two students being involved with drugs (The Age, 17/10). This is a very refreshing change from the usual immediate expulsion so often demonstrated by schools which laud their "successes" but immediately abandon students who might tarnish the carefully managed "image". Russell Harrison, Sandringham Bush nails it well I never thought as someone from the left I would ever agree with George W Bush but his utterances about the present state of the United States of America reflects the opinion of most progressives: "Bigotry seems emboldened. Our politics seems more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrication." Couldn't have said it better. Con Vaitsas, Ashbury, NSW Diplomatic about-face Julie Bishop shows us why she is such a successful foreign affairs diplomat. She had not long ago said she'd find it hard to build trust with a Labour government in New Zealand. But she smartly changed her tune when the New Zealand Labour Party formed government after the elections with Labour leader Jacinda Ardern as Prime Minister saying she looks forward to working with the Labour government of NZ and the strong bonds between the two countries and all that. That's politics for you pure and simple! Rajend Naidu, Sydney, NSW I was incorrect In a letter "Finns lead the way" (20/10) I wrote that "Finland doesn't fund private schools". The letter should have read "Finland doesn't fund private schools if they charge fees". Dr David Zyngier, Monash University AND ANOTHER THING ... There's a theme here ... Abbott as leader + Abbott policies = Poor polls. Turnbull as leader + Abbott policies = Poor polls. Anyone spot the common factor? John Walsh, Watsonia Will the real Malcolm Turnbull please stand up? To Tony Abbott I mean. Phillip Edwards, Churchill Liberal coal dust What is the difference between reliable energy and renewable energy? A lot of Liberal coal dust! Peter Johns, Sorrento Power without glory? Stan Marks, Caulfield Is NEG short for Negligible or for Negligent? Peter Carlin, Frankston South The good old days To George W. Bush and Richard M. Nixon, all is forgiven. Peter Rutherford, Geelong West On the lookout Having to be warned about dangerous magpie larks (The Age, 20/10) is enough to give anyone the Collywobbles. Barbara Abell, Ringwood North The right to die Sarah Abboud (Letters, 20/10) says God should decide when we die. Cases where euthanasia might be considered are usually being kept alive by science, or in other words, fruit from Eden's forbidden Tree of Knowledge. John Green, Beaumaris So, assisted dying is "God's decision". That prompts the question: which God? Jews, Christians and Muslims are monotheistic, or should one of the Hindu gods have the final say on this vexed question. Linda Mackie, Collingwood Furthermore Victorian schools are in dire need of Finnish-ing touches (Letters, 20/10). EDITOR'S NOTE: The High Court overturned Cardinal George Pell's conviction for historic child sex offences in a judgment handed down April 7, 2020. In a unanimous decision all seven High Court judges found Victoria's Court of Appeal should not have upheld Pell's conviction It found the evidence could not support a guilty verdict. Author Anna Krien's recent condemnation of the church's apparent hypocrisy (The Age, 17/10) in arguing that heterosexual marriage is best for children while being guilty of failing to address historical child abuse appears convincing. Same-sex marriage: church says no. Credit:AAP A closer reading, though, reveals it for what it is. While Krien's argument is emotionally persuasive she fails to provide a rational argument linking the two. Yes, the church clearly opposes same-sex marriage but to simply dismiss its arguments because of its failure to address paedophilia is wrong. Many Australians are sentimental about cicadas. Trading a rare black prince at school. Collecting the exoskeleton of a green grocer. The threat of an angry brother with a pisswhacker in hand. But it was the discovery that cicadas' fairy-like wings had nearly magical powers to withstand bacteria that has fascinated a husband and wife team of Australian nanoscientists, doctors Gregory and Jolanta Watson. Cyclochila australasiae, more commonly known as the green grocer cicada, sheds its nymph exoskeleton. Credit:Wolter Peeters These qualities are giving hope to medical scientists around the world looking for a way to defeat the antibiotic-resistant bacteria that kills tens of thousands of people every year. "It is killing bacteria not with chemistry but with a physical means," Dr Gregory Watson said of cicada wings. Illustration: Matt Golding. "Desperate' Rattenbury compared the proposal which requires electricity retailers to ensure yet-to-be-determined levels of emissions reduction and reliability to the eight-month effort behind the Finkel Review, led by chief scientist Alan Finkel. Finkel held meetings around Australia, journeyed to the US and Europe for research, assembled an expert panel and conducted modelling for a Clean Energy Target, "in a perfectly plausible and practical way", Rattenbury said. "Now it's been ditched for something pulled together in two or three weeks. It shows how weak this proposal is and how desperate [the Turnbull government] is. Frydenberg declined to comment on the teleconference, but said the scheme relied on "the best advice from experts". "We are seeking to implement the [plan] to deliver a more affordable and reliable energy to Australian households and businesses," he says. Business backing The proposal has some support from the business community, keen for the end of partisan "climate wars". "The more we look at it, the more comfortable we are with it," one executive at a major retailer told Fairfax Media. Bloomberg New Energy Finance, a respected consultancy, also found the scheme "innovative and elegant", saying it could steer as much renewable energy into the market by 2030 as the 42 per cent share envisaged by the Finkel Review. And even federal Labor is indicating it has left the door open to accepting a plan that the Prime Minister calls "game changing". Even so, the lack of a regulatory impact statement for so wide-ranging a policy shift is just one of the concerns within Labor. 'Fundamentally opposed' But it is up to the states and territories to approve any plan since COAG consensus is needed for changes of this scope. A quirk in the way the National Electricity Market was set up means it must also pass through the South Australian legislature. South Australia's Labor Premier Jay Weatherill has been the most outspoken, telling the media on Thursday, "We're not going to support this because it reduces incentives and support for renewable energy". "It cuts our state-based renewable energy target and it subsidises the coal industry at the expense of renewable energy," he said. "At a fundamental level, we're opposed to it." Lily D'Ambrosio, Victoria's Labor Energy Minister, was also highly critical. "[Turnbull's] modelling is dodgy and his claims about reducing power prices [by $100-$115 a year for average consumers] can't be believed," she said. Ministers from Coalition-led NSW and Tasmania were largely silent in the Tuesday call, several Labor counterparts said. NSW Energy Minister Don Harwin declined to comment. "He's not really saying anything, and as the energy minister from the biggest jurisdiction, that's odd," one of the officials present on the Tuesday call said. "But it's not like they're cheering about what the feds are doing." 'Monumental' task The mood of the states and territories wasn't helped, either, with Frydenberg giving them just 24 hours to comment on the modelling the Turnbull government wants Schott and the board to complete by November 13. Analyst Dylan McConnell from Melbourne University said the proposal suggests the Australian Energy Markets Commission would have to complete a "monumental" amount of work, effectively redoing the Finkel modelling. Another likely bone of contention for the states will be Frydenberg's request to model the impact of the Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro scheme still little more than an incomplete feasibility of a scheme that could cost $4 billion while all of their various renewable energy targets have been omitted. "Assuming Snowy Hydro will be operational in the period is more than optimistic," one Labor insider said. "I get [the need to model] a sensitivity, but in the main policy case, as seems to be implied - [but] that's putting a lot of faith in a project that hasn't passed any assessment phase." "The government is adamant that the NEG is cheaper than an Energy Intensive Scheme or a Clean Energy Target," he said, referring to two policy options dismissed by the Turnbull government. "You'd think this is the opportunity to prove that claim." 'Awkward' The manner of the Turnbull government's approach to the energy plan has also raised concerns about the use of public servants. The Energy Security Board, set up as one of the agreed recommendations of the Finkel Review was on its first public outing. Authorities are attempting to ward off a potentially violent crisis as the Manus Island detention centre closes, warning refugees their food, water and power will be cut on October 31. Hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers under Australia's care have refused to leave the centre, whose closure has loomed since the Papua New Guinea Supreme Court ruled the men's ongoing detention illegal. Refugees at the Manus Island regional processing centre have been holding peaceful protests. Alternative accommodation has been offered in the nearby town of Lorengau, but refugees fear clashes with local Manusians, and have largely refused to move. Notices written in Persian given to some asylum seekers on Thursday - and translated by Fairfax Media - declare all services including food, sanitation and water will cease after October 31. In a week when the hot topic is Lisa Wilkinson's defection to Ten after Nine refused to pay her the same as Karl Stefanovic, her counterpart over at Seven, Samantha Armytage, would like to stay out of it, thank you very much. Emcee of the exclusive Bazaar in Bloom black-tie dinner and charity auction in aid of The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation's Fertility and Research Centre at the Ivy Ballroom on Wednesday night, the Sunrise host told Fairfax Media she would "absolutely not" like to comment on the situation that has ignited a conversation about equal pay for women. Sam Armytage, Jesinta Franklin, Kellie Hush and Sally Obermeder at Bazaar in Bloom on Wednesday. Credit:Wenray Wang But Armytage, who as a host can command a room like no other, did have time to remind the VIP-filled crowd who was winning the ever important ratings battle. "It's been a long week this week but [Sunrise is] Australia's favourite breakfast show," she laughed. "I'll book a room in the office," he had messaged Kurtulmus the day before. As the pair headed towards elevators that would take them up to the ATO offices, officers swooped. In Kurtulmus' backpack there were three bundles of $100 notes each totalling $50,000. He had an encrypted BlackBerry device and a Telstra mobile. Businessman Savas Guven is accused of dealing with the proceeds of crime linked to organised crime drug money. Photo: Fairfax Media Credit:Kirk Gilmour Inside the tax office employee's manila folder, police found an Optus paper carry bag folded in half that police allege was to be used to receive the money. Kurtulmus was charged with recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime. The details of the sting can be revealed for the first time after officers linked to Strike Force Millstream, a joint operation between the State Crime Command's Organised Crime and the NSW Crime Commission, last week arrested three men over their alleged roles in laundering money from Sydney's organised crime drug scene. On Tuesday, Kurtulmus, now 30, a plumber from Northmead, was arrested again and further charges laid. Another man, Savas Guven, also known as Savas Yucel, was also arrested. Guven, a 38-year-old Mosman chief executive, runs a series of companies in the Guven Group, including developer BRP Property and scaffolding firm AllRound Access. Police allege Guven is an associate of his cousin, Erkan Keskin, a former Turkish soldier and an alleged senior member of the Lone Wolves bikie gang. Known as "Eric the Wolf", Keskin was charged earlier this month with kidnapping a man last year who would go on to be murdered several weeks later. Guven and Kurtulmus are accused of dealing with the proceeds of crime linked to organised crime drug money. Two days later, a third man was arrested. Deniz Kanmaz, 31, of Erskine Park, was charged with knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime after police raided his home and found $3.6 million, firearms and fake identities, including drivers' licences, Medicare cards, bank ID papers, that police allege would be used to commit fraud. A bucket, bag or box At 2pm on March 2, 2014, Savas Yucel, as Guven was then known, walked out of the Alexander Street, Crows Nest offices of AllRound Access, carrying a white plastic bucket. On other occasions over a three-week period he was spotted leaving with a pink enviro shopping bag. Another time he was carrying a brown cardboard box. He would walk down the street, sometimes checking his phone, and then hop into a taxi or an ordinary looking family car. Police allege that each time he was carrying between $150,000 and $300,000 in cash. And each time he would allegedly get out or return without the bag or bucket or box he was carrying. Court documents reveal how police allege illegal drug money worth hundreds of thousands of dollars is laundered on an almost daily basis on ordinary Sydney streets - in supermarket car parks, fast food car parks, in the back of taxis and even in plain sight on suburban streets. Over just three weeks in February and March 2014, Guven, who police allege would identify himself as "Rock" to one contact, allegedly laundered $3.6 million in 20 cash drops mainly around the lower north shore of Sydney - in a McDonald's car park, in a Crows Nest council car park, even outside his lawyer's office in O'Connell Street, Sydney. A month later, Kurtulmus is accused of making 12 cash drops over a fortnight worth $2.3 million. Erhan Kurtulmus has been charged with recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime. Photo: Supplied Credit:Facebook Police allege the cash deliveries are a key part in washing illegal drug money. In court proceedings, police have detailed the intricate steps involved, featuring the serial codes on banknotes as 'tokens' to coordinate cash drops and then using 'underground banking' methods to avoid detection. Guven and Kurtulmus are accused of being responsible for co-ordinating cash drops - organising drug money to be given to collectors who arrange for it to be laundered via Australian banks or a system called Hawala for remitting to organised crime networks in the UAE, India or Pakistan. Guven is alleged to have used venues near his Mosman home or the Crows Nest base of his AllRound Access scaffolding firm, in part, police believe because his appalling driving record often left him without a licence. While Guven and Kurtulmus allegedly coordinated the cash drops, police allege numerous 'cash collectors' operate as part of established international money laundering networks to collect funds from Australian-based members of organised crime groups for sending overseas. Savas Guven is alleged to have used venues near his home and work, in part, police believe because his appalling driving record often left him without a licence. It is alleged that these networks are in most cases directed by a controller who negotiates a money laundering contract with a transnational member of a crime group, who subcontracts to one or more coordinators to arrange for the cash collection. The coordinator allegedly notifies a cash collector in Australia of an impending cash drop and receives from the collector a 'token' number to be used to verify the identity of the person conducting the drop. While they might be carrying hundreds of thousands of dollars in high denomination bills to hand over at any one time, the most important note they carry is worth just $5. The token is typically the serial number of an Australian $5 note held by the cash collector. The token number is communicated to a representative of the organised crime group in Australia. When a cash dropper and a cash collector arrange to meet they confirm they both have the same serial number from the $5 note token before the money is handed over to the cash collector. The collector launders this money through a number of different means such as structured deposits into bank accounts under the $10,000 threshold at which banks must report deposits to financial intelligence regulatory agency Austrac. Police allege that a $140,000 cash drop by Guven saw the collector later make structured payments for amounts under $10,000 into bank accounts held by the collector. Over time, the structured deposits totalled more than $358,000 into the Commonwealth Bank, $103,000 to the St George Bank and $90,000 to Westpac. Savas Guven faces up to 20 years jail if the charges are proven. Photo: Supplied In another example, an alleged $140,000 drop saw the collector make structured deposits into Commonwealth Bank ($246,000), St George Bank ($75,000) and Westpac ($62,000) accounts. Kurtulmus is alleged to have operated his cash drops in a similar way, mainly in southern and western Sydney, including a Woolworths car park in Wolli Creek, a KFC car park in Five Dock and locations in Sylvania and Blacktown. Alleged cash drops to his collectors were also allegedly deposited in structured payments to major Australian banks. One collector who allegedly received $150,000 in a cash drop from Kurtulmus would be tracked making structured deposits at the direction of a contact in India into the Commonwealth Bank ($332,000), St George Bank ($110,000) and Westpac ($136,000). Another method of laundering alleged by police was a financial transfer system long favoured by criminal networks known as Hawala. A Hawaladar moves money from one country to another using a network of trusted contacts developed usually from traditional import-export activity. If a criminal in one country wanted to pay $10,000 to another criminal in a second country, the criminal could go to a Hawaladar and give them $10,000. The Hawaladar would contact an associate in the second country and ask him to pay the criminal $10,000. The first Hawaladar would settle up with the associate in the second country at a later time usually by underpricing or overpricing legitimate goods being traded. When police searched Kurtulmus' home after his arrest outside the ATO, they allegedly found not only a further $325,000 in cash, but also a handwritten ledger, digital scales, two vacuum heat sealers, a 20,000kg hydraulic press, numerous telephones and BlackBerry devices. Police allege an analysis of the Kurtulmus ledger detailed a record of 33 separate drug and cash transactions over four months in 2013, and code names for persons of interest. It is further alleged that the ledger also refers to a variety of substances which investigators allege are prohibited drugs: Eye (ice/methylamphetamine), Hups (ecstasy), Nez (cocaine), and unknown substances Ya and Suzi. Police allege that the total quantity of drugs that can be determined from the quantified entries are at least 72.5kg of ice, 20000 ecstasy pills, 2kg of cocaine, 10 litres of Ya and 0.5kg of Suzi. Amongst charges laid against Deniz Kanmaz, the third man arrested last week as part of the Strike Force Millstream raids, were charges relating to dealing in documents relating to identity information that were likely with the intention of committing fraud. Amongst items seized were allegedly fraudulent NSW drivers licences, Medicare Cards and Westpac ID cards, in names including Andrew Brooks, Rodney Clooney, George Rush, Josh Ferguson, Daniel Cordner and Brett Taylor. $6 million still missing Following their arrests, Savas Guven and Deniz Kanmaz were refused bail. Guven faces up to 20 years jail if the charges are proven. Police also allege that his fingerprints were found on a weapon picked up as part of an unrelated case. A Victorian man had been identified as one of the three people killed in a tragic skydiving accident in north Queensland. Skydiving instructors Peter Dawson, 35 and Toby Turner, 34, died alongside mother-of-eight Kerri Pike, 54, in what authorities said was believed to have been a mid-air collision between tandem and single skydivers at Mission Beach. Victorian man, Peter Dawson, has been identified as one of the three people killed in a tragic skydiving accident in north Queensland. Tributes have since poured in for Mr Dawson, who grew up in Ballarat, but moved to Queensland to follow his passion for skydiving. His mother Liz Dawson said on Friday her son's legacy would be the impact he made on those who knew and loved him. By PTI: (Eds: Recasting overnight story) Karachi, Oct 20 (PTI) Two grenade blasts have rocked Pakistans restive south-western province of Baluchistan, injuring at least 38 people, police said. The twin blasts took place within minutes in the Mastung and Gwadar districts, police said. According to senior police officials, around 12 people were injured, three of them seriously, when two men on a motorcycle wearing helmets threw a hand grenade at a crowd in the Sultan Shaheed area in Mastung town yesterday. advertisement The injured were shifted to a hospital while three were moved to Quetta as their condition was serious, local police official Gulab Khan said. The second attack took place when two men on a motorcycle threw a hand grenade at Al-Zubair hotel outside a mobile market in Safar Khan area of Gwadar town. "At least 26 people were injured in the blast," local police official Ayaz Baluch said. He said the injured included 15 labourers from Sindh and 11 from Punjab who had gathered after work to have tea. "Three of them have been shifted to Karachi for treatment," he said. The injured have been shifted to District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Mastung. Chief Minister of Balochistan Sanaullah Zehri has condemned the incidents and asked the authorities to submit a report on the blasts. The attacks have come, a day after a suspected suicide bomber hit a police truck in Quetta, Baluchistans capital, killing seven policemen and a civilian and injuring 22 others. PTI CORR MRJ UZM --- ENDS --- One man is dead and another man has been seriously injured after a gunman opened fire outside a tyre business in Melbourne's west. Police are at the scene where it was reported a number of shots were fired at the Westwood Wheels and Tyres business on Westwood Drive about 2.15pm. It is believed the man pulled into the driveway in a white ute before he got out of the vehicle and fired multiple shots. This is not over yet. That was the steely warning amid the jubilation on Friday from supporters of voluntary euthanasia for terminally ill Victorians; that this legislation is not a done deal. The passage of the bill through the Victorian Parliament's lower house via a conscience vote is a huge achievement, particularly considering some had believed this is where it would face its greatest challenge. But it must still win a majority next month among the 40 members of the Legislative Council. Shortly after the vote on Friday, Premier Daniel Andrews emerged from the chamber to tell reporters that he believed State Parliament had performed at its best on this issue. And its passage through the lower house was a major step towards giving Victorians the dignity and compassion they had been denied for "far too long". A group of fishermen have been fined more than $1000 each for hauling in nearly 50 kilograms of clam meat from an off-limits reef at Point Quobba, near Carnarvon, last year. The Carnarvon Magistrates Court ordered the seven men each pay $1002.35 for taking 46.15 kilograms of clam meat from a reef in a restricted fishing zone last September. Authorities took the opportunity to remind fishermen about the risks associated with fishing in restricted areas. Credit:Edwina Pickles It is understood the men used either steel pry bars or their hands to take the clams, removed the meat from the shells and then placed it in ice boxes to take back to Perth. Recreational or commercial fishing is not allowed at the Point Quobba reef, except for the collection of rock oysters by hand or catching squid through the use of a jig. The Wajarri Yamatji community in WA's Murchison region is celebrating a long-awaited on-Country Federal Court hearing that has legally recognised their land and culture. The decision formally hands 69,743 of the total 97,676 square kilometres of the Wajarri Yamatji claim area, covering 56 pastoral leases throughout the shire of Meekatharra, Mount Magnet, Murchison, Upper Gascoyne, Cue and Yalgoo. A big crowd turned out for the historic event. Recognised at a ceremony at Wooleen station on Thursday ,the Wajarri Organising Committee said the decision was an historic day for their people, acknowledging their connection to Country and pre-European culture. "We have always known where we come from, but this determination means that our connection to our [country] is recognised by Australian law." A WA man has been airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital after being involved in a serious surfing incident in the South West. The RAC Rescue Helicopter picked the man, aged in his 20s, up from Boodjidup Beach in Gnarabup around 12.30pm. A surfer has been rushed to Royal Perth Hospital. Credit:Glenn Hunt WAtoday understands the surfer crashed into reef, injuring his back and leg. Bangkok: The Turnbull government has defended Australia's support for the Cambodian military, even as its soldiers train to use force against civilians amid a ruthless crackdown on democracy and political freedoms. A Department of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman told Fairfax Media that defence engagement with Cambodia "remains a constructive way to deepen and maintain bilateral ties over the long term," despite mounting evidence the country is fast sliding into a dictatorship. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen commands a 6000-strong personal bodyguard unit. Credit:Handout A video surfaced on Facebook this week showing armed soldiers in Prime Minister Hun Sen's 6000-strong personal bodyguard unit training to disperse civilian demonstrators with armed personnel carriers and tanks. Pointing AK-47 assault rifles, chanting soldiers are seen charging on mobs of mock demonstrators to break them up, according to the Phnom Penh Post. if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi... By India Today Web Desk: Superstar Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar-starrer 2.0 is the most anticipated Indian film ever, or so the Thalaiva and Khiladi Kumar's fans will have you believe. With the film in its post-production stage, an interesting bit of news has surfaced. Apparently, Shankar had approached Aamir Khan to play the lead character before Rajinikanth came on board. advertisement Yes, you read that right! In an interview to a channel, Aamir Khan revealed that he got a call from Shankar, who wanted to reprise Rajini's role from the first part. Speaking about 2.0, Aamir said, "Rajini sir himself wasn't feeling well that time so he told Shankar, please request Aamir. Rajini Sir called me up and said: 'Please do the film'." "It's a superb script and it's going to do very well. Whenever I used to shut my eyes, I used to see Rajini sir in that role. I could not see myself. Emotionally, when I used to think of the film, think of the scene, Rajini sir used to come in my head. I could not imagine myself doing it. Then I told Shankar that I won't be able to do it. Only Rajini sir can do it. He is irreplaceable. I can only imagine Rajini sir in this. See, he had also done the first part, I had seen the first part and I loved it." .@aamir_khan on why he turned down #2Point0. He says the film has blockbuster written all over. @2Point0movie pic.twitter.com/IxrlZNyGXD- Haricharan Pudipeddi (@pudiharicharan) October 19, 2017 Made on a massive budget of Rs 400 crore, Aamir believes that 2.0 is going to shatter the existing box-office records. "I am huge fan of Rajini sir, his whole performance and the way he had created that character had got imprinted in my mind. So Part 2, when I am reading the lines, I am only imagining Rajini sir! I cannot imagine myself only so I didn't do it. And it's not a tough decision for me. I know it's going to be the biggest hit in all languages," he added. Directed by Shankar, 2.0 also stars Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson and Sudhanshu Pandey in important roles. To be released in over 8,000-9,000 screens, 2.0 is slated to release on January 25, 2018. ALSO WATCH: 2.0 making video promises a visual treat --- ENDS --- Coming soon - The Cultural Voyager Dedicated to anyone who pursues culture as a major part of their vacation experience. By India Today Web Desk: Amitabh Bachchan's silsila with Rekha has been a hot topic for decades. It is said that sparks flew between them during the making of their film, Do Anjaane (1976). Rumours of their affair gained momentum, and there was speculation of a secret marriage, as well. Never mind that Amitabh Bachchan was already married to Jaya Bachchan. advertisement However, decades have passed since then, and now, the Bachchan family is cordial to Rekha whenever they cross paths. And this is exactly what happened when they bumped into each other at a party recently. According to a report in Filmfare, Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, along with their daughter Aaradhya, were present at the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at Mukesh and Nita Ambani's residence, when Rekha arrived. Apparently, Abhishek and Aishwarya warmly greeted the actress, and Aaradhya even took blessings from her. On the work front, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will be seen next on the big screen in the musical comedy Fanney Khan, while Abhishek Bachchan has reportedly signed Priyadarshan's Bachchan Singh. ALSO WATCH: 33 years on, Amitabh, Jaya Bachchan greet Rekha at Screen Awards --- ENDS --- Taj Mahal is beautiful but is a cemetery after all, says BJP minister Anil Vij after Sangeet Som calls it a blot on Indian history. By India Today Web Desk: Anil Vij, Haryana's Health Minister, has given his opinions about the Taj Mahal shortly after Sangeet Som said controversial statements about the Mughal monument. Vij told ANI, "Taj Mahal ek khoobsurat kabristan hai. Yahi kaaran hai ki isko ashubh maante huye iska model log apne gharon men nahi rakhte hain." He called Taj a beautiful cemetery but termed it unlucky as a memento. advertisement His statement comes after BJP lawmaker Sangeet Som called Taj Mahal a blot on India's history and culture. Sangeet Som, during one of his speeches, said that Taj Mahal is a blot on Indian culture and should not be a part of India's history. He also said that Taj Mahal was built by traitors. Som also said that people should not be worried that Taj Mahal wasn't there on the list. He said, "If this is history, then it is very unfortunate and we will change this history, I guarantee you." Many people, irrespective of their religion, were angered by this tirade because many found his comment to be illogical. According to recent annual reports, Taj Mahal topped the list of highest earning monuments in India for which it never required comments from many. --- ENDS --- Bangalore Development minister K J George decided to hit the roads and monitor the road laying and pothole filling in the middle of the night. The minister has assured that the two week deadline given by Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah will be met. By Rohini Swamy: It is literally a race against time for Bengaluru's civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagar Palike (BBMP) as they try to complete filling all the identified potholes in the city within the deadline set by the Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah. Bangalore Development minister K J George decided to take things in his hand as he realised that his department has been facing too much flak for the potholes and bad state of roads in Bengaluru. Taking a cue from the innovative protests that have been taking place, George decided to hit the roads and monitor the road laying and pothole filling in the middle of the night. advertisement George along with the city's mayor, Sampath Raj and BBMP commissioner Manjunath Prasad went on a inspection between 2 am and 4 am. The minister began his inspection from Chalukya circle and went on to visit several areas on north and central Bangalore which included roads around Anjaynagar, BEL road and Hebbal. The inspection which went till the early hours of the morning saw several BBMP engineers and workmen showing the minister and his team the work that is being done. There are some roads which have huge potholes and some which have been ruined by rains. "See, you have seen the rains in Bengaluru, many of our roads were damaged and there have been a lot of potholes. They have been working day and night to meet the deadline and also make Bengaluru's roads the best in the country", said K J George to India Today. But the opposition call this a gimmick and an eyewash. "The opposition should not speak like this, rather they should help us as it is for the city of Bengaluru and we all live in it, George quipped. While touring the city near Sanjaynagar and Thanisandra, the K J George highlighted the use of an imported road laying machine called the Python. Three pythons have been put to use in the city to help identify, fill potholes and later lay the road to make it even. "The rains did not allow us to lay the roads. Since it has not rained for 48 hours, the CM directed us to continue the work. We have decided to continue laying the roads and make Bengaluru roads motorable", said the city mayor. The 15-day deadline that was set by the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has put pressure on the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagar Palike (BBMP), especially the commissioner who has also been monitoring the work day and night. It was based on his input that the minister set out in the middle of the night to inspect the areas that have been worst affected by potholes. "The CM had set a deadline of two weeks, since then day and night work has been taking place and we just wanted to show how work takes place day and night. This visit will motivate them to work and deliver better and faster", said the BBMP commissioner Manjunath Prasad to India today. advertisement The authorities are quite confident that they will be able to meet the two week deadline that expires on Monday, October 23. "You will be able to skate through the streets of Bangalore in a couple of months, said K J George just as he brought his midnight inspection to a finish. --- ENDS --- El Jimador releases Day of the Dead bottle El Jimador tequila has launched a limited edition Day of the Dead bottle in Waitrose and Asda stores across the UK. The bottle design covers both its Blanco and Reposado expressions. The launch comes in response to growing interest for celebrating Mexicos Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) on 2 November 2017 The limited-edition packaging has been designed in collaboration with David Lozeau and features the vibrant colours synonymous with the day-long celebration. David Lozeau is highly regarded for his expressive skeleton characters and puts a modern twist on traditional Day of the Dead iconography. The new design rolled into Waitrose on 4 October and will be available in Asda from 21 October, across the two 70cl bottles. With an RRP 20, both expressions will for a limited time only, be available on promotion. 18 October 2017 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, news editor A 29-year-old Bryan man has been arrested in the double slaying of two brothers earlier this month. Marcus Earl Ray was arrested without incident in College Station on Wednesday in the deaths of 35-year-old Terant Franklin and his brother, 25-year-old Dominque Franklin, in their Frankfort Street home on Oct. 3. According to Bryan police, at least three masked men entered the home and held the two brothers and another person at gunpoint. The third person was allowed to leave with two children who had been in a back bedroom and the Franklins were shot and killed. As the three left, a shot was fired at a man who was standing in the next door neighbor's front yard. The man was injured but survived the shooting. Bryan police announced last week an arrest warrant had been issued for Frankie Lee Bell Jr., 29, in connection to the slaying. He has not yet been arrested, but police say he has connections to Bryan, Caldwell and Houston and is considered armed and dangerous. No information has been released about the third man, who is also still at large. According to Bryan police, authorities believe the double shooting started as an aggravated robbery. Police say the men probably wanted to take either money or drugs from the Franklins, but police would offer no further information. Ray is charged with two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault, the latter charges related to the threat to the third person inside the house and the shooting of the man standing on the neighbor's lawn. Lee is wanted on same four charges. Bryan police spokeswoman Officer Kelley McKethan said police are not commenting on any speculation as to who actually pulled the trigger that killed the men. "According to the law, it doesn't matter if you drove the getaway car or were just present there," McKethan said. "If you are part of that party to the crime, you can be charged with murder." Brazos County court records show Ray has a criminal history in Bryan stretching back to 2005. He has been charged with burglary, evading and resisting arrest, theft and aggravated robbery. In 2007, he wassentenced to 12 and a half years in prison on an aggravated robbery charge. Ray is being held in the Brazos County Jail on $300,000 bond. Lee also has a criminal history in the area, court records show. In 2005, he was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Anyone with information on Lee's whereabouts or may have information on the case, is asked to call Bryan police at 979-209-5300. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 979-775-TIPS. A 29-year-old Bryan man was arrested late Wednesday after police say he ran over a 13-year-old girl and left her in the street. According to Bryan police, multiple people called 911 around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday to report a girl had been hit by a vehicle. Police responded to the 3600 block of Wellborn Road, where they found a 13-year-old bleeding and lying in the street. The child, who was taken to CHI St. Joseph Hospital, had broken facial bones, cuts and a swollen eye, as well as bruises on her arms and legs. She was taken to a hospital in Houston. Police tried to talk to the girl, but she said she couldn't remember what happened. Elmer Adonay Gonzales-Turcios, 29, was arrested in a nearby apartment complex. His pickup had sustained front bumper damage and blood was on one of the tires. A police report states Gonzales-Turcios told police he was coming from work and a pedestrian ran out and hit his truck. He said he parked at the apartment complex's front office and went to check on her, but when he saw a group of people had gathered, he changed his mind and went home. Gonzales-Turcios was arrested and charged with failing to stop and render aid after hitting a pedestrian and causing serious bodily injury, a third degree felony punishable by up to ten years in jail and $10,000 in fines. Today: At 1 p.m. today at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center, a "Sharing the Story: Researching the Bush Administration" panel will feature former Bush White House speechwriter and 41ON41 documentary executive producer Mary Kate Cary, along with fellow panelists Jeff Engel, founding director of the Center for Presidential History at Southern Methodist University; Barbara Perry, director of presidential studies at the University of Virginia's Miller Center of Public Affairs and Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize winner and author of Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush. At 3 p.m. today at the conference center, "Unlocking the Mystery: Declassifying the Bush Administration Documents" panel will discuss the classification and declassification of government information between University of Colorado-Boulder American diplomatic history professor Tom Zeiler, U.S. Department of State historian Stephen Randolph, George Washington University National Security Archive Director Thomas Blanton and Bush School senior lecturer James Olson. At 6:30 p.m. today at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center, a discussion on current events will be led by the Bush School's current dean, retired Gen. Mark Welsh, who will be joined by Dr. Charles F. Hermann, the first director of the Bush School, serving from 1995 to 1999 and who remains a professor emeritus at the school; Dr. Benton Cocanougher, interim dean from 2009 to 2010 who is the dean emeritus of the Mays School of Business at A&M; Andrew Card, acting dean from 2011 to 2013 who was White House chief of staff under President George W. Bush; and Ryan Crocker, dean from 2013 to 2016 who also is a career ambassador in the U.S. State Department. The discussion will be preceded by a reception. The events are free. To register, go online to http://bit.ly/bushpanel. Saturday: An invitation-only gathering is scheduled for Saturday afternoon on the grounds of the Bush Center where seven or eight of Bush's grandchildren are expected to participate in a panel discussion about the 41st president and former first lady, Barbara. Saturday night, a historic benefit concert will kick off at Reed Arena where Bush will be in attendance, along with the four other living former presidents -- Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama. The five joined together to form One America Appeal, an effort kicked off by the senior Bush as a way to raise funds for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Hurricane Irma in Florida and Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Registration is not required for "Family Fest," which will be 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday with carnival games and bounce houses at the pond. There will be free admission to the museum where storyteller Bernadette Nason will share a two-story program, linked with President Bush's career. Organizers said it's perfect for age 4 and up. These will be in the orientation theater at 10:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Sapna Chaudhary will lash out at Vikas Gupta for his lack of involvement in the captaincy task. By India Today Web Desk: Post Diwali celebrations, Bigg Boss 11 contestants will again be pitted against each other in today's captaincy task. Two contestants will asked to be nominated for captaincy from Team Vikas, that did an outstanding job during the luxury budget task. After a lot of hullabaloo, housemates will finally come a decision and nominate, Hina Khan and Sapna Chaudhary as the two contenders for the captaincy task. This will upset Benafsha Soonawala, who also gave her best during the luxury budget task. advertisement The captaincy task will begin later in the evening, where Hina and Sapna will choose one of the contestants as their representatives, who will sit inside a separate glass enclosures. The other contestants will choose sides, and keep putting sand into the glass container belonging to the other nominee, while the other representative will keep throwing the sand out of the container. In the end, the contender having less sand in their glass container will win the captaincy task. Sapna will lash out at Vikas as she will not be happy with his involvement in the captaincy task. Later, the contestants nominated for this week's evictions will be given a chance to give an explanation to the other contestants as to why they deserve to stay in the Bigg Boss house. Sapna, who has had her share of fights with Arshi and Jyoti will tell that she deserves to stay, as the housemates have seen only one side of her personality and they aren't aware of the other side, which she soon will show to Vikas Gupta. Puneesh will accuse Luv Tyagi, that he entered the house with an intention to form a love triangle between him, Bandgi and Puneesh and Bandgi will also agree to him. In tonight's episode of #BB11 at 10:30 PM, every nominated house mate will say why they deserve to stay in the house. #BBSneakPeek pic.twitter.com/VENvoz1pjT- Bigg Boss (@BiggBoss) October 20, 2017 --- ENDS --- A 30-year-old College Station man will spend the next 35 years in prison for lighting his girlfriend's apartment on fire in October 2015, a jury decided Thursday after about an hour of deliberation. Jurors convicted Logan Marquies Newsome on Wednesday for lighting his pregnant girlfriend's apartment aflame on Oct. 25, 2015. Testimony revealed Newsome had been a jealous and possessive boyfriend who had threatened and verbally abused his significant other before the fire. Newsome faced a 15- to 99-year sentence for his arson conviction. Jurors heard roughly a day's worth of testimony in the trial's punishment phase, in which prosecutors told jurors of Newsome's prior convictions and argued he was a danger to society. "Logan Newsome has been violent, he has been in trouble his entire life," Assistant District Attorney Ryan Calvert said late Wednesday in his opening statement in the trial's punishment phase. Calvert asked jurors to sentence Newsome to 50 years in prison on Thursday, so his girlfriend can raise their daughter "in an environment of love" and "not have to worry" or "look over her shoulder" out of fear Newsome will find them. Newsome's attorney, Richard Price, reminded jurors they had convicted him for the arson charge, not the other crimes, and asked their sentence reflect that. "Don't just throw away a human being," he said. "Punishment should do more than make an offender feel bad," Price said. "Rehabilitation or retribution: Which is our goal in this community?" Assistant District Attorney Jessica Escue said the criminal justice system had "really tried to make this work with Logan Newsome." After acquiring a theft charge at 11 years old, Newsome broke a window and was sent to a placement facility, Escue said, where he assaulted a teacher. After that, Escue said, he was sent to a community-based service, where he committed aggravated assault against a teacher. He was then sent to juvenile prison. "He comes back, and he's more violent than ever," Escue said. "Despite all the efforts we put in to change him, he doesn't change." Escue said that, once he got out of prison for a burglary of a habitation conviction, Newsome met his girlfriend, "someone who believes he can change." "She, like society, tries again and again and again to make it work. But it doesn't," said Escue. After that, Escue went on, he lit his girlfriend's apartment on fire. According to testimony during the trial's punishment phase, Newsome had sexually abused a nurse at the county jail, flooded his cell and physically assaulted a mentally ill inmate by, as shown in a video recording in court Thursday, hitting him in the jaw with his elbow and proceeding to fight him. Shortly before 361st District Court Judge Steve Smith released the jury so they could deliberate, Calvert asked jurors to be the voice of not only Newsome's girlfriend, but also staff and inmates at the county jail. "We owe them something, too," he said. Newsome will be eligible for parole in about 15 years. Price said Newsome instructed him to file an appeal notice. With College Station school board president Valerie Jochen not pursuing reelection, two newcomers are seeking place 7 on the College Station school board. Candidates Shana Elliott and Geralyn Nolan have lived in College Station for some time, but neither have run for political office before. The two answered questions regarding their ideas for the school board and what's next for the Bryan school district. Their responses have been edited for length and clarity. Q: Identify three goals or priorities you would have as a trustee. Elliott: As a financial adviser and someone who understands budgeting and cash flow and is used to telling clients, "You're spending too much. We don't have enough," I really think I can bring a lot to the board in terms of analyzing that budget and finding out where our money is going -- is it directly impacting the education of our kids? Are these wants or needs that we are spending our money on? And see if we can get that budget not at a deficit, in other words bring it back up to what we're spending what we bring in. I think that's probably my biggest issue. Additionally, I really think that we ought to take a look at the continuity and proximity to schools and the rezoning criteria. I think that our kids need some stability. Our parents and our families need to know that they are going to schools close by. Their kids aren't going to have to be transferred all over the city and kids are getting to school safely and efficiently with the busing. So I'd really like to take a look at that rezoning criteria and see if we've got that ranked in the appropriate order, because at this point, I believe continuity and proximity is pretty low on the list in terms of priorities. That would be another thing I would really like to look at. The third thing I would say is I want to make sure our teachers and our educators have the ability to differentiate education for our different students. Because all of our students are different. They are all individuals. They are all special. Some of them perform above their grade level; some of them perform below their grade level, and I'd love to see some forward progress made -- being able to let our teachers get our kids up to grade level that are below, allow them to extend learning for those that are above grade level. I want to make sure that our teachers have every resource that they need to be able to customize that education for each individual student. Nolan: My number one goal would be to make sure we have comparability in our schools, and when I say comparability, my definition of comparability has to do with the distribution of socioeconomic status. The way the school districts know that information is based on free and reduced lunch -- we have kids on free and reduced lunch, and we have kids who are not. That's the information we have to work with. I want to make sure across the entire district, though mainly focusing on the 5-8 campuses, that we have comparable schools, that our percentages are spread out as evenly as possible across those schools. I will say that I learned from serving on the committees that the high schools -- our numbers are not as accurate. People do not utilize the free and reduced lunch as much at the high school level.When we have a nice distribution, then everyone is brought up to the top. The top kids are not pulled down, everyone is brought up. Not only that, all of our schools have great state accountability -- though I don't want that to be what we are looking at. The other one is that we are there to support the students, and teachers are in the front line...[My father] passed away, and kids that he [taught] in Texas City found out that he passed away and they came to his funeral. And some of them, I believe, had already graduated from high school. Some were in college, some of them weren't. But they found out and they came, because he made a difference -- I know that teachers do that all the time, and I think that's why I'm so passionate about education. I couldn't do it. I couldn't be in a classroom everyday. I don't have the patience my parents have or that other teachers have. But I know they are doing that every day. So I want to make sure the school board is doing everything that it can to make sure teachers have support. My third is just to make sure that I am actually being a voice for the schools as a whole. My involvement has allowed me to see a lot of different things in the school, mostly good things. I love seeing the new teacher development things they are trying out in school and the innovative ways teachers are trying to help. But...people in my neighborhood talk to me and they tell me little bitty things. And they may seem just little bitty, but it makes a difference for them and their family. And there are little things that make a difference for teachers and their schools. So I'm hoping to be that voice. Q: What is the role of the school trustee in your eyes? Elliott: That's a really good question, because I think a lot of people don't really understand what a trustee actually does. The job of a trustee is to create policies and put policies in place that Dr. Ealy and the administrative staff can then take down to the district level and help run the day-to-day operations of the school. It's not that a trustee is necessarily involved in the day-to-day operations of the school. That's why we have our administrators to be able to run the school programs. I think a trustee's job is just to make sure that they have the resources they need in order to create that excellent education experience for our kids. Nolan: The role of the school board trustees is to first and foremost remember that they are making decisions for every single child in this school district. Everything from the high-achieving student to the child that is special needs and from the child who doesn't have the support at home to one who does. The decisions they make will affect that whole range... Their role is to set goals -- I think we need to set lofty goals. I think we need to be looking further into the district, and that's difficult -- the school board needs to be looking at the immediate, a few years down the road, and also further 15-20 years down the road when they are setting goals. Then we have to evaluate when we set these academic and financial goals. Q: Do you think that there is a lack of affordable housing in College Station and is that an issue for the district? Elliott: I think probably most people agree that housing in College Station is expensive, and I actually think that's a testament to how great our district is. I think a lot of people want to be here, and they want their kids raised in CSISD schools. And I think that in a way may have contributed to the price of homes going up so much. It is a challenge, but as with any community that is growing like we are, more houses get built, and you know, the lower end -- I'd say the $100,000-$200,000 home range -- is a challenge in the community. The starter homes for new families, for young families. But as we grow as a community, and lots of other communities that have had high growth have had that challenge. So I don't think it's anything that's a huge problem in the area. I think it's actually a compliment of how great our district is. Nolan: Absolutely. I do see a lack of affordable housing in the district, and quite frankly that saddens me. We need all kinds, all levels in a city to function well as a community, and our kids need those experiences. They need to sit next to someone in class that isn't just like them. I mean my kids, just this year Nora [her youngest daughter] is at a school with a dual language program, though we are not part of the dual language program, but I feel like we benefit greatly just from having that program at our school. Just from being in a school that has it because we get to see all kinds of different people every day and my youngest, her new little friend, she's the cutest little thing ever. And while [her friend] is not in the dual language program, because [her friend] speaks perfect English, her parents do not. Any time we have playdates or arranged anything, [she] is the translator for her parents. When Nora goes with them, Nora's learning Spanish. And they have a large family -- she's loving that. And it's just because she's in her class [Her friend's] mom works multiple jobs, and I think it's good for my child to see that, to see that there are moms that stay home like I do and there are some moms that have one or two jobs because that's how this country operates, it takes all kinds. We need affordable housing.We have all sorts of jobs that need to be filled in this city. I mean my parents, two teachers -- there's no way they would be able to afford one of the starter houses in south College Station -- that's upsetting to me. Q: Why should voters vote for you? Elliott: I think I bring a lot to the school board. I think I could offer a wide variety of perspectives, from the business side, the finance side, the mother of young children side -- my children are still in elementary, so they are going to be in College Station schools for another eight years. And I'm involved in the school district. I'm working with teachers directly. I'm in the schools at least weekly doing things as a room mother and PTO. So I think having that experience, but also the business experience and the ability to lead, thee ability to collaborate well with other members. I'm very much a question asker. I'm not just a go along to get along person. So I'm going to be one who will challenge the current status quo and make sure the decisions we are making do reflect the community as a whole. I'm a very good listener, and I'm a very good thinker when it comes to different strategies. I think I bring a lot to the board. I have a servant's heart. I really enjoy leading and being involved in the community, but part and parcel to me enjoying doing that is the value that I can bring as a board member. Nolan: This is the part that's really hard: Talking about myself. I've been there. I haven't actually been paid to be there -- I'm not a teacher -- but I've been there from homeroom mom to raising funds to dealing with a PTO budget and figuring out how to work that with the school [on things like] the playground at Southwood Valley. I didn't know I was going to gain this much experience at the PTO level, but we wanted to update our playground, so we went to the school district and said, "Hey, this is what we want to do -- are there any funds you can throw our way? How do we make this happen?" We worked together to provide new sidewalks and new equipment. And again this summer we redid the lounge. So I've learned little things like that, It was a way to work with the school and the school district. I feel those kind of experiences and serving on those committees are invaluable. I've made it a priority for the last two or three years to learn what the school district does. Of course, I won't know everything till I'm on school board -- you can't possibly know till you are on school board -- but I feel like I've done everything that I possibly can. I want to serve our community. I want to be able to serve all of our schools. Last year there were some things I wanted to do for schools that were not schools my daughters attended -- that's a little harder than it seems. That was one of the key things that made me think, "Maybe I should run for school board." I don't think you are going to find my experience without being a paid teacher or currently on the school board very often in someone who is running for school board. And I truly do care about all of the kids, and I know that there are some areas that need a voice and I want to try and help be that voice.I want to listen to all sides so I can make the best informed decisions possible. Because I do realize that a lot of issues are gray. I want to hear all sides, so I can make the best informed decisions possible. By India Today Web Desk: Bigg Boss announced that Vikas Gupta, Jyoti Kumari and Arshi Khan's jail break episode will have an adverse impact on the housemates' luxury budget and all hell broke loose. Vikas accepted his mistake and said he won't touch any luxury budget item including sweets.Hina Khan and Arshi Khan's fight added to the mess. Their argument turned ugly and Arshi ended up aiming her footwear at Hina. She also spat at Hina's face from the jail which infuriated Hina to no end. Other housemates, pacified her saying that it was not her class to give it back to her. advertisement VIKAS REFUSED TO COME OUT OF THE JAIL Bigg Boss asked captain Puneesh to get Vikas, Arshi and Jyoti out of the jail since it was Diwali. Surprisingly, Vikas refused to come out as he did not want to face the housemates. "Aise logon ke saath nahi manani Diwali," remarked Vikas. Jyoti did not agree with Vikas and said that it was their mistake and there was no point in throwing tantrums. She left the jail, leaving Vikas and Arshi alone. VIKAS OPENS UP ABOUT HIS BOYFRIEND While being in the jail, Vikas and Arshi spent time together talking about the former's boyfriend who was so devoted to him that he used to give him time and attention even after his 12 hour shift. Arshi also happened to know the person he was talking about. "Gifts wo laata tha, love letters wo likhta tha. Par wo pyaar zaroorat par based tha. Breakup hone par react maine bahot kharaab kiya (he used to bring me gifts, write letters to me. But this relationship was need-based. But I must admit, I reacted very badly after breakup)," Vikas told Arshi.Vikas then told Arshi to get out of the jail, wish everyone Diwali, and then come back. While Vikas was left alone in the jail, Bigg Boss directed him to come out of the jail, as per the rules of the show. HOUSEMATES GET DIWALI GIFTS FROM FAMILY An interesting task awaited housemates, when they discovered their family pictures hanging from the Opp phones above the swimming pool. Bigg Boss informed them that the gifts sent by their family members were locked in the Oppo boxes, the keys of which are attached with the Oppo phones hanging above the swimming pool. Bigg Boss explained that with each buzzer, housemates had to run to the giant Oppo phone placed in the living room and wait for a message from a family member to flash. However, it would be up to the housemates to guess whose family member had sent the message. Housemates who failed to guess the message correctly would not get the gift. Sapna was the first to receive the message from her mom. Since she guessed it correctly, she got to open her box which had warm jackets for her. Arshi also guessed the message correctly and opened her box to find a designer lehenga. Hiten also got lucky and unboxed his gift. However, Puneesh, Ben and Mehjabi got the messages wrong and lost the opportunity to receive gifts from their families. Shilpa Shinde, Vikas Gupta too looked happy after getting their gifts. advertisement Vikas told Hina that he tried his best to be nice with Shilpa, but there was no limit to her madness. He also added that it was impossible for him to live in this paagal khana. --- ENDS --- This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SEATTLE - Amazon.com has driven an economic boom in Seattle, bestowing more than 40,000 jobs upon a city known for Starbucks coffee and Seahawks fandom. Its growth remade a neglected industrial swath north of downtown into a hub of young workers and fixed the region, along with Microsoft before it, as a premier locale for the Internet economy outside Silicon Valley. Seattle is the fastest-growing big city in the United States, a company town with construction cranes busily erecting new apartments for newly arriving tech workers. Google and Facebook have joined Amazon in putting large offices here. When Amazon made a surprise announcement last month that it planned to open a second headquarters with even more jobs, it set off an unprecedented race among cities to lure the tech giant their way. Amazon said it will need 8 million square feet in a second region, making it the biggest economic development target in decades, experts say. But as Seattleites will say, keeping up with the Internet juggernaut has not always been easy, providing a word of caution for officials from other cities willing to pursue the company at great expense. Over the past decade, Amazon and founder Jeff Bezos, who owns The Washington Post, have added new products and business units at a breakneck speed and expected public partners to keep pace. In Seattle, that meant rehabbing an area of more than 350 acres at a cost to taxpayers of hundreds of millions of dollars in ongoing transportation and infrastructure upgrades expanding public transit, road networks, parks and utilities. It also put new strains on housing. Seattle is one of the most expensive places in the United States to live, forcing lower-income residents to move to far-off suburbs. The city and surrounding King County declared a state of emergency in 2015 over homelessness. Since then, the problem has worsened. Rents in King County have more than doubled in the past 20 years and gone up 65 percent since 2009. Seattle spends more than $60 million annually to address homelessness, up from $39 million four years ago. "We started seeing apartment listings that would say, 'No deposit needed and priority for Amazon, Microsoft and Google employees,' " said Rachael Myers, executive director of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, a Seattle-based advocacy group. She said the area is "in the midst of the greatest affordable-housing and homelessness crisis that our state has ever seen." How much of Seattle's evolution is attributable to Amazon is a matter of debate. In the past decade, millennial workers have poured into other big cities - Washington, San Francisco, Boston - exacerbating housing costs and homelessness there. But few buildups are so linked to the prospects of one company. Amazon has contributed $30 billion to the local economy and as much as $55 billion more in spinoff benefits. Unemployment in the Seattle area is 3.7 percent, below the national rate of 4.4 percent. Much of that progress is the result of Amazon's decision to open its first headquarters downtown a decade ago. John Schoettler, who oversees real estate for the online giant, thought it simplest and least expensive to plan a suburban headquarters campus east of Lake Washington in Bellevue, Washington, near Microsoft. Bezos had a different idea. He wanted to stay in Seattle. "Jeff said the type of employees we want to hire and retain will want to live in an urban environment. They are going to want to work, live and play in the urban core," Schoettler said. The decision helped usher in a new era, one in which top employers abandon suburban office parks for lively, urban neighborhoods integrated into the cities around them. Only seven Fortune 500 companies had research or engineering hubs in Seattle in 2010; now 31 do. "Their growth has just been so positive to lots of other companies, big and small and medium and in between," said Jon Scholes, president and chief executive of the Downtown Seattle Association, where Schoettler is a board member. It's a boom that has shown little sign of slowing. Seattle added 57 people a day for a year through the summer of 2016, according to census data. How best to accommodate that growth provokes regular debate in Seattle and could well shape whatever city Amazon comes to next. Such details spark little discussion as mayors and governors from coast to coast have embarked upon a sweepstakes fit for a reality show, touting their cities in online videos and dangling taxpayer-funded subsidies of as much as $7 billion, even if their jurisdictions don't have the workforce or transportation network Amazon said it requires. The company set Thursday as the deadline to receive proposals. Tucson officials, with an airport one-tenth as busy as Seattle's, mailed the company a 21-foot cactus to get its attention. Stonecrest, Georgia, with a population barely larger than Amazon's Seattle workforce, offered to de-annex 345 acres of its land and rename it the "City of Amazon." Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Sly James purchased 1,000 items on Amazon and rated them all five stars. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans to light up several landmarks and venues in orange to show support for his city's bid. "So will all the mayors go to compete on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show,' Kelly Ripa or Anderson Cooper?" asked Greg LeRoy, president of the policy group Good Jobs First, which regularly warns that public incentives rarely pay off. "That's the spectrum of the debate right now." - - - Seattle won its economic beauty contest in 1962, when it hosted the World's Fair. To serve the crowds, the city built acres of parking and low-slung motels in an area known as South Lake Union. The bet paid few dividends. Three decades later, the area was probably best known for a printing plant, struggling motels and a Hooters restaurant. Only 677 people lived there in 1990. Then Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, launched a real estate firm called Vulcan and bought 60 acres in the area. Vulcan executive Ada Healey recalls the early skeptics. During a 2002 pitch meeting, she said, a representative from a prospective company turned to her and asked: "Why would I want to move to South Lake Union? It is a wasteland." Bezos, though, saw promise in the urban locale. He had started Amazon in his garage in nearby Bellevue, then opened an early office in a former military hospital now called Pacific Tower. Before long, he was searching for more space to accommodate his fast-growing company. Schoettler initially secured about 1.7 million square feet in 10 buildings. It was enough, he thought, to contain the company through 2016, when it was projected to have 9,300 employees. Instead, Amazon grew five times as fast. It now has more than 40,000 employees in 33 Seattle buildings totaling 8.1 million square feet. It occupies 19 percent of the high-end office space in the city, according to an analysis by the Seattle Times, as many square feet as the city's next 40 biggest employers combined. Next year, Amazon will complete its most prominent addition - three glass biospheres featuring about 40,000 plants, "a unique environment for employees to come and collaborate and innovate," Schoettler said. Seattle officials have raced to keep up, approving $480.5 million in improvements over more than a decade for South Lake Union. Amazon and Vulcan, in need of approval to take over city alleys for its development, chipped in funding. A $190.5 million road-realignment program included $31.4 million from property owners led by Vulcan. A new, 1.3-mile streetcar line cost $56.4 million and benefited from $5.5 million from Amazon, including the donation of a fourth car. Now the city has embarked on a $201.5 million electrical substation, work that includes burying electrical wires. On weekdays, South Lake Union teems with young workers sporting Amazon name tags and eating bananas that the company offers free to passersby. Many are walking their dogs - 4,000 employee-owned pups are registered with headquarters access, helping Seattle earn notoriety recently for having more dogs than children. The campus has produced spillover benefits for the city. Amazon's buildings are home to 34 restaurants, including a culinary job-training program called FareStart. More than 20 percent of employees walk to work, and fewer than half drive. The company's longtime support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights - including a $2.5 million donation that Bezos and his wife, MacKenzie, made in support of same-sex marriage - dovetail with the city's progressive politics. In June, the company flew a rainbow flag above its headquarters for LGBT Pride Month. It has more than 40 "GLAmazon" chapters for LGBT affinity around the world. "We could have gone to the suburbs, and we could have built a campus, and we would have had an entry gate where everybody would come and go so you would be very inward- looking and very exclusive," Schoettler said, "as opposed to being in a very urban environment where you have to look outward, so you're very inclusive, and everyone is your neighbor - and everyone is welcome." - - - Maybe no city could have built housing fast enough to keep prices from spiraling upward during Amazon's growth, but Seattle - despite nearly leading the nation in new apartment construction - hasn't come close. On the sidewalks, alongside rentable neon bikes, people subsist in tents and sleeping bags in places locals say they did not congregate at 10 years ago - a warning sign for cities nationwide trying to capture a version of Seattle's glory. "We don't have enough housing for low-income people especially, but we also just don't have enough housing," said Myers, a longtime Seattle housing advocate. "And Amazon obviously impacts both of those things." Officials at Bellwether Housing, the city's largest nonprofit manager of affordable housing, at 2,000 units, report a vacancy rate of 1 percent. "It's very rare that someone moves out, because they have nowhere else to go," said chief executive Susan Boyd. A state analysis of evictions found they were driven not by social problems but by economics. As Amazon's boom has continued, the city approved a rule this year requiring landlords to accept the first viable renter who applies - rather than cherry-picking a tech worker. The government also adopted an inclusionary zoning policy requiring developers to set aside some new units at below-market rates or pay into a fund to develop other affordable units. Myers suggested other jurisdictions pay heed: "If you're going to get an Amazon that's going to create a ton of high-paying jobs and a ton of pressure on the housing market, what are the things you can do before rents really skyrocket?" Ask 10 experts where the company will put its next headquarters, and you may get 10 different answers. The company prides itself on zigging when others zag, making it more difficult to read the tea leaves. Still, many in Seattle say the company probably has a good idea of its options. "I suspect they have a shortlist," said Healey, the Vulcan executive. Landing the second headquarters would be a legacy-defining achievement for nearly any governor or mayor, but lessons from Seattle's Amazon experience have bidders scrambling to show how they can meet Amazon's insistence on speed, low costs, transportation and inclusion - particularly if they didn't focus on them ahead of time. East Coast cities such as Boston, New York and Washington may need to answer for their own runaway real estate and housing prices. Governors, including Republicans Chris Christie of New Jersey, Scott Walker of Wisconsin and Larry Hogan of Maryland, may have to explain why they canceled major transit projects. Charlotte and Indianapolis are bidding, but Amazon may want to know the effect of state laws there affecting the rights of gay or transgender employees. Amy Liu of the Brookings Institution said the Amazon competition will hopefully serve as a chance for elected leaders to take the temperature of how prepared their neighborhoods and infrastructure are to drive growth, whether from Amazon or elsewhere. "These are things every city should be doing anyway," she said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NORWALK About 20 people protested against illegal trophy hunting of Connecticut black bears in front of Norwalk Superior Court on Friday morning. Some donned Bear Lives Matter shirts and held signs urging further protection of the species and calling for the maximum penalty for two men that were to appear inside the Belden Avenue courthouse on charges they killed two young bears in Wilton in September. Trophy hunting of bears is illegal in Connecticut but an effort for legalization has been on the horizon in recent years, said Annie Hornish, Connecticut state director of the Humane Society of the United States. We are here because we feel bears need protection, Hornish said. They need protection from DEEPs trophy hunting agenda, and were here to ask that these trophy hunters that poach are fully prosecuted under the law. The two men charged in the killings were to be arraigned Friday morning, but their cases were continued to Nov. 30. Antonio Lio, 28, of Wilton, and Daniel Moran, 33, of, Norwalk, allegedly skinned one bear for a trophy mount and cut off its head and paws, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Lio shot and killed the second bear when it approached him while he was checking on the first one, a DEEP official said. Both were killed by bow and arrow. Its unfortunate when some people feel like murdering an animal is going to make them feel better, said Leslie McLean of Redding, one of the organizers of the protest and creator of the Bear Lives Matter shirts. As a community, we need to respect the environment. The protest, mobilized by a several Wilton residents, drew people from Wilton, Norwalk, Redding and Greenwich and the hope is to mobilize even more on Nov. 30, said Pat Harmon, 4th Congressional District leader of the Humane Society of the United States. Theres so many people that want to say something but theres only a few of us that can represent them here, she said. But well do our best to get as many as we can. In the meantime, the group is planning to write to their respective legislators about keeping trophy hunting of bears illegal, protecting bears through humane management practices and increasing penalties for poaching, which is considered a class C misdemeanor. A maximum conviction would be a $500 fine and three months in jail. Hornish is also looking into the possibility of speaking on behalf of the bears in court, which has been done before in a case involving hunted deer, she said. This isnt going away, Hornish said. Were going to continue fighting to protect Connecticuts bears. The continuance was requested by Lio and Morans attorney, according to a court official. The two were arrested after initial investigation on Sept. 16. Lio was charged with two counts of illegal taking of a black bear and fourth-degree negligent hunting, and was released on $5,000 bond. Moran was charged with conspiracy to commit illegal taking of a black bear and was released on $3,000 bond. skim@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2568; @stephaniehnkim This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Editors note: A previous version of this story incorrectly said John Suggs was a Republican. The story has been been changed to reflect the fact he is a former Democrat. WESTPORT The towns business challenges were front and center at last weeks first selectman debate. Hosted by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, the Oct. 12 debate pitted incumbent Jim Marpe, a Republican, against challengers Melissa Kane, the chairman of Westports Democratic Town Committee, John Suggs, a former Democrat who changed his party affiliation to unaffiliated to run as an independent candidate, and Timothy TJ Elgin, also running as an independent. Successful businesses and commercial real estate owners feel that theyve been seen and treated more as burdens than assets to the town, said Kane, who frequently referenced conversations shes had with members of Westports business community during the 1.5-hour-long debate. Kane proposed to improve business relations by making the town permitting process less costly and more efficient, improving the towns communications, and dealing with Westports traffic and infrastructure issues. The current first selectman countered, pointing out what he has already done to help the town. More Information Next debate Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance candidates will debate Oct. 24 from 7-9 p.m. in Town Hall, sponsored by Westport's League of Women Voters. See More Collapse Our largest employers have had an open channel to my office to secure our employment base while promoting a diversified array of small business employers, Marpe said. Marpe acknowledged Westports business community is under attack by the Amazon effect and said hes worked to reverse the trend by investing in infrastructure and amenities, keeping our tax rate flat, and leveraging the reputation of our towns world-class schools and our thriving arts community. The first selectman also highlighted his efforts with the Fairfield Five, a collaboration of four other municipalities and the Chamber of Commerce to attract new businesses and residents to the Fairfield County area. Making the downtown thrive One specific topic many of the candidates focused on was the Downtown Master Plan, aimed at encouraging a vibrant downtown where businesses can thrive. Suggs took aim at the plan he claimed is focusing on enhancing high-end retail shopping, which he said is not coming back. In a pointed response to Suggs, Kane, who co-chaired the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee and chaired the Downtown Steering Committee that facilitated the creation of Westports Downtown Master Plan, said the plan does not encourage high-end retail. Suggs, however, said an economic and commercial shift occurring across the country that has led to the death of high-end retail. Taking a macroeconomic view of Westports retail challenges, Suggs proposed disbanding the Master Plan Implementation Committee and said residents should rebuild our downtown by ourselves. We need to get Westporters out from behind their computer screens and downtown, he said. While Kane disagreed with Suggs viewpoint on the Downtown Master Plan, she did say Westport needs a strategy to compete with online shopping. To promote Westports downtown, Kane promised to leverage our positives and use creative thinking to deal with commercial vacancies, such as pop-up shops, gallery spaces and public art. Marpe echoed Kanes point about the need to improve the experience of shopping, adding, Amazon really cant treat you to a romantic dinner, or they cant provide a fitness class for you. Elgin claimed the answer to the towns retail issues is simpler than the other candidates suggested and spoke of the need to reason with the landlords who he accused of price-gouging. Turning to how Westport can remain economically viable despite Hartfords fiscal mess, Marpe once again cited the Fairfield Five initiative, which he said is aimed at attracting entrepreneurial, innovative businesses, probably with a technology link. Kane applauded the Board of Finance for protecting Westports finances and reiterated her desire to improve what she called the towns byzantine processes for applying for permitting in order to attract more businesses and residents to Westport. Elgin spoke of the need to become more self-sustainable in light of Hartfords fiscal woes. Suggs maintained his commitment to a flat tax rate and said the answer to Westports financial stability is pension reform. Our employees are represented by the unions, Suggs said, Taxpayers are represented by us. In a jab once again pointed at Kane, a current RTM member, Suggs said, I cant understand why one of my opponents voted no on the police pension settlement and then turned right around and voted yes on the exact same settlement for the fire department. Traffic troubles To address everyones favorite issue, traffic, Suggs cited his work fighting to save the Cribari Bridge, which he claimed kept tractor-trailers out of Westport. Suggs suggested common sense solutions to respond to traffic congestion, such as a plan to change the timing of traffic lights to allow more cars to get through congested intersections. Kane proposed a train-to-main shuttle to decrease traffic congestion and spoke passionately of the need to leverage the Fairfield Fives power to lobby the federal government to decrease transit times for commuters to New York City. Marpe said hes working with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to decrease train times and ensured that the Greens Farm station will not be built if hes re-elected because high speed rail makes no sense for this community. Elgin was alone in supporting a proposed toll system on Interstate 95 to address traffic, which Marpe quickly rebutted and said will drive more people into Westport. Encouraging economic growth Once again unique in his positions, Elgin proposed tax incentives for small businesses, which the three other candidates said is not the answer. Marpe instead suggested creating clusters of like-minded businesses, such as those in home-furnishings design or technology. Suggs echoed Marpes idea but with a twist. Suggs suggested creating work spaces where Westporters could gather. Residents who currently work out of the homes in a second bedroom, their basement would benefit enormously if we had shared workspace-hubs downtown, he said. As for Kane, she suggested better signage to point newcomers to the towns business corridors, an idea similar to one included in the Downtown Master Plan. Once again, Suggs criticized the Downtown Master Plan, calling it obsolete and its proposed $500,000 to improve town signage a vanity project. Kane cited several accomplishment thanks to the plan, such as improvements to Toquet Hall, $650,00 in grants to study flooding, and bike rack installations. The League of Women Voters is sponsoring the next first selectman debate to be held Tuesday night at 7 p.m. in Town Hall. NORWALK The next several months will be busy for A.J. Penna & Son Excavating Contractors and its several dozen employees. Owners Vincent and Robin Penna have until January to vacate their current home on Goldstein Place near the Walk Bridge and relocate their business to the old National Guard Armory property at 290 New Canaan Ave. The Pennas this month took title to the latter property as part of an exchange with the Connecticut Department of Transportation. The sale price was not disclosed in papers filed with the Town Clerks Office. The DOT plans to use the Goldstein Place land as a staging area when it replaces the 121-year-old bridge over the Norwalk River. We are preparing to relocate to the Armory property on New Canaan Avenue in Norwalk, the Pennas said in a statement. The State of Connecticut has acquired our current yard through eminent domain to facilitate the Walk Bridge project. The estimated time to prepare the property and make it suitable for our needs is approximately three months. Vacant for more than five years, the old armory building needs major roof repair and utility upgrades. The exterior of the property will require extensive cleanup. But once that work is complete, the property will suit the companys needs well, according to the Pennas. After the property has been prepared and bins built we can move our materials, the couple said. It is a large facility with plenty of storage space for our entire inventory needed for our underground utility repairs and installations. For several years, the Pennas lived under a cloud of uncertainty amid the possibility of going out of business as the state geared up to replace the aging Walk Bridge. The couple looked at roughly 20 prospective properties most of which were unsuitable before being shown the old armory property. We would like to give special thanks to Marie B. Gaj, Acquisition/Relocation Section Office of Rights of Way, Department of Transportation, the Pennas said. Marie turned over every stone to help relocate our business and without her help we would have had to close our doors after over 70 years of service. Family owned since 1947, A.J. Penna & Son provides water, sewer, septic, drainage and underground utility repair and installation. The relocation will not be the only change for the company. Son Vincent Penna Jr., who recently retired as deputy police chief in Westport, has joined the family business as chief operating officer. We are very proud that this will continue into the next generation, the Pennas said. The Goldstein Place property is among more than a dozen parcels identified by the DOT for taking or temporary construction easements as part of the Walk Bridge replacement. The Maritime Aquariums IMAX theater will be razed to create staging space for the work, which the DOT hopes to begin in 2019. DOT spokesman Judd Everhart said the Pennas property at 6 and 10 Goldstein Place is needed for the bridge replacement project. He said the DOT has worked closely with the Pennas since fall 2015 to find a suitable property to relocate their business. The DOT was able to assist the Pennas in locating the former Armory property on New Canaan Avenue as a viable property for the Pennas to relocate their business, Everhart said. Through extensive and productive discussions and negotiations, the Pennas were able to purchase the Armory property from the DOT. Everhart said the DOT acquired the Goldstein Place parcels Oct. 6. The department will work diligently with the Pennas to ensure the smooth transition of the business relocation to the Armory property, he said. The Norwalk Zoning Commission in January approved the Pennas plan to use the armory property for their business. Among the conditions imposed: the company must comply with the citys noise ordinance and limit its hours of operations, except in emergencies, to weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. All lighting must be directed away from surrounding residential properties. They came from Hungary and Honduras, Morocco and Moldova, Trinidad and Tobago, and a dozen countries in between. This week, they entered Norwalks Lockwood-Matthews Mansion Museum as immigrants. They emerged as U.S. citizens, having passed their background checks and met the added requirements entitling them to the same benefits, rights, and responsibilities as the native-born: a period of lawful permanent residence, basic proficiency in English, and knowledge of U.S. history and government. Some followed their families to America. Others blazed trails. Carrying cell phones and cradling babies, they fulfilled their final requirement on Tuesday, raising their right hands and swearing the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. And with that, they joined the ranks of the nations 20 million naturalized citizens, nearly half of the overall immigrant population of 42.4 million. The list of benefits is long. Naturalized citizens are entitled to vote, to serve on a jury (or be tried fairly and promptly by one), to apply for federal employment, to run for elected office, to worship and express themselves as they wish, to pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Which of these entitlements was most compelling for this particular group of newcomers is, of course, impossible to say. What we can say is that naturalized citizens are better educated than non-citizens; that their median household incomes are higher than both non-citizen and U.S.-born households, and that their rates of homeownership are the same as those of the U.S. born. We can say that one out of three U.S. citizens fails the civic portion of the immigration naturalization test, as opposed to the 97 percent of immigrant applicants who pass it, according to the Center for the Study of the American Dream at Xavier University. Unfortunately, we must also say that the climate for immigrants in post-9/11 America, as seen through the lens of national security as opposed to family reunification, political asylum and other humanitarian concerns, is far less welcoming than it once was. The men and women sworn in this week in Norwalk will be living, as are we all, under a president who claims immigrants undocumented ones especially are flooding the country, embarking on crime waves, and draining social service budgets. In fact, their numbers are declining, immigrant crime rates are lower than citizen crime rates, and its impossible for the undocumented to drain budgets for programs to which they have no access. Its worth noting that a 2016 Gallup poll found 72 percent of respondents consider immigration a good thing. Further, among Republicans, support for a path to citizenship was higher than support for a border wall: 76 percent versus 62 percent respectively. In congratulating the citizens who were naturalized this week, we wish to remind them that our presidents anti-immigrant rhetoric and disinformation does not reflect the attitudes of the majority of Americans. Welcome. We cant chart the individual courses that brought you here anymore than we can map the various paths that lie ahead. We can only assume that you followed your hearts. We can only hope that you realize your dreams. By India Today Web Desk: Post Diwali celebration, when most of the housemates were off to sleep, love birds Puneesh Sharma and Bandgi Kalra were spotted discussing the future of their relationship. At around 2.15 am, Puneesh asked for his Diwali gift from Bandgi but she cleverly evaded the topic. After which Puneesh asked god to save him as he felt he was falling in love. advertisement Puneesh, who was all lovey-dovey post the Diwali celebration in the Bigg Boss house, asked Bandgi to never ditch him. Bandgi, who's in a relationship with TV producer Dennis Nagpal, said she was scared of the consequences of this relationship. Talking about her boyfriend, Puneesh said "he is not much of a great guy" and "it's better to end her relationship". Bandgi said she was worried about her boyfriend's reaction. Puneesh then reminded her that she wasn't answerable to him as she was not his wife. He also added that it was useless to talk to him, as by now he must have seen everything. When Bandgi raised her concern over her beau following her to Mumbai, Puneesh assured her that she didn't need to worry as he was there for her and will take care of everything. He said, "Aane do. Darna kyun hai. Main kis liye hoon? Mere saath rahogi phir tum." The love story, which earlier seemed to be a staged affair is taking an interesting turn as the duo seem to be falling for each other . Time and again Bandgi has proved to be a great support for Puneesh inside the house. And after this conversation, it looks like they are even planning to move in together after their stint in Bigg Boss 11. --- ENDS --- Dear Annie: I need your advice. My very musically gifted high school senior appears to want to go to college and major in music performance. But he is refusing to visit colleges. He wont discuss why; he just gets very belligerent when the subject comes up and wont expand on any reasons. Should I let it be or make the contacts for him and force him to go? Music Mans Mom Dear Music Mans Mom: Its possible that your son is afraid to leave home which would show his intelligence; its a big scary world out there. Courage arises not when we suppress our fears but when we find something so worthwhile we temporarily forget them. So do what you can to help him find exciting possibilities. There are many amazing colleges that specialize in music, which you can research together. See whether any schools within a short driving distance have solid music programs. In the end, though, this is his search process, and he should take the lead. Its the first step hell take as an independent adult. Dear Annie: I read your advice column every day and love it. I am 64 years old and have been very happily married for 45 years. I read about the grumpy old dad whom Hurt Daughter in New Hampshire has to deal with. I am part of a local association mostly made up of older men. We tend to be grumpy. Why? We hurt. We have health issues. We see changes in the world around us that we dont appreciate. We didnt realize that retirement was going to make us feel unneeded. Many have been hurt from previous failed marriages and relationships. This is what I have learned about how to stop a grumpy old man in his tracks and, if not change, at least realize how hes acting. I first empathize, telling him I feel his pain, and then I encourage him to not take his pain out on other people. That friendliness and kindness breeds more of the same. But grumpiness and meanness will only make things worse. When that doesnt work, then I go at him by confronting his hypocrisy: You are angry with everyone else for all kinds of things, but by being that way, you are acting like a spoiled brat who needs discipline. Get over it! You are a grown man who knows how to act maturely and friendly. Show love even if you dont feel it. Change or get used to being rejected. This works for most guys. Its the language they understand. They will probably dislike the one who says it to them, but everyone else around them will begin to see the change and appreciate it. Father, Grandfather, Husband, Pastor Dear FGHP: Empathy and honesty are great virtues and useful tools. Dear Annie: I was unhappy but not surprised to see a recent question by someone whose electricity is being stolen by a guest who owns an electric car. This is becoming a big trend. Also, Im seeing more and more retail establishments, government buildings, etc., not only providing free charging stations but also reserving prime parking spaces to those who plug the vehicles in. It seems a parking spot reserved as a charging station is now a higher priority near the door than a handicapped parking space! Glad Im Retired Dear Glad: You may actually be noticing handicapped-accessible charging spots for electrical vehicles. State codes on this matter are still being written, but many businesses aim to make charging spaces accessible to disabled patrons driving electric vehicles. Logistically, this can end up meaning that all the EV spaces are adjacent to handicapped spaces. Dear Annie: Id like to suggest another option for Anxious Adopter, whose adopted son has visits with his birth mother but whose adopted daughter has no contact with her birth family. My suggestion would be for Anxious Adopter to talk to her sons birth mother to see whether she could find it in her heart to include your daughter in the visits. Our 15-year-old daughter relinquished her newborn son for adoption many years ago. Years later, when our grandson became a part of our life, he had an adopted sister who had no knowledge of her birth family and no contact. Because she was special to our grandson, she was special to us and was included in our time with our grandson. My husband and I were honorary grandparents at her wedding. Twice Blessed Dear Twice Blessed: First, Id like to say that I respect the rights of birth mothers in open-adoption arrangements, and it would be regrettable if my earlier response suggested otherwise. I love your solution, which shows real heart and practicality. Annie Lane, a graduate of New York Law School and New York University, writes this column for Creators Syndicate. Dear Annie: I use Facebook to keep up with relatives and friends, but I hardly post anything especially not pictures of myself. I am attractive enough, but Im not photogenic. These days, I find myself having to discreetly ask people at parties and events not to take pictures with me in them. I will be going to a college reunion soon. I dont mind being included in the big group picture, but Ive asked the old classmate who will be serving as photographer to keep the camera away from me during the social time. I want to enjoy our time together without worrying what will show up on Facebook the next day. Why are people so trigger-happy with their phones at every event? When I ask that photos of me not be put online, I often get strange looks, as if to say, What is wrong with you? People treat it as if its a personal problem I need to deal with, implying Im overly sensitive and ruining the fun. Well, I just dont like the idea of my picture being shown to so many people I dont know. Isnt that OK? Why do I face backlash for that? Am I the only one who feels this way? Is it now the expectation that if you attend an event, you will be on Facebook? I am to the point of not wanting to go to parties or events because of the rudeness of Facebook lovers. Dont Shoot Dear Dont Shoot: Taking and posting photos has become compulsive in our society. We end up living our own lives vicariously, through lenses and screens documenting everything for the future, totally missing the present. Its a shame. Know that you can set preferences on Facebook so that people must get your permission before tagging you in a photo, but this will only prevent the photos from showing up on your profile; it wont stop them from appearing on the internet. The only way to avert that is by persuading friends to ask before posting, which I think you should continue trying to do. Sure, they might grouse. But if it makes them pause and reflect, even just for a moment, on why they feel the need to archive every second of their lives, youve done them a favor. Keep fighting the good fight, even if youre losing. Annie Lane, a graduate of New York Law School and New York University, writes this column for Creators Syndicate. Email questions to dearannie@creators.com. Missionary Gary Thies will be guest speaker at all worship services Sunday at Peace Lutheran Church, 1710 N. North Road. Thies is mission development counselor with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. He lives on a farm in western Iowa and has traveled to 76 countries and spoken in more than 1,700 churches. Everyone is welcome to attend any of the services at 8:15, 8:30 or 10:45 a.m. For more information, go online to www.peacegi.org. Trinity Lutheran to host trunk and treat Trinity Lutheran Church will host a trunk and treat event Wednesday on the church campus at 12th and Wheeler. The event, open from 5:30 to 7 p.m., will offer a safe environment for trick or treating; a free hot dog meal will be served. Each child will receive a gift bag. AriSon, a group from Nashville will present live music during the event. All children must be accompanied by an adult. In case of inclement weather, the event will move indoors. For more information, call (308) 382-0753 or go to www.trinitylutherangi.org. Rosedale UMC plans soup supper, bake sale Rosedale United Methodist Church will host a soup supper and bake sale from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday. Freewill offerings will be collected. The church is four miles south of Doniphan, then five miles west on Rosedale Road. Calvary Lutheran seeking craft fair, flea market vendors Vendors are being sought for a craft fair and flea market planned for Nov. 18 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Island. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors can rent a booth for $20 and sell crafts or anything else they want to sell. The deadline to register is Nov. 1. Contact Sue at (308) 379-4437. Across the country, hundreds of ReStores are funding construction of Habitat homes. Now, Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity is dedicating a home built thanks to proceeds from the local ReStore. On Sunday, at 3 p.m. at Centro de Vida Cristiana Church at Sixth and Taft streets, the dedication ceremony of Habitat Home No. 92 will take place, followed by an open house at 811 E. Sixth St. With construction costs on the rise, and five Habitat homes a year built in the Grand Island area, the home improvement thrift store, called ReStore, is vital to the organizations sustainability, according to Dana Jelinek, executive director of Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity. New and used items such as doors, windows, major appliances, cabinets, sinks and lighting are donated by businesses and individuals from throughout Central and Western Nebraska. Donors receive a tax deduction for their donations, and the public can purchase discounted items for their projects. The manager of the store, Buck Vivian, said, We love it when people bring in good, quality items for us to sell; its thanks to those donors that people like to shop here and we can make an impact. Its not uncommon to have new items donated that are simply being discontinued or were overstocks. Some of the donations are from retail stores that support Habitats mission. Partnerships with stores throughout the state and in Grand Island help provide desired products that ReStore can sell. Gail Leetch, owner of Kens Appliance, said that the ReStore is handy for his business. Its amazing what you can find and what you can get there. Its a well-organized and well-maintained store. Leetch went on to say that its a good partnership between his store and the ReStore, stating that when customers want their older working appliances donated, Kens Appliance will deliver them to the ReStore. On Sunday, partnerships like these will provide an opportunity for a family to buy a new Habitat home. Homebuyer Florina Espinosa, who works at Midwest Imaging, has put in more than 500 hours of sweat equity since May. She has worked on construction sites, taken homeownership education classes, volunteered at events and helped at the ReStore. Come Sunday, shell be one step closer to her dream of buying her own home. Although shes qualified for Habitats no-interest loan, paperwork still needs to be completed, with closing likely in late November, just in time for the holidays. To learn more about Habitat for Humanitys building and loan program, call the affiliate office at (308) 385-5510. For information on the ReStore call (308) 385-5082. State Sen. Bob Krist of Omaha said Thursday in Grand Island that he will work to build a consensus on issues facing Nebraska if he is elected governor. That is especially true on tax policy, Krist said. Income, property and sales taxes need to get back into balance, but the states tax structure must be changed before that balance can happen. We need to have dialogue, he said. We need to agree and come to a consensus on how to manage those taxes on the local and the state level. For example, Krist said about 60 percent of property taxes go to fund education. That balance needs to change even if the state needs to get involved, he said. Krist, formerly a Republican, is running as an independent candidate for Nebraska governor. He is challenging Gov. Pete Ricketts, a Republican, who is seeking re-election. The Grand Island stop was part of a two-day, statewide listening tour. Krist held roundtable discussions in Grand Island, Hastings and Kearney on Thursday. He became a member of the Nebraska Legislature in 2009. Gov. Dave Heineman appointed him to that position and he was elected the next year and re-elected in 2014. Krist said he likes metrics, evidence-based information. I like to make sure that I listen to people, he said. His record as a legislator is an open record, he said, and that is a good place for people to start in getting to know his work as a lawmaker. Im not hiding from my votes, Krist said. I did exactly what I thought was needed for my constituents. That is a philosophy he said he will continue to follow if elected governor. Krist said his voting record and platform will soon be on his website (kristfornebraska.com). During his first five years in the Legislature, he was serving alongside a group of nonpartisan lawmakers. Since then, he said, that spirit of nonpartisanship has disappeared. Krist said he wants to restore the separation of power between the executive and legislative branches. He also wants to restore the Legislature to being independent and nonpartisan. To move Nebraska forward, he said, good leadership is important. The darkest day of my legislative career was this past budget cycle, he said. I sat on the floor (of the Legislature) and tried to engage in conversation, but there wasnt any debate. Krist said there was no push back on the issues by the lawmakers. Thats because in essence they decided where they were going to go and were told where they were going to go, he said. That is not the Legislature that I remembered or the way government should work. To achieve that goal, Krist said as governor he will be accessible to the Legislature. The governor needs to pay attention to what is going on, he said. He needs to pay attention to those 49 representatives of the 49 districts around the state. Krist said he wont involve himself in getting people elected to the Legislature. He said that has been something Ricketts has done in buying the best Legislature he can. Its a phrase coined before and is correct, as I have sat there and watched it, he said. Krist said continuity and experience count among lawmakers. He said he doesnt have all the answers to the states problems. I dont claim to have all the answers, Krist said. His goal is to bring in the right people to find those answers. Developing a consensus to create solutions is important. Krist said he would have advisers who are not afraid to tell him that he is wrong and that he needs to change what he is doing. Having a plan and being willing to deviate from that plan, if necessary, is important, he said. But you need to listen to your people because they are the ones who have to execute the plan, Krist said. I plan on doing that. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1979 to 2000, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. In 1997, he became chief of plans and programs for the 55th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base. The next year he became an active duty Air Force adviser to the governor and adjutant general. In the U.S. Air Force, Krist flew more than 30 different fixed and rotary wing planes. He logged approximately 14,000 hours airborne. Members of the Nebraska Legislature elected him as chairman of the Executive Board. He has served on various legislative committees, including the Judiciary Committee, Education Committee, Legislative Performance Audit Committee, Legislatures Planning Committee and Department of Correctional Services Special Investigative Committee. He represents the 10th Legislative District in Omaha. Police/Sheriff Anyone with information about any crime in the state may call the Grand Island-Hall County Crime Stoppers, (308) 381-8822. Callers will remain anonymous. A reward of up to $1,000 will be paid after law enforcement agencies have determined the seriousness of the crime and the usefulness of the information. Inmate custody status can be obtained by calling the VINE hotline at (877) NE 4 VINE or by visiting www.vinelink.com. Information is available 24 hours a day. If you see a crime happening, call the Grand Island-Hall County Emergency Center 911. Grand Island Police The following felonies were reported: Child abuse was reported Wednesday involving a 1-year-old male. Eduardo Aldaba-Montanez reported a scam that took place Monday and Tuesday. Hall County Sheriff Law enforcement arrested five people on warrants in eight cases. There were 31 calls for service. For more information visit www.hallcountyne.gov and click on the sheriff link. Court report Hall County District Court Jason Matthew Cimity, 33, Grand Island, attempt of a Class 2 felony, four to six years in jail with credit for 198 days. Also guilty of second-degree assault, four to six years in jail. Sentences will be served concurrently. Omar Mendoza, 25, Grand Island, possession of a controlled substance, 24 months probation. Also guilty of carrying a concealed weapon, first offense, 24 months probation. John W. Hoover, 25, Grand Island, attempt of a Class 2 felony, two to 10 years in jail with credit for 94 days served. Drew Anthony Ponder, 35, Clay Center, attempt of a Class 1/1A/1B/1C/1D felony, three to eight years in jail with credit for four days served. Also guilty of carrying a concealed weapon, first offense, one year in jail. Sentences will be served concurrently. Hall County Court Jessi L. Etienne, 19, Grand Island, attempt of a Class 4 felony, 24 months probation, $600 probation fee. David Miguel Gomez, 24, Grand Island, third-degree domestic assault, 12 months probation, $300 probation fee. Heidi J. Beckett, 42, Grand Island, first-offense reckless driving, six months probation. Bradley D. Schaffer, 48, homeless, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and failure to appear when on bail for a misdemeanor. Preliminary hearing set for 1:30 p.m. Dec. 4. Christopher J. Xuncax, 20, Grand Island, was charged with failure to appear when on bail for a felony. Preliminary hearing set for 10:30 a.m. Nov. 28. Jordan W. Barker, 25, Grand Island, was charged with committing fourth-offense DUI on Aug. 13. Arraignment set for 1:30 p.m. Nov. 1. Driving Under the Influence Robert L. Nelson, 69, Grand Island, $500 fine, six months probation. Also guilty of drivers license revoked, 60 days; Richard E. Parker, 59, Sardis, Miss., $500 fine, six months probation, drivers license revoked 60 days; Carmen L. Hidalgo, 19, Grand Island, $500 fine, six months probation, drivers license revoked 60 days. Also guilty of minor in possession ages 19/20, $25 fine, six months probation; David V. Ruiz, 21, Kearney, enhanced DUI, $500 fine, seven days in jail with credit for one day served, drivers license revoked one year. Also guilty of speeding 11-15 municipal, $75 fine, and possessing or consuming from an open alcohol container, $50 fine. Correction Wrong website listed from i AM me boutique A story on page 1A of Thursdays Grand Island Independent incorrectly stated the website for i AM me boutique and online store. It is www.shopatiamme.com. WASHINGTON Speaking to a group of workers in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, President Donald Trump said Wednesday that his proposed tax-cut package will be rocket fuel for the U.S. economy. It was Trumps sly way of reinforcing a message that the White House has sent since it first rolled out a framework for the tax cut in April. The message: Instead of adding to the $20 trillion national debt, the GOP tax cut will pay for itself; theres no need to produce some $5 trillion in savings over the next decade to pay for the cuts. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin uttered that mantra after the rollout when he told the Institute of International Finance, The plan will pay for itself with growth. The current package would lower the corporate tax rate from 38.9 percent to 20 percent and lower personal income taxes; the top rate would fall from 39.6 percent to 35 percent. That should mean a bigger deficit, right? No, supporters maintain, because the package would eliminate a number of deductions, and that would broaden the tax base and generate some new revenue. The rest would come from growth as corporations, spurred by tax cuts, buy more equipment and hire more workers. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget supports tax reform but has observed that tax cuts in 1981 and the early 2000s widened deficits and figured that for every dollar in cuts, economy activity would have to produce $5 to pay for itself. Dont hold your breath on that score. I think that very few economists would agree that the revenue loss would be fully offset with revenue growth, budget expert Alan Viard of the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute told The Hill. The Tax Policy Center estimated that the framework would increase the federal deficit by $2.4 trillion in its first 10 years. There are two caveats that go with any estimate. The first is that the plan drafted by GOP leaders offers few details. While the nine-page framework boasts three new tax rates 12 percent, 25 percent and 35 percent it does not delineate what the tax brackets would be. The second caveat is that it is not clear or even likely that Congress will stick with provisions that would remove tax deductions, such as the deduction for state and local taxes, in order to finance lower tax rates. The state and local deductions add up to $1.3 trillion over a decade, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation. Already the pressure is on lawmakers from high-tax states such as New York, New Jersey and Maryland to refuse to support the package unless the GOP leadership restores the status quo. With Trump in the Oval Office, all of a sudden GOP senators and representatives dont see deficit spending as being wasteful as they framed it under President Barack Obama. Also, GOP lawmakers have little incentive to try to cut spending, given that Trump never has been a fiscal conservative and likely would oppose cuts. No budget hawk, Trump campaigned on not messing with Social Security. Were not going to raise the age and were not going to do all the things that everybody else is talking about doing. Theyre all talking about doing it, and you dont have to, he said on the campaign trail. Were going to bring our jobs back. In office, Trump has become even more inclined to magical thinking when it comes to other peoples money. Trump told a gathering of truckers in Harrisburg that the stock market grew by $5.2 trillion since he won the election thats a quarter of the $20 trillion that we owe. Then Trump apparently multiplied the $5 trillion by the four years of his first term and figured, Ive increased the value of your U.S. assets by more than the $20 trillion that we currently owe. Wrong, responded Patrick Newton of the Committee for a Responsible Budget. Stock market gains benefit investors. They do not pay down the debt. Republicans arent all wet when they talk up the dynamic powers that tax cuts can have. The GOP plan would allow corporations to write off equipment purchases in the year they are made an incentive to buy equipment. A lower tax on corporate profits overseas could convince CEOs to return offshore dollars to the United States. But can it make a rabbit disappear? In a recent phone call for Not One Penny a Democrat-leaning group that opposes the GOP plan venture capitalist Nick Hanauer scoffed at the notion that tax cuts for wealthy individuals will increase dynamism and growth. It is extraordinary that they continue to try to sell this nonsense to the American people, he said. He likened the approach to giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. The comments at the Oct. 10 Grand Island City Council meeting of a Central Nebraska Humane Society animal control officer must have caused council members to pause in considering an ordinance amending city code to allow miniature pigs within city limits. The council acted appropriately when it postponed voting on the ordinance because three of the 10 council members werent present at that meeting. It will be considered again at next Tuesdays meeting. The amendment is being considered at the request of Angela Alexander, who had her mini pig, Otis, taken away from her and placed at the Humane Society and later at a foster home because having a pig in Grand Island was a violation of city code. Alexander has said Otis is friendly and lovable and her neighbors liked him. But Rose Krause of the Humane Society said the amendment raises concerns about the safety of the animals and the lack of experience of the Humane Society staff in dealing with mini pigs. If a dog or cat is running loose, an animal control officer must go pick it up and take it to the shelter. But if a mini pig gets loose, Krause said it takes two animal control officers and a catch pole that isnt really designed for pigs to get a pig into the truck. When the City Council entered into its latest agreement with the Humane Society to provide animal control services in Grand Island, the council agreed to having one animal control officer on duty at a time. So, if the Humane Society has to pick up a mini pig, it will be required to call in a second officer to take care of the animal. The change would also require the Humane Society to create a place to keep mini pigs and stock food for them. It would possibly also need the services of a veterinarian who cares for livestock. The proposed amendment to city code is well thought out. It requires licensing and proof of vaccinations, limits the size and breed of pig that is permitted, and says the mini pigs must be leashed when off the owners property. But council members must carefully consider the impact of their votes on this issue. If they agree to expand the list of animals that can be kept at homes within city limits to include mini pigs, the city must be ready to handle any pigs that may get loose from their owners. Eagles rally, then get sloppy in 4th quarter as undefeated hopes end Several observations from the Eagles' Monday night game against the Washington Commanders. The BJP on Thursday objected to some of the GST references in Ilayathalapathy Vijay-starrer Mersal. By India Today Web Desk: Ilayathalapathy Vijay's highly anticipated Mersal has opened to 'blockbuster' response from fans all over the world. While the film is shattering box-office records with its collections, the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) on Thursday objected to some of the 'incorrect' references on GST (Goods and Services Tax) in Mersal. Tamilisai Soundrajan, state president of the BJP, slammed Vijay for criticising the Centre's GST regime and asked some of the scenes to be removed from the film. She also said that the dialogues were purportedly written because of Vijay's political ambitions. ???????GST???? ????? ????? ? ? ?????????????????? ????????- Tamilisai Soundrajan (@drtamilisaibjp) October 19, 2017 advertisement Tamilisai was quoted by The News Minute as saying, "I haven't seen the movie, but those who saw the movie say there were factual errors in what was said. The scenes on GST and Digital India have been written in such a way so as to create a wrong impression on the minds of people." Meanwhile, Mersal has reportedly raked in Rs 70 crore in just two days. Directed by Atlee, Mersal tells the story of Vetri and Maaran, who fight against medical mafia. Despite mixed reviews, the film was highly appreciated for Vijay's performance as Thalapathy. Produced by Sri Thenandal Films, the film also stars Nithya Menen, Kajal Aggarwal, Samantha, SJ Suryah and Vadivelu in important roles. WATCH HERE: Mersal Teaser --- ENDS --- Each year, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Alumni Association recognizes and honors alumni who, through leadership, character and hard work, have made exceptional contributions in their chosen field, in their community and at SIUE. On Friday, Oct. 6, nine inductees, including two College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) alumni, were honored at the Night Among the Stars Alumni Hall of Fame banquet in the Morris University Centers Meridian Ballroom. On this weeks episode of Segue, SIUEs premier radio show on WSIE 88.7 FM The Sound that discusses the ideas and issues on campus at SIUE and beyond, Greg Budzban, PhD, CAS dean, has a conversation with Matthew Samsel, one of the Colleges two inductees. They reflect on Samsels educational experience, his career in energy trading and the structure of the energy industry in the future. Samsel is a vice president and the head of trading with NRG Energy, Inc. in Princeton, N.J. He received his bachelors degree in economics from Saint Louis University before arriving as a masters candidate in SIUEs Department of Mathematics and Statistics. He attended his courses during the afternoons and evenings while working at Metal Exchange Corp. in St. Louis and graduated with a masters in mathematics in 2000. The most important skill I picked up in the mathematics graduate program was the ability to think intelligently about probability, Samsel says. Once I had enough experience to think intelligently about what I was doing, assign probability and think about the distribution of outcomes, I made the most out of my statistical skills. Samsel values the relationships he built with various faculty members during his time as a student. Andrew Neath, PhD, professor of statistics, became Samsels close friend and mentor as he climbed the ladder in his career. Its been nice to maintain that friendship over the years, Samsel says. We are in two different worlds. The research hes doing does not necessarily apply to my job, but I like to think about the work hes doing. It sparks my curiosity and gives me new ways of thinking about things. I hope the ideas we share also give him new ways of doing things in his additional research. Prior to joining NRG, he served in trading and leadership roles with International Power America, Citigroup Energy, Exelon, and Florida Power & Light. Energy trading is an interesting concept, Budzban says. How does one trade energy? We are all great consumers of electricity, but the average consumer doesnt have a great understanding of how it works, Samsel says. Energy trading involves delivering allotted amounts of electricity to the power grid, or certain parts of the grid, for determined portions of time. Just like any other commodity, you are buying and selling a physical product. Energy trades much like oil, natural gas or other products. Energy prices are volatile, because it is difficult to store. We have a limited ability to store electricity, so we have to meet the demand immediately. In August, Hurricane Harvey hit Houston. As flooding and hard winds ravaged the metropolitan region, two of NRGs plants in the region were caught in the storm. The wind damage was minimal, but the largest impacts occurred due to the amount of rain we received, Samsel reflected. One of our plants in Houston received over 4 feet of rain, and we were able to keep that plant online. The impacts of the storm were regional, but the impact was decreased demand. A lot of people in Houston were flooded out of their homes and were not using electricity. Texas, as we know, can be quite resilient, and we saw an impressive rebound in the industry once the power got back up and running across the state. Samsel and Budzbans conversation about the energy industry continues on this weekends episode of Segue, which will air at 9 a.m. this Sunday, Oct. 22 on WSIE 88.7 FM The Sound. By Madelaine Gerard, SIUE Marketing & Communications The Rooster Bar By John Grisham Doubleday. 368 pp. $28.95 --- One of one the things I didn't expect when I became a lawyer was just how much it would ruin legal fiction for me. So much of what I see and read is so far from reality, it's hard for me not to yell out, "No, it doesn't work like that!" Brand new attorneys do not argue major issues in court; no one bursts into the courtroom with a last-minute piece of evidence that will win the case. From "Ally McBeal" to "How to Get Away With Murder" and of course "Law & Order" - being a lawyer ruined them all. But what about John Grisham? His latest novel, "The Rooster Bar" centers on four law students at a third-tier, for-profit law school who find themselves on the losing end of a scam. When I began the book, I braced myself for disappointment: I would point out all the ridiculous mistakes, nonsense subplots and sloppy law. Sure Grisham is a former attorney, but I figured after 30-plus books he would have descended into cliche. Well, mea culpa, Mr. Grisham. I stand corrected. This is a legal book that lawyers can read. (It's also pretty great for non-lawyers, too.) Not only is it free of any major legal gaffes, but it also addresses a problem within the legal profession that deserves attention: the deceptive practices of for-profit law schools. Grisham's three characters - Mark, Todd and Zola - have eagerly entered the Foggy Bottom Law School with hopes of high-paying careers after graduation, dreams encouraged by the school's marketing material and loan officers. Alas, by their third year they have learned the hard truth: The law is an elitist profession, and it is practically impossible for the students to get any job upon graduation, let alone the mythical six-figure positions that go to graduates from top-tier law schools. Instead, students from little known, albeit expensive schools, find themselves saddled with hundreds of thousands of dollars of student debt, no prospects and little chance of ever repaying their loans. In Grisham's smartly told tale, a tragedy strikes, and Mark, Todd and Zola decide to begin on a path that might seem improbable, but was scarily plausible to me: They drop out of school, head over to D.C. municipal court, and, without a license, start hustling clients. They assume false names and set up as many legal scams as possible and make as much money as fast as they can. I'm sorry to say that I believe in the hectic world of traffic and municipal courts someone could easily pretend to be a lawyer. They'd be caught eventually but could definitely get away with it for a short while. The other legal malfeasances, largely relating to class actions and medical malpractice, are believable as well. Sure, there are some lucky coincidences and things happen on a very expedited timeline in this fast-paced novel, but no more than you'd find in your average thriller. Moreover, "The Rooster Bar" highlights the appalling way that many for-profit law schools ruin many of their students. The fact is that the practice of law is elitist, and that the high-paying jobs go to students with the best grades from the best law schools - all of which are nonprofit schools at major universities. Nonetheless, there are law schools that exist merely to make money, enrolling as many students as possible, despite the dismal job prospects for such students, particularly for jobs that could repay the crippling student debt that these students have assumed. In the Author's Note, Grisham writes that his book was influenced by an article in the Atlantic called "The Law-School Scam," a lengthy investigation of for-profit law schools. Bravo to him for using his star power to shine another spotlight on an all-too-real problem in this gratifying and all-too-real book. --- Dunsmore is an attorney who lives in the Boston area. She blogs at queenofbooklandia.com. CBI has asked the Department of Personnel and Training to reconsider a 2005 decision by the Delhi High Court into the Bofors scam, whereby all charges against the accused were quashed. By Meetu Jain: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has asked the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to reconsider a 2005 decision on the Bofors probe. The federal agency on Friday wrote to its administrative department, ahead of a hearing in the Supreme Court on October 30. The Bofors investigation had come to a halt after the Delhi High Court in May 2005 quashed all charges against prime accused, the Hinduja brothers and the Bofors company officials in the Rs 64-crore kickback scam. The Bofors probe had significantly cost the government over Rs 240 crore and the probe which had floundered was nowhere close to conclusion. advertisement The CBI had then tried to file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the apex court, challenging the high court order but permission was denied by the law ministry. SUPREME COURT HEARING SLP AT PRESENT The Supreme Court is at present hearing an SLP filed by lawyer Ajay Agarwal. The lawyer had unsuccessfully contested the 2014 polls against Sonia Gandhi from Rae Bareili in Uttar Pradesh on a BJP ticket. The CBI has been made a party to the case and will have to make its stand clear before the next date of hearing. The CBI recently told the Public Accounts Committee that it was willing to reopen the probe in the defence scam. A PAC sub committee had told CBI chief ALok Verma to put up the case regarding the bribe charges. CBI officials in the past have felt there was enough evidence still in the Bofors case to nail the Congress' top leadership but SK Sharma, then director of Prosecution, had given an opinion in the negative. What has added impetus to the Bofors case is a revelation by private detective Michael Hershman that his probe was sabotaged by the Rajiv Gandhi government. Hershman, who works for US private detective firm Fairfax, claims to have stumbled across evidence that made the then Congress government nervous. WATCH VIDEO | President Mukherjee opens up on Bofors scam --- ENDS --- Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin EDITORIAL (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, October 20, 2017 07:54 1852 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a254134e 4 Editorial #Editorial,Jokowi,#Jokowi,Jokowi-administration,bureaucracy-reform,economic-policy-package,#EconomicPolicyPackage Free We do not have to look far to understand the problems of bureaucratic reform in the country. The Indonesian word for government is pemerintah, a modification of the word perintah, which means to order. So it is within the mindset of the Indonesian people that the job of the government is to order, a practice that was perfected by Javanese kings and queens who spoke to their subjects only to demand loyalty and tributes. For centuries, this common practice continued to persist until modern times. The New Order regime of president Soeharto further refined the practice by using the bureaucracy to collect rent from businesses, in the process creating a massive system of kleptocracy. The downfall of the Soeharto regime ushered in a bureaucratic reform, which was an attempt to free the government from corruption, collusion and nepotism. Every administration in the post-Soeharto era tried to undertake the reform, with the latest attempt carried out by former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who in his second term listed bureaucratic reform as his administrations top priority in the Long-Term National Development Plan 2010-2025. The progress, however, has been very slow. Corruption continues to run rampant while the process of dealing with the bureaucracy remains a complicated one. The administration of President Joko Jokowi Widodo, which will enter its third year today, has also declared bureaucratic reform its number one priority. He started off by campaigning on what he termed revolusi mental(mental revolution), which is aimed at transforming the culture of priyayi (privileged class) in the bureaucracy from one that demands service to one that delivers it. While serving as mayor of Surakarta, Jokowi streamlined the bureaucracy by introducing a one-stop service for business licensing, a service he wanted to replicate at the national level. In three years of his administration, Jokowi has unveiled 16 reform packages, most of which deal with deregulation and bureaucratic reform. There is reason to believe that the current reform could work, simply because Jokowi is the type of leader who demands results. The reason he travels so frequently around the country is because he wants to see progress being made firsthand. Jokowi also has no qualms about publicly scolding government officials who fall short of their expectations. Earlier this week, the mayor of Medan, Dzulmi Eldin, issued a public apology after Jokowi scolded him for failing to fix pothole-filled roads in the North Sumatra capital. Symbolically, Jokowi has made steps to bring a friendly face to the government. He gives out bikes to people who provide the correct answers to his quizzes and drops by at youth-oriented music concerts, which has burnished his image as a leader who is close to the people. Rising sectarian tensions, the turf war between the military and the police and political corruption may continue to dog his performance, but, fundamentally, things are moving in the right direction. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Devina Heriyanto (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, October 20, 2017 08:05 1852 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2541c87 1 Opinion China,#China,PKI,#PKI,1965-mass-killing,#1965Tragedy,US,communism,history,#history,#PostScript Free Decades have passed and Indonesians are keen to debate what exactly happened on the fateful night of Sept. 30, 1965 and during the months-long communist purge that followed. Last year, an attempt at reconciliation was made by the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) with a two-day symposium called Dissecting the Tragedy of 1965, the Historical Approach, although it ended with no meaningful result. The US National Security Archive has published declassified materials regarding the events, which were published on Oct. 17 by the George Washington University. The documents were sourced from 30,000 pages on the subject from the US Embassy in Jakarta during 1964-1968, with more slated to be released in 2018. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir told the press that the documents needed fact-checking. Meanwhile, Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) historian Asvi Warman Adam said the declassification of the US files could push the Indonesian government to pay more attention to the 1965 massacre, which remains a sensitive topic. The documents reveal, among other things, that the US was aware of the killings, which began in October 1965 and resulted in 100,000 deaths of suspected PKI members and supporters by mid-December of that year. The intelligence included information on the key role of the Army and religious parties and organizations in the purge, as well as tidbits on who was actually behind the Sept. 30 movement, shedding some light on the rumored Chinese involvement. What happened on Sept. 30, 1965? The generally accepted version was that on Sept. 30, 1965, six Army generals were kidnapped, murdered and buried in Lubang Buaya, Jakarta. The PKI was blamed for the failed coup attempt, thus the G30S/PKI term. An Army special operations battalion quickly took control and captured PKI leaders. What followed was the systematic killing of PKI members and sympathizers from across the country from late 1965 until 1966. The PKI was disbanded and communism and Marxist/Leninism as an ideology were banned. Before 1965, relations between the Indonesian Armed Forces, particularly its Army, with the PKI was tense. Three years after Indonesian independence, a revolt was staged by the PKI under the People's Democratic Front (FDR) in Madiun, Central Java, which was ended by the Army. As the PKI later focused on its electoral struggle, it became the Armys rival as a mass-based institution and winning at that with better political machinery, at least at the grassroots level, according to scholar Adam Schwarz. Just before Sept. 30, 1965, there was attempt by the PKI to arm civilians as the Fifth Force (Angkatan Kelima), practically threatening the militarys monopoly on such matters. Why was the US interested in the communism movement in Indonesia? The US was at that time involved in the Cold War, a high-strung ideological war with rival communist power USSR. Both were nuclear powers, which raised the threat of devastating nuclear war should a conflict break out. The Cold War significantly influenced US foreign policy to maintain its sphere of interest free from communism. One prominent doctrine was the Truman doctrine, with its domino theory and containment policy. The domino theory meant that should one state fall to communism, other states in the area would follow. Therefore, a left-leaning state had to be secured so that the danger was contained, thus the containment policy. In 1965, the US and the Soviet Union were also fighting a proxy-war in Vietnam, which was met with strong opposition from academics and the younger generation. A declassified letter dated Aug. 5 from former finance minister Sjafruddin Prawiranegara to former USAID administrator Edwin Fox revealed the formers belief that the US was winning and is following the only right path which leads to a necessary containment of aggressive communism. Sjafruddin justified the war by arguing that it was a necessary self-defense move against aggressive, atheism-like communism. Indonesia was particularly significant as the PKI was the third-largest communist party in the world after those in the Soviet Union and China, risking the entire Southeast Asia descending further into communism. President Sukarno at that time was waging war against Western-imperialism, which he called Nekolim, resulting in a rather hostile sentiment against the US. An airgram dated December 21, 1965, from the US Embassy in Jakarta notes a change of atmosphere, increasingly warm cordiality, and a fantastic switch after the Sept. 30 movement. Commenting on the Armys takeover of state news agency Antara, which the embassy called long one of our most articulate and harmful enemies, the report says that, On the whole, a fresh breeze is blowing. Was the PKI actually behind the Sept. 30 movement? Telegram 1516 from the US Embassy in Jakarta to the secretary of state on Nov. 20, 1965 revealed that US officials knew that PKI supporters and members killed in the large-scale Army-led purge had no role in the Sept. 30 movement. The telegram reported of an Australian journalist who had talked to a high-ranking PKI member from Yogyakarta, as well as other members in Tegal and Purwokerto, Central Java, all of whom claimed to not know about the alleged coup. This despite the Yogyakarta PKI source being among the top 50 cadres in the city and supposedly knowledgeable about PKI matters. Previously, Telegram 779A dated Oct. 18, 1965 contained the comment most encouraging of all, there are more signs people actually putting blame where it belongs, insinuating the US Embassys belief that the PKI was to blame for the Sept. 30 movement. An earlier Telegram 971 dated Oct. 12, 1965 reported that the Indonesian Army had gathered papers that elaborated the PKIs role in the Sept. 30 killings, which Sukarno refused to read. Note that this was before news emerged from the Australian journalist. However, according to Polish first secretary Andrzej Gradziuk, who talked to a PKI Central Committee member, only several key PKI members knew about the coup. The plan came from an outsider and there was no intention to kill the six Army generals. Sukarno was also supposed to back the PKI on Oct. 1 in suppressing a Generals Council plot, a scenario in which it was the Army generals who were plotting against Sukarno and that the PKI was the hero. Telegram 971 dated Oct. 12, 1965 confirmed that the Army had indeed planned to depose Sukarno, but it was unclear whether the plan was formulated prior to Sept. 30 1965 or after. In short, it was not clear whether the Sept. 30 coup attempt was really carried out by the PKI. The Army and the source from the Polish Embassy believed the PKI was involved. Based on our readings, many, if not most, PKI members did not know about the coup. Was China behind the Sept. 30 movement according to the US documents? No. The documents reveal that efforts to blame China for the Sept. 30 events were made by the Army. Telegram 222 from the US consul general in Hong Kong to the US Embassy in Jakarta dated April 27, 1966 confirmed that Chinese involvement in the Sept. 30 movement was a hoax. The report referred to an article published in the Armys newspaper, Angkatan Bersendjata, on April 25 linking Chinese leader Mao Zedong with the aborted coup, explaining that the article was a verbatim translation of a satire article originally published in a Hong Kong daily on Dec. 16, 1965. In the purely fictitious article, Mao encouraged PKI leader Aidit to remove the generals, saying that Mao himself had killed more than 20,000 cadre and soldiers. Aidit was also supposedly promised military aid. In the article, Beijing had insisted on staging the coup on Sept. 30. The full article can be found in another document. Telegram A673 states that the anti-China propaganda was motivated to protect Sukarno and to pin the blame on Sukarnos closest allies, the PKI and China. The report author notes that, We do not think the Chinese were a primary factor in the September 30 Movement. The same conclusion was found in the examinations of Chinese diplomatic cables during 1961-1965 by Taomo Zhou in an article titled China and G30S in the book Sept. 30 Movement and Asia -- Under the Shadow of Cold War, edited by Kurasawa Aiko and Matsumura Toshio. Chinese documents confirmed that there were talks and negotiations led by Air Force chief Omar Dhani to request military assistance from China, but it was for the Fifth Force (Angkatan Kelima) and there was no proof that the militia involved in the Sept. 30 movement used Chinese weapons. A report of a conversation between Mao and Aidit dated Aug 5, 1965 reveals a discussion about a plan to seize power, but the news about the Sept. 30 movement came as a surprise to Beijing, showing a lack of knowledge of the details of the alleged PKI plan. The US documents describe the backlash against the Chinese minority in Indonesia for the alleged Chinese involvement in the Sept. 30 killings. Some of the backlash was directly led by the Army. In the aforementioned Telegram 779A dated Oct 18, 1965, Sutarto revealed a planned action at the Chinese Embassy. Sutarto was special assistant to Ruslan Abdulgani -- two-time minister under Sukarnos administration. Telegram 1425 from the US Embassy in Jakarta to the secretary of state dated Nov. 12, 1965 revealed that the communist purge continued in the provinces and an anti-Chinese riot occurred in Makassar, in which 90 percent of shops owned by Chinese-Indonesians were ransacked according to a Sulawesi source. A December report mentioned systematic economic repression of Chinese-Indonesians, who had their liquid assets seized and rice mills and textile enterprises taken over by regional military commanders. As a response, Communist China suspended trade relations with Indonesia. In Bali, stores owned by Chinese-Indonesians were burned, although it seems that only those affiliated to mainland China were burned and not the non-red or nationalist Kuomintang Chinese. The situation led to Chinese in Bali requesting to be evacuated from the Chinese Embassy in Jakarta. What does the US know about the 1965 mass killings? In the briefing, it is stated that diplomats in the US Embassy in Jakarta kept a record of which PKI leaders were being executed, and that US officials actively supported Indonesian Army efforts to destroy the countrys left-leaning labor movement. From the documents, it was obvious that the Army was leading the anti-communist campaign. Airgram A-353 dated Nov. 30 1965 mentioned Gen. Soehartos support of the killings in Central Java. The first known knowledge was revealed in Telegram 779A dated Oct. 18, 1965. The telegram reported a conversation between an embassy official with Surtarto, special assistant to Ruslan Abdulgani -- two-time minister under Sukarnos administration. Surtarto mentioned an anti-PKI action that was extended to other areas in addition to [Jakarta]: Medan, South Sumatra, Makassar and that Central Java is in turmoil, the latter claim viewed as an exaggeration by the US Embassy. Telegram A298 dated Oct. 23, 1965 reported that Adnan Buyung Nasution, then an assistant to the attorney general, confirmed that the Army had executed many communists but tried to hush it up, fearing Sukarno would use foreign reports against those who were crushing the PKI, i.e., the Army. Telegram 1290 dated Nov. 1, 1965 described the tense atmosphere in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Oct 28-29. The telegram stated reportedly 600 communists already jailed and arrests continuing and the Army was rounding up communist oil workers union PERBUM and SOBSI officials. A more detailed description of the situation in East Java was found in Telegram 194 from the US consul in Surabaya to Jakarta dated Nov. 4 1965. The telegram mentioned continuing clean-up raids and that some Surabaya villages were strongly communist, as well as the concerning situation in Blitar and Banyuwangi. The report mentioned that Madiun, Pacitan and Ponorogo had been brought under control. East Java Military commander Basuki Rachmat was reportedly comparing the Sept. 30 movement to the 1948 PKI rebellion in Madiun, and propaganda pictures showing the bodies of the six mutilated generals were circulating in Surabaya. If previously the telegrams only used the words killed and arrested, Action Telegram 183 from the US consul in Surabaya to Jakarta dated Nov. 26 1965 contained the word slaughter, implying that the killings were occurring on a larger scale. The telegram reported the slaughter of communists by Nahdlatul Ulamas youth wing Ansor in many areas in East Java. A source said the largest instance happened in Tulungagung, with as many as 15,000 suspected communists killed, but it was doubted by the US consul. Airgram A-398 revealed that some PKI leaders confessions may have been falsified, including that of Njono, a PKI Politburo member. A Dec. 21 1965 report by embassy first secretary Mary Louise Trent noted Sukarnos disagreement to the aggression against the PKI, which at that time was estimated to have resulted in 100,000 PKI deaths and 10,000 deaths in Bali alone. By the end of December 1965, the PKI killings in East Java continued but in more discreet manner and in Madiun, the PKI prisoners were being delivered to civilians for slaughter. The Armys ironclad control over Central Java remained strong until October 1966, a year after the alleged coup attempt. Who was working with the Army? According to several documents, the nationalist and religious parties. Action Telegram 183 from the US consul in Surabaya to Jakarta dated Nov. 26 1965 reported that the widespread slaughter was likened to a holy war against infidels, since communists were considered atheists in Indonesia. Preachers in a Muhammadiah mosque in Medan were issuing licenses to kill the PKI. Telegram 1485 from the US Embassy in Jakarta to the secretary of state dated Nov. 18, 1965 stated that the Army was working with religious parties, both Muslim and Christian, as well as the right-wing of the Indonesian Nationalist Party (PNI). Clashes between the PKI and religious and nationalist parties in East Java were reported, as well as the killing of 200 PKI prisoners by Muslims in Bone. In Pasuruan, it was reported that the military ... turning its back and allowing Moslems [to] continue [to] slaughter, and by December the military was releasing nightly 10 to 15 prisoners to Moslems for execution. In Kudus, the Army's Para Commando Regiment (RPKAD) gathered Catholics and Muslims to root-out the PKI. Telegram A298 dated Oct. 23, 1965 included a memorandum of conversation with Adnan Buyung Nasution. Nasution argued that this was an opportunity for moderates to redirect the course of the countrys fortunes, implying that moderate groups were also working with the Army. Was the US government helping the Indonesian Army in the mass communist killing? A letter from political advisor to the commander-in-chief for the Pacific (CINCPAC) Norman Hannah to then US ambassador to Indonesia Marshall Green dated Oct. 13, 1965 discussed possible US aid to the Army. Hannah stated that there was a reasonable possibility that the Indonesian Army might request our help against a PKI insurgency. Mentioned in the briefing page, but not in the document, was Greens request to the Lyndon B. Johnson administration to explore [the] possibility of short-term one shot aid on covert, non-attributable basis as a sign of US support. Greens request was the first sign of the US possible contribution to the communist purge, but did not signify any concrete aid. What else is in the documents? Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Joan Ricart (The Jakarta Post) Barcelona Fri, October 20, 2017 15:30 1852 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a25527e6 3 Opinion Papua,separatism,#Papua,#PapuaSelfDetermination,catalan,Spain,democracy Free The conflict in Catalonia, or the Catalan Matter as it is known in Spain, goes beyond a secessionist threat. It brings to light a much bigger problem for Spain and its democratic regime resulting from the political transition culminated in 1978 with the approval of the Spanish Constitution. The fact that a regional parliament has decided to disobey the states legality, supported by two million people, tells us that the democratic legitimacy of the 78 regime is being seriously questioned, at least in Catalonia. The Catalan separatist movement, and some not pro-independence Catalans, consider the present territorial organization of the state (the State of the Autonomies) to be worn out and obsolete, unable to provide satisfactory results for its self-government aspirations. Eleven years ago, the pro-independence forces obtained only 14 percent of the popular vote in the 2006 regional elections. In September 2015, they managed to get a whopping 48 percent of the Catalans and the majority in the Catalan Parliament. This implies a trend towards secession from Spain. There are two significant events during these 11 years, which contributed to this change of heart. First, in 2005 the Catalan Parliament, following what it is established in the Chapter VIII of the Spanish Constitution (Art. 147.3), presented a new Statute of Autonomy to the Spanish Parliament. The proposed Statute is the regional regulations that establish the competences and the levels of self-government of Spains Autonomous Communities. The Catalan Statute came into effect after all the procedures were finished on June 18, 2006. A month later it was appealed in front of the Constitutional Court by opposition the Popular Party (PP). The resolution of the Court later declared 14 articles unconstitutional. The move represented a clear judicialization of a political issue that threatened the division of power and politicized the rule of law. A bigger implication is the message to Catalans that they would never get their way in Spain. Second, the 2008 financial crisis brought up in Spain the clear deficiencies of the regime to safeguard the social and economic right of its citizens. The austerity measures imposed by the European Union implied severe cuts to the welfare state, which had been one of the strongest pillars and accomplishments of the 1978 regime. At the same time, numerous corruption scandals affecting most of the main political actors of the Spanish political system, including the royal family, were brought to light. As a result, a generalized feeling of hostility towards politics spread across the country. In Catalonia, particularly, the secessionist forces utilized the cuts on the welfare state to suggest that in a free Catalonia that could manage its own finances, these would not take place or they would have a much less severe impact. The Spain steals from us (Espanya ens roba) discourse earned supporters and strengthened the pro-independence forces which were seen as the real alternative to the well-established political actors of the obsolete regime. To make a long story short, in Catalonia, more than 70 percent of its citizens want to be questioned about the current fitting of their region in Spain, and nearly 50 percent have disobeyed the Spanish law to accomplish just that. The pro-independence forces, especially in the social and communal spheres, have been able to capitalize on the political disaffection and have managed to mobilize the Catalan citizens recurrently since the Constitutional Court resolution in 2010. The Spanish State has underestimated the magnitude of the conflict and has reduced it to a secessionist threat organized by certain elites that have a particular agenda and the collaboration of a group of radicals, and it believes that by imposing the law on these people it will solve the problem. However, the Catalan Matter is very much a Spanish Matter. The 1978 regime is losing its democratic legitimacy because it is politicizing the judiciary power and turning political issues into legal matters; and because it has allowed corruption to spread all over the political system as high up as its highest institution while citizens see day after day their socio-economic rights reduced. Indonesia could take a few notes on the Catalan Matter and pay some attention to the level of democratic legitimacy of the Reformasiregime. First, the judicialization of politics, or in other words the use of the judiciary power to get rid of political rivals, is a dangerous threat to the legitimacy of a regime. The rule of law is very important, but so it is the separation of powers. Second, the subsidized nature of Indonesias territorial organization of the state is a strong mechanism to keep the country together because it keeps local elites engaged with the center and with a common national project. However, corruption can very much harm such mechanism and consequently the whole regime if its political viability is questioned. In Spain, the questioning of the 1978 legitimacy burst in a region; in Indonesia, because of the Reformasi regimes tender age, the threat might come from populist forces that want to go back to more authoritarian practices. It is in the hands of the political elites to respond to these threats with more politics and more democracy. *** Joan Ricart obtained a PhD in political science from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. He has been working on the Political System of Indonesia for 10 years now and in 2016 coordinated a publication entitled: Los Sistemas Politicos de Espana e Indonesia. Una perspectiva comparada; Editorial UOC; Barcelona, 2016 (ISBN: 978-84-9116-227-8). --------------- We are looking for information, opinions, and in-depth analysis from experts or scholars in a variety of fields. We choose articles based on facts or opinions about general news, as well as quality analysis and commentary about Indonesia or international events. Send your piece to academia@jakpost.com. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. The British Library has conjured to life the magical world of Harry Potter in a new exhibition featuring the oldest objects in its collection alongside never-seen items from J.K. Rowling's personal archive. "Harry Potter: A History of Magic", which opens in London on Friday, includes Chinese oracle bones from 1192 BC -- the oldest datable items in the library's vast collection -- as well as annotated sketches, notes and books by the author. Marking the 20th anniversary of the publication of the first book in the world-famous series, the display brings together nearly 100 other historic treasures, including cauldrons and scrolls, with original material provided by Potter publisher Bloomsbury. Artworks by Jim Kay, illustrator of the books, including paintings and sketches of key characters, are also among the exhibits. The four-month show, which took a year to curate, has sold a record 30,000 advance tickets, with an additional 11,000 made available free to school groups, which have a day and a half reserved for them each week for exclusive visits. "It's the biggest, best thing happening in London at the moment," said Jamie Andrews, head of culture at the British Library, as he unveiled the exhibition to the media on Thursday. To tell the history of folklore and magic around the world, the curators set up eight themed viewing rooms based on subjects studied at the books' Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, from "Alchemy" and "Astronomy" to "Defence Against the Dark Arts" and "Care of Magical Creatures". Among the many dazzling displays is the Ripley Scroll, a six- meter (20-foot) manuscript of symbolic imagery from the 1500s describing how to create the philosopher's stone, which in the books is able to give everlasting life. Read also: Harry Potter turns 20: Business empire with humble start A stunning celestial globe dating from 1693 has been enlivened by a collaboration with Google Arts & Culture with interactive screens offering an augmented reality experience of the stars and constellations. Other highlights include the Battersea Cauldron dating back to 800 BC, which was dredged from the River Thames; a mermaid, reputedly caught in Japan in the nineteenth century; and the first record of the charm "abracadabra", written in ancient Greek. "Our exhibition sets J.K. Rowling's wonderful Harry Potter stories in the wider cultural context," said Julian Harrison, the lead curator, who said he hoped it would appeal beyond the books' fans. "It demonstrates that many of the stories that she features relating to cauldrons and broomsticks, unicorns and dragons, they all have historical, mythological precedence," he said. The exhibition also features two rooms showcasing rare Harry Potter material, such as a unique first edition of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" annotated and illustrated by Rowling. Rare international editions from among the nearly 80 different language versions published, including Tibetan, Turkish and Ukrainian, are also on display. Rowling said in a statement the library had done "an incredible job". "Encountering objects for real that have in some shape or form figured in my books has been quite wonderful," she said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ni Nyoman Wira (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, October 20, 2017 16:50 1852 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a25570b2 1 Health Cerebral-Palsy,YPAC-Jakarta,occupational-therapy,health,#health,children Free Meylisa, a housewife from Rawamangun in East Jakarta, looked on with excitement as her daughter Afifah Salamah, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, finished her swimming lesson. The 11-year-old had been wanting to learn how to swim for so long, she said. Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects muscle tone, movement and motor skills. Afifah was one of the participants of the Motor Activity Training Program (MATP), a part of an event organized by the Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Disabled Children (YPAC) Jakarta. Held on Friday at the YPAC Jakarta building in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, the first instalment of the event was held to commemorate World Cerebral Palsy Day, which falls on Oct. 6, and World Occupational Therapy Day, which is celebrated every Oct. 27. A young man with cerebral palsy joins the Aquatic activity. (JP/Ni Nyoman Wira) The program featured two activities: wellness using MATP as its concept and a Parent Support Group. In the former, participants joined activities held at five different locations. One of the activities, named Striking and Dexterity, invited them to smash shuttlecocks using a badminton racket. Meanwhile, those joining the Aquatic activity went swimming accompanied by event committees. After finishing each game, participants received signatures from committee members that could be exchanged with prizes. Read also: High-tech help for autistic kids: Robots After finishing each activity, participants received signatures from committee members that could be exchanged with prizes. (JP/Ni Nyoman Wira) Hopefully MATP can help stimulate the children to move, said Jeri N. Sumual, therapy service manager at YPAC Jakarta, adding that the event was attended by 120 participants. He said the event aimed to increase awareness about cerebral palsy and promote activities for people who have the disorder. Also, for parents, these children should be brought into focus because they also have a lot of potential. We saw earlier that many of them were able to learn by watching and doing, Jeri said. Its important [for them to] be able to do these activities together. Jeri N. Sumual, therapy service manager of YPAC Jakarta (left); Yanti Sampoerno, YPAC Jakarta medical field manager (second left); Robiatul Adawiyah, YPAC Jakarta occupational therapist (center); Purnamawati M. Reksoprodjo, chairman of YPAC Jakarta (second right); and Riantini S. Wanandi, vice chairman of YPAC Jakarta. (JP /Ni Nyoman Wira) Parents also gathered for a Parent Support Group discussion, which encouraged them to actively participate in fostering their childrens independence. Childrens ability to participate depends on how their environment accepts them, because they will be affected by cerebral palsy for life, said Robiatul Adawiyah, the foundation's occupational therapist. We also want to introduce occupational therapy as one of the supporters of childrens independence as it focuses on analysing their daily activities, so they will be able to do them by themselves later. Although the foundation has existed for 60 years, both Purnamawati M. Reksoprodjo and Riantini S. Wanandi, who serve as chairman and vice chairman of YPAC Jakarta, respectively, conceded that cerebral palsy still lacked attention from the government. In addition to staging more celebratory events in the near future, Purnamawati and Riantini also hoped for YPAC Jakarta and its missions to be better known among the public. (kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dylan Amirio (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, October 20, 2017 09:08 1852 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a25428f0 1 Art & Culture China,#China,communism,Mao-Zedong,ballet,Li-Cunxin Free In the ballet world, Li Cunxin is an acclaimed dancer who oozes grace in every movement he makes. Born in poverty-stricken communist China, his life is a testament to his love for ballet, overcoming adversity by harnessing his talent to the maximum. His life story had been portrayed in the 2003 autobiography entitled Maos Last Dancer that was made into a feature length film in 2009 of the same name. The world has been awaiting Lis return to the stage ever since he formally announced his retirement from dancing in 1999. On Dec. 10, he is coming out of retirement to take the stage for the first time in 18 years to perform one of his most favorite pieces, The Nutcracker Suite, in Brisbane, Australia, where he currently resides. After so many years away from the world of dance, Li admitted that his strength and movements were obviously not as smooth or strong as it had been when he was younger. Part of his reason he retired from dancing was due to his other job as a successful stockbroker in Australia that he described as too exhausting to juggle with the demands of ballet dancing, especially as he ages. But mostly its basically just being burnt out after doing this for about three decades straight, he said during a recent visit to Jakarta. Through his natural talent, Li was considered one of the lucky ones to have made it out of his poverty-stricken home village, Qingdao. As the sixth of seven children, his passion drove him to achieve greatness as a ballet dancer, eventually securing a career outside China. There was a time when I got sick of ballet and dancing and I wanted to quit during my early years, Li said. But when I confided my feelings to my second eldest brother, he scolded me. He said: Li, you dont know how lucky you are to get out of this village, to have a career, to not end up like the rest of us. That scolding gave him more faith to hone his craft and his talent. Soon, he was dancing for the Houston Ballet Company in the United States: a decision that, at the time, was at odds with the Chinese government. Classic: Li Cunxin and Janie Parker perform in Ben Stevenson's Swan Lake, regarded as one of the greatest ballets of all time. (assets.danceinforma.com/Ken Duncan) Having exposed himself to life in the US, which turned out to be different from the anti-capitalist propaganda espoused by the Chinese Communist Party back home, he began to question his countrys stance and his own faith in the country, but played down his doubts whenever he was back in China. Soon Li realized that life outside China would be ultimately more beneficial to his creativity and to his family. After making the decision to marry an American woman in 1981, which ended in divorce, China revoked his citizenship. He spent the next few years continuing his career with the Houston Ballet Company. His final notable performance was a role that Li dubbed as his favorite of all time: Romeo in Romeo and Juliet that he performed with the ballet company in Beijing in 1995. There he danced an acclaimed and graceful performance in front of his family, his former teacher and classmates and a televised audience of 500 million viewers in China. That performance made China realize what a treasure he had been to the country and its arts, but in 1999 he announced his retirement and moved to Brisbane with his ballerina wife Mary McKendry and three children. Keeping his passion alive, Li eventually became the artistic director for Queensland Ballet in 2012. Li also had a small, but meaningful, connection with Indonesia in the past. He had been to Indonesia before when he performed Swan Lake with the Houston Ballet Company in Jakarta in 1986. Look at me: Ballet master Li Cunxin gives a masterclass for dancers in Jakarta. (Australian Embassy/File) After a visit earlier this year, when he gave master class as part of the Indonesian Ballet Gala event, he described it as having been a more motivational intention for Indonesian ballet dancers. It opened his eyes to the passion and unrecognized talent that many Indonesian dancers possess, be they young or old. Based on his observations on not just Indonesia, but ballet in general, he found it important that proper training be given to dancers between the ages of 11 and 18, because that period is considered the most formative years of development. Theres a lot of talent here, thats for sure, and what Ive seen was that the enthusiasm for ballet had grown. Maybe what was needed here was more systemic and methodical training, and a more professional environment to really foster that growth, he said. In order for his craft to not simply waste away, Li credited his appreciation for the arts as a way to maintain his interest in dance and in creativity. As a dancer, he had dabbled in contemporary dance and modern ballet and said learning different dance forms and appreciating all forms of art in general had made him a better dancer. Going to a play or seeing a beautiful painting, for example, you fall in love with them because they are beautiful, and they inspire you. I wouldnt have been a great dancer if I did not appreciate these things, he said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, October 20, 2017 07:21 1852 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2540965 1 Politics Jokowi,Joko-Widodo,anticorruption,Tito-Karnavian,National-Police,#KPKInquiry,KPK,cabinet Free President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is set hold a Cabinet meeting next week to discuss the National Police's controversial plan to set up its own anti-corruption squad. "It is still a proposal, which will be discussed [by the government] in a meeting next week," Jokowi told reporters on Thursday. The President went on to say that questions regarding the police's planned anti-corruption squad should be directed to Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto. Read also: Watchdogs cautiously welcome polices plan for antigraft squad National Police Gen. Tito Karnavian's plan to establish the squad has received full support by the House of Representatives. The police have proposed a Rp 2.6 trillion (US$192 million) allocation from the state budget to establish the squad. Vice President Jusuf Kalla has rejected the plan, saying the country should focus on optimizing the performance of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) as well as the existing anticorruption units within the police and the Attorney General's Office (AGO). (bbs) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, October 20, 2017 13:13 1852 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a254c1e8 1 City anies-baswedan,motorcycle Free Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan took to riding a Transportation Agency patrol motorcycle to work on Friday morning due to heavy traffic. Anies said the traffic from his home in Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta, to City Hall in Central Jakarta was quite severe because of infrastructure development, including of the mass rapid transit (MRT) system. The roads are really crowded. The traffic jam this morning was more severe so I had to take a motorbike instead, Anies said at City Hall as quoted by kompas.com. However, Anies felt that the decision did not significantly cut his travel time because of the motorbikes size. He said it would have been more efficient to take an ordinary motorbike. I have done this [riding motorbikes] for a long time. For the past 10 years, I always keep a helmet, jacket and mask inside my car, so if I needed to switch to a motorcycle, Id be ready, Anies said. (wnd) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jon Afrizal (The Jakarta Post) Jambi Fri, October 20, 2017 18:21 1852 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a255c6ec 1 National Jambi,drug-abuse,narcotics,Kuala-Tungkal,death-penalty,Court,trial Free Exceeding the demand of prosecutors, the Kuala Tungkal District Court in the Jambi regency of West Tanjungjbung has sentenced to death a 30-year-old man found guilty of drug offenses. The court handed down on defendant Dranny Putrawira aka Putra aka Puput Bin Zaitul Ikhlas the death penalty, presiding judge Achmad Peten Sili read out the verdict on Thursday. Prosecutors had sought a life sentence for Dranny. The resident of Batam, Riau Islands, is one of four defendants indicted for distributing 8.5 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. All four were found guilty of violating the 2009 Narcotics Law. Read also: More drug dealers to be shot dead: BNN chief The second defendant, 27-year-old Feri Sarah Rahyan, aka Fika, also from Batam, was sentenced to 15 years in prison and Rp 10 billion (US$740,000) in fines or an additional six months in prison. That sentence was lighter than the 18 years of imprisonment sought by the prosecutors. The other two defendants, Hery Kushartanto, aka Heri, and Erwin Syahrudin, who were tried separately, were each sentenced to 12 years in prison and Rp 10 billion in fines. Prosecutors had sought 17 years of imprisonment for each of the two. National Narcotics Agency (BNN) chief Comr. Gen. Budi Waseso (right) holds a package of crystal methamphetamine at Merdeka Square in Medan, North Sumatra, on Thursday. Drugs seized during police operations, including 191 kilograms of crystal meth, 43,000 ecstasy pills and 500 kg of marijuana, were destroyed at the square. (The Jakarta Post/Apriadi Gunawan) Dranny and Hery said they would file appeals, while Erwin said he accepted the verdict. Fika, meanwhile, said she had not decided yet whether to file an appeal or not. Dranny was caught carrying crystal meth upon arrival at Kuala Tungkal Port from Batam on Feb. 27. The investigation led to the arrest of the other three. (bbs) Bombay High Court has termed the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) employees' strike during festive season illegal and asked them to resume work with immediate effect. By Vidya : The Bombay High Court on Friday came down heavily on the Maharashtra government for being a mute spectator to the hardships people were having to face due to the ongoing strike of state transport buses. Calling the strike illegal, the court asked the employees to resume work with immediate effect. The strike entered its fourth day on Friday. What has hurt Maharashtrians particularly is the fact that the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) employees announced this strike right in the middle of the festive season. advertisement MSRTC employees are demanding implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations and an interim hike of 25 per cent. The government has agreed to an interim hike of 10 per cent, but unions are opposed to the same. The Bombay High Court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking immediate withdrawal of the strike called by the union that has affected over 65 lakh passengers. Private bus operators too have allegedly exorbitantly increased their ticket fares, burning a hole in the pocket of the common man during the festivities. The petitioner had alleged that unions and employees had planned the strike well before Diwali to take undue advantage of the festive season. The Bombay High Court has ordered the government to form a 5-member committee to look into the issues of employees and submit its report in 3 weeks. On the other hand, the court has also directed the government to take concrete steps to resolve the matter, which has caused great inconvenience to the passengers. More than 17,000 government buses run across the entire state. MSTRC has about one lakh employees who have gone on strike. --- ENDS --- Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, October 20, 2017 19:26 1852 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a255ed22 1 Politics Gatot-Nurmantyo,2019-elections,Jokowi,presidential-bid Free Despite his high approval ratings, according to recent surveys, President Joko Jokowi Widodo still needed a right running mate to boost his chances for reelection in the 2019 race, Pollster Indikator Politik Indonesia executive director Burhanuddin Muhtadi said on Friday. [Jokowi's] vice presidential candidate is important to garner higher electability among Muslim voters, he said during a discussion. Indikator's latest survey showed that, of 16 potential running mate candidates for Jokowi, former Jakarta governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and Bandung Mayor Ridwan Kamil were the favorites, Burhanuddin said. Ahoks supporters are loyal, but the numbers are not increasing. Gatot, meanwhile, is a potential vice presidential candidate because he could steal support for Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto, Jokowi's strongest rival, he said. He added that both Ahok and Sri Mulyani would not give electability benefits to Jokowi because their supporters were mostly also Jokowis. Read also: PPP eyes Gatot as Jokowi's 2019 running mate They came from the post truth group, he said, adding that they believed Jokowi had not been representing them. Burhanuddin said Gatots voters were coming from the post truth group therefore he could boost Jokowis electability. Meanwhile, Budi Arie Setiadi, the chairman of pro-Jokowi group PROJO, said Jokowi would not choose a running mate based on those figures. He would choose someone who would work with him to achieve the goals of the people. (dra/bbs) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Panca Nugraha (The Jakarta Post) Mataram Fri, October 20, 2017 17:41 1852 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2559eec 1 National land-reform,Lombok,NTB,Jokowi,land-certification Free President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo symbolically distributed about 2,700 land certificates to people in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), at the Nurul Bilad Mosque in the Mandalika special economic zone (KEK), Central Lombok on Friday. The move was part of Jokowis ambitious agrarian-reform program, which aims to certify a total of 126 million hectares of land in the country. Jokowi insisted that the program should be able to not only reduce land conflicts but also help people boost their productivity using the land. Often people use the certificates to get a loan from the bank. Thats okay but please calculate whether you can pay the installments, the President said. Jokowi has held such symbolic land-distribution events across Indonesia on numerous occasions. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo displays a land certificate during an event in Semarang, Central Java, on Sept. 10. Jokowi has an ambitious land reform policy with a target of 9 million hectares of land distributed to farmers across Indonesia. (Antara/R. Rekotomo) Use the loans to start a business or for investment. You can buy a car but using the profits generated from the business. If you use the loan to buy a car straight away, you could lose your land certificate in six months, Jokowi said. The Jokowi administration is planning to issue a total of 5 million certificates this year. The target will increase to 7 million next year and 9 million in 2019. Read also: Major conference expected to boost Jokowis land policies Agrarian and Spatial Planning Minister Sofyan Djalil said the government had a target of issuing 115,000 land certificates in Lombok and Sumbawa. Ahmad Djalaludin from Jago village said he was happy the farming land he had got from his parents could finally be certified. I will propose a bank loan to improve my agriculture business." (bbs) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marchio Irfan Gorbiano and Panca Nugraha (The Jakarta Post) Mandalika, West Nusa Tenggara Fri, October 20, 2017 14:56 1852 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2550fe5 1 Business KEKMandalika,NTB,Jokowi,lauch Free President Joko Jokowi Widodo officiated on Friday the inauguration of the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (KEK) on Mandalika Beach, Central Lombok regency, West Nusa Tenggara. KEK Mandalika is expected to become a special tourist area with international standards that will make us proud, Jokowi said during his speech to officially open the 1,175-hectare KEK. KEK Mandalika is operated by the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC). The event was attended by several ministers, including Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution, who is also chairman of the National KRK Council; State-owned Enterprises Minister Rini Soemarno, Tourism Minister Arief Yahya, Agrarian, Agrarian and Spatial Planning Minister Sofyan Djalil and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Governor Zainul Majdi. Previously, ITDC president director Abdulbar M. Mansoer expressed his optimism that KEK Mandalika would help improve residents welfare. Read also: Minister inaugurates KEK Palu At least 10 new businesses, such as homestays, restaurants, cafes and retail shops, have been opened since construction started on the special economic zone. The number of businesses will continue to grow in line with the development of the area, he said, adding that in the next five years, KEK Mandalika was expected to create more than 5,000 jobs. ITDC is currently developing basic infrastructure in the area, including 17-kilometer roads inside the special zone, clean water pipelines and electricity networks. (bbn) Topics : KEKMandalika NTB Jokowi lauch Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, October 20, 2017 11:51 1852 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2548db7 1 City Sandiaga-Uno,embezzlement Free The business partner of Jakarta Deputy Governor Sandiaga Uno, Andreas Tjahjadi, who together with Sandiaga was reported to local authorities on land embezzlement allegations, has been named a suspect by the Jakarta Police. Sandiaga and Andreas were reported by Edward S. Soeryadjaya in March this year for allegedly misappropriating funds in the sale of piece of land in Curug, South Tangerang, in 2012. Jakarta Police general crimes director head Nico Afinta said Sandiaga would be questioned as a witness in the case. "We haven't [named Sandiaga a suspect]. We're still completing Andreas' investigation report," Nico said on Wednesday as quoted by kompas.com. Andreas would be questioned this week and the interview would determine the course of the investigation, Nico said. "When Pak Andreas fulfills our summons, we will use his testimony as a reference for further investigation," Nico said. Sandiaga has denied the allegations, saying the case was fabricated for political gains. (cal) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, October 20, 2017 20:59 1852 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a255fb1a 1 Business Standard-and-Poor,Indonesia,rating,Luhut-Binsar-Pandjaitan Free Global credit rating agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) will increase Indonesia's sovereign credit rating by one notch to BBB from the current BBB- next year, Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan claimed on Thursday. Luhut said he had met with S&P president John Berisford and discussed the countrys rating on the sidelines of the World Bank-International Monetary Fund annual meeting in New York last week. "We talked about one hour, [and I asked Berisford] why they did not raise the rating to BBB," Luhut said during a seminar at the Police Staff College (PTIK) in Jakarta. He added that S&P did not upgrade the Indonesian rating because it was worried about the increasing radicalism in Indonesia. "I told the S&P [president] that the radicalism in Indonesia was caused by poverty and that we need more investment to tackle the poverty. If you do not increase the rating, you help radicalism grow in Indonesia," he said. Luhut said later that an S&P official had told him that the company would give Indonesia a BBB rating. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, October 20, 2017 16:48 1852 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2556586 4 Business telkom,acquisition,foreign Free State-owned telecommunications company PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom Indonesia) will acquire three foreign firms as part of an effort to expand its businesses, kontan.co.id reported on Friday. The three are reportedly Malaysian firms, one of which is listed in the Singapore bourse. Hopefully, the closing could be held by the end of this year, said a source with knowledge of the matter, adding that he could not reveal the name of the companies because the acquisition was still in the process. However, the source, who was speaking under conditions of anonymity, did reveal that the firms dealt with financial technology (fintech) and satellites, and had a total worth of Rp 10 trillion (US$739.75 million). The source further said his company would prepared about Rp 5 trillion for the acquisition process, but would not seek a majority share in the three companies. The move is part of Telkom Indonesias merger and acquisition (M&A) initiative, the source said, adding that it would also expand its tower business through its subsidiary, PT Dayamitra Telekomunikasi (Mitratel). It plans to merge Mitratel with its other subsidiary cellular phone operator PT Telekomunikasi Seluler (Telkomsel), which is expected to be completed this year. Meanwhile, David Sutyanto, an analyst of First Asia Capital, said that Telkom Indonesia had the financial capability to carry out an expansion without disrupting its finances. The company has allocated between Rp 26.7 trillion to Rp 29 trillion for capital expenditure (capex) this year. (bbn) Topics : telkom acquisition foreign Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta Fri, October 20, 2017 14:07 1852 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a254eaab 2 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,Miss-Grand-International,designer Free The national costume worn by the third runner-up of Putri Indonesia 2017 Dea Rizkita at the Miss Grand International 2017 reportedly had caught the attention of American fashion designer Nick Verreos. On his blog post on the pageant, Verreos included the costume in his Top 15 Favorite National Costumes from Miss Grand International 2017 list. Leave it to Indonesia to BRING IT when it comes to national costumes at beauty pageants. Lately their representatives have been seriously upping their Costume Couture game! This UBER intricate costume needs A LOT of explanation, he wrote of the Indonesian costume that is entitled Motherland. The 27-kilogram dress presents Indonesia as a maritime country with the dark blue color. It is also adorned with five blue crystals on the circular ornament that represent Pancasila. Meanwhile, three blue crystals on the head represent body, soul and spirit; and five yellow crystals represent the youth generation as the nations next successor. Read also: Girls Generations stylist reveals hidden side of entertainment agencies The wings feature on the costume represent tenderness, strength and prayers from the ancestors, whilst the backbone ornament represents Indonesia as the worlds backbone. The belt represents fertility and brotherhood, the utilization of five traditional textiles represent the cultural diversity of Indonesia, whilst the temple miniature represents Indonesians belief of body as a temple and the symbol of self-enlightenment. The costume has already been included in the Top 15 Voted National Costumes MGI list with seven million points from the votes. Currently Dea is competing for the top 10 spot. I hope she can get the best result [] Dea also has a mission of introducing Indonesian tourism and culture, said Puteri Indonesia Foundation council chairman Putri K. Wisnu Wardani. The voting period for the next round runs from Oct. 16 until the 20th at 9 p.m. Those wanting to vote can go to https://www.facebook.com/ MISSGRANDINTERNATIONAL, find Deas photo in the Latest Album folder, click like and share the photo. Last year, Ariska Putri Pertiwi who represented Indonesia in the competition took home the Best National Costume and was crowned Miss Grand International 2016. (kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fabian Koh (The Straits Times/Asia News Network) Singapore Fri, October 20, 2017 14:23 1852 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a254f122 2 News British-Airways,Airlines,#airlines,passenger,bed-bugs,flight Free A Canadian family received an apology and a flight upgrade from British Airways, after suffering bed bug bites on a flight from Vancouver to London in early October. The family consisting Ms Heather Szilagyi, her seven-year-old daughter Molly and her fiance Mr Eric Neilson, from British Columbia, Canada's westernmost province, were on the overnight flight when the bed bugs struck, reported CTV News. Ms Szilagyi first noticed the bugs crawling out from behind the TV monitor in front of her. She wanted to catch them but they escaped, she told CTV News on Wednesday (Oct 18). She saw more bugs later on through the flight, including during meal times. When she discreetly informed a flight attendant, the attendant apologised but did not seem surprised, according to Ms Szilagyi. "She was like, 'Oh ok, sorry about that. We're sold out. We don't have anywhere to move you'." Ms Szilagyi told CTV News: "It was nine hours of knowing that I was probably going to get bitten, but not being sure." When they arrived at their destination the following day, she and her daughter realized they were "absolutely covered" in bite marks. Read also: Why window seats are better for long-haul flights Each bed bug bites 3 times then goes back into hiding. This is just my daughter's calves. That's more than a few bugs. #britishairways pic.twitter.com/2WtAGA8PFd Heather Szilagyi (@heatherfact) October 12, 2017 Ms Szilagyi said she tried contacting the airline immediately to ensure they were not on the same plane on the return flight. However, she could not get through to a customer service agent, and her calls were answered by a recorded message saying the line was too busy and her call was dropped. She eventually took photos of the bites and and posted them on microblogging site Twitter, with the hashtag #britishairways. According to CTV News, Ms Szilagyi and her family heard from an airline representative a few days later, and were upgraded to business class for their return flight. A British Airways spokesman said: "We have been in touch with our customer to apologise and investigate further. "British Airways operates more than 280,000 flights every year, and reports of bed bugs onboard are extremely rare. Nevertheless, we are vigilant and continually monitor our aircraft." Topics : This article appeared on The Straits Times newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta Fri, October 20, 2017 16:07 1852 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a25543f9 2 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,investment Free The Tourism Ministry partnered up with Indonesia Investment Promotion Center (IIPC) London to promote Lake Toba at the Annual Hotel Conference (AHC) 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Oct. 11-12. According to the ministry's investment division head Hengky Manurung, the government is currently focusing on attracting investors to develop the tourism industry in Indonesia. Many people still have no idea about the investment opportunities in Indonesian tourism, hence we have to build a network with other industry players overseas in order to gain trust from the investors, said Hengky. For the past five years, the foreign investment growth in Indonesia is at 62.86 percent. Moreover, the country is targeting to attract 20 million foreign tourists by the end of 2019. Read also: Britain's Big Ben to bong again but not on time At the event, Indonesian representatives offered investment opportunities in the 10 Priority Destinations especially in Lake Toba. Among the investors participated in the event were Scottish Development International, EP&T Global LTD, Casual Dining Group Ltd, Accor Hotel Group and others. Lake Toba offers 500 hectares of land with the total investment of US$1.6 million. Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said that several investors from Singapore and Malaysia have shown interest in investing at Lake Toba. However, they want the infrastructure development to be done first. Many [investors] from Singapore have visited the place numerous times; investors from China are likely to make an investment there as well. For tourism, the number one investors are from Singapore and China, however we are open to other countries like the United Kingdom to invest, said Arief. IIPC London deputy director Theopita Tampubolon said the Annual Hotel Conference 2017 regularly joined by more than 800 delegates who work in the tourism and hospitality sectors in UK and its surrounding areas. (kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Karlis Salna (Bloomberg) Fri, October 20, 2017 13:14 1852 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a254c884 2 News bali,New-Bali,Indonesia,tourism,tourists,foreign-tourists,Chinese-tourists Free As Chinas burgeoning class of affluent travelers seek out more exotic destinations, Indonesia is cashing in. China is on track to become the biggest tourist market for Indonesia for the first time this year, overtaking Singapore. Thats after a 46 percent surge in visitors from the worlds second-largest economy to 1.4 million in the first eight months of the year. President Joko Widodo is banking on that kind of demand to help transform the tourism industry into an engine of growth for years to come. To do that, he wants to develop destinations beyond Bali, the so-called Island of the Gods, where tropical beach resorts, volcanoes and famed temples have long been the main drawcard for visitors to the nation. All over the world they are trying to catch the Chinese market, Indonesias Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said in an interview in Jakarta. For sure, the easiest way to increase the number of tourists is to target China. While Indonesia currently captures about 1 percent of the more than 120 million Chinese who travel abroad each year, Yahya is aiming to double that, targeting advertising in key locations in China. Its a goldmine thats set to bring in billions of dollars, he said, but will also need billions of dollars in investment. As part of his sweeping vision for developing the vast Indonesian archipelago, a string of more then 17,000 islands, the president has laid out an ambitious infrastructure agenda, and a plan to make tourism a key part of the countrys future prosperity. He is under pressure to find new sources of growth for an economy thats expanding about 5 percent, well short of the 7 percent target he set when he came to office three years ago. Read also: Bali declared world's top destination for 2017 China is on track to become the biggest tourist market for Indonesia for the first time this year, overtaking Singapore. (Bloomberg/File) Jokowi, as the president is known, has vowed to double tourist numbers to 20 million a year by 2019, when his first term ends, and broaden out the destinations beyond Bali, which drew nearly 4 million visitors in the first eight months of this year, almost half of the 9 million arrivals to Indonesia in the period. To do that, Jokowi wants to build 10 new Balis -- a strategy that includes developing infrastructure in Sumatra in the countrys west to North Maluku in the east. For an economy thats still heavily dependent on commodities, such as palm oil and coal, tourism is a way of broadening the governments foreign-currency revenue sources. Jokowis plan, according to Yahya, will see the contribution of tourism to the economy climb to 7.5 percent by 2019 from 4.5 percent last year. Tourism receipts are forecast to grow more than 60 percent to $20.7 billion over the same period, with the number of jobs seen rising to 13 million from 11.8 million. We hope that tourism will become Indonesias largest source of foreign exchange contributions. I promised to Pak Jokowi and to Indonesia, I will make it happen, Yahya said. We believe for Indonesia, tourism and the creative industry can make this country a champion in the world. Read also: Indonesia announces 10 new destination brands While Indonesia currently captures about 1 percent of the more than 120 million Chinese who travel abroad each year, Yahya is aiming to double that, targeting advertising in key locations in China. Its a goldmine thats set to bring in billions of dollars, he said, but will also need billions of dollars in investment. (Bloomberg/File) Even with that kind of growth, Indonesia is far behind neighboring countries in developing tourism and targeting Chinese visitors. Thailands industry makes up about 18 percent of gross domestic product, with the countrys famed beaches and nightlife attracting 26 million foreign visitors so far this year, 28 percent of them coming from China. Indonesia also trails Singapore and Malaysia in number of tourists. The government will need to find ways to get Chinese visitors to spend more. Travelers from the Middle East drop an average of $1,700 per visit and Australians spend $1,500, compared to $1,100 by Chinese tourists. Yahya said he wants to target more wealthier Chinese and grab the middle and upper market as well as lure more business from India. Funding Jokowis 10 New Balis plan will be a big challenge. Yahya estimates the industry needs $20 billion of investment over five years, of which about $10 billion will come from the government. Given its vast infrastructure needs in everything from ports to roads, and a budget deficit cap of 3 percent of GDP, authorities are seeking more private-sector funds. We need much more investment in infrastructure, said Anak Agung Gede Yuniartha Putra, Balis tourism office chief. To be successful in tourism, infrastructure is very important, especially for accessibility. When we open a new destination and there is good accessibility, either by air or sea, the number of visitors will grow very fast. With assistance by Thomas Kutty Abraham Brad Pitt is apparently dating British actress Ella Purnell who is 32 years younger than him and Angelina Jolie is reportedly furious about it. By India Today Web Desk: Brad Pitt is taken by 21-year-old British actress Ella Purnell, an American magazine claimed recently. What has led social media to work itself into a frenzy over Pitt's dating scene is Purnell's striking resemblance to Hollywood superstar Angelina Jolie, who Pitt was married to till last year. Brad, 53, reports said, was 'enchanted' by Ella. The actress met Pitt when she was cast in Sweetbitter, that Brad's company is producing. Ella has worked alongside Angelina Jolie in 2014's Maleficent. In the film, Ella played the younger version of Jolie's character. advertisement While reports pointed out that Jolie was 'furious' with the developments in her ex-husband's life, a source told The Sun that there are no truth to the rumours. "Brad Pitt is absolutely not dating - or in a relationship - with Ella Purnell," the source close to Pitt told the tabloid. American magazine InTouch, where the report of Brad and Ella being an item first appeared, also quoted a source as saying, "She absolutely hates that Brad is cavorting with someone who played the teenage version of her in a film." However, speaking to The Mirror, another source refuted the rumours, "It's completely made up, they're not dating". Angelina and Brad, Hollywood's most famous power couple, parted ways after 12 years of a relationship and two years of marriage. A few weeks ago, Jolie bared her heart on her life post divorce from Brad in several interviews. She said how their split had affected their six children, who are with Jolie, with visitation rights to Pitt. ALSO WATCH: Brangelina to Ranbir-Katrina, 2016 was the year of celebrity splits --- ENDS --- First report of braid chopping came from Jodhpur in Rajasthan in June. One woman was killed on the suspicion of braid chopping in UP in August. Now, Kashmir is feeling the heat. Mystery of braid chopping remains unsolved. By India Today Web Desk: A mentally ill man was today thrashed in Jammu and Kashmir's Sopore town on the suspicion of braid chopping. In another incident, mob tried to drown a person in the Dal Lake in Srinagar. The mob suspected the person to be involved in braid chopping in Kashmir. Both victims were saved. But, this explains the scale of panic among people of Kashmir Valley over the rising number of incidents of braid chopping. According to police complaints, more than 200 incidents of braid chopping have occurred in the Valley over past one and a-half months. advertisement Except in one incident, where the police claimed and explained that a frustrated maid-servant had chopped the braid of the woman she worked for, no culprit has been identified or arrested. The complaints are only growing by the day. HOW IT ALL STARTED? The braid chopping incident was first report in mid-June in Rajasthan's Jodhpur, where a girl complained that her hair was chopped off while she was in sleep. She had injury marks on her body. The police investigation showed that her braid was chopped with a blade. But, nothing else could come out of the investigation. Three days after this incident, another girl from Bikaner in Rajasthan complained that her braid was chopped. Soon, similar reports started coming from other parts of Rajasthan. By July the braid chopping had taken Nagaur, Jaisalmer, Barmer and Jalore besides Jodhpur and Bikaner in its grip. But, nothing could be established in police investigation. No accused arrested. In August, Aligarh and Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh reported incidents of braid chopping. Four incidents of braid chopping were reported in Bulandshahr. On August 2, a 62-year-old woman was killed by angry villagers in Agra in UP on the suspicion of practicing witchcraft and indulging in braid chopping. Around the same time, three women - unrelated to each other - in Delhi reported braid chopping. All three women said that they fell unconscious after an attack and found their braids chopped when they regained consciousness. During July and August, more than 15 cases of braid chopping were reported from Haryana. The victims claimed having seen some "godmen", "witches" and "cats" before their braids were chopped. The victims included a 60-year-old woman in Gurgaon. She claimed to have seen a man with trident in his hand at her doorstep before she fell unconscious. Later, she found her braid chopped. While these incidents are no longer being reported from the previously "active" regions, Kashmir Valley has reported over 200 cases of braid chopping in the past six weeks. BRAID CHOPPING IN KASHMIR The incidents of braid chopping have created panic in the Kashmir Valley. The police have formed the special investigation teams to nab those involved in braid chopping, which has created fear psychosis among the people especially the women folk. advertisement The police have announced a reward of Rs 6 lakh for information leading to arrest of braid choppers. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti termed this as an attempt to create mass hysteria. "Braid chopping incidents are attempts to create mass hysteria and undermine the dignity of the women in the state," Mehbooba wrote on Twitter. On the other hand, the police believe that the mysterious 'braid choppers' in the Kashmir Valley are emerging as an alibi for some people to get out of their troubles or settle scores. The police have debunked the theory floated by anti-national elements to put the blame for the panic wave on central agencies. Police have made some arrests in the Valley including six in Batamaloo on charges of rumour mongering. There have several reports of people being thrashed on the charges of braid chopping by self-styled vigilantes in the Valley. BRAID CHOPPING ASSAULTS IN POLICE DIARIES According to a police FIR in Baramulla earlier this month, a boy identified as Nayeem Ahmed was severely beaten at Delina by an angry mob accusing him of being a braid chopper. advertisement "Investigation into the matter also revealed that Nayeem was in a relationship with a local girl from Delina village and had gone to meet her when he was spotted and beaten up by locals there accusing him of being a braid chopper," the FIR said. In another case in Pulwama, four labourers hailing from Bihar were heckled and thrashed by a mob for being alleged braid choppers. "It was found during investigations that the four had a tiff with their boss over wages and had left the work in middle. Their boss settled his score by indulging in such an action," the official said, adding that investigations into the case were on. Four foreigners, who had gone for an evening stroll along the Dal Lake, were caught by a mob for being alleged braid choppers before police rescued them and whisked them to safety. "Investigations into this case showed that the four had fallen victim to a personal rivalry between two hotel owners in the area," the official said. Recently in Tral area of South Kashmir, two Sikh boys were beaten by a mob for being alleged braid choppers. "One of two boys had gone to meet his lover, who happened to be a Muslim. They boy refused to give away the name and was beaten badly by the mob till police rescued them," the official said. advertisement (With PTI inputs) --- ENDS --- A mob tried to immolate a mentally challenged person on suspicion of being a braid chopper in Jammu and Kashmir's Sopore. By Indo-Asian News Service: A mentally challenged person was saved on Friday by police from the hands of a mob that tried to immolate him and run him over with a tractor on suspicion of being a braid chopper in Jammu and Kashmir's Sopore. The police received information that a mob had got hold of an alleged braid chopper in the fruit mandi area. advertisement When they rushed to the spot, they found the mob beating Wasim Ahmad Tantray "ruthlessly". "The miscreants had also burnt some grass and were trying to set the person ablaze. Some even tried to run him over with a tractor," a police officer said. Tantray, who is said to be "mentally challenged", was rescued and rushed to a Sopore hospital. "Condition of the injured is stated to be critical and has now been referred to Srinagar," the police officer said. An FIR was registered and the culprits have been identified, the police said. Braid-chopping incidents have set in a sense of insecurity among people. In last few weeks alone around 100 such braid chopping incidents took place across Kashmir. In another incident, five civilians had sustained injuries after the Indian army opened fire to disperse protesters rallying against an alleged braid-chopping attempt in Salar's Wullerhama village. According to reports, the locals chased a braid-chopper who allegedly tried to flee in an army vehicle. When the residents pelted stones on the vehicle, army men retaliated by opening fire at them. --- ENDS --- Countdown viewers were left tittering in front of their TVs when a swear word cropped up during the show. The daytime quiz shows lexicographer Susie Dent suggested the eight-letter word gobshite when Rachel Riley put the letters HGTOIBYES on the board during a letters round. The programmes host Nick Hewer had asked Dictionary Corner guest Adrian Chiles for the best possible word for the round, joking that Chiles looked excited about it. Countdowns Rachel Riley (Channel 4) Chiles then handed it over to Dent, who revealed the swear word. Surprised, Hewer said: Are you allowed to say that? Dent revealed the dictionary definition to be vulgar slang, a stupid, foolish or incompetent person. Viewers of the show, which airs at 2.10pm on Channel 4, took to Twitter to air their shock and joy over the words appearance. One viewer said it had made their day, and another wrote: Countdown is GOING OFFFFFF #gobshite. As if the word "gobshite" just featured on countdown. What is going on with the world lol pic.twitter.com/5OJFj6Y4yc Jon nelson-fuller (@jono197838) October 19, 2017 As if the word gobshite just featured on countdown. What is going on with the world lol, one commented. Are they allowed to say gobshite on countdown? feeling shocked Andy Merz (@andrewmerz) October 19, 2017 Another said: Are they allowed to say gobshite on countdown? feeling shocked. So glad I am working at home today and this pops up in the background! wheres Father Jack?#gobshite #countdown pic.twitter.com/JLsfhcDb3h Clawdia Glazzard (@Hostmorke) October 19, 2017 One said the word reminded them of sitcom Father Ted, writing: So glad I am working at home today and this pops up in the background! Wheres Father Jack?#gobshite #countdown. When #countdown takes on an episode of 8 out of 10 does countdown in the afternoon. #gobshite MariaElena (@satinelopez1) October 19, 2017 According to one viewer, the appearance of the word was more akin to the programmes spin-off 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, which airs in the evening and is hosted by comedian Jimmy Carr. When #countdown takes on an episode of 8 Out Of 10 Does Countdown in the afternoon. #gobshite, they wrote. After nearly a month of waiting, The Punishers cryptic release date has been revealed November 17. Yes, we have even longer to wait. But, Netflix were kind enough to give another taste of the show in the form of a second trailer. Sticking to the intense use of Metallicas One, trailer two focused much more heavily on the story behind Frank Castles (Jon Bernthal) need for revenge, focusing on his military days full of remorse, darkness and resentment. Key players of The Punishers story are introduced in the new trailer, including hacker Micro (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), Homeland agent Dinah Madani (Amber Rose Revah) and Karen (Deborah Ann Woll). Each character will either support or hinder Franks dire need to reach his punishing goal, with blood, gore and regret trailing behind each of them. The trailer plays out similarly to the September teaser, albeit less hung on insanely well-timed editing to One, with more focus on dialogue and an understanding of who Frank is and why he has become who we first became familiar with in Daredevils second season. The dark aesthetics shown in the two trailers and promotional images confirm that The Punisher will be Marvels deepest and darkest instalment yet. Watch the trailer below. Equilibriums focus is on a US-Mexican border dispute and trade deal, which, alike last weeks, undoubtedly rings all-too-familiar to anyone whos been following American politics to any degree. Following a blockade at the Mexican border over a potential trade and labour deal, tensions are mounting between the two states. Things only worsen when a Mexican truck driver charges the blockade, and in the ensuing shooting from both sides, is killed by an American bullet.Not only does this lead to a pertinent, though not fully realised commentary on current international relations between the two countries, but it also serves as an opportunity for character development. Aaron Shore is reluctantly dragged out and pressured to take a side in the dispute, as the highest-ranking Mexican-American in the Kirkman administration.His inner conflict is only glimpsed at, but in the end of the episode, the sight of him returning home to his family after a long time is hugely satisfying. The struggle between two conflicting identities is a recurring motif in the American story, and was unfortunately contrived in an exceptionally busy episode. Yet if Designated Survivor continues to allow for more character development and exposition this season, it would greatly improve an otherwise tentatively flat season thus far. Hannah Wells continues to dig into Patrick Lloyds actions, which has been building up to this: the FBI is subpoenaing the First Ladys mother. It was hard to believe that the exposure of something that happened in the 1980s, which places the event outside the statute of limitations, could have been an intrinsic part of Lloyds masterplan. Designated Survivor promised a return to its political thriller roots when a fresh development threatened to dredge up new life for the Lloyd conspiracy. Another defence contract for the very company that Eva helped secure the bid for, Icarus Astrotech, went through just after the Pentagon hack. It was signed by Eric Little, the man found dead by Hannah and who oversaw the very contract involving the First Ladys mother. Its doubtful at this point that anyone can anticipate where this might go, but hopefully it halts the show from falling into too much of a political soap opera. At the very least if the showrunners are wanting to take Designated Survivor in a different direction, like one more akin to The West Wing, then they should start taking time to explain the political dynamics and workings, rather than over-relying on big emotional beats that suddenly resolve the situation. Another recurring motif this season that would do well to find more nuance is Kirkmans utilisation of a good/bad cop routine to resolve conflicts in which he finds himself holding the middle ground. Weve been presented with noble Kirkman the entirety of season one, which worked as he was still finding his footing as President. Now that his role is more secure, he must become tougher and effective as a leader, something which would also make his character more complex and dynamic, as well as authentic. Overall this was not a great 40 minutes of television. It was lack-lustre, and despite the always-fantastic acting, it struggled to tonally string together too many sub plots. One can only hope the series returns to its original formula that made it so novel and intriguing. 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Namun jangan khawatir, disini sebagai situs slot gacor MGS88 kami akan memberikan penjelasan lengkap mengenai tentang istilah yang ada di RTP SLOT dibawah ini. Deepak Kumar Mandal was the second-in-command rank officer in the BSF's 145th battalion. He was attacked by cattle smugglers along the Bangladesh border in Tripura. By India Today Web Desk: Deepak Kumar Mandal, a Border Security Force (BSF) commanding officer who was attacked by cattle smugglers in Tripura's Sipahijala district on Monday, succumbed to his injuries today in Kolkata. The BSF announced Mandal's death on its official Twitter page. DG and all ranks #BSF salute Shaheed Deepak Kumar Mandal Second in Command.Officer breathed his last today 1145 hrs in Kolkata1/n pic.twitter.com/FNkH5BHxNG- BSF (@BSF_India) October 20, 2017 2/2He was injured on 16th October '17, when he tried to stop a brazen smuggling attempt on Tripura border.- BSF (@BSF_India) October 20, 2017 advertisement Mandal, the second-in-command rank officer in the BSF's 145th battalion, wasin critical condition after he was attacked. He was flown to Kolkata the very same day. The officer had been patrolling an "unfenced" area along the India-Bangladesh border to check cattle smuggling and other illegal activity, a senior official told the news agency PTI. Deepak Mandal, Officiating Commandant 145 Batt @BSF_India who was attacked by a gang of cow smugglers in Tripura passed away in hospital pic.twitter.com/qdgNjZtbjQ- GAURAV C SAWANT (@gauravcsawant) October 20, 2017 A group "of about 25 smugglers," who were carrying "bricks, lathis and machetes" tried to gherao Mandal and the patrol party when they were challenged, the official explained. The smugglers' vehicle hit Mandal from behind, and the officer suffered severe injuries to his head and legs," he said. ALSO WATCH | Cattle mafia exposed at Bangladesh border, West Bengal govt's role under scrutiny --- ENDS --- Huron Township Police Sgt. Bryan Tyitye recently completed the Eastern Michigan University School of Police Staff and Command Executive Leadership Program. With that, he becomes the eighth member of the Huron Township Public Safety Department to complete the training, the others are; Public Safety Director Everett Robbins, Fire Chief James Hinojosa; Deputy Police Chief Mark Perkins, Huron Fire Capts. Bradley Bauman and Shawn Williams; and Detective Lt. Leo Girard. Tyitye graduated with an A-plus average. Our goal is to provide our public safety command staff with consistent and professional training as it relates to their leadership in delivering quality service to our residents, Robbins said. The Eastern Michigan School of Staff and Command is one of the pre-eminent programs in the country that focuses on the executive level training and development. The 10-month training program meets for 40 hours each month. Sgt. Tyitye is the true example of a leader who challenges not only himself, but all of us to be better every day, Robbins said. Sgt. Tyitye never has a bad day and his positive attitude is contagious. He started with the department in 1995 and has served as the Summit Academy School liaison officer for past 11 years. He graduated from the National Computer Forensics Institute Computer Evidence Recovery program in 2015, was named the 2016 supervisor of the year for the department, serves as a salvage inspector, and is one of the supervisors for the Huron Township Police Explorer Program. He also was the 2004 officer of the year for his work with the Western Wayne auto theft recovery unit. Tyitye said he couldnt do any of it without the support of his wife, Linda, their four daughters and his grandson. It was a very proud moment for Sgt. Tyitye to be with his wonderful family as he received his certificate, Robbins said. This is a very intense training, which includes a masters level research project. The residents can look forward to a presentation of his research project at an upcoming board meeting. His project will be something that enriches the already great relationship we have with our community. He represented our community well and he should be proud of his efforts. The Riverview Fire Department has announced that it has received a $26,864 grant from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. These funds will be used for the purchase of new Hurst Jaws of Life eDRAULIC extrication tools. This line of battery-powered rescue tools requires no hoses and no power unit. Fire officials say because these tools are stronger, smaller and lighter, theyre quicker than ever to the rescue. In 2005, the Firehouse Subs founders established the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with the mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment and educational opportunities to first responders and public safety organizations. Through the nonprofit 501(c)(3), Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has granted more than $29.5 million to hometown heroes in 46 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, including more than $548,000 in Michigan. For more information, visit firehousesubsfoundation.org. Home >Miscellaneous Issues > Hypocrisy > Indiana: Ex-Prosecutor Busted For Using Badge To Avoid Ticket By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 20 (PTI) The CBI has written to the government for reconsideration of its 2005 decision and allow the agency to file a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court in the Bofors case challenging quashing of an FIR in the alleged scam, officials said. In a letter to the Department of Personnel and Training, the CBI conveyed that it wanted to file the SLP challenging the Delhi High Court order of May 31, 2005 quashing all charges against Europe-based Hinduja brothers in the Bofors case. advertisement Government officials said the CBI was in favour of filing the SLP in 2005 but the then UPA government did not give its nod. Legal experts feel that the agency will have to do a lot of explanation for condoning the lapsed time period of over 12 years. The then Delhi High Court judge R S Sodhi had on May 31, 2005, quashed all charges against the Hinduja brothers -- Srichand, Gopichand and Prakashchand -- and the Bofors company and castigated the CBI for its handling of the case saying it had cost the exchequer about Rs 250 crore. Before the 2005 verdict, another judge of the Delhi High Court, Justice J D Kapoor (since retired) on February 4, 2004, had exonerated late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in the case and directed framing of charge of forgery under Section 465 of the IPC against the Bofors company. On Wednesday, the CBI had said it would look into the "facts and circumstances" of the Bofors scam mentioned by private detective Michael Hershmam, who alleged that the then Rajiv Gandhi-led Congress government had sabotaged his investigation. Hershman, who is the president of the US-based private detective firm Fairfax, claimed in television interviews recently that Rajiv Gandhi was "furious" when he had found a Swiss bank account "Mont Blanc". Hershman, who was here last week to address a conference of private detectives, also alleged that the bribe money of the Bofors gun scandal had been parked in the Swiss account. PTI SKL ACB ZMN --- ENDS --- By PTI: London, Oct 20 (PTI) People with mild memory problems who show a delayed brain response to processing the written word may be at an increased risk of Alzheimers disease, a study has found. Using an electroencephalogram (EEG) - a test that detects electrical activity in a persons brain via electrodes attached to their scalp - researchers studied the brain activity of a group of 25 patients to establish how quickly they processed words shown to them on a computer screen. advertisement The patients who took part were a mix of healthy elderly people, patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and patients with MCI who had developed Alzheimers within three years of diagnosis of MCI. MCI, a condition in which someone has minor problems with mental abilities such as memory beyond what would normally be expected for a healthy person of their age, is estimated to be suffered by up to 20 per cent of people aged over 65. research led by the University of Birmingham in the UK has discovered. "A prominent feature of Alzheimers is a progressive decline in language, however, the ability to process language in the period between the appearance of initial symptoms of Alzheimers to its full development has scarcely previously been investigated," said Ali Mazaheri from the University of Birmingham in the UK "We wanted to investigate if there were anomalies in brain activity during language processing in MCI patients which could provide insight into their likelihood of developing Alzheimers," said Mazaheri. "We focused on language functioning, since it is a crucial aspect of cognition and particularly impacted during the progressive stages of Alzheimers," he said. Previous research has found that when a person is shown a written word, it takes 250 milliseconds for the brain to process it - activity which can be picked up on an EEG. "Crucially, what we found in our study is that this brain response is aberrant in individuals who will go on in the future to develop Alzheimers disease, but intact in patients who remained stable," said Katrien Segaert, of the University of Birmingham. "Our findings were unexpected as language is usually affected by Alzheimers disease in much later stages of the onset of the disease," said Segaert. "It is possible that this breakdown of the brain network associated with language comprehension in MCI patients could be a crucial biomarker used to identify patients likely to develop Alzheimer s disease. PTI HSR MHN MHN --- ENDS --- By PTI: (Eds: Correcting a word in intro) New Delhi, Oct 20 (PTI) Delhis air quality took a sharp plunge and entered the severe zone today, following night-long Diwali revelry when people set off millions of firecrackers and reduced a Supreme Court ban on their sale into a heap of ash. The pollution indicator of state-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) turned a deep shade of brown, indicating severe air quality in the city, which may affect healthy people and seriously impact those with existing respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. advertisement The 24-hour rolling average of PM2.5 and PM10, ultrafine particulates which are upto 30 times tinier than the width of a human hair, were 424 and 571 micrograms per cubic metre (ug/m3) respectively, multiple times higher than the safe limits of 60 and 100. The US embassys pollution monitor recorded hazardous air quality with the index scoring an alarming 878, which the mission considers "beyond its air quality index" (AQI), which ends at 500. But unlike previous years, the run-up to Diwali festivities was much cleaner this time. Even the Diwali evening was relatively quiet and promising, suggesting that the ban on sale of firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region imposed by the apex court has worked. This was captured by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) which had Delhis AQI (air quality index) at 319, which is considered very poor, for October 20. However, since the figure was released at 5 pm, it could not quite record what followed thereafter. As the clock ticked, frenzied celebrations picked up and noisy and relentless bursting of firecrackers continued till the wee hours, sending pollution graph off the charts. The online indicators of pollution monitoring stations in the city glowed red, indicating a very poor air quality as the volume of ultra fine particulates PM2.5 and PM10, which enter the respiratory system and manage to reach the bloodstream, sharply rose from around 7 pm yesterday. The line graphs of the the pollution data of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) stations were telling. In station after station, the volume of PM2.5 and PM10 built up rapidly around 7 pm and peaked post midnight, soaring upto 10 times above the safe 24-hour limits. For example, the RK Puram monitoring station recorded PM2.5 and PM10 at 878 and 1,179 micrograms per cubic metre at around 11 pm. The monitors stopped working after midnight, suggesting that the pollutants had gone through the roof. While it is difficult to quantify the immediate effect of the ban on firecrackers, residents across the national capital felt the beginning was promising with neighbourhoods reporting much lesser noise and smoke till about 6 pm, compared to the previous years. advertisement But as the festivities picked up, the faint echos of crackers started growing louder. The situation was similar, if not worse, in the neighbouring regions of Delhi such as Gurugram, Noida and Ghaziabad, where crackers were burst as usual, raising question marks on the efficacy of the administration in enforcing the apex courts ban. However, if one goes by SAFARs forecast, post-Diwali air will not be as poor as last year, which was the worse in at least three decades. It said a host of favourable meteorological conditions were helping prevent smoke-filled air from the agricultural belt of Haryana and Punjab from entering the national capital. Had that not been the case, Delhis air, already saturated with pollutants, would have turned deadlier. The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Prevention and Control Authority (EPCA), which is empowered to enforce the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat air pollution in Delhi-NCR, kicked off a series of preventive measures on October 17. Measures under the GRAPs very poor and severe categories, which include a ban on diesel generator sets, have come into effect and will remain in force till March 15. PTI SBR SRY --- ENDS --- advertisement No one really knows what Digvijaya Singh is up to. Accompanied by wife Amrita and some 90 others, the AICC general secretary on September 30 set out on a Narmada Parikrama - a 3,300 km, six-month trek along the course of the river in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. But is it the "spiritual quest" he claims it is? Or a political stratagem to reinvent himself and the Congress in his home state? Whatever the case, Raja (as Singh is commonly known in MP) has everybody, rivals in both the BJP and Congress, scratching their heads. "This is a purely spiritual quest and not political at all. I am always overestimated as a politician and underestimated as a person," Singh said with disarming modesty while he was in Maaragaon, in Hoshangabad district, on October 10. Joined along the route by supporters and party workers, Singh chided them for raising slogans for him and the Congress. He also refrained from making political comments. advertisement Singh's 'quest' is steeped in Hindu religious symbolism amid a succession of aartis, a surfeit of saffron, even a mobile temple with continuous prayers. The parikrama moves from village to village greeting residents with "Narmade Har!" Analysts say, at the very least, the pilgrimage could help Singh shed the 'anti- Hindu' tag he has acquired over the years. "I am a deeply religious person, but my religion tells me to respect all other religions," he says. But despite his repeatedly telling them, Congress leaders queuing up to be seen at Singh's parikrama are seeing things differently. "I'm here to show solidarity with Digvijaya Singhji," said Brajendra Singh Rathore, a Congress strongman from Bundelkhand. Though he declines to make any political comment, he is diligently documenting all that he sees in the villages, such as the change in cropping patterns, pollution in the Narmada, the reduced water level in the river, how fishing is organised for the traditional fishing community, doing away with fishing cooperatives. "I cannot close my eyes and ears," he says. Notably, some months ago, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's Namami Devi Narmade Yatra traced the same route. Slogans from that yatra painted on village walls have still not faded. "People are drawing a contrast between the helicopter-borne government yatra and the sight of a raja walking like a commoner," says Rajesh Patel, a Congress worker in Kondarwara, a village along the route. On the afternoon of October 11, Singh made a brief halt at Nasirabad, across the Narmada from Jait, CM Chouhan's ancestral village. He is clearly contemplative. After all, it is Chouhan who surpassed Singh's record as MP's longest serving chief minister. Interestingly, residents of Jait say they will welcome Singh when his parikrama reaches the village on his way back in February next year. "Like we welcome everyone who does the parikrama," explains one resident, Dharmendra Chouhan. Ask the man if he sees Singh and Chouhan's yatras as political? He smirks, "Digvijaya's 'is 100 per cent political and Shivraj Chouhan's yatra was 120 per cent political." --- ENDS --- At least 36 people were injured on Friday while participating in the traditional Hingot Yuddha (Hingot war), observed a day after Diwali, officials said. Of the injured, the condition of three is stated to be serious. Hingot war is an age-old tradition of residents of Gautampura area, about 59 km from Indore city. It is observed on Dhok Padwa day a day after Diwali. In this war, warriors in two groups attack each other with burning Hingots a hollow fruit shell filled with gunpowder and sealed with soil. Hingots, which grow on Hingoriya tree, have a coconut-like shape and are six-eight inches long, similar to lemons. After sealing the gunpowder-stuffed fruit with soil, one end is fired up and launched into the sky, which then takes the shape of a fireball. On Friday evening, the Hingot war took place between Turra and Kalangi groups near Devnarayan temple in Gautampura. Police officer Vikram Singh said that security as well as medical arrangements had been put in place. The war, however, poses a major challenge to the police as thousands gather to watch the war and the participants are usually in an inebriated state. Indore Deputy Inspector General of Police Hari Narayan Chari Mishra said while this traditional war could not be banned, people were made aware to avoid any untoward incident. An officiating Commandant of the Border Security Force (BSF), who was seriously injured in an attack by cattle smugglers in Tripura on Sunday night, succumbed to his injuries at a hospital in Kolkata, BSF sources said on Friday. Officiating Commandant Deepak Kumar Mondal of 145th Battalion of BSF has expired in a private hospital in Kolkata on Friday. His body is expected to be cremated on Saturday at his ancestral village at Hanskhali in Nadia district, a BSF official told IANS. BSF troopers led by Mondal were guarding the border along Bangladesh to prevent cattle smuggling late on Sunday night at Balerdepha under the Sonamura sub-division in western Tripuras Sepahijala district. Suddenly, a speeding vehicle of cattle smugglers came and hit the 45-year-old BSF officer, pushing him down a gorge. He sustained grievous injuries in the collision. Mondal, accompanied by a BSF doctor, was flown to Kolkata on Monday and admitted to a private hospital there. His condition was very critical and he was under treatment in the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital. Tripura Police on Monday seized the vehicle and arrested the driver and are looking for two more assailants. On April 16, 2005, BSFs Assistant Commandant Jeevan Kumar was dragged into Bangladesh territory by a group of smugglers while supervising security at Lankamura, on the outskirts of the capital city, and was knifed before being shot dead. The mutilated body of the young BSF official was returned the next day after a fierce exchange of fire between the BSF and Bangladesh Rifles (now Border Guards Bangladesh). Tripura shares a 856-km border with Bangladesh, with large parts of the border being riverine, mountainous and unfenced, which helps illegal immigrants, intruders and smugglers to cross over easily. Two armed men allegedly shot dead a police constable when he chased them, a police official said today. Constable Balmukund Prajapati (38) last night went to an area under Kotwali police station limits on getting a tip-off that two armed persons were roaming there, Deputy Inspector General of Police K C Jain told PTI. Prajapati, on spotting one of the miscreants in Parwari Mohalla area, chased him. However, the two fired at him and fled, the DIG said. The constables body was found this morning, he said. Later, the police on the basis of leads, arrested the two miscreants. The police were trying to ascertain if they had any criminal record, the DIG said, adding that a probe was on into the incident. Former Union minister, Sukh Ram, who recently joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with his son Anil Sharma (who was minister in present Congress government) on Friday said his objective is to end the dictatorship of Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh. Launching a scathing attack on Singh, his old time rival, Sukh Ram said the Congress Chief Minister thinks Himachal is his jaagir (property). He said Singh had not left any stone unturned to harm his family. The 92 year old politician, who is a popular leader from Mandi despite corruption tag, blamed Singh for conspiring against him in connivance with the then All India Congress Committee treasurer. Joining BJP at this stage was a painful decision for me. I had no option. But now that I have joined BJP, I will work for their victory on all the ten seats in Mandi district, Sukh Ram said. He said Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh had forced his son, Anil Sharma to leave Congress and it happened after he (Sukh Ram) in an interview had mentioned that Anil Sharma was also capable of becoming a CM. He kept the five other Congress leaders in campaign committee, but left my son deliberately, he said. Anil Sharma, who was Rural Development and Animal Husbandry minister in present Virbhadra government is the BJP nominee from Mandi Assembly segment this time. Sukh Ram, who was instrumental in ousting Virbhadra from power in 1998 polls in a tight number game between by supporting BJP ( with five seats of his Himachal Vikas Congress) has always had a bitter equation with Singh even after he merged HVC Congress in 2004 Parliament polls. Sukh Ram and Singhs political patch-ups have never lasted long. The former Congress veteran shared that he could not attend Congress Vice President, Rahul Gandhis rally in his home town Mandi on 7 October. I had asked AICC General Secretary and party in-charge for HP, Sushil Kumar Shinde about it, but he said if I attend that rally, the Chief Minister has threatened to boycott it. So I did not go there, he said. Sukh Ram rubbished the charges that he had ever played the caste card and has enjoyed support across all the castes. Sukh Ram has represented Mandi Assembly segment as well as Mandi Parliamentary constituency in the past. The Congress on Friday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being arrogant over his remarks on redevelopment of the Kedarnath shrine after the flash floods of 2013, saying he has disrespected the people of Uttarakhand and also slammed him for wearing Italian glasses at the holy place. Prime Minister Narendra Modi does babas darshan wearing an Italian brand Bulgari glasses. Similarly, he promises to develop a New India through those Italian glasses, said Congress spokesperson R.P.N. Singh. He spoke with arrogance at babas shrine, he said and added this is the first time somebody gave a speech with his back towards the shrine. Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala, in a video message, said: By visiting Kedarnath today (Friday), Modiji has not only disrespected people of Uttarakhand but also showed his arrogance. His remarks came after the Prime Minister accused the Congress of rejecting his proposal of redeveloping the Himalayan shrine of Kedarnath after the devastating flash floods in 2013. Firing salvos at Modi, Surjewala asked: After the 2013 disaster, is it only Modiji who is capable of redeveloping Uttarakhand? Was the work done by the then state government, people and the devotees of Lord Shiva to redevelop Kedarnath a waste? Out of 130 crore people, is none capable of redeveloping Kedarnath other than Modiji? He said: When the ruler turns arrogant, then his downfall is very close. He urged the Prime Minister to not disrespect the people of the state, saying: Lord Shiva does not ask for help, he asks for devotion. And those who devote themselves towards the Lord get the fruits of their devotion. Modiji should maintain at least some humility at the door of Lord Shiva, Surjewala added. Singh also attacked the Prime Minister for the redevelopment work of the shrine. After devastating flash floods in 2013, the UPA government formed a Cabinet Committee, which sanctioned Rs 8,000 crore for the redevelopment. Our government had already released Rs 2,200 crore out of the total amount. This government (BJP) has not released even a ruppee after Rs 2,200 crore was released by the Congress government, he added. Attacking Modi over his remarks that when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, he tried helping in the redevelopment work, Singh said there is no record available in the Uttarakhand Chief Ministers office of such an effort being made. Modi, as Gujarat Chief Minister, had also said his government had rescued 5,000 Gujarati people. But the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand during that time, Vijay Bahuguna, had mentioned that no other government had worked towards the rescue of the victims. Only the state government was involved in rescue work, he added. Continuing his attack, Singh said: He also said he is Babas son. This is just a political gimmick before the elections (Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat). Slamming Modi for saying that he is the only person who can work towards redevelopment of the shrine, Singh said no other person can protect the shrine except Baba Kedarnath. Everyone can only visit the shrine as a devotee. Even Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi went there as a devotee. One cannot go there as an arrogant person. He (Modi) also said he went there as the doors of the shrine were in the verge of getting closed. But, he has already closed the doors for the farmers, youth, poor, businessmen by implementing the GST and demonetisation. But, he did not say anything about it. Two party system is well entrenched in Himachal politics, as the efforts to put up a third alternative have neither been credible, nor lasted long in the small hill state. The new parties occasionally throw their hats in the ring in Himachal to cash in on rebellion factor in existing ones in polls and vanish later. The electorate in Himachal have cautiously not given much room to any third political party, barring few exceptions, when a third option could tilt electoral equations in Assembly elections. The main contestants for power in Himachal are Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the past three and a half decades. The leaders in any third alternative have failed to give a credible face as they emerge from Congress and BJP in polls and then merge with their parent parties. The hill state was traditionally dominated by Congress party and saw first non-Congress chief minister, Shanta Kumar in 1977, when Janata Party came to power. From 1985, the Congress and BJP ruled the state alternatively. There has been no originality in third party in HP with rebels, either from Congress or BJP joining hands and then saying good bye. It is a small state and people go with the time tested parties only, state BJP Vice President, Ganesh Dutt analysed. As history goes, the efforts to have a third option started in 1972 polls, when a leader from Kinnaur, Thakur Sen Negi formed Lok Raj Party. It could win only two seats as Congress swept the elections. The party vanished in 1977 when some leaders joined Congress. In 1989, rebel Congress leader, Vijay Singh Mankotia and some other leaders, including former Chief Minister, Ram Lal Thakur joined Janata Dal and forged an alliance with the BJP in 1990 Assembly elections. It won 11 seats. The ruling Congress was relegated to third position with just nine seats. The dominant alliance partner BJP won 47 seats. Later, Janata Dal split and eight members joined Congress while three members remained with BJP and third force was wiped out. Former Union minister Sukh Ram, who was expelled from Congress after telecom scam in 1996 floated Himachal Vikas Congress (HVC), winning five seats in 1998 Assembly polls. It finished second in 12 segments. In a tight number game between Congress and BJP then, the HVC chose to support BJP to be a part of the government. In 2003 elections, HVC got one seat and finally merged with Congress. In 2007 firebrand Congress leader Vijay Singh Mankotia again quit the Congress and joined Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). However, it won only one seat. Mankotia himself lost, ultimately joining back Congress in 2012 polls. In 2012, when rebel BJP leaders formed Himachal Lokhit Party (HLP) under the leadership of Maheshwar Singh which made serious dent in BJP vote bank. Even though HLP won only one seat, the BJP could not retain power and won only 26 out of 68 seats and the Congress was back in power. The HLP too split and major faction headed by Maheshwar Singh joined BJP while the splinter group opted for Aam Admi Party. The leaders, who joined the AAP were keen to contest elections, but AAP decided not to enter the fray. CPI (M) looks to find foothold in HP The Communist Party of India (Marxist), which has been struggling to gain ground in HP for long, is in the fray this time as well, fielding 14 candidates. The party promises to be alternative to BJP and Congress, but does not have much base across the state. The third front parties that vanished in HP: 1972: Former Speaker Thakur Sen Negi floats Lok Raj Party. 1989: Rebel Congress leader Vijay Singh Mankotia joins the Janta Dal along with other eminent leaders. 1996: Expelled from Congress, former Union Telecom minister Sukh Ram forms Himachal Vikas Congress. 2007: Congress leader Vijay Singh Mankotia again quits Congress and joins BSP. 2012: BJP leaders form Himachal Lokhit Party under the leadership of Maheshwar Singh. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has voiced deep concern over a three-year-old Indian girl in Texas who has been missing since October 7 after her foster father made her stand outside the house as punishment for not drinking milk. She said the Indian Embassy is actively involved in the search. We are deeply concerned about the missing child. Indian Embassy in US is actively involved and they keep me informed, Sushma Swaraj tweeted late on Thursday night. According to reports, Sherin Mathews had gone missing from her home in Richardson, Texas. Her father Wesley Mathews told police hed sent his daughter in her pyjamas at 3 a.m. on October 7 to stand alone beneath a tree outside the home as punishment for refusing to drink milk. When he went to the spot after sometime, the girl was not there. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has joined the probe along with the police. The FBI has searched the Mathews house. Sherins parents also have a four-year-old daughter, who was moved to a foster family by the Child Protection Services, Dallas News reported quoting an agency spokeswoman. In Hyderabad a young engineering student suffered serious injury, resulting in loss of eye sight after a rocket hit her eyes during Diwali celebrations on Thursday. By India Today Web Desk: As Diwali ends, the news of pollution, fire related incidents and injuries particularly in the eyes are coming out. In Hyderabad a young engineering student suffered serious injury, resulting in loss of eye sight after a rocket hit her eyes during Diwali celebrations on Thursday. The Girl named Sapna suffered serious injuries when students were bursting crackers in the hostel at Guru Nanak Engineering College at Ibrahimpatnam near the city and a rocket accidentally shot towards the girls hostel hit her in the eye. advertisement She was immediately taken to Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, MehndiPattanam where she is undergoing a treatment. Around 25 people including five children were injured in separate incidents across the city on Diwali night. "Till now 25 such cases came to Sarojini eye hospital out of which 15 were outdoor patients while 8suffered critical injuries. Among those injured 6 were reported to be children while one is an 18 year old engineering student Sapna," said DR. V. Padamvathi, assistant Surgeon of the hospital. VIDEO | PM Modi celebrates Diwali with troops posted in Kashmir --- ENDS --- The JSW Group, on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Uttarakhand government to carry out the work of reconstruction and restoration of Kedarnath, which was devastated by flash floods in June 2013, a company statement said here. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone to mark the commencement of the reconstruction and restoration projects. According to the MoU signed, JSW Group has committed for the reconstruction and restoration of the Adi Shankaracharya Kutir along with a museum, ghats on river Saraswati and part reconstruction of the Teerth Purohit (Priests) houses and other infrastructural facilities related to the houses in Kedarpuri. Kedarnath is located in the Himalayas, approximately 11,000 feet above sea level in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. JSW Group is committed to preserving Indias rich religious heritage. We believe that our restoration effort will help improve local infrastructure as well as develop various facilities for local teerth purohits and the large number of pilgrims that visit Kedarnath, said Sajjan Jindal, Chairman, JSW Group. The reconstruction and restoration of these projects will help improve the overall facilities at Kedarnath which were damaged/washed away in the deluge of 2013. The Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will attend the Police Commemoration Day Parade at the Police Memorial Ground in New Delhi on 21 October. On the occasion, the Union Minister will also lay wreath and pay homage at the Police Memorial. The day commemorates the sacrifices of ten policemen in 1959, who died defending our borders against Chinese incursion. Indian Police personnel were responsible for manning the 2,500 mile long border of India with Tibet until the autumn of 1959. Since the year 2012, the Police Commemoration Day Parade is being held at the National level at the Police Memorial, Chanakyapuri. So far since Independence, 34,418 Police personnel have sacrificed their lives for the country. In last one year, from September 2016 to August 2017, 383 Police personnel have laid down their lives. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday hoped state BJP chief Kummanam Rajasekheran will motivate his partys National President Amit Shah for a creative debate on Kerala aiming for its further development. In his Facebook post, Vijayan said they had wholeheartedly accepted Shahs debate challenge on development and also cordially invited him for the same. Who is back-pedalling from the debate now and why? said Vijayan. It was Shah who first challenged Vijayan, saying they were prepared to take on the CPI-M on issues of development and ideology. Shah had thrown the challenge from a public meeting here on the concluding day of the state-wide yatra undertaken by Rajasekheran, aiming to highlight the alleged violence by CPI-M workers on the BJP and Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh (RSS) cadres. In the course of 15-day yatra, top Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, including chief ministers and central ministers, took part and slammed the CPI-M in general and Vijayan in particular for all the violence perpetrated against their cadres. Vijayan said it was the state leadership of the BJP that brought their national leaders and made them raise sleazy and factually incorrect allegations against the Kerala government. (But) Perhaps the imported CMs and central ministers, who were misled about the law and order, peace and development of Kerala, got convinced about the reality They all know that BJP-ruled states deal with such situations with prohibitory orders and internet shutdowns. But in Kerala, such a provocative yatra was completed peacefully, without facing any such restrictive measures, which reflected the high levels of democratic demeanour of the people and the government of Kerala, said Vijayan. The approach of Left Democratic Front (LDF) is different, the Chief Minister underlined. We strive hard to meet our needs and to ensure our rights, at the same time, attempt to maintain a cordial relation with the Centre. Is it such amiable environments that cause annoyance to the BJP, andappointments with the Prime Minister are denied to the official delegations from Kerala, said Vijayan. Vijayan ended his post by stating what Kerala was facing today was not the challenge to fortify the progress we have achieved so far, but to transcend it to the next dimension. Even a primary comparison with any BJP-ruled state would elucidate this fact. It is on the basis of objective facts and figures that every Keralite claims the number one position of Kerala. I hope Rajasekheran would exhibit the goodwill to accept this reality and motivate Shah for a creative debatefor Keralas further development, said Vijayan. Ranjit Kumar, Indias second-most senior law officer, has resigned from the the post of Solicitor General of India citing personal reasons in a letter submitted to the Law Ministry on Friday morning, according to media reports. Kumar has resigned from the post for not being able to spend time with his family, according to media reports. He was appointed by the incumbent government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 7 June 2014. Ranjit Kumar succeeded Mohan Parasaran. The Solicitor General of India assists the Attorney General of India in advising the Union Government on matters pertaining to law an law officer, and is himself assisted by several Additional Solicitors General of India. Appointments Committee of the Cabinet appoints the Solicitor General. Whereas, Attorney General for India is appointed by the President under Article 76(1) of the Constitution, the Solicitor General of India is appointed to assist the Attorney General along with four Additional Solicitors General by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Prior to his appointment as the Solicitor General, Kumar had represented former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in the disproportionate assets case pending in a Bangalore court and also represented Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case among many other high profile cases. Earlier in July, Attorney General of India, Mukul Rohatgi, had also resigned citing similar reasons. K.K. Venugopal took over as Attorney General after Rohatgi stepped down. (With agency inputs) Govardhan Pooja is celebrated on the very next day of Diwali across India in commemoration of Lord Krishnas victory over Lord Indra. The festival is famous as Annakut pooja as well. A heap of grain is worshipped on this day along with the idol of Lord Krishna in the attire of Giridhar. This name was given to the Lord after he lifted Govardhan Parvat on his little finger of the right hand for seven days and seven nights continuously. The story behind Govardhan puja Govardhan Pooja is one of the most important Hindu rituals performed with immense gratitude, passion and zeal. There are many legends behind the festival. Govardhan Parvat is situated at Braj bhoomi near Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. People of Gokul (a village in Braj) used to worship Lord of rain Indra, so that he continues to grace the people of Braj by providing rain as and when required. To please the Lord, the villagers used to prepare a sacrifice that had been a ritual for many years. The ignorant people did so out of fear that if Lord Indra would get angry, he wont allow rain in their region and there will be scarcity of grains and fodder. Seeing this, little Krishna debated that the farmers should only do Karmas to the best of their abilities rather than conducting sacrifices like this for any natural phenomenon. Finally, convinced by Krishna, the inhabitants of Braj stopped performing puja of Indra Dev and instead started worshipping Govardhan Mountain. Due to this, lord Indra vented his anger upon villagers of Vrindavan by way of heavy rain showers that led to heavy floods. At that time of crisis, Lord Krishna took the charge and ensured the safety of villagers and cattle. He offered prayers to Govardhan Mountain and lifted it to give shelter to everyone. The false pride of Lord Indra shattered into pieces. With folded hands, he prayed to Krishna for forgiveness. Arrogant Indra accepted his defeat and Shri Krishna being the supreme power bestowed his grace on him and enlighten him about his duties and dharma. Since then, Lord Krishna was known as Giridhar and Govardhan Pooja came into existence. How is Govardhan puja performed? This is a festival in which devotees prepare and offer a large variety of vegetarian food to Lord Giridhar as a mark of gratitude. 56 or 108 dishes known as bhog are offered to the Lord. Firstly, the idol of Krishna is made to take bath in milk in the temples at Nathdwara and Mathura. Then the idol is decked up in cherished silk clothes and precious jewellery studded with diamonds, pearls and precious stones. The colour of clothes is usually red, yellow or saffron the auspicious one according to Hindu scriptures. Many communities also worship cow. Besides creating a hillock of food, people also create hillocks of cow dung and celebrate this day dancing around this hillock. Govardhan festival is more focussed on the prayer ceremony for the deity. It is majorly celebrated in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Maharashtra. The celebration is done with different names in different parts of the country according to the significance of the festival that is prevalent in that region. The day is known as Bali Pratipada in many parts of the country. The legend associated with it is that Lord Vishnu in his Vamana avatar defeated king Bali. It is believed that King Bali comes out from pataal lok every year on the day of Govardhan Puja to visit his kingdom on earth. This day is also known as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra. Here, the celebration is in the form of appreciation of the love and respect shared by a married couple. The wife applies kumkum on her husbands forehead, performs aarti and prays for his well-being. In return, husband gifts his wife a precious saree or some jewellery as a token of love. In Gujarat, the day is celebrated as Gujarati New Year. All the neighbours come together and perform puja of the deities followed by a communal meal, dance and exchange of wishes. The festival gives emphasis on valuing the gifts that nature has bestowed on human beings. Nature must be conserved and cared for. Which day would be better than this day to pledge so? The biggest political crisis that Spain has witnessed in the past 40 years was not exactly defused on Thursday when the government in Madrid decided to suspend Catalonias autonomy and impose direct rule. More accurately, the constitutional crisis can be said to have deepened. On the face of it, Madrid has adopted a stern response to the Catalan Presidents refusal to abandon the movement for independence. Indeed, the response of the government of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is as robust as it is unprecedented. It is obviously intended to blunt the edge of Carles Puigdemonts threat to announce a unilateral declaration of independence if the Spanish government did not agree to talks on the issue. Far from agreeing to negotiate, the government has entrenched its authority further still, almost reducing the independence referendum to irrelevance. Thus has the freedom struggle been suspended, if not scuttled, in a sensitive part of Europe. It is obvious that the governments decision to impose direct rule has followed Puigdemonts threat on unilateral declaration. Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution will be invoked to begin the process of suspending the regions self-rule. It is open to question though whether Madrids retaliatory strike will protect the general interest of Spaniards, including the citizens of Catalonia, and restore constitutional order in the restive autonomous community. Article 155, which was incorporated in Spains 1978 Constitution, has never been used in the four decades since democracy was restored at the end of General Francos dictatorship. Not that democracy will be strengthened with the imposition of direct rule over Catalonia; in effect the message of the referendum has been stifled and this cannot but weaken the democratic engagement for which the Spaniards had once fought against the fascist dictatorship of Franco. Undeniably, the secessionists demand for talks is justified at any rate as an essay towards defusing the crisis. The factors at the root of the regional jingoism cannot readily be discounted, not least the iniquitous tax system. Yet by refusing to give negotiations a try, the government appears to have given a handle to the Catalans to debunk the concept of direct rule as an invasion of the regions self-government. The outlook is grim as statements and counterattacks by the Rajoy government and the Catalans have served to intensify the uncertainty over the past 24 hours. It has raised fears of social unrest, has compelled the Eurozones fourth largest economy to cut its growth forecasts, and has destabilised the Euro in a country that has been grappling with a stuttering economy for the past few years. If the government continues to impede dialogue and continues with repression, the Catalan parliament could proceed to vote on a formal declaration of independence, is the text of Puigdemonts letter to Rajoy. The subtext being that the Catalan President is agreeable to negotiations Finance is the cementing force that holds all the pieces of our life together. It enables money to be in the right place, at the right time, and for the right situation. To borrow and save is to move money from the future to the present or from the present to the future. To insure is to move money from a good situation to a one that is bad. Ideal financial societies are those that provide safe and convenient ways of managing these simple monetary affairs. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The declaration by the United Nations had fixed 17 October as the date. We have still a long way to go to make this world poverty-free. One of the key strategies for eliminating poverty is to equip the poor with the right financial tools. Access to the right options at a critical juncture can determine whether a poor household will be able to exploit an opportunity to move out of poverty or absorb a shock without being pushed deeper into debt. People in the low-income group live on the edge, in constant fear of a catastrophe or tragedy. They live in a risky environment, vulnerable to numerous risks and economic shocks such as loss of jobs, loss of property due to theft or fire, crop failure, the death of a breadwinner, and disasters of both the natural and manmade varieties. Although poor households often have informal means to manage risks, such strategies provide inadequate protection. Insurance is a major safeguard for the low-income group. They need insurance more than wealthier people because they have no cushion and they are more vulnerable to many of the risks. Studies on the impact of micro and inexpensive insurance policies targeted at the poor have shown they can improve healthcare outcomes, withstand income shocks in vulnerable households, and raise school attendance rates. In the developed world, insurance is a part of life. However, its coverage has been patchy and woefully inadequate in the developing world. More than 80 per cent of Indias poor are not covered in any way. However, what was a luxury that enabled the poor to secure their gains and plan for the future with confidence has now become a reality on account of several innovative models developed by institutions. The entire micro-insurance segment is growing and is now worth about 15 per cent of the worldwide insurance industry. India is now a major site of a rapidly growing micro-insurance revolution. Micro insurance is a developed segment in both India and the Philippines, with proper policies and regulations in place. India accounted for 65 per cent of Asias micro-insurance market, according to the Munich Re and GIZ report, with some 37 million poor families availing of the benefits provided by the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana or the national health insurance initiative ~ the flagship programme of the government for health insurance. Micro-insurance, by definition, envisages the protection of low-income people against debt traps that often imperil their livelihood and even their lives. Ordinary life risks could completely wipe out a familys entire savings .Micro-insurance leverages economies of scale (large volumes of small policies). Because of its affordability, more people can get policies. And more policies mean greater business for the company and viable coverage for clients. Poverty and vulnerability reinforce each other in a downward spiral. Often, the trigger for poverty is illness. Illnesses are a severe risk and can eat away most of the hard-earned savings in low income communities. The net result is bankruptcy. The poor prefer health insurance to life insurance. As they say, we die once but go to the doctor many times each year. According to the Union health ministry, 25 per cent of the people admitted to hospital were driven to penury by hospital costs, not to forget the cost of missed work. To cope with such emergencies, microinsurance can help families avoid desperate measures such as incurring debts or selling assets or abandoning children or taking them out of school. By managing risks and avoiding debt, those who have micro-insurance policies are in a position to protect the wealth they accumulate, generate more income, and can even get a fair chance to rescue themselves and their families out of the mire of poverty. Insurance can provide the low-income group with a greater protection against health, property, disability and death risk. The cost of insuring against an unforeseen development is considerably lower than self-insuring through savings, and is small relative to a household budget. Governments, donors, development agencies and others engaged in combating poverty need to have insurance as one of the weapons in their arsenal. The key challenge for microinsurance is the high costs of administering the same. The poor by and large live off the banking grid. Families are scattered across the countryside, making physical access difficult and the transaction costs of issuing millions of small policies through service agents are too high. The global revolution in mobile communications, along with rapid advances in digital payment systems, is creating opportunities to connect poor households to affordable and reliable financial tools through mobile phones, and other digital interfaces. Micro-insurance can piggyback on the exploding reach of cellphone banking and the infrastructure created by microcredit institutions. They can reach the poor and reduce the cost of servicing remote clients. For the poor to reap the real benefits of micro-insurance, the insurance companies need to function with a sense of responsibility. Because of the lack of proper awareness and failure of institutions to properly guide them, people buy insurance policies without proper planning and give up midway because they dont have money to pay the premium. Aggressive selling prevents the agents from properly assessing the consistency in income streams of the buyers for servicing their policies. The customers end up losing heavily as penalties are very harsh. The greatest challenge for micro-insurance schemes is to strike the right balance between adequate protection and affordability to deliver real value to the insured. Micro-insurance is certainly a way to end the cycle of poverty, indeed to provide the safety net that families need. If the poor know that they are covered, theyre more likely to invest in expanding businesses, diversifying their crops, or sending their children to school, without fear of losing their savings if something were to happen. The whole capacity to take risks changes. Thus from just being a safety net, micro-insurance provides benefits that earlier generations could never imagine ~ hope in the future. (The writer is the author of Village Diary of a Heretic Banker. He can be reached at [email protected]) He founded the Bachpan Bachao Andolan in 1980 and has acted to protect the rights of more than 83,000 children from 144 countries. It is largely because of his work and activism that the International Labour Organisation adopted Convention No 182 on the worst forms of child labour, which is now a principal guideline for governments around the world. In 2014, Kailash Satyarthi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education. After completing 35 days of his Bharat Yatra which was aimed at creating awareness for child rights and protection from sexual abuse and trafficking, Satyarthi in an interview with JUNAID KATHJU spoke at length about his desire to end child abuse in the country. Excerpts: Tell us about your experience during the Bharat Yatra. It was unprecedented. But for me it was emotional, overwhelming and challenging. Right from the beginning I called it my war on child sexual abuse and trafficking. This unbearable epidemic cant be solved through conventional methods like campaigning, petitioning or educating people; there should be a war against it. And thats why we were preparing for the last one year for this yatra. We engaged with youth from universities, colleges and schools. We engaged with Parliament members, chief ministers, Chief Justices of High Courts. But what was more important for me was the engagement of faith leaders. Leaders of all faiths including Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Buddhists participated in this yatra. Before the yatra, I had organised three interfaith round tables. One was in Delhi, which was attended by 27 faith leaders. The other roundtable was convened at Ajmer Sharif and the third one was held in Telangana. It was quite uncommon that all the faith leaders came together on the issue of child abuse. Many of these faith leaders even marched with us in the rallies conducted in their respective states. The religious leaders have huge followers and they can play an important role to curb this menace. And I am happy that they listened to my call. Do you really believe that India being such a vast country, you will be ever able to end child rights violation? I am very determined. And the way President of India spoke his heart out on the subject, it motivated me even more. I have never seen any politician speak like that on child abuse. The President urged me to draw up a five-year road map to help build an India that is safe for children. He was profoundly serious about ending this epidemic from the country. But having said that, I know it is not going to be easy. We want to turn it into a mass movement involving all sections of society. We have pinned high hopes on the judicial system because many chief justices of high courts during the yatra have assured us that they will take up this matter personally, so we will do follow-ups with them. Several chief ministers like Mehbooba Mufti, Captain Amarinder Singh, Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Chandrababu Naidu also made some policy announcements to save children. So we will keep tracking developments in those states to make sure that such policies are getting implemented. You have been very critical about the implementation of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).Why so? Unfortunately, the problem with POCSO is that India is not equipped with judicial institutions and mechanism to protect our children. Last year (2016), 15,000 child abuse cases were registered under POCSO ~ which let me tell you is negligible. India being a conservative society, many dont muster up the courage to report sexual abuse and in 70 per cent cases the accused is a family member so it makes it harder for them to report. Anyway out of these 15,000 cases only 4 per cent saw convictions and 6 per cent were acquitted. That means 90 per cent pendency. The year before last (2015), the pendency was 96 per cent. So going by this equation it will take up to 50 years to dispose of the pending cases and that too if no new case is registered henceforth. What a mockery. It is a cruel joke on the children of India. It is a cruel joke on the laws. So I demanded during the yatra that the government should set up exclusive courts in every district of the country that would deal in a time-bound manner with child abuse cases. And above all there should be a National Childrens Tribunal. You have also been demanding that a greater share of GDP be spent on children. We claim that India is a great country with the greatest demographic dividend. But how we respect it is reflected in our budgetary allocation. India spends only 3.5 per cent of GDP on child protection and education. So when we say we are a young India, how much money are you spending on that young India. The problem is that when it comes to the lowest strata of society, your money doesnt reach them, because you are not spending money on their education and they are being looted by the private sector. So we are demanding that there should be an exclusive budgetary allocation for the protection of children in the yearly budget. Every ministry should have a specific budgetary allocation for children. We have the right to education, but we should also have right through education. Our children should talk about their rights in their circulars, it should be part of their education. Our children should be able to protect their body, mind and soul. Which were the most affected states of child rights violation that you came across during the Yatra? I think North-east region, Odisha and Bihar are the most affected when it comes to trafficking, both for girls and boys. During your visit to the Kashmir valley as a part of the Bharat Yatra, many local newspapers criticised you for not taking a position on children affected by pellet guns . Is it true? I read about it and honestly I was looking for the right time to speak about this. What I said in Kashmir ~ when I was asked this question~ was that I dont want to politicise my concern for children. The children in the valley need genuine love, but most importantly they need dignity and respect. If we have to interact with them, if we have to treat them well or whatever, dignity is the key. Because they too have rights. Be it the citizens of the rest of the country or politicians, bureaucrats, they should be treated with dignity and respect. Secondly, I said that if a single child is in danger or is facing any form of violence, it gives me pain. Children should not suffer from violence in any form. I have promised children in Kashmir that I will come again to visit them. So Bharat yatra is just the beginning of my involvement with children in Kashmir. I didnt want to talk about everything on my first visit. But through your medium I want to appeal to parents and to everyone in Kashmir to please spare children from violence. Talking about violence and being a Nobel laureate, what are your thoughts on the situation in Burma? Many children have lost their lives while trying to escape from the country which is being run by a Nobel peace prize winner. The way the Burmese government and my fellow Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi have handled the situation is really painful. It is shameful for the Nobel laureate community. I am the strongest critic of what is happening in Burma. I cant tolerate it. Everybody should be dealt with respect and dignity. It is the moral responsibility of the international community to protect all people, especially children. Many children have drowned while trying to flee from the country. The government has completely mishandled this case which needs to be addressed on the ground. What are your future plans? We are drawing up a five-year plan to end child abuse in the country. Earlier I was thinking of a three-year plan but President of India told me thrice to draw up a road map plan for 5 years. So Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making New India in 2022, but it cant be done without the safety of children (Laughs). Political feathers will certainly be ruffled ~ particularly after the West Bengal governments mini-victory in the Calcutta High Court ~ yet from a larger perspective the union home ministry does make a valid point when asking the state governments to upgrade their police forces and not remain overly-dependent on the Central Armed Police Forces. The circular issued by North Block is correct when asserting that the Central paramilitary is no substitute for local forces. The issue, however, is more political than professional: state governments have consistently diverted funds earmarked for police improvement because they are aware of the back-up available from the CRPF and other agencies. It is no less true that many state governments are reluctant to deploy their own forces in complex situations lest there be a political backlash, and plead helplessness, staff shortages etc only to pass the buck on to the Centre. Without entering into any value judgment on the situation in Darjeeling, it is a moot point if Mamata Banerjee would have taken such a tough stand had the CRPF not been available to curb the Gorkhaland agitators. In a more general sense, after abdicating their responsibilities and demanding huge numbers of paramilitary, state governments then allege political discrimination ~ not that the charge is always entirely invalid. Politicking apart, it is often overlooked that that CAPF are terribly overworked, moving from one assignment to another ~ or permanently deployed tackling militancy in J&K, the Maoist insurgency in Central India and the restive frontier areas in the North-east. The men and women do show signs of strain, more so because they are often perceived as outsiders, operate with limited intelligence inputs, and often do not get full support from the local cops. To one day be asked to quell a riot, and help conduct a peaceful election another is a tall order. Hence there is need to appreciate the stance taken in the circular that CAPFs cant substitute the state police as their deployment is related to emergency crises. No doubt state governments will deem every difficult situation an emergency crisis: perhaps a detailed account of the number of CAPF personnel deployed on their various tasks will put things in meaningful perspective. It might help the courts when directing such deployment, a holistic view is preferable. While the ministry has advocated setting up committees to assess situations before seeking Central forces, a re-look at the way states pay for Central forces is also overdue. It would also help if North Block acted in a less politically partisan manner. The prevailing climate of confrontation between ruling and opposition parties militates against objective functioning. The nation has been in election mode since 2014, and is likely to remain so till 2019 ~ and maybe thereafter too. Governance is the obvious casualty Bangladesh-Myanmar border areas are teeming with Rohingya refugees now numbering well over half a million. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has elevated her stature several notches by organising massive humanitarian assistance and supply of relief material to the arriving refugees. This is not because they are Muslims but because she has improved her own image by demonstrating to the world that she is now a statesman and not merely a run-of-themill politician finishing off her political adversaries, trying war criminals and executing them. She has undoubtedly derived immense political mileage out of the refugee situation. A few days ago I was in Dhaka in connection with a conference and tried to get a first-hand assessment of the security situation vis-a-vis the Rohingyas. The security challenges are enormous and need close watch as the huge numbers of Rohingya Muslims remain vulnerable to extremist forces who are bent upon radicalising a section of them to indoctrinate and push them towards ISIS or Al Qaeda ideology to destabilise the Hasina government and eventually abet terror in the fragile region, already reeling under security threats. In Myanmar, we know of a segment of Rohingyas collaborating with a Bangladesh based terror group Jamai tul Mujahdeen Bangladesh (JMB) for training and subsequent infiltration inside Bangladesh to embark upon acts of extremism. Meanwhile, reports indicate involvement of Lashkar e Taiba ( LeT) in training disgruntled Rohingya refugees. Both of Lashkars front organisations, Jamaat ud Dawa and Fala-I-Insaniyat Foundation, are reportedly active among Rohingya youth under the cover of relief and rehabilitation operations. Security experts also warn that Myanmar, Bangladesh and Indias eastern states must be closely watched as they seem to be on the verge of experiencing a sudden spurt in Islamic militancy. There are also credible reports received from a section of the intelligence fraternity that the newly known outfit Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army( ARSA) is active under the leadership of Hafiz Tohar, chief of its military wing. ARSAs nexus with LeT is more or less established. Tohar had earlier set up the Aqa Mul Mujahdeen ( AMM) and was trained in Pakistan after being inducted by one Abdul Qadoos Burmi chief of the Harkatul-Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI-A). Subsequently, Tohar integrated his outfit into ARSA and is suspected to be behind the attacks on Myanmarese security forces in October last year and in August this year. Whats also worrying, as per intelligence reports, is that refugee camps in certain areas are becoming hunting grounds for terror organisations. Recently, new cadres have been recruited from among the Rohingya community in Rakhine state and in camps in Bangladeshs Coxs Bazar. In the meantime, highly placed sources in the security establishment have indicated that an officer of the rank of Major of the Pakistani Army (possibly from the ISI), has been earmarked to oversee recruitment and training thereby once again proving the Pakistani role in fomenting terror preceding radicalisation programmes directed principally against Bangladesh. Amid these ongoing developments, external powers have evinced keen interest in the scene in Bangladesh emanating out of the Rohingya crisis. In this regard, it was quite surprising to note that Mrs Erdogan, the Turkish Presidents wife, was perhaps the first to visit the refugee camps, providing handsome aid to the refugees and expressing sympathy with the Bangladesh government and the refugees. In addition, President Erdogan came to notice as the first Head of State of any country to criticise Myanmar for its excesses against Rohingyas, and out of sheer Muslim solidarity, coming to the help of the refugees and Bangladesh. It must not be forgotten that the same Erdogan has always been a bitter critic of Hasina, having condemned her time and again for trying war criminals and executing them. Thus there appears to be more to Erdogans actions than meets the eye. Pro-Saudi, Wahabi elements, in the meantime, accuse Erdogan of jumping into the crisis in haste in an attempt to radicalise Rohingya Muslims with the tenets of the Muslim Brotherhood replacing the Wahabi school of thought currently suspected to be in vogue with Rohingya Muslims. It would seem therefore that Turkey to outsmart Saudi Arabia is trying to draw attention of the Muslim community to phase out Wahhabism in the region. The Turkish Saudi ideological battle appears to have found a new theatre in Bangladesh. It would be naive to think that Erdogan and others are interested only in humanitarian assistance. Other than external powers, media agencies too are drawn towards the present imbroglio. It is evident to them that this crisis will last for long. All this means that Bangladesh and Indian intelligence must be on guard. Bangladesh security and intelligence agencies are on full alert and it is presumed that India too is on board jointly tackling the radicalisation and terror menace. Cooperation between the two countries must be taken forward to yield tangible results from the security point of view. It may be known that after a couple of months, Bangladesh will hold one of the biggest congregations called Vishwa Itzema a gathering of lakhs of Muslims from all over the world. Against the backdrop of the Rohingya development, extra vigil is needed to look out for those elements of the Tabligi Jamaat attending this congregation who espouse terror. Largely, the congregation is of innocent pious Muslims but possibility of undesirable individuals or groups sneaking in cannot be ruled out. This must be countered and will be a major challenge even with Bangladeshs capabilities. Judging from all the factors discussed here, extra and abundant caution seems essential to ensure deradicalisation and security of Bangladesh. It is particularly imperative as long as Rohingyas are on Bangladesh soil and the nexus of some of them with Pakistan continues. Humanitarian issues and aid should not be mixed up with the challenges of security faced by Bangladesh. We are going through a period of turbulence in terms of Islamic terrorism. That has to be tackled separately and effectively. (The writer, a retired IPS officer and security analyst, was posted in Dhaka and has followed Bangladesh developments for many years. The views are personal.) Cases of burns were down by 50 per cent this Diwali after the apex court banned the sale of firecrackers during Diwali this year. By Priyanka Sharma: Burn injuries from firecrackers have seen a dip this year by at least 50 per cent in Delhi-NCR post Diwali celebrations. Till last year, city hospitals used to witness hundreds of burn patients during Diwali, but this time, the ban on sale of firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR has apparently resulted in lesser cases of burns, said doctors. While All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) RP Eye Centre has received nearly 28 patients with burn injuries in the last 24 hours, last year Mail Today had reported at least 110 patients with severe eye burn injuries. advertisement "Nineteen of 28 patients need ocular surgical treatment in the last 24 hours. Last year, we reported about 110 people on Diwali night after suffering burns in their eyes and our doctors performed evisceration surgeries which are rarely done. Cases are comparatively less this time," Dr Atul Kumar, chief of AIIMS RP Eye Centre told Mail Today. Centre-run Safdarjung Hospital and RML Hospital received 50 and 29 patients respectively. Safdarjung had received 110 burn patients last Diwali, a senior doctor said. "At least, 50 patients had come with burn injuries. Five of them were admitted and rest given first aid and released," Poonam Dhanda, PRO, Safdarjung Hospital. RML Hospital receives over 100 burn cases during Diwali every year. "We received just 29 patients of burn, of which one patient is in ICU. This patient suffered 30 per cent burns on his body. Trend is 50 per cent less this year," informed (Prof ) Dr VK Tiwari, Director, RML Hospital. While Sir Ganga Ram Hospital received 15 cases of burns, including five children, LNJP Hospital received 10 patients. --- ENDS --- Despite robust posturing, Pakistan appears to be caving in to American pressure. President Trump, in his first prime-time address, announced his policy towards Afghanistan and South-east Asia. He hit out at Pakistan for providing safe haven to what he called the agents of chaos that killed Americans in Afghanistan. He warned that Pakistan has much to lose by harbouring terrorists and then publicly articulated what his predecessors had said in private. He also announced that US troops would remain in Afghanistan without a timeframe. Before this stinging indictment of Pakistan, President Trump had received a report jointly compiled by scholars and experts from Asia Foundation Centre, Heritage Foundation, and Hudson Institute. The report advised the President to state that he intends to review the intelligence of Pakistans involvement in supporting terrorism much more critically than his predecessors. The group acknowledged that there is no silver bullet that can change the decade-old Pakistan policy of supporting terrorists. But the administration must make it clear that Pakistans status as a major non-NATO power would be in serious jeopardy, unless it supports US objectives relating to counter-terrorism. Initially the report was greeted with bitterness and anger across the Radcliffe Line. The military brass, including the Pakistans Army Chief, as well as political leaders and clerics have said that the US has not appreciated Pakistans contribution in the war against terrorism. They have criticised the US for bullying Pakistan, despite its history of cooperating with America in conflicts. Raza Rabani, the leftleaning Chairman of the Pakistan Senate, invoked the legacy of Vietnam and said that Trump will transform Pakistan into a graveyard for American troops. Fears have been expressed that India, the US and Afghanistan are trying to destabilise and destroy Pakistan. China, its allweather ally, as expected, has stepped forward to defend Pakistan. Chinese Foreign Ministrys spokesman Hua Chunying has iterated that Pakistan is in the frontline in the fight against terrorism and has contributed its share in the task of upholding peace and stability in the region. The key question that arises is whether America is now serious and decisive in taking on Pakistan and then carry out the threats advanced by President Trump. Earlier, President Obama had told his advisers in 2009 that we need to make clear to people that the cancer is in Pakistan, sending its CIA Chief and National Security Adviser to deliver the message. The Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, had warned in 2011 that you cant keep a snake in your backyard and hope that it will bite your neighbour. The situation this time appears to be somewhat different. Military strategists and experts are of the view that infusion of more American troops in Afghanistan will not serve any purpose, if Pakistan continues to harbour and support the Afghan Taliban. America has already started tightening the screws on Pakistan. It has given the country a taste of his financial vulnerability by banning operations of Habib Bank in the US. This bank is one of Pakistans leading financial institutions. The Trump administration has also indicated to Pakistan that it has other weapons in its armoury like stripping the country of its status as a non-NATO ally and then impose a ban on suspected ISI activists engaged in undercover operations in America. Further, if the US declares Pakistan as a terror state, it will dry up billions of dollars by way of IMF loans and Pakistans access to global finance. There is also the possibility of a western visa ban. Many of Pakistans senior political and military leaders own prime property in London and in the US. When things get difficult in their own country, they camp in the West. Many civilian leaders believe that by supporting the terrorist groups at the bidding of the army and ISI, Pakistan is isolating itself from the international community and hurting its own interest. Trump and his advisors are further annoyed with Pakistan whose nuclear secrets and their passage to North Korea are being recalled against the present backdrop of the missile tests and other antics by the North Korean dictator. Apologists for Pakistan in the Pentagon and the State Department have argued that excessive might eventually posit Pakistan in Chinas camp. But China will not be able to do much to stave off the financial meltdown if the US decides to effect a squeeze. Beijing is also concerned over the growing ascendancy of the jihadis in Pakistan. However, the nub of the matter is that as China challenges the post-Cold War global order, Pakistan has become its indispensable ally. Andrew Small in his well researched book, China-Pakistan Axis ~ Asias New Geopolitics has pointed out that an alliance between Pakistan and China has now become stronger and Beijing wants Islamabad to o play its role that China wants it to play. Another matter of concern for Pakistan is that America now wants India to play an important role in Afghanistan. The prospect of India with a major footprint in Afghanistan has alarmed Pakistan, according to Michel Kugelman of the Wilson Centre. Pakistan fears that its eternal enemy, India, might use Afghanistan as a base to meddle in Pakistans affairs, notably by extending support to the separatists in Balochistan. No wonder Pakistan supports groups like the Haqqanis that promote Pakistans interest of keeping India at bay in Afghanistan. The US Defence Secretary, Jim Mattis, in his testimony before the American Senate has said that he is prepared to give Pakistan one last chance and the US has an enormously powerful number of weapons if Pakistan does not follow through and be a better promoter of stability in the region. Pakistans civilian leaders are willing to cooperate with America and change its policy of coddling the terrorists. Foreign Minister Khwaja Asif during his visit to the USA reportedly admitted that these terror groups have become liabilities, but Pakistan is finding it difficult to control the monsters that it has created. He also said that if the US provides evidence of Haqqani networks operating in Pakistan, the latter will take steps to destroy them. Now Islamabad has helped to secure the release of an American-Canadian couple in terrorist custody in Afghanistan with a view to ingratiating itself to Washington. It remains to be seen if this is just a face-saving and self-serving exercise and the Pakistan army is really willing to dump the Haqqani network which has been viewed as the fighting arm of the ISI. President Trump has lauded Pakistans cooperation but it remains to be seen how far the country is playing a double game as before. It cannot completely dump them because of the fear that the Afghan Taliban will join hands with the Pakistani Taliban (Tahreek-i-Taliban) and create major problems for the army. ISI may try the familiar ruse of asking them to lie low till the storm blows over. Hence strict American surveillance is needed to ensure that Pakistan gives up the perfidious game of speaking and acting differently. As regards the Laskar-eToiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad , Pakistans policy will remain unchanged. The army is now trying to bring them to the mainstream. Milli Muslim League (MML) the political front of Hafiz Saeed led Jamat-ul-Dan has applied for registration as a mainstream political party. Pakistan intends to release Hafiz Sayeed from house arrest, and hence for India there will be no respite from cross-border terrorism. (The writer is Senior Fellow, Institute of Social Sciences; former Director-General, National Human Rights Commission; and former Director, National Police Academy) Huawei has unveiled its flagship Mate 10 and Mate 10 Pro smartphones at an event in Germany. The Huawei Mate 10 features a 5.9-inch Quad-HD (1440 x 2560 pixels) 2.5D curved glass display. Inside it packs an octa-core HiSilicon Kirin 970 10nm SoC with i7 co-processor coupled with 4GB of RAM. On the other hand, the Huawei Mate 10 Pro packs a big 6-inch FHD+ FullView 18:9 OLED display with ultra narrow bezels, like the Samsung Galaxy S8. The Mate 10 Pro is powered by same octa-core HiSilicon Kirin 970 10nm SoC with i7 co-processor, but with a 6GB of RAM instead of 4GB. Both, Huawei Mate 10 and Huawei Mate 10 Pro run Android 8.0 Oreo-based Emotion UI (EMUI) 8.0 on top. Both also pack the same Leica dual-lens camera with 12MP RGB sensor + 20MP monochrome sensor. The big highlight of the rear camera is 2x Hybrid Zoom, dual-tone LED flash, laser auto focus, optical image stabilization (OIS) and Huaweis own dual ISP. On the front, both pack an 8MP front-facing camera with f/2.0. Huawei Mate 10 full specifications 4G VoLTE dual-SIM, Android 8.0 (Oreo) with EMUI 8.0, Splash resistant (IP53) 5.9-inch Quad-HD (1440 x 2560 pixels) 2.5D curved glass display Huawei Kirin 970 octa-core + i7 co-processor 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, expandable up to 256GB 12MP (RGB) + 20MP (Monochrome) dual-rear camera 8MP front-facing camera Fingerprint sensor, Infrared sensor 4000mAh battery with USB Type-C fast charging Huawei Mate 10 Pro full specifications 4G VoLTE dual-SIM, Android 8.0 (Oreo) with EMUI 8.0, Splash resistant (IP53) 6-inch Full-HD+ 18:9 (1080 x 2160 pixels) FullView 2.5D curved glass display Huawei Kirin 970 octa-core + i7 co-processor 4GB/ 6GB RAM, 64GB/ 128GB storage, expandable up to 256GB 12MP (RGB) + 20MP (Monochrome) dual-rear camera 8MP front-facing camera Fingerprint sensor, Infrared sensor 4000mAh battery with USB Type-C fast charging The Huawei Mate 10 is priced at EUR 699 (Rs. 53,000 approx.). It will be available starting late October in over 15 countries, says company. The Huawei Mate 10 Pro comes is priced at EUR 799 (Rs. 61,000 approx.) for the 6GB RAM with 128GB storage variant. Huawei says that Mate 10 Pro will be available starting mid-November in over 20 countries. An anti-corruption court on Friday indicted ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a third graft case related to Flagship Investments and other offshore companies. The National Accountability Court charged Sharif in absentia for holding assets beyond his known sources of income and read out a chargesheet to his representative Zafir Khan. Khan pleaded not guilty on behalf of Sharif, who is currently in London tending to his ailing wife Kulsoom Nawaz undergoing cancer treatment. Sharifs sons Hussain and Hassan were declared absconders for their absence from the court hearings, Dawn online reported. It was one of the three cases of corruption and money laundering against Sharif registered by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on September 8 in the light of Supreme Court orders in the Panama Papers case. The apex court had disqualified Sharif from holding office on July 28. He will be returning to Pakistan on October 22 and vowed to contest the charges levelled against him. On Thursday, the former Premier was indicted in the Azizia Steel Mills as well as in the Avenfield properties cases while charges against his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Captain Mohammad Safdar were framed in the Avenfield case. Sharif has now been charged in all the three corruption cases filed against him. Hassan and Hussain were named co-accused in all the three cases but their trial would be held separately. The Sharif family pleaded not guilty to the charges, claiming that they were denied the fundamental right to a fair trial. According to Sharif, the apex courts directions to conclude the trial within six months and the appointment of a monitoring judge to supervise the trial was against constitutional provisions that ensured the dignity of citizens and the right to fair and transparent proceedings. Maryam Nawaz said that the allegations against her were based on a frivolous report, prepared by a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) with mala fide intentions, adding that the report itself was a mockery of justice. We have been denied the right to a fair trial, which is a fundamental right for every citizen and the former Prime Minister and his family are not exceptions. The court adjourned the hearing of the Avenfield properties and Azizia Steel Mills references until October 26 and directed the prosecution to produce its first witness at the next hearing. The former Prime Minister had earlier filed a petition in the apex court, challenging the filing of multiple graft cases against him by the countrys anti-corruption watchdog. The United Nations has tremendous potential but has been underutilised over the years, US President Donald Trump said on Friday as he welcomed chief of the world body to the White House for a meeting. The meeting between Trump and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to focus on Trumps reform agenda, the Iran nuclear deal, Middle East peace prospects and global extremism. I have to say the United Nations has tremendous potential. It hasnt been used over the years nearly as it should be, Trump told reporters as he met Guterres in his Oval Office. We have just started, he said, adding that the world body is almost a power to bring people together like nothing else. It hasnt been used. You are starting to really get your arms around it, and I have a feeling that things are going to happen with the United Nations like you havent seen before, he said. Trump praised Guterres for his efforts to reform the world body. I am a true believer that we live in a messy world, but we need strong reforms, a modernised UN, we need a strong United States engaged, based on its traditional values freedom, democracy, human rights, and we need a very solid cooperation between the US and the UN, Guterres said. Trump said in September that the UN had not reached its potential because of bureaucracy and mismanagement. He had called upon the UN to change business as usual and not be beholden to ways of the past which were not working. He also suggested the US was paying more than its fair share for UN operations. Montreal, CA (H4T1V6) Today Cloudy skies. Temps nearly steady in the low to mid 30s. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Cloudy with light snow developing after midnight. Low 31F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 90%. Snow accumulations less than one inch. Have you been high on energy over the last month of festivities? It's time to make amends. The festive might be over but your happiness need not end. Photo: Pexels By India Today Web Desk: If you say you haven't over-indulged during Diwali, you're either in denial or have a very strong will-power. With sweets, parties and shopping, the buildup around Diwali and other festivals is the stuff dreams are made of especially for those enthusiastic people who believe in celebrating it to the fullest. Be it binging on fried snacks and alcohol, staying up late at night or missing gym sessions--we've all been there, done that. But what now? advertisement The day after Diwali leaves everyone gloomy-- the infamous post-festive blues, as you may call it. It makes you realise that the festive season has taken a toll on not only your health, but also on you skin and hair. Also Read: Divyanka Tripathi, Shilpa Shetty and others teach you how to dress fabulously this Diwali But you don't need to worry! Make these easy lifestyle changes and help your body, health and mind get back on track. Here are 5 ways to fight those post-festive blues: 1. Get enough sleep After the festivities are over, it's highly recommended that you go back to your daily sleep routine. Make up for the sleep that you've lost while staying up late partying or celebrating. To emphasise upon the importance of sleep will be stupid, but we still will. Sleep is the best way to get rid of low-energy, Lack of sleep can also make you more prone to stress and anxiety. Picture courtesy: Pexels 2. Resume your workout sessions It's understandable that your fitness regime goes for a toss during Diwali and that finding time to exercise during the festive rush isn't easy. But combining oily and calorie-rich foods with no exercise can be dangerous for your overall health. So now that Diwali is over, it is time to get going since you probably will have to work extra hard to shed those extra kilos that you've piled on during this time. Start with brisk walks for short distances, climbing stairs or stretching at regular intervals before you get back to your gym schedule. Picture courtesy: Pexels 3. Get back to mindful eating After pouncing on the oil-rich food items and calorie-laden sweets, it's now time to cut back anything that is deep-fried or extremely sweet. The vicious cycle of overeating and feeling guilty should be countered by going easy on oil and sugar for some days. It is better to avoid heavy meals and food rich in carbohydrates. An increase in the intake of fibre and fruits is highly recommended. Picture courtesy: Pexels 4. Go for a post-Diwali salon/spa treatment The festivities Diwali can leave your skin tired and hair under-nourished. The main reason? The little attention paid to them during the festive season. Many salons and spas offer post-Diwali treatments that can help in detoxifying your skin and rejuvenating your body--both physically and mentally. Foot treatments, facials or a simple oil massage can make you feel pampered and relaxed, thereby, boosting your detox routine. Picture courtesy: Pexels Picture courtesy: Pexels advertisement Also Read: Hold your breath, because Justin Trudeau is celebrating Diwali dressed in a kurta 5. Complete your pending tasks With festivities in full-swing one obviously has a lot of things to take care of. Under such circumstances, keeping a track of your personal and professional tasks becomes next to impossible. You tend to put things on hold due to the festival season--but now that it's all over, it's time to wind up those incomplete tasks. Picture courtesy: Pexels Getting accustomed to work again makes you feel anxious as you are not out of the festive mode. The solution--take it slow, but make sure you complete all your work. So keep your detox routine in place because the wedding season is knocking at your door already! --- ENDS --- Patnaik's close aides say that to understand him, one has to understand his empathy By Pratul Sharma/Photos Sanjay Ahlawat Right now the European Union is united on one thing above all: to get Britain to pay as big a divorce bill as possible when it exits the EU. But while money will unite leaders at this weeks European summit, it will divide them after Brexit. The British government once hoped that the October 19-20 meeting would be the moment when the Brexit negotiations could move on to discuss trade. That aspiration now seems hopeless. European leaders look set to insist on further delay until there is more progress in the first stage of talks, above all in reaching agreement on how much Britain will have to pay to settle its obligations when it leaves. Political discord at the heart of the British government and the weakness of Theresa May following the loss of the Conservative majority in the general election have undoubtedly been hampering negotiations. Not unreasonably, European leaders worry about striking a deal with someone who might not be prime minister when Britain leaves the EU in 17 months time. The EU holds the strongest cards because what matters most for Britain is its future trading arrangements with the huge market on its doorstep. The deadline under the Article 50 withdrawal procedure increases the EUs leverage since Britain must leave with or without a deal in March 2019 (unless the 27 European states agree unanimously on an extension). Despite hyped-up talk in London about preparing for no deal at all, Britain will do its utmost to avoid what would be a ruinous outcome, grounding flights to Europe and causing long hold-ups at border crossings, such as Dover on the south coast of England. If economic size and time favor the EU, the British governments strongest card is money - one that it has played in various guises for centuries with its continental neighbors - and it is naturally reluctant to show its full hand too early. Even so May has already made an important concession. As part of the transition period of around two years that she called for in her emollient Florence speech last month, Britain would continue to pay in to the EU budget to ensure that none of the member states was out of pocket owing to the decision to leave. These net payments of around 10 billion ($11.8 billion) a year would fix the immediate problem facing the EU, the hole that would otherwise open up in its finances during the final two years of its current budgetary framework, which runs from 2014 to 2020. But that extra money from aligning Britains effective date of departure with the end of the EUs budgeting plan will not be enough, for two reasons. One is the way the EU in effect borrows from the future, by making spending commitments that it pays for later. In principle, the EU cannot borrow to pay for expenditure. But, through its accounting procedures, the EU can and does commit it to spending that will be paid for by future receipts from the member states. What this means is that even after 2020 there will still be payments due on commitments made under the current seven-year spending plan. That pile of unpaid bills, eloquently called the reste liquider (the amount yet to be settled), is forecast to be 254 billion ($300 billion) at the end of 2020. Estimates of what Britain might owe towards this vary, but taking into account what might have been spent on British projects it could be around 20 billion ($23.6 billion). On top of that and the second main reason why the EU is holding out for more the EU has liabilities, notably arising from the unfunded retirement benefits of European staff estimated at 67 billion ($79 billion) at the end of 2016, which it is expecting Britain to share. Even taking into account some potential offsets from its share of assets, Britain may face a bill of between 30 billion ($35 billion) and 40 billion ($47 billion) on top of the 20 billion ($23.6 billion) paid during the transition period. Although money is Britains strongest card in the negotiations, there are political limits to the amount that the government can stump up. Brexit campaigners used inflated figures to exaggerate the money that could supposedly be switched into the health service from Britains contribution to the EU. That means the reality of having to pay a large exit bill could be electorally toxic. Yet in order to secure what really matters for Britain access on reasonable terms to the huge European market Mays government will have to confront the public with this cost. The British predicament is so extreme and rifts between Conservative ministers over how much ground to concede so acute that a breakdown in the negotiations is conceivable later this year. With so much attention focused on the political drama playing out in London, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that the EU will face a harsh budgetary future even with a substantial divorce settlement. Indeed the insistence that Britain pay up is a sign of the strains that will come to the fore after the transition period ends. The EU will lose one of its big net contributors, the second largest after Germany in 2015. The EUs budget of around 1 per cent of GDP is in any case puny given the scale of its ambitions. Those hoping for greater generosity on the part of the remaining rich countries are likely to be disappointed. With German Chancellor Angela Merkel weakened following her poor performance in the federal election, Germany will be even more tight-fisted than before in its efforts to avoid anything that smacks even faintly of a transfer union. Yet if the poorer countries receive less, that will sharpen the north-south divide that emerged so starkly during the euro crisis when countries such as Finland resented having to contribute to bailouts especially to Greece while southern states smarted at the imposition of austerity. And it will exacerbate tensions with eastern countries such as Poland that are big beneficiaries from the EU budget. Both Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, and more important French President Emmanuel Macron, have recently set out plans to reboot Europe. But these grand visions will count for little unless they are matched by the solidarity of hard cash. At present the EU can make common cause in pursuit of Britains exit bill. But once Britain leaves, the bickering over money will begin and the push toward a stronger union could be tougher than ever to achieve. --Reuters By PTI: By Lalit K Jha Washington, Oct 21 (PTI) Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has introduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives recognising the religious and historical significance of the festival of lights, Diwali to millions of Indian-Americans. The resolution was introduced yesterday and has the backing of five other lawmakers. Co-sponsored by Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Tulsi Gabbard, Ami Bera and Joe Crowley, the resolution has been sent to the House Foreign Relations Committee for necessary action. advertisement While Bera, Jayapal, and Khanna are Indian-American lawmakers, Gabbard is the first Hindu lawmaker in the US Congress and Crowley is a top Democratic Congressman. "Im proud to introduce this resolution recognising Diwalis religious and historical significance for millions of Indian-Americans," Krishnamoorthi said. For Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains in the United States and across the world, Diwali represents a time for giving thanks, and celebrating the triumph of light over darkness as well as good over evil, he said. Noting that this year many members of the Congress will celebrate Diwali in the US Capitol for the first time, the resolution expresses its "deepest respect" for the Indian- Americans and the Indian diaspora across the world on the occasion. It acknowledges and supports the relationship of collaboration and respect between the US and India, and recognises and appreciates the religious diversity in both the countries and throughout the world. In a separate statement, the Republican National Committee (RNC) chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and co-chair Bob Paduchik wished the "Hindu, Jain and Sikh friends a happy festival of lights." "During the festival, we hope those who celebrate are surrounded by family and friends as they practice the religious traditions of this meaningful holiday," she said. "The lightening of diya on Diwali is a joyful celebration of the triumphant victory of light over darkness. We as Republicans embrace and continue to support religious freedom in our great country and encourage sharing these traditions with our very diverse communities," McDaniel said. For Congressman Gregory W Meeks, Diwali is the "boldest, brightest, and the most widely-observed Hindu festival." "Diwali affords individuals ... an occasion to reflect on what they are doing to enlighten, to open, and to lift themselves, their families, neighbours, friends, communities, and country into the bright light of peace, progress, and prosperity for all people and all nations," he said. "This is why Diwali is for everyone to let the light of awareness shine within themselves and from themselves outward to others," Meeks added. Another Congressman John Sarbanes said: "By lighting the diya, or lamp, Diwali reminds us that the good will outlast evil, that knowledge will triumph over ignorance." advertisement "To all those who are joining in this observance, I wish you and your families a wonderful and heartwarming celebration," he said. PTI LKJ CK --- ENDS --- Actor Tabu says she will not say no to a film with Ajay Devgn as that is the equation she shares with the superstar. The two actors have worked together in films like Takshak, Haqeeqat, Vijaypath, Drishyam and Golmaal Again. "Ajay and I are childhood friends. It is always an added benefit to be working with him. I will not say no to a film with Ajay," Tabu said. "If he ever offers me anything as a director or producer, I will definitely do it. We are teaming up again for a film with Luv Ranjan (producer) and Ajay and everyone thinks I am the right choice for the film," she says. The film, produced by Pyaar Ka Punchnama fame Luv Ranjan, is a romantic-comedy with a fresh and quirky take on urban relationships. It is expected to release late next year. Meanwhile, Tabu has stepped into the Golmaal franchise for the first time and she credits the film's leading men for making the series successful. "The boys and all those who have been regularly associated with Golmaal franchise have made it a brand. It is a very big franchise, it is a non-efforted franchise for me, as it has been already established," she says. "For me it is not so much of a responsibility. The most attractive thing for me was to be a visitor in their house (referring to the sets) and have fun," the actor says. The Golmaal series, helmed by Rohit Shetty, had Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor in all the four parts, while Shreyas Talpade joined the team in the second installment and Kunal Khemu in the third one. "I wanted to experience the vibe of working with so many actors for a film after a long time. It was a nice place for me to explore...that I am not doing a comedy film. I have the most credible part in the film, I don"t have the comic part, but it is an important role. Also, the subject of Golmaal Again is also hatke this time, it has an element of magic and intrigue," Tabu says. The film is set for October 20 release. The Congress on Friday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being "arrogant" over his remarks on redevelopment of the Kedarnath shrine after the flash floods of 2013, saying he has disrespected the people of Uttarakhand and also slammed him for wearing "Italian glasses" at the holy place. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi does baba's darshan wearing an Italian brand Bulgari glasses. Similarly, he promises to develop a 'New India' through those Italian glasses," said Congress spokesperson R.P.N. Singh. "He spoke with arrogance at baba's shrine," he said and added this is the first time somebody gave a speech with his back towards the shrine. Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala, in a video message, said: "By visiting Kedarnath today (Friday), Modiji has not only disrespected people of Uttarakhand but also showed his arrogance." His remarks came after the Prime Minister accused the Congress of rejecting his proposal of redeveloping the Himalayan shrine of Kedarnath after the devastating flash floods in 2013. Firing salvos at Modi, Surjewala asked: "After the 2013 disaster, is it only Modiji who is capable of redeveloping Uttarakhand? Was the work done by the then state government, people and the devotees of Lord Shiva to redevelop Kedarnath a waste? Out of 130 crore people, is none capable of redeveloping Kedarnath other than Modiji?" He said: "When the ruler turns arrogant, then his downfall is very close." He urged the Prime Minister to not disrespect the people of the state, saying: "Lord Shiva does not ask for help, he asks for devotion." "And those who devote themselves towards the Lord get the fruits of their devotion. Modiji should maintain at least some humility at the door of Lord Shiva," Surjewala added. Singh also attacked the Prime Minister for the redevelopment work of the shrine. "After devastating flash floods in 2013, the UPA government formed a Cabinet Committee, which sanctioned Rs 8,000 crore for the redevelopment. Our government had already released Rs 2,200 crore out of the total amount." "This government (BJP) has not released even a ruppee after Rs 2,200 crore was released by the Congress government," he added. Attacking Modi over his remarks that when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, he tried helping in the redevelopment work, Singh said there is no record available in the Uttarakhand Chief Minister's office of such an effort being made. "Modi, as Gujarat Chief Minister, had also said his government had rescued 5,000 Gujarati people. But the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand during that time, Vijay Bahuguna, had mentioned that no other government had worked towards the rescue of the victims. Only the state government was involved in rescue work," he added. Continuing his attack, Singh said: "He also said he is Baba's son. This is just a political gimmick before the elections (Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat)." Slamming Modi for saying that "he is the only person who can work towards redevelopment of the shrine", Singh said "no other person can protect the shrine except Baba Kedarnath". "Everyone can only visit the shrine as a devotee. Even Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi went there as a devotee. One cannot go there as an arrogant person." "He (Modi) also said he went there as the doors of the shrine were in the verge of getting closed. But, he has already closed the doors for the farmers, youth, poor, businessmen by implementing the GST and demonetisation. But, he did not say anything about it." Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Friday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "silence" on the alleged spike in the turnover of a company owned by BJP chief Amit Shah's son Jay, saying he does not speak on the issue nor allows others to speak. "Mitron, Shah-Zade ke bare mein na bolunga, na bolne dunga (Friends, I will not speak about Shah's son nor allow others to speak)," Gandhi said in a tweet. Gandhi apparently punned on Modi's famous lines "na khaoonga, na khane doonga (Will not indulge in corruption nor allow others to indulge in it)." The Congress leader attached a news report on 'The Wire' being barred from writing on Jay Shah to protect his 'right to live with dignity' along with his tweet. The report in a national daily said that an Ahmedabad court last week passed an order barring news website 'The Wire' from publishing any further report on Jay Shah's business turnover. The BJP has often described Gandhi as "yuvraj" for his belonging to the first family of the Congress and being considered heir apparent to the post of party chief. Gandhi has been hitting back since the controversy erupted over Jay Shah's business, referring to him as "Shah-Zada." Gandhi had last week also taunted the BJP, alleging "state legal help" in Jay Shah's legal battle with the news portal. The Congress leader has been relentlessly attacking the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah over a news report that alleged Jay Shah's company's turnover increased 16,000 times in a year after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014. The Congress has sought an inquiry into the issue by sitting Supreme Court judges. The BJP has rubbished the allegation saying Jay Shah's business was perfectly legitimate and legal. The party has also rejected Congress allegations of crony capitalism. Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar, the government's second-most senior legal officer, on Friday said he has stepped down because he was not able to attend to his family and personal matters due to work. "I have resigned due to personal, family issues which I need to attend to and was not able to due to my work," Ranjit Kumar is learned to have written to his colleagues. He denied any rift with the government and told a news channel that "the government is good to me". Ranjit Kumar is considered an expert on constitutional laws, service matters and taxation. He earlier served as counsel for the Gujarat government and was an amicus curiae in several cases in the Supreme Court before he took over as solicitor general in June 2014, weeks after the BJP came to power at the Centre. Among the cases in which he represented the Gujarat government was the 2005 killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh in an alleged staged shootout. The resignation comes over three months after he got an ad-hoc extension of his tenure in June. Earlier, Mukul Rohatgithe government's top legal advisorresigned as attorney general of India in June this year, citing personal reasons. K.K. Venugopal took over as attorney general after Rohatgi stepped down. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a visit to Hindu pilgrim centre Kedarnath, on Friday emphasised on his government's commitment to redevelop the place ruined by flashfloods in 2013. Modi, in his address to the gathering in Kedarnath on Friday, said: "Through the work we are doing in Kedarnath, we want to show how an ideal 'tirth kshetra' (pilgrim centre) should be like, how it should be pilgrim-friendly and the well-being of the priests should be given importance. We are building quality infrastructure in Kedarnath. It will be modern but the traditional ethos will be preserved. We will ensure the environment is not damaged," Modi added. He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for a slew of reconstruction projects in Kedarpuri, including renovation of Adi Guru Shankaracharya's tomb which was devastated in the flash floods. The prime minister said that reconstruction of Kedarpuri, with improved facilities for devotees, will be expensive but there will be no dearth of funds. He assured that the Centre is taking steps to ensure that resources of the mountains are pooled in for development of only the mountains. He said his visit to the place renewed his commitment to serve the nation. The prime minister also attacked the Congress for denying his proposal in June 2013 when he was the chief minister of Gujarat for redevelopment of the revered Himalayan shrine of Kedarnath that was badly damaged in the catastrophic flash floods. "The floods of 2013 had made all of us extremely sad. That time I was not the prime minister, I was the chief minister of Gujarat. I came here to do all that I could for the victims," Modi said while addressing a public meeting here after offering prayers at the Kedarnath temple ahead of its closure for the next six months. "I had met the then chief minister (Vijay Bahuguna) and the state government officials and offered that Gujarat would redevelop Kedarnath. During the meeting they agreed. And I announced it outside in the media. But when the news was flashed on television, and it reached Delhi, the people there (UPA government) panicked and within hours the state government was pressurised to announce that it will redevelop Kedarnath itself," Modi alleged. Modi said after the BJP government came to power in Uttarakhand earlier this year "I understood that the work of Kedaranath redevelopment will be done by us". In June 2013, then Chief Minister Bahuguna and the Congress party had rebuffed Modi's offer for redevelopment of Kedarnath and his Rs 3 crore cheque, which was in addition to a Rs 2 crore his state had donated for rain disaster relief. The Congress and other parties had criticised Modi for trying to be the "Rambo" of rescue. The Congress had alleged he was trying to communalise a natural calamity. Students of the college were given photocopies from a book that lists the "advantages" of dowry, according to its "supporters." The college's PRO said it was opposed to such "obscurantist and oppressive patriarchal" views. Dowry has been illegal in India since 1961. (Image for representation) By Rohini Swamy: "The marriage of ugly girls, who otherwise would have gone without a partner, is made possible by offering (a) heavy amount of dowry." Supporters of dowry think it provides this important advantage, says the author who penned the words above. And believe it or not, the page that contains them was photocopied and distributed to undergraduates at a top Bengaluru college. advertisement Dowry has been illegal in India since 1961. The suggestion that the practice helps "ugly girls" find a match isn't the only one the author attributes to its apologists. For example, they're also said to think it is "a useful and effective method" for "attracting good, handsome, and sometimes unwilling boys for marriage." And that it "may provide self-employment," "increases the status of women" in the family, and is "an opportunity" for "meritorious boys of poor classes to go for higher education and make their future." See for yourself. Professor Kiran Jeevan, the Public Relations Officer of St. Joseph's College, said an investigation was under way. He said the college was "trying to find the root of the problem." "Such views have never been part of the college syllabus. In fact the department and the college are opposed to such obscurantist and oppressive patriarchal views as are contained in the page cited," his statement read. Earlier this year, the Maharashtra government ordered a probe when it emerged that a Class XII sociology textbook read by public school students contained the following lines: "If a girl is ugly and handicapped, then it becomes very difficult for her to get married. To marry such girls, the bridegroom and his family demand more dowry. Parents of such girls become helpless and pay dowry as per the demands of the bridegroom as family." This, the book says, "leads to rise in the practice of dowry system." WATCH | A UNICEF awareness video on dowry --- ENDS --- Secretary of State Rex Tillerson heads to the Middle East, South Asia and Europe this week on a diplomatic mission focused on conflicts in Iraq and Syria and blunting Iranian influence in the region, the State Department said Thursday. Tillerson departs on Friday for travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan and India before returning home through Switzerland on Oct. 27, the department said in a statement. In Riyadh, Tillerson will explore ways of improving relations between Saudi Arabia and Iraq by participating in the first meeting of the two countries new coordination council, it said. That effort, which U.S. officials say Tillerson has pushed for months, is aimed reducing Irans increasing influence in Iraq by encouraging Baghdad to align more closely with Riyadh. Saudi-Iraqi ties have been strained for decades dating back to Saddam Husseins rule and more recently over Iran, Sunni-led Saudi Arabias chief nemesis, which has been playing a larger role in predominantly Shia Iraq, including in the controversy over the Iraqi Kurds recent independence referendum. Tillerson will also meet Saudi officials to discuss their ongoing military campaign against Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen and the crisis between the Gulf Arab states and Qatar. Tillerson has since June been attempting to mediate the dispute between the traditional U.S. partners in the Gulf, two of which host major U.S. military bases. The Qatari capital of Doha will be his next stop, followed by Islamabad and New Delhi. In Pakistan and India, Tillerson will reaffirm the Trump administrations South Asia strategy, which leans heavily on counter-terrorism efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan but also identifies India as one of four democratic anchors in the greater Indian-Pacific Ocean region. The other three anchors are Australia, Japan and the United States. Administration officials say they see the four nations acting as a bloc to counter an increasingly assertive China. In a speech extolling the virtues of U.S.-India relations this week, Tillerson was highly critical of China, accusing it of operating outside global norms as it grows in economic and military might. Syria and other humanitarian crises, like the desperate situation for Myanmars Rohingya Muslim population, will top Tillersons agenda at his final stop in Geneva, where he will meet officials from the U.N. refugee agency, the International Organization for Migration and the International Red Cross. (AP) The owner of Holiday Inn bounced back in the wake of last years terror attacks in Europe and the recent hurricanes that battered the Caribbean and the US with solid third quarter sales. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) boosted its revenue per available room the hospitality industrys preferred performance yardstick by 2.3 per cent in the three months to September, its strongest growth since 2012. In Europe, the figure grew 7.1 per cent, with UK revenues rising four per cent, driven by its brands outperformance, and in France per room rates were up six per cent. Looking up: InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) boosted its revenue per available room by 2.3% in the three months to September, its strongest growth since 2012 Londons hotel bookings have managed to hold up despite the recent spate of terror attacks, with a PwC report citing the pounds weakness as a major factor. That compares to just 0.8 per cent in the Americas, with the FTSE 100 firm saying that hurricanes Harvey and Irma, which devastated large parts of the US and the Caribbean, had a mixed impact. Displacement activity together with the relief and reconstruction efforts benefited our franchise business; but performance across the managed estate was negatively impacted by the cancellation of group bookings at some hotels, the group said. In contrast, European markets such as France and Belgium, which had been hit by a series of terror attacks, including the truck attack in Nice which resulted in 86 deaths, last year grew strongly. Markets previously impacted by terrorist attacks grew strongly, including revenue per available room growth of six per cent in France, and double digit growth in Belgium and Turkey, IHG added. Performance across several markets in Southern Europe was also strong due to increased demand over the summer months. For the year to date, revenue per available room was up 2.2 per cent, the company said. Storm effect: IHG said that hurricanes Harvey and Irma, which devastated large parts of the US and the Caribbean, had a mixed impact after revenue per room increased 0.8% IHG also said that it opened 11,000 new rooms in the period to 786,000 rooms, an increase of 4.1 per cent and its fastest rate since 2010. The firm, which also owns the Crowne Plaza franchise, added that it had signed hotels into its pipeline at the fastest third quarterly rate since 2008. Boss Keith Barr, who succeeded Richard Solomons in the summer, said the firm has made an excellent start with our plans to accelerate the growth of our brands around the world. Looking ahead, despite macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties around the world, we remain confident in the outlook for the remainder of the year, he added. In February, IHG's shares hit a record high after the firm announced a surprise 322million dividend, having posted a 1.8 per cent rise in revenue per room last year. Guy Elliot stepped won from UK Takeover Panel after being charged with inflating coal assets FRAUD CHARGE Former Rio Tinto chief financial officer Guy Elliott has stepped down from the UK Takeover Panel after fraud charges in the US. He was charged by the SEC this week alongside former Rio chief executive Tom Albanese of inflating the value of coal assets in Mozambique and concealing critical information while tapping the market for billions of dollars. Elliott has vowed to vigorously contest the charges. STORM COST The devastation caused by the three hurricanes which swept the Caribbean and US will cost insurer Swiss Re 2.7 billion. Boss Christian Mumenthaler said Harvey, Irma and Maria were extremely powerful. BACKING HAILED Googles parent company Alphabet is throwing its financial muscle behind ride-hailing service Lyft deepening its rift with market leader Uber in which it is a leading shareholder. Alphabet, which gets most of its money from Googles digital ad network, is leading an 800m investment in Lyft that values the privately held company at over 8 billion. LIQUID DEAL The worlds largest oil trader Vitol Group is nearing a deal to buy commodities trading house Noble Groups global oil liquids business, which analysts had valued at nearly 800 million. STATES RETURN Ed Casey, 58, public services provider Sercos chief operating officer, is leaving the company to return to the US after 12 years at the business. BRIBE SENTENCE Three bosses from German freight firm Bertling have been handed 20-month suspended prison sentences for paying bribes in Angola. Joerg Blumberg, Dirk Juergensen and Marc Schweiger were also fined 20,000 and banned as company directors. CAR TROUBLE German car maker Daimler has suffered a 17per cent drop in net profit in the third quarter to 2million despite a 6pc increase in sales revenue to 36.5bn. Violent clashes broke out between the Police and locals today in Samastipur over the killing of a drug dealer and an alleged abduction of a girl. By Rohit Kumar Singh: Violent clashes broke out between the police and locals in Samastipur on Friday over the killing of a drug dealer and abduction of a girl couple of days back. Tension was simmering in Tajpur area of Samastipur for the last two days over both the incidents which led to locals blocking the Samastipur-Patna (NH-28) today. advertisement Angry locals protesting on the NH-28 accused the police for their failure in arresting the criminals involved in the killing of the drug dealer, Janardan Thakur and kidnapping of the girl. Soon after the incident was reported to the police, senior district officials including ASP Aamir Javed and SDO Ashok Mandal reached the spot for talks with the protestors to call off the protest. However, the locals were in no mood for any discussion and attacked them with stones and sticks. Both managed to escape from the spot after they were injured. ASP and SDO are undergoing treatment at the local hospital in Tajpur. Seeing the situation turning further volatile, police personnel from all neighboring police stations were rushed to the spot to control the situation. However, the locals attacked them and pelted stones. The police retaliating to the situation opened fire. 15 rounds were fired in which a local, Jitendra Kumar was shot. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injury. Protestors then attacked the Tajpur police station and torched half a dozen vehicles including a truck. Samastipur SP Deepak Ranjan later came to the spot with further reinforcement and carried out flag march in the area to control the hostile situation. The police also carried out searches in the area to identify and arrest the anti-social elements present in the mob which attacked the policemen. The SP, however, denied that the person who was killed in the firing was killed because of police firing. He said that the firing first began from the side of the protestors to which the police reacted. He said that the person killed in the clashes were because of firing from protestors. VIDEO | Udta Bihar: India Today sting operation shows staggering rise in banned drug seizures --- ENDS --- Sir, Thank you for giving me space in your newspaper to express my views about the Royal Swaziland Police. Many cases have not been concluded under their investigations, why? Does it mean that our police department is not well equipped to investigate cases? What really is the problem? When I watch crime investigations in other countries on television, it makes me wonder why our police in Swaziland are failing like this. Some of the cases I have watched show that there are no leads at all to these cases but the perpetrators are brought to book no matter how long. It could be over 20 years but the culprits are finally brought to book. Here in Swaziland, we normally have clear leads to these cases of people disappearing and murdered but no one is arrested. Quite recently a groom who was about to marry his long time woman and pay lobola suddenly disappeared without any trace. The family members have leads but no one has been arrested and brought to book. The Mvelase case has also gone cold even though the killers were known. I think we need to send people outside the country to train them to investigate because the police investigations are failing in Swaziland. I read in the newspapers that a Limkokwing student disappeared and was found in a pool, dead. Hitherto, two of his close friends died mysteriously but no one has been arrested. Then there is this case of a woman who was murdered in Mbabane while she was about to go on a trip outside the country but to today no one has been convicted. In all the above scenarios, there are clear leads but no convictions. I wonder why we have such situations when we are known to be a Christian nation. The Prime Minister is in charge of the police and he is a known Christian too so things like this should worry him. As citizens we may not know who will be next so something needs to be done. Very worried citizen MBABANE Endlaleni Primary School pupils must have dreaded going to school during harsh weather conditions until Swazi MTN stepped in. The school, situated in Mankayane, was in a terrible state and the mobile company reconstructed it in 21 days. The school was initially constructed in 1948. This was part of MTNs 21 Days of Yello Care. The company was also involved in many other educational projects, and in turn they have won over E1.36 million (US$100 000). The company also won the Integrity Award under the Value Awards. The organisation won the grand prize, outsmarting 21 companies spread across three continents Africa, Asia and Europe. The announcement was made on Wednesday evening by MTN Group President and CEO, Rob Shuter, who arrived in the country on September 1, 2017. The winnings will be re-invested to drive Corporate Social Investment in the country. The 21 Days of Yello Care is an employee volunteer programme implemented from June 1 to 21 each year. As part of this flagship corporate social investment initiative, Swazi MTN staff, in collaboration with partner organisations, leave the comfort of their offices to practically work in different projects, mostly in education. Besides reconstructing the school, which was the companys main project, they also rehabilitated the boys hostel at the School for the Deaf in Siteki, refresher training for Mathematics and Science teachers, and those from special schools. This years 21 Days of Yello Care involved partnership with 21 companies, that contributed different resources which collectively amounted to about E3.5 million. The contributions were in the form of specialised skills, building material and cash. For the first time in the history of the campaign, the Ministry of Education and Training contributed E800 000, while Macmillan, a longstanding partner of the 21 Days of Yello Care, contributed E350 000. During the 21-day campaign, Tibiyo TakaNgwane pledged 30 bursaries estimated at over E600 000, which cover tuition and examination fees over a period of five years. The United States of America (USA) Embassy contributed an offline internet facility known as eGranary Digital Library with over 30 million files worth over E100 000, while Macmillan contributed a digital white board to the School for the Deaf in Siteki, and a mobile library to Endlaleni Primary School. Last year, Swazi MTN was awarded for facilitating the delivery of the best corporate social investment during the 21 Days of Yello Care in southern and eastern Africa. The MTN Foundation joined hands with partners to raise E1.7 million, which was used to improve the content and infrastructure of education in 16 schools. For this excellence, the company was awarded about E400 000, which was invested in this years 21 Days of Yello Care to advance improvements in education, the standing theme for the campaign. NHLANGANO It was a sad day for Nhlangano yesterday as the town woke up to the shocking deaths of two women, who simultaneously increased the statistics of gender-based violence cases. Reports are that both women were allegedly murdered by their lovers, through strangulation and beating within a space of hours in separate incidents. The recent police statistics show that 31 women were murdered in 2016 under crimes of passion, with close to 3 000 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) reported during the same year. One woman was killed at Maseyisini, west of Nhlangano, on Wednesday night, while the other one, who appeared to have also been raped, was murdered in a forest located at Nkoneni, east of Nhlangano. This is despite numerous efforts by the country to put an end to the scourge. The devastating report follows hot on the heels of the shocking death of another woman who was killed and further beheaded allegedly by her husband at Mehlwabovu, just recently. In the first incident, a 22-year-old woman identified as Gcinile Dlamini from Maseyisini, was bludgeoned to death on Wednesday night, allegedly by her lover after the couple picked a quarrel at the mans rented flat. Information gathered was that the man had invited Gcinile, who was a shopkeeper at a local grocery outlet, into the house where he had been hired to look after church instruments at the request of a local pastor. It is believed that after the couple had the misunderstanding, the man, who was apparently armed with a sjambock and what appeared like a plank, struck his girlfriend repeatedly while everyone else was enjoying their sleep in neighbouring flats. Several broken pieces of timber that were found inside the house indicated that the plank was used to hit the woman numerous times until she met her death. Relatives who were able to inspect her body after being called to the scene by the police, said she had several injuries to the head while her face was bruised. Gciniles elder brother, who identified himself as Sanele Dlamini, said she also had visible lacerations around the neck. Other marks were noted on her back. It looked like she was beaten over a long period without anybody coming to her rescue, observed the womans devastated sibling. Her alleged attacker is said to have called his employer to inform him that something bad had happened in the house. By PTI: Washington, Oct 20 (PTI) Eating a mushroom-rich breakfast may result in less hunger and a greater feeling of fullness compared to consuming meat, a study has found. "Previous studies on mushrooms suggest that they can be more satiating than meat, but this effect had not been studied with protein-matched amounts until now," said Joanne Slavin, professor at the University of Minnesota in the US. advertisement "As with previous published research, this study indicates there may be both a nutritional and satiating benefit to either substituting mushrooms for meat in some meals or replacing some of the meat with mushrooms," said Slavin. Since protein appears to be the most satiating macronutrient, researchers wanted to match the amount of protein in the mushroom and meat interventions to essentially control for the influence of protein on satiety. After matching the mushroom and meat by protein content, both ended up containing comparable amounts of calories as well, which is a common way to match interventions in satiety studies. "This new study adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests mushrooms may aid weight management and satiety, and thus contribute to overall wellness," said Mary Jo Feeney, nutrition research coordinator to the Mushroom Council. The objective of the study, published in the journal Appetite, was to assess the differences with satiety and a 10 -day food intake between white button mushrooms (226g) and meat (28g). Participants included 17 women and 15 men who consumed two servings of mushrooms or meat for 10 days. Participants were given either sliced mushrooms or ground beef to consume for a total of 10 days, twice a day. Portion sizes were based on matching the same protein content and similar calorie counts. Results showed a significant difference on satiety ratings between the mushroom and meat consumption. Participants reported less hunger, greater fullness and decreased prospective consumption after eating a mushroom breakfast compared to a meat breakfast. PTI MHN MHN --- ENDS --- By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 20 (PTI) India and Russia today began their first mega tri-services war game involving their armies, navies and air forces with an aim to boost their operational coordination. The Indian contingent includes nearly 450 personnel while the Russian side is being represented by around 1,000 troops in the 10-day exercise Indra. The opening ceremony of the exercise at Vladivostok was marked by tri-services march-past by both the sides, besides display of traditional martial arts by the Indian troops. advertisement "The joint tri-service exercise will be a demonstration of the increasing commitment of both nations to address common challenges across the full spectrum of operations," the defence ministry said in a statement yesterday. In his address at the opening ceremony, Maj Gen ND Prasad, the Indian task force commander, said that the first ever tri-service exercise between the two countries reflects the vibrancy of the continued Indo-Russian strategic partnership, the defence ministry said here. He said with the rich operational experience of Russian and Indian armies in counter insurgency operations, both sides will gain immensely from each other to further develop their capabilities. Lt Gen Solomatin, Chief of Staff, Eastern Military District of the Russian Federation, said that the exercise will further strengthen the relationship between the two defence forces. Lt Gen JS Negi, leader of the tri-services observer delegation, said that the conduct of the first ever tri- service exercise between the two countries is a significant step in mutual cooperation and marks an important milestone in the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He expressed his confidence that the joint training between the two defence forces over the next ten days will help them share their best practices and serve in strengthening mutual confidence and interoperability. The Indian Army, Navy and Air Force have been holding bilateral exercises separately with their Russian counterparts but it is is for the first time that the two countries are carrying out a tri-services exercise. During Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Russia in June, it was decided to "upgrade and intensify" defence cooperation through joint manufacture, co-production and co- development of key military hardware and equipment. A vision document, issued then, had said that both the countries also decided to work towards a qualitatively higher level of military-to-military cooperation. India is already working on significantly ramping up its defence capability and has lined up billions of dollars worth of procurement proposals as part of military modernisation. PTI MPB RT --- ENDS --- This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate In the early hours of Oct. 9, they awoke with a start. Sara Spaulding-Phillips, a retired marriage and family therapist, and her husband Sam Kimbles, a clinical psychologist, were being warned by their Hidden Hills, Santa Rosa neighbors. A fire was close and very dangerous, the neighbors told them, and they needed to get out. The couple, who say they are in their "70s and 80s," heeded the warning. They gathered just a "confused" Mele Kalikimaka their "ancient" cat, called Mele for short as well as cell phones and their laptop before getting into their Subaru to escape. However, when they reached the end of their short driveway, a large tree blocked their exit. Spaulding-Phillips, who recently underwent hip surgery and uses hiking poles to get around, was unable to get over or around the tree. The couple called 911 for help, but Reibli Road, which led to their street, was compromised by fire and downed power lines. They weren't sure a rescue team would be able to reach them. Now Playing: Dash cam video from a Sonoma County Sheriff's deputy shows the intensity of flames as the #TubbsFire entered the area. The deputy was driving down a twisting road that looks like a tunnel of fire as flames were spreading into Sonoma County from Napa County. Video: KSBW "We drove back and forth on our road trying to avoid the flames that engulfed all our neighbors' homes, including ours," Spaulding-Phillips said. Fearing the worst, they began to contact their children and grandchildren to say goodbye. --- The couple's eldest daughter, Victoria Phillips-Larson, heard the soft "ping" sound of a text message on her phone at 2:48 a.m. "This may be goodbye," read a text from her mother. "I love you." "I thought the text I read was a strange sick joke," Phillips-Larson said, but she dialed her mom immediately anyway. Alarmed, she called her whole family and "anyone we could think of." Phillips-Larson's son called shelters in Santa Rosa; her sister and daughter, who live in Oregon, called the local news; her sister in Texas and her brother in Switzerland spoke with their trapped parents on the phone to comfort them while they watched their neighborhood burn down. "We have five children and I called them all to say goodbye," Spaulding-Phillips told SFGATE over the phone. "We did not think we would survive." Still, the couple tried. As propane tanks began to explode, they heeded the advice of their nephew, an EMT, to keep "moving from black spot to black spot ... (where) there's no more fuel for fire." "We said goodbye to each other," Spaulding-Phillips remembers. "We said, 'It's been a good life.'" Courtesy Victoria Phillips-Larson But when the situation seemed the most dire, she said, "some divine force was on our side." "We got a call about an elderly couple in a burning area trapped behind a side street of Reibli Road, five miles outside Larkfield," Santa Rosa CHP Officer Jonathan Sloat recalled to SFGATE. "There were a lot of fallen trees, abandoned vehicles." Sloat's colleague, Officer Ken Enger, had been at the bottom of Mark West Springs Road when he got the call about the couple's whereabouts. As Spaulding-Phillips says, it was there that Enger realized he was the only one who would be able to get to them. At around 4:30 a.m., Enger and Sloat moved close enough to the couple to use the public address system to call out to Spaulding-Phillips and Kimbles. But despite the arrival of the CHP officers, Spaulding-Phillips was unable to walk down to meet them in the street as requested. Still recovering from surgery, they couldn't get her around the tree. "Two strong young men said, 'we're coming to you,' and they climbed over the log," she recalled. As Sloat tells it, he and Enger each got on one side of Spaulding-Phillips and helped walk her, Kimbles and Mele through an already-burned path to their CHP vehicle. They then took the couple and their cat to Kimbles' office in Santa Rosa, where they took shelter for the night. Several days later, Enger moved the couple's Subaru to safety, and later brought it back to them after getting it cleaned up. Courtesy Maricela Garcia "I am grateful that my parents are safe," their daughter Phillips-Larson wrote on a GoFundMe page she started for them, adding to SFGATE that "I'm sure they never imagined having to start over at this time in their lives." As a psychologist, Kimbles went to work the next day to help other locals cope with their own traumas. "We've had a lot of training to deal with crisis," Spaulding-Phillips said of herself and her husband, "but this is the worst thing we've ever been through." The pair are quick to voice their gratitude for family and friends who have extended offers of help and lodging, including their assistant, Maricela Garcia, who has been running errands on their behalf while caring for her own son, affected by asthma. But one of the biggest thank yous goes to the CHP officers who charged into flames to rescue them. "They saved our lives and we are forever grateful," Sara Kimbles said. "We still believe in miracles." Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and six Congress members from New York are pushing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to declare more work is needed on the $1.7 billion PCB cleanup of the Hudson River. In a letter Wednesday to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, Gillibrand and the other lawmakers said the seven-year cleanup, which concluded in the summer of 2015, failed to reach the goals of a 2002 agreement between EPA and General Electric Co. GE dredged about 40 miles of river bottom between Fort Edward in Washington County and Troy in Rensselaer County to remove toxic PCBs. The company had legally dumped PCBs in the river from its former capacitor plants in Fort Edward and Hudson Falls until that became illegal in the late 1970s. The lawmakers' letter criticized a draft EPA report issued this summer that found the cleanup will reach its goals, although it will take five decades or more, and depends in part on a natural degradation of remaining PCBs in the river. That claim has been challenged repeatedly by environmental groups, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, and two other federal agencies responsible for the Hudson the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. While EPA believes dredging goals were reached, the project still left behind more PCBs than originally planned, because PCB levels found in the Hudson turned out to be higher than expected before work started. "The EPA should immediately initiate further cleanup of the upper Hudson and investigate PCB contamination in the lower Hudson," according to the letter. "We call upon you to conclude that the remedy for the entire Hudson River Superfund site is "not protective," and remove the finding that it will be protective." The letter was also signed by Congress members Paul Tonko, an Amsterdam Democrat, as well as members Jerold Nadler, Nita Lowey, Carolyn Maloney, Sean Patrick Maloney, and Eliot Engle. All are Democrats, and represent districts that include the river. In May, Gillibrand, Tonko, Lowey, Engle, and Sean Patrick Maloney wrote a similar letter to Pruitt. The state Department of Environmental Conservation is also pushing EPA to order more dredging, and to investigate PCB contamination in the lower Hudson from the Capital Region to New York City. EPA is currently considering its final report on the project. If federal officials determine that GE met the 2002 targets, EPA could declare the project to be complete, which could absolve GE of potential liability for environmental issues. GE has steadfastly rejected calls for any additional cleanup, maintaining the company lived up to its EPA agreement. The company dredged about 310,000 pounds of PCBs out of the river. Glens Falls The publisher of the Glens Falls Post-Star newspaper will face a judge Monday over complaints that delivery of a free weekly newspaper to people who might not want it is the same as throwing litter on the side of the road. Publisher Robert Forcey will face seven counts of littering in Queenbury Town Court in connection with complaints this summer from people who did not want the weekly left at their homes. The case raises questions over the First Amendment right of newspapers to report and distribute the news, said Diane Kennedy, president of the New York News Publishers Association, which represents newspapers statewide. She said there is a history of politicians using the legal system to harass newspapers whose articles might be critical. "In Albany, when the Knick News was reporting about some of the irregularities on construction and financing of the Empire State Plaza, there were numerous cases of people people stopped for driving while being a reporter," she said. On Friday, Forcey said it appeared that the "newspaper was being targeted, for some reason" by the Warren County Sheriff's Department, which investigated the complaints and sought the summons that was issued by Queensbury Town Justice Michael Muller. He declined to speculate on the motivation behind any potential targeting of the Post-Star. According to reporting in the Post-Star, the sheriff's investigation began in August after Queensbury Supervisor at-Large Rachel Seeber posted on social media that Sheriff Bud York would investigate complaints from people who did not want the weekly left on their property. Seeber's husband, Kevin Conine, is an investigator with the Sheriff's Department, according to the Post-Star. Calls to York and Warren County District Attorney Jason Carusone for comment were not returned late Friday. Last week, York told the Post-Star that the investigation into the littering complaints was done "by the book." Halfmoon The images of murder, rape and mutilation still haunt Jennifer Kobelt. They were shown to her during an apparently unsanctioned brain-activity experiment in August 2016, inside a nondescript commercial building along Route 9 in Halfmoon. The events of that afternoon are seared into her brain. She described them in chilling detail in an interview with the Times Union, and in a complaint filed with the state Department of Health. Kobelt, an aspiring actress who was until June part of the NXIVM organization, was picked up at a nearby residence that afternoon by Dr. Brandon Porter, a licensed medical doctor who worked for St. Peter's Hospital in Albany and has been associated with NXIVM for many years. Kobelt, 28, said she and many others at NXIVM often received medical care from Porter when they were sick with the flu or other illnesses while in the Capital Region doing work for the company. The former restaurant where the unusual experiment took place has been used regularly by NXIVM for years to host training seminars and other events. Kobelt said after Porter parked his car in back of the building, they entered through a kitchen area and walked into a space behind curtains where Porter had set up a television monitor in front a chair. There was no one else there, she said. He asked her to sit down and began attaching electrodes to her scalp before placing what Kobelt said NXIVM associates called the "brain cap" on top of her head. Kobelt said wearing the brain cap was not unusual: She and others had often allowed Porter to monitor their brain activity, usually when they were watching videos of lectures by NXIVM co-founder Keith Raniere. But the experience last year was very different. The physician was typing notes into a laptop computer as Kobelt watched the first video, a scene from the 1998 drama "American History X" in which a black man is stomped to death by a neo-Nazi. "I just remember going into kind of a panic mode. I had never seen this movie before," an emotional Kobelt said in an interview. "I started screaming and crying and just freaking out. ... I didn't understand why he was showing me this. It went to the end of the clip, and I just sat there and I cried." Kobelt said the fictional murder scene was followed by the brutal rape scene from the Jodie Foster film "The Accused," followed by what appeared to be footage from an actual mass murder: women being decapitated and dismembered, seemingly by members of a drug cartel. When it was over, Porter recommended that Kobelt visibly disturbed and distraught should reach out to a NXIVM associate for an "EM," an acronym for a practice called "exploration of meaning" in which a higher-ranking NXIVM official queries a subordinate member in one-on-one counseling, sometimes for a fee. Kobelt said an assistant to Nancy Salzman, a founder and president of NXIVM, had recruited her to take part in the study. Kobelt said neither the assistant nor Porter told her what the study was for or what to expect. No one had her sign any documents acknowledging she had been informed of the details of the study or its purpose, or that she was consenting to taking part. Kobelt said Salzman's assistant told her that she had been instructed to recruit up to 100 people to take part. Details of the bizarre human-brain experiments connected to NXIVM which was described by one expert in a 2012 Times Union story as an "extreme cult" have emerged only in recent months. According to information referenced in a complaint filed with the state by Sarah Edmonson of Vancouver, at least 20 women associated with NXIVM were lured into a "secret" club within the organization that required them to consent to being branded in their pubic area. Edmonson, and another woman also involved with NXIVM, both separately told the Times Union that they were brought into the club and subsequently branded. Edmondson listed two other women in her complaint that she said were branded with her that night. The women said they were never told that the unusual-looking brand was a design that included the initials of Keith Raniere, NXIVM's founder, and Allison Mack, an actress and NXIVM associate whom Edmonson's complaint identified as having "started" the secret women's group with Raniere. Edmondson, who was associated with NXIVM for 12 years, left the organization in June after she learned the brand that she received contained the initials of Mack and Raniere. The osteopath who performed the branding on many of the women, Dr. Danielle Roberts, also works for NXIVM. She worked at St. Peter's Hospital from 2012 to 2015 through an employment agency. Porter, Roberts and Salzman did not respond to numerous requests for comment. A spokesman for St. Peter's said Roberts, who received her New York medical license in 2009, never had any issues during her employment at the hospital. Porter, the spokesman said, "resigned his position" on Wednesday, a day after The New York Times published a story about the branding that also described the brain-activity experiments. The hospital spokesman said St. Peter's was not aware of this work by Porter. In recent months, the state Department of Health dismissed separate complaints filed by Kobelt, who reported Porter's conduct to a professional medical review board, and Edmondson, who filed a complaint against Roberts. In its July 11 response to Edmondson, the state's Office of Professional Medical Conduct directed her to report the allegations to a law enforcement agency because the "issues you describe did not occur within the doctor-patient relationship." The agency provided a similar response to Kobelt in declining to pursue an investigation of Porter's brain study. Dr. Arthur L Caplan, head of the Division of Medical Ethics at New York University School of Medicine in New York City, said he believes the Health Department erred in dismissing the complaints, apparently without investigating the underlying allegations. Caplan said that he was not familiar with this case beyond accounts from the media. But in general, he said, a physician may not conduct human experiments or studies without approval from outside committee or the hospital where they may be assigned, Caplan said. "The doctor can declare anything to be a study, (but) it doesn't mean it's a legitimate study," Caplan said. "If you're doing research... you can't use 'I'm doing research' as an excuse to abuse your patients." A doctor's role in branding multiple women, even if they consented to it, could also fall outside the scope of appropriate conduct by a physician, Caplan said. Edmondson and the woman said the branding ceremony took place in a Halfmoon townhouse, where other female participants held them down while their flesh was burned with a cauterizing iron. Some of the women, who described screaming and crying as the branding took place, said they were not given pain medication. Two of the women said that once the branding was over, Roberts gave them special bandages and advice for treating the burns. "Someone may give you permission to mutilate (them), but that doesn't mean that you can go do that," Caplan said, referring to a physician's ethical obligations. "From the licensing point, having a (doctor) carve off a piece of your body, even with your permission, may not be consistent with medical conduct. ... Doctors have to follow what they think is in the best interest of their patient; they're expected to exhibit professionalism in their conduct." On Tuesday, state Health Department officials told the Times Union they could not comment on the agency's handling of the complaints filed by Edmondson and Kobelt. But the governor's office issued a statement Wednesday evening characterizing the allegations about the brandings and brain study as "disturbing." "Counsel's office will be reviewing this matter to determine if applicable laws, regulations, and procedures were followed ... (and) will determine if further action is warranted," the statement from a spokesman for the governor said. Neither Raniere nor other NXIVM officials replied to numerous requests from the Times Union this week for comment. NXIVM posted a statement on its website Thursday that did not directly address Porter's brain study but referred to the branding ceremonies as part of the activities of a "social group" that the company said was not affiliated with NXIVM or its related companies. "This story might be a criminal product of criminal minds who, in the end, are also hurting the victims of the story," the statement reads. "NXIVM was not able to participate in this story because it painfully held true to the due process of our free world justice system." blyons@timesunion.com 518-454-5547 @brendan_lyonstu This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ALBANY - On Oct. 31, 1517, Martin Luther walked up the front steps of the All Saints Church in Wittenberg, Germany. The monk, scholar and musician nailed to the door 95 Theses - a list of 95 complaints about the Catholic Church, calling for a reform of its practices involving repentance and communication with God. (Luther) believed that as long as you had faith and listened to the Holy Spirit, you would be saved you didnt have to pay money or do good deeds, said Sandy OConnor, vice president of the First Lutheran Church Council in Albany. Luthers defiance sparked 500 years ago a divide within Christianity, which came to be called the Protestant Reformation, and its significance resonates to this day. Not only did Luther challenge foundations of Christian belief, but he also challenged intellectual ideologies, according to India Spartz, head of special collections and archives at Union College. By translating the Bible from Latin (which could only be read by priests and scholars) to German (which could be read by the common person), Luther made religion more accessible and removed the necessity of an intermediary figure for worship. 500 Years of Catholics and Protestants: Where Are We Now? What: Commemorative Program of Reflection and Worship When: 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 22 Where: First Lutheran Church, 181 Western Ave., Albany Admission: Free and open to all. See More Collapse He opened this idea of the individual beginning to think for themselves and forming their own opinions, and that is a seed to the modern idea of a democracy, Spartz said. The Protestant Reformation has this important aspect of what we see in America. Spartz curated an exhibit at Unions Schaffer Library called Reformation, Restoration and Romeyn, running through Dec. 15, which displays four Bibles from the colleges collections: a 1783 Luther Bible, 1653 New Testament, 1428 Latin Vulgate Bible and a Dutch Bible that belonged to Dutch Reformed Minister Dirck Romeyn. The anniversary of the Reformation will be marked in in Albany, which is proud of its ecumenical spirit as opposed to the division the Reformation is known for. Albany congregations are continuing to work together with a program and worship service at First Lutheran Church on Sunday, sponsored by Capital Region Ecumenical Organization and and the Protestant-Catholic Dialogue of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. Bishop Edward Scharfenberger of the Albany Roman Catholic Diocese and Bishop John Stanley Macholz of the Upstate New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America will give a joint sermon. There will be a procession of representatives of a number of Christian denominations who will bring water from their baptismal fonts to pour into a common baptismal bowl, representing the unity of all Christians by their baptism. "Calling it a commemoration is important because we don't celebrate that people split apart, but we commemorate it by having the service together," said Edith Leet, coordinator for CREO. When Leet was a freshman in college, she a Presbyterian and her Catholic roommate decided they wanted to learn about each others religions. They went to their respective church services together, first attending mass at St. Vincent De Paul on Madison Avenue. The priest was saying we have to make greater efforts to bring our fallen Protestant brethren back into the fold, Leet said. And we both laughed because we didnt see each other as being fallen. We had an Ecumenical spirit back in those days without knowing it. When Leet went back to St. Vincent De Paul five years for an event, she told the congregation her story, and everybody laughed because the attitude changed so much in those years. In some places in the country there isnt a whole lot of impetus to work together, said Ian Leet, Edith's husband and co-president of CREO. What happened here has been unique because of the efforts of certain individuals to say, We need to do stuff together. I think Albany is big enough to embrace many congregations and denominations, and is small enough for us to know each so we can work together. The Leets and OConnor stressed the importance of following Jesus Christs original message to worship together. We all have basically the same beliefs but its just the way we practice those beliefs, OConnor said. Christians need to come together to make this world a better place. If youre all splintered groups, you cant do that. Norman Rockwell's three sons are among the plaintiffs who have filed a lawsuit against The Berkshire Museum to halt its plan to sell dozens of artworks from its collection, including two by Rockwell, which he donated to the institution. The museum, located in Pittsfield, Mass., announced plans for the sale in July in order to establish a new endowment fund and bankroll a fundamental overhaul of its mission and direction. Foley Hoag LLP, a Boston-based law firm, sent out a press release Friday stating it has filed a complaint and motion for a temporary restraining order in Massachusetts Superior Court, representing multiple plaintiffs, including Rockwells three sons, Thomas Rockwell, Jarvis Rockwell and Peter Rockwell. The complaint claims that the Museum acted in breach of its financial obligations and trust to its beneficiaries. (Our plaintiffs) believe it would be a disaster for the museum to divest itself of this art collection, said Michael Keating, partner at Foley Hoag. Our lawsuit is directed towards the fact that we dont believe the museum has a legal authority to sell the paintings. Keating said the sale of the art is prohibited by a Massachusetts statute that requires the museum to maintain any gifts it receives for the people of Berkshire County and the general public. Artworks earmarked for sale include pieces by Norman Rockwell, Alexander Calder, Frederic Church, George Henry Durrie, Albert Bierstadt and other artists. Two Rockwell paintings to be auctioned off include "Shuffleton's Barbershop" and "Blacksmith's Boy Heel and Toe (Shaftsbury Blacksmith Shop)," which Rockwell donated with the intent they be permanently displayed at the museum, the complaint adds. Shuffleton's Barbershop is regarded by many art experts as Rockwell's finest painting, according to the news release. The Berkshire Museum did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the lawsuit on Friday. In a July 12 announcement about the planned sale, the museum said these pieces are no longer essential the museums new interdisciplinary programs. Berkshire Museum officials have said the profits from selling these art pieces are needed to fund a $60 million plan to reinvent the institutions mission away from fine art to science and history. Officials have cited decades of financial losses that, in recent years, amounted to million-dollar annual budget shortfalls on a yearly budget of $2.4 million. The institution had struggled with deficits for 30 years, they said, and needed to fundamentally reinvent itself or face closure within eight years. Foley Hoag contests this statement, too. The Museum had not relied on accurate financial data and therefore overstated their financial situation, Keating said. For example, he said, the Museum has not been including the annual 5 percent draw from its roughly $3 million endowment, which is used for operating expenses, as revenue in its income statement. He cited economic analyses that have concluded the Museum could stabilize its finances if it raised $10 millionnot the $50 million its expected to raise from the auction. Were not challenging the museums new vision, Keating said. My clients want the museum to prosper, which is one of the reasons they dont want it to sell the art. MILTON A 28-year-old Milton man was arrested in connection with three separate burglaries that have occurred around town since the beginning of October. The Saratoga County Sheriff's Office says that Trevor J. Hammar, of 667 Geyser Rd, Apt. 11, entered three different homes on different dates and stole computer equipment, cash, cell phones, credit and debit cards, and other items. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SCHENECTADY - Stockade residents seemed generally pleased by what they saw during Thursday's unveiling of the new design for the pump station in Riverside Park. A 12-minute movie shows the pump station from various angles, which Mike Miller, the project manager and engineer, described as a "virtual walk through the park." He and architect, Frank Gilmore, discussed the design and other aspects of the $7.5 million facility. Miller stressed that situating the L-shaped four-story structure, two of them below ground, next to the existing building was done "to minimize the impact to the park footprint." Earlier versions, said Miller, had the building in the west side of the park closer to Governors Lane. They decided to move it after hearing concerns from people who live and work in the historic Stockade neighborhood. "The city leadership really worked hard to listen to the public comments and the community leaders to develop a project that addressed their needs and concerns and respected the park as well as the historic neighborhood," said Miller. He said they also worked with the state Office of Parks, Recreation Historic Preservation on keeping the current pump station, which is a historic building, the focal point. "We designed a structure which complemented the existing structure and worked in unison with it," Miller said. Carol DeLaMarter, president of the Stockade Association, said people want to know what will happen to that building once the new one goes online. She was among a small group who last week got a preview of the new design ahead of Thursday's public gathering. "I was not disappointed in what I saw," said DeLaMarter. "It isn't going to be this gorgeous building. It's going to be pretty utilitarian and won't have elaborate curved windows, but I think it will do what it needs to do visually." The design also features a dry dock enclosure to protect the generator. Last repaired in 2008, the pump station handles about 60 percent of Schenectady's sewage flow. In 2014, the City Council approved a new pump station in the historic district. The $7.5 million project would receive $3 million in state New York Rising funding with the city borrowing the rest. Construction is to get under way next year with the new pump station starting to operate in 2019. Washington Members of Congress demanded answers Thursday two weeks after an ambush in the African nation of Niger killed four U.S. soldiers, with one top lawmaker even threatening subpoenas. The White House defended the slow pace of information, saying an investigation would eventually offer clarity about a tragedy that has morphed into a political dispute at home. Among the unresolved inquiries: Why were the Americans apparently caught by surprise? Why did it take two additional days to recover one of the four bodies after the shooting stopped? Was the Islamic State responsible? The confusion over what happened in a remote corner of Niger, where few Americans travel, has increasingly dogged President Donald Trump, who was silent about the deaths for more than a week. Asked why, Trump on Monday turned the topic into a political tussle by crediting himself with doing more to honor the dead and console their families than any of his predecessors. His subsequent boast that he reaches out personally to all families of the fallen was contradicted by interviews with family members. And then the aunt of an Army sergeant killed in Niger, who raised the soldier as her son, said Wednesday that Trump had shown "disrespect" to the soldier's loved ones as he telephoned to extend condolences while they were driving to the Miami airport to receive his body. Sgt. La David Johnson was one of the four Americans killed Oct. 4 in Niger; Trump called the families of all four Tuesday. In an extraordinary White House briefing, John Kelly, the former Marine general who is Trump's chief of staff, described himself as "stunned" and "brokenhearted" by the criticism of Trump. He also invoked his son serving in Iraq to explain why American soldiers operate in dangerous parts of the world, saying their efforts to train local forces mean the U.S. doesn't have to undertake large-scale invasions of its own. Kelly's other son, Robert, was killed in combat in Afghanistan seven years ago. The deadly ambush in Niger occurred as Islamic militants on motorcycles, toting rocket-propelled grenades and machine guns, seized on a U.S. convoy and shattered the windows of their unarmored trucks. In addition to those killed, two Americans were wounded. No extremist group has claimed responsibility. The attack is under official military investigation, as is normal for a deadly incident. What is abnormal, according to Sen. John McCain, the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is the Trump administration's slow response to requests for information. He said Thursday it may take a subpoena to shake loose more information. Sen. Bob Corker, the Tennessee Republican who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said members of Congress have been provided with some information about the attack, "but not what we should." At the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis pushed back, saying it naturally takes time to verify information about a combat engagement. He promised to provide accurate information as soon as it's available, but offered no timetable. "The loss of our troops is under investigation," he said. "We in the Department of Defense like to know what we're talking about before we talk." Mattis did not offer details about the circumstances under which the Americans were traveling but said contact with hostile forces had been "considered unlikely." That would explain why the Americans, who were traveling in unarmored vehicles with Nigerien counterparts, lacked access to medical support and had no immediate air cover, although Mattis said French aircraft were called to the scene quickly. He said contract aircraft flew out the bodies of three Americans after the firefight. Local Nigeriens found Johnson's body and returned it Oct. 6. It's not clear why Johnson was not found with the three others Oct. 4. Dana W. White, a spokeswoman for Mattis, said Johnson had become "separated." Speaking at a news conference with her, Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, director of the Joint Staff, said he knew more about what had happened to Johnson but was not willing to share it. He said U.S., Nigerien and French forces remained in the area searching for Johnson until he was found, so it would be wrong to say he was "left behind." Mattis said the U.S. has about 1,000 troops in that part of Africa to support a French-led mission to disrupt and destroy extremist elements. He said the U.S. provides aerial refueling, intelligence and reconnaissance support, and ground troops to engage with local leaders. "In this specific case, contact (with hostile forces) was considered unlikely, but the reason we had U.S. Army soldiers there and not the Peace Corps, it's because we carry guns." Thakore, who has spent the last 3 years raising issues such as unemployment, de-addiction and loan-related issues of farmers, says he will leave no stone unturned to defeat the BJP in Gujarat. By India Today Web Desk: The Election Commission will announce the poll schedule for Gujarat any day. However, all eyes are set on the rally organised by OBC, ST and ST Ekta Manch convener Alpesh Thakore in Ahmedabad on October 23. The rally has been named 'Janadesh Sammelan'. Thakore is making his moves quite cautiously but intelligently because the OBCs constitute 54 per cent of the Gujarat population. His first attempt is to present a show of strength in the rally. No wonder, he has claimed that more than 5 lakh people will attend the October 23 rally. advertisement It is expected that Thakore will announce his strategy for the upcoming Gujarat Assembly elections. He says he will leave no stone unturned to defeat the BJP but on several occasions in the past, he has been seen making compromises with the ruling saffron party in the state. It cannot be said with certainty which way will Thakore's OBC politics would turn. He may give some indications in the Monday rally. By claiming that the OBCs are united and he has their solid backing, Thakore may be trying to extract maximum political mileage out of the current situation in the state. He may also try to make his moves in coordination with two other youth leaders - Hardik Patel and Jignesh Mevani - who have recently risen on the political landscape. Twenty-three-old Hardik Patel is the convener of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti while 37-year-old Mevani is leading the Rashtriya Dalit Adhikar Manch. While Patidars make up for 18 per cent of the population while Dalits are 7 per cent. SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THAKORE, HARDIK PATEL Both Thakore and Patel come from Viramgam in Ahmedabad and are considered to be close to each other. The two along with Mevani claim that they are in a position to swing elections against any party on 120 of the 182 Assembly seats. Though the three claim of unity, there are some inherent contradictions in their ideology and stand. Patel is adamant on demanding reservation for Patidars under the OBC category either in the existing quota or from outside. Thakore so far has evaded a reply on Patel's demands. Thakore is in favour of reservation to Patidars on economic criterion. However, he is against this reservation having any impact on the reservation to the OBCs. Mevani too is of the same opinion as Thakore. According to him, there should not be any tampering with reservation to the Dalits. In such a situation, it is difficult to predict the distance this triumvirate will cover in tandem. In a strange phenomenon, Gujarat, which was known for its development model free of caste, is seen divided in several camps ahead of the Assembly elections. Caste is the bedrock of this divide. advertisement All three - Thakore, Patel and Mevani - have succeeded in making their presence felt on the political landscape of Gujarat ahead of the state polls. BJP had garnered 47.9 per cent while the Congress bagged 38.9 per cent of the votes in the 2012 Gujarat Assembly elections. There was a small gap of 9 per cent between the two parties. Thakore's attempt is to prove that along with Patel and Mevani, he has the capacity to tilt the scale in favour of either party. Thakore's claim notwithstanding, the sequence of events has surely heightened the tensions of Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and other senior BJP leaders. ALPESH THAKORE'S RISE Prior to forming the OBC, SC and ST Ekta Manch, Thakore rose to fame three years ago with 'Thakore Sena'. He had made the easy availability of country liquor despite Gujarat being a prohibition state into a major issue. Led by him, the Thakore Sena started resorting to 'people's raids' on the premises of the country liquors in central and north Gujarat. According to him, the Thakore youths are the biggest community to fall prey to country liquor. advertisement Besides the de-addiction campaign, Thakore also raised the issue of unemployment of a large number of youths. With this, he expanded the Thakore Sena to include the OBC community comprising 146 sub-castes. THAKORE'S FAMILY Long ago, Thakore's father Khodaji Thakore was a BJP worker. He worked with former Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former chief minister Anandiben Patel when they were tasked with the expansion of the BJP. Khodaji accompanied Vaghela when the latter parted ways with the BJP in 1996 to form Shakti Dal. Thakore's father was made the convener of Shakti Dal's youth wing. Khodaji and his son joined the Congress when Vaghela join the party. Thakore contested the model panchayat elections in Ahmedabad. However, he lost. When demands were raised to launch a movement for the Thakores, Khodaji entrusted the responsibility to his son. This was the beginning of the Thakore Sena movement three years ago. Political expert Prashant Dayal seeks to find out the difference between Thakore and Patel. "Patel's movement is clearly anti-BJP government. It benefits the Congress. However, the same cannot be said about Thakore. It cannot be said with certainly whether Thakore will go with the Congress or not," he said. advertisement However, political observers also say that the manner in which Thakore has spent the last three years raising issues such as unemployment, de-addiction and loan-related matters of the farmers, which have hurt the BJP government in the state the most, it will not be easy for him to support the ruling party. Any such attempt to be seen siding with the BJP will be met with resistance from Thakore's supporters. He would be at pains to justify to his supporters. With such prospects, it is felt that Thakore would only end up supporting the Congress in the forthcoming Gujarat Assembly elections. WATCH VIDEO | PM's two-day visit to his home state: Is Modi the face of BJP for Gujarat elections too? --- ENDS --- Currently Reading Trump adviser says middle-class better off with SALT elimination A highly investigated, researched and discussed matter in the contact center, the customer experience, is a key differentiator for companies. The adoption of engagement and speech analytics introduces invaluable operational insights to keep both agents and customers alike smiling ear to ear. This week, speech and customer analytics firm, CallMiner (News - Alert), announced a new partnership with PTP, which brings together CallMiner contact center expertise with a preeminent customer experience consulting firm. PTP President, John Podlipnik noted, We offer CX strategy, implementation and support services, and are always looking for the right technology partners such as CallMiner that offer tremendous value for our clients. By leveraging CallMiners speech analytics, well provide contact centers with an entirely new layer of intelligence that reflects every customer interaction. Synergy (News - Alert) is this deals middle name, as in recent years PTP is urging customers to move away from legacy deployments to adopt robust, modern contact center solutions capable of providing customers with the expected exceptional omnichannel experience. Offering support every step of the way, PTP is walking clients through creating customer journey maps, innovation and process optimization. The CallMiner Eureka platform coupled with PTPs custom integration services promises to purvey every single interaction between agents and customers. The Eureka platform then turns records into searchable text. In addition, Eureka takes language, tone, volume of speech and stress in ones voice to draw an accurate portrayal of customer sentiment, digging into customer feelings about brands, products. Were thrilled to partner with PTP to provide their clients with meaningful data on how to improve call center metrics, exclaims CallMiner CEO, Paul Bernard. Theyre focused squarely on the customer experience as a whole, and desired a customer-focused platform that would transform call center operations. A picture says a thousand words, but numbers never lie. Data-driven operations take the guesswork out of things, and leave the heavy lifting to future-forward, robust contact center solutions. Whats in your contact center? Edited by Mandi Nowitz [October 19, 2017] PG&E Contributes $3 Million to Help Rebuild, Restore Communities Impacted by Wildfires Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E (News - Alert)) announced today that it is making a series of donations totaling $3 million to several community groups to help ease the impact of the extraordinary wind-driven wildfires in Northern California. "Our hearts are with all of our customers and communities impacted by these wildfires. We've proudly served these communities for over 100 years, and we're committed to helping them rebuild and recover. In addition to contributing to local relief efforts, we will work with the affected communities to determine what they need and how we can continue to help," said PG&E Corporation CEO and President Geisha Williams. The donations will come from PG&E shareholders, not its customers. More information about PG&E's response and recovery work for the Northern California wildfires can be found at www.pgecommitment.com. The following organizations are among those benefiting from PG&E's donation: North Bay Fire Recovery Fund PG&E will increase its donation to the North Bay Fire Recovery Fund from $200,000 to $1 million, in addition to a $1 million donation match, totaling $2 million. This fund, led by Redwood Credit Union and The Press Democrat, will directly support those impacted by the wildfires in Napa, Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino counties. "We want to make sure that everyone affected has the chance to rebuild and repair their lives. Working in concert with great partners like The Press Democrat and Senator Mike McGuire, we urge everyone who can contribute to do so. Collectively, we can make a difference," said Brett Martinez, Chief Executive Officer of Redwood Credit Union. Puertas Abiertas Community Center and Los Cien On Wednesday, Oct. 18, Williams met with local Hispanic community leaders at the Puertas Abiertas Community Resource Center in Napa to share the status of PG&E's electric and gas restoration efforts, and listen to community leaders who shared their needs and expectations. Puertas Abiertas Community Resource Center and the organization Los Cien in Sonoma County will each receive $25,000 from PG&E to support their efforts assisting Spanish-speaking customers impacted by the wildfires. "These funds are immensely helpful as we support our local immigrant families to get back on their feet. It's going to be a long road back for many of the people we serve and all help is appreciated," said Josefina Hurtado, Executive Director of Puertas Abiertas. "After such a devastating event, it's incredibly important that we continue to support our Latino community as we all work toward recovering and rebuilding Sonoma County. We are very aware Latino workers are the backbone of many of our county's industries, and it's critical that we support their recovery during this difficult time," said Herman J. Hernandez, Chair of Los Cien. Also known as Sonoma County Latino Leaders, Los Cien is the largest Latino inclusive organization in the county with a mission to strengthen the collective health, education and civic participation of the Latino community. Santa Rosa Firefighters Local 1401 PG&E will also donate $15,000 to Santa Rosa Firefighters Local 1401 to fund their relief efforts. "The hardworking people of PG&E and the Santa Rosa Fire Department work side by side in the field during emergencies to keep our community safe, which is why we are now excited to work together in bringing our community together and begin the road to recovery," said Tim Aboudara Jr., President of the Santa Rosa Firefighters Local 1401. Further distribution of the $3 million will be announced shortly. These community groups are actively working throughout Northern California to assist the tens of thousands of people impacted by wildfires. "It is times like these when you truly see who your friends are. And throughout this difficult process, PG&E has been a tremendous partner in the response effort, working tirelessly every step of the way to get power and gas restored for our residents and businesses. Their 'sea of blue' has been remarkable and our community is extremely grateful," said James Gore, Sonoma County Supervisor whose district was impacted by the fires in the northern part of Santa Rosa and Geyserville. About PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation's cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/ and www.pge.com/en/about/newsroom/index.page. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171019006655/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] By PTI: Dharamshala, Oct 20 (PTI) Uttam Choudhary, the OBC wing chief of Himachal BJP, today announced that he would contest the November 9 state Assembly polls as an Independent from Kangra as the party had not given a ticket to him. Expressing his anguish, he told a rally, "This has happened with me earlier also. In the last two elections, my name was included in the list of probables, but I was not given a ticket. I have worked for the party whole-heartedly and still I am being ignored." advertisement Stating that he would contest the polls as an Independent, Choudhary added that he would file his nomination tomorrow. The ruling Congress has decided to field sitting MLA Pawan Kajal, who won the seat in 2012 as an Independent, whereas Sanjay Choudhary is the BJP nominee from Kangra. Meanwhile, the Congress leaderships decision to field Kajal from Kangra has not gone down well with the local party workers. The Kangra block Congress workers today took out a march on the national highway to protest the decision. "If the party does not change the nominee by Sunday (October 22), the rebels will field a combined candidate," former MLA Surender Kaku told reporters. It is learnt that the rebels want to field Rajesh Sharma from the constituency. Sharma, along with Kangra block Congress president Raj Kumar, took part in the march. PTI CORR RC --- ENDS --- [October 19, 2017] $22K Grant to Help Houston's Credit Coalition Continue Free Financial Education For 25 years, the Credit Coalition has championed free financial and homebuyer education for Houstonians and residents of the Beaumont/Port Arthur area. Today, the nonprofit was awarded $22,000 in Partnership Grant Program (PGP (News - Alert)) funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and CommunityBank of Texas (CBOT), an FHLB Dallas member institution. The grant will allow the Credit Coalition, a HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency, to cover administrative and operational expenses and continue serving its clients free of charge. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171019006668/en/ On October 19, 2017, CommunityBank of Texas and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) presented a $22,000 Partnership Grant Program award to the Credit Coalition in Houston. From left: Brandi Gregg, Executive VP and Chief Compliance Officer, CommunityBank of Texas; Sherrie Young, Executive Director, Credit Coalition; Denise Schmitt, Community Investment Operations Manager, FHLB Dallas; and Travis Jaggers, President, CommunityBank of Texas. (Photo: Business Wire) "We are different in Houston because we don't charge for our services," said Sherrie Young, executive director of the Credit Coalition. "We help empower people with information from volunteers in the fields of finance, credit, consumer rights and homebuyer education. Our clients then take that information and apply it to their lives. They receive the tools to make more informed financial decisions." Ms. Young explained what differentiates the Credit Coalition's free "Fundamental of Good Credit" course. "Others are a one-day class. Ours is 5 hours over six weeks," she said. "Our clients order and review their credit reports, track their spending for a month and gain a better understanding of the credit process. They interview bankers, calculate their own debt ratios and 'pre-qualify themselves' for the various loans." CBOT Executive Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer Brandi Gregg said the work of the Credit Coalition has made a real difference in Southeast Texas. "This organization, more than any other, establishes a financial knowledge base among its clients that can improve whole neighborhoods and communities," she said. "What a tremendous impact there has been over the years with more than 12,000 people receiving free financial and homebuyer education. CBOT is proud to support the Credit Coalition's work in Houston and Beaumont/Port Arthur." PGP awards provide grants to community-based organizations (CBOs) of up to $12,000. The funds may be used for research, organizational capacity-building, grant- and funding-application assistance, or contractual services. Through the PGP, FHLB Dallas matches a member's contribution to a CBO of $500 up to $4,000 at a 3:1 ratio for a maximum $12,000 contribution from FHLB Dallas. Members may contribute more than the $4,000 amount required to maximize the FHLB Dallas contribution, increasing the total amount to the organization. The Credit Coalition's membership includes financial institutions, community organizations and other qualified businesses. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit was established in 1992 by financial institutions that wanted to help consumers following an economic downturn. "CommunityBank of Texas is a committed partner with FHLB Dallas and the Credit Coalition," said Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. "By giving of their time, talent and resources, CBOT's staff demonstrates what it means to truly invest in the local community." PGP grants are offered via a lottery system once a year through FHLB Dallas members. In 2017, FHLB Dallas awarded $300,000 in PGP funds through 31 member institutions to assist 30 CBOs. Combined with the $104,550 contributed by FHLB Dallas members, a total of $404,550 was awarded to the organizations. To learn more about the PGP or other Community Investment programs from FHLB Dallas, visit fhlb.com/community. About CommunityBank of Texas CommunityBank of Texas, N.A. is an independent, Texas-owned bank with assets in excess of $2.9 billion. Established in 2007, the bank has 35 branches and is the largest independent community bank headquartered in and focused on the financial needs of Houston and Southeast Texas. For information about CommunityBank of Texas, N.A., visit communitybankoftx.com. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $62.9 billion as of June 30, 2017, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community investment by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 850 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171019006668/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 19, 2017] Whitepaper for Water Token ICO Is Investment Grade DALLAS, Oct. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The anticipated Water Token ICO, that has the Ethereum/blockchain market buzzing, has been downloaded by thousands of potential investors in anticipation of the Oct. 25 launch. Darren McVean, CEO of MVP Asia Pacific says, "The interest in the whitepaper demonstrates the magnitude of bitcoin investors that are looking to place monies in investment-grade opportunities." Genesis Research & Technology Group has taken the tedious responsibility of showcasing the IoT (Internet of Things) system for the blockchain model. Michael Lagow, CAO of Genesis Research & Technology Group states, "Water is vital to our existence and being able to monitor the quality of that resource is imperative. What better way to ensure chemical-free, clean water than with the undeniable results stored completely on the blockchain forever." The Water Token whitepaper also profiles the return on investment and the payout to investors in a timely manner. The whitepaper for the Water Token ICO describes in detail the enormous productivity of these portable and scalable systems that can clean up to 20,000 barrels of water per hour. "One must wonder how much water is toxic and how this can affect the environment and our parks at large" says Marlon Rollins, a Dallas Park Member. The oil and gas industry has historically wanted to use green technology but the platform was not available. The Genesis System cleans toxic frack water, which is used in oil production and returns it to a reusable state. That is a revolution. Clean, chemical-free water is a precious commodity; and, worldwide, millions of barrels of water are made toxic every month and must be dumped into disposal wells back into the Earth. The whitepaper has also detailed one of the largest bounty campaigns in the history of the blockchain. An astounding $12,500,000 USD awaits bloggers, journalists, along with Twitter and Facebook enthusiasts. "The green technology Water Token is one in which we need to share the excitement and the rewards with the world," says Billy Hood, Chief Marketing Officer for Genesis Research & Technology Group. The criteria for the bounty program is available on the Water Token ICO webpage and are viewable at the Bounty Campaign Terms page. Along with the various nuances of the Water Token, visitors can view the technology and worldwide expansion that Genesis Research & Technology Group will roll out with the ICO. About Genesis Research and Technology Group: Genesis Research and Technology Group is a U.S.-based company that has developed a patented, state-of-the-art technology that provides clean reusable water for the world's population. The Company exploits its CHEMICAL-FREE technology as its efforts are being recognized by several leading government agencies developing and implementing Green technologies to protect and preserve our Earth's resources. Genesis Research and Technology Group provides custom-built state-of-the-art water treatment technologies for all types of water. Years of research and development go into perfecting this technology that allows Genesis to offer its clients a sole source, reusable water filtering and cleansing technology that is totally chemical-free. For more information: watertoken.io/genesis Media Contact: Patricia Almand Phone: 855-8100UMG Email: [email protected] View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/whitepaper-for-water-token-ico-is-investment-grade-300540309.html SOURCE Genesis Research & Technology Group [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 19, 2017] Eye Square Hires Jeff Bander as Chief Revenue Officer, Opens First U.S. Office NEW YORK, Oct. 19, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eye Square, a globally active, Berlin-based market research agency with a focus on psychological methods, today announces Jeff (Ephraim) Bander as the companys new Chief Revenue Officer and the opening of its first United States office. We are thrilled to have a thought leader like Bander join the Eye Square family, said Michael Schiessl, Founder and CEO. As one of the first to bring Neuromarketing to the mainstream back in 2008 and introduce the world to the first online eye tracking solution in 2011, Banders reputation speaks for itself. We are eager to leverage his unique talents and insight as more companies transition from simulated to LIVE digital testing. Were honored to have a brilliant mind like his join our board. In his new role as Chief Revenue Officer, Bander will open Eye Squares first U.S.-based office in New York City, NY, introducing the companys services to the American market. Headquartered in Berlin, Germany, Eye Square has 18 years of success bringing innovative solutions to Europe and Asia through their satellite offices in London, Seoul, and Tokyo. Prior to joining NeuroFocus, Bander, served as Executie Vice President of Sales for the Hollywood Media Corporation based in New York. In that capacity, he increased sales and expanded the firms client base dramatically by creating new products and revenue streams. Similarly, in his earlier role as Senior Vice President of Sales for WorldNow, he built a national sales network of 132 people and multiplied the companys annual revenue from $600,000 to $18 million in one year. He has also worked as a senior sales executive for Cox Interactive and the BellSouth Advertising & Publishing Corporation. What drew me to Eye Square was their unique ability to conduct market research testing in a LIVE environment on both desktops and mobile phones, Bander said. This is game changing as all other market research companies test static images online. Eye Square is also a leader in combining proprietary implicit research with explicit and psychology; essentially, this means we can glean profound quantitative and qualitative data as to what people experience and what ultimately drives them. Bander earned his undergraduate and Masters degrees in Advertising from the University of Georgia. He is the recipient of the iMedia 2013 New Wave Award, the ARF Great Minds Award 2013, and the coveted TMRE Awarded Anderson Analytics Disruptive Innovation Award. Bander will be presenting at this years TMRE conference in Orlando, Florida October 23-25. About Eye Square GmbH Eye Square is a leading global provider of innovative market research specializing in the fields of User Experience, Brand & Media and Shopper Experience Research. Founded in 1999, Eye Square pioneered the use of eye tracking for user and market research, building up one of the largest databases for user experience, eye tracking, and advertising effectiveness data worldwide. These data allow Eye Square to benchmark how users experience new websites, mobile applications, products and advertisements against established biomarkers. Eye Squares extensive client portfolio include major companies such as eBay, LG Electronics, Vattenfall, Deutsche Telekom, Google, and P&G, among others. Media: Ephraim (Jeff) Bander Phone: +1 917-523-0007 Email: [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2017] Britain leads smart revolution with deployment of most advanced smart meter - Landis+Gyr and British Gas achieve major milestone with first 'next generation' UK smart meter installation - Using the latest technology, the smart meters enable seamless switching between suppliers LONDON, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Landis+Gyr (LAND.SW), global provider of energy management solutions, today announces the introduction of the next generation of smart meters for electricity and gas. Building on its longstanding presence in the UK metering market, Landis+Gyr has worked with British Gas to launch the first of a new standard in smart technology. The first of the new model UK smart meters is now installed and live in a British Gas customer's home. These smart meters, part of Landis+Gyr's UK smart metering family, are the first to comply with the Government's ground breaking smart energy standard, SMETS2 ('smart metering equipment technical specifications 2'). The first operational SMETS2 meter, installed in August at a semi-detached home in Surbiton, will be part of extensive consumer testing to inform the wider national roll-out of the meters from 2018. SMETS2 smart meters will deliver a wide range of improvements, including: Interoperability these devices enable seamless switching between energy suppliers by connecting with the Data Communications Company (DCC). High security the new meters maintain and extend the highest standard of security for householder data. Renewable energy support - the new meters will facilitate the connection of all types of home renewable and microgeneration technology onto the grid, supporting a cleaner, greener UK. At a national level, the new meters will form the cornerstone of an improved national energy infrastructure, more flexible, reliable and efficient than ever before. The highly detailed information they provide for the UK's electricity network operators will help to reduce the annual cost of supporting the country's pwer grid, and aid renewables integration. Critically, it will also enable the expansion of electric vehicles across the UK a key part of UK Government's future transport strategy and a vital step in creating a clean-energy future. Having chosen to locate its gas and electricity smart meter R&D facilities in the UK in order to best serve the highly advanced UK smart metering market, Landis+Gyr continues to support the UK tech industry and foster its growth. With the rapid expansion of smart meters across continental Europe, the cutting edge functionality of its SMETS2 devices is expected to be integrated into many of the company's solutions across Europe, exporting UK skills and expertise. Several UK energy retailers including British Gas are beginning volume SMETS2 pilot programmes, utilizing the company's SMETS2 solution this autumn. Landis+Gyr expects to deliver more than 20 million smart gas and electricity meters for its UK customers as part of the nationwide rollout currently underway. Stephen Cunningham, ?Senior Vice President, EMEA commented, "We are delighted to announce this important industry 'first' and to be able to bring this leading-edge technology to UK homes and businesses. We are very proud to have supported UK plc by carrying out all of the R&D for this landmark technology here in the UK." Catherine O'Kelly, Industry Development Director at British Gas, said: "We're proud to be the first energy supplier in the UK to install a SMETS2 meter in a customer's home. It's a really important milestone for our programme, coming hot on the heels of our four millionth smart meter installation a few months ago." About Landis+Gyr Landis+Gyr is the leading global provider of integrated energy management solutions for the utility sector. Offering one of the broadest portfolios of products and services to address complex industry challenges, the company delivers comprehensive solutions for the foundation of a smarter grid, including smart metering, distribution network sensing and automation tools, load control, analytics and energy storage. Landis+Gyr operates in over 30 countries across five continents. With sales of approximately USD 1.7 billion, the company employs c. 6,000 people with the sole mission of helping the world manage energy better. More information is available at www.landisgyr.com. Disclaimer This publication may contain specific forward-looking statements, e.g., statements including terms like "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may result in a substantial divergence between the actual results, financial situation, development or performance of Landis+Gyr Group AG and those explicitly or implicitly presumed in these statements. Against the background of these uncertainties, readers should not rely on forward-looking statements. Landis+Gyr Group AG assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements or to adapt them to future events or developments. About British Gas British Gas is Britain's leading energy and services company, serving more than 10 million homes and over 400,000 businesses across the country. More than 8,000 highly-trained engineers guarantee the highest quality of service for our residential and business customers. We also provide a range of innovative offers and services including connected home Hive products, smart meters, and the online tradesman service, Local Heroes. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2017] Orange Renewable Honored with Two Awards for Excellence at IWEF Conference 2017 NEW DELHI, October 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Orange Renewable, a 100% subsidiary of AT Holdings Pte Ltd, Singapore has been awarded Wind Energy Developer of the Year - Portfolio Performance (Gold category) and Wind Energy Developer of the Year (Silver Category) at the India Wind Energy Forum Conference 2017. (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/587364/Orange_Renewable_Awarded.jpg ) Held annually, the IWEF Excellence awards aim to recognize and applaud the efforts of the leading performers and achievers of the Industry. Since its inception, it has celebrated the best performing companies and people for their achievement and contribution to the sector. An independent panel of recognized expert judges representing the industry determine the winners. The award was received by Sudhir Nunes, CEO Wind Business, Orange Renewable in a ceremony attended by industry delegates and luminarie from across the country. "It is a delightful moment for us to have received recognition in two leading categories. We thank IWEF for being a catalyst for development of a sustainable and competitive Wind Energy sector in India and providing a platform for engagement of Industry thought leaders. We are encouraged by this recognition and will continue to contribute to the growth of the Wind Energy sector in India," said Sudhir Nunes. Orange Renewable is a young renewable IPP with 758 MW operating capacity in key resource states of India 567 MW in wind projects and 191 MWdc in solar projects. About Orange Renewable, India ( www.orangerenewable.net ) Headquartered in New Delhi, a 100% subsidiary of AT Holdings Pte. Ltd, Singapore, Orange Renewable is focused on developing, constructing and operating renewable energy projects in the field of wind and solar energy across India with presence in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. AT Holdings Pte Ltd, Singapore ( www.atcapital.com.sg ) Headquartered in Singapore, AT Capital Group was founded by Mr. Arvind Tiku. AT Capital Group has an asset portfolio worth approximately US$2.5 billion. Its global portfolio includes investments in residential and commercial real estate, hospitality, natural resources, renewable energy, engineering and construction [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2017] NextGen Motorsports and March Networks Partner at October 21 NASCAR Xfinity Race to Support Hurricane, Earthquake Victims KANSAS CITY, KS and OTTAWA, Oct. 20, 2017 /CNW/ - In response to the devastation that has occurred in the United States, Mexico and many of the Caribbean islands following recent natural disasters, NextGen Motorsports, a NASCAR series team, and March Networks, a global provider of intelligent IP video solutions, are joining forces to help support relief efforts. March Networks is sponsoring NextGen Motorsports and driver Josh Berry, who will drive the Xfinity NextGen #55 in the NASCAR Kansas Lottery 300 on October 21 in Kansas City. One hundred percent of donations raised around the event at www.donations4disasters.com, will be provided via the Celia Cruz Foundation to established charities working on the ground to help families recover and rebuild following hurricanes Irma and Maria, and the devastating earthquake that hit Mexico September 19. NextGen Motorsports will also donate 50 percent of any purse money won during the race to the cause, and is working with 22 Days Nutrition to provide food provisions of equivalent value to all funds raised through the website this weekend. "NextGen Motorsports, along with our drivers Enrique Baca, Luis Rodriguez Jr. and Josh Berry, is committed to helping support victims of these tragic events, as are many people in the NASCAR community," said Carlos Crespo, Co-Owner, NextGen Motorsports. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the many families now struggling to put their lives back together." "We have established routes into many of the communities affected by these disasters," said Peter Strom, President and CEO, March Networks. "We are honored by this opportunity to join NextGen Motorsports and contribute to ongoing relief efforts that are critically needed in these countries." About NextGen Motorsports NextGen Motorsports is a racing development team focused on providing diverse, young, talented and capable drivers with opportunities to gain access to and experience stock car racing in the USA at an affordable value. NextGen Motorsports is based in Mooresville, North Carolina and has a well-defined growth strategy. NextGen Motorsports provides "turnkey" packages, which include Pit Crews, very competitive equipment, and well respected and experienced leaders, offering guidance and upward mobility to qualified individuals. About March Networks March Networks, an independent subsidiary of Infinova, is a leading provider of intelligent IP video solutions. For more than a decade, the company has helped some of the world's largest commercial and government organizations transition from traditional CCTV to advanced surveillance technologies used for security, loss prevention, risk mitigation and operational efficiency. Its highly scalable and easy to use Command video management platform enables rapid system deployment and complete system control. It is complemented by the company's portfolio of high-definition IP cameras, encoders, video analytics and hybrid recorders, as well as outstanding professional and managed services. March Networks systems are delivered through an extensive distribution and partner network in more than 70 countries. For more information, please visit www.marchnetworks.com. SOURCE MARCH NETWORKS CORPORATION [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2017] BC Innovation Council Brings Real Business Opportunities to Surrey Tech Innovators with BC Growth Opportunities (#BCGO) Tour IBM, Schneider Electric and Rio Tinto among companies looking to meet with Surrey tech talent to solve their innovation needs SURREY, BC, Oct. 20, 2017 /CNW/ - The BC Innovation Council, a Crown agency of the Province, is promoting innovation across British Columbia through the BC Growth Opportunities Tour (#BCGO), which stopped off in Surrey this morning. The six-city tour aims to grow regional economies across the province by connecting companies with business challenges to local innovators. Solving the business challenge gives the local innovators entry to an immediate market, providing them with an excellent growth path. BC Innovation Council's #BCGO Fall 2017 tour is looking to build off the success of the inaugural tour, which took place earlier this year. As a result of the first tour, 600 connections have been made, six cross-sector deals have closed, and over 30 deals are currently under discussion. "The #BCGO tour isbringing industry leaders together with Surrey innovators to collaborate and develop new ideas," said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology. "By working together, local innovators are gaining a competitive edge, while businesses are enhancing our economy and creating job opportunities for people across the province." "BCIC's #BCGO events give local tech innovators a chance to network, meet potential customers, and gain access to real business opportunities," says Carl Anderson, President & CEO of the BC Innovation Council. "The connections that are made at these events have the potential to accelerate business growth in communities all across the province." BCIC's #BCGO Surrey event featured 12 organizations presenting their business challenges, including BC Lottery Corporation, FortisBC, and Rio Tinto, among others. Examples of some of the tech and innovation needs presented included: A game design challenge for new games to engage with non-traditional partners more effectively and help bring new gaming content to market by BC Lottery Corporation A need to efficiently capture carbon from residential natural gas appliances by FortisBC A solution for providing low cost air quality monitors that can accurately measure very low concentrations of SO2 in all seasons, by Rio Tinto The tech sector in Surrey is steadily growing and currently has over 670 technology firms employing nearly 5,000 people. The BC Innovation Council currently funds two accelerators in the region, Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre and Innovation Boulevard, which are contributing to the rise of its strong and diverse tech sector. Surrey is also home to two post-secondary institutions Simon Fraser University and Kwantlen Polytechnic University which offer tech-focused programming. #BCGO Fall 2017 will continue next week in Kelowna, and end the following week in Kamloops. For more information about BCIC's #BCGO tour and how to register, visit http://bcic.ca/events/bc-growth-opportunities/. About the BC Innovation Council (www.bcic.ca) The BC Innovation Council, a Crown Agency of the Province of BC, accelerates the growth and success of BC companies by providing resources and market opportunities for applied innovations that solve challenges and drive competitiveness in BC industries. BCIC is fostering the growth of companies that generate revenue, produce high-paying skilled jobs and drive economic development in BC. SOURCE BC Innovation Council [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2017] Petro Iron Skillet Restaurants Keep Tradition Alive by Celebrating Annual Chicken Fried Steak Day The TA Restaurant Group, a division of TravelCenters of America LLC (TravelCenters), has announced it will offer its famous chicken fried steak in its Petro Iron Skillet Restaurants across the country for just $5.99 on October 26 in honor of Texas Chicken Fried Steak Day. The day was proclaimed by the Texas legislature in 2011 in honor of "that exceptional dish that elevates the hearty flavor of beef to new heightsa favorite among Texas cowboys." This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171020005620/en/ Petro's Chicken Fried Steak (Photo: Business Wire). "For chicken fried steak lovers everywhere, this day is a momentous occasion," said John Ponczoch, Senior Vice President of TA Restaurant Group. "Petro and the Iron Skillet were born in El Paso, Texas, in 1975, and we want to honor our Texas heritage by serving the very best hand-cut, hand-breaded chicken fried steak so folks across America have the opportunity to celebrate the culinary culture of the Lone Star State!" From 6 a.m. through 10 p.m. on Thursday, October 26, 2017, participating Petro Iron Skillet Restaurants will offer dine-in guests their choice of a chicken fried steak breakfast or dinner fr just $5.99. The breakfast chicken fried steak meal is served with two fresh eggs cooked any style, toast or biscuits, and the choice of home fries, hash browns or grits. The dinner option comes with a choice of a side and garlic toast. Guests can add a trip to their famous homemade soup and fresh salad bar for an additional $2.99. About TravelCenters of America LLC TravelCenters of America LLC (TravelCenters), headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, conducts business in 43 states and Canada, principally under the TA and Petro Stopping Centers travel center brands and the Minit Mart convenience store brand. For more information on TravelCenters, TA, and Petro Stopping Centers, please visit www.ta-petro.com. For more information on Minit Mart, please visit www.minitmart.com. About TA Restaurant Group The TA Restaurant Group includes more than 850 quick service, full service restaurants and other food outlets, including ten proprietary restaurant brands including Quaker Steak & Lube, Iron Skillet and Country Pride. The TA Restaurant Group is a division of TravelCenters of America LLC, which offers diesel and gasoline fueling, restaurants, truck repair facilities, convenience stores and other services in 43 states and in Canada. For more information about TA and the TA Restaurant Group, please visit www.ta-petro.com. For more information about Quaker Steak & Lube, including franchise opportunities nationwide, please visit www.thelube.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171020005620/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2017] Technoparc Montreal and FPInnovations are proud to announce the signing of the purchase of the lands for the implantation of FPInnovations at the Technoparc de Montreal MONTREAL, Oct. 20, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Technoparc Montreal and FPInnovations today concluded the purchase of lands by FPInnovations for its establishment at the Technoparc de Montreal. The lands, totaling more than 360,000 square feet (33,400 square meters), are in the southern part of the Technoparc de Montreal, the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves section. "I am pleased in regard to this first step toward building an integrated international biomaterials innovation centre under FPInnovations' leadership. This is an opportunity for the greater Montreal area as well as for the Quebec and Canadian forest industry to lead the way in the field of biomaterials and clean technologies," said Mr. Pierre Lapointe, President and Chief Executive Officer of FPInnovations. "The locationchosen at the Technoparc will allow us to get closer to our current partners, to facilitate travel for our collaborators, and to allow our employees to work within an environment that promotes innovation and cooperation," he added. "We are very proud of this transaction, which marks a real kick-off in the development of the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves. FPInnovations corresponds exactly to the type of resident companies looking for a workplace with a perfect symbiosis between humans and nature. We are convinced that the arrival of FPInnovations will attract a growing interest for companies wishing to settle in an environment where nature protection is a priority," said Mr. Mario Monette, President and CEO of Technoparc Montreal. "The Eco-campus is a unique site in all of North America. It was designed to welcome clean-tech research firmsa sector that we want to develop in Saint-Laurent. In fact, this type of company wants to locate in an environment where biodiversity is preserved And that's one of the main values of our own Administration! The agreement that has been signed with this first company confirms the vision of long-term development of our territory, and the Borough Council members and I are very proud of this," stated the Saint-Laurent Borough Mayor Alan DeSousa. FPInnovations is a not-for-profit world leader that specializes in the creation of scientific solutions in support of the Canadian forest sector's global competitiveness and responds to the priority needs of its industry members and government partners. For more information, please see www.fpinnovations.ca Technoparc Montreal is a non-profit organization that offers environments and real estate solutions fostering innovation, collaboration and success to technology businesses and entrepreneurs. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.technoparc.com SOURCE Technoparc Montreal [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2017] Fintech startup, Trade Ledger, launches world-first tech to help banks fight off global tech giants SYDNEY, Oct. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Career technologists, Martin McCann and Dr. Matthias Born, are launching a world-first lending tech for banks and traditional lenders that will help to equip them against competition from tech giants such as Facebook, Tencent, and eBay wanting to enter financial services. Trade Ledger is the world's first business lending platform that transforms digital data from business supply chains in real time, allowing banks to assess and regularly update credit and default risk of businesses they lend to. Currently this is only done on a one-off or infrequent basis on a very small sample of invoices, and not on any other trade documents. The platform will finally give banks more advanced network and data analysis technology than global technology companies, in a lending segment that has long suffered from a lack of technological innovation. "Banks and other business lenders have never been able to accurately leverage quality operational data to determine business lending risk, as a result there is a loan undersupply to the tune of AU$60 billion each year in Australia, and AU$2.1 trillion globally," said Martin McCann, CEO and Co-Founder of Trade Ledger. "But as the global ecnomy increasingly transitions towards smaller, high-growth businesses, banks have an obligation to learn how to supply working capital needed by these businesses for sustained growth. If they don't learn to do this, it's also only a matter of time before technology giants figure out how to resolve the problem, and swoop in. "The challenge for banks is improving both its cost/income ratio and capital efficiencies within a segment considered higher risk, and Trade Ledger offers the first open banking platform that resolves both of these challenges. "This represents a huge opportunity for local Australian banks and specialist business lenders to export financial services globally -- so long as they jump on the opportunity to do so before oversees competitors do," continued Martin McCann. The idea for the platform came about when the Trade Ledger co-founders realised that the increasing digitisation of business supply chains provided an opportunity to connect the business financial supply chain directly to the bank. They also wanted to provide a way for banks' customers to apply for funding in just a few minutes, compared to the current 30-hour average process, helping them to directly compete with more tech-savvy entrants such as fintechs and large tech companies. "For the first time, banks and other traditional lenders will be able to use the digital information being created in supply chains to predict the exact probability of an individual invoice default at any given time," continued Martin McCann. "SMEs will also no longer be treated as one homogeneous, high risk group of borrowers, when differences in corporate structure, business model, cash flow need, degree of technology adoption, scalability, and a multitude of other characteristics that can change hourly all affect default and fraud risk levels significantly," concluded Martin McCann. For more information: www.tradeledger.io Trade Ledger is the world's first open digital banking platform helping banks assess business lending risk in real time. This will help banks address the US$1.7 trillion global undersupply in trade finance lending, and provide high-growth companies with much-needed working capital. Media contact Hannah Moreno: [email protected] or 61 (0)452523117 SOURCE Trade Ledger [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Early morning on December 20, 2012, the day the Himachal Pradesh assembly poll votes were counted, Prem Kumar Dhumal, then the incumbent BJP chief minister, called his 'good friend' Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar to wish him luck (counting was under way in Gujarat too), perhaps hoping for some of the 'Modi Magic' to rub off on him. But it wasn't to be. Three hours later, while Modi romped home to a fourth successive term in office, Dhumal prepared to felicitate his arch Congress rival, Virbhadra Singh. As voters in the hill state prepare to elect its 13th Vidhan Sabha on November 9, the BJP is waiting its 'turn' in office. And it's not an unreasonable expectation, given the alternating Congress-BJP cycle witnessed here since the post-Emergency polls in 1977 when Shanta Kumar trounced the YS Parmar-led Congress to become the first saffron chief minister. Himachalis have never repeated a government since, barring the single exception in 1985, when the Congress replaced the tainted T Ram Lal with Virbhadra, ahead of the polls. advertisement But the BJP has a problem this time. Unlike earlier assembly elections, where Himachal Pradesh's 4.9 million voters were reasonably certain of who their chief ministerial choices were, the party is headed into the coming polls without a CM face. This, while the Congress, usually a laggard, went ahead and named Virbhadra its CM candidate well before the announcement of the election schedule on October 12. BJP insiders say the new, centrally (Delhi) driven election campaign is being calibrated to minimise factionalism in the state unit which, at the moment, continues to be divided between Dhumal and Union health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda-the two big contenders for the top job. By not projecting a CM face, BJP leaders say party chief Amit Shah is also hoping to ensure the wholehearted participation of ex-CM and former Union cabinet minister Shanta Kumar. Given the sway he commands in Kangra (which has 15 of the 68 assembly seats), Kumar's presence in the campaign could be critical in ensuring a win for the BJP, they say.So, for Dhumal, it's not quite going to be the smooth ride from Hamirpur (his home district) to Shimla that he accomplished twice earlier (in 1998 and 2007). And considering that he himself was the surprise wildcard choice that ousted Kumar in 1998, the former CM will have his hands full. This is because much of the state BJP has been rallying around Nadda, in the belief that he will be anointed the next chief minister. Having started out as a student leader, Nadda made his debut in the state assembly from Bilaspur in 1993. A minister in Dhumal's cabinet both times, Nadda is said to have developed deep differences with the latter. Which is why he chose to move to Delhi, where Modi inducted him into the Union cabinet in the first 2014 reshuffle. While he is careful about airing his views in public, Nadda hasn't been shy about his aspirations of returning to Shimla as CM either. Some of the speculation that this could be Nadda's turn is also fuelled by the praise the PM and party president have showered on him. Also, Nadda has been a prominent presence at every one of the many visits Modi, Shah and Rajnath Singh have made to Himachal Pradesh. Besides Dhumal and Nadda, many in the state unit point to party president Shah's penchant for 'pulling a rabbit out of the hat' when it comes to choosing CMs-Manohar Lal Khattar in Haryana; Trivendra Rawat in Uttarakhand; and Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh. Could Himachal Pradesh also witness the emergence of a dark horse CM if the BJP wins? advertisement There's also a lot of talk about Ajay Jamwal, presently the party's organising secretary for the northeastern states. Originally from Jogindernagar, Jamwal has been a full-time RSS pracharak and fits the bill for the BJP in more ways than one-he's a bachelor with a squeaky clean reputation. With Shah refusing to put out a name, people in the state are also agog over suggestions of Bollywood actor Anupam Kher possibly being picked for the CM's job. "He is popular and essentially a 'Shimla boy'," says a BJP leader, acknowledging that the rumour started after Kher reportedly purchased a house near Jutogh in the Shimla Rural assembly constituency. Although it was widely expected that the actor would be hosted by the BJP to challenge Virbhadra and his son Vikramaditya Singh in the constituency, Kher hasn't been given the ticket and is unlikely to be a contestant in the polls. With no chief ministerial face, the BJP is clearly banking once again on "Modiji ka karishma (Modi's magic)," as state unit president Satpal Singh Satti puts it. The party is also targeting CM Virbhadra, who is facing a CBI court trial for corruption, pertaining from his tenure as Union steel minister during UPA-II. "The BJP's victory will be historic and will end the rule of mafias in the state," Dhumal confidently stated the day the Election Commission of India announced the polls. advertisement At Bilaspur, during his October 3 visit to the state, PM Modi had set the tone for the BJP campaign by referring to the incumbent Congress government as a "zamanati sarkar (government on bail)". It has since become the catch phrase at all BJP poll meetings. It may be the BJP's 'turn' to rule Himachal Pradesh, but knowing Virbhadra, it wont be the cakewalk the saffron party is hoping for it to be. It is true that the BJP comfortably won the assembly byelection in Bhoranj in April this year, but that was over six months ago. Many analysts say the real impact of demonetisation and the distress amid traders and petty shopkeepers owing to the Goods & Services Tax (GST) regime, will be seen only now. The party, analysts say, could also face problems in making the corruption taints against Virbhadra stick, with the Congress gearing to raise questions about the windfall gains reportedly made by Jay Amit Shah. advertisement Also, even though the Congress goes to the polls with the burden of five years of anti-incumbency, there's no denying the fact that these years have possibly also been Virbhadra's most productive years as chief minister (this is his sixth term). Besides the 70,000 new jobs in the government sector that Rahul Gandhi cited in Mandi when he named Virbhadra the Congress's CM candidate, the incumbent regime made significant advances in areas like infrastructure, education and health. "From zero, Himachal Pradesh now has 126 colleges," says the chief minister. In fact, in just two months before the polls were announced, Virbhadra inaugurated or laid foundations for 10 new colleges, two hydroelectric projects, 100 rural roads and several new bridges-projects worth over Rs 3,000 crore. It is far too premature for anyone, particularly the BJP top brass, to call this election a done deal. As one observer pointed out, what the recent polls, like the keenly contested municipal elections in Shimla, have shown is that there is no wave either way. That said, at least one BJP supporter in Shimla insists that "people want change and they will have it!" Wishful thinking? Or, perhaps not? --- ENDS --- [October 20, 2017] Omnigo Software Debuts at Annual Conference of International Association of Chiefs of Police, Showcasing Powerful Solutions for Public Safety and Security Management ST. LOUIS and PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Omnigo Software, formed recently by combining two leading security technology companies, will make its debut at the 124th annual conference of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), October 21 to 24 at the Philadelphia Convention Center. In a recent announcement, Omnigo highlighted the merger of Report Exec and ITI to more effectively arm protectors with solutions that put powerful data at their fingertips and equip them to make quicker, more informed decisions. "Our mission is to help ensure a world with safer tomorrows by giving security professionals the tools they need to prevent threats from becoming incidents," said Bobby Robertson, Omnigo's recently announced CEO. "We are bringing together two leading companies to create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts in providing public safety, incident and security management solutions for law enforcement, education, healthcare and other enterprises." At the IACP event, Omnigo will host Tom Jackson, the former police chief of the Ferguson (MO) Police epartment at booth #1163 on the exhibition floor on Sunday, October 22 from noon to 4 pm. Jackson will sign free copies of his recently published book Policing Ferguson, Policing America: What Really Happened . . . and What the Country Can Learn from It. In the book, Jackson shares his story of what happened in Ferguson, Missouri following the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in August 2014. Jackson also shares his perspectives on steps that can be taken to improve Americans lives and restore trust between the police and the communities they serve. With customers in all 50 states, Omnigo has a strong history of developing and delivering public safety software solutions for police and sheriff's departments, fire, EMS and police dispatch centers, county jails, municipal courts and public works departments. The company is a respected provider of records management, risk management and analytics tools with specific modules for detection, response, reporting, remediation and prevention. About Omnigo Software Omnigo Software is the leading provider of public safety, incident and security management solutions for law enforcement, education, healthcare and other enterprises, offering easy-to-use and flexible applications that provide actionable insight for making more informed decisions. Omnigo solutions have helped law enforcement and security professionals increase staff productivity by up to 25%, reduce compliance risk, and show measured improvements in safety and security. Founded by law enforcement professionals, Omnigo can be found online at www.omnigo.com View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/omnigo-software-debuts-at-annual-conference-of-international-association-of-chiefs-of-police-showcasing-powerful-solutions-for-public-safety-and-security-management-300540705.html SOURCE Omnigo Software [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2017] Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas Awards $7 Million in Affordable Housing Grants The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) is pleased to announce that, in partnership with its member financial institutions, it has awarded $7 million in Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grants to 19 projects in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, which will result in the creation or rehabilitation of 1,108 housing units. FHLB Dallas annually returns 10 percent of its profits in the form of AHP grants to the communities served by its member institutions. AHP funding is utilized for a variety of projects, including home rehabilitation and modifications for low-income, elderly and special-needs residents; down payment and closing-cost assistance for qualified first-time homebuyers; and the construction of low-income, multifamily rental communities and single-family homes. "FHLB Dallas' member institutions serve their communities well through active involvement in affordable housing development," said FHLB Dallas President and CEO Sanjay Bhasin. "Their membership in FHLB Dallas provides a bridge to the AHP and other grant programs that annually provide millions of dollars for housing in our District." Below is the complete, state-by-state list of the 2017 AHP grant recipients. For more information about the 2017 AHP grants and other FHLB Dallas community investment products and programs, please visit fhlb.com. Arkansas $429,000 for 42 units Little Rock Member: BancorpSouth Bank Sponsor: Feed Arkansas Kids Grant: $189,000 for 18 Rental units Mulberry Member: Arvest Bank Sposor: Regional Housing Solutions Louisiana $1,676,516 for 113 units Alexandria Member: Red River Bank Sponsor: GAEDA Revitalization Corporation Grant: $339,876 for 50 Owner units Boyce Member: Red River Bank Sponsor: St. Mary's Residential Training School Grant: $450,000 for 48 Rental units Houma Member: Synergy (News - Alert) Bank Sponsor: Options for Independence Grant: $500,000 for 5 Rental units Member: Synergy Bank Sponsor: MacDonell Children's Services Grant: $386,640 for 10 Rental units Mississippi $1,483,000 for 231 units Canton Member: BankPlus Sponsor: Madison Countians Allied Against Poverty Grant: $70,000 for 10 Owner units Gulfport Member: The Peoples Bank Sponsor: Gulf Coast Housing Partnership Grant: $500,000 for 80 Rental units Jackson Member: BankPlus Sponsor: Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area Grant: $175,000 for 25 Owner units Laurel Member: The First, A National Banking Association Sponsor: Laurel Housing Authority Grant: $488,000 for 72 Owner units Vicksburg Member: BancorpSouth Bank Sponsor: Vicksburg Housing Authority Grant: $250,000 for 44 Rental units Texas $3,419,168 for 722 units Austin Member: Frost Bank Sponsor: The Salvation Army Grant: $500,000 for 203 Rental units Member: Frost Bank Sponsor: Accessible Housing Austin Grant: $189,000 for 27 Rental units Azle Member: Frost Bank Sponsor: Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas Grant: $500,000 for 48 Rental units Dallas Member: Frost Bank Sponsor: St. Jude Inc. Grant: $500,000 for 100 Rental units Houston Member: Texas Capital Bank, N.A. Sponsor: Star of Hope Mission Grant: $500,000 for 180 Rental units Killeen Member: Home Federal Bank Sponsor: Killeen Housing Authority Grant: $500,000 for 76 Rental units Plano Member: Guaranty Bank & Trust, N.A. Sponsor: Plano Housing Corporation Grant: $300,000 for 40 Rental units Tyler Member: Austin Bank, Texas N.A. Sponsor: Hiway 80 Rescue Mission Grant: $430,168 for 48 Rental units About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $62.9 billion as of June 30, 2017, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 850 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit our website at fhlb.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171020005750/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 20 (PTI) The ban on sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR may not have had the desired impact on air quality, but major hospitals in the national capital have reported less burn injury cases this Diwali than the year before. Centre-run Safdarjung Hospital and RML Hospital, both of which have big burn units, received 66 and 29 patients respectively. advertisement The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) did not receive any burn injury cases last night, doctors said. The Safdarjung Hospital, located in the heart of the city, had received 110 burn patients last Diwali, a senior doctor said. "Out of the 66 patients, who came between 6 pm yesterday to 6 am today, 50 had suffered burn injuries during Diwali- related festivities. Five of them were admitted," he said. At the RML Hospital, located in central Delhi, less number of people came to the casualty wards with burn injuries compared to the 79 patients last year. "Since last evening till 10 am today, 29 patients -- 23 males and five females -- with burn injuries, mainly related to hands and eyes, were attended to in the casualty department. Only one man, who had suffered 27 per cent injury was admitted," Medical Superintendent of the RML Hospital, Dr V K Tiwari, told PTI. Many doctors feel that the Supreme Court ban on sale of crackers in Delhi-NCR may have contributed to less number of burn cases reported at hospitals. The Delhi governments largest hospital, the LNJP Hospital also received just 10 patients. "Only four of them needed admission, the extent of burn ranged from 10 per cent in one patient to 60 per cent in another. None had eye injuries, but only facial and limb injuries," Medical Superintendent of the LNJP Hospital J C Passey told PTI. Authorities at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said that its casualty unit received 15 cases of burn injuries during the night, 10 of whom were adults and five children. Two patients with severe burn injuries have been operated, and the rest discharged. Four patients with breathing difficulty also came to the casualty ward, they said. The St Stephens Hospital did not report a single burn- related case on Diwali night. "We usually get 15-20 cases every year. But, this time the firecracker ban may have helped reduce the number," a senior official said. However, night-long Diwali revelries, left Delhi polluted in the morning, as the air quality took a sharp plunge and entered the severe zone today. PTI KND/PLB ANB --- ENDS --- advertisement It was on October 20, 1962 when Sino-India war broke out. It lasted for one month before China unilaterally declared ceasefire and ended the war. Former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru at forward position where he met jawans of the Sikh unit on November 1962. By Prabhash K Dutta: Exactly 55 years ago, a full-fledge war broke out between India and China. The Sino-India war began on October 20, 1962 when the People's Liberation Army of China invaded Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh (then known as the North East Frontier Agency) in a synchronised move. With a three-week ceasefire, the war lasted till November 21, when China unilaterally withdrew from Indian territories before the snow could block safe passage to its forces. Around 3,250 Indian soldiers were killed. India lost about 43,000 square kilometres of land, captured by China in Aksai Chin. It is of the size of Switzerland. advertisement The 55th anniversary of the India-China war has a shadow of Doklam stand-off hovering over it. The anniversary is also significant in the view of the the CPC Congress, underway in China, where President Xi Jinping has emerged as the most powerful leader of the country in its history. He is said to be the first President of China to have effective control over its armed forces - not even Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping enjoyed unchallenged say over the PLA. INDIA-CHINA RELATION BEFORE WAR The Himalayas served as frontiers between India and its northern neighbours for centuries. But, with India inheriting boundary demarcations from the British and China being occupied by the Communist forces in late 1940s changed the equations on the ground. After the annexation of Tibet by the PLA, China proclaimed that the entire Himalayan region was part of its sovereign territory. It refused to acknowledge the sanctity of the McMohan Line separating India from China in the east. It also laid claims on parts of Jammu and Kashmir. But, the two countries signed what is known as Panchsheel or Five Principles agreement. The Panchsheel was enunciated in the preamble to the Agreement (with exchange of notes) on trade and intercourse between Tibet Region of China and India. It was signed at Peking on April 29, 1954. On July 1, 1954, former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru stated in a note, "All our old maps dealing with the frontier should be carefully examined, and where necessary, withdrawn. New maps should be printed showing our northern and northeastern frontier without any reference to any 'line'. These new maps should also not state there is any undemarcated territory." "Both as flowing from our policy and as a consequence of our Agreement with China, this frontier should be considered a firm and definite one which is not open to discussion with anybody," Nehru added. On the other hand, China's official maps laid claims over Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. When countered about Chinese claims, the then Premier Zhou Enlai said that there were errors in those maps. BEFORE ARMIES CAME FACE-TO-FACE Having termed the territorial claims as "errors", Zhou Enlai in 1956 said that China had no claims over India-controlled territories. However, soon, he stated that Aksai Chin was under Chinese control. Two years later, in 1958, India officially stated that Aksai Chin was its territory. Meanwhile, a rebellion was brewing in over Tibet, where the PLA was busy crushing any voice against the Communist Party of China headed by Mao Zedong. advertisement Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama fled Tibet and was given huge reception in India. The government decided to give him asylum. The Dalai Lama formed the Tibetan government in-exile in India. The same year, Indian and Chinese forces clashed at several posts. Major armed engagements were reported from Longju in the eastern sector in August and at the Kongka Pass in the western sector in October, 1959. While the relation between India and China was on the downslide over the questions of boundaries and the Dalai Lama, Zhou Enlai proposed a peace-deal asking India to forfeit its claim over Aksai Chin while China would give up its claim over Arunachal Pradesh in return. Nehru rejected the proposal saying that China lacked legitimate claim over these territories. China responded with an allegation that India had "grand plans in Tibet". HOW 1962 WAR BEGAN Alarmed at Chinese assertiveness, India launched its Forward Policy in 1961. Its objective was to create outposts behind advancing Chinese troops to cut supplies forcing them to retreat to north of the demarcated lines. Deployments were made at several posts. advertisement Skirmishes continued throughout the first half of 1962. But, the Indian think tank was not fully convinced that China would go to war with India. They believed that China would engage in small skirmishes as it was not in a position to wage a full-fledged war. Major General JS Dhillon, who later played a major role in 1965 war with Pakistan, had said in September 1962 that "a few rounds fired at the Chinese would cause them to run away". Finally, on October 20, 1962 China launched simultaneous attacks on Indian posts in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh. Its objective was to capture Chip Chap valley in the western sector and territories beyond Namka Chu river in the eastern sector. CEASEFIRE AND END OF WAR The Chinese forces made rapid advancement into Indian territories as the Indian Army was ill-prepared, poorly equipped and short in supplies. By October 24, Chinese troops were 15 km inside the Indian territories when Zhou Enlai shot off a letter to Nehru. Zhou Enlai proposed ceasefire and offered a negotiated settlement. Enlai suggested that both India and China should disengage and withdraw their troops 20 km behind the present lines of actual control. Enlai proposed Chinese withdrawal in Arunachal Pradesh (NEFA) while suggesting that India and China should maintain status quo in Aksai Chin. advertisement Zhou Enlai wrote another letter to Nehru making the same proposal. But, Nehru rejected the proposals saying that Chinese claim on Aksai Chin was illegal. Meanwhile, Soviet Union changed its stance from pro-India to say that the McMahon line was the notorious result of British imperialism. This is exactly China stated. Parliament passed a resolution to "drive out the aggressors from the sacred soil of India." Finally, on Nehru's birthday - November 14, Sino-India war resumed. A week later, China declared unilateral ceasefire ending the war having occupied the Aksai Chin and withdrawn from the northeastern territories, where its forces had come down till Tezpur in Assam. The 1962 war was jolt to India and Nehru. This led to reversal of defence policy of the country putting the Indian Army on the path of modernization. The greater emphasis on nuclear power and use of nuclear weapons became part of India's defence policy. --- ENDS --- MAYOR SLY AND MOST OF THE COUNCIL PASSED A FAKE FAIR WAGE INCREASE THAT'S MOSTLY NONBINDING AND PROMOTES NEAT NEW STICKERS!!! The proposal sets a baseline for those who contract with the city. But not all would be impacted, only those who contract with the city for at least $160,000. Under the proposal, those companies would be required to implement a $10 minimum wage to their workers or provide equivalent benefits . . . Companies bidding on city project either have to pay the minimum wage approved by voters, which will go up to $15 per hour in the next five years, or give compelling answers to questions about company benefits, training, and career tracks. City Council approved $10,000 in funding to start giving stickers to businesses who request them to put in their windows who are in compliance with the minimum wage hike approved by voters. If businesses ask for a sticker and are later reported not to be paying those higher wages they will face city fines. Here's a bit of 12th & Oak legislation that didn't merit much of a mention from most City Hall watchers but still deserves scrutiny . . .The new decals might or might not look something like this . . .Nevertheless . . .Agree or disagree with the minimum wage increase in Missouri - That really does need to be lifted from a disgusting $7.70 theft that's currently the State Law . . .This isn't real change or progress . . . It's a PR move that's is easily thwarted by an emergency ordinance, loopholes in the legislation or by a company simply choosing not to do business with KCMO.Advocates of higher wages have been fighting for years to raise the minimum wage in Kansas City and for their trouble the Mayor and his supporters on the Council have given them a sticker.Deets:Read more:Developing . . . CHECK THIS BIT OF CASH BRAGGING FROM BRENT WELDER WHO TOUTS HIS KANSAS CITY PROGRESSIVE LOVE IN A JOHNSON COUNTY CONTEST!!! While Congressman Yoder earned more thanlocal Democratic Party denizens aren't given up the fight to turn "Golden Ghetto" Johnson County Blue.Accordingly . . .Like it or not, the cash he has raised is impressive and could make this race far more competitive for so many middle-class suburbanites who are rebelling against GOP status quo in the Sunflower State.Take a look:Either way, Mr. Welder seems like a much smarter campaigner than previous Democratic Party hopefuls and his pure play to "Bernie Bros" and "Hillaristas" is an impressive touch that doesn't apologize for pushing progressive ideals like tax and healthcare reform.Developing . . . "Mike Shanin interviews Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Joe Reardon about the organization's position on KCI. Danedri Herbert, Terry Riley, Jason Grill and Steve Mirakian discuss the final push in the campaign for a new KCI, the impact of Independent Greg Orman entering the Kansas Governor's race & the U.S. Senate race in Missouri between McCaskill & Hawley." KCMO-- Were you aware of the Kansas City connection with Justice Thurgood Marshall ? As an attorney for the NAACP he sued the City in 1951 because the City only allowed African Americans to use the pool @ 17th & Paseo Blvd, where Gregg/Kline Community Center is today. The case is Esther Williams ET . al v. Kansas City, et.al. The local NAACP helped Esther Williams, Joseph Moore and Lena Smith sue the City claiming their 14th Amendments rights to equal protection were being denied when they were denied tickets to swim in the City owned Swope Park. What did KCMO do .... The City attorneys tried to have Attorney Thurgood Marshall removed from the case. That didn't work and the City went on to lose the trial. What did the City then do ... They appealed the court case and in the meantime they shut down Swope Parkway pool rather to allow African-Americans from swimming in it. The City appealed to the U. S. Supreme Court! The Supreme Court denied the City's appeal and in June 1954 the court ruled in the NAACP's favor. PARTY SCENE REALITY CHECK: THIS KANSAS CITY DUDE IS SUSPECTED OF GUNFIRE IN WALDO AND THROUGHOUT THE SOUTHLAND AFTER CAUSING A RUCKUS AT OTHERWISE QUITE BARS!!! More to the point, while some Kansas City denizens advocate profiling to keep party districts safer - This suspect who allegedly shot wildly into crowds while driving a luxury vehicle defies most stereotypes about local nightlife violence. A Kansas City man has been charged with firing a weapon into The Waldo Bar and a QuikTrip early Wednesday morning. Wesley Barnes, 34, faces two counts of unlawful use of a weapon and two counts of armed criminal action. According to court documents, around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18, a man entered the Waldo Bar. He ordered a beer and asked if the police were around. The bartender told him no, and he pulled out a handgun and placed it on the bar, saying he was a federal agent. The bartender asked him to leave, so he took the gun and left. The doorman said the man got into a white Audi A4. Once again Kansas City is shocked by a spate of gunfire after a dude is asked to leave a bar.Moreover . . .The shooting caused more than $5k worth of damage at the Waldo Bar, started a panic at the QT and media is also making a connection with recent gunfire aimed at Cerner.Read more . . .Deets:Developing . . . The National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) celebrates its 180th anniversary by opening the doors of its research laboratories to students and the general public on October 20-21. During this weekend, academic staff and NTUA researchers will share with the visitors - young and old - the experience of the working in research. They will show some of the small and large-scale projects currently taking place in the largest Greek technological institute. Visitors will also have the opportunity to see innovative vehicles, robots, earthquake simulation, large-scale lightning strikes, photovoltaic systems, new materials, production of nanomaterials, electron microscopes and various laboratory experiments. The event is a unique chance to gain an overview of the research work done at the NTUA. It also offers a unique opportunity for students to get acquainted with research and to broaden their professional horizons through their acquaintance with the nine schools of the NTUA and a discussion with their academic staff. Read more here. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Badseed License: CC-BY-SA Source: ANA-MPA In September, we invited Mumbai art collectors, buyers and experts to preview the 23 highlights from Sotheby's sale of Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art that was held in London on October 25. Art is witnessing a steady growth with a current market of $250 million which is an increase of around 15 per cent over the past five years. Of this, $98 million is dedicated to contemporary art which constitutes an important part of all art collected. A lot of young people start collecting with contemporary artworks. And it's heartening to see buyers in their twenties and mid-thirties. Taking art sales online has fuelled this interest among young buyers since they are more comfortable with the digital platform that offers ease, convenience and familiarity. CLASSICAL INDIAN ART FINDS BUYERS advertisement Edward Gibbs, chairman, Sothebys India and Middle East India has a vibrant art scene - the museums, galleries, foundations and an expanding client base. Interestingly, there is a renewed interest in Indian classical art. In 2011, a collection of classical Indian art was sold for $48 million and that proved to be a game changer. If you look at the history of Indian art, over the past 50 years, most collections of miniatures were outside India which are now coming back to India. In our collection for this October's sale in London, we also have a seminal work by Bhupen Khakhar from the personal collection of Howard Hodgkin, the famous British painter and printmaker. He had this long love for India, would visit every year for 53 years and stay at the Taj Residences. He had one of the finest collections of Indian paintings and drawings. He and Khakhar were good friends; they painted for each other. INTEREST IN OVERLOOKED ARTISTS While the masters are always there, at Sotheby's we look at artists with long careers who have been hitherto overlooked by the market. A prime example is Meera Mukherjee whose works are part of this collection. We also have a collection of 20 watercolour works by V. Dhurandhar who has painted beautiful scenes of the city of Mumbai in the 1900s. The Modernist period is of course, very popular. Works by MF Husain, SH Raza, VS Gaitonde, FN Souza and Tyeb Mehta are must-haves for serious collectors. The younger buyers prefer to start with contemporary art before moving on to modern and then the classical. --- ENDS --- New Democracy head Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke about the reforms the Greek economy needs during a meeting with European Commissioners in Brussels on Wednesday. "I had the opportunity to discuss with a number of European Commissioners my plan for the Greece of the future. I spoke about the important reforms our country needs. And when we speak of reforms, we speak primarily of investments that will create many and better jobs, linking education with the labour market and making public administration more effective for citizens," he noted after the meeting. "On this level, New Democracy's plan coincides with the priorities of the European Commission," he concluded. Read more here. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: enikoslive License: CC-BY-SA Source: ANA-MPA Chania is one of the biggest cities of Crete, second only to the capital of the island, Heraklion, greekreporter.com notes in the following travel report on the best traditional destinations near the city: Busy and full of life; Chania is also an eclectic old town and a favorite of many returning visitors. The traditional sights of Chania combine landscapes made of distinct styles and eras; all of which bear a clear influence from the many civilizations that have ruled Crete throughout the centuries. Due to its mild year round climate, Chania is the ideal holiday destination in all four seasons. Here are our top most traditional sites to visit in Chania: The Old Venetian Port of Chania, is a picturesque seaside walk lined up with elegant residences that once belonged to important Venetian rulers. Some of these have been turned into exclusive boutique hotels that boast magnificent views of the port and the lighthouse. Not many know, however, that Chania was also home to a lively Jewish community. The Ezt Hayyim synagogue, a few meters from the port, is a clear reminder of the citys Jewish past. The pinkish domes of the Mosque of the Janissaries lie right across from the lighthouse and are a trademark of the city. Walking past the mosque, the coast continues until the New Marina. This wide promenade is dotted with traditional taverns as well as with very popular pubs and restaurants. In the same area, the Arsenals are an impressive memory of the powerful Venetian fleet during the fourteenth century. The Turkish District Tiny alleys at the back of the new port lead to the traditional corner of Splantzia; a neighborhood that to this day retains a unique atmosphere. In the main square; Plateia 1821, the visitor will get a view of the church of Agios Nikolaos, a vivid metaphor for the city. The church dates back to the Venetian era, and it also boasts a huge Ottoman minaret as well as an Orthodox tower bell; all on the front of the building. The current church used to be part of a Dominican monastery, but was changed into the Mosque of the Ruler during the Ottoman occupation. The square is home to traditional kafenia, where home-made dolmades and kolokithokeftedes (courgette fritters), together with a glass of raki or a cold beer are still the preferred meze and beverage. Also known as the Turkish quarter, Splantzia has played an important role during the population exchange with Turkey. In fact, this was the area where the Greek immigrants coming from Asia Minor settled at the beginning of the past century. Today it has become a somewhat artistic angle in town. Splantzia is home to libraries; literary cafes; wine tasting venues, and alternative eateries. The Municipal Market Not far from Splantzia another landmark of the city known as the Municipal Market of Chania is located. The local Agora opened its doors in 1913; as part of the special celebrations that took place, when Crete united with Greece. The market is home to shops and stalls that sell At the Agora; one of the biggest markets in the Balkans, you will find a great variety of products including an assortment of Cretan cheeses; mountain herbs; honey; olive oil; vegetables; fresh meats and fish, and so much more. Halidon Street Not far away from the market theres a street known as the road of leather or more simply, Stivanadika. In the past, it was here that local artisans sold their handmade boots stivania; the traditional Cretan boots. Today Stivanadika is filled with colorful leather bags and shoes, but although only a few of the original shops are still around, you can still find fully customized Cretan boots. A few steps away you will discover Halidon Street, which houses the magnificent Cathedral, which is located in Mitropoleos Square. The building; which dates back to 1863, used to be a soap factory during the Ottoman rule. Next to the church, are the remaining domes of a nearby hammam and close by, is the semi-hidden Catholic church part of an old Franciscan convent as well as the Archaeological Museum of Chania. Mere steps ahead is Sintrivani square, which is right next to the Old Venetian Port; one of the most beautiful sights of the city, and one of the prettiest harbors in the Mediterranean. Read more here. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Jebulon License: CC-BY-SA Source: greekreporter.com Greekcitytimes.com reports in the following article that on your way up to the slopes of Mt. Parnassos and the archaeological site of Delphi, about 13 km before the town of Arahova, you can leave the main road and turn towards the village of Distom and Styri. If you keep driving for about 9 km the road will bring you to one of the most impressive monuments in the Mediterranean Sea: the monastery of Ossios Loukas. One of the best preserved byzantine monasteries in Greece, situated near the village of Distomo on the hills of Helicon mountain, it has survived many generations since its foundation by the hermit Agios Loukas in 953 A.D. Apart from being among the few monasteries that survived more than 1000 years, the architecture of the monastery as well as its frescoes are unique. It is by far, a magical journey into history and in times where art and culture flourished. A triumph of Byzantine art and architecture, it is no surprise that this church has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Decorated with a combination of mosaics and frescoes, following the death of the holy hermit Lukas the Stiriote, a church was constructed in the late 10th century on Mt. Helicon to house his relics. Later in the early 11th century, an immense Byzantine-style square cathedral was constructed adjoining the Church of Holy Luke and was used to support the growing religious community and pilgrims there. The cathedral has a massive central dome which rests on 8 hemi-circular vaults and thick piers. Agios Lukas, whose relics are kept in the monastery until today was a hermit and should not be mistaken for Agios Lukas the Evangelist of the Gospel of Saint Luke, but a hermit who died on 7 February 953 and was famous for having predicted the conquest of Crete by Emperor Romanos. It is believed that it was during the latters reign (959-963) that the monasterys Church of the Theotokos (Panagia) was built. The main shrine of the monastery is the tomb of Agios Lukas, originally located in the vault, but later placed at the juncture of the two churches. Agios Lukas relics are said to have exuded myron, an oil which produced healing miracles. Pilgrims hoping for miraculous help were encouraged to sleep by the side of the tomb in order to be healed. The mosaics around the tomb represent not only Agios Lukas himself, but also hegumen hilotheos offering a likeness of the newly built church to the saint. Byzantine monasteries like this are built in sites characterised by impressive natural beauty and the churches here feature multicoloured marble revetments, while the ceilings are illuminated by the mosaics with the golden background (11th century AD). The scenes are religious, chosen and designed according to the strict rules followed by the artists until nowadays. Read more here. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: BishkekRocks License: CC-BY-SA Source: greekcitytimes.com Global safety science company UL said it has joined hands with Saudi-based GCC Electrical Testing Laboratory (GCC Labs) to develop a state-of-the-art renewables and smart grid testing facility at its custom-built facility in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. It will be a first-of-its-kind facility in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, and will serve customers across the region with world-class testing and certification facilities. The announcement was made at the inaugural Saudi Electricity Forum held recently in Riyadh. The GCC Electrical Testing Laboratory is an independent, reliable, capable and efficient start-up laboratory to serve the electrical equipment testing requirements including renewables in the GCC and neighbouring countries The Mena region is poised to make huge strides in the electricity sector over the next decade, remarked Jeff Smidt, the vice-president and general manager of the Energy and Power Technologies Division at UL. Smidt was giving his keynote presentation in the presence of top senior delegates at the key energy industry event. "The JV agreement and establishment of GCC Labs at the first Electric Summit all point towards an extremely positive future for the sector in the region, with Saudi Arabia marching towards the sustainable future outlined in Vision 2030," stated Smidt after signing the deal with Matteo Codazzi, the CEO of technical consulting and engineering company CESI and Saleh Al Amri, CEO of GCC Labs in the presence of Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, Khalid A. Al Falih. "There was a very obvious sense of collaboration amongst private firms and government entities, all wanting to work together for the shared purpose of improving the energy sector in the GCC," he added. Hamid Syed, the VP and general manager at UL Middle East, said: "The Saudi Electric Forum was the perfect place to sign such a significant agreement and we look forward to collaborating with our colleagues at GCC Labs to offer renewable and smart grid testing facilities to the public and private sector firms across Mena so that everyone in this region benefit from the safety advancements made in the sector." According to him, the Middle East markets to be served by the joint venture all have ambitious renewable targets with substantial growth expected over the next several years. It is anticipated that the joint venture will be well positioned to support those targets in the years to come. GCC Labs CEO Saleh A. Al Amri said: "The forum showed the trust and high expectation that our strategic stakeholders have for our joint venture to deliver best in class services to contribute fundamentally to the achievement of the Saudi and GCC visions." "We are delighted to work with such a globally renowned industry leader as UL and we look forward to a successful venture," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Gibraltar, a leading manufacturer of anti-ram vehicle barriers used across the globe, has announced that it has received awards for multiple international projects, including from Saudi Arabia. Gibraltar anti-vehicle barriers were selected for use on the Tuhama Power Plant, owned by Saudi Electricity Company in Saudi Arabia. Gibraltar's barriers were acquired for 360 degree anti-ram security with approximately 3,200 m of G-Force Brace & Beam and G-Force Combination Anti-Ram Fences, as well as multiple G-2000 Electric Wedge Barriers. All barriers selected for the project were crash certified by an independent certified testing laboratory to ASTM F2656-07 M50 P1. Gibraltar also provided the electronic power units (EPUs) and control panels for the active barriers. "Getting these products accepted with Saudi Electricity Company and HCIS was a huge success in getting these products introduced to the Saudi Arabian and Middle East markets. We are excited to provide a product that performs well, is aesthetically pleasing, and saves the customer money," says Jim Castello, president for Gibraltar Material Distribution. Gibraltar has also been awarded a contract to supply its G-1350 Standard Mount Bollards for the Jabal Sayid Mine Project in Saudi Arabia. These bollards are also crash certified by an independent certified testing laboratory to ASTM F2656-07 M50 P1. In Singapore, Gibraltar's G-Force M30 Post & Beam Anti-Ram Fence is being utilized to secure a vulnerable section of the Singapore Changi Airport and protect the area from purposeful and errant vehicular ramming. Gibraltar has been successful in bidding the perimeter fence portions of these projects due to new technology they utilize in their fence systems versus traditional cable systems. Gibraltar has developed all steel beam-based anti-ram fence systems to help lower installation costs (both material and time) to the installer and ultimately to the end users. There are only a handful of parts between the G-Force family of anti-ram fences and many can be utilized and interchanged on each system. The systems are like an erector's set in that you put the barrier together and connect your components with each beam connecting with a single pin and bolt versus the hardware needed with traditional cable barriers, the company said. "Once the system is erected you pour your concrete and let cure. The installation labor/time needed to install the G-Force systems are estimated at 50-60 per cent less than the traditional cable systems in the market," the company said. The other option which makes the G-Force series of barriers unique is that there are 12" shallow foundation options certified to ASTM F2656-07 M50 P1. This gives end users with existing utilities in place an option for anti-ram fence in areas where you would previously have to relocate your utilities for crash posts and line posts, it said. Gibraltar offers five different crash certified anti-ram fence systems known as its G-Force Series. Also offered are crash certified bollards, wedge barriers, crash gates, portable barriers, and surface mount barriers. - TradeArabia News Service Singapore Airlines (SIA) hopes to sign an agreement with Boeing for planes worth $13.8 billion during Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's visit to Washington next week, reports said. Lee said this in an interview with American news broadcaster CNBC, said a report in Straits Times. In February, SIA agreed to place firm orders with Boeing for 20 777-9s and 19 787-10 Dreamliners, for additional growth and fleet modernisation through the next decade. Singapore Airlines spokesman Nicholas Ionides confirmed that the aircraft order announced as a letter of intent earlier this year is expected to be formally signed during PM Lee's visit to Washington, the report said. "More details will be announced after the signing of the purchase agreement with Boeing," he said. The letter of intent that SIA signed with the US airframe manufacturer also included six additional options for each aircraft type, which would enlarge the deal to as many as 51 planes. FLASHBACK FRIDAY: Growth in Low-Touch U.S. Equity Trading Stalls at 33% Just as the death of the human trader was overpublicized, so was the pronouncement that low-touch trading was going away too. But what is the state of low-touch trading in the current market structure? And how will upcoming regulations, such as MiFID II affect trading. While electronic trading might not be growing by leaps and bounds anymore in todays mature market structure, has it evolved from its plug-and-trade roots into something else? The proverbial jury still seems to be out. This ongoing debate comes amid the backdrop that the buy-side trader has very recently come out and openly said it still wants the human sales trader on a phone ready to discuss the equities market, get that actionable insight, and the order. While algorithms are OK, they will not replace the human in terms of need and importance. In a recent study titled The Voice of Trading by Greenwich Associates, the market consultancy noted that voice communications remain a still essential component of institutional trading. Despite the trend towards electronic trading, voice communications between traders and their clients still sit at the heart of global financial markets, they write. The report illustrates that despite the undisputed fact that algorithms, dark pools and electronic market makers have transformed trading, institutional investors actually execute the majority of their order flow via high-touch channelsusually via telephone. And while high-touch trading and low-touch or electronic trading have historically been siloed and completely independent of one another, voice communications now play a role even when trades are routed through electronic channels. Greenwich data uncovered that 9 out of 10 of the trading professionals participating in a 2016 Greenwich Associates study use voice communications in electronic trades, primarily for post-trade interaction either discussing trade performance and receiving allocation instructions - and pre-trade interaction such as confirming order receipt, discussing market conditions or expectations for the trade. In yet another report from earlier this year, the market consultancy said that low-touch trading (not including crossing networks or portfolio trading) is at 31% for year ending 1Q17, with most traders surveyed expecting that to grow to 36% in 3 years. So, there is room for some growth but not much. As one analyst told Traders Magazine, a growing number of high-touch traders are using algorithms/electronic trading tools themselves to remain more relevant, so the percentage of high touch traders remaining high reflects more of a hybrid high-touch/low-touch approach on their part. In a recent conversation with Markets Media group, parent of Traders Magazine, New York-based Clearpool discussed how it has enhanced its client portal in a way that company executives say changes the dynamic of electronic trading. The new dashboard embeds a series of collaborative real-time trading tools that are meant to raise the bar on dialogue between the buy side and the sell side, and improve the quantity and quality of the color that brokers provide to clients something that was thought to be lost in the electronic revolution of yesterday. The product is a bit of a paradox in that it is a new technology, but its value-add is that it turns back the clock by repersonalizing the buy side -- sell side relationship Wald noted that the data visualizations presented on the portal can quickly and intuitively show whether a trader is being too passive or too aggressive, or if theres an issue with a certain venue, or if the market overall is doing something unexpected. Its about having data that you can use, and helping the buy side understand the footprint of their order, Wald said. Its actionable insight, which is a better reason for a broker to pick up a phone, Wald said. This is the more fruitful conversation that the buy side has been demanding, and its the conversation the sell side wants to give but hasnt had the tools to do so. And why might a trader want actionable insight aside from alpha acquisition as Wald said? How about upcoming reglations such as MiFID II, slated to go into effect January. Craig Viani, Execution and Quantitative Specialist at Liquidnet, told Traders Magazine that there is a MIFID II angle when it comes to the low-touch/high-touch trading conundrum. Just like Reg NMS was a catalyst for its initial growth, e-trading is likely to get a boost from the current swell of regulations from over the pond, Viani began. As MIFID II applies steady pressure on unbundling, electronic brokers will benefit from these tailwinds as buy-side traders shift their priorities and commission management through trading takes a back seat to best execution. No longer constrained by institutions' needs to parse out trades and commission payments, its likely a handful of the remaining electronic oriented brokers who have survived the market volume drought of the last few years, will be the greatest beneficiaries. The original article appeared in the October 2015 edition of Traders Magazine Growth in Low-Touch U.S. Equity Trading Stalls at 33%, Unchanged Since 2012 By John DAntona Jr. Is this the beginning of the end in electronic trading in stocks? Could high-touch trading, which fell out of favor as commissions dropped after 2009, be making a comeback? According to a new report from Greenwich Associates, after years of robust growth, e-trading (low-touch) volumes in U.S. equities have hit the proverbial wall. The amount of trading this way hasn't grown since 2012, the firm said, noting recent run-up in electronic trading has been dealt a blow by a combination of increased market complexity, high levels of business concentration and competing demands for order flow. The results of the Greenwich Associates 2015 U.S. Equity Investor Study show that institutions over the last year executed about one-third of overall U.S. equity trading volume electronically-a share essentially unchanged from the prior two years. These results, which are based on interviews with 243 U.S. equity portfolio managers and 321 U.S. equity traders, prove that although e-trading is nearly ubiquitous among institutional investors, usage has plateaued. While 90% execute at least some of their trades electronically, over the last four years institutional investors consistently executed only one-third of their U.S. equity volumes through broker e-trading offerings. In a new paper, "U.S. Equities: The E-Trading Stalemate," Greenwich Associates finds that the lack of growth is due to: 1. Competing demands for order flow. E-trading volumes are constrained by institutions' need to parse out trades and commission payments to brokers as compensation for research and for capital commitment. 2. Market complexity. Due to regulations and a host of other factors, market structure is becoming increasingly complex. With waves of e-trading product offerings from smaller brokers and an influx of new, indistinct matching engines, electronic trading seems to be adding to this complexity rather than solving it. 3. High Levels of Concentration. While market structure and the menu of available electronic offerings become increasingly complex, institutions are clear in what they want from their execution platforms: simplicity, reliability and responsive support. "Today, equity desks interact with around 40 brokers annually," said Craig Viani, Greenwich Associates Vice President of Market Structure and Technology. "Of those relationships, roughly 70% of e-trading is executed with the top 2 brokers." Viani added though it wasn't time to throw the baby out with the bathwater, just yet, and e-trading volumes will eventually return to growth. "Technology improvements on both the buy side and the sell side, as well as the proliferation of transaction cost analysis (TCA) and increased availability of intra-trade performance measurement by venue, should help e-trading volumes break out from their current plateau in the next 18-24 months," Viani concluded in the report. For more information on related topics, visit the following channels: By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 20 (PTI) Union minister Smriti Irani today hit back at Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi for his comments referring to a court barring a news portal from publishing articles on a company owned by Amit Shahs son, saying a person "out on bail" was "mocking" the courts. The information and broadcasting minister also said the Congress leaders attempts would not help his party win the Gujarat Assembly polls and wished Rahul Gandhi on the occasion of the Gujarati New Year. advertisement "A person out on bail mocks the courts. Lage raho Bhai Gujarat phir bhi haroge (keep trying brother, still you will lose in Gujarat)?? Saal Mubarak (Best wishes for New Year) (sic)," she said in a tweet, referring to the Congress vice president being on bail in the National Herald case. Earlier, apparently targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, Rahul Gandhi had fired a fresh salvo over the controversy surrounding Amit Shahs son Jay Shahs company. "Mitron (friends), will not speak about Shah-zada, nor will let anyone speak," he had tweeted in Hindi, referring to an interim injunction granted by an Ahmedabad court on a criminal defamation plea filed against news portal The Wire by Jay Shah. He had also tagged a news report -- "Ahmedabad Court injunction: The Wire barred from writing on Jay Shah" -- along with his tweet. Jay Shah had recently filed a criminal defamation case against The Wire after it published an article claiming that the turnover of a company run by him saw a huge rise after the BJP came to power at the Centre in 2014. An Ahmedabad court had, on Monday, restrained the portal from publishing or broadcasting reports based on the article published by it regarding Jay Shahs firm. Both the Congress and Rahul Gandhi have repeatedly questioned Modis "silence" on the issue. PTI MP RC --- ENDS --- By PTI: Singh on Kashmir Jammu, Oct 20 (PTI) Terming as farce Pakistans oft- repeated claim that a "freedom movement" was on in Kashmir, Union Minister Jitendra Singh today said it is a "manufactured struggle" and a "mercenary movement" that has graduated into an industry. He said the youths in the Valley have now understood the nefarious designs of the elements, who have been using them as "sacrificial goat" while their own children are lodged in safe havens. advertisement "There is no such thing like freedom struggle at all in Kashmir. It is a farce. It is a manufactured freedom struggle. "It is a mercenary movement, which has gradually graduated into anindustry now, in which there are huge vested interests involvedand such people carry out mayhem in the name of freedom struggle," Singh, who is Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region, told reporters here today. He was replying to a question about Pakistans claim of "freedom movement" in Kashmir. The Minister said the realisation that they were being exploited in the name of struggle has dawned upon the youths and cited the example of a"leading" militant commander being nabbed with the assistance of a woman. "She was among the young women who werebeing exploited by these militant commanders in Kashmir," he said. "The youths of Kashmir have understood that those who are exploitingthem have their children lodged in the safe havens of thecountry and the world and are using them as the sacrificial goat," headded. "There is a lot of awakening in a large section of youths and they wish to be part of Prime Minister Narendra Modis developmental journey in the country," he added. "They want to avail the opportunities available to the youths in other parts of the country. They dont want to miss this bus. They want to be part of this journey," Singh, who is also minister of state in the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), said. On the violence in connection with alleged braid chopping incidents, the Minister said that there was not a single case with substantial evidence. "There can be mischief behind this... the right thinking citizens will condemn this. We should not jump to conclusion without having any evidence. "We live in evidence-based era. We should not allow it to become a tool for certain politicians or separatists," the Union Minister said. Asked about terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC), he said that Pakistan carries out infiltration activities every year . advertisement "Out of 50-60 infiltration bids, 45-50 infiltration bids have been foiled. This speaks about the efficiency and increase in capability ofsecurity forces," he said. The minister said that Jammu and Kashmir police has also come of age, particularly its special operations group. Many of the terrorists have either been nabbed or liquidated with minimum collateral damage possible. "It is a compliment to police and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir," he said About the reported diktat by a Muslim organisation that boys and girls should not study together, he said, "Without getting into the discussion, I can say that in India of 2017, boys and girls can decide for themselves". "I have already said that they are part of the aspirational movement of Modis new India and therefore they cannot be subjected to any gender bias," he said. PTI AB RT --- ENDS --- At least 30 people have been killed and 45 others injured in a suicide blast at a Shiite mosque in western Kabul, an Afghan official at the Interior Ministry said. An Afghan policeman at the site of the blast near a Shiite mosque in Kabul. Photo: Reuters. By AP: At least 30 people have been killed and 45 others injured in a suicide blast at a Shiite mosque in western Kabul, an Afghan official at the Interior Ministry said. Major General Alimast Momand says the attacker was on foot and walked into to the Imam Zaman Mosque on Friday in the city's Dashti Barch area where he detonated his explosives. advertisement The head of the area's Isteqlal Hospital, Mohammad Sabir Nassib, says it has received the bodies of two people slain in the attack as well as those of two wounded. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. --- ENDS --- New Delhi, October 20 Disinvestment-bound Air India has sought proposals for short-term loans worth Rs 1,500 crore to meet urgent working capital needs, according to a document. This is the second time in little over a month that the flagship carrier has floated tenders for short tenure loans even as the government is working on the modalities for the stake sale. The debt-laden carrier, which is surviving on taxpayers money, is battling multiple headwinds, including financial woes and stiff competition. In a document issued on October 18, Air India said it is looking for government guarantee backed Indian Rupee short term loans totalling up to Rs 1,500 crore to meet its urgent working capital requirements. The loan would have a tenure up to June 27, 2018 from the date of being availed and the deadline could be extended. The amount of Rs 1,500 crore will be drawn in one -three tranches... The Government of India guarantee, is valid up to June 27, 2018 or till the date of disinvestment, the document said. With regard to the loan, the carrier has requested banks to submit their financial bids along with the amount they are willing to provide by October 26. Air India would like to draw the short term loan within three working days after awarding the acceptance letter to the successful bank/s, the document said. Last month also, the airline had sought proposals for short-term loans of up to Rs 3,250 crore to meet urgent working capital requirements. It could not be immediately ascertained whether the airline received adequate response for the document floated last month. As part of a turnaround plan approved by the previous UPA regime, Air India is to receive up to Rs 30,231 crore from the government subject to meeting certain performance thresholds. The 10-year bailout package began from 2012. The embattled carrier has received around Rs 26,000 crore under the package so far. In June this year, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave its in-principle nod to the strategic disinvestment of the airlinewhich has a debt burden of more than Rs 50,000 crore. A ministerial group is now working on the disinvestment modalities, including treatment of Air Indias unsustainable debt, hiving off of certain assets to a shell company, demerger and strategic disinvestment of three profit-making subsidiaries. PTI Tribune News Service Mohali, October 20 Air India has announced the long-awaited direct flight from Chandigarh to Bangkok. While the maiden flight on Chandigarh-Bangkok route will take off on December 11. It will be operated thrice a week Monday, Wednesday and Friday. RK Negi, local station manage of Air India, said, The Chandigarh to Bangkok flight will start from December 11. It will depart from Bangkok at 5.40 am and arrive at the city airport at 9.20 am. The flight will depart from Chandigarh at 2 pm. The duration of the flight is 5 hours and 30 minutes. The aircraft, Airbus 320 Neo, has a capacity of 162 passengers. There are 12 seats in business class and 150 in economy class, Negi added. The flight to Bangkok was to start in April 2017 but was deferred due to delay in procuring an aircraft. It was not included in the summer flight schedule. Meanwhile, flight operations at the airport had been curtailed since October 3, due to repair of the runway. The airport remains closed for operation from 4 pm to 5 am. There are no commercial flights on Sundays. Chandigarh, October 20 It was a quieter Diwali this year in the Union Territory, courtesy a high court order fixing a three-hour slot for bursting firecrackers in Punjab, Haryana and here. In comparison to last years Diwali, there was a dip in noise levels across areas of the city and the sulphur dioxide levels also remained within permissible limits, the Pollution Control Board said here today. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had on October 13 fixed three hours 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm for bursting firecrackers on Diwali in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh after noting the high levels of pollution from fireworks. The levels of sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen were within the permissible limits, and Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) levels drastically reduced in all the three zones as compared to previous Diwali, the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committees member secretary, P J S Dadhwal, said. The noise level was recorded at 84.8 decibels (dB) between 9 pm to 10 pm this Diwali in residential zones, compared to 86.3 dB recorded during last years celebrations on October 30. From 80.5 dB recorded in the same time period last year for silence zones, the level 72.7 dB this time, while for commercial zones it dropped from 68.8 dB to 62.3 dB. Similarly, the RSPM level yesterday was recorded at 97 micrograms per metre cube, compared to last years 225 micrograms for commercial zones. The levels fell from 330 to 172 micrograms in silence zones and from 316 to 169 micrograms in residential zones. Meanwhile, a total of 28 patients were treated for firecracker related injuries at the emergency services of PGIMERs Advanced Eye Centre last night, a spokesperson said today. Twelve patients were from Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula area, while 16 were from the neighboring states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, she said. The youngest patient, who was admitted with an ocular injury, was seven years old, she said, adding that 10 people were injured while lighting firecrackers and 18 bystanders were injured due to the bursting of crackers. Nine patients required eye surgeries, she said. PTI S Nihal Singh FOR the world, the Taj Mahal is a thing of beauty and joy forever. It is one of the great wonders of the world attracting millions of tourists. Yet for the Sangh Parivar it represents an unwelcome phenomenon. The Modi government has promoted RSS ideologues to historical and research organisations in furiously rewriting history to obliterate some 800 years of Muslim rule. And some BJP governments in the states have already rewritten textbooks to denigrate, if not eliminate, Muslim rulers and glorify Hindu kings and fighters. The essence of the problem is simple. In the tales the Sangh Parivar has spun of ancient Indias greatness for their followers an era in which planes flew and head transplants were common the 800 years of Muslim rule sticks in the throat. The Parivar does not have the same hostility to British rule. In fact, it played an ambiguous role in the Congress-led Independence movement and one of its former members murdered the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The Sangh Parivar can rewrite history but it is helpless in the face of the marble memorial of a Mughal king to his wife. Mr Sangeet Som, a BJP MP from Uttar Pradesh who has flirted with at least one other party before finding his home, in a public speech decried the monument as a blot on Indian culture, alerting at least one Muslim organisation to the danger of the Taj meeting the fate of the Babri Masjid. Imagine the worldwide outcry any harm to the Taj would cause. Yet Mr Som thought he was only amplifying the disdain of the state CM, Yogi Adityanath, who had suggested that the monument was not part of Indian culture. There were other straws in the wind. An official UP tourism booklet omitted the Taj in its list of attractions. For the Sangh Parivar, the Tajs rightful international fame was anathema. So Mr Som, who thought he was doing his duty to decry it, set off a chain reaction, with the Hyderabad MP Owaisi, not one to miss an occasion, asking Mr Modi to stop unfurling the national flag on Independence Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort, another Muslim-built edifice. And at least one other Muslim legislator suggested that by the same logic Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhawan should be demolished because they were built by Indias conquerors. Realising that India was becoming the laughing stock of the world, the Modi government did a rhetorical about turn, suggesting that the Taj was part of Indian heritage and no country could move ahead without pride in its culture. This was in effect a weak endorsement of a fault line in Parivar politics. After all, it was Mr Modi who, in a public speech opening a new wing of a Mumbai hospital, had endorsed the myth of head transplants in ancient India. Others tried to backtrack in their own way. The redoubtable Yogi Adityanath said the monument had been built by the sweat and blood of Indian labourers, and any number of BJP functionaries holding official positions came out with their condemnation of Mr Soms assault on the Taj and a new UP Government calendar includes the Taj in its fold. Yet the Parivars dilemma on expounding the Hindu rashtra and the purity and virility of the Hindu race remains unresolved. Many nations edit history to present themselves in more flattering ways and while medieval Indian history will become unrecognisable if the BJP rules for long, the ego of the Parivar will take India to many fanciful lands. There are no short answers because of the starry heights the Parivar is taking the country in spreading its myths. If the wonders of modern science were commonplace practices thousands of years ago in India, as attested by Mr Modi, what is the point of pursuing modern science or computer technology today? And if this is the mindset of the present leaders of the country, what will the very young in schools learn? If the starting point of the inquiry is skewed, where will it lead the country? The Parivar has the right to its myths, but as the stupid controversy over the Taj reveals, it could prove to be a road to disaster. One cannot rule a diverse country of Indias size by myths. Yogi Adityanaths indulgence in Ayodhya by enacting scenes from our epic tale is harmless if expensive. But how can a country be ruled in the 21st century on the basis of superstition? We are still waiting for an answer from Mr Modi. How does he reconcile computer technology with the fiction of his own and the Parivars beliefs? Or are they to inhabit in separate compartments and if so who will be the arbiter of bringing them together without colliding? Thus far the RSS chief, Mr Mohan Bhagwat, has been careful to offer suggestions to the government of Mr Modi. The latter knows full well the force of these suggestions, having been reared in the RSS family. The Taj and the ferocity with which Mr Som has made his point restricts the room for debate in the RSS family. If Muslim rule per se is evil, whats there to debate? The best that can be said about the Parivar is that it is struggling to navigate in a world that does not conform to the worldview created by its myths. Granted that Muslims ruled India for 800 years followed by the British, there were inherent defects in the Indian character and circumstances that made these historical events possible. Instead of tracking Indian weaknesses, the Parivars rule is to glorify Hindu rulers and fighters. Perhaps Mr Modi wants to wait until 2019 before trying to bring some order or logic to the irreconcilable nature of Parivar myths with the modern world. He hopes to win the next general election and then plans to seek a new direction to proceed with an enduring dilemma. Janak Raj Gupta The recent debate on the economic health of the country has relegated two important social aspects, viz poverty and inequality, to the background. The latest dip in GDP growth to 5.7 per cent has also sent an alarming signal for the ruling BJP. Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council (EAC), which was abolished in May 2014 when the Narendra Modi-led government came into power, has been revived. Of course, the setting up of the EAC comes against the backdrop of the slowdown in the economy and the criticism of the government's handling of key issues, such as poverty alleviation and achieving social justice. Broadly, there are two models of economic development: investment-led and consumption-led, though both are interrelated. Currently, the government is relying on private investment or what we call the market-led growth. The private sector has been invited in a big way to invest in infrastructure. The Public Private Partnership (PPP) model has become the fashion of the day. On the pretext of fiscal prudence, even social welfare measures such as education, health and social security have been handed over to the private sector. Poor cant afford essential services This has brought these essential services beyond the reach of the poor. Conditions mentioned in the MoU under the PPP model are often violated with impunity. It is being presumed that private investment would increase employment and income, and hence consumption in the economy, ie, benefits of growth will automatically trickle down and include all sections of society. But what has happened in the past is that the market-driven model has increased distributional inequalities and poverty, too, has not declined significantly. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB), the main protagonists of the 'trickle-down theory', have themselves rejected it and advised the developing nations such as India to focus on the poor and middle classes. Because of pent-up demand, the poor spend all the increase in their income, which has a multiplier effect on growth. In fact, post deomonetisation, the main cause of the decline in the GDP is the fall in the income of the poor. The middle class, that has a positive propensity to save, prefers to keep its savings in safe channels which may find outlets in productive investment. It is only the billionaires and millionaires who resort to ostentatious consumption which has fewer multiplier effects. Transfer income to poor A recent IMF study points out that "fiscal redistribution can help raise the income share of the poor and middle class, and thus support growth. But the redistributive role of fiscal policy could be reinforced by greater reliance on wealth and property taxes, more progressive income taxation, removing opportunities for tax avoidance and evasion and better targeting of social benefits." Worried about the growing inequalities, IMF managing director Christine Legarde says: What better than more growth, more equitably shared. Our experience stands testimony to the positive effects of transferring income to the poor. For example, an increase in the public expenditure on MGNREGA and debt relief measures in 2009 insulated the Indian economy from global recession. No doubt the market-led growth model is the pre-requisite for removing the current sluggishness in economy, but this model should be redesigned by providing more resources to the poor. India has a great potential to rely on the internal market. Instead of subsidies, let the poor have sufficient disposable income to use the market forces for their uplift. Reduce inequalities Therefore, the government should make efforts to reduce inequalities through progressive taxes and expenditure, which are important components of the fiscal policy. According to the recently released 'New World Wealth Report' pertaining to the 10 richest countries, India has topped in the world insofar as increase in wealth between 2015 and 2016 is concerned. And, India is ahead of many rich countries, including Canada, France and Italy. Even employees of private companies such as Infosys and Larsen and Toubro have become millionaires by purchasing companies' shares. The 'World Wealth Report 2017' shows that there are 2.19 lakh crorepatis in india (having minimum Rs 6.50 crore) and every year, they are increasing in thousands. Thus, increasing the concentration of wealth in India has become an area of great concern. But the government appears to be allowing a free play to market forces, making the rich more rich. The wealth tax stands abolished and the corporation tax is set to be slashed to 25 per cent from the existing 30 per cent. Even the time series data released recently by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) reveal that after 2008-09, the direct tax collections have become less buoyant, ie the growth in direct tax revenue does not respond to the growth of GDP automatically. The ratio of direct taxes in the total tax collections has declined from 60.8 per cent in 2009-10 to nearly 50.0 per cent in 2016-17. All these developments do not augur well for reducing inequalities. Even the World Bank and the IMF have cautioned India about the growing inequalities. New India by 2022 Efforts towards New India by 2022 would be meaningless if widespread poverty continues to persist. In fact, the world over, there is a growing concern about the nexus between poverty and inequality. In India, poverty and inequalities have increased to such an extent that many NGOs have come up in certain cities to collect eatables from persons having surplus resources to distribute them among the poor. From such incidents and other recent social developments, the government should take the hint and redesign its tax-expenditure policies. India still ranks 97 in the list of 118 poor countries. In his various 'Man Ki Baat' speeches, Prime Minister Narendra Modi does talk about the plight of the poor, yet at the government level, much is not being done to ameliorate their lot. The poor must be included in the debate of stimulating economy. Therefore, in the name of fiscal prudence, instead of pruning public expenditure for the poor, the government should mobilise more resources from the rich. In view of the ever-increasing number of billionaires, wealth tax and estate duty/death duty abolished earlier need to the re-imposed. The poor can be ensured a decent level of disposable income to spend on education, medical facilities, insurance policies and other social security measures, which in a welfare state should be government obligations. The idea of Universal Basic Income (UBI) championed by many across the world can be tried for the poorest of the poor. The writer is Fellow, Punjabi University, Patiala India was the flavour of the pre-Diwali season in the US. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, on the eve of his Asia visit that includes India, described New Delhi as one of the bookends of the liberal order in Asia Pacific; the other is Japan. India [as opposed to China] operates within a framework that protects other nations sovereignty, is a powerful democratic example and has an increasing stature on the world stage. All of this would have sounded credible had US President Donald Trump not opted for China while skipping India on his Asia tour next month. The words of encomium about India being the cornerstone of a liberal order would have had a ring of truth around them if Trump had not struck a $110-billion arms bargain with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The fact of the matter remains that Washington sees India as a more-than-useful ally in its plans to shift the balance of the trade and security relationships with China. Tillerson astutely played on New Delhis uncertainties and apprehensions about Chinas behaviour in the neighbourhood which he mentioned 13 times in a speech on the future of US relations with India. However, with a severely dented perception about its reliability in South East Asia, the US also needs a new partner with a common grouse against China. And India fits the bill perfectly for it has issues with Chinas method of shaping the trade infrastructure in the region as well as it considers its military moves as expansionist. The US needs to internalise that Indias trade surplus and visas to software engineers are a free market dynamic rather than a fiendish plan to subvert America; New Delhi will want greater autonomy in its foreign relations, especially with Iran and Russia. After a barren decade, this is a tailor-made opportunity for India to enter into new areas of engagement with the US and to deepen its existing cooperation. But to avoid becoming a dumping ground for the US military-industrial complex, India needs a broader negotiating platform to accommodate its non-security interests. Sunit Dhawan Tribune News Service Rohtak, October 20 The police freed the driver of a leading local doctor, whom the kidnappers had abducted mistaking him for the doctor, after an armed encounter during early hours yesterday. The mastermind behind the plot was killed, while three of his accomplices were arrested. Four policemen were injured in the encounter. Rohtak SP Pankaj Nain said Ravi Pandit of Rohtak, and Devraj, Shibbu and Saleem of Delhi, plotted to kidnap a leading local doctor for ransom. They kidnapped Birender Singh, doctors driver, on the night of October 18 and also took away a Creta car. When they realised they had kidnapped the driver instead of the doctor, they changed the plan and demanded Rs 1 lakh ransom for drivers release. They later lowered the demand to Rs 50,000 and conspired to kidnap the doctor when he comes to pay the ransom, he said. On being informed about the matter, the police laid a trap to nab the kidnappers. A team was constituted under Inspector Manoj Verma, who went in plain clothes to pay the ransom. As the kidnappers approached him, he signaled the police team accompanying him. The kidnappers, who had come in the doctors Creta car, tried to flee. The police team chased them. The kidnappers hit the police car, due to which both vehicles overturned and fell in the fields. ASI Amit and head constables Sanjay, Yashbir and Dinesh were injured in the accident. In the meanwhile, the kidnappers tried to run away with the driver. They fired at the police team when it tried to stop them. The police also fired at them and freed the driver. Two kidnappers Ravi Pandit and Himanshu were arrested on the spot. The injured were admitted to the local PGIMS where Ravi Pandit died. This morning, we got a tip-off that the other two kidnappers will leave for Uttarakhand from the Nangloi bus stand. A police party was promptly dispatched to Nangloi, from where Shibbu and Saleem were arrested, the SP said, adding that several weapons have been seized from their possession. Lalit Mohan Tribune News Service Dharamsala, October 20 Three senior BJP leaders former minister Kishan Kapoor from Dharamsala, former minister and sitting MLA Ravinder Ravi from Dehra and Rakesh Pathania today filed their nomination papers in Kangra district today. In Dharamsala, Kishan Kapoor addressed the gathering of BJP workers near the secretariat after filing the nomination papers. He alleged that the Congress had failed to fulfil promises made to the people of Dharamsala. Corruption was rampant and new trend of goons beating up political opponents was witnessed in Dharamsala area. A large numbers of BJP workers had gathered near secretariat to greet Kapoor as he came to file the nomination papers. Besides Kapoor in Dharamsala, three independent candidates RS Rana, who was claiming to represent the Gorkha community and is president of Punjab, Himachal Gorkha association, Pankaj Kumar and Kamal Chaudhary filed their nomination papers. From Dehra, former minister and sitting MLA Ravinder Ravi filed his nomination. Ravinder Ravi was accompanied by the former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal while filing nomination papers. A large number of BJP workers greeted Ravi when he came to file nomination papers. While addressing the party workers, Ravinder Ravi said that Congress had ignored the Dehra area in the last five years. He said that almost all the facilities from Dehra were shifted to Jawalamukhi by the current government. The current government also did not allow Central University Himachal Pradesh to come up at Dehra, Ravi alleged. Two independents Hoshiar Singh, an industrialist, and Sudesh Kumar also filed their nomination papers at Dehra today. In Nurpur former MLA and senior leader of BJP, Rakesh Pathania filed his nomination papers. Rakesh Pathania was greeted by hundreds of followers and was accompanied by his political friends while filing nomination papers. Pratibha Chauhan Tribune news Service Shimla, October 20 Being one of the richest politicians, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh (83) and his wife Pratibha Singh have movable and immovable assets worth Rs 30.50 crore, besides Rs 6 lakh cash. As per the affidavit filed by the Chief Minister, the scion of the erstwhile Bushair royal family, there has been no increase in his or spouses income over the last Assembly election in 2012. While Virbhadra has shown a total income of Rs 1.08 crore from agriculture in three different PAN accounts, his wife has had an income of Rs 28.06 lakh. The total movable and immovable assets of Virbhadra are Rs 13.68 crore and that of wife is 16.82 crore. As far as movable assets are concerned, Virbhadra has declared that he has Rs 5.50 lakh in cash while his wife has Rs 50,000. The gross value of the total amount in the CMs 13 accounts in Rampur, Sarahan, Shimla and Delhi is Rs 7.15 crore. This also includes one policy worth Rs 1 crore, Rs 7.35 lakh in UTI Wealth Builder Fund and Rs 50 lakh jewellery. In case of his wife, the total movable assets are pegged at Rs 2.51 crore which includes Rs 47 lakh gold (2860 gms), a policy worth Rs 1 crore and a PPF account having Rs 16.13 lakh. The value of immovable assets of Virbhadra Singh is Rs 6.53 crore while that of his wife is Rs 14.31 crore. It includes the value of his ancestral palace Shanti Estate in Sarahan, and agricultural land at Damrali near Rampur. Virbhadra has shown that he has a total liability of Rs 39 lakh as he has taken a loan for house building. As far as his income tax dues are concerned, Virbhadra has indicated that this amount stands at Rs 4.78 crore and that of his wife is Rs 1.07 crore. The total government dues indicated by the CM is Rs 5.17 crore while Pratibha has shown it at Rs 1.07 crore. The source of income indicated by the CM is salary, interests and agricultural income. In case of wife, it is interest, pension (ex-MP) and agricultural/horticultural income. Know your candidate Name of candidate: Virbhadra Singh Party: Congress Educational qualification: BA (Hons) and MA from St Stephens College, Delhi, 1956 Total income shown in tax returns: Rs 1.08 crore Spouse: Rs 28.06 lakh Movable assets: Rs 7,15,60,753.80 (Rs 7.15 crore) Spouse: Rs 2,51,45,385.30 (Rs 2.51 crore) Immovable assets: Rs 6,53,88,129 (Rs 6.53 crore) Spouse: Rs 14,31,21, 344 (Rs 14.31 crore) No increase in property Case details of Virbhadra CBI case before Special Judge, Patiala House Court, under the Prevention of Corruption Act Cases where court has taken cognizance CBI vs Virbhadra Singh and others Azhar Qadri Tribune News Service Srinagar, October 20 A deepening divide within Kashmirs militant camp has come to surface as Pakistan-based United Jehad Council (UJC) struggles to contain the growing influence of its former commander Zakir Musa, a hardcore Islamist. The UJC, a conglomerate of several leading militant groups loyal to Pakistan, issued a damning allegation against Musa and described him as a facade used by Indian intelligence agencies. Musa, who has publicly vowed to fight for an Islamist cause in Kashmir and disavowed fighting for a secular state, is a former field commander of Hizbul Mujahideen. He left the outfit following his threat to separatists and disagreements over goals of the militant movement. A series of statements in which he affirmed support for the establishment of the caliphate and rejected the Pakistan government and its army as betrayers, has put Musa at odds with the militants loyal to Pakistan, including the powerful UJC. The militant conglomerate in its statement to two local news agencies on Thursday evening alleged that intelligence agencies have created a new Ikhwan, a reference to a dreaded counter-insurgency militia that sprang from militant ranks in the mid-1990s. A new Ikhwan is being created for the past several months in the name of ISIS and Al-Qaida, using the facade of Zakir Musa. Indian paid agents are being recruited for this brigade, said UJC spokesman Syed Sadakat Hussain. The UJC has routinely found refuge in branding its opponents as agents of intelligence agencies. In June 2015, it levelled similar allegations against another militant commander Abdul Qayoom Najar, the founder of radical group Lashkar-e-Islam who was killed near the Line of Control last month. Even as the ideological splintering within the militant camp is getting crystallised, the security agencies say it makes little difference. We are very clear, if anyone is holding a gun, he is a terrorist. We are not here to take advantage (of the militant infighting), Director General of Police Shesh Paul Vaid told The Tribune. Musa, who is on the most wanted list of the police and Army, has become a rallying cry at protests across Kashmir since the July announcement by the Al-Qaida-affiliated media channel that named the 24-year-old militant as commander of a new group Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. In the subsequent months, Musa has also succeeded in gaining the support of Lashkar-e-Toibas Kashmir chief Abu Dujana and a number of other militants a significant setback to pro-Pakistan groups. By Shweta Keshri: Amitabh Bachchan's Kaun Banega Crorepati 9, which is nearing its end never ceases to amaze with its variety of contestants on the show. All the contestants, who have reached the hot seat, have a story of their own, which is inspiring and breaks a lot of stereotypes. We live in a society where men and women have set duties, where men are expected to go to work and women to take care of the household, but things are changing and people are now embracing the gender role reversal. advertisement Bhaskar Pandey, a contestant from Pune who appeared on KBC is an example for men who shy away from participating in household chores, as they think it to be a woman's duty. He and his wife Asmita are the real life Ki & Ka, where Asmita goes to office while Bhaskar works from home and also takes care of the house. He said that they decided this arrangement keeping their priorities in mind. KBC contestant Bhaskar believes that managing the house is not a single person's responsibility. Bhaskar believes that managing the house is not a single person's responsibility and this had to be done by someone so why not him. He feels that one person shouldn't be burdened with the responsibility of managing a house but it should be a combined effort. His wife Asmita, who works as a manager in a private firm feels lucky to have a supportive life partner like Bhaskar. Bhaskar, who originally hails from Bihar does stock trading from home while taking care of household chores. Usually, kids are more attached to their mother but his six-year-old son is more attached to him than his mother. KBC contestant Bhaskar with his six-year-old son. We all talk about equality but people get uncomfortable when they see something that they are not used to and raise a lot of questions. Bhaskar has no qualms about being a home-maker and he feels that when women can simultaneously manage a house and work then why not men. Bhaskar won Rs 12.5 lakh on the show. --- ENDS --- Majid Jahangir Tribune News Service Srinagar, October 20 Militants hurled a grenade at the residence of a ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislator in Tral sub-district on Friday afternoon. The militants lobbed the grenade at PDP legislator Mushtaq Ahmed Shahs house in Tral, Bala, some 40 km from Srinagar, at around 2 pm. The grenade exploded in the compound, Mushtaq said. I was not at my residence at the time of the attack, but my family was there. They all are safe. Sources said the militants also opened fire at the security guards deployed at the MLAs house, who also retaliated. The blast and gunshots created a panic in the area. Immediately after the blast and shooting, the security forces reached the spot and cordoned off the area to nab the attackers. No militant group took the responsibility for the attack. This was second such attack in south Kashmir in less than 24 hours. On Thursday, militants had lobbed a grenade at the residence of MLA Wachi Aijaz Mir in Shopian district of south Kashmir. The MLA and his family were not present in the house when the attack took place. The grenade exploded inside the premises of Mirs house, the sources said. However, no one was injured. Militants have stepped up attacks against the ruling party leaders and workers in south Kashmir. On October 16, PDP worker and former sarpanch Mohammad Ramzan Sheikh was shot by militants at his home in Imam Sahib, Shopian. A Hizbul Mujahideen militant was later killed in the scuffle with the family. A day later a mob set ablaze Sheikhs house as a revenge for the militants killing. Akhters security upgraded to Z plus The state government has upgraded the security cover of senior PDP leader Naeem Akhter from Z to Z plus. His security was upgraded weeks after he had a narrow escape on September 21 when a grenade was hurled at his cavalcade in south Kashmirs Tral that left three persons dead, including a 22-year-old girl. The decision to upgrade Akhters security from Z to Z plus was taken after a recent security review meeting, a senior officer said. Srinagar, October 20 Authorities imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar on Friday to prevent separatist-called protests against growing incidents of braid-chopping in Jammu and Kashmir. Restrictions under Section 144 of the CrPC will remain in force in Khanyar, Rainawari, Nowhatta, MR Gunj, Safa Kadal, Kralkhud and Maisuma. The restrictions have been imposed to maintain law and order in the city, a police officer said. Joint resistance leadership (JRL) comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Yasin Malik have called for the post-Friday prayer protests. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Shops, public transport, other businesses and educational institutes are closed in all seven areas placed under restrictions. Attendance in government offices and educational institutes was also affected due to the prohibitory orders. Private transport in uptown areas of Srinagar and inter-district transport were found moving normally. Mysterious braid-chopping incidents are occurring in the valley these days and the police say thieves and other criminals are taking advantage of the fear psychosis. IANS Kochi, October 20 The Kerala High Court has held that all inter-religious weddings cannot be viewed as love jihad as it upheld a marriage between a Hindu woman and a Muslim man. A Division Bench comprising Justices V Chitambaresh and Sathish Ninan made the observations on a habeas corpus petition filed by the man. A habeas corpus plea is filed to ensure a person under arrest is brought before a court, which will determine whether the detention is legal. We are appalled to notice the recent trend in this state to sensationalise every case of inter-religious marriage as either love jihad or ghar wapsi even if there was platonic love between the spouses before, the court said. The Bench also cited the Supreme Court order in the Lata Singh versus State of Uttar Pradesh case of 2004 to emphasise the need for encouraging inter-caste and inter-religious marriages. We caution that every case of inter-religious marriage shall not be portrayed on a religious canvass and create fissures in the communal harmony otherwise existing in Gods Own Country, Kerala, the Bench said and upheld the marriage. It said the present case was projected by the parents of the woman as love jihad whereas the man, who was in love with her and married her later, termed it as ghar wapsi (a bid to coerce her to come back). The woman from Kannur had left her home on May 16 along with the Muslim youth. On a complaint from her parents, the police had traced and detained them in Sonepat in Haryana a month later. Initially, a lower court had allowed the woman to go with her parents, who then lodged her in a yoga centre at Tripunithura in Ernakulam district allegedly to make her give up the relationship with the Muslim man. When the woman was produced before the High Court on August 18, she had interacted with a single judge and expressed her desire to go back to her parents. Subsequently, when the petition came up for hearing four days later, the woman retracted her stand and told the Division Bench that she made the statement expressing her wish to go with her parents under pressure. She alleged that she was tortured at the yoga centre. It was being run to coerce the inmates to return to Hindu religion, she had charged. During the litigation and counter-litigation by both sides, the woman and man had got married legally. The Division Bench applauded the extraordinary courage shown by the girl to live up to her conviction and decry the attempt of her parents to deflect the course of justice by misleading litigations. The court also observed that any centre for forcible conversion or re-conversion had to be busted by the police whether it was Hindu, Muslim or Christian, lest it offends the constitutional right. PTI Chennai/Nagercoil, October 20 References to the Goods and Services Tax in the just-released Tamil film Mersal starring popular actor Vijay have not gone down well with the Bharatiya Janata Party. The party wants parts it calls untruths mainly portions that contain references of the taxation edited out. Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan said that it was wrong to use cinema as a medium to spread wrong information, and that actors should not use the medium to score political brownie points, His party colleague, H Raja, claimed that the film exposed the actors anti-Modi hatred. The BJPs Tamil Nadu unit made similar demands on Thursday. Raja, the party's national secretary, said in a series of tweets the reference to GST exposed Vijay's "lack of knowledge of economics". State BJP president Tamilisai Soundarrajan said that actors should bear in mind the impact they had on the public before spread what she called was incorrect information. "What do they (the filmmakers) know about GST and its economics... such incorrect references should be removed from the film," she had said. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) meanwhile has criticised the BJP saying it was trying to cub free speech. "CPI (M) condemns this attitude of the BJP. Social organisations and people should speak in one voice against BJP," party state secretary G Ramakrishnan said in a statement in Chennai. Ranjith, director of superstar Rajinikanths film Kabali, also criticised the BJPs stand. "There is no need. People's opinion on the issue seem to have been reflected in the film as the scene is receiving grand applause from the audience in theatres," he claimed. Politicians should view this (apparent impact of GST) as a people's issue. Besides, Vijay, the movie, directed by Atlee, stars Samantha Akineni, and was released on October 18. PTI New Delhi, October 20 The Central Bureau of Investigation has asked the central government to allow it to file a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court to appeal the Delhi High Courts 2005 order to quash an FIR in the Bofors scam, sources in the agency said on Friday. In a letter to the Department of Personnel and Training, the agency has asked the central government to reconsider its 2005 decision of rejecting its request to contest the Delhi High Courts order of May 31, 2005, in which it dismissed charges against Europe-based Hinduja brothers in the Bofors case. Sources said that the central government then under UPA-I had refused permission. The development comes on the heels a private detectives startling claims in the case. Michael Hershman, who was in India last week to address a conference of private detectives has accused former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi of having sabotaged his investigations. Hershman, who is president of the US-based private detective firm Fairfax, claimed in television interviews recently that Rajiv Gandhi was furious when he found a Swiss bank account under the name "Mont Blanc", where he claimed bribe money for the gun scam was kept. Legal experts however said that the agency was likely the 12-year lapse between its first and second requests difficult to explain. Then Delhi High Court judge RS Sodhi quashed all charges against the Hinduja brothers Srichand, Gopichand and Prakashchand and the Bofors company in 2005, instead holding the agency responsible for its handling the case that had, until then, cost the exchequer Rs 250 crore. Before the verdict, another judge of the Delhi High Court, Justice JD Kapoor who has since retired had exonerated late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in the case on February 4, 2004, and ordered he agency to charge Bofors company with forgery. PTI Smita Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, October 20 India welcomed Secretary of State Rex Tillersons statements on defining India-US relations for the next century on Friday, even as China criticised it sharply. Secretary Tillerson has made a significant policy statement on India-US relations and its future. He brought out its various strengths and highlighted our shared commitment to a rule-based international order. We appreciate his positive evaluation of the relationship and share his optimism about its future directions, Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) In a speech in DC on Wednesday, Tillerson had advocated an open and fair Indo-Pacific policy effectively calling for the two countries to forge an alternate financial mechanism to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative. In a sharp message to Beijing, Tillerson had underlined the role of India and the US to ensure the Indo-Pacific did not become a region of disorder, conflict and predatory economics and countries in the region did not fall into a sovereign debt trap. His message was delivered just days before he embarked upon his first official visit to South Asia. The State Department officially announced today that Tillerson would travel to Riyadh, Doha, Islamabad, New Delhi, and Geneva from October 2027. In New Delhi, Secretary Tillerson will meet with senior Indian leaders to discuss further strengthening our strategic partnership and collaboration on security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, said the State Department release. The remarks though had not gone down well along expected lines with China busy with the 19th Communist Party Congress. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang on Thursday hit back and said: We hope the US can put China's development and China's positive role in the world into perspective, abandon its biased views of China and make concerted efforts with China to focus on cooperation, properly handle differences and maintain the momentum of the steady growth of China-US relations". Asked if Tillersons speech meant US was looking for an alternative strategic partner to counter a rising China, a senior State Department official said: We have also talked with the Australians, and we envision a quadrilateral sort of an anchoring the Indo-Pacific anchored by these four countries of Australia, the United States, India, and Japan. During his official travel Tillerson will attend the inaugural Coordination Council meeting between Saudi Arabia and Iraq in Riyadh and discuss the Yemen and Gulf conflict as well as Iran.While in Doha he will meet with Qatari leaders and US military officials to discuss joint counterterrorism effort In a back to re-hyphenation policy, Tillerson will stop over in Islamabad and meet with senior Pakistani leaders to discuss our continued strong bilateral cooperation, Pakistans critical role in the success of our South Asia strategy added the US government release. Our relations with India do not come at the expense of Pakistan and vice-versa, underlined the senior State Department official. London, October 20 One of Britains senior-most Indian-origin MPs has tabled a parliamentary motion, calling for Prime Minister Theresa May to apologise for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar during the Raj in 1919. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Virendra Sharma tabled his Early Day Motion (EDM) titled Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919 earlier this week and has attracted five additional signatures from British MPs so far. This was an important moment in the history of Britain in India. Many suggest it was the beginning of the end, a moment that finally emboldened the Independence Movement. It must be commemorated, and the British government should make clear its repudiation of such a barbaric act, said the Labour Party MP for Ealing Southall. The massacre took place in Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar over Baisakhi in April 1919, when troops of the British Indian Army under the command of Colonel Dyer fired machine guns at a crowd of people holding a pro-Independence demonstration. It claimed thousands of lives and injured thousands others. The EDM calls on the House of Commons to recognise the importance of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre as a turning point in the history of the British Empire in India. The EDM notes that as the centenary of the event is approaching, it is appropriate to commemorate it. It also recognises that former British Prime Minister David Cameron referred to the massacre as a deeply shameful act during a visit to India. It urges the government to ensure that British children are taught about this shameful period and that modern British values welcome the right to peaceful protest; and further urges the government formally to apologise in the House and inaugurate a memorial day to commemorate this event. EDMs are formal motions tabled in the House of Commons as a means of drawing attention to a particular issue or cause. PTI Tribune News Service Srinagar, October 20 For the fourth consecutive year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with soldiers, this time near the Line of Control (LoC) in the landlocked Gurez area of Bandipore district in north Kashmir on Thursday. The Prime Minister, accompanied by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Devraj Anbu, interacted with Army and BSF jawans at the Brigade Headquarters of the Army at Dawar, 140 km from here. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Our forces protect our motherland with utmost valour, displaying highest traditions of sacrifice and dedication, the Prime Minister wrote on Twitter after spending two hours with the soldiers. This is for the fourth consecutive year since he took over that the Prime Minister joined the armed forces on Diwali, two of these in Jammu and Kashmir. He first celebrated Diwali with troops at Siachen in 2014. We exchanged sweets and interacted. Happy to know that jawans practice yoga regularly, Modi said, adding that this would help them while serving the countrys borders and become yoga trainers after their retirement. The Prime Minister after celebrating the festival with the troops tweeted: Glad to have celebrated Diwali with our brave Army, BSF jawans in the Gurez valley. He further tweeted that spending time with jawans gives me new energy and he loved to celebrate the festival with them as he considered them his family members. The Gurez area is close to the LoC, which has witnessed several infiltration attempts of armed militants in the past three decades of militancy. Gurez, surrounded by high peak mountains, remains cut off by from rest of the country as 85-km-long road to Bandipore is snowed up during winters. Vishav Bharti Tribune News Service Chandigarh, October 20 Wherever people fought oppression, Prof K Gopal Iyer, just had to be there. He did not not mind boarding a train, whether or not his seat was reserved, or travelling atop a crowded bus to reach the trouble spot his meagre belongings stuffed in a sling bag. Known for his work on bonded labour, peasant movements and land reforms, the 75-year-old peoples scholar passed away in Chandigarh on Thursday. He was suffering from a heart ailment. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Prof Iyer hailed from Tamil Nadu. But his interest in popular movements took him to Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Punjab and other parts of the country. A gold medallist from Patna University, he retired from Panjab Universitys Sociology Department in 2002, where he had been teaching since 1978. Prof Manjit Singh, his student and later a colleague, describes him as an organic intellectual, who lived among the people, understood their language and culture and shared their suffering with the world. Progressive thinkers would invariably throng Prof Iyer's house at PU, where any student in distress was received with warmth. Lallan Singh Baghel of the Department of Philosophy calls him a saint-scholar. If studying in his office till late in the night, he would join tables and sleep there. While in the field, he would sleep on gunny bags and eat whatever was given. Scholars like him are rare. Prof Iyer neither chased projects, nor lobbied for fellowships. His sole pursuit was to understand the masses and their struggle. Invited as a senior fellow by the Indian Institute of Advanced Study in Shimla in 2010, he abandoned the fellowship after a year. He told me they (institute) wanted to fortify him whereas he wanted to be out in the field, recalls Baghel. Perhaps, that is why he could understand peoples movements so well. Professor Iyer was well-versed in several Indian languages, says Prof Satish Kumar, his former colleague who retired from HPU, Shimla. He was equally proficient in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, and Punjabi. Amazed at his command over Punjabi, we rechristened him as Gopal Singh Brar, he smiles. London, October 20 One of Britains seniormost Indian-origin MPs has tabled a parliamentary motion, calling for Prime Minister Theresa May to apologise for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar during the Raj in 1919. Virendra Sharma tabled his Early Day Motion (EDM) titled Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919 earlier this week and has attracted five additional signatures from British MPs so far. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) EDMs are formal motions tabled in the House of Commons as a means of drawing attention to a particular issue or cause. This was an important moment in the history of Britain in India. Many suggest it was the beginning of the end, a moment that finally emboldened the Independence Movement. It must be commemorated, and the British government should make clear its repudiation of such a barbaric act, said the Labour Party MP for Ealing Southall. The massacre took place at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar in April 1919 when troops of the British Indian Army under the command of Colonel Dyer fired at a crowd of people holding a pro-Independence demonstration. The EDM notes that as the centenary of the event is approaching, it is appropriate to commemorate it. The motion also recognises that former British PM David Cameron referred to the massacre as a deeply shameful act during a visit to India. It urges the government to formally apologise in the House and inaugurate a memorial day to commemorate this event. PTI PM Modi accused the previous UPA government of not letting him undertake reconstruction work at the Kedarnath shrine after the floods of 2013, when he was the Gujarat CM. By India Today Web Desk: In June 2013, Uttarakhand was devastated by floods, which destroyed the several towns including Kedarnath. During rescue operation, report of the then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi claiming to have evacuated 15,000 people from affected areas grabbed eyeballs on TV and in newsprint. A few days after Narendra Modi's visit to Uttarakhand, the then BJP president Rajnath Singh told journalists that he had spoken to the then Gujarat CM, who denied having quoted such a figure. advertisement Rajnath Singh even questioned the source of the report. Later, the figure of 15,000 Gujaratis having been rescued was attributed to Anil Baluni, BJP's spokesperson in Uttarakhand's Haldwani. Narendra Modi had made a two-day visit to flood-ravaged Uttarakhand in 2013 and also undertook an aerial survey of some of the affected areas. People close to PM Narendra Modi say that he has a special connection with Kedarnath. He is said to have been frequenting the pilgrimage town every year before becoming the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Narendra Modi has visited Kedarnath shrine a few times even as the prime minister. He is the first prime minister to offer prayers both at the opening and closing of temple gates - annual events at the shrine. PM @narendramodi prayed at the Kedarnath Temple and addressed a gathering. pic.twitter.com/exHEARNDRP- PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 20, 2017 WHAT HAPPENED IN 2013? During his 2013 visit, following his survey of the scale of destruction, Narendra Modi had offered undertake reconstruction at the Kedarnath shrine. Modi says that he had a meeting with the then Uttarakhand CM Vijay Bahuguna with his proposals. Later, Narendra Modi, at a rally in Hyderabad, appealed to people to collect funds on Rs 5 stamps for the reconstruction of the pilgrimage town. However, the reconstruction plan did not materialise and today, PM Narendra Modi accused the then Congress government of Uttarakhand and the UPA at the Centre for rejecting his reconstruction proposal. Referring to the 2013 post-flood reconstruction proposal, Narendra Modi today said at Kedarnath, "I had met the then Chief Minister and the state government officials. I offered that Gujarat would redevelop Kedarnath. During the meeting they agreed." "Out of excitement, I announced it outside to the media. The TV flashed it on screens. The news reached Delhi and the people there (the UPA leadership) panicked. Within hours, the state government was pressurised to make a statement that the reconstruction work at Kedarnath would be undertaken by Uttarakhand itself," Modi said. The floods of 2013 had made all of us extremely sad. That time I was not the Prime Minister, I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. I came here to do all that I could for victims: PM @narendramodi- PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 20, 2017 advertisement Four years ago, the Narendra Modi, as Gujarat CM, had given a cheque of Rs 2 crore on behalf of his government to the Uttarakhand disaster relief fund. He had also offered another cheque of Rs 3 crore besides his reconstruction proposal. --- ENDS --- Washington, October 20 Various US delegates took to Twitter to wish the people around the world a very happy Diwali. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo tweeted, May light always triumph over darkness. To all those who celebrate, New York wishes you a Happy #Diwali. Republican gubernatorial candidate Ed Gillespie tweeted, Wishing all my friends celebrating Diwali a happy and joyous festival of lights! US Representative Joe Kennedy III, taking to Twitter, said, Darkness can never withstand the power of our light. Wishing all of those celebrating a happy #Diwali. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) US Senator Kamala Harris also wished for a joyful Diwali. To all those who are celebrating in California, wishing you and your family a joyful Diwali. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ralph Northam tweeted, Wishing a happy #Diwali to all celebrating! May this holiday bring light, love, and peace to your family. Earlier on Tuesday, United States President Donald Trump celebrated Diwali at the White House with Indian-Americans. Trump lit the ceremonial lamp on the occasion and wished everyone happy Diwali. Nikki Haley, US Ambassador to the United Nations; Seema Verma, administrator of the Centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services; Federal Communications Commission chairman Ajit Pai; Vanila Singh, chief medical officer in the office of the assistant secretary of health at the Department of Health and Human Services; and other Indian-American members of the Trump administration were present during the celebration. Wishing Hindus, Sikhs & Jains around the world a joyful #Diwali. Saal Mubarak to all! Looking forward to my visit to India for #GES2017. pic.twitter.com/O1tmiFzECc Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) October 18, 2017 Trumps daughter Ivanka also attended the festivities. Trump on the occasion said, I was deeply honoured to be joined by so many administration officials and leaders of the Indian-American community to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. ANI Archit Watts Tribune News Service Muktsar, October 20 Even as Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has made an appeal to affluent farmers to give up power subsidy, Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal is availing it on two tubewell connections at his native Badal village. This is in contrast to the ministers initiatives to cut expenses. In one such move, he has stopped offering tea to visitors to his office. Besides, former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, his deceased wife Surinder Kaur Badal and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal are also getting free power supply on one tubewell connection each in the village. In reply to an RTI query, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) authorities have informed that there are 225 AP connections at Badal village and none of them has given up the subsidy till date. Bhajnit Sharma, Sub-divisional Officer (SDO), Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), Badal, said: Two free tubewell power connections are in the name of Manpreet Singh Badal and one each in the name of Parkash Singh Badal, Sukhbir Singh Badal and Surinder Kaur Badal. The exact amount of subsidy availed is not available, but it can be calculated using a formula. Sources claimed that the total amount of power subsidy availed by Manpreet since 2007 would be nearly Rs12-15 lakh. Tribune News Service Amritsar, October 20 Much to the relief of the SGPC, the Bandi Chhor Divas (Diwali) went off peacefully at the Golden Temple complex yesterday. The committee managed to keep parallel jathedars at bay. Rival Sikh leaders had announced that Dhian Singh Mand, acting jathedar, would deliver the ceremonial public address on the occasion. However, the police managed to detain Mand and his supporters from Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh Pau Wind in Bhikhiwind, Tarn Taran. Other leaders Baljit Singh Daduwal and Amrik Singh Ajnala were detained a day before. SSP Darshan Singh Mann said Mand was taken into preventive custody, but was released late in the evening. Ample security arrangements were put in place at the Golden Temple complex, which was visited by a large number of devotees. Amid tight security, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh made public appearance in the evening to deliver sandesh from the Darshani Deodi as per the tradition. He appealed to the Sikhs to end internal conflicts and follow the maryada. He expressed concern over sacrilege incidents and asked the government to solve the cases at the earliest. He also appealed to the Sikhs to celebrate family occasions such as weddings and birthdays in a simple manner in gurdwaras. Mand, in his message, launched a scathing attack on Giani Gurbachan Singh over the controversial move to pardon dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. Tribune News Service Chandigarh, October 20 The state government has decided to hand over the murder case of RSS leader Ravinder Gosain to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The order for the NIA probe was issued on a request by an RSS delegation that met Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh at his residence here on Thursday. On Tuesday morning, two motorcycle-borne assailants had shot dead Gosain in Ludhiana. This is the first murder case which has been referred to the NIA. Earlier, it handled the fidayeen attack on the Pathankot airbase in January 2016. It will be a huge challenge for the agency as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), apart from the Punjab Police, had failed to crack previous targeted killings. The CBI is probing the killing of senior RSS leader Brigadier Jagdish Gagneja (retd) and Mata Chand Kaur, mother of the Namdhari sects head. Capt Amarinder justified the decision to rope in NIA on the grounds that the killing had international ramifications. A government spokesperson said the Chief Minister had announced Rs5-lakh compensation for Gosains family and a government job, commensurate with the educational qualification, for one of the four children of the deceased. Gosain, an instructor with the Ludhiana unit of the RSS, had lost his wife to cancer a few years ago. The investigation into similar incidents suggested that the handlers of the assailants were operating from abroad, the spokesperson said, adding Captain Amarinder felt that with the NIA stepping in, it would lead to a better coordination between the Central agencies and the Punjab Police. Capt Amarinder condemned Gosains killing, saying there was no place for violence in the state. Asserting that his government would not tolerate lawlessness, he said it was taking all measures to prevent targeted killings. Nikhil Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Ludhiana October 20 Police Commissioner RN Dhoke today suspended head constables Balraj and Deep Chand for being negligent in dealing with a theft complaint of a motorcycle, which was allegedly used by assailants of RSS leader Ravinder Gosain. The head constables were posted at the Miller Ganj police post, where the complaint was lodged on October 10. The motorcycle was stolen on the night of October 10 from Miller Ganj market. The police neither registered an FIR nor searched for the vehicle. Dhoke said, The motorcycle owner, Rohit Pal of Ludhiana, had submitted the complaint to the head constables as the police post incharge was unavailable then. They neither recommended an FIR nor did they inform the incharge. A case should have been registered immediately and search launched, he added. The motorcycle was found abandoned in Manj Phaguwal village on the Jalandhar-Ludhiana national highway on Wednesday morning. Sources said Dhoke had asked the lower staff to check whether or not any theft complaint of a motorcycle was pending at any police station. Our Correspondent Abohar, October 20 Canada-based NRI Balkaran Singh Bhullar (57) was shot dead by car-borne assailants outside his farmhouse near Balluana village of Fazilka district on Thursday. Preliminary investigation indicated that at least four persons alighted from a car and fired seven shots from .12 and .315 rifles and fled. The NRI reportedly died on the spot. The deceaseds younger brother, Baljit Singh, reportedly told the police Bhullar was on his way to the farmhouse when the assailants fired at him. Before escaping, they reportedly took away his .32-bore licensed pistol, the FIR stated. Baljit, who resides in Sunder Nagari here, blamed Samarbir Singh Sammy and his brother Kulbir Singh of Suraj Nagari, Gurnek Singh Rimpy, Gurshetar Singh and five to six unidentified persons for Bhullars murder. They have been booked under Sections 302, 382, 148, 149 and 120-B of the IPC and Sections 25, 27, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act. Samarbir had, on September 25, lost a property case against Bhullar. To avenge that, he planned the murder, Baljit claimed. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr Ketan Baliram Patil, and Superintendents of Police (SP) Mukhtiar Singh and Amarjit Singh Matwani inspected the crime spot. The call details of Bhullars mobile phones were being examined, sources said. The body was shifted to the Civil Hospital here for the postmortem. The NRI had been facing trial over property dispute. He was a partner in a liquor business for the past five years. A few weeks ago, the Excise Department had shut down about 60 liquor shops, in which Bhullar reportedly had financial interests, because of non-payment of excise duty. Bhullars name was in the news a few months ago, as his telephonic conversation with an excise officer went viral. The officer had gone to meet liquor baron and SAD halqa ex-incharge Shiv Lal Doda in Amritsar Central Jail. He had security cover Abohar: On HCs direction, the police had provided Balkaran Singh Bhullar with a constable and a Home Guard. He feared threat to his life because of his liquor business and the trials he faced in connection with property disputes. He had hired five private guards. They were not with him at the time of the incident as they had gone home for Diwali. On Thursday morning, when Bhullar stepped out of his house for a walk, he reportedly told the police guards to stay in their room since he was not to move out of the farmhouse complex. OC GS Paul Tribune News Service Amritsar, October 20 The increasing tension between the official jathedars and the parallel ones, nominated at an unofficial Sarbat Khalsa in 2015, may well be a proxy war between political parties vying for influence in Sikh politics. But the feud is causing confusion over the Akal Takht authority undisputed thus far in matters of religion. The power play is weaking SADs grip on Sikh politics. As the official clergy took flak for Akal Takht decisions, rival Sikh groupings and other parties moved in to try and steer the Panthic agenda their way, encouraging activities parallel to that of Akal Takht. The Rashtriya Sikh Sangat (Sikh wing of the RSS) too has become more active. In 2004, Akal Takht had issued directives against the RSS intervening in Sikh affairs. The wing is now organising special programmes to commemorate the 350th anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh in New Delhi (October 25). Some observers believe the RSS may try and approach a section of Sehajdhari Sikhs, who lost the legal battle for voting rights in the SGPC elections. The recent killing of an RSS pracharak in Ludhiana too has added to the tension in the organisations ties with the Sikh community. But observers of Sikh affairs The Tribune spoke to believe the chances of any alternative grouping taking hold of Akal Takht are remote as the process of appointments is well-structured, beginning with the SGPC general body elections. And the next election is not likely before 2021. Even as the Congress government in Punjab has maintained a silence on the matter, SGPC president Kirpal Singh Badungar suspects that parallel jathedars are being backed by the Congress to create unrest. Weakening hold Yet, there is no denying that the official jathedars authority among the Sikh masses is eroding, especially after now-ousted Jathedar Giani Gurmukh Singh accused SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal of coercing the Sikh clergy to pardon the Dera Sacha Sauda chief for his act of blasphemy. Advising the community not to be swayed by the directives of parallel jathedars, Akal Takht Jathedar Gurbachan Singh has announced he will soon convene a meeting of high priests for steps to put a stop to their activities. The nervousness is only to be expected. The parallel jathedars heightened activity has led to a curious situationof the official clergy seemingly following in their footsteps. There have been multiple instances of Jathedar Gurbachan Singh pronouncing hukamnamas (edicts) similar to those passed by the parallel group only days earlier. Unofficial interim Akal Takht Jathedar Dhian Singh Mand excommunicated tainted SAD leader Sucha Singh Langah and Chhota Ghallughara Gurdwara management member Boota Singh on October 4. Identical decisions were then taken by Akal Takht on October 5 and October 6. Again, when Mand awarded tankhah (punishment) to Chhota Ghallughara Gurdwara trust chief Master Johar Singh on October 12, Akal Takht Jathedar Gurbachan Singh issued a similar hukamnama on October 13. Striking back A wary SAD-dominated SGPC is not letting pass any act of rebellion without retribution. Giani Gurmukh Singh, who had questioned the SAD presidents visit to Dera Sacha Sauda and had also spoken against the high priests closed-door meetings, had to lose his position as Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib. Subsequently, he indirectly gave recognition to the sacked Panj Piaras ( dismissed for challenging the authority of jathedars in the dera case) by appearing before them. He had been summoned by them as he was among the then five high priests who had granted pardon to the dera chief. As Gurmukh Singh also contended that the Badals were targeting high priests who did not follow their politically motivated dictates, he was moved to a Jind gurdwara. Recently, the SGPC tried to evict his family from the official residence allotted to him in the Golden Temple complex. Before Gurmukh Singh, his predecessor Balwant Singh Nandgarh was dismissed in 2015 for protesting against amendments in the original Nanakshahi Calendar. With none of the various interests gaining a clear upper hand, the battle for official as well as moral ascendency in Sikh affairs is not likely to be resolved any time soon. Also read: Rise of parallel jathedars UNDER the above heading Commander Wedgwood has written a letter to the Manchester Guardian pointing out the necessity for giving India the liberty for which the British ideal is fighting. After pointing out that devolution in India must be gradual, he relies on Mr. Lloyd George and Mr. Montagu to help India to become a self-governing Dominion in the Empire. He asks Lord Curzon, Lord Milner and Sir Edward Carson to show how fast the world is travelling since the Czar fell. Commander Wedgwood asks the British people to forget the colour prejudice and welcome 31 millions of Indians as fellow citizens of the best British type. Before this war is over, he writes, we shall have more freedom and more Parliamentary Government in British India that in the servile German Empire. We need not be too superior in tone over the addition of 315 millions to the Empire-Muscle, brain, cash and pride. India will become an asset to us. Sumedha Sharma As you enter the confines of the Rozka Meo village in Mewat, it appears to be just another infrastructure and development-starved village in Haryana. While groups of men gurgling the hookah are busy discussing state politics, we look around for the success signs of Hi-tech Under Burkha, a humble revolution, which is taking these Meo backwaters by storm. As we go around enquiring from one burkha-clad woman taking her buffalo back home to another sitting in a shop, a 17-year-old girl walks up to us and offers to take us to their action centre. This is a revolution, says Nazneen as she flashes her recently bought Micromax smartphone. Sensing our surprise, she explains, For you, a smartphone might be as common as an item on your grocery list but it is an achievement for women here. Leave aside owning these, even access to a smartphone or internet connection is considered a taboo for the girls, especially for the unmarried ones. Today 10 of us have got smartphones as Eid gifts. Till about two months back, she was among the girls who had to discontinue their studies after Class X since theres no senior secondary school in their village. She would spend her days learning housework or stitching till she was introduced to a laptop, which is a taboo here. We have always been told that internet is a monster that can bring bad name to a girl. For us, it meant a world of embarrassing pictures, videos or trappers. There are two computers with internet at a photocopy shop in our village but a girl going there, unaccompanied by a male relative, is considered disgraceful. Our brothers have smartphones but we can only use these to take calls. For me, all this changed when I chose the laptop over the sewing machine, says Shazia as she joins us at the local sewing centre. While you expect to hear the sounds of sewing machines, it is the consistent clicking of keyboards that introduces you to the initiative launched to encourage women from the community to learn computers and join social networking platforms. The move has been spearheaded by former sarpanch of Bibipur Sunil Jaglan, who shot into limelight with his Selfie with daughter campaign. It has not been an easy task. We placed computers next to the sewing machines to generate curiosity but the women there were too scared to even touch these. Thereafter we started convincing people to let their daughters learn computers. After months of being shooed away, we were able to get on board two local women Vaseema and Shabnam, who helped girls understand the idea. Thereafter, many women have started learning computers. Now many of them use their social media accounts to voice concerns about women issues to various ministries, says Jaglan. Facebook is still a strict no for girls in villages. Ignorance of internet is a character certificate for the girls here. No matter how religious or homely a girl is, if she has a Facebook account, shes not considered marriage material, says Vaseema as she helps girls check Twitter handle of the Railways. When our relatives from other parts of the country would talk about sharing information and pictures on WhatsApp, or even discuss various household hacks they learnt on Facebook, we would be mesmerised. When we first saw a laptop in our stitching centre, we were excited but apprehensive. However, after spending an hour searching Google for all that we could think of, and that too in Hindi, we decided to support the idea, adds Shabnam. The duo started approaching young girls like Naazneen. The initiative started with the first step of getting social media accounts for these women, and then graduated to introducing them to several online education or discussion portals. This was followed by the use of smartphones. Coming here for half an hour of internet surfing was fine but when one of the women shared how at night she wanted to prepare a special dish for dinner and wished that she could use internet at the silai kendra, we decided to give them 24-hour internet access. Smartphones were the answer. This was tough as everyone felt that phones would be a corrupting device. Majority of men thought women would use these phones only for clicking selfies. It took us two months to make them realise how they could deal with day-to-day issues with the magic stick of apps on these phones. Today 10 girls have their own phones. It is a relatively small number but a big boost for us, adds Jaglan. The team now goes home to home making women download apps pertaining to health, government services, police department, budget calculators, online shopping, and even answering religious queries. One of my friends had to fight with her family to get a personal smartphone. Some members of her family even stopped talking to her. Once she got a smartphone, she downloaded womens helpline app on her phone. Her sister, who is married in another village, would get beaten up by her husband everyday but she didnt have the courage to complain about this at the local police station. Using one of the apps, my friend made her sister speak to Mewat SP Naazneen Bhasin. A matter which could not be solved for five years merely took 10 minutes to be resolved. Since this incident, her family spares no chance to show off her ability to use the smartphone, says Naazneen. Internet has made everyday lives easy for some but for many, it has given them a window to the world and a flight to their dreams. I had to leave school in Class VIII after I was married off. I would read newspapers and always tried to cope up with the changing times but it was only after I got involved in the programme that I once again had the courage to dream. The first thing I read was about Malala Yousafzai. I even ordered a translated version of her autobiography. The book made me realise if she could have the courage to change the world in spite of threats from the Taliban, I could at least do my graduation through correspondence in Mewat, says Asina, one of the participants. Vaibhav Sharma Everybody lies. We lie to our friends, to our co-workers, to our parents, spouses, children the list is endless. But the one entity we do not hide the truth from is our most trusted advisor, the Google search box. So, can an analysis of what people are searching for give us a better mirror into the society than anything ever has? This is the subject of US data scientist Seth Stephens-Davidowitzs new book titled Everybody Lies: What the Internet Can Tell Us About Who We Really Are, published by Bloomsbury, in which he explores anonymous Google search results and uncovers telling insights into our desires, beliefs and dispositions. In a conversation, the author talks about his book, and the lessons learnt and the prejudices exposed. There may be a number of people who are still trying to understand what the world refers to as Big Data. How would you explain this new-age mode of empirical study to them? I think people shouldnt obsess about the size of datasets, which is frequently overrated. The key reason there will be a revolutionary understanding of human beings is because there are now so many sources of data. In your book, you place a lot of credence on Google Trends as a unit of measure. Do you think there is scope for manipulation here, just as trolls amplify sentiments on social media? Google puts a lot of resources into figuring out who are bots and not counting this in their data. However, the fight might become more difficult as the data is used more and more in decision making. As people become more aware of how big data works and given privacy concerns, will the reliability of Google Trends et al. diminish as more reliance is placed on Incognito Modes, VPNs and other anonymous browsing solutions? This is possible. I think people will always tell Google things they dont tell others. The reason is incentives. You have an incentive to tell Google the truth to get information you need. However, there is some research that people became less honest to Google after Edward Snowdens revelation. The book makes the reader realise how much personal information, albeit anonymised, he or she is giving away without even thinking about it. Will people start to try and mask that, or will we be happy to browse regardless, basking in a supposed coat of anonymity? I hope people continue to browse regardless. I think your data is more safe with Google than just about anywhere else. Google has hundreds of billions of dollars of incentives to protect your privacy. If Google didnt protect users privacy, people would stop using Google. Going forward, do you think more and more election strategists will start to use tools and methodology that you describe in your book, rather than relying on misleading polls? Since the answer will probably be in the affirmative, the bigger question is the kind of impact that will have? Yes. I think internet sources will become an important tool in forecasting elections. However, it will take time to have enough elections to build the models. The book is filled with interesting facts and figures and gives readers a great understanding of the world we live in. When you decided to write the book, did you think there may be practical learnings from it that readers might introduce into their lives? I hope readers feel less insecure. People might worry that other peoples lives are much easier and happier because people frequently lie about how easy and happy their lives are. When you see the true data, you realise most people find life difficult. As someone who has worked with Google, and also observed technology at work from close quarters, what is your understanding of the direction we as a species are headed towards when it comes to privacy. Will we become comfortable with the idea of someone always watching, or we might be on a cusp of people fighting to reclaim it? I think there are ways we will become comfortable with internet companies knowing so much about us. There have always been some sources with whom we have shared complete information, for example, doctors. Now we share our full information with Google. Google and Apple control Android and iOS respectively, and together they have complete dominion over the most important piece of technology we own, the smartphone. Google wants users to give up and trust them with as much data as possible, while Apple seems to always strongly argue otherwise. Who is right? Or is there actually very little that separates the two, public perceptions aside? I think, as Apple realises how valuable data is and perhaps gets into the advertising business, there will be little difference between the companies. Red alert has been sounded in the coastal areas by the Bengal government as the condition of the sea would remain rough during the next 24 hours. By Indrajit Kundu: A deep depression in the Bay of Bengal has triggered heavy rainfall in Kolkata and various parts of Gangetic West Bengal since Thursday night. Heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds is expected over Kolkata and its adjoining areas over the next 48 hours. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the depression was located about 35 km north-northwest of Chandbali on Friday morning. The system is expected to move north-eastwards towards the Bengal coast. Red alert has been sounded in the coastal areas by the Bengal government as the condition of the sea would remain rough during the next 24 hours. advertisement Fishermen along the coast have also been advised not to venture into the sea during the period. The West Bengal government has opened a central control room to monitor the situation. "Earlier we thought that it will move from Odisha to Andhra Pradesh but now it has changed its course and is moving towards the Bengal coast. We have already opened a control room which is working 24 hours. We have alerted all our district officials," state irrigation minister Rajib Banerjee told India Today. Special attention is being given to arrangements at popular tourist spots like Digha and Mandarmani which witness heavy influx of tourists during weekend. Local authorities have requested tourists to avoid the choppy sea. --- ENDS --- Dehradun, October 20 Four forest employees were injured in a mishap while on their routine patrol in Dela range of Corbett. The incident happened when forest officials were on a routine patrol. A herd of elephants suddenly came in front of the patrol party. On seeing the elephants, driver Manoj Kargeti lost the balance and hit the vehicle to a nearby tree, leading to injuries to four occupants of the vehicle. Apart from driver Manoj, the other injured were forest guards Ajit Chauhan, Surendra Bora and Ashok. TNS Dehradun, October 20 Uttarakhand Congress has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing his todays visit to Uttarkhand as mere formality and a big disappointment for the people of Uttarakhand. Surendra Kumar, chief spokesman for former Chief Minister Harish Rawat, said the Prime Minister had only disappointed the people of the state as it has failed to mention even pertinent issues like the funds delayed by the Centre for post-disaster rehabilitation works, shifting of 350 villages that are vulnerable to disasters in the state and the long-standing demand of green bonus for the state. He also castigated the Prime Minister of linking lavatories with Kedarnath shrine. There was no point talking of sauchalayas in reference to Kedarnath, he said adding that Kedarnath Dham was not the appropriate place to promote his cleanliness campaign. Surendra Kumar also reminded that the Prime Minister was only worried about Gujarat. He also held that it was strange that the Prime Minister even failed to even refer to the funds provided to the state by earlier United Progressive Alliance government. TNS Karachi, October 20 Two grenade blasts have rocked Pakistans restive south-western province of Baluchistan, injuring at least 38 people, police said. The twin blasts took place within minutes in the Mastung and Gwadar districts, police said. According to senior police officials, around 12 people were injured, three of them seriously, when two men on a motorcycle wearing helmets threw a hand grenade at a crowd in the Sultan Shaheed area in Mastung town on Thursday. The injured were shifted to a hospital while three were moved to Quetta as their condition was serious, local police official Gulab Khan said. The second attack took place when two men on a motorcycle threw a hand grenade at Al-Zubair hotel outside a mobile market in Safar Khan area of Gwadar town. At least 26 people were injured in the blast, local police official Ayaz Baluch said. He said the injured included 15 labourers from Sindh and 11 from Punjab who had gathered after work to have tea. Three of them have been shifted to Karachi for treatment, he said. The injured have been shifted to District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, Mastung. Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri has condemned the incidents and asked the authorities to submit a report on the blasts. The attacks have come a day after a suspected suicide bomber hit a police truck in Quetta, Baluchistans capital, killing seven policemen and a civilian and injuring 22 others. PTI KABUL, October 20 Suicide bombers attacked two mosques in Afghanistan on Friday, killing at least 72 people including children, officials and witnesses said. One bomber walked into a Shiite Muslim mosque in the capital Kabul as people were praying on Friday night and detonated an explosive, one of the worshippers there, Mahmood Shah Husaini, said. At least 39 people died in the blast at the Imam Zaman mosque in the citys western Dasht-e-Barchi district, interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said. No group claimed responsibility. But Shiite Muslims have suffered a series of attacks in Afghanistan in recent months, many of them claimed by the Sunni Muslim militants of Islamic State. Separately, a suicide bombing killed at least 33 people at a mosque in central Ghor province, a police spokesman said. The attack appeared to target a local leader from the Jamiat political party, according to a statement from Balkh provincial governor Atta Mohammad Noor, a leading figure in Jamiat. Again, no one immediately claimed responsibility. Reuters 38 injured in Pak blasts Karachi: Two grenade blasts have rocked Pakistan's restive south-western province of Baluchistan, injuring at least 38 people, police said. The twin blasts took place within minutes in the Mastung and Gwadar districts, the police said. According to senior police officials, around 12 people were injured, three of them seriously, when two men on a motorcycle threw a hand grenade at a crowd in the Sultan Shaheed area in Mastung town on Thursday. The second attack took place when two men on a motorcycle threw a hand grenade at Al-Zubair hotel in Gwadar town injuring 26 people. PTI Lahore, October 20 The detention of Mumbai attack mastermind and banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed has been extended by another 30 days by the judicial review board of Pakistan's Punjab province. However, the board rejected the government's plea for the detention of his four aides Abdullah Ubaid, Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdul Rehman Abid and Qazi Kashif Hussain who may walk out free on the expiry of their September 25 detention order, if not detained in any other case. The 30-day detention will be applicable from October 24. Saeed and his aides were presented before the judicial board at the Lahore High Court amid high security on Thursda. Their supporters at the court's premises showered rose petals, but were stopped by the police from raising slogans. "The judicial board, after listening to the arguments put forth by the law officer, granted 30 days' extension to Saeed's house arrest in Lahore," an official said. PTI Dhaka, October 20 Bangladeshs embattled former premier Khaleda Zia has surrendered before a local court that granted her bail in graft and defamation cases, a week after it issued an arrest warrant against her. The bail was granted on conditions that she would inform the court before leaving the country in future, an official of the court told reporters on Thursday. He said Zia, 72, also the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), had to give a bond of Taka 100,000 (USD 1,211) for obtaining the bail. Surrounded by her party activists, Zia came to the court complex in old Dhaka and surrendered before the judge, a day after she returned home from London after a three-month visit. Court officials and lawyers said she appeared on the dock and sought the bail on Friday morning at the makeshift court set up on Alia Madrasha ground at Bakshibazar in the old city. After granting the bail, the court held a routine hearing wherein she gave an hour-long statement claiming her innocence in the graft cases. The judge fixed October 26 as the date for the next hearing. She also claimed that cases filed against her are false, motivated and imaginarily made up and aimed at harassing her, a defence lawyer said, adding that she was allowed to speak as the court accepted her petition to give a statement. Court officials and lawyers said Dhakas Metropolitan Magistrate issued the first warrant as Zia failed to appear in another court over a case accusing her of undermining Bangladeshs map and national flag. She is being tried for inducting in her 2001-2006 cabinet the people who were opposed to the countrys independence and committed crimes against humanity by siding with the Pakistani troops. She obtained the bail against the second warrant issued by Dhakas Fifth Special Judges Court as she evaded appearance in a case involving her alleged corruption with funds of an orphanage trust named after her husband and slain president Zia-ur-Rahman. PTI Karachi, October 20 A woman in Pakistans Karachi city has been stabbed allegedly by a motorcycle-borne serial knifer who is on a stabbing spree and has slashed at least 17 women since last month. Wearing a helmet and riding a motorcycle, the slasher has been attacking lone women on main roads or at bus stops, cutting or stabbing them before riding away. Soon after senior police officials claimed that they had arrested two main suspects from a flat in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, where most attacks had taken place, the slasher struck again on Thursday evening in the Malir area. The woman was slashed with a sharp object by the motorcycle rider. Jazba Javed, who is in her early 20s, said she was crossing a road when a man on a bike came near her and slashed her hand and fled away. Police have registered a First Information Report in the Saudabad, Malir Police Station and are looking at CCTV footage of the area and other forensic evidence. At least 15 incidents of such attacks on women by the lone slasher were reported from the Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Shah Faisal areas in Karachi from September 25 to October 6. In another incident on Monday night, a motorcycle rider stabbed a teenage girl in the Federal B area. Police have offered a cash reward of one million rupees for anyone helping them in identifying or nabbing the serial knifer. PTI Pyongyang, October 20 North Korea has threatened the United States of an unimaginable nuclear strike for conducting military exercises with South Korea in the waters off the Korean peninsula. The United States is running amok by introducing under our nose the targets we have set as primary ones, a state-controlled Korean Central News Agency warned, reports the New York Post. The US should expect that it would face an unimaginable strike at an unimaginable time, it added. The regime also blamed the United States for creating tension on the eve of war by taking part in civilian evacuation drills in South Korea. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Earlier on Monday, the United States and South Korea military forces began five days of military exercises that involve fighter jets, helicopters and about 40 ships and submarines. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Government considers the drills a rehearsal for an invasion of his country. Tensions have increased between Pyongyang and Washington since the regime began testing intercontinental ballistic missiles that could hit the US mainland. It also detonated a nuclear device. The United Nations (UN) has imposed strict economic sanctions against the country in retaliation for continuing its weapons development programme. United States President Donald Trump has said he would totally destroy North Korea in defence of the US or its allies. ANI Kabul, October 20 A suicide bomber killed at least 30 people inside a Shiite mosque in the Afghan capital Kabul on Friday night, a security official said, and a separate bombing killed at least another 20 at a mosque in the middle of the country. The Kabul bombing is the latest in a string of violent attacks on the countrys Shiite minority. The attack occurred at Imam Zaman mosque in the western Dasht-e-Barchi part of Kabul as Shiite worshippers gathered for prayers. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) A senior security official said the exact number of casualties was unknown but that security forces at the scene had removed at least 30 bodies. Afghanistans Shiite population has been heavily hit this year, with at least 84 people killed and 194 wounded in attacks on their mosques and religious ceremonies, according to a United Nations report released last week. Among those were at least two attacks on mosques in Kabul in August and September. A separate attack on a mosque in the central province of Ghor was also reported on Friday. Iqbal Nezami, a spokesman for the Ghor provincial police, said at least 20 people were killed in the bombing that appeared to target a local leader. The targeted official was a top local political and military leader of the Jamiat political party in Ghor, and was killed along with as many as 30 other worshippers, according to a statement from Balkh provincial governor Atta Mohammad Noor, a leading figure in Jamiat. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for either attack. Reuters PESHAWAR, Pakistan, October 20 Senior militant commander Asad Afridi has emerged as the favourite to become the new leader of a deadly Pakistani Taliban faction, militant sources said on Friday, days after a US drone strike killed the groups chief. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA), a splinter faction of the Pakistani Taliban, has killed hundreds of people in bomb attacks and is considered one of the most dangerous militant groups in the nuclear-armed South Asian nation. The killing of JuA chief Omar Khalid Khorasani was a major boost for Pakistans anti-militancy campaign and is likely to help ease tension with uneasy ally the United States days ahead of a visit by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Two JuA commanders said Afridi was nominated to take over during a meeting in Afghanistan by the groups leadership council. Reuters iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- Fire safety experts are urging people to close their bedroom doors before they go to sleep, saying the simple task can potentially save lives in the event of a fire. When you cant get out, the most important thing you can do, close that door between you and the fire," Stephen Kerber, the director of the UL's Firefighter Safety Research Institute (UL FSRI), told ABC News, adding that the simple act "could save your life. Alexis King told ABC News that she survived a house fire in Corpus Christi, Texas, that killed her parents and brother when she was only 10 years old. Her family home's smoke alarm battery was not working, and King said she credits closing her bedroom door with saving her life. "The door helped me to still have clean air ... and to really figure out a way to get out," King said. Following devastating wildfires in northern California earlier this month that left 42 people dead, the UL FSRI is re-launching its safety campaign, "Close Before You Doze," calling on people to always remember to shutter their doors before they go to sleep. Approximately half of home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., according to a 2017 joint report from the U.S. Fire Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Researchers with the UL FSRI found that during a fire's spread, closed-door rooms had average temperatures of less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while open-door rooms had average temperatures of over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The UL FSRI used a model home to serve as a test facility in order to demonstrate how crucial it can be to close the door. The model home was outfitted with cameras and sensors to track temperature and gas levels, and all of the information was fed into a control center where the UL FSRI monitored the data. During the demonstration, which was overseen by the Philadelphia Fire Department, a fire was started in the living room and two bedroom doors were closed, while one bedroom door was left open. When fire experts opened the model home's front door to feed more oxygen to the fire and increase its strength, part of the window in the room with the open door flew off. After 10 minutes, the UL FSRI and the Philadelphia Fire Department put the fire out and examined its aftermath. The bedroom with the open door reached temperatures of 500 degrees Fahrenheit, enough to melt the TV that was inside. Carbon monoxide levels soared to 6,000 parts per million. An industry standard carbon monoxide machine would go off at approximately 70 parts per million. Meanwhile, the bedrooms with the closed doors reached temperatures of up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and carbon monoxide levels were 10 times lower than what was recorded in the room with the open door. The UL FSRI called a closed bedroom door versus an open bedroom door the difference between "life or death" in a fact sheet on its website. King told ABC News that she wishes her brother had known this information. Every day I wish my brother had closed the door, she said. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. By PTI: (Eds: Recasting overnight story) Bengaluru, Oct 20 (PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has urged the Centre to exempt handmade products from the ambit of the Goods and Services Tax. In a letter to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley yesterday, Siddaramaiah said: "I am writing to raise a very critical issue that the GST council should take note of and decide on a priority basis." advertisement He said he has received representation from a committee constituted by Gram Seva Sangh, consisting of noted activists including Prof Ashis Nandy, Uzramma and Shyam Benegal, seeking exemption from GST for various handmade items produced and marketed by producer cooperative societies and their federations. Siddaramaiah said that noted theatre activist Prasanna had undertaken a satyagraha and hunger strike against GST on many handmade products for the past few days in Bengaluru. The chief minister said imposition of GST on such products has had an adverse impact on the livelihood of artisans engaged in producing such products. Referring to the representation, whose copy was attached with the letter to Jaitley, Siddaramaiah said, "The representation requires serious and urgent consideration and a positive resolution." "This would not only benefit a large segment of our rural population but would also give a boost to rural employment and sustainability," he said. Meanwhile, Prasanna, who was on an indefinite fast in the city for the past five days on the issue, called off his fast last evening. A release from the NGO, Environment Support Group, which extended support to the protest, said Prasanna broke the fast following an "assurance" from Siddaramaiah that the state government would support the satyagrahas demand for zero per cent GST on handmade products. Prasanna had demanded total waiver of GST on handmade products, saying not doing so would cause the collapse of the rural economy. PTI GMS BN SS TIR --- ENDS --- Islamabad, October 20 Pakistans ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was on Friday indicted by an anti-graft court in a third corruption case related to Flagship Investments and other offshore companies. The Accountability Court here charged Sharif in absentia for holding assets beyond his known sources of income, and read out a chargesheet to his pleader Zafir Khan. It was one of the three cases of corruption and money-laundering registered by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against 67-year-old Sharif on September 8. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The cases were registered after the Supreme Court disqualified Sharif as prime minister on July 28 in the Panama Papers scandal. Khan on behalf of Sharif pleaded not guilty to the charges read out by anti-corruption judge Muhammad Bashir. Sharif is in London with his ailing wife Kulsoom, who is suffering from throat cancer and has undergone three surgeries so far. He is expected to come back on Sunday. The court was told that his sons, Hassan and Hussain, were his dependents in 1989 and 1990. However, Sharif, submitted a record of assets for Hassan from 1990-1995, the chargesheet read. The chargesheet observed that Sharif had held important positions in public office, including those of the chief minister and prime minister. The Accountability Court on Thursday indicted Sharif in the Avenfield Properties and Al-Azizia Company cases through his pleader, while charges against his daughter Maryam Nawaz Sharif and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar were framed in the Avenfield reference in their presence. Now, Sharif has been indicted in all three cases instituted against him. His sons, Hasan and Husain, are also co-accused in all three cases but their trial would be held separately. The Sharif family pleaded not guilty to the charges, claiming that they were denied the fundamental right to a fair trial. Sharif has filed a petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the filing of multiple graft cases against him by the countrys anti-corruption watchdog. Sharifs lawyer maintained that the multiple cases were violative of his (Sharif's) fundamental rights under the Constitution as all the cases dealt with one accusation about making assets beyond known means of income. PTI Montevideo, October 15 International Cannabis Corporation will produce Uruguay's first batch of medical cannabis oil for export in December, the company's chief executive said on Sunday. The Montevideo-headquartered company plans to ship the oil to Canada and Mexico, but is also open to selling it on the domestic market, Alejandro Antalich added. "The goal is to export it. But if the Public Health Minister thinks it can be commercialized in the local market the idea would be to do that," Antalich told Reuters by phone. Exporting cannabis oil would mark a new first for Uruguay, a small South American nation that in 2013 became the first country in the world to legalize marijuana from its cultivation to distribution. Under Uruguayan law, medical marijuana can be exported but recreational marijuana can only be sold domestically. Next month, ICC will start construction of a marijuana laboratory in a new industrial park on the outskirts of Montevideo, Antalich said. The new lab should be finished in April and the company will use a transitory lab to produce cannabis oil from its first harvest next month, Antalich added. ICC grows medical marijuana on some 233 hectares (576 acres) in Uruguay and plans to invest $10 million in production through 2018. The company also sells recreational marijuana in Uruguay. Reuters When you switch to new oils and dont drain enough out of your bulk tank first, you may lose benefits such as longer oil drains. Photo: Shell Choosing the best oil for your operation is only part of the equation when it comes to making sure youve got the right oil in your trucks. There are a lot of things that can happen between the order and the fill, including the distributor delivering the wrong oil or oil thats accidentally mixed with other oil; having a bulk oil tank with a mishmash of oils that keeps you from getting the performance you need and expect; and contaminants getting into the oil before or during the fill. First of all, when youre choosing an oil and an oil supplier, the American Petroleum Institute (API) always cautions that meets is not the same as licensed. An oil marketer could say it meets the standard, but the only way to verify its licensed is to check with API or look at our online directory to make sure its really licensed, says Kevin Ferrick, who manages the APIs licensing program. If its licensed, the maker is warrantying it meets the API standard. If its not, it doesnt have that added assurance. So theres a difference. Even if you choose the right licensed oil, thats no guarantee that its the oil actually going into your truck engines. Bruce Stockton, whos now a fleet consultant under the company name Stockton Solutions, has worked for some of the countrys largest fleets. When he arrived to head up the maintenance department at one major carrier, he discovered that the brand of oil being speced was not what was actually in the fleet facilitys bulk tanks. When we tested the bulk oil, which some people dont think about testing they assume if thats what they ordered, thats what the distributor is bringing I was shocked in some cases to discover we were not getting what we had ordered. Either the viscosity, the weight, was off, or we were mixing it with a previous brand or viscosity, so we were throwing things off there. Its important to choose a distributor that pays attention to its product quality during the distribution process. New York-based Polsinello Fuels, for instance, is a recipient of the Distributor Product Quality Assurance certification from Shell Oil. Photo: Olsinello Fuels Getting what you ordered Its crucial that fleet owners choose credible oil marketers who can demonstrate their credentials with concrete proof, such as OEM approvals and customer testimonials, says Brian Humphrey, OEM Technical Liaison, Petro-Canada Lubricants. The consequences of [using] the wrong viscosity grade can be serious, for example invalidation of warranty, increased wear, inefficient engine operation or unnecessary downtime. Viscosity issues can cause overheating, breakdown of the oil film, reduced power, oxidation, and fuel economy losses. Our experience shows that end users with internal quality control procedures do the best job at screening the oil delivered at their shop, Humphrey says. They keep small samples from previous deliveries in a cabinet away from UV light, which they can compare the current delivery against. If in doubt, they have material to submit to a third-party laboratory for confirmation. Stockton says fleets, whether theyre buying it in bulk, or a 55-gallon drum or a tank in the ground or the shop, need a way to test what theyre actually putting in that truck. And if they have work done over the road or by third parties, its a good idea to have some sort of certification in writing from the third party as to what oil theyre actually putting in the truck and then test it, he says. Woodford Oil, serving six states from its base in West Virginia, uses this International bulk oil hauler with six separate compartments to deliver the specific bulk lubricants to meet each fleets equipment needs. Photo: Woodford Oil The problem with bulk deliveries Bulk oils seem to be the biggest offender. API buys oils in the marketplace and tests them to make sure the oils that are claiming to be licensed actually match the oil that API licensed, and to make sure the oils meet the viscosity index and performance claimed. I will tell you from our experience that bulk oils do fail at a higher rate than packaged oil, says APIs Ferrick. So distributors, anyone with a bulk tank, needs to really pay attention to whats going into those bulk tanks. Where do things go wrong? For instance, if the oil is delivered through a hose from a tanker truck, that hose may hold up to 20 gallons of oil from a previous delivery. An example would be if youre delivering a 15W-40 oil and switch to a 10W-30, Ferrick explains. If that 20 gallons of 15W-40 goes into a tank thats supposed to be 10W-30, it could adversely impact the viscosity. So companies need to be mindful when taking bulk delivery [that] it has to be handled a certain way. Ferrick recommends fleets talk to their distributors about practices and procedures they have in place to avoid these kind of issues, especially if theyve had problems in the past. Steve Phillips is president of Allied Oil & Tire in Omaha, Nebraska, a 59-year-old business with significant focus on the heavy-duty commercial truck market, and he says the APIs tank sampling statistics are alarming. When I first came into this business, about 18% of the tanks API sampled did not even meet the viscosity requirements, he says. And then there were the tests that indicated that customers were not using the brand they thought they were. Phillips says 42% of the tank samplings did not meet the thumbprint on file with API of the brand of oil it was supposed to be. It all looks the same, so make sure your distributor has documented receiving procedures and delivery procedures in place, Phillips says. Additional factors related to quality management are related to the handling of the oil, ensuring dirt, water, or other contaminants are prevented from entering the system. Allied handles several national brands and also offers its own private-label line of oils, and its very stringent in its quality control procedures. Weve found situations where weve been able to win business with customers [because] their distributor was not providing the brands they told them they were going to get. While Phillips wouldnt say that unscrupulous distributors might be substituting cheaper oils than what the customer paid for, he did note that there is a significant difference in price of oils, especially private label vs. brand name. Could a distributor benefit? Are they doing it? Thats something for the buyer to be aware of. Make sure youre dealing with an integrity-based organization that has good controls in place. We literally sample oil from our customers and our vendors as a quality standard to make sure we dont have issues ourselves, such as driver co-mingles, and if we have had one we immediately resolve the issue. And we have procedures to understand whether or not that has happened. While oil makers such as Shell and Valvoline audit their distributors, Allied audits itself every month, Phillips says, and every quarter has a quality compliance auditor come in. Some may consider this excessive, but our reputation and the quality of our customers oil is the most critical thing we do, especially given the statistics from API. In fact, the company became API Motor Oil Matters (MOM) Certified as a distributor, where API audits Allied. Oil companies do extensive testing to make sure their oils protect engines properly. Make sure youre actually putting that oil into your engines. Photo: Chevron Changing oil with a bulk tank One fleet Stockton worked with had an 8,000-gallon bulk oil tank a full tanker load worth. Thats a lot of bulk oil, and depending on how frequently they turn that oil, use that oil, they probably should never have filled it up to the brim. It was over engineered for what they needed, he says. Because of the size, draining it down low enough when changing oils was not practical. So theyre faced with this blend theyve created over time by having too large of a tank. Oil makers, distributors, and API all recommend drawing a bulk tank down to 5% to 10% before changing oils, or even draining it altogether. For the most part, engine oils are compatible with one another, says Shawn Whitacre, Chevron senior staff engineer - engine oil technology. We typically guide customers to draw tanks down as much as is reasonable before filling a tank with a different oil. This is most important when transitioning from one viscosity grade to another. He says draining the tank entirely would be overkill. If you really think about it, in a given engine, often even when you do an oil change some of the old oil still is around. So we have to make sure oils are compatible with each other. However, Paul Cigala, commercial vehicle lubricant applications engineer for ExxonMobil, says the problem is not really compatibility its performance. If youre switching to the new API CK-4 or FA-4 categories, he says, and dont drain enough of the old oil out of the tank first, you dilute the new formulations, and you lose the benefits of the better oxidation stability, better viscosity control and the improved air release that was in the specifications. If youre moving directly to FA-4, then you lose that extra fuel economy benefit of the product too. You wouldnt be able to go to those extended oil drains [possible with the new oils], and you could dilute it down enough to affect the oxidation. If youre transitioning from CJ-4 to CK-4, API recommends you draw down the CJ-4 product to as little as possible, as difficult as it may be, says APIs Ferrick. A small amount of comingling would probably be OK, but more than that would reduce performance. Engine parts at teardown during testing of CK-4 and FA-4 oils by Shell. Photo: Shell For FA-4 you absolutely have to draw down to practically nothing, because if theres a significant amount of an older oil and youre mixing in the FA-4, youre going to at minimum impact the viscosity. And keep in mind that a CJ-4 or CK-4 10W-30 oil is not the same as an FA-4 10W-30 oil. So if you think you have an FA-4 10W-30 and mix it with a CJ-4 10W-30, from an API perspective youre probably adversely affecting the viscosity. If youre switching oils in your bulk tank, theres another good reason to drain the tank, says Stede Granger, Shell OEM technical services manager. We find fleets using bulk tanks over a period of time can accumulate water, especially if they are outside where you get larger temperature swings. We think when youre upgrading to CK-4, thats probably a real good time to check the tank and make sure theres not water in the bottom. As you draw a tank down you pull air into it, and that air has some level of water in it, and temperature swings cause that water to condense on the inside of the tank. Get too much water in the oil, and you can run into problems with abnormal wear and even rusting in the engine. Photo: Shell But in real life, draining tanks doesnt often happen, Stockton says. I cant remember anybody ever completely draining and flushing a bulk oil tank before they took a new shipment, he says, which means fleets are continually mixing different brands and even different viscosities or API specs. And if theyre underground tanks, who knows if they have contamination getting into them, Stockton adds. I think a lot of fleets practicing standard or best practices pay pretty close attention to their fuel tanks but not their oil tanks. OKLAHOMA CITY Agencies grasping for new revenue might be able to delay a $215 million budget cut until 2018, Oklahoma Speaker of the House Charles McCall said Thursday. The state has available cash that the House could appropriate to protect health care services impacted by the recent Supreme Court decision, McCall said in a news release. These monies would delay the cuts into 2018 or until a strategic budget solution is reached. It is important to note that the House Republicans will not allow these three agencies to absorb a $215 million cut. The speakers remarks came a day after the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services warned it was preparing to eliminate state funding for almost every outpatient program. The agencys announcement sparked outrage among the health care community, who have eagerly awaited some kind of budget deal. Several groups plan to hold a rally on Tuesday inside the Oklahoma Capitol. Three health care agencies are the ones most affected by the loss of $215 million from an unconstitutional cigarette fee. Starting this month, they must reduce monthly spending to account for the money they lost. While Rolex stands as the most sought after luxury Swiss watch brand in the world, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, the Swiss luxury watchmakers, contour the 'holy-trinity' in the world of Haute Horlogerie, not necessarily in that order. While many of the older brands rely on their heritage to attract customers, both old and new, there are others who are bending the rules. For example, a brand like Audemars Piguet produces only 40,000 watches annually and while that seems exclusive at first glance, niche brands like Roger W Smith, a watchmaker based out of Isle of Man, handcrafts only 10 watches a year, challenging the notion of exclusivity. This is not the only independent watchmaker who is now pursued by the global fraternity of collectors as individualistic watch brands come into their own and carve a niche for themselves. Sarosh Mody, Editor Special Projects, Robb Report In fact, in recent years, independents like MB&F, Armin Strom, DeBethune, Vianey Halter, Greubel Forsey, Andreas Strehler, Antoine Preziuso, Lang & Heyne and several others are the new tsars of exclusivity. Most of the independents produce anywhere between 30 to 1,500 watches a year. Being small and integrated has its advantages and for most of them, customisation is key. Though a few watches produced by the independents surpass the average commercial luxury watch in pricing, the innovations in concept and production definitely surpass the collectible value. advertisement The HM7 Aquapod by MB&F is an example of this. Launched in January this year, this 66-piece edition in 18-carat 5N+ red gold with a black bezel is conceptualised as more of an art form that tells time than a luxury wrist utility. HM7 Aquapod began its gestation as a horological jelly fish, and the architecture of its engine is appropriately biomorphic. The idea for an aquatic watch originated from MB&F founder Maximilian Busser's memories of family beach holidays, which included an encounter with a jelly fish. While the encounter may have been minor, the seed it planted in Busser's brain for a three-dimensional timepiece powered by tentacles was anything but. Where jelly fish have a radially symmetric ring of neurons for a brain, Aquapod has radially symmetric rings displaying hours and minutes. This is a diving watch which is not works as performance art. While the market dynamics in 2017 dictate that most people seek more value from their buys, even in the luxury segment, we are also seeing a new wave of horologically-inclined, self-taught individuals, who have taken the time to educate themselves about timepieces. The lesser-known brands, who incidentally have been around for over a century, are today becoming 'the' watches to wear, especially in emerging markets, including India, because of their commercial anonymity. For individuals looking for a quality Swiss watch with a mechanical complication that is not priced over the top, niche brands rule. Similarly, Nomos, is one of the greatest success stories in the watch industry. The brand has made a mark for itself despite being a small manufacturer in the sea of Swiss watch giants. As Asia positions itself as top zone for consuming luxury watches, it is these independent watch makers who are being highly sought. --- ENDS --- MIDWEST CITY Critics of criminal justice reforms approved by Oklahoma voters in November spent an hour Thursday railing against them before yielding the lectern to an apparent ally in their fight: Americas top law enforcement officer. Despite the national surge in violent crime and the record number of drug deaths over the last two years, there is a move to even lighter sentences, Attorney General Jeff Sessions told a gathering of the states sheriffs. We must be careful here. Federal prison population is down 15 percent; the average sentence is down 19 percent. Crime is up. Without mentioning Oklahomas reforms specifically, Sessions issued bleak warnings about American society increases in violent crime, a rise in vicious gangs, threats from terrorism, an erosion of juvenile discipline during a closed-door speech in the Rose State College student center. Im afraid we dont have a sentencing problem; we have a crime problem. If we want to bring down our prison population, then we should bring down crime, Sessions said. This Page Is Under Construction - Coming Soon! Why am I seeing this 'Under Construction' page? The death of 32 farmers from pesticide poisoning in the Vidarbha region has cast a shadow on Diwali this year. It's the Devendra Fadnavis government's latest challenge in an area already known for the highest number of farmer suicides. Yavatmal, with 21 pesticide deaths, is the worst affected district while cases have also been reported from Akola, Nagpur, Bhandara, Amravati and Buldhana. Twenty-three of some 800 farmers under treatment in district hospitals have lost their eyesight. All have tested positive for pesticide contamination. A concerned state government has ordered an inquiry to determine if pesticide companies had sold farmers 'unauthorised' products. As per regulation, all pesticides and fertilisers must be tested in government laboratories before being marketed. Further, state agriculture officials must train farmers on correct usage. However, farmers often go by the advice of local Krishi Seva Kendras run by private shopkeepers. advertisement Amravati's BJP legislator Anil Bonde accuses agriculture department staff of not doing their job in training cultivators on pesticide usage. Former Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar has also raised questions on whether the pesticides in use were properly tested. Alarmed at the rising death toll, state agriculture minister Pandurang Phundkar said the government would "cancel licences of Krishi Seva Kendras found selling unauthorised products". Junior agriculture minister Sadashiv Khot promised that presiding officials will be held accountable. Opposition leaders did criticise the Fadnavis government, but it faced more serious censure from within. Kishor Tiwari, president of the state-run corporation Vasantrao Naik Sheti Swabhimaan Mission, described the Vidarbha deaths as a "massacre". He accused the agriculture department officials of accepting bribes to approve untested and unsafe pesticides. The unfolding tragedy has raised questions on Bt cotton cultivation, which requires multiple applications of pesticide. "This year, farmers had to spray 10 times more pesticide [than non-Bt varieties] to control the pests," says an official from Nagpur's Central Institute for Cotton Research. Yet to deliver on his promised farm loan waiver, Fadnavis announced ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each on October 3 for the families of victims. He has also directed the distribution of protective masks among farmers besides constituting a committee headed by additional chief secretary Sudhir Shrivastava to determine the reasons for the deaths. --- ENDS --- NAIROBI, KenyaUNHCR Special Envoy for the Somali Refugee Situation today condemned the bombing incident that killed more than 300 people in Mogadishu over the weekend. The wanton murder and maiming of innocent citizens is despicable, said Ambassador Mohamed Abdi Affey in Nairobi. I would like to convey my deepest sympathies to the affected individuals and families. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Ambassador Affey called on the international community to support the Government of Somalia to secure the country and prevent the spread of violent extremism, adding that security is the central pillar of a return to stability in the county. He urged the people of Somalia not to give up. This attack should not dampen their resolve to reclaim the country. The citizens must rally around the programmes of the Government to secure the country. He commended the continuing efforts by those who are of means, like the business community and individuals in the diaspora, to support their affected brothers and sisters. The Special Envoy noted that Somali refugees living in Djibouti, Kenya and Yemen continue to make the decision to return home. Since 2014, 107,392 Somali refugees have returned; 76,612 from Kenya, 33,154 from Yemen (and 626 from other countries of asylum. The Somali refugee situation is one of the most protracted in the world, spanning over two decades and affecting three generations. There are nearly one million Somali refugees in Djibouti, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Yemen, and approximately 1.2 million Somalis displaced within Somalia. A UNHCR volunteer collects information in Bangladesh from Mohammad Busho, an-80-year-old refugee from Myanmar, using a data-gathering smartphone app that helps to streamline assistance. UNHCR/Roger Arnold WASHINGTON, October 20, 2017 The World Bank Group (WBG) and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) are joining forces to establish a joint data centre on forced displacement to greatly improve statistics on refugees, other displaced people and host communities. The new centre, announced today, will enable a better informed and more sustainable response to forced displacement, underpinning a coordinated humanitarian-development approach. It builds on UNHCRs role as the reference institution for refugee data, bringing in the WBGs analytical expertise and experience helping national governments improve statistical capacity. The scale, complexity and speed of todays refugee crises mean we can no longer afford to respond through humanitarian action alone. It is more important than ever to mobilize resources and plan for the longer term from the beginning. This is why early access to reliable data for development partners like the World Bank is so important, said United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. When resources are scarce all efforts should be made to get help to those who need it. Improving data and evidence is critical to ensure that these resources are used efficiently and effectively. We have much to learn from UNHCRs experience, so that we can do more together working in complementary ways to help both refugees and their hosts, said World Bank Group Chief Executive Officer Kristalina Georgieva. With almost 90 per cent of refugees living in the developing world, and more than half displaced for over 4 years, there is recognition by the international community that humanitarian interventions need to be complemented by a longer-term development response. UNHCR and the WBG have been strengthening collaboration under this new approach, which is reflected in ongoing efforts to develop a global compact on refugees for adoption by the end of 2018. Delivering such a comprehensive response requires high-quality, timely data, which was also underscored in the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants of September 2016. Global-level data defines the international agenda, while country-level data informs policies and helps to target aid resources appropriately. More needs to be done to strengthen the collection, quality, access, and use of data. The new data centre will cover refugees, internally displaced persons and other groups as well as host communities. It aims to: Ensure population and socioeconomic data are systematically collected and analyzed Facilitate open access to forced displacement data, while ensuring the integrity of the legal protection framework Promote innovations to enhance forced displacement data through satellite imagery, cell phones, and other new technologies Strengthen the global data collection system, establishing common norms, definitions, and methodologies, and support efforts to fortify country systems where necessary. The potential impact of enhanced cooperation between the WBG and UNHCR is significant. For example, detailed data, where they were available, enabled the two institutions to prepare landmark reports on the welfare of Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan, which in turn led to a better targeting of humanitarian assistance as well as the preparation of development projects. In Kenya, it made possible a detailed analysis of the role of the Kakuma refugee camp in the local economy, demonstrating that the presence of refugees had a positive effect overall on economic growth in Northeast Kenya. Systematically making data available will allow for a dramatic scaling up of such critical analytical work, which is essential as the WBG and UNHCR collaborate to support both refugees and host communities. Evidence-based information will also be available for use by practitioners and policy makers to improve programs and projects on forced displacement. The data centre is expected to be ready for operation in mid-2018. Media Contacts: UNHCR In Washington, Chris Boian, +1 202 243 7634, [email protected] In Geneva, Ariane Rummery, +41 79 200 7617, [email protected] World Bank An exhausted Rohingya woman carries her belongings through paddy fields near the Anjuman Para crossing point on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. UNHCR/Roger Arnold Thousands of refugees from Myanmar have been admitted to Bangladesh after spending up to four days stranded near the border. By last night Bangladesh border guards reported that over 6,800 refugees had passed through Anjuman Para border village in Cox's Bazar district. Thousands more are said to be on their way from Myanmar. The most vulnerable among the new arrivals are bussed from the border to a transit centre near Kutupalong camp. At the centre, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and its partners provide food, water, medical checks and temporary shelter. Thousands of Rohingyas have fled violence in Myanmar. Follow the crisis here. Other new arrivals walk to Kutupalong refugee camp, where they spend the night in existing structures and buildings. Meanwhile UNHCR and its partners continue to work with the Bangladesh authorities on the new Kutupalong extension site. Site planning and development are underway to allow the new refugees to move in as different zones within the site are readied. Tube wells and latrines are being installed to give the new refugees access to clean water and sanitation facilities. To target assistance and protection interventions, UNHCR is continuing its joint family counting exercise with the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission. More than 247,606 refugees have so far been counted and the exercise is now taking place in Kutupalong Extension. Drone footage shows new Rohingya refugees arriving in Bangladesh (Roger Arnold, camera / Boris Weber, editor) We hope for timely and generous donor support at the pledging conference for Rohingya refugee crisis on 23 October in Geneva. The joint response plan requires US$434 million to meet the life-saving needs of all Rohingya refugees and their host communities together an estimated 1.2 million people for the difficult months to come. UNHCRs portion of that plan amounts to US$83.7 of additional funds until the end of February 2018. Our emergency assistance focuses on refugee protection, shelter, water and sanitation, establishing new sites, upgrading infrastructure and strengthening the capacity of the local communities across south-east Bangladesh. Since the onset of the current emergency, UNHCR, upon the request of Bangladeshi authorities has expanded its response and operations, presence and staff throughout south-east Bangladesh. For UNHCR, it is vital even at the early stage, that its response reflects mid- to long-term needs, while at the same time ensuring that the voluntary return of refugees in safety and dignity remains a viable option. In this regard, restoring peace and stability in northern Rakhine state is critical. Your support is urgently needed to help the refugees in Bangladesh. Please give now. For more information on this topic, please contact: Did you see Deepika looking the way she did in her red saree? By India Today Web Desk: It's not very often that two actresses are caught wearing the same, or even similar, outfits. More often than not, if indeed such a situation arises, it ends up in anything but a huge laugh at the coincidence. The last time two mainstream actresses were found wearing something similar was almost a year ago, on the Stardust Awards' red carpet. In case your memory doesn't serve, here's what happened when Jacqueline Fernandez and Sonam Kapoor ended up wearing similar outfits on the red carpet: Sonam Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez look like sisters on the Stardust Awards red carpet advertisement Now, we have two different contenders for the same spot--Malaika Arora and Deepika Padukone. Picture courtesy: Instagram/malaikaarorakhan Though attending different Diwali parties, these two were spotted wearing the exact same Banarasi silk. Only, Malaika was wearing it as a suit, while Deepika draped it as a saree. The vibrant-red Raw Mango suit and saree were so similarly styled that both the lovely women ended up wearing a similar neckpiece to go with their outfits! Picture courtesy: Instagram/shaleenanathani Nevertheless, Malaika and Deepika, both looked beautiful in their respective outfits, bringing on what was more important in the end--the festive cheer. --- ENDS --- By PTI: Biharsharif, Oct 20 (PTI) A man was forced to lick his own spit in Bihars Nalanda district as punishment for trying to enter the home of an influential man of a village allegedly without permission. A case was registered today against the perpetrators of the crime after a video on the incident went viral on social media. The sordid incident took place at Azadpur village under Noorsarai police station area yesterday. advertisement The 54-year-old man named Mahesh Thakur, a barber, had tried to enter the house allegedly without knocking on its door on Wednesday evening. A panchayat sabha was called in the village the next day by the mukhiya Dayanand Manjhi and it decided on the punishment in which the man was forced to spit and then lick it for his alleged misdeed. Thakurs misery did not end there as he was then beaten by women with their slippers in full public view. Nalanda, which is about 70 km from capital Patna, is the home district of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. After the video on the incident went viral, Nalanda district magistrate Thiyagarajan S M and superintendent of police Sudhir Kumar Porika today ordered registration of FIR against eight people. The accused included Manjhi and a village influential man Dharmendra Yadav, who is the kin of the person in whose house Thakur had tried to enter allegedly without permission, and the FIR was registered on the basis of the statement of the victim. No arrests have been made so far as the accused are absconding, the SP told reporters. The DM and SP said that conflicting information emerged after talking to villagers about the incident. While some said that Thakur tried to enter into the house at a time when only women family members were present, some others said that he had gone to seek khaini (tobacco) from the houseowner not knowing that he was not at home. Noorsarai Office in-charge has been entrusted with the probe into the incident and to catch the accused, the SP said. PTI COR SNS KK KK --- ENDS --- By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 19 (PTI) India and Russia will kick start tomorrow a 10-day-long mega war game involving their armies, navies and air forces for the first time to further ramp up military ties. The exercise Indra, which is being held in Russia, will primarily focus on achieving coordination between forces of the two countries in a tri-services integrated theatre command scenario. advertisement "The joint tri-service exercise will be a demonstration of the increasing commitment of both nations to address common challenges across the full spectrum of operations," the defence ministry said in a statement. It said the exercise will serve towards strengthening mutual confidence and interoperability as well as sharing of the best practices between the armed forces of both the countries. It will be for the first time India will participate in a tri-services exercise with a foreign country with such a large scale participation by the Navy, the Army and the Air Force, a senior army official said. Yesterday, the Indian contingent flew in an IL-76 aircraft to Vladivostok. The contingent, led by the Task Force Commander, Maj Gen ND Prasad was accorded a warm welcome by Commander of the Fifth Army of Russias Eastern Military District, Maj Gen Kutuzov. Today, two indigenously built Indian Naval ships INS Satpura and INS Kadmatt arrived at Vladivostok Port and were given a traditional ceremonial welcome, the defence ministry said. PTI MPB ZMN --- ENDS --- Tamilisai Soundarrajan, the BJP's Tamil Nadu president, said some scenes in actor Vijay's Diwali release Mersal show GST and Digital India in a bad light. She asked for cuts to be made. A spokesperson for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) used North Korea as a metaphor to criticise BJP leaders, after the saffron party's state unit chief asked for cuts in actor Vijay's new movie, Mersal. Tamilisai Soundarrajan, the BJP's president in Tamil Nadu, said on Thursday that some scenes in Mersal showed GST (Goods and Services Tax) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Digital India scheme in a bad light. advertisement "BJP leaders constantly are under the impression that this is North Korea, where every scene of every movie must have the approval of (the) Supreme Leader! That is why they have no understanding of free speech. If you thought Pahlaj Nihalani was bad, imagine a censor board under (Union Minister) Pon Radhakrishnan," said DMK spokesperson Manu Sundaram. Vijay's father, the filmmaker SA Chandrasekar, defended the film. "As a citizen of India I am talking. There should be freedom of expression. The censor board, which also has persons with political affiliation(s), cleared it. Then why should they raise the issue now? We can accuse any policy," he told India Today. "But (the) ruling party cannot ask (for) the scenes to be removed after the movie has been cleared by the censor. How and why are they politicising (the issue?)," he asked. 'NOTHING FACTUAL' BJP leader SG Suryah explained why his party was unhappy with Mersal. "The movie dialogues have been lifted from WhatsApp groups, probably because there is nothing factual. We are protesting because a common man will misunderstand..(our)..schemes," he said. In the movie, Vijay's character asks, "When Singapore gives free medical treatment to all citizens with 7 per cent GST, why can't India with 28 per cent?" The BJP's answer: There is no GST on medical care in India. Vijay's character also notes that there is no GST on liquor, but there is a 12 per cent tax on medicines. Suryah said state governments asked for exemptions for liquor and petroleum. "But states have heavy tax(es). In Tamil Nadu, it's 58 per cent and goes up to 150 per cent based on the brand," he said. The BJP isn't alone in criticising Mersal. Sources say doctors' associations in Tamil Nadu are unhappy with the way members of their profession have been portrayed in the film. WATCH | Official teaser trailer of Vijay's Mersal (Video courtesy: Sony Music India/YouTube) --- ENDS --- Wyoming Business Tips for Oct. 29-Nov. 4 A weekly look at Wyoming business questions from the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (WSBDC), part of WyomingEntrepreneur.Biz, a collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming. By Bruce Morse, WSBDC northwest regional director Can I do some things to my retail business that will give it a better appearance on a limited budget? Wally, Sheridan The holidays are a busy time for many retail businesses -- they will be here soon -- so, you want your first impression to be a good one. Let us start outside and look at your store from a customers perspective. Your window displays should be used to get peoples attention -- those walking by -- and, in some cases, driving by. Make sure people can see the display by having it well lit, especially if people tend to see it at night. Avoid using your doors and windows -- prime display space -- for advertising all the local fundraisers, high school team schedules and so on. It is great to support those activities; just do it at a separate location, such as on a bulletin board within the store. Once customers are in the door, it should smell good -- not overpowering, but pleasant. Soft, appropriate music also can help. How about a fresh coat of paint? Use small signs near the merchandise to help customers find what they are looking for. If you can do this in a fun way, and make them smile, even better. Remember, your merchandise should be displayed from the knees to about 6 inches above the customers head. They do not want to, and usually will not, bend over to get items off the floor, or they simply will not see them if displayed too high. Now, for two big tips: -- Most stores do not have enough light. People will not buy it if they cannot see it. Replace burned-out light bulbs. If possible, use track lighting to highlight merchandise, not the wall or the floor. -- Finally, if appropriate, get your customers to touch the product. They are much more likely to buy if they pick it up and look at it, smell it, feel it and fall in love with it. Of course, you need to have excellent service as well, but that is a topic for another day. A blog version of this article and an opportunity to post comments are available at www.wyomingsbdc.org/blog1/. The WSBDC is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Wyoming Business Council and the University of Wyoming. To ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194, email wsbdc@uwyo.edu, or write 1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3922, Laramie, WY, 82071-3922. By PTI: Srinagar, Oct 20 (PTI) Militants today hurled a grenade at the residence of ruling PDP MLA Mushtaq Ahmad Shah in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir but it exploded in the compound without causing any damage, the police said. This was the second attack on a PDP MLA in as many days in Kashmir. Militants had hurled a grenade on the residence of Aijaz Ahmad Mir, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA from Wachi in Shopian district, yesterday. advertisement The ultras hurled the grenade on Shahs residence in Tral this afternoon. The grenade exploded in the compound of the MLA without causing any damage, a police official said. PTI MIJ ASK ASK --- ENDS --- Ranjit Kumar was appointed by the Modi government in June 2014, shortly after the BJP came to power at the Centre. By India Today Web Desk: Citing "personal reasons", India's Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar resigned today, becoming the second government law officer to quit the Narendra Modi government after former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi. The office of Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad received his resignation letter today. "The government is good to me. But I tendered my resignation due to personal reasons," Kumar was quoted as saying by NDTV news channel. advertisement There was speculation a few months ago that the Supreme Court collegium was considering Kumar's name as a judge of the apex court. Kumar was appointed by the Modi government in June 2014, shortly after the BJP came to power at the Centre. His term was extended in June this year along with Rohatgi, who resigned shortly afterwards. Recently, Mukul Rohatgi had written to the government that he was not interested in a second term as attorney general. Senior lawyer K K Venugopal was appointed as new attorney general. Additional Solicitor General and senior advocate Tushar Mehta is likely to be appointed as the next Solicitor General, sources told India Today. --- ENDS --- APEC Finance and Central Bank Deputies' Meeting was an event in the framework of the APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting BEPS is one of the four major topics at the meting, a great concern for APEC member economies and international organisations, especially the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Bank. BEPS is considered a global concern that needs comprehensive solutions based on multilateral co-operation between countries and conglomerates because in recent years, numerous conglomerates have exploited "loopholes" in the tax policies of the countries serving as their manufacturing base to evade taxes or transfer profits to countries offering lower tariffs. In the context of the strong growth of conglomerate enterprises in terms of scale and quantity, while unilateral and bilateral co-operations to prevent tax erosion and profit shifting become more and more ineffective, BEPS is heating up. In Vietnam, the impact of tax evasion on the state budget is evident through the rapacious transfer pricing or cross-border transactions in the e-commerce sector. Transfer pricing is considered a dark side of foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises. According to the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)s 2016 Vietnam Business Annual Report, over 40 per cent of FDI enterprises in 2007-2015 took losses, but many of them still planned to scale up production. Along with BEPS, the three remaining topics on the meeting agenda are long-term investment in infrastructure, disaster risk financing and insurance, and financial inclusion. Notably, regarding long-term investment in infrastructure, the focus was on the mobilisation of long-term capital from the private sector for infrastructure projects. Participants paid special attention to the protection of interests and mitigating risk for private investors in public-private partnership (PPP) projects. On disaster risk financing and insurance, the meeting focused on financing regimes and insurance for natural disasters and subsequent compensation. Upon the discussion in the workshop on Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance Policies, the APEC Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting, and the Senior Finance Officials Meeting, which was held in February 2017, the finance officials exchanged experiences in dealing with natural disasters on the national and sub-national levels, policies in risk management for public assets in APEC member economies, as well as the activities of the Working Group on Disaster Risk Financing (DRF-WG). Regarding financial inclusion, the discussion focused on credit market and financial services products in order to serve agricultural and rural development, promote sustainable poverty reduction, as well as reform the agricultural sector. The finance officials have worked with international organisations in sharing research on promoting financial inclusion in the APEC, and implementing cooperation activities in credit information sharing. Furthermore, in the framework of the APEC Finance Ministers Meeting, finance ministers were updated on the implementation of the Cebu Action Plana roadmap for a more sustainable financial future for the Asia-Pacific regionwhich was launched at the 22nd APEC Finance Ministers Meeting in 2015, as well as other relevant issues. The finance ministers also entered a dialogue with the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) and leaders of major enterprises and business groups in the region, while simultaneously participating in a retreat to discuss several issues of concern. The 2017 APEC Finance Ministers Meeting took place in the ancient city of Hoi An, the central province of Quang Nam, from October 19-21. By PTI: Mumbai, Oct 20 (PTI) Ethnic wear brand Manyavar today said it has roped in Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma as the brand ambassador for its womens brand Mohey. The company aims to double the Mohey store count in the coming year. "Manyavar and Mohey have both seen a great response over the last one year. We target doubling our Mohey store count from 50 to 100 in the coming year," Manyavar Managing Director Ravi Modi said in a statement. advertisement Manyavar and Mohey together have 450 stores across India, USA, Bangladesh, UAE and Nepal. PTI DS RSY --- ENDS --- A scene from "Up for Love". A French movie - Un homme a la hauteur (-16) (Up for Love) (France, 2016, 98 mins) will be screened at LEspace, 24 Trang Tien, Hanoi on October 20. The movie is directed by Laurent Tirard, with actors Jean Dujardin, Virginie Efira, and Cesar Domboy. This is a wholly commercial rom-com adaptation of an Argentine hit. The movie is about Diane - a very beautiful woman. A brilliant lawyer, she has a sense of humor and a forceful personality. And as she has just put an end to her marriage, which was not making her happy, she is at last free to encounter the man of her life. As chance doesnt exist, Diane receives a phone call from a certain Alexandre, who found the mobile phone that shed lost. Very quickly, something happens during the phone call. Alexandre is polite, funny, obviously cultivated Diane is charmed. They quickly arrange a date. But their meeting wont go at all as planned. The film will be in French with Vietnamese subtitles. Ticket price is VND50,000 and VND40,000 for members of LEspace and students. Tickets are available at LEspace. A scene from Tanu Weds Manu. An Indian movie - Tanu Weds Manu will also come on October 20, at the Indian Cultural Centre, 63 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hanoi. Manu (R.Madhavan) is a guy from Delhi who has been a working as a doctor in London for the past 12 years. Tanu (Kangana Ranaut) is a girl from Kanpur who is done with her studies at Delhi University. She does not want an arranged marriage because she is in love with a guy named Raja (Jimmy Shergill) and wants to marry him. Manu falls in love with Tanu for the first time when he comes to see her in Kanpur. However, she asks him to refuse the arranged marriage and he agrees. Manu goes to see many girls but discovers that Tanu is the only girl he wants. What happens next and whether they end up together makes up the rest of the story. The film screening is free of charge and open to all age groups. Those interested may register online or can directly come to the Indian Cultural Centre from 09:30 to 17:30 (Monday to Friday). For further details, please contact at tel: 024 3633 2083 or email: culture@indembassy.com.vn. The same day, a movie from Hong Kong (China) - Love in a Puff will be introduced at The Centre for Assistance and Development of Movie Talents, 51 Tran Hung Dao Str (4th floor), Hanoi. This is a film by Ho-Cheung Pang, starring Shawn Yue and Miriam Yeung. The plot revolves around the love story of Cherie and Jimmy, two smokers who meet at an outdoor smoking area subsequent to the ban of all indoor smoking areas in Hong Kong. The film is classified as a category 3 film in Hong Kong. Love in a Puff is one of the films which premiered in the 2010 Hong Kong International Film Festival. A sequel, titled Love in the Buff was released on 29 March 2012 with the film set in Beijing, China. Shawn Yue and Miriam Yeung reprised their roles. A third installment, Love Off the Cuff, was released on April 27, 2017. The movie will be in Cantonese with Vietnamese subtitles. The film screening is for educational purposes and fundraising for Young Cinema Fund of TPD. Donation (at the door) is VND20,000/audience. Doors open at 7 pm and close when the screening room is full. Seats are assigned on first-come-first-served basis. A Vietnamese film Thung Lung Hoang Vang (Deserted Valley) will be screened at the Vietnam Feature Films Studio (VFS), No. 4 Thuy Khue, Hanoi on October 26. Deserted Valley is one of the most successful films made by well-known Vietnamese female Director Pham Nhue Giang. The film is considered a compassionate poem demonstrating the sacrifice of three teachers on their journey to bring education to disadvantaged children of ethnic minorities. They share the same passion for children, for teaching and for perseverance in overcoming difficulties to keep a local school open in a remote mountainous province in Northern Vietnam. Apart from portraying their teaching career, the film also demonstrates the feelings and emotions of the teachers who have to spend their youth in remote deserted valleys. Its poetic beauty also lies in its breathtaking natural scenery with high mountains, vast rice fields and interesting local customs of the ethnic minority people. With Deserted Valley, Director Pham Nhue Giang won the 52st Melbourne International Film Festivals first FIPRESCI and FCCA (Film Critics Circle of Australia) Prize. The film was released in 2001 with a duration of 1 hour 29 minutes, and English subtitles. Donation is VND150,000/person. Limit: 50 people Contact: Film group, Filmteam.fvh@gmail.com Artefacts and memorabilia are displayed during a preview of 'Harry Potter: A History of Magic' exhibition at the British Library, in central London on Oct 18, 2017, marking the twentieth anniversary of the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. (Photo: AFP/Niklas Halle'n) "Harry Potter: A History of Magic", which opens in London on Friday, includes Chinese oracle bones from 1192 BC - the oldest datable items in the library's vast collection - as well as annotated sketches, notes and books by the author. Marking the 20th anniversary of the publication of the first book in the world-famous series, the display brings together nearly 100 other historic treasures, including cauldrons and scrolls, with original material provided by Potter publisher Bloomsbury. Artworks by Jim Kay, illustrator of the books, including paintings and sketches of key characters, are also among the exhibits. The four-month show, which took a year to curate, has sold a record 30,000 advance tickets, with an additional 11,000 made available free to school groups, which have a day and a half reserved for them each week for exclusive visits. "It's the biggest, best thing happening in London at the moment," said Jamie Andrews, head of culture at the British Library, as he unveiled the exhibition to the media on Thursday. To tell the history of folklore and magic around the world, the curators set up eight themed viewing rooms based on subjects studied at the books' Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, from "Alchemy" and "Astronomy" to "Defence Against the Dark Arts" and "Care of Magical Creatures". Among the many dazzling displays is the Ripley Scroll, a six-metre (20-foot) manuscript of symbolic imagery from the 1500s describing how to create the philosopher's stone, which in the books is able to give everlasting life. A stunning celestial globe dating from 1693 has been enlivened by a collaboration with Google Arts & Culture with interactive screens offering an augmented reality experience of the stars and constellations. Other highlights include the Battersea Cauldron dating back to 800 BC, which was dredged from the River Thames; a mermaid, reputedly caught in Japan in the nineteenth century; and the first record of the charm "abracadabra", written in ancient Greek. "Our exhibition sets J K Rowling's wonderful Harry Potter stories in the wider cultural context," said Julian Harrison, the lead curator, who said he hoped it would appeal beyond the books' fans. "It demonstrates that many of the stories that she features relating to cauldrons and broomsticks, unicorns and dragons, they all have historical, mythological precedence," he said. The exhibition also features two rooms showcasing rare Harry Potter material, such as a unique first edition of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" annotated and illustrated by Rowling. Rare international editions from among the nearly 80 different language versions published, including Tibetan, Turkish and Ukrainian, are also on display. Rowling said in a statement the library had done "an incredible job". "Encountering objects for real that have in some shape or form figured in my books has been quite wonderful," she said. Fish on sale at Thuan An Fishing Port in central coastal Thua Thien Hue Province. - VNA/VNS Photo Ho Cau The money accounts for 97.4 per cent of the losses, according to a report from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). The information was released in a conference held on Wednesday in the Governmental Office in Ha Noi. The conference, chaired by Standing Deputy Prime Minister and member of the Politburo Truong Hoa Binh, was the 10th held by the Steering Committee charged with aiding people in the four affected central coastal provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue. At present, three provinces have not completely disbursed the compensation because the residents suffering losses were not present at the localities, or had complaints about their compensation that are still being resolved. The four provinces that suffered the incident proposed to upgrade or build new shelters, ports, wharf, fish markets and roads to the sea and to the manufacturing areas and irrigational works, in order to help seamen stabilise their lives. The provinces also collected money from the Government agencies and distributed it directly to residents. Speaking at the conference, Deputy PM Binh said that the compensation had been basically completely disbursed. The remaining 3 per cent could be sent to the banks to wait until the residents returned to their localities to complete the claims process. The Government has approved the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environments project to set up a system of giving warnings on environmental issues in four central provinces. The ministry checked the maritime environment in the four central provinces, sent results to the peoples committees of the four provinces and informed the public on multiple media channels about the present environmental condition one year after the incident. Deputy PM Binh emphasised that the compensation must be paid in a precise, public and transparent manner so that the money will be distributed to the right people. He asked provinces to fully complete the compensation within next month. The mass fish deaths were first reported on April 6 last year when a large number of fish washed ashore in Ha Tinh Province. The incident also occurred in Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien Hue provinces. Thua Thien Hue alone reported that 35 tonnes of farm-raised fish had died. In June last year, Formosa accepted responsibility for the fish deaths and pledged compensation to local fishermen and to help renew the polluted marine environment. Firework use hits a peak across India during the Hindu festival but New Delhi authorities have tried to restrict sales to tackle mounting pollution. The explosion late Wednesday completely destroyed the makeshift structure after fire touched off the gunpowder and chemical stocks used to make the fireworks in Balasore district of Odisha state, said district magistrate Pramod Kumar Das. He told AFP several of the injured workers are in a critical condition after the "huge" explosion. Diwali, the festival of lights, is traditionally celebrated by lighting lamps but has metamorphosed into a grand show of fireworks, sparking pollution and controversy. Explosions often occur in the thousands of illegal backyard and underground workshops that spring up during the festive season. Last month, nine people were killed in neighbouring Jharkhand state after their workshop was gutted by fire. India's firecracker industry, worth nearly one billion dollars a year, is the second largest in the world after China. The country's Supreme Court this month temporarily banned the sale of firecrackers in New Delhi because of the air pollution threat. The ruling came after the capital last year suffered its worst air pollution in nearly two decades, which experts blamed on Diwali fireworks and stubble-burning in farming regions around the city. Police have arrested more than two dozen people in New Delhi over the illegal sale of firecrackers since the Oct 9 court order and have seized more than one tonne of firecrackers. Unilever, which owns more than 400 household brands, said third-quarter sales growth was hit by the strong euro and economic fallout from the hurricanes in the United States. AFP/JOHN THYS Unilever, which owns more than 400 household brands, said third-quarter sales growth was hit by the strong euro and economic fallout from the hurricanes in the United States. AFP/JOHN THYS THE HAGUE: Unilever, the Anglo-Dutch food and consumer products giant, said Thursday (Oct 19) that sales were down in the third quarter, hit by the strong euro and economic fallout from the hurricanes in the United States. Unilever, which owns more than 400 household brands including Dove, Knorr soups, Lipton, Magnum and Marmite, said in a statement that sales were down 1.6 per cent to 13.2 billion euros ($15.6 billion) in the period from July to September. The 1.6-per cent decrease in sales "included a negative currency impact of 5.1 percent," the statement said. In addition, "growth in the quarter was adversely affected by poorer weather in Europe compared with last year and natural disasters in the Americas". Chief executive Paul Polman said that emerging markets were driving growth in the third quarter. "While conditions in our developed markets remain challenging, we are starting to see signs of improvement in some of our biggest emerging markets including India and China," he said. Unilever did not provide any profit figures for the July-September period. But it confirmed its full-year targets and said it was "making good progress against the strategic objectives we have set out for 2020." Rotterdam-based Unilever, which employs some 169,000 people around the world, spurned a takeover bid by US rival Kraft Heinz in February. Since then, it has sought to prove to shareholders that it is better off on its own and vowed better profitability. In April, Unilever unveiled a 3.5-billion euro restructuring plan and announced the spin-off of its margarine division, which includes the Flora, Blue Band and Rama brands. Nguyen Hoai Thu, production manager at GE Energy Haiphong Nguyen Hoai Thu is the production manager of electric cabinets at GE Energy Haiphong. Thu is always busy with work and phone calls without fixed working hours. She said, Sometimes I dont have time for my children. It is said that engineering is a challenging career for women. However, it is even more difficult for us to fulfill the different roles of engineer, mother, and wife. Indeed, the engineering industry is challenging for both genders. In todays dynamically changing business environment and stiffly competitive global market, clients demands become more sophisticated and volatile. At GE, the company standing in the forefront of digital transformation with exports to markets around the world, investments are being made in continuous learning in order to streamline processes, improve productivity, and apply cutting-edge technology. Thu went on to say that, It is crucial that you have aspiration, determination, and perseverance to acquire knowledge. Unless you keep learning, you will be left behind whether you are male or female. I have had the chance to work with several female engineers possessing these characteristics. They are eager to learn and quick to catch up with market trends. Working at GE for eight years now and five years in the engineering industry, Thu believes that feminine traits help women to tackle problems smoothly. According to her, there are a number of favourable incentives for female employees at GE as well as in Vietnam with the on-going push for gender equality. As GE places high values on integrity, honesty, and transparency, female employees are empowered to make the most of their abilities. This has encouraged Thu and her female colleagues to believe in their abilities. In addition, GE also holds training courses and foreign exchange programmes around the world to help female employees sharpen up their skills and expertise. Female engineers have competitive traits like meticulousness and attention to detail compared to male engineers. In addition to ensuring the technical quality and customer requirements, GE also puts high importance on price and delivery time to stay competitive in the market. "The key factor is to strike up long-term contracts at a reasonable price and with timely delivery. Thus, I need to be very careful with every single word and number. Tracking daily data helps me to identify the most competitive price to maximise profit," she shared with VIR. Moreover, women at the management level can comprehend others feelings better than male leaders. Vietnamese people value the skills of listening, sharing, encouraging, and trusting others. At the GE factory, I manage both office and factory workers who are responsible for different tasks. Therefore, it is important to understand their job and characteristics to achieve a better balanced working environment, she said. GE Energy Haiphong is an advanced digital factory implementing the Brilliant Factory initiative amongst seven selected factories across the GE supply chain worldwide. The factory specialises in manufacturing major wind turbine components and accessories and has recently expanded production to transport equipment. Thu often spends time on the factory site to learn about her work and engage in regular exchange with her colleagues about the groups development strategy, which consequently improves their productivity. However, there is heavy pressure on women to care for their families and children. "I am still a woman. Being raised in a family with an engineering tradition, I was married to an engineer, so I receive much support from my family and my husband." Despite being this lucky, I always encourage young women to develop careers in engineering with passion and bravery. When you are enthusiastic about engineering, you will feel more driven in your career. The engineering industry is teeming with bright prospects for employment, learning, and development. You will always find success by making constant efforts," she stated. By PTI: Mumbai, Oct 20 (PTI) Ethnic wear brand Manyavar today said it has roped in Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma as the brand ambassador for its womens brand Mohey. The company aims to double the Mohey store count in the coming year. "Manyavar and Mohey have both seen a great response over the last one year. We target doubling our Mohey store count from 50 to 100 in the coming year," Manyavar Managing Director Ravi Modi said in a statement. advertisement Manyavar and Mohey together have 450 stores across India, USA, Bangladesh, UAE and Nepal. PTI DS RSY RDS --- ENDS --- 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. Memon's collection traces the journey of the short story in Urdu from the oral, and later written, 'dastan' in the early 1800s to its engagement with social realism and political protest. In 2003, Sahitya Akademi published an anthology, Short Stories from Pakistan, translated from the Urdu (1998) into English by M. Asaduddin and edited by Intizar Hussain and Asif Farrukhi. In its preface, Hussain said, 'just after the Partition, the writers and thinkers had to negotiate questions that were specific to Pakistan. The writers in India were not faced with such questions as they were inheritors of a historical and literary continuity. We had to discover the connections anew. If we were a different nation then, what was our national and cultural identity?' Muhammad Umar Memon Given that stories of Partition form a significant part of Urdu literature, this is an important point. The Greatest Urdu Stories Ever Told, Aleph's new anthology of 25 stories from India and Pakistan, edited by Muhammad Umar Memon, is broader in scope. Memon's collection traces the journey of the short story in Urdu from the oral, and later written, 'dastan' in the early 1800s-with its love for the fantastic and supernatural-to its engagement with social realism and political protest (especially from the Progressive Movement in 1936 to India's Partition in 1947) and, more recently, to the exploration of deeper psychological issues and intellectual concerns.The collection includes well-established names, such as Premchand, Manto, Ismat Chughtai as well as new voices such as Khalida Asghar and Sajid Rashid. What emerges, eventually, is a range of themes-from the horrors of war, migration and exile in the classics to fear and desire ("Obscure Domains of Fear and Desire"), literacy, education and the love of learning ("The Shepherd"), mixed-faith marriage and terror ("The Saga of Jaanki Raman Pandey"), trauma and lunacy-both temporary and permanent, women's sexuality and situation in a highly patriarchal society. advertisement In fact, stories such as "Lajwanti", "Aanandi", "Jaanki Raman", "Fists and Rubs", "Banished", etc mark it almost as a feminist collection. More than one story draws parallels with Sita and the Ramayana. In "Lajwanti", it is the idea of Ram Rajya, while "Banished" shows yet another Sita. Strong satire and hard-hitting images make a lasting impact upon the reader. Khalida Asghar's "The Wagon" is both a reminder of a deadly past and a warning of impending doom in the future. A red sky, three mysterious men, a stench-drenched city and a vanishing wagon are vivid symbols suggesting a nuclear war. The story slowly builds up a sense of terror and anticipation. In a way, life comes full circle after Partition. --- ENDS --- Photo: Momento Film The title of the stark French AIDS-crisis drama BPM stands for beats per minute, which can evoke a heartbeat or a discotheque, both of which figure in the film. What you also might think of is a clock ticking down, as the main characters virtually all of them HIV-positive rage against the dying of the light. Directed and co-written (with Philippe Mangeot) by the Morocco-born Robin Campillo, the film takes place in 1989 and centers on the Paris branch of ACT UP, whose members devise stunts to call attention to governments and pharmaceutical companies foot-dragging in the fight against a near-genocidal epidemic. Along with that rage is a coming-together that has resonated through the intervening decades. The movie opens with a stunt, an onstage assault on a health secretary who, at least on a surface level, appears to be doing his best. Thats one of the most unsettling aspects of BPM: At first glance, the villains dont seem villainous, while the heroes can be frightening. The health secretary attempts to engage the protesters in conversation, only to be smashed in the face with a fake-blood balloon and handcuffed to a railing. Later, the group defaces a drug-company office, hissing at a doctor who says he feels their pain. ACT UP is, after all, about acting up, being rude and inappropriate. Looking back, we know a drug cocktail would eventually be concocted that keeps people alive a long time. But no one knew it then. All they knew was nothing, really. Rumors of drug trials. The occasional supportive word from a mayor or governor or president though not, of course, in the U.S. under Reagan and not in New York, where the closeted Ed Kochs fear of aligning himself with gays kept AIDS off the political agenda. All the members of ACT UP know is that friends and lovers are sprouting lesions, weakening, and dying in agony. Related Stories BPM Is the First AIDS Film Where the Group Is the Hero You understand those stakes when Campillo depicts ACT UP meetings in a vertical classroom, where members arent allowed to clap or cheer only to use finger snaps to signal their agreement or approval. Its an eerie sound, more haunting than applause, because those snaps dont reverberate. Theyre more urgent than handclaps, but in a void. The groups leader, Thibault (Antoine Reinartz), has the task of entertaining wildly disparate ideas for future demonstrations and slogans. He must mediate between people who want more violence and people who want less. He also has to reach out to drug companies for reports of trials while making sure no one in the group mistakes him for a diplomat. His evident second-in-command, Sophie (Adele Haenel), is generally on the side of the chaos-makers. Against this are segments of the Paris gay community that think ACT UP is made up of a bunch of killjoy malcontents. The first half of BPM is chill, impersonal, doubtlessly intentional given Campillos focus on the collective rather than the individual. But a central pair emerges. Nahuel Perez Biscayart and Arnaud Valois are Sean and Nathan, whose love affair interrupts the flow of meetings and demonstrations. Sean became infected at 16, via his first encounter, and will probably die before 20. Hes among the fiercest of ACT UPs members, the one who feels the need to do damage most insistently. Its Nathan who listens to him, tempers him (to a point), and gives him the kind of love he never had. Campillo isnt as resourceful in their bedroom scenes. His camera loiters and the action is generalized he loses the dramatic beat. But were with the movie by this point. And were hungry for a sense of intimacy in a world of public declarations. The most curious elements of BPM are its act-ending disco interludes streaky, throbbing, sometimes intercut with microscopic views of cells. My guess is that theyre there as a reminder that the AIDS crisis was a cruel, shattering end to an age of abandon (and promiscuity), one that marked gays public declaration of independence from having to hide in the shadows for so long. To borrow the title of another movie, these were the true last days of disco. BPM is vital for the history it depicts, but its also important in the here and now, as a testament to public action even messy, not-always-effective public action. The characters look around and see their society functioning smoothly, as if there wasnt a plague in its midst. Comparisons to the present are always dangerous, but lets live dangerously: The very ecosystem is collapsing around us, with omens coming faster and faster of the catastrophe to come. We should watch BPM and ask, How disruptive are we willing to be? Michael Urie in Torch Song. Photo: Joan Marcus Harvey Fiersteins Torch Song, now receiving its first full revival in 35 years at Second Stage Theater under the direction of Moises Kaufman, has undergone a makeover. The play is in fact three plays, originally presented singly at LaMaMa in 1978 and 1979, then grouped together as Torch Song Trilogy for a 1983 Broadway transfer that won Fierstein the Best Play and Best Actor Tony awards. It also established his status as a fiercely funny, hyperarticulate theater artist who was kicking down closet doors in stiletto heels years before the country had even made it to not asking and not telling. Broadway wouldnt see Tony Kushners Angels in America until a decade after Torch Song Trilogys premiere. Now, Fierstein who also wrote the books for the musicals La Cage Aux Folles and Kinky Boots, and bagged another Best Actor Tony for his drag turn as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray has taken the shears to his triptych, starting with the title. The Second Stage production is an adaptation of the three Torch Song plays International Stud, Fugue in a Nursery, and Widows and Children First trimmed to two hours and 45 minutes from the original four. People are scared of the word trilogy, Fierstein joked to Michael Riedel in an interview in the New York Post. If you hear trilogy, you think, Oh, my God, Im not going to get out of here till five in the morning. Marvin, get the car! Heres the bad news: Fierstein could have been a bit more merciless. Even squeezed into a smaller pair of heels, Torch Song starts to lose steam by the end of the night. (I actually disagree with Fiersteins remark: Had Trilogy remained in the plays title, and had Second Stage embraced the evenings epic nature, I would have been ready to nestle in.) But heres the good news: For the most part, the production feels like a case of too much of a pretty good thing. Its charming, intelligent, and, at 40 years old, often strikingly fresh. Fierstein and his protagonist the vulnerable, voluble Arnold Beckoff are talkers. A constant stream of language from witty to cornball, plaintive to argumentative, anxious to impassioned is both their armor and their weapon. Its Arnolds way of facing a world that daily tells him theres no space for him, and its his means for creating that space. Fiersteins presence is still tangible in Arnold (it makes a little less sense in this production when a would-be lover asks if his voice is natural or do you have a cold?), but the irrepressible, elastic-faced Michael Urie is making the character undeniably his own. Urie who won an Obie for Homos, or Everyone in America and whose hysterical antics last season in Red Bull Theaters The Government Inspector quite possibly broke recent records for laughter-inflicted rib injuries is a born clown. Hes got that Donald OConnor gift for physical comedy, a warbling voice that jumps between whine and roar, and a nimble, easy feel for Fiersteins particular type of patter. In another mouth, the language might feel campily old-fashioned (For those of yis what aint yet guessed, I am an entertainer) or sitcom-ish (Yknow, this stuff smells awful but it tastes much worse), but Urie renders Arnolds verbal affectations endearing and the man knows how to get a laugh. For him, a line like A drag queens like an oil painting you gotta stand back from it to get the full effect is a surgical strike. Uries got us right where he wants us. Which is more than Arnold can usually say for the men in his life. A young Jewish gay man and drag performer (with a taste for the smoky, hopelessly romantic numbers of the plays title), Arnold is in that most excruciating of conditions: lonely in New York City. Its the late 70s and Arnold is out, smart, a little neurotic (maybe more than a little), and a lot in love with Ed at least at first. International Stud, the first third of Torch Song, is named for an actual Greenwich Village bar in the 60s and 70s, known for its backroom activities (Uries solo enactment of an encounter in this space is both hilarious and forlorn). Its here that our hero first meets the hunk (here, tall, blond, chiseled, and All-American in the person of Ward Horton) who will move in and out of his life over the next five years, hurting him, confusing him, frustrating him, and potentially ending up his great love and long-term partner. Potentially. International Stud follows Arnolds rocky romance with Ed, who is bisexual and who eventually leaves him for a woman. The second play, Fugue in a Nursery, is a kind of emotional menage a quatre that occurs a year later when Arnold and his new lover Alan (the sweet Michael Rosen) visit Ed and his now-wife Laurel (Roxanna Hope Radja, doing plucky work in the plays most thankless role) at their house upstate. Staged in an enormous bed against a Magritte-blue sky, this act makes the most abstract and the most charming use of David Zinns reconfigurable set all moving platforms, neon letter signage for each acts title, and colorful, nostalgic tableaus. The final and most emotionally stormy play, Widows and Children First, jumps forward five years to find Arnold mourning Alans tragic death, letting the still-confused Ed sleep on his couch, preparing to adopt the teenage David (a spirited performance by Jack DiFalco, though in Fiersteins voice a 16-year-old sounds much like a 35-year-old), and awaiting a visit from his formidable mother (all pursed lips, permed coif, and equally fierce affection and disapproval from Oscar and Tony winner Mercedes Ruehl). Of Torch Songs three inner plays, Widows and Children First paradoxically both feels the baggiest and contains some of the productions most affecting moments. Its got the highest stakes, and with a bit more tightening, this act could hit home even more profoundly. Up till now, the problems of Arnolds life have been variations on the theme of love and heartbreak. Now, death, grief, parenthood, and long-term commitment enter the picture along with a fight for his identity that, though its always latent for Arnold, finds full, tempestuous expression with the entrance of Ma. Arnolds mother loves him, but to her his life is at best a phase and at worst an aberration that she can tolerate as long as everyone stays quiet about it. She can be droll and seemingly unflappable, and then all at once her fear can make her breathtakingly cruel. Ruehl finds the characters humor, and then drives unapologetically into her ugly blind spots: Youve got to throw me in the gutter and rub my face in this, she rages at her son, You have not spoken a single sentence since I got here without the word Gay in it! It isnt that Torch Song never feels dated in particular, the discourse around bisexuality seems limited in perspective. Its not just Arnold who, as Ed says, thinks everyone is either gay or in the closet its the play too. But the third acts raw, desperate explosions between mother and son feel powerfully present. We are not done having these conversations, not by a long shot. And part of the painful wisdom of Torch Song is that it doesnt show us a reconciliation between parent and child. Arnold will keep loving and keep fighting, but like so many others, he might have to do it without the support of one of the people that despite everything he loves most in the world. Torch Song is at Second Stage Theatre through December 3. Joan Didion, John Gregory Dunne, and daughter Quintana. Photo: Julian Wasser Ill be honest, I wasnt sure what I wanted out of a Joan Didion documentary. The writer and reporter and spiritual forebear of so many modern-day essayists is already possibly over-mythologized. Shes one of a very few literary figures whose name alone conjures a specific author photo when one mentions her: the brittle, pretty journalist, squinting with her perennial edge of discomfort among the hippies and burnouts of Haight-Ashbury. Without ever appearing to overtly try (unlike many of her male contemporaries, and at least a couple female ones), she cemented a kind of legend status as that very writer in the picture: the calm, seemingly unsentimental observer who kept her talent for understated heartbreak in her back pocket. That image of her in the Haight, during the reporting for what would become come the title essay of her 1968 collection Slouching Towards Bethlehem, does show up in The Center Will Not Hold, a new film directed by her nephew, the actor Griffin Dunne. But despite being peppered with readings and a few amusing anecdotes, Dunnes film is hardly a behind-the-scenes directors-commentary companion to Didions bibliography. Rather, it assumes a working familiarity with her professional output so as to devote its attention primarily to the personal saga that ran alongside with and often intersected with it; primarily, her long marriage to John Gregory Dunne and the adoption and later tragic loss of her daughter Quintana Roo. Didion has written in almost unimaginable depth about both these losses (in 2005s The Year of Magical Thinking, and 2011s Blue Nights) but Dunne attempts a more conversational, candid approach to the life of an author who, despite the interiority of her writing, can often feel hard to know. Based around interviews with Didion herself, as well as her contemporaries and devotees, The Center Will Not Hold is a loving late-career tribute that never feels overstated. It also never really attempts to interrogate her talent, or delve much into why she was the writer she was. Perhaps theres no real answer to that, but it does feel as if an entirely separate film could be made about Didion the Writer, her experiences in the field and abroad, the origins of now-timeless essays. (There is one good story about how her early Vogue essay On Self-Respect came to be that left me wanting more like it.) Dunne glides over the middle period of her career during which she did more political and social reporting; the film is decidedly more interested in the early and late periods of Didions career, during which she was producing her most personal and celebrated work. But that work is fantastic, and the film is appropriately affecting in the way it weaves it together. The Center Will Not Hold could have just been 90 minutes of Didion reading excerpts from her various classic essays over archival footage of New York City, Haight-Ashbury, Hollywood, and any of the other settings she came to inhabit over her long career. Their language is so readable, one hears them in a human voice even just on the page; Didions voice itself is matter-of-fact and sad and seemingly always resigned to the sentiment of the films title. The film opens with Didion discussing how frequently shed seen the places and people she wrote about fall into disorder and destruction, foreshadowing her own series of losses late in life. But her ability to take in the chaos and darkness of the 70s and find some kind of acceptance through her writing is what makes her as relevant as ever. By the time the film gets to her 2012 National Humanities Medal, presented to her by President Barack Obama, we are again reminded of the eventual dissolution of all things. And Im sure I wont be the only one to want to run to the bookshelf as soon as the film is over for a long overdue reread. This much is true of Scandal: You never know what to expect next. Take Day 101 as a potent example. Last weeks surprisingly zesty and action-packed episode featured a thwarted assassination plot and a surprise wedding, plus that great cliff-hanger with Olivia and Fitz reuniting as she and Curtis Pryce are mauling each other in an elevator. So what should follow such an intoxicating episode, one that had me soberly considering whether Scandal needs an eighth season? Well obviously it should be an hour of Emo Fitz sulking around a big, empty house in rural Vermont. Has there ever been a more boring episode of Scandal? Or one that features so little of Olivia, who only shows up at the last moment to give us an alternate angle on her awkward run-in with Fitz? If the answer to either question is yes, then Ive already forgotten about that episode, just as I will forget Day 101. Its an easy episode to forget because it does nothing to push the story forward. In fact, it goes backward, jumping back to the first moments of Fitzs lonely, disorienting post-presidency phase. For those who spent the entirety of the first two episodes wondering what Fitz was up to during every minute of every day, 101 covers the adventures of Former President Fitzgerald Grant in painstaking detail. Once Fitz has had enough of putzing around his new digs and perfecting his roast chicken technique, he calls Marcus Walker and says its time to get to work. Marcus has been unwinding in Cuba, where he learns all about Caribbean racism and decides hed rather be changing the world with Fitz than lounging poolside at a luxe resort. But when Marcus arrives, he finds a shell of the former Fitz. Fitz wont focus on developing his presidential library or shaking down potential donors, in part because hes too busy obsessing over Olivia as he lives alone in the palatial estate he bought thinking hed live there with her. (Though its possible Fitz is in some kind of poultry stupor, which is a fairly common side effect of eating an entire roast chicken every night.) Regardless of the reasons behind Fitzs post-POTUS ennui, Marcus decides hes had enough of minding Fitz, especially when theres important issues that need his attention. A student at a college in Fitzs new town has decided to stage a one-man protest, pledging to sit outside in the dead of winter until a Confederate statue is torn down. Its the type of issue that would have once energized Fitz, whos still basking in the legislative glow of his police-accountability act. But now, Fitz is too afraid of ruffling feathers in his new town to throw his weight behind a telegenic underdog in need of a celebrity spokesman. Of course, Fitz comes around in the end, stopping on his way back to D.C. to help draw attention to the student and the Confederate statue. Apparently Fitzs intervention was all the situation needed, because it comes down quickly and with little fanfare during one of Scandals classic soul montages. With that bit of business taken care of, Fitz resolves to step back into the political fray after sitting on the sidelines during Mellies first 100 days in office. (Fitz is such an entitled brat, he doesnt even understand the issues that would arise if he so quickly insinuated himself into Americas first female presidency.) But his return to Washington is about more than his intense discomfort with being out of the spotlight for too long. For Fitz, all roads lead back to Olivia Pope, and this occasion is no different. His biggest reason for returning to D.C. is to prevent Olivia from permanently stepping over to the dark side now that shes taken over B6-13. Why does he know all of this? Because Eli Pope shows up unexpectedly for one of those monologues where Joe Morton chews the scenery so hard, if you squint you can see molar imprints at the edges of the frame. The first two episodes made clear that the final season is about the war for Olivias soul, but now Eli has clarified that saving Liv is not a when you get around to it sort of thing. It needs to be done now, Eli says, lest Olivia goes past the point of no return and starts traveling the globe, killing vice-presidents for sport. B6-13 is not just a clandestine spy outfit, its also apparently an evil talisman that possesses the soul of its owner. Olivias exorcism? Its handled. Its safe to assume the only thing that can break the B6-13 spell is true loves kiss. Thats the only valid reason to bring Fitz back into the fold, because this show screeches to a halt whenever hes in it. The same goes for Eli and Jake, who only serve to turn Scandal into a three-way tug of war in which Eli is yanking on both of Livs arms while Jake and Fitz tug on each leg. If Olivia is going to step to the bad side, I would much rather see her make that decision on her own, not influenced by whichever powerful man happens to be in her orbit. But of course, concluding Scandal means tying a pretty bow around #Olitz, which for the record is a hashtag that exists in the world now. Honestly, Id prefer to see the show end with Olivia as a single, wine-drunk badass, even if it means she would miss out on all of Fitzs amazing roast chicken. Sean Young. Photo: Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images Blade Runners Sean Young is the newest woman to accuse Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct. During an appearance on the Dudley and Bob With Matt Show podcast, the actress revealed that Weinstein had exposed himself to her when she was working on the 1992 Miramax film Love Crimes. I personally experienced him pulling his you-know-what out of his pants in order to shock me, she said. My basic response was, You know, Harvey, I really dont think you should be pulling that thing out, its not very pretty. Young says she left the room, and never took a meeting with Weinstein again. She also says she understands why so many women were reluctant to go public with their stories of sexual assault and harassment from the mogul: The minute you actually stand up for yourself in Hollywood, youre the crazy one. Okay, thats more like it! After a middling episode that made the viability of The Good Places season-two premise seem iffy, this weeks The Trolley Problem is both funny and focused, with some of the best uses yet of the shows anything-goes aesthetic. This half hour had exciting plot developments, callbacks, and Jason describing Tahanis body as soft and smooth, like a bunch of water balloons. It may not have risen to the genius of Everything Is Great! or Dance Dance Resolution, but otherwise its hard to find too much to complain about. Its no coincidence that the best episodes of this season so far have been flashback-free. Weve reached the point in the story where theres not a lot to be gained from revisiting who these four dead humans used to be. What makes The Trolley Problem so much fun is that it ignores what came before and just barrels forward at top speed, with no brakes, right toward potentially lethal harm. The emphasis on the present rather than the past has been particularly beneficial to the character of Chidi, whos often overly defined by the indecision he showed on Earth. Ever since Michaels latest reboot of the Neighborhood, Chidi is something of a changed man. Last season was mostly about Eleanor learning that shed be better off if she were more empathetic to other people. This year has been just as much about our favorite moral-philosophy professor learning that he has value, and that he should assert himself more. For example, season-one Chidi never wouldve stood up to Michael the way he does here, after he gets frustrated by the torture-demons lackadaisical attitude. Chidi actually claims to know more about humanity than this being whos been alive since the dawn of time, and he tries to force him into line by having him write people = good over and over on the blackboard. Then, when he finally gets fed up with Michael, Chidi expels him from the classroom even though a key component of the plan to get the group to the real Good Place involves all of them becoming better people. (The teacher isnt even persuaded by his problem pupils defense: But I said, My bad!) Of course, season-one Michael was very different, too or at least he was pretending to be. Now that hes no longer disguising his pure evil, he expresses undisguised glee at trashing Chidis little ethical quandaries. The title of this episode refers to the classic thought experiment: If you were steering a trolley that was on a course to obliterate five unsuspecting people, would you actively switch tracks so that youd only kill one? What if the one was a friend of yours? What if you were a doctor, and you could save five people who need organ transplants by killing a healthy person? Michael dismisses any suggestion that theres a difference between these hypotheticals, saying that all the humans ultimately deserve to die. That conclusion isnt surprising to Chidi, given that when he had Michael read Les Miserables, his book report was, Everyone in this story sucks and belongs in the Bad Place because theyre thieves, prostitutes, and Frenchmen. All of this leads to the spectacular set piece at the center of The Trolley Problem. To prove to Chidi that a lifetime of books hasnt really prepared him for real moral crises, Michael literalizes the days lesson by putting the professor in an actual trolley with people stuck on the tracks including his boot buddy Henry from last seasons The Eternal Shriek. Its a particularly cruel form of torture, and its to Chidis credit that he ultimately decides he wants no part of it. Thats too bad, though, because the scenes of Chidi getting splattered with his victims blood (and boots!) are pretty funny in a horrible kind of way. Meanwhile, Eleanor deserves credit for realizing that Michael isnt being ornery for ornerys sake. Initially, shes sure that teaching her demonic captor to be good would be like teaching her how to be not-hot. (She then ponders how that would work: Would she hunch over or something?) Then it occurs to her that Michael may be pulling a Shellstrop. Hes bad at doing something that others are good at, so hes impulsively rejecting it as a stupid waste of time. With that insight, Eleanor is able to broker a peace and keep class in session. While all of this is happening, though, Michael, Chidi, and Eleanor miss a more important story happening next door, where Tahani and Jason are trying to make sense of their torrid sexual affair by talking through their fears and needs with Janet. Tahani is concerned that her new lover doesnt rise to what she calls the Duke rule for her boyfriends referring to both the nobility title and the university, both of which are deemed just impressive enough to name-drop. For his part, Jason wishes Tahani would touch his butt in public more often, and suggests that she act like hed just sat in gum. (You do sit in a lot of gum, she admits.) What the lovers dont expect is that a frank conversation about their feelings will break Janet perhaps because deep within her programming, she remembers being partnered up with Jason and shes resisting this new Tahani-centered reality. So Janet begins to glitch. Her thumb spontaneously flies off, she vomits up a frog, and her instability causes the whole Neighborhood to shake at episodes end. Everything thats surreptitiously happening in the Neighborhood right now is a byproduct of improving these four humans for the next phase of their afterlife. But in the process, Michael and Janet are becoming marginally more human. As a result, the reality theyve created is crumbling and The Good Place is getting good again. In the Neighborhood Man, the Bad Place demons really hate the French. Michael notes that its an automatic minus-17 good person points for stealing bread, but minus-20 if its a baguette. He also points out that Les Miserables author Victor Hugo is in the Bad Place, where he whimpers like a wuss every time hes about to be tortured. (Sacre bleu, I peed in mpants!) In lieu of kooky Neighborhood shop and restaurant names, The Good Place writers slipped an Easter egg into Michaels trolley problem simulation sequence, as Chidi sped past a movie theater marquee advertising STRANGERS UNDER A TRAIN. Michael tries to buy everyones forgiveness with opposite tortures which is what most of us call presents and hits it big with Tahanis giant diamond and Eleanors never-ending shrimp dispensary. Jason loves his Pikachu balloon, too but it immediately pops because hes a big kid who breaks things. I dont know about you, but Id like to see more of Chidis rap-musical about Kierkegaard. A DVD extra, maybe? Mariah. Photo: Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images TMZ reports that Mariah Carey is the latest victim in a string of home robberies in Los Angeles. According to police, the burglars broke into Careys house using a ladder on Thursday around 3 a.m., with the culprits making off with $50,000 worth of purses and sunglasses. Oddly, they appear not have to touched a single gem or jewel or any item especially high in value. TMZ speculates that, all told, the burglars likely stole about ten items. Now think about it: Thats about a shelf of Mariahs closet, which, if you recall her legendary Cribs episode, takes up entire rooms. And that was in less-spacious New York City! Did the robbers not consolidate by putting sunglasses insides of purses inside of other purses? A bling ring these robbers are not. Security reportedly did not notice the break-in until the next morning Carey was not home at the time of the robbery suggesting that whichever assistant is responsible for keeping inventory of Mariahs closet deserves a raise. In addition to Carey, Nicki Minaj, Alanis Morissette, Emmy Rossum, and a dozen other celebrities have had their L.A. homes broken into this year. Mumbai Police has extended its support to those who are speaking up using #MeToo and asked them to take legal action in such cases. By Mayuresh Ganapatye: After #MeToo campaign got viral on social media platforms, Mumbai Police also extended its support to the cause. In a recent tweet, Mumbai Police said, "Opening up online about your sexual abuse is a good start. Let us make it better with legal action offline #ReportSexualAbuse #MeToo." Mumbai Police tweeted a picture in which two girls were shown talking to each other. The graphic which Mumbai Police shared showed a woman saying "I have complained to Mumbai Police" to which the other girl says #MeToo. advertisement Through this initiative, Mumbai Police is trying to convey a message to all women in city that they should report about sexual and physical abuses. Mumbai Police also started a hashtag saying #ReportSexualAbuse. Mumbai Police is not the only police force in the country to support this online campaign. Kolkata Police had also supported the cause and even assured the women that they will be taking strict action in such matters and asked women to be strong. They also asked women to report about such incidences immediately to the police in a Facebook post. Many women have come forward and shared their experiences on Twitter and Facebook. Women shared their different experiences about physical abuse they faced including work place harassment, sexual abuse in their own homes and how women are targeted and treated poorly. This campaign started when actress Alyssa Milano tweeted about the seriousness of physical abuse and sexual harassment as a society issue. She encouraged other females to share her tweet who also feel the same way. The post since then has gone viral, and gave courage to many women around the world. --- ENDS --- Mumbai's air quality slipped from "poor" to "very poor" category a day after locals burst crackers on Diwali. A few locations like Malad recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 436 and fell in "severe" category. By Vidya : A day after Mumbaikars burst firecrackers to celebrate Diwali, the level of air pollution has risen to an alarmingly high level. While Mumbai's air quality slipped from "poor" to "very poor" category, a few locations like Malad recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 436 and fell in "severe" category. Mumbaikars burst firecrackers even on Friday and even though vehicles, by and large, stayed off roads, the AQI reached 319. advertisement The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) had recorded an AQI of 176 in Mumbai on the day of Diwali on Thursday. Till late in the night on seafronts such as Worli and Marine drive, crackers were burst well beyond midnight. It was only after the police intervened that the celebrations stopped. While an AQI over 100 is considered bad, one over 300 affects residents in large numbers. This was evident from the fact that many people complained of respiratory problems. Gautam Bhansali, a city-based doctor, said, "Due to the prevailing weather conditions, people were already suffering from viral, cough and cold issues. This spurt in air pollution following bursting of firecrackers on Diwali has deteriorated the air quality by 40 to 50 per cent. There has been a spurt in the number of patients coming to the hospital." Till late in the day on Friday, the city remained enveloped in a thick smog cover. The absence of a breeze blowing across Mumbai compounded the problem with the heavy smog significantly affecting visibility. In such situations, experts advise people to stay indoors and not indulge in heavy-duty physical work. In areas like Navi Mumbai, the AQI stood at 342 and SAFAR has forecast that the pollution will only marginally come down and continue to remain in the red. The situation is similar for many suburbs like Andheri and Malad, where the air quality forecast even for tomorrow is in the red. Malad is set to record an Aqi of 372. Mumbaikars are only hoping that strong winds blow away the smog so that they can breathe in fresh air by the weekend. --- ENDS --- PM's visit comes a day before the closing of the portals of the shrine ahead of winters. By India Today Web Desk: After celebrating Diwali with Army jawans in Gurez of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kedarnath today. PM's visit comes a day before the closing of the portals of the shrine ahead of winters. PM Modi lay foundation stones for several reconstruction projects in Kedarpuri. One of the reconstruction projects is Adi Guru Shankaracharya's tomb which was destroyed in 2013 floods. advertisement The prime minister is also expected to address a public meeting near the temple. Ahead of Modi's visit, the security has been beefed. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and Governor KK Paul welcomed the prime minister. This is the second visit of the prime minister to the shrine this season. He had visited it on May 3 when its gates had been reopened after the winter break. HERE ARE THE LATEST UPDATES: Building modern infrastructure in Kedarnath but the traditional soul will be preserved and will ensure environment laws not flouted: PM pic.twitter.com/HUzSsVhN9p- ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2017 Discipline is in the blood of people here in Uttarakhand, at least one person from each family is a soldier: PM Modi We are building quality infrastructure in Kedarnath. It will be modern but traditional ethos will be preserved: PM Modi Through the development we are doing in Kedarnath, we want to show how an ideal 'Tirth Kshetra' should be: PM Modi When floods of 2013 occurred I was not PM, I was Gujarat CM. I offered to help in rebuilding but Centre became nervous:PM Modi #Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/CQ0q1rbWSv- ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2017 Seek blessings of Bhole Baba and resolve to devote myself to fulfilling dream of a developed India by 2022: PM Modi in Kedarnath #Uttarakhand: PM Narendra Modi inaugurated various development projects in Kedarnath pic.twitter.com/Sx2MbVFxMX- ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2017 VIDEO | PM Modi celebrates Diwali with troops posted in Kashmir --- ENDS --- Houston-based Champion Energy Services submitted the winning bid to provide electric service to households participating in the Waco Power Switch program sponsored by Prosper Waco to reduce energy costs. A total of 924 households in Greater Waco have signed up to take part in the effort, and each will save an average of $368 annually on their electric bills, according to a press release from Prosper Waco. During a bid process that attracted offers from four companies, Champion Energy Services agreed to provide electricity for a fixed rate of 3.1 cents per kilowatt-hour, along with a flat fee of $5.25 per month. Meanwhile, Oncor will charge $5.25 a month and $3.65 cents per kWh to deliver electricity. Combined, the average price per kWh stands at 8.9 cents for 500 kWh of use, 7.8 cents per kWh for 1,000 kWh of use and 7.3 cents per kWh for 2,000 kWh of use, according to a breakdown of rates provided by Prosper Waco. It is a fair and transparent deal, said Waco City Councilman John Kinnaird, a volunteer with Prosper Waco who recommended it pursue a program for residential customers after attending a Texas Municipal League meeting last year. To avoid energy bill surprises, the rate does not have complex multiple-tiered rates built in, and no usage-based penalties, which will help residents lower their bills year-round. Kinnaird said the community will see a potential annual savings of $340,032, based on average savings and the number of households participating. The 924 households that registered to take part in Waco Power Switch have until Oct. 31 to accept Champions offer. Also, on Oct. 27, Kinnaird will host a bring your bill event from noon to 2 p.m. in the Waco-McLennan County Central Library at 300 Austin Ave. Residents who have not signed up for Waco Power Switch are invited to bring their electric bills to get information on whether they could save money by switching as part of the deal Champion Energy Services is offering. If you are locked in to your current contract until Jan. 31, 2018, you can still switch to the winning rate secured through Waco Power Switch, Kinnaird said. This means more people will be able to switch to this rate without incurring a termination fee from their current provider. An independent service provider called iChoosr oversaw the selection process that produced Champion as the low bidder. It was founded in Europe and is expanding into the US and establishing an office in Austin, company vice president Filip Vissers said. One of the objectives of Prosper Waco is wealth creation and financial security, Kinnaird said when Waco Power Switch was announced. If we can help lower electric bills, that means more money going straight to the pocket instead of the utility company. If we could get just 5 percent of the households in Waco to sign up, that would be a great start. So far about 3 percent of households have expressed interest, but Kinnaird said he remains optimistic and believes the program has gained momentum, especially since more residents may join later in the year. Those wanting to sign up for this round still have a few weeks, and we will be going through this process again in the spring, Prosper Waco spokeswoman Christina Helmick said. Vissers said the response has been decent for a first offering. I think we hoped for around a thousand for the first program. People can still sign up, so were probably going to get there, Vissers said. Its always difficult to assess when you do a round for the first time in a community, but nearly a thousand people, thats decent. Vissers said Champions offer probably was the best rate Waco Power Switch could expect, considering the interested companies were asked to quote rates that did not include usage penalties. Were trying to reach out to more towns and cities, Vissers said. We just attended another meeting of the Texas Municipal League in Houston, where we had an exhibition, and we met a lot of representatives of communities interested in the program. The more we add, the greater the buying power, because we will parallel with whats going on in Waco. Kinnaird said in Prosper Wacos press release that visitors to the Waco Power Switch site were polled about their existing energy provider. More than 71 percent of Greater Wacos registrants indicated they have not switched electric providers in the past three years, he wrote. For these people, the program may be a good opportunity to check their electricity costs. Residents interested in exploring power options on their own can start at www.powertochoose.org, which calls itself the official and unbiased electric choice website of the Public Utility Commission of Texas. Electric service nationwide cost an average of 12.55 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2016, while Texas average was 11.02 cents per kWh, according to Energy Information Administration data provided by Brittany Fitz-Chapman, Prosper Wacos director of data and research. Still, Texas has higher rates than Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma, whose rates are 9.11 cents, 9.9 cents and 10.7 cents per kWh, respectively, according to the information. Early voting kicks off Monday for eight McLennan County city and school races, and seven statewide referendums on constitutional amendments. Mart Independent School District residents can cast a ballot on a proposed $9.2 million bond, while Connally ISD voters will decide on a tax-rate increase that will also bring in more state money. West and Riesel ISDs will have school board elections. The cities of Robinson, Bruceville-Eddy, Moody and West will have elections for city council members. McLennan County residents can vote from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Oct. 30 through Nov. 1. Voting hours will be extended to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 2 and 3. All vote centers are open to all voters in the county. Election Day is Nov. 7. Anyone needing a ballot by mail must submit an application by the close of business Oct. 27 at the McLennan County Elections Office. Every McLennan County resident can vote on the seven constitutional amendments also on the ballot. State legislators approved seven joint resolutions during the last legislative session to put before voters. There are 132,823 McLennan County residents registered to vote, which includes people who may have moved but not updated their address, McLennan County elections administrator Kathy Van Wolfe said. There are 119,550 active registered voters in the county, Van Wolfe said. During the November 2015 joint general election, the most recent election featuring a comparable slate of races, about 2.7 percent, or 3,400, of the countys 126,148 registered voters cast an early ballot. Early turnout for the November 2013 constitutional election stood at about 2.3 percent. Despite seven constitutional amendments on the ballot, the elections office predicts a small turnout to the polls next week, Van Wolfe said. We do have some cities and schools that have issues on the ballot so that may drive a few more people in, she said. There are no county elections on the ballot, only elections the county has been hired to administer, Van Wolfe said. For residents of cities or school districts holding elections, those items will be first on the ballot, followed by the statewide constitutional referendums, she said. Sample ballots and more election information are available at www.co.mclennan.tx.us/337/Elections. Dallas attorney Clint Broden alleges in a motion in the case of his client, Twin Peaks biker Matthew Clendennen, that McLennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna is under federal investigation for selective prosecution for political gain. Broden filed motions Friday morning questioning Reynas credibility as a prosecutor in the Twin Peaks shootout cases, saying the district attorney made decisions on which defendants to prosecute based on his political interests. On Oct. 18, 2017, the defense received what appears to be very credible information indicating that Reyna has been, and may continue to be, under investigation by the Austin division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorneys Office for the Western District of Texas, the motion states. The information received by the defense also indicates that at least one aspect of the federal investigation goes directly to Reynas credibility and his making decisions whether to prosecute or not prosecute individuals based upon what he perceives to be his political interest. FBI Special Agent Michelle Lee said the bureau could neither confirm nor deny an investigation. Multi-level probe However, a local attorney who formerly worked as an assistant district attorney under Reyna said the FBI is conducting a multi-level investigation into alleged misconduct by Reyna. The attorney, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, said they have a client who was questioned about Reyna by federal agents. Reyna, who has been prosecuting the first Twin Peaks shootout case along with prosecutor Michael Jarrett, declined to comment when asked by the Tribune-Herald about the motion Friday. Fridays filing and investigation reports come on the heels of several motions in which Broden claims Clendennen is being denied his right to a fair and speedy trial. Clendennen, a former member of the Scimitars motorcycle group, was one of 177 bikers arrested in the May 17, 2015, shootout at the former Twin Peaks restaurant in Waco between rival biker groups the Bandidos and Cossacks that left nine dead and more than a dozen injured. He is currently scheduled to be the second Twin Peaks biker to be tried, with a trial date set for next month. Broden has tried to disqualify Reyna and has filed subsequent motions to request the court order sanctions against the state for continual delays and force the state to turn over reasonable evidence and witness lists before the Nov. 6 trial date. Reyna has allegedly consulted with criminal defense counsel in connection to the investigation, Broden states in the motion. Most importantly, it has been indicated that one or more currently serving assistant district attorneys has/have met with federal authorities for the purpose of providing information that would indicate Reyna does, in fact, make decisions whether to prosecute or not prosecute individuals based on what he perceives to be his political interest, the motion continues. Broden stated that his defense team was informed within the past month of the FBI probe into Reynas duties. Additionally, he pointed to a quote by Reynas former first assistant, Greg Davis, that appeared in a 2014 Tribune-Herald article as seeming to support his claim that Reyna selectively prosecutes cases. Two-tiered system It is reported that Davis states publicly, when referring to Mr. Reyna, I wanted no part of a two-tiered justice system in which a favored few receive special preferential treatment. Its wrong and contrary to the basic belief that Ive always held as a prosecutor that a persons connections and status in the community should not determine how theyre treated in the criminal justice system, the motion states. Davis declined Friday to comment on the possible FBI investigation, and reiterated his previous statement to the Tribune-Herald. Im not at liberty to comment on Mr. Brodens allegations regarding a possible investigation, Davis said in an email. As I stated before, Im opposed a two-tiered justice system in which some defendants receive preferential treatment because of their relationship with the prosecutor, wealth, or status in the community. That type of favoritism has no place in prosecution or the criminal justice system. In a separate motion, Broden has also requested a court of inquiry to determine if Reyna or Waco police Detective Manuel Chavez lied under oath during a hearing last year in preparation for Twin Peaks cases. Reyna testified to getting a lot of input from Chavez the lead detective at the Twin Peaks scene on May 17, 2015 in telephone conversations before Chavez signed the identical, fill-in-the-name arrest warrant affidavits for 177 motorcyclists after the shootout. Chavez, however, directly contradicted Reynas testimony, stating under oath that he never spoke to Reyna that night before signing the affidavits. Meanwhile, Austin attorney Millie Thompson, who represents biker Thomas Paul Landers, a founding member of the Escondido motorcycle group who was also arrested following the Twin Peaks shootout, filed a motion to quash Landers indictment Friday, alleging similar prosecutorial misconduct by Reyna. Discovery motions Broden also on Friday filed a supplement to a motion asking the court to order the state to show cause as to why the state has not complied with discovery motions. Broden requested the court impose fines on the prosecutors for disregarding court orders before his clients trial. The state simply blew off the courts orders, Broden states in the supplemented motion regarding providing the discovery documents. He states prosecutors provided his client with a witness list of about 401 names and exhibit lists on Thursday, but the lists are not considered realistic, Broden said in the motion. Frankly, the states purported witness and exhibit lists are completely useless, completely contrary to the purposes behind the order that it provide witness and exhibit lists in the first place, and even more contemptuous than not having filed lists at all, the motion states. Broden states that he does not believe the state has a reasonable expectation of presenting evidence against Clendennen on Nov. 6 and will most likely push for further continuances. Indeed, from all appearances, the state does not appear ready for trial and it certainly seems that the state has no intention of going to trial on this case on Nov. 6, 2017, the motion states, referring to Clendennens current trial date. Staff writer Tommy Witherspoon contributed to this report. Oralia Franco May 15, 1931 - Oct. 17, 2016 Oralia Catarina Franco, 86, a longtime resident of Waco, most recently of the Houston area, passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Visitation for family and friends will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, October 20, Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend Dr., in Waco. A service celebrating Oralia's life will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, October 21, in the chapel at Lake Shore Funeral Home, in Waco. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco. Oralia was the fourth of ten children, born to the late Fernando and Juanita Martinez Franco on May 15, 1931 in Port Isabel, TX, and later moved to Waco. Oralia was a self-taught beautician and worked in various occupations over the years. Oralia had a deep love of family gatherings, which brought her great joy, and somehow singing and dancing was always a result of the gatherings. Oralia was very friendly, always having a smile and a "hello" for anyone she encountered. She was very involved within her community and even joined a neighbor watch program, where she received a special recognition from the Waco Police Department for her work in her own neighborhood. Oralia was preceded in death by her parents, Fernando and Juanita Franco; three sisters, Frances, Carmen, and Ophelia; and her four brothers, Manuel, Benny, Louis, and Mike. Oralia leaves to cherish her memory her five children, Mary Christine Alcaraz-Leija, Adam Alcaraz, Richard Alcaraz, Robert Alcaraz, and Cynthia Fields; two brothers, Jesse Franco and Roy Franco; 19 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson; along with numerous other loving family and friends. Thoughts and memories can be shared online at www.LakeShoreFH.com. Electric-powered cars to race around Rome's EUR in April. Rome's southern EUR suburb will host the upcoming Formula E race on 14 April 2018. The race will begin on Via Cristoforo Colombo and the 2.8km circuit will take in numerous EUR sites such as the Palazzo dei Congressi, the Salone delle Fontane, the Obelisco di Marconi and the Nuvola convention centre. The city's mayor Virginia Raggi has said that the E-prix proves that "Rome is not a museum but a leader in innovation".The electric cars emit almost zero emissions and are powered by batteries charged by glycerine.The fully-powered car can run for just 25 minutes, meaning drivers must change vehicles roughly half way through the Formula E race which lasts about 50 minutes.However despite the cars environmentally-friendly credentials, it is still capable of considerable speed up to 225km per hour, or 0-100km in three seconds. Four members of the Karni Sena and one from Vishwa Hindu Parishad have been arrested for allegedly vandalising the Padmavati rangoli after Deepika Padukone tweeted about it. By India Today Web Desk: With the release date of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmavati drawing close, anger against the film from certain quarters is reaching an all-time high. On Wednesday, news broke that a group of men vandalised a rangoli created by a local artist, at a mall in Surat, Gujarat. Five persons, including four members of outfit Karni Sena and one from Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), were arrested today for allegedly vandalising the rangoli that was inspired by Padmavati, the police said. advertisement The police had on October 16 registered an FIR against a group of people for vandalising a rangoli created by a local artist (an artwork created on floor using colourful vermilion) at Rahul Raj Mall in Umra area on Sunday last. Based on a video, which shows the vandals shouting "Jai Shri Ram" as they damaged the artwork, the police nabbed them. Talking to reporters, the commissioner of police of Surat, Satish Sharma, also urged mall owners to come forward to lodge a case if such vandalism takes place. "We have arrested five people, four of them belonging to the outfit Karni Sena and one from the VHP. More persons are likely to be arrested as the video footage recovered by us shows 8-10 persons involved in the activity," Sharma said. "I also want to make it clear that the police will deal with strictness against any such action. Freedom of expression is everyone's right in a democracy, but vandalism will not be allowed," he said. The arrested persons have been identified as Vikramsinh Sekhawat, Shambhusinh Rathod, Narendra Chaudhary, Shailendra Rajput and Sanjaysinh Gohil, said the official. They have been arrested under various sections of the Indian Penal Code including 141, 149 (unlawful assembly), 451 (trespassing) and 427 (mischief causing damage). The rangoli showed the film's actress Deepika Padukone in her titular role as Padmavati in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed movie. Raising questions of freedom of expression, Padukone had on Wednesday said that she was heartbroken by the attack on a rangoli inspired by her upcoming film Padmavati, and drew Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani's attention to it. "Absolutely heart breaking to see the recent attack on artist Karan and his artwork! Disgusting and appalling to say the least! (sic)" she tweeted along with a photograph of the rangoli. "This has to stop now and action must be taken @smritiirani," she said on Twitter. absolutely heart breaking to see the recent attack on artist Karan and his artwork!disgusting and appalling to say the least! pic.twitter.com/Ot2Aki0MiA- Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) October 18, 2017 Who are these people?Who is responsible for their actions?For how long are we going to let this go on? pic.twitter.com/2WFN0jcdua- Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) October 18, 2017 allow them to take law into their own hands & attack our freedom & right to individual expression time & again!? pic.twitter.com/jlR5p3seds- Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) October 18, 2017 this has to stop NOW & action must be taken! @smritiirani pic.twitter.com/o5RGhDTHPJ- Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) October 18, 2017 advertisement The movie ran into controversy after a Rajput community group Karni Sena raised objections over depictions in the movie, claiming that history was being distorted. To which, the makers of Padmavati tweeted out a clarification yet again: Clarified it so many times ... No scene btw Padmavati & Alauddin Khilji No distortion of History made in the Film #Padmavati" Clarified it so many times ... No scene btw Padmavati & Alauddin Khilji No distortion of History made in the Film #Padmavati ????? https://t.co/emw87ksy0B- BhansaliProductionFC (@bhansaliprod_fc) October 18, 2017 Earlier this year, Bhansali was attacked members of the Karni Sena, during the film's shooting in Rajasthan. Last month, members of the fringe outfit burnt posters of the film after the first looks of the main characters - Padmavati (Padukone), Maharawal Ratan Singh (Shahid Kapoor) and Allaudin Khilji (Ranveer Singh), were released. advertisement They also threatened to oppose the screening of the movie in theatres if the facts were distorted. Padmavati is slated to release on December 1. The trailer of Padmavati was released on October 10, to wide appreciation from all over the world. An India Today investigation last month also exposed how the Karni Sena thugs were holding Padmavati, the film, hostage for money. WATCH: Karni Sena thugs holding Padmavati hostage --- ENDS --- Richard Ferlazzo, Holden GM's director of industrial design, will continue to lead a team out of the company's Port Melbourne HQ working on international prototypes. Credit:Jason South The official unemployment rate is currently 5.8 per cent, but when you take underemployment into account, about 20 per cent of Australians do not earn enough to create the house-in-the-suburbs standard of living that was taken for granted only 30 years ago. The laissez-faire capitalists have conducted a major experiment on the Australian economy and, while profits might be up, almost every other indicator of national success is down, whether it's wages, house-ownership, education standards or health care. Illustration: Andrew Dyson The advent of free trade dogma, the removal of tariffs and other industry assistance and the general denigration of manufacturing and unions the police force of living standards have fundamentally undermined the chances of all able Australians to find 40-hour work with award wages. "We have to be competitive" is the mantra of the current Prime Minister, but at no stage has Malcolm Turnbull explained how Australian workers on Australian wages were supposed to compete with third-world workers who, in many cases, are not even allowed to form unions so they can bargain for better conditions. Was the plan, initially laid down under the Hawke-Keating government, to reduce Australian wages to third-world levels? What else did they expect to happen when tariffs and assistance were withdrawn, allowing goods to flood in from low-labour-cost Asian countries? And let's not pretend that Australia was some sort of rogue protectionist state out to distort international trade patterns. Tariffs and assistance are still well established around the world. To this day, the biggest selling vehicle model in the US, the pick-up, is protected by a 25 per cent tariff. Even the German automotive industry home to famous brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, BMW and Porsche receives extensive assistance from its Government. Estimates put before the last Productivity Commission enquiry into the car industry put the assistance per German car industry worker at more than four times the assistance that was offered to Australia's car workers under the last industry plan. The reason that Germany, the US, Thailand, Japan, South Korea and China all protect their automotive industries is that those governments value the full-time work and good wages the industry brings. Just as important, the car industry stimulates progress in the various industries that supply carmakers: metallurgy, robotics, electronics, plastics, logistics as well as all the skills and capabilities needed to stitch it all together. Without the local car industry's $1 billion-a-year research and development effort, these drivers will wither away. The loss of tens of thousands of full-time, award-wage jobs has come at precisely the wrong time. The acquiescence of successive federal governments to demands from employers for more "flexible" working regulations has seen a marked deterioration in working conditions for many people, not to mention wages. The situation is so bad that international companies now come to Australia knowing they can buy an existing company, such as Carlton and United Breweries, retrench all the workers and re-employ them as contractors on basic wages. In that instance, the plan was thwarted, but it was all perfectly legal under Australia's anti-worker laws, which heavily favour capital over labour. The closure of the car industry shows that Australia's politicians have lost sight of their basic task, to improve the living standards of all Australians. That involves creating jobs for the millions living in the suburbs. The current economic and trade settings do not do that. What company would set up a new factory in Australia to manufacture goods? Australia is already a marginal market with only 25 million people. There are no tariffs or industry assistance that prevent overseas manufacturers dumping their excess output in Australia. Instead of investing in Australia and creating jobs here, companies can exploit third-world labour in South-East Asian countries knowing they can flood the Australian market unimpeded. It appears as though the Australian government and all its high-paid economists have given up on trying to maintain the standard of living achieved in the 20th century. Where it will descend to is anyone's guess as wages stagnate and unemployment rises. Flying the flag at half-mast on October will not only mark the passing of the car industry, it will herald the opening of a new era in unemployment and mark the end of the country's period of economic growth. Australia's leaders have been the first to congratulate new New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on her victory, two months after Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop expressed concerns about working with Labour. Swift rise: New Zealand Prime Minister-elect Jacinda Ardern begins her leadership under the gaze of former PM Helen Clark. Credit:Ross Giblin/Fairfax NZ Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull were the first leaders on the phone, while Ms Bishop offered congratulations from afar. The pair appear to have extended olive branches in the hours after NZ First leader Winston Peters revealed he would side with Labour to form government, bringing the left out of opposition for the first time in nine years. How much longer do you think you have left? Do you expect to be around for another 20, 50 or maybe even 100 years? New data could help you estimate how long someone of your vintage can expect to live. Just type your sex and your date of birth into our interactive, and it will produce a date around which someone in your age group is statistically likely to die. Give it a try if you dare. Connectivity is his new buzzword. Just a year into his term, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan is consciously and deliberately moving in ways he hopes will pre-empt the build-up of any significant anti-incumbency sentiment against the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. Nava Keralam (New Kerala), Pinarayi's new coinage, is focused on infrastructure development of the state through vastly improved road, rail and air connectivity. Pitched carefully, to appeal to the aspirations of both poor and more affluent people, this may be the first time a Left Front government in Kerala is trying to walk the fraught line between politics and development. advertisement The state government is according top priority to widening arterial roads such as the Kasargod-Thiruvananthapuram highway (NH-66), which had become a nightmare to negotiate, given its dismal condition, made worse by regular traffic congestion and increasing frequency of mishaps. Up until now, the high population density had made land acquisition to widen highways problematic. Pinarayi says he aims to change that. "Without roads, the state cannot progress," the CM said, while unveiling plans to ensure "60-metre-wide national highways and 12-metre-wide state highways, including hill and coastal roads". The state government, he said, is offering market value and generous rehabilitation packages for land acquired for road development. The chief secretary has been told to personally monitor land acquisition, said Pinarayi. He is determined to make this happen, and complicated land acquisition procedures are being simplified. "The government has directed the revenue department to speed up land acquisition for development projects. We are monitoring the progress and clearing bottlenecks in the procedures," said chief secretary KM Abraham. Funding for the project is being arranged through the Kerala Infrastructural Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). The state also hopes to raise Rs 10,000 crore through a Pravasi Chit Fund, where non-resident Keralites can make investments while also contributing to the betterment of their home state. Besides 610 km of highways to be widened by the National Highway Authority of India at a cost of Rs 20,000 crore, 1,251 km of hill highways and 623 km of coastal highways, linking 13 districts from Kasargod to Thiruvananthapuram, are to be completed by 2020. The CM's push for improved road connectivity in Kerala has won him praise from all. CJ George, managing director of a Kochi-based financial services firm, lauded him for standing up to vested interests that have been blocking land acquisition for decades. Jose Dominic, a leading tourism professional, was just as pleased. "This will give tourism a much-needed boost," he said. Finally, it seems, passing through 'God's own country' will be a more free-flowing ride. --- ENDS --- Australian special forces soldiers take part in a training exercise in Afghanistan in 2002 Credit:Australian Defence Force The book was vetted by the Defence Department. Its cover is adorned with an endorsement from former defence force chief Sir Angus Houston. Houston has privately told defence watchers that the value of Masters' work extends beyond its exhaustive recounting of the heroism, humanity, ingenuity and resilience of many of the special forces members, a feat Masters has accomplished after years spent gaining the trust of the tight-lipped soldiers. Masters' book also acknowledges the moral ambiguity of some of these soldiers' necessarily ugly work and the fact that questions about some missions remain. Special forces on patrol in Afghanistan in 2005. Credit:Australian Defence Force The death of the teen on the Chora Pass is a case in point. It fuelled a deep divide in the six-man patrol, which lingers still among some of its members. Roberts-Smith says misgivings raised by his colleagues about his treatment of fellow officers coincide with his being awarded the nation's most prestigious military award, the Victoria Cross, in 2011. At the time of the award, Angus Houston praised Roberts-Smith's acts of "extreme valour" during a 2010 battle to protect fellow soldiers, with no regard for his own safety. Roberts-Smith told Masters his SAS critics were hypocrites: "The bullying is what they do to me. Bullies are cowards. They stay in the shadows. This is about group cowardice. I don't like bullies. I am sick of it." Roberts-Smith's lawyer, defamation specialist Mark O'Brien, has sent legal letters to two of the patrol members amid persistent complaints about how Roberts-Smith's interactions with his colleagues fractured relationships within the elite, secretive military unit. The schism in his patrol is just one of many ugly, unresolved spats that have been eating away at Australia's special operations group, fuelled by stories told in jumbled snippets at barbecues, pubs and, increasingly, during veterans' debriefings with psychologists. As these opaque tales have persisted, they reached Masters and also the military's top brass. They have also come under the gaze of a NSW judge, Paul Brereton, who has been commissioned by Defence to sort fact from fiction. As the Chora Pass incident makes clear, nothing is clear or certain in war, let alone in a complex battleground such as Afghanistan. Prior to the teenager's death on June 2, two SAS troopers manning the observation post had spotted him about 70 metres away. He appeared to be unarmed. The surrounding hills were used by civilians as well as the Taliban, and a later patrol report describes the teen as a spotter working for nearby insurgents. The two troopers observed the teen walk at a distance past the observation post. A short time later, he walked back in the direction he had come, this time carrying a bag. The troopers chose not to fire at him, even though killing him may have been later justified given the potential risk he posed to the patrol. But they believed that shooting wasn't necessary. The reason for the restraint, says Masters, was also "that as a clandestine observation-only patrol, a prime objective was to maintain concealment". In a tape-recorded interview in 2011, obtained by Fairfax Media and which was also relied on by Masters, Roberts-Smith provided Australian War Memorial historian Peter Pederson with his recollection of events on the Chora Pass. Roberts-Smith describes two hostile Afghans spotting the operation post. "A couple of [Afghan] blokes just walked up literally, probably about two hours before dark, walked straight up to the front of the OP [mission's observation post]." He said he and another decorated SAS member, Matt Locke, decided to hunt down and shoot dead the two "enemy" after concluding they had spotted the patrol. "A decision was made that they had seen us and we thought were just playing coy and doing a 'let's get out of here and get some other lads'. So Matt and myself left the OP and hunted them down and got rid of them. We dragged the bodies and went back to the OP." After Masters quizzed Roberts-Smith about differing accounts of the incident, Roberts-Smith wrote to the War Memorial. "Five years had passed since that day [of the mission]," he wrote. "I had conducted four more tours of Afghanistan and the interview itself was more than two hours and 40 minutes in duration. Without the benefit of the patrol report to guide me it would appear I have confused my many engagements and identified two insurgents initially locating our observation post as opposed to one. I also note I thought we cleared [moved] the insurgent bodies, but then that is not correct as identified in the patrol report." The conflict the death caused within the patrol encapsulates the moral ambiguity of battle, and questions over when and when not to fire. It's an issue some SASsoldiers believe has been left to fester. It's certainly complicated given one of many players is the iconic and polarising figure of Roberts-Smith. For those grumbling about the decorated soldier turned successful businessman, jealousy looms as an obvious motive. And yet the existence of similar and persistent rumblings extending beyond Roberts-Smith to a series of actions involving other soldiers suggests deeper issues are at play in Australia's special forces. There is a deep discontent among some SAS veterans that elements of the regiment operated without adequate oversight or accountability, leading to a culture that shirks scrutiny. That such a culture could exist in the army was flagged by a lieutenant-colonel in a post-operation report who warned: "The hyperbole surrounding the contribution of Australian soldiers in Afghanistan makes the soldiers feel entitled to be treated as Roman gladiators." Some defence insiders say high-profile soldiers may be victims of government-sponsored hyperbole, which makes them poster boys willed to increasing acts of greatness by a defence and political machine eager for a good narrative. A complaint obtained by Fairfax Media and marked "sensitive" written by an SAS Regiment sergeant, signed by five SAS members and lodged with a senior SAS officer on June 6, 2014, also alleges hyperbole has undermined the integrity of another official citation involving Roberts-Smith. The complaint refers to his leadership of a patrol in Afghanistan in 2012, for which Roberts-Smith was awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service. The most scathing part of the complaint is not aimed at Roberts-Smith, though, who had nothing to do with writing the citation, but the unnamed senior officers who compiled it. This report alleges these officers glossed over bungled and dangerous incidents that dogged the 2012 special forces' rotation, including an incident in which two SAS patrols were involved in a "blue on blue" incident in which Australians mistakenly fired on each other. The complaint alleges the "incident caused a rift in the troop as there was an attempted 'cover-up'," involving senior officers unwilling to ask tough questions of what went wrong. The complaint also alleges the award citation papers over a complex reality on the ground in which some SAS soldiers allegedly took unnecessary risks. The complaint's ultimate beef, though, is not with Roberts-Smith but with those up the chain of command. "As SAS soldiers, we are responsible for accurate reporting and honesty, in the field and in camp. This citation is a contradiction of those values." Roberts-Smith lawyer, Mark O'Brien, has dismissed the critique of the citation as the work of a disgruntled SAS member. There are allegations, understood to be denied, that this member smuggled weapons into Afghanistan. A six-year-old Perth boy has been hailed a hero after he discovered missing elderly man Francisco Rebelo in a "cool cubby" on his way to school on Thursday morning. Mr Rebelo had been missing for 42 hours and spent two nights disorientated in bushland. Police and SES crews had spent two days searching for the 88-year-old after he was last seen leaving his East Fremantle home on Tuesday afternoon. Schoolboy Tommy Cook told Nine News Perth he noticed the cubby with a man inside, just 600 metres from the grandfather's home, on his walk to school. If you find yourself out in Northbridge and see bright lights in the sky around midnight, don't panic - you're experiencing a celestial event, not a cerebral dent. The annual Orionids meteor shower is marking the night skies above the earth as minuscule fragments of dust left behind by Halley's Comet drape the atmosphere and burn up in cascades of light. Ed Jones from the Perth Observatory said the meteor shower can be seen with the naked eye - and Friday night's display above WA could be the best for local skywatchers. "It will peak tonight from around midnight and then on Saturday night at around one am - crucially though it's a new moon tonight so there will be little light pollution from that and we should have very clear skies with good weather forecast," he said. Washington: Senator John McCain and two Democratic senators moved on Thursday to force Facebook, Google and other internet companies to disclose who is purchasing online political advertising, after revelations that Russian-linked operatives bought deceptive ads in the runup to the 2016 election with no disclosure required. But the tech industry, which has worked to thwart previous efforts to mandate such disclosure, is mobilising an army of lobbyists and lawyers -- including a senior adviser to Hillary Clinton's campaign -- to help shape proposed regulations. Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota Credit:Bloomberg Long before the 2016 election, the adviser, Marc E. Elias, helped Facebook and Google request exemptions from the Federal Election Commission to existing disclosure rules, arguing that ads on the respective platforms were too small to fit disclaimers listing their sponsors. Now Elias' high-powered Democratic election law firm, Perkins Coie, is helping the companies navigate legal and regulatory issues arising from scrutiny of the Russian-linked ads, which critics say might have been flagged by the disclaimers. In a two-front war, tech companies are targeting an election commission rule-making process that was restarted last month and a legislative effort in the Senate. By PTI: Bhubaneswar, Oct 20 (PTI) Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today launched supply of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) project under Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga (PMUG) in Odisha. With this, GAIL started supply of environment-friendly PNG to 255 houses in Nalco Nagar located at Chandrasekharpur area in the state capital here. The supply of PNG to a limited households was done ahead of its schedule in March 2018. advertisement PMUG will pass through five states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal. The longest stretch of the project, which is about 769 km, will be built in Odisha. "This pipeline will lead to industrial development of eastern India. Based on this gas-based pipeline, we are also planning to commission Talcher Fertiliser plant and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to lay foundation stone for this project in coming November", Pradhan said. City Gas Distribution (CGD) projects in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are being taken up in parallel with the Jagdishpur ? Haldia & Bokaro?Dhamra Natural Gas Pipeline (JHBDPL). In Odisha, the Natural Gas Pipeline will be constructed at an estimated investment of Rs 4,000 crore and will have a length of about 769 km covering 13 districts, like Bhadrak, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Angul, Sundergarh, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Debagarh, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Khurda, Puri and Kendrapara. Initially, natural gas will reach Bhubaneswar in special containers which will be transported by road from Vijaywada in Andhra Pradesh. Later, natural gas will be supplied through the Jagdishpur? Haldia & Bokaro? Dhamra Natural Gas Pipeline (JHBDPL). The pipeline is presently under construction and likely to be completed by 2019, they said. In Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack, the number of PNG connections will be gradually ramped up in the next three to five years. Moreover, 25 CNG stations will be commissioned in the twin cities to supply compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel to vehicles, Pradhan said. In Bhubaneswar, construction activities of CNG stations have already been taken up at Chandrasekharpur, Patia, Khandagiri and Tamando, and supply will be commenced at the earliest, he said. "The overall capital expenditure for the Bhubaneswar and Cuttack CGD projects will be Rs 1,700 crores, of which Rs 400 crores will be spent in the next three to five years," the minister said. "Around 25,000 households in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack would get PNG connection in their kitchens by December 2019 as part of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) project. The number of PNG connections will be gradually ramped up in the next three to five years," Ashutosh Karnatak, Director of Projects, GAIL said. PTI AAM RG --- ENDS --- advertisement By PTI: By Amit Kumar Das Odense, Oct 19 (PTI) Indian shuttler H S Prannoy recorded his second successive win over three-time Olympic silver medallist Lee Chong Wei to storm into the quarterfinals of the USD 750,000 Denmark Open Super Series Premier here today. Just four months back, Prannoy had created a flutter when he dispatched Chong Wei in straight games in the Indonesia Super Series Premier and the unseeded Indian dished out another superb performance today to oust the former World No. 1 Malaysian 21-17 11-21 21-19 in a match that lasted an hour and three minutes here. advertisement "I am happy to beat him again today. Even at this age, he is one of the best players, who can play in any conditions. I am not thinking much ahead as I have done this before but couldnt win the title so I will just look at the next match," Prannoy told reporters after the match. The 25-year-old Indian trailed Chong Wei, who turns 35 on Saturday, 1-2 in career meetings. However, buoyed by his recent win over the Malaysian in June, the Indian produced another sensational performance, befitting his new-found stardom of a giant-killer. Prannoy started off well as he dictated terms and built up a 10-7 lead but the former World No. 1 leveled par with a lucky net chord before entering the break with a slender lead when the Indians return missed the sideline. Chong Wei held on to his lead till 14-13 when Prannoy unleashed a jump smash to draw parity and then went into the lead. But a return going to net meant it was evens-stevens again. The Indian soon jumped to a 18-15 lead before two quick reflex smashes helped him to narrow the gap. However, Prannoy again unleashed two precise smashes on his rivals forehand to grab three game points and sealed it with another deceptive return which Chong Wei failed to ward off. The second game begun with both committing unforced errors. Prannoy won a video referral and held a 4-3 lead when Chong Wei hit wide. The Indian then hit the net a few times to allow the Malaysian lead 8-6. With Prannoy struggling with unforced errors, Chong Wei moved into the break with a 11-8 lead. Chong Wei extended the advantage to 14-8 before Prannoy unleashed two powerful returns to let out a scream. However, the Indian couldnt reign in his errors as Chong Wei eventually managed to take the match to the decider. The third game saw Chong Wei open up a 5-2 lead but he misjudged shuttles at the baseline twice and Prannoy also sent one at the back of the court on the line to make it 6-8. The Indian kept snapping at his rivals heels to draw parity at 10-10. But a quick reflex net return helped Chong Wei lead 11 -10. advertisement After the interval, Chong Wei grabbed a few points to lead 13-10 but Prannoy managed to turn the tables with eight straight points, leading 18-13. But the Indian made a service error next and Chong Wei produced a body smash to make it 15- 18. A forehand return from Prannoy going to net further narowed the gap but the Malaysian hit the net next as it was 19-16. Prannoy then went wide thrice on the trot to allow Chong Wei comeback. However, he got his bearings right in time and unleashed a cross court smash to earn the match point and sealed it in the end. PTI ATK MRJ --- ENDS --- Priyanka Chopra shared her take on the Harvey Weinstein scandal and also said that there are more such stories in Hollywood and all over the world. By Indo-Asian News Service: Actress Priyanka Chopra says people like controversial Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein are present across the world. Priyanka slammed Weinstein and spoke about women empowerment at the 2017 Marie Claire Power Trip earlier this week, reports marieclaire.com. Asked whether there's a Harvey Weinstein in India, Priyanka said: "I don't think there is only a Harvey Weinstein in Hollywood. I think there will be a lot more stories that will come up. advertisement "That happens not just in India, but all over the world. It's the power of men trying to take away the power of women. It's about feeling powerful and macho." Weinstein has been accused of sexual harassment or abuse by more than three dozen women, including several top actresses including Gwyneth Paltrow, Cara Delevingne, Lupita Nyong'o and Angelina Jolie. "We watch the news and look for things that will be positive and that the world will be in a better place. But the reality is, the world is not. It's not just about sexuality. It's not about sex. It's about power," Priyanka said. The former Miss World also spoke against the "big boys' club" and said because of it women are scared that a misstep might put them at risk of losing a role. "It's an isolating feeling. The easiest thing to take away from a woman is her work," she said. Priyanka, known in the US for "Quantico", added: "So what if I'm in heels?. So what if I wear a dress? We've been told our femininity is our weakness, but it is not. We can be compassionate. We can be tough. When you open your mouth, you deliver." ALSO WATCH: Kriti Sanon talks about casting couch, Bareilly Ki Barfi and body-shaming --- ENDS --- At the invitation of Mr. Jose Armando Flores, Director General of Customs of El Salvador, the WCO attended the "Launch Ceremony of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme" in San Salvador, El Salvador, on 28 September 2018. During the opening statement Mr. Flores and the Vice Minister of Economy stressed the importance of AEO to enhance trade facilitation and security, and expressed their commitment to continue implementing trade facilitation measures including joining the Central American Customs Union with Honduras and Guatemala. The representative of the WCO delivered an opening speech on the importance of AEO Programmes and other international initiatives, the vital role of the private sector, the impact of AEO in promoting global trade and took the opportunity to congratulate El Salvador for the implementation of these trade facilitation measures. The event was attended by more than 80 participants, primarily from the private sector, but also included the Head of Customs of Honduras, the Heads of AEO Programmes in Central America and the Dominican Republic, representatives from the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) and the International Monetary Fund, CAPTAC-DR. They all congratulated El Salvador on the launch of the AEO Programme, emphasizing its contribution to enhancing El Salvador competitiveness in global trade. This will constitute the 17th operational AEO Programme in the Americas and the Caribbean Region. The World Customs Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement Working Group (TFAWG) met for the eighth time from 16 to 18 October 2017 in Brussels at the WCOs Head Quarters. The meeting included a Joint Session with the WCO Permanent Technical Committee. Hundreds of delegates, representing Customs, other Border Agencies and Trade Ministries from WCO Members, Observers from several International Organizations, the Private Sector and Academia participated. Ambassador Blockert, the Swedish Ambassador to the WTO in Geneva and the incumbent Chairperson of the WTO Trade Facilitation Committee addressed the TFAWG delivering a keynote speech. The Ambassador said that the WCO has an important role to play in the implementation of the TFA and that Customs administrations all around the world will have a key role in implementing it. He informed the delegates that many countries have told him that it was important for the WCO to be involved in the work of the WTO Trade Facilitation Committee because of its technical expertise and the capacity building efforts of the WCO. Discussions were ongoing about the best way to involve International Organizations such as the WCO in the proceedings of the WTO Trade Facilitation Committee. In his conclusion, the Ambassador asked for two favours. Firstly, he asked TFAWG delegates to keep in contact with their colleagues in Geneva and in their capitals about this issue. Secondly, he asked for help in keeping the TFA as an important issue at national level, to raise awareness of the TFA and the benefits it could bring. When discussing the work of the TFAWG after the entry into force and the TFAWG Annual Work Plan, the meeting felt it was important to focus on National Committees on Trade Facilitation and establishing Coordinated Border Management in cooperation and coordination with other border agencies. One of the conclusions was that the TFAWG could support the WTO Trade Facilitation Committee by continuing to focus on the implementation of the TFA and monitoring the progress thereof. The Working Group endorsed a Survey Tool that was developed as part of the WCO Trade Facilitation Agreement Implementation Guidance. It enables Members to submit national practices that can be included in the Guidance in a simple fashion. These practices are invaluable to other Members when they implement the provisions of the TFA. Mexico and India presented national practices, and the Netherlands informed the meeting about a pilot project in its development stage between the Benelux Countries and India which involved Customs and other border agencies. In addition to various other topics, such as Post Clearance Audit, Single Window, Customs Brokers, Transit, National Committees on Trade Facilitation, Border Agency Cooperation and the WCO Mercator Programme, the WCOs capacity building programme for the implementation of trade facilitation measures, the TFAWG addressed the new WCO Time Release Study Guidelines. The WCO Time Release Study is an important tool to diagnose the implementation of trade facilitation measure and to monitor the progress which is in line with the wishes of the TFAWG. The TFAWG endorsed Ms. Ulrika Lyckman of Sweden as Chairperson for the next two years. The delegates elected Mr. L. Satya Srinivas of India to be the next Vice Chairperson. The TFAWG thanked the outgoing Chairperson, Mr. Carlos Enriquez, who completed his two-year term, for his tireless efforts and dedication to the implementation of the TFA. By PTI: Bihar (Eds: Edits throughout) Samastipur (Bihar), Oct 20 (PTI) One person was killed and five others were injured today in police firing and violence during a protest over the killing of a chemist in Bihars Samastipur district, officials said. Protesters engaged in large-scale violence and arson at Asadhi village under Tajpur police station, fighting pitched battles with police. They set afire eight police vehicles and also attempted to put on fire the police station, Superintendent of Police, Samastipur Deepak Ranjan said. advertisement "The police personnel had to resort to firing in the air after they could not disperse the crowd with batons," he said. "In the melee, some police personnel perhaps could not aim their guns properly as a result of which two of the demonstrators suffered bullet injuries," Ranjan said. He said one of those who suffered bullet injury died on the spot, while the other was hospitalised. Three policemen and an administrative official also received injuries in the violence. A chemist was shot dead by unidentified assailants two days ago and the locals were angry over it. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered an official inquiry into the incident. Calling the incident "sad", Kumar directed Tirhut Divisional Commissioner and the Deputy Inspector General concerned to visit the scene and submit a report, an official release said in Patna. Additional police contingents have been deployed at the village where the situation was tense but under control, the SP said. PTI NAC SBN MM ANB SK SK --- ENDS --- Sources say October 24 is the tentative date on which the Congress Working Committee, or CWC, could announce vice-president Rahul Gandhi's long-anticipated elevation. By Supriya Bhardwaj: Congress President Sonia Gandhi will chair a crucial meeting at her New Delhi residence today to decide the date and agenda of the Congress Working Committee's (CWC) next meeting, where Rahul Gandhi could be declared president-elect. Rahul, 47, is the party's vice-president. Sources say October 24 - Tuesday - is the tentative date on which the CWC could unanimously announce his elevation. advertisement The CWC is the Congress' highest decision-making body. The party's constitution invests the committee with the power to choose its president. The CWC has 10 elected members and 10 nominated members, in addition to special invitees. It will put the final stamp on the 'Grand Coronation Plan' today, sources say. A highly-placed source says the CWC will most likely declare Rahul to be president-elect, instead of going for a poll. "However, this move will get (the) final go in Saturday's crucial meet", the source said. Already, all state units, and frontal organisations such as the Youth Congress, the Mahila Congress and the Seva Dal - have unanimously passed resolutions declaring Rahul Gandhi as their president. The party's organisational election process normally works this way: District Returning Officers (DROs) and Pradesh (State) Returning Officers (PROs) name Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) delegates, who then elect the party president. However, if there is one unanimous choice and no other contender, he or she is declared the president-elect. Sources say the party is unanimous in its support for Rahul Gandhi. ALSO WATCH | Rahul Gandhi may take over as Congress chief after Diwali, says Sachin Pilot --- ENDS --- Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi continued to attack PM Modi and Amit Shah over their silence on the corruption charges against BJP chief's son Jay Shah. By India Today Web Desk: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's tweet attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah continued over allegations that the turnover of a company owned by Shah's son Jay increased 16,000 times over after the BJP came to power at the Centre. Three days after his Kolaveri Da jibe on the same controversy, 47-year-old Rahul returned on Twitter today with his barb in Hindi: Mitron, Shah-zade ke baare mein na bolunga, na bolne doonga (Mitron, I will neither speak nor let anyone speak on Shah-Zada)." advertisement While Shah-Zada is Rahul trying to turn the tables on the BJP, which incidentally always referred to the Congress leader as 'shahzada' (prince), a reference to 'mitron' (friends) was a clear give-away given that it is Modi's favourite way of addressing people in his speeches. With his tweet today, Rahul had also posted an Indian Express story, which talked about an Ahmedabad court barring The Wire news portal from publishing any further report on Jay Shah to protect "his right to live with dignity". The Ahmedabad court order followed Jay Shah suing The Wire, its reporter Rohini Singh, and its owners-cum-editors Sidharth Vardarajan and Sidharth Bhatia for their October 8 story. In a controversial decision, the Centre has also allowed Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to represent Shah in the case. Last week, Rahul Gandhi had taken a dig at the BJP over the central government extending legal help to Amit Shah's son in the defamation case he has filed against The Wire. "State legal help for Shah-Zada! Why this, why this Kolaveri Da ?," he tweeted. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress have mounted an all-out attack against Shah and Modi over Jay Shah's financial dealings. They have repeatedly questioned the Prime Minister's "silence" on the issue. The party has also demanded Shah's sacking and a probe by two Supreme Court judges into the entire episode. AMIT SHAH BREAKS SILENCE AT INDIA TODAY EVENT Breaking his silence at an India Today event in Ahmedabad earlier this month, BJP president Amit Shah had rejected allegations of money laundering against his son Jay, and asserted that it had not done any business with the government nor taken any kickbacks. Shah said that unlike the Congress, which had faced many corruption charges in the past, his son has shown courage to file a civil and criminal defamation suit on the allegations levelled against him and "invited a probe against himself" by this step. "There is no money laundering involved in Jay's company. This company is completely in commodity business, where turnover is more while the profit is less. We have exported bajra, corn and rice while coriander was imported. And after doing a turnover of Rs 80 crore, they don't tell how much they made profit," Amit Shah said at India Today's Gujarat Panchayat. advertisement WATCH VIDEO | Gujarat: Gandhi mocks Modi govt over media report on Jay Shah's company --- ENDS --- As early as September last year, while campaigning in Uttar Pradesh, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi spoke exclusively to this correspondent on his tour bus. He was talking about how the much-vaunted strategist Prashant Kishor's job was to execute plans made by the party. Asked if Kishor was then just an event manager, Rahul shot back, "No, no, that's the prime minister." It was a dig at PM Narendra Modi's reputation for showbiz razzmatazz over substance, but the sort of wit Rahul mostly kept under wraps. Even back in 2014, when asked by journalists in Guwahati about his marriage plans, he had joked, "Don't worry, you won't find out about my wife when I turn 65," a reference to Modi's secretiveness about his marriage. But in the last couple of months, Rahul is showing more of his personality and it's taking social media by storm. His Twitter following has grown by 1 million in just weeks, in the run-up to the Gujarat assembly elections in December, and Rahul now frequently tweets himself rather than relying on his social media team. advertisement As a result, his confidence is growing. On October 14, for instance, when the US president tweeted about developing a "much better relationship with Pakistan and its leaders", Rahul was quick to goad the prime minister: "Modi ji quick; looks like President Trump needs another hug". On the morning of October 16, the day Modi was to address massive rallies in Gujarat, Rahul warned voters to expect a "jumlon ki baarish", a rain of rhetoric. He was equally quick to respond to a story about Amit Shah's son Jay's remarkable capacity to generate revenue in a single financial year. "Modi ji," Rahul tweeted, "Jay Shah 'zaada' kha gaya. Aap chowkidar the ya bhagidar? Kuchh to boliye", asking the prime minister if he was standing watch over the country or helping Jay loot it. In a single tweet, he poured scorn on several Modi catchphrases, about being a watch guard; about neither eating (taking bribes) nor letting anyone eat. He even managed a pun on the contemptuous 'shehzada' nickname that Amit Shah and Modi use for him. Randeep Singh Surjewala, the Congress communication in-charge, and Divya Spandana, chosen by Rahul to head the party's social media and digital strategy, deserve credit for the turnaround in the party's online presence. Spandana, an actress better known as Ramya, has had a galvanising effect on the party's young social media team. The party handle has added 750,000 followers since May for a total of 2.75 million. The BJP has over 7 million. Maybe Rahul's sharper bite will help narrow the gap. --- ENDS --- If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Over $400,000 raised at BBQ on the River By West Kentucky Star Staff Oct. 20, 2017 | 10:58 AM | PADUCAH, KY Another arrest has been made related to an October 8 shooting in the Farley area.According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Department, the man who was shot, 34-year-old Louia Smith of Paducah, was taken into custody Thursday. He faces a charge of trafficking methamphetamine over 2 grams.Sheriff Jon Hayden says Smith was released from the hospital last week after being treated for a gunshot wound to the mouth, but he refused to cooperate with detectives. Hayden says Smith would not identify the person who shot him and tried to hinder the investigation.Smith was taken to McCracken County Jail.Detectives say that Smith was shot on October 8 by Eric Johnson after he refused to pay Brian Spry for methamphetamine the day before. Johnson and Spry also face charges related to the incident. On the Net: Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Oct. 19, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY By West Kentucky Star Staff Oct. 19, 2017 | 03:39 PM | PADUCAH, KY Authorities have arrested a Kevil man in a recent string of crimes, including a home invasion and shooting that left a woman hospitalized. The McCracken County Sheriff's Office says detectives went to a home on Magruder Road late Thursday morning as part of their investigation into a home invasion and shooting in Kevil on Sunday. After knocking on the door for some time, deputies made contact with the resident and reportedly smelled marijuana. After being granted entry by the homeowner, deputies found ammunition with the same brand name as that that was used by the suspect in the Kevil shooting, as well as marijuana and drug paraphernalia. They also located 20-year-old Spencer Forrest inside, who resembled the shooting suspect. Deputies and U.S. Marshals conducted a search and fingerprinted Forrest. His fingerprints matched the ones found at the crime scene. The victim also picked Forrest's photo out in a lineup as the man who shot her. Detectives also found a 9mm handgun believed to have been stolen during an August 29 burglary on Macgruder Road, and ammunition during their search of Forrest's home. Forrest reportedly told deputies during questioning that he had broken into several homes in the Magruder Road area over this past weekend, and admitted to shooting the victim in her home three times. He also admitted to shooting into several other homes in that same area during the early morning hours of Oct. 15. Deputies said Forrest's family told them he suffers from schizophrenia and has not been taking his medication. When asked why he committed these offenses, Forrest reportedly said he has been hearing voices, and that the motive for his crimes was he was angry that he was not famous. Forrest is charged with three counts of first-degree burglary, two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, and one count of first-degree assault. He was booked into the McCracken County Regional Jail. 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. By PTI: Mumbai, Oct 20 (PTI) Ramco Systems, an enterprise software provider on cloud and mobile, today announced it has set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in Indonesia under the name PT Ramco Systems Indonesia to address growing momentum in Asia. The Indonesian subsidiary will be Ramcos sixth one in Asia and 24th office, globally. The new office will employ local staff and focus on bringing cloud-based technology to transform Indonesian enterprises in the area of HR, Payroll and Logistics ERP, a company statement here said. advertisement As the largest economy in ASEAN, Indonesia has been witnessing good adoption of digital technologies in the enterprise front. According to a recent report, Indonesia is expected to see buoyant demand for enterprise solutions driven by improved infrastructure, stable and growing economy and employable IT workforce. "As one of the fastest growing regions for Ramco, Asia has expanded its footprint into newer markets and strengthened partner ecosystem, substantially. "Our thrust is to bring the best of Innovation, technology and global best practices and combine it with regional nuances to address the business needs in the region. We look forward to becoming, Indonesias most trusted cloud enterprise software provider," Ramco Systems CEO Virender Aggarwal said. With Singapore as the regional headquarters, and offices in China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Philippines, Ramco Systems in Asia has seen a steady growth for its product offerings - Logistics ERP, HCM and Aviation MRO, the release said. For the year ended March 31, 2017, Asia Pacific region contributed 31 per cent to the overall revenue. The company has an Innovation Lab in Singapore funded by the Singapore Government with anchor partner Air France Industries & KLM Engineering (AFIKLM). PTI AP RSY --- ENDS --- By West Kentucky Star Staff Oct. 18, 2017 | 05:47 AM | MAYFIELD, KY A Mayfield chiropractor charged with sexually abusing his patients and facing up to 15 years in prison has accepted a plea deal that will require him to serve only 90 days behind bars, and will allow him to continue practicing after a year. Dr. Stephen Douglas McAdoo pleaded guilty on Monday to a single misdemeanor count of criminal abuse. He originally faced three felony counts of 1st degree sexual abuse. The charges stemmed from complaints filed by victims who say McAdoo touched them inappropriately or fondled them while they were patients at McAdoo Chiropractic Center. Special prosecutor Mark Blankenship recommended a one-year sentence, but McAdoo will reportedly be required to serve just 90 days in jail. He will also be barred from practicing chiropractic care in Kentucky for one year, but may continue to practice after that. He will not be required to register as a sex offender. Formal sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 22. McAdoo has faced similar allegations in the past. The Kentucky Board of Chiropractic Examiners placed him on a two-year probation in 2006, after several women alleged he touched them inappropriately during treatment. His license was also suspended for 20 days, and he was fined $4,000. McAdoo denied any wrongdoing in that case. By PTI: Mumbai, Oct 20 (PTI) Ramco Systems, an enterprise software provider on cloud and mobile, today announced it has set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in Indonesia under the name PT Ramco Systems Indonesia to address growing momentum in Asia. The Indonesian subsidiary will be Ramcos sixth one in Asia and 24th office, globally. The new office will employ local staff and focus on bringing cloud-based technology to transform Indonesian enterprises in the area of HR, Payroll and Logistics ERP, a company statement here said. advertisement As the largest economy in ASEAN, Indonesia has been witnessing good adoption of digital technologies in the enterprise front. According to a recent report, Indonesia is expected to see buoyant demand for enterprise solutions driven by improved infrastructure, stable and growing economy and employable IT workforce. "As one of the fastest growing regions for Ramco, Asia has expanded its footprint into newer markets and strengthened partner ecosystem, substantially. "Our thrust is to bring the best of Innovation, technology and global best practices and combine it with regional nuances to address the business needs in the region. We look forward to becoming, Indonesias most trusted cloud enterprise software provider," Ramco Systems CEO Virender Aggarwal said. With Singapore as the regional headquarters, and offices in China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Philippines, Ramco Systems in Asia has seen a steady growth for its product offerings - Logistics ERP, HCM and Aviation MRO, the release said. For the year ended March 31, 2017, Asia Pacific region contributed 31 per cent to the overall revenue. The company has an Innovation Lab in Singapore funded by the Singapore Government with anchor partner Air France Industries & KLM Engineering (AFIKLM). PTI AP RSY BAS --- ENDS --- In a report, titled "Outcast and Desperate: Rohingya refugee children face a perilous future", the UNICEF has drawn the attention of the world community on the hardships faced by Rohingya refugee children and called upon the international community to help. By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: A report by the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has drawn attention to the desperate living conditions and waterborne diseases that are threatening more than 320,000 Rohingya refugee children who have fled to southern Bangladesh since late August, including some 10,000 who crossed from Myanmar over the past few days. "Many Rohingya refugee children in Bangladesh have witnessed atrocities in Myanmar no child should ever see, and all have suffered tremendous loss," said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake in a report. advertisement In a newly-released report - Outcast and Desperate: Rohingya refugee children face a perilous future - UNICEF says that most of the refugees are living in overcrowded and insanitary makeshift settlements. Despite an expanding international aid effort led by the Government of Bangladesh, the essential needs of many children are not being met. Well over half a million Rohingya people have crossed into Bangladesh's southern district of Cox's Bazaar since late August after escaping horrific violence in neighbouring Myanmar. Almost 60 per cent of the latest arrivals are children crossing at a rate of between 1,200 and 1,800 per day. "These children urgently need food, safe water, sanitation, and vaccinations to protect them from diseases that thrive in emergencies. But they also need help in overcoming all they have endured. They need education. They need counselling. They need hope." The report said, "If we don't provide them with these things now, how will they ever grow up to be productive citizens of their societies? This crisis is stealing their childhoods. We must not let it steal their futures at the same time." Bangladesh Representative of UNICEF Edouard Beigbeder said that, the refugees are still coming, but already we can see the appalling dangers that the children are facing. "Living in the open, with food, safe water and sanitation in desperately short supply, the risk of waterborne and other diseases is palpable,' he added. "High levels of severe acute malnutrition among young children have been found in the camps, and antenatal services to mothers and babies are lacking. Support for children traumatised by violence also needs to be expanded." LONG TERM SOLUTION NEEDED IN RAKHINE According to the report, the UNICEF is calling for an end to the atrocities targeting civilians in Myanmar's Rakhine State, and for humanitarian actors to be given immediate and unfettered access to all children affected by the violence there. At present, UNICEF has no access to Rohingya children in Northern Rakhine State. A long-term solution to the crisis in Rakhine State is also needed and must address the issues of statelessness and discrimination, as recommended by the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, said the report. advertisement NEED 434 MILLION DOLLARS FOR HUMANITARIAN AID The 'Outcast and Desperate' report said that ahead of an international pledging conference on 23 October in Geneva, UNICEF is urging donors to respond urgently to the requirements of the updated Bangladesh Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) released by the UN and humanitarian agencies. It calls for 434 million dollars, which includes USD 76.1 million to address the immediate needs of newly-arrived Rohingya children, as well as those who arrived before the recent influx, and children from vulnerable host communities. Expanding the provision of safe water, sanitation and improved hygiene for Rohingya children is the top priority of the appeal, amid concerns over a possible outbreak of diarrhea and other waterborne diseases. Most Rohingya children are not fully immunized against diseases such as measles. UNICEF is also focused on providing Rohingya children with learning and support services in child-friendly spaces, and working with our partners to address gender-based violence, added in the newly-released report. --- ENDS --- 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. By PTI: Colombo, Oct 20 (PTI) Sri Lanka plans to restrict the import of three wheeler taxis, supplied mostly by an Indian automaker, due to their increasing involvement in the fatal accidents, the Transport Minister said today. Sri Lanka has over 1.2 million three wheeler taxis, popularly known as trishaws, plying on its roads which have also become a major self employment avenue. advertisement "We have over a million trishaws and our roads cannot take any more," Transport Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told Parliament. "About 18 per cent of the fatal accidents involve a three-wheeler," de Silva said. The three wheelers, popular among younger drivers, are mostly supplied by Indian automaker Bajaj Auto. Due to the high number of road accidents from three wheelers, there has been a growing public demand to restrict their driving licences to those above the age of 35 years. More than 85 trishaw drivers operating in the capital Colombo were killed in the first seven months last year. According to police statistics, about 124 trishaw passengers had been killed in the same period. PTI CORR MRJ AKJ MRJ --- ENDS --- By PTI: missing in US New Delhi, Oct 19 (PTI) External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today expressed concern over a three-year-old Indian girl going missing in Texas in the US. According to reports, Sherin Mathews went missing after her father made her stand outside their house for not finishing her milk on Saturday. "We are deeply concerned about the missing child. Indian Embassy in U.S. is actively involved and they keep me informed," Swaraj tweeted. advertisement The girl, according to the reports, was adopted by a couple from an NGO in Bihars Nalanda last year. PTI MPB ZMN --- ENDS --- Luther," the 2003 film, will be shown at 7p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26 at the Spring Grove Cinema in Spring Grove. The film is an entertaining, up close look at Martin Luther, a 16th century monk whose actions changed the world. Continue celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. Even when he was threatened with death, Luther refused to back down and sparked a revolution of reformation that still influences us today. Everyone is welcome. A freewill offering will be taken The film is sponsored by Wilmington Lutheran Church, rural Spring Grove, with support from Thrivent Financial. Michelle Le, 48, of Richfield, was strangled by her husband. Jaida Hoffman, 34, of Winona, was shot and killed by her boyfriend, who proceeded to shoot and kill himself. And Vanessa Danielson, 36, of Minneapolis, was burned to death by her ex-boyfriend, who reportedly broke into her home while she was sleeping, doused her bed in gasoline and set it on fire. The Womens Resource Center of Winona is featuring these stories and a dozen others as part of its annual Clothesline Project a clothesline with decorated T-shirts bearing the stories of those who died from domestic violence in Minnesota in the past year. The touring exhibit will be on display at Maplewood Townhomes through Friday. This allows people to see much more clearly how domestic violence impacts families and communities, said Diana Miller, executive director of the Womens Resource Center, which has done the Clothesline Project since the early 1990s. A brochure with a set of statistics doesnt have the same impact as seeing these stories about actual people, she said. This is much more personal. You see the names, the circumstances of their deaths, the age when they were killed. It really brings home the danger and lethality of domestic violence. Miller said domestic violence, unsurprisingly, is used predominantly by men who wish to control their partners through fear and harm. Friends and neighbors often dont recognize the warning signs a fast courtship, emotional or verbal abuse and a withdrawal by the couple from the outside world until its too late. Miller said that, despite years of raising awareness and taking prevention measures here and across the country, domestic violence seems as frequent as ever. Its not for lack of community awareness, and its not for lack of effort, she said. (Domestic violence) is supported in ways big and small within our cultural norms. Until we address it as a society and it rises to the level of a priority, its not going to go away. We all have to realize that its a problem. This years Clothesline Project was assembled with help from students in the womens, gender and sexuality program at Winona State University. (The Safe Haven program at the Family and Childrens Center of Winona is the centers main partner on the project.) Alexis Olson, a senior working toward a minor in the program, was a victim service provider at the Womens Resource Center this summer. Domestic violence doesnt get looked at as much (as other social issues), Olson said. I saw the Clothesline Project on campus last year and realized how important it is to raise awareness in our community. Not many companies can say their products save lives. Benchmark Electronics is one of them. Benchmark, a design and precision manufacturing company thats had a presence in Winona since 1996, assembles and makes parts for high-tech medical devices everything from heart monitors to blanket warmers to dialysis machines. If youve been to a hospital, Benchmark officials say, theres a good chance youve been aided by a device assembled by one of the 1,000 or so Benchmark employees in Minnesota. (The international company has factories in Winona, Rochester and the Twin Cities.) We could do damage to a person if we make a mistake on the production floor, said Jeff Kohner, director of manufacturing and engineering. Its important that we make quality products each and every day. These are life-sustaining products. About 60 percent of Benchmark products are used in hospitals. Another 25 percent are used in high-end computing. And the other 15 percent are used in aerospace defense. Benchmark works on some products from start to finish, like dialysis machines that patients can use from the comfort of their own homes. Its quite the life-changing device, said manufacturing manager Arthur Dahl. With other products, Benchmark plays a smaller role, assembling a piece or two of a larger device. Benchmark, for example, makes internal engines for vein finders, which use infrared light to illuminate veins during shots, blood draws and IV placements. Kohner said that people use Benchmark products all the time without knowing it. Instead of filling patients mouths with goop to make impressions, many dentist offices have switched over to Benchmark X-ray machines. Benchmark helps produce thermostats and HVAC control systems. And the company is a major supplier of pacemakers, even assembling one for then-Vice President Dick Cheney. Much of the assembly is performed by the Winona-area residents who work on Benchmark production lines, but recently, some of the precision work has been outsourced to robots that the company designs and assembles itself. We call this one Rosie, said Dahl, patting the glass around the metallic machine, hard at work on yet another contraption. The Alma City Council authorized drafting a proposed municipal ordinance for handling minor trespassing complaints and violations. A village ordinance on the books in Pepin, Wis., was going to be used for drafting a proposed ordinance in Alma. A municipal trespass ordinance would give police authority to issue citations with penalty of less costly fines for trespass offenses. Alma Police Chief Kevin Glander said trespassing on railroad property was an example of how a citation ordinance might be used locally. Burlington Northern Santa Fe railways has become stricter about citing people for trespassing if they walk along railroad lines, Glander said. Complaints about people flying small remote-control drones over private property was another matter that might be controlled by a city trespass ordinance. City officials said the Wisconsin Legislature also was studying regulation of drones because of complaints about trespassing and invasion of privacy. It has raised assorted legal concerns. Trespass to a dwelling and other more serious offenses would remain handled under state law describing misdemeanor or felony offenses. The city council said it would draft a proposed ordinance and hold a public hearing on it before taking any final action. In other action, the city council by a 4 to 2 vote rejected a proposal to have two-hour parking limits on two street parking spaces by Castlerock Museum on Second St. in Alma. The parking restrictions would have been in place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. Castlerock Museum requested daily parking limits on two to four parking spaces. Parking issues were a problem because of county courthouse parking and increased museum parking needed for over 4,000 visitors annually, the council was told. City officials said parking concerns on Second St. were an issue for several reasons. A couple of parking stalls by the museum were lost when a recent crosswalk was installed, councilmen said. Alma alderperson Dave Earney and Larry Farl voted in favor of taking a parking ordinance to public hearing on the proposed parking limits on two spaces. Alderpersons Corey Hanson, Gary Ruff, Monica Moham and Ronald Geiselhart voted against the idea. Despite reservations among its conservative wing, the Sauk County Board this week approved the use of local tax dollars to expand a program that assists first-time mothers living in poverty. After a 45-minute debate Tuesday, the board voted 29-1 to approve the hiring of an additional nurse for the countys Nurse-Family Partnership program. Although it was among 10 new hires the board approved for inclusion in next years budget, the nursing position was the most scrutinized. While insisting they supported the program and would vote in favor of its expansion, several supervisors said it doesnt address the root causes of societal breakdowns. One of them, Supervisor Dennis Polivka of Spring Green, suggested the programs participants are relics of welfare programs that encouraged poor people to have children. So (if) you wanted more money, you had more children, Polivka said. And as a result, when you had two, three, four kids being born into a bad situation, well then all those kids now learn that they can make money by having children, so they had more children. And now we have an open population of people that have not been taught self worth. Health officials say a formula that incorporates the countys birth rate and medical assistance data shows a need for an additional nurse to expand coverage from 70 to 90 families. The program, which provides parenting advice to low-income mothers and checkups for their children, is supported by a grant. However, additional outside support is not currently available, so the Sauk County Health Department and its oversight panel requested $90,000 of tax levy unding to hire another nurse. Limited local data Criticism of the levy-funded expansion during recent budget discussions was led by Finance Committee members Marty Krueger, the boards chair, and Supervisor Richard Flint, both of Reedsburg. They said there was insufficient evidence to show the program was working, and they worried the additional nurse would become a perpetual levy item. Krueger sarcastically referred to the new position as a wonderful, wonderful use of levy dollars during an Oct. 11 meeting, although he and Flint later voted in favor of it. Several supervisors and members of the public who observed budget talks in recent weeks said critics of the nursing programs expansion devoted a disproportionate amount of scrutiny toward a department that uses less than 3 percent of the countys $30 million tax levy. It makes absolutely no economic sense, said Supervisor Tom Kriegl of Baraboo, adding that the health department has been targeted in prior budget years as well. It makes no sense for our taxpayers. Studies show the program which has been in existence for 40 years and is used internationally produces positive outcomes for children and their parents. However, local outcome data is not available, health officials have said, because the county program still is in its infancy. Protest vote Supervisor Andrea Lombard of Baraboo cast what she called a protest vote against the expansion. She said she supported the program, but wanted to send a message that it needs to be revamped to allow fewer nurses to care for more people. Unless somebody starts making noises about this, no changes will be made, Lombard said. Supervisor Nathan Johnson of La Valle responded to several supervisors who suggested the health department should try to guide young women before they get pregnant, rather than assist them after they give birth. Maybe we could get to them when theyre born, Johnson said. Thats the entire intent of this program. We couldnt be there 20 years ago, but we can be there now. Sauk County Health Department Director Cindy Bodendein pushed back against worries that the use of local tax dollars to fund the expansion will lead to additional requests in the future. She said the formula does not suggest there will be a need for more nurses. I have been with the health department for almost 20 years, Bodendein said. I have never asked for a nursing position under tax levy funding. This is the first time. I dont see this as a slippery slope. Other new positions approved Tuesday included an additional patrol sergeant for the Sauk County Sheriffs Department and a community liaison to manage the countys placemaking and social media efforts. The boards Finance Committee has proposed a $90 million budget for 2018 that would require $31 million from local property taxes. That would be a $617,000 or 2 percent increase from this years levy. Supervisors will have an opportunity to propose amendments before the board takes final action on the budget in November. Americas incompetent, incurious president has again raised serious questions regarding his fitness for office. After Donald Trump demonstrated his gobsmacking ignorance of nuclear proliferation treaties, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson famously characterized our fearless leader as a (expletive) moron. Republican Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker has pointedly warned that Trump is leading the country precipitously close to World War III and has characterized the White House as an adult day care center, where not everyone shows up for work. Corker also asserted the obvious in opining that Trump tweets out things that are not true and declared, You know he does it; everyone (knows). Moreover, Vanity Fair magazine has reported that people close to Trump describe him as increasingly unstable, losing a step, and unraveling. Former chief strategist to the president Steve Bannon has told people he thinks Trump has only a 30 percent chance of making it the full term. Now our puerile and petulant Pinocchio president has proposed pulling network news licenses of broadcasters critical of him; in other words, of those who report accurately his words and actions. So whos going to tell Trump that networks arent licensed? Robert Reid, Wisconsin Dells Ladies turned out in droves for the 2017 Dodge County Womens Expo, held Thursday at Nancys Notions Event Warehouse in Beaver Dam. The eighth annual event was hosted by the Daily Citizen and all proceeds benefit Relay for Life. Event organizer Sue Procise was extremely pleased with the turnout. Within the first hour we had close to 200 people in the door, she said. I love to see the great interactions with our area businesses and everyone enjoying the event. People of all ages are having a good time. The expo included more than 50 booths, offering guests the opportunity to learn more about businesses, health and fitness, charitable organizations and more. Guests could buy raffle tickets and sign up for giveaways. Volunteers from Relay for Life provided wine and hard cider tastings with food pairings for a small donation. This event is a great way to support the fight against cancer, said Leann Tramm, co-chairwoman of Relay for Life of Beaver Dam Area. It helps us get the word out early about Relay, which is coming up June 15 at Wayland Academy. A total of $4,352 was raised at the 2017 Dodge County Womens Expo. MADISON (AP) The head of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections said Thursday that the state's troubled prisons for juveniles are safe, a week after an inmate punched a staff member, causing her to need hospital care. Corrections Secretary Jon Litscher, who spoke to reporters after testifying before a state Senate committee about overcrowding in the state prison system, said the Lincoln Hills-Copper Lake prison complex "is a safe place for staff and offenders and we will continue to do the best in programming that will allow these young people to come back to their communities in a respectful and responsible manner." Litscher's comments come amid an ongoing, nearly 3-year-old federal investigation into allegations of abuse by guards against young inmates at the juvenile prisons located in Irma, about 30 miles north of Wausau. The prisons, in response to a lawsuit brought by teenage inmates, are under a federal court order to dramatically reduce the use of pepper spray, isolation and shackles to control inmates. On Monday, two lawmakers whose districts include the prisons asked U.S. District Judge James Peterson to reverse his order. "Your order has not only jeopardized staff safety but it is jeopardizing the safety of youth," state Sen. Tom Tiffany, R-Hazelhurst, and Rep. Mary Felzkowski, R-Irma, said in their letter. Last week Gov. Scott Walker's administration told the court progress is being made but that "significant unrest" remains. Attorneys cited in court filings that the judge's order to change disciplinary tactics at the prisons was leading to inmates' behavior worsening. Litscher declined to discuss the ongoing issues at Lincoln Hills, beyond declaring it to be safe. He did not talk about Lincoln Hills during his Senate committee testimony either, but he did outline the need for the state to address an ever-growing overall prison population. It's now about 23,000 inmates. Litscher said the prison system must implement ways to alleviate overcrowding by 2020, including expanding the earned release program, building temporary housing for older inmates and helping those released to be better prepared for life outside of prison so they don't return. The Senate committee on government relations heard testimony on a bill that calls for replacing the 120-year-old prison in Green Bay with a new privately owned facility. Supporters said prime real estate near Lambeau Field that the current prison occupies could be developed, while a new prison could house more inmates at a lower cost. The state is launching a new study of prison system needs amid the ongoing concerns at Lincoln Hills, the push to close the Green Bay facility and concerns about overcrowding. Eight people were crushed to death and three others injured after roof of a bus terminal collapsed this morning. By India Today Web Desk: Eight employees of the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) were killed after roof of a bus depot in Nagapattinam district collapsed. The incident took place at the Porayar branch of the TNSTC around 3.30 am. Three other people injured in the incident were rushed to Karaikal General Hospital. Nagapattinam District Collector Dr C Suresh Kumar visited the spot and conducted enquiries. State Transport Minister MR Vijayabhaskar had also left for Porayar, the government officials said. advertisement Reacting to the incident, Vijayabhaskar said that the building was "very old." The family members of the victims will be compensated, the minister said. The collapsed building was constructed in 1952. The victims were the crew members of the TNSTC and were sleeping in the building, when they were crushed to death. Their bodies were retrieved from the debris by Fire and Rescue Service. Of the eight persons killed in the incident, seven were employed as driver with the TNSTC while the other victim was a bus conductor. They were identified as Muniyappan, Chandrasekar, Ramalingam, Dhanapal, Prabhakar, Anbarasan, Mannivanna and Balu. 8 dead after roof of a Bus depot's rest room collapses in Tamilnadu's Nagapattinam, 3 people rescued from the debris pic.twitter.com/KpTT5JYE3w- ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2017 This is the second incident of roof collapse at a bus terminal in Tamil Nadu in two months. Earlier on September 7, five persons had died while 15 were injured when roof of a bus terminal collapsed in Coimbatore. In both cases, the building required maintenance which was not done by the TNSTC. (With inputs from agencies) --- ENDS --- A Reedsburg man is accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a long-term care center in the town of Pacific. Joel Nesler, 29, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree sexual assault on Oct. 17. Columbia County authorities received a report the day before alleging that at a Dungarvin care facility for people with disabilities, where Nesler was a care worker, he had assaulted a female client. Nesler is being held in Columbia County Jail awaiting official charges from the district attorneys office. Dungarvin has provided services to individuals with disabilities across the country for the past 40 years, State Director Julie Josephitis said of the St. Paul-based organization. We take seriously the safety of the people we support. All staff are subject to pre-employment background checks in accordance to regulations. Citing privacy concerns Josephitis declined to comment on any details regarding Neslers hiring, length of time with the company or specific nature of care provided at the facility. Prior legal issues for the organization in Wisconsin, according to online court records, have been limited to financial disputes and one civil case against a former employee. The lawsuit, which was dismissed in December 2013, was filed by Dungarvin against former employee John Herrera, who the company claimed breached his contract regarding invasion of privacy by contacting authorities and media about a man housed in Baraboo, who was a violent, mentally ill convict who allegedly attacked at least 10 employees. Six million people. Thats the estimated number of Americans whose health insurance premiums are subsidized under the Affordable Care Act, and who stand to be unceremoniously tossed off a cliff if President Trumps executive order to cease paying the subsidies takes effect. That action goes against recommendations from insurance companies, hospital and physician associations, even the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. More than two dozen state attorneys general are expected to file suit, after being granted standing by federal appellate courts. Even a number of high-ranking Republican members of Congress are urging a different approach and working toward alternative strategies. And it all comes after majority Republicans in the House and Senate, after seven years of promising repeal and replace to fix Obamacares problems, after more than 60 votes to repeal pre-Trump, failed miserably and produced nothing. So Trump, fed up with the do-nothing yappers in Congress, is doing what Trump does. He is lashing out with little regard for consequences, with six million low-income Americans directly in his sights. Weve said it before: Complacent, information-averse Americans get the government they deserve, which is rarely the government they need. This combination of congressional incompetency and Trumps popgun impetuousness is a hammer blow again. The Affordable Care Act aka Obamacare has a multitude of issues and needs repair. Moreover, America faces a long list of challenges both domestic and foreign. The inability to accomplish anything positive, really, on any front, is of stunning proportions. And these were supposed to be the adults in the room. We are watching the grinding failure of Americas political system, in which the two dominant political parties have demonstrated not only their abject inability to govern, but more importantly their inability to even make sense. If this doesnt scream Elections Matter!, well, then what does? While Jankeviciute's account is often revelatory, the thinly researched Indian section prevents the book from making good on the promise of its title. If internet listicles are to be trusted, one of the Top 10 Signs You're a Desi '80s Kid is a nostalgic affection for Soviet propaganda. Glossy Russian books and magazines were ubiquitous in India's socialist '80s-when the Soviets flew in 10 tonnes of material into the country almost every day. Along with the works of Marx and Lenin came bright, colourful picture books that sparked many an innocent imagination. Today, they are prized highly by collectors who would probably be shattered to learn that some of their favourite authors ended their years in a gulag. advertisement With the collapse of the Soviet Union, it became possible to trace its attempts to colonise minds within and outside its borders. Giedre Jankeviciute and V. Geetha's Another History of the Children's Picture Book: From Soviet Lithuania to India (Tara Books) examines Russia's influence in two vastly different countries. As the title indicates, it also seeks to challenge Eurocentric narratives of children's literature, proposing an alternative history from the periphery. The burden of this task falls mainly on the Lithuanian section, which traces how the Soviet state took control of all literature and publishing after its annexation of the country. Socialist realism became the dominant artistic style, and authors were expected to extol the virtues of happy communist childhoods and Young Pioneers who cheerfully ratted out their parents. In that political climate, there were few ways to escape the stultifying literalism of propaganda. In a moving passage, Jankeviciute describes how artists found a refuge in depicting simple everyday emotions and images of private life with characters who were vulnerable, even ungainly. Sad-eyed and puppet-like, they stood in sharp contrast to the hollow heroism promoted by the state-becoming small, whispered acts of resistance. Folk narratives, too, provided a safe space for artists to assert regional identity against Russification. Some illustrators spun the influence of traditional Lithuanian art into a kind of primitive modernism. That style flowered into the highly individual visions of Algirdas Steponavicius and Stasys Eidrigevicius, artists who established their own private worlds within the unlikely realm of state-approved children's literature. While Jankeviciute's account is often revelatory, the thinly researched Indian section prevents the book from making good on the promise of its title. V. Geetha's chapters could have benefited from a closer examination of the Soviet Union's publishing strategies in its client states, its distribution and translation networks, and their influence on a generation caught in the crossfire of cultural cold wars. But perhaps that's better fodder for an academic study and one should take this volume for what it is: an excellent picture book about picture books. --- ENDS --- Learners display their creativity with strong materials Creativity prevailed among Grade 10 learners at the Material Science Poster Competition this year. An initiative of the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials (CoE-SM) at Wits, the competition targets Grade 10 learners from Gauteng schools. It aims to attract more learners to the field of Material Sciences whilst developing learners knowledge of the properties and applications of strong materials. Professor Lesley Cornish, Director of the CoE-SM addressed the competition winners and their teachers at the prize-giving ceremony held at the Wits Club on 12 October 2017. Never lose that spark of creativity because that is what is going to push you. It is a competitive world out there and you probably already found that. What you need to have is something that is different. You also need to work hard, because very few people get away with anything and get anywhere much without working hard. Ammaara Ahmed from Parktown Girls High School won first prize for her poster: A Month in the Study of Amorphous Metal. She won R15 000 in cash for her school and R1000 for herself. Her teachers, Tebogo Maetane and Karen Field, who accompanied her along with other learners from her school, said that the money will be used to buy equipment for the schools new science lab. The second prize, worth R10 000 was jointly awarded to Britney Carstens, Rebecca Oosthuizen and Duran Reddy from Hyde Park High School, while the third prize, an amount of R5000 was awarded to Rebecca Groome and Rachael Humphries from King's School Robin Hill. Additional prizes were awarded in the categories of Creative Presentation, Excellent Organisation of Information, Good Scientific Comprehension, and Presenting New and Exciting Materials. The teachers from the winning school in these categories each received a gift voucher to the value of R500 and the winning learner/s a voucher of R350. Professor Herman Potgieter, Head of the School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering and guest speaker said that the competition was the best way for the learners to learn about materials. He encouraged the learners to consider a degree in metallurgical and material engineering, where they will be able to expand their knowledge on materials. I would like to encourage you to consider that as one of your career choices in the future. Unfortunately, if you look at the history of mankind, most of the developments of material science came as a result of war. I sincerely hope that the 21st century is not going to continue with this tradition, but that we rather grow and train a new generation of material scientists that can take us forward to improve the life quality of everybody by peacefully pursuing research and new developments in materials. The competition was coordinated by Professor Deena Naidoo from the School of Physics who was assisted by Casey Sparkes and Jacqui Jacobs from the (CoE-SM) Nobel laureate and human rights attorney to address world's muckrakers A Nobel Prize-winning economist and a human rights attorney are keynote speakers at the Global Investigative Journalism Conference at Wits in November. Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz and human rights attorney, Beatrice Mtetwa will speak at the conference (#GIJC17) co-hosted by Wits Journalism from 16-19 November. Professor Joseph Stiglitz is widely considered one of the worlds most influential economists. An expert on development and inequality, he is a professor at Columbia University, former chief economist at the World Bank, and a cabinet member of U.S. President Bill Clintons administration. In 2011, TIME named Stiglitz one of the 100 most influential people in the world. He is also a strong advocate of watchdog reporting. Investigative journalism is absolutely essential, says Stiglitz. Together with civil society and an active citizenry, it is an essential part of a well-functioning democracy. The New York Times called Mtetwa Zimbabwes top human rights attorney for her work protecting journalists in the country. Since she started practising in 1990, she has been harassed by the Zimbabwean government through arrests, prosecution and physical assaults. Among her many accolades, Mtetwa has been awarded by the Committee to Protect Journalists, the Law Society of England and Wales and the American Bar Association. Stiglitz will speak at the evening banquet at the conference on November 18, while Mtetwa will deliver the Carlos Cardoso Memorial Lecture on November 16. Stiglitz and Mtetwa join the worlds top investigative journalists at a time of unprecedented attacks on the news media worldwide. This will be the tenth Global Investigative Journalism Conference and the largest-ever gathering of investigative reporters in Africa. The event, held at the University of the Witwatersrand, is co-hosted by the Wits Journalism department and the Global Investigative Journalism Network, and this year includes the annual African Investigative Journalism Conference. Confirmed speakers include a half-dozen Pulitzer Prize winners, including ICIJs Panama Papers team, data journalism pioneers, specialists in tracking dirty money and looted wealth and experts on security and media law. Among those coming are journalists from South Africas amaBhungane, Perus Ojo Publico, Indias Centre for Investigative Journalism, Columbia University, Philippines Rappler, The New York Times, the Financial Times, AP, the BBC, The Guardian and Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism. More than 120 panels are planned, including sessions on corruption, cross-border reporting, online search strategies and data journalism, as well as workshops on mobile journalism, security and funding. There will be tracks on business investigations, new journalism models, security, and teaching. Tisca Chopra advised women not to put themselves in a vulnerable position, and to say no clearly rather than feebly. By India Today Web Desk: Tisca Chopra has landed herself in a firestorm after she said that women who get sexually assaulted are just as much to blame as their attackers. Tisca's response was in light of the #MeToo campaign. The campaign was started as a reaction to 40 women (including several actors) in Hollywood who revealed they were sexually harassed by producer Harvey Weinstein. Women all over the world began sharing their own stories of harassment and abuse to bring to light the sheer number of people who have gone through it. While actors like Kalki Koechlin and Swara Bhaskar supported the campaign, Tisca had some other views. advertisement In an interview, Tisca said, "I'm going to be very categorical when I say that women are just as much to blame, because they put themselves in those vulnerable positions. Why do these women go to hotel rooms? Do they not fear for their personal safety? Have they not heard of people's reputations, and why do they engage with those men? Being a woman, I would say that first of all, protect yourself. Don't put yourself in that position. The more women start saying flat-out 'no's, the more these men will understand that this is not the way, this is not going to work," she said. "What is happening in Hollywood is largely 30 years of somebody becoming a blatant predator. People, by and large, say 'chance maaro, how can it hurt to ask.' Unless somebody says 'no', and the kind of 'no' you say, and the manner in which you say it should convey that it is completely unacceptable to even ask this question," she added. She even advises women to not take short-cuts, "Don't let your career hang in the balance. Work hard on your acting, take a little longer to build your career, don't take any shortcuts," she added. A tentative no, a polite no, a no that means maybe and worst of a no that means yes.. just push me more and I will relent..? https://t.co/7mm4FZUBeT- Tisca Chopra (@tiscatime) October 18, 2017 These statements attracted the ire of Twitter. Netizens didn't hesitate twice in sparing her. Some are calling out her idea of a 'flat out no' what could that really mean. "Oh my God! How dumb are you? A 'no' means no. Nothing else," one said. "What the f***? No means No. Please do not Bollywoodise consent," another wrote. Some even tagged her in explainer videos on consent and assault. Pray, where is this 'safe' place?At the office?In cars? Inside homes?Y go anywhere at all since I fear for my safety?Assault cn happn anywhr- Ishmeet Nagpal (@IshmeetNagpal) October 18, 2017 Tisca Chopra started blaming victims instead. Maybe to stay in good books of filmmakers, hoping for a role atleast as supporting artiste https://t.co/6h9m47cF5Z- NoToSilence (@akdwaaz) October 17, 2017 You only understand what you want to. This was said with ref to the #HarveyWeinstein situation in #bollywood.. not womens safety on roads https://t.co/cmXzIptZyO- Tisca Chopra (@tiscatime) October 18, 2017 It is shocking Tisca said this, considering she has had traumatic experiences. She herself was invited to a hotel room by a top producer-director who had ulterior motives. She did not, in fact, outright say no for fear of losing out on the film, although she did eventually manage to get out of the situation. advertisement Sadly, Tisca isn't the only one blaming the victims. Actor Bhairavi Goswami too criticised women for coming out with their stories after '10-30 years.' "Are we going to deny the fact that that both men and women have consensual sexual relations to further their career, then scream 'rape' after 10 years? To defend women saying they were scared is preposterous. These aren't uneducated tribal people from a tiny village off the grid. They may be from smaller towns but now they live in Mumbai, party seven days a week, indulge in substance abuse, alcohol, and sex games, and the media says these poor innocent virgins were scared. Does the media understand the long-term ramifications of making a joke out of sexual harassment?" she wrote. Sigh, when will people ever learn? ALSO WATCH: Exclusive: Kalki coup on international women's day --- ENDS --- Trishala Dutt looks too hot to handle in the picture that she posted on Instagram. By India Today Web Desk: While star kids like Sara Ali Khan and Jhanvi Kapoor are gearing up to make their big screen debut, Sanjay Dutt's daughter Trishala is far away from the Bollywood scene. However, Trishala is quite active on social media and never disappoints her followers. Trishala recently posted a smoking hot photo of herself on Instagram, where she is seen wearing a sheer lacy crop top with black palazzo pants. The picture, which received close to 10,000 likes. advertisement "#mybodytho #stomachdefinition #gymlife #aboutlastnight #yay #lemonwaterworks #andcardio #7daysaweek," she captioned it. ???????? #mybodytho #stomachdefinition #gymlife #aboutlastnight #yay #lemonwaterworks #andcardio #7daysaweek A post shared by Trishala Dutt (@trishaladutt) on Oct 15, 2017 at 8:42pm PDT l Trishala is the daughter of Sanjay Dutt and his first wife, the late Richa Sharma. The actor revealed in an interview that his daughter had wanted to follow his footsteps and pursue acting as a career, but he did not approve. "Trishala wanted to be an actress and I wanted to break her legs," Sanjay said. On the work front, Sanjay Dutt will be seen next in Tigmanshu Dhulia's Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster 3. ALSO WATCH: Sanjay Dutt's daughter seeks pardon for him --- ENDS --- Concord Scholarship a student's gateway to family research in Ghana Portrait of a writer Samantha Boateng won the Concord Traveling Scholarship and traveled to Ghana to research the life of her grandfather. She'll present her findings on Monday, 5:30 p.m., at Tucker Theater Photo by Stephen Salpukas Honoring her grandfather Ghanaian children read inside one of the libraries Samantha Boating has founded., Two libraries are up and running; a third is planned for the next year to 18 months. Photo courtesy of Samantha Boateng Helping children read The outside of one of the two libraries Samantha Boateng has established in Ghana. A third is in the works. Photo courtesy of Samantha Boateng Photo - of - Hide Caption Before last summer, about all William & Mary sophomore Samantha Boateng knew about her maternal grandfather, the late Francis Yeboah of Ghana, was that he had a lot of money and a lot of children. To fill in some of the blanks, Boateng applied for the Concord Traveling Scholarship for Creative Writers. She won. The scholarship, made possible by a donation from Anne Rivers Gunton 00 and David L. Gunton 99, enabled her to spend a month in Ghana last summer and learn more about her relatives unique story. And what a story it is, one shell share on Oct. 23 with a presentation at 5:30 p.m., at Tucker Theater. The event is free and open to the public, with a reception to follow. There are parts of her grandfathers story that remain murky, for while he left detailed accounts of his business dealings, there was far less insight available regarding his personal life. What she learned, and what the prospective history and English major will write about to fulfill the scholarships requirements, is that after working for British surveyors at a very young age, Yeboah got into the timber business on Ghanas Gold Coast. Hed cut down trees, hire locals who had vehicles to haul the loads to market, make a tidy profit and buy more land. The product of a small, impoverished village in the Ashanti region, he kept repeating the process until he owned thousands of acres, by which time he had also begun cocoa farming. He made a lot of money, and it grew even bigger, Boateng said. I was told that hed have rows of cars just filled with huge [amounts of] timber going into town to sell. Timber helped him become wealthy then do a bunch of other things. Ghanaian records are few. There is no definitive documentation of the day her grandfather was born. Its generally believed that he was around 80 when he died in 2007. In that same vein, Boateng said she was told that Yeboah had accumulated most of his industrial holdings and his vast wealth by the time he was 25. Everything about his story seems unusual. Yeboah built a village, called Yeboahkrom, in which his workers lived. He added a school for their children, then multiple schools throughout the country. As he got money, he didnt forget where he came from, Boateng said. Even to this day, his workers are loyal to our family. My grandfather didn't believe he was above anybody. In Ghana, people eat together out of one pot. If someone works for you, usually you dont eat with him. But he would eat with his workers. They were like his family, his brothers and sisters. That is the portion of her grandfathers life she will focus on in her presentation, she said. For him to rise above, to become a person who was educated, a person who was wealthy when everyone else was struggling, theres a story to that, she said. One area Boateng is struggling to understand is her grandfathers personal relationships. She said he adored his wife no one came before her, she was above anyone else in his life and she still lives in the home he built. But when she could not conceive children, he turned to six concubines, who provided him with 16 children. That makes it such a deeper story, she said. Im not really sure his mindset behind it; in my writing I try to come up with why he wanted to ... Was the first time unfaithfulness? Next time, did he just decide that he wanted children to give his wealth to? Its crazy that she was there and all of this happened. It just doesnt make sense. Boateng, with her mothers guidance, has embarked on a project in which she has already built two libraries in Ghanaian villages, with ground broken on a third in the large metropolitan city of Kumasi. The latest has 3,000 books in Yeboahkrom, all in English, many collected by her high school alma mater in Northern Virginia. Its the 10-year anniversary of my grandfathers death, so everything is being done around that village, Boateng said. Its rural. Theres a lot of work that could be done, but since Im doing this project, I said, We can take a library there. A lot of people were so excited about it. They had gone to that school; without that school they wouldnt have been where they are now. I wanted to take action. Professor discovers masters of pen, brush in colonial Quito Page by page Susan Verdi Webster, Jane W. Mahoney Professor of Art and Art History and American Studies at William & Mary, combed through massive amounts of archival records in 16th-century Spanish script to detail the lives of artists in colonial Quito, Ecuador, for her new book. Photo by Stephen Salpukas Photo - of - Hide Caption Combing through volume after volume of archival records, the lives of artists in colonial Quito, Ecuador, started to take shape. Thats how Susan Verdi Webster, Jane W. Mahoney Professor of Art and Art History and American Studies at William & Mary, did the groundbreaking research for her new book. Her painstaking inventory of archival documents in the city resulted in Lettered Artists and the Languages of Empire: Painters and the Profession in Early Colonial Quito, which was published in September by the University of Texas Press. Its a book about painters and the profession who they were and how they practiced the profession, she said. Moreover, the documents tell us that, counter to previous assumptions, the vast majority of these painters were native Andeans. Webster has been conducting research in Ecuador for the past 20 years and has used information she gathered for previous books on architects and builders. Her next project will be on sculpture. Painstaking process Using mostly notarial archives, she was able to trace the activities of numerous previously undocumented artists by name as they built their livelihoods making religious-themed paintings. She was fascinated that the indigenous painters were able to master not only the language, but the art of painting, and to thrive in colonial-era Quito. Webster used public, religious, private and other documents to amass a database of thousands of pages of records captured in digital photographs. Culling through the vast quantities of data written in 16th-century Spanish script took quite some time, but she described archival research as every day is like Christmas in that she never knew what surprises awaited her. From the national archives, she obtained notarial records and systematically combed through every volume from 1550 to 1800. So what I did was not just collect material on architects and builders and buildings and materials and things like that, but I kept coming across all of these painters, sculptors, gold- and silversmiths a whole range of artisans, Webster said. And so I just collected all of that material along the way, too. Up to that point, only a handful of artists in colonial Quito had been identified and credited with most of the paintings done there between 1550 and 1650. Webster documented approximately 50 painters through specific information on their purchase of land, homes, commodities and the commissions and sales of their work. Their recorded transactions gave her a window into their level of literacy and skill, which is why she included the words lettered and languages in her book title. At the time when the Spanish ruled what is today Ecuador, the 95 percent of those artists who were indigenous were learned and flourishing in the artistic landscape centered in Quito. These local artists did not work the way Europeans did at the time with step-by-step educations, workshops, assistants and guild structures. So theyre native artists who learned the European language of painting, Webster said. And they almost never signed their work. They did, however, inscribe their names on scores of notarial documents with calligraphic signatures that demonstrate a deep knowledge of European scribal conventions, she said. And this is early, Webster said. In 1534, Quito was established as a Spanish colonial city and already by the 1550s and 60s youve got indigenous artists painters who are successfully negotiating the Spanish bureaucratic system. Theyre going before notaries, and theyre creating documents that protect and promote their own interests. She points out that in the Andean region prior to the Spanish invasion, none of the cultures developed any form of alphabetic or pictographic writing. Their communicative forms employed other types of graphic expression, which they continued to use after the Spanish arrived. The alphabetic script that indigenous painters obviously mastered was just one more form of graphism, one more form of graphic communication similar to European painting, where youre manipulating colors and forms and iconographies, Webster said. So one of my main points in this book is that these early painters in Quito were masters of both the pen and the brush. And it was primarily indigenous painters who were creating these pictorial graphic worlds for a diverse colonial audience. Religious imagery The paintings were almost exclusively religious because most people in both South America (and Europe) at the time were illiterate, and images were thus a primary form of communication and religious indoctrination. So its in that context that we have this group of indigenous painters who are consummately literate, they are lettered, and hence the title lettered artists, Webster said. And I take that lettered status to go farther than simply the ability to manipulate alphabetic script, but a mastery of all of this range of languages, graphic, iconographic, pictorial languages of empire. And I mean not just the Spanish empire, but the Inca empire because Quito was built on the site of an Inca settlement and the son of the last independent ruler of the Inca empire, Francisco Atahualpa, lived in Quito during the colonial period. Atahualpas extensive residence and lands in the southern part of the city attracted all manner of artisans, and was surrounded by the houses of indigenous painters, stone masons and gold- and silversmiths. Webster also discovered that their surnames indicated that the Inca-descended painters lived in this part of the city and the non-Inca, autochthonous painters in another. She traced the upward trajectories of many of the painters by seeing what they were able to purchase over time houses, land, commodities but also their rise in social status was indicated by their titles changing as time went by, as many came to bear the honorific title Don (roughly, Lord). Though there was no formal guild structure, some artists might go from painter to journeyman painter to master painter over the course of their lives. Painters signed contracts for their works, acquiring ever-greater commissions for massive multimedia altarpieces or multiple copies of the same painting, and they also sold paintings locally and regionally, some of which were exported to Europe. This is a whole language of iconography that was initially completely new to indigenous painters, yet they came to be the principal creators of religious images, Webster said. They were the majority that were creating Christian religious images for a colonial public of Spaniards, Creoles, Africans and indigenous people as well. They dominated this visual field. That seems pretty remarkable to me, too. By PTI: Indian-Americans (Eds: Updating with more inputs) By Lalit K Jha Washington, Oct 18 (PTI) US President Donald Trump has celebrated his first Diwali at the White House during which he hailed the incredible contributions of the Indian-American community and said he valued his very strong relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump and his daughter Ivanka was joined by senior Indian-American members of his administration including Nikki Haley, his Ambassador to the United Nations and Seema Verma, Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. advertisement Ajit Pai, Chairman of the US Federal Communications Commission and Raj Shah, Trumps Principal Deputy Press Secretary also joined Diwali celebrations yesterday. "As we do (celebrate Diwali) so, we especially remember the People of India, the home of the Hindu faith, who have built the worlds largest democracy," Trump said in a Facebook post along with a video of his Diwali celebrations inside the Oval Office. Trump said he greatly valued his "very strong relationship" with Prime Minister Modi. Trump said he was deeply honoured to be joined by so many administration officials and leaders of the Indian-American community in celebrating Diwali -- the festival of lights. In his remarks, Trump said Indian-American neighbours and friends have made incredible contributions to the country ? and to the world. "You have made extraordinary contributions to art, science, medicine, business and education. America is especially thankful for its many Indian-American citizens who serve bravely in our armed forces and as first responders in communities throughout our great land," he said. "Today, we proudly celebrate this holiday in the peoples house. In so doing, we reaffirm that Indian-Americans and Hindu-Americans are truly cherished, treasured and beloved members of our great American family," Trump added. Diwali, he said, is one of the most important celebrations in the Hindu religion. "A time of peace and prosperity for the New Year, it is a tradition that is held dear by more than 1 billion Hindus worldwide and more than 2 million Hindus in the United States. It is also celebrated by millions of Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains in America, India and around the world," he said. The tradition of Diwali celebration at the White House was first started by President George Bush. During his term it was celebrated mostly in the India Treaty Room of the adjacent executive office building, which is part of the White House complex. President Bush never personally participated in the White House Diwali celebrations. advertisement In the first year of his presidency, former president Barack Obama lit the ceremonial Diya in the East Room of the White House. In his last year in office in 2016, Obama for the first time observed the festival of lights in the Oval Office. PTI LKJ NSA AKJ AKJ --- ENDS --- 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 By PTI: By Shirish B Pradhan Kathmandu, Oct 20 (PTI) Two Nigerians were among four persons arrested in Nepal for allegedly duping many foreigners of millions of rupees by hacking email accounts and posing themselves as genuine trekking agents, police said today. Douglas Amobiok Oroigwe, 29, and Julius Festus Chijelwu, 24, both Nigerian nationals, and their Nepalese accomplices Sneha Shrestha, 21, and Keshav Gurung, 21 were arrested from Lalitpur and Kathmandu districts on Tuesday, they said. advertisement Oroigwe and Chijekwu, who arrived in Nepal in July on visit visas, befriended Sneha and Keshav and began cheating people, the police said. In one such incident, the two Nigerians hacked the email account of trekking agent Mingmar Lama, and asked German national Armin Otto Riegr, who was looking to visit Nepal, to send USD 1,980 posing themselves as Lama. "Shrestha received the cash in her Everest bank account and gave it to the Nigerians," said the police. The gang created a Facebook ID called Mirable Wilson impersonating a US Army officer and befriended Amrit Dahal, 24, a Nepali Army soldier and "asked him to send USD 6,890 to the bank account of Shrestha and Gurung," police said. They have also duped a French and a German national in separate cases by promising them help in their Nepal visit. According to preliminary investigations, they defrauded many people of millions of rupees by hacking into email accounts and befriending the victims on Facebook, the police added. PTI SBP CPS --- ENDS --- Limited construction permit issued for Turkish plant 20 October 2017 Share Construction of non-nuclear facilities at the site of the planned Akkuyu nuclear power plant in Turkey can begin after the granting of a limited construction permit (LCP). A licence permitting full construction to start is expected to be issued in the first half of 2018. Akkuyu Nuclear JSC announced today that it has been granted a limited construction permit by the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK). The LCP allows the start of construction and installation works at all facilities on the nuclear power plant, except for the buildings and structures important for nuclear safety. Construction can therefore start on facilities such as the turbine island and auxiliary buildings and structures. The company said this was "the first step on the way to obtaining the Construction Licence". Akkuyu Nuclear JSC applied to TAEK on 3 March 2017 for the construction licence of Akkuyu unit 1. The application documents included a Preliminary Safety Analysis Report of the Akkuyu plant, as well as a Probabilistic Safety Analysis and several other documents certifying safety of the plant. Akkuyu Nuclear said the granting of the LCP resulted from the thorough review and evaluation of those documents by TAEK. Yuri Galanchuk, CEO of Akkuyu Nuclear JSC, said: "Obtaining the limited construction permit is a significant step forward for implementation of the Akkuyu project. We are actually moving from the preparatory stage to construction activities at the site." He noted that a major part of these construction works will be carried out by local subcontractors. "Obtaining the limited construction permit is a significant step forward for implementation of the Akkuyu project. We are actually moving from the preparatory stage to construction activities at the site." Yuri Galanchuk, CEO of Akkuyu Nuclear JSC Galanchuk added, "Our next task is to get the construction licence. We would like to commence construction of the entire set of the nuclear power plant buildings and structures at the earliest time possible. Full compliance with all national and international safety standards remains our top priority." Akkuyu Nuclear JSC said it expects to obtain the construction licence in the first half of next year. "According to the intergovernmental agreement, [nuclear construction work at] Akkuyu unit 1 should occur not later than seven years after receipt of all construction permits," Akkuyu Nuclear JSC noted. The project to build four 1200 MWe Gidropress-designed AES-2006 VVER pressurised water reactors - on the Akkuyu site in Mersin province in southern Turkey - is being financed by Russia under a build-own-operate model, in accordance with an intergovernmental agreement Turkey and Russia signed in 2010. The plant is scheduled to start operations on 29 October, 2023 - the centenary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey. Akkuyu Nuclear JSC obtained a site licence in October 2011 and in November 2013 Turkey's energy market regulatory authority (EPDK) approved the Basic Site Report under the terms of that licence. In December 2014, the Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation of the Republic of Turkey approved the Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the Akkuyu project and in June 2015 the EPDK issued the preliminary generation licence. In June this year, EPDK issued a 49-year electricity generation licence. In June 2015, JSC Akkuyu NPP and Turkey's Cengiz Insaat signed a contract on the design and building of off-shore hydraulic structures for the project. On 9 February this year, the EPDK approved the design parameters of the Akkuyu NPP site according to the Site Parameters Report for the project. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics Citizens recommend completion of Korean units 20 October 2017 Share Construction of units 5 and 6 of South Korea's Shin Kori nuclear power plant looks set to resume after an independent panel today recommended completion of the project. Work on the units - about 30% complete - was suspended in July after President Moon Jae-in issued an administrative order to halt their construction. An artistic impression of how Shin Kori 5 and 6 could look (Image: KHNP) President Moon was one of seven candidates in the May presidential election who signed an agreement for a "common policy" for phasing out the country's use of nuclear energy. At a ceremony on 19 June to mark the permanent shutdown of Kori 1, he said plans for new power reactors will be cancelled and the operating periods of existing units will be limited to 40 years. At that time, Moon said he would reach a "social consensus" as soon as possible on whether the construction of Shin Kori 5 and 6 will proceed. The construction of Shin Kori 5 and 6 was approved by South Korea's nuclear regulator last June. The pouring of first safety-related concrete for the reactors had been due to start this year. The 1400 MWe units are scheduled to begin operating in March 2021 and 2022, respectively. However, in July Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) decided to suspend construction work on the two APR1400 units for a three-month period as soon as a government-appointed committee was formed to discuss the country's nuclear energy policy. The company said it expected the temporary suspension to cost it about KRW100 billion ($88 million) for maintaining equipment and the construction site. The Citizens' Jury convened to determine the fate of Shin Kori 5 and 6, after months of deliberation, has today recommended that construction of the two units should resume. The panel of 471 randomly-selected citizens voted 59.5% in favour of construction proceeding. "Surveys conducted during the deliberation process showed that more citizens were in favour of restarting construction," head of the commission Kim Ji-hyung was cited as saying by the Korea JoongAng Daily. "The number of those in support increased across all age groups as they conducted additional surveys. The increase rate was particularly acute among those in their 20s and 30s." While the commission voted to continue construction of Shin Kori 5 and 6, the majority were also in favour of President Moon's proposal to reduce South Korea's dependence on nuclear energy. 53.2% of them said they support the move to cut the country's reliance on nuclear energy, while 35.5% said they support the current level of reliance. 9.7% of the panel said the country should expand its use of nuclear energy. Park Soo-hyun, a spokesperson from the presidential office, said the panel's recommendation would be respected. "Based on the recommendations, the government will do its best to ensure that follow-up measures are implemented without any disruption," she said in a statement. Media reports suggest President Moon will deliver a construction resumption order at a cabinet meeting on 24 October. South Korea has 24 power reactors in operation with a combined generating capacity of 22,505 MWe. Together they provide about one-third of the country's electricity. Decision welcomed Kim Kwang-ho, chairman of the Korean Nuclear Society, said, "I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all those who have supported nuclear power and have been active in the field, and who have supported us from outside the nuclear power system." He added, "This was an opportunity to see how important scientific and objective information was. We also believe that the responsibilities of the Citizens' Participation Committees that make the decisions provided a good insight into the correct facts. I think the change in opinion during the deliberation process shows that nuclear workers should make efforts to reach more and more people." Agneta Rising, director general of the World Nuclear Association, said: "This is a very positive decision for South Korea. It will enable the South Korean nuclear sector to get on with reducing climate emissions and supporting national industrial competitiveness." Noting that Moon proposed his nuclear energy policy without any consultation with local businesses or experts, Rising added: "We hope that going forward the country's political leaders will commit to comprehensive consultation processes and listen to its energy, environment and economics experts in order to evaluate the country's energy policy. Nuclear energy should play a leading role as part of a resilient and clean electricity generation mix that reduces South Korea's dependence on fossil fuels." Michael Shellenberger, president of the Environmental Progress research and policy organisation, praised the citizens' jury for "choosing wisdom over ideology". He noted, "The size of the victory was as unexpected as the victory itself ... The victory is proof that democratic citizen action can result in stunning pro-nuclear victories where they are least expected." Environmental Progress was one of a number of international groups who have urged President Moon to consider the climate and environmental impacts of phasing out the use of nuclear energy in the country. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics The continent of Europe is home to some very populous countries, such as Russia, Germany, France, and the UK. But it is also home to countries that have very small populations. Many of Europes least populous countries have populations that are dwarfed by the continents big cities. Introducing Europes least populous countries. The 10 Least Populous Countries In Europe 1. Vatican City - 825 A priest walks at Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City. Editorial credit: Alexandros Michailidis / Shutterstock.com The headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church is the least populous country, not just in Europe, but in the entire world. Just 825 people live in the 0.17 square miles (0.44 sq. km) that comprises Vatican City, which also makes it the smallest country in the world by land area. Vatican City is surrounded on all sides by the city of Rome, Italys capital. The tiny enclaves ruler and head of state is the Pope, who is the head of the Roman Catholic Church. The population of the Vatican is composed mostly of priests and nuns that hail from many different countries around the world. 2. San Marino - 33,860 Parade of city residents wearing historical medieval clothes in the streets of San Marino. Editorial credit: Alex_Po / Shutterstock.com Like Vatican City, San Marino is also surrounded by territory belonging to Italy. The country, located in the vicinity of north-central Italy, close to the Italian coastline that borders the Adriatic Sea, has just 33,860 people living within its tiny land mass of 23.6 square miles (61.2 square km). The people native to the tiny state refer to themselves as Sammarinese. Most of the rest of the population is Italian, and Italian is also the states official language. 3. Liechtenstein - 38,020 People in traditional constume in Liechtenstein. The tiny principality of Liechtenstein is sandwiched between the landlocked countries of Switzerland and Austria. In fact, it is one of just two countries in the world that are double landlocked. Liechtensteins population is just 38,020, most of whom speak German, the countrys official language. Most of the rest of the population in Liechtenstein hails from neighboring Switzerland and Austria. Like Vatican City and San Marino, Liechtenstein is very small in area, though it is bigger than both of them at 61.7 square miles (160 sq. km). 4. Monaco - 38,960 The Festive changing of the guard of the palace of the prince of Monaco. Editorial credit: Drozdin Vladimir / Shutterstock.com Monaco is located on the northern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by France to its north, east, and west. It is the second smallest country in both Europe and the world by land area, comprising just 0.75 square miles (1.21 sq. km). Monacos population is just 38,960, but the fact that the people of this country are packed into such a small space makes it the most densely populated country in the world, with a population density of 68,212 people per square mile (26,337 per sq. km). While Monaco lacks in size and population, it certainly does not lack in wealth. In fact, 32% of the countrys population are millionaires. 5. Andorra - 77,140 People Walk in the Comercial Street named Meritxell. Andorra la Vella, Andorra. Editorial credit: Martin Silva Cosentino / Shutterstock.com Andorra is located in the Pyrenees Mountains, sandwiched between France and Spain. Its population is just 77,140. The countrys official language is Catalan, which is also spoken in the region of Catalonia that straddles the eastern part of the French-Spanish border. Interestingly, however, the largest ethnic group in Andorra are not native Andorrans, but Spaniards. The countrys capital and largest city is Andorra la Vella, which has more than 20 thousand residents. 6. Iceland - 361,310 Celebrations of "Culture Night" of Reykjavik. Editorial credit: kondr.konst / Shutterstock.com Iceland is an island country located in the northern Atlantic Ocean, east of Greenland. Its population is just 361,310. While Iceland is not a small island, most of its people live in just 7% of its territory, located on the fertile coastline. Almost one third of Icelanders live in the capital, Reykjavik, which is also the countrys largest city. The vast majority of Icelands population are of Norse or Celtic descent. The countrys parliament, known as the Althing, is the worlds oldest practicing legislature, having been created by a constitution written in 930 CE. 7. Malta - 502,650 Mother with son in International carnival of Malta (Maltese Carnival), Malta island. Editorial credit: Alexey Kashevnik / Shutterstock.com Malta is a small country composed of three islands situated in the Mediterranean Sea, south of the Italian island of Sicily. Its population is 502,650, which makes it one of the ten most densely populated countries in the world. Maltas population density is 3,574 people per square mile (1,380 per sq. km). Valletta, is the countrys capital, but the countrys largest city is Birkirkara, with more than 20 thousand residents. 8. Luxembourg - 619,900 People on the Place D'Armes main square in Luxembourg-CityEditorial credit: Jack Krier / Shutterstock.com Luxembourg is a small, landlocked country in Western Europe. It sits snuggly between the borders of Belgium, Germany, and France. The population of Luxembourg is 619,900, and the population density of the country is 626 people per square mile (242 per sq. km). Luxembourgs capital and largest city bears the same name, and contains more than 76 thousand residents. German is the official language of Luxembourg, but the country also has its own dialect, known as Luxembourgian. French and English are also widely spoken in the country. 9. Montenegro - 622,140 A traditional ceremony in Kotor, Montengero. Editorial credit: amnat30 / Shutterstock.com Once part of the former Yugoslavia, Montenegro is a small country in Southern Europe, located on the Balkan Peninsula. It is bordered to the northwest by Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, to the northeast by Serbia, to the southeast by Kosovo and Albania, and to the southwest by the Adriatic Sea. The total population of Montenegro is 622,140. Montenegros capital and largest city is Podgorica, with a populace numbering more than 136 thousand. 10. Estonia - 1,326,590 Estonian woman dressed in traditional medieval costume treating people with sweet nuts at the central square of old Tallinn town, Estonia. Editorial credit: Sun_Shine / Shutterstock.com Estonia is a small state located in Northern Europe on the Baltic Sea, which lies to its west. To the east of Estonia is Russia. The Gulf of Finland borders Estonia to the north, and Latvia lies on its southern border. Formerly a republic of the Soviet Union, Estonia has a population of more than 1.3 million inhabitants. Many of these inhabitants live in Talinn, Estonias capital and largest city, with more than 394 thousand residents. Tartu, which boasts more than 100 thousand residents is the countrys second largest city. Unranked Country: Cyprus - 1,198,580 Cyprus is an island country that lies south of Turkey and west of Syria in the Mediterranean Sea. Politically and economically, Cyprus is mostly linked to Europe, but is technically part of Asia. If Cyprus was part of Europe, it would be the 10th least populated country on the continent rather than Estonia, as it has a population just under 1.2 million. Nicosia, the capital and largest city of Cyprus, boasts more than 200 thousand residents. The Future Of Europes Least Populous Countries Europes least populated countries will likely remain such, as none of their populations are projected to grow very much in the future. All of these countries have traditionally maintained close political and economic ties with their neighbors. This tradition will likely continue, especially with the growing integration of Europe under the auspices of the European Union. Read MoreEuropean Countries By Population In a press conference, UN's Special Advisers have urged Myanmar to take immediate action on the atrocities committed against Rohingya muslims in Rakhine. They also urged the international community to support the Myanmar Government in this regard. By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: The United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng and the Special Adviser of the Responsibility to Protect, Ivan Simonovic, called on Myanmar government to take immediate action to stop and address the commission of atrocity crimes that are reportedly taking place in northern Rakhine state. A official press release of UN on Friday said that, The UN special advisers have been following the situation in northern Rakhine state for several years and have warned that there was a risk that atrocity crimes could be committed there. UN Advisers Adama Dieng and Ivan Simonovic advertisement Risk factors identified by them included very deeply rooted and long-standing discriminatory practices and policies against the Rohingya Muslims population, a failure to stop acts of violence against that group and a failure to put in place conditions that would support the peaceful co-existence of different communities in Rakhine state. "Despite warnings issued by us and by many other officials, the Myanmar government has failed to meet its obligations under international law and primary responsibility to protect the Rohingya population from atrocity crimes. The international community has equally failed its responsibilities in this regard", the special advisers stated. The Special Advisers welcomed recommendations presented by United Nations Security Council Members during an Arria formula meeting on Myanmar on 13 October and urged for an immediate end to the violence in northern Rakhine state, full humanitarian access and the safe, dignified and voluntary return of refugees to their homes. In addition, they highlighted the importance of allowing the Human Rights Council independent international fact-finding mission to access northern Rakhine state to ascertain the veracity of the facts. A recent report by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights describes vicious, well-organised, coordinated and systematic attacks by Myanmar security forces, often in partnership with armed Rakhine Buddhist individuals against thousands of civilian Rohingya, committed with intent to drive that population out of Myanmar and prevent them from returning to their homes. These acts are reported to be in response to attacks by militants on 25 August 2017 against Myanmar police posts and a regimental headquarters. United Nations sources indicate that more than 530,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since then. HINDU CIVILIAN DISPLACED FROM RAKHINE According to the statement the UN special advisers claim that, a few thousand Buddhist and Hindu civilians are also reported to be displaced while fleeing attacks by militants. "Once again, our failure to stop atrocity crimes makes us complicit. When will we live up to our countless promises of 'never again'?" the Special Advisers asked. They emphasized that those implicated in the commission of atrocity crimes must be held accountable, whatever their status. advertisement TO IMPLEMENT THE 'ANAN COMMISION' RECOMMENDATION During the discussions at the Security Council, the Special Advisers were encouraged by what seems to be a consensus among the membership of the Council and the Government of Myanmar to implement the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, headed by Kofi Annan. They acknowledged as positive the appointment by the Myanmar Government of a ministerial committee to follow up on these recommendations. However, the Special Advisers noted, "True commitment will come with implementation. Any further delay in implementing the recommendations of the Advisory Commission, including on issues of citizenship, will mean further violence and destabilization for the region." They also urged the international community to support the Myanmar Government in this regard. Finally, the Special Advisors urged the Government of Myanmar to work towards a national identity in which all populations of Myanmar, including those that identify themselves as Rohingya, feel part of. "Peace and development in Myanmar will only come with unity and peaceful coexistence of all populations", the Special Advisers concluded. --- ENDS --- The Jewish people have been multilingual for most of their history, mainly because of their geographical diversity. Therefore, the Jewish languages are a variety of dialects and languages created by the Jewish communities in the diaspora. Hebrew is the original Jewish language; it was replaced by Aramaic as the main vernacular as a result of the Babylonian exile. The Jewish people have adopted not only the various languages spoken in their homelands but also adopted a good number of Jewish hybrid languages. In this regard, Jewish languages comprise of a syncretism of native Judeo-Aramaic and Hebrew languages together with other dialects spoken by the local non-Jewish population. History Of Jewish Language Development Towards the end of the Bronze age, the Hebrew language was not differentiated from other Semitic languages like Amarna, Canaanite, and Ugaritic, however, during the iron age 1200540 BCE there was some noticeable difference. The Hebrew as a separate language is believed to have developed around Canaan, an area that lies between the Mediterranean Sea and River Jordan, in the Second Millennium BCE. Even though the main reason for the decline of the Hebrew language is not completely understood, the Babylonian exile is believed to have played a big role in hastening the process in 587 B.C.E. together with Palestines continued foreign rulership after the Second Restoration of the Temple period. The rest of the Jewish hybrid languages have been in existence for over two millennia, leaving linguists confused as to whether they should be considered as Creole languages, dialects, or unique languages. The most common Jewish hybrid languages include Yiddish and Judeo-Spanish, also known as Ladino. Here are some of the Jewish languages. Hebrew Dating back to 10th century B.C.E., Hebrew is part of the North Semitic language group spoken by more than 9 million people all over the world. Since the language is native to the nation of Israel, it is historically considered to be the language of the Israelites and their ancestors. Hebrew is also the Bibles language, the main language spoken in modern-day Israel, and the principal language of Jewish liturgy. Hebrew is a great example of a successfully revived language that was dead, and the only living Canaanite language left. Aramaic Aramaic is a group of languages or a language that rose to prominence during the rabbinic era, sometime between 901 and 605 BC. Aramaic languages belong to the Northwest Semitic group which also comprises of Phoenician and Hebrew, which are part of the Canaanite languages. Aramaic is plausibly the second most significant Jewish language after Hebrew, and is known as Judeo-Aramaic. The languages widespread and diverse use and long history has resulted in many dialects, of which most have become extinct. The Jewish Kurds mainly speak Judeo-Aramaic as important Jewish texts such as the Kaddish is written in the language. Yiddish Dating back to the 9th century, Yiddish is the Ashkenazi Jews historical language which came from Central Europe. The language provided an extensive Germanic based vernacular mixed with elements borrowed from Aramaic and Hebrew languages, as well as traces of Romance and Slavic languages. More Jews have spoken the Yiddish language compared to the other Jewish languages. Before the Holocaust, there were more than 10 million Yiddish speakers. In fact, an estimated 85% of the Jews who died as a result of the gas chambers during the Nazi regime were Yiddish speakers. As a result of the genocide, there was a massive decline in the use of the language. Assimilation caused a further decrease in the use of the Yiddish language by both survivors and speakers from other nations following the Second World War. However, the number of Yiddish speakers is currently increasing in global Hasidic communities. Judeo-Arabic The Judeo-Arabic language is a variant of the dialects spoken by Jews who formerly lived or still live in the Arab states. There are a good number of significant Jewish works that were originally written in the language which includes several religious writings by Judah Halevi and Maimonides. The main reason why such works were written in Judeo-Arabic and not Hebrew or Aramaic is because it was the primary everyday language of the authors. Ladino Also known as Judeo-Spanish, Ladino is the Jewish language derived from Old Spanish; this Romance language was originally used in Italy, Netherlands, France, the UK, Morocco, and former territories of the Ottoman Empire. The Ladino language also declined as a result of the Holocaust where the Nazi regime decimated a large number of communities that spoke Judeo-Spanish. At present, Ladino is used by the Sephardic minorities found in over 30 countries, but a large percentage of the speakers are found in Israel. Despite the Judeo-Spanish language lacking an official status in any country, it is recognized as not only a Jewish language but also a minority language in Herzegovina, Turkey, Israel, Bosnia, and France. Status Of The Jewish Languages Judeo-Arabic, Yiddish, and Ladino languages are among the most widely spoken Jewish languages that were developed in the diaspora. A good number of distinct and ancient Jewish languages such as Judeo-Malayalam, Judeo-Arabic, Krymchak, Judeo-Berber, and Judeo-Georgian have greatly fallen out of use as a result of the massacre of European Jews, the assimilation of Israeli policies during its early days, and the Jewish exodus from Arab states, as well as other factors. Several Jewish languages including Yiddish have greatly contributed to the development of vocabulary for co-territorial languages such as French and English which are non-Jewish. Alphabets Languages such as Spanish, English, Greek, French, Arabic, and German have been transcribed using the Hebrew alphabet. Despite the practice being uncommon, it is believed to have occurred over the last 2000 years. Throughout the world, Jews spoke the dominant or local languages of the places they migrated to for centuries thus branching off as independent languages or developing distinct dialectal forms of the languages. The development of such languages often happened through the addition of Hebrew phrases or words to uniquely express Jewish concerns and concepts. The Jewish Languages Today Everywhere that the Jews have lived, throughout the entire world, they have either written or/and spoken differently from non-Jews around them. Jewish languages differ from one another by as much as a highly variant grammar or by as little as a few embedded Hebrew words. Linguists have devoted a great deal of time and resources to carry out extensive research on several Jewish languages including Judeo-Arabic, Jewish English, Yiddish, Judeo-Spanish, Jewish Neo-Aramaic, and Judeo- Italian. During the 1850s, Yiddish was the most spoken Jewish language since it had the largest number of speakers, but today the most common languages spoken among Jews are English, Russian and modern Hebrew. Located in Eastern Europe, Moldova is small country surrounded by land on all sides. The country shares its borders with Romania and Ukraine. As of 2017, the population of Moldova is 2,998,235. What Is The Capital Of Moldova And Where Is It Located? Located in central Moldova, the city of Chisinau which is also known by the name of Kishinev, is the seat of government of the country. The city is located on the banks of the Bac river which is a tributary of the river Dniester. Chisinau is also the countrys biggest city in terms of both size and population. The city population, as of 2017, is 685,900 while the Municipality of Chisinau houses a total population of 820,464. The area occupied by Chisinau is 120 square km. The city is surrounded by fertile and level tracts of land stretching for long distances. Chisinau experiences a humid continental climate. History Of The Capital City Of Moldova The city of Chisinau was founded as a monastery village in 1436. It was the then a part of the Principality of Moldavia. By the 19th centurys beginning, the village had grown to a town with about 7,000 residents. The city became the capital of the Russian oblast of Bessarabia after the Russo-Turkish War of 1812. Under Russian rule, Chisinau grew and developed rapidly. Rail links between the city and Tiraspol were established by 1871. By 1900, Chisinau had a population of about 125,787. Jews accounted for about 43% of this population. Chisinau suffered great destruction during the Second World War. Following the war, Bessarabia became a part of the Soviet Union and Chisinau served as the capital of Moldavian SSR. Rapid population growth took place in the city in 1950s which was accompanied by the development of housing and infrastructural facilities in the city by the Soviet government to accommodate the growing population. After the independence of Moldova in 1991, Chisinau became the capital of the independent country. Present-Day Role Of The Capital Of Moldova The Palace of the Parliament, the meeting place of the Parliament of Moldova, the Presidential Palace, the official residence of the countrys government, and other important government buildings of the country are present in Chisinau. Apart from being the seat of government of Moldova, Chisinau is also the economic capital of the country. The citys GDP accounts for about 60% of the GDP of the country. The mass media sector is one of the strongest sectors of Chisinaus economy. Several nations and international banks operating in the country have their headquarters in the city. The Chisinau International Airport serves the city. Thanks for visiting ! The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Thank you for your support! US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, in his speech, described the US and India as "two bookends of stability" around the world, even as he painted China's rise as a destabilising force. By Ananth Krishnan: China has hit out at the United States for its "biased views" after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in his first major policy address called for closer ties with India, even as he blasted China for "provocations" in the South China Sea and "predatory economics" through its "One Belt, One Road" (OBOR) infrastructure plan. Tillerson, in his speech, described the US and India as "two bookends of stability" around the world, even as he painted China's rise as a destabilising force. advertisement "The very international order that has benefited India's rise - and that of many others - is increasingly under strain. China, while rising alongside India, has done so less responsibly, at times undermining the international, rules-based order even as countries like India operate within a framework that protects other nations' sovereignty," he said, highlighting "provocative actions in the South China Sea that directly challenge the international law and norms that the US and India both stand for." China predictably reacted angrily, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang saying Beijing hoped "the US can put China's development and China's positive role in the world into perspective, abandon its biased views of China and make concerted efforts with China to focus on cooperation, properly handle differences and maintain the momentum of the steady growth of China-US relations." Tillerson went further in his speech, criticising President Xi Jinping's pet OBOR initiative in comments that underline a shift in the U.S. stance. India was the lone major absentee at Xi's Belt and Road Forum in May, with President Donald Trump then sending a fairly high-powered delegation. Since then, the U.S. has grown more vocal in criticising aspects of the plan, and has appeared to closely echo India's publicly articulated concerns on a lack of transparency as well as on Chinese infrastructure projects bringing a debt burden to several recipient states. Tillerson described OBOR as an example of "predatory economics", and said it was "important that those emerging democracies and economies have alternative means of developing both the infrastructures and the economies" China rebutted his comments, with Lu, the spokesperson, saying that "China steadfastly upholds the international order with the Unites Nations (UN) at the core and based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. China will by no means pursue its own development at the expense of other countries' interests. Neither will China give up its own legitimate rights and interests," he added. On the growing closeness of India-U.S. relations, Lu said China "welcomes the development of normal and friendly state-to-state relations between the United States and India and between countries all over the world as long as it is conducive to regional peace and stability and enhancing mutual trust between regional countries." advertisement Beijing, meanwhile, is preparing for the first visit of President Donald Trump, who will arrive in China on November 8. On his first visit to Asia, Trump will visit Japan, South Korea and China, and later attend regional summits in the Philippines and Vietnam. --- ENDS --- Local authorities encouraged to apply for share of Welsh Governments new 100m regeneration programme This article is old - Published: Friday, Oct 20th, 2017 A new 100 million programme of targeted regeneration investment has been launched by the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children, Carl Sargeant. Local authorities, along with partner organisations, will be able to apply for the capital investment for projects that promote economic regeneration and serve the aims of wider sustainable development with activities focussed on the individuals and areas most in need. The 100 million will be made available over an initial 3-year phase for the period for 2018-21. Making the funding announcement today, Carl Sargeant said the programme has a crucial part to play in driving prosperity and building resilient communities in all parts of Wales, rather than just in those areas that offer the best commercial returns. The Welsh Governments previous targeted regeneration program Vibrant and Viable Places which came to end earlier this year, saw 124m pumped into 18 Welsh communities most in need. In 2013 Wrexham was awarded 10.5 million as part of the Vibrant and Viable Places scheme. An FOI (Freedom of Information Request) submitted in 2014 revealed the breakdown of where the funding will be allocated: 40,000 will be spent on a project to redefine the town centre, with details saying: A master plan to provide a clear vision for the future development of the town centre in terms of its retail, residential and housing offer. 772,400 will be spent to: relocate and redevelop the existing Oriel Gallery to an alternative location within Wrexham Town Centre and to extend the overall arts and culture offer in Wrexham through the development of a cultural centre. Wrexham.com understands the Peoples Market is one possible venue for this, with North Wales Police taking an area in the existing Oriel. 1,930,000 of spending on conversion of empty residential and commercial properties within the Town Centre and immediate surrounding area to bring into use to provide new residential accommodation. 4,900,00 to be spent on development of 2 sites to create the provision of older persons accommodation within the town centre. One of these is the development on Grosvenor Road. 715,000 to cover creation of a social lettings agency, support private sector landlords to improve the quality of their properties through the provision of property improvement loans, and support property owners to become more professional landlords. We have previously covered this here. 1,700,000 to extend the existing programme of group repairs of homes, environmental improvements and installation of energy efficient measures. 300,000 to Invest in properties within the South West Wrexham HRA specifically to make them more energy efficient through the delivery of improvements such as new heating systems and cavity and wall installation. 227,000 Of Capital Investment to expand an existing childcare facility through social enterprise in Caia Park and to open a new childcare facility within the town centre to increase childcare facilities within the town centre. Locally some of the projects listed above have been completed, are currently being worked on or are due to start. More recently development loans from the VVP programme has helped kick start the redevelopment of derelict properties in town including the Ebenezer Chapel on Chester Road and the Wrexham Motoring Supplies Store in Penybryn, which collapsed suddenly in January 2015 . Carl Sargeant said: There are particular challenges around tackling inequality and developing well-connected and sustainable communities in areas which are economically disadvantaged or blighted by earlier heavy industries. We also recognise there are different challenges in rural areas. Local authorities and regional partnerships should use these funds to complement and reinforce the other investments we are making to widen prosperity such as the work being pursued under the City Deals, our investment in the Metros, proposals from the Valleys Taskforce and with the work to prepare for Wylfa Newydd. I am also keen that this new capital investment should act in support of the other programmes underway seeking to build more resilient communities, including our employability and skills programmes. He added resources would be focused on a limited number of investment proposals with a strong and clear economic basis for regeneration. The new regeneration programme will be able to invest in projects from April 2018 onwards. Donald Trump has accused the mainstream media of ignoring fresh details about the controversial 2010 approval of a deal that gave Russia control over a large chunk of US uranium resources. By Indo-Asian News Service: The President of the US on Thursday accused the mainstream media of ignoring fresh details about the controversial 2010 approval of a deal that gave Russia control over a large chunk of US uranium resources. Donald Trump made his remarks on Twitter two days after the Hill reported that prior to the deal, approved in the early stages of predecessor Barack Obama's administration, the FBI had gathered significant evidence that Russian nuclear industry officials were conducting a bribery, kickback, extortion and money laundering scheme aimed at growing Moscow's atomic energy business inside the US. advertisement "Federal agents used a confidential US witness working inside the Russian nuclear industry to gather extensive financial records, make secret recordings and intercept emails as early as 2009 that showed Moscow had compromised an American uranium trucking firm with bribes and kickbacks in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act," The Hill reported. That paper said it learned about the evidence the FBI had gathered from government documents and interviews. The Hill furthermore reported, citing unnamed sources, that federal agents had also "obtained an eyewitness account - backed by documents - indicating Russian nuclear officials had routed millions of dollars to the US designed to benefit former President Bill Clinton's charitable foundation during the time Secretary of State Hillary Clinton served on a government body that provided a favourable decision to Moscow." "Uranium deal to Russia, with Clinton help and Obama Administration knowledge, is the biggest story that Fake Media doesn't want to follow!" Trump tweeted Thursday. He was referring to the lack of coverage of The Hill's report by mainstream media outlets like the New York Times and MSNBC, which are harshly critical of his administration and have thoroughly covered the probe into the Trump election campaign's alleged collusion with Russia to win the 2016 presidential race. The New York Times did report in 2015 on a flow of cash making its way to the Clinton Foundation as Russian atomic energy agency Rosatom gradually took control of Canadian mining company Uranium One, which it noted had "uranium-mining stakes stretching from Central Asia to the American West." But the Hill also reported Tuesday that multiple current and former government officials had told the newspaper they did not know whether the FBI or the US Department of Justice ever alerted the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) - the inter-agency government body that approved the partial sale of Uranium One to Rosatom - to the criminal activity they had uncovered. Hillary Clinton, as secretary of state, was a member of the CFIUS at the time the deal was unanimously approved in October 2010. advertisement The Washington Post said after Trump's tweet on Thursday that "new reporting this week by The Hill has, indeed, added a layer of intrigue to the sale of a uranium mining company to Russia's atomic energy agency, which was approved by the Clinton-led State Department and eight other US government agencies." But it also pointed to The Hill's assertion that current and former government officials said they did not know whether CFIUS was alerted by the FBI or Justice Department about the evidence they had uncovered. "This is a key point ... If it were to turn out that Clinton and others were aware of the FBI's findings - and ignored them - that could be difficult to explain," the Washington Post said. The deal to sell the stake in Uranium One to Rosatom, initially pursued in 2008 during then-US President George W. Bush administration, involved the transfer to Russia of nuclear technology and equipment, as well as the possibility of reprocessing US-sourced nuclear fuel with the aim of spurring joint projects between companies in both countries. But the potential deal was put on hold due to a brief war between Russia and Georgia over control of the disputed region of South Ossetia in August 2008, when US-Russian bilateral relations sank to their lowest point since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. advertisement Two years later, Obama and his secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, decided to take up the project again as a symbol of the restoration of normal relations with the Kremlin. --- ENDS --- Robert Pruett, 38, was executed Thursday evening at the Walls Unit in Huntsville, Texas, for the 1999 murder of a prison guard. His lethal injection proceeded after the US Supreme Court declined to issue a stay in his case about an hour before the scheduled execution. Pruett was first imprisoned at age 16, sentenced to 99 years after being on the scene at age 15 when his father stabbed a neighbor to death. In his final statement before being put to death, according to the Canadian Press, Pruett said he hurt lot of people and a lot of people hurt him, but that he was sorry and held no grudges. Ive had to learn lessons in life the hard way, he said. One day there wont be a need to hurt people. Pruett told friends who were watching the execution through a window that he loved them and, Im ready to go. As the lethal dose of the sedative pentobarbital started to flow, he began to chant, Love. Light. Its forever. His voice rose as he repeated the phrase, followed by obscenities. He began yelling, then slurred his words before slipping into unconsciousness. He was pronounced dead at 6:46 p.m. local time. In his 38-year life, Pruett saw more time imprisoned than in the outside world. His father, Sam Pruett, spent much of his son Roberts early childhood in prison. Robert and his three siblings were raised in various trailer parks by his mother, who used drugs heavily and often struggled to feed them, he said. After his father returned from prison, Pruett said his family sometimes had to move to flee the police, and that he was introduced to marijuana by his father at age 7. He began using drugs regularly in elementary school and was selling them by middle school. Pruett received a 99-year prison sentence for participating in the 1995 stabbing death of a 29-year-old neighbor, Raymond Yarbrough, outside the mans trailer home in Channelview, east of Houston. Pruett was 15-years-old at the time of the attack. According to court testimony from a sheriffs detective, Pruett argued with Yarbrough and then got his father and brother to join him in attacking the man. The detective said the younger Pruett punched and kicked Yarbrough and held him down while his father stabbed the man multiple times. The court found Robert Pruett guilty under Texass law of parties, under which any who solicits, encourages, directs, aids, or attempts to aid a person who commits a crime is equally liable, no matter how small his or her role. Even under the prosecutions version of events, Pruett did not kill the man. Despite the fact that he was a teenager at the time, he was condemned to 99 years in jail, a virtual life sentence. At age 20, while behind bars, Pruett was accused of killing correctional officer Daniel Nagle, 37, at the Texas Department of Criminal Justices McConnell Unit near Beeville. At age 22, he was sentenced to death for the crime. The conviction relied largely on the testimony of inmate eyewitnesses, who are alleged to have received favorable deals in exchange for their testimony. Pruett maintained that he was innocent of the crime. No physical evidence has ever connected him to the killing. When the murder weapon was tested for DNA, nothing conclusive was found. Pruett avoided execution in April 2015, just hours before his scheduled death, when a state judge issued a stay so that additional DNA testing could be conducted on the rod used to stab Nagle. New tests uncovered DNA on the rod from an unknown female who may have handled the shank during the appeals process after the original tests in 2002. Pruetts defense unsuccessfully sought more DNA testing and filed a federal civil rights lawsuit arguing their client had been denied due process. The 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the lawsuit law week, and the attorneys appealed to the US Supreme Court on Tuesday, which rejected the claim. In 2005, the Supreme Court ruled that sentencing minors to the death penalty violated the Eighth Amendment. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote at the time that juveniles are more vulnerable or susceptible to negative influences and outside pressures, including peer pressure, and that the character of a juvenile is not as well formed as that of an adult. In 2009, the high court abolished life without parole for juveniles convicted of non-homicides, and in 2012 it abolished mandatory life sentences without parole on homicide convictions. Despite these rulings, Robert Pruett was not spared the ultimate penalty. In his unpublished biography, quoted by the New York Times, Pruett writes: At 15 I wasnt old enough to be outside after the 11 p.m. curfew, I couldnt watch R-rated movies without adult supervision, I couldnt smoke, drink, get a tattoo, own a gun or even drive a car. Yet I was mature and reasonable enough to make decisions that would impact the rest of my life? Old enough to spend the rest of my life in prison? It is still unfathomable to me. Pruett was the 6th inmate executed this year in Texas and the 20th put to death in the US nationwide. Today, General Motors is closing its Holden car assembly plant in Elizabeth, South Australia, leaving more than 900 workers unemployed and clearing the way for the destruction of tens of thousands of car components sector jobs. The shutdown follows the closure of Toyotas plant in Altona, Melbourne, on October 3, which destroyed 2,700 jobs. Ford terminated production at its Geelong and Broadmeadows plants in Victoria late last year, eliminating the remaining 600 jobs. The closures mark the end of the 70-year-old Australian car manufacturing and assembly industry. They are a milestone in a protracted offensive by transnational corporations, successive governments and the trade unions against the jobs, wages and conditions of the working class. The shutdowns will intensify the social crisis that already exists in working class areas, such as Elizabeth, where real unemployment is estimated at 33 percent. An entire generation of working class youth has been condemned to a future of poverty and hardship, without the prospect of full-time employment. The car industry closures are part of a broader onslaught against the working class. For that reason, it is critical that their lessons be drawn and the political forces responsible exposed, in order to prepare a counter-offensive by workers in every industry. The statements of Labor Party politicians and union officials are aimed at preventing this from taking place and covering up their own role in preparing and enforcing the shutdown of the car industry. Officials from the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU), which covers the sector, along with Labor premiers in Victoria and South Australia, have declared that the federal Liberal-National government alone is responsible for the closures because it ended multi-billion dollar subsidies to the car corporations, introduced by former Labor governments. In reality, Labors subsidies, backed by the unions, were nothing more than massive cash handouts to the car manufacturers, and came with provisos of stepped-up attacks on workers, including sweeping job cuts, which prepared the ground for the closures. This was a continuation of a decades-long process, whereby Labor and the unions spearheaded the pro-business overhaul of the car industry, in line with the demands of the corporate and financial elite. This drive began with the Button car plan, introduced by the federal Labor government of Bob Hawke in 1984. Named after Hawkes industry minister, John Button, the program was aimed at restructuring the nationally-regulated car industry in order to integrate it into the increasingly globalised production networks of the auto manufacturers. The unions, in line with their pro-business accords with the Hawke government and the major corporations, backed the Button plan and enforced the cuts it mandated. Over the ensuing years, the unions oversaw the smashing up of rank-and-file shop stewards committees, the victimisation of militant workers and thousands of sackings. Under Labor, Toyota shut its plants in Dandenong and Port Melbourne in 1991, destroying 700 jobs. Elsewhere, it introduced sweeping cuts to working conditions, including 12-hour shifts. Over the following years, Nissan ended production entirely, while Ford shut its Sydney plant. At the same time, the Labor government of Paul Keating, with the support of the unions, introduced an enterprise bargaining system. Rather than industry-wide awards, the legislation provided for industrial agreements at each workplace. This sought to atomise workers and create the conditions for continuous cutbacks at each workplace through union-brokered sellout deals. This process, continued by the Liberal-National government of John Howard, was again escalated by the Labor governments of Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd, especially in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, which triggered a new global offensive by the auto companies. During their years in office, Labor, working with the unions, oversaw the 2008 shuttering of Mitsubishis plant in Adelaide, over 1,500 job cuts at Holden, some 450 sackings at Toyota and around 1,000 at Ford. In all the recent closures, Labor and the unions have done everything they can to prevent the emergence of opposition from workers. The AMWU has sought to squeeze every last bit of profit out of workers. Just days before Toyotas Altona plant was shut, AMWU National Vehicle Division secretary Dave Smith bragged: This is the best performing Toyota plant in the world, for efficiency, for quality, right to the end. At Toyota and Holden, state Labor governments and the unions have promoted bogus company-funded retraining schemes, which they claim will mitigate the impact of the shutdowns. In reality, after decades of labour, workers are being thrown onto the scrapheap. According to the AMWU itself, only 50 percent of Ford workers sacked last year have found full-time employment. A 2006 study showed that only a third of workers laid off when Mitsubishi closed its Adelaide engine plant two years earlier found full-time work. Another third were under-employed and a third never found work again. Aside from the immediate job losses, estimates of flow-on sackings following the closure of the car industry have been as high as 200,000. In other words, the decades-long restructuring of the industry, and its ultimate closure, have created the conditions for a social catastrophe. The central role of Labor and the unions in this offensive underscores that both are anti-working class entities, which advance the interests of big business. The function of the unions as an arm of company management, demonstrated so graphically in the car industry, is replicated in every industry around the world. Everywhere, the unions are thoroughly corporatised entities, advancing the interests of a privileged union officialdom, which derives its wealth from the exploitation of the working class. The perfidy of individual union leaders is an expression of broader processes. In an earlier period, the trade unions sought to extract limited concessions from nationally-based employers and governments, in order to ensure the stability of the profit system which they have always defended. The globalisation of production, beginning in the late 1970s, shattered the objective basis for this program of national-reformism. Workers confront globally-mobile transnational entities, including the major car companies, which scour the world, looking for the cheapest production costs, and the highest rate of return for ultra-wealthy shareholders. Taking their nationalist and pro-capitalist program to its logical conclusion, the unions became open instruments of big business. The AMWU, like its counterparts in other industries, told car workers they had no choice but to accept sweeping cuts, to ensure that Australian car production was internationally competitive and prevent the industrys closure. The unions have enforced a race to the bottom without a finish line, involving the destruction of unprofitable sectors of the economy everywhere, and the reduction of the conditions of the working class to those that existed in the 1930s. At the same time, the unions have pitted workers against one another, through the promotion of nationalism, xenophobia, and claims that government tariffs and protectionist measures would defend jobs. This has been aimed at tying workers to the very corporations and governments prosecuting an offensive against them and denying the reality that workers in every country face the same fundamental issues and the same enemies. The car companies are carrying out mass sackings, continuous speed-ups and ever-greater exploitation across operations spanning the US, Europe and Asia. In the US alone, General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler are imposing tens of thousands of job cuts this year. This follows the 2009 introduction of a tiered wage system by the Obama administration, the major auto companies, and the United Auto Workers union, which halved pay for new-hires and imposed sweeping cuts to conditions. Amid a breakdown of the global capitalist system, the corporate elite, along with the unions and governments everywhere, is escalating its assault on the social rights of the working class. The deepening downturn of the Australian economy is being used to restructure entire industries, with sweeping job cuts in telecommunications, mining, construction and every area. Major corporations will use the closures of Toyota and Holden as a precedent for the shuttering of unprofitable sectors of the economy. The closure of the car industry demonstrates that to defend their jobs, conditions and wages, workers must break with Labor and the unions, and strike out on a new political path. New organisations of struggle, including rank-and-file factory committees, are required. The isolation imposed by the unions must be broken and a unified industrial and political fight-back launched by workers throughout entire industries, in Australia and internationally. Against the nationalism and corporatism of the unions, workers need an international perspective, aimed at unifying their struggles across vast global production and supply chains. The defence of every social right requires a frontal assault on the corporate oligarchy that dominates every aspect of social life on a world scale. Above all, what is required is a socialist perspective, aimed at establishing workers governments to begin the reorganisation of society in the interests of social need, not private profit. Socialist policies, including placing the massive corporations under public ownership and workers control, are the only way to establish basic social rightsto a decent, well-paid job, and access to the necessities of modern society, including high-quality free education and healthcare for all. Talks for forming a coalition government began in Berlin on Wednesday. The leadership of the conservative Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) met first with the Free Democrats (FDP) and then with the Greens. The FDP and Greens held their first meeting on Thursday. The first meeting of all parties will take place today. All participants praised the constructive atmosphere and expressed confidence about future progress of the formation of a Jamaica coalition, named after the colors of the parties involved. At the same time, they said that long and tough negotiations lie ahead. It is expected that the coalition talks will last at least until Christmas and possibly even into the New Year. During this period, the current government will remain in office and continue to conduct business, although it no longer has a parliamentary majority. Outgoing ministers, like Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble (CDU), who is switching to lead the parliament (Bundestag), or SPD ministers who resign early, cannot be replaced. Their ministries will be jointly run by other ministers. The governments ability to act is therefore restricted. The media has focused on potential points of agreement and issues in dispute among the participants in the talks. For example, the CDU/CSU want to restrict the number of refugees and asylum seekers to 200,000 per year, while the Greens oppose this. The Greens and FDP are demanding an immigration law, which has been rejected by the CDU/CSU. There are also differences on finance and tax policy. The FDP wants to substantially cut taxes and eliminate the solidarity payments introduced after reunification, which the Greens want to retain. The CSU sees itself as a defender of wealthy corporate inheritances. On policy towards Europe, the CSU and FDP oppose a common budget for the Euro Zone, as proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron, while the Greens and sections of the CDU are in favour of closer cooperation with Macron. In the areas of transport, energy, climate change and agricultural policy, there are also significant differences. However, these differences are secondary. Many are being intentionally exaggerated so they can be used later as bargaining chips in the negotiations. The truth is that the coalition talks will deal with fundamental questions that are barely being discussed in public. The basic outline of the incoming governments policies had already been decided when the polling stations closed their doors on September 24, because all parties, including the SPD and Left Party, are in agreement. Confronting deepening international tensions, especially with the United States and increasingly with China, explosive contradictions in the global financial system, and growing social inequality, Germanys ruling elite is striving once again to act politically and militarily as a world power and suppress all opposition. This was the content of the coalition talks four years ago, which took close to three months to completea new record. The coalition of the CDU/CSU and SPD was barely in office when it proclaimed the end of military restraint, backed the coup in Ukraine, sent German troops to the Russian border, Iraq and Mali, and adopted a programme of rearmament totalling 130 billion. At the same time, it continued the social cutbacks of previous governments, which led to a substantial rise in precarious work and poverty. These policies were extremely unpopular, as shown by the major loss of support for the governing parties at the election. The CDU/CSU and SPD lost a combined 14 percent of the vote. The right-wing extremist Alternative for Germany (AfD) profited from this in two senses. The right-wing, militarist propaganda prepared the ideological ground for the AfD, while the support for these anti-worker policies from the SPD and Left Party enabled the AfD to pose as opponents of the established parties. The ruling class considers it still too soon to bring the AfD into government. It fears that this would provoke bitter resistance. The ruling class is therefore seeking to find a new base for its right-wing policies among sections of the privileged middle class, which in the past oriented more to the Left Party or Greens. This is the significance of the Greens entry into government with the conservatives and FDP. The Greens have been cooperating with these parties for some time at the state level: in Baden-Wurttemberg where a Green member is minister president, in Hesse where they are in coalition with the CDU, in Rhineland-Palatinate where they are part of a traffic light coalition with the SPD and FDP, in Saxony-Anhalt in an alliance with the CDU and SPD, and in Schleswig-Holstein in a Jamaica coalition. But at the federal level, which is responsible for foreign policy, the military, and domestic security, such a coalition is a first. The Greens first entered the federal government in 1998 in alliance with the SPD. The former pacifists were required to overcome the deep-rooted popular opposition to foreign military interventions and to impose in the form of the Agenda 2010 the largest social counterrevolution in postwar Germany. When the Greens left government seven years later, foreign military interventions had become routine and the social achievements of the postwar era were largely destroyed. Joschka Fischer, the Green foreign minister at that time, has now spoken out in an opinion piece for the Suddeutsche Zeitung. In it, he denounced the Catalan nationalists, who have been violently suppressed by the Spanish government, and described Catalonias independence referendum as unlawful and a disaster for the European Union. It would be an utter historical absurdity, wrote Fischer, if the member states of the European Union would enter a phase of secession and disintegration in the 21st century, whenconfronted with the new major global powersChina, India, the US, etc.Europeans will need more solidarity and integration for their common future. The meaning of this statement is unmistakable: Fischer, who as Foreign Minister backed the separatists in Kosovo militarily, is attacking the Catalan nationalists because they are standing in the way of the EUs expansion into a major military power capable of competing with China, India, the US, etc. His friend and mentor, the Green Daniel Cohn-Bendit, recently made a joint appearance at the Frankfurt Book Fair with French President Macron, who is pursuing the same goal, while in France he is making the state of emergency permanent and destroying the social achievements secured by the working class. There can be no doubt that as part of a CDU/CSU/FDP/Green coalition, the Greens will deal with social opposition and antimilitarist sentiments no less ruthlessly in Germany than the government in Madrid is dealing with the Catalan separatists. The leading figures in the Greens are determined to take this course. Now, they must, as Die Zeit smugly put it, convince their left-wing base that in spite of all concessions, it is worth forming a coalition with the former archenemies. They are attempting to do this with all their might. Federal Affairs leader Michael Keller praised the talks with the CDU/CSU, saying that they were constructive and thus far overlapping factions. And Cem Ozdemir, who is striving to secure the post of foreign minister in the Jamaica coalition, told the Passauer Neue Presse, All parties should abandon the high ground so we can negotiate reasonably eye-to-eye. With an FDP finance minister, a Jamaica coalition would intensify austerity policies across Europe. And with a Green foreign minister, it would press ahead with the militarisation of the European Union. On domestic and refugee policy, all parties are effectively adopting the AfDs programme. For their part, the SPD and Left Party are preparing to maintain control of and suppress any unrest from the left while in opposition. Nonetheless, it remains unclear whether a Jamaica coalition will be established. The main obstacle is not the Greens, who are prepared to make any concession, but rather the conflicts within the CDU and CSU. Party leaders Angela Merkel and Horst Seehofer are coming under increasing pressure. Following the electoral success of the CDU/CSU's Austrian sister party, the OVP, on an anti-immigrant program, the number of politicians calling for opening up to cooperation with the AfD is growing. In a sweeping expansion of its moves to censor the Internet, Google has removed leading left-wing websites and journalists from its popular news aggregation platform, Google News. At the time of publication, a search for World Socialist Web Site on news.google.com does not return a single article published on the WSWS. A search for the exact title of any of the articles published during that period likewise returns no results. Over the past seven days, news.google.com has referred only 53 people to the World Socialist Web Site, a 92 percent decline from the weekly average of over 650 during the past year. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Chris Hedges informed the WSWS Wednesday that his articles had ceased appearing on Google News. Hedges said the change occurred after the publication of his interview with the World Socialist Web Site in which he spoke out against Googles censorship of left-wing sites. Sometime after I gave that interview, they blacklisted me, said Hedges. If you go into Google News and type my name, there are six stories, none of which have anything to do with me. I write constantly. Previously, Google News listed my columns for Truthdig and my contributions to Common Dreams and Alternet, as well as references to my books, Hedges said. But now its all gone. And Im certain its because I spoke out against the Google censorship. Google appears to have kept an older version of its news aggregator available online, accessible by visiting google.com and clicking the news link below the search bar. That version of the news aggregator, which appears to be in the process of being phased out, lists 254,000 results for the search World Socialist Web Site. A similar search returns 89,600 entries for Chris Hedges. The changes to Google News mark a new stage in a systematic campaign of censorship and blacklisting that has been underway at least since April, when Ben Gomes, the companys VP of engineering, said Google was seeking to promote authoritative news outlets over alternative news sources. Since then, thirteen leading left-wing web sites have had their search traffic from Google collapse by 55 percent, with the World Socialist Web Site having had its search traffic plunge by 74 percent. Just speaking as a journalist, its terrifying, Hedges said. Those people who still try and do journalism, theyre the ones getting hit; especially those journalists that attempt to grapple with issues of power and the corporate state. This shows not only how bankrupt the state is, but how frightened it is, Hedges said. Google is developing ever more intensive methods of targeting, aimed at blocking any dissenting critical voices, said David North, the chairperson of the International Editorial Board of the World Socialist Web Site. This is an unprecedented attack on free speech. In the history of the United States, censorship on this scale has never been imposed outside of wartime, he added, pointing to the blocking of Trotskyist publications during World War II. Hedges noted the precedent of political repression during World War I. In the name of national security, for the duration of the war they shut down The Masses, a left-wing, antiwar journal. The intensification of Googles crackdown on left-wing sites takes place against the backdrop of a sharp acceleration of the anti-Russian campaign led by congressional Democrats, together with sections of the Republican Party, the US intelligence agencies and leading news outlets. On Thursday, Democratic Party senators Mark Warner and Amy Klobuchar introduced the first piece of legislation to come out of the campaign surrounding the claim that Russia sought to meddle in the 2016 election by sowing divisions within American society, an unproven conspiracy theory aimed at creating a justification for Internet censorship. A summary of the bill obtained by Axios stated that it requires online platforms to make reasonable efforts to ensure that foreign individuals and entities are not purchasing political advertisements in order to influence the American electorate, and to maintain a database of political advertisements supposedly bought by foreigners. In his remarks announcing the bill, Warner made clear that his aim was to use it as the starting point for more aggressive restrictions on free speech on the Internet. What we want to try to do is start with a light touch, Warner said. Commenting on the step-by-step nature of the censorship regime being created in the United States, Hedges said, If you look at any totalitarian system, their assault on the press is incremental. So even in Nazi Germany, when Hitler took power, he would ban the Social Democrats publications for a week and then let them get back up. He wouldnt go in and shut it all down at once. Google is involved in an out-and-out political conspiracy, in coordination with the government, North said. A secret censorship program has been created that is directed against opponents of American foreign policy. This is an illegal assault on constitutionally protected rights. Hedges added, I can tell you from having lived in and covered despotic regimes, I think weve got to ring all of the alarm bells while we still have the chance, because theyre not going to stop. Making tower blocks safe for thousands of people in the wake of the Grenfell Tower inferno will cost 405 million in London, according to a report published by the Local Government Chronicle (LGC). The report, based on a survey of Londons councils, estimates the cost of remedial work such as installing sprinklers and removing flammable cladding. Only 53 million of this is to be spent over the next two years. The 405 million is a highly conservative estimate, given that London has 32 boroughs and just 21 of those answered the survey. The real total in London is likely to be around 1 billion. A briefing to Members of Parliament obtained by the LGC shows that, in just six boroughs, the estimated cost of installing sprinklers across 265 blocks was 113 million. This is an average cost per block of around 426,000. However, this varies considerably with the cost of each block depending on the age and its condition from 188,000 to 615,000 at individual borough level. It notes, One borough provided a sprinkler installation estimate of 2m for communal areas, but suggested that this could rise to 4.7-5.6 million if sprinklers were also installed in individual properties. The Conservative government, after promising funding would be available to councils for remedial work, has washed its hands of any responsibility in the few months since the Grenfell fire. The callous disregard of the ruling elite was displayed by government Communities Secretary Sajid Javid, who recently announced the government would not provide any funding to councils carrying out fire safety improvement works to tower blocks. Thousands of buildings nationally are fire hazards, with many, in the private and public sector, having the same or similar flammable cladding to Grenfell, which allowed a small fire in one flat to spread and engulf the entire 24-story building. Instead, the government is forcing local authorities to finance remedial works through flexibilities to increase the borrowing cap of their housing revenue accounts or using money from their general funds. If councils cannot find the money, the urgent work will not be done. Brent Council and Croydon Council, both in London, started a 10 million fire safety programme, including retrofitting sprinklers. Both wrote to the government for financial assistance, but were told by Javid they would not be given any as the blocks met current fire safety regulations! Even after Grenfell the governments austerity agenda, in which council spending budgets have been slashed to the bone, has not changed. Javid instructed councils to liaise with their local fire service to determine what essential works are needed. In addition to the amount to be spent on sprinklers, the London councils briefing said remedial work to cladding systems on 38 blocks across 12 boroughs was expected to cost 53 million. This implies an aggregate cost per block of 1.4 million and, at an individual borough level, the implied cost per block ranges from 385,000 to 3.3 million, the document said. A further 90 million has been earmarked for upgrading fire doors, electrics and emergency lighting, among other remedial works. The lack of such basic safety standards for thousands of people who live in unsafe death traps is a national scandal. It reveals the extent to which regulations have been destroyed over the last three decades in an orgy of deregulation, cost-cutting and profiteering. Tenants, including the poorest, will be forced to pick up the bill for putting basic safety precautions in place. To pay for such improvements, the government has announced a return to the policy of increasing social rents by the Consumer Price Index+1 percent from 2020. Extrapolating the Local Government Chronicles figures for the rest of the UK, the cost of ensuring the safety of millions of people who live in unsafe and dilapidated housing conditions runs into the tens of billions of pounds. Yet not a single coordinated measure has been carried out by the government to protect the population from another catastrophe on the scale of Grenfell. Local authorities are making decisions on an ad hoc basis. South Tyneside Council in northeast England has confirmed they will be installing sprinkler systems. Pressure from residents following Grenfell led to the council agreeing to spend an estimated 1.4 million. However, there is no consistency across the borough with Gentooa housing association that took over Sunderland City Councils housing stock and owns and manages more than 29,000 homessaying they will fit them, but only as part of future upgrades and not as an immediate roll-out. Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council have signalled they will retro-fit sprinklers, but have yet to make any firm commitments. Information continues to surface about the enormous risk to public safety posed by buildings suspected of containing cladding made of flammable aluminum composite material (ACM). Dozens of Scottish buildings, 38 in total, are undergoing inspections amid fears of their containing flammable material, including in their insulation. All the buildings concerned are owned by economic development agency Scottish Enterprise and Lomond Shores in Balloch, Conference House in Edinburgh, Fife Energy Park, and the Alba Innovation Centre in Livingston. Buildings in East Kilbride, Stirling, Livingston, Larbert and Gourock are also under survey. ACM was also found to have been used at hospitals in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Numerous large scale fires have taken place nationwide since Grenfell, with the latest endangering the lives of hundreds of students in Manchester. Students were forced to flee a 17-storey accommodation block in the city centre after a fire broke out in a ground floor storeroom Monday evening. Videos posted on social media showed students fleeing the building in terror. 25 firefighters with an aerial platform were required to deal with the blaze. The building can accommodate 729 students. A number of students said they had not heard fire alarms sound. One told the BBC, The parkway accommodation is in three blocks in a triangle. The fire was in our block, but no students I spoke to heard a fire alarm. However, the alarms seemed to have gone off in the other blocks, which is a bit odd. Another student told the Manchester Evening News, As I got to the bottom of the building there was thick smoke. I got to the front door, the side of the storage area is next to it. You had to run out past it and turn left. Luke McAvoy explained, We were on the 12th floor in the kitchen, and one of our flatmates came in saying loads of people are at their windows over the road. They started waving at us but we had no idea what was going on. There was no alarm and I couldnt smell the smoke either, but when we got to the stairs it was really smoky. Hundreds of similar blocks designed for student accommodation are located in every town and city in the UK. *** Attend meeting of Grenfell Fire Forum in London on Saturday October 21 The Grenfell Fire Forum is holding the second in a series of regular meetings on the Grenfell fire on October 21 at the Maxilla Hall Social Club, North Kensington, London. The first meeting of the Forum, established by the Socialist Equality Party, was held on September 30 and discussed the opening of the Grenfell Tower Fire inquiry and the way forward in opposing the governments cover-up and establishing the truth about the fire and those responsible. The SEP has warned that the inquiry is a fraudaimed at covering up for those responsible for the economic, social and political decisions that led to at least 80 deaths. We will dissect the inquiry and expose its lies and evasions. This work of political exposure is an essential part of mobilising workers and youth independently of the political establishment to secure genuine justice for all those affected. All are welcome to this democratic discussion forum. Grenfell Fire Forum Saturday October 21, 12 noon Maxilla Hall Social Club 2 Maxilla Walk, North Kensington London, W10 6SW The American Jewish Historical Society (AJHS) asserts that its current exhibition, 1917, is the first to demonstrate how three key events of that yearAmericas entry into World War I, the Bolshevik Revolution, and the signing of the Balfour Declaration, in which Great Britain indicated support for a Jewish homeland in Palestinebrought about political, cultural and social changes that dramatically reshaped the United States role in the world and directly affected everyday Americans. An ambitious goal, and the exhibition, on view in New York City through the end of this year, undoubtedly contains food for thought. Its collection of photographs, correspondence, books, leaflets and other memorabilia deals with seminal events of that year. It is not successful, however, in explaining either what these three events have in common other than the year of their occurrence, or how they shaped the world of the twenty-first century. At one point the show declares, referring specifically to the Jewish population throughout the world: From 1917s sweeping changes three new options emergedAmerican freedom, Communisms abolition of all human differences, and Jewish nationalism. Which offered the best future? The question is falsely posed. The options of capitalism or socialism, nationalism or internationalism, are not products to be chosen as in a supermarket. What is needed is an analysis of how the different movements and societies arose, what class forces were involved, and how the actual struggle of opposing forces created the contemporary world and the life-and-death challenges confronting humanity today. Of course, one exhibition cannot be expected to provide these answers. The presentation in the AJHS, however, is an unbalanced and inaccurate one. It is clear where the views and sympathies of the organizers of the exhibit lie. American freedom and Jewish nationalism, while depicted as different, are both positive alternatives. Communism, on the other hand, is falsely defined as the abolition of all human differences. This claim is a common and vulgar complaint lodged against the struggle for socialism. In fact, the opposite is the case. A classless society would be one in which every individual human being is able to develop to the fullest and therefore most different extent. Perhaps because its own archives are less voluminous on the subject, the AJHS exhibition devotes less space to the Russian Revolution than to either of the other two historic events of 1917. The October Revolution, however, was not simply one event among others. It was the most earth-shaking event of the past century. It shaped the development of the working-class movement. The existence of the Soviet Union, despite the enormous degeneration of the revolution, played a crucial role in the struggle for social reforms within the framework of capitalism, and the specter of socialism continues to haunt contemporary capitalism, even though the Soviet Union was dissolved more than a quarter of a century ago. The exhibit correctly points out the role of the imperialist slaughter in leading to the revolutionary events of Russia in 1917. It includes a famous photograph of Leon Trotsky addressing Red Army soldiers, and a copy of John Reeds renowned Ten Days That Shook the World, the revolutionary American journalists account of the coming to power of the Russian working class. Also on display is the letter that Trotsky wrote to US Ambassador David Francis several weeks after the revolution. The American diplomat was instructed by his superiors to make no reply. Instead, the US, together with other imperialist armies of intervention, attempted to isolate and overthrow the Bolshevik regime. Here as elsewhere, the exhibit whitewashes the role of US President Woodrow Wilson, claiming that he reluctantly agreed only to a limited intervention in the Far East. The USSR was not recognized by Washington until 1933. The exhibition manifests its anticommunist prejudices by using the term coup in each reference to the October Revolution, when in reality the Bolsheviks came to power with majority support in the Soviets and at the head of hundreds of thousands of workers in Petrograd and Moscow, with the sympathy and growing support of millions of peasants in the countryside. The exhibitions brief display provides no sense of the enormous sweep of this revolutionary struggle. Underlying this approach is the slander that Bolshevism was identical to or led inevitably to the later Stalinist degeneration of the revolution. Trotsky is referred to as an architect of the Bolshevik coup. Instead of even mentioning, let alone explaining, Trotskys long struggle against the degeneration of the revolution and the crimes of the Stalinist bureaucracy, this section states simply that he lost the struggle for succession to Joseph Stalin, who deported his rival. Having thus suggested that these were simply two Communist strongmen vying for dictatorial power, the exhibition goes on to explain that Trotsky was assassinated while living in Mexico, with no reference to the wave of brutal murders of revolutionaries carried out by Stalins secret police, or to the infamous Moscow Trials. The AJHS exhibition proceeds from what might be termed sins of omission to outright falsification in the caption to one particular photo, of the Kiev pogrom of 1919, carried out by counterrevolutionary White troops during the Civil War. The caption declares that anti-Semitic pogroms, which killed between 50,000 and 200,000 Jews during the four-year-long war, were carried out by both sides. In fact, research has proven that only about 6 percent of the pogroms were carried out by undisciplined Red Army supporters during this period, and the Bolshevik government, while fighting for its life, mercilessly fought anti-Semitism and ruthlessly punished those responsible. The real role of the Bolshevik forces in fighting anti-Semitism is reflected in the fact that the Revolution won the enthusiastic support of literally millions of Jews, both in Russia and the US. That section of the show dealing with the period after US entry into the War in April 1917 contains some useful information and statistics. The Jewish population of the US, in the wake of decades of mass emigration from Eastern Europe, had grown to about 3.3 million. There were 250,000 Jews in the US armed forces, out of a total of 4.8 million after the institution of the draft. The wealthy Jewish bourgeoisie, at this point mostly of German-Jewish ancestry, lined up behind the US war effort. Multimillionaires such as Louis Marshall, Jacob Schiff and Henry Morgenthau worked closely with the Wilson administration, whom the exhibition presents as having been unwillingly dragged into the bloodbath in Europe. The American Jewish Historical Society show generally minimizes the strong and growing opposition to the war among native-born and especially immigrant Jews in the US. It does show Eugene Debs, Socialist Party candidate who received almost 1 million votes in both 1912 and 1920, at his famous speech in opposition to the war in Canton, Ohio, in June 1918, after which he was arrested and sent to prison under the Espionage Act. The section of the exhibition dealing with the Balfour Declaration of November 2, 1917, does not pretend to present a thorough history of Zionism and of American Zionism in particular. It does acknowledge, however, that one aim of the British authorities at this time was to increase Jewish support for the war, which was already in its fourth bloody year and would not end until the Armistice of November 11, 1918. There is also a noteworthy reference to the Sykes-Picot Agreement, the notorious secret deal of 1916 through which British and French imperialism agreed in outline to a division of the Ottoman Empire into their own spheres of influence after the war. This secret treaty was among those made public by the Bolshevik government in the weeks following the victorious seizure of power. Also of interest is a brief discussion of the differences within the upper circles of American Jewry on the question of Zionism. Jacob Schiff, the German-born banker and businessman who was already 70 years old at the time of US entry into the war, distrusted the Zionist movement in part because the majority of those emigrating to Palestine in those early years were considered dangerous socialists and left-wing radicals. The exhibition notes that Winston Churchill also sought to limit Jewish immigration because of a fear of Communism. In briefly tracing the growth of Zionism in the years immediately after the Balfour Declaration, the show includes a significant quotation from the Jamaican-born black nationalist Marcus Garvey, whose United Negro Improvement Association became popular for a period in the 1920s, in which he compared his back-to-Africa campaign with that of the Zionists. The exhibition concludes with the statement that Nationalism, isolationism and xenophobia are as much a part of the American conversation in 2017 as they were in 1917. The topics that this exhibition examinesremain in many ways unchanged. This is weak and unhelpful. Time has not stood still. If some of the questions examined by the exhibition are still with us, thats fundamentally because the capitalist system, which breeds, for example, nationalism, isolationism and xenophobia, is still with us. In any event, the various topicsremain in a very different world and under very different conditions. The titanic, traumatic events of the twentieth century have not left society or humanity unchanged. A superficial look at the world a century after 1917 shows the state of Israel preparing to celebrate its 70th anniversary next year, American capitalism having produced billionaires on a scale that could not have been imagined a century ago, and the Soviet Union, the state that issued from the 1917 revolution, no longer in existence. Of the three options referred to by the exhibition, that of socialism has officially been declared dead. In fact, Zionism has led to a blind alley for the Jewish people, producing a pariah state in which the most reactionary and racist forces have steadily and inevitably come to the fore, under conditions of the unending oppression of the Palestinian people. Rather than putting an end to anti-Semitism, Zionism has been shown to lead to new and escalating threats to a peaceful future. Growing numbers of American Jews refuse to identify themselves with the Israeli claim to represent the Jewish people. American capitalism, which emerged from the First World War as the dominant imperialist power, has experienced precipitous economic and social decline, a decline it has attempted to address through military aggression and uninterrupted war over the past quarter-century. The threat of world war is greater now than at any time since the end of the second world imperialist conflict in 1945. Donald Trump is not the cause, but rather the dangerous symptom of this crisis, which now threatens the world with war between nuclear-armed powers. Within this context, the promise of socialism, based on the revolutionary role of the working class, is attracting growing interest among workers and young people. It remains the only progressive alternative in a world in which the contradictions between the global economy and the barriers of the nation-state system are greater and more explosive than ever before. Capitalism broke at its weakest link in 1917, and the first successful socialist revolution was strangled by imperialism and its main agency, the counterrevolutionary Stalinist bureaucracy. This was not the end of socialism, however, but only the beginning of a struggle that is now reaching the point in which the alternatives of socialism or barbarism are posed more starkly than ever. Despite its serious limitations, even the very limited material presented in the AJHS exhibition offers some idea of how twentieth century history lives today, and the true legacy of the Russian Revolution. To the extent that this exhibition provokes serious examination of these issues, it is well worth seeing. The author also recommends: Anti-Semitism and the Russian RevolutionThree-part series [29 April 2014] A crude attempt to equate anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism [22 December 2003] Winston Peters, the leader of the right-wing, anti-immigrant New Zealand First, announced yesterday evening he will form a coalition government with the Labour Party. With the support of the Greens as well, Jacinda Ardern, the 37-year-old recently installed Labour leader, is the countrys new prime minister, ending more than eight years of rule by the conservative National Party. The decision came 26 days after the September 23 election. Neither National nor Labour won sufficient seats to form a government in their own right. Both parties held weeks of secret negotiations to try and reach a deal with NZ First, which received barely 7 percent of the vote and nine seats. Peters announcement was repeatedly delayed until his deal with Labour was signed off by NZ Firsts unelected 14-member governing board. The protracted and thoroughly anti-democratic process has generated considerable popular disgust and hostility. The votes of millions of people have been treated with contempt and the government formed through sordid machinations, behind-closed doors. Ultimately, the election was decided by two factors. First, the insistence by the United States that New Zealand join with Australia and fully align with the US-led drive to shatter Chinese geopolitical influence in the Asia-Pacific. Second, the turn to Labour is the outcome of the immense fear in ruling circles of the mounting working class anger over social inequality. Explaining NZ Firsts decision, Peters delivered an extraordinary warning to the ruling elites, both in New Zealand and internationally, of the danger of an anti-capitalist movement developing in the working class after decades of attacks on living standards and deepening economic turmoil. He told a press conference: Far too many New Zealanders have come to view todays capitalism, not as their friend, but as their foe. And they are not all wrong. That is why we believe that capitalism must regain its responsible, its human face. Peters said the negotiations had taken place against a backdrop of changing international and internal economic circumstances which we cannot ignore. He warned that an economic correction, or a slowdown, is looming, and that the first signs are already here, including a slowdown in the housing marketone of the most over-inflated in the worldand reduced consumer spending. Peters asserted that poverty and inequality had been the biggest issue influencing NZ Firsts decision to form a government with Labour rather than National. In her brief remarks to the media, Jacinda Ardern declared her government would provide more housing and address issues like child poverty. In fact, Labours assigned role is to use pseudo-populist rhetoric to forestallhowever temporarilyan eruption of opposition in the working class, while fully committing New Zealand to a militarist pro-US and anti-China foreign policy. Ardern announced she will travel to Australia for talks with the countrys right-wing conservative governmentone of the most bellicose adjuncts of Washingtonas soon as I am able. Peters has been labelled by the media as the King-maker. A far more accurate description is that he has served as the puppet of sections of big business, the New Zealand military and intelligence apparatus and, above all, US and Australian imperialism. On the eve of the election, the US government-funded Wilson Center in Washington published a report accusing the National government of being soft on China, and insinuating that many of its leaders, including former prime minister John Key and outgoing prime minister Bill English, had been bought off by the Beijing regime. The author of the report said she was inspired by the investigations being carried out by Australian intelligence agencies into purported Chinese influence over that countrys political establishment. US ambassador Scott Brown openly intervened into the sordid talks between Peters and the major parties. In three media interviews, he outlined Washingtons expectation that the next government would back US preparations for war with North Korea. Brown defended Trumps threats to totally destroy North Korea and criticised English for saying Trumps statements were not helpful. Labour supporters in the trade unions and the media have spearheaded the promotion of anti-Chinese xenophobia and denunciations of the National Party as stooges of Beijing. In the latest example, prominent pro-Labour Party columnist Chris Trotter wrote yesterday on the trade union-funded Daily Blog that Peters had to choose Labour to prevent New Zealand from becoming an economic, political and cultural colony of the Peoples Republic of China. At the core of the Labour-NZ First policy agreements is a commitment to slash immigrationparticularly targeting Chinese immigrantsand introduce anti-foreign ownership rules that will be directed primarily at Chinese investors. In exchange for its support, Labour will give NZ First four ministries in the cabinet. Peters has been offered the post of deputy prime minister. While Labour and the Green Party campaigned on a joint ticket, the Greens were sidelined throughout the negotiations. Peters bluntly refused to deal with them, even though they hold eight seats and are essential to providing the incoming government with a parliamentary majority. The Greens nevertheless announced they will support the new right-wing regime. They negotiated a separate confidence and supply agreement with Labour and will be given three ministerial positions outside cabinet. Ardern now becomes New Zealands youngest prime minister in the modern era. She was installed as leader barely two months before the election, in a desperate bid to revive illusions in Labour. Labours support collapsed in the previous three elections and it received its worst result in 92 years in 2014. It was rightly viewed in the working class as no different to National. Its vote recovered in this years election to 36.9 percent, as a result of a frantic campaign by sections of the corporate media, the trade unions and pseudo-left groups, to portray Ardern as a progressive due to her promises to lower university fees and improve public housing. The change of government, however, will not result in any let-up in the assault on living conditions. Labour will act no differently than the pseudo-left Syriza government in Greece, which was elected in 2015 on the basis of its promises to reverse austerity measures. In order to save capitalism, Syriza repudiated its election rhetoric and imposed even more brutal attacks on workers living standards. The NZ Labour Party is a pro-capitalist party of big business and militarism. It will seek to make the working class pay for ramped-up military spending and worsening economic conditions with further spending cuts. Its election pledges to reduce homelessness and poverty will be discarded as unaffordable. The new governments right-wing agenda will inevitably provoke mass opposition, which will have an anti-capitalist character. To prepare for the struggles ahead, the working class must have its own party, fighting for socialism and internationalism against every wing of the political establishment, including the pseudo-left apologists of Labour and the trade unions. We urge workers and young people to attend the Socialist Equality Groups public meeting to discuss these vital issues, on Sunday, October 29, at 1:15pm, at Toi Poneke Arts Centre, 61/69 Abel Smith Street, Wellington. The Spanish governments declaration yesterday that it plans to invoke Article 155 of the Spanish constitution tomorrow, suspending Catalan regional autonomy, is a political watershed and an urgent warning to workers not only in Spain, but across Europe and internationally. In a major Western European country, and with the support of the European Union and Washington, the ruling class is announcing plans for a turn to authoritarian rule. In invoking Article 155, Madrid would be suspending an elected Catalan government for the first time since 1978 and the end of the fascist Spanish regime created by Francisco Franco during the 1936-1939 Spanish Civil War. It would then forcibly impose another regional administration, backed by deployments of Spanish police and armored infantry units. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy gave a deadline of yesterday at 10 a.m. for the Catalan regional premier, Carles Puigdemont, to state whether Catalonia had declared independence after the yes vote in the October 1 Catalan referendum. Without explicitly replying no, which could lead his own government to collapse, Puigdemont made clear he had not declared independence in his October 10 speech to the Catalan parliament. He appealed for talks with Madrid: I proposed to suspend the effects of the popular vote. I did this to create favorable conditions for dialogue. However, he warned, If the Spanish government persists in blocking dialogue and using repression, the Catalan parliament may, if it is opportune, vote the formal declaration of independence that it did not vote on October 10. Rajoy thrust this reply aside, issuing a brief communique declaring that Puigdemont had failed to give the clear reply demanded of him. In consequence, the communique stated, the Spanish government will continue with filings under Article 155 of the Constitution to restore legality in the Catalan region. It said Spain's council of ministers would meet Saturday to work out measures to be approved by the Spanish Senate, which must vote to authorize the invocation of Article 155. The turn towards military-police rule in Spain is an indictment not only of the Spanish ruling elite, but of the entire European Union. Arriving last night for the two-day EU summit in Brussels, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron explicitly backed Madrids attacks on democratic rights. We support the Spanish governments position, declared Merkel, while Macron promised that the EU summit would issue a message of unity around Spain. After a savage police assault on peaceful voters on October 1 sent over 800 people to the hospital, Madrid shut down Catalan nationalist web sites, discussed banning Catalan nationalist parties and arrested two Catalan nationalist politicians, Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, provoking protests by hundreds of thousands in Barcelona. Madrid is also discussing implementing Article 116 of the Constitution, which would set up a state of emergency across Spain, suspending constitutional rights to trial, to strike, to privacy and to freedom of movement, thought and expression. Backed by Berlin and Paris, the ruling Partido Popular (PP) is working with the support of the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) and the Citizens Party to implement the turn to dictatorship, while flaunting its own roots in Francos regime. Having called protests for Spanish national unity attended by Franco's Falange organization, a spokesman for the Rajoy government issued a death threat to Puigdemont, boasting that he could end up like 1930s-era Catalan Premier Lluis Companys, who was shot by the Franco regime in 1940. Madrid and the EU are seizing on the Catalan crisis to implement police state measures that are being universally prepared against the population. Across Europe and America, governments of all stripes are demanding Internet censorship while carrying out mass electronic spying and deploying the army or militarized police units for domestic repression. The events in Spain are the clearest indication that such methods can and will be turned against mass political opposition, such as the peaceful mobilization of broad sections of the Catalan population to vote in the October 1 referendum. The events in Spain are rooted in the extreme crisis of the capitalist system, internationally and in Europe. They are the outcome of a quarter-century of escalating imperialist war, economic crisis and capitalist austerity. As Trump threatens to obliterate North Korea, endless US-led wars are escalating into standoffs with Russia and China, threatening world war and driving the dominant sections of the European bourgeoisie to desperately develop the EU as an independent military bloc with an EU army. The main target of the military buildup is the working class. Since the 2008 Wall Street crash, EU austerity, rising social inequality and mass unemployment of tens of millions across Europe have led to explosive levels of social anger. The EUs Generation What poll found this year that over half of European youth would join a large-scale uprisingover 60 percent in Greece, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Britain, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania. Leading European politicians are making clear that, in this context, they see the Catalan referendum as an intolerable threat to European imperialisms military-political standing. After EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker warned that Catalan secession could lead to a domino effect and an EU that in 15 years consisted of 98 states, German Green politician Joschka Fischer returned to the issue in a column titled Europes Attackers from Within. Fischer stressed that he thought Catalan secessionism would prevent European imperialism from challenging global rivals in the US and Asia that equal or surpass the EU as a whole in size. He wrote, It would be historically absurd for the EUs member states to enter a phase of secession and disintegration in the twenty-first century. The sheer size of other global playersnot least China, India, and the United Stateshas only made strong intercommunity relations and deeper European integration even more necessary. Workers must be warned: the EU will not intervene to help persuade the PP government to uphold democratic rightsas the Podemos party is suggesting in an attempt to lull the working class to sleep. Based on its imperialist calculations, the EU is lining up behind Rajoys drive to re-legitimize the heritage of Francoism and turn to dictatorship. The turn is to the working class in both Catalonia and the rest of Spain, across Europe and internationally, where there is deep, historically rooted opposition to authoritarian rule, war and austerity. However, this objective opposition must be mobilized in a conscious, united political struggle for socialism, the coming to power of the working class in countries across Europe and the building of the United Socialist States of Europe. The critical question is the independent political mobilization of the working class. Workers must be warned that the pro-independence faction of the Catalan capitalist class around Puigdemont is seeking a deal with the EU and is hostile to the workers. A socialist movement must be built independently of all sections of the Spanish and Catalan bourgeoisie. The working class, however, must categorically oppose the bloody crackdown on Catalonia that Madrid is preparing. The unity of the European working class mobilized on a socialist and internationalist perspective can be built only in struggle against Rajoys attempt to defend Spains territorial integrity through force of arms. The watchword of class-conscious workers in Europe will be: No to dictatorship and military rule in Spain! Spanish troops out of Catalonia! For the United Socialist States of Europe! The estimated death toll in Puerto Rico from Hurricane Maria, which slammed into the island on September 20, is far higher than previously stated, according to an investigation by Vox. As many as 450 people have died on the US territory, nearly ten times the official figure of 48. We knew from reports on the ground, and investigative journalists whove also been looking into this, that this [the official figure] was very likely way too low of a number, Eliza Barclay, an editor at Vox, told USA Today in a report published yesterday. On Thursday, only a few days after the initial Vox report on the death toll, US President Donald Trump met with Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo Rosello in Washington. He rated the response of the administration to the catastrophe a 10 out of 10. The comment demonstrated the contempt that the ruling elite has for the masses of workers on Puerto Rico, 80 percent of whom are still without power and will be for months. Rossello joined in with the congratulations, though he did admit that a lot still has to be done. Trump again made clear that federal assistance will be minimal. The administration is helping a lot and it is costing a lot of money, he claimed, but at some point, FEMA has to leave, first responders have to leave and the people have to take over. Voxs estimate of the death toll includes those recorded in the official figure; 36 deaths reported by local news outlets; an NPR report of an additional 49 bodies sent to hospital morgues; and another 50 casualties in one region, reported in the Los Angeles Times. It also took into account reports from the Puerto Rican Center for Investigative Reporting of 69 morgues at full capacity, and a report from San Juans El Vocero of another 350 bodies awaiting autopsies at the Institute of Forensic Sciences. On the one-month anniversary of Hurricane Maria, it is hard to imagine how things could be worse. The electrical blackout over most of the island is the longest in the history of the US. Forty percent of Puerto Ricans lack potable water, and thousands are forced to use water from wells contaminated with pollutants and sewage. Earlier this week, the mayor of Canovanas reported that several people in the city had died of Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by polluted floodwaters. Dozens are dead from the disease throughout the country. A few days before the scheduled reopening of Puerto Rican public schools, parents are being told to provide extra food and bottled water for their children. Children with conjunctivitis, a symptom of Leptospirosis, have been told to stay home. Julia Keleher, Puerto Ricos education secretary, is calling on authorities to install or repair water fountains for students. The San Juan Star reports that Keleher has denounced government agencies for not giving her reports on the conditions of the schools after the hurricane, and for the fact that virtually all 1,100 Puerto Rican public schools remain littered with debris left over by the hurricanea major element in the Leptospirosis threat. When did the hurricane happen? How many days have passed? When are we resuming classes? At what schools is there still debris? declared the secretary. Despite the increasing threat of Leptospirosis, schools will reopen Monday. The debris does not make it impossible to resume classes, but it should not be happening, said Keleher, because the debris can bring other problems, such as Leptospirosis. Many teachers have had to carry out cleanup operations at schools themselves, due to the lack of coordinated reconstruction. On Tuesday Eli Diaz, the executive director of the Puerto Rican Water and Sewer Authority, declared that water service would continue to be intermittent until the electric grid, on which much of the water system depends, is fully restored. Thirty-four percent of households still are still totally without water. Even those that have water report that it often appears grayish-brown coming out of their faucets. Diaz has said that this is due to the clogging of water intakes from debris left behind by the hurricane. As of last Tuesday, less than eighteen percent of households had electric service. The Puerto Rico blackout has now lasted longer than any blackout on the US mainland. The hurricane caused an estimated $85 billion in damage in a country that is reeling from recession and faces the relentless demands of Wall Street creditors for more austerity and cuts in infrastructure and social programs to pay back their loans. Retired General John Kelly, the White House chief of staff, made an extraordinary intervention into the political firestorm over President Donald Trumps crude and lying comments about the official treatment of military casualties in his and previous administrations. Kelly took the podium Thursday afternoon in the White House press briefing room, using his status as a former combat commander and the father of a soldier killed in Afghanistanhis son Robert Kelly died when he stepped on a land mine in 2010to defend the president from mounting questions and criticisms. The retired general denounced Democratic Congresswoman Frederica Wilson in intensely personal terms, although Kelly actually was confirming the truth of Wilsons account of a telephone conversation between Trump and Myeshia Johnson, the pregnant widow of Sgt. La David T. Johnson, killed in action in the west African country of Niger on October 4. Myeshia Johnson was in a car traveling to the Miami airport to receive the body of her husband for burial when the phone call from the White House came in on Tuesday. The conversation was on a speaker phone at both ends: Kelly and other White House aides gathered around Trump, Myeshia Johnson in a car with her mother-in-law and several family friends, among them Wilson. According to Wilson, Trump made the brutish declaration to Ms. Johnson, that your guy knew what he signed up for when he enlisted in the military (Trump never referred to Sgt. Johnson by his name). Even though Trump has flatly declared that he never made such a remark, and claimed to have proof that Wilsons claim was false, Kelly did not repeat the denial. Instead, he dismissed the remark as a clumsy repetition of something he had told Trump relating to his own sons death. Then he launched into a diatribe against Representative Wilson, saying he was appalled that she had listened into a private conversationalthough Kelly himself and other White House aides were listening in at their end! and berating her conduct at an unrelated event, a memorial for FBI agents killed in the line of duty some years previously. Kelly concluded by declaring that he would only take questions from journalists who had a military death in the family or knew someone who did. No reporter challenged this blatant gag order, which suggested that only those who had suffered such a loss could be allowed to discuss the issue. The overall effect was to express the vitriolic hatred of the military brasswhich with Kelly as chief of staff, retired General James Mattis as secretary of defense and General H.R. McMaster as national security adviser, plays a dominant role in the Trump administrationfor either congressional or media oversight. Kelly was seekingsuccessfully, in the case of the press briefingto intimidate those who might seek to raise questions about the circumstances of the death of Sgt. Johnson and three other special forces soldiers killed in the same battle. What are US troops doing in Niger? What was the purpose of the alleged routine patrol in which US and Nigerien troops invaded a stronghold of Islamist militants? Why did the White House say nothing for 12 days? One of the dead American soldiers, Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson, is described as a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist. For what purpose was someone with his skillset deployed to Niger? Trumps remark to Myeshia Johnson was not merely his typical bullying. It expressed the real indifference and callousness of the American financial oligarchy towards the soldiers it employs to do its violent dirty work around the world. The volunteer army, established by American imperialism after the revolt of conscripts became a major factor in ending the Vietnam War, has been called an economic draft, since most volunteers are drawn from impoverished sections of the working class, like La David Johnson, a former worker at Wal-Mart, a notoriously low-paying job. Kelly sought to glorify the slain troops as the best of the best and the one percent. This is part of the ongoing effort by the US ruling elite to use public sympathy for soldiers who have lost their lives to disguise the criminal purposes for which they have been deployed. The US military is the most destructive force in the world, responsible for more acts of murder and pillage than any armed forces since those of Hitler. Since the end of World War II, the American military has invaded and attacked Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Serbia, Libya, Syria, Nicaragua, Haiti, Grenada, Lebanon, Somalia, Yemen, and the Dominican Republic, none of which attacked the United States. It occupies some 700 bases around the world. The US military budget is greater than the next dozen countries combined. The military brass itself has become a social caste placed almost above criticism in political and media circles, a law unto itself, increasingly calling the shots in national security policy. It is more than 75 years since the last time the US Congress exercised its constitutional responsibility to declare war. US presidents have waged wars based on mere congressional resolutions, in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and most recently, Afghanistan and Iraq. By 2011, when Obama ordered the bombing of Libya, he did not even bother with the formality of seeking congressional approval. The Trump administration brings this process to a new height, with Trump threatening the nuclear annihilation of North Korea on his sole order, without a shred of consultation with Congress, and US troops engaged in military operations across an increasingly wide swathe of the planet, without legislative oversight and for the most part with the American population entirely in the dark. The press reports about the four US soldiers killed in Niger were the first time that the American public was made aware of the presence of hundreds of US special forces spread across west Africa, engaged (supposedly) in the hunt for Al Qaeda or ISIS, although the territory involved just happens to be rich in uranium, rare earth metals and other minerals, as well as potential fossil fuel deposits. None of these critical issues are raised by the supposed opposition to Trump in the Democratic Party. On the contrary, as Wilsons intervention makes clear, the goal of the Democrats is to attack Trump from the right, condemning him as insufficiently mindful of the troops, even unpatriotic. Just as in the anti-Russia campaign, the Democratic Party does not mobilize popular opposition to Trumps policies of destroying social benefits, attacking democratic rights, and militarism. Instead, it seeks to demonstrate to the ruling financial elite that Democrats are the more faithful and reliable servant of the global interests of American imperialism. By PTI: groups: Official (Eds: Repeating after adding a word in para 9) By Lalit K Jha Washington, Oct 20 (PTI) The US "has not seen a significant change" in Pakistans selective support to terror groups operating from its soil to threaten regional stability in Kashmir, or against American interests and Afghanistan, a top Trump administration official said today. advertisement His remarks came amid US officials praising Pakistan for its help in securing the release of a US-Canadian couple abducted by the Haqqani terror network in Afghanistan. Caitlan Coleman, an American citizen, and her husband Joshua Boyle, a Canadian citizen, were kidnapped in 2012 in Afghanistan while on a backpacking trip. Coleman, 31, was pregnant at the time of abduction. All of the couples three children were born in captivity. "We have not seen a significant change in their (Pakistans) selective support of terrorist organisations that operate against our national security interests and operate against Afghanistan, or operate in a way that threatens regional stability in Kashmir with India," the official told PTI. "So, we need to suspend judgement and wait to see if there is a change in behaviour," he said, requesting anonymity. Many US officials have said that the release of the American-Canadian family was reflective of the changes in Pakistans approach. "It is way too early to make any judgement on Pakistan if there has been any change. In what we have communicated to Pakistani leaders is that we will keep our expectations low," the official said, reiterating that the US has not seen any significant change in Pakistans support to terrorist groups. The Trump administration, the official said, is not going to do "anything to incentivise the continued support of terrorist organisations as we have in the past year by allowing Pakistan to enjoy the benefits of a warm relationship and with the US". That "warmth and trust that we had in the Pakistanis was not reciprocated," he said. Americas relationship with Pakistan, the official said, has changed and it is unlikely to see the repeat of the past. "It (US-Pakistan relationship) already has changed. It has changed because we are determined to remove any ambiguity about the nature of our relationship with Pakistan by adding a great deal of clarity," the official said. The senior administration official explained that this is a clarity "that no longer permits obfuscation about behaviour that cuts against our interests, a behaviour that is often cloaked in the status of a non-NATO ally". advertisement So, for anyone who has questions about the nature of Trump administrations policy towards Pakistan and how that fits in to what it wants to achieve in Afghanistan and broadly across South Asia then they should just go to the speech given by President Donald Trump in August wherein he laid out clear expectations from Pakistan in the fight against terrorism. "He (Trump) held out tremendous possibilities associated with our relationship with Pakistan. But made very clear that we would not be able to realise those opportunities and the potential and the relationship until we until we saw an end to the contradictions in that relationship," he added. PTI LKJ CPS AKJ CPS --- ENDS --- "Don't silence critics. India will shine when it speaks," Kamal Haasan said in a tweet. By India Today Web Desk: Actor Kamal Haasan defended his Kollywood colleague Vijay, after the BJP's Tamil Nadu chief asked for cuts to be made to his new film, Mersal. Tamilisai Soundarrajan, the BJP's state president, said on Thursday that some scenes in Mersal showed GST (Goods and Services Tax) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Digital India scheme in a bad light. advertisement Here's what Kamal Hassan had to say about that. Mersal was certified. Dont re-censor it . Counter criticism with logical response. Dont silence critics. India will shine when it speaks.- Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) October 20, 2017 Like Kamal Haasan, Vijay's father, the filmmaker SA Chandrasekar, also pointed out that the censor board had already cleared the film. Meanwhile, BJP leader SG Suryah explained why his party is unhappy with Mersal. "The movie dialogues have been lifted from WhatsApp groups probably because there is nothing factual. We are protesting because a common man will misunderstand..(our)..schemes," he said. In the movie, Vijay's character asks, "When Singapore gives free medical treatment to all citizens with 7 per cent GST, why can't India with 28 per cent?" The BJP's answer: There is no GST on medical care in India. Vijay's character also notes that there's no GST on liquor, but there's a 12 percent tax on medicines. Suryah said state governments asked for exemptions for liquor and petroleum. "But states have heavy tax. In Tamil Nadu, it's 58 per cent and goes upto 150 per cent based on the brand," he said. (With inputs from Priyamvatha) WATCH | Official teaser trailer of Vijay's Mersal (Video courtesy: Sony Music India/YouTube) --- ENDS --- CADDO PARISH, LA (KSLA) - Caddo commissioners voted Thursday afternoon to pass the resolution to remove the Confederate monument outside the Caddo Courthouse. The vote passed was 7-5 to remove the monument. Shortly before that decision, Caddo commissioners voted against letting the public vote on the fate of the Confederate monument. The substitute motion failed in a 5-7 vote. After the meeting Commissioner Mario Chavez explained why he had called for a special election instead. "Something of this magnitude, for the entire parish, allow them to have a voice," explained Chavez. There were strong feelings on both sides of the issue with public comments taking almost two hours. "By removing the monument you're removing a headstone and the monument that was erected for those soldiers who perished and died," insisted monument supporter Rex Dukes. Dukes then added, "Over 300 of my people, of my ancestors fought in the Confederate War; probably more than anybody else in this room. The monument needs to stay where it is." But Shreveport NAACP President Lloyd Thompson countered, "Now is the time to remove the monument. Commissioners search your heart." The Caddo Commission listened for nearly two hours on whether to keep of remove the Confederate monument, that's stood outside the north side the courthouse for the last 111 years. Others fear the removal of this Confederate monument chips away or even begins to erase their heritage. "Over 300 of my people, of my ancestors fought in the Confederate War; probably more than anybody else in this room. The monument needs to stay where it is," added Rex Dukes. One of the defining moments of this Caddo Commission meeting came when President Steven Jackson asked those who support the monument's removal to stand, prompting at least 80 percent of the audience to rise to their feet. Some later explained what message they wanted to deliver during the meeting. "There should be no type of monument in front of any courthouse anywhere in the world, let alone in Shreveport, Louisiana," said V.O.T.E. Shreveport Director. But, in a chilling reminder of the high stakes and strong emotions at the heart of this Confederate monument, came a word of caution, from Dukes, about trying to force unity onto others. "It is not going to bring in unity whatsoever. This will further divide this country to the point to where you could end up in another civil war." concluded Dukes. But don't expect this monument to go anywhere for a while. That's largely because of expected lawsuits to fight its removal. Some analysts expect that legal process to take about two years to make it through the courts. Then there's the issue of where to take it and how much moving it will cost. Copyright 2017 KSLA. All rights reserved. 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. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional local news and hourly updates. Copyright 2017 WTXL via Raycom News Network. All rights reserved. KEY WEST, Fla. (AP) - Florida Keys officials are hoping Key Wests flamboyant annual Fantasy Fest will provide needed tourism revenue following Hurricane Irma. The 10-day schedule of masquerade balls, parties and costume competitions begins Friday. Conceived in 1979 to attract visitors, the festival traditionally brings about $30 million to the Keys each year. Its impact on the tourism-based economy, which employs about 50 percent of the local workforce, is particularly important this year, as recovery continues after Irmas Sept. 10 passage through the island chain. Themed Time Travel Unravels, the festival will feature events including a costume contest for pets, the exotic Headdress Ball and a masquerade march beginning at the Key West cemetery. The festivals highlight is an Oct. 28th evening parade expected to draw tens of thousands of revelers. 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. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional local news and hourly updates. Copyright 2017 WTXL via Raycom News Network. All rights reserved. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida has announced several of its affiliated schools are now offering financial support for students forced to leave Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands after the devastation from Hurricane Maria. The schools, which include Keiser University, are offering tuition assistance, expedited admissions, fee waivers and scholarships. President of the organization, Dr. Ed Moore, says the students and faculty coming together after this tragedy has been remarkable. "Many of our faculty, students and their families are from the areas affected by Hurricane Maria. To see our schools and students coming together to help our neighbors and families in the Caribbean has been truly remarkable, said Dr. Ed Moore, President of ICUF. All of the ICUF schools are committed to finding ways to bring relief to those hardest hit by the storm and working to make sure that students from these areas do not lose progress towards their degrees." You can find a full list of relief efforts here: Adventist University of Health Sciences (ADU) Conducted a week-long supply drive for Puerto Rico, in collaboration with Florida Hospital and the Florida Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church; provided two pallets containing 20 boxes of food and non-food items and cases of water. Volunteered at a Blessings for Puerto Rico sorting and packing project hosted by Florida Hospital; part of a collective effort at this event that sent six 24-foot trucks of supplies to Puerto Rico. Engaged in relief efforts in the USVI through an ADU faculty member who assisted a team from Florida Hospital on a medical mission; also promoting a link for monetary donations. Discussing a framework of assistance to students from Puerto Rico and the USVI. Barry University Offering expedited, flexible admissions and financial aid to affected students; current students affected will be able to file an appeal to have their financial aid re-evaluated and will not be assessed a penalty fee for late payment of fall tuition. Chartered a commercial airline to evacuate more than 70 students, faculty, staff, family members and pets from Barrys St. Croix Physician Assistant program as Hurricane Maria approached; housed, fed and provided other on-campus amenities to these individuals. Coordinating various relief efforts, including fundraising, collection of items, volunteer/mission trips and monitoring the needs of hurricane victims. Reached out individually to all students from the Caribbean and offered guidance based on students unique needs. Everglades University Providing leave-of-absence and appropriate academic interruption assistance to online students in Puerto Rico. Offering institutional scholarships to Puerto Rican students to assist them and welcoming and expediting transfer students from Puerto Rico. Collecting and shipping supplies to Puerto Rico from a drop-off location at the Everglades Boca Raton main campus. Flagler College Responding to inquiries from students enrolled in institutions in Puerto Rico and the USVI related to opportunities to complete or continue their college education. Admissions, Financial Aid and the Registrars offices are making every effort to accommodate the students requests and to ensure that credits earned at Flagler will be transferable to the institution that will award their degrees, if Flagler College is not to be that institution. President Joyner also established an emergency aid fund to assist any students who needed financial support for travel or other short-term needs. Florida Institute of Technology Using a plane and resources donated by PALS Sky Hope, faculty and alumni secured 1,500 pounds of medical supplies, food, and generators, which were flown Puerto Rico. Florida Southern College Working with students who may have difficulty paying tuition due to storm effects; students can meet with financial aid specialists for assistance on an individualized basis. Several clubs and organizations have held or plan to hold fundraising activities for victims. A relief trip is planned for spring break if conditions permit. Reached out to students with Puerto Rico or USVI as country of origin to offer emotional support and counseling as needed. Jacksonville University (JU) Waiving the application fee for prospective students in affected regions; the Honors deadline has been extended on a case-by-case basis for these students. Working individually with JUs Puerto Rico-based Master of Fine Arts in Choreography program students to provide support and continuity in their education and programming. Contacted all current students from the affected areas (Puerto Rico, USVI and throughout the Caribbean) to provide support or assistance as needed, including financial aid; Student Counseling Center is offering natural disaster support group meetings. Its students are engaged in various projects to fundraise for and support disaster relief for hurricane victims; the College of Fine Arts will use funds raised through its three-day Fall Dance concert in November to help provide relief for residents of Puerto Rico. Keiser University Offering affected students the opportunity to enroll at one of Keisers 19 campuses within Florida, the Nicaragua campus or through the Online Division. Keiser operates on a modular schedule which offers monthly enrollment in new courses and intakes (accepted) new (and transfer) students, allowing these students to not delay/interrupt their education. Offering Disaster Relief Scholarships to displaced students in need. Due to transcripts and school records possibly not being readily available to support transfers, the institution will work with these students and rely on other verification processes to determine admissibility. Lynn University Offering institutional scholarships to incoming Lynn students from areas impacted by the hurricanes. Organized a donation drive for Hurricane Irma victims in the Florida Keys and the Caribbean Islands, with the supplies to be distributed first to the Florida Keys, and remaining items delivered to the Caribbean Islands via a Norwegian Cruise ship; volunteers also worked with Feeding South Florida to distribute meals to affected Florida Keys residents; coordinating relief volunteer trips to Naples, Florida and the Florida Keys, as conditions permit. Volunteered at Boca Ratons Red Reef Park to clear hurricane trash and debris. Reached out to all students whose families were impacted by disasters in affected areas of Florida and the Caribbean; offered support including counseling, health and financial services to affected students and employees, as needed. Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Using a plane and carrying medical supplies and personnel provided by NSU donor Dr. Kiran Patel, NSU officials flew three relief missions, each with 500 pounds of supplies provided by the university to Puerto Rico; also organizing collection drives and donating supplies to relief organizations. Opened a path for graduate students who could make their way to the mainland to be accommodated and continue their studies at NSUs Florida campuses; also adapting curricula and delivery methods to allow affected graduate students to continue their education after normalizing their living situation. Established an outreach program to confirm NSU students wellbeing and whereabouts via multiple means; launched a dedicated webpage and sending daily messages on all platforms advising of aid/support. Created and utilized NSUcares, a fundraising/volunteer channel originally established by President Hanbury, to help NSU victims of Hurricane Irma as well as aid NSU victims of Hurricane Maria and Hurricane Harvey. Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) Working with SF4PR (South Florida for Puerto Rico), which was created by an alumnus and adjunct instructor to collect needed donations. Holding themed donation events on campus, i.e., soliciting flashlights and batteries for Light for Puerto Rico; prepping donations for shipment. PBA has a representative on Palm Beach County Cares, which is gathering donations county-wide for Puerto Rico; PBA is providing volunteers for those efforts as well. Considering staging a relief trip to Puerto Rico. Rollins College Offering a discounted transfer program for the Spring 2018 semester to degree-seeking students currently enrolled in Puerto Rican and Caribbean colleges and universities. Eligible, admitted students will be charged a flat fee of $8,500 for the semester, covering tuition and room and board. Students enrolled at Rollins for the Spring 2018 semester under this program may continue their studies at Rollins for the 2018-2019 semester with satisfactory academic performance. Working individually with each currently enrolled student from the affected areas to provide maximum financial and emotional support through its Offices of Financial Aid and Student and Family Care. Saint Leo University Tracking all affected current students to locate them and check on wellbeing; assisting these students with continued attendance, if able, or to take temporary leave. Offering counseling and disaster assistance/relief to affected students; have begun disbursing relief funds. Offering free room and board and discounted tuition of $8,500 for the Spring 2018 semester to college students in Puerto Rico whose studies have been affected by the hurricanes; these students may continue their studies at Saint Leo with satisfactory academic performance. Southeastern University Four trips planned to Puerto Rico to assist with relief efforts, starting Thanksgiving break. Reached out to affected students, resulting in efforts including shipping supplies to students families, purchasing airplane tickets for students and providing for a delayed exam schedule. Social Work Club and Department sponsoring a donation drive gathering essential items to send to Puerto Rico, as well as holding weekly support meetings for those with family in Puerto Rico. Established a fund to provide financial assistance to those impacted by the recent hurricanes. Stetson University Waiving all room charges for the Spring 2018 semester to new students from the affected islands. Reaching out to students able to be identified who may be affected. Offering support such as counseling, academic support and financial assistance as needed to those students. Created a Hurricane Relief fund to assist students submitting financial appeals related to the hurricanes; funds are granted to students from the USVI, Puerto Rico and Florida not able to make payments for hurricane-related reasons. St. Thomas University Offering free room, board and books to prospective students from the affected islands transferring in to St. Thomas; Metz providing free meal plan and Follett providing books. Making it possible through testing and other means for these students to continue with the current semesters work. Offering 50 percent Disaster Relief Scholarships through Spring 2018; received a $250,000 gift from the Knight Foundation to support the Universitys efforts to help these students, the funds of which will apply directly to scholarships. Offering support to sister institutions in Puerto Rico and USVI. University of Miami (UM) As with Hurricane Katrina, accepting undergraduate students into classes at no tuition charge, committing to prohibit these students to transfer to UM or remain at UM once their home institutions reopen so as not to deplete future revenue from these schools when they reopen. Hosting faculty and graduate students from Puerto Rico and USVI institutions so they can continue their academic/scholarly endeavors and activities; providing access to UM offices, labs and resources at no cost. UM estimates the ability to support up to 300 such undergraduate students across its schools and disciplines at UM. The University of Tampa TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - More than 2,500 people showed up to protest Richard Spencer's appearance at UF Thursday. Law enforcement was everywhere, making sure things didn't get out of control and for the most part, they were successful. The FSU Police Department says it was a very organized effort that helped keep the peace at a very tense event. Florida State sent a team of 14, including command staff, to Gainesville. They were assigned to protect a helicopter landing area in case anyone got injured at the event. Fortunately, the officers didn't have to respond to any incidents there, but the department says it was happy to help keep the peace. "There's that rivalry in sports, you know, which is really, ultimately a fun thing, but when they saw that FSU had come down to help them, it was really well-received," said Major James Russell with FSU PD. "They were like, 'Wow. Even our enemies are coming to help us, you know?' So, that was really neat to connect on that level and just reaffirm the fact that we are all citizens here in Florida, and we really do care about each -- and we're here to help when help is needed." The Suwannee County Sheriff's Office also sent a group to Gainesville. Four deputies were assigned to a quick reaction team and to respond to any incidents in the crowd. TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- Richard Spencer made a stop in Gainesville Thursday afternoon to share his alt-right ideas to the community and University of Florida students. FSU students chose this day to stand with the Gators and condemn Richard Spencer's message of hate. Spencer, who was originally scheduled to speak at the University of Florida back in September, had the date changed and pushed to October 19th. The school reportedly shelled out over 500 thousand dollars in extra security on campus. Many Gators took to social media before Spencer's speech to denounce his ideas and thoughts using the hashtags "Gators not haters" and "together UF." This was all in an effort to ensure the public that Spencer's ideas are not a reflection of their own. And for once, Even on the FSU campus, students rallied behind the Gators despite the usual rivalry. "Even if there's a rivalry, this is a time where we should be together with them," says Samuel Castellanos, a Freshman at FSU. "We should have the same mentality of being against what Richard is saying. Even though there is that rivalry, I think that can just be put aside for a moment." Other students at FSU believe that the First Amendment that allowed Spencer to speak at University of Florida creates a no-win situation for the school and students. "I actually feel bad for the University because it is technically a first amendment rights for him to speak there even if he requests it and they can't really say no," says FSU freshemen Marissa Williamson. "It's really not their choice and I feel that's really sad." While some students there were protesting and encouraging people not to attend the speech in Gainesville, students at FSU in Tallahassee were praising those who are choosing chose to say "no, and ignoring Spencer's alt-right views. "I think definitely they do have their right to say, 'no, this is not allowed on our campus. We should not allow bigotry and racism and backward thoughts on to our campus. That's just not ok,'" explains Angelika Traverso, an FSU sophomore. While there has not been a date set in stone, Spencer has requested to speak the the University of Cincinnati in the coming months. GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WTXL) - The chants got louder, and the shouts turned to shoves as things turned violent in Gator Country Thursday. A visit by white nationalist and "alt-right" leader Richard Spencer brought a huge crowd to the University of Florida. "Just knowing that they are everywhere shows just how effective he is, and his message is getting out," said UF freshman Alexander Veal, "and I think that should be a wake-up call for a lot of people." "He's informed me about a lot of things. He's a really smart guy," said Martin Poirier, a recent UF graduate and Richard Spencer supporter. "He's smarter than pretty much anyone here protesting against him, so I'm definitely side with him, you know?" "While they have the freedom of speech, everyone else can and should be using their freedom to speech to promote voices of inclusion," said Lonny Wilk, Florida's associate regional director for the Anti-Defamation League. With heavy law enforcement presence on campus, more than 2,500 demonstrators showed up to protest Spencer's visit, chanting messages like "We don't want your Nazi hate!" and "Whose streets? Our streets." "A lot of people think it's better to not give him that attention, but I think, no matter what, they're getting media attention," said UF sophomore Kasia Wiech. "So, we should also be out here to show we're stronger than that." The National Policy Institute hand-picked who got to hear Spencer speak at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, dishing out 700 tickets. Several people expressed frustration after being turned down, despite having waited for hours to get the chance to listen to what Spencer had to say. "It's ridiculous," said Emily Moll, who traveled from Orlando. "I tried to come in here with an open mind, but guess what? An open mind isn't allowed. They don't allow us an open mind." Several local residents made the two-hour trip to Gainesville, saying it was important to show Spencer and his supporters that they don't represent the majority. "Love over hate," said Lake City resident Kyle Green. "I'm not a Richard Spencer supporter at all. I am on middle grounds on this." "We're all here to spread the word that love will always prevail," said local activist Lakey Love. "It will always prevail." The Alachua County Sheriff's Office arrested 5 men in connection to the event: one for possession of a firearm on a campus, one for resisting an officer without violence, and three for a shooting after the event. The three men arrested were all from Texas. No one was injured in the shooting. You can find the details on that story here. No law enforcement officers were injured while supervising the event. TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- Richard Spencer is credited with coining the term "alternative right" or "alt right" 10 years ago. The "alt right" movement represents a loose set of ideals centered on "white identity" and preservation of "western civilization." Most members are young white men who unite themselves based on the ideas they are against. Spencer, President of the National Policy Institute, promotes topics of racial differences in intelligence and the crime rate among immigrants. At its annual conference after the presidential election, Spencer's hail trump cry was greeted with the Nazi salute. The home page of the institute was quickly removed from its publishing space and he responded "you will not silence us". Dr. Ed Moore, President of Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida states, "They try to format controversy and get out front and get a lot of attention for very radical ideas that most people don't share." When the University of Florida's president boycotted the event, Spencer advocates posted to social media platforms saying the negativity associated with the event promoted interest. Dr. Moore notes, "He puts the school in an odd position. Universities are meant to be centers of discourse where the free exchange of ideas takes place". He and others fear debate and discussion have strayed into nothing more than violent clashes. Aware of Mukul's clout amid grassroots workers, Mamata is doing everything possible to ensure that his exit does not turn into an exodus from the TMC. It just wasn't the kind of conduct she could ignore. When backward classes welfare minister Churamoni Mahato praised his mentor Mukul Roy on September 26, despite knowing that the latter was on his way out of the ruling Trinamool Congress, chief minister Mamata Banerjee upbraided him publicly. At a packed party meeting in Jhargram on October 10, she mocked him: "Aren't you a farmer? It seems you have stopped going to the field. How will you be in touch with people without going to the field?" Bristling at Churamoni, she was clearly uninterested in his fumbling explanations. That very day, he was also replaced as the district TMC chief. The message was strong and clear: partymen supporting Roy would be dealt with firmly. Aware of Mukul's clout amid grassroots workers, Mamata is doing everything possible to ensure that his exit does not turn into an exodus from the TMC. The action against Churamoni was only a mild demonstration of what even a hint of rebellion could bring. "We have been told not to keep any links with Mukul da. We've been warned against meeting him or taking his calls," says a party leader from West Midnapore. advertisement Apprehensions of a split, particularly by workers and leaders loyal to Roy, has prompted Mamata to convene a meeting of all elected representatives of the TMC on October 25. Reports available with the state government indicate the possibility of some attrition in ranks in districts like North and South Dinajpur, North 24 Parganas, West Midnapore and Bankura. Ever since Roy made public his decision to quit the TMC, crowds of party workers and supporters have been thronging his office and home, in both Kolkata and Kanchrapara. But prominent TMC faces have refrained from reaching out to Roy. "It is quite obvious that the ruling party is scared," said political analyst Biswanath Chakrabarty. TMC's leadership, he says, would be wary of Roy revealing party secrets. Roy is known to have considerable influence in areas like West Midnapore, where he is credited with having struck deals with Maoist sympathisers between 2008 and 2010 to help TMC penetrate the 'liberated zone'. After TMC came to power, Roy played a crucial role in diluting Maoist influence in West Midnapore, where most party leaders are still loyal to him. Roy plans to travel to West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia to renew his connect with TMC supporters. Mamata too is losing no time travelling to the districts. Her Jhargram visit was part of that exercise. A party legislator from North 24 Parganas says Mamata's trips to the districts will be followed up by her nephew Abhishek Banerjee. In some cases, Mamata is not being shy about winning over potential rebels by assigning them bigger roles in the organisation. For example, Salt Lake mayor Sabyasachi Dutta, known for his proximity to Roy, was made TMC observer for the northeastern states in his place on July 3, 2017. Mukul Roy, meanwhile, is joining the BJP. He will be given the responsibility of strengthening the organisation prior to the panchayat a polls, scheduled early next year. "He's coming as the chairman of the panchayat election committee, given the reservations of the RSS and a majority of state leaders," says a state BJP functionary. The panchayat is going to be a litmus test for Roy. If he manages to wrest a few panchayats, he will be considered for bigger responsibilities. --- ENDS --- According to a top Chinese official, President Xi Jinping has foiled a coup by former political heavyweights who were at the receiving end of his high-profile anti-graft campaign. By Press Trust of India: Chinese President Xi Jinping has foiled a coup by former political heavyweights who were at the receiving end of his high-profile anti-graft campaign, a top Chinese official has revealed. Xi, who is set for a second five-year term as General Secretary of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), has saved the party by foiling a coup plot by his detractors, Liu Shiyu, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission said. advertisement Liu made the stunning disclosure at a meeting on the sidelines of the ongoing once-in-a-five-year congress of the CPC here, according to Hong Kong's South China Morning Post. Speaking at a panel on the sidelines of the 19th CPC Congress in Beijing yesterday, Li has accused a string of disgraced cadres of plotting to seize the reins of power, it reported on Friday. Among those named was the former party boss of megacity Chongqing, Sun Zhengcai, once a front-runner for a place in the inner circle - the Politburo Standing Committee, who along with his wife were summarily removed by Xi. Both were taken away for disciplinary investigations. Sun's fall from grace in July reminded many of the dramatic downfall of one of his predecessors in both Chongqing, Bo Xilai five years ago, ahead of the previous party congress. Bo, who was regarded as a rival to Xi five years ago, is currently in prison and serving a life sentence. Rumours have been abuzz in Beijing over the likely fallout of Xi's massive anti-corruption campaign against "tigers and flies" in which former security czar, Zhou Yongkang, Bo and a host of top generals have been put to trials. This is the first time an official disclosed it. XI PROVIDED HIGHEST PERSONAL SECURITY Considering the threats faced by him, Xi, 64, has been provided with the highest personal security. Like Bo, Zhou too is serving a life term in jail after accepting a host of charges against him. "Xi addressed the cases of Bo Xilai, Zhou Yongkang, Ling Jihua, Xu Caihou, Guo Boxiong and Sun Zhengcai. They had high positions and great power in the party, but they were hugely corrupt and plotted to usurp the party's leadership and seize state power", Liu said, becoming the first senior official to accuse Sun of trying to take over the party. A report by state-run Xinhua news agency said late last month that Sun had been expelled from the party and handed over to judicial authorities for further investigation. The announcement came two months after his downfall, but no details of the investigation were released. advertisement Liu said Xi had taken great effort over the past five years to tackle corruption, which "seriously endangered the party's ruling foundation and ability to govern", the Post report said. "Xi Jinping, with the historical responsibility as a proletarian revolutionist, cleared up huge risks for the party and the country", he said. Xi himself devoted a considerable part of his three-and-a-half-hour-long address to the congress at its inaugural meeting on October 18, pledging to root out corruption from all levels in the party. ANTI-CORRUPTION CAMPAIGN HAS HELPED XI CONSOLIDATE POWER Observers say that the massive anti-corruption campaign in which over a million officials have been punished has also enabled Xi to consolidate his hold on power, emerging as the most powerful Chinese leader heading the party, Presidency and the military. "The central leadership of the party with General Secretary Xi Jinping as the core saved the party, saved the military and saved the country over the past five years. He saved socialism", Liu said. Wang Qishan, the country's top graft-buster and the man widely seen as the country's secondmost powerful man, reportedly told China's top political advisory body late last year that some cadres had tried to take over the party, the Post report said. advertisement "More seriously, some even sought to seize the party and state power, engaging in activities to split the party and seriously threatening the nation's political stability", CPC's mouthpiece - the People's Daily - quoted Wang as saying. Wang also said that the central authorities managed to punish Zhou, Bo and other leaders in order to eradicate a number of conspirators and ambitious schemers within the party, the report said. On Thursday, Yang Xiaodu, deputy secretary of Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the CPC which carried out the crackdown, told the media that about 440 senior officials of the CPC including 43 top officials' party at centre were investigated in the sweeping anti-corruption campaign carried out by Xi in the last five years. A total of 2,78,000 grassroots party members and officials were also punished, he said. China is working with the international community to hunt corruption suspects who had fled overseas, leading to the capture of 3,453 fugitives, Yang said. Among the top 100 fugitives listed on an Interpol red notice, 48 have been arrested, he said. WATCH VIDEO | China has the confidence to defeat all invasions, says President Jinping on Army Day advertisement --- ENDS --- In dire neglect for years, Ramkatha Park on the banks of the Saryu river in Ayodhya began buzzing with activity a few days before Diwali. Everything, including all approach roads to the expansive public space opened by the Kalyan Singh-led Bharatiya Janata Party government in 1999, were getting spruced up. A day before Diwali, on October 18, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath joined Governor Ram Naik to perform a special aarti before a Ram-Sita tableau. The occasion kickstarted an ambitious Union tourism ministry project being executed by the Yogi Adityanath government. Ramkatha Park is to be part of a new Rs 133 crore 'Ramayan circuit' that will include an urban haat and a Korean temple, all along the Saryu riverfront. According to Brijpal Singh, the regional tourism officer at Faizabad, the project will depict events described in the Ramayana. An imposing 'Ram durbar' to be constructed at the site of CM Yogi's Diwali puja, will include a gallery depicting the story of Ram and a state-of-the-art digital museum. All to be in place before June 2019. advertisement Besides the Ramayan circuit, the CM has also proposed the construction of a 100-metre-tall Ram statue on the riverbank. Officials of the state government, however, say it would require approval of the Union tourism ministry and the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Expectedly, Ayodhya has become a much-frequented destination for politicians since the Yogi-led BJP government assumed office in March. The CM, who visited the Ram Janmabhoomi site on May 31, was the first UP chief minister to visit the city in the past 15 years. Locals do not miss the political overtones of the Yogi government's frenetic activity in the city. VN Arora, retired principal of Ayodhya's Saket Degree College, says, "Since no construction can happen on the Ram Janmabhoomi site and the BJP cannot build the Ram temple, the [Yogi] government has initiated such projects in Ram's name to compensate for its inability to fulfil its promise." Political pundits also see links between Yogi's Diwali in Ayodhya and the impending assembly polls in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. With the start of construction not yet on the cards, work to carve stones for the promised Ram Mandir at the Vishva Hindu Parishad's Karsewakpuram workshop in Ayodhya has slowed down. There's just one artisan tinkering about the blocks of intricately carved sandstone. Girishbhai Sompura, the man in charge, says the stone blocks that will make the imposing roof of the temple are complete and are only awaiting transportation to the site. Half a kilometre away at the VHP's second Ram mandir workshop, Ramsewakpuram, delivery of fresh supplies of stone blocks from Rajasthan have picked up-24 trailer-loads have come in since August. VHP's Ayodhya spokesman Sharad Sharma says a total of some 500 truckloads will be required. The dispensations in Delhi and Lucknow are evidently keen to push Ayodhya as an important national tourist destination. Girishpati Tripathi, the mahant of Ayodhya's highly revered Tiwari mandir, approves. Describing the city as the single most important religious tourism destination of Hindus, the seer laments the lack of facilities, citing it as the reason why it is frequented only by poor worshippers. All that is set to change. Ayodhya has now been included in PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive), a central scheme that also includes Mathura, Varanasi and Kedarnath. Besides tourism infrastructure, the initiative is also aimed at upgrading sanitation, sewerage and drinking water supply. advertisement So, chances are Ayodhya may not see the promised Ram mandir any time soon, but for devout, Ram-worshipping Hindus it will become a cleaner, more pleasant tourist experience. --- ENDS --- Palestinian, Syrian and Lebanese participants at a youth conference in Russia chanted "Death to Israel" and "Death to Jews" and set fire to Israel's flag when they came across members of the Israeli delegation. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The Israeli delegation to the 19th World Festival of Youth and Students at the resort city of Sochi is made up of two groups. One group, whose composition was coordinated with the Russian Embassy in Israel, is made up of representatives of the entire political spectrum in Israel, including representatives from the Likud, the Zionist Union and Yesh Atid. A second group is made up of both Arab and Jewish members of a Communist youth group. Israeli youth accosted by Arabs at Russia conference X The organizers of the conference opposed the participation of the first group and as such asked them not to attend. The organizers also barred the Israeli delegation from flying the country's flag at the conference's opening ceremony, something which the Russian Foreign Ministry protested, albeit unsuccessfully. Noa Ginosar, the political advisor at the Israeli embassy in Moscow, said there were several anti-Israeli incidents during the conference. According to Ginosar, in the skirmishes in which Palestinian representatives participated, representatives from Lebanon and Syria also did, along with Arabs from Israel. She added that several demonstrations staged by the Arab groups were accompanied by the chants of Death to Israel and Death to Jews. Some of those participating were questioned by the Russian Federal Security Services. One Lebanese citizen was punished for burning an Israeli flag. The organizers opposed to the anti-Israel invective announced that they could not continue to mediate between delegations and that from now on every provocative act would result in immediate removal of the offending participants. Ginosar also said attempts to initiate a dialogue between the heads of the delegations and the Russian Foreign Ministry were simply struck down. When they (the Arabs) entered the room and saw the Israeli delegates, the immediately left the room saying they were not prepared to sit with us at all. The explanation they gave to the Russian representatives was that it is considered a war crime in their country to sit with Israeli reps, Ginosar said. Emanuel Nachson, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry said he regretted the acts of what he described as hatred and irged the Russian authorities to put a stop to it. The Israeli ambassador in Russia Gary Koren spoke with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Bogdanov a week before the beginning of the conference and expressed our expectations that Russia and the host country will act to guarantee the security of the Israeli delegation and to prevent provocations by anti-Israel sides, Nachshon said. Israel was satisfied, he continued, "with the Russian measures against the anti-Israel rioters which included determined steps such as the denial of accreditation. "The Foreign Ministry takes seriously the attempts to damage the Israeli flag and expects the Russian side to continue to act with determination in order to oust hatred of any kind of provocation and violence against the Israeli delegation at the conference, which is expected to finish on October 22," he added. "The Foreign Ministry calls on the Israeli delegation not to be dragged into the provocation and to obey the directives of the Russian organizers. A Baghdad court issued an arrest warrant for the vice president of Iraq's autonomous northern Kurdish region on Thursday for saying that Iraqi forces had "occupied" the disputed province of Kirkuk this week. However, the warrant against Kosrat Rasul is unlikely to be executed as the central government in Baghdad has no enforceable authority in the Kurdish-administered north. The court accused Rasul of "insulting" Iraq's armed forces, which is forbidden by Iraqi law. On Monday, Iraq's federal forces, supported by Iranian-sponsored militias, rolled into the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, forcing Kurdish militias, known as the peshmerga, to withdraw after brief clashes. The Kurds took over the city in 2014 when Iraq's army melted away ahead of the Islamic State's blitz across northern and western Iraq. IS has since seen its hold on Iraq and north Syria crumble in the face of relentless airstrikes by the US-led coalition and an array of forces battling it on the ground. At its peak it held a third of both countries. Iran's military chief of staff visited a frontline position near the Syrian city of Aleppo, a military news outlet run by the Lebanese group Hezbollah reported on Friday, during a visit that has underlined Tehran's deep military role in Syria. General Mohammad Baqeri visited the frontline position with a number of Iranian officers. Neighbouring Israel has expressed concern over Iran's role in Syria, where Iranian fighters and Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah have played a major role fighting in support of President Bashar al-Assad. A draft indictment, that was until recently expected to be served to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus wife, Sara Netanyahu, features a list of prominent businessmen and military officials, including former IDF chief of staff Benny Gantz and Israeli tycoon Arnon Milchan, who were hosted at the Prime Ministers Official Residence and treated to private chef meals for thousands of shekels in taxpayers money. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Milchan, who was recently questioned under caution in London on suspicion of giving bribes to Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife Sara, was not the only Israeli magnate to appear on the list, according to a report on Thursday on Channel 10 News. PM Netanyahu and former IDF chief Benny Gantz (Photo: Haim Zach) Shaul Elovitch, who owns one of the largest private holding groups in Israel, was also hosted at the residence. Yitzhak Tshuva, one of Israels wealthiest businessmen, also enjoyed extravagant meals by private chefs. Motti Zisser and Lev Avnerovich Leviev also appear on draft indictment , which now targets Deputy Director-General of the Prime Minister's Office Ezra Saidoff for the embezzlement of state funds for private parties and dinners. In at least 15 cases, the indictment said, the so-called absence of a cook was used to have chefs brought into the residence to cook meals for the Netanyahu family and their private guests, with outside food expenses reaching upwards of NIS 24,000 in December of 2011. PM Netanyahu and Arnon Milchan (Photo: Getty Images) However, after examining the matter, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit said there was insufficient evidence to prove that Mrs. Netanyahu was aware of the systematic scam and he therefore ordered that the investigation against her be duly closed. Saidoff however, is expected to stand trial for his role in scheme. Mr. Saidoff instructed Mr. Netanyahus caretakers and secretaries to forge invoices for the meals so that the costs would be split into a large, fake number of meals rather than the number actually supplied, Mandelblit said. Sometimes the invoices would be spread over several days. In 2011, Lev Leviev and his wife, along with their son and his wife, were hosted at the residence and were cooked up a meal by chef Shalom Kodesh to the tune of NIS 4,500 in taxpayers money. PM Netanyahu and Sara Netanyahu (Photo: Amos Ben Gershom/GPO) Leviev and his wife were hosted again one year later, this time without the son and daughter-in-law, where they enjoyed a meal cooked by the same chef for NIS 2,964. In April 2011, Yitzhak Tshuva and his wife were hosted at the residence and were served dishes by another top chef for the cost of NIS 2,088. Prime Minister Netanyahu issued a statement denying any wrongdoing on the part of his wife, insisting that hosting dignitaries at the Prime Ministers Residence was a common practice both in Israel and abroad. In the Prime Ministers Official Residence, security personnel, economists, academics, religious officials and others are frequently hosted who represent many areas, as was customary and acceptable for other prime ministers and other heads of state in the world, said the prime minister. The United States does not aim to impede European trade and business transactions with Iran despite President Donald Trump's decision last week to decertify the 2015 nuclear agreement, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told the Wall Street Journal. European Union leaders in Brussels on Thursday highlighted the need to protect their companies and investors dealing with Iran from any adverse effects should Washington reinstate sanctions against Iran, officials said. "The president's been pretty clear that it's not his intent to interfere with business deals that the Europeans may have under way with Iran," Tillerson told the Journal in an interview Thursday. "He's said it clearly: 'That's fine. You guys do what you want to do.'" Trump last week adopted a harsh new approach to Iran by refusing to certify its compliance with the nuclear deal struck with the United States and five other powers including Britain, France and Germany. Russia has formally handed over six MiG-29 fighter jets to Serbia, part of an arms delivery that could worsen tensions in the war-weary Balkans. The ceremony Friday at a military airport close to the Serbian capital, Belgrade, was attended by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Moscow is handing over the MiGs for free, but it is estimated that the overhaul of the secondhand aircraft will cost Serbia about 200 million euros ($235 million.) The fighter jets are to enter service next year. Serbia has been on the path to join the European Union, but under political and propaganda pressure from Moscow has slid toward the Kremlin and its goal of keeping the countries in the Balkan region out of NATO and other Western bodies. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is lobbying world powers to prevent further setbacks to Iraqi Kurds as they lose ground to Baghdads army, Israeli officials say. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Israel has been the only major power to endorse statehood for the Kurds, partly, say analysts, because it sees the ethnic groupwhose population is split among Iraq, Turkey, Syria and Iranas a buffer against shared adversaries. Iraqi armed forces retook the oil-rich Kirkuk region this week, following a Sept. 25 referendum on Kurdish independence that was rejected by Baghdad, delivering a blow to the Kurds statehood quest. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky) Israeli officials said Netanyahu raised the Iraqi Kurds plight in phone calls with German Chancellor Angela Merkel last week and with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. It has also come up in his contacts with France and the Israeli national security adviser, Meir Ben-Shabbat, has been discussing the matter with Trump administration officials in Washington this week, the officials said. A Netanyahu government official, who declined to be named, given the sensitivity of Israel-Kurdish ties, suggested Israel had security interests in Kurdistan, given its proximity to Israels enemies in Tehran and Damascus. This (territory) is a foothold. Its a strategic place, the official said without providing further detail. He said Israel wanted to see Iraqi Kurds provided with the means to protect themselves, adding: It would be best if someone gave them weaponry, and whatever else, which we cannot give, obviously. Iraqi forces use an excavator to damage a poster of Iraqi Kurdish president Massud Barzani (Photo: AFP) Israel has maintained discreet military, intelligence and business ties with Kurds since the 1960s, in the absence of open ties between their autonomous region in northern Iraq and Israel. Netanyahus recent lobbying has focused on Kurdish ambitions in Iraq, where the central Baghdad government has grown closer to Israels foe Iran. The issue at present is ... to prevent an attack on the Kurds, extermination of the Kurds and any harm to them, their autonomy and region, something that Turkey and Iran and internal Shiite and other powers in Iraq and part of the Iraqi government want, Netanyahus intelligence minister, Israel Katz, told Tel Aviv radio station 102 FM on Friday. It was not clear to what extent Netanyahus outreach may have been solicited by the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq, which shies away from public engagement with Israel, worried about further alienating Arab neighbours. A member of the Iraqi forces holds up a Kurdish flag (Photo: AFP) The United Nations has voiced concern at reports that civilians, mainly Kurds, were being driven out of parts of northern Iraq retaken by Iraqi forces and their houses and businesses looted and destroyed. The prime minister is certainly engaging the United States, Russia, Germany and France to stop the Kurds from being harmed, Katz said. Another Israeli official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, framed Netanyahus efforts as a moral imperative. They (Kurds) are a deeply pro-Western people who deserve support, he said. LINCOLN The Nebraska corrections director says he plans to continue double-bunking inmates in solitary confinement despite the inspector generals call to suspend the practice out of concern it increases dangers for inmates and staff. Inspector General of Corrections Doug Koebernick recently called on the state to suspend and review the practice of bunking two inmates in a solitary cell. He cited studies concluding that placing two troubled inmates in a small cell designed for one increases danger and tension for inmates and staff, the Omaha World-Herald reported. But State Corrections Director Scott Frakes rejected suspending the practice. He said the department has reviewed the practice and will continue it, along with screening cellmates for compatibility. Nebraska has double-bunked cells in solitary confinement in four state prisons due to overcrowding Frakes acknowledged that no academic studies exist to prove that double-bunking is a positive practice that improves behavior, but said his 35 years of corrections experience shows it can be safe. Koebernicks call was in response to the April slaying of inmate Terry Berry Jr. in a double-bunked cell at Tecumseh State Prison. Frakes blamed Berrys death solely on his cellmate, Patrick Schroeder, who was serving life in prison for murder. Mr. Schroeder had multiple avenues with which to address any concerns about his living situation and chose, instead, to kill Mr. Berry, Frakes said. Solitary confinement, or restrictive housing, is where disruptive and dangerous inmates are sent when they violate rules or are a threat to themselves or others. Double-bunking is seen nationally as a risky decision, though several states and county jails do it to deal with overcrowding and slim budgets. As a homeowner, you probably already know that you should be working to maintain your home. But, chances are, you Read More Living Section Somerton, Arizona - Children of all ages are invited to the Somerton Library for storytime, crafts, programs, and fun! There is no charge to attend any program. Please note, the library will be closed on Saturday, November 11th, for Veterans Day, and will also be closed Thursday, November 23rd, and Friday, November 24th, for Thanksgiving. Wednesday, November 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th @ 10:30 a.m. BabyTime Children ages 2 and under can enjoy songs, rhymes, stories, and playtime! For newborns to crawlers. Thursday, November 2nd & 30th @ 4:00 p.m. Builders Club Build and share ideas with fellow LEGO fans! (Ages 6-12) Friday, November 3rd, 10th, 17th @ 10:30 a.m. Storytime Children ages 3-5 can enjoy stories, rhymes, songs, and crafts while building language and learning skills. Saturday, November 4th @ 10:30 a.m. Bilingual Storytime Children ages 3-5 are invited to enjoy books, rhymes, and songs in English and Spanish! Children will also participate in enrichment activities and/or crafts that will help build language and literacy skills. Tuesday, November 14th @ 4:00 p.m. Owl Puppet Craft Children of all ages are invited to make an owl puppet that can also be worn as a hat! Saturday, November 18th @ 10:30 a.m. Sensory Storytime Children who are on the autism spectrum or have special needs can enjoy stories, music, songs, and movement activities. Children of all ages welcome. Please call (928) 627-2149 to register. Tuesday, November 21st @ 4:00 p.m. Native American Dress Craft Children ages 8-12 are invited to make a Native American inspired vest and pouch. Wednesday, November 22nd @ 2:00 p.m. Flower Pot Turkeys Get ready for Thanksgiving by decorating a flower pot to look like a turkey! Wednesday, November 29th @ 1:30 p.m. Tween Wii Challenge your friends to Super Mario Kart to determine the true king of the Mushroom Kingdom racing circuits! (Ages 8-12) The Somerton Library is located at 240 Canal Street in Somerton, AZ. For more information, call (928) 627-2149. Spanish News Somerton, Arizona - On Friday, November 3rd, 10th, and 17th, the Somerton Library will offer Computacion Basica (Computer Basics) at 4:00 p.m. This one-hour computer class will help you build basic computer, internet, and e-mail skills. This is a one session class; basic mouse skills are required. Instruction will be provided in Spanish. There is no charge to attend. Please note, the library will close at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22nd, and remain closed Thursday, November 23rd, and Friday, November 24th, for Thanksgiving. The Somerton Library is located at 240 Canal Street in Somerton, AZ. For more information, call (928) 627-2149. Spanish Health Somerton, Arizona - Caring for a child with special needs can be challenging, but a support group can give you the reassurance you need. Un Sueno Diferente Support Group will meet Thursday, November 2nd and 16th, at 11:00 a.m. at the Somerton Library. Connect with other parents and share tips, advice, and support. There is no charge to attend. Please note, this is a Spanish-language group. The Somerton Library is located at 240 Canal Street in Somerton, AZ. For more information, call (928) 627-2149. Washington: CIA chief Mike Pompeo has said a US-Canadian couple kidnapped by militants in Afghanistan had been held for five years inside Pakistan before being freed, contradicting the Pakistan Army's claim that the hostages were rescued shortly after entering the country from Afghanistan. "The couple had been held for five years inside Pakistan," Pompeo yesterday said during a wide-ranging discussion at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, a Washington-based think-tank. His remarks contradicts the Pakistan Army which had said in a statement that the hostages "were captured by terrorists from Afghanistan during 2012 and kept as hostages there." Caitlan Coleman, an American citizen, and her husband Joshua Boyle, a Canadian citizen, were kidnapped in 2012 in Afghanistan while on a backpacking trip. Coleman, 31, was pregnant at the time of abduction. All of the couple's three children were born in captivity. The Pakistan Army statement issued on October 12 did not identify the group which had held the family captive, but the US leadership have blamed Haqqani Network as the perpetrators. After the recovery of hostages, the Pakistan military officials emphasised the importance of co-operation and intelligence sharing by Washington. "The success underscores the importance of timely intelligence sharing and Pakistan's continued commitment towards fighting this menace through cooperation between two forces against a common enemy," the Army statement said. The operation came at a time when Pakistan is trying to rebuild bilateral ties frayed after President Donald Trump accused the country of sheltering terror groups. Trump, in August, had accused Pakistan of harbouring "agents of chaos and terror" and the "very enemy US forces have fighting in Afghanistan" for the past 17 years. Last week, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif had said his country was ready for a joint operation with the US to destroy the Haqqani Network if it provides evidence about the presence of safe havens of the dreaded terror outfit in Pakistan. The Haqqani network has carried out a number of kidnappings and attacks against US interests in Afghanistan. The group is also blamed for several deadly attacks against Indian interests in Afghanistan, including the 2008 bombing of the Indian mission in Kabul that killed 58 people. US officials believe Pakistan's spy agency ISI maintains close ties with the Haqqani Network and provides safe havens to its top leadership. "I think history would indicate that the high expectations for the Pakistanis' willingness to help us in the fight against radical Islamic terrorism should be set at a very low level," the CIA chief said. President Trump has "made it very clear that we are going to do everything we can to bring the Taliban to the negotiation table. To do that, you cannot have a safe haven in Pakistan. The intelligence is very clear," he warned. Pompeo said "to achieve the objective that the president has set forth in Afghanistan, the capacity of terrorists to cross along the Afghan border and freely hide in Pakistan is prohibited in our capacity to deliver that and so mission is to ensure that safe haven does not exist". New Delhi: Country's largest two wheeler maker Hero MotoCorp today said it has sold a record over 3 lakh units in a single day on Dhanteras -- October 17. The company claimed it is the first entity to have achieved such a sales milestone globally. "This festive season has been a blockbuster for Hero MotoCorp. The highest-ever single day retail sales of well over three lakh units on Dhanteras comes on the back of what has been a season of new global records for Hero," a senior company official told PTI. The company sold a record 7-lakh units in September, the highest ever in monthly sales by any company and also sold over two million units in the second quarter, the official added. It has recently surpassed 75 million units of two- wheelers in cumulative sales since its inception. Hero MotoCorp sold 20,22,805 units of two-wheelers in the second quarter, a growth of 11 percent, over the same period of previous fiscal. New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday summoned RJD chief Lalu Prasad`s wife Rabri Devi and son Tejashwi Yadav and in connection with the alleged irregularities in a 2006 IRCTC hotels maintenance contract case, an official said. An ED official, confirming the dates of the summons, told IANS: "We have summoned Tejashwi and Rabri Devi on October 24 and 27 respectively." He said Rabri Devi, who is also a former Bihar chief minister had asked the financial probe agency to question her in Patna. "We denied her request to question her in Patna and asked her to appear before the agency on October 27," he said. Rabri Devi has already skipped the agency`s summons four times. The agency had questioned former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav on October 10, for over nine hours in connection with alleged irregularities in the IRCTC contract case. Earlier, Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi were questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for hours in connection with the case on October 5 and 6 respectively. The ED, on July 27, had registered a separate case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act following the CBI FIR in the matter and began probing Lalu Prasad and others for alleged transfer of money through shell companies. The CBI, on July 5, had filed a corruption case against Lalu Prasad, his wife Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav for alleged irregularities in the allotment of contracts for Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) hotels in Ranchi and Puri in 2006 to a private firm when the RJD chief was the Railway Minister. The contracts were given to Sujata Hotels, a company owned by Vijay and Vinay Kochhar -- both named in the CBI FIR as accused -- in lieu of a bribe in the form of a three-acre commercial plot at a prime location in Bihar`s Patna district, the CBI said. A preliminary CBI inquiry found the land was sold by the Kochhars to Delight Marketing Company and the payment was arranged through Ahluwalia Contractors and its promoter Bikramjeet Singh Ahluwalia, another accused. The ED has since also questioned Ahluwalia. Delight Marketing, which bought the property from the Kochhars, was later taken over by Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav, alleges the CBI. Sarla Gupta, wife of the RJD chief`s close associate and former Union Minister Prem Chand Gupta and a director of Delight Marketing, is a co-accused in the case, apart from then IRCTC Managing Director P.K. Goel. Patna: In yet another shocking incident of apathy, an elderly man was allegedly made to spit and then lick his saliva off the floors as a punishment for entering a Sarpanch's house without knocking. The incident took place in the Ajaipur village of Noorsarai block in Nalanda, the home district of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Nalanda: Man made to spit & lick as punishment for entering Sarpanch's house without knocking,was also beaten by slippers by women #Bihar pic.twitter.com/WTM31aLMVq October 19, 2017 The man had gone to meet the village head to avail a government scheme. In an amateur video, the man can also be seen being beaten up with slippers by at least two women. Condemning the Nalanda incident, Bihar Cabinet Minister Nand Kishore Yadav on Friday assured that culprits will be booked. "I totally condemn this act and such incidents will not be tolerated in the state. We will take strict action against the culprits. The people of the state should trust BJP and its members. We will see to it that incidents like these never happen again," he told ANI. Surat: Five persons, including four members of outfit Karni Sena and one from Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), were arrested on Thursday for allegedly vandalising a rangoli inspired by an upcoming film Padmavati at a mall in Surat, the police said. The police had on October 16 registered an FIR against a group of people for vandalising a rangoli created by a local artist (an artwork created on floor using colourful vermilion) at Rahul Raj Mall in Umra area on Sunday last. Based on a video, which shows vandals shouting "Jai Shri Ram" as they damaged the art work, police arrested them. Talking to reporters, Surat Commissioner of Police Satish Sharma also urged mall owners to come forward to lodge a case if such vandalism takes place. "We have arrested five persons, four of them belonging to outfit Karni Sena and one from the VHP. More persons are likely to be arrested as the video footage recovered by us shows 8-10 persons involved in the activity," Sharma said. "I also want to make it clear that the police will deal with strictness against any such action. Freedom of expression is everyone's right in a democracy, but vandalism will not be allowed," he said. The arrested persons have been identified as Vikramsinh Sekhawat, Shambhusinh Rathod, Narendra Chaudhary, Shailendra Rajput and Sanjaysinh Gohil, said the official. They have been arrested under various sections of Indian Penal Code including 141, 149 (unlawful assembly), 451 (trespassing) and 427 (mischief causing damage). The rangoli showed the film's actress Deepika Padukone in her titular role as Padmavati in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed movie. Raising questions of freedom of expression, Padukone had yesterday said she was heartbroken by the attack on a rangoli inspired by her upcoming film "Padmavati" and drew Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani's attention. "Absolutely heart breaking to see the recent attack on artist Karan and his artwork! Disgusting and appalling to say the least!" she tweeted along with a photograph of the rangoli. This has to stop now and action must be taken @smritiirani," she said on Twitter. The movie ran into controversy after a Rajput community group Karni Sena raised objections over depictions in the movie, claiming that history was being distorted. Earlier this year, Bhansali was attacked by its members , during the film's shooting in Rajasthan. Last month, members of the Karni Sena burnt posters of the film after the first look of the main characters -- Padmavati (Padukone), Maharawal Ratan Singh (Shahid Kapoor) and Allaudin Khilji (Ranveer Singh) -- was released. They also threatened to oppose the screening of the movie in theatres if the facts were distorted. Padmavati is slated to release on December 1. Mumbai: A visibly miffed Deepika Padukone took to Twitter a couple of days back to seek Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Iranis intervention after members of a group destroyed a rangoli inspired by a Padmavati poster at a mall in Gujarat. Through a series of tweets, Deepika expressed her anger and disappointment over the undue hate for the film which hasnt even released yet. The actress, who essays the role of Rani Padmini, a Rajput Queen in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial, retweeted Shobha Sant (CEO of Bhansali Productions) who has clarified that the film doesnt have a single scene with Ranveer Singh (who plays Alauddin Khilji) and Deepika in a single frame. And they deface the image of their queen who they claim to worship https://t.co/bdkDJv0z7r Shobha Sant (@ShobhaIyerSant) 18 October 2017 And that too on just a rumor. Inspite of us reiterating that there is #NoSceneBetweenRaniPadmavatiAndAlauddinKhilji https://t.co/YD6eCPYd3U Shobha Sant (@ShobhaIyerSant) 18 October 2017 Re #Repeating for the Nth time. There is #NoSceneBetweenRaniPadmavati&AlauddinKhilji in the @FilmPadmavati. Shobha Sant (@ShobhaIyerSant) 15 October 2017 There is nothing inappropriate in the @FilmPadmavati. Our constant clarifications are not read. https://t.co/3WLp7neb09 Shobha Sant (@ShobhaIyerSant) 15 October 2017 Time and again, the makers of the film have issued clarifications stating that the film doesnt have any romantic scene between Ranveer and Deepika. Yet, the sets of the film have been vandalised. The Rajput Karni Sena and Jai Rajputana Sangh have even warned further disruption. A few days back, Jai Rajputana Sangh had demanded a pre-release screening to see if the makers had wrongly depicted history. We wont tolerate any distortion of history and if any romantic relationship is shown between queen Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji, we will burn cinema halls screening the film, India.com report quoted Bhanwar Singh Reta, founder, Jai Rajputana Sangh as saying. Rajput Karni Sena on Wednesday threatened to further disrupt the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali`s magnum opus Padmavati, two days after its members vandalised a Rangoli inspired by the movie at a mall in Surat. "We removed a rangoli inpired by the film Padmavati at Rahul Raj Mall as a protest. The owner of the mall cooperated with us and apologized," a member of the pro-Rajput group told ANI. The group warned it would go to any length if the film is released during their protests."If the film releases in present circumstances, while we are protesting, the authorities won`t be able to stop us. They will not be able to tolerate the outcome of this. We will go to any length," the member said. Slated to release on December 1, Padmavati also stars Shahid Kapoor (as Maharawal Ratan Singh), Aditi Rao Hydari, Jim Sarbh and Raza Murad. (With agency inputs) San Francisco: Nearly two dozen major companies in technology and other industries are planning to launch a coalition to demand legislation that would allow young, illegal immigrants a path to permanent residency, according to documents seen by Reuters. The Coalition for the American Dream intends to ask Congress to pass bipartisan legislation this year that would allow these immigrants, often referred to as "Dreamers," to continue working in the United States, the documents said. Alphabet Inc`s Google, Microsoft Corp, Amazon.com Inc, Facebook Inc, Intel Corp, Uber Technologies Inc, IBM Corp, Marriott International Inc and other top U.S. companies are listed as members, one of the documents shows. Reuters was first to report the news. Amazon, Intel, Uber and Univision Communications Inc confirmed their membership, but the other companies did not immediately comment. It is possible that plans to launch the group could change. "We`re pleased to join with other organizations in urging Congress to pass legislation to protect Dreamers," Intel spokesman Will Moss said in a statement. Matthew Wing, a spokesman for Uber, said, "Uber joined the Coalition for the American Dream because we stand with the Dreamers. We`ve also held town halls, provided legal support and launched an online Dreamer Resource Center for any of our drivers." The push for this legislation comes after President Donald Trump`s September decision to allow the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to expire in March. That program, established by former President Barack Obama in 2012, allows approximately 900,000 illegal immigrants to obtain work permits. Some 800 companies signed a letter to Congressional leaders after Trump`s decision, calling for legislation protecting Dreamers. That effort was spearheaded by a pro-immigration reform group Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg co-founded in 2013 called FWD.us. Many of the companies that endorsed that letter are named as joining the new coalition. The group has planned to take out ads in news publications, though this is subject to change, according to an email last week seen by Reuters. "Dreamers are part of our society, defend our country, and support our economy," said one of the coalition documents, which is being shared by the group to recruit additional companies. A signup form for the group said 72 percent of the top 25 Fortune 500 companies employ DACA recipients. Trump campaigned for president on a pledge to toughen immigration policies and build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. He has left the fate of DACA up to Congress. Action may come in December, when Congress must pass a spending bill to keep the U.S. government open. Democrats have considered insisting on help for the Dreamers as their price for providing votes that may be required to prevent a government shutdown. "No politician wants to go home for the holidays and read stories about how this is going to be DACA recipients` last holidays in the U.S.," said Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us, in an interview on Thursday. He declined to comment on the new coalition. "You will see this continue to escalate until the end of the year," he said. Brussels: The European Union could lose 1.2 million jobs if Britain leaves the bloc without a deal, Belgium`s economy minister said Friday, warning that his own country would suffer a "catastrophic" impact. Kris Peeters made the comments amid growing fears that the slow pace of Brexit negotiations means Britain will withdraw in March 2019 without agreement on future trade arrangements and customs. "The potential impact for our country could well be catastrophic," he said in a statement, adding that without a deal "Britain would no longer be part of a customs union". "According to our calculations, the customs fees for imports from the United Kingdom and exports to the UK would reach a total of 2.22 billion euros ($2.62 billion)," he said. "Under this scenario, Belgium would lose 42,000 jobs, Britain 526,000 and the EU as a whole not less than 1,200,000." In Belgium, a no-deal Brexit would have "grave consequences" for the Port of Zeebrugge, on the North Sea. "Traffic to the UK represents 45 percent of business at the port, 5,000 jobs and an economic value of 500 million euros ($590 million)," Peeters said, adding that a million new cars are shipped via Zeebrugge to Britain each year. The warning came as EU leaders during a summit in Brussels approved internal preparations for Brexit trade talks, but said there was insufficient progress on divorce issues to formally open them until at least December. The Belgian figures show "how important it is to reach a deal", while also demonstrating that "we have to prepare ourselves for the worst-case scenarios," Peeters added. The figures came from a study by a high-level group set up by the Belgian economy ministry in 2016 to look at the impact of Brexit, he said. New Delhi: With celebrities like the Kardashian sisters, Selena Gomez, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, and Emma Watson opting for an unusual pixie, or a chic fade, uncanny hair styling is becoming the new normal. According to experts, increased experimentation by celebrities, complemented by developing technology and extensive use of social media has been contributing towards the rapid evolution of the industry. Arpit Jain of Auraine Botanicals, which brought GKhair, a global hair care brand to India, said that the last decade had witnessed a "drastic makeover" in the hair industry. "Previously people never expected much for their hair and were hesitant to experiment and to try new products or colors. "But, they are doing that right now -- be it a haircut, colour, styling, hair treatment," he said. For instance, a fad was triggered when Emma Watson chopped off her long "Hermoine locks" right after she completed filming the "Harry Potter" series, to get a pixie crop. Closer to home, people followed Anushka Sharma's cropped hair look from "PK". A slew of new hair trends can also be credited to the social media bloggers who have played an important role as influencers. Jain added that there was a visible shift from "classic" hairstyles to trendy alternatives like an angled bob, or going for neon coloured hair. "New looks are inspiring people from different walks of life," he said. The rapidly developing technology has transformed everyday use products like shampoos and conditioners into now catering to all kids of needs, be it cleaning the scalps, repair frizzy ends, repair hair condition, or conditioning the scalp. The contemporary hair products come with UV protectors, heat protectors, with added moisturizers and natural oils which are essential for healthy hair. Sanjay Dutta from the Looks Salon franchise said the use of nano-technologies and bio-technologies were no longer "unheard of". "They are now being used by premium brands across the world," he said. Keratin treatments, hair extensions, hair correctors along with new innovative hair tools like hair dryers, tongs, wands and irons are becoming daily use objects. "Today's salon visiting crowd is beauty conscious as well as aware. This has encouraged salons to use latest products that are backed by latest technology," Dutta added. The development in the industry has opened up styling avenues not just for women but also men, who are now turning "metrosexual" in their outlook. "They are no more just swapping designations with women in beauty industry. Men are becoming more aware and experimental with their looks," Dutta said. Panaji: Under attack for allegedly targeting the author of a poetry anthology, "Sudhir Sukta", which is critical of Goa`s elite Gaud Saraswat Brahmin caste, and scrapping the state award for which it was shortlisted, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday said his government had no role in the FIR filed against the poet. Author of the anthology Vishnu Wagh is also a former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator. Parrikar, clarifying for the first time since the controversy over Wagh`s book erupted two months back, said a section of the media did not project the issue properly and even suggested that there could be vested interests involved in stoking the controversy. "Some people are trying to give it a different colour," Parrikar told a press conference on Friday, distancing his government from the FIR against Wagh and the book publisher Hema Naik, which was filed by a women activist. "As far as the FIR (is concerned), it has nothing to do with government, though some media outlets at the national level tried to hint that the government has done something. "We have to be very clear. I believe in freedom of expression, one can write anything, but everything is subject to decisions by apex court and law," Parrikar said, adding that as far filing of FIRs is concerned, the police followed the procedure laid down by the Supreme Court of India. The FIR was filed by activist Auda Viegas, who alleged that some of the poems were disrespectful to women. "An FIR cannot be avoided. You go into the details, find out if law has been broken and take appropriate action. Based on that police on their own took a decision...and I do not interfere with investigating officers," Parrikar said. "Sudhir Sukta" is a collection of poems penned by Wagh, a former BJP MLA from St. Andre constituency, which took graphics and at times raunchy potshots at the state`s influential Goud Saraswat Brahmin community, and brought to fore faultlines in Goa`s relatively insidious, but omnipresent caste hierarchy. The book was incidentally released by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in 2013, who also hails from the same community. The book was shortlisted for an award by the Goa Konkani Academy, but two weeks back, after the controversy emerged, the state government scrapped all more than 21 state awards, including the one for which Sudhir Sukta was shortlisted. Parrikar now claims that a host of state literary awards were cancelled because of conflict of interest issues and not because of the controversial anthology of poems. "In this case, we found that there was substantial conflict of interest. Therefore, full process has been declared null and void," Parrikar said, there were instances where those writers whose books had been shortlisted for awards, were also involved in the selection process for the state awards. Dharamshala: Uttam Choudhary, the OBC wing chief of Himachal BJP, on Friday announced that he would contest the November 9 state Assembly polls as an Independent from Kangra as the party had not given a ticket to him. Expressing his anguish, he told a rally, "This has happened with me earlier also. In the last two elections, my name was included in the list of probables, but I was not given a ticket. I have worked for the party whole-heartedly and still I am being ignored." Stating that he would contest the polls as an Independent, Choudhary added that he would file his nomination tomorrow. The ruling Congress has decided to field sitting MLA Pawan Kajal, who won the seat in 2012 as an Independent, whereas Sanjay Choudhary is the BJP nominee from Kangra. Meanwhile, the Congress leadership's decision to field Kajal from Kangra has not gone down well with the local party workers. The Kangra block Congress workers today took out a march on the national highway to protest the decision. "If the party does not change the nominee by Sunday (October 22), the rebels will field a combined candidate," former MLA Surender Kaku told reporters. It is learnt that the rebels want to field Rajesh Sharma from the constituency. Sharma, along with Kangra block Congress president Raj Kumar, took part in the march. New Delhi: A quiet and promising evening gave way to thick haze and noise as Delhi celebrated Diwali tonight, dashing the hopes of cracker-free festivities, following a Supreme Court ban on the sale of firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR). The online indicators of the pollution monitoring stations in the city glowed red, indicating a 'very poor' air quality as the volume of ultra fine particulates PM2.5 and PM10, which enter the respiratory system and manage to reach the bloodstream, sharply rose from around 7 pm. Real time pollution data appeared alarming. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee's (DPCC) RK Puram monitoring station recorded PM2.5 and PM10 at 878 and 1,179 micrograms per cubic metre at around 11 pm. The pollutants had violated the corresponding 24-hour safe limits of 60 and 100 respectively by up to 10 times. While it is difficult to quantify the immediate effect of the ban on firecrackers, residents across the national capital felt the beginning was promising with neighbourhoods reporting much lesser noise and smoke till about 6 pm, compared to the previous years. But as the festivities picked up, the faint echo of crackers started growing louder. According to the SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research), the 24-hour rolling average of PM2.5 and PM10 were 154 and 256 micrograms per cubic metre respectively at around 11 pm. It has forecast that the pollution levels will peak between 11 pm and 3 am. The situation was similar, if not worse, in the neighbouring regions of Delhi such as Gurugram, Noida and Ghaziabad, where crackers were burst as usual, raising question marks on the efficacy of the administration in enforcing the apex court's ban. However, the SAFAR has also predicted a relatively cleaner post-Diwali air due to favourable meteorological conditions, which are helping prevent the smoke-filled air from the agricultural belt of Haryana and Punjab from entering the national capital. A 'very poor' air quality index (AQI) essentially means that people may suffer from respiratory illnesses on a prolonged exposure to such air. If the air quality dips further, the AQI will turn 'severe', which may trouble even those with sound health conditions and seriously affect those with ailments. The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Prevention and Control Authority (EPCA) is empowered to enforce the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat air pollution in Delhi-NCR. Measures under the GRAP's 'very poor' and 'severe' categories, which include a ban on diesel generator sets, came into effect on October 17 and they will remain in force till March 15. New Delhi: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu was on Friday admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here for a routine check-up, said the hospital authorities. Naidu was told to undergo the routine check-up after his blood pressure and sugar were found to be high. However, the doctors at AIIMS said there was nothing to worry and that he would be discharged by Saturday afternoon. "He (Naidu) was brought to the hospital in the evening. He is fine and will undergo certain tests. He will be discharged tomorrow (Saturday)," said a senior doctor. Dehradun: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday arrived at Uttarakhand's Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand where he offered prayers to Lord Shiva to whom the Kedarnath shrine is dedicated. After the prayers, Modi inaugurated the new Kedarpuri township and announced several welfare schemes. "I am happy to be in Kedarnath, a day after Diwali. Today, Gujaratis are celebrating the start of a New Year. I convey my greetings to everyone around the world who mark the start of Nutan Varsh," PM said in Kedarnath. "Jan Seva is Prabhu Seva. Service to 125 cr citizens of the country true service of Baba Kedar. From this holy land of Kedarnath, I seek the blessings of Bhole Baba and pledge to devote myself fully to realising the dream of a developed India by the time we mark 75 years of freedom in 2022," he said. Referring to the devastating 2013 Uttarakhand floods, Modi said, "The floods of 2013 had made all of us extremely sad. That time I was not the Prime Minister, I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. I came here to do all that I could for victims." Modi added that he couldn't stop himself from serving the ailing pilgrims and people. "I personally looked at the architecture and development of the project. We will widen the road and also develop special provisions for purohits (priests) including digital services," said Modi, in his address to the gathering in Kedarnath. Attacks Cong for denying his 2013 proposal to redevelop Kedarnath "I had met the then Chief Minister (Vijay Bahuguna) and the state government officials and offered that Gujarat would redevelop Kedarnath. During the meeting they agreed. And I announced it outside in the media. "But when the news was flashed on television, and it reached Delhi, the people there (UPA government) panicked and within hours the state government was pressurised to announce that it will redevelop Kedarnath itself," Modi alleged. Modi said after the BJP government came to power in Uttarakhand earlier this year "I understood that the work of Kedaranath redevelopment will be done by us". In June 2013, then Chief Minister Bahuguna and the Congress party had rebuffed Modi`s offer for redevelopment of Kedarnath and his Rs 3 crore cheque, which was in addition to a Rs 2 crore his state had donated for rain disaster relief. The Congress and other parties had criticised Modi for trying to be the "Rambo" of rescue. The Congress had alleged he was trying to communalise a natural calamity. "A retaining wall and ghat will be built around Mandakini for the benefit of pilgrims, where they can sit down and relax, enjoy the music of the river," he said. Modi, however, asserted that reconstruction of Kedarpuri, with improved facilities for devotees, will be expensive but there will be no dearth of funds and called for more CSR investment from corporates. "We are building quality infrastructure in Kedarnath. It will be modern but the traditional ethos will be preserved. We will ensure the environment is not damaged," Modi said. He added, "Discipline is in the blood of people here in Uttarakhand. At least one person from each family is a soldier. Well being of priests will be ensured." "The Himalayas have so much to offer- for spiritual pursuits, for the nature lover, for those interested in adventure, water sports. I invite everyone to come and explore the Himalayas," PM Modi said. The prime minister was received by Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and Uttarakhand Governor KK Paul, who are among the 4,000 people to attend the event at the temple premises today. #Uttarakhand: PM Narendra Modi offers prayers at Kedarnath Temple pic.twitter.com/koGvtrTfGs ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2017 Governor Shri KK Paul and CM @tsrawatbjp welcomed the Prime Minister to Uttarakhand. PM will attend programmes in Kedarnath during his visit to the state. pic.twitter.com/T3HyMGTwB6 October 20, 2017 Later in the day, Modi will address a public meeting near the temple located 11,660 feet above the sea level, party sources told reporters yesterday. The Himalayan shrine, dedicated to Shiva, will be closed beginning Saturday for six months owing to winter. In view of the PMs visit and Diwali, the temple has been decked up with flowers and lights, and most priests have decided not to go home to celebrate the festival. Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the Prime Minister's visit. Watch: PM Modi speaking in Uttarakhand KEDARNATH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday attacked the Congress for denying his proposal in June 2013 when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat for redevelopment of the revered Himalayan shrine of Kedarnath that was badly damaged in the catastrophic flash floods. "The floods of 2013 had made all of us extremely sad. That time I was not the Prime Minister, I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. I came here to do all that I could for the victims," Modi said while addressing a public meeting here after offering prayers at the Kedarnath temple ahead of its closure for the next six months. "I had met the then Chief Minister (Vijay Bahuguna) and the state government officials and offered that Gujarat would redevelop Kedarnath. During the meeting they agreed. And I announced it outside in the media. "But when the news was flashed on television, and it reached Delhi, the people there (UPA government) panicked and within hours the state government was pressurised to announce that it will redevelop Kedarnath itself," Modi alleged. Modi said after the BJP government came to power in Uttarakhand earlier this year "I understood that the work of Kedaranath redevelopment will be done by us". In June 2013, then Chief Minister Bahuguna and the Congress party had rebuffed Modi`s offer for redevelopment of Kedarnath and his Rs 3 crore cheque, which was in addition to a Rs 2 crore his state had donated for rain disaster relief. The Congress and other parties had criticised Modi for trying to be the "Rambo" of rescue. The Congress had alleged he was trying to communalise a natural calamity. Modi, in his address to the gathering in Kedarnath on Friday, said: "Through the work we are doing in Kedarnath, we want to show how an ideal `Tirth Kshetra` (pilgrim centre) should be like, how it should be pilgrim friendly and the wellbeing of the priests should be given importance. "We are building quality infrastructure in Kedarnath. It will be modern but the traditional ethos will be preserved. We will ensure the environment is not damaged," Modi added. He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for a slew of reconstruction projects in Kedarpuri, including renovation of Adi Guru Shankaracharya`s tomb which was devastated in the flash floods. WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will embark on a crucial trip to India and Pakistan next week as part of his week-long five-nation tour that would also take him to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Switzerland. Tillerson will make Saudi Arabia his first stop on the week-long tour beginning tomorrow. He will take part in the inaugural Coordination Council meeting between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The Secretary will also meet with to Saudi leaders to discuss the conflict in Yemen, the ongoing Gulf crisis, Iran and a number of other important regional and bilateral issues, State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said. Tillerson will then travel to Doha, where he will meet with Qatari leaders and US military officials to discuss joint counter-terrorism efforts, the ongoing Gulf dispute and other regional and bilateral issues, including Iran and Iraq, she said in a statement. Nauert said Tillerson will then make his inaugural visit to South Asia as Secretary of State, reaffirming the Trump Administration's comprehensive strategy toward the region. In Islamabad, he will meet with senior Pakistani leaders to discuss America's continued strong bilateral cooperation, Pakistan's critical role in the success of US President Donald Trump's South Asia strategy and the expanding economic ties between the two countries, she said. The exact dates of his visits to Islamabad and New Delhi are yet to be announced. In New Delhi, Tillerson will meet with senior Indian leaders to "discuss further strengthening of our strategic partnership and collaboration on security and prosperity" in the Indo-Pacific region, Nauert said. "The Secretary's visit to India will advance the ambitious agenda laid out by President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Prime Minister's visit to the White House in June," she said. Tillerson, in the first major foreign policy speech on October 18, said the US is India's "reliable partner" at the world stage in this period of uncertainty and angst, sending a strong signal to side with India amidst China's "provocative actions" in the region. In the speech, he said the emerging Delhi-Washington strategic partnership stands upon a shared commitment upholding the rule of law, freedom of navigation, universal values and free trade. In Geneva, Tillerson will meet with the office of the?United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, International Organisation for Migration, and the International Committee of the Red Cross to discuss a number of the current global humanitarian crises. Lyft Inc has raised $1 billion in fresh financing, the ride-services company said on Thursday, in a round led by one of Alphabet Inc`s investment funds, further complicating the convoluted world of ride-hailing alliances and dealing a blow to rival Uber Technologies Inc. The round was led by CapitalG, the growth investment fund of Alphabet that has also backed large private tech companies such as home-renting platform Airbnb and payments firm Stripe. Six months ago, Lyft raised $600 million from a conglomeration of investors. Lyft said the latest round boosts its valuation to $11 billion from $7.5 billion. CapitalG partner David Lawee will join the company`s board, Lyft said, bringing it to a total of 10 directors. "Ridesharing is still in its early days and we look forward to seeing Lyft continue its impressive growth," Lawee said in a statement. Lyft, which runs a distant second to Uber, has pushed expansion this year. The company says it is available across 41 states and completes more than a million rides a day Lyft is deepening ties to Alphabet despite its partnership with General Motors Co , which has invested $500 million. GM president Dan Ammann told Reuters this week that any further plans to collaborate with Lyft were "not defined at this time." Lyft and Alphabet already have a relationship through a partnership Lyft struck with Waymo, Alphabet`s self-driving car unit, in May. The two companies are collaborating on bringing autonomous vehicle technology to market, but have not provided many details. Spokespeople for Lyft and Alphabet have said the latest investment will not have any bearing on the Waymo partnership. Alphabet also has ties to Uber through its second investment arm, GV. GV invested in Uber in 2013, but then Uber began to develop autonomous cars and compete directly with Alphabet. Last year, Alphabet executive David Drummond stepped down from the Uber board. This year Waymo sued Uber, alleging trade secret theft, in a case that is set to go to trial in December. "It is another punch by Alphabet at Uber," said Erik Gordon, an entrepreneurship expert at the University of Michigan`s Ross School of Business. GV could have the opportunity to sell at least some of its stake in Uber in a highly anticipated deal between Uber and SoftBank Group Corp <9984.T>, which may be finalised in the next week. SoftBank wants to buy between $7 billion and $10 billion in shares from Uber employees and investors. Uber has also been embroiled in sexual harassment claims, lawsuits and U.S. Department of Justice investigations over its business practices. Bill Maris, founder of GV who has since left to run his own venture capital firm, told Reuters last week there is a strong case for GV to sell. "It is completely rational to me as an investor to take all of the money off the table now given all of the drama, all of the toxicity, all of the DOJ investigations," he said. But Maris and other Uber investors are conflicted, saying the company still has the potential to be worth $100 billion or more. "This thing likely goes up from here," Maris said. Lyft is close to hiring an initial public offering advisory firm, the first concrete step by the company to become publicly listed. This funding round may delay those IPO plans, however, as the capital will allow Lyft to continue growing its business privately. "We will go public when it`s right for us," said Lyft spokeswoman Alexandra LaManna. New Delhi: Next time you use WiFi hotspot or wireless internet networks at airports or railway stations, be very carefule, for these places can be at an immense risk of cyber attack. Government agency Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-in) has warned that using public wifi could make one vulnerable to cyber attacks. CERT-in has rated the vulnerability quotient of public Wi-Fi in the country at 'high'. "Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities allows an attacker to obtain sensitive information such as credit card numbers, passwords, chat messages, emails etc," CERT-in has said. CERT-in has advised people to avoid public WiFi at all costs and instead use VPN (virtual private network) and wired networks. Users of Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows devices were most vulnerable to cyber attacks, the research found. What can you do to secure your data? Kaspersky Labs, a data security firm, research has highlighted the vulnerability in WPA or WPA2 encryption. It is most commonly used to connect to wireless networks. Such attacks are called key reinstallation attack, or KRACK. According to a note by Kaspersky Labs you can follow a couple of tips on how to stay safe from KRACK attacks. - Always check to make sure theres a green lock icon in the address bar of your browser. That lock indicates that an HTTPS (encrypted and therefore secure) connection to this particular website is being used. If someone attempts to use SSLstrip against you, the browser will be forced to use HTTP versions of websites, and the lock will disappear. If the lock is in place, your connection is still secure. - The researchers warned some network appliance manufacturers (including the Wi-Fi Alliance, which is responsible for standardizing the protocols) in advance of releasing their paper, so most of them have to be in the process of issuing firmware updates that can fix the issue with key reinstallation. So check if there are fresh firmware updates for your devices and install them as soon as possible. - You can secure your connection using a VPN, which adds another layer of encryption to the data transferred from your device. You can read more on what a VPN is and how to choose one, or grab Kaspersky Secure Connection right away. Mumbai: Terming it a successful weapon against the Naxals, the Maharashtra government has extended its policy facilitating surrender by the ultras for two years. The state home department recently approved extension of the `Aatmasamarpan' (surrender) scheme for Naxals till August 28, 2019, a senior police official said today. Satish Mathur, the state Director General of Police, had submitted a proposal to this effect in June. Following Mathur's proposal, the home department recently issued a Government Resolution (GR) extending the scheme. The GR noted that the policy has proved to be a successful weapon against Naxals in the Gadchiroli and Gondia districts of the state. The Naxal surrender scheme was introduced in 2005 with the aim of rehabilitating and absorbing the ultras in the mainstream of society. The scheme was relaunched with some changes in April 2013. Since then the scheme has been very effective in curbing the influence of Naxals, the official said. Recently, Gomaji alias Arshu Chaitu Jetti, a Naxal leader with a reward of Rs 2.5 lakh on his head, surrendered before the Gadchiroli police. A total of 17 Naxals have surrendered before the district police as of August 2017, the official said. Mumbai: Sanjay Dutt and Maanayata hosted a grand Diwali bash at their residence recently. An array of stars descended to join the couple and celebrate the festival of lights in style. From Aamir Khan to Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan to Jacqueline Fernandez, Rishi Kapoor to Vidya Balan, a number of celebrities from the world of showbiz graced the gala event. Check out the images below: Arpita and Aayush Sharma A number of Bollywood stars hosted lavish Diwali parties by inviting their friends and colleagues in the industry. Also known as the festival of lights, Diwali, has been celebrated in Indian for over centuries to rejoice the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. The style, magnitude and grandeur has seen sea change but the fundamental essence has remained the same. Its all about celebrating the victory of truth over evil and knowledge over ignorance. The festival of Diwali is spread over 5 days. This year, Diwali festivities began on October 17 with Dhanteras, followed by Naraka Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali on October 18, Lakshmi Pujan on October 19, Govardhan Puja on October 20 and Bhai Dooj on October 21. JAIPUR: Nearly 60 people were injured and 40 incidents of fire were reported during Diwali celebrations in the pink city. "One person was admitted to burn ward and another was taken to eye ward, while the rest were given primary treatment," Dr R K Jain, in charge of the emergency, Sawai Man Singh government hospital said. Most of the people who received burn injuries were children and young adults, he said. Close to 40 incidents of fire were also reported from different parts of the city last night. However, no major fire incident took place, a fire official said. People thronged the markets inside the walled city to witness special decoration and lightings during the festival. Diwali: Around 60 injured, 40 fire incidents in Jaipur. Jaipur: An ordinance by the Rajasthan government will prevent cases being lodged against officers and judges for any act commited by them while they were in service. The ordinance also prevents courts from issuing directions to register cases against them. Further the ordinance prevents that the names or pictures of the persons to be made public. The Ordinance was implemented on September 7 and is likely to come up for discussion in the coming assembly session to take the form of a Bill. The ordinance titled Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 is an Amendment in the section 156 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and provides that no magistrate shall order an investigation against a person who is or was a judge or magistrate or a public servant, as defined under any other law for the time being in force, in respect to the act done by them while purporting or act in the discharge of their official duties, except with previous sanction under the section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Act No 2 of 1974) or under any other law for the time being in force As per the provisions of the ordinance, the sanctioning authority shall take a decision on the sanction of prosecution within 180 days, in case the sanctioning authority fails to do so, automatic prosecution shall be deemed to have been issued. It provides that no one shall print, publish or publicize the name, address, photograph or any other details or particulars of the judge, magistrate or public servant that can lead to the disclosure of his identity. It further states that anyone who violates the above provisions of the ordinance could be fined and / or imprisoned up to two years. As per legal experts this ordinance will render registration of cases against corrupt public servants to become an absolute right of the government. As the agencies that register cases are government agencies. The next option available to the common man was to register court complaint (istagasa) and court to order its registration under 156/3; but the new ordinance prevents that. Social activists feel that the other provision of protection of identity would prevent the media from publishing news and identity of cases of corruption. The word publicize would also give rights to the government to act against persons writing about it on social media. The home minister could not be contacted to comment on the issue. Kavita Shrivastav, national secretary PUCL, said the if the Ordinance gives absolute complete immunity to all in government, including the political executive bureaucrats and all levels of judiciary then it is unacceptable. He said: The govt has the responsibility of ensuring protection of fundamental rights and if there is violation in the implementation, then the people have a right to question and prosecution to make them accountable. If the ordinance gives immunity to all in govt and judiciary It will be defeated in court of law and the PUCL will scrutinize challenge it in the Rajasthan High court or Supreme Court. How the ordinance will change things: - Cases against officials are largely registered by government agencies like ACB and CID. The procedure of receiving complaint, registration of case, investigation and filing a case (chalan) takes over a year or even more. As per this ordinance, the six months period would pass, and they will go scot-free. - It will curtail the right of the common man in lodging cases against corrupt officials. Earlier the common man had the right to approach court and the court if it felt appropriate the court had the right to direct police to lodge cases. This curtails the power of the court. - It will curtail the rights of the media. The ordinance will prevent them from publishing names pictures of the officials who are accused of corruption. This will make them fearless in anonymity. - It will prevent anyone from writing on social media about corrupt officials. Los Angeles: Actor Lindsay Lohan has said nobody came to her rescue when she was in an abusive relationship with her former fiance Egor Tarabasov. The 31-year-old actor's comments come after she defended Harvey Weinstein in wake of The New Yorker's expose against the producer, where multiple allegations of sexual misconduct were brought to light. Lohan took to Instagram, where she shot down her critics saying she is pro-women empowerment but she did not receive any help in her trying times. "Whatever anyone says, I am for women empowerment as if most women in America cared how I was abused by my ex fiance... When not one person stood up for me while he was abusing me," she wrote alongside a screengrab of her movie The Parent Trap. Lohan said being a strong woman today is a tough task and that "we all make our own choices and wake up in our own beds in the morning. I prefer to go to my home and wake up alone. Be strong let us not blame anyone as karma will always takes its toll." The Mean Girls star later edited the caption to remove the abuse accusations. Last year, Lohan had alleged Tarabasov had tried to kill her by strangling. CHENNAI: At least eight Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) staff members were killed and three injured after the ceiling of an old bus depot rest room collapsed at Porayar in Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam on Friday morning. The incident took place at around 3.30 am. The building belongs to TNSTC and was at least six-decades old. Police said the deceased and injured were bus drivers and conductors who were taking rest in the building after duty. Those injured were rushed to Karaikal General Hospital. Nagapattinam District Collector Dr C Suresh Kumar visited the spot and conducted enquiries. State Transport Minister MR Vijayabhaskar is reaching Porayar soon to visit the incident site, officials said. With agency inputs Brussels: German Chancellor Angela Merkel has led calls for a cut to EU funding linked to Turkey's membership talks, to signal the bloc's unhappiness at Ankara's crackdown in the wake of a failed coup. In the latest round of a bitter spat between Berlin and Ankara, the powerful German leader said yesterday it was important the EU acted in unity to defend its values, at a summit in Brussels. Turkey, whose application to join the EU is effectively frozen, has alarmed European leaders with its hardline response to a thwarted bid to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last year. More than 50,000 people have been arrested since the coup bid, including several German citizens, drawing strong criticism from Berlin. "I'm going to work for EU pre-membership funding, which we are giving, to be reduced," Merkel said, adding that for her it was a "central demand" that the bloc acted together on the issue. "The changes to the rule of law in Turkey are going in our opinion in a bad direction and we have some major concerns -- and not just because a lot of Germans have been arrested." Merkel caused a stir during her recent reelection campaign with a pledge to try to get EU leaders to terminate Turkey's membership bid. Other EU nations have trod more carefully, noting Turkey's vital importance to the bloc both in tackling the migrant crisis and in fighting Islamist militancy. But several voiced criticism of Turkey at yesterday's meeting, with Belgian PM Charles Michel saying Ankara's membership bid was "frozen, on the point of death". Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Turkey was "a long way from membership and will remain so", but the two Low Countries leaders called for "reorientating" funds rather than cutting them. Rutte said the aim would be "that the money moves away from the government to go towards areas such as migration and Turkish charities". EU member states are waiting for a European Commission assessment of funding for Turkey -- most of which already goes to NGOs or projects -- in early 2018. Europe plans 4.45 billion euros in pre-accession spending for Turkey in 2014-2020, but only 360 million euros have been allocated so far. Washington: CIA Director Mike Pompeo said on Thursday that the United States is going to do everything it can to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table in Afghanistan, but Pakistan must first deny the militants a safe haven on its soil. Pompeo said for talks to move ahead, the Taliban must have no hope of winning on the battlefield in Afghanistan, and that means making it no longer possible to cross the Afghan- Pakistani border and hide inside Pakistan. That strategy was outlined by President Donald Trump this summer as part of his approach to ending the 16-year war, in addition to an incremental increase in US forces there. Pompeo said in a speech at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington think tank, that if history is to be a guide, then very low expectations should be set for Pakistan's willingness to cooperate with the US in fighting "radical Islamic terrorism." He said the US needs to have "a very real conversation with them about what it is they are doing ... And the American expectations for how they will behave." The US, he said, "is going to do everything we can, to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table in Afghanistan, with the Taliban having zero hope that they can win this thing on the battlefield." He added: "To do that you cannot have a safe haven in Pakistan." US officials have long accused Pakistan of turning a blind eye or assisting the Afghan Taliban and the allied Haqqani network. Pakistan routinely denies colluding with the militants. Gaza City: Hamas's leader in the Gaza Strip said today "no one" can force it to disarm or recognise Israel, after Washington demanded it meet those conditions as part of a unity government. "No one in the universe can disarm us. On the contrary, we will continue to have the power to protect our citizens," the Islamist movement's Gaza head Yahya Sinwar said. "No one has the ability to extract from us recognition of the occupation." Sinwar made the remarks during a speech to young people that was provided to AFP by Hamas. Earlier in the day, a top aide to US President Donald Trump said an emerging Palestinian unity government must recognise Israel and disarm Hamas. That was the Trump administration's first detailed response to a landmark reconciliation deal reached last week between Palestinian factions. Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's Fatah movement signed a reconciliation deal with Hamas in Cairo a week ago aimed at ending a bitter 10-year split. The Abbas-led Palestine Liberation Organisation has recognised Israel, but Hamas has not and is blacklisted as a terrorist organisation by the United States and the European Union. It has fought three wars with Israel since 2008. If you are in Canada and are visiting Montreal, remember not to wear your sunglasses on the local bus. The Quebec province has passed a controversial law that prevents people from covering their faces in any way while in government building or availing public facilities. Opponents to the new law, called Bill 62, have asked practical questions over whether they would be arrested for covering their faces with scarves in the winter. However, much of the opposition has come down to whether the law is Islamophobic, and whether it will prevent Muslim women from accessing government services. Bill 62 would cover hospitals, schools, daycare, public transport, government offices and civic institutions. "It allows voices to marginalize and vilify the Muslim community even further. What it does is serve to further target a tiny minority of the population for political gain," said Ihsaan Gardee, executive director of the National Council of Canadian Muslims, to Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail. "It's not the business of the state to be in the wardrobes of the nation," he added. Quebec's Liberal government has put forth Bill 62 as a religious neutrality move, reminiscent of the hotly contested 'burqa ban' in France. Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard insisted that Bill 62 was 'human'. "A covered face isn't only about religion You speak to me, I speak to you, I see your face, you see mine. It's part of communications. It's a question in my mind that is not solely religious, it's human," Couillard told The Globe and Mail. Bill 62 has been divisive in public opinion. Even as opponents argue on the basis of civil liberties and human rights, two political parties - Parti Quebecois and Coalition Avenir Quebec - opposed it saying it doesn't go far enough. However, there is little clarity on how the law is going to be implemented as the guidelines have not been settled on. Constitutional and human rights activists are confident that Bill 62 will soon be challenged in courts. Washington: US President Donald Trump said on Friday that violence by Islamic extremists was behind an increase in criminal offences in the United Kingdom. Trump was referring to a report published on Thursday by the UK`s Office for National Statistics (ONS) which said that between June 2016 and June 2017, the police recorded 5.2 million crimes in England and Wales, up by 13 per cent from the previous 12-month period. "Just out report: `United Kingdom crime rises 13% annually amid spread of Radical Islamic terror.` Not good, we must keep America safe!" Trump said in a tweet. The ONS report referred to terrorist attacks in London and Manchester in providing its figure on homicides, which totalled 664 between June 2016 and June 2017, Efe news reported. The report said the "recent trends in homicide have been affected by the recording of incidents where there were multiple victims" such as the attack in March at the Westminster Bridge and the Manchester Arena bombing in May. The ONS said that "of the 664 homicides recorded in the year ending June 2017, there were 35 relating to the London and Manchester terror attacks", both of which were determined to be Islamist-related terrorist incidents. Trump`s tweet comes three days after a Hawaii federal judge partially blocked his latest revised travel ban which was to take effect on October 18. The ruling by Judge Derrick Watson, followed by a decision hours later by a Maryland judge, found that the ban on travel from several predominantly Muslim nations "suffered from precisely the same maladies as its predecessor" and "plainly discriminated based on nationality". Watson struck down the part of Trump`s executive order affecting potential arrivals from six Muslim-majority countries -- Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia and Chad. But his decision does not affect the ban on travel to the US by citizens of North Korea and by some officials from Venezuela. Kabul: The chief of the militant outfit Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, Umar Khalid Khorasani, and nine of his associates have been killed in a U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan`s Paktia province. The Dawn quoted a spokesman of the group, Asad Mansoor, as saying on Friday that "Chief of our Jamaat-ul-Ahrar Umar Khalid Khorasani, who sustained serious injuries in a recent U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan`s Paktia province, succumbed to his injuries Wednesday evening." The JuA spokesman was reportedly speaking by telephone from an undisclosed location, a foreign news agency said. Mansoor said the JuA consultative council will be convened soon to appoint a new chief. It is however also being reported that senior commander Asad Afridi has been appointed as the new JuA chief. In the past three weeks, the United States has initiated about 70 drone strikes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and killed over 30 people in the last few days. The strikes came days after Canadian hostage Joshua Boyle and his American wife and three children were freed in Pakistan after five years of captivity at the hands of the Haqqani network. Brussels: NATO will hold its next summit on July 11 and 12, the alliance said on Friday, with the fight against terrorism and the growing threat from Russia expected to be high on the agenda. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the meeting at the alliance`s new billion-euro headquarters in Brussels would "further strengthen the bond" between Europe and North America. Last year`s summit was marred by doubts over the United States` commitment to the alliance as President Donald Trump berated leaders for not spending enough on defence and refused to give an unequivocal commitment to NATO`s Article 5 collective security guarantee. The 2018 summit comes against a backdrop of increasing concern about growing Russian assertiveness, particularly in the areas of hybrid and cyber warfare. NATO has deployed around 4,000 international troops to the Baltic states and Poland to counter the threat to the alliance`s eastern flank, particularly since the Kremlin`s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. "In response to evolving threats, NATO has implemented the biggest reinforcement of our collective defence in a generation," Stoltenberg said in a statement announcing the summit dates. "Our multinational battlegroups in the east of the alliance are now fully operational and we are strengthening our presence in the Black Sea region." The summit will also discuss the fight against terrorism -- an area which Washington wants to see NATO do more on. NATO normally holds a full formal summit every two years, but leaders decided to hold an additional, slimmed down version in May 2017 in Brussels to mark the formal handover of the US-led alliance`s new high-tech headquarters. After causing alarm at last year`s summit, Trump later clarified that the US was still committed to Article 5, under which NATO regards an attack on one member as an attack on all. Washington: The US "has not seen a significant change" in Pakistan's selective support to terror groups operating from its soil to threaten regional stability in Kashmir, or against American interests and Afghanistan, a top Trump administration official said on Friday. His remarks came amid US officials praising Pakistan for its help in securing the release of a US-Canadian couple abducted by the Haqqani terror network in Afghanistan. Caitlan Coleman, an American citizen, and her husband Joshua Boyle, a Canadian citizen, were kidnapped in 2012 in Afghanistan while on a backpacking trip. Coleman, 31, was pregnant at the time of abduction. All of the couple's three children were born in captivity. "We have not seen a significant change in their (Pakistan's) selective support of terrorist organisations that operate against our national security interests and operate against Afghanistan, or operate in a way that threatens regional stability in Kashmir with India," the official told PTI. "So, we need to suspend judgement and wait to see if there is a change in behaviour," he said, requesting anonymity. Many US officials have said that the release of the American-Canadian family was reflective of the changes in Pakistan's approach. "It is way too early to make any judgement on Pakistan if there has been any change. In what we have communicated to Pakistani leaders is that we will keep our expectations low," the official said, reiterating that the US has not seen any significant change in Pakistan's support to terrorist groups. The Trump administration, the official said, is going to do "anything to incentivise the continued support of terrorist organisations as we have in the past year by allowing Pakistan to enjoy the benefits of a warm relationship and with the US". That "warmth and trust that we had in the Pakistanis was not reciprocated," he said. America's relationship with Pakistan, the official said, has changed and it is unlikely to see the repeat of the past. "It (US-Pakistan relationship) already has changed. It has changed because we are determined to remove any ambiguity about the nature of our relationship with Pakistan by adding a great deal of clarity," the official said. The senior administration official explained that this is a clarity "that no longer permits obfuscation about behaviour that cuts against our interests, a behaviour that is often cloaked in the status of a non-NATO ally". So, for anyone who has questions about the nature of Trump administration's policy towards Pakistan and how that fits in to what it wants to achieve in Afghanistan and broadly across South Asia then they should just go to the speech given by President Donald Trump in August wherein he laid out clear expectations from Pakistan in the fight against terrorism. "He (Trump) held out tremendous possibilities associated with our relationship with Pakistan. But made very clear that we would not be able to realise those opportunities and the potential and the relationship until we until we saw an end to the contradictions in that relationship," he added. MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin said today that Moscow will retaliate if the United States takes measures against Kremlin-controlled media group RT. Washington is pressuring the channel to register as a "foreign agent", which would force it to disclose personal information of employees and those interviewed. Speaking at the annual Valdai Club meeting of international experts in Sochi, Putin said Moscow would take similar actions against US media in Russia if legal steps are taken to limit RT's activities in the United States. "We will act in a way that reflects their moves and we will do this quickly. As soon as we see steps being taken that limit the actions of our media there will be a tit-for-tat response," he said. Putin praised RT as "doing brilliant work" and said the channel was much smaller than the dominant US and British media working internationally, which he called the "Anglo- Saxon monopoly". RT this month said the channel was given a deadline of October 17 to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). The Russian justice ministry also sent warning letters to "a number of US media operating in Russia" warning them of the "unacceptability of breaching Russian law". Russia has a law requiring non-governmental organisations with foreign funding to register as foreign agents, but it has never been used to target media organisations. The law has instead led to the shuttering of dozens of groups working on anything from environmental protection to HIV prevention. Relations between Moscow and Washington have plummeted to their lowest level since the Cold War and numerous investigations in the US are looking into whether Russia meddled in 2016 elections to swing the vote in favour of President Donald Trump. Beijing: China has said that US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's assertion to shore up ties with India and his criticism of Beijing smacked of "bias", as a state-run media termed it as an attempt by Washington to lure New Delhi to counter-balance Beijing. Ahead of his first visit to India, Tillerson said the US "will not shrink from China's challenges to the rules-based order and where China subverts the sovereignty of neighbouring countries and disadvantages the US and our friends." "In this period of uncertainty and angst, India needs a reliable partner on the world stage. I want to make clear: with our shared values and vision for global stability, peace and prosperity, the US is that partner," Tillerson had said at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies - a Washington-based think tank. Playing down his criticism of China and remarks to deepen ties with India, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters yesterday that "many media are very interested in the development of relations between India and the US". "We are happy to see the development of relations between these countries as long as they are conducive to the peaceful development of the region and enhancement of relations among the regional countries," he said. On Tillerson's remarks branding China a "predatory rule breaker" specially in the South China Sea and leaving countries in debt, Lu said US should take more objective look at China?s development. "China steadfastly upheld the international order with the UN at the core and based on the purposes and principles of UN charter we will firmly uphold the multilateralism yet we will also firmly safeguard our own interests and rights," he said. China hopes that Washington can look China?s development in objective way as well as China role in the international community, Lu said. US should "abandon its biased views on China and work with it towards the same goal to uphold the momentum for a steady and sound China relations," Lu said. "Although the US State Department claims that the US- India relationship is in response to 'negative Chinese influence in Asia', Washington understands that this expression is more political rather than practical," Hu Zhiyong, a fellow researcher at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of International Relations, told Global Times. "The US is surely aware of the fact that Sino-US relations outweigh US-India relations. Tillerson's way of speaking was just to comfort India before Trump's scheduled visit to China in November," said Jiang Jingkui, director of Peking University's South Asian Languages Department. Hu noted that the US policy making in South Asia is cantered on Afghanistan, with the focus more on regional stability rather than simply containing China. For that reason, to effectively safeguard Afghan stability, the US still needs China's assistance, he added. "In Washington's new South Asia policy as sketched out by Tillerson, the US intension of turning New Delhi into a stronghold to counterbalance Beijing could not be more obvious," an article in state-run Global Times said. It is not hard to comprehend such a move, which the US has been practicing for quite some time, it said. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 18, ARMENPRESS. Defense minister Vigen Sargsyan on October 18 received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Armenia John Ronald Kur (residence in Moscow), press service of the ministry told Armenpress. During the meeting the cooperation prospects of Armenia and Canada in the field of defense were discussed. The sides expressed readiness to observe the cooperation opportunities in peacekeeping and other spheres. The meeting also touched upon international and regional security issues. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. Structural changes are being made in the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, Areg Mikayelyan Director of the Observatory, told Armenpress, adding that making structural changes is one of the key points of his program. The Observatory didnt have a scientific structure for many years. The researchers were jointly working only in case of a grant. As the grants were not provided on regular basis, the groups as well as were not working regularly. I think this hindered the right process of the entire scientific-research work. Thats why we decided to establish a stable structure, he said. At the moment the Observatory has 9 scientific-research departments. They include the traditional departments, as well as the new ones which will significantly change the situation. Areg Mikayelyan said now the researchers know in which structural unit they are and what works they need to do. But this, of course, doesnt mean that researchers are limited, the cooperation, all types of research is promoted, but each person must be responsible for implementing his/her own scientific tasks, the Observatory Director said. He informed that in addition to scientific-research departments, infrastructural departments have also been created. However, the issue of personnel still remains a problem for the Observatory. Areg Mikayelyan said over the recent years the staff was constantly decreasing and reached 37. This is a very painful fact, previously we had 120 researchers. At the moment we are trying to create conditions for supplementing the staff with young cadres. We now have several young people working here. Currently the number of researchers is 42, he said. The Observatory also carries out active works with PhD students, as well as it expands the cooperation with foreign cadres, in particular with those Armenian astronomers who previously worked in the Observatory, but now they live abroad. They have certain obligations such as to regularly visit the Observatory, give lectures, hold trainings, work with the youth engaging them in different programs aimed at increasing their professional level. Areg Mikayelyan has been elected as Director of the Byurakan Observatory in April, 2017. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. During the official visit of Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev to Armenia on October 24, the Armenian and Russian PMs will discuss a wide range of issues relating to the Armenian-Russian bilateral commercial ties, reports Armenpress. The officials will touch upon the mutual partnership in investments, industrial and humanitarian spheres, as well as will discuss the implementation process of major joint programs in different spheres. The package of documents on intergovernmental, inter-agency and interregional cooperation is expected to be signed. On October 25 during the Eurasian intergovernmental councils session in Yerevan, the extended agenda, as well as the practical aspects of the functioning of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) will be discussed. Heads of government of Armenia, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan will discuss issues relating to countering illegal circulation of goods to the Unions customs territory, as well as 2018-2019 action plan on excluding the restrictions on movement of goods, services, labor and capital. During the visit the Russian PM is expected to meet with President Serzh Sargsyan. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. Newly-appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Denmark to Armenia Ruben Madsen (residence in Kiev) presented his credentials to President Serzh Sargsyan on October 20, press service of the Presidents Office told Armenpress. The Armenian President congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment and expressed hope the Ambassador will invest his professional capacities and rich experience for the development of Armenian-Danish relations and will play a great role in boosting the bilateral ties. The sides stated that in the 25th year of establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Denmark it still cannot be stated for sure that the huge cooperation development potential between the two countries in different spheres has been fully utilized, despite the recent certain activeness in interstate ties. Ambassador Ruben Madsen said the Armenian-Danish relations have been formed long ago. He assured that during his tenure he will make great efforts to intensify and deepen the relations between the two countries. During the meeting the officials also discussed the development prospect of Armenia-EU ties, the upcoming Brussels summit on the sidelines of which the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership agreement is expected to be signed. The Ambassador said Denmark in EU supports intensifying the relations with the Unions neighbors, including Armenia. The Armenian President also attached importance to the role of inter-parliamentary diplomacy in the development of relations of the two countries. President Sargsyan and Ambassador Madsen also exchanged views on the settlement process of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict during the meeting. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. On October 20, in Brussels, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh Masis Mayilian delivered a speech entitled Prospects of EU - Artsakh cooperation: A way to contribute to peace and stability in the South Caucasus, addressing a roundtable organized by the European Friends of Armenia NGO, press service of the Artsakh foreign ministry told Armenpress. In his speech, Masis Mayilian briefed on the challenges facing the South Caucasus, noting that Azerbaijans nihilistic attitude to international law, disregard for the fundamental rights of the citizens of Artsakh and the very right of the Republic of Artsakh to exist are the main sources of threat to regional peace and security. By aggressively imposing the logic of confrontation, the Azerbaijani authorities demonstrate that their goal is not to achieve peace through dialogue, but to gain a unilateral military and political advantage. The Artsakh FM expressed confidence that the EU cooperation with Artsakh would play a stabilizing role and become an important contribution to establishing lasting peace in the South Caucasus. It would signal the inadmissibility of using confrontation and isolation as a means of resolving conflicts, since they are fraught with destabilization of the entire region. He stressed that promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms should not fall hostage to the unresolved Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict, and the unrecognized status of Artsakh should not serve as an obstacle to the cooperation between Artsakh and the European Union. Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Artsakh Ruben Melikyan also participated in the roundtable and delivered a speech, briefing on the current situation in the field of human rights protection in Artsakh. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan on October 20 received US Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills and USAID Armenia Mission Director Deborah Grieser , press service of the government told Armenpress. The PM and the US Ambassador discussed a number of issues relating to the Armenian-American bilateral agenda. The sides touched upon the cooperation in anti-corruption field, as well as discussed the ongoing works and the further steps. PM Karapetyan said the government continues consistent policy on improving the situation in anti-corruption field at three main directions reduction of corruption risks, upgrading and improvement of normative-legislative field and active work of Anti-Corruption Council. In this context he attached importance to the US Assistance to the Armenian governments steps. The US Ambassador welcomed the Armenian PMs efforts to fight against corruption and improve the business environment which contributed to increase of interest of US investors towards Armenia. He said over the past 8-10 months he has received positive signals from the American companies operating in Armenia especially over the reforms made in the customs field. Richard Mills reaffirmed the US readiness to continue providing assistance to the Armenian government in fight against corruption. The meeting also focused on the process of program My Armenia: cultural tourism in Armenia launched two years ago. It has been developed based on the cooperation of the Armenian government, USAID and Smithsonian Institutio and aims at preserving the national culture through the development of cultural tourism in Armenia. The officials also exchanged views on other issues relating to Armenia-US cooperation. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. Foreign minister of Poland Witold Waszczykowski hopes the cooperation between Armenia and Poland will continue developing at the highest level in different spheres, reports Armenpress. This is my first visit to Yerevan as a minister. I am happy that the presidents of the two countries had a chance to meet and hold discussions within the UN General Assembly in New York last month. There is really a potential to develop the cooperation, especially in the economic field. In the next part of our discussions I will present the Polish companies that are interested in cooperating with the Armenian companies, he said at a joint press conference with Armenian foreign minister Edward Nalbandian in Yerevan. The Polish FM said the discussions were not limited only to bilateral relations. I am here as a representative of NATO member state. We have discussed security issues, as well as issues relating to the upcoming Eastern Partnership summit which we are going to hold already next month. It will be held in Brussels by our proposal so that to be able to concentrate the focuse of all European countries. We have discussed with the minister the issue of improving the Eastern Partnerships programs that derives from the interests of the two countries, Witold Waszczykowski said. He stated that they are preparing for the upcoming NATO summit which will most likely be held in May 2018. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian community of Poland is a firm bridge between the two friendly countries, Armenian foreign minister Edward Nalbandian said during the joint press conference with Polish counterpart Witold Waszczykowski in Yerevan on October 20, Armenpress reports. He reminded that this year marks the 25th anniversary of establishment of Armenian-Polish diplomatic ties and the 650th anniversary of formation of the Armenian community in Poland. Over the past centuries the Armenians in Poland have been worthy citizens, as talended state, military figures, scientists and art critics. During the year numerous events exhibitions, conferennces have been organized dedicated to Armenians of Poland. Armenians have played a role in the Polish history. Armenians in Poland exhibition opened in the Senate. All these symbolizes the Armenian-Polish centuries-old friendship, the FM said, adding that in 2005 the Sejm of Poland (lower house of the parliament) adopted a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide. The Armenian FM said since the establishment of diplomatic ties the two countries managed to create stable grounds for comprehensive and thorough development of Armenian-Polish ties at bilateral and multilateral levels through bilateral high-level visits, effective political dialogue and creation of broad legal framework. Sponsored by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, an international forum focusing on the China-Russia-Mongolia Economic Corridor and Northeast Asia Regional Cooperation was convened in Hohhot on Oct 13. The forum hosted nearly 200 experts from China, Russia, Mongolia, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and Poland. Most of the key-note speeches were themed around cross-region collaboration. Wang Lei, director of the CASS International Cooperation Bureau, mentioned that the construction of the China-Russia-Mongolia Economic Corridor is a crucial component in promotion of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, which will help deepen cross-region trade and economy partnerships. The China-Russia-Mongolia Economic Corridor has bearing on the development of Northeast Asian countries and even Eurasian ones, explained Xing Guangcheng, head of the CASS Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies. The research and suggestions from international social scientists will contribute to in-depth connections between the countries, added Xing. IMUFE Chancellor Du Jinzhu introduced the universitys exchanges with Russia and Mongolia in academics and science. IMUFE will collect educational resources to cultivate professionals specializing in China-Mongolia trade and cooperation and focusing on Northeast economy. The building of the China-Russia-Mongolia Economic Corridor is still faced with many problems needing to be fixed by involving more researchers in discussion, according to Hang Shuanzhu, president of the Inner Mongolia Social Science Association. Recently that association has been preparing to initiate a project on studying countries along the Belt and Road, and will publish a series of books based on its findings, claimed Hang. The forum was separated into four units with 23 experts from different fields voicing their opinions in turn, including general assessments of the China-Russia-Mongolia Economic Corridor, the Sino-Russia relationship under the trilateral corridor, and the cooperation between the Inner Mongolia autonomous region and Mongolia. Economic cooperation and infrastructure construction in the 21st century has a significant influence on China, Mongolia and Ural, said an expert from the Ural Branch of the Russia Academy of Sciences. Mongolia has many similarities with Central Asian countries and could draw lessons from them in cooperating with China and their successful experience in involving the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, remarked Sun Zhuangzhi, deputy head of the CASS Sociology Department. A professor from the National University of Mongolia gave a report concerning the trilateral partnerships in a new era. A Japanese expert from the Slavic Research Center of Hokkaido University expressed his views from the angle of economic interdependence resulting in qualitative transformations and new developments in the Sino-Russia relationship. The forum was co-hosted by the Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies attached to CASS, the Inner Mongolia University of Finance and Economics (IMUFE), the Inner Mongolia Social Science Association, and institutes studying China-Russia-Mongolia economic cooperation. Some experts also emphasized that Inner Mongolia as a key link to trilateral trade and its business activities will contribute to further development of Northeast Asian and Eurasian economies. Experts discuss issues related to the China-Russia-Mongolia Economic Corridor and Northeast Asia Regional Cooperation in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Oct 13, 2017. [Photo/imufe.edu.cn] YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. Armenias priority goal in water economy remains raising the effectiveness of water management, Minister of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources of Armenia Ashot Manukyan told the reporters on October 20. The main solution to this is the construction of reservoirs. Last year the construction of Vedi reservoir kicked off with a total volume of 29 million cubic meters. The works are still underway. We had started talks with the German KFW Bank, which are already in the stage of completion. With the funding of the bank we will start the project of raising the effectiveness of management of Akhuryan River basin, which presumes construction of Kapsi reservoir with 25 million cubic meters total volume and the reinforcement of the protective wall of Arpi lake, Armenpress reports the Minister saying. He added that it was planned to build the Yeghvard reservoir with a total volume of 90 million cubic meters. But here the Government stopped because all our discussions with the expert circles returned us to the vision that the Government ideology needs changes in the direction of reservoir construction. The Government starts to think that it might be right to suspend the mega projects of reservoir construction and set to construction of smaller ones, the Minister said. Ashot Manukyan emphasized that the relief of Armenia with deep and steep canyons and gorges give an opportunity to construct small reservoirs making use of the natural dams. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan visited in Brussels the Parliament of Wallonia on October 20 where he met with a group of its members and attended the solemn ceremony of establishing the Wallonia-Artsakh Friendship Group. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of ARtsakh Presidents Office, Bako Sahakyan extended gratitude to all those who through their painstaking and purposeful work enabled the establishment of the group, highlighting it as a symbol of friendship, mutual respect and trust between Wallonia and Artsakh, between our peoples expressing hope that it would have an important role in deepening bilateral relations and cooperation. President Sahakyan characterized Wallonia as a friendly region for our country, one of the cornerstones of Belgium and Europe, key cradle of the Francophone society, with which we have many similarities in worldview, value system, culture and lifestyle. During the event President Sahakyan handed in the "Gratitude" medal to honorary rector of Louvain Catholic University Bernard Coulie and Belgian parliamentarian Andre du Bus for substantial contribution to the recognition of the Artsakh Republic. YEREVAN, 20 OCTOBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 20 October, USD exchange rate is up by 0.20 drams to 481.93 drams. EUR exchange rate is up by 0.19 drams to 569.16 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate stood at 8.37 drams. GBP exchange rate is up by 0.11 drams to 633.83 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price is up by 104.30 drams to 19932.01 drams. Silver price is up by 1.27 drams to 263.79 drams. Platinum price is down by 9.57 drams to 14270.35 drams. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. Russia has banned the screening of an anti-Armenian film made by Azerbaijanis in its territory. ARMENPRESS reports the Justice Ministry o Russia has included the film in the federal list extremist materials. The film with duration of 1 hour 5 minutes and 59 seconds that starts with the words Azerbaijanis in Caucasus since the resettlement of Armenians and ends with the words Azerbaijan as victim of aggression has been recognized material with extremist content, says the press release of the Justice Ministry of Russia. By the decision of Kirov Lenin district court of Russia the screening of the film has been banned in Russia. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan met at a tea table with the participants of the 22nd international conference "The Role of the Constitutional Courts in Overcoming Constitutional Conflicts" on October 20. The conference will last from October 19-21. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Armenian Presidents Office, Serzh Sargsyan greeted the guests and highlighted the conference dedicated to the discussion of issues of constitutional justice. According to President Sargsyan, the fact that the conference has brought together numerous highly qualified specialists speaks about the demand of cooperation in that format. Serzh Sargsyan noted that direct interaction is the best means of partnership for finding joint and effective solutions to issues of common interest, as well as for conducting exchange of experience. In this context Serzh Sargsyan talked about the partnership with Democracy through law (Venice Commission) and other European institutions, thank to which democratic reforms have been underway in Armenia for years. The President also referred to the constitutional changes of Armenia of 2015, which became the starting point for the strengthening of Armenias state governance and democratic institutions. The participants of the international conference thanked the President for the cordial reception and the organizers of the conference for holding the event in Yerevan at a high level. They noted that during the last two days rather productive dialogue had been launched in the sidelines of the conference, during which they touched upon a number of issues from professional viewpoint, such as separation of powers, strengthening democracy and rule of law, the role of constitutional courts in democratic systems and so on. The participants of the conference expressed readiness to continue close interactions and cooperation in the professional aspect. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. This morning, European Friends of Armenia (EuFoA) organised a comprehensive briefing on Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh Republic), with the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Masis Mayilian, and Ombudsman Ruben Melikyan, ARMENPRESS was informed from the official website of the EuFoA. This briefing was moderated by Diogo Pinto, Director of EuFoA, and attended by more than 30 representatives of the EU institutions, diplomatic corps, international NGOs, research community and media. Mr. Pinto thanked and welcomed the speakers and the participants, and reminded that, in Brussels, it is quite a unique opportunity to talk about Nagorno-Karabakh and the conflict with relevant representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh. Mr. Mayilian, in his initial remarks, gave an extensive account of the latest developments in the process of democratic consolidation of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), stressing its openness to cooperate with other states and international organisations, and left an invitation for the EU to consider further engaging with Artsakh in areas such as strengthening civil society, independence of the media, and humanitarian issues. He added: EU cooperation with Artsakh would play a stabilizing role and become an important contribution to establishing lasting peace in the South Caucasus, and it would signal the inadmissibility of using confrontation and isolation as a means of resolving conflicts. The promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms should not fall hostage to the unresolved Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict, and the unrecognised status of Artsakh should not serve as an obstacle to the cooperation between Artsakh and the European Union. Mr Melikyan started by stating that human rights are recognised in Artsakh as a fundamental aspect of its statehood, and efforts are constantly being made to promote and uphold them, as well as to educate people and institutions about them. The most recent evidence of this was the announcement by the President that, as part of his programme for this term, a Human Rights Strategy and Action Plan will be developed. The Ombudsman also referred to the report already published about the violations of human rights committed by the Azerbaijani forces against civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh during the April 2016 war, and the upcoming report about Armenophobia in Azerbaijan. He concluded by stating that xenophobia is always unacceptable. During the debate that followed, participants touched on several diverse aspects related to Nagorno-Karabakh, the conflict and the situation of human rights, including but not limited to: status of negotiations, peace building projects, and prospects for conflict resolution; relations with and the role of the EU, expectations towards the upcoming Eastern Partnership Summit and the new CEPA agreement between Armenia and the EU; freedom and pluralism of the media and freedom of expression; role and situation of women and youth; economic situation, etc. Mr. Pinto, speaking after the briefing, expressed that: This was a successful event, and I am happy to see that it attracted the interest of so many people. Artsakh exists beyond the conflict, and its reality needs to be better known, and the isolation promoted by Azerbaijan needs to be broken. The conflict can only be solved with the direct involvement of the representatives of the people of Artsakh in the negotiations, and the EU could play an important role in promoting this by engaging further with the territory and its inhabitants. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan received on October 20 Foreign Minister of Poland Witold Waszczykowski. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Armenian Presidents Office, Serzh Sargsyan greeted the guest and noted that he is glad to host him in a jubilee year for the two peoples and countries, when together with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Poland, the 650th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian community in Poland is marked. President Sargsyan expressed gratitude to the friendly people of Poland and the leadership of the country for their careful attitude to Armenians and the Armenian cultural heritage. The President of Armenia highly appreciated the warm message of the President of Poland Andrzej Duda addressed to the Armenian community on the occasion of the 650th anniversary and the resolution adopted by the Senate of Poland referring to the same occasion. Serzh Sargsyan underlined that Armenia greatly highlights deepening of relations with Poland both in a bilateral format and in the sidelines of Armenias cooperation with the EU. Polish FM Waszczykowski thanked for the reception and recalled with warmth the meeting of Armenian and Polish Presidents on September 19 of the current year in New York in the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and the productive discussions. Witold Waszczykowski presented to the President of the Republic the goal of his visit and the results of his meeting with his Armenian counterpart. Apart from Armenian-Polish bilateral relations, the interlocutors also referred to Armenia-EU cooperation, the upcoming summit in Brussels and Armenias expectations from that summit. President Sargsyan noted that Armenia highlights deepening relations with the EU, stressing that thank to the cooperation with the Union, a lot of reforms have been conducted in Armenia during the last years and Armenia-EU relations have recorded significant progress. Serzh Sargsyan highlighted the role of Poland in strengthening Armenia-EU relations in the sidelines of the Eastern Partnership. During the meeting the sides also touched upon the negotiation process of Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian gave a speech on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Armenia membership to the UN and the opening of UN Office in Armenia. Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Honorable guests, I am glad to greet you at this beautiful event dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Armenia membership to the UN and the opening of UN Office in Armenia. A quarter century ago the flag of Armenia was raised at the UN Headquarters, and Armenia joined the big family of the Organization of the United Nations. Today I attended the opening of the classroom after Boutros-Ghali at the Faculty of International Relations of the YSU. The name of this prominent politician of the 20t century is closely related with Armenias membership to the UN and its not by an accident that the classroom in his honor was opened in the sidelines of this festive event. Becoming UN member Armenia documented its resolve to establish a society fully in conformity with the goals and principles of the UN. We are guided by the UN Charter that urges to consolidate to preserve international peace and security, develop friendly relations between countries based on the equality of peoples and respect of the right to self-determination. The full and unconditional implementation of these commitments, that they assumed by becoming a member state, is the obligation of all the countries. Armenia is committed to them, including in the context of the exclusively peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict, ARMENPRESS reports the Minister saying. He added that a nation that survived the horrors of the Genocide, the Armenian people has the moral obligation to voice about the importance of preventing genocides at the international arena and take measures in that direction. Armenia also contributes to the international efforts aimed at preserving peace, peace-building and stability by participating in peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Lebanon and Mali, the Armenian FM said, adding that the effective cooperation with the UN and its specialized agencies have had crucial role in the development and reforms in Armenia. During the past 25 years we have always felt the support and presence of the UN in the face of the Yerevan Office of the UN. We have implemented and implement various joint projects and programs, he said, congratulating Bradley Busetto and his staff on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the UN Office in Armenia and thanked them for their devoted work. The overall impact on the industry will depend on how the law is written. For example, Kim says the wording of the United Kingdom rule states only that by 2040, all new vehicles must be electrified, which includes hybrids, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen. This is much different than mandating fully electric vehicles. "In other words, there will be plenty of new vehicles powered by gasoline and diesel in the U.K. in 2040, it's just that they will be augmented by batteries," Kim says via email. "We have not seen the wording of the proposed bill that will be introduced in California in January, but if it follows the lead of other so-called gasoline bans announced around the world, it will likely stipulate that all new vehicles sold in California by 2040 must [have] some form of electrification." Advertisement That said, the rule-makers could still go more extreme. Hybrids and EVs cost more than conventional gasoline cars because the high-tech batteries are expensive. Federal and state tax rebates help offset the cost somewhat (this is true across the country) but it's understandable that Californians might be concerned about buying the higher-priced cars. It's still premature to worry, Kim says, though by the time the rule is enforced, batteries should be much more affordable than they are now. "By some estimates, battery powered cars will be cheaper than conventional cars in the foreseeable future," he says. Support is another problem, though. California's EV infrastructure is among the best in the country, but even it needs improvement. According to Wired, the city of San Jose has 500 electric charge points per million people, and San Francisco has 450 charge points per million people. These numbers are high, but Silicon Valley and major cities don't represent the entire state. Driving electric cars has to be just as convenient for people in areas that are less densely populated. California is already working on it, and was just awarded $800 million to allocate toward infrastructure as part of Volkswagen's Dieselgate settlement. The state's electric grid already produces enough energy to support more electric cars, but Kim points out it might be difficult to get homes ready. Multi-family dwellings like apartments and condos can only support so many charging outlets, especially where so many residents depend on street parking. There is also concern that some buildings are too old to safely handle an increase in electrical load. Even with plenty of power to go around, consumers need to understand what they're paying for. Kim says that the complicated pricing structure of utilities is already too confusing. "Figuring out one's operating costs for an electrified vehicle is so much more complex than filling up a tank with gasoline or diesel," he says. "This needs to change in order for the mainstream to adopt electrification." SAN FRANCISCOIn a hearing this morning lasting just over 40 minutes, a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals appeared to be disposed to reversing the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by three sex workers, one "john" and the Erotic Service Providers Legal, Education and Research Project (ESPLERP) that seeks to have the state's anti-prostitution law, CA Penal Code 647(b), declared unconstitutional. The plaintiffs had charged that the anti-prostitution statute "unfairly deprives consenting adults of the right to private activity, criminalizes the discussion of such activity, and unconstitutionally places prohibitions on individuals' right to freely associate," rights generally guaranteed by the First, Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The defendants in the case consist of California's Attorney General Xavier Becerra as well as several Bay Area district attorneys, most prominent of which is San Francisco's George Gascon, the first-named defendant in ESPLERP v. Gascon. And there's no doubt that the plaintiffs had their work cut out for them. Hearing the challenge to the lawsuit's dismissal were Judges Consuelo ("Sue") Callahan and Carlos T. Bea, both appointed to the circuit bench by George W. Bush in 2003, and Judge Jane A. Restani of the Court of International Trade, sitting by designation but originally appointed to the bench by Ronald Reagan in 1983. Courtroom 307 at San Francisco's U.S. District Courthouse was packed with ESPLERP supporters and attorneys as the hearing began. Prominent First Amendment advocate H. Louis Sirkin addressed the panel first, noting that the case had nothing to do with sex trafficking or minor children being forced or persuaded into prostitution. Rather, he said, the plaintiffs' claims are based largely on the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments' substantive due process rights, and the U.S. Supreme Court's 2003 decision in Lawrence v. Texas, which found that two gay men who had been arrested in the midst of performing a sex act had a "liberty interest" in being able to have sex in private, despite a prior Supreme Court decision in Bowers v. Hardwick which had denied them that right. Judge Callahan immediately noted that the current case was a facial challenge to the prostitution law, whereas the Lawrence case had been an "as-applied" challenge: Lawrence and his partner had been busted after being "caught in the act." Sirkin responded that the case became a facial challenge to the law; otherwise, the high court would not have issued a ruling that struck down anti-sodomy laws nationwide. Judge Bea then inquired whether Lawrence was about the personal relationship between Lawrence and his partner, or simply about their conduct in having had forbidden sexual relations. But when Sirkin declared that the current case was about conduct, the judges attempted to distinguish Lawrence as a case about an "intimate personal relationship," with Judge Callahan pointing out that the Ninth Circuit had previously held that the relationship between a prostitute and a client isn't "intimate" in any personal way. This led to several minutes of discussion regarding the definition of an "intimate" and/or "personal" relationship, with Judge Callahan opining that even a client who saw a particular prostitute on a regular basis still did not have an "intimate" relationship with her. Sirkin countered that seeing someone numerous timesfor instance, in a dating relationship that might include sexisn't a crime. Then, despite Sirkin's earlier caveat, Judge Callahan suggested that prostitution is not a "victimless crime" in the eyes of the law, because some prostitutes are in fact trafficking victims, while others are under the control of pimps. However, Sirkin rightly noted that other laws deal with those situations, and that many prostitutes knowingly choose their profession and are beholden to no one. He also later noted that the U.S. has a long history involving prostitution, with most major cities having had brothels and casual prostitutes. For his part, Judge Bea focused on terms like "enduring bonds," which he opined are not formed in the anonymous sex that prostitutes have with clients, and asked Sirkin if he felt that such "relationships" were still constitutionally protected. Sirkin said he thought they were. Regarding Lawrence, Judge Callahan noted that Justice Anthony Kennedy was the author of the high court's opinion in the case, and wondered how he would feel if the current case were before him? Sirkin said he thought Justice Kennedy would support the rights of prostitutes to carry on their business, since he would understand that simply because some people felt that some actions were "immoral" didn't mean they were (or should be) against the law. More locally, Judge Restani asked about a Ninth Circuit case referred to as "IDK," which one of the attendees said revolved around a Nevada escort service. Sirkin noted that IDK had been decided while Bowers v. Hardwick was still the law of the land, but that had been overturned by Lawrence. Judge Bea then brought up another Ninth Circuit decision, the Witt case, involving a soldier involved in a lesbian relationship while marrieda case which he said was decided based on the parties' relationship rather than the sexual acts they engaged in. Sirkin countered that it was the parties' conduct that should be at issue, and that the ability to engage in such conduct was a liberty interest. Judge Bea then tried to analogize between the current case and the anti-gambling statutes, and asked how this was any different. Sirkin didn't answer directly, but maintained that the ability to be sexually intimate with another person, whether or not money changed hands, was constitutionally protected. The judge then heard from Deputy Attorney General Sharon O'Grady, who immediately argued that the IDK case should control the panel's decision, and maintained that Lawrence v. Texas was all about the relationship between the two partners and not about their conduct. However, when Judge Bea questioned whether there was any evidence that Lawrence and his partner in fact had a relationship beyond being sex partners, O'Grady admitted that there was no such evidencewhich led Judge Bea to wonder whether a law prohibiting one-night stands would be considered constitutional. O'Grady responded by pointing out that prostitution is a commercial enterprise, and subject to regulation on that basis, which impelled Judge Bea to ask why it is illegal to sell something (sex acts) that it's perfectly legal to give away for free. O'Grady's only response was that that would be up to the legislature. When Judge Callahan noted that although prostitution is morally disapproved, there appeared to be nothing that allowed the laws against it to be considered constitutional. O'Grady responded by noting that prostitution sometimes involves trafficked women, domestic violence, drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, which she opined is enough for the legislature to take action against it. However, Judge Bea asked whether she would be able to prove that relationship if the panel voted to remand the case for trial. O'Grady said she thought she could, but asked that remand nonetheless not be granted. Judge Callahan wanted to delve more deeply into the mechanics of prostitution, asking whether two people who had sex in the privacy of their own home could be convicted under the law if one party gave money to the other? O'Grady admitted she thought they couldbut that the couple might have an "as-applied" challenge to the law. She also continued to argue, in response to a question from Judge Callahan, that while Lawrence may have recognized a liberty interest in consensual gay sex, paying for such sex would be another matter entirely. Judge Bea then questioned whether simply the fact of money changing hands eliminated the possibility that the people engaged in the sex act could be having a personal relationshipand wouldn't that be an issue to be decided at trial? O'Grady agreed that that question might be relevant in an "as-applied" challenge to the law, but noted that that isn't the case here. The questioning then turned to what level of scrutiny should be applied to the prostitution laws. O'Grady maintained that the law would survive simple "rational basis" scrutiny, but Judge Bea seemed to feel that the law should be subjected to heightened scrutiny, and asked whether she thought the law could survive that. O"Grady said she thought it could, and with the IDK case controlling in the Ninth Circuit, there was no need to remand for trial. However, Judge Bea noted that it would be up to the trial court to hear evidence as to which level of scrutiny should be applied. O'Grady claimed, though, that such evidence was already in the record, so again, no need for remand. She also argued that it was state legislatures that created anti-prostitution laws, not the courts, and that this court should let them do that job. Judge Bea then turned to the late Justice Anton Scalia's dissent in Lawrence, where he stated that if Lawrence were to prevail, "State laws against bigamy, same-sex marriage, adult incest, prostitution, masturbation, adultery, fornication, bestiality, and obscenity" would all be called into question. "Was he wrong?" Judge Bea asked. O'Grady's basic answer was "Yes." At that point, Sirkin took the rostrum again, and Judge Bea asked essentially the same question, focusing this time on the concept of incest. Sirkin noted that there were good scientific reasons to prohibit incest, which could lead to malformed offspring, but that that logic didn't apply to prostitution, which had nothing scientific arguing against it. That discussion went on for about another minute before the panel decided that the issues had been aired to their satisfaction, but as expected, they didn't issue a ruling from the bench. However, from the tenor of the questions, it seemed likely that the panel would remand the case back to the trial judge, who would then schedule a trial in the matter. Outside the courtroom, the attorneys (which included several from organizations like the ACLU and Lambda Legal, as well as observers like local counsel for plaintiffs D. Gill Sperlein, Allan Gelbard and Sirkin's partner Brian O'Connor) seemed pleased with the way the questioning had gone, and felt confident that the panel would reverse the trial court's dismissal of the lawsuit. However, a press conference planned for the courthouse steps after the hearing concluded was canceled when no reporters from major local news organizations showed up. Instead, a large group of supporters, headed by ESPLERP's Maxine Doogan, headed to a local restaurant for lunch. Pictured: H. Louis Sirkin and Maxine Doogan on courthouse steps. LOS ANGELESIn a statement issued this week, iWantClips affirms its website was not compromised nor hacked during Sundays "Distributed Denial of Service" (DDoS) attack, which made the site temporarily unavailable. At approximately 3:30 a.m. until approximately 9 a.m. on Sunday, October 15, the iWantClips.com website was hit with a DDoS attack, causing the website to become unresponsive and ultimately unavailable, Jay Phillips, Vice President of iWantEmpire which operates iWantClips and its sister sites, said. We apologize for this inconvenience and are working tirelessly to prevent further interruptions. Our development team was aware of the attack within minutes of it occurring and was able to stop the DDoS attack within a matter of hours. A Distributed Denial of Service attack is when attackers gain control of other computers and use them to overwhelm a website with a barrage of requests for service, ultimately blocking users from using the targeted site. In the statement, Phillips noted that this was a deliberate attack on the platform and not an accident. We have determined that this was not an amateur attack and was in fact a deliberate, well-funded, and strategized attack to take down iWantClips," Phillips said. "While deeply concerning and regretfully inconvenient to our artists and fans, this attack serves to remind us of the threat that the success of each and every artist on the iWantEmpire represents to certain individuals. To read the full statement, click here. iWantEmpire operates a number of adult sites, including the popular amateur, fetish and porn star clip site, iWantClips which offers "a truly elite experience in model worship." Its other sites are iWantCustomClips, which offers users the ability to direct their own fantasy by choosing the model, her outfit, scenario and more, along with the new mobile chat service, iWantPhone. ONTARIO, Calif.Sister companies CalExotics and Jopen have returned from a successful eroFame show in Hannover, Germany. We had an incredible turnout. Our stand was constantly busy with new and familiar faces. We always look forward to our time in Germany, and this year has exceeded our expectations, said Jackie White, executive vice president of CalExotics. CalExotics and Jopen presented their newest and most popular products, creating quite the buzz during the three-day affair. From CalExotics, new collections like the Jack Rabbit Signature and Eden were a focal point, along with popular favorites including Mini Marvels, Red Hot and Inspire. From Jopen, the new Amour collection was front and center, giving attendees an inside look at the latest offerings from the luxury manufacturer. Best-selling collections like Callie and Opal were also on display. Everyone was impressed by our newest offerings, paying special attention to Amour and Jack Rabbit Signature, said Roxana Mendoza, international account executive for CalExotics. With Amour, they loved the elegant and female-friendly look, and with Jack Rabbit, they loved the high-end designs and unique style. Overall, this was one of our best shows to date. During the event, CalExotics and Jopen were recognized by European Adult News (EAN) and Sign Magazine for their exceptional product and brands. Jopen was awarded the Best Luxury Product Line award for Callie from EAN. Callie is one of Jopens most popular collections and is a favorite of Cosmopolitan Magazine. The collection offers wands and massagers that feature luxurious designer style with extreme power. CalExotics was awarded the Best Adult Toy Brand of the Year award from Sign Magazine. The company has been in business for over 23 years and was the first of its kind to be founded by a woman. CalExotics has been instrumental in changing the sex toy industry into what it is today, and this award recognizes the companys incredible contributions. CalExotics founder Susan Colvin also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Sign Magazine. It is an incredible honor to be recognized by Sign Magazine. Ive put my heart and soul into this company, and I couldnt be more proud, said Colvin. For more information on CalExotics and Jopen products, and their team, visit CalExotics.com and Jopen.com. For images from the event, click here. LOS ANGELESRomi Rain will do an exclusive show on CamSoda at 5 p.m. PST today. Romi is a well-known porn star with a devout following and we are excited for her to broadcast herself on CamSoda once more, said Daryn Parker, vice president, CamSoda. I encourage all her loyal fans to tune in and check her out in all her glory. Itll be a sex filled experience that will not disappoint, I assure you. A buxom black-haired beauty, Rain first discovered web camming and nude modeling at 19. With a lifelong desire to work in the porn industry, Rain got her first big break webcamming for Playboy Live. Since then, she has gone on to work for some of the industrys leading publications and content creators, including Hustler Magazine, Naughty America and Brazzers. In 2015, Rain won the Brazzers House competition, winning both the final sex challenge and the live orgy finale to take home the top prize. She also received the Performer of the Year Award at Inked Awards in 2016 and 2015. Most recently, Rain became a Fleshlight Girl. Im very excited for my show on CamSoda, Rain said. This isnt my first rodeo, but surely will be my best, I promise you that. Make sure you tune in tonight and check me out! Fans who join CamSoda for the first time ahead of Rains show will receive 50 free tokens to use on the platform during live broadcasts. Rain can be booked via ocmodeling.com. Fans can follow her on social media via Twitter and Instagram. For more information on the show and to sign up for a free CamSoda account and receive the complementary tokens, please visit camsoda.com/romirain. Bedfordshire clanger sales have doubled at Gunns Bakery following the appearance of the product on Channel 4s Great British Bake Off this week. The Bedfordshire clanger, which is Gunns Bakerys best-known product, was part of the Signature Challenge for this weeks Forgotten Bakes theme. David Gunn, of Gunns Bakery, exclusively told British Baker that sales of its Bedfordshire clanger doubled the morning after the episode was broadcast. Maybe, on a normal day, we would sell around 100, but this week it was around 200 the day after it appeared on Bake Off, Gunn said. It was a market day in the area and everybody was coming into the shop. The Bedfordshire clanger is a pastry that has a savoury filling at one end and a sweet one at the other, serving as both a main course and dessert in one bake. Over the years, Gunns Bakery has worked with TV chef Jamie Oliver and Ready Steady Cook to promote the clanger. Every time weve had coverage of our clangers on television, we always see a spike in interest and we start sending them out to different places. This week has been no exception, Gunn added. Gunns has produced the Bedfordshire clanger for the past 50 years and claims to be one of the last places to still bake the product. The Bedfordshire clanger was originally the food of farm labourers, which they considered as affordable, filling and very calorific, according to Gunns Bakerys website. Find out how the Bake Off contestants created the Bedfordshire clanger in our weekly blog. You might expect Libertarians to feel protective of the spot they've won as the only third party on North Carolina's election ballot.If so, you've never discussed the issue with Brian Irving.The immediate past chairman of the N.C. Libertarian Party, Irving has spent years advocating changes in state law that would lower the threshold for other parties seeking easier ballot access.The Republican-led General Assembly responded this fall by approving Senate Bill 656 , the Electoral Freedom Act of 2017. Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed the measure, objecting to provisions that eliminated primary elections in state judicial races. The state Senate voted Monday evening to override the veto. The House could follow suit today.The language about judicial primaries represents less than half of the bill. Much of the rest of the measure lowers thresholds for third parties and unaffiliated candidates who want to secure a spot in the November election.Rather than collect petition signatures topping 2 percent of the number of votes cast for the most recent gubernatorial election, new political parties would see that requirement drop to 0.25 percent. Using the 2016 election's 4.7 million votes as an example, the requirement would drop from 94,221 petition signatures to 11,778.The law also loosens a geographic diversity requirement. Rather than requiring at least 200 signatures from registered voters in four congressional districts, S.B. 656 assumes that three distinct congressional districts would suffice.And political parties can avoid the petition process altogether if they can prove that they placed a candidate on the general election ballot in at least 35 states (70 percent) during the previous presidential election.These new parties could keep their ballot slots if they win at least 2 percent of the votes in North Carolina's presidential or gubernatorial races. That's a holdover from current state law.As John Locke Foundation Chairman John Hood noted recently Equally noteworthy is the fact that a leading state Libertarian supports the changes. Libertarians used the existing, more stringent, petition signature requirement to gain ballot access in 2008. They secured access that year by surpassing the 2 percent vote total requirement. Libertarians have maintained access through similar electoral performances in 2012 and 2016. (Libertarian Lon Cecil won 102,977 votes, or 2.2 percent, in the 2016 governor's race.)No other third party has followed the same path successfully in North Carolina. Irving hopes they can avoid that costly, time-consuming process.In 2011, for example, he served as a primary proponent of the Free the Vote Coalition . In addition to Libertarians, that group included members of the Conservative, Constitution, Green, and Modern Whig parties. (Then-JLF legal and regulatory expert Daren Bakst also endorsed the group's goals.)More recently, Irving offered the only public comments during a June 21 N.C. House committee meeting on an earlier version of S.B. 656.Irving said at the time.Irving added.A common objection to loosening ballot access involves fear of an overly long election ballot.Irving countered.he concluded, shortly before the committee endorsed the measure and sent it to the full House.Most lawmakers chose to support some version of S.B. 656 earlier this year. The Senate approved the original proposal, 49-0, in April. The House approved its own version, 107-7, two months later.Once the final version of the bill incorporated measures eliminating judicial election primaries, votes fell along party lines. Only two Democrats voted with the majority that approved the measure, 70-44, in the House (with two Republicans voting no). No Democrats voted yes in the Senate, while a single Republican voted no as the measure secured a 30-16 tally in that chamber. (Monday's veto override carried by a 26-15 margin in the Senate.)Despite the earlier Democratic support, Irving sees another reason for that party to oppose change.Irving wrote to Carolina Journal after Cooper vetoed the final bill.Nor does Irving buy Cooper's veto message that S.B. 656Irving responds.And if Irving has his way, the people will see many more choices on their ballot in the years to come. 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. CNN has previously reported that the fighters who carried out the attack were part of an ISIS-affiliated group called ISIS in the Greater Sahara but the Trump administration is yet to mention ISIS as the responsible party. The US military said it does not believe Johnson ever fell into enemy hands, but had reason to believe he might be alive. Military officials launched an urgent search-and-rescue mission after receiving electronic signals that indicated Johnson might be alive in the field ... His body was eventually found in a nearby area, but military investigators do not know why he was left behind during the French led evacuation and if he was alive even for a short period of time, US officials tell CNN. Questions remain about how and when Johnson was killed. Is Niger President Trump's Benghazi?We haven't heard nearly as much about the actual events in Niger that led to the deaths of four American soldiers and the wounding of two others as we have about the political fallout: President Trump bragging about his outreach to the troops, the media following up by castigating Trump for botching that outreach, Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) claiming that Trump had insulted the widow of one of the Niger fallen.But there are a bevy of unanswered questions about just what happened in Niger that led to the deaths of those Americans. And those questions deserve answers.Here are five key questions.A group of American soldiers was reportedly ambushed in Niger by approximately 50 ISIS-affiliated fighters. There are approximately 800 American troops in country; we've been there fighting Boko Haram and ISIS and helping prepare our allies to do the same. These terrorist groups use Niger as a thoroughfare for movement between Northern Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, apparently. The problem is that we have no permission to partake in "offensive air operations," according to CNN. That means that when our guys called for air backup and French Mirage jets arrived, the jets couldn't drop ordnance on the terrorists. Should we have soldiers in places where they can't be defended by air?The Pentagon is still trying to figure out why there was no information that ISIS was present in the area. Our soldiers were divided into two groups - one conducting a meeting, another waiting outside. They were attacked and came under heavy fire. Here's CNN:This also raises the question as to why the administration hasn't acknowledged ISIS' responsibility.Sgt. La David Johnson was apparently left behind, but his body wasn't found for 48 hours. This is the truly shocking part of the story. Again, here's CNN:It took some 30 minutes for aircraft to arrive and buzz the terrorists. That has raised questions about coordination between the French and American contractors.Despite the fact that a statement was drafted on Trump's behalf on October 4, and despite the fact that White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders acknowledged the deaths on October 5, Trump didn't address them until Monday. That's when he dropped his controversial (and evidenceless) statement contrasting his treatment of Gold Star families with that of prior presidents.The media, as always, are eager to turn every negative development under President Trump into his Waterloo: Puerto Rico was "Trump's Katrina," Russia was "Trump's Watergate," and now Niger will be his "Benghazi," as Wilson says. But we don't know whether Trump did anything wrong, as the Obama administration clearly did in Benghazi: Hillary Clinton's State Department refused hundreds of requests for additional security in Benghazi and turned them down, the Obama administration lied to the public by blaming a spontaneous attack based on an anti-Muslim YouTube video rather than a planned terror assault, help didn't arrive for hours after the assault began. It's unclear whether anyone has lied about Niger, whether there were any additional requests made, or whether help should have arrived sooner.Still, questions need answering. never embellish their character or actions never describe the incident in detail my personal rule: Assume the letter was to my mother about me". The recent flap about President Trump's call to the widow of a soldier killed in Niger has caused many to question the method and wording of the Presidents phone call. It was best explained by General Kelly in a press conference on October 19, 2017.As General Kelly has said, no words will be sufficient for the grieving family members. Though, I have never lost a family member in war, I have some idea of the emotion surrounding the events that follow death of a soldier in combat.As one who has some peripheral experience with dealing with recently notified family members of a KIA, I think it is never advisable for a politician to insert themselves into the immediate grief of a family. This advice is applicable to both sides of the isle. General Kelly was correct, in my opinion, when he advised the President not to make the call, but I also understand the Presidents wish to call the grieving relatives of all those who die under his command.One of my saddest duties was to write draft letters for Unit KIA to families. As the NCOIC during the latter part of my tour, I would prepare the draft letter home. There was a template that used that had been preapproved by Military protocol but there was also room for a short paragraph that was individualized for the soldier killed.This was not the first notice to the family as you may have seen in movies where the telegram arrives or the visit from the graves registration officer with Chaplain. This was a personal note from the unit commander to the family, but it also had a protocol that it be non-specific or not too detailed without appearing to be a form letter.My job was to write the personal paragraph that would be used in the letter to provide a context for the soldier's involvement. The Captain would review and edit. It required interviewing buddies if I did not know the guy. The hardest to do was a newbie who no one knew well yet. The purpose was to make some personal reference something the soldier had told others about home or family. I had several Rules that I followed. In most cases the less said the better.Rules:Generally, the soldiers buddies may write a letter to the family or in some cases they would try to visit the family after their return home. Often times this would be months or in some cases years after the event. I wrote an article last memorial day about the need for closure for many ex grunts. ( Eddy Schultz I also occasionally had a duty while stationed at Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama after my return from Vietnam. When a KIA was returned home for the funeral. The Army would assign an individual to be present at the funeral home for the viewing of the dead soldier. Often they would look for a person who served in the same unit or division as the dead soldier. On several occasions, I was selected to be present for a former member of the 25th Infantry Division, which was my unit in Vietnam. I never knew the soldier but was there merely as a representative of the Army.Often a relative or attendee would ask me if I knew the dead soldier or had any information about his death. That was always a difficult conversation since I did not know him but I tried to convey the condolences of our mutual unit. Generally I could tell them about the general location of the unit and its history in the Army.The process of grieving often goes through anger and I saw a few instances of that from family members on why their son, dad, brother or husband was killed. It never deteriorated into an incident, but I could only guess at the degree of pain that they must have felt.The funeral would have an honor guard which was a designated and trained group of soldiers for that purpose of folding the flag and presenting it to the family.Sometimes this anger is often unleashed on anyone with a tangential connection to the dead. There is a time for ceremony and official offering of condolences but generally, a politician's presence only serves to exacerbate an already emotional filled situation.I will give the President the benefit of the doubt that he felt his phone call may, to use Lincoln's words, assuage the anguish of the wife and family, but it is often interpreted as an interruption of the grieving process. There is always a time for personal contact after the emotion has died down. I am also willing to give the widow and family the benefit of the doubt regarding their feelings on the call.I do however believe that any politician should stay clear of this while the pain is so recent. Simply, to politicize the death of one of the four fallen Green Berets recently in Niger by this outrageous Representative commenting for political gain on a call from President Trump to the wife of the fallen special forces soldier, (Sgt. La David T. Johnson) is a measure of disrespect to his sacrifice.General Kelly was correct, We should keep the memory these men sacred and away from the political bickering we now see in the media. Veterinary and volunteer teams from HSI/Mexico fanned out to five states affected by earthquakes with the goal of bringing help to as many animals as possible. Above, HSI/Mexico Campaign Director Claudia Edwards in Jojutla, which saw some of the worst damage. Photo by Victoria Razo/AP Images for HSI 432 shares Ive written much in the past six weeks about the disasters in Texas, Florida, and then Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands. Weve turned The HSUS and Humane Society International upside down during these harrowing times to help animals and people in need, and we are still flying out planeloads of animals every week from Puerto Rico to the mainland, to give homeless or distressed animals a second chance. Our medical and field services teams are providing on-the-ground care to animals, and weve been distributing supplies to people and animals who desperately need our support. We are not only filling this short-term need but we are also laying the groundwork for long-term plans to lift the circumstances of the animals in Puerto Rico. Meanwhile, we are still actively serving thousands of animals in lower-income communities in Texas through our ongoing relationship with Emancipet, and we are planning on rebuilding the capacity to care for animals in the British Virgin Islands. But I havent written much about our work in Mexico and Costa Rica, which also absorbed devastating blows from natural disasters, and its important you know that HSI has offices in these two countries and has been at work there in very intense and high-impact ways. Since two devastating earthquakes rattled Mexico in September, our HSI team has helped nearly 6,300 animals in the country, working with Ayudemos a Mexico (Lets Help Mexico), a cluster of local animal protection organizations who helped collect food and veterinary supplies. In terms of the number of animals saved, this is perhaps one of the largest such operations ever conducted by HSI. Veterinary and volunteer teams from HSI/Mexico fanned out to the five states affected by the quakes with the goal of bringing help to as many animals as possible. During our deployment in Oaxaca after the first earthquake, the team helped 1,350 animals in the town of Juchitan. When the second quake hit, the team rushed back to Mexico City to organize the second stage of our response. Besides Oaxaca and Mexico City, where we were operating emergency clinics and helped more than 1,300 animals, we also deployed to Puebla, Chiapas, and Morelos, all states that had been severely impacted by the disaster. Our HSI/Mexico team assessed the situation on the ground, striking up alliances with local and international animal protection organizations, governments, volunteers, and veterinary schools, in order to get help to the animals as quickly as possible. The state of Puebla, being close to the epicenter, sustained serious damage, and we brought help to 147 animals there. In the state of Morelos, south of Mexico City, we came to the aid of 805 animals in the municipality of Jojutla, which saw some of the most extensive damage. In Chiapas, a poor, southern state that borders Guatemala, we were supported by dozens of volunteer veterinarians and students from the Chiapas Veterinary College. In just over a weeks time we had managed to help 2,645 animals there. We faced dire transportation challenges, with roads blocked or destroyed, but we saw immense enthusiasm and resolve among residents, who wanted to get help for their animals. Our HSI/Mexico Director, Anton Aguilar, told me that the people near our office, in the area of Colonia Conesa in Mexico City, fled their homes when the quakes hit, but almost always with their animals. Even in a desperate moment a true life-or-death circumstance people kept their animals top of mind, and made heroic efforts to get them out of buildings that might crumble. Websites popped up to report lost and found pets, the cities shelters included pets, and there was a broad focus on making sure that people could access information to reunite with their pets. Meanwhile, our HSI/Latin America team is in Costa Rica, conducting animal rescue and relief efforts in hard-hit, difficult-to-reach areas since Tropical Storm Nate left thousands of animals lost, injured, and urgently in need of care. SENASA, the department of animal health in Costa Rica, estimates that Tropical Storm Nate has caused the deaths of at least 32,000 animals and displaced approximately 5,000 more. Our team provided emergency medical supplies, including kennels, folding tables, gloves, cleaning supplies, and medical kits, and, in partnership with government agencies, treated more than 500 animals. We have been particularly focused on bringing relief to animals in rural communities that were cut off and lacked supplies of water and electricity due to the storm. Never has the western hemisphere seen such a cluster of diverse disasters floods, fires, hurricanes, and earthquakes affecting vast regions with tens of millions of people and countless animals. Weve done our best to respond as diligently as we can. We are grateful for the support the public has provided, and were grateful for the other animal protection groups and regular citizens whove done lifesaving work on the ground with us or in places where we havent been able to respond. Its our aim to be a safety net when natural disasters strike. If we can't even trust our friendly four-legged athletes to not use performance enhancing drugs, which athletes can we trust? The committee responsible for overseeing the 45th Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race found multiple dogs from the same team tested positive for the opioid pain relieving drug tramadol one of Iditarod's banned substances six hours after the race ended in March, according to NPR. This is the first such case of a doping scandal for the Iditarod since testing for banned substances began in 1994. The dogs face extreme temperatures and difficult obstacles during their 1000 mile trek through Alaska, which can tempt Mushers to increase their dogs abilities for hefty prize packages. Image: Frank Kovalchek Choosing art to be inked permanently on your body can be a crippling decision, at least for some folks. Elm Street Tattoo in Dallas, Texas thought of a fun way to make the process simpler. They created a vending machine that picks the art for you. Yup, for $100 you get one turn of their "Get What You Get" machine. "What you get" is an old-school tattoo design which pops out in a plastic toy capsule and is then inked on your person. If you aren't cool with the design, don't throw a fit because for another $20 you can buy yourself another spin. No one is forced to put the design on their body; however, there are no refunds. Boogie, a shop employee, told the Dallas Observer, "All of these tattoos I would price out between $160 and $180 maybe $250." Tattoos will be completed on a first-come, first-served basis. If there's no line, you can get yours right away. If all of the artists are booked, you may have to make an appointment. The shop's co-founder and Ink Master star Oliver Peck writes, "Not a bad design in the bunch." (Teen Vogue) Previously: Tattoo artists snark on celebrity tattoos A leaked recording of Facebook security chief Alex Stamos (who refused to help with an illegal NSA spying program when he was CSO for Yahoo) has him describing the company's IT culture as being "like a college campus, almost" while the company has the "threat profile of a Northrop Grumman or a Raytheon or another defense contractor." It's an alarming revelation, given the sensitivity of the data Facebook holds on billions of internet users, including people who aren't Facebook users but have their data recorded by Facebook through updates from their friends and Facebook cookies that are set and read on pages that have Facebook "Like" buttons or embeds. Stamos says that the company's IT culture is focused on giving "access to data and systems to engineers to make them 'move fast'" which means that systems aren't compartmentalized, so that an intrusion into one system can be leveraged to gain access to other systems. Stamos later described the college campus comparison as a "figure of speech." He says that the company's management is committed to security. The source who leaked the recording disagrees. The recording's source, who has intimate knowledge of Facebook's security systems and internal processes but did not want to be named, said that the threats that the company faces are "way above [Facebook's] ability to handle." It was for that reason the recording was leaked to reveal an endemic apathy by Facebook executives Stamos excluded who are too focused on making the company work rather than making the company secure. The source argued that Stamos has internally pushed for stronger cybersecurity, policies, and processes, but executives were too busy lobbying lawmakers, and focusing on the company's vision and products citing its "move fast" strategy (which has since been partially retired) and not listening enough to the company's security professionals. Leaked: Facebook security boss says its corporate network is run "like a college campus" [Zack Whittaker/Zdnet] (Image: Dave Maass CC-BY) (via /.) The Intelligence Community Inspector General office is the place where spies and spook contractors who discover wrongdoing are supposed to be able to confidentially report their suspicions and know that they'll be investigated and acted upon. Dan Meyer, who is in charge of liasing with whistleblowers is now prohibited from talking with whistleblowers, from briefing agencies or congress or send out the office's newsletter. He has been stripped of his deputy and staff. The acting inspector general is Wayne Stone, who spent the majority of his time in office attending grad school at Harvard, without access to a secure room where he can review classified documents. After official pressure he started spending two days a week in DC, but not for much longer as he's been told he won't be confirmed as permanent inspector general. The interagency inspector general isn't the only shambles. Trump nominated Chris Sharpley to serve as CIA's inspector general, despite Sharpley's history of retaliating against whistleblowers who accused him of wrongdoing. For some intelligence employees, the relatively young office has already proved vital. One National Security Agency employee, who asked that their name not be used because they work for an intelligence agency, alleged the NSA's inspector general, George Ellard, retaliated against him though the Defense Department disagreed (the Pentagon declined comment on the case). When the employee appealed the decision, he won, and Ellard was put on leave from his position at NSA as a result. The intelligence community's Office of the Inspector General "is the only place where you can get a fair review," the NSA whistleblower told FP during a phone interview. "Having an independent inspector general was instrumental." Now, however, "it's gutted," the whistleblower said. The NSA employee pointed to the case of Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor who leaked a trove of top-secret documents to reporters, revealing a massive global surveillance campaign. Snowden has argued he leaked the documents because there was no way to raise his complaints internally about what he believed was illegal surveillance. An inspector general, proponents say, is needed to demonstrate that the intelligence community does have a legitimate internal and legal way to air grievances of law. "They talk about whistleblowers and leakers in the same sentence. They're not the same," the former NSA employee said. The inspector general is in place "to prevent someone from saying 'I had no choice but to leak.'" A Turf War Is Tearing Apart the Intel Community's Watchdog Office [Jenna McLaughlin/Foreign Policy] (via Techdirt) First responders laud drones for helping in rescues and negotiations, while some cities like Los Angeles are fighting calls to ground all police drones over privacy concerns. Via The Economist: Anxiety about drones is not confined to southern California: Seattle cancelled its drone programme in 2013 after residents and privacy activists protested, fearful of mass surveillance. A survey conducted in January by Rasmussen Reports, a polling group, found that 39% of American adults opposed the use of police drones compared with 36% who favour them. Such tensions are set to intensify as an increasing number of law-enforcement agencies, fire departments and emergency-response teams start to use drones. A recent report by the Centre for the Study of the Drone at Bard College shows that at least 347 such departments acquired drones between 2009 and 2017. More drones were bought in 2016 than in all previous years combined, says Dan Gettinger, the study's author. The buying spree shows no sign of slowing. The Canadian Communications Security Establishment the most secretive of Canada's spy agencies has released the sourcecode for Assemblyline, a "Swiss Army Knife for malware analysis" that rolls up several malware analysis tools into a single unit, which can scan files for known malware and also assign a score to files indicating the likeliness that the file has a previously unseen form of malware. The move is most welcome, and exemplifies the ways that security services can serve the mission of national security by rooting out malware and vulnerabilities. It's a real contrast to this year's meeting in Ottawa where Australia's top spy proposed deliberately introducing vulnerabilities into commonly used tools to preserve spies' ability to hack their adversaries./ The possibility that CSE's own tool could be used to detect spy software of its own design, or that of its partners, is not lost upon the agency. "Whatever it detects, whether it be cybercrime or [nation] states, or anybody else that are doing things well that's a good thing, because it's made the community smarter in terms of defence," said Jones. Nor does he believe that releasing Assemblyline to the public will make it easier for adversaries to harm the government, or understand how CSE hunts for threats quite the opposite, in fact. "We believe that the benefits far outweigh any risks and that we can still use this to be ahead of the threat that's out there." Canada's 'super secret spy agency' is releasing a malware-fighting tool to the public [Matthew Braga/CBC] Money Talks: A Philadelphia Couple Making $90,000 A Year What's It Like When Your Wife Makes Three Times Your Salary? We Found Out Everyone wants money, yet discussing it within the parameters of a relationship can be intimidating. When handled incorrectly, finances can crumble a romantic partnership but when done in tandem, the right money conversations can go a long way. That looks different for different people, though. Welcome to Money Talks, AskMen's series on the relationship between our money and our relationships. Let's talk about cents, baby. AskMen has talked to couples where the male partner brings home the bacon (and gets off on it) and others where the female partner is the sole provider, to the shock of some. However, for Lindsay and Dave, finances are more fluid. The couple recently moved to Philadelphia from Michigan nine months ago for Lindsays job offer, which made her primary breadwinner. This hasnt always been the case, and the married couple shares finances with the loving understanding that life can change and what goes around comes around. The pair lives a much-appreciated life at $90,000 per year in Philadelphia. The busy married couple has decided not to have children, which not only saves money but allows them to spend as much time as possible together. They know how to splurge on the finer things in life:, such as David Bowie, and massages. How did you meet? Lindsay: At a pool in 2004. I was a lifeguard and front-desk attendant and he was my boss. Whoops! How long have you been together? Lindsay: Does this include all the time we've broken up and gotten back together? We started dating casually in 2005, then decided to go big or go home in 2007. And we haven't broken up since. Weve been married for eight years. Do you keep finances separate, or shared? Dave: We kept them separate up until a month ago. Since we've been married, our individual monthly income was the same, so we didn't feel any urgency to combine accounts. Now that we have an imbalance, we've merged our finances into one account. It has improved financial communication and we're a little more mindful of how we spend because everything we spend is right there for the other to see. What are some of your favorite ways to spend your money when you want to splurge? Lindsay: We've never really known what it's like to splurge. Big-ticket items are saved for birthdays and holidays and we haven't been able to afford many vacations due to bills that kept getting in the way. Now that I am well-compensated in my job, we've enjoyed spending money on experiences. We recently enjoyed a long weekend away and upgraded to a new apartment that we are in love with. Is there ever an erotic component to money? Lindsay: Not erotic, but more of a comforting feeling. Since taking this job, I finally feel financially secure and it's nice. I'm getting out of student-loan debt and medical bills from past surgeries and ER visits. I feel very fortunate, but it's also very surreal to be able to pay for doctor's visits and birthday gifts without relying on a credit card. Lindsay, you are the primary breadwinner. What discussions lead to this? Has anyone ever acted shocked or surprised to learn that you bring in the money? Lindsay: The job opportunity was a surprise to me. The company contracted social media work through the marketing firm I was at and I ended up being their account manager. It was by far my favorite account and we worked so well together that the company owners offered me a full-time job in Philadelphia. There was a lot of discussion between my husband and I before the formal offer was sent my way. We both agreed that it was an offer I couldn't pass up. The big cross-state move was intimidating, but the company was growing at a rapid rate, they were offering me an impressive title and, at 32, I finally felt like someone really saw my professional value and were willing to compensate me for it. I haven't met anyone yet who has been surprised at our financial dynamic. My husband and I have both been extremely hard workers throughout our careers, so people who know us well could see us flip-flopping in terms of financial support. Does the way you were raised impact how you spend money? Lindsay: Absolutely. I get my frugal side from my dad. I always gave my dad an earful for buying "crappy $2 cereal" when I was a kid. Now that I'm an adult, I lose my mind every time the grocery store tries to sell me $5 Quaker Oats Squares. How dare they? How do you handle things like birthdays and anniversaries? Lindsay: Oh, I love birthdays. I love celebrating mine and giving birthday gifts to others. We have a spending limit, and we're typically good about staying within that limit. He's always been a great gift giver and puts a lot of thought into what he gets me. Dave: Anniversaries are usually low-key for us. We like to have a nice dinner and dont get too crazy with gifts. Have you talked about having children, and do finances enter that conversation? Dave: We decided not to have kids. We really enjoy our free time and we are both hard workers and have different schedules, so we want to enjoy the little time we have to spend together. What's something fun one bought the other recently as a gift? Lindsay: Dave showered me with David Bowie merchandise for my birthday and took me to see Blondie for our anniversary. He knows what brings me joy. Dave: Lindsay knew I was having a lot of back problems from standing for a long time at work and then having to move into a new apartment, so she got me a massage off Groupon. It was a nice surprise to see pop up in my email. Could you share your expenses/how you split up the following: Opposition members of the legislature say they want full disclosure of details surrounding former NB Power president David Hay's severance, after a Liberal spokesperson said the government could not discuss the matter beyond the settlement figure. NB Power has acknowledged it paid former president David Hay more than $1.7 in severance, equivalent to four years of his salary, after he abruptly quit his post with the utility in January 2010. Hay left his position with one day's notice after objecting to a controversial attempt by the Shawn Graham government to sell the utility to Hydro Quebec. In response to a request from Information Morning Fredericton, Tina Robichaud of Premier Brian Gallant's office said the Liberal government could not participate in the program's panel discussion on the topic because of a "confidentiality agreement." When CBC News pointed out the information regarding the settlement is now in the public domain, Robichaud said that additional information "over and above the compensation amounts released continues to be afforded protection pursuant to [provincial legislation] and NB Power's confidentiality obligations." Calls for disclosure Brian MacDonald, Progressive Conservative MLA for Fredericton West-Hanwell, said the the Liberal government should disclose the additional information "if for no other reason than to defend themselves." "When we don't see that information come forward, it does breed these kind of conspiracy discussions," he said. "You do have to wonder what's going on." Green Party Leader David Coon said New Brunswickers have a right to know how their tax dollars are being spent. "We have a big problem with governments who say 'no this is none of your business, New Brunswickers,'" he said. "It's not the managers and it's not the politicians who are paying out this money, it's New Brunswickers." Story continues People's Alliance Party Leader Kris Austin said the secrecy around big payouts to former government employees makes the public cynical. "I often wonder why people feel so disillusioned with politics, and I think it's years of this sort of thing," he said. Robichaud referred a request to respond to these comments to NB Power. A spokeswoman for NB Power said the utility has not received any requests from opposition parties for information on this matter. By Jess Macy Yu TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC) said demand from mobile device makers is likely to push October-December revenue growth to 10 percent from three months prior, in a quarter when client Apple Inc begins sales of its iPhone X. The world's largest contract chipmaker also expects annual revenue growth of 5 to 10 percent for the next few years, and capital expenditure slightly above $10 billion, executives said at an earnings briefing on Thursday. TSMC earlier reported a 7.1 percent fall in third-quarter profit, a slightly milder decline than analysts estimated. Revenue rose 1.5 percent, marginally beating the firm's forecast. "Even though demand was slightly dampened by supply chain inventory reduction, our customers' third-quarter growth was largely healthy," said co-Chief Executive Officer Mark Liu. The results come soon after TSMC named Liu as successor in June to retiring Chairman Morris Chang - widely regarded as the father of Taiwan's chip industry - leaving C.C. Wei as sole CEO. They also come days before TSMC celebrates its 30th anniversary and about a week before iPhone X pre-orders begin. Demand for increasingly capable smartphones as well as for servers for cloud computing has seen chipmakers' share prices surge this year, with TSMC jumping 68 percent. Overall global chip market growth this year will likely be 16 percent, TSMC said. But competition is set to increase. South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, the world's biggest memory chip maker, plans to triple its share of the contract chipmaking market within five years. There is also the threat from mainland China which is fostering a domestic chip industry. "In terms of a lot of fabs (fabrication plants) in mainland China, we don't like it but we are very competitive. We'll continue to compete of course and maintain our market share," Wei said at the earnings briefing. Profit was T$89.93 billion ($2.98 billion) in July-September versus the T$88.19 billion average of 21 analyst estimates in a Thomson Reuters poll. Revenue was $8.32 billion and operating margin was 38.9 percent. TSMC forecast October-December revenue at $9.1 billion to $9.2 billion, with an operating margin of 37 to 39 percent. During the quarter, on Nov. 3, Apple will begin shipping the iPhone X which is widely expected to carry TSMC-made chips. The device follows the recently launched iPhone 8 whose sales are reportedly slower than those of predecessors. For all of 2017, TSMC said revenue growth will likely be close to the high end of its 5 to 10 percent target range. The firm also said 2017 will mark a milestone in annual capital spending as it raised its forecast by 8 percent to $10.8 billion, mainly to accelerate capacity build-up of 7 nanometer chip manufacturing technology. (Reporting by Jess Macy Yu; Editing by Anne Marie Roantree and Christopher Cushing) WEDNESDAY, Oct. 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- When it comes to exercise, can you get too much of a good thing? Possibly, suggests a new study that found white men who exercise more than seven hours a week have an 86 percent higher risk of developing plaque build-up in their arteries. No such elevated risk was seen among either black men or women. Plaque build-up is a critical warning sign for possible future heart disease risk. "We were surprised by the finding, mainly because we essentially think of exercise as medicine. And we've never thought of exercise as perhaps having an upper limit in terms of its cardiovascular benefit," said study author Deepika Laddu. She's an assistant professor of physical therapy at the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago. But Laddu doesn't want any men to hang up their running shoes just yet, because there are many questions that remain to be answered. "What we saw is only an association, and we cannot say that high physical activity actually causes plaque build-up in white men," she noted. "And we certainly do not mean to say that exercise is bad for you. In fact, it could perhaps be that white men already face a higher than average risk for plaque build-up than other men, and that exercise actually prevents this plaque from rupturing, which is when things get bad. We just don't know," Laddu explained. "Much more research will be needed to understand what is really going on." At least one other expert agreed this doesn't mean people should stop exercising. Dr. Gregg Fonarow, a professor of cardiology at the University of California, Los Angeles, said the findings do not instantly wash away the "balance of data [that] suggest that higher levels of leisure time and total physical activity are associated with lower risk cardiovascular events." "However, it should be recognized that exercise alone cannot overcome other cardiovascular risk factors," he added. "And it is vital to maintain health levels of blood pressure, cholesterol and body weight, as well as not smoke, even if one is engaging in regular rigorous physical activity." To explore how exercise might impact heart health over time, the investigators recruited nearly 3,200 white and black men and women. All enrolled when they were between the ages of 18 and 30, and all resided in one of four cities: Birmingham, Chicago, Minneapolis or Oakland. The researchers followed the study volunteers from 1985 to 2011. During that time, participants self-reported their physical activity routines and showed up for at least three follow-up exams, which included CT scans to measure plaque build-up. Current U.S. physical activity guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly. Participants were sorted into three groups, depending on average exercise levels. One group exercised below the guidelines level. Another group met the guidelines, and a final group exercised three times more than the guideline level. "We had 25 years of exercise patterns that we could look at, in individuals who started out as being young adults up through middle-age," Laddu said. In the end, the study team found that overall -- when pooling race and gender -- those who were among the most frequent exercisers were 27 percent more likely to develop plaque build-up by the time they had reached middle age. But after breaking the numbers down further, the authors determined that only high-exercising white men faced a greater risk for developing plaque build-up then their low-exercising peers. "But again, we can't say physical activity is causing plaque build-up," Laddu reiterated. She also acknowledged the study had limitations. For one, she noted that very few of the high exercisers were black, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. "And we really have no idea yet what may be biologically at play that might lead to differences in the way exercise affects [plaque build-up] in some people and not others," Laddu added. "But what I can say is that maybe this study indicates that doctors should not assume that their patients are healthy simply because they check off the exercise box," she said. "Maybe there are other things that they need to look at when considering a patient's overall medical profile." The study was published Oct. 16 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings. More information There's more information on exercise and heart health at American Heart Association. FRIDAY, Oct. 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Opioid abuse therapy may be more effective if patients are screened for hepatitis C as part of the program, a new Canadian study says. The research found a sharp drop in opioid abuse among patients after they were told they tested positive for the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C causes liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer and liver failure, the researchers said. "Our study showed awareness of HCV infection among this particular population may motivate them to reduce their consumption and hopefully high-risk behavior," said lead investigator Dr. Hooman Farhang Zangneh, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease at Toronto General Hospital. The primary cause of hepatitis C transmission is infected blood, which is often transmitted through needle sharing to inject drugs. The study included more than 2,400 patients at 43 addiction treatment clinics in Ontario who were screened for hepatitis C infection. Of those patients, nearly 22 percent tested positive for the virus. After following these patients for a year, the researchers found that those who tested positive for hepatitis C were 33 percent more likely to significantly reduce their use of non-prescribed opioids, benzodiazepines and cocaine than those who tested negative for the virus. "Bearing in mind that effective, accessible and durable curative options are currently available, it is highly advisable to screen these clients and use this opportunity as an appropriate time to share motivational and educational resources and information with them. This way, we can provide enhanced support for them, which will have beneficial effects in both individual and societal levels," Zangneh said in a news release from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. The study is to be presented Friday at the association's annual meeting, in Washington, D.C. Findings presented at meetings are typically viewed as preliminary until they've been published in a peer-reviewed journal. More information The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on hepatitis C. FRIDAY, Oct. 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Teens sleep less than they used to, sacrificing shuteye to spend more time on their phones and tablets. Experts say teens need at least nine hours of sleep a night to be engaged and productive during the day. Anything less can cause daytime sleepiness and interfere with school or daily activities. Faced with an array of tempting distractions, how much sleep are today's teens actually getting? To find out, researchers analyzed a pair of long-term, national surveys of more than 360,000 eighth- through 12th-graders. One survey asked eighth-, 10th- and 12th-graders how often they got at least seven hours of shuteye. The other asked high school students how long they slept on a typical school night. In 2015, 4 out of 10 teens slept less than seven hours a night. That's up 58 percent since 1991 and 17 percent more than in 2009 when smartphone use became more mainstream, the researchers said. "Teens' sleep began to shorten just as the majority started using smartphones. It's a very suspicious pattern," said study leader Jean Twenge, a psychology professor at San Diego State University. The more time students reported spending online, the less sleep they got, according to the study published Oct. 19 in the journal Sleep Medicine. Those who were online five hours a day were 50 percent more likely to be sleep-deprived than classmates who limited their daily time online to an hour. Studies have shown that light from smartphones and tablets can disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycle. "Our body is going to try to meet its sleep needs, which means sleep is going to interfere or shove its nose in other spheres of our lives," said study co-author Zlatan Krizan, an associate professor of psychology at Iowa State University. "Teens may catch up with naps on the weekend or they may start falling asleep at school." Though smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices are often an essential part of life, the researchers said moderation is key. Everyone -- young and old alike -- should limit use to two hours each day, they advised in a San Diego State University news release. "Given the importance of sleep for both physical and mental health, both teens and adults should consider whether their smartphone use is interfering with their sleep," Twenge said. "It's particularly important not to use screen devices right before bed, as they might interfere with falling asleep." More information The National Sleep Foundation provides more information on teens and sleep. Government sets up expert group for suggestions on artificial intelligence policy Published: October 20, 2017 The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITY) has set up an internal expert committee to advise the government on a policy on artificial intelligence (AI). The expert committee will advise the IT ministry on the most apt technologies for India as governments main focus is to reduce cyber-attacks with AI. Its recommendations will be used to frame the policy. Seven-point strategy on AI The government recently had drawn up a seven-point strategy that would form the framework for Indias strategic plan to use AI. The strategy includes developing methods for human machine interactions; creating a competent workforce in line with AI and R&D needs, ensuring safety and security of AI systems; understanding and addressing the ethical, legal and societal implications of AI, measuring and evaluating AI technologies through standards and benchmarks, among others. Artificial intelligence Artificial intelligence is branch of computer science concerned with making computers behave like humans. In contrast to normal hardware and software, AI enables a machine to perceive and respond to its changing environment. The artificial intelligence market is estimated to touch $153 billion in 2020 and expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (cagr) of 45.4% from 2016 to 2022. It is also widely seen as major challenge in generation of employment as many companies are likely to depend more on it to cut down on human resources. Globally too, there is a growing interest in artificial intelligence. In 2016, White House had initiated work on Preparing for the future of artificial intelligence; in UK, the House of Commons committee on S&T had looked at robotics and artificial intelligence while in 2017, State Council of China had started work on next generation artificial intelligence development plan. Month: Current Affairs - October, 2017 Category: Defence Current Affairs Topics: Artificial intelligence Committees Government Polices National Latest E-Books India, Brazil, South Africa sign IBSA Trust Fund agreement Published: October 20, 2017 India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) have signed the IBSA Trust Fund Agreement that seeks to fight poverty in developing countries. It was signed at the 8th IBSA trilateral Ministerial Commission Meeting in Durban, South Africa. IBSA Trust Fund It brings together the three emerging economies of India, Brazil and South Africa to combat poverty in other developing countries. Each country will contribute US $1 million annually to this fund which is managed by the UN Development Programmes (UNDP) Special Unit for South-South Cooperation. IBSA Dialogue Forum The IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa) Dialogue Forum is an international tripartite grouping for promoting international cooperation among these countries. It was launched in June 2003. It brings together three large democracies and major economies from three different continents namely, Africa, Asia and South America that represents three important poles for galvanizing South-South cooperation. The forum provides the three countries platform to engage in discussions for cooperation in the field of agriculture, trade, culture, and defence among others. It has become instrumental for promoting closer coordination on global issues between three large multicultural and multiracial democracies and also contributed to enhancing trilateral cooperation in sectoral areas. Cooperation in IBSA is on three fronts Forum for consultation and coordination on global and regional political issues, such as reform of global institutions of political and economic governance, WTO/Doha Development Agenda, climate change, terrorism etc. Trilateral collaboration on concrete areas and projects, through 14 working groups and 6 People-to-People (P2P) Forums, for the common benefit of three countries Assisting other developing countries by taking up projects in the latter through IBSA Fund. Month: Current Affairs - October, 2017 Topics: Brazil IBSA IBSA Trust Fund Agreement India India-International Relations International Poverty alleviation South Africa Latest E-Books INDRA 2017: First tri-services military exercise between India-Russia begins Published: October 20, 2017 The first tri-service armed Forces (Army, Navy, & Air Force) exercise INDRA 2017 between India and Russia began at the 249th Combined Army Range Sergeevisky and in Sea of Japan near Vladivostok. It is overall 10th edition of INDRA exercise and Indias first bilateral military exercise with any country involving all three services. INDRA 2017 The scope of 11-day exercise includes professional interactions, establishment of joint command and control structures between Indian and Russian forces and elimination of terrorist threat in multinational environment under UN mandate. The Indian contingent comprises 350 personnel from Army, 80 from Air Force, two IL 76 aircraft and one frigate and corvette each from the Navy. Russia is represented by approximately 1000 troops of 5th Army, marines and ships of Pacific Fleet and aircraft from Eastern Military District. Exercise INDRA in its previous nine avatars was conducted as single service exercise alternately between two countries. For India, the major emphasis during exercise is to enhance inter-service cooperation and synergizing jointness. Moreover it is inlines with Indias armed forces focus on complete and effective inter-operability with countries, big and small in order to effectively conduct military operations overseas. In 2016, INDRA exercise was held in December 2016 at Visakhapatnam and Bay of Bengal. Month: Current Affairs - October, 2017 Category: Defence Current Affairs Topics: Defence India-Russia Indian Military Exercises INDRA 2017 National Tri-services exercise Latest E-Books The United States applauds the courage, determination, and will of the Venezuelan people who tried to exercise their constitutional right to vote in the October 15 gubernatorial elections. Candidates loyal to the authoritarian regime of President Nicolas Maduro claimed victory for 18 of 23 governorships contested in the October 15 elections, according to the regime-controlled National Electoral Council, or CNE. But opposition leaders rejected both the process and the tally, citing exit polls that indicated their candidates won many more states. Opposition members decried that voting sites were shifted to distant neighborhoods at the last minute, confusing and imposing barriers to voters in opposition strongholds. The government-stacked CNE issued bad-faith, misleading ballots, including opposition candidates who already lost in the primaries. No independent international observation was allowed, and the CNE also denied accreditation for one of Venezuela's most important independent observer groups to monitor the election. In essence then, the regime says of the results, Take our word for it. "We encountered an absolutely fraudulent system," said Carlos Ocariz, the opposition candidate in Miranda, the nation's second most populous state where the candidate of the ruling socialist party won. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert condemned the lack of free and fair elections noting the voice of the Venezuelan people was not heard. She said,Our previously stated concerns were unfortunately realized: lack of independent, credible international observers; lack of technical audit for the National Electoral Councils tabulation; last minute changes to polling station locations without public notice; manipulation of ballot layouts; and limited availability of voting machines in opposition neighborhoods. As long as the Maduro regime conducts itself as an authoritarian dictatorship, the United States will work with members of the international community and bring the full weight of American economic and diplomatic power to bear in support of the Venezuelan people as they seek to restore their democracy. The United States continues to call on the regime to provide for the humanitarian needs of its people, respect the constitution and National Assembly, allow a true democratic process, and release all political prisoners. The saltwater Mar Menor lagoon in the southeastern region of Murcia is losing its connection with the Mediterranean. Using satellite imagery, a group of researchers has found that the main natural channel connecting both seas is now 80% closed. In addition, using a marine drone, they have measured what is left of the channel. The average depth is barely 25 centimeters. If this entry point for water from the larger adjacent Mediterranean Sea closes, the change in temperature, salinity, chlorophyll levels and water clarity could compromise the future of the lagoon. A satellite view of the Mar Menor, in the region of Murcia. SPOT The Mar Menor is separated from the Mediterranean by a 20-kilometer long sandbar known as La Manga. There are four breaks along the barrier a popular tourist area which is between 100 and 900 meters wide. These four channels maintain the connection between both seas and are vital for the inland sea. They regulate the salinity and the temperature of the lagoon and allow for the exchange of marine life. The channels also help to reduce the high levels of nutrients that threaten ecological viability and which would lead to an explosion of algae. Since 2009, Las Encanizadas, the main channel in and out of the Mar Menor, has gone from an entry size of 540 meters to 120 meters, says Manuel Erena, researcher at the Murcia Institute of Agri-Food Research and Development (IMIDA). Half of the narrowing has occurred in the last two years. As for the depth of the canal, we have gone from 70 centimeters to only 25, he adds. The diameter has gone from 540 meters to 120 meters, with half of the narrowing in the last two years Manuel Erena, researcher The closing of Las Encanizadas could complicate the lagoons delicate ecosystem. Intensive agriculture in the surrounding area has led to an increase in the use of fertilizers. A good part of these minerals, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus, reach the aquifers and, subsequently, the Mar Menor. Both nutrients increase the growth of invasive algae like Caulerpa prolifera and phytoplankton, which gives that greenish hue to a traditionally crystal clear lagoon. Two other factors that end up polluting the water are the influx of tourists in the summer and the desalination plants. A lot of organic and inorganic matter ends up muddying the waters, which prevents light from reaching the plant bed, the base of the aquatic food chain. Everything below 1.5 meters in depth dies, says the researcher. Evolucion del mar menor An aerial video that shows the closing of one of the channels of Mar Menor. From May 2015 on, Erena and a group of colleagues from several Spanish and German universities have closely monitored the marine lagoon. Using a probe, they have recorded the evolution of water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, suspended solids, and chlorophyll concentration, which is indicative of algae blossoms and, therefore, one of the main factors in water clarity. Mar Menors ability to defend itself against human aggression completely depends on its connectivity with the adjacent sea Angel Perez-Ruzafa, professor of ecology What the study of the coastal lagoons and the Mar Menor has taught us is that its ecological state, complexity, and ability to defend itself against human aggression completely depends on its connectivity with the adjacent sea, explains Angel Perez-Ruzafa, professor of ecology at the University of Murcia and president of the scientific advisory committee for the Mar Menor. If the connection is reduced too much, it will lose its productivity and biological structure. If the communication is too strong, then these are also lost, he adds. However, Perez-Ruzafa believes that the Mar Menor can be saved from being a dead sea. It has a great capacity for self-regulation and recovery. Its maintenance depends precisely on its communication with the Mediterranean Sea not being excessive, but also not being completely lost, he says. He adds: If nutrient intakes are cut and indiscriminate dumping is not carried out, it will recover, as this spring and early summer has showed us. But if urgent structural measures are not taken in the lagoon, we will lose it irrevocably. The researchers have created a virtual tour of the area that can be seen here. English version by Debora Almeida. German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Brussels. JOHN THYS (AFP) While the Catalan secessionist challenge is not officially on the agenda of the two-day European summit of state and government leaders currently being held in Brussels, it is something of an elephant in the room: everyone is talking about Catalan premier Carles Puigdemonts most recent letter to Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy threatening imminent independence, and about the upcoming cabinet meeting to approve emergency measures against it the so-called application of Article 155 of the Spanish constitution Spains official position continues to be that this is an internal matter The Spanish prime minister did not speak about the matter as he joined the EU Council meeting on Thursday. Instead, the tone was set by the leaders of the EUs two most powerful countries, Germanys Angela Merkel and Frances Emmanuel Macron. We are taking a very close look at Catalonia and are supporting the position of the Spanish government, which happens to be supported by all major political parties in Spain, said Merkel. We are very concerned and hope there will be solutions based on the Spanish Constitution. Macron said that this European Council will be marked by a message of unity, unity around our member states in the face of the crises they may experience, unity around Spain. Nobody in the EU would recognize the independence of Catalonia, noted Antonio Tajani, the president of the European Parliament. Diplomatic sources said that Madrid had not requested such statements to be made. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy (L) chats with British Prime Minister Theresa May. JULIEN WARNAND (AFP) UK Prime Minister Theresa May also chimed in on Friday, saying: I have spoken to Mariano Rajoy this morning as I did earlier this week and made clear that the United Kingdoms position is very clear. We believe that people should be abiding by the rule of law and uphold the Spanish constitution. But Belgium is striking a discordant note, calling for dialogue either within or outside the bounds of the Constitution and criticizing the police violence of October 1, the day that an illegal referendum was held in the region. I continue to condemn all forms of violence and I urge dialogue. I dont think an escalation is a good thing, said Belgiums Prime Minister Charles Michel of the centrist Reformist Movement, which governs in coalition with Flemish nationalists. Rajoy was planning to discuss Catalonia in his bilateral meetings; only one has been confirmed so far: with Macron. Nobody in the EU would recognize the independence of Catalonia Antonio Tajani, president European Parliament More than one European leader has said some kind of explanation from Rajoy on the issue of Catalonia would be welcome, but Spains official position continues to be that this is an internal matter. The summit comes at a time when other issues seem to be more or less under control: Europe no longer has to deal with the Greek crisis, the migratory problem is somewhat encapsulated, and while Brexit is still a headache, the parties involved are not throwing plates at each other just yet. The economy is back on track, and the far right has not made it into government. But European crises have a formidable ability to reinvent themselves, and so the nationalist challenge, as currently exemplified by the Catalan independence drive, looms as a new threat on the EUs horizon. European institutions and partners, while closing ranks around Spain, have two demands to make: the first is dialogue, and the second is no more images like the ones that made world headlines on October 1. As the head of the European Council, Donald Tusk, put it: The force of reason is better than reason by force. English version by Susana Urra. Spaniish PM Mariano Rajoy at the EU Council summit. STEPHANIE LECOCQ (EFE) Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution will be applied in Catalonia to restore institutional legality and normality, said Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a Friday news conference at the close of a EU summit in Brussels. Rajoy portrayed himself as a leader forced to act in his role as head of the Spanish government. Spain is taking this step as a last-resort measure It simply cannot be, in todays Europe, that there is a country where the law is not observed, he said before a throng of journalists asking him about the situation in Catalonia. The Spanish PM did not reveal the nature of the measures that will be rolled out following their cabinet approval on Saturday and subsequent ratification by the Senate next week. Nor did he say how long they will be in place. Rajoy would also not confirm whether one of the measures will be a snap election in the region sometime in January, as leading members of the Socialist Party (PSOE) and Ciudadanos announced earlier on Friday. After the digital newspaper eldiario.es ran the story, the PSOEs fourth highest-ranking official, Carmen Calvo, confirmed on television that her party and the government have agreed to call regional elections in Catalonia for January as one of the ways out of the crisis. Calvo confirms that Rajoy and Sanchez are negotiating election in Catalonia for January: "If Puigdemont called it the regular way that would be amazing." But the government does not deem it prudent to talk about dates when little is known about the repercussion that the measures will have, or how Catalan authorities will react to them. All the measures to be adopted will be announced tomorrow, said Rajoy in reply to a direct question regarding the January election. The Catalan deputy premier, Oriol Junqueras, has rejected the idea: My position is crystal clear: calling an election now is not the best way to make headway. Agreement on measures The Popular Party (PP) leader reiterated that the measures, which have been drafted with support from the PSOE and Ciudadanos, seek to return things to normal. Rajoy underscored that it was no longer tenable for a EU region to have political leaders who do not respect the law, the Constitution, the Statute or even their own parliament the Catalan assembly has been shut down for over a month, after ramming through its controversial breakaway laws. The Spanish leader stressed that the use of Article 155 does not mean the use of force but the use of a tool created by the Constitution and similar to those of other European countries. Catalan premier Carles Puigdemont has not backed down from his secession plans. AP Rajoy indicated that Spain is taking this step as a last-resort measure after being very prudent. He said that Catalan authorities had been offered every assistance to end the crisis. Asked whether he would open an investigation into the Civil Guards actions, particularly on October 1, when riot officers were sent in to stop a court-banned independence referendum from taking place, Rajoy expressed pride in the way law enforcement has been acting to protect the law, and said he hoped that (Catalan) authorities will act more responsibly than in the past with regard to any potential street protests after the emergency measures are rolled out in Catalonia. English version by Susana Urra. WASHINGTON (AP) Islamic State militants are capable of orchestrating and carrying out an attack against the United States, possibly downing an airplane, even after being evicted from their self-declared Syrian capital of Raqqa, the CIA director said Thursday. Mike Pompeo said the U.S. is threatened by other militant groups as well. "IS' capability to conduct an external operation remains," Pompeo said. "But I wouldn't put them in a singular bucket. Speaking a day after President Donald Trump's acting homeland security chief invoked the possibility of another 9/11-style attack, Pompeo said America's enemies around the world "are intent upon using commercial aviation as their vector to present a threat to the West." However, he also worried about a terrorist capability "we just don't see." The typically blunt threat assessment came during a wide-ranging discussion at a Washington think tank, in which Pompeo also underscored President Donald Trump's intent to counteract North Korea. He said Pyongyang is only months away from perfecting its nuclear weapons capabilities. "They are closer now than they were five years ago, and I expect they will be closer in five months than they are today, absent a global effort to push back against them," Pompeo said. On another nuclear concern, Iran, Pompeo stressed that Trump wants to ensure the U.S. foe has no pathway to developing the bomb. To that effect, he said, the Iran nuclear deal President Barack Obama and America's allies negotiated with Iran was insufficient. The notion that the agreement would "curtail Iranian adventurism or their terror threat or their malignant behavior has now ... two years on, proven to be fundamentally false," said Pompeo, a former Republican congressman from Kansas who keenly opposed to the seven-nation accord when it was reached. He said the Iran deal put the United States in a better place with respect to inspections of Iranian facilities. But from an intelligence perspective, he said, even more "intrusive inspection" is needed. "The Iranians have on multiple occasions been capable of presenting a continued threat, through covert efforts to develop their nuclear program along multiple dimensions ... the missile dimension, the weaponization effort, the nuclear component itself," he said. Trump has provided the CIA with the authority it needs to track Iran's compliance with the deal, he said. Pompeo also said it's an "open secret" that Iran has links to al-Qaida. "There have been relationships, there are connections. There have been times the Iranians have worked alongside al-Qaida," Pompeo said. "There have been connections where, at the very least, they have cuts deals so as not to come after each other." Pompeo and Trump's national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, who also spoke at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies event, both said the U.S. must counter Iran's aggression in the region. They noted Iran's support for the Lebanon's Hezbollah militants, who threaten Israel; backing of Shia militias in Iraq and Syria; cyber activities; ballistic missile efforts; and a long history of proliferation ties with North Korea. Pompeo also discussed Pakistan's help in getting an American woman, her Canadian husband and three children released last week from the Haqqani militant network. The couple had been held for five years inside Pakistan, he said. Ward 350 at Tehrans notorious prison, Evin, has reportedly been shut down after images of three outspoken prisoners were widely circulated on social media. The pictures depict imprisoned human rights activists Arash Sadeghi, Esmail Abdi, and Soheil Arabi smiling and posing for photos in the prisons courtyard. All prisoners of the ward have been transferred to other wards except for Sadeghi, who has reportedly been exiled to another prison, Rajaee Shahr, outside Tehran. Citing a well-informed source, the Campaign for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) reported that civil rights activist Sadeghi was sent to Rajaee Shahr prison on October 18. Meanwhile, the dissident website Zeitoun confirmed that, following the publications of the pictures, Ward 350 had been completely shut down. According to Zeitoun, most of the prisoners who were forced to leave Ward 350 are being kept in Evins quarantine ward, Salon Four. Arabi, who is accused of actions against national security, after being acquitted of insulting the prophet of Islam, was transferred to Evins Ward Eight. Immediately after the pictures were published, Zeitoun maintains, The prison guards attacked Ward 350, confiscated cell phones, dragged Soheil Arabi to Ward Eight and exiled Arash Sadeghi to Rajaee Shahr prison in Karaj, a city near the capital, Tehran. Political prisoners at Evin are not allowed access to cell phones. In an interview with CHRI, renowned lawyer and former prisoner of conscience Mohammad Seifzadeh denounced Sadeghis transfer to a prison in Karaj as illegal. Sadeghi has been sentenced to prison, but the final verdict did not include exile, he said. Since he is a resident of Tehran, banishing him to a prison in Karaj is excessive punishment and a violation of the law by prison officials and judicial authorities. Exiling Sadeghi to Rajaee Shahr means he will no longer be able to have weekly meetings with his wife, Golrokh Amraee, who is also serving a five-year sentence in Evin Prisons Womens Ward for writing an unpublished story about the practice of stoning in Iran and for the content of some of her personal posts on Facebook. In June 2016, Sadeghi was convicted of assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state, spreading lies in cyberspace, and insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic with his peaceful defense of civil rights. Transferring political prisoners from Ward 350 is not unprecedented. Many political prisoners behind bars at Ward 350 -- including journalists Ahmad Zeidabadi and Bahman Ahmadi Amouei as well as students and human rights activists Keyvan Samimi Behbahani and Majid Tavakoli -- have been exiled to Rajaee Shahr. However, according to accounts from former Rajaee Shar prisoners, the conditions there are as inhumane and inhuman as Evins, if not worse. In August and September, as many as 20 political prisoners at Rajaee Shahr went on hunger strike to protest the transfer of dozens of inmates without their belongings from Ward 12 to the security-enhanced Ward 10, CHRI reported. Earlier, in December 2016, political prisoner Saeed Shirzad sewed his mouth shut for a hunger strike against what he described in a letter sent to judicial officials as the quiet death of prisoners, a reference to human rights violations suffered by prisoners. The clinic did not have medicines to treat anything worse than a cold, let alone high blood pressure, Seifzadeh said. Bad nutrition and a lack of vitamins weakened the prisoners. Furthermore, on October 9, several political prisoners at Rajaee Shahr issued a statement saying that prisoners are deprived of furlough, medical equipment, telephones, and required medicines, among other things. Last year, Sadeghi, went on hunger strike for more than 70 consecutive days to protest his wifes arrest by security agents. Arash ended his hunger strike after she was granted furlough. Ms. Amraee was returned to Evin last February. The other prisoner smiling in the Evin photos, Arabi, was first arrested in 2013 and charged for blasphemy and insulting the prophet of Islam. A year later, he was tried and condemned to death. Later, in 2015, Irans Supreme Court acquitted him of insulting the prophet, which by the Islamic penal code is punishable by death, and sent his case back to the lower court for deliberation. The lower court canceled the charge of insulting the prophet but sentenced Arabi to seven years and five months and banned him from leaving the country for two years after completing his term. The Chief of Staff of Islamic Republic armed forces who is visiting Syria has met with paramilitary forces sent by Iran to defend Bashar al-Assad's government. Tasnim news agency, close to the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, IRGC, published the news along with several photographs. Mizan news agency, also a conservative media outlet, published a report about General Mohammad Bagheris visit to war zones in the Aleppo province and his speeches to the paramilitary units called Defenders of the Shrine. The Islamic Republic initially claimed that its military involvement in Syria was an effort to defend a Shiite shrine near Damascus. The reports do not say when the visits to war zones took palace. Bagheri praised the success of the resistance front and defenders of the shrine against terrorist. He also spoke of great coordination between the paramilitary forces and the Syrian army. In addition to Iranian forces, the Islamic Republic organized and armed thousands of Shiites from Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan and even Pakistan to fight in Syria. Bagheri has met Bashar al-Assad as well as Syrian military officials during his visit, which began on October 17. On October 18, he warned Israel that aggression against Syria is not acceptable, after Israeli air force had bombed a Syrian anti-aircraft battery, after it had opened fire on its planes. Security forces in Iran prevented former President Mohammad Khatami from leaving his house on Wednesday. According to the website Kalameh linked to the Green Movement, security forces have told Khatami they had been instructed to stop him from going to a ceremony that he was supposed to attend. Based on the report, Khatamis house is currently guarded by security forces stationed in the street.. Kalameh did not clarify what ceremony Khatami wanted to attend, but according to reports published in social media, the reformist president wanted to join a meeting at Baran Institute that he himself was presiding over. While Kalameh reported that Khatami could go to work on a daily basis, Saham News, another reformist website said that the former president was under conditions similar to house arrest . Based on eyewitness accounts, three cars that belong to security organs are parked in front of Khatamis house for hours and have created a situation similar to house arrest for him, Saham News wrote. The same website had reported two weeks ago that the Special Clerical Court had sent a letter to Khatami telling him that he was not allowed to attend any public or private event in the next three months. The ban applied even to going to theater, concerts, or any non-family related events, the report said. This was later confirmed by Khatamis lawyers. However, judiciary officials have denied imposing any new restrictions on the former president. The prosecutor of the Special Clerical Court announced that the measures against Khatami were taken based on an order by Irans national security council. However, Hassan Rouhani, Irans president and the head of the council has said in the past that the security council had never issued any order against the former President. It is common in the Islamic Republic for different state organs or officials to contradict each other, since the system is based on parallel, overlapping and often competing centers of power. Rouhani criticized restrictions on his ally Khatami and said sarcastically that Khatami was punished because he had asked people to participate in the presidential election and vote for him. He also criticized the judiciary for not having anything else to do rather than summoning people. Just days before no one prevented Khatami from going to Tehran University to meet with members of the Islamic Associations, where he criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for his recent speech against Iran's policies and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Additionally, he defended the IRGC, describing it as the pillar of Irans national security. The former president had also defended Irans missile programs and praised the IRGC for what he called fighting terrorism, Kalemeh reported on October 16. Khatami said, They should not misunderstand. There might be some different opinions in the Islamic Republic but, when it comes to guarding Irans dignity, the foundation of the revolution, our principal national interests and resisting outside threats, we are unified and have no differences. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Gulgiz Muradova Trend: Azerbaijan's participation in the 9th Summit of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation recognizes the role of Azerbaijan as one of the important players in the Islamic world along with Turkey and Pakistan, said Muhammad Asif Noor, director of the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies and president of the Azerbaijan-Pakistan Friendship Forum. Turkey hosted the Summit on Oct. 20 under the theme Expanding Opportunities Through Cooperation, taking over the charge from Pakistan. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Iranian First Vice President Es'haq Jahangiri and Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla attended the summit. Asif Noor emphasized that Azerbaijan is a major regional player in the energy-rich and strategically significant Caucasus region. "Both Turkey and Azerbaijan enjoy deep rooted relations with highest level of diplomatic, political, economic and strategic relations. The presence of Azerbaijan in the Summit is of both strategic importance and also has long term impact on the expansion of opportunities for the D8 countries wherein Pakistan also holds a prominent place," Asif Noor said. "With the presence of Azerbaijan in the Summit, the message is clear - Turkey provides ample significance to Azerbaijan in its national, regional and international political world view," he said, adding that Azerbaijan is an important economic player as well, considering the large scale energy projects. Asif Noor stressed that Azerbaijan's participation in the summit has also a deep meaning and message to the aggressive state of Armenia. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 Trend: Azercell Telecom LLC, the official presenter of iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in Azerbaijan, is pleased to launch the new iPhone 8 smartphone with an attractive campaign for its customers. Thus, the subscribers will pay only 109 AZN per month to obtain the most modern smartphone and get a Hedsiz pack with 30GB internet data. Those who place preorders from October 20th to October 26th will enjoy free Hedsiz tariff in the first month of purchase. In order to join the preorder campaign, the subscribers need to place their orders at the official website of Azercell (www.azercell.com) from October 20th to October 26th and visit one of the Customer Services centers of the company from October 27th to November 3rd. The number of smartphones is limited. Notably, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are the most recent models of iPhone and stand out with new camera system and original design. Azercell will continue to delight its subscribers with new attractive campaigns and services. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 Trend: EY Azerbaijan held its annual seminar for clients on the latest updates to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) at the JW Marriott Absheron Hotel Baku on October 19, 2017. The seminar was led by IFRS professionals Valentina Khromova, EY Moscow Assurance Senior Manager, and Dmytro Iurgelevych, EY Tbilisi Assurance Senior Manager. More than 100 officials from major international and local companies participated in the seminar, including banks operating in Azerbaijan. The presentations and discussions provided insights into recent changes in IFRS and their practical implementation, focusing on an overview of IFRS 15 and its application in different situations, an overview of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, and IASB/IFRIC updates. The participants discussed how to resolve practical issues during the session. As usual, I was delighted to see keen interest in the upcoming IFRS from our banking clients. With agenda heavily focused on IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, which becomes effective on 1 January 2018, I was pleasantly surprised to see evidence of managements involvement and deep understanding of the underlying implementation issues. We tried to focus our IFRS update content more on practice rather than theory this year, and we received a number of very specific questions from the audience that demonstrated good progress in the implementation process at their financial institutions. Clearly, our clients are ready to embrace change! said Dmytro as he shared his thoughts on the event. Valentina said: We would like to thank all participants for such an exciting, highly interactive and mutually interesting discussion! It is always a pleasure to present in front of such a professional and knowledgeable audience! Luba Hibbert, financial controller at Socar Cape, commented: It was a very useful and detailed training session on the changes in IFRS that businesses will have to apply in the near future. The scope and structure of the presentation were of a very high quality and covered all the major areas. Thanks to EY for investing in training events and maintaining high standards. Parviz Babazade, deputy head of the finance and reporting department at Caspian Shipping Company, said: I would like to express my gratitude to EY for inviting me to their latest professionally organized course. Each year, we gain the chance to get to know all the significant updates in IFRS and obtain insights on their practical application. This event is a unique opportunity to be trained by the primary experts, as well as to network with leading specialists in the Azerbaijani finance and accounting sphere. Eltaj Bayramli, CFO at AvroMed Company CJSC, added: My sincere gratitude to EY for conducting such a thorough and timely training session on updates to International Financial Reporting Standards. This session impressively addressed crucial aspects within the challenging and continuously changing environment of financial reporting. Nargiz Hasanova, finance manager at Rapid Solutions, commented: I would like to express my appreciation to EY for the efforts you make for your clients to be updated in a timely manner on all IFRS changes. Further, I wish to extend my special thanks to the EY team for great organization and, in particular, to Valentina Khromova for her energy, enthusiasm, and enjoyable speaking style. Additionally, these events provide great alumni networking opportunities. EY was delighted to see all the participants at the seminar and thanks each of them for their enthusiastic involvement! About EY EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and economies around the world. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In doing so, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients, and for our communities. EY works together with companies across the CIS and assists them in realizing their business goals. 5,000 professionals work at 20 CIS offices (in Baku, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Kazan, Krasnodar, Rostov-on-Don, Togliatti, Vladivostok, Almaty, Astana, Bishkek, Kyiv, Tashkent, Tbilisi, Minsk, and other locations). EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com. EY in Azerbaijan EY made a major commitment to the development of Azerbaijan and the region by opening the office in Baku 23 years ago. Today, in addition to being the leading audit and consulting firm in Azerbaijan, we are the leading professional services firm in the region. As a result of our experience and competence, we have been able to assist both domestic and international companies as well as state-owned entities to develop and manage the challenges of the international economy. There are currently more than 190 people working in our Baku office that serve our clients in Azerbaijan. EYs strength in the Caspian Region and the firms commitment of resources are important to the entities operating in the region. It means that as we grow, EY will continue to demonstrate a tradition of hiring and training local professionals to be leaders in our practice. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Elchin Mehdiyev Trend: Azerbaijan should rely only on itself and its strength in the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, said Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Ali Hasanov. Hasanov, who also chairs the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs, made the remarks at a Committee board meeting. He noted that the only hope of Azerbaijan, including IDPs, in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts resolution is President Ilham Aliyev. Our main task is to solve this issue in a short time based on norms and principles of international law, within Azerbaijans territorial integrity, Hasanov noted. Touching upon the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly, the deputy PM noted that certain remarks Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan made there caused laughter and great concern in Armenia. By this speech, the Armenian president disgraced himself in front of the world community, he said, adding that Ilham Aliyev, instead, informed the international community about the Armenian criminal regimes actions over the last 25 years. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Elchin Mehdiyev Trend: A briefing on Averting All-Out War in Nagorno-Karabakh: The Role of the US and OSCE, which took place Oct. 18 in the Russell Senate Office Building of the US, was more aimed at promoting Armenia and getting even more help for it from the US, Azerbaijani MP Aydin Mirzazade told Trend Oct. 20. Nevertheless, Ambassador James Warlick, former OSCE Minsk Group co-chair from the US, and others made statements that were close to objectivity, and their essence is that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict should be settled within the framework of international law and the problem should be gradually solved, Mirzazade said. He noted that the phased plan includes withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from the adjacent Azerbaijani districts of Nagorno-Karabakh, opening of the Lachin corridor, granting temporary status to Nagorno-Karabakh. These principles were offered and discussed many times, the MP said. The fact that they were repeated at a briefing in the US once again shows that there is no other way to solve this problem except these principles. On Oct. 19, James Warlick addressed a briefing on Averting All-Out War in Nagorno-Karabakh: The Role of the US and OSCE, organized by the US Congress Helsinki Commission. He noted that six elements, based on the Madrid Principles, should be an integral part of the peace agreement and be accepted as one package. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Elchin Mehdiyev Trend: The Azerbaijani delegation defended the countrys interests at the highest level at the PACE autumn session but that session was not easy, head of the Azerbaijani delegation to PACE, MP Samad Seyidov said. Seyidov made the remarks at a meeting of the Azerbaijani parliament Oct. 20. He added that the reason for holding such a PACE session is connected not only with the preparation of a number of documents related to Azerbaijan. "A few days of PACE autumn session were dedicated to Azerbaijan, he said. The issue related to Azerbaijan was discussed not only at the meeting, but also in committees and political parties. Besides Azerbaijan, 10 more countries are monitored, however, questions on those countries are put aside and only Azerbaijan is being targeted. Unfortunately, some MPs attended the PACE autumn session to demonstrate a biased position on Azerbaijan." Seyidov added that those attacks on Azerbaijan are connected with the countrys successful policy. "We must thoroughly analyze our relations with PACE," he said. If it becomes obvious that unpleasant processes against Azerbaijan are underway in the Council of Europe, the country will have to demonstrate its resolute position." details added/ first version posted on 12:40 Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 Trend: The 9th Summit of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) under the motto "Expanding Opportunities through Cooperation" kicked off in Istanbul Oct 9. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev is attending the Summit as a special guest at the invitation of President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Prior to the Summit a joint photo was taken. The Summit started with the recitation of ayahs from Holy Quran. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Elchin Mehdiyev Trend: While adopting a number of resolutions on Azerbaijan, some MPs, who have fallen under someones influence, voted against the country at the PACE autumn session, head of the Azerbaijani delegation to PACE, MP Samad Seyidov said. Seyidov made the remarks at a meeting of the Azerbaijani parliament Oct. 20. First of all, Seyidov stressed the Ukrainian MPs who voted against Azerbaijan. "Unfortunately, these MPs voted against Azerbaijan, which means that they are also against Ukraine, he said. Only the MPs from Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenkos party did not vote against Azerbaijan." Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Ogtay Asadov added that representatives of other Ukrainian parties voted for anti-Azerbaijani documents at the PACE session. "Unfortunately, the representatives of the Ukrainian ruling party abstained from voting, which is food for thoughts," Seyidov said. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Samir Ali Trend: James Warlick held a fair position and made correct statements on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict when he was a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, Azerbaijani MP Elman Mammadov said Oct. 20. He was commenting on the speech of Ambassador James Warlick, former OSCE Minsk Group co-chair from the US, at a briefing on Averting All-Out War in Nagorno-Karabakh: The Role of the US and OSCE, which took place Oct. 18 in the Russell Senate Office Building. James Warlick always expressed a progressive opinion, Mammadov said. Even when he was leaving the post of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair, he made a fair statement. But unfortunately, the country he represents takes a different position: the US is the worlds hegemon, and if Washington and Moscow agree on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, such a dwarf state like Armenia will have to fulfill their demand. On Oct. 19, Warlick addressed a briefing on Averting All-Out War in Nagorno-Karabakh: The Role of the US and OSCE, organized by the US Congress Helsinki Commission. He noted that six elements, based on the Madrid Principles, should be an integral part of the peace agreement and be accepted as one package. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 Trend: A country destroying mosques can never be a friend of Muslim countries, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said Oct. 20, addressing the 9th Summit of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8). President Aliyev is attending the Summit as a special guest. Azerbaijani president first thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the invitation and hospitality. Despite the fact that Azerbaijan is not a member of D-8, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan invited Azerbaijan to this event. I express my deep appreciation, the president said. The Summit of Big Twenty was held in the Turkish city of Antalya in November 2015. Turkey could invite only one country, that is not a group member, to this meeting as a special guest, and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan invited Azerbaijan. This is another illustrative example of Azerbaijani-Turkish brotherhood and friendship, Ilham Aliyev noted. The head of state drew attention of the meeting participants to the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Armenia has been occupying Azerbaijans historical lands Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts for more than 25 years. A policy of ethnic cleansing was carried out in these territories, and more than one million our compatriots became refugees and IDPs. In 1992, Armenia committed the Khojaly genocide. As a result of this war crime, 613 innocent Azerbaijanis were killed, 106 of them being women and 63 children. Thousands of people were injured and went missing. The UN Security Council adopted four resolutions in connection with the conflict. These resolutions demand immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian Armed Forces from Azerbaijani lands. At the same time, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the OSCE and other organizations adopted similar decisions and resolutions. However, being an occupant, Armenia ignores these decisions and continues war crimes against the civilian population, Ilham Aliyev said. The president reminded that soldiers and civilians were killed on the line of contact in April 2016 as a result of Armenias armed attack. Hundreds of houses were destroyed. Azerbaijan decisively suppressed this Armenian provocation, and our army liberated a part of our lands from Armenian occupants. After this, the Jojug Marjanli village, completely destroyed by Armenia, was rebuilt. A school, a medical center and a mosque were built in this village consisting of 150 houses. This mosque is similar to the mosque, destroyed by Armenians in Shusha, President Aliyev noted. Ilham Aliyev said that Nagorno-Karabakh is historically an Azerbaijani land. The Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must be resolved within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, based on the UN Security Council resolutions. The Azerbaijani state and Azerbaijani people will never allow creation of the second so-called Armenian state on their native land. The territorial integrity of our country is not and will not be the subject of negotiations. President Ilham Aliyev pointed out that Azerbaijan attaches particular importance to Islamic solidarity and makes its contribution. 2017 was declared the Year of Islamic Solidarity in Azerbaijan. At the same time, this year Azerbaijan held the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games, where about 3,000 athletes from 54 Muslim countries participated. Today we actively fight Islamophobia, which is one of the most serious threats in the world. Armenia, trying to present itself as a friend of Muslim countries, destroyed mosques and religious monuments in Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions. The country destroying mosques can never be a friend of Muslim countries, he noted. The head of state added that two days ago, Azerbaijan marked the 26th anniversary of restoration of independence. Our country has passed a successful path of development in a short period. Starting from 2004, our economy has grown more than threefold, about two million jobs have been opened. The poverty level decreased to five percent. The literacy rate is 100 percent. Our foreign currency reserves are equal to the country's gross domestic product. Foreign state debt is less than 20 percent of GDP. This success of Azerbaijan is also noted by international organizations. Azerbaijan ranked 35th in the Davos Economic Forum's report on competitiveness rating this year, said the president. The head of state noted that Azerbaijan is an initiator and active participant of international projects. Today, together with our partners, we are implementing the Southern Gas Corridor project. It is one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the world. The agreement between Azerbaijan and Turkey on the TANAP gas pipeline, which is the main part of the Southern Gas Corridor, was signed in Istanbul in 2012, and this gas pipeline will be commissioned next year, said President Aliyev. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway, the official opening of which will be held soon, will be the shortest route between Europe and Asia. Azerbaijan invests heavily in the creation of the East-West and North-South transport corridors. These transport corridors will open new opportunities for the economic development of Eurasia. Thank you for attention, concluded the Azerbaijani president. Details added (first version posted on 12:40) Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 Trend: The 9th Summit of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation kicked off in Istanbul Oct. 20 under the motto Expanding Opportunities Through Cooperation. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev is attending the Summit as a special guest at the invitation of President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Prior to the Summit a joint photo was taken. The Summit started with the recitation of ayahs from Holy Quran. Afterwards, Secretary General of the D-8 Organization Seyed Ali Mohammad Mousavi and the organizations chairman, Interim Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahid Khaqan Abbasi delivered speeches. Abbasi announced that the organizations chairmanship is passing from Pakistan to Turkey. Then, the new chairman of the organization, Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the event. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev delivered a speech at the 9th Summit of the D-8 Organization. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a closing speech at the Summit. Afterwards, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the D-8 Organization and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) with the participation of President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and heads of state and government of other countries. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev completed his Turkey visit on Oct. 20. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Samir Ali Trend: Armenians continue provocations to disrupt the negotiations on settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and the fourth congress of European Armenians held in Brussels Oct. 18-19 with organizational support of the Armenian diaspora is also a part of this activity, Azerbaijani MP Elman Nasirov told Trend Oct. 20. The MP said that by such actions the Armenian lobby wants to accuse Azerbaijan of being a side that impedes the peace process. Thats why they make provocations in this direction, but their provocations are prevented, Nasirov said. He noted that Armenians try to violate the negotiation process by these actions. Armenian officials are also trying to mislead the international community, the MP added. The fourth "congress" of European Armenians was held in Brussels on Oct. 18-19 with the organizational support of the Armenian diaspora. During a session that took place in the building of the European Parliament within the "congress", it was planned to commit a provocation with participation of representatives of the illegal regime established in Azerbaijans territories occupied by Armenia. Despite arrival of the head of the puppet Armenian regime, Bako Sahakyan and his accomplices, in Brussels and their attempt to participate in the congress, their participation in the event held in the building of the European Parliament was prevented. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct.20 By Leman Zeynalova Trend Life: Israeli Beresheet LaShalom Rainbow Theatre Group performed in Baku as part of the "IMAGINE" Euro Tolerance Festival 2017. The event was attended by artists and representatives of diplomatic missions. Israeli ambassador to Azerbaijan Dan Stav highly appreciated the holding of the festival, which is a bridge of culture between peoples. It is a great privilege to be present here at this performance, at this cultural event organized as part of the tolerance festival in Baku, Stav told Trend Life. I think it is a wonderful and optimistic performance about the ability of human being irrespective to their belief, religion and ethnicity to live together, to create together. Especially, it is heartwarming to see the young generation looking so forward to the future, to the open and bright future, said the diplomat. Stav pointed out that he is very proud of this youth from Israel and very happy that Baku, the capital of tolerance was kind enough to host this event. IMAGINE Euro Tolerance Festival is being held in Baku from 12 to 20 October and presents a dense calendar of events: musical performances, debates and discussions, film screenings, photo video contest, art exhibitions and more. A number of well-known film directors, musicians and other artists and performers are present in Baku in the framework of IMAGINE. IMAGINE Euro Tolerance Festival promotes through different expressions of art, the values of tolerance, social respect, and coexistence. Thanks to joint efforts between the United States and Azerbaijan, villages in Zardab and Aghjabadi districts celebrated the completion of multiple water supply and livestock management projects on Oct. 18-19. The U.S. Embassy, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Ministry of Economy, local Executive Committees, and municipal government representatives attended the event. The United States, via USAID, and the Government of Azerbaijan co-financed the projects, which were managed by the East-West Management Institute (EWMI). With technical support from EWMI, residents in Dali Gushchu and Godekgobu villages of Zardab district and in Arazbar village of Aghjabadi district built feed grinding facilities that increase the local availability of affordable animal feed. This improvement is expected to boost the productivity of livestock production while reducing costs for animal feed by nearly 50 percent, benefitting the 4,700 residents of the three villages. In the Shahsevan-Tazakend village of Aghjabadi district, residents installed nearly 1 km of new pipes and two new 12 and 50 ton water storage tanks. The project will improve living and sanitary conditions for more than 800 village residents, helping resolve long-standing shortages of potable drinking water. The improved water system will also ease the lives of women and children that previously had to carry water from distant wells to their homes on a daily basis. The United States and Azerbaijan, via EWMI, have implemented 105 community projects in 93 Azerbaijani communities benefiting more than 156,000 people. Through USAIDs Socio-Economic Development Activity (SEDA) program, EWMI promotes cooperation between citizens, civil society organizations, and the government to advance socio-economic development and improve the quality of life in rural areas. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 Trend: The US Embassy in Baku held a US Education Fair in Baku, implemented by American Councils for International Education and EducationUSA. The goal of the fair was to inform people interested in studying abroad about US universities, scholarship possibilities, financial aid, and application processes. The event brought representatives of US universities to Azerbaijan to speak to students, school children, their parents, and members of the Azerbaijan educational community about studying in the US. Ambassador Cekuta visited the Fair to speak in person to potential students, their parents, and the university representatives. More than ten US Universities, such as Berkeley College, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, San Diego State University Georgia, Central Penn University, Full Sail University, Saint Louis University, South Seattle College, Upper Iowa University, and the University of Maine, as well as various scholarship programs were represented at the Fair. For additional information about the fair, contact Ramila Verdiyeva. Caspian Business Center 40, J. Jabbarli Tel/fax: (994 12) 436-75-30 E-mail: [email protected] Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 18 By Azad Hasanli Trend: Azerbaijan may help Australia in development of gas fields, President of Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce in Australia Nizami Jafarov told Trend Oct. 18 on the sidelines of the first Azerbaijan-Australia business forum in Baku. "We have sufficient experience in the oil and gas sector, we have equipment and qualified experts," noted Jafarov adding that Azerbaijan may help in developing the fields in Western Australia. Currently, development of Australias biggest gas field is underway, from where gas is supplied to India and China, he said. Australia is the biggest exporter of gas to Asian countries. In 2016, the volume of supplies of liquefied gas from Australia to other countries stood at 263.6 million tons, some 18 percent of which accounted for China and India. According to Jafarov, Azerbaijan may also supply agricultural products, construction materials and grapes to Australia. "We trade with Australia, but the volume of trade is very small and does not meet our potential. Although, it seems to me that the trade turnover between our countries will increase in the future, especially after the first Azerbaijan-Australia business forum," said Jafarov. According to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee, trade turnover with Australia amounted to $3.75 million in January-August 2017, 30 percent less than in the same period of 2016. Jafarov added that Australian companies are mostly interested in hotel business, tourism and agriculture, oil and gas sector, especially the construction of oil platforms in Azerbaijan. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Azad Hasanli Trend: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries invested about $1.3 billion in Azerbaijan's economy, Azerbaijani Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev said at a joint business forum with representatives of the GCC member countries in Baku Oct 20. These investments mainly come from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, the minister said. At the same time, Azerbaijan invested almost $300 million in the economies of the GCC countries, he added. Mustafayev noted that about 280 companies, chiefly from Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, operate in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is a country favorable for investments. First and foremost, thanks to political stability, security and understanding between the authorities and the people, the minister said. He added that at the same time, economic cooperation should be based on strong political ties. Azerbaijan pays a lot of attention to the development of political ties with the GCC countries. Our political relations are very strong, have great prospects and are based on friendships, he said, adding the level of economic cooperation between the countries should also be raised as there is great potential that has not been fully used. Mustafayev noted that although the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the GCC states has been growing in recent years, it is still at a low level it amounted to more than $40 million in January-August 2017. This is a very low figure, given that the population of the GCC countries is about 40 million people and total GDP is about $1.36 trillion, he added. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Azad Hasanli Trend: Federation of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Chambers offers Azerbaijan to eliminate double taxation, reduce customs duties for the import of products from the Arab countries and simplify financial transactions between the countries. This was stated by Abdulrahim Hasan Naqi, secretary general of the Federation of GCC Chambers, at the Azerbaijan-Gulf Cooperation Council business forum in Baku Oct. 20. He noted that Azerbaijan is one of the promising markets for investment, and proposed to organize an exhibition of Arab companies products in Baku in 2018 for expanding investment and trade relations. Naqi added that a list of projects can be created, which are being carried out or planned to be implemented, that could involve Arab companies. We would like to offer the creation of a special portal through which our companies could study local legislation, he said. Among other proposals, he noted the possibility of creating maritime routes, simplifying the visa regime and abolishing visa fees, saying visa fees can be added to the cost of the ticket. Baku hosts the Azerbaijan-Gulf Cooperation Council business forum on Oct. 20. A delegation comprising representatives of 100 Arab companies is participating in the forum. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Azad Hasanli Trend: The Arab countries of the Persian Gulf are interested in developing relations with Azerbaijan in tourism, hotel business, agriculture and trade, Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (Gulf Cooperation Council) Abdul Latif Bin Rashid Al Zayani, told reporters in Baku Oct. 20. We attach great importance to the development of relations with Azerbaijan in various areas. Our goal is to develop relations with your country in trade, investment, economy, agriculture and other areas, said the secretary general, adding that for this purpose it is possible to prepare relevant programs. According to him, Azerbaijan and the Arab countries have many opportunities to develop cooperation. Al Zayani also stressed that Azerbaijan has been able to achieve great success thanks to its wise leadership. Baku is hosting a business forum of Azerbaijan and Gulf Cooperation Council. A delegation representing 100 Arab companies arrived in Baku to participate in the business forum. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Azad Hasanli Trend: Arab countries of the Persian Gulf and Azerbaijan may create a joint investment fund. This proposal was made by Abdul Rahim Hassan Al Naqi, secretary general of the Federation of Chambers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Addressing the joint Azerbaijan-GCC business forum in Baku Oct. 20, Al Naqi noted that the fund can help strengthening the cooperation and stimulate the investment flow between countries. Currently, Caspian International Investment Company (CIIC) operates in Azerbaijan that was co-founded by the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD, a part of the Islamic Development Bank group). The investment company, which has been operating since 2008, invests funds in the real sector of the economy on the basis of Islamic law principles (Shariah), with the exception of oil and gas production. Moreover, Azerbaijan and Qatar are currently working to create a joint investment fund. Baku is hosting a business forum between Azerbaijan and Gulf Cooperation Council. A delegation representing 100 Arab companies arrived in Baku to participate in the business forum. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Azad Hasanli Trend: Azerbaijani government forecasts exports worth $13.4 billion will be ensured in 2018, according to the draft state and consolidated budgets for 2018 and the next three years. The document states that in 2018, the import of foreign products is expected to amount to $5.4 billion. As a result, a positive balance of $8 billion is forecast. The processes occurring in the world create a favorable environment for Azerbaijans economy. Despite the uncertainty of oil prices in the medium term, the growth of the global economy is recovering and trade is growing, which, on the one hand, eliminates the possibility of a sharp drop in oil prices, and on the other hand, creates conditions for the diversification of Azerbaijan's economy and increase of non-oil exports, reads the document. According to the State Customs Committee, Azerbaijans trade turnover in January-September 2017 amounted to $14.3 billion, which is 7.92 percent less than in the same period of 2016. Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Oct. 20 By Diana Aliyeva Trend: The annual Uzbek-Kazakh business forum and cooperation exchange were held in Tashkent, the Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and Industry said in a message. According to the message, the Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Kazakh Invest National Company and the Kazakh Ministry for Investments and Development organized the events. More than 30 Kazakh companies involved in pharmaceutics, machine-building, construction, food, chemical, packaging, light industries took part in the event. Those companies produce passenger cars, electric boilers, transformers, metal tiles, aluminum profiles, cement, paint and varnish materials, pipes and fittings, oil, flour, frozen fish, medicines, caustic soda and others. Over 200 companies with Kazakhstans capital currently operate in Uzbekistan. The volume of trade turnover between the countries amounted to $2 billion in 2016. The trade turnover increased by 35 percent in January-August 2017. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan signed contracts totaling $1.2 billion following two business forums held in Astana in March and in Tashkent on September 16. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: Over 4.7 million tons of cargo were transported along the International North-South Transport Corridor for the three quarters of 2017, which is 21.6 percent more than in the same period last year, the Azerbaijan Railways CJSC said in a message Oct. 20. Heads of railway companies of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Iran and Russia made the remarks at the 67th meeting of the Railway Transport Council of the CIS and Baltic countries in Riga. Javid Gurbanov, Vladimir Morozov, Saeed Mohammadzadeh and Oleg Belozerov discussed prospects for the development of the International North-South Transport Corridor, construction of a section of the Rasht-Astara railway and other issues. During the meeting, it was noted that cargo transportations along the International North-South Transport Corridor for the first nine months of 2017 increased by 21.6 percent and exceeded 4.7 million tons, the message said. Compared to the previous year, the volume of container transportations grew 2.4 times. Over 7,000 containers were transported along the corridor. It is noted that the parties have reached an agreement to establish a working group for the development of the International North-South Transport Corridor and signed the appropriate protocol. In the opinion of the meeting participants, it is necessary to direct attention of logistics companies to the creation of permanent transport services and the application of tariffs which suit all the sides, as well as to carry out work to simplify customs clearance procedures in order to support the growth trend along the International North-South Transport Corridor, the message noted. The sides also noted the importance of creating mutual ties between the participants of the logistics chain (railways, ports, carriers, customs services). The sides agreed that the acceleration and reduction in the cost of cargo transportations between the countries of Europe, South Asia, the Persian Gulf, Belarus and Russia are related to the creation of a direct rail service, the message said. It is necessary to finish and commission the missing section of the corridor, the Rasht-Astara railway for that. The International North-South Transport Corridor is meant to connect Northern Europe with Southeast Asia. It will serve as a link connecting the railways of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia. The corridor is planned to transport 5 million tons of cargo per year at the initial stage and over 10 million tons of cargo in the future. Details added (first version posted on 18:21) Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Azad Hasanli Trend: Southern Gas Corridor CJSC and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) signed an agreement on the allocation of a $500 million loan for the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) project, the Azerbaijani Finance Ministry said in a message Oct. 20. The document was signed by Director General of Southern Gas Corridor CJSC Afgan Isayev and EBRD Director for Energy and Natural Resources in Russia, Caucasus and Central Asia Aida Sitdikova. A guarantee agreement on the loan was signed by Azerbaijani Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov and Sitdikova. The EBRD Board of Directors approved the loan for TANAP on Oct. 18, 2017. The loan is issued for a period of 18 years. During the signing ceremony Sharifov said that the support for the Southern Gas Corridor by such leading financial institutions as the EBRD, the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and others testifies to trust and confidence in this global energy project. Sharifov stressed that the Southern Gas Corridor plays a special role not only for the regional security of Azerbaijan, but also for Europe and the region. In his turn, Isayev said that $7.8 billion or 66 percent out of $11.8 billion necessary for the project have already been drawn. He added that since early 2017, $1.9 billion has already been invested in the project. Isayev added that the work on the Shah Deniz Stage 2, the gas from which will be used for the project, has been completed by 96 percent, TANAP has been constructed by 82 percent, while Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) - by 53 percent. TANAP project envisages transportation of gas from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field to the western borders of Turkey. The gas will be delivered to Turkey in 2018 and after completion of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline's construction the gas will be delivered to Europe in early 2020. The length of TANAP is 1,850 kilometers with an initial capacity of 16 billion cubic meters of gas. Around six billion cubic meters of this gas is meant to be delivered to Turkey, with the remaining volume to be supplied to Europe. TAP project envisages transportation of gas from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz Stage 2 to the EU countries. The pipeline will be connected to the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italy's south. TAPs shareholders are BP (20 percent), State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (20 percent), Snam (20 percent), Fluxys (19 percent), Enagas (16 percent) and Axpo (5 percent). Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Anvar Mammadov Trend: Ukraine invites Azerbaijani investors to take part in the privatization of state property, Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Stepan Kubiv said at the Azerbaijan-Ukraine business meeting in Baku Oct. 20. He said that 3,444 state enterprises, operating in industry, agriculture, machine building, chemical sector, energy sector, as well as other sectors, are planned to be involved in the privatization process. "We are looking forward to the participation of Azerbaijani companies in the privatization of Ukrainian state enterprises," he said. A new law on privatization is expected to be adopted by late 2017. The Verkhovna Rada Committee for Economic Policy has already approved the bill "On Privatization of State Property" (#7066 dated September 4, 2017) and recommended the document for the first reading. Details added (first version posted on 16:59) Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Anvar Mammadov - Trend: Ukraines direct investments in Azerbaijan amounted to $25 million, said Azerbaijani Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev at the Azerbaijan-Ukraine business meeting in Baku Oct. 20. He said that currently, 116 companies with Ukrainian capital operate in Azerbaijan. "Azerbaijan's investments in Ukraine amounted to $200 million, he said. In particular, Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR, having 60 filling stations in the country, is actively operating in the Ukrainian market. The relations between the two countries in cargo transportation should be also stressed, he said. Azerbaijan has already turned into a transit country and Ukraine also uses the transit potential of Azerbaijan. The cargo transportation by railway increased by 2.4 times, while cargo transportation by vehicles - by 3.1 times in January-September 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016," he said. Mustafayev invited Ukrainian companies to invest in various spheres of Azerbaijani economy, in particular, in industrial and agricultural parks. "There is a great potential between our countries in developing relations and establishing joint ventures in tourism sector, processing industry, pharmaceutics and agriculture," the minister said. According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Ukraine amounted to $483.2 million in January-September 2017, which is 2.1 times more compared to the same period of 2016. At the same time, the export of Azerbaijani products to Ukraine increased by 5.1 times - from $32.94 million to $166.9 million, while imports of Ukrainian products to Azerbaijan increased by 59.2 percent (from $198.74 million to $316.3 million). Details added (first version posted on 17:52) Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Anvar Mammadov - Trend: Azerbaijan and Ukraine will establish a joint venture, which is envisaged in a memorandum, signed during the Azerbaijan-Ukraine business meeting in Baku Oct. 20. The memorandum was signed between the Azerbaijan Investment Company (AIC) and Ukraines Indar joint stock company. According to the memorandum, a joint pharmaceutical enterprise for the production of infusion and injection solutions will be established on the territory of Azerbaijans Pirallakhi industrial park. The construction of the enterprise will begin in 2018, Azerbaijani Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev told journalists in Baku Oct. 20. "The cost of the project is $17 million, he said. The construction of the enterprise will begin in 2018 and will last 2 years. Around 350 jobs will be created at the enterprise. Details added (first version posted at 10:37) Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 Trend: Azerbaijan will support the extension of the OPEC+ agreement, if the decision is made, said Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov. Azerbaijan always takes the fulfillment of undertaken international obligations extremely seriously. The OPEC+ deal is no exception. The stability of the oil market is in the interests of our country. This is why we joined this initiative, he told reporters in Baku. Time has shown that the Vienna agreement paid off. This is a great achievement. Shahbazov noted that the next OPEC meeting at the ministerial level will be held in November 2017. If we receive an invitation, we will certainly coordinate our participation with the country's leadership and consider the invitation, Shahbazov added. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Maksim Tsurkov - Trend: Azerbaijans Azerenergy OJSC will consider the opportunity of using Blockchain technology, Etibar Pirverdiyev, head of the company, told reporters in Baku Oct. 20 on the sidelines of an event dedicated to the Day of Energy Workers in Azerbaijan. This technology has recently become widely used in the world and much has been said about it in Azerbaijan. Several big Japanese energy companies use this technology while applying Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Energy Management System (EMS), which allow to fully automate the management of power systems. We will examine this technology and carry out certain work, he said. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: Azerbaijans Azerenergy OJSC will fulfill all tasks within the Strategic Roadmap for the Development of Utilities, Etibar Pirverdiyev, head of the company, told reporters in Baku Oct. 20 on the sidelines of an event dedicated to the Day of Energy Workers in Azerbaijan. "Azerenergy continues to work on the implementation of the Strategic Roadmap, he said. We are working on certain legislative acts with the Azerbaijani Energy Ministry and Ministry of Economy, the Cabinet of Ministers and other organizations. I think that Azerenergy will fulfill the tasks set within the Strategic Roadmap." Details added (first version posted on 17:12) Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: Azerbaijan may increase transmission of electricity to Russia, Etibar Pirverdiyev, head of Azerbaijans Azerenergy OJSC, told reporters in Baku Oct. 20. Pirverdiyev made the remarks on the sidelines of the event dedicated to the Day of Energy Workers in Azerbaijan. "We are working in parallel with Russia, that is, Azerbaijan receives electricity from Russia and vice versa, he said. I think that after taking certain steps we will be able to increase the transmission of electricity to Russia." Pirverdiyev said that the Russian side is mainly interested in transmitting electricity to Iran. "Some technical operations must be carried out to transmit electricity to Iran, he said. At present, a parallel operation of the energy systems of Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia is technically impossible. There are two options for a parallel operation of the energy systems of those countries, he said. The first option is to create a direct system on the border between Iran and Azerbaijan. The second option is to lay the second power line between Russia and Azerbaijan. At present, the countries use a 330-kilovolt power transmission line, built in the 1970s, and it is incapable of transferring big volumes of electricity," Pirverdiyev said. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Ali Mustafayev Trend: Kyrgyz government decided to denounce the agreement with Kazakhstan concluded within the EEU (Eurasian Economic Union). The bill on denunciation of the agreement on the development of economic cooperation within the Eurasian economic integration, signed with Kazakhstan in 2016, was submitted to the general department of the Kyrgyz parliament, 24.kg inform agency reported. The agreement was intended to provide Kazakhstans assistance to the integration processes of Kyrgyzstan within the Eurasian Economic Union. The agreement was about Kazakhstan's economic assistance to Kyrgyzstan in its integration into the EEU. Previously, relations between the two neighboring Central Asian countries reached a point of escalation, since the President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev accused his Kazakh counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev of supporting presidential candidate of the Kyrgyz opposition Omurbek Babanov, after the meeting between Babanov and Nazarbayev. However, Kazakh side dismissed the accusations, arguing that Nazarbayev also met with Sooronbay Jeenbekov on the eve of the election and that there was no special sympathy for any of the candidates. Newly elected President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov stated that he will build a policy based on mutual respect with Kazakhstan. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Oct. 20 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: Turkmenistan will conduct a general population and housing census in 2022, the Turkmen Dovlet Habarlary state news service reports. It will be organized within the implementation of the UN Economic and Social Councils 2020 World Population and Housing Census Program, adopted on June 10, 2015. A state commission will be created in Turkmenistan for conducting the census. Population census data is the basis for taking measures in the socio-economic sphere and should be considered when planning the budget of all levels, primarily the state budget, Turkmen Dovlet Habarlary reported. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Oct. 20 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov instructed to keep under continuous monitoring the progress of reconstruction and modernization of the Bektas seaport in the Caspian city of Garabogaz, the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper reported Oct. 20. This issue was discussed at a governmental meeting. At this stage, studies of the seabed and the Caspian coast have been carried out, and the volume of construction and installation work has been established. The designed capacity of the berth is 3,500 tons of cargo per day. The tender for this project was announced in 2016. It is expected that the products will be exported from a plant for the production of mineral fertilizers that is being built by Japans Mitsubishi Corporation and Turkeys Gap Insaat. Currently, construction, installation and commissioning work is underway. President Berdimuhamedov stressed that the implementation of industrial development projects is intended to contribute to solving the tasks of integrated industrialization of regions, diversification of the national economy, creation of joint import-substituting and export-oriented industries in this field. It should be noted that the plant will produce 1.155 million tons of urea per year. Meanwhile, the plant will produce mineral fertilizers from raw materials supplied via the East-West gas transportation system from natural gas fields: 2,000 tons of ammonia and 3,500 tons of urea per day. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Oct. 20 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: Turkmenistan is preparing to hold the 7th Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA VII) in Ashgabat on November 14-15, 2017, the Turkmen Dovlat Habarlary state news agency reported Oct. 20. A special coordination commission has been created in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan in order to successfully resolve organizational and other issues. Representatives of 35 countries and 36 international organizations, including specialized UN agencies, are expected to attend the forum. According to the report, discussion and exchange of views will take place during the conference on issues related to the implementation of energy, transport and communication project, being implemented with the participation of Afghanistan, trade, private sector development and business cooperation. The RECCA, initiated in 2005 in Kabul, aims to consolidate the efforts of the countries of the region in stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan and promoting regional economic integration of South and Central Asia. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Oct. 20 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: The 22th international conference and exhibition Oil and Gas Turkmenistan 2017 (OGT) will be held in Ashgabat on November 2-4, 2017, the Turkmen government said in a message. Particular attention will be paid to the diversification of supplies of Turkmen natural gas to world markets. In particular, the progress of construction and prospects of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline will be discussed, says the message. Specialists in the field of fuel and energy from many countries of the world, including representatives of foreign oil and gas companies, ministries of several countries will take part in the forum. The conferences agenda will include a wide range of issues related to the development of the global, regional and local oil and gas sector, international cooperation in this field, attraction of foreign investments to the industry and introduction of technological innovations. Turkmenistans Turkmenoil state concern, together with the countrys Chamber of Commerce and Industry and UKs Summit Trade Events, will organize the event. Under the Program for the development of the oil and gas industry of Turkmenistan, it is planned to bring the annual production of natural gas to 250 billion cubic meters in 2030. Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Oct. 20 By Diana Aliyeva Trend: President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a phone conversation Oct. 19 with the President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev at the initiative of the Kyrgyz side. According to the Uzbek presidents press service, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, firstly, sincerely congratulated President Almazbek Atambayev and the fraternal people of Kyrgyzstan on the successful holding of presidential election on October 15, 2017. It was especially noted that the results of the election prove the high confidence and support of the population to the course of reforms in Kyrgyzstan. The two states leaders discussed the issues of cooperation in the light of implementation of the agreements reached and the agreements signed during the recent high-level mutual visits. Both sides underlined their mutual interest in the speedy completion of legal registration and signing of the corresponding agreement on remaining sections of the Uzbek-Kyrgyz state border, as well as ensuring the effective functioning of border checkpoints. The importance of cooperation in the transport and communications sphere was also noted during the conversation. President Atambayev expressed deep gratitude to Shavkat Mirziyoyev for sincere congratulations in connection with the presidential election in Kyrgyzstan. He assured that the Kyrgyz side intends to further enhance the multifaceted and mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthen the relations of friendship and strategic partnership between the two states. Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Oct. 20 By Diana Aliyeva Trend: The issues of radical improvement of preschool education system were discussed at a meeting held on Oct. 19 under the chairmanship of Uzbekistans President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. According to the Uzbek presidents press service, the meeting was attended by the countrys prime minister, state advisors to the president, ministers and other officials. A new structure the Ministry of Preschool Education was established in Uzbekistan by the presidential decree, dated September 30, 2017. The expansion of the state and non-state network of preschool educational institutions, the solution of personnel issues, and the radical improvement of the quality of the preparation of children for school are among the new ministrys tasks. The work carried out in this direction was discussed at the meeting. Moreover, the issue of organization of high-quality medical service in preschool educational institutions, establishment of healthy food system fully in line with sanitary and hygienic norms and rules, and others were raised during the meeting. Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Oct. 20 By Diana Aliyeva Trend: The exhibition of Azerbaijani carpets was held in the Heydar Aliyev Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on October 19. Azerbaijan has been famous for various kinds of national art since ancient times, Samir Abbasov, director of the center, said at the opening of the exhibition. Among this variety, Azerbaijans carpet weaving is a bright page in the world art history. A lot of carpets were carried from Azerbaijan to foreign countries in the Middle Ages. Those carpets had a complex ornament and unique patterns. There were small feudal khanates in northern Azerbaijan in the second half of the 18th century, namely, Sheki, Baku, Guba, Karabakh, Irevan, Ganja, Nakhchivan, Shirvan. At this time, the carpet production greatly expanded. Each khanate had its own carpet workshop. As a result, the carpet weaving schools were established there. The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum was established in 1967. The international conferences devoted to that kind of art are regularly held. "Traditional carpet art in Azerbaijan" was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in November 2010. Tehran, Iran, Oct. 18 By Mehdi Sepahvand Trend: It seems it was not enough that the feasibility of Iran producing and exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe had been diminished by technological factors and market situations, US President Donald Trumps newly adopted Iran strategy shows to be able to further taper chances of a gas business between Iran and European countries, an energy and political risk expert says. With 33.5 trillion cubic meters of natural gas, Iran has the largest conventional gas reserves in the world. Along with its vast oil reserves, it also has sizable, non-associated conventional gas resources that are being developed aggressively. Officials recently said that gas exports grew by 64 percent during the period of March 21 to Aug. 22, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016. "Since the easing of international sanctions by the Obama administration, the energy markets have been anticipating an entry of Iranian resources, likely LNG, to the markets, which would have been particularly significant for Europe," Dr Agnia Grigas, an Oxford graduate, told Trend October 18. Iran is richly endowed with natural resources, particularly natural gas, she noted, adding however, that the Trump administrations new strategy dims the prospect of any Iranian gas export to Europe. Following the US shale revolution and with American LNG exports, Iranian gas exports had already become less strategically significant, much to the relief of the American gas sector. Nevertheless, global LNG prices have declined by 45 percent since the beginning of 2017, compared to average prices in 2016. The decrease is due to an abundance of LNG in the global market, as well as to the link between natural gas and oil prices, which are also weak. Back in May, Deputy Oil Minister for International Affairs and Commerce Amir Hossein Zamaninia told Trend that the EUs gas market is oversupplied and exporting Iranian gas to that market would not be profitable. Zamaninia noted that it would rather be in Irans interest if nearby markets were sought. In such circumstances, Russian natural gas monopoly Gazprom is strengthening its presence in the gas market of the Middle East through a planned construction of an 11-12 mtpy LNG plant in Iran. The plant will source gas from the South Pars gas field, Irans largest. In line with that, Iran is going this week to sign a contract with the Norwegian oil and gas company Hemla Vantage to build Irans first floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) unit in the Persian Gulf. Tehran, Iran, October 20 By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend: The central banks of Iran and Turkey on Friday signed a deal to enable the two countries banks to swap their national currencies, the rial and lira. According to the agreement, the two countries have assigned a total credit line of 5 billion Turkish liras and its equivalent amount in the Iranian rials to the operating banks of the two countries, which will be used to open letters of credit for the merchants of the two countries with a one-year maturity. Iran and Turkey have ramped up efforts to boost bilateral trade since the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear deal between Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany). Although the banking agreement is hoped to facilitate trade between the two countries, it is worth noting that the side which exports more to the other country will make the real gain, a banking expert told Trend Oct. 20. It is not clear if, for example, the export of Iranian gas to Turkey is covered by the agreement, Hossein Salimi noted, adding that if Iran wishes to benefit from the deal, it should boost its export to Turkey. If exports cannot match imports, then a deficiency of currency will follow, Salimi said. In 2016, Irans imports from Turkey amounted to $4.9 billion, while exports were worth $4.6 billion. Following President Recep Tayyip Erdogans Oct. 4 visit to Tehran, the central banks of the two countries signed a swap agreement, which amounts to a mutual commitment on exchanging national currencies. The deal implementing the agreement was signed during a trip to Turkey by Irans First Vice-President Es'haq Jahangiri. Trade turnover between Iran and Turkey in the first quarter of 2017 amounted to $3.5 billion. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 21 By Khalid Kazimov Trend: The latest statistics by Iranian transportation organization proves that Turkey has played a significant role in exports of goods to Iran through roads in recent months. According to Iran Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization, Turkey accounted for 64 percent of goods exported to Iran by trucks over the first half of the current fiscal year (starting March 20). About one million tons of freight was imported into Iran through road checkpoints across the country, indicating an increase of 12 percent year on year. In the meantime, Irans exports through its road checkpoints amounted to three million tons, indicating an increase of two percent. Meanwhile, oil products amounted for 25 percent of the countrys exports in the mentioned period. The non-oil products accounted for 99 percent of the countrys imports. In this period of time, Iranian trucks transported 69 percent of the countrys exported goods and 44 percent of goods imported into the country. [October 19, 2017] ValiMail Announces ValiGov, the First and Only Automated Email Authentication Product for U.S. Government SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ValiMail today announced the availability of the ValiGovService, its email authentication product tailored to the needs of U.S. federal agencies. The ValiGov Service (www.valimail.com/gov) offers a "free until enforcement" product for all U.S. federal government domains, enabling them to quickly come into compliance with the Department of Homeland Security's mandate that federal agencies publish a valid DMARC record within 90 days (by January 14, 2018). ValiMail offers the only guaranteed enforcement email authentication product on the market today. The ValiGov Service will be free for U.S. government agencies to use until they achieve enforcement, which is a DMARC policy that instructs receiving mail servers to delete or quarantine messages that fail authentication. ValiMail began a pilot program of its ValiGov product with Fannie Mae earlier this year, resulting in complete protection from email impersonation of the government-sponsored enterprise's many email domains. Fannie Mae, which is the largest provider of liquidity in the U.S. mortgage market, is now protected from all same-domain impersonations by ValiMail's technology. "The success we've achieved with Fannie Mae inspired us to make this product more broadly available," said Alexander Garcia-Tobar, the CEO and co-founder of ValiMail. "Within a month, Fannie Mae was already seeing benefits of email authentication at enforcement, and within six months we had protected all of their email-sending domains." DMARC, for Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance,is a widely used standard for stopping fake, impersonated email by guaranteeing that only authorized senders can use an organization's domain name in their emails. It allows domain owners to specify which senders are authorized, and set a policy for how receiving mail servers handle messages that fail to authenticate. When that policy is set to enforcement, it guarantees that emails using a domain name without authorization will not be delivered. ValiMail's analysis of more than 1,300 .gov domains shows that while 18 percent have published DMARC records, a significant number contain errors. Even more are set to the most nonrestrictive policy, which provides no protection against impersonation. Only 4 percent of .gov domains have valid DMARC records that are set to an enforcement policy, ValiMail has found. The rest are still vulnerable to email impersonation. Furthermore, of 61 domains used by the military (including 51 .mil domains as well as defense.gov, goarmy.com, commissary.com, and other public-facing domains), zero have published DMARC reports. This means all of these military domains can be spoofed via email. "This week's announcement by DHS is particularly timely given that phishing has reached epidemic levels," added Garcia-Tobar. "Phishing rates observed by many analysts are higher than they have ever been in history, and phishing attacks are the primary vector for cyberattacks of all kinds. 91 percent of attacks start with a phish and most of those phish are outright impersonations of a sender's email address." The vast majority of the world's inboxes 76 percent, or 4.8 billion inboxes support DMARC, including 100 percent of the U.S.'s largest email providers, including Google, Oath (Yahoo/AOL/Verizon), Microsoft, and more. When domain owners publish DMARC records and set them to an enforcement policy, that means phishing and email impersonations are stopped outright before they reach the inbox without the uncertainty or risk of anti-phishing approaches based solely on content filtering or end-user training. About ValiMail ValiMail has developed the world's first cloud service that fully automates email authentication. ValiMail enables organizations to stop phishing attacks, control shadow email, and improve the reputation of their email domain. ValiMail's patented, standards-compliant technology provides the only zero-administration solution to enable trusted email for enterprises. Customers include Uber, Fannie Mae, Yelp, Twilio, Time Warner, Square, OpenTable, and City National Bank. Founded in 2016, ValiMail is based in San Francisco and is backed by Shasta Ventures, Flybridge Capital Partners, and Bloomberg Beta. For more information visit www.ValiMail.com. MEDIA CONTACT: Dylan Tweney, ValiMail head of communications, [email protected] View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/valimail-announces-valigov-the-first-and-only-automated-email-authentication-product-for-us-government-300540094.html SOURCE ValiMail [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Khalid Kazimov Trend: Senior Iranian and Russian diplomats have agreed to broaden cooperation in fight against terrorism. Iranian deputy foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, discussed ways for expansion of cooperation on fight against terrorism with his Russian counterpart Oleg Syromolotov, Iranian media outlets reported. The sides, during the meeting on Thursday, criticized some countries over their approach to the issue of terrorism. The sides also expressed satisfaction over the existing cooperation between Tehran and Moscow in fight against terrorism and emphasized on the political will of Iran and Russia to widen bilateral and international cooperation. Tehran, Iran, October 20 By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend: Differences between Tehran and Ankara over the management of shared waters have caused hot debates in both Iran and Turkey. We should not do something that would endanger human security in any place on the globe. There are certain things that go beyond geographical and political borders, a senior official of the Iranian Ministry of Energy told Trend regarding Turkeys dam building mega-project, called the Southeastern Anatolia Project, aka GAP. As part of GAP, Turkey has built 22 dams on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which also run across Syria, Iraq and Iran. Disturbing human security will have consequences that will eventually surpass geographical borders, Mohammad Ebrahimnia, the head of the Macro-Planning Office of the Water and Wastewater Department of the Ministry of Energy said. There was a famous saying going around in the United Nations for about 15 years, which said all those in the upstream should think as though they live downstream. We should see the issue of water resources management in this way. We have no way but to use integrated water resource management, use diplomacy and negotiations to deal with the issue, Ebrahimnia stressed. Life is bound to streams, wetlands, and nature. If we disregard this, the aftermath will affect everyone. In September, Irans Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal Affairs Abbas Araqchi, who also specializes in water diplomacy, said Iran had not been convinced by Turkeys claim of having counted in the regions environmental concerns in the GAP project, warning of the environmental hazards of GAP and urging Ankara not to commercialize the project. Earlier, Turkish ambassador to Tehran Riza Hakan Tekin had accused Iran of politicizing the issue. We should work together and not politicize the issue. It should be done in an objective, factual way It is not true that our dams on the Tigris and the Euphrates increase the chances of dust storms. However, regarding recent claims to that effect from Iran, we are ready to receive any argumentation that Iran has to justify their claims. We are always for dialogue, Hakan Tekin said. Araqchi, in return, raised the possibility that future wars in the region would highly probably be triggered by water crises. In June, Hedayat Fahmi, an official with Irans Energy Ministry, urged active diplomacy with Turkey towards tackling the problem of dust storms, which chronically blight regional states partly because of Turkeys massive dam building projects. Turkeys GAP has reportedly reduced water flow in the rivers basin by 34 percent and caused 94 percent of the Mesopotamia to dry up, kicking up dust storms in Syria and Iraq, which head to Iran and cripple life in its southwestern and western provinces. Expert projections hold that the Middle East would be losing as much as 10 percent of its water resources by 2045. Over the same period, the demand for water in the region would increase by 60 percent. Turkeys GAP dams hold back as much as 100 billion cubic meters of water, half of which is harnessed in the countrys Ataturk Dam. The project, which is executed by US, German and Israeli firms among others, is due to provide water for up to two million hectares of arable lands in Turkey and boost the countrys electricity production by 7,500 megawatts. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Today Azerbaijan is a country that has achieved great success in political and economic spheres within 26 years of independence. Azerbaijan implements important economic, as well as energy projects today, which are aimed not only at its own development, but also at the development of neighboring countries. If one takes into account that the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline Project (TANAP) will be implemented in 2018, one can say that Azerbaijan is almost ready to ensure the energy security of Europe. Meanwhile, Turkey is turning into an energy hub due to TANAP. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway, which will be commissioned on October 30, is another important project in international cargo transportation. What is the secret of Azerbaijans success in such a short period? First of all, Azerbaijan has succeeded due to internal stability, which is an important condition for the political and economic development of the country. The second important factor of Azerbaijan's success is that the country has never used its energy potential as a means of political pressure as opposed to some other countries. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevs visit to Istanbul to participate as a special guest in the D-8 summit once again underscores the importance and irreplaceable role of Baku among the countries of the Islamic world, in particular, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, Nigeria and Bangladesh, which established the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation in 1997. It is known that the D-8 countries have rich natural and human resources. Accordingly, the maximum use of this potential through cooperation within D-8 can benefit both the member-states of the organization and Azerbaijan, which has established close relations with most of them. Despite the big number of Muslim countries in the world, it was Azerbaijan that was invited as a special guest for this summit. The main theme of the summit is the strengthening of economic relations. Azerbaijan's participation in the D-8 summit will allow the country to demonstrate its economic and energy model among the giant countries of the Islamic world. Earlier, Azerbaijan also participated as a special guest in the G20 summit, which was held in Turkeys Antalya city in November 2015, which, undoubtedly, once again testifies that Azerbaijans importance in the world is steadily increasing. Rufiz Hafizoglu is the head of Trend Agency's Arabic news service, follow him on Twitter: @rhafizoglu --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu One person was killed on Thursday in a massive fire that destroyed one of Yangons best-known hotels, sending dark smoke billowing over the center of Myanmars largest city and triggering an hours-long battle to put out the flames, Reuters reported. It was not immediately clear what caused the fire, which broke out around 3:20 a.m. at the teak-and-stone Kandawgyi Palace Hotel overlooking a picturesque inner-city lake, authorities told Reuters. An unidentified body was found in a guest room and two people were injured, said Htay Lwin, a spokesman of hotel owner Htoo Group. Authorities were investigating the cause of the fire and the cost of the damage was not immediately clear, he added. The fire had been mostly extinguished by 7 a.m., and more than 140 guests were shifted to nearby hotels. Htoo Group is chaired by business tycoon Tay Za, who, until last year, was on the list of United States sanctions for his close links to Myanmars former military regime. Myanmars civilian-led government, helmed by Nobel laureate and former dissident Aung San Suu Kyi, is grappling with the aftermath of a harsh military crackdown that has driven out more than 500,000 of the countrys Rohingya Muslim minority. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: The composition of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (aka Developing-8) should expand, said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressing the D-8 summit, the Turkish media reported Oct. 20. Erdogan noted that economic and political ties between the D-8 member countries should also expand. The Turkish president also said that the D-8 member countries should use the national currencies in trade. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, at the invitation of President Erdogan, arrived in Istanbul to participate as a special guest at the D-8 summit. Istanbul hosts the summit of D-8 member countries Turkey, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan. A suicide bomber killed at least 30 people inside a Shiite mosque in the Afghan capital Kabul on Oct. 20 night, a security official said, the latest in a string of violent attacks on the countrys Shiite minority, Reuters reported. The attack occurred at Imam Zaman mosque in the western Dasht-e-Barchi part of Kabul, as Shiite worshippers gathered for prayers. A senior security official said the exact number of casualties was unknown but that security forces at the scene had removed at least 30 bodies. Afghanistans Shiite population has been heavily hit this year, with at least 84 people killed and 194 wounded in attacks on their mosques and religious ceremonies, according to a United Nations report released last week. Among those were at least two attacks on mosques in Kabul in August and September. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: The Turkish Armed Forces are thoroughly monitoring the events in northern Iraq, following the referendum in the Kurdish autonomy of Iraq, Hulusi Akar, head of the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces, said. Akar said that the Turkish Armed Forces are ready to repel any threat that may arise on the border with Iraq. Earlier, Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief Haider Al-Abadi ordered security forces to ensure the safety at military bases and state facilities in the Kirkuk province. The authorities of the Kurdish autonomy of Iraq had announced about the offensive of government forces in Kirkuk. The Kurdish autonomy of Iraq held the so-called independence referendum Sept. 25. The referendum wasnt recognized by the international community. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Turkey condemned attacks on two mosques in Afghanistan on Friday which killed some 50 people, including a suicide attack in the capital that killed at least 22, Anadolu reported. "We learned with sorrow that many were killed and more wounded in attacks at mosques in the Kabul and Ghor provinces of Afghanistan, today," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "We condemn these heinous terrorist attacks, which target holy places and social peace in Afghanistan," the statement said. "We wish Allahs mercy upon those who lost their lives, a speedy recovery to the wounded, and convey our condolences to the brotherly government and people of Afghanistan." On Aug. 25 a similar attack at the same Shia mosque in Kabul was claimed by pro-Daesh militants. Up to 50 people were killed in the attack, also timed to occur on the mosques busy Friday. Friday's bomb attack on a Sunni mosque in the central province of Ghor took some 30 lives, according to local officials. The relatively peaceful coexistence between followers of different sects in Afghanistan has recently come under attack from pro-Daesh rebels who have killed scores of Shia believers in many brazen terrorist attacks. By Junko Horiuchi, KYODO NEWS - Oct 20, 2017 - 11:00 | Feature, All Despite the growing number of foreign workers and residents in Japan, their perspectives have been largely ignored ahead of Sunday's lower house election, according to the director of a nonprofit organization that supports immigrant children and youth in the country. Iki Tanaka, whose youth support center has helped some 600 children and adults from 26 regions learn Japanese, says more must be done to help new arrivals integrate into the country. "I am afraid about the situation that while the number of foreign residents keeps rising, Japanese society remains unprepared to accept them. Confusion will occur if unique issues and challenges faced by foreigners are left unaddressed," Tanaka said. Faced with a declining population and graying of the labor force, Japan is certain to rely more on foreign laborers, whose number has topped 1 million for the first time last year, propelled by increases in "technical trainees" who often perform unskilled work for low wages. A record 1,083,769 foreigners were working in the country at the end of October last year, up 19.4 percent from a year earlier, labor ministry data showed. The number of registered foreigners living in Japan is also increasing in tandem with rises in foreign laborers, hitting a record 2,382,822 as of the end of last year, up 6.7 percent from a year earlier, according to the Justice Ministry. The presence of foreigners in the workplace as well as in various areas of Japanese society, including at schools and hospitals, is expected to grow. But without sufficient support from the central government, municipalities are left to deal with foreign residents on their own, through the use of volunteers and by adding a burden to teachers and other public officials, Tanaka suggests. An education ministry survey showed that students at public elementary, junior high and high schools in need of Japanese language training totaled 37,000 in 2014. Of them, 18 percent or 6,700 have not received Japanese instruction. "We need to face the reality that Japan cannot go on without foreigners' labor force," Tanaka said. "Foreigners are not just sources of labor. They and their families need to make a living in Japan and are also recipients of social services, including education and health care. Their perspectives need to be taken into account." In the context of the House of Representatives election, an issue of foreigners was raised by the newly launched Party of Hope led by Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike but in a very controversial manner. Shortly before the official election campaign started on Oct. 10, Koike told fleeing members of the moribund opposition Democratic Party to sign a policy agreement that included a provision that they will stand against giving foreigners living in Japan the right to vote in local elections as a condition for joining her party. That stance seemingly went against Koike's pledge that her "tolerant" party promotes "diversity" in society. The Korean Youth Association immediately released a statement rapping the party's stance, saying, it is a "narrow-minded nationalism and hampers human rights." The group has called for giving suffrage to permanent foreign residents in local elections from the 1990s, arguing that it is a matter of fact that they join in political process as members of Japanese society. In an official list of campaign pledges unveiled later, the party did not mention the issue. But Koike still left open the possibility about incorporation of denying suffrage to foreign nationals in the future. Many political observers say that she only included the clause about foreign suffrage merely to make a clear distinction between her party and liberal-minded members of the Democratic Party and was not pushing to really stir national debate over it. Aside from the issue of whether to let non-Japanese vote, no party is pushing to the fore any particular policy regarding foreign residents. In their election pledges, the Liberal Democratic Party led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the Party of Hope explicitly said they will expand the intake of foreigners to make up for the labor force shortage, although they seem to be restrictive on the extent of the reception. The LDP's ruling coalition partner Komeito party and the Japanese Communist Party urged strengthening measures to help foreign children whose Japanese proficiency is insufficient adapt to Japanese education and school life. Kiyoto Tanno, professor at the Tokyo Metropolitan University, says foreigners' perspectives are not an election issue as the Japanese government only sees them as sources of labor with limited time in Japan, rather than future immigrants to the country. "The Japanese government wants a labor force but in a way that does not bring 'extra social costs,' such as their families. That's why it promotes the intake of foreign labor in the form of trainees," Tanno said. Critics say the government's skills acquisition program, under which trainees are brought to Japan, is a cover for hiring cheap labor. These workers, who are not allowed to bring their families, often return home as their contracts expire. "For the government, the major premise in accepting foreign laborers is not to do so as immigrants that would entail social costs," Tanno said. But looking ahead Tanno questions whether Japan will remain an attractive destination for labor to the trainees who currently come mainly from Vietnam and China. "For now, the trainees will come to Japan because of the economic gap but under the current wages and labor environment, their numbers are likely to decrease. A long-term perspective is really what is needed, but the country's dealings with the issue have been postponed," Tanno said. The JCP, in stark contrast with other parties, also touches on improving labor conditions such as unpaid wages so foreign residents can lead humane lives and have their rights protected. KYODO NEWS - Oct 20, 2017 - 15:48 | World, All The Malaysian government has entered into an agreement with U.S.-based seabed exploration firm Ocean Infinity to resume the search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, according to the Australian government. "The Malaysian Government has accepted an offer from Ocean Infinity to search for the missing plane, entering into a 'no find no fee' arrangement," Australian transport minister Darren Chester said in a statement issued late Thursday. Ocean Infinity will focus on searching the seafloor in an area that has previously been identified by experts as the next most likely location to find MH370, Chester said, adding that Australia, at Malaysia's request, will provide technical assistance to both parties. Malaysia Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai is expected to issue a statement on the agreement later in the day. After nearly three years of combing the ocean without success, the Malaysian, Chinese and Australian governments in January decided to suspend the search for the jetliner until "credible new information" is available. Family members of those on board had protested and pleaded for the authorities to consider proposals in recent months from Ocean Infinity and other companies to restart the hunt. The Boeing 777 vanished from radar less than 40 minutes after taking off from Kuala Lumpur International Airport just after midnight on March 8, 2014. The plane was on its way to Beijing with 239 people on board, with over two-thirds of the passengers Chinese. Australia helped lead the hunt for the plane in remote waters west of the country. Based on radar and satellite communications, the plane was calculated to have plunged into the southern Indian Ocean. [October 19, 2017] Sharp INTELLOS Security Robot Earns Two Industry Awards at ASIS MONTVALE, N.J., Oct. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- One year after product launch at ASIS International 2016, the Sharp INTELLOS Automated Unmanned Ground Vehicle (A-UGV) was awarded two industry honors during ASIS 2017 in Dallas, Texas, last month. The Sharp INTELLOS A-UGV was named "New Product of the Year for Outdoor Perimeter Protection" by Security Today. The Sharp INTELLOS A-UGV also earned the "Security Solutions Award for Security Monitoring" by Security Sales & Integration. Security Today magazine announced the winners of their 2017 "New Product of the Year Award" in August and presented each recipient with their honor at ASIS. The Security Today "New Product of the Year Award for Outdoor Perimeter Protection" honors the outstanding product development achievements of security equipment manufacturers whose products are considered to be particularly noteworthy in their ability to improve security. More than 100 entries were received in the ninth successful year of the independently juried contest. Winners were honored in 40 product award categories and those manufacturers will be highlighted in the December 2017 Security Today issue. Ralph C. Jensen, Editor-in-Chief of Security Today, said, "The New Product of the Year contest gives us a terrific sampling of security solutions, but what is more amazing each year is the technical savvy that comes along with new products. Our juried judges must be able to understand technology and innovation to be able to stay on top of security solutions that will blend into the platforms in use today, and what will be expected of them tomorrow. Our New Product of the Year contest allows forward-thinking manufacturers to be able to share their vision of security." On hand to accept Security Today's award was Alice DiSanto, Director of Marketing for the Sharp Robotics Business Division. "The last twelve months have validated that security robotics are the future. SOs (Chief Security Officers) are looking for solutions to their initiatives that traditional manpower and technology cannot alone fulfill. Security needs are too great and ever-increasing. In order to hit productivity and profitability goals, yet also protect critical infrastructure, assets and people, automation is critical. Corporations have experienced automation success stories in the business areas of accounting, recruiting, and customer tracking. The time is now to automate routine safety, maintenance and surveillance tasks." As for Security Sales & Integration (SSI), this was the third year for their "Security Solutions Awards" program. The program recognizes manufacturers whose products have been field-tested and successfully deployed to solve real customer challenges. Sharp Electronics was one of eight winners in seven application areas. The Sharp INTELLOS A-UGV met several needs for a global pharmaceutical company, which included adding another tier of protection to their onion-layer model of intrusion detection; extending air quality monitoring to the exterior; and further supporting security officers. Case study details about Sharp's outdoor robot will be featured in SSI's annual December 2017 Technology Issue. SSI's Editor-in-Chief and Associate Publisher, Scott Goldfine, shared about the winners, "The real test for manufacturers' products ? especially when dealing in the sometimes life or death realm of security and safety ? is how they truly meet the needs of both the security integrator and their customer. How does a given device or system deliver problem-solution results in the field deployed in real-world scenarios? That is the true litmus test and why SSI founded the "Security Solutions Awards". This unique program is an outstanding platform for security product suppliers to showcase their wares and a unique source for integrators to identify project solutions." Mike Kobelin, National Sales Director for the Sharp Robotics Business Division, at ASIS for the award announcement, stated, "It is one thing for a manufacturer to claim it can satisfy security and safety needs. Demonstrating proof of concept is the tipping point for accelerated adoption and that's what Sharp has been able to do. Sharp is grateful to Security Sales & Integration for assembling a panel of independent industry professionals, integrators and consultants, to evaluate the technical merits and ease of use for products, like the Sharp INTELLOS A-UGV." About Security Sales & Integration (SSI) "The #1 Technology & Business Authority Since 1979" reaches executive, sales & technical professionals who recommend, buy and/or install electronic security equipment, including video surveillance, access control, biometrics, IT networking, intrusion, fire alarm, home controls/automation plus other security products and services. Editorial features include commercial & residential product applications, technology updates, systems design installation techniques, sales & marketing case studies, statistical research and operation management. www.securitysales.com About Security Today Security Today magazine is the product and technology resource for security dealers, integrators and end-users seeking comprehensive security information. Security Today provides coverage for both physical and IT security serving the multi-market industries of suppliers, dealers, and end-users of security products and systems. SecurityToday.com About Sharp Electronics Corporation Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation. Sharp is a worldwide developer of one-of-a-kind home appliances, networked multifunctional office solutions, professional displays, robotics and energy systems. For more information, visit SharpUSA.com. Contact: Alice DiSanto, SRBD Director of Marketing Telephone: 914-582-8464 Email: [email protected] View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sharp-intellos-security-robot-earns-two-industry-awards-at-asis-300539975.html SOURCE Sharp Robotics [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] KYODO NEWS - Oct 20, 2017 - 14:40 | Feature, All On the occasion of her 83rd birthday Friday, Empress Michiko welcomed the award this year of the Nobel Peace Prize to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, saying it is "significant" that the world seems to be paying closer attention to the horrors of nuclear weapons. The Japanese empress also expressed an "immeasurable sense of relief" over her 83-year-old husband Emperor Akihito's expected handover of the Chrysanthemum throne to Crown Prince Naruhito in the coming years, which would be Japan's first imperial abdication in two centuries. Referring to the Nobel prize presented to the nongovernmental organization known as ICAN, she said in a statement, "I feel it is most significant that, owing to the efforts of the atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima and Nagasaki over many long years, the world seems to have finally turned its attention to the inhumanity of nuclear weapons and the horrifying consequences once they are used." The Geneva-based body is a coalition of nongovernment organizations in over 100 countries and has been working with survivors of the 1945 Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings. The empress also touched on Japan's "complicated" position on the nuclear arms issue as the country relies on the nuclear deterrence provided by the United States, and along with the world's major powers did not vote in favor of adopting the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in July this year. "At the same time, I hope that the people of the world will take more notice that the hearts of Japan's atomic bomb survivors have never been directed towards retaliation, which sets off a chain of more fighting, but towards the pursuit of a peaceful future," she said. While recalling major events over the past 12 months including the change of administration in the United States, Britain's formal notification to leave the European Union, and terrorist attacks around the world, the empress cited the appointment of Izumi Nakamitsu as U.N. undersecretary general and high representative for disarmament affairs as impressing her particularly. The empress said that thanks to Nakamitsu she has come to learn that the work of disarmament lies not only in the activity itself but also incorporates a more integrated perspective encompassing other domains, such as the economy, society, and the environment. "This made me glad and I felt that the concept would help deepen my interest in this field in the future," she said. With regard to the enactment in June of the law to allow Emperor Akihito to abdicate, the empress said she is "profoundly grateful" to the people who paved the way for his retirement. "It means that his majesty, after having devoted himself for so many years to pursuing the role of the emperor as the symbol of the state, will now, in his advancing years, be able to spend some days of calm and quiet," the empress said. The empress also wrote that her travels with the emperor across the country in their official capacity have become deeply emotional given the limited time remaining before he relinquishes his throne. "The beauty of each place struck me even more deeply than usual as I traveled around the country," she said. The empress also said her visit to Vietnam earlier this year with the emperor was "unforgettable," noting that the "deep connections" between the two countries include former Japanese soldiers who remained in Southeast Asia for a while after World War II and formed families with their Vietnamese spouses. Celebratory events for her birthday were held at the Imperial Palace on Friday. By Prangthong Jitcharoenkul, KYODO NEWS - Oct 20, 2017 - 16:15 | World, All Thais across the nation and around the world are counting down the days to say a final goodbye to their revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej as a royal cremation ceremony for the monarch who died last year draws near. With less than a week to go, King Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, the late king's only son and heir, on Wednesday presided over a ceremony of raising a nine-tiered umbrella atop the royal crematorium, marking the completion of its yearlong construction. The king's death on Oct. 13 last year, at the age of 88, plunged the nation into grief. It was followed by a one-year official mourning period. Pitsutpong Endoo, 38, a lecturer at Rajamangala University of Technology's campus in Surin, northeastern Thailand, said he is determined to honor the king by following the examples that he set for the Thai people. That means living a life of self-sufficiency, responsibility and goodness, he said. The king, who lost his right eye in a car accident in Switzerland when he was 20, "never lost his vision for the country," Pitsutpong said, with his voice shaking. The king, who spent his entire childhood overseas and was never raised for the monarchy, was the first monarch to visit people in Thailand's poorest and most remote villages to learn about their living conditions and problems. "I was just a low-ranking civil servant back then while accompanying His Majesty to the remote areas," recalled Somwang Boonwayong, a provincial government official in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. "I still remember that no matter how much the road was rough, he never gave up on making his way to reach his people," he said. Over the past 337 days since the king died, about 12.7 million royal subjects have paid their respects before a royal golden urn at the Dusit Haha Prasat Throne Hall. The throne hall is now closed to prepare for the five-day royal cremation ceremony that starts next Wednesday, with the cremation itself taking place on the second day. About 200,000 Thais are expected to turn out at a large ceremonial ground, Sanam Luang, to send off the cherished monarch for the last time, while many businesses across the nation will come to a halt. Although King Bhumibol was a constitutional monarch without a formal political role, he was a unifying force in a country that often undergoes bitter political turmoil. Hathaiphan Thodee, a 25-year-old local journalist from Chiang Mai, said she hopes the king's teachings will serve as a guiding light for Thailand, showing it a safe direction. "His passing broke our hearts, but we Thais must strictly uphold his teachings," she said. Tireless works and trips both upcountry and abroad continued throughout most of the king's 70-year reign until illnesses forced him to spend his final years in hospital. Still, he continued working from his sickbed. "When he (King Bhumibol) was still much young and able, he was barely seen without his working tools -- a camera, a self-made map, a notebook and a pencil while traveling to villages. He walked for a long distance with his face soaked with sweat to meet his people," said Abdullah Mali, a disabled painter from Songkhla, a southern province with a large Muslim population. The 26-year-old artist was also grateful for the king's uncountable anti-poverty and environment-friendly projects, especially his well-known philosophy of sufficiency economy, which combined to greatly alleviate impoverishment and destitution. "He was a King of Development. He could predict the future of Thailand," Abdullah said. It is not only Thais who will miss King Bhumibol. Noe Nguyen, an 83-year-old Vietnamese who came to Thailand as a refugee 70 years ago, praised the king's kindness and Thailand's hospitality. "Because of the Thai royal family's kindness and their selfless dedication to the country, our family decided to continue living in Thailand," she said. Nguyen said she used to be angry with her husband for not following their relatives to the United States to live. But over time, she said, "I realized that Thailand is the best country because of King Bhumibol." KYODO NEWS - Oct 20, 2017 - 02:02 | All, World U.S. President Donald Trump is considering making an inspection of the Maritime Self-Defense Force's largest vessel during his visit to Japan early next month, Japanese government sources said Thursday. Trump would be the first U.S. president to visit the helicopter carrier Izumo, which was commissioned in March 2015. (MSDF) Both Tokyo and Washington appear keen to use Trump's visit to display the strength of the Japan-U.S. defense alliance in the face of the threat from North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile development programs. In May, the Izumo engaged in the first-ever mission in which an MSDF vessel protected one from the United States, accompanying a U.S. Navy supply ship sailing in waters off Japan's Pacific coast. "(The Izumo) is a ship that symbolizes Japan-U.S. defense cooperation and Japan's defense capabilities," a government source said. An inspection could include Trump being welcomed by an SDF guard of honor aboard the 19,500-ton helicopter carrier, according to the sources. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte went aboard the Izumo when the vessel visited his country in June, and British Prime Minister Theresa May inspected it at its home port of Yokosuka, southwest of Tokyo, during her visit to Japan in August. Then U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter did the same in December last year. Trump's visit is scheduled for Nov. 5 to 7, during which he is set to hold a summit with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Nov. 6. He is also expected to meet Emperor Akihito and separately meet with the kin of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korean agents decades ago, including the parents of Megumi Yokota who was 13 when she was abducted in 1977. Trump mentioned Yokota in his address at the U.N. General Assembly last month. After Japan, Trump is set to visit South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines. Description Mirabelle Restaurant at the Three Village Inn, one of Newsdays 2017 100 Best Restaurants on LI, hosts Tasting Fridays every week, featuring a special seven-course tasting menu crafted by Executive Chef Guy Reuge. Every Friday, Chef Guy prepares a menu based on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Cost is $75 per person, $125 with wine pairings, plus tax and gratuity. The evening also showcases live music from 6 to 9 p.m. This weeks menu, subject to change, includes: Manhattan Clam Chowder Sparkling Pointe Pan-Roasted Scallops Autumn salsa, yam puree, straw potatoes Sancerre Gougeonettes of Sole Meyer lemon aioli ZD Chardonnay Seared Foie Gras Smashed sunchokes, roasted apples, cranberry glaze Sauternes Beef Fillet Au Poivre JB Neufeld Cabernet Sauvignon Trio of American Artisan Cheeses Port New York Cheesecake Fruit and squash compote [October 20, 2017] Bristol-Myers Squibb to Present New Data Advancing Research Across Serious Liver Diseases at The Liver Meeting 2017 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) today announced that new data across serious liver diseases, including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), will be presented at The Liver Meeting 2017 in Washington, DC, October 20 - 24, 2017. Key data presentations include: Two analyses from a Phase 2 study of BMS-986036 (pegylated FGF21) in NASH, which provide further support of non-invasive methods, including imaging studies and serum Pro-C3, for assessing liver fibrosis Updated data for Opdivo (nivolumab) in HCC from CheckMate -040, the trial which was the basis for the recent FDA approval for the treatment of HCC patients previously treated with sorafenib, will be presented in a Presidential Plenary "The data being presented at The Liver Meeting demonstrate our commitment to advancing the science in HCC and NASH, two serious liver diseases with unmet medical need," said Tom Lynch, M.D., executive vice president and chief scientific officer, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "We are excited to share new analyses for Opdivo in HCC from CheckMate -040. In NASH, the breadth of the data that we and our collaborators are presenting reinforces our focus on investigating new treatment options for liver fibrosis and improving diagnostic processes, and these results are shaping the development program for BMS-986036." The Company is engaged in productive discussions with health authorities to advance the development program for BMS-986036. Bristol-Myers Squibb exclusively licensed the rights to research, develop and commercialize BMS-986036 from Ambrx, Inc. Also at The Liver Meeting, Nitto Denko will present the results of a Phase 1b/2 study of HSP47 (ND-L02-s0201), which was licensed by Bristol-Myers Squibb for investigation in advanced liver fibrosis. Nordic Bioscience, with which Bristol-Myers Squibb collaborates to research collagen biomarkers in liver fibrosis, will share new data on Pro-C3, a biomarker that specifically detects the formation of type III collagen and can be measured with a blood test. Validated biomarkers are needed to assess disease activity and response to interventions in patients with NASH. Bristol-Myers Squibb will also present study results regarding the occurrence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-associated and other clinical and treatment-associated outcome events in patients taking long-term Baraclude vs. other nucleos(t)ide monotherapy. Bristol-Myers Squibb research tied to Hepatitis B and C during the past two decades has played a transformational role in the treatment of viral hepatitis around the globe. Bristol-Myers Squibb data presentations at The Liver Meeting 2017: Title Presenting Author/Type Date/Time (EDT) Location/Session Nivolumab in Sorafenib-Naive and -Experienced Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Survival, Hepatic Safety, and Biomarker Assessments in CheckMate 040 B. Sangro / Presidential Plenary Oral Oct. 23, 2017 8:30 - 8:45 a.m. Presidential Plenary: Clinical Convention Center Ballroom Treatment Patterns and Healthcare (HC) Costs by Lines of Therapy Among Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (aHCC) Patients Treated with Systemic Cancer Therapy M. Bonafede / Poster Oct. 22, 2017 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. Clinical Liver Cancer Hall D Prospective, Randomized Assessment of HBV-associated and other Clinical Outcome Events During Long-Term Therapy With Entecavir or Other HBV Nucleos(t)ide Analogues in Patients with Chronic HBV Infection J. Hou / Oral Oct. 22, 2017 8:45 - 9:00 a.m. Parallel 3: Hepatitis B: Approved Treatments Room 207 BMS-986036 (pegylated FGF21) in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: A Phase 2 study A. Sanyal / Oral Oct. 23, 2017 1:30 - 1:45 p.m. Parallel 27: NASH: Novel Imaging and Therapeutics Room 202 Multi-Biomarker Validation of MRI-PDFF- and MRE-Derived Treatment Response with BMS-986036 (peg-FGF21): A Secondary Analysis of a Multi-center Clinical Trial in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). R. Loomba / Poster Oct. 20, 2017 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Imaging and Noninvasive Fibrosis Assessment Hall D Baseline Serum Pro-C3 Predicts Response to BMS-986036 (peg-FGF21): A Secondary Analysis of a Multi-Center Clinical Trial in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) M. Abdelmalek / Poster Oct. 23, 2017 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. Steatosis and Steatohepatitis Hall D Bristol-Myers Squibb collaborator presentations include: Title Presenting Author/Type Date/Time (EDT) Location/Session Development and Validation of the Collagen Neo-Epitope Biomarker Pro-C3 "FIB-C3 Score" for Detection and Staging of Advanced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in a Large International Multi-Centre Patient Cohort M. Boyle / Oral Oct. 22, 2017 3:00 - 3:45 p.m. Parallel 14: Novel Biomarkers for NASH Room 202 Advanced Machine Learning Techniques To Identify A Panel Of Biomarkers That Identify Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis S. Chernbumroong / Oral Oct. 22, 2017 3:00 - 3:15 p.m. Parallel 14: Novel Biomarkers for NASH Room 202 Insulin secretion and decreased glucose clearance are associated with enhanced fibrogenesis and a high risk of disease progression in non-diabetic patients with Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. R. Younes / Poster Oct. 23, 2017 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Steatosis and Steatohepatitis Hall D The Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Turnover Profile in Cholestatic and Autoimmune Liver Diseases - an Exploratory Study. M. Nielsen / Poster Oct. 20, 2017 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Autoimmune and Cholestatic Liver Disease Hall D Treatment with ND-L02-s0201, a Novel Targeted Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Delivering HSP47 siRNA, Results in Fibrosis Resolution in Preclinical Rat Models Y. Liu/Poster Oct. 20, 2017 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Clinical Research and Translational Fibrosis Research Hall D Clinical Phase 1b/2 Study Results for Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Efficacy of ND-L02-s0201, a Novel Targeted lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Delivering HSP47 siRNA for the Treatment of Patients with Advanced Liver Fibrosis E. Lawitz/Poster Oct. 20, 2017 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Clinical and Translational Fibrosis Research Hall D About Fibrosis and NASH Fibrotic diseases are characterized by chronic inflammation that leads to excess collagen deposition and scar formation in an organ or tissue. This scarring response compromises function and can ultimately lead to organ failure. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) may progress to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer, and liver failure, and is expected to be the leading cause of liver transplantation by 2020. The severity of liver fibrosis (scar tissue in the liver) is measured on a scale of F0 (normal) to F4 (cirrhosis) in a liver biopsy specimen. Approximately 20 million patients in the U.S. have NASH, and there are currently no approved pharmacological treatments. About Fibrosis at Bristol-Myers Squibb Bristol-Myers Squibb is committed to the discovery and development of medicines for the treatment of fibrosis, the buildup of scar tissue that impacts organ function. We are advancing a robust pipeline of investigational compounds to address areas of high unmet need in patients with fibrotic diseases, including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a condition with no approved pharmacological treatment options that may lead to liver fibrosis and/or cirrhosis; and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive lung disease with a high mortality rate. We are researching multiple mechanisms and approaches to make the biggest impact on patients. About Hepatocellular Carcinoma Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer and the fastest-growing cause of cancer death in the U.S. More than 700,000 people around the world, including about 41,000 people in the U.S., are diagnosed with HCC each year. The majority of these cases are caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, making HBV/HCV the most common risk factors for liver cancer. In the foreseeable future, the rising prevalence of metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is expected to contribute to increased rates of HCC. HCC is often diagnosed in the advanced stage where treatment options have been limited and outcomes poor, with one-year survival rates in the advanced setting of approximately 44%. The FDA recently approved Opdivo for the treatment of HCC following prior systemic therapy based on tumor response rate and durability of response, offering an additional treatment option to appropriate patients. Bristol-Myers Squibb & Immuno-Oncology: Advancing Oncology Research At Bristol-Myers Squibb, patients are at the center of everything we do. Our vision for the future of cancer care is focused on researching and developing transformational Immuno-Oncology (I-O) medicines for hard-to-treat cancers that could potentially improve outcomes for these patients. We are leading the scientific understanding of I-O through our extensive portfolio of investigational compounds and approved agents. Our differentiated clinical development program is studying broad patient populations across more than 50 types of cancers with 14 clinical-stage molecules designed to target different immune system pathways. Our deep expertise and innovative clinical trial designs position us to advance I-O/I-O, I-O/chemotherapy, I-O/targeted therapies and I-O/radiation therapies across multiple tumors and potentially deliver the next wave of therapies with a sense of urgency. We also continue to pioneer research that will help facilitate a deeper understanding of the role of immune biomarkers and how patients' individual tumor biology can be used as a guide for treatment decisions throughout their journey. We understand making the promise of I-O a reality for the many patients who may benefit from these therapies requires not only innovation on our part but also close collaboration with leading experts in the field. Our partnerships with academia, government, advocacy and biotech companies support our collective goal of providing new treatment options to advance the standards of clinical practice. About Opdivo Opdivo is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor that is designed to uniquely harness the body's own immune system to help restore anti-tumor immune response. By harnessing the body's own immune system to fight cancer, Opdivo has become an important treatment option across multiple cancers. Opdivo's leading global development program is based on Bristol-Myers Squibb's scientific expertise in the field of Immuno-Oncology and includes a broad range of clinical trials across all phases, including Phase 3, in a variety of tumor types. To date, the Opdivo clinical development program has enrolled more than 25,000 patients. The Opdivo trials have contributed to gaining a deeper understanding of the potential role of biomarkers in patient care, particularly regarding how patients may benefit from Opdivo across the continuum of PD-L1 expression. In July 2014, Opdivo was the first PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world. Opdivo is currently approved in more than 60 countries, including the United States, the European Union and Japan. In October 2015, the company's Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen was the first Immuno-Oncology combination to receive regulatory approval for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and is currently approved in more than 50 countries, including the United States and the European Union. U.S. FDA-APPROVED INDICATIONS FOR OPDIVO OPDIVO (nivolumab) as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with BRAF V600 mutation-positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on progression-free survival. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. OPDIVO (nivolumab) as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with BRAF V600 wild-type unresectable or metastatic melanoma. OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on progression-free survival. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving OPDIVO. OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy. OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) that has relapsed or progressed after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and brentuximab vedotin or after 3 or more lines of systemic therapy that includes autologous HSCT. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) with disease progression on or after platinum-based therapy. OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION WARNING: IMMUNE-MEDIATED ADVERSE REACTIONS YERVOY can result in severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions. These immune-mediated reactions may involve any organ system; however, the most common severe immune-mediated adverse reactions are enterocolitis, hepatitis, dermatitis (including toxic epidermal necrolysis), neuropathy, and endocrinopathy. The majority of these immune-mediated reactions initially manifested during treatment; however, a minority occurred weeks to months after discontinuation of YERVOY. Assess patients for signs and symptoms of enterocolitis, dermatitis, neuropathy, and endocrinopathy and evaluate clinical chemistries including liver function tests (LFTs), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level, and thyroid function tests at baseline and before each dose. Permanently discontinue YERVOY and initiate systemic high-dose corticosteroid therapy for severe immune-mediated reactions. Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. Fatal cases have been reported. Monitor patients for signs with radiographic imaging and for symptoms of pneumonitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or more severe pneumonitis. Permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 and withhold until resolution for Grade 2. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, fatal cases of immune-mediated pneumonitis have occurred. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3.1% (61/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 6% (25/407) of patients. In Checkmate 205 and 039, pneumonitis, including interstitial lung disease, occurred in 6.0% (16/266) of patients receiving OPDIVO. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 4.9% (13/266) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=1) and Grade 2 (n=12). Immune-Mediated Colitis OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated colitis. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of colitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 (of more than 5 days duration), 3, or 4 colitis. Withhold OPDIVO monotherapy for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 or recurrent colitis upon re-initiation of OPDIVO. When administered with YERVOY, withhold OPDIVO and YERVOY for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 or recurrent colitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 2.9% (58/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 26% (107/407) of patients including three fatal cases. In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal (diarrhea of =7 stools above baseline, fever, ileus, peritoneal signs; Grade 3-5) immune-mediated enterocolitis occurred in 34 (7%) patients. Across all YERVOY-treated patients in that study (n=511), 5 (1%) developed intestinal perforation, 4 (0.8%) died as a result of complications, and 26 (5%) were hospitalized for severe enterocolitis. Immune-Mediated Hepatitis OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Monitor patients for abnormal liver tests prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater transaminase elevations. For patients without HCC, withhold OPDIVO for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue OPDIVO for Grade 3 or 4. For patients with HCC, withhold OPDIVO and administer corticosteroids if AST/ALT is within normal limits at baseline and increases to >3 and up to 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), if AST/ALT is >1 and up to 3 times ULN at baseline and increases to >5 and up to 10 times the ULN, and if AST/ALT is >3 and up to 5 times ULN at baseline and increases to >8 and up to 10 times the ULN. Permanently discontinue OPDIVO and administer corticosteroids if AST or ALT increases to >10 times the ULN or total bilirubin increases >3 times the ULN. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 1.8% (35/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 13% (51/407) of patients. In Checkmate 040, immune-mediated hepatitis requiring systemic corticosteroids occurred in 5% (8/154) of patients receiving OPDIVO. In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal hepatotoxicity (AST or ALT elevations >5x the ULN or total bilirubin elevations >3x the ULN; Grade 3-5) occurred in 8 (2%) patients, with fatal hepatic failure in 0.2% and hospitalization in 0.4%. Immune-Mediated Neuropathies In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, 1 case of fatal Guillain-Barre syndrome and 1 case of severe (Grade 3) peripheral motor neuropathy were reported. Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis, immune-mediated adrenal insufficiency, autoimmune thyroid disorders, and Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypophysitis, signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, thyroid function prior to and periodically during treatment, and hyperglycemia. Administer hormone replacement as clinically indicated and corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater hypophysitis. Withhold for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 hypophysitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 3 or 4 adrenal insufficiency. Withhold for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 adrenal insufficiency. Administer hormone-replacement therapy for hypothyroidism. Initiate medical management for control of hyperthyroidism. Withhold OPDIVO for Grade 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 hyperglycemia. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hypophysitis occurred in 0.6% (12/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, hypophysitis occurred in 9% (36/407) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 1% (20/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 5% (21/407) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis resulting in hypothyroidism occurred in 9% (171/1994) of patients. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 2.7% (54/1994) of patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis resulting in hypothyroidism occurred in 22% (89/407) of patients. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 8% (34/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, diabetes occurred in 0.9% (17/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, diabetes occurred in 1.5% (6/407) of patients. In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe to life-threatening immune-mediated endocrinopathies (requiring hospitalization, urgent medical intervention, or interfering with activities of daily living; Grade 3-4) occurred in 9 (1.8%) patients. All 9 patients had hypopituitarism, and some had additional concomitant endocrinopathies such as adrenal insufficiency, hypogonadism, and hypothyroidism. 6 of the 9 patients were hospitalized for severe endocrinopathies. Immune-Mediated Nephritis and Renal Dysfunction OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Monitor patients for elevated serum creatinine prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids for Grades 2-4 increased serum creatinine. Withhold OPDIVO for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 increased serum creatinine. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 1.2% (23/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 2.2% (9/407) of patients. Immune-Mediated Skin Adverse Reactions and Dermatitis OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated rash, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), some cases with fatal outcome. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 3 or 4 rash. Withhold for Grade 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 rash. For symptoms or signs of SJS or TEN, withhold OPDIVO and refer the patient for specialized care for assessment and treatment; if confirmed, permanently discontinue. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated rash occurred in 9% (171/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated rash occurred in 22.6% (92/407) of patients. In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal immune-mediated dermatitis (eg, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or rash complicated by full thickness dermal ulceration, or necrotic, bullous, or hemorrhagic manifestations; Grade 3-5) occurred in 13 (2.5%) patients. 1 (0.2%) patient died as a result of toxic epidermal necrolysis. 1 additional patient required hospitalization for severe dermatitis. Immune-Mediated Encephalitis OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated encephalitis. Evaluation of patients with neurologic symptoms may include, but not be limited to, consultation with a neurologist, brain MRI, and lumbar puncture. Withhold OPDIVO in patients with new-onset moderate to severe neurologic signs or symptoms and evaluate to rule out other causes. If other etiologies are ruled out, administer corticosteroids and permanently discontinue OPDIVO for immune-mediated encephalitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, encephalitis occurred in 0.2% (3/1994) of patients. Fatal limbic encephalitis occurred in one patient after 7.2 months of exposure despite discontinuation of OPDIVO and administration of corticosteroids. Encephalitis occurred in one patient receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY (0.2%) after 1.7 months of exposure. Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions Based on the severity of the adverse reaction, permanently discontinue or withhold OPDIVO, administer high-dose corticosteroids, and, if appropriate, initiate hormone-replacement therapy. Across clinical trials of OPDIVO monotherapy or in combination with YERVOY, the following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions, some with fatal outcome, occurred in <1.0% of patients receiving OPDIVO: myocarditis, rhabdomyolysis, myositis, uveitis, iritis, pancreatitis, facial and abducens nerve paresis, demyelination, polymyalgia rheumatica, autoimmune neuropathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, hypopituitarism, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, gastritis, duodenitis, sarcoidosis, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), motor dysfunction, vasculitis, and myasthenic syndrome. Infusion Reactions OPDIVO can cause severe infusion reactions, which have been reported in <1.0% of patients in clinical trials. Discontinue OPDIVO in patients with Grade 3 or 4 infusion reactions. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion in patients with Grade 1 or 2. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, infusion-related reactions occurred in 6.4% (127/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, infusion-related reactions occurred in 2.5% (10/407) of patients. Complications of Allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO Complications, including fatal events, occurred in patients who received allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO. Outcomes were evaluated in 17 patients from Checkmate 205 and 039, who underwent allogeneic HSCT after discontinuing OPDIVO (15 with reduced-intensity conditioning, 2 with myeloablative conditioning). Thirty-five percent (6/17) of patients died from complications of allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO. Five deaths occurred in the setting of severe or refractory GVHD. Grade 3 or higher acute GVHD was reported in 29% (5/17) of patients. Hyperacute GVHD was reported in 20% (n=2) of patients. A steroid-requiring febrile syndrome, without an identified infectious cause, was reported in 35% (n=6) of patients. Two cases of encephalitis were reported: Grade 3 (n=1) lymphocytic encephalitis without an identified infectious cause, and Grade 3 (n=1) suspected viral encephalitis. Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) occurred in one patient, who received reduced-intensity conditioned allogeneic HSCT and died of GVHD and multi-organ failure. Other cases of hepatic VOD after reduced-intensity conditioned allogeneic HSCT have also been reported in patients with lymphoma who received a PD-1 receptor blocking antibody before transplantation. Cases of fatal hyperacute GVHD have also been reported. These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between PD-1 blockade and allogeneic HSCT. Follow patients closely for early evidence of transplant-related complications such as hyperacute GVHD, severe (Grade 3 to 4) acute GVHD, steroid-requiring febrile syndrome, hepatic VOD, and other immune-mediated adverse reactions, and intervene promptly. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on their mechanisms of action, OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with an OPDIVO- or YERVOY- containing regimen and for at least 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO. Lactation It is not known whether OPDIVO or YERVOY is present in human milk. Because many drugs, including antibodies, are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from an OPDIVO-containing regimen, advise women to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment. Advise women to discontinue nursing during treatment with YERVOY and for 3 months following the final dose. Serious Adverse Reactions In Checkmate 037, serious adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=268). Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 42% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse drug reactions reported in 2% to <5% of patients receiving OPDIVO were abdominal pain, hyponatremia, increased aspartate aminotransferase, and increased lipase. In Checkmate 066, serious adverse reactions occurred in 36% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=206). Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions reported in =2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were gamma-glutamyltransferase increase (3.9%) and diarrhea (3.4%). In Checkmate 067, serious adverse reactions (73% and 37%), adverse reactions leading to permanent discontinuation (43% and 14%) or to dosing delays (55% and 28%), and Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions (72% and 44%) all occurred more frequently in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm (n=313) relative to the OPDIVO arm (n=313). The most frequent (=10%) serious adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm and the OPDIVO arm, respectively, were diarrhea (13% and 2.6%), colitis (10% and 1.6%), and pyrexia (10% and 0.6%). In Checkmate 017 and 057, serious adverse reactions occurred in 46% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=418). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, dyspnea, pyrexia, pleural effusion, pneumonitis, and respiratory failure. In Checkmate 025, serious adverse reactions occurred in 47% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=406). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in =2% of patients were acute kidney injury, pleural effusion, pneumonia, diarrhea, and hypercalcemia. In Checkmate 205 and 039, adverse reactions leading to discontinuation occurred in 7% and dose delays due to adverse reactions occurred in 34% of patients (n=266). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 26% of patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in =1% of patients were pneumonia, infusion-related reaction, pyrexia, colitis or diarrhea, pleural effusion, pneumonitis, and rash. Eleven patients died from causes other than disease progression: 3 from adverse reactions within 30 days of the last OPDIVO dose, 2 from infection 8 to 9 months after completing OPDIVO, and 6 from complications of allogeneic HSCT. In Checkmate 141, serious adverse reactions occurred in 49% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were pneumonia, dyspnea, respiratory failure, respiratory tract infection, and sepsis. In Checkmate 275, serious adverse reactions occurred in 54% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=270). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were urinary tract infection, sepsis, diarrhea, small intestine obstruction, and general physical health deterioration. In Checkmate 040, serious adverse reactions occurred in 49% of patients (n=154). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients were pyrexia, ascites, back pain, general physical health deterioration, abdominal pain, and pneumonia. Common Adverse Reactions In Checkmate 037, the most common adverse reaction (=20%) reported with OPDIVO (n=268) was rash (21%). In Checkmate 066, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) reported with OPDIVO (n=206) vs dacarbazine (n=205) were fatigue (49% vs 39%), musculoskeletal pain (32% vs 25%), rash (28% vs 12%), and pruritus (23% vs 12%). In Checkmate 067, the most common (=20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm (n=313) were fatigue (59%), rash (53%), diarrhea (52%), nausea (40%), pyrexia (37%), vomiting (28%), and dyspnea (20%). The most common (=20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO (n=313) arm were fatigue (53%), rash (40%), diarrhea (31%), and nausea (28%). In Checkmate 017 and 057, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=418) were fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, cough, dyspnea, and decreased appetite. In Checkmate 025, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=406) vs everolimus (n=397) were asthenic conditions (56% vs 57%), cough (34% vs 38%), nausea (28% vs 29%), rash (28% vs 36%), dyspnea (27% vs 31%), diarrhea (25% vs 32%), constipation (23% vs 18%), decreased appetite (23% vs 30%), back pain (21% vs 16%), and arthralgia (20% vs 14%). In Checkmate 205 and 039, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=266) were upper respiratory tract infection (44%), fatigue (39%), cough (36%), diarrhea (33%), pyrexia (29%), musculoskeletal pain (26%), rash (24%), nausea (20%) and pruritus (20%). In Checkmate 141, the most common adverse reactions (=10%) in patients receiving OPDIVO were cough and dyspnea at a higher incidence than investigator's choice. In Checkmate 275, the most common adverse reactions (= 20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=270) were fatigue (46%), musculoskeletal pain (30%), nausea (22%), and decreased appetite (22%).. In Checkmate 040, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=154) were fatigue (38%), musculoskeletal pain (36%), abdominal pain (34%), pruritus (27%), diarrhea (27%), rash (26%), cough (23%), and decreased appetite (22%). The most common adverse reactions (=20%) in patients who received OPDIVO as a single agent were fatigue, rash, musculoskeletal pain, pruritus, diarrhea, nausea, asthenia, cough, dyspnea, constipation, decreased appetite, back pain, arthralgia, upper respiratory tract infection, and pyrexia. In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, the most common adverse reactions (=5%) in patients who received YERVOY at 3 mg/kg were fatigue (41%), diarrhea (32%), pruritus (31%), rash (29%), and colitis (8%). Checkmate Trials and Patient Populations Checkmate 067 - advanced melanoma alone or in combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 037 and 066 - advanced melanoma; Checkmate 017 - squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); Checkmate 057 - non-squamous NSCLC; Checkmate 025 - renal cell carcinoma; Checkmate 205/039 - classical Hodgkin lymphoma; Checkmate 141 - squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck; Checkmate 275 - urothelial carcinoma; Checkmate 040 - hepatocellular carcinoma. Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information for OPDIVO and YERVOY, including Boxed WARNING regarding immune-mediated adverse reactions for YERVOY. U.S. Indication and Important Safety Information - BARACLUDE (entecavir): INDICATION BARACLUDE (entecavir) is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age or older with evidence of active viral replication and either evidence of persistent elevations in serum aminotransferases (ALT or AST) or histologically active disease. The following points should be considered when initiating therapy with BARACLUDE: In adult patients, this indication is based on clinical trial data in nucleoside-inhibitor treatment-naive and lamivudine-resistant subjects with HBeAg-positive and HBeAgnegative HBV infection and compensated liver disease and a more limited number of subjects with decompensated liver disease. In pediatric patients 2 years of age and older, this indication is based on clinical trial data in nucleoside-inhibitor-treatment-naive and in a limited number of lamivudine experienced subjects with HBeAg-positive chronic HBV infection and compensated liver disease. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION WARNINGS: SEVERE ACUTE EXACERBATIONS OF HEPATITIS B, PATIENTS CO-INFECTED WITH HIV AND HBV, and LACTIC ACIDOSIS AND HEPATOMEGALY Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have been reported in patients who have discontinued anti-hepatitis B therapy, including entecavir. Hepatic function should be monitored closely with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months in patients who discontinue anti-hepatitis B therapy. If appropriate, initiation of anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted. Limited clinical experience suggests there is a potential for the development of resistance to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors if BARACLUDE is used to treat chronic HBV infection in patients with HIV infection that is not being treated. Therapy with BARACLUDE is not recommended for HIV/HBV co-infected patients who are not also receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogues, alone or in combination with antiretrovirals. Warnings and Precautions Before initiating BARACLUDE therapy, HIV antibody testing should be offered to all patients. BARACLUDE has not been studied as a treatment for HIV infection and is not recommended for this use. Lactic acidosis with BARACLUDE use has been reported, often in association with hepatic decompensation, other serious medical conditions, or drug exposures. Patients with decompensated liver disease may be at higher risk for lactic acidosis. BARACLUDE should be suspended in any patient who develops clinical or laboratory findings suggestive of lactic acidosis or pronounced hepatotoxicity. Adverse Reactions In clinical trials in patients with compensated liver disease, the most common (=3%) adverse reactions of any severity with at least a possible relation to study drug for BARACLUDE-treated subjects were headache, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. In these trials, the most common adverse reactions of moderate to severe intensity (grades 2-4) were diarrhea, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, dizziness, somnolence, and insomnia. In the decompensated liver disease trial, the most common adverse reactions of any severity among patients treated with BARACLUDE, regardless of causality, included: peripheral edema (16%), ascites (15%), pyrexia (14%), hepatic encephalopathy (10%), and upper respiratory infection (10%). In this trial, 18% (18/102) of BARACLUDE patients and 20% (18/89) of adefovir patients died during the first 48 weeks of therapy. The majority of those deaths were due to liver related causes. Drug Interactions BARACLUDE (entecavir) is primarily eliminated by the kidneys; therefore coadministration of BARACLUDE with drugs that reduce renal function or compete for active tubular secretion may increase serum concentrations of either entecavir or the coadministered drug. Patients should be monitored closely when receiving BARACLUDE with other renally-eliminated drugs. Pregnancy and Nursing Mothers There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of BARACLUDE in pregnant women. BARACLUDE should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. There are no studies on the effect of BARACLUDE on transmission of HBV from mother to infant. Therefore, appropriate interventions should be used to prevent neonatal acquisition of HBV. It is not known whether BARACLUDE is excreted into human milk; however, many drugs are excreted into breast milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from BARACLUDE, risks and benefits should be considered when deciding whether to discontinue breast-feeding or discontinue BARACLUDE in nursing women. Pediatric Use The adverse reactions observed in pediatric patients who received treatment with BARACLUDE were consistent with those observed in clinical trials of BARACLUDE in adults. Adverse drug reactions reported in greater than 1% of pediatric patients included abdominal pain, rash events, poor palatability ("product taste abnormal"), nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Due to limited data, in lamivudine-experienced pediatric patients, Baraclude should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the child. Consideration should be given to the impact of BARACLUDE on future treatment options. Renal Impairment Dosage adjustment of BARACLUDE is recommended for patients with a creatinine clearance <50 mL/min, including those on hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. There is insufficient data to recommend specific dosage adjustments of BARACLUDE in pediatric patients with renal impairment, however dosage adjustments similar to those for adults should be considered. Liver Transplant Recipients Renal function must be carefully monitored both before and during treatment with BARACLUDE in a liver transplant recipient who has received or is receiving an immunosuppressant that may affect renal function, such as cyclosporine or tacrolimus. Duration of Therapy The optimal duration of treatment with BARACLUDE for patients with chronic HBV infection and the relationship between treatment and long-term outcomes such as cirrhosis and hepatocellularcarcinoma are unknown. Additional Information BARACLUDE is not a cure for HBV. Patients should be advised that treatment with BARACLUDE has not been shown to reduce the risk of transmission of HBV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Please click here for the BARACLUDE full prescribing information, including Boxed WARNINGS. About the Bristol-Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Collaboration In 2011, through a collaboration agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Ono), Bristol-Myers Squibb expanded its territorial rights to develop and commercialize Opdivo globally except in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, where Ono had retained all rights to the compound at the time. On July 23, 2014, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Ono further expanded the companies' strategic collaboration agreement to jointly develop and commercialize multiple immunotherapies - as single agents and combination regimens - for patients with cancer in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. About Bristol-Myers Squibb Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol-Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. Bristol-Myers Squibb Forward-Looking Statement This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the research, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including factors that could delay, divert or change any of them, and could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from current expectations. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Among other risks, there can be no guarantee that any of the compounds or products mentioned in this release will receive regulatory approval for any of the indications described herein. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect Bristol-Myers Squibb's business, particularly those identified in the cautionary factors discussion in Bristol-Myers Squibb's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Current Reports on Form 8-K. Bristol-Myers Squibb undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171020005178/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Pyongyang's ongoing nuclear aggression may potentially result in South Korea and Japan hosting nuclear weapons on their own turf, a scenario that would have wide-ranging negative consequences, Singapore's leader has warned. "What's different this time is that North Korea has more nuclear weapons ... so the risks are higher," Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in an interview with CNBC on Thursday. To date, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has conducted six nuclear tests the latest and largest one on Sept. 3 potentially incorporated a hydrogen bomb and caused a 6.3 magnitude earthquake in addition to many ballistic missile launches. That's despite ongoing efforts by the international community to bring the sanction-burdened state to the negotiating table . Tensions recently escalated amid a series of hostile exchanges between President Donald Trump and Kim, with North Korea's deputy United Nations ambassador warning on Monday that "nuclear war may break out any moment." That's left South Korea and Japan seen as Kim's likeliest targets weighing various security options, including the deployment of American tactical nuclear weapons in both countries. "These are thoughts which cannot be completely suppressed and if in fact it goes that way, and South Korea and Japan go closer to being nuclear powers or actually cross the threshold, it means a different strategic and security balance in northeast Asia," Lee said on Thursday. Not only would that scenario produce more risk and tension, "the Chinese will be very alarmed," he added. "I don't think that will make for a safer world, there will be implications elsewhere in the world." The current tensions are not just dangerous because of the chance of immediate flare ups, but also because they may introduce "longer-term trends, which are set off in northeast Asia if things persist in this direction," the 65 year-old leader said. Last month, South Korean Defense Minister Song Young-moo and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis discussed the prospect of returning American nukes to Asia's fourth-largest economy. Washington stationed nuclear weapons in South Korea in 1958 but withdrew them in 1991. Former Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba also suggested placing American nuclear weaponry on Japanese territory last month. Both governments, however, dismissed the idea. On Trump and TPP Lee is due to meet with Trump in Washington on Oct. 23, the second encounter between both leaders. During his visit, Lee said he expects to sign an agreement between Singapore Airlines (: ), majority-owned by the government, and Boeing (BA) to buy more airplanes, describing it as "a done deal." The prime ministers also addressed Trump's exit of the Trans-Pacific Partnership pact, which includes Singapore and several Asian economies. The U.S. withdrawal from that deal won't damage the American relationship with the region , he continued. "It doesn't mean that the existing trade stops, it doesn't mean that investment flows are abandoned," Lee said. Unlike Tokyo, which is still hoping for Washington's return to the free trade accord , Lee said he doesn't expect the White House to change its mind. "The president has made his position quite clear ... I think we leave it at that, I don't think it's the time yet to start new initiatives multilaterally with the United States. Perhaps one day the time will come." Developments regarding a new TPP framework without the U.S. may occur by November's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting, Lee added. Here's the full transcript of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's interview with CNBC. Correction: The headline to this article has been updated to accurately reflect the prime minister's quotation. More From CNBC The Nebraska Department of Agriculture on Friday announced nearly $600,000 worth of specialty crop grants. The grants, which are funded by the U.S. Department of Agricultures Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and administered by the state Department of Agriculture, supports research, development and marketing of specialty crops, which generally are defined as fruits, vegetables, nuts, honey and some turf and ornamental crops. Of the 12 grants awarded in Nebraska, seven went to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association received two grants, with the others going to the Arbor Day Foundation, Nebraska Department of Education and the Department of Agriculture. A full list of the grants can be found at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/2017SCBGPDescriptionOfFundedProjects.pdf. October 19, 1987 A day to remember By David Nelson, CFA On the 30th anniversary of the 1987 stock market crash it is hard not to reflect on a day that saw the Dow fall a staggering 22.6% in a single session. Many of us werent even trading the market in 87. As for myself, I was still on stage rocking with the Turtles or on an airliner traveling to the next show. Most of us in the music profession yawned. A few fat cats on Wall Street lost some money. Whats the big deal? Maria R. Bastone | AFP | Getty Images. On the anniversary of the stock market crash of 1987, CNBC Pro shows what keeps traders up at night today. Well, of course, price shocks are a big deal and not just because of the capital loss. History has shown that losses turn into gains if we just stay the course. Unfortunately, countless studies show most will capitulate. Even if urged to hang on by their advisors, many will sell, hoping to save whatever they can. How many of you reading this post called your broker the day after Lehman collapsed asking them to put more money into the market. Not a lot of hands out there. Source: Bloomberg Shortly after the 20th anniversary in 2007, we had a different kind of crash. No, it didnt happen in a single session. But over the next year and five months, the financial crisis inflicted a level of pain I hope I dont see again in my career. In behavioral finance, saliency helps explain investor bias. If an event has occurred recently, the prospects of it happening again seem much more profound. If its been perhaps a decade or more, its a remote possibility. When I first started my career as a broker at Merrill Lynch in 1992, I couldnt understand why investors would call me every fall looking to pull money out of the market as the anniversary of the 1987 crash approached. By 1999, when I was running money for Lehman, no one was calling to sell only to buy. Source: Bloomberg It hasnt been quite 10 years, but despite a toxic political climate and every corner of the planet seemingly a geopolitical hotspot, fear indicators like the VIX (^VIX, VXX) say investors have the constitution of Navy Seals. The press, whose motto is if it bleeds it leads, tries to stoke the fear. But investors go into battle every day (at least with their wallets) chanting, By the dip. Story continues Maybe the scariest thing about todays complacency is not that weve forgotten events like the financial crisis or even the 1987 crash. Weve forgotten how we felt and just how paralyzed we were. In our minds eye, we look at it dispassionately, knowing just what we would do if the situation arose again. Ive got my stops and my rules and my trusty TradeStation software to protect me like a .45 automatic in a gun fight. Unfortunately, when the first shots are fired, youre probably going to shoot yourself in the foot. No battle plan survives contact with the enemy Helmuth von Moltke the Elder The above applies to Wall Street too. We have plans, rules and decades of knowledge, but the real skill is defined as the ability to change and adapt. The next financial crisis will likely be caused by something we havent seen yet and is very hard to predict the very definition of a Black Swan. Talking heads, including yours truly, will refer to potential challenges for the market. Among them are the Feds unwind of a $4.5 trillion balance sheet or North Korea, fearing an attack is imminent, launching a strike on South Korea or Guam. Others point to political and fiscal failure in Washington or too much liquidity draining out of the system as central banks around the world follow the Federal Reserve. How about a good old-fashioned flash crash, as everyone heads to the exit while market makers walk away? Chances are its none of these, and well be forced to adapt to a situation we havent seen yet. Knowing that is half the battle. Even more important is never forgetting it could happen tomorrow. - Please contact your Belpointe investment advisor representative if there are any changes in your financial situation or investment objectives. Investment advice is offered through Belpointe Asset Management, LLC. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Insurance products are offered through Belpointe Insurance, LLC and Belpointe Specialty Insurance, LLC. It is important to read our email disclosures available at this link: http://belpointe.com/disclosures. Acacia has been unable to export around 30pc of its output since March due to a tax dispute with the Tanzanian government Gold miner Acacia has posted a 40pc fall in revenue for the third quarter, as the impact of an export ban in Tanzania continued to be felt. The FTSE 250 companys results were broadly in line with expectations, given that it has been unable to export around 30pc of its output since March due to a tax dispute with the Tanzanian government. Revenue fell to $171m (131m) in the three months to September, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation slumped 60pc to $50m, mostly because of lower sales. Acacias "cash on hand" dropped to $95m from $175.9m in July as the dispute took its toll. As a result, the miner's chief financial officer warned that Acacia would not be able pay a $300m goodwill payment upfront that its majority shareholder, Barrick Gold, had said it would make to Tanzania to help settle its tax affairs. "Barrick is equally aware of our balance sheet as we are, so we dont have the ability to make an upfront $300m payment, said Andrew Wray, adding that the form of the payment - for example, installments - would have to be worked out in further talks. Acacia's woes began in March when Tanzania accused it of under-reporting the amount of gold it exports. The government has demanded back taxes and penalties of up to $190bn. The miner, which denies any wrongdoing, responded by winding down one of its three mines in Tanzania during the quarter, as it looks to stem its losses from the export ban on powdered gold concentrate. Yesterday Barrick, which owns 64pc of Acacia, said it had struck a tentative deal for the government to take a stake in the company's mines as a precursor to lifting the ban. Acacia However the deal will have to go to Acacia shareholders for approval. Acacia said no formal proposal had been put to it yet and it was seeking clarification on the proposals. Our business has continued to be resilient in the face of the challenges in Tanzania," said Brad Gordon, chief executive. Acacia shares were down 5.6pc by lunchtime having risen yesterday on news of the deal, before falling again as investors sought more clarity on the details. "While progress appears to be being made, there are still significant uncertainties, as evidenced by the markets yo-yo reaction to yesterdays news," said analysts at Investec. Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE) shares climbed more than 5 percent in extended trading on Wednesday, after the company provided a 2018 profit forecast that topped analyst estimates. Earnings this year will be $5.50 a share, well above the $5.21 average estimate from analysts polled by Thomson Reuters. The company provided the forecast at a financial analyst conference in Las Vegas.Adobe's transition to the cloud has spurred sales growth and lifted the stock almost 50 percent in the past year. The shares rose 5.2 percent to $161 after hours.Revenue in the third quarter jumped 26 percent to $1.84 billion, Adobe said last month. Digital media sales are approaching $5 billion a year. Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE) shares climbed more than 5 percent in extended trading on Wednesday, after the company provided a 2018 profit forecast that topped analyst estimates. Earnings this year will be $5.50 a share, well above the $5.21 average estimate from analysts polled by Thomson Reuters. The company provided the forecast at a financial analyst conference in Las Vegas. Adobe's transition to the cloud has spurred sales growth and lifted the stock almost 50 percent in the past year. The shares rose 5.2 percent to $161 after hours. Revenue in the third quarter jumped 26 percent to $1.84 billion, Adobe said last month. Digital media sales are approaching $5 billion a year. More From CNBC ClickUp compiled a list of products that found success in something other than their original intent from a collection of news and expert sources. FILE PHOTO: The logo of AIA is displayed at its office in Hong Kong, China February 24, 2017. REUTERS/Bobby Yip/File Photo (Reuters) - AIA Group Ltd (1299.HK), the world's third-largest life insurer by market value, clocked a 20 percent increase in new business in the third quarter aided by strong sales in its main markets of China and Hong Kong. China and Hong Kong together account for about half of new business growth globally at AIA, originally founded in Shanghai nearly 100 years ago and the first foreign insurer to be granted a license in China. AIA said the value of new business, which measures expected profits from new premiums and is a key gauge for future growth, rose to $824 million in the quarter, just ahead of an average estimate of $813 million from three analysts polled by Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Shares in AIA were, however, down 2.3 percent in Hong Kong morning trade, bucking the broader rising market. The stock has gained as much as 32 percent in the last three quarters. The Hong Kong insurer last month agreed to buy the insurance unit of Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA.AX) for $3.1 billion, in the biggest Asian buyout of an Australian financial firm. The acquisition will help AIA, which had free surplus cash of nearly $11 billion as of end May, diversify its main markets with Hong Kong and China together accounting for about half of new business growth now at the insurer. The insurer's regional business presence also includes Thailand Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea. AIA, which listed in Hong Kong in 2010 after a spin-off from bailed-out U.S. insurer AIG, said China continued to be the insurer's fastest growing business in the third quarter while Hong Kong delivered double-digit new business growth. Asia is a battleground for insurers such as AIA, Sun Life Financial (SLF.TO) and a host of local players attracted by the region's lower insurance penetration levels and faster growth rates for insurance premiums than in the Western markets. (Reporting by Shashwat Pradhan in Bengaluru and Sumeet Chatterjee in Hong Kong; Editing by Stephen Coates and Edwina Gibbs) FILE PHOTO: An Airbus A330-223 aircraft of German carrier AirBerlin takes off towards New York, U.S., from Duesseldorf airport, Germany, September 12, 2017. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay/File Photo FRANKFURT/BERLIN (Reuters) - An Air Berlin (AB1.DE) airliner was grounded at Iceland's Keflavik airport late on Thursday because the insolvent German carrier had not paid its airport charges, Keflavik operator Isavia said in a statement. It said the unpaid charges had been incurred before Air Berlin, which has struggled to turn a profit over the last decade, filed for insolvency on Aug. 15. According to German magazine Stern, the Airbus A320 landed at Keflavik at 10:35 p.m. local time on Thursday and was due to depart for Duesseldorf just after midnight. Air Berlin said the grounding was "unlawful" and "unacceptable". "We have told Keflavik airport repeatedly that any outstanding demands of payment relating to the time before Aug. 15 must be registered on the insolvency table due to insolvency law," Air Berlin said in a statement. "We have called on Keflavik airport to cease its unlawful actions immediately," it added. Air Berlin's flights have been kept aloft by a government loan since the airline's insolvency filing, giving the carrier time to negotiate with prospective buyers for its assets. It has said flights will cease by Oct. 28 at the latest. Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) has agreed to buy large parts of Air Berlin. Talks with other possible buyers including Britain's easyJet (EZJ.L) are continuing. (Reporting by Maria Sheahan and Christian Kraemer; editing by Jason Neely, Greg Mahlich) Well, that didnt take long. The last pockets of the Islamic State in Iraq have still not been recaptured, and already the countrys sectarian divisions are coming out in the open as the common enemy dissipates. On Monday, as Iraqi regular forces and Shiite militia rolled into the city of Kirkuk that lies at the center of the territories and oil fields disputed between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi government, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued this statement: ISIS remains the true enemy of Iraq, and we urge all parties to remain focused on finishing the liberation of their country from this menace. The U.S. commander on the ground, Maj. Gen. Robert White, said the same thing: We continue to advocate dialogue between Iraqi and Kurdish authorities. All parties must remain focused on the defeat of our common enemy, ISIS, in Iraq. Translation: We have been given no political strategy from Washington, so please, everyone, just stick to our military plan until we work one out. It is astonishing that we have arrived at this point, again. In war, strategy is supposed to connect operational action on the ground to wider political goals. Yet since the invasion of Iraq in 2003, the United States and its allies have time and again been fixated on operational goals with no plan for what comes next politically. Time and again, we have had what passes for political strategy defined in the negative without a positive political counterpart to tell us not only what you dont want but what you do want. You can try to liberate Iraq, Libya, or Syria from a given menace all you want, but what comes next? I dont need to waste words rehashing the details of the most epic failure of strategic planning in U.S. history the absence of any serious political plan for post-invasion Iraq in 2003. That was a strategic performance from the White House, the Defense Department, and the National Security Council so abominably incompetent that still today it remains hard to believe it really happened. Story continues In Libya in 2011, the failure to plan for what came after the fall of Muammar al-Qaddafi gave us jihadi chaos. The result is that it now looks like Moscow will get its man, Gen. Khalifa Haftar, to rule at least half the country. In other words, its now perfectly possible that we get a Russian satellite state on Europes doorstep, turning the refugee flows across the Mediterranean Sea on and off at will. In Syria, those who pushed for the U.S. intervention failed to answer the basic question of how to avoid Libya-like jihadi chaos if Bashar al-Assad were actually toppled and so ended up arming rebels with no accompanying political strategy. The result, as we know, was a botched U.S. campaign. But here we go again: We are nearing a military success against the Islamic State but have failed to define the peace that follows, because no serious attempt has been made to even define what that peace should look like in advance. This is what happens when you fixate on defeating an enemy militarily but dont bother with political strategy. The inevitable result of having no political strategy is that others will fill the vacuum and determine the future. Thats why, in a June column, I wrote: [T]he Trump administration should now lay out a positively defined political vision for the Middle East, which would accompany and tether its negatively defined anti-Islamic State and anti-Iranian goals. At this time, the fundamental part of this vision must be a clear U.S. position on the future of Kurdish-held areas in Iraq and Syria. Plainly, that has not happened. The absurd result is that we now have an Iraqi force that includes Iranian-backed Shiite militia using U.S.-issued military equipment to drive the KRGs Peshmerga from Kirkuk, in the same week that President Donald Trump emphasized the threat of Iranian proxies to regional stability. In fairness, the Trump administration inherited this problem. In a paper he published this month titled A Lasting Defeat: The Campaign to Destroy ISIS, Ash Carter, defense secretary under President Barack Obama, wrote, My principal concern at this juncture is that the international communitys stabilization and governance efforts will lag behind the military campaign. But Carter makes not one single concrete political recommendation for what those efforts should practically involve, beyond the ambition that ISISs rule of terror must be replaced by stable, effective, legitimate governance. President George W. Bush rehearsed similar such vague pieties about Iraq after Saddam Hussein: generic humanitarian jargon employed to cover for the absence of an actual political strategy. One counterargument is that the United States should not play politics in the region and just let local players shape their own future. Of course, the reality is that this would not be a straightforward case of self-determination but a policy position in which the fate of Iraq and Syria is left to other outside players, above all Iran and Russia. In Iraq, there is a looming fight within Iraqs majority-Shiite political groupings between a more nationalist camp and a pro-Iranian one, with the Shiite militia groupings that now provide much of Iraqs internal security split between the two. The desire to maintain what little U.S. influence remains among Iraqi Shiites informs the reluctance to support full Kurdish sovereignty. Doing so would surely infuriate Baghdad and risk driving it even closer to Tehran. However, the Kurds have proved to be a reliable and relatively secular U.S. ally since Washington protected the region from Saddam after the Persian Gulf War in 1991 and have played a key role in the fight against the Islamic State. Its not unreasonable to think that the KRG, having been let down by Washington in its recent push for independence, will now increasingly turn toward Moscow. Notice how Russian state-owned oil company Rosneft built up its position in Iraqi Kurdistan ahead of last months independence referendum. Of course, Kurdish sovereignty would greatly anger Turkey. But at some point Washington needs to decide whether it is appropriate to have what increasingly looks like a dictatorship in a NATO alliance ostensibly committed to preserving democracy. Backing the Kurds in Iraq, and perhaps also in Syria, would send a powerful signal that Ankara cannot take Washingtons support for granted. These are hard choices, and they are upon us now. There are no simple answers, only trade-offs. But strategy in historical reality has ever been thus. The problem here is that Washington has not committed to any of these choices, and so other players are instead determining the peace settlement on the ground. If that is actually the plan for the United States to stand back and let the gains and losses lie where they fall so be it. But if so, that should be made plain, as well as the risk of letting the politics determine themselves weighed against the proposed value of the United States disconnecting from the politics of the Middle East. However, it seems to me that this is not, in fact, the plan. Rather, it seems that the fixation on achieving a military victory first, and only then talking about the politics of what comes next as if it were a nice sequential process is the reason why there seems to be no U.S. political strategy. Call it the mission accomplished approach. U.S. military success against the Islamic State now risks initiating the violent coming-apart of Iraq because there is no common enemy to align the countrys various factions together. The Trump administration must present a political strategy, right now, because the window to avoid very obviously repeating the mistakes of the past is rapidly closing. By Supantha Mukherjee (Reuters) - Signs of poor demand for the iPhone 8 fueled more questions on Thursday over Apple Inc's strategy of releasing two phones within months of each other in 2017, sending its shares almost 3 percent lower. The chief executive of Canada's largest mobile network Rogers Communication said appetite for the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus had been "anemic", adding to a series of hints that sales had been poor ahead of the iPhone X launch on Nov. 3. A number of sector analysts played down the concerns, which have dogged Apple since it announced the plans a month ago, saying that overall phone production looks broadly in line with their earlier expectations. Verizon's chief financial officer Matt Ellis also admitted that the number of phone upgrades in the third quarter was lower than previous years while stressing he expected a surge as the iPhone X is released. But the debate - and hints from some analysts and a Taiwan media report of a cut in iPhone 8 production - was enough to push Apple shares down 2.8 percent by lunchtime in New York. "The Street is hyper-sensitive to any speed bumps around this next iPhone cycle and (that) speaks to the knee-jerk reaction we are seeing in shares," said Daniel Ives, chief strategy officer at research house GBH Insights in New York. "iPhone 8 demand has been naturally soft out of the gates with the main event being the iPhone X launch in early November. (But) this is the early innings of what we believe is the biggest iPhone product cycle with X leading the way." SUPPLY CHAIN Apple no longer gives regular updates on sales numbers but indications from supply channels, phone operators and analysts who track the sector have fueled talk of poor sales for the latest update of the smartphone. When Apple announced the plan to release both phones before the end of 2017, fans were disappointed mainly due to the delay in the launch of the iPhone X until November. Story continues But there are also concerns that the more expensive phone - marking the iPhone's 10th anniversary - may not get so many takers. KeyBanc Capital Markets analyst John Vinh reported this week that a carrier store survey suggested the cheaper iPhone 7 was outselling its successor just a month after iPhone 8's launch - boding ill for a brand that normally has fans queuing for the latest upgrade. Rogers Communications chief Joe Natale said anticipation was high for the iPhone X but also noted that inventory would be limited and that - at Apple's starting price of $999 - it was an expensive device. U.S. wireless carrier AT&T also said last week its third-quarter postpaid handset upgrades were fewer by nearly 900,000 from a year ago. "I think what you're seeing there is a difference in timing of some of the new devices coming out versus what we've historically seen," Verizon's Ellis told an earnings call. "Obviously Apple is part of that. We are splitting the new devices between the 8 ... and the X. As we get into the holiday season, some of those new devices come out, we think we will see strong demand." (Additional reporting by Arjun Panchadar and Munsif Vengattil in Bengaluru, Alastair Sharp in Toronto; Editing by Patrick Graham and Arun Koyyur) By Fumbuka Ng'wanakilala DAR ES SALAAM (Reuters) - Barrick Gold will give Tanzania a 16 percent stake in three gold mines, a 50 percent share of revenues from those mines and a one-off payment of $300 million to resolve a dispute that has hit its operations in the country, the two sides said. The Canadian miner and the Tanzanian government have been in talks for months after the east African country banned the export of unprocessed minerals and enacted laws to raise state ownership of the nation's mines. The agreement announced on Thursday comes after the new laws and a crackdown on mining firms slowed fresh investment in what has long been seen as one of Africa's brightest mining prospects. President John Magufuli, nicknamed the Bulldozer, has said the government's approach was aimed at ending what he called years of corrupt practices and tax evasion that have robbed the country of revenue. In March Tanzania banned the export of gold and cooper ore over a tax dispute with London-listed Acacia Mining , which is majority-owned by Barrick Gold. The ban was part of a push for the construction of a local smelter to make the country's gold exports more valuable. Magufuli did not say whether the export ban will be lifted. He said a working group comprising Barrick and government representatives would meet for more discussions. "Now that we are all shareholders, we can sit down over a cup of coffee and amicably resolve any outstanding issues," he said on television. "We trust Barrick, they are a true partner." The president also ordered government officials to immediately begin talks with other companies in diamond and tanzanite mining to achieve similar agreements. Tanzania is the continent's fourth-largest gold producer and Acacia is its largest miner, with three gold mines that also produce copper. Barrick, the world's largest gold miner, last week said it had experienced a decline in third-quarter gold production amid pressure from the Tanzanian government on Acacia. Acacia shares were up 18 percent by 1200 GMT. Barrick Chairman John Thornton told a news conference in the Tanzanian capital the deal would have to be approved by independent shareholders and directors of Acacia. Tanzanian justice and constitutional affairs minister Palamagamba Kabudi said the agreement was in keeping with the mining laws passed in July. "We have also agreed to have a 50:50 share of revenues between the government and Acacia Mining from all the mines," he added. There was previously no revenue-sharing agreement and the government's take from mines was only from taxes and other royalties. (Reporting by Fumbuka Ng'wanakilala; Writing by Maggie Fick; Editing by Mark Potter and David Holmes) By Fumbuka Ng'wanakilala and Susan Taylor DAR ES SALAAM/TORONTO (Reuters) - Barrick Gold said on Thursday that its African subsidiary Acacia Mining would pay $300 million and split 'economic benefits' from operations with Tanzania under a deal proposed to resolve a months-long dispute. Earlier on Thursday, Barrick Chairman John Thornton told a news conference in Dar es Salaam that the company had agreed to pay Tanzania $300 million as a show of good faith. It clarified in a statement later that its unit Acacia would make the payment. Tanzania will also get a 16 percent stake in Acacia's three gold mines under the framework agreement, according to Barrick and a government minister for Tanzania. Acacia said it had just received a copy of the framework agreement and was seeking clarification. Thornton said the agreement would require approval by independent shareholders and Acacia's board of directors. Acacia's seven-member board has two directors from Barrick, one from Acacia and four independent directors. Governments from Indonesia to South Africa are demanding greater control over mineral riches as metals prices rise. After moving into higher-risk countries to tap new deposits, mining companies are facing a rise in what is being called resource nationalism. Barrick, the world's biggest gold miner and 63.9 percent owner of Acacia, began talks with Tanzania in June. The government banned the export of unprocessed minerals and enacted laws earlier in 2017 to increase state ownership in mines. Acacia was served in July with a bill for $190 billion for unpaid taxes, penalties and interest. It has been accused by Tanzania of evading taxes for years by under-declaring exports. London-listed shares of Acacia closed 16 percent higher on Thursday, reflecting investor relief at the agreement, analysts said. Barrick's stock dipped 1 Canadian cent to C$20.15. "Further details and additional clarity are required to fully assess the impact, but terms of the settlement appear to be less punitive than initially anticipated," said BMO Capital Markets analyst Andrew Kaip in a note on Thursday. The export ban was part of a push for the construction of a local smelter to make the country's gold exports more valuable. Tanzania's President John Magufuli did not say whether the export ban would be lifted. Barrick and the government will form a working group to resolve Acacia's tax bill. "Now that we are all shareholders, we can sit down over a cup of coffee and amicably resolve any outstanding issues," Magufuli said on television. He also ordered government officials to immediately begin talks with diamond and tanzanite miners to reach similar agreements. Tanzania is the continent's fourth-largest gold producer and Acacia is its largest miner. Last week, Barrick said third-quarter production declined partly due to issues in Tanzania. (Reporting by Fumbuka Ng'wanakilala, with additional reporting by Susan Taylor in Toronto; Writing by Maggie Fick; Editing by Mark Potter and David Holmes) The British Film Institute has withdrawn Harvey Weinsteins BFI Fellowship, its highest honor. The organization said: The serious and widespread allegations about Harvey Weinsteins appalling conduct are in direct opposition to the BFIs values. The BFI Board has met and decided to withdraw the BFI Fellowship awarded to Harvey Weinstein in 2002. The Fellowship was awarded to Weinstein for his contribution to film. The BFI had previously said that the Weinstein situation would not have taken as long to surface had there been more women in the industry. It said today it is bringing together industry partners to jointly develop a new set of principles to address bullying and harassment and help people in the industry to be better supported. We wholeheartedly support those brave enough to come forward and speak out. The film industry needs more women represented on every level, on and off screen, the BFI said. Numerous industry groups and organizations have withdrawn commendations and honors given to Weinstein in light of the allegations against him. In the U.K. BAFTA has suspended his membership. Elsewhere in Europe, French president Emmanuel Macron has taken action to rescind his Legion of Honor. The BFIs statement in full: A BFI Fellowship is the highest honor we can bestow, awarded by the BFIs Board of Governors to individuals for their outstanding contribution to film and television. The serious and widespread allegations about Harvey Weinsteins appalling conduct are in direct opposition to the BFIs values. The BFI Board has met and decided to withdraw the BFI Fellowship awarded to Harvey Weinstein in 2002. Sexual harassment, abuse and bullying is unacceptable under any circumstances. Everyone working in the film industry in any industry should be safe and respected in the workplace. We wholeheartedly support those brave enough to come forward and speak out. The film industry needs more women represented on every level, on and off screen. Story continues Advocating for better inclusion and representation is central to the BFIs strategic priorities. We are acting urgently by gathering together a wide range of industry partners, and with advice from Acas, to jointly develop a new set of principles to address bullying and harassment and help people in the industry to be better supported. This new set of principles will be incorporated in the BFIs Diversity Standards, which we are strongly encouraging the screen industries to adopt. Related stories Harvard University to Revoke Harvey Weinstein's Du Bois Medal Netflix and Weinstein Company: Closer Than 'Arm's Distance' California Lawmaker Calls for Ban on Secret Settlements for Sexual Harassment (EXCLUSIVE) Subscribe to Variety Newsletters and Email Alerts! Apple (AAPL), the high-flying darling of Wall Street thats up more than 35% so far this year, took a hit this week as traders digested reports of weak demand and production cuts for the iPhone 8. A Taiwan-based newspaper reported Apple slashed orders for the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus by about 50% for November and December, prompting some investors to question whether Apple will report disappointing sales for the current quarter. And comments from the chief executive of Rogers Communications, Canadas largest wireless carrier, did little to calm traders fears of soft demand. During the companys quarterly earnings call on Thursday, CEO Joseph Natale said appetite for the iPhone 8 had been anemic. Shares of Apple tumbled on the news, with the stock recording its biggest drop in two months. Despite the widespread worry on Wall Street, not all analysts were concerned. In fact, Drexel Hamilton analyst Brian White doubled down on his bullish call on apple, urging investors to buy into the iPhone 8 doom and gloom ahead of the tech giants iPhone X release in November. In a note to clients, White wrote, Apples stock is weak on the back of media reports around order cuts for the iPhone 8/8 Plus and we would be aggressive buyers of the stock with the iPhone X cycle kicking off next Friday with pre-orders. Global demand for the iPhone X will be key for Apple. With a $999 price tag, its the companys most expensive phone and could potentially offer a big lift to the tech giants holiday-quarter earnings. Whites the most bullish Apple analyst on the Street with a $208 price target, implying the stock will rally about 33% from Thursdays close. According to Bloomberg, Apples average price target is $179 a share. Apple was last trading up 0.5% at $156.79 a share. CIA Director Mike Pompeo on Thursday said ISIS remains an "enormous threat" despite setbacks the terror group has suffered on the battlefield, including being driven from the group's self-declared capital of Raqqa."It is clearly the case that there are terrorists around the world who are intent upon using commercial aviation as their vector to present a threat to the West," the CIA director said in remarks at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies' National Security Summit in Washington.Pompeo said the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has taken actions at airports in response to "perceived threats" to commercial airliners. Yet he said the terror risk still exists because it can be difficult to learn about attacks. Fears of another 9/11-style attack were raised this week after comments attributed to the acting DHS secretary, Elaine Duke, in remarks at the U.S. Embassy in London. Her remarks were published Thursday in Britain's Express newspaper . "The terrorist organizations, be it ISIS or others, want to have the big explosion like they did on 9/11," Duke said, according to reporting by Express. "They want to take down aircraft, the intelligence is clear on that."Pompeo said bad actors willing to do harm to the West can go online to learn bomb-making skills from terrorists without ever getting on a phone or sending email. "Tools that we have developed to take down [terrorist] networks are less likely to be successful," he said."This is difficult stuff in a faraway place," Pompeo said. "This is a challenge for the intelligence community to figure out how that technology may have transferred."The U.S. intelligence community was faulted by some for not anticipating the 9/11 attacks."We often talk about the things we know," Pompeo said. "I always remind everyone to remember the things that we simply may not see. Call them an intelligence failure, if you will."Meantime, ISIS is on the run in the Middle East. Thousands of the terror group's militants have suffered, and the area the caliphate controls is a small fraction of what it once was."The fall of the caliphate is great news," the CIA chief said. "It is a historic achievement ... But it's partial at best."Pompeo called ISIS "an incredibly difficult adversary" because of its ability to inspire and direct attacks from afar. Also, he said there's always a potential for ISIS to essentially morph into something else in the future."It would be foolish to predict that there was going to be no son of ISIS," he said. "You'd be betting against historical fact."Some consider ISIS itself as an offshoot of al-Qaeda in Iraq. The two terror groups reportedly severed ties a few years ago."Whether they call themselves ISIS or ISIS 2.0 or whatever you want to call the name, this threat from radical Islamic terrorism is real," said Pompeo. Pompeo said the global reach of ISIS and its followers is something that the U.S. continues to take seriously. He said ISIS or affiliates of the terror group operate in many regions other than the Middle East, including Southeast Asia.He said the Internet continues to help the terrorist group recruit followers and conduct attacks."They still have the capacity to control and influence citizens all around the world," Pompeo said. "Technology enables it and their desire to even do these small-scale attacks."The CIA chief said he's spent a lot of time with his counterparts in the U.K., which has suffered from several vehicle and other types of terror attacks this year. He said these attacks are often directed with help from abroad or with the aid of the Internet."I often hear folks talk about 'lone wolf,'" he said. "I prefer not to use that term because it is seldom the case that they were completely individual, acting autonomously. It's almost always the case that the ideology that drove them was driven by someone who had great intent to deliver that idea into their head."WATCH: Tweets linked to ISIS target hurricane cities CIA Director Mike Pompeo on Thursday said ISIS remains an "enormous threat" despite setbacks the terror group has suffered on the battlefield, including being driven from the group's self-declared capital of Raqqa. "It is clearly the case that there are terrorists around the world who are intent upon using commercial aviation as their vector to present a threat to the West," the CIA director said in remarks at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies' National Security Summit in Washington. Pompeo said the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has taken actions at airports in response to "perceived threats" to commercial airliners. Yet he said the terror risk still exists because it can be difficult to learn about attacks. Fears of another 9/11-style attack were raised this week after comments attributed to the acting DHS secretary, Elaine Duke, in remarks at the U.S. Embassy in London. Her remarks were published Thursday in Britain's Express newspaper . "The terrorist organizations, be it ISIS or others, want to have the big explosion like they did on 9/11," Duke said, according to reporting by Express. "They want to take down aircraft, the intelligence is clear on that." Pompeo said bad actors willing to do harm to the West can go online to learn bomb-making skills from terrorists without ever getting on a phone or sending email. "Tools that we have developed to take down [terrorist] networks are less likely to be successful," he said. "This is difficult stuff in a faraway place," Pompeo said. "This is a challenge for the intelligence community to figure out how that technology may have transferred." The U.S. intelligence community was faulted by some for not anticipating the 9/11 attacks. "We often talk about the things we know," Pompeo said. "I always remind everyone to remember the things that we simply may not see. Call them an intelligence failure, if you will." Meantime, ISIS is on the run in the Middle East. Thousands of the terror group's militants have suffered, and the area the caliphate controls is a small fraction of what it once was. "The fall of the caliphate is great news," the CIA chief said. "It is a historic achievement ... But it's partial at best." Pompeo called ISIS "an incredibly difficult adversary" because of its ability to inspire and direct attacks from afar. Also, he said there's always a potential for ISIS to essentially morph into something else in the future. "It would be foolish to predict that there was going to be no son of ISIS," he said. "You'd be betting against historical fact." Some consider ISIS itself as an offshoot of al-Qaeda in Iraq. The two terror groups reportedly severed ties a few years ago. "Whether they call themselves ISIS or ISIS 2.0 or whatever you want to call the name, this threat from radical Islamic terrorism is real," said Pompeo. Pompeo said the global reach of ISIS and its followers is something that the U.S. continues to take seriously. He said ISIS or affiliates of the terror group operate in many regions other than the Middle East, including Southeast Asia. He said the Internet continues to help the terrorist group recruit followers and conduct attacks. "They still have the capacity to control and influence citizens all around the world," Pompeo said. "Technology enables it and their desire to even do these small-scale attacks." The CIA chief said he's spent a lot of time with his counterparts in the U.K., which has suffered from several vehicle and other types of terror attacks this year. He said these attacks are often directed with help from abroad or with the aid of the Internet. "I often hear folks talk about 'lone wolf,'" he said. "I prefer not to use that term because it is seldom the case that they were completely individual, acting autonomously. It's almost always the case that the ideology that drove them was driven by someone who had great intent to deliver that idea into their head." WATCH: Tweets linked to ISIS target hurricane cities More From CNBC Investors shouldn't let worries about Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) 's iPhone orders keep them out of the stock's likely run higher, CNBC's Jim Cramer said Thursday. Shares of Apple and some suppliers were lower Thursday after Taiwan-based newspaper The Economic Times reported, citing a source, that the tech giant may be cutting orders for the iPhone 8 . Cramer said on " Squawk on the Street " that news about supply concerns or iPhone orders has plagued Apple investors "since the beginning of time." "How many times have people sold it on that kind of stuff?" said Cramer, whose charitable trust owns Apple shares. "It has just kept people out of one of the great runs of all time.""And I think it's going to do it again," the host of CNBC's "Mad Money" added. Apple unveiled the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in September alongside the high-end iPhone X. Some analysts believe the company is likely to focus more on the iPhone X , which looks radically different with an edge-to-edge display. Shares of Apple were down more than 2 percent midmorning Thursday, at around $155 a share. The stock is up more than 34 percent this year, according to FactSet. Reuters contributed to this report. Investors shouldn't let worries about Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) 's iPhone orders keep them out of the stock's likely run higher, CNBC's Jim Cramer said Thursday. Shares of Apple and some suppliers were lower Thursday after Taiwan-based newspaper The Economic Times reported, citing a source, that the tech giant may be cutting orders for the iPhone 8 . Cramer said on " Squawk on the Street " that news about supply concerns or iPhone orders has plagued Apple investors "since the beginning of time." "How many times have people sold it on that kind of stuff?" said Cramer, whose charitable trust owns Apple shares. "It has just kept people out of one of the great runs of all time." "And I think it's going to do it again," the host of CNBC's "Mad Money" added. Apple unveiled the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in September alongside the high-end iPhone X. Some analysts believe the company is likely to focus more on the iPhone X , which looks radically different with an edge-to-edge display. Shares of Apple were down more than 2 percent midmorning Thursday, at around $155 a share. The stock is up more than 34 percent this year, according to FactSet. Reuters contributed to this report. More From CNBC Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein wants tech companies to make it easier for law enforcement to get into your smartphone. The Justice Department wants to add a feature to your smartphone shopping list: responsible encryption. In an Oct. 10 speech at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland., Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein made a case to step back from what the tech industry generally sees as an advance in security: warrant-proof encryption on devices that even court-authorized investigators cant unlock. Instead, he urged tech firms to adopt responsible encryptionas in, the kind that allows access only with judicial authorization. As examples, Rosenstein pointed to the central management of security keys and operating system updates and key recovery when a user forgets the password to decrypt a laptop. But granting that seemingly innocuous request could start to carve giant holes into your phones security. Youve seen this movie before Rosensteins plea did not represent a new development. Past officials at Justice have said much the same thing, and President Obama used similar language last March at the SXSW conference. The standoff between Apple (AAPL) and the FBI last year over an iPhone 5c used by one of the San Bernardino attackers remains a primary exhibit of the issue here: Police fear that if they cant unlock an encrypted device, they will miss important evidence. Vendors like Apple and Google (GOOG, GOOGL), however, have customers who want secure devices, and keeping a backup key on the shelf for police and prosecutors thwarts that. So, iOS and Android now encrypt a phones storage with a key that never leaves the device. Apple, Google, Facebook (FB) and others also offer messaging apps that can encrypt a conversation from end to end with keys confined to individual devices. Advocates for preserving law-enforcement access generally dont demand a particular back door into an encrypted system unlike almost 25 years ago, when the Clinton administration tried to mandate a backdoored government crypto standard. They simply ask that the industry do something, anything, to let police do their job. Story continues Two possible, problematic solutions Its easy to mock that vague demand as a case of Washington begging tech firms to nerd harder. But lets consider two specific solutions. The most common suggestion is a form of the centralized mobile device management systems that organizations like the Federal Bureau of Investigation employ to control employee devices. But consumer markets are far larger. Nobody has ever done this at anywhere near the scale were discussing, explained Johns Hopkins University cryptography professor Matthew Green. Apple alone has a billion active devices, and they have a *minority* of the smartphone market share. In a post last summer on the Lawfare blog, Matt Tait formerly a technical specialist at the U.K.s Government Communications Headquarters intelligence agency, now a cybersecurity fellow with the University of Texas at Austin outlined a decentralized approach. Imprison a decryption key on a phone, he wrote, in a series of encrypted envelopes each secured with a different keyperhaps one from the FBI, one from Apple, one from a digital-liberties group like the Electronic Frontier Foundation. All would have to cooperate to open the device. I think this remains the safest technical solution, Tait said. But Rich Mogull, CEO of the security firm Securosis, says that would also be a brittle or complex system. We are talking about either a small number of keys used for billions of devices, or some complex and fragile registry for a high number of keys, he wrote. And as investigators inevitably demand their use in criminal and civil cases big and small, some will get compromised. Expect more reruns of this debate And yet device encryption is the easier scenario. As Tait wrote in another Lawfare post, two U.S. companies dominate mobile operating systems, and almost nobody installs alternate software. The market for messaging apps, however, goes far beyond big-name choices like Facebook Messenger. Many competitors are open-source software, leaving no one developer to target with a law or a warrant. End to end encryption is another beast entirely, Tait said. Meanwhile, iOS and Android phones continue to ship in massive numbers with encryption enabled. Why would Apple or Google backtrack on security on their own? The government asking nicely wont help, not when much of the tech industry fears the Trump administration for its stances on issues like immigration and net neutrality and while increasing warrantless searches of devices at U.S. borders remind them of the importance of encryption. It would take an act of Congress, literally, to compel these companies to do such a thing. But if theres one thing Congress cant do today, its enact major changes to tech policy. That leaves one last option, one the FBI tried in the San Bernardino iPhone case: Compel Apple or Google to push a software update to a phone to disable its security. That remains a possibility and has to somebody must control software updates for them to be secure at all. Government exploitation of that single point of failure worries security experts too. Just one instance like that would essentially ruin all the educational efforts folks like me engage in to improve domestic cybersecurity, said Joseph Lorenzo Hall, chief technologist with the Center for Democracy & Technology. Some people would then distrust bug-fix updates and, by declining them, get stuck with less-secure devices. Its a fear well apparently have plenty of time to ponder as this argument grinds ever onward. It never ends, Mogull said. This is a massive social debate that will likely not be fully resolved in our lifetimes. More from Rob: Email Rob at rob@robpegoraro.com; follow him on Twitter at @robpegoraro. Senate Health Committee chairman Lamar Alexander has struck a deal with Democrats to shore up Obamacare insurance markets, but President Donald Trump appears to be distancing himself from the plan (AFP Photo/MARK WILSON) (GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP) Washington (AFP) - A bipartisan effort to stabilize Obamacare's individual health insurance markets ran into political headwinds Wednesday when US President Donald Trump warned against the plan if it meant "bailing out" insurance companies. Senate Republican Lamar Alexander and Democratic Senator Patty Murray announced their deal only a day earlier, raising the prospect that Congress might soon pass legislation that would help low-income Americans purchase health insurance, days after Trump ordered a cut to such subsidies. "I am supportive of Lamar as a person & also of the process, but I can never support bailing out ins co's who have made a fortune w/ O'Care," Trump tweeted. The comment left some Republicans skeptical about the viability of the deal, which would authorize some $7 billion in subsidy payments in both 2017 and 2018 to health insurers that help millions of poorer Americans afford coverage. In exchange, the deal grants states greater flexibility to regulate coverage under the Affordable Care Act. But Trump's latest conflicting statement about the package appeared to confound Republicans. "We got a lot of work to do," said number two Senate Republican John Cornyn. "Until the president's on board, yes, there are probably changes that need to be made to satisfy the president," he added. Asked whether her deal with Alexander was still alive, Murray told reporters: "of course it is." Republican Senator John Kennedy was not so sure. "I think that probably kills the effort," Kennedy told Fox News, speaking of the Trump tweet. Senate Health Committee chairman Alexander, who said he believed his bill could pass Congress before the end of the year, insisted the so-called cost-sharing reductions, or CSRs, were not bailouts to insurers. "We have language in our bill to make sure that those benefits go to consumers, not to insurance companies," Alexander said. Story continues Trump last week signed an executive order scrapping the payments, a move experts warned would cause some insurance rates to spike by up to 30 percent next year. While Trump says he wants to eventually repeal Obamacare and replace it with state block grants like the plan which collapsed this summer, Alexander warned that "chaos" could ensue if cost-sharing payments stop and premiums skyrocket in the interim. Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer blasted Trump for being "totally inconsistent" about supporting and then opposing the deal. "He keeps zigging and zagging, our only hope is maybe tomorrow he'll be for this again," Schumer said. Find the Best National Beer Day Deals and Events Near You At 2:30 p.m,. white nationalist Richard Spencer will take to the stage at the University of Floridas Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. But a local brewer is offering free beer to people who skip the talk. Alligator Brewing says it will give a free draft beer for every two reserved seating tickets to the event people bring in, with the goal of creating vast empty swaths of seats in the arena. We unfortunately cant stop him from bringing his hate to Gainesville, Alligator explained in an Instagram post, but we can empty the room so his disgusting message goes unheard. This is our town. This is our community. And this is how were going to shut. him. down. Ticket become available this Saturday, October 14th and each person can get two with a valid ID. This is our town. This is our home. Lets do this Gainesville. A post shared by Alligator Brewing (@alligatorbrewing) on Oct 12, 2017 at 3:56pm PDT All totaled there are 800 tickets available to Spencers controversial speech. And the alt-right leader told the Miami Herald he plans to combat the campaign by having volunteers hand out tickets, instead of having the university distribute them, as was originally planned. Spencers supporters are apparently not too happy with the offer, either. The brewer says one event organizer entered the brewery on Wednesday and caused a commotion while livestreaming video to his followers. Please stay safe #lesshatemorebeer A post shared by Alligator Brewing (@alligatorbrewing) on Oct 18, 2017 at 3:34pm PDT University of Florida president W. Kent Fuchs has asked students to stay clear of Spencers talk. Meanwhile, Gov. Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency in the county, saying the threat of a potential emergency is imminent. Spencer was a participant in the violent white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Va. in August, which led to PayPal cutting ties with him, among other businesses that distanced themselves from his National Policy Institute. While the University of Florida initially blocked Spencer from speaking, as a state institution, the University is not able to limit free speech. including hate speech. Photo credit: Getty From Esquire UK With the news of Harvey Weinstein's legacy of assault and harassment still reverberating through Hollywood and the media, and with more and more women coming forward to detail their own accounts of assault and harassment in both the workplace and public, politicians in France have proposed new legislation aimed at catching out those who catcall and harass. First reported by Dazed, The French government is aiming to fine men for aggressive catcalling and lecherous behaviour towards women in public, with the country's women's minister, Marlene Schiappa, saying in an interview with RTL radio: "We know very well at what point we start feeling intimidated, unsafe or harassed in the street." Politicians will now be working with police and magistrates to define the exact terms of harassment, with Schiappa adding: "It's completely necessary because at the moment street harassment is not defined in the law." Men, be better. You Might Also Like FuelCell Energy Inc. FCEL announced that it has entered into a power purchase agreement with the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative for the long-term supply of power to the U.S. Navy Submarine Base in Groton, CT. This power project will ensure supply of cost-effective clean energy to the naval base. Further, it will be a move toward grid-independent operation. Power of 7.4 megawatt (MW) generated from FuelCell Energys Two SureSource 4000TM power plants will help the Navy continue with critical activities and also reduce the cost of generating power over the long run. Growing Popularity of Fuel Cell The fuel cell technology utilizes a chemical reaction process to convert a fuel source to electricity. It is eco-friendly process as it does not burn any fuel. Given the benefits, the U.S. Defense Department is jointly harnessing the capability of this technology to develop new vehicles and put it to use in other important process. General Motors Co. GM is working with the U.S. Army for the development of fuel cell electric vehicles, which will lower the Armys dependence on conventional fuel. According to General Motors, another vital reason for the rising popularity of fuel cell is its ability to produce very little heat while producing power. This lowers the chances of detection in the combat zone. Fuel Cell Contracts Due to the rising popularity of this technology, fuel cell producers are being awarded contracts from customers from all areas. In May 2017, FuelCell Energy, a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock won a $3 million deal from U.S. Department of Energy to provide Energy Storage Solution. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. In July, another fuel cell maker Plug Power PLUG announced a new expanded deal with Walmart WMT. Per the deal, Plug Power will provide its GenKey hydrogen fuel station and fuel cells to up to 30 additional Walmart store locations in North America over the next three years. Price Movement In the past six months, FuelCell Energy, has outperformed the industry. The companys shares have gained 39.6% compared with the industrys rally of 6.4%. Story continues Wall Streets Next Amazon Zacks EVP Kevin Matras believes this familiar stock has only just begun its climb to become one of the greatest investments of all time. Its a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in pure genius. Click for details >> 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 General Motors Company (GM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Plug Power, Inc. (PLUG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT) : Free Stock Analysis Report FuelCell Energy, Inc. (FCEL) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. General Electrics new CEO John Flannery has started making drastic cuts that bring an immediate end to some of the rosier corporate perksfrom company cars and lavish retreats to its fleet of business jets. John Flannerywho has spent two and half months now atop the industrial giantmade headlines when he grounded the entire fleet of six business jets in cost-cutting measures to whip GE back into shape. Now hes also getting rid of an empty business plane that Flannerys predecessor, Jeff Immelt, had tail a GE-owned jet on select business trips around the world, according to The Wall Street Journal. Read: GE Just Caved and Put One of Nelson Peltzs Colleagues on its Board According to the WSJ, the two jets would park a fair distance away from one another so as not to attract attention, and flight crews never explicitly discussed the empty jet, which was used as a spare in case Immelts plane encountered technical or mechanical issues. The WSJ reports a GE spokesperson as saying that two planes were used on limited occasions for business-critical or security purposes. But Flannery isnt stopping at jets. The WSJs sources also said he intends to kill a long-standing company car program that benefits some 700 top managers, and an annual three-day retreat in Boca Raton for top management. Read: Teaching GE to Think Like a Startup The new CEO is expected to unveil further changes including thousands of corporate-level job cuts and scaling back of GEs global structure, the paper cited people familiar with the matter as saying. Flannery also intends to close GEs Shanghai, Munich and Rio de Janeiro research centers, leaving the international conglomerate with just two global research sites in Niskayuna, N.Y., and Bangalore, India. Read: New GE CEO Shakes Up Leadership Team The company is under pressure from activist investor Nelson Peltz to improve lackluster returns, and earlier this month agreed to appoint a representative of Peltzs Trian Management to its board. Its expected to announce heavy restructuring charges when it unveils its latest quarterly report on Friday. While it has promised to keep its dividend payout unchanged, some analysts have speculated that it, too, could be cut. To rebuild trust, John Flannery, who has been CEO of General Electric for only three months, will roll out plans to revive the company on Monday (AFP Photo/YASUYOSHI CHIBA) (AFP/File) New York (AFP) - General Electric's newly-installed chief executive vowed Friday to do whatever it takes to turn around the industrial giant after weak quarterly results initially sent shares plunging. "It's clear we need to make some major changes," John Flannery said. "Our results are unacceptable to say the least." Flannery, who replaced Jeff Immelt over the summer, faced tough questions from analysts after GE reported lower third-quarter earnings and cut its full-year forecast due to continued weakness in the power and oil and gas businesses. Flannery has vowed a comprehensive plan at a November 13 investor day for rousing growth at the 125-year-old company. He described 2018 as a "reset year." The market's reaction Friday suggested investors were open to Flannery. After falling by more than seven percent in pre-market trading after the report's release, GE finished up 1.1 percent at $23.83. - Slump in oil, power - Net profit for the quarter ending September 30 was $1.8 billion, down 9.7 percent from the year-ago period. Revenues were $33.5 billion, up 14.4 percent, reflecting the effects of the Baker Hughes oil services acquisition. The company slashed its full-year operating profit forecast to $1.05 to $1.10 per share from $1.60 to $1.70 in a July forecast. Revenues and profits tumbled in the power division, where the market for gas turbines remained weak and the company wrote down $1.2 billion of assets. Chief financial officer Jeff Bornstein, who will step down at the end of the month, said GE had misread the power market, overinvesting in capacity that didn't sell and not moving quickly enough to cut costs. "We have a tough 2018 in front of us but feel optimistic about the business beyond that," Bornstein said of power. Oil and gas was another burden, as GE booked $267 million in one-time restructuring expenses amid sluggish investment from exploration and production companies. Story continues Better-performing divisions included aviation, healthcare and renewable energy. "Operationally, this result was much worse than we expected," said a note from Goldman Sachs. - Belt-tightening ahead - Under Immelt, GE sought to reposition the company as more of a pure-play industrial conglomerate, selling off the NBC media division and radically cutting back GE Finance. But critics say GE is now currently too exposed to cyclical industries and that there is little prospect for near-term growth in many of its most important businesses. Analysts at JPMorgan Chase have been among the harshest, alluding to deep-seated structural problems. "Anyone who thinks this story is about high level platitudes and a simple slide deck with pictures and inaccurate numbers simply is not doing any work," JPMorgan said. The company has come under fire for profligate spending under Immelt. The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Immelt regularly took two corporate jets for travel in case one broke down. GE said last month that it plans to sell its corporate jet fleet. The company plans to pare back its global research efforts and may shut down research centers in Shanghai, Munich and Rio de Janeiro, The Wall Street Journal said. Other cost-cutting is expected to figure heavily at the November presentation, but analysts are also expected to press Flannery on divesting assets, a move taken by other conglomerates. GE said Friday would divest $20 billion in assets in the next two years. Flannery has already announced a number of executive appointments and said he will pursue "sweeping" change in the period ahead. GE added Ed Garden from activist hedge fund Trian to its board. Flannery said further board changes could be in store, noting it is big at 18 people. "I'd put it in the bucket of all things being examined right now," he said. Flannery has signaled a strong commitment to maintaining GE's dividend, a priority for investors. Sen. Jeff Flake said Thursday he's confident lawmakers will approve a budget deal seen as crucial to helping fellow Republicans pass tax reform. The budget legislation, up for a vote in the Senate on Thursday, would permit Republicans to pass follow-up tax cuts later this year. "I think on the budget deal it's in the bag," Flake said on CNBC's " Squawk Box ." "But whether or not we can get to tax reform, we're going to see over the next couple of months." President Donald Trump commented Thursday on the budget deal, calling "it the first step toward massive tax cuts." "I think we have the votes, but who knows?" he wrote on Twitter.@realDonald Trump: Republicans are going for the big Budget approval today, first step toward massive tax cuts. I think we have the votes, but who knows?The GOP unveiled its blueprint for tax reform last month. It calls for cutting personal and corporate tax rates and aims to simplify the U.S. tax code.In order for the U.S. to be competitive, lawmakers must reduce the corporate tax rate, said Flake, a Trump critic who is facing a tough battle in Arizona's 2018 primary. The Republican tax bill should provide real reform and not just a tax cut, he added."Reform involves broadening the base. And that involves getting rid of some very popular credits and deductions and loopholes," Flake said. "When you add all the credits, deductions and loopholes ... it equals more than our entire discretionary budget." Flake also agreed with remarks by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , who said that it's difficult "not to give tax cuts to the wealthy.""It's obviously a tough political sell," Flake said.The Associated Press contributed to this report. Sen. Jeff Flake said Thursday he's confident lawmakers will approve a budget deal seen as crucial to helping fellow Republicans pass tax reform. The budget legislation, up for a vote in the Senate on Thursday, would permit Republicans to pass follow-up tax cuts later this year. "I think on the budget deal it's in the bag," Flake said on CNBC's " Squawk Box ." "But whether or not we can get to tax reform, we're going to see over the next couple of months." President Donald Trump commented Thursday on the budget deal, calling "it the first step toward massive tax cuts." "I think we have the votes, but who knows?" he wrote on Twitter. @realDonald Trump: Republicans are going for the big Budget approval today, first step toward massive tax cuts. I think we have the votes, but who knows? The GOP unveiled its blueprint for tax reform last month. It calls for cutting personal and corporate tax rates and aims to simplify the U.S. tax code. In order for the U.S. to be competitive, lawmakers must reduce the corporate tax rate, said Flake, a Trump critic who is facing a tough battle in Arizona's 2018 primary. The Republican tax bill should provide real reform and not just a tax cut, he added. "Reform involves broadening the base. And that involves getting rid of some very popular credits and deductions and loopholes," Flake said. "When you add all the credits, deductions and loopholes ... it equals more than our entire discretionary budget." Flake also agreed with remarks by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , who said that it's difficult "not to give tax cuts to the wealthy." "It's obviously a tough political sell," Flake said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. More From CNBC Hasbro Inc. HAS is scheduled to report third-quarter 2017 results on Oct 23, before the opening bell. Notably, management predicts challenging macroeconomic issues impacting both consumers and retailers in the United Kingdom and Brazil, to continue into the to-be-reported quarter as well. This, in turn, might hurt Hasbros revenues and operating profit. Also, foreign currency fluctuation remains a cause of concern owing to the companys widespread global presence. Additionally, persistent higher costs related to initiatives may hurt the quarters margins. For the third quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at $1.97, reflecting a decline of 3% year over year. Also, our quantitative model predicts that Hasbro does not have the right combination of two main ingredients a positive Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or higher for increasing the odds of an earnings beat. Zacks ESP: Hasbro has an Earnings ESP of -4.06%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before theyre reported with our Earnings ESP Filter. Zacks Rank: Hasbro has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). As it is we caution against stocks with a Zacks Rank #4 or 5 (Strong Sell) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions. Hasbro, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise Hasbro, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise | Hasbro, Inc. Quote Meanwhile, Hasbros revenues have been under some pressure over the past few quarters due to lower demand for games as children are opting for electronic versions of games on smartphones and tablets. Consumer spending uncertainty in the United States, as customers restrain their non-essential purchases, is also a threat to Hasbros top-line growth. Moreover, the Toys R Us bankruptcy filed in September is likely to impact Hasbros quarterly performance too as the retailer makes up a sizeable portion of Hasbros sales. Story continues Nevertheless, strategic partnerships, rapid growth in emerging markets along with various sales-building initiatives are expected to continue driving the companys top and the bottom lines. New theatrical releases might further rake in revenues for the company as products related to them roll out globally. Increased investments in digital initiatives are also likely to drive the quarters results. Particularly, the companys launch of a gaming subscription service named Hasbro Gaming Crate should propel revenue growth in Hasbro Gaming. Meanwhile, Hasbros Franchise and Partner Brands are expected to deliver strong results in the to-be-reported quarterdriven by strong consumer insights, global digital content, innovative products and comprehensive retail execution. Markedly, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter revenues is pegged at $1.77billion, reflecting an increase of 5.6% year over year. Stocks to Consider Here are some companies in the same industry to consider as our model shows that they have the right combination of elements to post earnings beat this quarter. Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. TTWO has an Earnings ESP of +3.63% and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Glu Mobile Inc. GLUU has an Earnings ESP of +16.67% and a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Electronic Arts Inc. EA has an Earnings ESP of +4.63% and a Zacks Rank #2. Wall Streets Next Amazon Zacks EVP Kevin Matras believes this familiar stock has only just begun its climb to become one of the greatest investments of all time. Its a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in pure genius. Click for details >> 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 Hasbro, Inc. (HAS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (TTWO) : Free Stock Analysis Report Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Glu Mobile Inc. (GLUU) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Domestic oil and gas explorer Whiting Petroleum Corporation WLL is slated to release third-quarter 2017 results after the closing bell on Wednesday, Oct 25. In the trailing four quarters, the Denver, CO-based company had outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by an average of 7.14%. In the preceding quarter, Whiting Petroleum beat the consensus mark by 5.3% on robust output and cost control. Whiting Petroleum Corporation Price and EPS Surprise Whiting Petroleum Corporation Price and EPS Surprise | Whiting Petroleum Corporation Quote The question lingering in investors minds now is whether Whiting Petroleum will be able to post positive earnings surprise in the third quarter. Lets see how things are shaping up prior to this announcement. Factors at Play Oil Price Improvement: The U.S. oil benchmark wrapped up a strong quarter amid continued declines in domestic inventories and an improving supply-demand narrative. The rapid decline of oil inventories in recent months has helped the U.S. crude market shift from year-over-year storage surplus to a deficit. Moreover, energy bodies OPEC and IEA both recently raised global oil demand forecasts for this year. Also, supply from the 14-member OPEC cartel is set to remain constraint for at least the next six months, helping to tighten the market significantly. Adding to the positive momentum, OPEC and Russia claimed to be on the right track in clearing the global oil glut with half the job done. With fundamentals pointing to a tighter market, oil ended the third quarter at $51.67 per barrel, up about 10.5% sequentially. A year ago, crude futures hovered around the $45 per barrel mark. Whiting Petroleum stands to benefit from recovering commodity prices as it will be able to extract more value for their products. Asset Sale: In August, the Bakken-focused upstream operator inked a $500 million deal to divest its Fort Berthold assets in North Dakota to a private explorer RimRock Oil & Gas Williston, LLC. While the agreement will help Whiting Petroleum to reduce debt and streamline its portfolio, it is also likely to lower its third-quarter production. Story continues What to Expect? Management had earlier guided third-quarter total production in the band of 10.5-11.1 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMBOE). We note that the current Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarterly output is 10.8 MMBOE, at the midpoint of the companys forecast range but below the 11 MMBOE reported in the year-ago quarter. In particular, we anticipate oil production at 7.4 million barrels (MMBbl), down from the prior year quarter volume of 7.8 MMBbl. Meanwhile, analysts polled by Zacks expect average realized oil price to rise 7.2% from the year-ago quarter to $39.20 per barrel, while average natural gas price realization will be up 6.7% to $1.91 per thousand cubic feet. What Does Our Model Say? Our proven model too does not conclusively show that Whiting Petroleum will beat estimates this quarter. That is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) to be able to beat consensus estimates. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before theyre reported with our Earnings ESP Filter. That is not the case here as you will see below. Zacks ESP: Earnings ESP, which represents the difference between the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate, is -0.34%. Zacks Rank: Whiting Petroleum is #2 Ranked. Though a Zacks Rank of 2 increases the predictive power of ESP, a negative ESP makes surprise prediction difficult. We caution against Sell-rated stocks (Zacks Ranks #4 and 5) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions. Stocks to Consider While earnings beat looks uncertain for Whiting Petroleum, here are some firms from the energy space you may want to consider on the basis of our model, which shows that they have the right combination of elements to post earnings beat this quarter: National Oilwell Varco Inc. NOV has an Earnings ESP of +10.91% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company is expected to release earnings results on Oct 26. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Suncor Energy Inc. SU has an Earnings ESP of +9.09% and a Zacks Rank #2. The partnership is anticipated to release earnings on Oct 25. PBF Energy Inc. PBF has an Earnings ESP of +6.04% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company is likely to release earnings on Nov 2. Wall Streets Next Amazon Zacks EVP Kevin Matras believes this familiar stock has only just begun its climb to become one of the greatest investments of all time. Its a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in pure genius. Click for details >> 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 National Oilwell Varco, Inc. (NOV) : Free Stock Analysis Report PBF Energy Inc. (PBF) : Free Stock Analysis Report Suncor Energy Inc. (SU) : Free Stock Analysis Report Whiting Petroleum Corporation (WLL) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research By Christine Kim SEOUL (Reuters) - Former U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said on Wednesday that "cavalier" threats to start war on the Korean peninsula were "dangerous and short-sighted", urging the United States to get all parties to the negotiating table. Clinton also called on China to take a "more outfront role" in enforcing sanctions against North Korea aimed at curbing its missile and nuclear development. "There is no need for us to be bellicose and aggressive (over North Korea)," Clinton told the World Knowledge Forum in the South Korean capital of Seoul, stressing the need for more pressure on North Korea and diplomacy to bring Pyongyang to talks. Tension between Pyongyang and Washington has soared following a series of weapons tests by North Korea and a string of increasingly bellicose exchanges between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. "Picking fights with Kim Jong Un puts a smile on his face," Clinton said, without mentioning Trump by name. Clinton also indirectly referred to Trump's social media comments on North Korea, saying, "The insults on Twitter have benefited North Korea, I don't think they've benefited the United States". The war of words has seen Trump call the North Korean leader "little rocket man" on a suicide mission, and vow to destroy the country if it threatens the United States or its allies. In turn, the North called Trump "mentally deranged" and a "mad dog". Talks between the adversaries have long been urged by China in particular, but Washington and its ally Japan have been reluctant while Pyongyang continues to pursue a goal of developing a nuclear-tipped missile to hit the United States. On Tuesday, Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan said the United States did not rule out the eventual possibility of direct talks with North Korea. The situation on the Korean peninsula was now touch-and-go point "and a nuclear war may break out any moment", North Korea's Deputy U.N. Ambassador Kim In Ryong had told a U.N. General Assembly committee on Monday. In Seoul, the vice foreign minister said on Wednesday South Korea was considering levying its own sanctions on the North, although no decision has been made yet. CHINA PRESSURE Clinton, a former U.S. secretary of state, said Washington's allies have increasingly been expressing concern over the reliability of the United States, advising Washington to avoid becoming distracted with North Korean threats and be "as forcefully patient" as possible. Regarding China's role in reining in North Korea, Clinton said Beijing would be better off trying to "tighten and absolutely enforce sanctions" against North Korea. North Korea's relationship with its main ally and trading partner China have been strained by its rapid pursuit of weapons programs, with many of Pyongyang's recent tests coinciding with major Chinese events. There had been fears that North Korea would conduct another test to coincide with the start of China's five-yearly party congress on Wednesday. Instead, Pyongyang sent Beijing a congratulatory message. The central committee of the North's ruling Workers' Party of Korea said China had made "great progress in accomplishing the cause of building socialism with Chinese characteristics" under the guidance of the Communist Party of China. "We are greatly pleased over this," the party central committee said in the message carried by the official KCNA news agency, adding that it "sincerely wished" the China congress "satisfactory success". Chinese President Xi Jinping did not mention North Korea in his more than three-hour-long address at the opening of a key Communist Party Congress. CAN'T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS Clinton said retaliatory actions by China over the deployment of a U.S. anti-missile system in South Korea, which targeting the latter's firms doing business in China, would be unnecessary had Beijing done a better job reining in the North. China says the powerful radar of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system could be used to pierce its territory, and has taken aim at South Korea's businesses. South Korea and the United States have repeatedly told China that THAAD aims only to defend against North Korea's missile threats. "The Chinese can't have it both ways," Clinton said. "They can't do less than they could to tighten economic pressures on North Korea and same time discount the real threat South Korea and its citizens face." (Reporting by Christine Kim; Additional reporting by Soyoung Kim and Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Clarence Fernandez) We expect Align Technology, Inc. ALGN to beat expectations when it reports third-quarter 2017 earnings on Oct 26, after market close. Last quarter, the company posted a positive earnings surprise of 16.44%. Align Technology has outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the preceding four quarters, with an average positive earnings surprise of 16.71%. Lets take a look at how things are shaping up prior to this announcement. Why a Likely Positive Surprise? Our proven model shows that Align Technology is likely to beat earnings because it has the perfect combination of two key ingredients. Zacks ESP: Align Technology has an Earnings ESP of +1.24% as the Most Accurate estimate is 85 cents while the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at 73 cents. A favorable Zacks ESP serves as a meaningful and leading indicator of a likely positive earnings surprise. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before theyre reported with our Earnings ESP Filter. Zacks Rank: Align Technology currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Note that stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 have a significantly higher chance of beating earnings estimates. Conversely, we caution against stocks with a Zacks Rank #4 or 5 (Sell-rated stocks) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions. The combination of Align Technologys Zacks Rank #3 and +1.24% ESP makes us reasonably confident of an earnings beat. Align Technology, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise Align Technology, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise | Align Technology, Inc. Quote Whats Driving the Better-Than-Expected Earnings? We are upbeat about Align Technologys strategic initiatives like international expansion, ensuring Invisalign treatment for a growing base of patients. Also, we are upbeat about the international teen case growing 40.5% year over year in the last reported quarter, reflecting growing demand. In the quarter, the company reached a new benchmark of 1 million teen patients who had adopted the Invisalign treatment. Story continues Management anticipates consistent growth in the Asia-Pacific region. In a bid to grow in this region, the company opened new Invisalign Treatment Planning Facility in China. We are upbeat about managements expectations of continued strong performance in international markets in the to-be-reported quarter. Invisalign volumes are likely to grow sequentially, reflecting continued strong growth in APAC. However, summer holidays in EMEA may partially mar the performance. Notably, to expand its Invisalign brand, Align Technology introduced a patient-friendly solution Invisalign Teen with mandibular advancement for teens in certain markets of Canada, EMEA and APAC in March. According to the company, this advancement will help it offer more options for teen treatment which might boost its top line in the yet-to-be reported quarter. In May, the company announced the receipt of two U.S. patents for Align Technologys SmartTrack aligner material that is exclusively used for Invisalign aligner treatment. Recently, the company expanded work flow options of its leading iTero scanners. In this context, Align Technology recently signed a distribution agreement with Patterson Dental, a business unit of Patterson Companies, Inc. PDCO. Per the non-exclusive agreement, effective September 2017, Align Technologys iTero Element intraoral scanning system will be available as part of Patterson Dentals CAD/CAM portfolio in the United States and Canada. This latest development should boost the iTero scanner customer base starting from the third quarter itself. Moreover, the company saw increased adoption of iTero scanners for Invisalign case submissions instead of PVS impressions especially in North America, thereby driving Invisalign utilization. Management expects this bullish trend to continue in the yet-to-be reported quarter. Notably, for the third quarter of 2017, the company projects EPS of 78-81 cents on revenues of $355-$360 million. The company also expects Invisalign case shipments in the band of 231,000 to 234,000, up 27-29% over the same period a year ago. On the flip side, unfavorable foreign currency might affect the companys revenues in the to-be-reported quarter. Also, the company is exposed to seasonal demand fluctuations, higher operating expenses pertaining to increased head count along with higher investments targeted toward growth acceleration through geographical expansion and portfolio expansion. Other Stocks to Consider Here are a few other medical stocks worth considering as they have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter. The Cooper Companies, Inc. COO has an Earnings ESP of +0.43% and a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. TMO has an Earnings ESP of +0.33% and a Zacks Rank #2. Wall Streets Next Amazon Zacks EVP Kevin Matras believes this familiar stock has only just begun its climb to become one of the greatest investments of all time. Its a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in pure genius. Click for details >> 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 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc (TMO) : Free Stock Analysis Report Align Technology, Inc. (ALGN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Patterson Companies, Inc. (PDCO) : Free Stock Analysis Report Cooper Companies, Inc. (The) (COO) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Iraqi forces remove a Kurdish flag as they advance towards the centre of Kirkuk on October 16, 2017 during an operation to oust Kurdish forces from disputed areas (AFP Photo/AHMAD AL-RUBAYE) Arbil (Iraq) (AFP) - The Iraqi Kurdish regional government said Thursday it was open to talks with Baghdad after central government forces seized a swathe of disputed territory from Kurdish fighters. "The cabinet welcomes the initiative of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on starting negotiations with the regional government to solve pending issues according to the constitution and principles of partnership," it said in a statement. "Kurdistan demands the help and contribution of the international community in sponsoring this dialogue," it added. The statement was issued after a meeting attended by Iraqi Kurdish prime minister Nechirvan Barzani and deputy prime minister Qubad Talabani. On Monday and Tuesday, federal troops and allied militias ousted Kurdish forces from the northern province of Kirkuk and its lucrative oil fields, as well as formerly Kurdish-held areas of Nineveh and Diyala provinces. The advance stunned Iraqi Kurds, who barely three weeks ago overwhelmingly voted for independence in a controversial September 25 referendum that Baghdad branded illegal. On Tuesday, Abadi said the poll was now "a thing of the past" and its results void, calling for dialogue with the Kurdish autonomous region. Ahead of the operation to retake the disputed areas, Abadi had said he would not hold talks with Kurdish leaders until the results of the independence vote were nullified. - Arrest warrant - With the retreat of Kurdish forces this week, almost without a fight, Baghdad has restored its control to swathes of territory held by the Kurds since 2013. Kurdish forces are now largely confined to their three-province autonomous region in the north. They have lost nearly all of the territory they had taken since the US-led invasion of 2003, some of it during the fightback against the Islamic State jihadist group in 2014. The autonomous region's vice-president Kosrat Rasul called the setback "a new Anfal for Kurdistan", a reference to the widespread deaths and destruction wrought by operations in 1987-1988 by Saddam Hussein's regime. Story continues On Thursday, a Baghdad court issued an arrest warrant for Rasul on charges of "provocation" against Iraq's armed forces, the judiciary said. The region's vice-president had referred to the Iraqi army and federal police as "occupation forces" in a statement on Wednesday, the court said. The judiciary in the Iraqi capital last week also ordered the arrest of three senior Kurdish officials responsible for organising the independence referendum. The arrest warrants are likely to prove toothless as Baghdad's security forces do not operate inside Iraqi Kurdistan, but they could stop the officials leaving the northern region. - Lost oil fields - This week's military operation also dealt a severe blow to the autonomous region's finances, which had relied heavily on revenues from exports of Kirkuk oil. Baghdad has retaken five oil fields from Kurdish forces in Kirkuk, leaving the Kurds in control of only one in the province. The lost fields accounted for more than 400,000 of the 650,000 barrels per day that the autonomous Kurdish region used to export in defiance of Baghdad. On Thursday, the Iraqi oil ministry reacted angrily after Russian energy giant Rosneft signed a production sharing deal with the authorities in the autonomous Kurdish region without its approval. "This department and the Iraqi federal government are the only two bodies with whom agreements should be reached for the development and investments in the energy sector," the ministry said in a statement, without mentioning Rosneft by name. Oil Minister Jabbar al-Luaybi condemned the "irresponsible announcements coming from certain officials in Iraq or abroad, or from foreign companies about their intention to conclude deals with parties in Iraq without the federal government being aware". Rosneft announced on Wednesday it had signed production sharing agreements for five oil blocks in Iraqi Kurdistan. FILE - In this photo March 22, 2013 file photo, the exterior of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) building in Washington. Contrary to widespread perceptions, the IRS still appears to be enforcing the unpopular Obama-era requirement that most people carry health insurance or risk a fine. The agency says it will automatically reject electronic returns for tax year 2017 that dont specify if the taxpayer had health insurance. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) WASHINGTON (AP) -- Contrary to widespread perceptions, the IRS still appears to be enforcing the unpopular Obama-era requirement that most people carry health insurance or risk a fine. The agency says on its website that it will automatically reject electronic returns for tax year 2017 that don't specify if the taxpayer had health insurance. That insurance requirement, known as the individual mandate, is the top target of so-far fruitless efforts by Republicans to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Under the ACA, taxpayers are supposed to specify if they had coverage, or they were eligible for an exemption, or if they will pay the fine. But several million skip over that question and file "silent" returns. This year the IRS continued to process such returns. However, taxpayers who skipped the health care question took a chance that they might later get a letter from the tax agency demanding answers. Last week, the IRS released a new policy saying the health insurance question must be answered up front on tax returns. "Taxpayers remain obligated to follow the law and pay what they may owe at the point of filing," the agency said on its website. With paper returns, processing may be suspended and refunds delayed. The shift got little attention amid major "Obamacare" announcements from the White House. President Donald Trump ended a key health insurance subsidy. Tuesday a bipartisan deal was announced in the Senate that may yet preserve the subsidies, and Trump initially indicated he would support it. But later he appeared to backtrack. The IRS has gone back and forth on how to treat silent returns. As former President Barack Obama left office, the tax agency had planned to start rejecting such returns with the 2017 tax filing season similar to what it will do next year. But as one of his first acts, Trump ordered government agencies to provide relief from "Obamacare." So the IRS decided to keep processing returns that failed to answer the health care question, and follow up later with taxpayers. Story continues Some supporters of the health care law took that as a sign that the IRS would no longer enforce the insurance requirement. Failure to carry coverage can bring a fine of $695, or 2.5 percent of income, whichever is greater. Critics have accused the administration of ignoring the law in an attempt to "sabotage" the ACA. That assessment may shift now. "I would say that the IRS has and continues to enforce the individual mandate," said Gordon Mermin of the nonpartisan Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. "The (earlier) announcement was interpreted by some as weakening of the mandate but really it just said they weren't going to step up enforcement," added Mermin. "Now it appears they are going to increase compliance." The reason for the IRS policy shift appears to have nothing to do with the contentious politics of the health care law. There's evidence that resolving the health insurance question up front when a return is filed makes the whole process simpler for most people. White House chief of staff John Kelly said Thursday that President Donald Trump had done the best he could in calling the widow of a slain U.S. Army sergeant killed in Niger earlier this month. "If you've never been in combat, you can't even imagine how to make that call," Kelly told reporters in a surprise appearance at the daily White House press briefing.Kelly, a Gold Star father, delivered an emotional defense of the president, who was criticized on Wednesday for his comments on a call with the widow of Sgt. La David Johnson, one of four Americans killed in Niger on Oct. 4."There's no perfect way to make that phone call," Kelly said, adding that when Trump asked him how to call the families of the four slain service members, "My first recommendation to him was that he not do it, because it's not the phone call that parents and family members are looking forward to."Kelly described how Trump had asked him, "What do I say?" Kelly said he replied that there was nothing the president could say that would lighten the burden for the four families.But to help Trump prepare for the calls, Kelly explained to the president what he himself had been told in a phone call after his son Robert Kelly was killed in combat in Afghanistan."He was doing exactly what he wanted to do when he was killed," Kelly said, recalling what his best friend, Gen. Joe Dunford, now chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff had told him. "He knew what he was getting into by joining that one percent. He knew what the possibilities were, because we were at war. And when he died he was surrounded by the best men on this earth."Kelly added, "That's what the president tried to say to the four families."Dunford's line about a soldier knowing what he was getting into is precisely what Trump tried to say to Myeshia Johnson in a phone call on Tuesday, first described publicly by Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., who had known the Johnson family for years and was sitting with Johnson when she received the call.Wilson said she heard Trump tell Johnson that her late husband, "knew what he was signing up for .... but when it happens it hurts anyway," and that the president's call left Johnson in tears. Wilson was in a car with Johnson when the call came and only heard it after Johnson put it on speakerphone.Nonetheless, Kelly sharply criticized Wilson for listening to the call. "It stuns me that a member of Congress would've listened in on that conversation," Kelly told reporters. "I thought at least that was sacred."The duty of presidential condolence calls has been complicated in recent days by Trump's decision to compare the calls he's made with those of his predecessor, President Barack Obama. Earlier this week, Trump claimed that Obama had not called families of the fallen and that he had called the families of every soldier killed during his presidency.Neither statement was true, and both Trump and White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders have walked back Trump's claims since then.Kelly also appeared to refute Trump's insistence that Wilson had "totally fabricated" her account of the call, and that Trump had "proof" of that.Trump tweetAsked by reporters Wednesday what he had talked to Johnson about, Trump quickly grew defensive."I didn't say what that congresswoman said; didn't say it all," Trump said at the White House. "I did not say what she said, and I'd like her to make the statement again because I did not say what she said. Had a very nice conversation with the woman, with the wife, who was sounded like a lovely woman. Did not say what the congresswoman said, and most people aren't too surprised to hear that," Trump said.WATCH: Trump denies telling soldier's widow he knew what he was signing up for White House chief of staff John Kelly said Thursday that President Donald Trump had done the best he could in calling the widow of a slain U.S. Army sergeant killed in Niger earlier this month. "If you've never been in combat, you can't even imagine how to make that call," Kelly told reporters in a surprise appearance at the daily White House press briefing. Kelly, a Gold Star father, delivered an emotional defense of the president, who was criticized on Wednesday for his comments on a call with the widow of Sgt. La David Johnson, one of four Americans killed in Niger on Oct. 4. "There's no perfect way to make that phone call," Kelly said, adding that when Trump asked him how to call the families of the four slain service members, "My first recommendation to him was that he not do it, because it's not the phone call that parents and family members are looking forward to." Kelly described how Trump had asked him, "What do I say?" Kelly said he replied that there was nothing the president could say that would lighten the burden for the four families. But to help Trump prepare for the calls, Kelly explained to the president what he himself had been told in a phone call after his son Robert Kelly was killed in combat in Afghanistan. "He was doing exactly what he wanted to do when he was killed," Kelly said, recalling what his best friend, Gen. Joe Dunford, now chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff had told him. "He knew what he was getting into by joining that one percent. He knew what the possibilities were, because we were at war. And when he died he was surrounded by the best men on this earth." Kelly added, "That's what the president tried to say to the four families." Dunford's line about a soldier knowing what he was getting into is precisely what Trump tried to say to Myeshia Johnson in a phone call on Tuesday, first described publicly by Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., who had known the Johnson family for years and was sitting with Johnson when she received the call. Wilson said she heard Trump tell Johnson that her late husband, "knew what he was signing up for .... but when it happens it hurts anyway," and that the president's call left Johnson in tears. Wilson was in a car with Johnson when the call came and only heard it after Johnson put it on speakerphone. Nonetheless, Kelly sharply criticized Wilson for listening to the call. "It stuns me that a member of Congress would've listened in on that conversation," Kelly told reporters. "I thought at least that was sacred." The duty of presidential condolence calls has been complicated in recent days by Trump's decision to compare the calls he's made with those of his predecessor, President Barack Obama. Earlier this week, Trump claimed that Obama had not called families of the fallen and that he had called the families of every soldier killed during his presidency. Neither statement was true, and both Trump and White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders have walked back Trump's claims since then. Kelly also appeared to refute Trump's insistence that Wilson had "totally fabricated" her account of the call, and that Trump had "proof" of that. Trump tweet Asked by reporters Wednesday what he had talked to Johnson about, Trump quickly grew defensive. "I didn't say what that congresswoman said; didn't say it all," Trump said at the White House. "I did not say what she said, and I'd like her to make the statement again because I did not say what she said. Had a very nice conversation with the woman, with the wife, who was sounded like a lovely woman. Did not say what the congresswoman said, and most people aren't too surprised to hear that," Trump said. WATCH: Trump denies telling soldier's widow he knew what he was signing up for More From CNBC The chairwoman of the Legislature's Judiciary Committee is looking into whether a hearing to examine actions in the past two years of the Nebraska State Patrol and its administration "is necessary and appropriate." Omaha Sen. Burke Harr and Sen. Paul Schumacher of Columbus asked Judiciary Chairwoman Laura Ebke on Thursday to schedule a hearing, after Attorney General Doug Peterson chose not to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the actions that led to the firing of Superintendent Brad Rice. Harr subsequently sent letters to several county attorneys about appointing special attorneys in their jurisdictions to investigate actions taken by officers and administrators of the patrol there. District Judge Travis O'Gorman appointed Attorney Joe Stecher on Oct. 6 to investigate the actions that occurred in Sheridan County. Attorneys for Lancaster, Buffalo and Sioux counties declined to conduct further investigations, Harr and Schumacher said in their letter. The FBI has declined say whether it is investigating the actions, although Gov. Pete Ricketts said he turned over information to that agency. None of the six suspended patrol employees, nor any of the county attorneys involved, have been questioned by the FBI, Harr said. The patrol employees have been on paid administrative leave more than 100 days, and "there seems to be no resolution in sight. "All of the circumstances around these incidents are murky at best," the senators said. Harr has been critical of Ricketts, because in the middle of conducting a review of the patrol, he fired Rice. Since then, Harr has continued to ask for more information because Ricketts nor chief Human Resources Officer Jason Jackson have identified the "substantiated concerns" they had, nor any corrective measures. Because of that, the "impeccability of the State Patrol now necessarily falls upon the Legislature to preserve," the letter from the senators said. Ebke said because of widely reported and troubling facts about the incidents within the patrol, the concerns expressed by Harr and Schumacher, and Peterson's conclusion that his office lacks legal authority to pursue the matter, the Legislature may need to pursue more fully its responsibility to oversee and hold state agencies accountable. She will continue to talk to members of the Judiciary Committee about whether a hearing is necessary, she said. "My office has been and will continue to monitor the concerning situation surrounding the ongoing investigation into certain policies, practices and procedures of the Nebraska State Patrol," Ebke said. Ricketts hired Col. John Bolduc to replace Rice, and he was sworn in Monday. His annual salary is $150,000, which is $60,000 more than Rice made. Lindsay Lohan Declares She Supports 'Women Empowerment' After Defending Harvey Weinstein on Instagram The actress took to social media on Wednesday, where she responded to her critics: '#karma will always take its toll.' Lindsay Lohan wants her fans to know that she's "for women empowerment." A week after she took to Instagram to stand up for Harvey Weinstein amid the producer's sexual assault scandal, the actress responded to those who criticized her supportive remarks. Lohan, 31, shared a screenshot of her character from the 1998 family comedy The Parent Trap on Oct. 18, along with a lengthy caption defending her position on women's rights. "Whatever anyone says, I am FOR #womenempowerment," Lohan wrote. WATCH: Lindsay Lohan Says She Feels 'Very Bad For Harvey Weinstein' She went on to address her tumultuous relationship with ex-fiance Egor Tarabasov, and alleges that he was abusive towards her. "As if most women in American cared how I was abused by my ex-fiance," Lohan claimed in the caption, adding, "Not one person stood up for me while he was abusing me." "You could only imagine what it feels like to come out as a #strongwoman BUT, acknowledge this, we all make our own choices and wake up in our own beds in the morning," she continued. "I prefer to go to my home and wake up alone." Photo: Lindsay Lohan/Instagram Tarabasov, who split up with the actress in July 2016, has previously denied Lohan's allegations of abuse. Lohan concluded her remarks writing, "#BESTRONG let us no blame anyone as #karma will always take its toll #womensrights." The actress has since edited the caption to remove any references to Tarabasov or her accusations of abuse. WATCH: Lindsay Lohan Posts About Possible Relationship Drama, Hints at Pregnancy On Oct. 10, Lohan made headlines when she shared two videos to her Instagram story in which she said she felt "very bad for Harvey Weinstein right now." "He's never harmed me or done anything wrong to me, and we've done several movies together," the Mean Girls star continued. "So I think everyone needs to stop. I think it's wrong. So stand up." Story continues The videos, which she later deleted, came nearly a week after two exposes, one in the New York Times and another in The New Yorker, came out with dozens of allegations of sexual harassment and sexual assault leveled against the movie mogul. WATCH: Everything You Need to Know About the Harvey Weinstein Scandal Lohan released a statement to ET one day after posting the videos, clarifying her remarks. "I am saddened to hear about the allegations against my former colleague Harvey Weinstein," the statement reads. " As someone who has lived their life in the public eye, I feel that allegations should always be made to the authorities and not played out in the media. I encourage all women who believe Harvey harmed them to report their experiences to the relevant authorities." In the last two weeks, dozens of additional women have come forth with allegations against Weinstein, which stretch back over the last three decades. For more on the ongoing controversy surrounding the embattled producer, watch the video below. Related Articles Malaysia Airlines former Chief Executive Officer Peter Bellew abruptly resigned in October 2017 after just over a year in the job to rejoin Ryanair (AFP Photo/MOHD RASFAN) (AFP/File) Malaysia Airlines on Friday named veteran senior executive Izham Ismail as its new CEO after his predecessor's shock departure dealt a fresh blow to the struggling carrier. Izham, currently Malaysia Airlines chief operating officer, will be the carrier's fourth chief executive since 2014 when the company was plunged into crisis by the disappearance of flight MH370 and the downing of MH17. The last CEO, Peter Bellew, abruptly resigned this week after just over a year in the job to rejoin Ryanair, which has recently been hit by a crisis that led to the cancellation of thousands of flights. The Irishman said he was returning to Ryanair out of a sense of responsibility to his native country, where the airline is based. Bellew's predecessor, German turnaround specialist Christoph Mueller, also resigned in a surprise move about a year ago. Malaysia Airlines said in a statement that Izham's appointment was in line with the carrier's recovery plan which provides for the development of Malaysian talent. "I am proud that he is our own internal home grown talent and I am confident that he will be able to take the airline further forward and ensure the turnaround plan is met," said Mohammed Nor Yusof, Malaysia Airlines chairman. Izham joined Malaysia Airlines as a pilot in 1979 and has held a series of senior positions at the company. He will take up the role of chief executive in December. The devastating MH370 and MH17 disasters had pushed the perennially loss-making airline to the brink of bankruptcy as bookings dried up. Flight MH370 disappeared in March 2014, en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 passengers and crew on board. Four months later, MH17 was blown from the sky by a suspected Russian-made ground-to-air missile over war-torn Ukraine, killing all 298 passengers and crew. Nucor Corporation NUE is a leading producer of structural steel, steel bars, steel joists, steel deck and cold finished bars in the United States. Nucor remains committed to expand its production capabilities and grow its business through strategic acquisitions. The company is also seeing continued momentum in the automotive market. Lets have a quick look at this steel companys third-quarter 2017 release. Estimate Trend & Surprise History Investors should note that the earnings estimate for Nucor for the third quarter has been stable over the past week. The company has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the trailing four quarters while missing in the other two, with an average positive surprise of 8.99%. Nucor Corporation Price and EPS Surprise Nucor Corporation Price and EPS Surprise | Nucor Corporation Quote Earnings Nucors adjusted earnings for the third quarter were 79 cents per share. Earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 78 cents. Revenues Nucor reported revenues of $5,170.1 million, up roughly 20.5% year over year from $4,290.2 million. That, however, missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5,276 million. Key Stats/Developments to Note Total steel mills shipments in the third quarter were 6,165,000 tons, up 18% year over year. Total tons shipped to outside customers were up 12% year over year to 6,618,000 tons. Average sales price in the quarter were up 7% year over year. The company expects earnings in fourth-quarter 2017 to be to be similar to slightly lower from the third quarter, excluding tax benefits recognized during the third quarter of 2017. Zacks Rank Currently, Nucor has a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), but that could change following the companys earnings report which was just released. Market Reaction Nucors shares were inactive in pre-market trading. It would be interesting to see how the market reacts to the results during the trading session today. Check back later for our full write up on Nucors earnings report! Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +18.8% from 2016 - Q1 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +157.0%, +128.0%, +97.8%, +94.7%, and +90.2% respectively. And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - Q1 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 11X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation. See Them Free>> 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 Nucor Corporation (NUE) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Nucor Corporation NUE saw its profits (on a reported basis) decline year over year in the third-quarter 2017, but its earnings beat expectations. The steel giant logged a profit of $268.5 million or 83 cents per share for the third quarter, compared to earnings of $305.4 million or 95 cents per share it registered a year ago. Earnings include a one-time gain of $13.2 million or 4 cents. Barring one-time items, earnings per share for the reported quarter were 79 cents, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 78 cents. Revenues increased roughly 20.5% year over year to $5,170.1 million in the reported quarter from $4,290.2 million, but missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5,276 million. Nucor Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Nucor Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Nucor Corporation Quote Operating Stats Total steel mills shipments in the third quarter were 6,165,000 tons, up 18% year over year. Total tons shipped to outside customers were up 12% year over year to 6,618,000 tons. Average sales price in the quarter were up 7% year over year. Steel mill operating rates decreased to 83% in the reported quarter from 88% a year ago. Segment Highlights Nucor witnessed decreased profitability in its Steel Mills segment in the third quarter compared with the previous quarter. According to the company, higher utilization rates at its sheet mills unit were offset by continued pressure from imports, which prevented prices from maintaining pace with rising cost of raw materials. The performance of plate mills also decreased considerably on a sequential basis. The performance of Nucors Raw Materials segment in the third quarter decreased compared with the second due to due to unplanned outages in its Louisiana plant during most of the quarter. Nucor also witnessed improved profitability in its downstream products segment on a sequential comparison basis in the third quarter on the back of higher selling price and volumes. Financial Position Nucor ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of around $1,575.9million, down roughly 7.6% from $1,704.7 million a year ago. Long-term debt was $3,241.5 million, down around 25.3% year over year from $4,338.3 million. Outlook According to Nucor, the company expects generally stable and improving market conditions for automotive, energy, nonresidential construction, agriculture and heavy equipment. It is also encouraged by the cumulative benefits resulting from successful trade cases of the domestic steel industry. The company expects earnings in fourth-quarter 2017 to be to be similar to slightly lower from the third quarter, excluding tax benefits recognized during the third quarter of 2017. Nucor expects improved performance from the raw materials unit on the back of more consistent DRI production. Its downstream steel products unit is also expected to benefit from margin improvement whereas the steel mills unitis expected to witness some decline mainly due to weakness in plate steel and typical seasonality. Price Performance Shares of Nucor have moved up 18.5% in the last year, underperforming the industrys 27.9% growth. Story continues Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider Nucor currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). Some better-ranked stocks in the basic materials space are Huntsman Corp. HUN, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. APD and FMC Corp. FMC. All three stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks Rank #1 stocks here. Huntsman has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 7%. Air Products has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 12.1%. FMC has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 11.3%. Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +18.8% from 2016 - Q1 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +157.0%, +128.0%, +97.8%, +94.7%, and +90.2% respectively. And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - Q1 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 11X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation. See Them Free>> 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 Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APD) : Free Stock Analysis Report FMC Corporation (FMC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Huntsman Corporation (HUN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Nucor Corporation (NUE) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research NVR, Inc. NVR, one of the nations largest homebuilding and mortgage-banking companies, reported third-quarter 2017 earnings of $38.02 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $36.11 by 5.3%. The reported figure also rose 34% from the year-ago $28.46. Total revenue (Homebuilding & Mortgage Banking fees) was $1.67 billion in the quarter, up 8% year over year on higher housing revenues and mortgage-banking fees. Segment Details Homebuilding: In the reported quarter, homebuilding revenues rose 8% year over year to $1.63 billion. New orders climbed 21% to 4,200 homes, driven by demand growth in the housing markets served by NVR. Settlements increased 6% year over year to 4,158 units. Average sales price was $382,800, down 3% from a year ago due to a shift in new orders from higher priced markets to lower priced ones and slashed product prices. At the end of the reported quarter, average community count was 479, down 1% year over year. The companys backlog totaled 8,855 homes (as of Sep 30, 2017), up 16% year over year. Potential housing revenues from backlog increased 15% to $3.4 billion. Margins Homebuilding gross margin expanded 230 basis points (bps) to 19.9% owing to a modest improvement in pricing along with moderating construction costs. As a percentage of homebuilding revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) were 5.9%, down 30 bps year over year. Mortgage Banking: In the quarter, Mortgage banking fees grew 13.6% year over year to $34.2 million. Mortgage closed loan production in the quarter totaled $1.12 billion, reflecting an increase of 6% year over year. NVR, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise NVR, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | NVR, Inc. Quote Financials NVRs cash and cash equivalents totaled $611.1 million as of Sep 30, 2017, compared with $375.7 million as of Dec 31, 2016. Zacks Rank NVR currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Upcoming Releases in the Construction Sector Masco Corporation MAS is slated to release its quarterly results on Oct 24. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third quarter earnings is pegged at 53 cents, showing an increase of 28.8% year over year. PulteGroup, Inc. PHM is slated to release its quarterly results on Oct 24. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third quarter earnings is 59 cents, highlighting an increase of 38% on a year-over-year basis. Louisiana-Pacific Corp. LPX is scheduled to release its quarterly numbers on Nov 6. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third quarter earnings is pegged at 76 cents, reflecting an increase of 138.5% on a year-over-year basis. Wall Streets Next Amazon Zacks EVP Kevin Matras believes this familiar stock has only just begun its climb to become one of the greatest investments of all time. Its a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in pure genius. Click for details >> 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 Masco Corporation (MAS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LPX) : Free Stock Analysis Report PulteGroup, Inc. (PHM) : Free Stock Analysis Report NVR, Inc. (NVR) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. By Siddharth Cavale (Reuters) - Procter & Gamble Co disappointed Wall Street with sales on Friday, hurt by continuing weakness in its Gillette business, a week after it claimed to have fought off hedge-fund manager Nelson Peltz's move to muscle onto the board. P&G, which spent millions battling Peltz's charges of bureaucratic and ineffective management, reported higher sales of beauty and home care products. But a third straight quarter of declines in the grooming business that sells Gillette razors and Braun epilators weakened overall growth. Net sales in the firm's first quarter results rose just 1 percent to $16.65 billion, missing analysts' expectations of $16.69 billion and driving shares 3.5 percent lower in afternoon trading in New York. The stock had been up 9 percent so far this year. "The quarter was a little bit more challenging. ..than we would have expected going in with the run up of commodity cost and the impact of the natural disasters," P&G Chief Financial Officer Jon Moeller said on a call with analysts pointing to higher shipping costs in many geographies. The world's biggest household products maker has been losing market share to upstarts like Unilever's Dollar Shave Club and has cut prices to try and shore up its men's personal care business. "Grooming was especially weak," RBC Capital markets analyst Nik Modi said noting that was steeper than his own estimate of a 2 percent decline. Moeller said price cuts that have averaged at about 12 percent, caused the weakness in the value of sales in grooming. Weakness in Brazil also had a big impact, as consumers spent less amid an ongoing recession. Stagnant sales are one of the issues Peltz had with P&G in his contentious and very public proxy fight for a seat on the company's 11-member board. Preliminary voting results show he lost the fight - the biggest and most expensive in U.S. corporate history - by a hair. His New York-based Trian Fund Management have said they will contest the vote and would not concede until an independent arbiter had certified the count. Story continues P&G said it was maintaining its full-year organic sales and adjusted profit forecast. But it also said it expects a $300 million hit from commodity costs, in part due to the hurricanes that battered the southern U.S. this year. Net income attributable to the company rose 5 percent to $2.85 billion or $1.06 per share in the first quarter ended Sept. 30. Excluding items, the company earned $1.09 per share, beating analysts' average estimates by 1 cent. (Reporting by Siddharth Cavale in Bengaluru; Editing by Bernard Orr and Patrick Graham) A celebration of the Baha'i faith's founder's 200th birthday will take place in Lincoln this weekend. Saturday, there will be dinner and live musical performances at The Space, 5900 S. 58th St., Suite H, at 6 p.m. Sunday, a slideshow and film about founder Baha'u'llah's life will be presented at the Nebraska Union, 1400 R St., at 4 p.m. The events are free and open to the public. "We hope these events will be an occasion for all Lincoln residents to reflect on how they can build unity and understanding among people of diverse races, religions and nationalities Baha'u'llahs fundamental teaching," said Brian Lepard, Lincoln Baha'i public-information officer. Baha'u'llah was born in Persia in 1817. His son, Abdu'l-Baha, visited Lincoln in 1912 while on tour in the U.S. About 80 Baha'is live in Lincoln, according to a release. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) will not support a bipartisan agreement to stabilize the Affordable Care Acts private insurance markets. The speaker does not see anything that changes his view that the Senate should keep its focus on repeal and replace of Obamacare, Ryan spokesman Doug Andres said Wednesday. The agreement, brokered between Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.), would fund payments that reimburse insurers for the plans they offer to low-income people. Those are the same subsidies valued at $7 billion last year that President Donald Trump announced last week he will cut off, his latest move to undermine the Affordable Care Act. The Murray-Alexander plan would fund those subsidies for two years. In exchange for funding those payments, the bill would allow the Department of Health and Human Services to accept more appeals from states to waive certain provisions of Obamacare, giving states more flexibility in what policies they offer. (The Affordable Care Acts requirement for all plans to cover certain essential health care benefits, such as maternity care and mental health, would remain in place, as would protections for people with pre-existing conditions.) Read more on the Alexander-Murray plan here. The bill, expected to be introduced later this week, will likely receive significant support from Democrats in the Senate. However, Ryans opposition could hurt its prospects in the House. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has stayed mum on when, or if, the bill would come to a vote on the Senate floor. Trump, meanwhile, has wavered on his support for the plan. He initially praised the deal, before later describing it as a bailout for insurance companies. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Alaska Air Group ALK is slated to report third-quarter 2017 results on Oct 25, before the market opens. Last quarter, the company delivered a positive earnings surprise of 0.4%. Also, the company has an impressive earnings history. It outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the preceding four quarters with an average beat of 4.8%. However, recent weather-related disruptions have hurt the company severely. Hence, an earnings beat is quite unlikely to happen in Alaska Airs favor this quarter. Factors at Play Of late, Alaska Air has been lying low due to escalating costs. The increase in fuel costs is expected to limit the companys bottom-line growth in the third quarter. Fuel cost is projected to be $1.76 per gallon in the third quarter of 2017, reflecting an approximate 12% jump over the year-ago figure. Evidently, the Zacks Consensus estimate for third-quarter has been revised downward 15.6% over the last 90 days. Also in May, the pilots of Alaska Air Groups subsidiary, Horizon Air, had approved an amendment to the existing eight-year pay-related contract. This, in turn has spiked the labor costs, shooting up pilots compensation following the amendment. This is likely to put further pressure on the companys bottom line in the third quarter. Even though the Virgin America deal the company acquired Virgin America in December 2016 looks positive, we note that this transaction like any other merger, has integration risks attached to it. Similar to the previous quarter, merger-related costs are predicted to hurt Alaska Airs bottom line in the third quarter as well. Due to the above-mentioned headwinds, shares of the company have lost 10.7% of its value in the last three months against the industrys 0.3% gain, over the same period. However, the companys expansion initiatives are impressive. In August, the company announced a customer-friendly deal with Singapore Airlines. Accordingly, the two will form a codeshare agreement to allow sharing of flights, i.e., a passenger can avail any flight operated by either company covered under the contract, irrespective of the flight number. Also, from Sep 27 onward, members of Alaska Mileage Plan and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer loyalty programs have begun earning miles on the flight. Story continues Earnings Whispers Per our proven model, a company needs the right combination of two key ingredients a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better to increase the odds of an earnings surprise. However, that is not the case as highlighted below. Zacks ESP: Alaska Air has an Earnings ESP of -3.40% as the Most Accurate estimate is pegged lower at $2.24 than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.32. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before theyre reported with our Earnings ESP Filter. Zacks Rank: Alaska Air carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). We caution against all Sell-rated stocks (#4 or 5) going into an earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions. Alaska Air Group, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise Alaska Air Group, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise | Alaska Air Group, Inc. Quote Stock to Consider Investors interested in the broader Transportation sector may consider SkyWest, Inc. SKYW, Norfolk Southern Corporation NSC and Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. EXPD as these better-ranked stocks comprise the right combination of elements to surpass earnings in their next releases. SkyWest has an Earnings ESP of +1.03%. This Zacks #3 Ranked company will report third-quarter earnings numbers on Oct 25. Norfolk Southern has an Earnings ESP of +0.67% and carries a Zacks Rank of 3 as well. The company will report third-quarter 2017 results on Oct 25. Expeditors is also #3 Ranked with an Earnings ESP of +1.68%. The company will report third-quarter 2017 financial numbers on Nov 7. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Wall Streets Next Amazon Zacks EVP Kevin Matras believes this familiar stock has only just begun its climb to become one of the greatest investments of all time. Its a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in pure genius. Click for details >> 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 SkyWest, Inc. (SKYW) : Free Stock Analysis Report Alaska Air Group, Inc. (ALK) : Free Stock Analysis Report Norfolk Souther Corporation (NSC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (EXPD) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research FILE PHOTO: A logo of Russian state oil firm Rosneft is seen at its office in Moscow, October 18, 2012. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File Photo (Reuters) By Dmitry Zhdannikov and Vladimir Soldatkin LONDON/MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian energy major Rosneft has agreed to take control of the main oil pipeline in Iraq's Kurdistan, further boosting its role as the main international investor in the semi-autonomous region. The move is an apparent part of a broader strategy by President Vladimir Putin to ratchet up Moscow's political and economic influence in the Middle East. It came amid the crisis in Kurdistan's relations with the central government in Baghdad, which erupted after the region held an independence referendum last month. Rosneft said its share in the project may total as much as 60 percent, while the current pipeline operator KAR Group will retain 40 percent. Sources familiar with the deal said Rosneft's investment in the project was seen totalling about $1.8 billion. The deal comes days after Baghdad threatened to re-route a big chunk of oil flows towards an old oil pipeline, which has been out of operation for several years since Kurdistan built its own infrastructure to the Turkish Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. The main lifters of the oil there are trading houses Vitol, Petraco, Glencore and most recently Rosneft via pre-financing deals. Rosneft's influential Chief Executive Officer Igor Sechin said on Thursday that Kurshish authorities and Baghdad have to resolve their differences by themselves. Iraq, along with neighbouring Iran and Turkey, has pledged to isolate Kurdistan in the wake of last month's referendum. That includes cutting off air and banking ties and reviving an old pipeline to Turkey to deprive Erbil of a big chunk of oil revenues. Rosneft will be investing in expanding Erbil's independent pipeline, which Baghdad has targeted, hoping to boost its capacity by a third to 950,000 barrels per day. That is the equivalent of about 1 percent of total global supply. With Rosneft acquiring 60 percent in the project, the Kremlin oil major effectively becomes a controlling stakeholder in Kurdish oil infrastructure. That should give Erbil some sense of security as it faces unprecedented pressure from its neighbours. Story continues Rosneft has already agreed to invest $400 million in five oil blocks in Iraqi Kurdistan. It also had previously loaned Kurdistan $1.2 billion, guaranteed by oil sales, and is seeking to help Erbil build two major oil and gas pipelines. (Reporting by Dmitry Zhdannikov and Vladimir Soldatkin; Editing by Chris Reese and Tom Brown) By Yasmeen Abutaleb and Amanda Becker WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A bipartisan deal from two U.S. senators to stabilize Obamacare by restoring subsidies to health insurers ran into trouble on Wednesday with the White House saying President Donald Trump now opposes it and a senior Senate Republican saying it has stalled. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan also signaled opposition to the deal announced on Tuesday by Republican Lamar Alexander and Democrat Patty Murray to shore up Obamacare by reviving billions of dollars of federal subsidies to insurers for two years to help lower-income Americans obtain medical coverage. Alexander said on Wednesday Trump had "completely engineered" the bipartisan proposal but the president backed away from support he had expressed a day earlier. On Tuesday, Trump said the White House was involved in the negotiations and that the agreement was "a very good solution" short-term approach but later on Tuesday and then on Wednesday said he would not support a plan that enriched insurance companies. Trump has cut off subsidies to the companies, saying Congress has not provided money for them and that they enrich insurers. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Trump does not support the deal in its current form, although she called it "a good step in the right direction." "Look, we've said all along that we want something that doesn't just bail out the insurance companies but actually provides relief for all Americans," she said at a briefing. "And this bill doesn't address that fact." Senator John Thune, a member of the Senate Republican leadership, said the Alexander-Murray agreement has "stalled out" and that its future was an "open question." Republicans have a 52-48 Senate majority but only a few have publicly embraced the plan. "Lamar Alexander's working on it very hard from our side. And if something can happen, that's fine," Trump told reporters at the White House. "But I won't do anything to enrich the insurance companies. ... They've been enriched by Obamacare like nothing anybody's ever seen before." Insurers say they do not profit from the subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, Democratic former President Barack Obama's signature legislative achievement dubbed Obamacare, but pass them on directly to consumers to reduce deductibles, co-payments and other out-of-pocket medical expenses for low-income people. Ending the subsidies, which are called cost-sharing reduction payments, could create chaos in the 2018 health insurance markets set up under Obamacare. Some leading insurers, including UnitedHealth Group, Aetna Inc and Humana Inc, have largely exited those markets, citing financial losses. Others including Anthem Inc have significantly reduced their presence in the state-based markets. Trump, who campaigned on a promise to get rid of Obamacare but has been frustrated by the failure of Republicans in Congress to pass legislation to do so, also made clear on Tuesday he eventually wanted broader legislation to repeal and replace the law. Ryan gave no indication of willingness to consider the Alexander-Murray agreement. "The speaker does not see anything that changes his view that the Senate should keep its focus on repeal and replace of Obamacare," Ryan spokesman Doug Andres said. 'HOW HIGH?' While the proposal drew broad Democratic support, it remained unclear whether it will even come to a vote in the Senate and House, both controlled by Trump's fellow Republicans. Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer ripped Trump for his shifting stances on the Alexander-Murray deal. "This president cannot govern if, whenever the hard right frightens him and says, 'Jump,' he says, "How high?'" Schumer told reporters. "The president is pointing fingers," Schumer said. "He blames (Senate Majority Leader) Mitch McConnell for obstruction. He blames the Democrats for obstruction. He's the obstructionist in chief because he cannot stick to a position." The Alexander-Murray proposal would meet some Democratic objectives, such as reviving subsidies for Obamacare and restoring $106 million in funding for a federal program that helps people enroll in insurance plans. In exchange, Republicans would get more flexibility for states to offer a wider variety of health insurance plans while maintaining the requirement that sick and healthy people be charged the same rates for coverage. Democratic attorneys general from 18 states and the District of Columbia who have filed a legal challenge to the subsidy cutoff asked a judge in California to quickly direct the administration to continue the payments. Murray, speaking to Reuters on Wednesday, said her agreement with Alexander was still very much alive. "Absolutely," Collins said. "Lamar and I are working to have a good set of co-sponsors," and hope to formally introduce it as a Senate bill on Thursday. "Lamar is building his Republican co-sponsors. He's working it," Murray said. At an event sponsored by the news website Axios, Alexander said that Trump "wanted a bipartisan bill for the short term." Trump said on Tuesday he wanted lawmakers, once they have completed work on his tax-cut proposal, to again take up broader legislation that failed in the Senate last month that would divvy up federal healthcare money as block grants to states. The administration followed through on Trump's plan from last week to end the subsidies, withholding a payment of hundreds of millions of dollars to insurers that had been scheduled for Wednesday. (Reporting by Yasmeen Abutaleb and Amanda Becker; Additional reporting by Ricard Cowan, Lawrence Hurley, Jeff Mason, Makini Brice, Susan Heavey and Roberta Rampton; Writing by Will Dunham; Editing by Bill Trott) Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. TSM reported third-quarter 2017 earnings of 57 cents per ADR, which exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny. Further, it increased 35.7% sequentially but decreased 3.4% year over year. Moreover, revenues decreased 3.2% year over year but increased 17.9% sequentially. The sequential increase was primarily driven by major mobile product launches and a healthy demand environment. The company also witnessed strength in automotive, IoT and high-performance computing, resulting in cryptocurrency mining. However, customers' continued inventory management impacted third-quarter revenues. Notably, shares of Taiwan Semiconductor have returned approximately 42.9% year to date, underperforming the industrys gain of 44.4%. Quarter Details North America accounted for 64% of total revenues. Asia Pacific, China, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and Japan accounted for 10%, 11%, 8%, and 7% of total revenues, respectively. By application, Communication, Computer, Consumer and Industrial/Standard increased 10%, 46%, 15% and 13%, respectively. By technology, 10-nanometer (nm) process technology contributed 10% of total wafer revenues. The combined 16/20-nm contribution was 24% of total wafer revenues. Advanced technologies (28-nm and below) accounted for 57% of total wafer revenues. The company has increased 28-nm capacity to meet customer demand. N7 & N7+ Details Management noted that the 7-nm product (including N7 and N7+ products) has gained significant traction within a short span of receiving technology qualification. Taiwan Semi expects to have more than 50 new N7 product tape-outs by the end of 2018. So far, N7 yield is wellahead of the companys plan. Moreover, it continues to expect 10-nm to contribute to about 10% of wafer revenues this year. Taiwan Semi expects to have a very fast and smooth N7 ramp-up in 2018, with its yield better than the 16-nm. Management also noted that N7+ would be the most advanced foundry process in 2018. It anticipates offering EUV in second-half 2018 on N7+ and then full insertion in first-quarter 2019. Story continues Margins Per the press release, gross margin was 49.9%, down 90 basis points (bps) sequentially and 80 bps year over year. The decrease was due to margin dilution from higher 10nm contribution, partially offset by a higher level of capacity utilization. Operating margin was 38.9%, flat sequentially but down 190 bps year over year. Fourth Quarter Guidance For fourth-quarter 2017, Taiwan Semi expects revenues to be in the range of $9.10-$9.20 billion. The guidance implies 10.0% sequential growth in revenues, driven by fast increase in the availability of 10-nm mobile customer products, partially offset by continuous inventory adjustments. Gross margin is anticipated to be between 48.0% and 50.0%, while operating margin is expected to be in the range of 37- 39%. Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider Currently, Taiwan Semiconductorcarries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A few other better-ranked stocks in the broader technology sector are Applied Materials, Inc. AMAT and NVIDIA Corporation NVDA, both sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while ASML Holding ASML, holding a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can seethe complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Long-term earnings per share growth rate for Applied Materials, NVIDIA Corporation and ASML Holding N.V. is projected to be 17.1%, 10.3% and 21.4%, respectively. Wall Streets Next Amazon Zacks EVP Kevin Matras believes this familiar stock has only just begun its climb to become one of the greatest investments of all time. Its a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in pure genius. Click for details >> 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 NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) : Free Stock Analysis Report ASML Holding N.V. (ASML) : Free Stock Analysis Report Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (TSM) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research A still-smoldering cigarette sparked a fire that caused more than $130,000 damage to a Southwood Village apartment building off 27th Street and Nebraska 2 on Friday morning, fire officials said. Wind pushed the fire, reported about 8:40 a.m. on the northwest corner of the building, from the wooden deck to the wood mansard roof, Lincoln Fire Investigator Damon Robbins said. The tenant was on her way to work when she saw the smoke, returned to her building, saw the fire and got her dog out, Robbins said. The rest of the building was evacuated, and no one was hurt. Robbins estimated structural damage to the building at $120,000, and damage to the contents inside at $15,000. The woman who lives there won't be able to return for at least a week because the exposed walls do not meet housing code, Robbins said. Tenants in the apartment below will not be able to return to their unit for at least another day because of smoke damage. ISTANBUL (Reuters) - President Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey may shut its border with northern Iraq "at any moment" after closing its air space to the region, Hurriyet newspaper reported on Thursday, reviving a threat first made after Kurds there voted for independence. "We have completely closed our air space to the regional government in northern Iraq," the paper cited Erdogan as telling reporters on his plane returning from a trip to Poland. "Talks are continuing on what will be done regarding the land (border) ... We have not shut the border gates yet but this could happen too at any moment," he added. Turkey announced on Monday it was closing its air space to the semi-autonomous Kurdish region and said it would work to hand control of the main border crossing into the region to the central Iraqi government. The Habur gate is the main transit point between Turkey and Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish Regional Government. A Sept. 25 referendum, in which Kurds in northern Iraq voted overwhelmingly in favor of independence, alarmed Baghdad, Iraq's neighbors and Western powers, all of whom feared further regional conflict could arise from the vote. Subsequently Kurdish Peshmerga forces retreated to positions they held in northern Iraq in June 2014 in response to an Iraqi army advance into the region after the referendum, a senior Iraqi commander said on Wednesday. Ankara, which has been battling a three-decade insurgency in its own mainly Kurdish southeast, fears an independent Kurdish state on its borders would heighten separatist tension at home. (Reporting by Tulay Karadeniz; Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by Dominic Evans) * Senator Alexander says Trump "completely engineered" deal * Key Republican senator says bipartisan deal has "stalled" * Democrat Schumer blasts Trump's shifting stances (Adds detail from court hearing in third to last paragraph) By Yasmeen Abutaleb and Amanda Becker WASHINGTON, Oct 18 (Reuters) - A bipartisan deal from two senators to stabilize Obamacare by restoring subsidies to health insurers suffered major setbacks on Wednesday with the White House saying President Donald Trump now opposes it and senior Republicans speaking out against it. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, Senate Republican leadership member John Thune and others expressed hostility to the deal announced on Tuesday by Republican Lamar Alexander and Democrat Patty Murray. It was uncertain if it would ever come to a vote in a Congress controlled by Trump's fellow Republicans. The agreement would shore up Obamacare by reviving billions of dollars of federal subsidies to insurers for two years to help lower-income Americans obtain medical coverage. Alexander said on Wednesday that Trump had "completely engineered" the bipartisan proposal, but the president backed away from support he had expressed a day earlier. On Tuesday, Trump said the White House was involved in the negotiations and that the agreement was "a very good solution" for a short-term approach, but said on Wednesday he could "never support bailing out" insurance companies. Trump has cut off subsidies to the companies, saying Congress has not provided money for them and that they enrich insurers. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Trump did not support the deal in its current form, although she called it "a good step in the right direction." "Look, we've said all along that we want something that doesn't just bail out the insurance companies but actually provides relief for all Americans," she said at a briefing. "And this bill doesn't address that fact." Story continues BILL'S FATE AN 'OPEN QUESTION' The confusion among lawmakers in both parties over Trump's position on the healthcare deal and the lack of trust some of them have in the president come as Congress is entering a crucial period when important bills on federal spending, the U.S. debt limit and tax cuts are due for consideration. Thune said the agreement might have "stalled out" and that its future was an "open question." Republicans have a 52-48 Senate majority, but other than Alexander only a few have publicly embraced the plan, including Senators John McCain, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Mike Rounds and Bob Corker. "No way to pay for it," Hatch said. "Oh my gosh, give me a break. I appreciate the innovation and the attempt to do it right. But it doesn't help." Trump, who campaigned on a promise to get rid of Obamacare but has been frustrated by the failure of Republicans in Congress to pass legislation to do so, also made clear he wanted broader legislation to repeal and replace the law. "Lamar Alexander's working on it very hard from our side. And if something can happen, that's fine," Trump told reporters at the White House. "But I won't do anything to enrich the insurance companies. ... They've been enriched by Obamacare like nothing anybody's ever seen before." Insurers say they do not profit from the subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, former Democratic President Barack Obama's signature legislative achievement dubbed Obamacare, but pass them on directly to consumers to reduce deductibles, co-payments and other out-of-pocket medical expenses for low-income people. Ending the subsidies, which are called cost-sharing reduction payments, could create chaos in the 2018 health insurance markets set up under Obamacare. Some leading insurers, including UnitedHealth Group, Aetna Inc and Humana Inc, have largely exited those markets, citing financial losses. Others including Anthem Inc have significantly reduced their presence in the state-based markets. Ryan gave no indication of willingness to consider the Alexander-Murray agreement. "The speaker does not see anything that changes his view that the Senate should keep its focus on repeal and replace of Obamacare," Ryan spokesman Doug Andres said. 'HOW HIGH?' The proposal drew broad Democratic support. Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer ripped Trump for his shifting stances on the Alexander-Murray deal. "This president cannot govern if, whenever the hard right frightens him and says: 'Jump,' he says: "How high?'" Schumer told reporters. "The president is pointing fingers," Schumer said. "He blames (Senate Majority Leader) Mitch McConnell for obstruction. He blames the Democrats for obstruction. He's the obstructionist in chief because he cannot stick to a position." The proposal would meet some Democratic objectives, such as reviving subsidies for Obamacare and restoring $106 million in funding for a federal program that helps people enroll in insurance plans. In exchange, Republicans would get more flexibility for states to offer a wider variety of health insurance plans while maintaining the requirement that sick and healthy people be charged the same rates for coverage. Democratic attorneys general from 18 states and the District of Columbia who have filed a legal challenge to the subsidy cutoff asked a judge in California to direct the administration by Thursday to continue the payments. At a hearing on Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria in San Francisco said he would likely rule on the states' request next week. Murray, speaking to Reuters on Wednesday, said her agreement with Alexander was still very much alive. "Absolutely," Murray said. "Lamar and I are working to have a good set of co-sponsors," and hope to formally introduce it as a Senate bill on Thursday. (Reporting by Yasmeen Abutaleb and Amanda Becker; Additional reporting by Ricard Cowan, Lawrence Hurley, Jeff Mason, Makini Brice, Susan Heavey and Roberta Rampton in Washington and Dan Levine in San Francisco; Writing by Will Dunham; Editing by Bill Trott and Peter Cooney) Univision is ratcheting up its criticism of Verizon for deciding to withhold Univision news, information and services from their Hispanic subscribers by dropping the networks signal from its FiOS service in a carriage dispute. On Wednesday, the U.S. Hispanic TV network said Verizon had dropped it entirely without warning. Verizon responded in a statement contending that Univision had not come forward with an offer it considered reasonable. Later, Verizon provided Deadline with a letter sent to Chairman Ajit Pai of the Federal Communications Commission, dated Oct. 19. In the letter, Verizon claimed that Univision has consistently insisted on unreasonable terms that would raise prices and harm our customers. Verizon maintained it was willing to continue negotiations. A statement this afternoon from Univision said the network has received support from members of Congress as well as the National Hispanic Media Coalition. It linked to a letter of support from the NHMC (read it here). Our population is suffering the effects of these catastrophes because many of us have families and loved ones in Mexico and Puerto Rico and dont have news of their status or survival, Alex Nogales, president and CEO of the coalition. I advise that you put Univision back on the air while you work out your business arrangements. Anything else is detrimental to our community and Verizon risks being ostracized by Latino consumers that will not forget that at a time of crisis and need Verizon turned its back on us. In its initial statement about the standoff, Verizon said that in light of the disasters in Puerto Rico, we worked with the owners of WAPA America and TV Dominicana to make these channels available to all our customers at no additional charge. It added, in something of a tacit dig, that its customers also would still have access to networks including Telemundo, Univisions archrival. Story continues Univision is privately held. Verizon earlier today reported third-quarter earnings, which were fairly flat. During a 30-minute conference call with Wall Street analysts, the dispute with Univision was not mentioned. Related stories Verizon Reports Flat Q3 Profit, Says Plans For Live OTT Launch Still TBD Univision Goes Dark On Verizon FiOS In Carriage Dispute 'One Voice: Somos Live!' Disaster-Relief Telethon Raises $35M In Pledges - Update Seagate Technology Plc STX is scheduled to release first-quarter fiscal 2018 results on Oct 23. Last quarter, the company delivered negative earnings surprise of 34.3%. However, we note that Seagate has outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in three out of trailing four quarters. We believe that worldwide weak PC shipment will hurt earnings in the soon-to-be-reported quarter. Moreover, intense competition from Western Digital Corporation WDC and lack of significant presence in the flash market are other concerns. However, improving ramp of nearline drives, renewal of existing partnership with Baidu Inc BIDU and stringent cost control are likely to offset the negative trends. Seagates stock has declined 10% year to date, substantially underperforming the 15% rally of the industry. Weak PC Shipment Major Concern Weak PC shipment in the third quarter as evident from Gartner and IDCs recently released data is a major concern for Seagate. Both agreed that shortage of key components, including DRAM, SSD and LCD panels, is escalating PC prices, thereby thwarting overall demand. Seagate Technology PLC Price and EPS Surprise Seagate Technology PLC Price and EPS Surprise | Seagate Technology PLC Quote Seagate is a hard disk drive (HDD) manufacturer and is primarily dependent on PC sales.We note that a decline in PC shipment reflects weak demand, which doesn't bode well for the company. In the last quarter, total HDD shipment was 62.2 exabytes (EB). More importantly, HDD enterprise revenues represented 37% of total revenue. We believe that improving ramp of its 10 terabyte (TB) helium (nearline) drives is a positive. Seagate expects to ship approximately 1 million 10 TB units in the current quarter. Moreover, management has noted that the 12 TB product (shipped in June) has received excellent customer feedback. Losing HDD market Share Dents Confidence Seagate has been losing HDD market share amid significant competition from Western Digital Corporation. Despite a number of acquisitions, the company has no significant presence in the flash memory market. Story continues These factors have hurt Seagates top-line growth, which declined 9.3% in the previous quarter. Management anticipates revenues in the range of $2.5 billion to $2.6 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is currently pegged at $2.53 billion, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 9.5%. Negative Earnings ESP We believe Seagate is unlikely to deliver a positive earnings surprise in the first quarter due to an unfavorable combination of Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) and Earnings ESP of -6.43%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before theyre reported with our Earnings ESP Filter. Per our proven model, a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 to beat estimates. We also dont recommend Sell-rated stocks (Zacks Rank #4 or 5) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions. Stocks to Consider Here is a stock you may consider as our proven model shows it has the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter: NVIDIA Corporation NVDA has an Earnings ESP of +1.06% and boasts a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Wall Streets Next Amazon Zacks EVP Kevin Matras believes this familiar stock has only just begun its climb to become one of the greatest investments of all time. Its a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in pure genius. Click for details >> 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 Western Digital Corporation (WDC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Seagate Technology PLC (STX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Baidu, Inc. (BIDU) : Free Stock Analysis Report NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research The Afghan Defense Ministry says 43 soldiers have been killed and nine wounded in a Taliban attack on an army camp in the southern province of Kandahar. Ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri told RFE/RL that six soldiers were unaccounted for after the attack on the Afghan National Army base in the Maiwand district early on October 19. Only two of the soldiers stationed at the base escaped the attack unhurt. Waziri said 10 militants were killed. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the assault, the third major attack on Afghan security forces this week. The Western-backed government in Kabul is struggling to beat back insurgents in the wake of the exit of most NATO forces in 2014. A local security official told RFE/RL that a suicide bomber detonated a car filled with explosives near the base, before a number of gunmen launched an assault against the facility. The official, who was speaking on condition of anonymity, said the militants failed to overrun the base as reinforcement arrived at the scene. Some reports said there were two suicide bombings. Elsewhere in Afghanistan, six police officers were killed in an ambush in the northern Balkh Province late on October 18, according to Shir Jan Durani, a spokesman for the provincial police chief. In the western province of Farah, the authorities said that militants attacked a government compound in the Shibkho district, killing at least three police officers. The Taliban also claimed responsibility for the two attacks, which came after the extremist group launched two separate suicide and gun assaults on government forces on October 17 that left at least 80 people dead and about 300 others wounded, including soldiers, police officers, and civilians. The attacks targeted a police compound in the southeastern city of Gardez, capital of Paktia Province bordering Pakistan, and a security compound in the neighboring province of Ghazni. U.S. President Donald Trump recently unveiled a strategy to try to defeat the militants, and officials said more than 3,000 additional U.S. troops were being sent to Afghanistan to reinforce the 11,000 already stationed there. A militant leader blamed for several deadly bombings in Pakistan has been killed in a U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan, a spokesman for the extremist group has confirmed. Asad Mansoor, a spokesman for the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA) militant group, on October 19 told the Reuters news agency by telephone that the leader, Omar Khalid Khorasani, died earlier in the day. "Our leaderwas wounded in one of the recent drone strikes in Afghanistan. He was wounded badly, and today he was martyred," the spokesman said. Eight other senior commanders of JuA were also reportedly killed in the drone strike on Khorasani. The Pentagon has not yet officially commented on the report. Khorasani was an alleged organizer of a December 2014 terrorist attack on a Peshawar school that killed 147 people, most of them children. The JuA, a splinter group of the Pakistani Taliban, also claimed responsibility for the 2016 bombing on Easter Sunday that killed 70 people, many of them Christians, in the Pakistani city of Lahore. The JuA split from the Tehrik-e Taliban (TTP) militant group in 2014 and the faction voiced support for the Islamic State (IS) extremist group. The split came when Khorasani and his associates in Pakistans Mohmand tribal region publicly accused the TTP leader in Pakistan's Swat Valley, Maulana Fazlulah, of deviating from the TTPs strict Islamic fundamentalist ideology. Based on reporting by Reuters, Samaa TV, Pakistan Today, Dawn, and VOA SAN DIEGO, Oct. 19, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ziyen Energy, a division of Ziyen Inc., completes compositional analysis for first oil contract petroleum sample. Geological reports compiled by Adena Resources LLC indicate 62,265 bbl (barrels) of proven oil reserves and 715,000 bbl of probable oil reserves (valued in excess of $36 million) in Ziyen Energys recently acquired oil lease. Ziyen recently enlisted the services of Core Laboratories (UK), Petroleum Services Division in September to perform a compositional analysis of an oil sample sourced from the oil lease in Evansville, Indiana. High level points: The reserve is a nice light crude, lacking any toxic, erosion or corrosion agents which will mean that our topside equipment should be easily maintained with a proper preventative maintenance regime. The hydrocarbon ranging between C7 and C20 will minimize processing costs (no additional process complexity from H2S, waxes, etc.), which means reaching premium as far as an unrefined crude goes. There is nothing evident to suggest any other issue from the well product that could impact the ability to deliver to sales or flow with high availability: low water cut and minimized C2 - C4's: no hydrate issue, C36+'s are 7% mole weight so not much heavy end sludge (C60+), no amines, negligible benzene mean lower processing costs. Low density, means that flow rates should be optimal In summary, the news was exceptional. Ziyen Energy plans to use of the latest oil extraction methods for each wellfor oil which is compositionally of a high grade light crude which will ensure oil production and output will reach optimal operational levels. The full report may be found here on our recent 253G2 Filing at the SEC. Core Laboratories has over 70 offices in more than 50 countries located in major oil-producing provinces, Core Laboratories provides services to the world's major, national, and independent oil companies. Core Laboratories' reservoir optimization technologies are used to increase total recovery from existing fields and enable clients to optimize reservoir performance and maximize hydrocarbon recovery from their producing fields. For more information visit www.corelab.com/ Shane Fraser, Director of Oil Intelligence at Ziyen Inc., said, It is great news back from Corelabs confirming we have high grade nice light crude. As expected there was minimal water from the sample, however true water cut of each well will not be known until we have flowed each well for a significant period. Moving forward we will carry on with our plan to free flow and carry out well tests on each well to create good history of each well. About Ziyen Inc. Founded in 2016, Ziyen Inc. is a Scottish-American company developing cutting edge procurement software to provide clients with industry specific government and private contracts via procurement portals. In 2017, Ziyen diversified, instating the Ziyen Energy Division, with intent to produce oil in the U.S. with advanced extraction methods and technology implemented and guided by career experts in the oil and gas industry. In June 2017, Ziyen acquired the mineral rights to its first oil field in Indiana. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) qualified Ziyen Inc. under Tier One of Regulation A+ in Oct, 2016. Ziyen plans to go public to the markets with an IPO targeted for early 2018. For more information visit www.ziyen.com About Granite PR Founded in 2008, Aberdeen-based Granite PR offers the full spectrum of PR services with an emphasis on the energy, technology, hospitality, food and drink, professional services and healthcare sectors. The company has developed strong links in domestic and overseas markets, particularly the US and Scandinavia, and these have been enhanced by Granite PRs Gateway series of business events which encourage trade between key locations. For more information visit www.granitepr.co.uk Forward Looking Statements: Certain statements in this press release including, but not limited to, statements related to anticipated commencement of commercial production, targeted pricing, performance goals, and statements that otherwise relate to future periods are forward-looking statements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, which are described in more detail in the Company's periodic reports filed with the SEC - specifically the most recent reports which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made and based on information available to the company on the date of this press release. Ziyen Inc. assumes no obligation to update the information in this press release. Contact: Brett Jackson Managing Director Granite PR info@granitepr.co.uk The Nebraska Court of Appeals has affirmed Jonathan Camp's conviction and 14-day jail sentence for violating a protection order by sending a photo and video of his son to the boy's mother. But Friday, he hadn't yet been given a date to report to the Lancaster County jail. And his attorney, Bob Creager, said he was likely to seek further review of the decision. In this week's opinion, the appellate court rejected Camp's claim that he didn't knowingly violate the protection order because he thought he was permitted to send text messages about his son. That language was in a proposed order that never was approved. Plus, Creager argued, it was texts about the boy, not Camp. But Judge Michael Pirtle wrote that the texts clearly were communications from Camp, who admitted to police he had sent them. Lincoln police arrested Camp in March 2015 for sending two text messages, Feb. 27 and Feb. 28. At a bench trial, a Lancaster County Court judge found Camp guilty of the protection order violation. While they weren't rude or threatening, the texts did violate a protection order granted Sept. 11, 2014, that ordered him to have no contact with the woman. The judge sentenced Camp to the jail term but allowed him to post bond during the appeal. In June 2016, a Lancaster County District judge affirmed the judgment and sentence. Camp appealed again. He is the son of Lincoln City Councilman Jon Camp and Chief U.S. District Judge Laurie Smith Camp. Nollywood actor, Mofe Duncan, has revealed how some Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officer caused his sister to have an auto accident in Abuja. The actor took to social media to explain how the accident occurred. In his Instagram post, he said that his sister was driving to work when she was stopped by an officer of FRSC because she had a phone in her hand. He claimed that his sister who is an OAP wasn't using the said phone which made her question the officer if it was a crime to hold a phone while driving. His sister, Matilda Duncan, however navigated away from the officer towards her office, only for him to double cross her on a bend. Her application of the car breaks made her car flip off the road causing great damage to her car but she and her personal assistant came out alive. READ ALSO: Single mother shares heartbreaking story of how she survived horrible accident (photos) Read his post below; "Yesterday around 1:30PM, my sister was involved in a road accident caused by FRSC unit. As she left the bank around financial district Abuja, she was flagged down by an FRSC rider, she stopped and asked why she was being stopped, he replied "You were holding ur phone in your hand.", she replied "For real, please I am late for work, since when as it been a crime to hold your phone? Was I using the phone?" . He replied, "No but you were holding it.". She found this very amusing and navigated away from the rider and headed down the road towards her office at Silverbird galleria Abuja. The unit, one rider and a pick up followed her. The rider yelling at her to stop and hitting her window. She was due to be on radio at 2PM, she said "Stop hitting my car, follow me to my office and we can sort this out.". The rider then double crossed her on the bend and applied his brakes, Matilda had to swerve to avoid him and she hit the curb and her car flipped twice. Immediately this happened, the rider and the unit took off. FRSC... Federal Road Safety.... ROAD... SAFETY... ran, leaving the mangled car with my sister and her P.A. inside. They ran. If not for onlookers who rushed to get them out, I wonder what my narrative would've been. READ ALSO: Mofe Duncan celebrates second wedding anniversary with wife She is fine. @matilda_duncan is alive and well, shaken up but no fatal injuries. Whiplashed from the seat belt and slight headaches from the tumble of the car but God is good and merciful. She and her P.A. walked out unscathed. This is the decadence of our authorities, endangering the lives of people for a miserly N2000 you might receive if you're lucky. WHY? It is well, God pass them." See the picture of the car below; The car Matilda Duncan was driving (Source: mofeduncan/Instagram) PAY ATTENTION: Get all the latest gossips on NAIJ News App Meanwhile, a young Nigerian man identified as Ejike Odera Adirieje has thanked God for rescuing him from a terrible accident. My life after the plane crash, Nigerian plane crash survivor Kechi Okwuchi speaks - On Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng One product to protect all your devices, without slowing them down. University of Kansas is the latest victim of a cybersecurity breach which may lead to further problems in the higher education sector. University of Kansas professors are concerned their data may be at risk, after an engineering student used a keylogger to change his failing grades to straight As, after stealing their login credentials to the grading platform. Although the hack occurred in the 2016-2017 academic year, university administrators failed to inform the faculty who only found out about the hack last week in a meeting with the dean of the School of Engineering. He may never even have gotten caught, but he got greedy, said Ron Barrett-Gonzalez, professor of aerospace engineering at KU and president of the KU chapter of the American Association of University Professors. It does look a little suspicious when you are on academic probation and the deans honor roll at the same time. Keystroke loggers are cheap and easy to get on the web for less than $50. Because they record any information typed on the computer, University of Kansas professors are concerned their data has been exposed, allowing hackers to tamper with their private information such as Social Security Numbers, log in credentials for the human resources platform and bank accounts. A person could change the routing number on payroll direct deposit and have a faculty members payroll dumped into a different account, Barrett-Gonzalez added. The students behavior transcends student conduct violation and goes into criminal. It is a security breach. 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 However, some of those same reports emphasized warnings of further escalation in the regimes crackdown on Khatami and other affiliates of the reformist wing. In placing guards outside his home, the regime has now subjected Khatami to what at least one official news outlet referred to as temporary house arrest. And this naturally gives rise to concerns among Khatamis supporters that the campaign against him could rise to the level of more permanent house arrest, like that which has been given to Green Movement leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi. The two figures who were at the center of the nationwide protests against the disputed reelection of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009 were placed under house arrest two years later and have remained there ever since. Neither man has been presented with official charges or a defined sentence, despite their requests for a public trial. In August, the 80-year-old Karroubi staged a hunger strike demanding the removal of Intelligence Ministry agents from his home, ahead of a public trial. After being hospitalized almost immediately, Karroubi ended his hunger strike when regime officials promised to remove the agents from his home; but they would not consider the latter demand. The Center for Human Rights in Iran noted on Thursday that Mousavis daughter had written an open letter accusing Iranian authorities of hoping and planning for the gradual death of Mousavi, Karroubi, and Mousavis wife Zahra Rahnavard, who is being held under house arrest alongside her husband. Their communication with the outside world has been completely cut off and they have been put under all kinds of restrictions that violate their human rights and dignity, the letter explained. Their most natural rights, such as access to medical care, are delayed for as long as possible so that the abuse impacts their health. The CHRI report added that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has ordered that release for the three political prisoners cannot be considered until they apologize for their role in the 2009 protests, which the regime refers to as the sedition. The Intelligence Ministry and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps contributed to the violent repression of those demonstrations, leading to dozens of deaths and the long-term imprisonment of hundreds of Iranian activists. The regimes response to the Green Movement also apparently sparked a broader crackdown on dissent that is still ongoing to this day. The restrictions on Khatami can easily be viewed as a symptom of that crackdown, which has also been prosecuted by the Intelligence Ministry and especially the IRGC. The hardline paramilitary organization reportedly wields increasingly much influence over the supposedly independent Iranian judiciary, which the Washington Post report described as summoning growing numbers of people for questioning, without evidence of crime. Of course, these summons and the IRGC influence in general have led to various arrests and convictions for peaceful activities. On Thursday, an article detailed some recent examples of this phenomenon, specifically as they relate to the crackdown on independent journalism. In the first place, the article indicates that the reformist journalist Saroush Farhadian had received a one-year prison sentence for his political campaign work ahead of the parliamentary and presidential elections that took place earlier this year. It is the second time he has been convicted of propaganda against the regime, the first coming after he criticized the house arrests. Evidence from the first case was reportedly re-used in the second, less than three months after the previous verdict was finalized by a court of appeals. Those three months roughly line up with the time during which two other reform-minded journalists have been held in temporary detention. Sasan Aghaei and Yaghma Fakhshami have been given no notice of formal charges during that time and they remain in jail where they are barred from receiving family visits. All of this is fairly typical of political detention in Iran, and it is generally assumed that authorities are attempting to exert pressure on the two journalists, among others, for false confessions upon which to build a case after the fact. The IranWire report also highlights the ways in which regime authorities use the push-back against this sort of repression in order to justify still further crackdowns. As an example, it cites Amad News, a popular channel on the Telegram messaging app, which has become a prominent tool for activists in Iran. Amad News describes itself as part of the Green Movement, and it has been accordingly criminalized. But authorities have evidently taken to asserting affiliation between that channel and reformist journalists of every stripe, in order to more easily build cases against them. This, of course, speaks to the fact that independent journalists as a whole are subject to persecution by the Iranian regime. And just as this persecution has escalated in recent years, so has the persecution of other targeted groups, including religious minorities and dual nationals. Another recent report noted that more than 20 members of the Bahai religious minority are known to have been arrested this month alone, on the basis of nothing other than their faith. The article emphasizes one case in which a Bahai mother and father were taken from their home in a raid by the IRGC, which left the couples seven year old child alone in the house until relatives arrived from hundreds of miles away. This disregard for the welfare of children in the midst of targeted crackdowns in reminiscent of the case of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, an Iranian-British charity worker who was apparently targeted for arrest in April of last year based solely on her Western citizenship. The arrest made her one of several symbols of Western infiltration in propaganda spearheaded by the IRGC. The incident also involved Tehran effectively kidnapping Zaghari-Ratcliffes two-year-old daughter, who was traveling with her as they visited family in Iran. The childs passport was confiscated and she remains in the care of her grandparents, unable to return to her father in the UK. The Center for Human Rights in Iran reported anew on Zaghari-Ratcliffes case on Thursday, quoting her husband Richard Ratcliffe as saying that Iranian authorities were deliberately exaggerating her Britishness and her connections to British media in an effort to compel British authorities to negotiate for her release. Zaghari-Ratcliffe previously worked for the BBC, but only in a minor role as part of its charitable division. Tehran, however, has claimed that she worked for BBC Farsi and oversaw training of individuals for propaganda activities against Iran. These statements illustrate the fact that among Iranian hardliners, affiliations with Western media stand alongside affiliations with non-Muslim religions or the Green Movement as reasons, in and of themselves, for arrest, prosecution, and punishment. And Trump is not the only leader that is rethinking its foreign policies. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of Turkey, was in Iran very recently. He and Hassan Rouhani, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, released a joint statement advising that their two countries and Iraq will be working together to ensure that political boundaries of the region would not change by any means. Only a day after the statement was made, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry in Iraq said that the government has informed Turkey and Iran that they should order their forces to Iraqi borders and to ensure that all trade deals with the Kurds are ended. There is so much unease in Iraq that it is looking to Turkey and Iran to pressure the Kurds. Over the past few years there have been tensions between the three countries, so it comes as a surprise to see them working together. Turkey and Iraq in particular have been involved in political disputes like in 2015 when there was tension regarding the deployment of Turkish troops in Iraq before approval was granted. Iran and Turkey, despite not having any overt political disagreements, are both looking for domination in the Middle East and have very differing longstanding interests there. The most obvious difference is with regards to Syria where they support opposing sides Iran supports the Syrian President Bashar al Assad, whereas Turkey is trying to topple him. Since the coup detat against Saddam Hussein, the former President of Iraq, Iran and Iraq have a close Shiite connection. However, it must be noted that there is a deeply rooted resentment and bitterness between Persians and Arabs that goes back a long way and it explains why Iraq wanted rapprochement with Saudi Arabia after Kuwait was annexed by Iraq. Iraq was once very powerful in the region but it is now extremely weak following sectarian conflict and numerous Iranian interventions. Following the referendum in Kurdistan, Turkey is worried that letting Iraqi Kurds declare independence could encourage others in the region to do so. And with the United States threatening to pull out of the nuclear deal, Iran is also in a bad situation because it could spell the start of more crippling economic sanctions. The second big issue for Iran is the Kurds in Iran if they decide to hold a referendum. Will an Iran-Turkey alliance work? It is doubtful, especially in the long-run that it will work. Turkey is taking preventive measures in Syria against the Kurds. The US is supporting the Kurds. And Iran is trying to prevent any Kurd movement at home. So Turkey and Iran are not ready to deal with a Kurdish movement. Iran is also being pressured by the US which will be reviewing the nuclear deal and Trump has said that Iran is responsible for chaos in the region. It looks like Iran will be the reason for the eventual unravelling of this partnership because of the pressure it is under. In its latest threat, an official said that if the countrys Islamic Revolutionary Guards Crops (IRGC) is designated as a terrorist organisation by the United States, the regime would have no other option but to deal with the US in the same way that it has been dealing with ISIS. This is the perfect example of Irans distorted vision of itself. But does it really believe that Iran defeated ISIS and removed it from Syria and Iraq? Where do the Iraqis and the supporting coalition forces led by the US come into Irans twisted version of the story? If ISIS had been given the opportunity to continue on its rampage across the region without international intervention, it would have not only taken Baghdad in Iraq, but it would have undoubtedly have headed straight for Tehran and on to Qom as it did with Mosul. However, the international community stepped in. Thankfully. If the US Air Force and all the joint forces had not intervened, ISIS would have gone to the Islamic Republic. The Iranian military is all talk. It has a few missiles of very poor quality that have been made using technology from North Korea. They would have a hard time hitting targets. he Iranian military would never have been able to fight and defeat ISIS on its own. It nearly had control of Assads forces along with the Iranian-backed militias and the notorious Hezbollah. To ensure that ISIS did not defeat Assads side and take over Damascus, Russia had to intervene with its air forces. So how can the Iranian military have the nerve to threaten one of the strongest militaries in the world when it has almost just been crushed by a terrorist group! The Iranian regime is very keen on pretending that its military strength is much stronger than it really is. It likes to make a huge show of any victories and will claim achievements that are not its own. One explanation to Irans over-exaggerated bravado is that thanks to the Obama administration, Iran really does believe that it is a regional power. Former President Barack Obama failed to stand up to the Iranian regime and he let it get away with its destruction across the Middle East with no consequences. Obama was too scared to take any strong, decisive and effective action that would have made a difference to the situation in the region. For this reason, the Iranian regime got its strength. It had power over one of the world powers. Yet, this itself does not make Iran a strong country. Its military is weak and is not capable of surviving any battles without outside help. Hatem El-Gamasy owns Lotus Deli, a small business in Queens, New York. His store sells sandwiches, coffee, beer, cigarettes and other products. El-Gamasy, an Egyptian-American, is known as Timmy to his customers. But to people thousands of kilometers east of New York, he is considered someone knowledgeable about United States foreign policy and the Middle East. He has spoken about those and other subjects on Egyptian television. El-Gamasy worked as an English teacher in Egypt before moving to the U.S. nearly 20 years ago. He attended Teaching English as a Second Language classes at St. John's University in New York. He started working at an eatery to pay for his studies, food and housing. Eventually, he got married and bought his own store. Over the years, El-Gamasy had written opinion pieces. But Egyptian broadcasters generally ignored his commentaries. That changed last year. Many experts thought Hillary Clinton would become the next U.S. president. But El-Gamasy predicted that Donald Trump would win the presidential election. Nile TV, an Egyptian television station, heard about the prediction and spoke with El-Gamasy. After the interview, other broadcasters and news agencies began to contact him. In September, The New York Times newspaper published a story on El-Gamasy. It provided details of his day job to the whole world. Some internet discussion boards described his experience as an example of the "American Dream" the idea that hard work leads to good things. But news operations and social media forums across the Middle East were critical of El-Gamasy. They questioned his credibility. In the month since The Times' story, Egyptian TV stations that used his commentary the most CBC eXtra News, ONtvLIVE, and Nile News stopped calling. "Oh, the political analyst Mr. Gamasy is just a sandwich guy; he's a pancake guy; he's this and this, nothing else," El-Gamasy said. "As if owning a small business is something I should be ashamed of I have nothing to regret." When he's not working at his store or discussing politics, El-Gamasy spends hours working on his poetry and short stories. He recently published a book in English. El-Gamasy says one of his favorite books is Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist. "It [the Alchemist] teaches you, like, If you have a dream, don't give up on it. You need to pursue that dream." El-Gamasy still follows White House and Department of State briefings on foreign policy. "Politics is like a running river," he said. "Nothing stops." Whether more opportunities arise or not, El-Gamasy says he has already found success as a small business owner "in one of the greatest cities" on earth. Im John Russell. Ramon Taylor reported on this story for VOANews.com. John Russell adapted his report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story discussion board n. a public computer system on the Internet that lets people read and leave messages for other users (also called message board) customer n. someone who purchases a product or service interview n. a meeting at which people talk to each other in order to get information opportunity n. a chance sandwich n. two pieces of bread with something between them Spain has called for a special cabinet meeting on Saturday that could start a process that would take away local powers from Catalonia. Spains Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy made the move after Catalonias leader wrote that the autonomous area would seek independence unless the two sides began talks. Catalonias leader Carles Puigdemont sent a letter to the Spanish prime minister shortly before a time limit for clarifying his position on secession. If the State Government persists in blocking dialogue and the repression continues, the Parliament of Catalonia will proceed, if deemed appropriate, to vote on the formal declaration of independence, he wrote. Rajoys office answered by announcing a special cabinet meeting that would discuss putting Article 155 of Spains constitution into effect. A government statement said, the meeting will approve the measures that will be sent to the Senate to protect the general interests of all Spaniards. The law gives Spains government the power to take away some or all of the areas powers of self-rule. The article has never been used since Spain approved its democratic constitution in 1978. Disputed independence vote Voters in Catalonia approved independence in a disputed referendum held on October 1 called for by the Catalan leader. However, opponents said they would boycott the vote and fewer than half of voters took part. The government in Madrid considered the referendum an illegal act and sent police to block voting. Hundreds of people were injured in clashes with police. The government added that many police officers also were injured. Last week, Puigdemont appeared to declare independence in a speech to parliament. However, he suspended official steps for a parliamentary vote. Instead, he called for talks on the issue. Wanting clarification on the question of secession, Rajoys government asked the Catalan leader to answer yes or no by Monday. The government also gave Puigdemont until Thursday to pull back from an independence claim. In addition, the government said it would delay Article 155 if the Catalan separatist leader called for immediate elections in Catalonia to reestablish legal order. However, Catalan officials have not accepted that request. Europe watching closely At a meeting of European Union leaders, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the EU was watching events closely. We hope that there will be solutions that can be found on the basis of the Spanish constitution, she said. French President Emanuel Macron called for discussions of the crisis. He also has expressed support for Rajoy and called for unity at the EU meeting. However, some European leaders oppose formal discussions of the situation. They say it is an internal issue for Spain. Catalonia is one of 17 autonomous areas in Spain. The area has its own parliament and president. It also represents about one fifth of Spains economy and one seventh of its population. The city of Barcelona, the second largest in Spain, is an important center of technology, industry and tourism. The area has a history of seeking independence for hundreds of years and carried out a referendum in 2014. Andrew Dowling is an expert in Catalan history at Cardiff University in Wales. He said an independence declaration by Catalonia would only be symbolic without control over government institutions and borders. He said Catalonia might already have seen the economic results of the dispute. Spains Association of Commercial Registers says 700 companies have moved their registration addresses out of the region. They include Catalan banks and large to medium-sized businesses. Im Jill Robbins. I'm Mario Ritter. Chris Hannas reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English with additional materials from the AP. Hai Do was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story autonomous adj. have elements of self-rule, acting separately secession n. to withdraw from a nation or state referendum n. a vote on a single issue or law by the public clarification n. the process of explaining for better understanding internal adj. taking place inside symbolic adj. something that may serve as a sign, but has no real effect We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. La Tanya Thomas said she learned about a week in advance that an arrest was likely coming this month in connection with the Dec. 3, 2010, disappearance of her daughter, Peru State College student Tyler "Ty" Thomas. Still, La Tanya Thomas wasn't prepared when a Nebraska Attorney Generals Office staff member called Tuesday to tell her that Joshua Keadle, long ago identified as a suspect, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder. "I thought I would be ready for it, Thomas, of Omaha, said in a phone interview Thursday. After realizing they did make an arrest, I had to say it over and over, that they did make an arrest. And I sat still for a minute and I shared it with some family members that just happened to be with me at the time, and I made some phone calls and text messages and let everybody know. "And it finally started sinking in. It was really just an emotional day. Keadle, currently imprisoned at Lincoln Correctional Center on a sex assault conviction, is scheduled to make his initial appearance on the murder charge in Nemaha County Court on Oct. 26. I plan to attend as much as I can, La Tanya Thomas said. Investigators believe that Keadle, 36, who was also a Peru State student in 2010, killed Ty Thomas after he spotted her leaving an off-campus party alone early that December morning and drove her in his SUV to the nearby Missouri River. Ty Thomas body has never been found. Days after her disappearance, and after several interviews in which he provided different stories to investigators, Keadle said that he left Thomas at the rivers edge after she threatened to accuse him of raping her, according to the affidavit for his arrest. Though he has been either jailed or imprisoned since days after Thomas disappearance, he had never been charged in connection with her death. His arrest is the latest step for La Tanya Thomas, who first learned her daughter was missing on the afternoon of Dec. 3, 2010. She had been out grocery shopping with Ty in mind, buying her 19-year-old daughters favorite foods in preparation for her return home for the holidays. I immediately knew something was wrong, because there's no time where you just didn't know where she was, La Tanya Thomas said. One of us (always) knew where she was, so I knew something was really wrong. The effort to prosecute Keadle accelerated over the past year, following meetings La Tanya Thomas attended with Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson and attorney Vince Powers, who represented Ty Thomas parents in a wrongful death suit that resulted in a symbolic $2.6 billion jury verdict against Keadle. I just wanted something to be done, she said. I just wanted somebody to find out what happened and just to take the case and solve it. Just an outcome. I need some things to be answered. There's things that I want to know and I know others want to know. More importantly, I just wanted to know somebody else felt the same way I did, and they expressed that overtly throughout the time we had conversations that they felt the same way. A spokeswoman with the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office said Tuesday there would be no further comment on the case other than the news release announcing Keadles arrest on the murder charge. Powers said Tuesday that, had prosecutors not gone forward with the case, he promised Thomas family that he would gather petition signatures from Nemaha County residents in an effort to call a grand jury and potentially charge Keadle. La Tanya Thomas said her emotions have remained mixed in the days since Keadles arrest, as have those of friends and family who have reached out since learning the news. Most of what I hear from people is that they're happy, but not happy for you, she said. They're happy that something is going forward and finally, basically, it's getting started. But still, it's a murder case. "Every day is different. It's just day-to-day. I have a lot of good days and then there's a lot of times where it's just hard to keep it together. And I do let myself fall apart and I just get myself back together. I believe in allowing yourself to feel that emotion rather than to hide it." PLDT Inc. provides telecommunications and digital services in the Philippines. It operates through three segments: Wireless, Fixed Line, and Others. The company offers cellular mobile, Internet broadband distribution, operations support, software development, and satellite information and messaging services; and sells Wi-Fi access equipment. It also provides fixed line telecommunications services; business infrastructure and solutions; intelligent data processing and implementation, and data analytics insight generation services; and information and communications infrastructure for Internet-based services, e-commerce, customer relationship management, and information technology (IT) related services. In addition, the company offers managed IT outsourcing, Internet-based purchasing, IT consulting and professional, bills printing and other related value-added, and air transportation services; distributes Filipino channels and content services; and provides full-services customer rewards and loyalty programs. Further, it engages in the sale of mobile handsets, broadband data routers, tablets, and accessories, as well as provides domestic leased lines and alternative messaging solutions, such as over-the-top services, social media, and messenger application. As of December 31, 2021, it had 71,221,952 mobile broadband subscribers; 3,619,372 fixed line subscribers; and 2.8 million broadband subscribers. The company was formerly known as Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company and changed its name to PLDT Inc. in July 2016. PLDT Inc. was incorporated in 1928 and is headquartered in Makati City, the Philippines. Credit: Rice University As of 2016 there were more than 165,000 health and wellness apps available though the Apple App Store alone. According to Rice University medical media expert Kirsten Ostherr, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates only a fraction of those. Americans should be concerned about how these apps collect, save and share their personal health data, she said. On Oct. 26 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will host a gathering of national experts to discuss "Data Privacy in the Digital Age." Ostherr, who is a professor of English and director of Rice's Medical Futures Lab, has been doing research on health and medical media for over 20 years, from "old" media like celluloid films used for medical education to "new" media like smartphone apps. She will present "Trust and Privacy in the Ecosystems of User-Generated Health and Medical Data" during a panel discussion. "Members of the general public, including patients, have begun to play a newly important role in collecting data about health and disease," Ostherr said. "With the rise of mobile apps and the growth of smartphone and wearable-device use, people's daily lives have become experiments 'in the wild.'" The data collected through these devices offer new opportunities and challenges to researchers who want to gather information about human behavior outside the controlled settings of lab-based studies, she said. However, what the researchers can achieve with the user-generated health data relies heavily on participants' willingness to share their data, even when doing so may not serve their own best interests. "Part of my research is looking at ways the boundaries between medical and nonmedical environments are dissolving through the proliferation of apps that allow people to manage their own care outside of clinical settings," she said. "In some ways those boundaries are breaking down because a lot of things that used to only happen inside of hospitals can happen outside of them now." Federal and state policy regulations that shape how personal health data is shared are currently in place. They set rigid boundaries between traditional clinical settings or "medical domains" and domains outside of traditional clinical settings, Ostherr said. But depending on how an app is classified by the FDA, the health-related data an app collects might not be protected. She said apps that make medical or therapeutic claims are considered a medical device and must go through the FDA procedures for approval and regulation. For some companies, that process is worth the time and effort, because their product could become covered by insurance. But the vast majority of apps provide "helpful hints" in response to user-entered data, such as ideas for alleviating symptoms of a migraine. "If your app carefully sidesteps claiming any kind of medical intervention, then it's a health and wellness app and not a medical deviceand it is not regulated," Ostherr said. Regardless of whether an app is regulated, Ostherr said, they are all "capturing tons of personal data, some of which would be classified as personal health information if it were subject to oversight by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act." And, she said, the likelihood that the data from the unregulated health apps makes its way back into a medical setting where a patient could benefit from a physician's review of that data is "almost nil." Parents often want to talk about negative themes they see in movies, like drugs or violence, and they absolutely should, Victoria Heasley said. But its also important to talk about positive themes, like how the characters worked together to solve a problem. If you talk about the negative while also capitalizing on the positive, it can be a very productive discussion. Credit: iStock Photo / andresr Movies send many messages. Children may see Elsa save Anna with sisterly love in "Frozen," only to watch Voldemort bully Harry in the "Harry Potter" series. According to a group of Penn State researchers, the best way for children to benefit from both the positive and negative themes they see in movies is through coviewing, or watching and discussing the film with a parent or other adult. In a study, the researchers analyzed popular children's movies and ranked their most common positive and negative themes. While the most common positive theme was the importance of helping and protecting others, the use of guns and other weapons topped the list of negative themes. Victoria Heasley, a medical student in the Penn State College of Medicine, said she and the other researcherswho published the results in Clinical Pediatricswanted to highlight how children can gain powerful insights from both the positive and negative themes in movies with the help of coviewing. "Parents often want to talk about negative themes they see in movies, like drugs or violence, and they absolutely should," Heasley said. "But it's also important to talk about positive themes, like how the characters worked together to solve a problem. If you talk about the negative while also capitalizing on the positive, it can be a very productive discussion." Previous research has shown that positive messages in movies can be boost cooperation, empathy and other traits in young viewers. But the American Academy of Pediatrics also warns that violence in the media could result in aggression and bullying, among other ill effects. Robert Olympia, professor of emergency medicine and pediatrics in the Penn State College of Medicine, said he hoped that by getting a clearer snapshot of the themes in popular children's movies, it would help parents make better decisions about what their kids watch while ensuring the kids also learn some valuable life lessons. The researchers narrowed the study's focus to 45 of the top-grossing films from 2005 to 2015. They selected 15 G-rated movies, 15 PG-rated movies and 15 PG-13-rated movies before creating a list of themes they would track in each film. The researchers then analyzed each movie and ranked the results. Across all 45 movies, the top three positive themes were the importance of helping and protecting others, collaboration and working as a team, and standing up for what you believe in. The top three negative themes were the use of guns and other weapons, acts of violence or physical altercations, and demonstrating excessive anger. "Although many studies have focused on negative themes associated with popular films, such as violence, drug use and sexual activity, our study shows that top grossing films expose children to positive themes as well," Olympia said. "It's important to talk to children about the good and the bad." Parents can address negative themes by asking questions like, "Did a character bully another character? Why is bullying bad? What would you do if you saw someone bullied?" Positive themes can be addressed with such questions as, "Did a character stand up for what they believed in? What is something you believe in and would fight for?" Olympia said that coviewing is essential to help children retain important messages and build key skills. "This method encourages the development of critical thinking and internally regulated values, and has been shown to decrease aggressive behavior, substance use and early sexual behavior in adolescents," Olympia said. "While pediatric health care providers frequently recommend restriction and monitoring of media time, the promotion of coviewing and active mediation would allow parents and guardians to be involved in the development of their children." Heasley said coviewing can also be a way for parents to capitalize on the positive traits of a character their child particularly admires. "Sometimes coviewing helps them make that connection between a character they try to emulate and the positive messages they represent," Heasley said. "Coviewing is really like an active discussion, and it allows a parent or other adult to pull out these positive themes and it makes the child actually think about what they saw and reinforces that positive theme." Tonya King, associate professor; Christina Li, medical student; Jack Fatica, medical student; Jessica Magdeburger, medical student; and Jane Trinkkeller, medical student, also participated on this research. More information: Victoria L. Heasley et al. Themes Associated With Top-Grossing Films Released From 2005 to 2015, Clinical Pediatrics (2017). Victoria L. Heasley et al. Themes Associated With Top-Grossing Films Released From 2005 to 2015,(2017). DOI: 10.1177/0009922817730347 According to a recent study, parental support for the autonomy of young people promotes the well-being of the latter in all major educational transitions: from primary to lower secondary school, from basic education to upper secondary school, and from upper secondary school to university. Professor Katariina Salmela-Aro points out that autonomy support provided by mothers and fathers prevented depression during all three transitions and increased the self-esteem of youths in the final two transitions. The study was performed with funding from the Academy of Finland. The relevance of the result increased with the age of the young person in question. "In the past, it was thought that parents only play an important role during childhood, but this research demonstrates their importance during adolescence and even young adulthood," says Salmela-Aro. For a long period, the importance of self-regulation only was highlighted with regard to well-being and success in life. However, the new results indicate that people have a strong interactive and regulative effect on each other's well-being. Parenting affects youngsters' well-being, but the well-being of young people also affects that of their parents. Young people play a greater role in affecting parental support than previously thought. When a young person's performance declines, parents provide less support for their autonomy. "However, from the perspective of young peoples' well-being, it would be important for parents to provide more support in such cases, because autonomy support has been shown to reduce depression," says Salmela-Aro. Corresponding studies have generally been performed as cross-sectional research. The study included around 2,000 Finnish young people whose educational paths and well-being were investigated by the researchers during all educational transitions. More information: Jasper J. Duineveld et al, The link between perceived maternal and paternal autonomy support and adolescent well-being across three major educational transitions., Developmental Psychology (2017). Journal information: Developmental Psychology Jasper J. Duineveld et al, The link between perceived maternal and paternal autonomy support and adolescent well-being across three major educational transitions.,(2017). DOI: 10.1037/dev0000364 Credit: sudok1 / fotolia When terminally ill patients wish to hasten death by fasting, should physicians assist them to do so? LMU ethicist Ralf Jox argues that voluntary stopping of eating and drinking is often equivalent to assisted suicide, and that the practice should be regulated. Many people suffering from debilitating and incurable illnesses or elderly patients who are frail and incapacitated sometimes choose to stop eating and drinking as a means to hasten their death. The decision is often accompanied by a request for medical assistance to ease the distress that can ensue after stopping eating and drinking. According to a new study on the ethical evaluation of these situations, the presumption that death by voluntary fasting can be viewed as 'natural' is flawed. "Dying by voluntary stopping eating and drinking (VSED) is a form of suicide, and the provision of medical assistance towards that end would, at least in some cases, be equivalent to suicide assistance," says medical ethicist Ralf Jox, Assistant Professor at the Institute for the Ethics, History and Theory of Medicine at LMU Munich. This assessment is based on an ethical analysis, carried out in collaboration with specialists in the field of palliative medicine based at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Lausanne University Hospital, and an expert in health law from the University of York. The study appears in the journal BMC Medicine. The analysis considers a range of scenarios, which demonstrate that, in many cases, patients would be unable to carry out their intention of fasting to the death without substantial medical assistance. The authors therefore recommend to legally regulate medical assistance in the context of VSED consistent with the regulation of assisted suicide, where usually a lethal substance is provided by the assisting person. In Germany, assisted suicide is subject to strict legal limits. A law passed in December 2015 explicitly prohibits any professional or regular assistance in suicide. The German Medical Association has repeatedly rejected suggestions that medically assisted suicide be permitted under clearly defined conditions. "In contrast to this position, however, voluntary stopping of eating and drinking is nevertheless prefered by doctors' organizations such as the German Society for Palliative Medicine," Jox points out. The whole issue of medically supported suicide in Germany is currently under the highest legal scrutiny: The Federal Constitutional Court is in the process of deciding whether or not the law from 2015 is compatible with the provisions of the Constitution. The result of these deliberations is likely to have consequences for the practice of VSED, says Jox, who hopes that the new study will help to clarify the position with respect to the ethical and legal evaluation of medically supported VSED. More information: Ralf J. Jox et al. Voluntary stopping of eating and drinking: is medical support ethically justified?, BMC Medicine (2017). Journal information: BMC Medicine Ralf J. Jox et al. Voluntary stopping of eating and drinking: is medical support ethically justified?,(2017). DOI: 10.1186/s12916-017-0950-1 A 29-year-old Iowa woman is accused of conspiring with an inmate to bring marijuana into a Lincoln prison. Brittney Sila, of Malvern, Iowa, was arrested Wednesday night on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a felony. In court records, a Nebraska State Patrol investigator said Sila passed a package of marijuana to an inmate during a visit to the Diagnostic & Evaluation Center on West Van Dorn Street. The investigator said the delivery was captured on video and observed by staff. Charges had not been filed against her as of Thursday afternoon. New research suggests that rheumatoid arthritis may increase the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The findings, which appear in Arthritis Care & Research, indicate that greater vigilance may be needed to protect the respiratory health of individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions. Research has demonstrated an association between COPD and inflammation, raising the question of whether prolonged inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis predispose individuals to COPD. To investigate, a team led by Diane Lacaille, MD, FRCPC, MHSc, of Arthritis Research Canada and the University of British Columbia, examined information on individuals in the province of British Columbia who were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis between 1996 and 2006, and compared it with information on matched individuals in the general population. The analysis included 24,625 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 25,396 controls. The investigators found that the incidence of COPD hospitalization was greater in patients with rheumatoid arthritis than in the general population. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, individuals with rheumatoid arthritis had a 47% greater risk of needing to be hospitalized for COPD than controls. The increased risk remained significant after modelling for smoking and with varying COPD definitions. "These findings are novel because it has only recently been recognized that inflammation plays a role in the development of COPD, and clinicians treating people with rheumatoid arthritis are not aware that their patients are at increased risk of developing COPD," said Dr. Lacaille. "Our results emphasize the need to control inflammation, and in fact to aim for complete eradication of inflammation through effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis." Dr. Lacaille added that clinicians and people living with rheumatoid arthritis should be vigilant in watching for early symptoms of COPD. "That way, appropriate tests can be administered to diagnose COPD early, at the onset of symptoms, so that effective treatments for COPD can be initiated before irreversible damage to the lungs occurs." Such steps will improve long-term outcomes for patients and reduce the costs of COPD. The study also points to the need to address COPD risk factorssuch as smokingin people living with rheumatoid arthritis. More information: Katherine McGuire et al, Risk of Incident Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Population Based Cohort Study, Arthritis Care & Research (2017). Journal information: Arthritis Care & Research Katherine McGuire et al, Risk of Incident Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Population Based Cohort Study,(2017). DOI: 10.1002/acr.23410 Credit: University of Oslo Did you believe that young people feel like they are on top of the world? No, it's the seniors who rule the roost. "We do not feel best in our vital youthon the contrary, our self-esteem is rather low in our 20s and 30s, before it rises to the top in the 50s and 60s," says professor Tilmann von Soest, at the Department of Psychology, University of Oslo. Together with Thomas Hansen (HiOA), von Soest has recently completed a study of the level of self-esteem among Norwegians in the second part of life, from 40 years and upwards. The researchers examined the level of self-esteem at different ages. They have also analyzed which factors influence a persons level of self-esteem at the different periods in life. "Self-esteem can be defined as the feeling of how much you are worth. How other people regard you is important for this assessment, as well as how you yourself feel about your own value. There are several factors that affects our self-image, amongst them are physical health, participation in the labor market, social factors and personality," says von Soest. Important to feel valued "Our self-esteem is strongly linked to the values that are highly regarded in society. In Norway, it is considered important to be a person that contributes and works, is independent and competent. Many people in their 20s and 30s are still searching for their role in society, they are insecure about their competence and what job they will get or they are in the lower ranks at the workplace. While in the 50s, many have been promoted into leading positions, they have a sense of security after many years as an employee and they feel important. The self-image of the elderly seems to be more robust, they are less effected by small and large changes in life," says Hansen, psychologist and researcher at Oslo and Akershus University College. Being valued is crucial to a persons self-esteem and if you dont feel that anyone needs you, it falls dramatically. The researchers find that having been unemployed or disabled gives you a lower self-esteem, even if this occurred many years ago. "While being in a relationship and having a partner provides security, it makes you feel valued and it is positive for your self-esteem," says von Soest. Survey covering many years Their study is based on information from NorLAG, a Norwegian study of life course, ageing and generation, that includes data on health, work, quality of life, care and family relations in the second half of life. "The data from NorLAG gives us a very good basis for looking at the development of individuals, because they are being studied for a longer time period," says Hansen. Von Soest has been researching self-esteem for a long time, while Hansen specializes in ageing and quality of life. "There has been a lack of knowledge about which factors influence the self-esteem and how these changes during life. That is why we chose to examine these questions further." Dramatic decline Getting older, feeling your body decaying, being in worse physical shape and feeling your memory slip, can be hard. But when many people retire in the middle and end of the 60s, the self-esteem is still high. "In the early stages of old age, you are still part of society and your social life is almost the same as before retirement. Many are in good health, they have a social network, time and energy to take care of grandchildren and family, travel and enjoy their hobbies," says Hansen. However, in the later stages of old age, many will experience a decline in health, friends die and their own independency and movement is decreased. "We see a dramatically decline in self-esteem in the later stages of old age, from 70-75 years. To feel that you are a burden to society is a serious break in self-esteem for elderly Norwegians. An important explanation to this is the values that characterize our society. Being helpless and weak and not contributing to society is contrary to what is seen as valuable in Norway. We might imagine that getting older and sick feels differently in other societies, for instance India, where the elderly have a different position in society," says Hansen. He emphasizes that it is very difficult to break free from the common values and norms that characterizes your society. The large majority of the population feels a strong connection to the values of the community. Close relations becomes more important This study is the first to examine which factors that matters most for self-esteem in different age groups. "Some factors become less important for your self-esteem when you are old. Good health is much more important to your self-esteem in your 40s then in your 70s. If you become ill at 40, it will be unexpected and very dramatic, while many 70-year olds will find it easier to cope with illness and worse health," says von Soest. Similarly, the importance of social relations change. Persons in their 40s and 50s feel that is important to have many social relations, while the elderly prioritize fewer, close relationships. "Your work, workplace and colleagues are very important for Norwegians self-esteem and especially for men. Some elder people feel pushed aside in their job, and that their knowledge and competence is no longer valued. The self-esteem in the late 60s falls drastically when a person feels that they no longer have an important role at the work place and that they are no longer valued. It feels very bad when you are no longer regarded as an important and useful person," says Hansen. Men have higher self-esteem than women throughout life, the difference is largest in the 20s and 30s, but both genders follow the same curve, with a peak at 50s and 60s and a steady decline in the later stages of life. Oxytocin can be used to induce labour. Credit: Tarek Meguid In collaboration with the health staff at Zanzibar's main hospital, Danish researchers have developed and introduced a short guide on childbirth care. The booklet seems to have had a significant effect, according to new research from the University of Copenhagen. After the guidelines were introduced, the number of stillbirths at the hospital fell by 33 per cent. The study reveals an opportunity to customise clinical guidelines more effectively to low-income countries, according to the researchers. Worldwide, more than three million children die each year on the day they are born - either during birth or shortly afterwards. If their mothers had received acceptable care during childbirth, almost all of these children would be alive, fit and healthy. This is particularly a problem in low-income countries in Africa, where there is alarming pressure on the stretched healthcare systems. For example, in Zanzibar's main hospital, Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, each doctor or midwife assists an average of four to six women in labour simultaneously. However, researchers from the University of Copenhagen in cooperation with local health staff at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital have conducted an inexpensive project, which holds considerable promise. They have developed a brief and easy-to-understand childbirth guide tailored to the local reality, the PartoMa guidelines. After the guide was introduced, the number of stillbirths has fallen by 33 per cent, and the number of newborns in obvious poor health has almost been halved. The findings have just been published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. "The international guidelines available were often too complicated, time-consuming and resource-demanding for the health staff at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital - they gathered dust on the shelves in the hectic maternity ward, where the staff desperately need knowledge, yet barely knew that the guidelines existed. Therefore, we developed the simple PartoMa childbirth guide, where the dogma is that our recommendations should be possible to follow under the conditions which are found at this overstretched hospital where resources are in short supply," says the main author of the study, Nanna Maale, a PhD student at the Global Health Section at the Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen. Eight-pages of hands-on advice The guide comprises an eight-page pocket booklet, and it was developed in cooperation with the local doctors and midwives at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital. In addition, it was approved by seven international experts in obstetric care in order to quality-assure the content. Much of the work has involved making international recommendations more specific, simple and practical. And it looks as though it is saving human lives. The researchers measured the number of stillbirths over a four-month period prior to phasing in the guidelines. Next, the guidelines were implemented through reoccurring quarterly afternoon seminars where the staff practiced on it's use. Then, the number of stillbirths was measured for four months after introduction. Other factors may have had an impact on the fall in the number of stillbirths, but the researchers also demonstrated improvements in the quality of childbirth care in accordance with the guidelines in the pocket booklet and found a halving of numbers of newborns with immediate signs of poor health. This indicates also that the childbirth guidelines had a significant effect. "The quality of childbirth care and the number of staff assisting births at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital remains heartbreakingly poor. However, we are seeing promising signs of improvement after the introduction of the PartoMa guidelines. This is a good example of how far we can get by using existing resources more effectively. It's a good idea to look at whether tailoring clinical guidelines to local conditions in the form of an easily accessible pocket booklet can also be used elsewhere in low-income countries," says Ib Christian Bygbjerg, professor of international health and co-author of the study. Pocket booklet still in use In Zanzibar, the childbirth guide is still used at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, even though the research project was concluded some time ago, and the researchers and health staff are now collaborating on a second edition. "We're still using the guide after more than two and a half years. Our employees, particularly the younger doctors, tell us that it helps them provide better health care. Other health facilities in Zanzibar are also showing an interest in the guidelines," says Tarek Meguid, a consultant obstetrician at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, who also advised on and co-authored the study. The study was supported by the Lundbeck Foundation, the Laerdal Foundation and the Augustinus Foundation. More information: N Maale et al, Effect of locally tailored labour management guidelines on intrahospital stillbirths and birth asphyxia at the referral hospital of Zanzibar: a quasi-experimental pre-post study (The PartoMa study), BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (2017). N Maale et al, Effect of locally tailored labour management guidelines on intrahospital stillbirths and birth asphyxia at the referral hospital of Zanzibar: a quasi-experimental pre-post study (The PartoMa study),(2017). DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.14933 Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life! South Africas decision to forge ahead with plans to introduce nuclear power are based on ensuring the energy supply going into the future, Energy Minister David Mahlobo said. South Africa recognises the role of nuclear power in ensuring security of energy supply and meeting the challenge of climate change. We promote an energy mix of coal, gas, renewables and nuclear. Each of these options has their role; some of the energy sources are intermittent supply and while others, such as nuclear and coal, are base-load supply, said Minister Mahlobo. Minister Mahlobo told those attending the 44th Policy Group Meeting of Generation IV International Forum in Cape Town that being a developing country, South Africas key driver to the policy decision for nuclear power is based on the economics of the energy source. Currently Koeberg is one of our lowest cost electricity sources, and generation III nuclear power plants remain a good economic choice for South Africa. Generation IV nuclear power plants promise improved economics and South Africa looks forward to deploying such advanced energy systems for its development, he said on Thursday. Located in Cape Town, Koeberg is the only nuclear power station on the African continent. The Department of Environmental Affairs has recently issued a positive record of decision for Eskom to proceed with an Environmental Impact Assessment into the suitability of the same site to host 4000 MW of nuclear generated electricity. Minister Mahlobo said the Department of Energy welcomes this decision as it allows for a public participation process. He told the gathering that the country has accumulated extensive experience in nuclear technology development and nuclear power generation. South Africa has made a policy decision to pursue nuclear energy as part of the energy mix and recognises the role of nuclear as a base-load source of energy in ensuring security of supply and climate change mitigation. Currently, nuclear constitutes about 6% of the South African energy mix with 1 800 megawatts of electricity supplied to the national grid by the Koeberg. The approved Integrated Resource Plan of 2010-30 provides for coal, gas, renewables and 9600 megawatt nuclear as part of the energy landscape by 2030. Minister Mahlobo added that one of the most important facets of nuclear power is its safety. With most of the reactors globally still being Generation II, South Africa has taken a decision to deploying only Generation III or above type technology going forward. Although the Fukushima disaster had catastrophic consequences, nuclear power continues to be the safest source of electricity. SA News Now read: Key Eskom witnesses fail to appear Following the South African database leak which contained over 66 million ID numbers, people have asked what to do to protect themselves. The database contained full names, ID numbers, home addresses, contact details, job titles, employment history, marital status, and estimated monthly income, said security researcher Troy Hunt. Hunt, who disclosed the leak, said it is not the biggest in the world, but is unprecedented in terms of the personal information disclosed. The data is the type used to open bank accounts, take out a loan, and deal with service providers. The closest precedent I can think of is the Philippines Election Commission. It had about 55 million people exposed of the 110 million people in the country, said Hunt. What now? For South Africans, Hunt did not have great news in terms of advice on what to do next. I dont know, said Hunt. His statement echoes that of local security professionals. What do you do when just about the entire countrys identity verification attributes have been redistributed publicly? said Hunt. Its a major issue and I honestly dont know whats going to happen next in terms of how South Africa is going to deal with this. Part of the problem is that once the data has been exposed, it cannot be taken back. The basics Fortunately, there are basic steps South Africans can take to avoid falling victim to fraud following their data being compromised. Manie van Schalkwyk, of the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service, said consumers must not attempt to verify if their details are in the database through uncertified third-parties. Rather get your credit report from a credit bureau and check if there are any suspicious transactions, he said. If something is suspicious, consumers can apply for Protective Registration on the SAFPS website free of charge. This will provide the consumer with added security and will alert the credit provider or the bank that the specific ID number has been compromised. Users must also ensure they use unique passwords for all their online services, as a users single email address is often used for multiple online accounts. Passwords which contain your name, birthday, or place of birth, for example, must not be used. The Hawks and Department of Home Affairs have announced investigations into the data leak, which may result in action against those responsible. Hunt said he hopes people around the world start asking who they want holding their personal data, and that we start insisting the data belongs to the individual regardless of who is storing it. Vodacom recently launched a Licensed Assisted Access (LAA) site at its Midrand campus, demonstrating the capabilities of the technology. Vodacom achieved a 653Mbps download speed using a commercial smartphone a Motorola Z2 Force which was the fastest speed test ever achieved on a commercial LTE network and device in South Africa. The LAA site used 4 component carrier aggregation a single 10MHz carrier of Vodacoms 1,800MHz spectrum, and an additional 3 carriers, each of 20MHz unlicensed 5GHz spectrum. 44 MIMO technology was used for the 1,800MHz carrier and 256 QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) was activated on all carriers. Vodacom said it plans to roll out LAA to other sites on its network, starting with airports, malls, and office buildings. Spectrum Vodacom Group Chief Technology Officer Andries Delport told MyBroadband that in the absence of additional licensed spectrum, LAA can play a role in providing relief to operators. This is particularly the case for indoor locations, such as malls and airports. The technology is currently designed mainly for indoor applications, and areas that can be targeted are hotspot locations such as airports, malls, and offices, said Delport. Devices which support LAA are currently limited, however, and include the Moto Z2 Force and LG V30. It is expected that most major smartphone manufacturers will support LAA from the second half of 2018. Once smartphones which support LAA roll out, Vodacom will be able to offer download speeds of between 500Mbps-650Mbps using the technology depending on how many carriers of unlicensed spectrum are being used. The upload speed is limited to the licensed portion, in this case the 1,800MHz, of the LAA site. Expected upload speeds can be within 10Mbps-25Mbps, said Delport. LAA average throughputs can also be impacted by co-existing Wi-Fi networks. With ICASA and the government failing to release additional spectrum to mobile network operators, LAA is seen as a potential solution for networks to keep up with the huge growth in demand for mobile data and higher data speeds from South Africans. YEREVAN. The Turkish tomatoes that have appeared in the Russian market are brewing an Armenian-Russian scandal, according to Zhamanak (Times) newspaper of Armenia. By the way, there is information that this is not about just Turkish tomatoes. The RA [Republic of Armenia] imports various goods also from some European countries and exports [them] to the RF [Russian Federation] with Armenian label. Now, when the RF is saying, stop, what are you doing? that means arrangements have been violated. If it turns out as a result of this scandal that Armenia has indeed exported Turkish tomatoes, other European good to the RF with such mechanisms, this may lead to the imposing of sanctions by Russia, wrote Zhamanak. Anwar Gargash: UAE has no interest in choosing sides between great powers Ukraine suspends oil pumping through Druzhba pipeline towards Hungary Germany urgently needs gas turbines to stabilize power grids Polish media report on fall of two missiles on country's territory Economic downturn worsens in eastern EU due to a spike in inflation U.S. believes that meeting between Biden and Jinping was strong signal to rest of world Karabakh MFA welcomes resolution adopted by French Senate Italy bans facial recognition technology and smart glasses Germany to establish maintenance center in Slovakia for weapons supplied to Ukraine Energy Ministry: Russia carried out most massive shooting of Ukraine's energy system since war starts French Senate passes resolution calling for sanctions against Azerbaijan Rishi Sunak hints that he will abandon plans to declare China 'threat' to national security EU supports any call to phase out fossil fuel use Secretary of Security Council of Armenia receives delegation of EU special envoys, member states Armenian President Vahagn Khachatryan receives newly appointed ambassador of Cyprus Zelenskyy's adviser: The situation after Russian shelling is critical Newly appointed ambassador of Cyprus visits Armenian Genocide memorial Borrell: EU countries must work together to replenish their military stocks French Senator: Are the lives of Armenians worth less than the lives of Ukrainians? Turkey plans to strike targets in northern Syria Emergency power outages in Kyiv due to explosions Lavrov calls Zelenskyy's speech at G20 summit performance beyond all regulations and decency Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince embarks on Asian tour Ukrainian media report missile strikes in number of areas Chinese 50-year-old man runs marathon smoking Pashinyan receives delegation of EU special envoys, EU member states on Eastern Partnership Bloomberg: Paris overtakes London to become Europe's largest stock market Anti-Iranian rally held in Baku Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin: Pashinyan's approaches and wordings do not contribute to solving urgent problems Borrell announces appearance of EU rapid reaction force in 2023 Norwegian Defense Minister pledges $30 million to NATO fund for Ukraine Italy auctioned biggest truffle for record 184 thousand euros Serviceman kills fellow soldier in Armenia Kyodo: 67-year-old Japanese princess diagnosed with breast cancer Mehriban Aliyeva hurriedly gives up her role of UNESCO 'Goodwill Ambassador' before French Senate meeting Jeff Bezos says he's ready to give away most of his fortune Britain to allocate $11.8m to rebuild Ukraine's energy infrastructure Peskov: Kyiv cannot and doesn't want to negotiate, SVO will continue Turkey detains another suspect in planning terrorist attack in Istanbul Tasnim: Iranian authorities released 38 protesters in southeast Terrorist attack: Number of detainees in Istanbul grows to 50 Armenian FM presents to Europeans consequences of September Azerbaijani aggression Biden and Erdogan back extension of grain deal Macron and Erdogan meet on G20 margins UN: Earth's population is 8 billion people Indian PM urges G20 countries to find peaceful solution to Ukraine Minimum wage to rise in Armenia Ministry: Air pollution level in Armenia up by 30-40% over the past five years Erdogan and Biden hold talks in Bali Media: Macron asks Xi Jinping to 'pressure' Putin to return to negotiations UN: Armenia's population will decrease by 2050 Zelenskyy states that only realistic model of POW exchange is all for all Ameriabank launches Google Pay, 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 Copper rises in price 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 In an effort to draw more out-of-state students to its campus, the University of Nebraska at Kearney will offer in-state tuition rates to qualifying students from Kansas and Colorado beginning next year. High school graduates from those two states can expect to pay $198 per credit hour if they enroll as full-time, undergraduate students in 2018-19 as part of the Advantage Scholarship, UNK said Thursday. The scholarship effectively cuts the hourly tuition rate charged to Kansas students who as part of the Midwest Student Exchange pay only 150 percent of the in-state tuition rate by $90 per credit hour. Coloradoans traveling east to get a college education will see tuition bills cut by $230 per credit hour, or an estimated $28,000 over the course of four years. To motivate a student from the Front Range of Colorado, some 350 miles away, to come to Kearney, we had to bring our cost of attendance down, said Ed Scantling, UNK associate vice chancellor of enrollment management. We want to be bold and aggressive in going after those students. Universities in other states have deployed similar programs that have drawn Nebraska students across state lines. Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville offers the Bearcat Advantage, offering 50 and 100 percent out-of-state tuition waivers to students based on their high school GPA and ACT scores. Students living in states bordering Kansas qualify for the Contiguous States Resident Tuition Program at Fort Hays State University, which provides a savings of $7,800 per year to students over the nonresident rate of $14,800. UNK administrators hope the tuition-discounting program can turn around a trend of declining enrollment in four of the last five years. After peaking at about 7,200 students in 2012, UNKs enrollment was reported at just more than 6,600 students this fall, a 2.1 percent dip from last year. The competition has got a lot stiffer and everyone is working a lot harder to find students who will be a good fit for their campus, Scantling said. As the number of high school graduates in Nebraska has dwindled, the number of out-of-state students enrolled at UNK particularly from Kansas and Colorado has also fizzled. In 2012, the last year UNK hit an enrollment high, 163 Coloradoans and 65 Kansans called themselves Lopers. This year, 66 Coloradoans and 45 Kansans are enrolled at UNK, said Dusty Newton, director of admissions. Colorado is one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S. right now, so in terms of high school graduate numbers, they have about double what we have here in Nebraska, Newton said. We have the capacity to increase our numbers here at UNK, so the Advantage opportunity is a win-win for Nebraska and the neighboring states. Aside from being the closest states geographically, Scantling said UNK also boasts large alumni bases in both Kansas and Colorado, making it easier to reach prospective students across both regions. UNK is planning an aggressive social media campaign on the Advantage Scholarship, he said. The program will also be offered to current students on campus. We have the capacity we dont need additional staff, we dont need additional buildings, he said. Every dollar is a good dollar when it comes to getting students on campus from out of state. YEREVAN. At the invitation of Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan, Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev will arrive in Armenia on October 24, on an official visit. On the margins of the visit, Karapetyan and Medvedev will hold a private talk, which will be followed by negotiations in extended format and a document signing ceremony, press office of the Government of Armenia informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. The Russian PM is also scheduled to meet with President Serzh Sargsyan. And On October 25, Dmitry Medvedev will attend the meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council, in capital city Yerevan. President of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR), Bako Sahakyan, on Thursday signed a decree. Accordingly, NKR Defense Army serviceman Tigran Khachatryan has been posthumously awarded with the Medal for Service in Battle, and in recognition of his bravery during the defense of the Artsakh state border. NKR Defense Army serviceman Tigran Khachatryan (born in 1998) sustained a fatal gunshot wound, on Thursday at around 3:50pm, at the protection area of an Artsakh military unit, and as a result of a shot fired by the Azerbaijani armed forces. An investigation is underway to find out details of this incident. President Giorgi Margvelashvili of Georgia has signed the law on making amendments the countrys constitution, reported Interpressnews (IPN) news agency of the country. Nonetheless, Margvelashvili does not agree with some of these amendments. Even though he had vetoed them, the parliament had bypassed this veto with 117 votes. At the special session on October 13, the parliamentary majority had not taken the presidents respective observations into consideration, and it had adopted the original version of this bill by a vote. Two Members of Federal Parliament rose in the Australian House of Representatives on Thursday, 19th October, to condemn Azerbaijan for failing peace in Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian National Committee of Australias (ANC-AU) reports. Opposition MP, the Hon. David Feeney (ALP) blasted government Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, who after a recent visit to Azerbaijan spoke in favour of the oil-dictatorships territorial integrity when referring to Artsakh. His speech also exposed the Azerbaijani Laundromat saga, which has revealed the cash for favourable coverage campaign being run by the Aliyev regime in Western countries. Government MP, John Alexander (Liberal) followed Feeney, exposing the fact that the Republic of Artsakh is ready for extra monitoring to promote peace in their region, but Azerbaijan was not. Feeney, who is the Member for Batman in Victoria, said: In recent weeks leaked data has revealed that Azerbaijans ruling elite operated a secret $2.9 billion scheme to launder money and pay prominent Europeans, including journalists and politicians. This unfolding scandal shows that the Azerbaijani leadership, already accused by Amnesty International and other NGOs of serial human rights abuses, systemic corruptions and rigging elections, made more than 16,000 covert payments from 2012 to 2014 through a network of opaque British companies. Investigations led by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project have revealed that these illicit payments, using reputable banks and secret companies, aimed to buy political influence and launder Azerbaijan's international image. Just this week, the ASIO annual report warned that foreign governments have been attempting to shape the opinions of the public and the media in covert influence operations. Turning to Fierravanti-Wells's contribution to this issue, Feeney added: New South Wales Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells visited Azerbaijan recently. Upon her return she stated on the public record, 'Australia is a forthright supporter of Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity and strongly supports Azerbaijan's position on Nagorno-Karabakh. This bold statement rewrites Australian foreign policy and disregards Australia's longstanding support of the OSCE Minsk Group peace efforts for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict based on the principles of equal rights and the self-determination of people. I urge the senator to not give in to caviar diplomacy. Alexander, who is the Member for Bennelong, told the House of Representatives: On 17 October the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe called for a meeting with the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan to discuss the de-escalation of tensions on the border of the still unrecognised Armenian-populated Republic of Artsakh, previously known as Nagorno-Karabakh. Since the ceasefire between the two countries in 1994, the OSCE has been responsible for promoting negotiations, ceasefire monitoring and conflict resolution. He explained: Three immediate priorities for the de-escalation of tensions have been proposed. The first is the removal of snipers along the line of contact, the second is the increase in the number of OSCE monitors in the region and the third is the establishing of gunfire locator systems as an investigative measurement to determine which side is responsible for future ceasefire violations. These suggestions apply to both sides of the conflict. Armenia is ready to accept the OSCE recommendations; Azerbaijan is not. OSCE suggested that confidence- and security-building measures are a prerequisite for not only the advancement of negotiations but also the stabilisation of the region through deterring future aggression. As an OSCE Partner for Co-operation, Australia has a role to play. The two speeches completed a week of advocacy for the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU), where issues including justice for the Armenian Genocide, Artsakh's rights for self-determination and more local community issues, including refugee resettlement, were discussed with over 30 legislators and bureaucrats. We thank Mr. Feeney and Mr. Alexander for their statements, said ANC-AU Managing Director, Vache Kahramanian. It is a groundbreaking day for Artsakh advocacy in Australia when two politicians from the country's two major parties rise consecutively to condemn an aggressive and corrupt Azeri regime, while promoting the rights to self-determination that will bring peace and protect the Armenians of the Nagorno Karabakh region. YEREVAN. One hundred people work at the United Nations (UN) Office in Armenia, and its annual budget is about $15-20 million. Dmitry Mariyasin, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative a.i. in Armenia, noted the aforementioned at Fridays press conference devoted to the 25th anniversary of UN representation in the country. In his words, the UN activities in Armenia are focused primarily on economic development, public administration and democracy building, environmental protection, and promotion of energy savings and innovation in the country. And when asked whether the respective programs were supported by the Armenian government, Mariyasin responded that the UN does nothing without the governments knowledge and approval. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR), Masis Mayilian, on Friday delivered a speech, entitled Prospects of EU-Artsakh Cooperation: A Way to Contribute to Peace and Stability in the South Caucasus, addressing a roundtable organized by the European Friends of Armenia (EuFoA) NGO, in Brussels. In his speech, Masis Mayilian briefed on the challenges facing the South Caucasus, noting that Azerbaijans nihilistic attitude to international law, disregard for the fundamental rights of the citizens of Artsakh and the very right of the Republic of Artsakh to exist are the main sources of threat to regional peace and security. He added that by aggressively imposing the logic of confrontation, the Azerbaijani authorities demonstrate that their goal is not to achieve peace through dialogue, but to gain a unilateral military and political advantage. The Foreign Minister of Artsakh expressed confidence that European Union (EU) cooperation with Artsakh would play a stabilizing role and become an important contribution to establishing lasting peace in the South Caucasus. As per Mayilian, this would signal the inadmissibility of using confrontation and isolation as a means of resolving conflicts, since they are fraught with destabilization of the entire region. He stressed that promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms should not fall hostage to the unresolved Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict, and that the unrecognized status of Artsakh should not serve as an obstacle before cooperation between Artsakh and the EU. NKR Human Rights Defender Ruben Melikyan also delivered a speech in the roundtable, and briefed on the current human rights situation in Artsakh. Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan on Friday received US Ambassador Richard Mills, and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Armenia Mission Director Deborah Grieser. They discussed the agenda Armenian-American relations. First, the interlocutors reflected on cooperation in anticorruption measures. The PM noted that the Armenian government continues its consistent policy to improve the situation with respect to combating corruption in the country. And in this connection, Karapetyan underscored the US assistance to the respective measures by the government. The ambassador, for his part, welcomed the efforts to fight against corruption and improve business climate in Armenia, and said these efforts have contributed to an increased interest by American investors towards the country. Also, Mills reaffirmed the US willingness to continue assisting the Armenian government implement its anticorruption measures. At the talk, they reflected also on the course of the My Armenia: Cultural Tourism in Armenia program, which had launched two years ago. In addition, the parties exchanged views on several other matters related to US-Armenia cooperation. YEREVAN. The Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian briefed his Polish counterpart Witold Waszczykowski on the efforts of Armenia and the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs towards the settlement of the Karabakh conflict on the basis of the norms of international law. Taking during the joint briefing, Nalbandian said, unfortunately, Baku continues speculations and violation of ceasefire, as a result of which the soldier died a day before. The Armenian minister added that there is no alternative to an exclusively peaceful settlement. I was more interested when I thought it was about cowboys and not post 9/11 Reply Thread Link Just by looking at the picture I thought this was going to be a video game. Reply Thread Link lmao yeah. immediately made me think of... Reply Parent Thread Link ugly Reply Thread Link Its gonna be a no from me. When enough time has passed, and the US-dominated viewpoint has greatly diminished, history will hopefully record this as one of the US's lowest moments (even if the War in Afghanistan was instigated for more obviously apparent reasons than the one in Iraq). Reply Thread Link not even trevante's fine ass can make me watch this tbh.... Reply Thread Link Hemsworth just needs to go full Channing Tatum and take a bunch of comedy roles a la Ghostbusters. Thats where he really shines imo Reply Thread Link yeah honestly, his SNL episode was one of the best to date too Reply Parent Thread Link Who asked for this? Reply Thread Link Not enough Trevante. Reply Thread Link thats gonna be a no from me dawg Reply Thread Link also lmao at this beady eyed fools career outside of the marvel movies. he'd better get on his knees and thank god every day for that role cause he'd be pumping gas on hollywood boulevard without it Reply Thread Link These war movies.... Also I think I see Michael Shannon (or someone that resembles him) in the screenshot of the trailer Reply Thread Link Yep, it's the Shan-man. Still not gonna see the movie but good for him getting that blockbuster money. Reply Parent Thread Link ooooo. no thanks. Reply Thread Link Nope No Reply Thread Link Just noticed this: Michael Pena, Navid Negahban, Trevante Rhodes, Geoff Stults, Thad Luckinbill, Austin Stowell, Ben OToole, Austin Hebert, Kenneth Miller, Kenny Sheard, Jack Kesy, Laith Nakli, Fahim Fazli, Yousuf Azami, Said Taghmaoui, Elsa Pataky , William Fichtner, and Rob Riggle. Chris's wife is in this too Reply Thread Link I'll wait for the gifs of Trevante. "The declassified true story of the horse soldiers" I don't think anyone was waiting for this story. Reply Thread Link Why does he do the wooorst movies Reply Thread Link Great cast but no thank you Reply Thread Link No thank you. And oop @ the January release date. Reply Thread Link There've been a lot of war propaganda movies lately. Reply Thread Link Yup... I was also just thinking about all the cop shows that are basically police propaganda, too. Like Hawaii Five-0, where the officers will torture suspects and do whatever the fuck they want and it's portrayed as "getting the job done" instead of illegal and violating constitutional rights. Reply Parent Thread Link yeah it's disgusting Reply Parent Thread Link my bf was just mentioning this. he was like, "seems about right considering" Reply Parent Thread Link I try to support Trevante's fine ass in all his endeavors, but baby, it's a no for me on this one. On a more serious note, I seriously hope La David Johnson wasn't still alive when he was left behind in Niger. That just makes the whole story even more tragic and sad. I'm so sick of this bullshit. Reply Thread Link i started reading the book years ago but never finished it Reply Thread Link "twelve soldiers gave us a reason to hope" ????? Reply Parent Thread Link Get this evil goblin away from me. Overrated anti-femme jerk Reply Parent Thread Link God bless Reply Parent Thread Link Reading some of the audience reactions for the Prince of Egypt is pretty... interesting. According to people who have seen it, they have a scene before they cross the rd sea where Ramses and Moses basically make up and Moses convinces Ramses that he was right all along, and Ramses leaves to go rebuild his kingdom. And it's the high priest (only one in the show) who charges ahead with the guards. And that's to say nothing of them basically having few props or sets and using people as props. One person on BWW said people started laughing at the parting and crossing of the Red Sea. I didn't think Scott Schwartz could get more low budget after Hunchback of Notre Dame, but I was wrong. Reply Thread Link like... wtf?? where is this guy's money. He must be making BANK to let princess cruises use his name for their shitty cruise ship shows... I have a ticket to this next week and now i'm just nervous it won't be worth the trip up north Reply Parent Thread Link IMO it's not really a case of not having money, it's a cause of Scott Schwartz thinking he's being innovative and creative and cutting edge, when he's just taking something that should be simple to do--hey, here's this beautifully told expansive story, translate that beauty on stage in a way that respects the scope of the original film--and making it like something you'd expect to see in an indie black box theater. I've heard some people say they enjoyed it! And it does have some positive reviews so far among the mixed and positive. Maybe it will help to go in knowing that it's not going to be a traditional show and try to approach it from there! Reply Parent Thread Link I don't understand how Stephen is letting his son shit all over his best, most iconic works. Like, it's actually a feat to create such subpar adaptations out of such incredible original material. Making Hunchback/Prince of Egypt feel grand and epic seems like a no-brainer. Dying at those BWW reports though, lol Reply Parent Thread Link My tall prince Lee Pace <3 Reply Thread Link Angels in America was one of the best things I've seen on stage. Andrew Garfield was fucking incredible. Reply Thread Link Lee Pace <3 My sister is seeing Springsteen on Broadway next month and she can't wait. Reply Thread Link prince of egypt is such a good movie and people saying the musical is a mess makes me sad af. i will, however, be angry if that mess comes to broadway and hunchback FUCKING MASTERPIECE OF OUR TIME of notre dame didn't Reply Thread Link according to what I heard from people who went to the Hunchback out-of-town tryouts, it's best that it didn't try to come to Broadway, lol. It would have sucked to see such a subpar adaptation. I still love the music and the original film though. Reply Parent Thread Link Omggggggg I was already super-pumped for this AiA, and now with Sweet Baby Angel Piemaker joining??? Reply Thread Link ...damn, now I really want to do a full rewatch ...damn, now I really want to do a full rewatch Reply Parent Thread Link Not a post Reply Thread Link Lee Pace DESTROYED me when I saw him in The Normal Heart. Reply Thread Link I didn't know there was a Prince of Egypt musical don't need it Reply Thread Link Just started binge watching Halt and Catch Fire and Lee is so great. And so pretty. It's been 84 years since I found a white man attractive lol Reply Thread Link The most perfect white man to find attractive. You obviously have taste. Reply Parent Thread Link I just want to pet those magnificent eyebrows Reply Parent Thread Link It's a really good series. I think Halt and Catch Fire is his best work so far. Reply Parent Thread Link Lee's great in the show, but I'm all about the women <3 Reply Parent Thread Link You've mad the right decision Reply Parent Thread Link Since it's a broadway post, I'm just going to say that I saw Come From Away and Hello Dolly (with Bette) and they were both fantastic. CFA ended up being funnier than I expected and I found how they transitioned through scenes so interesting. Jenn Colella is pretty fantastic as well. Hello Dolly was fun and colorful. I loved the costumes! Bette ended up making DHP laugh, well it was him trying to hold in a laugh, during their dinner scene and it was delightful. I didn't have Kate in mine but instead had Analisa Leaming as Irene and she has a lovely voice. I also saw The Play That Goes Wrong, and that was a fun show too (in a beautiful theater, but fuck those stairs). Even though, I know the stuff going wrong was staged, I'm still the person that gasps at the slapstick. And no ty to PoE. Reply Thread Link I LOVE Come From Away. The OBCR is such an earworm and I'm not mad about it. I haven't had the chance to see Hello, Dolly yet, but I want to see Bernadette and Victor Garber. Reply Parent Thread Link And now I have "I'm an islander" in my head, lol. Hello Dolly is a fun show, in that classic musical way. It's so colorful, which is my favorite part. Bernadette and Garber will be fantastic. I'm curious to see how Garber will be styled. Reply Parent Thread Link actually after this lee pace news, i just said f it and bought tickets. Reply Thread Link prince of egypt has been my favorite animated film since childhood, but i wasn't raised in a christian household so i didn't realize it was a biblical story until much much later lol. Reply Thread Link Kate Del Castillo says she had sex with Sean Penn while filming #TheDayIMetElChapo: https://t.co/elXkijijLV pic.twitter.com/Jf4DKX8rXP Decider (@decider) October 20, 2017 Kate del Castillo is a Mexican actress and telenovela star.In an interview with Good Morning America she spoke about her infamous meeting with drug kingpin El Chapo and actor Sean PennShe says she and Penn had sex while filming her three-part documentary on the drug lord.In other news, Penn is trying to block the documentary because that he believes the documentary implies he had a hand in helping the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) in their apprehension of the infamous drug lord.Penns spokesperson, Mark Fabiani said: also, justice for train to busan!!! Reply Thread Link it's perfect tbh. i laughed, i cried, i screamed. it had it all! Reply Parent Thread Link such a good film lol. Reply Parent Thread Link mte, I like Busan more than all the films on this list. And The Host too, although I suppose it's more a monster movie than a horror. Reply Parent Thread Link mte that movie was so good Reply Parent Thread Link mte! that movie was such a blast Reply Parent Thread Link i love this movie so much omg!!!! Reply Parent Thread Link I am always talking about Train to Busan. I love that movie! Reply Parent Thread Link justice? its so fucking bad, but it seems most of the general public (a.k.a plebs) fucking loooved it. Reply Parent Thread Link oh, i just used the word plebs :( Reply Parent Thread Link chill Reply Parent Thread Link best horror film I've seen in years! Reply Parent Thread Link Does Pan's Labyrinth count? Reply Thread Link as horror? yes imo, but i think a lot of ppl will disagree lol Reply Parent Thread Link it should count imo, the pale man scene alone is scarier than most straight up horror movies these days. Reply Parent Thread Link It should! Reply Parent Thread Link 100% yes imo Reply Parent Thread Link just watched that for the first time today, incredible Reply Parent Thread Link Martyrs (the original) is fucking crazy, i just saw Inside and that was ok, but Martyrs and High Tension are two of my fave foreign-language horror movies. Reply Thread Link i literally couldn't finish martyrs. after the woman with the ... uh... helmet or w/e nailed into her head jumped out i was like fuck this, nope. i remember i called the guy who rec'd it to me an asshole the next time i saw him. Reply Parent Thread Link oop @ me not even knowing there'd be a Martyrs remake :/ Reply Parent Thread Link Martyrs is by far my fave. It's so fucking intense and has like 3 plot points that are all depressing and sadly realistic. Reply Parent Thread Link I cried so much in Martyrs. It was so sad. wtf ;_______; Reply Parent Thread Link I know your feels bb, but this is my everyday icon Reply Parent Thread Link Oh wow. Definitely want to try to get through this list this month! Reply Thread Link i'm lazy, ty lmao Reply Parent Thread Link The Orphanage made me cry so damn hard. And Pulse did nothing for me at all. Reply Parent Thread Link I've seen 9 out of 20. I need to see the rest. I bought Audition and I don't know why. That's one of those "watch only once" movies. Reply Parent Thread Link Fuck high tension Reply Parent Thread Link I didn't enjoy Goodnight Mommy. Also I still need to finish Raw. Reply Parent Thread Link No Under The Shadow = list is fail Reply Parent Thread Link Ive seen the top 11? Lol Reply Parent Thread Link [REC]!!! I even love REC 2 & REC:Apocalypse idc. I love that shudder has so many foreign movies since it keeps from having to dick about with subtitles and finding links thru legal and not so legal means. Reply Thread Link i don't think i ever watched REC: Apocalypse, but i do love the one with the bride! Reply Parent Thread Link REC 3 is the superior REC and I'll maintain that position until the day I die Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Yeah I havent gotten around to apocalypse yet but 1-3 are all great. 3 might actually be my favorite, its so much fun Reply Parent Thread Link I don't really like horror movies but I loved El Orfanato. Reply Thread Link you wound me Reply Parent Thread Link That movie is so beautiful and sad. Reply Parent Thread Link Love me some I Saw The Devil, Battle Royale, Let The Right One In, and High Tension. So many good foreign horror movies out there. Reply Thread Link yessss at your icon! i hate lee byung-hun but he was amazing in this movie Reply Parent Thread Link i've seen half these films, i hope the other half are easy to find online also, good night mommy was bad. like yeah it was shot well but everything else was a boring, predictable mess Reply Thread Link I love A Tale Of Two Sisters. Definitely in my top ten. I feel so bad for Moon Geun Young, who played the younger sister. Nearly lost her arm and has had to postpone her career. Reply Thread Link Let The Right One In is fabulous, def my fave from that list. Tesis (1998) is one of my faves too. it's between thriller & horror, but SO good. also Haxan - Witchcraft Through The Ages (1922), which is visually incredible & surprisingly progressive for its time. other than that, i'm a sucker for Dario Argento & Mario Bava's horror movies. and Possession of course! Reply Thread Link i'm already in love with Haxan Reply Parent Thread Link it's really amazing. it's a silent movie & it's part documentary, part fictionalized depictions of 'witchcraft' which are the horror movie-like parts. like, the whole thing is abt explaining and deconstructing myths, and my fave thing abt it is how there's v clear feminist undertones to the whole thing (despite the fact that the director was a man). Reply Parent Thread Link ugh i love haxan Reply Parent Thread Link i remember watching tesis like ~5 years ago, i don't remember most of it but i remember liking it lol Reply Parent Thread Link I've gotta remember to watch Haxan when it's on next weekend... Reply Parent Thread Link This perfect taste... Reply Parent Thread Link I love Tesis so much. Became a bit obsessed with Fele for a few years after watching it, lol. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I Saw The Devil destroyed me emotionally in such a way that I never thought was possible. I always recommend it to people. Reply Thread Link I've already seen a few of these, I saw the remake of Let the Right One In, and did not really enjoy it, so I'll give a try to the original Suicide Club and I Saw the Devil are still on my watchlist. The Orphanage was actually fucking depressing. My french ass still never saw Haute Tension, Martyrs or A l'interieur, need to fix that asap. I liked Grave, but wasn't as into it as I thought I'd be Audition was a trip lmao and Goodnight Mommy truly fucked me up. Loved the aesthetic from A Girl Walks Alone at Night Edited at 2017-10-20 08:36 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link It's too good and terrifying lol But since a Battle Royale gif is used I'll say that's my fave even tho I wouldn't call it horror it has its moments I did attempt I Saw the Devil and it was just so depressing (duh) I had to quit. I'm a big chicken with foreign horrorIt's too good and terrifying lolBut since a Battle Royale gif is used I'll say that's my fave even tho I wouldn't call it horror it has its momentsI did attempt I Saw the Devil and it was just so depressing (duh) I had to quit. Reply Thread Link Honestly, I'm bored in the back seat of a car for a mini roadtrip and had nothing else to contribute lol Idek how to classify it. dystopian with a dash of scifi? Reply Parent Thread Link Appeals Court Upholds Florida Emergency Generator Rule "The ruling from the First District Court of Appeal today reaffirms our position that the top priority of nursing homes and assisted living facilities should be protecting the lives of their patients," Gov. Rick Scott said in an Oct. 19 statement. Florida Gov. Rick Scott applauded an Oct. 19 ruling by Florida's First District Court of Appeal that denied a challenge to the governor's emergency generator rule that requires every nursing home and assisted living facility in the state to have a working generator and 96 hours of fuel to keep their patients safe during a disaster. "The ruling from the First District Court of Appeal today reaffirms our position that the top priority of nursing homes and assisted living facilities should be protecting the lives of their patients," Scott said in a statement. "Currently, AHCA [the state Agency for Health Care Administration] is working to make this important emergency rule permanent through a public rule making process and we will work with the Legislature to further protect patients. I've also called on the Constitution Revision Commission to look at measures to protect vulnerable individuals. I look forward to AHCA continuing to aggressively enforce these rules as we explore every possible way to protect Floridians." The rule was issued after nine patients died at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills, Fla., during and after Hurricane Irma -- deaths attributed to a power failure at the facility. "Let's remember that the tragedy at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills is under criminal investigation by local law enforcement and FDLE. AHCA and DCF are also conducting investigations. We must learn why this facility chose not to evacuate their patients to safety or call 911," Scott said. He said associations representing nursing homes and assisted living facilities filed appeals claiming there is no "immediate danger" or emergency justifying the emergency generator rule. "Bar Month" at OnMilwaukee is back for another round, brought to you by Great Northern Distilling: grain to glass spirits, handmade in Wisconsin. The whole month of March, we're serving up intoxicatingly fun articles on bars and clubs including guides, the latest trends, bar reviews, the results of our Best of Bars readers poll and more. Grab a designated driver and dive in! Elizabeth Kujawa always wanted to own a bar and as a salesperson for Miller Brewing, she spent a lot of time in drinking establishments around the state. "I was always looking," says Kujawa. One day, Kujawa found out that Mike Pelsey was interested in selling the cream city brick building he owned that housed the popular party bar Timers on the ground floor. "I knew that was it," she says. "I knew that was home." Pelsey was Kujawas largest Miller account, so the two already had a good rapport. "He was Millers number one account in Milwaukee for 10 years. Mike was a Miller idol," says Kujawa. However, when Kujawa offered him $750,000 for the building and business it was priced at $999,999 he "respectfully declined." This was in February 2007, but unexpectedly, at the end of the summer that same year, Pelsey counter-offered Kujawas bid with $675,000. "He wanted someone who would not sell it, who would respect it," says Kujawa. "I am only the third owner ever." Technically, multiple members of one family owned the building for many years, then Pelsey, then Kujawa. The building, located at 739 S. 1st St. in Walker's Point, was built in 1880 and the bar originally opened in 1904. The ornate Brunswick back bar came, according to word of mouth, from elsewhere on the South Side via a team of horses. Kujawa lives on the second floor and calls the space on the third floor "the bordello." "There are still numbers over the bedrooms," she says. Pelsey asked Kujawa to change the name of the bar, and so she originally called it The Generals because friends gave her "The General" as a nickname. "If I were smart, I would have called it Two Timers, but I didnt think of that until it was too late," she says. The first name, however, didnt work. It confused people and business started to slag. "Straight thought we were gay; gay thought we were straight," says Kujawa. "I had an identity crisis." Kujawa decided to make stronger decisions and make her message more obvious. Even as an out lesbian, Kujawa knew she did not want to open a lesbian bar. "I knew I was going after the boys. Most of them are educated, have money, no kids and they like to drink," she says. "And after all, Im in the heart of the gayborhood." She went on gaycities.com and researched the name of other gay bars around the world. Nothing jumped out at her, but she did notice a number of bars called "Dicks" and she got an idea. She decided to change the spelling to D.I.X. because of the correlation with Roman Numerals DIX is 509 in Roman numerals. Historically, Roman men often had male lovers before they got married to women. Women, gay and straight, are welcome at D.I.X. and many hang out often. Dani Carstens has been a regular for four years and was recently celebrating her birthday at D.I.X. "This is a great place," says Carstens. "I always feel super welcome." Kujawa likes to point out that the womens bathroom at D.I.X. is always in tip-top condition and she stocks no fewer than eight rolls of toilet paper at all times. "And always two rolls in the men's room," she says. The first three years of ownership were tough for Kujawa; she had spent her life savings on the bar and it struggled to find a niche after years of being Timers, the place where people got drunk and danced on tables. (People do still dance on the tables as homage to Timers, Kujawa says.) However, hard work, self-confidence, a great staff and a stronger marketing message paid off and today Kujawa is successful and happy in her life and career. The Walker's Point community, from politicians to other bar owners to customers, have been very supportive in a neighborhood that is expanding very quickly. "Theres always going to be gay bars, just like there are always going to be country bars," she says. "But what I love about this bar is that people in here really care about other people. We really do. If you walk in here alone, you will not walk out of here without knowing someone's name." D.I.X. is open seven nights a week, with drag shows and screening of RuPaul's Drag Race every Monday and other events throughout the week and on weekends. This Saturday, D.I.X. will host a Jem Jam Glow Party. "Like" the Facebook page to stay in the loop of all events at D.I.X. 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! See all the winners for the month so far here. In this series, we're trying out some of the Milwaukee area's most popular fish fries. In each article, you'll find commentary, fun facts, pro tips and ratings of the three foundational elements of a classic Wisconsin fry: the fish, the potato pancakes and the classic Wisconsin-style brandy old fashioned. While we're enjoying our fish fries, weekly Burger Trail articles will post on Mondays (follow along here). View all fish fry reviews here. Bass Bay Brewhouse S79W15851 Aud Mar Dr, Muskego (414) 377-9449 bassbaybrewhouse.com Theres a great vibe at Bass Bay Brewhouse, a spot I often describe as having a modern day supper club feel. Thats partially due to offerings like oysters Rockerfeller and delicious prime rib; but its also a testament to the comfortable digs, which offer a year-round view of Bass Bay, a gorgeous body of water that connects up with Big Muskego Lake. Even better, the space always seems to be filled with friendly people, many of whom make weekly trips to the restaurant for dinner with family and friends. A particular attraction is Bass Bays fish fry. You can get a classic cod fish fry with cod, French fries, marbled rye and coleslaw ($14) any night of the week. On Fridays, it offers additional options including rye bread crusted walleye ($18) or fried shrimp ($16) along with un-fried options like poor mans lobster with drawn butter ($14) or cod Oscar, featuring crab-crusted cod, grilled asparagus and hollandaise sauce ($18). All are served with french fries, marbled rye, coleslaw and tartar sauce. On Fridays, you can sub out the french fries for potato pancakes for $1. Pro tip: The crowds pile in early on Friday nights; come after 7:30 p.m. for the shortest wait. The fish Among my favorite lake fish are perch and walleye, both of which are my preference for a Wisconsin fish fry. Both take me back to childhood when summer vacations meant spending time at my great grandparents cottage Up North. Wed spend the days swimming and fishing, and at night wed take our catch of fresh fish and fry it up for dinner. And that fresh flavor is always what Im looking for. In the case of Bass Bays walleye, its fresh and tasty. The breadcrumb coating is a lovely touch; its ultra crisp and redolent of caraway, a flavor thats really complementary to the moist, flaky fish. The cod is also a great bet. Its crispy and well-seasoned on the exterior and moist and flavorful on the interior. The breading sticks to the fish, and it holds up over the long-term (even if you take home a piece or two for reheating the next day) without getting soggy. Its one of the reasons I chose it for "Best Fish Fry" for the second year running. They get bonus points for their delicious tartar sauce, which has a great classic flavor but goes beyond the simple mixture of mayonnaise and relish. The potato pancakes Ive confessed before that Im a big fan of potato pancakes made with shredded potatoes, many of which end up with edges riddled with crispy, straggly potato bits. While these were not those pancakes, they offered much of the same flavor. The pancakes were thin, with a relatively firm texture and a consistently round appearance. They had a nice potato flavor and were well seasoned and not at all greasy. Interestingly, while most restaurants automatically serve potato pancakes with a side of applesauce, Bass Bay offers a choice of applesauce, sour cream or syrup. The old fashioned Bass Bays brandy old fashioned is proof that just because it says "sweet" in the name doesnt mean it has to be cloying. The cocktail was spirit forward with balanced flavor and hints of cinnamon and clove from the bitters. Muddled fruit was also evident in the glass. Bass Bay Brewhouse is open Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Got suggestions for our next fish fry? Email lori@staff.onmilwaukee.com with your suggestions. Suggested fish fry menus must include lake fish (walleye, perch), potato pancakes and a stellar old fashioned. Welcome to the series "First to Wisconsin" featuring stories about businesses that we finally have in our state. Although there may be more locations to come, these premiere places are celebrated by OnMilwaukee and the Corners of Brookfield, a luxury shopping mall inviting guests to "Shop. Dine. Live. Be Entertained." When Grimaldis Pizzeria opens at The Corners of Brookfield, 20119 Lord St., on Friday, Nov. 10, it will be something of a rarity: one of just two coal-fired pizzerias in the area, along with Elkhorns Holi Cannoli. The pizzeria will be the first Grimaldi's restaurant in Wisconsin. But coal-fired pizza is anything but new. In fact, it is the oldest style of pizza in the United States, dating back to 1905 when New York grocer Gennaro Lombardi an emigrant from Naples introduced pizza to Americans in his Spring Street store in Little Italy. Unlike wood-burning ovens, the allure of a coal-burning hearth is not so much the smoke but rather the heat. Coal burns twice as hot as wood. And gas or electric? Forget about it. While Grimaldis technically makes New York pizza, its a breed apart, being more like the disappearing coal pizzas of the past than the pizzas you get at most Big Apple pizza places. For a start, unlike most NYC pizzerie, Grimaldis doesnt sell slices. Secondly, the intense heat creates a crispy thin crust with a complex, smoky flavor. "We cook our pizza in a stone oven with coal that we get shipped in from Pennsylvania," says General Manager Michael Heider. "Its thin crust and it gives you a very unique smoky, crispy taste on the crust. Its something that I dont think that any other pizza place can offer. Its just very unique to Grimaldis. "Wood-fired is pretty popular right now and definitely gas ovens, but the coal gives it a much better taste, I think." That 25-ton brick oven runs at up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and is fueled with more than 100 pounds of coal a day. Though there are some other items on the menu, Grimaldi's focus is on pizza, Heider says. "Our menu is small. We do one thing and we do it right and thats pizza. We also offer great salads. We also have calzones and we do homemade in-house cheesecakes. We have seasonal cheesecakes that we offer, like right now we have a pumpkin cheesecake. Our classic New York and our Oreo are always on the menu. We have tiramisu, and we have cannolis. A national chain, Grimaldis was born in Brooklyns DUMBO neighborhood in 1990 by Patsy Grimaldi. When he retired, he sold to Frank Ciolli, whose family runs the chain. Some New Jersey locations are unaffiliated with the chain, which has 50 locations in 16 states. The Brookfield location covers nearly 5,000 square feet, including seating for 102 inside and another 45 outside. Photos, above and below, of another Grimaldi's location with a decor similar to the new Brookfield location, the interior of which is not yet completed. There is an open-concept kitchen, which allows diners to get a glimpse of the oven that is Grimaldis bread and butter, as well as the pizzaioli tossing the dough to stretch it without poking holes through it. "The cooks are on display," says Heider. "You can see them stretching and tossing the dough as you walk in. You get the smell from the pizza because the oven is right there as you walk in the front door. "The ambience is one of the things that draws people in. Its just a very classic New York-style place. The first thing that people notice are the wine bottle ceiling lights. We have actual wine bottles that enclose a light bulb and theyre dangling from the ceilings and thats a main focal point. People look up and go, wow, thats really neat." The lighting is low, the tablecloths are covered in classic red and white checkered linens, says Heider. The only thing it doesn't have that the Brooklyn location has is the Brooklyn Bridge running almost right overhead. "We dont have the (Brooklyn) bridge right above us like in Brooklyn, but The Corners here is a very nice area, as well. Its a brand new mall, its a beautiful place. Theres a lot of other great stores and boutiques around here. The whole mall has a great vibe and its very clean and nice and people love coming here. So I think this Christmas season is going to be crazy busy for us." Sick of dorm food? Sodexo not satisfying? Need a nice place to go for Parents' Weekend? Well, youre in luck because you found this Marquette dining guide. We've compiled a list of all the best restaurants from 6th Street in the east to 23rd Street in the west, Kilbourn Avenue in the north to St. Paul Avenue to the south. There are also OnMilwaukee dining guides for the Third Ward, Downtown and Deer District if you feel like adventuring outside the infamous Marquette bubble. Here are some golden dining options in Golden Eagles territory. Auntie Anne's 1614 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 988-4111 auntieannes.com A shopping mall favorite hits the Marquette central mall as hot and tasty pretzels of all flavors most importantly cinnamon sugar, the only flavor that really matters can be found at this new campus addition. Bro-Yo 1617 W. Wells St., (414)-763-6756 broyorestaurant.com [Read more] Sure to cure any college hangover, Bro-Yo has a crave-curing array of giant, greasy breakfast favorites. From huge chocolate chip pancakes to the ultimate breakfast sandwich, stop in to Bro-Yo to satisfy those breakfast cravings. BB's/Build-a-Burger 633 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 270-1070 bbmilwaukee.com [Read more] You always get exactly what you want at BB's after all, you're basically the cook, as you get to build your own burgers and breakfast plates at this popular family-friendly restaurant. Conways Smokin' Bar & Grill 2127 W. Wells St., (414) 344-1262 facebook.com/BluesandRibs/ [Read more] People sometimes forget about Conways but for students and alumni, this barbecue hot spot is very much worth venturing off the main drag, just a few blocks up from the main Marquette campus hub. Cousin's Subs 1612 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 277-7007 cousinssubs.com [Read more] Sandwich shops used to reign on Marquette's campus but with the closing of Subway a few years back, there are now just two battling for sub-premacy: Jimmy John's and this popular local chain. With a friendly staff and plenty of sandwich options, Cousin's Subs is conveniently located next to Starbucks so grab a coffee and sandwich to go for a pre- or post-class lunch. Domino's 719 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 271-8990 pizza.dominos.com Because college kids and heck, everyone loves pizza, Marquette's got not one but two popular chains in the campus area with Papa John's and this Domino's spot, serving its famed delivery pizzas along with a menu of other dinner options. Gin Rickey 2308 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 345-5015 thefitzmke.com/gin-rickey-menu [Read more] Looking for a fancy spot for the family during parents weekend? Or find a nice surplus in your monthly student budget? Splurge on a lovely night out at Gin Rickey which may be named after a classic cocktail but also serves up a delicious menu of heightened comfort foods. Gyro MKE 700 W. Wisconsin Ave. #A, (414) 273-4976 gyromke.com [Read more] Hankering for a taste of the Mediterranean on Marquette's campus? Opened in 2018 in the Library Hill development, Gyro MKE offers a number of filling Mediterranean favorites including shawarma, falafel, kabobs, pitas, salads and of course gyros. Jamba Juice 1614 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 988-4111 locations.jamba.com The juices and drinks may be the star at this popular chain but for those looking for a quick and fresh food fuel-up, Jamba also offers a menu of healthy bowls, breakfast sandwiches and handheld snacks to power through another day of lectures. Jimmy Johns 1532 W. Wells St., (414) 344-1234 jimmyjohns.com Just like Qdoba, Jimmy Johns features student-friendly hours from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m., so no matter what time it is you can stop in and grab a fresh, freaky-fast sandwich. If not, there's always free smells. Lazo's Taco Shack 641 N. James Lovell St., (414) 988-6567 lazostacoshackmke.biz [Read more] Lazo's may be small but it serves up big flavor since opening up Downtown in 2019. The menu offers a number of Mexican favorites and specialties including birria tacos, tostadas, burritos and more for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Maki Yaki 1616 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 909-3999 maki-yaki.com Among the city's best Japanese restaurants and one of Marquettes newer eating spots, Maki Yaki has quickly become a go-to for students. The Japanese grill offers a variety of sushi and teriyaki dishes served in a unique dining atmosphere and experience. Michaels Family Restaurant 2220 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 344-7333 michaelsresturant2220.com Looking for a nice home-style meal? Then Michaels is your place. It's fast and friendly, and the menu offers a variety of American-style favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Miss Katies Diner 1900 W. Clybourn St., (414) 344-0044 miss-katies.com [Read more] Just two blocks off of Marquettes main campus, Miss Katies has hosted the likes of the Clintons, Trump, John Kerry and Michelle Obama and it will even host you for breakfast, lunch or dinner in its 1950s-style diner. In addition, Miss Katie's has a full bar with a variety of cocktails. Papa Johns 1611 W. Wells St., (414) 342-7272 papajohns.com The popular national pizza chain has a franchise location on Marquette's campus, offering some special deals for college students on a budget and decently late delivery hours for college students on an all-nighter study session. Qdoba 803 N. 16th St., (414) 431-0099 qdoba.com Open from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. on weekends, this burrito-filling favorite can offer you a quick, filling and delicious handheld meal (or bowl) just about anytime you need it. Real Chili 1625 W. Wells St., (414) 342-6955 realchillimilwaukee.com [Read more] This iconic local chili spot is open late and churns out hot dogs, tacos, nachos and more, especially to the hungry and inebriated on weekends. Great eats and even better people-watching depending on what time you drop in. Sendik's Fresh2GO 824 N 16th St., (414)-797-4950 sendiks.com If you're looking for an ingredient to complete a dish or simply a build-your-own fresh salad, head to Sendik's Fresh2GO store at Marquette. It's sure to have whatever staple pantry items you need as well as sushi, salad, soups and more. Sobelmans Pub and Grill 1900 W. St. Paul Ave., (414) 931-1919 soblemanspubandgrill.com [Read more] If you have the opportunity, it's always fun to venture down into the valley and go to the original Sobelman's, where you can grab a great burger and one of their signature Bloody Marys. Sobelmans Marquette 1601 W. Wells St., (414) 933-1601 sobelmanspubandgrill.com [Read more] Cant make it out all the way to the original Sobelman's? That's OK; that's why the on-campus Sobelman's is there. The Marquette location offers all the same famous burgers as the original Sobelmans, as well as great drink deals and a more student-friendly atmosphere. Tangled Noodles and More 1404 W. Wells St., (414)-210-4294 tangled-noodlesandmore.com [Read more] A great spot for lunch or dinner, Tangled Noodles serves up delicious Asian Fusion food, including noodle and rice bowls along with other more authentic regional dishes that can really bring the flavor and spice. A little further out ... 3rd Street Market Hall 275 W. Wisconsin Ave. Suite 100, (414) 249-5062 3rdstmarkethall.com [Read more] Bringing new life to the former Grand Avenue space, 3rd Street Market Hall offers something for truly everyone from crave-worthy burgers to refreshing sandwiches, tantalizing tacos to delicious donuts, outstanding arepas to ridiculously good ramen. You can find just about anything at 3rd Street Market Hall except empty stomachs. Eleven25 1125 N. 9th St., (414) 376-7300 live-eleven25.com [Read more] 3rd Street Market Hall isn't the only tasty food hall in easy walking distance from Marquette. Venture over to the Pabst Brewery district and dig into the food court at Eleven25, featuring delicious eats like Filipino food from Meat on the Street, juicy chicken from Marco Pollo, grilled goods from Lucky's Spitfire and filling soul food from Coaches. Five OClock Steakhouse 2416 W State St., (414) 342-3552 fiveoclocksteakhouse.com [Read more] You might want to wait for your parents to try this one out because it aint cheap. But when you do go, Five OClock Steakhouse will give you the full, old-school supper club experience; start out at the cocktail bar with a drink before moving on to the dining room to enjoy a salad as you wait for your steak. On Tap 1203 N. 10th St., (414) 810-3351 ontapmilwaukee.com [Read more] Housed in the former Jackson's Blue Ribbon next to The Brewhouse Inn & Suites in the Pabst Brewery district, On Tap keeps the spirit alive and the spirits flowing in this terrific space, complete with a lineup of blissful bar grub like pizzas, wings, burgers and much more. The latest What's happening in the Ward? The Third Ward is one of Milwaukee's fasting evolving districts, so it's no surprise that we end up posting these updates on a fairly regular basis. An anti-corruption court has indicted former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter and son-in-law, in the latest development set off by disclosures in the Panama Papers. The Panama Papers revealed the the family used offshore companies to buy expensive London properties. Sharif resigned in July after Pakistans Supreme Court ruled he was disqualified to hold the countrys highest office for having assets disproportionate to his known means of income. Sharif did not attend the Oct. 18 hearing. He was in London, where his wife is undergoing surgery, and sent a plea of not guilty. His daughter Maryam Sharif and his son Mohammad Safdar pleaded not guilty at the hearing. In sickness & in health . A solemn vow. pic.twitter.com/gbnDmb9gRy Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) October 10, 2017 Sharif labelled the proceedings a murder of justice, when speaking to reporters in London after the announcement. You tell me if this is justice or murder of justice, he asked reporters. He said he would not accept the decision because it did not expose any corruption or government kickbacks. Also speaking afterwards, Maryam Sharif, who had been seen as her fathers eventual successor, said the family would fight the charges. I refuse to accept the charges, she said outside the courthouse. We are being denied a fundamental right to justice. Sharifs supporters have blamed his troubles on the military, which ousted him in 1999. And, despite his continuing legal problems the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), re-elected him as its leader earlier this month. The indictment was triggered by a National Accountability Bureau report on three cases of corruption and money laundering that involved Sharif, his family members and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. The Panama Papers had reported that three of Sharifs children were owners or had the right to authorize transactions for several companies, including two that owned a UK property each for use by the family of the companies owners. Sharifs daughter Mariam Safdar was the owner of the two British Virgin Islands-based firms. According to the Guardian newspaper, hours before the indictment, a delegation from the accountability bureau arrived in London to collect evidence of the property owned by the Sharif family. The bureau has asked the Pakistani interior ministry to request Interpol to issue red warrants for Sharifs sons Hussain and Hassan in order for them to be extradited from the UK. The interior minister, Ahsan Iqbal, a close associate of Sharif, has yet to comply. The slow decline in population is understandable, as there are few jobs on the island. Most of it is owned by the State of Georgia and a large part is designated a marine preserve. The people who are employed on the island either work at the Reynolds Mansion or for the University of Georgia's Marine Institute; the rest work on the mainland. A business growing heirloom red peas and other crops for cash has been started. Bailey had been working to establish a living history village on-site. Bailey, who became interested in preserving the Sapelo Island culture by "being nosy" said she hoped the next generations appreciated and built on the work she had done. "Why the heck else are we paying these high taxes, if not for them? I tell my grandchildren and my great-grandchildren, 'I'm not paying these things and fighting for myself because these days I've got one foot on a banana peel.' So, you gotta take care of your legacy." Advertisement " " The beach at Sapelo Island. Kathryn Whitbourne Whether Hog Hammock will survive is an open question. "If we look at other seaside and coastal historically black coastal communities places like Hilton Head the prospects are grim," says Melissa Cooper, an associate professor of history at Rutgers University and the author of "Making Gullah: A History of Sapelo Islanders, Race, and the American Imagination." However, the islanders are really fighting hard to ensure that their descendants can still call the island home ... That said, all the indicators say that something major will have to be done to make the retention of the people who live in the community now and the reintroduction of descendants feasible. And I'm not sure what that would look like and I'm not sure that would happen." Cooper has relatives from Sapelo and remembers visiting as a child in the summers. "[Back then], the island was populated by a greater number of black people, more children on the island, more elderly. The senior citizen building was a functioning center, the island had more vitality. So not only are my visits [now] accented by the fact that these people are not there, but they are also accented by the fact that there are all these new structures on stilts everywhere that also represent the influx of new people who are taking residence on the island even if it's just weekenders or vacationers." Cooper brings up another important issue in the survival of Sapelo: property taxes. Outsiders have been building vacation homes on the island, and driving up property taxes. (Some Hog Hammock residents have filed a federal lawsuit alleging discrimination and violation of fair housing laws.) But these vacation homes are also attracting more visitors to the island. "It's up to the islanders to determine whether it's a good thing or not," Cooper says. "If other coastal communities are any indication of what is to come, a change in the economic profile of the community will also mirror changes in the tax structure, the value of property and I wonder if you can have a sort of mixed use community with different economic profiles unless it is done intentionally." Now That's Cool More information on visiting Sapelo Island can be found at the Sapelo Island Visitors Center. To take an island tour with a resident of Hog Hammock, visit Geechee Tours or Sapelo Island Tours. Constant Hak (l) and Remy Wenmaekers in the Epidaurus theater. Credit: Eindhoven University of Technology Tales of the acoustics at the 2300 year-old Greek theater of Epidaurus tend to be told in terms of superlatives. Not actually justified, according to measurements taken by researchers from Eindhoven University of Technology. They are the first to detail the acoustics of three ancient theaters, with over 10,000 measurements, which confirms that when actors speak very loudly, they can be understood perfectly well right up to the back row. However, the tearing of a piece of paper or a whisper is only audible up to about halfway up, in contradiction to the many claims. Other examples cited in the travel guides to illustrate the excellence of the acoustics include the sound of a falling coin and the striking of a match. The Eindhoven study in Epidaurus, however, reveals that the tearing of paper or a falling coin can only be heard up to about halfway up. As for the sound of a matchstick being struck, you have to sit even nearer to the stage to hear it while you can only make out a whisper if you're sitting in the front row. All these sounds are just about audible further away but they are so subdued that they are not recognizable to the listener. In none of the three theaters studied did a voice at normal volume appear to be intelligible in the uppermost row. Words spoken very loudly with a good deal of projection were, however, are quite intelligible right up to the highest seats in all three theaters. The researchers therefore came to the conclusion that while the acoustic quality of these theaters is good, it is nothing special. The results were presented earlier this year at the scientific conference Acoustics '17 Boston. The research team investigated the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (200 AD), the theater of Argos (200 BC) and the theater of Epidaurus (400 BC), this last being the subject of great praise for its acoustic quality. In all three theaters the researchers undertook multiple readings from hundreds of spots to get a picture of the audibility of sounds throughout the auditorium. They also did this at different times of the day since differences in temperature and humidity can cause the acoustics to change. They compared the results with their own data on the recognizability and audibility of the aforementioned sounds, like a falling coin. In addition, they also took separate readings to examine the speech intelligibility. The researchers were able to pinpoint the acoustics so well thanks to a new method of measuring that they had developed themselves. Using a wireless system, they were able to take measurements from many different spots very quickly. This may seem simple, but it is essential since acoustic measurements can be distorted by the slight delays that may occur between the separate play and record equipment. Such delays are due to the clock speed of the equipment, which is never exactly the same. The Eindhoven researchers managed to solve this problem. The study had been prompted by a travel guide, with all the usual superlatives about the acoustics, that had lain for some thirty years in the bookcase of research leader Constant Hak. As an acoustician he had always wanted to measure those acoustics in detail, and the newly developed method of measuring made this possible. So together with researcher Remy Wenmaekers and TU Eindhoven Master students, he travelled to Greece to perform the measurements. Regardless of the findings, the experience of the theaters has a magical quality for Hak and his colleagues. And, he underlines, the acoustic quality is good. But the almost mythical acoustics in which the travel guides rave about should, the team believes, be tempered with a pinch of realism. Credit: Matt Perko Virtual reality has nothing on nature. Just ask the UC Santa Barbara students who one recent day trekked to a forest before dawn to listen to a chorus of early birds. They had hiked into the woods for that very purpose as part of a field study course, tasked with identifying as many species as possible by their vocalizations. After 20 minutes, most had picked up the territorial call of the a red-shouldered hawk and two acorn woodpeckers chattering in the trees. A few careful listeners detected the twitter of a hummingbird. Amid their discussion of birds, no one expected to meet up with a mammal cameo. But when UCSB biologist Douglas McCauley, who co-teaches the class with Hillary Youngan associate professor in the campus's Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biologyemerged from the bushes with the small rodent in hand, he delivered a brief impromptu lecture about its features and then let it go. That kind of spontaneous encounterand the feeling it evokeswould be next to impossible to reproduce in a virtual reality (VR) setting. It's the kind of unpredictable thing nature does best, inspiring awe and wonderand hopefully a love of learning outdoors. In a new paper in the journal Science, McCauley discusses the pros and cons of VR and augmented reality (AR) as environmental science teaching tools. "While they have a place in the pedagogical toolbox, the newest technologies aren't necessarily the best options," he said. "It's unclear whether they improve on more traditional methods like taking students outside before dawn to listen to birds." Rapid advancements in VR and AR have recently opened up a new genre of "electronic field trips" that mimics hikes, dives and treks through nature. Half a dozen UCSB seniors enrolled in McCauley's Laboratory and Fieldwork in Vertebrate Biology course, however, said they wouldn't have traded the experience of seeing their professor wrangle a rodent for staying in bed and using VR goggles to "recreate" the encounter at their leisure. In fact, many said the field trip marked the first time in years they had sat quietly in nature, listening and learning, for more than a couple minutes. Nonetheless, according to McCauley, both VR and AR have their potential upsides, such as the capacity to move back and forth in time. "With virtual reality we could have transported the students on our birding trip back to a Pleistocene dawn in those same woods when they were full of 20-foot-tall ground sloths and hungry saber-tooth tigers," McCauley said. "Or we could have taken them forward in time to a climate-altered future where bird migrations had been disrupted." In the paper, McCauley argues that AR holds some promise if not used heavy-handedly. Consider Harvard University's AR simulation of Black's Nook Pond in Massachusetts, in which users can take photos of pond wildlife, catch bugs in the mud, measure virtual weather, collect population data and sample water chemistry using their smartphone. At certain points predetermined by GPS coordinates, a digital teaching assistant appears, who might prompt participants on how to take a water sample. Or, when the smartphone is shown a plant, the program could supply an animation of a carbon atom moving through the plant during photosynthesis. "You have this augmented experience of looking at a detail or process you can't see in real life," McCauley explained. "I think there's an interesting possibility there to enhance the outdoor experience. But how far do you push that before you lose some of the core values of being in nature: the opportunity to chat with the person next to you rather than staring at your phone, or the capacity to actually see the plant and experience nature with your own eyes rather than on a digital screen." More information: "Digital nature: Are field trips a thing of the past?" Science (2017). science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi 1126/science.aao1919 Journal information: Science The filtration and storage of pollutants are so efficient, that blue mussels are used in environmental monitoring; they are like environmental detectives. Credit: Janne Kim Gitmark, NIVA Two researchers in a boat loaded with thousands of blue mussels, collected from a mussel farm in Lillesand. The boat heads out the Kristiansand fjord, and the researchers deploy the blue mussels in the sea. Why are they doing this? Blue mussel. This shellfish has its home in the intertidal areas in the sea, where it pumps large volumes of sea water over its ciliated gills. The blue mussel filtrates phytoplankton and pollutants from the water, takes up the plankton as food, and stores the pollutants in its tissues. The filtration and storage of pollutants are so efficient, that blue mussels are used in environmental monitoring; they are like environmental detectives. But, to say something certain about the pollution level in the fjord, a lot of blue mussels is needed; and picking massive amounts in areas where there are only few mussels, or even no mussels at all, is impossible. Now the researchers are experimenting with caged mussels: can newcomer mussels replace native mussels in environmental monitoring? Caged for half a year This was what the researchers from the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) wanted to find out, as they were driving in the fjord in the boat full of blue mussels. The Kristiansand harbour was perfect for the experiment: Years of metal industry had contaminated the fjord with nickel, copper, and cobalt, in addition to the organic compounds PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls), and HCB (hexachlorobenzene). Two years ago, there were only few naturally occurring blue mussels in the harbour, whilst there were plenty further out in the fjord off Svensholmen. The researchers deployed the two cages in the fjord, one close to the harbour and one by Svensholmen, each containing one thousand clean blue mussels from the mussel farm in Lillesand. "We collected mussels from the cages and from the natural population several times during the following six months," says Merethe Schyen, the NIVA researcher responsible for the blue mussel experiment. "Then we brought the mussels to the lab in Oslo for analysis and comparison of contaminant levels." 35 times as much nickel When the test results were ready, there was no doubt the water masses outside Kristiansand were polluted. Six months behind bars had increased the levels of both metals, PAHs, PCBs, and HCBs in the blue mussels. In the cage deployed closest to the harbour, the concentration of nickel had increased up to 35 times compared to the pre-deployed mussels. But increased levels in itself were not what interested the researchers: They wanted to study how the pollutant levels developed over time, and establish how long it took for each pollutant group to reach steady state levels. Metal levels increased faster than organic contaminants "After only one month, metal concentrations in the farmed mussels were at the same levels as in the natural population at Svensholmen," Schyen says. "However, accumulation of the organic compounds was slower. After six months, the levels of PAHs and PCBs were still higher in the natural population than in the caged mussels." These findings indicate how long the blue mussel cage should stay in the fjord to reach representative levels of pollutants. For use in environmental monitoring, the deployment time should be as short as possible, and a half year or even more is not practical. But when combined with so-called toxicokinetic models, it might be possible to estimate the pollutant levels in local, natural blue mussels, using caged mussels which have been deployed only a short period. National monitoring standards The blue mussel experiment resulted in two scientific articles about the use of caged mussels in environmental monitoring, published in Marine Environmental Research. The articles also highlight the need of more research, for instance about annual variation in contaminant levels, to improve the quality of the monitoring data. In collaboration with the Norwegian Environment Agency and Standards Norway, the NIVA researchers are developing a national standard for the monitoring of contaminants in blue mussels. More information: Merete Schyen et al. Comparison of caged and native blue mussels ( Mytilus edulis spp.) for environmental monitoring of PAH, PCB and trace metals, Marine Environmental Research (2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.07.025 Provided by Norwegian Institute for Water Research Contrary to popular belief, sex workers were more likely than not to report that their work enhanced their wellbeing. We recently studied the health and safety of sex workers in Western Australia. While such a study was conducted in 2007, we were interested to see if the sex industry had changed in the past decade, and to learn more about the intersection of the law and health and safety for sex workers in WA. While the study was undertaken in WA, it would have implications nationwide. Sex work regulation Since the 19th century, all Australian jurisdictions have criminalised most sex-work-related activities. But in the later part of the 20th century, these laws became increasingly diverse. More recently, the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales largely decriminalised sex work. International authorities have commended the NSW decriminalisation model as best practice, and it was influential in New Zealand law reform. In WA, the Prostitution Act and the Criminal Code govern sex work law and prohibit most prostitution-related activities. However, the act of prostitution in itself is not an offence. How the sex-work industry is changing Our study was conducted in 2016 and involved male, female and transgender sex workers in a range of settings, including private work, massage shops, street-based and brothels. We involved peer researchers, who were essential for the success of the project, and sought advice from sex worker organisations. We interviewed key advisers, including local government, police, brothel owners/managers and sex workers. We also scanned newspaper and online advertisements, visited sexual services premises, undertook a survey of 354 sex workers, and carried out in-depth interviews with sex workers. We observed significant changes in the WA sex industry over the past ten years. These include an increase in private sex work and relative decrease in brothel-based and exclusively street-based sex work. Use of the internet and social media to promote sexual services is increasing. These changes reflect similar changes in the sex industry elsewhere in Australia and internationally. The growth in private sex work has implications for the provision of outreach services to sex workers, with an increasing need to reach sex workers outside brothels. Contrary to popular belief, sex workers were more likely than not to report that their work enhanced their wellbeing. Sex workers reported feeling increased self-confidence as a result of their work, and many enjoyed the non-sexual interaction they had with clients. The financial benefits were also important, as was work flexibility. Stigma and discrimination remained major impediments to sex worker wellbeing. This had impacts on their interpersonal relationships, as well as access to health services and the police. We found high rates of tobacco smoking and excessive alcohol consumption in our study population, with excessive alcohol consumption higher in men than women. These rates are higher than those reported in the general population. It is clear that efforts to reduce smoking in the general population have not been successful in this group. We found that client requests for unprotected sex, particularly oral sex, were common. While a majority of survey respondents reported that clients used condoms 100% of the time for vaginal (67%) and anal (59%) sex, only one-third reported condom use 100% of the time for oral sex. The reduction in condom use for oral sex among sex workers has been described previously, and was associated with pharyngeal gonorrhoea in Sydney. A number of study participants described a downturn in the sex industry in WA that may reflect a downturn in the state economy. The downturn in demand for sexual services may have resulted in an increase in some sex workers' risk-taking, such as accepting clients who they're uncertain about or, possibly, agreeing to unprotected sex. Any legislation that seeks to reduce demand, such as the so-called Nordic Model, could backfire and have such an impact. Sex work should be decriminalised in Western Australia Our study demonstrated several ways that the criminalisation of sex work in WA has negative impacts on the health, safety and wellbeing of sex workers. These include: criminalisation being used as an excuse for abuse by clients; sex workers being reluctant to go to police as victims of crime; and the hidden nature of sex work in the context of private houses and massage parlours impeding access to services and health promotion. Decriminalisation allows a highly visible focus on workplace health and safety in brothels and massage parlours, and is an important step towards reducing stigma and discrimination experienced by sex workers. There is good evidence that decriminalising sex work does not result in an increase in the number of clients, and the normalisation of this work is important in improving sex workers' health and wellbeing. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Sample collection. Credit: UK Centre for Astrobiology If there are habitable conditions on Mars, they may be underground. Scientists from around the world are now testing how to live on other planets by venturing a kilometre beneath the surface in a UK mine. ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer has joined the expedition as it looks for life in extreme environments. For two weeks, nearly 30 scientists and instrument specialists are venturing deep below for the fifth Mine Analogue Research sortie. "Some of the most exciting places for planetary exploration are way below our feet," notes Charles Cockell, head of the UK Centre for Astrobiology. One day, explorers could live underground in lava tubes or caves in the Moon and Mars because they offer ideal environments for human outposts. Just like some regions of the Red Planet, the Boulby mine in northeast England features brines that could host microbial life. "I did not imagine that highly concentrated salt solutions could be a good place to start searching for traces of life," remarked Matthias from underground. "These features are completely new to me. There is so much you can learn on Earth about other planets." Down in the mine, Matthias is using life-detection equipment, drills and cameras for robotic and human exploration. One of his tasks is to follow the performance of a robotic hammer that could one day be part of a Mars rover. It would help to sample a hostile planetary surface, exposing fresh surfaces for the search of life. Preparing for mine expedition. Credit: UK Centre for Astrobiology There are some 'guests' from ESA's ExoMars mission that is gearing up for landing a rover on the Red Planet in 2020. The prototypes of a high-resolution camera and a package of sensors to measure water vapour are also exploring the deep darkness. Next stop: lava tubes SA's Pangaea geology course will continue the work next month in the Mars-like landscapes of Lanzarote, Spain. The volcanic features and tunnels created by flowing lava on the island will be a perfect setting for a team of astronauts, spacewalk experts, engineers and scientists to study tools and sampling techniques for exploring other planets. Some of the tools used in the mine sorties will be put to the test for geology research and investigating lava tubes. Pangaea's five-day November test campaign will include 50 people, 14 experiments, 18 organisations and four space agencies. Lava tube. Credit: ESAL. Ricci The distributions of antibiotics and their breakdown products throughout the lung. Red represents the highest abundance and blue represents the lowest abundance. The mapping has been performed on the left lung. Credit: UC San Diego Health University of California San Diego researchers have developed the first 3D spatial visualization tool for mapping "'omics" data onto whole organs. The tool helps researchers and clinicians understand the effects of chemicals, such as microbial metabolites and medications, on a diseased organ in the context of microbes that also inhabit the region. The work could advance targeted drug delivery for cystic fibrosis and other conditions where medications are unable to penetrate. A team led by Pieter Dorrestein, PhD, professor in the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at University of California San Diego and a leadership team member in the UC San Diego Center for Microbiome Innovation, published the study October 19 in Cell Host & Microbe. Every nook and cranny of a human organ has its own microbiomethe microorganisms and their genes that are present in a particular environment. The anatomy of the organ and its environment (temperature, pH level, nutrient availability, etc.) determine which microorganisms are present. In turn, the microorganisms respond to and affect the presence of therapeutics. "Our understanding of the spatial variation of the chemical and microbial make-up of a human organ remains limited," said Dorrestein. "This is in part due to the size and variability of human organs, and the sheer amount of data we get from metabolomics and genomics studies." To address this challenge, Dorrestein's team developed an open-source workflow for mapping metabolomics and microbiome data onto a 3D organ reconstruction built from radiological images. First, the researchers obtained a lung from a patient afflicted with cystic fibrosis and sectioned it. They analyzed the samples for the presence of bacteria, their metabolites and virulence factors (molecules that add to bacterial effectiveness and enable them to colonize a niche in the host), and any medications given to the patient during treatment. Next, Neha Garg, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in Dorrestein's lab at the time, and Mingxun Wang, a graduate student in the UC San Diego lab of Nuno Bandeira, PhD, modified an existing Google Chrome extension called "ili" to visualize microbiome and metabolome distributions on an entire organ. Credit: Garg, et al. Cell Host & Microbe, Oct. 19, 2017. "The application enables the user to map data onto a 2D or 3D surface, so we modified the code to allow us to map the abundance data not only onto surfaces, but also within the model," said Garg, who is now an assistant professor at Georgia Tech. In order to visualize the spatial localization of the bacteria and molecules, the team procured CT scan images of a human lung and processed them to generate a 3D model. With the "omics" data from the cystic fibrosis lung superimposed on the 3D lung in the modified version of "ili," the researchers were able to make important observations. "We could see that one of the antibiotics administered to the patient prior to collecting the tissue did not penetrate the bottom of the lunga phenomenon that has not been observed before," said Garg. "This correlated with a higher abundance of the cystic fibrosis-associated pathogen Achromobacter. Thus, different drugs may differentially penetrate the lung, limiting exposure to effective dosage. Our tool allows researchers and clinicians to visualize this significant clinical concern within a human organ for the first time. This has implications for treatment of CF and other diseases." The researchers created open-source maps of 16,379 molecules and 56 microbes that will now serve as a resource for scientists researching cystic fibrosis and other lung-associated diseases. "As future studies unravel more about the microbiome and metabolome, their spatial visualization will provide a means to infer their biological significance," said Dorrestein. "Furthermore, the methodology developed can be extended to any human organnotably those with tumors, which are known to be associated with their own unique microbiomes." The team hopes that the work will help enable improved targeted drug delivery, which could be used to rectify poor penetration of antibiotics. More information: Neha Garg et al. Three-Dimensional Microbiome and Metabolome Cartography of a Diseased Human Lung, Cell Host & Microbe (2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2017.10.001 Journal information: Cell Host & Microbe Drill ship Fugro Synergy. Credit: CCotteril@ECORD_IODP An international expedition aims to better understand seismic activity through samples collected from one of the most geologically active areas in Europe. More than 30 scientists, including Dr Richard Collier from the University of Leeds, will be participating in an expedition which will analyse data gathered from a tear in the ocean floor the Corinth Rift. The rift is caused by one of the Earth's tectonic plates being ripped apart causing such geological hazards as earthquakes. The overall aim of the project is to gain insight into the rifting process by collecting sediment cores and compiling data from the samples on their geological history, composition, age and structure. The research vessel, DV Fugro Synergy, will launch in late October to collect the cores at three different locations with drilling going to a depth of 750 metres below the seabed. Dr Collier, from the School of Earth and Environment at Leeds said: "The Corinth Rift provides a unique laboratory in one of the most seismically active areas in Europe. It is a relatively young tectonic feature having only formed in the last five million years. It is an ideal location to learn more about early rift development and how tectonics affect the landscape. Drilling Vessell Fugro Synergy will extract samples from 750 metres below the seabed. Credit: CCotteril@ECORD_IODP "The cores will also allow us to determine the relative impacts of sea level change of and climate change through time on the transfer of sediment from the surrounding landscape to the basin floor. "The opportunity to quantify these competing controls on rift sedimentation for the first time makes this project particularly exciting. By increasing our understanding of this particular rift we may be better able to predict seismic hazards in other areas and inform the hunt for sediment bodies in other parts of the world that might contain hydrocarbons. " Researchers have been working in the Gulf of Corinth region for many decades examining sediments and active fault traces exposed on land and using marine geophysics to image the basin and its structure below the seafloor. But there is very little information about the age of the sediments and of the environment of the rift in the last one to two million years. The core samples collected and analysed by the team will help answer such questions as: What are the implications for earthquake activity in a developing rift? How does the rift actually evolve and grow and on what timescale? How did the activity on faults change with time? How does the landscape respond to tectonic and climatic changes? And what was the climate and the environment of the rift basin in the last one to two million years? Co-chief scientist of the expedition, Professor Lisa McNeill from the University of Southampton, said: "By drilling, we hope to find this last piece of the jigsaw puzzle. It will help us to unravel the sequence of events as the rift has evolved and, importantly, how fast the faults, which regularly generate damaging earthquakes, are slipping." The 33 scientists involved in the expedition are from Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Greece, India, Norway, Spain, the United States, and the United Kingdom and cover a range of different geoscience disciplines. Nine of them will sail onboard the drill ship Fugro Synergy from October to December of this year. After the offshore phase in the Gulf of Corinth the entire team, including Dr Collier, will meet for the first time at the IODP Bremen Core Repository (BCR), located at MARUM Center for Marine Environmental Sciences at the University of Bremen, Germany. There they will spend a month splitting, analysing and sampling the cores and reviewing the data collected. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt met in Lincoln on Friday with Gov. Pete Ricketts, officials in his administration and members of a coalition opposed to an Obama administration water regulation designed to protect clean water. Ricketts said Pruitt and the Trump administration "have kept their word and repealed the 2015 Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule that would have threatened future growth in Nebraska agriculture and manufacturing." The other part of the Montello-based walleye aquaponics equation is racks of lettuce, fed by water enriched with the nutrients in fish waste. Credit: Aaron Conklin More than a thousand walleye are in the six sets of circular water tanks at the UW-Stevens Point Aquaponics Innovation Center in Montello, Wis. And they swim around in near-total darkness, their environment protected by several sets of pitch-black curtains. "Walleye are sunset and night-time feeders," explained Chris Hartleb, UWSP professor of aquaculture and the caretaker of this walleye colony. "This way, they can feed 24 hours a day. Plus, they're very skittish fishit takes almost nothing to startle them." There's good reason to keep them calm. These fish are a key part of a two-year aquaculture research project funded by UWMadison-based Wisconsin Sea Grant designed to compare the production of walleye, a native Wisconsin fish, and saugeye, a natural hybrid of walleye and sauger, in a recirculating aquaculture system and a closed aquaponics system. As it reaches the midway point, the project, headed by Hartleb and Greg Fischer, facility operations manager of UWSP's Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility (NADF) near Bayfield, Wis., is looking more promising by the fish tank. Both Fischer and Hartleb spent the last year raising saugeye in tanks with low, medium and high densities at each facility. "The saugeyes grew really well," said Fischer. "We reached our target goal of growing a one-pound fish in less than a year at each of the three densities. We even had some fish up to two pounds." Better still, Fischer's NADF operation and systems experienced no significant issues with maintaining water quality, a common problem that can often derail an aquaculture operation. Now, like Hartleb, he's raising walleye as well, in six specialized dual drain, Cornell-style tanks connected to a more traditional recirculating aquaculture system with a fluidized sand biofilter. In a burgeoning industry where, as John Pade, the co-founder of Nelson & Pade Inc., a partner on Hartleb's part of the project likes to say, "enthusiasm often exceeds knowledge," Hartleb and Fischer's research could be critical to showing a new way forward with a new species for Wisconsin aquaculture. "That's the questioneconomically, how does this fit in? " Fischer asked. "That's the big puzzle. Can you do this at a commercial scale? At NADF, we've have been investigating and working on walleyes and their hybrids for food fish use for almost 10 years now and this research is critical to move this species forward for sustainable U.S. aquaculture." Researcher Tyler Firkus holds a saugeye fish. Credit: Wisconsin Sea Grant Currently, nearly 90 percent of the aquaculture industry in the United States is focused on tilapia. While there are ways in which that makes sensethe fish grows well in high-density tanks and sometimes returns a good price at marketthere are also ways in which it doesn't. "As a biologist, it's scary," said Hartleb. "What if a disease wipes out tilapia fry at nurseries?" In fact, there are only three nurseries in the United States that provide tilapia fingerlings to aquaculture/aquaponics operations, and two of them are in the Southwest, not far from Mexico, which experienced a major outbreak of the lethal Tilapia Lake Virus earlier this year. Walleye offers its own economic advantage. One-pound fillets typically fetch anywhere from $14-16 a pound. And as Hartleb is in the process of showing, walleye can be the cornerstone of a successful aquaponics operation. At the Aquaponics Innovation Center in Montello, Hartleb is raising walleye at the same low, medium and high density as the saugeye were. The water containing the fish waste is drained, filtered and oxygenated, then pumped into tanks to provide nutrients to a wide variety of greens, from multiple types of lettuce to kale. Hartleb has even taken a stab at growing broccoli. "Aquaculture is about purifying the water," explained Hartleb. "Aquaponics is about purifying the water to a non-toxic level. It's a closed system, and you're basically Mother Nature. Any change you make shifts everything." Hartleb's also been charting the water chemistry necessary to keep both the fish and the plants healthy and productive. For instance, walleye are a carnivorous fish, which has an impact on the proper nutrient process. ("You may have to support potassium," Hartleb said.) So far, the results are encouraging. Walleye in the low-density tanks grew the best, reaching as high as a pound and a half. In the medium density tanks, 93 percent of the fish reached one pound. The high-density tank was somewhat less successful70 percent of the fish did not reach a pound. Given the dual thrust of an aquaponics operation, that's not necessarily bad news. At the UW-Stevens Point Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility near Bayfield, Wis. Greg Fisher successfully grew tanks of saugeye to a one-pound marker within the course of a year. Credit: Emma Wiermaa "If you find the lowest density is best, why wouldn't you grow more plants?" Hartleb asked. With another year to go on the project, a significant amount of data analysis remains, and a few bottlenecks will need to be resolved before walleye and saugeye can truly go mainstream. The biggest one is the lack of a nursery provider. If a new startup wants to begin raising walleye and saugeye, they need fingerlings. Walleye fingerlings are typically grown for stocking in lakes, not fueling startups, and UWSP NADF doesn't yet produce enough saugeye fry to become a regional supplier. "We need a private industry partner to step up to the plate on this aspect of providing biosecure, feed trained, intensively reared fingerlings to support the industry. We know how to do this successfully and can help with training and setup." said Fischer. That's where the education and outreach piece of the project comes in. "We have the know-how. We have the tools. We can teach anyone," said Hartleb Fischer agrees. "If we can resolve some of these questions and continuing working with and educating interested fish farmers, I'm confident that walleye and hybrids will be the next big thing for Wisconsin aquaculture." Scientists have developed a database on U.S. Northeast and Midwest lakes like Monona in Wisc. Credit: NSF LTER Network Countless numbers of vacationers spent this summer enjoying lakes for swimming, fishing and boating. But are they loving these lakes to death? The water quality of the nation's lakes is threatened not only by the things people do in and around them, but, say scientists, by less obvious factors such as agriculture and changes in climate. Because lakes are as distinct as one snowflake from another, they may respond differently to these challenges. To better understand the complex factors that threaten lake water quality, scientists need data on many lakes in various environmental settings. Unfortunately, much of the lake and geographic data needed for such studies is not easily accessible. The datasets exist in multiple formats in government, university and private databases and sometimes in file drawers. Now, a new "geography of lake water quality," called LAGOS, is allowing scientists to understand lakes in ways that will better inform water policy and management. LAGOS, or the LAke multi- scaled GeOSpatial and temporal database, includes information on 50,000 lakes in 17 U.S. Northeastern and upper Midwestern states. A team of 80 scientists in fields including limnology, ecology, computer science, geographic and information sciences, and other disciplines developed LAGOS. Their recent paper in the journal GigaScience makes the results available to researchers, policymakers and the public. Citizen volunteers have been trained to measure water clarity with a Secchi disk and view tube. Credit: URI Watershed Watch Program "We're at an exciting time in environmental science, when people are recognizing that the big problems we face require us to work together across disciplinary boundaries and to openly share data, methods and tools," said paper co- author Kendra Cheruvelil, a scientist at Michigan State University (MSU). With funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the researchers collected water quality information from scientists, government and tribal environmental agency personnel, and citizens. "Efforts like LAGOS can build the capacity for broad-scale research on the environment," said lead author Patricia Soranno, also of MSU. "They've driven home the importance of Big Data approaches that are very collaborative so science can better inform policy and management to preserve water quality for future generations." The resulting database is the work of dozens of people who collected and processed water quality data, thousands of others who shared water quality data, and more than 15 researchers who worked together for several years. Scientists filter water samples to analyze the water for dissolved elements. Credit: URI Watershed Watch Program The LAGOS team gathered information for 50,000 lakes in 17 states from digital mapsmelding land use, geology and climate dataand combined it with water quality data. "High-quality, long-term data are essential to addressing questions about ecosystem change," said David Garrison, chair of the NSF Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Working Group. "This is a wonderful resource for researchers and managers focused on lakes and other aquatic ecosystems." NSF LTER and other scientists are participants in the LAGOS project, including those funded by NSF's MacroSystems Biology, Critical Zone Observatory, and Water Sustainability and Climate programs. "Enabling access to clean drinking water and the services lakes provide, such as fishing and recreation, are among the greatest environmental challenges we face today," said Liz Blood, program director for NSF's MacroSystems Biology program. Citizen volunteers collect lake water using a deep-water sampler. Credit: URI Watershed Watch Program "Now, a comprehensive database has been created that will provide easy access to information on water quality, and the physical and ecological factors that affect it, across scales from individual lakes to entire regions," Blood said. "It will be a valuable resource for researchers, managers, landowners and citizen scientists to evaluate the many factors affecting lakes." Added Richard Yuretich, program director for NSF's Critical Zone Observatory program, "This information on thousands of lakes will enable reliable analyses of water quality trends over space and time. It will be very helpful in assessing controls on lake health such as population growth, land use, and climate, and will benefit environmental and human well-being now and in the future." LAGOS scientists hope the database will encourage more research on lakes, which, said Soranno, are an important part of many people's lives. Added co-author Corinna Gries, an information scientist at the University of Wisconsin, "This is a great example of how environmental research can leverage a wide range of information, such as map-based data from Google Earth, and combine it with water samples collected by scientists and citizens." The number of water quality observations in the LAGOS database for lakes near Pierson, Michigan. Credit: USDA Farm Service NAIP One of the most anticipated cases to be argued before the U.S. Supreme Court this termLeidos v. Indiana Public Retirement Systemwas settled Monday. But two professors in Indiana University's Kelley School of Business continue to raise serious questions as to why the case ever would have come before the nation's highest court. The securities law case was getting attention because many legal scholars said a decision would help better define public companies' obligations to disclose information to investors. Matthew Turk and Karen Woody, both assistant professors of business law at Kelley, argued that that simply wasn't the case, in a Harvard Law School blog post published this summer and in an upcoming article in the Stanford Law Review Online. The legal question presented in the case was whether the failure to comply with a regulation issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Item 303 of Regulation S-K, can be grounds for a securities fraud claim pursuant to Rule 10b-5 and the related Section 10(b) of the 1934 Securities Exchange Act. "This was a significant securities law case, because Item 303 concerns one of the more controversial corporate disclosures mandated by the SECan overview of known uncertainties facing a company's financial future, which must be provided in the company's 'Management's Discussion and Analysis,'" Turk and Woody said. "Although Leidos has been billed in both the briefing to the Supreme Court and academic commentary as presenting a classic circuit split, a careful reading of the underlying precedents revealed no genuine dispute among the federal courts," they said. In the article, "Leidos and the Roberts Court's Improvident Securities Law Docket," they noted that while there were differences between the 9th and 2nd Circuits, all of the relevant circuit court opinions agreed that a violation of Item 303 "may" constitute a viable fraud claim under of the rule in some, but not all, circumstances. The opinions also followed the same underlying reasoning for how those circumstances were to be determined. Thus, even before the settlement, Woody and Turk thought the Leidos case left "so little to be resolved that it is ripe for removal from the Supreme Court's docket." "The confusion surrounding Leidos is of broader importance for understanding the evolution of the Supreme Court's securities law jurisprudence since John Roberts became Chief Justice in 2005," they write in the Stanford article. "A consensus across the growing body of scholarship on that topic is that an uptick in the number of securities law cases taken up for review is one of the salient features of the Roberts Court thus far," Turk and Woody added. "Leidos highlights what is quickly becoming another defining characteristic: that the Roberts Court's enthusiasm for granting certiorari on securities law petitions has been accompanied by a tendency to misapprehend the issues (or lack thereof) which those cases raise. "This practice reflects an inefficient use of the Court's scarce docket space. It also represents a missed opportunity to clarify the many areas of securities regulation that remain mired in doctrinal incoherence." In the Stanford paper, Turk and Woody highlighted that the Supreme Court under Roberts has issued about 20 securities-related decisions and said three major trends have emerged: an increase in the number of securities cases taken up for review, a high level of consensus among the justices on how those cases should be decided and narrow decisions that leave the pre-existing legal landscape largely in place. "Leidos not only encapsulates these trends but also points to a bigger-picture takeaway: that the Roberts Court is compiling a growing line of securities cases which should have avoided review in the first place," Woody and Turk said. They cited a case from the previous term as an example of another securities law that should have avoided review: Salman v. United States. The case was billed as a much-anticipated blockbuster case on insider trading but instead upheld a longstanding legal test. Two other cases were withdrawn prior to argument because either the Supreme Court or parties decided the issues weren't worth litigating. "These cert decisions represent a significant misallocation of judicial resources, given the ever-shrinking docket of the Supreme Court. This is a critical issue because there are legitimate areas of securities regulation that need to be cleaned up," Woody and Turk said. "Often, these issues are right under the Court's nose in cases it has taken up, but the Court chooses to avoid these issues in favor of deciding the case in the most formulaic manner. "Given this essay's interpretation of Leidos and related Supreme Court opinions from recent years, the Roberts Court's track record on securities law cases could be summed up in revisionist terms as: welcome enthusiasm, workmanlike decision-making, limited foresight." Artist's conception of the complex magnetic field environment at Mars. Yellow lines represent magnetic field lines from the Sun carried by the solar wind, blue lines represent Martian surface magnetic fields, white sparks are reconnection activity, and red lines are reconnected magnetic fields that link the surface to space via the Martian magnetotail. Credit: Anil Rao/Univ. of Colorado/MAVEN/NASA GSFC Mars has an invisible magnetic "tail" that is twisted by interaction with the solar wind, according to new research using data from NASA's MAVEN spacecraft. NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission (MAVEN) spacecraft is in orbit around Mars gathering data on how the Red Planet lost much of its atmosphere and water, transforming from a world that could have supported life billions of years ago into a cold and inhospitable place today. The process that creates the twisted tail could also allow some of Mars' already thin atmosphere to escape to space, according to the research team. "We found that Mars' magnetic tail, or magnetotail, is unique in the solar system," said Gina DiBraccio of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. "It's not like the magnetotail found at Venus, a planet with no magnetic field of its own, nor is it like Earth's, which is surrounded by its own internally generated magnetic field. Instead, it is a hybrid between the two." DiBraccio is project scientist for MAVEN and is presenting this research at a press briefing Thursday, Oct. 19 at 12:15pm MDT during the 49th annual meeting of the American Astronomical Society's Division for Planetary Sciences in Provo, Utah. The team found that a process called "magnetic reconnection" must have a big role in creating the Martian magnetotail because, if reconnection were occurring, it would put the twist in the tail. "Our model predicted that magnetic reconnection will cause the Martian magnetotail to twist 45 degrees from what's expected based on the direction of the magnetic field carried by the solar wind," said DiBraccio. "When we compared those predictions to MAVEN data on the directions of the Martian and solar wind magnetic fields, they were in very good agreement." Mars lost its global magnetic field billions of years ago and now just has remnant "fossil" magnetic fields embedded in certain regions of its surface. According to the new work, Mars' magnetotail is formed when magnetic fields carried by the solar wind join with the magnetic fields embedded in the Martian surface in a process called magnetic reconnection. The solar wind is a stream of electrically conducting gas continuously blowing from the Sun's surface into space at about one million miles (1.6 million kilometers) per hour. It carries magnetic fields from the Sun with it. If the solar wind field happens to be oriented in the opposite direction to a field in the Martian surface, the two fields join together in magnetic reconnection. The magnetic reconnection process also might propel some of Mars' atmosphere into space. Mars' upper atmosphere has electrically charged particles (ions). Ions respond to electric and magnetic forces and flow along magnetic field lines. Since the Martian magnetotail is formed by linking surface magnetic fields to solar wind fields, ions in the Martian upper atmosphere have a pathway to space if they flow down the magnetotail. Like a stretched rubber band suddenly snapping to a new shape, magnetic reconnection also releases energy, which could actively propel ions in the Martian atmosphere down the magnetotail into space. Since Mars has a patchwork of surface magnetic fields, scientists had suspected that the Martian magnetotail would be a complex hybrid between that of a planet with no magnetic field at all and that found behind a planet with a global magnetic field. Extensive MAVEN data on the Martian magnetic field allowed the team to be the first to confirm this. MAVEN's orbit continually changes its orientation with respect to the Sun, allowing measurements to be made covering all of the regions surrounding Mars and building up a map of the magnetotail and its interaction with the solar wind. Magnetic fields are invisible but their direction and strength can be measured by the magnetometer instrument on MAVEN, which the team used to make the observations. They plan to examine data from other instruments on MAVEN to see if escaping particles map to the same regions where they see reconnected magnetic fields to confirm that reconnection is contributing to Martian atmospheric loss and determine how significant it is. They also will gather more magnetometer data over the next few years to see how the various surface magnetic fields affect the tail as Mars rotates. This rotation, coupled with an ever-changing solar wind magnetic field, creates an extremely dynamic Martian magnetotail. "Mars is really complicated but really interesting at the same time," said DiBraccio. Rice postdoctoral researcher Peng He, left, and graduate student Yu-Jiun Lin run a sample of crude oil through a microfluidic device that allows them to see the buildup of asphaltenes in real time. The transparent devices were used to characterize how chemical dispersants break up asphaltene deposits that hinder the flow of crude in wellheads and pipelines. Credit: Jeff Fitlow/Rice University It sounds cliche, but things do get worse before they get better when oil and gas lines are being cleared of contaminants, according to Rice University researchers. Until now, nobody knew exactly why. Asphaltene is a complex of hydrocarbon molecules found in crude oil. It is the source of valuable asphalt and can also be made into waterproofing and roofing materials, corrosion inhibitors and other products, but when it builds up in a pipeline, it's trouble. Asphaltenes are often called the "cholesterol" of the oil industry since they are known to coagulate and slow or even stop the flow of oil and gas in reservoir rock. Rice engineer Sibani Lisa Biswal and her colleagues used their unique microfluidic devices, instruments that use a small amount of fluid on a microchip to perform a test, to examine four commercial chemical dispersants that curtail the buildup of asphaltene in wells and pipelines. The devices allowed them to watch how the dispersants react with asphaltenes. The Rice-led study appears in the American Chemical Society journal Energy and Fuels. Ensuring flow through pipelines is paramount in oil and gas production, so advances that help keep lines clear are important to the industry. To date, chemical companies have generally performed static bulk tests on anti-asphaltene products, Biswal said. Credit: Rice University The Rice lab makes microfluidic devices with microscopic channels through which researchers can watch the dynamics of asphaltene deposition in real time, with or without dispersants and at a variety of flow rates. "Everything in our system is transparent," Biswal said. "Crude oil hasn't been very compatible with the microfluidic devices others are using (because the channels and pillars are too wide), and the type of devices we're making have only been possible with recent materials. We're one of the early groups to push the idea that we can use these systems to visualize oil flow processes. The devices allow oil to flow around pillars that are only 125 microns wide and leave channels that are roughly the size of those in oil-bearing formations. Through a microscope, Biswal and lead author and Rice graduate student Yu-Jiun Lin watched as asphaltene formed delta-shaped clumps in front of and behind the pillars, eventually filling in the channels. From left, Rice graduate student Yu-Jiun Lin, Sibani Lisa Biswal, an associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering and of materials science and nanoengineering, and postdoctoral researcher Peng He. Credit: Jeff Fitlow/Rice University When chemical dispersants were added to the crude, the researchers saw something they didn't expect: The deposits appeared even sooner, but then began to break down and fall away in the flow. Dispersants are designed to make asphaltene particles smaller, and the experiments proved they do. "The idea is, if you make the crude oil nanoparticles smaller, it's less likely that they're going to be able to deposit inside a pipeline or plug porous media," Biswal said. "But almost all tests up to now have been done on a bulk scale and very few under flowing conditions. Companies were just seeing if their chemicals make particles smaller. And they do. What they didn't understand is that the smaller the particle is, the less likely it's going to follow the fluid stream. In the presence of dispersants, deposits can actually get worse." The saving grace, she said, is that dispersants appear to chemically alter asphaltene by increasing repulsion between the aggregates. That makes it more difficult for particles to stick together. "We refer to them as softer asphaltenes," Biswal said. "It doesn't take much force to break up large aggregates." Graduate student Yu-Jiun Lin holds a microfluidic device used to show how and why dispersants are able to break up deposits of asphaltene that hinder the flow of crude oil in wellheads and pipelines. Credit: Jeff Fitlow/Rice University Lin said dispersant manufacturers typically use liters of crude oil in each test. "We just need a milliliter of crude, and we get better resolution than they do," he said. "When the asphaltene content is very low, traditional methods fail to see a difference in chemicals, or even a deposit." Co-authors of the paper are postdoctoral researcher Peng He, lecturer Mohammad Tavakkoli and Francisco Vargas, an assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, all from Rice; Nevin Thunduvila Mathew, Yap Yit Fatt and Afshin Goharzadeh of the Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; and John Chai, a professor of engineering and technology at the University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom. Biswal is an associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering and of materials science and nanoengineering. More information: Yu-Jiun Lin et al. Characterizing Asphaltene Deposition in the Presence of Chemical Dispersants in Porous Media Micromodels, Energy & Fuels (2017). DOI: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.7b01827 This illustration shows a star's light illuminating the atmosphere of a planet. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center New NASA research is helping to refine our understanding of candidate planets beyond our solar system that might support life. "Using a model that more realistically simulates atmospheric conditions, we discovered a new process that controls the habitability of exoplanets and will guide us in identifying candidates for further study," said Yuka Fujii of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), New York, New York and the Earth-Life Science Institute at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan, lead author of a paper on the research published in the Astrophysical Journal Oct. 17. Previous models simulated atmospheric conditions along one dimension, the vertical. Like some other recent habitability studies, the new research used a model that calculates conditions in all three dimensions, allowing the team to simulate the circulation of the atmosphere and the special features of that circulation, which one-dimensional models cannot do. The new work will help astronomers allocate scarce observing time to the most promising candidates for habitability. Liquid water is necessary for life as we know it, so the surface of an alien world (e.g. an exoplanet) is considered potentially habitable if its temperature allows liquid water to be present for sufficient time (billions of years) to allow life to thrive. If the exoplanet is too far from its parent star, it will be too cold, and its oceans will freeze. If the exoplanet is too close, light from the star will be too intense, and its oceans will eventually evaporate and be lost to space. This happens when water vapor rises to a layer in the upper atmosphere called the stratosphere and gets broken into its elemental components (hydrogen and oxygen) by ultraviolet light from the star. The extremely light hydrogen atoms can then escape to space. Planets in the process of losing their oceans this way are said to have entered a "moist greenhouse" state because of their humid stratospheres. In order for water vapor to rise to the stratosphere, previous models predicted that long-term surface temperatures had to be greater than anything experienced on Earth - over 150 degrees Fahrenheit (66 degrees Celsius). These temperatures would power intense convective storms; however, it turns out that these storms aren't the reason water reaches the stratosphere for slowly rotating planets entering a moist greenhouse state. Plot of what the sea ice distribution could look like on a synchronously rotating ocean world. The star is off to the right, blue is where there is open ocean, and white is where there is sea ice. Credit: Anthony Del Genio/GISS/NASA "We found an important role for the type of radiation a star emits and the effect it has on the atmospheric circulation of an exoplanet in making the moist greenhouse state," said Fujii. For exoplanets orbiting close to their parent stars, a star's gravity will be strong enough to slow a planet's rotation. This may cause it to become tidally locked, with one side always facing the star - giving it eternal day - and one side always facing away -giving it eternal night. When this happens, thick clouds form on the dayside of the planet and act like a sun umbrella to shield the surface from much of the starlight. While this could keep the planet cool and prevent water vapor from rising, the team found that the amount of near-Infrared radiation (NIR) from a star could provide the heat needed to cause a planet to enter the moist greenhouse state. NIR is a type of light invisible to the human eye. Water as vapor in air and water droplets or ice crystals in clouds strongly absorbs NIR light, warming the air. As the air warms, it rises, carrying the water up into the stratosphere where it creates the moist greenhouse. This process is especially relevant for planets around low-mass stars that are cooler and much dimmer than the Sun. To be habitable, planets must be much closer to these stars than our Earth is to the Sun. At such close range, these planets likely experience strong tides from their star, making them rotate slowly. Also, the cooler a star is, the more NIR it emits. The new model demonstrated that since these stars emit the bulk of their light at NIR wavelengths, a moist greenhouse state will result even in conditions comparable to or somewhat warmer than Earth's tropics. For exoplanets closer to their stars, the team found that the NIR-driven process increased moisture in the stratosphere gradually. So, it's possible, contrary to old model predictions, that an exoplanet closer to its parent star could remain habitable. This is an important observation for astronomers searching for habitable worlds, since low-mass stars are the most common in the galaxy. Their sheer numbers increase the odds that a habitable world may be found among them, and their small size increases the chance to detect planetary signals. The new work will help astronomers screen the most promising candidates in the search for planets that could support life. "As long as we know the temperature of the star, we can estimate whether planets close to their stars have the potential to be in the moist greenhouse state," said Anthony Del Genio of GISS, a co-author of the paper. "Current technology will be pushed to the limit to detect small amounts of water vapor in an exoplanet's atmosphere. If there is enough water to be detected, it probably means that planet is in the moist greenhouse state." In this study, researchers assumed a planet with an atmosphere like Earth, but entirely covered by oceans. These assumptions allowed the team to clearly see how changing the orbital distance and type of stellar radiation affected the amount of water vapor in the stratosphere. In the future, the team plans to vary planetary characteristics such as gravity, size, atmospheric composition, and surface pressure to see how they affect water vapor circulation and habitability. More information: Yuka Fujii et al. NIR-driven Moist Upper Atmospheres of Synchronously Rotating Temperate Terrestrial Exoplanets, The Astrophysical Journal (2017). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/aa8955 Journal information: Astrophysical Journal Credit: Worcester Polytechnic Institute Internationally renowned expert on wildfires Albert Simeoni, a professor and the interim director of WPI's Fire Protection Engineering department, has been watching developments in Northern California where extreme fires have ravaged more than 200,000 acres, destroying nearly 6,000 structures and claiming more than 40 lives. It's the type of tragedy Simeoni says faculty and students at WPI's state-of-the-art fire lab have been studying to quantify the risks and find ways to help mitigate destruction. Simeoni, a former firefighter in his native Corsica, returned to WPI this past July as a full professor after spending three years at the University of Edinburgh and in private industry. He recently spoke with The Daily Herd about wildfires. Herd: What could we be doing to prevent these massive fires from burning out of control, and what guidelines would you offer for fighting them? Simeoni: In a very simple way, there is nothing we can do to prevent all fires or all damages. Our firefighters are very good at their job and they have a lot of courage and dedication, but the fires we are seeing in California are so catastrophic that they are simply beyond our firefighting capabilities. Instead, something very important we have to doall of usis to learn how to live with fires. We can mitigate some of the impact on human lives and on infrastructures and the environment, but it's unrealistic to think that we will be able to stop all fires and to bring them under control. Our research can help the first responders with understanding what happened in a firehow it spread in a particular area, for exampleso they can improve their tactics as to how they approach future fires. And importantly, we can work to make our structures and infrastructure more resilient to fire. One problem with wildfires is that we, as a society, increase the stakes when we build so close to the wildlands and the forest. Also, for a long time the fire prevention policy was to extinguish all fires, not allowing for the natural fire gaps that are needed to keep large fires from spreading. And these intense fires happen all around the world. Some fires in the Rockies release as much energy as several thermo-nuclear bombs. Right now Brazil is burning more than the U.S., but you don't hear about it, in part because it isn't as populated and people aren't being affected as much. The more people, the more you hear about it and realize how devastating these fires are to human lives and property. Herd: Does your own experience as a firefighter inform your positions? Simeoni: Yes, a lot. I have always been attracted to firefighting, whether it was wildland, building fires, emergency medical support, whatever. I chose to focus on wildland fires, because I remember when I was maybe 15 years old my family was driving home from our summer cabin in the woods in Corsicaa region with a long history of wildland firesin the course of a maybe one hour we passed more than 60 fires. My little sister was crying, and I was looking at that and thinking, "No, this is not possible, we cannot allow that!" When I started my PhD on wildland fire spread modeling, I wanted to have intimate knowledge of the phenomenon. Without hands-on experience, I was unable to do a good job at actually presenting it. So I did active firefighting for over 10 years in Corsica. When you're a firefighter, you're always a firefighterand that's what I keep in mind in all my research. Herd: What kind of related research is going on in the Fire Lab? Simeoni: Here at WPI we are using research and scientific tools to quantify the risk from these fires to help make communities more resilient to fire. It's a problem of separation [between forest and structures], a problem of building materials, a problem of identifying and mitigating the different vulnerabilities we have in the built environment. Should we stop using wood to build? No, wood is a good material. But we have to design our structures and communities so that when a fire hits, we can minimize the damage as much as possible. We have to look at the long term, and how we build at the interface with wildlands. It's urban sprawl, actually, that is increasing the impact of these fires on us; it's not climate change. Climate change is a worsening factor, but what's driving the change is urban sprawl. Since the 1970s, the wildland interfaceareas where structures are built close to, or within, natural terrain where high potential for wildland fire existshas increased by 50 percent in the western part of the United States. I understand that it's very nice to have a house in the woods, but let's understand the risks. And the best way to understand the risk is not to just say it's risky, but to quantify the riskwhich is exactly the research we are doing here. To quantify the risk, we look at the source, which is the wildland fire, and the target, which is usually the houses, commercial buildings, and infrastructure like bridges and power lines, power converters. We look at how the fire is spreading from the source to the target, and then we examine the heat transfer from the fire front to a structure and how the fire will ignite. We look at how firebrands travel for igniting structures, and things like that. What we've seen in the California fires is the unbelievably quick spread of fires from structure to structure, in part because of the wind feeding the flames as well as blowing fire embers long distances. So how can we keep the wildland fire from becoming an urban conflagration? This is very important, and you have to understand the source, which is the core of my research, and you have to understand the impact, which is another part of my research. WPI operates the biggest fire lab in academia. And we have a brand-new wind tunnel we built with the University of Notre Dame and the US Forest Service and tested this summer that we're using in the lab and in the field to really understand the influence of wind on firessomething you're seeing in the news now. The striking characteristic of our tunnel is that we can dismantle it and put it in the field to burn real vegetation. Because one of the problems we have when we go into the field to test is that wind is so unpredictable and uncontrolled tests would be dangerous. We now have well-controlled wind coming from our tunnel and that allows us to study the other aspects: What is the importance of the vegetation? What is the importance of the moisture content of the vegetation? What is the importance of the separation distance between the different plants? Things like that. Final thoughts: We need to think about what we can do to prepare for the next fire season and beyond. What can we do over the next five or 10 years to ensure that we are developing a way to live with fire? A natural fire regime can actually be very good for the ecosystem. The forest, with no fire, can die by itself; it can suffocate. The media can help us show people that we need to respect wildland fire and how it behaves. It's really a reflection we have to have over the long term, and how we live with that. On the face of it, environmentalist Bill McKibben's international climate campaign to have universities divest fossil fuel assets had limited success. Only a handful of institutions pledged to divest and it didn't affect the stocks of fossil fuel companies. But a new study by University of Michigan sustainable enterprise professor Andy Hoffman and Temple University's Todd Schifeling, a former postdoc with U-M's Erb and Graham institutes, shows McKibben's activism might have been successful in another way. Their analysis of media coverage of climate change during McKibben's 350.org effort shows that it influenced the public debate. Ideas that were once on the margins became more mainstream, due to what's known as the "radical flank effect." That is, when there are two entrenched sides on an issue, the appearance of a new idea perceived as more extreme can move previously marginalized ideas to the center. "A lot of people said that what McKibben did was a waste of time," said Hoffman, the Holcim (US) Inc. Professor of Sustainable Enterprise at the Ross School of Business and School of Environment and Sustainability. "But he had a tremendous effect on the climate change debate in this country and still does." Hoffman and Schifeling examined 300 newspapers from 2011 to 2015, which totaled about 42,000 articles. Using text analysis, they created a network map of key actors and issues and examined the changes over that time. They found that certain liberal issues that were considered marginalin particular a carbon tax, severe weather and carbon pollutionmoved toward the center of the network map over time, indicating more mainstream press coverage. The scores on their scale for traditionally liberal climate change issues grew 97 percent, on average. The carbon tax score increased 134 percent, on average. Adding the divestment idea to a polarized debate drew greater attention to other liberal ideas. It also attracted more attention to financially themed issues such as stranded assets and unburnable carbon. Those are still considered more radical ideas but they, like McKibben, adopted the language of financial risk. "When McKibben's ideas were discussed in news outlets, it took these previously marginal issues and made them mainstream," Hoffman said. "Before that, few journalists were writing about issues such as stranded assets or cap-and-trade. They had limited appeal. But the introduction of the divestment issue brought attention to these other economic policy instruments." Their findings suggest that activists waging what look like uphill battles can have a significant effect on public discourse and perception. "We see that radical actors within a movement can shift the entire ecology of a debate, so I think we need to pay more attention to the indirect effects of these activists," he said. Their study, "Bill McKibben's Influence on U.S. Climate Change Discourse: Shifting Field-Level Debates through Radical Flank Effects," will be published in a future edition of the journal Organization & Environment. Credit: Brunel University A computer simulation of refugees' journeys as they flee major conflicts can correctly predict more than 75% of their destinations, and may become a vital tool for governments and NGOs to help better allocate humanitarian resources. Researchers at Brunel University London, Diana Suleimenova, Dr David Bell and Dr Derek Groen from the Department of Computer Science, used publicly available refugee, conflict and geospatial data to construct simulations of refugee movements and their potential destinations for African countries. The data-driven simulation tool consistently managed to predict at least 75% of refugee destinations correctly after the first 12 days for three different recent African conflicts. It also out-performed alternative existing forecasting techniques ('naive predictions') to predict where, when and how many refugees are likely to arrive, and which camps are likely to become full. They reported their results in Scientific Reports. The research team constructed their simulations for the Burundian crisis in 2015, triggered when Pierre Nkurunziza sought to become president for a third term; the Central African Republic (CAR) crisis in 2013, triggered when the Muslim Seleka group overthrew central government; and the Mali civil war in 2012, triggered by insurgent groups campaigning for independence of the Azawad region. To make these simulations possible, and to validate their correctness, the team relied on open data sources, including refugee registration data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), conflict data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project and geographic information from Microsoft Bing Maps. Although not all refugee movements are correctly predicted in their simulations, their approach reproduced the key refugee destinations in each of the three conflicts, and can be re-applied to simulate other conflict situations reported on by the UNHCR. For example, in Burundi, the simulation correctly predicted the largest inflows in Nyarugusu, Mahama and Nakivale during the conflict's early stages, while in CAR the simulation correctly reproduced the growth pattern in East camp of Cameroon, as well as the stagnation of refugee influx into Chad's camps. In the case of Mali, the predictions accurately captured trends in the data for both Mbera and Abala, which together account for around three-quarters of the refugee population. The researchers' approach uses a new agent-based modelling program, named Flee, which has been released to the public alongside their paper. Agent-based modelling has been used more widely to study population movements, and has become a prominent method to explain migration patterns. However, this is the first time that it has been used to predict the destinations of refugees fleeing conflicts in Africa. Writing in Scientific Reports, Suleimenova, Bell and Groen explain that their simulation is not directly tailored to these conflicts, but a 'generalised simulation development approach' which can predict the distribution of refugee arrivals across camps, given a particular conflict scenario and a total number of expected refugees. This simulation development approach helps organisations to rapidly develop simulations when a conflict occurs, and allows them to investigate the effect of border closures between countries and forced redirection of refugees across camps. It also helps them to define procedures for collecting data and validating simulation results, aspects which are usually not covered when presenting a simulation model alone. The authors state: "Accurate predictions can help save refugees' lives, as they help governments and NGOs to correctly allocate humanitarian resources to refugee camps, before the (often malnourished or injured) refugees themselves have arrived. To our knowledge, we are the first to attempt such predictions across multiple major conflicts using a single simulation approach." While advances continue to be made in data collection during conflicts over the past few years, the researchers urge greater investment: "Empirical data collection during these conflicts is very challenging, in part due to the nature of the environment and in part due to the severe and structural funding shortages of UNHCR emergency response missions. Both CAR and Burundi are among the most underfunded UNHCR refugee response operations, with funding shortages of respectively 76 and 62%". With record levels of 22.5 million refugees worldwide, "more funding for these operations is bound to save human lives, and will have the side benefit of providing more empirical data enabling the validation of more detailed prediction models." Regarding future work, the group aims to establish collaborations with humanitarian organisations, adapting their technology to support specific humanitarian efforts, and to further reduce the time of development by automating the construction of these simulations. 'A generalized simulation development approach for predicting refugee movements' by Diana Suleimenova, David Bell and Derek Groen (Department of Computer Science, Brunel University London) is published in Scientific Reports. More information: Diana Suleimenova et al. A generalized simulation development approach for predicting refugee destinations, Scientific Reports (2017). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13828-9 Journal information: Scientific Reports A crystal (solid), an amorphous solid and a glass on human time scale and their ultimate fates on an infinite time scale. Credit: FAPESP Is glass a solid or a liquid? This question, which has been vigorously debated by specialists in the field for some decades, has just been answered anew: "Glass is a non-equilibrium, non-crystalline state of matter that appears solid on a short timescale but continuously relaxes toward the liquid state." A more elaborate alternative definition is this: "Glass is a non-equilibrium, non-crystalline condensed state of matter that exhibits a glass transition. The structure of glasses is similar to that of their parent supercooled liquids (SCL), and they spontaneously relax toward the SCL state. Their ultimate fate, in the limit of infinite time, is to crystallize." "There are several definitions of glass, but most of them contain serious errors," said Edgar Dutra Zanotto, one of the authors of the new definition. "Many definitions say a glass is a solid, and others say it's an isotropic material [whose properties are the same in all directions], but many glasses are not." Jointly with John C. Mauro, Professor of Materials Science & Engineering at Penn State University in the U.S., Zanotto published an article in which he argues "[glass] structure is very different from that of solids. Glass relaxes continuously and crystallizes." The article was published in the Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids. The researcher points that dozens of articles have already placed glass outside the category of solids due to three characteristics. One of them is that the structure of glass is very similar to that of the liquids from which it is formed. Another is that glass flows (deforms) spontaneously over time in response to minimal pressure, which can be less than the action of gravity. Crystalline solids deform only in response to external pressure that is inversely proportional to temperature. The lower the temperature, the greater the pressure that must be applied to a crystalline solid to deform it, Zanotto explained. "On the other hand, any positive pressure or stress different from zero is sufficient for a glass to flow at any temperature," he said. "The time it takes to deform depends mainly on temperature and chemical composition. If the temperature to which glass is submitted is close to zero Kelvin [absolute zero], it will take an infinitely long time to deform, but if it is heated, it will at once begin to flow." The third characteristic that distinguishes glass from a solid is that at the end of its existence, it eventually crystallizes, whereas a crystal, for example, neither flows nor crystallizes because it is already in a solid state. Based on these three characteristics, Zanotto and Mauro propose to define glass as a "frozen liquid"a material with the structure of a liquid that has been frozen without crystallizing by being cooled below a certain temperature, known as the glass transition temperature. "It took us a long time to bring together these concepts of solid and liquid, crystal and non-crystal, and frozen, which in the article has the meaning of a temporary state, and to arrive at the modern enhanced definition of glass," Zanotto said. Heated debate The initiative of proposing a new definition of glass arose when Zanotto gave the Turner Memorial Lecture, entitled "Glass Myths and Marvels," during the Society of Glass Technology (SGT) Centenary Conference at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom in September 2016. Zanotto is the first Brazilian to have been invited to deliver the lecture. Held at the university since 1966, the Turner Memorial Lecture has been delivered by such luminaries as Sir Harry Kroto (1939-2016), who won the 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery of fullerenes (allotropes of carbon also known as carbon nanotubes); Sir Alastair Pilkington (1920-95), who invented the float process used worldwide to make sheet glass; and Larry L. Hench (1938-2015), the inventor of bioglass. One of the questions raised by Zanotto during the lecture was precisely whether glass is a solid or a liquid. The question resulted in a heated debate with several scientists in the audience, and especially Arun Varshneya, Emeritus Professor of Glass Science & Engineering at Alfred University in the United States, a well-known "glass guru" and the author of one of the most widely read books on glass in the world. Following the discussion, Zanotto began exchanging emails with Varshneya and writing what would become the Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids article, with the aim of disproving the idea that glass is a solid, as advocated by the Indian-born American scientist. More information: Edgar D. Zanotto et al, The glassy state of matter: Its definition and ultimate fate, Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids (2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2017.05.019 Provided by FAPESP OMAHA State and federal government officials touted a series of measures taken to address opioid abuse in Nebraska on Thursday, one year after a coalition of area law enforcement and medical groups took aim at the issue. "A year down the road, the deeds have been significant, but they need to continue," Attorney General Doug Peterson said at a news conference at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The most-recent step is new prescribing guidelines issued this week by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for drugs commonly used to treat acute and chronic pain. And law enforcement agencies in the state have opened investigations into prescribing practices based on data entered in the state's enhanced prescription drug-monitoring program, which launched Jan. 1, Peterson told reporters after the news conference. He declined to provide specifics. Naloxone an antidote that reverses opioid effects during an overdose has become more readily available for law enforcement officers to administer, according to a report released by the coalition Thursday. Nebraska has not experienced the addiction and overdose crisis with opioids seen elsewhere in the nation, Gov. Pete Ricketts said. In 2015, 149 Nebraskans died of drug overdoses, and at least 54 of those were opioid-related, according to the state Health and Human Services Department. However, drug overdose deaths and opioid-related deaths increased during the preceding decade, from 2.4 deaths per 100,000 people in 2005 to 3.0 deaths per 100,000 in 2015. Ricketts declared Thursday Opioid Abuse Awareness Day in the state, saying he hopes the proclamation will spur awareness about the devastating addiction. The progress report comes as the federal government continues discussion of how to address the addicting painkillers that claimed more lives nationally in 2016 than traffic crashes. President Donald Trump this week said he wants to declare a national emergency in the opioid crisis to free up federal funds to address the problem. But Ricketts said he believes the situation is best addressed on the state and local levels, as his administration and its partners are doing. "The people who are getting addicted to opioids are not in a generic place called the United States," Ricketts said. "They're in our local communities, and that's where the problem needs to be addressed." He praised the collaboration between health care professionals and state and federal law enforcement officials to develop initiatives they believe will help reduce overprescribing, bolster treatment options and prevent deaths. The state's new voluntary prescribing guidelines aim to help doctors lean on opiate medications to manage pain properly and consider alternatives in addressing chronic pain, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. The department's new drug-monitoring program requires all prescriptions for controlled substances such as opiate medications to be entered into a state database that prescribing medical professionals can consult. Peterson believes the program will root out "doctor-shopping" practices among patients looking to feed their addictions and identify physicians who run so-called pill mills to make money, he said. Faculty at UNMC are developing a new fellowship in addiction medicine for medical practitioners, Chancellor Jeff Gold said. Proper pain-management practices have been integrated into the core curriculum of all undergraduate and graduate courses through the university, he said. The medical center, in partnership with the state's behavioral health division, hosted training in August to expand on previous training on buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid addiction. Of the 200 who attended that training, 20 medical professionals completed the necessary education to become eligible to prescribe the drug, which requires federal authorization, the report said. That doubles the amount of health care providers able to prescribe the drug for opioid addiction in Nebraska. "This is not a one-stop shop," Gold said. "This is a journey that we're going to be on for a good time to come." Yet Gold and Peterson warned that efforts to reduce overprescribing do not come without consequences. Through September this year, the state's two crime laboratories reported encountering three times the amount of illicit fentanyl than they tested annually in 2015 and 2016. Fentanyl is an opioid drug, 40 to 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times as potent as morphine. Peterson believes the national drug market has seen an influx in illicit fentanyl that federal authorities believe is coming from China. "What the street is offering is heroin that is not as strong," Peterson told reporters, adding that people are turning to fentanyl instead. For example, a state trooper and DEA agent found more than 30 pounds of fentanyl on an Amtrak passenger train in Omaha on Oct. 12. Peterson said Nebraska law enforcement will push to update state law next year to ensure minute chemical derivatives of fentanyl are clearly outlawed. In this fight, continued collaboration and vigilance are key, he said. "This will not be the final chapter. We still have a lot of work to do." The Southern rubber boas scarcity could be because it lives at high elevations, hunts at night and spends a lot of time underground. Credit: University of California, Los Angeles High in the San Jacinto Mountains about 100 miles east of Los Angeles, a secret slithers. Uncovering it takes watchful eyes, long nights and perseverance. But for UCLA's Jesse Grismer, the opportunity to track down a rare Southern rubber boa has been worth the wait. His search for the elusive creature wasn't just a scavenger huntit's part of an attempt to find out if the snake is endangered. Participants in the ongoing project will conduct tests to determine if the boa is genetically distinct from its more common northern cousin. If so, that could qualify the snake for protection under the Endangered Species Act. "This research will essentially see how different these lineages are, and thus the need to conserve and protect the Southern rubber boa," said Grismer, a postdoctoral scholar with the UCLA La Kretz Center for California Conservation Science. There is an alternative explanation for the southern boa's rarity, Grismer said. Because the animals live at high elevations, hunt at night and spend a lot of time underground, they may simply be extraordinarily difficult to find. Prior to Grismer's expedition in April, only two Southern rubber boa tissue samples and specimens had been collected. The San Jacinto and San Bernardino mountains are the only areas where the Southern rubber boa has been spotted, and very few specimens are available for DNA analysis. Determined to find more, Grismer, fellow UCLA postdoctoral scholar Peter Scott, and Brian Hinds, president of the North American Field Herping Association, led a group of UCLA undergraduates on the snake quest in the San Jacinto Mountains over several days in April. "After eight hours of searching we finally found one I couldn't believe it, I was screaming and yelling," Grismer said. They eventually turned up one moreeffectively doubling the number of existing specimens nationwide. Still, his surveying suggests the future of the species could be in jeopardy. Charismatic endangered species such as polar bears and Los Angeles' famed mountain lions get a lot of public attention when it comes to conservation. Snakes aren't generally seen as cuddly, but the rubber boa makes a humble casethey never strike, and gently wrap around a person's arm for an hour or so after being picked up. The smallest of the boas, they kill prey by constriction, primarily feeding on small mammals including mice and voles. Grismer's work, funded in part by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, is part of a broader effort to help the agency determine whether species should be protected under the Endangered Species Act. The results of research like Grismers will provide much-needed genetic data to guide federal decision-makers. If listed, the Southern rubber boa would become entitled to several protections, most notably the requirement that people apply for an incidental take permit when planning an action that may harm the listed species. The application process involves consulting the Fish and Wildlife Service on otherwise legal activitiessuch as construction or economic developmentto minimize and mitigate the effects on the endangered species. Brad Shaffer, distinguished professor of ecology and evolutionary biology and director of the La Kretz Center for California Conservation Science, highlighted how the listing could make individuals, particularly researchers, more carefully consider their interactions with endangered species. "When conducting research you really have to make sure, both legally and ethically, that the positive research you're doing for the species as a whole outweighs the negative effects the explicit goal of research is the recovery and delisting of a species," Shaffer said. Many simple electronic systems can behave in a difficult to foresee, chaotic manner, as shown by researchers from the Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences in Cracow. The image shows a device built from two recently discovered oscillators. In the background are so-called attractors, illustrating the diversity and richness of behaviour of the new circuits. Credit: IFJ PAN It's really surprising that many simple electronic circuits built of just a few components behave chaotically, in an extremely complicated, practically unpredictable manner. Physicists from the Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences in Cracow have discovered, examined and described dozens of new, unusual circuits of this type. What is especially interesting is that one of the circuits generates voltage pulses very similar to those produced by neurons, only it does so a thousand times faster. Just a few transistors, resistors, capacitors and induction coils are enough to build electronic circuits that behave in a virtually unpredictable way. Even in such simple systems, chaotic oscillations of a complex nature turn out to be the norm. In a paper published in the journal Chaos, the researchers present 49 new, unusual chaotic electronic oscillatorsnot purposefully designed, but discovered in computer simulations. "Electronics is usually associated with devices that work precisely and always according to expectations. Our research shows a completely different picture. Even in electronic circuits containing only one or two transistors, chaos is ubiquitous. The predictable reactions of common electronic devices do not reflect the nature of electronics but the efforts of designers," says the study's first author, Dr. Ludovico Minati (IFJ PAN). By chaos, we generally mean lack of order. In physics, this concept works a little differently. Circuits are said to behave chaotically when even very small changes in input parameters result in large changes in output. Since various types of fluctuations are a natural feature of the world, in practice, chaotic systems show an enormous variation of behaviourso great that precise predictions are very difficult, and often impossible. The circuit can thus seem to be behaving quite randomly, even though its evolution follows a certain complicated pattern. Chaotic behavior is so complex that to this day, there are no methods to effectively design electronic circuits of this type. So the researchers approached the problem differently. Instead of building chaotic oscillators from scratch, they decided to discover them. The structure of the circuits, made up of commercially available components, was mapped as a sequence of 85 bits. In the maximum configuration, the modeled circuits consisted of a power source, two transistors, a resistor and six capacitors or induction coils, connected in a circuit containing eight nodes. These strings of bits were then subjected to random modifications. The simulations were made on a Cray XD1 supercomputer. "Our search was blind, in a gigantic space offering 285 possible combinations. During the simulation, we analyzed more or less 2 million circuits, an extremely small area of the available space. Of these, about 2,500 circuits exhibited interesting behaviour," says Dr. Minati, and emphasizes that chaotic electronic oscillators were known about previously. Until now, however, it seemed that they occurred in only a few variants, and that their construction required some effort and an appropriately complex system. Chaotic voltage changes are common even for electronic circuits made up of only several elements. In the top left corner is a diagram of the simplest chaotic oscillator found by physicists from IFJ PAN in Cracow. On the right, a series of pulses showing a great resemblance to neural activity, generated by one of the newly discovered circuits. In the lower row several so-called attractors, illustrating the complexity of behaviour of the new circuits. Credit: IFJ PAN The researchers analyzed the behavior of the new circuits using the SPICE program, commonly used in the design of electronic circuits. However, in the case of chaotic behaviour, SPICE's simulation capabilities turned out to be insufficient. So the 100 most interesting circuits were physically built and tested in the laboratory. To improve the quality of the signals generated during the tests, the researchers performed delicate tuning of the component parameters. Eventually, the number of interesting circuits was reduced to 49. The smallest chaotic oscillator consisted of one transistor, one capacitor, one resistor and two induction coils. Most of the circuits found showed non-trivial, chaotic behaviour with a sometimes astonishing scale of complexity. This complexity can be visualized using special graphsattractors, geometrically reflecting the nature of changes in the circuit over time. Statistical analyses of the signals generated by the new oscillators did not, however, reveal any traces of two important features found in many self-organizing systems: criticality and multi-fractality. "We could talk about multi-fractality if different portions of the voltage variation diagram, magnified in different places in different ways, revealed changes similar to the original characteristics. In turn, we would be dealing with criticality if the circuit was in a state in which it could at any moment switch from regular to chaotic mode or vice versa. We did not notice these phenomena in the examined oscillators," explains Prof. Stanislaw Drozdz (IFJ PAN, Cracow University of Technology). "Critical systems generally have more opportunities for reacting to changes in their own environment. So it is no wonder that criticality is a phenomenon quite often encountered in nature. Evidence points to the fact that the human brain, for example, is a system operating in a critical condition." Of particular interest was one of the found oscillators, which generated voltage spikes resembling stimuli typical for neurons. The similarity of impulses was striking here, but not complete. "Our artificial neuron analogue proved to be much faster than its biological counterpart. Pulses were produced thousands of times more often. If it were not for the lack of criticality and multi-fractality, the speed of operation of this circuit would justify talking about an electronic super-neuron. Perhaps such a circuit exists, only we have not found it yet. At the moment, we have to be satisfied with our 'almost super-neuron,"" says Dr. Minati. The Cracow-based physicists have also demonstrated that as a result of combining the found circuits in pairs, behaviours of even greater complexity appear. Coupled circuits in some situations worked perfectly synchronously, like musicians playing in unison. In some, one of the circuits took over the role of leader and in still others, the mutual inter-dependence of the oscillators was so complicated that it was revealed only after careful analysis of statistics. In order to accelerate the development of research into electronic systems that simulate the behaviour of the human brain, the diagrams of all the circuits found by physicists from the IFJ PAN have been made public. Anyone interested can download them here: ftp://ftp.aip.org/epaps/chaos/E-CHAOEH-27-012707 More information: Ludovico Minati et al, Atypical transistor-based chaotic oscillators: Design, realization, and diversity, Chaos: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science (2017). DOI: 10.1063/1.4994815 Journal information: Chaos Provided by The Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences Sketch of the experimental setup used by Yang et al. Arrays of rubidium-87 atoms, cooled and trapped by laser beams, exhibit Tomonaga-Luttinger liquid (TLL) behavior. Credit: Philip Krantz, Krantz NanoArt, adapted by APS/Alan Stonebraker, via Physics (Phys.org)Two teams of researchers working independently of one another have found ways to test aspects of the TomonagaLuttinger theory that describes interacting quantum particles in 1-D ensembles in a TomonagaLuttinger liquid (TLL). The first team, with members from China, Germany and Australia demonstrated TLL behavior with cold atoms in a 1-D array. The second team, with members from Australia, Germany and Russia, tested TLL predictions using a 1-D array of Josephson junctions to look at the impact of disorder in TLL physics. Both teams have published details of their work in Physical Review Letters. Understanding how quantum particles behave in 1-D environments is critical for creating the best possible nanowires or carbon nanotubes. TLL theory offers a way to look at the many-body interactions that occur in such systems. Unfortunately, very few aspects of the theory have been tested experimentally due to the difficulty of creating and manipulating a 1-D system. But despite the hurdles, physicists continue to look for ways to prove various parts of the theory. In these two new efforts, the research groups have devised two new ways to test aspects of the theory. In both efforts, the teams sought to create simulations that could demonstrate principles of TLL theory. The first sought to do so by setting up rubidium-87 atoms in a 1-D array, trapping them with a laser and then causing them to be ejected with pulses from another laser. Doing so created a density wave that propagated outward from the center of the trap. The homogenous nature of the atomic density of the wave offered an analog of a TLL. Measuring the density and the speed that sound traveled in the trap allowed the researchers to work out TLL parameters used to represent quantum fluctuations that could then be compared against TLL theory. In the second effort, the group used superconducting material to build a line with Josephson junctions every 1 mthe Cooper pairs were represented by the quantum particles. The setup allowed for studying the disorder that occurred during particle interactions and comparing them to predictions that have resulted from TLL theory. In devising the two ways to test aspects of TLL theory, the two teams have provided a framework for moving forward in the science which some have suggested could lead to exotic states existing in 1-D materials. More information: 1. Bing Yang et al. Quantum criticality and the Tomonaga-Luttinger liquid in one-dimensional Bose gases, Physical Review Letters (2017). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.119.165701 ABSTRACT We experimentally investigate the quantum criticality and Tomonaga-Luttinger liquid (TLL) behavior within one-dimensional (1D) ultracold atomic gases. Based on the measured density profiles at different temperatures, the universal scaling laws of thermodynamic quantities are observed. The quantum critical regime and the relevant crossover temperatures are determined through the double-peak structure of the specific heat. In the TLL regime, we obtain the Luttinger parameter by probing sound propagation. Furthermore, a characteristic power-law behavior emerges in the measured momentum distributions of the 1D ultracold gas, confirming the existence of the TLL. 2. Karin Cedergren et al. Insulating Josephson Junction Chains as Pinned Luttinger Liquids, Physical Review Letters (2017). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.119.167701 ABSTRACT Quantum physics in one spatial dimension is remarkably rich, yet even with strong interactions and disorder, surprisingly tractable. This is due to the fact that the low-energy physics of nearly all one-dimensional systems can be cast in terms of the Luttinger liquid, a key concept that parallels that of the Fermi liquid in higher dimensions. Although there have been many theoretical proposals to use linear chains and ladders of Josephson junctions to create novel quantum phases and devices, only modest progress has been made experimentally. One major roadblock has been understanding the role of disorder in such systems. We present experimental results that establish the insulating state of linear chains of submicron Josephson junctions as Luttinger liquids pinned by random offset charges, providing a one-dimensional implementation of the Bose glass, strongly validating the quantum many-body theory of one-dimensional disordered systems. The ubiquity of such an electronic glass in Josephson-junction chains has important implications for their proposed use as a fundamental current standard, which is based on synchronization of coherent tunneling of flux quanta (quantum phase slips). Journal information: Physical Review Letters 2017 Phys.org This is a composite image of the lunar nearside taken by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter in June 2009, note the presence of dark areas of maria on this side of the moon. Credit: NASA When small pieces of rock hit the moon's surface at incredibly high speeds, they produce flashes of light detectable from Earth. Now, astronomers have measured their temperature for the first time, using a telescope funded by the European Space Agency (ESA). The new observations are helping scientists find out more about these flashes and the near-Earth space objects that cause them. During the first- and last-quarter moon phases, as most people are busy admiring the sunlit part of the moon, astronomers use telescopes to look at the dark fraction, hoping to see tiny flashes of light. These lunar impact flashes are due to meteoroids and small asteroids that hit the lunar surface. While on Earth these rocks would burn in the atmosphere, appearing as shooting stars, on the moon they sprint through the extremely thin layer of gases around it. Without a thick atmosphere to slow them down, they strike the surface at stunning speeds of around 25 kilometers per second. By observing these lunar flashes, astronomers can learn about near-Earth small asteroids and how they can affect satellites. Until earlier this year, scientists used only small telescopes, of up to 40 cm in diameter, to monitor lunar impacts. But the new ESA-funded NELIOTA (Near-Earth object Lunar Impacts and Optical TrAnsients) project, running since March at the Kryoneri Observatory in Greece, uses a 1.2-meter telescope to do the job. With the larger aperture and an advanced camera system, NELIOTA can detect fainter flashes than other lunar-monitoring telescopes. It has recorded nearly 30 events since it started operating, and is also helping astronomers find out more about the flashes. "The telescope has two eyes: one observes in red light and the other in the infrared. By combining the data from the two cameras we can measure the temperature of the lunar flashes, which we have now done for the first time," says Dr. Chrysa Avdellidou, an ESA Research Fellow who is reporting these results this week at the 49th annual meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS) in Provo, Utah. "By having the temperature, we can better estimate the density of the impacting body, which gives us clues about where the material comes from. Does it originate from asteroids or comets? Since asteroids and comets have different composition and density, the measurements we are doing now will help us answer this question." Another mystery that scientists are hoping to unravel with NELIOTA is the physical mechanism that produces the lunar flashes. "We hope the new data, which are publicly available to the entire scientific community, will help improve our knowledge of what happens when an asteroidal body hits the moon at such high speed and how its energy is distributed," says Avdellidou. Impacts are among the most important processes in our solar system, but it is hard to study the type of impacts that cause lunar flashes in the lab because the impact speeds are too high to replicate. With NELIOTA, astronomers can use the moon as a large-scale high-velocity impact laboratory to learn about lunar flashes and near-Earth objects. OMAHA Sheriff's investigators in Sarpy County are searching for a man they say broke into a home and raped and robbed a woman there at gunpoint. Sarpy County Sheriff Jeff Davis says the woman was asleep in her home near 156th Street and Giles Road when a masked man entered her house around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday. The woman told investigators he was in her home for about an hour before leaving. Investigators are warning people in the area to keep their doors and windows locked and to avoid being alone outside at night. MONTREAL, Oct. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ Lightspeed POS Inc., the worlds most advanced cloud-based point-of-sale software solution for independent retailers and restaurateurs, today announced it has closed a US $166 million (C $207 million) investment. The series D round was led by Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (la Caisse) with an investment of US $136 million (CA $170 million), and included participation from Investissement Quebec (IQ), iNovia Capital and a credit line from Silicon Valley Bank. With global demand continuing to grow for cloud-based POS and commerce solutions, this investment affirms the opportunity ahead for the Canadian-based technology company, bringing the total amount invested to US $292 million. Lightspeed remains focused on providing customer-centric, market-leading POS technology solutions that power serious retail and restaurant businesses. The additional investment supports further innovation of its fully-integrated omnichannel Retail and mobile Restaurant solutions, and supports the companys global expansion to address market demand. The retail and restaurant industries now require businesses to deliver a greater and more unique experience to thrive, says Dax Dasilva, Founder and CEO of Lightspeed. Lightspeed is leading the digital transformation with our powerful, easy-to-use platform, which enables your favourite local businesses to increase revenue, continue to innovate, and ultimately deliver an extraordinary shopping or dining experience. Two years ago, when we first invested in Lightspeed, the company was already considered a Canadian leader in its field. Today, its solutions are used in more than 100 countries and Lightspeed is the worlds largest company in its sector. This success is due to the impressive innovations that it implemented and the strategic vision of its experienced management team, said Christian Dube, Executive Vice-President, Quebec at la Caisse. This investment is part of our commitment to provide long-term support to Quebecs new-economy companies as they grow internationally. The company now operates in more than 100 countries, in multiple languages and currencies, and processes over US $15 billion in transactions annually. With nearly 50,000 customers on the platform, Lightspeed is perfect for retailers and restaurateurs with physical locations requiring technology to simplify operations and complex data, providing intelligent insights to sharpen decision-making around inventory, customers and employees. We were among the first to believe in Lightspeeds remarkable growth potential and invest in it, said Investissement Quebec President and CEO Pierre Gabriel Cote. Lightspeed is currently enjoying an impressive level of success. It is now a global leader whose growth and accomplishments are making waves far beyond our borders. It was only natural for Investissement Quebec to reinvest in the company. Lightspeed customers see a 20% increase in revenue, on average, during the first full year on the platform. A few of the marquee retail brands that use the POS platform every day to power their businesses include: Todd Snyder, Want Les Essentiels, DASH, Draper James, Rocket Fizz, Malin+Goetz, Mikes Bikes in California, and the Montreal Canadiens. Restaurateurs are beginning to adopt new technology at a much faster pace than ever before, and some of the places Lightspeed can be found include: Eataly, La Marina NYC, Nobu Malibu, Lutze Biergarten, Zoku Amsterdam Hotel, Hummus Bros, Crepeaffaire, and Detroit Foundation Hotel. About Lightspeed Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Lightspeed is the most powerful cloud-based point-of-sale solution for independent businesses, in-store and online. Nearly 50,000 retailers and restaurateurs, processing over US $15 billion in transactions annually use Lightspeed to grow and manage their business. Lightspeed can be found in more than 100 countries, powering favorite local businesses, where the community goes to shop and dine. Founded in 2005, Lightspeed has grown to nearly 600 employees, with global offices in Canada, USA, Europe, and Australia. For more information, please visit: http://www.lightspeedhq.com, Facebook: Facebook.com/LightspeedHQ, Twitter: @LightspeedHQ and Instagram: @LightspeedHQ. About la Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ) is a long-term institutional investor that manages funds primarily for public and parapublic pension and insurance plans. As at June 30, 2017, it held $286.5 billion in net assets. As one of Canadas leading institutional fund managers, CDPQ invests globally in major financial markets, private equity, infrastructure, real estate and private debt. For more information, visit cdpq.com, follow us on Twitter @LaCDPQ or consult our Facebook or LinkedIn pages. LogiMAT Expands Sales Activities in Turkey Munchen, 19.10.2017 (PresseBox) EUROEXPO Messe- und Kongress-GmbH, organizer of the LogiMAT trade show, is expanding its international presence. Effective immediately, the German-Turkish Chamber of Industry and Commerce will manage LogiMAT Stuttgarts sales activities for the Turkish market. This partnership was formally established during an official signing ceremony in Istanbul on October 19, 2017. LogiMAT is considered the leading global trade show for intralogistics solutions and process management. Its prime location in the heart of Europe makes it a prominent platform for the supply and demand of products, solutions, and systems for the Central European economic area. LogiMAT has long kept a close eye on key foreign markets to sustain its ongoing internationalization. I am pleased to have found a reliable partner in the German-Turkish Chamber of Industry and Commerce. I feel confident that together, we can make the major providers of intralogistics solutions in this dynamic market see the value of having a presence in Stuttgart. Orkan Hatipoglu is intimately familiar with the industry and a highly valued facilitator, confirms Peter Kazander, Event Director of LogiMAT and Managing Director of EUROEXPO Messe- und Kongress-GmbH. At this point in the registration cycle, ten exhibitors from Turkey have already signed on. The activities of the foreign bureau in Istanbul should help grow this figure. Turkish companies now have a qualified local dialog partner, confirms Frank Kaiser, Managing Director of DEinternational Servis Hizmetleri A.S. For more information and picture, please visit: www.logimat-messe.de Other Point of Sale News: Zadok Jewelers has been celebrated as Houstons premier luxury jeweler for over 40 years. As a sixth and seventh generation family-run business, Zadok Jewelers is one of the last independent jewelry stores in the nation. Their Houston showroom is among the largest in the country, and their loyal customers span the globe. Zadok decided to migrate their existing system to the newest Mi9 Retail platform to take advantage of its mobile POS, CRM, and modern clienteling technology to foster increased sales and an even greater customer experience. The addition of role-specific dashboards and the advanced analytics in Mi9 Intelligence will enable the company to be even more agile and responsive to market and customer needs. This BI platform gives Zadok Jewelers access to data-driven insights that are typically only available to the largest retailers. We looked at other solutions and only Mi9 offers enterprise-grade technology designed for the unique requirements of luxury jewelers, said Segev Zadok, Executive Vice President and Owner of Zadok Jewelers. Mi9 is committed to this industry, and their ongoing investments in clienteling, customer engagement, and business intelligence will help us continue to delight our customers while we evolve our business with modern technology. We continue to advance our comprehensive jewelry solution based on input from our customer base and the experts in our Jewelry Group, said Neil Moses, CEO of Mi9 Retail. We are focused on helping our current customers migrate to our most modern retail applications, as we get new customers up and running quickly with a system that minimizes total cost of ownership and maintenance, while it helps them increase their top and bottom lines. About Zadok Jewelers A family-owned and operated business in Houston, TX for over 41 years, the Zadok family represents seven generations of master jewelers. The Uptown area store features a vast selection of certified loose diamonds and gemstones, platinum and gold engagement and wedding rings, fine jewelry, Swiss timepieces and fine crystal. This collection has earned Zadok Jewelers the reputation as Houstons largest and most distinctive couture jewelry, watch, and diamond gallery. Zadok Jewelers encompasses over 12,000 square feet in the Uptown/Galleria location- ten times its original size- and loyal customers spanning the globe. However, even with this continued growth over four decades, the Zadok family and staff strive to uphold seven generations of commitment to the highest standards of quality and service, while making customers feel welcome and comfortable as though they are visiting an extension of the Zadok home. About Mi9 Retail Mi9 Retail is passionate about helping retailers create great experiences for their customers online, in-store, and on any device. We know that great retail experiences happen when optimized inventory management intersects perfectly with well-executed customer engagement strategies to deliver higher customer loyalty, better margins, and a more engaged workforce. Our solutions for merchandise management, digital commerce, and store operations are used by leading retailers across the globe. The company is headquartered in Miami, FL, with operations in North America, Europe, and Asia. Visit www.mi9retail.com to learn more. PointofSale.com, now in its 8th year, does not sell products or services and we rely on sponsors to keep the site up, so please let vendors know when you have seen them here. Use the links on the left side menu above to find great products and services. For more info, contact us through the Footer menu below. Other POS News: Try telling your friends youre spending your next holiday in Iceland / Fiji / Timbuktu and youll be met with enthusiastic smiles and the refrain, Oh, I love it! When I was there last year. Yes, Singaporeans are an insufferably well-travelled bunch, taking an average of 5.2 overseas trips from April 2016 to 2017. Saying youre going to Paris, Sydney or Tokyo for the first time is like admitting youre a provincial hick whos never left your farm. Thats why, with all the tried-and-tested tourist favourites already checked off their bucket lists, Singaporeans are looking for more exotic, unusual destinations to visit the next time they clear their annual leave. Here are some relatively exotic destinations Singaporeans are now flocking to. Nordic countries Reykjavik - MoneySmart European favourites like London, Paris and Rome are now deemed too common by Singaporean travellers, who are starting to flock to the Nordic countries, especially Iceland due to news that the aurora borealis would become a much rarer sight after 2017. Other than Iceland, more Singaporeans are now heading to Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland, taking advantage of Airbnb to lower the cost of their vacations in these notoriously expensive countries. Cost: Flights to Reykjavik can be had for $1,200 and upwards, while the cheapest flights to Stockholm cost from $900 onwards. Portugal Lisbon - MoneySmart Singaporeans are no stranger to Western European countries like England, France, Spain, yada yada. But Portugal has been largely ignoredup till now. Its soaring popularity with Singaporeans probably has something to do with the fact that its the cheapest country in Western Europe, and for more well-travelled Singaporeans is often the last unvisited country in the region. Cost: The cheapest flights to Lisbon are about $1,100, assuming your travel dates are flexible. Eastern Europe Dubrovnik - MoneySmart Western Europe is so 2015. More Singaporeans are now heading to the lesser-visited Eastern European countries which, other than being more rarely-visited by Asian tourists, are also a lot cheaper than their Western European cousins. Story continues Croatia, especially, is seeing a boom in the number of Singaporean tourists who also happen be Game of Thrones fans (of course). Cost: The cheapest flights to Dubrovnik without obscenely long stopovers cost about $1,400. A cheap flight to Bucharest costs much less at about $1,100. Russia Moscow - MoneySmart The fact that you could show up in Russia and not even be able to recognise a single alphabet is undoubtedly part of the mystique that shrouds this massive country. As far as exotic destinations go, this might not seem like one but getting there is no easy feat. A small but growing number of Singaporeans are now taking crash courses in Cyrillic script in preparation for a trip to Russia, usually to Moscow or Saint Petersburg. The main deterrent is that Singaporean tourists to Russia need a travel agency or Russian hotel to issue them an invitation in order to get a visa. This is bad news for budget travellers or those who dislike planning. Cost: With some flexibility of schedule, you should be able to find flights to Moscow for just under $1,000. Greece Santorini - MoneySmart Blame it on the Scoot budget flightsGreece is now on the radar of Singaporeans whove already explored most of Europes major cities and are now looking for countries theyve missed. Affordable domestic prices due to their economic woes, the allure of Greek history and mythology, and the desire to post selfies taken at Santorini have no doubt added to the appeal. Cost: Youll have to book in advance if you want to get the best prices on Scoot, but they can go as low as $800 so its worth it. Otherwise, you should still be able to find tickets for under $1,000. To lower the cost of your next trip just a tiny bit, pay with a credit card like the DBS Altitude Card, which rewards you generously in air miles whenever you make an airline or accommodation booking online. Have you ever been to any of the above places? Share your experiences in the comments! Image credits: Marco Belluci, Maria Eklind, Ivan Ivankovic, Sergey Norin, Maggie Meng The post 5 Exotic Destinations More Singaporeans Are Travelling To and How Much it Costs appeared first on the MoneySmart blog. MoneySmart.sg helps you maximize your money. Like us on Facebook to keep up to date with our latest news and articles. Compare and shop for the best deals on Loans, Insurance and Credit Cards on our site now! More From MoneySmart At least 16 civilians including several children were killed in air strikes believed to have been carried out by Russian jets Thursday in Syria's Deir Ezzor province, a monitor said. The eastern province is partly controlled by the Islamic State group, which is under pressure from several fronts in war-torn Syria. "The civilians were killed as they tried to cross the Euphrates river near the town of Abu Kamal," the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The Observatory -- which relies on a network of sources in Syria and identifies whose planes carry out raids according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions used -- said Russian jets had carried out the strikes. Abu Kamal is one of the few remaining urban strongholds of IS in Syria, which lost control this week of Raqa to the west, the capital of its so-called "caliphate" the jihadists claimed in 2014. Russia began an intervention in Syria in support of ally President Bashar al-Assad in 2015, and has helped the regime win back large parts of the country. More than 330,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict erupted in March 2011 with anti-government protests. View of the Bangkok skyline. Special Advertising Feature Thailand is often called the Land of Smiles, an affectionate nickname supposedly coined by tourists, but in most likelihood, was the result of a successful slogan started by the countrys tourism authority. However, the wide grins arent just reserved for holidaymakers. Savvy foreign property investors will also find themselves reaping benefits. We share some tips that every investor looking to enter the Thailand property market should know. Play by the rules Thailand is very welcoming towards foreign investors, and has some of the least restrictive overseas property ownership rules among its Southeast Asian counterparts. Foreigners are not allowed to own land in Thailand, so landed properties such as detached, semi-detached or terrace houses are out of bounds to those without a Thai passport. However, any freehold condominium from the second floor and upwards can be sold to foreigners. By Thai law, developers can allocate as much as 49 percent of a development to foreign buyers. The best part? Foreigners pay no property tax in Thailand, although certain fees such as transfer fees, stamp duties and sinking funds still apply. With nearly 20 percent of Bangkoks condo units owned by overseas investors, most developers are accustomed to helping foreigners with the buying process, and have devised ways to make the experience as fuss-free as possible. Local developer Noble Development PLC, for example, has created a purchasing process that takes the buyer from booking and contract signing to getting the title deed in just three main steps. Bangkok skyline Bangkok is one of the fastest growing cities in Asia. Bank on Bangkok Thailand is a large country with most of its resources and population concentrated in its capital city. Bangkok represents 13 percent of Thailands population of 69 million, and is the main driver of its economy. The country has many vibrant tourist hotspots such as Pattaya and Phuket that offer tempting prospects to foreign investors, but theres no doubt that in terms of yield and market strength, Bangkok is in top spot. Plus, it is where all the high-rise projects are the only property type available for foreign ownership. Story continues But not all areas of Bangkok are created equal. Certain locations hold more potential than others. Five neighbourhoods currently stand out as hotspots for investors: Ari, Ploen Chit, Asok, Phrom Phong and Ratchada. Ari is Bangkoks trendiest neighbhourhood, home to countless hipster cafes, fashionable bars and eateries. Buying a property in Ploen Chit means sharing a prestigious address with luxury malls and five-star hotels. From Asok, one can go anywhere in Bangkok because it is a major transport hub where the BTS and MRT lines intersect. Phrom Phong is the cultural melting pot of Bangkok, where locals rub shoulders with the expatriate community, and where international cuisine can be found. Last, but not least, Ratchada is touted as Bangkoks up-and-coming new Central Business District, where property prices are soaring. As a rule, stick to areas not more than 500m from a Bangkok Metro (MRT) or Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) Skytrain station. For buy-to-let investors, neighbourhoods popular with well-heeled expatriates tend to have shorter rental void periods while central areas seeing rejuvenation, such as Ratchada, are suitable for those seeking capital gains. Make the right connections With so many properties mushrooming around the city, deciding on one to invest in can feel like an overwhelming task. This is where the right choice of developer can make all the difference. Do extensive research and pick a company that has a stellar track record of successful launches, good build quality, and a portfolio of properties that have seen growth in value. Noble Development PLC is a leading developer in Thailand with more than 25 years of experience in residential development. Whether they are landed properties or condominiums, every Noble development is marked by the companys signature blend of clean, modern exteriors with lavish, elegant interiors, fitted with quality materials that are made to last. The company believes in creating living spaces that feel like home in the most lucrative, high-value, inner-city locations that will ensure good returns on investment. To get in-depth information, visit www.noblehome.com/skyscraper. Disclaimer: All forms of investment carry risks, including the risk of losing all the invested amount. Such activities may not be suitable for everyone. This is an overseas investment. As overseas investments carry additional financial, regulatory and legal risks, investors are advised to do the necessary checks and research on the investment beforehand. In a recent op-ed in Kearney-area newspapers, State Sen. John Kuehn stated big increases in local subdivision spending created the property tax crisis. That really caught my attention because that certainly has not been my experience as superintendent of schools in York. I realize its a very catchy thing for elected officials to blame local spending for our property tax dilemma, but lets look at some actual, audited data to form our own thoughts on this wildly political topic. You see, some of our politicians know how the system works. They know what the school aid formula (TEEOSA) calculates each year and then due to budget constraints how much they instead allocate in the state budget for K-12 funding. I would hope they realize that TEEOSA has only been fully funded to its calculation three or four times in the past 16 years, leaving increased local property taxes to fill the void in all other years. I would hope they understand that K-12 education used to be 32 percent of the states budget but is now 27.6 percent. They should know that our antiquated and inadequate method of funding K-12 public education forces our over-reliance on local property taxes. I assume they know 73 percent of Nebraskas school districts dont receive any equalization aid from the state as they are on their own with local property taxes as their primary revenue stream. Property taxes have soared in the last seven or eight years because of inadequate school funding. Lets look at the revenue side of the equation to back up my claims from above: * According to our annual audits conducted by an outside agency, York Public Schools has had an average annual total revenue increase of just 1.1 percent since 2008-09, despite our local property tax request increasing more than 57 percent in that same time span. Many other school districts and communities are in the same situation. * Thats correct -- local property taxes have increased over 57 percent in eight years but our total revenue increased just 8.8 percent in that same eight-year span. * Weve seen YPS's total annual revenue decrease from $16,040,850 in 2014-15 to $15,016,433 in 2016-17 even though our property tax revenue went up close to $700,000 within that same time frame. The major reason is our funding from the state went from $2,214,826 in 2014-15 to a paltry $225,557 in 2016-17. * You see, in way too many instances, local property tax revenue is simply replacing lost funding from the state. Now, lets look at spending: * York Public Schools has had an average annual spending increase of just 1.3 percent since 2008-09 and a 0 percent increase since 2014-15. Many other public school districts in Nebraska can say the same thing. * So, a 0 percent spending increase since 2014-15, but our local property tax request has gone up close to $700,000 since then because it is replacing lost revenue -- not because of spending. * YPS has 6.5 fewer teachers and 16 fewer support staff members than we did 10 years ago despite seeing an increase in enrollment in that same decade. We are no strangers to making difficult decisions to cut back and do the best we can with less resources. Here are some facts and figures from the U.S. Census Bureau and annual audit of York Public Schools: * Nebraska K-12 schools receive 49 percent of their funding from local property taxes, while the national average is 29 percent. YPS received between 62 percent and 74 percent of its funding from local property taxes the past few years. Nebraska K-12 schools receive 33 percent of their funding from state sources, while the national average is 47 percent. YPS received between 18 percent and 24 percent of our funding from state sources. Its so easy for elected officials to blame local spending for high property taxes. I wish they would spend more time and energy on fixing how our schools are funded so were not so reliant on local property taxes. Expanding our tax base and looking at the hundreds of millions of dollars of incentives we give away each year could be a place to start as we work on finding revenue for K-12 outside of local property taxes. Elder Wendell Loh, 21, (left) is preparing to serve as a full-time missionary in Lyon, France for the next two years. Elder Thaddeus Ng, 22, has been serving in Singapore and West Malaysia for the past 19 months. How much do you know about the diversity of faiths in Singapore? In this series, Yahoo News Singapore explores the lesser-known rituals and branches of religions in the country. Not many people would warm to the idea of giving up an additional two years of your life after completing National Service. But thats exactly what Elder Wendell Loh, 21, is gearing up for. Loh, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), will be serving as a Mormon missionary for two years in Lyon, France. His family is steeped in the tradition, with his parents and elder sister also previously serving as missionaries for the faith. I guess you could say I was egged on to go on a mission, said Loh, looking like a schoolboy in his neatly trimmed hair, spectacles and the ubiquitous short-sleeved white shirt, tie and name tag of Mormon missionaries. Ive had people telling me its a waste of time. But for me, it is the same way I viewed NS as an adventure. Loh has signed up for a tough, almost monk-like existence. He will be assigned a companion, who will be within sight of him almost 24/7. Among the rules: no TV, social media, secular music, reading the news or even swimming. Every single day will be spent almost exclusively in the study of scripture or proselytising. For the likes of Elder Thaddeus Ng, 22, who has been serving in Singapore and West Malaysia for the past 19 months, it has been a test of faith. Asked if he had ever contemplated quitting, Ng took a long pause before saying, There have been difficult times on missions where I have gone down on my knees and cried. But quitting, that thought never entered my mind. (God) gave me those trials and challenges for me to grow, that everything that happens is for my own good. There are currently 21 Mormon missionaries from Singapore serving in 15 countries. Four hundred have been sent out from the Republic in the last two decades, while the LDS Church here receives an average of 15-20 applications annually. According to LDS leaders, there are around 3,400 Mormons in Singapore currently. Story continues While not compulsory, young people in the LDS Church are encouraged to serve as missionaries: two years for men, 18 months for women. They undergo a rigorous application and interview process, and their destinations are determined by prophetic inspiration. Their missions are self-financed, but the church does provide assistance via a global and local fund. We prefer to be called Latter-Day Saints While Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the founder of their church, the LDS Church was officially established in New York on 6 April, 1830, a date Mormons call the restoration of the church. The American Joseph Smith is considered the prophet of the restoration. The present-day LDS headquarters, the Salt Lake City Temple, is located in Utah. The first Mormon missionaries came to Singapore in 1969 and established the first branch of the church in Singapore. Elder Leonard Woo, 61, oversees the faithful in Pakistan, Cambodia, Vietnam, West Malaysia and Singapore. He explained that in addition to the King James Bible, LDS members are also led by an additional Testament called the Book of Mormon. The name Mormon itself refers to an ancient prophet who lived on the American continent and was instrumental in recording a lot of the events in the Book of Mormon. Thats why a lot of people in the world call us Mormons. The Book of Mormon, also known as Another Testament of Jesus Christ, claims to be an account of Gods dealings with the inhabitants of ancient America. It includes a visit by the risen Jesus to the Americas. It was written by Smith after he had a vision of the angel Moroni, who led him to golden plates with inscriptions that he eventually translated into the Book of Mormon. There are also two additional scriptures: Doctrines and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price, written by Smith and other Mormon prophets via divine guidance. Among other beliefs and practices, Mormons are forbidden from consuming coffee, tea, tobacco or alcohol. It is an article of faith that the new Zion, or Jerusalem, will be established on the American continent. The dead can be baptised by proxy, but only in certain sacred venues. Contrary to popular belief, the LDS church no longer practices polygamy it was stopped in 1890, though some fundamentalist branches still practise it. A Sacrament Meeting at the LDS premises in Bukit Timah, on a Sunday morning in September. PHOTO: Nurul Amirah/Yahoo News Singapore The Mormons of Singapore On a Sunday morning in September, Yahoo News Singapore attended an LDS sacrament meeting, or service, at its Bukit Timah premises. There are some 3,400 Mormons in Singapore, attending services in Pasir Panjang, Sengkang and Bukit Timah. LDS leaders told us that it was the first time that reporters had been allowed to film a Mormon service in Singapore. Wah, you all very good. We are not even allowed to film during weddings, said Shan Khoo, 23, who joined the church 18 months ago. While Mormons stress that they are not Protestants, the solemn affair was reminiscent of a traditional Protestant service. The auditorium was bare, with wooden pews. The congregation of about 60 were dressed in their Sunday best, and sang from a book of hymns that included The Star-Spangled Banner, the national anthem of the US, perhaps reflecting Mormon doctrine that America has a special place in Gods plan. Leaders of the church all men sat facing the congregation. Instead of a sermon by a pastor there are no professional clergy selected members were assigned to speak on specific topics. And in deference to the founders word of wisdom against imbibing alcohol, the communion consisted of bread and water. The faithful spend an average of three hours in church every week. Service is followed by Sunday school, as well as classes attended separately by men and women. Elder Leonard Woo, 61, of the Mormon church. His four children are all serving as missionaries. PHOTO: Nurul Amirah/Yahoo News Singapore Are Mormons Christians? Mormons have much in common with mainstream Christianity, according to LDS leaders and members. They are guided by the Bible (the King James Version), believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and their values are largely conservative. But the doctrinal differences are such that many mainstream Christians do not see them as co-religionists. For example, both the Catholic and Methodist Churches require Mormons who convert to be re-baptised. In Singapore, the LDS Church is not a member of the National Council of Churches Singapore (NCCS), the umbrella body for Protestant churches in Singapore. Shan Khoo, a former national shooter, is now preparing to serve a mission in Scotland and Ireland. Asked what she thinks of other Christians views of Mormons, I think that its very funny, to be frank, because Christianity has many denominations and I believe that they also say the same thing about the other denominations. Everyone who is in whichever they are in, they will think that everything else is fake or wrong, and I will always invite them to come and find out for themselves. Elder Woo said, Because we have additional Testament, they (other Christians) thought that we have strayed from the Bible. Thats not true. The Bible is a very serious text to us. So I think when they critcise us, often its due to a misunderstanding. The people who come to know about us [will] know that we are Christian right to the coreour lives are very Christ-centred, our teachings are very Christ-centred. Read also: FILE PHOTO: Members of the Iranian revolutionary guard march during a parade to commemorate the anniversary of the Iran-Iraq war (1980-88), in Tehran September 22, 2011. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo (Reuters) By Babak Dehghanpisheh BEIRUT (Reuters) - A week after U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a blistering speech about Iran's Revolutionary Guards, the most powerful military and economic force in the Islamic Republic has shown it has no intention of curbing its activities in the Middle East. In defiance of other world powers, Trump chose in a speech last Friday not to certify that Tehran is complying with a pact to curb Iran's nuclear work and singled out the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), accusing Tehran of destabilising the region. A senior IRGC commander said after the speech Trump was "acting crazy" and was following U.S. strategy of increasing "the shadow of war in the region". Iran's Shi'ite militia proxies have made formidable military gains in recent months in Syria as well as Iraq, stretching from northern Iraq to a string of smaller cities and this week, after the Trump speech, re-captured the oil-rich city of Kirkuk. "In the short-run clearly Trump has increased the power and aggressiveness of the IRGC," said Abbas Milani, the director of the Iranian Studies programme at Stanford University. "The IRGC can't back down from a street fight. Their domestic and regional prestige is predicated on the fact that they fight a good fight and they don't back down." The day after Trump spoke, the head of the Guards' al Quds overseas operations, Major General Qassem Soleimani, travelled to Iraq's Kurdistan region. He held talks about the escalating crisis between Kurdish authorities and the Iraqi government after a Kurdish independence referendum. The niece of the late Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani, Alaa Talabani, told the al Hadath TV channel that Soleimani met with members of her family on Saturday. He had come to pay respects to Jalal, a former Iraqi president and founder of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) party who died this month. Other Iraqi and Kurdish officials told Reuters Soleimani held meetings with Kurdish leaders to persuade them to retreat from Kirkuk ahead of the Iraqi army push into the city. Story continues "I don't deny that Mr. Qassem Soleimani gave us the advice to find a solution to Kirkuk," she said. "He said Kirkuk should return to the (Iraqi) law and constitution and to have an agreement about Kirkuk and give up the intransigence about the referendum which was a decision not thought out." LIGHTNING ASSAULT Within days, Iran's mostly Shi'ite allies in Baghdad launched a lightning assault, pushing Kurdish fighters out of disputed territories such as Kirkuk and consequently strengthening Iran's hand in Iraq. Commanders of the Kurdish forces, known as the Peshmerga, have accused Iran of orchestrating the Shi'ite-led Iraqi central government's push into areas under their control, a charge senior Iranian officials have denied. A video posted by the Kurdish Rudaw channel online on Wednesday showed an Iraqi Shi'ite militiaman loyal to Iran hanging a picture of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the Kirkuk governorate office. Iran, which has a large Kurdish minority, has reason to be wary of Iraqi Kurdish independence. It fears it might encourage its own Kurds, who have also pushed for separatism. After the independence vote in Iraqi Kurdistan on September 25, videos posted online showed hundreds of people celebrating in the streets in the Kurdish areas of Iran. FRONT-LINE PLAYER Regional analysts say the emergence of Iran in Iraq, Syria, Kurdistan and Lebanon, where it wields influence through its allied Shi'ite Lebanese Hezbollah militia, means Tehran has become a front-line player in the region which Washington could not afford to ignore. Trumps stupidity should not distract us from Americas deceitfulness ... If the U.S. tears up the (nuclear) deal, we will shred it," said Khamenei. Americans are angry because the Islamic Republic of Iran has managed to thwart their plots in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and other countries in the region. Speaking after Trump's speech, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the Guards' aerospace division, said: "From the start of the Islamic revolution ... (presidents) have increased the shadow of war in the region ... "Dear brothers and sisters today Trump is acting crazy to gain concessions through this method." The ramping up of tension could put the two countries on a collision course in the Gulf where clashes have only been narrowly avoided in recent months. Small boats from the Revolutionary Guards' navy veered close to U.S. naval vessels in the Gulf at least twice this year, prompting the U.S. military to fire warning shots and flares. In August, an unarmed Iranian drone came within 100 feet (31 meters) of a U.S. Navy warplane, risking a crash, according to a U.S. official. Some recent naval showdowns between Iran and the United States took place near the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway where up to 30 percent of global oil exports pass annually. During the presidential campaign last September, Trump vowed that any Iranian vessels that harassed the U.S. Navy in the Gulf would be "shot out of the water". POTENTIAL FLASHPOINT The Guards could also target U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria through tens of thousands of loyal Shi'ite militia fighters without directly acknowledging a role in any attacks. "The IRGC can claim ignorance of Shi'ite militia attacks against the U.S. military," said Ali Alfoneh, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council who has done extensive research on the Guards. In early October, an American soldier was killed in Iraq by an explosively formed penetrator, or EFP, a type of roadside bomb which was often used by Iran's Shi'ite militia proxies in Iraq, according to the U.S. military. "This is the first time that we've seen it used in this area," U.S. Army Colonel Ryan Dillon, a coalition spokesman, said. Dillon said the U.S. military has not yet concluded who carried out the attack. Dozens of American soldiers in Iraq were killed and injured by EFPs used by militia groups linked to Iran after the 2003 invasion of Iraq by U.S. forces, according to the U.S. military. Asked about the threat posed by Shi'ite militias allied with Iran in Iraq and Syria, particularly after Trump's speech, Dillon said: "We're always assessing the threats no matter where they come from. During certain announcements or certain dates or when certain events happen, we make proper adjustments." Trump's new plan, observers say, will also weaken a group that had made progress in curbing the Guards' political and economic ambitions in recent years: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and the pragmatist politicians in his cabinet. Since becoming president in 2013, Rouhani and members of his cabinet repeatedly pushed back against the Guards' economic influence and involvement in political matters. Now, Rouhani's push against the Guards has been tempered because of the hardening in Trump's approach to Tehran, regional observers said. "What this has done is that even those who were critics are now defending the Revolutionary Guards," said Nasser Hadian-Jazy, a political science professor at Tehran University. (Reporting By Babak Dehghanpisheh and additional reporting by Maher Chmaytelli in Erbil, editing by Nick Tattersall and Peter Millership) By Thomas Escritt BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel opened what promised to be marathon coalition talks on Friday, hoping to bring three opposing political camps into a stable government despite signs there would be less money to paper over differences. Merkel said she was optimistic as she entered talks between her conservative bloc, the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) and the Greens, despite an assessment by her own party that the next government would have less fiscal room than expected. The outcome of the talks is keenly awaited both at home and across Europe, with many fretting that the European Union could be rudderless with the bloc's longest-serving leader too busy to grapple with crucial issues like euro zone governance reform. Highlighting the challenge, a report by Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU) found that there would be only 30 billion euros free for new projects over the next four years if parties stuck to their commitment to taking on no new debts. The shortfall will make all the more difficult the tricky three-way pact, dubbed a "Jamaica" coalition because the three parties' colours - black, yellow and green - match those of the Jamaican flag, which is untried at national level. Higher EU contributions as a result of Brexit and lower central bank profits might reduce spending room by some 15 billion euros, according to calculations seen by Reuters, an obstacle to the FDP's demands for tax cuts or the Greens' hope for environmental and infrastructure spending. The talks between Merkel's conservative bloc, the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) and the Greens are styled as "exploratory", but negotiators aim to get down to details of tax and budget policy in their first full meeting together. "There will be many differences," she said on her arrival at the Berlin talks, adding: "There is readiness on my side to think about this creatively." Story continues Party delegations each made five-minute presentations before breaking ahead of further discussions due on Tuesday. FDP chief Christian Lindner had earlier said that no matter how good the "atmosphere and seriousness" the parties were far apart on 85 percent of the material to be discussed. After, FDP secretary-general Nicola Beer said she continued to believe there was a "50:50" chance of a Jamaica coalition resulting. Merkel, weakened by a surging far-right in last month's national election, needs to make the awkward alliance fly as her previous "grand coalition" partners - the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) - say they want to rebuild in opposition after their worst election result in more than half a century. "STRANGERS" Merkel has been able to steer Europe through its euro zone and refugee crises in part due to her dominance at home. Now that dominance is waning - her conservatives last month had their weakest election showing since 1949. "Voters have given these parties the task of governing," wrote newspaper Die Welt. "These possible partners should not be giving the impression that they are inching warily toward each other like strangers in a crammed lift." An Infratest Dimap poll for ARD showed 83 percent of Germans wanted the parties to find a compromise deal. Merkel, 63, has suffered two further setbacks since the national election: the CDU was defeated in a regional election in Lower Saxony on Sunday, and the party's premier in the eastern state of Saxony resigned on Wednesday, saying younger, fresher leadership was needed to revitalise the conservatives. Should the three party groups fail to form a coalition, some in their ranks fear this could lead to public disenchantment and fuel further support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which entered parliament for the first time last month. If she cannot clinch a three-way coalition pact, Merkel could try to form a minority government, or else call fresh elections - an unprecedented scenario. Alternatively, she could try to team up again with the SPD. The Social Democrats reject that option, though senior party official Thomas Oppermann has indicated they could reconsider on one condition: Merkel steps aside. (Additional reporting by Paul Carrel, Andreas Rinke and Michael Nienaber; editing by Ralph Boulton) German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday led calls for a cut to EU funding linked to Turkey's membership talks, to signal the bloc's unhappiness at Ankara's crackdown in the wake of a failed coup. In the latest round of a bitter spat between Berlin and Ankara, the powerful German leader said it was important the EU acted in unity to defend its values, at a summit in Brussels. Turkey, whose application to join the EU is effectively frozen, has alarmed European leaders with its hardline response to a thwarted bid to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last year. More than 50,000 people have been arrested since the coup bid, including several German citizens, drawing strong criticism from Berlin. "I'm going to work for EU pre-membership funding, which we are giving, to be reduced," Merkel said, adding that for her it was a "central demand" that the bloc acted together on the issue. "The changes to the rule of law in Turkey are going in our opinion in a bad direction and we have some major concerns -- and not just because a lot of Germans have been arrested." Merkel caused a stir during her recent reelection campaign with a pledge to try to get EU leaders to terminate Turkey's membership bid. Other EU nations have trod more carefully, noting Turkey's vital importance to the bloc both in tackling the migrant crisis and in fighting Islamist militancy. But several voiced criticism of Turkey at Thursday's meeting, with Belgian PM Charles Michel saying Ankara's membership bid was "frozen, on the point of death". Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Turkey was "a long way from membership and will remain so", but the two Low Countries leaders called for "reorientating" funds rather than cutting them. Rutte said the aim would be "that the money moves away from the government to go towards areas such as migration and Turkish charities". EU member states are waiting for a European Commission assessment of funding for Turkey -- most of which already goes to NGOs or projects -- in early 2018. Europe plans 4.45 billion euros in pre-accession spending for Turkey in 2014-2020, but only 360 million euros have been allocated so far. The European Union could lose 1.2 million jobs if Britain leaves the bloc without a deal, Belgium's economy minister said Friday, warning that his own country would suffer a "catastrophic" impact. Kris Peeters made the comments amid growing fears that the slow pace of Brexit negotiations means Britain will withdraw in March 2019 without agreement on future trade arrangements and customs. "The potential impact for our country could well be catastrophic," he said in a statement, adding that without a deal "Britain would no longer be part of a customs union". "According to our calculations, the customs fees for imports from the United Kingdom and exports to the UK would reach a total of 2.22 billion euros ($2.62 billion)," he said. "Under this scenario, Belgium would lose 42,000 jobs, Britain 526,000 and the EU as a whole not less than 1,200,000." In Belgium, a no-deal Brexit would have "grave consequences" for the Port of Zeebrugge, on the North Sea. "Traffic to the UK represents 45 percent of business at the port, 5,000 jobs and an economic value of 500 million euros ($590 million)," Peeters said, adding that a million new cars are shipped via Zeebrugge to Britain each year. The warning came as EU leaders during a summit in Brussels approved internal preparations for Brexit trade talks, but said there was insufficient progress on divorce issues to formally open them until at least December. The Belgian figures show "how important it is to reach a deal", while also demonstrating that "we have to prepare ourselves for the worst-case scenarios," Peeters added. The figures came from a study by a high-level group set up by the Belgian economy ministry in 2016 to look at the impact of Brexit, he said. Poland's conservative prime minister said Thursday she supports a draft law banning eugenic abortion in Poland, a devoutly Catholic country which already has one of the EU's most restrictive abortion rules. Eugenic abortion refers to terminations carried out to eliminate potentially defective foetuses, often in pregnancies where Down syndrome has been detected during pre-natal screening. "I am sure that the bill will find great support in our parliamentary group, and of course I will vote for its adoption. I oppose eugenic abortion," Prime Minister Beata Szydlo told the Gosc Niedzielny Catholic weekly. A citizens group calling itself the Stop Abortion Committee says it has already collected 200,000 signatures, double the amount required to submit its draft law banning eugenic abortion to parliament. Poland's current abortion law, passed in 1993, bans all terminations unless there was rape or incest, the pregnancy poses a health risk to the mother or the foetus is severely deformed. President Andrzej Duda, who is close to both Szydlo's rightwing Law and Justice (PiS) party and the Catholic Church, has already said that he will sign the law into being if it is adopted by the legislature. Last year the PiS also tried to tighten the already restrictive abortion law, but buckled under pressure from tens of thousands of black-clad women who protested nationwide. The parliament wound up rejecting the controversial bill that would have allowed abortions only if the woman's life was at risk and increased the maximum jail term for practitioners from two years to five. Earlier this year the PiS pushed through a new law limiting access to the morning-after pill by making the contraception method available only by prescription, while previously it could be bought over the counter by people 15 and older. Home to 38 million people, Poland sees fewer than 2,000 legal abortions a year, but women's groups estimate that another 100,000 to 150,000 procedures are performed illegally or abroad. By Zachary Fagenson GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Reuters) - Protesters shouted "Go home Nazis" as a white nationalist gave a speech on Thursday at the University of Florida, where hundreds of police set up barricades and separated supporters and demonstrators to guard against violence. Richard Spencer's event at the university in Gainesville, which prompted the governor to declare a state of emergency to prepare for possible conflict, came about two months after rallies by neo-Nazis and white supremacists in Charlottesville, Virginia, led to a deadly clash with counter-protesters. The violence on Aug. 12 added fuel to a national debate on race, and Republican President Donald Trump came under fire for blaming both sides for the melee. White supremacists have been working to bring Spencer to various public universities, saying he has a constitutional right to free speech. The effort has forced college leaders to allow what they see as hate speech on campus and provide security to prevent violent clashes. On Thursday, several hundred protesters shouting: "We don't want your Nazi hate" marched outside a campus performing arts centre where Spencer spoke. The protests were mostly peaceful but there were a few scuffles that left five people with minor injuries, the university said in a statement. Two people were arrested, including a man hired as security for media for illegally carrying a firearm on campus, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office said. Another man wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with swastikas emerged from a crowd of protesters with a bloody lip. Inside the venue, Spencer and protesters yelled at one another, and he criticized them for trying to suppress his speech. "Im not going home," said Spencer, who heads the National Policy Institute, a nationalist think tank, and promoted the Charlottesville rally. "We are stronger than you and you all know it!" He appeared to have few supporters in the crowd. About 15 white men, all dressed in white shirts and khaki pants, raised their hands when Spencer asked who identified with the alt-right, a loose grouping characterized by a rejection of mainstream politics that includes neo-Nazis, white supremacists and anti-Semites. Story continues Spencer left the campus soon after the event ended, university public safety officials said on Twitter. Police worked to separate those who attended the event as they left the venue from protesters gathered nearby. One Spencer supporter appeared to have been sprayed in the face with an irritant. Police were not immediately available to speak about the incident. 'LOVE WINS' Anais Edwards, 26, was inside the venue and supported those trying to disrupt Spencer. "Im really proud of how our community came together. Many of them were willing to stand up and not let him speak," Edwards said. The university said it did not invite Spencer to speak but was obligated by law to allow the event. The school said it would spend more than $500,000 on security, and the National Policy Institute is paying more than $10,000 to rent the facility and for security within the venue. "Despite our worst fears of violence, the University of Florida and the Gainesville community showed the world that love wins, University of Florida President Kent Fuchs said in a statement after the event. The Southern Poverty Law Center, which monitors U.S. hate groups, said Spencer was "a radical white separatist whose goal is the establishment of a white ethno-state in North America." An outspoken supporter of Trump during the 2016 campaign, Spencer rose from relative obscurity after widely circulated videos showed some Trump supporters giving Nazi-style salutes to Spencer during a gathering in Washington to celebrate the Republican candidate's win. Trump condemned the meeting. The death in Charlottesville, home to the flagship campus of the University of Virginia, occurred as counter-protesters were dispersing. A 20-year-old man who is said by law enforcement to have harboured Nazi sympathies drove his car into the crowd, killing a 32-year-old woman. (Reporting by Zachary Fagenson; Writing by Jon Herskovitz and Colleen Jenkins; Editing by Dan Grebler and Peter Cooney) They once dreamt of becoming engineers, teachers or other professionals, but for tens of thousands of Syrian students those hopes were cut short by the war in their homeland. While some have managed to rebuild their lives overseas and others remain stranded in refugee camps, there are those who transformed themselves in the chaos of the conflict into fighters or journalists. Here are the stories of two of them: - Delbrin Sadeq, a chemist battling IS - A year before jihadists from the Islamic State group turned Raqa into their Syrian capital, Kurdish student Delbrin Sadeq was studying pure and applied chemistry at the city's university. "When IS arrived in 2014 and forced women to wear black, I left Raqa," the 26-year-old told AFP. Sadeq then traded books for bullets as she took the decision to sign up with the all-female Women's Protection Units (YPJ) and fight alongside male comrades from the Kurdish People's Protection Units. The YPJ was involved in some of the fiercest battles against IS as the Kurds fought a life-or-death struggle to keep the jihadists at bay. Eventually the Kurdish fighters became the spearhead of a US-backed force to oust IS from its strongholds -- with Raqa the ultimate goal. After four months of ferocious urban combat Sadeq and her comrades finally took full control of Raqa on October 17. "It was only the battle to recapture the city that brought me back," Sadeq said. The university where she studied was the scene of fierce fighting. As Sadeq toured its bombed-out buildings, her hair in plaits and a gun slung over her shoulder, the rifle-carrying rebel reminisced about her past life. "When I walk around here now I believe I can still see my classmates," she said. "I don't know what happened to them, but I hope they are well." Despite the pain she feels for everything that she lost, Sadeq is adamant that she does not regret her fate. "I like military life, I will not quit it as long as there is a war going on," she said. As for her studies, if she gets the chance Sadeq would start again. "If I could resume my studies while remaining a fighter, I would do that," she said. "Life continues and education continues." - Ahmad Khatib, engineer to reporter - Ahmad Khatib was a third year civil engineering student at Tishreen University in the coastal city of Latakia when the revolt against President Bashar al-Assad's rule broke out across Syria in March 2011. "It was my uncle who inspired me because he was an engineer but he always said I should study journalism," Khatib, 28, told AFP. "I told him that the media in Syria was under tight control, and that is why I chose civil engineering." It would take the heady days of protests against Assad and the bloodshed of Syria's ensuing civil war to eventually push Khatib into journalism. Security forces found out about his involvement in the early demonstrations against the regime and in November 2011 he was arrested at a checkpoint while travelling in the northwestern Idlib province. "I was in detention for 22 days in Idlib then sent before a court in Damascus on accusations of 'undermining the authority of the state'," Khatib recounted. "They wanted to torture me into admitting that I was an armed rebel, but I wasn't." Eventually he was released and handed a pass that was supposed to let him travel through regime checkpoints. But when he tried to use it to return to university pro-regime militiamen confiscated the document and warned him to quit university and never show his face again. Left devastated by seeing his dream of becoming an engineer shredded, the straight-A student rejected the chance to take up arms and instead turned to reporting the horrors engulfing his homeland. "I started off by watching YouTube videos to learn how to film as at that point we were only using mobile phones," he explained, recalling his joy when he acquired his first handheld camcorder. "I filmed protests and fighting, and then started doing reports on the humanitarian situation," Khatib recalled. "Being a reporter is the most beautiful aspect of the revolution. We showed Assad's crimes to the whole world." Now this self-trained journalist has definitively swapped his goal of designing roads and bridges for his new passion of telling the story. "If the war finished then I would like to sign up for a journalism course." History textbooks are filled with facts about atrocity, brutality and savagery that make plenty of people in the present cringe. The Holocaust. The genocide of indigenous people. The slave trade. We arent many years removed from these ghastly acts humans inflicted upon their fellow man, but theyre a part of our history that cannot be forgotten, lest these horrors be repeated. Few places allow for the frank discussion needed about the scars in our collective past than history courses in schools. Students, teachers and parents must be willing and able to delve into topics that make them uncomfortable and uneasy precisely so all can be educated about horrific acts that still shape our world today. Still, these topics are delicate, as was seen recently at Mickle Middle School in Lincoln. Eighth-graders at many Lincoln middle schools spent two weeks working on projects designing memorials for those who suffered and died during the middle passage, the inhumane, often deadly, journey across the Atlantic Ocean to bring African slaves to the United States. The projects were supposed to be displayed at school; they were instead sent home after being graded. Some parents expressed concerns about the nature of the projects to administrators, who took them down sparking outrage from others and a debate about what was appropriate for school. Honoring the victims of the middle passage called for a keen understanding of the environment of the abhorrent evils of slavery. Learning about the shackles, beatings and broken families may be uncomfortable but its certainly a far easier lot than the slaves had. Research and the ensuing projects may have made some people squirm uneasily. But thats whats needed: Understanding history and recognizing its ongoing impact arent for the faint of heart. Slavery, at least in the 1800s sense, is dead. But its aftermath haunts us in the 21st century. Themes such as subjugation and racial division inextricably tied to it remain as relevant as ever. This debate stretches far beyond Lincoln. A Mississippi school district recently removed Harper Lees classic To Kill a Mockingbird from its eighth-grade reading list. School board officials told the Biloxi Sun-Herald the iconic novel set in Mississippi, coincidentally was pulled because some language in the book makes people uncomfortable. The book is raw, at times, and uses the N-word frequently. But, given the storys themes about discrimination and racism, thats needed and authentic. Hiding people from these, however disquieting, weakens their ability to understand and affect change. The oft-cited words of George Santayana ring as true today as ever: Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. To put a more modern, pertinent twist on the quote: We must learn about grave mistakes that predate us so that we can learn from and avoid them. The United States will again try to resolve a Gulf crisis that Washington has alternatively fueled or tried to soothe, as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson heads back to the region. The top US diplomat did not himself hold out much hope of an immediate breakthrough in the stand-off between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, but the trip may clarify the issues at stake. "I do not have a lot of expectations for it being resolved anytime soon," Tillerson admitted on Thursday, in an interview with the Bloomberg news agency. "There seems to be a real unwillingness on the part of some of the parties to want to engage." Nevertheless, President Donald Trump's chief envoy is to leave Washington this weekend for Saudi Arabia and from there head on to Qatar, to talk through a breakdown in ties. Trump, having initially exacerbated the split by siding with Riyadh and denouncing Qatar for supporting terrorism at a "high level," has predicted the conflict will be resolved. Tillerson, a former chief executive of energy giant ExxonMobil, knows the region well, having dealt with its royal rulers while negotiating oil and gas deals. But the latest diplomatic spat is a tricky one, pitching US allies against one another even as Washington is trying to coordinate opposition to Iran and to Islamist violence. - Major air base - Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut diplomatic relations with Qatar in June, accusing it of supporting terrorism and cozying up to Iran. The sides have been at an impasse since then, despite efforts by Kuwait -- and a previous unsuccessful trip by Tillerson in July -- to mediate the crisis. The blockade has had an impact on Qatar's gas-rich economy, and created a new rift in an already unstable Middle East, with Turkey siding with Qatar and Egypt with the Gulf. Iran, Washington's foe, only stands to benefit from a split in the otherwise pro-Western camp, and US military leaders are quietly concerned about the long-term effects. Trump, after initially vocally support the effort to isolate Qatar despite its role as a military ally and host of a major US airbase, has not called for a negotiated resolution. Tillerson says there has been little movement. "It's up to the leadership of the quartet when they want to engage with Qatar because Qatar has been very clear -- they're ready to engage," he said. "Our role is to try to ensure lines of communication are as open as we can help them be, that messages not be misunderstood," he said. "We're ready to play any role we can to bring them together but at this point it really is now up to the leadership of those countries." Simon Henderson, a veteran of the region now at the Washington Institute of Near East Policy, said the parties may humor US mediate but won't want to lose face to each other. "Tillerson will say: 'Come on kids, grow up and wind down your absurd demands. And let's work on a compromise on your basic differences'," he said. Riyadh's demands of Qatar are not entirely clear, but it has demanded Qatar cool its ties with Iran, end militant financing and rein in Doha-based Arabic media like Al-Jazeera. "I haven't seen Qatar make any concession at all other than to say negotiation is the way out of this," Henderson said. "The problem is that people, mainly the Saudis and the Emiratis, don't want to loose face. It needs America to step in, but to save face, they should try to make this a Gulf-mediated enterprise with American support." Kuwait has tried to serve at a mediator, with US support, but the parties have yet to sit down face-to-face. After his visit to Riyadh and Doha, Tillerson is to fly on to New Delhi in order to build what he said in a speech this week could be a 100-year "strategic partnership" with India. Tillerson will stop in Islamabad to try to sooth Pakistani fears about this Indian outreach, but also pressure the government to crack down harder on Islamist militant groups. Uganda's main opposition leader, Kizza Besigye of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party (C), speaks to the media at the high court, in the capital Kampala, where he was charged with treason October 4, 2016. REUTERS/James Akena/Files (Reuters) By Elias Biryabarema KAMPALA (Reuters) - Uganda's main opposition leader was arrested and charged with murder, police said on Friday, after they broke up a rally organised to protest moves to extend President Yoweri Museveni's rule. Kizza Besigye, who has contested and lost four elections against long-time leader Museveni, was detained on Thursday. Police blamed Besigye for the deaths of two protesters during Wednesday's rally, in which officers fired bullets and teargas during clashes with government opponents. "Besigye and his colleagues led these youths who stoned police and caused deaths," police spokesman Denis Namuwoza told Reuters. Wednesday's clash in Rukungiri near the Rwandan border was one of several violent anti-Museveni protests that have spread across Uganda since the president last week for the first time openly expressed support for proposed legislation aimed at allowing him to stay in power. In office for more than three decades, 73-year-old Museveni would be barred from running again in the next election in 2021 by a law that caps the age of presidential candidates at 75. The proposed legislation would remove that age ceiling. Besigye, Museveni's former physician during the guerrilla struggle that brought him to power in 1986, has claimed the four elections the pair contested were all rigged - something Museveni has denied. The president has been a staunch western ally widely seen as an anchor of stability in East Africa's often volatile Great Lakes region. He has deployed troops in Somalia to help fight Islamist group al Shabaab, earnings plaudits from his western backers. 'HEAVY-HANDED TACTICS' Besigye was arrested near the Rwandan border on Thursday, along with two other senior officials of his opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). Police spokesman Namuwoza said they had been charged with murder, assault, inciting violence and unlawful assembly, and transferred to a prison near the capital Kampala. Story continues There was no immediate reaction to the arrests from Uganda's opposition. The proposed new law is widely seen by critics as paving the way for Museveni to rule for life. Similar moves in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi have spurred unrest. Civil society organisations accused of helping rally support against extending Museveni's rule have had their premises raided, offices searched and equipment confiscated. Two of them, Great Lakes Institute for Strategic Studies (GLISS), a think tank, and ActionAid, a South Africa-based international charity, have had their bank accounts frozen on police orders. In a statement on Thursday, the U.S. Embassy in Kampala criticised what it called "heavy-handed tactics of security forces" which it said harmed democracy. "Government must protect people's rights of assembly and expression," it said. (Reporting by Elias Biryabarema; editing by John Stonestreet) Me too. More than 10 times, in broad daylight, at night, strobe light; alone, in the company of friends, strangers; in cities, college towns, deserted islands untouched by running water but not by misogyny; within eyeshot, earshot, the crosshairs of CCTV, wrote Amanda Chong, lawyer and poet, on Facebook. Chong is one of many women in Singapore posting their stories of sexual harassment and assault on social media, along with women in the United States and around the world. This online movement began on Monday (16 October) when actress Alyssa Milano called upon Twitter users to post Me too if they have had an experience with sexual assault and harassment. Milanos tweet followed a number of women coming forward with sexual harassment and assault allegations against Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein. Her tweet has been retweeted 25,000 times since. If youve been sexually harassed or assaulted write me too as a reply to this tweet. pic.twitter.com/k2oeCiUf9n Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) October 15, 2017 The #MeToo movement was originally created by activist Tarana Burke in 2007. Burke recently told Ebony Magazine that she created the campaign as a grassroots movement to reach sexual assault survivors in underprivileged communities. Women in Singapore from all walks of life responded to the tweet by sharing their stories. #metoo molested in an empty cinema during a film by an adult male stranger. Offered me mentos repeatedly afterwards. I was 15-16. is seven (@othergodiseven) October 17, 2017 #metoo assault, once. Harassment, lost count. Standing with all the incredible women and men sharing their experiences. Simren Priestley (@SimrenPriestley) October 18, 2017 However, at least one woman questioned the emphasis on the victims to speak up rather than the perpetrators. Story continues As much as I love and appreciate tjhe #MeToo social media awareness campaign, we should start having a #nametheharraser campaign Nandhini (@NandhiniBkrish) October 18, 2017 The strong response to the campaign in Singapore suggests that sexual assault and harassment is a common occurrence here. Some men also responded online, sharing their disgust and concern, tweeting #iwill, a response to the #metoo hashtag, in which people name a specific action they are committing to in order to combat sexual harassment and assault. #IWill call out rape culture#IWill prevent any and all forms of harrassment#IWill admit that I have been (and am still) part the problem Peter Lin (@prodigalgeek) October 17, 2017 Follow Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore on Facebook. The cabinet of wondersa museum-like room stuffed to bursting with objects from the worlds of natural history, archaeology, and artis a recurring theme in Todd Haynes new film Wonderstruck, based on a young-adult novel of the same name written and illustrated by Brian Selznick. There couldnt be a more apt image for Haynes particular sensibility, which has always had something of the collector about it. An avid observer of period style and historical detail, he lays out each shot with the obsessive care of a curator. Everything matters, from the precise mix of colors to the movement of the camera to the smallest element of the characters costumes or the knickknacks on their shelves. Advertisement The cabinet of wonders couldnt be a more apt metaphor for Haynes particular sensibility. Haynes also resembles the Renaissance scholars who created cabinets of wonder in the breadth of his interests. Hes made films about environmental illness in modern suburbia (Safe), the erotic allure of 70s glam rock (Velvet Goldmine), the anguish of being a closeted gay person in the 50s (Far from Heaven, Carol) and the adventures of a transhistorical, transracial, and transgender Bob Dylan (Im Not There). He seems most at home when piecing together multiple historical periods and genres into a stylistic crazy quiltwhich makes the particular structure of Wonderstruck a perfect fit for him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The story, adapted by Selznick from his book, follows the journeys of two deaf children separated by 50 years in time. In 1927, 12-year-old Rose (Millicent Simmonds) lives a lonely life in Hoboken, New Jersey, with her dour father (James Urbaniak). Roses deafness isolates her from the hearing world around her, and her place of solace is the movie theater where she goes to moon over her favorite actress, Lillian Mayhew (Julianne Moore). Haynes re-creates scenes from the stars movies in a loving pastiche of D.W. Griffiths silent melodramas starring Lillian Gish. As a matter of factaesthetic spoiler aheadthis whole part of the movie is silent, or at least dialogue-free, its emotion communicated entirely through the black-and-white images, Carter Burwells lively orchestral score, and Simmonds fiercely expressive face. Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, Rose will get on the Hudson River ferry and head to New York City in search of the actress she idolizes. But first we must get to know Ben (Oakes Fegley), another 12-year-old living in small-town Minnesota in 1977. His single mother (Michelle Williams) has recently died, and hes living with relatives and still consumed by grief. Shortly after discovering a clue to the identity of his father in his mothers effects, Ben loses his hearing in a freak accident that, as Haynes films it, seems somehow cosmically linked with Roses story. He buys a bus ticket to New York and sets out on a journey even more perilous than the one that little girl took all those years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Wonderstruck strikes a curious emotional tone, alternating between suspense and quiet wistfulness, with sudden surges of operatic intensity as the two timelines begin to connect. Still, all the moods hang together like the movements of a piece of classical music expressing different tempos: allegro, adagio, andante. This may be the most music-driven of Haynes films yet, with David Bowies Space Oddity and Deodatos jazz-funk version of Strauss Also Sprach Zarathustra playing prominent roles in the 70s-set scenes. Given that both young protagonists are deaf, musics prominence in Wonderstruck takes on a thematic dimension as well. The audience, immersed in a sensory world thats richly visual and sonic but short on spoken language, feels our way into what the characters are feeling. Hearing and deaf people in this movie can communicate only by exchanging written notes. (Rose has never learned to sign or read lips, and Ben hasnt been deaf long enough to even start.) So the passing back and forth of scribbled-on tablets becomes a motif, and some of the movies most revealing and affecting moments happen while reading words on a piece of paper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haynes seems most at home when piecing together multiple historical periods and genres into a stylistic crazy quilt. Roses half of Wonderstruck remained, for me, more consistently involving than Bens. That might be a simple function of the presence of Millicent Simmonds, whose round, still face commands the screen as completely as that of any silent star and makes the dialogue in the Ben segments seem almost superfluous. Finding a deaf actressand a very good oneto play this character was no mere gesture of inclusion on Haynes part; it was a brilliant piece of casting. Simmonds, making her screen debut, easily owns the movie, and thats saying something in an ensemble cast that includes not only two other fine child actorsFegley and Jaden Michael, who plays a boy Ben befriends on the streets of Manhattanbut such veteran talents as Julianne Moore and Tom Noonan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last thing to say about Wonderstruck is that the work of its technical crew, a dry term for the powerhouse of talent and artistry at work here, is impeccable. The costume design, by longtime Haynes collaborator and three-time Oscar winner Sandy Powell, summons not only two separate eras but two separate social classes, regions, and cultural milieus. A long sequence in which the nervous-but-determined Ben makes his way down a packed Manhattan street on a warm 1977 day is a triumph of production design (by Mark Friedberg). Edward Lachmans 35mm cinematography doesnt just frame pretty compositions: His camerawork is a part of the movies expressive toolkit, seeming to move in tandem with the directors imagination. In an early scene on a boat, a gust of wind blows an important newspaper clipping out of Roses hand. As she chases the scrap of paper around the deck, the camera darts and eddies with it in a movement thats at once urgent and whimsical. I know there are some critics who find Haynes commitment to surface perfection off-putting and have trouble emotionally connecting to his movies. I talked to one of them on the way out of Wonderstruck, a writer I greatly admire who, while praising the films technical achievements, admitted that he found the romantic lyricism of the ending a little moist. I nodded sagely, hoping it wasnt too obvious that my eyes were still wet. While there are over 150 million phone devices with digital assistants like Siri and Google Assistant, and quickly growing smart speaker devices with Amazons Alexa on board, theres another device that dwarfs these numbers in comparison. While they arent considered voice-first devices, there are over a half billion Windows 10 devices (including Xboxes) with Microsofts digital assistant, Cortana, on board listening out for your questions and requests. And throw in pieces like Office 365, Bing and LinkedIn, Cortana has a lot of potential data and interactions to draw on in order to help people get things done in a much more efficient and contextually relevant manner both for personal and business reasons. What Can Cortana Do? Christi Olson, Microsofts Head of Evangelism for Search, discusses how this lineup of services and platforms is coming together using AI and conversational interfaces to transform how people work, as well as how theyll engage with customers. Below is an edited transcript of our conversation. To hear the full interview click on the SoundCloud player below. * * * * * Small Business Trends: Maybe you can give me a little bit of your personal background. Christi Olson: Ive been in the digital marketing search space since early 2005 time frame. I got in with organic and paid search way back in the day, at the early stages, and fell in love and have just spent my career working with small businesses and/or large businesses to help them figure out what do they do from an advertising and visibility standpoint. How do you make your business visible? Now, as were talking today, the fun is that its no longer just about what youre doing on a physical device, its also for voice search as you ask a question to a digital assistant like Cortana, Alexa, Siri or the Google Assistant. They can find you that way. Small Business Trends: Very good. Its funny, as soon as you said Alexa, I started reaching for It happens to me all the time. Thats the life we live right now, so thats cool Give me the biggest differences between traditional search and voice search. Christi Olson: The way were thinking about voice search is the fact that people are doing it in a much more conversational tone and manner. If you think about text search, weve been trained over the last 10 years to start with a very short, concise word, like a single word or two words, and put it in and hopefully it gives back that result. The differences with voice search, its more like you and I are talking right now. When I ask a question, and this is one I asked this morning, do I need an umbrella this morning? Do I need an umbrella? Im not asking weather. I do ask something related to the weather to understand what Im saying. Thats one of the biggest difference you see between text and voice. I work on Bing, the search engine for Microsoft. When you think about the difference in conversational words in nature, it means that the queries are much longer, so as a business, if youre running SEO or a search campaign, you probably have these short concise words and phrases. On text search its anywhere from typically one to three words in length, but with research queries were seeing on average them being between four and six words, all the way up to the longest query I think Ive seen when Ive done analysis of our query logs, like 128 words Small Business Trends: Wow. In this instance theyre talking to Cortana, so maybe you could tell us a little bit about Cortana and maybe how it compares and contrasts to some of the other assistants out there like Alexa or Siri or anything else. Christi Olson: Cortana is the personal digital assistant for Microsoft. The way I like to think about Cortana is the fact that everything that a personal assistant would do for an executive or like a business assistant would do, Cortana does for you in your daily life, but she resides on your devices. I say the word devices because thats actually one of the variances between Cortana and some of our competitors like Alexa, Siri and the Google Assistant, is that were sort of device agnostic. Cortana is embedded into Xbox. Its embedded into Windows 10 in the lower left hand corner. It looks like a search bar, thats actually Cortana, and also, its on IOS, Android and Windows phone devices, so it goes pretty much across any device you would use on a regular basis. Small Business Trends: In addition to the devices, Microsoft has business applications. Can you talk a little bit about how Cortana may interact with some of the business applications to help a business user out with a question they may have? Christi Olson: What Cortana is doing is it pulls the power of the Internet and understanding all the difference between entities and relationships, peoples and actions that can happen. Microsoft is developing a graph of its own which pulls in anonymized data from everything like Office 365, Bing, LinkedIn, across all different types of devices, so its like the knowledge or the fuel behind the algorithm to pull all of your world together from a business world to a personal world. When you ask it a question, its not just based off of the Internet, its also based off of what device youre using, the tool or technology youre using, and getting context behind what youre trying to do. Small Business Trends: We talk about AI a lot and we also talk about conversational interfaces, but how do they really work together? How does AI and conversational interfaces work together to create the kind of experiences that folks are looking for today? Christi Olson: When we talk about artificial intelligence, it can be a scary topic to a lot of people. Its actually based on the queries we see coming through Bing, and one of the questions is will AI destroy humans? It wont. Artificial intelligence really is out there to amplify intelligent technology. Its to amplify technology that enhances what we do. It enhances essentially what we want to do. How AI fits into this digital assistant world is a combination of things like machine learning, natural language processing, vision recognition and search. The whole idea behind AI and the technology is it just makes it smarter. You and I were talking before we started the podcast today, and before we started the discussion, that youve been getting into voice search more and more over the last three to five years, so if you used a voice technology five years ago, which I know I did. I tried doing dictation for some blogs. Did not work well. It didnt understand me. Artificial intelligence has improved so dramatically in the last five years that weve gotten to this point with natural language processing that it understands us about at the rate as a human translator. Its about 95, 96 percent understanding. Its gotten a lot better over the last few years, which then means, for consumers, youre more likely to use it because as you and I are speaking today, it can understand you and get an idea of what youre trying to do and the intention behind what you are trying to do. It just gives more context. It fits into this whole idea of conversation as a platform because you can have actual conversations with it. It understands what you are doing. Small Business Trends: Lets talk about conversation as a platform in the context of marketing. How do these interfaces and AI help from a marketers perspective, to be able to get the attention of the folks that are trying to build a relationship with and carry it all the way through to bringing them on as a customer? Christi Olson: Its a great question because when you think about conversational platforms, the idea behind it is right now were used to asking a question and getting back, like from a search result, 10 blue links. It might give you an answer, it might not. Whats powerful about artificial intelligence and this idea of conversation as a platform, is it can take you from answers to actions. I like speaking about this in terms of not just the digital assistant, but also some of the other conversational technology that exists today. A lot of people are used to chat bots. You ask it a question, it gets you an answer back. Were actually starting to see some really intelligent chat bots that are connected into everything from CRM systems, all the way to your checkout and your purchase systems, or reservation systems so that you can essentially ask, start with a conversational dialogue like, Hey, Im looking to go out to lunch today at 2:00. What restaurants have open tables near me at 2:00? Essentially getting that response back to say, Yep, heres whats available. Do you want me to make that reservation on your behalf? Instead of just asking a question or doing something pretty simple like getting information or finding a business near you, youre going all the way to the action side of things, where youre trying to take an action, whether its booking a table, making a purchase, getting an appointment. Thats sort of where were heading in terms of AI powering this conversation as a platform. Its going from information all the way down to action. Small Business Trends: Well, you said thats where were going to. If we were at a ball game, what inning would we be in with some of these technologies? See Also: Microsoft Offers 100 GB of Free Storage for Using Bing Christi Olson: Lets see, theres nine innings and were probably somewhere around four, three to four. Were still pretty early on in the infancy, and the reason I say that were early on infancy is theres a lot of businesses out there, enterprises all the way down to small businesses that are still trying to figure out how this technology ties into what they do. How do they leverage conversational platforms and technologies for their business. Businesses have been burned in the past where they invested in something and then it didnt quite get the adoption that they were hoping for or wanting to. Theres always a little bit of trepidation before you jump in feet first and say, Im going to invest wholly in a given technology. Brent, one of the things you and I were talking about as we hopped into this is like why should businesses be thinking about voice search and these conversational platforms including chat bots? I typically put it into the scenario, if you think about digital assistance on my device, theres about 154 million voice enabled devices in terms of cell phones in the US today. When we think about Windows 10 devices, because Windows 10 does have Cortana on them. Theres currently 500 million Windows devices, so you think about adoption, the technology is out there and theres a lot of users, a pretty substantial portion of people, have access to that technology. Creating the tools and taking advantage of it right now, its where theres a lot of low hanging fruit. Small Business Trends: About a month ago, there was an announcement around a little conversation between Cortana and Alexa. Can you tell us a little bit about that and what are the hopes for that kind of integration of these devices and assistance? Christi Olson: One of the visions we have at Microsoft is to put Cortana everywhere you would need assistance to get things done, on your phone, on your PC, your Xbox, and on smartphone speakers. We want to have a partnership with other companies to make it open dialogue to make it so that you didnt have to have three separate personal assistants, or four separate personal assistants. We want them to be able to interact and engage with each other. What was announced in early September, or I guess late September time frame, was the fact that you can, were developing the partnership with Amazon and Alexa to be able to say, Hey Alexa, ask Cortana fill in the blank, and essentially you can use Cortana and Alexa together. You dont have to be dependent on only using Alexa on the Echo device. You can also integrate Cortana, which then accesses your entire Microsoft graph worth of data knowledge and information. It also means that from a voice skill stand point, it might be the skill of asking Open Table to book a restaurant, asking Dominos to order the pizza and send it to my house, or it might be the skill of asking the Lightify system to turn on the lights in my living room. Theres different language that consumers have to learn how to speak to do that. This essentially makes the language a little bit more unified. It means as a business you dont have to create three or four separate versions of that code depending on the platform. Its you defining the platform, its cross backing. Its great for essentially the consumers and its also great for businesses because it means less work. Small Business Trends: Peer out to the future a little bit. Lets say one, two, three, even five years if you like. Where are we going to be with digital assistants and conversational interfaces, and how are people going to be using them at that time period? Christi Olson: If I were to look five years in the future, Id say were actually seeing really good adoption right now. I ran this survey back in the February time frame, where we reached out to about 2,000 people across the United States, all different age, demographics, geo locations. Were seeing that about 80% of people have used a device at least once in the previous two to three months. Thats pretty good on the adoption side. What we saw is that theyre still trying to figure out, Okay, when do I use it, how do I use it, how can I have it help me get things done and how can I have it help me essentially make my life easier? I think part of it, in where were going to be in two to three years is, as more businesses essentially create, I would say its a combination of skills to help take action, or chat bots to essentially say, Hey Id like to make this purchase. Id like to do this thing, having the technology on the back end make it easier for the consumer to do that next step, will take us essentially from the Internet of Things to an Internet of Actions. Its going to take us a little bit of time there. Consumers are also building the trust. You have to trust giving access to your data and information to the device, and so right now the trust level is, I would say its somewhere in the medium. Its not super high on the trust. Consumers are willing to give access to some information, but theyre still trying to say, What do I hold on to myself? You have to build that relationship. In order for the digital assistant to be able to make recommendations, to be able to give you a notice saying, Hey traffics really bad. Youre on one side of Atlanta. You need to be on the other side of Atlanta in thirty minutes. You need to leave ten minutes earlier than normal because traffic is so bad, you have to give it access to data and information. That trust has to be built. Something that were taking pretty seriously at Microsoft is right now, you cant advertise on Cortana. We arent offering advertising and [inaudible 00:15:16] because we want to build the trust with consumers so that they will use it and interact with it. If you start placing an ad randomly like, Hey do I need an umbrella today? Yes, and by the way did you know this movie is playing at 4:00 down the road? What? You have to build that relationship to make experiences for the consumer that are willing to do and that make sense for them to add value both with how you would either advertise or give products and services, and how they use it. Small Business Trends: Christi, where can people learn more? Christi Olson: If youre looking for content about Cortana, trying to learn more, you can go to Microsoft.com/Cortana. If youre looking for information about bots and chat bots, Microsoft has a free tool called, QnAMaker.AI, that helps you go from essentially an FAQ page on your website to chat bot in about five minutes. It requires zero coding skills and knowledge. This is part of the One-on-One Interview series with thought leaders. The transcript has been edited for publication. If it's an audio or video interview, click on the embedded player above, or subscribe via iTunes or via Stitcher. The Main Street Cybersecurity Act is a bill currently making its way through the U.S. House of Representatives that could lead to more tools geared specifically toward helping small businesses improve their cybersecurity. A similar bill has already passed in the Senate. And industry experts are confident some version of the bill will become law in the near future. Cybersecurity issues have led to myriad problems for small and large businesses alike. Data breaches can cost businesses money in damages, legal and PR fees, and perhaps most importantly customers. Cyberattacks can have catastrophic effects on small businesses and their customers, said Republican South Dakota Sen. John Thune earlier this year. He helped introduce the Senate version of the bill. This legislation offers important resources, specifically meeting the unique needs of small businesses, to help them guard sensitive data and systems from thieves and hackers. But the tools currently available through the National Institute for Standards and Technology and other entities are largely geared more toward big corporations due to the cost and how complicated it can be to understand and implement those resources. Small businesses are usually less likely to have team members completely dedicated to cybersecurity. So the tools and resources need to be simplified in order for small businesses to realistically benefit from them. And that, basically, is what this bill aims to provide. Small Business Trends recently spoke with two experts on the subject to gain some perspective about what the bill would mean for small businesses. Kendall Burman is a partner at Mayer Brown who formerly served as Deputy General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Commerce. And Todd OBoyle is the CTO of cybersecurity company Strongarm. Heres a rundown of the bill and its potential impact. What is the Main Street Cybersecurity Act? Basically, the law would require the National Institute for Standards and Technology to provide more tools and resources specifically geared toward small businesses. The agency already offers a Cybersecurity Framework, a Computer Security Resource Center, IT resources and more. But many of the tools were created with large corporations in mind. So even though the framework is flexible and could certainly benefit small businesses, those companies with limited resources might not have the ability to decipher and grasp the full potential of those tools. OBoyle says of the bill, It directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to focus more of its resources on cybersecurity for small businesses. Right now, NISTs cybersecurity programs are focused on enterprise-size companies and cybersecurity is not a one-size-fits-all kind of problem. Currently, the National Institute for Standards and Technology offers a Cybersecurity Framework that businesses can use and customize to support their cybersecurity goals. The agency estimates that about 30 percent of U.S. companies are using the framework to manage cyber risk. But officials would like to see that number climb to 50 percent by 2020. What Would the Main Street Cybersecurity Act Mean for Small Businesses? Going forward, the bill could lead to creation of some supplementary resources to help small businesses actually understand and make use of the framework and other tools the National Institute for Standards and Technology. OBoyle says, Id anticipate videos and one-pagers on phishing, basic information technology (IT) hygiene, and cybersecurity incident response. But its important to note the bill, if passed, wouldnt actually require any extra work on the part of small businesses. There will be more tools and resources available. But there isnt a mandate for small businesses to use them. Burman says, One of the most important things to remember is that this guidance is voluntary. Its not a regulation, not designed to be a sticking point for business. Its just intended to be resources that you can look at and use as a tool to implement improved security. What is the Outlook for the Main Street Cybersecurity Act? The bill is currently making its way through the U.S. House of Representatives. So its not law just yet. But it does have bipartisan support and the support of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. A similar version of the bill also recently passed in the U.S. Senate. Burman described the outlook for the bill as optimistic. So even if the House and the Senate need to make a few minor adjustments to pass an identical bill, it seems small businesses will soon have access to better resources to improve cybersecurity. After the capital, three places in the Bratislava Region Stupava, Senec and Budmerice - will get to see one piece from the festival of modern visual art that attracted hundreds of thousands. The artwork of Katarina Hudacinova to be exhibited in Stupava. (Source: Courtesy of Biela Noc / White Night) Font size: A - | A + The successful White Night held at the beginning of this month will have echoes as October moves into November. On October 21 at 18:00, the works of Katarina Hudacinova will decorate the interior of the synagogue in Stupava, now used as a cultural venue. This exhibition will last until noon on October 23, organisers informed. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The latest exhibition project of Slovak photographer Hudacinova presents works inspired by Icelandic nature, its volcanoes, lava fields, the micro-universe of minerals and light phenomena, head of the festival Zuzana Pacakova explained. Hudacinova further develops the photographs which she perceives as tools for inspiration. Katarina Hudacinova for White Night in Stupava synagogue. (Source: Courtesy of Biela Noc / White Night) The next weekend will see the BN Label art troupe use the geometry of the Senec central square. On October 28 after 19:00, they will play with light objects and space perception through light rhythms of squares, creating illusionary space that may add a new, unexplored dimension to the Senec square. The third town to experience the White Night this year is Budmerice where BN Label will light the facade of the historical mansion on November 4 at 18:30. Together with the English-style park full of old trees, this may evoke the impression of true magic. There will be special bus transport to Budmerice with the Small-Carpathian Express (Malokarpatsky Expres), part of the project to support tourism to the Small Carpathians, said Pavol Freso, regional governor of the Bratislava Region, which supports the whole idea of expanding the festival. The White Night keeps expanding every year: the year 2017 was the eighth in Kosice and the third in Bratislava. The events, which are now trying to bring site-specific and unusual forms of visual art to the regions as well, are part of the international network, White Night Europe. The Hywind Scotland floating wind farm. Credit: yvind Gravas / Woldcam - Statoil ASA What about raising the bar on the potential of offshore wind power? Growing out a concept and a drawing on a napkin have turned into big floating wind turbines off the coast of Scotland. They are making news headlines and are giving energy watchers a lot to think about. The turbines were tethered to the seabed about 15 miles from Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, said the BBC. This is the Hywind Scotland Pilot Park, a park configuration of five 6 MW turbines with a total installed capacity of 30 MW and a transmission voltage of 33 kV. "The 30 MW Hywind Scotland pilot park will demonstrate the feasibility of future commercial floating wind farms that could be more than four times the size. This will further increase the global market potential for offshore wind energy," Norwegian energy firm Statoil said. The operation to tow the turbines into place was completed in August. The wind turbines are out at sea and are producing electricity, said reports. The project is operated by Statoil in partnership with Masdar. Partner Masdar will install Batwind, described in the Statoil announcement as a 1MWh lithium battery storage solution for offshore wind energy. That the Hywind Scotland pilot park is now delivering electricity to the Scottish grid is not the only point of interest; the Hywind Scotland is also being described as the first floating wind farm, and it will be interesting to study it as such. (The BBC said this marks the world's first floating wind farmthe first time multiple turbines have been installed together as an array, noted The Engineer.) "The floating approach allows turbines to be installed in much deeper waters than conventional offshore wind farms," said the BBC. "This wind farm is positioned in water depths of up to 129m, whereas those fixed to the seabed are generally at depths of up to 50m." Then what is so special about a floating wind farm? The Engineer last year ran an article on floating wind turbines. Helen Knight wrote that "In Europe, over half of the North Sea is considered suitable for floating wind farms, with water depths of between 50m and 220m. The European Wind Energy Association estimates that energy from turbines at depths of over 50m in the North Sea could meet the EU's electricity needs four times over." The project will generate enough power for about 20,000 homes, said a video caption on the BBC report. Reader reactions on sites carrying the news ranged from those who anger easily when hearing news of wind energy projects to those who are excited about the possibilities. One reader thought the concept nutty, another regretted that oceans are not left alone and clear, some regretted the initiative as expensive, another worried about the effect on birds while others called the work accomplished as awesome and majestic. In fact, the Statoil company announcement addressed the issue of cost head-on. "In recent years, there have been significant cost reductions in both the onshore and bottom fixed offshore wind sectors. Floating wind is expected to follow a similar downward trajectory over the next decade, making it cost competitive with other renewable energy sources." Tom Delay, CEO, The Carbon Trust, quoted in The Engineer, said it was "crucial that innovation continues to drive down costs and the right policy is in place to increase investment." 2017 Tech Xplore The Japan International Cooperation Agency has expressed its concerns about the way Vietnam is managing Japanese ODA loans for some of its major infrastructure projects. At an annual press conference in Hanoi on Wednesday, JICA said it already allocated a budget for 2017 ODA loans to Vietnam in January, despite the multitude of unsolved issues in the way the country allocates its capital. The problems include late or ceased disbursement of ODA capital for many infrastructure projects under development by the Vietnamese transport ministry, most notably the metro line No.1 in Ho Chi Minh City, according to JICA. JICA also cited Vietnams failure to repay Japanese contractors involved in ODA-funded projects. As of the end of September, Vietnams unpaid debt to Japanese contractors totaled 4 billion yen, or US$35.42 million, according to JICA. If the Vietnamese government continues to stall on capital allocation for these projects, the debt could skyrocket to 20 billion yen, or $177.1 million, by the end of 2017, the Japanese agency warned. An aerial of the metro While it is not easy to borrow ODA, the Vietnamese government has been slow in its disbursement of credit to local projects out of its fear of breaching the public debt ceiling. Asked by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper if the situation will affect the Japanese governments future lending plan, Fujita Yasuo, JICA chief representative in Vietnam, said an official decision has yet to be made. Fujita also noted that the Japanese government has refrained from commenting on the possibility of a reduction or cessation of ODA loan grants to Vietnam. He did note, however, that there are two major concerns about the way Vietnam treats its ODA loans. The first, according to Fujita, is that if the Vietnamese government fails to ensure the payment schedule for ODA-funded projects, the Japanese government may hesitate to provide new lending in the future. More importantly, he added, is the fact that ODA loans are funded through taxes collected from Japanese citizens and businesses. These taxpayers can easily withdraw their support for Japans policy of offering ODA to Vietnam if the Southeast Asian countrys government continues to delay payments for Japanese contractors. Inside the metro tunnel The JICA meeting came after Le Nguyen Minh Quang, head of the management board of the Ho Chi Minh City metro project warned that late disbursement of capital will result in unimaginable consequences. The JICA has complained about Vietnam repeatedly lamenting on disbursement protocols while the Japanese side has completed all the necessary capital arrangement, Quang said in an interview with Tuoi Tre. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnam's harvest season is expected to commence by mid-November with output seen exceeding the previous crop, while trading was lacklustre this week in both Vietnam and Indonesia, traders said on Thursday. Farmers in Vietnam, the world's biggest robusta producer, are expected to kick-start their main harvest season in mid-November as recent crop-friendly rains kept beans from growing ripe and ready for picking, coffee traders said. Traders expect output of the 2017/2018 period to return to average levels after a fall in production in the previous harvest due to unfavourable weather conditions in December. Vietnam's coffee production is seen hitting a fresh record high in the 2017/2018 period, but rainfall will delay the harvest, said Judith Ganes, president of Panama-based JGanes Consulting. Coffee output in Brazil, the world's top producer of the beans, could also reach a fresh peak in the period, but prices are unlikely to sink as stocks in producing countries have been low in the past years due to adverse weather, Ganes told a plantation conference in Jakarta on Thursday. "We also have to pay attention to a rise in domestic consumption in Vietnam," said Le Duc Huy, deputy general director of Simexco, a leading exporter in Daklak, the country's largest coffee growing province. "There are a handful of instant coffee plants that have been or are about to expand or open, contributing to an increase in domestic demand; the small-sized roasters are doing pretty well, while many coffee chains and startups are popping up," Huy said. Farmers in Daklak are offering beans at 42,000-43,000 dong ($1.85-$1.89) per kg , lower than last week's 43,400-43,500 dong, traders said. Traders quoted the 5 percent black and broken grade 2 robusta at a discount of $50-$70 to the London ICE January futures , but trade was dull on low stock before harvest and weak foreign demand, traders said. Price of Indonesia's grade 4 defect 80 robusta beans in main growing area of Lampung stood at $40 premium to January contract, said a trader in Bandar Lampung, compared to a premium of $20-$30 to the November contract last week. Modern Vietnamese girls taking selfies and old grandmas trudging to the market with fruit baskets and chickens wearing a weather beaten non la (conical hat) the typical image when I think of women in Vietnam! The clash of past and present, the old ladies planting rice in pajama outfits and young high school girls chattily pedaling away in spotless traditional ao dai compared with office girls in tight black skirts whizzing across town on brand new motorbikes and intrepid university lasses with laptops in coffee shops are part of what makes this country so hard to pin down. Theres no single defining image of the nation or its women. Vietnam celebrates the qualities and value of its female population twice a year International Womens Day on March 8 and National Womens Day on October 20. Generally, in March, its a fun time with flowers, chocolates, eating out for dinner and families hosting meals for the generations of women in the family while the national day reflects the achievements and progress of our better half. Both days acknowledge the contributions of women to the freedom of the country. Women fought besides men during the wars that plagued Vietnam for most of the last century and indeed, historically. Hai Ba Trung is a street name youll see in almost every urban district and refers to the two sisters Trung Trac and Trung Nhi who fought for independence against the Han Dynasty. Nguyen Thi Dinh was Vietnams first female general during the American war. Thousands of women supplied the army, stumbling through the jungle trails carrying arms, food and equipment across the country. October also acknowledges womens contributions in education, health, science and other areas. Yet, progress in Vietnamese womens lives is uneven. Unusual to Western eyes are the countless women laboring under back-breaking conditions in the countryside, or at constructions sites although the endless lines of factory production or assembly line girls are common enough. More than 70% of the agricultural workforce is women; however, even the transition from farm worker to industrial worker and the rise in salary are a marked improvement. Three Vietnamese women smile in this photo taken in Yen Bai Province, located in northwestern Vietnam, by Nguyen The Bang. Even though Vietnam has passed laws for equality, particularly with women in mind theres a long way to go. Fortunately, The 2006 Law on Gender Equality highlights the quality of women's rights in Vietnam. The Social Insurance Law (2006), Law on Residence (2006), the Law on Domestic Violence Prevention (2007), and the Nationality Act (2008) also contain provisions to protect the rights of women. Although Vietnamese women contribute massively to the national economy, run many small-scale non-state businesses and occupy more than half of the office and service industry jobs in the country, their representation in the government runs at around 20-25%. Running the country may actually produce more changes than holding the reins as these women control more of the changes in technology, money, administration and social welfare. Modernity, lifestyles and education are changing women fast in this country; what is mostly holding women back are family beliefs; stay at home, produce a son as a sign of respect (really!) and do what the family wants regardless of personal ambitions. Heres an example: I know two women in Hoi An the first is a well-educated, young married woman whose husband runs his business and she starts businesses often in conjunction with other women in the town. Each owns their businesses in their own name and shows common support and interest in others work as well as sharing household chores. The other woman, a country girl, runs a cafe and the husband helps out occasionally, most sitting with his clients. He forbids his wife from having male friends or pursuing an education while she looks after the kids, the cafe, and the money and just about everything else. He shows no interest in her wants or needs. She owns nothing and often dreams of running away to start a new life. One day soon, I believe, shell get her wish. Vietnamese women participate in a march in this picture taken by Vu Ngoc Hoang. Social change is slowly becoming greater more women staying longer in the workforce, delaying childbirth for financial independence, a growing unwillingness to marry simply because its expected of her and the realization that theres life beyond being a mans servant. What sometimes shocks me is the forcefulness with which some young women vow never to marry a Vietnamese man. Yep, the times are changing. They are breaking out of the traditional mold of Vietnamese life. And with that, they may create an even more interesting Vietnam Perhaps this is the achievement to celebrate this national womens day. Well done, ladies! RACINE A Racine teen is facing charges after allegedly robbing a local auto parts store by gunpoint. Damien D. Evans, 16, of the 1600 block of Albert Street, was charged Friday with felony armed robbery and misdemeanor pointing a firearm at another. According to the criminal complaint: At about 10:54 a.m. Sept. 16, Racine police responded to Gordon Auto Parts, 1400 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, regarding a robbery at gunpoint. An employee told police that two suspects had entered the store and the first suspect allegedly pulled out a black automatic handgun and demanded money from the cash drawer. The suspect also reportedly demanded the employees wallet, but was unable to get it before fleeing the store with about $165. A nearby business owner saved video-surveillance footage of the suspects. The images were provided to investigators. On Oct. 10, police returned to Gordon Auto Parts after the same Gordon employee recognized one of the armed robbery suspects in the store. The suspect fled, but was apprehended and admitted to being one of the suspects shown in the surveillance photo. The apprehended suspect referenced his friend being shot in the stomach, which reportedly linked the two as the armed robbery suspects. On Oct. 1, an investigator had learned Evans had been shot in the stomach in an unrelated incident. When Evans was shot, he was reportedly wearing the same clothing seen in the photo. Evans was arrested Thursday. A preliminary hearing is set for Wednesday at the Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin St. He has previously been convicted of disorderly conduct and retail theft, according to court records. The second suspect had not been charged as of Friday afternoon, online records show. The works of Japanese Katazome dye artist Toba Mika are on display at the Museum of Cham Sculpture in the central city of Da Nang. The exhibition showcases contemporary Katazome paintings of Vietnam sceneries, ranging from grandiose depictions of nature to hidden gems at several historical sites in the Southeast Asian country. Taking place in the central province from October 20 to November 12, the event is being hosted in conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Katazome is a Japanese stencil dyeing technique that dates back thousands of years. It was originally used to decorate traditional Japanese costumes. The technique includes the use of several ingredients, such as handmade Japanese paper and color resistant rice paste. Visiting Vietnam for the first time in 1994, Toba Mika realized the invisible relationship between Katazome and the beauty in Vietnamese nature and cultural heritage. It was that trip that inspired her to create countless paintings of the Vietnamese landscape during its period of urbanization. Toba Mika has since organized several exhibitions in Vietnam, including one on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the establishment of Japan - Vietnam diplomatic relations in 2003 and another celebrating 1,300 years of the ancient capital of Nara and the 1,000th anniversary of Hanoi in 2010. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Police are investigating the death of a student at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), who died on campus on Tuesday after being purportedly hit on the head by a falling concrete slab. The 29-year-old victim, Nguyen Thanh Long, was enrolled in environmental science at HUTECHs Institute of Applied Sciences. According to initial police reports, the man was queuing for an elevator out in an open yard at around 6:10 pm on Tuesday when a concrete slab detached from the 17th story of a block and fell onto his head, killing him on the spot. The site of the accident is on HUTECHs main campus on Dien Bien Phu Street in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photos of the accident began circulating online the same evening, sparking rumor that Long had committed suicide. The site of the accident. Photo: Facebook Both the school board and Longs family have dismissed such rumor, citing evidence retrieved from CCTV footage that the concrete slab had caused his death. Binh Thanh District police officers arrived shortly after receiving reports of the accident to perform a scene investigation and autopsy. According to Nguyen Quoc Anh, vice-rector of HUTECH, university staff had paid a visit to Longs family to offer their condolences and provide financial support to cover his funerals expenses. A memorial table has also been set up on the HUTECH campus for Longs classmates and professors to offer flowers and pay their last respects to the ill-fated student, Anh added. Long was the firstborn in a family of three children. He took evening classes at HUTECH outside of his full-time job. The overhang from which the concrete slab fell off. Photo: Tuoi Tre A school employee phoned at around 7:00 pm [on Tuesday] and told me that [Long] had been involved in an accident, Longs mother Nguyen Thi Mau, 51, recalled the fateful night with local news site Zing. My husband and I took off immediately. When we arrived, they asked us to fill out a bunch of papers before allowing us to see our son two hours later. It turned out it was not a motorbike accident, but one involving a concrete slab, Mau was quoted by Zing as saying. Why did my son have to die just for being in school? Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The sixth annual Ho Tram Water Safety Charity Bike Ride will take place in Ho Tram on Saturday. Supporting and promoting safety in the water for Vietnamese children for the last six years, the annual event also includes a swimming carnival, where local children will compete against international school students at the Ho Tram Community Pool. Built by funds raised by the charity, the pool came to fruition in 2015, and is also staffed by fully trained local lifeguards. Australian expat Carl Gay, the man whos been leading the ride since 2012, says it came about when a number of people recognized the urgency of basic water safety here. It started off with an awareness amongst a group of us about how many children were drowning in Vietnam, he told Tuoi Tre News, so we thought wed do something about it. Thats when we liaised with a charity based in Australia called Water Safety Vietnam and arranged for some training of local children to swim, which remains a major focus of the group. With the carnival were looking to improve on those skills and show them that being able to swim well can be a rewarding experience. Followed by a BBQ, the event is well supported by the local community and in recent years has included a beach carnival, where lifeguards from the Manly Surf Club in Australia have given training to locals and demonstrated vital surf lifesaving skills on nearby Ho Tram beach. The International School of Ho Chi Minh City and the Australian International School have also undertaken their own fundraising efforts in support of the charity. We raise money for three things, Carl told Tuoi Tre News during last years ride, to maintain the running of the pool all year round, to train the Vietnamese lifeguards who staff it (and other pools around the country), and for important lifesaving equipment. Visit watersafetyvietnam.com to find out more about the work of Water Safety Vietnam, and hotramwatersafety.com to find out all you need to know to take part in tomorrows ride. Local children play at the Ho Tram Community Pool. The pool was built and is maintained by funds raised by Ho Tram Water Safety. Photo: Ho Tram Water Safety Children receive water safety training at Ho Tram Community Pool. Photo: Ho Tram Water Safety Local lifeguards learn surf lifesaving skills on Ho Tram beach. Photo: Ho Tram Water Safety Local lifeguards practice rescue skills on Ho Tram beach. Photo: Ho Tram Water Safety A child is taught swimming skills at Ho Tram Community Pool. Photo: Ho Tram Water Safety Counterfeit medicine has become a serious problem in Vietnam, mushrooming to a level beyond the mitigating abilities of authorities. The situation became apparent when government inspectors caught several institutions producing and trading fake drugs across the country, stirring public concern. In August, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Police discovered fake boxes of Fugacar being sold at several pharmacies in the southern metropolis. Fugacar is produced by Belgiums Janssen Pharmaceutical N.V. for the treatment enterobiasis and similar worm infections. Unfortunately for consumers, signs of counterfeiting can only be spotted when comparing bogus products with real medicine. Following the discovery, the Drug Administration of Vietnam forced an end to the distribution of the fake medicine. The drug administration also announced a ban on the sale of fake Vastarel 20mg on April 10 and counterfeit Prednisolon 5mg in December 2016. The agency issued similar warnings for bogus drugs in March 2015 and December 2014. The recent trial of Vietnamese pharmaceutical firm VN Pharma for importing and distributing fake cancer medicine revealed that the company had forged several document regarding its products. On October 6, the drug administration ended the distribution of six other medicines, including Beecerazon, Emileva, Beeceftron, Perikacin, Samik Amikacin, and Hepa-World, after identifying incorrect information on their registration papers. Though banned, consumers still fear that these drugs might still cause harm to anyone who purchased them since their first distribution in Vietnam in 2013. Police break up a ring that manufactures fake medicine in Ho Chi Minh City on September 20, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre Limited management One of the reasons behind the improper management of fake medicine in the country is the limited ability to inspect these products. The National Institute of Drug Quality Control stated it is only able to examine 500 out of the 1,000 active ingredients used in medicine sold in the local market. This means that there is still the potential for counterfeit medicine to be distributed in the country. An increasing number of new types of medicine, with new ingredients and production methods, are being introduced, the institute stated, adding that it is difficult to control the drugs given the currently insufficient equipment and reference material. A lack of human resources also poses challenges for the inspection of medicine, it added. There are over 170 pharmaceutical factories, 3,000 companies, 9,000 pharmacies, and 12,000 private clinics across Vietnam. Meanwhile, only about 2,100 are tasked with examining the medicine available on the local market. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A doctor in the north-central Vietnamese province of Thua Thien- Hue was slapped with a VND5 million (US$220.3) fine for defaming the countrys health minister on Facebook. Nguyen Huy Hien, deputy director of the provincial Department of Information and Communications, confirmed on Thursday that Dr. Hoang Cong Truyen, a practitioner at a medical center in Phong Dien District, was officially handed his punishment for the slander of Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien. On July 14, Truyen posted a status to his personal Facebook page asserting that Minister Tien should resign due to her poor performance in advisory work and other matters relating to security at local hospitals. The post also included an image of Minister Tien. Nguyen Xuan Truong, head of the office of the health ministry, sent a document to the Thua Thien- Hue Department of Health ordering verification of the case. The document levied the accusation that the Facebook post smeared and insulted the health minister, thereby affecting her reputation. Local authorities assigned to investigate the case determined that Dr. Truyen was responsible for the status. A financial penalty was subsequently imposed by the provincial Department of Information and Communications. Truyen was also required to write a report on his violation and will be reprimanded by the Phong Dien District healthcare center. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! FILE PHOTO: A sign adorns the building where mining company Rio Tinto has their office in Perth, Western Australia on November 19, 2015. REUTERS/David Gray/File Photo (Reuters) By James Regan SYDNEY (Reuters) - Global miner Rio Tinto has opened its books to more than a half-dozen potential buyers of its remaining two Australian coal mines as it winds down the sales process, two people familiar with the sale process said on Friday. The Kestrel and Hail Creek coking coal mines on the block have attracted some of Australia's established coal miners, as well as private equity firms attracted to the positive outlook for selling metallurgical coal to Asian steel mills at robust prices, according to the people. The mines could fetch around $2 bln, the sources said, in a sale that if successful would complete Rio's plan to finalise its exit from the sector and focus on iron ore, copper and aluminium, where it maintains greater market share. Credit Suisse is advising Rio on the sale. Rio this year sold its Coal & Allied mining division to Yancoal Australia for $2.69 billion, and before that its 40 percent interest in the Bengalla coal mine to New Hope Corp Ltd for $616.7 million. Whitehaven Coal , South32 and possibly Anglo American , are among the interested parties, according to one of the people familiar with the process. Both sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the process. South32 in an email to Reuters declined to comment beyond saying the company continued "to focus on identifying new opportunities outside our portfolio to compete for capital". Rio and Anglo American declined to comment. Whitehaven did not immediately respond to telephone and email requests for comment. People familiar with the matter previously told Reuters investors including buyout firm Apollo and pension fund Canada Pension Plan (CPP) are among the bidders for the mines. Parties have been invited to submit tentative offers by Dec. 8. A sale would end Rio's exposure to coal and open the door to investment by large funds that do not buy stock in companies exploiting fossil fuels, such as Norway's $1 trillion wealth fund, according to UBS analyst Glyn Lawcock. Story continues Rio in 2011 made a disastrous $3.7 billion investment to develop metallurgical coal assets in Mozambique and propel itself to the upper ranks of global suppliers, only to write off more than $3 billion on the deal two years later due to logistical problems. It was divested in 2014 for $50 million. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday charged Rio and two former executives with fraud, saying they inflated the value of Mozambique coal assets and concealed critical information while tapping the market for billions of dollars. Rio and the two former executives deny the charges. "Had the Mozambique strategy played out, they would be a significant player in the metallurgical coal market, and I think they would probably stay in the market," UBS analyst Lawcock said. "But to only have two small mines doesn't make a lot of sense." (Reporting by James Regan; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell) (Adds detail, context) JOHANNESBURG, Oct 19 (Reuters) - The FBI has opened an investigation into U.S. links to South Africa's Guptas, escalating a scandal over the family's alleged use of a friendship with President Jacob Zuma to control state businesses, the Financial Times said on Thursday. Separately, Britain's banking regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), said it was in contact with two UK banks over any possible links to the Gupta family. The Guptas and Zuma have denied any wrongdoing. Gupta family spokesman Gary Naidoo could not be reached for comment and the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria had no immediate comment. The family, founders of a business empire spanning media, mining and consulting, have been named in a trove of leaked emails alleging graft in dealing with South Africa's state-owned companies, which also named several global firms. The Financial Times, which cited "people familiar with the matter", said U.S. investigators had been looking at individuals, bank accounts and companies in the U.S. for ties to alleged graft involving the family. It gave no further details. Britain's FCA said it was in contact with HSBC and Standard Chartered banks following reports in British newspapers that the finance minister had asked regulators to investigate the lenders' possible ties to the Gupta family and Zuma. "The FCA is already in contact with both banks named and will consider carefully further responses received," the regulator said. Standard Chartered in London said they were not able to comment on details of client transactions but added that "after an internal investigation, accounts were closed by us by early 2014. HSBC said it had no comment on the matter. Britain's parliament is expected to discuss British banks possible involvement in the Gupta case on Thursday. Zweli Mkhize, one of several potential candidates to replace Zuma as head of the African National Congress in December, said the United States and Britain were within their rights to investigate. Story continues "If there is any information suggesting corruption or irregularities, it needs to be investigated across the borders. It should not be restricted to South Africa," he told reporters. The Guptas and their companies have not been charged with any crime in South Africa, but the scandal is one of many that have dogged the Zuma presidency. Local media have reported extensively on the so-called "Gupta-leaks" - thousands of emails between the Guptas and their lieutenants and state-owned companies, politically connected individuals and private sector firms. (Reporting by Ed Cropley, TJ Strydom, Alex Winning and Kirstin Ridley; Editing by James Macharia and Ralph Boulton) See Also: By Marcy Nicholson SAN CARLOS, Colombia, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Farmers who fled war in the Colombian Andes are returning to revive their abandoned land, cultivating coffee trees that are boosting global supplies of the highest-quality beans. Colombia's five-decade civil war, the longest in the Americas, displaced millions and disrupted farming for decades in areas that produce coffee for the most exacting consumer. The revival of coffee farming in the former conflict zones could help boost Colombia's coffee output by 40 percent, according to government estimates. That would raise global supplies of mild arabica beans by about 13 percent. The additional supply could reduce the cost of the raw material for the world's top roasters, many of whom are seeking to secure increased supply from Colombia. About 950 coffee-growing families have returned to the San Carlos area, representing about 60 percent of the 1,600 families who left during the war, according to data from the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation (FNC). The supply from this region, about 330 kilometers (205 miles) north west of the Colombian capital of Bogota, could expand further as farmers plant more of their land and more people return to the region to provide the needed labor. The area now has about 800 hectares of coffee farms, double the low of 400 hectares during the war. That's still only about half of the 1,500 hectares prior to the conflict, according to FNC data. Among those who returned was Libardo Garcia, who lost two brothers in the conflict - one was shot and the other killed by a landmine. He and his family moved back to their 12-hectare (30 acres) farm in 2015 after fleeing in 2001. "All the coffee trees were dead when we came back," said Garcia, who has since planted 8,000 trees on two hectares of steeply sloped land. Arabica is the highest quality coffee bean, and Colombia is the world's top producer of mild arabica. To make that variety, beans are separated from the cherry then dried to increase quality. Story continues Arabica makes up about 60 percent of global coffee supplies, with lower-quality robusta beans accounting for the rest. While some coffee roasters add robusta to their highly secretive blends, premium brands are typically 100 percent mild arabica. A peace deal between the government and the rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in late 2016 paved the way for many to return to their homes and farms, including thousands of coffee growers. About 220,000 people died and millions were displaced in decades of fighting among leftist guerillas, paramilitary groups, criminal organizations and government forces. The conflict impacted large areas of the country, and the government struggled to exert control over highlands and remote jungle areas in the west and south of the country. Some farmers who stayed through the violence have also switched to coffee from growing coca and other illegal crops that they cultivated during the conflict. Coca is used for cocaine production, and the cash from growing it helped finance armed groups during the war. The combination of farmers returning to their abandoned land and others switching to coffee could help boost the country's total output to a record 20 million 60-kg bags by 2020, the government estimates, up from 14.2 million bags in 2016. GOING HOME In the Andean region of San Carlos, the revival in coffee production has advanced quickly since conflict in the region abated around 2014, when the peace deal was still being negotiated. The country's conflict with rebels began in 1964 and peaked in this region around 2000. After fleeing his farm, Garcia spent time in the city of Medellin and then in the town of San Carlos. "We came back because we love the land," he said, leaning against the fence outside his home, a brick house adorned with baskets of flowers. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat, Garcia pointed out a former FARC stronghold in the distance, in tree-covered mountains about an hour's walk from his farm. Most of his neighbors have yet to return, he said, either because they are skeptical the peace will last or because they have made lives elsewhere. Before moving his family back, Garcia traveled the 13 kilometers from nearby San Carlos every weekend for three years to plant new coffee trees and remove the dead ones. Garcia has plenty of land to expand his farm further but cannot yet find the labor because too few people have returned to surrounding communities. New high-yielding trees have helped boost harvests, but the region is still far from reaching its potential because of the labor shortage, said Rosa Velasques, manager of the local cooperative where about 1,000 local farmers sell their beans. 'A LOT OF WORK' International roasters have jumped at the opportunity to buy more beans from Colombia, the world's third-largest coffee producer and the source of a third of the world's mild arabica supplies. Italian roaster illycaffe has expanded its buying to parts of the country that were unreachable during the violence. "Now they've opened up," said illycaffe Chairman Andrea Illy. The firm had increased purchases from the region by double digit percentages for the last two to three years, Illy said, and it expects growth to continue at similar rates. In 2016, Nestle Nespresso bought its first coffee from a post-conflict region of Colombia and launched it this year as a limited edition. "A lot of these regions, nobody had even been in and tasted the coffee until recently," said Katherine Graham, Nestle Nespresso's corporate communications manager. "There are some areas with strong potential," Graham said. "But it needs a lot of development, a lot of work." Starbucks Co expanded its partnership with the United States Agency for International Development to give 1,000 farmers in post-conflict zones agricultural training. It also partnered with the Inter-American Development Bank to support 2,000 farmers in Colombia - mainly women - with a loan initiative. Colombian entrepreneur Gonzalo Navarro launched a roasting company called Piccolo Piacere in Medellin earlier this year, focusing on sourcing from small coffee growers, many in former conflict zones. "We have access to farmers who in the past were growing other things, such as coca," he said. Back near San Carlos, farmer Rubiela Cuervo works a remote farm with her family. She fled to Medellin to escape the violence in 2005 but struggled to make a living and returned a year later despite the ongoing violence. She has expanded the farm as peace returned to the area in recent years. "We hope that peace will bring us more employment, more income for our work," she said. "I'm hoping not to be displaced again." (Editing by Simon Webb and Brian Thevenot) See Also: KENOSHA A former Sturtevant village trustee banished from Wisconsin in 2012 for illegal possession of an assault rifle and alleged misconduct with teenage girls was sentenced to 21 years in prison Monday for a sexual assault charge. In a Kenosha courtroom, Judge Bruce Schroeder sentenced John H. Thillemann to 21 years in a Wisconsin state prison, followed by 17 years of extended supervision, according to online court records. The charge, repeated sexual assault of a child, is a felony punishable by up to 40 years in prison. The charges According to the criminal complaint, a Sheriffs Department deputy was dispatched to an apartment complex for a sexual assault complaint. When the deputy arrived at the building, he was flagged down by Thillemann, 72, who said he was accused of touching a girl, the complaint states. The deputy met with the mother of the alleged victim who said a friend told her he thought Thilleman a family friend who lived across the hall was being inappropriate with her two daughters, an 8-year-old and a toddler. The mother spoke with her 8-year-old daughter, who reportedly curled into a ball and started crying when asked if Thillemann had ever touched her private parts. The girl said Thillemann touched her over her clothes a few times, the complaint states, but she didnt say anything because she didnt want to get into trouble and because Thillemann told her it wasnt a big deal. During a separate interview with the deputy, the victim reported he touched her vaginal area four or five times, according to the complaint. Thillemann eventually admitted to touching the girls genitals during an interview with the deputy, the complaint states. He said the molestation had occurred over the last several months in his apartment and that he had also touched the childs breasts. He denied touching the toddler. The complaint alleges the sexual abuse occurred between September 2015 and March 2017. Thillemann pleaded guilty to the charges in August. Previous case The sexual assault charge comes nearly five years after Thillemann was banished from the state for alleged misconduct with teenage girls and a weapons charge. Under an unusual plea deal reached by Thillemanns attorney and the Racine County District Attorneys Office in July 2012, Racine County Circuit Court Judge Allan Pat Torhorst ordered Thillemann to put his house up for sale and move out of Wisconsin within 60 days. Thillemann later told the court he was moving to Texas, and in exchange for pleading guilty to a new misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct, Thillemann was required to leave Wisconsin and pay a $1,000 fine plus court costs. In November 2012, attorneys reported to the court that Thillemann had not moved to Texas, but rather to Illinois, and the state moved to dismiss the felony weapon charge. By Denis Dumo JUBA (Reuters) - A South Sudanese army commander on trial for his role in an attack on aid workers has been found dead in military custody, an army spokesman said on Friday. The attack by soldiers at the Terrain Hotel in the capital Juba was one of the worst on aid workers since South Sudan plunged into civil war in 2013. The rape of five foreigners and murder of their local colleague occurred on July 11, 2016 as President Salva Kiir's troops won a three-day battle in Juba over opposition forces loyal to ex-Vice President Riek Machar. Lt. Col. Luka Akechak was found dead last weekend, army spokesman Santo Domic Chol told Reuters on Friday. Chol said Akechak had fallen sick "some weeks ago" and received medical treatment in Juba but did not recover. "The military custody told us that the man was found dead in the morning." Akechak was the unit commander at the hotel on the day of the attack and is one of more than a dozen South Sudanese soldiers standing trial in a military court. The army spokesman said that in the last hearing, one of the rape survivors who testified said she witnessed Akechak directing the soldiers to raid property at the hotel. The next hearing in the trial is scheduled for Wednesday. Lawyer Philip Manyang, who is representing survivors of the attack in court, told Reuters that survivors would be testifying by video conference in a closed session. (Editing by Maggie Fick and Andrew Heavens) Police in Gainesville, Florida, arrested three Texas men after a gun was fired at protesters near white nationalist Richard Spencers speech at the University of Florida on Thursday, October 19. A police statement said Tyler Tenbrink, 28, of Richmond, Texas; William Fears, 30, of Pasadena, Texas; and Colton Fears, 28, also of Pasadena, were charged with attempted homicide. Colton and William Fears were identified as brothers by police, and police said at least two of the men are connected to extremist groups. Tenbrink was also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Police said the three men got into an argument with a group of protesters after stopping the Jeep in which they were riding. The men threatened protesters, offered Nazi salutes and shouted chants about Hitler to the group near a bus stop, police said. Police said Tenbrink produced a handgun during the altercation, and the Fears brothers encouraged him to shoot at the protesters. He fired a single shot at the group, which missed and struck a nearby building, according to police. One of the victims recorded and reported the Jeeps license plate. An off-duty Alachua County sheriffs deputy was on his way home from working at the Spencer speech when he began searching for and then found the Jeep, police said. Local and state police pulled it over on I-75 and arrested the three men. The three men remain in the Alachua County Jail, the Fears brothers on a $1 million bond and Tenbrink on a $3 million bond. Credit: Gainesville Police Department via Storyful It is shocking, disgusting and shameful. At the height of a national opioid epidemic that has claimed the lives of more than 200,000 Americans, a Washington Post-CBS 60 Minutes report last weekend detailed how Congress and then-President Barack Obama were asleep at the switch and gulled into stripping the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) of a potent weapon to act against large drug companies and prevent them from sending millions of doses of suspect pain prescriptions onto the nations streets. The report detailed the concerted effort by major U.S. drug companies over a period of four years to make the DEA more company-friendly and reduce enforcement actions and fines in a multi-pronged strategy. Those efforts included spending more than $1.06 million for the campaigns of 23 congressional lawmakers who sponsored or co-sponsored legislation that hampered DEAs enforcement abilities and a decade-long effort to hire away more than 50 DEA and Justice Department drug enforcement officials to put them to work fighting the DEAs efforts. The Post-CBS report chronicled how the DEA first fought the proposed law change that undermined the agencys ability to freeze suspicious narcotic shipments, but ultimately relented, which paved the way for the bill to sail through both houses of Congress on unanimous consent and was signed into law a year ago by Obama when there was no objection from the DEA or the Justice Department. The chief architect of the effort was U.S. Rep. Tom Marino, R-Pennsylvania, who, remarkably, was President Donald Trumps nominee to become the nations next drug czar until the expose hit the streets last weekend and Marino withdrew his name from consideration on Tuesday. For several decades, the DEA had been able to stop drug shipments that posed an imminent danger to a community. Under Marinos rewrite, that standard was changed to require the DEA to demonstrate that a drug companys actions represent a substantial likelihood of an immediate threat, a much higher legal bar, according to the Post-CBS report. Drug companies were also allowed to submit corrective action plans before the DEA was able to sanction them. The effect was palpable. Under the aggressive direction of Joseph T. Rannazzisi, who headed the DEAs office of Diversion Control, the enforcement agency went after Internet pharmacies and shut them down and then pursued pain management clinics which were dispensing hundreds of thousands of doses of pain pills like oxycodone many of them in Florida. According to the news report, one mid-sized Ohio-based drug distributor had shipped 20 million doses of pain pills to pharmacies in West Virginia over a five-year period. About 11 million wound up in one county, Mingo, population 25,000. Under Rannazzisi, who has since been forced from his job and was the whistleblower behind the media reports, the DEA brought 17 cases against 13 drug distributors, and leveled $425 million in fines over the past decade. The number of immediate suspension orders against doctors, pharmacies and drug companies issued by the DEA dropped from 65 in fiscal year 2011 to six so far this year. Not a single order has targeted a distributor or manufacturer since late 2015, the Post-CBS report said. In the wake of the report, Marino has withdrawn his name from consideration as Trumps drug czar and several congressional representatives are now calling for a repeal of the law change. Thats a good start. But President Trump, who is getting set to announce his own initiative against the opioid scourge that is now claiming more than 100 lives per day, should see to it that a new firebrand enforcer is named at the DEA and not a lapdog for the drug industry. Congress, which failed in its job as watchdog and allowed a handful of congressional representatives to push though legislation that hampered the drug enforcement agencys policing abilities, should look at its own ties to drug lobbyists, their vast spending and their influence in Washington, D.C. Sen. Orin Hatch, R-Utah,who brokered the final version of the Marino bill, faulted the news report as flawed, and said the DEA and Justice Department themselves generated the language that critics now claim is so problematical. Hatch said he was open to try to resolve the problems, but was dismissive of the idea that the drug industrys $177,000 donation to his campaign influenced his work on the legislation. Heavens no, Hatch said, My campaigns run about $10 million dollars. And frankly, I dont know who contributes to it at all. Sen. Hatch may have company there. According to a report in The Guardian this week, pharmaceutical companies spend far more than any other industry to influence politicians and have put more than $2.5 billion into lobbying and funding members of Congress in the past decade. Nine out of 10 members of the House of Representatives and all but three of the U.S.s 100 senators have taken campaign contributions from pharmaceutical companies seeking to affect legislation. President Trump recently said drug companies were getting away with murder by charging much higher prices in the U.S. than other countries. He was speaking figuratively, but he could have been speaking literally about the opioid epidemic and how Congress has unwittingly fueled it. The question is, what will he and Congress do about it? ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish authorities issued arrest warrants for 110 people from a seized company over alleged links to the U.S.-based cleric who Ankara says orchestrated last year's attempted coup, Dogan news agency and other media said on Friday. It said the police operation to seize the suspects, who were managers, partners and employees of the publishing group Kaynak Holding and related companies, was focussed on Istanbul but spread across 24 provinces. Kaynak Holding was seized by the state in 2015 over links to the movement of Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania since 1999. He has denied involvement in the July 2016 abortive putsch. Hundreds of firms like Kaynak, many of them smaller provincial businesses, were seized by authorities in a post-coup crackdown and are now run by government-appointed administrators. Under the crackdown, more than 50,000 people have been jailed pending trial over alleged links to Gulen, while 150,000 people have been sacked or suspended from jobs in the military, public and private sectors. In a separate operation centred in Ankara, 38 former employees from schools owned by the Gulen network were arrested on Friday, according to Turkish media. The schools were closed by a decree after the failed coup. The government dismisses rights groups' concerns about the crackdown, saying only such a purge could neutralise the threat represented by Gulen's network, which it says infiltrated institutions such as the judiciary, army and schools. (Writing by Daren Butler and Ali Kucukgocmen; Editing by Nick Macfie and David Dolan) FILE PHOTO: Opposition leader Kizza Besigye speaks during a news conference at his home at the outskirts of Kampala, Uganda, February 21, 2016. REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic/File photo (Reuters) By Elias Biryabarema KAMPALA (Reuters) - Uganda's main opposition leader was arrested and charged with murder, police said on Friday, after they broke up a rally organised to protest moves to extend President Yoweri Museveni's rule. Kizza Besigye, who has contested and lost four elections against long-time leader Museveni, was detained on Thursday. Police blamed Besigye for the deaths of two protesters during Wednesday's rally, in which officers fired bullets and teargas during clashes with government opponents. "Besigye and his colleagues led these youths who stoned police and caused deaths," police spokesman Denis Namuwoza told Reuters. Wednesday's clash in Rukungiri near the Rwandan border was one of several violent anti-Museveni protests that have spread across Uganda since the president last week for the first time openly expressed support for proposed legislation aimed at allowing him to stay in power. In office for more than three decades, 73-year-old Museveni would be barred from running again in the next election in 2021 by a law that caps the age of presidential candidates at 75. The proposed legislation would remove that age ceiling. Besigye, Museveni's former physician during the guerrilla struggle that brought him to power in 1986, has claimed the four elections the pair contested were all rigged - something Museveni has denied. The president has been a staunch western ally widely seen as an anchor of stability in East Africa's often volatile Great Lakes region. He has deployed troops in Somalia to help fight Islamist group al Shabaab, earnings plaudits from his western backers. 'HEAVY-HANDED TACTICS' Besigye was arrested near the Rwandan border on Thursday, along with two other senior officials of his opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). Police spokesman Namuwoza said they had been charged with murder, assault, inciting violence and unlawful assembly, and transferred to a prison near the capital Kampala. Story continues There was no immediate reaction to the arrests from Uganda's opposition. The proposed new law is widely seen by critics as paving the way for Museveni to rule for life. Similar moves in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi have spurred unrest. Civil society organisations accused of helping rally support against extending Museveni's rule have had their premises raided, offices searched and equipment confiscated. Two of them, Great Lakes Institute for Strategic Studies (GLISS), a think tank, and ActionAid, a South Africa-based international charity, have had their bank accounts frozen on police orders. In a statement on Thursday, the U.S. Embassy in Kampala criticised what it called "heavy-handed tactics of security forces" which it said harmed democracy. "Government must protect people's rights of assembly and expression," it said. (Reporting by Elias Biryabarema; editing by John Stonestreet) London stocks were set for a positive open on Friday following losses in the previous session and the US Senate approved a budget plan for 2018, with investors also likely to continue keeping an eye on developments in Spain. The FTSE 100 was called to open 25 points higher at 7,548. On Thursday, the Senate agreed a budget blueprint for fiscal 2018 allowing Republicans to pursue a tax-cut package without Democratic support. Meanwhile, events in Catalonia were also expected to remain at the forefront of investors minds. CMC Markets analyst Michael Hewson said: European markets look set to benefit from last nights US rebound, though Spanish markets look set to lag, particularly since it seems likely that the Spanish government will start proceedings over the weekend to wrest control of Catalonias institutions by implementing article 155 of the Spanish constitution. The Catalan government has already stated that they would unilaterally declare independence under such a scenario in defiance of Spanish law, and invoking a constitutional crisis. On the UK data front, public sector net borrowing figures due at 0930 BST are expected to show an increase to 5.7bn in September from 5.1bn the month before. In corporate news, a day after a likely solution was agreed to its dispute with the Tanzanian government, Acacia Mining reported revenue down 40% for the third quarter and a much diminished cash balance. Having already pre-announced its 191,203oz of production for the quarter, the FTSE 250 company revealed cash costs for the quarter of $616 per oz and all-in sustaining costs of $939 per oz, respectively 3% higher and 6% lower than the same quarter last year. At the end of September, Acacia had cash on hand of $95m and net cash of $24m. InterContinental Hotels Group reported a third quarter of good performance, with revenue per available room up 2.3%, and up 2.2% in the year-to-date through the third quarter. The hotel operator said 11,000 rooms were opened during the period, which increased the net system size 4.1% year-on-year to 786,000 rooms, while it signed a new 20,000 rooms in 137 hotels, taking its development pipeline to 235,000 rooms. Serco said its chief operating officer, Ed Casey, is heading back home to the US to take up a role with another company. Casey will leave the group on 31 December 2017. Londons FTSE 100 was up 0.4% to 7,535.24 in afternoon trade on Tuesday, with banks providing a boost. RBS and Lloyds advanced as Credit Suisse upgraded its ratings on the stocks. RBS was lifted to a 'neutral' rating from 'underperform' and given a target price of 275p, while Lloyds was raised to 'outperform' from 'neutral' and a share price of 80p is targeted. The Swiss bank's base case for UK-focused high street banks is for 'soft Brexit', seeing an increasing likelihood that the transitional deal proposed by Theresa May and backed by Chancellor Philip Hammond becomes permanent. "Our central scenario of low growth, low unemployment and moderate rate rises is supportive for domestic banks capital generation and we continue to believe earnings risk is to the upside." Centrica finally found a floor as the government's proposal to impose an energy cap begins to be debated in parliament this week. Credit agency S&P said in a note on Tuesday that companies could offset the pressure on cash flow generation from a cap by lowering their operating expenses, capex, or potentially adjusting their financial policy. Direct Line racked up healthy gains as JPMorgan Cazenove reiterated its overweight rating on the stock and added it to its European Focus List. It said the companys H1 results addressed a number of concerns in the market and the upward rebasing of the dividend underlined the strong capital return profit. After an initial sharply positive reaction, the shares have since drifted some 12% from the highs, with the only news flow being the proposed Ogden reversal - positive in our view. In our view the market continues to underappreciate the strength of the Direct Line brand, which is growing and likely to deliver better retention ratios and market leading loss ratios. On the downside, Smith & Nephew was in the red again after saying on Monday that Olivier Bohuon plans to retire by the end of 2018, after seven years as chief executive officer. Risers Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) 277.60p 1.98% Reckitt Benckiser Group (RB.) 7,069.00p 1.89% Centrica (CNA) 176.00p 1.85% Antofagasta (ANTO) 997.00p 1.63% Barratt Developments (BDEV) 665.00p 1.53% Persimmon (PSN) 2,736.00p 1.41% Fresnillo (FRES) 1,448.00p 1.40% Whitbread (WTB) 3,901.00p 1.30% Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) 67.40p 1.28% Direct Line Insurance Group (DLG) 371.00p 1.26% Fallers Pearson (PSON) 621.50p -1.58% Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) 910.00p -1.03% Smith & Nephew (SN.) 1,356.00p -1.02% Sage Group (SGE) 725.00p -0.89% Convatec Group (CTEC) 281.70p -0.81% International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 605.00p -0.74% AstraZeneca (AZN) 5,134.00p -0.73% GKN (GKN) 353.60p -0.67% Rio Tinto (RIO) 3,603.00p -0.66% Babcock International Group (BAB) 818.50p -0.55% 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. Validus Holdings, Ltd. provides reinsurance coverage, insurance coverage, and insurance linked securities management services worldwide. It operates through three segments: Reinsurance, Insurance, and Asset Management. The Reinsurance segment underwrites property reinsurance products on a catastrophe excess of loss, per risk excess of loss and proportional basis; and aerospace and aviation, agriculture, composite, marine, technical lines, terrorism, trade credit, workers' compensation, and other specialty lines, as well as casualty and financial lines. The Insurance segment underwrites property, accident and health, agriculture, aviation, contingency, marine, and political lines insurance products; bankers blanket bond, commercial crime, computer crime, cyber- crime, professional indemnity, and directors' and officers' insurance products for various financial institutions and other companies; and commercial and institutional risks comprising general, professional, and product liability, as well as miscellaneous malpractice insurance products. This segment also underwrites marine and energy liability, and political risk insurance products, as well as insurance products for repair, maintenance, and upkeep of aircrafts and premises for small companies. The Asset Management segment manages capital for third parties through insurance-linked securities, and other property catastrophe and specialty reinsurance investments. Validus Holdings, Ltd. was founded in 2005 and is based in Pembroke, Bermuda. Senator Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Chair Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-Wash.) Oct. 17 announced they reached a deal to stabilize the health insurance marketplaces. The deal, which may change in the coming weeks, would continue the cost-sharing reduction (CSR) payments for two years in exchange for additional flexibility to states via the Section 1332 state innovation waiver process. The administration Oct 12 announced that it would stop making the CSR payments, effective immediately [see Washington Highlights, Oct. 13]. While initially supportive of the bipartisan deal, President Trump now opposes the legislation as currently drafted. Several Republicans have also expressed their opposition to the legislation, including Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.), chair of the Republican Study Committee. However, a bipartisan group of ten governors sent a letter to House and Senate leadership urging support for the legislation. Sens. Alexander and Murray are now working to garner support for the legislation, preferably before the 2018 premiums are irreversibly set. As of Oct. 19, twenty-two Senators have cosponsored the legislation, evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. Notably, both Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.), the authors of the legislation most recently brought forward to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), have cosponsored the bipartisan deal. Next steps for the legislation remain uncertain, as a date for bringing the legislation to the floor for debate or for a vote has not yet been set. It also remains to be seen whether the deal is somehow incorporated into an end of year package. In the meantime, a group of 19 Democratic attorneys general acted to continue funding the CSRs outside of the legislative process by filing an Oct. 18 temporary restraining order. The restraining order, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, is aimed at compelling the administration to continue issuing the CSR payments until the suit they have filed is resolved. Many viewers and Oscar voters will swoon for Victoria & Abdul, inspired by Abduls diaries that were discovered in 2010. (After she died, Victoria's own letters to Abdul were burned by the royals to erase him from history.) Directed by Stephen Frears, 76 (The Queen, starring Helen Mirren), it is sumptuously shot by Danny Cohen, 53 (The Kings Speech, The Danish Girl, Les Miserables). Despite the macular degeneration that vexes her, Denchs eyes in close-up can still outact all competition. Perhaps that's because she gets so much practice: $3.5 billion worth of movies since she turned 70, and three films this year alone. Her Victoria starts out a sad captive of her own castles, occasionally attended by an irritable son (Eddie Izzard, 55) who wants her to die and hand him the crown already. When Abdul gets whisked from Uttar Pradesh to London in order to present the queen an official gift from India, hes warned not to look in her eyes. He impulsively smooches her feet, and she says, I suddenly feel a great deal better. So do Anglophiles in the audience, as Victoria snaps back to life, whirling on the dance floor with her new quasi-swain. Abdul works his way up to being her munschi (teacher), instructing her in Arabic script and curry cuisine, peeving jealous courtiers like the prime minister (Michael Gambon, 76) and dashing off with her to Scotland and Florence, where Simon Callow, 68, has a blast playing Puccini, who's performing his latest opera. He coaxes Victoria to sing Little Buttercup from H.M.S. Pinafore in a girlish voice. You cant help but applaud, even if you're not loyal to royals. Roberto Westbrook/Getty Images En espanol | They have little training and are often overwhelmed by the tasks at hand, but adults who care for older relatives by and large say their experience is worthwhile, a recent poll reveals. Conducted by the Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, the poll found that nearly half of family caregivers over age 40 handle medical tasks, from changing bandages to inserting catheters or feedings tubes. Among that group, only 47 percent say they have received adequate training to perform those tasks. But more than 90 percent of family caregivers say they value the experience. Thank You Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also manage your communication preferences by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. When the office of the ailing Sen. Thad Cochran, 79, announced Monday that it was the Mississippi Republican's "intention to return to the Senate when his health permits," it underscored the challenges of navigating a chamber that's the second oldest ever. Cochran's absence narrows the GOP's margin for error on a pivotal budget vote this week, and the Appropriations Committee that he chairs hasn't churned out any spending bills for next year since he was last in Washington in mid-September. Other senators have had health issues that have caused them to miss time this year in Washington. In July, the Senate delayed votes for a week on repealing former President Obama's health care law after Sen. John McCain, 81 (R-Ariz.), was diagnosed with brain cancer. And Sen. Johnny Isakson, 72 (R-Ga.), was away for two back surgeries early in 2017. Two 80-somethings one from each party are among 16 senators facing reelection who on Election Day 2018 will be at least 65 an age when many people already have retired. Sen. Orrin Hatch, 83 (R-Utah), hasn't announced whether he'll seek an eighth term. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) at 84 the oldest senator has said she will run again. 18 days. Thats the amount of time Chuck Carrington and crew had to film the independent feature Cowboy Drifter. Production took place in Belen and Albuquerque. We ran into difficulties, and every day was an adventure, he says. (Director) Michael Lange did an amazing job. We didnt film one day over 12 hours. We got all the shots we needed, and we still managed completing on time. Carrington wrote and stars in the film. Cowboy Drifter follows the life of Caskie Jones, played by Carrington. When events transpire that force the Jones to hit the road in search of his father, he gets more than he bargained for. Tanner Wilde is a 17-year-old singing and guitar-playing prodigy. When Jones learns that Wilde is much more than that, hes forced to confront his past head-on for the first time. Though it remains to be seen if he can quell his own demons, perhaps he can help redeem someone else hes come to love. Jones represents the ultimate anti-hero. Hes a flawed but passionate, humorous but dark human being whose life turns suddenly. The film also stars Aubrey Peeples, Lynn Collins and Chelcie Ross. The film is a throwback to the 50s and 60s, films like Cool Hand Luke, Carrington says. Audiences arent sure if the protagonist is actually a protagonist. I wanted to take the character to a new level. Carrington will travel to Santa Fe to be part of the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival, in which Cowboy Drifter screens at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at The Screen on the campus of Santa Fe University of Art and Design. Carrington decided to bring the production to New Mexico for two reasons. It was perfect for the script, and we needed a place for this road movie, he says. In the film, Caskie goes to New Mexico. The topography was perfect, and we needed a place like Belen. Not a lot of people are there, and it has a desert landscape. The second reason is the tax credit. For a film with a $1 million budget, the tax credit helped our money go a lot further. Carrington is also humbled to have an incredible soundtrack. It features The Revivalists and the smash hit Wish I Knew You, as well as John Hiatt, Keb Mo, The White Buffalo, The North Mississippi Allstars, Shakey Graves, and Amy Helm (daughter of The Bands Levon Helm). All of this is a dream come true for me, Carrington says. Its difficult for independent film to get some traction. Im proud of this film. SEND ME YOUR TIPS: If you know of a movie filming in the state, or are curious about one, email film@ABQjournal.com. Follow me on Twitter @agomezART. Cowboy Drifter WHEN: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 WHERE: The Screen, 1600 St. Michaels Drive HOW MUCH: $13 at santafeindependent filmfestival.com Michael Menchel knew he wanted to tell the story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. The group was part of the Prescott Fire Department, and in 2013, 19 of the 20 members of the group were killed fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire. The firefighters deployed fire shelters, but not all the bodies were found inside them. It was the greatest loss of life for firefighters in a wildfire since 1933. I was coming home from Europe, and I landed at LAX, Menchel says. As I was going to baggage claim, there were six TV monitors playing out the amazing story of the tragedy of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. By the sixth monitor, I was devastated and I sat down. I didnt come from a firemans background or family. But the story of these young men, their lives vanished in an instant. For nearly four years, Menchel helped to get the story told. The film, Only the Brave, opens today nationwide and tells the story. The movie was filmed in New Mexico in the summer of 2016. The film stars Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, James Badge Dale, Taylor Kitsch and Jennifer Connelly. According to the New Mexico Film Office, the production employed 190 New Mexico crew members, 40 New Mexico actors and about 1,300 New Mexico background talent workers. It filmed in Santa Fe, Pajarito, White Rock, Nambe Pueblo, Los Alamos, Pecos and Las Vegas, N.M. Menchel says the film takes an intimate look at the camaraderie of their daily lives, sacrifices and heroic moments. It is based on the GQ article No Exit by Sean Flynn. Menchel serves as one of the producers. We are an independent production. Everything we required was able to be handled by the film-friendly state. We brought a lot of income to a lot of people. It worked out incredibly well. As the national opening approaches, Menchel is trying to contain his excitement. Im numb, he says. All we can do is wait. People believe in us. Sony is behind us. Black Label Media is incredible. I just want the film to do well, because its a story that should be seen. As far as assembling a stellar cast goes, Menchel says the subject matter and writing spoke for itself. Once each actor knew the story, they became serious about the film, he says. I used to be an agent, and these are the types of films I would seek out for my clients. Menchel is coming back to New Mexico for a screening at the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival. Hes looking forward to his return. I had the best time in Santa Fe, he says. I spent nearly four months there. Im a fly fisher and did some incredible fishing. There was nothing like being in New Mexico. We were filming in the Pajarito area to Los Alamos and the different ranches. We were being chased by lightning storms, thunder and rain. The skies lit up with the most incredible lightning storms. It made for some wonderful times. EL PASO Border Patrol Agent Hector Maese drove six hours round trip from Lordsburg to join colleagues who packed an auditorium for a concert played by the Mexican Federal Police orchestra to promote cross-border relations. Before we knew it, we were toe tapping and what not, so it was a good experience for everybody involved, said Maese, acting Border Patrol chief in the isolated Bootheel region of southern New Mexico. Not only do we work enforcing the laws of the land, but we can also share in the culture. The concert at the Chamizal National Memorial Park comes amid rising tensions between the neighboring nations as the Trump administration moves forward with prototypes for a new border wall and threats to end NAFTA as efforts to renegotiate the trade agreement fall apart. I think its an opportunity to show ourselves, show each other, show Washington and Mexico City that we can work together, said CBP acting Deputy Commissioner Ronald Vitiello who flew in from Washington, D.C., to attend the event. There are things that transcend whats going on in the political realm. We have a security mission. They have a security mission. Customs officers and Border Patrol agents work closely with their Mexican counterparts daily on a range of issues, from facilitating trade to catching fugitives fleeing across the border to escape the law in their own country. Transnational criminal organizations do not know borders, said Mexican Federal Police commissioner for the intelligence division Daniel Canales Mena in opening remarks before the concert. Canales Mena said the U.S. and Mexico work together on cases ranging from drug smuggling and human trafficking to money laundering. Nobody can resolve these issues in a unilateral way, he said. Cooperation is key along the New Mexico border, said acting port director for Santa Teresa, Jesse Proctor. If we dont work together we wont be able to keep the border safe. We wont be able to help each other out, said Proctor. The Mexican Federal Police orchestra played a mix of classical and popular music from both Mexico and the U.S. and a few pop songs, including the theme from Titanic made famous by Celine Dion. A Mexican Federal policewoman belted out a bilingual version of My Heart Will Go On. The concert on the border was a welcome respite from the deteriorating U.S.-Mexico relationship said Angie Ruiz, an El Paso resident who attended the concert with four relatives. Hopefully our president will not make things worse for us. He will make them better because we should be allies and help each other out, said Ruiz. SANTA FE Tension over requiring members of the State Investment Council to sign an ethics code resurfaced Thursday during a combative legislative hearing at the Roundhouse. State Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn a member of the council described the code as a gag order. He has refused to sign it, along with three other members of the 11-person board, and they have been barred from attending closed-door meetings as a result. State Rep. Bill McCamley, meanwhile, called at least one part of the code disturbing. Executives working for the State Investment Council, in turn, said the code simply has standard language aimed at ensuring that New Mexicos investment decisions are made without political or personal interference. And they reminded legislators of an investment scandal under the administration of then-Gov. Bill Richardson which the SIC says cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars through pay-to-play and politically motivated investments. The back-and-forth came during a daylong meeting of the Legislatures Investments and Pensions Oversight Committee. Dunn, a Republican, has described the code as a gag order aimed at keeping SIC members from sharing information with the public a criticism he repeated Thursday. McCamley, D-Las Cruces, also raised questions about the code in particular, a section that says SIC members must have undivided loyalty to the permanent fund. He said he didnt know of any other publicly appointed person thats required to sign a loyalty pledge to a pot of money. That seems really disturbing to me, he said. There might be good reasons, McCamley said, to make decisions that consider factors beyond the direct financial impact on a fund. It might make sense, he said, to invest money in programs that help children prepare for school, creating a long-term benefit thats not immediately shown on a balance sheet. State Investment Officer Steve Moise said its incorrect to describe the ethics code as a gag order. And its standard practice at every endowment and similar organization for overseers to agree to make decisions with the best interests of the fund in mind, he said. Im not aware of any sovereign wealth fund or pension fund in the United States that doesnt require their members to serve as a fiduciary to the funds that they oversee, Moise said. The councils Code of Conduct prohibits members from disclosing confidential information they have access to through closed-door SIC meetings and privileged legal matters, unless they are required by law to disclose the information. Believing his life was in danger, a Silver City police officer shot an ex-deputy during a pursuit two weeks ago in Silver City, according to a New Mexico State Police spokesman. Officer Carl Christiansen said Officer Javier Hernandez, a three-year veteran, was in fear for his life and that of other officers when he shot 41-year-old Michael Aguirre in the neck before Aguirre drove into his vehicle after a short pursuit on October 5. Aguirre, a former Grant County Sheriffs deputy who retired in 2014, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Currently in the Dona Ana County Jail, Aguirre is charged with aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault on a peace officer with a deadly weapon, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Grant County deputies were on the lookout for Aguirre after he cut off his ankle monitor in Las Cruces, tied up his mother with power cords and stole her truck, fleeing to Silver City. At the time a court order forbid Aguirre from entering Grant County, where his ex-wife lives. Deputies located the vehicle and got into a short pursuit, Christiansen said. The pursuit was eventually assumed by Silver City Police Department. During the pursuit Aguirre executed a U-turn and began driving toward officers vehicles, including Hernandez. Thats when Hernandez shot him in the neck. According to the New Mexico State Police, Aguirre was charged earlier this year with domestic violence and receiving a stolen firearm. Police have identified the officer who shot and injured a 34-year-old domestic disturbance suspect in a southwestern New Mexico town two weeks ago as officer Aaron Salazar a six-year veteran with the Lordsburg Police Department. Carl Christiansen, a spokesman with the New Mexico State Police, said the incident started on Oct. 6 when Salazar and other Lordsburg police officers were called to a house on Gale Street for a domestic disturbance. He said when they arrived they found the suspect, Winston Ford, with a pistol in his waistband. Officers attempted to speak with Mr. Ford who shot one round at the officers striking a patrol vehicle, Christiansen wrote in an email. The bullet went through the drivers side window, traveled through the front passenger seat headrest, and lodging into the door frame. Thats when, he said, Salazar returned fire, striking Ford. Ford was taken to the University Medical Center in El Paso and is in stable condition. No police were injured in the shooting. The incident is being investigated by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau. A judge has limited what a woman can sue her abortion provider for while also ruling in her favor that the consent form for the procedure was flawed and could have prevented her from understanding the removed fetal tissue could be sent to the University of New Mexico Hospital for scientific research. The ruling went on to say that the consent form on its face said the only people who would do the research was the clinic and the doctor, not UNMH. The lawsuit, supported by the New Mexico Alliance for Life, claims Jessica Duran suffered serious emotional damage when she learned the tissue from her 2012 abortion was likely included in samples provided to UNMH, where abortion provider Curtis Boyd worked as an adjunct professor. The ruling from 2nd Judicial District Judge Clay Campbell in Albuquerque denied a motion by abortion provider Dr. Curtis Boyd to dismiss the lawsuit filed in 2016 arguing the statute of limitations for the claims has run out. Campbell agreed on some of the claims, and ruled in favor of Boyd that most of Durans claims fell outside the statute of limitations. He dismissed, in part, those claims last week. But he said the statute of limitations regarding the consent form should not start until either 2015 or 2016, when Duran learned that Southwestern Womens Clinic donated fetal tissue and parts to the university for research. And he ruled that because of flawed language and a missing comma in the consent form she signed, a jury should get to hear Durans arguments that the consent form misled her. The form at the time included a paragraph that read tissue and parts will be removed during the procedure, and I consent to their examination and their use in medical research and their disposal by the clinic and/or physician in the manner they deem appropriate. Campbell, in a transcript from the proceedings, says the wording and a missing comma in that paragraph means the clinic not the University of New Mexico would be doing the examination, research and disposal of the tissue. So for starters, the clause of the consent form is missing a comma, and as a former English major, I just cant help point out that grammar is important, and everybody is going to understand that here in a second. on its face, there isnt really an ambiguity. The only people who were being authorized, on its face, to do the research was the clinic and the doctor. It doesnt mention UNMH, Campbell said in court. Mike Seibel, attorney for Duran and the New Mexico Alliance for Life, says the ruling validates their claims that the consent form is flawed. The Alliance sent out a news release about the ruling Thursday. It didnt give them an option to say, yes, I want to donate the parts, or no, I (dont) want to donate the parts. Thats not voluntary. And we want women to have voluntary control over their bodies, Seibel argued in front of Campbell. The judge suggested both sides consider taking his ruling to the state Court of Appeals as a means of preventing further case challenges and to get clarity on the law regarding the consent forms. Seibel said Thursday he is not sure whether he will pursue an appeal as the case is headed for trial and the most important points he and Duran want to take before a jury were not struck in Campbells ruling. Boyds attorney did not return a call for comment Thursday. The case was filed about three months after Duran said she became aware that the tissue obtained from her abortion might have been sent to UNMH following publicity about documents subpoenaed by the U.S. House Select Panel on Infant Lives and congressional hearings regarding the use of fetal tissue for medical research. The publicity has sparked legislative talks and a request to Attorney General Hector Balderas office to investigate Boyd and the research program at UNMH. Copyright 2017 Albuquerque Journal Every day, Albuquerque police are notified that a stolen item might have been pawned. Every day, Valley Pawn gets a call from a property crime victim who wants to know if his or her laptop, heirloom bracelet or camera has been pawned. In an attempt to break that cycle and curb an increase in property crime, City Councilor Diane Gibson, with the support of Albuquerque police, has introduced legislation that would add more teeth to the citys pawnshop ordinance. Gibsons bill, which at a recent City Council meeting was voted back to the Finance and Government Operations Committee, would require pawnshops to photograph all items and collect a thumbprint of anyone who pawns an item and also provide that information to police. And instead of getting cash for possessions that are pawned, the bill would require the shop to mail their customer a check three days later. Pawnshop owners say city regulations are already in place to help locate stolen items. They resent police blaming them for increased crime, and say these new rules would devastate their businesses and hurt low-income Albuquerqueans who rely on them for immediate cash for basic necessities. We already do so much to combat property crime and then the police make it look like were contributing to property crime, and its kind of insulting, said Justin J Bernstein, the owner of Valley Pawn. They want these moral victories of saying we changed a pawn law and thats going to help with property crime. Police said that property crimes and pawnshops are connected to each other because thieves use them to turn stolen items into crash. Getting rid of a place to get fast cash for stolen goods, and other deterrents included in the bill, could prevent crime, said Sgt. Will Dorian, who oversees the polices pawnshop detail. I think (people) have an expectation from pawn shops to be free of crime, Dorian said. There were more than 30,000 larcenies and burglaries in Albuquerque in 2016, which contributed to a 26 percent increase in property crime from 2013-2016. New Mexico last year ranked as the worst state in the country for property crimes per capita, and Albuquerque is where 47 percent of such crimes were committed, according to FBI crime data. Pawnshop owners said blaming their business for high property crime rates in Albuquerque isnt a new idea from local policymakers. Every election, either a city councilor or a new mayor runs on a platform that they are going to clean up the pawn shops and crack down on property crime and the police presence goes up for the first few months and then it goes back to old business, said Bernstein. Its not clear how often police confiscate stolen items from pawnshops. Police didnt provide specific statistics. But Michael Steinberg, the owner of Osuna Pawn and the president of the Albuquerque Pawnbrokers Association, said its relatively rare for police to find stolen goods at pawnshops. He said the 16 shops in the pawnbrokers association had about 150 items seized by police in 2016. He said thats a fraction of the 250,000 products pawned at those locations. Valley Pawn, which is not part of the association, did $3 million in pawns in 2016, Bernstein said. He said police took back about $4,000 of items because they were stolen. Dorian said Gibsons proposal would do several things to prevent property crime. It would require pawnshops to collect a thumbprint, which he said would deter someone from using a fake or stolen ID to pawn an item. It would also clarify that pawnshops could have their licenses suspended or revoked if they dont keep complete records. Dorian said police find violations, usually related to record keeping, to the citys current ordinance about half the time they do inspections. We wanted the pawn ordinance to have a little more teeth behind it so we could clean some of those violations up, Dorian said. Requiring pawnshops to mail checks to customers instead of offering quick cash may stop thieves from using the businesses. But the owners said that would funnel some of Albuquerques poorest residents to payday loan businesses when they are strapped for cash. That kind of defeats the purpose of a pawnshop. We deal with people who dont have bank accounts, Bernstein said. They need money right now and it would really be hurting these people. Mailing them a check in three days is not going to help them. Pawnshop owners say in following current city rules they already provide police with a wealth of information on their customers and the items that are pawned there. Steinberg and Bernstein said they send a list of all drivers license information and descriptions, often including serial numbers, of all items to a business that compares the information to Albuquerque police property crime reports. The online company alerts police and pawnshops if an item suspected of being stolen has been pawned. The shops then put a hold on the item to give police additional time to investigate. Steinberg said he sometimes doesnt hear from police about the suspicious merchandise. He said it appears that police are following up less often than in years past when they get word that suspicious items have pawned, which he suspects is because the number of officers on the streets has declined in recent years. They want to make our job harder and harder but they are not doing their job now, Steinberg said. Bernstein said in years past, police have combed through the list of pawners at his shop and would contact him if a person with an active warrant was a regular customer, and asked him to contact them the next time the person pawned something at his business. Dorian disputed that polices presence at pawnshops has declined in recent years. He said Albuquerque police have a primary detective on the pawnshop detail and there are six officers trained to work on the pawnshop detail. He said officers will investigate suspicious items at pawnshops when they have time to do so. Theres not a set time to get to it, he said. Detectives get to it as fast as they can, depending on how exigent certain cases they are working on are. Copyright 2017 Albuquerque Journal For the Record: This story has been updated to reflect that Mars Exploration Rover team member Larry Crumpler operates from the New Mexico Museum of Natural Science and History, where he is a curator. If a New Mexican took a trip to the surface of Mars, theyd likely see familiar terrain and, now, some familiar names. At the urging of geologist Larry Crumpler, who is a member of the Mars Exploration Rover science team operating out of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science and a University of New Mexico associate research professor, youll now find a Martian version of Albuquerque, Taos and Santa Fe used to name features and formations on Earths neighboring planet. Right now the rover is sitting on a place called La Bajada, Crumpler said. On Earth, La Bajada is a volcanic mesa near Santa Fe. Some of the names, including Albuquerque, represent tiny areas just a few inches wide where soil is being tested. Crumpler said the team uses naming themes during different missions of the rover. Its current mission is exploring Perseverance Valley, an ancient channel that Crumpler said may have been carved by water. The Opportunity rover will take photos and analyze soil from the valley along its way. After trying for more than a decade, Crumpler finally got the team to take on a New Mexican naming theme, specifically from points along El Camino Real, an old trade route from San Juan Pueblo in New Mexico to Mexico City. Its wonderful to see a Hispanic naming theme, Crumpler said. He also said the theme has created a learning opportunity for many members of the team, most of whom are unfamiliar with New Mexican history and culture. You should have heard them try to say Bernalillo, he said, laughing. He said he hopes the use of the names within the team and in the broader community will increase awareness of the culture of the Southwest. The rover will likely complete its current mission in the spring, Crumpler said, and will hopefully provide answers about how Perseverance Valley was created. Weve got a long ways to go down this valley, Crumpler said. Whats a long ways for the rover? It will travel around 400 feet in total, Crumpler said. Opportunity has been trekking around the planet since 2004, photographing the mountains, valleys and plains of Mars. Opportunitys sister rover, Spirit, got trapped in soft soil in 2009, and NASA abandoned efforts to free it in 2011. We welcome suggestions for the daily Bright Spot. Send to newsroom@abqjournal.com. Owner, Bocadillos The unemployment rate for both high school graduates and non-graduates is staying steady, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We need to do everything we can to keep this trend going in the right direction in our city. I got my start with help from so many within the restaurant industry. Now, Im committed to helping the younger generation succeed here in Albuquerque. Ive had incredible experiences in this industry, from the back of the house, to selling burritos out of my car, to appearing on the Food Network. Those opportunities have come from the skills, mentors and experiences that I have picked up working in restaurants, allowing me to pursue my dream of opening my own. My first job was washing dishes and busing tables. Once I got into the kitchen, I never left. Ive worked in every role at restaurants across the country and in a few other fields. Ive found that no other industry provides a ladder of opportunity where you can work from the bottom up like ours does. Years ago, when I returned to New Mexico, where my home, my family and my heart is, I wanted to contribute to the community that gave so much to me in kick-starting my career. I got involved with a local business incubator, the Mixing Bowl, then began working with local charter schools meal programs and recently became a member of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. Today, Im the chef and owner of Bocadillos, a sandwich shop that features local New Mexican fare in Albuquerque. With a boost from our appearance on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, we were able to open a second location. We went from six chairs to 60. However, big-time exposure came with added responsibility to my community. It put me in a position to mentor younger folks in Albuquerque. Our restaurant is a pillar of our town, and I knew I had to give back. Now I am doing my best to serve my community with cook-offs and working with local charities. But to me, giving back is more than just that. Its cultivating a passion for flavor in every kids palate. Seven years ago or so, my daughter came home from school and voiced her distaste for the cafeteria food. For breakfast, they gave the kids chocolate chip muffins and chocolate milk. Maybe she was used to our flavorful, family red chile recipe, but nonetheless, we were horrified. We couldnt believe the school was serving our kids such unhealthy, uninspired options. The next day, I set out to help the school make breakfast for the kids. My wife and I committed to bettering the nutritional value of student meals, signing contracts with local charter schools. We went from feeding 50 kids to 1,250 kids in about three years. My experience in schools has allowed me to be introduced to people setting up curriculums and training programs to help the next generation Hispanic or otherwise to pursue their dreams in the culinary arts. During my journey, Ive worked with some amazing chefs but also some incredible dishwashers. To make great food, everyone has to work as a team. In Bocadillos, everyone on staff is trained to do every job. It is no surprise to me that eight in 10 restaurant owners started their careers in entry-level positions. Hispanic Heritage Month is about celebrating our culture and success. But its also about giving back and helping others pursue their dreams. The restaurant industry has given me opportunities to do just that. I may have worked as a mechanic and a truck driver in the past, but the kitchen is where I live. I look forward to doing everything it takes to keep the next generation inspired by the culinary arts and to show them just what it can do for you in return. SANTA FE A lawyer for a California man arrested for trespassing at the Fiestas de Santa Fes Entrada pageant on the downtown Plaza has filed a motion to dismiss the charge, arguing that the Fiesta Council cant suppress free speech in a traditional public space. Julian Douglas Rodriguez, of Pala, Calif., was one of eight people arrested for trespassing while protesting the Entrada an annual re-enactment of the Spanish reoccupation of Santa Fe in 1692 on Sept. 8. Attorney Dan Cron, who leads the task force of lawyers representing each defendant, has said Rodriguez and his wife were had no idea the protest was happening while they visiting Santa Fe that weekend and that Rodriguez was arrested for walking around with a bandana on his forehead. A police report released later accuses Rodriguez of actively protesting with a bandana over his face, said to be a violation of a mask ban imposed by the Fiesta Council. Police have defended the arrests by saying that the Fiesta Council, which had a permit to use the Plaza for the weekend, had the authority to make the rules for the permitted area and that officers were obligated to enforce those rules. Rodriguezs current lawyer, Todd Coberly, filed a motion to dismiss the charge in Santa Fe Municipal Court Thursday. He argues that the First Amendment prohibits the Fiesta Council from excluding people from a permitted event held in a traditionally public area. Because it was unconstitutional to arrest and charge Mr. Rodriguez with criminal trespassing based on nothing more than the whim of the Fiesta Council, the Court must dismiss the Criminal Complaint, the motion says. Coberly also says the charge should be dismissed because there was no indication that Rodriguez needed permission to be there from the Fiesta Council, as the Entrada was promoted as free event open to the public. The motion, citing rulings in prior cases, says city government cannot constitutionally give the Fiesta Council carte blanche to suppress speech in such a traditional public space. Many, but not all, the cogs in what some call Santa Fes progressive political machine were on hand for mayoral candidate Alan Webbers Big Tent Event and Campaign Launch on Tuesday at Meow Wolf. Morty Simon and Carol Oppenheimer sometimes called the citys power couple for their political efforts in the past were front and center, greeting people as they came through the doors of Santa Fes biggest business success story of recent years, as there was no tent. Of course, Meow Wolfs co-founder Vince Kadlubek chairman of the city Planning Commission and a new player in Santa Fe politics, thanks partly to the recognition Meow Wolf has been bestowed, including Kadlubek himself recently winning an Albuquerque Business First award as a top CEO was there and praised the candidate just before Webber gave his speech. Labor union leaders Jon Hendry and Miles Conway were also on hand from the New Mexico Federation of Labor and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, respectively. In all, nearly 300 people showed up in support of the 69-year-old entrepreneur and 2014 gubernatorial candidate, who has made Santa Fe his home for the past 15 years. There were a couple of notable absentees from Santa Fes progressive establishment. Mayor Javier Gonzales, who was elected with the help of all the aforementioned, but decided not to run for a second term, says hes staying on the sidelines, at least for a while, and isnt ready to endorse any of the seven Santa Feans who want to become the towns next mayor. Starting next year, the position takes on extra responsibilities and a much higher salary ($110,000), under city charter changes voters adopted in 2014 to install a full-time mayor, with duties more like those of a CEO. Former Mayor David Coss, who was elected to two four-year terms with the help of many of the progressives who were at the Webber event and who himself was part of the team that backed Gonzales four years ago, was also not in attendance. It may be true that he had a Spanish class that conflicted with the Webber event, as he said in a phone interview this week, but hes serving as campaign chairman for another mayoral candidate, Kate Noble, who was elected to the school board earlier this year without opposition. Her skills, her education, her work experience and commitment to Santa Fe is very strong, said Coss, who hired Noble to lead economic development efforts while he was mayor. I think a person like Kate, who is a woman and is from Santa Fe, is someone voters need to take a strong look at for what she would bring to the position. I think shed be a great mayor. Others might have attended the event had they not decided to run for mayor themselves, particularly City Councilors Peter Ives and Joseph Maestas. Councilor Ron Trujillo was the first candidate in the race. The mayoral candidates, who also include property manager Harvey Van Sickle and social worker Wesley Sandel, are still collecting nominating signatures to get their names on the ballot for the March 6 election. But based on the polished presentation of Tuesdays event, with many of the trimmings of a powerhouse campaign backed by the so-called political machine, Webber appears to be off to a good start. Division in the community It is a political machine, Trujillo said. These are the same players who have been involved in the past, I think, going back to the Coss administration and the Gonzales administration. And the majority of these people are the same people who were supporters of the soda tax. Maybe the machine isnt always so powerful. Mayor Gonzales proposal to fund early childhood education programs with a 2-cents-per-ounce tax on the distributors of sugary beverages failed in a special election in May, with 58 percent voting against it. Trujillo was the one city councilor to vote against bringing the tax to voters, saying city government needed to focus on fundamentals, like maintaining streets, keeping road medians and parks looking good, and providing police and fire protection, and water, sewer and trash pickup services. What (the soda tax election) showed was that people are tired of the way politics in Santa Fe has been played all these years. They want a change in government and a change in the citys direction, he said. Trujillos stance on the soda tax sets him apart from other candidates. He can say he was right all along about bringing on an election that saw more than $4 million spent, the vast majority coming from out of state, and some claim has helped create a community divide. Trujillo blames it on the machine. We talk about division in the community, everyone knows it was the soda tax, with these same people behind it, that has been a big part of that, he said. Maestas, who was among seven councilors who voted with Gonzales to put the soda tax on the ballot, agreed that the special election served to divide the city. He said the tax was defeated in part because voters saw Pre-K for Santa Fe, the group that ran the campaign to pass the tax, as being run by a select group of elitists that arent necessarily from Santa Fe trying to dictate what was good for the city at large. Maestas made the same observation Trujillo did about the fact that many of the people involved in Webbers campaign also supported the soda tax. Its the same folks, he said. Maestas, a former mayor of Espanola, said hes not fazed by the backing Webbers getting so far. Webber may have captured most of the group that supported Gonzales, but there are a lot of progressives in this town whose vote he can get, Maestas said. Im proud of my progressive voting record, and I think that will resonate with progressive voters, he said. Webber, interviewed Wednesday, refuted the notion that, if elected, his administration would be a continuation of Gonzales, though he and the incumbent mayor are friends and share a similar political ideology. Were different people and come from different backgrounds, he said. Just because we share some of the same values, does that make me an extension of Javier? I dont think so. Sandra Wechsler, who headed Pre-K for Santa Fe during the soda tax effort, briefly was part of a group supporting Gonzales run for mayor and who is playing an unspecified role in Webbers campaign, said during Tuesdays launch party that Webber has broad appeal and the ability to heal the divide in the community. Webber didnt take a public stance during the soda tax campaign. His appeal is not just with progressive Democrats, she said. Alan has a unique ability to speak to a much wider populace. He proved that during the governors race. Progressive field Jon Hendry, who for a time headed a political committee called Progressive Santa Fe supporting Mayor Gonzales successful 2014 campaign, says it only makes sense that many of the same people who supported the soda tax are also supporting Webber. Theyre politically interested people who share the same progressive values, he said. While Hendry said there are several good progressive candidates running for mayor, he thinks Webber is the best of them. This is about as progressive of a field as Ive seen for mayor, he said. Im behind Alan, and I think a lot of people are, because he is the most likely of the progressive candidates to win. Webber already has name recognition, having run in the Democratic primary for governor in 2014. While he finished second to Gary King in the statewide vote, he won Santa Fe County with 51 percent of the vote, while King garnered 26 percent in a five-horse race. Hendry isnt shy about his personal support for Webber, but says the Central Labor Council hasnt endorsed anyone yet and probably wont for a few more months. Same goes for AFSCME, which represents many city employees. In his case, AFCME leader Miles Conway says his name appearing on a list of Webber supporters that went out with the invitation to the launch event was a mistake. He agreed to come to Tuesdays event, he said, but only as a representative of the union. The union membership will ultimately vote on an endorsement after a vetting process that includes questionnaires and interviews. That likely wont come until early next year, Conway said. Union support can be a big factor in Santa Fe campaigns. In the past couple of mayoral elections, public employee unions like AFSCME were major players through either campaign donations or independent spending on behalf of Coss and then Gonzales. Coronation process Webber said much of the support hes getting in the mayors race is an outgrowth of his run for governor. I think a lot of it comes from my campaign for governor. There is a lot of positive energy left over from that, he said. Several people interviewed for this story describe Webber as the most politically left of the mayoral candidates. Thats part of the appeal for Paul Gibson, director of Retake Our Democracy, which he helped form after Bernie Sanders was knocked out of the Democratic presidential primary last year. Were very progressive. Our goal is to push the Democratic Party much further to the left, he said. Gibson said Webber may have the progressive vote, but hell have to do a lot of work to reach other parts of the population. He may also need to do some work to disassociate himself from the soda tax issue, Gibson said, and hell have to work to capture the attention of younger voters. Hes going to have to energize the younger generation of voters get the millennials who dont usually vote and get them out to the polls. Its about inspiring people to vote, Gibson said. Launching the campaign at Meow Wolf may well be an effort to do that, though at least one attendee commented on the number of older, white people there. I think having it at Meow Wolf represents Alans commitment to the creative economy and young entrepreneurs, said Meow Wolfs Kadlubek, who credits Webber for helping the arts collaborative get off the ground by lending his expertise pro bono. I think hes looking to bring creativity and young people around for the benefit of the economy. Zane Fischer, co-coordinator of MIX Santa Fe, a business networking platform he co-founded with Daniel Werwath and Noble, is supporting Nobles run for mayor. Fischer said, as the youngest of the candidates and the only woman in the race, she should draw strong support from young people, if given a chance. He worries that now, even before the race has really begun, the progressive Powers That Be will have already made their choice. I was a strong supporter of Mayor Coss and Mayor Gonzales, and I know and admire many of the people that work in that progressive political machine in Santa Fe, and I expect to have strong friendships after the election, he said. But I feel some of us are frustrated by what seems to be a coronation process in terms of selecting candidates. They wish there was more a process than just the person behind the curtain doing the choosing. Chris Eyre still has the piece of scratch paper handed to him at Santa Fes La Choza restaurant in the spring. All it said was I have a story to tell you and a phone number. The filmmaker, acclaimed for his contemporary Native American films Smoke Signals and Skins, and for turning two Tony Hillerman novels into PBS mysteries, said tips like that usually turn out to be duds, like sightings of bigfoot or Elvis. But Eyre was curious enough to call the next day. The man on the other end of the line began talking about the controversial equestrian statue of conquistador Don Juan de Onate at Alcalde, north of Espanola. Nearly 20 years earlier, sometime around New Years Day 1998, the right foot of the bronze statue was removed in the middle of the night to make a statement about Onates treatment of Pueblo people. The political vandalism was discovered after a typed note sent to the Journal North said the 12-foot statues foot had been taken by an anonymous group on behalf of our brothers and sisters of Acoma Pueblo. In 1598, historical accounts say, Onate ordered the right feet of Acoma Pueblo men amputated after Onates forces subdued the pueblo in a battle in which Spaniards were killed. When Eyre and colleague Joely Proudfit met the mystery man the same day of that first phone call, the man pulled a duffel bag out of the back of his truck. According to Eyre, inside the bag and wrapped in black velveteen fabric was a bronze foot now patinated layered in the natural greenish covering that forms over time on stone or metals that, for Eyre, provides evidence of the unusual objects age. Eyre, interviewed by the Journal at his office in Santa Fe, used his hands to display the foots size. With the boots spur included, he said, it was about two feet long. Upon seeing the booted foot, Eyre recalled, his and Proudfits mouths dropped open. When I looked at it, I said, Im no expert, but I think thats the real thing, Eyre said, adding that he was later told they were the first to see the foot in nearly two decades. Eyre, former chairman of the Santa Fe University of Art and Design film department, said he now keeps the mans scratch paper note in a folder, part of the documentation for a movie to include both dramatization and real-life interviews that hes now shooting and inspired by the Onate foot theft. Proudfit and Apache artist Lonnie Anderson are executive producers. The film is about 40 percent shot. The filmmakers are seeking additional funding for the movie titled Statues Between U.S. that they hope to finish shooting by next summer. The first half of the film will tell the story of the foots removal, including an interview with the man who says he did it, a dramatization of the act and historical context to show why it happened. The second half of the film will go deeper into the movies main message: taking a critical eye to cultural symbols in the U.S. In a partial transcript of an interview provided by Eyre, the foot man said he and another person who was with him didnt remove Onates appendage to cause friction or turmoil. He said they wanted to educate people about the statues being a one-sided tribute to New Mexicos Spanish colonization. He also noted that the U.S. Post Office had plans at that time to possibly issue an Onate stamp an unsuccessful effort spearheaded by the late U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici of New Mexico. We couldnt allow that to happen; there needs to be two sides to everything, he said in the Eyre interview. So we decided there was a reason to do this. He told filmmakers the act still reverberates today, 20 years later. In September, in fact, one of the Onate statues feet was vandalized again, covered in red paint this time it was the left foot and a wall nearby was tagged with references to 1680s Pueblo Revolt that pushed the Spanish out of what is now northern New Mexico. The foot-painting took place on the same day as this years Entrada pageant in Santa Fe, commemorating the Spanish re-occupation the city in 1692. The Journal North was not granted an in-person or phone interview with the man said to have Onates missing foot. Eyre said that the man is New Mexican and of Iroquois descent rather than from one of New Mexicos tribes. The Journal North in addition did not receive answers to emailed questions that were supposed to be delivered to the foot man through Eyre, who also did not provide images of the cut-off statue foot. The questions included what had been done with the bronze foot over the last two decades and whether the man was among those who sent the anonymous messages to the Journal North back in January 1998 taking credit for the foot removal. Statues become us Eyre, an enrolled member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, says that symbols like commemorative statues eventually become us, which means they require ongoing evaluation of what they represent to all cultures and races. If youre going to put up these statues and symbols were supposed to honor and tell our children to blindly honor, we should at least get both sides of the story, especially in a moving, living culture like America, said Eyre. Todays nationwide dialogue over historical statues most notably those of Confederate leaders was intensified after Augusts Charlottesville, Va., protests involving a statue of Robert E. Lee in which one person was killed. Statues Between U.S. was put in motion several months prior to that. Proudfit, department chair of American Indian Studies at California State University San Marcos and director of the California Indian Culture & Sovereignty Center, said its timely to ask people to reflect on who or what Americans choose to publicly idolize and possibly bring healing to communities not always heard. She noted that Onate was tried and found guilty by his own people of cruelty because of his treatment of native people. The facts were available (when the statue was erected in 1992 with state funding), so why people would make a decision to elevate this individual to a prominent position and immortalize him through a metal statue is something we need to scratch are heads at and say why him, why then and what do we do now, she said. But Thomas Romero, executive director of the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area whose offices are now housed in the Onate center where the equestrian statue is located told the Journal that he doesnt know if enough scholarly research has been done to confirm whether the Acoma Pueblo foot amputations attributed to Onate indeed happened as described, although theres been little if any debate about the historical accounts in New Mexico. Romero said his organization is a neutral party that wants to incite multi-sided dialogue over what the statue represents to locals. He said he doesnt know how a film like the one Eyre is working on will impact that conversation. When you take on an issue and want to present it, youll have people lining up on many different sides, he said. Im not sure what that would do. Eyre said hes not saying to take statues down or leave them up, but wants to inspire people to question what they see. Statute of limitations The Onate statues missing bronze foot was quickly replaced, costing Rio Arriba County about $40,000, said current Sheriffs Office Capt. Randy Sanches. But whoever cut the foot off doesnt have to worry about criminal charges today, Sanches said. Any felony counts from the 1997 vandalism had a five-year statute of limitations, he said. Criminally, we couldnt charge him, and I dont believe civilly we have a leg to stand on, either, said Sanches. Eyre says theres a difference between damaging property and what his foot man did, which was moving the conversation forward. Theres a guy who did something, he said. Whether you agree or disagree, the conversation is still being had, and its more relevant today than it was 20 years ago when he did it. He did something 20 years ago that is actually still relevant today. In my field, they call that art. Its the highest compliment, because its an ongoing process, an ongoing constant. SAN DIEGO Thanks to a bill recently signed into law by Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown, California is now officially a sanctuary state. Big deal. If you take a close look at the actual language of SB 54, also known as the California Values Act, youll see it for what it is: a symbolic and worthless gesture intended to inflame both sides of the immigration debate without upsetting the apple cart. This law is about politics, not police work. Democrats get to fool Latinos and immigration advocates into thinking they have their back, when the truth is thats where they often stick the knife. Republicans get to advance the narrative that the opposing party is soft on immigration enforcement, when the truth is its the GOP that goes soft when that enforcement is aimed at the employers who are the root of the problem. The California measure preserves the law enforcement status quo. Although it originally intended to limit cooperation between local law enforcement agencies and the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), there will be plenty of room for partnerships. For instance, ICE still has access to county jails, and it can still get a heads-up from local officials when someone is released from custody if that person has committed certain crimes or if ICE has a warrant. This was predictable. After all, local police chiefs and county sheriffs have to contend with something that their federal brethren get to avoid public accountability. They have no interest in allowing dangerous people to roam their streets in search of new victims. People get fired over things like that. Meanwhile, ICE is tied up in political double-talk. Acting Director Thomas Homan says the new law will keep his agents from doing their jobs. Of course, Homan is also at the moment launching a crackdown on illegal immigrants in California, a state that allows his agents to do their jobs. So its certainly not the case that illegal immigrants should try to seek refuge in the Golden State, unless they intend to spend their golden years back in their home country after they get deported. Think of it this way. In California, the word sanctuary is Latin for Your bus is waiting. The few modifications under the law merely roll back some of the encroachments that federal immigration agents have made on local police and sheriffs departments since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. These opposing jurisdictions are supposed to operate separately, and they have been way too cozy for way too long. Incidentally, the relationship is dysfunctional and rife with inconsistencies. On the one hand, federal agents have never respected local cops or seen them as their equals. On the other, that doesnt stop them from letting lowly local cops do their work for them, so the G-Men and G-Women can sit around, drink coffee and brag about their pensions. The sheriffs deputies who run the jails complained that theyll alert ICE when theyre releasing a prisoner who might be in the country illegally, and that if hes a low-level offender they wont get a response. And then if that person commits a crime that gets media attention, ICE which specializes in CYA will blame the local officials. So will the California sanctuary law make things better or worse? Its not likely to have much of an effect either way. The media says that this is because fierce opposition from police and sheriffs groups forced lawmakers to negotiate and add a series of amendments that allow for some cooperation. Could be. The author of the bill is state Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, a Democrat who recently announced that he is running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by fellow Democrat Dianne Feinstein. Im sure that de Leon didnt want to kick off his campaign by alienating law enforcement. But the real reason for the amendments goes back to Gov. Brown, who is pure politics and who like Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama before him has no interest in being caricatured as a Democrat who is soft on immigration. He threatened to veto the bill if he didnt get the amendments, and he won that showdown. Emphasis on show. After all, California home to Hollywood is the grand factory of make-believe. So naturally, in the sanctuary debate, the focus is on theater. And nothing is what it seems. E-mail: ruben@rubennavarrette.com. Copyright, The Washington Post Writers Group. The refusal of President Donald Trump to extend by executive order the DACA program creates a crisis of sorts the kind of crisis that Congress should use as impetus to finally enact meaningful immigration reform. Like many Americans, Trump has expressed sympathy for those protected by DACA Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals an executive order by President Obama. It allowed about 800,000 people who came to the United States illegally before turning 16 and have remained here since June 15, 2007, to be shielded from deportation and allowed to obtain work permits so long as they met other criteria, such as the absence of a serious criminal record. But Obamas order exceeded the presidents powers as he himself declared on more than one occasion before issuing it and would almost certainly have been struck down in a legal challenge. So Trump declined to renew the order Sept. 5 and called on Congress to do its job. And the nation, including all those DACA Dreamers, is still waiting. While Trump says he wants a fix for the young adults covered by DACA, he also has some asks as part of the deal. Some of them are more reasonable than others. He wants an overhaul of the green card system to put a greater focus on bringing in immigrants with the skill sets needed for the economy, putting the focus there rather than on joining family members here. Immigration policy should, in fact, be run for the benefit of the country and the green card fix makes sense. Trump also is asking for an additional 10,000 Customs and Border Patrol agents, funding to build his oft-promised wall and action to stem the flow of unaccompanied minors into the United States. Democrat leaders in Congress, who perhaps were hoping for a clean DACA fix with a path to citizenship, have reacted with alarm and say Trump cant possibly be serious. He almost certainly is. Trump campaigned on border security, including the wall. He did win the election and isnt about to jettison those positions. A DACA fix, especially if it comes with a path to citizenship for 800,000 people, is a huge step. And in principle, some of the presidents other points have merit. There are plenty of people in Congress who can remember that America had a grand bargain on immigration reform under Reagan and then ended up with an estimated 11 million people here illegally after the issue had been fixed. So, yes, border security and enforcing visa visitation limits is important. We dont need a massive wall along the border. But a better physical barrier is needed in some spots, and it sends an important message that the United States is serious about its border. Its not a novel concept. Obama and many other Democrats voted for the Secure Fence Act in 2006 that called for enhancing the physical barrier. DACA is a problem that needs fixing, and polls show most Americans agree. Polls also show most Americans want us to control immigration one of the reasons Donald Trump is in the White House. Hillary Clintons open borders comment no doubt cost her votes. Solving DACA and the bigger issues will require tough negotiations and compromise. Nobody will, or should, get everything they want. This is an opportunity to substantially improve a broken system. Its not one our elected leaders should waste in favor of pandering to one side or the other. SANTA FE Michelle Lujan Grisham rolled out her economic plan this week, but other Democratic gubernatorial candidates say theyve already been touting their own job-creation initiatives. Albuquerque media executive Jeff Apodaca said hes talked with voters about implementing a scaled minimum wage structure and building an international film school in Santa Fe with a mix of public and industry dollars, among other ideas. And state Sen. Joseph Cervantes of Las Cruces cited legislation he introduced this year to overhaul New Mexicos system for public works projects the bill ultimately stalled in the House of Representatives as an example of his own jobs-related resume. More than $762.8 million in allocated money for 2,030 infrastructure projects statewide was unspent as of June, due largely to a lack of planning and oversight. Cervantes also cited a need for the states colleges and universities to work more closely with the business community to improve workforce training and other issues. Expect to hear plenty more from 2018 gubernatorial candidates on the economy over the next year, as New Mexico has had one of the nations highest unemployment rates for most of this year. Lujan Grisham, Cervantes and Apodaca are seeking the Democratic nomination in the race, along with alcohol awareness advocate Peter DeBenedittis of Santa Fe. U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., the only GOP candidate in the race, is expected to release his own economic plan in the coming months. Contributions returned: A dust-up over drinking water has prompted State Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn to return $4,500 in past political contributions. A State Land Office assistant commissioner said Tuesday that Dunn had sent back the contributions to Ray Westall, a southeastern New Mexico oil and natural gas executive who recently filed a lawsuit against him. The suit alleges a policy aimed at curbing how much water oil and natural gas producers can take from a massive aquifer is usurping water rights stretching back to the 1960s. Dunn has said the policy will help protect the Ogallala Aquifer, an underground reservoir that has been steadily depleted in recent years. He has also urged oil and gas companies to drill deeper down to tap a nonpotable underground water source. In announcing he was returning the donations, Dunn said the State Land Office is not for sale and urged Westall to put the money toward unpaid water royalties. The contributions one for $2,000 and the other for $2,500 were given to Dunn in 2014 and 2016, respectively, according to campaign filings. Dan Boyd: dboyd@abqjournal.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. The California Republican Partys decision to invite right-wing provocateur and former presidential adviser Stephen K. Bannon to address its convention Friday created an unsettled concoction of excitement, dread and rubbernecking curiosity for GOP loyalists in the state. The keynote speech in Anaheim is scheduled less than a week after Bannon, who runs the far-right website Breitbart News, called for a season of war on the GOP establishment. The threat was aimed squarely at Republicans in Washington whom Bannon considers disloyal to President Donald Trump and the conservative agenda. Bannon will appear before a California GOP desperate to reverse its deteriorating influence in a state where it has been losing members and where Republican victories in statewide political races have been nonexistent for a decade. His admirers hope his speech will invigorate the GOP base and lure Trump supporters outside of the party into its fold. But Republican critics worry hell undercut efforts to rekindle the party in a state where Trump and his policies remain widely unpopular. Bannon tops a list of mostly Trump-aligned speakers set to address the convention, including Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton and Fox News Jeanine Pirro. State Republican Party Chairman Jim Brulte said he isnt worried about the stir Bannon might create among Republicans who have a distaste for him or the president. If two people agree on absolutely everything, theres no earthly need for one of them, he said. Brulte and other state party leaders said Bannons invitation was an easy call he was Trumps top political strategist until August. His appearance will also attract television news cameras and pump life into what was expected to be a sleepy, three-day GOP convention. But others in the party dont see it that way. Former Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes unleashed a series of rapid-fire tweets to blast the decision last week. Its a huge step backward and demonstrates that the Party remains tone deaf and intellectually dishonest with the vast majority of Californians, tweeted Mayes, who recently resigned his leadership post amid criticism and controversy. As in life, you cant have it both ways and todays announcement made clear the direction the party wants to go. Republican political consultant Kevin Eckery, who served as former Gov. Pete Wilsons press secretary, called Bannon a fear-monger who undercuts a party searching for political relevance in a state dominated by Democrats. I think it contributes to the destruction of the California GOP. Bannon is not just divisive, but is literally intent on destroying the party in hopes that he can rebuild something in his image, Eckery said. And his image in not something we need to convey in California. Other California GOP strategists noted that Democrat Hillary Clinton beat Trump in the state by more than 4.2 million votes in November. Their party can only grow if it becomes more inclusive, they said. Republican National Committeewoman Harmeet Dhillon dismissed those concerns about Bannon and said critics would be wise to consider his audience. Were talking about the party faithful, and I can tell you hes very popular among those people, Dhillon said. Dhillon also brushed aside the criticism from Mayes, who resigned as Republican Assembly leader under pressure after joining Democrats to support an extension of the states cap-and-trade program, which requires companies to pay for permits to pollute. Chad is, frankly, irrelevant, she said. Dhillon defended Bannons efforts to target establishment Republicans in Washington who have failed to deliver on their campaign promises namely repealing Obamacare, passing substantial tax reform and cracking down on immigrants entering the country illegally. Bannon received substantial credit for Trumps upset win in November and, as his chief adviser, helped orchestrate many of the Republican presidents early policies, including his orders against immigrants and refugees. But throughout Bannons time in Washington, Democrats and other Trump adversaries have criticized him as a racially divisive figure who is sympathetic to white nationalists and helped stoke Trumps nationalistic tendencies. When Bannon arrives in Anaheim on Friday, hes expected to be greeted by a protest organized by Southern California chapters of Indivisible. An Anaheim Police Department official said the agency is aware of possible demonstrations but declined to provide details on how it is preparing for the protest. The state Republican Party is also ramping up security at the convention in anticipation of protests. Since being forced out of the Trump White House in August, Bannon returned to Breitbart and has launched a political crusade against Republicans he believes are impeding the Trump agenda. At a gathering of conservative activists in Washington on Saturday, Bannon ripped into Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., one of Trumps harshest critics in the GOP. Theres a time and season for everything, and right now its a season of war against a GOP establishment, Bannon said at the event. Celeste H. Greig, former president of the California Republican Assembly, a conservative group once deemed the conscience of the state GOP by Ronald Reagan, said she couldnt be happier with Bannons push to clean up the GOP. Most of the Republicans criticizing Bannon are those who belonged to the band of never Trump party members, people who opposed Trumps presidential campaign from the get-go, she said. What Steve Bannon is saying makes sense. You are either with me or you are not, Greig said. The top two Republicans running for California governor, who will be making appeals to GOP delegates at this weekends convention, provided slightly different takes on Bannons appearance. Assemblyman Travis Allen praised Bannon for taking on the elites in the Republican Party. Businessman John Cox offered a more measured response. Agree with him or not, he helped elect a president that the establishment and media thought couldnt possibly win, Cox said in a statement. Bannons style is in stark contrast to one of the other top speakers at the California Republican Partys convention this weekend, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy. An affable political insider, McCarthy appeared to be a lock to become the next speaker of the House in 2015, but he withdrew from consideration after he was undercut by the Houses conservative Freedom Caucus. Still, McCarthy is widely admired in the state party. Kevin McCarthy represents more of the California Republican Party than a lot of other people do, including Steve Bannon, said Mario Guerra, treasurer of the state Republican Party. I firmly believe in what Ronald Reagan said: Thou shall not speak badly of other Republicans. (Staff writer Seema Mehta contributed to this report.) BEIT LAHIYA, Gaza Strip As the rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas move to reconcile, families of loved ones killed in Gazas civil war a decade ago are also learning to get along. With the backing of an exiled former Palestinian security chief, grieving families are agreeing to drop their 10-year-old blood feuds in exchange for $50,000 payments. The idea is to help Gaza move beyond one of its darkest chapters the weeklong round of internecine fighting that ended with Hamas takeover of the territory in 2007. More than 700 Palestinians were killed in the infighting between the Fatah and Hamas factions, which was characterized by pitched gunbattles on Gazas streets and scenes of people being thrown off the rooftops of high-rise buildings. The project is also giving Mohammed Dahlan, the former Gaza intelligence chief, his most direct involvement in Palestinian affairs since he was forced into exile in 2010 by President Mahmoud Abbas. In this conservative society, family feuds are perhaps the biggest threat to the social fabric. Organizers hope that working at the local level can help on the broader political level as well. By doing this, we end rancor among families, said Majed Abu Shamalla, a Fatah lawmaker loyal to Dahlan. We end a cycle of blood and revenge and this can lead to a real political reconciliation. Without ending this, the political reconciliation between the Palestinian factions cant be achieved. When Khalil al-Anqah, a new recruit in the Hamas police force, was killed by a roadside bomb in 2007, Hamas blamed Fatah for the explosion and his family vowed to retaliate. But recently, the family dropped its plan to avenge his death. They were among hundreds of people who attended a reconciliation ceremony held at a wedding hall in the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya. After a reading from the Quran and speeches by local officials, a representative from each family was called to the stage, shook hands with officials and received a check. Ismail al-Anqah, Khalils brother, said agreeing to move on would have been difficult at the time of the explosion. The blood was still warm, but time relieves and reduces pain, he said, calling the compensation agreement bittersweet. Khalil was married and had two children who have grown up without a father. We will spend this sum that we got for reconciliation for the benefit of the martyrs children, he said. I hope these incidents will not happen again and the families will not suffer like our suffering. Hundreds of families have similar stories. In November 2007, Tariq al-Najjar, a Fatah security officer, was among seven people killed in clashes that erupted when Fatah tried to hold a political rally. Nearly a decade later, his mother, Um Mohammed, is still shedding tears. But the family accepted the compensation in the name of Palestinian unity. God bless them, all of them, she said about Hamas and Fatah. All of them are our sons. The family is planning to buy a house for Tariqs widowed wife and two children. We forgive the past for the sake of reconciliation, said Tariqs brother, Mohammed. Dahlan launched the initiative, called Takaful or social reconciliation, in September and so far 37 families have accepted checks. Still, not all families have agreed to cooperate. Some, invoking Islamic law, are still demanding that the killers of their loved ones be put to death. Members of the committee that distributes the checks said they will intensify pressure on these families to accept blood money later. The project has given Dahlan a high-profile role in Gaza. As security chief, Dahlan was a feared and reviled figure in Gaza who was forced to flee to Abbas West Bank base after the Hamas takeover. Three years later, he had a falling out with the Palestinian president and was forced to leave there as well. Exiled to the United Arab Emirates, Dahlan has forged good relations with Egypt and the Gulf governments and is angling for a comeback in the Palestinian territories. Abu Shamallah, the Dahlan loyalist, said a fund of $50 million financed by donations from Dahlans wealthy UAE sponsors has been created for the compensations, enough for roughly 725 families who lost loved ones, as well as people badly wounded or disabled in the fighting. When Dahlans name was mentioned during speeches at the recent ceremony, the hall erupted in applause. Dahlans efforts are independent of the reconciliation process going on between Fatah and Hamas. Under Egyptian mediation, the rivals have announced a preliminary agreement but still need to work out key details, such as who will control Hamas vast weapons arsenal. Abbas, the Palestinian president, detests Dahlan and has rejected any political comeback by his nemesis. In the meantime, Dahlan has also been spreading his influence by supporting projects for jobless workers, students and medical patients. Abu Shamalla said Dahlan will run independently in future elections to challenge Abbas if the Palestinian leader tries to block his political comeback. We will try our attempts to unify Fatah, but if we cannot, we will go the elections route, he said. WASHINGTON The White House on Friday rushed to defend chief of staff John Kelly after he mischaracterized the remarks of a Democratic congresswoman and called her an empty barrel making noise. A Trump spokeswoman said it was inappropriate to question Kelly in light of his stature as a retired four-star general. The administration also insisted its long past time to end the political squabbling and insult trading over President Donald Trumps compassion for Americas war dead, even as it lobbed fresh vilification at Florida Rep. Frederica Wilson. She kept the barbed exchanges going, adding a new element by suggesting a racial context. Taking cues from a president who hates to back down, the administration staunchly defended Kelly, who a day before had denounced Wilsons criticism of Trump and added his condemnation of past remarks she had made at a Miami event. Kelly said she delivered a 2015 speech at an FBI field office dedication in which she talked about how she was instrumental in getting the funding for that building, rather than keeping the focus on the fallen agents for which it was named. Video of the speech contradicted his recollection. Wilson, in an interview Friday with The New York Times, brought race into the dispute. The White House itself is full of white supremacists, said Wilson, who is black, as is the Florida family Trump had called in a condolence effort this week that led to the back-and-forth name calling. Trump, in an interview with Fox Business Network, then called Wilsons criticism of Kelly sickening. And, in a comment that seems unlikely to be the last word, he said he actually had had a very nice call, with the family of Sgt. La David Johnson. It all started when Wilson told reporters that Trump had insulted the family of Johnson, who was killed two weeks ago in Niger. She was fabricating that, Trump said. The soldiers widow and aunt said no, it was the president who was fibbing. Then Kelly strode out in the White House briefing room on Thursday, backing up the president and suggesting Wilson was just grandstanding as he said she had at the FBI dedication in 2015. After news accounts took issue with part of that last accusation, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders chastised reporters Friday for questioning the account of a decorated general. If you want to go after General Kelly, thats up to you, she said. But I think that if you want to get into a debate with a four-star Marine general, I think that thats something highly inappropriate. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican and an Air Force veteran, rejected Sanders contention that questioning a general was out of line, saying simply, No, not in America. Video of the FBI office dedication in Miami, from the archives of South Floridas Sun-Sentinel, shows that Wilson never mentioned the buildings funding, though she did recount at length her efforts to help name the building in honor of the special agents. That did nothing to deter Sanders, who said If youre able to make a sacred act like honoring American heroes about yourself, youre an empty barrel. Sanders also used a dismissive Southwest ranchers term, calling Wilson, who often wears elaborate hats, all hat and no cattle. Wilson was in the car with the family of Johnson, who died in an Oct. 4 ambush that killed four American soldiers in Niger, when Trump called to express his condolences on Tuesday. She said in an interview that Trump had told Johnsons widow that you know that this could happen when you signed up for it but it still hurts. Johnsons aunt, who raised the soldier from a young age, said the family took that remark to be disrespectful. The Defense Department is investigating the details of the Niger ambush, in which Islamic militants on motorcycles brought rocket-propelled grenades and heavy machine guns, killing the four and wounding others. The FBI said it is assisting, as it has in the past when American citizens are killed overseas. Sanders said Friday that if the spirit in which Trumps comments were intended were misunderstood, thats very unfortunate. Trump told associates he was furious about what he perceived as unfair media coverage of the phone-call controversy. He posted on Twitter late Thursday: The Fake News is going crazy with wacky Congresswoman Wilson(D), who was SECRETLY on a very personal call, and gave a total lie on content! Wilson said the family had put his phone call on speakerphone, and stood by her account. Sanders said Trump chose to tweet about the controversy because it should have ended yesterday after General Kellys comments. But it didnt. It continued, and its still continuing today. Kelly, whose son was killed in Afghanistan in 2010, was outraged over what he saw as Wilson trying to score political points off a tragedy, according to two White House officials not authorized to discuss private conversations. Sanders said it was a personal decision by Kelly to discuss the matter publicly. ___ Lemire reported from New York. Associated Press writers Ken Thomas in Washington and Terry Spencer in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, contributed reporting. ___ Follow Lemire on Twitter at http://twitter.com///twitter.com/@colvinj LOVINGTON, N.M. Authorities say a Lovington police officer fired a gunshot during the apprehension of a man who briefly escaped police custody after being arrested at a business on suspicion of burglary. The New Mexico State Police says nobody was injured during the incident early Thursday morning. According to the State Police, the incident began with the arrest of 18-year-old Karlo Sanchez Hernandez at a business and continued with his running toward a restaurant before he was apprehended. Information on circumstances of the gunfire and the identity of the officer who fired the gunshot were not released. Its not known whether Hernandez has an attorney who could comment on the allegations. ONE Aviation Corp. in Albuquerque announced a new round of layoffs as the company winds down production of its Eclipse Aviation 550 very light jet to focus on design of the planned EA700 series aircraft. Its the second round of layoffs this year, although the company would not discuss the number of employees affected nor many how many remain on the job. ONE Aviation launched in 2015 as a merger of Wisconsin-based Kestrel Aviation and Eclipse Aerospace in Albuquerque. The latter had previously acquired the assets of the former Eclipse Aviation company after that business went bankrupt in 2009. ONE Aviation Corp. has continued to make the Eclipse 550 twin-engine jet since the 2015 merger, while also providing services for owners of that aircraft and for the previous series EA500 jet. ONE Aviation also produces the Krestel K350 single-engine turboprop. Last year, however, the company announced plans to phase out production of the EA550 aircraft to focus instead on designing and building an upgraded EA700 series jet. As we transition through the development stages of the highly anticipated EA700 series we made the very difficult, yet necessary, decision to reduce our workforce, said ONE Aviation CEO Alan Klapmeier in a prepared statement. The reduction was needed to align the companys headcount with its new focus, said spokeswoman Linda McDonough. The company remains committed to providing service and support for EA500 and EA550 owners as it begins to phase out production of the 550 and transition into the EA700, McDonough said. All of our company-owned and company-authorized service centers in the U.S. and elsewhere continue to operate. That includes service centers in Albuquerque, Chicago, San Diego and Boca Raton, Fla., as well as affiliated centers in other countries around the world, McDonough said. Meanwhile, design and testing of the EA700 is moving forward. The upgraded aircraft will hold more fuel in longer wings that will be extended by two feet on both sides, more cabin volume with a 14-inch fuselage stretch, a modern digital Garmin avionics suite, and more power with Williams International FJ33 engines, according to the company website. Klapmeier said ONE Aviation successfully completed the first flight of a proof-of-concept wing for the EA700 in September using a modified experimental test aircraft. This is a key milestone in the path to making a very good airplane a great airplane, Klapmeier said. The state Attorney Generals Office and Presbyterian Healthcare Services have started settlement talks in the high-profile lawsuit the AG filed three months ago that claimed Presbyterian brazenly and systematically defrauded taxpayers of millions of dollars. On Friday, a statement from the AGs Office said, Attorney General (Hector) Balderas and Presbyterian can confirm that the parties are in good-faith settlement discussions. We look forward to resolving this matter for the good of our state without lengthy litigation. The AG filed the lawsuit in July, alleging Presbyterian had engaged in a 15-year fraudulent enterprise by falsifying deductions and credits on Medicaid premiums, and violated the states insurance code. A Presbyterian spokeswoman confirmed the AGs statement Friday but had no further comment. The company has denied the allegations, saying it worked openly with state regulators in determining its tax liability. The allegations were originally brought by three whistleblowers who formerly worked in the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance. At issue are amended tax returns Presbyterian filed years after paying taxes, which allowed it to take credit in later years. Named as defendants in the complaint are Presbyterian Health Plan Inc., Presbyterian Network Inc. and Presbyterian Insurance Co. Inc. Dale Maxwell, president and CEO of Presbyterian Healthcare Services, told the Journal in July that the claims were without merit. At no point did Presbyterian commit fraud, without a doubt, Maxwell said, adding that the health system filed its returns, as well as amended returns in subsequent years, under the direction of the agency that oversees the collection of the premium tax: the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance. We worked alongside the OSI to amend these returns, Maxwell said. We did not do this alone in a back office. Meanwhile, the states superintendent of insurance and the state auditor hired an independent auditor after a special report said the five largest health insurance companies operating in New Mexico owed at least $193 million in premium taxes. In addition to Presbyterian, those firms are Molina Healthcare Inc., UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico and Amerigroup. However, state Insurance Superintendent John Franchini said last month that a preliminary summary of the audit showed that potential underpayments to the state amount to a fraction of that amount. In a statement Friday, state Auditor Tim Keller said, This month, our office will release an ongoing audit of premium tax collection that covers many issues with major New Mexico health insurance providers over multiple years. Our work is independent of the Attorney Generals lawsuit and the findings will be made public when it is complete. HOUSTON A former Houston police officer has been indicted in the off-duty shooting of a neighbor last year after an argument over a dog. A Harris County grand jury on Friday indicted Jason Loosmore on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The indictment alleges Loosmore, who was still an officer at the time, shot Casey Brown three times. The Harris County district attorneys office says Brown, who was unarmed, continues to recover from his wounds. The indictment says Loosmore was not wearing his uniform but had his badge hanging around his neck during the Oct. 13, 2016, shooting. The 32-year-old Loosmore didnt respond to an email from The Associated Press. He resigned shortly after the shooting. If convicted, he could be sentenced to two to 20 years in prison and fined up to $10,000. HOUSTON A civil rights group on Friday called unconstitutional a Houston suburbs hurricane repair grant program that says residents cannot boycott Israel as a condition of receiving any money. The American Civil Liberties Union said its considering legal action against the city of Dickinson over its Hurricane Harvey repair grant program, which will provide money to people whose homes and businesses in the city were damaged. The grant programs application has a section in which individuals have to acknowledge they will not boycott Israel during the term of this agreement. The Supreme Court has made very clear that participation in political boycotts is fully protected by the First Amendment, said ACLU staff attorney Brian Hauss. The boycott language was included to comply with a new state law prohibiting Texas agencies from contracting with companies boycotting Israel, said David Olson, the city attorney in Dickinson, located about 30 miles southeast of Houston. The law, which took effect Sept. 1, prohibits all state agencies from contracting with, and some public funds from investing in, companies that boycott Israel. Olson said its unclear if the new law applies to the citys grant program, funded by more than $1 million in private donations for victims. The confusion exists because once the city took control of the money, it became public funds and Dickinson had to create a grant program to distribute them, he said. The city classifies individuals receiving the grants as independent contractors. Were just trying to do whats right, comply with state law and make sure the residents get every benefit that we can lawfully give them, Olson said. Dickinson was one of the areas hardest hit by Harveys torrential rainfall in late August. More than 7,300 homes in the city were damaged, displacing about 7,900 residents. Dickinson is waiting to hear back from state officials on whether the law applies to the citys grant program and if it doesnt, then theres no reason for us to have it in the agreement, Olson said. The city does not take a political stance on the (boycott) itself. They are not for or against it, he said. Hauss said the main issue in this case is the state law and the ACLUs belief that the law is fundamentally unconstitutional. Twenty-one states, including Texas, have passed laws that prohibit them from entering into contracts with individuals or companies participating in a boycott of Israel. Earlier this month, the ACLU filed a federal lawsuit in Kansas on behalf of a teacher challenging that states boycott law. The state cannot condition government benefits, ranging from disaster relief to just access to government contracts, on the forfeiture of First Amendment rights, Hauss said. Olson said Dickinson officials hope to have heard back from the state by next Tuesdays city council meeting so a decision can be made on whether to change the grant programs no boycott requirement. ___ Follow Juan A. Lozano on Twitter at www.twitter.com/juanlozano70 ___ Some references in this story have been corrected to show that the last name of the ACLU staff attorney is Hauss, not Strauss. 2 killed, 12 seriously injured in Surkhet bus plunge At least 2 persons died and 12 others injured seriously when a passenger bus met with an accident at Simta Rural Municipality in Surkhet on Friday. September 25, 2017 Bijan Namdar Zanganeh, the most experienced minister in the Islamic Republic of Iran, has yet again been entrusted with one of the most challenging portfolios in the Hassan Rouhani administration: the Ministry of Petroleum (MoP). Experts agree that in the past four years, Zanganeh and his team have managed to rehabilitate the petroleum sector after the damaging years under former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejads (2005-2013) trial and error mentality and external sanctions. Now, Zanganeh and the MoP have new ambitions in the next four years, which will most probably be his final term as petroleum minister. In his presentation to parliament prior to his latest vote of confidence in early August, Zanganeh outlined the following plans for the non-gas subsectors in the next four years: Development of shared oil fields. Signing of new contracts with the goal of developing shared fields and increasing the rate of recovery from the countrys oil basins using the latest technologies and foreign investment in order to generate employment. Increasing the production capacity of oil with the goal of surging or at least maintaining Irans share of the global trade and improving Irans position in OPEC with the goal of empowering Iran economically, politically and securitywise. Renovating the old and degenerated segments of the oil industry. Constructing an oil terminal in the Sea of Oman. Completing the value chain in the petrochemical sector. Shifting away from exporting crude oil and emphasizing the export of petroleum products. Technological promotion in the oil sector and completion of the projects for local manufacturing of equipment. This is an ambitious list for a four-year term, but the Iranian government will certainly manage to pursue and materialize some of these goals. Some of the objectives are driven by political stakeholders (such as the focus on shared fields), some by security considerations (such as the oil terminal in the Sea of Oman) and others by technocrats (such as the introduction of the latest technologies). At the same time, the core challenge in achieving all of the listed targets will be to attract the needed foreign investment and technology. There is no doubt that the signing of the deal with the French Total-led consortium has generated a momentum in the interest of international oil companies (IOCs) to engage the Iranian market. Notwithstanding, the current political atmosphere and rising tensions between Tehran and Washington may compel a number of IOCs to delay their investment plans for Iran. Indeed, the petroleum sector will require more than $200 billion in investments in the next five years to achieve the mentioned goals. This, in turn, will necessitate massive foreign investment as well as the transfer of technology. What will help Iran in this process is the fact that it is one of few low-cost oil-producing countries that is offering its projects to IOCs. Low costs, as well as negligible geological risk, are benefits that could overcome the current political risks, but the government has to make sure that all other challenges faced by IOCs in Iran (such as corruption, legal uncertainties, etc.) are reduced to a minimum. Furthermore, one main bottleneck for IOCs has been the financing of projects due to the reluctance of first-tier international banks to engage the Iranian market. This means that the MoP and other Iranian authorities will have to offer suitable solutions to facilitate the financing and banking transactions related to major investments. Irans understandable insistence on the maximization of local content (i.e., the obligation of IOCs to subcontract the maximum possible level of the project components to Iranian companies) will require substantive qualitative capacity building in the local industry. In some cases, the desire to deploy the latest technologies in upstream projects may clash with the utilization of local content. Consequently, the MoP and its subsidiaries need to find the right balance between foreign and local technological content. The guiding principle should be one of the stated objectives, i.e., increasing the rate of recovery, which will enhance Irans national wealth and empower the country to invest more to create needed jobs. From a national economic perspective, the most significant objectives are those that promote local value creation, i.e., the completion of the petrochemical value chain as well as the focus on exporting petroleum products rather than crude oil. The more value is generated in Iran, the more wealth will be created and the less dependent Iran will be on the dynamics of the international crude market. However, in achieving additional value in the petroleum sector, the MoP needs to think of strategic partnerships not only with technology providers but also with other partners that can help finance projects and also offer access to international markets. In other words, the MoP needs to develop a new mindset that has to go far beyond simply producing and selling crude oil. The shift in mindset could go hand in hand with a demand from some of the stakeholders who request that younger managers be promoted in the petroleum sector. In fact, the current leadership in the petroleum sector has been around for the past three decades, and the time has come for the empowerment of younger managers. Another technological game-changer is the growing significance of energy efficiency. The government has passed a law that authorizes the MoP to guarantee investments of up to a total of $100 billion that are designed to improve energy efficiency and save energy resources. This is also a new experience that the technocracy in MoP needs to adjust to, i.e., the realization that it may actually be cheaper to save a barrel of oil than to produce one. There are also other challenges that Zanganeh is facing. Energy sector expert Mehdi Assali believes that adjusting the political economy of oil will be one of Zanganehs challenges deciding about production levels, how to distribute the resulting oil rent among influential stakeholders in the political sphere and policies toward foreign investment that will be needed to optimize the utilization of the countrys vast oil and gas reserves. It is no secret that the rents emerging from the petroleum sector have corrupted significant layers of the state structure. The case of the corrupt network around jailed businessman Babak Zanjani is only one example of the shady structures and dealings around petroleum sector interests in Iran. The only viable path to reduce the potential of corruption is to introduce the highest level of transparency into the sector a process that will require legal and political reforms. All in all, Zanganeh and the MoP will continue to face major challenges in achieving their stated goals. However, in the absence of major political upheavals, Zanganeh is the right politician to pursue these objectives and elevate the countrys most important economic sector to new highs. October 18, 2017 After nine months of disavowing the Obama administrations Iran policy, US President Donald Trump has finally unveiled his strategy toward the Islamic Republic: all-out confrontation. His Oct. 13 speech announcing the policy was nothing short of war mongering and marks the elimination of any prospects for successful US-Iran diplomacy. Trump's address and the White House fact sheet detailing his Iran policy centered on traditional US rebukes of Iran over its regional influence, defensive capabilities (such as its ballistic missile program), its domestic policies and the role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Of course, he also followed through with his threat to decertify Iranian compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), against the wishes of his senior advisers and European allies, and even as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly verified Irans compliance with its obligations under the nuclear deal. Trump also said that if a solution to the JCPOA was not reached with Congress and US allies, then the agreement will be terminated. Furthermore, while he stopped short of designating the IRGC as a terrorist group, he imposed new sanctions on the organization. Trumps Iran policy is based on an amalgamation of the most hard-line talking points on Iran uttered by every US administration since 1979, with the sole exception of President Barack Obamas second term. Every US president since 1979 has accused the Iranian government of being a state sponsor of terrorism, destabilizing the region and transgressing the rights of its people. US policies all evoked a desire for regime change through attempting to isolate Iran and mobilize regional and international powers against it, exporting arms to regional states hostile to Iran, supporting violent opposition groups and separatists inside Iran, and engaging in covert war aimed at sabotaging Irans economic and military capabilities. Trumps speech was notable given that it was light on actual strategy. Instead, he relied on polemics and insults bound to offend Iranians of every political stripe, particularly through use of the term Arabian Gulf to refer to the historically and internationally recognized name for the body of water that separates Irans southwestern coast and the Arabian Peninsula. Of note, the United States officially refers to the latter as the Persian Gulf, as does the United Nations. Consequently, such rhetoric reinforces to the Iranian people the disingenuousness of Trump's references to their proud history culture [and] civilization; this, coupled with Trumps outright ban on Iranians entering the United States, negates any Trump claim of siding with them. With respect to the JCPOA, Trumps speech and his newly laid-out policy reveal that he seeks to goad Iran into withdrawing from the deal. Given international support for the landmark accord, he is in a bind, and thus aims to kill the deal by attempting to create international consensus over sanctioning Iran for non-nuclear reasons that have to do with purported Iranian malign behavior in the region. While Trumps speech won him immediate official acclamations from the Israeli, Saudi, Emirati and Bahraini governments, traditional US allies in Europe all publicly declared their strong support for the JCPOA and intention to continue diplomatic engagement with Iran. The IAEA reiterated that Iran is fully in compliance with its obligations under the deal. Thus, it appears that the United States is experiencing unprecedented international isolation on Iran. Indeed, after Trumps speech, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said, The international community, and the European Union with it, has clearly indicated that the deal is, and will continue to be, in place. The situation could also quickly deteriorate given the Trump administrations increasingly frequent declarations of regime change as an overarching foreign policy objective. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reiterated Oct. 15 that Washingtons endgame is for the Iranian government to be toppled. By committing to a regime change policy, Trump is not only contradicting his own campaign rhetoric, which castigated US policies of regime change under Obama and President George W. Bush, but is violating the UN charter and reviving memories in the Iranian public of the 1953 CIA-orchestrated coup that overthrew the democratically elected government of Mohammad Mossadegh. Such attempts by Trump to create cleavages between the Iranian public and government, or even within the government in Tehran, are futile and fatal to any endeavor to negotiate with Tehran on any issue. Trumps decertification of the JCPOA and his ultra-hawkish, anti-Iran rhetoric have not only alienated US allies, but predictably united a usually divided Iranian public behind their government. Moreover, with his vociferous attacks on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the IRGC, Trump has ruled out any possibility for negotiations with Tehran and put the two countries on a dangerous trajectory toward war. After nearly 40 years of pursuing confrontational, zero-sum strategies toward Iran, the United States has only seen its regional influence wither and its autocratic allies prove unsustainable, while Iran has emerged as a major regional power. For Trump to now take such a hostile stance toward Iran and especially Ayatollah Khamenei and the IRGC positions the United States to be perpetually at odds with the Islamic Republic and remain entangled in costly interventions in the region at unnecessary cost to its human and material resources and global standing. October 17, 2017 BAGHDAD With its shelves filled with books by Russian and Italian authors alongside contemporary Iraqi writers, Books Town provides a welcome refuge in Baqubeh in Diyala governorate, which is known for sectarian violence and the Islamic State (IS). The bookstore, which is a frequent stop for many intellectuals in Diyala governorate, is owned by Tayseen Ameer, a 31-year-old engineer. A woman who runs a bookstore is a rarity in the area but this has not stopped Ameer, who was dismayed that only a few bookstores cater to customers sitting down and reading. I wanted to spare local readers the effort of traveling all the way to Baghdad to buy books, Ameer told Al-Monitor. She said that she has faced many obstacles since she opened her bookshop in 2016 at the town's commercial center, where most shops and large markets are owned by men. Some of her family members opposed her opening the bookstore, while some people who walked in harassed her, saying she had no business doing a mans job. Ruqaiyya Abd Ali, a lawyer who spends her mornings selling books in the well-known Mutanabbi Street, was the first woman to open a bookstore in Iraq. Since February 2015, Abd Ali has been selling books on the sidewalk, rather than in a bookstore, and her visibility as a bookseller has encouraged other women to follow in her footsteps and sell books on the street. I was surprised with the public and media interest in my business in Mutanabbi Street. I did not even know that I was the first woman to work as a bookseller [in Iraq], Abd Ali told Al-Monitor, adding that she encourages more women to take up the profession. Abd Ali, like many of her female colleagues, considers the presence of women in bookselling a role that has been reserved traditionally for men a defiance of the traditions and norms that have long contributed to the isolation of women and banning them from being active members of society and taking up employment. When a woman runs her own bookshop or holds another job, she proves her presence in society and changes the stereotypes that demand her to be invisible," Abd Ali noted. In Sulaimaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan, Rengin Jamal, 24, realized her dream in August when she opened a cafe where customers can read and buy books. In Erbil, the Iraqi Kurdish capital, a group of women opened in May the Book Cafe, which is a coffee shop, bookshop and library, all under one roof. In Babylon, a city located along the banks of the Euphrates River, Atyaf Qays opened Ward (Flowers) bookshop in August. Her bookstore focuses on women as she considers them the seeds for a positive future of Iraqi society. She stocks books that may interest female readers and organizes meetings and conferences for women. Qays faced many challenges in the run-up to launching her business. Some people accepted my idea of selling books while others did not. However, Im trying to win over everyone and those who object will not deter me from my goal, Qays told Al-Monitor, citing instances of harassment and discrimination. It is as important to fight against ignorance as fighting against IS, she said. Female booksellers are hard to find in the southern governorates, despite cities in the south of Iraq organizing festivals, forums and cultural activities. Tamara al-Attiya is a womens rights activist from the southern city of Basra who is in the initial stages of opening a bookstore. The bookshop is not only my business and passion it is also part of a reformist cultural movement, Attiya told Al-Monitor. Attiyas main aim is to introduce the new generation to the joys of reading, as she is concerned that the sectarian and tribal conflicts and crises are distracting from knowledge and learning. The new generation which is my target audience is attracted by modern ideas and lifestyles; yet they are stuck in a conservative culture. At the same time they are inspired by Iraq's glorious history of civilization and modern thoughts and ideas, she said. Many of the bookstores run by women also sell books online, with sometimes hard to find books delivered to the customer's home. Bookstores run by women encouraged me to read and order titles that are considered unsuitable for female readers, Zahraa Saad, 25, who gained an interest in reading two years ago, told Al-Monitor. October 18, 2017 The Saudis are increasingly desperate to find a way out of the Yemeni quagmire. They apparently believe Yemen's ex-dictator, their longtime enemy Ali Abdullah Saleh, can help. A Russian medical team flew into Sanaa on Oct. 11 with the approval of the Saudis, who control Yemeni airspace. The Russian surgeons then performed a life-saving procedure on the 75-year-old Saleh. Some reports say the surgery took place at the Russian Embassy in the capital. Saleh's exact health issue is unclear, but it apparently is a result of the severe burns and other injuries he suffered during an assassination attempt in 2011. At the time, the Saudis rushed him to a hospital in the kingdom, where his life was saved. He formally gave up the presidency the next year. During his 34 years as Yemen's president, Saleh clashed repeatedly with the Saudis. In 1990, Yemen tilted toward supporting Iraq in the Kuwait crisis. The Saudis expelled a million Yemeni guest workers to punish Saleh and bring down the Yemeni economy. In 1994, Riyadh backed the south Yemeni secessionists with military and diplomatic support, hoping to split the country in two. Their machinations failed, leaving Saleh in office and the royal family humiliated. They finally eased him out of office in 2014 to be replaced by his deputy. The United Nations Security Council has sanctioned Saleh for failing to abide by the terms of his dismissal from office sanctions the Saudis supported and lobbied for. By some accounts, Saleh has hidden in foreign accounts tens of billions of dollars he looted from the Yemeni economy during his misrule of the country. The UN imposed a global travel ban on Saleh and sought to seize his assets. After the Russian doctors saved Saleh, the Saudi press reported, "Saudi-led coalition intervenes to save seriously ill Saleh's life!" The reports noted that this is the second time Riyadh saved Saleh from his injuries. No explanation for why Riyadh wanted Saleh to live was offered. Nor was the permission to fly into Sanaa, breaking the Saudi blockade of Yemen, put into a larger context. Most likely the Saudis are hoping to break the rebel alliance between Saleh and the Houthis, which has been fraying this year. The Saudi war effort is costly and contributing to the flatlining of the Saudi economy. It is unpopular in the West. The battlefield is a brutal stalemate that has produced the worst humanitarian catastrophe in the world. If the rebels split, perhaps the Saudis and their partners can prevail against the Houthis. Both King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud and his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, have their prestige heavily invested in this war. They rushed into it precipitously 2 years ago. They feared Iran was taking control of Yemen via the Houthis and creating an Iranian bridgehead on the Arabian Peninsula. The irony of saving Saleh to find a way out of the mess is rich. Salman was in Moscow earlier this month for an unprecedented state visit to Russia. President Vladimir Putin provided a very positive reception, and Russian media extensively promoted the visit. Old promises of arms sales were dusted off and recycled. It is reasonable to assume that the king and Putin discussed the Yemeni imbroglio. Russia has been openly critical of the UN's approach to the conflict, which Moscow rightly says is too friendly to the Saudi argument and insufficiently even-handed. Moscow was the only Security Council member to abstain from the council vote to back the Saudi coalition two years ago. It has maintained its embassy in Sanaa despite the Saudi blockade. The Russians worked with Saleh during his decades in power. He was then a master of playing geopolitics from a weak hand. It was the demise of the Soviet Union in 1990 that set the stage for his greatest triumph, the peaceful union of Yemen's north with the former Soviet communist client state in the south, called the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen. Russia lost its naval base in Aden as a consequence. The Russians may hope that helping the Saudis in Yemen and working with Saleh to resolve the war will increase the perception that Russian influence in the Arab world is reviving. Their intervention in Syria has gained much attention. Reluctantly the Saudis are accepting that Russian support for Bashar al-Assad has trumped their support for his Sunni enemies, despite billions from the Saudi intelligence services. So using Russian doctors to save Saleh may be the ticket to success in Yemen. But Saleh is a declining player. The Houthis have systematically taken control of his bases and loyalists this year, as tensions with their putative partner grew. Now some Houthi leaders are calling for the rebellion to take control of his money to rebuild the economy. With his health deteriorating, the ultimate survivor of modern Yemeni politics is unlikely to be the Houthis' undoing. There may be no way out for the kingdom except to acknowledge Houthi control of north Yemen. Balgopaleshwor Temple to remain closed this Bhai Tika as well The Balgopaleshwor temple, which used to open for the public only on the day of Bhai Tika during the Tihar festival, will remain closed this year as well. Georgias Port of Brunswick, currently the No. 2 auto port in the U.S., announced a planned 50 percent increase in roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) capacity increase and future plans to expand automobile processing spaces at the annual State of the Ports address. The Port of Brunswick the second largest roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) facility in the United States now has an annual capacity of 800,000 vehicles, said Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) Executive Director Griff Lynch at the annual State of the Ports address on Thursday. GPA has increased auto processing capacity at Colonels Island Terminal by 50 percent over the past 12 months, all of which has been absorbed by processors and manufacturers, said Lynch. The ro-ro terminal has expanded from 60,000 spaces in 2016 to 90,000 spaces today for a total capacity of 800,000 cars annually. Auto processors Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, Mercedes and International Auto Processors have absorbed the additional space. The three processors have also added 200 acres to the south side of the ro-ro facility, bringing auto processing space to 600 acres, according to GPA. Since last year, weve been implementing an aggressive growth plan, enabling GPA and our auto processing partners to win new customers and capture greater market share, Lynch stated. Last year, we told you we would be implementing an infrastructure investment philosophy weve used at Savannahs container operation for years now, said GPA Board Chairman Jimmy Allgood. That philosophy is to maintain capacity above current demand. Investing for the future has enabled the GPA to take on new customers and handle greater than expected container growth without congestion or capacity worries. We anticipate the same benefits for the auto trade here in Brunswick. Future plans for Brunswick will allow the movement, processing and storage of 1.4 million vehicles annually. Growing our infrastructure will allow GPA to better serve the needs of auto processors and manufacturers as they rely more heavily on our terminal to meet customer demands, said Lynch. This investment puts the Colonels Island facility on track to become the nations No. 1 auto port. Lynch also updated conference attendees on the state of maintenance dredging, which is expected to bring the Brunswick River to its authorized depth of 36 feet by 2018. Over $10 million dollars of federal funding from fiscal year 2017 will roll over into the current fiscal year along with the proposed budget of $4.5 million, said Lynch. As the vessels serving the Port of Brunswick grow larger, it becomes more important for this port to receive sufficient federal dollars to maintain the channel at its full authorized depth, said Lynch. We are happy to report that the upward trend in harbor maintenance funding appears to be continuing into the current fiscal year. The Port of Savannah is also in the midst of dredging, with 35 percent of the operation completed. Lynch also discussed the bulk operations at the port, with commodities growing 12 percent to reach 135,250 tons, animal feed increasing 7.7 percent to 66,725 tons and salt growing 44 percent to 56,670 tons at the East River Terminal, which is operated by Logistec. However, the terminals largest commodity, wood pellets, dipped 11.7 percent tons for a total of 461,114 tons in fiscal year 2017. Wood pellets are projected to reach 600,000 tons, or a 30 percent increase, in the current fiscal year, Lynch remarked. Googles Daydream View (2017) VR headset is now available to buy directly from the Google Store. This is the second-generation model and one which was announced during the companys October 4 event alongside a wealth of other made by Google branded products including the Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL. However, since then, the new Daydream View has only been available to pre-order. Which is what has now changed as not only is the Daydream View (2017) now generally available, but it is listed as in stock and is ready to ship. Well, one of the colors is. When Google first announced the new Daydream View, the company confirmed that it would be available to buy in a selection of colors including Charcoal, Coral, and Fog. At present only the Coral version is listed as in stock and ready to ship. Those more keen on the Charcoal version wont have to wait long though as October 22 is the date currently provided by the Google Store as to when this color option will be available to ship from. The Fog version (shown above) on the other hands, is not showing a fixed date for in stock/shipping availability and simply states it will ship in 2-3 weeks. As for the headset, this one comes priced at $99, an increase from the previous version which originally became available priced at $79. However, for that increase in price, consumers are getting what Google states is a better device. Not only has it seen under the hood improvements, but the actual exterior of the headset has also been improved with a new textured cloth-based covering which supposedly results in a softer feel and a lighter product overall. Likewise, this new version does also come with new lenses which Google previously pointed out are designed for greater performance, offering a wider field of view, and an improved level of clarity. For those looking for an extra incentive to buy, Google is also running a promotion where those who pick up a Daydream View (2017) before December 31 will be eligible for $40 worth of top-rated VR games. Which according to the promotional details, consists of one free code (redeemable via Google Play) for each of the following games Eclipse: Edge of Light, Wands, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes, Lola and the Giant, and Virtual Rabbids. The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus will both feature 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage space, known industry insider Benjamin Geskin said earlier this week, in addition to sharing what are alleged to be the official logos of the two devices which Samsung is expected to introduce early next year. The low-resolution renders indicate that the Galaxy S9 Plus will once again be stylized as the Galaxy S9+ and add more credence to recent reports that the South Korean original equipment manufacturer will debut exactly two additions to its high-end Android phone series in 2018, as was the case in the last few years. Both the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus will feature a microSD card slot, according to the same source, though it remains to be seen whether Samsung makes them capable of supporting capacities over 256GB. Geskin also claims that the models meant to be sold in China and the United States will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC, whereas those intended for other markets will feature the Exynos 9 Octa, another rumored silicon that still hasnt been officially announced and is alleged to be built on the 10nm process node. The insider provided no more details on the matter, though its likely that Samsung will also debut some more premium Galaxy S9 models with double the storage space seeing how this years Galaxy Note 8 phablet is already available with 256GB of flash memory in select markets like South Korea. Rumors about Samsungs upcoming flagships have been circulating the industry for several months now but save for some basic and unsurprising hardware upgrades including more RAM and a better SoC, no firm details regarding the two have yet been provided by any reliable sources. The Galaxy S8 series was released much later in the year than the Galaxy S phones usually debut, so it remains to be seen whether Samsung sticks with the new schedule and unveils the Galaxy S9 devices in late March or if it revers to its old practices and tries to steal all the spotlight at the upcoming iteration of Mobile World Congress (MWC) by launching the duo in Barcelona next February. The Google Home Mini was announced earlier this month at Googles hardware event in San Francisco, and it is now available for purchase from Verizon, after being available for pre-order for a few weeks. The Google Home Mini is a smaller version of the Google Home, and it does come with a smaller price tag of $49.99. It still has the Google Assistant built-in, so you can ask it questions, have it control your smart home and so much more. Verizon is offering it in two colors: chalk and charcoal. It appears that the coral color is only available from the Google Store. Google is taking aim at Amazons Echo Dot with the Home Mini. Its priced the same, but it is slightly better in a few ways. The Echo Dot has a rather terrible speaker inside, while the Home Minis isnt much better, it does sound better. It wont be as great as the Google Homes speaker, but it is passable. Unfortunately, Google did not include Bluetooth with the Home Mini, so you cant connect it to another speaker for better audio. And its not portable, since it is always listening, getting good battery life from something that small is pretty difficult, so it does need to stay plugged in. With Google Assistant, you have Google at your fingertips. It already works with a slew of products including Philips Hue bulbs, LIFX, Wemo, Samsungs SmartThings, and many more. There are new products gaining Google Assistant support nearly everyday, which is great to see. Of course, Google Assistant can control your music, so you can tell the Google Assistant to play a song on a specific music service on a specific device like a Chromecast-enabled speaker. Or, if you have a Chromecast connected to your TV, you can tell it to play a movie on your TV without having to touch your remote, which is really cool as well. The Google Home Mini is actually a really good value for $50, and will provide you with a ton of functionality that is only getting better each and every day thanks to Googles use of machine learning and artificial intelligence with the Google Assistant. Search giant Google lives and dies by trends, and the newest iteration of the Frightgeist tool proves its prowess by showing off the top Halloween costumes internationally, and giving a bit of information about them. The tool shows the top 100 costumes across your own locality and a range of other countries. When you click on a costume name, youll be given some information such as the likelihood of showing up at a party and finding another person with the same costume, whether its trending up or down, and where its searched for the most in a given country. This years Frightgeist also contains a useful, AI-driven tool; you can input scariness and originality values, and it will try to pick a costume for you. Frightgeist works by aggregating Google searches for costumes, so spur-of-the-moment buys and searches on other services like Bing wont be covered. Still, its a good tool to get an idea of trends in costumes, and perhaps get some help in deciding on your own. This year in the United States, movie characters make up around one fifth of the total costume searches, with Hollywood heroine Wonder Woman taking the top spot on the back of Gal Gadots critically acclaimed performance. Fan favorite Harley Quinn, darling of the recent Suicide Squad movie and all around relatable female anti-hero came in at second place this year, surrendering the first place crown that she won last year to her Amazonian peer. Right after the two starlets, the recent IT movie remake and creepy clown stories and sightings have propelled clowns to third place. The Frightgeist tool is an ongoing tradition for Halloween, and is but one demonstration of Googles skill in interpreting search data to map out trends and produce actionable data. In a way, this tool gives everyday users a taste of the powerful analytics tools that Googles business customers and employees use on a daily basis to keep pumping out relevant, highly desirable content. Naturally, data of this sort can also be fed into Googles algorithms to help AI learn to predict and interpret probability, trends, and the reasoning behind those factors, which are important to the growth of AIs overall ability to reason over time. Google pledged to reimburse all customers who were overcharged for their Pixel 2 smartphones on launch day, the company said in a statement provided to The Verge. Reports of overpriced Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL units emerged shortly after the devices went on sale in the United States on Thursday and exclusively pertained to some Google pop-up store locations around New York City. The official statement from the Alphabet-owned company suggests that some of its pop-up stores were selling all models of both smartphones for $31 more by a mistake, with the fault possibly lying on Victra, one of Verizons licensed resellers and long-term partners managing over 1,100 locations across the country. Victra was the company handling a number of pop-up stores in New York City, with some consumers providing proof that they were charged $680 instead of $649 for the base model of the Pixel 2 with 64GB of internal flash memory and $780 instead of $749 for the variant with double the storage space. Likewise, the more affordable iteration of the Pixel 2 XL was sold to consumers at some pop-up locations for $880 and not $849, whereas the high-end version with 128GB of storage went for $980 despite Google advertising it as a $949 product. No official explanation for the difference has been given and the change itself presumably wasnt authorized by Verizon seeing how the largest wireless carrier in the country was selling both devices at their regular prices from day one. Activation fees and sales tax also werent the reason for the price hike as they werent included in the higher figure in the first place. Google said its representatives will be reaching out to affected consumers shortly and reimburse them for the confusion that may never receive a formal explanation beyond being labeled a mistake. The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are now officially on sale in the United States and will soon start shipping in some other countries like Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The Pixel 2 should become available in all target markets by the end of the month, though its larger counterpart is still in limited supply and may not arrive to customers who pre-ordered it before mid-November, depending on the exact country, color, and model. Perhaps the most popular product in the Smart Home category is smart thermostats, and that makes plenty of sense. Being able to automate the temperature in your home, or control it from your smartphone is a big deal, and actually itll save you plenty of money as well. Since you arent keeping your thermostat at a set 70 degrees all the time, the thermostat instead keeps your home at 70 degrees, so that once it hits that temperature, itll adjust to stay there. Which in turn lowers energy consumption and costs. Most thermostats are over $100 (we have a few listed below), which is a bit expensive for a thermostat, but it will more than pay for itself in a year or so. The amount you save actually all depends on where you live, the climate you live in, the settings you set for that thermostat and much more. But for most people, the smart thermostat will pay for itself within a year. And if youre looking to be a bit greener then a smart thermostat is also the way to go. Since itll use less energy than a traditional thermostat, since it does automatically adjust itself when the temperature in the room hits the desired temperature. Saving some money and saving energy is not the only reason for buying a smart thermostat, in fact, many people buy it for other reasons. For example, the fact that you can adjust the temperature in your home when you arent home. This is a great feature to have, since you can leave your home nice and warm during the day, and then turn on the air conditioning when youre on your way home and have it nice and comfortable when you get back from work. Saving that energy that the air conditioning would have used during the day, but also adjusting the temperature based on how warm or cold it is outside. With these smart thermostats, you also have the ability to set timers, so the air conditioning will have a higher temperature at night and a lower one during the day. Since its typically cooler at night, you dont need as much cold air coming in. So this way you can set your thermostat and forget about it. Advertisement Many thermostats these days do also work with personal assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Nest Thermostat is a good example here. Using either Alexa or Google Assistant, youll be able to turn down the heat. By saying something like, Alexa, Ask Nest to set temperature to 72 degrees. Which is a pretty cool feature to have, especially if you dont want to walk over to the thermostat (or perhaps you are disabled and its much more of a chore to get there than it would be for a younger person). Of course there is also the ecobee4 thermostat which actually has Alexa built-in, like an Echo. So you can ask your thermostat to put things on your shopping list, order things from Amazon and much more. That may be a bit overboard but still a cool feature. Smart lock company, August Home, has just been acquired by Yales parent company, ASSA ABLOY. The company announced in a short press release this week, that it is purchasing August Home but did not mention much in terms of the deal. So its unclear how much ASSA ABLOY is spending to acquire August Home. The president and CEO of ASSA ABLOY, Johan Molin, stated that he is pleased to welcome August into the ASSA ABLOY Group. August constitutes a strategic addition to the group and reinforces our position in the residential smart door market. Currently, Yale isnt a big name in the world of smart locks, but August Home is (as well as Kwikset). And with the purchase of August Home, Yale and its parent company ASSA ABLOY Group, will definitely make a big play to get into the smart lock market. August Home actually just debuted a few different products, which are now up for purchase, like the August Doorbell Cam Pro, Smart Lock and Smart Lock Pro. The Smart Lock is actually Augusts third-generation smart lock, and its been a big seller for the company, since its super easy to install and use. The Doorbell Cam Pro isnt a smart door lock, but it is in another area where ASSA ABLOY Group will want to venture into, since other players are jumping into the doorbell realm now, including Nest. At this time, it appears that August Home will continue to sell its products the way it always has, through its own website and some other retailers like Amazon. ASSA ABLOY Group has not made any mention about what will change once the deal goes through. It did, however mention in its press release that the deal is subject to regulatory approval and should close within the four quarter of this year, which doesnt give them much time to close the deal, considering the quarter is already about a month over with. This is going to be an interesting acquisition and itll be interesting to see how August Home continues after this deal is made final in the coming months. Colourful celebrations of Tihar (In photos) On the third day of the Yamapanchak, Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth, was worshipped with jubilation and various religious rituals throughout the country on Thursday evening in accordance with time honoured tradition. Courtesy BETFollowing claims by Khia that Gucci Manes new wife has a secret family, the bride has clapped back with a firm denial. I DO NOT HAVE THREE KIDS IN JAMAICA," Keyshia KaOir tweeted in all caps. She responded after Khia posted several videos attacking KaOir on Instagram, saying, I wanna know, where is your real friends at back in Jamaica, where is your children girl, where is your real family, the people you grow'd up with before you went and got all this s**hit done to your face." Khia claims that Kaoir abandoned her children in Jamaica to marry Gucci. She added, The Mane Event needs to be the reunification of you and your children that you left down there. Kaoir and Gucci tied the knot in a ceremony titled The Mane Event that aired live on BET. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Complaint box initiative improves learning environment at schools The idea of installing complaint boxes at schools has improved the learning environment at various public schools across the country. I'd imagine that this is something the guys from The Big Bang Theory would have bought. You know... before they had wives and kids that forced them to act like grownups.Somebody on Reddit spotted a car that looks a little weird. There were no further details made with the post. However, such a wacky machine could never hide from the all-seeing eye of the world wide web.Apparently, the Shuttlecraft is owned by one Cory Mervis-Bocskor of Nevada, who uses it at the Burning Man. We can see little rust spots all over, so it's not fiberglass. From a distance, it looks like abandoned military surplus.I had two friends from high school who were Star Wars freaks, said Robert Strever, who built the shuttle, in an interview last year. I was building movie and custom cars for a private company, and they were after me to build a landspeeder so they could meet girls in it, so I did.The custom body perfectly resembles the famous TV series vehicle. Captain Picard would use this to descent to alien planets or on covert missions to infiltrate enemy ships.However, the chassis it sits on belongs to an archaic Ford Aerostar, so it runs on gasoline, not dilithium crystals while the odometer reads miles, not light-years. Still, it could be worse: it could be based on a Jeep Grand Cherokee Last year, the art car was getting ready to become road-legal. That means adding seatbelts, a catalytic converter, testing the headlights, taillights and turn signals. As you can see, it also has a huge wiper and rearview mirrors, which have been salvaged from a bus. Do they get their windshields dirty in outer space? Virgin Galactic is about three months away from launching into space, founder Richard Branson said at a business forum in Finland recently. He added that he expects to fly into space about three months after that. The company has said it expects to start launching flights for paying tourists by the end of next year. The carrier aircraft, WhiteKnightTwo, and the passenger vehicle, SpaceShipTwo, are based at Mojave, where they are undergoing flight tests. At a recent spaceflight symposium in New Mexico, Virgin Galactic Vice President Mike Mosessaid crews are putting final touches on the propulsion system and pretty soon will be evaluating supersonic boost. The company, which will be based at SpacePort America in New Mexico, is selling seats into space for about $250,000. When asked about Bransons timeline, Moses told the Las Cruces Sun-News: Richard always poses a challenge, he likes to push us pretty hard. Sometimes I wish he wouldnt talk so much. We hope to be in space by the end of this year. Well take our time with it. Were going to fly when we are ready. Crews are testing SpaceShipTwo, christened Unity, at subsonic speeds, Moses said, evaluating the feathering system used on re-entry and examining performance on approach and landing. Unity has been performing very well, sometimes better than models predicted, Moses said. Things are right on track where they need to be. Dan Hicks, CEO of Spaceport America, told the Sun-News the spaceport is ready to support Virgin Galactics presence. Virgin Galactic is the anchor tenant for the spaceport and has already moved some staff there. White House Chief of Staff John Kelly incorrectly told reporters from the White House podium that Florida Rep. Frederica Wilson claimed she "got the money" for a new FBI building in Miramar, Florida, at its dedication in 2015. The Sun-Sentinel unearthed video of Wilson's speech at the dedication event, where she took credit for securing quick approval for naming the building after deceased FBI agents but never mentioned funding. Timing: Kelly's misrepresentation of what happened comes amid the White House's current feud with Wilson and the Gold Star widow of a soldier killed in Niger, which began over President Trump's alleged thoughtless choice of words. Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting flanked by Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis (right) and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (left). Photo: Evan Vucci / AP The Senate Foreign Relations Committee announced it will host Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for a public hearing about passing a new authorization for use of military force (AUMF). Presidents Bush, Obama and Trump have all used a broad 2001 AUMF to justify military actions in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. After Mattis and Tillerson participated in a closed-door session with senators this August, Senator Tim Kaine said they "did not specifically reject" a new AUMF. Rand Paul's proposal to repeal the 2001 AUMF was shot down by a 61-36 vote. Be smart: Senator Chris Murphy, who sits on the committee, views passing a new AUMF as a way to signal to Trump he can't take action on North Korea without congressional approval. Senator Tim Kaine said in a statement that the "questions surrounding the death of American service members in Niger show the urgent need to have a public discussion about the current extent of our military operations around the world," and said he thinks a new AUMF can be better formulated to address non-state actors. As the White House tariff decision looms, Fox News personality and radio host Sean Hannity has come out against proposals for new penalties on imported solar panel equipment. Why it matters: Hannity is friends with President Trump, and has a big platform. The White House will make the final decision on potential new import restrictions at some point after next month's recommendations from the U.S. International Trade Commission, which concluded in September that low-cost imports from Asia and elsewhere are harming U.S. manufacturers. Hannity cut a radio ad that ran in South Carolina over the past two weeks that calls the tariff petition by two financially distressed panel-makers an attempt to "manipulate" trade laws, and a "bailout" that would increase prices by "government mandate." "Now that the Obama gravy train has run dry, well now they want President Trump to also stick you with the bill for their bankrupt businesses," Hannity says in the spot. "Taxpayers should not have to bail out one foreign-owned company only for their foreign financiers to get another payout." One level deeper: The spot was commissioned by the group Solar Powers America. The group, a relatively new entrant in the renewables advocacy world, is focusing on topics including the benefits of solar energy in southeastern states, according to Bret Sowers, a board member. Hannity was compensated for the ad, but Sowers did not disclose the amount of the payment or the overall cost of the buy. It was targeted around Trump's visit to South Carolina a few days ago. "Sean Hannity is a well-respected voice in the south," Sowers, an executive with the South Carolina-based solar developer Southern Current, told Axios on Thursday. "We were pleased with it and we hope to work with Sean and others to continue educating the public on this trade issue," he said. "The solar industry itself needs to be working with conservatives, needs to be working with both sides of the aisle," Sowers said. Why you might be hearing about it: The spot achieved wider circulation when the Solar Energy Industries Associationa trade group that fears tariffs would spike costs for solar power projects enough to badly hinder growthcirculated it via Twitter and YouTube on Tuesday. A spokesman for SEIA said: "We were sent the audio via email, and we thought the message was so great that we put it to video and shared it on social media. Sean Hannity is a highly-influential conservative voice and we are thrilled to have him speaking on behalf of American solar workers." Big picture: The ad underscores how the tariff petition has emerged as one of the most intense, closely watched energy policy battles of the Trump era. Solar Powers America is also part of U.S. Made Solar, one of the industry coalitions fighting new tariffs via ads on Fox News and other steps. "Pollution kills at least nine million people and costs trillions of dollars every year, according to the most comprehensive global analysis to date, which warns the crisis 'threatens the continuing survival of human societies,'" The Guardian writes of the study, released by The Lancet medical journal: Key statistic: "Toxic air, water, soils and workplaces are responsible for the diseases that kill one in every six people around the world." The deaths attributed to pollution are triple those from AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined." attributed to pollution are triple those from AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined." "The vast majority of the pollution deaths occur in poorer nations and in some, such as India, Chad and Madagascar, pollution causes a quarter of all deaths. The international researchers said this burden is a hugely expensive drag on developing economies." Go deeper. Far from over Combating poverty with greater determination should be a national priority Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Friday that the White House "won't rest" until they get to the bottom of what happened during the Niger ambush. When pressed for more answers from reporters, Sanders pointed to the investigation initiated by the Department of Defense, which she said "occurs any time an American is killed in action" and stated that "frankly, the entire country and government wants to know what happened." Briefing highlights: Armenia imports the bulk of its natural gas from Russia because it is cheaper than gas supplied by neighboring Iran, Energy Infrastructures Minister Ashot Manukian insisted on Friday. Russia gas, which currently costs Armenia $150 per thousand cubic meters, meets more than 80 percent of the countrys annual demand. The remaining gas imports come from Iran under a swap arrangement involving supplies of Armenian electricity to the Islamic Republic. If a lower price is offered to us, we will definitely buy [more Iranian gas,] Manukian told a news conference. Manukian said Prime Minister Karen Karapetian made this clear during an official visit to Tehran last week. In his words, Karapetian told Irans Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh: If you can give us gas at a lower price, we are ready to directly buy gas from you and partly abandon this [swap] deal. The gas-for-electricity exchange is due to be significantly expanded after the ongoing construction of a third power transmission line that will connect Armenia to Iran. A senior executive of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) claimed in August that Armenia would like to more than double Iranian gas imports even before the high-voltage line goes on stream in 2019. He made clear that the Armenian side would have to pay for extra supplies in cash and that they would cost Yerevan more than Russian gas does. Iranian media last week quoted the countrys Deputy Oil Minister Amir-Hossein Zamaninia as saying that Karapetian also discussed in Tehran the possibility of Armenian imports of gas from Turkmenistan via Iran. Yerevan is interested in Turkmen gas because it would presumably be cheaper for Armenian than Iranian gas. Karapetian, who managed Armenia's Russian-owned gas distribution network from 2001-2010, declined to elaborate on his gas talks with Iranian leaders when he spoke to reporters in Gyumri on Wednesday. He said only that he returned from Iran with very good and very promising projects. Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said on Friday that Armenia will not avoid further peace talks with Azerbaijan despite continuing ceasefire violations in Nagorno-Karabakh that left an Armenian soldier dead. The 19-year-old soldier, Tigran Khachatrian, was reportedly killed by Azerbaijani sniper fire on Thursday just three days after the latest meeting of the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents held in Geneva. Serzh Sarkisian and Ilham Aliyev pledged to intensify the peace process and bolster the ceasefire regime in the Karabakh conflict zone. We agreed to take measures to further ease tensions so that we have no casualties on the frontlines, the Armenian president said after the talks. The U.S., Russian and French mediators said in that regard that they will soon hold follow-up working sessions with Nalbandian and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov. Reacting to the Armenian soldiers death later on Thursday, Sarkisians Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) accused Baku of trying to walk away from the Geneva understandings. Nalbandian also deplored the Azerbaijani truce violation when he spoke after talks in Yerevan with Polands Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski. Unfortunately, after the summit held in Geneva there have been various speculations by Baku, and ceasefire violations in the conflict zone are continuing, as a result of which an [Armenian] soldier was killed yesterday, Nalbandian told a joint news briefing. My Polish counterpart and I agree that there is no alternative to a solely peaceful resolution of the Karabakh conflict based on principles of international law, he added. Nalbandian did not say when he and Mammadyarov will hold the planned meetings with the three mediators leading the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. 20 October 2017 10:36 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Over the past 24 hours, Armenias armed forces have 143 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said on October 20. Armenians were using large-caliber machine guns. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 October 2017 14:53 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Another Armenian provocation on the international arena was prevented on October 19 in Brussels, where the fourth "congress" of European Armenians was held with the organizational support of the Armenian Diaspora. The Armenian side planned to commit provocations, with participation of representatives of the illegal regime created on the Armenia-occupied territories of Azerbaijan, during the session in the building of the European Parliament that was held within the congress. Despite attempts by Bako Sahakyan, who is the so-called head of the occupation regime, and his accomplices to arrive in Brussels to take part in the event, as a result of the taken measures, participation of representatives of the illegal regime in the event was prevented. Armenian Diaspora often uses the international arena, as well as international exhibitions to distort the essence of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue and present this region of Azerbaijan as Armenian. However, Azerbaijan timely prevents such provocative attempts. Armenia broke out a lengthy war against Azerbaijan by laying territorial claims on the country. Since a war in the early 1990s, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. To this day, Armenia has not implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 October 2017 14:30 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries invested about $1.3 billion in Azerbaijan's economy, Azerbaijani Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev said at a joint business forum with representatives of the GCC member countries in Baku on October 20. These investments mainly come from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, the minister said. At the same time, Azerbaijan invested almost $300 million in the economies of the GCC countries, he added. Mustafayev noted that about 280 companies, chiefly from Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, operate in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is a country favorable for investments. First and foremost, thanks to political stability, security and understanding between the authorities and the people, the minister said. He added that at the same time, economic cooperation should be based on strong political ties. Azerbaijan pays a lot of attention to the development of political ties with the GCC countries. Our political relations are very strong, have great prospects and are based on friendships, he said, adding the level of economic cooperation between the countries should also be raised as there is great potential that has not been fully used. Mustafayev noted that although the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the GCC states has been growing in recent years, it is still at a low level it amounted to more than $40 million in January-August 2017. This is a very low figure, given that the population of the GCC countries is about 40 million people and total GDP is about $1.36 trillion, he added. Speaking at the forum, Abdul Rahim Hassan Al Naqi, secretary general of the Federation of Chambers of the GCC proposed to create a joint investment fund He noted that the fund can help strengthening the cooperation and stimulate the investment flow between countries. Currently, Caspian International Investment Company (CIIC) operates in Azerbaijan that was co-founded by the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD, a part of the Islamic Development Bank group). The investment company, which has been operating since 2008, invests funds in the real sector of the economy on the basis of Islamic law principles (Shariah), with the exception of oil and gas production. Moreover, Azerbaijan and Qatar are currently working to create a joint investment fund. Naqi went on saying that Federation of the GCC Chambers offers Azerbaijan to eliminate double taxation, reduce customs duties for the import of products from the Arab countries and simplify financial transactions between the countries. He noted that Azerbaijan is one of the promising markets for investment, and proposed to organize an exhibition of Arab companies products in Baku in 2018 for expanding investment and trade relations. Naqi added that a list of projects can be created, which are being carried out or planned to be implemented, that could involve Arab companies. We would like to offer the creation of a special portal through which our companies could study local legislation, he said. Among other proposals, he noted the possibility of creating maritime routes, simplifying the visa regime and abolishing visa fees, saying visa fees can be added to the cost of the ticket. Within the meeting, the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) has signed two memorandums on development of trade cooperation with the Arab states of the Persian Gulf. The memorandum of understanding on cooperation with the Federation of Chambers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was signed by AZPROMO President Rufat Mammadov and Federations Secretary General Abdul Rahim Hassan Al Naqi. The memorandum of understanding on cooperation with the Yanbu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Saudi Arabia) was signed by Rufat Mammadov and the Chambers Chairman Murad Ali Al-Aroui. Moreover, during the business forum, a memorandum was signed between the standardization institute of Azerbaijan and the GCC Standardization Organization. The document was signed by the two organizations heads, Namig Tagiyev and Nabil Molla. Secretary General of the GCC told reporters that the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf are interested in developing relations with Azerbaijan in tourism, hotel business, agriculture and trade. We attach great importance to the development of relations with Azerbaijan in various areas. Our goal is to develop relations with your country in trade, investment, economy, agriculture and other areas, said the secretary general, adding that for this purpose it is possible to prepare relevant programs. According to him, Azerbaijan and the Arab countries have many opportunities to develop cooperation. Al Zayani also stressed that Azerbaijan has been able to achieve great success thanks to its wise leadership. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 October 2017 16:46 (UTC+04:00) The trade between Iran and Azerbaijan made up $400 million over the past eight months, Iranian ambassador to Azerbaijan Javad Jahangirzadeh has told AZERTAC. The ambassador underlined that the economic ties are rapidly developing thanks to the efforts of the Azerbaijan-Iran State Commission on economy, trade and humanitarian cooperation. This development has contributed to growth in the bilateral trade, Jahangirzadeh said. There are good transit opportunities in Azerbaijan. And the Iranian businessmen may enter the markets of the third countries with the aid of Azerbaijan, the ambassador added. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 October 2017 17:13 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Direct investments of Ukraine in Azerbaijan amounted to $25 million, said Azerbaijani Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev at the Azerbaijan-Ukraine business meeting in Baku on October 20. According to him, currently, 116 companies with Ukrainian capital operate in Azerbaijan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 October 2017 17:46 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva Azerbaijan will export products worth $13.4 billion next year, according to the forecasts of the Azerbaijani government. This follows from the presentation of the state and consolidated budgets for 2018 and the next three years. Imports of foreign products are expected at the level of $5.4 billion in 2018. As a result, the government predicts a surplus of $8 billion. "The processes taking place in the world form a favorable external environment for the economy of Azerbaijan. Despite the uncertainty with oil prices in the medium term, the growth of the global economy is recovering and trade is growing, which on the one hand excludes the possibility of a sharp drop in oil prices, and on the other, creates conditions for diversifying the Azerbaijani economy and increasing non-oil exports," the document said. Azerbaijan has conducted a comprehensive work aimed to increase the volume of exports and promote the national Made in Azerbaijan brand in the past several years. For the same purposes, an extensive work on organizing export missions, involving local entrepreneurs in various foreign exhibitions, issuing export promotion certificates, appointing of sales representatives in foreign countries as well as other measures is being carried out. In total, within the promotion of the Made in Azerbaijan brand export missions were organized to China, the UAE, Germany, Pakistan, Qatar, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan. As of today, 92 trademarks of Azerbaijan are protected under the Made in Azerbaijan brand, while the countrys total outputs nears 250 kinds of products in food, light, heavy and construction industries. The brand is highly successful in regional and world markets, and Azerbaijans local output meets all the necessary standards. Azerbaijan increased non-oil exports by 30 percent in January-August 2017 compared to the same period of 2016. Export of agricultural products increased by 37 percent, while export of industrial products increased by 25.4 percent. Along with rising exports, the range of products delivered abroad is expanding during the year, this figure rose by 16.6 percent. According to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan, the country's trade turnover in January-September 2017 amounted to 14.3 billion dollars, which is 7.92 percent less than in the same period last year. Azerbaijan's exports for the same period amounted to $8.14 billion and imports - $6.18 billion. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 October 2017 15:50 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble will give a concert in Tchaikovsky Concert Hall in Moscow on October 26. A one-act ballet " Koroghlu" " will be also premiered as part of the event, Trend Life reported. Artistic director is People's Artist of Russia, famous artist and choreographer Dikala Muzakaev. "As part of a two-hour concert that can already be called a historic event in the cultural life of Russia and Azerbaijan. National dances reflecting the color of folklore, identity and rich historical and cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people will be presented to the audience. A magnificent choreograph, performances of dancers and bright national costumes will long be remembered by the guests of the evening," said Roman Aghayev, representative of the Azerbaijani Diaspora. The concert program was first shown at the opening ceremony of the first Baku Shopping Festival, and the guests of Baku 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games. The State Dance Ensemble of Azerbaijan was founded in 1970. Throughout the years of its activities, the team demonstrates and promotes the unique choreographic traditions of Azerbaijani art, its unique folklore, the beauty and elegance of national dances. The ensemble participates in the state events of Azerbaijan, successfully tours in Russia, the CIS countries, the USA, Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, Norway, Switzerland, Belgium, Israel, India, Nepal, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Iraq, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Brazil, Cuba and many other countries. The collective traditionally represents national culture at Days of Culture of Azerbaijan in Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Turkey, Austria, Germany, Egypt, Qatar, China, Japan, Tunisia and other countries. In 1991, ,the State Dance Ensemble was awarded the title of the Honored Collective of Azerbaijan for the outstanding contribution to the development of national culture. With the new concert program, ensemble will go on tour, presenting Azerbaijan's richest dance and musical culture. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Fragile alliance The ballyhooed coalition may be Chinas way of paying India back in its own coin 20 October 2017 19:40 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Museum Exhibition Complex of the Russian Academy of Arts will host an exhibition of Azerbaijani artist Irina Eldarova from November 1 to December 3. The exhibition will display 70 paintings and graphic works, Trend Life reported. The main heroes of a series "Girls prefer oil workers" are the Baku oilman from the Soviet posters of the 1960s and the most famous blonde of the world cinema Marilyn Monroe. Along with new works, exhibition will feature several paintings of the 1990s. "Irina Eldarova is a well-known Azerbaijani artist, who can easily expresses her feelings through painting. The artist shares her stories on canvas, plywood and paper, oil, watercolor or acrylic paints, talking about good and evil, dreams, life's tensions and intrigues," RaKH`s website reports. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 October 2017 10:56 (UTC+04:00) By Trend The recent remarks by former US co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group James Warlick relating to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement should be assessed positively, Azerbaijani MP Tahir Karimli told Trend. On October 19, James Warlick addressed a briefing on Averting All-Out War in Nagorno-Karabakh: The Role of the US and OSCE, organized by the US Congress Helsinki Commission. He noted that six elements, based on the Madrid Principles, should be an integral part of the peace agreement and be accepted as one package. The MP expressed hope that Warlicks comments are realized in the US activities on the conflict resolution. It would be better if what Warlick has said is discussed in the US Congress and adopted as a resolution, as a statement, Karimli added. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 October 2017 10:42 (UTC+04:00) By Trend The issue of liberation of Azerbaijans occupied territories should be raised in any discussions on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijani MP Asim Mollazade told Trend. He assessed the recent statement by former US co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, James Warlick, as positive. Warlick recently said the conflict resolution is impossible without respect for Azerbaijans sovereignty. MP Mollazade noted that the norms of international law on the conflict resolution were flagrantly violated. Peace is possible after four UN Security Council resolutions are implemented, according to him. The path to peace lies through the liberation of the occupied Azerbaijani territories. On Oct. 19, James Warlick addressed a briefing on Averting All-Out War in Nagorno-Karabakh: The Role of the US and OSCE, organized by the US Congress Helsinki Commission. He noted that six elements, based on the Madrid Principles, should be an integral part of the peace agreement and be accepted as one package. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 October 2017 11:19 (UTC+04:00) By Trend The model of autonomy of Trentino-Alto Adige in Italy may become one of the successful models to be studied in the context of the autonomous status of the Nagorno-Karabakh region within Azerbaijan, Hikmat Hajiyev, spokesman for Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry, said in an interview with chief researcher of the Nodo di Gordio think tank Andrea Marcigliano. In his interview, Hajiyev touched upon the prospects of development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU, and Italy. Speaking of Azerbaijan's close ties with Europe, its important role in the fight against terrorism, illegal migration, extremism and radicalism, the contribution to the energy security of Europe, Hajiyev noted that Azerbaijan is a "natural partner" of the European Union, including Italy. He noted that intensive talks are underway to conclude an agreement on strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and the EU, and that this deal will play an important role in the development of comprehensive cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU in the coming years. Answering the question about the steps that can be taken to resolve the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Hajiyev said that the political and legal bases for the settlement of the conflict and the steps which should be taken are known. "The four resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council in connection with the settlement of the conflict, once again confirming the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, require the complete and unconditional withdrawal of the Armenian troops from the occupied Azerbaijani territories," he said. As for the contribution that Italy can make to the conflict settlement, Hajiyev said that the model of autonomy of Trentino-Alto Adige region in Italy can become one of the successful models for considering in the context of the autonomous status of the Nagorno-Karabakh region within Azerbaijan. Taking into account Italy's membership in the OSCE Minsk Group and Italys 2018 OSCE chairmanship, the consideration of this model could be very useful within the OSCE Minsk Group and Italys experience. During the interview Hajiyev also touched upon such issues as diversification of the Azerbaijani economy, development of the non-oil sector, stabilization of oil prices in the world market. The interview was published in Il Giornale authoritative Italian newspaper. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 October 2017 15:05 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Armenian leadership would better read the UN Security Councils resolutions on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, said Hikmat Hajiyev, spokesman for Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry. He made the remark when commenting on the remarks made by Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian during the 4th European Armenian Convention. "It would be better for Armenian foreign minister not to repeat his nonsense thoughts and at least try to behave as a professional," Hajiyev told Trend. In its resolutions, the UN Security Council condemns the occupation of Azerbaijani lands, confirms Azerbaijans territorial integrity, sovereignty and inviolability of borders and demands the immediate, absolute and unconditional withdrawal of the occupation forces, he said. At the same time, these resolutions once again reiterate that Nagorno-Karabakh is an integral part of Azerbaijan. "Regretfully, alongside with creating negative experience for the negotiations, this purposeful and biased ignorance by the Armenian side deceives Armenian citizens, as well as Armenian diaspora," added Hajiyev. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 October 2017 15:47 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Azerbaijan should rely only on itself and its strength in the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Ali Hasanov, Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister and the Chairman of the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs, said on October 19. He noted that the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a priority issue for Azerbaijan. Our main task is the resolution of this issue in a short time based on the norms and principles of international law and within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, he said. Speaking about the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly held in New York, Hasanov said that the unfounded thoughts in the speech of the Armenian Serzh Sargsyan, as always, aroused laughter and caused great concern in Armenia itself. By this speech, the Armenian President disgraced himself before the whole world community. But the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, in his evidence-based speech from the UN rostrum, brought to the attention of the international community the information about the activities of the criminal regime of Armenia over the past 25 years, the Deputy Prime Minister noted. Armenia captured Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions from Azerbaijan in a war that followed the Soviet breakup in 1991. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and nearly 1 million were displaced as a result of the war. Large-scale hostilities ended with a Russia-brokered ceasefire in 1994 but Armenia continued the occupation in defiance of four UN Security Council resolutions calling for immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from the Azerbaijani territories. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 October 2017 18:00 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Appropriate steps have been taken in relation to four citizens of Turkey who violated the Azerbaijani border and illegally visited Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said this in his interview with Report on October 19. He reminded that without informing the Foreign Ministry of Turkey, these persons illegally visited the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. "Naturally, we gave relevant warning to these people and took appropriate steps. Also we have prepared and spread a general warning on not visiting the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region in future without the permission of the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan," the minister said. He added that Turkey has always maintained sensitivity on this issue. "No Turk should visit the Nagorno-Karabakh region which is under occupation. An issue sensitive for Azerbaijan is sensitive for us too. As the late President Heydar Aliyev said, we are one nation, and two states, and if we say the joy of Azerbaijan is our joy, the sorrow of Azerbaijan is our sorrow, then our approach to what is happening should be univocal," Cavusoglu noted. Being without documents and not getting any consent from relevant executive authorities, four Turks Ufuk Uras, Ali Bayramoglu, Said Cekinoglu and Erol Katircioglu illegally crossed the internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan on September 22. The Grave Crimes Investigation Department of Azerbaijans Prosecutor General's Office filed a criminal case under Criminal Codes Article 318.2 (illegally crossing Azerbaijans state borders) against them. The Turkish citizens deliberately traveled from territory of Armenia and illegally arrived in occupied Khankendi and other settlements of the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. They were declared in the international wanted list. Azerbaijan also sent an appeal to the Turkish law enforcement agencies in order to detain the four citizens. Baku has repeatedly warned foreign officials and diplomats of illegality of visits to its territories that are occupied by Armenia, calling them contradictory to international law. The work is constantly carried out to prevent such illegal actions. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 October 2017 10:00 (UTC+04:00) By Trend President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with First Vice-President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Eshaq Jahangiri in Istanbul on October 19. President Ilham Aliyev noted that the bilateral relations are developing successfully, and hailed the political ties between the two countries. The Azerbaijani president said the economic cooperation has expanded, and important infrastructure projects have been implemented between the two countries. The head of state pointed out that the meetings at the level of the presidents contributed to the expansion of the relations. First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri noted that the economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran is developing successfully, and stressed the importance of Astara-Astara railway in terms of cooperation both in bilateral and regional formats. Eshaq Jahangiri said there are terrorism threats in the region, and highlighted the significance of increasing efforts in the fight against terrorism. Hailing the development of the economic ties between the two countries, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that there is a great global interest in Astara-Astara railway project, adding that this project contributes to the development of the economic cooperation in the region. The head of state noted that Azerbaijan is one of the most active countries which fight against international terrorism and spare no efforts in this area. During the conversation, they stressed that Azerbaijan and Iran enjoy good cooperation prospects in energy, pharmaceutical industry, investment making, industry, as well as joint car production and other spheres, and exchanged views over the development of the bilateral ties. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 October 2017 11:28 (UTC+04:00) A new print edition of the AZERNEWS online newspaper was released on October 20. The new edition includes articles about Baku, Canberra discuss spheres for cooperation, Baku brand as tourism promotion, Caspian Sea to offer wonderful cruises, Baku hosts Caspian Energy Tourism Forum etc. AZERNEWS is an associate member of the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA). The online newspaper is available at www.azernews.az. 20 October 2017 16:57 (UTC+04:00) French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his country`s interest in developing relations with Azerbaijan as he received credentials of ambassador Rahman Mustafayev. The French President said his country is interested in expanding ties with Azerbaijan in the fields of economy, education and culture, Azertac reported. Stressing the importance of developing EU-Azerbaijan relations, Emmanuel Macron expressed France's readiness to support Azerbaijan. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Ambassador Mustafayev said Azerbaijan is the main partner of France in the South Caucasus region, pointing out wide opportunities for intensifying economic and investment cooperation. The ambassador said the largest French university in the region operates in Baku, describing this an example of Azerbaijan`s interest in developing cooperation with France. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Goru Puja and Govardhan Puja observed Goru Puja or ox worship and Govardan Puja are being observed throughout the country on the fourth day of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by the Hindus in the country on Friday. 20 October 2017 17:23 (UTC+04:00) By Trend A country destroying mosques can never be a friend of Muslim countries, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said on October 20, addressing the 9th Summit of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8). President Aliyev is attending the Summit as a special guest. Azerbaijani president first thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the invitation and hospitality. Despite the fact that Azerbaijan is not a member of D-8, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan invited Azerbaijan to this event. I express my deep appreciation, the president said. The Summit of Big Twenty was held in the Turkish city of Antalya in November 2015. Turkey could invite only one country, that is not a group member, to this meeting as a special guest, and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan invited Azerbaijan. This is another illustrative example of Azerbaijani-Turkish brotherhood and friendship, Ilham Aliyev noted. The head of state drew attention of the meeting participants to the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Armenia has been occupying Azerbaijans historical lands Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts for more than 25 years. A policy of ethnic cleansing was carried out in these territories, and more than one million our compatriots became refugees and IDPs. In 1992, Armenia committed the Khojaly genocide. As a result of this war crime, 613 innocent Azerbaijanis were killed, 106 of them being women and 63 children. Thousands of people were injured and went missing. The UN Security Council adopted four resolutions in connection with the conflict. These resolutions demand immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian Armed Forces from Azerbaijani lands. At the same time, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the OSCE and other organizations adopted similar decisions and resolutions. However, being an occupant, Armenia ignores these decisions and continues war crimes against the civilian population, Ilham Aliyev said. The president reminded that soldiers and civilians were killed on the line of contact in April 2016 as a result of Armenias armed attack. Hundreds of houses were destroyed. Azerbaijan decisively suppressed this Armenian provocation, and our army liberated a part of our lands from Armenian occupants. After this, the Jojug Marjanli village, completely destroyed by Armenia, was rebuilt. A school, a medical center and a mosque were built in this village consisting of 150 houses. This mosque is similar to the mosque, destroyed by Armenians in Shusha, President Aliyev noted. Ilham Aliyev said that Nagorno-Karabakh is historically an Azerbaijani land. The Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must be resolved within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, based on the UN Security Council resolutions. The Azerbaijani state and Azerbaijani people will never allow creation of the second so-called Armenian state on their native land. The territorial integrity of our country is not and will not be the subject of negotiations. President Ilham Aliyev pointed out that Azerbaijan attaches particular importance to Islamic solidarity and makes its contribution. 2017 was declared the Year of Islamic Solidarity in Azerbaijan. At the same time, this year Azerbaijan held the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games, where about 3,000 athletes from 54 Muslim countries participated. Today we actively fight Islamophobia, which is one of the most serious threats in the world. Armenia, trying to present itself as a friend of Muslim countries, destroyed mosques and religious monuments in Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions. The country destroying mosques can never be a friend of Muslim countries, he noted. The head of state added that two days ago, Azerbaijan marked the 26th anniversary of restoration of independence. Our country has passed a successful path of development in a short period. Starting from 2004, our economy has grown more than threefold, about two million jobs have been opened. The poverty level decreased to five percent. The literacy rate is 100 percent. Our foreign currency reserves are equal to the country's gross domestic product. Foreign state debt is less than 20 percent of GDP. This success of Azerbaijan is also noted by international organizations. Azerbaijan ranked 35th in the Davos Economic Forum's report on competitiveness rating this year, said the president. The head of state noted that Azerbaijan is an initiator and active participant of international projects. Today, together with our partners, we are implementing the Southern Gas Corridor project. It is one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the world. The agreement between Azerbaijan and Turkey on the TANAP gas pipeline, which is the main part of the Southern Gas Corridor, was signed in Istanbul in 2012, and this gas pipeline will be commissioned next year, said President Aliyev. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway, the official opening of which will be held soon, will be the shortest route between Europe and Asia. Azerbaijan invests heavily in the creation of the East-West and North-South transport corridors. These transport corridors will open new opportunities for the economic development of Eurasia. Thank you for attention, concluded the Azerbaijani president. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 October 2017 14:14 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva Turkey and Iran will use national currencies in trade in order to further improve mutual turnover between the two countries. This was stated by Iranian First Vice President Es'haq Jahangiri during a joint press conference with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim in Ankara, Turkish media outlets reported on October 19. He noted that Ankara and Tehran are interested in strengthening trade and economic relations. The use of the national currency in trade between the countries will help increase the turnover, according to Jahangiri. Earlier, during the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Iran, Ankara and Tehran reached an agreement on the use of national currencies in trade. Iran can also increase oil and gas supplies to Turkey, the top official said. Turkey and Iran have a common opinion on the settlement of conflicts in the region, according to the first vice-president. "Muslim countries should jointly solve problems," Jahangiri said. Iran and Turkey are considered to be regional rivals but have recently sought to maintain a pragmatic relationship, with the Islamic Republic strongly supporting Erdogan after last year's failed coup. Both countries share sympathy with Qatar in a diplomatic rift between the Gulf emirate and its neighbors which erupted in June. Along with Iran, Turkey has denounced the Erbil referendum on Kurdish independence as a threat to the stability of a region already beset by conflict. The trade turnover between Iran and Turkey in the first quarter of 2017 amounted to $3.5 billion, according to the Turkish Institute of Statistics (TUIK). In 2016, the trade between the countries amounted to $9.66 billion. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 October 2017 15:00 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Turkmenistan is preparing to hold the 7th Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA VII) in Ashgabat on November 14-15, 2017, the Turkmen Dovlat Habarlary state news agency reported pn October 20. A special coordination commission has been created in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan in order to successfully resolve organizational and other issues. Representatives of 35 countries and 36 international organizations, including specialized UN agencies, are expected to attend the forum. According to the report, discussion and exchange of views will take place during the conference on issues related to the implementation of energy, transport and communication project, being implemented with the participation of Afghanistan, trade, private sector development and business cooperation. The RECCA, initiated in 2005 in Kabul, aims to consolidate the efforts of the countries of the region in stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan and promoting regional economic integration of South and Central Asia. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 October 2017 15:27 (UTC+04:00) By Trend President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov instructed to keep under continuous monitoring the progress of reconstruction and modernization of the Bektas seaport in the Caspian city of Garabogaz, the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper reported on October 20. This issue was discussed at a governmental meeting. At this stage, studies of the seabed and the Caspian coast have been carried out, and the volume of construction and installation work has been established. The designed capacity of the berth is 3,500 tons of cargo per day. The tender for this project was announced in 2016. It is expected that the products will be exported from a plant for the production of mineral fertilizers that is being built by Japans Mitsubishi Corporation and Turkeys Gap Insaat. Currently, construction, installation and commissioning work is underway. President Berdimuhamedov stressed that the implementation of industrial development projects is intended to contribute to solving the tasks of integrated industrialization of regions, diversification of the national economy, creation of joint import-substituting and export-oriented industries in this field. It should be noted that the plant will produce 1.155 million tons of urea per year. Meanwhile, the plant will produce mineral fertilizers from raw materials supplied via the East-West gas transportation system from natural gas fields: 2,000 tons of ammonia and 3,500 tons of urea per day. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 October 2017 15:50 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva Russia and Iran held talks with regards to the Iranian nuclear deal and U.S. recent statements. The latest steps of the U.S. in relation to the nuclear agreement with Iran and possible ways of settling the situation were discussed between Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Russian counterpart Sergei Ryabkov, RIA Novosti reported. "The consultations that we usually hold on a regular basis have been especially important this time under the current circumstances. We discussed the recent steps taken by the American president and developments thereafter, as well as possible scenarios of the situation settlement for the future," he said. There are no plans for holding a ministerial meeting of the Six and Iran but if such a need arises, Tehran will accept the invitation, Araghchi added. Meanwhile, the leaders of the European Union member states reaffirmed their commitment to nuclear agreements with Iran and approved the statement made earlier by the foreign ministers of the EU countries. The European Union believes that U.S. President Donald Trump's decision not to certify Iran's compliance is in the context of an internal U.S. process. On October 13, U.S. President Donald Trump, long been known as the main critic of the landmark deal, declared his view of the JCPOA, saying that he would not certify Irans compliance with the deal. At the same time he did not challenge the compliance of Iran at the international level. The move paves the way for Congress to put new restrictions on Iran. However, it is believed that Trump would not recommend the Congress to re-impose sanctions in order to reach a compromise with many congressional leaders who stand for keeping the deal at least with some changes. In case sanctions are applied, the United States would find itself in breach of its commitments. This means a unilateral withdrawal from the agreement, which will damage the reputation of the U.S. in the eyes of world community. The Iran nuclear deal was negotiated in July 2015 between Iran, the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and Germany. By ratifying the plan, Iran agreed to scale down its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. At the same time, the U.S. retains sanctions against Iran on the missile program, human rights and on suspicion that Tehran sponsors terrorism. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 October 2017 17:12 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva Migrants from Uzbekistan will be able to find a formal work in Russia before the arrival. The corresponding agreement was considered and approved by the Russian government and further submitted for ratification to the State Duma, podrobno.uz reported. The signing of the agreements under which migrant workers will have the opportunity of formal and targeted employment took place in Moscow in early April during the meeting of the Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Migrants from Uzbekistan are one of the most numerous groups of foreign workers on the Russian territory. According to various estimates, there are more than 2 million citizens of Uzbekistan in Russia. They annually transfer about $3 billion, which is a significant item of foreign exchange earnings for Uzbekistan, to their homeland. Therefore, the authorities want to improve the employment opportunities of their citizens in the territory of a neighboring country. Russia is also interested in a more systematic way for labor migration. The draft law suggests making the process of labor migration from Uzbekistan more organized. Migrants will go to Russia, knowing in advance where they will work, live and how much they will be paid. Before they leave, the migrants will have to undergo a certain test and preparation. The Uzbek Labor Ministry will have to conduct training for citizens under the programs of the Russian Education Ministry, check qualifications and experience and conduct medical examination of migrants. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will have to check the absence of citizens in the number of wanted persons and for the existence of outstanding convictions. In addition, the Russian employer will have to provide the recruited foreign workers with a place of residence, the corresponding sanitary and hygienic standards and a payment not lower than the subsistence minimum. The employer should also conclude an agreement with the sending party, where all the nuances will be prescribed. In Russia, such labor migrants will have the advantage of being employed by other temporary workers from Uzbekistan. Many young and middle-aged people in Central Asian states, particularly Uzbekistan prefer working abroad instead of working or continuing their studies at home. They also follow the example of relatives, neighbors, and acquaintances who have earned enough money from working abroad to buy or build their own homes, cars and other essentials. Russia offers visa-free entry for the citizens of Uzbekistan. Once in Russia, they have 30 days in which to locate employment and obtain a work patent. Currently, about three million people (almost a third of the able-bodied population) live on earnings outside of Uzbekistan, including about two million citizens of Uzbekistan in Russia. It is expected that the entry into force of agreements between Uzbekistan and Russia on labor migration issues will contribute to the security and tranquility of the citizens of the republic working in Russia. As of January 20, 2015, 2.2 million Uzbek citizens stay in Russia, of which 81 percent is of working-age population, according to Russias Federal Migration Service. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 October 2017 18:13 (UTC+04:00) By Trend The issues of radical improvement of preschool education system were discussed at a meeting held on Oct. 19 under the chairmanship of Uzbekistans President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. According to the Uzbek presidents press service, the meeting was attended by the countrys prime minister, state advisors to the president, ministers and other officials. A new structure the Ministry of Preschool Education was established in Uzbekistan by the presidential decree, dated September 30, 2017. The expansion of the state and non-state network of preschool educational institutions, the solution of personnel issues, and the radical improvement of the quality of the preparation of children for school are among the new ministrys tasks. The work carried out in this direction was discussed at the meeting. Moreover, the issue of organization of high-quality medical service in preschool educational institutions, establishment of healthy food system fully in line with sanitary and hygienic norms and rules, and others were raised during the meeting. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 October 2017 20:15 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Iran exported $6,047 million worth of services during the first half of the current fiscal year (March 20-Sept. 22), according to a report released by the countrys Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) on October 18. Irans services exports registered a rise by 13.3 percent compared to the same period of the preceding year. Irans revenues via service exports accounted for $967.5 million in the sixth Iranian calendar month. The Islamic Republic includes technical and engineering services exports, tourism and transit sector in service sector exports. Irans technical and engineering services export stood at $464 million in the 6-month period, registering a huge rise by 2009 percent. Tourism sector revenues stood at $3.943 billion, registering a fall by 1.1 percent year-on-year. The countrys revenues through road transit stood at $1,238 million (a 27.2 percent increase), followed by air transportation ($195 million, a 12.3 percent increase), marine transportation ($148.5 million, a 2.8 percent increase) and railway ($58.9 million, a 57.2 percent increase). Iran plans to increase the value of the services provided to other countries to $30 billion by 2021. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 October 2017 16:00 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Tourism, a value contributor to economic growth and jobs, is also often the first step on the path to foreign investment and trade with other economies, and as such, the country must ensure that visiting Azerbaijan is a wholly positive experience. There is a general agreement that tourism expands more when there are better transportation systems. Transportation has been an integral part of the tourism industry, since it links tourists with various tourist attractions. Today, there are over one billion international tourist arrivals worldwide per year, forecast to rise to 1.5 billion per year by 2020. In recent years tourism of the Land of Fire also shows significant growth. Statistics of tourists coming to Azerbaijan has increased by 21 percent, according to Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfas Garayev. The minister assured the development of tourism is impossible without modern means of transport. Indeed, transport is an essential component of tourism by definition, providing connections between regions, domestically and internationally, and connecting attractions, accommodation and commercial services at destinations. Garayev said that the number of people arriving in Azerbaijan by buses and cars has also increased recently. Azerbaijan, a tangle of amazing contradictions and contrasts, also plans to develop rail tourism, a favorite mode of many tourists worldwide. After the launch of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway in late October, the country can develop the rail tourism on the Silk Road tourist route. Talking about this, the minister said that the issue is also on the agenda of the relevant agencies. Garayev also believes that the development of tourism is directly related to air transport, which has recently developed not only in the capital, but also in other cities of the country. Currently, Azerbaijan enjoys six airports including one in the capital and five in the regions including Ganja, Nakhchivan, Gabala, Lankaran and Zagatala. The minister also made recommendations aimed at promotion of the country's culture. Azerbaijan Airways (AZAL) offers different publications to passengers. I advocate that in small editions poetry of Azerbaijani poets, our fairy tales and children's books are also offered, he said, adding that people arriving in the country should receive information about Azerbaijan not only from TV, but also through publications. This can be a new look at culture. Visitors to Azerbaijan come not only for food, business and spending money. First of all, they visit the country to get acquainted with the Azerbaijani culture, way of life, thinking. Therefore, I believe that tourism companies should take as a basis the propaganda of the rich culture of Azerbaijan, he said. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz The following hospital and health system credit rating and outlook changes and affirmations took place in the last week, beginning with the most recent. 1. Moody's revises outlook on Children's Health System of Texas to negative Moody's Investors Service affirmed its "Aa2" rating on Dallas-based Children's Health System of Texas, affecting $352 million of debt. 2. Fitch affirms 'BBB+' on Peterson Regional Medical Center Fitch Ratings affirmed its "BBB+" rating on Kerrvile, Texas-based Peterson Regional Medical Center's series 2015 revenue bonds, affecting $51.2 million of debt. 3. Fitch assigns 'BB+' to Lawrence General Hospital's bonds Fitch assigned its "BB+" rating to Lawrence (Mass.) General Hospital's proposed $69 million series 2017 revenue bonds. 4. Fitch downgrades Great Plains Regional Medical Center to 'B+' Fitch Ratings downgraded Elk City, Okla.-based Great Plains Regional Medical Center's series 2007 revenue bonds to "B+" from "BB-," affecting $32.8 million of debt. 5. Fitch affirms 'BB' rating on LifePoint Health Fitch Ratings affirmed its "BB" issuer default rating on Brentwood, Tenn.-based LifePoint Health. 6. Fitch revises Swedish Covenant Hospital's outlook to negative Fitch Ratings affirmed its "BBB+" rating on Chicago-based Swedish Covenant Hospital's series 2016A revenue bonds. 7. S&P upgrades Lawrence + Memorial Hospital's bond rating to 'A+' S&P Global Ratings upgraded the rating to "A+" from "BBB+" on New London, Conn.-based Lawrence + Memorial Hospital's bonds. 8. S&P downgrades Lawrence General Hospital's rating to 'BB+' S&P Global Ratings downgraded Lawrence (Mass.) General Hospital's revenue debt to "BB+" from "BBB-." 9. S&P revises Mercy Health's outlook to stable, affirms 'AA-' rating S&P Global Ratings affirmed its "AA-" issuer credit rating and long-term revenue bond rating on Springfield, Mo.-based Mercy Health. 10. Fitch keeps Rating Watch Negative on Western Connecticut Health Network's bonds Fitch Ratings maintained the Rating Watch Negative on Danbury-based Western Connecticut Health Network's series M and series N revenue bonds, affecting a total of $81.5 million of debt. 11. Moody's downgrades Albert Einstein Health Network to 'Baa3' Moody's Investors Service downgraded Philadelphia- based Albert Einstein Health Network's bond and issuer rating to "Baa3" from "Baa2," affecting $447 million of outstanding debt. Janardan Sharma recounts his mission to end loadshedding in country The country that used to bear the brunt of loadshedding up to 18 hours daily until a year ago suddenly saw a drastic change under the leadership of then Energy Minister Janardan Sharma and incumbent Nepal Electricity Authority Chief Kul Man Ghising. Here are eight recent updates on revenue cycle management companies. 1. New Jersey medical center taps CareCloud for outpatient locations CareCloud, a Miami-based provider of revenue cycle management, practice management, EHR and patient experience management solutions, was chosen by Teaneck, N.J.-based Holy Name Medical Center as their EHR and practice management partner for 35 ambulatory medical practices. 2. mCare Solutions, VHC merger creates revenue integrity company The merger of healthcare services company mCare Solutions and revenue cycle solutions provider Vaughan Holland Consulting created a combined company called Revint Solutions. 3. R1 RCM, Phreesia partner to improve patient experience R1 RCM and Phreesia are joining forces. 4. Archway Health adds analytics team to manage commercial bundled payment offerings Watertown, Mass.-based Archway Health hired four senior employees to lead analytical operations for the company's Medicare, health plan and employer-based bundled payment models. 5. nThrive rebrands 3 solutions Alpharetta, Ga.-based nThrive, a patient-to-payment solutions company, rebranded three solutions to expand the nThrive brand to previous MedAssets and Precyse solutions. 6. Hackensack Meridian, Jefferson Health form JV with Med-Metrix Parsippany, N.J.-based revenue cycle management company Med-Metrix, Edison, N.J.-based Hackensack Meridian Health and Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health's New Jersey hospitals are coming together for a joint venture called Medi-Centrix. 7. Intermountain Healthcare to deploy R1 RCM's revenue capture offering Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare will use R1 RCM's Revenue Capture module systemwide. 8. Streamline client purchases company's eValuator revenue cycle offering Streamline Health Solutions, an Atlanta-based revenue cycle management solutions provider, sold its eValuator automated pre-bill auditing software to a hospital system client on the West Coast. Athenahealth released its third quarter earnings results Oct. 19. Here are four things to know about the company's performance. 1. Athenahealth posted $304.6 million in revenue for the third quarter, up 10.1 percent from $276.7 million during the same period one year prior. 2. The company reported $18.6 million in operating income during the third quarter, up 22.4 percent from $15.2 million from last year. 3. Athenahealth posted net income of $13 million, down 6.5 percent from $13.9 million one year prior. 4. The company revised its financial outlook, which previously projected $1.21 to $1.25 million in revenue by the end of the fiscal year. The updated 2017 financial outlook projects $1.2 million to $1.22 million in revenue. Veritas of Washington is moving Washington, D.C.-based United Medical Center CEO Luis Hernandez to another role within Veritas, according to a Washington Business Journal report. Veritas, which oversees operations at the hospital, told Washington. D.C., officials it is replacing Mr. Hernandez and will search for a successor once the D.C. Council has approved a nearly $4.2 million, one-year contract extension. The decision to replace the CEO may be an attempt to sway the council to approve the contract extension, according to the report. Additionally, Veritas leadership told the city it is urging UMC to appoint David Boucree interim CEO. Mr. Boucree is a principal with Veritas and formerly served as vice president of operations with Inovalon Holdings, a cloud-based data analytics provider. A number of D.C. Council members filed a resolution to disapprove the Veritas contract extension earlier this week. As per the resolution, the council has 45 more days to review the proposed contract, according to the report. UMC's leadership and Veritas have faced mounting challenges over the past year. Veritas took over at UMC in April 2016, following a number of previous operators. While some UMC board members noted concerns about Veritas' leadership, a director from D.C.'s Department of Healthcare Finance, which contracted Veritas to run the hospital, said that the operator "was satisfying its end of the contract with the city," the Washington Business Journal reports. In September, The Washington Post reported UMC was struggling under Veritas. Following a 90-day obstetrics ward shutdown due to safety issues in August, Veritas still had not met all standards required by the city in their contract. The hospital is not expected to generate the full $9 million in additional projected revenue. At the end of September, the District of Columbia Nurses Association voted "no confidence" in UMC leadership and called for the resignation or ousting of Mr. Hernandez and Maribel Torres, MSM, RN-BC, executive vice president of patient care service and CNO. They allege UMC leadership has not addressed nurses' concerns over what they deem unsafe staffing, inadequate equipment and inadequate nurse training. UMC responded to the "no confidence" vote in October, and told Becker's Hospital Review, the medical center "takes quality patient care seriously," and that "a comprehensive staffing plan for nurse-patient ratio has been in place and is based on national standards." Watertown, Mass.-based athenahealth, a provider of medical record, revenue cycle, patient engagement, care coordination and population health services, will cut its total workforce by approximately 9 percent. The company, which confirmed the news to Becker's Friday, said the layoffs are a result of a new organizational design that "will enable us to be more responsive to client needs and is expected to improve employee engagement by increasing efficiencies, streamlining workflow and enhancing accountability." The majority of the layoffs are expected to be completed by the end of this year. "We do not take the decision to reduce our workforce lightly, but these are necessary changes to enable athenahealth to succeed over the long term," company officials said. "We are committed to providing all impacted employees with the appropriate resources and severance packages to assist them in transitioning to new positions outside the organization. Our goal is to preserve and build upon athenahealth's culture of innovation, while ensuring that resources and talent are appropriately aligned with growth and the significant upside opportunities for the company." Athenahealth did not provide specific numbers related to the layoffs or disclose where exactly they would take place. However, the company did say "all geographies are impacted to varying extents, with most significant changes happening across sales, marketing, general and administrative functions, and some client-facing teams." According to The Boston Globe, the company is eliminating about 500 jobs out of its total workforce of about 5,600. Additionally, athenahealth plans to close its San Francisco and Princeton, N.J., offices, the publication states. The layoffs were announced two months after athenahealth revealed plans to implement strategic initiatives related to the company's finances and operations. More articles on leadership and management: Philanthropist, health advocate Helen DeVos dies at 90 Bipartisan group of governors urge Congress to stabilize insurance markets White House outlines changes it wants to see in Alexander-Murray bill Twenty-six orthopedic surgeons at Detroit Medical Center sent a letter Oct. 10 to DMC and Tenet Healthcare, the hospital's Dallas-based parent, questioning the recent departure of DMC's orthopedic department chief, according to Crain's Detroit Business. Khaled Saleh, MD, served as DMC's chief of orthopedics for 16 months before his contract was terminated earlier this month. His departure came as a surprise to many of the hospital's surgeons. "The decision came as a shock to those of us who have worked with him over the past 16 months," the surgeons wrote in the letter, according to Crain's Detroit Business. "Since his arrival, things have changed only for the better for our patients, our physicians, and our residents." The surgeons are seeking to have Dr. Saleh reinstated as the head of DMC's orthopedics department. A DMC spokesman told Crain's Detroit Business the system does not comment on matters involving internal personnel. People familiar with the matter told Crain's Detroit Business Dr. Saleh's contract was not renewed because he failed to meet surgical volume targets. More articles on physician issues: Kentucky physicians unsure what medical condition caused boy to sleep for 11 days Arizona surgeon faces 30 felony charges for forging opioid prescription for personal use State investigators: Former USC Keck dean Dr. Carmen Puliafito saw patients 'within hours' of misusing drugs Police issued a lockdown for Sylmar, Calif.-based Olive View-UCLA Medical Center Thursday following reports of a gunman, the Los Angeles Times reports. A hospital employee reported seeing a man with a gun on the second floor of the hospital around 9:20 a.m.Thursday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said in news release. The employee who reported the suspicious individual described him as a Hispanic man in his 40s with medium-length hair and wearing a gray shirt. During a press conference just before noon Thursday, police further described him as 5 feet 5 inches tall and 140 pounds, according to KTLA-5 News. Police reiterated the description in the news release. Officers locked down and searched the facility. Parts of the hospital were evacuated and patients were reportedly told to stay in their rooms, according to an Olive View-UCLA patient who spoke to the Los Angeles Times. The lockdown lasted roughly three hours. The hospital resumed normal operations around 12:30 p.m. No gunshots or injuries were reported, according to CBS Los Angeles. At least seven individuals were detained during the search. All seven individuals were later cleared and released. Police said there is no surveillance video of the alleged suspect "at this time." The alleged suspect had not been found as of Friday morning. The former chief technology officer of a Cleveland Clinic spinoff company was arrested Thursday and charged for his role in a conspiracy to defraud the hospital system out of at least $2.8 million, according to the Department of Justice. In 2012, Cleveland Clinic Innovations, the development and commercialization arm of Cleveland Clinic, formed Interactive Visual Health Records to develop a visual medical charting concept into a marketable product. The former executive director of CCI, Gary Fingerhut, hired Wisam Rizk to serve as chief technology officer of IVHR. The two were prohibited from receiving financial benefit or having financial interests in the companies Cleveland Clinic did business with, unless expressly approved by the Clinic. According to the DOJ, Mr. Rizk worked with others to incorporate a shell company, known as iStarFZE, and used the shell company to submit a bid to Cleveland Clinic to design and develop IVHR's software. He did not disclose his financial interest in iStarFZE to Cleveland Clinic, and he rewarded Mr. Fingerhut financially for not disclosing the fraud scheme. Between August 2012 and November 2014, Mr. Fingerhut accepted about $130,000 in payments from Mr. Rizk, according to the DOJ. Through the scheme, Mr. Rizk and others defrauded Cleveland Clinic out of at least $2.8 million, according to the DOJ. Federal prosecutors brought charges in September against Mr. Fingerhut, and he pleaded guilty in October to his role in the conspiracy. More articles on legal and regulatory issues: Freestanding ER operators want Google to find out who left them 22 bad online reviews Appeals court reverses $751k award in physician's wrongful termination case Nurse sues Spectrum Health, claiming system accommodated patient request for no black caregivers In the months before the January discontinuation of a three-year gun violence research initiative backed by the National Institutes of Health, emails between NIH staff indicated an internal split on the issue, according to a report from Science. Here are six things to know. 1. After the 2012 murder of 20 children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Conn., President Barack Obama called on health agencies to fund firearm research. In response, the NIH devoted $18 million of its $34 billion annual budget to fund more than 20 firearm research projects. The program titled Research on the Health Determinants and Consequences of Violence and its Prevention, Particularly Firearm Violence ran from January 2014 to January 2017. 2. Physicians, politicians and health experts have called on the NIH to renew the gun violence research program following the mass shooting in Las Vegas Oct. 1. 3. A few months before the program's discontinuation, Valerie Maholmes, PhD, chief of pediatric trauma at NIH's child health institute, and Jane Pearson, PhD, chairperson of the suicide research consortium at NIH's National Institute of Mental Health, expressed a willingness to continue the program and said they'd received numerous inquiries into obtaining program funding from potential grantees, according to NIH emails obtained by Science under the Freedom of Information Act. 4. However, George Koob, PhD, director of the NIH's National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism the department coordinating the research program said he wanted the word firearm removed from the program's official title. "We are interested in supporting research on this association in its broadest sense," Dr. Koob explained in an email to Science. "Removing 'firearm' from the title would allow for a far more comprehensive solicitation of research on this topic." 5. Other emails suggest top NIH officials decided to let the program expire. At least one such email suggests the decision may have been made by Lawrence Tabak, DDS, PhD, principal deputy director of the NIH. "I never made such a decision," Dr. Tabak told Science, adding that reviving the program is still under consideration. "[T]here has been no decision made not to reissue We haven't stopped funding work in this area, and we intend on continuing to fund work in this area." 6. When asked by Science whether NIH Director Francis Collins, MD, PhD, made the call to let the program expire, NIH spokesperson Renate Myles told the publication "no such decision has been made." More articles on population health: CMS strengthens support to California residents affected by wildfires: 4 things to know New policy in UK denies nonurgent surgery to overweight patients, smokers American Diabetes Association partners with digital health startup Solera Health A controversial new policy introduced in the U.K. prohibits patients from undergoing nonurgent surgery if they are obese or have smoked in the last eight weeks, according to a report from The Telegraph. Smokers and obese patients will be denied operations until they are able to lose weight or stop smoking, according to the policy crafted by clinical commissioning groups under the National Health Service, the U.K.'s public health system. Patients who are smokers will be breathalyzed before they can get a referral, and patients with Body Mass Index of 30 or more will be required to lose 10 percent of their weight in nine months. Patients who are more obese, with BMI over 40, will be required to lose 15 percent of their weight before surgery, according to the report. The goal of the policy is to hold patients responsible for their own health, free up limited healthcare resources, and improve patient safety and outcomes, according to the report. The policy has already drawn criticism, particularly from the Royal College of Surgeons. The surgical association called the policy discriminatory and called for NHS to revisit the decision. Read the full story here. More articles on population health: Congress creates commission to improve care for patients with metabolic syndrome Hospitals aim to decrease spending, limit high ER utilizers by helping homeless CDC: 40% of adults are obese Misonix is teaming up with Hunan Xing Hang Rui Kang Bio-Technologies Co. for a license and exclusive manufacturing agreement. Here are five points: 1. Under the agreement, Misonix licensed certain manufacturing and distribution rights for its SonaStar product line in The People's Republic of China, Hong Kong and Macau. 2. The licensing agreement was in exchange for payment of a minimum of $11 million. 3. Specifically, the agreement outlines: $5 million worth of upfront technology license fees and stocking orders Minimum royalty payments from SonaStar products sale of $2 million per calendar year in 2019, 2020 and 2021 Additional royalty payments based on product sales through August 2027 4. Additionally, Misonix will supply SonaStar products to Hunan Xing Hang Rui Kang Bio-Technologies Co. at agreed prices during the transition. 5. Misonix develops therapeutic ultrasonic medical devices. Laptops for the budget conscious in Nepal Laptops have become an integral part of our lives. Gone are those days, when you needed to use your bulky desktop to do any work. At the upcoming 2017 North American Spine Society annual meeting, four physicians will present on the efficacy of Zimmer Biomet's Mobi-C Cervical Disc. Here are five things to know: 1. The four physicians presenting their clinical studies include: Tierry Dufour, MD, of Spine Center of Paris, France Kris Radcliff, MD, of Rothman Institute, Egg Harbor, N.J. Hyun Bae, MD, of Los Angeles-based Cedars Sinai Medical Center Pierce Nunley, MD, of Louisiana Spine Institute, Shreveport 2. The Mobi-C Cervical Disc is the first cervical disc prosthesis approved by the FDA for reconstruction of the cervical disc at both one and two levels to treat neck pain and spine disorders. 3. The cervical disc is mobile-bearing and inserted in a single step without requiring bone chiseling to accommodate vertebral anchorage, such as crews or keels. Mobi-C is designed to be implanted using an anterior approach. 4. Additionally, Zimmer Biomet Spine will feature its newly launched Vitality+ and Vital Spinal Fixation System at the North American Spine Society annual meeting. 5. Zimmer Biomet General Manager of Global Spine Joe Ross said, "In addition, we are honored that our Mobi-C presentation on the clinical implications of heterotopic ossification after seven years received the NASS Section on Spine Motion Technology Best Paper Rating." Donald R. Gore, MD, earned recognition as a 2017 Top Doctor in Wisconsin. Here are six highlights: 1. Top Doctor Awards recognize those who "demonstrate clinical excellence while delivering the highest standards of patient care." 2. With a career dating back to 1960, Dr. Gore served as a Captain in the United States Air Force, gaining experience in general surgery and orthopedic surgery. 3. He completed his biomechanic fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco. 4. Dr. Gore taught orthopedic residents and medical students at Medical College of Wisconsin and Wood Veterans Administration Medical Center, both based in Milwaukee. 5. He has contributed to 50-plus publications. 6. Dr. Gore is now retired from clinical practice, but specialized in cervical spine degenerative disorders at the end of his career. Here are five spine and neurosurgeons making headlines. Anthony Yeung, MD, of Phoenix-based Desert Institute for Spine Care, attended China's 2017 Forum on Functional Neurosurgery where he gained insight on the country's introduction to endoscopic spine surgery. Ronnie I. Mimran, MD, of Danville, Calif.-based Pacific Brain & Spine, earned recognition as a 2017 Top Doctor in the San Francisco Bay Area. LSU Health Shreveport's neurosurgery department named Brain Willis, MD, interim chairman. Frank Phillips, MD, co-founder of the Minimally Invasive Spine Institute at Rush in Chicago, discussed his biggest concern for spine surgeons today. Indian River County officials charged 51-year-old orthopedic spine surgeon Johnny Benjamin, MD, with felony fentanyl trafficking, robbery and grand theft. 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. Mit den gewonnenen Informationen mochten wir verstehen, wie unsere Dienste verwendet werden, und die Qualitat dieser Dienste verbessern. neue Dienste zu entwickeln und zu verbessern Werbung auszuliefern und ihre Wirkung zu messen personalisierte Inhalte anzuzeigen, abhangig von Ihren Einstellungen personalisierte Werbung anzuzeigen, abhangig von Ihren Einstellungen Wenn Sie Alle ablehnen auswahlen, verwenden wir Cookies nicht fur diese zusatzlichen Zwecke. Nicht personalisierte Inhalte und Werbung werden u. a. von Inhalten, die Sie sich gerade ansehen, und Ihrem Standort beeinflusst (welche Werbung Sie sehen, basiert auf Ihrem ungefahren Standort). Personalisierte Inhalte und Werbung konnen auch Videoempfehlungen, eine individuelle YouTube-Startseite und individuelle Werbung enthalten, die auf fruheren Aktivitaten wie auf YouTube angesehenen Videos und Suchanfragen auf YouTube beruhen. 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. Dr. Christopher Mruk, professor of psychology at BGSU Firelands College, was granted the status of fellow by the American Psychological Association (APA) this summer in its Humanistic Psychology division. Fellows are nominated by peers in the organization and must pass review by the APA Fellows Committee. Fellow status is an honor bestowed upon APA members who have shown evidence of unusual and outstanding contributions or performance in the field of psychology and requires that a person's work has had a national impact on the field of psychology beyond a local, state or regional level. Dr. Mruks contributions to the college and the professional community are considerable and this nomination is validation of his efforts, said Firelands Dean Andrew Kurtz. He is an outstanding example of the quality of educators we have at BGSU Firelands. During his tenure with Firelands, Mruk has contributed more than 20 articles to professional journals, eight chapters in academic publications and published three books, one of which is in its fourth edition. His most recent book is Feeling Good by Doing Good: A Guide to Authentic Self-Esteem and Well-Being, and will be published by Oxford University Press. The book aims at translating research-based scholarly concepts from the fields of self-esteem and positive psychology into language that is more useful for mental health clinicians, their clients and the general public. He has also provided clinical continuing education programs in the areas of self-esteem and positive psychology to universities and professional bodies in psychology, social work and counseling in Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Before joining the BGSU faculty, Mruk worked as a clinical psychologist in mental health centers and directed the counseling center at St. Francis University in Pennsylvania. He is currently a consulting psychologist for the Firelands Regional Medical Center in Sandusky. Mruk has taught at BGSU for 35 years and received the Professorship of Teaching Excellence award in 2016. He teaches undergraduate classes at BGSU Firelands and graduate classes for BGSUs Department of Psychology. BGSU students and University community members will have another chance to meet Bowling Green City Council candidates and learn about the issues on the Nov. 7 ballot at an upcoming candidate forum on campus. Slated for 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23, in the Multi-Purpose Room in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union, the event so far has 11 confirmed candidate participants of the 12 running (there is also one uncontested seat), including all six at-large candidates. One of the candidates is current student Hunter Sluss, looking to represent the first ward, and challenging six-year council member Daniel Gordon, who was elected while a BGSU student. The Oct. 23 forum is completely student-led and is coordinated by a team of BGSU students dedicated to increasing awareness about the election and ultimately, voter participation, said senior Phillip Rich, a co-organizer of the forum. Rich is an Andrew Goodman Foundation ambassador/Vote Everywhere team leader with BGSU Votes, headquartered in the Center for Community and Civic Engagement. Senior Meg Burrell is co-ambassador. Rich has worked with senior Holly Shively, the student director of BG Falcon Media, which comprises the two campus radio stations, BG 24 TV news, the BG News and the Key and Obsidian magazines, to line up sponsors and make the arrangements. Shively recently won a second Press Club of Toledo Touchstone Award, this time in the digital category for a piece she wrote for bgindependentmedia.org. about a BGSU student who has been an advocate for equality in her native Tunisia and on campus. Shively and Hannah Finnerty, the editor-in-chief of the BG News, will serve as moderators for the forum. Shively and Rich decided the forum was needed because a previous event held by the League of Women Voters took place during Fall Break. That was timed to give early voters a chance to see the candidates, but most students werent here for it, Rich said. We have 18,000 of the citys 30,000 residents for about nine months of the year and a substantial portion of those register to vote in Bowling Green. Its important that they also have the opportunity to learn about issues affecting them. The League of Women Voters has been very helpful in providing guidance and support along with some equipment, Rich said. Its been a great experience working with them and getting the forum organized, he said. Before the forum begins, candidates will be at tables where attendees can meet and mingle with them to talk about the issues. Attendees can submit questions, which will be gathered and delivered by BG 24 and BG News staff. Wed especially like to focus on the town-gown relationship, Shively said. What are the biggest issues concerning BGSU and the city? How can we be good neighbors and how do we bridge the divide between the city and the University? A huge concern for students is housing the quality and affordability of it. Rich said student housing is also a concern for non-University residents, especially on the east side of town, and he expects candidates will be asked to address that issue. Although the forum is primarily about and for the students, Shively said, permanent residents are also encouraged to come. They can get a whole other side of opinions by hearing the student perspective. In addition to BGSU Votes, sponsors of the event are the Center for Community and Civic Engagement, BG Falcon Media and Undergraduate Student Government. Shively and Rich have worked with USG representative Hannah Barnes. Though they are in different majors and have different career goals, Shively and Rich share a commitment to engaged citizenship. She is majoring in multiplatform journalism with a minor in political science and plans to work either in investigative reporting or for a politically inclined magazine. He is an accounting major with a minor in the interdisciplinary Philosophy, Politics, Ethics and Law program, and plans to go on to law school. NC working to finalise candidates for 1st phase The ruling Nepali Congress (NC) on Thursday expedited discussions in the party to pick its candidates for the first-past-the-post election system for the first phase of federal and provincial polls scheduled for November 26. First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain. Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that. And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details. If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Nepali pashmina support project likely to be extended The International Trade Centre (ITC), a multilateral joint agency under the World Trade Organisation and the United Nations, is likely to extend the Pashmina Enhancement and Trade Support (Pets) project. No power cuts this Tihar, says NEA The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has been working to ensure that there is adequate and uninterrupted power during the Tihar festival when demand for energy spikes with everybody draping their houses with strings of lights. She said it remedied this situation within a month, including by boosting its financial crimes surveillance activity. "We have met our continuous disclosure obligations based on our knowledge of the matters," Ms Livingstone said. Ms Livingstone said there was "a great deal" of detail in Austrac's statement of claim, filed in August this year, of which the board had not been aware before it was lodged. Mr Coleman also questioned Ms Livingstone over the board's decision that group executives had satisfied performance criteria that included "risk" in 2016, when it was compiling its remuneration report. This is one metric included when determining executive bonuses. Mr Coleman asked Ms Livingstone if the board had "manifestly failed in its duty" in making this determination. "It is very, very hard to see how at bare minimum that is not extraordinarily incompetent, if not more problematic for the individual directors," Mr Coleman said to Ms Livingstone. In response, Ms Livingstone stood by the decision, saying it was "appropriate" at the time, as the board did not know Austrac would ultimately launch a civil case against CBA. "The first we were aware that Austrac intended to launch civil proceedings was the third of August this year, and the period to which you relate and the events of that time are the subject of the Austrac civil proceedings," Ms Livingstone said. 'Further accountability' The fresh round of scrutiny comes after Ms Livingstone scrapped short-term bonuses this year in response to the severe hit to the bank's reputation caused by the Austrac scandal. On Friday she vowed there would be "further accountability consequences as necessary" as the bank investigated the allegations further. "As chairman, my position on accountability can be quite simply put," she said. "Where claims of serious misconduct are substantiated, there are consequences, including dismissal. People who underperform are supported to improve, however, if their performance doesn't improve they are also asked to leave." As banks, and especially CBA, look to rebuild public trust in the industry, Ms Livingstone said the bank was conscious of the need for "greater transparency" and "greater accountability for the outcomes it delivers". "It is my goal as chair to ensure that we have robust governance, accountability and risk management systems in place," she said. Ms Livingstone also signalled that people had left CBA as a result of the flaws in the bank's anti-money systems before Austrac launched the bombshell action against CBA in August. Three former high-ranking executives of the bank had missed out on deferred pay as a result of the board's pay cut this year, she said. When pressed on specific details of Austrac's claims, Ms Livingstone and Mr Narev said they were limited in what they could say because of the ongoing legal proceedings. CBA is due to file its defence in the Austrac matter in December. Mr Narev made it clear the bank would acknowledge it had made mistakes, and would not fight every aspect of Austrac's claim against CBA. "The statement of defence is going to make clear we've made mistakes," he said. "We won't fight the claim or fight aspects of the claim where we know we're in the wrong." Analysts have estimated the bank could face a fine of up to $2.5 billion as a result of Austrac's case, and suggested this is likely to weigh on the board's capital management decisions. Share price slump Since the Austrac allegations came to light, CBA's shares have been downgraded compared with rival banks, and Mr Coleman put it to Mr Narev that the billions wiped off its market capitalisation would be "the largest example of shareholder value destruction in Australian history". "We understand that nobody wants to see the share price go down," Mr Narev said in response. "We would hope that many of those losses, over the short term, can be recuperated over the long term." The corporate watchdog has said it is investigating whether the bank's board complied with its continuous disclosure obligations, while the plaintiff law firm Maurice Blackburn is also running a shareholder class action over the issue. The Austrac scandal has put the spotlight on potential risks from banks' intelligent deposit machines - which allow customers to make large cash deposits and were at the heart of CBA's problems. Loading On Friday, CBA confirmed its machines continued to accept a maximum deposit of $20,000 in cash, compared with other major banks' limit of $4000 to $5000. BMW's headquarters have been raided by European Union officials investigating an alleged cartel among German car makers, as rival Daimler claimed whistleblower status in an effort to avoid fines. EU staff had "conducted an inspection" at BMW's Munich offices this week, the premium car maker said in a statement on Friday, adding that it was "assisting the European Commission in its work". BMW said it was "assisting the European Commission in its work". The EU's Brussels executive said its anti-trust officials had swooped unannounced on "a car maker in Germany" on October 16 in the first confirmed raid related to allegations that several German automakers had engaged in an illegal cartel. The competition watchdog said in July that it was investigating collusion among German car makers in response to a tip-off after Der Spiegel magazine reported that Daimler, BMW, Volkswagen and its Audi and Porsche arms conspired to fix prices in diesel and other technologies over decades. Men's magazine Playboy has featured its first ever transgender 'playmate' centrefold in its November issue, a move which the model hopes will pave the way for "all women - trans or otherwise - in fashion and other sectors". Ines Rau, a French fashion model who was featured nude in a 2014 issue of Playboy and has previously worked with Balmain and Vogue Italia, is the first transgender model to appear as a centrefold in the magazine's 64-year history. "Every woman's beauty deserves to be celebrated," Rau, 26, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in her first interview about the feature. "No one deserves to be a woman more than those [trans women] who routinely suffer abuse and are treated like they're less than nothing." Bob Hawke breaks down during a press conference in Canberra in 1984. His daughters' struggles with drugs were viewed more sympathetically when he and then wife Hazel spoke out. Credit:Capix Nine years on, The Supper Club is a lifeline to its members. Some had previously tried 'normal' bereavement groups, but they couldn't shake the feeling that some deaths are seen as more virtuous than others. "People think your son died of choice," explains Helena. "The stigma we feel could be our own perception, but we do perceive it." Deena lost her son Ben to alcohol, but prefers to remember him as a talented writer and musician. "You're somebody's worst nightmare," she says. "If people hear my son Ben died of alcoholism, it goes straight to all the judgement and imagination. People don't know what to say, or they move away. "I remember seeing a psychologist who had a look of horror on her face and I thought, she doesn't get this and she's thinking of her own kids. The Supper Club is the place where Ben is respected and not judged." The Supper Club attracts more women than men, which Quon believes is not unusual in support groups. "We seem to fall back into that old idea that women are the inner wheel, keeping family and emotions together, and the outer wheel is men being businesslike," she says. The one regular male attendee is Anne's husband Greg, stepfather to Will. He admits to being unable to vocalise his feelings, but is content to just listen and be present. Each two-hour session is led by a trained facilitator with a background in alcohol and drug counselling, because the loss experienced by the members is complex. Most have post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms from watching their child deteriorate, from calling ambulances and police, and from letting all but the most trusted friends slip away in order to contain the stigma. And then there's the slow-motion inevitability of it all. "For most of us it took 10 years for our child to die," says Helena. Anne has a video that replays in her mind, of going to the Coroner's Office to view Will's body. She's a social worker who, prior to Will's death, worked as a grief counsellor. This only reinforces her opinion that those who lose loved ones to substances are dealing with a very unique experience. "All those years beforehand leave you in such a vulnerable state, and then to end up going through the death ..." she trails off. Will worked on a rig, and would go through binges of heroin - a week on, a week off. "He was earning good money; a good looking, healthy guy," Anne says, "but I had 10 years of hypervigilance, watching my beautiful boy play Russian roulette with a needle." The younger sibling who idolised Will also observed him being revived by paramedics in the family home. 'We forgot to treat him as a normal person' Helena's son Michael was 28 when he died. He'd discovered heroin while he was at university, undertaking a degree in software engineering. "I sent him to the good schools and gave him everything, and yet he gets in a situation where he sells his guitar and everything else just to get money to buy drugs," she says. "I was ashamed of my son because I couldn't understand addiction. In my mind, only the 'other' people experienced this, not me." Counsellors advised Helena and her husband to use the 'tough love' approach, of not allowing Michael into the house if he was using, and to have him arrested if he did. "Whatever advice you're given, you follow it to the letter," she says, "so I called the police on my son, not because he was violent he was a very gentle and loving child but because he wanted to shoot up. A rally for safe injecting rooms in Richmond last month. Credit:AAP "I didn't understand his need and we forgot to treat him as a normal person. That feels so, so sad. If there was more education about addiction I wouldn't have treated him that way. That was a disservice we did to our son. When he died, we thought 'how awfully we treated him'." The Supper Club is a place at which guilt and shame can be freely expressed, with no well-meaning friend chipping in with the assurance that a parent did everything they could. "One of my greatest regrets is that I was too judgmental because I was so petrified about what Will was doing to himself," says Anne. "As a social worker I'd seen children removed from parents who had a drug problem, and I couldn't understand it. I thought, 'Why can't you do this for your child?'. "But now I realise, they can't do it. Our children couldn't do it for their mothers. Addiction is an illness and a child needs your love and support." Demonstrators opposed to safe injecting rooms in Richmond are held back by police in Victoria Street in August. Credit:Paul Jeffers The members are in favour of a safe injecting room in Richmond, but the long-running debate over the issue in the media is a hurtful and triggering one. "When Yarra City Council wanted to have a memorial for people who had died of overdose, people wrote to the paper and said, 'These people did it to themselves'," Helena says. "They don't understand that it's not that people who use drugs are bad people, it's just that once they're addicted they can't help themselves. You might see people looking rough or yelling, but the moment someone shows them a little bit of kindness, it all changes." It frustrates Anne that the media objective is often to scare. "There's an obsession with violent ice users, but the majority are functioning people," she notes. Helena wishes the humanising stories of parents would be amplified, having felt so isolated herself. On the occasions that the media has allowed family members to talk about their loved ones as real people such as the victim impact statement of Dawn Edge, whose son Jason was murdered in Perth over a drug debt the individual has a rare opportunity to be humanised. "The Jason you see in the media is not the Jason we all knew and loved," Edge said. "Drugs were only a very small part of who he became after suffering so very much." Similarly, Anne and Helena remember well that when Bob Hawke and Jill Wran spoke out in support of their daughters they stirred public empathy. Harriet Wran leaves Silverwater Correctional Centre, accompanied by her mother Jill Hickson Wran. Credit:Nick Moir The reality is, the members of The Supper Club are more likely to experience the trickle-down effect of scare tactics, through overhearing friends and colleagues talking about drug users negatively. "People like to use the word 'druggie', like drugs are some scary alien thing that's not going to touch them," says Deena. "When we already feel isolated, language like 'druggies' from people who should know better is sure to silence us," says Anne. "It's very hard to change people's thinking. I tend to say, 'That's interesting. What's your understanding of addiction?'" More often than not it transpires that understanding is limited. Even parents of children using drugs can struggle to understand, which is why SHARC offers a six-week education program about the nature of addiction. "Just acknowledge how sad and hard it must have been," Deena advises friends of families who have lost a child. "Acknowledge that they were loved." As life goes on, each member can find new things to celebrate, such as having grandchildren from their other children. But every milestone is bittersweet. "Even with my beautiful sons and husband, my holidays and my dog, I feel like I've got grey chiffon over me all the time," says Deena. "My grief is my monument to Ben." PM Deuba urges all parties to participate in elections Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has urged all political parties to participate in the elections to the House of Representatives and State Assemblies. My earliest beauty memory is of a matching set of Poochie or Strawberry Shortcake branded lipstick and nail polish I owned in 1986. They were in little bullet-shaped tubes, white plastic covered in pink love hearts; the lipstick was fruit scented, and the nail polish was a transparent fluorescent pink. To four-year-old me, that nail polish (which was effectively a clear topcoat, it was so transparent) was the last word in glamour. Clem Bastow's nails in 2013 In fact, I have many vivid nail polish related memories, including using Mum's varnishes to repaint my Barbie dolls (1992), finally finding a bottle of Revlon "Street Wear" polish in a bargain bin and feeling like the coolest person on earth (1997), and the blue glitter polish my family worried would be "too challenging" for some conservative relatives (1999). Given this, it's amusing to me that it took another decade or so for me to fully embrace my identity as "a nails person". Chalk it up to internalised misogyny, or just a complete lack of ambidexterity, but the '00s were a bleak time of unvarnished nails for moi; I just didn't have time for that. But it is understood the government told the RMIT team not to make any actual recommendations for further action. Youth Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith was asked to describe how the reporting process had been improved since the complaint. Credit:Karleen Minney The territory brought on the team to review of progress on the 28 recommendations of the Getting Home Safely report that followed a series of deaths on local building sites over five years ago. A team of RMIT researchers tasked with reviewing progress five years after a report into a series of construction industry deaths in Canberra was told not to provide any recommendations on their findings. The review was originally meant to "identify what has been achieved, what is yet to be achieved, and what new targets or strategies should be put in place" on safety and culture on Canberra's building sites. But a spokeswoman for Workplace Safety Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the report did not "contain a section detailing conclusions", to allow the committee to "discuss and formulate its own position on the report's results". It is understood the lack of formal findings in the report caused some consternation within the committee, given it was originally proposed by the Getting Home Safely panel that it would make recommendations for further action. The committee ultimately asked the government to go back to RMIT to make formal findings and recommendations, but neither the first report, nor the updated version, have yet been publicly released. Ms Stephen-Smith's spokeswoman said that committee members "discussed the absence of conclusions in the report", and its request to update it to include RMIT's conclusions "has been actioned". Dogs may soon be safe to return to city pubs with a proposal before parliament to protect an old part of Sydney pub culture that has recently been overturned by council rangers and health and safety laws. Over the past year, there have been several reports of council officials fining drinkers up to $600 for having dogs in pubs, leading many publicans to reluctantly introduce bans. Peter Philip said he designed his Wayward Brewery's tasting room to be dog-friendly from the start. Credit:Wolter Peeters Council rangers cite laws that prohibit dogs being within 10 metres of food consumption. But beer, in the eyes of state law at least, is a food too, meaning owners (and publicans) can be fined for a dog being in the front drinking room of a public bar. Following council inspections and threatened fines to publicans too a number of Balmain's famously dog friendly pubs such as the The London and Dry Dock have been forced to stop allowing dogs after welcoming them for the past 30 years. "It's still very tough for them, obviously they (the families) are very concerned," Inspector Darren Somerville said. "Until they (missing men) are located, there will always be some sort of slim hope." On Friday, Mrs McDornan posted on social media to thank everyone who rang, sent messages and had her husband in their thoughts and prayers. We got our boy back yesterday, and he is doing OK considering everything that has happened, the post said. Our love, thoughts and hope are with our slugger families still without their boys, please keep them in your thoughts. Police have said Mr McDornan is very distressed about the incident and concerned about the welfare of his missing friends and their families. Police vessel Conroy (right) preparing to continue the search for the six missing fishermen on Friday. Credit:Anita Theodorou - 7 News Central Queensland Mr Binder is understood to have attended Nudgee College in Brisbane but now lives in Cairns. Sister Jodie Bidner shared a photo of her brother on social media, telling him to hang in there bro. Adam is strong, stubborn and fit and Im hanging on to the fact that if anyone is a fighter its Adam Bidner, she said in a post. The siblings mother Kay shared a photo of her son wearing a Superman T-shirt and said: time to use your superpowers Adam. Gold Coast man Mr Sammut had recently bought a unit at Paradise Point with his wife Sharryn. The couple had a young son together. The sea cucumber trawler went down in rough seas off Seventeen Seventy on Monday night. Credit:Google Maps Mr Tonks was yet to be married, but his fiancee Ana James said she hoped he was kicked back on an island with a coconut in hand. Thats the kind of guy he is, she said in a statement. Fearless and capable of anything. It is understood the pair got engaged just before Christmas last year. Mr Tonks' social media profiles reveal he attended Glen Innes High School in New South Wales and had been a dive instructor since 2010. Fellow crewman Mr Feeney is originally from Western Australia and had previously been a diver for a Broome pearling company while it is understood Mr Hoffman is an uncle to at least two young nieces. If the bodies of the six missing fishermen are found, the incident will be the worst to happen off the Queensland coast in at least 12 years. Three other tragedies come close to the Dianne. In the most recent incident, the Night Raider trawler disappeared off the Fraser Coast in November 2016. The prawn trawler departed Urangan, at Hervey Bay, on November 11 and headed east. However, the trawler's Vessel Monitoring System, a mandatory system that provides hourly updates on the location of all trawlers in Queensland waters, stopped responding on November 12. Douglas Hunt has been missing, along with two other men, since November 12. The three crew were never found. They consisted of 38-year-old Douglas Hunt as well as two other men, aged 24 and 60. A decade ago, two vessels collided in Moreton Bay near the mouth of the Brisbane River. The incident took place on September 1, 2007, and involved a 24-foot Four Winns Horizon 2301 and a 5.4-metre Haines Hunter half-cabin runabout. The Four Winns rode up and over the Haines Hunter, killing four of the five people aboard the smaller boat. The deceased included 36-year-old Gregory McLellan and his 35-year-old wife Yang Sun. The only survivor from Haines Hunter was Wei Chen, but her 42-year-old husband Shengqi Chen and 12-year-old son Dominic Chen were killed. The oldest incident occurred in October 2005, when the Malu Sara, a vessel owned and operated by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, disappeared in the Torres Strait. The vessel became lost in fog while travelling from Saibai Island to Badu Island and was carrying two departmental officers and three passengers. After several attempts to guide the Malu Sara to sheltered water and land, the skipper of the vessel made his last radio call to authorities advising the boat was taking on water and sinking. Five people were on board but only one body was found, 34-year-old Flora Enosa. A woman has been cut from the wreckage of her car after crashing into a power pole in Ipswich on Friday night. The driver's legs were pinned after the front of the car was damaged upon impact about 8.30pm on Redbank Plains Road in Bellbird Park. The woman was taken to hospital with leg injuries after being trapped inside the wreckage. Credit:Nine News Queensland - Twitter She was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after fire crews freed her. Emergency services shut off the power during the delicate rescue operation, but the pole was not extensively damaged. December 1980: Victoria Police at search HQ during the hunt for clues at the site in Tynong North where three female bodies were discovered. Credit:Fairfax Media But first the facts. Bertha Miller, 73, the aunt of then chief commissioner Mick Miller, left for church on Sunday, August 10, 1980, intending to take a tram along High Street, Glen Iris. Her body was found off Brew Road, Tynong North, in December 1980. Ann-Marie Sargent, who disappeared on October 6, 1980. Credit:Fairfax Media Eighteen days later Catherine Linda Headland, 14, was heading to catch the bus to the Fountain Gate shopping complex. Her body was found at Tynong North near Miller's. Ann-Marie Sargent, 18, disappeared after intending to catch a bus to the Dandenong office of the Commonwealth Employment Service and then visit the Clyde post office on October 6, 1980. Her body was found with the remains of Miller and Headland in December 1980. Joy Carmel Summers' body was found on November 22, 1981. Police believe the dumping ground was selected by someone who knew the area well. Narumol Stephenson, 34, disappeared from her car outside a Brunswick flat on November 29, 1980. Her body was found about 100 metres off the Princes Highway, near Brew Road, on February 3, 1983. Police use a scrub-clearing machine in their hunt for clues in the Tynong North area where the three bodies were found in 1980. Allison Rooke, 59, left her Frankston home to go shopping on May 30, 1980, walking to the nearby Frankston-Dandenong Road to catch a bus. Her body was found on July 5, 1980, hidden in scrub near Skye Road, Frankston. Joy Carmel Summers, 55, was to have caught a bus on the Frankston-Dandenong Road on October 9, 1981. On November 22, 1981, her body was found in scrub beside Skye Road. Bertha Miller, a 75-year-old mission worker and Sunday school teacher, was one of three women whose bodies were found dumped at Tynong North in December 1980. Credit:Fairfax Media A 1985 review by the Bureau of Criminal Intelligence suggested there were three killers - the sand quarry murderer, the Skye Road offender and another who killed Stephenson. For this to be correct there had to be two serial killers targeting woman on foot, dumping bodies in scrub who removed personal items and then stopped killing at around the same time. And then just by fluke, seven weeks after the last sand quarry victim was killed, Stephenson was murdered and dumped off Brew Road. Narumol Stephenson, a 34-year-old mother of two, disappeared early on the morning of November 29, 1980. Credit:Fairfax Media A 1990 re-examination by the same agency rejected the "three killers" theory. "On the balance of probabilities, the same person or persons were responsible for the murders of Allison Rooke, Bertha Miller, Catherine Linda Headland, Ann-Marie Sargent and Joy Carmel Summers." It did not have enough facts to draw conclusions regarding Stephenson's murder. The review examined several suspects but declared the "best nominated" was Harold John Janman, a former projectionist with a propensity for offering women lifts in his car and with links to both Tynong North and Frankston. But interesting links are not evidence and Janman, now aged 85, has always declared his innocence. Catherine Linda Headland, who was just 14 at the time of her disappearance and death. And so what do we know about Janman? He presents as a deeply religious family man and a prude who would turn "girlie" photos to the wall in the small city projection room where he worked, and yet he had been charged with soliciting for the purposes of prostitution the year before the murders commenced. A reward for information in the case of Joy Carmel Summers published in the Victorian Government Gazette in May 1982. Now a new award offer of $1 million is being made. It was also around that time, he would later tell police, that "my wife was going to leave me". He freely admitted that he often offered women lifts on the Frankston-Dandenong Road, where Rooke and Summers disappeared in 1980 and 1981. He agreed to drive with police down the busy road and identify where he invited women into his van. He indicated nine stops, including the two where Rooke and Summers would have been waiting for a bus. But he was not so forthcoming on every question. Detective: "Do you know where Skye Road is?" Janman: "Where sir?" Detective: "Skye Road." Janman: "No sir, I have never heard of it." And yet for years he had worked as a projectionist at the local drive-in just off Skye Road, near where the bodies were found. Police took him to where the bodies were found. "[He] became nervous and sweated a lot. He walked around the sites as asked, but at no time did he walk in the immediate vicinity of where the bodies had been lying. Extensive areas around the sites had been cleared of bush and scrub by the police crime scene searchers and the investigators stated that without some prior knowledge it would not have been possible to tell exactly where the two bodies had been lying," according to a police analysis. Three days after the interview and on the anniversary of the discovery of the first body at Tynong, Janman turned up unannounced at the Frankston police station to ask Senior Constable Michael White: "You know I was brought in about two murders in Frankston, well why haven't I been asked about five murders instead of two?" White: "Which other ones are you talking about?" Janman: "The ones in Tynong I'm just saying, why haven't they asked about that?" The trouble was no one, at least publicly, had at that time linked the two murder scenes. No one, that is, except Janman. According to FBI crime profiler Robert Ressler, serial killers often reach out to investigators: "Some offenders attempt to inject themselves into the investigation of the murder, or otherwise keep in touch with the crime in order to continue the fantasy that started it." It is a matter of fact that after Janman was interviewed on December 3, 1981, the murders stopped - a fact that may, of course, be entirely coincidental. Fifteen years after the last body was found, Janman was nabbed in St Kilda when he approached an undercover policewoman and asked for sex. He immediately told police he was "the prime suspect in the Tynong North killings". Homicide investigators try to find links between where bodies are discovered and the offender, as in most cases killers return to areas they know. Janman had lived in Garfield, the area adjoining the killer's dumping ground. He had worked at a nearby hotel and was a truck driver whose route took him to the Brew Road sand quarry where three of the victims' bodies were dumped. In a subsequent taskforce investigation, codenamed Lyndhurst, Janman agreed to two polygraph tests. He failed both. Janman was not the only suspect in the case. Raymond "Mr Stinky" Edmunds murdered Shepparton teenagers Abina Madill and Garry Heywood in 1966 and is suspected in a series of unsolved rapes and murders, but as he moved to NSW in 1980 has all but been written off in this case. Distant relatives of Bertha Miller were nominated but investigators from taskforce Lyndhurst discounted them. And there is a new (if unlikely) name. Bandali Debs, who with Jason Roberts was convicted of the 1998 murders of Sergeant Gary Silk and Senior Constable Rod Miller in Moorabbin. Debs murdered prostitutes Donna Hicks (Sydney) and Kristy Harty (Melbourne), taking both off the street. But he was nominated not by a new witness but by his former crime partner, Roberts, as part of his rejected submission for a retrial. Police say the abrupt Debs would not have had the cunning to persuade women to voluntarily accept lifts, and other claims made by Roberts against Debs have been proven false. A Perth man has been fined more than $6000 for illegally importing an unfinished firearm "silencer" he purchased online from a US-based website. The 42-year-old pleaded guilty in the Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday to one charge under section 233(1)(b) of the Customs Act. The silencer which landed the man in hot water. Credit:ABF He was fined $6533. Australian Border Force WA Regional Commander Rod O'Donnell said the penalty should serve as a reminder to people about the dangers of purchasing weapons or accessories online. "Many overseas websites, particularly those based in the US, sell items that are prohibited in Australia. It is the responsibility of anyone purchasing these items to ensure they meet all import requirements, including relevant permits and authorisations," Commander O'Donnell said. "These items can be extremely dangerous and can pose a threat to the Australian community and for that reason their importation is controlled." Penalties for importing firearms and other accessories without a permit can be up to 10 years jail and fines of up to $525,000. Last financial year ABF officers made 1709 "detections" of undeclared firearms, parts and accessories at the border. Loading Tormented: Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during Question Time on Wednesday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen A guarantee from a government - any government - is barely worth the breath expended upon it these days, and a guarantee of anything related to power prices is surely asking for trouble. Still, the plan has the benefit of offering a level of investment certainty to the power sector, thus holding out the promise of increasing reliability of electricity supply, all the while requiring power generators to reduce carbon emissions. Playing along: Opposition leader Bill Shorten shares a joke with children from Norfolk Island in Canberra this week. The government's energy guarantee is a "joke" too, it would seem. Credit:Andrew Meares Given the outright warfare promised by Tony Abbott and his little band of vandals if there had been a sniff of a clean energy target or fresh emphasis on renewables, Turnbull has possibly even exceeded expectations by managing any halfway-serious policy at all. You wouldn't know it, but Bill Shorten's Labor Party thinks so, as it happens. But Shorten's keeping it a secret. For now. Turnbull's energy "guarantee" had barely been announced before Shorten was firing up all the derision he could muster. It was a "joke" and a guarantee that wouldn't work, he declared. His first effort relating to the matter in question time was this: "I refer to the Prime Minister's latest energy policy. Can the Prime Minister confirm that the government has not modelled its impact on business, has not modelled its impact on renewable energy jobs, has not modelled its impact on the broader economy, has not modelled its impact on households? Why should Australians believe anything that this Prime Minister says about a lousy 50-cent saving in people's power bills?" You'd imagine that the Shorten-led opposition was gearing up to kill the scheme stone dead. You'd be wrong. His hot words are a political feint, as Fairfax's Mark Kenny astutely observed this week. And why? All sides of politics, with the notable exception of Abbott and gang and a few of the Greens, have known for a very long time that Australia's householders, which is to say voters, are fed up to the back teeth with the esoteric arguments and endless political warfare associated with energy. Just about everyone wants to know that if they are to flick a light switch, light will ensue, and they want to do it without fearing a power bill that will bring them to their knees. Further, a sizeable proportion of that population recognises by now that any workable policy from a nation worthy of the name has to have embedded within it a mechanism to reduce carbon pollution. Even those who believed Abbott's carry-on about Julia Gillard's "great big carbon tax" came to learn that once the tax was removed, electricity prices barely paused before continuing to rise. Abbott's caterwauling hadn't been worth the candle. Turnbull's plan, for all its unexplained parts, offers a wink to the return of a form of carbon pricing. Fairfax's Peter Hannam took the trouble this week to dig through the advice being provided by the new Energy Security Board, and discovered a a mechanism to be added to the National Electricity Market in 2019 and 2020. "Some electricity retailers will not be able to meet the required emissions profile, while others will overachieve," it reads. "Therefore a secondary exchange will occur between retailers to balance their portfolios." There lie, clearly, the makings for a default carbon price. All of this, equally clearly, adds up to a political approach Labor could live with. Washington: Former President George W. Bush has delivered a scathing warning about Donald Trump, saying his "America first" philosophy portends a dangerous inward turn that is eroding democracy at home and threatening stability around the world. "The health of the democratic spirit is at issue," the 43rd president said during a speech in New York on Thursday, local time. "And the renewal of that spirit is the urgent task at hand. "Since World War II, America has encouraged and benefited from the global advance of the free markets, from the strength of democratic alliance and from the advance of free societies," Bush said. "Bullying and prejudice in our public life sets a national tone, provides permission for cruelty and bigotry, and compromises the moral education of children." Police fire six rounds to arrest gamblers in Bara Police in the wee hours of Friday fired six rounds of bullet to arrest the gamblers at Bakuliya in Jitpur Simara Sub-Metropolitan City of Bara district. Mogadishu: Car bombs, grenade attacks, assassinations and abductions by al-Shabab insurgents shatter the fragile veneer of calm in Somalia with such regularity that barely a week goes by without a deadly assault. Two large explosions occur on average in Mogadishu, the capital, every month. In June, more than 30 people were killed when militants stormed a popular restaurant in the city. Politicians and businessmen have been shot dead in broad daylight. Aid workers have been kidnapped, scores of civilians gunned down or killed in roadside bombs. The violence is so pervasive that embassies are located inside the international airport. But even by Somalia's standards, the twin truck bombings last Saturday in Mogadishu that killed more than 270 people were unusual in their scale and brutality. Although al-Shabab, Somalia's most notorious militant Islamist organisation, has not publicly claimed responsibility, its members are thought to have orchestrated the attack, one of the country's most destructive, and may have even received inside help. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams Friday Oct. 20 Ger-maniacs The final Oktoberfest party in Brooklyn is also its biggest! Brauhaus Schmitz has transported a Greenpoint warehouse into a Munich-style bierhalle all weekend, kicking off with a four-hour session of wursts, dancing, and oompah music from the Alex Meixner Band! Your ticket price includes the first liter of beer. 7 pm at Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse (73 West St. at Milton Street in Greenpoint, www.brauh aussc hmitz.com/ event s1 ). $40$45. Saturday Oct. 21 Its a Sting operation! In The Sting Variations, chanteuse Tierney Sutton and her band will bust out jazz interpretations of tunes from rock icon Sting, including monster hits from his years with the Police, including Every Breath You Take and Message in a Bottle, along with lesser-known gems from his solo career. 8 pm at the Kumble Theater at Long Island University [DeKalb Avenue at Flatbush avenue Downtown, (718) 4881624, www.kumbl ethea ter.org ]. $35. Sunday Oct. 22 Party pooch Ask animal lover Sean Casey about chasing down the Prospect Park cow at his rescue groups 10th annual Howl-O-Ween Bark Block Party this afternoon! It will feature a costume contest for kids and dogs, music from the Brooklyn Bluegrass Collective, food off the barbecue, hot drinks, and adorable, adoptable animals. Every breath they take: The Tierney Sutton Band will perform their versions of Sting songs in The Sting Variations on Oct. 21. Tierney Sutton Noon5 pm at Sean Casey Animal Rescue [153 E. Third St. between Caton Avenue and Fort Hamilton Parkway) in Windsor Terrace, (718) 6142919, www.nyani malre scue.org ]. Free. Tuesday Oct. 24 Shot of spirits Have you or your family ever seen a spook, spectre, or ghost? Check out some photo evidence of the otherworld at The Apparitionists, historian Peter Manseaus discussion of infamous spirit photographer William Mumler, who allegedly captured the ghost of Abraham Lincoln in one of his images. 6:30 pm at Brooklyn Historical Society [128 Pierrepont St. at Clinton Street in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 2224111, www.brook lynhi story.org ]. $5. Thursday Oct. 26 Walk on water Five years after Sandy flooded the streets of Red Hook, artist Anita Glesta will use projections to transform the sidewalk outside the nabes library into a sea swimming with brightly colored sharks. As part of the Watershed event, Borough President Adams and others will be inside the book depository, discussing how to protect the area from rising seas. 69:30 pm at Red Hook Library (7 Wolcott St. at Dwight Street in Red Hook, www.bklyn libra ry.org ). Free. Fragomen yesterday announced the opening of its new office in Ireland, based in Dublin's city centre in order to service its portfolio of multinational clients in market. Fragomen is a firm dedicated exclusively to the delivery of immigration services to companies around the world. The firm has more than 3,400 staff in more than 40 offices and provides services to many of the worlds leading corporations. It works with clients to facilitate the transfer of skilled employees into over 170 countries. The firm support all aspects of global immigration, including strategic planning, quality management, compliance, government relations, reporting, case management and processing. Fragomen invested significant resources into the launch of the Dublin office, taking city centre office space and recruiting a specialist team of immigration professionals at all levels. The team will expand to include 20 specialists within the next six months. Speaking yesterday, An Tanaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald said, "I'm delighted to welcome a company of Fragomen's calibre to Ireland. Known globally for its expertise in providing immigration services to companies, Fragomen's establishment here will assist FDI companies who are either relocating existing staff from abroad or sourcing new staff, in circumstances where immigration requirements apply." She added, "Just recently Ireland was named as the best country in the world for attracting high-value FDI for the sixth year in a row. These high tech companies sometimes need to bring in specialist expertise from abroad for their Irish operations and the services to be provided by Fragomen will make that process easier and more streamlined for their clients." Source: www.businessworld.ie European Union leaders said on Thursday they looked forward to seeing proposals on taxing online giants by early 2018 but in a nod to concerns from countries like Ireland said EU efforts had to be in line with work under way at a global level. European countries are split over whether online companies such as Google, Facebook and Amazon should pay more tax, with smaller EU members such as Ireland and Luxembourg - which host many online businesses - worried that taxes would hurt their competitiveness without a global solution. Countries like Italy and France on the other hand are frustrated by the low tax rates online giants pay by re-routing profits through low-rate countries and insist the EU should go it alone if the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which includes the United States and Japan, is unable to reach an agreement on a global solution. Meeting for an EU summit, the leaders said in their conclusions that they looked forward to "appropriate (European) Commission proposals by early 2018." However they referred to the need to ensure a "global level-playing field in line with the work currently under way at the OECD", a change from earlier draft summit conclusions which did not mention "global" or link the OECD work to EU efforts. An EU diplomat said French President Emmanuel Macron - who has led the charge for more taxation of digital giants - was told to wait for OECD proposals in April 2018. Last month the European Commission outlined three options for taxing internet companies: taxing the turnover rather than the profits of digital firms, putting a levy on online ads and imposing a withholding tax on payments to internet firms. In the longer term the EU wants to change existing taxation rights to make sure digital firms with large operations but no physical presence in a given country pay taxes there instead of being allowed to re-route their profits to low-tax jurisdictions. The EU wants member states to reach a compromise by December, will then base its proposals on what they agree to, and will also send those proposals to the OECD. However, the EU faces the prospect of countries opposed to the measures blocking the move as states have a veto on tax matters. The Commission has raised the possibility of stripping members of their veto rights on tax issues, a move Ireland has said it will resist. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie Underutilised domain Community radios have established themselves as indispensable, but the air time value remains largely misspent If you have just started your journey in an online casino or are looking for a new site to play,... Dangote Cement group increases revenues by 37% in 9M17 20 October 2017 Dangote Cements overall group revenue increased by 36.5 per cent from NGN442.1bn (US$1.08bn) in the first 9M16 to NGN603.6bn in 9M2017, despite a 10.1 per cent fall in group cement volumes to 16.5Mt, as the impact of price increases dampened demand in Nigeria. The groups profit for the period was NGN193.1bn, up 44.6 per cent compared to NGN133.5bn in 2016. Dangote Cement has continued to perform strongly in 2017 with revenues up nearly 37 per cent despite a fall in volumes. In our key operations in Nigeria we have significantly improved our fuel mix and this has helped increase margins across the Group. It is especially good for Nigeria because most of the coal we are using is mined in our own country, said Onne van der Weijde, the company's CEO. Our Pan-African operations are performing strongly with excellent sales growth in Cameroon, Ethiopia and Senegal. We are consolidating our success across Africa and have just commissioned our 1.5Mta factory in Congo, the 10th country in which we have established operations, he added. Nigeria Sales volumes from Nigerian operations fell from 11.9Mt to 9.6Mt, although the new pricing structure more than offset the 19.2 per cent fall in volumes, with revenues from Nigeria increasing by 35.2 per cent to NGN416.1bn (9M16: NGN307.8bn). Dangote Cement estimates that Nigerias total market for cement was 14.8Mt, approximately 18 per cent lower than the estimated 18Mt sold in Nigeria in the first nine months of 2016. Of total market sales in the first nine months of 2017, the company estimates that just 0.15Mt was imported. As a result of the slower market, Dangotes Nigeria operation sold 9.6Mt of cement, down 19.2 per cent on nearly 12Mt sold in the first nine months of 2016. The companys market share was about 65 per cent during the first 9M17. Over the nine-month period the realised price was NGN43,210/t. Despite the lower volumes, Nigerian operations increased revenues by 35.2 per cent to NGN416.1bn and EBITDA by 64.8 per cent to NGN270.5bn (excluding central costs and eliminations). Pan-African operations In the 9M17 Pan-African operations increased cement sales by 7.5 per cent to 7Mt as Dangote factories continued to consolidate their market shares across Africa. Pan-African revenues increased by 40.4 per cent to NGN191.9bn and EBITDA increased by 43.5 per cent to NGN32.3bn. Pan-African operations sold about 42 per cent of total group cement volumes, provided nearly 32 per cent of group revenues (before inter-company eliminations) and 10.7 per cent of group EBITDA (before central costs and eliminations). Cameroon Dangotes Douala grinding unit sold approximately 938,000t of cement in the first 9M17, an increase of 16.4 per cent on the 806,000t sold in the same period of 2016. Dangote estimates its market share to have been approximately 46 per cent during the period. The price of cement was about US$112/t in September. Congo The 1.5Mta Mfila plant began operations in late September 2017 and sold 5000t of cement during the period. Ethiopia Dangote Cement Ethiopia increased sales by 16.8 per cent to nearly 1.7Mt in the first nine months of 2017 (9M16: 1.4Mt). This represents capacity utilisation of approximately 88 per cent. Ghana Dangote Cement Ghana sold approximately 670,000t of cement in the first 9M017, slightly down on the 761,000t cement sold during the same period in 2016. Senegal The 1.5Mta plant in Pout sold 1Mt of cement in the first nine months of 2017, up 21.7 per cent on the comparable period of 2016. This represents almost 89 per cent capacity utilisation at the factory. Sierra Leone The 0.7Mta import and bagging facility began operations in Freetown in January 2017. The facility sold approximately 68,000t of cement in its first nine months of operation. South Africa Dangote increased sales in South Africa by approximately 10 per cent in the 3Q17. The company raised prices by five per cent in February, at the same time increasing delivery rates. The cement prodcuer increased prices again in August, by 2-3 per cent. Tanzania The plant in Tanzania increased volumes by more than 12 per cent to nearly 541,000t in the first nine months of 2017 with a market share of 14 per cent at the end of the period. The ex-factory price during the period was around US$63/t in September. Zambia The 1.5Mta factory in Ndola sold approximately 545,000t of cement in the first nine months of 2017, only marginally down on 2016, in part because of a heavy and prolonged rainy season that affected construction activity. However, sales increased by approximately 12 per cent in the third quarter of 2017, to more than 160,000t, including export sales to Malawi. PPC The company remains interested in acquiring South African rival PPC and would do a deal at the right price, its outgoing CEO, Onne van der Weijde, said, according to a Reuters report. He considered PPC was a "good fit". The company made an approach to PPC last month, but later withdrew, saying it did not want to get into a lengthy process with an uncertain outcome. Eurobond issue In addition, Dangote Cement is considering issuing eurobond or a local debt issue and will make a decision towards the end of the year, its CFO, Brian Egan, said. Reuters quoted Mr Egan to have said 70 per cent of the companys NGN389bn debt was short term and from its parent firm, Dangote Industries Ltd. He said that the company was interested in issuing a eurobond given that yields were decreasing and the naira was stabilising. Published under Peru sees 4% rise in cement demand in September ICR Newsroom By 20 October 2017 Cement consumption in Peru advanced 3.8 per cent YoY from 0.82Mt in September 2016 to 0.851Mt one year later, according to data from Asocem, the country's cement association. Total dispatches increased 2.9 per cent YoY to 0.884Mt in September 2017 from 0.86Mt in the year-ago period. This includes a 14 per cent drop in cement exports to 33,000t. However, Perus cement producers also exported to 72,800t of clinker. Domestic cement production rose 4.3 per cent in September to 0.884Mt, when compared with 0.847Mt reported in 2016. To meet market demand, the country imported some 44,300t of cement, as well as 42,700t of clinker, in September. In the first nine months of 2017, Perus cement demand reached 6.986Mt, down 2.4 per cent YoY from 7.158Mt in 9M16. In addition, some 419,500t of cement imports arrived in the country, up 2.5 per cent YoY from 409,400t in the year-ago period. Clinker imports fell 8.5 per cent from 433,800t to 396,800t over the same period. Cement production in the country in the year to date reached 7.268Mt, which represents a fall of 3.1 per cent when compared with the equivalent period in 2016, when output stood at 7.498Mt. Of this volume, 251,700t was exported, a 15.6 per cent decrease YoY (9M16: 298,200t). In addition, Perus cement producers exported 336,300t of clinker, nearly three times the volume reported in the year-ago period (113,500t). Published under Ongoing threats between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un. Continued, illicit nuclear testing that sets the world on edge. Secrecy surrounds everything from its leader to its economy. The world has its eye on North Korea, but what are we really seeing? We rounded up some of the most credible conspiracy theories surrounding the nation. You decide what to believe. 1. The Blue House Raid, an insane assassination plot dubbed so brazen as to be suicidal The Blue House Raid (also known in South Korea as the Jan. 21 Incident) marked an unsuccessful assassination attempt by North Korean commandos on the South Korean president, Park Chung-hee. According to The New York Times, the mission was so brazen as to be suicidal. Disguised as South Korean soldiers, fighters snuck up on the residence at the Blue House, on Jan. 21, 1968. The unit approached the SegeomjeongJahamun checkpoint late at night, less than 100 meters from the Blue House. A police chief questioned them, but their nervous answers made him suspicious. He drew his pistol, but before he got off a shot, members of the unit started shooting and throwing grenades. Intense fighting ensued, and Police Chief Choi and Assistant Inspector Jung Jong-su died in the ensuing firefight. Before the smoke cleared, more than 92 South Koreans had died, including almost two dozen civilians on a school bus that passed through the line of fire. Next: The North Koreans used a sneaky tactic to escape punishment. 2. When in doubt, steal a ship? The next day, the ROK Armys 6th Corps enacted a wide sweep operation, intending to capture or kill any surviving members of the unit. Soldiers from the 92nd Regiment, 30th Infantry Division captured Kim Shin-Jo, who hid in a civilians house near Inwang Mountain. As he told The New York Times, he expected execution. He received a pardon, in part because his gun did not show signs of being fired. On Jan. 22, 1968, the United Nations Command requested a Military Armistice Commission to discuss the raid. The UNC wanted the meeting on Jan. 23, but the North Koreans asked for a days delay. On Jan. 23, North Korea captured the United States Navys USS Pueblo. Consequently, the MAC meeting dealt not only with the raid, but also the Pueblos capture. As a result, the Pueblo capture diverted attention from the raid. Next: Film buff Kim Jong Il took his love of the movies to the extreme. 3. The dictator kidnapped a film director, and the world hears his voice for the first time ever According to The Guardian, movie fan Jong Il kidnapped a South Korean director, Shin Sang-ok and his wife, actor Choi Eun-hee. In 1978, he took them captive to improve his countrys movie industry, according to tapes the pair smuggled out of the country. The dictator, who died in 2011, wanted the couple to show the people of North Korea a good example through your creative films. He called the countrys previous efforts useless. Despite chaperones watching his every move during all foreign trips during his captivity, Shin managed to pass recordings on. He gave them to a former friend and film critic during a chance meeting in Budapest, conveying the message that Jong Il was holding him against his will. The recordings made their way to David Straub, who monitored North Korean intelligence for the US State Department at the time. They marked an unexpected milestone. It was the first time anyone in the U.S. government, as far as I know, had heard his [Kims] voice, besides a couple of words during a public address, he recalled. The tapes also provided invaluable intelligence, he added. They gave the U.S. a chance to assess how logical he was, an insight into his temperament. Kim Jong Il was sane and rational in his own way. Next: The film directors marked only one of the regimes kidnappings. 4. North Korea abducts Japanese citizens, and we still dont know what happened to them USA Today reported that North Korea abducted at least 17 Japanese people, and possibly many more. Those kidnappings came to light in 2002, when North Korea allowed five to return home. The fate of the others remains unclear. Kidnapped citizens include a schoolgirl who never came home from badminton practice, and couples who appeared to have just up and left. The 12 who never returned paint a picture of lives interrupted. At least three students studying in Europe appear to have been lured to North Korea by Japanese left-wing radicals. Others got bundled into small boats on the Japanese coast, to cross the water to North Korea. Next: As it turns out, Japanese citizens do not represent even a fraction of those kidnapped. 5. North Korea kidnaps children to brainwash them into becoming spies Robert S. Boyntons new book, The Invitation-Only Zone, showed that many, many more victims disappeared. The New York Post reported that North Korea, as part of a government program, kidnapped young people by the thousands. The kidnapped lived for decades in a barbed-wire compound known as the Invitation-Only Zone. There, their captors brainwashed them, so they could later use them as spies. In the early years, North Korean officials just knocked on doors, taking whoever answered. Boynton wrote that the North probably took 84,000 South Koreans and conscripted 60,000 into the army. By the 1970s, the North Koreans expanded their operations. A Thai woman disappeared in 1978 from Macau. That same year, in Beirut, North Korean operatives kidnapped four Lebanese women. They took people from Eastern and Western Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Officials posit that North Korea abducted at least 4,000 South Koreans since 1953. Today, Boynton writes, there are at least 500 abductees still being held in North Korea. Next: You wont believe what Jong Un did to his own family. 6. Kim Jong Un has his half-brother assassinated in a Malaysian airport According to CNN, Kim Jong Un ordered his own half-brother assassinated. The assassination of Kim Jong Nam was an act of systematic terror ordered by Kim Jong Un, South Korean lawmaker Kim Byung-kee said, in a televised address. The operation was conducted with two assassination groups and one supporting group. Two women accosted Kim Jong Nam at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Feb. 13, while on his way to board a plane to the Chinese-territory of Macau. He died on his way to the hospital, less than 20 minutes later, according to Malaysian investigators. They later discovered the women attacked him with a VX nerve agent. The lawmaker said two assassination groups worked separately before meeting in Malaysia, prior to the murder. The first group, composed of North Korean state security department member Ri Jae Nam and foreign ministry worker Ri Ji Hyon, recruited the Vietnamese suspect, Doan Thi Huong. Meanwhile, the second group, state security member, O Jong Gil, and a foreign ministry member, Hong Song Hac, brought on board Indonesian suspect Siti Aisyah. The two women said they did not know the real plot. Colluders told them it was part of a reality show, and they did not realize Jong Nam would die until it happened. Next: Famine continues to affect North Korea, and one mans pets fell victim to it. 7. Giant rabbits probably became food According to The Telegraph, a rabbit breeder sold 12 of his animals to North Korea for the communist country to start its own breeding program. Their owner fears they became food, instead. Karl Szmolinsky sent the huge rabbits, which grow as big as dogs and produce 15 pounds of meat, to North Korea last year. Officials told Szmolinsky they went to a zoo in the capital Pyongyang. He planned to travel to the country, to advise them on how to care for and breed the animals. His trip kept getting delayed, and he feared the worst. The North Korean embassy in Berlin insisted his German grey giant rabbits were still alive. The rabbits arent intended to be eaten, they are for breeding purposes, a spokesman said. Szmolinsky said he doesnt believe the embassy. More than 2 million people have died as a result of a famine in North Korea during the mid-1990s. Its citizens were encouraged to breed rabbits for food, and the giant ones would make quite a meal. Next: These secrets literally went underground. 8. A network of secret invasion tunnels snake along the border The Daily Star revealed military guards from South Korea discovered at least 84 secret war tunnels between the two countries. The tunnels are wide enough to fit 30,000 special force soldiers and include a railway and sleeping areas for soldiers. A South Korean border guard said Pyongyang might be building extra tunnels in order to divert peoples attention from these hidden passages. According to the Star, the most recent tunnel found in 1990 ran on the far side of North Korea. Sources believe other tunnels could exist along the entire 250-kilometer border. Next: This passageway actually has a name, and a new purpose. 9. A secret tunnel that could move 30,000 troops in an hour becomes a tourist attraction Travel site Atlas Obscura reported on another secret tunnel running between North and South Korea. Called the Third Tunnel of Aggression, North Korea built it in the 1970s. South Korea discovered it in 1978. As far as anyone knows, the Third Tunnel of Aggression aptly marks the third tunnel found by the South. The nation has unearthed a total of four, but they suspect dozens more. At the time of its discovery, the United Nations estimated the North could move 30,000 men per hour through the tunnel to the Southern side. After initially denying its existence, the North claimed that the Third Tunnel served as a coal mine. To keep up the ruse, officials rubbed black coal dust on the walls. Today, brave tourists can walk a full 265 meters until hitting the divider that allegedly protects individuals from attacks by the North. There, barbed wire and machine gun nests lie in wait. Next: How does North Korea pay for its missiles? Heres one idea. 10. North Korea prints nearly undetectable fake U.S. currency to fund its nuclear program In 2009, the U.S. convicted Chen Chiang Liu of conspiracy and fraud for fabricating U.S. currency so sophisticated, it even fooled Las Vegas anti-counterfeit securities. According to Vanity Fair, Liu acted as part of a vast criminal enterprise believed to be controlled by the North Korean state. North Korea set up the syndicate to finance its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. A secret North Korean government coordinates the entire operation, according to intelligence analysts. The dictator runs its head office, known as Office 39. Until a few years ago, American law enforcement had its eye on Office 39. It started gradually shutting off the sources of illegal hard currency, but the George W. Bush administration shut down the effort. An umbilical link exists between Lius counterfeit bills and North Koreas missiles and nuclear weapons. More than 70% of the missiles components are imported from overseas, said Syung Je Park. The director of the Asia Strategy Institute, a think tank affiliated with South Koreas military, debriefed more than 1,000 North Korean defectors. They need money, said Park. Where else can they get it? Next: How does the money circulate? 11. A kidnapped cinephile uncovers the counterfeiting operation The South Korean movie star Choe Eun Hee first reported that the dictators screenwriters might find suitable movie material in Office 39. Park said that Office 39 manages the dictators multi-billion-dollar personal bank accounts in Switzerland and other private banking spots around the world. It also works closely with other areas, like Office 99, which raises funds by selling the missiles and other weapons. Office 35 focuses on trying to damage South Korea. Office 39, however, holds all the power. Park told Vanity Fair, If Office 99 makes a profit, it all gets handed over to Office 39. Since 1990, North Koreas accumulated legitimate trade deficit reached well over $10 billion, increasing by around $1.2 billion a year. The country has been unable to borrow money on international markets since the 1970s. Nevertheless, it acquires enough hard currency to import not only military components but also the goods that fuel the palace economy of the ruling body. Office 39 fills the gap between North Koreas hard-currency needs and its means. Experts estimate it brings in between $500 million to $1 billion a year or more. Next: One source of that money makes its way into the U.S. 12. North Korea counterfeits U.S. supernotes, many of which are still in circulation today Since 1996, the U.S. has attempted to outwit counterfeiters like Liu by twice changing the design of $100 bills. Fake supernotes circulate in countries throughout Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Now, as the Liu case indicates, substantial quantities exist inside the United States. Klaus Bender, an authority on banknote printing, wrote in his book Moneymakers that unlike other forgeries, these use paper with long, parallel fibers. The uniquely American design gets manufactured by a machine called a Fourdrinier. A total of 75% American cotton and 25% linen compose the bills. Like genuine bills, modern supernotes use optically variable ink, which changes color from bronze green to black depending on the angle of the light. Bender said their quality suggests North Korea doesnt make them at all, but that the CIA does, somewhere in America. No evidence exists to support that, however. According Park, in 2007, North Korea bought a huge amount of the special Fourdrinier paper enough to print $2 billion. Most recently, a supernote seizure came to court in July 2008, when Mei Ling Chen acquired a parcel of supposedly dried seafood mailed from Taiwan to California. Opened in a random search by customs at San Francisco airport, it contained notes with a face value of $380,000. Secret Service agents inserted a tracking device and let Chen receive the package. When they arrested her, she said she already spent thousands of counterfeit dollars carried into the country a week earlier. The counterfeiter purchased goods from Louis Vuitton, Footlocker, and other stores. The Secret Service said this may serve as a way to launder the counterfeit money. Next: North Korea counterfeits more than just money. 13. Funding for North Koreas nuclear program comes from the heroin trade in Japan In response to U.S.-generated intelligence, the Australian Navy in 2003 boarded and seized the Pong Su. The North Korean vessel carried 150 kilograms of pure heroin, law enforcement discovered. As Vanity Fair noted, North Korea involves itself heavily in drug trafficking, both to its neighbors and farther afield. In 2003, U.S. officials called it the worlds third largest producer of opium, after Afghanistan and Burma. Unclassified Pentagon documents reported how opium becomes converted to heroin at state-owned factories. Chinas narcotics-control commission described North Korea as one of three golden routes for heroin supply. They use a Chinese term Kumdallae which holds a deliberate double meaning. The Chinese character Kum also represents the name Kim Jong Il. Office 39 also organizes the import of ephedrine, the main precursor chemical for making crystal methamphetamine. It also manufactures and exports the drug. Japanese police believe a large percentage of the meth sold on Japanese streets comes from North Korea. As Park observed, drug money and counterfeit money go to Office 39. Office 39s money is directly controlled by [the dictator, whose] first priority is to develop nuclear weapons and missiles. Next: North Korea also sells this surprising commodity. 14. North Korea literally sells forced laborers to other countries for mining, logging, and more North Korea also makes money by sending thousands of North Korean workers abroad to toil under forced labor conditions. It sends workers to places like China, Russia, and the Middle East, according to a U.N. report from 2015. These workers supposedly work in industries like mining, logging, textiles, and construction. Unfortunately for the workers, they must give the North Korean regime most of their earnings. According to reports from the U.N. and other human rights agencies, they often face human rights abuses while working abroad. Those include working up to 20-hour work days, and having hardly any contact with their host country. Because of North Koreas strong culture of secrecy, many of these workers wont talk about their abuses. North Korea also operates a restaurant chain, The Global News reported. The people who go abroad would normally come from a very particular caste. Very educated, very pro-Party people who are trained and who would be loyal to the Party during their exposure abroad, said Park. Youre looking at a very particular type of people who the regime sends abroad for earning currency. Next: This crime also creates a solid revenue stream. 15. Alleged North Korean hackers stole money straight from the New York Federal Reserve According to CNBC, North Korea reportedly stood behind an $81 million cyber-theft of funds from Bangladeshs account at the New York Federal Reserve. Prosecutors believe Chinese colluders helped North Korea with the theft, The Wall Street Journal said, citing people familiar with the matter. CNN also reported that North Korea has involved itself in hacking banks. Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has linked it to attacks on financial institutions in 18 countries. Kaspersky researchers said the same hacking operation that hit Bangladesh has also been used in countries as far afield as Costa Rica, Poland, and Nigeria. Youre looking at a situation where the North Koreans are particularly sophisticated, said Park. Its a big source of revenue going forward. Whether independent sources can confirm North Koreas illicit activities almost lies outside the point. The secretive nation tends to deny claims against it. Its battened-down security means agencies have a hard time proving otherwise, as well. True or false, the conspiracy theories against North Korea provide a glimpse into the country that most of the world sees as an enigma. Follow The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! Very few events are more devastating than having your entire lifes work go up in flames. For thousands of Californians, complete dismay and heartache have ravaged their lives along with those of their loved ones in the wake of 2017s wildfires. Despite the evacuations that ensued as the wildfires spread across Northern California, dozens of residents were unable to get out. And the flames that engulfed much of the area displaced thousands more. The regions most dramatically impacted are those of Sonoma and Napa counties. With some residents still waiting to return to their properties, the level of annihilation to homes, farmlands, and wineries continues to grow. The looming fear is that industries, including wine, marijuana, and real estate, could take years to recover from the carnage. Heres how the wildfires could affect Californias economy and your wallet. Wine costs might not rise the way youd expect Only time will tell the impact of the fires on the cost of wine. What we do know now is this. Vintners in the area had harvested nearly 70% to 90% of their grapes prior to the fires, The Orange County Register reports. And only a fraction of the states wine production comes from Sonoma and Napa. The vast majority (75%) of the production happens in the Central Valley. Consumers probably wont see much of a price jump at the store, but it will be interesting to see if those numbers change over the next few years. But wine tourism will take a major hit Tourists from all around the world frequent Napa and Sonoma for tasting tours and to see the harvest season. Besides those traveling specifically to taste wines, the wedding industry in Sonoma and Napa has been booming for years. Its estimated that tourism brings over $2 billion into the region each year, Reuters reports. But Jamie Cherry, co-owner of Napas Inn on First, told the publication in early October, People are cancelling as far out as November already. When the smoke finally clears, business owners believe a substantial amount of work and time will be required before the tourists and wedding parties will be lured back to the valleys. Marijuana harvests are up in smoke October is a busy month for marijuana growers in the state because it marks harvest time. In Sonoma County alone, there are anywhere from 3,000 to 9,000 cannabis farms, not including those that are undocumented. And the newly budding recreational sector of the industry expects to be a $6.5 billion market by 2020. But the wildfires stalled production. Bloomberg reports fires destroyed at least six farms. And because cannabis is still illegal on the federal level farmers are not eligible for federal crop insurance, according to Bloomberg. Ultimately, prices for consumers might rise by as much as 20% in coming months, according to some estimates. The struggling real estate industry has taken a massive hit It doesnt come as any surprise that victims of the fires are suffering the most in terms of finding a place to rest their weary bones. When tens of thousands of residents evacuated, they knew coming home to a pile of ash was a great possibility. The areas real estate market will take years to regrow. Homes that still stand could likely sell for 10% to 35% less than their original worth, according to Realtor.com. For properties with destroyed homes, its likely to see those lots sell for 60% lower. In terms of rebuilding back to what the region once was, its expected to happen at a rate of 10% to 15% each year. The overall economic impact is massive The grandiose impact of these fires on the economy of both California and the United States is already being felt. The estimated cost of the fires to the U.S. economy is around $85 billion. But that number could still rise. Also, firefighting agencies both on federal and state levels are eating up more of their budgets each year, the Associated Press reports. Who is responsible for these fires? Investigations are underway to find evidence on how these wildfires transpired. Meanwhile, a Santa Rosa couple filed a lawsuit against PG&E, Californias largest electric company, after fire destroyed their home. The lawsuit alleges PG&E practiced negligence when it came to the upkeep of equipment, leading to malfunctions that sparked one of these fires. If PG&E is found guilty, the company could be paying out millions. Thats bad news if you own stock in the utility. Its share price dropped 16% after the fires broke out. Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! All votes in the CO-3 election won't be counted until the end of this week As Quebec bans religious face coverings, where else in the world has done the same? In what is believed to be the first new law of its kind in North America, the Canadian province of Quebec has passed a sweeping ban on face coverings, barring public workers from wearing the niqab or burqa and obliging citizens to unveil when using public transport or receiving government services. Critics say that the legislation, adopted this week after two years of campaigning by the province's Liberal government, deliberately targets Muslim women and will escalate the province's ongoing debate on identity, religion and tolerance. But where else have face coverings been banned around the world? France France was the first European country to ban the burqa in public. The move towards a ban started in 2004, with a clampdown on students in state-run schools displaying any form of religious symbol. However, in April 2011, the government went further by bringing in a total public ban on full-face veils. Belgium Also in 2011, Belgium banned the wearing of partial or total face veils in public. Netherlands Last November, the Dutch parliament approved a partial ban on face veils in some public places including schools, hospitals, government buildings and on public transport. Bulgaria Also in 2016, a ban on the wearing of face-covering Islamic clothing in public was adopted by the Bulgarian parliament. Latvia The same ban was passed by the Latvian parliament last year. Austria A ban on face-covering Islamic clothing were adopted by the Austrian parliament earlier this year. Germany Also earlier this year, a ban on face-covering clothing for soldiers and state workers during work was approved by the German parliament. Switzerland? There is speculation that Switzerland could become the latest country to ban facial coverings after a group of activists known as 'Yes to a Mask Ban' last month collected more than the 100,000 signatures required to put the proposal to a national vote by 2020 under the Swiss system. Church Clarity wants answers on homosexuality but what if ambiguity's what we need? 'Church Clarity' is a divisive new database that's pressuring pastors to clearly declare their stance on homosexuality. Some are celebrating, others fear what's next. Christians should love the truth, but in an ever-polarised world - can't we learn from ambiguity too? US evangelicals could be at war once again. Well, maybe the war never really stopped, with several recent controversies stoking ecumenical fire be it the ongoing, fierce division over allegiance to Donald Trump, the fallout after evangelical Eugene Peterson's endorsement of gay marriage (and his subsequent backpedalling) or the rallying cry of the Nashville Statement a highly conservative document that enshrined a 'Christian' stance on sexuality that even some traditionalists thought was too strong and excessively divisive. This week has brought with it a new controversy by the name of Church Clarity: an online database that 'scores' (mainly) US churches according to whether they are 'affirming' or 'non-affirming' of LGBTQ persons, and how clearly they communicate their policy. Its stated aim matches its name: it wants to challenge evasiveness and obscurity on what is to many a central, and personal issue. As Church Clarity, a group comprised mainly of progressive leaning Christians, says: 'No person should have to wonder the limits of their "welcome."' It's not advocating for policy changes, but rather minimising ambiguity. The more liberally-minded have applauded it, and it's possible that conservatives could praise it too its emphasis on drawing clear lines in some ways follows the spirit of the Nashville Statement, albeit from the opposite perspective. Vocal conservative and Benedict Option author Rod Dreher has welcomed the 'winnowing' that will come from Church Clarity, since it highlights 'irreconcilable differences' in the Church and though that will be 'sad and painful', it makes clearer what it will take to be a 'faithful Christian in our time'. Others have warned that it might only further divide an already fractured community over a complex issue, and that its intention of pressurising pastors to define their policy stance could constitute an aggressive form of 'Church control'. Gay, celibate and 'non-affirming' Christian writer David Bennett said the initiative was a 'power grab' that made him feel 'deeply unsafe'. And the concerns may be well-founded. First, the initiative, intentionally or not, promotes an 'us and them' mentality that can only further provoke present tensions. Everyone knows this is the number one issue for contemporary evangelicals: the most talked about, the most complex and the most emotionally loaded. Conservatives emphasise 'faithfulness' to God and Scripture: this is a trial for their Christian integrity. Progressives highlight the principles of 'love', 'welcome' and 'inclusion' for the marginalised. Others are torn in the middle. By setting the terms to which other churches must assent ('affirming' or 'non-affirming'), Church Clarity have deliberately created narrow labels for churches to be known by. That's their point of course, but does it run the risk of reducing complex communities to one deeply political definition? No one wants to be known as 'non-affirming' theologian Preston Sprinkle has said he prefers the more positive phrase 'historically Christian'. Others warn of a deeper danger ahead. Conservative scholar Denny Burk, echoed by Dreher, has said that Church Clarity's database is a pretext for removing the tax-exempt status of 'non-affirming' churches, something arguably hinted at on the group's website. Dreher is emphatic that 'data collected will ultimately be used in a federal civil rights lawsuit against dissenting churches. There it is. This was always in the cards. It was never about tolerance, but coercion'. Without being hysterical, it's not hard to believe that there could be legal implications for groups taking a position increasingly seen as socially intolerant and bigoted. However, the progressive, gay Christian writer Julie Rodgers, an adviser to the group, said on Twitter that she'd 'not heard or read anything along those lines'. Fears of a 'Christian Gestapo' may be premature. Church Clarity is clearly pasisonate about the 'truth' - but what if ambiguity is underrated? I'm not for a moment defending an evasiveness that deceives, or pretends it doesn't believe what it does. Clearly, pastors should be as honest and truthful as they can be to those they are called to serve. But, is a nationwide (and beyond, the group has suggested) database the best pastoral solution to a complex and personal problem? This is still for many churches and leaders a new and confusing conversation. People need to be loved, but deep church community goes far beyond a policy position. Consider for example the issue of women in leadership, another classic contention amongst evangelicals. I personally support women at all levels of church leadership, though I've spent years at a church that quietly didn't. I took a different stance on one issue, but there was a bigger picture and the church didn't take a hard line on its position. 'WOMEN STAY SILENT' wasn't emblazoned on their poster: the leaders were clearly wise, mature and open to some conversation on the complex issue they hosted diverse perspectives. I care about that issue, but it's not the only thing I care about. In the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, it's worth noting how easy splitting comes to us now, with churches so often convinced that their theology is the correct one even if the fruit of such thinking is thousands of different denominations. In light of such widespread disagreement on issues that Scripture addresses, isn't 'we don't know' a generally wiser answer than 'we're clearly right on this'? This isn't an apologetic for ultra-vague theology or never having a position. But maybe taking a stance, in a culture that's already desperate to label and polarise, is overrated? We're socially geared toward antagonistic misunderstanding perhaps we shouldn't indulge it. I don't want just to see a policy position on a website I'd rather have coffee with my pastor and talk about 'x' issue. Read, listen and reflect. Even if there's an irreconcilable clash, we could still pray, sing and grow together. Church is so much more than a membership club for people who share the same beliefs. A community before God, it should also be a haven of humility and a witness to a transforming love that brings enemies together. I realise that I can't claim to know the personal pain of going to a church where your lifestyle, your identity, is seen as a 'problem' to solve or just an 'issue' to avoid. Clearly a kind of 'ambiguity' can be damaging and wrong in that context, but again that's surely best resolved in a pastoral, relation context not through a digital catalogue. Christians, as human beings, don't always get along. It's painful but inescapably, and perhaps increasingly, true. And yet we're still called to be 'ministers of reconciliation', embodying grace, truth and the love of Christ to each other and the world. I welcome the pastoral, truth-seeking intentions of Church Clarity. However, my heart says that a database (never the best way to get to know anyone) could only exacerbate persisting pain and division. What comes next remains to be seen. The future is uncertain. Can't we be a little uncertain too? You can follow @JosephHartropp on Twitter Bishops under pressure to act as Hereford Diocese calls for official services for gay couples Pressure is mounting on the Church of England to adopt a formal liturgy for gay weddings after one diocese passed a landmark motion calling on bishops to act. Hereford Diocesan Synod overwhelmingly voted on Thursday to call for official prayers and a dedication service for same-sex couples after their civil partnership or marriage. The call mirrors the CofE's provision for divorced couples where despite the Church holding to the teaching that marriage is a 'permanent and lifelong union of one man with one woman' clergy can carry out blessings and formal dedication for couples getting remarried. The Hereford vote stops short of full-blown gay weddings in church but bishops warned beforehand it will increase pressure for a wholesale change in the CofE's definition of marriage. 'Given that the Church of England in part defines its doctrine through its authorised liturgies, even if this service did not amount to a change in marriage, it would increase pressure towards such a change,' Hereford Bishop's Council warned delegates in a briefing paper before the vote. The motion insists offering the service for gay couples would be optional, stating: 'It would contribute to a "mixed economy" in which different viewpoints could continue to exist.' But the Bishop's Council warned before the vote that any result would cause 'pain' to either traditionalists or progressives. 'If the motion is approved, it will be experienced by others as a rejection of faithfulness to Scripture, and may lead those who hold the traditional position to feel unwanted in our diocese,' it said. Currently the Church's laws prevent clergy from marrying same-sex couples and 'services of blessing' should not be provided for those who enter into civil partnerships or same-sex marriages, a CofE spokesman said. Now it has been formally adopted by Hereford Diocese, the motion will go to a vote at the ruling general synod which next meets in February in London. While it may not be scheduled to be debated in the immediate future, it cannot be removed from the agenda 'until debated or resolved otherwise'. The vote will send shockwaves around the Church of England and the wider worldwide Anglican Communion and will accelerate calls from some traditionalists for a separate Anglican structure in the UK. Already a 'missionary bishop' from the conservative pressure group GAFCON has been planted to oversee conservative parishes in the UK and Europe who do not want to come under the authority of their official local bishop. But the progressive lobby OneBodyOneFaith in the Church welcomed the move, describing it as 'a small step as we continue to journey together'. A statement read: 'Of central importance is the principle of not compelling anyone to act against their conscience - but at the same time permitting those who wish to celebrate and affirm faithful and committed relationships, to act with integrity too.' Susie Leafe, director of the conservative Anglican grouping Reform, said the vote ignored the Bible and Jesus' understanding of marriage being between one man and one woman as the 'understanding of the vast majority of the worldwide church for two millennia'. She said: 'To ask for a service of Prayer and Dedication for a same-sex relationship represents a fundamental departure from this teaching.' She added a same-sex blessing was fundamentally different to the Church's blessing for divorced couples. 'It is hard to see how the Church can offer such a service to those who believe Jesus was wrong in his understanding of marriage and therefore see no reason to seek forgiveness or change their ways,' she said. A CofE spokesman said the Church was aware of the vote and a debate at general synod would be held at a time chosen by its agenda setting Business Committee. 'The diocesan synod's decision does not change the teaching or practice of the Church of England, whether in Hereford or anywhere else in the Church,' the spokesman said. 'It is recognised, however, that there is real and profound disagreement in the Church of England over questions relating to human sexuality and the House of Bishops has recently embarked on the preparation of a major new teaching document on marriage and sexuality. 'We are seeking to find ways forward rooted in scripture and the Christian faith as we have received it and which values everyone, without exception, not as a "problem" or an "issue", but as a person loved and made in the image of God.' Intel news: New AI chips to compete with NVIDIA revealed Intel is out for NVIDIA's crown, despite the former being a central processing unit (CPU) company and the latter being a graphics processing unit (GPU) company, as it unveils its new artificial intelligence (AI) chips to compete with the GPU manufacturer. Intel has revealed its new Neural Network Processor (NNP) family named Nervana for AI capability. It should be noted, however, that this sort of technology is not for consumer PCs but for data centers and servers, a market which NVIDIA is dominating right now with their AI processors. Because of the workload for AI in data centers and network systems, NVIDIA's GPUs have been better suited for the task, as confirmed by The Verge. Intel's most powerful processor brands, Core and Xeon chips are not exactly capable of handling the AI computations, which entails computer vision, voice recognition, and other tasks needed to run matrix calculations on gigantic arrays. Thus, the company has now decided to release the Nervana NNPs. Intel was not very specific on how the Nervana NPPs best NVIDIA's AI GPUs but has stated that it will be able to do general AI computation tasks, especially for both training and executing deep learning algorithms. The AI processor can also make a pool of the same chips together and act as one big processor using its massive bi-directional data transfer capability, meaning that more processors can essentially make their speed increase exponentially. Intel hopes that it can once again regain the AI market from its competitors NVIDIA and Qualcomm, as the latter two have chip architectures that are inherently capable of AI-related tasks. NVIDIA is even reportedly being used by companies like Google and Facebook for training AI algorithms, while Qualcomm is good at making chips that can execute these algorithms. This is something Intel plans to change. The race for AI is showing no signs of slowing down, however, as NVIDIA has also released its new V100 processors for AI apps. No exact release date has been revealed for Intel's Nervana, but the company plans a launch by the end of 2017. Josh Duggar lawsuit updates: Loses case against publication The reality television star Josh Duggar has recently lost a case in court regarding past child molestation accusations. In this case, he had gone up against publishing company In Touch Weekly, who had pressed charges regarding the accusations towards Josh for molesting his four younger sisters. According to Page Six, Josh and his sisters had filed a lawsuit against the publication's main company, which is Bauer Publishing. This was due to the fact that the local Arkansas police had provided the names of the people involved in the alleged molestation to In Touch magazine, even though this was not part of the protocol in situations like these. The sisters involved in the lawsuit were Jill, Jessa, Jinger, and Joy, and the suit was filed sometime in June this year. It is notable that in 2006, which is when the molestation allegedly occurred, the sisters in question had been minors. This made Josh's lawsuit all the more grave. According to Radar Online, the now 29-year-old Josh is facing accusations of fondling the private parts of his then minor sisters, including a friend of theirs. The Duggars have claimed that they have been "victimized" by In Touch Magazine, which has subsequently led to the cancellation of the reality television show "19 Kids and Counting." Unfortunately, the law ended up not being on the Duggars' side, and the judge and jury had decided that Josh was guilty of the crimes for which he was accused. In a report by Queerty, Josh had already come clean to the accusations, and he claimed that he had already received forgiveness from God himself. Additionally, parents Jim-Bob and Michelle were involved in trying to keep the issue under wraps. There are other lawsuits lined up for the Duggars, and they are still underway. According to Inquisitr, Josh has decided to leave his children with his wife, Anna. Josh has reportedly planned on not making any more appearances in the television show until the dust has settled. Kate Middleton pregnancy update: Royal baby No. 3 due in April 2018 More than just a month after the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William announced that they are happily expecting, the Kensington Palace revealed when Baby No. 3 will arrive, putting predictions of fans to a halt. The Kensington Palace said last Oct. 17, Tuesday, on Twitter that "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to confirm they are expecting a baby in April 2018," though there was no mention of a specific date. This confirms fan predictions, which were calculated based on the date of the pregnancy announcement. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to confirm they are expecting a baby in April 2018. pic.twitter.com/jOzB1TJMof Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 17, 2017 The pregnancy news came on Sept. 4, and the palace then added that Middleton was experiencing severe morning sickness. Her condition, also called Hyperemesis Gravidarum, was cited as the reason why she was missing in events.The pregnancy update had since broken the internet. The couple was also set for an official trip to Norway and Sweden in November, but it was moved to early 2018, possibly because of the morning sickness the Duchess had been reportedly experiencing. The Sun also reported that the Duke tried giving home remedy to his wife. The 35-year-old prince supposedly tried feeding Middleton ginger biscuits to relieve her sickness but to no avail. Now that the date of the arrival of the baby was revealed, fans have moved on to guessing the sex of the baby. Some are saying that the baby will be a boy, based on Middleton's choice of clothes. The Duchess wore a blue dress at the World Mental Health Day reception at the Buckingham Palace. Fans were quick to noted Middleton's fashion preferences. Many have since concluded that the mother of Prince George, 4, and Princess Charlotte, 2, will be having another son because of the color of her dress. This was the first official public appearance of the royal couple since their pregnancy announcement. The new royal baby will leave Prince Harry, the brother of Prince William, sixth in line to the throne. KP Yohannan's Believers Church sues Church of South India for defamation A church controversy has spilled over into legal action after the Believers Church in India filed a defamation suit against the Church of South India. The dispute revolves around KP Yohannan, the controversial head of The Believers Church which is an evangelical denomination in India that claims to have more than 2.6 million members. The Church of South India linked to the Anglican Communion is the largest Protestant denomination in the country and refuses to consider KP Yohannan a real bishop. When the Kerala Council of Churches an ecumenical body in Kerala State affiliated to the National Council of Churches in India admitted The Believers Church as one of its members, the Church of South India announced it would withdraw its four dioceses in Kerala from participation in protest. Most Rev Thomas Oommen, moderator of the CSI, said: 'The CSI never considers the Believers Church as an episcopal church or accepts its leader, KP Yohannan, a bishop. As per the CSI view, KP Yohannan is a layman and the KCC decision, overlooking the CSI objection, was unfortunate.' Now Bishop Oommen is being sued for defamation and is accused by Rt Rev Joju Mathew, Bishop of the Niranom diocese in The Believers Church, of slander and defaming the Church's leaders. But the original conflict dates right back to when The Believers Church was founded in 1990 and was accused of being a 'cult' and of trying to evangelise Christians from other Protestant denominations. Then in 2003 Rt Rev KJ Samuel, then Bishop in East Kerala and moderator of the CSI, along with two bishops from the Church of North India, consecrated KP Yohannan as a bishop in The Believers Church. But the move was later denounced by both the Church of North India, who deposed the two bishops involved, according to Anglican Ink, and the Church of South India and Bishop Samuel was replaced by BP Sugandhar as moderator. Now the CSI considers KP Yohannan's consecration 'invalid' and does not consider The Believers Church as a legitimate episcopal body. Announcing its withdrawal from the KCC earlier this month, a CSI statement read: 'The KCC, a congregation of episcopal Churches, was formed at a CSI meeting held in Kollam in 1950. However, the proceedings held at the KCC committees and assembly questioned the reputation of the CSI, which took the initiative for the formation of the council. Moreover, the KCC had decided to include Believers' Church overruling the National Council of Churches in India, which had earlier turned down Believers Church's request for a membership.' The press statement added: 'This will be communicated to all the churches and the synod has also decided not to provide churches and their institutions for the functions of the KCC.' The Believers Church hit back and a spokesperson said: 'The statement of the CSI Moderator amounts to defaming the Believers Church in the public. As the head of a Church, he shouldn't have issued such an irresponsible statement against another Church. The former CSI bishop had accepted our invitation for the consecration of K P Yohannan as a bishop.' The spokesperson added: 'We are surprised over the CSI's reasoning for dissociating itself from the KCC.' The controversy was described by one senior Indian church figure as the last thing the Indian Church needs as Christians are facing increasing violence and persecution for their beliefs. At the same time KP Yohannan and The Believers Church's founding organisation, Gospel for Asia, are facing severe criticism and an investigation for financial mismanagement after revelations by blogger Warren Throckmorton. Christian Today has contacted both The Believers Church and the Church of South India for comment. Obama and Bush blast 'politics of fear' and 'bullying' in veiled criticisms of Donald Trump The former presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush have separately expressed concern about the current political climate in the US, in comments seen as warnings about Donald Trump. With neither mentioning the current President by name, Obama urged Americans to reject the politics of 'division' and 'fear', while Bush criticised 'bullying and prejudice' in public life. Addressing a Democratic campaign event in Newark, New Jersey, Obama said that Americans should 'send a message to the world that we are rejecting a politics of division, we are rejecting a politics of fear'. Trump's immediate predecessor added: 'What we can't have is the same old politics of division that we have seen so many times before that dates back centuries. Some of the politics we see now, we thought we put that to bed. That's folks looking 50 years back. It's the 21st century, not the 19th century. Come on!' Speaking later in Richmond, Virginia, Obama echoed this theme, saying: 'We've got folks who are deliberately trying to make folks angry, to demonise people who have different ideas, to get the base all riled up because it provides a short-term tactical advantage.' Also speaking last night in New York, Bush said: 'Bigotry seems emboldened. Our politics seems more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrication. 'There are some signs that the intensity of support for democracy itself has waned especially among the young.' Americans, he said, have 'seen our discourse degraded by casual cruelty'. And speaking up for immigration, the former Republican president added: 'At times it can seem like the forces pulling us apart are stronger than the forces binding us together. We've seen nationalism distorted into nativism, forgotten the dynamism that immigration has always brought to America.' During last year's presidential contest, Trump attacked both former presidents, but he has so far yet to respond to last night's comments. Pastor who prayed over Donald Trump says Hollywood is full of devil worshippers who drink children's blood An evangelical pastor who was among those who prayed over Donald Trump in the Oval Office over the summer has said that Hollywood is full of devil-worshippers who engage in human sacrifice and drink the blood of children. Rodney Howard-Browne said in a sermon over the weekend: 'These people are full of the devil. These people can't even be reasoned with. They have already given their soul to the devil. Are you with me? These people go through seances, these people drink blood, these people sacrifice children.' In a clip posted online by the website Right Wing Watch and reported by the Huffington Post, Howard-Browne added: 'They sacrifice children at the highest levels in Hollywood. They drink blood of young kids. This is a fact. That's why the next thing to be exposed will be all the pedophilia that is going to come out of Hollywood and come out of Washington, DC. The human sacrifice and the cannibalism has been going on for years.' Howard-Browne went on to describe the supposed satanic rituals that go on in Hollywood. 'Many of the Hollywood actors that you go see on a screen, what you don't know, they bring a witch, they do a big seance right there on the set and they worship devils and they allow devils to come into them before they take the part of what they're going to act,' he said. 'It's a fact what I am telling you.' The South Africa-born pastor and his wife, Adonica Howard-Browne, are founders of the Revival Ministries and its River church, based in Tampa. Pope Francis celebrates 50-year dialogue with Methodists the 'grandchildren of the Reformation' Pope Francis has marked 50 years of ecumenical Catholic-Methodist dialogue in a milestone occasion in which the Pope praised the 'grandchildren of the Reformation' who never technically split from Rome. Francis met on Thursday with leaders of the World Methodist Council in a celebration of more than half a century of dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Methodist denomination. This ongoing communication has meant that 'we are no longer strangers', Pope Francis said, but through baptism are 'members of the household of God', according to Vatican Radio. Likening the occasion to the biblical year of Jubilee in which slaves were set free, the Pope said that 'we too have been freed from the slavery of estrangement and mutual suspicion'. Among those joining the papal audience was Gillian Kingston, vice-president of the World Methodist Council, who described Methodists who derive from the Anglican tradition as the 'grandchildren of the Reformation' and that unlike Lutherans or Anglicans 'we don't have any history, any doctrine, any event' to resolve. The two groups formed a landmark dialogue partnership with the Methodist-Roman Catholic International Commission 50 years ago, which Kingston said was 'arguably the first international commission established in the wake of Vatican II' the historic and most recent ecumenical council of the Catholic Church. She praised Francis as 'a wonderful leader for people of all faiths and none' and said that Catholics and Methodists had learned much from each other the former teaching the latter about a wider structure and 'leadership to which all may look', and Methodists teaching Catholics about Scripture and the inclusion of the laity. Pope Francis pointed to the example of John Wesley, founder of Methodism, and how his preaching and focus on holiness brought many to Christian faith. Seeing the Holy Spirit at work in other traditions, Francis said, 'we cannot fail to rejoice' because they can 'also help us grow closer to the Lord'. He added that real unity requires action, according to Catholic News Agency: 'This is the journey that awaits us in the new phase of the dialogue, devoted to reconciliation: we cannot speak of prayer and charity unless together we pray and work for reconciliation and full communion.' Scottish Anglicans must face harsher punishment for allowing gay marriage, say conservatives Proposed sanctions against Scottish Anglicans for accepting gay marriage are not strong enough, conservative leaders are claiming, in the first sign of disputes that may mar next week's summit of Church leaders in Canterbury. Leaders from around the worldwide Anglican Communion will meet for five days to discuss religious persecution, climate change and the refugee crisis as well as their own deep divisions over sexuality. 'Consequences' are expected to be imposed on the Scottish Episcopal Church which would see them barred from representing the 80-million strong Communion on formal bodies or voting on decisions relating to policy or teaching. The same 'consequences' were handed to the US Episcopal Church at the last summit in January 2016 after they passed gay marriage in 2015. But conservative primates will push for stronger punishments, Christian Today understands. In an indication of the north-south divide within the Communion, traditionalist primates largely from Africa and South America will demand those from the USA, Scotland and Canada are not invited to next Lambeth Conference in 2020 a landmark gathering of Anglican bishops every ten years. Leaders from the powerful conservative grouping GAFCON say the 'consequences', which the Archbishop of Canterbury insists are not punishments, are not effective and have not been imposed, with figures from the US Episcopal Church playing a full part in an Anglican meeting in Lusaka later that year. 'From our perspective the sanctions have not been strong enough,' a GAFCON source told Christian Today. 'If this meeting just repeats what happened last time [when the primates met in January 2016], then what happened in 2008 [when African bishops boycotted the last Lambeth Conference and set up a rival meeting] will happen again. 'If they do so the credibility and the authority of that meeting will be diminished.' Justin Welby personally spoke to every head of the 39 Anglican provinces over the summer to assure them the 'consequences' have been imposed to the best of his ability. Despite this three of the 39 primates will boycott next week's gathering in protest at what they see as increasing tolerance towards gay relationships. Earlier this week the heads of the Human Sexuality Group, which represents almost half the Church of England's general synod, wrote to all the primates urging them to tackle LGBTI discrimination in their own countries and saying the CofE was becoming more gay-friendly. 'The direction of travel for the Church of England is clearer than ever,' the letter tells the primates. 'There are inevitably those who would like to deny these measured steps towards the full inclusion of all within the Body of Christ, but their voices are becoming fewer,' they write. Giles Goddard, the group's chair, said: 'The status quo is no longer an option people are deeply concerned about the impact on our mission to the nation of the Church's current stance towards LGBTI people.' What should churches do about Hallowe'en? Secular celebrations of this Christian festival All Hallows Eve, the day before All Saints Day are getting ever more lurid, dark and tasteless. Who would believe retailers could market a Hallowe'en Anne Frank costume? Or one of killer Oscar Pistorius, complete with gun? But it's the world we live in. Set against that sort of thing, attempts to attract visitors to historic houses by advertising their ghostly connections seem quite innocent and of course there's the usual crop of horror film re-runs on TV. Some Christians worry about the occult associations of Hallowe'en, without always thinking it through very carefully. If the devil is active in the world, there's no particular reason to think he is busier on any one particular night fears about Satanic activity at Hallowe'en have very little to do with the Bible and a lot to do with Hollywood, in fact. But we are quite right to be concerned at the relentless focus on evil that has taken root in the modern Hallowe'en. For Christians, evil is real but God is stronger. There's nothing wrong with having our spines chilled by powerful story-telling that portrays the reality of the dark side of life as long as it's set in the context of Christ's victory over the darkness. So many churches will want to celebrate Hallowe'en next week but in a way that doesn't deny the traditional darkness, but redeems it. Here are three ways churches can get involved: 1. Involve the community A church in Dundee is planning a free community event with refreshments and games and 400 pumpkins. Pioneer minister at St Luke's Church Stewart Budden wants to get local people carving them as a means of outreach. 2. Hold a Light Party Several organisations have resources to give children a more wholesome experience at Hallowe'en, helpfully listed by the Evangelical Alliance. One of them is Scripture Union, which says: 'Remember, though, that to celebrate it richly and deeply children need a chance to confront the darkness as well as celebrate the light.' Christian educator Gretchen Wolff Pritchard comments, 'Christians, of all people, should be able to admit that, yes, there most certainly are monsters under the bed ... The world is a scary place.' 3. Create a witness A church in Cheltenham is planning a display outside its building in which pumpkins will be carved with smiles and Christian symbols rather than terrifying grimaces. 4. Make it useful World Vision has created a 'Pumpkin Heroes' resource that helps children have a really good time, while at the same time giving them an insight into the lives of other children less fortunate than themselves. And above all: remember that Jesus is Lord, and that 'the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not understood it' (John 1:5). Women 'encouraged to undergo abortions by staff seeking bonuses' at Marie Stopes clinic Staff felt pressured to encourage women to undergo abortions or lose their bonuses at one of the country's largest abortion providers, a report has found. A Care Quality Commission inspection of the Marie Stopes International Clinic in Maidstone said that staff raised concerns that a women's choice about whether to terminate their pregnancy was linked to the staff's 'key performance indicators' (KPI), according to The Times. 'Staff were concerned that "did not proceed", the term used when women decided not to go ahead with treatment, was measured as a KPI and linked to their performance bonus. They felt that this encouraged staff to ensure that patients underwent procedures,' the report said. 'Staff were also concerned that the pressurised environment and linking of KPIs to performance bonuses meant that there was a culture that worked against patient choice.' The report said that one staff member described the environment at the clinic as 'feeling like a hamster in a wheel' and the phrase 'cattle market' was used repeatedly. It added that 'staff reported a very target-driven culture, with a timed slot for each patient', while 'partners, parents and other supporters were seen as an inconvenience and their presence was discouraged'. The report also said that minutes were found about a company policy relating to some women who chose not to have abortions, who 'were being called and offered a later appointment'. Marie Stopes said: 'The number of our clients who choose not to go ahead with treatment is not a KPI for our staff, and never has been. It is categorically untrue that any member of our staff receives a performance-related bonus for the number of clients they treat. 'We follow a stringent consent process for all of our clients, and will not proceed with a procedure if we have any doubt at all that a woman is unsure of her decision.' The CEO of the Christian campaigning group CARE, Nola Leach said: 'This report highlights serious failings at Marie Stopes International (MSI), raising serious questions about whether or not they are fit for purpose. It is completely unacceptable that the decision about whether a woman proceeds with a termination should be considered in any way shape or form as criteria for staff performance evaluation, let alone linked to a performance bonus, or that this should be the experience that staff working in MSI Clinics describe. This creates considerable incentives for staff to proceed with abortions, even if the patients are undecided or if it's not in the woman's best interest. 'Women who are deciding what to do in the event of an unplanned pregnancy deserve better than this. They should be treated with dignity and not be forced to make such a significant decision under pressure. The CQC's findings again raise the issue of in whose best interests Clinics such as MSI operate. This is not the first case even this year where Marie Stopes has been accused of failing women at their clinics. It is clear more needs to be done to ensure the welfare and care of both women and their unborn children. CARE urges the Government to rethink the decision on whether Marie Stopes Clinics can be trusted with tax payers' money.' The Economist recently released its regular Safe Cities index, and press outlets, from Londons Telegraph to Business Insider to Crains Chicago Business to Time Out New York, have dutifully reported the results. nyc is no longer the safest city in the us, Time Out titled its piece, neatly complemented by Crains chicago ranked one of the worlds safest cities headline. The index, though, says nothing useful about how safe the worlds cities are. It does say quite a bit about the global elites discomfort with discussing one of Americas gravest urban threatsblack-on-black crimeand about the elites willingness to distort statistics to avoid the topic. Ranking the worlds cities by relative safety, The Economists Intelligence Unit puts Tokyo, Toronto, and Stockholm at the top. This makes intuitive sense, but when it turns to American cities, the list rates Chicago, with a score of 82.21 out of 100, as safer than New York, with 81.01 points. This does not make intuitive senseand objective statistics back up intuition. Start with life expectancy, a pretty good measure of whether youre safe somewhere. In Chicago, its 78just shy of one year below the national average. In New York, its 81, above the national average. The murder rate in Chicago was 28 per 100,000 people last yearseven times New Yorks rate of four per 100,000. Chicago is twice as dangerous on violent crime, per capita, as New York. Worried about getting hit by a car? Chicago had 119 traffic deaths in 2015, compared with 234 in New Yorkdespite New York having more than three times the population. How, then, did Chicago come out ahead? The Economists analysts didnt so much manipulate data as create them. On prevalence of violent crime, both New York and Chicago score 75 out of 100, a statistically indefensible result, and one reached in a circular fashion: The Economist doesnt cite a national law-enforcement database, or even annual local news reports of murders, but its own internal analysis. And, on traffic deaths, the analysts heavily weight accidents per 1 million inhabitantsthough a minor traffic crash without injuries is incidental for its victims. On pedestrian deaths, the numbers are, again, just plain wrong: New York and Chicago had nearly identical rates in 2015, leaving it a puzzle why the analysts would award the Windy City a 7 percent higher score here. Where data fiction and innumeracy didnt suffice, the analysts chose irrelevancy. Chicago scored well on digital security, because, as the report notes, the city is home to several leading cyber security firms and in January its mayor, Rahm Emanuel, announced the launch of a new cyber security training initiative. This non sequitur is like saying that New Jersey is the healthiest state because it is home to so many pharmaceutical companies. Another touted data point on digital security is the percentage of citizens with Internet access. Widespread Internet access may be a social good, but having it by definition decreases digital security. What is the motive for this presentation, and who is the audience? Chicago has been in the news for more than a year because of its skyrocketing violent crime; last Friday, three more people were killed. The vast majority of this crime is black children and young men shooting other black children and young men, though sometimes they miss: a 64-year-old woman was among Fridays victims. These facts make global elites uncomfortable, and highlighting them in a report would apparently seem racist, or at least rude. There is also a practical matter: if youre a businessman travelling from Heathrow to OHare for a three-day trip, and dont stray from a 15-or-so-block business district and waterfront, Chicago is safeand lovely, as well. Chicago can top New York on a safe cities index, then, only after youve ignored and tortured the data, and also asked the question: safe for whom? Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images Charities should use consent as the route of last resort when deciding the basis on which they processed personal data, an audience of charity finance directors heard this week. Serena Tierney, a partner at law firm VWV, told the Charity Finance Summit, run by Civil Society Media, that there were several lawful reasons to process personal data, other than having explicit consent to do so, and that in most cases, charities could and should find another basis to use instead. She said that the key thing was that if you used someones data, they understood what you were doing and why you were doing it. She said you must be able to explain what data you held, and people must always be able to stop you processing their data. You have been thinking about GDPR in terms of consent, she said. But consent is the route of last resort. You should be able to process personal data on one of the other bases, and I strongly recommend that you do so. She said the most likely other route to process data was that it was necessary for the legitimate purposes of the organisation. Thats much better than trying to contort it into the ridiculous idea of consent, she said. Even if you have something that is called consent, it probably isnt really consent. Consent is dead. Replace it with granularity. She said there were a handful of instances where consent was needed: holding sensitive personal data, exporting data outside the EU, and marketing under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations, which govern text and email fundraising. People will always have the right to object to what you are doing with their data, and you cant get away from that, she said. She said that another key thing was to understand how data flows around an organisation, and what it is used for. Once you understand that, everything else falls into place, she said. Tierney said that another issue for charities to be aware of was where their data is stored. She warned charities to take care about data which was stored in the United States, because in practice, that information is likely to be accessible to US government agencies. Make sure you know if your data is stored on a server in the US, she said. If its in the US, its under the control of the US government. To purchase the non-attending delegate pack or to register for the 2018 Charity Finance Summit email [email protected] This week on The Kicker, Meg talks with Wisconsin-based journalist Cassandra Willyard about the challenge of covering climate change. Then Pete is joined by Emily Bell, director of the Tow Center for Digital Media at Columbia, and Nausicaa Renner, CJRs Tow editor, to discuss the news swirling around Facebook as it wrestles with the responsibilities that come with its power. Subscribe via iTunes Stitcher RSS Feed SoundCloud SHOW NOTES: Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Meg Dalton and Pete Vernon are CJR Delacorte Fellows. Find Meg on Twitter @megdalts and Pete @ByPeteVernon. Online home and rental insurer Lemonade has said it is limiting its coverage for gun owners as part of its commitment to make insurance into a social good. Citing the recent Las Vegas mass shooting, Lemonade CEO Daniel Schreiber blogged: Our company, like our community, includes gun owners as well as gun control advocates. Many are both. But while we respect gun ownership, were not into gun worship. The insurer said it will limit the amount it will pay out for the damage or theft of firearms to an entirely adequate $2,500. If you own more than $2,500-worth of firearms, we recommend trying one of our competitors. They seem to all offer additional coverage. We dont, Schreiber wrote. Lemonades policy already excludes coverage for any illegal guns or gun use, but in its revised policy it plans to add more firearms provisions to exclude assault rifles and add requirements that firearms be stored securely and used responsibly or coverage could be voided. As an insurance company, it falls to us to shield our customers from damage to their guns, and by their guns. It stands to reason that we want members who take the responsibilities of gun ownership as seriously as we do, Schreiber wrote. He said the company recognizes that guns can be a polarizing topic but said Lemonade was founded to make insurance into a social good. Were under no illusion that our industry, let alone our company, can solve gun violence. But being unable to change much doesnt give us license to change nothing. Heres to everyone doing their part, he wrote. The new gun policy comes just days after Lemonade made headlines by launching a public API (application programming interface), allowing anyone to offer Lemonade policies through their apps or websites. An oil pumpjack operates near Williston, North Dakota. Andrew Cullen | Reuters Oil prices were mostly flat on Friday in see-saw trade, under pressure from weak U.S. demand but drawing support from a sharp decline in Iraqi crude exports due to tensions in the Kurdistan region. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures ended Friday's session 18 cents higher at $51.47 per barrel and were flat for the week. Brent crude futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, were up 29 cents at $57.52 per barrel by 2:10 p.m. ET (1810 GMT). "We've continued to see signs that the market needs a steady drumbeat of positive information," said Gene McGillian, director of market research for Tradition Energy. "This week's DOE report where gasoline demand dropped to its lowest since March gave a little pause to that." Oil exports from Iraq's Kurdistan towards the Turkish port of Ceyhan were flowing at average rates on Friday of 216,000 barrels per day versus the usual flows of 600,000 bpd, a shipping source said. watch now Iraqi troops regained control of two major oilfields northwest of Kirkuk from Kurdish Peshmerga forces this week, and the oil ministry in Baghdad expects to bring the fields back on stream on Sunday. In a major development, Russia's biggest oil company, Rosneft, has agreed to take control of Iraqi Kurdistan's main oil pipeline in a $1.8 billion investment. Olivier Jakob, chief strategist at consultancy Petromatrix, said the deal with Rosneft "makes it a bit harder for Baghdad to do anything against those flows." Despite the losses on Friday, analysts say the market is on a path towards rebalancing. "The oil market has moved into modest undersupply and we expect this will persist at least through the end of the year," U.S. investment bank Jefferies said. U.S. commercial stocks of crude oil have dropped 15 percent from their March records, to 456.5 million barrels, below levels seen last year. Part of this drawdown has been due to rising exports as a result of the steep discount of U.S. crude to Brent, which makes it attractive for American producers to export their oil. watch now Russian energy major Rosneft has agreed to take control of the main oil pipeline in Iraq's Kurdistan, further boosting its role as the main international investor in the semi-autonomous region. The move is an apparent part of a broader strategy by President Vladimir Putin to ratchet up Moscow's political and economic influence in the Middle East. It came amid the crisis in Kurdistan's relations with the central government in Baghdad, which erupted after the region held an independence referendum last month. Rosneft said its share in the project may total as much as 60 percent, while the current pipeline operator KAR Group will retain 40 percent. Sources familiar with the deal said Rosneft's investment in the project was seen totaling about $1.8 billion. The deal comes days after Baghdad threatened to re-route a big chunk of oil flows towards an old oil pipeline, which has been out of operation for several years since Kurdistan built its own infrastructure to the Turkish Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. The main lifters of the oil there are trading houses Vitol, Petraco, Glencore and most recently Rosneft via pre-financing deals. Rosneft's influential Chief Executive Officer Igor Sechin said on Thursday that Kurshish authorities and Baghdad have to resolve their differences by themselves. Iraq, along with neighboring Iran and Turkey, has pledged to isolate Kurdistan in the wake of last month's referendum. That includes cutting off air and banking ties and reviving an old pipeline to Turkey to deprive Erbil of a big chunk of oil revenues. Rosneft will be investing in expanding Erbil's independent pipeline, which Baghdad has targeted, hoping to boost its capacity by a third to 950,000 barrels per day. That is the equivalent of about 1 percent of total global supply. With Rosneft acquiring 60 percent in the project, the Kremlin oil major effectively becomes a controlling stakeholder in Kurdish oil infrastructure. That should give Erbil some sense of security as it faces unprecedented pressure from its neighbours. Rosneft has already agreed to invest $400 million in five oil blocks in Iraqi Kurdistan. It also had previously loaned Kurdistan $1.2 billion, guaranteed by oil sales, and is seeking to help Erbil build two major oil and gas pipelines. United States Senators Ted Cruz and Patrick Leahy this week sent a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook demanding answers after the iPhone maker removed a number of privacy-providing apps from its Chinese App Store. In the letter, the senators said China had an "abysmal" human rights record with respect to freedom of expression and free access to information online and offline. Cruz and Leahy wrote they were concerned that Apple "may be enabling the Chinese government's censorship and surveillance of the Internet." Apple declined to comment specifically on the letter. In July, Apple pulled several virtual private network (VPN) apps from the Chinese version of its App Store. Some of the affected VPN providers received notification from the iPhone maker that their apps were removed for including "content that is illegal" in the mainland. VPNs allow users in China bypass the country's infamous "Great Firewall" that heavily restricts access to foreign websites. Those apps also allow for privacy by hiding browsing activities from internet service providers. Cook, during an earnings call, addressed the decision to remove those apps. He said that while Apple would "obviously rather not remove the apps," it will follow the law in whichever country it does business. "We believe in engaging with governments even when we disagree. This particular case, we're hopeful that over time the restrictions we're seeing are lessened, because innovation really requires freedom to collaborate and communicate," Cook previously said. The senators noted that Cook was awarded the free speech award at Newseum's 2017 Free Expression Awards, where he said, according to the letter, "First we defend, we work to defend these freedoms by enabling people around the world to speak up. And second, we do it by speaking up ourselves." Cruz and Leahy said the removal of VPN apps "that allow individuals in China to evade the Great Firewall and access the Internet privately does not enable people in China to 'speak up.'" In a detailed list of questions, the senators asked Cook to explain if Apple had raised concerns when Beijing was formulating its cybersecurity laws or if the tech giant pushed back when asked to take down several of the apps. They also asked if Apple had preemptively taken down any apps from the China App Store and whether it had either promoted freedom of speech in the country or condemned the "government's censorship and surveillance mechanisms." In January, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology embarked on a campaign to "clean up" the country's internet connections by March 31, 2018. The ministry said that, while China's internet access service market was facing a rare opportunity for development, there were also signs of disorderly development that needed to be fixed. Since then, the Chinese government had undertaken several initiatives that have tightened control of the internet inside the country and have reduced online anonymity. To be sure, Apple's removal of those apps was not the first time Beijing's cyber regulators had gone after VPN providers. Read the full letter from Senators Ted Cruz and Patrick Leahy here. Activist investor William Ackman, currently battling for board seats at Automatic Data Processing , on Thursday said the human resource software company should buy rival Ceridian, in a move that could woo customers with a better product. Ackman said Minnesota-based Ceridian could be acquired for roughly $4 billion, adding, "This may be a case where a larger-than-typical acquisition makes a lot of sense." Ackman was interviewed by Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. investment analyst Lisa Ellis in a webcast. Ellis also spoke with Ackman-backed board nominees Veronica Hagen and Paul Unruh as the trio sought to lay out how they would improve operations at ADP should they be elected to the 10-person board on Nov. 7. Ackman's hedge fund Pershing Square Capital Management invested in Ceridian a decade ago before the company was bought by a private equity firm, Thomas H. Lee Partners. ADP buying Ceridian would deliver a "best in class product" to ADP and help win back hundreds of customers who have recently defected, Ackman said. Neither ADP nor Thomas H. Lee Partners was immediately available for comment after normal business hours. "They need to think outside the box," Ackman said, noting that an acquisition like this would let ADP put its resources behind a better product. ADP has characterized the 51-year-old investor as an aggressive risk and its chief executive, Carlos Rodriguez, told Reuters on Wednesday that the hedge fund manager's plans for beefing up profit could be realized only by laying off roughly 30 percent of ADP's workforce. Ackman said previously in an investor webinar that he is not calling for massive layoffs. Ackman also pushed back on Thursday on the way Rodriguez describes him, saying his takeover plan is not a "swing for the fences" strategy. "It may be the lowest-risk solution to acquire a viable product that has significant market acceptance," he said. Singapore Airlines will finalize an order for 39 Boeing aircraft worth $13.8 billion when the Singaporean prime minister visits U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington next week. The national airline first announced the plan to upgrade its fleet in February but no deal has to date been inked in Boeing's order book. In an interview with CNBC on Thursday, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong confirmed the purchase is ready to be rubber stamped. "We are hoping to sign an agreement between SIA and Boeing to buy new airplanes. I think that's a done deal," he said. Singapore Airlines has said previously that it would order 20 777-9 and 19 787-10 widebody planes from the U.S. manufacturer. Boeing currently leads rival Airbus in orders for the first nine months of the year, with 498 at the end of September compared to 271 for its European rival. Saks Fifth Avenue parent Hudson's Bay Company announced Friday that CEO Jerry Storch will step down, effective Nov. 1 to join his advisory firm Storch Advisors. The company, which also owns Lord & Taylor and Gilt Group, has not yet named a successor and HBC executive chairman Richard Baker will serve as interim CEO as it works with an executive search firm to find a replacement. The departure comes as the retailer like its peers has struggled with sales losses in its stores and a dwindling stock price. Its stock dropped to its five-year low in June and has lost roughly 30 percent of its value over the past five years. This summer, HBC announced a restructuring effort that would include 2,000 job cuts across North America. Hudson's Bay is also facing pressure from activist investor Land & Buildings, who has urged the company to go private or redevelop its real estate assets. The Jonathan Litt-led firm revealed a 4.3 percent stake in Hudson's Bay this summer. Amid this scrutiny, Baker has been looking to raise equity to fund a take-private of the company, in order to help escape the public market spotlight, sources previously told CNBC. These sources, though, cautioned the efforts will be a long shot, given the difficulties that leveraged retailers have faced over the past two years. Richard Baker is a principal shareholder in the company through his investment in L&T B (Cayman), which has 17.7 percent ownership. Storch, whose tenure at Hudson's Bay spanned roughly two years, previously held a number of retail positions, including CEO of Toys R Us. His departure follows the resignation of HBC CFO Paul Beesley, whose replacement, former JC Penney CFO Edward Record, was named in August. Don Watros, president of HBC International, stepped down in September. General Electric 's quarterly earnings results were a "disgrace," but new CEO John Flannery will turn things around, CNBC's Jim Cramer said Friday. Shares of GE fell more than 8 percent at one point in Friday's premarket, its worst drop in more than eight years, after it reported a huge third-quarter miss. It was down about 3 percent in the first 30 minutes or regular trading. In his first earnings report as CEO, Flannery called the quarter "very challenging." "While a majority of our business had solid earnings performance, this was offset by a decline in Power [segment] performance in a difficult market," he said. Though disappointed, Cramer said on "Squawk on the Street" that the earnings report is a reflection of the company's previous chief executive, Jeff Immelt. "This is not a report card on Flannery," said Cramer, who personally owns GE stock, as does his charitable trust. "This is basically a statement on all the things they've done wrong." The company cut its forecast for the year. It lowered estimates for its 2017 adjusted earnings per share to a range of $1.05-$1.10, from $1.60-$1.70. "It's a disgrace, what happened here," Cramer said. "This was a great American company. And Mr. Flannery is going to return it to a great American company." "The most important thing is that this is the last of the Immelt numbers," the host of CNBC's "Mad Money" said. Immelt did not immediately respond to a CNBC request for comment. watch now Arconic : This will be a pivotal earnings report for Arconic, Alcoa's former engineered products arm, because the company still doesn't have a permanent CEO after Klaus Kleinfeld was ousted. "If we got one or it put itself up for sale, either way, I think Arconic's stock can fly," Cramer said. "But, what the heck, it's time something happened." Kimberly-Clark : Weaker-than-expected earnings reports from competing consumer products companies Unilever and Procter & Gamble have cast a shadow on Kimberly-Clark's prospects ahead of the Cottonelle maker's Monday earnings report, Cramer said. Tuesday: Industrials, McDonald's, Chipotle Industrials: Tuesday will be critical in determining the strength of the industrial cohort, with earnings reports from General Motors , United Technologies , Caterpillar , 3M and Stanley Black & Decker . Cramer expects all of them to deliver strong results, particularly given the post-hurricane cleanup projects in Texas and Florida and the boon from a weaker dollar. "Now, you have to keep in mind that the moves in these stocks ahead of earnings have been pretty mind-blowing, so don't freak out if the stocks can't get more lift after they report. That especially goes for Caterpillar, which has been nothing short of phenomenal," he said. "But please be aware: if these stocks come in ahead of the quarter, that will most likely prove to be a buying opportunity, not unlike [Thursday's] much-pilloried session," Cramer added. McDonald's : The ubiquitous fast-food chain will report earnings on Tuesday, and with a red-hot stock, Cramer will be keeping an eye out for any potential weakness. Chipotle : Cramer would be wary of Chipotle's stock. The company reports earnings after the close, and the "Mad Money" host does not think it has bottomed yet after recent negative publicity. Wednesday: Boeing, Coca-Cola, Visa Boeing : Cramer isn't sure how Boeing, the strongest Dow stock, can possibly outdo itself when the company reports earnings on Wednesday. "This thing's been a beast and the company might tell an even better story about defense spending, but if you aren't in Boeing yet, I have to tell you, you're going to have to wait until it comes down because you've missed it," he said. Coca-Cola : "Another test of this consumer product curse" will come with Coca-Cola's earnings report, which Cramer worries might not provide enough needle-movers to be optimistic. Visa : As a part of the payment processing cohort, which Cramer believes to be the hottest part of the financial sector, Visa is likely to deliver a strong earnings report, he said. Thursday: Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, Intel Thursday evening will mark an exciting moment for Cramer: "a virtual world series of tech." Alphabet should issue a strong report on good monetization of its YouTube platform; Amazon may outline more of its Whole Foods strategy; Microsoft will offer a litmus test on growth in data centers; and Intel , whose shares have already moved a lot, should tell a positive story about self-driving cars and artificial intelligence, Cramer said. Oils: When the market didn't embrace Schlumberger's stock after what Cramer saw as a fine quarter, his expectations dropped for oil giants Exxon Mobil and Chevron ahead of their earnings reports. "As long as crude is trapped at $50 a barrel, which it is, there's no long-side trade developing," he said. Merck : Pharmaceutical player Merck will also issue its earnings report, but Cramer said it can't hold a candle to rival AbbVie . Colgate-Palmolive : There's buzz of a takeover for Colgate-Palmolive, so Cramer expects a possible upside surprise to the consumer goods company's earnings report. Final Thoughts "Yep, big menu, big plays, truly a rapid-fire week. So here's the bottom line: Remember, the bias is to buy, not sell, but only if you can get these high-quality stocks unchanged to lower," Cramer said. "Chasing here after this big run? No thanks. Wait for a day like [Thursday] and then do some buying." WATCH: Cramer's game plan for a huge earnings week watch now It's that time again! Jim Cramer rang the lightning round bell, which means he gave his take on callers' favorite stocks at rapid speed: Align Technology : "That's Invisalign. A lot of people think it's too expensive. I have to tell you that if I were Brent Saunders at Allergan , I would buy Align Technology next Friday at this time and the stock will be dramatically higher instead of dramatically lower. This is that technology that allows people to have better-looking teeth in an era of Instagram. It's a winner." Enbridge Inc. : "Al Monaco does a good job, but the one that I'm recommending to my charitable trust is Magellan Midstream Partners . It went down this week even though it raised its distribution. MMP is the way to go." Caterpillar Inc. : "It's CAT's renaissance time and I am thrilled about that. Let the stock come in before you buy it next week. You could probably get a good price." Applied Optoelectronics : "That thing is too much of a roller coaster. We've got to calm down. We've got enough high-quality stocks. We don't need to go into that up-and-down stuff." Coca-Cola : "Coca-Cola reports next week. I think it'll be an OK quarter. I don't expect a barn-burner. I don't know how high it can really go." Macy's : "Macy's is trying to bottom here. It's been $20, $21, $20, $21. It's got a yield and I think it could be supported. I wouldn't mind buying some, especially if Lord & Taylor's going to get a bid, for heaven's sake." Glu Mobile Inc. : "We don't want to play that game. Let's buy the one that's been doing nothing of late. Let's buy Activision Blizzard . I tell club members Activision Blizzard's got the absolute best eSports and [CEO] Bobby Kotick's running it. That's our one right now." Walt Disney Co. : "I think Disney's a good long-term hold. I believe in BamTech, I believe in what Bob Iger's doing, but it's got to be long term and in the interim you may have to do a little bit of suffering." Ensco Plc. : "You want to own Ensco? Look, Schlumberger was down really badly today off a good quarter. Let's buy Schlumberger." President Donald Trump speaks to the press in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, October 16, 2017. President Trump is not quite ready to let the issue of his call to a fallen soldier's widow go. Trump again denied Rep. Frederica Wilson's claim that he told Myeshia Johnson her husband, Sgt. La David Johnson, knew "what he signed up for" even after his chief of staff appeared to corroborate that version of the phone call during a news conference earlier Thursday. "The Fake News is going crazy with wacky Congresswoman Wilsons (D), who was SECRETLY on a very personal call, and gave a total lie on content!" Trump tweeted. TWEET White House Chief of Staff John Kelly said he was "stunned and broken-hearted" when he learned Wilson had listened in on the call and spoken to the press about it afterward. But Kelly also appeared to confirm that Wilson's version of the call was not "totally fabricated," as Trump claimed in a tweet Wednesday. In that tweet, Trump also said he had "proof" that Wilson was lying, but he has not yet produced any such evidence. Before Trump called Johnson, Kelly said he shared with the president what Gen. Joseph Dunford said to him after his son was killed in Afghanistan, "He was doing exactly what he wanted to do when he was killed," Dunford said, according to Kelly. "He knew what he was getting into when he joined" the military. "And when he died he was surrounded by the best men on this Earth, his friends." "That's what the president tried to say to the four families yesterday," Kelly said. More from USA TODAY: Trump makes false claim that former presidents didn't call families of slain troops John Kelly: 'Stunned and broken-hearted' Trump criticized for trying to console military widow Trump's treatment of families of the fallen 'sickens' Chuck Hagel Kelly was visibly upset by what he called Wilson's "selfish behavior" in politicizing such a sensitive call. Wilson said she was on the way to meet Johnson's body in Miami with the soldier's widow Tuesday when she overheard the conversation between Trump and Myeshia Johnson. Wilson has known the Johnson family for years. La David Johnson was a student in a mentorship program she started and she said his father was her student when she was an elementary school principal. After Trump's first denial, Wilson told CNN there were other witnesses to the call, including members of the Johnson family. "So the president evidently is lying, because what I said is true," she said. "I have no reason to lie on the president of the United States with a dead soldier in my community." It may seem hard to believe, but Donald Trump has been president for less than 10 months. If at times his presidency has seemed to lurch grotesquely from one gaffe to the next, there is at least one clear pattern: Mr. Trump is dismantling, brick by brick, the post-war liberal world order, of which America was once founder and champion. And that is very bad news for Germany. Under Mr. Trump, multilateral free-trade agreements are being trashed, in favor of bilateral ones where the United States can dominate smaller countries. Open markets are out of fashion. For the Trump administration, trade is a zero sum game, in which other countries are out to steal America's wealth. Fair and equal rules for all? Not Mr. Trump's style. In his economic order, America does what America wants. What is increasingly clear is that Mr. Trump's foreign, security and trade policy represent a frontal assault on Germany's economic way of life. The American president is conducting economic war: whether intentional or not, it hits Germany harder than anyone else. This is because Germany, more than anyone else, relies on open markets, free trade and cross-border business models. American threats are causing real anxiety at the highest levels of German business. That's because almost half of German economic output comes from its exports. Those to the US are worth almost 114 billion ($135 billion), contributing to an overall current account surplus of around 283 billion. This contrasts with the United States' vast trade deficit, a comparison which infuriates President Trump. Threats to German business will intensify over the next few weeks. In talks currently underway with Mexico and Canada, the US administration is seriously considering abandoning the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) sealed in 1994. Under NAFTA, cross-border North American trade has grown five-fold, and now represents one-third of global trade. The abolition of NAFTA would not only damage world trade, hurting Germany's export-driven businesses. It would also severely disrupt the production supply lines of German car companies including Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes and BMW, all of whom manufacture in Mexico for export to the United States. "America First" is the slogan of Mr. Trump's security policy as well as his trade policy. In fact, the two are inseparable, as seen in his attempts to undermine the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. Here, America's actions will also hit German firms hard. This is because Washington's current favored policy instrument is extra-territorial sanctions, imposed even on non-American firms which trade with Iran or Russia. German Economy Minister Brigitte Zypries has called these third-party sanctions "quite simply against international law." And beefed-up sanctions on Russia expected in the coming weeks will above all hit European companies in the energy sector, especially those involved in the Nord Stream 2 pipeline set to carry Russian gas to Europe. More from Handelsblatt Global: European governments are talking tough. "Under no circumstances will we accept extra-territorial American sanctions on European companies," Germany's foreign minister, Sigmar Gabriel, said in a remarkably frank interview with Handelsblatt. Although European and German forbids companies from bowing to American sanctions, the US has been uncompromising in using its laws to punish European companies: European banks BNP Paribas, Commerzbank and Deutsche Bank have all been hit with billion-dollar fines for transactions with Iran, Cuba and Sudan. The 2015 nuclear deal was supposed to end sanctions, but fear of American reprisals has meant most German banks refuse to finance deals with Iran. This has stifled a hoped-for renaissance in German trade with the Middle Eastern country. Iran's economy is booming but so far, French and Chinese companies are reaping the rewards. European markets closed mixed on Friday afternoon, as investors reacted to corporate earnings and monitored political developments in the region. The pan-European Stoxx 600 closed up 0.2 percent provisionally with major bourses in the region pointing in different directions. For the week, the benchmark was down by nearly 0.4 percent. Banks were the best performers Friday, with the sector finishing higher by 1 percent. Truckmaker Volvo soared to the top of the European benchmark after the Scandinavian firm released its latest figures. Sweden's biggest manufacturer reported a stronger-than-anticipated rise in quarterly core earnings as robust demand for heavy trucks more than offset costs from its supply chain. Volvo closed 7 percent higher on the news. Antofagasta and ArcelorMittal both closed over 1 percent higher after a firmer copper price supported shares of mining firms. Towards the bottom of the index, Sweden's Assa Abloy slipped more than 2 percent Friday. The world's biggest lock maker posted a modest increase in third-quarter profit as expected, but sales dipped in China. The second day of the EU Summit took place in Brussels Friday. Prime Minister Theresa May denied reports that the U.K. had increased its financial offer to the European Union as part of its steps to leave the bloc. Elsewhere, investors continued to monitor developments in Catalonia, after news emerged Thursday that Spain's central government would move to suspend the region's autonomy. Reports Friday said the Spanish government had agreed with the opposition Socialists to hold regional elections in January in Catalonia. The discovery of oil reserves in the North Sea means that, over the years, many have referred to Aberdeen as the "oil capital of Europe." Times are changing, however. Today, the Scottish city is home to what is claimed to be Europe's largest fleet of hydrogen fuel cell buses. The 19 million ($24.98 million) project means that hydrogen buses are ferrying residents around Aberdeen as authorities look to reduce city center emissions and boost air quality. "They're a very good fit for us because we have, like many other cities air quality issues," Barney Crockett, the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, told CNBC's Sustainable Energy. The U.S. Department of Energy has said that fuel cell electric vehicles are more efficient than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles and have a driving range of roughly 300 miles. According to those involved with the project in Aberdeen, the buses there hold 40 kilograms of hydrogen and can travel up to 260 miles "on a typical urban cycle." The buses were proving popular with residents, Crockett added. "They really like the buses because we've no harmful emissions, it's only water vapour that comes out of the tailpipe." The vehicles were completely silent and offered a smooth riding experience, he explained. "A lot of people have said to us it's more like being on a train than being on a bus." Aberdeen is the latest in a long line of cities looking to improve air quality and slash emissions. Next week, for example, will see a new 10 'T-Charge' introduced to help discourage the use of older, more polluting vehicles on the streets of central London. The city is also set to be home to what authorities describe as the world's first Ultra Low Emission Zone, subject to consultation. Back in Aberdeen, Crockett struck an ambitious note with regards to the future. "We think the sky's the limit we're looking at cars, we're looking at trucks, we're looking at vans and we're looking at storage." Facebook is working with The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, The Economist and other publishers to test ways to have its users subscribe to articles. People will be able to read 10 articles for free via the social network's Instant Articles feature before being prompted to subscribe for full access as part of the experiment, Facebook executives said in a blog post Thursday. When someone subscribes, the transaction will take place on the publisher's website, and the publisher will keep all of the revenue as well as own subscribers' data. Facebook has been eating publishers' lunch, taking ad dollars that historically went to traditional media owners. Google and Facebook topped a list of the world's largest media owners in May, together earning more than $100 billion in advertising dollars in 2016, according to media agency Zenith. French President told CNBC Friday that the problem that U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May has is that nobody explained to the British people the consequences of a Brexit vote. When asked if the European Union would be able to make some verbal concessions to allow May to sell a Brexit deal at home, Macron told CNBC that there's no room for such unofficial compromises. "There are concessions to make from both negotiating teams during phase one, but we aren't going to make concessions based on discourse," he said. "The objectives are fixed, they're conducted from the European side by Michel Barnier, and we have to respect that," Macron told CNBC, referring to the EU's approach of discussing citizens' rights, financial settlement and the Irish border, before moving on to talks on trade. "I believe the problem that Theresa May has is that those who defended Brexit have never explained to the British people what the consequences are," he said after a European Union summit in Brussels, Belgium. Speaking at the same summit, May had denied earlier Friday that the U.K. had increased its financial offer to the European Union as part of its steps to leave the bloc. "What I've made clear to my EU counterparts in relation to financial contribution is what I set out in my Florence (Italy) speech, which is that I've said nobody need be concerned for the current budget plan that they would have to pay more or receive less as a result of the U.K. leaving and that we will honor the commitments we have made during our membership," May told reporters. General Electric reported third-quarter earnings that were , and its new CEO did not shy away from the miss. "The results I'm about to share with you are completely unacceptable," CEO John Flannery said on a conference call with investors Friday, where he telegraphed that big changes were ahead. "We are focusing heavily on the culture of the company," Flannery said. "Things will not stay the same at GE." The company is in the process of finalizing its 2018 financial outlook and says it will unveil those projections and any changes to its dividend in November. As part of that process, the company is reviewing sources of cash in this year and next. In the third quarter, GE's cash flow from operating activities fell 78 percent from a year ago, to $4.1 billion. The CEO of Puerto Rico's largest solar provider said the hurricane that struck the island last month accelerated the timeline for home batteries by as much as a year and a half. Makers of home batteries have ramped up manufacturing in response to the humanitarian disaster at such a scale that it could have an impact far away from Puerto Rico's storm-battered shores, according to John Berger, CEO of Houston-based Sunnova. "Global battery makers like Tesla were completely focused on the electric vehicle market," Berger said. "[Hurricane] Maria has changed that." Tesla, which has reportedly shipped hundreds of its Powerwall home battery systems to the island, did not respond to a request for comment. Sunnova is the second-largest energy provider in Puerto Rico behind the government-owned Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, according to Berger, accounting for about 1.5 percent of electric generation on the island. Wind energy also accounts for a substantial portion of Puerto Rico's renewable energy portfolio, according to government data. Production of home batteries powered by renewable energy sources had already been ramping up, particularly over the last three years as companies such as Tesla, Samsung and LG unveiled new projects. Tesla announced its Powerwall project in 2015. The following year, Samsung established a joint venture with China-based Sungrow. LG launched its residential battery system in April. After big storms, home batteries tend to see a short-term spike in interest, according to Ravi Manghani, the director of energy storage at GTM Research. "It will lead to increased action for storage, and action for Puerto Rico, and other island states, too," he said. But Manghani thinks that long-term changes in the home battery market are more likely to be caused by the underlying economics of battery storage than by any single event. Manghani estimates that home batteries will be competitive with traditional sources of energy on islands such as Puerto Rico in the next five years, and possibly as early as the next two. The cost of such systems has fallen as much as 80 percent over the last eight years, he said. Increased adoption of home battery systems could be good for the resilience of the electric infrastructure on islands prone to hurricanes. Berger said that a preliminary review suggested the "vast majority" of Sunnova's solar systems on Puerto Rico were still functioning or had minimal damage, although they were still assessing the damage. "It's very clear that if we had batteries on all of our customers, then all of our customers would have electricity, with very few exceptions," Berger said. Only 17 percent of Puerto Rico's 3.4 million residents had access to electricity as of Friday, according to FEMA. Berger, whose company employs 800 people directly and indirectly in Puerto Rico, said he's working with Gov. Ricardo Rossello to help restore electricity and plan for the island's future. Given the right regulatory structure, Berger said, he is willing to invest up to $1 billion on the island. The governor's office did not respond to a request for comment. Correction: This story was revised to delete an incorrect number for Sunnova's solar systems on Puerto Rico. "Now it's 2017, and North Korea, South Korea, and the entire world need to see and hear a clear message of American resolve in the face of tyranny and nuclear brinksmanship." And in 1987, President Ronald Reagan stood at a spot at the Berlin Wall near where Kennedy stood in 1963 and delivered the famous line: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" And just over two years later, the Berlin Wall indeed fell. Now it's 2017, and North Korea, South Korea, and the entire world need to see and hear a clear message of American resolve in the face of tyranny and nuclear brinksmanship. Otherwise, the kind of blackmail Kim Jong Un is trying to orchestrate may never end or could be copied by the world's other rogue nuclear club members. Remember that a big part of the North Korean nuclear threat has been based on that nation's desire (along with a similar hope from a more adventuresome China) to somehow drive the U.S. military presence further from the region. And while increasing our military presence in the South China Sea and closer to the Korean Peninsula will go a long way towards proving that Pyongyang's gambit is a loser, the world needs something more than increased naval and air force deployments. It needs a strong message from the most listened-to man in the world right now. Sure, President Trump often seems like he belongs more on an episode of TMZ than making an appearance at the DMZ. But he's still the Commander-in-Chief of the most powerful armed forces on the planet. First, stepping out from behind his twitter account and speaking in front of the 37,500 American personnel stationed there will at least give them the message they need to hear as they face what is a growing threat every day. And that message is that their country and its leader haven't forgotten them. Second, it will continue to portray President Trump as unafraid in the face of personal danger. The White House might want to leak a few more of those reports about fears for his safety just to play this up even more. For all his bravado and threats, would Kim Jong Un make a speech at his side of the DMZ and allow the free news media to cover it? Not likely. A speech at the DMZ would give President Trump another chance to make his case for standing up to Kim without resorting to insults. So, what should he say exactly? President Trump must simultaneously stare down Pyongyang's threats and assure the North Koreans and the rest of the world that we seek peace as the best alternative. Perhaps President Trump's memorable line could be: "Mr. Kim drop your weapons and embrace peace." Appealing to the basic needs of the North Korean people is the most important key to any Trump message. Now that China is coming more and more on board with trying to defuse the situation, conditions in the regime appear to be particularly dire. These economic challenges paired with the clear symbol of U.S. resolve in the form of a Trump visit and speech at the DMZ could be all that's needed to get Pyongyang to make a major concession. And comparing what will and won't work for North Korea is so important, because there's little evidence that the Trump team is really set on forcing regime change or pushing for a reunification of the Korean peninsula. In return for humanitarian aid on a massive scale, President Trump should demand a reasonable dismantling of Kim's nuclear program and a reliable and permanent inspection program. And there's one more thing President Trump should demand: Access. Somewhere in that speech, he should challenge Kim to allow the North Korean people to hear his words without any filters or prior editorializing by Pyongyan's censors. "Mr. Kim, let your people hear my message of peace and freedom or forever resign yourself to the ranks of the enemies of freedom and decency." No, even the most eloquent and stirring speech from this president won't suddenly reverse his low approval ratings and usher in some kind of American unity behind the White House. But it should provide something perhaps even more valuable for everyone: Clarity. Because it's been the president's many mixed and oftentimes fuzzy messages that may be hurting him more than any one controversy. Of course, the other possibility is that the North Korean regime can only be forced to back down by military means. But that only makes a possible presidential trip to the DMZ more important. The troops who would be asked to go into harm's way at least deserve the courtesy of not only a personal visit from President Trump but a clear explanation of the purpose of their mission. The hard truth is that the North Korean nuclear problem is the biggest and most immediate threat to the free world right now. And if the leader of the free world doesn't take his best opportunity to prove he is not afraid to stand up for freedom and real peace, then all of our troubles will only multiply in the months and years to come. Commentary by Jake Novak, CNBC.com senior columnist. Follow him on Twitter @jakejakeny. For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter. The Labour Party leader is set to govern New Zealand with a coalition government, made up of her own party, the Green Party of New Zealand and the populist party, NZ First. "During the campaign I've always been very vocal about the fact that I do not believe people should be imprisoned for the personal use of cannabis. On the flip-side, I also have concerns around young people accessing a product which can clearly do harm and damage to them," she said. Jacinda Ardern told reporters Friday that she will work with her Cabinet and take advice before deciding on any referendum date. The newly-elected prime minister of New Zealand has said she wants a national discussion on legalizing cannabis. A proposed change in the law over cannabis is being driven by the Green Party manifesto which states the drug should be legal for personal use, including possession and cultivation. The Greens also want to introduce a legal age limit for personal use and remove penalties for anyone growing for medical use. The Executive Director at New Zealand Drug Foundation, Ross Bell, said he regularly sees 65 percent in favor of changing the law in the polls his organization conducts, and believes a fresh look at drug policy is overdue. "It is over 40-years-old and like many other countries, successive governments have not wanted to engage on this issue," Bell told CNBC by telephone Friday. "Lo and behold the Green Party come along, and allows the country to have the sort of conversation we should have had for a long time." Bell cautioned that people do need to acknowledge the harm that cannabis can do in society and added that he would not want to see the pendulum swing all the way from prohibition to a free-market arena. In Canada the government has promised to make cannabis legal by July 1, 2018 but is struggling to satisfy international legal obligations. Bell cited the current Canadian model of cannabis policy as one that New Zealand could pursue. Timing of a referendum remains unclear but Bell said that the New Zealand government would want any vote to be binding and, if possible, held before 2020. Investors interested in China shouldn't be too distracted by who is elevated to the top ranks of the Chinese Communist Party during the ongoing leadership confab, warns a leading China scholar. Instead, the most important information about the country's economic future will come from the new names in various Chinese financial agencies, according to Eswar Prasad, who was formerly the International Monetary Fund's head for China. China is now holding a once-every-five-years meeting that will usher a new crop of leaders into the top echelon of the party. President Xi Jinping is expected to extend his term. But alongside the political reshuffle is the imminent retirement of central banker Zhou Xiaochuan after 15 years at the helm of the People's Bank of China. "What comes in the weeks and months following [the conclusion of the party congress] in terms of the policy actions that we see, appointments to some of the top agencies related to the financial markets including the PBOC governorship position those are going to be far more important in setting the tone for macroeconomic policies and financial markets policies in general over the coming years," Prasad, who is now a China scholar and professor at Cornell University, said Friday. The central bank head position in particular "plays a critical role when one thinks about what happens to the financial markets, exchange rate policy, capital account opening all of which feeds into thinking about the market orientation of the economy," added Prasad. Xi expressed support for market reform and private firms on Wednesday at the opening of the party congress, but he also called for a strong government presence in the economy in the same speech. Prasad warned of how those two "inconsistent notions" could result in moral hazards and contribute to market volatility. "The reality is that it's very difficult for markets to function well if you have the government overseeing them to the extent that it gets directly involved in them in the guise of stability and control," Prasad told CNBC. "That confuses markets a great deal." If you've ever been stuck in a job because it didn't feel like a good fit, you may relate to this week's story of the Central Intelligence Agency and Lulu the bomb-sniffing dog. In messages that have now been retweeted thousands and, in some cases, tens of thousands of times, the CIA opened up on social media about its methods for finding the best K9 dogs to detect explosives. As an example, the agency introduced Lulu, a black Labrador retriever. After weeks of training, the agency reported, Lulu's handlers realized Lulu wasn't happy. Her heart just wasn't in the work. Tweet "All dogs, like humans, have good days and bad days when learning something new," the CIA tweeted. "Same for our pups, though it usually lasts just a day or two." Proving to be like the HR department most humans would want when faced with a professional issue, the CIA tried to work with Lulu and make her happy. When K9s lose energy and focus, trainers act like "doggy psychologists," the agency reported, to figure out what will help a pup perform better on the job. For example, a pup might be bored and need some playtime or a break from training. Or maybe she has a medical condition that needs to be looked into. After trying to address the pup's needs and concerns, the CIA decides whether or not the issue is superficial and can be fixed. Tweet In the case of Lulu, her persistent malaise was a sign that there was no need to force her to stick around. Allowed to retire, Lulu was adopted by her handler and is now living a lifestyle that is more aligned with her passions. Tweet As the New York Times puts it in its article addressing the sudden popularity of Lulu, "her story just sounds familiar to any American who has experienced workplace ennui: She underwent rigorous training for a daily grind job and decided that sniffing out bombs was not her calling." While leaving a position that no longer fulfills you is tough, having an employer like Lulu's who pays attention to your needs as an employee can make your transition a lot easier. And, though it can take time and energy, figuring out what you really want to do can make you more satisfied in the long run. Apple CEO Tim Cook, for example, recently told students, "My advice to all of you is, don't work for money it will wear out fast, or you'll never make enough and you will never be happy, one or the other." Instead, he suggests, "you have to find the intersection of doing something you're passionate about and at the same time something that is in the service of other people." Ramit Sethi, founder of the online personal finance and career resource "I Will Teach You to be Rich" and GrowthLab.com, agrees. He advises anyone who is dissatisfied with their professional life to take matters into their own hands and create the change they need. The process will pay off, he says. "Get impatient with yourself. Nobody's going to wake up and hand you a dream job," Sethi tells CNBC Make It. "You have to find it and when you do you will be excited to go into work, you'll be excited to be building your skills. You'll be getting paid what you deserve and being given way way more responsibility over so many things in life. That's a dream job." Like this story? Like CNBC Make It on Facebook! Don't miss: Hate your job? Feel stuck at work? Here's what you have to do Companies like Microsoft are working hard to secure top talent for new roles. But what are two of the most in-demand industries with available jobs right now? Cloud computing and artificial intelligence, says Chuck Edward, Microsoft's head of global talent acquisition, in an interview with CNBC Make It. And you don't have to work on the technical side of those industries either, he says. You can work in consultative sales, data science and analytics to help customers or nab a job marketing cloud computing, he explains. The cloud computing and artificial intelligence industries have been making headlines recently. Just last week Microsoft and Amazon teamed up to roll out tools that are expected to make it easier for developers to use open-source artificial intelligence software. In August, the companies teamed up to let their respective virtual assistants, Alexa and Cortana, talk with each other. In August, a leaked internal memo penned by former Google engineer James Damore criticizing the company's diversity efforts ignited a heated national discussion on women and people of color in the workplace. Immediately, the memo stirred up a whirlwind. Google terminated Damore. He announced he would seek legal recourse. And many prominent figures spoke out against it. Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook COO and author of "Lean In," wrote a social media post saying, "Inequality in tech isn't due to gender differences. It's due to cultural stereotypes that persist." "We all need to do more," she added. Susan Wojcicki, CEO of YouTube, which Google owns, called the memo "yet another discouraging signal to young women who aspire to study computer science." Adam Grant, bestselling author and Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania professor, posted a response debunking several of the suggestions Damore made. But the memo also had an important long term effect. And it's one Damore likely did not intend. According to Christa Quarles, CEO of online restaurant reservation network OpenTable, the memo made Silicon Valley leaders more aware of conscious and unconscious discrimination against women and people of color in the workplace. "I think what's different now, versus even six months or a year ago, is that people are on notice," she tells CNBC Make It, "and that people are not letting things slide." Three tech workers walk around the headquarters of Google in the Silicon Valley. Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images It also stirred many to double down on their efforts to encourage fair employment and recruitment practices, according to Quarles. More leaders are trying to get female venture capitalists on their boards, says Quarles, who previously was an executive at The Walt Disney Company. The results could be good for business, as research shows that companies with more women in the C-Suite are more profitable. The "little injustices" that happen daily to women, such as a team assuming that a female associate will grab coffee for guests, are being "called out," Quarles tells CNBC Make It. The controversial 10-page manifesto suggested that women have a harder time getting raises or promotions because their extroversion is expressed as "gregariousness rather than assertiveness." It said that women don't advance in their careers partly because that they are innately "neurotic." There is "heightened awareness," on gender and racial equality at work, Quarles says, which she describes as "awesome." And more managers, both men and women, are having conversations on the topic. The memo is one of several stories that have made people more aware about the horrors many women face at work, including stories on Uber's culture of sexual harassment, sexual assault allegations against top Silicon Valley investor Dave McClure, sexual harassment charges against venture capitalist Justin Caldbeck and others. And it's not just Silicon Valley. Accusations of harassment and sexual assault against Harvey Weinstein have once again opened the floodgates. "It sort of feels that everyone the nerves have opened up and you can feel it," she says. "You can sense it, you can taste it." In light of the Google memo, more women are coming together in "sisterhood," in Silicon Valley and on Wall Street, says Quarles, who worked in finance for more than a decade. Quarles regularly meets up with her former classmates from the Harvard Business School or Carnegie Mellon. The memo, she says, has encouraged women to talk and meet up even more as well as find ways to mentor younger women. At the recent Fortune Brainstorm Tech event, Quarles became visibly frustrated when another audience member suggested that women don't support each other professionally. She called the assumption "bull----." "In Silicon Valley today, there is a sisterhood of women who are supporting each other," she said during the event's audience open mic session. Talking about that moment now with CNBC Make It, she says she felt compelled to respond to the man who made the comment. "It deflects from the bigger issues and that's why I think it's dangerous," she says. "It distracts, it confuses. It, you know, basically says 'Well, now I don't have to look at the bigger issue,' which is that there's real bias and real problems going on." To start tackling the problem, Quarles is looking inward. At OpenTable, 45 percent of the executive team are women, much higher than the 14 percent average for Silicon Valley companies. But she recognizes that even at her company, things are not perfect. Quarles recently "overhauled" OpenTable's recruitment policies, with an emphasis on increasing diverse talent. "I look at [the memo] and say, 'It's a chance to have conversation and we're all hyper aware,'" she says. "So let's get in a room and go have a conversation." That conversation can't be just among women, she says. "I do believe that if you bring men along for the ride, you're going to be a lot more successful." Check out the surprising interview question Quarles asks every job candidate The costs to repair the nation's tallest dam after a nearly catastrophic failure of the spillways will top $500 million, nearly double the original estimate of $275 million, a California Department of Water Resources official said Thursday. The $500 million figure reflects only the work by the main construction contractor, Kiewit Corp., to repair the spillways at the 770-foot Oroville Dam, said Erin Mellon, a spokeswoman for the state water agency. It excludes the costs of other contractors and the emergency response in the immediate aftermath of the spillway failure, which prompted fears of massive flooding. Nearly 200,000 were ordered to evacuate, but disaster was averted. Construction crews are excavating unstable soil, replacing it with concrete and topping it with slabs of rebar-reinforced concrete that is anchored into the bedrock. The project has required far more excavation and concrete than expected, said Jeff Petersen, a Kiewit vice president who is directing the project. The state has also revised plans to shore up the emergency spillway, doubling the amount of concrete it will require. Barring a major storm or equipment failure, Kiewit's 700 workers and subcontractors are on track to finish pouring concrete on the main spillway by Nov. 1, Petersen said. That will give the surface a month to cure and be ready for use in December. "I don't want to jinx it, but we're ahead of schedule," Petersen told reporters during a tour of the jobsite Thursday. The cost for emergency response during the evacuation and its immediate aftermath is estimated between $140 million and $160 million, Mellon said. State officials hope the Federal Emergency Management Agency will foot up to 75 percent of the repair bill, while the rest would likely be borne by State Water Project customers. FEMA has already reimbursed some costs for emergency response, but it's unclear if the agency will fund the permanent repair work. The trouble at Oroville Dam began in early February, when a massive crater opened up in the main spillway, a 3,000-foot concrete chute that releases water from Lake Oroville, California's second-largest reservoir. Crews shut down the spillway to inspect just as a major storm dumped a torrent of rain in the Feather River basin. With the main spillway damaged, the lake quickly filled to capacity and water began flowing over a concrete weir that serves as an emergency spillway. It had never before been used. The water eroded the barren hillside beneath the concrete, leading to fears the weir would collapse and release a 40-foot wall of water that would swamp communities and destroy levies for miles downstream. Remote work is on the rise. According to Gallup's 2017 poll on the State of the American Workplace, 43 percent of employees spend at least some of their time working in a location different from their co-workers, up from 39 percent in 2012. The reason: Besides new technology that enables people to be connected from every corner of the world, most people about 53 percent of the 15,000 adults Gallup surveyed want a job that offers greater work-life balance and better personal well-being. It seems to be working: Engagement is highest among workers who spend three to four days working remotely, Gallup's survey revealed. Emmanuel Guisset is keying in on this trend and grabbing the attention of remote designers, developers, entrepreneurs, artists, academics and more, from internet platforms like LinkedIn, Google, Facebook, Zynga and more. The 34-year-old Belgian native is the founder of Outsite, a collection of nine unique work/play accommodations that cater to the growing community of entrepreneurs and digital nomads. Among Outsite's locations: Costa Rica, Santa Cruz, San Diego, Hawaii, Lake Tahoe, Puerto Rico, Lisbon and Bali. Outsite's Lake Tahoe location Source: Outsite "We are the new hospitality solution for millennials. By 2020, 50 percent of the workforce will be working remotely," said Guissett, who came to the U.S. seven years ago when the Belgium travel tech company he was working for wanted to build out their U.S. branch in California. "I ended up in San Jose. I had an image in my mind of the beach and surf, and it was not like that at all." So Guissett moved to Santa Cruz. "It's a beautiful place, and I started to have that lifestyle of working remotely from my house, and I really enjoyed it. Between conferences and meetings, I could surf and mountain bike. I had a good lifestyle." More from iCONIC: Millionaire Tony Robbins shares the advice he would give his 21-year-old self A start-up taking on Amazon and eBay is racking up millions in sales 3 pieces of advice Tony Hawk says you should know to find success doing what you love But Guissett was 27 and he wanted to travel. "I don't mind working, but I don't want to be strapped in the same city all the time," he said. So he worked on his projects while traveling to South America, Mexico and throughout the U.S. The problem was, he said, he couldn't find places to stay where he could comfortably work. "Sometimes there was no workspace or internet, and sometimes the room was not even clean or hotels were too expensive for long stays, and hostels were not really my age group." Worst of all, he felt professionally isolated. That's when he came up with the idea of forming a co-working hospitality business that would combine all the elements of great work/life balance and attract a community of like-minded professionals who played as hard as they worked. Guissett beta-tested the concept on Airbnb and Craigslist and immediately found there was a demand. Next he set out looking for properties that met his three criteria: an upscale villa with large, comfortable rooms; a section of the property that could be converted to a large workspace; and it had to be less than five minutes to a decent surf spot. It feels rustic and brings people back to the basics. Tony Savor Facebook's director of infrastructure engineering, on bringing a team to Santa Cruz for a 'workation.' Just two years old, Outsite participated in the accelerator program at 500 Startups and has raised nearly $1.5 million in funding. Guissett said he is about to close on another round. His prime market: 100 percent virtual companies," which has grown from 26 virtual companies in 2014 to 76 virtual companies in 2015 to 125 in 2016, according to FlexJobs. Guissett's company is one of a growing number that are popping up to offer location-independent employees a place to plug in while enjoying the view. DigitalOutposts, Surf House, SecondHouse and Refuga all offer beautiful accommodations, large workspaces, superfast Wi-Fi and the chance to network with other remote workers. Industries where remote working is on the rise Field 2012% 2018% Difference (Percentage Point 8) Finance/Insurance/Retail 39 47 +8 Transportation 55 61 +6 Manufacturing or construction 34 38 +4 Retail 26 30 +4 Health care 31 34 +3 Computer/Information systems/Mathematical 54 57 +3 Law or public policy 41 43 +2 Arts/Design/Entertainment/Sports/Media 48 48 --- Community/Social services 44 43 -1 Science/Engineering/Architecture 44 41 -3 Education/Training/Library 38 34 -4 Source: Gallup Inc. "State of the American Workplace" "The most important thing to guarantee is very fast internet," Guissett said. "We put a lot of money into that. Then a good work space, monitors, whiteboard, printer. Things you don't find in a vacation spot. The communal aspect, they really like." Brie Reynolds, senior career specialist at FlexJobs and Remote.co, says companies like Outsite fill a growing need. "There are more creative ways to work remotely than simply at home. We often talk about this as getting your 'people fix' when you work remotely. For some this is exactly why they've wanted to work remotely as a lifestyle choice, where they can travel, meet new people, all while holding meaningful work and growing their careers." Source: Outsite watch now Just six weeks after floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey damaged thousands of homes in Houston, home sales there have rebounded. Sales rose 4 percent in September in Houston from the prior year, after plummeting nearly 24 percent in August, according to the National Association of Realtors. That helped push home sales nationally higher by 0.7 percent; estimates had been for a slight drop. "I don't think anyone expected to see home sales in positive territory this soon after a natural disaster of Harvey's magnitude," Houston Association of Realtors Chair Cindy Hamann said in a statement. "The September report speaks volumes about the incredible resiliency of the Houston real estate market." The Houston gains are due in part to delayed sale closings in August that were pushed forward, as well as investors buying up damaged properties. The September report speaks volumes about the incredible resiliency of the Houston real estate market. Cindy Hamann chair, Houston Association of Realtors In the weeks following the storm, as homeowners emptied the wet remains of their belongings in the hardest hit neighborhoods, signs lined avenues advertising, "We buy houses. Close fast!!! Any condition." A sign in Houston after Hurricane Harvey. Diana Olick | CNBC As confusion surrounding the world's largest IPO builds, many market players are hoping for further clarification from authorities. Excitement about the international initial public offering of state-owned Saudi Arabian Oil Company, or Saudi Aramco, was sky high last year as investors saw the development as a sign that Riyadh was finally getting serious about reducing its oil dependency. Fast forward to present day, and speculation is abounding that such a listing may be indefinitely postponed. The Khurais oilfield operated by oil giant Saudi Aramco, about 160 km (99 miles) from Riyadh. Ali Jarekji | Reuters Saudi Arabia could use an upcoming conference by sovereign wealth fund the Public Investment Fund to shed more light on the matter, said Ayham Kamel, head of Middle East and North Africa practice at political consultancy Eurasia Group. "Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will address the Future Investment Summit organized in Riyadh this month and could use the occasion to elaborate on the government's plans," he wrote in a recent note. The summit, which runs from Oct. 24 to Oct. 26, is expected to draw several global business leaders and asset managers such as BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, HSBC CEO Stuart Gulliver and SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son. Rumors circulated last week that the Kingdom, led by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince bin Salman, could scrap plans for a 2018 international listing and opt for a private share placement instead, according to last week's Financial Times report. Khalid Al-Falih, the country's energy minister and Aramco's chairman, has dismissed those claims, telling CNBC that progress was being made for the firm's international debut. But some strategists still remain skeptical. "One thing I'm very confident of is that [officials] don't know what they're going to do yet," said Kamran Bokhari, a senior analyst with intelligence firm Geopolitical Futures as well as a senior fellow at the Center for Global Policy. "To me, it sounds like they don't have their house in order." watch now Aramco, the biggest oil producer on the planet, is expected no matter what to debut shares on the Saudi exchange the Tadawul next year. "The latest rhetoric from Saudi oil minister points to the fact that the review is still ongoing and with the stakes of this decision, I am inclined to think that this may remain the type of soundbites for the market until a decision has been made," said Jingyi Pan, market strategist at IG. To delay or abandon? Many believe Riyadh won't completely desert the idea of an international IPO given its significance to the nation's economic transformation program, known as Vision 2030. Crown Prince bin Salman "would find it difficult to walk away from his commitment to increase transparency in Aramco and the kingdom," Eurasia's Kamel said, adding that he expects a private placement to be "a precursor, not a replacement" for a secondary listing. Launched last year, Vision 2030 aims to diversify Saudi Arabia's state revenue away from energy, but progress remains slow, sparking doubts over the initiative's feasibility. Non-oil GDP growth in 2017 is expected to be weaker compared to the first part of the decade due to lower oil prices and fiscal consolidation, Khatija Haque, head of Middle East and North Africa research at banking group Emirates NBD, wrote in a note earlier this month. An unprecedented public feud between Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his siblings took another unexpected twist on Friday. , the leader of the Southeast Asian island nation said he was not sure whether the family dispute had been solved. In response, his brother, Lee Hsien Yang, wrote in a post on Facebook: "Our brother says he is unsure that the feud is solved. Notwithstanding his public statements, Hsien Loong has made no attempt to reach out to us to resolve matters in private." Lee's two younger siblings, neurologist Lee Wei Ling and businessman Lee Hsien Yang, shocked the country in June when they accusing the prime minister of abusing power and exploiting their father's legacy for political gains. "Meanwhile, the Attorney General is busy prosecuting Hsien Loong's nephew for his private correspondence. The AGC's (Attorney General Chamber's) letters make repeated reference to the family feud," Lee Hsien Yang added on Facebook Friday. A man dressed in the Catalonian flag confronts officers as police move in on the crowds as members of the public gather outside to prevent them from stopping the opening and intended voting in the referendum at a polling station where the Catalonia President Carles Puigdemont will vote later today on October 1, 2017 in Sant Julia de Ramis, Spain. The Catalonia crisis could soon reverberate throughout the country and prompt other Spanish regions to turn their back on Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, the former president of the Basque parliament told CNBC on Friday. Spain's central government said Thursday it would move to suspend Catalonia's autonomy after the regional leader failed to drop a bid for independence. Rajoy's government is poised to meet Saturday to propose measures that could strip Catalonia of some powers and officially trigger Article 155 of the constitution. While it has never been invoked before, Article 155 refers to the section within Spain's constitution that says any largely autonomous community must fulfil its obligations to the Spanish state, or else it risks having its powers taken away. Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell: General Electric GE reported adjusted third-quarter profit of 29 cents per share, missing estimates by 20 cents a share. GE also cut its full-year outlook to $1.05 to $1.10 per share, versus consensus estimates of $1.53. Chief Executive Officer John Flannery called it a "very challenging quarter," which comes ahead of Flannery's planned November strategic update. Procter & Gamble The consumer products giant beat estimates by one cent a share, with adjusted quarterly profit of $1.09 per share. Revenue was slightly below forecasts. P&G said it was able to deliver organic sales growth in a decelerating global market. Honeywell Honeywell matched forecasts with quarterly profit of $1.75 per share, while revenue was above Street forecasts. Honeywell's results were helped by growth in its aerospace and warehouse automation units. SunTrust Banks The bank reported quarterly profit of $1.06 per share, one cent above estimates, with revenue also beating forecasts. SunTrust's results were aided by higher net interest income. PayPal The payments company beat estimates by three cents with adjusted quarterly profit of 46 cents per share. Revenue beat estimates as well, with PayPal's results helped by mobile payments which more than doubled compared to a year earlier. Athenahealth Athenahealth reported adjusted quarterly profit of 56 cents per share, six cents a share above estimates. The provider of health-care software saw revenue miss Street forecasts. The company also said it would cut about nine percent of its workforce, a move that would save up to $115 million by the end of next year. Intuitive Surgical The company came in 19 cents a share above estimates, with quarterly earnings of $2.18 per share. The surgical products maker's revenue also comfortably exceeded Street forecasts. The earnings beat came on the strength of an increase in shipments of the company's flagship Da Vinci robotic surgical systems. NCR NCR reported adjusted quarterly profit of 93 cents per share, three cents a share above estimates. The payment processing company saw revenue miss forecasts, however, and it gave weaker-than-expected current-quarter guidance. NCR said orders for its automated teller machines have been impacted by delays in spending from large customers, among other factors. Skechers Skechers beat consensus Street forecasts by 16 cents a share, with quarterly earnings of 59 cents per share. The footwear retailer's revenue also came in above forecasts and set a record on the strength of the company's international wholesale business, as well as a 4.4 percent increase in comparable-store sales. Celgene Celgene discontinued a trial for an experimental drug to treat Crohn's disease. The company did not identify any safety concerns, and analysts say the decision likely came because of a lack of efficacy. InterContinental Hotels The hotel operator said hurricanes Harvey and Irma impacted its U.S. revenue during its latest quarter, with revenue per available room in its Americas business up just 0.8 percent. That compares to an increase of 1.9 percent in the same period a year ago for the company behind Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and other hotel brands. Boeing Boeing is on the verge of winning a $13.8 billion jet order from Singapore Airlines, which said it would finalize the 39-jet order next week. Axon Enterprise Axon said its financial reports are under review by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The maker of Taser stun guns said the SEC is reviewing its 2016 report, as well as its quarterly filing for the quarter ending this past March 31. Three letters have been sent to the company and the most recent said that the company had not yet provided a substantive response. Automatic Data Processing ADP was urged by activist investor Bill Ackman to buy rival payroll processor Ceridian, calling it a move that would allow ADP to attract more customers with a better product. E*Trade Financial E*Trade reported quarterly profit of 49 cents per share, short of the 51-cent-a-share consensus estimate. Revenue for the online brokerage firm was roughly in line with Street forecasts. Separately, E*Trade is buying technical support firm Trust Company of America for $275 million. MGM Resorts The hotel and resort operator's stock was added to the "Conviction Buy" list at Goldman Sachs in a valuation call. Bank of New York Mellon Bank of New York Mellon was removed from Goldman's "Conviction Buy" list, though it remains "buy" rated. Goldman cited uncertainty about the bank's strategic plan ahead of its Investor Day, which is not scheduled to take place until March 8. President Donald Trump (L) welcomes President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) of Turkey outside the West Wing of the White House May 16, 2017 in Washington, DC. U.S. and Turkish relations are already severely strained, and an upcoming trial in New York involving a businessman with links to Ankara's political elite could see the situation worsen. The trial is likely to result in "a lot of dirty laundry getting aired," according to an insider close to the case. "It is going to be very embarrassing to the Turks." "There's bad blood on both sides," said Bulent Aliriza, founding director of the Turkey Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based conservative think tank. At risk are future military ties between the two NATO allies and continued access to Turkey's Incirlik air base, a strategic facility used by the U.S. since the 1950s. Experts suggest U.S.-Turkish relations are at the lowest point since 1974, when Congress imposed an arms embargo after Turkey invaded Cyprus. "Incirlik would be a big loss but one that over the course of time could be offset," said Thomas Donnelly, a defense policy analyst and co-director of the Marilyn Ware Center for Security Studies at the conservative American Enterprise Institute think tank. "What used to be a pretty good strategic partnership with the Turks is unraveling and evolving; it's not going to be quickly restored." The Incirlik air base has served as a hub in the U.S.-led fight against Islamic State, to support coalition missions in Afghanistan, and is the location of the largest stockpile of American nuclear weapons in Europe. However, Turkey back in January questioned U.S. and coalition military operations at Incirlik, and it cut off power at the facility in 2016. A NATO official told CNBC: "Turkey is a vital NATO ally. Turkey makes important contributions to NATO operations, including in Afghanistan, Kosovo and the Aegean Sea, and hosts airfields that are crucial to operations against ISIS. Differences of opinion between Turkey and the United States have had no effect on NATO operations. Robust debate and mutual respect are at the heart of our alliance." Still, some believe it's time for the U.S. to look for an alternative base in the region and maybe to reconsider whether Turkey can be trusted with the advanced stealth F-35 fighter jet. Turkey is scheduled to get 100 F-35 jets, with the first aircraft delivery expected in 2019. "We should publicly question some of the basic tenets of the relationship, and included in that is our basing at Incirlik and whether Turkey is fit to be a partner in the F-35 program," said Steven Cook, a senior fellow for Middle East and Africa studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, a Washington think tank. "When the pressure is put on the Turks they tend to alter their approach." Adding to current tensions is a diplomatic row between the U.S. and Turkey, which includes the suspension of visa services to each other's citizens. Also, two locally employed staff at U.S. diplomatic missions in Turkey remained detained Thursday, according to the State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert. Nauert was asked on Thursday about the Turkish situation and expressed concern about "the trend of curbs on free speech, detentions, the overall erosion of democratic society there." Last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he didn't recognize the current U.S. ambassador. Erdogan also blasted the outgoing ambassador, John Bass, in what some saw as a strategy to deflect attention from the upcoming Manhattan trial of Reza Zarrab, a Turkish financier accused of money laundering and bucking American sanctions on Iran. There's a possibility Zarrab could testify that some prominent Turkish officials knew of the alleged scheme, including Erdogan or persons in his inner circle. The case also alleges a connection to a Turkish state-owned bank that could prove troublesome to Ankara. The defendant has pleaded not guilty, and the trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 27. Zarrab reportedly hired Rudy Giuliani earlier this year to try to get the charges dismissed, and the former New York mayor held a secret meeting with Erdogan to possibly arrange a prisoner swap with Americans held in Turkey. In April, The New York Times reported that court filings revealed Giuliani attempted to also meet with Trump administration officials to discuss the Zarrab case. At least a dozen American citizens have been detained in Turkey since the 2016 failed coup attempt against Erdogan's government, according to reports. Erdogan blames the West for helping alleged coup plotters and their sympathizers, and he's upset Washington won't hand over an exiled religious leader in Pennsylvania he accuses of being the mastermind of the coup attempt. Another irritant for Turkey is the U.S. alliance with the YPG-led Syrian Democratic Forces to defeat ISIS. The Kurdish YPG militia are a branch of the outlawed terrorist group PKK (or Kurdistan Workers' Party), which is accused of killing some 1,200 Turkish security forces and civilians. Meantime, Turkey has been warming to Russia and recently agreed to buy the S-400 air defense system from Moscow despite U.S. concerns. There were concerns raised that the Russian equipment wasn't compatible with NATO military hardware. "The U.S.-Turkish relationship needs to be reviewed," said Aliriza. "It was born in the Cold War when both sides, for different reasons, wanted to cooperate against the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact. Well, the Soviet Union is no more. Turkey is cooperating with Russia. The U.S. does not need Turkey for the same reasons that it did during the Cold War." Turkey considered buying a system from China a few years ago but then backed out of the deal after pressure from Washington and NATO. "We're not expecting Turkey to switch course again, but further estrangement from U.S./NATO and closer ties with Russia could create risks around existing programs like the F-35," Wolfe Research analyst Hunter Keay said in a research note this week. According to the analyst, Turkey projects it will spend just over $12.3 billion this year on defense, ranking it seventh among the NATO member nations. Turkey fields NATO's second largest army. On Thursday morning, President Donald Trump sent a series of tweets about the Russia scandal, attempting to put forth a counternarrative in which Democrats and the FBI are the real villains. With special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation moving forward and new revelations about Russian propaganda efforts during the 2016 election, the Trump-Russia scandal clearly isn't going away anytime soon, and ignoring it no longer seems like a viable political strategy. So many conservative media figures and GOP politicians have increasingly tried to publicize other Russia-related matters that they say implicate Trump's political enemies whether the Obama administration, the Clintons, Mueller, fired FBI Director James Comey, or even the FBI as a whole in misconduct of some kind. More from Vox: Trump's economists say a corporate tax cut will raise wages by $4,000. It doesn't add up. "A colossal miscalculation": why the Kurds' independence bid might lead to civil war in Iraq The 4 steps Republicans have to take to pass tax reform Two of these stories questions about an Obama-era uranium deal, and questions about the salacious "dossier" on Trump have been bubbling in conservative media for some time, and have gotten particular attention this week. So it was no surprise that the president himself tried to push them on Twitter Thursday: @realDonaldTrump: Uranium deal to Russia, with Clinton help and Obama Administration knowledge, is the biggest story that Fake Media doesn't want to follow! @realDonaldTrump: Workers of firm involved with the discredited and Fake Dossier take the 5th. Who paid for it, Russia, the FBI or the Dems (or all)? The political reason Trump is embracing both of these stories is clear enough: He's trying to cast Russia-related dirt on both Democrats and the FBI (which he views as part of a "deep state" unfairly persecuting him), to try to discredit the investigation as a whole, and to change the subject from the question of whether any of his associates colluded with the Russian government during the campaign. And indeed, conservative media figures are arguing that these stories make Democrats and the FBI look at the very least hypocritical on Russia, and at worst like Russian patsies themselves. Prime Minister Theresa May denied reports Friday morning that the U.K. had increased its financial offer to the European Union as part of its steps to leave the bloc. "What I've made clear to my EU counterparts in relation to financial contribution is what I set out in my Florence speech, which is that I've said nobody need be concerned for the current budget plan that they would have to pay more or receive less as a result of the U.K. leaving and that we will honor the commitments we have made during our membership," Prime Minister Theresa May told reporters in Brussels Friday morning. Back in September, May said publicly for the first time that the U.K. would honor all of its financial commitments before leaving the EU. This is one of the most sensitive issues in the Brexit negotiations given that the remaining 27 EU countries do not want to contribute more or receive less money from the EU budget as a result of the U.K.'s departure. Despite the public words, the U.K. hasn't until now outlined a proposal for calculating the amount that it has promised to the EU throughout its membership. The EU wants a proposal on the table and a deal on this issue before proceeding with talks on their future trading relationship. "Now there needs to be detailed work on this We are going through them line by line, will continue to go through them line by line," May told reporters about the U.K.'s proposal for a financial settlement. Nicolas Maduro, president of Venezuela, speaks during a swearing in ceremony for the new board of directors of Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA), Venezuela's state oil company, in Caracas, Venezuela, on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017. Carlos Becerra | Bloomberg | Getty Images One week before Venezuela faces a critical debt payment, the distressed petrostate is already late on a series of smaller bills and no one can say exactly why. The nation's state-owned oil giant, Petroleos de Venezuela, SA, has two major bond payments totaling about $2 billion coming due in the next two weeks. While the market expects the company, better known as PDVSA, to avoid default, the missed payments have rattled investors and raised fresh questions about how long embattled President Nicolas Maduro's regime might last. "You're cutting close to the edge of not enough money in the checking account to pay the bills," said Ray Zucaro, chief investment officer at RVX Asset Management, an asset manager specializing in emerging and frontier markets. Last week, Venezuela missed five coupon payments totaling nearly $350 million tied to the debt of PDVSA, the government and the utility Electricidad de Caracas. That stoked a minor sell-off in a number of outstanding bonds. watch now As for the upcoming payments, the first is due next Friday. The price of that bond dipped from a one-year high of $86.80 last week to $83.48 on Monday. It has rallied from a 12-month low of $62.50 on Aug. 1. PDVSA needs to pay $841 million in principal, plus interest, on that bond. It's a critical moment for Venezuela because a default is seen as hastening Maduro's demise. Making matters worse, the collateral against the bond is Citgo, PDVSA's Houston-based refining and retail subsidiary. The following week, on Nov. 2, a nearly $1.2 billion PDVSA bond is maturing. Total outstanding obligations for 2017 are about $3.4 billion, and there's no grace period for the two biggest payments. As Venezuela's economic and political crisis worsens, foreign reserves have dwindled to just $9.9 billion. But analysts and money managers say more than half of that could be in gold and illiquid assets. The market currently puts the odds of a Venezuelan default at 15 percent, according to an analysis by RVX Asset Management, but Zucaro said he believes the chances are closer to 40 percent. The environment is deteriorating, he said, as Venezuela's latest election results are being questioned and as sanctions on the country expand to include measures that prevent it from raising new funds. Given the severe cash crunch, it's possible that Venezuela skipped out on the five coupon payments, which have a 30-day grace period, in order to allocate those funds to the payment due on the Oct. 27 bond, Zucaro said. watch now "The return of the ball gown" and "One stoner politician's lonely quest to legalize shrooms" might not seem like headlines from the same publication. But from early 2018 such combinations may appear, with fashion bible Vogue and gritty title Vice teaming up for "Project Vs," a 100-day online collaboration featuring themed weeks and a mixture of long-form articles, photos and video, Vogue publisher Conde Nast said in an online statement Thursday. Readers can expect a new website and content that showcases "figures, movements and issues making an impact on society today," created by a joint editorial team, the statement added. [The stream is slated to start at 2:00PM, ET. Please refresh the page if you do not see a player above at that time.] White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders briefed reporters on Friday afternoon, following President Donald Trump's meeting with United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres. The briefing came one day after the Republican-controlled Senate narrowly passed a $4 trillion federal budget late Thursday night. The passage of a budget bill clears the way for senators later this year to pass a sweeping tax reform bill with a simple majority, instead of the 60 votes typically needed to bring a Senate bill to a vote. Wells Fargo fired four foreign-exchange executives amid an investigation into that business both internally and from regulators, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday, citing sources familiar with the matter. Wells Fargo confirmed the departures to the Journal and CNBC. Shares of Wells Fargo remained about 2 percent higher Friday afternoon. The executive firings and investigation into the investment-banking division would add to Wells Fargo's existing struggle with scandal in its consumer banking business. The bank paid $185 million in penalties after it was revealed last year that employees opened millions of unauthorized consumer deposit and credit card accounts for years in order to meet aggressive sales goals, a practice the bank said it has since ended. In August, the bank said an expanded third-party review identified about 3.5 million such accounts and that Wells Fargo has now paid millions in total customer refunds or payments. The bank appointed a new CEO, Tim Sloan, last October, and announced a reorganization of its board this summer. In late July, news broke that hundreds of thousands of Wells Fargo customers were charged for auto insurance they did not need. This week, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency sent a confidential preliminary report to Wells Fargo that criticized the bank for the auto insurance sales practices and how it handled the problem, The New York Times reported Friday. The OCC report also said Wells Fargo may need to refund customers more than the $80 million the bank has set aside for payouts, the Times said. A person familiar with the matter told the Journal the same thing. The OCC declined to comment to the Times and did not immediately respond to a CNBC request for comment. Wells Fargo told the Journal that the bank has discontinued the auto insurance-related product. "We will continue to work with regulators on the remediation and will make improvements to our auto lending business," a bank spokeswoman told the Journal. Noted investor Steve Eisman said Thursday he is betting against Wells Fargo shares due to deep "cultural issues" that will take time to unwind. Eisman bet against the housing market ahead of the financial crisis, which was depicted in the movie "The Big Short." About 0.6 percent of Wells Fargo shares available for trading are sold short, or in anticipation of a decline, according to FactSet. Wells Fargo was once considered one of the most upstanding banks in the U.S. The stock is little changed for this year in contrast to the S&P 500 financial stocks' 14 percent gain. Read the full story in the Wall Street Journal here. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders sent shockwaves through the White House briefing room on Friday when she told reporters it is "highly inappropriate" to question the accuracy of a statement made by White House chief of staff John Kelly, in part because Kelly had served in the military. The brief but dramatic exchange with CBS White House reporter Chip Reid began when Reid asked whether Kelly would be willing to come to the briefing room and discuss an account he had given the previous day of a 2015 building dedication ceremony in Florida. Kelly said he recalled a speech by Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., in which she boasted of having secured the federal funding in Congress for the construction of the building. But video of the Wilson's speech, posted Friday by the Florida Sun-Sentinel, shows that Kelly was wrong: Wilson did not claim in the speech to have had any part in the funding of the building, which had taken place before she was even elected to Congress. Rather, Wilson had used her time at the podium to thank her colleagues for fast-tracking a naming bill she had sponsored, which proposed naming the completed building after two FBI agents killed in the line of duty. On Friday, Reid asked Sanders about the discrepancy between Kelly's description and the video of Wilson's speech, and Sanders replied that "Wilson also had several other comments that day that weren't part of that video that were also witnessed by many people that were there." "Tell us specifically, then, when she took credit [for the funding]," Reid said. "Exactly what [Kelly] said, there was a lot of grandstanding. He was stunned that she had taken that opportunity to make it about herself," Sanders responded. "Can he come out and talk about this at some point?" Reid asked. "I think [Kelly] addressed that pretty thoroughly yesterday," Sanders said. Reid persisted. "But he was wrong yesterday, talking about getting the money. The money was appropriated before [Wilson] came to Congress." "If you want to go after General Kelly, that's up to you," Sanders snapped. "But I think that if you want to get into a debate with a four-star Marine General, I think that that's something highly inappropriate." Sanders then pivoted quickly to the next question, leaving many in the room stunned about what they'd just heard. The exchange was the latest chapter in an escalating effort by the White House to defend President Donald Trump's handling of calls to the families of fallen service members. Earlier this week, Wilson criticized the president for telling Myeshia Johnson, the widow of U.S. Army Sergeant La David Johnson, in a phone call that her late husband "knew what he was signing up for," but that "when it happens, it still hurts." La David Johnson was killed in action earlier this month in Niger. Wilson had known the Johnson family for years, and she was in a car with Myeshia Johnson when the president's call came in. Kelly's own son was killed in combat in Afghanistan, and on Thursday he lit into Wilson from the lectern in the White House briefing room, saying it was "disgusting" that Wilson had repeated part of the call, which she heard when Myeshia Johnson put it on speakerphone. Kelly then brought up the 2015 building dedication in Miami and called Wilson an "empty barrel making noise." He claimed that Wilson boasted about getting then-President Barack Obama to agree to the building funds during a phone call. Here is Kelly's account, from Thursday's briefing: And then the congresswoman stood up, and in the long tradition of empty barrels making the most noise, stood up there and all of that and talked about how she was instrumental in getting the funding for that building, and how she took care of her constituents because she got the money, and she just called up President Obama, and on that phone call he gave the money the $20 million to build the building. And she sat down, and we were stunned. Stunned that she had done it. Even for someone that is that empty a barrel, we were stunned. But as the video later showed, Wilson said no such thing. Click here to watch Wilson's entire 2015 speech. The White House on Friday did not immediately respond to questions from CNBC about why it would be "highly inappropriate" to question Kelly's account. Communist Party committee members Li Zhanshu (L) and Zhao Leji at the 12th National People's Congress in Beijing on March 5, 2015. While they may come as a surprise to some, they reflect Xi's new policy direction for the next five years laid out in his maiden party congress speech on the opening day of the congress. The president stressed the need to tighten supervision of party members and institutionalise anti-corruption work. He also highlighted the need to improve "law-based governance" by improving "the Chinese socialist system of laws" meaning the institutionalisation of the party's power through legislation. "Li Zhanshu will succeed Zhang Dejiang," a source familiar with the situation said, adding that Zhao would also be promoted into the Politburo Standing Committee and was likely to succeed Wang Qishan in leading anti-corruption work. The moves were confirmed separately by another source. But two well-placed sources told the Post that Li would, instead, most likely head the National People's Congress (NPC) theoretically the highest organ of state power in China when current chairman Zhang Dejiang retires in March. Whether Li would also take over the Hong Kong and Macau affairs portfolio currently overseen by Zhang is not clear. Li is widely expected to be elevated to the Politburo Standing Committee the ruling party's top echelon of power on Wednesday, a day after the party's 19th national congress closes in Beijing. Most observers had predicted he would succeed Wang Qishan as anti-corruption tsar. President Xi Jinping's trusted ally Li Zhanshu stands a good chance of becoming chairman of China's parliament while Communist Party organisation chief Zhao Leji is likely to head its corruption watchdog, sources have told the South China Morning Post. To achieve those goals, Xi plans to set up a central leading group "to exercise leadership over the [anti-graft] initiative". He also plans to introduce a national supervision law and set up a national supervisory commission. All those plans would heavily involve the NPC and the party's graft watchdog, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI). Having Li director of the party Central Committee's General Office and effectively Xi's chief of staff head the NPC would smooth the work, political analysts said. Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute at the University of London, said Li becoming China's top legislator would ensure "strong support for Xi" from the NPC in the next five years. "The NPC may not be a key pillar of power in the sense of the British House of Commons or the US Congress, but having it under a trusted subordinate means Xi is putting himself in a strong position to make [legislative] changes," he said. Tsang said Li had proved in the past that he could effectively carry out Xi's instructions. More from the South China Morning Post: Xi warns party to tackle challenges as China moves into new 'modern socialist' era Xi launches new era with vision in which Hong Kong has part to play China has the world's biggest military. Now Xi wants it to be the best Chen Daoyin, a political scientist at Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, said Li's connection with Xi could also strengthen the power of the NPC. "Thanks to Xi's backing, Li could turn this role into something much more than a rubber stamp if he is made the NPC chairman," Chen said, adding that Li, 67, could be elevated to No 3 in the party hierarchy after his ascension. Li was one of the key officials who accompanied Xi to Hong Kong in July for celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of its return to Chinese sovereignty. Professor Lau Siu-kai, vice-chairman of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, said Xi had clearly spelled out political directions for Hong Kong during that visit. "Whoever takes over from Zhang Dejiang will only be an implementer," he said. "I believe Xi will continue to watch over Hong Kong affairs. But given the strong ties between Xi and Li, if Li takes charge of Hong Kong affairs, he will understand the president's thinking better [than others]." Promoting party personnel chief Zhao, at the relatively young age of 60, into the Politburo Standing Committee to lead the anti-graft effort would enable Xi to ensure the continuity of his anti-corruption campaign and speed up the institutionalisation of party supervision, a source said. "Given Zhao's age, he could end up serving two terms on the Politburo Standing Committee," he said. "His role in the party will rise. This will help to establish continuity and to deepen the anti-corruption work. His experience as the party's organisation chief will be valuable for the new job." The source said that as the new head of the CCDI, Zhao stood a good chance of being named head of the new national supervisory commission that is expected to be established early next year. Both Chen and Tsang agreed with that assessment and said they expected Zhao would lead the powerful new commission. Chen said Zhao could wield huge political power if he became the head of both the CCDI and the national supervisory commission. Tsang was more cautious and said Zhao still needed to prove himself to Xi. "Five years is an eternity in politics," Tsang said, "I doubt that Xi has already decided if Zhao will serve one term or two as head of disciplinary affairs. He will be judged on how well he can maintain party discipline and rally the rest of the party to support Xi." You must be logged in to participate in the Show Me the Errors contest. Weve covered before on LeftWatch the range of often conflicting positions on Brexit held by the Labour Party. At the moment, the one they choose to talk about most is the position stated in their manifesto namely that they would reject a no deal Brexit. In terms of negotiation strategy, the naivety of such a position is extraordinary. Telling Brussels that under no circumstances would they leave without a deal is the same as offering to buy a deal of any quality at any price an open invitation to the EU to make the worst possible offer, and demand the highest imaginable sum for the privilege. The more they promote the idea in the press, in the Commons and on the airwaves the more they harm the prospects of a good deal. So travelling to Brussels to reiterate that message face to face with the EUs negotiators, as Jeremy Corbyn did this week, is a remarkably unwise thing to do. Who did he think he was helping by doing so? The most likely answer, so far as I can see, is that he though he was helping himself and himself alone. Its not implausible that Corbyn doesnt give a damn what impact his pronouncements might have on the national interest. After all, he holds plenty of other views that are harmful economically, socially and even physically to the UK, apparently without any qualms at all. What appears to lie behind this particular calculation is the belief that appealing to those voters who hope to stop Brexit altogether is the route to electoral victory. While much of the evidence suggests that the result of the last election rested on the Conservatives drastically underperforming, and Labours position on austerity serving to reunite the left behind Corbyn, theres a growing school of thought in Labour circles that attributes the outcome to winning over those voters who feel strongly about remaining in the EU. Of course, a voter who hates Brexit choosing to vote for a Labour Party whose manifesto commits to leaving the Single Market might perhaps need to read a bit more closely, but its certainly the case that some only heard the hints that Corbyn was on their side, and voted accordingly. The more pro-EU members of the Shadow Cabinet therefore argue that hyping up outright disruption of the Brexit process will win yet more votes next time round. What this analysis misses is that such a strategy can also come with a cost. I recently heard Daniel Finkelstein present a compelling argument that the story of the 2017 election is as a failed or at best half-complete Tory realignment; that Timothy et al calculated it would be worth losing some of their better-off, more pro-EU voters, in exchange for winning over a large tranche of working class Brexiteers who had previously voted Labour, or Labour-and-then-UKIP. Finkelstein suggested the campaign fell short because it successfully performed the first part of the operation but failed to fully secure the pay-off in winning over switchers, and it seems to me that he is right. Through their ambiguous position on Brexit, by emphasising austerity, and helped by Tory bungles. Labour managed to retain more Leave voters and win back more former UKIPers than the Conservative model intended. Consider this week through that filter, then, while remembering that Leave voters as well as Remainers watch TV and read the newspapers. Corbyn travelled to Brussels, apparently to disrupt the Prime Ministers efforts in the Brexit negotiations. His message is that he would give Brussels as much power and money as it might want, regardless of the wisdom of doing so. That might play well with some of his intended audience those who are still completely opposed to leaving the EU whom he believes he needs to win the next election. But it will simultaneously play badly with another chunk of his vote those who backed him for economic reasons, while assuming him to support leaving. At this rate, he might help the Conservatives to complete the realignment they failed to secure themselves. Steve Moore is Director of VolteFaceHub and a former Chief Executive of the Big Society Network. At the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, if you could successfully move your conversation beyond the leadership question and Brexit, it was all anyone wanted to talk about. The fringe events were teeming with talk of little else, George Freemans Big Ideas Festival was virtually a hymn to it (I helped to curate it) and op-eds from John Major and William Hague in the past week have urged the Prime Minister to embrace it with urgency. Tory renewal is almost all the rage now, fuelled by a genuine fear about Jeremy Corbyns proximity to power and an enduring lament for the elegantly written, but ultimately policy-bereft, Conservative general election manifesto. This 2017 version of Tory renewal has three distinctive hallmarks: to demonstrate that the party is not intellectually torpid; to win back the 25 to 40-year-olds lost to Labours improbable insurgence in June, and to once more remake the intellectual case for capitalism and free markets. Notwithstanding the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, the revivification of the Conservative message and vitality of its ideas will ultimately determine the outcome of the next election, whoever then leads the party. In this spirit of renewal, let me then offer up an idea - one that is certainly not without risk, but is clearly radical, will appeal to many more younger people than the older, and harnesses the affordances of a properly regulated market economy to tackle myriad social ills. Cannabis effectively arrived in the UK 60 years ago. Migrants arriving from our former colonies brought with them the habit of consuming it for recreational and therapeutic purposes. They were often greeted by the heavy-handed enforcement of the drugs branch of the Home Office and zealous policing. As the cultural influence of the 1960s spread to wider society, so the use of cannabis grew. Over the course of the next half century - with the exception of a brief hiatus between 2004 and 2009 - cannabis has remained a Class B drug, carrying sentences of up to 14 years imprisonment for production and supply, and five years for possession. As in nearly all other countries, production, supply and possession of cannabis is illegal in the UK. But the UK governments approach to enforcing the law against cannabis users and growers throughout has been capricious - effectively leaving the law to stand, whilst largely advising the police and courts to apply it less stringently. The culture of public policy relating to cannabis that prevails to this day is largely one formed in the 1980s when, with the rise of HIV/AIDS and its association with heroin, the British government tacitly decided to no longer treat cannabis as a public health or criminal justice priority. Faced with a choice between fully enforcing or liberalising the law, successive governments have maintained a fudged approach to the issue, seemingly oblivious to its pernicious consequences. Last year, around two million British adults consumed cannabis about eight per cent of the male population and six per cent of the female population. Arrests for cannabis possession have halved in the past ten years, as presentations for mental health conditions linked to cannabis use have trebled. Not a single penny of tax revenues generated by cannabis sales was shared with the Exchequer. As public health authorities insouciance about the harms caused by cannabis misuse endures last year only eight per cent of those suffering from cannabis abuse sought treatment and police in some jurisdictions (Durham, Derbyshire, Avon and Somerset and North Wales) declare de facto decriminalisation, the product available on the street market has become much more dangerous. A new report published by drug policy think tank Volteface this week sets out how the current black hole relating to cannabis policy has given rise to a wholly unregulated, illegal but largely unenforced multi-billion pound black market for an exceptionally potent product that drives serious problematic use, high levels of addiction and exasperates an array of existing mental health conditions. In a recent focus group undertaken by Volteface, teenagers said that they found accessing cannabis easier than alcohol, cigarettes and even fast food! The Governments long awaited new Drugs Strategy, published this summer, makes no reference to any of these issues. Such wilful blindness might be justifiable if we werent making such a big deal about mental health or if viable policy alternatives existed. But, we do and there are. Canada is in the final stages of a painstaking two-and-a-half year process to create a legally regulated market for cannabis from CBD flower, led by Bill Blair who served 12 years as Chief of Police in Toronto. Engaging with public health bodies, mental health campaigners, parents groups and educators, Blair has produced a framework that will permit Canadian adults to purchase cannabis in licensed stores from 1 July next year. Sentencing guidelines have increased in line with the new regime, with up to 14 years imprisonment facing those who sell to minors. Trudeau has never deviated from a focus on eradicating the criminality associated with the illicit market and preventing teenagers from accessing weed goals no Tory could surely disagree with. The policies that underpin any Tory renewal will be multifarious, but is hard to think of one that is so pro-market, has youth appeal or is as radical as this long overdue social reform. That its successful implementation will reduce gangsterism, raise much needed tax revenue from the profits of legitimate free market interactions, and protect young people should only add to its appeal. But, more than this, it would represent something else. As the Grenfell Tower inquiry will doubtless reveal, and as the Harvey Weinstein scandal has exposed, we live in a age when wilful blindness still flourishes. What have we, as a society, been willing to accept out of fear and a sense that things cant be changed? What else are we turning a blind eye to, in all aspects of our lives? Creating a legal, regulated market for cannabis would not just be an emblem for Tory policy renewal, it would be a bold and honest signal that the Government is not turning a blind eye to an issue that will - if trends continue - soon effect every family in this country. The South Korea Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has joined the Asia Cruise Cooperation (ACC), according to a statement. The newest member joins forces with the Hainan Provincial Tourism Development Commission, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Philippine Department of Tourism, The Taiwan Tourism Bureau, and Xiamen Municipal Tourism Development Commission. Korea is the sixth member of the ACC (and the first in Northeast Asia), which was launched by Hong Kong and Taiwan in 2014 to bring major Asian cruise destinations together in a common effort to expand the regional cruise market, according to a statement. Luo Yan, Director of Hainan Provincial Tourism Development Commission, said, Korea, joins ACC as a developed country, which will enhance the influence of ACC greatly, also can reduce the cost in promotion, and enhance the international competitiveness of ACC members. Thats conducive to further promoting the rapid development of cruise industry in Hainan. I am delighted to welcome Korea as the sixth member of the ACC, said Anthony Lau, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). Our partnership now spans tens of thousands of square kilometres of Asia and the inclusion of Korea gives us an important new strategic dimension. This powerful alliance gives us more opportunities to promote Hong Kongs appeal as a cruise destination, and the HKTB will continue to reach out energetically to key source markets to attract more cruise visitors to Hong Kong. Together, we have the opportunity to explore exciting new horizons in travel and tap the vast potential of Asias fast-growing cruise market. Yoon Hyun-soo, Director of the Shipping Policy Division of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF), said, In Korea, the cruise industry has set sail in a full swing as the Cruise Industry Development and Support Act was enacted in February, 2015. And, last year, the government launched a cruise promotion event for the public to experience cruise tour and pushed ahead with broadcasting promotion activities in order to increase outbound passengers to over 200,000. And, it speeds up to reinforce infrastructures so that more ports in Korea are welcomed as a homeport of cruise ships. By joining the ACC, the MOF of Korea will double its efforts to bring the Asian cruise industry up to the next level, not to mention the cruise industry in Korea. Port-of-calls in Korea are looking forward to seeing more cruise routes and ships come from the member states in a near future. I would like to ask for your continued support and cooperation. Benito C. Bengzon, Jr., Undersecretary for Tourism Development of the Philippine Department of Tourism said, The Philippines welcomes the Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries of Korea as the sixth member of the ACC. The continued expansion of this regional alliance comes as a collective effort to enjoin more players that will widen our market and offer more compelling cruise products to the cruise lines. It further strengthens our efforts to maximise the full potential of Asia as the worlds next important cruising region. We enthusiastically welcome Koreas Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to our ACC family, said Dr. Yung-Hui Chou, Director-general of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau. Taiwan and Hong Kong opened a new chapter in Asian cruise cooperation in 2014, and after three years of effort together with the Philippines, Hainan, and Xiamen we have seen the opportunities that our alliance brings for the expansion of market scale together with international cruise companies, and how our grouping brings fresh momentum for the development of new cruise routes between ACC members. We are confident that the membership of Korea not only realizes the original purpose of the ACCs establishment--that competition will be replaced by cooperationbut that it will also help the members of the ACC to work together in using their unique attractions and advantages to create a better cruise market environment in Asia and heighten the interest of international cruise companies in our regional market. In this way, working together, we can build a brighter future for the cruise market in Asia. Cruise the Saint Lawrence has expanded its trademark welcome policy to include a new focus on shore excursions, the organization said in a statement. The group has initiated the evaluation of excursions marketed and sold by cruise lines, according to a statement. "In broadening policy reach, we seek to ensure that excursions are consistent with participant expectations. Over and above obtaining feedback on the quality of services offered, observations will enable us to collate information about specific tools and training needed by local guides, as well as guide expectations respecting passenger transport," the group said. Cruise the Saint Lawrence has commissioned Karine Blais to support the teams responsible for excursion sales and assess their needs in terms of training and sales tools required to help boost sales numbers. Blais began her new role by joining the Holland America Line Rotterdam in late September; she lent a hand at the excursion sales counter and drew up an action plan. The association said it hopes to foster a better understanding by onboard excursion sales personnel in regards to the variety of products on offer at each individual port of call. In addition to this pilot project onboard cruise ships and onsite at member ports of call, Cruise the Saint Lawrence will be launching an online training program this fall for port of call service providers. These sessions will enable the latter to understand more fully port of call embarkation/disembarkation operations and learn more about the needs of cruise ship passengers. Training will be aimed at restaurateurs, retail personnel and taxi drivers. Through this program, service providers will be better poised to commit to and qualify for Bienvenue Croisieristes/Cruise Passengers certification instituted by Cruise the Saint Lawrence. Australia is the latest country to have its national intelligence entity, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), issue a warning about nation states' activities within their area of remit. Espionage and foreign interference is an insidious threat activities that appear to be relatively harmless today can have significant future consequences, wrote Duncan Lewis, director general of ASIO, in the forward of ASIOs annual report. Lewis also noted how espionage, foreign interference, cyber and malicious insider-related activities continue to threaten the national security of Australia. With respect to cyber espionage, the Australian Cyber Security Center (ACSC) has regularly observed activity targeting the networks of the Australian government. And just a few days ago, Australias minister for defense industry, Christopher Pyne, confirmed in a Reuters article that 30 gigabytes of data was stolen from a defense contractor involved in the F-35 strike fighter program and the P-8 Poseidon surveillance plane. An Australian defense spokesperson said no classified information was compromised. What China does vs. what China says According to the South China Morning Post, the hack was conducted by an entity using a tool called China Chopper. This tool is widely used by Chinese actors. Sadly, the Chinese didnt need much acumen in this instance, as it was revealed that many of the services compromised still had default passwords and user-ids. While ASIO stepped over naming names in the annual report, one needs only go back a few months when Australias most senior defense department official, Dennis Richardson, admonished in a Reuters article, It is no secret that China is very active in intelligence activities directed against us. It is more than cyber. Moving forward to this week, on Oct. 18, Chinas President Xi Jinping spoke for 3.5 hours at the 19th Communist Party of Chinas National Congress on the state of affairs in China and to lay a few markers on the table around the countrys armed forces, ecological progress, law, openness and diplomacy. Of particular note, especially in light of the complete 180-degree contrast between what China says and what China does, are his comments surrounding openness and diplomacy. With respect to openness, Xi emphasized how China will not close its door to the world, and it will become more open. In addition, steps will be taken to ease access to Chinas markets and protect foreign investors. Concerning diplomacy, he commented how China would never pursue development at the expense of others interests and how Chinas development does not pose a threat to any nation. He continued, saying China is actively pursuing global partnerships and convergence of interests with other countries. Cyber threats posed by China While China is speaking of openness and transparent relations, which will not pose a threat to any nation, the Sydney Morning Heralds recent three-part expose on Chinas Operation Australia paints a much more ominous picture. Indeed, the expose calls out the Chinese Communist Part for waging a covert campaign of influence in China. The expose further says China was working to infiltrate the political parties of Australia, and ASIO feared the campaign was succeeding. And that is just Australia. Couple this with the earlier call by German intelligence entities warning of the threat posed by China and Cyberscoops reporting on how the hacker group APT10, or MenuPass Group, continues to target entities in the U.S., EU and Japan in support of Chinas national security goals. And then theres the report from SecureWorks, describing how the Bronze Butler group conducted operations on behalf of China to infiltrate Japanese organizations for the purpose of exfiltrating intellectual property and confidential data. The groups focus was on networks involved in critical infrastructure, heavy industry, manufacturing and international relations. While China is calling for regional stability and harmony, their actions remind companies and governments to keep their hand on both their wallet and their intellectual property. In the recent BIGcast, Analytics as The Fuel for Innovation Implementing Analytics at OCCU, Andrew Bertrand, Data Analyst at Our Community Credit Union (OCCU) in Shelton Washington, discusses his role as a data analyst, getting started with data analytics, and data pooling for predictive analytics. Getting Started with Analytics at OCCU In the podcast, Andrew explains that prior to installing OnApproach M360 Enterprise, OCCU, a credit union with $360 Million in Assets, had an ODBC connection to their core system. It was a hassle to obtain data, and it didnt meet the growing needs of a data-driven organization. Andrew realized that he could not possibly perform any predictive analytics without obtaining the history of member transactions. After briefly (and in Andrews words, foolishly) considering to build their own data warehouse, Andrew decided it would be an inefficient use of time and resources. As John Best describes, for a financial institution to build their own data warehouse from scratch, is like building a house of cards as it has to be rebuilt repeatedly as elements are added and improvements are made. STORY LINK GBP NZD Exchange Rate at Five-Month High over New Zealand Political Concerns New Zealand Dollar (NZD) Falters as New Coalition Government to Enter Power Pound (GBP) Lifted as UK Runs Smallest September Deficit since 2007 GBP NZD Forecast: Stalling of Brexit Trade Talks to Weigh on Sterling? The GBP NZD exchange rate may stumble later today as EU leaders meet to discuss the progress of Brexit negotiations, with the general consensus being that they will vote to delay the second stage of talks for the time being, likely leading to a dip in Sterling sentiment. Looking ahead to next week a possible downturn in the Pound may persist as analysts forecast that the Confederation for British Industry's monthly industrial orders balance will have fallen in October. Meanwhile ignoring further political uncertainty the New Zealand Dollar may find some gains next week with the release of the latest domestic trade balance on Wednesday, with economists forecasting that the trade deficit will have narrowing in September. Current Interbank Exchange Rates At the time of writing the GBP NZD exchange rate was trending around 1.8864 and the NZD GBP exchange rate was trending around 0.5299. Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: The Pound New Zealand Dollar (GBP NZD) exchange rate struck a five-month high this morning as political uncertainty continued to weigh on the kiwi.The New Zealand Dollar remains on the back foot today as investors continue to remain wary of the currency as the country faces its first change in power for nearly a decade.While markets are always unsettled by a change in the status quo, investors are particularly concerned that the new coalition between Labour and NZ First may be relatively unstable.In a note released today Nick Tuffley and Mark Smith, economists at ASB Bank suggested;Labour and NZ First will form a minority government, with the Green Party providing supply and confidence. The two coalition partners will have 55 out of the required 61 seats in Parliament. The Green Party has 8 seats, providing a 2-seat parliamentary buffer via the supply and confidence agreement.A slim parliamentary majority and a large National Party opposition suggest that the new administration will need to exercise considerable discipline to retain control and advance its ambitious policy agenda. It will be a tricky balancing act.Further concerns have been prompted by the some of the coalitions possible policy changes, particularly around immigration and foreign investment, with markets fearing that they could negatively impact New Zealands economy.Meanwhile the Pound has also been strengthened today by the UKs latest public sector borrowing report.According to data published by the Office for National Statistics earlier this morning the UK public deficit stood at 5.9bn last month, the lowest September deficit in a decade.On top of this the ONS also revised down Augusts deficit by around 1bn to 4.7bn.The data shows that for the first six months of the fiscal year the UK government borrowed a total of 32.5bn a fall of 2.5bn from the same point last year.A spokesman from the UK Treasury responded to the data saying;Whilst weve made great progress getting the deficit down by over two thirds, government borrowing is still far too high at over 150 million a day.We will continue to take a balanced approach that deals with our debts and allows us to invest in our public services.Markets hope that the fall in government borrowing overt the last six months may give Chancellor Phillip Hammond a little more room to manoeuvre ahead of the release of next months budget.Not all analysts are so optimistic however with Paul Hollingsworth at Capital Economics suggesting;It is too soon for the chancellor to begin loosening the purse strings in response. After all, the OBR [Office for Budget Responsibility] expected the deterioration in the public finances to be back-loaded this year, reflecting the unwinding of a number of temporary factors. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: Pound New Zealand Dollar Forecasts Russia Plans To Shut Facebook For Its Election Russias communications watchdog has threatened to shut down Facebook if it fails to comply with a controversial law on data storage. Critics say the law, which requires websites that store the personal data of Russian citizens to do so on Russian servers, is designed to curtail freedom. They predict that it could be used against social media companies such as Facebook, Twitter and Google that provide a platform for dissent against the rule of President Putin. Alexander Zharov, the head of Roskomnadzor, the regulator, said that if Facebook did not co-operate the social network would be blocked in Russia next year, when Mr Putin is expected to stand for re-election. The law is obligatory for all, he told reporters in Moscow. In any case, we will either achieve implementation of the law, or the Facebook will cease working on the territory of the Russian Federation, as happened, unfortunately, with LinkedIn. There are no exceptions here. LinkedIn, the business and employment networking website, which had about six million users in Russia, was blocked in November. It was the first social media company to fall foul of the law, which was approved by Mr Putin in 2014. The threat of the ban was made days after Facebook said it would hand details of 3,000 advertisements bought by a Russian troll farm during the US presidential election last year to Congress. Facebook said the ads were intended to sow discord among the American electorate by amplifying divisive social and political messages. Mr Zharov said his watchdog did not plan to inspect Facebook this year but it would probably come under scrutiny in 2018. We perfectly realise that Facebook has a significant number of users in Russia, but on the other hand we understand it is not a unique service, there are other social networks, he added. Russias most popular social networking site is VKontakte. Its founder, Pavel Durov, clashed with the Russian authorities after street protests against Mr Putins role in 2011, when he refused a request to shut down pages linked to opposition activists. The company later came under the control of Alisher Usmanov, the Kremlin-supporting tycoon and Arsenal shareholder. Roskomnadzor has wide powers to close sites deemed extremist. Three political news websites sympathetic to Russias opposition were closed in 2014 for calling for illegal action. WhatsApp has been temporarily blocked in China, weeks before the ruling Communist Party is due to convene to reaffirm the leadership of President Xi. Users of the app, which is run by Facebook, were unable to send or receive messages, although the interruption lasted no more than 24 hours for many. No one has claimed responsibility but it is consistent with Beijings control of instant messaging services. Facebook, Messenger, Twitter, and Instagram are inaccessible from China. The Times: You Might Also Read: Algorithms: An Unseen Influence On The UK Election: Russia To Block LinkedIn: Propaganda & Bias In Social Media News: Turkey Blocks Wikipedia: Cast set to perform 'Anastasia' The musical follows Anya, suffering from amnesia, as she takes up with two con men, who claim they can prove she is Grand Duchess Anastasia. 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The company offers a range of insulation materials, such as fiberglass and cellulose, and spray foam insulation materials. It is also involved in the installation of insulation and sealant materials in various areas of a structure, which includes basement and crawl space, building envelope, attic, and acoustical applications. In addition, the company installs a range of caulk and sealant products that control air infiltration in residential and commercial buildings; and waterproofing options, including sheet and hot applied waterproofing membranes, as well as deck coating, bentonite, and air and vapor systems. It serves homebuilders, multi-family and commercial construction firms, individual homeowners, and repair and remodeling contractors through a network of approximately 210 branch locations. The company was formerly known as CCIB Holdco, Inc. Installed Building Products, Inc. was founded in 1977 and is based in Columbus, Ohio. The following companies are subsidiares of Pfizer: AH Robins LLC, AHP Holdings B.V., AHP Manufacturing B.V., Agouron Pharmaceuticals LLC, Alacer, Alpharma Holdings LLC, Alpharma Pharmaceuticals LLC, Alpharma Specialty Pharma LLC, Alpharma USHP LLC, American Food Industries LLC, Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Anacor Pharmaceuticals Inc., Angiosyn, Array BioPharma, Ayerst-Wyeth Pharmaceuticals LLC, BIND Therapeutics Inc., BINESA 2002 S.L., Bamboo Therapeutics, Bamboo Therapeutics Inc., Baxter International - Marketed Vaccines, BioRexis, Bioren, Bioren LLC, Blue Whale Re Ltd., C.E. Commercial Holdings C.V., C.E. Commercial Investments C.V., C.P. Pharmaceuticals International C.V., CICL Corporation, COC I Corporation, Catapult Genetics, Coley Pharmaceutical GmbH, Coley Pharmaceutical Group, Coley Pharmaceutical Group Inc., Continental Pharma Inc., Covx, Covx Technologies Ireland Limited, Cyanamid Inter-American Corporation, Cyanamid de Argentina S.A., Cyanamid de Colombia S.A., Distribuidora Mercantil Centro Americana S.A., Encysive Pharmaceuticals, Encysive Pharmaceuticals Inc., Esperion LUV Development Inc., Esperion Therapeutics, Excaliard Pharmaceuticals, Excaliard Pharmaceuticals Inc., Farminova Produtos Farmaceuticos de Inovacao Lda., Farmogene Productos Farmaceuticos Lda, Ferrosan A/S, Ferrosan International A/S, Ferrosan S.R.L., FoldRx Pharmaceuticals Inc., Foldrx Pharmaceuticals, Fort Dodge Manufatura Ltda., G. D. Searle & Co. Limited, G. D. Searle International Capital LLC, G. D. Searle LLC, GI Europe Inc., GI Japan Inc., GenTrac Inc., Genetics Institute LLC, Greenstone LLC, Haptogen Limited, Hospira, Hospira (China) Enterprise Management Co. Ltd., Hospira Adelaide Pty Ltd, Hospira Aseptic Services Limited, Hospira Australia Pty Ltd, Hospira Benelux BVBA, Hospira Chile Limitada, Hospira Deutschland GmbH, Hospira Enterprises B.V., Hospira France SAS, Hospira Healthcare B.V., Hospira Healthcare Corporation, Hospira Healthcare India Private Limited, Hospira Holdings (S.A.) Pty Ltd, Hospira Inc., Hospira Invicta S.A., Hospira Ireland Holdings Unlimited Company, Hospira Ireland Sales Limited, Hospira Japan G.K., Hospira Limited, Hospira Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Hospira NZ Limited, Hospira Nordic AB, Hospira Philippines Inc., Hospira Portugal LDA, Hospira Produtos Hospitalares Ltda., Hospira Pte. Ltd., Hospira Pty Limited, Hospira Puerto Rico LLC, Hospira Singapore Pte Ltd, Hospira UK Limited, Hospira Worldwide LLC, Hospira Zagreb d.o.o., ICAgen, Idun Pharmaceuticals, Industrial Santa Agape S.A., InnoPharma, InnoPharma Inc., International Affiliated Corporation LLC, JMI-Daniels Pharmaceuticals Inc., John Wyeth & Brother Limited, Kiinteisto oy Espoon Pellavaniementie 14, King Pharmaceuticals Holdings LLC, King Pharmaceuticals LLC, King Pharmaceuticals Research and Development LLC, Korea Pharma Holding Company Limited, Laboratoires Pfizer S.A., Laboratorios Parke Davis S.L., Laboratorios Pfizer Ltda., Laboratorios Wyeth LLC, Laboratorios Wyeth S.A., Laboratorios Pfizer Lda., MTG Divestitures LLC, Mayne Pharma IP Holdings (Euro) Pty Ltd, Medivation, Medivation Field Solutions LLC, Medivation LLC, Medivation Neurology LLC, Medivation Prostate Therapeutics LLC, Medivation Services LLC, Medivation Technologies LLC, Meridian Medical Technologies Inc., Meridian Medical Technologies Limited, Monarch Pharmaceuticals LLC, Neusentis Limited, NextWave Pharmaceuticals, NextWave Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, P-D Co. LLC, PAH USA IN8 LLC, PF Americas Holding C.V., PF Asia Manufacturing B.V., PF PR Holdings C.V., PF PRISM C.V., PF PRISM Holdings S.a.r.l., PF Prism S.a.r.l., PFE Holdings G.K., PFE PHAC Holdings 1 LLC, PFE Pfizer Holdings 1 LLC, PFE Wyeth Holdings LLC, PFE Wyeth-Ayerst (Asia) LLC, PHILCO Holdings S.a r.l., PHIVCO Corp., PHIVCO Holdco S.a r.l., PHIVCO Luxembourg S.a r.l., PN Mexico LLC, PT. Pfizer Parke Davis, Parke Davis & Company LLC, Parke Davis Limited, Parke Davis Productos Farmaceuticos Lda, Parke-Davis Manufacturing Corp., Parkedale Pharmaceuticals Inc., Peak Enterprises LLC, Pfizer, Pfizer (China) Research and Development Co. Ltd., Pfizer (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Pfizer (Perth) Pty Limited, Pfizer (Thailand) Limited, Pfizer (Wuhan) Research and Development Co. Ltd., Pfizer AB, Pfizer AG, Pfizer AS, Pfizer Africa & Middle East for Pharmaceuticals Veterinarian Products & Chemicals S.A.E., Pfizer Anti-Infectives AB, Pfizer ApS, Pfizer Asia Manufacturing Pte. 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Ltda., Pfizer Colombia Spinco I LLC, Pfizer Commercial Holdings Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer Commercial Holdings TRAE Kft., Pfizer Commercial TRAE Trading Kft., Pfizer Consumer Healthcare AB, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare GmbH, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare Ltd., Pfizer Consumer Manufacturing Italy S.r.l., Pfizer Corporation, Pfizer Corporation Austria Gesellschaft m.b.H., Pfizer Corporation Hong Kong Limited, Pfizer Croatia d.o.o., Pfizer Deutschland GmbH, Pfizer Development LP, Pfizer Development Services (UK) Limited, Pfizer Domestic Ventures Limited, Pfizer Dominicana S.R.L, Pfizer ESP Pty Ltd, Pfizer East India B.V., Pfizer Eastern Investments B.V., Pfizer Egypt S.A.E., Pfizer Enterprise Holdings B.V., Pfizer Enterprises LLC, Pfizer Enterprises SARL, Pfizer Europe Finance B.V., Pfizer Export B.V., Pfizer Export Company, Pfizer Export Holding Company B.V, Pfizer Finance Share Service (Dalian) Co. 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Corporation, Pfizer HK Service Company Limited, Pfizer Health AB, Pfizer Health Solutions Inc., Pfizer Healthcare Ireland, Pfizer Hellas A.E., Pfizer Himalaya Holdings Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer Holding France, Pfizer Holding Ventures, Pfizer Holdings Corporation, Pfizer Holdings Europe Unlimited Company, Pfizer Holdings G.K., Pfizer Holdings International Corporation, Pfizer Holdings International Luxembourg (PHIL) Sarl, Pfizer Holdings North America SARL, Pfizer Hungary Holdings TRAE Kft., Pfizer Inc., Pfizer Innovations AB, Pfizer Innovations LLC, Pfizer Innovative Supply Point International BVBA, Pfizer International LLC, Pfizer International Markets Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer International Operations, Pfizer International S. de R.L., Pfizer International Trading (Shanghai) Limited, Pfizer Investment Capital Unlimited Company, Pfizer Investment Co. Ltd., Pfizer Investment Holdings S.a.r.l., Pfizer Ireland Investments Limited, Pfizer Ireland PFE Holding 1 LLC, Pfizer Ireland PFE Holding 2 LLC, Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Ireland Ventures Unlimited Company, Pfizer Italia S.r.l., Pfizer Italy Group Holding S.r.l., Pfizer Japan Inc., Pfizer LLC, Pfizer Laboratories (Pty) Limited, Pfizer Laboratories Limited, Pfizer Laboratories PFE (Pty) Ltd, Pfizer Leasing Ireland Limited, Pfizer Leasing UK Limited, Pfizer Limitada, Pfizer Limited, Pfizer Luxco Holdings SARL, Pfizer Luxembourg Global Holdings S.a r.l., Pfizer Luxembourg SARL, Pfizer MAP Holding Inc., Pfizer Manufacturing Austria G.m.b.H., Pfizer Manufacturing Belgium N.V., Pfizer Manufacturing Deutschland GmbH, Pfizer Manufacturing Deutschland Grundbesitz GmbH & Co. KG, Pfizer Manufacturing Holdings LLC, Pfizer Manufacturing Ireland Unlimited Company, Pfizer Manufacturing LLC, Pfizer Manufacturing Services, Pfizer Medical Technology Group (Belgium) N.V., Pfizer Medicamentos Genericos e Participacoes Ltda., Pfizer Mexico Luxco SARL, Pfizer Mexico S.A. de C.V., Pfizer Middle East for Pharmaceuticals Animal Health and Chemicals S.A.E., Pfizer New Zealand Limited, Pfizer Norge AS, Pfizer North American Holdings Inc., Pfizer OTC B.V., Pfizer Overseas LLC, Pfizer Oy, Pfizer PFE ApS, Pfizer PFE AsiaPac Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Australia Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Australia Pty Ltd, Pfizer PFE B.V., Pfizer PFE Baltic Holdings B.V., Pfizer PFE Belgium SPRL, Pfizer PFE Brazil Holding S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE CIA. Ltda., Pfizer PFE Chile Holding LLC, Pfizer PFE Colombia Holding Corp., Pfizer PFE Colombia S.A.S, Pfizer PFE Commercial Holdings LLC, Pfizer PFE Croatia Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Eastern Investments B.V., Pfizer PFE Finland Oy, Pfizer PFE France, Pfizer PFE Global Holdings B.V., Pfizer PFE Ireland Pharmaceuticals Holding 1 B.V., Pfizer PFE Italy Holdco 2 S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE Italy Holdco S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Pfizer PFE Limited, Pfizer PFE Luxembourg S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE Mexico Holding 3 LLC, Pfizer PFE Netherlands Holding 1 C.V., Pfizer PFE New Zealand, Pfizer PFE New Zealand Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Norway Holding S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE PILSA Holdco S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE Peru Holding LLC, Pfizer PFE Peru S.R.L., Pfizer PFE Pharmaceuticals Israel Holding LLC, Pfizer PFE Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd., Pfizer PFE Private Limited, Pfizer PFE S.R.L, Pfizer PFE Service Company Holding Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer PFE Singapore Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Singapore Pte. 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Ltd., Pfizer Pharmaceutical Trading Limited Liability Company (a/k/a Pfizer Kft. or Pfizer LLC), Pfizer Pharmaceuticals B.V., Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Global B.V., Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd., Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Korea Limited, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals LLC, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Pfizer Pigments Inc., Pfizer Polska Sp. z.o.o., Pfizer Private Limited, Pfizer Production LLC, Pfizer Products Inc., Pfizer Products India Private Limited, Pfizer Research (NC) Inc., Pfizer Romania SRL, Pfizer S.A., Pfizer S.A., Pfizer S.A. (Belgium), Pfizer S.A. de C.V., Pfizer S.A.S., Pfizer S.G.P.S. Lda., Pfizer S.L., Pfizer S.R.L., Pfizer SRB d.o.o., Pfizer Saidal Manufacturing, Pfizer Sante Familiale, Pfizer Saudi Limited, Pfizer Seiyaku K.K., Pfizer Service Company BVBA, Pfizer Service Company Ireland Unlimited Company, Pfizer Services 1, Pfizer Services LLC, Pfizer Shared Services Unlimited Company, Pfizer Shareholdings Intermediate SARL, Pfizer Singapore Holding Pte. Ltd., Pfizer Singapore Trading Pte. Ltd., Pfizer Spain Holdings Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer Specialties Limited, Pfizer Strategic Investment Holdings LLC, Pfizer Sweden Partnership KB, Pfizer TRAE Holdings Kft., Pfizer Trading Polska sp.z.o.o., Pfizer Transactions Ireland Unlimited Company, Pfizer Transactions LLC, Pfizer Transactions Luxembourg SARL, Pfizer Transport LLC, Pfizer Ukraine LLC, Pfizer Vaccines LLC, Pfizer Venezuela S.A., Pfizer Venture Investments LLC, Pfizer Ventures LLC, Pfizer Worldwide Services Unlimited Company, Pfizer Zona Franca S.A., Pfizer spol. s r.o., Pharmacia, Pharmacia & Upjohn Company Inc., Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC, Pharmacia & Upjohn LLC, Pharmacia & Upjohn S.A. de C.V., Pharmacia Brasil Ltda., Pharmacia Hepar LLC, Pharmacia Holding AB, Pharmacia Inter-American LLC, Pharmacia International B.V., Pharmacia LLC, Pharmacia Limited, Pharmacia Nostrum S.A., Pharmacia South Africa (Pty) Ltd, PowderJect Research Limited, PowderMed, Purepac Pharmaceutical Holdings LLC, Redvax, Renrall LLC, Rinat Neuroscience, Rinat Neuroscience Corp., Roerig Produtos Farmaceuticos Lda., Roerig S.A., Sao Cristovao Participacoes Ltda., Searle Laboratorios Lda., Serenex, Servicios P&U S. de R.L. de C.V., Shiley LLC, Sinergis Farma-Produtos Farmaceuticos Lda., Site Realty Inc., Solinor LLC, Sugen LLC, Tabor LLC, The Pfizer Incubator LLC, Therachon, Thiakis Limited, Treerly Health Co. Ltd, US Oral Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd, Upjohn Laboratorios Lda., Vesteralens Naturprodukter A/S, Vesteralens Naturprodukter AB, Vesteralens Naturprodukter AS, Vesteralens Naturprodukter OY, Vicuron Holdings LLC, Vinci Farma S.A., W-L LLC, Warner Lambert, Warner Lambert Ilac Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Warner Lambert del Uruguay S.A., Warner-Lambert (Thailand) Limited, Warner-Lambert Company AG, Warner-Lambert Company LLC, Warner-Lambert Guatemala Sociedad Anonima, Warner-Lambert S.A., Whitehall International Inc., Whitehall Laboratories Inc., Wyeth (Thailand) Ltd., Wyeth AB, Wyeth Australia Pty. Limited, Wyeth Ayerst Inc., Wyeth Ayerst S.a r.l., Wyeth Biopharma, Wyeth Canada ULC, Wyeth Consumer Healthcare LLC, Wyeth Europa Limited, Wyeth Farma S.A., Wyeth Holdings LLC, Wyeth Industria Farmaceutica Ltda., Wyeth KFT., Wyeth LLC, Wyeth Lederle S.r.l., Wyeth Lederle Vaccines S.A., Wyeth Pakistan Limited, Wyeth Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Company, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals FZ-LLC, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals LLC, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Limited, Wyeth Puerto Rico Inc., Wyeth S.A.S, Wyeth Subsidiary Illinois Corporation, Wyeth Whitehall Export GmbH, Wyeth Whitehall SARL, Wyeth-Ayerst (Asia) Limited, Wyeth-Ayerst International LLC, and Wyeth-Ayerst Promotions Limited. Read More Mohawk Industries, Inc. designs, manufactures, sources, distributes, and markets flooring products for remodeling and new constructions of residential and commercial spaces in the United States, Europe, Russia, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Global Ceramic, Flooring North America (Flooring NA), and Flooring Rest of the World (Flooring ROW). The Global Ceramic segment provides a range of ceramic tile, porcelain tile, and natural stone products; and sources, markets, and distributes other tile related products. This segment markets and distributes its products under the American Olean, Daltile, Eliane, EmilGroup, KAI, Kerama Marazzi, Marazzi, and Ragno brands. The Flooring NA segment offers floor covering product lines in a range of colors, textures, and patterns, including carpets, carpet tiles, rugs and mats, carpet pads, hardwood, laminate, medium-density fiberboards, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), and sheet vinyl products. This segment markets and distributes its flooring products under the Aladdin Commercial, Durkan, IVC, Karastan, Mohawk, Mohawk Group, Mohawk Home, Pergo, Portico, and Quick-Step brands. The Flooring ROW segment provides wood flooring and vinyl flooring, as well as laminates, roofing elements, sheet vinyl, LVT, insulation boards, medium-density fiberboards, chipboards, and other woods products under the Feltex, Godfrey Hirst, Hycraft, IVC Commercial, IVC Home, Leoline, Moduleo, Pergo, Quick-Step, and Unilin and Xtratherm brands; and licenses its intellectual property to flooring manufacturers. Mohawk Industries, Inc. was incorporated in 1988 and is headquartered in Calhoun, Georgia. TransUnion provides risk and information solutions. The company operates in three segments: U.S. Markets, International, and Consumer Interactive. The U.S. Markets segment provides consumer reports, actionable insights, and analytics to businesses. These businesses use its services to acquire new customers; assess consumer ability to pay for services; identify cross-selling opportunities; measure and manage debt portfolio risk; collect debt; verify consumer identities; and mitigate fraud risk. This segment serves various industry vertical markets, including financial services, insurance, tenant and employment, collections and services, technology, commerce and communication, public sector, media, and other markets. The International segment offers credit reports, analytics, technology solutions, and other value-added risk management services; and consumer services, which help consumers to manage their personal finances and consumer credit reporting, insurance and auto information solutions, and commercial credit information services. This segment serves customers in financial services, retail credit, insurance, automotive, collections, public sector, and communications industries through direct and indirect channels. The Consumer Interactive segment provides credit reports and scores, credit monitoring, identity protection and resolution, and financial management solutions that enable consumers to manage their personal finances and take precautions against identity theft. This segment offers its products through online and mobile interfaces, as well as through direct and indirect channels. The company serves customers in approximately 30 countries and territories, including North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, India, and the Asia Pacific. The company was formerly known as TransUnion Holding Company, Inc. and changed its name to TransUnion in March 2015. TransUnion was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The following companies are subsidiares of Abbott Laboratories: 3A Nutrition (Vietnam) Company Limited, ABON Biopharm (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., AGA Medical Belgium, AGA Medical Corporation, AGA Medical Holdings Inc., ALR Holdings, AML Medical LLC, APK Advanced Medical Technologies LLC, ATS Bermuda Holdings Limited, ATS Laboratories Inc., Abbott, Abbott (Jiaxing) Nutrition Co. Ltd., Abbott (UK) Finance Limited, Abbott (UK) Holdings Limited, Abbott AG, Abbott Asia Holdings Limited, Abbott Asia Investments Limited, Abbott Australasia Holdings Limited, Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd, Abbott B.V., Abbott Bahamas Overseas Businesses Corporation, Abbott Belgian Investments, Abbott Bermuda Holding Ltd., Abbott Biologicals B.V., Abbott Biologicals LLC, Abbott Bulgaria Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Capital India Limited, Abbott Cardiovascular Inc., Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc., Abbott Delaware LLC, Abbott Diabetes Care Inc., Abbott Diabetes Care Limited, Abbott Diabetes Care Sales Corporation, Abbott Diagnostics GmbH, Abbott Diagnostics International Ltd., Abbott Diagnostics Technologies AS, Abbott Doral Investments S.L., Abbott Equity Holdings Unlimited, Abbott Equity Investments LLC, Abbott Established Products Holdings (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Finance Company SA, Abbott Financial Holdings SRL, Abbott France S.A.S., Abbott Fund Tanzania Limited, Abbott Gesellschaft m.b.H., Abbott GmbH & Co. KG, Abbott Health Products LLC, Abbott Healthcare (Puerto Rico) Ltd., Abbott Healthcare B.V., Abbott Healthcare Costa Rica S.A., Abbott Healthcare LLC, Abbott Healthcare Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Healthcare Private Limited, Abbott Healthcare Products B.V., Abbott Healthcare Products Ltd, Abbott Holding (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding GmbH, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited Luxembourg S.C.S., Abbott Holdings B.V., Abbott Holdings LLC, Abbott Holdings Limited, Abbott Holdings Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Hungary Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Iberian Investments (2) Limited, Abbott Iberian Investments Limited, Abbott India Limited, Abbott Informatics Asia Pacific Limited, Abbott Informatics Canada Inc, Abbott Informatics Corporation, Abbott Informatics Europe Limited, Abbott Informatics France, Abbott Informatics Germany GmbH, Abbott Informatics Netherlands B.V., Abbott Informatics Singapore Pte. Limited, Abbott Informatics Spain S.A., Abbott Informatics Technologies Ltd, Abbott International Corporation, Abbott International Enterprises Ltd., Abbott International Holdings Limited, Abbott International LLC, Abbott International Luxembourg S.ar.l., Abbott Investments Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Ireland, Abbott Ireland Financing Designated Activity Company, Abbott Ireland Limited, Abbott Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Abbott Knoll Investments B.V., Abbott Korea Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Bangladesh) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco (Dos) SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Laboratories (Mozambique) Limitada, Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Philippines), Abbott Laboratories (Puerto Rico) Incorporated, Abbott Laboratories (Singapore) Private Limited, Abbott Laboratories A/S, Abbott Laboratories Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Abbott Laboratories B.V., Abbott Laboratories C.A., Abbott Laboratories Finance B.V., Abbott Laboratories GmbH, Abbott Laboratories Inc., Abbott Laboratories International LLC, Abbott Laboratories Ireland Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited - Laboratoires Abbott Limitee, Abbott Laboratories NZ Limited, Abbott Laboratories Pacific Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Laboratories Products B.V., Abbott Laboratories Residential Development Fund Inc., Abbott Laboratories S.A., Abbott Laboratories SA, Abbott Laboratories Services Corp., Abbott Laboratories Slovakia s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trustee Company Limited, Abbott Laboratories Uruguay S.A., Abbott Laboratories Vascular Enterprises, Abbott Laboratories d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories de Chile Limitada, Abbott Laboratories de Colombia S.A., Abbott Laboratories de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Abbott Laboratories druzba za farmacijo in diagnostiko d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories(Hellas) Societe Anonyme, Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios del Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Abbott Laboratuarlari Ithalat Ihracat ve Ticaret Ltd.Sti, Abbott Laboratorios Lda, Abbott Laboratorios do Brasil Ltda., Abbott Limited Egypt LLC, Abbott Logistics B.V., Abbott Management GmbH, Abbott Management LLC, Abbott Manufacturing Singapore Private Limited, Abbott Mature Products International Unlimited Company, Abbott Mature Products Management Limited, Abbott Medical (Hong Kong) Limited, Abbott Medical (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Medical (Portugal) Distribuicao de Produtos Medicos Lda, Abbott Medical (Schweiz) AG, Abbott Medical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Australia Pty. Ltd., Abbott Medical Austria Ges.m.b.H., Abbott Medical Balkan d.o.o. Beograd (Novi Beograd), Abbott Medical Belgium, Abbott Medical Canada Inc./ Medicale Abbott Canada Inc., Abbott Medical Danmark A/S, Abbott Medical Devices Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Espana S.A., Abbott Medical Estonia OU, Abbott Medical Finland Oy, Abbott Medical France SAS, Abbott Medical GmbH, Abbott Medical Hellas Limited Liability Trading Company, Abbott Medical Ireland Limited, Abbott Medical Italia S.p.A., Abbott Medical Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Korea Limited, Abbott Medical Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Medical Laboratories LTD, Abbott Medical Nederland B.V., Abbott Medical New Zealand Limited, Abbott Medical Norway AS, Abbott Medical Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Medical Sweden AB, Abbott Medical Taiwan Co., Abbott Medical U.K. Limited, Abbott Medical spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Middle East S.A.R.L., Abbott Molecular Inc., Abbott Morocco SARL, Abbott Nederland C.V., Abbott Nederland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Netherlands Investments B.V., Abbott Norge AS, Abbott Nutrition Limited, Abbott Nutrition Manufacturing Inc., Abbott Operations Singapore Pte. Ltd., Abbott Operations Uruguay S.R.L., Abbott Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Overseas Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Overseas S.A., Abbott Oy, Abbott Point of Care Canada Limited, Abbott Point of Care Inc., Abbott Poland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Procurement LLC, Abbott Products (Philippines) Inc., Abbott Products (Spain) S.L., Abbott Products Algerie EURL, Abbott Products B.V., Abbott Products Distribution SAS, Abbott Products Egypt LLC, Abbott Products Limited, Abbott Products Limited Liability Company, Abbott Products Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Products Operations AG, Abbott Products Operations LLC, Abbott Products Romania S.R.L., Abbott Products Tunisie S.A.R.L., Abbott Products Unlimited Company, Abbott Resources Inc., Abbott Resources International Inc., Abbott S.r.l., Abbott Saudi Arabia Trading Company, Abbott Scandinavia Aktiebolag, Abbott Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, Abbott South Africa Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Strategic Opportunities Limited, Abbott Trading Company Inc., Abbott Universal LLC, Abbott Vascular Devices (2) Limited, Abbott Vascular Devices Limited, Abbott Vascular Inc., Abbott Vascular Instruments Deutschland GmbH, Abbott Vascular International, Abbott Vascular Japan Co. Ltd, Abbott Vascular Limitada, Abbott Vascular Netherlands B.V., Abbott Vascular Solutions Inc., Abbott Ventures Inc., Abbott West Indies Limited, Abbott drustvo sa ogranicenom odgovornoscu za trgovinu i usluge, Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Inc., Alere, Alere (Shanghai) Diagnostics Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Healthcare Management Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Medical Sales Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Technology Co. Ltd., Alere A/S, Alere AB, Alere AS, Alere AS Holdings Limited, Alere BBI Holdings Limited, Alere Bangladesh Limited, Alere China Co. Ltd., Alere Colombia S.A., Alere Connect LLC, Alere Connected Health Limited, Alere Connected Health Ltd., Alere Diagnostics GmbH, Alere DoA Holding GmbH, Alere GmbH, Alere GmbH (Austria), Alere GmbH (Germany), Alere HK Holdings Ltd., Alere Health B.V., Alere Health BVBA, Alere Health Corp., Alere Health Sdn Bhd, Alere Health Services B.V., Alere Healthcare (Pty) Limited, Alere Healthcare Connections Limited, Alere Healthcare Inc., Alere Healthcare Nigeria Limited, Alere Healthcare S.L., Alere Holdco Inc., Alere Holding GmbH, Alere Holdings Bermuda Limited, Alere Holdings Pty Limited, Alere Home Monitoring Inc., Alere Inc., Alere Informatics Inc., Alere International Holding Corp., Alere International Limited, Alere Lda, Alere Limited, Alere Limited (New Zealand), Alere Medical BVBA, Alere Medical Co. Ltd., Alere Medical Pakistan (Private) Limited, Alere Medical Private Limited, Alere North America LLC, Alere Oy Ab, Alere Philippines Inc., Alere Phoenix ACQ Inc., Alere Pte Ltd, Alere S.A., Alere S.r.l., Alere S/A, Alere SAS, Alere San Diego Inc., Alere Scarborough Inc., Alere Spain S.L., Alere Switzerland GmbH, Alere Technologies GmbH, Alere Technologies Holdings Limited, Alere Technologies Limited, Alere Toxicology AB, Alere Toxicology Inc., Alere Toxicology S.r.l., Alere Toxicology Services Inc., Alere Toxicology plc, Alere UK Holdings Limited, Alere UK Subco Limited, Alere ULC, Alere US Holdings LLC, Alere s.r.o., Alisoc Investment & Co, Amedica Biotech Inc., Ameditech Inc., American Generics S.A.S., American Medical Supplies Inc., American Pharmacist Inc., Antares S.A., Apica Cardiovascular Limited, Aquagestion Capacitacion S.A., Aquagestion S.A., Arriva Medical LLC, Arriva Medical Philippines Inc., Arvis Investments Limited, Atlas Farmaceutica S.A., Avee Laboratories Inc., Axis-Shield AD III AS, Axis-Shield AD IV AS, Axis-Shield AS, Axis-Shield Diagnostics Limited, Axis-Shield Ltd., BBI Animal Health Limited, BBI Diagnostics Group 2 Public Limited Company, Banco de Vida S.A., Bioabsorbable Vascular Solutions Inc., Bioalgae S.A., Biohealth LLC, Biosite Incorporated, Bosque Bonito S.A., Branan Medical Corporation, Brandex Europe C.V., British Colloids Limited, CFR Chile S.A., CFR Interamericas EL Salvador Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, CFR Interamericas Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, CFR Interamericas Panama S.A., CFR Pharmaceuticals, California Property Holdings III LLC, CardioMEMS LLC, Caripharm Inc., Cephea Valve Technologies, Cephea Valve Technologies Inc., Colibri Medical Aktiebolag, Comercializadora y Distribuidora CFR Interamericas Honduras S.A., Concateno South Limited, Concateno UK Limited, Consorcio Tecnologico en Biomedicina Clinico-Molecular S.A., Continuum Services LLC, Cozart Limited, Dextech S.A., Diagnostik Nord GmbH, Distribuciones Uquifa S.A.S., Domesco Medical Import-Export Joint-Stock Corporation, Duphar International Research B.V., Endocardial Solutions, Epocal (US) Inc, Esprit de Vie S.A., European Chemicals & Co, European Drug Testing Service EDTS AB, European Services S.A., Evalve Inc., Evalve International Inc., FARMINDUSTRIA S.A., Fada Pharma Paraguay Sociedad Anonima, Fadapharma del Ecuador S.A., Farmaceutica Mont Blanc S.L., Farmacologia Em Aquicultura Veterinaria Ltda., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV Ecuador S.A., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV S.A., Fernwood Investment S.A., First Check Diagnostics LLC, Focus Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Forensics Limited, Forestcreek Overseas S.A., Fournier Pharma Corp., Fournier Pharma GmbH, Fournier Pharmaceuticals Limited, Framed B.V., Gabmed GmbH, Garden Hills LLC, Global Analytical Development LLC, Globapharm & CO LP, Glomed Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Golnorth Investments S.A., Gynocare Limited, Gynopharm Sociedad Anonima, Gynopharm de Centroamerica S.A., Gynopharm de Venezuela C.A., Hi-Tronics Designs Inc., IDEV Technologies Inc., IG Innovations Limited, IMTC Finance B.V., IMTC Holdings B.V., IMTC Technologies Inc., Ibis Biosciences LLC, Igloo Zone Chile S.A., Igloo Zone S.L., Inmobiliaria Naknek S.A.C., Innovacon Inc., Instant Tech Subsidiary Acquisition Inc., Instant Technologies Inc., Instituto de Criopreservacion de Chile S.A., Integrated Vascular Systems Inc., Inverness Canadian Acquisition Corporation, Inverness Medical (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Australia Pty Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Hong Kong Limited, Inverness Medical Innovations SK LLC, Inverness Medical Investments LLC, Inverness Medical LLC, Inverness Medical Shimla Private Limited, Inversiones K2 SpA, Inversiones Komodo S.R.L., Ionian Technologies LLC, Irvine Biomedical Inc., Kalila Medical, Kangshenyunga S.A., Knoll UK Investments Unlimited, LLC VeroInPharm, Laboratoires Fournier S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano Lafrancol S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano del Ecuador S.A., Laboratorio Internacional Argentino S.A., Laboratorio Synthesis S.A.S., Laboratorios Lafi Limitada, Laboratorios Naturmedik S.A.S., Laboratorios Pauly Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Laboratorios Recalcine S.A., Laboratorios Transpharm S.A., Laboratory Specialists of America Inc., Lafrancol Dominicana S.A.S., Lafrancol Guatemala S.A. Sociedad Anonima, Lafrancol Internacional S.A.S, Lafrancol Peru S.R.L, Lake Forest Investments LLC, Lightlab Imaging Inc., Limited Liability Company Abbott Laboratories, Limited Liability Company Abbott Ukraine, Limited Liability Company VEROPHARM, Lung Fung Hong (China) Limited, Mansbridge Pharmaceuticals Limited, MediGuide LLC, MediGuide Ltd., Medscreen Holdings Limited, Metropolitana Farmaceutica S.A., Midwest Properties LLC, Murex Argentina S.A., Murex Biotech Limited, Murex Biotech South Africa, Murex Diagnostics Inc., Murex Diagnostics International Inc., Natural Supplement Association LLC, Negocios Denia Sociedad Anonima, Neosalud S.A.C., Nether Pharma N.P. C.V., NeuroTherm LLC, Normann Pharma-Handels GmbH, North Shore Properties Inc., Novamedi S.A., Novasalud.com S.A., Nutravida S.A., OJSC Voronezhkhimpharm, Omnilab Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OptiMedica, Orgenics France SAS, Orgenics International Holdings B.V., Orgenics Ltd., PBM-Selfcare LLC, PDD II LLC, PDD LLC, PT Alere Health, PT. Abbott Indonesia, PT. Abbott Products Indonesia, Pacesetter Inc., Pantech (RF) (PTY) LTD, Pembrooke Occupational Health Inc., Penagos S.A., Pharma International Sociedad Anonima, Pharmaceutical Technologies (Pharmatech) S.A., Pharmatech Boliviana S.A., Polygon Labs S.A., Quality Assured Services Inc., RF Medical Holdings LLC, RTL Holdings Inc., Ramses Business Corp., Recben Xenerics Farmaceutica Limitada, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Inc., Rich Horizons International Limited, SC VEROPHARM, SJ Medical Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., SJM International Inc., SJM Thunder Holding Company, SPDH Inc., Saboya Enterprises Corporation, Salviac Limited, Scanax AS, Sealing Solutions Inc., Selfcare Technology Inc., Shandong Abbott Dairy Product Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Medical Devices Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai Si Fa Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Sinensix & Co., Spinal Modulation LLC, St. Jude Medical, St. Jude Medical AB, St. Jude Medical ATG Inc., St. Jude Medical Argentina S.A., St. Jude Medical Asia Pacific Holdings GK, St. Jude Medical Atrial Fibrillation Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Brasil Ltda., St. Jude Medical Business Services Inc., St. Jude Medical Cardiology Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Colombia Ltda., St. Jude Medical Coordination Center, St. Jude Medical Costa Rica Limitada, St. Jude Medical Europe Inc., St. Jude Medical Export Ges.m.b.H., St. Jude Medical GVA Sarl, St. Jude Medical Holdings B.V., St. Jude Medical India Private Limited, St. Jude Medical International Holding, St. Jude Medical LLC, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings II, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings NT, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings SMI S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings TC S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Mexico Business Services S. de R.L. de C.V., St. Jude Medical Middle East DMCC, St. Jude Medical Operations (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC, St. Jude Medical S.C. Inc., St. Jude Medical Systems AB, St. Jude Medical Turkey Medikal Urunler Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Standard Diagnostics Inc., Standing Stone LLC, Swan-Myers Incorporated, TC1 LLC, Tendyne Holdings Inc., Tendyne Medical Inc., Thoratec Delaware LLC, Thoratec Europe Limited, Thoratec LLC, Thoratec Switzerland GmbH, Tobal Products Incorporated, Topera GmbH in Liquidation, Topera Inc., Tremora S.A., Tuenir S.A., TwistDx, UAB Abbott Laboratories, UAB Abbott Medical Lithuania, Union-Madison Realty Company Inc., Unipath Limited (dba Alere International/aka Cranfield), Unipath Management Limited, Unipath Pension Trustee Limited, Veropharm, Veropharm Limited Liability Partnership, Vida Cell Inversiones S.A., Vida Cell S.A., Vivalsol, W&R Pharma Handels GmbH, Western Pharmaceuticals S.A., X Technologies Inc., Yissum Holding Limited, ZonePerfect Nutrition Company, eScreen Canada ULC, eScreen Inc., ( ), and Abbott Laboratories Baltics. Read More Banc of California, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Banc of California, National Association that provides banking products and services in the United States. The company offers deposit products, including checking, savings, money market, retirement, and interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing demand accounts, as well as certificate of deposits. It also provides various commercial and consumer loan products, such as commercial and industrial loans; commercial real estate and multifamily loans; construction loans; single family residential mortgage loans; warehouse and indirect/direct leveraged lending; home equity lines of credit; small business administration loans; and other consumer loans. In addition, the company offers automated bill payment, cash and treasury management, foreign exchange, card payment, remote and mobile deposit capture, automated clearing house origination, wire transfer, direct deposit, and internet banking services; and master demand accounts, interest rate swaps, and safe deposit boxes. Further, it invests in collateralized loan obligations, agency securities, municipal bonds, agency residential mortgage-backed securities, and corporate debt securities. As of December 31, 2020, the company operated 29 full-service branches in Southern California. The company was formerly known as First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. and changed its name to Banc of California, Inc. in July 2013. Banc of California, Inc. was founded in 1941 and is headquartered in Santa Ana, California. AptarGroup, Inc. provides a range of dispensing, sealing, and material science solutions primarily for the beauty, personal care, home care, prescription drug, consumer health care, injectable, and food and beverage markets. The company operates through three segments: Pharma, Beauty + Home, and Food + Beverage. The Pharma segment provides pumps for nasal allergy treatments; and metered dose inhaler valves for respiratory ailments, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in pharmaceutical market; elastomer for injectable primary packaging components; and active material science solutions. The Beauty + Home segment primarily sells pumps, closures, aerosol valves, accessories, and sealing solutions to the personal care and home care markets; and pumps and decorative components to the beauty market. The Food + Beverage segment offers dispensing and non-dispensing closures, elastomeric flow control components, spray pumps, and aerosol valves to the food and beverage markets. It sells its products through own sales force, as well as independent representatives and distributors in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America. The company has a strategic partnership with PureCycle Technologies LLC to develop ultra-pure recycled polypropylene into dispensing applications; and a collaboration with Sonmol for developing a digital therapies and services platform targeting respiratory and other diseases. AptarGroup, Inc. was incorporated in 1992 and is headquartered in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Badger Meter, Inc. manufactures and markets flow measurement, quality, control, and communication solutions in the United States, Asia, Canada, Europe, Mexico, the Middle East, and internationally. It offers mechanical or static water meters, and related radio and software technologies and services to municipal water utilities. The company also provides flow instrumentation products, including meters, valves, and other sensing instruments to measure and control fluids going through a pipe or pipeline, including water, air, steam, oil, and other liquids and gases to original equipment manufacturers as the primary flow measurement device within a product or system, as well as through manufacturers' representatives. Its flow instrumentation products are used in water/wastewater, heating, ventilating and air conditioning, and corporate sustainability markets. In addition, the company offers ORION Migratable for automatic meter reading; ORION (SE) for traditional fixed network applications; and ORION Cellular for infrastructure-free fixed network meter reading solution, as well as BEACON advanced metering analytics, a secure cloud-hosted software suite that establishes alerts for specific conditions and allows consumer engagement tools that permit end water customers to view and manage their water usage activity. It also serves water utilities, industrial, and other industries. The company sells its products directly, as well as through resellers and representatives. Badger Meter, Inc. was incorporated in 1905 and is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. USANA Health Sciences, Inc. develops, manufactures, and sells science-based nutritional and personal care products. The company offers USANA nutritional products that comprise essentials/CellSentials, such as vitamin and mineral supplements that provide a foundation of total body nutrition for various age groups; optimizers comprising targeted supplements that are designed to meet cardiovascular, skeletal/structural, and digestive health needs; and foods that include meal replacement shakes, snack bars, and other related products. It also provides Celavive, a skin care regimen for various skin care types and ethnicities; and other products for prenatal, infant, and young child age groups. In addition, the company offers materials and online tools to assist associates in building their businesses, as well as in marketing products. It offers its products directly in the Asia Pacific, the Americas, and Europe, as well as online. The company has a research collaboration agreement with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine for research in the field of traditional Chinese medicine; and National Sports Training Bureau. USANA Health Sciences, Inc. was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. ServiceNow, Inc. provides enterprise cloud computing solutions that defines, structures, consolidates, manages, and automates services for enterprises worldwide. It operates the Now platform for workflow automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotic process automation, performance analytics, electronic service catalogs and portals, configuration management systems, data benchmarking, encryption, and collaboration and development tools. The company also provides information technology (IT) service management applications; IT service management product suite for enterprise's employees, customers, and partners; IT business management product suite; IT operations management product that connects a customer's physical and cloud-based IT infrastructure; IT Asset Management to automate IT asset lifecycles; and security operations that connects with internal and third party. In addition, it offers governance, risk, and compliance product to manage risk and resilience; human resources, legal, and workplace service delivery products; safe workplace applications; customer service management product; and field service management applications. Further, it provides App Engine product; IntegrationHub enables application to extend workflows; and professional, industry solutions, and customer support services. It serves government, financial services, healthcare, telecommunications, manufacturing, IT services, technology, oil and gas, education, and consumer products through direct sales team and resale partners. It has a strategic partnership with Celonis to help customers identify and prioritize processes that are suitable for automation. The company was formerly known as Service-now.com and changed its name to ServiceNow, Inc. in May 2012. The company was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California. Guess?, Inc. designs, markets, distributes, and licenses lifestyle collections of apparel and accessories for men, women, and children. It operates through five segments: Americas Retail, Americas Wholesale, Europe, Asia, and Licensing. The company's clothing collection includes jeans, pants, skirts, dresses, shorts, blouses, shirts, jackets, activewear, knitwear, and intimate apparel. It also grants licenses to design, manufacture, and distribute various products that complement its apparel lines, such as eyewear, watches, handbags, footwear, kids' and infants' apparel, outerwear, fragrance, jewelry, and other fashion accessories, as well as to wholesale partners to operate and sell products through licensed retail stores. The company markets its products under the GUESS, GUESS?, GUESS U.S.A., GUESS Jeans, GUESS? and Triangle Design, MARCIANO, Question Mark and Triangle Design, a stylized G and a stylized M, GUESS Kids, Baby GUESS, YES, G by GUESS, GUESS by MARCIANO, and Gc brand names. It sells its products through direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and licensing distribution channels. As of January 29, 2022, the company directly operated 1,068 retail stores in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Its partner's distributors operated an additional 563 retail stores worldwide. The company also offers its products through its retail websites. Guess?, Inc. was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. GMS Inc. distributes wallboard, ceilings, steel framing and complementary construction products in the United States and Canada. The company offers ceilings products, including suspended mineral fibers, soft fibers, and metal ceiling systems primarily used in offices, hotels, hospitals, retail facilities, schools, and various other commercial and institutional buildings. It also provides steel framing products, such as steel tracks, studs, and various other steel products used to frame the interior walls of a commercial or institutional building; and insulation, lumber and other wood products, ready-mix joint compound, and various other interior construction products, as well as ancillary products comprising tools, fasteners, and safety products. In addition, the company distributes acoustical ceilings, steel framing, insulation, and related building products, as well as commercial and residential building materials. It serves professional contractors and homebuilders. As of April 30, 2022, the company operated 300 branches across 44 states and the District of Columbia, as well as 6 provinces in Canada. It also operates a network of approximately 300 distribution centers. GMS Inc. was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Tucker, Georgia. Allergan plc, a pharmaceutical company, develops, manufactures, and commercializes branded pharmaceutical, device, biologic, surgical, and regenerative medicine products worldwide. The company operates in three segments: US Specialized Therapeutics, US General Medicine, and International. It offers a portfolio of products in various therapeutic areas, including medical aesthetics and dermatology, eye care, neuroscience, urology, gastrointestinal, women's health, and anti-infective therapeutic products. The company also offers breast implants and tissue expanders; and RM-131 (relamorelin), a peptide ghrelin agonist for the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis. In addition, it develops medical and cosmetic treatments; therapies for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and other liver diseases; inhibitor for the treatment of psoriasis and other autoimmune disorders; atopic dermatitis drug candidate; peri-ocular rings for extended drug delivery and reducing elevated intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients; and treatments for neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Further, the company develops RST-001, a novel gene therapy for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa; small molecule therapeutics for inflammatory and fibrotic diseases; topical medicines for fat reduction; and delivery system and botulinum toxin-based prescription products. It has collaboration, option, and license agreement with Lyndra, Inc.; and strategic alliance and option agreement with Editas Medicine, Inc. Allergan plc also has licensing agreements with Assembly Biosciences, Inc.; MedImmune; and Heptares Therapeutics, Ltd. The company was formerly known as Actavis plc and changed its name to Allergan plc in June 2015. Allergan plc was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. Holiday lights and summer flower baskets may be sparse in some communities next year as Xcel Energy will be enforcing its rule to keep distribution poles free of decorations Jan. 1. The National Electric Safety Board has a lot of clearance requirements. We also have to have people that are certified and trained to be working near power lines. With those rules in place, our standard is to have nothing attached to electric poles, said Christie Black, Xcel Energy outdoor lighting project coordinator. This decision means that no hanging baskets, American flags, decorative lights or any other decoration hanging from an Xcel Energy distribution pole will be allowed after Jan. 1. Any town or city or village that Xcel owns the poles, they are going to be in the same boat as we are, said Kenneth Ristow, President of the Alma Center Village Board in Wisconsin. Hopefully they get enough gruff that they will allow it. Alma Center discussed alternatives, and also realized they were out some money since they recently purchased some lighted decorations for its poles. Black said that changing service providers would be difficult since it was regulated by the Public Service Commission in Wisconsin. Ultimately Xcel Energy is not offering many options for municipalities. We are just talking with the communities to let them know that they might want to explore some other alternatives. We have heard of some villages that they are looking more at decorating on sidewalks, possibly decorating outdoor business fronts, but nothing can go on our distribution poles, Xcel Energy spokesperson Chris Ouellette said. Ouellette said this is not a new rule, but that they are going to begin enforcing the rule next year across the eight states they service. We have noticed over the last several years that some communities have been putting things on the distribution poles without permission or working with the company to do so and there have been some safety issues with the size of decorations and height, Ouellette said. Xcel Energy has also run into issues with access to distribution poles due to decorations. They pose problems for our crews if they have to go in and do some repair work on distribution poles. There have been times where crews have not been able to access what they need to because of things in the way, Ouellette said. Black said there is only one exception to putting decorations on the poles, We do have an application process for a street light pole only, so if there is a pole that serves just a street light we can work with the municipality on allowing attachments with that as long as they contact the outdoor lighting department and we go through our process with an application and agreement and so forth. Since the changes wont go into effect until Jan. 1, this will be the last year many municipalities will be able to decorate. We are trying to get out and work with our communities and let them know. We know that the holiday season is coming up and we know that there are some that like to decorate for the holidays and we will let it go, but Jan. 1 is when we will start to make sure they are all complying with the proper terms, Ouellette said. Mizuho Financial Group, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in banking, trust, securities, and other businesses related to financial services in Japan, the Americas, Europe, Asia/Oceania, and internationally. It operates through five segments: Retail & Business Banking Company, Corporate & Institutional Company, Global Corporate Company, Global Markets Company, and Asset Management Company. The company provides deposit products; syndicated, housing, and card loans; business matching services; and advisory services related to overseas expansions, and mergers and acquisitions-related services. It also offers consulting services, including asset management and asset succession; payroll services; and sells lottery tickets issued by prefectures and ordinance-designated cities. In addition, it offers financial solutions, such as bonds, mergers and acquisitions advisory, risk hedging products, etc. for corporate customers to meet their needs in fund-raising, investment management, and financial strategies; solutions based on their capital management, business strategy, and financial strategy; real estate agency services; advisory services and solutions, such as advice on proposals on various investment products to financial institutions; and financial services that include funding support and public bonds underwriting. Further, the company offers sales and trading services to meet needs for customers; investment products for individual customers; and consulting services for institutional investors. Additionally, the company provides products and services related to trust, securitization and structured finance, pension, and stock transfers; securities services; and research, private banking, and information technology-related services. Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. was incorporated in 2003 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The following companies are subsidiares of PepsiCo: Alimentos Quaker Oats y Compania Limitada, Alimentos del Istmo S.A., Amavale Agricola Ltda., Anderson Hill Insurance Limited, Asia Bottlers Limited, BAESA Capital Corporation Ltd., BFY Brands, BFY Brands LLC, BFY Brands Limited, BUG de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Balmoral Industries LLC, Bare Foods Co., Barrhead LLC, Be & Cheery, Beaman Bottling Company, Bebidas Sudamerica S.A., Beech Limited, Bell Taco Funding Syndicate, Bendler Investments II Ltd, Bendler Investments S.a r.l, Beverage Services Limited, Beverages Foods & Service Industries Inc., Bishkeksut OJSC, Blaue NC S. de R.L. de C.V., Blue Cloud Distribution Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Arizona Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Arkansas Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Colorado Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Florida Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Georgia Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Illinois Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Indiana Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Iowa Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Kentucky Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Louisiana Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Minnesota Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Mississippi Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Missouri Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Nebraska Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Nevada Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of North Carolina Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Ohio Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Oklahoma Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Pennsylvania Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of South Carolina Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Tennessee Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Texas Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Virginia Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Wisconsin Inc., Blue Ridge Sales LLC, Bluebird Foods Limited, Bluecan Holdings Unlimited Company, Bokomo Zambia Limited, Bolsherechensky Molkombinat JSC, Boquitas Fiestas LLC, Boquitas Fiestas S.R.L., Bottling Group Financing LLC, Bottling Group Holdings LLC, Bottling Group LLC, Bronte Industries Ltd, C & I Leasing Inc., CB Manufacturing Company Inc., CEME Holdings LLC, CMC Investment Company, Caroni Investments LLC, Centro-Mediterranea de Bebidas Carbonicas PepsiCo S.L., Ceres Fruit Juices Pty Ltd, ChampBev Inc., China Concentrate Holdings Hong Kong Limited, Chipsy International for Food Industries S.A.E., Chipsy for Food Industries S.A.E., Chitos Internacional y Cia Ltda, Cipa Industrial de Produtos Alimentares Ltda., Cipa Nordeste Industrial de Produtos Alimentares Ltda., Cocina Autentica Inc., Comercializadora CMC Investment y Compania Limitada, Comercializadora Nacional SAS Ltda., Comercializadora PepsiCo Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., Compania de Bebidas PepsiCo S.L., Concentrate Holding Uruguay Pte. Ltd., Concentrate Manufacturing Singapore Pte. Ltd., Confiteria Alegro S. de R.L. de C.V., Copella Fruit Juices Limited, Copper Beech International LLC, Corina Snacks Limited, Corporativo Internacional Mexicano S. de R.L. de C.V., CytoSport Holdings Inc., CytoSport Inc., Davlyn Realty Corporation, Defosto Holdings Limited, Desarrollo Inmobiliario Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Dilexis S.A., Donon Holdings Limited, Drinkfinity USA Inc., Drinkstation Inc., Drinkstation Innovation Co. Ltd., Drinkstation Limited, Dutch Snacks Holding S.A. de C.V., Duyvis Production B.V., EPIC Enterprises Inc., Echo Bay Holdings Inc., Elaboradora Argentina de Cereales S.R.L., Enter Logistica LLC, Environ at Inverrary Partnership, Environ of Inverrary Inc., Eridanus Investments S.a r.l, Evercrisp Snack Productos de Chile S.A., FL Transportation Inc., FLI Andean LLC, FLI Colombia LLC, FLI Snacks Andean GP LLC, Fabrica PepsiCo Mexicali S. de R.L. de C.V., Fabrica de Productos Alimenticios Rene y Cia S.C.A., Fairlight International SRL, Far East Bottlers Hong Kong Limited, Food Concepts Pioneer Ltd., Forest Akers Nederland B.V., Forty-Six Peaks Holding Inc., Fovarosi Asvanyviz es Uditoipari Zartkoruen Mukodo Reszvenytarsasag, Freshwater International B.V., Frito Lay Gida Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Frito Lay Poland Sp. z o.o., Frito Lay Sp. z o.o., Frito Lay de Guatemala y Compania Limitada, Frito-Lay Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Frito-Lay Dip Company Inc., Frito-Lay Dominicana S.A., Frito-Lay Global Investments B.V., Frito-Lay Inc., Frito-Lay Investments B.V., Frito-Lay Manufacturing LLC, Frito-Lay Netherlands Holding B.V., Frito-Lay North America Inc., Frito-Lay Sales Inc., Frito-Lay Trading Company Europe GmbH, Frito-Lay Trading Company GmbH, Frito-Lay Trading Company Poland GmbH, Frito-Lay Trinidad Unlimited, Fruko Mesrubat Sanayi Limited Sirketi, GB Czech LLC, GB International Inc., GB Russia LLC, GB Slovak LLC, GMP Manufacturing Inc., Gambrinus Investments Limited, Gamesa LLC, Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Gas Natural de Merida S. A. de C. V., Gatorade Puerto Rico Company, General Bottlers of Hungary Inc., Golden Grain Company, Goveh S.R.L., Grayhawk Leasing LLC, Green Hemlock International LLC, Grupo Frito Lay y Compania Limitada, Grupo Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Grupo Mabel, Grupo Sabritas S. de R.L. de C.V., Gulkevichskiy Maslozavod JSC, Hangzhou Baicaowei Corporate Management Consulting Co. Ltd., Hangzhou Haomusi Food Co, Hangzhou Haomusi Food Co. Ltd., Hangzhou Tao Dao Technology Co. Ltd., Health Warrior, Health Warrior Inc., Heathland LP, Helioscope Limited, Hillbrook Inc., Hillgrove Inc., Hillwood Bottling LLC, Hogganfield Limited Partnership, Holding Company "Opolie" JSC, Homefinding Company of Texas, Hudson Valley Insurance Company, IC Equities Inc., IZZE Beverage Co., Inmobiliaria Interamericana S.A. De C.V., Integrated Beverage Services Bangladesh Limited, Integrated Foods & Beverages Pvt. Ltd., International Bottlers Management Co. LLC, International KAS Aktiengesellschaft, Inversiones Borneo S.R.L., Inversiones PFI Chile Limitada, Inviting Foods Holdings Inc., Inviting Foods LLC, KAS Anorthosis S.a r.l, KAS S.L., KFC, Kevita Inc., Kinvara LLC, Kungursky Molkombinat JSC, Larragana S.L., Latin American Holdings Ltd., Latin American Snack Foods ApS, Latin Foods International LLC, Lebedyansky, Lebedyansky Holdings LLC, Lebedyansky LLC, Limited Liability Company "Sandora", Linkbay Limited, Lithuanian Snacks UAB, Mabel, Marbo Product d.o.o. Beograd, Marbo d.o.o. Laktasi, Matudis - Comercio de Produtos Alimentares Limitada, Matutano - Sociedade de Produtos Alimentares Lda., Mid-America Improvement Corporation, Mountainview Insurance Company Inc., Muscle Milk, NCJV LLC, New Bern Transport Corporation, New Century Beverage Company LLC, Noble Leasing LLC, Northeast Hot-Fill Co-op Inc., Office at Solyanka LLC, Onbiso Inversiones S.L., One World Enterprises LLC, One World Investors Inc., P-A Barbados Bottling Company LLC, P-A Bottlers Barbados SRL, P-Americas LLC, PAS Luxembourg S.a r.l, PAS Netherlands B.V., PBG Canada Holdings II LLC, PBG Canada Holdings Inc., PBG Cyprus Holdings Limited, PBG Investment Partnership, PBG Midwest Holdings S.a r.l, PBG Soda Can Holdings S.a r.l, PCBL LLC, PCNA Manufacturing Inc., PR Beverages Cyprus Holding Limited, PR Beverages Cyprus Russia Holding Limited, PRB Luxembourg S.a r.l, PRS Inc., PSAS Inversiones LLC, PSE Logistica S.R.L., PT Quaker Indonesia, Papas Chips S.A., Pei N.V., Pep Trade LLC, Pepsi B.V., Pepsi Beverages Holdings Inc., Pepsi Bottling Group Global Finance LLC, Pepsi Bottling Group GmbH, Pepsi Bottling Group Hoosiers B.V., Pepsi Bottling Holdings Inc., Pepsi Bugshan Investments S.A.E., Pepsi Cola Colombia Ltda, Pepsi Cola Egypt S.A.E., Pepsi Cola Panamericana S.R.L., Pepsi Cola Servis Ve Dagitim Limited Sirketi, Pepsi Cola Trading Ireland, Pepsi Logistics Company Inc., Pepsi Northwest Beverages LLC, Pepsi Overseas Investments Partnership, Pepsi Promotions Inc., Pepsi-Cola Advertising and Marketing Inc., Pepsi-Cola Bermuda Limited, Pepsi-Cola Bottlers Holding C.V., Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company Of St. Louis Inc., Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Ft. Lauderdale-Palm Beach LLC, Pepsi-Cola Company, Pepsi-Cola Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Pepsi-Cola Far East Trade Development Co. Inc., Pepsi-Cola Finance LLC, Pepsi-Cola General Bottlers Poland Sp. z o.o., Pepsi-Cola Industrial da Amazonia Ltda., Pepsi-Cola International Cork, Pepsi-Cola International LLC, Pepsi-Cola International Limited, Pepsi-Cola International Limited U.S.A., Pepsi-Cola International Private Limited, Pepsi-Cola Korea Co. Ltd., Pepsi-Cola Management and Administrative Services Inc., Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing Company Of Uruguay S.R.L., Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing International Limited, Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing Mediterranean Limited, Pepsi-Cola Marketing Corp. Of P.R. Inc., Pepsi-Cola Mediterranean Ltd., Pepsi-Cola Metropolitan Bottling Company Inc., Pepsi-Cola Mexicana Holdings LLC, Pepsi-Cola Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Pepsi-Cola National Marketing LLC, Pepsi-Cola Operating Company Of Chesapeake And Indianapolis, Pepsi-Cola Sales and Distribution Inc., Pepsi-Cola Technical Operations Inc., Pepsi-Cola Thai Trading Co. Ltd., Pepsi-Cola de Honduras S.R.L., Pepsi-Cola of Corvallis Inc., PepsiAmericas Nemzetkozi Szolgaltato Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, PepsiCo ANZ Holdings Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Alimentos Antioquia Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Colombia Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Ecuador Cia. Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Z.F. Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos de Bolivia S.R.L., PepsiCo Amacoco Bebidas Do Brasil Ltda., PepsiCo Asia Research & Development Center Company Limited, PepsiCo Australia Financing Cyprus Limited, PepsiCo Australia Financing Limited Partnership, PepsiCo Australia Financing Partner 1 LLC, PepsiCo Australia Financing Partner 2 LLC, PepsiCo Australia Financing Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Australia Holdings Pty Limited, PepsiCo Australia International, PepsiCo Austria Services GmbH, PepsiCo Azerbaijan Limited Liability Company, PepsiCo BeLux BV, PepsiCo Beverage Sales LLC, PepsiCo Beverage Singapore Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Beverages Bermuda Limited, PepsiCo Beverages Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo Beverages International Limited, PepsiCo Beverages Italia Societa' A Responsabilita' Limitata, PepsiCo Canada Finance LLC, PepsiCo Canada Holdings ULC, PepsiCo Canada Investment ULC, PepsiCo Canada ULC, PepsiCo Captive Holdings Inc., PepsiCo Caribbean Inc., PepsiCo China Limited, PepsiCo Consulting Polska Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo De Bolivia S.R.L., PepsiCo Del Paraguay S.R.L., PepsiCo Deutschland GmbH, PepsiCo Eesti AS, PepsiCo Euro Bermuda Limited, PepsiCo Euro Finance Antilles B.V., PepsiCo Europe Support Center S.L., PepsiCo Finance Americas Company, PepsiCo Finance Antilles A N.V., PepsiCo Finance Antilles B N.V., PepsiCo Finance South Africa Proprietary Limited, PepsiCo Financial Shared Services Inc., PepsiCo Food & Beverage Holdings Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo Foods A.I.E., PepsiCo Foods China Company Limited, PepsiCo Foods Group Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Foods Guangdong Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Nigeria Limited, PepsiCo Foods Private Limited, PepsiCo Foods Sichuan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Taiwan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Vietnam Company, PepsiCo France SAS, PepsiCo Global Business Services India LLP, PepsiCo Global Business Services Poland Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo Global Holdings Limited, PepsiCo Global Investments B.V., PepsiCo Global Investments S.a r.l, PepsiCo Global Mobility LLC, PepsiCo Global Real Estate Inc., PepsiCo Global Trading Solutions Unlimited Company, PepsiCo Golden Holdings Inc., PepsiCo Group Finance International B.V., PepsiCo Group Holdings International B.V., PepsiCo Group Spotswood Holdings S.a r.l, PepsiCo Gulf International FZE, PepsiCo Hellas Single Member Industrial and Commercial Societe Anonyme, PepsiCo Holding de Espana S.L., PepsiCo Holdings, PepsiCo Holdings LLC, PepsiCo Holdings Toshkent LLC, PepsiCo Hong Kong LLC, PepsiCo Iberia Servicios Centrales S.L., PepsiCo India Holdings Private Limited, PepsiCo India Sales Private Limited, PepsiCo Internacional Mexico S. de R. L. de C. V., PepsiCo International Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo International Limited, PepsiCo International Pte Ltd., PepsiCo Investments Europe I B.V., PepsiCo Investments Ltd., PepsiCo Ireland Food & Beverages Unlimited Company, PepsiCo Japan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Light B.V., PepsiCo Logistyka Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., PepsiCo Management Services SAS, PepsiCo Manufacturing A.I.E., PepsiCo Max B.V., PepsiCo Mexico Holdings S. de R.L. de C.V., PepsiCo Nederland B.V., PepsiCo Nordic Denmark ApS, PepsiCo Nordic Finland Oy, PepsiCo Nordic Norway AS, PepsiCo Nutrition Trading DMCC, PepsiCo One B.V., PepsiCo Overseas Corporation, PepsiCo Overseas Financing Partnership, PepsiCo Panimex Inc, PepsiCo Products B.V., PepsiCo Products FLLC, PepsiCo Puerto Rico Inc., PepsiCo Sales Inc., PepsiCo Sales LLC, PepsiCo Services Asia Ltd., PepsiCo Services CZ s.r.o., PepsiCo Services LLC, PepsiCo Twist B.V., PepsiCo UK Pension Plan Trustee Limited, PepsiCo Ventures B.V., PepsiCo Wave Holdings LLC, PepsiCo World Trading Company Inc., PepsiCo Y LLC, PepsiCo de Argentina S.R.L., PepsiCo de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., PepsiCo do Brasil Industria e Comercio de Alimentos Ltda., PepsiCo do Brasil Ltda., PepsiCola Interamericana de Guatemala S.A., Pet Iberia S.L., Pete & Johnny Limited, Pine International LLC, Pine International Limited, Pinstripe Leasing LLC, Pioneer Food Group Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Groceries Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Group Ltd., Pioneer Foods Holdings Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods UK Ltd, Pioneer Foods Wellingtons Pty Ltd, Pipers Crisps Limited, PlayCo Inc., Pop corners, PopCorners Holdings Inc., Portfolio Concentrate Solutions Unlimited Company, Premier Nutrition Trading L.L.C., Prestwick LLC, Prev PepsiCo Sociedade Previdenciaria, Productos Alimenticios Rene LLC, Productos S.A.S. C.V., Productos SAS Management B.V., Punch N.V., Punica Getranke GmbH, Q O Puerto Rico Inc., QFL OHQ Sdn. Bhd., QTG Development Inc., QTG Services Inc., Quadrant - Amroq Beverages S.R.L., Quaker Development B.V., Quaker European Beverages LLC, Quaker European Investments B.V., Quaker Foods, Quaker Global Investments B.V., Quaker Holdings UK Limited, Quaker Manufacturing LLC, Quaker Oats Asia Inc., Quaker Oats Australia Pty Ltd, Quaker Oats B.V., Quaker Oats Capital Corporation, Quaker Oats Europe Inc., Quaker Oats Europe LLC, Quaker Oats Limited, Quaker Sales & Distribution Inc, Raptas Finance S.a r.l., Rare Fare Foods LLC, Rare Fare Holdings Inc., Reading Industries Ltd, Real Estate Holdings LLC, Rockstar Energy Drink, Rolling Frito-Lay Sales LP, S & T of Mississippi Inc., SIH International LLC, SVC Logistics Inc., SVC Manufacturing Inc., SVE Russia Holdings GmbH, Sabritas LLC, Sabritas S. de R.L. de C.V., Sabritas Snacks America Latina de Nicaragua y Cia Ltda, Sabritas de Costa Rica S. de R.L., Sabritas y Cia. S en C de C.V., Sakata Rice Snacks Australia Pty Ltd, Sandora Holdings B.V., Saudi Snack Foods Company Limited, Sea Eagle International SRL, Seepoint Holdings Ltd., Senselet Food Processing PLC, Senselet Holding B.V., Servicios GBF Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, Servicios GFLG y Compania Limitada, Servicios Gamesa Puerto Rico L.L.C., Servicios SYC S. de R.L. de C.V., Seven-Up Asia Inc., Seven-Up Light B.V., Seven-Up Nederland B.V., Shanghai PepsiCo Snack Company Limited, Shanghai YuHo Agricultural Development Co. Ltd, Shoebill LLC, Simba (Proprietary) Limited, Simba Proprietary Limited, Sitka Spruce, Smartfoods Inc., Smiles and Bites Holdings S.de R.L. de C.V., Smiths Crisps Limited, Snack Food Investments GmbH, Snack Food Investments II GmbH, Snack Food Investments Limited, Snack Food-Beverage Asia Products Limited, Snacks America Latina S.R.L., Snacks Guatemala Ltd., So Spark Ltd., Soda-Club CO2 Atlantic GmbH, Soda-Club CO2 GmbH, Soda-Club CO2 Ltd., Soda-Club Switzerland GmbH, Soda-Club Worldwide B.V., SodaStream, SodaStream Australia Pty Ltd, SodaStream CO2 SA, SodaStream Canada Ltd., SodaStream Enterprises N.V., SodaStream France SAS, SodaStream GmbH, SodaStream Iberia S.L., SodaStream Industries Ltd., SodaStream International B.V., SodaStream International Ltd., SodaStream Israel Ltd., SodaStream K.K., SodaStream New Zealand Ltd., SodaStream Nordics AB, SodaStream Poland Sp. z o.o., SodaStream SA Pty Ltd., SodaStream Switzerland GmbH, SodaStream USA Inc., SodaStream Osterreich GmbH, South Beach Beverage Company Inc., South Properties Inc., Spitz International Inc., Sportmex Internacional S.A. de C.V., Springboig Industries Ltd, Spruce Limited, Stacy's Pita Chip Company Incorporated, Star Foods E.M. S.R.L., Stokely-Van Camp Inc., Stratosphere Communications Pty Ltd, Stratosphere Holdings 2018 Limited, Streamfoods Ltd, TFL Holdings LLC, Tasman Finance S.a r.l, The Gatorade Company, The Good Carb Food Company Ltd., The Pepsi Bottling Group Canada ULC, The Quaker Oats Company, The Smith's Snackfood Company Pty Limited, Thomond Group Holdings Limited, Tobago Snack Holdings LLC, Tropicana Alvalle S.L., Tropicana Beverages Limited, Tropicana Europe N.V., Tropicana United Kingdom Limited, Troya-Ultra LLC, United Foods Companies Restaurantes S.A., V-Water, VentureCo Israel Ltd, Veurne Snack Foods BV, Vitamin Brands Ltd., Walkers Crisps Limited, Walkers Group Limited, Walkers Snack Foods Limited, Walkers Snacks Distribution Limited, Walkers Snacks Limited, Whitman Corporation, Whitman Insurance Co. Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann Beverages JSC, Wimm-Bill-Dann Brands Co. Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann Central Asia-Almaty LLP, Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods LLC, Wimm-Bill-Dann Georgia Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann JSC, and Wimm-Bill-Dann Ukraine PJSC. Read More As you probably have heard, RSV is hitting early and hitting hard this year. Here at Winona Health, my fellow caregivers in Pediatrics and Family Medicine and I are fielding many questions from concerned parents and child care providers. We are always happy to be your resource! Weatherford International plc, an oilfield service company, provides equipment and services for the drilling, evaluation, completion, production, and intervention of oil and natural gas wells worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Western Hemisphere and Eastern Hemisphere. It offers artificial lift systems, including reciprocating rod, progressing cavity pumping, gas, hydraulic, plunger, and hybrid lift systems, as well as related automation and control systems; pressure pumping and reservoir stimulation services, such as acidizing, fracturing and fluid systems, cementing, and coiled-tubing intervention; and drill stem test tools, and surface well testing and multiphase flow measurement services. The company also provides safety, downhole reservoir monitoring, flow control, and multistage fracturing systems, as well as sand-control technologies, and production and isolation packers; liner hangers to suspend a casing string in high-temperature and high-pressure wells; cementing products, including plugs, float and stage equipment, and torque-and-drag reduction technology for zonal isolation; and pre-job planning and installation services. In addition, it offers directional drilling services, and logging and measurement services while drilling; services related to rotary-steerable systems, high-temperature and high-pressure sensors, drilling reamers, and circulation subs; managed pressure drilling, conventional mud-logging, drilling instrumentation, gas analysis, wellsite consultancy, and open hole and cased-hole logging services; reservoir solutions and software products; and intervention and remediation services. Further, the company provides equipment and drilling tools; tubular handling, management, and connection services; equipment rental services; and onshore contract drilling and related services through a fleet of land drilling and workover rigs. Weatherford International plc was incorporated in 1972 and is headquartered in Baar, Switzerland. United Rentals, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates as an equipment rental company. It operates in two segments, General Rentals and Specialty. The General Rentals segment rents general construction and industrial equipment includes backhoes, skid-steer loaders, forklifts, earthmoving equipment, and material handling equipment; aerial work platforms, such as boom and scissor lifts; and general tools and light equipment comprising pressure washers, water pumps, and power tools for construction and industrial companies, manufacturers, utilities, municipalities, homeowners, and government entities. The specialty segment rents specialty construction products, including trench safety equipment consists of trench shields, aluminum hydraulic shoring systems, slide rails, crossing plates, construction lasers, and line testing equipment for underground work; power and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning equipment, such as portable diesel generators, electrical distribution equipment, and temperature control equipment; fluid solutions equipment for fluid containment, transfer, and treatment; and mobile storage equipment and modular office space. This segment serves construction companies involved in infrastructure projects, and municipalities and industrial companies. It also sells aerial lifts, reach forklifts, telehandlers, compressors, and generators; construction consumables, tools, small equipment, and safety supplies; and parts for equipment that is owned by its customers, as well as provides repair and maintenance services. The company sells used equipment through its sales force, brokers, website, directly to manufacturers, and at auctions. The company operates a network of 1,360 rental locations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. United Rentals, Inc. was incorporated in 1997 and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. Ecolab Inc. provides water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Global Industrial, Global Institutional & Specialty, and Global Healthcare & Life Sciences segments. The Global Industrial segment offers water treatment and process applications, and cleaning and sanitizing solutions to manufacturing, food and beverage processing, transportation, chemical, metals and mining, power generation, pulp and paper, commercial laundry, petroleum, refining, and petrochemical industries. The Global Institutional & Specialty segment provides specialized cleaning and sanitizing products to the foodservice, hospitality, lodging, government and education, and retail industries. Its Global Healthcare & Life Sciences segment offers specialized cleaning and sanitizing products to the healthcare, personal care, and pharmaceutical industries, such as infection prevention and surgical solutions, and end-to-end cleaning and contamination control solutions under the Ecolab, Microtek, and Anios brand names. The company's Other segment offers pest elimination services to detect, eliminate, and prevent pests, such as rodents and insects in restaurants, food and beverage processors, educational and healthcare facilities, hotels, quick service restaurant and grocery operations, and other institutional and commercial customers. This segment also provides colloidal silica for binding and polishing applications in semiconductor, catalyst, and aerospace component manufacturing, as well as chemical industries; and products and services that manage wash process through custom designed programs, premium products, dispensing equipment, water and energy management, and reduction, as well as real time data management. It sells its products through field sales and corporate account personnel, distributors, and dealers. The company was founded in 1923 and is headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. operates as an omni-channel specialty retailer of various products for home. It offers cooking, dining, and entertaining products, such as cookware, tools, electrics, cutlery, tabletop and bar, outdoor, furniture, and a library of cookbooks under the Williams Sonoma Home brand, as well as home furnishings and decorative accessories under the Williams Sonoma lifestyle brand; and furniture, bedding, lighting, rugs, table essentials, and decorative accessories under the Pottery Barn brand. The company also provides home decor products under the West Elm brand; kids accessories under the Pottery Barn Kids brand; and an organic bedding to multi-purpose furniture under the Pottery Barn Teen brand. In addition, it offers made-to-order lighting, hardware, furniture, and home decors inspired by history under the Rejuvenation brand; and women's and men's accessories, travel, entertaining and bar, home decor, and seasonal items under the Mark and Graham brand, as well as operates a 3-D imaging and augmented reality platform for the home furnishings and decor industry. The company markets its products through e-commerce websites, direct-mail catalogs, and retail stores. It operates 544 stores comprising 502 stores in 41states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico; 20 stores in Canada; 19 stores in Australia; 3 stores in the United Kingdom; and 139 franchised stores, as well as e-commerce websites in various countries in the Middle East, the Philippines, Mexico, South Korea, and India. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. was founded in 1956 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. WASHINGTON (TNS) The monstrous flames ripping through Northern California in recent days have burned communities to the ground, killed dozens of people caught in their path and wreaked havoc on a regional economy. By almost any metric, that would be defined as a natural disaster except the one used by Congress to draw up the federal budget. The absurd way in which Washington pays to put out wildfires throughout the West is making a dangerous situation even more so. Its a rare point of bipartisan agreement in Congress that a fix is urgently needed, particularly as fires grow in duration and intensity. But as with so much else on Capitol Hill, politics and ideology have left a serious problem to fester and grow, as lawmakers forsake a simple solution and hold the issue hostage to more complicated battles. Partisan feuds over climate change, clear-cut logging and bedrock federal environmental policies are undermining efforts to confront the rapidly swelling fire money dilemma. The root problem: The U.S. Forest Service is strapped for cash. Its firefighting budget amounts to a fraction of what it actually costs to fight fires. Not sending firefighters is hardly an option. Even in the wine country blazes, which are not on federal land, the service has sent 1,500 firefighters to help out the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, along with dozens of fire engines, air tankers, helicopters and water scoopers. The Forest Service has no choice but to pay for the assistance by raiding funds from other programs in its budget many of them oriented toward preventing the very fires it is fighting. Prevention efforts are put aside as dollars are funneled toward putting out flames. To put it in perspective: About 56 percent of the agencys budget now gets consumed fighting fires. In 1995, not even a sixth of its budget was spent there. That is a lot of fire prevention work going undone. We have a dangerous, worsening cycle, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said on the Senate floor just before Californias wine country became an inferno. Shoddy budgeting today leads to bigger fires tomorrow, and it needs to stop . This battle has gone on for years. This is not the way Washington confronts other disasters. Hurricane, tornado and earthquake assistance and relief come from emergency funds that can be accessed without robbing other programs. State officials are growing increasingly anxious that wildfires are treated differently. The bipartisan Western Governors Association warned congressional leaders in November that the financial shell game had allowed severe wildfires to burn through crippling amounts of the very funds that should instead be used to prevent and reduce wildfire impacts, costs, and safety risks to firefighters and the public. Cal Fire just last week expressed concern about the reliability of federal help in the future if the financial chaos persists. Within four years, more than two-thirds of the Forest Service budget will be consumed by firefighting costs if Congress does not act. But Congress cant seem to figure out how, amid feuding about the science and economics of wildfires. Many Republicans are demanding that any solution involve intensifying the amount of logging on public land, allowing clear-cuts as large as 10 or 15 square miles in federal forests, and weakening the National Environmental Policy Act, the 1969 landmark law that drives much of federal conservation policy. The rollbacks are nonstarters for Democrats, who brandish research findings that climate change not too little commercial logging is a major driver of the intensifying fires. Democratic U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris of California last week sent President Donald Trump a letter as fires raged in Northern California imploring him to support fixing the Forest Service money problem in a stand-alone measure, and then deal with the broader disputes over forestry management. The White House has gone in the other direction. Its budget director, Mick Mulvaney, wrote in a letter to congressional leaders that active forest management and other reforms must be part of the solution to curb the cost and destruction of wildfires. The posture has emboldened Republicans in their push for more logging. Among them is Rep. Tom McClintock of California, who in a floor speech this month mocked the science Democrats point to showing climate change is a big factor in the worsening wildfires. One such study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences last year, found that climate change-induced hotter, drier weather in the West has doubled the amount of forestland hit by wildfires since 1984. McClintock made clear he doesnt buy it. He instead blamed the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act. Their endlessly time-consuming and cost-prohibitive restrictions, he said, have driven away the timber companies that had previously helped clear the driest and most-stressed wood from forests. Well, after 45 years of experience with these environmental laws all passed with the promise that they would improve our forest environment I think we are entitled to ask: Hows the forest environment doing? McClintock said. All around us, the answer is damning. These laws have not only failed to improve our forest environment, but they are literally killing our forests. Democrats and environmentalists say the House measure that McClintock and other Republicans favor to fix the funding problem is less about fighting fires than creating a big giveaway for logging interests. We dont think completely eliminating environmental safeguards will solve the problem or make us safer, said Megan Birzell, national forests campaign manager at the Wilderness Society. We dont need 10,000-acre clear-cuts in the back country to solve this. The continued fight, for now, leaves the Forest Service in the lurch as resources from its prevention programs are drained to fight increasingly bigger and hotter fires. Wyden called it the longest-running battle since the Trojan War. The West, he said, cannot wait any longer for Congress to break this dangerous cycle that defies common sense, shortchanges wildfire prevention, and does it year after year. Theater is coming back to La Crosses Central High School. For the first time since 2008, Central will host a fall play, The House at Pooh Corner, directed by teacher Dawn Martin. The performances next weekend will be in room 232 and will feature 11 Central students portraying iconic Winnie the Pooh characters from Christopher Robin to Tigger. After the previous director left the school, Central combined with Logan on theatrical productions, Martin said. With enthusiasm for theater and drama building at the school, Martin said it was time to bring productions back to the school. Instead of using Centrals auditorium, which is dominated by band, choir and show choir groups, the players will perform in one one of the larger classrooms at the school. Martin compared the more intimate environment and simpler performance space to those of black box theaters. It is exciting to be back, she said. The kids are excited to be here. Ive seen a lot of energy in the cast. The House at Pooh Corner focuses on the adventures of Christopher Robin and the animals of the Hundred Acre Wood as they try to put off Christophers impending first days of school with a plan to flee to the South Pole. The title of the work comes from a portion of the story that focuses on the animals desire to build a house for Eeyore, the gloomy, pessimistic gray donkey. Auditions started in mid-September, Martin said, and she and the students are getting some help from Viterbo University theater student Abigail Seefeld, who is doing hair and makeup, and helping directing the play. Central senior Erick Hunter plays Christopher Robin, and this is his third fall play as a high school student. He said he was excited to be bringing theater back to his school and audiences would like the different, more lively performance venue. He thought the play was pretty funny, for both adults and kids. This is his first exposure to the world of Pooh, and he is excited to bring it to audiences next week. This is the first play for senior Katy Zimmerman, who auditioned after Martin asked her to try out for the play. It has been a lot of fun getting to know the students, she said, and she was excited by the challenge of learning all the intricacies of theater, from memorizing lines to blocking movements onstage. Winnie the Pooh is my childhood favorite, she said. I think the play will turn out really good. The League of Women Voters of the La Crosse Area and the UW-La Crosse Political Science and Public Administration Association will host a panel of advocates for fair voter maps from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in Room 102, Wimberly Hall on the UW La Crosse Campus. The forum will include former state Sen. Dale Schultz and Fair Maps Wisconsin representative Amy Dummer with an update on the national and statewide efforts to promote a non-partisan process for ensuring fair voter maps in Wisconsin; La Crosse County Board Supervisor Maureen Freedland on the impact of Wisconsin's current district map-drawing process on state and local policy making; and Emily Bunting, a plaintiff in the Gill v. Whitford case, on the Oct. 3 oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court in the case that will determine the constitutionality of Wisconsin's 2010 legislative district maps. Local residents can weigh in Wednesday on Xcel Energys proposal to raise energy prices for some 257,000 Wisconsin ratepayers. The Minnesota-based utility has asked Wisconsin regulators to approve a 3.6 percent increase in electricity revenues for 2018 and a 10 percent hike for natural gas. If approved, that would translate into about $6 more per month on the average residential electric bill and $5.31 more for gas. The Public Service Commission, which sets rates for investor-owned utilities, will hold a public hearing at 3 p.m. at the La Crosse Public Library. Public comments can also be submitted online. PSC staff have recommended more modest increases of 1.6 percent for electricity and 8.2 percent for gas, but it will be up to the three-member commission to determine the rates, which are structured to give the company a return on its investments. Xcel has requested to maintain its current 10 percent profit margin. The Citizens Utility Board, a nonprofit organization representing the interests of residential customers and small businesses, has argued that 9 percent is more in line with national trends. Included in the electric request is a 21 percent increase to the $14 fixed monthly fee charged to all residential customers, which the CUB opposes on the grounds that its unfair to customers who use the least energy and that it discourages energy savings. The PSC allowed Xcel to raise the monthly charge from $8 to $14 in 2016. Xcel said the electric rate increase is necessary to support its infrastructure investments as well as slumping demand: sales were about 6 percent below forecast, a trend Xcel expects to continue through next year. Among the primary cost drivers are a new natural gas plant in the Twin Cities, as well as upgrades to the Prairie Island nuclear plant and two aging hydroelectric plants. The natural gas rate increase is driven by investments in the distribution system and cleanup costs of the companys former gas plant in Ashland, Wis. Since 2006, Xcel has sought to increase electricity revenues by an average of 6.4 percent each year. The PSC granted all but one, allowing an average hike of about 3.7 percent. The company has sought to increase natural gas revenue seven times by an average of 4.5 percent. The PSC approved six, granting the company on average about 60 percent of what it asked for. The average Xcel residential electric bill in 2017 was just over $100, according to data from the PSC. Thats lower than all but one of the states largest investor-owned utilities. Arm is pleased to announce the launch of the Arm Innovator Program in collaboration with Hackster.io, the leading community dedicated to learning hardware. The Arm Innovator Program is a new initiative to help support the global ecosystem of Arm developers, highlight the impressive work happening around the world based on Arm technology and share key domain knowledge from top technical experts building solutions on Arm with a wider audience. Click here to read more ... Zambia is a landlocked country with a focus on developing ICTs to spur growth in the digital economy. Consumers have benefited from access to international submarine fibre optic cables, which has seen a considerably reduction in fixed-line and mobile access pricing. The government's Universal Access Fund has made considerable progress, particularly in paying for more than 1,000 base stations to be built. As a result, by the end of 2017 mobile coverage should be available to 92% of the population. Separately, mobile network operators continue to invest in 3G and LTE-based services, while several ISPs have also rolled out WiMAX wireless broadband networks. MTN Zambia in addition has initiated an FttP program, initially in Lusaka. These developments are set to increase overall broadband penetration significantly in coming years. E lektron Technology confirmed it has completed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary Sheen Instruments on Friday, to Industrial Physics . The AIM-traded company said the transaction was executed through Industrial Physics' Dutch subsidiary, Buchel, for a total gross consideration of approximately 1.2m cash of which 1.1m was received on completion and approximately 0.1m was due in October 2018 subject to any adjustment for unforeseen liabilities. Industrial Physics was described as a platform company of Union Park Capital, a US-based private equity firm specializing in industrial technology. Sheen is a manufacturer and supplier of inspection and testing instruments used in the paint, coating, automotive and other industries. In the year ended 31 January, the sales of Sheen were 2.6m and brand contribution was 0.2m. Elektron said brand contribution is an internal measure of profitability before the allocation of certain group-pooled costs such as finance, information technology and human resources. After making a deduction for a fair share of those costs the board estimated Sheen's operating profit to be 0.1m for the year to 31 January. The cash proceeds will be used by Elektron for working capital purposes, its board said in its statement. The disposal will be dilutive of earnings initially but the board expects to improve the performance of the remaining businesses. The disposal was part of the Group's rationalisation of its portfolio, further focusing its investment on its remaining businesses namely Bulgin, Checkit, Elektron Eye Technology and Queensgate. A day after a deal was struck to try and resolve its exports and tax dispute with the Tanzanian government, Acacia Mining reported revenue down 40% for the third quarter and a much diminished cash balance. From 191,203 oz of gold produced during the quarter, the FTSE 250-listed company sold 132,787 oz to generate revenue of $171m, down 40% as the Tanzania's ban on concentrate exports resulted in the loss of roughly $90m of gross revenue during the quarter. With cash costs for the quarter of $616 per oz and all-in sustaining costs of $939 per oz, respectively 3% higher and 6% lower than the same quarter last year, Acacia generated earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of $50m, down 60% year on year. Net earnings came in at $16m, or 3.9 cents per share, down from $53m last year, with adjusted net earnings of $35m, down 32%. At the end of September, Acacia had cash on hand of $95m and net cash of $24m. A day earlier, President of the Tanzania, John Magufuli and Barrick Gold, Acacia's 64%-owning parent, signed a framework agreement for Tanzania to take a 16% stake in the London-listed company's three mines in the country, share mining revenues 50-50 and for Acacia to pay Tanzania a one-off $300m to "resolve outstanding tax claims". Acacia said on Friday that it was yet to receive a copy of the agreement and that no formal proposal has been put to it. "As stated at the press conference, any proposal agreed in principle between Barrick and the GoT will require Acacias approval. Acacia will consider any proposal once it receives the full details and a further update will be provided when appropriate." According to Barrick's statement overnight, a new Tanzanian operating company will be created to manage Acacia's Bulyanhulu, Buzwagi and North Mara mines, and all future operations in the country, with Tanzania to participate in decisions related to operations, investment, planning, procurement, and marketing. This company will maximise employment of local workers at all levels of the business, from board membership to operations. With the 50/50 revenue split, the governments share is proposed to be delivered in the form of royalties, taxes, and a 16% free carry interest in the operations. "Barrick and the government of Tanzania are also reviewing conditions for the lifting of the countrys concentrate export ban," the agreement stated. Gulf Keystone Petroleum , an independent operator and producer in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, confirmed on Friday that operations continued safely and securely despite political instability in the surrounding region, with average production of 34,525 barrels of oil equivalent per day from the Shaikan oil field since the start of October. Shaikan was performing as expected, management said in a statement, with cumulative production from the field reaching 42.4m barrels year-to-date, which was equivalent to an average volume of 35,966 bopd even amid the fighting taking place between Kurdish and Iraqi troops north of the city of Kirkuk on the border with the Kurdistan region. Earlier this week, Iraqi forces took over swathes of Kirkuk which had been under control of the Kurds since 2014, sending Kurdish forces running back into the officially recognised autonomous Kurdistan region of Iraq. Yet, Gulf Keystone maintained that its operations were safe and secure, boasting even that it was on track to meeting its gross production guidance of 32,000-38,000 bopd for the year, with its current cash position standing at $147.2m following payment of the Reinstated Notes coupon of $5m in October 2017. The company also said that Shaikan crude production was still being exported uninterruptedly via trucks to Turkey, in line with the Ministry of Natural Resources's crude export strategy. Commenting on today's announcement, CEO, Jon Ferrier, said: "We remain committed to ensuring safe and secure operations in Kurdistan, and we continue to monitor the geo-political situation closely. Despite the challenges facing the region, we are maintaining stable operations." Canaccord Genuity's Charlie Sharp penned a research note to clients after the announcement, arguing that while the regional risk profile had worsened after the recent declaration of independence by the Kurdistan, and Baghdad's reaction, the shares still offered "compelling value". Nonetheless, Sharp conceded the "complexity of the situation" for which reason he maintained his "speculative buy" recommendation on the stock. Serco said on Friday that its chief operating officer, Ed Casey, is heading back home to the US to take up a role with another company. Casey will leave the group on 31 December 2017. Chief executive Rupert Soames said: "Whilst we are very sad that Ed is leaving, we completely understand that after four years of weekly commuting across the Atlantic, he would like to have a job closer to home. I would like to place on record our sincere gratitude for all he has done for Serco over the last 12 years, and in particular helping to lead the company through the critical early years of the transformation of our business." US President Donald Trump was accused of fuelling hate crimes after he said the UK crime rate was linked to "radical Islamic terror". Trump tweeted: "Just out report: 'United Kingdom crime rises 13% annually amid spread of Radical Islamic terror.' Not good, we must keep America safe!" The President's remark was seemingly in reference to a report from the UK statistical office, which on Thursday revealed a 13% increase in police recorded crime from the previous year. Factors influencing the rise, the Office for National Statistics said, included continuing improvements to crime recording and genuine increases in some crime categories, with no link made to terror or Islam. The London and Manchester terror attacks in 2017 contribute to a 59% rise in the number of attempted murder offences in the year, the ONS report showed, though the number of deaths from terror attacks in the UK in 2017 is lower than in 2005 from the London bombings and far short of the years of IRA-related terrorism between 1971 and 1992, not to mention the 58 killed in a single terror attack in Las Vegas this summer. Yvette Cooper, a Labour MP and Labour chair of the Commons Home Affairs Committee, responded to Trump's tweet with her own, saying: "Hate crime in UK up 29% - sadly encouraged by ignorant tweets like this. Not good POTUS". Trump's tweet also attracted responses from other British MP's such as Labour's deputy leader, Tom Watson, who tweeted: "Officer, I'd like to report a hate crime", while former Labour minister Hilary Benn told the BBC: "I am sure we would all appreciate it if we could see a reduction in the number of tweets like this from the president of the United States." The Green Party's MP, Caroline Lucas, also reportedly asked Theresa May to "publicly condemn" Donald Trump for "outright fear-mongering". It was later shown that Trump's tweet was an almost identical headline to one had screened in the US just seconds earlier. The best part of the holiday was sleeping in a broken-down car in the Jordanian desert! said no one ever. Well, almost no one. An enterprising man in the village of Al Jaya has turned a battered VW Beetle into what he claims is the worlds smallest hotel, and against all odds, guests are going gaga for the unusual experience. Al Malaheem, who goes by the name Abu Ali, told CNN that he was inspired to resurrect the jalopy in order to share his beloved birthplace with visitors. This village is my homeland, I was born here, I grew up here, I lived here, he explained. I wanted to start a project that improves its situation and places it on the tourism map, because it truly overlooks some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. Al Jaya is largely deserted by residents, many of whom have left in search of a more modern lifestyle, but travellers in the region have happily checked into Abu Alis four-wheeled hotel since it opened in 2011. The VW Beetle hotel is a familys labour of love. Abu Ali opened the roadsters rusted doors to guests after retiring, taking out a loan to set up a hotel lobby inside a nearby cave. His daughter furnished the repurposed Bug with handmade sheets and pillows embroidered with traditional patterns and embellished with colourful beads. Abu Ali boasts that an overnight stay is so comfortable, its equivalent to a night in a five-star hotel. Guests just two at a time have more to look forward to than cushy compact digs. The hotel serves coffee, tea, and traditional Jordanian snacks in the cave lobby. Theres also a small kiosk-style shop selling souvenirs, and anyone passing through is invited to enjoy a Jordanian breakfast or lunch at the hotel, prepared and served in the traditional Bedouin way by Abu Alis wife and daughters. A night in the VW with full board costs 40 Jordanian Dinars (around AU$72 or US$56), and if you ask previous customers, its worth every penny. Business cards and smiling photographs decorate the lobby, along with effusive thank you notes and Abu Alis most prized possession: a guestbook overflowing with praise, signatures, and promises to return. 1/7 2/7 3/7 4/7 5/7 6/7 7/7 Should they stay true to their word, they may have even more to look forward to. Abu Ali plans to add several more VWs to his operation, which may mean its no longer the worlds smallest hotel, though it will certainly remain one of its most unusual. Microsoft this week became a premium sponsor of the Open Source Initiative, adding more financial heft to its growing commitment to the open source software movement. The companys new financial support will not translate into any special influence in the organizations decision making, noted OSI General Manager Patrick Masson. OSI Corporate Sponsors have no role in OSI governance, he told LinuxInsider. For example, a sponsor is not provided a board seat or any other role in our operations. Founded in 1998, the Open Source Initiative is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting open source software through education, collaboration and infrastructure. Based in California, OSI is a public benefit corporation with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Tiered Support Premium sponsorship is simply a higher level of financial commitment to the OSI. The amount of the contributions vary based on the sponsors annual revenue, explained Masson. Companies that contribute at a lower level are recognized as sponsors. Organizations that provide in-kind donations such as hosting are recognized as supporters. Organizations like Microsoft would contribute a greater amount than smaller companies, e.g. USB Direct, to be listed as a premium sponsor,' Masson said. In appreciation of their donations, sponsors are recognized on OSI marketing and promotional materials such as websites and brochures. Premium sponsors also may receive a tax deduction if OSIs nonprofit status is recognized by their jurisdiction of incorporation. OSI shares information related to its sponsors developments or activities that align with its mission to promote and protect open source software and communities. To be clear, we would not promote a sponsors products or services but would share any activities that highlight the value, adoption, etc., of open source, said Masson. Matter of Degrees Whatever level of sponsorship is involved, the companies backing OSI help to support the spread and success of open source products. Microsofts involvement emphasizes just how far the open source software movement has progressed, noted Masson. In year past, Microsoft and the open source movement engaged in open warfare. Now the company is a paying player in the movement and the No. 1 open source contributor on GitHub. I think that any contribution and support to open source software is a good thing. I just hope that their efforts are honest and sincere, and not simply part of a deceptive marketing plot, said Peter Yang, cofounder of ResumeGo. While many people are skeptical of their motives, I think that if we reward the changes in Microsofts behavior with more distrust, we would not be giving them a fair chance, he told LinuxInsider. More to It Microsofts involvement with OSI has immense symbolic weight, especially given the companys past fractious relationship with all things open source, noted Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT. Still, its unlikely that it will result in the spread of open source to any significant degree. Linux and open source have flourished for over two decades despite the resistance and opposition of sizable foes, including Microsoft, King told LinuxInsider. Open source won the revolution especially in the data center. Thinking that Microsofts change of heart will tangibly speed that continuing growth and success is not likely or realistic, he said. Microsofts Path to Open Source Microsofts history with the OSI began in 2005 with the submission of the Microsoft Community License. In August of 2007, it submitted its Microsoft Permissive License. Perhaps the open source software community really started taking Microsoft more seriously when the company released its .Net framework in 2014 under an open source license. Since then, Microsoft has increased its participation in the community, releasing products like Visual Studio Code and Typescript to open source. More recently, Microsoft brought Bash/Linux to Windows 10 and expanded its support for Linux and open source workloads on its Azure cloud platform. The company also joined The Linux Foundation, an OSI Affiliate Member, and has worked on many of its projects. Open source is more prevalent in Microsofts products today. the company works with open source companies such as Canonical, Red Hat and Suse. This is a significant milestone for the OSI and the open source software movement more broadly, said OSIs Masson. I dont think there could be any greater testament to the maturity, viability, interest, and success of open source software than not only Microsofts recognition, but also their support as a sponsor, as well as their participation as contributors to so many open source projects and communities. Successful Tactics Microsofts growing kinship with open source will benefit the community in many ways, Masson said. Its financial contributions, together with those from other sponsors and members, support day-to-day operations and infrastructure maintenance, allowing the OSI to continue its mission. I think it is also fair to say how proud we are of the open source community and our own work, he added where advocacy takes the form of quiet persuasion rather than public activism. PayPal on Friday announced the immediate availability of its peer-to-peer payment service on Facebook Messenger, making it easy to exchange money between friends and family. PayPal also introduced its first-ever customer service bot, which gives Messenger customers payment and account support right in the app. An agreement struck last year with Facebook allowed 2.5 million PayPal customers in the U.S. to connect their accounts with Messenger and use PayPal to shop on Messenger, as well as to communicate with other PayPal users, noted COO Bill Ready. PayPal is the leader in P2P payments, he pointed out, with US$24 billion in volume during the third-quarter of 2017, up 47 percent year-over-year. Weve seen interest from the 2.5 million people who have connected their PayPal accounts to Facebook Messenger that they would like to use this as a way to communicate with us, said PayPal spokesperson Juliet Niczewicz. Further, the new PayPal bot for Messenger will enable people to have meaningful customer service interactions, she told the E-Commerce Times, such as resetting passwords, handling account inquiries, and helping with refunds or payment issues so they can handle their business in the context they are in. Click Image to Enlarge PayPal previously entered deals with Apples Siri to do transactions with voice commands, Niczewicz noted. It also partnered with Microsoft to allow money to be sent using Skypes chat function. PayPal earlier this year launched a bot on Slack that allows users to send payments while inside a Slack conversation, she added. Payments can be made in Messenger by pressing the blue plus icon when composing a message and then tapping the green payments button. To use the bot, customers can look for PayPal in the search field, type a message to PayPal, and the bot will appear inside the Messenger app. Customers needing further help can choose to connect to live PayPal customer service. Expanding Messenger Facebook originally enabled the sending of payments through Messenger more than two years ago, according to spokesperson Jennifer Hakes. That functionality required customers to enter a Visa or Mastercard debit number issued by a U.S. bank into Messenger, and it offered the option of adding a PIN for greater security. Facebook has adopted a strategy of creating a broad consumer technology platform and working to keep users within it by offering services through Messenger, observed Jack Kent, director for operators and mobile media at IHS Markit. Making Messenger more of a platform for commerce and transactions also serves Facebooks wider ambitions to drive platform monetization, he told the E-Commerce Times. Bringing payments and advertising closer together can help drive up the value of ads and promotions inside the app. Chatbots help customers deal with straightforward transactions like reorders, sending gift cards or paying bills, said Cindy Zhou, principal analyst at Constellation Research. Promoting commerce inside a messaging app has been a standard tool in Asia for years for example, with WeChat in China, she told the E-Commerce Times. It has started to take hold in the U.S., she noted, with rival social media platforms embracing in-app commerce. Pinterest has introduced buyable pins, for example, and users can shop on Instagram. While there appears to be a heightened in interest in automating these transactions, customers may rebel against having to interact with intelligent bots instead of live customer service agents, suggested Paula Rosenblum, managing partner at RSR Research. Have customers embraced outsourced, scripted customer service reps who know nothing about the country or the products theyre supporting? No they have not, she told the E-Commerce Times. The best customer service often results form shaming companies over social media, Rosenblum said, based on her experience. Otherwise I end up with one of those scripted reps, she said, and it drives me nuts. Google on Monday announced that it was dropping its decade-old policy of requiring media and news publishers to provide a limited amount of free content. The so-called first click free policy meant that publishers had to make a certain amount of content available to users who conducted a search on Google, even if their stories, videos or images otherwise were behind a paywall. Media publishers had been required to provide at least three free stories or similar content before those clicking on links via Google would have to subscribe, or otherwise pay, to access the content. Beginning this week, publishers will be allowed to decide how many free articles to offer through Google searches if any before requiring readers to pay. Googles users seek high-quality content, the company said, and while its search engine is there to help users find that content, sometimes it is behind a paywall. Users have become more accustomed to paying for news, and those payments are more important than ever for news publishers who view online subscriptions as key to a successful business model, said Richard Gingras, vice president of news for Google. To replace the first click free policy, Google has introduced flexible sampling, which will let media and news content publishers determine what works best. In addition, Google announced that it is building a suite of products and services designed to aid news publishers in reaching a greater audience, and to help drive subscriptions and grow revenue. Moreover, Google will determine how it can simplify the purchase process, while making it easier for its users to get the full value from online subscriptions across the Google platform. Business of Search Google over the years has expanded its original focus to undertake everything from developing a mobile phone operating system to carrying out experimental projects, including development of autonomous vehicle technologies. Still, its core business always has been built around search and of course, the advertising dollars that search can provide. However, Googles strategies have not been welcomed by content publishers, which in essence were forced to give away potentially valuable content. This latest switch in strategy suggests that Google has listened to publishers criticisms and now will allow them to determine for themselves what to offer in the way of potential loss leaders in order to attract a larger audience. The New York Times already gives non-subscribers access to 10 articles per month, for example, Google noted. Googles first click free policy in exchange for prominence in its search results was largely loathed by publishers who hated being forced to provide readers free content, said Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT. That resistance is understandable on one level, but it also demonstrates the industrys short memory, he told the E-Commerce Times. Before and after the dot-com boom, traditional publishers tried and mostly failed mightily to successfully get readers to buy access to their content, King recalled. Googles first click free policy may have been inflexible, but it also provided a useful framework for consumers to try out new content and determine whether or not to sign-up for paid services. Subscription Model The first click free policy undermined publishers attempts to enforce a paywall, or even to instill in readers the value of the content, critics maintained. From the publishers perspective, many readers became too comfortable with the belief that online content always should be free. If those accessing the content from Google didnt have to pay for stories, it certainly lessened the need to subscribe. Publishers were caught between a rock (lack of exposure if they did not adhere to Googles first click free requirement) and a hard place (not getting paid for content people desired), observed Roger Entner, principal analyst at Recon Analytics. Google is certainly responding to the monetization and exposure concerns of the publishers, he told the E-Commerce Times. Google appears sincere in its intent to help publishers drive more subscriptions, said Greg Sterling, vice president of strategy and insights at the Local Search Association. The new policy gives publishers more freedom and control without hurting their rankings, and thats very positive, he told the E-Commerce Times. The other aspects using ad targeting tactics and other mechanisms to expose publisher content to the right audiences wont roll out for a little while, so well have to wait and see how that will work, Sterling said. Consumer Reaction This strategy may help publishers, but those doing the clicking may become frustrated if paywall after paywall is all the results offer. At this point, its hard to say how, or how positively, consumers will react to the new policy, said Pund-ITs King. Publishers are likely to celebrate their new-found flexibility, but the fact that theyll have the options to present material any which way they choose is likely to result in considerable confusion among prospects and customers, he noted. If the problem is significant or long-lasting, it wont be surprising to see at least some publishers shift back to a free content model similar to Googles, King added. There may not be an immediate change due to the shift, though. It will be a slow and gradual process where people will have to learn that quality content does not come for free, suggested Recon Analytics Entner. There will be resistance at first but ultimately, you get what you pay for. The Senate Republicans narrow passage of the 2018 budget plan on Thursday opened the door for oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve (ANWR). But Democratic lawmakers and environmental groups criticized the GOP for sneaking the backdoor drilling provision through the budget process. Past proposals to drill in the refuge have consistently failed. The budget was passed through a legislative tool known as reconciliation which only requires a simple majority, rather than 60 votes. The budget was approved 51-49, with Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul joining Democrats in opposition, paving the way for President Trumps tax overhaul proposal. Drilling ANWR would raise revenue for Trumps tax plan that cuts taxes for the rich. ANWR, the largest protected wilderness in the U.S., consists of more than 19 million acres of pristine landscapes and is home to 37 species of land mammals, eight marine mammals, 42 fish species and more than 200 migratory bird species. The budget passed by the Senate today sets in motion a sellout of some of our most iconic public lands and waters to the highest bidder, in order to fund tax breaks for billionaires, said Earthjustice president Trip Van Noppen. Drilling in the Arctic Refuge is not a budget issue, and should not be part of the budget reconciliation process, Van Noppen added. This is a blatant attempt to use the budget reconciliation process to pass a divisive and controversial proposal that would lead us in the wrong direction on climate. Senate Democrats, led by Maria Cantwell of Washington, offered an amendment to the Senates budget resolution that would block drilling in the Alaskan refuge but the measure failed 48-52 mostly along party lines. Republicans led a sneak attack that turned public lands over to polluters, Cantwell said. Democrat Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon also said that there is something cynical and sad about opening ANWR since it would increase oil output from a state being impacted by climate change the fastest. Conservatives have sought for decades to open up parts of the refuge to create jobs and boost the energy sector. As Reuters reported, Republicans have targeted the so-called 1002 area on the Prudhoe Bay in Northern Alaska, which has an estimated 12 billion barrels of recoverable crude. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who has long championed opening up the Arctic Refuge to drilling, called the 1002 a non wilderness area since the government set it aside for petroleum exploration decades ago. But Earthjustice noted that the targeted area hosts migratory bird species and endangered wildlife and is considered to be sacred to the indigenous Gwichin people, who sustain themselves from the caribou that migrate there. Americans should be outraged at the shameless hijacking of the federal budget process. This fight is far from over, said Wilderness Society president Jamie Williams. Now is the time for Americans across the country to speak out. Congress cannot sneak this through the back door when they think nobody is looking. The Arctic Refuge is simply too fragile and special to drill, and we have a moral obligation to protect it for future generations of Americans. The Wilderness Society pointed out that the battle is not over yet. The Senates drilling provision is just the first step towards drilling in the Arctic Refuge, the organization stated. It requires the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to draft instructions to reduce the federal deficit through revenues created by oil and gas leasing in the refuge. The House has already passed a similar budget provision, but both houses of Congress must now work to reconcile their budget versions before final passage and delivery to the president. Reporting by Saulo Araujo Houses without roofs and trees without leaves is all the eyes could see in the week following the devastation that Hurricane Maria wrought. The Category 5 storm with 150+ miles per hour winds was the strongest to hit the island in over a century, leaving the entire population without water and power. Weeks later 3 million people are still without electricity. Up in the mountains, small-scale farmers lost their crops, and their ability to feed their families was abruptly leveled. La Organizacion Boricua de Agricultura Ecologica (Boricua) a grassroots organization of more than 100 families made up of small-scale farmers, farmworkers and organizers across Puerto Rico and the islands of Vieques & Culebra, continues working to communicate with their members in rural areas and to assess the damages. Boricua has made great progress in the last three decades to organize and support farmers, facilitate farmer-to-farmer trainings, and build solidarity nationally and globally. They are helping to fuel agroecology on the island, bringing locally grown, nutritious food to their communities and to market. Eighty percent of the islands crop value has been lost as a result of the hurricane. And photos and reportsdirectly from WhyHungers grassroots partners in Puerto Rico and according to other mainstream news outletsshow plantations stripped bare, greenhouses lying in pieces on the ground like a fallen house of cards, chicken coops scattered and banana trees uprooted. The implications for hunger and food insecurity might seem less dire when you consider that almost 85 percent of the food consumed in Puerto Rico is imported. Cant food just be shipped and flown in for disaster relief while the regular distribution infrastructure is rebuiltnamely, grocery stores and other food purveyors? But it is not that simple. Immediate and short-term aid is sorely needed, but the long view suggests that a system that relies on corporations and mega farms to feed the island, largely controlled by and benefiting the U.S. mainland, is a system that will leave people and the land destitute again and again as predictably more frequent and powerful storms will make landfall on the island in the years ahead. Before and After La Organizacion Boricua de Agricultura Ecologica In addition to amplifying the need for food, medical help and clean water in the coming months, we also must amplify the need to advocate for climate justice and an end to political and economic policies that continue to hold the people of Puerto Rico hostage. Rebuilding systems that have failed the majority of the Puerto Rican people and its biodiversity does nothing to cultivate the resiliency needed to confront the escalating damage of climate change. Only small-scale farmers practicing agroecology can effectively and responsively feed communities and cool the planet. The farmers of Boricua and their work to spread agroecology are critical to the development of a food system that nourishes both people and the planet. Agroecological food production contributes to and relies on biodiversity in the local ecologya key element in mitigating climate change while strengthening the resiliency necessary to withstand natural disasters. Rebuilding the infrastructure for local food production is essential to Boricuas on-going struggle for food sovereignty and their ability to build a sustainable food source into the future. The social organization necessary to spread agroecology is a key part of the methodology. Boricua has formed and used brigades or groups formed by farmers and community members over the last quarter of a century to spread the practice and philosophy of agroecology. This farmer-to-farmer solidarity practice is one of the main organizing tools the organization has used to mobilize dozens of farmers and volunteers to help each other within hours after the hurricane subsided. As the U.S. government drags their feet on humanitarian support, the brigades will play an especially critical role in rebuilding Puerto Ricos food system from the ground up. WhyHunger has been working with Boricua to make sure farmers have seeds, tools and food needed for the months ahead. Boricua and WhyHunger are also raising funds for transportation and other expenses that the brigades will need to move between communities, carrying supplies and sharing knowledge. Supporting Puerto Ricos efforts to forge a future for food sovereignty means acknowledging and advocating for a reversal of the unjust and antiquated policies that have led to the debt crisis. For instance, the Jones Act, passed just after World War I, stipulates that shipping between U.S. ports be conducted with American-made ships staffed by American crews. This protectionist act was preventing foreign ships to deliver much needed humanitarian aid from foreign sources in the wake of Maria, before the Trump administration finally lifted the act for a ridiculously short period of 10 days. Repealing the Jones Act coupled with debt relief, which some economists estimate has prevented the growth of the Puerto Rican economy to the tune of some 17 billion dollars, is perhaps the islands best chance at achieving food sovereignty and some level of economic wholeness. That is why grassroots alliances and their partners and allies have come together to demand debt relief for Puerto Rico and a repeal of the Jones Act, with an ongoing petition. As the executive director of UpRose, Brooklyns oldest Latino organization founded by Puerto Rican activists in the Civil Rights era, Elizabeth Lampierre wrote on their blog: In working closely with the Climate Justice Alliance and our partners, we have been in communication with grassroots leadership on the ground in Puerto Rico. At this critical time, the way that we support the Puerto Rican people must be shaped by the needs articulated by this local leadership. This means following their lead and supporting their platform, including putting the island on the path toward regenerative energy, economic democracy, food sovereignty, control over land use, and community autonomy. We know that natural disasters like Hurricane Maria are becoming more frequent as climate change proceeds unabated. And thats why we need to support and amplify post-disaster rebuilding efforts in Puerto Rico and around the world that look to transform structures, practices and policies that promotes ecological biodiversity, environmental resilience and political sovereignty. Join us and the Climate Justice Alliance in solidarity with the people of Puerto Rico and demand Congress pass an immediate substantial federal Just Recovery and Relief Aid Package. BETHESDA, MD - Low levels of physical activity and inefficient sleep patterns intensify the effects of genetic risk factors for obesity, according to results of a large-scale study presented at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 2017 Annual Meeting in Orlando, Fla. These results confirm and strengthen previous findings based on self-reported activity. Andrew Wood, PhD, postdoctoral researcher, who presented the work; Timothy Frayling, PhD, Professor; and their colleagues at the University of Exeter Medical School study the genetics of body mass index (BMI) and Type 2 Diabetes. In the past, Dr. Frayling explained, it has been difficult to measure interactions between genetic risk factors and aspects of environment and lifestyle in a systematic way. "Until recently, physical activity and sleep patterns could not be measured with as much precision as genetic variants, and we relied on diaries or self-report, which can be very subjective," Dr. Frayling said. In contrast, the new study made use of wrist accelerometer data, which is more objective and quantifiable, and a large genetic dataset from about 85,000 UK Biobank participants aged 40 to 70. "We wanted to find out if obesity-related genes and activity level have an interactive effect on obesity risk - if there is a 'double whammy' effect of being both at genetic risk and physically inactive, beyond the additive effect of these factors," said Dr. Wood. The researchers computed a genetic risk score for each participant based on 76 common variants known to be associated with elevated risk of obesity, and analyzed this score in the context of accelerometer data and participants' BMIs. They found the strongest evidence to date of a modest gene-activity interaction. For example, for a person of average height with 10 genetic variants associated with obesity, that genetic risk accounted for a 3.6 kilogram increase in weight among those who were less physically active but just 2.8 kilograms among those who were more active. Results were similar in analyses of sleep patterns; among participants with some genetic risk of obesity, those who woke up frequently or slept more restlessly had higher BMIs than those who slept more efficiently. The researchers are currently examining whether this interaction between genetics and physical activity differs between men and women. They are also studying the effects of patterns of activity - for example, whether a consistent level of moderate activity has different effects from overall low levels punctuated by periods of vigorous activity. "We hope these findings will inform clinicians who help people lose or maintain their weight, and contribute to the understanding that obesity is complex and its prevention may look different for different people," said Dr. Frayling. "Ultimately, with further research, we may have the scope to personalize obesity interventions," he said. ### Presentation: Dr. Wood will present this research on Friday, October 20, 2017, from 9:15-9:30 a.m., in Room 310C, Level 3, South Building, Orange County Convention Center. Press Availability: Dr. Wood and Dr. Frayling will be available to discuss this research with interested media on Thursday, October 19, 2017, from 12:30-1:00 p.m. in the ASHG 2017 Press Office (Room 210D). References: Wood AR et al. (2017 Oct 20). Abstract: Gene x environment interactions in the UK Biobank study: Evidence that both physical inactivity and sleep inefficiency accentuate the genetic risk of obesity. Presented at the American Society of Human Genetics 2017 Annual Meeting. Orlando, Florida. The energy and climate benefits of cool roofs have been well established: By reflecting rather than absorbing the sun's energy, light-colored roofs keep buildings, cities, and even the entire planet cooler. Now a new study by the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) has found that cool roofs can also save water by reducing how much is needed for urban irrigation. Based on regional climate simulations of 18 California counties, Berkeley Lab researchers Pouya Vahmani and Andrew Jones found that widespread cool roof adoption could reduce outdoor water consumption by as much as 9 percent. In Los Angeles County, total water savings could reach 83 million gallons per day, assuming all buildings had reflective roofs installed. Their study, "Water conservation benefits of urban heat mitigation," was published in the journal Nature Communications. "This is the first study to look at the link between water and heat mitigation strategies in urban areas," Vahmani said. "You might not do cool roofs just to save water, but it's another previously unrecognized benefit of having cool roofs. And from a water management standpoint, it's an entirely different way of thinking - to manipulate the local climate in order to manipulate water demand." One impetus for the study was to investigate how a future warmer climate would affect the demand of water, especially as more cities are seeking out climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. "While urban heat mitigation strategies have been shown to have beneficial effects on health, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions, their implications for water conservation have not been widely examined," Vahmani and Jones write in their study. Cool roofs can reduce water demand by reducing the ambient air temperature - this study found urban cooling ranging from 1 to 1.5 degrees Celsius - which means lawns and other landscaping need less water. The scientists, both in the Lab's Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division, acknowledge that modification of human behavior may be needed in order to realize this water-savings benefit. "There is a key assumption in here that people would adjust their irrigation behavior in response," Jones said. "In order to reap the benefits, we would need people to be aware of the appropriate amount of water, or else use sensors or smart irrigation systems, which are a good idea anyway." Furthermore, they found that the water-savings benefit was even stronger on hotter days. "So that's an indication that in a future climate, where hot days are occurring much more frequently, the added benefit of doing cool roofs might be even more dramatic," Jones said. "But that has yet to be investigated." Vahmani and Jones used a high-resolution regional climate model for their analysis; Vahmani then added a component to the model to account for irrigation water. "It basically adjusts soil moisture to mimic irrigation events," Vahmani said. "We also used remote sensing data to improve the representation of physical characteristics of the land surface, which resulted in improved model performance." The model was validated with data from Northern California's Contra Costa Water District for customers who were irrigation-only users. "The irrigation water demands simulated by the model were matched quite well by the customer data, given the complex nature of urban irrigation," Vahmani said. Model simulations were run over 15 years in 18 counties in Northern and Southern California, assuming a control scenario that reflects the current status of the urban areas, and a cool roof scenario in which all buildings had commercially available cool roofs installed. Countywide irrigation water savings ranged from 4 percent to 9 percent, with per capita savings largest in medium density environments, or those with a mix of buildings and landscaping. "It's in the suburban areas where you see the most water savings," Jones said. The study also confirmed a finding that has been emerging: that water conservation measures that directly reduce irrigation, such as drought-tolerant landscaping, can have the unintended consequence of increasing temperatures in urban areas. Vahmani and Jones ran a simulation of the most extreme case - a complete cessation of irrigation - and found a mean daytime warming of 1 degree Celsius averaged over the San Francisco Bay Area. "These results show that the warming signal from strategies that focus only on outdoor water-use reductions can meaningfully offset the cooling effects of a major heat mitigation strategy, such as citywide cool roof deployment," they write. Modeling microclimates With climate effects increasingly playing out at urban scales, Berkeley Lab scientists are looking to apply their models in urban areas with large population centers and concentrated infrastructure. "This study is part of a larger effort to improve our ability to model microclimates in urban areas and other climate phenomena at decision-relevant scales," Jones said. "For example, we're also interested in using this to look at the role of fog in the microclimates of the Bay Area." These efforts are also part of Berkeley Lab's Water Resilience Initiative, part of which aims to develop approaches to predict hydroclimate at scales that can be used to guide water-energy strategies. Vahmani and Jones plan to follow up this study by expanding into agriculture as well as investigating strategies for mitigating hot weather and growing water demand. "First we want to see how much climate change will increase water demand. Next will be to come up with strategies to counter that," Vahmani said. "In urban areas, we'll look at how cool roofs can ameliorate both extreme heat demand and irrigation demands associated with future warming. Whereas in agricultural areas, the strategies will have to do with irrigation technology and what kind of crops you're growing." ### The work was funded through Berkeley Lab's Laboratory Directed Research and Development program, which is designed to seed innovative science and new research directions. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory addresses the world's most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab's scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel Prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. For more, visit http://www.lbl.gov. DOE's Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit science.energy.gov. LIVERMORE, Calif. - Can fatigue be predicted? Can life-threatening fatigue be differentiated from recoverable fatigue? A team of researchers led by Sandia National Laboratories is seeking answers to these questions through the Rim-to-Rim Wearables at the Canyon for Health, or R2R WATCH, study, a collaboration with the University of New Mexico and the National Park Service and funded by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. Fatigue is defined as extreme tiredness, typically resulting from overexertion -- either physical or mental -- or illness. We easily recognize our own fatigue when it hits, but the cause and seriousness are often unclear. "We sometimes sense that we are getting sick or that stress is beginning to affect our health," said Glory Emmanuel Avina, Sandia's R2R WATCH principal investigator. "With this study, we hope to identify predictive signatures for fatigue and quantify the type of fatigue. Is it manageable, meaning your body can recover once the cause is removed, or is it indicative of a potentially catastrophic health outcome?" The three-year study of rim-to-rim hikers at the Grand Canyon seeks to predict the early onset of declines in performance and health. The first round of data collection, held last fall, tested wearable fitness devices for data collection, refined cognitive tests and identified correlations between fatigue and declines in cognitive abilities. The team recently conducted the second round, which collected higher quality data and confirmed analyses of the early trends identified in the first round. Further studies will refine the predictive ability of the models. Rim-to-rim: Marathon in a canyon The morning of the study, hikers at the South Kaibab trailhead marvel at the fresh snow on the opposite side of the Grand Canyon as the sun peeks above the horizon. It's 27 degrees. A physical trial lies ahead: 21 miles from rim to rim, including a one-mile change in elevation, extreme swings in temperature and the mental challenge of the uphill second half. The first set of R2R WATCH participants, a military group, arrives at 3 a.m. Sandia and UNM teams collect vital health information from the volunteer hikers, administer cognitive tests and outfit them with wearable fitness devices. These devices will provide a window into the hikers' physiological changes during their rim-to-rim trek. "This study allows us to correlate physiological and cognitive markers with rim-to-rim hike performance," said Cathy Branda, the Sandia project manager. "We can also compare military study participants to civilian volunteer hikers, a comparison of great interest to DTRA." According to Emmanuel Avina, identifying which physiological and cognitive markers are most important for predicting performance and fatigue poses a scientific challenge. Combining those markers with their different sensor-technology requirements into a single wearable device will be a future engineering feat. "Our eventual goal is real-time data analytics," Emmanuel Avina said. "Right now we collect data and download it after the hike for analysis. But what if you could analyze data as it's being collected? If a real-time analysis showed evidence of physiological, cognitive or genetic predictors of fatigue, individuals could receive early warnings of potential health concerns." Great partners equal to challenge of R2R WATCH Sandia's R2R WATCH study began in 2016 in response to a DTRA call for proposals to evaluate commercial and government off-the-shelf wearable devices. R2R WATCH is an extension of a previous UNM/NPS study -- launched in 2015 by Emily Pearce, a former Grand Canyon park ranger -- that focused on the nutritional intake of rim-to-rim hikers. "UNM has years of experience in emergency response, clinical populations, blood work and nutritional data. We are also thankful that the National Park Service allowed our study to take place in the Grand Canyon, which offers both a controlled environment and an ideal setting for studying performance and fatigue since the hikers have to come back up after descending into the canyon depths," Emmanuel Avina said. Sandia provides expertise in collecting data from the wearable devices, fusing the multiple data streams from the wearable devices, cognitive tests, biometrics and blood samples and teasing out meaningful trends. Sandia's advanced capabilities in computational analysis are crucial to solving this part of the problem. The data generated by military personnel in the study is analyzed to understand performance decline in national security settings. Ed Argenta, Science & Technology manager for DTRA's Chemical and Biological Technologies Department, said the project will enable DTRA to use real-time data collection and quantitatively show how markers relate to nonlaboratory, mission-relatable performance tasks. Findings on individual markers will inform which wearable devices are most useful both in the attributes they measure and the logistics of use. "The partnership between Sandia and UNM has benefited DTRA tremendously," Argenta said. "The Sandia team has provided strong connections with military communities of interest and has recruited individuals to participate in the data collection events. The data collected is critical for analysis and algorithm development, which Sandia is managing and performing as well." Argenta said UNM provided subject-matter expertise on the medical perspective and brought innovative ideas to the project, benefiting the project's data package and subsequent analysis. "Overall the entire team has been great to work with, and our department looks forward to continuing the partnership with Sandia and UNM under this effort," Argenta said. "The ultimate goal of developing an early warning to a biological or chemical exposure capability for our warfighters is important. Without great partners, it will not come to fruition." R2R WATCH third phase this fall The team will collect more R2R WATCH data in a third phase this fall. Future analyses will include examining how accurately heart rate variability captures the onset of fatigue and matching effort profiles to effects on the metabolic panel data collected before and after the hike. "Like other human-subjects studies, the R2R WATCH study is a balancing act between pursuing science and being considerate of the participants." Emmanuel Avina said. "We can't just throw devices on a person and stick them with a needle. You have to balance caring about a person's rim-to-rim hiking experience with collecting solid, unbiased data that answers key research questions." ### Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory operated by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration. Sandia Labs has major research and development responsibilities in nuclear deterrence, global security, defense, energy technologies and economic competitiveness, with main facilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Livermore, California. Five years ago, Superstorm Sandy devastated the U.S. east coast, taking the lives of 34 New Jersey residents, destroying hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses, and causing over $62 billion in damage. The NJIT community responded to the disaster with immediate assistance and farsighted planning for the future. (Video) During the height of the storm, NJIT graduate students studying emergency management were embedded in Newark's Office of Emergency Management to help the city's administration respond to the disaster. In the immediate aftermath of Sandy, NJIT students serving as emergency-management interns in the Business Emergency Operations Center, supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, worked to help ensure that donations which included food and clothing reached the Newark area's neediest residents. Alternative Spring Break in the years following saw hundreds of students and other volunteers from NJIT assisting with the cleanup of debris, the renovation of homes and businesses, and the planting of protective dune grass on beaches in communities hard-hit by the storm. Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno expressed special appreciation on behalf of the state for these efforts in 2014. Taking a longer and more comprehensive view of events such as Sandy, NJIT established the Center for Resilient Design, an architectural think tank dedicated to the rebuilding of storm-afflicted areas in sustainable ways that can withstand future natural disasters. Through applied research, experiential learning and civic engagement, NJIT continues to be at the forefront of post-Sandy rebuilding efforts, addressing issues such as climate change and sea level rise to provide residents, business owners, design professionals and government officials with actionable 21st century, ready-to-build designs and expertise. ### About NJIT One of the nation's leading public technological universities, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is a top-tier research university that prepares students to become leaders in the technology-dependent economy of the 21st century. NJIT's multidisciplinary curriculum and computing-intensive approach to education provide technological proficiency, business acumen and leadership skills. With an enrollment of 11,400 graduate and undergraduate students, NJIT offers small-campus intimacy with the resources of a major public research university. NJIT is a global leader in such fields as solar research, nanotechnology, resilient design, tissue engineering, and cybersecurity, in addition to others. NJIT is among the top U.S. polytechnic public universities in research expenditures, exceeding $130 million, and is among the top 1 percent of public colleges and universities in return on educational investment, according to PayScale.com. NJIT has a $1.74 billion annual economic impact on the State of New Jersey. (Portland, Ore.) October 17, 2017 - Oregon shore crabs exhibit risky behavior when they're exposed to the antidepressant Prozac, making it easier for predators to catch them, according to a new study from Portland State University (PSU). The study, published in the journal Ecology and Evolution, illustrates how concentrations of pharmaceuticals found in the environment could pose a risk to animal survival. For years, tests of seawater near areas of human habitation have shown trace levels of everything from caffeine to prescription medicines. The chemicals are flushed from homes or medical facilities, go into the sewage system, and eventually make their way to the ocean. In a laboratory, the PSU team exposed Oregon shore crabs to traces of fluoxetine, the active ingredient in Prozac. They found that the crabs increased their foraging behavior, showing less concern for predators than they normally would. They even did so during the day, when they would normally be in hiding. They also fought more with members of their own species, often either killing their foe or getting killed in the process. "The changes we observed in their behaviors may mean that crabs living in harbors and estuaries contaminated with fluoxetine are at greater risk of predation and mortality," said researcher Elise Granek, a professor in PSU's department of Environmental Sciences and Management. ### The team received funding from Oregon Sea Grant. About Portland State University (PSU) As Oregon's only urban public research university, Portland State offers tremendous opportunity to 27,000 students from all backgrounds. Our mission to "Let Knowledge Serve the City" reflects our dedication to finding creative, sustainable solutions to local and global problems. Our location in the heart of Portland, one of America's most dynamic cities, gives our students unmatched access to career connections and an internationally acclaimed culture scene. "U.S. News & World Report" ranks us among the nation's top 10 most innovative universities. http://www.pdx.edu Contact: Ken MaDirector of Media and Public Relations503-725-8789 It sounds cliche, but things do get worse before they get better when oil and gas lines are being cleared of contaminants, according to Rice University researchers. Until now, nobody knew exactly why. Asphaltene is a complex of hydrocarbon molecules found in crude oil. It is the source of valuable asphalt and can also be made into waterproofing and roofing materials, corrosion inhibitors and other products, but when it builds up in a pipeline, it's trouble. Asphaltenes are often called the "cholesterol" of the oil industry since they are known to coagulate and slow or even stop the flow of oil and gas in reservoir rock. Rice engineer Sibani Lisa Biswal and her colleagues used their unique microfluidic devices, instruments that use a small amount of fluid on a microchip to perform a test, to examine four commercial chemical dispersants that curtail the buildup of asphaltene in wells and pipelines. The devices allowed them to watch how the dispersants react with asphaltenes. The Rice-led study appears in the American Chemical Society journal Energy and Fuels. Ensuring flow through pipelines is paramount in oil and gas production, so advances that help keep lines clear are important to the industry. To date, chemical companies have generally performed static bulk tests on anti-asphaltene products, Biswal said. The Rice lab makes microfluidic devices with microscopic channels through which researchers can watch the dynamics of asphaltene deposition in real time, with or without dispersants and at a variety of flow rates. "Everything in our system is transparent," Biswal said. "Crude oil hasn't been very compatible with the microfluidic devices others are using (because the channels and pillars are too wide), and the type of devices we're making have only been possible with recent materials. We're one of the early groups to push the idea that we can use these systems to visualize oil flow processes The devices allow oil to flow around pillars that are only 125 microns wide and leave channels that are roughly the size of those in oil-bearing formations. Through a microscope, Biswal and lead author and Rice graduate student Yu-Jiun Lin watched as asphaltene formed delta-shaped clumps in front of and behind the pillars, eventually filling in the channels. When chemical dispersants were added to the crude, the researchers saw something they didn't expect: The deposits appeared even sooner, but then began to break down and fall away in the flow. Dispersants are designed to make asphaltene particles smaller, and the experiments proved they do. "The idea is, if you make the crude oil nanoparticles smaller, it's less likely that they're going to be able to deposit inside a pipeline or plug porous media," Biswal said. "But almost all tests up to now have been done on a bulk scale and very few under flowing conditions. Companies were just seeing if their chemicals make particles smaller. And they do. What they didn't understand is that the smaller the particle is, the less likely it's going to follow the fluid stream. In the presence of dispersants, deposits can actually get worse." The saving grace, she said, is that dispersants appear to chemically alter asphaltene by increasing repulsion between the aggregates. That makes it more difficult for particles to stick together. "We refer to them as softer asphaltenes," Biswal said. "It doesn't take much force to break up large aggregates." Lin said dispersant manufacturers typically use liters of crude oil in each test. "We just need a milliliter of crude, and we get better resolution than they do," he said. "When the asphaltene content is very low, traditional methods fail to see a difference in chemicals, or even a deposit." Co-authors of the paper are postdoctoral researcher Peng He, lecturer Mohammad Tavakkoli and Francisco Vargas, an assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, all from Rice; Nevin Thunduvila Mathew, Yap Yit Fatt and Afshin Goharzadeh of the Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; and John Chai, a professor of engineering and technology at the University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom. Biswal is an associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering and of materials science and nanoengineering. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., the Abu Dhabi Oil research and development subcommittee and the Petroleum Institute supported the research. ### Read the abstract at http://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.7b01827 Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews Video: https://youtu.be/2mah3t_KSew VIDEO CAPTION: Rice University researchers employ microfluidic devices to show how and why dispersants are able to break up deposits of asphaltene that hinder the flow of crude oil in wellheads and pipelines. In this time-lapse video, at top, as crude oil without dispersant flows through a device, deposits build up on the front and back of microscopic pillars. At bottom, with dispersant added, softened asphaltenes build up on the pillars and are then broken up by the flowing oil. (Credit: Biswal Lab/Rice University) Related materials: Asphaltene analysis takes a giant step: http://news.rice.edu/2015/02/23/asphaltene-analysis-takes-a-giant-step-2/ Biswal Lab: http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~biswalab/Biswal_Research_Group/Welcome.html Vargas Research Laboratory: http://www.vargaslab.org Rice Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: https://chbe.rice.edu Rice Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering: https://msne.rice.edu Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,879 undergraduates and 2,861 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for quality of life and for lots of race/class interaction and No. 2 for happiest students by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. To read "What they're saying about Rice," go to http://tinyurl.com/RiceUniversityoverview. BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS -- Tufts Medical Center (Tufts MC) joins an elite group of institutions selected to lead national clinical trials in the Strategies to Innovate EmeRgENcy Care Clinical Trials Network (SIREN) Network, a new initiative of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance critical emergency medicine research. The SIREN Network is five-year NIH cooperative award that brings together 15 'Hub' institutions and their local 'spoke' sites to provide a national infrastructure for conducting large multi-site clinical trials. The Tufts SIREN hub, led by Principal Investigator (PI) Harry Selker, MD, MSPH, Executive Director of the Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies at Tufts MC, Dean of Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), and co-PI of the Johns Hopkins-Tufts Trial Innovation Center, joined with five other leading centers in emergency medicine research: Emory University (PI David Wright, MD), Brown University (PI Lisa Merck, MD, MPH), University of Arizona (PI Charles B. Cairns, MD), University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (PI Elizabeth Jones, MD), and Orlando Regional Medical Center (PI Linda Papa, MD) to create the "superhub" CORE-EM (COalition for REsearch in Emergency Medicine) Hub Alliance, which covers a large swath of the east and southeast United States. "SIREN is a national network of leading emergency medicine researchers that presents a unique resource for studying interventions in the often chaotic emergency environment. For many emergency interventions, treatment within the first few minutes is crucial, which is a challenge for rigorous research. Conducting trials in the emergency medicine setting, with expert clinical teams, is key to having real impact on emergency care" said Dr. Selker. Investigators across Tufts are involved in the SIREN Hub. Tufts MC, together with partners from the Tufts CTSI Clinical Research Network (Maine Medical Center, Central Maine Medical Center, Eastern Maine Medical Center, Baystate Medical Center, and Lahey Hospital and Medical Center), form the Tufts SIREN Hub and Spokes and will act as a coordinated network to develop and execute emergency medicine trials. The Tufts CTSI Clinical Research Network encompasses an urban quaternary care academic health center and large community-based hospitals in urban, suburban and rural areas, a mix that reflects much of the range of the 5,000-plus hospitals in the US, allowing for greater generalizability of research findings to clinical practice. Experts collaborating with Dr. Selker include: Michael R. Baumann, MD, Co-PI for the Hub and Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine, and Professor of Emergency Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine. Brien Barnewolt, MD, Chairman and Emergency Physician-in-Chief of the Emergency Medicine Department at Tufts MC Walter Chwals, MD, Chief of Pediatric Surgery at the Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts MC, and Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics Jonathan Davis, MD, Vice-Chair of Pediatrics for Research and Chief of the Division of Newborn Medicine at Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts MC Sophia Dyer, MD, Medical Director for Boston EMS Carl B. Heilman, MD, Chairman of Neurosurgery at Tufts MC and Professor of Neurosurgery at Tufts University Nicholas S. Hill, MD, Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Pulmonary and Critical Care and Sleep Division at Tufts MC Daniel Levine, MD, cardiologist at Tufts MC Ronald D. Perrone, MD, Scientific Director of the Tufts CTSI Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC), Associate Chief of the Tufts Division of Nephrology, and Medical Director of Kidney Transplantation at Tufts MC Reuven Rabinovici, MD, Chief of the Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery John Adam Reich, MD, Vice Chair for Critical Care and Director of the Cardiothoracic Unit Lauren Rice, MD, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Tufts University Deeb N. Salem, MD, Physician-in-Chief at Tufts MC, and the Sheldon M. Wolff Professor and Chairman of the Department of Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine Roman Schumann, MD, Vice-Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology, Vice-Chair of Tufts University Health Sciences Institutional Review Board David E. Thaler, MD, PhD, Neurologist-in-Chief at Tufts MC and Chairman of the Department of Neurology at Tufts University School of Medicine James E. Udelson, MD, Chief of the Division of Cardiology at Tufts MC The Tufts SIREN Investigators will begin running emergency medicine trials in 2017, with the first trial, BOOST-3 (Brain Oxygen Optimization in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Phase 3) beginning this fall. ### About Tufts Medical Center Tufts Medical Center is an exceptional, not-for-profit, 415-bed academic medical center that is home to both a full-service hospital for adults and Floating Hospital for Children. Conveniently located in downtown Boston, the Medical Center is the principal teaching hospital for Tufts University School of Medicine. Floating Hospital for Children is the full-service children's hospital of Tufts Medical Center and the principal pediatric teaching hospital of Tufts University School of Medicine. Tufts Medical Center is affiliated with the New England Quality Care Alliance, a network of nearly 1,800 physicians throughout Eastern Massachusetts. About the Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies (ICRHPS) The ICRHPS at Tufts Medical Center encompasses programs in clinical and health policy research, and provides a research culture and environment that facilitates cross-disciplinary studies. Its work spans the study of clinical features of disease; specific treatments and their optimal use; measurement of clinical, functional, and social outcomes of health care interventions; optimal use of clinical data and other evidence; comparative effectiveness; and the influence of socioeconomic, organizational, and policy factors on health and health care. The ICRHPS Center for Cardiovascular Health Services Research (CCHSR) has a 30 year history of running large, multi-center emergency cardiology, effectiveness trials that have demonstrated improved outcomes for patients with acute coronary syndromes and acute myocardial infarction. CCHSR's research focus is on the development of treatment strategies, clinical predictive instruments, methods, and systems aimed at improving medical care, especially emergency and cardiac care. About Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) Tufts CTSI, a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-supported partnership among all the schools of Tufts University; Northeastern University, Brandeis University, RAND; Tufts CTSI-affiliated hospitals, and health care industry and community organizations, was established in August 2008. Its purpose is to accelerate the translation of laboratory and medical research into clinical use, widespread medical practice, and into improved health care delivery and health policy. It connects people to research resources, consultation, and education, and fosters collaboration with scholars of all disciplines and with community members, with the ultimate goal of improving the health of the public. Tufts CTSI is currently funded by the NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, award number UL1TR001064. A delayed neurological response to processing the written word could be an indicator that a patient with mild memory problems is at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, research led by the University of Birmingham has discovered. Using an electroencephalogram (EEG) - a test that detects electrical activity in a person's brain via electrodes attached to their scalp - researchers studied the brain activity of a group of 25 patients to establish how quickly they processed words shown to them on a computer screen. The study, published in Neuroimage Clinical, was led by the University of Birmingham's School of Psychology and Centre for Human Brain Health and was carried out in collaboration with the Universities of Kent and California. The patients who took part were a mix of healthy elderly people, patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and patients with MCI who had developed Alzheimer's within three years of diagnosis of MCI. MCI, a condition in which someone has minor problems with mental abilities such as memory beyond what would normally be expected for a healthy person of their age, is estimated to be suffered by up to 20 per cent of people aged over 65. It is not a type of dementia, but a person with MCI is more likely to go on to develop dementia. Dr Ali Mazaheri, of the University of Birmingham, said: "A prominent feature of Alzheimer's is a progressive decline in language, however, the ability to process language in the period between the appearance of initial symptoms of Alzheimer's to its full development has scarcely previously been investigated. "We wanted to investigate if there were anomalies in brain activity during language processing in MCI patients which could provide insight into their likelihood of developing Alzheimer's. "We focused on language functioning, since it is a crucial aspect of cognition and particularly impacted during the progressive stages of Alzheimer's." Previous research has found that when a person is shown a written word, it takes 250 milliseconds for the brain to process it - activity which can be picked up on an EEG. Dr Katrien Segaert, of the University of Birmingham, adds: "Crucially, what we found in our study is that this brain response is aberrant in individuals who will go on in the future to develop Alzheimer's disease, but intact in patients who remained stable. "Our findings were unexpected as language is usually affected by Alzheimer's disease in much later stages of the onset of the disease. "It is possible that this breakdown of the brain network associated with language comprehension in MCI patients could be a crucial biomarker used to identify patients likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. "We hope to now test the validity of this biomarker in large population of patients in the UK to see if it's a specific predictor of Alzheimer's disease, or a general marker for dementia involving the temporal lobe. "The verification of this biomarker could lead the way to early pharmacological intervention and the development of a new low cost and non-invasive test using EEG as part of a routine medical evaluation when a patient first presents to their GP with concern over memory issues." ### For more information contact Emma McKinney, Communications Manager (Health Science), University of Birmingham, on +44 (0) 121 414 6681. For out-of-hours enquiries, please call +44 (0) 7789 921 165. Notes to Editors: The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world's top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 5,000 international students from over 150 countries. Mazaheri et al (2017). 'EEG oscillations during word processing predict MCI conversion to Alzheimer's disease'. Neuroimage Clinical. To read the paper in full visit https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2017.10.009 This work was supported by a National Institutes of Health Grant (R01-AG048252 to J.O.). The Centre for Human Brain Health (CHBH) is an inter-disciplinary brain research facility established with the mission of understanding what makes a brain healthy, how to maintain it, how to prevent and reverse damage and how to develop the next generation of interventions and tools for personalised brain healthcare. The Centre has a physical hub at the University of Birmingham, with members distributed throughout the city via close alliances with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the Institute of Translational Medicine, the Barberry National Centre for Mental Health, and Birmingham Children's Hospital. The Centre brings together expertise in discovery science (neuroscience, psychology, physiology, computer science, physics, social science and mathematics) with clinical research and practice in neurology, psychiatry and other disciplines related to brain dysfunction. Center for Development Research at the University of Bonn involved in research that shows how the tsetse fly can be tricked in Africa December 27, 2017: This press release is based on a publication in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, which is co-authored by a scientist now working at the University of Bonn. He previously worked at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology in Nairobi, Kenya, where the work described in the publication took place. We wish to clarify this in order to avoid the impression that the study has been carried out at the University of Bonn. Further information on the study and on research in this area can be obtained from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, http://www.icipe.org. In Africa, tsetse flies transfer the sleeping sickness also to cattle. This leads to huge losses in milk, meat and manpower. The damage in Africa is estimated to be about 4.6 billion US dollars each year. Prof. Dr. Christian Borgemeister from the Center for Development Research (ZEF) at the University of Bonn and his colleagues from Kenya and the UK have developed an innovative way of preventing the disease. The scientists took advantage of the fact that tsetse flies avoid waterbucks, a widespread antelope species in Africa. The scientists imitated the smell of these antelopes. If the cattle were equipped with collars containing the defense agent, more than 80 percent of the cattle were spared from the feared infection. This research results are presented in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Tsetse flies are widespread in Africa. They feed on blood and can transfer the dreaded sleeping sickness. The infection can be lethal and damages the nervous system and, in the final stage, causes a dozy state, which gave the disease its name. Many people in tropical Africa are directly endangered, but the transfer to cattle also has drastic consequences for agriculture by reducing the production of milk, meat and labor. In the fight against sleeping sickness, Prof. Dr. Christian Borgemeister of the Center for Development Research (ZEF) of the University of Bonn and a team of researchers from the International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), the Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (both in Kenya) and Rothamsted Research, Harpenden (Great Britain) pursued a new approach. The tsetse flies avoid waterbucks, an African antelope species, because they find the smell of the animals repellent. The international team of scientists first isolated, identified and synthesized the waterbuck's repellents in the laboratory. They then filled tiny amounts of the tsetse fly-repellent substance into plastic containers that were tied to the cattle with a collar. From then on the cattle exhaled the smell of the unloved waterbucks - as in the famous wolf in sheep's clothing the tsetse flies were deceived by the "antelope perfume". Waterbuck odor reduces disease rates by more than 80 percent This innovative method for disease prevention was tested in a large two-year field trial in Kenya. For the experiment, 120 Maasai herders provided more than 1,100 of their cattle. Compared to unprotected cattle, the disease rates of the animals wearing the collar treated with the virus were reduced by more than 80 per cent. In general, the animals with the protective collar were healthier, heavier, gave more milk, plowed more land and achieved significantly higher sales on regional markets. "All of this contributed to a significant improvement in the food security and household income of the pastoralist families involved," says Borgemeister. Compared to the animal medicines that are usually used to treat the disease, the collar method is significantly cheaper and thus more economical, tells the researchers. In addition, the new technology is very popular among the Maasai herders. Around 99 per cent of the shepherds would like to use the collars. "This method, successfully tested in practice, represents a significant advance for the food security of many pastoralists and cattle farmers in Africa," says Borgemeister. Since the collars are easy to apply with the antidote and do not entail high costs, the approach is particularly attractive and promising. ### Publication: Protecting cows in small holder farms in East Africa from tsetse flies by mimicking the odor profile of a non-host bovid, PLOS NTD, DOI: http://www.plosntds.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pntd.0005977 Media contact: Alma van der Veen Center for Development Research (ZEF) University of Bonn Phone + 49 (0)228 731846 E-mail: presse.zef@uni-bonn.de University brands have become a key factor in attracting top faculty and students, as well as funding and gifts. Two University of California, Davis, professors have been awarded a Sawyer Seminar grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to analyze what academic brands can tell us about the modern university. "Branding has become much more than a marketing strategy or a mere symptom of the corporatization and privatization of the university," said Mario Biagioli, co-principal investigator on the grant and the founding director of the Center for Science and Innovation Studies in the College of Letters and Science. The global expansion and diversification of academic brands is both a symptom and a cause of the profound changes that are affecting the university's function and identity, Biagioli said. "Brands are both crucial evidence of fundamental changes as well as tools to think critically about those changes," added Biagioli, who holds joint appointments in the Science and Technology Studies Program, the School of Law, and the Department of History. The seminar series, called "Academic Brands: Privatizing, Quantifying, and Transforming the University," will bring together scholars with different skills and perspectives that have not intersected before, said co-principal investigator Madhavi Sunder, senior associate dean of the UC Davis School of Law For example, the Sawyer Seminar will also explore the increasingly pervasive adoption of quantitative metrics of evaluation in the university and the hypothesis that metrics and excellence are related in the same way that excellence and brands are. "Paying attention to the introduction of metrics and the turning of academia into an 'audit society' provides a heuristic window on the co-emergence of branding and the discourse of excellence," Sunder said. The proposed seminar emerges from and builds on previous projects by the researchers. ### This is UC Davis' third Sawyer Seminar award, which requires an invitation to submit a proposal. The Mellon Foundation's Sawyer Seminars were established in 1994 to provide support for comparative research on the historical and cultural sources of contemporary developments. A Sawyer Seminar grant creates a temporary research center for interdisciplinary study and public programs. The $225,000 grant to UC Davis will fund a postdoctoral research fellow and two advanced graduate students. It will also underwrite the travel costs associated with bringing to UC Davis an array of scholars for a series of symposia in 2018. IN the long-established Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham, highly-skilled micro-businesses create and craft bespoke items using fine gems and precious metals. Often, they will take the source of their materials on trust, which can offer opportunities to rogue traders and make it difficult to develop policies towards corporate responsibility and environmental sustainability. Now, a University of Huddersfield professor has collaborated on a research project that examined the dilemmas facing the jewellery producers. It has led to pointers on how these specialised small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) can face up to economic, social and environmental challenges. If they can successfully demonstrate their credentials on issues such as sustainability and sourcing, it might give them a valuable edge in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. Morven McEachern is the University of Huddersfield's Professor of Sustainability. A recent co-authored article is The Fine Jewellery Industry: Corporate Responsibility Challenges and Institutional Forces Facing SMEs, published by the Journal of Business Ethics. She and her co-researchers used the high-value jewellery industry as a case study for how SMEs could develop corporate responsibility policies. The research was carried out by conducting in-depth interviews with designers, makers and other specialists based in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter, which has been established for more than 250 years and is home to some 500 businesses. Professor McEachern said that the jewellery businesspeople interviewed for the project were glad to co-operate. "They so keen for us to see what we could find out for them and what they could do to educate the public more. They know that if they go down the assured, more ethical route, other global competitors such as the Indian and Chinese markets will find it harder to compete with that." There was a high level of collaboration among the SMEs, said Professor McEachern, and the businesses were working closely with the Responsible Jewellery Council, which has a code of practice on labour rights, environmental impact, mining practices and other topics in the jewellery supply chain. A key theme that emerged during the research project was the role that trust played between SMEs in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter. For example, a supplier would often be taken at his word that a diamond was not from a conflict zone. But the article warns that "too much reliance on trust, particularly when it comes to mineral and gem provenance can destabilise jewellery corporate responsibility and perhaps open the door to potentially unscrupulous behaviour by rogue traders across the different stages of the chain, who might behave opportunistically". ### The article in Journal of Business Ethics is co-authored by Professor McEachern with Marylyn Carrigan of Coventry University, Caroline Moraes of The Open University and Carmela Bosangit of Cardiff University. URBANA, Ill. - Trailer parks offer an affordable place to live for 12 million people in rural America. Despite crude jokes, slurs, and the "trailer trash" stereotype that trailer park residents sometimes must endure, they are often families raising their children, hoping to grab hold of the American dream of home ownership. In her new book, Singlewide: Chasing the American Dream in a Rural Trailer Park, anthropologist and ethnographer Sonya Salamon and co-author Katherine MacTavish discuss how the American housing dream in rural trailer parks is often just that -- a dream -- that is rarely realized by those working poor families who call these parks home. Salamon, a professor emerita in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Illinois, along with MacTavish, an associate professor in Human Development and Family Science at Oregon State University, followed 39 families raising their school-aged children in three rural trailer park sites in the United States, each for one year. They examined the social and financial implications for families living in a trailer park. Throughout the year, the researchers immersed themselves in daily life in the parks, exploring the sense of community at each site and how the children in these parks were developing. The parks in their study included a predominantly white park in downstate Illinois, a predominantly Hispanic park in New Mexico, and a predominantly black park in North Carolina. Only families who owned their trailer homes, and lived in a land-lease trailer park were included in the study. In Singlewide, they present the stories of these families, including a few who moved up and out of the trailer park, but most who did not. "We emphasize that these families were striving to do the best for their children," Salamon says. "Instead of stigmatizing them as 'trailer trash,' we should realize that, for most of them, homeownership is a hard-won status and they are proud of that achievement." The residents in the parks, Salamon explains, were poor or of modest income, but they were not the poorest residents of rural trailer parks in America because they lived in land-lease parks where they owned their homes. People who rent their homes in rental trailer parks tend to be poorer. "Uniformly, though, the young families in our study parks wanted to move out. Their dream was a conventional home. That was a really strong theme. One family from each of the parks achieved moving out during or just after our study. They were distinctive in how they managed their pathway out of the park. Particularly important was that they had a plan and they weren't heavily in debt." But most of the families found themselves financially "trapped" in the trailer park. Salamon, explains, "We called it entrapment, because the most common loan that they get for their home was a chattel loan, the same kind of loan you get for a car. And they don't own the land underneath their home. Because it's somebody else's land, that makes them more vulnerable. The entrapment, if they bought new with this loan form, occurs because people were paying 13.5 percent or higher on a property that loses half its value in three years, like a car does. These are very expensive loans and their cost never comes down." To improve their housing situation, some families opt to "trade up," buying a new trailer with the same kind of loan in the same park from, at times, vertically integrated companies that not only own the parks, but also produce and sell the trailers, and provide the financing. Hoping to break through some of the stereotypes, the authors asked residents if they felt discriminated against because of where they lived, or had heard the slur "trailer trash" used. The answers varied by site and ethnic group. "We wanted to see whether there is a 'trailer trash' culture, which implies that everybody living in trailer park is alike--that they all live the same way. Our conclusion is that there really isn't a trailer park culture. The people in the three different sites, all very rural populations, looked like the people around them outside the park more than they look like a specific culture." One takeaway from the book is that the only people reporting that they consistently felt the "trailer trash" stigma were whites in the Illinois trailer park, and whites in the other sites. "We came to understand that the 'trailer trash' slur signified a middle-class put down, but it was also a variant of being called 'white trash,'" Salamon says. Interestingly, the white residents in the Illinois park also felt the least sense of community. "This lack of a sense of community may, to a certain extent, account for the behavior of a small number of residents--at the Illinois site--that helps bolster the 'trailer trash' stereotype over all those who live there. It really is a minority, though." During the year, the researchers were also looking at the effects from the neighborhoods surrounding the parks. They found that blacks and Hispanics, at the respective sites in North Carolina and New Mexico, were embraced by the communities or towns around them. "One man in New Mexico even ran for mayor," Salamon says. "They were really a part of the town. Being southern New Mexico, there was one dominant church, a Catholic church, and everyone belonged to it. You could see the difference in the sense of community there." But for the white families in Illinois, their trailer park was not incorporated into the nearby larger town, which Salamon says may have led to a greater sense of segregation and discrimination for the residents there. White youth living in Illinois seemed to find a sense of community with the other children who lived in the park, while at the other sites, it was in the wider community and within family for Hispanics, and among church and extended family members for blacks. Some youth found opportunities to move out of the park. "If a youth found some sort of middle class mentor, whether in a church or school, that was a major factor," Salamon explains. "The park youth all thought they wanted to go to college but most didn't have a clue about what it took - that was where a mentor made a difference. "One girl, a youth in the Illinois park, became close to a middle-class school friend and her family, and could essentially keep herself socially distant from the trailer park. She lived 'in' it but wasn't 'of' it. She ended up going to the U of I. Actually two girls from the park went to the U of I - a real achievement. As a consequence, like children from immigrant families, the girls changed enough that they were no longer as close to their roots as their parents might want. They moved on." By the conclusion of the book, Salamon, an expert on land-use and small towns in rural America, and MacTavish emphasize that trailer park families see themselves as "doing the best for their families," despite the financial and social pitfalls they may face. Singlewide is now available in paperback and can be purchased from Cornell Press, or wherever books are sold. ### For more information, visit sonyasalamon.com. New study shows logged rainforests shouldn't be written off as they have long-term conservation value Logged areas found to have the same temperature as pristine forests Study shows animals like the Bornean horned frog, Bornean keeled pit viper and Wallace's flying frog should be equally capable of hiding out when it gets too hot Tropical rainforests continue to buffer wildlife from extreme temperatures even after logging, a new study has revealed. Scientists had previously assumed that cutting down trees caused major changes to local climates within tropical forests - something which would have a devastating effect on the animals living there. However, new research conducted by the Universities of Sheffield, York and Universiti Malaysia Sabah, shows logged forests on the island of Borneo were thermally indistinguishable from the nearby pristine forest. This is good news for the huge diversity of globally important species that live in logged forests, which may have previously been further destroyed or converted into agricultural land. The international team of scientists examined the impact that commercial selective logging had on local temperature 9 - 12 years after the trees had been chopped down. This type of logging removes a large amount of timber and can be extremely disruptive to rainforest habitat - this is particularly evident in Southeast Asia. Rebecca Senior, a NERC ACCE PhD student from the University of Sheffield's Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, led the ground breaking study which is published today (Friday 20 October 2017) in the journal Global Change Biology. "This study highlights the resilience and conservation value of logged tropical rainforests. At a first glance it may be tempting to condemn these forests as disturbed beyond repair and convert them to agriculture. "But to do this would be sacrificing a biological haven, capable of supporting diverse species both in the present day and under the increasing threat from climate change. "Logging activity affects 20 per cent of the world's tropical rainforests and in many places only logged rainforest remains, so it is extremely positive news that even after trees have been logged the forest can continue to support many species of conservation." Rebecca added: "For long-term survival in logged forests it is vitally important that tropical species are able to respond to other threats - particularly climate change. "Many tropical species are picky about the temperatures they prefer but have limited options for coping with temperature change. When exposed to extreme heat, a common strategy for animals like frogs and insects is to move to a cool refuge - like people in a warm room moving towards an open window." During the study the researchers travelled to Borneo to establish whether intensive logging activity had altered the availability of cool refuges for animals like the Bornean horned frog, Bornean keeled pit viper, and Wallace's flying frog. "We recorded temperature using a thermal camera and tiny temperature loggers," said Rebecca. "After 9 - 12 years of recovery post-logging, the logged forest had a very different structure with fewer large trees and more young saplings. "Surprisingly, though, we discovered the average temperature and the availability of cool refuges was comparable with a pristine forest that had never been logged. "What this means is that regardless of whether the forest was logged or not, the animals that live there should be equally capable of hiding out when it gets too hot. "This will be increasingly necessary as average global temperatures rise, so it's important that we recognise the value of degraded forests and the speed with which they can recover, given the chance." Jane Hill, Rebecca's supervisor at the University of York, added: " Rebecca's study is important for helping us conserve tropical species in human-affected landscapes. Demonstrating the high value of degraded forest is good news for those species that may be vulnerable to climate change. " ### The Department of Animal and Plant Sciences at the University of Sheffield is one of the world's leading centres for animal biology. To study, here visit https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/aps Additional information The lead author, Rebecca Senior, is a PhD student in the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield. This work forms part of her PhD, funded by the NERC ACCE Doctoral Training Partnership that includes the Universities of Sheffield, York and Liverpool and the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. Co-author Dr David Edwards (main supervisor) is also based the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield. Prof Jane Hill (co-supervisor) is based at the Department of Biology, University of York. Co-author Suzan Benedick was the in-country collaborator for the research. She is based at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia. Publication details: Title: Tropical forests are thermally buffered despite intensive selective logging. Journal: Global Change Biology DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.13914 Publication date: 20th October 2017 Funding: Rebecca is funded by a NERC studentship through the ACCE (Adapting to the Challenges of a Changing Environment) Doctoral Training Partnership (Grant No. NE/L002450/1). For further information please contact: Amy Huxtable, Media Relations Officer, University of Sheffield, 0114 222 9859, a.l.huxtable@sheffield.ac.uk The University of Sheffield With almost 27,000 of the brightest students from over 140 countries, learning alongside over 1,200 of the best academics from across the globe, the University of Sheffield is one of the world's leading universities. A member of the UK's prestigious Russell Group of leading research-led institutions, Sheffield offers world-class teaching and research excellence across a wide range of disciplines. Unified by the power of discovery and understanding, staff and students at the university are committed to finding new ways to transform the world we live in. Sheffield is the only university to feature in The Sunday Times 100 Best Not-For-Profit Organisations to Work For 2017 and was voted number one university in the UK for Student Satisfaction by Times Higher Education in 2014. In the last decade it has won four Queen's Anniversary Prizes in recognition of the outstanding contribution to the United Kingdom's intellectual, economic, cultural and social life. Sheffield has six Nobel Prize winners among former staff and students and its alumni go on to hold positions of great responsibility and influence all over the world, making significant contributions in their chosen fields. Global research partners and clients include Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Unilever, AstraZeneca, Glaxo SmithKline, Siemens and Airbus, as well as many UK and overseas government agencies and charitable foundations. For further information, please visit http://www.sheffield.ac.uk To read other news releases about the University of Sheffield, visit http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/news Until recently, glaciers in the United States have been measured in two ways: placing stakes in the snow, as federal scientists have done each year since 1957 at South Cascade Glacier in Washington state; or tracking glacier area using photographs from airplanes and satellites. We now have a third, much more powerful tool. While he was a doctoral student in University of Washington's Department of Earth and Space Sciences, David Shean devised new ways to use high-resolution satellite images to track elevation changes for massive ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland. Over the years he wondered: Why aren't we doing this for mountain glaciers in the United States, like the one visible from his department's office window? He has now made that a reality. In 2012, he first asked for satellite time to turn digital eyes on glaciers in the continental U.S., and he has since collected enough data to analyze mass loss for Mount Rainier and almost all the glaciers in the lower 48 states. He will present results from these efforts Oct. 22 at the Geological Society of America's annual meeting in Seattle. "I'm interested in the broad picture: What is the state of all of the glaciers, and how has that changed over the last 50 years? How has that changed over the last 10 years? And at this point, how are they changing every year?" said Shean, who is now a research associate with the UW's Applied Physics Laboratory. The maps provide a twice-yearly tally of roughly 1,200 mountain glaciers in the lower 48 states, down to a resolution of about 1 foot. Most of those glaciers are in Washington state, with others clustered in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, Wyoming and Colorado, and in California's Sierra Nevada. To create the maps, a satellite camera roughly half the size of the Hubble Space Telescope must take two images of a glacier from slightly different angles. As the satellite passes overhead, moving at about 4.6 miles per second, it takes images a few minutes apart. Each pixel of the image covers 30 to 50 centimeters (about 1 foot) and a single image can be tens of miles across. Shean's technique uses automated software that matches millions of small features, such as rocks or crevasses, in the two images. It then uses the difference in perspective to create a 3-D model of the surface. The first such map of a Mount St. Helens glacier was obtained in 2012, and the first for Mount Rainier in 2014. The project has grown steadily since then to include more glaciers every year. The results confirm stake measurements at South Cascade Glacier, showing significant loss over the past 60 years. Results at Mount Rainier also reflect the broader shrinking trends, with the lower-elevation glaciers being particularly hard hit. Shean estimates cumulative ice loss of about 0.7 cubic kilometers (900 million cubic yards) at Mount Rainier since 1970. Distributed evenly across all of Mount Rainier's glaciers, that's equivalent to removing a layer of ice about 25 feet (7 to 8 meters) thick. "There are some big changes that have happened, as anyone who's been hiking on Mount Rainier in the last 45 years can attest to," Shean said. "For the first time we're able to very precisely quantify exactly how much snow and ice has been lost." The glacier loss at Rainier is consistent with trends for glaciers across the U.S. and worldwide. Tracking the status of so many glaciers will allow scientists to further explore patterns in the changes over time, which will help pinpoint the causes -- from changes in temperature and precipitation to slope angle and elevation. "The next step is to integrate our observations with glacier and climate models and say: Based on what we know now, where are these systems headed?" Shean said. Those predictions could be used to better manage water supplies and flood risks. "We want to know what the glaciers are doing and how their mass is changing, but it's important to remember that the meltwater is going somewhere. It ends up in rivers, it ends up in reservoirs, it ends up downstream in the ocean. So there are very real applications for water resource management," Shean said. "If we know how much snow falls on Mount Rainier every winter, and when and how much ice melts every summer, that can inform water resource managers' decisions." ### Shean will begin a faculty position this winter in the UW's Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, where he will explore those questions further for the U.S. as well as for other regions, like high-mountain Asia, where over a billion people depend on glacier-fed rivers for irrigation, hydropower and drinking water. Co-authors are Anthony Arendt at the UW's Applied Physics Laboratory, Erin Whorton at the Washington Water Science Center, Jon Riedel at the National Park Service and Andrew Fountain at Portland State University. The work was funded by the National Park Service, the USGS and NASA. For more information, contact Shean at 206-221-8727 or dshean@uw.edu. Wildlife managers and ranchers in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem soon will have a new mapping tool for reducing the risk of brucellosis outbreaks in cattle. That's thanks to research led by scientists at the University of Wyoming and the U.S. Geological Survey. The team of biologists built a computer model of elk behavior during spring migration to identify habitats with the highest risk of brucellosis spilling over from elk to cattle. Brucellosis is a bacterial disease carried by elk and bison that can cause pregnant females to abort their fetuses. It is transmitted by direct contact with the infected placenta, fetus or birthing fluid. Cattle can be infected by commingling with elk between February and June. Transmission peaks from March to May, the same months when most elk migrate to calving grounds and mountain summer ranges.v The scientists' migration model tracks spring snowmelt and green-up of forage to predict where elk will be when they abort. That information is crucial for managers charged with preventing disease transmission. If a cattle herd contracts the disease, it can lead to herd quarantines, increased testing and potential culling of the index herd and any contact herds sharing a fence line. These movement restrictions can be very costly for cattle producers. "Keeping elk and cattle separate during that crucial migration period ensures cattle don't come into contact with brucellosis," says Jerod Merkle, a postdoctoral researcher with the Wyoming Migration Initiative at UW. Merkle was lead author on a paper recently published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, a leading publication in the field. Using GPS collar data from nearly 300 elk captured on supplemental feedgrounds in Wyoming, the team of researchers built models of elk movement that decipher how elk respond to snow depth, plant green-up and other landscape features such as slope and aspect. The researchers then simulated elk distribution at daily intervals across five weather scenarios, varying the amount of winter snow and the timing of spring green-up. Given an average population of about 15,000 adult and yearling female elk in the southern greater Yellowstone ecosystem during the study period, the team's model predicts that, on average, about 700 abortions occur per year. As expected, the modeled distribution of where these abortions occur varies drastically depending on when snowmelt and green-up happen. In an average snow year, about 33 percent of the abortions occur within 1.5 miles of feedgrounds; 43 percent occur on national forests; 12 percent occur on private land; 7 percent occur on national parks or national wildlife refuges; and the rest occur across Bureau of Land Management, state and local government lands. During heavy snow years, the model showed the highest brucellosis transmission risk at lower elevations on or near feedgrounds, because elk are likely to abort before they migrate into the mountains. In years of winter drought with little snowfall, the modeled rate of abortions on feedgrounds declined 64 percent compared to heavy snow years. That's because elk migrated earlier in the calving season and were more likely to abort on higher-elevation transitional and summer ranges on other public lands (mainly national forests). Notably, the research team predicted little difference in the number of abortions that occur on private lands across the weather scenarios. While cattle in Wyoming are essentially free of brucellosis today thanks to testing and antibiotics, bovines were the original hosts from which the bacteria infected elk populations. Efforts to inoculate free-ranging elk against the disease have been largely unsuccessful, leading managers to turn to management measures to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Recent mitigation work by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has focused on changing practices at state-operated elk feedgrounds. By spreading out hay over larger areas of feedgrounds, and shortening the period of feeding, wildlife managers can reduce the chances of an elk aborting its fetus in a crowded situation where other elk would be exposed. That, in turn, may help lower the prevalence of the disease in elk and the risk of transmission to cattle. Importantly, the new modeling tool helps managers prioritize mitigation responses in areas outside of feedgrounds, by responding to when and where elk migrate during calving season. "Wildlife and livestock managers can utilize this model to focus prevention efforts in high-risk areas and minimize disease transmission," says Brandon Scurlock, leader of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department brucellosis program. Strategies to reduce elk and cattle contact include hazing elk away from cattle feeding areas, or postponing cattle turnout dates until risk of brucellosis transmission has subsided. ### This research was conducted in collaboration with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture, National Science Foundation, Greater Yellowstone Interagency Brucellosis Committee, Grand Teton National Park, Friday, October 20, 2017 Webinar Overview With PRIMEChat, top corporate communicators from some of the worlds most prominent organizations share compelling experiences, guidelines and insights promoting research in public relations. PRIME Research along with partner The Institute for Public Relations supports this series of one-on-one interviews featuring the professions top PR research thought-leaders. Presenters to date include speakers from McDonalds, SAP and KPMG. This latest installment features Dr. David Michaelson, Global Director of Research and Insights for Teneo. Dr. Michaelson will be interviewed by fellow IPR Commission member PRIME CEO Mark Weiner, a member of the Arthur Page Society and the author of books, essays and features about PR research. Speakers Dr. David Michaelson Global Director of Research and Insights Teneo David Michaelson, Ph.D. has 37 years of experience conducting high quality, actionable research for numerous Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 companies as well as leading non-profits. His clients include MetLife, Johnson & Johnson, The Coca-Cola Company and AT&T. He has extensive experience in information technology, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, employee communications and media analysis. Dr. Michaelson is a research fellow of the Institute for Public Relations, recipient of the Jackson, Jackson & Wagner Behavioral Science Prize awarded for outstanding contributions to the research body of knowledge, 2009 Measurement/Research Expert of the Year and induction into the Measurement Hall of Fame in 2013. He has also received numerous other awards including two Silver Anvils from PRSA. Along with Dr. Don W. Stacks, he is the author of the award winning A Professional and Practitioners Guide to Public Relations Research, Measurement, and Evaluation and three other books on measurement. Mark Weiner Chief Executive Officer PRIME Research Americas One of the worlds largest corporate communications research and consulting firms, PRIME employs more than 500 analysts and consultants who combine talent with technology to foster better business decisions among its global clients. Weiner joined PRIME as CEO in 2008. Prior to PRIME, Weiner was the Global Director and Senior Vice President of Ketchum Research where he led an international team of analysts before which he was the CEO of Delahaye, a corporate communications research and consulting firm. Weiner founded Medialink Research in 1994 which became Delahaye Medialink in 1999 after the acquisition of The Delahaye Group. Weiner is a member of the PR News Measurement Hall of Fame and delivered the Distinguished Lecture in Public Relations at Quinnipiac University. Weiner is a member of the Arthur W. Page Society, serves as a Trustee and the 2017 Chairman of the Measurement Commission for The Institute for Public Relations, and serves on the Advisory Board of the Museum of Public Relations. He is a member of the International Association of Business Communicators, the Public Relations Society of America and AMEC. Weiner sits on the editorial advisory boards of The Strategist and PR News. He is a regular contributor to PR Week, IABCs Communication World, PRSAs Tactics and The Strategist, and Commpro.biz/PR-ROI, as well as an active participant at conferences by The Institute for Public Relations, The Conference Board, ABERJE, the Association of National Advertisers, The American Marketing Association, The Arthur Page Society, IABC and PRSA. Since 1993, he has devoted his career to helping many of the worlds most respected organizations and brands to demonstrate and generate a positive return on their investment in corporate and brand communications. UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. Not every Penn State student can say her research has taken her halfway across the globe, but senior Emily Seiger can. The Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, native spent three weeks in Bangladesh conducting research related to food safety and hygiene practices. Background Seiger is a community, environment and development (CED) major with minors in international agriculture and nutritional sciences who also is a member of the Schreyer Honors College. By studying some of the social and scientific aspects of nutrition practices and helping to collect data in affected communities, Seiger is gaining insight into problems related to food safety, hygiene and food security around the world. At Penn State, Seiger works with nutrition professor Laura E. Murray-Kolb who is part of a team of researchers conducting a nutrition study the Malnutrition and Enteric Disease Project in eight locations around the world, including Bangladesh. The study follows children from birth until age 5, monitoring their nutrient statuses and cognitive functions. During her time in Bangladesh, Seiger was involved with the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, which is a hospital as well as a research institute where the study was conducted. Bangladesh One of the reasons Seiger went to Bangladesh had to do with a strange data correlation in the study. Data showed an unexpected relationship between child development and protein intake for children under 2. Protein intake is important for brain development, so it would make sense for there to be a positive relationship protein intake and child development. However, a negative relationship was found between protein intake from meat, fish and poultry sources and child development. These results created an interesting question what was causing the cognitive deficits? Seiger hypothesized unsafe food hygiene practices during preparation and storage of protein sources may have increased incidence of illness in these children, which negatively impacted their development. As part of the study, Seiger developed a questionnaire and had the chance to sit in on interviews with participating mothers. Interviewers asked the mothers about things such as their hand-washing techniques, food storage and their childs eating habits outside of the home. As the study is not yet complete, the full range of data is not available for analysis. However, Seiger has found some interesting data about food storage. Most of the mothers dont have refrigerators, she explained. Many of them store the leftovers with the raw, unrefrigerated food. Food storage is one possible explanation for the data we have collected. Seiger is looking forward to seeing the full scope of the data. Im really interested in research. The more I do it, the more I enjoy it and I think its super important. My career interests are to combine the science of nutrition with the social science of CED to get a more holistic view of food security, she added. Whats next? Later this month, Seiger will be one of five students from the college to attend the 2017 Borlaug Dialogue International Symposium at the World Food Prize, set for Oct. 18-20 in Des Moines, Iowa. The World Food Prize is an international honor that recognizes individuals who have helped improve the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world. The Borlaug symposium brings together international leaders, farmers, agribusiness executives, non-governmental organizations and development experts to address the most critical issues facing global food security. Seiger applied to attend the World Food Prize events after hearing about it from Daniel Tobin, who is in charge of the international agriculture minor. After filling out a short application, she was selected to attend the event. Seiger added, Im really excited. Its going to a great learning experience. As most of Seigers background is in nutrition, she is interested to learn more about the agricultural side of things. I want to learn about the problems agriculture can solve and Im interested to see whether or not nutrition will play a big role in what the speakers will be talking about and what they are considering for solutions. Im looking forward to see the interaction between agriculture and nutrition, she added. Funding for Seigers travel was provided by the INTAG Undergraduate International Research Competitive Grants program. Place Your Advert Register or sign in to advertise your job Farm groups across the EU are threatening to sue the European Commission if it fails to decide on a vote to grant glyphosate a new licence. Experts are due to debate whether or not glyphosate should be renewed for an extra 10 years on October 25. France has already decided that it will vote against the renewal, but Germany and the UK argue that it is necessary for farmers to grow crops. Uncertainty has spooked the EU farming industry, and many groups have threatened legal action if the Commission misses a December 15 deadline. France's cereals union LOrganisation des Producteurs de Grains has made clear legal action could be a necessary step. It wrote to European Commissioner for Health Vytenis Andriukaitis saying that it reserved the right to carry out action at the European Court of Justice should the EC fails to make a decision before December 15. Last week, Spains Union of Farmers and Ranchers also wrote to Mr Andriukaitis making a similar possibility. Romania's Association of Corn Producers also told the Commission it would be made accountable for damages at the ECJ should farmers suffer. 'Strong evidence' As talks step up, EU farm cooperative Copa and Cogeca has called for the re-authorization of glyphosate 15 years. It says strong EU scientific evidence has confirmed its safety. The group says that by failing to re-authorise would put food supplies at risk. Copa President Joachim Rukwied said: There is no rational reason not to re-authorise its use. EU scientists have agreed that there are no safety concerns when it comes to using glyphosate. The key scientific bodies involved in this case - Germany, the Member State in charge of the assessment, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) all clearly stated that there are no safety concerns vis a vis the use of this herbicide active substance. Farmers rely on it. In line with our European high safety standards, PPPs are used in Europe like any other technology to produce safe, quality, affordable food supplies to a growing population. Without renewal, the EU will put its farmers at a competitive disadvantage vis a vis non-EU producers. The statement comes as Member States ready themselves to discuss its renewal in the EU Standing Committee on October 25. 41 per cent of the British public are prepared to pay more for British produce, whilst 60 per cent of consumers try and buy British food whenever they can. According to new figures released by Defra in its Food Statistics Pocketbook 2017, a positive picture has been painted by the public for British farmers. When surveyed, 60% of shoppers agree that they try to buy British food whenever they can, while just 8% disagree. 77% agree that it is important to support British farmers while only 3% disagree. According to the survey, 45% think that British food tastes better, and just 9% disagrees. Whilst the figures are encouraging on the surface, a substantial amount of people surveyed appear to be indifferent to British produce and farmers. 38% of people are unsure whether they would like to pay more for British food, and 21% are unsure whether it is important to support British farmers. (Defra) 46% of people neither agree or disagree whether British food tastes better than foreign its counterparts. Buy British The figures, whilst a welcome sign for many that British produce is widely supported, can be seen as capable for small levels of improvement. It comes as news after a report released in September revealed that Brits' food confidence is declining as consumers shun foreign produce. According to the research, almost nine out of ten people in the UK do not trust foreign food chains, with just 12% of people having confidence in the European food chain and 7% in global food suppliers. Recent issues such as the fipronil egg scandal and the European horse meat scandal has made many Brits wary of foreign produce. It has led some businesses, such as British Lion Eggs, to lead calls for consumers to buy British when out shopping. Farming Minister George Eustice has even been in talks with the NFU to allow online grocery shoppers to buy British products online using a new labelling system for food. The NFU has told Defra Secretary Michael Gove the importance of volatility mitigation measures for farmers in a recent meeting. The NFUs Next Generation Forum presented Mr Gove the latest NFU report on a framework for success for a domestic agricultural policy post-Brexit on Thursday afternoon (19 Oct). The forum chairman Richard Bower said the meeting at Defra was an "excellent opportunity" to underline the importance of volatility mitigation measures that would allow farmers to operate and invest with greater certainty. In terms of combatting volatility, the report says the UK currently lacks the quality of market data, experience or institutional capacity required to deliver more targeted volatility mitigation measures for farmers. In order to facilitate their development, the government has been urged by the NFU to improve the provisioning and reporting of such market data. 'Biggest opportunity' Mr Bower said taking ownership of an agricultural policy is the "biggest opportunity" that British farming has had for more than four decades. Discussing this with Michael Gove was an opportunity that the NFU Next Generation forum relished, he said. What we outline in the latest report on a framework for success is our ambitions for where the nation needs farming to be in order to deliver more high quality British food to citizens, care for our countryside and contribute to the economy. In the meeting we focused on the importance of volatility mitigation measures as part of a future policy. This would allow farmers to operate and invest with greater certainty. This in turn would promote productivity as farmers can plan, invest and innovate with greater confidence and ensure that we can continue to deliver the environmental and welfare standards British citizens expect from their farmers. Young farmers Mr Bower said the impact of Brexit will be felt most by the next generation of farmers. Thats why its so important that our forum, and any other young farmer, has a voice in the Governments Brexit negotiations. We are keen to grasp the opportunity Brexit presents and ensure a healthy and vibrant future for farming, he said. Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: I was delighted to meet members of the NFUs Next Generation Forum yesterday, as an organisation who play an incredibly valuable role in helping us develop future agricultural policy. I am determined to do all I can to help our farmers take full advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead and I look forward to working closely with the NFU and all our young farmers as we develop a bold new approach outside the EU. Summary Company Announcement Date: October 19, 2017 FDA Publish Date: October 25, 2017 Product Type: Food & Beverages Food & Beverage Safety Reason for Announcement: Recall Reason Description Salmonella Company Name: Relish Foods Inc. Brand Name: Brand Name(s) Newport Product Description: Product Description Tuna Loins Company Announcement On October 13, 2017, Relish Foods, Inc of Culver City, California voluntarily initiated the recall of Frozen Newport Brand Tuna Loins. The recall was the result of sampling by FDA which revealed that the product has potential to contain the bacteria Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. Relish Foods Inc is continuing the investigation with FDA as to what caused the problem. Product was distributed in Washington, Oregon, Northern California, Nevada, Idaho, and Arizona states between 8/15/2017 and 9/25/2017, through food service operations, retail stores, and restaurants. Product was distributed as 5 to 8 pound, vacuum packed, frozen whole tuna loins packed in 30 pound Newport brand master cases. Master cases are labeled with the production lot codes of MTNT 0947C, MTNT 0957B, MTNT 0967A, and MTNT 0977D. On the retail side this product would have been distributed to retailers Basha's, Randall's Fine Meats, Yokes Fresh Market, CalMart, Raley's, Concord Produce Market, Bel Air Market and Speedy Market and Nob Hill. Product was distributed to the following retail locations and may have been sold in an unbranded form: Retailer City State BASHA'S #71 TUCSON AZ BASHA'S #66 CAREFREE AZ BASHA'S #47 FOUNTAIN HILLS AZ RANDALS FINE MEATS FLAGSTAFF AZ YOKES FRESH MKT #07 DEER PARK WA YOKES FRESH MKT #10 MEAD WA YOKES FRESH MKT #13 KENNEWICK WA YOKES FRESH MKT #11 SPOKANE WA YOKES FRESH MKT #05 KELLOGG ID YOKES FRESH MKT #15 RICHLAND WA YOKES FRESH MKT #16 LIBERTY LAKE WA YOKES FRESH MKT #17 POST FALLS ID YOKES FRESH MKT #20 CHENEY WA CAL MART CALISTOGA CA RALEY'S #103 SEAFOOD RENO NV RALEY'S #106 SEAFOOD RENO NV RALEY'S #108 SEAFOOD RENO NV RALEY'S #109 SEAFOOD GARDNERVILLE NV RALEY'S #110 SEAFOOD SPARKS NV RALEY'S #113 SEAFOOD INCLINE NV RALEY'S #114 SEAFOOD CARSON CITY NV RALEY'S #119 SEAFOOD SO. LAKE TAHOE CA RALEY'S #127 SEAFOOD SO. LAKE TAHOE CA RALEY'S #213 SEAFOOD GRASS VALLEY CA RALEY'S #229 SEAFOOD AUBURN CA RALEY'S #317 SEAFOOD TRACY CA RALEY'S #319 SEAFOOD NAPA CA RALEY'S #331 SEAFOOD FAIRFIELD CA RALEY'S #332 SEAFOOD FAIRFIELD CA RALEY'S #343 SEAFOOD BENICIA CA RALEY'S #410 SEAFOOD FOLSOM CA RALEY'S #412 SEAFOOD GRANITE BAY CA RALEY'S #417 SEAFOOD FAIR OAKS CA RALEY'S #421 SEAFOOD FAIR OAKS CA RALEY'S #422 SEAFOOD PLACERVILLE CA RALEY'S #426 SEAFOOD JACKSON CA RALEY'S #440 SEAFOOD RANCHO CORDOVA CA CONCORD PRODUCE MRKT CONCORD CA RALEY'S #338 SEAFOOD OAKDALE CA RALEY'S #339 SEAFOOD MODESTO CA RALEY'S #329 SEAFOOD PETALUMA CA BEL AIR MKT #501 SEAFOOD SACRAMENTO CA BEL AIR MKT #502 SEAFOOD SACRAMENTO CA BEL AIR MKT #509 SEAFOOD ROSEVILLE CA BEL AIR MKT #514 SEAFOOD SACRAMENTO CA BEL AIR MKT #516 SEAFOOD ELK GROVE CA BEL AIR MKT #517 SEAFOOD AUBURN CA BEL AIR MKT #519 SEAFOOD SACRAMENTO CA BEL AIR MKT #521 SEAFOOD YUBA CITY CA BEL AIR MKT #522 SEAFOOD GOLD RIVER CA BEL AIR MKT #524 SEAFOOD FOLSOM CA BEL AIR MKT #528 SEAFOOD SACRAMENTO CA SPD MARKET #1 NEVADA CITY CA NOB HILL #602 SEAFOOD GILROY CA NOB HILL #603 SEAFOOD MORGAN HILL CA NOB HILL #605 SEAFOOD HOLLISTER CA NOB HILL #615 SEAFOOD CAPITOLA CA NOB HILL #617 SEAFOOD WATSONVILLE CA NOB HILL #620 SEAFOOD SCOTTS VALLEY CA NOB HILL #621 SEAFOOD MARTINEZ CA NOB HILL #623 SEAFOOD NAPA CA NOB HILL #635 SEAFOOD SAN JOSE CA Product from the recalled lots will have been displayed at their seafood departments where the product sold is likely to have been sold as steak loins or pieces of loins on a tray with clear plastic wrap cover. It may also have been sold out of the fresh case and wrapped in "butcher paper" to the customer's order. Consumers concerned about whether the tuna they purchased may contain the recalled tuna loin product should check with the store where they purchased the tuna. That store will be able to determine if it used the recalled product to prepare the tuna. At this time Relish Foods does not believe that the recalled product made with the recalled product is available for purchase by consumers. Customers who have purchased the Frozen Tuna Loin (from Yellow Fin tuna) are urged to return it to the distributor for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-888-730-3875, Mondays through Fridays, 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. (PDT). Link to Updated Recall. Salman Has Said A Final Bye To Iulia ''If rumours from Salman Khan's camp are to be believed, it's not visa woes, but the actor's "final goodbye" behind Iulia Vantur leaving India.'' All Thanks To Katrina Salman and his rumoured girlfriend seem to have drifted apart ever since Katrina Kaif sauntered back into the actor's life. Their Fights According to a friend of Salman, the rift with the Romanian model and actress had been building up for a while. Taking Extra Interest In Katrina Kaif "Salman has been showing more than a passing interest in Katrina's career and life, ever since she broke up with Ranbir Kapoor." Salman-Katrina Got Really Close During the shooting of Tiger Zinda Hai, Salman and Katrina got really close again. Iulia Is Upset We don't know how close, but close enough to rattle Iulia. Salman Didn't Allow Iulia To Come On The Sets Of Tiger Zinda Hai Iulia wanted to fly out to Abu Dhabi where Salman was shooting. But she was not allowed to... Visa Issues? Many reported that Iulia has left India as her visa has expired but guess there is a hidden story behind it. Karanvir Wrote . . . Karanvir shared this picture and wrote, "This day, a year back, our life was blessed with these two Angels...there is so much I wanna say to them, about them, but I'll wait till they are a little older....right now #happybirthday sweetypies, keep spreading love light and happiness with your vibration and energy. #omnamahshivaya ." Teejay Wrote . . . Teejay shared this picture and wrote, "I hug these babies every chance I get, and it's still never enough! Feeling their little heartbeats close to me, takes me back to this time last year. At 2am on October 19th, I could feel three heartbeats inside me." Teejay Further Wrote . . . "I didn't know later the day, two of those heartbeats would be in the outside world. I had no idea October 19th was about to become the most unforgettable day of my life. Happy birthday to you, my sweethearts. Love is too small a word to tell you what I feel for you. You ARE love." Mouni Roy With KVBs Daughters Mouni Roy commented on Karanvir's post, "What an auspicious day for their first birthday. All my love & blessings to both my lil girls @bombaysunshine." Adaa Khan Wishes KVBs Lil Daughters Adaa Khan too shared a picture on Insta story and wrote, "Happy birthday angels belle and vienna may god bless u always @twinbabydiaries @karanvirbohra." La pubblicazione di contributi, approfondimenti, articoli e in genere di tutte le opere dottrinarie e di commento (ivi comprese le news) presenti su Filodiritto e stata concessa (e richiesta) dai rispettivi autori, titolari di tutti i diritti morali e patrimoniali ai sensi della legge sul diritto d'autore e sui diritti connessi (Legge 633/1941). La riproduzione ed ogni altra forma di diffusione al pubblico delle predette opere (anche in parte), in difetto di autorizzazione dell'autore, e punita a norma degli articoli 171, 171-bis, 171-ter, 174-bis e 174-ter della menzionata Legge 633/1941. E consentito scaricare, prendere visione, estrarre copia o stampare i documenti pubblicati su Filodiritto nella sezione Dottrina per ragioni esclusivamente personali, a scopo informativo-culturale e non commerciale, esclusa ogni modifica o alterazione. Sono parimenti consentite le citazioni a titolo di cronaca, studio, critica o recensione, purche accompagnate dal nome dell'autore dell'articolo e dall'indicazione della fonte, ad esempio: Luca Martini, La discrezionalita del sanitario nella qualificazione di reato perseguibile d'ufficio ai fini dell'obbligo di referto ex. art 365 cod. pen., in "Filodiritto" (https://www.filodiritto.com), con relativo collegamento ipertestuale. Se l'autore non e altrimenti indicato i diritti sono di Inforomatica S.r.l. e la riproduzione e vietata senza il consenso esplicito della stessa. E sempre gradita la comunicazione del testo, telematico o cartaceo, ove e avvenuta la citazione. The French president Emmanuel Macron wants to shake up the food sector and ensure producers are price setters rather than price takers. The plans, which are part of the presidents ambitions to address the imbalance of power in the food sector, are aimed at returning more money to farmers. Under his plans, the starting price in negotiations would be set by farmers, so food prices could better reflect the cost of production. French farmers, as in the UK, have borne the brunt of an intense supermarket price war over the past few years, which have contributed to squeezed margins. See also: Leaked EU report raises prospects of subsidy capping In France, there is a minimum price at which certain food products can be sold by retailers this would be raised under Macrons proposals. However, according to foodnavigator.com, the president said he was not offering the food industry a blank check to raise prices. What do farmers think about the plans? British and American farmers responded. Some were positive Revolutionary concept for farming? Being paid the real cost for production, but real question is what is real cost of food? Mark Palmer (@systems4food) October 20, 2017 Id welcome that here in the states. Stop letting the government subsidize losses an slept the consumer pay the farmer. The Hippie Farmer (@TheHippieFarmer) October 20, 2017 Can I answer with a french cartoon? (But hope and believe Macron can make it work, also in other areas he tries to be disruptive) pic.twitter.com/PAZT2bokLZ Ignace Lootvoet (@IgnaceLootvoet) October 20, 2017 The just price! means re-established commons (morality) within the amorality of the market & overturning current EU economic consensus! Patrick Noble (@BrynCocynFarm) October 20, 2017 Isnt this the business model used by every other industry? And did the supermarkets battle for ever lower prices distort it? Justine Whittern (@newjustine) October 20, 2017 Others werent so sure In theory farmers could farm without subsidies and taxes could be reduced because food would be dearer, but doubt it could work in practice Andrew Bevan (@beefyfarmer) October 20, 2017 Also, where would incentive for innovation in production, marketing come from if not from the market? Joanna (@JoannaLidback) October 20, 2017 I think its a great theory. *IF* everyone played by the rules, then maybe the higher prices would motivate growers to focus on grain The Hippie Farmer (@TheHippieFarmer) October 20, 2017 Its almost like we are seeing this with organics and nongmo. The consumer is paying the premium and the farmer is putting more $ in pocket. The Hippie Farmer (@TheHippieFarmer) October 20, 2017 I doubt this would ever fly here in North America, the consolidated food processing industry is a powerful lobby group. Viren Dsouza (@Milkabot) October 20, 2017 I could see input cost going up. The only difference is that it would be passed on to the consumer Woody Van Arkel (@woody_VA) October 20, 2017 Legislation is expected to be prepared next year, according to reports by just-food.com. Worldwide PC shipments fell 3.6% in Q3 News oi -Priyanka In the third quarter of 2017, HP Inc. and Lenovo were in a virtual tie for the top spot in the PC market based on shipments. According to the new report by research firm Gartner, worldwide PC shipments totaled 67 million units in the third quarter of 2017, a 3.6 percent decline from the third quarter of 2016. This is the 12th consecutive quarter of declining PC shipments, the report said. "While there were signs of stabilization in the PC industry in key regions, including EMEA, Japan and Latin America, the relatively stable results were offset by the US market, which saw a 10 percent year-over-year decline in part because of a very weak back-to-school sales season," said Mika Kitagawa, principal analyst at Gartner. "Business PC demand, led by Windows 10 upgrades, continued to drive PC shipments across all regions, but its refresh schedule varies by region. The countries with stable economies, such as the U.S., have created a positive sentiment among businesses, especially for small and midsized businesses (SMBs), which are more vulnerable to external events, such as economic or political," he said. The report pointed out that, in the third quarter of 2017, HP Inc. and Lenovo were in a virtual tie for the top spot in the PC market based on shipments. However, HP Inc. is in an upward trend, as it has experienced five consecutive quarters of global PC growth, while Lenovo is on a downward trend with declining shipments in eight of the last 10 quarters. HP Inc. experienced growth in all key regions, except the U.S. market. The company experienced double-digit growth in Latin America, while in Asia/Pacific HP Inc. secured positive growth for the fifth consecutive quarter. Lenovo experienced its steepest year-over-year decline of PC shipments in the US since it acquired the IBM PC business division in 2005. Lenovo continues to face the dilemma of market share gains versus profitability. It appears the company is putting more emphasis on profitability than share gain. Dell's worldwide PC shipments were slightly down compared with a year ago, as it registered its first year-over-year shipment decline since the first quarter of 2016. Gartner added that, in Asia/Pacific, PC shipments reached 24 million units in the third quarter of 2017, down 2.1 percent from the same period last year. While consumer demand remained lackluster, PC demand in the business segment remained steady, especially for notebooks. In China, the PC market is estimated to have declined by 5 percent in the third quarter of 2017, with more stability in the business market, particularly in large enterprises, than in the consumer space. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Windows 10 laptops powered by Qualcomm chipset will offer almost 28-29 hours battery life News oi -Samden Sherpa It looks like battery efficiency aspect will be one of the main highlights of the Windows 10 laptops with Qualcomm chipset. We know that Qualcomm and Microsoft have been collaborating to bring the first Windows 10 PC with ARM in the market. The company has also confirmed that the first Windows 10 ARM PC will come with Snapdragon processor in several instances. However, no specific timeline was given as to when the PCs would be launched in the market. While the two companies seem to be working behind the scenes in securing deals as well as pushing the development of such PCs, a senior Microsoft executive has just revealed an interesting fact about the upcoming Windows 10 laptops driven by Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile chips. The Executive has basically confirmed that the new PCs will offer "multi-day" battery life. In conversation with Trustedreviews.com, Cristiano Amon, Executive VP of Qualcomm Technologies, stated, "Expect an 'extreme gain in battery life'. For Netflix streaming with LTE, we're looking at 28-29 hours playback. We're looking at all-day computing with everything on in excess of 16, 17 or 18 hours." In any case, it looks like the battery efficiency aspect will be one of the main highlights of the upcoming devices. At Computex 2017, Microsoft and Qualcomm had also somewhat assured audiences that these upcoming devices would be connected constantly and have a long-lasting battery life that will make them last over a day. The companies are addressing some of the main problems concerning portable devices especially the battery life part. Even though the devices come with high-end features it mostly misses out on the battery part. But that seems to be changing now. Pete Bernard, Principal Group Programme Manager for Connectivity Partners at Microsoft also told Trustedreviews.com, "The final numbers aren't in, but the battery life is really, really good." "Amazingly good. To be frank, it's actually beyond our expectations. We set a higher bar for (our developers), and we're now beyond that," he added. Microsoft and Qualcomm are working together to bring Windows 10 laptops powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 SoC. Now, this is the same processor used in 2017 flagship Android smartphones from Samsung, OnePlus and LG amongst others. Interestingly, these chips that will be used will be smaller in size compared to the standard laptop processor. Thus manufacturers can now fit in a bigger battery in the laptops as they will have more space. And the outcome, longer battery life. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications US Military Investigating Deaths of Soldiers in Niger Ambush By VOA News October 19, 2017 U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis said Thursday the military is investigating the deaths of four American soldiers in Niger earlier this month at the hands of Islamic jihadists. Mattis told reporters "a full investigation is underway" into the incident, as is the case any time a U.S. service member is killed, and the military would release any new information it receives in a timely fashion. "We, in the Department of Defense, like to know what we're talking about before we talk," Mattis said. "We do not have all the accurate information yet. We will release it as rapidly as we get it." The Islamic State militants ambushed U.S. and Nigerien forces during an Oct. 4 firefight that also killed four of Niger's security personnel. U.S. Army Special Forces, also known as Green Berets, had just completed a meeting with local leaders and were walking back to their vehicles when they were attacked, according to a U.S. official, who spoke to VOA on the condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing. The soldiers said the meeting ran late, and some suspected that the villagers were intentionally delaying their departure, the official said. Joint Staff Director Lieutenant General Kenneth McKenzie on Thursday defended the military against critical questions about why the body of Sergeant La David Johnson, one of the U.S. service members killed in the attack, was recovered nearly 48 hours after the bodies of his fellow Green Berets. "We didn't leave him behind," McKenzie said, answering a reporter's question. "We searched until we found him, and we brought him home." Investigation Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White told reporters in that briefing that the two service members injured in the attack were evacuated to the U.S. military medical center in Landstuhl, Germany, and are receiving treatment. White said she could not provide more information on the attack yet. "We will not be rushed, because we have to be right," she said. Yet, she promised that when the investigation into the matter is finished, the United States Africa Command, known as Africom, will "be as transparent as possible" about the details. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have criticized the administration of Donald Trump for not being forthcoming with information related to the attack. Senator John McCain, a frequent Trump critic, even threatened to issue a subpoena to get more information about the attack. "It may require a subpoena, but I did have a good conversation with [National Security Adviser] Gen. [H.R.] McMaster, and they said that they would be briefing us," McCain said. "We have a long friendship, and we'll hopefully get all the details." Mattis, speaking to reporters Thursday, said it's important not to "confuse your need for accurate information with our ability to provide it immediately in a situation like this." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Senate Republicans Plan Iran Nuclear Deal Strategy By Steve Redisch October 19, 2017 Senate Republicans plan to introduce legislation that would add new conditions to the legislation that gives them review authority over the Iran nuclear deal, a longtime lawmaker says. Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, told VOA the current Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is "a lousy deal" and explained President Donald Trump refused to re-certify it because "the benefits to Iran are [not] worth what we're getting." In an interview with VOA contributor Greta Van Susteren, Graham said he will work with Armed Services Committee member Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee, both fellow Republicans, to craft legislation regarding Iran. He said the legislation would re-impose sanctions if Iran continues to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) in violation of a United Nations Security Council resolution, if Iran denies International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors access to nuclear sites they want to visit, or if Iran continues to be "the largest state sponsor of terrorism." President Trump refused to recertify Iran's compliance with the JCPOA on Oct. 13, saying, "since the signing of the nuclear agreement, the regime's dangerous aggression has only escalated." Back to Congress Trump's action kicked the issue back to Congress under provisions of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015, giving Congress the power to quickly re-impose economic sanctions if the president says Iran is not in compliance. In early October, 180 congressional Democrats signed a letter to Trump, urging him to re-certify Iran's compliance. Led by Congressmen Ted Deutch of Florida and David Price of North Carolina, they argue that withholding certification "would harm our alliances, embolden Iran and threaten U.S. national security." Graham told VOA he would seek bipartisan support for "a better deal for the world," but if Democrats do not provide enough votes for new legislation, he said he would seek to re-impose sanctions under the current INARA legislation. "We need 60 votes [to avoid a filibuster], and to my Democratic friends, I'm willing to get a better deal. I'm not willing to accept the status quo," Graham said. He noted economic sanctions worked to get Iran willing to deal, and hopes to "rally the world" around re-imposition of sanctions if Iran does not "behave better." Iraq and Kurds Graham suggested the Trump administration needs a "more cohesive policy" regarding tensions between Iraq and the Kurdish autonomous region after Iraqi troops reclaimed the city of Kirkuk and Kurdish separatists withdrew from contested oil fields. The U.S. has backed both Kurdish peshmerga and Iraqi government forces in an effort to remove Islamic State from the region. Regarding North Korea, Graham said Trump has to convince China that he does not want a war, "but if there's going to be a war, it's going to be over there, not in America." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Southwest Badger Resource Conservation and Development Council is hosting a mid-day meeting (lunch and refreshments provided) at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitor Center, Thursday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to discuss the threat of aquatic invasive species in the West Fork of the Kickapoo River Watershed. The meeting will begin with an overview of the strategic plan that is being developed to address the threat of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in the West Fork of the Kickapoo River Watershed. There will be a review of the current state of knowledge regarding AIS and the West Fork, along with best management practices for controlling the high-priority species. After lunch there will be group discussions and the meeting will wrap up with some tangible actions stakeholders can move forward with in the future. Sewer line meeting produces no consensus EDNEYVILLE A public input opportunity on an issue that county officials say could shape the future of the apple country for decades to come drew just 30 people and produced no consensus on which sewerage option would be best for the Edneyville area. Related Stories The Henderson County Board of Commissioners, which set the meeting to receive the communitys input, is trying to decide what kind of sewer service it will approve to serve the new Edneyville Elementary School, which is scheduled to open for the 2019-20 school year.If nothing else, however, the 90-minute session at North Henderson High School's auditorium reminded the commissioners just how much Edneyville people value their community, its history and its iconic apple orchards and how much they want to retain a say in its future. Many of the residents who spoke were the same ones who over the years had accused county leaders of neglecting the 50-year-old elementary school in favor of other projects across the county. On Thursday night, they made it a point to thank this Board of Commissioners for authorizing the $25 million school building. Because the new elementary school will need sewer service, commissioners say they have an opportunity for a broader look at how to serve not only the school and the WNC Justice Academy but potentially a wide area on either side of a 5-mile sewer line roughly following Clear Creek. County Manager Steve Wyatt laid out the options commissioners are looking at: -- Drip irrigation. Cost: $705,000 and $35,000 a year in maintenance. Commissioners have opposed that option. -- Onsite package plant. A treatment plant would have a pump station and force main that would discharge effluent into Clear Creek. The state of North Carolina would permit this one if there were no other alternatives, Wyatt said. Cost: $950,000, plus $35,000 a year operating costs. Since there are alternatives, a state permit would be in doubt. -- Force main system. A pressurized line on U.S. 64 with a pump station that forces the wastewater 3 miles to the city of Hendersonville sewer system. Cost: $1.5 million, with annual operating cost of $29,000. Extending that line to the WNC Justice Academy would add $650,000. -- Gravity sewer line. A gravity line along Clear Creek. Cost: $4.5 million with $19,000 in annual cost. Adding the Justice Academy would almost double the construction cost, to $8.5 million. How would the county pay for a sewer line? There are several options, Wyatt said. The Board of Commissioners could create a Clear Creek Sewer District, a separate governing body with the power to tax, condemn property and borrow money. It could also collect tap fees and service charges to recoup construction costs, and charge system development fees. The county already has one of these, the Cane Creek Sewer District, which manages the sewer system in the Fletcher area. The most frequently asked question, Wyatt said, is how would a sewer line affect growth? We dont know, he said. But there are precedents and if you look around basically when you have public utilities more people can live there, you generally see higher density. It will generally accelerate development. A city water line has already been run to the Justice Academy along U.S. 64. You marry water and sewer and you've got potential there to increase growth, Wyatt said. It also increases the likelihood of commercial and industrial development. Speakers were about evenly divided between the two most ambitious options the gravity fed line along Clear Creek and a forced-main along U.S. 64. Apple grower Kenny Barnwell spoke in favor of the forced-main line. Its not as maintenance-demanding. If you go and you build the gravity system youre building into the floodway or Clear Creek and Henderson Creek," he said. "What if we have the 500-year flood and it flushes out the entire system? The cost is less, its environmentally more sound and (could be) professionally engineered and built to the capacity we need .. and put that system on 64 so it could handle whats going to happen in the next 20 years in Edneyville, he said. The U.S. 64 line option is the one that fits the small area plan and the 2020 comprehensive plan when it says we want to protect farmland. When you do this gravity system it goes straight through farmland and the places that theyre going to build and develop are going to be off farmland. But others said the gravity line would provide more capacity for growth for decades to come. I know it costs a lot more but the gravity-fed sewer system is going to be the best system, said Don Henderson, a retired schoolteacher who lives off Gilliam Road. Youve got less maintenance. One homeowner who moved to the area recently praised commissioners for planning now for growth. The opportunity you have is the ability to get ahead of whats coming, said Gayle Cinke, who was in favor of a forced main system. You can continue to control it by doing this. This will help the environment, it will help agriculture and through zoning youll be able to protect the farmland. Most of the land the line that would serve is zoned for farming and residential development. But zoning can be changed, Wyatt pointed out. In fact, planners say the 5-mile gravity line could result in up to 10,766 housing units or 32,000 people at three per household. Edneyvilles small area plan, a community-driven planning process that zoning is based on, identified both sewerage and preserving farmland as a priority. Its kind of interesting how those may be in opposition to each other, Wyatt said. Community honors four Women of Hope Susan Bullard, Sally Massagee, Pam Laughter and Pat Whiteside were honored by the Pardee Hospital Foundation as Women of Hope. Inspiration and hope came from all quarters at the Women Helping Women luncheon at Blue Ridge Community College on Friday as the Pardee Hospital Foundation celebrated 20 years of supporting women who need medical screening and treatment. Especially reflecting the theme were four women honored as Women of Hope for 2017 Susan Bullard, Pam Laughter, Sally Massagee and Pat Whiteside. Not only did these women overcome the odds, they did so with incredible strength, grace and dignity, said Kimerly Hinkelman, executive director of the Pardee Hospital Foundation. You inspire us, she told the crowd of nearly 450, asking all survivors of illness, professional caregivers and family caregivers to stand. Nearly everyone in the crowd did. Fridays event raised more than $140,000 to help uninsured or under-insured women receive a mammogram or other important health screening, said Sarah Murray, event co-chair with Debbie Rouse. Over the past 20 years, Women Helping Women has raised more than $2.3 million in that effort, she said. Rouse recalled that in 1997, the highest death rate in females and males for breast cancer was in North Carolina. She said a group of women immediately decided they needed to do something to help people get the medical screenings they needed. So the idea of a luncheon fundraiser was born. The cost of the ticket, they decided, would be the cost of a mammogram in 1998 $74.38. Today your ticket price (of $125) doesnt cover that, Rouse said. I checked and today it costs $225.60 for a screening mammogram if you are uninsured. Over the course of 20 years, 52 women have been recognized as Women of Hope, who faced crushing diagnoses with courage, strength and tenacity. In video messages, the 2017 honorees recounted what they had endured: Susan Bullard, a double lung transplant; Pam Laughter, breast cancer, Sally Massagee, a serious blood disorder that required chemotherapy and a stem-cell transplant; and Pat Whiteside, a cancer survivor several times and a dedicated volunteer for Pardee Hospital and at the Memorial Gardens at St. James Episcopal Church. Guest speaker, author and CBS contributor Lee Woodruff spoke from the heart about how completely her life changed when she got the early morning phone call in January 2006 telling her that her husband Bob had suffered a near-fatal head injury while reporting in Iraq. Bob had just been named as co-anchor of ABC World News Tonight and was on assignment in the war zone. I had one job to make sure Bob got well as a mother (of four young children) I wondered How am I going to do this? I had to step out of my life to take care of him. What got her through, she said, was family, friends, faith and a sense of humor. Laughter is a healing thing, she said. When you can put the thing that scares you in a box, you have power over it. Woodruff said that the doctors and nurses who helped her husband from the time he was flown by helicopter from the battlefield to Germany and then the U.S. for treatment. In health care, leave the door open for hope, she said. In delivering the message about diagnosis and prognosis, its all about nuance. It took Bob months to recover from his injuries, she said, but now he is Asia bureau chief for ABC News. We have a long commuter marriage, she said. Their four children are grown, their two youngest applying to college. The Woodruffs established the Bob Woodruff Foundation in 2006, which partners with community and national programs, organizations and the military community to help service members, veterans and their families. On Oct. 17, the foundation awarded $1.4-million to 14 organizations that facilitate programs for post-9/11 veterans and their families. Volleyball playoffs: Hubs, Blazers will play for state titles North Hagerstown got past Magruder in four sets in the 3A semifinals, and Clear Spring swept Forest Park in the 1A semifinals. Finals are Wednesday. Indiana judicial candidate goes off script during Veteran's Day program School superintendent apologizes after Carl Lamb's speech focused not on veterans, but his recent election defeat and Donald Trump. My Place Hotels of America is pleased to announce the groundbreaking of Utah"s third My Place Hotel, located in the beautiful city of St. George. The city"s community members celebrated the groundbreaking alongside My Place executives, owners, and operators at 1670 South Street where construction has commenced on the four-story, 63-unit hotel. Located at the convergence of three geological regions: the Mojave Desert, Colorado Plateau, and the Great Basin, St. George"s newest hotel will serve the area"s many visitors with easy access to surrounding state parks in addition to the diverse dining and retail options nearby. My Place Hotel-St. George, UT is independently operated by Hotel Barons Management, LLC. and owned by Hotel Barons STG, LLC. It is the fourth My Place Hotel developed and owned by Principal Engineer Craig Larsen, a Utah native who frequents St. George with his family. Having exclusively owned My Place Hotels, Larsen has opened one hotel per year since opening his first in Rock Springs, Wyoming in March 2015. As a fervent My Place supporter, Larsen said he"s excited to meet the diverse lodging needs in St. George with a brand new, moderately priced hotel. Hotel website Jeroen joins the award-winning PARKROYAL property after a highly successful career spanning almost two-decades at Hilton Hotels both here in Australia and abroad. Born and educated in the Netherlands, he attended the prestigious CHN University in Leeuwarden before undertaking a variety of sales and commercial roles at various Hilton properties throughout the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia. For the past 3 years he has been the Director of Development at the former Hilton Melbourne South Wharf, where he was responsible for heading up the propertys 25-strong commercial team, overseeing sales, marketing, communications and events departments, as well as developing and driving its commercial strategy. New York City is arguably the cultural capital of the entire world, a bustling metropolis steeped in art, restaurants, Broadway shows, cultural festivals, and urban scenery that seems to extend on forever. Key to New Yorks mystique over the years has been the luxury hotels that the city has to offer its visitors, known throughout the world and often portrayed in television shows and movies. New York is the hub of the United States hospitality industry, which puts it in strong running to be considered the hub for the hospitality industry of the entire world. With that in mind, all savvy hotel owners and operators would do well to pay attention to New York Citys project pipeline, particularly to some of the most high profile properties that are coming soon to the city. Lets take a look at five noteworthy hotels that are currently in New York Citys project pipeline: Graduate Roosevelt Island Graduate Roosevelt Island is a ground-up hotel development that features panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. Its slated to debut in the second quarter of 2019 with 196 rooms total. The hotel will be located in the heart of the Roosevelt Island campus alongside the Verizon Executive Education Center, which will have conference, executive program and academic workshop space. [MORE INFO] Ace Hotel New York This noteworthy project involves the renovation of a 10-story building on the Bowery on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, which is slated for completion in the second quarter of 2018 and will involve a total of 200 rooms. The addition of three floors will transform the existing building into a new micro hotel. It will include amenities such as a lobby, a 130-seat restaurant, roof-top bar and fitness center, as well as top-floor guestrooms with balconies offering iconic city views. [MORE INFO] The Artezen Hotel Nestled in lower Manhattan and the vibrant Financial District, this 4 star modern boutique hotel offers a fitness/yoga room, an onsite restaurant and something called The Studio, which is a two story glassed-in rooftop lounge that offers cocktail libations and creative bar foods couple with spectacular views of the world famous Manhattan Skyline. It is slated for completion later this year, and it will feature a total of 89 four star rooms. [MORE INFO] Edition Hotel Times Square This tower, which has been dubbed 20 Times Square, will rise 517 feet above street level and will contain 269,769 square feet of commercial space, according to the latest building permits. Retail space will be located on two cellar levels and the ground floor through fourth floors. Actual hotel rooms will be located on the 14th through 40th floors. The project is slated for completion in late 2017, and it will have a massive total of 452 rooms to offer guests. [MORE INFO] Virgin Hotel New York City Richard Bransons Virgin Hotels has announced that it will build a hotel in New York City. The company will build the Virgin Hotel on the northwest corner of 30th Street and Broadway in the NoMad neighborhood. The hotel will feature meeting spaces and multiple food and beverage venues. The highly anticipated hotel chain is developing properties in cities such as San Francisco, Dallas, New Orleans, and Nashville. [MORE INFO] More information on New York projects can be found on TOPHOTELPROJECTS, the specialized service provider in the exchange of cutting-edge information of hotel construction in the international hospitality industry. Jule Grass Marketing Manager +49 4261 4140 309 TOPHOTELPROJECTS HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee The U.S. hotel industry reported positive year-over-year results in the three key performance metrics during the week of 8-14 October 2017, according to data from STR. In comparison with the week of 9-15 October 2016, the industry recorded the following: Occupancy: +2.4% to 72.3% Average daily rate (ADR): +5.3% to US$130.83 Revenue per available room (RevPAR): +7.8% to US$94.58 STR analysts note that U.S. performance growth was lifted due to a comparison with a Jewish holiday time period last year. Among the Top 25 Markets, Houston, Texas, reported the largest year-over-year increases in occupancy (+37.3% to 85.2%) and RevPAR (+57.0% to US$99.76). Two additional markets saw RevPAR growth of more than 25.0% for the week:Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia (+36.3% to US$160.43), and Dallas, Texas(+26.2% to US$96.26). Overall, 11 Top 25 Markets posted a double-digit lift in the metric. Washington, D.C. posted the highest jump in ADR (+23.3% to US$196.22), followed by Houston (+14.4% to US$117.02) and Dallas (+14.3% to US$121.16). In total, six Top 25 Markets registered double-digit growth in the metric. After Houston, three other markets experienced a double-digit rise in occupancy:Miami/Hialeah, Florida (+15.9% to 77.2%), Washington, D.C. (+10.6% to 81.8%) and Dallas (+10.4% to 79.4%). Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Virginia, reported the steepest declines in occupancy (-8.6% to 60.2%) and RevPAR (-8.1% to US$55.52). Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida, reported the largest decrease in ADR (-4.5% to US$115.54). About STR STR provides premium data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights for the global hospitality industry. Founded in 1985, STR maintains a presence in 15 countries with a corporate North American headquarters in Hendersonville, Tennessee, an international headquarters in London, and an Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore. STR was acquired in October 2019 by CoStar Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSGP), the leading provider of commercial real estate information, analytics and online marketplaces. For more information, please visit str.com and costargroup.com. Jeff Higley (STR) VP, Digital Media & Communications +1 (615) 824-8664 ext. 3318 STR The Asia/Pacific region reported occupancy rose 3.3% to 73.5% in Q3 2017 compared to the same quarter in 2016. ADR increased 1.6% to $98.39 and RevPAR jumped 5% to $72.36. Hotels in the Asia Pacific region reported positive results in the three key performance metrics during Q3 2017, according to data from STR. U.S. dollar constant currency, Q3 2017 vs. Q3 2016 Asia Pacific Occupancy: +3.3% to 73.5% Average daily rate (ADR): +1.6% to US$98.39 Revenue per available room (RevPAR): +5.0% to US$72.36 Local currency, Q3 2017 vs. Q3 2016 India Occupancy: +0.9% to 62.4% ADR: +2.7% to INR5,265.96 RevPAR: +3.6% to INR3,287.73 Healthy supply growth (+3.0%) once again limited occupancy and rate growth in the country. In absolute terms, however, occupancy reached its highest level for a Q3 in India since 1996. ADR hit its highest Q3 absolute value since 2012. Additionally, STR analysts note that there were almost 8,000 less rooms in the development pipeline in India compared with last September. New Zealand Occupancy: +0.7% to 75.9% ADR: +10.3% to NZD177.89 RevPAR: +11.0% to NZD134.99 According to STR analysts, New Zealand remains one of the strongest performers in the region due to consistent demand and a lack of significant supply growth. Figures from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment showed that the country welcomed a record-breaking 3.7 million international visitors through August, which was a 9.2% increase compared with the same eight months in 2016. Holiday arrivals were the main contributor to the growth in arrivals. South Korea Occupancy: -9.4% to 68.2% ADR: -5.7% to KRW151,106.19 RevPAR: -14.6% to KRW103,094.24 ADR has decreased year over year for 36 consecutive months in South Korea (since September 2014) with massive supply growth playing a role in the equation. Since the beginning of 2015, the country has added more than 369,000 hotel rooms, and demand growth is not nearly keeping pace partly due to geopolitical tension in the region. STR analysts note that Group business has seen a noticeable decline, specifically with Chinese travelers. Given the volatility of the export balance with China as its biggest trade partner, South Korea is likely to fall back from its 17 million international arrivals in 2016, of which China accounted for nearly half. Through the first seven months of 2017, travelers from mainland China were almost halved in year-over-year comparisons, according to the Korea Tourism Organization. Download the Global Performance Review STR provides clients from multiple market sectors with premium, global data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights. Founded in 1985, STR maintains a presence in 10 countries around the world with a corporate North American headquarters in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and an international headquarters in London, England. For more information, please visit str.com. Highlights of the period Sustained growth in all of the Group's markets Opening of 73 hotels and more than 11,000 rooms More than 600,000 rooms opened and a record pipeline of 178,000 rooms Signing of agreements for the acquisition of Gekko and Mantra Group Partnership with SNCF for the development of Orient Express Partnership with Bouygues Immobilier for the development of Nextdoor On July 12, 2016, AccorHotels announced its intention to turn HotelInvest into a subsidiary and dispose of the majority of it, united under AccorInvest. In accordance with IFRS 5, the assets held for sale have been placed in a separate item on the balance sheet and in the income and cash flow statements. The 2017 data presented in this press release reflect this accounting treatment. Accordingly, the Group is now structured around the following business lines: HotelServices , which houses the hotel franchisor and operator business, as well as activities related to hotel operations. , which houses the hotel franchisor and operator business, as well as activities related to hotel operations. New businesses , at this stage combining FastBooking, onefinestay and John Paul (previously part of HotelServices), as well as Availpro, VeryChic, TravelKeys and SquareBreak, consolidated since the current half-year. , at this stage combining FastBooking, onefinestay and John Paul (previously part of HotelServices), as well as Availpro, VeryChic, TravelKeys and SquareBreak, consolidated since the current half-year. Hotel assets, which include HotelInvest assets not transferred to AccorInvest, mainly corresponding to Orbis, and hotels operated under lease agreements based on a percentage of EBITDAR (with no minimum guarantee, also known as management leases). SOLID GROWTH IN REVENUE With solid growth for HotelServices (+3.5%) and the New Businesses (concierge services, luxury home rentals and digital services for independent hotel operators, +5.6%), the Grouprecorded revenue growth of 6.4% at constant scope of consolidation and exchange rates (LFL) in the third quarter of 2017. Revenue derived from the hotel assets held by the Group, mainly in Central Europe and Brazil, grew by a substantial 7.2%. Changes in the scope of consolidation (acquisitions and disposals) contributed 18.7 million (+4.0%) to revenue growth, thanks in particular to the New Businesses. Currency effects had a negative impact of 15.1 million, attributable primarily to the Egyptian pound (-9 million), the Turkish lira (-2.2 million) and the US dollar (-1.8 million). POSITIVE MOMENTUM FOR HOTELSERVICES HotelServices, which operated 4,209 hotels (604,000 rooms) under franchise agreements and management contracts at the end of September 2017, reported a 3.5% increase in revenue like-for-like to 442 million. This growth reflected the impact of very strong business levels in the majority of regions, except South America, where Brazil appears to have reached the low point of the cycle, resulting in an increase in the region's occupancy rate for the first time in three years. Consolidated RevPAR was up 4.5%. In France & Switzerland, revenue was up 2.3% on a like-for-like basis. This growth reflects sound levels of business, with RevPAR up sharply (+5.0%) driven by a 4.2-point increase in the occupancy rate, with a slight decline in prices (-0.9%) partially offset by changes in the scope of consolidation, including the sale of 62 hotelF1 venues. Paris reported a strong increase in RevPAR (+6.6%), particularly in the leisure segment (+21%), while volumes of corporate room nights remained robust (+3%). Regions were also up (+3.8%), again with a pronounced recovery in the leisure segment (+6%), notably on the Cote d'Azur. Europe posted strong like-for-like revenue growth (+7.9%), driven by RevPAR growth of 7.8%, all segments combined. The United Kingdom performed very well, with RevPAR up 4% over the quarter. Performance was mixed between London (+0.9%), where the occupancy rate edged down, and Regions (+6.6%), with sustained business in most major cities driven by "staycations" as British holidaymakers opted for domestic stays in the wake of the decline in the sterling exchange rate. RevPAR increased by 2.9% in Germany, despite a weak trade fair calendar. Business was notably driven by the G20 meeting in Hamburg in July, not to mention the great success of the Munich Oktoberfest, a year after the attacks that affected the Bavarian capital. RevPAR in Eastern Europe grew by 8.0%, supported by an economy that is booming across the entire region, notably in Hungary (+18.8%), and by the renovations carried out in 2016. The Iberian Peninsula continued its recovery, recording strong business levels once again, with RevPAR growth of 12.3%. The Middle East & Africa region recorded a 1.2% increase in revenue, with contrasting situations between Morocco and Egypt, where business was very robust, and a significantly more complex environment in the Gulf region. The Asia-Pacific region performed very well, posting 4.1% growth driven by the luxury and midscale segments (RevPAR up 6.2%) and persistently strong development. North America, Central America & the Caribbean enjoyed very strong growth (+14.6%), bolstered by a 6.4% increase in RevPAR, particularly in the Luxury segment (6.8%), thanks to the Fairmont hotels, which enjoyed a substantial increase in activity in Canada (+15.3%) thanks to a low Canadian dollar. Overall, Canada recorded a 14.0% increase in RevPAR, while business stabilized in the United States (+0.1%). Lastly, despite early signs of a recovery, the situation remains challenging in South America,and particularly in Brazil, notably in Rio. Revenue was down 15.3% across the region. However, there was an upturn in the average occupancy rate, which increased by 0.4 pt this quarter, ending a decline spanning three consecutive years. ACCORHOTELS CROSSES THE THRESHOLD OF 600,000 ROOMS The Group's development continues at a rapid pace. During the third quarter, AccorHotels opened 73 hotels, representing more than 11,000 rooms. This took the Group across the threshold of 600,000 rooms, notably with the opening of its 800th hotel in the Asia-Pacific region. At the end of September 2017, the Group's pipeline comprised 992 hotels and 178,000 rooms, of which 81% in emerging markets and 47% in the Asia-Pacific region. As indicated, organic development is expected to exceed 40,000 rooms in 2017, a record performance for the Group. STRONG GROWTH IN NEW BUSINESSES In the nine months to end-September 2017, revenue from New Businesses amounted to 32 million, compared with 13 million at end-September 2016, an increase of 5.6% on a like-for-like basis and more than 150% as reported, following the consolidation of John Paul, SquareBreak, TravelKeys, VeryChic and Availpro since the third quarter of 2016. On October 2, AccorHotels announced the acquisition of Gekko to round out its range of hotel distribution solutions dedicated to business customers, thereby creating a global leader in B2B hotel distribution. John Paul's integration into the Group is continuing at a fast pace; it has taken charge of Customer Care, and is managing the AccorLocal project, which will be launched soon. HOTEL ASSETS: STRONG PERFORMANCE IN CENTRAL EUROPE Overall, the Hotel Assets business generated revenue of 170 million, up 7.2% on a like-for-like basis. That growth is lead to particularly strong performance of Orbis in Central Europe, that widely offset very muted business level in Brazil, and especially in Rio. In light of these factors and the expected continuation of the trends observed since the beginning of the year in its various markets, the Group expects to reach the upper end of the target EBIT range of between 460 million and 480 million announced in July. In Europe RevPAR was up 7.1% in Q3, and 6.6% Q3 YTD. The UK delivered Q3 RevPAR growth of 4.0% with our brands driving outperformance in both London, up 3%, and the provinces, up 5%. Keith Barr, Chief Executive of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, said: We have delivered a good third quarter performance; RevPAR increased by 2.3% and net rooms growth of 4.1% was our strongest since 20102. We also signed hotels into our pipeline at the fastest third quarter rate since 2008, and have made an excellent start with our plans to accelerate the growth of our brands around the world. Our new US midscale brand, avid hotels, is generating strong traction with our owner community. With over 150 written expressions of interest and more than 50 applications in the first four weeks of franchise sales, demand from owners has exceeded our original expectations. The international expansion of our newest brands is gathering pace. This week we continued the global roll out of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, with a landmark signing in Bali and two signings in key Chinese urban and resort locations, Shanghai and Sanya Bay. We have several further deals in progress which will secure our presence for the brand in ten major markets around the world. We have also expanded the global footprint of EVEN Hotels, with signings in Shanghai, Sanya Bay and Auckland, New Zealand. Franchise Plus, our franchising solution for Holiday Inn Express in China, is gaining momentum with 6 hotels now open and a further 58 in the pipeline, including 19 signings in the quarter. We expect a further ramp up in activity over the next 12 months. Looking ahead, despite macro-economic and geopolitical uncertainties around the world, we remain confident in the outlook for the remainder of the year. Third Quarter RevPAR performance Americas RevPAR was up 0.8% in Q3, and 1.1% Q3 YTD. In the US, RevPAR was up 0.4% in Q3 and 0.6% Q3 YTD with performance in the quarter impacted by several events. Hurricanes Harvey and Irma had a mixed impact; displacement activity together with the relief and reconstruction efforts benefitted our franchise business; but performance across the managed estate was negatively impacted by the cancellation of group bookings at some hotels. Meanwhile the negative impact of calendar shifts was partially offset by incremental demand from the solar eclipse. Excluding the effect of the hurricanes and these one-off events, we estimate that underlying US RevPAR was marginally positive in the quarter. Elsewhere in the region, Canada and Latin America continued to grow well, up 7% and 8% respectively, whilst in Mexico RevPAR was flat due to the earthquake in Mexico City. Europe RevPAR was up 7.1% in Q3, and 6.6% Q3 YTD. The UK delivered Q3 RevPAR growth of 4.0% with our brands driving outperformance in both London, up 3%, and the provinces, up 5%. RevPAR growth in Germany of 3% reflected a more moderate trade fair calendar as expected, and continued strong corporate and leisure demand drove mid-single digit RevPAR growth in Russia. Markets previously impacted by terrorist attacks grew strongly, including RevPAR growth of 6% in France, and double digit growth in Belgium and Turkey. Performance across several markets in Southern Europe was also strong due to increased demand over the summer months. Asia, Middle East & Africa RevPAR was up 0.6% in Q3, and 1.2% Q3 YTD. Outside the Middle East, RevPAR grew 4%. India RevPAR growth of almost 10% continued to be driven by tourism, whilst Australasia and Southeast Asia were both up mid-single digits. In Japan, flat RevPAR reflects weak transient demand and disruption from a typhoon in September. In the Middle East, RevPAR declined 6% due to the timing of Ramadan, and the ongoing impact of low oil prices, high supply growth and government austerity measures. Greater China RevPAR was up 7.8% in the quarter and 5.4% Q3 YTD. Q3 growth of 9% in mainland China was helped by weak comparables driven by one-off events in tier 2-3 cities in the quarter last year. Tier 1-3 cities all delivered high single digit RevPAR growth benefitting from strong corporate and meetings demand. Hong Kong RevPAR was down 1%, impacted by renovations at one property, whilst 15% RevPAR growth in Macau reflects improving leisure demand and the ongoing ramp up of one new hotel. Strategic progress Strengthening portfolio of preferred brands Launched avid hotels, our new build brand targeting a $20 billion underserved segment in the US. This will become another brand of scale for IHG and we are already gaining strong traction with owners with over 150 written expressions of interest since launch, and over 50 applications in the first 4 weeks of franchise sales. Strengthened our position in the boutique segment with two openings and three signings for Kimpton in the US and, in October, the launch of the brand in our Greater China and AMEA regions. 10 signings and two openings for Hotel Indigo takes this brand to 163 open and pipeline properties. Expanded our global presence for EVEN hotels, with two Q3 signings in Greater China and one in New Zealand. Signed 13k rooms into the Holiday Inn Brand Family pipeline, including a record third quarter for Holiday Inn Express, and opened almost 7k rooms. Increasing pace of net system growth Net system size up 4.1% year on year to 786k rooms (5,272 hotels), our fastest pace of growth since 2010 2 , led by AMEA (14%) and Greater China (10%). , led by AMEA (14%) and Greater China (10%). 11k rooms (70 hotels) opened in the quarter, our best Q3 for six years, and 3k rooms (19 hotels) removed. 20k rooms (137 hotels) were signed; our highest Q3 signings since 2008. Continued to expand our China franchising solution Franchise Plus with 19 new Holiday Inn Express deals signed in the quarter bringing the total to 63 signings after just 17 months. 235k pipeline rooms with ~45% under construction. Driving revenue delivery through technology and loyalty Our innovative cloud-based Guest Reservations System remains on track for roll-out starting by the end of 2017 with full deployment expected by late 2018 / early 2019. In September, the IHG App for mobile passed the milestone of $1 billion of gross room revenues booked through the platform, up fourfold over the past 3 years. Having been downloaded over 9 million times since its launch, it is one of the highest rated hotel mobile apps on the iOS app store. In early 2018, Kimpton Karma Rewards, the loyalty program of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, will become a part of IHG Rewards Club and offer all members one program with a single reward point system. Financial position and capital allocation The financial position of the group remains robust, with an on-going commitment to an efficient balance sheet and an investment grade credit rating. As previously announced, on 6 October we paid an interim ordinary dividend to shareholders of 33 per share. This takes the total returned to shareholders, including from ordinary dividends, to $12.9bn since demerger in 2003. Foreign exchange The weakening of the US Dollar against many major currencies globally increased group RevPAR to 2.7% in the quarter, when reported at actual exchange rates. A breakdown of constant vs. actual currency RevPAR by region is set out in Appendix 2. 1 RevPAR growth is at constant exchange rates (CER) unless otherwise stated. RevPAR growth is at constant exchange rates (CER) unless otherwise stated. 2Organic growth Download the Appendices for the Third Quarter Trading Update PDF 0.06MB Krept & Konan are the British rap duo from London who have followed up on their promise of releasing not one, but two mixtapes 7 Days and the other titled 7 Nights. Both projects play on opposite feels of sound. 7 Days has more of a club-bounce, with grittier beats and a harder-edged feel that plays to the grime scene the duo are bred from, with features from J Hus, Skepta, Stormzy, Abra Cadabra. 7 Nights, on the other hand, plays more to the R&B type vibes boasting features from Jhene Aiko, Hudson East and Tory Lanez. Before the drop of the two mixtapes, Krept & Konan explained to XXL just how the projects came together. We knew we wanted to create something special that served our fans who discovered us from Tsunami to Redrum to Young Kingz to The Long Way Home, they said. We wanted to make music that covered the full spectrum of our sound. We knew we wanted the bangers and the jams, and we ended up with enough tracks that we could put out two mixtapes with different vibes. HNNH chatted with the duo back when their debut album The Long Way Home had just dropped in 2015. They said grime and garage music was what they grew up on, but there was no shortage of dancehall and reggae being played at home since they come from a Caribbean/Jamaican background. When we got into music, we started off doing grime, but because with our raps, we want people to be able to listen to it, and grimes really a double-speed version of rapping. So we were like No, we really need to rap so people will know what were saying thats what really got us into rap. But we also grew up listening to Biggie, Puffy and Ma$e, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, Eminem, Lil Wayne. Check out their new mixtapes and let us know what you think. 7 Days Tracklist 1. Champions League 2. Told You 3. Wo Wo Wo 4. One My Life Feat. Skepta 5. Robbery (Remix) Feat. Abra Cadabra 6. Khalas Feat. R.A 7. Sauce 8. Cold Summer (Krept Freestyle) 9. Ask Flipz Feat. Stormzy 10.Last Night In LA (Konan Freestyle) 11.Get A Stack Feat. J Hus 7 Nights Tracklist 1. Dont Lie 2. For Me 3. Ride For You Feat. Hudson East 4. Wrongs Feat. Jhene Aiko 5. Save Some Feat. Hudson East 6. So Lit 7. Same Shit Feat. Tory Lanez 8. One More Time 10.The One 11. Take Time Feat. Hudson East Rob $tone first made an impression with his breakout hit Chill Bill, which took the iconic whistle from Kill Bill and turned it into a banger. From that moment on, fans have been eagerly anticipating a full length album from the San Diego emcee, and now, Rob $tone has delivered on that front. His debut project Dont Wait For It has finally arrived, and it features some notable producers and guest appearances like Gucci Mane, Zaytoven, Meechy Darko, and more. In a press release, $tone broke down the motivation behind the albums title, explaining Dont Wait For It is an album about growth; as a man, as a musician, as an all around person. I want people to take Dont Wait For It and apply it to their life. Dont wait for happiness, dont wait to be successful and dont wait for anything. And of course, dont ever wait for the label. $tone uses his platform to showcase the many facets of his musical personality, from the ladies man (Highlight) to the lyricist (The Whole Thang) to the activist (Little Piggy). At the end of the day, $tones debut is a solid effort, and proves that the rapper can go beyond the success of a hot single. Album highlights include the Gucci Mane assisted Smash, which finds Guwop making yet another guest appearance. Perhaps hes going for a personal record. Another standout is the aforementioned Little Piggy, which finds Rob and Flatbush Zombie Meechy Darko exchanging verses about systemic racism and police brutality over a bouncy Zaytoven beat. And finally, the dark minimalism of Uncle Ben should please fans of Spiderman and rice alike. If you were feeling Chill Bill, be sure to check out Rob $tones debut album right now. Sound off below did Rob deliver on this one? Last week, Memphis rapper Young Dolph was finally released from the hospital after being shot in broad daylight in Hollywood a couple weeks prior. Upon his release, Dolph decided to waste no time in getting back to the music & announce that he had a new album called Thinking Out Loud, dropping Friday (Oct. 20), and alas here it is! Laced with 10 tracks in total, the follow up to this years Bulletproof project, (which was also inspired by his shootout from Yo Gotti), features guest appearances from Gucci Mane, Ty Dolla Sign, 2 Chainz, & D.R.A.M. MEanwhile production is handled by the some heavy hitters, including Drumma Boy, Zaytoven, Mike WiLL Made-It, Cassius Jay and Honorable C.N.O.T.E to name a few. It serves as his third project of 2017, following Gelato & Bulletproof, the latter of which was an album following another shooting he was involved in this year. Back in February, Dolph was uninjured after his $300,000 bulletproof SUV was fired at 100 times in Charlottesville, North Carolina, ultimately resulting in the comeback album. And now hes doing it all over again with Thinking Out Loud. Having already records like While U Here & Believe Me, fans can now stream the project in its entirety via Apple Music. Hit play and let us know what record youre feeling the most? To go along with the album, Dolph is also selling bullet proof vests as well for those living the street life. If you happen to purchase one of the vests youll be given a free copy of Dolphs new mixtape in the process. Tracklist: 1. Whats the Deal (prod. by DJ Squeeky) 2. Pacific Ocean (prod. by Teddy Walton, co-prod. by Aaron Bow) 3. Point Across (prod. by Zaytoven) 4. Drippy (prod. by Mike WiLL Made-It) 5. Believe Me (prod. by Cassius Jay) 6. All of Mine Feat. D.R.A.M. (prod. by OZ) 7. Go Get Sum Mo Feat. Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz & Ty Dolla $ign (prod. by Honorable C.N.O.T.E.) 8. Thinking Out Loud (prod. by Buddha Bless) 9. Eddie Cane (prod. by Buddha Bless) 10 While U Here (prod. by Drumma Boy) BAMAKO, Aug 8 (Reuters) - Malian security forces on Saturday stormed a hotel used by United Nations staff and freed four hostages held there by suspected Islamist militants during a nearly 24-hour siege in which 12 people died. The gunmen had seized the Byblos Hotel in the town of Sevare, around 600 km (400 miles) northeast of the west African nation's capital Bamako, early on Friday and held off government troops who quickly surrounded the building. Advertisement The attack, far to the south of the Islamist militants' traditional desert strongholds, was the latest in what appears to be a growing campaign against Malian soldiers and U.N. personnel by remnants of an al Qaeda-linked insurgency. "(The siege) seems to be over and it has ended well," said a Malian defense ministry spokesman, Colonel Diaran Kone. "We freed the four hostages. But unfortunately we also found three bodies at the site." A spokeswoman for Mali's U.N. peacekeeping mission, MINUSMA, said four U.N. contractors - two from South Africa along with a Russian and a Ukrainian - had been freed in the pre-dawn raid by security forces. "At no point were they discovered by the terrorists in the hotel. They were hiding," Radhia Achouri said, adding that the mission was verifying whether any other MINUSMA personnel were present inside the hotel. Advertisement Three hostages died during the ordeal, Malian government spokesman Choguel Kokala Maiga said. A Malian military spokesman said they were from South Africa, Russia and Ukraine. South Africa's foreign ministry confirmed that two of its citizens were safe while a 38-year-old Pretoria resident working for an aviation company contracted with MINUSMA had died. Five soldiers and four gunmen, including one who officials earlier said was strapped with explosives, were also killed, he said. Ukraine and Russia had previously confirmed that their citizens were among the hostages. Russian news agencies, citing a press attache at Moscow's embassy in Mali, said a Russian hostage employed by the airline UTair was among those freed on Saturday. Seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack, according to a government statement released late on Friday. Advertisement SMALL ARMS FIRE A 2013 French-led military operation drove back Islamist fighters, who had taken advantage of an ethnic Tuareg rebellion and a military coup to seize territory in the north a year earlier. While the United Nations has managed to broker a tenuous peace agreement between the government and Tuareg separatists, Islamist fighters left out of the negotiations have mounted an insurgency. Former colonial ruler France and other Western and regional nations fear Islamist fighters could turn the remote region into a launch pad for attacks further afield if they regain power there. Describing the security forces' operation early on Saturday, a Sevare resident living near the hotel told Reuters: "The assault ... took place between 4 and 5 o'clock this morning (0400-0500 GMT). We didn't hear heavy weapons this time. There was just some small arms fire." On Friday Malian forces had used heavy weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades, in a failed attempt to dislodge the gunmen that then gave way to the prolonged stand-off. Advertisement The resident and a Malian military source said a special unit of the Malian gendarmes had carried out Saturday's pre-dawn raid. Kone, the defense ministry spokesman, said that French forces had backed the operation. But a French army spokesman said French soldiers had not been directly involved in the assault on the hotel. Page Content Montreal and Muscat, 20 October 2017 Pointing to the 2.4 million jobs and 157 billion dollars in GDP that aviation has created in the region, ICAO Secretary General Dr. Fang Liu welcomed the endorsement of the ICAO Middle East (MID) No Country Left Behind (NCLB) Strategy by delegates at the Fourth Meeting of Directors General of Civil Aviation for the ICAO Middle East Region (DGCA-MID/4), which concluded yesterday in Muscat, Oman. Their endorsement was formalized through their signing of the Muscat Declaration on the NCLB Strategy. The effective implementation of ICAOs Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) is key to accessing the international civil aviation network and accessing the tremendous socio-economic benefits it offers. This strategy defines approaches to drive the necessary political and financial momentum to achieve ICAO compliance through the satisfaction of regional infrastructure, human resource and regulatory needs. It comes at a crucial conjuncture in the development of air transport in the region and contributes to the significant cooperative momentum on air transport issues that has developed. On this point, DGCA-MID/4 delegates, representing 17 countries and 6 international and regional organizations, also reached agreement on the establishment of a Middle East Implementation Plan to Support Regional Safety and Air Navigation Initiatives (MIDIP) and an Aviation Security and Facilitation Regional Group (AVSEC/FAL/RG), and they endorsed new regional air navigation projects, including a Flight Procedure Programme (MID FPP). These developments were equally hailed by ICAOs Secretary General. The ICAO Middle East (MID) region has been the fastest growing region for passenger and cargo traffic since 2011, and airlines here have posted double-digit passenger flight growth every year since 2012. In 2016, these carriers recorded 11.2% growth in revenue passenger-kilometres (RPKs), the highest among all ICAO regions, Dr. Liu remarked in her address to the meeting. These types of results underscore the importance of the strong and active commitment which the States of this region have established to work together through ICAO, and especially with respect to the priorities for assistance and capacity-building established under our No Country Left Behind (NCLB) initiative. Dr. Liu underscored the tremendous progress accomplished by the aviation community at the global level, noting in particular that 2016 being the safest year on record and that a number of emerging security threats were being addressed, and stressed that the sustainability of these accomplishments will continue to require concerted efforts, particularly within a context of significant growth. She reminded delegates that this challenge was not specific to their region, and that ICAO, particularly through its MID Regional Office in Cairo, remained deeply committed to providing all necessary assistance. She also pointed to a number of regional mechanisms and initiatives that are providing the foundations, means and objectives to structure progress on these issues. We have begun to focus greater attention on some specific challenges such as addressing operational risk under the State Safety Programme (SSP) and Safety management System (SMS) framework, the effectiveness of Regional Safety Oversight Organizations (RSOOs), and many other priority targets, Dr. Liu explained. The MID Regional Aviation Safety Group (RASG-MID) has identified priorities which have helped all stakeholders to work towards the agreed safety targets contained in the MID Region Safety Strategy and Doha Declaration. The Region is also expected to establish the MENA RSOO, hosted by Saudi Arabia, in order to assist its member States in their SSP development and implementation, as well as to provide assistance to improve States safety oversight capabilities. Turning to security, the Secretary General reviewed ICAOs work to address emerging issues, such as cybersecurity and landside airport threats. She congratulated delegates for their progress on enhancing security at the regional level, notably through the establishment of the Middle East Regional Aviation Security and Facilitation Group (MID-RASFG) and the development of a Draft Arab Civil Aviation Commission/MID Security and Facilitation (ACAC/MID SECFAL) Plan, in response to the priorities outlined in the Riyadh Declaration of 2016. She also welcomed the newly-endorsed Africa and Middle East Aviation Security Roadmap, and thanked Egypt and Saudi Arabia for their leadership on these initiatives. Furthermore, she noted progress on these issues at the regional level is facilitating the development and implementation of ICAOs Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP). Finally, the Secretary General reiterated that the translation of these efforts into outcomes will require adequate financial and human resourcing, including through the prioritization of aviation within national economic development strategies and States Official Development Assistance (ODA) contributions. She encouraged delegates to pursue discussions at the upcoming ICAO World Aviation Forum, which will be taking place in Nigeria in November. The DGCA-MID/4 meeting was also attended by the Directors of ICAOs Air Transport Bureau, Mr. Boubacar Djibo, and Air Navigation Bureau, Mr. Stephen Creamer, and ICAOs Middle East Regional Director, Mr. Mohamed Khalifa Rahma. Resources for Editors About ICAO A specialized agency of the United Nations, ICAO was created in 1944 to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency, capacity and environmental protection, amongst many other priorities. The Organization serves as the forum for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation among its 191 Member States. ICAO's Middle East Regional Office ICAO's No Country Left Behind initiative Contacts Anthony Philbin Chief, Communications aphilbin@icao.int +1 514-954-8220 +1 438-402-8886 (mobile) Twitter: @ICAO William Raillant-Clark Communications Officer wraillantclark@icao.int +1 514-954-6705 +1 514-409-0705 (mobile) Twitter: @wraillantclark LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/raillantclark/ Gondhoraj Momos Take Over West Bengal; Have You Tried Them Yet? New Delhi, Oct 20 (IBNS): Delhi based real estate industrialist Kushal Pal Singh (86) of DLF topped the Grohe Hurun India Real Estate Rich List 2017 (List), with a wealth of Rs 23,460 crore. He is followed by Mumbai-based Mangal Prabhat Lodha from Lodha Group with wealth Rs 18,610 crore and Bengaluru-based Jitendra Virwani from Embassy Property Developments with a wealth of Rs 16,700 crore. Smitha V Crishna (66) of Godrej Properties is the richest woman with a fortune of Rs 2,210 crore. Hurun Report recently released the GROHE Hurun India Real Estate Rich List 2017, which is the list of richest real estate entrepreneurs in India. Six billionaires figure among the Grohe Hurun India Real Estate Rich List 2017. Average wealth of Grohe Hurun India Real Estate Rich List 2017 is Rs 1,969 crore. With a growing middle class population, it is imperative that India produces respectable brands in real estate in the next few years," said Anas Rahman Junaid, MD and Chief Researcher, Hurun Report India. "GROHE, a leader in premium sanitary fitting is committed to bringing world class technology and design to consumers, and these key developers are the powerful movers and shakers of the industry who appreciate and acknowledge the best world has to offer. We are delighted to be in association with them as this allows GROHE to create a platform for bringing world class solutions to the Indian consumers via the developer community," said Anas Rahman Junaid. Hurun Report India is part of Hurun Report, a luxury publishing and events group established in London in 1999. Hurun Report India commenced its operations in 2012 and focuses on stories of successful and emerging Indian entrepreneurs. According to the report, Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru are home to 74 per cent of the Grohe Hurun India Real Estate Rich List. These three cities also feature among the top cities under the Hurun India Rich List, which also contains names of 35 individuals from the List. The top 5 cities accounts for 86 per cent of top 100 real estate rich-listers in India. Majority of real estate developers are discreet, so for every entrepreneur who we have found, we may have missed two. Real estate holdings are rather scattered in India and there is a good chance that we may have missed associated companies/ subsidiaries in certain cases, said Anas Rahman Junaid. The cut off of Rs 300 crore is surprisingly low for a big country like India," said Rupert Hoogewerf, Chairman and Chief Researcher, Hurun Report Global. According to the List, the Menda family, owns and runs the most valuable commercial space developer in South India, RMZ Corp valued at Rs 19,230 crore. Kunal Menda (23 years) with a networth of Rs 660 crore is the youngest member on the List while Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi (88) of East India Hotels with a networth of Rs 3,120 crore is the oldest. Average age of the people on the List is 56 while average of the top 10 on the List is 60 years, Among those who have made it to the List, 62 per cent are residential developers, while the rest are commercial, hospitality and retail real estate developers. Shubhajit Sen, Country Head, GROHE India, said, The growth in Indias middle class is driving strong demand for quality houses, which real estate brands have an opportunity to fulfill. I am delighted to partner with the Hurun Report India, Indias leading research house, to connect with consumers through their platform promoting respected real estate brands and entrepreneurs in India." According to the Hurun Report India (Report), RBI Housing price index indicates that demonetization has a positive impact on housing prices. Housing price index rose 10 per cent for the nine months ended on September 2017 compared to marginal growth rate of 3 per cent in FY 16, the Report said. All major cities have recorded a price increase after demonetization except Jaipur where the prices are 3 per cent below the pre demonetization level. Lucknow, Chennai and Ahmedabad recorded post demonetization housing price rise of 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 17 per cent, respectively. Based on a survey with the real estate agents in and around India, one could expect the house price to go up in the short term and a possible correction in five years especially in small cities. This is supported by inventory overhang and possible long term effects of the current GDP slow down, said Anas Rahman Junaid. Talking about the credit worthiness of companies in GROHE Hurun India Real Estate Rich List 2017, the Report mentioned that only 76 per cent of companies are credit rated - ICRA (18 per cent), CRISIL (17 per cent) and Brickwork (16 per cent). Ninety-nine per cent of rated companies in GROHE Hurun India Real Estate Rich List 2017 have a stable credit, rating reaffirms the quality of business listed, according to the Report. However, for three companies in the list, ratings have been withdrawn by the respective agencies. The Report is available on www.hurunindia.net. Image: SKA Advisors/Twitter Sydney, Oct 20 (IBNS): Treating sleep disorders, improving the mental health of Australian young people and reducing and preventing the incidence of stroke are among the research projects at The University of Western Australia to receive almost $4 million in funding through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) fellowship schemes. Professor Peter Eastwood, head of UWAs Centre for Sleep Science was one of two UWA staff members awarded $640,210 for Research Fellowships. Professor Eastwoods fellowship will focus on research to diagnose and treat sleep disorders nationwide. Sleep disorders cost the Australian economy more than $10 billion a year with 7.5 million Australians suffering from one of 95 different types of sleep disorders, including insomnia and restless leg syndrome. Together with a team from the West Australian Sleep Disorders Research Institute at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Professor Eastwood hopes to develop new ways to understand the prevalence of, diagnose, and treat sleep disorders, particularly in young adults. Treatments currently available for particular sleep disorders, such as sleep masks for sleep apnoea patients, are often uncomfortable and not tolerated by half of those suffering from them. Professor Eastwood said in a global move towards individualised medicines, the research team was looking at tailored treatments, including a modified lifestyle and alternative therapies, to improve sleep. Sleep disorders have historically been difficult to diagnose as patients need to physically visit a sleep centre and so the national figure is likely to be vastly understated, he said. By correctly diagnosing patients sleep disorders we can better understand how they interact with other illnesses and recommend the most appropriate remedy. Professor Trevor Mori, senior principal research fellow in UWAs Medical School, will use his $640,210 research fellowship to investigate the mechanisms and preventative strategies to alleviate the burden of cardiovascular disease. Professor Graeme Hankey from UWAs Medical School was awarded a $577,188 Practitioner Fellowship to run clinical trials into the treatment and prevention of stroke. An internationally recognised expert in acute stroke and stroke prevention, Professor Hankey has contributed a lifetime of related research and overseen significant reductions in stroke incidence in Australia over the past 25 years. Professor Hankey said one study would examine individuals who had experienced a recent stroke to determine whether a safe and widely available pharmacological therapy (called fluoxetine) could help their recovery. The funding will enable me to spend more time conducting clinical research that could lead to reductions in stroke-related disability, the prevention of recurrent and first-ever stroke, and a reduction in the substantial and increasing burden of stroke, Professor Hankey said. Early Career Fellowships were awarded to: Dr Edward Fysh, $340,891 to improve management of fluid in the lungs; Dr Luke Garratt, $318,768 to determine white blood cell plasticity in early cystic fibrosis lung disease, Dr Rishi Kotecha, $340,891 towards treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in high-risk infants; Dr Christopher Brennan-Jones, $286,891 to tackle chronic ear infection and its impact on children; and Dr Tim Rosenow $318,768 for imaging in paediatric lung disease. Dr Ashleigh Lin was awarded a Career Development Fellowship of $431,000 to improve the mental health outcomes of young Australians. Image: Wikimedia Commons Washington, Oct 20 (IBNS): Bigelow Aerospace and United Launch Alliance (ULA) are working together to launch a B330 expandable module on ULAas Vulcan launch vehicle. The launch would place a B330 outfitted module in Low Lunar Orbit by the end of 2022 to serve as a lunar depot. We are excited to work with ULA on this lunar depot project, said Robert Bigelow, president of Bigelow Aerospace. Our lunar depot plan is a strong complement to other plans intended to eventually put people on Mars. It will provide NASA and America with an exciting and financially practical success opportunity that can be accomplished in the short term. This lunar depot could be deployed easily by 2022 to support the nations re-energized plans for returning to the Moon. "This commercial lunar depot would provide anchorage for significant lunar business development in addition to offering NASA and other governments the Moon as a new exciting location to conduct long-term exploration and astronaut training. The B330 would launch to Low Earth Orbit on a Vulcan 562 configuration rocket, the only commercial launch vehicle in development today with sufficient performance and a large enough payload fairing to carry the habitat. Once the B330 is in orbit, Bigelow Aerospace will outfit the habitat and demonstrate it is working properly. Once the B330 is fully operational, ULAs industry-unique distributed lift capability would be used to send the B330 to lunar orbit. Distributed lift would also utilize two more Vulcan ACES launches, each carrying 35 tons of cryogenic propellant to low Earth orbit. In LEO, all of the cryogenic propellant would be transferred to one of the Advanced Cryogenic Evolved Stage (ACES). The now full ACES would then rendezvous with the B330 and perform multiple maneuvers to deliver the B330 to its final position in Low Lunar Orbit. We are so pleased to be able to continue our relationship with Bigelow Aerospace, said Tory Bruno, ULAs president and CEO. The company is doing such tremendous work in the area of habitats for visiting, living and working off our planet and we are thrilled to be the ride that enables that reality. Bigelow Aerospace is a destination-oriented company with a focus on expandable systems for use in a variety of space applications. These NASA heritage systems provide for greater volume, safety, opportunity and economy than the aluminum alternatives. The B330 is a standalone commercial space station that can operate in low Earth orbit, cislunar space and beyond. A single B330 is comparable to one third of the current pressurized volume of the entire International Space Station. Bigelow Aerospace is developing two B330 commercial space station habitats that will be ready for launch any time after 2020. Image: twitter.com/narendramodi New Delhi, Oct 20 (IBNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday greeted the Gujarati community on its lunar new year. "Saal Mubarak to all Gujaratis across the world. May the coming year bring happiness, prosperity & lead to fulfilment of your aspirations," the Prime Minister's tweet read. According to traditions, old account books are closed and new ones are opened on the Gujarati new year. It is generally celebrated a day after Diwali. Image: twitter.com/narendramodi Chennai, Oct 20 (IBNS): At least eight people have been killed in Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam district on Friday morning as a building collapsed, reports said. Three others too sustained grave injuries and were rushed to Nagapattinam Government Hospital. The said building was located at Porayar and belonged to Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation. All the deceased and injured persons were either bus drivers or conductors who were taking rest when the roof gave away at around 3:30 am. The deceased have been identified as Muniyappan, Chandrasekar, Prabakar, Ramalingam, Manivannan, Dhanapal, Anbarasan and Balu. According to police, continuous rainfall for the past three days may have weakened the building, leading to its collapse. Dehradun, Oct 20 (IBNS): Reaching Uttarakhand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kedarnath temple on Friday morning. The Prime Minister was welcomed by Uttarakhand governor Krishna Kant Paul and chief minister of the state, Trivendra Singh Rawat. Governor Shri KK Paul and CM @tsrawatbjp welcomed the Prime Minister to Uttarakhand. PM will attend programmes in Kedarnath during his visit to the state. pic.twitter.com/T3HyMGTwB6 PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 20, 2017 PM Modi is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for a new Kedarpuri as well as the reconstruction of the 'samadhi sthal of Shankaracharya, according to media reports. Kedarnath was devastated by a flash flood and landslides in 2013. Usually, the four dhams of the Himalayas -- Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri -- close for the winter season soon after Diwali. This year Kedarnath is scheduled to close its doors on Oct 21. Prime Minister Modi reached the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday and celebrated Diwali festival with the Indian soldiers. Sharing pictures from his visit on social media, the PM tweeted, "Glad to have celebrated Diwali with our brave Army and BSF Jawans in the Gurez Valley, Jammu and Kashmir." The Prime Minister also exchanged sweets with the army men. "Spending time with our Forces gives me new energy. We exchanged sweets & interacted. Happy to know the Jawans practice Yoga regularly," the tweet read. Surat, Oct 20 (IBNS): Five persons were arrested on the charges of vandalising a rangoli inspired by an upcoming Bollywood film Padmavati here on Friday morning, media reports said. Among five who were arrested, four people belonged to the Rajput Karni Sena and one to Viswa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The police registered an FIR on October 16 for allegedly destroying the rangoli created by a local artist, Karan K, in Gujarat. The rangoli was inspired from film Padmavati. Surat Commissioner of Police, Satish Sharma, said: "We have arrested five persons, four of them belonging to outfit Karni Sena and one from the VHP. More persons are likely to be arrested as the video footage recovered by us shows 8-10 persons involved in the activity." "I also want to make it clear that the police will deal with strictness against any such action. Freedom of expression is everyone's right in a democracy, but vandalism will not be allowed," he added. Two days ago, Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone, who is also playing a lead role in the film, slammed the attack. Padukone said action must be taken against these people. "Absolutely heart breaking to see the recent attack on artist Karan and his artwork!disgusting and appalling to say the least!," Padukone tweeted. absolutely heart breaking to see the recent attack on artist Karan and his artwork!disgusting and appalling to say the least! pic.twitter.com/Ot2Aki0MiA Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) October 18, 2017 "Who are these people?Who is responsible for their actions?For how long are we going to let this go on?," she said. Who are these people?Who is responsible for their actions?For how long are we going to let this go on? pic.twitter.com/2WFN0jcdua Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) October 18, 2017 "Allow them to take law into their own hands & attack our freedom & right to individual expression time & again!?," she said. allow them to take law into their own hands & attack our freedom & right to individual expression time & again!? pic.twitter.com/jlR5p3seds Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) October 18, 2017 "This has to stop NOW & action must be taken! @smritiirani" the actor tweeted to Union Information and Broadcasting minister Smriti Irani. this has to stop NOW & action must be taken! @smritiirani pic.twitter.com/o5RGhDTHPJ Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) October 18, 2017 Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film will hit the silver screen on December 1. Srinagar, Oct 20 (IBNS) : Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday said that a case has been registered against some persons after they ruthlessly beaten up and attempted to burn alive a mentally deranged youth in Sopore area of north Kashmiras Baramulla district. Speaking to media, Superintendent of Police (SP) Sopore Harmeet Singh said that they have identified the persons who were trying to set ablaze Waseem Ahmad, a resident of Shrakwara area of Baramulla. He was surrounded by a mob of 500-800 people. They were trying to set him ablaze. Because of timely action by police, he was rescued and shifted to Srinagar in critical condition, Singh said. He said Ahmad is a resident of Shrakwara and also resides in Pothkhwa area of Nowpora village in Sopore. An FIR has been registered and we have identified some people after going through the videos that have come up on the social media in which they are seen trying to set him ablaze, said Singh, adding that they will soon arrest them. Singh also appealed to the public to not take law into their hands. Earlier, clashes erupted in Fruit Mandi area after police rescued Ahmad. Police lobbed several teargas shells to disperse the protesters who were pelting them with stones. (Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri) New Delhi, Oct 20 (IBNS): Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will attend the Police Commemoration Day Parade at the Police Memorial Ground in New Delhi on Saturday. He will also lay wreath and pay homage at the Police Memorial, the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a release on Friday. The Police Commemoration Day is observed on October 21st every year. The day commemorates sacrifices by 10 policemen while defending India's borders with China in 1959. Indian Police personnel were responsible for manning the 2,500 mile long border of India with Tibet until the autumn of 1959. On October 20, 1959, three reconnaissance parties were launched from Hot Springs in north eastern Ladakh in preparation for further movement of an Indian expedition, which was on its way to Lanak La. While members of two parties returned to Hot Springs by the afternoon of that day, the third one comprising two Police Constables and a porter did not return. All available personnel were mobilized early next morning in search of the missing personnel. A party of about 20 police personnel led by Karam Singh, DCIO proceeded ahead on horseback, while others followed on foot in three sections. At about mid day, Chinese Army personnel, seen on a hillock, opened fire and threw grenades at the party led by Karam Singh. Since there was no cover, most personnel were injured. Ten of the brave police personnel attained martyrdom and seven others sustained injuries. The seven injured were taken prisoners by the Chinese while the remaining managed to escape. Bodies of the ten personnel were returned by the Chinese only on November 13, 1959, a full three weeks after the incident. These bodies were cremated with full police honours at Hot Springs. The Annual Conference of Inspectors General of Police of States and Union Territories, held in January 1960, decided that October 21 would henceforth be observed as Commemoration Day in all Police Lines throughout India to mark the memory of these gallant personnel who were killed in Ladakh and all other police personnel killed on duty during the year. It was also decided to erect a memorial at Hot Springs. Every year, members of police forces from different parts of the country trek to Hot Springs to pay homage to those gallant martyrs. Since 2012, the Police Commemoration Day Parade is being held at the National level at the Police Memorial, Chanakyapuri. According to the release, since Independence, 34,418 police personnel have sacrificed their lives for safeguarding the integrity of the nation and providing security to people of this country. During the last one year, from September 2016 to August 2017, 383 police personnel have laid down their lives. Image: CISF@India/Twitter Srinagar, Oct 20 (IBNS): Suspected terrorists attacked the residence of ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Tral area of south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Friday. Sources said that a terrorist lobbed grenade at the residence of Mushtaq Shah in Tral town. Terrorists also opened fire and that was retaliated by the security guards. The legislator was not present in the house at the time of the attack. An official said that a search operation was launched to nab the assailants. (Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri) Mumbai, Oct 20 (IBNS): Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan's ex-wife Sussanne Khan has dodged any question related to the ongoing conflict between the actor and his industry-mate Kangana Ranaut, media reports said. Though earlier Sussanne had rejected any affair between her ex-husband and Kangana during her marital relationship with Hrithik, she dodged any question pertaining to the tussle recently. When she was asked about the ongoing conflict, Sussanne told media: "No personal questions please!" Hrithik Roshan recently took to social media to clear the air. Posting a three page letter on the micro blogging site Twitter, the actor vented ire against the media, while taking a 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. Guwahati, Oct 20 (IBNS): To move the Assam tourism sector into a major economic sector and an aim to increase tourist inflow by 2-3 times more within next five years, Assam government on Thursday declared an ambitious Tourism Policy. Assam tourism minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had released the Tourism Policy of Assam 2017 and it will effect from January next year till December 2022. The Assam minister said tourism shall be accorded as an industry and all facilities and incentives will be available in tourism industry also. Under the new tourism policy, we will provide a range of incentives to the film producers and aim to make the state as a destination of film making, Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The new policy aimed to promote Assam Tourism with a new approach of vigorous massive campaigning, to build a global brand 'Awesome Assam' to attract National and International Tourist, identifying most popular and attractive tourist destinations of the state and develop tourist infrastructure in an around them, to facilitate extensive involvement of private sector and active participation of local community in all aspects of Tourism promotion, to conduct special skill development Certificate programs of local youths in Hospitality and for Tourism Sector, the advantage of Government of India's Skill India and Hunar Se Rojgar tak shall be leveraged. The Assam tourism policy stated that, the first tourism policy of the State was announced in 2008 underlining the importance of Public Private Partnership which has considerably increased the tourist footfalls to the place. Around 45,00,000 domestic and 20,000 foreign tourists visited Assam as per figures of 2014. Assam becomes a Nationally and Internationally acclaimed all-season Tourist destination for its unique wildlife, bio-diversity and experience of an unexploited wonderland. Tourism is to be one of the main sources of income-generation for the people. It will also be a vibrant and significant contributor to the sustainable development of the State of Assam, said in the policy. The Assam minister said that, the new policy was approved by the state cabinet on October 17 last and it aims to make Assam a tourist Hub for North East India and as a hot destination for the tourists from East and South East Asian Countries. To make the state as a destination of film making, several attractive incentives have been initiated. The state government has decided to provide subsidy up to 45 percent of the total cost, if shooting of a film has been done in Assam. If entire shooting of a film is done in the state, then the state government will provide subsidy of 25 percent of total expenditure to Hindi, English and foreign language film makers. Apart from it, additional 10 percent rebate will be available if the story of the film is based in Assam. Also 10 percent rebate will be available if 50 percent shooting of the film have been done in Assam, Sarma said. The producers who have produced minimum 10 films in Hindi, English and Foreign language will be provided free accommodation and transport for their important casts during the period of stay for shooting of films in Assam, Sarma said. The Assam tourism minister further said that, a capital investment subsidy at the rate of 30 percent of capital investment subject to a ceiling of Rs 1 crore shall be available for Tourist lodges, Hotels, Resorts, Houseboats and floating Restaurant and located in tourism locations. The eligible units shall be entitled to avail of capital investment subsidy under this policy subject to the condition that it has not availed of such benefit under any other Central, State Government policy. 25 percent of the cost payable to Assam State Power Distribution Company Ltd (APDCL) for drawal of power line to the eligible units including the cost of transformer subject to a ceiling of Rs 10 lakhs. 75 percent of the cost of construction of approach road to the premises of eligible units shall be reimbursed in the form of a subsidy subject to a ceiling of Rs 10 lakhs. Private sector will be encouraged to proactively participate and invest in tourist places in the Tourism sector. A special incentive will be offered as additional 10 percent capital grant up to Rs 25 lakhs for investment in remote, potential tourist destination of Assam. For private properties in Tourism sector, both existing and new, 25 percent of investment on renewal sources of energy will be reimbursed subject to maximum of Rs 10 lakhs. The state government will also provide to reimbursement of 50 percent of net SGST paid for a period of 10 years from the date of such commercial operation subject to maximum 100 percent of fixed capital investment with a minimum investment of Rs.1 crore in the tourism locations, Sarma said. Himanta Biswa Sarma also said that, tourism department tagline Awesome Assam will be launched from November 1 through several brand promotional activities in Japan, Canada, USA, Singapore, UK and other European, Asian countries. Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra is the brand ambassador of the state tourism. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) Florence, Oct 20 (IBNS): A Spanish citizen has been been killed in one of Florence's churches in Italy, after a stone fragment hit him. Local newspapers have identified him as a 52-year-old resident of Barcelona. Following the incident, tourist visit to Santa Croce basilica has been stopped by officials until further notice. The same place houses the graves of Michelangelo, astronomer Galileo and philosopher Machiavelli. The fatal stone is said to be 15cm in diameter and supported a column. Condoling the loss, a church representative said she was stunned. Image: Diana Ringo/Wikipedia New York, Oct 20(Just Earth News): A senior United Nations human rights official has praised civil society for its role in standing up to the abacklasha against human rights. Speaking at a conference in Ireland, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, Andrew Gilmour, said that following a period of enormous progress on human rights issues, leaders and other influential people are lashing out due to intolerance and their own insecurities. 'We are seeing a backlash, or the pendulum swinging in the other direction, with many influential people questioning, and trends going against the values of human rights, freedoms and tolerance Gilmour told the 2017 Dublin Platform for Human Rights Defenders, hosted by Front Line Defenders. He stressed that what is needed to push back against this backlash whose many forms range from intimidation, to murder, rape, cutting off budgets or bans against non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is a strong civil society in the form of courageous NGOs and human rights defenders. Gilmour praised such human rights defenders for playing a fundamental role in consistently standing up for human rights, tolerance and justice. You open space for debate, and help shape opinion. You are key in driving local decision-making processes for reform. Praising civil society actors for being at the frontline of progress delivered in the past few decades, he offered the support of the UN, particularly that of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Prioritized support for civil society includes legal advice, sharing lessons learned, and supporting legal frameworks and access to justice. Last October, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asked Gilmour to lead efforts to strengthen UN-wide action for prevention of, protection against, investigation into and accountability for reprisals. Referring to the response he has received since, Gilmour said many Governments were very supportive but cautioned also that more support is needed, particularly more information about what is happened and where. Recounting a phrase from his speech to the UN Human Rights Council last month, Gilmour said human rights defenders should be seen as the canary in the coalmine, bravely singing until they are silenced by this toxic backlash against people, rights and dignity as a dark warning to us all. UN Photo/Manuel Elias (file) Source: www.justearthnews.com New York, Oct 20(Just Earth News): Mere mention of the Caribbean conjures up images of pristine waters, beautiful beaches and fun in the sun. However, the images emanating from the region over the past couple of months have painted a very different picture. A paradise turned into hell, was how United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described Barbuda earlier this month after visiting the island that was ravaged by Hurricane Irma. During a two-day visit to the Caribbean, he also witnessed the devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria on the small island nation of Dominica. Guterres was accompanied by Stephen OMalley, the UN Resident Coordinator and Resident Representative of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) for Barbados and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. People want to live here for very good reason theyre beautiful islands, its where people have lived for centuries, their families have lived here for centuries, OMalley said in an interview with UN News on the side lines of the Secretary-Generals visit. So how do you make sure that you use the right techniques to keep yourself as safe, and your country as safe, as possible? OMalley, whose remit includes Barbados and nine other countries in the region, describes what it was like for him to see the aftermath for the first time, what the priority needs are, and what countries can do to mitigate the risks as well as build back better following such disasters. UN News: What were your initial impressions when you saw the aftermath of the recent hurricanes? Stephen OMalley: Dominica, maybe Ill start there because Ive been to Dominica probably 10 times over the last four years. Its a country that I feel I know quite well. When we were flying in and you were looking down at this nature isle, as its called, and it was totally brown you could see the trees blown over and hardly any green at all. We came in to land at this small airport and there are all these logs which had come down from the hillsides. They were all along the waterfront. We started driving into the city and, literally, it was like going Im from Canada it was like going into a city after thered been a snowstorm but the storm was mud and not snow. It had all been pushed up to the banks, on the sides of the street. You had galvanized sheeting, you had plastic, you had mattresses, all kinds of stuff. I had seen the pictures and I have to say it was still very emotional for me to see the effect. UN News: Can you give us a brief overview of the current situation in Barbuda and in Dominica? Stephen OMalley: Theyre very different places. Barbuda is part of a twin-island State Antigua and Barbuda and is a relatively small island. Theres about 1,600 people there. So they were very badly affected I mean the infrastructure was very badly hit and then we had another storm coming, another hurricane right behind that. So the Government took the decision, I think wisely, to evacuate the population. Their houses were destroyed. They had nowhere to properly shelter. So they were evacuated to Antigua by plane and by boat in one day, which was really pretty amazing. And since then theyve been sheltering here, and the Government has been working on cleaning up the island. What does that mean? Its pumping out all the standing water. When I went there two weeks ago, you were just covered in clouds of mosquitoes because of the breeding. So clean up the standing water and then clean up dead farm animals and other animals and establish a health post and try and make it a place where, as people are able to, they can come back and they can start working on their homes bit by bit to restore them. Theyve lifted the mandatory evacuation order but for now, people go back and forth during the day. Understandably, the people who are here [Antigua], who were evacuated, the Barbudans, like people everywhere else, they want to go home. They have one thought in mind how can I go home? When can I go home? And so in the meantime theyve been in shelters, and the United Nations UNICEF, UNFPA, UN Women, IOM weve been supporting them in those shelters. So has the Government, of course. And then some people are with family or friends. But, people want to go home. So, how can that be done in a safe way? What are the minimum conditions that people need? And of course, there wouldnt be any operational schools there. So what do you do if you have school-age children? Dominica, I was there two weeks ago, and I was just there the beginning of this week as well. You could see the change. You could see that there was actually some green on the hillsides and the roads were clear. Theres a bit more order to things. Civil servants were coming back to work because they were able to get into the city. But you know they still have some very big challenges. I mean weve managed to help the Government distribute 60 metric tonnes of food in the last week. We have to keep that up so that people feel safe and secure, that they do feel like okay Im being properly taken care of, I have enough food, I have enough water, I have enough shelter, things are getting better. People have to believe that and if they believe that, thats a very important psychological boost. They can get the medical care they need, etc. So, its getting better but we have a long, long way to go, and theres still parts of the country weve only maybe been to once or twice because the access has been so difficult. We were very fortunate that we had support from a number of different foreign militaries and they airdropped via helicopter or took boats in and dropped stuff off to a range of coastal communities. More than 50 different coastal communities received some kind of food and/or water drop from, primarily, the Dutch and French military but also the Americans, the Canadians, the Brits and the Venezuelans. UN News: What are the most immediate needs right now? Stephen OMalley: I think the most immediate thing is to keep that good flow of relief aid to people so that they feel comfortable and they feel theyre being properly taken care of. I mean, the water system is coming back up slowly, electricity is coming back up slowly but thats still mostly in the capital city of Roseau. Its people in the rural areas who we have to reach in one way or the other. So we need to make sure they have the food and the water, then they can start to shelter themselves. But we still have two more months in this hurricane season left. UN News: What will be the main challenges going forward? Stephen OMalley: I think it will be expensive to rebuild. Two years ago, there was a tropical storm over Dominica Tropical Storm Erica. It was mostly heavy rainfall... In six hours, it did about $480 million worth of damage. Even two years later, in some places the countrys still recovering from that. So now we have damages which are clearly going to be higher than that. And so where do you get the money, as a small island developing State, to redevelop? So we have the money part. I think the other big piece and this is where I think the Government in Dominica is working hard is whats the strategy? You need to have a way to get money back into peoples hands. You want to get the economy going again, and then you want to start building real climate-resilient infrastructure. On Barbuda, I think its how do people get back and start rebuilding their lives there. Here you have people who are displaced and they want to go home. How can they do that in a way thats safe and in a way that contributes in a positive way to the redevelopment of the country? Again, you need a good strategy and certainly therell be some funding requirements as well. UN News: What have you heard from the people youve met who have been uprooted? Stephen OMalley: I think the biggest thing was the sense of shock at how fierce the storm was. I know people across the region. I know people who were in Dominica, people who told me you know I was sitting in a house a concrete house, were not talking about a flimsy, wooden building or a tin-walled shack, were talking about concrete-block wall houses and people telling me I thought I was okay. I was in this house, and then the wind just ripped the roof off. It was a terrifying experience for a lot of people. UN News: In a region that has seen its share of natural disasters, what can countries do to mitigate the risks, as well as build back better? Stephen OMalley: I think thats a very important question. The countries know their location. The biggest challenge is that the storms are getting stronger. And that seems to be the consensus of scientists, that these storms are going to get stronger for a variety of interrelated reasons the warming Caribbean Sea and other things. We may get more frequent storms but the storms we get will be stronger. So, what do you require to have a house or an office building that can withstand that? Its interesting, you know you can go to communities and you can see three or four houses that are really badly affected and another one that isnt. You can look at that house and you can say, well I can see that this house was constructed to building code. How do you make sure everybody has the resources they need, because not everybody has the money to build to code. And then, those houses that already exist that need to be retrofitted, again you have to help people with that. So for me, the technologies are not difficult. Theyre not complex. People know them. Its how do we enforce the building codes. And then, its the reality of some of these islands I mean Dominica is a mountainous island. You have these very steep hillsides and a coast road running along there. In the best of times, youre getting rock fall and other debris coming down the mountains. So what can you do about that so that every time you have a serious storm, you dont have your entire road network go down for a week to two weeks? What are some of the other things you can do with the power systems? Now they have one interconnected power system, one interconnected transmission grid, and the electrical company is looking at the question of well, maybe we should split this grid into different pieces so that it might be less vulnerable. You can bury the lines. You can see that in the Caribbean, you still have a lot of lines that are strung on poles. And thats another question could we bury more of the lines and that would stop the electricity from going down. So there are things we can do. People want to live here for very good reason theyre beautiful islands, its where people have lived for centuries, their families have lived here for centuries. So how do you make sure that you use the right techniques to keep yourself as safe, and your country as safe, as possible. UN Photo/Rick Bajornas Source: www.justearthnews.com Coxas Bazar, Bangladesh Oct 20 (IBNS): More than 700 000 people over the age of one year have been administered oral cholera vaccine in the first phase of a campaign here to protect the newly arrived Rohingya population and their host communities against the deadly diarrheal disease. The coverage is commendable as the oral cholera vaccination campaign was planned and rolled out against very tight timelines. It demonstrates the commitment of the Ministry of Health, Bangladesh, partners on the ground, as well as partners such as GAVI and the International Coordinating Group on vaccine provision, to help secure the health and wellbeing of these immensely vulnerable people, said Dr N Paranietharan, WHO Representative to Bangladesh. The first phase of the oral cholera vaccination (OCV) campaign covered 700 487 people aged one year and above, 179 848 of them children aged between one and five years. The campaign was launched on 10 October to cover 650 000 people. The second phase is scheduled for early November to give an additional OCV dose to children aged between one and five years, for added protection. The campaign has successfully vaccinated nearly 180,000 children aged one to five years. We will organize another round for these children to provide them with a second dose that will better protect them against this dangerous disease, said Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh. The OCV campaign was planned following a risk assessment conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with the support of WHO, UNICEF, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), in late September. The International Coordinating Group (ICG) on vaccine provision, which brings together WHO, UNICEF, MSF, and the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), released 900 000 doses of OCV within a day of the Bangladesh governments request. GAVI provided financial support. The vaccine arrived in Bangladesh on 7 October, just over a week after being released from the ICG stockpile. WHO, UNICEF and other partners supported the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to train more than 200 teams of vaccinators and volunteers; prepare micro-plans and monitor the preparations and implementation of the campaign. The vaccination campaign supplements other preventive measures, such as increased access to safe water, adequate sanitation and good hygiene. To help improve hygiene, a bar of soap was handed out to each recipient of vaccine. Peshawar, Oct 20 (IBNS): At least 12 suspected terrorists were killed in a drone attack close to the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on Friday, media reports said. According to sources six terrorist hideouts were destroyed during the strike, Geo News reported. The attack took place in Khosh Kurram, Afghanistan and is the fifth strike this week. 41 deaths have been reported in the drone strikes including that of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar chief Umar Khalid Khorasani, the newspaper report further said. Pakistan Army said operations are being carried out against terrorists in the area. Creative Commons Vaughan, Oct 20 (IBNS): The York Regional Police Services Board has welcomed its newest member Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua of the City of Vaughan. Regional Council appointed Mayor Bevilacqua to the Police Services Board in October for the remainder of the 2014-2018 term of Regional Council. Mayor Bevilacqua is a well-known and respected community leader recognized for his consensus-building abilities and expertise in the areas of social, economic and fiscal policy. Mayor Bevilacqua is currently serving his second term as Mayor of the City of Vaughan. Prior to becoming Mayor, he was a Member of Parliament for 22 years and served in several roles including Minister of State for Finance, Minister of State for science, research and development, as well as Chairman of the House of Commons Standing Committee on finance. He is presently the Vice Chair of York Region Rapid Transit Corporation, Chair of the Integration Committee for Alectra Inc., Co-chair of the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospitals $250 million Exceptional Care Belongs Here Campaign, as well as a member of the Board of Directors at Versa Bank. Mayor Bevilacqua also serves on a number of local boards including the Advisory Council for the Certificate in Business Administration for the School of continuing studies at York University and is a member of the Global City Leaders Advisory Board for the World Council on City Data. Mayor Bevilacqua expressed his gratitude for the privilege to serve on the York Regional Police Services Board and looks forward to working on important governance and safety priorities. The Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board is a seven-member civilian board that oversees the York Regional Police and is comprised of one member as head of Municipal Council, three members are appointed by resolution of Regional Council and three by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. 1. Aamir Khan Was Offered Rajinikanths Role In 2.0, But He Rejected It Despite Thalaivars Suggestion Aamir was highly convinced with the script of the film, and he knew the movie is going to be a superhit. Even Rajinikanth had called Aamir suggesting him that he should take up this role for he was unwell. However, Aamir couldn't imagine anyone but Rajinikanth doing this role. He thought only Thalaivar can nail it, and hence, he took a step back. 2. Dhinchak Pooja Is Confident About Bigg Boss 11, Says She Can Reach Finale With Salmans Support I want the viewers to support me. I want to tell them that they will be able to see the real Pooja. I hope they like me and vote for me. I will try to give my best to the show and play well. If I get support from viewers and Salman then I think I will be able to go ahead and reach Bigg Boss finale, she told Mumbai Mirror. 3. Richa Chadha Wants Discussion On Sexual Harassment At All Times, Not Just When Its Trending "First, I would like the media to carry a consistent campaign against sexual harassment, verbal or otherwise, not just discuss it in a hurry when it's a 'trending' topic." Dharma Productions Did you know that while shooting for the film, Alia reportedly fainted 14 times? Yes, that happened, because the actress who was 19-years-old, was suffering from cold and fatigue. She fainted twice while shooting for the song Ishqwala Love in the snow, she had revealed on a reality show. 5. After Deepika's Tweets To Smriti Irani, 5 Men Arrested In Padmavati Rangoli Vandalisation Case While four of the people arrested belong to Karni Sena, one of them belongs to Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), according to a Pinkvilla report. When Aamir Khan picks up a role, he makes sure he gives his hundred percent to ace it, and indeed, he does. That is why he is called Mr. Perfectionist. But did you know that the actor has rejected many cult films in his life? Recently, he divulged he rejected Salman and Shah Rukh Khan starrer Karan-Arjun, and now he revealed that he was offered Rajinikanth's role in 2.0, but he rejected it, despite immensely liking the script and Rajini Sir calling him to take the role. What exactly went wrong? Aamir was highly convinced with the script of the film, and he knew the movie is going to be a superhit. Even Rajinikanth had called Aamir suggesting him that he should take up this role for he was unwell. However, Aamir couldn't imagine anyone but Rajinikanth doing this role. He thought only Thalaivar can nail it, and hence, he took a step back. #Rajini Sir call me & told me 2 do his role n #2Point0 But I couldn't c myself n role f Rajini It wil create History pic.twitter.com/LZuJOPrjQn Rajinikanth fans (@Rajni_FC) October 19, 2017 Also starring Akshay Kumar, 2.0 is slated to release in January next year. First of all, heres a bummerDhinchak Poojas real name is Pooja Jain, and probably thats how shell be addressed in Bigg Boss 11. For the unversed, she is participating in the reality show, which Salman Khan hosts and will enter the house as a wild-card contestant along with Priyank Sharma who was eliminated for pushing another contestant Akash Dadlani in the first week itself. YouTube Just like how we couldnt stop ourselves from applauding her confidence when she released songs such as Selfie Maine Le Liya, Swag Wali Topi and Dilon Ka Shooter, the cringe pop diva, has given us another chance to feel jealous of her confidence. She says she can reach the finale of Bigg Boss 11 if Salman supports her. (Also Read: Dhinchak Pooja Confirms Shes Entering The Bigg Boss 11 House, Says 'Mere Khoon Mein He Swag Hai') firstpost.com I want the viewers to support me. I want to tell them that they will be able to see the real Pooja. I hope they like me and vote for me. I will try to give my best to the show and play well. If I get support from viewers and Salman then I think I will be able to go ahead and reach Bigg Boss finale, she told Mumbai Mirror. Salman always supports whats right, Dhinchak Pooja! We are somewhat excited to see you on the show in your unique style and fashion sense. It would be too much fun, right? Stories of sexual harassment are flooding in like a strong storm, but what all of us are hoping is that it never passes away leaving things like they were. Actress Richa Chadda also feels the same. She says people should speak about such issues, support and help those in need. She says it's important for people to keep the discussion on about sexual harassment at all times, instead of only when it's "trending". bccl The social media has been abuzz with a 'Metoo' campaign, as part of which women from across the world have been expressing their experiences with sexual harassment. "First, I would like the media to carry a consistent campaign against sexual harassment, verbal or otherwise, not just discuss it in a hurry when it's a 'trending' topic." bccl Secondly, she feels, "Men all over the world need to recognise the privilege they have in that, they can wear what they want, do whatever they want, go wherever they want, hang out with who they want without anyone questioning their character". bccl "The axis of the world is tilted in favour of the man. And I am not surprised by women contributing to the 'MeToo' campaign," added the actress, who has featured in films like "Fukrey" and "Masaan". The campaign is in the wake of the sexual harassment allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein by a long list of actresses including Lupita Nyong'o, Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow. Deepak Mondal, a commanding officer of the Border Security Force (BSF) who was critically injured in an attack by suspected cattle smugglers last week has lost the battle for his life. ANI Mondal who was undergoing treatment in Kolkata died on Friday. The second-in-command rank officer of the 145th battalion in Tripura was attacked by cattle smugglers on October 16 at the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura near the Belardeppa border post in the Sipahijala district Reuters/ Representational Image He was patrolling the area with his team to check cattle smuggling and other illegal activities along the international border which is "unfenced", making it an easy route for smuggling. Mondal was allegedly hit by a four-wheeler being used by the smugglers. There were about 25 smugglers who were carrying bricks, lathis and machetes. When challenged, the smugglers tried to gherao the officer and the patrol party. Smugglers' vehicle hit the officer from behind. The Central Pollution Control Board on Friday reported that the pollution levels in Delhi are lower compared to the air quality recorded during Diwali in 2016. The Air Quality Index (AQI) value yesterday was 319, terming it in very poor category; while the AQI last Diwali (October 30) had touched severe level after recording an index value of 431. Read more Pollution Has Killed 2.5 Million Indians So Far, No Other Country Is So Badly Affected The Supreme Court banned firecrackers in Delhi and NCR on Diwali to control air pollution, but it failed to deter people as Delhi woke up to a harmful amount of pollutants in the air after Diwali revelry. With the pollution on the rise across the country, it becomes worrisome to know that in a report by The Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health says that as many as 2.5 million people died because of pollution in the country in 2015, a figure which is highest in the world. Read more Kedarnath, Destroyed By 2013 Flash Floods, Will Become An Exquisite Site For Pilgrimage And Adventure Sports People of Kedarnath, a well-known tourist destination in Uttarakhand that was almost destroyed by the flash floods in 2013, can now hope of redevelopment in the area, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has promised to develop it as a model for what a pilgrimage site should be like. The PM said it will be not just a pilgrimage site, but a site for adventure sport, a site that will showcase natural beauty and one that will also be an ecological model. The PM's visit came on the eve of the shrine's closure for the winter season. He last visited in May, when the shrine reopened after the winter break. Read more Indian Origin MP Demands Apology For Jallianwala Bagh Massacre From UK PM Theresa May Virendra Sharma, one of Britain's senior-most Indian-origin MPs has tabled a parliamentary motion, calling for Prime Minister Theresa May to apologise for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. MP Sharma tabled his Early Day Motion (EDM) titled 'Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919' earlier this week and has attracted five additional signatures from British MPs so far. Read more Ancient Tibetan Manuscripts May Be Shifted From Dharamsala To Karnataka Due To Safety Reasons Concerned over the safety of nearly 80,000 ancient Buddhist manuscripts and artefacts, the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA), one of the most important libraries and institutions of Tibetan works in the world, will set up its first preservation centre near Bengaluru. The main LTWA is in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. The Centre for Tibetan Studies will be located at the 3.8-acre Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education near Ramanagara on the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway. Read more BSF Officer Attacked By Cattle Smugglers Near India-Bangladesh Border Succumbs To Injuries Deepak Mondal, a commanding officer of the Border Security Force (BSF) who was critically injured in an attack by suspected cattle smugglers last week has lost the battle for his life. The second-in-command rank officer of the 145th battalion in Tripura was attacked by cattle smugglers on October 16 at the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura near the Belardeppa border post in the Sipahijala district. Read more The firecracker ban has been under debate in the country for several reasons, including safety of citizens that has always been a concern. On the day of Diwali, while India was revelling by bursting crackers, there were those who lost a lot from their lives on the night. A 25-year-old painter from Adugodi, Shahrukh Khan, was left blind in one eye when he was passing by a rocket cracker that flew right into his eye, The New Indian Express reported. Around 7 pm on Wednesday, Khan was rushed to Minto Eye Hospital on Victoria Hospital premises when the incident happened. Speaking to Express, his brother Afsar said, I am an auto driver and Shahrukh paints houses. He has lost vision in his left eye but doctors say they cant do anything. However, they have asked us to meet another specialist. Dr H S Sathish, Medical Superintendent, Victoria Hospital and Director, Minto Eye Hospital, said, All the three cases brought to Minto are that of bystanders. Shahrukh has lost vision in one eye. 25 YO painter from Adugodi lost his eye to a rocket firecracker P Balu, a resident of Mulbagal, is only eight years old, suffered 30 per cent burns on his left thigh and abdominal area on Wednesday evening. He was taken to Victoria Hospitals Mahabodhi Burns Centre. Dr. K T Ramesh, Head of the department of plastic surgery and burns, told Express, The boy had put an agarbathi in his pocket which was full of crackers, thinking it was extinguished. Consequently, he suffered 30 per cent burns on his left thigh and peritoneum (abdominal cavity lining). He will be kept under observation for a few days here. 10-year-old Bhawesh Solanki, whose father Gopal runs a stationery shop, was injured on Wednesday around 1.30 pm. A resident of Cubbonpet, he was injured as he was passing by crackers. Gopal told Express, My son has been discharged. We have been asked to come for a followup on Saturday but I am thankful hes fine and can see. BJP has been accused of doing beef politics across the country. Its politicians give statements particularly in those states that go to polls. Now, in Meghalaya, which goes to the polls early next year, the state unit of BJP has refuted Congress' claims that the Centre has banned cattle slaughter. BCCL/ Representational Image "(The) rules do not, at any point, ban cow slaughter. Though the rules do not say it, the justification for them can perhaps be traced to the direction of the Supreme Court, which passed an order to frame guidelines to prevent animals from being smuggled out of India for the Gadhimai Festival held in Nepal, where large scale animal sacrifice takes places, and to Bangladesh," JA Lyngdoh, vice-president of state BJP said. He added the Centre's notification regarding cattle slaughter "only regulates" animal markets. Responding to claims that the ban on cattle slaughter is an absolute one, he said: "The rules do not say so. Even if they did, they would have to be struck down as unconstitutional by the high court or the Supreme Court." BCCL/ Representational Image The rules "have been misinterpreted as some sort of nationwide ban on cow slaughter", he added. Earlier, Meghalaya CM Mukul Sangma, during his visit to Delhi, had said the notification should be withdrawn. He had said: "They are infringing upon the way of life and the culture of the people." Lyngdoh said the food habit of tribals in the state would not be hampered. BCCL/ Representational Image Meghalaya which has an estimated population of 3.2 million is predominantly Christian. Majority of the people, including the two dominant tribes, Khasi and Garo which account for nearly 75 percent of the state's population are beef consumers. Earlier this year, a local BJP leader had promised supply of cheap beef in the party came to power. He later resigned from the BJP after the cattle sale ban order. In recent years, France has been victim to a string of jihadist attacks and has cautiously begun developing religious education in schools. In the wake of attacks that have killed 241 people, claimed by radical Islamists, since January 2015, the national education minister has introduced the secular teaching of religious facts. Under the initiative, elements of religious studies have been included in geography, history, literature, arts and philosophy classes to enhance understanding of our cultural heritage and the contemporary world. Many teachers have taken it on board, though some have felt underprepared to teach religion in a society where religious practice is generally in decline, said the president of the Observatory of Secularism, Jean-Louis Bianco. Some teachers say I need to know the Koran, the Bible, the Torah. But they are told that is not the case. They do not need to engage in confrontations with students who defend their religion. The state has taken the initiative of offering training to teachers, including with the launch of an online course, reported AFP. Pointing to a further barrier, Philippe Gaudin, deputy director of the European Institute of Religious Studies, said: If you have teachers who speak all day long to students sitting in a chair, there is no room for innovation. Children and teenagers are not so hostile towards religious teaching, according to a survey carried out by the research group Religions, Discrimination and Racism in School, based in Lyon. When confrontations do occur in the classroom, they are often not based on religious teaching, but events such as the Holocaust and the Israeli-Palestine conflict, said Bianco. Teachers must field challenges from pupils of various faiths on religious questions. For example, some Christian circles contest the teachings of Darwin, Bianco said. It is quite an art to be able to teach students that what you hear in your house is not superior, its just a different opinion. The teachers give the students what they need to form their own personal view, he added. In a society that is seeking to unite, if we ignore all of this, we are going to continue to wake up to bad news," said Eric Favey, of the Teaching League, a secular education association. While the rest of the country celebrated 'Happy Diwali' it was a not so happy diwali for thousands of farmers in Rajasthan. ANI The nearly 1,000 farmers who have been protesting for more than two weeks by burying themselves neck-deep in the ground did the same on Diwali too. On Thursday, they lit diyas inside the pits they have dug for themselves as the government shows no signs of resolving their grievances. ANI These farmers are those affected by the land acquisition by the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) to develop a housing project. According to the protesting farmers, the JDA is developing the housing project while schemes developed in past 10 years were still lying vacant. The farmers allege their lands and livelihoods were taken away forcefully by the JDA and demand the return of the agrarian land. BCCL In a unique protest, which these farmers have termed as "zameen samadhi", the affected families have dug thousands of pits and buried themselves. These protesters include 600 women and 100 children and 300 men. Social media has changed life in unimaginable ways, to an extent where a woman discovered the message-in-a-bottle that she threw into the sea 29 years ago! Picture for representation On 26th September 1988, an 8-year-old girl named Miranda Chavez wrote a message, put it in a bottle and threw it into the sea on Edisto Beach. Oddly, a couple who went for a beach clean-up drive, found the letter washed up on the Sapelo Island, Georgia. Linda Humphries and her husband David immediately shared the note on Facebook, hoping to track the writer. "We have a current name and city for the now 37-year-old sender, but any phone numbers we've found were dead ends," Humphries wrote in a Facebook post. "Will keep trying." Miranda Chavez was smart enough to include her then address on the note, but she moved out of her childhood home when she was a teenager. However, thanks to social media, now it's quite easy to connect to people one way or the other. That's how Chavez found her letter. According to CBS, Chavez said "Who would have thought? It's so awesome how something that small no matter what you've got going on in your life can take you back to your childhood and to some of the absolute happiest times of your life." "It was meant to be found. It was meant to do something, even if it was just to have people have something positive to say for a few days. I guess it served its purpose." she added. Incredible, isn't it? We are 100% volunteer and depend on your participation to sustain our efforts! Donate $ 265.00 donated in the past month Get Involved If you'd like to help with maintaining or developing the website, contact us. The Santa Clara Valley Water District Board approved the resolution in spite of evidence provided by experts exposing the projects flaws. Deirdre Des Jardins of California Water Research, who conducted an independent review of the science and engineering behind this project, told the board there have been gross misrepresentations about this project that should have give the District pause in supporting it. Photo: Groundwater recharge pond behind the Santa Clara Valley Water District offices in San Jose. Photo by Dan Bacher. Santa Clara Valley Water District conditionally approves participation in Jerry Brown's California WaterFixby Dan BacherLocal activists have been engaged in a uphill battle for over two decades to restore the once thriving Chinook salmon and steelhead runs on the tree-lined Guadalupe River, located on Santa Clara County Water District land as it flows by the water districts offices in San Jose.But the Board of Directors of the agency made a decision on Tuesday afternoon that could doom the salmon and steelhead populations in that small river, the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers and their tributaries and the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary.In a 7 to 0 vote, the board adopted a resolution expressing conditional support for the continued planning and participation in Governor Governor Jerry Browns controversial California WaterFix project. Like Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti last week, they expressed support for a single tunnel, rather than the twin tunnels proposed in the California WaterFix.Specifically, the resolution authorizes the Districts CEO to continue participating in California WaterFix planning discussions to further further define the project, and to develop agreements to secure the conditions needed for the districts support.In voting to participate in the project, Board Chair John Varela said they took a course of action that we believe will help Santa Clara County thrive.The California WaterFix will reduce risks to water supplies from failing levees and rising seas, while improving water flow in the south Delta to protect fish, he said. Because fully 40 percent of the water used in Santa Clara County comes to us through the aging infrastructure of the Delta, our life, environment and economy depend on the condition and reliability of the Delta infrastructure.Varela said the boards support for California WaterFix is contingent upon certain conditions. Our existing imported water supplies, from both the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project must be sustained and protected at a reasonable cost per acre-foot, he noted.The board adopted seven principles to guide the water districts participation in the project. You can review the conditions written by directors Keegan, Kremen, and Estremera here.Varela also discussed the pressure that Governor Brown and Resources Secretary John Laird exerted on the district to back the tunnels. In a private meeting, Laird said he was open to the idea of single tunnels versus twin tunnels, noted Varela.He recalled a call from what he jokingly called his new BFF, the Governor, on the evening before the vote. The Governor called me at 6:3O pm at home and asked, What are you going to do? said Varela.The board made their decision after hearing from the Department of Water Resources Director and from 35 members of the public, including 25 opponents of the project and 10 supporters of the project.Before voting, Board Member Barbara Keegan said her approval of the resolution was based on her belief that the agency was open to negotiation, but not to a blank checkbook on proceeding forward with the WaterFix.As a reporter covering the meeting, I found the discussion of what the board actually voted on very confusing, with both the Sacramento Bee and Mercury News reporters claiming that the board had rejected the California WaterFix and Governor Jerry Brown and Natural Resources Secretary John Laird claiming the opposite.Governor Brown praised the unanimous vote by the Santa Clara Valley Water District Board of Directors to support WaterFix, California's effort to modernize the state's water infrastructure.The Boards vote today is a major step forward for California WaterFix and ensures that Santa Clara will have the water it desperately needs, said Brown in a statement.Likewise, Secretary Laird, said, We commend Santa Clara Valley Water Districts board members for taking action today to stabilize their water supply for generations to come. Their 7-0 vote adds to the momentumweve seen in the last two weeks as local agencies around the state have seen the value of WaterFix and formally voted to participate in the project.Delta Tunnels opponents said the confusion over what exactly the board voted on at the meeting demonstrated the chaos that the project is in now in."These contradictory views of Santa Clara Valley's vote reveal the deep disarray that this project is in, said Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, Executive Director of Restore the Delta. Governor Brown wants to sell the vote as a win. Yet, Santa Clara's support, just like the Kern County Water Agency vote of 48.5 percent to pass a motion of support, is for something other than California WaterFix. So many conditions have been placed on the terms of support (including description of a scaled back project) that it feels like a bait and switch is being set in place for a new project."The truth is that Metropolitan Water District voted to fund 26 percent of WaterFix, Kern County came up short with approval of 6.5 percent funding at $1 billion, and now SCVWD has voted for about 4 percent support at $600 million. That suggests that total State Water Project funding for the project (with other small contributing agencies on board) is shy of 40 percent. In other words, Governor Brown doesn't even have half the contributions for WaterFix bond sales lined up to move forward. Is this because 40 percent is enough for one tunnela project that has not been set to paper? she asked.After the vote, Conner Everts, the executive director of the Southern California Watershed Alliance and facilitator of the Environmental Water Caucus, quipped, Their vote was like approving a housing project for 10,000 homes and then voting to reduce the project to 5,000 homes.This is the third meeting that I have been to in a week where water agency boards made their decisions not on the merits of real concerns of the public, but on politics, he added.He also said he found it insulting how some of the Delta Tunnels proponents brought up the Human Right to Water Bill, a bill that he had spent considerable effort on to pass through the legislature, when the project would do nothing to bring safe drinking water to low income communities around the state.The board approved the resolution in spite of evidence provided by experts exposing the projects flaws. Deirdre Des Jardins of California Water Research, who conducted an independent review of the science and engineering behind this project, told the board there have been gross misrepresentations about this project that should have give the District pause in supporting it.First, she contested the claim by tunnels advocates that the project will ensure the resilience of the SWP and CVP diversions in the event of a major earthquake in the Delta.As I informed the Board last week, an internal analysis by DWR showed that the tunnel joints could leak in an earthquake, she stated. This fact was never disclosed to the public or to the Boards voting on the project. As I explained last week, the issue has still not been adequately addressed.Second, Des Jardins challenged the claim that the project will protect against sea level rise.I testified on the sea level rise in the WaterFix hearing conduced by the State Water Resources Board and also cross-examined DWR's engineers, she stated. It came out that the project facilities are only being designed for 18 inches of change in water levels. The assumption was based on an extremely simplistic equation that DWR's engineers acknowledged was in error. They have promised to reconsider sea level rise in the next revision.Third, she contested Brown administration claims that the project will protect critically endangered Delta smelt.There are currently no proposed operations to protect Delta Smelt, said Des Jardins. The operations to protect Delta Smelt will be determined in the future by the Trump administration.This is failure not only in project engineering, but also in project planning. The goals of the project need to be clear and the engineering and proposed operations need to address those goals. There needs to be an adequate financing plan, she concluded.However, Varela, apparently pressured by his new BFF, Jerry Brown, and other board members voted to approve their conditional participation in the California WaterFix in spite of evidence provided by Des Jardines and many others at the meeting, including numerous ratepayers who will end up subsidizing corporate agribusiness by paying higher water rates.As I walked past the dark, slowly flowing water of the Guadalupe River on the way back to my car from the meeting at district headquarters, I reflected upon how the board had just shown their contempt for salmon and steelhead on this stream and the many rivers and creeks that flow into the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary.I also reflected upon how the board had just shown contempt for their own ratepayers, who will inevitably end up subsidizing agribusiness tycoons like Stewart and Lynda Resnick of the Wonderful Company, who make many millions of dollars growing pistachios and almonds for export in Kern County, by paying higher water rates for the construction of the tunnels.And I reflected on the contempt the board had just shown for the Winnemem Wintu and other California Indian Tribes, for whom the salmon had been integral part of their culture and livelihood for many thousands of years before Shasta Dam was built.The Winnemem Wintu Tribe has lived on the banks of the McCloud River for thousands of years and our culture is centered on protection and careful, sustainable use of its salmon, said Caleen Sisk, Chief of the Winnemem Wintu Tribe near Mt. Shasta, after joining environmental and fishing groups in a lawsuit this August against the Department of Water Resources approval of the California Water Fix. Our salmon were stolen from us when Shasta Dam was built in 1944.Since that dark time, we have worked tirelessly to restore this vital salmon run through construction of a fishway around Shasta Dam connecting the Sacramento River to its upper tributaries including the McCloud River. The Twin Tunnels and its companion proposal to raise Shasta Dam by 18 feet would push the remaining salmon runs toward extinction and inundate our ancestral and sacred homeland along the McCloud River, Chief Sisk concluded.In an article in Water Deeply, scientist Jonathan Rosenfield of the Bay Institute says the states own evidence shows that the Delta Tunnels would harm Chinook salmon and other fish species by exporting more water out of the Delta.Despite years of assuring Californians that the new $17 billion tunnels would protect the San Francisco Bay estuary and would not increase the total volume of water exported from this ecosystem, the states own documents including the Biological Assessment and Draft Environmental Impact Report/Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (RDEIR/SDEIS) show the opposite, said Rosenfield.To read the entire article, go to: https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2017/10/16/states-own-evidence-shows-tunnels-project-will-harm-fish Santa Clara Valley Water District is the only California water district that contracts for water deliveries from both the federal Central Valley Project (CVP) and the State Water Project (SWP). The district receives 25,000 acre-feet of water from the CVP and 15,000 acre-feet of water from the SWP. About 40 percent of the Districts supplies are currently imported from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, the largest estuary on the West Coast of the Americas.The Boards Seven PrinciplesThe seven principles the board adopted Tuesday to guide the water districts participation in the project are: Santa Clara County needs are the primary drivers in all our decisions involving the WaterFix project. We will not allow Silicon Valley values and priorities to be placed at a disadvantage relative to Central Valley Agriculture or Southern California. We are advocating for a flexible approach that addresses Silicon Valley stakeholder and community input. As water is a human right, we must make investments to make sure our water supply meets future needs at a cost affordable by everyone. Equity and costs are important.Any final arrangement must provide flexibility to acquire supplemental water by taking advantage of future Any final arrangement must provide flexibility to acquire supplemental water by taking advantage of future wet years to ensure residents have a reliable water supply, no matter what extreme weather the changing climate brings. Keep negotiating for the best deal for Santa Clara County. Burma 2.8 Billion Kyats Worth of Methamphetamine Pills Seized in Rakhine Suspected drug pushers pictured with seized drugs. / Maung District Police Force YANGON Police seized 2.8 billion kyats (about US$2 million) worth of methamphetamine pills over two days in conflict-torn Maungdaw Township in Rakhine State. Police collected information and acted on a tip-off to make arrests for drug smuggling, Police Lt-Col Nyan Win Oo of Maungdaw District Police Force told The Irrawaddy. On Tuesday, police seized 0.9 billion kyats worth of tablets from a Daihatsu Hijet microvan on the highway in No. 5 Ward in Maungdaw, and also arrested a suspect. The following day, police seized 1.9 billion kyats worth of tablets branded with a WY logo from a Nissan car heading from Buthidaung Township at the entrance to Maungdaw. Police arrested two suspects in the car but the man behind the wheel escaped. According to the police, the suspects are residents of Sittwe, Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships. From January to the end of July, police seized 12.7386 billion kyats worth of WY pills in Rakhine State, mostly in Sittwe and Maungdaw townships. Besides the pills, marijuana and other methamphetamines were seized in drug busts, according to the police. According to the Rakhine Police Force, police arrested 106 persons94 males and 12 femalesin connection with those drug cases. In earlier October, police seized more than three billion kyats (US$2.2 million) worth of pills from two Myanmar Army soldiers in Maungdaw. Drug seizures have increased in Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Rathedaung townships near the Myanmar-Bangladesh border since last year, when more than 50 million yaba pills were seized in two separate drug busts in Maungdaw. Police launched an anti-drug campaign called Mayu after the mountain range in Rakhine State in February, but drug cases are still rampant in the area. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko. Burma Gold Thief Detained at Famous Mandalay Pagoda Buddhist devotees cast gold leaves to Maha Muni Image in Mandalay. / Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy MANDALAY A man who scraped gold from Mandalays ancient bronze Mahamuni Buddha image was arrested on Thursday, said Mahamuni Pagoda trustees. We saw him on our security cameras, scraping out the gold from the back of the Mahamuni image on Wednesday evening. We then deployed more security and were able to arrest him when he returned for the second time the next day, said U Soe Lin, president of the pagodas trustee board. Tun Aung Kyaw, 30, from Mandalays Maha Aung Myay Township, was arrested by security at the pagoda and handed over to the police on the same evening. With a short piece of steel pipe tucked up his sleeve, Tun Aung Kyaw mingled with other pilgrims who were applying gold leaves to the 6.5-ton image as offerings. Devotees have regularly applied gold leaves to the image over the centuries. Except for the face, the image is covered with layers of gold believed to be about 15 centimeters thick. Tun Aung Kyaw then used the pipe to scrape the gilded gold from the back of the Buddha image, the security cameras show. During interrogation, he said the gold was sold to a goldsmith in Mhan Myo Zay Market. And he has been scraping out the gold since October 10, said U Soe Lin. According to the trustees and police records, Tun Aung Kyaw took about 3.5 grams of gold each time he visited the image. He received between 170,000 to 200,000 kyats from the goldsmith for 3.5 grams. The trustees of the pagoda said this is the first time gold has been removed from the image. The trustees added that the security of the pagoda will remain the same, however, they will do more watching over the security cameras. Tun Aung Kyaw was detained at the police station in Chan Mya Tharzi Township and is under interrogation, according to police. He is being charged with theft and defaming Buddhism. Burma Police Arrest Seven Self-identifying Rohingya in Irrawaddy Region Seven self-identifying Rohingya Muslims arrested in Irrawaddy Region. / Myo Thiha / Kyangin Township PATHEIN, Irrawaddy Region Police arrested seven self-identifying Rohingya and three others believed to be traveling to Yangon, in Kyangin Township, Irrawaddy Region on Wednesday evening. Police spotted a car carrying seven self-identifying Rohingya at an inspection gate in Kyangin Township, and arrested them as well as the car driver and his assistant. In cooperation with the Rakhine Police Force, we also arrested a resident of Rakhine States Minbya Township called Ko Shae (aka) Kyaw Win (aka) Nyi Shae on Wednesday. He arranged for transportation of self-identifying Rohingya to Yangon. We will bring him to Irrawaddy and investigate, spokesperson of Irrawaddy Division Police Force Police Lt-Col Khin Maung Latt told The Irrawaddy. Myanmars minority Muslims in Rakhine Statewho identify as Rohingya but are labeled Bengali by manyare denied basic human rights by the Myanmar government including access to healthcare, education, and freedom of movement. Nearly 600,000 self-identifying Rohingya have fled northern Rakhine State since Aug. 25 after deadly militant attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army prompted a violent government security crackdown dogged by accusations of rape, extrajudicial killings, and arson. The UN has labeled the governments actions in Rakhine State a text book example of ethnic cleansing. Kyangin Township Immigration department has filed a lawsuit against the seven self-identifying Rohingyas under Residents of Burma Registration Rules 1951. Police have charged the driver, his assistant and Ko Shae. Police searched the truck at an inspection gate in Kyangin Townships Zibinkwin village-tract and discovered seven self-identifying Rohingyas hiding among 260 rice bags in the truck. According to an initial police investigation, driver Hla Myint and his assistant Yan Maung Tun transported commodities from Yangon to Sittwe and arrived in Minbya on October 15. There, the two met Ko Shae who persuaded them to take self-identifying Rohingyas to Yangon and paid 800,000 kyats in transportation fees for each of them. Hla Myint accepted the job to transport the self-identifying Rohingya to Min Mahar filling station in Yangons Hlaingthayar Township where a man called Abul Sede was supposed to meet them, according to the police. Ko Shae picked up seven self-identifying Rohingyas onto the truck outside Minbya on Tuesday evening. The truck was stopped in Kyangin on its way to Yangon the following day, said the police. Taking a look at this case, we can see that they have connections and selected a route and acted according to a plan. We will keep increased security measures to find out similar cases, said police Lt-Col Khin Maung Latt. Police stations along the coast of Irrawaddy Region have been put on high alert since Aug. 26 over fears that violence in Rakhine State could spill over to the adjacent region. Burma Police Hunt Man Who Claimed to be Next Buddha to Abuse Young Women Khun Tun / Aung Lay MAWLAMYINE, Mon State The Mon State government has issued a warrant for the arrest of Khun Tan, who reportedly claimed to be the next Buddha and seduced young girls to have sex with him, said Mon State chief minister Dr Aye Zan. Weve issued an arrest warrant for him for defaming Buddhism. Khun Tan has, however, escaped, but weve got five of his accomplices, Dr. Aye Zan told The Irrawaddy. Khun Tan, also known as Zat Lite, has reportedly fled to Hopong in Shan States Taunggyi District, and the Mon State government is cooperating with the Shan State government to apprehend him, he added. According to Pa-O ethnic Ko Khun Aung Myo Thein, a resident of Mon States Thaton, Khun Tan was born in Kone Tha village in Hopong Township and arrived in Thaton around 18 years ago when he was seven. Local Pa-O people were led to believe that he was the reincarnation of Alantaya Sayadaw Ashin Sakkaa Pa-O ethnic monk who was quite influential and respected among not only Pa-O people but also across the country. As far as Im concerned, Khun Tan could not speak Burmese well. I believe he wont declare himself to be the reincarnation of Alantaya Sayadaw. But I dont know if there are people who are fabricating information, Ko Khun Aung Myo Thein told The Irrawaddy. Khun Tan allegedly convinced Pa-O parents living in the Alantaya religious areathe area surrounding the monastery of Alantaya Sayadawthat their daughters would be blessed if they have sex with him after they reach puberty. According to Pa-O ethnic affairs minister of Mon State government Daw San Wint Khaing, such cases began in 2012, and Khun Tan has allegedly slept with hundreds of girls mostly aged around 15. Ko Khun Aung Myo Thein explained that according to tradition of Pa-O people, persons who are destined to face ill fortune according to their horoscopes can avert it by nominally marrying a person who is believed to have good fortune. So, there is such a tradition. But marrying is jut nominal and it doesnt include sex, he said. Ko Khun Aung Myo Thein however objected to the term used by media offering of virginity to describe Khun Tans alleged sex with young girls and said that he had no comment if or not Khun Tan has actually slept with them. Dr. Aye Zan said his government has been shadowing Khun Tan for two months, and has a record of his offences, but could not take actions against him as no one filed a lawsuit. The problem was that such a case needs to be filed by the girls. But girls didnt file a complaint, and it is difficult for us to intervene, said Dr. Aye Zan. However, on Oct. 2, a complaint was filed with the Mon State Parliament Women and Child Rights Protection Committee, saying that Khun Tan had seduced five girls, aged between 16 and 18, in Alantaya religious area and three surrounding villages to marry him. Since the locals are very poorly educated, they believed that he was the Buddha-to-be and offering virgin sex would bring [their daughters] good luck, ethnic affairs minister Daw San Wint Khaing told The Irrawaddy. According to her, Khun Tan either paid or threatened girls in Alantaya religious area to have sex with him. Thaton District General Administration Department is interrogating the administrator of Zayit Chaung village for allegedly covering up two rape cases committed by Khun Tan, district commissioner U Teza Aung told The Irrawaddy. Daw Khaing Khaing Lei, chairperson of Mon State Parliament Women and Child Rights Protection Committee, and Pa-O ethnic affairs minister Daw San Wint Khaing have received messages of death threats on social media following the disclosure of the case. Union minister for Religious Affairs and Culture U Aung Ko has told reporters in Naypyitaw that his ministry would definitely take action against Khun Tan. Burma Popular Bagan Pagoda Closes After Terrace Collapse Shwesandaw Pagoda in Bagan. / The Irrawaddy YANGON One of the most popular sunset-viewing pagodas in the ancient city of Bagan is temporarily closed to the public after the lower parts of the first terraces in the southeastern part of the pagoda collapsed on Wednesday because of rains, according to the Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library (Bagan Branch). Shwesandaw Pagoda, with its white pyramid-style pagoda cut with five terraces and stairs leading to the circular stupa, is one of only two pagodas from which visitors are allowed to view the sunset. We have to do repairs and also test the strength of the pagoda in its other parts. So we will close the pagoda for a while, director of the department U Aung Aung Kyaw told The Irrawaddy. Previously, five temples were open to visitors to view the sunset in Bagan, but after hundreds of pagodas were damaged by a powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake in August last year, authorities now only allow sunset viewing at Shwesandaw and Taung Guni pagodas which are physically safer for visitors to climb. It was built in 1057 by King Anawrahta, the founder of the Pagan Empire and widely considered the father of the Burmese nation. Though the collapse is mainly due to rains, the fact that about 1,000 visitors climb on the pagoda daily to see sunset also played a part, said U Aung Aung Kyaw. The collapse, however, will not have an impact on Myanmars bid for nomination of Bagan as a Unesco World Heritage Site, he said. It has been raining steadily these days in Bagan. As the bricks [of the pagoda] date back to the 11th Century, there are already cracks, and when water got into those cracks, it collapsed, said U Khin Maung Nu, chairman of community-based Bagan Development Association. Bagan has stupas, temples and other Buddhist religious buildings constructed from the 9th to 11th centuriesa period in which some 50 Buddhist kings ruled the Pagan Dynasty. There are more than 3,000 stupas and temples in the area. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko. News Ethnic Armed Groups Lament Delayed Peace Process Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. (Myo Min Soe) NAYPYITAW The new peace process under the National League for Democracy (NLD) government has been sluggish, according to some ethnic armed groups, who cite differences between the Tatmadaw and government as well as a lack of experience and skills in those leading the process. It has been delayed, said Saw Mra Raza Lin, vice chairperson of the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP). If the government care about the people and the country, it should prioritize how to overcome those delays. While there are differences within the government, ethnic armed organizations (EAO) are also not unified, proposing alternative approaches to peace building, which has hampered the process, she said. It is the disunity among the EAOs which is hindering the process to step up. So we, including the government, all have to try to get all of the EAOs on board, she added. According to peace observers, clashes between the Tatmadaw and nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA)-signatories reduced by 90 percent after signing the NCA. The Myanmar Army chief has said all EAOs must sign the NCA to join political dialogue, whether they are in clashes with the Tatmadaw or not. Problems with leadership have strained the peace process, according to EAO leaders, as the country requires decisions from the civilian government and the military, which holds key security powers, to move forward on issues. Previous chief peace negotiator U Aung Min convinced former president U Thein Sein to support him, enabling U Aung Min to effectively work with Tatmadaw generals. But this aspect of the peace process is missing under the NLD government, said a peace negotiator from the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF). The peace negotiator who asked for anonymity told The Irrawaddy that if NCA signatories did not sign the NCA under the U Thein Sein administration, signing under the current circumstances would be impossible. The current peace negotiators can not make any decisions. All have to go to the State Counselor, who is the chief peace negotiator. Besides, we have seen some negotiations regress, as the Tatmadaw does not agree on the negotiations although the government has agreed, he said. Khun Okker, patron of the Pa-O National Liberation Organisation, said the government wants to allow ethnic armed groups to hold national-level political dialogues freely but the Tatmadaw wants controls. He is optimistic, however, that if the NCA is maintained, the aspiration of peace will not be destroyed despite the country being far from achieving it. The slow movement in the peace efforts are due to the people, he said, tersely appraising the peace process. Leaders of NCA signatories hold government leaders and the Tatmadaw directly responsible for the delays, although they welcomed the start of political dialogue after 70 years of civil war. The main hurdle is how to do the ceasefire. There is no restriction either by the government or the Tatmadaw on whichever status of the delegates joining the [union peace conferences], said U Min Zaw Oo, advisor to the peace commission, who has been involved in the peace process since its inception. The government peace commission is still in talks with the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) to sign the NCA. They will meet on Oct 23-24 in Yangon for their seventh round of talks over the nine-point proposal of the UNFC. The current peace process continues in two different paths. The NCA signatories are moving forward to reach a lasting peace in the southern part of the country, while clashes persist in the north. The government sticks firmly to the NCA, while new the Federal Political Negotiation Consultative Committee (FPNCC), led by the United Wa State Army (UWSA) urge for an alternative approach. Notably, the FPNCC and the UNFC did not join the celebration of the two-year anniversary of eight EAOs signing the NCA last week. We invited them [the non-signatories of NCA], they did not come. Same for last year. If I have to frankly criticize, they do not want to acknowledge the work of the eight EAOs and the government and the Tatmadaw. If they come, it shows that they are with us; as they dont want to show this, they avoid, said Khun Okker. Commentary Reassessing the Role of Myanmars Powerful Military Myanmar Army chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing (center) with President U Htin Kyaw, State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, vice presidents and house speakers on Oct. 15, the day marking the second anniversary of the signing of Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement. / Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing / Facebook Without the militarys collaboration, the democratic transition in Myanmar will go nowhere. Like it or not, its the realpolitik of the country and no one can discard that reality. Unlike most countries in the world, the military here is unavoidably at the epicenter of the countrys politics constitutionally, traditionally and historically. Thats a fact. Thus, not only domestic leaders but also international leaders must deal with its leadership to achieve their respective missions in the fragile state of Myanmar. Many people of Myanmar loathed the military dictatorship that oppressed them for decades. The international community punished the military with sanctions for its abuse of power against its own people; its grip on power that went against international norms. The Tatmadaw, however, is resilient in the political arena though it has faced continuous resistance throughout its rule. Sanctions from the West for 20 years didnt make the military weak. To date, political transformation has not evolved beyond a framework designed by the ex-military regime. The past one and a half years since the first elected government led by the National League for Democracy took office has proven again that the military is still the most important stakeholder in the political arena. Twenty-nine years after a nationwide uprising stormed against the military dictatorship in 1988, the popular pro-democracy camp has failed in achieving its goal: to remove the military from the political arena after making it return to the barracks. And the mainstream opposition groups comprising Daw Aung San Suu Kyis NLD, dozens of other political parties, ethnic parties and political activist groups couldnt make their own strategies beyond a political roadmap planned by the military regime. During that time, however, the military managed to have a constitution which guarantees it an important leadership role in the political arena. Today, as a result, the military is still at the epicenter of politics although it isnt running the government. Constitutionally, the militarys commander-in-chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing is perhaps the most important power holder. He chooses the 25 percent of military appointees in all parliaments nationally and regionally. He nominates a vice president and three key ministerial positionsdefense, home and border affairs. In addition, the military chief is the supreme commander in chief of all armed forces, from the military to the police to paramilitary groups. In other countries, this position is supposed to be for the president. Traditionally, the military had ruled the country for many decades from 1958 to 1960 as a caretaker government and from 1962 to 2011 as a military government. Besides, from 2011 to early 2016, the military-proxy party, known as the Union Solidarity and Development Party, ruled the country through a quasi-civilian government. Thus, the military and its political party had ruled the country for fifty-six out of the sixty-nine years since it gained independence from British colonial rule in 1948. Historically, the military was formed as the Burma Independence Army (BIA) in 1941 to fight for independence from the British. BIA was formed by patriotic politicians led by independence leader Gen. Aung San, father of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. So, the consecutive military leaders hold a belief that the Myanmar military, known as the Tatmadaw, is patriotic with a crucial duty to protect the State from internal and external threats and destructive elements which endanger its sovereignty. With such roles in history and politics, the military has strengthened itself throughout history. It has become one of the strongest armed forces in Southeast Asia, with more than 450,000 troops. All of its leaders, especially after its takeover of the country in 1988, have never swayed from three causes of their motto: The non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty. The current leader of the military, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, is no different. Last Sunday, we could see once more the militarys power and its steadfast political stand when Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing made a speech at the ceremony of the 2nd anniversary of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement in Naypyitaw. The military chief was one of three leaders to make speeches together with the de facto leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi representing the government and Saw Mutu Sae Poe, chairman of Karen National Union, representing a bloc of ethnic armed groups which have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement. The military chief is always among key leaders to make such a speech in important political ceremonies and also a key host to all foreign dignitaries, who request to meet the military chief when they want to discuss military or security matters. The head of the state and other cabinet ministers are not legitimately placed to answer such specific questions. Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaings speech on Sunday was different from the other two leaders speeches. The State Counselor emphasized leaving a good legacy of peace for the next generation and appealed for collaboration from everyone for the peace process. The Karen leader called for autonomy and integrity for ethnic people in accordance with the Panglong agreement signed in 1947 between the then Prime Minister Aung San and ethnic leaders, making crucial suggestions for the current peace process. In contrast, the military chief not only touched on the peace process and the countrys stability but also about the multiparty system, the militarys tasks in laying out the foundation for the multiparty system, the definitions of democracy, different views on the rule of law, differences between revolution and building the country, and the militarys historic role in fighting for independence. Some critics might even have considered his speech a political lecture to the audience, from the head of the state to ethnic leaders to heads of foreign missions. It would be very unusual in other countries, but in Myanmar, the exclusive audience had to listen to his 15-minutes speech. And the commander-in-chief delivered the speech with the confidence and conviction needed when speaking to such an audience. The military chief said the military government carried out political, economic and social development undertakings from 1988 till 2010 by building the road for a multiparty system. He said, Every person and every organization needs to understand the multiparty system. The military is carrying out to continue to walk on the policy of the multiparty system with steadfast and caution. As democracy is seen as a system, it can be assumed that it is as a task or ethic to achieve success if it is followed and respected by everyone. The senior general said while legal scholars focus on stability to determine the rule of law, there are two factors of accountability and no one above the law according to political point of view. The military chief said more than one time in his speech, No one is above the law. He also added, Any person or organization must respect the existing laws in carrying out any type of their duties. The law cannot be abused as a tool. He was not referring to any specific person. Some people might ask whether he was referring to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who was sitting in the front row. Because right after the NLD government took office at the end of March 2016, the NLD-dominated Parliament proposed the State Counsellor bill, which the President U Htin Kyaw signed into law in early April. The military lawmakers said the bill was unconstitutional and all of them boycotted the proceedings by refusing to cast a ballot during the session. As for the NLD, the position was created out of political necessity: though Daw Aung San Suu Kyis party won the landslide in the election, she is barred from the presidency in the military-drafted Constitution. The military leadership might have seen that it was above the law as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi created a position above the president. Over the past one and half years in office, the NLD-government has found it difficult to rule the country as it planned to in important areas such as the peace process, amending some laws, planning to change the undemocratic Constitution and other issues, including tackling the urgent Rakhine conflict. For those sectors, the military is at the center among all key stakeholders. The military and the government are not going at the same pace in tackling all the issues. In all security measures, the military calls the shotsespecially in fighting with ethnic armed groups and waging military operations against militant group the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, which launched orchestrated attacks on government security outposts in late August. Its sheer unrealistic for someone to imagine that the countrys current political transition will advance without the role of the military or the military will leave the political arena to return to its barracks in the near future. In 2012, the then defence minister Lt-Gen Hla Min said at the security forum of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore that the Tatmadaw may play a lesser role in politics once the country is more developed and that when the time is appropriate, there would be changes and the 25 percent participation in the national legislature could be reduced. Five years after, the military hasnt changed that standing at all. Certainly, Myanmars politics and its democratic transition need the militarys collaboration. If the military fully collaborates, the transition will be swift. If the military hesitates, the transition will be sluggish. If the military has no collaboration at all, it will stall completely. Friday, Oct 20th, 2017 (7:04 am) - Score 1,845 Budget ISP TalkTalk has today further reduced the special offer pricing of their up to 17Mbps Fast Broadband and up to 38Mbps Faster Fibre (FTTC) broadband and phone bundles for new customers, which also continue to benefit from no setup fee. The discount will last until 2nd November 2017. Subscribers can expect to receive unlimited usage, included phone line rental, a wireless Super Router and various other features (e.g. network-level Parental Controls and Internet Security). The ISP adopts fixed price plans, which they say means theres no need to worry, your price is fixed for the duration of your plan. Customers can also add a basic Pay TV (YouView based IPTV) box for an extra 25 (one-off) and their Plus TV package, which includes various premium TV channels, can be added for an additional +5 extra per month on top of that if desired. Fast Broadband (up to 17Mbps down / 1Mbps up) Price: 19.95 18.95 per month for 12 months (27 thereafter) Faster Fibre (up to 38Mbps down / 9.5Mbps up) Price: 26.50 25 per month for 18 months (33.50 thereafter) Faster Fibre (up to 76Mbps down / 19Mbps up) Price: 31.50 27.50 per month for 18 months (38.50 thereafter) UPDATE: TalkTalks website is currently still showing their Fast Broadband package as 19.95, although it seems to drop to the correct price of 18.95 when going through their order process. A gene developed by scientists at the CSIRO has helped Canadian biotech company Okanagan Specialty Fruits to keep one of its apples from turning brown when they cut, bitten or bruised. The slice apples, known by the brand name Arctic, will go on sale in select US supermarkets this month. The Canadian company is the first to license the non-browning technology from the CSIRO. Its first product will be snack-sized bags of fresh Arctic Golden apple slices. More non-browning varieties, including Granny Smith and Fuji, are expected in the future. Apples and other fruits and vegetables turn brown after they are cut or damaged due to a naturally occurring enzyme called polyphenol oxidase or PPO. The enzyme reacts with other fruit cell components and produces a brown pigment. To avoid this, scientists at the CSIRO constructed an anti-PPO gene that, when inserted into plants, blocked the production of PPO. The technology may be able to reduce waste not only of apples and potatoes, but also for beans, lettuce and grapes where produce with only small injuries can still be sold. Okanagan Specialty Fruits founder Neal Carter began working on the apples in the mid-1990s. I came across research from CSIRO that had managed to turn off browning in potatoes, he said. As an apple grower, I was very aware that apple consumption had been declining for decades while obesity rates had simultaneously been sharply rising. My wife and I felt that we could help boost apple consumption through a similar biotech approach with apples, as non-browning apples would be more appealing and convenient. We felt this could also significantly reduce food waste, as nearly half of all apples produced end up wasted, many due to superficial bruising. Other sliced apple products on the market are often coated with vitamin C and calcium to prevent browning and to preserve crispness leading to a change in taste. Photos: courtesy CSIRO The US Government appears to have withdrawn an invitation extended to Eugene Kaspersky, the head of Kaspersky Lab, to testify before Congress after the company's products were banned from use by US Government agencies. The invitation was issued on 14 September, a a day after the ban was promulgated by the US Department of Homeland Security The appearance by Eugene was initially supposed to be on 27 September. But that meeting never eventuated and a hearing of the panel in question, the Subcommittee on Oversight Hearing, is now slated for 25 October. However, there is no slot allotted to the head of Kaspersky Lab at the hearing, the subject of which is "Bolstering the Governments Cybersecurity: Assessing the Risk of Kaspersky Lab Products to the Federal Government". Donna Dodson, associate director and chief cyber security adviser, Information Technology Laboratory; chief cyber security adviser, National Institute of Standards and Technology; David Shive, chief information officer, US General Services Administration; James Norton, president, Play-Action Strategies; adjunct professor, Johns Hopkins University; and Sean Kanuck, director, Future Conflict and Cyber Security, International Institute for Strategic Studies. Listed to appear before the panel are: Kaspersky Lab has come under heightened suspicion of colluding with Russian intelligence following the US presidential elections in 2016. During the first half of October, three reports in the three main US mainstream newspapers made serious allegations about the company and this may, in part have contributed to the decision not to have Eugene testify before the panel. A report in The Wall Street Journal on 11 October hinted that Kaspersky Lab could have made available its source code to the Russian Government. Prior to that, a report in The Washington Post on 10 October claimed that Israeli Government information security professionals had found NSA hacking tools in Kaspersky Lab's system when it gained access to the company's servers in 2014. And The New York Times claimed on 11 October that Russian Government employees had used Kaspersky's anti-virus software to search for the code names of US intelligence programmes, while Israeli intelligence officials looked on. Kaspersky Lab was asked whether there has been any official contact from the US Government regarding the apparent change. A company spokesperson responded: "We have seen the reports that the Committee has rescheduled its hearing. It has not communicated this to Kaspersky Lab. If the Committee proceeds with a rescheduled hearing we look forward to being provided the opportunity to address their concerns directly." Meanwhile, in another blog post overnight, Eugene again denied any wrongdoing on the part of the company. However, as when iTWire put direct questions to him a week ago, he did not deal directly with the accusations made in the three articles by the WSJ, NYT and WP cited above. However, a point made by the Kaspersky Lab team in a blog post on 16 October is worth citing here. In a Q and A, the team asked this query: "Is it true that Kaspersky Anti-Virus collects data from your computer?" The response ran thus (emphasis mine): "Yes, it is true, but it doesnt collect personal data such as documents and photos. Our products, much like antivirus software from most other companies, have a cloud protection component. It quickly reacts to any new threats and protects all of our users quite literally within a minute. We call this Kaspersky Security Network (KSN). As KSN works, the antivirus may actually transfer files to the cloud, but only if theyre related to malicious or suspicious files. More detail about this may be found here. "And you can turn KSN off when installing the product or at any time after installation in the protection settings. If you like to develop cyber weapons on your home computer, it would be quite logical to turn KSN off otherwise your malicious software will end up in our antivirus database and all your work will have been in vain. Our corporate customers can choose to use KPSN, our Private Security Network, instead, which provides the same level of protection, but does not transmit data to Kaspersky Labs servers." Australia has passed legislation to stop the double taxation of digital currencies such as bitcoin. A change to tax law that passed on Thursday means that digital currencies purchased by Australians will no longer be subject to GST. The law, once it gets royal assent, will apply retrospectively from 1 July this year. Prior to this, digital currencies were taxed twice - first when it was bought and then when it was used to purchase items subject to GST. Inthat ran to 25 pages, Treasurer Scott Morrison said: "The legislation amends the GST law so that digital currency receives equivalent treatment to money, in particular foreign currency." Commenting on the law, Leigh Travers, chief executive of Perth-based blockchain solutions firm DigitalX, said: "The GST reform was created through constructive engagement with multiple parties and DigitalX congratulates the industry and the Treasury for working together to support blockchain innovation in Australia. "Digital currency is now on a level playing field with older payments systems. It is a big win for the industry and for politics for getting behind innovation. "This is the original reason why DigitalX co-founded the Australian Digital Commerce Association or ADCA. We wanted to co-advocate a positive policy change such as this. It is pleasing to see that the first goal of the association has now been achieved." A new ceramic material designed and created by scientists at Flinders University has been used by the specialist Australian watch company Bausele to manufacture its watches. The university has signed a contract with Bausele to give the company the right to use the new material, which has been called Bauselite, and make components using it. Bauselite came about as a result of three years of research and development by the Flinders scientists. It will be manufactured and supplied by Australian Advanced Manufacturing, a joint venture. Componentry made from the material has been utilised in Bauseles new luxury watch release, called Terra Australis, which was launched recently. The prototype of this watch has enjoyed international exposure, with Australian actor Dominic Purcells character Lincoln Burrows wearing it during the latest season of the international hit TV series Prison Break. The prototype of the Terra Australis watch. The watch is marked by a five-pronged diamond clasp that secures the face and is topped by a distinctive black crown, made of Bauselite. This crown contains the design feature of grains of red earth from the Kimberley region ensuring the watch contains part of Australia within it. The new material and method of production solved a number of issues specific to using ceramics in watches, said Dr Jonathan Campbell of the Flinders University Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology. Its a significant accomplishment that watch components are being produced here, signalling a major step forward and a powerful statement about Flinders delivery of elite engineering. Flinders Universitys Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology was asked in 2014 by Bausele chief executive Christophe Hoppe to provide the same expertise as that used by Swiss watchmakers for his own Australian wristwatches. The Flinders University team behind Bauselite, with Christophe Hoppe (centre). Initial research and development was done by NanoConnect, run by the Flinders University Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology. Manufacturing and supply of components will be done by Australian Advanced Manufacturing on Flinders University campuses at Bedford Park and Tonsley. In future, a wider selection of high-quality watch parts may be manufactured as well. The exposure in Prison Break has resulted in strong pre-orders, with Bausele offering each customer bespoke selections from 850 possible combinations of colour and styling elements. The fact we have secured control of our own production in partnership with Flinders University is a great achievement, said Hoppe. I was always keen to have my products manufactured in Australia, but I initially thought it was impossible. Flinders proved otherwise and has presented me with an amazing opportunity. I am so proud to be manufacturing in Australia at a time when many companies outsource all of their manufacturing overseas. Photos: courtesy Flinders University Serious flaws in all Lenovo's Android tablets and a number of mobile phones made by the company have been patched after an independent researcher notified the company about the vulnerabilities. The flaws also affected all Lenovo VIBE and ZUK devices, and the Moto M (XT1663) and Moto E3 (XT1706) distributed by Lenovo, according to independent researcher Imre Rad. He told iTWire that the flaws were tied to the Lenovo Service Framework, a privileged system component on Lenovo devices, which provides services to other Lenovo applications. "They include changing system settings, executing commands (in context and privileges of LSF), downloading and installing new application packages (APKs) and reporting events," Rad said. He said he had also seen some advertisement-related features, but did not analyse them as he had never seen them in use. "The same set of services were also exposed to Lenovo via a polling mechanism: LSF periodically calls home to the Lenovo servers over the network and queries tasks to do. When the Lenovo server dispatches some orders, LSF executes them," he explained. Rad had praise for the way Lenovo reacted when he informed the company about the flaws. "I reached out to the mobile department of Lenovo through the PSIRT team. The vendor was responsible and the communication was professional. My report contained proof of concept code snippets, so they could reproduce the issues easily. The report was confirmed on May 24," he said. He was not asked to re-evaluate the fixed version of the application before publishing his bug reports. "I usually do, but this time unfortunately I didn't have time to verify it in the past few weeks either." He said he had been using a Lenovo mobile phone recently, and also had a Lenovo tablet, but other than that, there was no particular reason why he researched Lenovo products. "The story actually began with another Android application which someone on a mailing list suspected was doing something fishy and while analysing my network traffic I spotted the requests sent by LSF. I had the gut feeling it worth spending some time understanding what's going on there," he said. As indeed it was. The following are the four issues that Rad spotted: CVE-2017-3758: is about the lack of authorisation of the incoming service calls: LSF could be invoked by any Android applications on the device. Malicious applications could exploit this flaw to hide a backdoor which cannot be easily removed by the owner. CVE-2017-3759 & CVE-2017-3760: These two are tied to the polling feature. Even though the transport channel is clear text HTTP, the message payload was integrity protected. LSF supported multiple mechanisms for verifying the integrity of the message, and I identified two ways to circumvent it. One of the algorithms was not a cryptographical one and thus could be calculated by anyone. The other flaw is about the RSA public key for which the corresponding private could be found on the internet as part of an example application. CVE-2017-3761: Some functionality of LSF required executing OS-level commands, which was done by concatenating strings together without proper sanitisation first. This is a classical command injection vulnerability, so it is just another approach to achieve arbitrary command execution in the context of LSF. Timeline of the vulnerability disclosure process: 10-13 May: Discovered the vulnerabilities, proof-of-concept exploit created. 14 May: Initial contact with Lenovo PSIRT. 15 May: Disclosed the vulnerability to Lenovo Mobility Business group. 24 May: Lenovo confirmed the vulnerabilities; deadline of public disclosure was negotiated. 20 September: CVE IDs assigned and disclosed (to me). 5 October: Lenovo released patched version of the affected system application along with a press release. A US court has lifted the curfew imposed on British security researcher Marcus Hutchins and also not require him to be monitored through wearing a GPS bracelet, according to a court document dated 19 October. Hutchins is in Milwaukee in the US state of Wisconsin awaiting trial on charges that he wrote and helped distribute a banking trojan known as Kronos. He was arrested by the FBI in Las Vegas on 2 August after he had boarded a plane to leave the US after attending the annual DEFCON security conference. Hutchins gained the attention of the world when he stopped the spread of the WannaCry ransomware by accident in May. Theagainst him said he had written and helped distribute Kronos along with an unnamed co-conspirator. The changes in his conditions were made by US Magistrate Judge William Duffin in the US District Court in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Justice Duffin said that the government objected to the changes in curfew and GPS monitoring not because the community had to be protected from Hutchins, but rather because of a concern that he might not appear when called for trial. He said that Hutchins' plea that he be allowed to be outside his house after 9pm was made on the grounds that the curfew made it harder for him to establish ties to the community. Justice Duffin said that the government's argument supporting GPS monitoring was based on the fact that Hutchins had no ties in the US and might otherwise flee back to the US. He concluded that the conditions of GPS monitoring and curfew should be removed as conditions of Hutchins' pre-trial release. Hutchins was granted bail on 14 August after a court appearance during which he pleaded not guilty to all six charges levelled against him. Women and men across the Asia Pacific region, and a line-up of global speakers from companies like Google, Facebook and Dell, will participate in a virtual conference in November hosted online by Brisbane-based workplace inclusion and diversity solutions provider emberin. The 10,000 Women in Tech APAC Virtual Conference will be staged from the 13 to 17 November to support and develop successful careers for women working, or aiming to work, across the technology industry. The event will be held completely online with four hour sessions each day to discuss topics such as reducing stress and managing life, taking risk and having a plan, communicating to be heard and building a personal brand. emberin says the conference will bring together some of the worlds most influential speakers from companies such as Google, Dell, Uber, NAB, Facebook, Huawei and many more, to inspire and transform. The list of more than 50 speakers includes Jane Livesey partner at PwC, Sarita Singh director SMB at South East Asia Facebook, Kanika Agarwal founder and chief executive at Passion Peers, and Sophie Guerin head of Diversity & Inclusion, Asia Pacific, Japan and China at Dell. Maureen Frank,chief disruption officer at emberin, said, If we want to make an impact on improving diversity in the technology industry then we need to bring a wide variety of leaders and influences together to talk about and share ways in which others can find success in their life and career. The conference will be a wonderful opportunity for women and men to look at how we can move forward together as an industry by supporting and lifting each other up, Frank said. Kelly Ferguson, chief information officer at Origin Energy, will be one of the speakers presenting during the virtual conference. Its a fantastic opportunity to speak alongside so many women and men within the technology industry and leading companies from around the world, to share stories of success, challenges and practical advice for getting ahead in the world of technology, as well as any industry, Ferguson said. Supporting women who are working in technology, or are aspiring to work in the technology industry, is a role we should all be putting our hand up to be a part of. By having speakers and attendees from various backgrounds and industries there will be an exciting range of ideas and talent. Another conference speaker, Walter Jennings, vice-president of Corporate Communications at Huawei, said, Its not only women who can make a change to increase representation of females in the technology industry, it also needs men to champion this change. Im looking forward to being part of that discussion, and supporting women and anyone who wants to further their career in technology or any industry. Registration for the virtual conference costs US$50, and it is accessible to workplaces, individuals, students and leaders around the world. It will also be available on-demand as a box set post-conference. To register for the 10,000 Women in Tech APAC Virtual Conference click here. Visiting a Web page that quietly uses the visitor's computing power to mine digital currencies through a script on the page in question will result in a sudden degradation of the PC's performance, a senior infosec official says. Jon Cooper, senior incident response and forensic consultant at cyber security firm SecureWorks, was responding to queries from iTWire in the wake of reports that many sites are quietly placing scripts in pages and using the computing power from visitors' computers to mine for currencies like bitcoin. A recent report from security firm Palo Alto Networks pointed out that miners like Coinhive were being increasingly placed on websites. "Recently, browser coin mining has taken off, for a lot of different reasons. Although the computing power (per instance) is much less than dedicated hardware, being able to exploit many users on various sites more than make up for it," the company's researchers Yuchen Zhou, Wei Xu, Jun Wang and Wayne Xin wrote. Cooper, who has worked for the Australian Federal Police cyber crime operations team, said miners primarily required CPU usage and a sudden and maintained spike in CPU usage created a drain on a computer. "As a result, responsiveness of applications is impacted, generally to a point that is noticeable; effectively a user will feel as though something is wrong with their computer. When the user closes the browser, the system functionality returns to a nominal state," he explained. On Linux systems, the top command lists CPU usage apart from lots of other information. Some websites used such miners in a legitimate fashion by advertising it somewhere on the site. "A user may be prompted to allow a 'script' to run while visiting the site, or provided a notification pop-up. Most users will simply click 'ok' to retrieve the content they wish to view, unknowingly authorising the use of such services," Cooper said. "Obviously, it is pertinent to actually read what you are allowing when a website requests to do something other than showing you the content you requested." He said more malicious approaches may not include a notification to the user, or attempt to circumvent notifications. These could be a little harder to detect. "However, using correctly configured security controls can force a website to inform the end user that a script is required to run." For those who wished to adopt a safety first approach, he said, "browsers such as Chrome and Firefox had third-party extension repositories that allow the installation of plugins which allow users to notify or block the use of malicious scripts (as well as non-malicious scripts). These had demonstrated a high level of success in blocking browser based crypto-coin mining (Firefox: NoScript, Chrome: ScriptSafe)". The Windows Resource Monitor. Apart from this, Cooper said identifying if something was using excessive CPU cycles could be done using applications installed on standard installations of Microsoft Windows, macOS and Linux. "Each operating system has the inbuilt ability to report on system statistics, including CPU usage. In Windows, you can use the inbuilt 'Resource Monitor' (Start Bar/Cortana, Resource Monitor) to view the current CPU usage. "An idle corporate system will likely use in the vicinity of 25%-35% of the CPU (Window OS, host agents, Outlook, Skype etc.). A sign that something is using the CPU excessively is when the usage is in excess of 50%, when nothing that is knowingly resource intensive running (games, photo/video editing etc). "Inside Resource Monitor, you can view how much CPU usage each process is consuming. If for instance, Firefox is using 30% or more of the CPU load (and staying in that vicinity), it is a strong indication something is occurring that shouldn't be. CPU spikes will occur when you load a page. However, once the page has finished loading the content you requested, that should drop dramatically." He said a very simple way to test if a user suspected that a website was covertly mining bitcoins or other crypto-coins without his/her knowledge was by closing the browser, opening Resource Monitor and viewing the CPU usage for a minute or two. "If you then open the browser and load a website such as Google, you will have an idea of what a baseline reading for your system CPU usage is while your browser is open. If you then browse back to the page you were on and the CPU usage by your browser rises significantly and doesn't drop, even though the page is loaded, then there is a strong chance there is something occurring which shouldn't be - it is important to note that any website which plays embedded videos will place load on the CPU attributed to the browser, though as the system buffers the video it should drop, though it may not drop to zero," Cooper explained. On the Mac, the inbuilt tool "Activity Monitor" (located in the Utilities folder), had the same functionality as Resource Monitor, while in Linux running "top" from the command line or "System Monitor" in the desktop variants of Ubuntu had the same functionality. "Other signs include physical aspects of the system changing. Cooling fans spinning up to a highly audible level and increases in the physical temperature of a system is a sign of heavy CPU load," Cooper said. "Heat can be extremely obvious when we take examples such as alloy body laptops into account. In those instances, it is worth identifying what is placing the load on the system using the aforementioned technique." Screenshots: Linux top command taken from the writer's PC; Windows Resource Monitor courtesy Microsoft Microsoft began rolling out the latest Windows 10 feature upgrade this week. Although this was the fourth upgrade since the mid-2015 debut of the operating system, and the process has much more structure around it than it did in November 2015 when the first update was released, it's still not treated with the metronome certainty of, say, death and taxes. Customers - particularly corporate customers - are still feeling their way. For one thing, they face a jumble of option-rich upgrade methods, like so much else associated with Microsoft's OS for decades. The easy download: Be lazy and wait for it Microsoft again will stagger delivery via Windows Update over a period of several months, as it has with previous feature upgrades. So, while every unmanaged PC should eventually receive 1709, not all will immediately be seeded with the new code. "You don't have to do anything to get the update," said John Cable, director of program management in the group responsible for Windows servicing, in a Tuesday post to a company blog. "It will roll out automatically to you through Windows Update if you've chosen to have updates installed automatically on your device." Microsoft has been coy about the criteria used to identify early-adopting personal computers, but the assumption has been that they're the newest and/or those thought to have the best chance of a problem-free upgrade. The company uses the data generated by Windows 10's baked-in, and intensive, telemetry to peg problematic systems based on how well similar systems processed the upgrade. The wait for a PC's turn may be long: As late as August, users reported on Microsoft's support forums that they still had not seen 1703, the upgrade that debuted April 5. The corporate volume download Microsoft immediately added Windows 10 1709 to its Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC), the portal where product downloads are available to corporate customers who have volume licensing agreements in place, including an Enterprise Agreement. [ To comment on this story, visit Computerworld's Facebook page. ] That was a change from this spring, when the company issued 1703, aka Creators Update. Although 1703 began hitting Windows Update on April 5, it wasn't until May 1 that the upgrade made it to VLSC. Microsoft Products and Services Agreement (MPSA) customers should instead head to the Business Center to download Windows 10 Enterprise 1709, Microsoft advised. The disk image - in .iso format - available on VLSC and the Business Center were also different than predecessors, Microsoft made clear on Monday. "Each of the editions (Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Enterprise, Windows 10 Education) will point to the exact same .iso, so you only need to download [it] once," said Michael Niehaus, director of product marketing for Windows. IT professionals using System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) or the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit, and the disk image, must "make sure [to] select the appropriate image index in any task sequences that you create or update," Niehaus warned, referring to the multiple versions within the single .iso. Note: Enterprise IT must be running SCCM 1706 - July's version - to deploy Windows 10 1709, as well as Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) 1709. The latter can be found here. The Windows Server Update Service option Let's put it this way: For corporate customers WSUS doesn't WSUX. Windows 10 1709 landed Tuesday on Windows Server Update Service (WSUS), still corporate's most widely-used patch and update platform. That means IT using WSUS can begin pushing 1709 to selected users - as Microsoft suggests - or even all users (which few recommend). The Windows Update for Business option Windows Update for Business (WUfB), the spin-off from Windows Update that Microsoft launched almost two years ago, can also be used to deliver 1709 to employees. However, as with the consumer-grade Windows Update, the timing of that delivery is largely in Microsoft's hands (WUfB relies on the same service and mechanisms as Windows Update). For previous upgrades - say, 1703 - Microsoft didn't cut them loose and begin serving them through WUfB until about four months had passed from the date of original release. (That stretch, previously known as "Current Branch," was used to gather feedback from users, identify bugs and then patch them.) At that mark, Microsoft gave the all-clear by declaring the upgrade business ready. Microsoft told customers in late July that 1703 was "ready for broad deployment," its new phraseology for what had been a promotion to the "Current Branch for Business" release track. At the time, the company said it would continue to declare the acceptable-for-business milepost for each edition; expect 1709 to make that mark between mid- and late February 2018. That's when WUfB will swing into action in most instances, and start shoving 1709 to end users. There are several reasons for using WUfB - simplicity for one - but the prime one has to be its ability to defer upgrades, something Windows Update cannot do. As of Windows 10 1703, those deferments were set as 365 days maximum, a doubling from the prior 180 days. The latest that 1709 can be postponed through WUfB, then, is Oct. 17, 2018. The quick option: Just download it For the impatient, the alternative to Windows Update, or WUfB for that matter, is the Software Download page where Windows 10 resides. From a PC already running Windows 10, an upgrade to 1709 starts with a click of the "Update Now" button. Reddit Email 95 Shares Neil Thompson | (Informed Comment) | The recent move by President Trump to unilaterally decertify Iran under the 2015 nuclear agreement has predictably caused tensions between Iran and the West to rise. Trumps unilateral jettisoning of the Obama-era deal (which has been sent back for 60-day congressional review in a bid to renegotiate parts the Trump Whitehouse dislikes) has also angered the other five powers who signed the multilateral accord, which was enshrined in a UN resolution. They point out that international inspectors say Iran is in technical compliance with the accord and that the nuclear agreement will remain valid regardless of President Trumps actions. The air of international exasperation with the cranky US President, who has also withdrawn America from the Paris climate accord and the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership (and started renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement) in pursuit of his America First campaign pledges, is palpable. But the biggest damage to US credibility has probably been done far away from Iran, the Middle East or even Great Power political circles. Instead it is in East Asia where the terrible diplomatic precedent of an American leader trying to unilaterally renegotiate a functioning international nuclear accord will be felt the most. A binding multilateral nuclear agreement was meant to restrain a rogue states sovereignty to pursue nuclear development; but it promised regime security in exchange. Hardliners in authoritarian countries who pointed out that Saddam Hussein and Colonel Muammar Gaddafi had both been invaded and overthrown after giving up their weapons of mass destruction were placated with the promise that any international agreement was permanent and binding. That promise has now been demolished by a US president who often seems bent on simply tearing up everything his predecessor accomplished before him, regardless of the cost to others. The American breach with Tehran is therefore a propaganda gift to the hereditary Stalinist dictatorship of North Koreas Kim Jong Un, who has spent the last few months trading insults with President Trump over his own countrys nuclear and missile programmes. The North Korean leader has already tested more rockets than his father and grandfathers regimes did combined. Indeed, since his accession to power in 2011, North Korean foreign policy has seemingly revolved around acquiring a nuclear deterrent capable of hitting the American homeland before any resumption of diplomatic relations. While it is unlikely that a revival of the Six-Party Talks or some other multilateral forum could now dissuade Pyongyang from its attempts to achieve this, the North Korean regime now has the perfect riposte for any who even try; America doesnt keep to its international agreements unless deterred by fear of mutual catastrophe. But strengthening the North Korean governments diplomatic hand looks even more foolish strategically when one takes into account the fact that Trump is counting on North Koreas enabler China to rein in the regime. With exquisitely bad timing Trump announced he was ditching the Iran nuclear deal (to which China is a signatory) just before Chinas leader Xin Jinping was to begin celebrating the end of his first term in office at the Chinese Communist partys 19th party congress. Meant to celebrate a new era of Chinese strength and prosperity, this congress is also crucial to the Chinese presidents personal political future. Five of the seven members of the central Politburo Standing Committee and six of the 25 strong Politburo are due to stand down in accordance with the partys unofficial rules on retirement; President Xin therefore has an unusually large number of places he can fill with personal loyalists. During this transformative patriotic period there is no way that anyone in Beijing can be seen to break ranks with an East Asian communist regime in its own back yard, especially not for the Americans. Yet even as he restarted the US confrontation with Iran, Trump was also seeking ways to pressure China into cutting off the economic lifelines the North Korean elite rely upon to keep their dysfunctional country up and running. In September the US threatened to target major Chinese banks over their ties to North Korean actors. This followed actual American sanctions on Chinas Bank of Dandong, for allegedly helping North Koreas nuclear weapons programme. Neither move will have been well received by Beijing, which has many options for retaliation against American firms once its party congress is over. It is extremely unlikely that a rising China (with a sovereignty-obsessed ruling class) will accept the demands of Americas extraterritorial legal and financial systems in the way that smaller states in Europe and Asia have. North Korea may thus end up becoming the geopolitical flashpoint that spurs China into formally creating its own global business architecture and cross-border payment systems, independent of the US neo-liberal order. This process will be aided by the global perception that under Trump the United States is a law unto itself, but one which is happy to hold states hostage by their economies until they submit to American demands. Trumps recent threat to designate Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a foreign terrorist organization like al Qaeda or the Islamic State is another gift to hardliners in Beijing and Pyongyang both. If the US can unilaterally designate a branch of the armed forces of a UN-member nation an illegal organisation and impose sanctions, then it is taking upon itself the right to decide who is, and is not, a legitimate state actor; neither China nor North Korea will ever accept this state of affairs and if Trump carries out his threat against the IRGC both states will feel more justified than ever in looking to the only weapons proven to be capable of deterring a hostile US; nuclear ones. The grown ups in the Trump Whitehouse should consider the cost to America elsewhere of the presidents chest-beating over Iran. It may help save the American led global system they are supposed to be protecting. Neil Thompson is a freelance writer who has lived and travelled extensively through East Asia and the Middle East. He holds an MA in the International Relations of East Asia from Durham University, and is now based in London. - Related video added by Juan Cole: CGTN: China calls on US to maintain commitment to agreement on Iran nuclear deal Reddit Email 148 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | George W. Bush gave a speech on Thursday widely interpreted as an attack on Trump in which he deplored the rise of white nationalism and bigotry in the past year. Bigotry, he lamented, seems emboldened. George W. Bush may or may not personally be a nice guy. People used to say he was the sort of person youd enjoy going for a beer with, and he has had close African-American and Arab friends. On the other hand, he authorized the CIA to waterboard Khalid Sheikh Mohammad practically to death. And, throughout his public career was complicit with the Republican Party dog whistle of racism and he wouldnt have been president without it. We cant blame W. for his fathers campaign against Michael Dukakis in 1988, when George H. W. Bushs campaign manager, Lee Atwater played the race card. Republican Governor Francis W. Sargent in 1972 had signed into law a furlough program for inmates in prison, and one Willie Horton was let out for a weekend on the program when Michael Dukakis was governor of Massachusetts. Horton committed assault and rape and fled, though a Muslim police officer later shot and apprehended him. Atwater did up campaign ads trying to tie Dukakis to Horton, and very successfully so. He said, Im going to strip the bark off the little bastard and make Willie Horton his running mate. In 2016 mainstream Republican strategists were still talking about using a Willie Horton strategy. Atwater used to like to play Chicago blues, but after 1988 African-American musicians often avoided him like the plague. Atwater repented on his death bed and apologized for what he had done. Im not aware that W. ever criticized his fathers campaign for this tactic. It was very racist. I remember the ads. Horton was a disreputable-looking fellow and Atwater paired his photo up with that of Dukakis as though they were jointly on the most wanted list. The racism virtually dripped off the tv screen and pooled on the floor below. But W. himself also does not have the standing to bash Trump on this issue, most unfortunately. This sad fact diminishes our country. I wish it were otherwise. Exhibit A is the 2000 Republican primary campaign. Bush was running against Senator John McCain (R-AZ). McCains wife Cindy had visited an orphanage in Bangladesh and seen a little girl with a cleft palate who badly needed surgery. She and John adopted her and named her Bridget. Although Bridget was not raised Muslim, I think the McCains are particularly sensitive to anti-Muslim bigotry because of having a Bangladeshi in the family, and McCain refused to play the Islamophobia card in his campaign against Barack Obama in 2008. In 2000, the McCains campaigned in South Carolina with their children, including Bridget. So Bushs mastermind, Karl Rove, came up with the idea of robo-calling voters and calling into talk radio, asking the question, If you knew McCain had an illegitimate child with a Black woman, would that affect how you felt about him. The Republican Party in South Carolina is solidly white, although the state is 1/3 African-American, and what they were pleased to call miscegenation had been a crime in South Carolina until the late 1960s. Because people had seen Bridget at the rallies, Roves smear was widely believed, and it contributed to McCains loss in the GOP primary. Bush winning South Carolina cemented his standing as a front runner. No racism and bigotry, no Bush presidency. (McCain handily won South Carolina in 2008 when Rove was not calling the shots any more). Now you could say that Rove was behind all this and W. may not have backed it. But Bush never denounced Rove or dissociated himself from these tactics. The buck stops with him. I agree with Bush that the poor response to Katrina by Bush and his FEMA was probably largely incompetence and that Kanye West was wrong to call him a racist over it (West has since apologized). But Bushs tax cuts went overwhelmingly to rich white people, and were designed to make it more difficult for the government to continue its social welfare spending, which benefits African-Americans. Structural racism was a big part of the Bush administration even if that wasnt the lens through which W. himself saw his policies. Moreover, Bushs FBI wrongly targeted perfectly innocent Muslims, including those at the charity, the Holy Land Foundation, producing some of the biggest travesties of American justice since the end of Jim Crow. The GOP had been better than most Democrats on race issues in the first half of the twentieth century. But with the passage of the Voting Rights Act and the Nixonian southern strategy, the party actively sought to become the mouthpiece for angry white men. Trump is merely the logical conclusion of the Southern strategy, and until the Republican Party comes to terms with its decades of latent racism and its rather loud dog whistle, it will create more and more Trumps. Indeed, with Der Robert Mercers billions behind him, Der Steve Bannon is planning to oust GOP merely latent mild racists, and replace them with full on Nazis. The party has to decide whether it will acquiesce in this hostile takeover. If it wont, it has to apologize for past racism and develop some other less toxic way of appealing to upper middle class voters. - Related video: Washington Post: George W. Bushs ardent speech on democracy, in 3 minutes Reddit Email 124 Shares By Shalaw Mohammed | (Niqash.org) | (Kirkuk) | People in the northern city of Kirkuk have lived through a lot, including attacks by the Islamic State. But for many, last weekend was the last straw. In the middle of the night of October 16, the people of Kirkuk were glued to their televisions and computers. News about Kirkuk was being continuously updated and nobody really knew what was happening. All they knew is that they were hearing about fighting and a possible civil war. Would the Iraqi government, upset with the fact that the countrys Kurds had held a referendum on independence and possibly had plans to secede from the country, actually go to war with those living in the semi-autonomous northern region of Iraqi Kurdistan? For a while it looked like they might. At approximately one in the morning on the night of Monday, October 16, there was a confrontation between the Iraqi Kurdish military and Iraqi government forces. More specifically the clash occurred between the special commando forces belonging to Division 70 of the Iraqi Kurdish military with the Kurdish 2nd support battalion and members of the East Tigris troops of the Iraqi army as well as fighters from the Shiite Muslim militias. One of our officers refused to withdraw, saying he would die here rather than let them pass. The commander said that if he did not withdraw, he would come down there and kill him, himself. So we withdrew. The Iraqi government soldiers were headed towards Kirkuk airport and the Kurdish military, also known as the Peshmerga, was trying to prevent them from getting there. We headed to the Taza sub district to try to stop the army and the militias from going to the airport and there was a confrontation near the bridge to the industrial district, confirms Rasoul Karkui, commander of the Iraqi Kurdish military in Kirkuk; he is also known as Wasta Rasoul. A violent clash took place and heavy weapons were used. However, after only a few hours, orders came from the senior commanders in the Kurdish military that the Kurdish troops should leave the area immediately. The Iraqi army and the Shiite Muslim militias were then able to move onto their destinations without any further issue. We were putting up stiff resistance when we got a call from a commander who told us to withdraw, one of the Kurdish soldiers told NIQASH, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to talk to the media. One of our officers refused, saying he would die here rather than let them pass. The commander said that if he did not withdraw, he would come down there and kill him, himself. So we withdrew. Karkui told NIQASH that he and his men also heard that Shiite Muslim militias were attacking other Kurd-controlled areas around Kirkuk, including Bashir, Tal al-Ward, Mullah Abdullah and Maktab Khalid. That was another reason they decided to withdraw. We knew we were fighting three big enemies, who had all decided that Kirkuk needed to go back to the way it was before, Karkui said, referring to Iraq, Iran and Turkey. We had no other choice, he said of the withdrawal. The details remain murky but it appears that a deal had been made on Saturday that the Kurdish troops would withdraw and the Iraqi troops would take their place. This deal was agreed upon by Iraqi authorities and Kurdish politicians and it was apparently brokered by Iranian mediators. Representatives of both of Iraqi Kurdistans largest political parties, who rule the semi-autonomous northern region, were there when the deal was done: That is, the Kurdistan Democratic Party, or KDP, and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, or PUK. The deal was done only a few hours before the aforementioned fighting started. The meeting was held under the supervision of senior Kurdish politician, Fuad Masum, who is also the president of federal Iraq. However, both the KDP and the PUK wont give any further details about any such deal or whether in fact the deal was done at all. Meanwhile Kurdish soldiers are blaming the politicians. They are asking why they were sent to fight when this agreement was already in place, especially because the fighting led to the deaths and injuries of their colleagues-in-arms. Numbers are hard to get but there are apparently 32 dead Kurdish soldiers, 100 injured and 17 missing in action. On the first day of the operation we received orders from the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi armed forces about returning federal authority, and deploying our forces, to certain specific locations, an Iraqi major general, Ali Fadhil Omran, told NIQASH. That is contrary to the rumours spread about us that said we came here to kill and torture Kurdish citizens. We wont stay inside the city, he added. And we will hand the city back to provinces police forces. On October 17, the day after the withdrawal, the general command of the Iraqi Kurdish military issued statement in which they said the attacks were launched by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, supported by Iraqs pro-government forces. The statement also accused some senior members of the Kurdish military of treason. The commander of the 70 division of the Kurdish military, Sheikh Jaafar Mustafa, gave a statement saying that the withdrawal was solely his responsibility and that he had ordered it to save the lives of his men. After the Kurdish military withdrew, Kurdish citizens of Kirkuk also fled. The drive between Kirkuk and Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, usually takes around one hour. That day it took nine. After the Islamic State attacked Kirkuk and despite all of the threats that Kirkuk faced, we always saw a clear direction for the Kurds and a brighter future, explains Azad Hama Amin, a 37-year-old Kirkuk local who owns an auto accessories store in the city, but who decided to leave for Erbil that day. But this time, having seen the Peshmerga defeated and officials admit their failures and also leave Kirkuk, we decided it was best we leave the city too. And we cant return right now, Amin says, because we have heard rumours that anyone who voted yes in the referendum will be punished and so will members of the security forces. Still, the next day a large number of those who had fled their homes in Kirkuk did return. Many said that the Iraqi soldiers and militia members did not treat the returnees badly and that they were generally respectful. However, some Kirkuki Kurds, who stayed in the city, said that they were insulted and they felt that the Kurdish were disrespected, especially with the removal of the Kurdish flag. But perhaps this is not so surprising. In March this year Kirkuks Kurdish governor, Najmuddin Karim, who has since been dismissed from the post, caused headlines when he raised the Kurdish flag at state-owned buildings around Kirkuk. The city has mixed demographics and locals of Turkman and Arab ethnicity were offended by the governors actions. They were also upset by the referendum on Kurdish independence, which many felt had been pushed onto the city. Kirkuk is not actually part of Iraqi Kurdistan it is one of Iraqs so-called disputed territories. That is, the Kurds believe it is part of their region but Baghdad thinks it is part of Iraq proper. Having said that, the Kurds have been in control of Kirkuk for the past few years, despite a population of mixed ethnicities. So, it is not surprising that other ethnic groups in the city were happy to see pro-government forces enter Kirkuk, remove the Kurdish flags from public institutions and raise the Iraqi flag again. Turkmen and Arabs have every right to celebrate, Arshad al-Salihi, a senior Turkman politician in Kirkuk, told NIQASH. The administration and the security forces here were monopolised by the Kurdish officials and the lives of our leaders were never protected. Many of our senior people were assassinated during and after the fight against the Islamic State group. Al-Salihi adds that he is completely opposed to any kind of punishment of Kurdish locals in Kirkuk. Although there were some attacks on Kirkuk residents by members of the militias, this didnt lead to widespread antipathy among locals. In fact, when some Kurds left their homes, their Arab and Turkmen neighbours contacted them to ensure they had arrived safely inside Iraqi Kurdistan and to assure them they were watching out for their houses and property. A lot of locals launched campaigns on social media calling for unity in Kirkuk. One of the pictures that was particularly widely shared showed a local man writing, in Arabic, on the door of a Kurdish neighbour: Nobody is allowed to enter the home of my Kurdish brother. This is an order given by his displaced brother, a son of Hawija. Hawija is a nearby Sunni Muslim-majority city that was, until very recently, a stronghold for the IS group. So what happens now? Since the day and night of the withdrawal, the two parties who played a role in it have been trading insults and recriminations. The KDP has used its media channels, Rudaw and Kurdistan24, to spread misinformation and to blame the PUK for collaborating with the Iranians. The PUK has used their channel, Kurd Sat, to ask questions like this: If the withdrawal was made by secret agreement that excluded the KDP, then why were the areas defended by KDP troops, also handed over without a fight? While the leader of KDP, Massoud Barzani, says that certain persons from a certain party were to blame it was clear he meant the PUK military leaders from the PUK have said that Barzani agreed to the troop withdrawal too, but is now denying it. Meanwhile ordinary Kurds are far from pleased with their political class; there have calls for the politicians, who did this deal in such an underhand, unilateral way, to resign and activists have launched a campaign on social media demanding this. Whether that happens or not, it is clear that Kirkuk will not be returning to the way it was for the past three years. Right now, the city is calm and ordinary people are waiting to see what will happen. There is talk of three possible scenarios. Firstly, that the city will remain under the control of federal authorities. Secondly, that the Iraqi Kurdish military will try and take the city back by force, which seems highly unlikely given the current mood. And thirdly, and probably most likely because of the demographic makeup of the city, Kirkuk will come under some kind of joint administration, with both Baghdad and Iraqi Kurdistan playing a role. In the end, the most unfortunate thing is that those who fell in the fighting were not aware of the secret deal. Kurdish officer, Aziz Ali, who commanded a regiment of the 102nd brigade, spoke to NIQASH last Friday, expressing his concerns about the burning of the Kurdish flag; he perished in the fighting over the weekend. And other locals who suffered similar losses in the fighting that was all, apparently, for nothing, are very angry. As the crying mother of one of the soldiers killed said at her sons funeral this week: If you had reached a deal, then why did you need to burn up our hearts? Via Niqash.org - Related video added by Juan Cole: AFP: Balance of power shifts in Iraqs multi-ethnic Kirkuk VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Novo Resources Corp. (TSX-V:NVO) (OTCQX:NSRPF) (Novo or the Company) reports the appointment of Messrs. Rob Humphryson and Michael Barrett as directors of the Company, replacing Messrs. Luca Bechis and Herrick Lau who have resigned. The Company would like to thank Messrs. Bechis and Lau for their invaluable contributions throughout their tenure and wishes them well in their future endeavours. Mr. Michael Barrett has over 26 years international experience in top-rated organisations, including Deloitte, Rio Tinto, WMC Resources and PWC. Mr. Barrett is a highly-regarded former CFO with extensive board level strategic experience, combined with hands-on operational experience and deep international capital markets experience. Mr. Barrett is a Chartered Accountant and started his career with PWC in London, UK. From 2004 until 2015, Mr. Barrett was based in the US with Rio Tinto's energy business unit. Promoted to CFO in 2007, he was instrumental in leading Rio's divestment of the division and, in 2009, successfully listing the business on the NYSE as Cloud Peak Energy Inc. with a valuation of approximately US$2 billion. From 2009 to 2015, Michael was CFO of Cloud Peak Energy, one of the largest listed coal producers in the US, helping steer the business through a period of significant disruption in US markets. After returning from the US to Perth in 2015, Mr. Barrett spent two years as National Lead Partner for Deloitte's Risk Advisory Energy and Resources practice, where he specialised in corporate governance, board advisory and risk management for many of the largest mining and energy and resources companies nationally. Mr. Rob Humphryson was appointed as the Companys Chief Executive Officer on June 5, 2017. He is a Mining Engineer who graduated from the Western Australian School of Mines in 1990. Mr. Humphryson has over 25 years of experience within ASX-listed companies in the Australian mining industry, gaining broad exposure to underground and open pit mining operations from both a contractor and owner miners perspective. A 17-year career at Macmahon Underground (formerly National Mine Management) culminated in executive operational and business development leadership roles within the group. He has more recently held senior roles at Swick Mining Services (Business Development Manager) and Silver Lake Resources (Chief Operating Officer), where he gained significant exposure to precious metals project construction, operation and acquisitions. Mr. Humphryson is a member of the AusIMM. "We are delighted to have Mr. Humphryson and Mr. Barrett join our board at this time," commented Dr. Quinton Hennigh, Chairman and President of Novo Resources Corp. "Mr. Humphryson, who joined Novo as CEO in June 2017, has served a vital role in building and managing the team needed to advance our new Karratha gold project. Mr. Barret brings a strong set of financial, corporate governance and M&A skills. Both Mr. Humphryson and Mr. Barret are Perth-based, building a solid foundation for Novo to grow as an Australian-focused gold explorer." The Company also reports that it has granted incentive stock options to certain directors, officers, employees, and consultants to purchase up to 2,800,000 common shares in the capital of the Company pursuant to its stock option plan. The options are exercisable on or before October 20, 2022 at an exercise price of CAD$7.70 per share. The options are subject to certain vesting conditions. About Novo Resources Corp. Novos focus is to explore and develop gold projects in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, and Novo has built up a significant land package covering approximately 10,000 km2. Novo also controls a 100% interest in approximately 2 sq km covering much of the Tuscarora Au-Ag vein district, Nevada. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Macarthur Minerals Limited (TSX-V:MMS) (the Company or Macarthur Minerals) is pleased to confirm the potential for high grade gold on its Pilbara tenements, following a recent reconnaissance trip to its Hillside Gold Project in the Pilbara, Western Australia in association with Artemis Resources Limited (Artemis Resources). Figure 1. Anomalous zones based on historical soil and rock chips. David Taplin, President, CEO and Director of Macarthur Minerals commented: Macarthur Minerals is excited about the potential for high grade gold on its Pilbara tenements that were primarily acquired for lithium. Historical rock chip sampling on its Hillside Project returned results up to 447 grams per tonne gold and 7.8% copper. A rock chip from a recent reconnaissance visit with Artemis Resources to the Hillside Project returned 8.5 grams per tonne gold. This further confirms the potential for high grade gold on the Project. The Project is located on or adjacent to the same geological formations as the recent gold nugget discovery of Kalamazoo Resources Limited further North. RECONNAISSANCE FIELDTRIP Following Macarthur Minerals recent announcements on August 29 and September 12, 2017 of a historical review of the Hillside Gold Project, the Company recently conducted a reconnaissance field trip to the Project in association with Artemis Resources. The purpose of the trip was to investigate further the highly anomalous gold results previously reported. This trip has confirmed the potential for high grade gold on the Project. The Hillside Project consists of Exploration Licence Applications (ELA) ELA 45/4824, ELA 45/4708 and ELA 45/4709 and option over ELA 45/4685 as announced on September 12, 2017. Anomalous gold zones Area 1 - Triberton Historical exploration has focussed along the contact of the Euro Basalt and Wyman or Duffer Formation where numerous mineralised rock samples were obtained. The two zones have been intermittently sampled over less than half of their strike length of about 30 kilometres (km) (Figure 1). Historical rock chip data reveal several anomalous zones with one extending for approximately 2000 metres (m). Historical soil sampling reveals two target zones each about 1000 m long. A rock chip grab collected during the reconnaissance trip from a sheared siliceous chert material or possibly a mylonite returned 0.35 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au). Area 2 Table Top The other area considered highly prospective and worthy of detailed investigation is the Table Top area where a rock chip collected during the reconnaissance trip returned 8.25 g/t Au. Macarthur Minerals previously reported historical rock chips results up to 447 g/t over an area extending from the Table Top prospect to the old Edelweiss Mine. Historical rock chip sampling by Great Southern Mines in 1998 returned 37 samples grading above one gram per tonne up to a maximum of 447 g/t Au. Historical mining activity for gold from open pits, shafts and trenching was observed during the trip at the Edelweiss, Edith Mae, Stirling and Victory operations. These operations occur along a strike of approximately 8 km. REGIONAL GEOLOGICAL REVIEW As the Project appears to be highly prospective for gold on the basis of historical soil and rock chips and previous gold extraction, Macarthur completed a review of the geological setting in relation to nearby gold projects. The tenements contain the Coongan greenstone belt located between the Corunna Downs Granite and Hillside Granite. It is a narrow Archean belt of mainly mafic rocks that have been extensively deformed. Sequences present in the area include the North Star Basalt, Mt Ada Basalt, Duffer Formation, Euro Basalt, Wyman Formation and the Panorama Foundation. Of particular interest is the Apex Basalt sequence of metamorphosed tholeiitic basalt, strongly sheared in places with thick bedded quartzite. Recent discoveries of gold nuggets located on or adjacent to the Apex Basalt have been reported by Kalamazoo Resources Limited for gold nuggets reported at Doms Hill, further north of the Project. In addition, Calidus Resources Limiteds Klondyke and Copenhagen gold projects are both located on the Apex Basalt and contain high grade gold. NEXT STEPS FOR WORK ON TENEMENTS The Company is currently finalising the grant of its tenements and preparing to undertake further mapping and sampling to validate historical results and generate drill targets. QUALIFIED PERSONS Mr Andrew Hawker, a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, is a full-time employee of Hawker Geological Services Pty Ltd and is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101. Mr Hawker has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. ABOUT MACARTHUR MINERALS LIMITED (TSX-V:MMS) Macarthur Minerals Limited is an exploration company that is focused on identifying high grade lithium and gold. Macarthur Minerals has significant lithium, gold and iron ore exploration interests in Australia and Nevada. Macarthur Minerals has two iron ore projects in Western Australia; the Ularring hematite project and the Moonshine magnetite project. QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Oct. 19, 2017) - Robex Resources Inc. ("Robex" and / or the Company) (TSX VENTURE:RBX) (FRANKFURT:RB4) is pleased to announce the commencement of the drillings at the Nampala mine, the increase in the mine's capacity as well as an increase in gold sales during the third quarter of 2017. 16,525 meters of drilling are planned during the last three months of 2017 (October to December 2017), mostly near Nampala's main pit, in Mali. With this drilling campaign, Robex will test the extensions of the mineralized zones of the Nampala pit, confirm and if possible extend the previously identified gold values in the pits surrounding areas as well as try to confirm the presence of additional mineral resources that could enter directly into the mines current plan to increase the mine life. The drilling campaign will test five different targets. 1) In the immediate extensions to the south and west of the main pit in order to confirm the extension of the known mineralized zones, 2) in the pit in operation to delimit and test the homogeneity of economic zones and finally, (3) to the east and on the extension of the mineralized corridor to the south in order to identify areas potentially capable of increasing the resources of the operating area. Robex will be able to have a better quantitative and qualitative understanding of the mineralization system contained and surrounding the current pit. All the work related to the development and maintenance of the drilling campaign as well as the characterization of the mineral resources will be done under the supervision of the firm INNOVEXPLO. The latter will manage the integration of the new information with the current database with the ultimate aim of developing a new mineral resource estimate as well as the preparation of an updated technical report complying with the standards of regulation NI 43-101. ROBEX intends to extend their prospecting effort over the next few years on the overall exploration of the Mininko permit, where the Nampala mine is located, as well as on the Kamasso permit south of the Nampala mine, in all representing approximately 160 square kilometers, ten times the size of the existing mine site. Increase in gold sales in the 3rd quarter of 2017 compared to the previous quarter The Company is pleased to announce that they have sold 286 kg (9,197 ounces) gold in the third quarter of 2017, compared with sales of 235 kg (7,548 ounces) and 280 kg (8,987 ounces) in the 1st and 2nd quarter of 2017, respectively. Robex continues to progress by increasing once again the quantity of gold sold. The capacity of the Nampala mine continues to exceed expectations After a record month of September in terms of processed tonnages (more than 140,000 tonnes), October has so far averaged more than 5,000 tonnes per day. The geological information contained in this press release has been validated by Francois Kerr-Gillespie, geo, M.Sc. (OGQ # 2021) of INNOVEXPLO, a qualified person within the meaning of NI 43-101, responsible for the exploration on the Nampala site, in Mali. Calgary, Alberta (FSCwire) - BACANORA MINERALS LTD. ("Bacanora" or the "Company") (TSX-V: BCN and AIM: BCN), the Canadian and London listed lithium exploration and development company, is pleased to announce that the Environmental Impact Statement, the Manifestacion de Impacto Ambiental ("MIA"), for its flagship Sonora Project ("Sonora" or the "Project") in Mexico has been approved by SEMARNAT, the Environment Ministry of Mexico. The Company is also pleased to provide an update on its ongoing Feasibility Study ("FS") for a 35,000 tonnes per annum lithium carbonate operation at Sonora, which on course for completion in late 2017. Overview MIA approval received for a 35,000 tpa lithium carbonate operation at Sonora, following completion of comprehensive environmental and social baseline studies carried out over the site during a two year period. Approval represents a major milestone for Bacanora and is in line with its strategy to construct an open-pit mine and a large scale beneficiation processing facility at Sonora. FS expected to confirm Sonora occupies a favourable position in the industry cost curve due to: Planned open pit mining operations; Development of a conventional beneficiation process followed by a standard SO4 roasting process that has been de-risked by the Project's pilot plant which has continuously produced battery grade lithium since May 2016; Free digging lithium deposit which removes the need for the lithium ore to be drilled, blasted, crushed and ground prior to processing as is the case with hard rock; Ability to re-cycle Na2SO4 into the roaster negates the requirement to purchase expensive sulphuric acid as a sulphate SO4 source. Sonora has an Indicated Mineral Resource (established in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI-43-101")) of 4.5 million tonnes LCE[1] and 2.7 million tonnes Inferred[2] and Probable Mineral Reserves (based upon the 2016 PFS[3]) of 2.1 million tonnes LCE. Bacanora CEO Peter Secker said, "Government approval for the Environmental Impact Statement is the latest key requirement that is now in place at Sonora. One-by-one we are ticking off our checklist ahead of our goal of developing Sonora into a world class lithium operation. Our work to date has already established Sonora as a large and scalable project; while our pilot plant at Sonora has been producing battery grade lithium carbonate on a continuous basis for the past eighteen months. This has served to prove the detailed flow sheet and metallurgical process that will be deployed at the Project, and has also helped to secure Hanwa as both a strategic and off-take partner for up to 100% of production." "We are confident that Sonora remains on course to help meet expected strong growth in demand for lithium carbonate from fast-growing industries such as electric vehicles and battery storage. I look forward to providing further updates on our progress, as we focus on transforming Bacanora into a producer of battery grade lithium carbonate." ABOUT BACANORA: Bacanora is a Canadian and London listed lithium exploration and development company (TSX-V: BCN and AIM: BCN). The Company is exploring for, and developing a pipeline of international lithium projects, with a primary focus on the Sonora Lithium Project. The Company's operations are based in Hermosillo in northern Mexico. The Company is led by a team with lithium expertise and proven mine development, construction and operations experience. The Sonora Lithium Project, which consists of ten mining concession areas covering approximately 100 thousand hectares in the northeast of Sonora State. The Company, through drilling and exploration work to date, has established an Indicated Mineral Resource (in accordance with NI-43-101) of 4.5 million tonnes (LCE[4]) and 2.7 million tonnes Inferred[5]. A Pre-Feasibility Study completed in Q1 2016[6] established Probable Mineral Reserve (in accordance with NI 43-101) of 2.1 million tonnes LCE and demonstrated the economics associated with becoming a 35,000 tpa lithium carbonate and 50,000 tpa SOP producer in Mexico. In addition to the Sonora Lithium Project, the Company also has a 50% interest in the Zinnwald Lithium Project in southern Saxony, Germany. The Zinnwald Lithium Project is located in a granite hosted Sn/W/Li belt that has been mined historically for tin, tungsten and lithium at different times over the past 300 years. The strategic location of the Zinnwald Lithium Project allows immediate access to the German automotive and downstream lithium chemical industries. On 18 October, the Organization of American States peace mission in Colombia (MAPP-OEA) issued a statement condemning the 17 October murder of Jose Jair Cortes, a community leader who was killed in the El Restrepo rural area of the municipality of Tumaco, Narino department, where seven other people were killed by police officers on 5 October, with the MAPP-OEA calling for a full investigation into all eight deaths. End of preview - This article contains approximately 672 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options Oct 20, 2017, 9 AM Movie poster of rodeo star Bill Pickett, who was featured on a stamp in the 1994 Legends of the West sheet. Photograph by Jay Bigalke. The unveiling of the National Museum of African American History and Culture stamp. From left to right: Gerald A. Roane, postmaster, Washington, D.C.; Ronald A. Stroman, deputy postmaster general and chief government relations officer; Lonnie G. Bunch III By Bill McAllister, Washington Correspondent Its customary at first-day ceremonies for the sponsors of a new stamp to praise the United States Postal Service for having had the wisdom to honor the individual or organization theyve been promoting. There was plenty of that when the forever stamp honoring the National Museum of African American History and Culture went on sale in Washington, D.C., early in the morning of Oct. 13. This stamp, in scholarly parlance, thats pretty cool, said Lonnie G. Bunch III, the museums founding director. Connect with Linns Stamp News: Sign up for our newsletter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Bunch praised the stamp, recalling he had learned history through stamps as a young collector. So did another former stamp collector, Smithsonian Board Chair David M. Rubenstein. Rubenstein also saluted the new stamp, saying he hoped it could replace the 1993 29 Elvis Presley commemorative as the most saved U.S. stamp. He urged the audience of 400 to buy and use the stamp to spread word of the new museum on the National Mall. Postal Service officials, in return, paid tribute to the stamp subject. It is a museum for all people, said Gerald A. Roane, Washington, D.C., postmaster. Deputy Postmaster General Ronald A. Stroman said the $500 million-plus museum, which opened Sept. 24, 2016, was already the talk of African-Americans across the country. To African-Americans, travel to this museum has become a pilgrimage, he said. Have you been there? When are you going? Tell me about the slave ship remnants, is how the museum was being discussed, Stroman said. Too many Americans have a distorted view of the countrys history because so many black achievements have been forgotten and ignored, he said. The new museum is changing that, said Stroman. It is like a solar panel of energy, he said. Yes, there is anger and tears for museum visitors, he said. But there is also joy and excitement that comes with the recognition that the genius and work of African-Americans have played an instrumental role in Americas greatness and status in the world. Stroman suggested that one of the unsung heroes of the African-American story was his own federal agency. And who is better to collaborate with in this noble mission than the United States Postal Service? he asked those gathered in the museums concourse. First of all, no institution in America has done more to help create the black middle class than the U.S. Postal Service, Stroman said, citing his federal agencys role in welcoming minority workers at a time when other large employers were not. The USPS provided not only jobs, but lifetime careers for many African-Americans, he noted. The Postal Services contributions are not directly celebrated in the new museum. Stamps apparently remain the property of the National Postal Museum, another Smithsonian site on Capitol Hill. A tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture failed to find a display of African-Americans featured on postage stamps, but many of those who have been commemorated on stamps are also honored in the museum for their achievements. A movie poster in an area devoted to black movies, for example, honors Bill Pickett, the rodeo star who was featured on a 1994 29 Legends of the West stamp. Panes of that commemorative were recalled after Postal Service officials were shocked to discover they had placed the wrong image of Pickett on one of the stamps. The furor over the stamp recall led to tighter controls on stamp designs and greater attention to the real Picketts image. Museum officials apparently had no problem locating the correct Pickett for their exhibit. Like the National Postal Museum, the new National Museum of African American History and Culture is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. There is no admission charge, but timed-entry tickets are required. With more than 3 million visitors since it opened, securing tickets well in advance is recommended. Located at 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, the museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. UK's Geologic Wonders (Image credit: Copyright Mark Ainsley) Photos of Scotland's green and rocky landscape and Wales' weathered limestone are just two of the winning entries for this year's "Our Restless Earth" photography competition, held by The Geological Society of London. The contest celebrates the 50th anniversary of plate tectonic theory, which is why the winning photos portray "the dynamic processes which have shaped the UK and Ireland over its tectonic history, from ancient volcanic activity to ice age glaciers," according to the society. Live Science is including winning photos submitted to the society from the past three years. All of the winning entries will be made into a calendar for the coming year. Subterranean (Image credit: Copyright Gina Williams) Photographer Gina Williams snapped this photo of the White Scar Caves in Yorkshire in Northern England. The amphitheatre (Image credit: Copyright Nigel Bell) This beautiful scene, dubbed "The Amphitheatre" by photographer Nigel Bell, is near the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. Assynt (Image credit: Copyright Timothy Gregory) The Assynt region of Scotland has greenery as far as the eye can see. Loch Maree (Image credit: Copyright Emma Smith) Photographer Emma Smith snapped this photo from a cliff top overlooking Loch Maree in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. Connemara National Park (Image credit: Copyright Ankit Verma) Get an eyeful of the vastly different ecosystems of Connemara National Park in Ireland's Galway County. Laminated sandstones (Image credit: Copyright Milena Farajewicz) Photographer Milena Farajewicz took this photo of the laminated sandstones on Gullane beach in Scotland. The term laminated refers to the small layers, or laminae, that can occur in sandstone. Limestone weathering (Image credit: Copyright Kevin Privett) These dramatically sculpted rocks are weathered limestone. Photographer Kevin Privett took the photo of the Gower Peninsula in South Wales, in the United Kingdom. Lulworth crumple (Image credit: Copyright Mark Godden) This delightful rock arch and piles upon piles of rock layers can be seen at Lulworth Cove in Dorset, in southern England. Photographer Mark Godden named the photo "Lulworth Crumple," in reference to the rock's crushed and creased appearance. Mam Tor (Image credit: Copyright Wayne Brittle) The sun illuminates distant peaks in this photo by Wayne Brittle, who walked around the of Mam Tor, or "mother hill," in Derbyshire, England. Midges and rain (Image credit: Copyright Mark Ainsley) This long exposure captured cascades of water in front of a peak in Glencoe, Scotland. You might soon be able if you're so inclined to join a bonefide church worshiping an artificially intelligent god. Former Google and Uber engineer Anthony Levandowski, according to a recent Backchannel profile, filed paperwork with the state of California in 2015 to establish Way of the Future, a nonprofit religious corporation dedicated to worshiping AI. The church's mission, according to paperwork obtained by Backchannel, is "to develop and promote the realization of a Godhead based on artificial intelligence and through understanding and worship of the Godhead contribute to the betterment of society." The documents show Levandowski is CEO and President of Way of the Future. Presumably there was no option for High Priest. Author and religious studies scholar Candi Cann, who teaches comparative religion at Baylor University, said Levandowski's spiritual initiative isn't necessarily that odd from a historical perspective. "It strikes me that Levandowski's idea reads like a quintessential American religion," Cann told Seeker. "LDS [The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints] and Scientology are both distinctly American traditions that focus on very forward thinking religious viewpoints. LDS discusses other planets and extra-terrestrial life. Scientology has an emphasis on therapy and a psychological worldview, which is quite modern and forward thinking." The concept of worshiping artificial intelligence even has a certain resonance with a major world religion, Cann said. "From a comparative religion perspective, I think it feels the most like Hinduism, in which there are avatars of deities found on Earth," she said. "In this way, I think AI can reflect the best of humans back to us, which are, in turn, worshiped." RELATED: Wiki Bots That Feud for Years Highlight the Troubled Future of AI Levandowski is accused of stealing proprietary documents when he was an engineer at Google and taking them to his own self-driving vehicle start-up, which was later acquired by Uber for $680 million. Uber denies knowledge of Levandowski's alleged theft or that Google technology made it into its vehicle technology. Waymo, Google's self-driving vehicle spin-off, filed suit against Levandowski in February. Uber fired him in May, claiming he was not cooperating with the company's legal work. Levendowski's pitch for an AI church comes amid apocalyptic warnings from tech and science luminaries like Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking to the dangers of artificial intelligence. Musk suggested a few years back that he's investing heavily in artificial intelligence largely to keep an eye on AI, which he views as an existential threat to humanity. "With artificial intelligence we are summoning the demon," the founder of Tesla and SpaceX said. "In all those stories where there's the guy with the pentagram and the holy water.... It's like yeah, he's sure he can control the demon. It didn't work out." A former friend and colleague of Levandowski quoted by Backchannel provides some insights to the would-be church leader's views on robots and artificial intelligence. "He had this very weird motivation about robots taking over the world like actually taking over, in a military sense," an unidentified engineer and former friend told the publication. "It was like [he wanted] to be able to control the world, and robots were the way to do that." Baylor's Cann noted that it's important to keep in mind that any speculation about Levandowski's motivation for Way of the Future is based on a mission statement from only one document. "For me, this is more like a new paradigm out of which new religious practices could emerge," Cann told Seeker. "It doesn't seem like a religion as much as a religious worldview. Along those lines, secularism is a religious worldview." Originally published on Seeker. See more In a stunning frog photo shared widely from Reddit, a swallowed snake isn't going down without a fight. The swallowed snake likely didn't stay alive for long though a frog's prey is usually gulped down alive and kicking, once the frog's mouth snaps shut, the end comes quickly, Jonathan Kolby, director of the Honduras Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Center, told Live Science in an email. Even if the prey doesn't go down easily, the frog is usually none the worse for wear, he said. "It's easy to imagine that swallowing a vigorously struggling animal would hurt the frog," Kolby explained. "But after being swallowed, most prey items likely suffocate and die within a minute or two while being squeezed and held in place by muscles in the frog's digestive tract." And it's not at all uncommon for a snake to be on a frog's menu, Kolby added. "Tree frogs often consume a wide variety of prey, including snakes and even rodents, all according to how large a frogs' mouth is," he said. The frog was identified as an Australian green tree frog (Litoria caerulea) in a tweet posted on Oct. 16 by Jodi Rowley, a curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology with the Australian Museum and the University of New South Wales. In another tweet, Rowley suggested that the frog's esophagus appeared smaller than might be expected for an animal with such a wide gape, but it was probably somewhat constricted because the snake was still in the process of being swallowed. An Australian tree frog (Litoria caerulea) like the one pictured here had a close encounter with a snake that clearly was less than thrilled about being the frog's meal. (Image credit: Arco Images GmbH/Alamy) The snake appears to be a baby brownsnake, according to Paul Oliver, a postdoctoral researcher at the Australian National University. That makes this interaction somewhat unusual, as many snakes are diurnal active during the day and frogs are nocturnal, Oliver explained. "It seems unlikely to have occurred naturally (but then give things enough time in nature all sorts of unlikely things do happen)," Oliver told Live Science in an email. One possibility? "Human agency may have played role in the snake meeting the frog, but subsequently the frog's instincts to eat anything small took over," said Oliver, who studies the systematics and evolution of frogs and lizards. In fact, tree frogs are referred to by some as "labradors of the frog world" for their indiscriminate eating habits, as they are known for trying to eat "just about anything they can fit into their mouths," Kathleen Doody, a researcher with the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Queensland in Australia, told Live Science in an email. Regardless, from the frog's perspective, having your meal trying to writhe its way back up your throat is probably not a pleasant experience. But there are even more extreme examples of a meal turning disastrous for frogs, Kolby told Live Science. Epomis beetle larvae, which look like tempting grubs to a hungry frog, are actually deadly carnivores that prey on their would-be predators, Kolby said. The larvae lure the frogs closer by waving their antenna, then strike with their powerful mandibles, latching onto the frog and consuming it alive, he said. Did the snake in the photo somehow manage to wrest itself from the frog's maw and wriggle its way to freedom? We may never know how this particular incident ended. But for one moment in a life and death struggle frozen by a photographer's lens, the prey came out ahead. Original article on Live Science. LBCC's Our Revolution club organized a rally for DACA on Wednesday to show support for program recipients and share their stories. Itty-bitty babies are stressed by the itsy-bitsy spider, new research finds. OK, not the nursery rhyme actual arachnids. In a new study, researchers found that at 6 months of age, infants responded with more alarm to pictures of spiders than to flower images. In certain conditions, snakes also elicited more of an alarm response than fish. Humans and human ancestors have lived alongside snakes and spiders for 40 million to 60 million years, the study researchers wrote, so it's possible that a slight predisposition to worry about these "ancestral threats" may be hardwired at birth. Snake and spider phobias afflict between 1 percent and 5 percent of the population, researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI CBS) in Leipzig, Germany, and Uppsala University in Sweden wrote in a paper published Oct. 18 in the open-access journal Frontiers in Psychology. Meanwhile, a full third of children and adults report strongly disliking spiders and snakes, despite the fact that neither animal poses much of a threat to humans in most parts of the world. [What Really Scares People: Top 10 Phobias] Creepy critters Neuroscientist Stefanie Hoehl of MPI CBS and the University of Vienna and her colleagues were interested in getting at the origin of this fear and loathing. A few earlier studies had hinted that infants might be innately biased to pay attention to things like spiders and snakes over non-threatening imagery, or even that they might fear them. But those earlier results weren't consistent, and the studies usually failed to control for confounding factors like the colors or brightness of varying imagery. Hoehl and her colleagues conducted two studies using images matched for color, size and luminosity. In the first, 16 infants (age 6 months) sat on their parents' laps as they watched images of either spiders and flowers or snakes and fish pop up on a screen. Half of the infants saw the spider/flower sequences first and then switched to snakes and fish after a break; the other half saw the image batches in the opposite order. As the infants watched, the researchers tracked their pupil dilation with an infared eye tracker. The pupils dilate when the brain releases the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, a signal of the stress response, Hoehl said in a statement. The neurotransmitter primes the nervous system for vigilance and alertness. Eyes wide open When infants viewed spiders, their pupils opened up significantly wider when they looked at flowers a dilation of 0.14 millimeters versus 0.03 mm on average, the researchers reported. There was no difference in pupil dilation between snake images and fish images, which could have been because dilation is the result of infants detecting that something is a live animal, the researchers wrote. Or it could be that the stress response for spiders and snakes got carried over to fish. To investigate further, the team ran a second experiment with 32 additional 6-month-olds. This time, babies saw either snake photos only, or only fish. The snake-viewing babies showed greater pupil dilation (0.29 mm on average) than the fish-viewing babies (0.17 mm on average). The findings still might indicate that babies' pupils dilate at signs of life, but the difference between fish and snakes in the second study does suggest that babies come hardwired with a predisposition toward alertness for creatures that threatened our ancestors, the researchers wrote. Babies at 6 months aren't yet moving much and probably haven't had many opportunities to interact with spiders or snakes in the real world, so their increased alertness could be innate. However, the researchers noted, studies on toddlers suggest that the little ones aren't necessarily fearful of spiders or snakes. If the predisposition for alertness is hardwired, it's likely not an innate fear, they wrote. It's more like a tendency that when mixed with negative interactions or cultural messages about snakes and spiders can easily lead to fear. "Similar to primates, mechanisms in our brains enable us to identify objects as 'spider' or 'snake' and to react to them very fast," Hoehl said in the statement. "This obviously inherited stress reaction, in turn, predisposes us to learn [that] these animals as dangerous or disgusting. When this accompanies further factors, it can develop into a real fear or even phobia." Original article on Live Science. An extraordinarily well-preserved fossil of a baby sea turtle that lived 54 million years ago contains traces of dark pigments that would have acted as built-in sunscreen, protecting the animal from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The specimen, which is among the best-preserved fossils of sea turtles in the world, includes soft tissue, and analysis identified molecules linked to color, muscle contraction and oxygen transport in the blood, researchers reported in a new study. One molecule in particular eumelanin, a pigment linked to dark skin color in humans hinted that the ancient turtle's shell contained dark colors, perhaps in patterns such as those found in sea turtles alive today, the study authors wrote. [Image Gallery: 25 Amazing Ancient Beasts] Found in 2008 entombed in fine-grain limestone in a marine deposit in Denmark, the fossil is very small about 3 inches (74 millimeters) long, and many of the bones retain their original shape in three dimensions. The reason the fossil is in such good condition is likely that the turtle's remains were trapped within a hard, rocky mass of sediment very early in the fossilization process, the study's lead author, Johan Lindgren, a senior lecturer with the Department of Geology at Lund University in Sweden, told Live Science in an email. After much of the fossil mineralized, protecting remnants of soft tissue, the absence of extreme heat or cold would have prevented any remaining soft tissue from degrading further, Lindgren explained. The scientists evaluated five samples of soft tissue from a sublayer in the turtle's shoulder area, which was revealed during a second stage of fossil cleaning and preparation in 2013. When the researchers probed the tissue samples, they noted "a dark, well-defined film" containing structures that were carbon-rich, and which may have held organic compounds, they reported in the study. The researchers analyzed the film using a combination of imaging and chemical techniques, which allowed them to identify molecules and determine their precise locations within the fossil specifically, in organic material that once made up the turtle's skin and shell, Lindgren told Live Science. Molecules of eumelanin revealed to the scientists that the turtles were pigmented with dark patches, much like the dark patterns seen on the backs of modern sea turtles, the study authors wrote. Patterns with dark coloration are known to protect sea turtles from UV rays and also help young turtles retain heat, which can enable them to grow faster. This biological feature is known as adaptive melanism coloration that improves the turtles' chances for survival and the researchers' findings suggest that this adaptation may have emerged in the turtle lineage as early as 54 million years ago, according to the study. Scientists have examined fossilized plants and animals for centuries, yet there is still much to be discovered about how living organisms are preserved for millions of years, and how much of their biological makeup may be retained after fossilization, Lindgren told Live Science. "Despite many years of research, we still have an incomplete understanding of what can be retained in the fossil record and exactly how the fossilization process works," Lindgren said. The findings were published online Oct. 17 in the journal Nature: Scientific Reports (opens in new tab). Original article on Live Science. A giant hole in the moon, which opens at the Marius Hills skylight (pictured here), was formed by an ancient lava tube. A city-size lava tube has been discovered on the moon, and researchers say it could serve as a shelter for lunar astronauts. This lava tube could protect lunar-living astronauts from hazardous conditions on the moon's surface, the researchers said. Such a tube could even harbor a lunar colony, they added. "It's important to know where and how big lunar lava tubes are if we're ever going to construct a lunar base," study co-researcher Junichi Haruyama, a senior researcher at JAXA, Japan's space agency, said in a statement. [How to Get to the Moon in 5 'Small' Steps] Humans first landed on the moon more than 48 years ago, but no one has managed to stay there for longer than three days. That's because the moon is a perilous place. It has widely ranging temperatures, and unlike Earth, the moon does not have an atmosphere or magnetic field to protect life on its surface from harsh sun rays and radiation. Spacesuits can't substantially shield astronauts from these dangers over long periods of time, but a lava tube could potentially help protect any space travelers, the researchers said. Lava tubes are channels that form when a lava flow cools and develops a hard crust; this crust then thickens and makes a roof over a still-flowing lava stream, they explained. Once the lava stops flowing, the channel sometimes drains, leaving behind an empty tube. Researchers want to study this lava tube because they "might get new types of rock samples, heat flow data and lunar quake observation data," Haruyama said. The tube was discovered when the Japanese lunar orbiter SELENE (Selenological and Engineering Explorer) also known by its nickname, Kaguya gathered data near the moon's Marius Hills skylight, which is the tube's entrance. When JAXA researchers later examined the data, they found a distinctive echo pattern: a decrease in echo intensity followed by a large second echo peak signals that are largely suggestive of a hollow area, like a tube, they said. The scientists also discovered comparable echo patterns at several places near the hole, indicating there may be more lunar tubes in the area. However, SELENE wasn't designed to fly close to the moon, so JAXA partnered with NASA scientists working on the GRAIL (Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory) mission, a project that allows scientists to amass high-quality data on the moon's gravitational field. Areas of the moon with gravity deficits that is, less mass could help indicate hollow places underneath, they reasoned. "They knew about the skylight in the Marius Hills, but they didn't have any idea how far that underground cavity might have gone," study co-researcher Jay Melosh, a GRAIL co-investigator and distinguished professor of Earth, atmospheric and planetary sciences at Purdue University, in Indiana, said in the statement. "Our group at Purdue used the gravity data over that area to infer that the opening was part of a larger system. By using this complementary technique of radar, they were able to figure out how deep and high the cavities are." [Slideshow: 7 Everyday Things That Happen Strangely in Space] Earth also has lava tubes, but they're not nearly as large as the one discovered on the moon. If the scientists' gravity analyses are correct, the lava tube near Marius Hills could easily house a large U.S. city such as Philadelphia, they said. The city of Philadelphia could easily fit inside a theoretical lunar lava tube. (Image credit: David Blair/Purdue University) Other scientists have speculated that the moon has lava tubes, but the new finding, which combines radar and gravity data, provides the best evidence and estimates of how big these tubes are, the researchers said. This finding may go a long way: When meeting with the recently re-established National Space Council on Oct. 5, Vice President Mike Pencereiterated that the Trump administration will focus on sending astronauts to the moon rather than to Mars. "The moon will be a stepping-stone, a training ground, a venue to strengthen our commercial and international partnerships as we refocus America's space program toward human space exploration," Pence said at the council meeting, according to a statement from the White House. The study was published online Oct. 17 in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. Original article on Live Science. An X-ray showing a woman's displaced IUD in her bladder. The red arrow points to the IUD in the bladder, while the white arrow points to a second IUD inserted in the uterus. A woman's IUD that appeared to be "missing" from her uterus turned up in an unusual place: her bladder. The woman, a 26-year-old in Changchun, China, went to the doctor because of bladder problems, including increased frequency of urination and blood in her urine, along with pain in her abdomen, according to a report of the woman's case. The patient said she'd had these symptoms for the past five years, and previous treatments hadn't helped. In addition, she'd had an intrauterine device, or IUD, inserted six years ago, her doctors said. But she'd become pregnant while she had the IUD, and gave birth to the baby via cesarean section in 2012. Doctors didn't find any signs of her IUD during the C-section, and they thought the IUD may have become embedded in the wall of her uterus. She had another IUD inserted after her C-section. (An IUD is a type of long-acting, reversible contraception that is inserted into the uterus. Pregnancy with an IUD is rare, but in this woman's case, it occurred because the IUD moved from its proper position in the uterus.) After she reported bladder problems, doctors at The First Hospital of Jilin University in Changchun, China, performed an X-ray of her pelvis and saw something surprising: the "missing" IUD. Indeed, the X-ray revealed that the woman had two IUDs in her body: the more recently inserted IUD, which was in her uterus, and the old IUD, which had "migrated" to her bladder. "As far as we know, the migration of an IUD into the bladder, where it causes chronic urinary symptoms, occurs rarely," the report said. [How Can You Get Pregnant Using an IUD?] The devices are generally very safe, and less than 1 percent of women who use the devices get pregnant each year, according to Planned Parenthood. But in rare cases, they can cause serious problems, including "perforation" of the uterus, meaning that the IUD pushes through the uterine wall. This happens in only about 1 in 1,000 women who get an IUD, the researchers said. "Once an IUD perforates the uterus, it can move freely into many places," including the abdominal cavity or the pelvic cavity (where the bladder is located), the researchers wrote in their report, which was published in the October issue of the journal Medicine. In the woman's case, the IUD perforated the uterus, and once it was in the pelvic cavity, it perforated the bladder, the researchers said. The bladder perforation healed without treatment but caused chronic urinary symptoms, they said. The woman had a procedure to remove the IUD from her bladder and did not experience any further complications, the report said. Although rare, movement of an IUD to the bladder has been reported before a 2016 report of a similar case in Greece noted that there have been at least 40 cases of IUD migration to the bladder reported in the past 10 years. Perforation of the uterus by an IUD usually happens when the IUD is inserted. In the Changchun woman's case, the uterine contractions she experienced as a result of pregnancy could have helped the IUD perforate the uterus and migrate to another area, the researchers said. This case report demonstrates that "a missing IUD should be noticed and immediately removed to avoid further complications," the researchers wrote. Original article on Live Science. Local News, Crime, Politics By Long Island News & PR Published: October 20 2017 Whistleblower Exposed Express Hospitality Groups Long-Running Tax Scheme; Resolution Marks First Settlement In Ongoing Investigation Operation Greased Runway, Examining Contracting Practices At JFK Airport. New York, NY - October 20, 2017 - Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the conviction of Yankee Clipper Food Services I Corporation on felony charges stemming from an extensive scheme to avoid paying New York taxes between 2011 and 2015. Following an investigation conducted by the Attorney Generals Office, the company, along with several individuals and affiliated airport food service companies doing business under the trade name Express Hospitality Group, agreed to pay $13 million to settle separately filed civil claims initially raised by a whistleblower under New York States False Claims Act. The plea and civil settlement are the first resolution in the Attorney Generals ongoing investigation into the contracting and procurement process at JFK Airportan investigation dubbed Operation Greased Runway. For years, Express Hospitality Group disregarded state law and New York taxpayers, said Attorney General Schneiderman. Todays felony conviction and settlement should send a clear message to those attempting to avoid paying their fair share: tax evasion is illegal, disgraceful and it will not be tolerated. The Attorney Generals investigation revealed that Express Hospitality Group engaged in schemes by which certain of its businesses intentionally underpaid over $5 million in taxes owed to New York and underpaid approximately $350,000 owed to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as part of a fee for operating at the airport. The investigation also uncovered that the companys tax schemes involved maintaining a double set of books, collecting but failing to remit State and City sales tax, failing to withhold taxes on employee compensation, and underreporting receipts for corporate franchise tax purposes. Additionally, while not the subject of the conviction and settlement announced today, the Attorney Generals ongoing investigation also revealed that Express Hospitality Group had a longstanding history of making secret cash payments to an airport executive with significant influence over Express Hospitalitys ability to conduct and expand its business at JFK Airport. In return for these monthly cash payments, the airport executive allegedly facilitated deals that granted certain Express Hospitality businesses favorable treatment, offered new business opportunities to the company, and provided security passes to certain employees of Express Hospitality outside the normal process for obtaining airport security passes. Michael Nestor, Inspector General for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said, Todays announcement exposes an insidious pattern of corruption that allowed the defendants to freely and fraudulently siphon millions of dollars and defraud taxing authorities and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. My office will continue to work vigorously with the New York State Attorney Generals Office and its law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and prosecute such fraud. Attorney General Schneidermans Office and the Office of the Inspector General of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey investigated the claims of a whistleblower with credible information about Express Hospitality Groups fraudulent and illegal business practices, and pursued them to resolution through the Taxpayer Protection Bureau and the Public Integrity Bureau. Today, Yankee Clipper Food Services I Corporation pleaded guilty to one count of Grand Larceny in the First Degree, a Class B felony, one count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony, and one count of Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, a Class E felony. The pleas were entered today in Queens Supreme Court. Relevant corporate entities within the Express Hospitality umbrella include: (i) Yankee Clipper Food Services, Inc. and Yankee Clipper Food Services I Inc., which operate multiple Panini Express stores, two bars, and a mobile hot dog stand at JFK Airport; (ii) R&G Food Services, Inc., which operates the employee cafeteria at JFK Airports Terminal Five; and (iii) A&R Food Services, Inc., which operates employee cafeterias at JFK Airports Terminal One, and the American Airlines cafeteria, catering and vending machine businesses at LaGuardia Airport. Rocco Manniello and his son, Michele Manniello, owned and operated Express Hospitality during the relevant period. However, Rocco Manniello, who directed the fraudulent schemes, died before the completion of the investigation. Attorney General Schneiderman expresses his thanks to the whistleblower, the whistleblowers attorneys, the Office of the Inspector General of the Port Authority of New York and New Jerseyincluding Investigator Mia Chang, Supervising Forensic Investigator Fred Ferrone, Assistant Director of Investigations Salvatore Dalessandro, and Director of Investigations Steven Pasichowand the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for their assistance in bringing this case to resolution. The Attorney Generals investigation was led by Assistant Attorneys General Justin Wagner of the Taxpayer Protection Bureau and John B. Chiara of the Public Integrity Bureau, with assistance from Legal Support Analysts Justin Meshulam of the Taxpayer Protection Bureau and Dillon Kraus of the Public Integrity Bureau. The Attorney Generals investigation was conducted by Investigator Melissa Kaplan of the Investigations Bureau, under the supervision of Supervising Investigator Sylvia Rivera and Deputy Chief Investigator John McManus. The Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Dominick Zarrella. Forensic accounting was performed by Deputy Chief Auditor Sandy Bizzarro of the Forensic Audit Section. The Forensic Audit Section is led by Chief Auditor Edward J. Keegan, Jr. Nature & Weather, Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Politics By Long Island News & PR Published: October 20 2017 New Farmers Grant Fund Commits $1 Million to Support Early-Stage Farmers; New Program Provides Additional Farm Funding to New York State Veterans. Albany, NY - October 20, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that $1.25 million in funding is available through two grant programs designed to assist farmers across the state. The New Farmers Grant Fund helps new and early-stage farmers, and the New York State Veterans Farmer Grant Fund supports farms owned and operated by military veterans. Both programs are designed to promote growth and development in the state's agriculture industry. "Agriculture remains a major sector of our economy and by supporting the development of early-stage farmers, these businesses will continue to provide fresh, local produce for New Yorkers across the state," Governor Cuomo said. "This grant fund will bolster our agricultural industry by providing both veterans and farmers the support they need to expand, and thrive." New Farmers Grant Fund Now in its fourth round, the $1 million New Farmers Grant Fund will provide grants of up to $50,000 to assist with up to 50 percent of eligible project costs. To qualify, all farm business owners must be within the first ten years of having an ownership interest in any farm business, and the farm must have a minimum of $10,000 in income from sales of products grown or raised on the farm. Eligible project costs include the purchase of machinery, equipment, supplies, and the construction or improvement of agricultural structures. More than $1 million was awarded to 27 new and early-stage farms across the state in the third round of the New Farmers Grant Fund. Since its launch in 2014, the program has provided nearly $2.5 million to over 65 farms across the state to expand operations and improve profitability. Veterans Farmer Grant Fund A new $250,000 grant program, the New York State Veterans Farmer Grant Fund, will also provide grants of up to $50,000 for up to 50 percent of eligible project costs. To qualify, at least 50 percent of the farm business must be owned, operated and controlled by a veteran, as defined in the program guidelines. The farm must also have a minimum of $10,000 in farm income; however, this program is not limited to beginning farmers. Eligible project costs are the same as for the New Farmers Grant Fund. Empire State Development, in consultation with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, administers the grant funds. The applications and guidelines for the New Farmers Grant Fund and the Veterans Farm Grant Fund are available online. The deadline for submission is January 26, 2018. These grant programs are central to the state's efforts to grow New York's agricultural industry through strategic investments in the next generation of farmers. Currently, the average age of New York farmers is approximately 55. At the same time, there is greater interest from women, veterans, new Americans, and others in beginning a career or starting a second career in farming. This year, at the direction of Governor Cuomo, the State Department of Agriculture and Markets established a Beginning Farmer Program, including a one-stop shop, to help these groups overcome obstacles to entering the profession and maintaining a successful agricultural operation in New York. Through the program, the Department launched a statewide listening tour to address challenges facing early-stage farmers and to provide information about existing resources available to them. Additional resources for new or prospective farmers are available on the Department's website , or by contacting the one-stop shop at (718) 722-2668 or nyc@agriculture.ny.gov Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Governor Cuomo's administration is committed to promoting the sustainability of the state's agriculture industry, through increased markets for farm products, job creation and better access to capital. By supporting beginning farmers and military veterans, these grant funds continue New York State's dedication to the farm economy." New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "Governor Cuomo has brought a new focus to advancing agriculture in New York State and because of his commitment, there are so many new opportunities. Innovative initiatives like these grant programs are helping to pave the way for the next generation of farmers, including our veterans whose experience in the military make them uniquely qualified for jobs on the farm. We are proud to help administer this critical funding and support the future of our industry." Division of Veterans' Affairs Director Eric J. Hesse said, "Farming has a long and proud history in this country and has frequently been the profession of Veterans returning home and providing for their communities. Governor Cuomo's New York State Veterans Farmer Grant Fund ensures that this tradition and the thriving agriculture of New York continues for future generations of New York Veterans." Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Patty Ritchie said, "The future of New York's agriculture industry depends on attracting new people to the profession. Through the Veterans Farmer Grant Fund, we are connecting those who have given so much to our country with rewarding post-service careers. With another round of the New Farmers Grant Fund, we are again providing those just starting with the support they need to achieve success in their new ventures. I have been proud to spearhead these programs, and thank Governor Cuomo, as well as Commissioner Ball, for recognizing how critical they are to growing - and protecting - the future of New York's leading industry." Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Bill Magee said, "These important investments in our agriculture movement show needed support for early stage farms and our veterans who are returning home that are looking for promising career choices in start-up farms and agribusinesses." Assemblyman Michael DenDekker, Chair of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs said, "I would like to thank Governor Cuomo for supporting veteran farmers in the state of New York. The new $250,000 grant program, will help our veterans expand their productivity and improve profitability. I look forward to continue working for veterans in the farming industry as well as various other occupations." Local News, Crime, Community, Charity & Cause, Politics By Long Island News & PR Published: October 20 2017 Mangano: "We are dedicating this state-of-the-art building to the brave men and women of the Nassau County Police Department, past, present and future." Hewlett, NY - October 20, 2017 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano joined Acting Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, Nassau Police officials and local residents, for the official grand opening ceremony of the NCPDs new Fourth Precinct building, on Tuesday, October 17th, at 1699 Broadway in Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano joined Acting Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, Nassau Police officials and local residents, for the official grand opening ceremony of the NCPDs new Fourth Precinct building, on Tuesday, October 17th, at 1699 Broadway in Hewlett Nassau residents enjoy one of the lowest crime rates in the nation. This is no accident. That is why we are dedicating this state-of-the-art building to the brave men and women of the Nassau County Police Department, past, present and future, said County Executive Mangano. Thank you to everyone to helped make this important project a reality. The equivalent of a silent, unilateral war has been going on for years in the Mediterranean Sea. It is not a war in the traditional sense, because it lacks contending armies, but a war of the entrenched 'civilised world' against hundreds of thousands of unarmed people. Their only crime is a desperate attempt to flee poverty, unbearable living conditions and the destruction of their livelihoods in their home countries, and follow the dream of a better life for themselves and their families in Europe. Over the last 15 years, 30,000 men, women and children have lost their lives drowning while attempting to reach European shores. And each year the number of victims is rising. Still, many more are succeeding and entering Europe through the routes that lead to the shores of Greece, Italy or Spain. Many others are stopped on the way, before they can even make it, or caught at sea before they can reach international waters, and brought back and imprisoned in concentration camps in inhumane conditions in Turkey, Libya or Morocco. These unfortunates wait for months for something to happen, while many die of privations and easily curable diseases. Migrants at the Budapest Keleti rail station / Photo: Wikimedia Commons Many more disappear en route across the desert, or are enslaved by human traffickers in Libya and held so they can work in exchange for a passage on the traffickers boats. Women are often forced to prostitution, and men, women and children are beaten, brutalized and killed by the criminals who profit from human trafficking, but also by the armies, police, border and coast guards of the countries they have to cross. All this occurs with little or no scrutiny by the so-called international community. No one really knows how many people are actually losing their lives or are unaccounted for, because no one is in a position to control what is happening in large swathes of territory that are controlled by criminal gangs and warlords. While this tragedy is staged night in and night out, the European governments are playing their usual cynical game of bouncing responsibilities between eachother. They shed crocodile tears about this immense tragedy, presenting it as if it were a natural disaster that they have nothing to do with. Like imperialist meddling or direct intervention had nothing to do with the Syrian war, or the Saudi war against Yemen, or the destruction of the Libyan state, or the many conflicts that are afflicting the peoples of sub-Saharan Africa. Deaths in the Mediterranean Sea have reached an all time peak in the course of the last 12 months. The latest figures published in September by the UN Refugee Agency estimate that 4,337 people have drowned since the same month of 2016 while attempting to reach Europe, mostly from the coasts of Libya. The figure for the previous 12 months displayed already a tragic death toll of 4,185. However, we should bear in mind that these figures only account for what is known; the real death toll may be substantially higher. Thousands of migrants have died at sea / Photo: Wikimedia Commons The cause of this wave of immigration and refugees is not hard to find. It is the result of the general instability into which one country after another in the Middle East and North and sub-Saharan Africa have been plunged. In some cases, direct military intervention by European and Western imperialist powers and their allies and proxies have contributed heavily to the chaos. This is not just provoking an increasing influx of people trying to flee inhumane conditions, but also providing the breeding ground for criminal organisations and local warlords who are set to profit from human trafficking. The looting of Africa Imperialist exploitation of African natural resources (both under direct colonial rule and the post-colonial regimes up to the present day) has drained revenue and profits out of continent and undermined the livelihoods of millions. Unequal terms of trade have destabilised weaker economies, ruining local farming and small workshops. Systemic corruption of the local elites who are taking a slice of the loot has become the prevalent means by which the imperialists ensure their interests of are catered for. As an indicator of the African elites participation in the imperialist looting of Africa: a 2014 study estimated that rich Africans were holding $500 billion in tax havens, while the majority of the population is plunging into poverty. But that alone would not be enough to explain the level of damage caused by imperialist domination. Competition between rival imperialist powers for influence, resources and markets underlies countless coups detat, conflicts and civil wars raging in the continent and beyond. But it is not just war that millions of people are fleeing from: it is poverty and the general worsening conditions of life. The European governments hypocritical attempts to justify their present repressive immigration policies by introducing an artificial distinction between legitimate political refugees (escaping war and oppressive regimes), from alleged illegitimate economic migrants, is nothing short of a travesty. Fortress Europe The daily death toll at sea hardly makes headlines, except when the tragedy becomes simply too great to be completely ignored. This occurred in May 2017, when in two separate incidents on the same night, two boats capsized and 210 people drowned. Similarly, on 11 October 2016, distress calls coming from a sinking boat with 260 people on board were wilfully dismissed by the Italian coast guard, whose patrol boat Libra was just a few miles away, waiting for an order to intervene. The reason for the delay was a dispute with the authorities of Malta over who should intervene. Dozens of refugees drowned as a result. Recordings of their distress calls, revealing the dismissive attitude of the Italian authorities, were then leaked to the Italian magazine LEspresso, causing a major scandal. What has happened since the 2015 refugee crisis, when hundreds of thousands of people determined to reach Europe through Turkey and Greece walked their way through the Balkans in order to reach Hungary, Austria, and eventually Germany? Angela Merkels promise to welcome the Syrian refugees was promptly forgotten. A few months later, in March 2016, the EU signed a deal with Turkey, which meant that all refugees (including asylum seekers) reaching the Greek soil would be automatically sent back to Turkey. Fortress Europe / Photo: Wikimedia Commons Human rights organisations have to no avail denounced the deal as breaking both European law and the UN Refugee Convention. What this shows is that international legality is twisted to suit the interests of the powerful, regardless of the human cost. In exchange, the EU promised to give 6 billion to the Turkish government, allegedly to support the estimated 2.7 million Syrian refugees in Turkey at that time. Even by effectively closing down the Aegean route, the European governments have not stopped immigration. What they have achieved is to make more difficult and dangerous routes like the one across the desert through Libya, or through Morocco the only options. There is no way that immigration can be stopped. Considering the official figures released by the UN, which puts the amount of refugees worldwide at over 65 million, only a minimal proportion is even attempting to make their way to Europe. Among the global refugee population, there are 5.3 million Syrians in Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt. Turkey has more than three million, Lebanon over one million. These refugees have been trying to remain as close to their homes as possible, hoping to return at some point. In the meantime, their status in the countries hosting them is uncertain. They are not allowed to work legally and most of them have no income, little or no access to the local healthcare system, and almost no access to education for their children. They see little money other than the occasional international aid contributions, and are eating into their savings. After seven years of war in Syria, more and more refugees are abandoning the idea that there is something they can go back to and are attempting in increasing numbers to make their way towards Europe. A similar process is happening everywhere there are large populations displaced by war, famine or other calamities. Scenes of dozens or hundreds of overcrowded, shaky vessels and dinghies, full of scared, hungry, dehydrated men, women and children, venturing from the Libyan coast in the dark into the open sea, epitomise the migrants ordeal. Thousands of people are collected from these boats by the Italian or Greek coast guards or by the many NGOs that have filled in the vacuum left by the European authorities decision to withdraw from search and rescue missions in international waters. This decision has led immediately to a sharp increase in the death toll at sea. Amnesty International has denounced the deadly consequences of these policies in a report published last July (A perfect storm: The failure of European policies in the Central Mediterranean). By ceding the lions share of responsibility for search and rescue to NGOs and by increasing cooperation with the Libyan coastguard, European governments are willingly increasing the deaths at sea and turning a blind eye to abuse the immigrants that are sent back to Libya are subject to, including torture and rape. European states have progressively turned their backs on a search and rescue strategy that was reducing mortality at sea in favour of one that has seen thousands drown, commented John Dalhuisen, Amnesty Internationals European director. Instead, EU governments have shifted their focus to regulating the influx of immigration and destroying the smugglers business model hypocritical euphemisms for harsher repression, tougher border controls and pouring money and resources into the Turkish, Libyan and Moroccan authorities for blocking immigrants before they dare to enter Europe. This failing strategy has led to a threefold increase in the death-rate from 0.89% in the second half of 2015 to 2.7% in 2017. Libya a failed state What is happening in the Mediterranean is the graphic illustration of the sickness of capitalism. But it is only the tip of the iceberg. Thousands die en route even before they reach the coast of Turkey or North Africa. Those rescued at sea by the Libyan coast guard in Libyan territorial waters are brought back to Libya. They are regarded as illegal immigrants and imprisoned in corrugated-iron warehouses, exposed to the heat, in subhuman conditions, without medical assistance, deprived of water and food, brutalized by guards who are at best unprepared to deal with these conditions, and simply forgotten. According to an account by Italian journalist, Francesca Mannocchi, in February 2017, the official detention centre Garian in Tripoli hosted 1,400 people (250 children) distributed in 15 warehouses. She reported that there was not even enough floor space for people to lie down and sleep, poor sanitary conditions and scarce water and food and these were the conditions of an official detention centre. Britain, France and the USA claimed hypocritically that there were humanitarian reasons for their bombing campaign against the Gaddafi regime in 2011. But since the collapse of the regime, Libya has been plunged into chaos, with rebel militias loosely aligning with rival governments, or operating on their own and carving out fiefdoms under their direct control. The collapse of state control and enforcement of borders made Libya the ideal base for all types of trafficking. By blocking the way through Turkey and Greece, the Libyan route has opened up and became the only possible option for African migrants. Warlords and local militias have become more and more reliant on smuggling as a revenue source. It is estimated that 200,000-300,000 African immigrants are at present in Libyan territory. They are vulnerable to abuse, whether they are working in Libya, held in slave-like conditions, or waiting for a chance to get a passage to Europe. Armed groups often detain migrants, pretending to be enforcing the law but in reality just to extort money or labour in exchange for a passage on one of their boats. They run their own detention centres without answering to the so-called central authorities. It is estimated that 50 percent of the Libyan coasts GDP is connected with the smuggling operations. Immigration scaremongering Those who make it through and are intercepted in international waters are then sent to Europe, to so-called refugee camps (prisons in all but name), mostly in Italy, since the other immigration routes have been closed or made more difficult over the past years. There they stay, waiting for their applications to be processed, or for expulsion. Many then try to make their way towards the wealthier north and reach relatives in Germany, France, Austria, Sweden or other Northern European countries, but are blocked at the Italian border by the Austrian or French border police and thrown back. The influx of refugees cannot be stopped. Every single measure taken to block it (or 'regulate' it) has led to higher death tolls, more dangerous and expensive routes, and a strengthening of the human traffickers organisations. While shedding false tears about the human tragedy of the immigrants, the European ruling classes are generally moving towards a more repressive stance on immigration, while promoting a scaremongering campaign in the media in order to further counter-reforms and mobilise the poorest sections of society in support of a reactionary agenda. The main thrust of this campaign is an attempt to exploit the shock created by the recent years terrorist attacks in Europe to build links between Islamic fundamentalist terrorism and immigration, as part of a general racist and islamophobic campaign and the reactionary defence of 'Christian' or 'European' values. Another line of attack is that foreign workers, regardless of their religion or origin, are blamed by the bourgeois mainstream media for what in reality are effects of the capitalist crisis: declining wages and working conditions, rising unemployment and underemployment, falling living standards and the lack of affordable housing. There is not enough for everyone, is the mantra, while the European capitalist elites get richer and richer. Immigrant workers fight back The reason for this slander and misinformation is always the same. The capitalists need immigration, but by making integration of immigrant workers into the working class-and their organisations more difficult, they expand the 'reserve army' of unemployed, underemployed and more vulnerable layers of society in order to divide the workers in a competition for survival of the poor against the poor. Prottesting migrants demand entrance to Germany / Photo: Wikimedia Commons Immigrant workers, of both legal and especially illegal status, are often providing the bulk of the labour force in sectors like agriculture, with wages and conditions driven down by extreme levels of blackmail. But inevitably this section of the working-class is organising and fighting back, as has been shown in the many struggles of immigrant workers in Southern Italy over the past several years. The denunciation of the traditional caporalato system for day labourers in agriculture (bosses thugs who every morning collect the labourers and decide who gets the work and for how much) has revealed appalling conditions even for legal immigrants coming from poorer EU countries like Bulgaria or Romania. These workers are often subject to semi-slave conditions and abuse, with their documents withdrawn and held by their exploiters. Daily work shifts of 12-14 hours under the scorching heat in the summer for 10-15 Euros are not uncommon. These conditions are fuelling a rising militancy on part of the immigrant workers. In January 2010, hundreds of African orange-picking seasonal workers revolted against the constant threats from organised crime, after some of them were shot at. They fought back and stormed the town of Rosarno in Southern Italy, armed with sticks and stones, or bare hands. Again in 2010, there was the agricultural daily labourers strike in Castelvolturno. Workers gathered in the pick-up points and crossed arms demanding better conditions, defying all threats. A similar strike developed the following year in the Salento area of Apulia, when workers deserted the gathering points for days. By 2015 about 50,000 out of the 160,000 daily workers in agriculture conquered a regular contract, but the struggle is far from won. Over the past decade more and more immigrant workers have been entering the ranks of the working-class in the factories and other sectors and have been gaining confidence in their ability to organise and defend their rights. Strikes in the logistics and building industry, and many other sectors, show the participation of a rising number of immigrant workers. As the class struggle radicalises throughout the continent we will see the impact of the struggle of immigrant workers on these same workers own consciousness and on the consciousness of the whole of the working-class. These proletarians will gain confidence in their strength when mobilising in unison, challenging not just the conditions they are forced to live in, but the very foundations of the system that is creating these conditions: that is capitalism. The Lebanon Police Department has arrested a man for allegedly operating an illegal butane hash oil lab in a backyard shed. Jameson Lee Mires, 47, was arrested on charges of illegal manufacture of a marijuana extra, a class B felony, and possession of methamphetamine. At about 12 p.m. on Sunday, police were alerted to a potential lab in the 1300 block of Filbert Street. The reporting party said that he had just returned home after being away for three weeks, and when he went into his backyard, he found suspicious items in his shed, according to a news release. Officers responded and made contact with Mires, who said he had rented from the resident and had permission to use the structure. Officers seized multiple items related to the illegal manufacture of BHO, the news release states. Oregon State Police and Lebanon detectives were notified, and the area was determined to be safe and subsequently cleared. Officers also discovered a small amount of meth in Mires possession, according to the news release. BHO, also called butane honey oil, is a potent extract of marijuana. Oregon law allows its legal sale by licensed dispensaries and for state licensed processors to make the substance. But authorities are concerned about people who illegally make BHO at home due to the lack of regulation and the extreme volatility of the manufacturing process. The extraction process has the potential for explosions if people are making the oil inside their residences or other enclosed spaces without proper ventilation. In Albany in 2015, for example, police investigated after an apparent BHO lab explosion occurred in a garage and sent one man to a local hospital. The charge of illegal manufacture of a marijuana extract is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, October 20, 2017 The advocacy group Electronic Privacy Information Center is attempting to weigh in on a high-profile fight between LinkedIn and HiQ over users' data. "Personal data is central to this case even though users are not represented in this proceeding," the privacy group argues in a friend-of-the-court brief. The organization is asking the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to vacate a district court judge's order requiring LinkedIn to stop blocking HiQ Labs from accessing publicly available data on the site. "The lower court failed to recognize that a mandatory injunction prohibiting LinkedIn from protecting user profile information would directly harm users interests," EPIC says in its court papers. HiQ scrapes LinkedIn's publicly available pages, analyzes the information to determine which employees are at risk of being poached, and then sells its findings to employers. In May, LinkedIn demanded that HiQ stop scraping data from the service, and took technical measures aimed at blocking HiQ. The data itself remained publicly accessible. advertisement advertisement HiQ then sued LinkedIn for allegedly acting anti-competitively, and sought an injunction requiring LinkedIn to stop blocking HiQ. LinkedIn countered that it has the right to control its servers, and that HiQ was disregarding LinkedIn users' privacy. The social networking service said more than 50 million people have used its "do not broadcast" tool, which enables users to change their profiles without having other users notified of the revision. LinkedIn also argued that HiQ's scraping violates the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, an anti-hacking law that prohibits companies from accessing computer servers without authorization. U.S. District Court Judge Edward Chen in the Northern District of California sided with HiQ and granted the company's request for an injunction. He ruled that HiQ's business could suffer "irreparable harm" if prevented from accessing publicly available information about LinkedIn's members. LinkedIn recently asked appellate judges to lift that order. The Electronic Privacy Information Center is also urging the 9th Circuit to lift the injunction. The group argues that companies like LinkedIn should be able to stop the "repurposing" of data provided by users. "Users likely would have chosen not to create an account with LinkedIn if they had known that their personal data would be acquired by others to build profiles that would be sold back to their employers," the privacy group writes. "The public interest weighs against an injunction that undermines the modern concept of privacy and the specific interests of LinkedIn users." A nuchal cord occurs when the umbilical cord wraps around the fetal neck completely or for 360 degrees. Nuchal cords are common during pregnancy with incidences recorded at around 12 percent at 2426 weeks, reaching 37 percent at full term . When an umbilical cord becomes wrapped around the neck, the loop is referred to as the nuchal cord. The term nuchal relates to the nape or back of the neck. Fast facts on nuchal chord: The umbilical cord carries nutrients and oxygen to the fetus in the mothers womb. A nuchal cord might interrupt blow flow, oxygen, and nutrients to the fetus and cause complications. Fortunately, most nuchal cords will resolve before delivery. If there is concern about the cords enlargement, a baby may be delivered by cesarean. Even in cases where they do not resolve, the potential for problems is low. Causes Share on Pinterest Excessive fetal movement may be the main cause of the umbilical cord wrapping itself around the neck. The main cause of a nuchal cord is excessive fetal movement. Other medical reasons why cords may move around the neck of a fetus or may result in loose knots include: an abnormally long umbilical cord a weak cord structure excessive amniotic fluid having twins or multiples One study reported in The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India found entanglement from longer umbilical cords increased the chances of complications. It is also possible a nuchal cord is the result of a random event with no explanation. What are the risks to mother and baby? Nuchal cords are not thought to pose many risks for mother or child with research studies continuing to back this theory . A nuchal cord may only pose health risks in rare cases. A doctor is likely to monitor a baby during its delivery if they have noticed a nuchal cord in routine ultrasound imaging of the mothers pregnancy. Heart rate abnormalities The most common risk from a nuchal cord is decreased heart rate of the baby during delivery. This is usually the result of reduced oxygen and blood flow through the entangled cord during contractions. Even if there is a decreased heart rate, most babies will still be born healthy. What is the possibility of stillbirth? Research has found little or no connection between stillbirth and nuchal cords, although there has been some speculation about the relationship by researchers in Timisoara, Romania. Their results were noted in the journal Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology and suggested nuchal cord incidents needed to be given more attention. They recommended thorough monitoring of fetal heart rates, during delivery once ultrasounds had revealed nuchal cords. They also suggested cesarean delivery when any distress was noted. There has been at least one noted case of in utero fetal death at 16 weeks due to a nuchal cord. The 2015 Obstetrics and Gynecology Internationalsame report pointed out the rarity of these incidences and that they tended to occur in the first and second trimesters. Diagnosis A nuchal cord has no physical symptoms. Unless the fetus has an abnormal heart rate or breathing and oxygen difficulties, a nuchal cord is usually only found during a routine ultrasound scan. Unless the doctor feels there is a reason to be concerned, no treatments or additional testing are recommended. Management and monitoring Share on Pinterest A cesarean delivery may be recommended if nuchal cord occurs, although this is rare. Currently, there are no ways to prevent or treat nuchal cords. A doctor may recommend a cesarean delivery if they feel the fetus is in distress or the mothers health might be adversely affected by a vaginal delivery. These cases are rare, however. Most pregnant women will not need to make any special preparations if they find their baby has a nuchal cord. Any concerns they may have should be discussed with their doctor. Fetal monitoring with ultrasounds can be helpful in preventing complications, but these will not change any delivery outcomes or the potential for complications. Pregnancy, labor, and delivery Once labor has started, birthing specialists make no attempts to loosen or unloop nuchal cords, as this could do more harm than good. Moreover, researchers and doctors do not know what effect this would have, and they are careful with intervention. Research shows that keeping the nuchal cord intact results in better outcomes for both mother and baby. The cord can be unwrapped once the baby is born. In general, loose nuchal cords do not warrant a need for cesarean delivery. Tight nuchal cords occurred in about 6.6 percent of nearly 220,000 births that were analyzed by researchers from the Institute for Healthcare Delivery Research, Salt Lake City, UT. There are only rare cases where nuchal cords pose serious risks during labor and delivery. Certain nerves support the growth of prostate cancer via a tumor vessel proliferating switch, according to a study by researchers from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. This finding could potentially lead to a new strategy for treating prostate cancer. Share on Pinterest Sympathetic nerve fibers (in green) are interlaced with blood vessels (in white) in an early-stage prostate cancer tumor. Image credit: Albert Einstein College of Medicine Dr. Paul Frenette, of the Departments of Medicine and Cell Biology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, NY, led the study. The findings from the new research are published in the journal Science. Solid tumors depend on an expanding blood supply to thrive, says Dr. Frenette. Here we show that nerves stimulate the new blood vessels that encourage prostate tumor growth and that we can short-circuit nerve stimulation to prevent new vessels from forming. This opens up an entirely new strategy for treating prostate cancer one that we may be able to pursue using existing drugs, he adds. Every single year, more than 172,000 men in the United States are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and more than 28,000 people die from the disease. Aside from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among U.S. men. Recent research published in the journal NeuroImage Clinical suggests that the time it takes for someone to process written words may be a reliable predictor of their risk of developing Alzheimers disease. Share on Pinterest Seniors whose brains take longer to process written words may go on to develop Alzheimers disease. The new study focused on patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition in which seniors typically over the age of 65 develop minor but noticeable memory and cognitive problems. Although memory-related difficulties in patients with MCI are not as serious as those in people with Alzheimers disease, most people with MCI do go on to develop this form of dementia. In fact, the National Institute on Aging estimate that 8 in 10 people with MCI are diagnosed with Alzheimers disease within 7 years of their MCI diagnosis. But what goes on in the brain between being diagnosed with MCI and being diagnosed with Alzheimers? Researchers from the University of Birmingham, the University of Kent both in the United Kingdom and the University of California, Davis set out to investigate this in their new study. Lead study author Dr. Ali Mazaheri, of the University of Birmingham, explains the rationale for the investigation. He says, A prominent feature of Alzheimers is a progressive decline in language; however, the ability to process language in the period between the appearance of initial symptoms of Alzheimers to its full development has scarcely previously been investigated. We wanted to investigate, Dr. Mazaheri continues, if there were anomalies in brain activity during language processing in MCI patients which could provide insight into their likelihood of developing Alzheimers. We focused on language functioning, since it is a crucial aspect of cognition and particularly impacted during the progressive stages of Alzheimers, he explains. A new study offers further evidence of the anticancer effects of aspirin, after finding that regular use of the drug could help to lower the risk of liver cancer. Share on Pinterest Researchers say that daily aspirin therapy could reduce liver cancer risk for hepatitis B patients. Researchers from Taiwan found that individuals with hepatitis B a known risk factor for liver cancer were less likely to develop liver cancer if they received daily aspirin therapy. Lead investigator Dr. TengYu Lee of the Department of Gastroenterology at Taichung Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan and colleagues recently reported their findings at The Liver Meeting 2017, held by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases in Washington, D.C. Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is estimated to affect around 257 million people across the globe, and in 2015, the infection was responsible for around 887,000 deaths worldwide. In the United States, it is estimated that between 850,000 and 2.2 million people have chronic hepatitis B. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1525 percent of those with chronic hepatitis B go on to develop severe liver conditions, such as liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. Each year, around 1,800 people in the U.S. die from HBV-related liver diseases. There are antiviral therapies that can help to reduce liver cancer risk in people with hepatitis B, but Dr. Lee and team note that these medications do not fully eradicate the risk. What is more, they note that some people infected with HBV are not deemed suitable candidates for antiviral medications, so there is a need for alternative therapies that can reduce the risk of liver cancer for these patients. Previous studies have indicated that aspirin can help to lower cancer risk, but few studies have investigated the effects of this drug against liver cancer. Therefore, says Dr. Lee, we conducted a large-scale cohort study to evaluate the association of aspirin therapy with HBVrelated liver cancer. Were excited to announce that metalbulletin.com is now part of fastmarkets.com. A new look and an improved experience means you can still stay ahead of this fast-moving metals market with price data, news and market intelligence right here on Fastmarkets. Discover more than 2000 prices, news and analysis in primary and secondary metals markets. We cover base metals, industrial minerals, ores and alloys, steel, scrap and steel raw materials. If you already have a Fastmarkets account, youll still have uninterrupted access to your markets by logging in with your current details. 20.10.2017 LISTEN Ace gospel musician, Obaapa Christy has outdoored her bouncy baby boy at a ceremony at their home in Hamburg on Saturday, October 14, 2017. The beautiful songstress gave birth in Germany where she resides with her husband, Frankie. Obaapa Christy exclusively told Adomonline.com s Kwaku Nti from Hamburg that several notable faces in the Ghanaian community in Hamburg and some family members attended the event. The child was named Nana Austin. According to the songstress, who last performed at the 2016 edition of Adom Praiz, she is getting ready to bounce back unto the Ghanaian music scene after the delivery. She promised her fans to expect more from her camp as she would be in Ghana in November and would also be performing during the Christmas celebrations. Sarkodie has been nominated in the 2017 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards which will take place on Wednesday, November 29 at the First Direct Arena in Leeds. The hiplife artiste, who recently released his 'Highest' album, has been nominated in the best African artiste category. He was nominated alongside Davido, Eugy, Juls, Maleek Berry, Mr Eazi, Sarkodie, Tekno, Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal and Wizkid. Rapper Stomzy earned the most nominations with five nominations, including best male, best album and best grime artiste. The South London MC, who released debut album 'Gang Signs' and 'Prayer in February', also received best song and best video nominations for 'Big For Your Boots'. He is closely followed by 'Did You See' rapper J-Hus, who received four nominations for best male, best album for 'Common Sense', best song for 'Did You See' and best video for 'Spirit'. The Music Of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards was established in 1996 to recognise and celebrate artistes who create Black or urban music. The MOBO Award show is held annually in the United Kingdom. 20.10.2017 LISTEN An Italian-based Ghanaian mother, Mrs. Kate Cudjo, has accused evergreen gospel diva, Obaapa Christy of defrauding her and her daughter some Ghanaian cedis. The said amount was paid to Obaapa Christy based on an agreement that she would feature Mrs. Cudjos daughter, Patricia Agyeman, who is also a budding gospel musician based in France in her (Christys) music recordings. Obaapa Christy is reported to have collected the money from the family years ago with the idea of featuring and nurturing then 16year old Patricia Agyemang in her songs however, she failed to fulfill her part of the agreement. Mother narrates: We are based in Italy when we saw the God given talent in Patricia Agyemang 10 years ago (2007), then we decided to come to Ghana to record her songs, but Pat made us aware of her love for then Christiana Love so would love her to be on her songs. We called Christiana Love and informed her of our decision of which she agreed to feature in her songs, so arrangement were made to meet her at her former husbands church premises. With her terms and conditions to feature the Pats song, under the condition, she charged a sum of ghc 3,000 which involves video clips, launching of the album (even in abroad). Christiana Love calculated all cost incur from the 9 songs from studio to CDs of which I paid all instantly. Christiana Love made me aware that she will give Patricia 2 songs in addition to the 9 at the tune of Ghc 2,000 but I declined the offer of which she insisted on the offer but later I accepted because people around me told I dont know the nature of the gospel music industry so I should accept and pay her later. She made me aware that sound engineers RORO NACEE and one other in Kumasi will be responsible for the production of the songs and paid all the expenses. Now its time to take the recorded CDS to start the shooting of the music video but Christiana Love stated categorically that she will not hand over the CDS to me. She was tossing me here and there, not knowing she had informed RORO that Im owing her Ghc 2,000 and if I dont pay she wont hand over the CDs to me. She didnt also make me aware of paying that Ghc 2,000 to her before handing the CDs to me. Later, her husband gave me the CDs of 8 songs instead of the agreed 9 songs and asked me to pay half of the money of which I paid Ghc 500 and had to sell some of the CDs to raise the remaining balance for Christiana Love. She never shot the video clip for us, and till now we havent heard from her either. US-based Ghanaian gospel artiste, Roselyn Boateng, has announced her presence again with a new gospel album titled 'Wose Ayeyi'. The seven-track album will be launched at the Bantama Assemblies of God in Kumasi on November 26. The album launch is expected to attract a large number of personalities from gospel music industry, Christian leaders and gospel music fans. Some of the tracks on the album are 'Adom' featuring Jack Alolomi, 'Menka Manontum', 'Nahenni', 'I'm Renewed' featuring Dominic Kyere, among others. In an interview with BEATWAVES, she said, My music is the word of God, and it is meant to encourage, admonish and transform the lives of people, its not all about money, but people getting saved, is my priority. Roselyn added that the album which is currently enjoying air play is a great delight to listen to, as the lyrics focus on the teachings of Christ. According to her manager, Ernest Kwasi Ennin, the launch of the album will shoot her image into the international gospel music scene and give her the needed recognition to evangelise the word of God through his songs. The album is also available for downloads on various sites such as Amazon, Spotify, Itunes, Deezer and YouTube. Ghana's iconic fashion designer, Ophelia Crossland, will be showcasing her amazing designs at the 2017 Swarovski Sparkling Couture Infinity Exhibition in Dubai. She is the only African and first Ghanaian to showcase at the world event alongside over 50 other world designers. Swarovski, the world leader in precision-cut crystals for over 120 years, delightedly announced that its Sparkling Couture: Infinity exhibition, celebrating couture and fashion design, will open at Dubai's Madinat Arena on October 25, 2017. Two years after the 'Sparkling Couture: Infinity' exhibition's debut, Swarovski is preparing to host the second edition. Due to open on October 25, 2017 at the Madinat Arena in Dubai, it will be a dazzling celebration of couture. This year's inspiration draws on the idea of the infinite possibilities for creativity and innovation afforded by crystals from Swarovski. More than 40 haute couturiers and 56 designers from 17 countries have, so far, been invited to participate, each chosen for their design excellence in segments such as jewellery, interiors, apparel (couture and modest wear), shoes and bags. Each designer will be presenting one piece created exclusively for the event, which highlights outstanding innovative use of Swarovski crystals. Showcasing their work in each segment will be Tchi Tchi, Bo Cou and Dorsa for accessories category. The likes of Michael Cinco, Ezra, Dar Sara, Arushi, Lama Askari, Maria B, Zeinab Chotani, Bunto Kazmi, Sania Maskatiya, Georges Hobeika, Elie Awad, Jean Louis Sabaji, No Fux Label, Stella Taleb, Persis (Zahra Pourfad), Reza Zarei, Masih Zad, Mitra Couture, Dar al Hanouf, Tarun Tahiliani, Shantanu & Nikhil, Hian Tjen, Finale Wedding Studio, Vestal by Jung Hye Jin, Wang Peiyi, Rizalman, We Couture, Uno Kanda and Ghanas Ophelia Crossland who will be showcasing for couture segment. There will also be jewellery designers such as Vinita Michael, Confluence, Inaaya, Shadras and Valerie Valentine showcasing their products, as well as modest wear by Hanayen (UAE), Rizwan, Zumorrod, Bait Hanayen (KWT), Al Qattan, Bait Abaya Al Sharqiaa, Shafira and NH Prima. In the scarves segment will be works by JF Scarves, Beige, Diamo Dal, Ezma, Vintage Shades, Zu Uan and Bawal and also shoes by Joy Shoes. Commenting on the exhibition, Andrew Mojica, Managing Director, Swarovski Middle East, said, This year's Sparkling Couture Infinity exhibition in Dubai will bring together Swarovski's most exciting designer partners in a celebration of extraordinary creativity. Having seen the designs that will be unveiled, I'm sure that it will be an event to remember. We are excited to be part of the Swarovski exhibition and we will definitely make Ghana and Africa proud out there, Ophelia Crossland, who is also an ambassador for Swarovski, told NEWS-ONE on Thursday. She is expected to leave Ghana for Dubai on Monday. Swarovski delivers a diverse portfolio of unmatched quality, craftsmanship and creativity. Founded in 1895 in Austria, Swarovski designs, manufactures and markets high-quality crystals, genuine gemstones and created stones as well as finished products such as jewellery, accessories and lighting. DJ Mic Smith, born Michael Owusu-Smith, will be celebrating his 10th anniversary in Ghana's music scene with an anticipated huge concert in Accra on Sunday, October 22. The concert which will take place at food court at the Accra Mall will have a number of Ghanaian entertainers passing through to support the YFM DJ. Artistes like Mr Eazi, E.L, A.I, Magnom and Ko-Jo Cue are among the tall list of performers to thrill patrons at the free concert dubbed 'SHUTDOWN 2017'. A- list DJs like Andy Dosty, DJ Kess, Nigeria's finest, DJ Neptune, DJ Mensa, Killa Fingers and DJ Vyrusky will be on rotation on the turntables to celebrate with Mic Smith. Indeed, Mic Smith needs no introduction when it comes to disc jockeying in Ghana. For past decade, he has wowed crowds and stands tall as one of the country's best. I spent the last week of August and first week of October 2017 in Johannesburg and Pretoria working on a cultural event organized in by a group of Ghanaians and South African nationals in partnership with the Ghanaian High Commission in Pretoria. It was a platform to showcase the rich Ghanaian culture to the rest of through a series of events including musical performances, exhibition of arts and craft and workshops on tourism in Ghana. Though not my first time in one of Africas most developed (infrastructure and economy) countries, one of the several things that struck me was how much importance South Africans, not excluding men in certain suburbs across the country placed on their grooming needs haircut, styling and general looks. Mathew Kabelo, is a trained editor and public relations professional who works with South African Broadcasting Corporation, the state broadcaster which provides nineteen (19) radio stations and five (5) television platforms broadcasting across South Africa. Mathew, who I have known for almost four years tried to justify the craze about looks in South Africa and why men arent left out. I hold in my hands the Ultimate Guide publication on fashion and grooming and it covers just about everything you need to know about mens hairstyles and haircuts . Mine and just like several other colleagues of mine that have purchased this guide will focus on mens hairstyle trend and what is in style in2017. However, you can add a twist to it to make you very unique in your own way. It is just a necessity we have come to discover and not sure we can depart from it. You are as good as your looks and so why dont you invest time, energy and money into that to get the desires satisfaction. That is what drives several men around the country to be particular about their looks, from what they wear to their hair style, he said. Back to the motherland and I decided to engage Christian Dordoe, the founder and owner of C- Dors Executive Grooming, who is popularly known as the Celebrity Barber on the same subject. I made my way to Rasta, an area along the bush road (behind Trade Fair, from La to Teshie) to meet up with Christian at the latest branch of his chain of grooming centers. After introducing the topic, Christian indicated to me that Ghanaians have become more cautious about their looks and seem to pay attention to that. People come into my place and they start to engage you and move on to talk more about the service you will render to them and what specifically they want. They want you to be aware of their face shape and hair type, then discuss choosing a hair length, beard grooming, and hair products. Their main aim is to help you get a haircut and style that looks great and make them feel better, he added. Mens hair has experienced a renaissance in the last few years, with more styles and products available than ever before. Thats the good news. The bad news is it can be overwhelming, especially if youve had the same haircut for a long time and are uncertain about trying something new. A new cut could be better but it could also be worse. According to Christian, you dont need to know everything about the hair to get a great cut and style. You are seeing a professional though unfortunately we dont have a lot of them in Ghana. It is their business to not only know the trends but to adapt a style for different hair types and face shapes. So if you want a new haircut but dont know what to get, the most important thing is working with a barber or stylist you trust. There has been several instances when people have come in with photos of haircuts they want. I have always welcomed that as it gives you an idea of what exactly the client wants when they dont know the name of the haircut they want. About how to find a great barber or stylist, Christian jokingly said First, ask your friends, especially if there is someone with consistently good hair. Also, if you spot a fresh cut on the street, you can always ask them where they got it. Its a huge compliment so dont be shy. Online reviews can also be helpful but it is rare in Ghana so that isnt an option you can rely on. He further stated that all of these tips depend on having a good barber or stylist. There are so many of them out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. You can decide if you prefer a barber or salon environment. One isnt better than the other but they are different. Barbers have usually more masculine environments, provide straight shaves and beard grooming, take less time, and tend to be cheaper. Salons will be unisex, sometimes offer appointments for hour long cuts that provide more time to discuss what you want, and provide a more pampered experience. You can also have an home or office appointment where you will be treated from the comfort of your house or work station. An important distinction can be a barber versus a stylist but who you trust to cut your hair is very key. It has become obvious that mens grooming is a polite way of talking about cleansing, hair removal, and managing facial hair. While your body requires grooming from head to toe, this is about facial hair, shaving, and skin care. Follow these simple mens grooming tips and youll know you look good. That combination of grooming and confidence will make you unstoppable in anything you do. Whether you have a beard, go clean-shaven, or somewhere in-between, you need to take care of the rest of your face too. According to Christian, he will on any day advice people (men) to use hair products for great results. 9 times out of 10, perhaps even 99 times out of a 100, the answer is yes. Why? Even short hair needs some hold to look its best. The shortest buzz cuts are exempt but anything longer will benefit from the shaping, texture, and finish that hair products provide. That is just for basic hairstyles. Products also allow you to create any style you can come up with from the hottest slick styles to gravity-defying spikes to coveted messy hair . Hair products also make the most of your hair type, controlling thick hair, adding volume and fullness to fine hair, and defining curls, he added. 4 Tangible Things I Do Every Day To Raise A Feminist Son 1. I teach him that no means no. When I was 14 years old, I was sexually assaulted by a group of teenage boys. Although it may be more comfortable to imagine them as monsters, the boys who sexually assaulted me were actually just regular boys like my son. Boys who may not have even thought they were doing anything so wrong that day that altered the course of the rest of my life. What might have been different were all boys taught, clearly and simply, over and over, that no always means no? If I accomplish anything as a mother, it will be teaching my son to respect the bodily autonomy of others. At his age, that means clearly defining boundaries when it comes to touching and play. Everyone is in charge of their own body could be on our family crest. My son likes to be tickled, but the minute he says stop, I stop, even when hes giggling in excited anticipation. If he doesnt want a kiss or a hug, I dont give him one, no matter how much I want to grab him and smooch his eminently kissable face. As someone whose no was once violated, its important to me that he understand that his no holds weight. He also knows that if we are touching another person in any way, and they say no, we stop immediately. No matter what. 2. I teach him body positivity. Not only do I want my son to grow up with a healthy body image, I want him to grow up to be respectful of womens bodies, and to question patriarchal beauty standards. In talking to my son about fat, Ive been following the example of Allison Kimmey, a mom we wrote about recently because she posted on Instagram about her response when her daughter called her fat. Like Kimmey, I tell my son that everybody has fat on their bodies to protect their muscles and give their bodies energy. I tell him that some people have more or less fat but that doesnt make them better or worse. I tell him that we focus on whether our bodies are strong and healthy and not how much fat they have. I also try to model a positive attitude toward my own body and avoid negative self-talk in front of my son. If he grows up seeing my curvaceous body as strong and beautiful, I hope that will be reflected in the way he views other womens bodies. So you want to raise a feminist? Start here, with the latest stories and news in parenting. 3. I teach him to feel his feelings. Toxic masculinity teaches my son that boys dont cry, that he cant be vulnerable or sad, and that he cant express his feelings out loud. As a future man, my son needs to know how to sit with a feeling, express one, and let it go. I try not to ever say Dont cry, or Everythings OK. Instead, I mirror his feelings back to him Yes, its sad when we have to say goodbye to our friends. That would make me sad, too or I can see that youre feeling angry right now. When our beta fish, Boonga Boonga, died recently, I held my son when he cried, told him it was OK to be sad and to cry for as long as he needed to. I told him, When hard things happen, you have to have the feelings and feel them even though it hurts. I taught him that if you feel the feelings, they hurt less and less over time. And we practiced checking in with each other, saying, How are you feeling now, Mom? Im happy to be with you, and sad about Boonga Boongas death. How about you? Teaching him to hurt is part of parenting an emotionally healthy boy. 4. I show him that women are strong. As a single mom, there are a lot of situations where Ive had to just figure it out whether its how to hook up a video game system or which screwdriver to use to change the batteries in a remote control truck. It means that my son sees me (and, at other times, his single dad) doing all kinds of household work, not dividing it along gender lines. Sons of single mothers usually have a lot of respect for their accomplishments, according to Tim King , founder of Urban Prep Academies for low-income, African-American boys, as quoted in the NY Times . Maybe the figure it out effect is partly why. My son also sees me doing the breadwinning for our household, which according to one study , means hell spend more time on housework and child care as an adult. Whether you work outside the home or not, there are lots of different ways to exhibit your (formidable) strength to your sons. My voice is pretty loud, but Im still just one of many, many influential voices, some of whom are telling him that pink is for girls and trucks are for boys, that Wonder Woman isnt as cool as whatever third-string male superhero hes into that day. Maybe I cant convince my son that Wonder Woman is cool , but I can be my own kind of Wonder Woman a strong, competent female role model. 20.10.2017 LISTEN With just few months to the Xmas Holidays, Twist Klodin has bounced back with a collection of mindblowing designs for all your outings this season. Chief Executive Officer of Twist Klodin, Habib Ali, tells ModernGhana these series of classic urban design is the #BraveCollection brand lined up for places going people. This indeed represents natural raw artistic creative personality and a talent revealed as Habib Ali and his Twist Klodin brand based in Accra, Ghana. Habib Ali is able to express ideas in sketches that suits top modern African designs of today. As a matter of fact, he possesses some inimitable skills for combining colours, tones and shades with fabrics and use of textiles bringing into light creative and original designs to suit all preferences. He is one designer of a kind who collects, preserves, and interprets fashion objects and support materials with outstanding design of merit. Habib Ali and his Twist Klodin have indeed come to stay and all fashion lovers and pundits in the industry should watch out for him. Connect with him on these social media platforms: Facebook Twist klodin, Habib Ali Twitter Handle @twist klodin Google+ Twistkloding2016 Instagram Twistklodin Email: [email protected] Contacts: Twist Klodin WhatsApp: 0241 715460 Phone Call: 0578 725531 LEXINGTON Memories, tender emotions and tears were all aspects of an award ceremony on Thursday as Lexington Regional Health Center recognized a nurse with a DAISY Award. Kristine Wendland was honored based on a nomination submitted by Tami Buell for an incident that occurred years earlier. Wendland was Buells nurse while Buell was in the hospital following a surgery. Wendland stopped by Buells room while making rounds and told Buell she needed to check her dressing. She found the wound split wide open with Buell bleeding. "Immediately Kris was on my bed holding my abdomen and stomach together. She was calm the whole time, called for help and reassured me," Buell wrote in the nomination. Buells husband, doctor and surgical team were called back to the hospital while Wendland was still on the bed holding Buell together. "Just to add to that story. I rode in the bed with her until we hit the surgery doors, holding her belly the whole time," said Wendland. She said it is the only time in her career as a nurse that she ever rode on a bed with a patient. Buell said she hadnt felt any pain and didnt realize there was a problem. The next thing she knew she was waking up in ICU. She was later told she was given a 20 percent chance to live. "Without Kriss quick thinking compassion I dont think I would be here today," said Buell. She said she hasnt talked about the experience much because it brings tears. "I know how blessed I am that I have gotten to see my three grandchildren and so much more," she said. "I owe it to Kris for being there that night. I was blessed with my own angel that night." Buell also praised LRHC, saying, "Lexington Regional has the best care anywhere, where the staff shows the love and compassion they have for their job." Buell said she has told Wendland thank you throughout the years, but it never seems like enough so the DAISY award was appropriate. "Im honored," said Wendland. "It means even more when it is a friend youve known for years." This is the second time LRHC has bestowed this award and plans are to give it out twice a year. The DAISY award was created by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died in 1999 of complications related to auto-immune disease. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. As Barnes family processed the loss, they vividly recalled the eight weeks of extraordinary care Barnes received from nurses who were skillful and compassionate. The family determined they should create an award to honor such nurses. Amy Vetter, regional program director with the DAISY Foundation, traveled from Seattle to attend the award ceremony. She said what started out as something to help the Barnes family through grieving has grown. She said there are now 2,700 hospitals in 18 countries that partner with the DAISY Foundation in giving out the DAISY Award to recognize outstanding nursing. "What weve discovered is there is so much impact on the nurses," she said. Many are modest and dont think that what they do deserves any recognition. In addition to a certificate and pin, Wendland received a unique hand-carved serpentine stone sculpture called "A Healers Touch" made in Zimbabwe. Vetter said there are 20 artists who carve the stone which comes from a nearby mountain and is believed to have healing powers. She said there is deep respect for community healers in Zimbabwe. "We know firsthand what nurses do is extraordinary for patients and families who when they are scared turn to a nurse," said Vetter. Cinnamon rolls were served following the ceremony, which was another symbol of remembrance toward Barnes. During his hospitalization when he wasnt eating much, his father brought in a cinnamon roll and Barnes asked for a bite. Barnes ended up eating the entire cinnamon roll. Those who want to nominate a LRHC nurse to receive the DAISY Award should contact Courtney Wenburg at cwenburg@lexrhc.org or Lacey Anderson at landerson@lexrhc.org. Three suspected wee peddlers believed to be the suppliers of narcotic drugs to armed robbers have been arrested. ACP Felix Cosmos, the Baatsona Divisional commander told the media at a press briefing that suspects were apprehended upon a tip off. Police got wind of their activities and apprehended them at their various hideouts at Lashibi. The suspects are Charles Coffie, 31, Hamidu Latid, 21, and Regina Odai, 18. ACP Cosmos said suspect Charles Coffie was first apprehended on October 6, 2017 in a wooden structure at Lashibi Celebrity Hills. When a search was conducted in his apartment, a compressed slab of the dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp was found. Other quantities of dried leaves concealed in polythene bags were also discovered. He claimed ownership of the items but refused to disclose his source of supply to the police. Suspect Hamidu Latif was also arrested on October 9, 2017 when police trailed two suspected armed robbers to his house. Even though the suspected armed robbers escaped, police apprehended suspect Latif and when a search was conducted in his apartment also located at Lashibi, 360 sachets of dried leaves were discovered. On October 12, 2017, the police finally apprehended suspect Regina Odai in a house she lives in with her mother after three jute sacks containing 297 slabs of the dried leaves suspected to be wee were uncovered in the house. Her mother, name not yet known, escaped after realising that her daughter has been arrested. The suspects are in police custody assisting in investigations. ( [email protected] ) By Linda Tenyah-Ayettey Suspended General Secretary of the People's National Convention (PNC), Atik Mohammed has described as extremely disappointing", a court judgment against 13 members of a pro-NPP vigilante group, Delta Force. He said the fine of 1,800 each was not punitive enough. Related: Court slaps Delta Force 13 with 1,800 fine each for rioting The 13 members of Delta Force were fined 1,800 each for rioting on March 25 by the Asokwa Circuit court presided over by Korkor Achiaw Owusu ordered on Thursday. In default, they were to spend 12 months in jail. The 13 are part of a large group of party footsoldiers that besieged the office of the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, George Agyei and allegedly assaulted him. Atik Mohammed The initial charges of conspiracy to assault a public officer and causing unlawful damage were changed on October 10 to conspiracy to commit a crime by rioting to which they pleaded guilty. Atik Mohammed believes for the state to have amended the charge on the basis of lack of evidence in the "face of one" is disappointing. It is the responsibility of the state to ensure that it works really hard to get the requisite evidence to back whatever charge it is presenting before the court, he told Joy News Evans Mensah on Newsnight, Thursday. He added that the state lacked the political will to get the evidence because there was a video, which showed the accused assaulting someone. Mr Mohammed described the court suit as a politically manipulated process which ensured this outcome. He said the judge cannot be blamed because s/he only dealt with the charge that was brought before her to make a judgement. The suspended PNC General Secretary said he is depressed that the verdict will embolden future foot soldiers to do worse things. The PNC politician said judgment on political cases such as this ought to serve as a deterrent to send the clear message across. Atik Mohammed says if the activities of vigilante groups are not checked, it will erode the gains made in Ghanas democracy. However, lawyer for the 13 Delta Force members, Kamkam Boadu said it is not enough to lay a charge in court because every charge must be backed by evidence. He said his clients never pleaded guilty to assault but rioting arguing perhaps it was dropped because there was no evidence to support it. According to him, the said video evidence of assault does not have his clients in it. Mr Boadu confirmed to Joy News that his clients have paid their fines. Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline | Abubakar Ibrahim | [email protected] 20.10.2017 LISTEN Mrs. Lilian Bruce-Lyle, a Retired Chief Director of Chieftaincy, on Friday appealed to government to ensure that children with Cerebral Palsy are included in the inclusive education policy being rolled out. Mrs Bruce-Lyle, who is also a Member of the Ghana Federation for Persons with Disability, said Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs) expects government to formulate effective policies to address the implementation of equal opportunities for inclusiveness within all facets of their daily lives bearing in mind the SDG goals 4, 8, 10, 11 and water resources. Mrs Bruce-Lyle was speaking at a ceremony to mark the celebration of World Cerebral Palsy Day in Accra, on the theme: 'We Move Together: Inclusion Now'. She said there was the need for an appropriate national data on the various forms of disabilities in its segregated forms to inform decision makers and stakeholders. This data, she added, would serve as research and an important tool for effective planning in the governance process. She said Ghana as well as stakeholders was needed to move together for inclusion in all forms of endeavours to ensure that no one was left behind. Mr Christopher Agbega, Advocacy Officer, Sharecare Ghana, said parents with children with cerebral palsy in the country face a huge challenge and therefore advocated for early diagnosis and intervention to curb the situation. He said these were the key issues for prevention and appealed to government and professionals to give the issues more attention to make all Ghanaian children useful and relevant to society. Ms Amanorbea Dodoo, Representing the Deputy Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, said Ghana had a long way to go in helping persons with disability. She said the most important thing people, especially parents, needed to know as far as cerebral palsy was concerned, was the understanding to be an aid to such persons. She encouraged the creation of opportunities to enable persons with disability to excel in society. 'People need to focus their attention on people with special needs to help make them people useful in society. Dr Zenator Agyemang Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Osu Klottey, also called for a multi-disciplinary approach to deal with cerebral palsy cases in the country. She said lack of inclusion was one of the challenges and called for a change in law to ensure it was accommodating everybody, adding that, this should begin at the basic level. 'Let us move together as a society and stay together in ensuring that cerebral palsy among other issues were addressed,' she added. Dr Zenator however, acknowledged all stakeholders fighting to ensure the wellbeing of children with cerebral palsy and parents for being responsible towards such children. 'Let's put pressure where it is needed to make sure the pace at which we are making Ghana a disability friendly nation is quickened a bit more because life does not move the same way for everyone,' she said. World Cerebral Palsy Day is a movement of people with cerebral palsy (CP) and their families, and the organizations that support them in more than 60 countries. Its vision is to ensure that children and adults with CP have the same rights, access and opportunities as anyone else in society. GNA By Samira Larbie/Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL) has held a stakeholder's workshop to showcase and assess the socio-economic impact of their Local Raw Material (LRM) sourcing on the Ghanaian economy. A statement issued in Accra and copied to the Ghana News Agency said the workshop was held bi-annually to review the impact of the company's LRM agenda on government and the communities in which GGBL operates. Professor Paul Sarfo-Mensah, Senior Research Fellow at the Bureau of Integrated Rural Development of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), said 25,000 small holder farmers spread across 7 regions directly benefited from GGBL's LRM initiative. He said together with their dependents, the initiative has impacted an estimated 175,000 lives over the last three years, representing a 138 per cent increase in lives impacted from 2013 - 2015. Other beneficiaries in the supply chain included hired labour, transport and other service providers among others. Mr Gavin Pike, Managing Director of GGBL, said 'since 2012, GGBL has been at the forefront of championing the use of locally available raw materials in the production of our premium brands. From a modest 12 per cent LRM use in 2012, Guinness Ghana's LRM usage has grown to 48 per cent impacted the lives of more than 25,000 farmers.' 'Our target is to source 70 per cent of local raw materials by 2020 which should have an incremental impact on the communities in which we operate. We can proudly say we are the largest users of local raw materials in the brewery industry in Ghana,' he said. Dr Nurah Gyiele, Minister of State in charge of Agriculture, said 'one of our ambitions as a government to is to transform the lives of Ghanaians through sustainable job creation and we know that majority of our people are into farming albeit mostly subsistent.' He said government also understands that to significantly transform the agriculture sector, there is much more that can be done. 'We need our farmers to start thinking and moving towards commercial farming to ensure there is sustainable livelihood improvement and to make this happen, the appropriate policies must be developed and implemented,' Dr Gyiele said. He said it was for this reason that the government launched the Planting for Food and Jobs programme as well as the One District One Factory initiative. In support of GGBL's drive towards the use of local raw material in brewing, government in 2012 introduced a concessionary excise duty scheme for breweries using local raw materials and since the passage of this law, GGBL, which was already investing and using sorghum and maize for the production of it premium brands, significantly increased its usage of local raw materials (sorghum, maize and cassava). In October 2015, GGBL presented the progress made in developing the LRM supply chain to key stakeholders and shared the findings of a baseline socio-economic impact assessment undertaken by Deloitte-UK and the Bureau of Integrated Rural Development (BIRD) of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. This year's study is a follow up on the baseline study which focuses on establishing the total number of stakeholders impacted throughout the LRM value chain, the total direct and indirect jobs created and livelihoods supported by the local raw material sourcing as well as its tax effect on the economy, among others. Mr Gabriel Opoku-Asare, Corporate Relations Director of GGBL, said 'GGBL remains committed to our vision of generating long-term business value with locally and sustainably sourced raw materials which meets quality standards and have a positive impact on the communities and environment in which we operate.' GNA The nominations for the maiden edition of FN Business Awards is set close tomorrow, October 20, 2017, 6pm after the one month grace period. The main event comes off on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at the Lou-Ralph Hotel, Dome- Pillar 2, Accra in a grand style. [ads2]The FN Business Awards is an annual awards ceremony instituted by FN Network, publishers of fnnewsonline.com to honour and celebrate growing Ghanaian businesses, start-ups, SMEs, and individuals making meaningful impacts on society. The maiden edition, dubbed Ghana @60 Edition, which is on the theme Celebrating Ghanaian Businesses is to join the rest of the people of Ghana to mark Ghanas 60 years of independence. The FN Business Awards is being sponsored by Senyo Global , Lou Ralph Hotel with media partnership from Awake Africa and is expected to drawn over 100 participants for the memorable night. There are thirteen (13) official categories in all of the first edition as well as three honorary awards at the discretion of the organizers. In a press statement signed by the CEO of FN Network, Mr. Frederick Noamesi indicates that, the awards scheme is to fish out and celebrate Ghanaian businesses which fall in line with the vision of the President of Ghana. According to him, there will be no room created for nominees who could not win to complain as the criteria to be used in selecting winners by the jury on the various categories will be made public. The criteria include; 30 percent online voting and 70 percent score from the our jury. [ads1] The thirteen official opened categories are; Freedom and democracy in Ghana the last ten months is the greatest lie. Gradually Ghana is sinking into tyranny. The freedom we have enjoyed over the decades is gradually being taken away from us by hoodlums operating as vigilante groups. For a long time, Ghanaians assumed that while we might have strong political disagreements with each other, there were neutral arbiters in the country whose authority and influence we could rely on when people try to undermine our democratic values. These neutral arbiters were so active during the tenure of the last administration have suddenly vanished from the political landscape. Gradually we are retreating into our separate tribal epistemologies, each with their own increasingly incompatible sets of facts and first premises, we cannot share our old tribal jokes, the stakes are getting higher and higher. The President, our noble men of God, Civil Societies silence on the vigilantism phenomenon is problematic. These vigilante groups commit violence and are left to go free. The police frequently turn a blind eye to their activities for fear of harassment by the politicians. We all saw in the video how these hoodlums manhandled the Ashanti Regional Security coordinator, how the slapped and chased out the police commander at flagstaff house, how they chased out a judge from her court and other nefarious activities and the wide ranging impunity being enjoyed by these groups because of the protection government through the police, the Attorney General etc offer them Ghanaians revere and avoid having issues with the police, mention the court, and you will see the most stubborn Ghanaian beginning to reason. But today we have some young "machomen" who could move into a our courts and force our judges to jump through windows, we have hoodlums who threaten the police and walk away, we have some young men who issue orders to our politicians including the President to obey. That is the reality of the time and the President, civil society organisations, the clergy are watching unconcerned. My fear is what we going to witness in 2020 if these activities are not checked. These hoodlums have gained control over our President and the top politicians in the ruling party and are spreading violence and insecurity throughout the country. We must pray the other parties do not adopt same primitive strategy to protect their interest. If we continue to sponsor these groups to operate as agents of our parties, our democracy will suffer serious bruises. We must always remind ourselves that in place of genuine democratic competition, struggles for political office have often been waged violently in the streets by gangs and thugs recruited by politicians to help them seize control of power. This new technique of perpetrating overt and covert intimidation, coercion and damage of human lives and property all in the name of protecting a particular party or government must be checked before it consumes all of us. We saw few negatives actions in the past. Even so, it is readily realisable that after the 2016 election political violence has assumed significantly more recurrent pernicious, and rampant proportions, especially in the strongholds of the ruling party. Why this recent surge in political violence and intimidation of the opposition and who is responsible for its promotion? I think statements by the President in the past and his current adamant posturing have facilitated its proliferation. I foresee serious clashes in 2020 if we watch these animalistic activities to fester. Between 1992 and 2004 we saw pockets of these activities. The presence of Prof Mills and how he was able to transform the NDC through his "New NDC" agenda cleared the political space of the unnecessary violence. In some constituencies including that of the sitting President we saw how politicians openly fomented systematic violence and how they used thugs to undermine some registered voters to freely choose their MPs and President. We heard dangerous statements such as "All die be die" "Atiwa, y3 kyer3 wcn biribi kakra" etc. These statements helped entrench violent political culture in the Npp and the current President was helped into office within the rules of that system. I was moved to write this piece after listening to someone who happily and courageously described himself as leader of the Ashanti Regional branch of the Delta force on CitiFM. He told the host that all members of the Delta force in the 47 constituencies of the Region have pledged to support the Npp in the 2020 elections. He was reacting to questions about the fine imposed on his colleagues by the court. We have about 20 different vigilante groups all working for the NPP. Most of them are unemployed who survive on financial and other support offered them by the government and godfathers in the party so what should we expect come 2020. They will forever protect party and intimidate the opposition for the Npp to stay in power. That is the reality and danger ahead. The government's own policies, actions and measure expose their diabolic plans for 2020. The muzzling of pro- NDC radio stations and plans to sell their frequencies to some foreign radio stations proprietors are all mechanisms adopted to intimidate the opposition. The Democratic culture the President himself fought for its establishment is being undermined and the the violence and impunity we witnessing demonstrate a failure of our government and our institutions. When I was blissfully perusing through the seemingly bizarre story about the NDCs biometric register, I thought I was dreaming. But I was not, I was wide awake. I found the story so outlandish, so to speak. Well, I, for one, will never buy the sophistic and somewhat isolated thinkers assertion that the NDCs 2016 election defeat was largely due to the intricacies in their biometric register and a technical hitch to their results collation system. Without being condescending on this occasion, I will venture to state that the NDC faithful are living in a denial. They have indeed lost touch with the reality. Frankly speaking, the biometric register had nothing to do with the NDCs 2016 humiliating election defeat. But rather, discerning Ghanaians have undergone a carefully considered deliberation and have rightly seen the light. They are indeed fed-up with the gimmicks of the manipulating politicians. Indeed, we do not have to look any further than the 2016 election results to acknowledge how Ghanaians have changed their voting behaviours. You may believe it or not, but the fact remains that discerning Ghanaians have overcome their electoral benightedness and are ever ready to vote on issues that affect their lives, if the just gone Election is anything to go by. It is absolutely true that in 2016, discerning Ghanaians reacted negatively to the apparent harsh economic conditions by clamouring and opting for a positive change. It is, therefore, extremely unfortunate that the NDC loyalists would want us to believe that every single Ghanaian was oblivious to the happenings in the country prior to the 2016 election. Let us however be true to ourselves, in as much as the biometric register may have negatively affected the NDCs internal elections, it had nothing to do with their 2016 humiliating election loss. In actual fact, there was no way discerning Ghanaians were going to vote NDC into office a third time, considering the rampant corruption and the unbelievable incompetence. The fact however is: the diehard NDC supporters were living in a denial about the harsh economic conditions prior to the 2016 election. Believe it or not, back then, the vast majority of Ghanaians incredibly struggled to make a living or eke an income, which was largely due to the dreadful errors in decision-making, the incompetence and the unbridled corruption which culminated in untold economic hardships. But despite the conspicuous harsh socio-economic standards of living back then, the NDC apologists shamefully and ignobly kept badmouthing concerned citizens. As a matter of fact, the NDC campaign team could not have convinced Ghanaians who were extremely unhappy about President Mahamas largesse to Madam Akua Donkor of Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) of two four wheel drive cars and a luxury bungalow (estimated to cost a staggering $470,000) for no work done. Truly, no discerning Ghanaian was ever prepared to vote NDC back to power, when no meaningful efforts were put in place to retrieve the monies in the following scandalous corruption cases: The dubious Embraer 190 aircrafts deal which prompted former President Mills to set up a Committee to investigate the then Vice President Mahama. The $200 million bill we incurred on the unsuccessful STS housing deal which was spearheaded by the then Vice President John Dramani Mahama. The bizarre GH800 million judgement debt payments over the last eight years. The inexplicable $30 million judgement debt payment to Waterville which the Supreme Court of Ghana ruled as unconstitutional and ordered the NDC government to retrieve, but to no avail. The dubious $25 million judgement debt payment to ISOFOTON, which the NDC government has failed to retrieve despite the Supreme Courts order. The scandal (create, loot and share) at the National Service Secretariat which cost Ghana millions of Ghana Cedis. The SADA scandal which deprived the people of the Northern Region millions of Cedis meant for development. The SUBA scandal which cost Ghana millions of Cedis meant for the improvement of the economy. The GYEEDA corruption scandal which deprived the youth of Ghana millions of Cedis meant for the creation of jobs. The amount of $250 million from the Euro bond which was meant for infrastructural development but lodged surreptitiously in an unauthorised bank account. Inflated costs of infrastructural projects (the former Minister for Local Government, Collins Dauda raised concerns). How would anyone expect the aggrieved Ghanaians to change their mind over the GH9.5 billion debt former President Kufuor left in 2009, and Mahama abysmally raised it to an incredible GH122.4 billion in just eight years? I bet there was little the NDC 2016 electioneering campaign team could have done to convince unhappy Ghanaians to vote NDC again, when former President Mahama and his maladaptive government woefully shrunk Ghanas GDP from $47 billion to $37 billion in five years. How could anyone blame the harmless biometric register for NDCs humiliating election defeat, when Ex-President Mahama dreadfully dragged an economic growth of around 14 per cent in 2011 to a nauseating 3.5 per cent as of December 2016? Truth be told, the NDC loyalists must accept the fact that discerning Ghanaians could not have forgotten the terrible errors in judgement which culminated in economic hardships amid the unbridled business crippling dumsor. In sum, the NDC faithful should get a grip and accept the fact that the vast majority of aggrieved Ghanaians voted against the NDC in the 2016 election, largely due to the incompetence, the unbridle corruption and the unresolved dumsor which culminated in harsh economic conditions. K. Badu, UK. [email protected] ; please visit me at: alljoycom.wordpress.com The foundation of this nation was built on the need for building our industries to produce what we can consume here and sell to the rest of the world. The need to grow the industry was the main focus of our first president after the attainment of independence. The reason Kwame Nkrumah had development plans including the 7 years development plan and many other development plans which saw to the establishment of the various factories and industries including the Komenda Sugarcane factory, Takoradi Harbor, Akosombo textiles limited established in 1967 aimed at reducing the importation of foreign textiles and to promote our own. Also the Wenchi Tomato factory established to help manage the situation of wastage when there was bumper tomato harvest, additionally is Bolgatanga rice mills etc established to boost local consumption and to reduce importation. The establishment of such factories were strategically positioned to help raw materials from going waste as they were easily channeled through the factories to be processed to become finished products mostly in cans. Such ingenuity contributed to the rise in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. It was also backed by the need to palliate currency depreciation that could occur if our imports exceeded our exports. Successive governments after the overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah have followed the same quest in promoting made in Ghana goods, though, on the other hand, their policies and initiatives have done little in discouraging imports and protecting our infant industries, the initiatives have rather encouraged the indigenes of this country to buy what is Ghanaian. The idea to promote made in Ghana goods was intensified over a decade ago when it finally became a national policy recommendable to all in Ghana to devout Fridays to wearing cloths made from Ghanaian fabrics. This has received tremendous participation from all and sundry including expatriates especially our foreign visitors from Korea, China, U.S.A etc who comes to Ghana for tourism, visiting, schooling and business purposes. Frankly, this has promoted our fabric beyond the borders of this country and I personally believe we can do same with the other Ghanaian produce including the locally made wrist beads, kente, coffee, cocoa, sobolo, ice kenkey, locally made shoes/belt/bags with African prints, chocolates, beverages, vehicles made by Sarfo Kantanka, Innovative ventures by Ghanaian youths, poultry products, tomatoes, textiles and garments, processed foods, cements, furniture and many others. In the year 2016, there were several attempts to promote locally produced goods and Mr. Akrasi Sarpong who was the Acting Director of Communications and Public Affairs at the Ministry of trade and Industry, reiterated during an interaction between the committee and the Institute of Financial and Economic Journalists (IFEJ), that if Ghanaians hearkened to the campaign and patronized local goods, the sustenance of local enterprises would drive improvement in quality. There have been instances where indigenous companies made modest investments into improving the quality of their products, but made losses or failed to make any gains because of low patronage (source:Ghanabusinessnews- Patronising made in Ghana goods will improve quality). To promote made in Ghana goods is to first and foremost protect our local industries who produce them by way of providing good tax incentives to them such as a tax holiday for a period of time or possibly a tax cut to promote higher produce and reduced prices, tightening the policy on imports by imposing higher tariffs on import duties and loosening the duties on exports. Frequently advertising the locally produced products online, the print and electronic media can also help promote patronage. The question arises as to why Ghanaians spend their hard earned money on more expensive, foreign brands even if their local cheaper option exist. Most Ghanaians of whom the greater percentage happen to be females prefer to buy everything including bags, shoes, make ups, wigs, clothes, and other accessories when they travel outside the country. There are instances where others travel outside the country just to buy few stuffs for their wedding. Meanwhile when most of these foreigners visit Ghana, they are much happy to wear our kente, our locally made bags and many others. On the other hand, Ghanaians prefer to wear suits even on a normal day when the weather is very hot. The simplest answer has being that, locally produced goods are seen as inferior and somewhat expensive most of the time. Ghana as a member of the World Trade Organization cannot simply take extreme measures to totally ban imports but we can as well use measures including tax cut and import tariffs to protect our local industries compete with that of those abroad. Too much importation and the love for foreign goods has the liability of causing a distortion to our balance of payment as a country that trades with the rest of the world, poses a greater threat to our local industries, has a greater tendency of causing currency depreciation as we keep buying dollars in order to purchase foreign goods or import, a fall to GDP when imports exceeds exports and causes a deficit in calculating the annual GDP. This is caused by the proliferation of too many products from outside the country and because retailers and some sellers have realized the love of most Ghanaians for foreign goods than the locally produced ones, some find means of infiltrating such foreign goods into the country including used panties, second hand fridges which became a major threat to our electricity in the country etc. Buying made in Ghana goods may come with a whole lot of benefits including, generating revenue for our local industries, causing expansion of major firms/industries, creating employment, increasing living standards of individuals, increasing our national revenue and helping to solve issues including Balance of Payment deficits and many others. Development is cyclical; one great idea leads to improvement in another item which in the long run brings about a sustainable development. When we buy what is produced here, our money stays in the economy, we need not exchange our currency in order to buy our own unlike if we had bought from outside, and this promotes and increases the revenue of our local producers. As they experience an increase in revenue, they find the need to produce more to meet existing market for demand; to produce more, our industries employ more hands which increases employment( an increase in employment also helps to reduces social vices such as theft and other related vices), employment increases the living standard as the indigenes can now sufficiently provide for himself and his household, it also helps the individual and companies to render their tax obligations which gives our government enough revenue to undertake developmental projects including building schools, roads etc. Reducing buying from oversees also helps to solve our Balance of Payments deficits and contribute immensely to our Gross Domestic Product. In conclusion, the influx of foreign goods has greater repercussions on our local industries, employment, currency depreciation, and the Gross Domestic Product. Instead of being too tendentious about foreign goods, we can razzmatazz our locally produced goods to promote our local industries, to promote employment, to increase productivity and quality, to increase our national income, to ensure better living standard averagely, to correct our Balance of Payment deficits. This is the time to embrace domestication, support national policies aimed at protecting local industries. Together we can become the center of trade enviable by other countries. We cant expect other countries to appreciate our products if we dont feel proud of our own. The government can join hands with private industries within this country and support them. For example, Sarfo Kantanka can be supported by way of advertisement and publicity. The government can decide to buy cars produced by Kantanka limited based on agreement and subsidize such cars for purchase and use by teachers, nurses, lawyers or any worker who is paid through the controller and accountant generals department. I urge us to promote our own and buy made in Ghana. Gracias.. Writer : Emmanuel De-Graft Quarshie Degraftxclusive.blogspot.com [email protected] After the end of the two year partnership with MTN, UNICEF has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MTN to extend the agreement for another two years to allow customers assessed the Agoo service by calling the toll-free number 5100 whilst non MTN Customers were also served by calling 0540 118 999. Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Chief Marketing Officer at MTN, Asher Khan said the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is to renew their partnership for another two years to affirm MTNs commitment of brightening the lives of their customers and to ensure Ghanaians continue to receive essential information through Agoo on health and social issues. We are in the digital age and this partnership/initiative resonates with MTNs vision of leading the delivery of a bold new digital world. Customers will have ample time to concentrate on their business rather than spending lots of time having to physically go to see a professional, he stated. Mr. Khan added that one interesting aspect of this years partnership is the addition of Social Protection to the already existing information on Malaria, Avian Influenza, Cholera, Meningitis, Ebola, and Tuberculosis among others for both children and adults. He indicated that more importantly the partnership also affords the younger generation protection from violence, counselling to refrain from missing out on school; learn basic tips on healthy lifestyles, such as the importance of handwashing and good hygiene. The Chief Marketing Officer of MTN noted that while they support this laudable initiative, he urge Ghanaians to make good use of the service as it seeks to benefit them, their family and loved ones. Mr. Asher Khan emphasized that the partnership with UNICEF began two years ago at a critical time in Ghana where every single person was worried and agitated about the outbreak of the Ebola disease and cholera. He said to bring relief, alleviate the fear and anxiety of Ghanaians, MTN partnered UNICEF and the Ghana Health Service on a toll-free number where Ghanaians could receive real time answers to questions on the minds of people who call to enquire about both epidemics. According to him, MTN and UNICEF partnership afforded Ghanaians the opportunity to call and receive responses to their queries in those critical moments. Two years on, the service has grown and has proven successful. 427 calls were received daily in the initial stages, and over 2,000 calls are received daily since last year (2016). In the light of the success of this partnership, MTN is continuing this partnership with UNICEF, he intimated. The Deputy Country Representative of UNICEF, Rushnan Murtaza stressed that one of the most effective ways to empower and enable our young people is to ensure they have the right information. According to her, UNICEF, from 2016, has engaged in more than 370,000 students which covers 96percent of all Senior High Schools in Ghana. She indicated that the renewal of their partnership with MTN will be a continuation of a long and fruitful journey where lives will be affected. Monrovia (AFP) - On a weekday morning in Cecelia Dunbar school, a bumpy hour's drive from Liberia's capital, a group of seven-year-olds concentrate on their maths lesson, seated at individual wooden desks. Children at schools like Cecelia Dunbar read and count at a level improved by 60 percent from a year ago -- proof, according to the government and private education companies, that a bold experiment for one of the world's worst education systems has succeeded. "The approaches that each of the providers are bringing in are showing results," said Christina PioCosta-Lahue, the managing director of Rising Academies Liberia, which operates 29 schools on the government's behalf under the Partnership Schools Programme launched last year. "A student in first grade (six to seven years old) has made two years of progress in reading," PioCosta-Lahue said. Liberia's infrastructure and its education system were ravaged by 1989-2003 back-to-back civil wars and a subsequent deadly Ebola outbreak which closed schools for months. Last year, the UN children's agency ranked the small west African nation worst globally in terms of access to primary education, on a continent whose education systems are already the worst-performing worldwide. A lack of text books, school sanitation, public transport and parents keeping children out of school to earn or help them work are common. The government and private firms therefore celebrated a random control trial conducted by US development thinktank the Centre for Global Development (CGDEV) which found that beyond the improved literacy and numeracy, pupil enthusiasm has also measurably lifted. However, critics remain sceptical that such initiatives can overhaul national education standards, whether in Liberia or in Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda where similar schools operate. Sustainable? More African children are in school than ever before and more than a fifth of the continent's children are currently privately educated, a number that is likely to rise, according to a report released by education-focused consultancy Caerus Capital in April. The main change at Cecelia Dunbar has been in teacher training, monitoring and accountability, saids principal Jacob Haiwulu. Poverty forces many children to pull out of school "They carry out evaluations for our students and provide training for teachers," Haiwulu said, referring to the partner compnay. "You always have a target to achieve." The CGDEV study found that while students in partnership schools enjoyed better quality education with more teachers per pupil, the schools had higher costs and some pupils were reassigned to government schools to keep class sizes capped. "The program has yet to demonstrate it can work in average Liberian schools, with sustainable budgets and staffing levels, and without negative side-effects on other schools," it noted. Liberia's main teachers' union, whose leadership has opposed the programme from the start, says the money flooding into these schools was bound to bring results, pointing to their fruitless campaigns for more resources. Deeper roots But teachers in government schools say the main problem with Liberia's schools has more familiar roots: poverty and corruption. William V.S. Tubman High School in central Monrovia is one of the country's best, equipped with a few computers, a canteen and bathrooms: facilities lacking in the vast majority of state and privately-run schools. But even here teachers struggle to get to class on time as they moonlight to supplement meagre salaries. "You can't support your family with $240 (a month) in Liberia," history teacher Boniface Colley told AFP. "It is also the management of the little resources that we have, we have problems with managing and allocating it correctly," he said, alluding to waste and endemic graft in the government. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's administration has made efforts to lift "ghost" workers, including teachers, off the state payroll. "We have a lot of resource constraints ... so we look for international organisations to help us service the needs of our citizens," Gbovadeh Gbilia, Deputy Minister for Planning, Research, and Development, told AFP. A support worker who regularly visited William V.S. Tubman said poverty affected students' ability to learn and to stay in school. Girls began dropping out once they began menstruating, embarrassed to come to class without sanitary pads, while others quit school after pregnancies became too obvious. More than 30 percent of Liberian girls have a child before the age of 18. Boys were often too hungry to concentrate as they couldn't afford to eat in the canteen after coming to school without breakfast, the worker said on condition of anonymity. Alassis Goldore, the principal of William V.S. Tubman, said the civil wars have scars that were sometimes hidden. "It requires much more resources to replenish or replace these things that were destroyed," he said. The Ghana School Feeding Programme has released GHc 21 million to cater for part of the debt it owes caterers under the school feeding programme. The money, which was released last week, will cover the first seven days for the first term of the 2016/2017 academic year. Speaking to Citi News, the Public Relations Officer for Programme, Siba Alfa, also said efforts are being made to make another disbursement next week, to cover an additional sixteen days of the remaining hundred days arrears. Last week Thursday and Friday, we released seven days of feeding grant to the caterers. The seven days represents part of payment for the first term of 2017/2017 academic year, and we are hoping to make another payment next week Friday, which will be for 16 days, but afterward, we will request for additional funds to be able to clear all the arrears that we owe the caterers, he said. Mr. Alfa explained that, in all, the programme has advanced more than 100 days of feeding grants to caterers so far in 2017, which amounts to GHc 140 million. He said a request has been made to the Minister of Finance for funds to clear all the arrears. Protests from caterers In May, scores of caterers under the school feeding programme besieged the premises of the Ministry for Gender, Children and Social Protection, demanding the payment of their arrears. Some of the caterers said they had not been paid for more than 8 months. At the time, the National School Feeding Secretariat said it would pay the debt by the end of May. Payment of the arrears has been seen to be filtering in to the caterers with the government recently releasing GHc 10 million to them. The Ghana School Feeding Programme has been ongoing since 2005, under the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme Pillar III, in response to the first and second Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, and achieving universal primary education. The basic idea of the program has been to provide pupils in public basic schools with one hot nutritious meal every day. By: Farida Yusuf/citifmonline.com/Ghana A member of the legal team of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Abraham Amaliba, has expressed shock at the sentence slapped on 13 members of pro-New Patriotic Party vigilante group, Delta Force by the Asokwa District Court in Kumasi. According to him, the GH1,800 fine slapped on each of the suspects was not deterrent enough, and would rather breed political lawlessness in the country. The accused persons, who were made to sign a bond to be of good behavior for 12 months, were standing trial for rioting after they stormed the office of the newly appointed Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, George Adjei, in March 2017, and assaulted him. After months of proceedings on the matter, the court on Thursday, October 19, 2017, fined all 13 a total of GHc23,400. But according to Mr. Amaliba, the sentence is unsatisfactory. They have been treated with kids' gloves. The sentence in my view is going to breed more political lawlessness. It is this same case that occasioned the attack of a court and a judge in Kumasi; and I thought that this was a fine opportunity for the court to send a strong signal signal to tell vigilante groups that they have no place in our democracy, he said in an interview on Eyewitness News. He added that to give them GH1,800 as a fine which is the sentence, is to say that anytime anyone has 2,000, you can go and cause mayhem and you can go back home with your change. This for me is a sad day. Mr. Amaliba said although the Attorney General can initiate legal proceedings to pray the court for stricter punishment for the suspects, he is certain that she will not do so due to her posture from the onset of the case. If the AG is minded, she can go on appeal for an enhancement of the sentence and that will show that she actually wanted the punishment enhanced so it is not complete, it is not final.she [Attorney General, Gloria Akuffo] is simply not interested, and I can't see her appealing against the sentence, never, It won't happen, he said. Meanwhile, the lawyer the freed vigilante group members, Frederick Kankam Boadu, has said that there was no evidence of aggravated circumstances in the incident for which they were hurled before the court, and his clients had shown great remorse for their action hence it was important not to imprison them. By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana Business activities came to a halt as scores of residents in the Kumasi Metropolis lined up on the streets to wave at the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, when he touched down at the Kumasi Airport on Thursday. The Asantehene was taken through some principal streets of the metropolis before finally taken to the Manhyia Palace. Otumfuos Mawerehene, Baffour Osei Brentuo Hyiaman V, has said the Asantehene and the Manhyia Palace are not ready to respond to stories that emerged while he was away. According to him, the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has never responded to such issues and was not ready to respond to the recent one. The Asantehene received a rousing welcome when he touched down at the Kumasi Airport amidst singing and drumming. He was taken through the principal streets of the metropolis and was finally taken to the Manhyia Palace. Residents in the Kumasi metropolis had lined up on the streets to wave the Asante monarch when he arrived. Baffour Hyiaman V told Citi News that Manhyia was not interested in the money laundering allegations, and will not respond to the issues. Background The Asantehene's name popped up in the UK media , in a suspected money laundering case, after he sent a bank official to deposit a cash amount of 350,000 on his behalf. According to the UK's Telegraph, when Osei Tutu II, summoned Mark Arthur to his multi-million-pound residence in Henley-on-Thames and handed him a bag containing almost 200,000 in sterling as well as $200,000 in US currency with consecutive serial numbers, the bank official felt it inappropriate to ask too many questions. However, the subsequent deposit of the cash at the Ghana International Bank, triggered a money laundering alert in the City of London and cost Mr. Arthur his job. The Ghana International Bank has since clarified that there is no suggestion of money laundering allegations against the Asantehene . A statement from the UK-based bank, asserted that, the ongoing litigation between the bank and a former Executive Director, Mark Arthur, concerned breaches of the Bank's internal policies and UK laws. These breaches were said to have happened when Mr. Arthur carried out a transaction on behalf of the Asantehene, reportedly involving 350,000. By: Hafiz Tijani/citifmonline.com/Ghana The Communications Ministry has challenged National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentarians in to proceed to court if they insist the sanctions imposed on some 131 radio stations are illegal. Deputy Communications Minister, George Andah, says the National Communications Authority (NCA) followed the law to the letter in the action taken against some radio stations. The NCA said the affected stations violated aspects of the Electronic Communications Act. At the end of the day, there is a law that the NCA is applying. If the issue is that the sanctions are harsh, as legislators we know what to do to correct or to amend or to review laws that we think are not right. But for now the NCA is acting within its remit and it has the mandate to do what it is doing. Anybody who wants to challenge it can challenge it in the court of law, said Mr Andah. The NCA last month revoked the licenses of some radio stations and imposed hefty fines on others. The stations, numbering 131, include radio stations affiliated to the opposition NDC, prompting speculations that the concern of the Minority MPs is politically motivated. The Minority in Parliament has described the sanctions as draconian. The opposition lawmakers said the exercise was a "deliberate attempt" to shut down radio stations that are not aligned with the government, asking the NCA to rescind its decision. Related Article: Draconian NCA fines troubling - NDC Minority Meanwhile, the Communications Minister has also revealed that the authorisations of radio stations that were revoked recently by the NCA will be re-issued to new applicants. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful made the revelation on Thursday, October 19, 2017, when she appeared before Parliament to justify the recent revocation by the NCA. Indeed whatever authorisations have been revoked will certainly be re-issued to new applicants after due process in view of the long list of applications for frequencies currently pending, she said. She said it was preposterous for anyone to suggest that the implementation of a law this august house has passed is a threat to media plurality. This she said to counter sentiments against the NCA action last month. Mrs Owusu-Ekuful said no media house has been hand-picked to face sanctions, and that those sanctioned actually flouted key regulations. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com Mr. Eric Muah 20.10.2017 LISTEN Mr. Eric Muah, who was nominated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as District Chief Executive (DCE) for the Jomoro District of the Western Region but was rejected by the Assembly Members on July this year, has declared his unflinching support for the newly nominated DCE, Mr. Ernest Kofie. President Akufo-Addo through a letter signed by the Local Government Minister, Hon Hajia Alima Mahama on October 17, 2017, nominated Mr. Ernest Kofie the ruling New Patriotic Party's (NPP) Constituency Chairman for Jomoro as DCE nominee for Jomoro District. Mr. Eric Muah stepped aside as DCE nominee on July 28, 2017 to pave way for President Akufo-Addo to nominate a new person for the position. Background Mr. Eric Muah who was rejected three times by Assembly Members as District Chief Executive (DCE) for Jomoro stepped aside as DCE nominee to pave way for the nomination of a new person. In an election organized by the Jomoro District Electoral Officer, Mr Isaac Ano Otoo and witnessed by Western Regional Minister, Dr Kwaku Afriyie, the DCE nominee failed to get the required two-thirds votes of the Assembly Members as stated by law. Out of the 48 Assembly Members present, 25 voted YES while 22 voted NO and 1 spoiled ballot on July 24, 2017. However, with the nominee securing 53%, he automatically qualified to be voted on the position for the fourth time at a date to be announced later by the Electoral Commission in ten days time. Mr. Eric Muah rejection was not a surprise to the reporter, Daniel Kaku because 22 elected Assembly Members came out publicly in a press release that if the DCE nominee didn't resign immediately, they will vote against him. They made that statement before the confirmation date. After the rejection of the DCE nominee, the angry supporters of the NPP chanted that, "no Eric Muah, no DCE for Jomoro and no 9, no 10" However, the President's nominee gave up the dream of becoming a DCE and didn't go for the fourth round. A press release dated, July 28 and sighted by Daniel Kaku, the rejected nominee indicated that he was stepping aside for the sake of Jomoro development. He said, "though I still have constitutionally mandatory ten days to go for another election, I would by no means try to hold the development of the District into ransom considering the amount of money that has been sunk into this simple exercise. I believe the money could be saved for developmental projects" Mr Eric Muah expressed his profound appreciation to the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the honour done him. "I thank the President of the Republic for the honour done me as He nominated me twice to be his representative for Jomoro District" Per the 22 votes obtained by Mr. Eric Muah, the residents of Jomoro are afraid that the President's nominee could be rejected. But speaking to the media, Mr. Eric Muah, appealed to the 48 Assembly Members to confirm the President's nominee for the sake of Jomoro development stressing that he does not have anything against the President's nominee. "I totally support Mr. Ernest Kofie as DCE nominee and wish him well". "Please Hon Assembly Members, this is another opportunity to redeem our District. Let's endorse chairman Earnest Kofie once and for all. I hope u will grant him that favour" "I beg the Assembly Members who are thinking of voting against the President's nominee, to reconsider their position and give him 100%", Mr. Muah pleaded. He also appealed to his supporters and sympathizers to remain calm and respect the President's decision. He added, "Jomoro District is lagging behind in terms of development as I speak to you other Districts have started benefiting from President Akufo-Addo's programs thus one District, one factory, planting for food and jobs etc so I call on all the Assembly Members to confirm Mr. Ernest Kofie so that we the good people of Jomoro District will also have our share of the national cake". He reminded the Assembly that the absence of a DCE had the potential to cripple the development agenda of the area. An Investigation conducted by Ghanaweb's Western Regional Correspondent, Daniel Kaku in the District revealed that majority of people in the area, have commended Hon. Eric Muah for the great sense of maturity for not bringing confusion in the District and for that matter the NPP party after he was rejected on three occasions. Some supporters of the NPP in the Jomoro Constituency have appealed to President Nana Addo to consider Hon Eric Muah and give him a new portfolio since he has shown great love for the NPP party in the Constituency. They added that when similar case happened in the Ellembelle District, the rejected DCE was appointed as Manager of Ghana Gas Company. "Mr. Eric Muah love the NPP party and has the party at heart, since he was rejected as DCE nominee, he has been defending the NPP government on radio stations in the Jomoro constituency", they added. Mr. Eric Muah is the current Deputy Secretary and Acting Youth Organizer of the NPP for the Jomoro Constituency. Source: Daniel Kaku The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa, Sulemana Braimah, believes there is no turning back for the National Communications Authority (NCA), as far as its hefty sanctions for some 131 radio stations are concerned. Speaking on Eyewitness News, he maintained the NCA would set a bad precedent, if it eases the pressure on the stations it has sanctioned. 131 stations fell foul of Section 13 of the Electronics Communications Act (2009), and 34 of the sanctioned stations had their licenses revoked because their authorizations had expired, whilst the others picked up over GHc1 billion in fines. Accra-based Okay FM and Kumasi-based Hello FM, both under the Despite group, were recently shut down by the NCA after their licenses were revoked. The NCAs crackdown would not have been viewed as extreme and out of the ordinary, if Ghana had a culture of enforcing laws to the letter, the MFWA Head suggested. The controversies that we are witnessing is all because the management and previous board of the NCA failed to do their work as they ought to have done at the time, and the current management and board are only acting in accordance with the law, and I think that it is something that we need to let them do. Despite the expected job losses that critics have complained about, Mr. Braimah said: we cannot live in a country with airwaves which are not regulated I don't see how you can fault the NCA for seeking to just enforce the law and making sure that our airwaves are regulated properly. Beyond this, letting the sanctioned stations of the hook would send the wrong message to the remaining majority of stations complying with NCA regulations, he added. We have close to 500 radio stations that are on air, which means that a majority of those who are operating are complying with the law, so why must we then allow those who are not complying with the law to continue to operate, he argued. NCA can be given NPA leeway There is an added layer of hypocrisy beneath all this, with Mr. Braimah pointing out that, the country is solidly behind the reforms and harsh steps put in place to sanitize the distribution of fuel in Ghana in light of recent disasters. The National Petroleum Authority is working to roll out a cylinder re-circulation model, which some fear will leave many Liquefied Petroleum Gas stations out of business. Nonetheless, the public is largely behind these reforms, so Mr. Braimah questioned, why are we in this instance saying another institution shouldn't enforce the laws and the work that it is paid to do, and the work that Parliament has mandated it to do. By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifonline.com/Ghana 20.10.2017 LISTEN Residents of Koforidua woke up on Saturday morning to see the Nsukwao River, which runs through parts of Koforidua Township, turn red. There were rumours that the gods of the river had been offended, as a result of which the river was demonstrating its anger by turning red. The rumours spread quickly through the Koforidua Township and many people rushed to its banks to witness the change in colour. However, after about two hours, the reddish colour of the river started fading gradually, an indication that someone might have polluted the river upstream. At the time of going to press, the colour of the river had faded substantially from its initial reddish colour. The Ghana News Agency is following up to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Densu River Basin Authority to find out the real cause of the change in colour and keep its readers updated. 20.10.2017 LISTEN Mrs Harriet Nuamah-Agyemang, the Programme Officer of SEND-Ghana, has called on the public to stop the stigmatisation and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. She said if community members did not change their attitude towards these people, all the efforts of improving their lives would be a farce. Mrs Nuamah-Agyemang made the call at a workshop organised by SEND-Ghana for co-ordinators of activities of the Participatory, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee under the People for Health (P4H) Project in some five districts of the Greater Accra Region. It was sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), with support from Penplusbytes and the Ghana News Agency. The workshop aimed at strengthening the capacity of the collaborating agencies such as the metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies and to improve their assessment on P4H projects in the communities and come out with emerging issues. It was also to help establish problems associated with stigmatisation and discrimination against Persons living with HIV/AIDS as well as the benefits of victims disclosing their health status to their relations. Mrs Nuamah-Agyemang expressed the hope that the strengthening of monitoring and evaluation programmes would have a positive effect on persons living with the disease. She said although there had been various ways of educating the public, some people had ignored those advices and continued with the stigmatisation and discrimination. Mrs Nuamah-Agyemang said the knowledge of HIV among the public was high, but stigma and discrimination was common, hence the need for the workshop to enable the co-ordinators to report on the activities they encountered during their meetings with the communities. Miss Sandra Sakwabea, the Project Officer of SEND-Ghana, took the Committee members through their responsibilities to ensure that the right things were done. New executive members were elected for the Committee with Mr Isaac Ampomah of La-Dadekotopon Municipal Assembly being elected as Chairman, while Madam Jane Oku of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and Reverend John Azumah won the Vice Chairperson and Secretary positions respectively. 20.10.2017 LISTEN The Brong-Ahafo branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has assured journalists and media practitioners in the Region of its commitment to protecting their welfare in the course of their constitutional duties. A press statement jointly signed by Dennis Peprah and Larry Paa Kwesi Moses, newly elected Regional Secretary and Chairman respectively, therefore asked the media to abide by the ethical standards. It commended members of the Association for the high sense of civility they exhibited during and after the elections and applauded the losing candidates for their comportment. It said the interest of members and non-members of the Association was paramount and expressed the optimism that the non-members would also join. The statement commended the Electoral Commission for its assistance and said all losing candidates should come on board to champion the course of the Association to accelerate growth and development. It warned that the GJA would not be in any position to defend journalists and media practitioners who would fail to comply with its Constitution. "Journalism is basically for development and we expect the media in the Region to avoid any sinister motive in the discharge of their duties," it added. 20.10.2017 LISTEN Mr Samuel Kobina Caulley, a former Civil Engineer of the erstwhile Accra City Council, has called on parents and guardians to desist from attacking teachers who discipline their children for wrongdoing in school. He said such acts did not promote co-operation and effective teamwork, which teachers required from parents and guardians in their efforts to produce respectful and God-fearing future leaders for the nation. Mr Caulley, who made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said it was being reported on some radio stations in the Central Region that some parents were invoking spiritual attack on teachers who disciplined their children at school for wrongdoing. He urged parents to avoid such acts, adding; 'Such behaviours put great fear into teachers as well as the school children and it did not augur well for teaching and learning.' Mr Caulley advised parents and guardians to cooperate with teachers in the proper upbringing of their children and exercise restraint whenever the children report any issue concerning their teachers to them. Reading in 2022 This year's devotions will be prompted from readings in a book called "Daily Treasures from the Word of God" by Leona and Nicolas Venditti, published in 2012. I will read what they have to say listening to what the Lord is saying to me, write my thoughts here, and pray for His enabling to apply them to my life. 20.10.2017 LISTEN A 232-page book, titled: 'Our Motherland-My Life,' written by Mr Kojo Yankah, a former Minister of State, has been launched in Accra to provide useful life lessons for all Ghanaians and pan-Africanists. The book chronicled Mr Yankah's life journey and provided graphic detail of his life as a Public Servant, Minister of State, Member of Parliament and Editor, as well as his family relations, entrepreneurship, charity work and travels round the world. It also gives vivid accounts of the author's life principles, deep ills of the Ghanaian society and lessons that should be learnt by both the younger and the older generations to engender national development. A quote from the book read: 'My life journey has been daunting, challenging, rough, tough, critical, unmarked and unscripted, but I have overcome all odds to inspire my children and make a difference in the lives of many others and I can only share slides of this in this book with a smile'. Mrs Emma Mitchell, the Chief Executive Officer of the Mitchell Foundation and a former Minister of Trade and Industry, at the launch at the African University College of Communications, said the author had a compelling story and many life lessons that must be learnt by all and sundry. 'I do not know one Ghanaian, or for that matter any person, who will not benefit from reading this book and having it in their homes or libraries,' she said. 'I have learnt so much from this book, which makes it compelling for me to recommend it to my children, grandchildren and other relations.' 'All parents have their own stories, but I know that education never ends with age. There is so much to know about Ghana and Africa through the pages of this book-the history, the customs and values of our people, which we are rejecting by the day.' Mrs Mitchell urged all public servants, entrepreneurs, parents, teachers and students at all levels and pan-Africanists to possess copies of the book. She said: 'Possessing this book will not only be reading Kojo Yankah; like me, you will all learn lessons we have glossed over and taken for granted. 'You will be left reflecting on the future of our beloved country and the continent; and above all, you will be inspired by an unforgettable message of faith, hope and love'. Mr. Yankah, in an address, recounted some joyful and sorrowful moments in his over 70-year life as a public servant, teacher, politician, journalist, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He noted: 'Throughout all these years, I saw raw politics at work in both military and civilian environments, I became victim of several plots for reasons I later understood. I suffered humiliation and intrigues at the hands of unseen forces in politics'. Mr. Yankah said by the grace of God, he endured those difficult periods in view of the key societal values his parents imbibed in him including honesty, fear of God, respect and humility. Nana Ayebia Clarke, of the Ayebia Clarke Publishing, Publisher of the book, described Mr. Yankah as a visionary and a true pan-Africanist who believed in the African potentials and intrinsic transformational values of the African heritage. She said the book contained inspirational quotations from some prominent Ghanaians, including Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the King of Ashanti Kingdom, Professor Ama Ata Aidoo, a prolific Ghanaian Writer, Sir Sam Jonah, an accomplished Entrepreneur, and Mr Mohammed Ibn Chambers, an International Diplomat. The author was born on the 16th of August, 1945, at Agona Duakwa in the Agona East District of the Central Region to Mr Kojo Kumi Yankah and Obaapanyin Yaa Nyarkoa. He attended Adisadel College in Cape Coast for his secondary education and proceeded to the University of Ghana where he graduated with a Bachelor of Art Degree in English. He worked with various state institutions including the Information Services Department and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust. He was a former Editor of the Daily Graphic and later became the Director of the Ghana Institute of Journalism. The author also served as a Deputy Information Minister as well as a Regional Minister for the Central and Ashanti regions respectively from 1997 to 1999 in President Jerry John Rawlings' Government. He was elected to Parliament as a Member of Parliament for Agona East on two consecutive terms from 1993 to 2000, and established the African University College of Communications (AUCC) and a Public Relations and Communication Firm, Yankah and Associates. The book launch attracted high profile personalities including current and former ministers of state, traditional rulers, the diplomatic community, captains of industries and the media. The first two copies of the book were purchased at GH25,000.00 each, by Mr Apashie Gyakpasu and Mr Mawuli Hedo. Some corporate institutions also made purchases including the Ghana Institute of Journalism, the AUCC and the Stanbic Bank. The head of the Community Development Unit of the Ledzokuku Krowo Municipal Assembly (LEKMA), has advised residents to attend town hall meetings to appreciate the work and responsibilities of Assemblies towards residents. Madam Genevieve Ofosuamaa, who was addressing participants at a soap making workshop organised by her outfit for residents of Teshie in LEKMA, said residents would not be ignorant if they attended such meetings because policy makers and Chief Executives would educate and expatiate on issues bothering their minds. Sixty men and women drawn from various groups attended the trainer of trainees' workshop which sought to teach them liquid and bar soap and bleach making as part of the Assembly's efforts at helping residents acquire relevant skills to earn decent living. The entire workshop was financed by the Assembly and was targeted at low income, the employed and social and economically vulnerable groups. According to Madam Ofosuamaa, the payment of taxes and levies were the contribution of residents towards the development of the area and therefore they needed to appreciate why and how such funds were collected and used. 'Residents should also know the Assembly's bye-laws which are needed to regulate their relationships with the Assembly, each other and the environment. We need to appreciate all these mechanisms to lead a life of good health, prosperity and dignity,' she said. On the workshop, she urged participants to diligently follow the processes in order to teach others in their groups. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Noah Ashikwei, a member of the Jehowa Akwei group, Teshie, said the workshop was timely and very useful since a lot of residents in his area needed such skills to earn a living. 'I will encourage members of my group and beyond to have this kind of training to be useful to themselves and society,' he said. 20.10.2017 LISTEN A statement from the Office of the Former President, Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, has cautioned the public against fake Facebook pages created in his name. The statement, signed by Mr Kobina Andoh Amoakwa of the Communications Directorate and copied the Ghana News Agency, said: 'Our attention has been drawn to publications on social media attributed to former President Jerry John Rawlings through Facebook pages purporting to belong to the former President.' The statement noted that the official Facebook account of the Former President is https://web.facebook.com/President.J.J.Rawlings/ and that any other account or page should be regarded with the contempt it deserved. 'All other Facebook accounts or pages purporting to be official are fraudulent and are operated by persons with an agenda to publish falsehood and fake news about Former President Rawlings,' it said. The statement quoted one of such messages, which appeared on one such fictitious page, as saying: 'When a woman rejects a man of vision, and accepts a man with television, she will end up watching the man of vision on her own husband's television. Don't judge a man by his pocket but judge him by his vision. Because where a man is going in life is more important than his present condition. Stay blessed.' It urged members of the public to report such fake pages directly to Facebook whenever they encountered them. 'The Former President had since reported the activities of these fake pages to Facebook for the necessary action,' it said. 20.10.2017 LISTEN The Ghana Palaver last Tuesday published unedited, a rejoinder from the National Service Scheme to an earlier story published in the paper. The attempt by the management of the National Service Scheme (NSS) to deny the story about the rot in the NSS in our last edition through an obviously-rushed press statement signed by the Deputy Executive Director, Henry Nana Boakye, has raised more questions about happenings at the Secretariat. In their response, the management admitted selecting banks through which payments of allowances are to be made to National Service Personnel (NSP).The Ghana Palavers investigations have revealed that the personnel were actually limited to these selected banks during the registration process in July and August this year. The process was so rigid that even personnel who already had e-zwich cards from banks which were not part of those selected were compelled to apply for new e-zwich cards from the selected banks. We have also discovered that every region was assigned specific banks. The Eastern Region was given Unibank, GCB Bank Ltd and later GN Bank. In the Northern Region the personnel were limited to GN Bank only until they began protesting and had GCB Bank added. In the Brong Ahafo Region they were limited to Unibank, GCB Bank and ARB Apex Bank. In the Volta Region the Ho Municipality was limited to GCB Bank. The Accra Metro was limited to Prudential Bank, which has a close affiliation with the ruling NPP. We find it intriguing that almost all those NPP protocols lists and foot soldiers that Henry Nana Boakye made preferential postings for were posted to Accra Metro. The NSS management may want to explain what the rationale or logic for compelling personnel with existing e-zwich cards to get new ones was. Curiously, the NSS rejoinder was silent on whether the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement System (GHIPSS) had raised issues with the deal with the selected banks and had threatened to charge personnel for their services. We challenge management to deny this and explain why it was taking them so long to pay the personnel allowances apart from the fact that they are broke. We also challenge the management to state why they are preparing the payment vouchers indicating the respective banks against each NSPs name. Is it not to determine how many personnel registered with each bank in order to work the special quota? Or why was it necessary to indicate the card issuing bank against each persons name? The Scheme also said in point 4 of its rejoinder that the vehicles referred to in our story continue to be official vehicles of the Ag. Executive Director. It was however mute on their whereabouts. Many at the Scheme are perplexed. They insist that since the new management took office, the Toyota Camry has not been seen after it was allocated to Henry Nana Boakye. We were also surprised at the claim by management that they have not said the former Executive Director bought it off. We have it on authority, that it was the same Henry Nana Boakye who made that claim. On the issue of the hire purchase deal, the management in its rejoinder avoided the actual issue raised in our story. We made reference to Acting Regional Directors being queried with a view to making them face possible sanctions for engaging in the same deals in July this year immediately before the top brass took over the business. They questioned the moral authority the Ag. Executive Directors have to do the same things they have queried others for. Why was the rejoinder silent on whether the Ag. Regional Directors were queried or not about matter? Why was the rejoinder also silent on whether the Ag. Regional Directors were involved in this new deal or not having admitted there was a deal. We are also curious whether the management had any board directive to engage in such transactions when the board was not even in place at the time they admitted entering into the deal with the mentioned company. The scheme should be able to mention other companies they claimed were part of the deal apart from Sun Electronics Company as claimed in their rejoinder. Why were they silent on them or is it the case they have no names? Furthermore, we find it mindboggling that the management of the scheme that says it was following the procurement act has side-lined procurement systems and processes at the head office in a number of deals. It is now emerging for instance that a Mobile SMS postings checking deal with some Telcos that cost each NSP GHc2.00, was done outside of the schemes systems. The most absurd claim in the press statement is contained in point (8).The claim that there is unity among the appointees flies in the face of the real truth. Just like the rejoinder under reference, we are reliably informed that Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B) has been issuing press releases behind his boss, an issue which has become a source tension between the two. Nana B is widely known for outshining his more reserved boss Ussif Mustapha by taking away media duties from him on many occasions. Our sources who are deeply-embedded within the corridors of the NSS, have hinted us of an internecine feud among the three top people at the scheme. According to our sources, the three appointees have haggled over many issues, notable among them, the election of NASPA Executives. The Ag. Executive Director fielded the Greater Accra Regional President as his favourite while Nana B backed the Ashanti Regional President against his boss. At the NASPA congress held in Koforidua at the Bedtime Hotel early this year, things boiled over. While the Ag. Executive Director Ussif Mustapha was delivering a speech, Nana B stormed out of the conference room. Later in the evening it was alleged that Nana B reported his boss to the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) in Accra for attempting to influence the NASPA Elections. The Presidency is said to have queried Ussif Mustapha immediately compelling him to vacate the congress and jet off to Germany that night in anger. The other deputy, Gifty Oware Aboagye, infuriated by the conduct of Nana B, was heard swearing that she would show Nana B she was an Akyem lady. Nana B however had the last laugh when his candidate emerged victorious Our sources have quoted special aide to the Ag. Executive Director by name Paul as saying his boss was aware people were scheming to get him out of the NSS. The former administrator of the scheme, Reverend Simon McKandamah has been fingered as a key collaborator of Nana B in the machinations to push Ussif Mustapha out. This has compelled Mustapha to adopt a silo mentality resulting in his creation of a mini secretariat within the NSS through which he routes official business. The Ghana Palaver has picked up signals that Henry Nana Boakye does not want the current Public Relations Officer to remain at the HQ but his boss Mustapha would have none of that. A staff we spoke to confirmed that tensions were brewing over the matter and blamed the attitude of Henry Nana Boakye for the uncertainty. Today, the Ghana Palaver feels obliged to return to the subject of nepotism and cronyism-two phenomena that have gained roots in the Akufo Addo led NPP government. Hardly a day passes by without news emerging about the appointment of one relative or the other of the President into government or a state agency. Despite repeated calls for a cessation of this worrying practice, it is has only worsened. On our front page today, we have reported on the award of a contract to a law firm owned by Gabby Otchere Darko, a nephew of the President, by his cousin the finance minister under dubious circumstances. This adds to an already packed list of clear instances of nepotism and cronyism which undermines the credibility of President Akufo Addo. In the run up to the 2016 elections, he made an unambiguous promise at an NPP event in Kumasi last year that he will not operate a family and friends government Everything he has done since becoming President has been the exact opposite. He has dished out appointments to family members and close friends like confetti while ignoring all ethical considerations. Ghanaians are saddled with the unusual spectacle where close to 30 percent of Ministers who sit in cabinet are the Presidents relatives. Today it has been possible for women with whom the President had amorous relationships in the past resulting in the siring of children to be given appointments in government. We have witnessed situations where experienced and committed civil servants and public officials have been supplanted by relatively inexperienced relatives, friends and business associates. Independent state institutions have been infiltrated by relatives of the President, calling into question their continues independence. Additional portfolios have been carved out specifically to accommodate the children of some powerful government officials at a time when hundreds of thousands of jobless youth have been told that the public sector can no longer employ them. Also, regulatory agencies whose work ensure checks and balance in the polity, are brimming with cronies and allies of Ministers whose work they would have to scrutinize. Who would have believed that in the twenty-first century, Ghana, a supposed democracy will relapse into an era where its President would have no difficulty being counted among the inglorious company of past despots who gave key government appointments to relatives in the mistaken belief that it will entrench them in power. In times past, it was the Bokassas, Mobutus, Eyademas, Omar Bongos, Kabilas and Iddi Amins among others, who practiced this kind of nepotism and cronyism. For a man who had spent five decades of his life trying to be President amidst claims about his human rights and ethical credentials, we had thought that despite his advanced age, he would bring a breath of fresh air into our governance and act in a manner that sustains the democratic gains we have chalked over the years. Alas we were wrong, for he is a chip of the old despotic block, who perceived governance as an inheritance and birth right which a closely-knit clan should make the most of to the exclusion of the majority. He appears to believe in exclusionist governance which has been the bane of many a country. We are inclined to believe that Akufo Addos victory in the 2016 elections and the margin by which he won has lulled him and his party and family members into a false sense of invincibility. They have come to believe that if in spite of all the chaos and violence they engaged in between 2014 and 2016 in their internal dealings, they won the election, then they must be a very special breed of human beings who can do as they please without consequence. They are grossly mistaken. The Ghanaian electorate of today has gotten more sophisticated and they punish pig-headed politicians who take their mandate for granted. Akufo Addo and his clan who are currently at the helm will be well advised that their actions have not escaped the watchful eye of the electorate and they should not mistake the silence of the majority or the hypocrisy of moral society to mean that they have been given a blank cheque to misbehave. The day is coming when Ghanaians will have their retribution and they will be unforgiving. Hey everyone.I'm sorry to hear that the police has banned Bobi Wine from using his music shows to sell his political message, and I just want to say something.The best way for authorities and establishments to make something popular is to make it forbidden. Censorship has a funny way of making people believe whatever opinion is being repressed. Mostly because of the following reasoning: If the thing being censored wasn't right or didn't make a good point, why would the government need to repress it? They'd just show it to be wrong or mistaken and that would be that. If the government decides to tolerate Bobi Wine's 'political' shows, they would actually get credit for it, the NRM PR machine(Ofwono Opondos, Hudu Hussein , et al) could say "look how open we are, look how strong and stable our position is: we don't worry about criticism from some people because we trust most people believe in us, in fact we encourage people to let us know what they think our shortcomings are so that we can solve these problems". By trying to avoid public airtime for his songs I think the PR machine is secretly whispering "look how closed off we are, look how weak and wobbly our position is: we can't take a joke and laugh at ourselves even a little because our position is so unstable and we're worried that people are losing faith in our ability to do anything more than repeat the same few words until they lose all meaning". Apparently the broadcasting rules prohibit the playing of very popular songs that contain political content, but they were absolutely fine with Museveni's 'MPENKONI' when it became a hit in some elections years ago. Here in the UK,the easiest way to have a No.1 Hit is to have the BBC ban your song. It worked for Jasper Carrott and Frankie Goes To Hollywood(One of the most recognisable songs today). Music has always been part of politics. For instance, Eminem has always done political rap. In the Euroversion of 2016, the Ukraine contester sang a political song, and won. A lot of people especially Russians were upset.The Russians, naturally because the song was in large part about their historical atrocities during and after WW2; denial is part of their unofficial national motto. They were every bit as brutal as the Nazi's and continue with their brutality and social backwardness today. The 1950s in America with racial apartheid still standing by law in the South and in practice everywhere else. And along came Chuck Berry, a black man from Missouri ,singing, playing and throwing his body around. Mashing up white people country music with black people blues music and ramming it through a screaming electric guitar. The kids all wanted to dance to it. A change was gonna come. He sang about white women and "brown eyed men".He touched on police harassment, Jackie Robinson and a bunch more in one powerful, cool rock n roll song.His music lives on. Those musicians who just want to be remembered by just their love songs,when the country needs them most, just stuff them. This age limit bill has obviously got everyone split down the middle.The Police on the side of the 'Tugikwatako'(president and some NRM MPs), and against the Togikwatako. In the past three weeks I've seen some really disheartening venomous anger and aggression from people on nearly every side of the political divide. I can say for myself I am just a little taken aback by the aggression I've been seeing in normally innocuous places, like the shooting dead of a young man in Rukungiri a few days ago.It's just sad and draining. Also just look at the awful things people are saying to each other online,and it will only get worse when Museveni introduces the Land Bill that is widely believed to be part of his land grab scheme. When I look at this picture I worry about the future, I see an indictment of the entire system and how divisive it has become. Also we got to remember tension is extremely high because majority of Ugandans are clearly fed up with Museveni. Anyway, People are venting but hatred is never the answer. Peace should always be the main goal in the long run as cliche as that sounds. Now I'm going to go listen to Bobi Wine's song, 'Uganda'. I wish you people could see my moves! Abbey Kibirige Semuwemba "In tribute to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Uganda, two bastions of strength in a world filled with strife, discrimination and terrorism." More countries need to step up and pledge their support for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh amid an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, Amnesty International said today. The meeting of high-level representatives of donor countries at the UNs office in Geneva on Monday must include pledges of new money, including from countries in the region, to support rising numbers of Rohingya refugees who have sought shelter in Bangladeshs Coxs Bazar district. The recent influx estimated to be nearly 600,000 people has brought the total Rohingya refugee community in Bangladeshs Coxs Bazar district to more than 800,000. This is an unprecedented crisis that needs an immediate and sustained response from the international community. This means that more countries, particularly those from the region, need to play a much bigger role and share the burden of responsibility. Bangladesh, a poor country which has shown extraordinary generosity, cannot be left to deal with this situation alone, said Omar Waraich, Deputy South Asia Director at Amnesty International. These deeply traumatized refugees are subsisting in extremely difficult conditions, with no prospect of being able to return home any time soon. The international community must mount a response that addresses both their immediate and long-term needs. An Amnesty International delegation visiting the refugee camps in Bangladeshs Cox Bazar district this week found overcrowded camps where nearly 600,000 new arrivals are squeezed into flimsy bamboo and tarpaulin tents with severely constrained access to life-saving assistance, medical facilities, safe areas for women, and schooling for the children who make up more than 61% of the refugee population. Humanitarian agencies have identified high levels of severe acute malnutrition, particularly among children, as well as risk of diseases, such as cholera, due to poor water and sanitation conditions. There are also clear needs for comprehensive psychosocial assistance or support programmes for a deeply traumatized population, who will need help over the short, medium and long term if their full physical, mental and emotional recovery is to be assured. Urgent needs The international community should address a range of urgent needs of Rohingya refugees, from transportation to camps, to medical and life-saving assistance at every stage. Refugees interviewed by Amnesty International recalled harrowing journeys from their villages, where they came under attack, to the camps in Bangladesh. Many said they had been forced to pay extortionate sums to be transported in boats to Bangladesh. Those without money told Amnesty International that they were forced to part with jewellery and other valuable possessions to pay for the boat crossing. Rohingya refugees who walked for days - often barefoot, hungry and injured, depleting all reserves - are faced with extortion to make the last leg of their journey, said Charmain Mohamed, Amnesty Internationals Head of Refugee and Migrant Rights. When they finally reach Bangladesh, some of the refugees have been left to make a miles-long walk further still, to reach the camps. Their journeys should not be made any more difficult than they already are. They need to be supported at every stage of their search for safety. Helping the Rohingya going forward Given the failure of accountability in Myanmar when it comes to human rights violations against the Rohingya, including crimes against humanity, many Rohingya refugees told Amnesty International of their fear of returning to Myanmar unless conditions allow them to do so safely and with dignity. Beyond the immediate needs, the international community must help Bangladesh cope with the humanitarian crisis going forward. This includes calling for accountability for crimes against humanity and the dismantlement of the entrenched system of discrimination that the Rohingya have long endured in Myanmar. Donors should think longer term when it comes to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, starting with the following steps: As the first step to help refugees build resilience and independence over the medium and longer term, donors should scale-up cash assistance programming, so that refugees can be helped to access other necessities and begin reclaiming their dignity. They should immediately fund education programming for refugee children, who constitute at least 61% of the recent influx. Provide expert psychosocial support to heal a deeply traumatized population Address severe acute malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable children Ensure a comprehensive approach that includes support for host communities. Include both the local and refugee communities in the design and implementation of programmes, making sure that people receive the aid most appropriate to their needs. The currently overcrowded camps, sprawling across a hilly topography on a single site, needs to be replaced with adequate land and infrastructure, including proper site planning that will enhance humanitarian access and diminish the possibility for conflict and other problems. Donors should think longer term when it comes to Rohingya refugees. The scale of this humanitarian crisis is such that the international community is continuously failing to anticipate the response needed. The Bangladeshi authorities and humanitarian groups are in a desperate scramble to scale up their operations. They must be helped not just over the next few months, but for as long as it remains unsafe for people to return home voluntarily and with safety and dignity, said Charmain Mohamed. Dire humanitarian situation in Rakhine While Mondays pledging conference is focused on the humanitarian needs in Bangladesh, the international community must not forget the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Myanmar. The humanitarian community must be granted full and unimpeded access to areas of Rakhine State affected by the conflict, allowing them to assess and provide for their shelter, food, medical and protection needs, said Charmain Mohamed. Energy Policy Think Tank, the African Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), has advised government to apply the oil revenue outflow on a few targeted projects. This, ACEP believes is the surest means of rationalizing the use of oil revenue to ensure value for money on funded projects across the country. ACEP's Senior Programmes Manager, Miss Munira Abubakari, raised this concern in a Citi News interview in Tamale, on the sidelines at a days sensitization programme on the use of oil revenue at the Tamale Technical University. She bemoaned what she described as meager disbursement of the oil revenue to fund government's numerous projects. Even though government has tried as much as possible to follow the dictates of the petroleum revenue law, revenue generated from the sale of oil is currently spread thinly on so many projects which do not ensure value for money. She disclosed the non-existence of some supposed oil funded projects in communities where the fact finding team visited in the Northern Region. Our team visited some communities where there are supposed to be oil funded projects, but unfortunately those projects were nowhere to be found. Miss Munira Abubakari thereby advised government to judiciously expend the oil revenue on a few sustainable projects to alleviate the plight of the suffering masses. We as a policy think-tank dont think that it is good to spread money in that manner because it is difficult tracking where the money goes to. Besides, it also creates another problem where if you allocate money to a project and there are other funding sources coming to fund the same project, which is counterpart funding, it is really not easy tracking the money. Speaking to the right authorities and getting information on such projects becomes difficult because there are so many funding sources. She mentioned a decline in the agric sector where a chunk of the oil revenue is invested. She also complained about some government officials unwillingness to assist ACEP collate data needed to deepen social auditing and accountability on the oil revenue disbursement. Some government officials of certain departments do not cooperate with our team when we request for information as part of our mission to tracking the use of oil money. The ACEP team further sensitized students of the Tamale Technical University on the large deposits of iron ore at Sheini in the Tatale-Sanguli district of the Northern Region. OXFAM-Ghana is funding ACEP's tracking of the oil money projects, particularly in the agric sector. The team visited and interacted with officials of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Irrigation Development Authority. The team has so far visited oil revenue funded projects such as the Zakpalsi irrigation project in the Northern Region, and the Tankasi and Zuiding irrigation projects in the Upper East Region. By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana 20.10.2017 LISTEN "But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison." [Acts 8:3] NIV When Saul had not met Jesus, he lived an earthly life. What is an earthly life? Per this piece an earthly life is a behavior which does not correspond to the teachings of Christ Jesus. It could also be negative actions toward the body of Christ. Saul in his earthly life prosecuted and murdered Christians. He even approved of the stoning of Stephen to death. "And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria" [Acts 8:1] Little did Saul knew one day there was going to be a transformation. Folks we all had lived an earthly life before being born again. And today around us we see some people live all sort of earthly lifestyles. What are some of the lessons we can learn from this? 1. Everyone has a past life. 2. How long are you going to allow your past to hunt you? 3. Earthly life does guarantee one heaven. 4. Never compare your past life with others. 5. Your will is different from God's will. Today forget your past and receive Christ Jesus as your Lord and personal Savior as you confess your sins to Him. To be continued........... Prayer Lord Jesus forgive us our sins and lead us not into temptation. Confession Jesus is still the Lord. Whatsapp :+233246646694 Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/TheWordDigest #WordDigest It is a trite knowledge that the kingmakers of the elephant fraternity, in fulfillment of democratic tenets, will be heading to the polls next year to either give a blessing or effect a change to the current party leadership of the governing New Patriotic Party. The NPP currently has a matchless healthy record and will be politically suicidal for the party to engage in needless experimentation. It is therefore soothing to learn that Mr Freddie W. A. Blay, the Acting National Chairman of the NPP has laced his boots to contest the position of National Chairman of the NPP. Democratically, anybody in the party who is worth his salt can rear his head up for the Chairmanship; but politically, not everybody is cut out to be chairman in the face of the 2020 electoral hurdle. It takes a special kind of person, someone tough, smart, competent, dynamic leadership qualities, and driven, just to run for the job. It takes still more talent, experience and character to hold up the pressure and assure the rank and file of the party a landslide victory in 2020 elections. As a party, we cannot afford to mortgage the party's victorious future to a leader who has not been tried and tested at the national level, lacks practical experience of national chairmanship and lacks the hallmarks of quality and dynamic leadership. Freddie W. A. Blay is the best candidate to lead the performance because, he exhibits strength of character, proven leadership skills, passion, general maturity, wisdom, common sense, trustworthiness, reliability, creativity, competence, capacity and capability, a symbol of hope for NPP's victory. What makes Freddie Blay the right man at the right time for NPP chairmanship? Proven Track Record and Tried and Tested. Freddie Blay is the sole formidable, experienced and credible candidate for NPP Chairman. His unblemished and incomparable track record is no news. The former Ellembelle lawmaker has gotten the skill and experience of both performance and of leading the performance. Under his able tutelage, the NPP; 1. Became the first opposition party to convincingly win power in the first round in Ghana. 2. Became the first political party to unseat an incumbent president in an election in Ghana 3. bagged its biggest political victory 4.Has become the most united and vibrant political party in Ghana today 5. Won six regions in 2016 as against two regions in the preceding elections. 6. Grabbed 169 parliamentary seats as against 123 in 2012 elections. These indisputable records attained by him just as Acting Chairman is what makes Freddie's candidacy rather unchallengeable. Capacity to normalise seeming factionalism in NPP Well, any avid follower of global politics will attest that all around the world, most political parties typically have factions within them. The pendulum will often swing from one side of the party to the other over the course of time. The only difference is the healthiness of such intra-party factionalism. For instance, the Democratic and Republican parties of the US have their Liberal and Moderate wings. Anytime one side wins control over the party, the other faction will often feel alienated but usually soldier along until its time comes. The NPP, prior to the 2016 elections, seemingly had factions and internal cracks. This factionalism triggered bitter bickering amongst some heavyweights of the party. It is noteworthy that after his assumption as the Acting Chairman, he worked hand-in-glove to normalise the storm that bedeviled the party after the Tamale Congress. Fast forward to today, NPP is clearly the most united party in the Ghanaian political landscape. Here, Blay was a liaison officer and that smacks of his dynamism as a chairman. Appealing personality Freddie W. A. Blay is admired by many NPP members for his affable nature. He is known to be a good listener. Indeed, the delegates of the party will have to elect a chairman with an appealing personality and someone who has an air of charisma around him. That is where Freddie Blay fits in. With my close working with Chairman Blay, I can vouch that is the characterisation of Freddie W. A. Blay. The argument as to who is the right person to become NPP chairman will continue. We reason in line with the opinion that, even though our party has always welcomed competition for office as a bedrock principle, well-meaning Ghanaians and the overwhelming majority of our rank and file hope that this time around the competition will be conducted in a way that will facilitate reconciliation among competitors and their supporters, thereby reinforcing the unity of our party. Ghanaians want to see a strong united front amongst us so that we can offer them yet again the vibrant, energetic and visionary leadership they are yearning for, by maintaining our party in government come 2020 elections. We as inhabitants of Zongo will stick our necks out for Freddie Blay. We also implore NPP members to let our arguments be cogent and not destructive. We urge the NPP's Council of Elders, the National Executive Committee , Regional and Constituency Branches, the Party's Parliamentary group and all the caucuses as well as Party faithfuls whose duty is to protect, nurture and defend the beliefs, ideology and visions of the great founding fathers of the party to as a matter of great concern support my idea of endorsing the Chairmanship bid of Freddie W. A. Blay to absolutely ensure NPP'S victory in 2020. PRESIDENT. AMMAR ADAM GALADIMA. 0545115840. GENERAL SECRETARY ABDALLAH ABDUL MATIN. 0243791484. ORGANIZER JABIR ADAM . 0246723612. 20.10.2017 LISTEN Those waiting for an official response from the Manhyia Palace over the money laundering allegations against the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, may be doing so in vain, because the Asantehene is not ready to open up on the matter. Otumfuo's Mawerehene, Baffour Osei Brentuo Hyiaman V, who disclosed this to Citi News on Thursday, said the Asantehene and the Manhyia Palace are not ready to respond to such stories emerging from the United Kingdom. According to him, Otumfuo has never responded to such allegations before, and is equally not ready to respond to this one. For me, I don't even know what stories are making rounds. So for now, it is for you the press to handle it yourselves you started something and you know where it has gotten to. But it is not for Manhyia, and Otumfuo is not going to respond to this. He's never responded to anything before, he said. The Mawerehene made the remark in an interview with Citi News Hafiz Tijani, during the arrival of Otumfuo to Kumasi following his trip to Brazil. Business activities in Kumasi came to a halt on Thursday as scores of residents lined up on the streets to give Otumfuo a rousing welcome when he touched down at the Kumasi Airport. Background The Asantehene's name popped up in the UK media , in a suspected money laundering case, after he sent a bank official to deposit a cash amount of 350,000 on his behalf. According to the UK's Telegraph, when Osei Tutu II, summoned Mark Arthur to his multi-million-pound residence in Henley-on-Thames and handed him a bag containing almost 200,000 in sterling as well as $200,000 in US currency with consecutive serial numbers, the bank official felt it inappropriate to ask too many questions. However, the subsequent deposit of the cash at the Ghana International Bank, triggered a money laundering alert in the City of London and cost Mr. Arthur his job. Asantehene money laundering claims baseless Ghana Intl. Bank The Ghana International Bank has since clarified that there is no suggestion of money laundering allegations against the Asantehene . A statement from the UK-based bank, asserted that, the ongoing litigation between the bank and a former Executive Director, Mark Arthur, concerned breaches of the Bank's internal policies and UK laws. These breaches were said to have happened when Mr. Arthur carried out a transaction on behalf of the Asantehene, reportedly involving 350,000. Youth lock up Daily Guide office for 'defaming' Otumfuo The Kumasi Office of the Daily Guide Newspaper, was locked up on Wednesday by the Kumasi Youth Association who claim a recent publication by the private newspaper had defamed the Asantehene. They youth placed notices at the entrance of the office, demanding an immediate apology and retraction of the story by the newspaper. The police say the 90-year-old woman from Alata-Panya in the Ada East District of the Greater Accra Region was killed on suspicion of being a witch. She was accused of masterminding the deaths of some people in the Taikamui family of Big Ada. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Timothy Daasah, Commander of the Big Ada District Police, told DAILY GUIDE that intelligence picked up by his outfit revealed that some family members conspired and killed the aged woman. According to him, investigations emerged that the deceased was accused by the family members of killing her relations through spiritual means and bringing misfortune to the family through witchcraft. He pointed out that the deceased was subsequently summoned to an emergency family meeting last week to answer questions about the allegations leveled against her. Immediately after the meeting, which was not conclusive, the Commander said the relations allegedly conspired to kill her to end the supposed mysterious deaths and misfortune in the family. The Ada Police apprehended 11 suspects on Wednesday in connection with the murder of the 90-year-old woman. The culprits are Asi Apedoe, 20, Tetteh Glover, 41, Helen Teye, 24, Peace Amakie, 67, Natteh Afadornugbo, 73, Natteh Kisseh, 65, Teye Afadornugbo, 74, Seth Akpaglo, 70, Korkor Occanssey, 60, Doyoe Kisseh, 63, and Peace Amakie, 19, a nursing mother. They have been provisionally charged with murder. It would be recalled that on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, police received information that a sack had been washed ashore along the Volta River at Big-Ada. The Police quickly moved to the scene and found the old lady's hands and the legs tied with an electric cable. The lifeless body of the deceased has since been deposited at the morgue of the Ada-East District Hospital pending autopsy. From Vincent Kubi, Big Ada The Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has ordered Intercity STC to suspend its operations at its new yard at the Asafo Market in Kumasi, the regional capital. The order for the suspension of operations is to pave way for REGSEC to amicably resolve all the challenges. The Intercity STC will suspend its operations at the Asafo Market while the differences among the various groups in the area are resolved to bring peace. This was contained in a release authored and signed by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah. The statement was released after REGSEC met STC and VIP, two transport giants in the country. REGSEC summoned the important meeting at the Regional Coordinating Council on Tuesday barely 24 hours after VIP officials prevented STC from operating at the Asafo Market, which nearly turned bloody. The timely meeting, held on Tuesday, was also attended by officials of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) including the Mayor, Osei Assibey, GPRTU, Intercity STC executives and VIP top gurus. The statement said after lengthy deliberations, it was realized that STC had not purchased any land at the Asafo Terminal, but STC has the plan of partnering with transport operator there to boost its operations. It also came to light that there were some challenges with the STC partnership. The attendants of the meeting agreed that further consultations among all stakeholders are required for the final determination of the case. REGSEC also ordered parties with documents on the terminal to submit them for scrutiny. According to REGSEC, the scrutinisation of the documents would help identify the real owner of the land in question. The Ashanti Regional Minister stated that it was unanimously agreed during the meeting that STC's decision to operate at Asafo Market was not meant to collapse the VIP. Mr Osei-Mensah noted that the government was committed to supporting the private sector to promote the growth of businesses in the country. Acting President of the Ga Traditional Council, Nii Dodoo Nsaki II, who's also Otublohum Mantse, has asked the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs to reverse the induction of Nii Adama Latse as the Ga Mantse into its fold. The Council says it has picked reports in sections of the media suggesting that Nii Adama Latse has been inducted into the House of Chiefs as Ga Mantse. According to a statement signed by acting President of the Ga Traditional Council, Nii Dodoo Nsaki II, and copied to citifmonline.com, the legitimacy of Nii Latse Adama as Ga Mantse is still a subject pending before the court, and so his induction into the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs is null and void. The Greater Accra Region has witnessed some of the prolonged and fiercest chieftaincy dispute, particularly on the choice of who becomes a Ga Mantse. Below is the full statement from the Council. ILLEGAL INDUCTION OF NII ADAMA LATSE INTO THE GREATER ACCRA REGIONAL HOUSE OF CHIEFS The Ga Traditional council has learnt with shock and dismay the induction of Nii Adama Latse into the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs. The news got to us via the media. There are series of suits pending against his illegality to occupy the position of the Ga Mantse. This is a breach of natural jstice and fairness to the contending parties, which cases are pending before the Ga Traditional Council on the Djasetse suit, filed against Nii Yartey Otoga purported King Maker of Nii Adama Latse. We ask that the position of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs is reversed to bring calm and peace to the Ga state. We vehemently condemn this induction and do not support it. The Ga Mantse is the head of the Ga Traditional Area, and if he is not accepted by the Ga Traditional Council, then his position is illegal. There is an injunction by the High Court on the Ga Traditional Council not to induct Nii Adama Latse into its fold. The Ga Traditional Council on 13th February, 2017, was duly ordered that its defendants be restrained from inducting Nii Adama Latse as Ga Mantse, and also restrained from transmitting his Chieftaincy declaration forms for Gazette notification at the National House of Chiefs. Meanwhile, we are aware of several suits, injunctions and contempt applications pending against Nii Adama Latse at the Ga Traditional Council, Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, National House of Chiefs, High Court, and the Court of Appeal in Kumasi. We, the members of the Ga Traditional Council, are law abiding, and will not condone and connive illegality. We therefore consider this induction of Nii Adama Latse, null and void and of no legal effect. Thank You NII DODOO NSAKI II OTUBLOHUM MANTSE AND ACTING PRESIDENT, GA TRADITIONAL COUNCIL Dr Akwasi Osei, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mental Health Authority (MHA), has indicated the full enforcement of the country's ban on shackling people with mental illness. Making the announcement during the commemoration of Mental Health Day, the head of the MHA stated that the country's ban on shackling is in place since 2012 will finally be properly enforced. Citing an example, he mentioned that the MHA oversaw the release of more than a dozen people with disabilities who were chained in Nyakumasi Prayer Camp in the Central Region in July this year. Peter Yaro, Executive Director of BasicNeeds, a mental health non-governmental organisation, in a statement to mark the day disclosed that people in Ghana resort to shackling people with psychosocial disabilities because they see no alternatives. It's now been five years since the passage of the Mental Health Act and it is high time for the government to invest in community-based mental health services, so people with psychosocial disabilities can get the support they want, instead of ending up in shackles, Peter Yaro said. The issue with mental disabilities in Ghana is highly prevalent. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately three percent of Ghana's 28.2 million people suffer severe mental disorders, and 10 percent suffer from mild to moderate mental disorders. These mild disorders include anxiety disorders and depression, two very curable cases. In Ghana, mental health conditions are perceived to have a spiritual basis, thus, sending many individuals to prayer camps and other faith-based healing options to get treated, yet studies show that the prayer camps are laden with ill-treatment and degrading living conditions for the mentally ill. The Coalition on Non-Governmental Organisations in Mental Health, adding their voice, demanded that people with mental health conditions in Ghana should no longer be subjected to inhumane treatment. Instead, they suggested to government to ensure that people with psycho-social disabilities are treated with dignity and be made to live full and independent lives. They called for more programmes to combat the stigma associated with mental health, especially at workplaces. Health Minister Kwaku Agyeman-Manu has urged countries undertaking the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) to develop more ground-breaking ways in tackling the prevention, control, elimination and eradication of vaccine preventable diseases within the sub-region. He indicated that vaccine preventable diseases are not just health issues but developmental, adding that its eradication would only be achieved through an effective surveillance systems and a robust EPI of countries. The minister stated this in a speech read on his behalf at the opening of the annual EPI Managers Meeting for West African countries held in Accra. The three-day meeting is to enable participating countries to review the status of the implementation of recommendation of the 2016 EPI Managers Meeting and recommendations of various regional immunisation advisory groups and to learn from challenges of the programmes. Mr Agyeman-Manu said, The EPI in the West Africa region has made tremendous progress in protecting children from common childhood communicable diseases, namely tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, neonatal tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, haemophilus influenza, yellow fever, among others. He, however, disclosed that even though the region is almost at the end of the struggle to eradicate polio, much effort is needed to ensure a hundred percent eradication, including all other vaccine preventable diseases. The minister mentioned that the government of Ghana is committed to the eradication efforts and assured its continuous funding of the programme in the country, and encouraged countries to consider domestic resources mobilisation to facilitate the sustainability of interventions to eradicate vaccine preventable diseases. He indicated that over the years, Ghana had taken some effective strategies to effectively control polio and other vaccine preventable diseases through interventions such as routine immunisation, child health promotion week and integrated maternal health campaigns, outreach services, mob-up campaigns and others. Dr Anthony Nsiah-Asare, Director of Ghana Health Service (GHS), stated that Ghana's commitment towards the EPI programme has enabled the country to eliminate most of the childhood diseases among children. He said the GHS is determined to work with all partners to ensure that Ghana attains 100 percent coverage of immunisation, adding that more vigorous activities would be rolled out in the coming months to reach out to all children everywhere in the country to immunise them against childhood killer diseases. The Deputy Western Regional Minister, Gifty Eugenia Kusi has charged Christians who are into politics to dare to be different and live lives worthy of emulation. Christians in political leadership must demonstrate to the world that one could be a very good disciple of Christ and be a very good politician. When I decided to enter politics as a Christian, I told myself I will strive to be a good politician. she stressed. She encouraged Christian politicians to stand for the truth and do the right things adding If you are a Christian you can go into politics to be different. Go there to bring your faith into public life. The Deputy Western Regional Minister was speaking at the opening of the 2017 African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) forum which was organized by the Bible Society of Ghana at the auditorium of the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) at Effia near Takoradi yesterday. The two-day event was on the theme Responsible Citizenship, the Hallmark of a Servant Leader. It was attended by the clergy in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis and beyond as well as church leaders and workers. She commended ABLI for promoting the use of Bible as a tool for leadership transformation in Africa. She pointed out that being a good citizen covers many areas including legal, social and moral obligations. She mentioned that even though there had been a million public service messages on why people should not litter but we find people littering, throwing empty containers, papers and plastics. We must desist from doing that. It is true that we have many challenges as a developing country. Our scarce resources cannot accommodate all our wants at the same time but we must respect what we have, she pointed out. His Lordship Justice Peter Kwabena Ababio of the Sekondi High Court called on Christians to be agents of change in their communities and live lives worthy of emulation. He indicated that as citizens, Christians ought to be responsible citizens as servant leaders by fulfilling all their civic duties required of them and play their respective roles in their communities. The Christ we are following even though He is God, he did not see himself equal to His father and so Christians must humble themselves, he added. Rev Dr Erasmus Adonkor, General Secretary of the Bible Society of Ghana reminded Christians that the Bible was not only relevant inside the church room, but also outside, where we live in the communities. He could not fathom why about 70 per cent of Ghanaians were Christians yet evil acts continue to rise day in and day out; an issue he attributed to Christians' inability to practice what was preached to them from the scriptures. We ought to be good citizens as Christians and live exemplary lives in our communities and in all our endeavours, he admonished. The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has paid glowing tribute to successive Presidents and governments who, he said, played important roles, over the years, in ensuring a favourable verdict was handed down by the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). According to President Akufo-Addo, this victory could not have been achieved through the actions of one person, one political party or one government. It has been a collective effort, and the important roles played by successive Presidents and governments, should not be overlooked, discounted or understated. President Akufo-Addo made this known on Thursday, 19th October, 2017, at a ceremony held in honour of the legal team that represented Ghana in her maritime boundary dispute with Cote dIvoire Expressing the nations appreciation to the team, President Akufo-Addo noted that you have helped guarantee not only the possibilities of development, progress and prosperity of our country, but also that of successive generations of Ghanaians yet unborn, who will be beneficiaries of the revenues, hopefully, to be accrued from the commercial exploitation of our maritime resources and potentials. In paying tribute to the role played by successive governments, President Akufo-Addo noted that it was under the farsighted leadership of former President J.J Rawlings that the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) was established. GNPC, the President said, was set up to be a strategic, commercial vehicle to help accelerate the pace for the exploration of oil and gas, and under the leadership of Tsatsu Tsikata, played a pioneering role in gathering, analysing and interpreting data for oil and gas exploration, and beginning to attract other companies to participate in the exploration. It was under the leadership of my former boss, the former President of the Republic, His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor, that GNPC was restructured to ensure that it focused on its core activity of exploration, and the promotion of the oil and gas potential of the country, President Akufo-Addo said. He continued, Under him, the fundamentals of our macroeconomy were stabilised, enhancing our appeal as an investment destination. A combination of the new fiscal regime and GNPCs promotional activities yielded results, as a number of oil exploration companies invested in Ghana, which led to the discovery in 2007 of the Jubilee Fields, followed by a quick succession of other discoveries, including the TEN fields. President Akufo-Addo also recounted how in July 2008, Ghana began preparations for the establishment of the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles, and highlighted the unique role played by the then Minister for Lands, Forestry and Mines, Prof. Dominic Fobih, who discovered and brought to the attention of President Kufuors administration, the conditionality of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) approaching deadline of 13th May, 2009. The President noted that in 2010, the late President of the Republic, His Excellency John Evans Atta-Mills, set up a 10-member Ghana Boundary Commission to undertake negotiations with Cote dIvoire to delimit the maritime boundary. It was in 2014 that my immediate predecessor, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, took the courageous decision to initiate arbitration. Through a Notification and a Statement of the claim, dated 19th September, 2014, Ghana invoked the jurisdiction of ITLOS, after ten rounds of negotiations between Ghana and Cote dIvoire had not yielded any result. In turning to the Tribunal, Ghanas primary objective and interest was to secure legal certainty, and, thereby, bring finality to a dispute with a valued neighbour, he said. Upon his assumption of office in January 2017, and to continue from the work that had been done, the President noted that he constituted a legal team, headed by the new Attorney General Gloria Afua Akuffo, and his team working together with the team led by the former Attorney General, Marietta Brew Oppong, and the foreign lawyers. It was the co-operative effort of all of them that secured the famous result of 23rd September, 2017, for our country. And, I am glad to see that several of the foreign lawyers have been able to join us for this brief ceremony. Happily for me, it has been during my presidency that Ghana received the joyful news of this victory, he added. The driver of the gas tanker that exploded at Atomic junction in Accra a fortnight ago, who escaped unhurt, Yussif Seidu, has died mysteriously after becoming unconscious during a meeting of LPG truck drivers. He was pronounced dead at the Tema General Hospital. The Public Relations Officer of the LPG Marketing Companies Association, Kwame Owiredu, who confirmed the incident to Citi News, said the driver who escaped unhurt after the gas explosion, collapsed at a meeting of LPG truck drivers on [Thursday], and was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. He added that, the cause of death is yet to be established, but indicated that, he will be buried today [Friday] according to Islamic customs. I can confirm to you that Yussif Seidu, the driver who was in charge of the tanker that caught fire at Atomic Junction is no more with us. I can also say that he didn't die as a result of any injury flowing from the accident that occurred, but he died a natural death. Mr. Seidu said they were celebrating with him on Thursday because he had a new tanker. Whilst we were in a conversation with him, he went unconscious. He was rushed to the Tema General Hospital and after some few checks on him, the doctors pronounced him dead. So its an unfortunate situation, and we are really sad. They have not confirmed the cause of death. He is a Muslim so when his family had the news, they demanded for the body, so that is the arrangement we are doing now, to send his remains to Kumasi where his family is, he added. Background On Saturday, October 7, a gas explosion occurred at Atomic junction at Madina in Accra, which killed seven people and injured 132 others. The area around the epicenter of the explosion is known to be a hotbed of activity with a commercial bus [trotro] station, taxi rank, other fuel stations and traders located in the immediate vicinity. Police and fire service investigations are yet to be concluded to ascertain the actual cause of the explosion. 20.10.2017 LISTEN The Supreme Court has dismissed an application by businessman Alfred Woyome, which sought to stop the seizure and valuation of his properties by the state. The court presided by a sole judge, Justice Alfred Benin, described the application as one without merit hence his decision. The ruling by the court paved way for the state to continue with the valuation of the properties of Mr. Woyome in its quest to retrieve monies he owes the state from a judgment debt wrongfully paid to him. Alfred Woyome last week filed an application at the court to stop the government from continuing with moves to seize and value his properties. His application followed state officials storming one of his residences at Trasaco to value the property. Meanwhile, the government has indicated that it will begin another round of valuation and seizure of other properties of Mr. Woyome, in a bid to get the rest of GHs47. 2 million left to be paid by him, out of the total sum of Ghc51 million. A Deputy Attorney General, Godfred Dame, who spoke to the media after todays [Friday] proceedings, said the state is determined to recover the money from Woyome, and will not be deterred by efforts by Woyome to impede the process. I can assure you that nothing will hinder the state in its efforts to recover the money. These are all ploys that will be swept away. No impediment, whatsoever that is placed in the way of the state by Mr. Woyome will prevent the state from recovering the money. Surely the day of reckoning will come, he said. Background to saga Mr. Woyome was paid the GHc 51 million after claiming he helped Ghana raise funds to construct stadia for the hosting of the 2008 African Cup of Nations. However, an Auditor General's report released in 2010, held that the amount was paid illegally to him. Subsequently, the Supreme Court in 2014 ordered Mr. Woyome to pay back the money, after a former Attorney General, Martin Amidu, challenged the legality of the payments. Following delays in retrieving the money, Supreme Court judges unanimously granted the Attorney-General clearance to execute the court's judgment, ordering Mr. Woyome to refund the cash to the state. There had been previous attempts to orally examine Mr. Woyome with Mr. Amidu himself, in 2016, filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking to examine Alfred Woyome, on how he was going to pay back the money, after the Attorney General's office under the Mahama Administration, led by the former Minister for Justice, Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, discontinued a similar application. In February 2017 however, Mr. Amdu withdrew his suit seeking an oral examination, explaining that the change of government and the assurance by the new Attorney General to retrieve all judgement debts wrongfully paid to individuals, had given him renewed confidence in the system. 20.10.2017 LISTEN A court in Germany has sentenced a Ghanaian refugee to nearly 12 years in jail for the campsite rape of a young woman in front of her boyfriend. Eric X, 31, branded highly dangerous by a psychiatric expert was handed the 11 year and six-month jail term at Bonn State Court. He denied to the end being responsible despite the testimony from an expert saying the chance of someone elses DNA being on the victim was a 30 billion to one chance. And X insulted his victim by saying: If the court says the DNA fits, then I have to call the girl a prostitute. Anyone who supports this girl who claims to have been raped is the dirtiest person on earth. X struck in April this year at a campsite near the city on the Rhine, dragging the 23-year-old woman from the tent she was sharing with her boyfriend. A major scandal ensued when it emerged police refused to take seriously a 999 call from her partner saying his girlfriend was being raped yards from him. You are not f***ing with me I hope? said the officer who took the call. The terrified young man had been threatened with a machete when the Ghanaian refugee entered the tent and told him to remain where he was. The attacker dragged the girl a few yards into a meadow at the Siegaue Nature Reserve and raped her. But the boyfriend had a hard time getting police to take him seriously. Hmm, was the first reaction from the female police officer on the line. Where exactly is this rape happening? she added. The boyfriend was forced to watch as the attacker violated his lover and the police never arrived. The boyfriend, 26, eventually gathered her up and began walking with her along a main road looking for help. He called police a second time and again they were disbelieving. Finally, nearly 30 minutes later, officers arrived and the victim was taken to hospital. A photofit picture of the attacker led to his arrest and DNA testing confirmed his guilt. A CD player he stole from the tent was found at his refugee centre. He tried to flee when police moved in to arrest him, flinging a rucksack at one officer. It turned out that the backpack was stolen from a barbecue party shortly before the rape occurred. The rape was one of the most high-profile sex attacks laid at the door of refugees since the migrant crisis began, prompting hundreds of tips from the public. Just days before the attack, X had been told he was set to be deported to Italy, where he had originally entered the Schengen zone. He arrived in Italy in January and his asylum application was immediately rejected but by then he had made the journey to Kassel in Germany. The suspect lived for a time in asylum seeker housing accommodation in the town of Sankt Augustin, near Bonn. But local media have questioned why he was not immediately deported. As the old saying goes: Those who live in glass houses must not throw stones. In the latest of such crass exhibition of abject hypocrisy, the former Rawlings Trade and Education Minister Mr. EkwowSpio-Garbrah was widely reported by the media to have asserted that the only major political party in the country with a nationalist outlook and reach is the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC); and that the Akufo-Addo-led ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) was decidedly an ethnocentric Akan political organization (See NPP Is an Ethnocentric Party; NDC Is More Nationalistic Spio-Garbrah MyJoyOnline.com 10/17/17). It is very interesting to observe here that Mr. Spio-Garbrah is not even married to a bona fide Ghanaian woman with an organic Ghanaian citizenship. What this means is that even if he were elected President of Ghana, Mr. Spio-Garbrahs First Lady would not have been able to vote in the very election in which her husband had contested for the presidency. But even more significantly must be observed the fact that Election 2016 clearly indicated beyond the shadow of any reasonable doubt that, in fact, it is the National Democratic Congress which is rather a veritable tribal political organization, with strongholds in such fanatically ethnocentric enclave as the Ewe-dominated southern Volta Region, and a few scattered pockets of the Fante-dominated Central Region and the so-called Three Northern Regions. And so in reality, not only is the New Patriotic Party the true party of the majority of Ghanaian citizens across ethnic and cultural divides, it is also the party with the best track-record on national development. If, indeed, the NPP is as ethnocentric as Mr. Spio-Garbrah claims, Chairman Rawlingss longstanding anti-Asante and anti-Akan tirades notwithstanding (talk of NDCs accommodation of all Ghanaian ethnic groups), then perhaps it is about time that the notoriously uncouth and virulent critic unreservedly lauded the genius of Akans as one that is without compare in the annals of both the countrys Fourth-Republican and postcolonial history. You see, Mr. Spio-Garbrah cannot eat his proverbial cake and have it, too. This was the same man who stridently, consistently and persistently maligned the late President John Evans Atta-Mills, his own tribesman, as an irreparable damaged goods. And so it clearly does not seem to matter which regions or parts of the country the NDC leaders have come from. At the end of the day, what matters most is the fact that every single one of the Fourth-Republican National Democratic Congress leaders, all three of them, have been incredulously and grossly incompetent. And so what the likes of Mr. Spio-Garbrah ought to worry about is why, somehow, his party keeps selecting and supporting the most incompetent and the least talented Ghanaian politicians to determine the shape and destiny of our beloved motherland and fatherland, as well, of course. You see, and I have said this before innumerable times, you cannot eat such political labels as nationalism, social democracy, and capitalism; rather, it is the performance and track-records of the two major political parties that Ghanaians care about the most. And on the latter count, the NDC is hopelessly AWOL. The NDC operatives have absolutely nothing worthwhile to brag about, thus Mr. Spio-Garbrahs silly resort to the benighted politics of the tribal-baiting of his ideological and moral superiors of the ruling New Patriotic Party. *Visit my blog at: kwameokoampaahoofe.wordpress.com Ghanaffairs By Kwame Okoampa-Ahoofe, Jr., Ph.D. English Department, SUNY-Nassau Garden City, New York October 20, 2017 E-mail: [email protected] Police have begun a manhunt for a 28-year-old man, who reportedly posed as a landlord, and extorted an amount of GHc 31, 000 from a potential tenant. According to the Police, the suspect, Nana Yaw, collected the amount from the complainant on the pretense of renting him a two-bedroom apartment at Tema in February. A warrant has since been issued by a Magistrate Court in Accra for Nana Yaw's arrest after he bolted with the money. A statement from the police signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Accra Regional Police Command, ASP Effia Tenge, described Nana Yaw as dark in complexion, stands at five feet, nine inches (5, 9) tall and semi-stout in stature. He is also believed to be hiding in Kasoa, Sowutuom or Tema, or the surrounding areas, with Police requesting the publics help to apprehend the suspect. Anybody with information on his whereabouts should report to the Community 18 District Police Station, or call telephone numbers 0544 -343149 or 020-9310493, the Police Crime Fighters MTN/Vodafone Toll-Free Number, 18555 for rapid response, the statement added. Washington (AFP) - The killing of four American special operations soldiers in Niger has highlighted the increasing role elite units are playing across Africa, which is rapidly becoming a major center of US military action. Their mission is to counter the advances of a slew of jihadist movements across the continent, including Al-Shabaab in Somalia, affiliates of the Islamic State group in the Sahel region and Boko Haram in Nigeria. Of the 8,000 special forces "operators" deployed globally this year, more than 1,300 are in Africa, according to officials from the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM), which is based in Tampa, Florida. Another 5,000 or so are in the Middle East. In five years, the number of US commandos in Africa has tripled from only 450 in 2012. Typically, these highly trained and well-armed troops are grouped in teams of about a dozen, who work for two or three months as instructors to classes of about 300 soldiers from an African nation. On any given day, the operators are deployed across about 20 nations, SOCOM said, though it did not provide a list of nations or the numbers of troops concerned. According to a report to Congress by General Thomas Waldhauser, who heads the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), American forces have a notable presence in Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Sudan, Rwanda and Kenya. Officially, the United States only has one military base in Africa -- Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti. But special forces outfits, including the Green Berets, the Navy SEALs and Marine and Air Force commandos, also use an air base at Moron in southern Spain for Africa operations. 'Persistent facilities' And the United States has "persistent facilities" in host countries, according to an AFRICOM official. "We do have persistent facilities that we conduct engagements in and when one team leaves, the next comes in to the same location," the official said on condition of anonymity. "But all this is done at the request of those nations. It's done in support of the host nation, at the invitation of those nations and it's done in coordination with our partners. The official said the goal is not to conduct unilateral operations. "We are not going out and doing stuff without the support of those nations," the official added. The troops are not technically on combat missions, but are deployed to "train, advise and assist" local partners. However, various incidents in recent months show their operations sometimes stray beyond that remit. In early May, a US soldier who was on a train-and-advise mission was killed in a raid against Somali Islamists. Details around the October 4 operation with Nigerien partners near the Mali border remain scarce. The US-Nigerien patrol was supposedly to visit tribal chiefs. But the soldiers were attacked in a violent ambush that claimed eight lives; four American and four Nigerien. Sergeant La David Johnson was one of four US soldiers killed in the Niger ambush US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Thursday said the US troops were in Niger to help the locals defend themselves, but acknowledged the risks of such operations. "There's a reason we have US Army soldiers there and not the Peace Corps," he said. "We carry guns and so it's a reality, part of the danger that our troops face in these counter-terrorist campaigns," he added. "It's often dangerous, we recognize that." The United States is supporting the French military operation in five Sahel nations: Mauritania, Mali, Chad, Niger and Burkina Faso, leaving to France the task of directing the actual fighting against radical Islamists. The United States has been helping provide aerial refueling to French planes and is exchanging information with the old ally. 20.10.2017 LISTEN One had really wished that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu listened to the voices of wisdom from across the Yoruba Nation in the days, weeks and months leading to the presidential primaries of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in 2014 as well as the elections of 2015. He very well thought that he was smarter and more intelligent than those warning against an alliance with the conservative arm of the Hausa Fulani North. He has been proved wrong. Blinded by what one has come to characterize as "morbid ambition", that was mutually exclusive to the fortunes and well being of his Yoruba people, he acted as the proverbial dog determined to get lost, that our Yoruba forefathers often talk about. Now, he has not only got lost, he has been and is still being mortally wounded. Often, one has always pointed to the importance of History in Nation building. A people who do not know their History is primed for peril and possible perdition. Some Tinubuists, in their frustrations have attacked this writer for hammering Asiwaju Tinubu and his crowd for refusing to be guided and guarded by History. Even our revered Professor Wole Soyinka, who as a human being has had his own flaws agreed with the Spanish born American Essayist, George Santayana that History is to be learnt from. They both agreed that those who fail to listen to the voice of and be guided by History are doomed to repeating the mistakes of History. "Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. When change is absolute there remains no being to improve and no direction is set for possible improvement: and when experience is not retained, as among savages, infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." - George Santayana It is heart wrenching to see a political leader of Asiwaju Tinubu's caliber, with great opportunities and grave responsibilities discounting the yelling of History in his political calculations, tactics and strategies. His focus on mercantilist approach to politics has voided him of the needed attention to a variable that could have made him more successful, greater and more accomplished. Asiwaju Tinubu's failure to retain the lessons of History has robbed him of personal progress that he fervently sought from his enormous investment in the enthronement of President Mohammadu Buhari in 2015. To this extent he has proved right Aldous Huxley who insisted, "That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons of history." With attacks, denigration and abuse of Asiwaju Tinubu by the Hausa Fulani North anchored by Ibrahim Coomasie, the Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and echoed by others such as former Internal Affairs Minister, Maitama Yusuf; the North West Zonal Vice Chairman of the APC, Inuwa AbdulKadir and Senator Joseph Waku, the chicken of Asiwaju Tinubu is already home, roosting. In unison, they have descended on Asiwaju Tinubu and pilloried him. They denigrated his contribution to the election of a Certificateless (or NEPA Bill Certified) Buba, rejected three times previously at the polls by Nigerians. In their usual opprobrious arrogance, they claimed that Kano votes of 1.8 million was more than all the Southwest votes put together. They pooh-poohed the idea that Asiwaju Tinubu was the main man who mobilized all sections of Nigerians who have refused to be mobilized the three previous times that Buhari had contested. He (Tinubu) was reduced to "nothing special" from his heights of being the "smartest political strategist" of our time. As much as Tinubu brought all this upon himself, it would amount to dishonesty not to pinpoint the exudation of ingratitude by the Hausa Fulani North. Though, this was not unexpected by some of us who cried hoarse against the installation of Buhari as President, it confirms the character of the ungrateful and implacable arrogance of these guys that they own Nigeria. The damages have been done already by the miscalculation of Tinubu and his crowd. The Yoruba Nation has been sold for zero price into slavery once again by a political leadership propelled by their own ambition rather than the welfare, progress and prosperity of the Yoruba Nation. Yes, zero price because they have nothing to show for the horrible exchange of the Fortune of 60 million Yoruba for their own personal ambitions. How soon the Yoruba Nation could extricate itself from this bondage is open to question and remains to be seen. As 2019 approaches, it should be helpful if Tinubu and his crowd would rectify the damages that Buhari has done to the Yoruba Nation. There is need to free the Yoruba Nation from disguised slavery inspired by the Hausa Fulani oligarchy anchored by an inept political General draped in borrowed tapestry of integrity. One listened to Obafemi Awolowo during one of his last campaigns in 1983 at Mapo Hall in Ibadan. Permanently etched in one's memory is this aphorism he used to describe the approach to be taken by the Yoruba Nation: "Kaka ki Kiniun se akapo Ekun, kaluku a ya se ode ti e l'otooto ni." Literally, this would mean - "Instead of the Lion being the treasurer that counts and keeps the record of Tiger's hunting, he (the Lion) would rather do his own hunting." "L'owe l'owe l'a nlu'lu agidigbo, ologbon l'o njo, omoran nii sii moo." It is one's hope that Asiwaju Tinubu would not end up in History as that political leader that sold the Yoruba Nation into another round of Hausa Fulani enslavement of the Yoruba people. Whatever he has to do in 2019 he must do it to bring an end to this tragedy, called Mohammadu Buhari and teach the Ingrates some lessons. I wish him good luck. In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility I welcome it. - John F. Kennedy, in his Inaugural Address January 20, 1961 Please follow me on Twitter: @OyeyemiRemi There are many notable brands in GH. Talk about the Kempinskis, Unilevers and what have you. The mere mention of such brands arouses some pretty good memories and such is the POJOSS brand! Indeed, I am privileged to be a product of one of the three (3) best high schools in this side of our world. Care to know what these three schools are? Well, Pope John SHS (POJOSS) comes tops, followed by St. Roses SHS and then the rest. I know I just stoked some endless furnace of debate. Haha. Somewhere in the 2000s, I entered POJOSS as a freshman. Of the many things that caught my attention, one that stood out was the phrase Vela Damus. It sank really deep into my heart. It fanned into flames an undying passion to chart the path of extraordinariness. This mantra was reechoed at assembly every morning all through my stay there and it continues to ring in my ears even until today. Vela Damus! Vela Damus means We set sail. It means we are the captains of our lives and we alone can and must determine the direction it heads towards. It means our lives will be only as better as we want it to be. Vela Damus means we are responsible for our success and failure! Each morning, one question that rears its head in my mind is, Has your life been set sail? Thing is, our lives are like inertia. Until we give it a push, it will continue to be at rest or move automatically as it has been moving. Forgive me for bullying you with my scanty knowledge of Physics. Haha. You see, our lives are like ships. If you dont set it sail, it cant set sail on its own. It is perilous to put your life on autopilot. We ought to determine the course our lives go. They shouldnt just follow trends. Like ships that have routes and a set destination, our lives should be heading somewhere not just anywhere! When about to set sail, a ship would need to overcome a lot of resistance. The persistence of a ship must always be greater than the force that resists it if it has to move forward. In same vein, if we want to set our lives sail, no resistance should be able to stop us. No matter the negativity around us that tries to drown us, we must forge ahead with the positivity inside. We must set sail at all cost. Life is no playground. It is no childs play. If you want to get anything done and done well, of course, you should be prepared to resist the resistance. Your persistence should overcome your resistance. If success were ever cheap, hard work would have been non-existent. Nothing great comes on a silver platter! Its okay to dream. In fact, dreaming is free. Getting that dream, however, to become a reality is not. Getting your dreams served on the table of life comes with a price tag; an expensive one, of course. This expensive price tag is what separates daydreamers from dream doers! Vela Damus is more than a mere motto. It is a dare. It is a charge to everyone to take their today into their hands and mold it into the future they want it to be. It is an admonition to whip up the sense of ambition in us to keep our dreams going despite the storms of life. Like a ship, our lives must stay afloat regardless of the raging tides. Truth is, the storms of life wont ever get any less harsher. If you are waiting for the tides to subside for you to start swimming in lifes opportunities, you might as well wait forever. If youre waiting for an opportune time to take opportunities, you may be disappointed because theres no such time as opportune! Put your life together and set it sail as soon as you can. Set your ideas sail. Set your business sail. You may not have enough but start with your little. It will grow. No big business today ever began big. Every mansion was once only a foundation. Start setting your life sail now! I have a big crush on Vela Damus because it reminds me of the unfriendly storms of lifes high seas. However, no matter how fierce the resistance may be, I should set my life sail by all means because We set sail! Vela Damus cautions me of the risks of dreaming big. It reminds me that a ship needs to set sail against the wind first before it navigates its way through. I need the against wind to find my feet in life. I need the resistance to build my endurance! Theres no time. I am starting something every day regardless of how small it may look. If I fail, I will learn my lessons and start again. If I fail again, I will start again. At all cost, I am setting my life sail. Vela Damus! POJOBA Daasebre! The writer is a playwright and Chief Scribe of Scribe Communications (www.scribecommltd.com), a writing company based in Accra. His play TRIBELESS is this weekend on KNUST campus. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister of Communication, has revealed that the National Communication Authority (NCA) has received a number of petitions from both commercial and community radio stations over its recent sanctions. According to her, the fact that the NCA has received the petitions does not mean the affected stations would be reinstated, but their request would be reviewed on case by case basis. Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful made the revelation when she appeared before Parliament to brief the House on the spectrum audit carried out by the National Communication Authority. The National Communication Authority recently imposed various sanctions on 131 radio stations for flouting its regulations with respect to the use of spectrum in the country. The Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775) mandates the NCA to regulate the radio spectrum designated or allocated for use by broadcasting organisations and providers of broadcasting services in accordance with the standards and requirement of the International Telecommunication Union and its Radio Regulations as agreed to or adopted by the Republic. Mrs Owusu-Ekuful also stated that, where there was merit in the petition to reduce or amend the sanctions, the Ministry would work in consultation with the NCA to communicate that to the respective stations. The same law which gave the media the power to operate, is the same law which also gave the NCA power to sanction you, she said. Mrs Owusu-Ekuful said prior to 2015, the NCA had the power to impose any sanction at all they chose, but the schedule of penalties put a cap on how much they could impose per day which is GHC10,000. She said, on hindsight, if Parliament thought the sanctions were too much, the House had the power to amend the law, adding that, until the law was amended or changed, it had to be applied as it was. Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful also debunked claims by Samuel George, NDC Member of Parliament Ningo-Prampram, that the NCA did not have the power to impose any fees on their own ,and that it should have been brought to the House for determination. She explained that the LI 1919 gave the NCA the power to impose any fees at all, and punish those who flouted the regulations, adding that the only thing they had to do was to publish the schedule of fees on their website and newspapers. 20.10.2017 LISTEN When I first read the report in which the Libyan government was alleged to have claimed that some Ghanaians were being recruited by the ISIS terrorist organization to kidnap people in the Middle-East, I could not stop myself from wondering since when had the Libyans been known to be hospitable to Ghanaian migrants, even during the protracted tenure of their so-called Pan-Africanist President, Col. Muamar El-Gaddhafy, for these Ghanaians to feel comfortable enough to join forces with the deadliest of Arab terrorist organizations against their own people. I mean the Arabs, of course (See Ablakwa to Face Privileges Committee Over Loose Libya Comments MyJoyOnline.com / Modernghana.com 10/15/17). Indeed, there was even a time when the late Libyan dictator and tyrant was widely reported by the New York Times to have demanded some huge sums of money from some European leaders in exchange for stopping the Black African barbarians from using his country as a transit point into such southern European countries as Italy, Spain, Portugal and France. But what is even more significant to observe here is that we are not told as to whether the Libyan Attorney-Generals Office, that reportedly made the claim, had provided any concrete evidence to shore up their claim. And if they had, the basis upon which such claim was predicated. I have absolutely no doubt in my mind about the possibility of some misguided fanatical Ghanaian Muslims joining ISIS in furtherance of any quixotic interests and/or objectives that they may have. But the implicit fact of whether these terror-trucking jihadists have any official approval or sanction and support from the Ghanaian government, as the Libyan Attorney-General seems to be suggesting, is another matter whose diplomatic gravity cannot be underestimated. In all likelihood, the wrongheaded decision of the erstwhile Mahama regime to accept the two Saudi-born Yemeni terror suspects from the United States-run Guantanamo Bay Prison, under President Obamas tenure, may very well have informed the Libyan governments report. At any rate, the staging of a press conference by the Minority Spokesman on Foreign Affairs, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, to tactically bait the Akufo-Addo Administration into prematurely responding to the Libyan government could not be more seditiously preposterous, fully knowing that even as I write, the rag-tag regime in Libya could not be credibly said to be effectively in control of the affairs of the entirety of that vast, largely desert, country. Besides, even as the Manhyia-Norths New Patriotic Partys Member of Parliament, Mr. Collins Owusu-Amankwah, who also doubles as the Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Interior and Defense Committee, aptly pointed out, the very first step towards the preparation of a response to the Libyans must entail a thorough investigation of the allegation or report by the countrys security agencies. Indeed, we should under absolutely no circumstances allow the Libyans to arbitrarily and capriciously vent their frustrations on us. As we all know perfectly well, there are even bona fide Americannationals who are widely known to be serving with ISIS, and we have yet to hear the Libyans bitterly complaining about the same. My own rather limited but, nevertheless, significant experience with the North-African Arabs is that on any given day, these fellow Africans cannot tell the identity of one Black African national apart from another. By and large, we tend to know and appreciate far more about these largely hostile denizens of the Maghreb than they know and appreciate about us autochthonous Africans. This report ought to be taken with the proverbial pinch of salt. Personally, I wouldnt go to bed losing a wisp of gray hair over this thoroughgoing Arabian mythology. And I hope President Addo DankwaAkufo-Addo does too. *Visit my blog at: kwameokoampaahoofe.wordpress.com Ghanaffairs Bangui (Central African Republic) (AFP) - At least 26 people were killed during clashes in a southeast region of the Central African Republic where the government has struggled to assert its authority, the UN's peacekeeping force in the country said Friday. Another 11 people were wounded in the violence on Wednesday, which came ahead of a visit by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to the country next week. The clashes occurred in the town of Pombolo, in a region where tensions have flared between Muslim and Christian militias since May in which dozens of civilians have been killed. Seraphin Embondza, commander of the UN's MINUSCA mission in the country, told the UN radio station Guira FM that the wounded had not yet been evacuated from the town, where no UN troops had been stationed. The Central African government on Friday called on MINUSCA to show "a deeper engagement and re-evaluate its methods for intervening in order to protect civilians," after troops arrived in the area Thursday. One of the world's poorest nations, the Central African Republic has been struggling to recover from a three-year civil war between the Muslim and Christian militias that started after the 2013 overthrow of leader Francois Bozize. The United Nations maintains some 12,500 troops and police on the ground to help protect civilians and support the government of Faustin-Archange Touadera, who was elected last year. UN chief Guterres is expected to arrive on Tuesday in a visit aimed at drawing attention to a "forgotten crisis" and its heavy toll on aid workers and UN peacekeepers. "The level of suffering of the people but also the trauma suffered by aid workers and peacekeepers are deserving of our solidarity and heightened attention," Guterres told AFP and Radio France Internationale in an interview on Wednesday. Some UN officials have raised alarm over indications of genocide in the country. Guterres said there was "ethnic cleansing" in many parts of the country. Des Moines, Iowa, United States, October 20, 2017 I am proud as the Governor of Iowa State to proclaim Dr. Akinwumi Adesina as the 2017 World Food Prize Laureate. With these words, the Governor of the State of Iowa, Kim Reynolds, officially named President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, as the 2017 World Food Prize Laureate, on behalf of the World Food Prize Foundation, setting off an atmosphere of festive celebration at the Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines. Accompanied by Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, and John Mahama, former President of Ghana, Adesina took elegant steps to the podium to receive the award the worlds highest recognition for food and agriculture, with his wife Grace and his two children, Rotimi and Segun, and a large and distinguished crowd cheering him on. Representatives of the Nigerian Government, Purdue University, his alma mater, friends, associates and Bank staff were among the well-wishers who came in out in large numbers to celebrate the African agriculture icon, known as Africas Norman Borlaug. In line with his avowed commitment to a new deal for youth empowerment, Adesina pledged devote the US $250,000 prize money to a fund in support of young African farmers and agriculture entrepreneurs, or agripreneurs. And so, even though I dont have the cash in my hand, I hereby commit my $250,000 as a cash prize for the World Food Prize award to set up a fund fully dedicated to providing financing for the youth of Africa in agriculture to feed Africa, Adesina said. We will arise and feed Africa. The day is coming very soon when all its children will be well-fed, when millions of small-holder farmers will be able to send their kids to school, Adesina said. Then you will hear a new song across Africa: Thank God our lives are better at last. The President of the World Food Prize Foundation, Ambassador Kenneth Quinn, paid tribute to Adesina, whose breakthrough achievements have impacted millions of farmers and those living in rural poverty in Nigeria and throughout Africa, and whose leadership holds great promise for uplifting millions and millions more across that continent. In a speech at the colourful ceremony, the Vice-President of the United States of America, Michael Pence, commended the Laureate in a speech read on his behalf by Mark Green, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). As our global food system is stretched, and the need to feed more people grows, agricultural transformation will require persistence from leaders like you in driving change and capitalizing on public- and private-sector expertise, Pence said. The Vice-President described Adesinas devotion to the cause of fighting global hunger as admirable, and deeply needed, and on behalf of President Donald Trump, extended heartfelt congratulations. The United States is and remains committed to food security, and we will continue to work with leaders like you to find innovative ways to end global hunger, he said. The Purdue University Glee Club and multiple award-winning all-female Nigerian signing group Adunni and Nefertiti set the mood of the evening with musical performances, followed by the star act: Omawumi, a popular Nigerian vocalist, who had flown in from Lagos for the occasion. The infectious rhythms of Adunni and Nefertiti and popular songs of Omawumi soon moved Adesina and his wife to get up on the dance floor, where they were joined by Obasanjo. The evening was capped by an elegant award ceremony dinner in the Capitol Rotunda. Under President Adesinas leadership, the AfDB is accelerating agricultural development through its Feed Africa Strategy with planned investment of US $24 billion over the next 10 years. The World Food Prize also recognizes Adesinas work over the past two decades with the Rockefeller Foundation, at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), and as Nigerias Minister of Agriculture of Agriculture and Rural Development. For more on the World Food Prize/Borlaug Dialogue events, please visit: https://www.afdb.org/2017wfp and http://www.worldfoodprize.org For more on President Adesina as the World Food Prize 2017 Laureate: http://bit.ly/2gamfWe On Adesina as Africas Norman Borlaug: http://bit.ly/2l38OJl Photos of the ceremony: https://www.flickr.com/photos/theworldfoodprize/ and https://www.flickr.com/photos/afdbgroup/ #FoodPrize17 Former Power Minister, Dr Kwabena Donkor says he did not do the background check on AMERI Energy at the time the power deal was signed in 2015. He told Parliaments Mines and Energy Committee Friday, an international lending institution that issued the letter of credit for the project conducted the check. Some due diligence was done [but] I personally did not do [the one on] AMERI, he said. Dr Donkor was responding to questions before the Committee over the $510 emergency power deal signed to shore up the countrys energy supply. Related Article: If AMERI deal stinks, go to court Minority dares Majority The Majority in Parliament has signaled the move to have the deal rescinded over possible fraud. Adansi Asokwa MP, K.T Hammond who filed the urgent motion to have the deal terminated said he has documents pointing to breaches of the agreement. The lawmaker said AMERI Energy overcharged the government and sublet the contract to Turkish firm, Power Project SANAYI (PPR) at $315 less than what was charged. He also argued: (1) AMERI did not provide fast-track equipment contrary to the agreement. They assigned their interest to a subsidiary known as AMERI Equipment which was registered 13 days after the agreement had been signed with Ghana. (2) AMERI Equipment (the subsidiary) did not undertake the construction but assigned this to a Turkish Company called PPR without the consent of the government of Ghana as required. (3) A Turkish company, PPR, bore all financial risk, raised all capital and was paid with money government of Ghana paid AMERI. Related Article: Kwabena Donkor faces Cttee over $510m AMERI deal Minority members of the Mines and Energy Committee have boycotted sitting, arguing they will not be part of any process to rescind the deal. Although he said the AMERI deal was the best at the time it was signed, Dr Donkor has admitted he did no research on the Dubai Company. The big lending institution that underwrote the standby letter of credit will not do that without doing due diligence, the Pru East MP said, adding the first time he met AMERI was at a meeting in Qatar's capital, Doha. When asked if he could make the report available to the Committee, Dr Donkor directed them to the Finance Ministry. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | [email protected] | Instagram: @Realbrakopowers 20.10.2017 LISTEN Des Moines, Iowa, October 20, 2017 The African Development Bank (AfDB) has developed a new initiative called the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) initiative a knowledge- and innovation-based response to the recognized need to scaling up proven technologies across Africa. Already, 25 African countries have written letters to the AfDB confirming their interest and readiness to participate in TAAT, and help transform their agriculture. It will support AfDBs Feed Africa Strategy for the continent to eliminate the current massive importation of food and transform its economies by targeting agriculture as a major source of economic diversification and wealth, as well as a powerful engine for job creation. The initiative will implement 655 carefully considered actions that should result in almost 513 million tons of additional food production and lift nearly 250 million Africans out of poverty by 2025. TAAT will execute bold plans to contribute to a rapid agricultural transformation across Africa through raising agricultural productivity along eight Priority Intervention Areas (PIAs). The commodities value chains to benefit from this initiative are rice, cassava, pearl millet, sorghum, groundnut, cowpea, livestock, maize, soya bean, yam, cocoa, coffee, cashew, oil palm, horticulture, beans, wheat and fish. TAAT was born out of this major consultation and brings together global players in agriculture, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, World Food Programme, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, Rockefeller Foundation and national and regional agricultural research systems, said AfDB President, Akinwumi Adesina, at a TAAT side event at the 2017 World Food Prize in Des Moines, Iowa. Its the biggest consolidation of efforts to accelerate agriculture technology uptake in Africa. Technology will address the variability and the new pests and diseases that will surely arise with climate change, he said. Adesina explained that TAAT would help break down decades of national boundary-focused seed release systems. Seed companies will have regional business investments, not just national ones, he said. That will be revolutionary and will open up regional seed industries and markets. TAAT, he explained, is to be implemented through a collectively agreed central delivery platform, coordinated by the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, with national, regional and international agricultural research centres. TAAT is a transformative and landmark partnership effort. The African Development Bank, World Bank, AGRA, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Rockefeller Foundation intend to mobilize US $1 billion to help scale up technologies across Africa. The Director, External Communications in the African Region of the World Bank Group, Haleh Bridi, described TAAT as a regional technology delivery infrastructure for agriculture, linking countries across agro-ecological zones. Bridi stressed that Africa can learn from Asia, which had made amazing strides in its agricultural revolution. This is why we are involved in the TAAT programme, she said to resounding applause. The Director for Agricultural Development at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Nick Austin, said, Technology obviously evolves the journey to prosperity, the way economies transform and the way small-holder farmers engage. Locally, there are varieties. Locally, there are new technologies and solutions to small-holder farmers. We are in the position to play a key role in bringing the best technologies available and supporting new ways in delivering this to farmers. We are delighted and excited to be part of this initiative. The President of Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Agnes Kalibata, stressed that African governments should drive technological development in agriculture. What TAAT is going to have to do is work with the governments. We have lots of institutions that are ready for these technologies. We should work with governments to ensure that the technologies are not just ready to work, but become available to their country people. I think that ensuring that the farmers get all the technologies they need to is going to be very important, she said. The President of the Rockefeller Foundation, Raj Shah, highlighted the impact of technology on agricultural yields. For more on the World Food Prize/Borlaug Dialogue events: https://www.afdb.org/2017wfp and http://www.worldfoodprize.org #FoodPrize17 20.10.2017 LISTEN The Ministry of Finance has finally cleared some 245 doctors after six months of being unemployed. Earlier this week, the commitment of the government to absorbing these doctors, and healthcare in general, was questioned when one of the doctors wrote to Citi FM conveying the frustration of the jobless doctors who appear ready to serve the country. The concerns of the medical doctors and the delays in financial clearance for these doctors and many other public sector workers, was also widely discussed on Ghanas award-winning morning show, the Citi CBS. Speaking on Eyewitness News, Dr. John-Diego Kosoe confirmed that the doctors were informed on Thursday evening by way of a text message that we had got the finance clears for 245 medical officers who had been home for the past five to six months after the housemanship. I personally went to the Ministry [of Finance] today [Friday] and true to it, we've got the clearance. I saw the letter and the list to that effect, he said. In a heartfelt petition to Citi News to highlight their plight, a doctor, Dr. Kosoe, lamented the dire situation of his colleagues, some of whom have left Ghana for greener pastures. The doctors had said all efforts to secure financial clearance for their absorption have proven futile, while Ghana deals with a doctor deficit, which ultimately threatens healthcare in the country. Dr. John-Diego Kosoes most recent follow up to the Ministry of Health was on October 9, 2017. After the letter, the Health Ministry, in an interview with Citi News, pleaded with the unemployed doctors waiting for financial clearance for posting, to consider the country's financial constraints and wait a little while longer. The Ministry's Public Relations Officer, Robert Cujdoe, explained that their delay in posting was because financial clearance had not yet been given for the doctors. Challenges with financial clearance The issue of financial clearance for public sector workers cut across various aspects of health care, with nurses and midwives, among others in the past, complaining about their unemployed status. Education has also been affected, with primary, secondary and tertiary stakeholders known to make appeals to government for clearance and posting of additional workers. Like the health sector, there is also a deficit of teachers and other staff, with an institution like the Ghana Institute of Journalism, recently appealing to the Ministry of Finance to grant the institute the financial clearance to replace staff, following approval by the Public Services Commission (PSC) in January this 2017. The GJA said its current total staff strength stands at 80 for a school faculty size of 24. The need for validation and clearance noted as a measure to overcome the prevalence of ghost names, and their resulting corruption and revenue leaks. By: Godwin Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is yet to reach an agreement with the government of Ghana on the mode of issuing the energy bond. Sources close to the matter tell Citi Business News that a final decision is likely to be made next week. The government is currently on a road show in London ahead of the issue of the energy bond. Proceeds from the energy bond are expected to be used to clear the 2.5 billion dollar energy sector debt. An earlier statement on the bonds issue and copied to Citi Business News said the bond will be issued in tranches with the first expected to raise 6 billion cedis or about 1.3 billion dollars. Even though a second road show is expected next week Monday [October 23rd] in Accra, Citi Business News is learning the response from investors have been very impressive. Already, banks on whose books majority of the debts sit have bemoaned the delay in the issue of the bond. They believe the eventual issue will help their rising non-performing loans. The issue of deliberations on the mode to issue the bond first came up when the government delegation visited the IMF for the annual spring meetings. The IMF is arguing that the bond be issued as a Sovereign one which will be deemed as an amount borrowed by the government and calculated as part of the country's debt stock. But the NPP administration is also planning to issue the bonds on the back of financial statements of the power companies. Some Economists have cautioned against opting for a sovereign bond as the move will impact adversely on the economy. For instance, Economist Dr. Ebo Turkson of the University of Ghana explains that issuing corporate bonds will enhance the competencies of such institutions. These institutions in the energy sector should be made viable to be able to go and borrow on their own of course they can get some government support for their borrowing so I am not in support for Sovereign bonds on behalf of institutions rather than have the institutions go and borrow themselves. If the institutions do not devour and pay the money, then the government will have to pay which then it piles up on our debts but if the institutions borrow based on their own balance sheet, it makes them more efficient and repay those debts, he further asserted. By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana The law maker for Weija-Gbawe Constituency, Hon. Tina Naa Ayeley Mensah, has commended H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and government for rolling out the most laudable initiative called ghanapostGPS to digitalize addresses across the country. According to her, the National Digital Address System, nicknamed ghanapostGPS" which was launched in Accra on Wednesday 18th October, 2017 by H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is in fulfillment of a campaign promise mad by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the event of the 2016 general elections. The new system introduced in partnership with the Ministry of Communication is expected to furnish the country with accurate database address system. The state woman out of joy remarked that, she is happy to be part of the government's attempt to deliver on all promises made to the good people of Ghana. She agreed with the President when he said at the launch that the blue kiosk, the waakey seller, the kofi brokeman seller and the big tree at the junction have been the reference point to giving out direction. She Stated that the new system will offer solution to the difficulties people go through in given directions to their location as well as property. She further underscores the importance for the introduction of the National Digital Address system and said, the new technology will provide reliable and accurate location and property to transact business across the country. This will help reduce to the barest minimum all forms of 419 activities. She added that the new system will improve our way of living and also carrying out our day to day task in terms of business so as to give value to the business that we do. She sided with the President when he said, the ghanapostGPS will modernize the economy and improve business activities and service delivery in and out of the country. She likened the new address system to the address system in USA which makes identification of location or property easier and better; she remarked that Ghana will be more comfortable to live per the introduction of the new system. She recounted her experience when she went to the United States of America years ago and depended on an advanced digital address system to find a location in the states. Replacing the old system which makes it difficult for one to give direction to a location or property is one of the best thing to happen to Ghanaians under the watch of H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, she stated emphatically. I am proud to serve in his government, she said. Using this new system will give Ghana an added advantage to be part of the global and the technological world. She was pleased to served in H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addos government. 21.10.2017 LISTEN The office of former President John Mahama, as well as that of Dr Spio-Garbrah, former Trade and Industry Minister, has dismissed rumours making rounds that both leaders have reached an agreement to support each other ahead of National Democratic Congress (NDC) Flagbearership race. The office of Dr Spio-Garbrah, former Trade and Industry Minister said there couldn't be a deal especially since the party is in the reorganization process and no declaration has been made by both parties to that effect. There is no deal. The reorganization of the party should be the ultimate goal for all and sundry to ensure a formidable party ahead of 2020, the office of Dr Spio-Garbrah said. To this end, it called on all party faithful to support the reorganization process to build a formidable party ahead of 2020. The office of former President John Mahama could not deny supporting the candidature of Dr Spio-Garbrah, former Trade and Industry Minister for the Flagbearership race or former President John Mahama contesting the Flagbearership race. Washington (AFP) - Defense Secretary Jim Mattis visited Congress on Friday to assure Senator John McCain that lines of communication were open, amid demands the Pentagon reveal more about a Niger ambush that killed four US servicemen. Tempers have flared in recent weeks between President Donald Trump's administration and lawmakers frustrated about the lack of clarity regarding the clash with suspected jihadists in an area where an Islamic State group affiliate operates. McCain, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, has repeatedly called for details from the Pentagon about the ambush, including why the body of one slain soldier was not immediately evacuated. "I felt that we were not getting sufficient amount of information and we are clearing a lot of that up now," McCain, standing alongside Mattis at the senator's congressional office, told reporters after their closed-door meeting. The Pentagon boss followed McCain's lead. "We can always improve on communication, and that's exactly what we'll do," Mattis said. The McCain-Mattis meeting came as questions mounted in US media about what happened on October 4, and criticism over Trump's handling of the aftermath. Mattis, a former US Marine general, said Thursday that the body of Sergeant La David Johnson was "found later" by non-US forces following the ambush. The Pentagon has initiated an investigation into the deadly encounter. "The president, the Department of Defense, and frankly the entire country and government want to know exactly what happened," White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. "We won't rest until we get some answers," she added. "And when the time is appropriate, we'll talk about the details of the investigation." Unexpected The US military was not expecting hostile action when its troops came under attack as they conducted training operations with Nigerien forces. It fell to French forces conducting anti-jihadist operations in the region to provide air support after the ambush. On Thursday, Mattis made remarks about the deadly incident that signaled there were sensitivities about the circumstances. "The US military does not leave its troops behind, and I would just ask that you not question the actions of the troops who were caught in the firefight and question whether or not they did everything they could in order to bring everyone out at once," Mattis said. Trump has faced criticism for not immediately publicly addressing the attack, then falsely claiming Barack Obama and other former US leaders did not call the families of fallen soldiers. The attack came less than a month after Trump placed travel restrictions on citizens from Chad, a Niger neighbor with extensive history of counterterrorism cooperation, entering the United States. At the time of the ambush, Chad was in the midst of a monthslong withdrawal of hundreds of its troops from Niger, where they were part of the coalition fighting Boko Haram extremists. 'The rhetoric of the leaders of the pan-European world and the mainstream media and Establishment intellectuals is filled with appeals to universalism as the basic justification of their policies. This is especially so when they talk about their policies relating to the 'others'- the countries of the non-European world, populations of the poorer and 'less developed' nations. The ton is often righteous, hectoring, and arrogant but the policies are always presented as reflecting universal values and truths'. Immanuel Wallerstein, European Universalism (2006). As the 600million euros project, Humboldt-Forum, nears its finalization, mounting pressure arises from various quarters in Germany, for the settlement of basic issues concerning the hundreds of ethnographical objects acquired during the colonial period and kept in the Ethnological Museum, Dahlem, Berlin, that are to be transferred to the new gigantic institution. Readers are no doubt aware of the ridiculous proposals of Western museums to establish a permanent display of looted Benin artefacts in Benin City, whilst still retaining their ownership of the objects looted in 1897. It is not known whether the Humboldt Forum is officially represented in the so-called Benin Dialogue Group but the Ethnology Museum, Berlin, is a participant, holding some 508 Benin artefacts that it cannot display for lack of space. The well-known popular German periodical, Der Spiegel, has in its issue of this week (Nr.42/14.10.2017), referred to the ongoing discussions in Germany on this massive project that revives the greatness of Prussian might and seems to be reaching its realization. After referring to the various issues, such as the presence of looted objects in the Ethnology museum, the Prussian slavery past and the colonial period, the weekly periodical declares that for a long time, only supporters of the Humboldt-Project had the full attention of the media, now its opponents are becoming more vociferous and the debates have reached hurricane proportions that could damage the reputation of the project even before it has been completed. Spiegel writes: 'Suddenly, in 2017, the pressure has grown bigger, suddenly one must deal with history. And suddenly, it appears that until the opening of the Forum one has only two years to save the reputation of the palace.' Leading in this debate are two activist groups, Berlin Postkolonial and the No Humboldt 21 Most of the problems concerning the Humboldt-Forum are, of course, as recognized by the periodical, not new. They derive from German history and the unwillingness or inability of Germans to face their colonial past. The opposition to the Humboldt-Forum has been led vigorously by young Germans activists who see much of this as revival of Prussian glory, despite the terrible German colonial past and its unsettled problems. They are concerned by the moral quality of the project and German society that produces such a project. Another source of pressure on the Humboldt-Forum and the Prussian Heritage Foundation came from a conference held this week on the Prussian Colonial Heritage which dealt with the question of artefacts and human remains. The conference requested the German authorities, inter alia, to inform and invite 'members of the source communities to discuss publicly the future of sacred and other cultural objects in Berlin collections that were appropriated by force and fraud in the wake of colonialism'. Will the Humboldt-Forum invite any members of the source communities who are critical of European pretentions to universalism and hence their right to keep artefacts of others looted with violence or the human remains of those whose deaths can be traced to German policies? The shameful business of the rich robbing the poor of their artefacts and even their human remains must end. The only viable solution to the artefacts question is to accept to return most of the looted objects to their countries of origin as the United Nations and UNESCO have demanded in numerous resolutions. One may then negotiate with the owners what artefacts could still be kept in Western museums. We should remember that we are not dealing with questions of the past or attempts to re-write history, as some opponents of restitution are wont to say. We are concerned with the present imbalance as regards possession of Benin artefacts. A situation where the Ethnology Museum, Berlin, holds 508 of the best Benin artefacts, more than the Oba of Benin, from whose Palace they were stolen in 1897, cannot be accepted as normal. Do the Benin artefacts reflect German history or Benin history? What are the statues of Queen-Mother Idia, Oba Ewuakpe, Oba Akenzua I and other icons of Benin history doing in Berlin? All human remains must be returned to their countries of origin for proper burial. Excuses such as the need to find out where the skeletons and skulls came from are not convincing. The notorious and insatiable collector Felix von Luschan and the terrible Dr. Eugen Fischer always kept exact records of what they were doing. What happened to the documentation of the private collection of Felix von Luschan that is said to be in the American Museum of Natural History, New York? The relevant resolution of the conference on the Prussian Colonial Heritage is reproduced below. Kwame Opoku. Surviving Herero returning Starved from the Omaheke Desert where they had been driven by German troops after the Battle at Waterberg; Two women in front were unable to stand. Conference on Prussian Colonial Heritage Sacred Objects and Human Remains in Berlin Museums, October 14/15,2017, Berlin, Germany. We, the undersigned speakers, presenters and participants of the transnational conference Prussian Colonial Heritage: Sacred Objects and Human Remains in Berlin Museums on October 14/15, 2017 in the Centre Francais de Berlin recognize that communities all over the world have lost a considerable part of their cultural heritage, including even sensitive materials - comprising sacred objects and human remains - by force and fraud in the wake of colonial conquests. In considering this, we recognize and welcome the fact that the Foundation Prussian Cultural Heritage (SPK) has recently reacted to the mounting criticism by source communities, civil society and investigative journalism and: - intensified provenance research for objects chosen to be displayed in the Humboldt Forum, allowed for dialogue with source communities and national governments of formerly colonized countries like Nigeria and Tanzania, and repeatedly promised to repatriate objects if they should turn out to have been taken by unlawful means. - recently started a project of systematic and joint provenance research on human remains from the former colony German East-Africa (Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania) and repeatedly promised to repatriate human remains appropriated in the wake of colonialism for racist researches in Berlin. We hold, however, that these efforts are in no way sufficient to answer the obligations concerning sensitive materials as laid down by the ICOM Code of Ethics and by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. In expectation of the upcoming centenary of the breakdown of the German colonial empire in 1918/19 and the opening of the Humboldt Forum in the Berlin Palace in 2019 we urge the German government and the SPK to take advantage of this conjuncture by significantly intensifying their efforts to deal responsibly with Berlin's colonial heritage. In particular, we ask them to live up until 2019 to the self-declared aim of the Humboldt Forum to become a place of transnational dialogue and global reconciliation by: 1. commencing with joint provenance research projects aimed at repatriation of all human remains from colonized people stored in the basements of the SPK (the collection of the Berliner Anatomisches Institut, Felix von Luschan's so called S(kull) Collection of the Konigliches Museum fur Volkerkunde today the Ethnological Museum - as well as the Rudolf Virchow Collection in possession of the Berliner Gesellschaft fur Anthropologie, Ethnologic und Urgeschichte - BGAEU) in close cooperation with the countries and communities of the descendants who must be informed immediately about the whereabouts of their ancestors' remains. In case there are some human remains that may be traced to a community that was effectively exterminated or that cannot be traced to a particular source community such remains still need to be returned, and shall go to a consensus group of related source communities so they can be treated respectfully. 2. establishing an easily accessible, central research and information canter dealing with queries about sensitive materials from colonial times. The centre should collect and share information about all collections in and from Germany containing sacred objects and human remains. 3. providing an easily accessible, thorough and truthful description (in German, English, French, Spanish) of the provenance of all sacred and other cultural objects to be displayed in the Humboldt Forum in the reconstructed Berlin Palace itself as well as in the online database SMB-digital: http://www.smb-digital.de/eMuseumPlus. 4. informing and inviting members of the source communities to discuss publicly the future of sacred and other cultural objects in Berlin collections that were appropriated by force and fraud in the wake of colonialism. 5. initiate the repatriation process of sacred and other cultural objects that have been appropriated by force and fraud in colonized countries in cases where source communities or nation-states express their intention to take back what is important for their cultures and was created by their ancestors. Royal Figure Chibinda Ilunga, Chokwe, Angola, now in Ethnology Museum, Berlin, Germany. About the Conference The debate concerning the provenance and future of items acquired in the wake of European colonialism has intensified in recent times, due to the current German project which aims to reconstruct the imperial Berlin Palace and once again display the world's cultural treasures in the building. Above all this debate concerns translocated materials of sacred significance and human remains, items which belong to a category defined by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and the UN as sensitive materials. Both of these organizations require the museums to expeditiously initiate dialogues with the source communities in order to discuss the return of cultural property. However, within the current debate concerning Berlin's non-European collections the opinions of those who have lost a significant part of their heritage are hardly represented at all. Our conference will provide a platform for source community members and experts who should have been consulted with respect and sensitivity (ICOM) by the managers of the Humboldt Forum and of the Foundation Prussian Cultural Heritage (SPK) all along. Royal throne mandu yenu, Bamum, Cameroon, now in Ethnology Museum, Berlin, Germany. I am a scientist on a mission to research and bring to the general public evidence based alternative treatments of prostate cancer. Though conventional treatment they say is evidence based; there are thousands of researches to prove that most of these treatments are not evidence based. The problem with alternative remedies the medical community always says is that there are no sciences or evidence supporting these claims in Ghana. So I have decided to bring to the general public the evidence of some of these treatments. Treatment is choice and no one holds monopoly on treatment and what even triggers diseases. I entreat you the patient to make the right treatment decision by getting the right information before choosing any treatment. Do not be moved based on advertisement. A Ghanaian Man who has good prostate health has a hundred goals; a person who doesn't have health has but one goal. Every man has a prostate, but every prostate doesn't have to make every man miserable. This all-too commonly bothersome gland is the source of a lot of grief as men age. So its a no-brainer that fighting prostate cancer depends on finding a better test. Its the Holy Grail. We have made it top priority for our research investment at RNG Medicine Research Lab; first alternative research center in Africa to investigate and formulate evidence based alternative medicines to support the crusade against prostate health in Africa. Unfortunately, conventional diagnostics and treatment options for prostate cancer leave much to be desired. Conventional diagnosis includes PSA testing and biopsy, which are prone to false positives and carry risks of side effects. Treatment typically involves drugs, surgery and/or radiation, all of which are risky. There ARE safer, less invasive ways to diagnose and treat prostate cancer, however, so men would be wise to investigate their options. The problem is that we are yet to have Holistic Doctors who have specialized and have conducted extensive research into Holistic Urology in Ghana but gradually we are getting there. A number of safe and all-natural strategies have been shown effective against prostate cancer, including nutritional ketosis, exercise and supplements. It is my hope to train more specialized holistic Doctors to be able to provide evidence- based alternative treatment devoid of subjectivity. Most recently, researchers discovered a bioactive compound in the neem plant (Azadirachta indica) appears to have potent ability to quell prostate cancer. Neem Has a Long History of Medicinal Use Taken from Review_on_Molecular_and_Chemopreventive_Potential_of_Nimbolide_in_Cancer(2014) Neem has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, and the ancient Vedas refer to neem as a tree "capable of curing every illness." It has well-established benefits for your skin, and is commonly used in personal care products. It is also used to ease gastrointestinal problems and strengthen immune function, and as both a spermicide and an insect repellent. As noted in the Biojournal of Science and Technology (BJST): "[Neem's] leaves, barks, fruits, seeds and roots contain compounds with proven anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anti-histamine, anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-ulcer, analgesic, anti-arrhythmic, anti-tubercular, anti-malarial, diuretic, spermicide, anti-arthritic, anti-protozoal, insect repellant, anti-feedant, anti-hormonal properties and anti-cancerous uses. From various research articles it can be presumed that [neem] has chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic potential against cancer models [including] acting against the breast cancer cells, against gastrointestinal tract and associated cancers [and] ovary cancer cells." Neem May Be a Potent Ally against Prostate Cancer Now, animal research suggests nimbolide a bioactive terpenoid compound found in neem may shrink prostate tumors by as much as 70 percent, and suppress metastasis by about 50 percent when taken orally for three months. No noticeable side effects were observed. According to lead researcher Gautam Sethi, Ph.D., associate professor of pharmacology at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore: "Although the diverse anti-cancer effects of nimbolide have been reported in different cancer types, its potential effects on prostate cancer initiation and progression have not been demonstrated in scientific studies. In this research, we have demonstrated that nimbolide can inhibit tumor cell viability a cellular process that directly affects the ability of a cell to proliferate, grow, divide or repair damaged cell components and induce programmed cell death in prostate cancer cells The Lead Researchers Direct target of nimbolide in prostate cancer is glutathione reductase, an enzyme which is responsible for maintaining the antioxidant system that regulates the STAT3 gene in the body. The activation of the STAT3 gene has been reported to contribute to prostate tumor growth and metastasis. We have found that nimbolide can substantially inhibit STAT3 activation and thereby abrogating the growth and metastasis of prostate tumor." Other Research Supporting Neem as an Anti-Cancer Aid While exceptionally promising in rodents, nimbolide has not yet been tested in humans, so further research will be required. The team intends to continue investigating the compound to evaluate its efficacy in combination with commonly used prostate cancer drugs as well. That said, consuming neem either in supplement or tea form will automatically provide nimbolide. Even though the whole herb will provide only a small amount of nimbolide (compared to the straight compound given to the animals in this study), previous research has indeed found neem extract to be useful against prostate cancer. In 2006, researchers reported that. "[A]n ethanolic extract of neem has been shown to cause cell death of prostate cancer cells by inducing apoptosis as evidenced by a dose-dependent increase in DNA fragmentation and a decrease in cell viability So the neem extract could be potentially effective against prostate cancer " The neem tree is also considered to be a village pharmacy in India. Extracts of neem leaves, twigs, bark, seeds, and flowers are integral components of many traditional remedies in the Indian medical system of Ayurveda. Chemistry of Neem Leaves Leaves maily yield quercetin (flavonoid) and nimbosterol (- sitosterol) as well as number of liminoids (nimbin and its derivatives). Quercetin (a polyphenolic flavonoid) is known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. This may perhaps account for the curative properties of leaves for sores and scabies. Limonoids like nimocinolide and isonimocinolide affect fecundity in house flies (Musca domestica) at a dose ranging between 100 and 500 ppm. They also show mutagenic properties in mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) producing intermediates. Fresh matured leaves yield an odorous viscous essential oil, which exhibits antifungal activity against fungi (Trichophyton mentagrophytes) in vitro. White crystalline flakes obtained from petroleum ether extract of leaves consisting of a mixture of C 14, C 24, C 31 alkanes were found to exceed or equal the lavicidal activity of pyrethrum extract. The principal constituents of neem leave include protein (7.1%), carbohydrates (22.9%), minerals, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, carotene etc. But they also contain glutamic acid, tyrosine, aspartic acid, alanine, praline, glutamine and cystine like amino acids, and several fatty acids (dodecanoic, tetradecanoic, elcosanic, etc.). Neem Flower Besides, the essential oil consisting of sesquiterpene derivatives, the flowers contain nimbosterol and flavonoids like kaempferol, melicitrin etc. Flowers also yield a waxy material consisting of several fatty acids, viz., behenic (0.7%), arachidic (0.7%), stearic (8.2%), palmitic (13.6%), oleic (6.5%) and linoleic (8.0%). The pollen of neem contains several amino acids like glumatic acid, tyrosine, arginine, methionion, phenylalanine, histidine, arminocaprylic acid and isoleucine. Bark The trunk bark contains nimbn (0.04%), nimbinin (0.001%), nimbidin (0.4%), nimbosterol (0.03%), essential oil (0.02%), tannins (6.0%), a bitter principle margosine and 6-desacetyl nimbinene. The stem bark contains tannins (12-16%) and non-tannin (8-11%). The bark contains anti-inflammatory polysaccharide consisting of glucose, arabinose and fructose at a molar ratio 1:1:1 with molecular weight of 8,400. The bark also yields an antitumor polysaccharide. Besides polysaccharides, several diterpenoids, viz., nimbinone, nimbolicin, margocin, nimbidiol, nimbione, etc. have been isolated from stem bark and root bark. Besides - sitosterol, 24-methylenelophenol and nimatone, the heartwood contains, calcium, potassium and iron salts. The heartwood on destructive distillation gives charcoal (30%) and pyroligeneous acid (38.4%). Neem wood contains cellulose, hemicellulose (14.00%) and lignin (14.63%), while wood oil contains -sitosterol, cycloeucalenol and 24- methylenecyceloartenol. Gum The tree exudes a gum, which on hydrolysis yields, L-arabinose, L-fucose, D-galactose and D-glucoronic acid. The older tree exudes a sap containing free sugars (glucose, fructose, mannose and xylose), amino acids (alanine, aminobutyric acid, arginine, asparagines, aspartic acid, glycine, norvaline, praline, etc) and organic acids (citric, malonic, succinic and fumaric). The sap is reported to be useful in the treatment of general weakness and skin diseases. Seed Seed is very important both because of its high lipid content as well as the occurrence of a large number of bitter principles (azadirachtin, azadiradione, fraxinellone, nimbin, salannin, salannol, vepinin, vilasinin, etc.) in considerable quantities. Azadirachtin has proven effectiveness as a pesticide against about 300 insect species and is reported as non-toxic to humans. Neem kernel lipids are similar to the normal glycerides from other oilseeds and contains oleic acid (50-60%), palmitic acid (13-15%), stearic acid (14-19%), linoleic acid (8-16%) and arachidic acid (1-3%). It is brownish yellow, non-drying oil with an acrid taste and unpleasant odour. The quality of the oil differs with the method of processing. The composition of neem cake after the extraction of oil varies widely depending on the raw material used for expelling, for example, whole dried fruits, seeds or kernels. The range of the proximate composition in percentage are: crude protein 13-35, carbohydrates 26-50, crude fibre 8-26, fat 2-13, ash 5-18, acid insoluble ash 1-7. The bitter cake has no value as animal or poultry feed. Extraction of cake with 70% alcohol followed by hexane yields a meal free from bitterness and odour, which will be satisfactory as feed. The neem cake is rich in most of the amino acids. It is a potential source of organic manure and contains many plant nutrients, viz., nitrogen 2-3%, phosphorus 1% and potassium 1.4%. It also contains 1.0-1.5% tannic acid and has the highest sulphur content of 1.07 1.36% among the oil cakes. The neem cake contains a large number of triterpenoids, more of which are being discovered. More than 60 different biologically active neem tree compounds have been identified and used for a wide variety of health and medical applications. Some of these include nimbin, nimbolide, azadirachtin A, nimbidiol, quercetin, and nimbidin. The Many Uses of Neem Dried Neem Leaves Neem Leaves Neem leaves are reputed to possess antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-malarial properties which is why their extracts are used to treat skin infections, acne, boils, burns, and many other skin problems. Some traditional uses for neem leaves include: Skin cleanser Neem stops the growth of the acne-causing bacteria P. acnes, along with suppressing P. acnes-induced inflammation. Wound healer a paste of neem leaves is applied on wounds, skin eruptions, and insect bites. When combined with turmeric, this paste is also used to treat skin itching, eczema, ring worm, and other mild skin diseases. Hair conditioner Neem leaf extracts and paste are used to condition the hair and scalp and are believed to strengthen hair and promote hair growth. Anti-dandruff agent water in which neem leaves have been boiled is applied to hair after regular shampooing to rid the scalp of dandruff. Eye cleansing and soothing extract of neem leaves in water is used to wash the eyes and is said to offer relief from irritation, tiredness, and redness. Immune booster consuming extracts of neem leaves and bark (again, made by boiling in water) are believed to increase overall immunity. These extracts also reputedly lower blood sugar levels and heal ulcers. Neem Flowers Unlike the rest of the neem tree which is bitter, the white and delicate neem flowers possess a sweet, almost jasmine-like scent. They are used fresh, dried, or in a powdered form as food and as garnish in some Indian cooking traditions. Neem flowers are used medicinally to treat anorexia, nausea, and intestinal worms. They are also used in aromatherapy because of their calming effect. Neem Twigs I quite remember growing up in my village; before toothbrushes became common, people in the village would traditionally chew away at neem twigs in the morning. Many people still do this. This habit helps to fight germs, maintain alkaline levels in saliva, keep bacteria away, heal swollen gums, and leads to whiter teeth. Finally, the twig also shreds into bristle-like threads that help to remove and prevent plaque. Neem Oil Neem oil extracted from fruits and seeds of the neem tree is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids. This makes it an ideal ingredient in cosmetics and beauty products such as soaps, hair oil, hand wash, and soap. Traditional uses of Neem oil include: Skin cleanser 2-3 drops of neem oil diluted with water and applied on the skin helps to keep the skin clear, removing acne, blackheads, and helping to heal skin diseases. Skin toner and mosquito repellent Neem oil contains high levels of vitamin E and is very nourishing for the skin, helping to maintain a balanced tone. When added to face packs, it helps to tone aging skin and relieves irritation and itching. It is also an excellent mosquito repellent. Natural shampoo Rubbing neem oil into the scalp can strengthen hair, prevent hair fall, and remove dandruff. The Anti-Cancer Benefits of Neem Excitingly, naturally-occurring bioactive compounds obtained from various parts of the neem tree have been shown to induce apoptosis or programmed cell death in different types of tumor cells in laboratory conditions. Some of these compounds stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells better. Neem compounds may also prevent cancer development by generating high levels of antioxidants and carcinogen-detoxifying enzymes. Overall, neem compounds show impressive anti-cancer potential against many human cancer cell lines and animal models for human cancers. Among these are colon, stomach, pancreas, lung, liver, skin, oral, prostate, and breast cancers. Anti-Carcinogenic and Anti-Mutagenic Effects of Neem Over the last two decades, cancer researchers have convincingly shown that cancer formation as a result of exposure to certain specific mutagens and pro-carcinogens can be prevented by neem extracts. As a result, these extracts and bioactive neem compounds may one day play a key role in the future development of chemopreventive anti-cancer agents. Neem Stops Cancer Cell Growth and Migration Researchers in India, Europe, and Japan have shown that bioactive compounds present in neem bark, leaves, and seed oil could be used to treat a wide variety of cancers. For instance, a recently published study showed that nimbolide a bioactive neem compound was able to induce apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells, to the extent that the size and number of cancer cell colonies was reduced by 80%. Apoptosis or programmed cell death is a genetically driven process that happens naturally all the time in the body. Its a safe way to get rid of diseased and dying cells without affecting nearby healthy cells and tissues. Anti-cancer practitioners are also trying to eliminate cancer cells by inducing apoptosis selectively in them, without affecting normal cells. In this regard, neem is an excellent choice as neem extracts as well as purified neem compounds have been shown to cause apoptosis in cancer cells. Nimbolide also reduced the ability of pancreatic cancer cells to migrate and invade other areas of the body by an astonishing 70%. Migration and invasion known scientifically as metastasis of cancer cells to other areas of the body is the main reason why pancreatic and other cancers are so lethal. Pancreatic cancer is the most lethal of all, with 94% of patients dying within the first five years of diagnosis, with no conventional treatment in sight. One of the most promising aspects of this study was that nimbolide did not harm healthy cells. In other words, using nimbolide to treat pancreatic and perhaps other forms of cancer in the near future may not result in the toxic side effects that chemotherapy and radiation typically do. Neem Potentiates Anti-Cancer Drugs and Protects Against Their Toxicity Neem preparations have been shown to potentiate (enhance the effect of) the actions of anti-cancer agents. They also provide protection against the life-threatening side effects of some of these very toxic drugs. For instance, Cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are well-known anti-cancer drugs with devastating side effects, especially because they also massively kill normal blood cells. Normally, another drug known as granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) is given along with these two anti-cancer drugs to try and minimize their toxic side effects. Interestingly, pretreatment with neem leaf preparation (NLP) has been found to protect blood cells in laboratory mice treated with Cisplatin and 5-FU. This means NLP could potentially be a safer and cheaper substitute than granulocyte colony stimulating factor. GCSF is not only expensive but is also known to promote angiogenesis and tumor development on its own! Neem Enhances the Actions of Detoxifying Enzymes Extracts of neem leaves have been shown to enhance the actions of so-called phase-II hepatic enzymes such as Glutathione S-transferases and DT-diaphorase. Both these enzymes are known to be involved in detoxification of chemical carcinogens. Additionally, neem leaf extracts enhance the activity of various liver antioxidant enzymes. Amongst these are glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase, which are known to help in detoxifying the body. Neem: Bioimmunotherapy Against Cancer Boosting the bodys own immune system to target specific health risks is known as bioimmunotherapy. Anti-cancer practitioners have begun to incorporate this strategy to fight cancer. Recent studies show that neem may exert some of its anti-cancer effects by enhancing the bodys immune response. Recently published peer-reviewed studies carried out at the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in Kolkata, India, showed that a bioactive protein from leaves of the neem tree prevents cancer cells from growing in mice by doing exactly this. Instead of targeting the cancer cells directly, this protein known as Neem Leaf Glycoprotein (NLGP) acts on immune cells present within the tumors immediate surroundings, known as the tumor microenvironment. Normally, immune cells attack and destroy cancer cells. However, as some tumors grow, immune cells in their microenvironment become enslaved by cancer cells. In a bizarre role-reversal, these immune cells now begin to promote the growth and proliferation of cancer cells in the tumor instead of fighting them. In a dramatic twist straight out of a thriller, NLGP seemingly returns immune cells in the tumor microenvironment to a more normal state. It makes them hostile again to cancer cells and prevents them from growing any further. A good example can be found in one group of cancer-killing immune cells known as the CD8+ or killer T cells. When triggered by NLGP, the number of these T cells was seen to rise significantly, helping to restrict cancer growth. Whats more, these killer T cells also showed a greater cancer cell killing capacity when compared to killer T cells that were not treated with NLGP. Word of Caution About Neem Various parts of the neem tree and its extracts have been used by humans for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. While the uses of neem seem limitless, precautions need to be taken and neem products should be used with care. Indiscriminate consumption of higher than necessary doses may sometimes cause unpleasant side effects. Some people are allergic to neem compounds leading to itching, swelling of the mouth and throat, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. In very rare instances, some neem compounds may also damage the liver and kidneys. Therefore, it is always advisable not to medicate yourself with any products containing neem extracts or neem compounds. Always consult a trustworthy alternative healthcare provider first, and be sure to apply or consume these products under properly qualified supervision. Children: Taking seeds or neem oil may be unsafe for children. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, seizures, coma, and loss of consciousness or even death. Avoid in children. Pregnancy: It can be dangerous to take by mouth during pregnancy, and may cause an abortion. Although not known enough, avoid its use. Infertility: If you try to have a child, avoid using it. Surgery: Because neem lowers blood sugar levels, it can interfere with your blood pressure levels during an operation. To avoid complications, avoid use 2 weeks before a possible operation. Economic Potential of Neem Ghana can be a medical powerhouse if the Health Ministry invests in the Herbal sector and we can save a lot of lives. It is rather unfortunate that kidney diseases are placed on herbal medication usage yet no one is unable to conduct research on the herbal products on the market causing this. So this is just a case of emotion medicine practicing. There are numerous side effect of conventional medication usage on kidney damage and will be providing you with evidence base articles on this soon. Always contact the expert in alternative medicine before using any alternative product. The Neem tree is now gaining the importance due to its wide scope of commercialization in the areas of agriculture, veterinary, cosmetics, medicine, toiletries and various industries. Neem is now becoming a popular in cosmetics and beauty aid. Some companies are now using Neem products (Neem oil and leaves) for production of cosmetics like facial creams, nail polishes, nail oils, shampoos, conditioners etc. The demand of Neem products are increasing day by day. Agriculture sector is now becoming a major consumer of the neem products viz. Neem oil, neem cake and neem based pesticides. Being eco-friendly and natural source of phyto-chemicals and nutrients it is preferred to apply Neem manure and pesticide in agriculture especially in organic farming all over the world. The coating of urea with Neem products has been given priority to minimize the losses of nitrogen. Government of India has recently allowed fertilizer firms to produce 100% Neem Coated Urea a move aimed at helping farmers boost income & reducing subsidy bill by up to Rs. 6,500 crore. Government of India has done away with the cap on Neem coated Urea & now it can be produced 100%. It is a win win situation for all the players in the field- the industry, farmers & Neem seed collection Agencies. The countries like India and many African countries having large number of neem trees are the major source of neem fruits and neem products. If commercial plantation and agro-forestry involving neem is popularized, the potential goes up significantly, with positive and large externalities for pesticides, fertilizers, livestock, dairying and other value-added products. Neem tree has great potential to help small and marginal farmers in rural Ghana. Farmers, who have limited resources, can benefit in many ways from neem. There are easily exploitable, employment and income generation opportunities in the cultivation of neem and processing of neem products, some of which are possible in a decentralized manner on the basis of small investments. Most of the developing countries have vast areas under marginal lands with low productivity. As neem has multiple uses, its crop on marginal lands can make a significant contribution to rural economies and with this government one District one factory project, this is one area they should consider. I am ready to help to shape the herbal sector for growth. Incentives for neem seed collection-in keeping with the current economic realities-must be strengthened along with organizational improvements for marketing of neem seeds. Organizational, financial inputs and a policy for integrating neem in the framework of agriculture, rural and small industries policies is needed in order to realize this potential Adequate supply of good quality neem seeds in a timely fashion is critical for the commercial success of Neem. In India, facilities already exist for extraction of oil from neem seeds. It is possible to use the pre-existing facilities for obtaining bitter extracts. However, unlike in the case of oil extraction, to get good quality Neem active extracts, the extraction procedures have to be of high standards. Proper care has to be taken in handling seeds at various stages including procurement, drying and storage. This is why at RNG we are employing Bioenergization in our products yet to hits the Ghanaian markets. The Ministry of Science and Technology should also take this project up. Conclusion I entreat the government to take this project as part of the One District One Factory project to produce products from this plant using our technology. The neem tree has been a source of safe and powerfully effective solutions for human health problems for many hundreds of years. Over the past few decades, modern scientific researchers have purified some of the active ingredients from this ancient reliever of sicknesses and they are gradually beginning to understand their healing mechanisms. There is now compelling scientific evidence that many neem compounds possesses promising anti-cancer properties. In the near future, combinations of bioactive neem compounds, either on their own or given along with anti-cancer drugs, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy seem likely to become a reliable standard treatment of choice for many cancer patients About the Author Dr. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu is a research Professor of Prostate Cancer and Holistic Medicine at Da Vinci College of Holistic Medicine, Larnaca city, Cyprus and President of Men's Health Foundation Ghana. Dr. Nyarkotey is a noted authority in the alternative medical industry in Ghana who has conducted extensive research and specialized in Naturopathic Urology, Bioenergetic Medicine and Naturopathic Oncology. He is a registered Holistic Medical Practitioner by the Traditional and Alternative medicine Practice Council (TMPC) of the Ministry of Health. Dr. Nyarkoteys goal is to provide extraordinary, personalized care for patients with problems in these areas. He works to try to find and treat the causes of patients problems, as well as helping relieve symptoms when appropriate. Often these causes are connected to issues outside of the problem area (urinary tract and/or kidneys) and so the whole person has to be treated. Codenamed DOCTOR ON A MISSION to stop prostate cancer before it strikes! Ultimately to prove that there are learned and experts in the field of alternative health. His book What everyman must know before & after 40years-Prostate Health is constantly being used by Oheneba Ntim Barima; a known researcher on Oman FM to educate the public on prostate health. Dr. Nyarkotey has published over 400 articles on prostate health and holistic medicine and most sought after practitioner in Natural Urology. His articles are well researched with sound evidence and changing lives of many readers. He was recently named in the maiden edition of Ghana 40 under 40 Achievers 2017 and was conferred the Nigeria Legend Award by the Optimum Mens Health Foundation in Ikeja, Nigeria for his crusade against prostate cancer. Dr. Nyarkotey is the Medical Director of RNG Holistic Hospital and Prostate Research Lab, Tema Com 18 and RNG Medicine Research Lab; a firm researching, formulating and manufacturing of evidence based alternative medicine. He is a member of the Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium West Africa (CaPTC) researching into Prostate cancer in black men and the National President of the Alternative Medical Association of Ghana (AMAG) You can reach him on 0541234556 Off shoulder Ankara gowns of 2018 are feminine and attractive; today we will show you some beautiful pictures of Ankara outfits to inspire you for the next time you want to make something for a special occasion. Every woman wants to look attractive and feminine, and a beautiful dress is one of the items that can help them achieve this. A lot of fashionistas always want to know what dresses are trending each year. In 2018 season, the leading designers inspired to bring back the retro styles of the fifties. They designed a lot of dresses with open shoulders and made them come back in style. A lot of trendy styles were also made using Ankara. The dresses of 2018 were inspired by femininity, lightness and a refined look; the length of the dresses also vary. The shorter dresses emphasize slender legs, and the longer ones come with numerous voluminous folds, creating a unique image. Off shoulder Ankara gowns are of different types; they can be made with thin straps, made to be tied at the back or completely without them. Such dresses can also have a corset. The necklines could be semicircular, V-shaped or in the form of a heart. An open dress with a decorative collar looks excellent, especially when worn with beautiful accessories or decorated with beads and sequins to give a special charm and coquetry. Bright Ankara fabrics are well suited for hot weather. Lace, frills, guipure and cape can also be added to Ankara dresses with open shoulders for a more dramatic look. Dresses with frills and a nice belt that emphasizes a slender waistline look really beautiful too. Gowns with open shoulders look fashionable and stylish, but there is one tiny problem - this style does not suit every girl. The beauty of open shoulder dresses usually depends on the figure of a woman; when chosen without consideration of this factor, it could look tasteless and ridiculous. Off shoulder gowns made with Ankara are an inalienable attribute of all feminine designs - romantic, boho, new look, etc. To choose a dress of this style, you need to take into account the characteristics of your figure. It does not suit girls with broad shoulders because it tends to visually increase this part of the body. On the contrary, for girls who have narrow shoulders, especially with the "pear" type of figure, such a dress will be an excellent find. At the same time, for short and plump girls it can do a disservice, creating a "barrel" effect (in this case it is recommended to choose styles with sleeves and a small neckline). Plump ladies should not wear short attires. Beautiful floor length dresses or midi length dresses are a better option. A tight silhouette is good for girls with an ideal figure. Otherwise, choose a free tailored dress or a trapezoid shaped gown. Off shoulder dresses also have another effect - it visually lengthens the neck and draws attention to it. However, if some age-related skin defects are present, it can have a negative effect, and this is worth considering when choosing this style. Types of unique Ankara off shoulder styles With flounces Dresses with flounces below the shoulder line are one of the trendiest styles this season. It is distinguished by its subtleness, playfulness and absolute femininity. On the elastic band This timeless model is an excellent choice for people who are going for a boho look, especially if you complement it with accessories made of leather and suede. The dress version without sleeves also allows you to accessorize with a lot of bracelets and baubles. Besides, a dress with a short skirt is perfectly combined with cowboy-style boots. With sleeves Beautiful Ankara styles with sleeves look very refined, especially if the decollete is deep enough. At the same time, the choice of a small decollete allows older women achieve the desired effect without having to worry about stressing age-related skin imperfections on the neck and chest. Straight A straight dress is an excellent solution for plump women and those with apple figures because it does not draw emphasis to the weight or the extra fat around the mid areas of a womans body. These straight dresses should not be made above the knee, as long dresses are better to visually increase your height. Free tailoring Such styles create a truly romantic image. It is a perfect choice for a date or leisure activities. However, such a dress can be very frivolous on an aged woman. Case dress A case dress with open shoulders is a traditional evening dress. Its quite universal and very popular everywhere. With straps An off shoulder dress with straps intertwined or tied behind the neck is a very impressive design; it is also a top trend of 2018 because it looks very stylish and trendy. But girls with broad shoulders should refrain from this style. It emphasizes the shoulders more than any other dress design. READ ALSO: Best ideas for Ankara tops and jackets 2018 At the same time, the vertical balance of symmetry achieved from wearing alternate styles besides strapless dresses, make them suitable for every kind of figure. On one shoulder Another non-standard type of dress is a model with one open shoulder. It is also perfect for those who have naturally broad shoulders. Length of Ankara off shoulder gowns in 2018 Long A long dress is a classic choice for evening attires. A style with open shoulders brings more royalty and femininity to your look. A long and very loose dress should not be worn by short girls, even though it is a nice choice for hot weather. In this case, preference is best given to styles of medium length or with a narrowed skirt to the floor (as an evening version), which visually extends the legs. Midi Medium length dresses are good for ladies with a "rectangle" type of figure. It is however universal and suits almost every other body type. The main thing is, do not forget to pay attention to the cut details, ensure that they emphasize your good sides, diverting attention from your flaws. Short Dresses made to stop above the knee are perfect for everyday use. They can also be used as tunics and combined with straight cut skinny jeans or trousers. The most common version of this dress are the straight-cut models. Colors for Ankara styles in 2018 What colors are trendy this year? Undoubtedly, you can choose a warm mustard color or gray to emphasize elegance; burning bright red, warm yellow, soft pinkish, cold blue tones, turquoise and greenish colors can be associated with nature. As for the patterns on the fabric, everything depends on your taste. If you like bright outfits, choose Ankara fabrics with large, multicolored geometric pattern. If you prefer to create a delicate and refined image, choose a fabric with small, floral ornaments. In 2018, the best accessories to add to your Ankara off shoulder gowns include fringes, chiffon ruffles, inserts and capes. A combination of different fabrics in one outfit is also a good concept. Most Nigerian fashionistas prefer to make their beautiful outfits using Ankara fabrics; be sure to add some off shoulder Ankara dresses to your wardrobe too. READ ALSO: Ankara pencil skirts styles Source: Legit.ng - Former president, Goodluck Jonathan, says APC employs hi-tech propaganda to cover up its misrules - He insists the PDP performed when it controlled the government from 1999 to 2015 - Jonathan says the opposition party needs a competent national chairman to bounce back in 2019 Former president, Goodluck Jonathan, has challenged the All Progressive Congress (APC)-led administration to a public debate over its claim that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) did not do well in government from 1999 to 2015. READ ALSO: Biafra Nations Youth League reveals when referendum activities would commence in southeast Jonathan also accused the ruling party of running a government of lies and propaganda. The former president made the statement on Thursday, October 19, when one of the chairmanship aspirants of the PDP, Tunde Adeniran, paid him a visit at his residence in Abuja. He said the ruling party had continued to employ hi-tech propaganda to cover up its misrules, adding that the APC has nothing to show in terms of achievement. The former president maintained that PDP performed well when it controlled the government from 1999 to 2015. He said: The PDP administration for 16 did well and will continue to do well. But this administration has done nothing, the administration is full lies and propaganda. In the power sector, we did well to revive it, a certain state governor criticised our government, saying that any serious government should be able to fix the power sector within six months. "But today, the APC has been in power for how many years? Fortunately, the then governor is in the APC Government as a Minister." PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Jonathan said there was still hope for the PDP, adding that the party would strategise in order for it to return to power in 2019. Jonathan noted that the PDP needed a competent, reliable and courageous individual as national chairman if it wants to bounce back in 2019. "For our party to make a headway, we need a national chairman that will select credible and reliable candidates for various elective offices at the various levels of government, from the Presidency to councillorship. We need a national chairman who will be courageous enough to call the President to order if we win the Presidency and the President is going astray. He must not be someone who would change when the party takes a position on issues. We need a national chairman who will rule the party democratically and carry others along. In fact, the national chairman is the leader of the party. It is not the other way round," he said. Meanwhile, Goodluck Jonathan has revealed why he held a closed-door meeting with the former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, on Wednesday, October 18. The meeting was held at IBBs uphill residence in Minna, Niger state. Legit.ng gathered that the meeting started some minutes after 10.00 am and did not end until about 12.14 pm . When journalists asked of details of the meeting, Jonathan declined, saying it was private and personal. After he was pressed further, he said he was in Minna to empathize with the former military leader on his safe return from a medical trip abroad. I have not seen General Babangida since he returned from medical vacation and I felt it was the right time to do so, the former president said. Nigerians want PDP back in 2019 - Goodluck Jonathan declares at PDP Caucus Meeting on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - The minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun, has stated via her representative, Patience Oniha, that it may take the country up to 30 years to pay back the $5.5 billion loan which it is seeking approval for to finance the 2017 budget - However, Oniha stated that the money would be used to finance capital projects which have long term benefits and urged Nigerians to think in terms of the future - She further disclosed that this is not the first time that the government would be borrowing on a long-term basis, as she stated that early governments in the 60s and 70s had also done same The federal government has disclosed that it will take Nigeria between 5 and 30 years to repay the external loan which it is seeking approval for from the National Assembly, Punch reports. This development was made known by the minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun, at a defense session which was convened by the Senate committee on local and foreign debts, on Thursday, October 19. READ ALSO: APC has nothing to show in terms of achievement - GEJ insists Legit.ng gathers that Adeosun who was represented by Patience Oniha, director-general, Debt Management Office, urged Nigerians to focus on the loans long term benefits. President Muhammadu Buhari had previously written to both legislative chambers, urging them to allow the government to borrow the sum of $5.5 billion to finance the 2017 budget. The government had further insisted that in order to complete some ongoing infrastructural projects, it would have to borrow. At the defense session, Oniha told the committee: In terms of tenor, from the figures that distinguished senators have reeled out, we have them in various tenors. What you do is at the time you get to the market and you want to price, you will be more certain about the price. It could be anywhere from five to 30 years. On borrowing; while the current generation may not be around at that time (payment completion), the truth is that if we are borrowing in the long term, we are using it to finance capital projects, which are also long-term (projects) and the benefits of those projects are also long-term (benefits). I believe that some of the roads and even institutions like some universities that we see today were built before some of us were born. We should look at it this way; that the benefits are also long-term (benefits). She was further asked if early governments had used loans to fund first-generation infrastructure in the country; to which she responded: I can remember that the Federal Government issued development loan stocks under the first plan and some are actually yet to mature. Those development loan stocks were what the Federal Government used in the 60s and maybe early 70s. I know that some of them had 20 to 22 years maturity. At the time, they appeared to be very long. This is not the first time that the government is borrowing on a long-term basis. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the federal government was warned about its rising debt profile, especially foreign loans, by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The warning came on the heels of President Muhammadu Buharis recent request to the National Assembly for approval to borrow $5.5 billion to fund the 2017 budget. Has President Buhari truly taken Nigeria out of recession? - on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit.ng - A coalition of Civil Society Organisations has expressed concern about the fight against corruption by the present administration - The group also disclosed its plans to hold a protest tagged 'accountability walk' on Saturday, December 9 - They are also set to launch a radio programme called #Dorocorruption to sensitize the masses on the issues of corruption A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has expressed concern about the fight against corruption by the Muhammadu Buhari administration. The CSOs made their thoughts known during a press conference on Thursday, October 19, in Abuja. The groups include; Say No Campaign, Centre for Transparency and Accountability, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Protest to Power, Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa and Youths Initiative for Advocacy Growth and Advancement. READ ALSO: Kachikwu's memo: Presidency allegedly moves to prevent Senate from probing Baru While the desire of the current regime to fight corruption is unequivocally stated, the mannerism or body language expressed by the chief executive in the face of corruption against certain public officials close to or within his inner circle, belie and betray this noble intent. The reality of seemingly protecting sacred cows stares us right in the face and thus has become difficult to ignore. It is increasingly difficult to dismiss the albeit self-serving criticism of the corrupt opposition that the anti-corruption fight of this regime is selective and or targeted only at the opposition. For a president , reputed for having zero tolerance for corruption and famously stating explicitly that if we don't kill corruption, corruption will kill us, there has been very disturbing silence over allegations of corruption in critical positions that should have never been overlooked, the CSOs said. They hailed the recent directive by the Chief Justice of Nigeria that special courts should be designated for corruption cases. We welcome and commend this initiative of the CJN as well as the setting up of monitoring mechanisms to monitor, evaluate and report on the progress of corruption cases in the courts. While all of these are certainly steps in the right direction, we hasten to point out that we are not a nation lacking in good policies and good intentions, often times though the real challenge has been with implementation and enforcement, they said. The groups berated the National Assembly for failing to legislate relevant laws to advance the crusade against corruption, as well as deploying their oversight role in the cause of the fight. The apparent disregard for relevant anti-corruption bills on the floor of the National Assembly and the waste of time and resources deployed in deliberating such other mindless and anti-people bills like the NGO bill that is destined to fail, is a cause of worry. Had the judiciary not intervened and created a special courts to speed up corruption cases, the executive bill for the establishment of a special court division, which has been gathering dust at the Senate floor for over a year, would never have seen the light of day. Other very highly bills pilling dust at the floor of the National Assembly are the Proceeds of Crime bill, the Whistle Blower Bill and the Corporate Corruption bill," the CSOs lamented. They also demanded for immediate action on six major issues listed below: 1. The president should publish the result of the investigation o fraud against the SGF and the DG NIA mandating expedite action by the EFCC and other relevant institutions, and ensuring justice for the people of Nigeria. 2. The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, should be suspended and the EFCC should launch immediate investigation against the IGP and proceed with immediate trial if indicted. 3. The president should provide support to strengthen the existing institutions that will sustain the fight against corruption. 4. EFCC, ICPC and police should take up their constitutional role of investigating offenses and cases of corruption regardless of the position of the public official involved. 5. The National Assembly should corroborate the anti-corruption fight by expeditiously legislating bills that promote the fight; as well as by ensuring that their oversight role is deployed transparently in the aid of the fight against corruption. 6. The judiciary should be positioned and supported to deliver justice without fear or favour. In this regard, the executive and legislative arms of government should provide support for the implementation and enforcement of the recent directives of the CJN based on the resolutions and decisions of the NJC. The CSOs also announced their plans to hold a protest tagged 'accountability walk' on Saturday, December 9, if their demands are not met. They also announced the launch of radio programme called #Dorocorruption which will air every Monday on Wazobia FM 99.5, Abuja in pidgin English. Legit.ng gathered that the programme is designed to sensitize the masses on issues of corruption, encouraging public participation in ensuring good governance and providing the platform for constructive engagement with various stakeholders in the anti-corruption fight. READ ALSO: Government agencies intimidating Atiku ahead of 2019 - Timi Frank Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the forfeiture of 14 properties owned by former FCT minister, Bala Mohammed over alleged corruption. The court in its ruling, approved an application by the EFCC seeking forfeiture of the properties. Legit.ng gathered that the properties are scattered all over the FCT and were allegedly purchased and concealed under names of different companies and individuals. Are Nigerians truly tired of President Buhari? - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - Seventeen governors on the platform of the All Progressives Congress are currently plotting to remove John Odigie-Oyegun as national chairman of the ruling party - The governors have reportedly reached out to President Muhammadu Buhari over the fact that they are angry that Oyegun has run the party with only seven of their colleagues whom he believes are close to the president - Oyeguns supporters however claim that henchmen of ex-governor of Edo state, Adams Oshiomole, are planning to install him (Oshiomole) in Oyeguns place - The 17 governors are plotting to withdraw their support for Oyegun, unless he carries all of them along; and are reportedly planning to make their move at the partys upcoming NEC meeting The All Progressives Congress is currently engulfed in a crisis as 17 governors are allegedly plotting the removal of the partys national chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, The Nation reports. The governors are reportedly upset that the party chairman has been running its affairs with only seven of their colleagues; and may pass a vote of no confidence on Oyegun at the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting coming up on October 31. READ ALSO: Army killer-vaccination rumour: 11-year-old pupil severely injured while jumping fence Legit.ng gathers that a former governor of Edo state, Adams Oshiomole, has been fingered by Oyeguns supporters as the man behind the plot to remove Oyegun. Oyeguns supporters claim that ahead of the NEC meeting, Oshiomoles men have been lobbying party chiefs to install the former governor in the event that Oyegun is indeed pushed aside. To buttress their point further, the aggrieved governors are said to have gone as far as reaching out to President Muhammadu Buhari. A source who spoke on the condition of anonymity reportedly stated: Ahead of the NEC meeting of APC next week, there is tension in the party. About 17 of the 24 governors are unhappy with the national chairman. They are plotting to withdraw their support for him, unless he carries all of them along. In Oyeguns corner are Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna); Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano); Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi); Rochas Okorocha (Imo); Solomon Lalong (Plateau); Yahaya Bello (Kogi) and Samuel Ortom (Benue). The 17 governors believe that Oyegun is romancing their seven colleagues because the APC national chairman believes they are close to the president. They expressed fears that the party might split the way the National Chairman was leaving decisions on issues to the anointed governors. Another source reportedly stated: Initially, the 17 governors decided to write a letter to the APC leadership but they shelved the idea because it will appear as if they are reporting their colleagues. They are, however, reaching out to President Buhari; but through the back channels to avoid embarrassing the president during the October 31 NEC meeting. They want the president to call the national chairman to order. They said if care is not taken, they might be forced to come out openly on their concern." Another source disclosed that Oyeguns camp was aware of Oshiomoles maneuverings, stating: In the last few days, strategists of Oshiomhole have been pushing his candidacy as successor to Oyegun ahead of the NEC meeting. But the pro-Oshiomhole governors will fail because by the APC constitution, only the deputy national chairman can come from the South. Chief Segun Oni can succeed Oyegun. The thinking is that Oni could resign at the NEC meeting to contest the Ekiti State governorship primaries. The APC constitution is silent on who takes over. So, we will be running into a deeper crisis. However, in a telephone conversation, Bolaji Abdullahi, the APC national publicity secretary stated that he had no knowledge about why the governors were angry at Oyegun. He stated: I dont know the basis for the discontent because the partys leaders always meet with the governors every month. And on some occasions, we had more than 70 to 80 per cent attendance. In fact, we met with the governors on Wednesday in Abuja as part of our monthly session with them. If there is any discontent, such a forum would have provided an opportunity for them to raise it. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the APC national chairman Odigie-Oyegun stated that it would take more that newspaper headlines to sack him. He made the assertion while speaking to State House correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari. APC official reveals why his party could be voted out in 2019 - on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit.ng - Ohanaeze Ndigbo has reacted to President Muhammadu Buhari's approval of pension payment for police officers who served under the defunct Republic of Biafra - The group said the approval is a good development - Ohanaeze also said the approval is justice long denied to the people The Pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has commended the approval of the payment of pension to police officers who served under the defunct Biafra police during the civil war by President Muhammadu Buhari. The group reacting to the president's approval said the move by Buhari is a good development. READ ALSO: Details of Jonathan, IBB meeting revealed The president general of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, John Nnia-Nwodo, said while the approval is a move in the right direction, it is justice denied for too long. Nnia-Nwodo said: Its been 47 years since the war ended and many of the people who should benefit from this pension are dead already. That goes to show you how the southeast region has been marginalised and that is why we are harping on it. Its not good to be treated like a second class citizen in a country you are supposed to belong. We thank Buhari for this approval but he must tackle the issue of Igbo marginalisation headlong. Buhari must understand that justice delayed is justice denied." READ ALSO: How President Buhari is moving against Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar - Fani-Kayode Legit.ng earlier reported that President Buhari approved the payment of pension to police officers who served in the defunct Biafra during the civil war. The police officers who were dismissed at the end of the Biafra war were later pardoned by the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration in 2000. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app Buhari in his approval which was announced by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) on Wednesday, October 17, said about 162 of the retired Biafra police officers and 57 of the next of kin will be paid their benefits. The directorate said the first phase of the payment for the pension will kick off this month. I was 21 when I joined the Biafran army - Confessions of Nigerias Civil War veteran - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - The 2015 EU chief election observer to Nigeria, Santaigo Fisas has met APC national chairman John Oyegun and his PDP counterpart, Ahmed Makarfi - Fisas said his delegation was on a follow-up mission to assess the implementation of the recommendations of the 2015 EU EOM to Nigeria by stakeholders - He said some of the recommendations made in 2015 must be implemented before 2019 general elections A delegation of the 2015 European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) to Nigeria, led by chief observer, Santiago Fisas Ayxela on Thursday, October 19, visited the chairmen of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at their national secretariats in Abuja. Legit.ng gathered that the EU EOM delegation was received by the APC national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and some members of the partys National Working Committee (NWC), which included: national secretary, Mai Mala Buni; national woman leader, Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu; national organising secretary; Sen. Osita Izunaso; national youth leader, Hon. Dasuki Ibrahim Jalo and national vice chairman (north central), Hon. Zakari Idde. APC national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; Chief Observer, 2015 European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Nigeria, Santiago Fisas Ayxela and Ketil Karlsen. READ ALSO: Jonathan reveals why he visited IBB in Minna Speaking during the meeting, the 2015 EU EOM to Nigeria Chief Observer, Santiago Fisas Ayxela who is also a member of the European parliament, disclosed that the delegation was on a follow-up mission to assess the implementation of the recommendations of the 2015 EU EOM to Nigeria report by various stakeholders, including the APC and to identify the opportunities, challenges and preparations ahead of the 2019 general elections. PDP national chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi in a meeting with EU chief election observer to Nigeria Fisas Santiago Fisas Ayxela: We are very happy to be here. This is my seventh visit to Nigeria... As you know, I came for elections in 2015. I was Chief Observer of the electoral mission of the European Union. I also returned to give the President the report of our mission. A few months ago, we reached an agreement with the National Assembly and the European Parliament for capacity building. We exchanged views on how our respective Parliaments work and relationships between opposition and the government. APC national chairman, Chief John Oyegun in a meeting with the EU chief election observer to Nigeria Fisas We are here for the mutual review of the report that we made after the 2015 elections. Of course, there were some recommendations. The recommendations are up to Nigeria to accept or not. It is not the European Union that should decide on that. Some of the recommendations are to be implemented by the legislature, others by INEC and some by the political parties. We also hope to use this meeting to talk about preparation for the 2019 elections, which is not so far away. The APC national chairman in his remarks welcomed the delegation and expressed the readiness of the Party to exchange views on the 2015 EU EOM to Nigeria report and also disclosed preparations in the leadup to the 2019 General elections. We use this opportunity to renew our acquaintance. A lot of very interesting things are happening in your part of the world and ofcourse in ours. It is a good opportunity to touch base again and exchange ideas and views", he said. Also, during his visit to PDP national secretariat, Santiago Fisas Ayxela thanked the national chairman of the party, Senator Ahmed Makarfi for creating time to meet with them and said that the delegation was at the Secretariat to re-present the recommendation the EOM made after the 2015 general elections to the party for consideration. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app He also commended the former President Goodluck Jonathan for his statesmanship by conceding defeat even before the final results of the Presidential Election was declared, describing it as unusual in Africa. APC national chairman, Chief John Oyegun in a group picture with EU chief election observer to Nigeria Fisas and other members of his delegation Responding, Senator Makarfi welcomed the visitors and assured them of the PDPs cooperation concerning the proposed recommendations by the European Union Observer Mission (EOM). Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that Who is Nigeria's greatest president ever? - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - A Nigerian student has bagged four years jail term in United States of America - The student was accused of internet and email phishing scam - The fraud committed by the student led to the loss of $3.7 million by various US companies A Nigerian student living in the United States has been sentenced to 46 months imprisonment for committing fraud against some companies. The student Amaechi Amuegbunam, 30, was also ordered to pay $615,555.12 (N2.21 million) as restitution for his role in email phishing scam popularly known as Business Email Compromise that caused $3.7 million loss to US companies. Amuegbunam, Legit.ng gathered, was arrested in Baltimore in August 2015. READ ALSO: Details of Jonathan, IBB meeting revealed He was charged with scamming 17 North Texas companies out of more than $600,000 using the phishing technique. The student alongside other individuals were said to have sent fraudulent emails to companies. The emails were said to have contained misinterpretations that caused the companies to wire wire funds as instructed on a PDF file attached to the email. READ ALSO: Crisis breaks out in APC as 17 governors allegedly plot to remove Oyegun; Oshiomole fingered in conspiracy The Nigerian student was said to have tricked employees into wiring money to him by cloning letter in the companies' actual email, authorities in the US said. Investigation on his schemes began in 2013, when two North Texas companies reported falling victim to his antics. Each of the companies were said to have lost about $100,000 each. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app These actions led to the issuance on the new cyber attack by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI said referring to the scheme as Business Email Compromise." said it was a growing fraud that is more sophisticated than any similar scam the FBI has seen before. Investigations by the agency in collaboration with Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Nigeria, led to the arrest of the convict. After Amuegbunam's conviction, the in its reaction commended the EFCC for its dedication to the investigation. Legit.ng earlier reported that Fawaz Olarewaju Animasau, 27, was sentenced to two years imprisonment in the US. Animasau was accused of committing bank fraud with tow other persons. They were named in a federal indictment for charges of aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, as well as, aiding and abetting. Former NNPC group managing director Andrew Yakubu in court over fraud allegations - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - A group, the Cross River National Front, accuses the federal government of ceding Cross River territories to Cameroon twice without consultation and protection - The front, an offshoot of the Pan Niger Delta Forum says it is time to have discussions on the articles of association among the different peoples of Nigeria - The Pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, commends the approval of the payment of pension to police officers who served under the defunct Biafra police during the civil war A group, the Cross River National Front, comprising of some of the most eminent personalities in Cross River state, has called on the federal government to restructure the country to enable a fairer, more equitable and united federation. READ ALSO: Jonathan reveals why he visited IBB in Minna According to Vanguard, the group which is an offshoot of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) accused the federal government of ceding their territories twice to Cameroon without consultation and protection. The front in a communique by Senator Bassey Ewa-Henshaw, convener; Ntufam EdetAsim, secretary among 18 other leading personalities in the state said it was time to have discussions among the different peoples of Nigeria to avoid chaos. It said: We firmly insist that it is time to have precise and free discussions on the articles of association amongst the different peoples of Nigeria, with all options open for discussion. "The unity of the Nigerian federation can only be founded on equity, justice and equality for all citizens and discussions in this regard must be commenced immediately in a peaceful, honest and accommodating atmosphere to avoid the country being pushed into a situation of chaos and confusion. "The machinery for negotiation of the association with the Nigerian state by the various peoples and nationalities cannot lie with the National Assembly because of the imbalance in representation structured into the National Assembly by various military regimes. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app "We, therefore, support implementation of the various resolutions arrived at by the 2014 National Conference which will allow the states as Federating Unit to control and manage their resource and constitutionally manage their affairs." Meanwhile, the Pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has commended the approval of the payment of pension to police officers who served under the defunct Biafra police during the civil war by President Muhammadu Buhari. The group reacting to the president's approval said the move by Buhari is a good development. The president general of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, John Nnia-Nwodo, said while the approval is a move in the right direction, it is justice denied for too long. Do you prefer a restructuring of Nigeria or should we just split-up? on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - The decision of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to have as many churches as possible has been generating reactions - First to condemn the move was the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie - Okogie had described such branches of the RCCG as mere business centres - Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, agrees with Okogie's opinion Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has joined in the condemnation of the decision of the Redeemed Christian Church of God to have as many branches as possible. First to condemn the move was the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie. In a video seen by Legit.ng, Falana said: This is the danger of religiosity as opposed to spirituality. Cardinal Okogie has given a beautiful reply this morning, that what Adeboye is talking about are business centers not religious institutions. READ ALSO: Atiku hails Oyedepo's contributions to Nigeria as the Bishop turns 63 Legit.ng checks revealed that the video was recorded at the 2017 edition of the annual Felabration lecture. The RCCG general overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, had said he would love to open more churches so they can be a walking distance to peoples' homes. In response, Okogie had described such branches as mere business centres, insisting that there was indeed no godliness in planting churches in close proximity. I heard that one of my colleagues, Adeboye, said that he would love to build churches everywhere so as to make it easy for worshipers to walk to them. But for me, that is a useless statement. How can you say you will build churches everywhere? What kind of churches are you talking about? Look at traffic in Lagos for example, and those who are pastors are traders and a good number of them are business men. Such churches in most cases are more like business houses! Look at the number of churches springing up in Lagos. If the Muslims start building mosques like that, does it show that Nigeria is a religious country? Churches must ensure that there is fear of God. And Im just telling you that those churches that he is talking about are just business centres, Okojie told the New Telegraph. Video of Falana on Sahara TV: Five months ago, Okogie raised an alarm over the challenges faced by Nigerians due to poor leadership in the country. In a statement titled: Do we have a nation? A Stitch in Time Saves Nine, the respected Catholic leader said Nigeria has broken down and is currently not working. He further stated that the waves of insecurity, activities of herdsmen, militants in the Niger-Delta and the agitation for Biafra is from a result of a faulty constitution, corruption and lack of accountability from leaders. READ ALSO: Gunmen abduct Catholic priests in Ebonyi, Edo Do churches need armed security guards? on - Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - The former governor of Akwa Ibom state, Godswill Akpabio, has refused to comment on the closure of the Specialist Hospital in the state - An aide to the former governor said Akpabio would not want to comment on anything that has to do with the hospital - However, commissioner for health in the state, Dominic Ukpong, said the closure of the hospital is due to poor management The former governor of Akwa Ibom state, Godswill Akpabio, is yet to react to the closure of the N41 billion Akwa Ibom specialist Hospital in Uyo. Akpabio who inaugurated the hospital which he termed "world class" hospital has chosen to remain silent on reports of the closure of the facility. Premium Times reports that the former governor who is the Senate's minority leader refused to speak on the matter when contacted. The special assistant to the minority leader, Anietie Ekong, said the senator has moved on from being a governor. READ ALSO: Falana agrees with Okojie's assertion that Pastor Adeboye is creating business centers, not churches (video) Ekong said the former governor would not want to comment on anything that has to do with the hospital. He said: "He has finished his job in the state and has moved on. So, whatever happens now is for the state government to handle. The hospital was not his personal property. We believe that government is a continuum. Senator Akpabio has finished his bid and has moved on." Also a former aide to Akpabio said the onus is on the managers of the hospital, Cardiocare Limited, to tell Nigerians what they know about the status of the hospital. READ ALSO: Details of Jonathan, IBB meeting revealed The commissioner for health in the state, Dominic Ukpong, said the closure of the hospital is due to poor management. However, the managers have on their part declined comment on the care for the hospital. Cadiocare Limited denied comment when contacted on the issue. But the former special assistant to Akpabio on diaspora, Clement Ikpatt, said since the government has made its remark on the state of the hospital, the managers are still expected to give their on part of the story. READ ALSO: Breaking: Panic on Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge as man jumps into Lagos lagoon I dont see how a company would suddenly decide to scuttle the contract that they signed, pack their bags and move away. Something must have happened. There are some businesses that may not be very wise to shut down because of the nature of the service they provide. We know that there are state-of-the-art equipment in that place. We dont want a story that after some months when it is eventually re-opened, somebody is going to come and tell us that the equipment that were bought were state-of-the-art as at that time, but now they have not been calibrated, they have not been used, and they are rotting away. If you dont use the equipment and have them calibrated and repair as necessary according to international best practices, whats the point of coming to open the hospital one or two years down the line? he asked. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app He further warned the government not to contemplate selling the hospital but to scout for indigenes of the state who would manage the facility properly. Legit.ng earlier reported that the commissioner for health in Akwa Ibom said the Specialist Hospital in the state has been shut down. Ukpong said the hospital was shut down due to disagreement between the state government and the managers of the hospital. He also said the managers had given excuses that the state government did not meet up with their own obligation in maintenance of the facility. Would you donate a kidney to save President Buhari if he needs one? - on Legit.ng TV. Source: Legit.ng - Former president, Goodluck Jonathan, accuses the APC led administration of running a government on lies and propaganda - He faults those who criticised his administration for not talking now that the global crude oil is about 53 dollars per barrel and the pump price of petrol is N143 - APC is currently engulfed in a crisis over alleged plot to remove the partys national chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun The special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, has said the main difference between President Muhammadu Buhari and former president, Goodluck Jonathan, is trust. READ ALSO: Jonathan reveals why he visited IBB in Minna Adesina made the statement on Friday, October 20, in response to Jonathans comments on the fuel price hike by the Buhari regime. The former president had on Thursday, October 19, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of running a government on lies and propaganda. Speaking when he received Tunde Adeniran, a chairmanship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Abuja on Thursday, Jonathan questioned why those who criticised his administration for hiking the price of petroleum products failed to speak against the current government for doing same. He said: My government was severely criticised for increasing the pump price of petroleum from N67 to N97 at a time that global crude price was going for over 100 dollars. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app The pump price was later reduced to N87 when the price of crude oil dropped and they attacked us that it was supposed to be lower. Those who criticised my administration are not talking again now that the global crude oil is about 53 dollars per barrel and the pump price of petrol is N143. But in reply, Femi Adesina in a tweet said trust was the reason Nigerians held their peace when petrol went to N145 under Buhari. He said: When petrol went to N145 under PMB, Nigerians held their peace, unlike when they shut the country in 2012. The difference is trust. Simple. See Adesinas tweet below: Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress is currently engulfed in a crisis as 17 governors are allegedly plotting the removal of the partys national chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun. The Nation reports that the governors are reportedly upset that the party chairman has been running its affairs with only seven of their colleagues; and may pass a vote of no confidence on Oyegun at the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting coming up on October 31. Legit.ng gathered that a former governor of Edo state, Adams Oshiomole, has been fingered by Oyeguns supporters as the man behind the plot to remove Oyegun. Oyeguns supporters claim that ahead of the NEC meeting, Oshiomoles men have been lobbying party chiefs to install the former governor in the event that Oyegun is indeed pushed aside. To buttress their point further, the aggrieved governors are said to have gone as far as reaching out to President Muhammadu Buhari. APC is the worst party in Nigeria, I regret being a member on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - Nigeria's quest to defeat Islamist group, Boko Haram is still on course - The mission is however becoming increasingly difficult by the day as the terrorists regroup and attack every now and then - Senior officers of the Nigerian Army are also not immune from the attacks A report by Sahara Reporters claims that six persons were killed on Thursday, October 19, when suspected Boko Haram terrorists ambushed the convoy a Nigerian military senior officer. According to the report, the terrorists attacked the Nigerian Army's commanding officer near Bulabilin, a village along the Maiduguri/Damboa highway. Quoting an unnamed security source, the report also said the attack left scores of injured people. Nigerian Army convoys are routinely targeted by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno state. Source: Twitter READ ALSO: Scores of Boko Haram members arrested in Kano - Governor Ganduje The commanding officers convoy was reportedly travelling along the road when it suddenly came under heavy fire by insurgents. The source said: Our convoy came under terrorist attack yesterday a few kilometres after Bulabilin when the commanding officer of Bulabilin village was going to Damboa. Unrepentant terrorists killed our soldiers and seriously wounded others, said the source. He added that the wounded soldiers were taken to the military hospital in Maiduguri for treatment. The Nigeria military is yet to issue a statement on the alleged ambush at the time Legit.ng published this report. Meanwhile, the Pentagon on Monday, August 28, notified the U.S. Congress that Nigeria is set to buy 12 Super Tucano A-29 planes and weapons worth $593 million (over N200 billion). It was specifically mentioned that Nigeria wants to utilize the planes for its fight against Boko Haram. The Super Tucano A-29, an agile, propeller-driven plane with reconnaissance and surveillance as well as attack capabilities, is made by Brazils Embraer. Both countries hope that the propeller-driven warplanes tailored for counter-insurgency operations will bolster Nigerian efforts to combat Boko Haram. READ ALSO: Wife of UNIMAID staff laments over FG's inability to secure husband, colleagues release from Boko Haram Nigerian Air Force operations against Boko Haram on - Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng Chinas ruling Communist Party is expanding its role in business even as it promises freer markets and support for entrepreneurs on the eve of President Xi Jinpings second five- year term as leader. Party officials are tightening their control over state-owned enterprises and want a voice in how some foreign companies are run. State companies that dominate energy and other fields are being made even bigger through mergers. Some are forming ties with private sector success stories such as tech giants Alibaba and Tencent to draw on their skills. Beijings conflicting goals are raising concerns that leaders might put off changes needed to reinvigorate a cooling economy that faces surging debt and trade tensions with Washington and Europe. There is no grand vision. There are parallel goals that are competing with each other, said Andrew Polk, an economist at Trivium/China, a research firm in Beijing. We are not sure which ones are going to win out at a given moment. No major policy changes are expected out of the twice-a-decade party congress that is due to re-appoint Xi as general secretary. The party also will name a Standing Committee, the countrys ruling inner circle of power, in preparation for installing a new government in early 2018. The impact of those choices, by creating jobs and business opportunities or dragging on economic activity, will take time to filter down to ordinary Chinese. At the opening of the congress Wednesday, Xi repeated official promises to support entrepreneurs and give market forces a decisive role but affirmed the dominance of state-owned industry. There must be no irresolution about working to consolidate and develop the public sector, said Xi in a nationally televised address. Data released yesterday showed economic growth stayed relatively stable in the quarter ending in September, buoyed by strength in consumer spending and exports. Output rose 6.8 percent, down marginally from the previous quarters 6.9 percent. Investors are watching the congress for signs of where the party wants to go and how fast. A key indicator will be which posts go to Xi allies seen as reformers with the personal authority to overcome opposition from party or state industry factions that might lose influence. One closely watched figure is Wang Qishan, a vice premier and respected problem-solver who oversaw Chinas response to SARS and at age 69 is obliged by party tradition to leave the seven-person Standing Committee. If he stays in a leadership post, analysts say that would suggest Xi wants his help to carry out painful changes. Reform advocates complain that since Xi took power in 2012, the leadership has dragged its feet on fulfilling promises to tackle debt that has soared to dangerous levels, curb the dominance of state industry and give a bigger role to entrepreneurs who create Chinas new jobs and wealth. Instead, Xi focused on an anti-corruption campaign and tightened political control, detained activist lawyers and stepped up internet censorship. Foreign industry groups complain China is moving too slowly on promises to shrink state-owned steel and aluminum producers they accuse of threatening jobs by flooding global markets with low-cost exports. Generally speaking, there has been no major progress in economic reform, said Sheng Hong, director of the Unirule Institute, an independent economic research group in Beijing. Regulators closed Unirules website and social media accounts in a crackdown in January on liberal voices. The partys internal conflict is reflected in a 2013 declaration that promised for the first time to give market forces the decisive role but also vowed the party would intensify its control of state industry. Private sector analysts say this appears to be aimed at rooting out corruption and waste. This year, some foreign companies say the party, which already has cells in all enterprises and controls agencies that regulate them, is trying to expand its authority further by asking for a formal voice in commercial decisions. Some 32 mainland companies with shares traded in Hong Kong have proposed changes to their legal structure to make the party an adviser to their board. Financial commentators complain this might hurt shareholders. This is potentially a huge problem, said the German ambassador to China, Michael Clauss. Many foreign companies are very alarmed. Foreign companies already are frustrated by rules that give them little access to industries such as finance and technology, plans they say might limit their role in promising fields such as electric cars. That pessimism helped lead to a 1.2 percent decline in investment into China in the first seven months of this year, breaking a series of annual double-digit gains. A business leader in Wenzhou, a southeastern city known as a hotbed of private sector activity, welcomed Xis pledge to do more to help entrepreneurs. If private enterprises succeed, Chinas economy succeeds, said Zhou Dewen, president of the citys Association for Promotion of Development of Small and Medium-sized Companies. Beijing is pushing entrepreneurs to support state-owned enterprises, or SOEs. The party pledged in a Sept. 25 declaration to promote entrepreneurial spirit while also urging entrepreneurs to learn socialist core values. In August, one of the countrys three major state-owned phone carriers, China Unicom Ltd., sold an USD11.7 billion stake to private investors including Alibaba Group, the biggest global e-commerce company by sales volume; Tencent Holdings Ltd., which operates the popular WeChat social media platform, and internet search giant Baidu Inc. There was no indication they would get any voice in management. In September, Tencent paid $366 million for 5 percent of state-owned investment bank China International Capital Corp. CICC gets access to Tencents marketing and other skills, but the private company gained no management control. Other state companies have announced similar plans to bring in private shareholders. Meanwhile, authorities are discussing taking a direct state ownership stake in Alibaba and Tencent, The Wall Street Journal reported this month, citing unidentified sources. Supposed reforms in state- own companies such as mixed ownership can never be called a reform, said Sheng. Setting up party committees in companies not only is not a reform, but is a step backward. In August, the government announced the merger of Shenhua Group, the worlds biggest coal producer, and Guodian Group, a major power supplier, to form the worlds biggest utility by assets. They are being quite clear that they want bigger, bolder, better SOEs, with not just state but party leadership, said Polk. The pressure for action is building. Economic growth has been propped up this year by a lending boom and government stimulus, but that sets back official efforts to build a consumer-driven economy. Forecasters expect growth to cool as regulators tighten lending controls to rein in debt that has risen to the equivalent of 260 percent of annual economic output unusually high for a developing country. Strains within the countrys banking sector are already glaringly evident, the Economist Intelligence Unit said in a report. Joe McDonald, AP 70 pct foreign companies with party cells Chinas Communist Party aims to increase the number of companies with active party organizations, including those in foreign firms. Some 70 percent of the 106,000 foreign companies operating in China already have one, Qi Yu, vice minister of the Organization Department, said at a briefing in Beijing on yeterday during the 19th Party Congress. Among Chinas 147,000 state-owned enterprises, 93.2 percent have a party organization, while among its 2.7 million private companies, 67.9 percent have one, according to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the countrys top graft-fighting body. - Osita Okechukwu asked Goodluck Jonathan to retire quietly - The VON director said the former president did not achieve a single thing - He said some of the contracts he awarded were not fulfilled The All Progressives Congress (APC), has lashed out at former president, Goodluck Jonathan, asking him to retire quietly or they will be forced to expose him. The Nation reports that Ostia Okechukwu who is the director of the Voice of Nigeria spoke in reaction to Jonathans accusation that the APC won using propaganda and deceit and that the party has failed to achieve anything. READ ALSO: Identity of man who jumped into Lagos lagoon revealed Okechukwu challenged Jonathan to mention any project he was able to complete while he was in power for six years. He said the former administration witnessed huge siphoning of the countrys fund while leaving behind serious infrastructural decay. He said: Mr President was very clear that the man left almost an empty treasury, consequent unpinned which we have a huge infrastructure deficit. The world knows that almost all infrastructure that Jonathan inherited went bad. We are challenging him to show us one project he completed. Is it the Green Field refineries. He told us on May 13, 2010, that he is going to build three greenfield refineries at $23 billion. The contract was awarded to the Chinese under Public Private Partnership. One was to be located in Bayelsa, one in Lagos and the other in Kogi state. We challenge him to show us the three greenfield refineries or tell us where the money he voted for the project is. I am talking at a time when our Excess Crude Account was in the excess of short $17 billion. The Chinese came back and told him they were going to contribute about 80 percent of the three greenfield refineries. We have not seen any of them. If we had seen the three greenfield refineries which he publicly announced, the billions we lost in the importation of refined petroleum products and the gross unemployment engendered by the looting of that fund would have been avoided and that is what we are talking about. Before and during his regime, there was money voted for the cleaning of Ogoni environment that was degraded by oil spill. It is The Buhari regime that started that project now. Did Jonathan do anything there, did he complete the East/West road? That is a road that covers the nerve Centre of the Niger Delta where he comes from. If there is any project that he promised to implement that he has done, he should tell us. Dont forget that the average price then was about $100 per barrel. I dont see how he can be calling for a public debate because I am talking of just one region. Even the development he did in the Nigerian Airports, is it commensurate with the amount of money voted or the amount of money borrowed? He said he did this or that. Is it commensurate with the amount of money voted? If I am in his shoes, I should retire back to the village or any city of my choice and keep my cool because if he talks of a debate, we will bring out what happened during his time. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app The fact that his wife was coming to claim $15 million saying it was out of her handwork borne out of being the First Lady and a Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa state. Is it that other Nigerians are not working hard to be worth $15 million. So, let us not go into Jonathan s matter. We are not talking of Dizeani who was Minister of Petroleum under his government who failed to do anything to develop the Niger Delta, rather resorted to an illegal accumulation of wealth. I have great respect for him as a former President and being gracious enough to accept his defeat. But if he wants to open the vault, then we can go back and open the pandora box for him. So, let us leave it at that. Meanwhile, The special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, said the main difference between President Muhammadu Buhari and Jonathan, is trust. Adesina made the statement on Friday, October 20, in response to Jonathans comments on the fuel price hike by the Buhari regime. Nigerians want PDP back in 2019 - Goodluck Jonathan declares at PDP Caucus Meeting on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - Six Fulani herdsmen were reportedly killed in Plateau - Their cattle were also rustled and some killed - Miyetti Allah confirmed and condemned the attack Six Fulani herdsmen have allegedly been killed in in Kuri village in Bassa local government area of Plateau state by suspected members of a militant group named Irigwe. Vanguard reports that the attack was carried out on Sunday, October 15 when the Fulani herdsmen were grazing their cattle. READ ALSO: APC blasts Jonathan, asks him to quietly retire It was reported that the militia attacked, beheaded and carted their heads away. Also, a total of 40 sheep and nine cows were killed while 232 herds of cattle belonging to the families of the deceased persons were also rustled. The divisional police officer of the local government was informed of the tragic incident and he visited the location to confirm the attack. The Plateau state chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) also confirmed the killing. Nura Muhammad Abdullahi who is the chairman condemned the killing. He said: We wholeheartedly condemned the killings of all innocent lives, destruction of properties and rustling of Fulani cows. We also observed the unbalanced in reporting the incident by the media, where they neglected and refused to interview or contact the Fulani community to capture the killings of the six (6) deceased, 40 sheep and 9 cows machete to dead and the 232 rustled cows by the Irigwe militia. We are peace-loving people, therefore, calling on Plateau state Government and security operatives to investigate, fetch out the killers and take necessary action that will stop future reoccurrence Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force deployed some of its air assets to Plateau state in a bid to maintain peace in the state following reports of attacks. In a statement by NAF on Thursday, October 19, it explained that the deployment was ordered by Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, the chief of air staff. This is in compliance with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari to put an end to the killings and violence reported in the state. NAF said the deployment was to provide air cover to ground troops in order to stop attacks in the state. STREET GIST: Signing of 2017 budget in June, same old story? - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng Eduardo Cabrita, aged 61, has been announced as the new Portuguese interior minister, replacing former minister Constanca Urbano de Sousa, who resigned two days ago in the face of criticism related to the wildfires that recently hit Portugal. The final blow to the minister occurred over Sunday and Monday, when wildfires killed 42 people and injured many others. Cabrita, who is currently deputy minister, was responsible for the countrys process of decentralization, which Premier Antonio Costa considered to be one of the main tasks. Cabrita was formerly secretary of state of Local Administration, and also played a role in the handover of Macau. In the late 1980s, he was a permanent expert of the Portuguese Representation in the Portugal-China work group on Macau, before becoming an advisor to the Macau Government as Assistant Secretary for Justice in 1988. Cabrita was also a lecturer at the University of Macaus Faculty of Law for several years. Taxi fare increase during typhoons suggested Transport Advisory Committee member Wong Seng Fat said that it is necessary for the government to set an additional charge for taxis during typhoons, according to a report by Macao Daily News. Once the regulations are established, Wong believes the government should crack down harshly on such taxi infractions. When taking taxis during these typhoon occurrences, [passengers] should also not expect to be charged the usual prices. In Wongs opinion, a basic additional charge should be settled first, with additional charges added later based on distance. Si Ka Lon says Macau transportation policy failed Lawmaker Si Ka Lon described Macaus transportation policies as failures during his interview on a radio show. Si said because the Light Rapid Transit is still under construction, the public transportation network is unable to keep up with societys development. He also said that he does not oppose a bus fare increase, but disagrees with the governments current reasons for increasing bus fares. Si believes that when the citys bus service quality sees no obvious improvement, the public will naturally oppose any increase of bus fares. Cash declaration law to be implemented in November The Control of Cross-Boundary Transport of Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments (CBNIs) will take effect on November 1. According to the new regulation, inbound visitors who bring with them CBNIs such as Travelers cheques, drafts, payment orders or promissory notes equal to or exceeding MOP 120,000 should use the Red Channel. They should fill out the declaration form clearly and proactively declare their CBNIs to Customs Services. Departure passengers may be subject to questioning by a customs agent upon request, or be liable to a fine of MOP 1,000 to MOP 500,000. The declaration range does not include gold and other precious metals and stones, or the transit travelers who have a layover in Macau. UM to hold European Commission workshop tomorrow The University of Macau, under its Jean Monnet Project, Decision-making processes: Pedagogical simulations for university students, will host a workshop on the European Commission tomorrow at the UM campus. The event, which marks the 60th anniversary since the Treaty of Rome, is the second workshop on the European Commission this year. The workshop will bring 28 university students in Macau together to learn more about the European Union and the decision-making processes within the European Commission. Participants will simulate a meeting of the College of Commissioners to discuss issues about Brexit. The workshop will be held at the Faculty of Law, Building E32, Room 2008, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Jean Monnet Project Decision-making processes is a partnership between the University of Macau and the Institute of European Studies of Macau, co-founded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. Silvia Goncalves wins Lusophone Journalism Award Silvia Goncalves, who works for newspaper Ponto Final, has won the Lusophone Journalist Award, established by Jornal Tribuna de Macau (JTM) and the Portuguese Press Club. The journalist won the award with a feature titled Floriram por Pessanha as rosas bravas (roughly translated as The wild roses bloomed for Pessanha), an evocative article about the 150th anniversary of the birth of Camilo Pessanha, which was published on September 8. The feature beat almost 20 other works to the prize. The jury of the contest noted the originality of the approach and construction of the story, with the winner being chosen in full consensus. The award EUR10,000 in prize money will be delivered to the journalist on November 1 at the Military Club during an event to celebrate the 35th anniversary of JTM. - The man who jumped into the Lagos Lagoon came from Ondo state - He reportedly left his home three days earlier - His family members have been informed of the incident A family member of the man who jumped into the Lagos Lagoon has reacted to the incident saying he left his Ondo state residence three days ago. The Nation reports that the family member said the man identified as Adekunle Oluseyi attended a church programme at the Redemption Camp. READ ALSO: Six Fulani herdsmen allegedly killed in Plateau state He reportedly took off his clothes, phone, wristwatch, wallet, band and shoes before jumping into the water at about 10am on Friday, October 20. The recovered wallet contained no cash but two ATM cards. LCCI officials on getting the news of the incident checked their CCTV and when they confirmed alerted emergency workers. Adesina Tiamiyu who is the general manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency said the body of the man had not been found yet. He said: We cannot say whether he is dead or alive. All we can say right now is that he is missing. It is confirmed that the man jumped into the lagoon. LASWA, LASEMA and Marine Police have been searching for him since we got the distress call from LCCI. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app From the CCTV footage, he suddenly pulled off his clothes and shoe. He looked to be sure there was no one around him and jumped into the lagoon. We are making efforts to find him alive or recover the body. His family has been contacted and all items found on him have been handed over to the police. Legit.ng earlier reported that rescue officials disclosed the identity of the man who jumped off the Lekki-Ikoyi bridge into the Lagos lagoon.. He has been identified as Oluseyi Adekunle, Channels TV reports. The marine police and other officials rushed to the scene to rescue the victim but were unsuccessful in their attempt. What could make you take your own life? on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng By Thomas Sampson, Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics, London School of Economics; Research Affiliate, CEPR. Originally published at VoxEU. While we can estimate the economic impact of Brexit, we do not yet understand what made people vote for it. This column argues that political pro-Brexit rhetoric conflates two distinct hypotheses that have different policy implications. If voters wanted to reclaim sovereignty from the EU, they may view a negative economic impact as a price worth paying. But, if left-behind voters blamed the EU for their economic and social problems, post-Brexit policy should focus on the underlying causes of discontent. The period since WWII has been marked by growing economic and cultural globalisation and, in Europe, increasing political integration inside the EU. Brexit bucks this trend. It has ignited a debate about the future of the EU, and the extent to which further globalisation is inevitable. For example, after the Brexit vote, the European Commission issued a white paper laying out scenarios for the future of the EU. It included not only muddling through and committing to closer integration, but also scaling back the EU to just the single market, or building a multi-speed Europe (European Commission 2017). It is too soon to know whether Brexit will be merely a diversion on the path to greater integration, a sign globalisation has reached its limits, or the start of a new era of protectionism. In recent work, I attempt to shed light on the implications of Brexit by summarising the research so far on the likely economic consequences of Brexit, and discussing the evidence on why the UK voted to leave the EU( Sampson 2017). The Economic Consequences of Brexit Forecasting the economic consequences of Brexit is made difficult by the lack of a close historical precedent, and uncertainty over what form future relations between the UK and the EU will take. Facing this challenge, researchers have used three approaches to estimate the effects Brexit: Historical case studies of the economic consequences of joining the EU (Campos et al. 2014, Crafts 2016). Simulations of Brexit using computational general equilibrium trade models (Aichele and Felbermayr 2015, Ciuriak et al. 2015, Dhingra et al. 2017). Reduced-form evidence based on estimates of how EU membership affects trade, and how trade affects income per capita (Dhingra et al. 2017). Each of these approaches has its limitations, but there has been a consensus that, in the long run, Brexit will make the UK poorer because it will create new barriers to trade, foreign direct investment, and immigration. Its less certain how large that effect will be. Plausible estimates range between 1% and 10% of the UKs income per capita. Other EU countries are also likely to suffer from reduced trade, but their losses will probably be much smaller. This uncertainty has two sources. First, different research strategies produce different results. Methods that attempt to capture the effect of Brexit on foreign direct investment and productivity growth report larger losses. Second, the losses will depend on the terms under which the UK and EU trade following Brexit. Continued membership of the single market is the best option for the British and European economies. If the UK leaves the single market, research shows that to minimise the costs UK-EU negotiations should prioritise keeping non-tariff barriers low and ensuring market access in services, rather than purely focusing on tariffs. Less is known about the likely dynamics of the transition process, or the extent to which economic uncertainty and anticipation effects will affect economic activity before Brexit happens. Who Voted for Brexit? The referendum split the electorate on the basis of geography, age, education, and ethnicity. Figure 1 shows data on voting patterns. England and Wales voted to leave, while Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain. In England, support for Brexit was low in London, where only 40% voted to leave. Older and less-educated voters were more likely to vote leave, while large majorities of black and Asian voters supported remain. Voting to leave the EU was also strongly associated with holding socially conservative political beliefs, and thinking life in Britain is getting worse (Lord Ashcroft Polls 2016). Econometric studies of voting outcomes by area (Goodwin and Heath 2016a, Becker, Fetzer, and Novy 2016, Colantone and Stanig 2016) and voting intentions at the individual level (Goodwin and Heath 2016b, Colantone and Stanig 2016) have established three main regularities: Education and age: These are the strongest demographic predictors of voting behaviour, with education stronger than age. Poor economic outcomes: At the individual or area level, these are associated with voting to leave, but economic variables account for less of the variation in the leave vote share than educational differences. Immigration: Support for leaving the EU is strongly associated with self-reported opposition to immigration, but a higher share of EU immigrants in the local population is actually associated with a reduction in the leave vote share. There is some evidence growth in immigration, particularly from the 12 predominantly eastern European countries that joined the EU in 2004 and 2007, is associated with a higher leave vote share, but the effect is small and not always present. The picture painted by the voting data is that the Brexit campaign succeeded because it received the support of a coalition of voters who felt left behind in modern Britain. People may have felt left behind because of their education, age, economic situation or because of tensions between their values and the direction of social change, but, broadly speaking, a feeling of social and economic exclusion appears to have translated into support for Brexit. Figure 1 Leave vote shares in Brexit referendum Source: Regional data from the Electoral Commission; demographic data from Lord Ashcroft Polls (2016). Why Did the UK Vote for Brexit? Knowing that left-behind voters supported Brexit does not tell us why they voted for Brexit. We can immediately rule out one explanation the vote was not the result of a rational assessment of the economic costs and benefits of Brexit. As discussed above, EU membership benefits the UK economy on aggregate, and there is no evidence that changes in either trade or immigration due to EU membership have had large enough distributional consequences to offset the aggregate benefits, and leave left-behind voters worse off. This leaves two plausible hypotheses for why the UK voted to leave. Primacy of the nation state. Successful democratic government requires the consent and participation of the governed. British people identify as citizens of the UK, not the EU. Consequently, they feel the UK should be governed as a sovereign nation state. According to this hypothesis, the UK voted to leave because Brexit supporters wanted to take back control of their borders and their country. Scapegoating the EU. Many people feel left behind by modern Britain. Influenced by anti-EU sentiments as expressed in newspapers and by euro-sceptic politicians, they blame immigration and the EU for many of their problems. According to this hypothesis, voters supported Brexit because they believed EU membership increases their discontent with the status quo. It is likely that both hypotheses played some role in the referendum outcome, but we do not know how much each contributed to it. When leave voters are asked to explain their vote, they talk about national sovereignty and immigration. But these responses are consistent with either hypothesis. They could reflect voters attachment to the UK as a nation state, or they may mirror the language used by pro-Brexit newspapers and politicians. The nation-state and scapegoating hypotheses have different implications, however, for how policymakers should respond to Brexit, and for the future of European and global integration. Brexit and the Future of International Integration The nation-state hypothesis is closely related to Rodriks (2011) idea that nation states, democratic politics and deep international economic integration are mutually incompatible. From this perspective, the deep integration promoted by the EU, in particular free movement of labour and regulatory harmonisation, cannot coexist with national democracy. For Europe to remain democratic, either the people of Europe must develop a collective identity, or the supranational powers of the EU must be reduced. The nation-state hypothesis, however, does not directly threaten the sustainability of shallow integration agreements that aim to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade. The UK governments current approach to Brexit assumes the validity of the nation-state hypothesis (Fox 2016, May 2017). The scapegoating hypothesis does not threaten the ideal of the EU as a supranational political project, or provide an immediate reason to reconsider the desirability of deep integration. But it does pose a different challenge to the future of international integration. As long as geography continues to be an important determinant of group identity, international institutions will always be more vulnerable to losing popular support than domestic institutions. Colantone and Stanig (2016) found that exposure to Chinese import competition had a positive effect on support for Brexit. This would be consistent with the scapegoating hypothesis. If this hypothesis proves correct, policymakers seeking to promote European and global integration have two main options available. One would be to channel popular protests against another target. The other would be for policymakers to focus on tackling the underlying causes of discontent among left-behind voters. Addressing economic and social exclusion is a daunting challenge, but enacting policies that would support disadvantaged households and regions, and broaden access to higher education, would be an obvious starting point. Responding to Brexit Voters Understanding and responding to the motivations of voters who oppose the EU will play an important role in determining whether the benefits of economic and political integration can be preserved. If British voters supported Brexit to reclaim sovereignty from the EU, then, provided they are willing to pay the economic price for leaving the single market, they will view Brexit as a success. But, if misinformation drove support for Brexit, then leaving the EU will not make them happier. References in the original post. Lambert here: Jerri-Lynn was all over Modis demonetization debacle from its inception; see especially here, here, and here, all from 2016. (See also Clive on cash and the lessons of history.) Jerri-Lynn concluded: Demonetization in India has been a debacle, and there is no end to the problems that it has created currently in sight. The best that can be said about it is that it might deter political leaders in other countries think long and hard before initiating similarly ill-conceived, premature efforts to try and nudge transactions away from cash and toward cashless payment systems. Too bad Indians, and especially working class Indians, had to be the sacrificial lambs in this ill-conceived and poorly executed scheme. By Jayati Ghosh, Professor of Economics and Chairperson at the Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India. Cross-posted from Triple Crisis. So its official: cash use is back in almost full force in the Indian economy. Cash withdrawals from ATM machines a reasonable if incomplete proxy for the use of cash in the economy are nearly back to the level of just before the demonetisation shock of 8 November 2016. RBI data on use of debit and credit cards to withdraw money from ATMs show that such withdrawals, which had collapsed to only Rs 850 billion in December 2016 largely because of the sheer unavailability of cash with such machines, amounted to Rs 2.27 trillion in July 2017, only slightly below the Rs 2.55 trillion withdrawals recorded for October 2016. It is worth noting that this reliance on cash is back despite the fact that the RBI is yet to remonetise the economy fully: currency with the public on 15 September 2017 was still 11 per cent below its level of a year earlier. It cannot simply be assumed (as was done in the Economic Survey 2016-17 Volume II) that this reflects lower demand from currency by the public, since there is no evidence that it is not supply-constrained. Rather, the aggressive return of cash use suggests that it has only been the lack of supply of cash that has constrained people from using it in payments and exchange settlement. Indeed, it is likely that if the RBI does fully remonetise, then cash use will increase further, since the economy is still growing and therefore the volume and value of total transactions must increase. What is more surprising is that total digital payments have not increased more along with economic growth. In fact such payments, which peaked dramatically in December 2016, are also back to the levels broadly seen in September-October 2016, despite the many incentives provided for such payments through official policy. This makes it apparent that demonetisation failed on this front as well, in addition to the spectacular failure of not being able to flush out black money from the system since almost all the banned notes were returned to banks. The aim of digitisation of the economy by forcing a comprehensive shift to cashless electronic means of payment was declared to be one of the primary goals of that expensive and economically damaging exercise. But now it seems that such a coercive process was untenable: the shift to cashlessness cannot be forced upon people, especially in the absence of other enabling and supporting conditions. Of course, it is true that some digital payments, such as debit card use at point of sale, are increasing, albeit relatively slowly and probably at the same rate that they were increasing before the demonetisation move. The total amount involved in mobile wallet transactions has also increased from Rs 33 billion in October 2016 to Rs 69 billion in July 2017 but this is still lower than the amount of Rs 84 billion recorded in January 2017. This suggests that the supposed convenience of mobile wallets may have been overplayed, especially in relation to the costs imposed upon transactors because of the need to ensure some returns to such e-wallet providers. So what is it that makes cash use so central to economic activity in India and makes even the enforced digitisation of transactions so difficult and so transient? One obvious answer is the sheer inadequacy of the infrastructure and connectivity required for electronic payments. The basic banking infrastructure is far from providing universal access, despite the claims of the Jan Dhan Yojana; the cyber infrastructure for adequate Point of Sale machines is still massively below requirement; the most basic issues of lack of connectivity and frequent breakdown of internet communications and mobile telephony services continue to plague would-be users. These problems are clearly greater in underserved and far-flung rural areas with difficult geography, but they are also very much present in urban areas, including our largest metros. All this should have been apparent to anyone when the move was announced, and indeed was pointed out repeatedly by several observers. But the enthusiasm with which various officials rushed to prove their loyalty to the cause, such that villages and sometimes entire districts and even states were declared cashless in a few weeks, served to obscure that reality. As it happens, most of those cashless localities were never anything near that, and most of them have reverted to almost complete cash use for daily transactions. For example, the village of Dhasai in Maharashtra was proudly declared to be the first cashless village in that state, but within a few months it was apparent that lack of continuous electricity supply (with frequent and extended power cuts) and poor mobile and landline connectivity, such that sometimes networks are unavailable for as long as a week at a time, meant that the few Point of Sale machines in the village were effectively dysfunctional. Similarly, the government of Goa had declared that the state would become fully cashless by 31 December 2016 but nine months later, the use of cash is not only extensive across the state, but in many situations it is the only available option for would-be purchasers. There are of course other concerns with digital transactions: the lack of privacy and enhanced possibilities of surveillance; the risks of being exposed to identity theft and other cybercrime; the possible compromising of personal data leading to financial loss because of very poor cyber security laws and systems in India, and so on. But it is also likely that the biggest factor holding back digitisation is the lack of infrastructure and connectivity, and these are issues that can only be dealt with slowly and systematically, not through grandiose announcements and threats. Many in the government appeared to believe that the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax would be one more force pushing people towards digital transactions. The argument was that the trail of transactions required to claim refunds on GST would make it preferable for producers, suppliers, traders and other businessmen to move to electronic transactions that would be easier to monitor and calculate, and would also make the filing of returns easier. But the GST itself is plagued with massive design flaws and very shoddy implementation, which has even acted as an incentive to rely more on cash transactions. The multiplicity of rates, the complexity of the system, the widespread confusion about different categories, the costs and sheer difficulties in even filing online returns, have all meant that small businesses in particular have reverted to cash. Even in big megacities like Delhi, consumers can testify to the fact that the kaccha bill of items written on a piece of paper has made a comeback in a big way. The failure of this attempt at digitisation is the result of what now appears to be a basic flaw in the approach of this central government towards much policy: a cart-before-horse attitude that does not take into account the wider context, underlying factors and supportive and enabling conditions that must be met for any policy measure to succeed. That is why we have a Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in which people are rushing around building basic toilets to fulfil targets, without addressing the problem of water supply for these toilets, or taking into consideration the implications for workers who must be the backbone of any proper sanitation system. That is why the Make in India programme is floundering, with no significant increase in private investment, because the essential requirements such as good transport infrastructure and amenities are not first taken care of. That is why most declared Smart Cities are turning out to be anything but that, because the planning and painstaking effort required to create properly functioning urban models is simply absent. As long as the government is focussed on optics and flamboyant announcements rather than actual delivery and meeting of its own promises, such a state of affairs will continue. It remains to be seen whether the governments admittedly expert media management and public relations wizardry will continue to be as effective in that future context. Thursday, October 19, 2017 by: Jonathan Landsman Tags: cancer , electropollution , EMF , pollution , prevention This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author (Natural News) For decades, neuroscientist Olle Johansson, PhD has sounded the alarm about the dangers of artificial electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs). Dr. Johansson has continually warned us that the bombardment of microwave radiation coming from wireless computers, cell phones and even those so-called smart meters (being installed on homes to measure energy usage) can cause almost unimaginable harm to human health. Now, with the advent of 5G technology and its related smart devices, the potential disease-causing effects are escalating at ridiculous rates. To make matters even worse, these health risks are being systematically downplayed or ignored by many (greedy) telecommunications industry officials, (spineless) government health authorities and (corporate-controlled) politicians alike. Exposing the suppressed truth about EMF pollution and its health risks. On the next NaturalHealth365 Talk Hour, Jonathan Landsman and Dr. Olle Johansson, a world-renowned expert on EMFs, reveal the scientifically-validated hazards of microwave radiation generated by cell phones and other wireless devices plus, what to do about it. If youre concerned about relentless exposure to radio frequencies generated by the wireless industry do NOT miss this highly-informative program. To hear this FREE show visit https://www.naturalhealth365.com and enter your email address for show details. Expert opinion: EMFs are linked to cancer and Alzheimers disease Dr. Johansson teaches the public about the invisible microwave radiation that passing through our bodies (due to wireless technology) and how its chronic stress-effect can lead to grave consequences, including the development of cancer, dementia plus a variety of neurological and immune-related disorders. In fact, he says that the current rise in various cancers, allergies and asthma that plague modern society can be directly linked to the increased deployment and use of wireless networks throughout the 20th and 21st century. Now, imagine the potential for health threats that will be created by the pending 5G network which will necessitate the building of hundreds of thousands of new cell towers! Dr. Johanssons interest in microwave pollution dates back to the late 1970s, when he by chance overheard a radio program that alerted him to the plight of newspaper employees in Sweden. The workers were experiencing visual problems, headaches and even miscarriages and birth defects following the introduction of computers and video display terminals into their office. Dr. Johansson who was then head of the Experimental Dermatology Unit at the world-famous Karolinska Institute investigated, and noted a constellation of symptoms that included skin problems, chest pain, memory loss, fatigue, headache, dizziness and nausea. Reporting that the damage was similar to that caused by ultraviolet radiation, Johansson deemed the syndrome screen dermatitis. In his groundbreaking work, Johansson was able to demonstrate that radiation from computers causes detectable changes in the skin of normal people those who do not exhibit any other symptoms of electrosensitivity. To learn more about this topic and, most importantly, how to minimize your exposure join us on the next NaturalHealth365 Talk Hour with Jonathan Landsman and Dr. Olle Johansson. To hear this FREE show visit https://www.naturalhealth365.com and enter your email address for show details. New research: EMFs contribute to antibiotic resistance Dr. Johansson has long maintained that EMF pollution causes cellular changes and suggests that cell phone use could be spurring the rise in asthma and allergies. Mast cells, which produce histamine in response to allergens, double their output in the presence of cell phone frequencies. In addition, he notes that microwaves can cause toxins to cross the blood-brain barrier and initiate Alzheimers disease and dementia thereby creating the perfect storm for a prematurely senile population. And now, just-published research reveals yet another potential threat from EMF pollution A shocking new study published in the international peer-reviewed journal Dose Response demonstrated that bacteria exposed to mobile phone and Wi-Fi radiation turned resistant to antibiotics. Dr. Johansson warns that this phenomenon could exacerbate the growing problem of antibiotic resistance which has already been deemed a global health crisis by the World Health Organization. Dont miss the next NaturalHealth365 Talk Hour, because as Dr. Johansson points out: we have no built-in protection against microwaves. But, when properly educated, we can minimize our exposure. Discover the suppressed truth about the real health threats of EMF pollution Sun. Oct. 22 This weeks guest: Olle Johansson, PhD, world-class expert about the effects of electromagnetic frequencies Olle Johansson, PhD is a neuroscientist, writer, researcher and electrosensitivity pioneer. With over 40 years of work experience at the Karolinska Institute in the Department of Neuroscience, Dr. Johansson has published more than 600 articles, reviews, book chapters, statements and commentaries within the fields of basic and applied neuroscience, epidemiology and biophysiology. To hear this FREE show visit https://www.naturalhealth365.com and enter your email address for show details. Sources for this article include: BioInitiative.org NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) The insane Left has started another senseless fight with President Donald J. Trump and this time in a sick and twisted manner: Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., is politicizing the death of a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier in order to score points with constituents. The cowboy hat-wearing weirdo is claiming that the president was insensitive to the fallen soldiers wife in a phone call to her where Trump was attempting to share his condolences over the death of Sgt. La David Johnson, one of four Green Berets killed in an ambush in Niger last week. Wilson said that Trump was dismissive of Johnsons widow, Myeshia, saying that her husband knew what he signed up for when he enlisted, adding that when it happens it hurts anyway. Yes, the statement is true, said Johnsons mother, Cowanda Jones-Johnson. I was in the car and heard the full conversation. Not only did he disrespect my son, she said, but also the soldiers father and his widow. For her part, Wilson who few Americans have heard of before today is now getting her face plastered over as many networks as possible, especially the far-Left kook #TrumpHate networks like MSNBC and CNN. And whats her message? The same thing virtually every Democrat and GOP opponent of Trump has been saying now for months: That hes crazy and, therefore, must be removed from office. In an interview on CNN, for instance, Wilson in total disrespect of the leader of the free world accused him of having a brain disorder and he needs to be checked out And remember, mind you, this goofball wears blingy, sequined cowboy hats like 24-7. Trump is refuting her, however, tweeting Wednesday morning that Wilson totally fabricated what I said to the wife of a soldier who died in action (and I have proof). This brouhaha smacks of being manufactured for political purposes. (Related: HATE on display: School librarian rejects donation of books because they came from Melania Trump) What makes me say that? Because Craig Gross, whose son was Cpl. Frank Robert Gross, told CNN that Trumps words are basically being taken and misconstrued. President Trump is doing a lot of good things as far as Gold Star families are concerned, Gross said. I believe that if you interviewed him personally, one on one, you would find that he is very, very empathetic and very compassionate, not only toward Gold Star families but also in regards to our active duty. As a former member of the U.S. military who served in Afghanistan, I agree with Gross. You do know what youre signing up for, especially these days when U.S .military operations around the world have dramatically increased and there is still active combat in a few places like Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. So like I said, this just smacks of political opportunism and maybe even some charges of racism for good measure. And by the way, those accusing Trump today are totally letting it slide that, once upon a time, in a cheap, political bid to hide the human cost of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the 44th president as always in conjunction with the corrupt establishment media may have conspired to hide from Americans the pictures, footage and news coverage of fallen U.S. troops returning home in flag-draped caskets. Mind you, Obamas defense secretary, Robert Gates, lifted a ban placed on such coverage in 1991 under then-President George H. W. Bush early in Obamas first term. But as CNNs Jack Cafferty noted in September 2009, the number of media outlets showing up to cover the return of fallen American troops dropped to just one The Associated Press by the end of the year. Why was that, he asked rhetorically, given that the other outlets protested President [George W.] Bushs continued ban on showing flag-draped coffins returning to the U.S. There can only be one answer: Obama didnt want it. As for Trump, Wilsons and the Johnsons claims that he doesnt care about their loss is just ridiculously unbelievable. J.D. Heyes is also editor-in-chief of The National Sentinel. Sources include: CNN.com DailyMail.co.uk NaturalNews.com (Natural News) The scientific modification of plants and animals and even humans is often justified as being for the greater good. The long-term effects of such tinkering are often overlooked, however, and quite possibly pose serious and unexpected risks for humankind in the future. The most recent proof that the future effects of genetic modification can never really be fully understood in advance is an experiment on mosquitoes undertaken by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Science Daily recently reported that there has been a lot of interest in recent years in genetically modifying mosquitoes to reduce or prevent the spread of disease. One of the challenges faced by scientists interested in pursuing this field of study is getting GM mosquitoes to mate with regular, wild bugs. However, when a research team from the NIAID recently altered the microbiota of GM mosquitoes to suppress the parasites which cause malaria in humans, they found that the GM mosquitoes actually preferred to mate with wild mosquitoes rather than their GM counterparts. Science Daily explains: The researchers genetically modified Anopheles mosquitoes, which in nature spread the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium. The team caged equal numbers of wild and GM mosquitoes and monitored their breeding over 10 generations. Ninety percent of the offspring in each generation passed along the GM trait. Even when combining 10 percent GM with 90 percent wild mosquitoes, the Plasmodium-resistance trait dominated after a few generations. Importantly, the GM mosquitoes maintained their resistance to the malaria parasite for 7 years. The group also showed that the change in the microbiota resulted in a mating preference among the GM and wild mosquitoes. GM males showed a preference for wild females and wild males preferred GM females; these preferences contributed to the spread of the desired protective trait within the mosquito population. Of course, the scientists were delighted with the unexpected result of their experiment. Nonetheless, it is sobering to realize that should these genetically modified mosquitoes get out into the wild they would very quickly completely overwhelm natural wild species. While this might sound like a good idea, we have no real idea what the ramifications of having genetically modified creatures overtaking natural species of any plant, animal or insect might be in the long-term. And this is just one example of the dominance of genetically modified species. (Related: Has your DNA been altered by GMOs?) Genetically modified canola plants spreading out of control Back in 2010, Scientific American reported that canola plants with several transgenic traits were growing wild all over North Dakota. Canola a plant modified in Canada to produce vegetable oil from its seeds is farmed extensively in the state, and can now be found growing wild all over the place. We found transgenic plants growing in the middle of nowhere, far from fields, said ecologist Cindy Sagers of the University of Arkansas (U.A.) in Fayetteville. One of the ones with multiple traits was [in the middle of] nowhere, and believe me, theres a lot of nowhere in North Dakota nowhere near a canola field. (Related: Learn more about the dangers of GMOs at GMO.news.) This is an indicator that GM canola plants are cross-pollinating and taking over the naturally occurring traits of natural plants. As weed scientist Carol Mallory-Smith of Oregon State University noted, the danger is that such traits could increase the invasiveness or weediness of plants which could invade and overtake farmers crops. Scientific American warned: The finding provides, however, a warning for future genetic modifications that might increase fitness in all kinds of plants; it will be difficult to keep those traits on the farm and out of the wild. Sources include: ScienceDaily.com ScientificAmerican.com Privacy Policy This policy was last updated on 4th October 2022. This is the privacy policy (policy) for nature.com which is run and provided by Springer Nature Limited (we, us and our). Springer Nature Limited is located at The Campus, 4 Crinan Street, London N1 9XW. We can also be contacted at feedback@nature.com. We will only use the personal data gathered over this website as set out in this policy. 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For this purpose, we are using ResearchGate OnSite Lead Collection, a service by ResearchGate GmbH, Chausseestr. 20, 10115 Berlin, Germany ("ResearchGate"). OnSite Lead Collection makes it even easier for you to sign up for products and services as the form will already be pre-populated via ResearchGate with your data and you only need to submit the form. Of course, you have the opportunity to amend and review the data before submission. For more information on how on-site lead collection works see here - https://solutions.researchgate.net/advertising/, with link to the privacy policy here. The legal basis for this processing is Article 6 sec. 1 sent. 1 lit. a GDPR. Your email address will be retained as long as you request our products and services, or until you request the removal of your email address. You can unsubscribe by opting out via the link provided in each newsletter. 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For statistical analyses we use web analytics services such as Google Analytics, collect information about the use of this site. General tracking information The tools collect information such as: - Device and browser information (operating system information, Mobile device identifier, mobile operating system, etc.) - IP address - Page accessed, URL click stream (the chronological order of our internet sites you visited) - Geographic location - Time of visit - Referring site, application, or service We use the information we get from the providers to determine the most useful information you are looking for, and to improve and optimise this website. We will track your behaviour online for the purposes described above; this data will not be shared outside of Springer Nature. You can stop this tracking by clicking on the Manage cookies/Do not sell my data link in the footer of the page. The legal basis for this processing via Google Analytics is consent, Art. 6 sec. 1 sent. 1 lit.a GDPR, to analyse our websites traffic, improve the users experience and optimise the website in general. We do not share information on your web behaviour with any 3rd party providers without your explicit consent. Consent is provided by clicking the appropriate button on the web banner that appears on your first visit to the website. You can clicking on the Manage cookies/Do not sell my data link in the footer of the page. The legal basis for this processing is Art. 6 sec. 1 sent. 1 lit. a GDPR and represents you consent to accepting 3rd party targeting cookies. Depending on the provider the information generated about your use of the website may be transferred to and processed in third countries, e.g. the United States. For further information about the potential risks of a cross border data transfer please refer to section XI. The tools collect only the IP address assigned to you on the date you visit this site, rather than your name or any other identifying information. The provider will use this information in order to evaluate your use of the website, to compile reports on website activities and to provide other services relating to website and internet use to us. Google Analytics We use Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland (Google). The cookie set by Google Analytics on your device causes your web browser to transmit corresponding information to Google each time our website is called up. For example, Google Analytics collects data about the website from which a data subject has accessed a website (so-called referrer URL), which subpages of the website have been accessed or how often and for how long a subpage has been viewed. On our behalf Google will use the information generated by the cookie for the purpose of evaluating your use of the website, compiling reports on website activity and providing other services relating to website activity and internet activity in connection with the use of the website and according to your consent preferences. The processing affects the following data categories: IP addresses Online identifiers (including cookie identifiers) Device identifiers Technical characteristics of users (e.g., browser type and version, device type, operating system) Measurement of user behavior (e.g., views of individual pages / content, views of content from different areas, session duration / dwell time, bounce rate Use of individual website functionalities (e.g. timetable information, search queries, downloads) Referral URL We use the addition "_gat._anonymizeIp" for web analysis via Google Analytics. By means of this add-on, your IP address is shortened and anonymized by Google before transmission to the USA if our website is accessed from a member state of the European Union or the European Economic Area. Only in exceptional cases will the full IP address be transmitted to a Google server in the USA and shortened there. The legal basis for the data transfer is Art. 28 GDPR in conjunction with the data processing agreement. The transfer of your personal data is subject to your consent according to Article 6 sec. 1 sent. 1 lit. a GDPR. You can consent to the processing of your data by Google Analytics using our Consent Manager, prevent the collection of your data or revoke consent once given. For revocation, call up the cookie settings again at the bottom of our website. The information processed by Google about your use of this website may be transmitted to a Google server outside the EEA and processed there. The cross-border transfer is safeguarded by the Standard Contractual Clauses 2021. Your personal data will be anonymized by Google 14 months after your last activity, unless there is a legal obligation to retain it. You may refuse the use of cookies by selecting the appropriate settings on your browser or by amending your preferences. In addition to that you may prevent the collection of the information generated by the cookie about your use of the website (including you IP address) and the processing of this data by Google if you download and install the browser plug-in available at the following link: http://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout. You can access the Google Analytics privacy policy here. In addition to the above, we use historic pseudonymised Google Analytics data to recommend content to you based on your website activity, particularly suggesting articles that may be of interest. We work with Faculty AI, Level 6, 160 Old Street, London, EC1V 9BW, UK, who act as a data processor on our behalf in this activity, a data processing agreement is in place to support this. The data transfer to Faculty AI in the UK is secured by the adequacy decision of the EU Commission. Faculty AI are an AI service delivery company, find out more about Faculty AI here. The legal basis to process your data in this instance is Article 6 sec. 1 sent. 1 lit. f GDPR, our legitimate interest to improve and increase the use of our website as well as your interest in discovering content that is relevant to you. SpeedCurve We use SpeedCurve, a performance monitoring tool to identify, analyse and help fix website performance issues. SpeedCurve will process your personal data on our behalf, including your IP address. We have a data processing agreement in place to support this arrangement. The legal basis for this processing is Art. 6 sec. 1 sent. 1 lit. a GDPR and reflects your consent to non-essential performance measuring cookies. You can update or withdraw your consent by clicking Manage cookies/Do not sell my data in the page footer. IX. Third party content and social media plug-ins This website may contain links to third party websites. We are not responsible for the content and the data collection on respective third party websites; please check the privacy policy of respective websites for information of respective websites data processing activities. 1. Social media plug-ins We use the following social media plug-ins: Facebook, Twitter. This allows you to communicate with such services and like or comment from our website. Social media plug-ins enable a direct communication between your device and the servers of the social media provider, allowing the social media provider to communicate with you and collect information about you browsing our website. This processing is based on Article 6 sec. 1 sent. 1 lit. f GDPR and represents our legitimate interest to improve your website experience and to optimise our services. Please note that we neither have the control of the extent of personal data that is collected by the respective plug-in provider nor do we know the processings purpose or the period your personal data will be retained. Further information about the processing of your personal data in the providers course of operation is provided via their respective privacy policy. Moreover, you will be provided with further information with regard to your rights and setting concerning privacy. a) Facebook Social Plugins We use so-called social plugins (plugins) of the social networking site facebook.com, a service of Meta Platforms Inc, 1 Hacker Way Menlo Park, California 94025, USA (Meta). The plugins can be identified by one of Facebooks logos (white f on blue tile or a thumps-up-sign) or by the additional text Facebook Social Plugin. The list of Facebook Social Plugins and their appearance can be accessed via: http://developers.facebook.com/plugins. If a user visits one of the websites using such a plugin, the users browser directly connects to Facebooks servers. The plugin and its content are made available directly on Facebooks servers and included in the website by the users browser. Due to the integration of the plugin Facebook collects the information that a user is visiting the corresponding website. If the user is logged in on Facebook at the moment he or she visits the website, Facebook may be able to connect the visit on the website to the users Facebook account. If the user interacts with the plugin for example if he or she presses the like button or comments on something the users browser transmits this information to Facebook. Facebook stores this information. If a user is not a member of Facebook, Facebook may collect and store the users IP-address. Facebook states that it only collects anonymized IP-addresses in Germany. The reason for and scope of the data acquisition and information about the way in which the data is processed and used by Facebook, as well as the users rights in this respect and settings options for protecting the users privacy can be found under: http://www.facebook.com/policy.php. If the user is a member of Facebook and does not wish Facebook to collect personal data via this homepage and to link this with his data stored on Facebook, the user needs to log off from Facebook before going to this homepage. The user may also block Facebooks plugins using add-ons for the users browser, for example the Facebook Blocker. b) Twitter We use the twitter-button. The button is provided by Twitter Inc., 795 Folsom St., Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA. (Twitter) The buttons are marked using the text Twitter or Follow and a stylized blue bird. The button enables the user to share an article or a website of this homepage on Twitter or to follow the provider on Twitter. If a user visits one of the websites using such a button, the users browser directly connects to Twitters servers. The Twitter-button and its content are loaded directly from Twitters servers and included in the website by the users browser. According to the providers knowledge, Twitter collects the user IP-address and the websites URL when the button is loaded from Twitters servers. However, this data is only be used for loading and displaying the Twitter-button. Further information can be found in Twitters privacy statement under: https://twitter.com/privacy. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, please contact us via the email address dataprotection@springer.com. X. Information sharing Where personal data is disclosed to third parties for the purposes mentioned above the legal basis for the transfer of your personal data is Article 6 sec. 1 sent. 1 lit. b and f GDPR. Some of the recipients may reside outside the EEA. For further information about cross border transfer in general and transfers outside of the EEA see section on Cross border data transfers. We may disclose your personal data to contractors who assist us in providing the services we offer through the website. Such a transfer will be based on data processing agreements (Art. 28 GDPR). Therefore, our contractors will only use your personal data to the extent necessary to perform their functions and will be contractually bound to process your personal data only on our behalf and in compliance with our requests. In the event that we undergo re-organisation or are sold to a third party, any personal data we hold about you may be transferred to that re-organised entity or third party in compliance with applicable law. We may disclose your personal data if legally entitled or required to do so (for example if required by law or by a court order). The legal basis for this will be Article 6 sec. 1 sent. 1 lit. c GDPR (in conjunction with the respective national law). 1.Peer Review and Author Services In the course of providing our peer review services, your data may be accessed by different members of the editorial team such as editors and assistant to the editorial office. To determine the locations of the Editorial board members, you may refer to a journals homepage. Granting access to your personal data and the respective processing activity will be based on our and the legitimate interest of the respective society publishing the Journal in successfully publishing high quality articles and papers and ensuring the quality and significance of the respective research published in our journals, products and databases, Article 6 sec. 1 sent. 1 lit. f GDPR. In order to do so we and/or the respective society may process your personal data to find, contact and evaluate suitable and qualified peer reviewers within the relevant research community. This also includes data sharing between us and the respective society. For example, we may share reviewer and author data to publish the journal. Please note that the society and we are independently responsible for the respective data processing conducted. We neither have the control of the extent to which personal data is processed by the respective society nor do we control the processing purpose or the period your personal data will be retained. It is also possible that the above-mentioned societies may disclose your personal data to their business partners, third parties or authorities. For further information on the data processing under the societys control please refer to the respective societys privacy notice. We provide TOC (table of content) alerts to members as part of the services they are entitled to under their membership with the society. This is a core element of the overall service and to this end your personal (i.e. name and email address) data is transferred to Springer Nature by the society. The legal basis for processing is Art. 6 (1) 1 lit. b GDPR. Individual members may opt-out of TOC alerts at any time by contacting customerservice@springernature.com or using the unsubscribe link in every email. This applies equally to Book Series Partners, in the event that book volume alerts are sent to a Series Partners registered recipients. Your personal data will be transferred to and processed inside and outside of the EEA. For further information on cross border data transfer, please refer to section on Cross border data transfers. As an author well share your personal data with third parties, like your institution or employer. This is required to manage and approve payment of associated Article Publication Charges (APCs) in order to fulfill the publication of your manuscript. The legal basis is Art. 6 (1) 1 lit. b GDPR. 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If you would like to access your user information, such as I.P address or BPIDs, then please click the following link: debug The global gig economy has influenced industries from taxi driving to software engineering. With the rise of websites and apps such as Uber, TaskRabbit and Upwork, more workers than ever are selling short-term services to many clients rather than holding down single full-time jobs. Some researchers are juggling multiple short-term jobs as the gig economy begins to influence the scientific sector. Credit: Noel Hendrickson/Getty People with scientific training are adopting these practices as well, either by offering services on sites such as Upwork or finding projects through their previous academic networks. About 3,200 freelancers, most with backgrounds in the life or physical sciences, sell services such as statistical review and literature searches through the online platform Kolabtree.com, which is based in London and started in 2015. And in May, LabMate in Boston, Massachusetts, launched its site LabMate.us to match researchers with consulting gigs and full-time jobs at biopharmaceutical companies; about 200 scientists have registered so far. Although researchers have always taken on jobs with finite timeframes, such as postdocs and adjunct teaching, many of the projects completed through gig-economy platforms are shorter and performed remotely. So will the gig economy transform the scientific enterprise? Nature asked freelance scientists and labour researchers for their views. Anne Thessen: The independent data scientist Founder, The Data Detektiv, Waltham, Massachusetts, and research scholar at a virtual organization for independent researchers. I'm an oceanographer by training. I spent at least two years applying for academic jobs, and there were about 200 applicants for each one. While I was doing this, people I knew from my research career asked me to work on their projects. My first client was the Encyclopedia of Life (eol.org), a website that builds a page for every species; I was doing programming for content acquisition. A colleague at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science's Horn Point Laboratory in Cambridge, Maryland, asked if I would help populate a database of oceanographic and hydrocarbon measurements. The pieces were starting to come together I could be an independent scientist. The gig economy enables you to keep yourself afloat while other things have time to mature. When I started as an independent scientist, I also drove for Lyft, an Uber competitor, for about a week. I had quite a bit of freelance work on science projects, but I still wanted to feel safe, so I decided to pick up a little extra work. After a week, I realized I didn't need it and didn't have time to do it. But it gives you a safety net; you have in the back of your mind that you could easily do something else in your down time. There are lots of scientists in the wilderness that point where you are tired of doing postdocs and you question what you're doing. The gig economy can be one way to find a path, by providing an income stream while you figure stuff out. It can help you realize what marketable skills you have. It can give you time to mourn the loss of a job in academia that you thought you were going to have but that never really existed. And it helps to expand your network into places that would be interested in your skill set, such as the technology community. Eventually, you realize you can leave academia without leaving research. Not all gigs are created equal; here, Deliveroo workers attend a protest for higher wages. Credit: Brighton Pictures/Rex/Shutterstock Scientists don't need universities any more. In the Boston area, the start-up community is driving the need for resources that can be consumed and discarded on very short time scales. You can rent office space, lab space and equipment; you can pay for processing time on a server; you can hire a car or boat to take you to sampling locations. My hopeful view of the future is that scientists will have more freedom, and the gig economy is one way to make that happen. Lawrence Katz: The labour economist Economist, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Alan Krueger of Princeton University in New Jersey and I estimated that as of autumn 2015, about 0.5% of the US workforce had their main or secondary job in the online gig economy. If you expand to independent contractors, freelancers, on-call workers, temporary-help agency workers or people who are contracted out in their main job, it's about 16% of the US workforce and it was about 10% a decade ago. So it's grown very rapidly. For most of what academic scientists do, there hasn't been that big of a change. But in some areas, such as data science and technology work, the gig economy is having a much greater effect. For computer and mathematical professions, about 22% of workers are in alternative work arrangements. As big data has grown, greater numbers of large teams are being assembled. You could have freelance programmers working on a project in any location, doing statistical analysis or providing code. Potentially, we haven't realized all the benefits of the greater availability of talent anywhere in the world to help with tasks such as inputting the same data multiple times to check errors. Anything that lowers the cost of others verifying research may be helpful in the reproducibility of science. But the rights of freelance scientists will increasingly become issues. What happens if you have an illness or injury? You're not covered by workers' compensation. New forms of benefits could operate like workers' compensation or unemployment insurance, with independent workers paying into a fund that they could draw from in down times. We need new institutions. Ursula Huws: The sociology researcher Social scientist, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK. In 2015, the Foundation for European Progressive Studies and UNI Europa, the Brussels-based European services workers' union, invited me to do research on crowd work. We focused on paid work that is managed through online platforms such as Upwork, Clickworker, Uber and TaskRabbit. We surveyed approximately 2,000 working-age adults online in each of the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Sweden. Very crudely, 1 person in 40 is getting more than half of their income from online crowd-work platforms. A lot of online-economy practices are spreading into conventional employment. Academic jobs are looking more like gig-economy jobs with the use of performance indicators and student surveys. On the site RateMyProfessors.com, for example, students score academics on their teaching skills and often make highly personal remarks. University-run student surveys increasingly feed into the appraisal process if a course gets consistently low ratings, that has bad implications for the instructor. People are given targets to bring in external funding, and failing to meet them could put their careers in jeopardy. You have to spend more and more time begging and bragging, saying how wonderful you are and asking for money. Serious research careers have been affected by 'projectification'. You get a finite project, two or three years. More and more teaching staff are employed on casual short-term contracts. Young researchers increasingly have fragmented careers, with poor worklife balance and career prospects. This constant need to pitch and the sense of being only as good as your last project those are absolutely common to the gig economy and to academic labour. Routine aspects of research, such as categorization and database verification, are being outsourced. In the social sciences, there's an enormous use of online platforms that are generally regarded as part of the gig economy, such as Amazon Mechanical Turk and Clickworker, which draw on a global labour force to carry out micro-tasks. A typical project would be: are people who are considered more attractive more likely to get hired? You might put photographs online and ask 'click workers' to grade attractiveness; in the next stage, you ask potential employers if they would employ this person. These workers not only fill in questionnaires but also do scientific tasks such as coding data, sorting and counting, which would previously have been done by research assistants or graduate students. Caline Koh-Tan: The freelance science consultant Freelance scientist, Singapore. My PhD was in cardiovascular genetics at the University of Glasgow, UK. My first postdoc was mostly cardiovascular research, and the next was in veterinary sciences. Towards the end of my second postdoc, my husband and I decided to move back to my birth nation of Singapore. I thought: 'Why not see if I can work from home? Regardless of the job, the way I do things is still the way I would do them as a scientist. I went to Upwork, a platform that allows freelancers to look for jobs. I did academic-proofreading projects and other types of work. One client was a medical practitioner in the United States who was thinking of setting up a laboratory to test for diseases. He wanted advice on methods, tests and anything involved with running a lab, such as reagents. Another client was a family member of a person with cancer who wanted to understand chemotherapy; I wrote a report explaining how it works and what factors influence the effectiveness of a particular drug. I have an active project as a freelance genomics consultant for Omic, a software start-up in Seattle, Washington. For instance, if they find two genomics databases, they might ask which one I recommend. I also put data mining and biostatistical-analysis skills on my profile. But about half of the job invitations so far have been from students looking for someone to do their class assignments. I will not accept those jobs. My current rate is US$30 an hour, but that is flexible I work about 1030 hours per week. My rate is lower than what I would make as a staff scientist or postdoc, but I consider it acceptable because I work less, have lower stress levels and fewer responsibilities, and do not have to constantly think about work during my non-working hours. I miss the lab. But I do not see freelancing as losing out, because I still get to read the most up-to-date research. At the end of the day, regardless of the job, the way I do things is still the way I would do them as a scientist. Cecile Menard: The part-time freelancer Independent land-surface modeller; research associate, University of Edinburgh, UK; and member of a small virtual research organization for freelance scientists. The common denominator between all the freelance scientists I know is location. We want to choose, geographically, where we're going to work. At some point, you don't want to move any more. I lived in the United Kingdom for 15 years, did a postdoc there and went to Finland for another. Eventually, I wanted to be back home. I work in snow and vegetation research; it's a very small research field in Britain, and I couldn't find a job. You can register as a freelancer for tax purposes online (go.nature.com/2kamsoz) in five minutes. I told professors and a reader that I had registered, and one employed me as a consultant to run land-surface simulations. There are two sides to being a freelance scientist. One is being a consultant providing services to someone. The other is being an independent researcher; you're not part of an organization, but you can perform research. In some fields, collaboration with research organizations and universities will be imperative for freelancers to have access to instrumentation. For my work, I sometimes need a supercomputer. That's when collaboration is important; I've used the supercomputer of colleagues in England. For people who need to work in a lab, you may be able to go to one of your partners' labs. I love the freedom. But for other people, it may be too stressful. A regular income is not guaranteed, and it is a risk if you want to do it full-time. I was fully freelance for one year. Now I'm working three days a week as a research associate at the University of Edinburgh on a project to reduce uncertainties in snow models; it gives me two days for my freelance work. It's a good safety net to have a part-time job. FEMA announced Thursday the North Bay fires rank 4th on their list of disasters in terms of the amount of destruction and the number of lives taken in a single incident. The urban wildfires have killed at least 42 people and more than 50 remain on the Sonoma County Sheriffs missing persons list. As containment of the fires tops 85 percent, the attention now turns to the clean up and recovery for thousands of families, beginning with the removal of thousands of tons of toxic debris. Santa Rosa city council member Chris Rogers wrote in a Facebook post, Clean up should begin within the next few weeks with a goal of being done by early 2018. He added that homeowners will need to a sign a right of entry form that will allow the clean up of their properties. The city has entered into agreements that will allow the Army Corps of Engineers to handle the first wave of toxic testing and cleanup, and then CalRecycle will take over the secondary wave of clean up to get up to Californias standards. Rogers said, They will properly document the home for insurance/FEMA purposes, and the cleanup will be 100 percent reimbursed. He said homeowners retain the right to clean up their own property through private, certified contractors but then they will bear the liability and FEMA is unlikely to reimburse them for the entire cost of the cleanup. [[451733703, C]] Yvette Escutia and her 2-year-old son Juan Carlos were among seven family members living on Dennis Lane who fled with nothing as flames raced through their home in Coffey Park. Three generations in one home, now hoping to return and salvage anything they can. It's just memories that we would like to get. My wedding ring is still there, my charm bracelet that my husband gave me when my son was born. Little things like that. We know we're not going to be able to repair anything that was burned or anything but I wish that, I hope that my ring is still there, Escutia said. But many of the homes in Coffey Park are now red-tagged, warning people to keep out because the buildings are uninhabitable. Some signs also instruct people to keep several feet away from structures like chimneys or unstable walls. [[451733543, C]] Still, Sean Smith with the California Governors Office of Emergency Services understands many residents will want to comb through the remains of their homesites. He instructs them to be aware of hazards, such as holes they may step into under the rubble. When people get back they have to be careful about what they touch and expose people to, the ash and chemicals that get on them, Smith said. Dont take kids or animals theyre smaller, closer to the ashes theyre more vulnerable. He advises people to wear boots, gloves, and masks, and then bag those items before getting back in the car. Smith could not offer an exact timeline for the toxic cleanup but says the state is waiting for contractors to arrive. He said cleanup efforts will be prioritized based on location. Were gonna look at waterways, the environment, other facilities, [is it a] daycare center, hospital, school, elderly folks home? We want to clean around those properties first. Escutia, who has asthma, worries about the longterm health of her family. More than 6,500 structures burned in Sonoma County, leaving behind an unknown toxic cocktail of lead, asbestos, plastics and chemicals. It will all have to go to a toxic dump somewhere. We just dont know whats in there, John Buchanan said. The retired fire chief with 50 years of service now works with Statewide, a contractor specializing in decontamination and fire damage reconstruction. He said its critical to get the cleanup done efficiently and thoroughly, especially with the impending rainy season. Rains coming. Its gonna push that stuff farther down and percolate in the soil were concerned about that. Buchanan said hes impressed with Santa Rosas efforts to fast track construction by streamlining the permitting process for rebuilding. He said homeowners should feel confident the cleanup will be managed properly but that people who are concerned about potential toxins left behind can expect to pay $300 to $1,000 for further environmental testing by private companies. Now staying with friends in Petaluma, Yvette Escutia said she hopes the recovery efforts will go smoothly, and quickly. I would like to stay here because Ive been here my whole life. [[451734393, C]] Federal authorities revealed new details Friday about the rescue of a Bengal tiger cub in San Diego: he was recovered in one of the largest wildlife trafficking sweeps across Southern California. Monitor lizards, several coral species, king cobras, Asian "lucky" fish and exotic songbirds were among the exotic animals rescued, and sixteen suspects were charged in "Operation Jungle Book." That included the adorable cub that has already captured the hearts of San Diegans. [G] San Diego's Cutest Critters We are combatting an ever-growing black market for exotic animals. An insatiable desire to own examples both living and dead of these vulnerable creatures is fueling this black market, said Acting United States Attorney Sandra R. Brown, in a statement. In the past several months, prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney's Office have filed a series of cases that show the scope of the underground market for exotic wildlife. This black market threatens to decimate vulnerable species, said prosecutors. Luis Eudoro Valencia, 18, has pleaded not guilty to smuggling the tiger cub into the U.S. after border officials found the tiger lying on the passenger-side floor of his car in August. He claimed he bought the cub on the streets of Tijuana, Mexico for $300. If convicted, Valencia faces up to 20 years in prison. This is a truly international problem that threatens the survival of iconic species and vulnerable animal populations," added Brown. A second man, Eriberto Paniagua, 21, is accused of conspiring with Valencia and others to knowingly import the tiger cub into the U.S. He faces similar charges. The tiger cub is a male about five to six weeks old and in good health, according to experts. Since the tiger was rescued from an alleged smuggling attempt on Aug. 24, he has settled snugly into his new home at the San Diego Zoo. The cub is now living with a Sumatran tiger cub rejected by his mother, flown in from the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Authorities hope the pair will bond and socialize together so both cubs can grow up to be healthy tigers. In the San Diego Zoo's most recent tweet, the now 21-pound tiger can be seen sucking at a bottle of milk. At 21 lbs. #RescueCub still gets a with his solid meals . pic.twitter.com/FcXMwH3hNO San Diego Zoo Safari (@sdzsafaripark) October 11, 2017 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will hold a conference to demonstrate the broad range of species that are being smuggled into the country. They will also recognize the work of law enforcement and community partners in the fight to stop wildlife trafficking, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Wildlife trafficking does not stop at international borders, and it is our duty to protect imperiled species both at home and abroad, said Ed Grace, USFWS Acting Chief of Law Enforcement, in a statement. Prosecutors said some of the rescued animals are now receiving care at the Los Angeles Zoo, the San Diego Zoo Global, the Turtle Conservancy and the STAR Eco Station. "Together, we are saving imperiled animals while bringing to justice those who attempt to profit from the illegal wildlife trade," added Grace. The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama, has arrived in Britain for the start of a 10-day tour during which he will administer vows to people who want them. It is the first time he has been to the UK. The visit is part of a European tour that started with a meeting between the spiritual leader and Pope Paul V at the Vatican in Rome. It was the first time the two had met and the Pope said he hoped the tour would be an occasion for spiritual satisfaction. During his stay the 38-year-old is expected to meet the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Michael Ramsey, and address many of his followers including a group at Sutton Courtenay Abbey. The Buddhist leader said he wanted to meet people on his trip who were thinking deeply about the problems of mankind and said his message to British Buddhists was that they must develop compassion. Tenzin Gyatso, the fourteenth Dalai Lama, has insisted his visit is not for political gains. He has been living in exile in India since 1959. He left his home country following a failed uprising against the Chinese in Tibet. Asked on his arrival if he was looking forward to returning to Tibet after 14 years of exile in India he said: My trip is of a non-political nature. I have developed respect for my former enemies. In my autobiography I comment on Chairman Mao. I like him and admire him very much, he added. In 1972 India announced that China should decide the fate of Tibet and not the people of Tibet. This was put down to improved China-Indian relations. A Tibetan diplomat is currently discussing the possibility of the Dalai Lama returning to Tibet. He would be stripped of all political powers but retain his spiritual leadership of Buddhists. Courtesy BBC News In context During his European tour the Dalai Lama visited Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, West Germany and Austria. When the Dalai Lama left Tibet in 1959 he was followed by up to 100,000 Tibetans to India. In 1989 the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The committee said he was awarded it because throughout his attempts to liberate Tibet he advocated peaceful solutions based on tolerance and mutual respect. The Dalai Lama and other Tibetans have still not returned to what was once their country. It remains under the control of China. After rain doused the North Bay overnight, helping in the battle against several blazes, some Santa Rosa fire victims woke to the good news that they will be allowed to return to their homes Friday. People who lived in the now devastated communities of Coffey Park, Orchard Park and Journey's End will be granted entry between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. However, there are restrictions. The area will be heavily staffed by law enforcement officers and residents must provide proof of identification, which will be used to generate entry passes. In a statement issued early Friday, Santa Rosa officials said, "This controlled entry is designed to allow only residents into their neighborhood, so they have protected time to assess and grieve." Police warned of a build-up of traffic in the area as residents try to get into their neighborhoods. Other commuters were asked to use alternate routes. On Saturday, properties in the Journey's End and Orchard mobile home parks will be released to their owners. Public access to Coffey Park will start Sunday. Authorities say cooler temperatures and light rainfall have aided thousands of firefighters across the North Bay as well as crews working to douse the Bear Fire that sparked Monday in the Santa Cruz Mountains California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokesman Daniel Berlant said fire crews should reach full containment by Friday. Other large fires will take longer. Meanwhile, authorities increased their count of buildings destroyed to 8,400 from fewer than 7,000 a day earlier as crews continued assessing fire damage, according to the Associated Press. Crews have almost finished their damage assessments, he said. "We're getting back into the areas where homes are hard to access and hard to reach. That's why these numbers are trickling in," Berlant said. The four wind-whipped fires that started Oct. 8 swept through parts of seven counties have landed on the list of California's top 20 most destructive blazes. At least 42 people were killed, and preliminary estimated of wildfire losses exceeds $1 billion. Of them, the Tubbs Fire has broken the record as the most devastating fire in California's history, Calfire said Friday. It has burned 36,432 acres and is 93 percent contained. Cal Fire announced it had stopped the forward progress of those fires on Wednesday as tens of thousands of evacuees were let back into their neighborhoods. More than 15,000 people remained evacuated on Thursday. As of Thursday morning, the Atlas Fire has burned 51,624 acres in Napa and Solano counties and is 87 percent contained; the Nuns Fire, which includes the Partrick, Adobe, Norbbom, Pressley and Oakmont fires, has burned 54,382 acres in Sonoma and Napa counties and is 85 percent contained; and the Pocket Fire has burned 16,552 acres in Sonoma County and is 82 percent contained. Farther north, the Sulphur Fire in Lake County has torched 2,207 acres and is 96 percent contained, and the Redwood Valley Fire in Mendocino County has charred 36,523 acres and is 95 percent contained. The stars were out in San Francisco on Thursday night. Wayne Brady, Idina Menzel and Glenn Close were on hand at Bimbo's 365 Club for the fifth annual fundraiser for Bring Change to Mind, a nonprofit with the mission of ending the stigma of mental illness. Comedian Billy Crystal received the Robin Williams Legacy of Laughter Award during Thursday's event. Crystal and Williams were close friends. Another longtime friend, Whoopi Goldberg, made an appearance via video. Williams' children, Zak and Zelda, presented the award to Crystal. Willams, who was a longtime Bay Area resident, took his own life on Aug. 11, 2014, at the age of 63. He had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, but an autopsy report later revealed he suffered from a severe case of Lewy body dementia. Close founded Bring Change to Mind in 2010 after her sister, Jessie Close, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and her nephew, Calen Pick, with schizo-affective disorder, according to the organization's website. What to Know At least 320 acres burned; 30 percent contained Four unknown structures destroyed Seven firefighters injured Overnight rain and cool weather conditions helped firefighters battling the 320-acre Bear Fire in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The flames, which sparked late Monday in the area of Bear Canyon Road and Deer Creek Road, are 40 percent contained as of Friday, Cal Fire said. Heavy timber and steep, inaccessible terrain remain the biggest challenges. At least four unknown structures have been destroyed by the flames, and 300 are being threatened, according to Cal Fire Some evacuation orders were lifted Thursday as fire crews steadily gained control of the fire. Evacuation orders for the Las Cumbres community, Skyline Boulevard community and areas south of Bear Creek Road were lifted Thursday morning, according to officials. Those living along Bear Creek Canyon Road, Deer Creek Road, Rons Road, Dons Road and tributary streets are still under evacuation orders. Yelena Malysheva was one of the lucky evacuees who was able to return home Thursday after anxiously waiting to see if her home would be spared by the flames. "I haven't slept pretty much in the four days," she said. "I'm totally exhausted. My kids are at school. They're very tired, too." Before the sun rose on Tuesday, towering flames could be seen devouring trees as a blaze tore through hilly and rugged terrain of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Though fire officials were generally upbeat about their progress in containing the blaze, there were some setbacks Wednesday. A drone grounded the much needed air attack for about an hour. Before the temporary stoppage, Cal Fire officials said the air support was critical in the steep terrain. "The bucket drops are helping; they're a ton of help," said Steve Chapman, a Strike Force member. "And we're trying to get hose lines up here." As of Thursday evening, 905 fire personnel, 72 engines, nine helicopters and three dozers were still battling the blaze, according to Cal Fire. An aerial view of the Bear Fire in the Santa Cruz Mountains captures pockets of flames still burning and smoke pumping into the air. Five firefighters, including an inmate firefighter, all suffered minor injuries while working the fire lines on Tuesday, according to Cal Fire. Two more firefighters on Wednesday were transported to hospitals, one after suffering second-degree burns to his hands and the other also suffering from unspecified burn injuries, fire officials said. One of those hurt was Andy Goodson from the Santa Clara unit. He fell 50 feet while on the front lines of the fire. As of Friday, he is hospitalized but expected to be OK, according to Cal Fire. A Cal Fire official noted that the steep and rugged terrain has played a role in the injuries. Officials are still trying to determine what exactly caused the blaze to ignite. Towering flames could be seen ripping through dense vegetation and devouring trees right after the fire started before they were eventually suppressed by fire crews on the ground and in the air. [BAY ML STRINGER]Fire Breaks Out in Santa Cruz Mountains The Zayante Fire Station, which is located at 7700 E. Zayante St. in Felton, has been designated as an evacuation center for those impacted by the fire. Another evacuation center has opened at Lakeside Elementary School 19620 Black Road in Los Gatos. Those with horses and goats can seek shelter at the Graham Hill Showgrounds located at 1145 Graham Hill Rd. in Santa Cruz. Folks with smaller animals can go to Santa Cruz County Animal Services, which is located at 2200 7th Ave. in Santa Cruz. One person has been arrested on suspicion of looting one of the homes that was in the evacuation area, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department. Rescue crews are searching for a person in distress in the waters off the south side of Ocean Beach, according to the San Francisco Fire Department. The victim was initially thought to be a surfer, firefighters said, but surfers at the scene have told them he's fully clothed. Emergency crews are asking people to avoid the area near the Great Highway and Sloat Boulevard while the search and rescue operation is in progress. San Francisco police on Thursday identified the decorated officer who is undergoing intensive care after being mowed down a day prior by a suspected hit-and-run driver, who has since been arrested. Elia Lewin-Tankel, 32, has been a police officer since 2012 and was assigned to the Tenderloin station in March last year. He was critically wounded in the line of duty Wednesday, police said. The police department issued a statement Thursday, commending Lewin-Tankel's decision to join "one of the busiest, most demanding districts" in the city. They said his move reflects his "dedication to serving the residents of San Francisco." During his tenure as a police officer, Lewin-Tankel has received multiple awards. He was recognized with the San Francisco Police Department's Purple Heart award in 2015 after being injured "as a direct result of actions he took to prevent serious injury or loss of life to members of the community," police said. The suspect, Maurquise Johnson, 50, has been faced with multiple charges including, attempted murder, use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony, assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, inflicting great bodily injury, battery with serious bodily injury, resisting arrest causing great bodily injury, possession of a stolen item, felony possession of stolen property, reckless driving causing injury, unlicensed driver and resisting a police officer. The incident began around 12:20 p.m. Wednesday when officers from the Tenderloin station observed a suspect who they believed was carrying a firearm, according to police Chief Bill Scott. "It appears that the suspect became aware of the officers' presence" and took off, hitting Lewin-Tankel who was on the bicycle beat, according to Scott. Johnson was tracked down and taken into custody in the 500 block of Ellis Street about 3:30 p.m., officials said. The vehicle involved in the hit and run was located earlier, but unoccupied. Lewin-Tankel suffered "significant" leg injuries in the crash on Turk Avenue between Van Ness Avenue and Franklin Street. He was taken to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and underwent surgery, Scott said. San Francisco police officers gathered at the hospital, and Lewin-Tankel's family was expected to arrive late Wednesday from out of state. Police described the man as a popular, highly-respected officer who recently began attending law school, teaches Jiu Jitsu to colleagues and the community, and frequently volunteers at events in the Tenderloin district. On behalf of Lewin-Tankel's family, police asked people to "send good energy and prayers for his recovery, which we know will happen, because Elia is a survivor. The investigation is ongoing, and although an arrest has been made in the incident, SFPD investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the SFPD Anonymous Tip Line at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 with SFPD at the beginning of the message. Tips may remain anonymous. A lawyer for a sex workers' advocacy group asked a federal appeals court in San Francisco Thursday to overturn a 145-year-old California law that criminalizes prostitution. "I believe people in this country have the right to act this way and to make a living this way," attorney Louis Sirkin told a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Sirkin, a First Amendment free-speech attorney from Cincinnati, represents the San Francisco-based Erotic Service Provider Legal, Educational and Research Project in a federal lawsuit filed in 2015 to challenge the law. The plaintiffs also include three unidentified former prostitutes and a disabled man who says he wants to be a respectful client of erotic services. They claim the law, first enacted in 1872 and amended since then, violates their constitutional due process right to liberty and their right to free speech. They are appealing a ruling in which U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White of Oakland dismissed the case last year. The appeals panel took the case under submission after hearing about 30 minutes of arguments. It has no deadline for issuing a ruling. Circuit Judge Carlos Bea closely questioned both sides. "Why is it illegal to sell something that it's legal to give away?" he asked Deputy California Attorney General Sharon O'Grady. O'Grady, defending the law, argued that the Legislature had a rational basis for criminalizing commercial sex to deter violence against women, sex trafficking, drug use and transmission of sexual diseases. Bea also questioned Sirkin when he sought to cite a landmark U.S. Supreme Court gay-rights ruling, Lawrence v. Texas of 2003, as support for the appeal. In the Lawrence case, the court by a 6-3 vote struck down a Texas sodomy law, saying that consensual sexual conduct was part of the "personal and private life of the individual" protected by the due process liberty right. Bea asked, "What is the interest protected by due process? The conduct or the relationship?" "I believe it is the conduct. We have voluntary individuals who want to engage in sexual activity," Sirkin answered. Judge Jane Restani, a visiting U.S. Court of International Trade judge temporarily assigned to the appeals court, suggested that the Lawrence decision concerned "how to conduct private lives" rather than brief sexual encounters. O'Grady said, "The state is not telling anyone who they can sleep with," but argued that banning commercial sex is "an easy place to draw the line" to protect against violence, drug use and trafficking. The state attorney noted that prostitution is illegal in all states, except some Nevada counties, and said it is up to the Legislature to make any changes in the law. Two Hayward students have been expelled after one created a list of racist slurs that the other then read out in class, a school spokesperson said. A statement issued on behalf of Moreau Catholic High School, said in part: "The harm caused by the actions of these two students is immeasurable." A Facebook post by the Samuel Merritt University's Office of Diversity and Inclusion included a photograph of a sheet of lined paper, titled "The ABCs of Slurs." Below it is a list of slurs one for each letter in the alphabet. A parent's comment said that a group of minority students who overheard the list being read aloud felt "abandoned" and "silenced" by not only their peer's actions, but also school administrators' response. The school community is still reeling from the students' offensive actions, which occurred earlier in the week, according to spokeswoman Donna Cumming. Cumming also acknowledged that a "delay in the decision-making process" caused "hurt, anxiety, and stress," and apologized for the pain inflicted on students, faculity members and families. "Our administration recognizes that this process could have and should have been conducted in a more timely manner, and with better communication to our students and parents," Cumming continued. "There is nothing more important than all of our students feeling heard, valued, and above all, safe, every day they walk through the doors of our school." On Friday, classes were replaced by opportunities for students to process and communicate their feelings and hear from others. Cumming assured the Moreau Catholic High School community that this is only a first step in an ongoing conversation and effort to "continue to build a positive school climate and culture." Two male juveniles have been arrested in connection to a sexual assault investigation involving a female juvenile victim, according to the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office. The victim of the alleged sexual assault is a student at the all-girls Carondelet High School in Concord. One of the juveniles accused of attacking her is a student at the all-boys De La Salle High School across the street. Detectives were notified about the alleged sexual assault earlier this week. The reported incident occurred late September in unincorporated Walnut Creek, authorities said. Sheriff's Office officials said detectives launched an investigation and confirmed the allegations. The two male juvenile suspects were arrested late Wednesday and booked into Juvenile Hall in Martinez. Authorities are not releasing the names of the suspects or victim. No further information was immediately available. Anyone with information in the case is asked to contact the Sexual Assault Unit of the Investigation Division at 925-313-2625. You can also e-mail tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message. Members of Congress demanded answers Thursday two weeks after an ambush in the African nation of Niger killed four U.S. soldiers, with one top lawmaker even threatening subpoenas. The White House defended the slow pace of information, saying an investigation would eventually offer clarity about a tragedy that has morphed into a political dispute in the United States. Among the unresolved inquiries: Why were the Americans apparently caught by surprise? Why did it take two additional days to recover one of the four bodies after the shooting stopped? Was the Islamic State responsible? The confusion over what happened in a remote corner of Niger, where few Americans travel, has increasingly dogged President Donald Trump, who was silent about the deaths for more than a week. Asked why, Trump on Monday turned the topic into a political tussle by crediting himself with doing more to honor the dead and console their families than any of his predecessors. His subsequent boast that he reaches out personally to all families of the fallen was contradicted by interviews with family members, some of whom had not heard from Trump at all. And then the aunt of an Army sergeant killed in Niger, who raised the soldier as her son, said Wednesday that Trump had shown "disrespect" to the soldier's loved ones as he telephoned to extend condolences while they were driving to the Miami airport to receive his body. Sgt. La David Johnson was one of the four Americans killed Oct. 4 in southwest Niger; Trump called the families of all four Tuesday. In an extraordinary White House briefing, John Kelly, the former Marine general who is Trump's chief of staff, described himself as "stunned" and "brokenhearted" by the criticism of Trump. He also invoked his son serving in Iraq to explain why American soldiers operate in dangerous parts of the world, saying their efforts to train local forces mean the U.S. doesn't have to undertake large-scale invasions of its own. Kelly's other son, Robert, was killed in combat in Afghanistan seven years ago. The deadly ambush in Niger occurred as Islamic militants on motorcycles, toting rocket-propelled grenades and heavy machine guns, seized on a U.S. convoy and shattered the windows of their unarmored trucks. In addition to those killed, two Americans were wounded. No extremist group has claimed responsibility. The attack is under official military investigation, as is normal for a deadly incident. What is abnormal, according to Sen. John McCain, the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is the Trump administration's slow response to requests for information. He said Thursday it may take a subpoena to shake loose more information. "They are not forthcoming with that information," McCain told reporters. Sen. Bob Corker, the Tennessee Republican who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said members of Congress have been provided with some information about the attack, "but not what we should." At the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis pushed back, saying it naturally takes time to verify information about a combat engagement. He promised to provide accurate information as soon as it's available, but offered no timetable. "The loss of our troops is under investigation," he said. "We in the Department of Defense like to know what we're talking about before we talk." Mattis did not offer details about the circumstances under which the Americans were traveling but said contact with hostile forces had been "considered unlikely." That would explain why the Americans, who were traveling in unarmored vehicles with Nigerien counterparts, lacked access to medical support and had no immediate air cover, although Mattis said French aircraft were called to the scene quickly. He said contract aircraft flew out the bodies of three Americans shortly after the firefight. Local Nigeriens found Johnson's body and returned it Oct. 6. It's not clear why Johnson was not found with the three others Oct. 4. Dana W. White, a spokeswoman for Mattis, said Johnson had become "separated." Speaking at a news conference with her, Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, director of the Joint Staff, said he knew more about what had happened to Johnson but was not willing to share it. He said U.S., Nigerien and French forces remained in the area searching for Johnson until he was found, so it would be wrong to say he was "left behind." Mattis said the U.S. has about 1,000 troops in that part of Africa to support a French-led mission to disrupt and destroy extremist elements. He said the U.S. provides aerial refueling, intelligence and reconnaissance support, and ground troops to engage with local leaders. "In this specific case, contact (with hostile forces) was considered unlikely, but the reason we had U.S. Army soldiers there and not the Peace Corps, it's because we carry guns." McKenzie said last week that U.S. troops in that area had done 29 similar missions over the previous six months without encountering enemy forces. Underlining how the attack and its response have rattled the White House this week, Trump's national security adviser, Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, also joined the defense. He said Thursday that it would be wrong for the Pentagon to provide details of the tragedy before it had fully verified them in the course of an in-depth investigation. "Answers that are provided, oftentimes, short of that full investigation, turn out in retrospect to have been inaccurate and just cause more confusion," McMaster said. Mattis described the mission being performed by the U.S. troops in Niger as a classic example of training that Army Green Berets have performed worldwide for decades, usually with no publicity. Known in military parlance as "foreign internal defense," the mission is to help local militaries improve their fighting skills and techniques. It requires a cultural acuity for which U.S. special operations troops are known. Sharon Baker doesn't like to come to the cemetery. But it's where she left her baby boy. "He was cold, his lips were big," she recalled. After several denials, pressure from advocates, and questioning by the NBC Boston Investigators, Baker tells us the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office just reversed its rejection of Baker's request for special crime victim funding. Attorney General Maura Healey's office initially denied Baker, whose 23-year-old son, Tyrell, was killed in a drive-by shooting five years ago in Brockton, from the state's Victims of Violent Crime Compensation fund, which helps pay for funeral and other services for those killed in violent crimes. "I didn't know what to do," Baker said. "I didn't know who to turn to." Initially, witnesses told police Tyrell Baker was involved in a drug deal. The victim compensation fund is filled not with tax dollars, but with fines and fees paid by those convicted of crimes. According to state regulations, the fund explicitly restricts help for the families of those deemed to have "provoked or contributed to the victim's injuries." "The circumstances may be what they are," Healey said. "We do the very best that we can, and we're looking to maximize relief for victims and their families." Given those witness reports, the attorney general's office, which oversees the $4 million fund, rejected Baker's claim for funeral expenses. "As far as him being a drug dealer, he just does not, does not fit the description," Baker said. She appealed the attorney general's decision and was denied again, even though the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office told the attorney general's office that Tyrell Baker wasn't part of any drug deal. In a letter, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz wrote, "Our office has always viewed Baker as a totally innocent party in this case." Healey would not speak about the specifics of Baker's case - or any other - to protect victims' privacy. "Well, I think we're following the law and the statute and the guidelines and will continue to do that," Healey said. "I can't speak to any one specific case or matter. I know I'm committed to working as expeditiously as possible to get resources and funds directly in the hands of those who have been victims of violent crime or their families." The so-called "crime clause" in the victim's fund regulations is getting a second look. A second look that Healey supports. Danielle Bennett of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute helps families navigate the application process. She said she is concerned that this kind of treatment "is destroying families" because the restriction often hangs the sins of the child on the families. "The families who are left behind trying to pick up the pieces and figure out their next steps in life, and how they're going to lay their loved ones down with dignity and respect," she said. "Those are the ones they should be looking at as the ones who need support. Me having to tell a mother that her son was not worth more than two cents is very harmful, and that's the impact. That's how they feel." For those denied, local funeral homes wind up bearing the burden. "Everybody has the right to a decent burial," said Ricardo Jean-Charles, director of Dolan Funeral Home in Dorchester and Milton. "The person's already gone," he said. "Their life has already been taken. No matter what they did, it shouldn't make a difference." The fund pays up to $8,000 for funerals, and businesses like Dolan, which often float the bill in hopes of the families getting a victims' compensation payment, can be on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars a year. "If you're waiting on that kind of money, you still have bills to pay," he said. Data shows in the last three fiscal years, the "crime clause" accounted for about 15 percent of all denials, more than twice the national average, at 7 percent. "I haven't seen those numbers," said Healey. "Frankly, I wasn't even aware of our numbers. I just know that my Victims' Comp team works hard to work directly with families." Victims' advocates have some notable allies for reform, including the Suffolk County District Attorney and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans. "I know the law enforcement is the hardened line approach, but if we don't get these people the services, then how do they get their lives together?" Evans asked. He also framed it as a matter of building bonds between police and residents, arguing that blocking families erodes trust. One case still pending with the attorney general's office is from the mother of Burrell Ramsey-White. He was shot and killed by a Boston Police officer after investigators say he pulled a gun on the officer. Evans said the man's family should not be held responsible for his actions. "That was their baby at one time. That was their son," Evans said. "And to penalize the victim's family everyone shouldn't be the loser here." Sharon Baker felt like she lost dignity. She held fundraisers to pay for the funeral. They weren't enough. She was in debt and still had $400 left to pay on her son's headstone. "It put me in a place I don't want to be at," she said. "But because of my child, I'd do anything." After the NBC Boston Investigators started asking questions, Baker said she received a phone call from the attorney general's office. Her application will now be approved. And advocates like Bennett pressured lawmakers to introduce a bill at the State House to remove the contributory factor or crime clause. If approved, Massachusetts would be the first state in the nation to make that change. The attorney general said she would support the change. The growing trade of China with Angola has significantly increased in the first seven months of this year, amounting to USD10 billion a 50 percent increase compared to the same period last year. With the 22nd Macao International Macau International Trade Fair (MIF) now underway, Angola is eyeing investors for the countrys primary sector commodities. Angola is the partner country of MIF this year, while Guangdong is the partner province. The Angola, Guangdong and Macao Trade and Investment Forum has invited representatives of governments and enterprises of the three regions to showcase the most up-to-date economic and trade environment and investment policies of the respective country and region. The forum also analyzed existing co-operation between Portuguese-speaking countries, mainland China and Macau with a view to assisting entrepreneurs and investors to explore business opportunities. Speaking to the Times at the MIFs Angola Pavillion, one of its delegates, Francisco Viana, chairman of Forum dos Empresarios de Lingua Portuguesa FELP expressed a need to shift his countrys focus away from a dependence on primary sector commerce. Viana cited Chinese President Xi Jinpings vow to cooperate with the industrialization of Africa. So we are ready to receive this kind of investment to add value to our products in agriculture, mining, among other [areas] said the delegate. We [China and Africa] have many opportunities to [conduct] business together. Macau is a platform for us to know many delegations and to enhance this cooperation. Questioned whether there was a need for such investment expansion, the delegate expressed that the African country is keen to offer quality products in a bid to add value to the countrys goods. We need to [develop manufacturing] production, otherwise we are only going to sell raw materials and buy industrial goods and this is not a good business for us, he argued. According to him, such a move is a win-win situation for both China and Angola, adding that the two countries can share each others market. Viana considers MIF a significant platform for business growth in China and Portuguese- speaking countries particularly African countries as he noted that Macau business partners have no interest in investing in Africa. Macau businessmen do not have the will to invest in Africa [so] here in Macau, we can organize a platform and we can invite others from mainland [China] that have this will, said Viana. Further, the delegate expressed that there is a need to mobilize vendors and buyers in the tradeshow as the first day of the event did not attract a sufficient number of visitors. Viana suggested that such events would have to further involve the Macao Chamber of Commerce to allow the mobilization of interested buyers, along with the participation of foreign business associations. There are a very few people here in the fair; its very slow. [] We need to have a fair with many people so theres a lot of [organizing] jobs to do, the delegate said. According to the Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), more than 1,000 enterprises and organizations from over 50 countries and regions are participating in the current MIF. The 22nd MIF and 2017 PLPEX kicked off yesterday and will continue until tomorrow at The Venetian Macao. Two signs that appear to support white supremacy are causing a controversy on the campus of Boston College ahead of a student march protesting racism on Friday. The signs showed the iconic Uncle Sam picture with a caption that read "I want you to love who you are. Dont apologize for being white." The signs include a logo for a monthly online magazine known as American Renaissance. The magazine is known for promoting white supremacy, according to the college. The signs were posted near a campus map just ahead of a student march called "Silence is Still Violence," which spurred hundreds of students to protest. "There is a racist culture here, and it comes in all different forms of micro-aggressions, macro-aggressions, directly or indirectly, or even passivity," march organizer and student Olivia Sutton said. Both of the signs have been taken down since they were posted. Boston College has responded to the incident on Twitter saying that they are standing in opposition to the sign and that police are investigating the incident; however, some students say it's not enough. "I just think the administration at Boston College hasn't been doing as much as they can to support black people," student Gianna Mitchell said. Father William P. Leahy, the president of Boston College, was not in attendance of Friday's march or rally. Earlier this week, students at Boston College had walked out of classes to protest racist incidents on campus where posters for "Black Lives Matter" were vandalized. Crowds of demonstrators gathered at the University of Florida campus in Gainesville Thursday, holding signs and chanting anti-Nazi slogans in protest of a speech by white nationalist Richard Spencer. Hundreds of police officers stood outside the UF Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to prevent violence. Anti-Spencer protesters shouted, "Not in our town! Not in our state! We don't want your Nazi hate!" Inside the venue, dozens of officers in riot gear stood guard around the auditorium. Throughout the event, protesters tried to drown out Spencer's speech, chanting "go home Spencer" and "black lives matter." Spencer, who preaches a fiery brand of politics and looks to preserve a white majority in America, was one of the organizers of the "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August that left one counter demonstrator dead and several others injured when a vehicle plowed into a crowd of people. Florida Gov. Rick Scott and other top state officials urged people to ignore Spencer and his event. On Tuesday, Scott even declared a state of emergency to direct resources to ensure the community's safety during the event. "The values of our universities are not shared by Mr. Spencer, the National Policy Institute or his followers," UF President W. Kent Fuchs said in a taped message earlier this week. "Our campuses are places where people from all races, origins and religions are welcome and or treated with love." Fuchs estimates the school will spend $600,000 on security for Spencer's speech. The school has called in hundreds of law enforcement officers from federal, state, county and city sources. Streets will be blocked off, and movement around the campus tightly controlled. The president said Spencer is "hijacking" public universities which are compelled by the First Amendment to provide a speaking forum and forcing taxpayers to pay the resulting security costs. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the government, in this case a public university, cannot charge speakers for security costs. Earlier in the day, Spencer got into a heated exchange with NBC News reporter Kerry Sanders during a press conference before his speaking event. Spencer denied Sanders claim that he would "only allow my extremist supporters into the audience" and demanded a retraction. Sanders reported on the "Today" show Thursday that Spencer had 700 tickets to distribute for the event and would "only give them to those who believe in his extremist beliefs." "I have said the exact opposite of that on multiple occasions to many reporters," Spencer said. "So, one of two things happened: You were ignorant of this and you didn't do suitable research, which is understandable, I've certainly made lots of mistakes. Or you lied. So I'm curious, which of those two things happened." Spencer initially refused to take questions until Sanders retracted his statement, to which the reporter responded, "Lets try this: Tick tock. People are here to hear you speak." The school initially said it would not approve an application for the speech from the National Policy Institute before reversing course, saying while they disapprove of Spencers message, he has a First Amendment right to speak at the public university. The leader of the conservative alt-right movement recently spoke of his First Amendment right and his upcoming speech in Gainesville. "This is where the rubber hits the road, this is where free speech is really meaningful," he said in an alt-right podcast online. "It's not just some abstract concept. I mean every single American citizen, if you ask them, 'Do you support free speech?' 99.9 percent of them say Yes, of course we love free speech.'" Spencer's National Policy Institute is paying $10,564 to rent space for the speaking event. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Mosquitoes trapped in two Connecticut towns have tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), according to state officials. The mosquitoes were trapped in Hampton and Voluntown on Oct. 5 and Oct. 10. It is the first time this season that the state has found EEE-positive mosquitoes in the state. "Although the weather has cooled and mosquito populations are declining, the late season detection of EEE virus in eastern Connecticut requires continued monitoring and attention," said Dr. Philip Armstrong, medical entomologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven. Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare, but serious virus that can cause neurological problems in humans, according to state officials. An average of 6 human cases are diagnosed in the U.s. each year. The mortality rate is 30-percent, state officials said. The first human case and death related to EEE in Connecticut happened in October 2013. The city of New Haven and partners from the Connecticut shoreline have raised more than $90,000 as part of New Haven for Puerto Rico initiative. On Thursday night, they added to that total thanks to the students at Notre Dame High School and their Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Proceeds from the sale of the schools assembly as well as donations will be added to the citys relief effort and eventually delivered to Puerto Rico. State Rep. Juan Candelaria has been a part of the citys fundraising effort. Hes Puerto Rican and lost an aunt in Hurricane Maria and several other family members on the island lost their homes. Youre going to see that the need is going to be a lot bigger than what were seeing. This is for the long run, he said of the Puerto Rican rebuilding efforts. The school assembly was planned before Hurricane Maria battered Puerto Rico, but when the devastation caused by the storm was realized, students and teachers decided to try to help. There are needs that will continue for the coming years and so we want to make sure that our boys will have this awareness, not just today but coming forward into the future, said Robert Curis, Notre Dames president. Imagine it happened to us. Wouldnt we want someone to help us? It makes me happy because I can see that theyre caring for other people, said Notre Dame freshman Maicol Escobar, who served as emcee for the celebration. Its the right thing to do. No matter where you are, I think you need to reach out said Daniel Diaz, chairperson of ARTE Inc., New Havens cultural partner in the relief effort. Candelaria said he plans to be a part of the New Haven delegation that will deliver all of the money theyve raised for Puerto Rico sometime in November. Everyone who takes part in the trip will pay his or her own expenses so the money raised can go solely to the benefit of the island. A Georgia woman is accused of diverting more than $700,000 from the University of Connecticut to her banking accounts after posing as a representative of Dell Computers, according to paperwork from Connecticut Superior Court. UConn police said they were alerted on June 21 that $773,079.35 was stolen from the university and they launched an investigation. That investigation revealed that the University of Connecticuts routing number was used between April 12 and May 19 and that someone who was not authorized diverted the payments. Police have identified the suspect as 39-year-old MuthAini Nzuki, a native of Kenya who is a naturalized United States citizen living in Kennesaw, Georgia. UConn realized something was wrong when Dell Computers contacted the school on May 24 asking for payment on invoices that were past due. UConn told the company that most of the past invoices had been paid and reached out to vendor, the supplier information management company the university uses, which allows UConn and vendors to view the status of invoices and remittances and maintain company information. According to the arrest warrant application, Nzuki created an account with Payment Works, the vendor company, posing as a Dell employee, and synched up her account and UConns account by entering Dells federal tax ID and imputing an invoice number and amount owed from any Dell invoice to UConn. Between April 12 and May 19, Nzuki is accused of diverting money from an approved Dell banking account to an account she created 32 separate times. Nzuki used an assumed name of a person who turned out not to be an actual Dell employee and used a free email service in Germany to create the email she used to open the account. Records from Immigration and Customs Enforcement show that Nzuki has been a naturalized U.S. citizen as of 2010, has a U.S. passport as well as a Kenyan passport. She traveled from Atlanta to Paris on May 25 and returned to Atlanta from Kenya on Aug. 8. A judge at Rockville Superior Court signed a warrant for Nzuki on Aug. 16 and UConn police sought help from the Cobb County Sheriffs Office in Georgia to help find her. UConn police then transported Nzuki from Georgia on Thursday. Nzuki has been charged with first-degree larceny and first-degree computer crime and was held on $1 million bond, but it was lowered to $500,000. She is due back in court on Dec. 1 and is being represented by an attorney. UConn officials said the university and the state will not be responsible to absorb the financial loss and it will be worked out between the vendor who processed the payments and Dell, which was supposed to receive them. The University of Connecticut, Dell, and our company were targets of a sophisticated fraud. We are working with the University of Connecticut to resolve this matter and are helping local authorities in their investigation, a statement from a spokesperson at the company says. No student or employee data was accessed or compromised, according to UConn. Dell released a statement, saying Dell has turned over all information on the incident to the FBI and the company is cooperating fully with their investigation. While this incident occurred as the result of an email phishing scam, we advise any individual who is suspicious of fraudulent activity to take immediate action, either by deleting emails from addresses they do not recognize or simply hanging up the phone if contacted with offers to fix their computer or request financial and other sensitive information. Unless a Dell customer signs up for our enhanced monitoring and support services, they will never receive an unsolicited call, Dell said in a statement. For those who feel they have been the target of someone claiming to be from Dell who tries to trick them into giving up private information or downloading software, we encourage them to submit all relevant information via Dells online form, or call us toll-free at (866) 453-1742 Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. U.S. Central time, the statement from Dell says. President Donald Trump promised tax cuts Friday "which will be the biggest in the history of our country!" following Senate passage of a $4 trillion budget that lays the groundwork for Republicans' promised tax legislation. Republicans hope to push the first tax overhaul in three decades through Congress by year's end, an ambitious goal that would fulfill multiple campaign promises but could run aground over any number of disputes. Failure could cost the GOP dearly in next year's midterm elections. The budget plan, which passed on a near party-line vote late Thursday, includes rules that will allow Republicans to get tax legislation through the Senate without Democratic votes and without fear of a Democratic filibuster. Nonetheless, the GOP's narrow 52-48 majority in the Senate will be difficult for leadership to navigate, as illustrated by the Republicans' multiple failures to pass legislation repealing and replacing "Obamacare." The final vote on the budget was 51-49 with deficit hawk Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky the lone opposing GOP vote. Trump insisted over Twitter on Friday that Paul would be with him in the end on taxes, even though the senator has been critical of the tax package as it's emerged thus far. Trump wrote, "The Budget passed late last night, 51 to 49. We got ZERO Democrat votes with only Rand Paul (he will vote for Tax Cuts) voting against........This now allows for the passage of large scale Tax Cuts (and Reform), which will be the biggest in the history of our country!" It remains to be seen whether the overhaul will add up to the biggest tax cuts ever. Trump and Republicans have only produced a nine-page framework, leaving plenty of blanks that Congress needs to fill in over the coming months on income-tax brackets and elimination of some favored deductions. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said Friday the GOP will add a fourth tax bracket for high-income people to the three originally proposed, but Ryan didn't say what the tax rate would be for that bracket. Speaking on "CBS This Morning," Ryan said Republicans are working on the tax rate for "the fourth bracket that the president and others are talking about that we're going to do." The House has passed a different budget, but House Republicans signaled they would simply accept the Senate plan to avoid any potential of delaying the tax measure. "I look forward to swift passage and to working with the president on tax reform," House Budget Committee Chairman Diane Black, R-Tenn., said Friday. Republicans are looking for accomplishments following an embarrassing drought of legislative achievements despite controlling both chambers of Congress and the White House. Republican lawmakers publicly admit that failure on taxes would be politically devastating with control of the House and Senate at stake in next year's midterm elections. "It would be a complete disaster," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said after the final budget vote. But Republicans are split on taxes. A restive rump of House Republicans from high-tax states like New York, New Jersey, Illinois and California staunchly oppose the tax plan's proposed elimination of the federal deduction for state and local taxes. They maintain it would hurt low- to mid-income taxpayers and subject them to being taxed twice. Their vocal opposition has led Republican leaders in Congress like Ryan and Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, who heads the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, to hear out the fractious GOP members and seek a compromise with them. At the same time, the White House is making overtures to conservative Democrats in the House and Democratic senators from states that Trump won in the 2016 election. Most heavily courted have been Sens. Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota. The trio dined this week at the home of daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, both top advisers to Trump. But Manchin said after Thursday's vote, "I fear that passage of this budget today will make it difficult to pass bipartisan tax reform in the coming weeks." In his conversations with Trump, Manchin said, "we have discussed our shared goal of ensuring any tax-reform package passes with both Republican and Democratic votes, and focuses on providing tax relief for working Americans. The current tax-reform proposal ... does not reflect my conversations with the president." The Democrats were excluded from the drafting of the tax blueprint, and they continue to demand that any tax-cutting plan not add to the mounting $20 trillion national debt. The newly adopted Senate budget plan provides for $1.5 trillion over 10 years in debt-financed tax cuts, busting earlier Republican pledges of strict fiscal discipline. The money would be used for the tax plan's cut in the corporate tax rate from 36 percent to 20 percent, reduced taxes for most individuals, and the repeal of inheritance taxes on multimillion-dollar estates. The standard deduction would be doubled, to $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for families, the number of tax brackets would shrink from seven, and the child tax credit would be increased. Trump and the Republicans pitch the plan as a boon to the middle class and a spark to economic growth and jobs. Democrats charge it mainly would benefit wealthy individuals like Trump and big corporations. The North Texas bid for a second Amazon headquarters included a new video featuring the mayors of Dallas and Fort Worth, demonstrating the regional cooperation that went into the bid. "It's been very impressive, and I think that will show them that we are willing to work together and this is a region where people can live in one city and work in another," said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. At least five North Texas cities are known to have submitted potential sites for an Amazon campus to be included in the bid. Jessica Heer with the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce, which helped prepare the bid, declined to reveal specifics but said it was submitted to Amazon on Wednesday well before Thursday's deadline. "We have a regional overview that showcases all the attributes for the Dallas region, showcasing why we're the best place for the Amazon second headquarters," Heer said. Amazon's request for proposals seeks: A metro area with one million or more residents A stable and business-friendly environment An urban or suburban location with the potential to attract and retain strong technical talent Communities that "think big" when considering locations and real estate options Close proximity to a major international airport Access to mass transit "We have all of that," Price said. "Some sites have more than others, but there are some fabulous sites that are going in on the regional bid." The Fort Worth Panther Island development plan north of the Trinity River along North Main Street will soon have a rail transit link to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. New bridges are under construction there for new Trinity River channels that will add waterfront features. A new North Texas site that surfaced Thursday is seven square blocks of land between Dallas City Hall and Interstate 30 where a developer is already proposing a campus of buildings with up to eight million square feet of office space, exactly what Amazon has said it may require. Irving, Lewisville, Frisco and McKinney are known to have made proposals for Amazon. Former Amazon executive Brittain Ladd, who now lives in North Texas, says Frisco should top the crowded list of contenders. "Frisco, to me, is a canvas that Amazon can think big and dream big, design a very special, very interesting headquarters and come here and actually turn that vision into a reality," Ladd said. Whether or not Amazon selects North Texas, developers expect to find other tenants for the proposed locations in the regional bid. "We'll keep our foot on the pedal for corporate relocation and talent attraction, definitely," Heer said. In the past eight years, Heer said more than 75 companies have relocated to North Texas, bringing more than 500,000 new jobs. That's ten times more than the 50,000 Amazon has said a second headquarters could eventually employ. Amazon is still expanding in the current headquarters city of Seattle, where some people complain about increased traffic congestion and housing costs associated with the company's rapid expansion. "Infrastructure is always a challenge for any city, but this region is used to dealing with that because we've had this kind of growth for the last 10 to 15 years," Price said. Amazon said it intends to make an announcement about a duplicate headquarters location by early next year. A deadly wrong-way crash closed part of Florida's Turnpike in southwest Miami-Dade for nearly four hours Friday morning, snarling traffic and forcing drivers off onto local roads into the morning rush hour. All lanes along Florida's Turnpike between Southwest 216th Street and Caribbean Boulevard were blocked off by police after the crash happened around 4 a.m. Florida High Patrol confirmed two people died as a result of the crash, which involved two cars and a Homestead Police prisoner transport van. FHP officials said one of the drivers was killed at the scene, while another died at Jackson South Hospital. Three inmates who were in the van were also taken to the hospital but are expected to be okay. Officials haven't released the names of the victims. No other details have been released. Authorities are advising drivers to seek an alternative route if they're in the area. Check back with NBC 6 for updates. Nearly a dozen Miami-Dade students were honored by a program that works to build and reinforce positive relationships between police officers and young people. One of those being recognized by the Do The Right Thing organization is Guychar Nicaisse, a fifth grader at Eneida Hartner Elementary School. But the amazing thing about her story is how she got to this point as some say she's not even supposed to be here. She was only three and a wall fell on her from her house during the 2010 Haitian earthquake, and she was paralyzed, said the organizations executive director, Jodi Atkison. Guychar and her family immediately moved to the United States, but they had to overcome more adversity - including living in a shelter for six months while they strived to adjust to a new country. When you meet Guychar, you would never know what she's been through. Her laugh, hugs, and warmth lights up a room every time she walks in, which she says she gets it from her mother. She's always there no matter what, and tells me to put those things away and think on the bright side, said Guychar. Thinking on the bright side to use her experiences and to help her peers, Guychar is an advocate for those being bullied. She uses a million dollar smile, and that love she receives from her loving mother to help others. Even if they're little, they can do anything, Guychar said. Anything can happen and be possible for them. The Amber Alert for the 3-month old infant abducted in upstate New York has been canceled. State police canceled the alert shortly before 6 p.m., about an hour after it was issued for Donavan Bragg, who was abducted by Frank Bragg and Amanda Rua in Troy, a city near Albany in upstate New York. The alert was issued in the Capital Region around Troy, as well as in New York City and nearby suburbs. A fire gutted a luxury teakwood hotel popular with foreigners in Myanmars biggest city of Yangon before dawn yesterday, causing one death. Firefighters who carried a body out of the Kandawgyi Palace Hotel said the victim was male. Macaus Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) reported a woman from Macau was hospitalized in critical condition, following an injury to her waist while escaping the hotel fire. The resident, female in her forties, is currently concious with no threat to her life, but unable to move, the GGCT said Photos and video posted online show the spectacular blaze racing through the traditional Burmese-style building. Smoke was still rising from the remains of the lakeside hotel hours after daybreak and dozens of firefighters were at the site. Ill never forget looking up and seeing the night sky turned red, said American David Powers, who escaped the blaze with his wife, 4-year-old daughter and their passports, phones and wallets. The embers floating through the sky looked like hellish snowflakes, he said. Once we got across the street we could really see how bad the fire was. Powers, who works in Bangkok and is from South Carolina, said there was no alarm and he initially thought the sounds of shouting and footsteps outside the familys room were drunken hotel guests. Firefighter Kyaw Kyaw said the blaze started about 3 a.m. and may have been caused by an electrical fault. Exploding gas cylinders hastened its spread, he said. Kyaw Kyaw said one firefighter suffered from smoke inhalation. The teak upper floors of the hotel were destroyed and the blaze also appeared to have swept through the cement bottom two floors. The hotel was built in the early 1990s, incorporating a colonial era British rowing club. It is currently owned by the Htoo Group, a conglomerate controlled by Tay Za, a businessman who prospered under Myanmars former military government. Adrienne Frilot, a tourist from California, told local news site Frontier that she initially thought the hotel staff who knocked on her door for minutes were drunken guests. We realized that something was wrong and opened the door and we smelled the smoke and then evacuated immediately, she told the publication. The staff were so helpful, she said. AP/MDT A few days after President Donald Trump announced his get-tough approach to Iran, one of its top military commanders helped engineer the seizure of an important Iraqi city from a U.S. regional ally, Iraqi, Kurdish and American officials told NBC News. Iran brokered seizure of oil-rich Kirkuk from the Kurds by the Iraqi government and the Shiite militias it partners with, according to former U.S. national security officials. The move heightens the risk of civil war in Iraq, and amounts to an embarrassing strategic blow for the United States. "It is a catastrophic defeat for the United States and a fantastic victory for Iran's Revolutionary Guard, proving that Qassem Soleimani gets his way once again," said Ali Khedery, a senior adviser on Iraq policy in the Bush and Obama administrations. Soleimani, who heads up the Iranian military's special forces and extraterritorial operations, helped negotiate a deal in which one Kurdish faction would abandon its positions to allow Iraqi government forces and Iranian-supported militias to take the city uncontested, Kurdish and former U.S. intelligence officials said. A Pennsylvania man has been jailed on charges he sold heroin in the hospital maternity ward room where people were coming to visit his newborn infant. The Tribune-Review reports 25-year-old Cody Hulse declined comment after his arraignment Friday on charges including heroin delivery and endangering the welfare of children. Greensburg police say they stopped a vehicle Thursday evening and found heroin and paraphernalia. The occupants told police they had just bought the drugs from Hulse at Excela Health Westmoreland hospital. Police say they went to the maternity room and confronted Hulse who acknowledged selling the drugs, and who had other heroin still in his pocket. Police say Hulse's girlfriend, the baby's mother, told them she didn't know about the drug deals. Online court records don't list a defense attorney. Actor Shia LaBeouf was sentenced to probation Thursday after the "Transformers" star pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of obstruction stemming from his attempt to elude police following a vulgar public outburst in Georgia. LaBeouf, 31, received a year on probation from a Recorder's Court judge in Savannah, where he was arrested July 8 while in coastal Georgia to film the movie "The Peanut Butter Falcon." He was also ordered to pay $2,680 in fines and fees, perform 100 hours of community service, enroll in anger management counseling and complete a drug and alcohol evaluation. LaBeouf was spending a late night out in a popular Savannah nightlife district last summer when he became aggressive and began shouting vulgarities after a bystander refused to give him a cigarette, according to a Savannah-Chatham County police report. Police said LaBeouf refused to leave when an officer told him to do so. He then fled to a nearby hotel in an attempt to avoid arrest, authorities said. Booking video from the Chatham County jail showed LaBeouf accuse police of being racist and tell a black officer he was going to hell. He later released a statement apologizing for "my outright disrespect for authority," blaming struggles with addiction for pushing his behavior to "a new low." Police charged LaBeouf with two additional misdemeanors following the outburst in Savannah. He pleaded no contest Thursday to disorderly conduct, while prosecutors agreed to drop a charge of public drunkenness. A woman who had been in the United States for 20 years, was deported to Mexico Thursday, the U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) confirmed. Silvia Ocampo-Ortiz entered the U.S. illegally in 1992 near the San Ysidro Port of Entry. In 2008, she was arrested by Homeland Security and Social Security Administration officials, according to ICE spokesperson Lauren Mack. The following year, Ocampo-Ortiz was turned over to ICE after a felony conviction for perjury. Mack said this case was heard before an immigration judge, the Board of Immigration Appeals and twice before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. On Thursday evening, Ocampo-Ortiz was deported and staying in Tijuana, Mexico. The ICE Acting Director has made it clear that the agency will not exempt classes or categories of people, Mack said in a written statement. "All of those in violation of our nations immigration laws may be subject to arrest, detention and, if found removable, he or she will be removed from the United States," she said. Ocampo-Ortiz is a single mother with several children, including an 8-year-old daughter with special needs, according to Unite Here, an organization that rallied to keep the mother in the U.S. Religious leaders, activists, and local leaders gathered outside the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building Thursday to protest against Ocampo-Ortiz' deportation. "We are outraged that ICE would take a single mother of a special needs child away from her family," Brigette Browning, president of Unite Here Local 30. "They are heartlessly deporting Silvia right before a court date that could enable her to remain here with her children. Tearing apart families is the real crime here." In September, Gaston Cazares of Carlsbad was deported after his immigration hearing. Cazares moved to San Diego illegally when he was 17 and has been in the area for nearly 30 years. Cazares wife of 22 years, their teenage daughter and their son with autism now remain in Carlsbad without him. CORRECTION (Oct. 23, 11:59 a.m.): An earlier version of this article said the FBI is investigating this case. The FBI is not investigating. Something that appears to be a noose was found in a U.S. Postal Service facility in Gaithersburg, Maryland, officials said Friday. The item was found at a maintenance facility on the 16500 block of Shady Grove Road, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General said. Information on when the suspected noose was found was not available immediately. The investigation is ongoing. Hate crime reports spiked in Maryland by 40 percent between 2015 and 2016, with most reports occurring in the months before and after the Nov. 8, 2016 election, a Maryland State Police report said. Nearly one-fifth of 2016 hate crime reports occurred in November. Nearly 50 percent happened in September, October, November and December. Montgomery County police uncovered 73 reported hate crimes, including 14 assaults deemed hate crimes -- the highest in the state (Baltimore County reported 73 hate crimes and 13 bias-related assaults). Local officials noticed the trend in November, but numbers continued to climb. During the year, "Trump Nation Whites Only" was written on the sign of a church in Silver Spring. Swastikas were drawn on the walls of a boys' room at a middle school and scratched into the tile at a high school. In Burtonsville, the cars of Trump supporters were vandalized. Police Chief Tom Manger also linked the hate crimes to the election. "When the election occurred, I think that some folks saw themselves as winners, some folks saw themselves as losers and they decided to act out on that emotion that they were feeling," he said. Anne Arundel County ranked third, with 47 reported hate crimes. Howard county police reported 33 incidents. Prince Georges County residents reported 13 hate crimes. Frederick, Carroll and Charles counties had 14 reported hate crimes combined. The number of reported assaults related to hate or bias nearly doubled from the previous year. Perpetrators brandished weapons were used in 33 reported hate crimes, including firearms, a car, an air-soft-fun, a broken beer bottle and a rock, police said. Two people were reported seriously injured. Still, over 60 percent of the hate crimes reported were verbal attacks or vandalism-related, state police said. A hate crime is defined by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offenders bias against a race, religion, disability, ethnic origin or sexual orientation, the report said. Most reported hate crimes targeted people because of their race, ethnicity or ancestry. African-American and white people are most likely to report being the target of hate or bias, but reports of intimidation toward Hispanic or Latino people more than quadrupled. Three hate crimes against Hispanics or Latinos were reported in 2015. Fourteen cases were reported in 2016. White people were the target of 96 reported attacks, police said. White men reported more hate crimes than white women. Black people were targeted in 111 reported attacks. Black women reported more hate crimes than black men. Jewish and African-American people were reported being targeted the most. Over 50 percent of reported hate incidents were motivated by anti-Black or anti-Jewish sentiment, police said. According to the report, 30 percent of offenders were white males -- more than any other group. But many perpetrators of hate are never arrested, even if police have verified the reported crime was indeed rooted in hatred or violence. Maryland police said they arrested 14.3 percent of perpetrators of verified hate crimes against people because of their race, ethnicity or ancestry. No arrests were made related to 108 verified reported hate crimes toward Marylanders because of the victims religious views, gender identity or sexual orientation. Hate crimes were also responsible for over $33,000 worth of damage across Maryland, mostly to cars ($12,846) and churches of any denomination ($7,820). Data suggests fewer unfounded reports of bias than verified ones. More than a third of hate crime reports are verified, and about 4.5 percent go unfounded. Nearly two-thirds are inconclusive. Maryland State Police released a report Friday detailing the trend. Hate crimes increased between 2014 and 2015, the report shows. Not every report of a hate crime can be considered a criminal offense, police said. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has thrown his support behind a proposal by transportation pioneer Elon Musk to build a high-speed, underground transit system between New York and Washington. Hogan administration officials have issued a conditional utility permit to allow Musk's tunneling firm to dig a 10.3-mile tunnel beneath the state-owned portion of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, The Baltimore Sun reports. It would be the first portion of the underground system known as a Hyperloop. Musk has said the system could eventually ferry passengers from Washington to New York, with stops in Baltimore and Philadelphia. Maryland's approval is the first of many needed to complete the project. Hogan said on Facebook that he is "incredibly excited'' to support the project. In February, Musk tweeted photos from a tunnel in D.C., sparking a flurry of speculation. Musk toured the 2 1/2-mile-long Anacostia River Tunnel and saw the tunnel-boring machine that created it. A spokesman for Musk declined to speak at the time about the purpose of the tour. Five months later, Musk said on Twitter that he had received verbal approval for the project from the federal government. The Trump administration acknowledged Musk's tweet, but did not getting into any specifics about a possible project. Passengers traveling via Hyperloop would board magnetically levitating pods moved by electric propulsion. Musk claims the line would make a trip from Washington, D.C. to New York just 29 minutes long. Musk is best known for his electric car company Tesla and his space venture SpaceX, as well as co-founding PayPal. The inventor first proposed the Hyperloop electromagnetic tube system in 2013. Earlier this year, the California tech company Hyperloop One unveiled a plan for a NY-to-DC system. Musk's system appeared to be different from theirs, though. Police and liquor officials seized 67 gallons of moonshine, 22 guns and a Kia Soul from the home of a man they say was working as a bootlegger. Winston Delano Terry, 73, faces felony charges after he was caught illegally selling homemade alcohol in Virginia and Tennesee, the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) said Thursday. Terry's home in Jonesville, Virginia, near the Tennessee border, was raided by state police and ABC special agents on Oct. 13. The raid followed a months-long investigation. Our undercover operatives made numerous buys during the past several months, culminating in the enforcement activity," ABC Special Agent in Charge Steve Baffuto said in a statement. A photo from the ABC shows dozens of mason jars full of liquid. The ABC's chief operating officer said the charges against Terry help protect public safety. Smoke wafted from the smoldering carcasses of buildings and houses, with the dome of a mosque blasted out with holes, as Philippine troops battled yesterday to defeat a final stand by the last dozens of pro-Islamic State group militants in a southern city. The desolate war scene, which was witnessed by Associated Press journalists on board a navy patrol gunboat in Lake Lanao, could herald what the government hopes will be the end of a nearly five-month siege by the militants in Marawi city. Filipino troops killed 13 more suspected militants Wednesday night, including one believed to be a top Malaysian terror suspect although his body hasnt been recovered yet, military officials said. Our troops are continuing their assault, army Col. Romeo Brawner said after his news conference in Marawi was disrupted by loud explosions reverberating from the final area of battle, about 2 kilometers away. About 20 to 30 militants continue to fight back, he said. While troops pressed their assault with artillery and gunfire, officers used loudspeakers to ask the militants, many of them positioned in a bullet-pocked two-story building, to surrender. The building stands on a pier by the lake near a huge gunfire-scarred welcome sign that says I (love) Marawi. Sporadic fighting continued even after President Rodrigo Duterte visited the Islamic city on Tuesday and announced its liberation, sparking hopes that hundreds of thousands of residents could begin returning home. The speed of their return, however, will depend on how quickly the city is declared safe of militants and rebuilt. Volunteers and displaced residents have begun a government-led cleanup in neighborhoods that were declared safe. Power has been restored in more than half of the lakeside city, along with water supply, officials said. On Monday, the defense secretary and military chief of staff announced that two of the last leaders of the siege Isnilon Hapilon, who is one of the FBIs most-wanted terror suspects, and Omarkhayam Maute were killed in a gunbattle. Their deaths were the turning point that partly convinced the president he could declare Marawi liberated from the gunmen, Brawner told the AP. Military spokesman Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla said Malaysian Mahmud bin Ahmad was believed among 13 militants killed overnight and another seven in the morning. Six soldiers were slightly wounded in the fighting. Two civilian hostages a mother and her teenage daughter were also rescued, Padilla said. The information about Mahmud was based on what the rescued mother and daughter told the military, Padilla said. Mahmud, who uses nom de guerre Abu Handzalah, is a close associate of Hapilon. Military officials said he had linked up Hapilon with the Islamic State group and provided funding to bankroll the siege of Marawi. Padilla said troops discovered that there may be more militant fighters remaining in a small battle area than earlier estimated. Marawi, a mosque-studded center of Islamic faith in the predominantly Roman Catholic Philippines, has been devastated by the siege by the militants who waved IS-style black flags and hung them on buildings they had occupied in Marawis business district and outlying areas, according to the military. The insurrection prompted the military to launch a ground offensive and airstrikes, with the United States and Australia later backing the troops by deploying surveillance aircraft. Duterte declared martial law across the south, the homeland of minority Muslims and the scene of a decades-old separatist rebellion, to deal with the uprising and prevent other insurgents from waging attacks elsewhere and reinforcing the fighters in Marawi. The surprise occupation of the city and the involvement of foreign fighters set off alarms in Southeast Asia. Analysts said parts of the southern Philippines were at risk of becoming a new base for IS as it lost territory to international forces in Iraq and Syria. Some of the residents who returned to Marawi for the cleanup yesterday became emotional after seeing their devastated city and homes. Esnairah Macabunar saw weeds growing around her two-story house but became more stunned when she went inside and realized her home had been ransacked. Everything was stolen in my house, she said. I am still shaken because I cannot accept what happened, my whole life savings are gone. Jim Gomez, AP A Massachusetts man accused of threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend and their unborn child faced a judge Friday after being taken into custody Thursday night by Boston and state police. Charles Dixon, 32, was arrested on Dudley Street in Boston after a short foot chase. After a brief appearance in a Roxbury courtroom on a charge of driving with a suspended license Friday morning, Dixon faced another judge in Salem District Court on multiple charges, including two counts of threat to commit a crime and one count each of assault on a family member. He was ordered to be held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Oct. 24. Dixon allegedly fled on Tuesday when he learned he faced a dangerousness hearing in Salem District Court on the domestic assault charge. Beverly police said a woman came into their station Sunday to report that Dixon, the father of her child and her ex-boyfriend, had threatened her and her unborn child. On Wednesday night, there was a report that Dixon might have been in a wooded area near Hillcrest Drive in Beverly, which prompted a joint search by Beverly and state police patrols and tactical units and a lockdown of Beverly Hospital. However, he wasn't found in the vicinity. Court documents show that his ex-girlfriend in Beverly believed Dixon to be a suspect in a 2012 Boston shooting that left three dead, including another ex-girlfriend who was the mother of one of his children. Beverly police alluded to Dixon being a suspect in a a previous case in a statement Wednesday night. Beverly police said the woman who alerted them on Sunday to the alleged threats also described Dixon as a fentanyl and heroin dealer. Outside the Roxbury courtroom Friday morning, Dixon's cousin told NBC Boston she didn't believe the accusations. "Yes he may say hot-headed things - everybody says hot-headed things, everybody says things when they're mad - but to say that he's a killer, or he's trying to kill an unborn kid or he would kill you or he was a suspect in another murder, that's not the Charles Dixon, and that's not the Charles Dixon that she has a baby by," Natasha Bibbs said. It wasn't immediately clear if Dixon had an attorney. Police in Portland, Maine, are searching for a man who attempted to kidnap an infant from a grocery store on Friday afternoon. The suspect, a man in his 30s, approached the 2-month-old child inside the Back Cove Hannaford around 1:15 p.m. He then took the child, who was in a cart, and pushed the cart to the other side of the store while the father was shopping, according to police. The father alerted employees, who shut the store down. Employees found the child, but the suspect was able to get away on foot. Police did not say if the child was injured. The suspect was wearing a yellow shirt and a white hat with an orange brim. Anyone with information is asked to contact police. Maine Sen. Angus King says he's not interested in a potential request that he join the Democratic Party. King is an independent who caucuses with the Democrats. A Democratic National Committee member is sponsoring a resolution calling for King and fellow independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont to join the party. It wasn't immediately known if Sanders responded. King told CNN on Tuesday that he's staying independent. He was also an independent when he served as governor of Maine from 1995 to 2003 and he says "that's who I am." King was elected to the Senate in 2012. King says he votes with the Democrats more often than the Republicans, but he feels more comfortable remaining unaffiliated. It's perhaps one of the most common emotions to feel in a relationship, but one that's virtually untouched when it comes to studying relationships in monogamous primate species. What scientists have recently discovered about jealousy in pair-bonded titi monkeys at the California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC) offers insight into human emotions and their consequences. Coppery titi monkeys are among the world's three-to-five percent of animals that form lifelong, monogamous pair bonds. Much like humans, the titi monkeys form an attachment with their partner, exhibit mate-guarding behavior and become distressed when they are separated from each other. "They have behavior and emotions that we recognize as close to how we feel," said Dr. Karen Bales, the CNPRC Core Scientist who conducted the study, along with Dr. Nicole Maninger, a post-doctoral associate at the CNPRC. "The idea behind all of this is we have to first understand the way that the neurobiology of social bonding works normally before we can understand what happens in situations where social bonding, social behavior or social communication is impaired. For instance, in disorders like autism or schizophrenia." Bales and her colleagues simulated a "jealousy condition," in male monkeys by separating them from their pair-bonded female partners. The females were placed with a stranger male monkey in full view of their partner while the researchers filmed the behavior of the male partner for 30 minutes. The control condition consisted of the male subject viewing a stranger male and a stranger female next to each other. When a titi monkey is feeling jealous it typically arches its back, lashing its tail back and forth and is generally more emotionally aroused, explains Bales. Male titi monkeys have also been known to physically hold their partner back from interacting with another male. While female titi monkeys exhibit jealous behaviors much like their male counterparts, they do so in a less intense manner making male titi monkeys ideal for the study, Bales said. While the monkeys involved in the CNPRC jealousy study did not exhibit many of these behaviors, possibly due to the strange surroundings, there were endocrine signs of social stress. The monkeys exhibited hormonal changes, specifically a rise in testosterone and cortisol levels. The rise of cortisol is an indication of social stress and in this study, it correlated directly with the amount of time that the male monkeys watched their partners with the stranger male. The rise of testosterone is associated with mating-related aggression and completion, Bales said. Brain scans performed on the monkeys revealed heightened activity in the cingulate cortex, an area of the brain that is associated with social exclusion in humans. The researchers also noticed heightened activity in the lateral septum, an area of the brain that has been associated with aggressive behavior. The jealousy exhibited by the male monkeys, however, is not necessarily entirely negative. "Trying to keep your mate away from your opponent is evolutionary geared toward preserving the relationship," Dr. Bales said. The results of the study give important clues that we can use to approach health and welfare problems such as addiction, autism and domestic violence, Bales said. Researchers say they have found the "first direct biological evidence" of damage in veterans with Gulf War illness to DNA within cellular structures that produce energy in the body. The findings appeared in the journal PLOS One in September 2017. A study that focused on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) included 21 veterans with Gulf War illness (GWI) and seven controls. In blood tests, researchers observed more lesions and more mitochondrial DNA--that is, extra copies of genes--in veterans with Gulf War illness, relative to controls without the illness, suggesting excess DNA damage. Lesion frequency gives a direct measure of DNA damage, while the increased number of mtDNA copies reflects a response to the damage. Both lesion frequency and the number of mtDNA copies vary in response to environmental toxins and together provide a reading of overall mitochondrial health, according to lead researcher Dr. Mike Falvo, a health sciences specialist at the Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System. He notes that everyone experiences some level of mtDNA damage, perhaps due to aging and environmental exposures, such as air pollution. In the study, the mtDNA damage was 20 percent greater in the veteran group, compared with a control group that included three veterans without GWI and four non-veterans. "Greater mtDNA damage is consistent with mitochondrial dysfunction, which may contribute to symptoms of GWI, as well as persistence of this illness over time," the researchers write. "We interpret these findings as evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the pathobiology of GWI." Falvo explains that the researchers used a new technique developed in the lab of his team's collaborator that allowed them to evaluate the quality of the mitochondrial DNA directly from total DNA without having to isolate the mitochondria. This approach is simpler to execute and does not require analysis through a biopsy of a piece of tissue, such as skeletal muscle, he says. Although Falvo and his team were interested mainly in mtDNA, they also looked at nuclear DNA, which is vital, too, to overall mitochondrial health. The levels of nuclear DNA damage were also elevated in the veterans with GWI, but did not reach "statistical significance," the researchers say. Nuclear DNA damage is a major cause of cancer, neurodegeneration, mitochondrial dysfunction, and many age-related diseases. Mitochondria are organs that act as spark plugs within cells. They are like a digestive system that takes in nutrients, breaks them down, and creates energy-rich molecules for the cell. They are very sensitive to potential damage caused by toxins. Patients with mitochondrial dysfunction have symptoms involving multiple organ systems, primarily nerves and muscles. Veterans with Gulf War illness have reported similar symptoms. Many Gulf War veterans believe they were exposed to harmful chemicals and other toxins during the conflict. "Mitochondrial dysfunction among veterans with GWI may help explain, in part, the persistence of this illness for over 25 years," the researchers on Falvo's study write. "For example, chemical and environmental exposures during deployment may have provided the initial [harm] to mtDNA and accumulation of damage." Falvo, also an assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, researches how cardiovascular, cardiorespiratory, and other systems respond to physical and environmental stress. Soon after joining VA in 2010, he learned that many Gulf War veterans experience major fatigue and other symptoms across many areas of the body. "To me, that sounded awfully consistent with the symptoms of mitochondrial disorders," he says. "After reviewing the literature, I realized at that time there was no published study on GWI that investigated whether mitochondrial dysfunction contributed to symptoms." Neuroscience eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today He explored that potential link with Dr. Helene Hill, a colleague at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School who has studied mitochondrial DNA. Their discussion led to preliminary data that supported Falvo's 2017 study, on which Hill is a co-investigator. Falvo's study follows work by Dr. Beatrice Golomb at the University of California, San Diego. Golomb was formerly on VA's Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses. With Department of Defense funding, she and her team reported in 2014 what they called "the first direct evidence supporting mitochondrial dysfunction in Gulf War illness." Falvo and his colleagues performed tests directly on the mitochondrial genome. In contrast, Golomb used an imaging technique to examine the oxidative capacity of muscle in veterans with Gulf War illness. Oxidative capacity of muscle is a measure of how well tissue, or muscle, is able to use oxygen. In essence, the more mitochondria that are functioning well, the more that tissue is able to use oxygen. The researchers in Golomb's study called, in part, for replication of their findings in a larger study. Falvo's research includes three times the number of veterans with Gulf War illness. In a separate 2014 study of 46 veterans with GWI, Golomb and her colleagues reported promising results for the nutritional supplement coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) as a way to address the fatigue created by mitochondrial dysfunction. CoQ10 is thought to promote healthy mitochondria. VA recently launched a three-year trial to determine if treatment with ubiquinol, a form of CoQ10, improves the physical function of veterans suffering from Gulf War illness. The study is being carried out at four VA medical centers: Miami, Boston, Minneapolis, and the Bronx, New York. Officials there are recruiting 200 veterans with GWI for a double-blind placebo study. The initiative is based on data supporting the need for methods that repair mitochondrial function and that replenish depleted antioxidant stores related to the illness, according to the principal investigator, Dr. Nancy Grace Klimas of the Miami VA Healthcare System. Antioxidants are substances, such as vitamin C or beta carotene, that remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents in a living organism. In a sister study, Dr. Mary Ann Fletcher of the South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, a nonprofit group that supports VA research, is exploring changes in biomarkers related to CoQ10 treatment. These biomarkers include inflammatory cytokines, which are substances that are secreted by certain cells in the immune system and impact other cells; and natural killer (NK) cells, which play a major role in the hosting and rejection of tumors and virally infected cells. Falvo, for his part, is expanding his team's efforts to study mitochondrial DNA damage in veterans with Gulf War illness. He's part of a new DoD-supported study led by Dr. Joel Meyer, an associate professor at Duke University in Durham who studies environmental toxicology. The researchers are seeking to recruit about 150 veterans with and without GWI in hopes of confirming the findings in Falvo's 2017 study. "More importantly, we want to gain new knowledge of the damage of mtDNA on mitochondrial function and the recovery process," he says. "We need to be sure that our findings are robust," Falvo says. "For us, that means confirming the present results but also investigating what might be contributing to mitochondrial DNA damage or its lack of repair." GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Heres why you can trust us. The New Golden Age is about DC's past AND future, says Geoff Johns Johns and artist Todd Nauck provide some insight into Stargirl: The Lost Children and the New Golden Age The Executive Council finished its analysis of a bill titled Scheme of professional accreditation and registration for social workers, which was released to journalists yesterday at the governments headquarters. As explained by Executive Council spokesperson Leong Heng Teng, a council called the Social Worker Professional Committee (CPAS) will be responsible for social workers accreditation, with the ultimate responsibility for registration of these workers lying with the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS). CPAS will consist of one chairperson and ten council members. Five of the members will be proposed by the government, of which three will be selected from the social service sector. The remaining five can be either social workers or from higher education institutions, professional organizations or social welfare organizations. This marks the first time the city will have such a council responsible for social workers accreditation. IAS President Vong Yim Mui, when questioned by the press, said that in the future, five IAS council members will be selected from registered social workers. We do not have any registered social workers yet [] it is difficult to talk about the second council, when the first one has not even started [operations] yet, explained Vong. Regarding the selection process of these members, Vong hopes to leave the discussion to the public first. Vong added that the council should be reselected every three years. Applicants for accreditation should be Macau residents holding a bachelor or higher degree, and should pass the accreditation exams. Once accredited, successful applicants can register at IAS, after which they can provide services in the private sector as social workers. While accreditation is permanent, the registration will only be valid for three years. The bill will come into effect one year after publication, upon which all social workers in the private sector will need to be accredited and registered. When talking about how this bill concerns non-local social work providers, Vong explained that Macau currently has enough social work graduates. We already have a non-local employee policy. For the social workers sector, until now, we never needed non- local workers, said Vong, adding because we provide enough social work training, and because there are more than 500 people studying on social workers courses. Over 160 students graduated in 2016. Vong reiterated that Macau does not need non-local social workers. Regular social housing applications proposed Two draft bills regarding public housing and the security forces were also announced yesterday. As introduced by Executive Council spokesperson Leong Heng Teng, a draft bill on social housing has proposed that members of the public can apply for social houses at any time of year, but has tightened application requirements. Under the draft bill, applicants would have to be above 23 years of age; applicants are currently only required to be above 18 years of age. The other bill suggested an increase in the area of the selection of management personnel to the Customs Services principal officials. Spains government yesterday immediately rejected a threat by Catalonias leader to declare independence unless talks are held, calling a special Cabinet session for the weekend to activate measures to take control of the regions semi-autonomous powers. Catalan president Carles Puigdemonts warning came in a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy with minutes to spare before the expiration of a deadline set by the central government for him to backtrack on his calls for secession. If the central government persists in impeding dialogue and continuing its repression, Catalonias parliament may proceed [] with a vote to formally declare independence, Puigdemonts letter said. Spains government quickly responded with a statement saying it was calling a special Cabinet session for Saturday in which it would trigger the process to activate Article 155 of Spains 1978 Constitution. It allows for central authorities to take over the semi-autonomous powers of any of the countrys 17 regions, including Catalonia. The Cabinet meeting will approve the measures that will be sent to the Senate to protect the general interest of all Spaniards, the statement said. The constitutional law has never been used in the four decades since democracy was restored at the end of Gen. Francisco Francos dictatorship. Spains government needs to outline what are the exact measures it wants to apply in Catalonia and submit them for a vote in Spains Senate. The ruling Popular Partys majority in the top chamber would be enough to approve the measure, but Rajoy has held discussions with opposition leaders to rally further support. The government was meeting yesterday morning with members of the leading opposition Socialist party to decide what measures to take under Article 155. Puigdemont addressed the regional parliament on Oct. 10, saying he had the mandate under a banned Oct. 1 referendum to declare independence from Spain. But he immediately suspended the implementation of the secession proclamation and called for talks with Spain and international mediators. But Spains government responded by setting two deadlines for Puigdemont a Monday one for him to say a simple yes or no to whether he indeed had declared independence or not, and a second one for yesterday for him to fall in line with Spains laws. Spains government says that Puigdemont hasnt offered any clarity in his replies. Catalans would consider the application of Article 155 an invasion of the regions self-government, while Spains central authorities have portrayed it as an undesired move, yet a necessary one, to restore legality after Puigdemonts government pushed ahead with a banned referendum that violated the countrys constitution. More than 40 percent of Catalonias 5.5 million eligible voters cast ballots in the illegal Oct. 1 referendum as police used violence to try to enforce a court order to stop it from going ahead. Opponents boycotted the vote. Catalan officials say that hundreds of people were injured in police violence, while Spanish authorities say hundreds of police officers were also hurt and the use of force was proportional to the resistance they met. The separatists declared an overwhelming victory despite the boycott by opponents, who said it was illegal and lacked basic guarantees such as an independent electoral board. Spains government had said it would be willing to hold off on applying Article 155 if the Catalan separatist leader were to call a snap regional election. But Catalan officials have ruled that out. The Catalan governments international affairs director, Raul Romeva, told reporters in Brussels on Wednesday that Catalonias banned secession referendum gave the regions separatist government a mandate to declare independence from Spain. Andrew Dowling, an expert in Catalan history at Cardiff University in Wales, said that any declaration of independence in the Catalan parliament would be symbolic without border and institutional control and no international support. Such a declaration will see the fracture between hardliners and the pragmatic people in Catalonia who are already seeing an economic fallout, Dowling said. More than 700 companies, including Catalan banks, multinationals and mid-size businesses, have moved their registered addresses out of the troubled region because of concerns about the regions legal status, according to Spains Association of Commercial Registers. While it doesnt affect jobs, the firms could delay investments if the standoff continues. Civil society groups who have drawn hundreds of thousands to the streets in peaceful pro-independence demonstrations over the past few years are calling for new protests at the gates of the central governments office in Barcelona and a bigger march later this week. AP Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called Wednesday for the U.S. and India to expand strategic ties. He also pointedly criticized China, which he accused of challenging international norms needed for global stability. Tillersons remarks on relations between the worlds two largest democracies, ahead of his first trip to South Asia as secretary of state, risked endearing Washington to one Asian power while alienating another. Tillerson said the world needed the U.S. and India to have a strong partnership. He said the two nations share goals of security, free navigation, free trade and fighting terrorism in the Indo-Pacific, and serve as the eastern and western beacons for an international rules-based order which is increasingly under strain. Both India and China had benefited from that order, but Tillerson said India had done so while respecting rules and norms, while China had at times undermined them. To make his point, he alluded to Chinas island building and expansive territorial claims in seas where Beijing has long-running disputes with Southeast Asian neighbors. Chinas provocative actions in the South China Sea directly challenge the international law and norms that the United States and India both stand for, Tillerson said in an address at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank. He also accused China of economic activities and financing that saddles developing countries in the region with enormous debt. China responded with a statement saying it contributes to and defends the rules-based world order and seeks to advance international cooperation through the United Nations. It also hopes for a healthy and sound China-U.S. relationship. We will never seek hegemony or engage in expansion, never pursue development at the expense of others interests, said the statement issued by the Chinese embassy in Washington. A senior State Department official told reporters that the speech was intended to map out a strategy for U.S.-India relations for the next century, in which the regions leading democracies also including Japan and Australia blunt Chinas growing influence and challenges to the rules-based order. The official was not authorized to speak by name and requested anonymity. Tillerson said the U.S. seeks constructive relations with China but wont shrink from the challenges it poses when it subverts the sovereignty of neighboring countries, and disadvantages the U.S. and our friends. While President Donald Trump has looked to deepen cooperation with China on addressing the nuclear threat from North Korea, hes sought a much closer relationship with India, which also shares U.S. worries on Islamic extremism. In this period of uncertainty and angst, India needs a reliable partner on the world stage. I want to make clear: with our shared values and vision for global stability, peace and prosperity, the United States is that partner, Tillerson said. MDT/AP Herbaria regularly share their specimens with researchers at other institutions. The worlds largest herbarium in France (with an estimated 70 million specimens) made international headlines this year when Australian customs officials intercepted and incinerated some of its specimens from the 1700s destined for botanists in Brisbane. The shipment allegedly violated the island nations strict quarantine protocol. Sharing is easier and more common as places such as UC begin to digitize their collections, photographing and cataloging specimens in online databases. Tepe won a National Science Foundation grant to photograph and create a digital archive UCs collection of mosses, hornworts, and liverworts, which are kept in small envelopes and filed in cabinet drawers like the old card catalogs in libraries. The photos and specimen details are uploaded into a massive database shared by botanists worldwide. UC still has tens of thousands more plant specimens to photograph and catalog for its digital archive. Theyve been locked up here in some cases for as long as 180 years. Unless someone visits in person and happens to find them, nobody will ever know theyre here. But our digitization project is changing that, he said. Already, researchers have taken advantage of UCs digital collection, he said. Weve made more than 43,000 specimens available online, he said. The database has been used to compile larger datasets. And several people who have published papers using our collection have never been here. GUNNARSHOLT, Iceland With his flats of saplings and a red planting tool, Jon Asgeir Jonsson is a foot soldier in the fight to reforest Iceland, working to bring new life to largely barren landscapes. The country lost most of its trees more than a thousand years ago, when Viking settlers took their axes to the forests that covered one-quarter of the countryside. Now Icelanders would like to get some of those forests back, to improve and stabilize the countrys harsh soils, help agriculture and fight climate change. But restoring even a portion of Icelands once-vast forests is a slow and seemingly endless task. Despite the planting of three million or more trees in recent years, the amount of land that is covered in forest estimated at about 1 percent at the turn of the 20th century, when reforestation was made a priority has barely increased. Its definitely a struggle, said Mr. Jonsson, a forester who works for the private Icelandic Forestry Association and plants saplings with volunteers from the many local forestry groups in this island nation of 350,000 people. We have gained maybe half a percent in the last century. Even in a small country like Iceland, a few million trees a year is just a drop in the bucket. Icelands austere, largely treeless landscapes, punctuated by vast glaciers and stark volcanoes, have long been a favorite of the film industry. The picturesque vistas also have helped fuel a tourism boom. Nearly 1.8 million foreigners visited the country last year. But with that beauty comes a problem that Icelanders have faced for centuries. The lack of trees, coupled with the ash and larger pieces of volcanic rock spewed by eruptions, has led to severe soil erosion. With vegetation unable to gain much of a foothold, farming and grazing have been next to impossible in many parts of the country. And the loose soil, combined with Icelands strong winds, has led to sandstorms that can further damage the land and even blast the paint off cars. Icelands farmers struggled with erosion and windblown soil for centuries. But in the decades that followed a particularly destructive sandstorm east of the capital, Reykjavik, in 1882, the government established reforestation and soil conservation efforts. Reforesting more of the Icelandic countryside would have benefits beyond helping farmers and stopping sandstorms. As climate change has become a greater concern, Icelands leaders have viewed reforestation as a way to help the country meet its climate goals. Despite the widespread use of geothermal energy and hydropower, Iceland has high per-capita emissions of greenhouse gases, largely because of transportation and heavy industries like aluminum smelting. The government is working with the European Union and Norway to meet an overall goal of a 40 percent emissions reduction from 1990 levels by 2030. Separately, Iceland has its own target of a reduction between 50 percent and 75 percent by 2050. Trees, by incorporating atmospheric carbon dioxide into their trunks, roots and other tissues, can offset some of the countrys emissions. An important contributor to Icelands mitigation policy is planting trees, said Gudmundur Halldorsson, research coordinator of the Soil Conservation Service of Iceland. It is a big discussion here. But as Mr. Jonssons work shows, once the trees are gone, its no easy task to bring them back. When Iceland was first settled at the end of the ninth century, much of the land on or near the coast was covered in birch woodlands. The people that came here were Iron Age culture, Dr. Halldorsson said. And they did what Iron Age culture did. The settlers slashed and burned the forests to grow hay and barley, and to create grazing land. They used the timber for building and for charcoal for their forges. By most accounts, the island was largely deforested within three centuries. Interested in Climate Change? Sign up to receive our in-depth journalism about climate change around the world. They removed the pillar out of the ecosystem, Dr. Halldorsson said. Eruptions over the ensuing centuries from some of Icelands many volcanoes deposited thick layers of volcanic material. The ash, while rich in nutrients, made for very fragile, poor soil that couldnt hold water and moved around as the wind blew. As a result, Iceland is a case study in desertification, with little or no vegetation, though the problem is not heat or drought. About 40 percent of the country is desert, Dr. Halldorsson said. But theres plenty of rainfall we call it wet desert. The situation is so bad that students from countries that are undergoing desertification come here to study the process. Dr. Halldorssons office is at Gunnarsholt, site of one of Icelands oldest farmsteads, 60 miles east of Reykjavik and not far from one of the countrys largest volcanoes, Hekla. In the huge sandstorm of 1882, the farm and much of the surrounding area was buried. Over nearly two weeks, the blowing sand scoured the land and destroyed all the vegetation. Hundreds of sheep died, their wool so weighed down with sand that they could not reach shelter. A nearby lake was completely filled in; farmers found trout lying on the top of the sand once the storm was over. Simply everything was stripped away, Dr. Halldorsson said. This is what people dont realize. You can lose something like this in relatively few years. The soil conservation service took over the farm in the 1920s and has used it as an outdoor laboratory to study ways to improve the soil and enable vegetation to grow. The process usually begins with lyme grass, which grows quickly and can stabilize the soil. Lupine, with its spiky purple flowers, is often next. The trees come later. The work of planting saplings usually begins with an evaluation of the particular site. For Mr. Jonsson of the forestry association, that means looking at what vegetation is already growing there. You can estimate the richness of the soil underneath, he said. Mr. Jonsson and his volunteers then plant the appropriate species for the plot birch, Sitka spruce, lodgepole pine, Russian larch or other species. Wed love to plant aspen, he said. But sheep really love aspen. For Saemundur Thorvaldsson, a government forester who works with volunteer groups and farmers in the Westfjords region of northern Iceland, the right tree about 30 percent of the time is birch, the same species that was dominant when Iceland was settled. Birch can tolerate poor soils, and although it grows very slowly it eventually provides shelter for other species. Most of those other species Sitka spruce, lodgepole pine, black cottonwood originated in Alaska. They are now grown as saplings at greenhouses in Iceland, because importing live trees is prohibited. They grow faster than birch, so as a way to store carbon they are more effective. But everything in Iceland grows slowly, Mr. Thorvaldsson said. At one forest outside Isafjordur, planted in the 1940s, spruces were perhaps 50 feet tall. In southeast Alaska they could easily reach three times that height, he said. No one expects that one-quarter of Iceland will ever be covered in forests again. But given slow growth rates and the enormity of the task, even more modest gains will take a long time, Mr. Thorvaldsson said. The aim now is that in the next 50 years we might go up to 5 percent, he said. But at the speed were at now, it would take 150 years to do that. Dark Diwali for CG employees As stated above the basic minimum pay hike was at Rs 18,000. Employees have been demanding that it be hiked to Rs 26,000. The government has refused to budge on this issue and is sticking to its guns. During the meetings with officials, the government has cited a financial crunch for not budging on its stand. Talks are failing The talks are clearly failing with the government. Several rounds of talks have been held between the unions and the government, but the government continues to remain adamant. It is a dark Diwali 2017 for all CG employees who would have expected the fitment factor to be raised from 2.57 to 3.68 times. The government has however maintained that the fitment factor at best can be raised to 3. CG employees cant celebrate Diwali 2017 The Cabinet had given the nod for an overall 23.55 per cent increase in salaries, allowances and pension. What shocked the CG employees is that the minimum pay of Rs 18,000 remained unchanged. The employees will observe Dharna day and have questioned how can they celebrate Diwali with such low pays. Including DA, they get Rs 18,900 and this is not sufficient to make two ends meet. Latest updates on 7th Pay Commission and NAC meet The NAC meet is scheduled to be held this month. While employees have been arguing for a better pay raise so that they can make two ends meet and feed their families, the government has made it clear that the pay hike at the best would be at Rs 21,000. This is the final decision the government says and would be implemented in January. However the icing on the cake is that the pay is most likely to be variable. ARSA-JUMB combine could tap Rohingyas and wreck havoc in India India oi-Vicky By Vicky The collaboration between the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and the Jamat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh, (JUMB) has become a major cause of concern for the security agencies. With the Rohingya issue being debated, Indian agencies say that the link with the ARSA and the JUMB could have a direct fall out in India. The JUMB which has a strong operational base in West Bengal and the North Eastern states has been a worry for Indian agencies. With it having strong links with ARSA, the agencies worry that they may try and tap into the Rohingya Muslims settled in India. The ARSA operates in the Rakhine state in northern Myanmar Arsa, previously known by other names including Harakah al-Yaqin, has killed more than 20 police officers and members of the security forces. On 25 August it attacked police posts in Rakhine state, killing 12 people in its biggest attack so far. In turn, this prompted a counter-insurgency clampdown from the security forces. The government calls it a terrorist organisation and says its leaders have trained abroad. The government says the 25 August attack was done with knives and home-made bombs. Arsa had been training people since 2013. But their first attack was in October 2016, when they killed nine police officers. Arsa says its aims are to "defend, salvage and protect" the Rohingya against state repression "in line with the principle of self-defence". ARSA has been supported by the JUMB and security agencies say that the direct spillover of this deadly combine would be both in India and Bangladesh. Indian security agencies also cite the Burdwan incident in which the JUMB was preparing 500 bombs in a bid to declare an all out war. The JUMB on the other hand has also borrowed support from groups such as the Lashkar-e-Tayiba which have already spoken out in favour of the Rohingya cause. India has repeatedly spoken about the security threat that a faction of the Rohingyas could cause. With many in a vulnerable position, the IB does rule out the possibility of a JUMB-ARSA coming together and tapping these people. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, October 20, 2017, 12:22 [IST] Central team roped in as dengue cases in Bihar rise to over 5000 Bihar's Gopalganj by-poll to see a tough fight between BJP and RJD Bihar: Over 200 students sick, claim they saw 'dead lizard' in mid-day meal Man forced to spit, lick his saliva as punishment in Bihar's Nalanda India oi-Madhuri In yet another bizarre incident, a 54-year-old man was allegedly forced to spit and lick his own saliva off the ground as a punishment for entering a Sarpanch's house without knocking, in Nalanda district of Bihar. The incident happened in in the Ajaipur village of Noorsarai block in Nalanda. It is learned that the Mahesh Thakur, the victim was also beaten up with slippers by women of the house when he had gone to meet the village head to avail a government scheme. Reacting to the incident, Bihar Minister Nand Kishore assured strict action against the culprits. "Such incidents will not be tolerated, we will take strict action against the culprits," the minister said. OneIndia News Call off strike immediately: Bombay HC to striking MSRTC employees India oi-Vikas By Vikas The Bombay High Court on Friday termed the strike by Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) employees as 'illegal' and ordered to call it off with Immediate effect. Earlier today, Maharashtra Government submitted an undertaking to the Bombay High Court, stating that it would form a high power committee to look into the strike. The committee will submit its report within three weeks, said reports. The HC had earlier today directed the government to concrete steps to resolve the matter which has caused great inconvenience to the passengers. The court also suggested the government to make alternative arrangements to ease inconvenience of the commuters. [MSRTC strike: Maharashtra govt to constitute high power committee] The MSRTC employees are on a strike demanding a pay hike. The employees are demanding implementation of the 7th Pay Commission and an interim hike of 25% till the recommendations are implemented. The government has agreed to an interim hike of 10% but unions are opposed to it. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, October 20, 2017, 21:28 [IST] Chidambaram's rant part of 'save Rahul' campaign: BJP India pti-PTI New Delhi, Oct 20: Hitting out at former finance minister P Chidambaram for criticising the Election Commission over Gujarat election dates, the BJP on Friday said it was part of the Congress' 'save Rahul' campaign as it fears that a defeat in the election will stall his elevation to the post of party chief. BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao defended the Election Commission's decision of not announcing the Gujarat poll dates with that of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly election, saying the Model Code of Conduct is expected to be in force for not more than 45 days and the election in the western state was expected in December. Rao's attack on the Congress came after Chidambaram took a swipe at the Election Commission (EC), saying it has authorised Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce the date of Gujarat elections at his last rally. "Chidambaram seems to view the EC from his jaundiced eyes. Sonia Gandhi, as an extra-constitutional authority, had subverted institutions and remote-controlled Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. PM Modi is a quintessential democrat and does not interfere in the functioning of any institutions," Rao said. The Congress' repeated attempts in raising questions about the EC is a desperate excuse and an alibi to shield Rahul Gandhi from the impact of an impending massive defeat in Gujarat, he alleged. "This is part of the 'save Rahul' campaign as his cronies fear that Gujarat defeat will stall his never-happening, elusive elevation as the party president," Rao said. Accusing the Congress of "rank opportunism" and "hypocrisy", he said the same EC appeared neutral to the Congress when its decision favoured its senior leader Ahmed Patel's election to the Rajya Sabha. The Election Commission, he said, needs to be complimented for not repeating the aberration in Gujarat election in 2012 when the duration of the code of conduct was an unusually and unreasonably high period of 83 days, he said. "Whether that was a motivated decision, given the adversarial relationship between the then UPA and Gujarat government is a moot question," he said. In a series of tweets dripping with sarcasm, Chidambaram, the former finance and home minister, also claimed that the Election Commission will be "recalled" from its "extended holiday" after the Gujarat government has announced all "concessions and freebies". PTI In Tripura, liquor shops and bars to remain closed during Durga Puja, Diwali The Rohingya influx continues as Tripura police nets seven of them Critically injured BSF officer succumbs to injuries India oi-Chennabasaveshwar By Chennabasaveshwar A Border Security Force (BSF) commanding officer, who was critically injured in attacked by suspected cattle smugglers in Tripura, succumbed to his injuries in Kolkata on Saturday. The second-in-command rank officer, Deepak K Mondal, was on duty along the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura when he was attacked by miscreants in the early hours on Monday. Mondal, commanding the 145th battalion of the border, was said to be critical and had been airlifted to Kolkata for treatment. The incident happened at about 2 am near the Belardepa border post at the border when the officer was allegedly hit by a four-wheeler being used by the smugglers. He was patrolling the area with his team to check cattle smuggling and other illegal activities. It may be recalled that, in September, a BSF head constable was killed allegedly by cattle smugglers in the Angrail area of North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, October 20, 2017, 15:35 [IST] Delhi struggles to breath a day after Diwali, air quality 'very poor' India oi-Shreya By Shreya Recommended Video Diwali in Delhi : Air quality recorded 'Very Poor' despite SC's firecracker sales ban |Oneindia News Just a day after the National Capital celebrated the Diwali - the festival of lights, and fire crackers were burst in most parts of the city, citizens of the Capital woke up to smog engulfed city, making it difficult to breathe and see - thanks to poor visibility. This after the Supreme Court of India banned the sale of fire crackers after the environmental crisis in the city after last year's Diwali celebrations. The air quality as recorded by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on October 19 read 'very poor', with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 319, with the presence of particulate matter PM2.5, PM10 - the two deadliest components of air pollution. Noida recorded an AQI of 266 with the presence of PM2.5, which is better than Delhi and read 'poor'. According to the real time record of National Air Quality Index, on October 20 at 3 pm the AQI recorded is at 389 with the presence of PM2.5 and reads 'very poor'. The level of concentration in the presence of PM2.5 and PM10 is recorded at 407 and 595 respectively making the condition read as severe according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) of the Union ministry of earth sciences - the normal range for the components being 100g/m for PM10 and 60g/m for PM2.5. Which means that the increase in the presence of these components have seen a steep rise way over the satisfactory limit. According to SAFAR as recorded on October 20th, concentration of PM10 and PM2.5 was recorded at 438 and 448 respectively, making the condition 'severe' in Noida. The rise in pollution levels come despite a ban by the Supreme Court on the sale of fire crackers as a step to curb the pollution in the city, after last year's severe air pollution which led to shutting down of schools and colleges for a few days after Diwali. However, this year, Delhi for sure witnessed some reduction in the pollution level, but in some places, the crisis was worse than that of last year. The ban on the sale of fire crackers did show its effect, but not to a great extent as last numbers of fire crackers was burst in many parts of the city. BJP's Tejinder Bagga and RP Singh also distributed crackers to children. Bagga said tat the ban is on the sale of crackers and not on bursting or distributing. The decision of the SC was not welcomed by all, despite being a step to curb air pollution in the city. Many said that it was a very unnecessary decision claiming that fire crackers are not the only reasosn for pollution in the city. Fire crackers associations and traders also raised their voice against the ban and said that it was an 'attack on Hindu festivals', they has even submitted a review petition to the Supreme Court to relax the ban, but the Top Court rejected. The sudden rise in the amount of pollution in the city makes it clear that the only reason behind the hike is fire crackers and the SC's was well-thought. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, October 20, 2017, 16:54 [IST] Dont get personal with the BJP: Rahul Gandhi advises party men India oi-Vicky By Vicky Don't get personal with the BJP leaders, Rahul Gandhi has advised his party men. KPCC president G. Parameshwar on Thursday said AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi has advised state party leaders against making personal comments on opposition BJP leaders and instead engage them on national and local issues in run up to the next year's assembly elections. KPCC leaders including Parameshwar, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Karnataka party incharge and AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal had met Gandhi in New Delhi on October 12 to discuss the poll strategy. Veteran Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Oscar Fernandes and B K Hariprasad also attended the meeting. Parameshwar said the AICC vice-president advised them not to make personal comments against BJP leaders but corner them on national and local issues. Parameshwar also said Gandhi has asked KPCC leaders including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and him to avoid making conflicting statements in the media especially on the issue of selection of party candidates for the election. "We told Rahulji that we do not have any differences, which is evident in our discussions with him everytime we met. Maybe, it is a creation of the opposition or somebody," he told PTI here. Media reports have suggested differences between Siddaramaiah and Parameshwar on selection of candidates. The senior Congress leader also said that Gandhi discussed the political scenario in Karnataka and delineated the poll strategy to retain power. The Congress vice-president also stressed the need for raising awareness about the state government's achievements among public, Parameshwar said. "Rahulji has also advised us to meet people and inform them about the government's efforts in implementing welfare schemes and seek their blessings so as to do more for them," he said. Asked about the chances of Congress winning the 2018 election, Parameshwar sounded optimistic and claimed the Siddaramaiah government has given a clean and corruption-free governance. "The BJP is merely levelling corruption charges against us but not proving them. In the case of Yeddyurappa and a few BJP ministers, they went to jail after we proved the charges with documentary evidence." The Lokayukta court had on October 15, 2011 remanded Karnataka BJP unit chief B.S. Yeddyurappa in judicial custody in cases relating to alleged irregularities in denotification of government land, and sent him to Parappana Agrahara Central jail here. Yeddyurappa, under whom the BJP formed its first-ever government in the south in 2008 elections, had to relinquish the chief minister's post following his indictment in the Lokayukta report on illegal mining submitted on July, 2011 by then anti-corruption ombudsman Santosh Hegde. Parameshwar claimed, "I feel, we provided good governance as we have more money in the budget and are able to spend it on agriculture, education and health." OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, October 20, 2017, 6:47 [IST] AIADMK dispute: OPS sits on Dy Oppn Leader's chair as EPS skips first day of TN Assembly Session EC bribery case: 7 Delhi Police personnel sacked for helping Sukesh Chandershekhar India oi-Chennabasaveshwar By Chennabasaveshwar Seven Delhi Police personnel have been suspended for allegedly relaxing rules for Sukesh Chandershekhar arrested accused in AIADMK symbol bribery case. Delhi Police PRO, Deependra Pathak, said: "7 police personnel suspended, an inquiry will be conducted in a time-bound manner, strict action to be taken." Chandrashekar, arrested on April 16, had been denied bail once by the high court and thrice by the trial court. The high court had on June 15 rejected his bail plea on the ground that the police had seized a fake Rajya Sabha member ID card from his possession. A chargesheet was filed by the police before the trial court in the case on July 14 alleging that TTV Dinakaran and Chandrashekar had conspired to bribe Election Commission (EC) officials to get the 'two leaves' symbol for their party. The Delhi Police Crime Branch also included in the charge sheet allegations of forgery for purpose of cheating, using forged document as genuine, possessing a forged document, intending to use it as genuine and criminal conspiracy. (With agency inputs) For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, October 20, 2017, 15:14 [IST] Did Shah Jahan ask for quotation to build Taj Mahal, asks Goa minister Why Taj Mahal will not be illuminated with tricolor lights this Independence Day SC junks PIL seeking inquiry into history of Taj Mahal, terms it 'publicity interest litigation' Kerala Tourism thanks Taj Mahal for inspiring millions and Twitterati is loving it India oi-Madhuri The Kerala tourism departement tweeted out thanking Taj Mahal in Agra for inspiring million to discover India. The post was shared both on the official Facebook and Twitter handles of the Kerala Tourism and reads: "God's Own Country salutes the #TajMahal for inspiring millions to discover India. #incredibleindia." God's Own Country salutes the #TajMahal for inspiring millions to discover India. #incredibleindia pic.twitter.com/TXqSXQ9AYQ Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) October 18, 2017 However, Twitterati were quick to acknowledge not just the 'sick burn', but also the political opportunism therein. God's Own Country salutes the #TajMahal for inspiring millions to discover India. #incredibleindia pic.twitter.com/TXqSXQ9AYQ Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) October 18, 2017 Please send some burnol to BJP office in Kerela and to Dongi Adityanath. Aa gaye achche din. (@RoflMessi) October 19, 2017 The monument of love in the north gets a distant promoter from south! Kudos to @KeralaTourism https://t.co/gDLHdfvtqe MJ Vijayan (@mj_vijayan) October 19, 2017 While a certain CM chose to ignore its importance, here we have my dear Kerala giving Taj Mahal due respect. https://t.co/b26wbGvkhj Parasu of Happyness (@ajayparasuraman) October 19, 2017 The Taj Mahal in Agra came into the argument, after the Uttar Pradesh government dropped it from its tourism booklet, following which BJP hardliner Sangeet Som said it was a good decision. This was followed by another controversial BJP MP Vinay Katiyar saying that the Taj Mahal is actually a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. As the row went out of hand, CM Adityanath stated that Taj Mahal 'was built by the sweat and blood of the sons of Bharat Mata'. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, October 20, 2017, 10:44 [IST] Kill the informer, infiltrate 100: Pakistans plan in Kashmir India oi-Vicky By Vicky On October 12, two terrorists were spotted at Sempura near Pantha Chowk in Srinagar. Two days four terrorists were spotted in the same area and they are believed to be part of the Jaish-e-Mohammad. The gathering of intelligence over the past couple of months has repeatedly warned of more infiltration bids being made into the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The target is infiltrate 100 before the winter and park them in the state so that they could attack periodically. If one goes by the pattern of killings in the past few days, it becomes amply clear that the terrorists are trying to wipe out the informants. A teacher, a police man and a sarpanch were killed in separate incidents over the past couple of days. This is a systematic pattern that is being noticed and the idea is to create fear and also wipe out the informants. The recent killings of terrorists has been precise in nature. This is thanks to very good ground level intelligence. The people of the state as well as the local police are helping both the Intelligence Bureau as well the Army to identify terrorists and this has led to them being taken down. Moreover there is a deadline that the forces have given themselves to wipe out the top command before the winter sets in. Infiltrations are almost nil during the winter. The Army feels that if the top command is wiped out before the winter, they could control the state and restore peace. In a bid to beat the Army, Pakistan has planned a huge influx of terrorists into the Valley. They want to ensure that at least 100 are pushed into the state so that they could continue with attacks during the winter as well. In a bid to achieve this plan, the local terrorists have been told to identify and kill informers. This they feel would cause panic among the people and they would distance themselves from the Indian establishment. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, October 20, 2017, 12:30 [IST] Temple will be built where Ram Lala is resting in Ayodhya, says Vinay Katiyar Madhya Pradesh polls: Nearly all 230 seats have seen Ram candidates contesting this time Lalu's message to Yogi: 'Lord Ram will punish BJP' India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Patna, Oct 20: Thanks to Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and his likes, the nation is once again witnessing the renewal of politics over the Hindu god, Lord Ram. As a part of Diwali celebrations, CM Adityanath whole-heartedly concentrated on Lord Ram during his visit to Ayodhya on Wednesday. Fearing that revival of politics over Lord Ram by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would prove politically beneficial for the saffron party before the Assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat (slated in November and December respectively) and of course the Lok Sabha polls in 2019, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav decided to slam Adityanath. On Thursday, Yadav said Lord Ram will punish the BJP as it has been doing politics in his name. "It is wrong and unethical to play politics in the name of Lord Ram," the former Bihar CM told reporters on the occasion of Diwali. Attacking the UP CM, Yadav alleged that Adityanath was doing "political drama" in the name of Ram. The RJD chief added that everyone was free to practise his or her religion and offer prayers. "But BJP leaders, particularly Yogi, have been doing political drama. People understand this drama in the name of religion." He said he was sure the BJP would be punished by Lord Ram for misusing his name for political gains. "The BJP-led central government has made life difficult for the poor due to domenetisation. Poor people are struggling for survival... For this Lord Ram would finish off the RSS and the BJP because Lord Ram is in the heart of all the people in the country." On Wednesday, the UP CM launched the three-day "Deepotsav" celebrations on a mega scale in Ayodhya. As a part of the celebrations, Adityanath welcomed actors playing the Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman, amid a record 1.75 lakh "diya" or lamps. Hitting out at the opposition for criticising his grand Diwali celebrations at Ayodhya, Adityanath on Thursday said that no one has the right to question his faith. "This is my personal faith and how can opposition interfere in this?" said Adityanath. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, October 20, 2017, 13:03 [IST] MSRTC strike: Maharashtra govt to constitute high power committee India oi-Vikas By Vikas The Maharashtra Government on Friday submitted an undertaking to the Bombay High Court, stating that it would form a high power committee to look into the strike by Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) employees. The committee will submit its report within three weeks, said reports. The HC had earlier today directed the government to concrete steps to resolve the matter which has caused great inconvenience to the passengers. The court also suggested the government to make alternative arrangements to ease inconvenience of the commuters. The MSRTC employees are on a strike demanding a pay hike. The employees are demanding implementation of the 7th Pay Commission and an interim hike of 25% till the recommendations are implemented. The government has agreed to an interim hike of 10% but unions are opposed to it. [Commuters' woes continue as MSRTC strike enters third day] Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray on Friday discussed issue of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) strike with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state Transport Minister Diwakar Raote. Following the meeting, Shiv Sena claimed that MSRTC strike will end soon. Earlier in the day, some of the staff members of MSRTC tonsured their heads on the fourth day of the indefinite strike in the state demanding implementation of 7th pay commission. More than 17 thousand government buses run across the entire state, where about one lakh workers have gone on strike. OneIndia News How Zahran Hashim converted the radical Islamists of South into violent Jihadists A bayath, a massive suicide bombing, the Coimbatore blast was in the making for a year With another ISIS module busted, TN has become a paradise of Islamic Jihadists NIA probe ordered into killing of RSS leader in Punjab India oi-Vicky By Vicky The killing of Ravinder Gosain, an RSS leader will now be probed by the National Investigation Agency. The Punjab government decided to hand over the probe to the NIA. Chief minister Amarinder Singh issued orders on Thursday while announcing a Rs 5 lakh compensation for the deceased's family and a government job for one of his progeny. Gosain lost his wife to cancer some years ago and is survived by four children. Orders regarding an NIA probe were issued by the chief minister on a request by an RSS delegation that met him at his residence on Thursday, an official spokesperson said. The CM acceded to their request taking into account the "international ramifications" of the case. Investigations into similar incidents in the past suggest that the handlers of the assailants were operating from foreign soil, said the spokesperson, adding that Singh felt that with the NIA stepping in, there would be better coordination between the central agencies and the state police. Two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants had shot dead RSS leader Gosain in Kailash Nagar in Ludhiana on Tuesday. Sharing the delegation's concern over the brazen killing, the chief minister strongly condemned the act, saying there was no place for such violence in the state. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, October 20, 2017, 6:12 [IST] Portals of Gangotri shrine close for winters, devotees can worship at Mukhba village now Anand Mahindra's tweet about UPI at country's 'last tea shop' is every Indian's emotion PM Modi underscores development of Kedarnath India oi-Chennabasaveshwar By Chennabasaveshwar Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday sought the blessings of 'Bhole Baba' in Kedarnath and pledge to devote himself fully to realising the dream of a developed India by 2022. He offered prayers at Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand, a day before the portals of the Himalayan shrine close for winter. This is the second visit of PM Modi to the shrine this season. He visited it on May 3 when its gates had been reopened after the winter break. Also, PM laid the foundation stones of five reconstruction projects and hit out at the Congress, saying he was not allowed to carry out redevelopment work after the 2013 deluge when he was Gujarat chief minister. PM offers prayers at sanctum sanctorum of Kedarnath temple PM Modi offered prayers at Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand, a day before the portals of the Himalayan shrine close for winter. Courtesy: ANI news PM Modi seeks blessings of 'Bhole Baba' Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought the blessings of 'Bhole Baba' in Kedarnath and pledge to devote himself fully to realising the dream of a developed India by 2022. Courtesy: ANI news View of Kedarnath temple He felt sorry for the floods of 2013 that caused huge damage to human lives and properties in Kedarnath, adding "That time I was not the Prime Minister, I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. I came here to do all that I could for victims." Courtesy: ANI news PM Modi at a public gathering "Jan Seva is Prabhu Seva. From this holy land of Kedarnath, I seek the blessings of Bhole Baba and pledge to devote myself fully to realising the dream of a developed India by the time we mark 75 years of freedom in 2022, " he said. "Building modern infrastructure in Kedarnath but the traditional soul will be preserved and will ensure environmental laws not flouted, he added. Courtesy: ANI news OneIndia News Politics should not be allowed on educational campuses, reiterates Kerala HC India oi-Chennabasaveshwar By Chennabasaveshwar Kerala High Court on Friday reiterated that politics should not be allowed on educational campuses. The court said this while hearing a petition filed by the management of MES College in Ponnani seeking court's intervention in an ongoing strike. Kerala HC said "parents send their children to colleges for education, there must be a peaceful academic atmosphere to have a proper education". In the last hearing, the court said people who resort to "hunger strikes or dharnas are aware of the fact that their demands are not legitimate" while making a distinction between civilised students and uncivilised students. The court had also criticised the role of the police and has stated that they should not have allowed such demonstrations in and around the campus. "Police must control law and order and cannot allow such pickets to come up on public property," said the court. In August, the Ponnani MES College was closed indefinitely following clashes between students' outfits. Clashes erupted between UDSF activists and SFI members after the college election. The clashes caused damage to college infrastructure. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, October 20, 2017, 17:37 [IST] Raje government passes ordinance sheilding judges, babus from probe India pti-PTI Jaipur, Oct 20: The Vasundhara Raje-led government in Rajasthan has passed an ordinance which seeks to protect both serving and former judges, magistrates and public servants in Rajasthan from being investigated for on-duty action without its prior sanction. The Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Ordinance, 2017, promulgated on September 7, also seeks to bar the media from reporting on accusations till the sanction to proceed with the probe is obtained. "No magistrate shall order an investigation nor will any investigation be conducted against a person, who is or was a judge or a magistrate or a public servant," reads the ordinance which provides 180 days immunity to the officers. If there is no decision on the sanction request post the stipulated time period, it will automatically mean that sanction has been granted. The ordinance amends the Criminal Code of Procedure, 1973 and also seeks curb on publishing and printing or publicising, in any case, the name, address, photograph, family details of the public servants. Violating the clause would call for two years imprisonment. PTI India's stand on Rohingyas gracious so far but housing them would be risky The Rohingya influx continues as Tripura police nets seven of them Rohingya children facing "hell on earth" India oi-Amitava The worst affected in the ongoing Rohingya crisis are children. A recent report by UNICEF claims that it is a "hell on earth" experience for the Rohingya children languishing in refugee camps. UNICEF figures claim that out of the 600,000 Rohingyas who fled from Myanmar nearly 3,40,000 are children. These children languishing in camps in Bangladesh lack basic amenities including food; clean and safe drinking water and healthcare, stated UNICEF. UNICEF report "Outcast and Desperate" by Simon Ingram states that one in five Rohingya children under the age of five suffers from acute malnourishment and requires medical attention. The four key stress areas for UNICEF include International support and funding for the Bangladesh Humanitarian Response Plan and humanitarian response plan for Myanmar; Protection of Rohingya children and families, and immediate unfettered humanitarian access to all children affected by the violence in Rakhine State; Support for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar; and A long-term solution to the crisis, including implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State. Unhygienic conditions including lack of proper sanitation and toilets in the camps in Bangladesh make them vulnerable. "There is a high probability of diarrhea and even cholera outbreaks in near future" stated Ingram. UNICEF is providing clean water, toilets and is helping with vaccinating children against cholera and measles. World Health Organisation (WHO) is of a similar opinion. "There is a clear risk for cholera," said Dr Navaratnasamy Paranietharan, the WHO's representative in Bangladesh. WHO has started distributing 900,000 doses of cholera vaccine. The first round of the vaccination campaign will cover 650,000 people. A second round will target 250,000 children aged between one to five years. WHO has diagnosed 10,292 cases of diarrhoea, which are symptomatic to cholera so far in the camps. Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease that can kill within hours if left untreated. Researchers have estimated that each year there are 1.3 to 4.0 million cases of cholera, and 21 000 to 143 000 deaths worldwide. It is endemic in Bangladesh. The Rohingyas are an ethnic group, the majority belonging to the Muslim faith, who have lived for centuries in Myanmar. Currently, there are about 1.1 million Rohingya who live in the predominantly Buddhist country. The Rohingya speak the unique Ruaingga dialect but are not considered one of Myanmar's 135 official ethnic groups. They have been denied citizenship in Myanmar since 1982. This has rendered the Rohingya's stateless. Nearly all of the Rohingyas in Myanmar live in the western coastal state of Rakhine in camps. Time and again there have been allegations of Myanmar embarking on ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya's which the country has denied. Following an attack on the police posts and an army base in Myanmar on August 25 that left 12 officers dead, the Myanmar military has imposed a crackdown on the Rohingya population which they have dubbed a clearance operation against an insurgent terrorist group. Due to ongoing violence and persecution, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled to neighbouring countries either by land or boat. The UNICEF report states that each week around 12000 Rohingya children pour into Bangladesh already reeling under the crisis. The crisis is unlikely to end soon hence the borders should remain open feels UNICEF. UNICEF further advises that the Rohingyas born in Bangladesh should have their births registered in Bangladesh. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, October 21, 2017, 0:20 [IST] Fact Check: PM Modi never told ICC to replay the India-England semi-final game at T20 World Cup PM Modi meets UK PM Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of G20 summit in Bali 'Health for all': WHO chief thanks PM Modi amid G20 Summit India does not think small anymore: PM Modi tells Indians in Bali What PM Modi said after meeting world leaders at G20 Summit PM Modi, Xi Jinping greet each other at G-20 dinner in first meet after Galwan clash Ranjit Kumar resigns as Solicitor General India oi-Chennabasaveshwar By Chennabasaveshwar Ranjit Kumar, Solicitor General of India, resigned on Friday citing personal reasons. Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta confirmed it to ANI news. Kumar informed that he has not been able to attend to certain health issues of family members for long.The office of Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad received his resignation letter today. His second term as solicitor general was renewed recently. There was speculation a few months ago that the Supreme Court collegium was considering his name as a judge of the apex court. He was appointed in 2014 by the incumbent government of Narendra Modi, succeeding Mohan Parasaran. In 2012, Ranjit Kumar and two other senior advocates were threatened with expulsion from the Supreme Court Bar Association. (With agency inputs) With another ISIS module busted, TN has become a paradise of Islamic Jihadists 'Medicine can also be studied in Tamil medium!' - CM Stalin's efforts are getting a growing response Mayor Priya is not the puppet but the savior - How did Chennai recover from the floods? Tamil Nadu: 8 killed as roof of restroom collapses in Nagapattinam India oi-Chennabasaveshwar By Chennabasaveshwar At least eight people were killed after the roof of a bus depot's restroom collapsed in Tamilnadu's Nagapattinam on Friday. Three people have been rescued from the debris. The building constructed about 60 years ago had developed cracks and was in need of repairs, reported The Hindu. All the bodies have been retrieved from the debris by Fire and Rescue Service. Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi Palaniswami announced compensation of Rs 7.5 lakh for next of kin of the deceased. Also, a compensation of Rs1.5 lakh for people with severe injuries and Rs 50,000 for mild injuries were announced. It may be recalled that last month, at least five people were killed after the roof of a bus shelter collapsed in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu The roof crashed to the ground in Somanur town in the district. OneIndia News IT dept conducts raids at 40 locations in Rajasthan, 3 businessmen on radar Three arrested in Jaipur, suspected of terror links India oi-Vikas By Vikas In a joint operation by the Jammu and Kashmir police and Railway Police Force (RPF), three youths, suspected to be linked with terrorism, were arrested in Jaipur on Friday. One of the arrested youths is reportedly wanted in militancy related cases. News agency ANI reported that explosives test was conducted on the arrested youth which turned out to be negative. On physical examination, four batteries attached with an electric motor were found. The trio has been handed over to the police and IB officials have been called after they were able to give convincing answers. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, October 20, 2017, 22:16 [IST] 72 killed in twin suicide bomb attacks at Mosques in Afghanistan International oi-Vikas By Vikas At least 72 people were killed and several others wounded in two bomb attacks at mosques in Afghanistan on Friday evening. One attack is said to have been carried out by a suicide bomber in Ghor province, reported TOLO news. In another incident, a bomber walked into a Shiite mosque in Kabul as people were praying on Friday night and detonated an explosive. On Thursday, around 43 Afghan forces were killed after two suicide bombers targeted a military base in Maiwand district of Kandahar province in Afghanistan. The militants carried out two suicide attacks using two Humvees, armoured vehicles stolen from security forces, over an army centre in Cheshma area of Maiwand district. [32 killed, over 200 wounded in deadly twin bombing in Afghanistan] On Tuesday, a suicide and gun attack on a police training centre on Tuesday in southeast Afghanistan has killed at least 32 people and wounded more than 200. OneIndia News Iraq gets a new government after a year of deadlock Arrest warrant against Kurdish leader for insulting Iraqi forces International pti-PTI Kirkuk (Iraq), October 20: An arrest warrant for the vice president of Iraq's autonomous northern Kurdish region has been issued by a Baghdad court. The Kurdish allegedly said that Iraqi forces had "occupied" the disputed province of Kirkuk this week. However, the warrant against Kosrat Rasul Thursday is unlikely to be executed as the central government in Baghdad has no enforceable authority in the Kurdish-administered north. The court accused Rasul of "insulting" Iraq's armed forces, which is forbidden by Iraqi law. On Monday, Iraq's federal forces, supported by Iranian- sponsored militias, rolled into the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, forcing Kurdish militias, known as the peshmerga, to withdraw after brief clashes. The Kurds took over the city in 2014 when Iraq's army melted away ahead of the Islamic State's blitz across northern and western Iraq. IS has since seen its hold on Iraq and north Syria crumble in the face of relentless airstrikes by the US-led coalition and an array of forces battling it on the ground. At its peak it held a third of both countries. In Kirkuk, residents were coming to terms yesterday with the handover of the city back to Baghdad authorities. Many felt the two leading Iraqi Kurdish parties had betrayed their people and had ordered the peshmerga to pull back with hardly a fight. Jumaa Khalaf said she felt "humiliated" by the two parties over the withdrawal. "They trampled on the dignity of the peshmerga," she said. Many Kurds are wary of the Shiite-led militias that helped Iraqi forces retake the city. The Popular Mobilisation Forces, as they are known, are predominantly Shiite and backed by Iran, and seen by Kurds as agents of Arab- and Shiite-first policy. PMF commanders held a press conference from the centre of Kirkuk on Wednesday, despite orders from Baghdad not to enter the city, further provoking fears of ethnic strife. Yesterday, Associated Press reporters saw only a handful of PMF vehicles among a dominantly federal police and security presence inside Kirkuk. The city felt calm, apart from sporadic reports of looting. The UN said more than 60,000 people fled the city on Monday, fearing clashes and leaving homes empty and unguarded. Later, thousands returned. "I feel like it's my father's photo that's been burnt," he said. The Kurds make up a portion of the multi-ethnic Kirkuk's 1.2 million residents, living among Arabs and Turkmen. Another Kurdish resident, Hassan Anwar, said he was disturbed to see photos of Iraqi Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani burned in the city. PTI Chancellor Merkel calls for cut to EU funding linked to Turkey's membership talks International pti-PTI Brussels, October 20: To signal the bloc's unhappiness at Ankara's crackdown in the wake of a failed coup, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has led calls for a cut to EU funding linked to Turkey's membership talks. In the latest round of a bitter spat between Berlin and Ankara, the powerful German leader said yesterday it was important the EU acted in unity to defend its values, at a summit in Brussels. Turkey, whose application to join the EU is effectively frozen, has alarmed European leaders with its hardline response to a thwarted bid to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last year. More than 50,000 people have been arrested since the coup bid, including several German citizens, drawing strong criticism from Berlin. "I'm going to work for EU pre-membership funding, which we are giving, to be reduced," Merkel said, adding that for her it was a "central demand" that the bloc acted together on the issue. "The changes to the rule of law in Turkey are going in our opinion in a bad direction and we have some major concerns -- and not just because a lot of Germans have been arrested." Merkel caused a stir during her recent re-election campaign with a pledge to try to get EU leaders to terminate Turkey's membership bid. Other EU nations have trod more carefully, noting Turkey's vital importance to the bloc both in tackling the migrant crisis and infighting Islamist militancy. But several voiced criticism of Turkey at yesterday's meeting, with Belgian PM Charles Michel saying Ankara's membership bid was "frozen, on the point of death". Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Turkey was "a long way from membership and will remain so", but the two Low Countries leaders called for "reorientating" funds rather than cutting them. Rutte said the aim would be "that the money moves away from the government to go towards areas such as migration and Turkish charities". EU member states are waiting for a European Commission assessment of funding for Turkey -- most of which already goes to NGOs or projects -- in early 2018. Europe plans 4.45 billion euros in pre-accession spending for Turkey in 2014-2020, but only 360 million euros have been allocated so far. PTI India's stand on Rohingyas gracious so far but housing them would be risky How 10,000 Rohingya refugees stranded in no-mans land reached Bangladesh International oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Dhaka, Oct 20: These are the journeys of survival under the most hostile conditions, unimaginable to 'normal' mortals. The Rohingyas, who have fled Myanmar and managed to enter Bangladesh, consider themselves to be "lucky", in spite of all the odds, as many like them could not reach their destination (refugee camps in Bangladesh) as either they are dead while escaping violence and persecution in their homeland, many breathed their last in the middle of their journey or several others are still "stranded". Amid all these stories of death and survival, result of massive Rohingya exodus, unfolding in the border areas joining Myanmar to Bangladesh, the recent incident of 10,000 Rohingyas stranded in an area between these two countries for several days caught the attention of international aid agencies. Finally, on Thursday authorities allowed them to enter Bangladesh. Initially, the officials of Bangladesh refused to allow the entry of at least 10,000 refugees from Myanmar because of lack of space in refugee camps. Already Bangladesh is giving shelter to more than 582,000 Rohingyas in refugee camps in Cox's Bazar since violence erupted in the Rakhine State of Myanmar on August 25, which forced the members of the minority Muslim community to leave their homeland. Recently, the Inter-Sector Coordination Group of the United States (US) had warned that between 10,000-15,000 members of the Rohingya Muslim minority were stranded in no-man's land but Dhaka temporarily refused to allow them to enter, citing lack of space in the makeshift camps in the area, Efe reported. "We found there were around 10,000 people on the border. We started relocating them inside since 9.45 am on Thursday," said Major Iqbal Ahmed, commander of the Border Guard Bangladesh in Ukhia. "When this group of people came we had requested the officials to find a place where they could be taken. They have now worked out it," he said. Relief and Refugee Repatriate Commissioner of Bangladesh Abul Kalam said the group would be initially taken to a temporary shelter and later moved to a makeshift camp. According to Kalam, many of the 10,000 Rohingyas had to walk for days to reach the border and hence would need to undergo medical check-ups. Recently, a video footage captured by a drone, showcased how thousands of Rohingya Muslims are fleeing large-scale violence and persecution in Myanmar and crossing into Bangladesh to save their lives. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, October 20, 2017, 7:00 [IST] 2 suspects arrested in connection with blast outside Hafiz Saeed's house in Pak 26/11: As India grieved, Saeed grew in Pak, while Lakhvi fathered a child in jail Lahore High Court orders release of Hafiz Saeed International oi-Madhuri Lahore High Court on Friday ordered release of 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind and banned Jamaat-ud-Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed saying he is innocent and no evidence against him. Saeed and his aides had been under house arrest since January this year. Saeed and his four aides were presented before the provincial judicial review board amid high security in the Lahore High Court. Saeed challenged his detention in the High Court in February. On January 31, Saeed and four others were detained by the Punjab government for 90 days under preventative detention under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. However, the last two extensions were made on the 'public safety law'. The Jamat-ud-Dawah (JuD) has already been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the United States in June 2014. The JuD chief carries a reward of USD 10 million announced by the US for his role in terror activities. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, October 20, 2017, 16:12 [IST] With the number of anonymous rogues from Pak rising, here's how BSF is beating down the drones Pakistan: 38 people injured in twin blasts in Baluchistan International pti-PTI Karachi, October 20: At least 38 people were injured after two grenade blasts rocked Pakistan's restive south-western province of Baluchistan. The twin blasts took place within minutes in the Mastung and Gwadar districts, police said. According to senior police officials, around 12 people were injured, three of them seriously, when two men on a motorcycle wearing helmets threw a hand grenade at a crowd in the Sultan Shaheed area in Mastung town yesterday. The injured were shifted to a hospital while three were moved to Quetta as their condition was serious, local police official Gulab Khan said. The second attack took place when two men on a motorcycle threw a hand grenade at Al-Zubair hotel outside a mobile market in Safar Khan area of Gwadar town. "At least 26 people were injured in the blast," local police official Ayaz Baluch said. He said the injured included 15 labourers from Sindh and 11 from Punjab who had gathered after work to have tea. "Three of them have been shifted to Karachi for treatment," he said. The attacks have come, a day after a suspected suicide bomber hit a police truck in Quetta, Baluchistan's capital, killing seven policemen and a civilian and injuring 22 others. The injured have been shifted to District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Mastung. Chief Minister of Balochistan Sanaullah Zehri has condemned the incidents and asked the authorities to submit a report on the blasts. PTI Senior Labour leader wants Theresa May to apologise for Jallianwalla Bagh massacre International oi-Vicky By Vicky A Labour leader and MP from Ealing Southall has once again demanded that Britain tenders an apology for the Jallianwalla Bagh massacre in 1919. Tabling an early day motion (EDM) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Sharma called on Prime Minister Theresa May to apologise for the incident. He also demanded that the "shameful piece of history" be taught at schools in the United Kingdom. "This was an important moment in the history of Britain in India. Many suggest it was the beginning of the end, a moment that finally emboldened the Independence movement. It must be commemorated, and the British government should make clear its repudiation of such a barbaric act," Sharma said. The EDM stated: "That this House recognises the importance of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919 for its importance as a turning point in the history of the Raj and British Empire in India; notes that the centenary of this event is approaching and that it is appropriate to commemorate it; further recognises that former Prime Minister David Cameron referred to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre as a deeply shameful act; further notes that this event does not represent modern British values; urges the government to ensure that British children are taught about this shameful period and that modern British values welcome the right to peaceful protest; and further urges the government formally to apologise in the House and inaugurate a memorial day to commemorate this event." OneIndia News 'Enduring defeat of IS must be the goal' Trump enters US state department for first time as his favourite Mike Pompeo takes over as secy Tillerson to visit India, Pakistan, Afghanistan next week International oi-PTI US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will travel to India, Pakistan and Afghanistan next week as part of his five-nation tour that also includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Switzerland. Tillerson will make Saudi Arabia his first stop on the week-long tour beginning on Friday. He will take part in the inaugural Coordination Council meeting between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The Secretary will also meet with various Saudi leaders to discuss the conflict in Yemen, the ongoing Gulf crisis, Iran and a number of other important regional and bilateral issues, State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said. Tillerson will then travel to Doha, where he will meet with Qatari leaders and US military officials to discuss joint counter-terrorism efforts, the ongoing Gulf dispute and other regional and bilateral issues, including Iran and Iraq, she said in a statement. Nauert said Tillerson will then make his inaugural visit to South Asia as Secretary of State, reaffirming the Trump Administration's comprehensive strategy toward the region. In Islamabad, he will meet with senior Pakistani leaders to discuss America's continued strong bilateral cooperation, Pakistan's critical role in the success of US President Donald Trump's South Asia strategy and the expanding economic ties between the two countries, she said. The exact dates of his visits to these countries are yet to be announced. In New Delhi, Tillerson will meet with senior Indian leaders to "discuss further strengthening of our strategic partnership and collaboration on security and prosperity" in the Indo-Pacific region, Nauert said. "The Secretary's visit to India will advance the ambitious agenda laid out by President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Prime Minister's visit to the White House in June," she said. In Geneva, Tillerson will meet with the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, International Organisation for Migration, and the International Committee of the Red Cross to discuss a number of the current global humanitarian crises. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, October 19, 2017, 23:01 [IST] Trump created chaos politics with his prolific tweets for policy announcements: Kerry International pti-PTI Geneva, October 20: Former secretary of state John Kerry said President Donald Trump has created a destructive atmosphere of "chaos politics" with his prolific use of Twitter for policy announcements and incendiary remarks alike. In an interview with Swiss public broadcaster RTS in Geneva yesterday, Kerry slammed Trump's frequent and often controversial tweets. "More and more Americans are finding the tweet phenomenon tiring, destructive and interruptive of the genuine kind of dialogue," he said. "I think it creates a chaos politics, and that's not good," he added. Trump has used Twitter as a platform to announce major shifts in both domestic and foreign policy, to criticise allies, taunt US adversaries and threaten North Korea. "It is without precedent, this kind of chaotic presidency. I can't think of any time it has been seen in modern times," the former secretary of state said. Kerry, who served as the top US diplomat for four years under former President Barack Obama, was particularly critical of Trump's tweets publicly chastising current Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Earlier this month, the president, for instance, took to Twitter to accuse the former ExxonMobil CEO of "wasting his time" trying to negotiate with North Korea. Such tweets are "very, very unproductive, very counterproductive," Kerry said. He further added that he thinks it is very difficult to be a secretary of state when the president is undermining you very publically, as he has been. PTI US-backed Syrian force declares victory over ISIS in Raqqa International oi-Madhuri A U.S.-backed Syrian force declared victory in the northern city of Raqqa days after it said it cleared it from members of the Islamic State group. The fall of Raqqa marks a major defeat for ISIS, which has seen its territories steadily shrink since last year. ISIS took over Raqqa, located on the Euphrates River, in January 2014, and transformed it into the epicenter of its brutal rule. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, October 20, 2017, 15:33 [IST] See original here By Gabe Ortiz California wildfires (Image by pixabay.com) Details DMCA A collection of right-wing websites teamed up with half-term nitwit Sarah Palin to spread a fake news story that appeared to pin the Northern California wildfires that have tragically killed at least 40 people, onto an immigrant man who was arrested at a park in Sonoma, California. Jesus Fabian Gonzales -- who "often sleeps in the park and is well-known to law enforcement" -- was arrested Sunday after starting a small fire that he says he lit to stay warm, and one that "was so small a responding sheriff's deputy was able to mostly put it out before firefighters arrived." Gonzales was taken into custody without incident for one count of arson, but by Tuesday, Breitbart, InfoWars, and other sites were blaring sensationalist headlines, including one that stated that the "homeless arsonist behind Calif. wildfire that killed 40 people is an illegal alien": "Breitbart News and InfoWars offered no evidence to link the man's arrest to the fires and their accounts of the man's arrest were disputed the same day by Sonoma County Sheriff Rob Giordano. "'There's a story out there he's the arsonist for these fires. That is not the case. There is no indication he is related to these fires at all,' Giordano said in a news conference also broadcast on the department's Facebook page and area TV stations. 'I just did want to kill that speculation right now so we didn't have things running too far out of control.'" Speculation from, say, Palin, who tweeted that "bet you not a single mainstream news organization is going to cover this story. Not PC or something." No, it's just fake, dumbass. In fact, USA Today notes that Sonoma County Sheriff's Sgt. Spencer Crum said that "the only questions Breitbart News and InfoWars asked were about Gonzales's ethnicity and whether Immigration and Customs Enforcement had placed a detainer on him, which would hold him for an additional 48 hours at the jail." It's almost like they have an agenda here! In Part 1 of this two-part series , I wrote that I think that, with Steve Bannon at his side (actually out in front of him in the present lead-up to the Big Event), as the various investigations close in on him, Pres. Trump is preparing to resign (with pardons all round). I noted that there are certain parallels on both the personal and political sides between Trump and history's most famous Prince of Wales. Part I was devoted primarily to my description and analysis of the events that are taking place and in view will take place in the run-up to that predicted resignation. (By the way, I am not the only one making it.) Then I described briefly the run-up to the abdication of the Prince, before he could be crowned at Edward VIII of Great Britain (see also, further, below). The common interpretation of this event focuses on the Prince's then impending marriage to a U.S. divorcee, Mrs. Wallis Simpson. Actually, at the time she was in her second marriage and would have to be divorced again before she could marry the Prince. However, history has shown that the primary reasons behind the Prince's abdication were political, not social. It is to those reasons, as well as subsequent political events involving the Prince (who became the Duke of Windsor following his abdication) that this column is devoted. Like many members of the British aristocracy and industrial ruling class as well, in the 1930s the Prince became quite attracted to Nazi Germany and fascism. This attraction was both for how it controlled its working class at home and how, it was hoped, it would eventually lead the destruction of the hated Soviet Union abroad. In fact, after his abdication, in Nov. 1937 the Duke had a private meeting with Adolf Hitler that lasted for 50 minutes. There is no extant record of what was discussed at that meeting. But when he was still the Prince of Wales, as the war clouds began to spread over Europe once again in the mid-1930s, he had made it quite clear that he was sympathetic to the "German way of doing things." (Although he didn't think that they should be doing what they were doing to the Jews, to him that always seemed to be a minor point). He was also close to the homegrown fascists led by Sir Oswald Mosely and his British Union of Fascists and the very upper class, very Right-wing "Cliveden Set," which counted many Hitler-admirers among its membership. The political ruling class, dominated by the Conservative (Tory) Party at the time, was split on the subject. They were concerned with German rearmament and Hitler's increasingly aggressive foreign policy on the one hand, but on the other they thought too that he might be able to be focused in what he had called the "Drang nach Osten," the drive to the East, to destroy the jointly hated communists and the Soviet Union. In the meantime, as his father was failing, Edward was getting closer to throne. Also in the meantime, he serially spurned a wide variety of royal matches from Europe who were offered to him. And then lightning struck in the form of Wallis Simpson, a once divorced, currently married U.S. from Baltimore. An affair was struck up in 1934 (during which time she apparently also had a dalliance with the then Nazi Ambassador to the U.K., the former successful wine merchant (by marriage) Joachim von Ribbentrop [who had purchased the Prussian "von" for himself].) At the same time Edward's pro-Nazi leanings were becoming widely known. Which presented difficulties for the British political elite, if not the pro-Nazi aristocracy. Edward would be becoming King. Hitler and Mussolini were both presenting "problems." Then, despite the hoped-for "Drang nach Osten" (to get Hitler to focus exclusively on it was the real purpose of the Munich Agreement of 1938), the U.K. might once again be facing a heavily armed Germany on the European mainland. Then Edward bailed them out (or was he pushed out). George V died on January 20, 1936. The Prince of Wales became Edward VIII. He insisted that as King he would marry Mrs. Simpson (once she got her second divorce, of course). There was a resounding "NO" from most quarters, from the Royal family on down (or up, depending upon your point of view). Publicly, it all had to do with the fact that Mrs. Simpson was a) once divorced, b) still married to her second husband, c) a commoner, and d) a U.S. to boot. And so, Edward "gave up the throne for the woman he loved" and abdicated on December 10, 1936 (just after I was born, as it happened). He became the Duke of Windsor and married Wallis when her second divorce became final the following year. She then became the Duchess of Windsor, although never recognized as such at Buckingham Palace. So why am I going on like this, about a series of events widely known around the world at the time but which has long-faded into the bowels of history? Because I have always been fascinated by A) this story, B) the political behavior that the Duke engaged in, in the subsequent years leading up to WW II and its first two years, and C) what were the real reasons why he abdicated the throne. As noted the Duke was a right-winger, who thought that fascism had a lot to offer to the Western nations struggling through the Depression. He was rabidly ant-Soviet. In terms of Germany and Italy he was a pacifist until September 3, 1939 when the United Kingdom declared war on Germany following its invasion of Poland. Even after that he plumped for a peace settlement between Nazi Germany and the U.K., especially following the Fall of France in June 1940. He openly, through intermediaries, consorted with the Nazis whilst in France early that summer, and after France's abject surrender then in Spain and Portugal as he and his wife were making their way out of Occupied Europe. In the summer of 1940, before and during the early days of the Battle of Britain, a German invasion of the U.K. seemed a certainty and a then-German victory almost inevitable. During that brief period Hitler and the Nazi High Command actually envisioned either restoring Edward to the throne of a conquered nation or converting it into a Republic with Edward as President. It is certainly unclear to what extent Edward bought into this idea and how much of it was discussed with him through Spanish and Portuguese intermediaries as he dallied on the European mainland before getting back to the UK. Did he ever buy into the idea, did he listen intently, did he reject it out of hand? Which alternative is not known. But, he certainly was pursuing having the U.K. engage in peace negotiations with Germany during that summer. Detailed files from the German side of what went on in Portugal and Spain during the summer of 1940 between the Duke, (to re-emphasize, through intermediaries not directly), and the Nazis, called collectively by them "the Windsor file," emerged after the War (despite the best efforts of both the Tories and the post-war Labour government to keep them hidden if not destroyed). But it has never been clear what exactly happened in that fevered time. As Andrew Morton (see the note below) said, was Edward a "Traitor King or a Duped Duke?" But what we do know is the following. As noted, Edward been a Nazi sympathizer quite some time, and in that summer he was flirting with the Nazis. And he knew it. If he had been coronated in 1937 he would have had a hard time of it both because he had those sympathies and because very early on in his brief reign he had already shown an authoritarian streak. He violated the British Constitution(unwritten as it is --- only the British could do this) which since the time of Queen Victoria had provided that the Royal sovereign should have no role in actual governance. For four days after Hitler undertook his first foreign aggression and re-occupied the Rhineland in violation of the Treaty of Versailles in March 1936, Edward (by then King and head-of-state even though not yet coronated) instructed his government not to react to it. They didn't (and neither did the French). Whether that was because of a directive from Edward or not, he, according to German intelligence, did deliver it. So what was going on? My estimation (and I must say that it is different from most interpretations of his behavior at the time) is that Edward, at some level, knew that as much as many of his aristocratic friends and certain elements of the manufacturing/commercial British ruling class agreed with him on Germany (and Italy) and fascism as a mode of governance, in one way or another he would not be permitted to continue to function that way as king. The by-then traditional role of English king was one which did not suit him. And if war with Germany were to come, he would be forced to ceremonially be the nation's leader in it, something that his political gut would reject. (As it happened, his younger brother, the Duke of York who succeeded him as George VI, also had right-wing tendencies. But as King he was able to put them aside and was also able to abide by the British Constitution. He thus became an important ceremonial leader for the British people during the war.) In my view further, however much he was in love with Wallis Simpson, the Duke, who had had many lovers over the course of his life (as had she), did not abdicate because of his love for her. I believe that A) he didn't want to be King as the British Constitution would have eventually required him to be, B) he really thought that things might change in that regard should there be a war that Germany could very well win, and C) he didn't really want to be the titular leader of Great Britain in any prolonged war (which of course it turned out to be). As it happened, as previously noted, there were some very delicate negotiations, through intermediaries in Spain and Portugal in that summer of 1940, between Edward and the Nazis. (Edward and Wallis had left one of their palatial homes on the French Rivera in advance of the German arrival following the armistice with the collaborationist Petain/Laval Vichy government.) BUT, he was always VERY careful to make sure that he never actually said what it was he wanted and what he might accept. He certainly did not want to become the first English former sovereign to be executed for treason since Charles I. Hinting, but with total deniability. That was the way of Edward VIII, then the Duke of Windsor. Which brings us to Donald Trump. Loves the limelight. Well-known as a womanizer (who, in his case, actually boasted about it on film). A deal-maker, who in the run-up to the Presidency, dallied with the nation's principal enemy (among the developed countries) at the time, Russia. The reasons? Well, there could have been collusion with the Russians over their interference in the 2016 elections. There have indeed been a variety of Trump/Russian investments, going in both directions. The famous "tape" could really exist. Of course, Trump could have had a sincere desire for "de'tente" with Russia, something the bulk of the U.S. ruling class was/is absolutely not interested in. Then of course, there are all the troubles and frustrations that he is experiencing being President, which job clearly causes him to feel hemmed-in. Further, there are his business interests and his brand, which he may well have trouble holding on to, should the Constitution's "emoluments clause" come to ensnare him. But there is one thing that we can be absolutely sure about. Like the Duke of Windsor in his dealings with the Nazis in the summer of 1940, for Trump, in whatever dealings he did or did not have with the Russians, there is nothing (yet, at least) out there showing a direct connection between him and them, with his own fingerprints on it. Trump may be both dumb and ill-informed/educated when it comes to the history and governance of the United States and what being President is really all about besides smiling a lot at public appearances, frowning a lot over Twitter, stirring up his racist/xenophobic "base," and making promises that he cannot possibly keep. But in making sure that he cannot get caught in doing something illegal, that is something he is very good at. American Mussolini. Nuff said. (Image by FolsomNatural) Details DMCA And oh yes, one more thing that the Donald and the Duke have in common. When things got hot with Nazi Germany the latter was still not hanging around, as King Edward VIII, to get fired in one way or another as King, by the British political elite. (England has a long history of firing kings who did not suit the times. Just ask the Stuarts, Charles I and James II. Although they did have very cute dogs, when they didn't otherwise fit, they were gone, the first beheaded, the second exiled.) And so, the Donald, when for one reason or another things get too hot (and likely too boring for his taste) will, as I have said previously, just quit. Of course, just like Nixon was pardoned by Ford, Trump will be pardoned by Pence. (Or with all of the pardons he will hand out just before he quits, he might well try pardoning himself.) And then, as noted in Part 1 of this series, he will very quickly set up his own, new, far-right, authoritarian, party, with Bannon as Chief Under-boss and Consigliere. With no limitations whatsoever, of politics, policy, what he can say in his speeches and Tweet, or the Constitution, now that, for Trump, will be seventh heaven. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- From The Nation Jeff Sessions is a liar. As President Trump's nominee to serve as attorney general of the United States, the veteran senator from Alabama and early supporter of Trump's presidential bid was asked by members of the Senate Judiciary Committee if he had met with Russian officials during the course of the 2016 campaign. He claimed that he had not -- in response to a written question from the senior Democrat on the Committee, Vermont's Patrick Leahy, and then under questioning from Minnesota Senator Al Franken. Those were lies. Unfortunately, they worked. Sessions's nomination was endorsed by the Judiciary Committee, and he was quickly confirmed to serve as the nation's chief law-enforcement officer. After Sessions took charge of the Department of Justice, it was revealed that he had met with the Russian ambassador to the United States during the course of the campaign; that he had, in fact, met more than once with the ambassador. Sessions was outed as a liar. Because he had lied to senators during the course of the confirmation process, he was accused of perjuring himself. There were calls for his resignation. The attorney general was in hot water. He dialed down the controversy by announcing that he would recuse himself from any involvement with investigations of Russian involvement with the Trump campaign and the 2016 election. Then it was revealed that Sessions had been intimately involved in the machinations that led to Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey, whose oversight of investigations into the Russian matter had, by all accounts, unnerved the president. Sessions had lied not just about his contacts with the Russians. He had lied about recusing himself. At that point, in mid-May, Sessions should have been removed from his position. At the very least, he should have been called before the Judiciary Committee to answer for his deliberate and ongoing pattern of deception. But instead he remained at the helm of the Justice Department. Click Here to Read Whole Article From Consortium News U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba. (Image by (U.S. government photo)) Details DMCA I often criticize The New York Times, Washington Post and other major mainstream media outlets for a very simple reason: they deserve it -- especially for their propagandistic, unprofessional and reckless coverage of foreign crises. But there are occasional moments when some reporter at an MSM outlet behaves responsibly and those instances should be noted at least under the classic definition of "news" -- something that is unexpected -- or as the old saying goes, "dog bites man is not news; man bites dog is news." One such moment occurred earlier this month when a Times science editor assigned science reporter Carl Zimmer to look into the mysterious illnesses affecting U.S. diplomats in the recently reopened U.S. embassy in Cuba. About two dozen U.S. diplomats supposedly were suffering hearing loss and cognitive difficulties due to what has been labeled a "sonic attack." The Trump administration blamed the Cuban government even though the Cubans claimed to be mystified and would seem to have little motive for disrupting a long-sought de'tente with Washington along with the expected boon to their tourist industry. President Trump "retaliated" by expelling 15 Cuban diplomats. Zimmer recounted the background to his story in a reporter's notebook piece on Oct. 6: "On Tuesday, Michael Mason, my editor on the science desk, shot me an email. Would I consider writing an article about 'this sonic 'attack' business'? I knew exactly what he was talking about. I had been vaguely puzzled about this business for months." Checking Out the Story Zimmer then did what professional journalists are supposed to do: he started contacting impartial experts to get their assessments of what was possible, what was likely, and what didn't make sense. "I decided to try to find something out -- not as a political reporter but as a science writer," Zimmer wrote in the sidebar that accompanied his news article. "I usually base my ideas on scientific research that has matured far enough that it is beginning to get published in peer-reviewed journals. ... I knew that an article on sonic weapons would be very different from the ones I usually write. ... "I learned there was not even an official medical report. I decided to try to draw some boundary lines for all the speculation swirling around the story. Is the idea of a sonic attack plausible, based on what scientists know about sound and the human body? ... "So I hit the phone. I didn't want to talk with just anyone -- I looked for people with lots of experience in research that had direct bearing on this question. I started with Timothy Leighton, whose job title at Southampton University is, literally, professor of ultrasonics and underwater acoustics. Better yet, Dr. Leighton has published the only thorough recent scientific review of the effects of environmental ultrasound that I'm aware of. "When I interviewed Dr. Leighton and others, I made clear I didn't expect them to solve this mystery; I just wanted them to reconcile the question with what we know through science. "The consensus was that it was extremely unlikely the diplomats were the victims of a sonic weapon. It would be necessary to rule out less exotic possibilities before taking that one seriously." Yet, despite this skeptical scientific consensus among experts, Zimmer noted, "The notion [of a sonic attack] has ricocheted like mad around the press, making it possible for readers to assume that [the sonic attack explanation] has been generally accepted by experts. But it most certainly has not. I'll be curious to see if articles like mine can put the brakes on the speculation." Suspecting Putin Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). From Smirking Chimp By Kevin Zeese and Margaret Flowers The NAFTA-2 negotiations seem to be faltering after the fourth round of talks recently held in the United States. The Trump administration is pushing Mexico and Canada aggressively to include provisions from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) in order to renegotiate NAFTA in a way that benefits US corporations. Mexico and the US are under particularly high pressure to complete the talks successfully as each country has major elections in 2018. News reports of the highly secretive talks describe the negotiations as hitting roadblocks. While this is good news, if it is accurate, this is the time for people in Mexico, Canada and the United States to call for each government to not only withdraw from the talks but also to abandon the corporate model of trade that puts profits before protection of people and the planet. Our view is -- if it doesn't work, don't fix it, get rid of it and adopt a new and more positive trade model. In "NAFTA talks bog down over U.S. demands as latest round concludes," the Los Angeles Time reports, "After seven straight days of talks fraught with emotion, officials representing the U.S., Canada and Mexico were at seeming loggerheads over several American proposals that observers fear could derail the negotiations and ultimately cause an unraveling of the 23-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement." Further, they report "observers briefed by trade negotiators said the mood during the latest session of talks had turned grim and pessimistic, and that most everyone expected Canada and Mexico to roundly reject U.S. efforts to weaken NAFTA's regional structure with U.S. protectionist measures consistent with Trump's 'America first' agenda." Reuters described a grim reality, writing that the disagreements are so extreme that they could result in the end of the trade agreement: "Some downcast participants said the demands, unveiled this week in line with Trump's 'America First' agenda, have increased the odds of NAFTA's demise. At the very least, they could make it impossible to reach a deal renewing the treaty before a year-end deadline." CNBC also warned that time may run out -- saying the negotiators are working on a schedule that is "a very tight negotiating schedule -- described as 'insane' by one official." The initial goal was to complete the talks in December of this year in order to avoid the Mexican presidential election. The current pro-corporate president, Enrique Pena Nieto, is very unpopular and is likely to be replaced. The divisions between the countries were on clear display as the round of talks wound down. The Star reports that Canadian "Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland blasted the Trump administration's NAFTA proposals publicly for the first time in an awkward joint press conference in Washington on Tuesday, the clearest sign yet that negotiations are strained to the breaking point." Freeland denounced the US for "an approach that seeks to undermine NAFTA rather than modernize it," warning that the "unconventional" proposals from President Donald Trump's administration would "turn back the clock" and put tens of thousands of jobs at risk. Lighthizer criticized Canada and Mexico for refusing to agree to provisions that they previously accepted in the TPP. Things are going so badly in the negotiations that the parties have decided to take a short break. Rather than meeting every two weeks, they've pushed the next round back to a month and the deadline for completion of the re-negotiations into early 2018. BBC reports that in an October meeting with Justin Trudeau, President Trump said he would pull out of NAFTA and be open to a new bilateral agreement between the US and Canada if the NAFTA-2 negotiations fail. NAFTA was the start of a long line of disastrous trade deals that put the interests of large corporations ahead of the necessities of people and planet. Now that people see the results of this model of trade such as a race to the bottom in wages and worker's rights, environmental destruction and an erosion of democracy, there is widespread opposition to "free trade." This was evident in the large movement of movements that stopped the TPP and stalled the TTIP. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Note from author: "Return to South Korea", is a series of articles written on a day-to-day basis in October 2017 as I tour South Korea for a Korean War (1950 to 1953) historical tour. It is a series of articles of my first impressions and anecdote as I travel. It is being exclusively published in the OpEdNews.com section of 'Life and Art'. All articles can be found at the links below. The articles are best read in chronological order: 1. "Anticipation", [click here ]. 2. "Ambivalence", [click here ]. 3. "Getting around, and around---[click here ] Incheon International Airport to Seoul South Korea Train (Image by David William Pear) Details DMCA As I expected, South Korea is a very modern city. No surprise there. I arrive two days ahead of the group so I would have time to get over the jet lag from the 24-hour trip and time difference. Korea is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. It is now Wednesday, 7:39 PM, October 18, 2017. The days are starting to run together. On arrival at my hotel in Seoul I laid down for a short nap. My nap was about 12 hours. I awoke the next day at about 4 AM. The breakfast buffet would not open until 6:30 AM. I waited watching the night turn into morning, and I was starved from not having eaten since I left Inchon International Airport (ICN) yesterday, where luckily I ate, although I was not hungry. At ICN I had decided on a Korean cafe to get a start on acquiring a taste for Korean food. It takes acquiring, at least for me. Much of the food is lathered in a thick barbeque sauce, and it all tastes like kimchee, which I had already acquired a taste for, but that is another story---I'll tell you later. After a meal of noodles with black bean sauce, rice noodles with a mystery sauce, kimchee, and rice it was time to learn the metro. The South Korean metro is super modern and extensive. Once can get to just about anywhere. The map looks like something a child drew with colored crayons. (The metro is called either a subway or a train, I think, and the word metro gets a blank look). Once the information desk at ICN told me which stop I needed, the rest was easy thanks to a few Korean friends which are easy to make for an American who looks in destress, as I must have. The Koreans I met were super friendly, and some even stopped to offer help without my asking. A few who probably did not speak English just ignored my pleas, but I took no offence. Twice elderly women took pity and helped me with my too-big suitcase: once when I got it jammed in the turnstile and another as I encountered some stairs without an escalator---I must have bypassed the elevator. That was yesterday, and today I was at the 6:30 AM breakfast buffet. Not being bashful but hungry I ate four platefuls. First a Korean breakfast of white rice, noodles with black bean sauce, kimchee, roasted tomatoes, salad, beans, hot peppers, cream soup, and some other delicacies. Then an American breakfast, followed by a plate of fresh fruit, and finally a plate of bread, butter and jams. Cost, about 10,000 won (approximately $10 US) at my moderately priced hotel. The breakfast would hold me for 24 hours easy. Don't get the wrong impression, Korea is not cheap but not expensive either. The prices are about the same as US. With all the sleep and a belly full of food my energy level was on overdrive. I was ready to hit the train again back to ICN to meet the group. From Seoul stop to ICN takes over an hour even by the modern subway, unless one takes the express, which I didn't. The fare to ICN 4,500 won, about $4.50 US. I have learned not to throw away the used ticket because it can be cashed back in for a 500 won deposit. During the ride an older man sat next to me and started a conversation. He wanted to know where I was from and what brought me to Korea. He was delighted to hear that I was with a veterans group and he was quite open about the evils of communism, the crazy man up north, and how wonderful democracy is---he kept repeating about how democracy is 'self-correcting' because the people demand 'correction'. For example he spoke of just-impeached ex-president Park Geun-hye who is now 'self-correcting' in jail for corruption involving kickbacks from large corporations. I had a live Korean here who was willing to testify on politics so I pressed him politely. What did he think of the new President Moon---'he is too soft, Kim Jong-un is going to test him'? Is he worried about a nuclear war---'Everybody is, but they are used to it and don't show it'. How old was he during the Korean War---'3'. How did he survive---'lucky'? Did his mother and father survive---'yes'. Where does North Korea get all the money for their extravagant infrastructure projects---'selling minerals and precious metals to China, and starving the people, and starving the people some more for the nuclear program too'? This is what I came for and I am going to keep an open mind. I am here to listen, and he even gave me 'God's blessing' as he got off at his stop. I hope readers appreciate that this nice man in no way appeared to be anything but genuine and sincere. So when I got to the airport my group was nowhere to be found. After some phone calls it turned out that I was a day early. I dug out my paperwork and sure enough it said the tour started on October 18th and on day-one we would meet at the airport. It turned out that the 18th is a travel day and the 19th is day one. This is no way to run a military operation, or is it? The airport hotels wanted 150,000 won for the night. I had just paid 45,000 won a night in a nice hotel in Seoul so it was time for me to practice the train again back to Seoul. On the way back I made another friend, a nice young man who wanted to practice his English. With my bad ears, even with hearing aids, and his bad English the communication was poor, but he stayed with me to help and practice his English until I got off at my stop. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Note from author: "Return to South Korea", is a series of articles written on a day-to-day basis in October 2017 as I tour South Korea for a Korean War (1950 to 1953) historical tour. It is a series of articles of my first impressions and anecdote as I travel. It is being exclusively published in the OpEdNews.com section of 'Life and Art'. All articles can be found at the links below. The articles are best read in chronological order: 1. "Anticipation", [click here ]. 2. "Ambivalence", [click here ]. 3. "Getting around, and around---[click here ] Dora Oservatory, DMZ, South Korea (Image by dconvertini) Details DMCA Finally, no more wasting any time. After settling into The Nest hotel at Incheon International Airport, a good night's sleep and breakfast, now the tour begins. First stop Odusan Unification Observatory on a mountain peak overlooking the Han River. It is a clear day and North Korea is clearly visible. Of the many such observatories this is the most popular one for tourists and politicians alike who want to be photographed as if they are starring down Kim Jong-un, who just might be starring back. Most certainly there are North Korean observers doing so. The DMZ is a no-man's land. It is a cliche to say that the Demilitarized Zone is the most heavily militarized zone in the world. South Koreans also call it the most alive place in the world. They speak with tremendous pride in the 3 mile wide zone where the Han and Imjingang Rivers meet as a wildlife estuary for thousands of species of animal and plant life, undisturbed by the encroachments of humans. Nature does not seem to mind the loudspeakers blaring music and propaganda from both sides. They are impervious to the militarization that they are in the middle of. Irony of ironies, where man does not dare to go, nature flourishes. The message from the South Korean tourist guides and officials is mixed. On the one hand they blame the North for the war and the division of Korea. On the other hand their message is one of hope for someday peace and reunification. Both sides have reestablished villages and farming communities along the DMZ, which are call reunification villages. Our American expat guides and Koreophiles dismiss the talk of reunification as Orwellian doubletalk. Yet, maybe it is my wishful thinking, but I cannot help from believing that the South Koreans are sincere and feel broken because of the unnatural division of the country. The great powers have been picking at Korea for over a hundred years as if it were a bloody scab that they refuse to allow to heal. The Koreans do the bleeding. The 3rd infiltration Tunnel, DMZ, South Korea (Image by dconvertini) Details DMCA Next stop the Dora Observatory which overlooks the derelict Panmunjeom Joint Security Area inside the DMZ on the North Korean side. Negotiations have broken down there, and our guides say it is because of North Korean provocations. Regardless of the talk of reunifications, one thing is made absolutely clear, and that is that the official story is that North Korea is to blame for all hostilities from starting the Korean War on June 25, 1950, supposedly instigated by Russia, and that continues until this very day. The US and South Korea accept no fault. That is their story, they are sticking to it, and as far as they are concerned it is all settled history. Some historians disagree. Next we took a tour into one of the four known clandestine tunnels built under the DMZ by the North Koreans. How many tunnels have been dug, and whether both sides have done so is not public. What is suspected is that undiscovered tunnels still exist. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). From Smirking Chimp During his presidential campaign and throughout his nine-month presidency, Donald Trump has been fixated on ending the Iran nuclear deal, which he called "one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the United States has ever entered into." Under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran agreed to curtail its nuclear program and in return, it received billions of dollars of relief from punishing sanctions. Iran has allowed 24-hour inspections by officials from the UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). "Iran has gotten rid of all of its highly enriched uranium," Jessica T. Mathews wrote in the New York Review of Books. "It has also eliminated 99 percent of its stockpile of low-enriched uranium.... All enrichment has been shut down at the once-secret, fortified, underground facility at Fordow ... Iran has disabled and poured concrete into the core of its plutonium reactor -- thus shutting down the plutonium as well as the uranium route to nuclear weapons. It has provided adequate answers to the IAEA's long-standing list of questions regarding past weapons-related activities." Yukiya Amano, director general of IAEA, refuted Trump's allegation that Iran had kept IAEA weapons inspectors from entering military bases. Amano said, "So far, IAEA has had access to all locations it needed to visit. At present, Iran is subject to the world's most robust nuclear verification regime." But in spite of the fact that the IAEA has affirmed eight times -- most recently in August -- that Iran is meeting its obligations under the deal, Trump refused to certify Iran was in compliance and he decided the deal is not in the US national security interests. The US Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act requires the president to determine every 90 days whether Iran remains compliant with the JCPOA and whether the agreement still serves US interests. Trump reluctantly certified Iran's compliance in April and July. But on October 13, to the consternation of his secretary of state, secretary of defense, and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he refused to certify Iran's compliance with the deal. France, Britain, Russia, China, Germany, the United States and Iran are parties to the historic agreement. After Trump's October 13 announcement, the leaders of Britain, France and Germany said in a joint statement that retaining the Iran deal "is in our shared national security interest." They stated, "The nuclear deal was the culmination of thirteen years of diplomacy and was a major step towards ensuring that Iran's nuclear program is not diverted for military purposes." Trump Walks in Lockstep With Netanyahu Trump walks in lockstep with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has consistently opposed the Iran deal. The Christian Zionists, who await Christ's second coming in Israel, constitute a significant portion of Trump's base. After his election but before inauguration, Trump inserted himself into US foreign policy by criticizing Barack Obama for refusing to veto a UN Security Council resolution condemning Israel's illegal settlement-building. In 2015, before the US joined the JCPOA, Netanyahu staged an end-run around then-President Obama and directly addressed the US Congress, prevailing upon them to oppose the deal. "That deal will not prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons," Netanyahu told Congress. "It would all but guarantee that Iran gets those weapons -- lots of them." Netanyahu was thrilled with Trump's refusal to recertify Iran's compliance with the JCPOA. "It's a very brave decision, and I think it's the right decision for the world," Netanyahu said on CBS's "Face the Nation." The American Israel Public Affairs Committee also heralded Trump's attack on the JCPOA. The White House fact sheet outlining Trump's new Iran policy accuses Iran of "unrelenting hostility to Israel." In his speech announcing his refusal to recertify Iran's compliance with the deal, Trump stated that Iran "remains the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, and provides assistance to al Qaeda, the Taliban, Hezbollah, Hamas, and other terrorist networks." In fact, Iran and al Qaeda, representing different sects of Islam, are sworn enemies. And after JCPOA was agreed upon in 2015, Noam Chomsky wrote in TomDispatch: Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Quicklink Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their quicklinks after publishing them. To see if the quicklink was renamed or re-published, please click here. Progressive Content Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their progressive content after publishing. To see if the progressive content was renamed or re-published, please click here. From John Pilger Website On 16 October, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation aired an interview with Hillary Clinton: one of many to promote her score-settling book about why she was not elected President of the United States. Wading through the Clinton book, What Happened, is an unpleasant experience, like a stomach upset. Smears and tears. Threats and enemies. "They" (voters) were brainwashed and herded against her by the odious Donald Trump in cahoots with sinister Slavs sent from the great darkness known as Russia, assisted by an Australian "nihilist," Julian Assange. In The New York Times, there was a striking photograph of a female reporter consoling Clinton, having just interviewed her. The lost leader was, above all, "absolutely a feminist." The thousands of women's lives this "feminist" destroyed while in government -- Libya, Syria, Honduras -- were of no interest. In New York magazine, Rebecca Trainster wrote that Clinton was finally "expressing some righteous anger." It was even hard for her to smile: "so hard that the muscles in her face ache." Surely, she concluded, "if we allowed women's resentments the same bearing we allow men's grudges, America would be forced to reckon with the fact that all these angry women might just have a point." Drivel such as this, trivializing women's struggles, marks the media hagiographies of Hillary Clinton. Her political extremism and warmongering are of no consequence. Her problem, wrote Trainster, was a "damaging infatuation with the email story." The truth, in other words. The leaked emails of Clinton's campaign manager, John Podesta, revealed a direct connection between Clinton and the foundation and funding of organized jihadism in the Middle East and Islamic State (IS). The ultimate source of most Islamic terrorism, Saudi Arabia, was central to her career. One email, in 2014, sent by Clinton to Podesta soon after she stepped down as US Secretary of State, discloses that Islamic State is funded by the governments of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Clinton accepted huge donations from both governments for the Clinton Foundation. As Secretary of State, she approved the world's biggest ever arms sale to her benefactors in Saudi Arabia, worth more than $80 billion. Thanks to her, US arms sales to the world -- for use in stricken countries like Yemen -- doubled. This was revealed by WikiLeaks and published by The New York Times. No one doubts the emails are authentic. The subsequent campaign to smear WikiLeaks and its editor-in-chief, Julian Assange, as "agents of Russia," has grown into a spectacular fantasy known as "Russiagate." The "plot" is said to have been signed off by Vladimir Putin himself. There is not a shred of evidence. The ABC Australia interview with Clinton is an outstanding example of smear and censorship by omission. I would say it is a model. "No one," the interviewer, Sarah Ferguson, says to Clinton, "could fail to be moved by the pain on your face at that moment [of the inauguration of Trump] ... Do you remember how visceral it was for you?" Having established Clinton's visceral suffering, Ferguson asks about "Russia's role." CLINTON: I think Russia affected the perceptions and views of millions of voters, we now know. I think that their intention coming from the very top with Putin was to hurt me and to help Trump. FERGUSON: How much of that was a personal vendetta by Vladimir Putin against you? CLINTON: ... I mean he wants to destabilize democracy. He wants to undermine America, he wants to go after the Atlantic Alliance and we consider Australia kind of a ... an extension of that ... Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). (Image by Egberto Willies) Details DMCA McCain returned to his maverick ways as he excoriated a Fox News reporter for asking a question that he thought was stupid, but was it? "Why would say something that stupid?" McCain replied. "Why would ask something that dumb. My job is the United States Senator as the senator from Arizona, which I was just re-elected to. You mean that I am somehow going to behave in a way that I am going to block everything because of a personal disagreement? That's a dumb question." Senator John McCain did not break ranks during the Obama administration. He like every Republican obstructed every policy President Obama attempted to put into effect when Democrats lost their majorities in the Senate and the House. They did it out of spite. They were not even ashamed to admit that they were purposefully obstructing President Obama. So, John McCain, the question was not stupid. He asked it because your past history made him infer that blocking legislation for no specific reason was a possibility. Algae Biofuels Market - Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2017-2025 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/864 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/algae-biofuels-market-864 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ Algae biofuels, algal oil or algal biofuel are obtained from algae such as Botryococcus braunii, Crypthecodinium cohnii, Chlorella species, Nitzschia species, and Tetraselmis suecia. Algae biofuels act as renewable alternatives to fossil fuels and other biofuel sources such as sugarcane, beet root, sorghum, and corn and provide 2 to 20 times more yield. Algae biofuel can be cultivated using closed loop systems, open ponds, and photo-bioreactors. The characteristics of algae biofuels include high flash point, biodegradability, and low or no aromatic or sulphur compound. The major advantages of biofuel production from algae are high energy content, fast growth of algae, and huge consumption of carbon dioxide from environment by algae. Algae can produce a variety of biofuels such as bioethanol, bio-butanol, jet fuel, biodiesel, bio gasoline, green diesels, and methane. The fuel produced from algae can be used in automobiles while the by-products can be used as natural dyes, pigments, bio-active compounds, and antioxidants.Request Sample Copy of this Report:The growing demand for fuels, increasing regulatory policies and government support, the volatility of supply and cost of fossil fuels, growing transportation industry, and the environmental benefits of the algae biofuels are the drivers for algae biofuel market growth. The high production cost is the major challenge to algae biofuel market. However, several market players and government agencies are investing in research and development to reduce the operating cost.Algae Biofuels -Market TaxonomyOn the basis of fuel type, the global algae biofuels market is segmented intoBioethanolBiodieselMethaneBio-butanolBio gasolineJet fuelsGreen dieselOthersOn the basis of application, the global algae biofuels market is segmented intoTransportationAerospaceOthersThe increasing demand for fuels in road transport applications such as minivans, motorbikes, light duty vehicles, passenger vehicles, and small trucks is augmenting the algae fuel market growth. This has attributed to increasing investment in research and development to introduce algae biofuel as potential alternative. Furthermore, the penetration of biofuels in industrial sector as energy source is fueling the growth of algae biofuel market.Algae Biofuels -Market OutlookNorth America has the largest algae biofuel market, owing to favorable government policies for renewable energy resources such as algae biofuels. The US Department of Energy has invested US$ 8 million on development of next generation algae biofuel in July 2017. This will drive the growth for algae biofuel market in US.Europe has a significant demand for algae biofuels, owing to high adoption rate and government regulations. European Union has laid down various regulation policies such as Biofuels Directives which targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) in transport fuel by 6% by 2020. Renewable Energy Directives (RED) which targets to replace 10% transport fuels by biofuels are fuelling the growth of algae biofuels in Europe.View Full Report @There is a lucrative growth of algae biofuel market in Asia Pacific, due to growing transportation industry and increasing government initiatives for alternative fuels.In Latin America and Middle East, the demand for fossil fuels is increasing due to growing industrialization and automobile industry. Algae biofuels are an attractive alternatives in these regions as they provide sustainable source of energy. The Middle East has a tremendous potential for algae production. This is mainly owing to factors such as the presence of extensive coast-lines and non-arable lands, extreme favorable climatic conditions, large number of power plants and oil refineries as points of carbon dioxide capture by algae, and presence of lipid productive algae species in its coastal water.Key Players in the Global Algae Biofuel MarketThe algae biofuel manufactures are adopting various strategies such as research and development to increase the adoption of algae biofuel as sustainable energy source and sustain their market positions. Some major market players operating in the global algae biofuel market include Algenol Biofuels, Blue Marble Production, Chevron Corporation, Culture Biosystems, Genifuels, Imperium Renewables, Inc., Origin Oils Inc., Reliance Life Sciences, Proviron, Sapphire Energy, Inc., Solazyme Inc., and Solix Biofuels.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact UsMr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comWebsite: Batten Disease Treatment Market - Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 20172025 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/831 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/batten-disease-treatment-market-831 Batten disease is a rare, inherent, and fatal autosomal recessive neural disorder that begins in the childhood but may take a few years to show symptoms. Batten disease is one of the approximately 50 diseases that fall under the category of lysosome shortage disorders. The batten disease also referred as Neuronal ceroid Lipofuscinoses (NCLs), which is a class of life-limiting genetic neurogenerative diseases that are caused due to abnormality of genes resulting in their inability to synthesize required protein. This disease is characterized by malfunctioning of body, which usually appears around the age of 2-10 with symptoms, such as seizures or gradual onset of vision problem. The early signs may show subtle changes in behavior and learning, however over time, the child suffers from mental impairment, progressive loss of sight, speech and motor reactions, worsening seizures, eventually leading to blindness dementia, and finally death. These disease is diagnosed with the help of certain tests, such as blood or urine tests, skin or tissue dampening, brain scans, and imaging techniques, which includes, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The batten disease is characterized into four types as follows:Infantile NCL: more than 2 yearsLate Infantile NCL: 2-4 years (Life span of child varies between 8-12 years)Juvenile NCL: 5-8 years (Life span varies between teens to early 20s)Adult NCL: more than 40 years (Variable lifespan)European countries facing rising prevalence and incidence of batten diseaseRequest Sample Copy of the Report:According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Batten disease is observed in 2-4 per 100,000 live births in the United States on an average. The Batten disease although is rare but has high incidence rates in Finland, Sweden, and other parts of the Europe as compared to rest of the world. According to the Batten Disease Support and Research Association, the batten disease has often been encountered in more than one children of the same family. The Daily News and Analysis article published in June 2016 suggests that, over 20 million children in India suffer from rare diseases, having expensive treatments. This creates opportunities for the sustaining as well as upcoming market players by understanding the potential held by the global batten disease treatment market.The global batten disease treatment market is segmented on the basis of therapy and geographical regions.On the basis of therapy, the global batten disease treatment market is segmented asOccupational TherapiesPhysical TherapiesAs of now, there are no established drugs and treatments to cure and prevent the disease. However, the severity of disease can be reduced and controlled by certain therapies. Few clinical trials and studies are being carried out in the North America, Western Europe, and Asia Pacific to identify therapies that would help reducing the disease outcome.Attempts by collaborations of research bodies for introduction to reliable treatment options for batten disease giving hopes to commonersThe batten disease treatment market is not dense on the global level, however the developed economies of North America and Europe are expected to contribute to the growth of the market. This attributes to the increasing incidence of batten disease and high prevalence rates in American as well as European countries. For instance, a joint study between Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Childrens Hospital, and Kings College London have discovered a treatment that has helped to improve the neurological symptoms in the mouse model of juvenile batten disease. This research held a novel approach of counteracting the accumulation of the cellular waste in Batten disease by acting on TFEB, which is a master transcription factor that stimulates the production of lysosomes by the cell body and directs cellular apoptosis. This has brought a ray of hope to patients and families affected by battens disease.Improper treatment facility for batten disease responsible to attract the attention of various players to enter the untapped potential batten disease treatment marketThe rising incidence of the batten disease without effective treatment option for the prevention and cure of the disease is the primary driver for batten disease market, due to which several companies are vying to enter into the untapped global batten disease treatment market. However, the lack of awareness among manufacturers and patient population as well as unavailability of treatment for this disease are greatly hampering the growth of the global batten disease treatment market.Complete Report Details @Although, the global batten disease treatment market is very scarce, few key players offering cell regeneration therapies and few other forms of medication include Seneb BioSciences, Inc., BioMarin Pharmaceuticals and ReGenX Biosciences LLC. The U.S. FDA has recently approved BioMarins first ever drug to treat batten disease known as Brineura in 2017.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations relateContact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com Green Coatings Market- Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2017-2025 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/872 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/green-coatings-market-872 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-discount/872 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ Green coatings are eco-friendly paint coating with low volatile organic compound (VOC) content. Emission of VOC releases toxics in the surrounding air causing health problems, such as dizziness, headache, kidney damage, and harms the ozone layer. Development of sustainable products has gained importance over the past few decades, due to which manufacturers are focused on introducing eco-friendly products to the market. Manufacturers are aiming to produce high-performance coatings that have zero or low VOC with good durability. Application of green coatings in end-use industries and rising awareness regarding VOC emissions have contributed to the growth of the green coatings market globally.Request Sample Copy of this Report:Stringent government regulations have immensely driven the green coatings market globally. The first restriction on the emission of VOC was set up for Europe in 2003, which was termed as Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS), which was put forward by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Since then manufactures are working to produce green coatings, in turn fueling the growth of the green coatings market. Increasing cost of raw materials further increases the cost of green coatings, which is the restraint for the growth of global green coatings market. High investment cost further hinders the growth of green coatings market globally.Green Coatings Market TaxonomyOn the basis of coating type, the global coatings market is segmented as:Water-Borne CoatingsPowder CoatingsHigh-Solids CoatingsRadiation and UV-Cured CoatingsOn the basis of application, the global coatings market is segmented as:Architectural CoatingsInterior and Exterior CoatingsBuilding ProductsConstruction ProductsDecorative CoatingsOthersIndustrial CoatingsCoil CoatingsElectrical SteelMotorsExtrusion CoatingsAgricultural FinishesOthersAutomotive CoatingsOriginal Equipment Manufacturer & RefinishCar WheelsAgricultural and Industrial EquipmentOthersPackaging CoatingsFood & BeveragesHealthcareConsumer Packaged GoodsPersonal Care and CosmeticsIndustrial ChemicalsCan CoatingsOthersWood CoatingsConstruction ProductsFurnitureWood FinishesConsumer Stains & FinishesAerospace CoatingsOthersWater-borne coatings segment has proven to be the prominent segment of green coatings market, owing to its tremendous use in architectural and constructional activities. High solids coating segment is witnessed to gain traction, due to its increasing application in aerospace.Architectural coating segment has projected to have a significant growth rate in the global green coatings market, owing to increase in infrastructure spending in commercial and residential sectors.View Full Report @Green Coatings Market OutlookAsia Pacific is the fastest growing region in the green coatings market and is anticipated to have the highest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to the presence of major markets in the economies such as India, China, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The growth of green coatings market in this region is attributed to the growth of end-use industries namely architectural and automotive coatings in this region. The Make in India approach taken by the Government of India is expected to propel the growth of manufacturing sector, which is anticipated to drive the green coatings market over the forecast period.Europe holds the dominant position in green coating market, owing to the economic development and growing population in the economies such as Spain, Italy, and the UK. The UK National Infrastructure Delivery have planned infrastructure projects that include airports and seaports, which in turn is anticipated to fuel the green coatings market over the forecast period.North America is anticipated to witness a burgeoning growth in the green coatings market, owing to the presence of a large number of manufactures in this region. This is backed by the rising government regulations in this region. The Middle East and Africa are expected to have a significant growth in the green coatings market, owing to the rise in infrastructure industry in these regions.Various strategies are being put forward by coatings manufacturers, for instance, manufactures of paint are striving to enhance energy system by minimizing consumption of fuel and minimize waste. This is done with the use of renewable raw materials and product packaging improvement with materials that are recyclable and use of biofuel fuel in delivery trucks.To Get Discount on this Report:Soy Bean Oil, Vegetable Oil, Castor Oil, and Milk Paint are some of the eco-friendly components, which are being introduced in the coating materials.The key companies operating in the global green coatings market include The Sherwin Williams Company, PPG industries, Akzonobel N.V., Axalta Coating System, BASF, Valspar Coporation, Kansai Paint Company Limited, Tikkurila OYJ, and Masco Corporation among others.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact UsMr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comWebsite: